#31 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red C8+4, Black P5+1

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  H2+3    6. C8+4  …………

s already mentioned, Red would gain advantage by playing C8+4!

Red is capturing Black's the pawn by C8=3, and prepare for C8=7 to prevent Black's horse development.

Now Black has 3 main variations:
1) H3+2
2) H3+4
3) P5+1

In this variation, we discuss black P5+1.

  6. …………  P5+1

Black P5+1 to prevent Red to play C8=3.

Therefore what is the best choice for Red?

#30 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red C8+4, Black H3+2

#30 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red C8+4, Black H3+2

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  H2+3    6. C8+4  …………

s already mentioned, Red would gain advantage by playing C8+4!

Red is capturing Black's the pawn by C8=3, and prepare for C8=7 to prevent Black's horse development.

Now Black has 3 main variations:
1) H3+2
2) H3+4
3) P5+1

In this variation, we discuss black H3+4!

  6. …………  H3+4

In previous post, we know that if Black played H3+2, advantage go to Red.

In this post, Black changes his mind and plays h3+4.

So, what is the best move for Red?

  7. C8=3  …………

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament - Final Pairing Results, Final Ranking and photos

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament - Final Pairing Results and Final Ranking

Final ranking:

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament - Round #4 Semi-Final Results and Round #5 Final Pairings

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament - Round #4 Semi-Final Results and Round #5 Final Pairings

Semi Final Results as below:

Final - Pairing as below:

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament - Round #3 Results and Round #4 Semi-Final Pairings

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament - Round #3 Results and Round #4 Semi-Final Pairings

Round #3 results as below:

Round #4 Semi-Final Pairings as below:

#29 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red C8+4, Black H3+2

#29 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red C8+4, Black H3+2

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  H2+3

We discuss Black H2+3 variations.

Red has 4 main variations:
1) C8=9 - Advantage go to Black
2) R9+1 - Advantage go to Black
3) R2+5 - Advantage go to Black
4) C8+4 - Advantage go to Red

In this post, we discuss Red C8+4 variation.

  6. C8+4  …………

As already mentioned, Red would gain advantage by playing C8+4!

Red is capturing Black's the pawn by C8=3, and prepare for C8=7 to prevent Black's horse development.

Now Black has 3 main variations:
1) H3+2
2) H3+4
3) P5+1

In this variation, we discuss black H3+2!

  6. …………  H3+2

Black advances his horse to prevent Red C8=7.

So, what is the best move for Red?

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament in action

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament in action

GM Huang ChunLong vs Dr. Micheal Naegler

Who will be the winner moves to semi-final?

https://www.facebook.com/wong.p.loong/videos/10154880526452978/

Video credit to GM Jiang Chuan.

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament - Round #2 Results

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament - Round #2 Results

As expected, all the winners from the Group proceed to Last 8.

Here are the details results.

1-16 Results

17-32 Results

The Round #3 pairings are as below. 

Competition still in progress.......

1-8 Pairings

9-16 Pairings

17-24 Pairings

25-32 Pairings

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament - Group Results #1

2017 European Xiangqi Tournament 

Participants Name List

 Group Results

Group A

Happy Chinese New Year 2017

Happy Chinese New Year 2017

Xiangqi Puzzle

春 - a Chinese Character, means Spring Festival

Red to move and win

Play Xiangqi Flash Game Online FREE

Play Xiangqi Flash Game Online FREE

Xiangqi II: 

Xiangqi(Chinese chess) is the most popular board game in China. Now the best Flash Xiangqi game ever is coming. You can play with the strong AI, improve your skill by practicing the end-games. Or play with your friend. Totally free!

Play Chinese Chess Online Against the Computer with Westerner Pieces

Play Chinese Chess Online Against the Computer with Westerner Pieces

If you would like to play Xiangqi online by using Westerner pieces instead of Chinese Character, here is the link

http://www.springfrog.com/games/chess/chinese/

Have fun!

GM Hu Rong Hua wins GM Yang GuanLin @ 1960 China National Xiangqi Tournament, a famous match in Xiangqi History

GM Hu RongHua wins GM Yang GuanLin @ 1960 China National Xiangqi Tournament.

One of the famous  match in Xiangqi History.

In year 1960, GM Hu RongHua was 15 years old, and his first time to participate in China National Xiangqi Tournament. This is also the first time for GM Hung played with GM Yang GuanLin in China National Xiangqi Tournament. During that time, GM Yang was already 3-times China national champion, he was known as number 1 Xiangqi player.

