What should I bring to my first over-the-board xiangqi tournament?
These answers restate the rules implemented by our open-source engine, which follows the WXF laws and is regression-tested against the official 110-diagram repetition casebook. Where an answer refers to a specific position, that position lives on the linked reference page, where the build verifies it against the engine before publishing.
Direct answer
Bring identification and your entry confirmation, a pen for scoresheets, and, if you own them, your own set and clock, even though most organised events supply equipment at every board. Water and a snack for a long day of play round out the essentials.
What organisers usually provide
Boards, pieces and clocks are normally supplied by the venue at every table in a proper tournament, so you do not need to own equipment to enter your first event. Bringing your own is still worth doing if you have a set you are comfortable with, since familiarity with your own pieces can matter under pressure.
What is easy to forget
A pen that actually works, since scoresheets are often required in rated events and a dead pen mid-round is an avoidable distraction. Also worth checking in advance: the specific time control, whether byes need requesting ahead of time, and where the pairing sheet or board list will be posted.
Related questions
Do I need to know notation before entering?
Not to compete, though it helps for filling in scoresheets; ask the arbiter if you are unsure how a move should be recorded.
Should I arrive early?
Yes, pairings and board assignments are usually posted shortly before the round, and arriving late can cost you time on your own clock.
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