#57 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot Red C8=9, H3+4

#57 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot Red C8=9, H3+4

Outcome: Advantages go to Black

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7
  3. R1=2  R9+1    4. P3+1  R9=4
  5. H8+7  H2+3    6. P7+1  R1+1

Now we reaches the most effective situation for both sides.
Red starts with Central Cannon, Proper Horses with 3rd Pawn and 7th Pawn Advancement.

Whereas, Black replies with Same Direction Cannon, Proper Horses and Double Ranked Chariots.

Now is Red's turn.

  7. C8=9  …………

In this post, we will discuss Red C8=9 variation.
This is not the nice move for Red.
If Black handle it correctly, he will gain some advantages.

Therefore, what is the best move for Black?

#56 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Perfect 6 moves

 #56 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot 

Perfect 6 moves

Finally, we had completed Part One, and reached the ideal situation for both sides.

Let review again the first 6 most effective moves for this opening.


  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7
  3. R1=2  R9+1    4. P3+1  R9=4
  5. H8+7  H2+3    6. P7+1  R1+1

Now we reaches the most effective situation for both sides.
Red starts with Central Cannon, Proper Horses with 3rd Pawn and 7th Pawn Advancement.

Whereas, Black replies with Same Direction Cannon, Proper Horses and Double Ranked Chariots.

We had discussed the main variation if any side did not follow these 6 moves. We have learnt that the player who does not follows, mostly will lose the initiative, if his opponent responds correctly.


We have completed Part 1, and we will start to discuss Part 2. Part 2 will focus on what are the main variations after this situation, and what are the impact for both players.

Puzzle: Xiangqi Opening Trap: Central Cannon Double Headed Snake Variation

Puzzle

Xiangqi Opening Trap: Central Cannon Double Headed Snake Variation

The diagrams shown one the famous Xiangqi Opening Trap. Before reached to this position, the previous move for Red was P7+1 for double headed snake formation. Obviously, Red want to develop his horse in next move.

Therefore, Black replied with C2=3 (Diagram 1). In Black's plan, if Red H8+7, then Black can P3+1 and threaten Red horse directly.... and mostly can gain a crossed river pawn!

Now it is Red's turn, do you think Red still can play H8+7?

Diagram 1

The answer is YES for Red! As planned, Black replied with P3+1. So, what are the tricks here?

Refer to second Diagram 2, Red to move and gained advantages!

One of the variations shown at the bottom of this post.

Xiangqi Puzzle: Cannon Pawn Combination end game

Xiangqi Puzzle: Cannon Pawn Combination end game

This is another example of cannon pawn combination end game.

Red to move and win.

Enjoy!

Red to move and win.

Xiangqi Puzzle: Cannon Pawn Combination

Xiangqi Puzzle: Cannon Pawn Combination

Mastering in Cannon Pawn Combination end game is essential for Xiangqi players. Cannon Pawn Combination End game can be learnt through practicing, practicing and practicing; no short cut.

Diagram below is one of the good example for Cannon Pawn End Game practicing. The techniques applied here are often use in actual game.

Based on below diagram, obviously, Black has a superior materials position in below game situation. However, now is Red turn.

Look at the board. Calculate the moves inside your brain, without moving the pieces. In the long run, this will help to improve your calculation ability and eventually will improve your end game skill.

Red to move and win.

Enjoy.

Write your answer in the comment text box.

Covered Xiangqi: Mobile APP

Covered Xiangqi

There is a APP for Covered Xiangqi, where you can play online with other players.

They call Mystery Chess!

The game rules are exactly the same as Covered Xiangqi.

http://www.vietson.com/cotuong/

Xiangqi Puzzle: Control the movement of the King

Xiangqi Puzzle

Most Xiangqi players can do basic analysis and mostly focus on how to checkmate.

Whereas,  Xiangqi Grandmasters rather focus on controlling the board situation. They are dare to sacrifice his main pieces in order to gain the control.

The board position shown below is one of the example. 

Red's pieces are nearby opponent's palace and ready to launch the final wave of attack. However, it seems that there is no immediate threat from Red. There is no check in Red's next move.

