#10 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red R2+6 variation.

#10 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red R2+6 variation.

Outcome: Advantage to Black

  1. C2=5  C8=5

Same Direction Cannon Opening confirmed.

  2. H2+3  …………

Red developed his right horse.

Another valid move for Red would be R1+1 for Ranked Chariot formation.

However, Same Direction Cannon Ranked Chariot is out of the scope in this chapter.

  2. …………  H8+7

Now is Black's turn to develop his left horse.

Black also could play R9+1, it would lead to the same variation.
.

  3. R1=2  R9+1    4. R2+6  …………

As mentioned in previous post, the most effective moves for "Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot" are as below:

  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

As seen on board, Red plays R2+6 instead of P3+1 in ply #4. R2+6 is not a effective move for Red. Black must know how to utilize Red's mistake and turn it into his own advantages.

  4. …………  P3+1

Black P3+1 would be the most effective move to against Red. 



If Black played R9=4, the advantage would turn to Red. I will explain further in the future posts.

  5. R2=3  …………

Red of course R2=3, this is the purpose he has selected R2+6 in the previous move.

  5. …………  H2+3

Black H2+3 is the correct move!

At this point, Red has three main variations.

a) R3+1
b) A4+5
c) R3-1

a) R3+1
Of course, Red would not play R3+1 to capture Black's left horse!

If Red played R3+1:
  6. R3+1  C5+4    7. H3+5  C2=7
  8. H5+4  C7=5


Current board analysis:
1) Red had exchanged his chariot for Black cannon and horse.This trade was not worthy during the opening's stage, according to modern day xiangqi theory.
2) Red's left flank was not developed yet, whereby Black both flanks were well developed. Black's left chariot is ready for the battle.

Outcome:
Advantage to Black. The correct move for Red in ply #4 is P3+1.

R3+1 Variation

b) R3-1

  6. R3-1  R9=4    7. R3=7  H3+4
  8. P3+1  E3+1    9. R7-1  R1=3
 10. R7+5  E1-3

Current board analysis:
1) Obviously, Black's pieces for both flank are well developed
2) Red has moved his chariot too often and caused lack development for other pieces. As seen, Red left flank still not develop yet.
3) We also learnt that Black has traded his weak right chariot for Red most effective chariot.Red has moved his chariot several times and exchanged with Black's right chariot which only make one move.Exchange own weak piece with opponent stronger piece is a tactic often used in middle game.

Outcome:
Advantage to Black The correct move for Red in ply #4 is P3+1.

R3-1 Variation

c) A4+5

6. A4+5  H3+4    7. R3-2  H4+3

Current board analysis:
1) Red A4+5 to consolidate his center line, however, Black also took this opportunity to develop his right horse and advanced into Red's territory.
2) Red's left flank was not developed yet, whereby Black both flanks were well developed. Black's right horse is ready to strike.

Outcome:
Advantage to Black.The correct move for Red in ply #4 is P3+1.

A4+5 variation