炮馬 Start Your Xiangqi Challenges Here
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XIANGQI Puzzles Two Moves Kill One move kill is too easy for you? Then try this! Train your tactical ability and exercise your calculation skills by solving Xiangqi puzzles. “XIANGQI Puzzles Two Moves Kill” is a book where readers are prompted to find a checkmate or stalemate in two moves. The book consists of 320 puzzles. Each puzzle is uniquely designed with positions that players are likely to encounter on the board. Answers to the puzzles are presented at the end of the book. Solving puzzles is one of the most effective ways to improve your Xiangqi’s skill. For the beginners, simply learning the killing ideas and enjoying the examples will help develop their tactical skills. This book can be studied by itself or used as a supplement to the author's earlier works: “Xiangqi For Absolute Beginners. Teach Yourself Xiangqi Step by Step”.
Get the full printed copy from Amazon.com Or buy ebook Kindle edition OR buy from Xiangqi Elephant eSTORE http://xiangqielephantgame.blogspot.my/p/buy-ebook.html
卒兵
XIANGQI Puzzles One Move Kill Copyright © 2017, Wong Ping Loong All rights reserved. ISBN-13: 978-1546549178 ISBN-10: 154654917X First Printing - May 2017 Published and Printed by: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
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TABLE OF CONTENT DISCLAIMER AND TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT__________ 3 About the Xiangqi Puzzles__________________________________ 5 Chapter 1: Single Pawn One Move Kill_______________________ 6 Chapter 2: Single Horse One Move Kill______________________ 11 Chapter 3: Single Cannon One Move Kill____________________ 19 Chapter 4: Single Chariot One Move Kill_____________________28 Chapter 5: Double Pawns Combination One Move Kill_________ 36 Chapter 6: Cannon Pawn Combination One Move Kill__________42 Chapter 7: Horse Pawn Combination One Move Kill___________ 51 Chapter 8: Chariot Pawn Combination One Move Kill__________ 56 Chapter 9: Double Cannons Combination One Move Kill_______ 62 Chapter 10: Double Horses Combination One Move Kill________ 69 Chapter 11: Horse Cannon Combination One Move kill_________75 Chapter 12: Chariot Cannon Combination One Move Kill_______ 83 Chapter 13: Chariot Horse Combination One Move Kill_________92 Chapter 14: Double Chariots Combination One Move Kill______ 103 Chapter 15: Multiple Pieces Combination One Move Kill_______109 Solutions______________________________________________ 124
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DISCLAIMER AND TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author. The author and publisher disclaim any warranties (express or implied), merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable to any party for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this material, which is provided “as is”, and without warranties. The author and publisher do not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any sites listed or linked to in this book. All links are for information purposes only and are not warranted for content, accuracy or any other implied or explicit purpose.
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To ChoongHar and PeiSen
4
About the Xiangqi Puzzles
Kill is a Xiangqi’s term where the player checkmate or stalemate his opponent’s king. In order to win the game, the player must know how to kill. In order to “kill” his opponent’s king, the players need to know the basic checkmate or stalemate tactics. This book “XIANGQI Puzzles One Move Kill” serves the mentioned purposes. The readers are prompted to find a checkmate or stalemate in one move. All the listed puzzles are Red to move and kill. Solutions to the puzzles are provided at the end of the book. Some puzzles may have multiple answers, however only one of the answers will be presented. If you would like to learn more about Xiangqi, you can visit author’s Xiangqi blog @ http://xiangqielephantgame.blogspot.my/ or refer to author’s earlier book “Xiangqi For Absolute Beginners. Teach Yourself Xiangqi Step by Step”.