Further analysis, Black's King is staying on a dangerous position. This advantages go to Red. After deep analysis, Red player has managed to control Black's King movement and checkmate in next few moves.

Red to move and win.

Post your answer in the comment text box.

Enjoy.

Xiangqi Puzzle: Red to move and win

Xiangqi Puzzle: Red to move and win

The board position below shown that Black has gained additional materials, and his pieces are near to Red's palace. It seems that Black is in winning advantages.

However now is Red's turn. Red is having a magic wand to turn over the situation.

Red to move and win.

Post your answer at the comment text box.

Have fun!

#55 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black Proper horses, C2=1, R4=5

#55 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black Proper horses, C2=1, R4=5

Outcome: Equal

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


As mentioned earlier, the most efficient move Black would be H2+3 for proper horse.

However we also discussed other variations. We had discussed Black

R4+3 R4+4, R4+5, R4+7 and P3+1 advantages all go to Red.

In this post, we will start to discuss Black H2+1.

Black H2+1 is also a main variation for Same Direction Cannons Opening.Black H2+1 is a valid move as well.

  5. …………  H2+3    6. P7+1  …………

Of course!

As mentioned in the begining to this opening series, the most effective move for Black is R1+1 for double ranked chariot.

If Black does not play R1+1, there are 4 other options:

1) R4+3
2) R4+5
3) R4+7
4) C2=1



We have learnt from previous posts, Black should not move his chariot on File 4.

How about C2=1?

We discuss C2=1 in this post

  6. …………  C2=1

Black C2=1, what is the best move for Red?

Covered Xiangqi # 2 : Mathematics Statistic - >Probability

Covered Xiangqi # 2 : Mathematics Statistic - >Probability 

Let do some maths before move to next steps.

Below is the definition of Probability derived from wiki.

Probability is the measure of the likelihood that an event will occur. Probability is quantified as a number between 0 and 1 (where 0 indicates impossibility and 1 indicates certainty). The higher the probability of an event, the more certain that the event will occur. A simple example is the tossing of a fair (unbiased) coin. Since the coin is unbiased, the two outcomes ("head" and "tail") are both equally probable; the probability of "head" equals the probability of "tail". Since no other outcomes are possible, the probability is 1/2 (or 50%), of either "head" or "tail". In other words, the probability of "head" is 1 out of 2 outcomes and the probability of "tail" is also 1 out of 2 outcomes, expressed as 0.5 when converted to decimal, with the above-mentioned quantification system.

Another example: Throwing a dice.

When a single die is thrown, there are six possible outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Therefore the probability of any one of them is 1/6.

In general, Probability of an event happening = Number of way it can be happened / Total number of outcomes

However,  Probability is Just a Guide

Probability does not tell us exactly what will happen, it is just a guide.

Now back to Covered Xiangqi.

This is very important for a player to understand probability. The player needs to calculate the probability for a covered piece to be discovered during the entire game. Not only that, the player also needs to calculate the probability for his opponent's covered pieces as well. 

The probability for next covered piece to be discovered will be changed after a piece was discovered. In other words, the player needs to calculate the probability for each move.

However, bear in mind that probability does not tell you exactly which piece will be discovered. It is just a guide! It only can help you to make a decision whether to discovered any piece or not. The actual outcome still depend on your LUCK, but good calculation in probability will increase your LUCK's level. You have higher chance to discover the piece that you wish if you do your math well!

During the initial setup, each player owns 16 Xiangqi pieces, 15 of them are covered. Only the king is discovered.

Therefore for the first move, the probability to discovered a covered pieces that you wish are as below diagram.

So, based on statistic, mostly you will discover a pawn at the first move!

Let do a simple quiz.

Diagram below shown a Covered Xiangqi's  middle game. Black had discover all his pieces, whereas Red still has 2 covered pieces. One covered piece "Pawn Like" stays on File 9, and another discovered piece "Cannon Like" stays on File 2.

Based on the Red's discovered pieces, Red still has a cannon and a horse have not discovered yet.

