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Deceptive Play in Xiangqi Openings

And Countermeasures

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Mục Lục

www.thuvien-ebook.com

Deceptive Play in Xiangqi Openings

And Countermeasures

tambao sưu tầm chuyển ebook

Mục Lục

Preface

Introduction

Chapter I      Same Direction Cannon       （顺手炮类）

Game 1: Premature Penetration

Game 2: Being Anxiousness for Gaining

Immediate Interest

Game 3: Prelude to the Counterattack

Game 4: A Tit for Tat Fight

Game 5: A Powerful Play

Chapter Two    Central Cannon Vs. Screen Horse

Game 1 : Trust to Chance and Windfalls

Game 2: Kill Two Birds with One Stone

Game 3: Abandoning before Gaining

Game 4: Both Sides Having Scruples

Game 5: Turn the Enemy’s Weapon Around and Strike

Game 6: Minor Change

Game 7: Peril on the Central File

Game 8:    Chain of Killing

Chapter III    Central Cannon Vs. Opposite Direction

Cannon or Make-up Opposite Direction Cannon

Game 1: Deception in Attacking Horse

Game 2: Single-handed Attack

Game 3: Get Caught in His Own Trap

Chapter IV Central Cannon Vs. Sandwiched Horse

Game 1: Track the Tiger to its Lair

Game 2: Seize the Opportunity for Counterattack

Game 3: Well-matched in Strength

Chapter V    Pawn Opening

Game 1: Bait a Trap

Game 2: Lock Cannon in Calabash

Game 3: Daring to Face the Exposed Cannon

Game 4: Understand the Intention

Game 5: A Horse is Running Wild

Chapter VI    Elephant Opening

Game 1: Escape from being captured

Game 2: Make the choice resolutely

Appendix: Selected Games from Competitions

Game 1: Huang Yong (Shenzhen) vs.

Sun Yongzheng (Shanghai)

(Kunming, 3rd April, 1998)

Game 2: Xu Tianhong (Jiangsu) Vs.

Hu Ronghua (Shanghai)

(Guangzhou, 7th January 1991)

Game 2: Lu Qin (Guangdong) vs.

Zhao Guorong (Heilongjiang)

(Dalian, 3rd September, 1990)

Game 3: Liu Dianzhong (Hebei) vs.

Lin Hongmin (Shanghai)

(Emei, 16th May, 1995)

Game 4: Liu Dahua (Hubei) vs.

Yan Wenqing (Hebei)

(Shanghai, 17th August, 1997)

Game 5: Li Laiqun (Hebei) vs.

Tao Hanming (Dalian)

Xiaogan, 4th April, 1988

HẾT

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Preface

As rising and falling mountains, the art of xiangqi contains abundant knowledge

and  wisdom.  It  is  also  like  a  boundless  ocean,  on  which  the  magnificent  waves  are rolling and foaming.

Dear readers, when you are facing myriad and various kinds of books on xiangqi

openings, you might feel how difficult it is to master these techniques. Do you know that Yan Wenqing and Zhang Qiang, two great young masters, have already given the same thought with you?

Yes, there are plenty of xiangqi books in the bookshops, someone may call them

“secrets”, “flying knives”, or “guided missiles”, claiming that the readers could acquire mysterious skill from them. Some people might think that they have found a short cut, thus  having  fallen slaves  of  these books. They  often  have a dream of becoming “top players” in a short time and believe that they can defeat the enemy at one stroke. Due to such self-confidence, they are often feeling complacent. However, the things are always against their wishes. Being beset and shrouded in the shadow of the defeat, they might be perplexed and have a sigh with all kinds of feelings. They might curse that there is no such a move in the books, the “secrets” are not effective, the “flying knives” have killed the owners, or the “guided missiles” have missed the targets. When you are at a loss, you might ask yourself where is the way to decode the ciphers of the openings?

You may have read some fine books on the xiangqi openings. However, as the bad ones  are  often  intermingled  with  good  ones,  you  would  lose  your  interest  in  reading these  books.  Some  xiangqi  books  are  merely  scrapbooks  of  odds  and  ends,  or collections  of  data.  In  no  case,  they  must  be  treated  as  creative  works.  If  you  bury yourself in the mountains of these books, how can you overcome the obstacles in the openings and find a right way?

While you are at a loss, Yan Wenqing and Zhang Qiang, the two young masters,

have displayed their wisdom by writing this series of books.

With  a  strong  sense  of  responsibility  and  mission,  the  two  authors,  taking  the readers  of  elementary  and  middle  level  as  the  object,  approach  the  world  of  opening from the high plane of xiangqi masters. Regarding xiangqi as a pure art and a culture, they have examined the present books on the xiangqi openings. For creating something new and different, with a keen and penetrating insight, they have sifted the problems that have often occurred in the xiangqi openings. They even have touched the subjects as yet untouched  by  many  people.  We  can  say  without  any exaggeration  that  this  series  of books is of dynamics in changing the culture of xiangqi. Thanks to their unique insight, our  readers  can  assimilate  the  nutrition  of  xiangqi  theory  from  the  book  of  "Fixed Xiangqi Openings and Theory of Combat". They can appreciate the joyfulness from the book  of  "The  Deceptive  Play  in  Xiangqi  Openings  and  Countermeasures",  and  be rendered  with  happiness  from  the  book  of  "Misleading  Battle  Formations  in  Xiangqi Openings and Assault". The exquisite titles and the penetrating analysis will enable you to improve the strength of your play and help you to find the answers for your defeats in previous competitions.

The  fixed  xiangqi  openings  have been extracted  from the practice of the xiangqi masters through the ages, representing the reasonable play in the stage of opening within certain bouts of play. In the book of "Fixed Xiangqi Openings and Theory of Combat", the authors have made a systematic and thorough analysis on a wealth of books left over by  the  predecessors,  by  weeding  out  superfluities,  reducing  to  bare  essentials.  The authors  also  have  made  reasonable  inducement and  analysis  on  the  typical  openings.

With a clear arrangement and thorough analysis of the ideas, it will help the readers to

look for the ways in breaking the traditional modems.

The  deceptive  play  refers  to  that  within  several  bouts  during  the  stage  of  the opening,  one  side  voluntarily  cast  aside  the  "fixed  opening",  and  suddenly  take  the measures of deception and harassment, inducing his opponent into the trap or making mistakes. The book of "Deceptive play in Xiangqi Openings and Countermeasures" has provided  us  with  plentiful  of  contents  and  new  and  unique  ideas.  By  eliminating  the false and retaining the true, the authors will help you to take away the mysterious veil covering  the  deceptive  play,  and  return  the  opponent  with  the  most  effective counterattack.

The misleading battle formation refers to that during the opening stage, due to one of the contestants lacks of a tactical motivation and a reasonable play, or has responded subconsciously with a customary method, the game has become a structure concealing a weakness. In the book of "Misleading formations and Assault", the authors has made a brilliant exposition on the misleading formations and made clear how to prevent them and  how  to  attack  them.  The  book  can  help  the  readers  to  know  how  to  seize  the opportunity in building up the superiority in the xiangqi play.

With  the  unique  style  of  writing,  the  series  of  books  has  presented  the  broad xiangqi  fans  with  a  splendid  and  mysterious  world  of  the  xiangqi opening.  The professional researchers can also benefit from it when using it as a reference.

By taking the  fixed  openings as the reference  material, the correct  moves as  the fixed  quantity,  the  deceptive  play  and  the  misleading  formation  as  the  variable,  the xiangqi  theory  as  the  equation  and  the  antagonistic  mechanics  as  the  principle,  the readers can find the correct solution between the attack and the Countermeasures. This is  the  golden  key  presented  by  the  authors, with  which  you  can  open  the  gate  to  the xiangqi kingdom.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you the co-authors of this book, Messrs.  Yan  Wenqing  and  Zhang  Qiang.  Both  are  young  xiangqi  masters,  who  have achieved outstanding results not only in xiangqi competitions in recent years, but also in the study of the xiangqi theory. Since the plan of writing this book was conceived out two years ago, they have met me on many occasions to discuss the contents of this book. It  always  made  me  concern  about  them  during  the  process  of  the  writing.  The accomplishment of the book is the result of the authors who are so dedicated to the art and aesthetics value of xiangqi, and a reflection of their industrious work in the field of xiangqi  for  many  years.  It  is  also  a  crystallization  of  their  collective  wisdom  and  the characteristics  in  their  xiangqi  play,  and  a  landmark  showing  that  "the  Wenqiang Xiangqi Classroom" now has matured.

As their elder brother and an intimate friend , I have the great pleasure of writing the preface for this book. I shall be very happy if the publication of the book could bring a revolution in the field of brilliant and rich xiangqi art and culture.

Li Laiqun

In Shijiazhuang,

Introduction

Through the meticulous study of the xiangqi players in the past ages, the xiangqi art

and culture, as a simulation of the warfare, is now entering an unprecedented booming

period. Especially the rapid development  has been witnessed in the xiangqi openings.

The emergence of  various kinds of  new  variations and continuance renovation of the fixed openings has led the elementary and medium xiangqi fans into a dazzling xiangqi world. How to guide them in having a correct understanding of the fixed openings, how to use them in the competitions and to improve their ability in appreciation of the new variations, these work will be the bounden duty of our professional researchers.

The opening takes the most important strategic position in the xiangqi games. To the great extend, the winning or losing of a game between the high-level players hinges on the depth of their study of the openings. The gap between the professional xiangqi players  and  amateurs  is  mainly  embodied  in  the  opening.  Thanks  to  his  efforts  of weeding  through  the  old  to  bring  forth  the  new  in  the  field  of  the  openings,  Mr.  Hu Ronghua, the great master of our generation, achieved remarkable results in the sixties and seventies of the 20th century. At that time, owing to the limitation of the time many fields of the xiangqi openings remained to be undeveloped virgin lands. At present, the xiangqi opening has been developed to a great extend and depth; and is now growing in the direction of a new height, more precision, depth and delicate.

The formation of the fixed xiangqi openings is the result of the untiring study of

the  xiangqi  masters  in  the  past.  To  have  a  good  knowledge  of  the  fixed  openings constitutes  the  foundation  for  mastering  the  openings.  However,  they  must  be  treated with the viewpoint of the time and development. Otherwise, they will become rigid if we look upon them with an invariable viewpoint.

The appearance of the deceptive play is closely linked to the development of the fixed openings. Generally speaking, the deceptive play is of the nature of covertness and initiative.  When  a  player  of  higher  caliber  uses  it  against  a  player  of  lower  level,  it implies that he is prepared and in a planed way in testing the correctness of the "new variation produced in his study room". He is thinking that his opponent can not find out a correct method for making a counterattack, and if the responding move is correct or is close to correctness, he will not land himself in a passive position immediately as he is well prepared in his subsequent moves. When using the deceptive play against a player of the same caliber, though he is prepared, he is not sure in his play. He is expecting that his opponent would fail in detecting his plot or has a blind spot in the fixed opening as such.  If  his  opponent  has  a  correct  countermove,  he  can  not  necessarily  have  a  good command of the development of the situation. When using the deceptive play against a player of the higher caliber, the player has the idea of leaving things to chance and is expecting that his opponent would commit a mistake. Once his opponent has a powerful countermove, he would be utterly routed. As the elementary players find these "flying knifes and traps" from the text books and lack a thorough study on them, they are often misled and thrown into a passive position if using them in the competition.

The  background  of  the  misleading  formation  differs  from  that  of  the  deceptive play.  Any  player  of  the  high  caliber  may  possibly  produce  a  misleading  formation during  the  competition.  The  misleading  formations  come  into  being  due  to  the carelessness,  sedulously  striving  for  a  change  or  the  customary  mentality  of  a  player when  he  has  not  well  prepared  and  planned  in  the  game.  As  the  weakness  of  the misleading  formation  is  indistinct  and  concealing,  it  is  not  easy  to  be  detected  and decoded.  Because  the  pieces  have  comparatively  strong  inner  links  in  the  misleading formation, it often can be detected only after several bouts of play. Only a player has a keen  sense  of  judgement,  a  strong  ability  of  analysis  and  prediction,  can  he  have  a correct assessment of misleading formations in the games.

The theory of xiangqi play refers to the objective laws within the mould structure

during the game, reflecting the inner link among the pieces. The objective laws must be observed when taking Countermeasures to the deceptive play or launching an attack on the  misleading  formation.  The  player  must  fully  display  his  subject  initiative.  Any violation of the objective laws of the xiangqi theory will result in defeat in competitions.

With a new viewpoint, we have made an experimental exposition on the fixed opening, the deceptive play as well as the misleading formation in this book, hoping that it can help the players of the elementary and medium level to  raise  the  combat  effectiveness.  Despite  the  fact  that  we  have  taken  an attitude of "pursuing the perfection of the opening" as the starting point, there is  still  a  big  gap  between  what  we  have  expounded  in  this  book  with  the xiangqi art and its cultural connotation, as it is so abundant, rich and splendid. If this series of the books can help to promote the development of the xiangqi openings  in  the  direction  of  more  perfection,  we  are  wealthy  of  the  heavy responsibility placed on us by the time.

A Brief Introduction to the Author: Yan Wenqing

Born  in  the  city  of  Tangshan,  China  in  1967.  Since  1983  when  he  became  a member of Hebei Provincial Xiangqi Team, Yan Wenqing has been trained under the guidance  of  Liu  Dianzhong,  a  well-known  xaingqi  coach  in  China  and  Li  Laiqun,  a world Grand Master. Due to  his diligence and strong power of  understanding,  he  has made  rapid  progress  in  xiangqi  skill.  In  1988,  he  was  awarded  the  title  of  National Master. He won the fourth place in the National Xiangqi Individual Tournament in 1990 and  the  fifth  place  in  1991,  and  also  the  third  place  of  the  Asian  Individual  Xiangqi Tournament in the same year, thus becoming the International Master. In 1998, he was placed second in the National Xiangqi Individual Tournament. Together with Li Laiqun and  Liu  Dianzhong,  he  distinguished  himself  in  winning  the  title  of  the  National Xiangqi Team Tournament on three occasions.

While receiving the guidance from his teachers, he had already developed a style of his own in xiangqi play. Conceived ingeniously and with a strong imaginative power, his play has a natural grace and great momentum. He is especially good at the xiangqi openings, displaying his style of “weeding through the old to bring forth the new”. Histheory on the xiangqi opening has become the new trend in the xiangqi play of today.

The  books  written  by  him  include    “Commentaries  and  Annotations  on  Games  of Xiangqi Masters”, “ Cream of Tactics in Popular Xiangqi Openings” (in collaboration with Mr. Zhang Qiang) and “Battle between Kings – Selected Games from Five-Ram Cup Xiangqi Championships”(in collaboration with Liu Dianzhong, Zhang Qiang and others).  Many  xiangqi  specialists  speak  approvingly  of  him.  He  was  awarded  the national prize of “Best Commentary and Annotation on Xiangqi Games” in 1995.

A Brief Introduction to the Author: Zhang Qiang

Born in the city of Beijing in 1971. Nurtured by his family, he has been fond of

playing xiangqi since his childhood. He began to show his talent when he was still a boy, won the third place in the National Junior Xiangqi Championships in 1985 and in the same year, he was recruited into Beijing Xiangqi Team. In 1991, he was awarded the title  of  National  Master.  In  1992,  he  won  the  fifth  place  in  the  National  Individual Xiangqi Championships.      In 1994, he was the runner-up in the "Gold Xiangqi King" National Xiangqi Masters Tournament. Now, he is a xiangqi coach and concurrently a player  in  Beijing  Team,  as  well  as  a  student  of  Department  of  Chinese  Language, Beijing Normal University.

Being  in  the  prime  of  his  life  and  full  of  enterprising  spirit,  Zhang  Qiang  is  well known for his quick and acute train of thoughts. There is strength as well as grace in his plays.  He  is  well  versed  in  the  theory  of  xiangqi  and  has  a  profound  knowledge  of openings, especially the Pawn opening (仙人指路) and Horse opening (起马局) , etc.. Together with Mr. Yan Wenqing, he has become one of the outstanding representatives in the theoretical  faction, which  is so  fashionable of nowadays. The books written by him  include “Selections  of  Practical  Xiangqi  Tactics”, “The  Cream  of  Tactics  in  the Popular  Xiangqi  Openings”  and “The  Battle  between  Kings –  Selected  Games  from Five-Ram Cup Xiangqi Championships”. He was awarded the national prize of “ Best Commentary and Annotation on Xiangqi Games” in 1995. Now he is also invited as the

main commentator for the programs of “The World of Xiangqi”, “Zhongli Cup Xiangqi Tournament”  by  China  Central  TV  Station  (CCTV)  and  is  warmly  welcomed  by  the broad TV viewers.

Chapter I      Same Direction Cannon    （顺手炮类）

Game 1: Premature Penetration

1. C2=5    C8=5      2. H2+3    H8+7

3. R1+1    R9=8      4. R1=6    R8+4

5. H8+7    H2+3      6. R6+7    (as shown in the diagram)

The above is the opening of “Same Direction Cannon and Ranked Chariot vs. Filed Chariot” (顺炮横车对直车). Now, the Red Chariot is penetrating  hastily  into  the  Black’s  second  rank.  It  is  a  deceptive offensive  move.  Despite  the  fact  that  it  involves  some  tactics,  as  an isolated piece, Red Chariot is apt to meet a counterattack from Black. The normal Red continuation is P3+1, or C8+2, or R6+5.

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  the  diagram,  Black  can  have  the following three variations in responding to the attack of Red: (1) P3+1; (2) C5=6;  (3)  C2+2.  They  may  be  developed  into  the  following  possible lines:

(1) P3+1

6.    …      P3+1    7. R6=7!    H3+4?

Black’s  conception  is  pure  and  simple,  that  is  to “move  the  piece forward”. He has not anticipated the danger that  is looming ahead. Now the better play for him is H7-5. However, Red can play R9+1, which will also throw Black into a passive position.

8. C8+3! P3+1

When  Red  drives  his  Cannon  to  the  riverbank,  Black  is  too  late  to repent,  as  his  Chariot  and  Horse  are  under  containment  of  the  Red Cannon,  like "a  horse  is  drawn  by  a  monkey".  For  gaining  some compensation,  Black  has  to  make  a  sacrifice  by  advancing  the  Pawn.  If Black  played  A4+5,  Red  would  play  P7+1  (If  Red  played  R7-3,  Black would  play  E3+1),  then  C2=3,  R7-1!  Red  has  gained  the  material advantage.

9. C8=6    P7+1    10. P3+1!

This  move  is  simple  but  powerful,  ensuring  that  Red  is  in  an advantageous position.

10.    …    R8=4    11. R9=8    C2=4

12. P7+1

After  eliminating  the  only  weak  point  on  the  board,  Red  will advance forward with brisk steps.

(2) C5=6

6.    …    C5=6

A passive defense. It can only weaken the strength of his formation.

7. P5+1!

Following the principle of “when the enemy  retreats, we advance”, Red takes the opportunity to push forward.

7. …    A6+5

Due to the weakness on the central file, Black has to strengthen his defense. If  Black played C6+5, he would meet the Red tactical strike of P5+1! R8=5 (If Black played A6+5, Red would play R6=7 and would be in a superior position), H7+5, R5+2, C8=4, Black is now in danger as his formation is unstable and crisis-ridden.

8. H7+5

By  now,  Red  has  further  expanded  his  initiative  and  has  a  bright future.

(3) C2+2

6.    …    C2+2!

A flexible manoeuvre, with which Black can play offence as well as defense.

7. P7+1    C2=8    8. H7+8

In  order  to  maintain “the  initiative”,  Red  plays  toughly  by  driving his Horse to block the Red Chariot. If Red changed to play H7+6, Black would be in a satisfactory position: R1=2, C8=7, P3+1 (a good move for deploying his forces)! P7+1, C7+3, C7=3, R8=3.

8. …    R8+1!

A  powerful  and  good  move,  as  it  can  force  Red  to  move  the Elephant  to  the  edge.  If  so,  the  formation  of  Red  is  weakened.  If  Black played  C7+3  for  exchanging  the  Horse,  it  is  a  mediocre  move,  as  Red would be superior in the disposition of forces after the following moves:

C8=3, R8=2, H8-7.

9. E7+9    R8+1!

Now, Black is ready to launch a counterattack. If Black played P3+1, he  could  also  gain  a  good  position.  However,  this  move  is  not  so  fierce and tough as the former one.

10. P3+1    C7+3    11. C8=3    R8=7

12. C3=4    R7+3

As  "the  backyard  of  Red  is  on  fire",  Red  hasn’t  gained  any  profit.    His deceptive play is now declared bankruptcy.

Summery: With a hue of premature, the penetration of Red Chariot on  the  6th  move  is  a  play  of  deception.  In  variation  (1),  Black  has committed  a  primary  mistake,  thus  offering  Red  a  winning  position.  In variation (2), Black's play looks weak and has fallen into the trap of Red. In  variation  (3),  Black  plays  positively  in  meeting  Red’s  attack  and  is ready  for  making  a  counteroffensive,  thus  achieving  satisfactory  results. Especially, the two moves of the Chariot are ingeniously designed, which merits us to ponder over.

This  game  tell  us  that  Red  is  too  hasty  in  launching  an  offense, therefore, his tactics is premature. Red would suffer a disastrous defeat if Black makes a correct counterattack.

Game 2: Being Anxiousness for Gaining

Immediate Interest

1. C2=5    C8=5    2. H2+3    H8+7

2. R1+1    R9=8    4. R1=6    R8+4

5. H8+7    H2+3    6. R6+5

To drive the Chariot into the forest of Black’s Pawns is a kind of the methods of Red for making an attack. Red can also have the play of P3+1, or C8+2 or R9+1, etc..

6. …    C2+2

A correct  move. Had Black changed to play E3+1, Red would play C8+2,  then  P3+1,  C8=5,  H3+4,  C5+3,  E7+5,  R9=8,  C2=3,  R8+7,  Red would stand better in his offensive play.

7. P7+1    P3+1

The normal variation is C2=7, H7+8, P3+1! Black can have enough strength  to  contend  with  Red.  Now,  Black  is  forcing  to  make  the exchange. It is the play of deception with certain purpose.

8. R6=7    R1+2      9. R7-1

To withdraw the Chariot for taking the Pawn is the move that fits in with the actual situation. If  he changed to  play  P7+1, Black would have the chance for making a counterattack by playing C2-3.

9. …    P7+1    10. H7+6    C2+2 (as shown in the diagram) In the situation as shown in the diagram, Black purposely shows the flaw  by  playing  Cannon,  with  an  aim  of  luring  Red  into  the  trap.  Now, Red  can  have  the  following  two  variations:  (1)  H6+7;  (2)  H6+4,  which may be developed into the following possible lines:

(1) H6+7

11. H6+7

It seems to be a good move. However, it is too hasty to be played.

11.    …    R1-1!

12. H7+5

Red  has  fallen  into  the  trap.  The  correct  move  is  R7=6.  If  so,  Red has no major losses.

12. …    C2=3!

An  excellent  move.  Red  Chariot  can  not  escape  from  his  doom. Black has gained the initiative.

(2) H6+4

11. H6+4

It  is  a  steady  and  safe  play.  The  powerful  move  is  P3+1.  The subsequent moves will be Black P7+1, R7=2, H7+8, P7+1, Both sides are locked in a position for gaining the initiative.

11.    …    C2=3

If  Black changed to play  H7+6, Red would play R7=4, then C2=7, E3+1. Red Pawn on the 7th file is so aggressive. After crossing the river, it will constitute a fetal menace to Black.

12. H4+3    C3-2    13. H3-2    C2=8

14. C8=7

By now, the situation is quite clear that Red is in a superior position. Summery: On the 7th  move, Black  is  forced to  make an exchange of the Pawn, with the aim of luring Red into his trap. However, it can not be considered as a good move. At the situation as shown in the diagram, in  variation  (1),  due  to  the  fact  that  Red  is  overanxious  for  gaining  an immediate interest, Black’s deception is paid. In variation (2), as Red has seen through the plot, he secured his superior position by exchanging the Horse with Black.

Though there are not  many  variations in this  game, and responding

lines  are  not  so  complicated,  it  fully  proves  that  the  anxiousness  for

gaining an immediate interest must be avoided in our play.

Game 3: Prelude to the Counterattack

1. C2=5    C8=5    2. H2+3    H8+7

2. R1=2    R9+1    4. P3+1    R9=4

5. H8+7    H2+1

By  placing  the  Horse  on  the  edge,  Black  can  have  more  flexibility

than the 3rdfile. In such a position,  Black can play C2=3  for threatening

the  Red  Horse.  The  weak  point  of  this  play  is  that  Black’s  central  file

proves weak.

6. R2+6

Red hastily drives the Chariot to attack Black Horse. The better play

for  Red  is  A6+5  for  strengthening  the  defense  or  H3+4  for  threatening

Black's Pawn on the central file.

6.    …    C2=3    7. R9=8    R1=2

A correct move. It looks hasty to play P3+1, because Red could play

R2-1, P3+1 (If Black played R4+2, Red would play C8+5), R2=7, C3+1,

C8+5!    Black will find it difficult to cope with the situation.