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Chapter 1: Single Pawn One Move Kill
Puzzle 1.1
Puzzle 1.2
Puzzle 1.3
Puzzle 1.4
Puzzle 1.5
Puzzle 1.6
Puzzle 1.7
Puzzle 1.8
7
Chapter 2: Single Horse One Move Kill
Puzzle 2.1
Puzzle 2.2
Puzzle 2.3
Puzzle 2.4
11
Puzzle 2.5
Puzzle 2.6
Puzzle 2.7
Puzzle 2.8
12
Chapter 3: Single Cannon One Move Kill
Puzzle 3.1
Puzzle 3.2
Puzzle 3.3
Puzzle 3.4
19
Puzzle 3.5
Puzzle 3.6
Puzzle 3.7
Puzzle 3.8
20
Chapter 4: Single Chariot One Move Kill
Puzzle 4.1
Puzzle 4.2
Puzzle 4.3
Puzzle 4.4
28
Puzzle 4.5
Puzzle 4.6
Puzzle 4.7
Puzzle 4.8
29
Chapter 5: Double Pawns Combination One Move Kill
Puzzle 5.1
Puzzle 5.2
Puzzle 5.3
Puzzle 5.4
36
Puzzle 5.5
Puzzle 5.6
Puzzle 5.7
Puzzle 5.8
37
Chapter 6: Cannon Pawn Combination One Move Kill
Puzzle 6.1
Puzzle 6.2
Puzzle 6.3
Puzzle 6.4
42
Puzzle 6.5
Puzzle 6.6
Puzzle 6.7
Puzzle 6.8
43
Puzzle 6.33
Puzzle 6.34
Puzzle 6.35
Puzzle 6.36
50
Chapter 7: Horse Pawn Combination One Move Kill
Puzzle 7.1
Puzzle 7.2
Puzzle 7.3
Puzzle 7.4
51
Chapter 8: Chariot Pawn Combination One Move Kill
Chapter 8.1
Puzzle 8.2
Puzzle 8.3
Puzzle 8.4
56
Puzzle 8.5
Puzzle 8.6
Puzzle 8.7
Puzzle 8.8
57
Chapter 9: Double Cannons Combination One Move Kill
Puzzle 9.1
Puzzle 9.2
Puzzle 9.3
Puzzle 9.4
62
Puzzle 9.5
Puzzle 9.6
Puzzle 9.7
Puzzle 9.8
63
Chapter 10: Double Horses Combination One Move Kill
Puzzle 10.1
Puzzle 10.2
Puzzle 10.3
Puzzle 10.4
69
Puzzle 10.5
Puzzle 10.6
Puzzle 10.7
Puzzle 10.8
70
Chapter 11: Horse Cannon Combination One Move kill
Puzzle 11.1
Puzzle 11.2
Puzzle 11.3
Puzzle 11.4
75
Puzzle 11.5
Puzzle 11.6
Puzzle 11.7
Puzzle 11.8
76
Chapter 12: Chariot Cannon Combination One Move Kill
Puzzle 12.1
Puzzle 12.2
Puzzle 12.3
Puzzle 12.4
83
Puzzle 12.5
Puzzle 12.6
Puzzle 12.7
Puzzle 12.8
84
Chapter 13: Chariot Horse Combination One Move Kill
Puzzle 13.1
Puzzle 13.2
Puzzle 13.3
Puzzle 13.4
92
Puzzle 13.5
Puzzle 13.6
Puzzle 13.7
Puzzle 13.8
93
Chapter 14: Double Chariots Combination One Move Kill
Puzzle 14.1
Puzzle 14.2
Puzzle 14.3
Puzzle 14.4
103
Puzzle 14.5
Puzzle 14.6
Puzzle 14.7
Puzzle 14.8
104
Chapter 15: Multiple Pieces Combination One Move Kill
Puzzle 15.1
Puzzle 15.2
Puzzle 15.3
Puzzle 15.4
109
Puzzle 15.5
Puzzle 15.6
Puzzle 15.7
Puzzle 15.8
110
Solutions Chapter 1 Puzzle 1.1
Puzzle 1.2
Puzzle 1.3
Puzzle 1.4
Puzzle 1.5
Puzzle 1.6
P4=5
P5+1
P6=5
P4+1
P4+1
P7+1
Puzzle 1.7
Puzzle 1.8
Puzzle 1.9
Puzzle 1.10
Puzzle 1.11
Puzzle 1.12
P7+1
P5=6
P4+1
P3=4
P4=5
P5+1
Puzzle 1.13
Puzzle 1.14
Puzzle 1.15
Puzzle 1.16
Puzzle 1.17
Puzzle 1.18
P6+1
P8=7
P6+1
P3+1
P3=4
K5=4
Puzzle 1.19
Puzzle 1.20
P4+1
P5+1
Chapter 2 Puzzle 2.1
Puzzle 2.2
Puzzle 2.3
Puzzle 2.4
Puzzle 2.5
Puzzle 2.6
H6+7
H9+7
H8+7
H2+4
H8+7
H6+4
Puzzle 2.7
Puzzle 2.8
Puzzle 2.9
Puzzle 2.10
Puzzle 2.11
Puzzle 2.12
H9+7
H8+7
H7+6
H8+6
H5+7
H1-2
Puzzle 2.13
Puzzle 2.14
Puzzle 2.15
Puzzle 2.16
Puzzle 2.17
Puzzle 2.18
H9+7
H8+7
H2+3
H8+7
H9-7
H7+8
Puzzle 2.19
Puzzle 2.20
Puzzle 2.21
Puzzle 2.22
Puzzle 2.23
Puzzle 2.24
H2+3
H6+7
H3+4
H6+7
H8+6
H2+3
Puzzle 2.25
Puzzle 2.26
Puzzle 2.27
Puzzle 2.28
