Quick answer
An arbiter's working sequence
- Identify the moving piece and every piece whose attack was uncovered.
- Track the target by identity, not just by square or piece type.
- Inspect the reply: does it evade or resolve that attack?
- Test whether an immediate recapture is legal; distinguish real and fake roots.
- Classify both players' full cycles and apply the relevant exception.
Diagram 12
Diagram 18
Diagram 26
Diagram 29
Diagram 33
Diagram 69
Diagram 82
Diagram 106
Diagram 107
Exceptions need their exact conditions
A Horse or Cannon perpetually chasing a Chariot remains prohibited even when the Chariot is protected (20.6). Same-type pursuits are generally treated as drawn, but pins and the blocked-Horse case matter (20.7). If a move is both chase and exchange, Article 20.8 uses chase.
A King or Pawn has special treatment under 20.9. Chapter 5 §25 qualifies combined attacks: assistance by another chasing piece on every move can remove the exemption. Do not generalise from “a Pawn is involved” to “always allowed”.
FAQ
Can alternating between two attacking pieces avoid perpetual chase?
No, if the same opposing piece remains the target. Chapter 5 §28 demonstrates two pieces pursuing one target. Alternating targets is a different situation.
Is check followed by chase always perpetual check?
No. Article 20.2 and Chapter 5 §7 distinguish alternating check and chase from checking on every move. The complete sequence matters.
Related topics
Source and scope
According to World XiangQi Rules · World Xiangqi Federation · 2018. Article 19.3; 19.10; 20.3–20.9; Chapter 5.
These guides explain the WXF 2018 rules. They do not replace the official rules or the regulations of your event.