Play Xiangqi Online with Friends — One Link, One Board

How to start a game with a friend

Forget account swaps and room numbers. On XIANGQI KNIGHT you tap Challenge a Friend and the site hands you a private invitation link such as cnchesskt.com/?friend=K7QP4. Send it by any app — WeChat, WhatsApp, SMS, email. The moment your friend opens it, both of you are seated at the same board: you take Red and move first, your friend takes Black.

• One tap to create — the room code is generated instantly; copying and sharing buttons are right there.
• No sign-up needed — guests can play; members keep their rating and nickname.
• Safe by design — each link works once and expires after 30 minutes, so nobody can stumble into your game.
• Cross-device — phone vs computer, browser vs installed app, it all connects through the same server.

What you get at the board

Once both seats are taken it is a full online duel: a 10-minute clock plus 90 seconds per move, move-by-move sync, and a rematch button when the game ends. Either side can review the final position after checkmate before starting the next game, and the result is counted in your member profile.

Waiting for a friend who is busy? The same board also supports online matchmaking with rating, and if nobody joins within half a minute an AI player sits down so you can warm up.

Perfect for families and clubs

Grandparents play grandchildren across cities; club mates analyse a position together after training. Because Xiangqi (Chinese chess) notation is visual — pieces are shown with international names like King, Advisor, Elephant, Horse, Rook, Cannon and Pawn — mixed groups of Chinese and non-Chinese players share the same board comfortably, and the whole interface switches between Chinese and English with one tap.

Frequently asked questions

Does my friend need an account?

No. A guest name is assigned automatically; signing in only keeps history and rating.

How long is the invitation link valid?

Each link is single-use and expires after 30 minutes. If it lapses, just generate a fresh one.

Who plays which colour?

The player who creates the invitation takes Red and moves first; the friend plays Black.

Can we play more than one game?

Yes — after checkmate either player can offer a rematch with colours swapped.