In this game, GM Hung sacrificed his horse during opening to gain advantages was a surprise to all. GM Yang also shown his strength in midgame and endgame to minimize the impact during opening.

By wining this game, GM Hu was gained his first title of China National Champion; and started his journey to continuously winning another 9 times, total 10 times China National Champion. 

This is where the legend of GM Hu started!

Let enjoy the match!

#28 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red R2+5

#28 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red R2+5

Outcome: Advantage to Black

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  H2+3

We discuss Black H2+3 variations.

Red has 4 main variations:
1) C8=9 - Advantage goto Black
2) R9+1 - Advantage goto Black
3) R2+5 - Advantage goto Black
4) C8+4 - Advantage goto Red

In this post, we discuss Red R2+5 variation.

  6. R2+5  …………

Black has advance 3rd pawn, seems is an easy target for Red's chariot.

Red R2+5 to attack Black's 3rd pawn and threaten Red's right horse.

Therefore, what is the best move for Black to respond?

#27 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red R9+1

#27 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red R9+1

Outcome: Advantage to Black

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  …………

Key move!

  5. …………  H2+3

We discuss Black H2+3 variations.

Red has 4 main variations:
1) C8=9 - Advantage goto Black
2) R9+1 - Advantage goto Black
3) R2+5 - Advantage goto Black
4) C8+4 - Advantage goto Red

In this post, we discuss Red R9+1 variation.

  6. R9+1  …………

In previous post, Red played C8=9, advantage went to Black.

Therefore Red changes his tactic by playing R9+1.

So, what is the best move for Black?

Xiangqi Elephant Game eSTORE go-live!

Xiangqi Elephant Game eSTORE go-live!

Added Xiangqi Elephant Game eSTORE page 

http://xiangqielephantgame.blogspot.my/p/buy-ebook.htm

Now you can buy directly from eSTORE

Added a page tab directly linked to Xiangqi Elephant Game eSTORE

Added a button on right panel directly linked to Xiangqi Elephant Game eSTORE

Accept all major credit card!

#26 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red C8=9

#26 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red C8=9

Outcome: Advantage to Black

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  H2+3

In the previous post, we had discussed Black played R9=3 and C2=3, the outcome all went to Red.

In this post, we discuss Black H2+3 variations.

Red has 4 main variations:
1) C8=9 - Advantage go to Black
2) R9+1 - Advantage go to Black
3) R2+5 - Advantage go to Black
4) C8+4 - Advantage go to Red

  6. C8=9  …………

In this post, we discuss Red C8=9

What is the best move for Black?

Palcorner Cannon Opening played by Xiangqi Grand Master #1

Palcorner Cannon Opening

Palcorner Cannon Opening transformed to Sandwiched Horses Defense vs Opposite Direction Cannon" played by Xiangqi Grand Master #1

Click here for all Palcorner Cannon Opening articles.

Red first move C2=4 or C8=6 is known as Palcorner Opening variation. Palcorner Cannon Opening focuses on midgame and setup endgame. Normally Black will respond with opposite direction cannon. The reason is simply because Red is not possible to transform to Screen Horses Defense, since it palcorner cannon is placed within his proper horses. Therefore, in most cases, Red will transform to Sandwiched Horses Defense to against Black's opposite direction cannon.

Palcorner Cannon Opening is not popular as other opening, however, we still can see some Grand Masters may use this opening during tournament.

I will publish a series of "Palcorner Cannon Opening transformed to Sandwiched Horses Defense vs Opposite Direction Cannon" played by Xiangqi Grand Master or how a GM responded to Palcorner Cannon Opening variation. There are total 40++ matches!!

Game #1 GM Lu Qin wins GM Zhao XinXin @ 26th Jan 2016

Game#2 GM Lu Qin wins GM Sun Yong Zheng @ 23th Jan 2016

Game #3 GM Tao HanMing Loses to GM Jiang Chuan @ 5th Sept 2016

Cannon Pawn Combination Endgame #2: Single Cannon With Single Low Pawn Positional wins Single Elephant

Cannon Pawn Combination Endgame #2: Single Cannon With Single Low Pawn Positional wins Single Elephant

Usually single cannon with low pawn hard to win single elephant. However, in below example, Red uses Black's king as cannon mount to capture Black's elephant.

