Xiangqi [Chinese Chess] Sample Games #2

Classical Xiangqi Games played during the 16th Century.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Chinese Chess
• Xiangqi
• Game
• Strategy
• Opening
• Lesson
• how to play

[334275]

In the first match, why did the black position its horse to the side of the board, rather than protecting it's central soldier?

[hk92jimmy]

@334275 moving the horse to the rim (H8+9)

is a very old variation in the counter cannon defense

(in chinese it's called 大列手炮)(literally: big counter cannon)

it's quite common at the time when this game was played.

in modern times, developing the horse towards center (H8+7)

(protecting central soldier)(小列手炮)(lit. small counter cannon)

or the "counter cannon deferred" (半途列炮)

are more common.

[334275]

@hk92jimmy But why would people use the big counter cannon rather than the small counter cannon? Since when you move the horse to the rim (H8+9) the soldier in front stops it from advancing and the cannon blocks it from protecting the soldier at H7. Plus, can't the opponent just move their chariot in between the cannons since they can't kill it? :/ idk, I'm still a newbie.

[hk92jimmy]

@334275 yes, you're right, the big counter cannon is rarely played in modern times amongst stronger players.

i think perhaps the ancient players chose that, to avoid the horse on the right from red chariot's attack,

so that they can simply focus on attacking.

in modern times, the masters will choose "small counter cannon", or more often, the "counter cannon deferred" instead.

[334275]

@hk92jimmy Oh, also I have a question. Like I know most of these days people start off with positioning the cannon at the center and then defend their central soldier with the horse, then move their chariot to where the horse was to prevent the opposing chariot from moving out. However, I don't know what to do after that :/ like should do the same thing with the other side? or start moving the soldiers out because I know once the soldiers cross the river, they're really good at pushing.

[hk92jimmy]

@334275 i think in xiangqi openings (as in chess), what moves to be played depend on which opening and variations that were chosen. it varies in different situations. but i think there are some general principles:

- develop rook(s) to an open and active location

- develop all left and right flank pieces evenly, and have them supporting each other

- try not to connect defenders in such a way that creates weakness in front of attacks

- it's good to push pawn to activate horse and hinder opponent's

[hk92jimmy]

@yiliyao after that, i guess black might exchange

his 3rd file horse for red's 8th cannon,

or perhaps, black might immediately attack red's 3rd file horse

to threaten a central cannon attack,

in this case, i don't know, maybe red can consider abandoning his 3rd file horse

and play cannon8=9 to create some attacks?

or a safer move, horse 3 retreats to 5th file,

i guess black's attacks with central cannon is a bit slower than red's

especially when black is down in material...

[hk92jimmy]

@yiliyao hi yiliyao

i think at 3:55, if black sacrifice rook for red's cannon,

perhaps red can simply accept the exchange

and recaptures the rook with his 9th file horse?

[yiliyao]

I have a question that has just been bothering me. What will Red do if the Black rook at 3:55 captures the Red cannon directly above it? I think Black may then actually win. Please help me with this problem.