Now questions:

1) What is the probability for covered piece on File 9 is a Cannon?

2) What is the probability for covered piece on File 2 is a Horse?

3) Based on current situation, Red to move. What is the best move for Red and why?

Post your answers on the comment box.

Have fun!

#54 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black Proper horses, C2=1, R1=2

 #54 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black Proper horses, C2=1, R1=2

Outcome: Advantages go to Red

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


As mentioned earlier, the most efficient move Black would be H2+3 for proper horse.

However we also discussed other variations. We had discussed Black

R4+3 R4+4, R4+5, R4+7 and P3+1 advantages all go to Red.

In this post, we will start to discuss Black H2+1.

Black H2+1 is also a main variation for Same Direction Cannons Opening.Black H2+1 is a valid move as well.

  5. …………  H2+3    6. P7+1  …………

Of course!

As mentioned in the begining to this opening series, the most effective move for Black is R1+1 for double ranked chariot.

If Black does not play R1+1, there are 4 other options:

1) R4+3
2) R4+5
3) R4+7
4) C2=1



We have learnt from previous posts, Black should not move his chariot on File 4.

How about C2=1?

We discuss C2=1 in this post

  6. …………  C2=1

Black C2=1, what is the best move for Red?

  7. R9=8  …………

Red of course C8=9!

In general, a player rarely move C2=1 because this allow opponent to develop his chariot easily.

In this situation, Black has two main variations.

1) R1=2
2) R4+5

In this post we discuss R1=2

  7. …………  R1=2

Black R1=2, what is the best move for Red?

Same Direction Cannons Opening's Trap: Horse Sacrificed

Same Direction Cannons Opening's Trap: Horse Sacrificed 

This is one of the opening trap for Same Direction Cannons variations.

In this game, at the 9th move, Red sacrificed his horse in return managed to launch long-range attack with combination of chariot and cannon. Toward end of the game, Red also played well to save his king from checkmate, and had demonstrated beautiful counter-attack.

The techniques applied in this game are useful for Xiangqi lovers to further develop their midgame skill.

Enjoy reading.

Covered Xiangqi #1 - a difference way of playing Xiangqi game

Covered Xiangqi #1 - a difference way of playing Xiangqi game

Diagram 1

Covered Xiangqi also known as 揭棋 (in Chinese) or Cờ tướng úp (in Vietnamese), is a strategy board game evolves from traditional Xiangqi game. This game is popular at Southern of China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South East Asia.

The mentioned game uses the same Xiangqi board and Xiangqi pieces. The movement for of the pieces are same as traditional Xiangqi game. The game rules are similar. The objective of the Covered Xiangqi game is to capture opponent's King.

Of course there are some differences.

At the initial setup, both kings are facing up  and stayed on the original position as in traditional Xiangqi game. On each side, the remaining pieces are mixed randomly and put on the board facing down (covered) on the intersection point same as traditional Xiangqi during initial setup. Since the pieces are facing down (or covered), both players are unable to identify the actual identity of the pieces. The Diagram 1 above describes the initial setup of a Covered Xiangqi game.

When the piece is covered, it movement is same as initial traditional Xiangqi piece stays at initial position. The player needs to move the covered piece same as the initial traditional piece stays at that initial position. Once the piece is moved and discovered, the piece will be facing up and disclosed its original identify. After that,  its movement will follow the original discovered piece.

For example, a covered piece on traditional center pawn initial position, its movement is same as a pawn. In other words, it only can move one step forward. After Red moved the piece one step forward, the piece need to be discovered or facing up! Once the piece is discovered, its may became any piece. It can be a pawn or a chariot or a horse or a elephant. In this example, the discovered piece was a horse (Diagram 2). After discovered, the following movement for this discovered piece would be horse. 

Diagram 2

The main difference within Covered Xiangqi and traditional Xiangqi is: The advisor and elephant pieces are allowed to cross the river to opponent's side and aid on attack.

