Bot Challenge — The Zodiac Dojo
Climb a ladder of seven Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) bots, each with its own character and signature play style — from the reckless Sparrow to the unstoppable Phoenix. Practice, learn each style, and beat them all.
How it works
Every bot runs the same Xiangqi engine — what changes is how far ahead it thinks. Sparrow looks barely a couple of moves deep, so it plays loose and shortsighted; Phoenix searches far deeper and rarely misses. Each bot's name and character are a nickname for how that depth feels across the board. Bot games are unrated — pure practice — so play freely.
The seven masters
🐦 Sparrow · Reckless — Hops wherever the food is. No plan, no fear.
🐇 Rabbit · Timid — Jumpy and quick to flee at the first sign of danger.
🐂 Iron Ox · Materialist — Stubborn and slow. Will not let go of a pawn.
🎋 Bamboo · Flexible — Bends with every wind, snaps back twice as hard.
🍲 Tofu · Absorbing — Looks soft. Soaks up your attack and gives nothing back.
🐉 Dragon · Balanced — Sees the whole board. Calm, deliberate, hard to shake.
🔥 Phoenix · Sacrificial — Will burn a piece to light a brilliant, unstoppable attack.
Unlocking the dojo
Sparrow, Rabbit, and Iron Ox are open from the start. Beat any one of them and the remaining four masters unlock at once — your first win opens the whole dojo.
Common questions
Are bot games rated?
No. Bot Challenge is practice. Your Glicko-2 and Flair ratings are never affected.
How do I unlock the rest of the dojo?
Sparrow, Rabbit, and Iron Ox are open from the start. Beat any one of them and the remaining four masters unlock at once.
Why did a "weak" bot still find a good move?
Weak bots aren't handed random mistakes — they simply think less far ahead. A shallow search still spots a tactic sitting right in front of it; what it misses is the longer plan. That's why Sparrow can punish a one-move blunder and still lose the game.
Do bot wins unlock Flairs?
No. Flairs unlock from your rating in real games. The dojo is a separate accomplishment.
Can I choose which side I play?
Yes — Red, Black, or Random before each game.
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