#25 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black C2=3 then R9=3, R6+3

#25 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black C2=3 then R9=3, R6+3

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  C2=3    6. R2+5  …………

Key move!

  6. …………  R9=3    7. R2=7  R1+1    8. R9=8  C3+4    9. R7=4  …………

Key move!

  9. …………  R3=6   10. P3+1  …………


In this situation, Black has 2 main variations:
1) P7+1
2) R6+3

In the previous post, Black played P7+1, the outcome was Red had gained initiative.

In this post we discuss Black R6+3.

 10. …………  R6+3

Black exchanges his chariot.

 11. P3=4  R1=6

Red's pawn is no way to escape.
In this case, how can Red gain the advantage?

Cannon Pawn Combination Endgame #1: Single Cannon with High Pawn always wins Single Elephant

Cannon Pawn Combination Endgame  #1: Single Cannon with High Pawn always wins Single Elephant

Red need to stalemate, not checkmate!

GM Yang GuanLin Loses to GM Hu RongHua

GM Yang GuanLin Loses to GM Hu RongHua
1982 WuYang Cup China Xiangqi Championship Invitation

#24 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black C2=3 then R9=3, P7+1

#24 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black C2=3 then R9=3, P7+1

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1

As mentioned several times,Black should move R9=4, which is more efficient

  5. P3+1  …………

This is the most effective move for Red to against Black.

  5. …………  C2=3

In previous post, we had discussed Black R9=3 variation, all advantage went to Red.
Now, Black plays C=3 to attack Red's let horse.

  6. R2+5  …………

Here, Black has 3 main variations.
1) P3+1
2) E3+1
3) R9=3

In the previous post, Black played P3+1 and E3+1, avantage went to Red.

In this post, we will discuss Black R9=3 variation.

  6. …………  R9=3

Black plays R9=3. The purpose of Black is to capture Red's 7th pawn.

So, what is the most effective move for Red?

FREE Edition: Xiangqi For Absolute Beginners; Teach Yourself XIANGQI step by step

Xiangqi For Absolute Beginners 

Teach Yourself XIANGQI step by step

Now you can download FREE Edition here.

Chariot Endgame #1: Single Chariot Always Wins Single Elephant with Two Advisors

Chariot Endgame #1: Single Chariot Always Wins Single Elephant with Two Advisors

Red captures Elephant First.

GM Hu RongHua wins GM Yang GuanLin

GM Hu RongHua wins GM Yang GuanLin

1981 WuYang Cup, China Xiangqi Championship Invitation

#23 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black C2=3 then E3+1

#23 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black C2=3 then E3+1

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  C2=3    6. R2+5  …………

Here, Black has 3 main variations.
1) P3+1
2) E3+1
3) R9=3

In the previous post, Black played P3+1, advantage went to Red.

  6. …………  E3+1

In this post, Black E3+1 to protect 3rd pawn.

In this situation, what is the best move for Red to answer?

Flash Xiangqi Board by using Xiangqi Wizard application

{#31 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black H2+3, then Red C8+4, Black P5+1

Outcome: Advantage to Red}
1. C2.5 C8.5
2. N2+3 N8+7
3. R1.2 R9+1
4. N8+7 P3+1
5. P3+1 N2+3
6. C8+4
{s already mentioned, Red would gain advantage by playing C8+4!

Red is capturing Black's the pawn by C8=3, and prepare for C8=7 to prevent Black's horse development.

Now Black has 3 main variations:
1}
6. P5+1
{Black P5+1 to prevent Red to play C8=3.

Therefore what is the best choice for Red?}
7. R2+6
{This is the most effective move for Red!}
7. N7+5
8. R2.3 R9.4
9. N3+4
{Current board status analysis:
1}
*
===============================================

Pawn Endgame #3: Single High Pawn with Elephant Always wins Single Advisor

Pawn Endgame #3: Single High Pawn with Elephant Always wins Single Advisor

Usually single high pawn hard to win single advisor. However, with additional elephant, Red can win.

#22 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black C2=3

#22 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black C2=3

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  C2=3

In previous posts, Black plays R9=3, all advantages go to Red.
In this post, we start to discuss Black C2=3 variations.

Red's left horse seems weak, may be an easy target for Black. Therefore Black C2=3 seems a good move.

So, what is the best move for Red to respond?

2017 The 5th Treasurer God Cup Xiangqi Rapid Game Final: GM Wang TianYi vs GM Hong Zhi

2017 The 5th Treasurer God Cup Xiangqi Rapid Game Final: GM Wang TianYi vs GM Hong Zhi

In both games, GM Wang Tian Yi had demonstrate his superior position in rapid game! All win by his powerful midgame tactics.

