How to Play a 2-Player Chinese Chess Game Online on Xiangqi.com

Updated

You can play a two-player Chinese chess (xiangqi) game on Xiangqi.com by either creating a new game or joining one that another player has already created. When creating a game, you can choose your side (red or black), set timers, increments, and move timers, or opt for an untimed game. After the game, an engine analysis feature lets you review and learn from the moves. All of these features are described on the site as free to use.

Before You Start

  • Know the board basics: Xiangqi is played on a board of nine columns (files) and ten rows (ranks), with pieces placed on the intersections (vertices). The traditional pieces are wooden disks marked with red or black Chinese characters.
  • No account requirement is stated for play, but the site does track ratings for rated two-player games using the ELO system, so expect a rating to apply once you play rated games.
  • Decide on your format: timed, untimed, or against the computer first if you are new.

Create a 2-Player Game

  1. Go to the Play Online 2 Player Chinese Chess Game section of Xiangqi.com.
  2. Start a new game. You will be able to choose:
    • Your side — red or black.
    • Game timer — the total time for the game.
    • Increment — extra time added per move.
    • Move timer — a limit on how long each individual move can take.
  3. Confirm the settings and create the game. The site will make the game available for another player to join.
  4. Wait for an opponent, or share the game so someone can join it.

Expected result: A live two-player game begins once an opponent joins, with the clock rules you selected enforced.

Untimed Games

If you prefer to play without pressure, Xiangqi.com also supports untimed two-player games. Choose this option when creating your game if you want to play casually without clocks.

Join an Existing Game

  1. Open the same Play Online 2 Player section.
  2. Browse the list of games created by other players.
  3. Join a game whose settings (side availability, timer, increment) suit you.

Expected result: You are seated in the opponent's game under their chosen time controls.

After the Game: Review with Engine Analysis

Once a game ends, use the engine analysis feature to go through the moves and see where play could improve. This is the site's stated way to build skills between matches.

Practice Options If You Are New

  • Play Computer: Five difficulty levels are offered. Level 1 is described as suitable for beginners; move up a level once you can beat the current one.
  • Puzzles: The site provides numerous free Chinese chess puzzles, and you can also create and name your own puzzles to share with other players.
  • Weekly tournaments: Xiangqi.com holds free online tournaments using the Swiss system every week.

Ratings and Rankings

Rated two-player games adjust your rating under the ELO rating system after each game. The site notes that when a player's rating reaches the top 20 across the platform, they appear in the ranking — check the site for the current leaderboard details.

Common Snags

  • No opponent joins your game: Try joining an existing open game instead of waiting, or use the Play Computer mode while you wait.
  • You want a specific color: Set red or black when creating the game; if you join someone else's game, the available side is determined by their settings.
  • You misjudge the clock settings: Increment and move timers are chosen at creation, so pick them carefully before starting a rated game.