Why does Red move first in xiangqi?
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
Convention. Red is the auspicious colour in Chinese culture, and the pieces are traditionally red and black ink on wood. The rule that Red moves first is fixed — not chosen by the players — and in tournaments who plays Red is decided by draw or by the pairing rules.
Sets that are not red and black
Some sets use green or blue for the second side, and digital boards vary widely. The side that moves first is still "Red" regardless of the physical colour, which occasionally confuses people using a set with unusual colours.
What the first move is worth
Real but modest — master databases put Red around 53–56%, which is less than White's edge in chess. Its practical value is the right to choose the opening and force an answer.
Related questions
Can we agree Black moves first?
Not under the rules. If you want the first move, you want to be Red.
Is Red at the bottom in diagrams?
Conventionally yes, though some publications reverse it.
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