The character of “自”- Since - Game #2

Game #2

In this game, Red would demonstrate how to sacrifice two chariots to set up a  Throat Cutting Checkmate in conjunction with the Heaven and Earth Cannons.


  1. C8=5  C2=5    2. H8+7  H2+3
  3. R9+1  R1=2    4. R9=4  A6+5
  5. R4+7  H8+9    6. P3+1  R2+6
  7. H2+3  R2=3    8. H3+4  P3+1

The first eight moves are the same as in the previous examples.Game #1 Diagram 1.2a. Please refer to Game #1 for detailed explanations.

Diagram 1.2a

  9. P1+1  …………

In Game #2, Red used a different strategy to attack. However, by modern day standards, Red's P1+1 would not be ideal.
Black could immediately counter with C8+3 to attack Red's horse which would be in an awkward position.

  9. …………  P3+1   10. P1+1  …………

Red's P9+1 is a must-make move in this position.

 10. …………  P9+1   11. R1+5  …………

Red’s R1+5 is a brilliant move under the circumstances, resulting in containment of Black’s chariot and horse. This would be a blockade to seal off Black’s left flank.

 11. …………  P3=4

By moving P3=4, Black showed that he did not understand the gravity of the situation. A better choice for Black would be C8=6.

 12. R4=2  …………

Diagram 1.2b. Red's R4=2 is a move that does many things. The Red chariot is threatening to capture the Black cannon, while at the same time, blocking the elephant’s eye. This is to prepare for the final attack.

Diagram 1.2b

 12. …………  C8=7

Black’s C8=7 would be a mistake. Black would have been better off with C8=6.

 13. H4+5  …………

Red started his attack from the center.

 13. …………  H3+5

Black's H3+5 would be another mistake.

 14. C5+4  R3+1

Black only way to save the king would be C7-1.

 15. R1+2  …………

Diagram 1.2c. Red sacrificed the chariot for the Black horse.

Diagram 1.2c

 15. …………  R9+2   16. R2=5  …………

Red sacrificed another chariot to set up the Throat Cutting Checkmate.

 16. …………  A4+5   17. C2+7

Checkmate! A combination of the Heaven and Earth Cannons led to the final checkmate. Diagram 1..2d.

Diagram 1.2d

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