Puzzle 2.29
Puzzle 2.30
H9-7
H1+2
H3+4
H5+6
H2+4
H1-2
Puzzle 2.31
Puzzle 2.32
H5+4
H8+7
Chapter 3 Puzzle 3.1
Puzzle 3.2
Puzzle 3.3
Puzzle 3.4
Puzzle 3.5
Puzzle 3.6
C5=4
C7+9
C1+5
A5+6
C2=5
C3+7
Puzzle 3.7
Puzzle 3.8
Puzzle 3.9
Puzzle 3.10
Puzzle 3.11
Puzzle 3.12
C7+7
C8+9
A4-5
K5=6
C3+5
C5+2
Puzzle 3.13
Puzzle 3.14
Puzzle 3.15
Puzzle 3.16
Puzzle 3.17
Puzzle 3.18
C7+9
C5=4
C6-2
C2+8
C3+8
C8=5
124
Puzzle 3.19
Puzzle 3.20
Puzzle 3.21
Puzzle 3.22
Puzzle 3.23
Puzzle 3.24
C2+7
K4=5
C6+6
C6+8
A5+6
E5+3
Puzzle 3.25
Puzzle 3.26
Puzzle 3.27
Puzzle 3.28
Puzzle 3.29
Puzzle 3.30
C2+5
K6=5
C5+2
C8=5
K6=5
A6-5
Puzzle 3.31
Puzzle 3.32
Puzzle 3.33
Puzzle 3.34
Puzzle 3.35
Puzzle 3.36
C1=5
C8+5
A5+4
K6=5
K5=6
C2+9
Puzzle 4.1
Puzzle 4.2
Puzzle 4.3
Puzzle 4.4
Puzzle 4.5
Puzzle 4.6
R5=6
R2+7
R6=5
R5=6
R8+8
R8+9
Puzzle 4.7
Puzzle 4.8
Puzzle 4.9
Puzzle 4.10
Puzzle 4.11
Puzzle 4.12
R5+7
R5+4
R6=4
R6-1
R3+7
R6+5
Puzzle 4.13
Puzzle 4.14
Puzzle 4.15
Puzzle 4.16
Puzzle 4.17
Puzzle 4.18
R2=4
R7+6
R3+9
R3+7
R7+9
R2=4
Puzzle 4.19
Puzzle 4.20
Puzzle 4.21
Puzzle 4.22
Puzzle 4.23
Puzzle 4.24
R6=5
R5+5
A6-5
R4+4
R3+1
R6=5
Puzzle 4.25
Puzzle 4.26
Puzzle 4.27
Puzzle 4.28
Puzzle 4.29
Puzzle 4.30
R4+3
R7+5
R7+9
K4=5
R8=5
R4=6
Puzzle 4.31
Puzzle 4.32
R5+3
R6+7
Chapter 4
Chapter 5 Puzzle 5.1
Puzzle 5.2
Puzzle 5.3
Puzzle 5.4
Puzzle 5.5
Puzzle 5.6
P3=4
P3=4
P4+1
P3=4
P4=5
P7=6
Puzzle 5.7
Puzzle 5.8
Puzzle 5.9
Puzzle 5.10
Puzzle 5.11
Puzzle 5.12
P-=5
P5+1
P7+1
P3=4
P4+1
P7+1
Puzzle 5.13
Puzzle 5.14
Puzzle 5.15
Puzzle 5.16
Puzzle 5.17
Puzzle 5.18
P3+1
P3+1
P4+1
P3+1
P3=4
P4=5
Puzzle 5.19
Puzzle 5.20
Puzzle 5.21
Puzzle 5.22
Puzzle 5.23
Puzzle 5.24
P6+1
P5=6
P3=4
P7=6
P7+1
P6+1
Puzzle 6.1
Puzzle 6.2
Puzzle 6.3
Puzzle 6.4
Puzzle 6.5
Puzzle 6.6
P4+1
P4+1
P7+1
P4+1
C5=6
P5=6
Chapter 6
125
Get the full printed copy from Amazon.com Or buy ebook Kindle edition OR buy from Xiangqi Elephant eSTORE http://xiangqielephantgame.blogspot.my/p/buy-ebook.html
XIANGQI Puzzles One Move Kill Train your tactical ability and exercise your calculation skills by solving Xiangqi puzzles. XIANGQI Puzzles One Move Kill is a book where readers are prompted to find a checkmate or stalemate in one move. The book consists of 472 puzzles. Each puzzle is uniquely designed with positions that players are likely to encounter on the board. Answers to the puzzles are presented at the end of the book. Solving puzzles is one of the most effective ways to improve your Xiangqi’s skill. For the beginners, simply learning the killing ideas and enjoying the examples will help develop their tactical skills. This book can be studied by itself or used as a supplement to the author's earlier works: “Xiangqi For Absolute Beginners. Teach Yourself Xiangqi Step by Step”. Product details Paperback: 130 pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 9, 2017) Language: English ISBN-10: 154654917X ISBN-13: 978-1546549178 Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.3 x 9 inches Get the full printed copy from Amazon.com Or buy ebook Kindle edition OR buy from Xiangqi Elephant eSTORE http://xiangqielephantgame.blogspot.my/p/buy-ebook.html
