Technical Violations

• Illegal moves (e.g., blocked horse, rook jumping over pieces, etc.)
• Placing the general in check
• Making two consecutive moves
• Failing to press the clock after a move

Behavioral Violations

• Using a phone (calls, texting, apps, etc.)
• Receiving outside assistance
• Leaving the board during one’s turn without referee permission

Game Progress Violations

• Repeating moves more than the allowed number of times → automatic loss
• Three repeated identical move cycles by both sides → declared a draw
• Failure to comply with referee decisions
• Replaying, adjusting, or testing moves after they’ve been made → violation

Severe Violations (Cheating)

• Using software or external devices
• Substituting players
• Match-fixing
  • All such cases result in disqualification

Referees

• Referees are assigned by the Organizing Committee
• Ensures objectivity – transparency – fairness

Forfeits & Time-out Regulations

• Players arriving more than 10 minutes late → forfeited
• Unjustified withdrawal → forfeited

Applicable Rules

• Official Xiangqi rules issued by the Vietnam Xiangqi Federation and regulations set by the Organizing Committee will be applied
• Players must compete with integrity, follow the rules, and respect referee decisions

Competition Format

• Single-elimination format: Winners advance, losers are eliminated
• Total of 16 players, drawn into 8 pairs for the opening round
• A draw determines who plays first (Red side)

Competition Schedule

• Qualifying Round: 8 head-to-head matches

Quarter-finals:

• Match 1: Winner of Game 1 vs Winner of Game 2
• Match 2: Winner of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 4
• Match 3: Winner of Game 5 vs Winner of Game 6
• Match 4: Winner of Game 7 vs Winner of Game 8

Semi-finals:

• Match 1: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2
• Match 2: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4

Third Place Match:

• Between the two Semi-final losers

Final:

• Between the two Semi-final winners

Time Control

• Each player has 20 minutes total thinking time
• Xiangqi clock is used
• Player who runs out of time loses the game

Draw Resolution

• Draws are not allowed in single-elimination format
• If a game ends in a draw:
  • Replay with Rapid Xiangqi: 10 minutes per side
  • If still drawn → Blitz Xiangqi: 5 minutes per side
  • Player who runs out of time loses

Regulations & Discipline

• Unsportsmanlike conduct, lack of cooperation, or disrespect toward opponents will be penalized
• Any appeal must be submitted within 15 minutes after the match
• All final decisions rest with the Organizing Committee