Rules encyclopedia and annotated records
Learn Chinese board games by reading the record.
Compare rules, positions, and annotated records for Xiangqi, Gomoku, Go, Chinese Checkers, Mahjong strategy, and traditional games.
Rules encyclopedia
Start with the rule frame, then read the record.
Each game family has a rules source, a notation format, and a first archive path. Use this table when you need rules before examples.
XiangqiWorld Xiangqi RulesPiece-file notation / 44 record pagesGomokuOfficial Documents of RIFGrid-coordinate threat notation / 44 record pagesChinese CheckersRules of Chinese CheckersRoute and jump notation / 44 record pagesGo / WeiqiLearn to Play GoBlack/White coordinate notation / 42 record pagesMahjong StrategyMahjong Competition RulesDraw-discard tile notation / 42 record pagesCheckers VariantsOfficial FMJD Rules for International DraughtsNumbered-square move and capture notation / 42 record pagesTraditional GamesHow to Play Dou Shou QiPiece-coordinate route notation / 42 record pages
Record level quick reference
What changes when a record gets harder?
Use the level shape before opening a record page: pick the record length, decision load, and mistake pattern that matches the kind of reading you want to practice next.
Beginner records6 annotated entries
- Branch load
- Single line, no side branch.
- Candidates
- 1 plan + 1 reject.
- Reading method
- Name the rule square, read the reply, then test the first mistake.
- Review task
- Replay the first two moves and say why the attractive move fails.
- Typical mistake
- Following the obvious move before the legal-move cue is stable.
- Branch load
- Main line plus reply branch.
- Candidates
- 2 candidate replies.
- Reading method
- Compare the first branch with the repair branch before trusting tempo.
- Review task
- Write which reply changes timing, safety, or shape before reading the note.
- Typical mistake
- Answering locally while the larger route or shape problem remains.
- Branch load
- Forcing branch, quiet move, and conversion.
- Candidates
- 3+ candidate points.
- Reading method
- Track the hidden threat, the quiet preparation, and the final conversion.
- Review task
- Mark where pressure turns into conversion, then compare a real record source.
- Typical mistake
- Blocking the visible threat while missing the second-layer point.
Choose a game family
Each family combines rules, annotated records, opening ideas, endgame notes, and reference resources.
Read by record level
Different levels have different record shapes. The pages make those differences explicit.
Beginner
Beginner Annotated Records
Short records with visible goals, obvious mistakes, and rule-first annotations.
IntermediateIntermediate Annotated Records
Records with competing plans, turning points, and candidate-move explanations.
AdvancedAdvanced Annotated Records
Dense records with layered plans, precise endings, and professional-style notes.
Reference NotesAll-Level Reference Notes
Rules, notation formats, finishing patterns, and strategy concepts that help readers compare record notes across levels.
Representative annotated records
Sample pages show the intended article format before opening the full archive.
XiangqiXiangqi Beginner First-Plan Record: Red C8=5 River LaneAt the first branch, use a small check, a beginner first plan: river lane record should feel inspectable: one board cue, one first plan around Red C8=5, and one reply that shows why the tempting move is unsafe. Board cue: red cannon file 8, black horse file 7, and rook file 8. Rule check: the cannon screen, horse leg, river, and palace guard constraints. The notation uses Xiangqi algebraic piece-file notation. The first two entries are 1. Red C8=5 | Black H7+7; 2. Red H3+3 | Black R8=6, which keeps the explanation tied to visible goals, obvious mistakes, and a record line that can be replayed without a live board.Go / WeiqiGo / Weiqi Intermediate Reply Record: B K4 Shape Check TurnBefore using a source, hold the answer lightly, intermediate readers get a Go / Weiqi turning point: shape check record long enough to expose a reply sequence but still narrow enough to keep liberty count, connection, and sente/gote order in view. Board cue: corner approach at C6, pincer at Q10, and cut point near F3. Rule check: liberty count, connection, and sente/gote order. The notation uses Go board coordinates with Black/White turns. The first two entries are 1. B C6 | W R14; 2. B K4 | W Q10, which keeps the explanation tied to candidate moves, tempo, defensive replies, and the moment the plan changes.GomokuGomoku Advanced Threat Record: Black K8 Center RouteWhen the plan looks natural, keep the comparison same-game, the advanced shape here layers a branch, a quiet move, and a finish; Black K8 is only useful if the later reply still supports the plan. Board cue: center stones around G8, open-three lane I9-K8, and defensive point J9. Rule check: open three, broken three, open four, and double-threat timing. The notation uses Gomoku grid coordinates. The first two entries are 1. Black G8 | White J8; 2. Black I9 | White F8, which keeps the explanation tied to variation discipline, layered threats, quiet preparation, and clean conversion.Mahjong StrategyMahjong Beginner First-Plan Record: Discard 7m Safe ReplyAs the rule cue appears, make one local test, beginner readers can keep this tile hand-building first plan: safe reply record note short enough to replay aloud while still naming draw, discard, sequence, pair, visible discard, and safety information. Board cue: hand blocks around North-2s, isolated 7m, and visible discard 3p. Rule check: draw, discard, sequence, pair, visible discard, and safety information. The notation uses Mahjong draw-discard tile notation. The first two entries are 1. Draw 9p, discard 7m; 2. Left discards 3p, draw Red Dragon, which keeps the explanation tied to visible goals, obvious mistakes, and a record line that can be replayed without a live board.