XIANGQI For Absolute Beginners Teach yourself XIANGQI step by step Copyright © 2017, Wong Ping Loong All rights reserved. ISBN 978-967-14362-1-9 First Printing - January 2017
Published and Printed by: Wong Ping Loong
[email protected]
188 Lorong Pulai Perdana 6/1, Taman Pulai Perdana, 70400 Seremban, NS, Malaysia
DISCLAIMER AND TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author. The author and publisher disclaim any warranties (express or implied), merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable to any party for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this material, which is provided “as is”, and without warranties. The author and publisher do not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any sites listed or linked to in this book. All links are for information purposes only and are not warranted for content, accuracy or any other implied or explicit purpose.
Foreword I started playing tournament Xiangqi in 1985. In year 2014, I own a Xiangqi Academy which focus on teaching kid’s Xiangqi. In year 2016, I started writing Xiangqi’s article in English and publish in my blog http://xiangqielephantgame.blogspot.my/. Middle of 2016, I published my first Xiangqi’s book: - “The XiangQi Master From The Cave”. No doubt, Xiangqi is becoming more popular in Western countries due to the rise of China. China’s extraordinary economic growth and active diplomacy are already attracted Westerners’ interest. Westerners want to learn more about Chinese's culture. One of the easier approaches is by learning Xiangqi. Unfortunately, there is always not easy for a Westerner or non-Chinese speaking person to learn Xiangqi by his own. There is not much Xiangqi’s book written in English are available in market, some books are out-dated, some are not for beginners and some are not for self-learning. Due to this reason, I have decided to write this book “XIANGQI For Absolute Beginners. Teach yourself XIANGQI step by step”. This book is designed for the person who is absolutely no knowledge or little knowledge in Xiangqi, and would like to learn it by his own. Much of the book is composed of handouts I have given to my students over the years. The structures of the book are well designed. There are divided into 5 main chapters which are Xiangqi Fundamentals, Xiangqi Basic Kills, Xiangqi Basic Endgame, Xiangqi Basic Midgame and Xiangqi Opening. The sentences uses are simple and easy English. The reader can just easily follows the chapter and learns Xiangqi step by step. There are more than 300 diagrams have been placed such that it would be easy to cross reference the moves and the actual situation on the board. At the end of each chapter, it consists of self-test or puzzles to assess the reader’s competency level. There are more than 130 puzzles and the answers are provided at the end of the book. At the end, the reader will be able to appreciate the Chinese culture through Xiangqi. Enjoy this wonderful game.
