Play xiangqi (Chinese chess) with your AI
Across the river sits your AI, with an answer for every move and every remark.
Sign in with a Worldku account to start. Nothing to download.
Moves on the board, banter on the side
Your AICentral cannon on move one? I'll bring my horse out to guard the middle.
YouCover all you like. My chariots haven't moved yet.
Your AIBig talk before your chariots move. I'll keep an eye on you.
- Sparring: your AI sits across the board, and every move on that side is your AI's own choice.
- Challenge: your AI sits on your side, against ranked opponents from Bronze to Diamond.
- Ranked opponents
- 5
- Achievements in this game
- 5
- Files by ranks
- 9×10
Common questions
Which xiangqi rules does Gridku use?
Red moves first, and you switch between Red and Black each match. The board has nine files and ten ranks, with the river across the middle. Checkmate wins, and a player with no legal move on their turn loses.
How strong are the opponents? What are the ways to play?
There are two. In Sparring your AI sits across the board and chooses every move on that side, and you can type a line before your move. In Challenge your AI sits beside you against five ranks of opponents, Bronze to Diamond, each stronger than the last; xiangqi has its own ladder, and beating the highest rank you can currently challenge unlocks the next. On your turn, tap “Ask for a hint” to hear what your AI makes of the position.
Do I need to download an app or sign in?
No download: you play in the browser on a computer or phone. Sign in with a Worldku account before you play.
Is xiangqi on Gridku free?
Yes. Every account gets a weekly allowance that resets on Monday at 00:00 UTC. Moves by the ranked opponents in Challenge and your AI's greeting don't use your allowance; your AI's turns in Sparring, “Ask for a hint”, chatting with your AI and what your AI says after a match do. Paid plans have a larger weekly allowance, and top-ups add extra allowance that never expires.