8. C8+4

It  is  imperative  for  Red  to  advance  Cannon  for  blocking  Black

Chariot.  Had  Red  played  R2=3,  Black  would  play  R2+6,  then  C8=9,

R2=3,  R8+2,  P3+1,  C5=4,  R4=6!  A6+5,  H1+3.  After  that,  Black  could

play H3+5.    Black would be is in a superior position.

8.    …      R4+6!    9. R8+2    P3+1  10. R2-1 (as shown diagram )

The  safe  and  stable  play  for  Red  is  E7+9,  for  strengthening  his

defense.  Both  sides  are  still  entangled  together.  Now,  Red  retreats  his

Chariot, hoping that Black would play P3+1, which can be considered as

a sinister deceptive move.

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  1,  Black  may  have  the

following  two  variations:  (1)  P3+1;  (2)  P7+1,  which  may  be  developed

into the following possible lines:

(1) P3+1

10. …    P3+1

Black  sticks  to  the  old  way  in  making  the  attack.  Had  he  played

R4-4?    Red  would  play  R2=7,  then  R4=2,  R8+4,  R2+3,  R7+2,  R2=3,

R7-1, H1+3, P7+1, Red would come  out  better as  he  had  got a  material advantage.

11. R2=7    P3+1    12. R7-2

A  move  of  accuracy.  Had  he  erred  in  playing  R7+2,  Black  would

play  P3+1,  then  C5=7,  H7-5!  Red  would  lose  the  advantage.  If  Red

played  R7-3,  Black  would  play  R4=7,  then  C7+7,  R2=3!  Black  could

have gained the pieces after the encounter of the Four Chariots.

12. …    C3+5

Black  is  making  one  blunder  after  another.  He  has  fallen  into  the

ambush  of  Red.  He  is  better  to  play  C3=4.  If  so,  he  still  had  enough

strength in his game.

13. C5=7!    R4=7    14. E7+5    R7-1

15. C7+7      K5+1

Black  has  no  other  choice  but  to  make  this  move.  Had  he  played

A4+5, Red would play C8=3. Red would win quickly.

16. C8+2    C5+4    17. A6+5

Black is utterly routed. Red has secured a winning position.

(2) P7+1

10. …    P7+1!

A  farsighted  good  move.  It  can  be  considered  as  the  prelude  to  the

counterattack. As Black stays clear of the menace of Red discovered play

C8=3, Red has no chance of gaining any profit.

11. R2=3    P3+1 (As shown in diagram )

In the situation as shown in diagram 2, after sacrificing his Pawn on

the file 7, Black charges forward with another Pawn. It is an ideal move!

The  situation  of  Black  is  quite  different  with  that  in  diagram  1.  To

respond, Red can have the following two variations: A6+5 and R3=7:

(2.1) A6+5

12. A6+5    R4+4

The move is simple and clear-cut that Black retreats Chariot to take

Red Cannon. Another powerful line for Black is R4-2, by which Black’s

superiority is secured.

13. R3=7    P3+1!    14. H7-6    R4=2

A  desirable  move.  If  Black  tried  to  preserve  his  strength  and  make

the  situation  complicated  by  playing  C3=4,  Red  would  play  C8+2,  then

P3+4,  P3+1,  P4=5,  C5=7,  Red  could  have  the  chance  in  the  tangled

fighting.

15. R8+4    R2+3    16. R7+2    R2=3!

17. R7-1    H1+3    18. P3+1    H3+4

19. P3+1    H7-5

By  now,  Both  sides  have  one  promoted  Pawn.  However,  Black  is

obviously in a superior position as his pieces are more active than that of

Red.

(2.2) R3=7

12. R3=7    P3+1    13. R7+2

If  Red  still  take  the  old  road  as  in  variation  (2.1),  Red  can  not

succeed.  For  example:  R7-2,  C3+5,  C5=7,  R4=7,  E7+5  (If  Red  played

C7+7,  Black  would  play  R2=3),  R7-1,  C7+7,  A4+5!  Black  will  be  in  a

superior position as he has the material advantage.

13.    …      P3+1    14. R8+1    R4-4

15. C8+2    R4-2    16.R7=9

Had Red changed to play C8-2, Black would play P3=4, then C5=4,

H7+6, Black obviously comes out better.

16.    …      R2=1    17. R8+5    R4=2

18. R9=6    R2+4    19. E3+1    H7+6!

20. C5+4    A6+5

Losing no time, Black resolutely launches an attack with his Horse.

By now, with an unstable formation, Red has landed himself in a passive

position  as  Black  can  have  several  offensive  plays:  H6+4,  or  H6+5,  or

R2-2.

Summery:  On  the  10th  move  that  Red  retreats  his  Chariot  to  take

the  Black  Pawn  is  a  play  of  deception  but  with  a  tactical  motive.  In

variation  (1),  due  to  Black’s  ignorance  of  the  trap  set  by  Red,  Red  has

succeeded  in  securing  a  winning  position  by  making  a  sacrifice.    In

variation (2), as he has seen through the intention of Red, Black makes a

sacrifice  of  his  Pawn  on  7th  file  for  relieving  the  menace  of  the

discovered  attack  of  Red.  After  that,  he  launches  a  counterattack  along

the 3rd file, thus reversing the position of winning and losing.

By following the correct orientation, Black launches the attack along

the  3rd  file.  Prior  to  this,  the  sacrifice  of  the  Pawn  on  the  7th  file  is  an

important interlude as it has wiped out the hidden danger. With such a key

move, it is quite enough for Black to shatter the deceptive play of Red.

Game 4: A Tit for Tat Fight

1. C2=5    C8=5    2. H2+3    H8+7

3. R1=2    H2+3    4.H8+9

By stationing  his left  Horse on the edge, Red can speedily dispatch

his pieces into action. Red can also play H8+7, or P7+1.

4.    …    R9+1

Black  drives  his  left  Chariot  forward  for  strengthening  his  combat

effectiveness. He can also play P7+1, which is also a normal variation.

5. C8=7    R1=2

6. P7+1 (as shown in diagram)

图 5

The 7th file Red Pawn has posed direct menace to Black Horse. It is

an offensive play but with deceptions. The most common move is R9=8

to drive the strong piece into action.

In the situation as shown in diagram 1, Black can have the following

three variations: (1) E3+1; (2) C2+5; (3) R9=4, which may be developed

into the following possible lines:

(1) E3+1

6. …    E3+1

A pure passive defensive plays. It  has weakened the strength of  his

formation.

7. R2+6!

Red  can  gain  advantage  from  both  sides  when  his  right  Chariot  is

pressing in. It can be considered as a good move for gaining the initiative.

7.    …    R9=4    8. R9=8

It is a move of precision and accuracy. If Red changed to play R2=3,

Black  would  play  C5-1  and  have  a  chance  to  extricate  himself  from  his

cramped position.

8. …    P7+1

If Black changed to play R4+3, Red would play R8+6. Or if  Black

changed  to  play  R4+6,  Red  would  play  R8+2.  In  both  cases,  Red could

maintain the initiative.

9. R2=3    C5-1      10. R8+6    C5=7

11. R3=4    H7+8    12. R8=7

Red has secured a superior position.

(2) C2+5

6. …    C2+5

It  is  premature  that  Black  drives  his  Cannon  forward  to  make  a

forced exchange, though it can be considered as a counterattack to some

extend.

7. R9=8!

It  is  a  simple  but  powerful  move.  Had  Red  changed  to  play  P7+1,

Black  would  play  P3+1  (It  is  a  strong  move,  while  other  moves  will

throw  Black  in a poor position), then C7+5 (If Red played C5=8, Black

would play R2+7, then C7+5, H7-5 or R2=7. Red could stand better after

having captured the Black pawn on the central file), C2=7, C7=3, C5+4,

A4+5,  R2+2.  After  making  the  sacrifice,  Black  will  be  in  offensive

position, while the fate of Red is unclear.

7.    …    R9=2

If  Black  played  C2=5,  Red  would  be  happy  with  it:  R8+9,  H3-2,

E3+5, P7+1, R2+4, Black lags behind in dispatching his pieces.

8. R2+6

Red  drives  his  Chariot  forward  to  attack  the  Black  Horse.  Black  is

forced to make an exchange of pieces.

8.    …      C2=5    9. R8+8    R2+1

10. E3+5    P5+1

Pushing the central file Pawn forward is the best choice. Otherwise,

Black  will  fall  into  a  passive  position  as  his  both  Horses  are  under  the

attack.

11. P7+1!    H3+5    12. P7=6    P5+1

13. P5+1    C5+3      14. A4+5    E3+5

15. R2-2!

In face of Black’s counterattack, Red has obtained the initiative step

by  step  by  making  best  use  of  the  situation.  With  his  Chariot  on  the

riverbank, Red can play offense as well as defense. He has already gained

a major superiority.

(3) R9=4

6. …    R9=4

Despite the fact that Red Pawn will cross the river, Black drives his

Chariot  to        the  armpit  file.  The  move  is  implicit  but  powerful,

conforming to no conventional pattern.

7. P7+1    P5+1! ( as shown in diagram )

图 6

To  take  a  counterattack  from  the  central  file  makes  the  people  feel

fresh. It is a brilliant countermove that Black launches a tit for tat attack

against Red.

In the situation as shown in diagram 2, Red may have the following

two variations: (1) P7+1; (2) P7=6:

(3.1)     P7+1

8. P7+1    H3+5    9. R9=8    P5+1!

A good move. By making a forced breakthrough, Black will have    a

new prospect.

10. C5+2

By playing Cannon for taking Black’s Pawn, Red can slow down the

pace  of  the  opponent's  offensive.  Had  Red  played  P5+1,  Black  would

play  H5+4,  then  C7+7,  R2=3,  R8+7,  H4+5,  E3+5,  H7+5,  there  is  a

possibility for Black to launch a counterattack.

10. …    R4+6      11. R8+2    A4+5

By  playing  the  Advisor,  Black  can  accumulate  enough  strength  for

attacking.  It  is  quite  obvious  that  R4=7  is  a  bad  move  as  Red  can  play

C7+7 to take the Chariot.

12. E3+5    H5+4    13. H9-8    R4+2!

It is an ingenious move that Black sacrifices his Chariot to take Red

Advisor.  Black  can  also  play  C2+7,  which  will  also  lead  to  a  winning

position.

14. K5+1

Red has no other alternatives. If he played K5=6, Black would play

C2+7,  then  R8-2,  H4+3,  K6=5,  R2+9,  Black  has  secured  the  winning

position as he has gained the material advantage.

14.    …      C2+7!    15. R8+7    H4+3

16. K5=4    R4-1      17. K4+1    H7+5

Now, Black  is at the zenith of  his offensive. Red is unable to ward

off the attack. For example, if Red played R8=7, Black would play A5-4,

then P7=6, H3+4! A4+5, R4-4, Black is sure to win.

(3.2)     P7=6

8. P7=6    R4+3!

It is an ingenious move that Black makes a sacrifice of his Horse for

gaining  the  initiative.  If  Black  changed  to  play  H3+5,  Red  would  play

P6=5,  then  H5+3,  R9=8,  the  situation  would  become  complicated  and

unclear.

9. C7+5    H7+5    10. C7+1    C2+5

11. R9=8

It  is  a  forced  move  for  Red.  Had  he  played  C7=1  for  making  a

counterattack,  Black  would  play  C2=7,  then  C1+1,  H5+3,  R2+9,  C5+3,

A4+5, E3+5, Red cannot get any advantage.

11.    …    R2+4

Another  feasible  line  for  Black  is  R4-3.  Had  Red  played  R2+6  (If

Red  played  C5=7,  Black  would  play  P5+1.  It  would  lead  to  a  strong

offensive),  Black  would  play  R4=3,  then  R2=3,  H5+3,  C5+3,  A4+5,

R3=6,  R2+6.  After  that,  Black  could  play  R2=4,  or  H3+4,  etc.  Black

would be in an optimistic situation.

12. C7-1

Red  is  playing  tenaciously.  Had  he  played  H3-1,  Black  would  play

R4-3 and be in a superior position.

12.    …    C2=7    13. R8+5    R4=2

14. H9+7

If  Red  played  C1+1,  Black  would  play  H5+3,  then  C5+3,  C5+4!

Red will lose quickly.

14.    …    R2=3

A  correct  move.  Had  he  played  R2-3,  Red  would  play  C1+1,  then

C5=3 (If Black played H5+3, Red would play H7+6), C5+3, A4+5, R2+2.

Black can hardly gain any advantage.

15. H7+9

Red Horse has no other choice. Had Red changed his move to H7-6,

Black would play R3+4; Or if Red played C1=7, Black would play H5-3,

Black would have the initiative in both situations.

15.    …      R3=2    16. H9-7    R2=3

17. H7+9    R3=2

Red  has  to  make  a  change,  otherwise  he  has  breached  the  rule  of

“Two  captures  vs.  One  capture”  (两打一还打).  Afterward,  Black  can

have  the  follow-up  moves  of  C5=3  and  H5+7.  Obviously,  Black  is  in  a

superior position.

Summary:  Due  to  Black’s  passive  defense  and  incorrect

counterattack in the first two variations when responding to the deceptive

play of Red that his Pawn is menacing Black’s Horse,, Red has succeeded

in his plot. In variation (3), by taking a tit for tat fight, Black has broken

the  defense  line  of  Red  at  one  stroke  in  both  games  (3.1  and  3.2),  thus

gaining the superior position.

Because  of  his  unstable  formation  in  this  game,  Red  has  met  the

strong  counterattack  of  Black  along  the  central  file,  which  is  so  orderly

and powerful.

Game 5: A Powerful Play

1. C2=5    C8=5    2. H2+3    H8+7

3. R1=2    P7+1    4. H8+7    H2+3

5. P7+1    C2+4

Black  Cannon  crossing  the  river  is  a  well-known  variation  in  the

opening of “same direction Cannon and filed Chariot vs. slow-action

of  Chariot”  (顺炮直车对缓开车布局),         after  which  Black  can  have  the

tactical play of C2=3 or C2=7. Black may also have the choice of R1+1.

6. H7+6

Driving Horse to the bank of the river is an outmoded play. In recent

years, there is some development in this opening. Red can also play H7+8

to  block  Black’s  right  Chariot,  which  will  lead  to  a  more  complicated

situation of defense and offense.

6.    …    C2=7    7. C8=7

Another  steady  move  for  Red  is  R9=8.  After  that,  Black  can  play

R9+1  (or  play  R1=2,  which  is  also  a  correct  move),  then  C8=7,  R9=4,

H6+7, R4+2. Both sides are locked in an entangled position.

7.    …    R1=2    8. H6+7

It is a correct move. P7+1 may not be a good one, as Black can play

R2+5 to make a counterattack.

8.    …    C5=4    9. P7+1    R2+6

10. E7+9 (as shown in the diagram)

It  is  a  move  of  deception  that  Red  drives  his  Elephant  to  the  edge.

His  intention  is  to  lure  Black  Chariot  into  moving  sideways  for  taking

two pieces by one stroke, so that Red could succeed in his tactical scheme.

The  common  play  is  C7+2,  C4+5,  H3-5,  R9+1,  which  will  lead  to  a

situation that both sides are locked in attack.

In the situation as shown in the diagram, Black may have following

two  variations:  (1)  R2=3;  (2)  R9=8.  They  may  be  developed  into  the

following possible lines:

(1) R2=3

10. …    R2=3

Black  hasn't  seen  through  the  intention  of  Red.  When  he  moves

Chariot sideways in an attempt to take the two pieces, he has fallen into

the trap set by Red.

11. R9=7    R3-2

Black  has  thrown  himself  willingly  into  the  trap,  making  the

situation  more  deteriorating.  Had  Black  waken  up  timely  by  playing

A4+5,  he  still  could  have  enough  strength  in  resistance,  though  he  had

lost the initiative.

12. C7+2!

Now,  everything  is  clear.  When  his  Cannon  is  driven  forward,  Red

can  have  the  follow-up  tactical  moves  of  C7=5  and  C5=7.  Black’s

defense line will be broken.

12.    …      A4+5    13. C5=7    R3=4

14. C7+3

Now, Red is in an advantageous position as he has the material gain.

(2) R9=8

10. …    R9=8!

A  powerful  play.  Without  the  least  hesitation,  Black  forces  Red  to

exchange Chariot with him.

11. R2+9

If  he  changed  to  play  P7=6,  Black  would  play  R8+9,  then  H3-2,

H3-1  (he  can  also  play  R2=3),  R9=7,  A6+5.  Both  sides  have  some

scruples in their play. Black’s formation is more stable and has a potential

of development.

11.    …    C7+3    12. A4+5    H7-8

13. P7=6

Had  Red  changed  to  play  C5+4,  Black  would  play  C4=7  (If  he

played  C4=8,  Red  would  play  C5-1,  then  P7+1,  It  would  lead  to  a

complicated  situation),  then  C5-1,  C7+5.  Black  would  be  in  a  superior

position as he has the material gain.

13. …    C4=8

It is a well-knitted play that Black makes a sacrifice for mating. Had

he  played  R2=3,  Red  would  play  R9=7,  then  C4=8,  H7-6.  Black  would

find it hard to control the situation.

14. C7+5    C7=9    15. H3+2

Red has no other alternatives. Otherwise, he will lose his Chariot.

15.    …      R2=5    16. E9-7    A6+5

By  playing  the  Advisor,  Black  can  strengthen  his  defense  in  the

central  file  and  activate  the  central  Chariot.  It  proves  that  Black  is  an

experienced  player.  If  he  changed  to  play  P7+1,  Red  would  play  R9=8,

then  A6+5  (If  Black  played  P7=8,  Red  would  play  R8+3,  then  P8=7,

A5+4, R5-1, R8+1. Red would have enough strength in resistance), R8+4,

R5=7 or R5=8. It would lead to the situation that both sides have scruples

in their play.

17. R9=8

Had Red played H7+5, Black would play E7+5 (It is a steady play),

then C7=2, H8+6, C2-1, P7+1, Black would be in a superior position as

he could have the initiative of launching an attack. Or if Red played A5+6,

Black would play R5=8, then  H2+4, R8+3, K5+1, R8-1 (C8+6  is also a

good move), K5-1, C8+5. Black is sure to win.

17.    …    R5=8    18. A5+4

If  Red  played  H2+4,  Black  could  play  R8+3  (R8=2  is  also  a  good

move, but this move is more aggressive), then A5+4, C8+5! C5=3, R8=7,

Black wins by taking an unconditional mating（绝杀）.

18. … R8-1

Black  has  retrieved  the  pieces  that  he  has  lost.  With  a  powerful

offensive, Black has secured a winning position.

Summary: In variation (1), as he fails to see through the plot of Red

deceptive play, Black has committed one big blunder after another, when

he retreats his Chariot for taking the opponent's Pawn. He is thrown into a

hopeless  position.  While  in  variation  (2),  Black  plays  positively  by

making  an  exchange  of  Chariot  with  his  opponent,  thus  winning  the

victory.

Red 10th move is a play of deception that he drives his Elephant to

the edge. As his left Chariot is stalled and can not be driven into the battle

quickly,  his  formation  lacks  real  worth.  These  are  the  weak  points  that

Red can not overcome. In  variation (2), Black’s play  is powerful, which

has inflicted a heavy blow on the Red deceptive play.

Chapter Two    Central Cannon Vs. Screen Horse

Game 1 : Trust to Chance and Windfalls

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3. R1=2    H2+3    4. P7+1    P7+1

5. R2=6    C8=9    6. R2=3    C9-1

7. H8+7    A4+5    8. H7+6

It  is  one  of  the  main  methods  in  launching  an  offensive  that  Red

drives  his  Horse  to  the  riverbank.  If  he  changed  to  play  C8=9,  it  would

lead  to  the  typical  position  of            “5th  and  9th  file  Cannons,  cross-river

Chariot Vs. Screen Horse, Cannon played sideways for exchanging of

Chariot”(五九炮过河车对屏风马平炮兑车).

8.    …    C9=7    9. R3=4    R8+5

The  most  stable  play  for  Black  is  to  play  Chariot  to  take  the  Red

Horse.  Other  lines  for  Black  are  E3+5,  E7+5  or  H7+8.  All  these

variations will make the situation more complicated. From the prospect of

its development, Red will stand better.

10. C8+2

When  Red  moves  his  Cannon  for  protecting  the  Horse,  both  sides

has  entered  into  the  rivalry  at  the  riverbank.  It  is  inadvisable  for  Red  to

play H6+5. If so, Black would play H3+5, then C5+4, H7+5, R4=5, C2=7,

Red would be under the attack of his opponent and lose the initiative.

10.    …      E3+5

It  is  quite  necessary  for  Black  to  strengthen  his  defense  by  playing

the  Elephant.  If  Black  hastily  made  the  counterattack  by  playing  P3+1,

Red would play H6+5, then R8=3, C8=9! E3+1, H5+7, Red would be in a

superior position as he had the material superiority.

11. R9+1 (as shown in the diagram)

图 8

Had  he  played  H6+5,  Black  would  play  R8=3,  then  C8=9,  R1=3,

Red could not have any advantage.

In the situation as shown  in the diagram, Red plays his left Chariot

sideward, “trusting  to  the  chance  and  windfalls” –  awaiting  errors  made

by  Black.  The  play  has  a  comparatively  strong  sense  of  deception.  In

responding, Black  may have the following four  variations: (1) P3+1; (2)

C2+1; (3) R1=3; and (4) P7+1. They may be developed into the following

possible lines:

(1) P3+1

11.    …      P3+1

Being impatient in making a counterattack, Black has hurled himself

into the net.

12. H6+5    R8=3    13. H5+7    R3=2

Had he played R1=3, Red would play H7+5 to take Advisor and be

in superior position.

14. R4+2    C7=9    15. H7+5!

It  is  an  earth-shattering  move  that  Red  drives  his  Horse  to  take  the

Advisor.

15. …    C9=5

This  is only  move that Black can  make.  Had  he played  A6+5, Red

would  play  C5+5,  then  K5=  4,  R9=6,  C2=4,  R4=5!  C4+3,  R5=4,  Red

would be in a winning position.

16. C5+5    C5=1    17. C5-3

Red  has  secured  immense  superiority  after  making  a  sacrifice  for

launching an attack.

(2) C2+1

11. …    C2+1

The play is not effective as Red can take the opportunity to array his

formation.

12. R4-4    R8-1    13. C5=6    C2-2

14. E3+5    P7+1

By sacrificing his Pawn, Black could activate his left Chariot. If he

changed to play C2=3, Red would play R9=8, then P3+1 (If Black played

R1=2, Red would play C8+3 and be in superior position), P7+1, E5+3 (If

Black played C3+3, Red would play R4+6 to gain the  initiative), C8=9!

R1=3, R8+6! Red has secured the superiority.

15. P3+1    P3+1    16. R9=7

It  is  a  move  of  exquisiteness,  with  which  Red  left  Chariot  can  be

driven out.

16.    …      P3+1    17. R7+3    H3+2

18. C8+4    C7=2    19. R4+4

The situation for Red is quite excellent, as he has gained the material

advantage in pawns and they are on the very good position.

(3) R1=3

11.    …    R1=3

The conception is good that Black drives the Chariot sideward to the

position of Elephant for protecting the right Horse and making a counter

attack by playing the 3rd file Pawn. However, after Red has succeeded in

arraying his troop for the battle, his conception will come to nothing.

12. R9=6

It is a good move, though it looks clumsy, as it has a latent move of

P7+1  for  attacking.  Red  is  tempted  to  play  C5=7.  However,  under  the

strong  counterattack  of  Black,  Red  might  find  it  hard  to  control  the

situation: P3+1! P3+1, R8-1〔It is a correct move. If he played R8=7, Red

would  play  E3+5,  then  R7+1,  C8-1  to  take  Chariot;  Or  if  H3+4,  H3+2.

(The move is simple and clear. If R4+2, then R8-3, R4=3? C2-1!) H4-6,

P3+1, C7+3, R9=3, H6+8, C7+3! Red has secured the superiority.〕, P7+1,

P7+1 or R3=4, Black still has the chance to tie down the enemy.

12. … R8+1

Had  he played R8-1, Red would play  H6+7; or If  he played R3=4,

Red  would  play  C5=6.  Red  would  be  in  a  superior  position  in  both

situations.

13. C5=7    R3=4    14. C7=6    R4=3

15. E3+5

By now, Red has gained superiority.

(4) P7+1

11. …    P7+1

By  pushing  his  7th  file  Pawn  forward,  Black  can  implement  the

counterattack immediately. It is the best move in responding to Red play,

though it can not be easily detected.

12. H6+7

If  he  changed  to  play  P3+1,  Black  would  play  R8=7,  then  H3-5,

R7+1 or R7+3. Black's play would be of some elasticity.

12.    …    R1=4    13. P3+1

If he changed to play C8=3, Black would play C7+4, then P3+1 (If

Red played R4-2, Black would have a good move of C2+5), R8=7, R9=8,

R4=2 (It  is a correct  move. If Black played C2-2, he would be  harassed

by the Red play of H7+9), the initiative would be reverted to Black.

13.    …      R8+1    14. R4-4    R8=7

15. R9=7    R4+6

It is a good move. By driving his Chariot forward, Black is ready to

launch a counterattack.