Wong Ping Loong
[email protected] http://xiangqielephantgame.blogspot.my/ 5th January 2017 @ Seremban 4
TABLE of CONTENT DISCLAIMER AND TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT........................................... 2 Foreword ............................................................................................................... 4 Xiangqi Fundamentals...........................................................................................10 Xiangqi Board and Game Pieces ....................................................................10 Xiangqi Board........................................................................................10 River ..................................................................................................... 11 Palace .................................................................................................... 11 Files....................................................................................................... 11 Ranks ....................................................................................................13 Flanks ....................................................................................................14 Palace and Elephant’s Eye ......................................................................15 Xiangqi Game Pieces .............................................................................16 Self Test .................................................................................................17 Xiangqi Game Pieces, Movement and Capturing ............................................18 Game Pieces ..........................................................................................18 King Movement and Capturing ..............................................................19 Advisor Movement and Capturing ..........................................................21 Elephant Movement and Capturing.........................................................23 Chariot Movement and Capturing...........................................................26 Horse Movement and Capturing .............................................................27 Cannon Movement and Capturing ..........................................................31 Pawn Movement and Capturing..............................................................32 Relative Value of the Pieces ...................................................................34 Self Test .................................................................................................36 Xiangqi Notation ...........................................................................................38 Official Xiangqi Piece's Names and Notation..........................................38 Special Cases for Tandem Pawns ............................................................43 5
Game Notations Example.......................................................................46 Self Test .................................................................................................53 End of Game .................................................................................................61 Win........................................................................................................61 Draw .....................................................................................................63 Self Test .................................................................................................65 Xiangqi Common Terms ................................................................................66 Self Test .................................................................................................74 Xiangqi General Rules ...................................................................................75 Self Test .................................................................................................79 Xiangqi Basic Kills ...............................................................................................80 Face To Face Laughing Checkmate ................................................................80 Self Test .................................................................................................83 Elbow Horse Checkmate................................................................................85 Self Test .................................................................................................90 Palcorner Horse Checkmate ...........................................................................92 Self Test .................................................................................................95 Angler Horse Checkmate ...............................................................................97 Self Test .................................................................................................99 Tiger Silhouette Checkmate ......................................................................... 101 Self Test ............................................................................................... 103 Double Horses Checkmate ........................................................................... 105 Self Test ............................................................................................... 106 Fish for Moon Under The Sea Checkmate .................................................... 107 Self Test ............................................................................................... 109 Horse Cannon Checkmate............................................................................ 110 Self Test ............................................................................................... 112 Double Cannons Checkmate ........................................................................ 114 6
Self Test ............................................................................................... 117 Cannon Smothered Checkmate .................................................................... 119 Self Test ............................................................................................... 122 Iron Bolt Checkmate.................................................................................... 124 Self Test ............................................................................................... 127 Chariot Cannon Discover Checkmate ........................................................... 129 Self Test ............................................................................................... 130 Throat Cutting Checkmate ........................................................................... 131 Self Test ............................................................................................... 132 Double Chariots Checkmate......................................................................... 133 Self Test ............................................................................................... 135 Exposed Cannon Checkmate........................................................................ 137 Self Test ............................................................................................... 138 Flanking Trio Checkmate ............................................................................. 139 Self Test ............................................................................................... 140 Xiangqi Basic Endgame ...................................................................................... 141 Xiangqi Endgame Outcomes ........................................................................ 141 Pawn Endgame ............................................................................................ 142 An Old Pawn Always Draws a King ..................................................... 143 A Low Pawn Always Wins a King ........................................................ 143 A High Pawn Always Wins a King ....................................................... 144 A Pawn Always Draws an Advisor ....................................................... 144 Low Pawn with Elephant Positional Wins an Advisor ........................... 145 High Pawn & Low Pawn Always Wins Two Advisors ........................... 145 A Pawn Always Draws a Elephant ........................................................ 146 A High Pawn & A Low Pawn Always Wins Two Elephants................... 146 A High Pawn & a Low Pawn Always Draws an Elephant & an Advisor 147 Three Pawns Always Wins Full Elephant Advisor ................................. 147 7
