#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?



  4. …………  H2+3

Correct move. Black need to develop his right flank as soon as possible.

  5. C8=7  …………

Red's cannon is targeting Black right's horse.

  5. …………  R1=2

Correct move.Black is preparing to blockade Red's left chariot.

  6. P7+1  …………

Red executes his plan accordingly to attack Black's horse.
If Red played R9=8, Black would play C2+4.

  6. …………  R9=4    7. P7+1  P5+1

Key move! Make way for Black's horse.

  8. P7+1  …………

There will be two main variations for Red:
1) P7+1
2) P7=6

In this chapter, we discuss P7+1. P7=6 will be discussed in next chapter.

  8. …………  H3+5    9. R9=8  P5+1

Black pushes his center pawn. A common tactic in this situation.

 10. P5+1  H5+4   11. C7+7  R2=3   12. R8+7  H4+5   13. E3+5  H7+5
 14. R2+4  R3+3

Current board status analysis:
1) Black still having various main pieces on board, while Red is no more cannons. Black has the advantage to attack with various combination tactic.
2) Red's horses still remain in home base and hardly to develop.
3) Black's chariots are placed on right flank and ready to launch the attack. Example:  R4+7 to block Red elephant's eye
4) Black's central cannon is powerful

Outcome: Advantage to Black