#58 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot Red C8=9, H7+8, H8+9

#58 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot 
Red C8=9, H7+8, H8+9

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.



  7. …………  R4+5

Black R4+5 is the most effective move to counter-attack.Black is planning to attack Red's left horse.

If you recall from previous posts, normally Black R4+5 to attack Red's horse is not wise. This is because Red could E7+9 then follow by R9=7 to protect the horse.

However, in this example, Red C8=9 had occupied the position and Red can not play E7+9 anymore.

As current board situation, there are 3 main variations for Red.
1) H3+4
2) H7+8
3) R9=8

In this post, we will discuss H7+8



  8. H7+8  …………

Red deploys his horse and in the same time prepare to attack Black.
It is a dual move.

Then, what is the most effective move for Black to respond?

  8. …………  R1=4

Excellent move! Black is threatening to checkmate with R++3!

  9. A4+5  …………

Of course!

  9. …………  R4+4

Brilliant move. This is a technique need to be knew by all Xiangqi players.

In this situation, Red has 2 main variations:
1) H8+9
2) H8+7

We will discuss H8+9 in this post.

 10. H8+9  …………

Red choose H8+9, captured the edge pawn and in the same time attacking Black's horse. Its seems to be a good choice....

 10. …………  C2+1

Good move.

 11. R9=8  H3-1

This is the key move!

 12. H9+8  …………

Red moved away his horse, so that his edge's cannon is able to attack Black's edge horse.

 12. …………  C5=2

This is the trick!

 13. R8=9  C2-2   14. C9+6  …………

Red cannon forced to move away his base and cannot protect right horse any move.
This is already in Red's plan.

 14. …………  R4=7

Good move!

Current board situation:
1) Red's right horse is under attack
2) Most of the Black's pieces are developed
3) Red's left chariot and cannon not in good position

Outcome:
Advantages goto Black