Play Chinese Chess Against the Computer
Play the Computer
Pick your level, board, and pieces, then jump in — everything can be changed anytime.
No account needed. You're playing as a guest, so the game stays in this browser and isn't saved or rated. Create a free account to keep your games, get a rating and play people online.
Red always moves first.
Play Xiangqi against the computer, free
A full game of Xiangqi — Chinese chess, 中国象棋 — against a built-in AI, playable straight in the browser with no download, no plugin and no account needed. Pick one of eight levels, from Easy (about 800) to God (about 3100), and take Red or Black. The lower levels reply in a second or two; the top ones think for several seconds a move. Legal moves are highlighted as you pick a piece, so you can learn the rules by playing rather than by reading them first. Guest games aren't saved or rated; a free account keeps every game for review and gives you a rating.
Or play Chinese chess online against real people
When the engine stops surprising you, play Chinese chess against real opponents — quick match by rating, your own time control, or a private table where you can play a friend by link. Every rated result moves your Elo and feeds the global leaderboard. Online games are played from a free account with a verified email.
New to the game?
Start with the Xiangqi rules and board setup — how each piece moves, what the river and the palace do, and how to win by checkmate. Coming from Western chess? Read Xiangqi vs chess: 8 key differences first, then sharpen up on Chinese chess puzzles.
Playing the computer: common questions
- Can I play Chinese chess against the computer without signing up?
- Yes. The computer is open to everyone: pick a level and start, with no account. A guest game stays in your browser and is not saved or rated. Sign in with a free account and your games against the computer are saved for review and count toward your rating.
- How many difficulty levels does the computer have?
- Eight. From weakest to strongest: Easy (about 800 Elo), Medium (about 1500), Hard (about 2000), Expert (about 2300), Master (about 2500), Grandmaster (about 2700), Legend (about 2900) and God (about 3100). Easy misses things on purpose; each level above it searches longer, and the top ones think for several seconds a move.
- Is it free to play the computer?
- Yes, at every level. Online games, the puzzles and the lessons are free too, and there is no paid tier.
- Do I need to download anything?
- No. The board and the engine run in your web browser on a phone, tablet or computer, with no plugin. If you want XiangqiPlay on your home screen, it installs from the browser as a web app; there is no app-store download.
- How do I play Chinese chess against a real person?
- Play online to take on another player over the internet, or open a private table and send the link to a friend. Games against people, including two players sharing one device, need a free account with a verified email, so every rating belongs to one named player.