16. E3+1    R4=2    17. R7=2    C2-1

By now, Black has enforced the containment of Red. His pieces are

so active that it is enough to compensate the loss of losing a pawn.

Summary:  Red  11th  move  is  of  deception  that  he  drives  Chariot

forward, waiting for an opportune moment to go into action. The correct

move  is  C5=6,  by  which  Red  still  can  maintain  the  initiative.  The

subsequent lines of this variation are: P3+1, P3+1, R8-1 (a correct move.

If  he  erred  in  playing  R8=7,  Red  would  play  E7+5,  then  R7+1,  C8-1!

Black  would  lose  his  Chariot),  P7+1,  E5+3,  C8=7,  H3+4!,  C6+3,  P7+1,

C6+3,  C7=4,  C7=3,  R8=7,  E7+5,  E3-5.  This  position  would  be

acceptable to Black.

It  proves  that  Black's  responding  lines  in  the  first  three  games  are

not correct, so Red has succeeded in his deceptive play. In  variation (4),

as Black has seen through the plot of Red, so he pushes his Pawn forward

in making a counterattack. In the end, it is Red who has suffered.

Game 2: Kill Two Birds with One Stone

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3. R1=2    H2+3    4. P7+1    P7+1

5. R2+6    C8=9    6. R2=3    C9-1

7. H8+7    A4+5    8. H7+6    C9=7

9. R3=4    R8+5    10. C8+2    E3+5

11. H6+5

It  is a  move of deception that Red drives his  Horse to take Black’s

central  Pawn.  The  normal  play  for  Red  is  C5=6,  with  which  he  can

maintain a slight initiative.

11.    …    R8=3    12. C8=9    R1=3

13. R9=8 (as shown in the diagram)

图 9

The  above  moves  of  both  sides  are  of  compulsory  nature.  In  the

situation  as  shown  in  the  diagram,  in  face  of  the  attack  of  Red,  Black

mainly  can  have  three  variations:  (1)  C2-1;  (2)  H3+5;  (3)  H7+5.  They

may be developed into possible lines:

(1) C2-1

13. …    C2-1

To  retreat  his  Cannon  is  passive  defensive  play,  as  it  gives  Red  a

good opportunity for attack.

14. E7+9    R3+1

15. C9=7!

The  move  is  clear-cut,  simple  and  powerful  that  Red  plays  the

Cannon sideward for gaining the initiative after an exchange.

15.    …      H7+5

16. C5+4    P3+1

It is a bad move, as Black has overlooked that Red has a good move

in hand. Now, Black has no other alternative but play C2=4. Despite the

fact that he is in a passive position, Black still can manage to cope with it.

17. C7+3    R3+2    18. R4+2!

Red  has  succeeded  in  separating  Black's  two  Cannons  and  gained

the material advantage.

(2) H3+5

13. …    H3+5

There  is  a  hidden  peril  in  Black's  formation  as  his  Cannon  is  in  a

cramped position, despite the fact that he has captured the enemy's Horse

with his right Horse.

14. R8+7    R3=6    15. R4=2!

It  is  quite  nature  that  Red  doesn’t  want  to  make  such  an  exchange

with Black.

15. …    H5+3    16. R2+2!    H3+4

Black was  forced to  make the sacrifice reluctantly  for releasing  his

Horse into the battle. If he changed to play C7=6, Red would play C5+5,

then K5=4, C5-3, Red would be in an excellent position.

17. R2=3

It  is  quite  nature  for  Red  to  take  the  enemy’s  Cannon  with  his Chariot.

17.    …    H4+3    18. K5+1    R3=4

19. C9=5!

Red plays his Cannon sideward for protecting the central file, and at

the same time, for containing the movement of Black’s right Chariot. Red

has secured a winning position.

19.    …    H7+5    20. R3=4!

The  play  is  so  ingenious.  In  the  subsequent  lines,  if  Black  played

C6-4, Red would play C5+3, then A5+4, C5+4, It would lead to a Double

Cannons mate.

(3) H7+5

13. … H7+5

It is the best countermove that Black drives his left Horse to take the

opponent’s Horse.

14. R8+7    C7+1!

It  is  a  good  move  that  serves  two  purposes.  On  one  hand,  it  can

relieve  of  the  menace  of  losing  a  Horse.  On  the  other  hand,  it  can  stop

Red  Chariot  from  taking  Cannon.  Black  has  successfully  fortified  his

defense. If he changed to play R3=6, Red would play R4=3, then C7+1,

R8-1, Black can hardly avoid the fate of losing materials.

15. R8-1    P1+1    16. C9=8    H5+3

Now, Black is in a satisfactory position.

Summary:  It  can  be  considered  as  a  typical  deceptive  play  that  on

the 11th move, Red drives his Horse to take Black’s central Pawn. In such

jigsaw pattern warfare as shown in the diagram, Black may suffer losses

if he responds it incorrectly. In the first two variations, Black has landed

himself in a predicament due to his improper play. While in variation (3),

as he has seen through the enemy’s plot, Black has secured a satisfactory

position.

Variation (3)  is the best of all  variations. Black's 14th  move can be

considered as an ingenious play, which merits us to learn. By dispatching

his  Cannon,  it  lends  a  protection  of  the  Horse  on  the  central  file,  for

"killing two birds with one stone".

Game 3: Abandoning before Gaining

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3. R1=2    H2+3    4. P7+1    P7+1

5. R2+6    C8=9    6. R2=3    R8+2

7. H8+7    E3+5    8. H7+6    C2+4 (as shown in the diagram)

图 10

The  above  shows  a  line  in  the  opening  of   “Central  Cannon,

Cross-River  Chariot  vs.  Screen  Horse,  High  Chariot  protecting

Horse” (中炮过河车对屏风马高车保马).

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  the  diagram,  Black  ferries  his  Cannon

across the river for spying on the enemy’s pawn. In responding to Black’s

counteroffensive, Red may have two variations: (1) P3+1; (2) P5+1. They

may be developed into the following possible lines:

(1) P3+1

9. P3+1

To exchange the 3rd file Pawn is just what Black is hoping for. It is

the mistake often committed by the elementary Xiangqi fans.

9.         … C2=1

To  retreat  the  Cannon  by  one  step  is  a  clever  move,  which  strikes

Red  unexpectedly  and  throws  him  in  a  dilemma.  If  Black  played  P7+1

carelessly, Red could gain the initiative by playing P7+1.

10.P3+1

That  is  only  move  for  Red.  If  Red  Horse  took  the  flight,  Black

would  take  the  Pawn  with  his  Cannon.  Looking  like  a  stone  killing  two

birds, it would render a strong momentum in his attack.

10.    …    C2=4    11. P3=2    C4-2

It is a clear-cut and simple move that Black withdraws his Cannon to

take the Red Chariot, proving that Black has the overall situation in mind.

If  he  changed  to  play  H7+8,  Red  would  play  H3+4,  Red  still  could

maintain the initiative to some extend.

12. P2+1    C4=7    13. P2+1    C7+6

14.A4+5    R1=2    15. C8=6    R2+4

Black has secured a great advantage.

(2) P5+1

9.         P5+1    C2-1

Isn't Red dread of Black Cannon's attack when he pushes the central

file  Pawn  forward?  No,  not  at  all,  as  Red already  has  a  countermove  in

mind.

10.H6+7    C2=5    11. H3+5    C9+4

Through the forced exchanges, Black has gained the “advantage” of

an exposed Cannon. If he changed to play R1=2, Red would play C5+2,

then R2+7, C5=4. After that, Red could play C4+3 or H5+6. It is obvious

that Red would be in a positive position.

12.       C5+2

It  is  not  suitable  for  Red  to  play  P3+1,  as  Black  can  have  the

countermove of R8+4.

12.    …    C9=5    13. P9+1!

It  brooks  no  delay  for  Red  to  push  the  edge  Pawn  forward,  as  it

gives Black no chance of using the exposed Cannon.

13.    …      P5+1    14. R9+3    P5+1

15.C8+2!    A4+5    16. C8=5

By  abandoning  first  and  gaining  later,  Red  has  secured  a  superior

position.

Summary: It is a deceptive play that Black drives Cannon forward

to take the Red Pawn on  move 8. As the  move is premature, if Red  had seen  through  the  plot,  Black  would  have  fallen  into  a  passive  position.

However, the move of Black C2-1 is of some elasticity, as both sides still

can have the equal chances in their play.

In  variation  (2),  Red  has  played  so  skillfully  by “offering  Black  an

exposed Cannon”  in responding to Black's deceptive  move. Finally, Red

has gained the initiative after making the sacrifice. It is a game with a lot

of fun.

Game 4: Both Sides Having Scruples

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3. R1=2    H2+3    4. P7+1    P7+1

5. R2+6    H7+6    (As shown in diagram )

图 11

The diagram shows a common position of “central Cannon, cross

river Chariot vs. screen Horse, left Horse at the riverbank” (中炮过

河车对屏风马左马盘河). In face of the menace of Black's P7+1, if Red

is dread of  Black’s attack and takes a passive and defensive play,  it will

lend Black an optimistic situation.

(1) R2-2

6. R2-2

When  retreating  his  Chariot,  Red  has  virtually  lost  the  initiative.  It

also  gives  Black  an  opportunity  for  adjusting  his  formation.  If  Red

changed to play R2=4, Black would play H6+7. Red would make a futile

effort.

6.    …    C2-1

It  is  a  move  of  flexibility  and  elasticity  that  Black  retreats  his

Cannon  for  playing  sideward.  It  is  also  a  powerful  move  for  supporting

the Horse at the riverbank.

7. P3+1

If  Red  changed  his  move  to  R2=4,  Black  would  play  C8+2.  After

that, Black could play C2=6. Black is quite confident in his play.

7.    …    P7+1

It is a correct move. If he changed to play C2+4 (The move is flashy,

as it offers the opponent the opportunity to deploy his forces), Red would

play H8+7, then P7+1 (If Black played C2=7, Red would play E3+1, then

C7+1, R9=8. Red would have the initiative), R2+1, H6-7, R2=8. Black is

at the risk of losing pieces.

8. R2+1

It  is  a  powerful  move  for “safeguarding”  of  the  initiative.  Had  he

changed to play R2=3, Black would play C8=7, then R3+1, E7+5! R3=4,

C7+7,  A4+5,  C7=9,  K5=4,  R1+1,  By  sacrificing  his  Horse,  Black  has

gained a strong offensive. His formation is quite active.

8.    …      H6-7    9. R2=3    C8+4

10. R3-1

If  he  changed  to  play  R3+2,  Black  would  play  C8=7,  then  R3=7,

C7+3,  A4+5,  E7+5,  Black  would  make  a  sacrifice  to  launch  a  powerful

attack.

10. …    R8+2

Now, Black has secured the initiative.

Does Red Chariot have to stay away after crossing the river? Is the

move  P7+1  of  Black  so  powerful?  Now,  let’s  have  a  look  at  the  correct

lines played by Red.

(2) H8+7

6. H8+7

To  maintain  the  initiative,  Red  should  dispatch  his  pieces  naturally

and keep a watch for the variation of his opponent.

6. …    P7+1

It  is  a  typical  deceptive  play  that  Black  pushes  his  Pawn  forward

prematurely.  The  correct  move  for  Black  is  to  play  E3+5  for

strengthening his formation.

6. R2=4 (As shown in diagram )

图 12

By  playing  the  Chariot  to  take  the  enemy's  Horse,  Red  can  easily

control the situation. If he changed to play R2-1, Black would play H6-7,

It would lead to an entanglement of tactics. After that, if Red played R2-2,

Black would play C2+4; Or if Red played R2=3, Black would play C8-1.

It is uncertain whether Red could get any advantage.

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  2,  Black  may  have  three

variations:  H6+7,  H6+8,  or  P7+1.  They  can  be  developed  into  the

following possible lines:

(2.1) H6+7

7.    …    H6+7    8. C5=6

It  is  quite  necessary  for  Red  to  move  his  Cannon  away,  as  Black

wants to make the situation simplified. If he changed to play R4=3, Black

would  play  H7+5,  then  E7+5,  E3+5,  R3-2,  C8=6,  The  game  would  be

stable and smooth.

8.    …    E7+5    9. R4=2

If  he  changed  to  play  R4=3,  Black  would  play  R8=7  to  exchange

Chariot.

9.         …    R1+1    10. C8+2    R1=7

11. E7+5

After the Black Pawn  is taken, Red has secured the  initiative and a

sound battle formation.

(2.2) H6+8

7.    …    H6+8    8. P3+1!

It is an unexpected good move that Red makes a forced sacrifice of

the Horse. If he changed to play H3-5, Black would play P7+1, and gain a

satisfactory position.

8. …    H8+7

If  he  played  C8=7,  Red  would  play  H3+5.  By  taking  retreat  as

advance, Red would be in a superior position.

9.         C5+4    H3+5

Red  has  hit  Black’s  strategic  point  when  he  takes  Black's  central

Pawn  with  his  Cannon,  proving  that  Red  has  successfully  employed  the

tactics of “abandoning before  gaining”. In such a position, Black  has no

other  alternative  but  to  have  the  Cannon  exchanged.  Otherwise,  Red

offensive would be more powerful as he has the exposed Cannon.

10.R4=5    C2=5    11. C8=3    C8=7

12. A6+5

Red  plays  the  Advisor  to  strengthen  his  position,  giving  the

opponent no opportunity. Now, Red has the superiority in the number of

pawns as well as in arms of service. If he can combine both offense and

defense in his play, and hold back any premature attack of the opponent,

the situation would be quite optimistic for him.

(2.3) P7+1

7.    …      P7+1    8. R4-1    P7+1

9. H7+6

After  several  moves,  Black  can  only  have  the  advantage  of  a

cross-river  Pawn.  However,  with  a  single  Pawn,  he  can  get  nowhere.

Seizing this opportunity, Red takes the preemptive measure by driving his

Horse forward to make the assault first. The move is clear-cut and simple.

If  he  changed  to  play  R4=2,  Black  would  play  P7=6,  then  C5=6,  R1+1,

Red could not gain any profit.

9. … C8=5

Black has to reinforce the central file with his Cannon. If he played

P7+1, Red would play C8=7, then E7+5, R9=8, R1=2, P7+1! P3+1, R4=2.

The  situation  would  be  in  favor  of  Red,  as  Black's  pieces  were  in  a

cramped position.

10.       P7+1    R8+5

If  Black  played  P3+1,  Red  would  play  R4=7  and  be  in  superior

position.

11.P7+1    R8=4    12. P7+1    C2+4

13.C8=3

Now, Red has secured the winning position.

Summary: In variation (1), as Black Horse is at the riverbank, Red

is  dread  of  the  immediate  attack  of  Black’  Pawn.  Red  has  lost  the

initiative when he withdraws his Chariot. In variation (2), Red has made a

correct choice that he drives his left Horse forward, showing that Red has

enough strength to cope with the deceptive counterattack of Black’s Pawn

and maintain the initiative.

Black’s  riverbank  Horse  has  caused  containment  to  Red  as  it  is

menacing  Red  Chariot.  However,  Black  has  the  weak  point  that  his

Chariot and Cannon on the left side are not protected. It can be said that

both  sides  have  scruples.  Through  the  above  analysis,  we  can  have  a

better  understanding  that  there  is  no  reason  for  Red  to  be  dread  of  the

counterattack of Black’s Pawn and to make an escape of his Chariot.

Game 5: Turn the Enemy’s Weapon Around and Strike

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3.         R1=2    H2+3    4. P7+1    P7+1

5. H8+7    C2+4

Black responds positively that he drives his Cannon across the river,

in an attempt for a counterattack. Black can also play E3+5 to fortify his

defense.

6. P5+1

Red pushes his central Pawn forward for launching the offensive. On

the other  hand,  it can  prevent  Black Cannon  from taking  his Pawn. Red

can  also  play  R2+4,  H7+6  or  P3+1.  All  these  variations  will  lead  to  a

more complicated situation.

6. …    C8+4

It has become a well-known variation of “Central Cannon, 7th file

Horse vs. screen Horse, double crossed-river Cannons”  (中炮七路马

对屏风马双炮过河).  It  often  leads  to  the  situation  in  which  both  sides

have tactical schemes and are locked in a fierce mutual offensive.

7. R9+1

If  Red  changed  to  play  P5+1,  Black  would  play  A4+5,  then  P5=6,

E3+5,  Black  would  be  in  a  satisfactory  position,  as  Red  pieces  were

sealed off and short of follow-up forces.

7.    …      C2=3    8. E7+9    R1=2

9. R9=6    R2+6

Black  drives  his  right  Chariot  forward  for  strengthening  the

blockade  and  is  ready  to  make  a  sacrifice  for  gaining  the  initiative.

Black can also play C3=6. If Red played R6+6, Black would play C6+1.

Both sides would be locked in a close and acute combat.

10. P3=1

The  most  common  offensive  play  is  R6+6,  Black  may  play  E7+5,

then  R6=7,  A6+5.  It  will  lead  to  the  situation  that  Red  has  the  material

gains, while  Black  has the  initiative. It  is can be considered as a typical

deceptive  play  that  Red  pushes  his  3rd  file  Pawn  forward,  voluntarily

taking a variation.

In the situation as shown in diagram 1, both sides having their swords

in  hand, a  fierce batter  is imminent. Black  may  have the two  variations:

(1)  P7+1;  (2)  C3=6,  which  may  be  developed  into  following  possible

lines:

(1) P7+1

10. …    P7+1

The  deceptive  play  of  Red  has  paid  off.  It  seems  that  Black  is  in  an

upper  hand  when  he  has  a  promoted  Pawn.  However,  Red  has  an

ingenious tactical scheme in hand.

11. R6+2    R8-2

When two things come to harm, it is usually to choose the one that is

suffered  lightly.  The  expedient  measure  is  to  withdraw  his  Cannon.  If

Black  changed  his  move  to  H7+6,  Red  would  play  P5+1,  then  H6+7,

P5+1, A4+5, P5=6, E3+5, R6+1, C3=5! Black would have the chance for

making  a  counterattack.  However,  Red  could  seize  the  initiative  easily

with the following move: R6=2! R8+6, R2+3, P7+1, R2+2, H6+4, H3-5,

P7=6, R2=6, H4+3, H5+7, P6+1 (If Black played C3=5, Red would be in

a superior position by playing C5=1), R6-2 (The move is a clear-cut and

powerful.  If  Red  played  C5=6,  Black  would  play  C3=5  to  take  the

offensive), P6=5, C8=5. Black could hardly make a resistance to Red next

move of C5+1.

12. P5+1

Red  pushes  his  central  Pawn  forward  for  taking  the  offensive.  It  is

also correct to choose the  move E3+1. After that, if Black played C8=7,

Red  would  play  R2+9,  H7-8,  H3-2,  E7+5,  C8-2,  P7=6,  A6+5,  P6=5,

C8=7!  Red  has  secured  a  superior  position  as  he  has  the  material

advantage.

12.    …      A6+5    13. H3=5    C3=5

14. R6=5    R2=5    15. H7+5    P7=6

It  seems  that  after  several  moves  of  fight,  Black  has  tided  over  the

crisis, with nothing lost. However, as Red will make the forced exchange

of pieces in his next move, it will throw Black into a dilemma.

16. H5+6! C8=4

Black  is  reluctant  to  make  such  a  painful  choice.  If  he  changed  to

play  H3-1,  Red  would  play  C5+4!,  H7+5,  P5+1.  Red  would  be  in  an

upper hand, as Black’s Cannon and Chariot had lost protection.

17. R2+9    H7-8    18. P5=6

Now,  the  situation  on  board  is  quite  clear.  Red  has  a  bright  future.

Black’s inactive right Horse will be under attack.

(2) C3=6

10.…C3=6! (as shown  in diagram)

图 14

Being  not  cheated  by  Red  Pawn,  Black  plays  his  Cannon  sideward

to  take  the  position  on  the  armpit  file  for  making  a  counterattack,

preventing  Red  from  playing  R6+2.  It  is  an  excellent  move  with  a

far-sighted calculation.

In the situation as shown in diagram 2, Red can have two variations:

(2.1)  H7+6  and  (2.2)  P3+1,  which  may  be  developed  into  the  following

possible lines:

(2.1) H7+6

11. H7+6

If  Black  played  C2+1  to  take  the  Cannon  in  his  next  move,  Red

would  play  P3+1  to  make  the  offensive.  But  Black  plays  very  carefully,

and does not give Red any chance.

11.    …    P7+1!    12. C8=7

If  Red  played  C8-1,  Black  would  have  the  following  counter

measures: C6-1! H3+4, C8=5, C5=8, R2+1, R2+9, H7-8, H4+3, H8+7. In

the  subsequent  moves,  no  matter  Red  played  P5+1  or  C6+2,  what  is

waiting him will be Black's C5=7 !

12.    …    P7+1    13. P7+1    R2=3

14. P7+1

The result of the mutual attack reveals that the initiative is always in

the hands of Black. Or if Red played H6+8, Black would play R3+1, then

H8+7, A6+5, H3+5, R3-1 or R3-3, Black has secured the initiative.

14.    …    P7=1    15. P7+1    C6-1!

After that, Black can launch the offensive by playing C6=4, or C8=5,

which will throw Red in the mire.

(2.2) P3+1

11. P3+1

Despite the fact that Red can exploit the fork trick by playing C6+6,

Black  can  retrieve  what  he  has  lost  with  the  play  of  E7+5,  R6=7,  C6+1

and maintain the superiority.

11.    …    C6+1    12. H3+4    C8=6!

For  reducing  the  momentum  of  Red  offensive,  Black  plays  his

Cannon sideward to make a forced exchange of pieces. On the other hand,

Black will  have the  material superiority. It can be considered as the best

choice  in  such  a  complicated  situation.  However,  the  following  two

variations  have  offered  Red  a  loophole:  (1)  C6=3,  R2+3,  R8+6,  H4-2,

R2=8, R6+6, Black's superior position has become an inferior position. (2)

C8-1, R2+3! C8=5 (If Black played R2=8, Red would play H4-2, C6=3,

R6+6,  C8=7,  H2-4,  C3=6,  C8=4,  H3-2,  P3+1,  Red  is  in  a  superior

position),  R2=5!  R2=5,  H7+5,  C6=2,  C5+2,  E7+5,  H5-3,  P5+1,  C5-3.

Black is in a passive position.

13. R2+9    H7-8    14. H4+5    H3+5

15. C5+4    R2+1    16. H7+6    FC=1

17. H6+7    C1+2    18. K5+1    R2-1

It  is  inevitable  that  Red  will  lose  one  piece  in  the  above  play.

Therefore, Red will make all efforts in making a counterattack by placing

his hope on the exposed Cannon. However, Black has combined offense

with  defense  and  has  the  scheme  of  C6=5,  Black  can  easily  repulse  the

enemy’s attack.

19. H7+6    E7+9

It is necessary for Black to strengthen his defense. Now, Red is at his

wit’s end.

20. H6-4    H8+6

Black is in a superior position as he has the material advantage.

Summary:  In  answer  to  the  Red  deceptive  play  of  P3+1,  as  Black

sticks  to  the  old  conventions  in  variation  (1),  Red  has  succeeded  in

gaining  the  initiative  by  driving  his  Chariot  forward  to  capture  Black

Cannon, and throwing. Black into a difficult position. While in variation

(2),  Black  resolutely  plays  his  Cannon  sideward  to  the  armpit  file  for

making  a  counterattack  and  finally  has  repulsed  the  enemy’s  premature

offensive.

In this game, in a complicated situation when both sides are locked

in  a  heated  fight,  it  is  quite  necessary  for  Black  to  have  a  good

understanding of the deceptive play of Red as such.

Game 6: Minor Change

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8 3. R1=2    H2+3    4. P3+1    P3+1

5. C8=7 (as shown in diagram)

The  most common play  is  H8+9, P1+1, C8=7, H3+2, R9+1, which

will lead to the popular formation of “5th and 7th file Cannons, 3rd file

riverbank Pawn vs. screen Horses” (五七炮进三兵对屏风马).

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  1,  Red  has  made  a  minor

change in the playing order by playing the Cannon to the 7th file first. It

seems  that  there  isn’t  much  difference,  but  in  reality  it  is  a  move  with

deception, on which Black shouldn’t lose his guard. Here, Black can have

four  variations: (1)  H3+2; (2) P1+1; (3) E3+5; (4)  A4+5, which  may be

developed into the following possible lines:

(1) H3+2

5.    …    H3+2

This is a weak move. When his Horse is moved to the 2nd file, the

Black's strength of defense in the central area is weakened.

6. H3+4

It is a powerful move that Red drives his Horse out timely.

6.    …    E3+5    7. H4+5    C8=9

Black  plays  tenaciously.  If  he  changed  to  play  H7+5,  Red  would

play C5+4, then A4+5, R2+5! After that, Red could have the dual play of

R2=7 or C7=2. The situation would be in favor of Red.

8. R2+9    H7-8      9. H5-7    A4+5

10. H7-5    R1=4    11. P7+1

Red  is  in  a  superior  position  as  he  has  the  material  advantage  of

Pawns.

(2) P1+1

It is a move that follows the rules. As Red Horse has not been driven

to the edge, Black fails to attain his hope by playing this move.

6. R9+1

It is a good move of flexibility. If Red changed to play H8+9, Black

would  play  H3+2.  It  would  become  the  same  popular  opening  as

mentioned above.

