#20 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then R3+1

#20 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then R3+1

Outcome: Advantage to Red

  1. C2=5  C8=5    2. H2+3  H8+7    3. R1=2  R9+1    4. H8+7  P3+1
  5. P3+1  R9=3    6. E7+9  C2+4    7. A6+5  P3+1    8. P7+1  R3+4
  9. R9=7  …………

In the previous example, Black has played R3=7, C5=3, all lead the advantages to Red.

  9. …………  R3+1

In this example, Black plays R3+1, move away from the danger position and to prevent Red plays H7+8.The idea is good.

So, what is the best move for Red?

Horse endgame #5: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Pawn - 2

Horse endgame #5: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Pawn - 2

This is second example. Black's pawn still on initial position and not cross the river yet. 

Red could positional wins the game.

#19 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then C5=3

#19 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then C5=3

Outcome: Advantage to Red

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

Red H8+7 also possible.
It is also tempt Black to play P3+1.

  4. …………  P3+1

Mistake. Black is planning to attack Red's horse at file 7.
A better move for Black is C9=4.

  5. P3+1  …………

Correct move.

  5. …………  R9=3

There are two main variations for Black to attack Red's horse.
1) R9=3
2) C2=3

In this post, we discuss Black R9=3.
Black R9=3 is to prepare for P3+1 in next move.

  6. E7+9  C2+4    7. A6+5  P3+1    8. P7+1  R3+4    9. R9=7  …………

In this situation, Black has 4 main variations.
1) R3=7
2) C5=3
3) H2+3
4) C3+1

In the previous post, Black played R3=7, the outcome was advantage to Red.

In this post, we discuss Black C5=3 variation variation.

  9. …………  C5=3

Black C5=3 to attack Red's horse. There is no way for Red's horse to capture.
So, what is the best move for Red to counter back?

IGM Jiang Chuan wins IGM Cao YanLei

2016 Treasurer God Cup Rapid Xiangqi Tournament
IGM Jiang Chuan wins IGM Cao YanLei

IGM has prepared well for this opening. He did his home-work and applied new variation.

Red began with Central Cannon opening, Black responded with Screen Horses Defense. Both reached 57 Cannons 3rd Pawn Formation vs Screen Horse Defense variation.

In this new variation, IGM Jiang deployed his right horse rapidly to the battle. By doing this, IGM Jiang has gained Black's center pawn during the opening.

Later in the midgame, IGM Jiang moved his center pawn and capture Black's elephant. Lastly, IGM Jiang by using tactic shifting - to move both of his cannons to attack Black's elephant.

Finally checkmated with double cannons checkmate!

A wonderful game!

Horse endgame #4: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Pawn - 1

Horse endgame #4: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Pawn

Usually single horse is hard to win single pawn.

However, as below example, Black's pawn still on initial position and not cross the river yet. Red could positional wins the game.

#18 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then R7=3

#18 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+7, Black R9=3 then R7=3

Outcome: Advantage to Red

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

Red H8+7 also possible.
It is also tempt Black to play P3+1.

  4. …………  P3+1

Mistake. Black is planning to attack Red's horse at file 7.
A better move for Black is C9=4.

Black P3+1 is not a correct move. What is the best way for Red to counter it?

Horse endgame #3: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Elephant

Horse endgame #3: Single Horse Positional Wins Single Elephant

Normally single horse hard to wins single elephant. In order for Black to draw, king and elephant must not in same flank.

If both king and elephant is in same flank, Red is able to win.

#17 Same Direction Cannon Double Headed Snake Pawn Formation vs Double Ranked Chariot - Red H8+9, P7+1 variation.

#17 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  …………

Remember! Red H8+9 is not effective.
The correct move should be P3+1.

  4. …………  H2+3    5. C8=7  R1=2    6. P7+1  R9=4    7. P7+1  P5+1

Key move!

  8. P7=6  …………

In previous post, we had discussed Red P7+1 variation. The outcome would be advantage to Black.

How about Red plays P7=6?

Horse endgame #2: Single Horse Always Wins Single Advisor - Black moves first.

Horse endgame #2: Single Horse Always Wins Single Advisor - Black moves first.

In previous post, Red moves first and wins.

How about if Black move first?

Black move first, Red wins.

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#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?

Horse Endgame #1: Single Horse Always wins Single Advisor

Horse Endgame #1: Single Horse Always wins Single Advisor

The most basic horse endgame.

Single horse always wins single advisor.

Red moves first and wins.