From time to time,  I will start to share with the readers more details on:

1) Basic Opening for Covered Xiangqi

2) Basic Checkmate methods (with combination of advisor and elephant)

A traditional Xiangqi lover can learn how to play Covered Xiangqi in less than 3 minutes. If you are not familiar with traditional Xiangqi, you can refer to my book: "Xiangqi for Absolute Beginners: Teach yourself Xiangqi Step by Step"

Do follow this blog for the latest update.

GM Yang GuanLin: Offer his chariot for FREE 4 times....and still won the game!

Li YiTing vs Yang GuanLin

Both of the players were China Xiangqi National Champion.

GM Yang GuanLin: Offer his chariot for FREE 4 times

The game position shown below was a battle within GM Li YiTing and GM Yang GuanLin.

In this game, GM Yang GuanLin had demonstrated his superior skill in middle game and endgame, and his ability to manage the complicated situation. He was a dangerous attacking player with a mindset that is bold and fear nothing. GM Yang managed to find the right moment to breakthrough Red's defense by offering his chariot 4 times.

Enjoy the game!

Black to move!

1. ...... R7-3

This was the first attempt for Black to offer his chariot. 

A wonderful endgame: Sacrificed Cannon and Horse in order to win the game with two pawns

A wonderful endgame: Sacrificed Cannon and Horse in order to win the game with two pawns

Black's horse stayed on file 2 was capturing Red's pawn, whereas Black's horse stayed on center file was capturing Red's advisor. It seems that Red was in difficult situation.

The diagram shown the game position for 2017 China Xiangqi Tournament -team event, Xie YeJian (Hunan) against Mi YueJin (Xinjiang) at 60th move. Red was in advantages with additional 2 pawns. However, Red had lose both elephants and under attack by Black's double horses. During this critical moment, Red had demonstrated his ability in complicated calculation and high-skill endgame, sacrificed his cannon and horse and finally defeated his opponent with his last 2 pawns.

White to move!

#53 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black Proper horses, R4+7

 #53 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black Proper horses, R4+7

Outcome: Advantages go to Red

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


As mentioned earlier, the most efficient move Black would be H2+3 for proper horse.

However we also discussed other variations. We had discussed Black

R4+3 R4+4, R4+5, R4+7 and P3+1 advantages all go to Red.

In this post, we will start to discuss Black H2+1.

Black H2+1 is also a main variation for Same Direction Cannons Opening.Black H2+1 is a valid move as well.

  5. …………  H2+3    6. P7+1  …………

Of course!

As mentioned in the begining to this opening series, the most effective move for Black is R1+1 for double ranked chariot.

If Black does not play R1+1, there are 4 other options:

1) R4+3
2) R4+5
3) R4+7
4) C2=1

In previous post, Black R4+3,R4+5 advantage go to Red.

We discuss R4+7 in this post

  6. …………  R4+7

Black R4+7.
Therefore what is the best move for Red?

#52 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black Proper horses, R4+5

 #52 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black Proper horses, R4+5

Outcome: Advantages go to Red

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


As mentioned earlier, the most efficient move Black would be H2+3 for proper horse.

However we also discussed other variations. We had discussed Black

R4+3 R4+4, R4+5, R4+7 and P3+1 advantages all go to Red.

In this post, we will start to discuss Black H2+1.

Black H2+1 is also a main variation for Same Direction Cannons Opening.Black H2+1 is a valid move as well.

  5. …………  H2+3    6. P7+1  …………

Of course!

As mentioned in the begining to this opening series, the most effective move for Black is R1+1 for double ranked chariot.

If Black does not play R1+1, there are 4 other options:

1) R4+3
2) R4+5
3) R4+7
4) C2=1

In previous post, Black R4+3, advantage go to Red.

We discuss R4+5 in this post

  6. …………  R4+5

Black R4+5.

What is the most effective move for Red?

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 4

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 4

Game selections

Jing Xueyi loses to Wang Tianyi  Game Notation

Zhao Guorong wins Xie Kui Game Notation

Zhao Xinxin wins Wang Hao Game Notation

Hong Zhi wins Guo HaiJun Game Notation

Jiang Chuan wins Sung Guoqiong Game Notation 



How to:

Wang Tianyi wins Li Xiaolong: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 3

Wang Tianyi wins Li Xiaolong2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 3

9th April 2017

Wang Tianyi is well known with his horse-cannon end game. The game below perfectly describing his competency in end game!