6.    …      H3+2

7. H3+4 (as shown in diagram)

图 16

In the situation as shown in diagram 2, Red attack is a positive and

powerful  when  he  drives  Horse  out.  Now,  Black  can  have  variations  of:

C2+7,  R1+3  or  E7+5,  which  may  be  developed  into  the  following

possible lines:

(2.1) C2+7

7.    …        C2+7      8. R9=8    H2=1

9. R8+2      P1+1      10. C7=9    C2=1

11. H4+5    H7+5    12. C5+4    R1+3

13. C9=5    P9+1    14. R2+5

Red  uses  the  Horse  on  the  bottom  rank  as  the  bait.  If  Black  is

trapped,  Red  can  have  an  exposed  Cannon.  The  situation  would  be  in

favorable of him.

(2.2) R1+3

7.    …      R1+3    8. P7+1!

It  is  a  well  knitted  and  powerful  play  that  Red  pushes  his  Pawn

forward to launch the attack.

8. … P3+1

Black  is  also  making  an  attempt  for  gaining  the  initiative.  If  he

changed to play C2+7, Red would play P7+1, H2+3, R9=8, C2=1, R8-1,

C1-1, R2+1, R1=4, H4+6! Red can retrieve what  he  has lost and  has an

optimistic situation.

9. C7+7    A4+5    10. R2+5    H2+4

11. R9=8

Red will stand better in the mutual attack.

(2.3) E7+5

7.    …    E7+5    8. H4+5    C8=9

Black  hopes  to  relieve  himself  of  the  pressure  by  exchanging

Chariot  with  Red.  If  he  changed  to  play  H7+5,  Red  would  play  C5+4,

then A6+5, R2+5! C2+7, R9=2, Red would be still in a superior position.

9. R9=2!

It is a well-knit  move, which has put more pressure on Black. If he

changed to play R2+9, Black would play H7-8, then H8+9, A6+5. Black

could have enough strength to resist Red offensive.

9.      …      R8+8    10. R2+1    H7+5

11. C5+4    A4+5    12. C7=2    C9=8

13. H8+7    H2+3

If he changed to play R1+3, Red would play C5=1, Red would be in

a superior position as he had the material advantage.

14. C2=1

Now,  the  situation  for  Red  is  quite  optimistic.  And  there  is  much

potential in the development of his play.

(3) E3+5

(Please refer to diagram 15)

5.    …      E3+5

The  idea  of  fortifying  the  defense  is  correct,  but  it  should  be

calculated  very  accurately.  After  playing  his  Elephant,  the  right  Horse

will  become  unrooted.  Therefore,  there  is  some  hidden  peril  in  his

formation.

6. P7=1    H3+2

Black has no other alternative but to move his Horse to the 2nd file.

If  he  changed  to  play  H3+4,  Red  would  play  P7+1,  then  E5+3,  R2+5!

C2+2, H8+9. Black would be in a difficult position.

7. P7=1    E5+3    8. R2=5

It is well-knit and powerful move, which has deprived Black of the

opportunity  of  playing  E3-5  to  return  the  Elephant  to  the  best  position.

Otherwise, Red can find a way to make a breakthrough.

8.    …    E7+5    9. H3+4

Red  drives  his  horse  out  for  an  attack.  Red  can  also  play  R2=6  to

maintain the initiative.

9.    …    A4+5

If  Black  changed  to  play  P7+1,  Red  would  play  R2-1,  then  P7+1,

R2=3,  C8-1  (If  Black  played  A4+5,  Red  would  play  H4+6  and  still

maintain  the  initiative),  H4=5,  C8=7,  H5+3,  R8+9,  R3-4,  C7+8,  R3-4,

R8=7,  H4+6,  C2=4,  H6-8.  Red  is  in  a  superior  position  as  he  has  the

material advantage.

10. H4=6    C8=9    11. H6+5!

It is a fierce and tough move that Red plays his Horse to capture the

central Elephant. It will help Red to expand his initiative.

11. …    C9=5

This  is  the  only  way  for  Black.  If  he  changed  to  play  R8+4,  Red

would play H5+7, then K5=4, H7+9, Red would be in a superior position

after taking the Elephant.

12. R2=7    H2-1    13. R7=2    C5+4

14. A6=5    C2+6    15. R9+2

It  is  a  correct  move,  as  it  can  curb  Black’s  momentum  in  his

offensive.  If  Red  was  impatient  in  retrieving  the  lost  piece,  Black  could

make a powerful counterattack.  For example, R7=3, R8+4! R3-1, R8=4,

R3=5, R4+2. Black could kick back.

15.    …    C2-4      16. R9=8    C2+5

17. R8-2    R8+4    18. R8+3    C5-1

19. R8=5

After making an exchange of Cannon with Black, Black’s offensive

is totally wiped out. It proves that Red is an experienced player.

19.    …      C5+2    20. E3+5    H7-8

21. R5+3

Though  Black  has the  material advantage, he is weak in defense as

he  has  a  single  Elephant.  Red  can  get  the  absolute  superiority  by

suppressing  Black  Horse  with  his  Double  Chariots,  or  deploying  his

Cannon on the central file after withdrawing his Elephant.

(Please refer to diagram 1)

5.    …      A4+5

(4) A4+5

This  move  serves  two  purposes.  On  the  one  hand,  it  can  help  to

reinforce  Black’s  defense  in  the  central  area,  on  the  other  hand,  it  can

curb Red Pawn’s attack. It is a stable and correct move.

6. H8+9    H3+2

Now, it is the time for Black to seal off Red Chariot with his Horse.

7. R9+1    E3+5    8. R9=6    C8+4

To seal off Red Chariot with his  left Cannon, Black can effectively

contain the movement of Red. If Black changed to play R1=4, Red would

play  R6+8,  then  A5-4  (If  Black  played  K5=4,  Red  would  play  R2+1),

R2+6. Red stands better.

9. R6+5    P3=1      10. R6+8    H2+4

11. R8+1    H4+3    12. P7+1    R1=3

Now,  both  sides  are  evenly  matched  in  strength.  Black  should  be

satisfied with the situation.

Summary: In the first three variations, Black has been fooled by the

“minor change” made by Red on his 5th move. It is enough to arouse our

vigilance  on  the           “change”.  However,  in  variation  4,  Black  has  seen

through the trick of Red, so he plays his advisor to strengthen the defense,

giving  Red  no  chance  to  implement  an  attack.  After  several  moves,  the

formations of both sides return to the common position.

Game 7: Peril on the Central File

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3. R1=2    H2+3    4. P3+1    P3+1

5. H8+9    P1+1

Black’s  countermove  of  pushing  his  pawn  forward  is  directed  to

suppress the movement of Red Horse and on the other hand, is to activate

the movement of his edged Chariot. Black can also play E3+5, or E7+5,

or A4+5. All these are common variations.

6. C8=7    H3+2

7. H3+4 (as shown in the diagram)

图 17

It is an old style deceptive play that Red hastily drives his Horse to

the riverbank. Few people like to use it now. The reason is that, if Black

responds  correctly,  Red  can  hardly  succeed  in  his  offensive,  and  will  be

thrown  in  perilous  situation  as  he  lacks  of  follow-up  forces.  Nowadays,

the  most common play is R9+1. If so, Red can evenly deploy his pieces

and make progress step by step.

In face of the menace of Red H4+5 as shown in the diagram, Black

mainly  can  have  two  variations:  (1)  E3+5;  (2)  R1+3.  They  may  be

developed into the following possible lines:

(1) E3+5

7. …    E3+5

It  is  a  soft  move.  Due  to  Black's  passive  defense,  it  enables  Red

succeed in his scheme.

8. H4+5    C8=9

Black  attempts  to  reduce  the  pressure  by  making  an  exchange  of

pieces. If he played H7+5, Red would play C5+4, then A4+5, R2+5. After

that, as Red can play R2=7 or C7=2, Red will be in a superior position.

9. R2+9    H7-8    10. C7+3!

It is an excellent move for making a break through. If he changed to

H5-7, Black would play  A4+5, H7-5, R1=4. Though  Black  has  lost two

pawns, his pieces can be dispatched out quickly. It can be considered as a

compensation for him.

10.    …    E5+3

If he changed to play A4+5, Red would play C7=2, after that he can

launch  an  attack  by  playing  P3+1  or  C2+3,  Black  is  still  in  a  passive

position.

11. H5+7    E3-5    12. H7-8    R1+3

13. P7+1    R1=2    14. P7+1!

As Red Horse is not in an ideal position, he drives his Pawn forward

for gaining the initiative by making an exchange, showing that his tactics

is flexible.

14.    …    C2+2

If  Black  changed  to  play  A4+5,  Red  would  play  H8-7,  then  E5+3,

H7+5,  E3-5,  H9+7.  Red  double  Horses  can  be  driven  out  alternatively.

Red is still in a positive position.

15. P7=8    R2+1    16. H9+7    R2+2

17. H7+6

It is obvious that the situation is in favor of Red.

(2) R1+3

7.    …    R1+3!

The  play  is  well  knit  and  powerful  that  Red  drives  his  Chariot

forward for protection of his central Pawn.

8. H4+5?

Being indulging in his “beautiful tactics” and the illusion that Black

is weak on his central  file, Red has little knowledge of the tricks played

by Black.

8.    …        H7+5    9. C5+4    R1=5

10. C7=5    R5-2!

When  Red  is  trying  to  capture  Black  Chariot,  he  has  forgotten  that

his own Chariot is in a perilous position.

11. C5+6    C8=5!    12. E3+5    R8+9

13. C5=8    H2-3

Black is in a superior position as he has the material advantage.

Summary: In variation (1), as Black’s play is so weak in responding

to Red deceptive play of attack on the central file, Red has succeeded in

his plan and gained the initiative. In variation (2), Black’s play is positive.

His  defensive  play  has  set  a  trap  for  Red.  Even  if  Red  would  not  be

caught  in  the  trap,  Black  could  build  up  a  stable  position  and  have  an

optimum situation.

Despite  the  fact  that  Red  attack  H3+4  is  premature,  however,  Red

may  play  this  move  casually  during  the  actual  competitions,  especially

when  his  opponent  is  a  new  hand  and  is  not  quite  familiar  with  such  a

variation. Red may achieve satisfactory results.

Game 8:    Chain of Killing

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3. R1=2    H2+3    4. H8+9    P7+1

5. C8=7    C2+2

It  is  a  stable  choice  that  Black  has  his  Cannon  stationed  at  the

riverbank.  In  this  way,  Black  can  achieve  a  balanced  deployment  of

forces and build  up a strong defense system.  Here,  Black  may also play

R1=2,  then  Red  R9=8.  After  that,  Black  may  play  C2+4  or  C8+4.  Both

variations will lead to complicate offensive and defensive lines.

6. R2+6    H7+6    7. R9=8    R1=2

8. R8+4    E3+5    9. C7+4

It  seems  that  it  is  premature  for  Red  to  play  his  Cannon  for  taking

the Black Pawn. However, many players like to do so. The more safe and

stable play is P9+1. Only after his  left Chariot has stricken the root, can

Red make further development in his offense.

9.    …      P7+1    10. R2=4    H6+7

11. C5-1

By  withdrawing  his  central  Cannon,  Red  can  maintain  the

complicated  situation.  If  he  changed  to  play  R8=3,  Black  would  play

H7+5,  E3+5,  R2+3,  C7-2,  C8+6.  Black’s  pieces  are  more  active.  Red

would not be satisfied with the situation.

11.    …      C8+5

Black  drives  his  Cannon  forward,  looking  for  the  chance  of  taking

mutual offensive. The  more stable play  for Black  is to take Red Cannon

by playing R2+3. If Red responded with R8=3, Black would play R2=3,

then R3-1, C8+5, The situation is in favorable of Black.

12. R8=3    C8=1    13. E7+9    C2+5

14. E9-7 (as shown in the diagram)

图 18

In the situation as shown in the diagram, Black Horse has fallen into

dire straits.  However, Black can  launch an attack through  his Cannon at

enemy’s bottom rank. Now, Black can have two variations in  his attack:

(1) R2+7; (1) R2+6. They  may be developed into the following possible

lines:

(1) R2+7

14.    …      R2+7

It is a move with a strong temptation. However, Black has fallen into

the trap painstakingly set by Red.

15. R3-1    R2=4    16. C5+4    H3+5

17. A4+5    R4+1    18. K5=4

Perhaps,  Black  is  now  still  indulging  in  his   “beautiful”  tactics  of

sacrifice.  But  Red  has  gained  the  initiative  when  he  moves  King  out  to

take the checkmate. In no time, Black's offensive has come to nothing. If

Red  erred  in  playing  R4=5,  Black  would  play  R8+8,  then  K5=4,  R8=5!

H3-5, R4+1, K4+1, R4=6. It is a mate.

18.    …      A4+5    19. R4=5    R8+8

20. R5=4    R8=5

Black plays like a desperado. If he changed his move to K5=4, Red

would play C7=5. Red is still in a winning position as he has the material advantage.

21. R4+3!    A5-6    22. C7=5    K5=4

23. C5-5    R4+1    24. K5+1

By making the sacrifice first and having the gain later, Red is sure to

win as he has the material advantage.

(2) R2+6

14.    …    R2+6

It is a practical that Black drives his Chariot forward to the rank of

the Pawns, when Black has seen through the trick played by Red.

15. R4=2

That is the only solution. Otherwise, Red will collapse in no time.

15.    …      R8+3    16. C7=2    R2=3

17. R3-1    R3+3    18. C5=1    H3+2

Now, the position has become  more complicated, in which Red has

the material advantage, while Black has superiority in his offensive. Each

side has his strong points.

Summary:  The variation of Red  in this  game can be considered as

normal  offensive  play,  though  it  has  strong  nature  of  deception.  In  the

situation  as shown  in  the  diagram,  Black  may  credulously  play  R2+7  to

take Red Horse  for gaining the “initiative”. At the end, Black  has  fallen

into the trap set by Red. With a chain of powerful killing moves, Red has

got the superiority at one stroke. Black’s move of R2+6 is powerful and is

the best countermove against Red. At this time, the only move for Red is

R4=2.  After  that,  both  sides  are  entangled  in  a  fit  of  attack  and  are

scrupulous  in  their  play.  Generally  speaking,  it  is  not  tactful  for  Red  to

play  his  Cannon  for  taking  the  opponent’s  Pawn  on  Move  9.  The  stable

and  safe  play  is  that  Black  drives  his  Chariot  to  take  Red  Cannon  on

Move  11  by  playing  R2+3.  If  so,  Black  can  also  achieve  a  satisfactory

result.

One of the methods in cheating is to create a false appearance. The

deceptive  play  of  Red  in  this  game  is  the  false  appearance  that  Red

advances his Chariot to take Black Horse. When Black has seen through

the trick played by Red, he can make an escape from the trap.

Chapter III    Central Cannon Vs. Opposite Direction

Cannon or Make-up Opposite Direction Cannon

Game 1: Deception in Attacking Horse

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3. R1=2    C8+4    4. P3+1    C2=5

5.  P7+1    H2+3    6.  C8=7    (as  shown  in  diagram)

图 19

The  above  play  of  both  sides  has  formed  the  typical  formation  of

“Central  Cannon  vs. Make-up  Opposite  Direction  Cannon”  (中炮对

后补列炮).

In the situation as shown in diagram 1, it is a deceptive play that Red

moves his Cannon sideward to attack the opponent’s Horse. To respond to

the menace of Red play P7+1, Black mainly can have two variations: (1)

E3+1;  (2)  R1=2.  They  may  be  developed  into  the  following  possible

lines:

(1) E3+1

6.    …      E3+1

This is a pure defensive play, looking that the nose leads Black.

7. C7+4!

It  is  a  practical  move  and  the  best  way  for  Red  to  gain  a  superior

position.

7.    …      R1=2

8. H8+7    R2+4

9. R9=8    R2=8

10. C7=3

With several moves, Red has easily secured the superiority.

(2) R1=2

6. …R1=2       ( as shown in diagram)

图 20

Losing no time, Black drives his Chariot out to implement a counter

offensive.  In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  2,  Red  can  have  two

variations:  P7+1  or  H8+9.  They  may  be  developed  into  the  following

possible lines:

(2.1.) P7+1

7. P7+1    R2+8!

Ignoring  the  fact  that  Red  Pawn  is  going  to  cross  the  river,  Black

drives  his  Chariot  to  curb  the  advance  of  Red  Horse.  It  is  the  most

effective counterattack played by Black.

8. P7+1    H3-1    9. H3+4    C5+4

If Black changed to play C5=2, Red would play P3+1. The situation

would be unclear.

10. A4+5    C5-1    11. C7+1

Red advances his Cannon, in case Black makes a discovered attack

by playing C8=3.

11.    …    C8=5    12. R2+9    H7-8

Now,  Black  is  in  a  superior  as  Red  pieces  on  his  left  side  arcramped.

(2.2.) H8+9

7. H8+9    R2=5

It is a correct move that Black drives his Chariot to the riverbank. If

he  changed  to  play  R2+4,  Red  would  play  R9=8,  E2=8,  R8+6,  C8=7,

R2=1, C5=6, R8=7, E7+5, P7+1. The 7th file Cannon can fully display its

power, and Red is in a superior position.

8. R9=8

If  he  changed  to  play  P7+1,  Black  would  play  R2=3.  Or  if  he

changed to play C7+4, Black would play E3+1, then C7=3, R2=3, C3+3,

R8=7, R2+3, R3=7. The initiative would be reverted to Black.

8.    …    R2=3    9. R8+2    H3-5

Black  retreats  his  Horse  for  launching  an  attack  when  his  defense

line is strengthened. After that, Black can play C5=3 or R3=7, which will

render him the initiative. Black has a bright position.

Summary:  Red  7th  move  C8=7  can  be  considered  as  a  typical

deceptive play. Its aim is to threaten the Black Horse and force Black into

a  defensive  play.  If  Black  takes  the  lines  as  in  variation  (1),  Red  can

easily  dominate  the  game.  In  variation  (2),  Black  adopts  a  tit-for-tat

policy  by  implementing  the  attack  against  enemy’s  offense.  At  the  end,

Black  has  turned  the  passive  position  into  the  positive  position,  thus

frustrating the Red scheme.

It is premature for Red to play C8=7, though it is of some deception.

It is too early for Red to expose his plan. If Black had not fallen into the

trap, Red himself would be thrown into the passive position. The correct

move  is  H8+7  or  H8+9.  If  so,  the  initiative  will  be  still  in  the  hand  of

Red.

Game 2: Single-handed Attack

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3. R1=2    C8+4    4. P3+1

It  is a tit-for-tat play.  If Red played P7+1, Black would play  P7+1,

then  H8+7,  E3+5.  Black  has  succeeded  in  implementing  his  initial

strategic scheme of sealing off the right wing of Red.

4.    …      C2=5    5. H8+7    H2+3

6. P7+1

Red can also play R9=8. If so, Black may play P3+1. After that, Red

may  have  the  following  possible  lines:  (1)  C8+4,  C8=7  (It  is  a  correct

move. If  he played R1=2, the  formation of both sides are the same. Red

would be in a superior position by playing C8=7), C8=7, E3+1. The two

sides are confronting each other with a well-balanced strength. (2) H3+4,

C8+1, H4+5!  H7+5, R2+2, R8+7, C5+4, H3+5, C8=2. Red’s position  is

slightly  better  than  Black’s  as  he  has  the  central  Pawn.  However,  the

situation on the whole becomes comparatively simple.

6.    …    R1=2    7. R9=8    R2+6

Placing the stress on the attack, Black ferries his Chariot across the

river  for  provoking  conflicts.  In  this  variation,  both  sides  are  locked  in

tactical conflicts and Black is possessed of more deceptive methods. Red

must have a clear understanding of the traps set by Black. The stable and

common play for Black  now is R2+4, C8=9, R2=8, by which Black can

enforce  a  blockade.  After  that,  Black  may  play  C8=7  for  gaining  the

initiative. Black still has enough strength to take up the challenge of Red.

8. H7+6!

It  is  a  positive  play  that  Red  drives  his  Horse  to  the  riverbank  for

gaining  the  initiative.  If  he  changed  to  play  C8=9  and  then  to  play  the

Cannon  sideward  for  exchanging  of  Chariot,  Black  would  play  R2=3,

then  R8+2,  R3-1!  After  that,  Red  may  have  the  following  two  possible

lines: (1) C5-1, R3=7, R8+2 (It is not suitable to play H7+8, as Black can

play C8+1), P7+1, H3+4, P3+1, E7+5, C8=6! R2+9, H7-8. Black stands

better as he has the material advantage of pawns. (2) C5=6, P7+1 (He can

also  play  P5+1  to  make  a  counterattack  directly),  E7+5,  R3-1,  P3+1,

R3=7,  R8+4,  C8-3.  Black  is  in  a  satisfactory  position  as  he  can  play

defense as well as offense.

8…. C8=7       (as shown in the diagram)

图 21

To parry the menace of Red P7+1, Black usually plays R2-2 or R2-1.

Now,  ignoring  the  attack  of  Red,  Black  plays  his  Cannon  sideward  to

freeze  the  movement  of  Red  Horse  in  an  attempt  to  launch  a

counterattack.

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  the  diagram,  in  face  of  Black’s  tough

move,  Red  mainly  can  have  two  variations:  (1)  P7+1.  (2)  H6+4.  They

may be developed into the following possible lines:

(1) P7+1

9. P7+1

It looks a strong move, but in reality, it is a move of short-eyesight,

as  it  caters  to  the  Black’s  scheme  of  gaining  the  victory  during  the

disturbance.  If  Red  changed  to  play  R2+9,  Black  could  also  attain  the

desired  results  by  playing  C7+3,  then  A4+5,  H7-8,  P7+1,  R2-1,  P7+1,

R2=4, P7+1, H8+7 or C7=9. It would lead to a mutual-offensive position

in which both sides have scruples.

9.    …    R8+9    10. H3-2

It  is obvious that Red can  not play  H6-8,  as Black will  play C7+3,

then A4+5, C7=4! H3-2, C4=2. Red will suffer a material loss.

10.    …    R2-1    11. H6+4    P3+1!

When  Red  is  still  indulging  in  his  happiness  of  "capturing",  Black

has  gained  the  initiative  by  making  a  sacrifice  after  capturing  the  Red

Pawn, from which, Black has got enough compensation.

12. H4-3    C5+4    13. A4+5    H3+4!

It  is  an  important  move  for  control  of  the  situation.  The  tempting

move is R2=7, then H2+3! C5-2 (If Black played R7+1, Red would play

H3+5,  R7=5,  C8=7.  Red  has  gained  the  initiative),  FH-1,  R7=2,  H3+5,

Red is in a superior position as he has gained the material advantage.

14. H2=3    C5-2

After  making  a  sacrifice,  Black  has  secured  the  initiative.  A  bright

future is looming up.

(2) H6+4

9. H6+4

By driving his Horse forward, Red can exploit the fork trick. It can

be considered as the best choice among so many variations.

9.    …    R8+9    10. H3-2    P7+1

Forcing  his  7th  Pawn  forward  is  a  good  move  in  a  partial  warfare.

Otherwise, Black can not get relevant compensation.

11. H4+3! C5+4    12. A4+5    P7+1

13. H3-4    P7=6

Black has no other choice. If he played C5-2, Red would play H4+2

to take the Black Pawn. After that, Black must not play P7=6. Otherwise,

Red  would  make  a  discovered  attack  to  take  Black’s  central  Cannon  by

playing H2+4.

14. H2=3    C5-2    15. H4+2!    A6+5

16. E3+1

It  is quite necessary to strengthen  his defense. If  he played directly

R8+1,  Black  would  play  C7+3.  After  that,  Black  could  play  C7-1  and

R2=8. Red would have scruples in his play.

16.    …      E3+5    17. R8+1!

It  is  a  grave  menace  to  Black  that  the  single-handed  Red  Horse  is

galloping  in  the  Black’s  backyard.  Now,  Red  left  Chariot  is  driven

forward, which is ready to join in the battle at any time.

17. …    P6+1

Even  if  Black  changes  to  play  C5=7,  the  situation  can  not  be

improved, as Red still can have the same brutal move of R8=6. After that,

Black  may  have  the  following  possible  lines:  (1)  R2+1,  R6+2!  RC+3,

R6=3. Red offense is kept growing. (2) P6+1, C8=9, R2+1, R6+3, RC+3,

C5+5!  E7+5,  C9=3.  In  the  follow-up  moves,  Red  can  play  the  Elbow

Horse for a mate. Red has secured a winning position.

18. R8=6! R2+1    19. H2+3    K5=6

20. R6+3

Now,  Red  has  gained  a  superior  position  after  sacrificing  his Cannon.

Summary: To respond to the tough and deceptive move of Black, as

there  are  loopholes  in  the  play  of  Red  in  variation  (1),  Black  has

succeeded  in  his  scheme.  While  in  variation  (2),  the  single-handed  Red

Horse has charged into Black’s backyard. Red has made a timely sacrifice,

thus gaining the superior position.

