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 near-perfect Dragon. Practice, learn each style, and beat them all.
How it works
Every bot runs the same strong Xiangqi engine, but each plays differently: weaker bots make human-like mistakes more often, and each has a personality that shapes which moves it likes — attacking, defending, hoarding material, or sacrificing for a brilliant finish. Bot games are unrated — pure practice — so play freely.
The seven masters
🐦 Sparrow · 1200 · Reckless — Hops wherever the food is. No plan, no fear.
🐇 Rabbit · 1400 · Timid — Jumpy and quick to flee at the first sign of danger.
🐂 Iron Ox · 1600 · Materialist — Stubborn and slow. Will not let go of a pawn.
🐅 Tiger · 1800 · Aggressive — Pounces the moment it smells blood.
🕊️ Crane · 2000 · Positional — Patient and elegant; waits for you to overreach.
🔥 Phoenix · 2200 · Sacrificial — Will burn a piece to light a brilliant attack.
🐉 Dragon · 2400 · Balanced — Sees the whole board. Near-perfect, unforgiving.
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?
Each bot uses the full engine but makes human-like mistakes at a set rate. Weak bots blunder more often, not always — so they can still find a strong move now and then.
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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