Game #1: GM Wang TianYi wins GM Hong Zhi

Game #2: GM Hong Zhi Loses to GM Wang TianYi

Pawn Endgame #2: Single Pawn Positional Wins Single Advisor

Pawn Endgame #2: Single Pawn Positional Wins Single Advisor

Usually, single pawn could not win single advisor. However in below example, Black's advisor is not on the same file as Red's king. Red could win the game.

Same Direction Cannon Opening: Black Edge Horse variation

Same Direction Cannon Opening: Black Edge Horse variation

This opening was discussed during a local Xiangqi tournament recently.

  1. C2=5  C8=5

The game begins with Same Direction Cannons opening.

  2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1

Red has selected filed chariot whereas Black has selected ranked chariot.

  4. H8+7  R9=4    5. P3+1  H2+1

Usually, Black would play H2+3 for proper horse formation to consolidate his center file.
In this game, Black has selected edge horse, this is one of the old variation for Same Direction Cannons Opening.

  6. H3+4  …………

Since there is only one Black's left horse to protect center pawn, Red advances his horse to attack the center pawn

  6. …………  R4+4    7. H4+5  H7+5    8. C5+4  A4+5    9. E7+5  R4+1

In this game, Black has played R4+1, which is a mistake. The correct move should be C2=4 or C2=3.

Therefore, what is the best move for Red? This is where the discussion started.

Xiangqi pieces in Chinese Character and Westerner pieces

Xiangqi pieces in Chinese Characters and Westerner pieces

Starting today, I will try to include Xiangqi Westerner pieces in my post. This need additional effort for me to prepare and hopefully this will benefit those Xiangqi friends who prefer using westerner pieces.

Below are the example of the Xiangqi Board and Westerner pieces.

Please let me know your thought!!

Origin Xiangqi Pieces - Chinese Characters

Xiangqi Westerner Pieces

Pawn Endgame #1: Single High Pawn Hard To Win Single Advisor

Pawn Endgame: Single High Pawn Hard To Win Single Advisor

Pawn Endgame #1: Single High Pawn Hard To Win Single Advisor

Red is hard to win if Black responded correctly.

#21 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then H2+3

#21 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then H2+3

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  R9=3    6. E7+9  C2+4    7. A6+5  P3+1    8. P7+1  R3+4
  9. R9=7  …………

In this situation, Black has 4 main variations.
1) R3=7
2) C5=3
3) H2+3
4) R3+1

In previous post, we had discussed Black R3=7, C5=3 and R3+1, all led to Red advantage.

In this chapter, we discuss Black H2+3 variation.

  9. …………  H2+3

In this variation, Black plays H2+3. What is the best move for Red?

GM Wang JiaLiang wins Li ChengYi. GM Wang JiaLiang wins in 16 moves!

GM Wang JiaLiang wins Li ChengYi.

GM Wang JiaLiang wins in 16 moves! The shortest game GM Wang had played.

GM Wang JiaLiang is 3 times first runner up for China Man Individual Xiangqi Tournament 1956, 1957 and 1959.

Summary:
In #12, Red played C6+6 to block Black elephant's eye was the key move. Black responded with K5+1 was a mistake. Red took this opportunity to attack Black's center file and finally won the game.


  1. C2=5  H8+7    2. H2+3  H2+3    3. H8+9  …………

As today Xiangqi's opening theory, the common move would be H8+7 for proper horses formation.

  3. …………  P3+1    4. R1=2  R9=8    5. R2+6  P7+1    6. C8=6  H7+6

Cannon Endgame #2: Single Cannon with Advisor Always wins Single Elephant

Cannon Endgame #2: Single Cannon with Advisor Always wins Single Elephant

Red sure wins!

Cannon Endgame #1: Cannon with Advisor Always wins Two Advisors

Cannon Endgame #1: Cannon with Advisor Always wins Two Advisors

Cannon need cannon mount in order to check or capture opponent's piece.

Usually during endgame, player uses his advisor as cannon mount.

Single cannon without any cannon mount is declared as draw game.

Below endgame, Red uses his own advisor as cannon mount to win the game.

#20 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then R3+1

#20 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then R3+1

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  R9=3    6. E7+9  C2+4    7. A6+5  P3+1    8. P7+1  R3+4
  9. R9=7  …………

In the previous example, Black has played R3=7, C5=3, all lead the advantages to Red.