Black's  deceptive  plan  is  based  on “making  a  sacrifice  for  gaining

the  initiative”.  Red  must  have  a  correct  judgement  of  it.  If  Red  is  not

misled by Black’s play and refrains from playing the customary offensive

move  of  P7+1,  and  makes  a  "single-handed  attack"  as  in  variation  (2),

Black can not succeed in his deceptive play.

Game 3: Get Caught in His Own Trap

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3. R1=2    C8+4    4. P3+1    C2=5

5. P7+1    H2=3    6. H8+7    R1=2

7. R9=8    R2+4    8. C8=9    R2=8

9. R8+6    P7+1 (as shown in the diagram)

图 22

The  diagram  1  shows  one  of  the  lines  leading  to  the  opening  of

“Central  Cannon  vs.  Make-up  Opposite  Direction  Cannon”.  It  is  a

tough,  play  that  Black  pushes  his  Pawn  forward,  inviting  an  exchange.

However, it can be considered as a typical deceptive play. In responding,

Red  mainly  can  have  two  variations:  (1)  P3+1.  (2)  R8=7.  They  may  be

developed into the following possible lines:

(1) P3+1

10. P3=1

Red  is  liable  to  be  a  cat's-paw  as  his  play  caters  to  the  combat

scheme of Black, when he accepts the exchange of the Pawn.

10.    …    R8=7

11. C5-1

If he changed to play H3+4, Black would play C8+1. The initiative

is now reverted to Black.

11. …      C5=6

It is a correct move that Black timely adjusts his battle formation by

playing  the  Cannon.  Black  can  also  play  C8=7.  If  so,  the  subsequent

moves  might  be  R8=7,  H3-5,  E3+5,  R8+9,  H3-2,  C7+2.  Both  sides  will

have scruples in their play.

12. C5=3

If Red makes a hasty attack by playing H3+4, Black will play C8-3,

H4+5,  H3+5, C5+4, C6+1! Black  has  gained the  material advantage. Or

if Red changed to play R8=7, Black would play E7+5. Then, H3+4, C8-3,

C5+4  (If  H4+5,  then  C8=3,  R2+9,  H7-8,  H5-3,  C6+6.  Black  has  the

material  gains),  H3+5,  R7=5  (if  H4+5,  then  C6+1),  C8=7,  R2+9, C7+6,

A4+5, H7-8. Black would be satisfied with the situation.

12.    …      C8=7    13. R2+9    H7-8

14. C3+2    R7+2    15. R8=7    E7+5

Though  Red  has  the  material  advantage  of  one  Pawn,  he  can  get

nowhere as his Horse and Cannon are in a cramped position.

(2) R8=7

10. R8=7

Red takes a positive attitude in meeting the challenge of Black. The

play is powerful.

10. …    P7=1

To make a sacrifice for gaining the initiative does Black premeditate

a tactical method. If he changed to play H3-5, Red would play P3+1 (It is

a  simple  and  practical  move).  Then  R8=7,  H3+4,  C8+1,  H4+5,  R7-1,

H5-6,  R7=3  (If  C8=3,  then  R7=3,  R8+9,  H6-7,  Red  would  be  in  a

superior  position),  C5+5,  E7+5,  H6+7.  Red  is  in  superior  position  as  he

has the material advantage of Pawns.

11.  R7+1    P7+1    12.  R2+2    (as  shown  in  diagram  )

图 23

Driving  Red  Chariot  forward  to  protect  the  Horse  is  an  excellent

move, showing that Red has taken the situation as a whole into account.

If he changed to play  H3-5, Black would play C8=5 (or  A6+5, which  is

an implicit play), R2+5, H7+8, H7+5, C5+4. The centered Red Horse is a

serious  hidden  trouble  for  Red.  Black  will  have  a  bright  future  after  he

makes the sacrifice for gaining the initiative.

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  (2),  in  face  of  the

counter-sacrifice  of  Red,  Black  can  have  three  variations:  (1)  P7+1;  (2)

C8=5;  (3)  R8=7.  They  may  be  developed  into  the  following  possible

lines:

(2.1.) P7+1

12.    …    P7+1    13. R2=3    R8+2

14. R7+2

It is obvious that Red is in a superior position, when he strikes first.

(2.2) C8=5

12.    …    C8=5    13. H3+5

It is quite clear that Red can not play H7+5. Otherwise Black would

play FR+3, then C5=2, P7+1. The initiative is now reverted to Black.

13.    …    FR+3    14. R7+2    FR-3

15. P7+1

Red pushes his Pawn forward to reinforce the attack of Red Horse.

Now, Black finds it difficult in resisting the increasing offensive of Red.

(2.3.) R8=7

12.    …    R8=7

It  is  the  best  choice  for  Black  to  make  the  sacrifice,  as  it  can

maintain the menace on Red.

13. C5-1

It is a wise choice for Red to maintain the initiative.

13.    …      P7+1    14. R2=3    P7+3

15. C9=3    C8+3    16. R7-2

By  withdrawing  Chariot  to  the  riverbank,  Red  can  play  defense  as

well  offense.  Black  finds  it  hard  in  launching  an  attack.  Now,  Red  has

secured  an  advantageous  position.  If  Red  changed  this  move  to  R7+2,

Black would play R8+7! then C3+7, A6+5. It would be  hard  for Red to

control the situation.

Summary:  Due  to  the  unwise  play  of  Red  in  variation  (1)  when

responding to the deceptive play of Black, it has rendered Black a chance

for  attack.  While  in  variation  (2),  Red  plays  positively  by  striking  first

and timely making a sacrifice, ensuring that the initiative is always in his

hands.

Black’s play of exchanging Pawns on Move 7 is of deceptive nature.

Though it can lead to a complicated battle, it can not be considered as the

successful scheme if we take the whole situation into consideration. Once

the  opponent  has  seen  through  the  plot,  Black  will  be  thrown  into  a

passive position. Therefore, the correct choice for Black is to play C5=6

to extend the battle line. If so, both sides will be evenly balanced in their

strength.

Chapter IV Central Cannon Vs. Sandwiched Horse

Game 1: Track the Tiger to its Lair

1. C2=5    H2+3    2. H2+3    C8=6

3. R1=2    H8+7    4. P3+1    P3+1

5. H8+9    E3+5    6. C8=6

It  leads  to  the  common  formation  of “5th  and  6th  file  Cannons,

advancement  of  the  3rd  file  Pawn  vs.  sandwiched  Horse,

advancement of 3rd file Pawn and of right Elephant” (五六炮进三兵

对反宫马进三卒飞右象). It is a stable and safe play that Red moves his

Cannon to the palcorner. Red can also play C8=7 or C8=4 for launching

an offensive. Both variations have their own features.

6.    …      R9+1    7. R9=8    R1=2

8. R8+4    R9=4    9. A4+5    A4+5

10. R2+8 (asshown in diagram)

图 24

It  is  a  typical  deceptive  play  that  in  the  situation  as  shown  in

diagram  1,  Red  pushes  his  Chariot  forward  to  the  2nd  file  and  has  the

follow-up  play  of  R2=3  to  menace  the  Black  Horse.  To  respond,  Black

mainly may have three variations: (1) C2-1. (2) C6+2 (3) P3+1. They can

be evolved into the following possible lines:

(1) C2-1

10.    …    C2-1

Black has fallen into the trap. If Red had the formation of 5th and

7th Cannon, it would be a correct move.

11. R2=3!

Red  ignores  the  discovered  attack  of  Black,  showing  that  Red  is

quite confident in his play.

11.    …    R4+6

If  Black changed to play R4+4, Red would play R3=5, then  A6+5,

R8+6. Red would be in a superior position when the Black Advisor was

captured.

12. R8+4!    R2+1    13. A5+6    R2+4

14. E3+1

Red  drives  his  Elephant  forward  for  protecting  his  Pawn.  Now,

Black  left  Horse  can  not  find  a  way  in  making  an  escape,  and  will  be

unavoidably lost.

(2) C6+2

10.    …    C6+2

It looks like that Black can play both defense and offense with this

move.  However,  it  can  not  be  considered  as  a  good  one,  as  it  has

weakened the battle formation.

11. R8=4!

The  move  is  simple  but  powerful,  throwing  Black  Cannon  into  a

hard position.

11.    …    C6=5

If  Black  changed  to  play  R4+3,  Red  would  play  P9+1  and  with

H9+8 to follow-up H9+8. Black is liable to the attack of the enemy.

12. R2-1    C5+3      13. E3+5    H3+2

If he changed to play C2+6 to make a counterattack, Red would play

R2+7,  then  R2+7,  R4+4.  Red  would  be  in  a  superior  position  when  he

strikes first.

14. H3+2    P5+1    15. R2-1

It  is  obvious  that  Red  has  gained  the  initiative  when  Black  has  a

loose formation.

(3) P3+1

10. …P3+1      (as shown in diagram)

图 25

Black sacrifices his Pawn for exploring the responding move of Red

and waiting for the opportunity to make the counterattack. It is a powerful

move in answer to the deceptive play of Red.

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  2,  in  face  of  the  sacrifice  of

Black  Pawn,  Red  mainly  can  have  two  variations:  (1)  P7+1.  (2)  R8=7.

They may be developed into the following possible lines:

(3.1) P7+1

11. P7+1    R4+4

12. P2=3

Red  is  bent  on  capturing  the  Black  Horse.  However,  such  a

“stubborn” act will bring him the risk. As a qualitative change has taken

place in the game, Red should switch to a stable and safe play of P9+1.

12. …C6+2 (as shown in diagram)

图 26

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  3,  when  Black  Cannon  is

stationed  at  the  riverbank,  Black  can  have  a  series  of  means  of

counterattack,  such  as  C6=2.  It  can  be  considered  as  a  maneuver  of

vitality. To respond to this  move, Red  mainly can  have the  variations of

R3-1  and  R8+2,  which  may  be  developed  into  the  following  possible

lines:

(3.1.1.) R3-1

13. R3-1    C6=2

14. R8=9    H3+4

By driving his Horse forward, Black aims at launching an attack. It

is  also  a  good  move  if  he  changed  to  play  RC=1,  which  could  be

developed into the following lines: P7+1 (Red has no other choice. If Red

played  R9=8,  Black  would  play  H3+4,  Red  would  lose  his  Chariot),

C1+3, P9+1, C2-3, P7+1, C2=3, C6=7, C3+2! C7+5, R4=7, H3-4, R2=3,

C5=7 (If Red played C7=8, Black would play R7=3), C3+6! C7-7, R3+7,

E3+5,  R7=1.  Black  has  retrieved  what  he  has  lost  and  is  in  a  superior

position, while Red has the chance to draw the game.

15. R3-1

If he changed to play C6=8, Black would play P7=1 (It is a well-knit

play.  If  Black  played  C2+5,  Red  could  play  P7+1)!  R9+1,  C2+5,  C5+4,

R4=7. Black is now in a superior position.

15.    …    P7+1!    16. R9+1    RC=3

17. C6=7

In  addition  to  that,  Red  may  have  other  too  responding  moves.

However, both can not retrieve him from falling into the inferior position:

(1)  H9-7,  R4=3.  Black  can  get  back  what  he  has  lost  by  making  a

discovered  attack.  (2)  K5=4,  C3+7,  K4+1,  H4+6,  H3+4,  C2+4,  H9-7,

R4=6, C5=4, C2=1, R9=6, R2+8. Black is sure to win.

17.    …    C3+5    18. C5+4    C2+3

It is an accurate and powerful move that Black transfers his Cannon

forward to take Red Horse. During the mutual attack, Black will be in the

winning position as he can strike faster than Red.

19. H3+2    C3=1    20. E7+9    C2+2

21. E9-7      C2=1    22. R9=7    K5=4

23. C5=6    H4+6    24. R7=4    R2+9

25. C6=7    R2-1

After  that,  Black  can  have  chain  killing  by  playing  R2=5!  K5-1,

R4+3, K5-1, R4+1, K5+1, R4-1. Red will find it difficult to resist Black’s

ferocious offensive.

(3.1.2.) R8+2

(Please refer to diagram 3)

13. R8+2    R4=3!

When  Red  Chariot  is  in  flight,  Black  has  brutally  captured  Red

Pawn. If he changed to play C2=1, Red would play R8=7 (if Red played

R8+3, Black would play H3-2, then C5=4, R4=7. The initiative is in the

hands of Black), R2+2, R7=9. Both sides are entangled together.

14. C5=4

If Red were covetous of taking Black Horse by playing C3-1, Black

would  play  H3+4,  then  R8-5  (If  Red  played  R8-6,  Black  would  play

H4+2, then C6=8, H2+1! C8+7, H1+3. It would entail a chain of killings),

H4+2, C6=8, C6=2! R3+1, C2+3. Black has secured immense superiority.

14. …    H3+4    15. R8-5    H4+2!

It  is  a  positive  play  that  Black  drives  his  Horse  forward  to  capture

the Red Horse for gaining the initiative. If Black changes to play R3-5, he

can also have a satisfactory position. But this move is not so powerful as

the former one.

16. C6=8

Red  puts  up  a  stubborn  play.  If  he  changed  to  play  E3+5,  Black

would  play  C2+6,  then  E5+7,  C6=3!  E7-5  (If  Red  played  H9-7,  Black

would  play  C3-2,  Black  would  be  also  in  a  superior  position),  H2+1,

R3-1, H1+3, K5=4, C3=6, H3+4, R2+5! Black is sure to win.

16.    …    R3=7!

Black  is  trying  to  maintain  a  complicated  situation  and  to  make

progress. Black can also play: (1) C2+5, E3+5! R3=4, R8+1, C6=2, R8=6,

R4+2,  A5+6, C2-2, Both sides are evenly  balanced  in their strength. (2)

R3+4, C8+5 (If Red erred  in playing R3-1 or E3+5, Black could  have a

powerful move of H2+1), R2+2, E3+5 (If Red played R8+2, Black would

play R3-2, then H9-8, R3-2. If the game kept going on, it would do Red

no good, as he has a single Elephant), H2+1 (If Red played R3-7, Black

would  play  R8+2),  C4=9,  R2+6,  E5-7,  R2-1,  R3-1  (Red  is  striving  to

draw  the  game.  If  he  played  H3+4,  Black  would  play  C6=3.  After  that,

Black could play R2=3 and C3-2. He would be in a better position as he

had  the  material  advantage  of  Elephant),  R2=7,  R3-1.  Black  stands

slightly better, but it is difficult for him to win the game.

17. E3+5    R7+2    18. R3-1

It is a correct move. If he changed to play C8+5, Black would play

R2+2,  R3-1,  R7-1,  R8+2  (to  prevent  Black  from  playing  H2+1),  C6-2,

Black is in a superior position as he has the material advantage of Pawns.

18.    …    C6=2

It  is  a  move  of  ingenuity,  which  helps  Black  to  extricate  himself

from the containment of Red.

19. R3+1    H2-4    20. C8+5    R2+2

Now, the situation is tending towards calm. Black has a bright future

as he has the material advantage in pawns and the positional advantage.

(3.2) R8=7

11. R8=7

It looks like that Red has gained some advantage after capturing one

of  Black  Pawns,  but  Black  can  have  enough  time  to  adjust  his  battle

formation by attacking Red Chariots.

11.       …    C2-1    12.  R7=8  (as  shown  in  diagram)

图 27

In the situation as shown in diagram 4, Black has got the advantage

in tempo after sacrificing  his Pawn. In the subsequent  moves, Black can

have  two  powerful  moves:  P7+1  or  C2=1.  They  may  be  developed  into

the following possible lines:

(3.2.1) P7+1

12.    …    P7+1

Making use of the discovered attack, Black left Horse can gallop out.

It is a move of vitality.

13. R2=3

Red is trying to make the situation more complicated. If he changed

to play P3+1, Black would play R4+3, then R2-4, R4=7. Black would be

satisfied as his pieces are more active.

13.    …      H7+6    14. P3+1    R4+4

15. R8+4

Red  uses  one  of  his  Chariots  in  exchange  of  Black’s  two  pieces.  If

he changed to play R8=6, Black would play H6+4, then R3-1(He should

refrain  from  playing  R3-2.  Otherwise,  Black  would  play  C2+2  and  then

C2=3 to attack the Elephant), C2=3. Black is in a superior position.

15.    …      R2+1    16. P3=4    R2+4

17. E3+1    R2-1    18. P4+1    C6=9

Now, each side has his own strong points in his play.

12.    …    C2=1

(3.2.2) C2=1

When  Red  right  Chariot  is  in  an  inactive  position,  Black  plays  his

Cannon  sideward  for  an  exchange  of  the  active  Red  left  Chariot.  It  is  a

very practical move.

13. R8+5    H3-2    14. C6=7

Red  has  no  other  alternative.  Otherwise,  Black  could  play  R4+6  or

C1=3, which would put him in peril position.

14. …    R4+4    15. R2-4    H2+3

Black  has  a  solid  battle  formation  with  his  riverbank  Chariot

commanding the whole board. The situation is quite optimistic for him.

Summary:  In  variation  (1),  in  responding  to  the  deceptive  play  of

Red on Move 10, Black was taken in when he uses the play that should be

used for “5th and 6th Cannons opening” in answer to the “5th and 7th

Cannon  opening” of Red. In  variation (2), Black’s play  is proven to be

not effective, as it has weakened his own battle formation. In variation (3),

when  Red  has  a  impending    “Cannon  Smothered  Mate”  and  his  left

Chariot is not in a proper position, Black timely launches a counterattack

and  makes  a  strike  at  the  enemy's  weak  point,  to  secure  a  satisfactory

position.

Despite the fact that the Red play of “tracking the tiger to its liar” is

of some deception, Black can easily make use of the situation when Red

force  is  fighting  in  isolation.  If  Black  has  adopted  the  strategy  as  in

variation (3), Red can not succeed in his play.

Game 2: Seize the Opportunity for Counterattack

1. C2=5    H2+3    2. H2+3    C8=6

3. P3+1    P3+1

Each  side  pushes  his  Pawn  forward  to  build  up  his  own  strength.

Black can also play H8+7. If Red played P7+1, Black would play R9+8.

As Black's left Chariot comes out earlier than that of Red, it can be served

as the compensation for the cramped situation of his two Horses.

4. H8+9    E7+5

Black  plays  his  Elephant  for  strengthening  his  defense.  When  Red

plays  his  Cannon  sideward,  Black  right  Chariot  can  come  out  earlier.  If

Black  played  H8+7,  Red  would  play  C8=7,  then  E3+5,  R9=8,  R1=2,

R8+4,  R9=8,  R1=2!  R8+9,  H3-2.  Red  has  gained  the  initiative  to  some

extend.

5. C8=7    R1=2    6. R9=8    C2+4

7. R1+1    H8+7    8. R1=7

After playing his Chariot, Red places his Chariot placed behind the

Cannon, putting much pressure on Black's 3rd file.

8.         …    R9=8    9.  P7+1  (as  shown  in  diagram)

图 28

In the situation as shown in the diagram, when Red pushes his Pawn

forward to launch the attack, Black can respond it with two variations: (1)

C2=3.  (2)  R8+4.  They  may  be  developed  into  the  following  possible

lines:

(1) C2=3

9.    …      C2=3

Black  plays  his  Cannon  sideward  for  capturing  Red  Chariot.  It

seems that this move can help Black to get the initiative, but in reality, it

has fallen into the trap of Red.

10. R8+9    C3+2

11. R8-9!

By returning to the bottom rank, Red Chariot can lend protection to

the Elephant. It is an excellent move premeditated by Red, by which Red

will have got precious time in attacking Black’s 3rd file.

11.    …        C3-3    12. C5=6!

By playing the Cannon sideward, Red can have his battle formation

adjusted.  After  that,  he  is  going  to  drive  Black  Cannon  away  with  his

Elephant. The pressure on Black’s right wing is bulging on.

12.    …      R8+4    13. E7+5    R8=4

If  he  changed  to  play  C3=4,  Red  would  play  R8+7,  then  H3-5  (If

Black  played  H3+4,  Red  would  play  R8-3!  Then  C4+1,  R8=6,  Black

would  lose  pieces),  R8+1!  Red  would  be  is  in  the  upper  hand  as  his

offensive is strong.

14. A6=5    R4+2    15. H3+4    R4-1

16. H4+3    R4+1

Black has no other alternative. If Black changed his move to C3=7,

Red  would  play  E5+3,  then  R4=7,  C6+4,  R7+4,  R8+7,  H3+4,  C7+7,

Black would find it hard to cope with the situation.

17. C6-2    C3=4

If  he  changed  to  play  C3+1,  Red  would  play  H9+7,  then  R4=3,

R8+2,  H3+4,  C6=7,  R3=4,  FC+7,  E5-3,  C7+9,  A4+5,  R8+7.  Red  has

gained the initiative in his offense after making a sacrifice.

18. C7=6    R4=1    19. C6+4    R1+1

20. C6+4

By  now, Red  is noticeably  in a superior position and  his pieces are

more active.

(2) R8+4

9. …    R8+4

It is a safe and stable play that Black drives his Chariot forward and

is waiting at ease for the chance to come.

10. P7+1

Red pushes his Pawn forward for gaining the initiative. If he played

C7=6, relatively speaking, the game looks calm and smooth.

10.    …    C2=3!

It  is  the  right  time  for  Black  to  play  his  Cannon  sideward.  If  he

changed  to  play  R8=3,  Red  would  play  C7+5,  then  C6=3,  R7+4,  E5+3,

H3+4, Red will stand better.

11. R8+9

If  he  changed  to  play  C7=6,  Black  would  play  R2+9,  H9-8,  R8=3,

Red can not get any advantage.

11.    …      C3+2    12. C7+5    C3-6

13. C5+4    A6+5    14. E3+5    R8=3

Now,  the  game  is  calm  and  smooth  and  both  sides  are  evenly

balanced in strength.

Summary: Red play on Move 8 belong to the normal offensive play.

However, it is of great deception, as it conceals some deceitful tricks. In

variation (1), in face of the attack of Red Pawn on Move 9, Black plays

his  Cannon  for  attacking  Red  Chariot,  believing  that  it  is  the  best

responding  move. However, he has fallen into the trap set by Red. After

exchanging  the  Chariot,  Red  returns  his  Chariot  to  the  bottom  rank,

concentrating  the  fire  on  Black's  right  wing,  thus  gaining  a  superior

position. In variation (2), Black drives Chariot to the riverbank. It can be

considered  a  steady  and  safe  play.  After  Red  Pawn  is  pushed  forward,

Black plays his Cannon sideward to force an exchange of pieces. The plot

is  so  ingeniously  conceived  that  it  doesn’t  give  Red  any  loophole  for

attacking.  At  end,  the  game  has  been  developed  into  a  well-balanced

position,  in  which  each  side  has  his  strong  points.  Red  has  the  material

advantage of the central Pawn, while Black has a stable battle formation.

Black should be satisfied with the situation as he plays black.

Many  xiangqi  fans  deserve  commendation  for  their  strong  sense  of

counterattack. However, we must have a correct judgement in seizing the

right opportunity for the attack. It proves that in the second variation, it is

Black  who  has  seized  the  right  opportunity  in  making  a  counterattack,

thus frustrating the scheme of Red.

Game 3: Well-matched in Strength

1. C2=5    H2+3    2. P7+1    C8=6

3. H8+7 (as shown in diagram)

图 29

In face of Black’s Sandwiched Horse formation, after pushing his

7th  file  Pawn  first,  Red  drives  his  Horse  forward  for  occupying  the

strategic  post  at  the  riverbank  and  threatening  Black’s  central  file.  This

offensive  play  was  quite  popular  in  the  middle  of  1980s.  It  has  become

one of main attack methods of the central-Cannon side.

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  the  diagram,  is  Red  in  dread  of  the

attack  of  Black  Cannon  when  he  drives  his  left  Horse  forward?  To

respond  to  it,  Black  can  have  three  variations:  (1)  C6+5;  (2)  P7+1;  (3)

H8+7. They may be developed into the following possible lines:

(1) C6+5

3.    …      C6+5

If the opponent is deliberately showing some flaws in his play, there

must  be  a  trap  behind.  It  may  not  be  a  good  thing  to  make  an  attack

immediately.

4. R1+2!

It is a well-knit play. If he changed to play R9+2, Black would play

C6=3,  then  C8+4,  C3-1,  C8=5  (If  R9=7,  then  C3+3,  R7-2,  E3+5,  Both

sides  have  scruples  in  their  play),  H3+5,  C5+4,  H8+7,  C5-2,  R1=2.

Despite the fact that Red has an exposed Cannon, he has no strong moves

to follow-up. Therefore, Black has enough strength in resistance.

4.    …      C6=3    5. C5-1    C3-1

6. R1=7    C3+3

Black has to make a sacrifice. If he played C3=4, he would meet the

severe  tactical  strike  of  Red:  P7+1,  P3+1,  R7+3,  R9+2,  C8=7,  E3+1,

R7+1,  Black’s  central  file  would  be  affected  when  his  right  Horse  is

under the attack of the enemy. Black would be in a dire position when his

defense line is broken.

.

7. R9=7    E3+5

After  the  exchanges  of  pieces,  Red  can  have  at  least  5  effective

moves,  while  Black  can  only  have  2.  Red’s  superiority  will  be  shown

more clearly if the play keeps going on.

8. FR=6    H8+7    9. R6+4    R9=8

10. H2+3

Black will find it difficult in resisting the offensive of Red, whether

Red launches the attack from the 7th file or from the central file.

