Xiangqi in a minute
Xiangqi, or Chinese Chess, is a two-player strategy game on a 9×10 board. Pieces stand on the intersections, a river divides the armies, and each general stays inside its palace.
- Red moves first, then players take turns.
- Move one piece according to its Xiangqi movement rule.
- Capture by moving onto a point an enemy piece holds.
- Win by checkmating the opposing general.
A cannon captures by jumping exactly one piece, elephants cannot cross the river, and the two generals may never face each other on an open file. The full rules explain every piece.
What's at the table
The room has what two players need, so nobody has to set up a separate call or keep score on paper.
Invite in one tap
Share or copy the room link from the board. Your friend joins from their own browser, with no account.
See each other while you play
Start a video call from the table and each camera sits beside its player. Cameras are optional.
Chat and quick emoji
In a private room, send a message or a reaction without leaving the board.
Legal moves shown
Pick up a piece and the board marks the points it can move to. Illegal moves are refused, and the last move stays highlighted.
Every move on record
Open Moves at any point to read back the whole game so far.
A running score
The table counts wins between you two, and Restart Game sets up the next board.
Room to watch
Once both seats are taken, anyone else who opens the link can watch the game.
Before you play
Can I play Xiangqi with one friend?
Yes. Start a private two-player game and share the invite link. Optional video chat can stay beside the board.
Can I practise Xiangqi against AI?
Yes. Solo mode gives you a computer-controlled opponent without waiting for another player.
Is Xiangqi the same as Western Chess?
No. Both games are won by checkmating a royal piece, but Xiangqi has its own board with a palace and a river, cannons, and different moves for most pieces.
Do I need an account or an app?
No. Open the game in a modern browser, choose a name and start playing.
Is it free?
Yes. Private rooms, public matches and games against the AI are all free to play.
How long do I get for each move?
Each turn has a 30-second clock, shown as a ring around your avatar. If it runs out, the game plays a move for you.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. The board works in your phone's browser as well as on a computer.