Song Guoqiang loses to Hong Zhi: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 3

Song Guoqiang loses to Hong Zhi

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 3
9th April 2017

Hong Zhi is one of the top China's player. He Xiangqi's strategy is to make the board situation complicated. He is able to seek for opportunity in the complex situation.

This game is a good example! Both sides counter attack heavily, and the board situation was very complicated.

Enjoy.

Wang Yang wins Wu Junqiang: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 3

Wang Yang wins Wu Junqiang

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 3
9th April 2017

Wang Yang started the game with horse opening, then transformed into Screen Horses Defense. Whereas, Wu Junqiang used Single Horse Defenses Ranked Chariot opening. In the middle game, Black made a mistake, simply deployed his cannon to front line without getting support from other main pieces. Red took this opportunity, contained and captured this cannon. This led Red to win the game.

#51 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black Proper horses, R4+3

#51 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black Proper horses, R4+3

Outcome: Advantages go to Red

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

As mentioned earlier, the most efficient move Black would be H2+3 for proper horse.

However we also discussed other variations. We had discussed Black

R4+3 R4+4, R4+5, R4+7 and P3+1 advantages all go to Red.

In this post, we will start to discuss Black H2+1.

Black H2+1 is also a main variation for Same Direction Cannons Opening.Black H2+1 is a valid move as well.

  5. …………  H2+3    6. P7+1  …………

Of course!

As mentioned in the beginning to this opening series, the most effective move for Black is R1+1 for double ranked chariot.

If Black does not play R1+1, there are 4 other options:

1) R4+3
2) R4+5
3) R4+7
4) C2=1

We discuss R4+3 in this post

  6. …………  R4+3

Black R4+3.

What is the most effective move for Red?

Chinese-chess-xiangqi-Internationalized

 Chinese-chess-xiangqi-Internationalized

Chinese chess (xiangqi) has been the world's most popular board game for over 1000 years!  This redesigned set features Staunton-style playing pieces so that anyone can play. The playing board is double-sided with a western chess board on the reverse.   The set includes enough pieces to play both Chinese chess and western chess. Folding durable board 20" x 24".  King stands 4" tall. Illustrated instruction manual (28 pages)  YouTube instructional video, search: Chinese chess internationalized version xiangqi Click here for details. .

Jiang Chuan wins Wang Xiaohua: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 2

Jiang Chuan wins Wang Xiaohua

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 28th April 2017

In this game, Jiang Chuan used horse opening, Wang Xiaohua replied with pawn opening. Jiang Chuan followed by central cannon, obviously he want to win this game. Black made a mistake in the midgame and loses his horse. After losing the horse, Black no other option, but to deploy all his main pieces to battle for the last fight. Red defensed his territory steadily and did not give any chance for Black.Finally Red wins.

Zheng Weitong wins Zhou Jun: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 2

Zheng Weitong wins Zhou Jun

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 2

8th April 2017

Zheng Weitong started the game with elephant opening. Zhou Jun responded with Crossed Palace Cannon. Black defensed well, however made a mistake when offer to exchange the chariot. This mistake cost Black's horse. Red captured the horse and in advantages. 

Black tried his best to defense however still has to lose the game.

Li Xuesong draws to Wang Tianyi: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 2

Li Xuesong draws to Wang Tianyi

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 2

8th April 2017

Li Xuesong started with Elephant Opening whereas Wang Tianyi responded with Horse Opening. The whole game was rather stable. Although Wang Tianyi tried to deploy his main pieces to Red's flank for massive attack, however Red was playing well with good defend.

The game end-up with a draw.

Xie Jing wins Wei Qiang: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 2

Xie Jing wins Wei Qiang

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 2

8th April 2017

Xie Jing wins Wei Qiang

Xie Jing is the Grandmaster from Shanghai. His master is GM Hu RongHua.