(2) P7+1

This  is  an  undetectable  weak  move,  as  Black  has  overlooked  the

speed of the play, while putting undue emphasis on activating the Horse.

4. H7+6

Red  makes  a  timely  assault,  forcing  Black  to  make  some  moves  in

strengthening his defense. Red has gained the valuable time.

4.    …      E3+5    5. H2+3    H8+7

6. R1=2

By  driving  his  Chariot  out  earlier  than  Black’s,  Red  has  increased

his initiative in the play.

6.    …      A4+5    7. C8=6    C2+3

This  is  the  tactical  move  taken  by  Black  for  driving  his

armpit-file-Chariot out. If  Black changed to play R1=2, Red would play

R9=8, Black’s pieces would be in a cramped position.

8. H6+5

The play is simple and clear-cut. If he changed to play H6+7, Black

would  play  H6+7,  then  R1=4,  A4+5,  C2+1,  Black  still  could  cope  with

the situation.

8.    …        H3+5    9. C5+4    R1=4 10. R9=8    C2-3

It  is  an  excellent  move  that  Red  drives  his  Chariot  for  capturing

Black Cannon. If Black changed his move to R4+7 (If Black played C6+3,

Red  would  play  C6=5,  Red  has  gained  the  initiative),  Red  would  play

R8+4, K5=4, A6+5, R4=7, R8+5, K4+1, R2+6, R9=8, R2=3. After that,

Red could withdraw his Cannon to make a way for his Chariot, forming a

checkmate position.

11. A6+5

Now,  with  the  material  advantage  in  Pawns,  Red  will  launch  an

offensive with his central Cannon. He has a bright future in his play.

(3) H8+7

3.    …      H8+7    4. H7+6    A4+5

5. C8=7    E3+5    6. R9=8    C2=1

7. H2+3

If  Red  made  a  hasty  attack  by  playing  H6+4,  Black  would  play

C6+1, then P3+1 (Otherwise, Black could play P7+1), R9=8. Red hasn’t

gained any advantage.

7.    …      R9=8    8. R1=2

If  he  changed  to  play  P3+1,  Black  would  play  R8+4,  then  H6+7,

P7+1, P3+1, R8=7. Despite the fact that Black has lost one Pawn, he still

has enough strength to contend with the opponent, as his pieces are more

active.

8.    …      R8+9    9. H3-2    P7+1

By now, both sides are evenly matched in strength.

Summary: The hasty attack of Red left Horse belongs to the normal

play,  though  it  is  of  some  deception.  In  variation  (1),  due  to  poor

calculation in his play, Black hasn't gained any advantage. In variation (2),

because  Black  is  slow  in  action,  Red  has  succeeded  in  extending  his

initiative.  Black’s  play  in  variation  (3)  is  desirable.  Despite  the  fact  that

Red has several initiative moves, if he played correctly, Black could build

up a solid battle formation, possessing the same strength as Red.

Generally  speaking,  in  responding  to  the  fast  attack  of  Red  central

Cannon,  Black  should  try  to  dispatch  his  pieces  out  quickly  for

strengthening his defense, so that he can have enough strength to contend

with Red.

Chapter V    Pawn Opening

Game 1: Bait a Trap

1.         P7+1    C2=3    2. C2=5    E3+5

3.         H2+3 R9+1 4. H8+7

图 30

The  diagram  shows  the  position  of  the  game  which  has  been

developed  from           Pawn  opening  vs.PR  Cannon  (仙人指路对卒底炮).

Now,  Black  mainly  can  have  two  variations:  (1)  P3+1;  (2)  R9=2.  They

may be developed into the following possible lines:

(1) P3+1

4.         …    P3+1

It is a strategic mistake. The seriousness of this mistake will be fully

shown in the development.

5.         P7+1!

This  is  a  move  of  daring  spirit.  If  he  changed  to  play  R7+6,  Black

would play P3+1, H6+5, H8+9. Black stands better.

5.    …      C3+5    6. R1=2    R9+1

If  Black changed to play R9=8, Red would play R2+4, then  H2+4,

H3-5, C3-1, R9=8, R1=2, C8+6, A4+5, C5=2. Red would have retrieved

what he had lost and be in a superior position.

7. C8+2!

Stationing  on  the  riverbank,  the  Red  Cannon  can  attack  the

opponent’s Chariot. At the same time, it has cleared the way for the edged

Chariot. It is a good move of “using one stone to kill two birds”.

7.    …      P9+1    8. C5+4    A6+5

If Black changed to play A4+5, Red would play C8=9, H2+1, C9=3,

K5=4, R9+1 (If Red played R9+2, Black would play C8+5), C3=4, R9=6,

C4-5,  R6+5.  Despite  the  fact  that  he  has  lost  a  piece,  Red  is  still  in  a

superior position as he has the initiative in his offensive.

9. C8=9!

It proves that the order of play is very important here. By forcing the

Black Horse move to the edge, it can weaken Black's strength of defense

in the central area.

9.    …      H2+1    10. R2+6    H8+7

If he changed to play P1+1, Red would play R2=3, then C8=7, C9=2.

After  that  Red  has  two  powerful  follow-up  moves,  that  is,  R9+2  and

R3=2. Black would  find it difficult to resist Red's offensive as his battle

formation is in disorder.

11. C5-1    P7+1    12. R9+2    C3-1

13. R9=4

After moving his left Chariot to the right for reinforcing the offensive,

Red is ready to launch the general attack.

13.    …      C3=7    14, R4+6    P1+1

15. C5=9!

Black has no other alternatives but to push his edged Pawn forward. It

is  simple  and  clear-cut  that  Red  plays  his  Cannon  to  take  Black's  edged

Pawn, thus having retrieved back what he has lost.

15.    …      R1=3    16. RC+3    R3+4

17. RC-1    R3+5    18. RC=5

Now, with a powerful offensive, Red has secured the victory.

(2) R9=2

4.    …    R9=2

It  is  a  correct  move.  If  he  changed  to  play  R9=4,  Red  would  play

R1=2,  then  H8+9  (If  Black  played  R4+5,  Red  would  play  C5=4.  Red

battle  formation would be a perfect and be of  potential), R2+4. Red has

secured the initiative.

5. C8=9    H2+4

It  is  a  correct  move.  If  he  changed  to  play  H8+9,  Red  would  play

C5+4, then A4+5, C5=9! Red stands better.

6. R1=2    H8+9    7. H7+6    A4+5

With a consolidated battle formation, Black is waiting at ease for the

chance to come. If he changed to play P9+1, Red would C9=6, then A4+5,

A6+5,  R1+1,  C6-2,  R2+3,  R2+6,  C8=6,  C5=6.  Red  has  gained  the

initiative.

8. C9=6

Red can also play C5=6. If so, Black would play R2+6, then A6+5 (If

Red  played  C6+6,  Black  would  play  R1=4.  Red  couldn't  have  any

advantage), H4+2, H6+5, R1=4, R2+4, R4+6, P9+1, R4=1. Black would

be satisfied with the play when both sides are entangled in the battle.

8.    …    R1+1

Black drives his Chariot forward to protect his armpit Horse. It is an

important  move  for  strengthening  his  defense  as  it  can  activate  his  2nd

file Chariot for a counterattack.

9. A6+5    R2+4

By  destroying  the  opponent's  stronghold  at  the  riverbank,  Black  can

deploy his pieces.

10. H6+5    H4+5    11. C5+4    P9+1

It  is  a  necessary  move.  If  Black  played  R2=3  to  capture  Red  Pawn,

Red  would  play  E7+5,  then  R3=2,  C5=1!  Red  position  is  slightly  better

than Black's.

12. E7+5    R1=4      13. P3+1    R4+3

14. R2+6    C8+6      15. C5-2    R2-1

16. P1+1    C3=1

With a solid battle formation, Black has enough strength in combating

the opponent.

Summary:  It  can  be  considered  as  a  slight  improvement  of  the

normal play R1=2 that Red drives his Horse forward on Move 4. It is also

a deceptive play to lure Black into pushing his Pawn forward. In variation

(1),  Black  has  fallen  into  the  trap  when  he  makes  a  pre-matured

counterattack. Making  use of the opportunity, Red ingeniously sacrifices

his  left  Horse.  At  the  same  time,  he  concentrates  his  force  to  launch  a

powerful  air-attack  on  Black's  position.  Despite  the  fact  that  he  has

gained a piece, Black finds it difficult in resisting the offensive of Red as

his  position  is  in  disorder.  At  the  end,  Red  has  retrieved  back  the  lost

piece and has gained a great superiority. In variation (2), Black responds

correctly  by  moving  his  Chariot  to  tie  down  Red  Cannon.  After  two

moves of play, the game is switched to a popular variation, in which both

sides have their own strong points.

As  mentioned before, in responding  to the bait of Red, if  he refrains

from obtaining a quick success and instant benefit as in the variation (2),

Black can avoid being trapped. In  variation (1), Red attack with a chain

of excellent moves can be considered as a good example of sacrifice for

attack.

Game 2: Lock Cannon in Calabash

1. P7+1    C2=3    2. E7+5

It is a stable and safe play that Red plays the Elephant. However, it is

not so powerful in relation to the offensive. The most common variation

is C2=5 or C8=5, which is of menace to Black to some extend.

2.    …      H2+1    3. H8+7    R1=2

4. H7+6

Red pieces are not well coordinated when Red drives his Horse for an

attack. However, this deceptive play of Red can be served as a "test" on

Black. The correct move is R9=8 to evenly deploy his pieces.

4.    …    H8+7    5. R9=8    R2+4

Believing that the Red Horse will not find any way to move forward,

Black drives his Chariot to the riverbank and is going to force Red Horse

back  by  playing  R2=4  in  his  next  move.  However,  this  is  the  scheme

planed by Black himself. When the Chariot is on the riverbank, it is in a

perilous  situation,  rendering  Red  an  opportunity  to  exploit.  The  better

move  for Black  is R2+3, a  move  looking  weak but strong.  Black would

be in an optimistic position.

6. P7+1 (as shown in the diagram)

图 31

Red forces a sacrifice of his Pawn. It is a deceptive play with hidden

traps.

In the situation as shown in the diagram, Black mainly can have two

variations:  (1)  R2=3;  (2)  R2+1.  They  may  be  developed  into  the

following possible lines:

(1) R2=3

6.    …      R2=3

Being  ignorant  of  the  impending  peril,  Black  mistakenly  think  that

Red has "no alternative", so he drives his Chariot to take Red Pawn.

7. C8+5!

Red has succeeded in his deceptive play. Now, his Cannon is going to

make an assault.

7.    …      E7+5    8. H6+8    C3+4

If  he  changed  to  play  H7-5,  Black  would  unlikely  lose  materials.

However, Red could play C8+1! then C3-1, R1+1, H5-7, R1=6. As Red

strong  forces  are  concentrated  on  one  wing,  Black  would  be  faced  with

Red attack.

9. C8+1    H1-3

He has no other alternatives. If he changed to play H1-2, Red would

play H8+9. After gaining a piece, Red would be in a superior position.

10. H8+9! C4=2    11. R8+7    H7-8

12. R8=7!

It is a powerful and accurate move that Red presents his Chariot to the

tiger's mouth. If he played R8=6, Black would play H3+2.

12.    …      A6+5    13. R7+1

It  is  a  wise  choice.  If  he  changed  to  play  H9+7,  Black  would  play

K5=6.  While  having  a  temporary  enjoyment,  Red  Chariot  would  been

cornered in enemy's position, finding it hard in making an escape.

13.    …    C8=1    14. C8=9

Black finds it difficult to make a counterattack when his Cannon is in

a  cramped  position.  Red  has  secured  a  winning  position  as  he  has  the

material advantage.

(2) R2+1

6.    …      R2+1

Timely  coming  to  realize  the  situation,  Black  pushes  his  Chariot

forward to take Red Horse.

7. P7+1

It  is  a  correct  move.  If  he  changed  to  play  H6+4,  Black  would  play

E7+5, then P7=6, P7+1, H4+3, C3=7, R8=7, C8+4. Red could not get any

advantage.

7.    …    R2=4

If  he  changed  to  play  C3=2,  Red  would  play  H6+4,  R2=6,  C8=7,

R6-1, C7+7, A4+5, C7-2, C2+2 (If Black played C8=3, Red would play

R8+7.  Red  would  be  in  a  superior  position),  C7=2,  H1+3,  C2-3.  Red

would  be  in  a  superior  position  as  he  has  the  material  advantage  of

Elephants.

8. P7+1    C8=3    9. R8=7    C3-1

By  now,  Red  still  has  the  initiative  in  his  hands,  while  Black  has

enough strength to contend with Red.

Summary:  In  variation  (1),  to  respond  to  the  deceptive  play

meticulously designed by Red, due to his greediness in capturing the Red

Pawn,  Black  has  suffered  irretrievable  losses.  In  variation  (2),  as  Black

has seen through the scheme of Red, he has timely made up what he has

lost.

The  deceptive  play  of  Red  in  the  opening  is  known  as  "Lock  the

Cannon  in  Calabash"(锁葫芦炮).  Its  scheme  is  to  launch  a  sudden

attack  by  making  use  of  the  opportunity  when  Black  pushes  his  Chariot

forward  to  check  the  advancement  of  Red  Horse.  The  tactics  is

ingeniously  planed.  From  this  point  of  view,  it  can  be  regarded  as  the

typical example of making break through from the flank.

Game 3: Daring to Face the Exposed Cannon

1. P7+1    P7+1    2. C2=3    E7+5

It is a stable play that  Black plays the Elephant. Black can also play

C8=5  or  C2=5.  All  these  variations  can  be  evolved  into  complicated

position of offensive and defensive play.

3.         H2+1 C8+4     (as shown in the diagram)

图 32

It is a typical deceptive play that Black drives his Cannon across the

river.  It  aims  at  sealing  off  Red  right  Chariot  when  it  is  menacing  the

central  Pawn  of  Red.  The  most  common  play  is  H8+7,  R1=2,  R9=8,

R2+4. Red has gained the initiative.

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  the  diagram,  in  face  of  the  attack  of

Black's C8=5, Red mainly can have two variations: (1) H8+7; (2) R1=2.

They may be developed into the following possible lines:

(1) H8+7

4. H8+7

It  is  a  move  of  dogmatism  that  Red  drives  his  Horse  to  protect  his

Pawn, enabling Black to succeed in his scheme.

4.    …    H8+7    5. R9+1

It  is  a  move  for  seeking  variations.  If  he  played  E7+5,  Black  would

play  H2+1,  P1+1,  C2=3,  R9=8,  R1=2,  C8+4,  P3+1!  P7+1,  E5+3,  Black

could be in a satisfactory situation.

5.    …      C2=3    6. E3+5    H2+1

7. R9=4    R1=2    8. C8=9    R2+6

9. A6+5    P3+1!

It  is  a  powerful  play  for  counterattack  that  Black  pushes  his  Pawn

forward,  as  it  will  menace  Red  left  Horse.  At  the  same  time,  his  left

Cannon is ready to capture Red central Pawn.

10. R1=2    R9=8    11. R4+3

It is a correct move. Red must not play P7+1. If so, Black would play

C3+5, then C3=7, R2=3, C7=6, C8=5. The initiative would be reverted to

Black.

11.    …      P3+1    12. R4=7    C3+5

13. C3=7    C8=5    14. R2+9    H7-8

After some exchanges, Black has captured Red central pawn. He has

an optimistic position.

(2) R1=2

4. R1=2!

Being not misled by Black's play, Red bolding offers his opponent an

exposed Cannon. The play is powerful.

4.    …    C8=5    5. H8+7

Red  dispatches  his  left  Horse  forward  to  drive  away  Black  Cannon.

He should avoid making the move R2+8 hastily. Otherwise, Black could

play A6+5, which would put Red in a difficult position.

5.    …    C5-2

If  he  played  C5-1,  Red  would  play  C8+2.  Black  could  not  get  any

benefit.

6. H7+6    H8+7    7. H6+7    H2+1

It is a premeditated tactical scheme that Red plays his Horse, targeting

at  Black  Cannon.  Black  drives  his  Horse  out  for  dispatching  his  pieces

quickly.  The  move  of  C5+2  is  of  no  significance,  as  Red  can  drive  the

Black Cannon away by playing R2+4 and R2=5.

8. H7-5    P5+1    9. R2+6

After  making  a  forced  exchange  of  Cannon,  Black's  offensive  is

frustrated. Now, Red pushes his right Chariot forward, leaving no time in

launching the offensive. The play is powerful.

9.    …    R9=8    10. R2=3    C2+4

Ignoring  his  left  Horse, Black drives  his  Cannon  forward, hoping  he

will  have  another  exposed  Cannon.  However,  this  play  is  not  tactful.

However,  if  he  changed  to  play  A6+5,  Red  would  play  P7+1.  Red  still

could have the initiative.

11. R3+1    C2=5    12. R3-1    R1=2

13. C8+4

It is reasonable for Red to capture Black Horse. Now, Red drives his

Cannon  forward  for  sealing  off  Black  Chariot.  After  the  exchanges  and

annihilations, Red has gained great advantage.

13.    …    R8+7    14. R9+2    A4+5

15. P7+1

Red  dispatches  his  Pawn  into  the  battle  for  expending  his  sphere  of

strength.  At  this  time,  Red  should  avoid  playing  C8=5  for  exchanging

Cannon, as he would be under the containment if Black plays R2+3.

15.    …    H1+3    16. P7=1

Now,  Black's  offensive  is  of  no  significance.  Red  is  in  a  superior

position as he has the material advantage.

Summary: It is a typical deceptive play that Black plays his Cannon

for capturing Red Pawn on Move 3. In the variation (1), as Red follows

the old rules, so he is passive in his defensive play. Black has succeeded

in his scheme. While in variation (2), Red plays positively, daring to face

an  exposed  Cannon  and  turning  Black's  tricks  against  Black  himself.  In

the end, Red has succeeded in dispatching his Horse quickly and forcing

an  exchange  of  Black  Cannon.  It  has  laid  a  solid  foundation  for  Red  to

win the victory.

Because there  is no strong pieces to cooperate with, Black's exposed

Cannon  can  not  get  the  desired  result.  Once  he  has  failed  in  his  trick,

Black will find himself in the mire, as he can not dispatch his pieces out

quickly.

Game 4: Understand the Intention

1. P7+1    P7+1    2. H8+7

Following the Pawn's opening of both sides, it is a common play that

Red  drives  his  left  Horse  out.  Red  may  have  other  variations,  such  as,

C2=3, C8=6 and C2=5.

2.    …      H8+7    3. R9+1    E3+5

4. E3+5    H2+4    5. H2+4    R1=3

6. C2=3 (as shown in diagram)

After  several  move  of  deployment,  both  sides  are  confronted  each

other  with  a  similar  battle  formation.  Outwardly,  the  game  looks  quite

calm,  but  in  reality,  it  contains  many  traps  and  delicate  changes.  The

actual strength of each side is usually shown in the flat game.

In the situation as shown  in the diagram, the  move  looks quite plain

that  Red  plays  his  Cannon  sideward  to  the  3rd  file.  However,  it  is  the

move painstakingly thought out by Red, which is to lure Black into errs.

In responding to it, Black mainly can have three variations: (1) R9=8; (2)

H7+8;  (3)  P3+1.  They  may  be  developed  into  the  following  possible

lines:

(1) R9=8

6. …    R9=8

It  looks  quite  reasonable  for  Black  to  dispatch  his  Chariot  out.

However,  it  will  result  in  that  Black  has  a  disproportionate  battle

formation. This is what Red hopes for.

7. R9=6    R3+1

When  Red  drives  his  Chariot  sideward  for  capturing  Black  Horse,

Black is feeling awkward (If Black hadn't played R9=8, Red could have a

coordinated  battle  formation  by  playing  R9+1).  Now,  an  expedient

measure for Black is to drive the Chariot forward for protecting his Horse.

If he changed to play H4+6, Red would play H7+6. In his next move, he

is going to capture the central Pawn.

8. R1=2    C8+4    9. P3+1!    H7-9

It  is  excellent  play  that  Red  pushes  his  Pawn  forward  for  making  a

breakthrough. In such a circumstance, Black has no other alternatives but

to retreat his Horse. If Black erred in playing P7+1 (If Black played H4+6,

Red  would  play  R6+6),  Red  would  play  R6+6!  Black  would  find  it

difficult in resistance to the enemy’s attack.

10. P3+1    E5+7    11. R6+6    C2+4

12. H7+6

As  Black's  formation  is  in  disorder,  Red  is  obviously  in  a  superior

position.

(2) H7+8

6.    …    H7+8

This move is slightly better than the move in variation (1). However,

Red can still take advantage of it.

7. R9=6      R9+1    8. R6+4    P3+1

9. H4+6!    C2+2    10. R6+1

It is obvious that Red stands better in the confrontation.

(3) P3+1

6.    …      P3=1!

Being  not  misled  by  Red  play,  Black  pushes  his  Pawn  forward  for

achieving  a  smooth  deployment  of  his  piece.  After  that,  he  will  drive

forward  his  "Chariot  from  the  position  of  the  Elephant"  (象位车)  to

carry  out  his  battle  plan.  It  is  the  correct  move  in  responding  to  the

deceptive play of Red.

7. R1=2    H7+6

With  his  Horse  driven  out,  Black  can  make  flexible  assaults.  His

battle formation will be of elasticity.

8. R9=6    R9+1    9. P7+1

If  Red  played  R6+4,  Black  would  play  C2+2!  And  his  next  move

would be C8=6. Red couldn't have any advantage from the play.

9.    …    R3+4

Now, the situation is quite clear that the initiative has been reverted to

Black.

Summary: In variation (1) and (2), as Black's play is not targeted at

the  deceptive  play  of  Red  C2=3  on  Move  6,  Red  has  succeeded  in  his

scheme. In  variation  (3), being  not  misled by Red play,  Black continues

to  dispatch  his  Chariot  out  according  to  his  plan.  In  the  end,  Black  has

achieved desired results in his play.

The  move  of  Red  Cannon  on  move  6  is  not  so  effective  and  nor  of

any  practical  significance.  The  correct  move  is  R1=3  or  H7+6.  If  Black

has a clear understanding of this point and continues to carry out his plan

by dispatching the Chariot out, Red can not get any advantage.

Game 5: A Horse is Running Wild

1. P7+1    H8+7    2. P3+1    E3+5

To  respond  to the  3rd  file  and  7th  file  Pawn  opening  (两头蛇)  of

Red, Black is planning to adopt the battle formation of Palcorner Horse

(拐角马) after playing the Elephant. This variation "looks gentle but firm

in  reality".  If  he  changed  to  play  C8=9,  Red  would  play  H2+3,  R9=8,

R1=2,  P3+1  (If  Black  played  R8+4,  Red  could  play  C2=1  to  gain  the

initiative  by),  P7+1,  R8+4,  P7+1,  P7+1.  By  sacrificing  his  Pawn,  Black

has gained the initiative. After several moves, both sides are engaged in a

close combat. The battle is becoming more acute.

3. H8+7    H2+4    4. H7+6

Red  drives  his  Horse  forward  immediately.  On  the  one  hand,  it  can

weaken  Black's  counterattack  of  Chariot  at  Elephant  position  after

sacrificing  his 3rd file Pawn. On the other hand, it can enforce a remote

control over Black's Palcorner Horse.

4. H4+6           (as        shown in          the        diagram)

图 34

It  is  a  typical  deceptive  play  that  Black  drives  his  Horse  to  the

palcorner, luring Red Horse to take the central Pawn. The common play is

P3+1 and then R1=3, or play R9+1 directly.

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  the  diagram,  Red  mainly  can  have  two

variations:  (1)  H6+5;  (2)  C8=5.  They  may  be  developed  into  the

following possible lines:

(1) H6+5

5. H6+5

It is an indiscreet move, resulting in that the Red Horse will become

an  isolated  force  in  the  enemy  territory.  The  beginners  are  liable  to

commit  such  a  mistake  as  they  often  covet  minor  advantage  and  fail  to

take the general situation into account.

5.    …    H6+5!

Black's palcorner Horse jumps to the central file, inviting Red Horse

to make an exchange and also glaring at the opponent's position. It looks

like a runaway horse, that no force can bring it under control.

6. P5+1

In face of the new  force of Black, Red can only parry  Black's attack

and has no strength to hit back. If he changed to play H5+3, Black would

play H5+6, then C2=4, C2=7, E7+5, C8+4! P5+1, R1=2. Red would find

it  hard  in  resistance,  when  Black's  pieces  are  occupying  the  strategic

position.

6.    …      H5+7    7. C2=5    A4+5

8. H5+3

If he changed to play  H5-4, Black would play C2+3 or C8+3. Black

would be still in a superior position.

8.      …      C2=7    9. H2+3      R1=2

10. C8=6    R9=8    11. R1=2    C8+4

Now,  Black  is  in  a  superior  position  while  Red  has  an  inert  battle

formation.

(2) C8=5

5. C8=5!

When Red plays his Cannon to guard the central file, Black's scheme

is immediately frustrated.