  9. …………  R3+1

In this example, Black plays R3+1, move away from the danger position and to prevent Red plays H7+8.The idea is good.

So, what is the best move for Red?

Horse endgame #5: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Pawn - 2

Horse endgame #5: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Pawn - 2

This is second example. Black's pawn still on initial position and not cross the river yet. 

Red could positional wins the game.

#19 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then C5=3

#19 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then C5=3

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  …………

Red H8+7 also possible.
It is also tempt Black to play P3+1.

  4. …………  P3+1

Mistake. Black is planning to attack Red's horse at file 7.
A better move for Black is C9=4.

  5. P3+1  …………

Correct move.

  5. …………  R9=3

There are two main variations for Black to attack Red's horse.
1) R9=3
2) C2=3

In this post, we discuss Black R9=3.
Black R9=3 is to prepare for P3+1 in next move.

  6. E7+9  C2+4    7. A6+5  P3+1    8. P7+1  R3+4    9. R9=7  …………

In this situation, Black has 4 main variations.
1) R3=7
2) C5=3
3) H2+3
4) C3+1

In the previous post, Black played R3=7, the outcome was advantage to Red.

In this post, we discuss Black C5=3 variation variation.

  9. …………  C5=3

Black C5=3 to attack Red's horse. There is no way for Red's horse to capture.
So, what is the best move for Red to counter back?

IGM Jiang Chuan wins IGM Cao YanLei

2016 Treasurer God Cup Rapid Xiangqi Tournament
IGM Jiang Chuan wins IGM Cao YanLei

IGM has prepared well for this opening. He did his home-work and applied new variation.

Red began with Central Cannon opening, Black responded with Screen Horses Defense. Both reached 57 Cannons 3rd Pawn Formation vs Screen Horse Defense variation.

In this new variation, IGM Jiang deployed his right horse rapidly to the battle. By doing this, IGM Jiang has gained Black's center pawn during the opening.

Later in the midgame, IGM Jiang moved his center pawn and capture Black's elephant. Lastly, IGM Jiang by using tactic shifting - to move both of his cannons to attack Black's elephant.

Finally checkmated with double cannons checkmate!

A wonderful game!

Horse endgame #4: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Pawn - 1

Horse endgame #4: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Pawn

Usually single horse is hard to win single pawn.

However, as below example, Black's pawn still on initial position and not cross the river yet. Red could positional wins the game.

#18 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then R7=3

#18 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then R7=3

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  …………

Red H8+7 also possible.
It is also tempt Black to play P3+1.

  4. …………  P3+1

Mistake. Black is planning to attack Red's horse at file 7.
A better move for Black is C9=4.

Black P3+1 is not a correct move. What is the best way for Red to counter it?

Horse endgame #3: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Elephant

Horse endgame #3: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Elephant

Normally single horse hard to wins single elephant. In order for Black to draw, king and elephant must not in same flank.

If both king and elephant is in same flank, Red is able to win.

#17 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+9, P7+1 variation.

#17 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+9, P7+1 variation.

Outcome: Advantage to Black

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+9  …………

Remember! Red H8+9 is not effective.
The correct move should be P3+1.

  4. …………  H2+3    5. C8=7  R1=2    6. P7+1  R9=4    7. P7+1  P5+1

Key move!

  8. P7=6  …………

In previous post, we had discussed Red P7+1 variation. The outcome would be advantage to Black.

How about Red plays P7=6?

Horse endgame #2: Single Horse Always Wins Single Advisor - Black moves first.

Horse endgame #2: Single Horse Always Wins Single Advisor - Black moves first.

In previous post, Red moves first and wins.

How about if Black move first?

Black move first, Red wins.

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#16 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+9, P7+1 variation.

#16 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+9, P7+1 variation.

Outcome: Advantage to Black

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+9  …………

As mentioned in previous posts, a most efficient move would be P3+1.
Now Red H8+9 for a edge horse and remain right's horse is protecting center pawn. This approach is also consider weak in modern day Xiangqi Opening theory.
It is recommended to form proper horses to protect center pawn, especially if opponent plays central cannon.

So, what is the correct move for Black to respond?

Horse Endgame #1: Single Horse Always wins Single Advisor

Horse Endgame #1: Single Horse Always wins Single Advisor

The most basic horse endgame.

Single horse always wins single advisor.

Red moves first and wins.