In this game, Xie Jing started with Pawn Opening. Wei Qiang replied with Pawn Opening as well.

Xie Jing developed his ranked chariot and managed to reach river bank after exchanged the pawn. This is one of the common technique for Red to develop his chariot rapidly.

The situation rather in the opening stage and middle game.Red only has little advantages - one additional pawn. However, Black managed to capture the pawn as well. The board situation was stable. 

In the middle game, Red took the opportunity by crossing the only pawn to Black territory. With the help of this little pawn, Red had gained little advantages. With the support of this little pawn, Red was managed to deploy his horse to the front line. Red consolidated his force and massive attack.

In the transition, Black make another mistake and cost his horse. Red had gained the material and in huge advantages. Finally Black resigned.

#50 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black H2+1, C2=4

 #50 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black H2+1, C2=4

Outcome: Advantages go to Red

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


As mentioned earlier, the most efficient move Black would be H2+3 for proper horse.

However we also discussed other variations. We had discussed Black

R4+3 R4+4, R4+5, R4+7 and P3+1 advantages all go to Red.

In this post, we will start to discuss Black H2+1.

Black H2+1 is also a main variation for Same Direction Cannons Opening.Black H2+1 is a valid move as well.

  5. …………  H2+1

What is the most effective move for Red?

Wang Yang wins Zhang BaoYou: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 1

Wang Yang wins Zhang BaoYou

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 1

Date: 8th April 2017

Games selection!

Wang Yang wins Zhang BaoYou

Wang Yang is a great Grand-master from China, however never wins any China National Champion Title.

In this game, Wang Yang started with Pawn Opening, Zhang Bao You replied with cannon under the pawn opening. During opening stage, Black had made a mistake. Red quickly took the advantages and finally won the game by using double cannons checkmate method.

Zhou Jun Loses to Jiang Chuan: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 1

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 1

Date: 8th April 2017

Zhou Jun Loses to Jiang Chuan

In this game, GM Jiang Chuan had demonstrated how to play a good game as Black. All players should learn these tactics.

Zhou Jun developed his opening as 56 Cannons Single Horse Defend, whereas Jiang Chuan used Sandwiched Horses Opening.  Obviously, Zhou Jun's opening strategy was initiated massive attack during opening. This is common for Red player. Whereas, Jiang Chuan's strategy was defenses and wait for opportunity. This is common as Black player. 

Liu Guanghui Loses to Zhao Xinxin: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 1

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 1

Date: 8th April 2017

Games selection!

Liu Guanghui Loses to Zhao Xinxin

GM Zhao XinXin always plays his game aggressively regardless of playing with Red or Black! 

This game is a good example. Zhao XinXin started attack first even played with Black. 

In the end game, Red calculated wrongly, thought there would be a draw after exchanged the piece. However, Zhao managed to protect his edge pawn, and led to winning point.

Dang Fei Draws to Zheng Weitong: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 1

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 1
Date: 8th April 2017

Games selection!

Dang Fei Draws to Zheng Weitong

This is a typical example "draw menu".

See by yourself.

Wang Tianyi wins Bu Fengbo: 2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 1

2017 China National Xiangqi Team Tournament - Round 1
Venue: Hangzhou, China
Date: 8th April 2017

Games selection!

Wang Tianyi wins Bu Fengbo

Wang Tianyi started the game with P7+1, Bu Fengbo replied with P7+1 as well. Wang Tianyi developed his opening as Screen Horses Defend with Double Ranked Chariot. Whereas, Bu Fengbo tried to consolidate his defend, responded with central elephant and ranked chariot.

In the middle game, players exchanged both of their chariots. Then, Wang Tianyi had gained little advantage with a 9th edge pawn.  Wang Tianyi deployed his 9th edge pawn and attack Black' weak horse. Bu Fengbo forced to defense most of time!

#49 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black H2+1, Red H3+4, Black R4+1

 #49 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black H2+1, Red H3+4, Black R4+1

Outcome: Advantages go to Red

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 from center.

  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

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

4-games friendly match within GM Hu RongHua and GM Yang GuanLin in 1960. First time they meet!