5.    …      P7+1

Ignoring  the  attack  of  Red,  Black  pushes  his  Pawn  forward  for

activating his pieces. Besides that, Black has no other good methods. For

example, if he played H6+5, Red would play C5+3! P5+1, R9=8, C2=4,

C2=5, Black's formation would be weakened when his central Pawn was

pushed forward. He had no enough strength in offense nor defense.

6. R9=8    C2=4    7. H6+5    H7+6

Now, the move of H6+5 is not so effective as before, as Red can play

C5+3  (It  is  simple  and  clear-cut  move.  It  is  not  proper  for  Red  to  play

H5-3  as  Black  can  play  H5+6),  H7+5,  P3+1,  A6+5,  P3=4,  H5-7,  P4=3.

Red has secured a superior position.

8. P3+1    FH+7    9. P3+1

Red shouldn't lose any vigilance when he is in a superior position. If

Red played H2+3, Black could make a counterattack by playing C4+5.

9.    …    H7+5

Black has no other alternatives but to exchange the Red Cannon with

his Horse which has come from afar. He has lost the advantage as far as

the number of the moves is concerned. If he attempted for a counterattack

by  playing  H7+6,  it  would  come  to  no  avail,  as  Red  could  play  C2=4,

then C4=5, R8+1!

10. E3+5    H6+5    11. H2+4

It  is  a  correct  move  that  Red  sacrifices  his  Pawn  for  gaining  the

initiative. However, the move of P3+1 is also a good one. Following that,

if  Black  played  H5+6,  Red  would  play  H2+4  (Don't  play  C2=4  hastily.

Otherwise,  Red  would  lose  the  initiative  as  his  two  pieces  are  under

attack when Black plays H6+8), C8=9, R1=3. Red would have secured a

superior position.

11.    …    H5-7    12. R1=3    H7-6

13. H5-6

Now, Red has gained immense superiority.

Summary:  In  variation  (1),  as  Red  covets  to  small  advantage  when

responding  to  Black's  deceptive  play  of  palcorner  Horse,  Black  Horse

runs wild that no force can bring it under control. In variation (2), as Red

has seen through the scheme of Black, Black is unable to get the desired

results  and  his  pieces  are  jammed  together.  In  the  end,  in  face  of  Red

offensive, Black has been thrown into a difficult position.

Despite the fact that the palcorner Horse is in an unfavorable position,

when it has broken to the bridle, it can bring unexpected results. The two

variations of Red, one is to "set free" the Horse and another is to "restrict"

it, can produce quite different results.

Chapter VI    Elephant Opening

Game 1: Escape from being captured

1. E3+5    C8=5    2. H2+3    H8+7

3. R1=2    R9=8    4. P3+1    R8+6

For  realization  of  his  tactical  scheme,  Red  pushes  his  3rd  file  Pawn

forward so that he could bring the game on the track designed by him.

It  is  inevitable  that  Black  drives  his  left  Chariot  forward.  If  he

changed  to  play  R8+4  (Black's  thinking  is  correct  that  he  plays  the

Chariot  forward.  Otherwise,  Red  would  seal  off  the  advancement  of  the

Chariot  by  playing  C2+4),  Red  would  play  H8+7,  then  P7+1  (If  he

changed  to  play  P3+1,  Red  would  play  C8+2,  Red  has  potential  in  his

development), P3+1, R8=7, H3+2. Red has gained the initiative.

5. H8+5    R8=7

It  is  a  correct  move.  If  he  changed  to  play  H2+3,  Red  would  play

H3+4.  The  situation  would  be  in  favor  of  Red  when  his  left  Horse  is  at

the riverbank.

6. R2=3    H2+3    7. P7+1    R7=8

8. C2=1

It  is  a  flexible  maneuver.  If  he  changed  to  play  R3=2,  Black  would

play  P5+1,  then  C8+1,  R8-2.  After  that,  Black  would  play  his  Horse.

Black's play will be of elasticity.

8.    …      P5+1    9. P3=1

It  is  a  deceptive  attack  that  Red  makes  a  forced  sacrifice  of  his  3rd

Pawn. Here, the most common play is C8+1, R8+1, C1-1. Each side can

play defense as well as offense in the game.

9.         …    P7+1    10.  H3+4  (as  shown  in  the  diagram)

图 35

In the situation as shown  in the diagram,  in responding to the attack

of  Red  Horse,  Black  mainly  can  have  three  variations:  (1)  R8=6;  (2)

R8+1;  (3)  C5+4.  They  may  be  developed  into  the  following  possible

lines:

(1) R8=6

10.    …    R8=6

It  is  a  customary  practice  that  Black  plays  his  Chariot  sideward  for

capturing Red Horse. However, it does not fit in with this game.

11. H4+6    H3+5

12. C8+1

For gaining the initiative, it is an important measure for Red to force

the Black Chariot to leave the key passage.

12.    …      R6+1    13. C1=3    R1+1

14. A4+5    R6+1    15. C8=6!

By playing the Red Cannon sideward, it can seal off the movement of

the  Black  Chariot  (The  riverbank  Horse  can  display  its  power  as  Black

Chariot  can  not  play  R1=4).  On  the  other  hand,  it  can  clear  the  way  for

his left Chariot. It is a good move for developing the initiative.

15. …      P5+1

Black  attempts  to  make  a  breakthrough  in  the  central  file.  However,

Black has no other alternatives.

16. R9=8    C2=1

That is the only  move for Black. He must not play P5+1. Otherwise,

Black would suffer from the lose of materials, as Red could play C6-2!

17. C3=4!

If  he  changed  to  play  P5+1,  Black  would  play  C5+3.  Red  couldn't

have any benefit at this moment. After that, if Red  made a forced attack

by playing R8+7, Black would play R6-4, then C6=5, E7+5, C3+5, H5-7,

H6+5, C1=5, C5+4, R6-2! C5=7, R1=8. Red would have trouble at home.

17.    …    R6=8    18. P5=1

If  the  position  had  been  simplified,  Black  could  meet  the  attack

calmly. For example, If Red played H6+5, he could play E7+5 (or P5+1),

then P5+1, H5+6.

18.    …    C5+3    19. H6=4    C1=5

20. C6=5

Now,  Red  has  a  good  chance  in  the  mutual  attack,  as  Black  is  now

under the control of Red.

(2) R8+1

10.    …    R8+1

Black  attempts  to  capture  Red  Cannon  for  gaining  the  initiative.

Unfortunately, Black's play is totally ignored by Red.

11. R3+5!

The move is simple but powerful. After the exchanges of the pieces,

Red has control of the whole situation on board.

11.    …    R8=9

The situation could not be improved even if he stationed his Horse in

the central  file. For example, If he played H3+5, Red would play  H4+5,

H7+5,  R3+1,  R8=9,  R3=5,  R9-1,  C8+1,  R9-1,  C8=7.  Red  will  have  a

bright future.

12. R3+2    R9-1

The  tricky  move  of  C5+4  is  untenable,  otherwise  Red  would  play

H7+5,  then  C2=7,  C8=1,  P5+1,  H4+2.  Black  will  have  the  material

deficit.

13. R3-1

Now, the situation is clear that Red is in a superior position.

(3)    C5+4

10.    …    C5+4!

It  is  an  unexpected  good  move,  which  can  only  be  made  out  after

Black has made a careful analysis.

11. A6+5

As  Red  still  has  the  initiative,  he  doesn't  want  to  have  the  situation

simplified. If he played H7+5, Black would play R8=5, then H4+6, R5=4,

H6+7,  R4-4,  R3+5  (If  Red  played  H7+8,  Black  would  play  E3+5.  Red

couldn't  get  any  advantage),  R4=3,  R3=5,  A4+5.  Both  sides  will  be

evenly matched in strength.

11.      …      R8=6    12. H4+6

This is the most menacing move. If Red changed to play H7+5, Black

would  play  R6-1,  then  R3+5,  H3+1,  E3+5.  Red  couldn't  get  any

advantage.

12.    …    C5-1!    13. R3+5

If he played H6+7 for capturing Black' piece, Black would play E3+5.

There is possibility that Red Horse would be captured at any time as it is

cornered  in  the  enemy's  territory.  Furthermore,  Black  has  the  material

advantage of two pawns.

13.    …    H3+5    14. R3=5    R6-2!

It is a clever exchange of pieces. Now, the initiative is reversed to the

hands of Black.

15. R5-1    R6=4

After  that,  Black  has  the  play  of  C2=5  for  making  a  counterattack.

The situation is optimistic for him.

Summary:  It  is  of  great  deceptive  nature  that  Red  makes  a  forced

sacrifice of his Pawn on move 9, and then drives his Horse to take Black

Chariot. In variation (1), when Black follows the conventional pattern by

playing his Chariot sideward for capturing the Red Horse, Red has seized

the opportunity to make a mating assault, thus has gained the initiative. In

the  mutual  attack,  Red  has  a  good  opportunity,  as  his  pieces  are  more

active. In variation (2), when Black drives his Chariot forward to capture

Red Cannon for gaining the initiative, Red makes a simple but powerful

exchange of pieces, thus putting the whole situation under his control. In

variation (3), Black ingeniously conceived a plan of playing  the Cannon

to  take  Red  central  Pawn.  Following  that,  he  executed  several  beautiful

moves  for  reducing  the  strength  of  Red,  thus  the  situation  became

optimistic for him.

It is obvious that Black's passive play in variation (1) and (2) is very

harmful.  In  variation  (3),  Black  makes  a  positive  assault  by  playing  his

Cannon to attack the enemy's central Pawn, turning the unfavorable factor

into the favorable one. It can be considered as the best counter measure.

Game 2: Make the choice resolutely

1. E3+5    C8=5    2. H2+3    H8+7

3. R1=2    R9=8    4. H8+7    H2=1

5. P7+1

It  is  an  age-old  popular  opening  that  Black  plays  his  left  Cannon  to

the central file in responding to the Elephant opening of Red. It features

that  Black  can  have  a  balanced  deployment  of  his  pieces  and  make  a

counter attack from his two wings while using the central Cannon as the

containing force.

One  of  the  main  variations  is  that  Red  pushes  his  Pawn  forward  for

clearing the way for his Horse. Red can also play P3+1. After that, Black

can play C2=4, then R9=8, R1=2, A4+5, R2+6, C2+1, R8+4. Both sides

are closely matched in strength.

5.    …    P3+1

It  is  a  deceptive  play  that  Black  sacrifices  his  Pawn  for  gaining  the

initiative.  The  most  common  play  is  C2=4  or  R8+4.  If  so,  they  can  be

evolved  as  follows:  (1)  C2=4,  C2+2,  R8+4,  H7+8,  P3+1,  P3+1,  R8=3,

A4+5, P7+1. The position of Red is slightly better than that of Black. (2)

R8+4,  C2=1,  R8+5,  H3-2,  R1+1,  R9+1,  R1=8,  H2+4,  R8+3.  Both  sides

are evenly balanced in strength.

6. P7+1

It is a correct move. If Red changed to play C2+4, Black would have

chance  of  making  a  counterattack  by  playing  P3+1,  then  E5+7,  R1+1,

P3+1,  R1=4,  E7-5,  R4+5,  R9+2  (If  Red  played  C2-3,  Black  would  play

R4+2, then A4+5, R8+4. Black has the initiative), C2=3, C8+4 (Red must

not  play  H7+8,  as  Black  could  have  the  aggressive  moves  of  R4=2  and

C3+5),  R4=3,  H7-5,  H1+3,  R9=6,  A6+5,  H5-3,  H3+5!  Red  will  not  be

satisfied with the situation).

6.…R8+4 (as shown in diagram)

图 36

At  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  1,  Red  mainly  can  have  two

variations:  (1)  P7+1;  (2)  H7+6.  They  may  be  developed  into  the

following possible line:

(1) P7+1

7. P7+1

It is unwise for Red that he is reluctant to give up the promoted Pawn.

7.    …      R8=3    8. H7+6    C2=4

9. P7=8

It  is  imperative  for  Red  to  play  the  Pawn  sideward  to  seal  off  the

Black Chariot. If he changed to play A4+5, Black would play R1=2, then

R9+2, R2+5! Red will find it hard to resist the attack.

9.    …    C4+7!

The move is very aggressive. The stable and safe play is R3=4, then

H6-7, R4=2, R9=8, R2-1. Black can easily capture the promoted Pawn.

10. R9+1

If Red Played  K5=6 to capture the Black  Cannon, Black would play

R3=4,  then  P8+1,  R4+1,  K6=5,  R4=2.  Black  would  be  in  a  superior

position.

10. …      C4-2    11. A4+5

If  Red  hastily  played  P8+1,  Black  would  play  C4=7,  then  C8=3,

C5+4, K5=6, R1+1! Black could make a sacrifice for attacking and be in

a superior position.

11.    ...      R3=4    12. A5+6    R4+1

13. A6-5    R4=2    14. C8=6    R2-2

Now, Black is in a superior position as he has the material advantage

of Advisors.

(2) H7+6

7. H7+6 (as shown in diagram)

Being  not  mislead  by  the  promoted  Pawn,  Red  timely  drives  his

Horse into the battle. The play is flexible.

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  (2),  Black  can  have  two

variations:  R8=3  or  C2=4.  They  may  be  developed  into  the  following

possible lines:

(2.1) R8=3

7.    …    R8=3

Though  Black  has easily  retrieved the  lost Pawn, he  fails to see that

Red can have the following ingenious stratagem.

8. H6-8!    R3-2

9. H8-6

By exploiting the initiative of capturing the Chariot and Cannon, Red

Horse can return to the palcorner. His next step is to seize the position of

the Elephant at the riverbank. Red can also play C8+5 for exchange of the

Cannon. If Black played C3=2, Red would play H8+6, then P7+1, C2+4.

Red will have the initiative.

9.    …        C5=4    10. H6+7    C4+4

11. E7=9    C2+4    12. R9=7    C4=7

13. H7+8

Despite  the  fact  that  Black  has  made  the  assault  with  his  double

Cannons, Red Horse stands fast at its post. Now, as the time is ripe, Red

makes  a  forced  exchange.  No  matter  how  he  will  react,  Black  will  be

thrown into the inferior position.

(2.2) C2=4

7.    …      C2=4    8. H6-8

Since Black  hasn't taken the promoted Pawn,  it  is  necessary  for Red

to withdraw his Horse to protect it, and safeguard his initiative.

8.    …      C4+4    9. P3+1    C4=9

10. H8+6

It  seems  that  Black  could  retrieve  what  he  has  lost  by  playing  his

Cannon.  However,  there  is  a  hidden  peril  when  his  battle  formation  has

been  weakened.  By  driving  his  Horse  forward,  Red  is  attempting  for

another attack. Red can also play C2+1, if Black played C9=5, Red would

play A4+5.

10.    …      C9-1    11. H6-8    C9+1

12. H8+6    R8=3    13. C2+4!    R3=4

14. C2-2

Moving Cannon ingeniously forward and backward, Red can gain the

initiative by playing C8=6 to take Black Chariot.

14.    …    C9-1    15. R9+1    P7+1

If  Black  played  his  Chariot  for  capturing  Red  Cannon,  his  situation

still  could  not  be  improved:  R1=2,  C8=6,  R4=8,  R9=4,  P7+1,  P3+1,

R8=7, C2-3. Following that, Red could play C2=3 to launch an attack. It

would be hard for Black to handle with the situation.

16. C8=6    R4=3      17. H6-8!    R3=2

18. P3+1    R2=7

It  is  a  move  of  stubborn  play.  If  Black  changed  to  play  R2+2,  Red

would  make  an  attack  by  playing  P3+1,  then  H7-5,  R9=4,  H5+3,  P3+1,

Black would find it difficult in defense as he is weak in the left wing.

19. C2-3    R7=8    20. R2-1!    P9+1

21. C2=3    R1=2    22. H8+6

Now,  Black's  left  Horse  is  under  attack,  while  Red  is  obviously  in  a

superior  position.  In  the  following  moves,  if  Black  played  R8+4,  Red

could play R9=5!

Summary:  In  variation  (1),  in  responding  to  the  deceptive  play  of

Black on Move 5 that after sacrificing his Pawn, Black plays his Chariot

to  take  the  Red  Pawn,  Black  has  succeeded  in  his  scheme,  as  Red  is

reluctant to give up to the promoted Pawn.    In variation (2), after driving

his  Horse  forward,  Red  could  make  the  countermoves  flexibly  in

responding  to  Black's  play.  In  variation  (2.1.),  despite  the  fact  that  the

promoted  Red  Pawn  has  been  taken  by  Black,  as  Red  has  a  skillful

deployment of his forces, and Red Horse has taken up a strategic position

at the riverbank, so the initiative is still in the hands of Red. In variation

(2.2.), when Black plays his Cannon sideward seeking for a change, Red

withdraws his Horse for protection of the Pawn. Black Cannon is forced

to disengage  itself  from  the defense line. In the end, Red has gained the

initiative and the superiority.

The best variation for Red in dealing with the deceptive play of Black

is to sacrifice the 7th  file Pawn. If  he  is resolute  in  making  his decision

and  flexible  in  his  play,  Red  can  have  enough  strength  in  frustrating

Black's deceptive play.

Appendix: Selected Games from Competitions

Game 1: Huang Yong (Shenzhen) vs.

Sun Yongzheng (Shanghai)

(Kunming, 3rd April, 1998)

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

3. R1=2    H2+3    4. P7+1    P7+1

5. R2+6    C8=9    6. R2=3    C9-1

7. H8+7    A4+5    8. H7+6    C9=7

9. R3=4    R8+5    10. C8+2    E3+5

11. C8=9 (as shown in the diagram)

图 38

Both  sides  are  quite  familiar  with  the  conventional  opening  in  the

first  10  moves.  After  that,  the  game  becomes  the  common  opening  of

"Central  Cannon,  Cross-river  Chariot  and  Riverbank  Horse  vs.

Screen Horse, Sideward-play Cannon for exchange of Chariot" (中炮

过河车河口马对屏风马平炮对车).  It  is  a  typical  deceptive  play  that

Red plays his Cannon sideward for attacking Black Chariot, which can be

also considered as a test to young player Sun Yongzheng for his ability in

meeting the change. If he changed to play C5=6, Black would play P3+1,

then  P3+1,  R8-1,  P7+1,  E5+3,  C8=7,  H3+4,  C6+3,  P7+1,  C6+3,  C7=4,

C8=3,  R8=7,  E7+5.  It  would  lead  to  a  conventional  variation,  in  which

both sides are evenly matched in strength.

11.    …    R1=3

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  the  diagram,  Black  plays  Chariot  to

protect  his  Horse,  proving  that  he  is  very  calm  in  face  of  the  sudden

assault  of  Red.  The  following  two  variations  will  put  Black  in  an

unfavorable position: (1) R1=2, H6+5, R8=3, H5+7, R2=3, R4+2. Red is

in a superior position as he has the material advantage. (2) R2=1, C9+3,

R8=4 (If Black erred in playing R1+2, Red would play H6+7, then R1=2,

R4+2, Red could make the dual assault on the Black Cannon or Elephant.

Black will be immediately routed), C9=8, after that, Red could play R4+2.

Red will have the initiative in his offensive.

12. R9=8    C2-1    13. H6+5    R8+3

Having  failed  in  one  stratagem,  Red  has  brought  out  another  one,

that is, to capture Black's central Pawn with his Horse. Being not misled

by  Red  play,  Black  drives  his  Chariot  to  the  second  rank,  where  it  can

play  defense  as  well  offense.  If  Black  played  R8=3  for  taking  7th  file

Pawn,  Red  would  play  E7+9!  Then  FR+1,  C9=7,  H7+5,  C5+4,  P3+1,

C7+3, RR+2, R4+2! Red has gained the material advantage.

14. H5+7

After  taking  a  long  journey,  Red  Horse  is  reluctant  to  make  the

exchange with Black's weak Horse. However, he has no other alternatives.

Otherwise, Black would take the cornered Cannon by playing P1+1.

14.    …      R3+2    15. R8+6    R3=4

16. C9=8    C2+4    17. R8-2    H7+8

After  the  exchange,  the  3rd  file  Red  Horse  has  become  an

irremediable  weak  point.  Black  can  take  the  opportunity  in  making  an

assault to gain the superiority.

18. R8+5    A5-4    19. C5=9

By  moving  the  Cannon  away,  Red  could  readjust  his  battle

formation.  If  he  changed  to  play  R4=3,  Black  would  play  H8-9!  Then

R3+1,  R8=7,  H3-5,  R4+6,  Red  is  in  a  difficult  position  as  he  has  a

cramped Centroid Horse.

19.    …      C7+5    20. E3+5    P7+1

21. R4=2    R8=4

By playing his Chariot sideward for taking a checkmate, Black could

shake off the control of Red Chariot. His next move would be to drive the

Horse into the battle. Black's offensive is so aggressive.

22. A4+5    H8+6    23. H3-4    C7-1

24. R8-6

If  he  changed  to  play  C9+4  for  counterattack,  the  situation  will

become complicated. However, Black will be still in a winning position.

The  game  can  be  evolved  into  the  following  lines:  C9+4,  H6+4,  H4+3,

C1+3!  C9+3,  FR=5!  K5=4  (H3-5,  H4+3,  K5=4,  R4+7,  K4+1,  R4+6,

K4+1, R4=6. Black wins), H4+3, R8-9, E5-3, Following that, Black can

play R4+7 or R4=6 to take a mating check. Red has no other choice but

to surrender.

24.    …      R4-2    25. R8=6    R4+4

26. E5+3    R4=5    27. H4+5    H6+4

28. C9+4    P9+1    29. R2=7

This move will lead to a quick defeat of Red. If he changed to other

variations, Black would be still in a winning position.

29.    …    H4+3!

It  is  a  fetal  strike.  In  the  subsequent  moves,  Black  will  secure  his

winning position after capturing the Red Chariot.

30. H5-7    C1=3!    31. H7+8    C3-3

32. H8-6    R5=9      33. E3-5      R9=4

34. C9-1    C3=5      35. K5=4      P9+1

36. E5-3    A4+5      37. C9-4      A5+4

38. E7+5    A6+5      39. C9=8    R4=6

40. K4=5    C5+3

Black wins.

Game 2: Xu Tianhong (Jiangsu) Vs.

Hu Ronghua (Shanghai)

(Guangzhou, 7th January 1991)

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    R9=8

2. R1=2    H2+3    4. P3+1    P3=1

5. H8+9    P1+1    6. C8=7    H3+2

7. R9+1    E3+5

As  both  sides  are  familiar  with  their  play,  the  game  is  quickly

turned  into  the  opening  of "5th  and  7th  file  Cannon,  advancement  of

3rd file Pawn vs. Screen Horse, using outward Horse to seal off Red

Chariot"  ( 五七炮进三兵对屏风马外马封车).  After  that,  the  most

popular  play  of  Black  is  P1+1,  then  P9+1,  R1+5,  R2+4,  E7+5,  R9=4,

A6+5, R4+5. The situation has become more complicate as both sides are

locked in the attack on one wing. Now, Mr. Hu Ronghua switches to his

favorite variation of playing his right Elephant. His purpose is to strength

the  ranks  of  Pawn  by  playing  R1+3  in  his  next  move,  and  adopting  the

strategic  policy  of  "overpowering  the  firm  with  the  gentle,  and  gaining

mastery by striking only after the enemy has struck".

8. R2+6

After crossing the river, the right Red Chariot can put more pressure

on  Black’s  forces  in  his  left  wing.  If  he  changed  to  play  R9=6,  Black

would  play  H2+1,  then  R6=8,  C2=4,  R8+2,  P1+1,  H9-8,  C8+4.  Black

would find himself in a satisfactory position.

8.    …      P1+1

By  breaking  with  the  conventions,  Black  pushes  the  Pawn  forward

to clear the way for his Chariot, hoping that he can defeat his enemy with

a surprised attack. However, the play has a deceptive nature. The safe and

stable play should be R1+3.

9. P9+1 R1+5 (as shown in diagram)

图 39

10. R9=4

Black's "careless play" must not be treated lightly. In the situation as

shown  in  the  diagram,  with  the  aim  of  gaining  the  initiative,  Red  plays

the Chariot sideward and then sacrifices his Pawn. If he changed to play

E3+1, Black would play H2+3 to get back the initiative quickly. Or if he

changed to play R2=3, Black would play C8+4, then C5+4, A6+5, E3+5,

C8=7,  R3=4,  H7+5,  R4=5,  H2+3.  Black  has  succeeded  in  taking  the

Pawn.

10.    …      R1=7

11. H3+4    A4+5

If  he  changed  to  play  A6+5,  Red  would  play  H4+6,  then  C2+1,

C7=8! C2=4, H6+4, C4=6, R4+5, R7+4, H9+8, H2-3, H8+7. Red will be

in a winning position with his follow-up moving of H7+9.

12. H4+5

With  a  flexible  tactics,  Red  takes  Black's  central  Pawn  with  his

Horse. It is not appropriate for Red to play H4+6 any more. As Black has

played  his  right  Advisor,  Red  Chariot  can  not  cause  any  menace  to  the

Black King.

12.    …      C8=9    13. R2+3    H7+8

14. E3+1    R7+1

Red  plays  his  Elephant  for  expelling  the  Black  Chariot  and  at  the

same  time,  for  sounding  out  how  Black  will  respond.  It  is  unwise  for

Black to capture Red Pawn with his Chariot when Red Horse is galloping

at  will.  Black  should  change  to  play  R7=8,  despite  the  fact  that  Red

would be still in a superior position after playing H5-4.

15. H5-6!    P3=1

16. H6+4    R7-2

17. P7+1 C9=6 (as shown in diagram)

图 40

In the situation as shown in diagram, Black is fully aware that he is

taking  risk  when  he  plays  the  Cannon  sideward  for  taking  the  Chariot.

However,  he  has  no  other  alternatives.  Otherwise,  Black  will  find  it

difficult  in  resisting  Red  attack,  as  Red  has  the  material  advantage  in

Pawns  and  his  pieces  are  taking  a  better  position.  For  example,  if  he

changed  to  play  H2+1,  Red  would  play  C7-1,  then  H1-3,  H9+7,

Obviously,  Black  would  be  in  a  losing  position.  Following  that,  Red

could launch a fierce attack by capturing Black’s two Elephants with his

Horse.

18. H4+5    E7+5

19. C5+5    K5=4

20. R4=6    C2=4    21. R6+2    C4-1

Black  stubbornly  resists  Red  attack  by  withdrawing  his  Cannon.  If

he changed to play C6+3, Red would play P7+1, then R7=3, C7=6, K4+1,

A4+5, R3+1, R6+2, H2+4, E7+5, R3=1, H9+7, R1=2, C5=2. After that,

Red could make more aggressive attack by playing C2+1 or C2-3.

22. H9+8    A5+4    23. R6=9    K4=5

24. R9+5    C4-1      25. R9=2    R7=4

26. A4+5    C6+2    27. C7=2    C6=8

28. C5-2

Due to his correct offensive play, Red has expended  his superiority

step by step. Now, Red withdraws his Cannon to block Black Chariot. He

has secured a winning position.

28.    …      H2+4    29. H8+7    H4+6

30. R2-3      K5+1    31. R2+3    H8+6

32. C2=5

Red wins.

Game 2: Lu Qin (Guangdong) vs.

Zhao Guorong (Heilongjiang)

(Dalian, 3rd September, 1990)

1. C2=5    H8+7    2. H2+3    P7+1

3. P7+1    R9=8    4. H8+7    C8=9

5. R1+1    R8+5    6. E7+9    A4+5

The  game  is  now  turned  into  the  opening  of   "Central  Cannon,

sideward-played  Chariot  and  7th  file  Horse  vs.  3-step  Tiger  defense

and riverbank Chariot"(中炮横车七路马对三步虎骑河车). The stable

and safe play for Red is to play the Elephant for protection of his Pawn. If

he changed to play P5+1, Black would play C2=5. The game is in a state

of  mutual attack. After the play of the Advisor, Black  is ready to  makes

variations.

7. R1=3 (as shown in diagram)

图 41

To  place  Red  Chariot  behind  the  Horse  is  a  move  of  deception.  Its

aim  is  to  present  himself  in  an  unfathomable  manner,  so  as  to  put

psychological  pressure  on  his  opponent  and  to  win  the  game  with  a

surprised attack.

7.    …    C2+4

Being  not  misled  by  the  tactical  menace  of  Red  play  P3+1,  Black

takes  the  initiative  first  by  sending  his  Cannon  to  the  other  side  of  the

river.  With  a  vigorous  and  meticulous  play,  Black  has  shattered  Red

attempt  at  one  stroke.  In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  1,  if  Black

erred  in  playing  E3+5,  Red  would  play  P3+1,  then  R8-1  (R8=7,  E3+1,

R7+1, C8+1, Black would  lose  his Chariot), H3+4, Red would  have the

material  gains.  If  he  changed  to  play  R8-1,  Red  would  take  the

opportunity  to  make  an  assault  by  playing  H7+6  and  build  up  his

initiative.

8. P5+1    H2+3

9. R9+1

It is a correct move that Red plays his Chariot for strengthening his

formation. If he changed to play R3=6, Black would play R8+1 or C2=9.

Red battle formation would be in a state of imbalance when his left wing

is under attack, while Black is in a superior position.

9. …      E3+5    10. R9=6    C2=9

By  taking  the  edged  Pawn  with  his  Cannon,  it  can  contain  the

offensive  of  Red  in  the  central  file  and  clear  the  way  for  his  right  side

Chariot. The play is simple and clear-cut.

11. H3+1    C9+4    12. C8+2    R8+4

13. E9-7      C9+3    14. C5=2    R1=2

15. R6+5    R2+4

The above are the inevitable responding moves played by both sides.

Now,  Red  Chariot  has  crossed  the  river  with  the  aim  to  make  a

counterattack.  However,  the  actual  competition  proves  that  such  a  plan

can  not  be  realized.  Due  to  the  hasty  play,  the  unfavorable  situation  of

Red  is  now  turned  worse.  It  is  better  for  Red  is  to  play  R6+2  for

strengthening his defense. When Black drives his Chariot to the riverbank,

Red will be thrown into the mire.

16. E7+5

Red  has  no  other  alternatives  but  to  play  the  Elephant.  If  he

changed  to  play  R6=7,  Black  would  play  R2=6!  There  are  many

opportunities  for  Black  to  launch  an  attack.  For  example,  if  Red  played

A6+5  (R7+1,  R6+5!  K5=4,  R8=7,  Red  is  losing  quickly),  Black  would

play  R6+4,  then  C8-3,  R6=7,  C8=3,  R8-2  (It  is  a  move  of  precision.  If

R8-1, then FC+3! Red would have an opportunity for the counterattack),

FC=6, R8=7, R7+1, R7+1, E7+5, R7-2 or H7+6, Black will be always in

a superior position.

16. …    P3+1

By  playing  3rd  file  Pawn  for  an  exchange,  it  can  activate  all  other

pieces on board. It can be considered as a timely and powerful play. If he

changed  to  play  R2=6  for  making  a  hasty  attack,  Red  would  play  C8-3,

an excellent move for defense. After that, Black may have two variations:

(1) R6=5? K5=4, R8-1, K4+1, C9-1, K4+1, R8=7, H7-5! Red has turned

the defeat  into the  victory.    (2) R8-4, A6+5, R8=5, C8+1, R6=2, R3=1.

Red has freed himself from the cramped battle formation.

17. R6=7    P3+1    18. R7-2    H3+4

19. C3=4    H7+6    20. A6+5    R8-3

21. P5+1

With  his  two  Horses  taking  the  position  at  the  riverbank  and  other

pieces  at  strategic  positions,  Black  is  ready  to  launch  an  all-round

offensive.  Red  can  only  sacrifice  his  Pawn  to  stop  the  advance  of  the

Black  Horse,  attempting  to  postpone  the  crisis.  Otherwise,  when  Black

could  makes  an  invasion  by  playing  H6+7,  Red  will  be  routed

immediately.

21.    …      P5+1    22. R7=4    H6-7

23. C8=6    H4+2

Black advances his Horse to make a forced exchange of pieces, thus

making a breach in the enemy's line. The play is simple and powerful.

24. C6-4    H2+3    25. C4=7    R2+2

26. R4+2    P5+1    27. C7+5

When  Red  sees  that  there  is  no  hope  in  his  defense  as  Black  Pawn

can  penetrate  deep  into  his  territory,  Red  plays  his  Cannon  to  capture

Black's Horse for making a desperate struggle.

27.    …    H7+8      28. R4=1    R8+3

29. R1=2    P5+1    30. R3=1    R2=1

Red  is  waiting  for  the  chance  that  he  can  use  his  Chariot  for  an

exchange of opponent's two pieces, hoping that  he could draw the  game

by playing defense. Except this hopeless attempt, Red has no alternatives.

When  Black plays  his Chariot to capture the Red Pawn, the idea of Red

has been stamped out.

31. C7=9    R1=2    32. C9+2

Red has no other choice but to play his Cannon to the bottom rank,

waiting the opportunity for a strike.

32.    …    P1+1

Black's move is too leisurely and carefree. When Black has lost his

guard,  it  might  become  the  cause  of  ruin  in  Black's  Play.  Here,  Black

should  play  P5+1.  If  Red  played  E3+5,  Black  would  play  R2=7.  After

that, Black could make a chain of checkmate by playing R8=6 to make a

sacrifice of  his Chariot. When Red  uses Chariot  for an exchange of two

pieces, Black has secured his winning position.

33. R1+7

Being  in  a  hopeless  position,  Red  suddenly  hits  upon  an  ingenious

idea  of  driving  his  Chariot  to  the  Black's  second  rank,  planting  a  "time

bomb" without turning a hair. With the Cannon at the bottom as its fuse,

the bomb can be detonated at any time.

33. …    P5+1    34. E3+5 (as shown in diagram) E2=6

图 42

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram  2,  Black  plays  his  Chariot

sideward  for  a  mating.  As  Black  is  eager  to  win,  he  has  overlooked  the

strong  counterattack  of  Red.  The  negligence  of  Black  will  lead  to  his

defeat.  If  Black  changed  to  play  R2=7,  Black  will  be  still  in  a  winning

position.

35. C6+9

By taking this opportunity, Red ingeniously makes a sacrifice of his

Cannon and wins the game with the suddenness of a thunderbolt.

35.    …      E5-3

36. C6-1      E3+1

37. R1-8      R8=9

38. C6=8

Red wins.

Game 3: Liu Dianzhong (Hebei) vs.

Lin Hongmin (Shanghai)

(Emei, 16th May, 1995)

1. C2=5    H2+3    2. H2+3    C8=6

2. P3+1    P3+1      4. H8+9    E3+5

5. R1=2    H8+7    6. C8=6    R1=2

7. R9=8    R9+1    8. A4+5    R9=4

9. P9+1 (as shown in diagram 1)

In the Xiangqi manuals, the most common play here is R8+4, then

A4+5,  P9+1,  C2=1.  After  that,  Red  can  play  R8+5  or  R8=4.  Each

variation  has  its  own  characteristics.  Now,  Red  has  broken  the  old

conventions  and  is  calmly  waiting  for  the  change  by  pushing  his  Pawn

forward  to  activate  his  Horse.  The  move  looks  plain  in  appearance,  but

conceals many tricks.

9.    …    R4+4

In the situation as shown in the diagram, Black responds positively

by  driving  his  Chariot  to  the  riverbank.  It  can  be  considered  as  the  best

play of all variations. If he changed to play C2+4, Red would play R2+6.

The initiative is in the hands of Red. Or if he changed to play A4+5, Red

would  play  R2+8,  then  C2-1,  R2=3,  R4+6,  R8+8!  R2+1,  A5+6,  Black

will suffer the materials.

10. R2+8    P7+1

Red Horse is advancing forward threatening Black Horse. The move

is  ferocious.  If  he  changed  to  play  E3+1,  Black  would  play  A4+5,  then

R2+8, C2-1, R2-2, C2+2. Red hasn't  got any advantage. Black responds

ingeniously  by  sacrificing  his  Pawn  to  rescue  himself  from  the  siege.

Each side is displaying his skill in the play while one is playing defense

and the other is playing offense.

11. R2=3

Red should be resolute to play Chariot for catching the Horse. If he

played carelessly by pushing his Pawn forward to take Black Pawn, Black

would play R4=7. Black would stand better.

11.    …      H7+6

12. P3+1    R4=7

13. R8+4 (as shown in diagram)

图 44

R7=2

It  is  an  important  link  in  the  play  that  Red  moves  his  Chariot

forward for an exchange in order to gain the initiative, and it is also a test

to Black. If he changed to play R3=4, Black would play E5+7, Red will

fail in his plan. In the situation as shown in diagram 2, Black has to make

the decision at this important juncture. To accept the exchange of Chariot

is obviously wrong as it has been proved by the competition. The result of

the  play  demonstrates  that  such  a  responding  move  is  the  direct  reason

that has led to Black's defeat in the play. The correct move is R7+1. After

that,  the  game  may  be  evolved  into  the  following  lines:  E3+1,  A4+5,

R8=3, R7-1, E1+3, C2-1, R3-2, C2+2, R3+2, H6+7, C5=4, R2=4. Black

will be satisfied with the result. In the situation as shown in the diagram,

Black could make a mistake by playing R7-1, Red play would R3-3, then

E5+7,  H3+2,  H6-7,  C5=3,  E7-5,  C3+4.  Red  has  secured  a  superior

position.

14. H9+8    H6+4    15. P3=1    C2=1

16. P3=4    R2+5

The  play  of  Red  is  well  knit  that  Red  plays  his  Pawn  sideward  for

catching  Black  Cannon.  Black  has  no  other  alternative  but  to  accept  the

exchange. If he changed to play C6=9, Red would play H8-6, then H4+2,

C6=8,  C1=2,  C8+5,  R2+2,  C5=8,  R2=1,  R3=8.  Red  has  the  material

gains.

17. P4+1    A4+5    18. P4+1    C1-1

Black's  position  besets  with  crisis  as  Red  Pawn  is  now  threatening

the castle. There is a mistake in the order of the play of the Cannon. The

correct move for Black is to play H4+5 to take Red central Cannon, and

then C1-1. Black still can have enough strength in resisting Red offensive

despite the fact that Red has got the upper hand.

19. C5=4    P5+1    20. H3+4

When playing the Cannon sideward and releasing his Horse, Red is

smashing  the  enemy's  resistance  and  advancing  victoriously.  Black's

defeat is inevitable. The remaining moves are:

20.    …      H4-6    21. H4+2    H6+5

22. H2+4    R2=4    23. R3+1    R4=6

24. H4+6    C1=4    25. C6+6    R6=7

26. C6=8    K5=4    27. R3-5

Red wins.

Game 4: Liu Dahua (Hubei) vs.

Yan Wenqing (Hebei)

(Shanghai, 17th August, 1997)

1. P7+1    C2=3    2. C2=5    E3+5

3. H2+3    P3+1

It  becomes  a  popular  opening  of          "Pawn  advancing  vs.  PR

Cannon"           （挺兵对卒底炮）. Black responds positively by pushing his

3rd  file  Pawn  forward,  which  can  lead  to  a  complicated  situation.  In

addition  to  that,  Black  can  have  the  variation  of  R9+1,  in  which  Black

puts  the  stress  on  defense  and  counterattack.  In  responding  to  that,  Red

may have the following two lines: (1) R1=2, R9=2, H8+7, H2+4, C8=9,

H7+6, A4+5, C9=6. Red is slightly in an advantageous position. (2) C5+4,

A4=5, E7+5, H2+4, C5-1, R1=2, H8+6, R9=6, P3+1, R2+4, P5+1, R6=5.

It  will  lead  to  the  situation  in  which  Red  has  the  material  advantage  in

Pawns, while Black can speedily deploy his pieces.

4. H8+9    P3+1    5. R1=2    R9+1

6.  A6+5    R9=4    7.  R2+4  (as  shown  in  diagram)

图 45

Red drives his Chariot to the riverbank for catching the Pawn. It is a

move  for seeking  variations and also a test to Black. The  most common

play  for Red  is C5=4, A4+5, C5=1, H8+9, R2+4. After that, Black  may

respond with the play of R4+4, or P7+1, or P3+1. All these variations will

lead to complicated situations.

7. …    R4+4

In  the  situation  as  shown  in  diagram,  it  is  the  best  choice  of  all

variations that Black drives his Chariot forward for making an exchange.

The following two lines will put Black in a disadvantageous position: (1)

R3+1, C8=6, R4+5, P9+1, H2+1, C5+4, A4+5, H9+8, R4-3, C5=1, P7+1,

C1+3. Red has secured the initiative in attacking. (2) R4+2, R9=8, H2+1,

C8=6. Red stands better.

8. C8+2    R4-2

It  is  the  premeditated  strategy  that  Red  drives  his  Cannon  for

capturing the Black Chariot, and it is also a deceptive play. By retreating

his Chariot, Black has ingeniously removed the risk. It seems that Red is

in an  upper  hand, but  in reality,  Black  is  in an advantageous position as

Red  Cannon  is  dislodged.  Black  should  refrain  from  playing  R4=8,  as

Red could play C8=2, then H8+7, P3+1. Red will succeed in his scheme.

9. C8=9

It  is  inevitable  for  Red  to  take  Black  Chariot  with  his  Cannon  for

taking the Chariot. If he changed to play R2=7 for taking the Pawn, Black

would  play  H2+4.  As  Red  pieces  are  out  of  strategic  position,  the

situation is in favorable of Black.

9.    …      H2+1    10. R2=7    P1+1

11. C9+3    R1+2    12. R9=8    H8+7

13. C5=6

After the exchange of the pieces, Red has lost the initiative. When he

is aware of  this, Red removes the Cannon immediately  for adjusting  his

battle  formation  and  makes  preparations  for  making  a  protracted

positional warfare. If he changed to play P3+1, Black would play C8+4.

Red couldn't have any advantage.

13.    …    P7+1    14. E7+5      C3=4

By  playing  Cannon  sideward  for  an  exchange,  Black  can  gain  the

superiority in the arms of service. The move is clear-cut and powerful.

15. C6+5    R1=4    16. R8=6

It  is  a  soft  move,  which  has  increased  the  difficulty  for  seeking  a

draw. The correct move is P9+1 or P3+1 for an exchange of the Pawn and

for activating the Horse.

16.    …      FR+6    17. A5-6    H7+6

18. P3+1    P7+1      19. R7=3    R4+4

20. R3=4    H6-4

Taking  retreat  as  advance,  Black  is  playing  meticulously.  If  he

carelessly played H6+4, Red would play A4+5. Black couldn't have any

advantage.

21. R4+2    H4-2    22. R4=5    H2+3

23. R5=1    R4=1    24. H9-8    R1=4

It is an important  move. Being  in the armpit  file, the Black Chariot

can check the advance of the Red Horse.

25. R1=2    C8=6    26. R2-5

After  taking  the  Black  Cannon,  Red  withdraws  his  Chariot  to  the

second rank for strengthening defense. Red is playing stubbornly.

26.    …      P1+1      27. H8+6    H3=2

28. H6+8    R4=3      29. H3+4    R3+1

By  driving  his  Chariot  forward  to  take  the  Red  Horse,  Black  is

storming  the  enemy's  position.  If  he  changed  to  play  R3=5  to  take  the

Red Pawn, Red would play R2=6, then R5=6, H4+6, Red feels relaxed.

30. H8-7    P1+1    31. H7+9    R3=1

32. H9-7    R1=3    33. H7+9    H2+3

34. R2=6    R3-1    35. E5+3

Red  has  misjudged  the  situation  when  he  plays  the  Elephant.  The

correct move is H4+6. If Black played R3-2, Red would play H6-4, P1+1,

H9-7.  After  that,  Red  could  play  H4-6  to  make  a  forced  exchange  of

pieces. Black will find it difficult in winning the game.

35.    …    H3=1

It  is  an  unexpected  move.  Red  is  caught  unprepared  when  Black

plays his Horse to the edge. After that, Black's position is becoming more

promising.

36. R6+2    R3-1    37. H4-5    P1+1

38. R6=9    P1+1    39. R9-2    R3+4

It is not an ideal move that Black plays the Chariot for protecting the

Horse.  It  is  better  to  play  R3=7.  After  that,  if  Red  played  R9-1,  Black

could  play  R7+4.  As  Red  has  lost  double  Elephants,  Black  has  more

chances of winning the game.

40. A4+5    C6-1    41. P5+1    C6=5

42. K5=4    C5+4    43. H5+3    C5=6

44. E3-5    R3=2    45. H3+4

Red has misjudged the play when he drives the Horse to the armpit

file. The correct move for Red is to play H3+5. After that, he could seek a

draw by ferrying his Pawn cross the river when there is an opportunity.

45.    …    A6+5    46. H4-6

It  is  unwise  to  retreat  his  Horse  an  exchange.  The  correct  move  is

P1+1 to ferry driving his Pawn across the river as quickly as possible.

46.    …      C6=8    47. E3+1    C8=5

48. K4+1    C5=6    49. E1+3    K5=6

50. K4-1 (as shown in shown)

图 46

51.    …      R2-6

When  Black's  King  is  exposed,  it  renders  Black  an  opportunity  of

making  a  checkmate.  It  is  unwise  for  Red  to  play  K4-1,  as  it  will  make

him  to  lose  quickly.  The  correct  move  for  Red  is  to  play  P1+1.  In  the

situation  as  shown  in  diagram  2,  Black  ingeniously  retreats  Chariot,

making Red difficult to respond.

51. R9+4

Red  has  no  other  choice  but  to  make  this  move.  If  he  changed  to

play R9-1 to take Black Horse, Red would play R2=6, then E5-7, C6=5,

A5+4,  R6+4,  K4=5,  R6=5,  After  that,  Black  could  win  very  quickly  by

playing R5=1 to take the Red Chariot.

51.    …    E5+3

It is a good move that Black plays his Elephant to block Red Chariot.

For relieving the imminent menace of Black's play of R2=6, Red is forced

to take the Elephant. Now Black Horse is set free, it is quite clear to see

who is in the winning position.

52. R9=7    C6-3    53. R7+1    R2+2

54. R7-2    R2-2    55. R7+2    R2+2

56. R7-2    R2-3

Black shouldn't play carelessly when he is in the winning position. If

Black  erred  in  playing  R2+1,  Red  would  play  R7-4,  Red  could  have  a

favorable turn.

57. P1+1    R2=4    58. A5+6    H1-2

Red resigns.

Game 5: Li Laiqun (Hebei) vs.

Tao Hanming (Dalian)

Xiaogan, 4th April, 1988

1. P7+1    P7+1    2. C2=3    E7+5

3.             H2+1 C8+4 (as shown in the diagram)

图 47

The most common play is H8+7, R1=2, R9=8, R2+4. It is a normal

opening  for  both  sides.  Theoretically  speaking,  Red  has  the  initiative  in

the play. Now, Black drives his Cannon across the river, with the aim of

sealing off the Red  right Chariot.  Black's  unconventional play  has  made

the situation complicated and confusing.

4. R1=2

In  face  of  the  challenge  of  Black,  Red  resolutely  sacrifices  his

central  pawn  by  playing  his  Chariot  to  take  the  Cannon  and  makes  a

tit-for-tat play, displaying a lofty bearing. In the situation as shown in the

diagram, if Red made a compromise by playing H8+7, Black would play

H8+7, then R1=2, R9=8, E7+5, H2+1, P1+1, C2=3, R9=8 (C8+2, R1=2,

H1+2, P3+1! Black has the upper hand), R1=2, C8=4, P3+1, P7+1, C3+5,

C3=7. Black could play C8=5 to make a checkmate and to exchange the

Chariot and then play E5+3 to wipe out the Red Pawn. Black would be in

a  satisfactory  position.  If  Red  changed  to  play  P3+1,  Black  would  play

P7+1,  then  R1=2,  P7=8,  P1+1,  C2+2,  H1+2,  C2=8,  Black  can  easily

respond.

4.    …      C8=5    5. H8+7    C5-2

6. H7+6    H2+1

When Black is slowly dispatching his pieces, Red leaves no time in

driving his Horse forward. Red's play is well knit. It is a wise choice that

Black places his Horse on the left edge for clearing the way for his pieces.

If Black were reluctant to give up the exposed Cannon by playing C2+4,

Red would play H6+7, then C2=5, H7-5, P5+1, P9+1, H8+7, R9+3, C5-1,

R9=6,  H2+3,  C8=7.  After  that,  if  Black  played  H3+5,  Red  would  play

R6+2. Or if Black played R1+2, Red would play P7+1. In both variations,

Red will be in a superior position.

7. H6+7    H8+7    8. H7-5

Red  has  a  clear-cut  tactics  that  following  the  exchange  of  Red

Horse  with  Black  Cannon,  he  drives  the  Chariot  into  the  enemy’s  forest

of Pawns.

8.    …        P5+1      9. R2+6    P9+1

10. P7+1    E5+3

It  is  a  good  move  that  Red  sacrifices  his  Pawn  for  gaining  the

initiative.  Black  is unwise to take the Red Pawn with  his Elephant, as it

will put Black under the control of Red on all fronts. The correct move is

R9+3 for seeking an exchange of Red Chariot. If so, Black still can have

strength in resistance.

11. C8=5    E3-5    12. R9=8    R1=2

13. R8+5    R9+3

Red offensive  is  increasing when  he  drives  his left Chariot  into the

battle.  Now,  it  is  too  late  and  useless  for  Black  to  exchange  the  Chariot

with  Red.  Furthermore,  it  will  weaken  the  defense  in  his  left  wing,  thus

giving  Red  the  opportunity  for  making  a  breakthrough.  It  is  better  for

Black to play A6+5 for strengthening his defense.

14. R2=1    H7+9    15. R8=5    A6+5

16. R5+1    H9-7      17. R5=3    K5=6

Black has no other alternatives but to play his King. If he changed to

other moves, Red would make assault by playing C3+3. Black can hardly

make any resistance.

18. P3+1

It  is  a  prelude  for  Red  to  enhance  his  initiative  and  make  a

checkmate. If he played hastily A4+5, Black would play C2=3, then P3+1,

R2+5. Some side issues might be cropped up.

18.    …      P7+1    19. A4+5    H7-8

20. R3=4    H8+6    21. K5=4    A5+6

22. C3=4

Now,  Black's  position  is  torn  to  pieces.  Black  has  no  other

alternatives but to resign, and Red wins.

HẾT

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