GM Hu RongHua vs GM Yang GuanLin: First time they meet in 1960

4-games friendly match within GM Hu RongHua and GM Yang GuanLin in 1960

GM Yang GuanLin and GM Hu RongHua, both are the legendary figure in Xiangqi's history.
Below friendly matches were played in their first meeting in year 1960. During that time, GM Yang already obtained 3 times China National Xiangqi Champion for year 1956, 1957 and 1959, whereas GM Hu was a 14 years young boy.

Game #1

GM Yang GuanLin Loses to GM Hu RongHua

#48 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black H2+1, Red H3+4, Black falled onto trap

#48 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black H2+1, Red H3+4, Black fallen onto trap

Outcome: Advantages go to Red

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


As mentioned earlier, the most efficient move Black would be H2+3 for proper horse.

However we also discussed other variations. We had discussed Black

R4+3 R4+4, R4+5, R4+7 and P3+1 advantages all go to Red.

In this post, we will start to discuss Black H2+1.

Black H2+1 is also a main variation for Same Direction Cannons Opening.Black H2+1 is a valid move as well.

  5. …………  H2+1

What is the most effective move for Red?

  6. H3+4  …………

Correct move!

In previous post, Red played H7+1, Black immediately counter with C2=3, advantage go to Black.

In this post, Red H3+4 is good move.
Since Black H2+1, therefore only middle pawn is only protecting by a single left horse. This middle pawn became the target for Red.


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

In this situation, if Black play C2=3....

  9. …………  C2=3

Black is planning to attack Red's horse. Seems a good move. However in reality, Black C2=3 is a bad move!
The correct move is C3=4.We will discuss C3=4 variation in later post.

 10. R2+5  R1=2   11. C8+4  P3+1
 12. C8=3  R2+7   13. A6+5  …………

Red is planned to sacrificed his horse.

 13. …………  R2=3   14. R2=7  C3-1
 15. R9=6  …………

Excellent move!

 15. …………  R4+4   16. K5=6  R3=2
 17. R7=6

Red wins.

My Books: The XiangQi Master From The Cave

My Books: The XiangQi Master From The Cave

The Xiangqi Master From The Cave

Xiangqi, or Chinese Chess which more Westerners may be acquainted with, is an ancient game with strategy that has been played for at least a thousand years. 

40% Discount for all my books! Limited time April 2017 only

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#47 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black H2+1, Red P7+1

#47 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Black H2+1, Red P7+1

Outcome: Advantages go to Black

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


As mentioned earlier, the most efficient move Black would be H2+3 for proper horse.

However we also discussed other variations. We had discussed Black

R4+3 R4+4, R4+5, R4+7 and P3+1 advantages all go to Red.

In this post, we will start to discuss Black H2+1.

Black H2+1 is also a main variation for Same Direction Cannons Opening.Black H2+1 is a valid move as well.

  5. …………  H2+1    6. P7+1  …………

Black H2+1, however Red did not change accordingly and still follows his own tactic by playing P7+1.

In this case, what is the bext move for Black?

A story regarding the origins of the "The Invincible XiangQi Manual"

A story regarding the origins of the "The Invincible XiangQi Manual" 

烂柯真诀妙通神，

一局曾经几度春。

自出洞来无敌手，

得饶人处且饶人。

There is a saying in Chinese:

“The way of the Lan Ke is deep and profound,

Each game can be analyzed for several years.

After intensive training in a cave, and come out invincible.

It is best to let bygones by bygones”.

"The Lan Ke" in second sentence actually representing another ancient Xiangqi manual. While, the forth sentence is the title of this ancient Xiangqi Manual 自出洞来无敌手.

During the Qing dynasty, under the rule of of Emperor DaoGuang (1820-1850 AD), there was a Xiangqi player called Gu Erxie. He lived in Weifang City in Shangdong Province. Gu was a famous Xiangqi player in his own right and was uncontested.

New Book: The Secret In The Tangerine

Jim Png 's New Xiangqi Book 

"The Secret In The Tangerine" 

will be published soon !!!!