Self Test ............................................................................................... 148 Horse Endgame ........................................................................................... 149 A Horse Always Wins a King ............................................................... 149 A Horse Always Wins an Advisor ......................................................... 149 A Horse Always Draws Two Advisors .................................................. 150 A Horse Positional Wins Two Advisors................................................. 150 A Horse Always Draws an Elephant ..................................................... 151 A Horse Positional Wins an Elephant.................................................... 151 Self Test ............................................................................................... 152 Cannon Endgame......................................................................................... 153 A Cannon Always Draws a King .......................................................... 153 A Cannon With Advisor Always Wins an Advisor ................................. 153 A Cannon With Advisor Always Wins an Elephant ............................... 154 A Cannon With Advisor Always Wins Two Advisors ............................ 154 Self Test ............................................................................................... 156 Chariot Endgame ......................................................................................... 157 A Chariot Always Wins Two Advisors .................................................. 157 A Chariot Always Wins Two Elephants................................................. 157 A Chariot Always Wins an Advisor and an Elephants ............................ 158 A Chariot Always Wins Two Elephant And an Advisor ......................... 158 A Chariot Always Wins Two Advisors and an Elephant......................... 159 A Chariot Always Draws Full Advisor Elephant.................................... 159 A Chariot Always Draws A Cannon With Two Elephants ...................... 160 A Chariot Always Draws a Horse With Two Elephants.......................... 160 A Chariot Always Draws A Cannon With Two Advisors........................ 161 A Chariot Always Wins A Horse With Two Advisors............................. 161 Self Test ............................................................................................... 162 8
Xiangqi Basic Midgame ...................................................................................... 164 Chasing and Capturing................................................................................. 164 Sacrificing ................................................................................................... 166 Exchange..................................................................................................... 167 Containment ................................................................................................ 168 Obstruction.................................................................................................. 170 Discovered Check........................................................................................ 171 Self Test ...................................................................................................... 173 Xiangqi Basic Opening........................................................................................ 176 Rapid development of Own Main Pieces ...................................................... 176 Rapid Mobilization of Chariot Is The Key .................................................... 177 Horse’s Path Must Be Clear ......................................................................... 178 Cannon Must Not Simply Deploy ................................................................ 180 Balance Formation and Pieces Coordination................................................. 182 Weak Chariot ....................................................................................... 182 Weak Horse ......................................................................................... 183 Weak Cannon....................................................................................... 184 Introduction of Common Xiangqi Openings ................................................. 186 Same Direction Cannons ...................................................................... 186 Opposite Direction Cannons ................................................................. 188 Central Cannon VS Screen Horses Defense .......................................... 189 Central Cannon VS Sandwiched Horses Defense .................................. 192 Central Cannon VS Single Horse Defense ............................................ 194 Pawn Opening...................................................................................... 196 Elephant Opening ................................................................................ 198 Horse Opening ..................................................................................... 200 Self Test ...................................................................................................... 202 Answers For All Puzzles...................................................................................... 204 9
Xiangqi Fundamentals Xiangqi Board and Game Pieces Xiangqi, also known as Chinese Chess, is board game of strategic skill for two players, played on a Xiangqi board on which each playing piece is moved according to precise rules. The meaning of “xiang” is elephant, “qi” is game. Therefore, Xiangqi is also known as Elephant Game. Xiangqi is one of the most popular board game in Asia especially in China and Vietnam. The objective of the game is to put opponent’s king under attack from which escape is impossible (checkmate) or in which the king is not in check but cannot move except into check (stalemate).
Xiangqi Board
Diagram 1 The Xiangqi Board is the area where the pieces move around, Diagram 1. The board is a rectangle shape, formed by nine vertical lines and ten horizontal lines. The vertical lines are known as files (columns), and the horizontal lines are known as ranks (rows). There are total ninety intersection points on the board. The Xiangqi’s pieces are placed and moving on these intersections of board lines. In most board, the starting points of the pawns and cannons are usually marked with small crosses.
River The area between fifth rank and sixth rank is called “river”, Diagram 2. The river divides the Xiangqi board into two opposing sides. Elephant pieces are not allowed to cross the river to opponent’s side. Pawns have an enhanced to move horizontally after crossing the river.
Palace On both sides is an area of two by two squares marked with a diagonal cross, these areas are known as "palace", Diagram 2. Kings and advisors are placed inside the palace. Both are not allowed to move outside of the palace.
Diagram 2
Files There are total nine vertical lines on the board, Diagram3. The vertical line is named File. Each vertical line represent by a number from one to nine. The number one is the first vertical line from player’s right side, also call File 1. Number nine or File 9 is the last vertical line counting from right. Therefore, File 1 is also known as opponent’s File 9. Each file is given a name. The details of the file name as described below. File 5: Central File File 1 and File 9: Edge Files File 2 and File 8: 2nd File, 8th File File 3 and File 7: Elbow Files File 4 and File 6: Rib Files 11
Diagram 3
12
Self Test 1. The Xiangqi game represents a battle between two armies, with the object of capturing the enemy's ____________. 2. There are total ____ intersection points on the Xiangqi board. 3. _______, _______ and _______ are the pieces not allowed to cross the river to opponent’s side. 4. _______ and ______ are the pieces not allowed to move outside of the palace. 5. The center file is file number ___. 6. The player’s file number 8 also known as opponent’s file number __. 7. Player’s right flank is the area within file __ and file ___.Also, same as opponent’s ____ flank. 8. The number of palace corner each side on board is ___. 9. There are total ___ elephant’s eye each side 10. The total numbers of Xiangqi pieces on board are ____.
Answers: 1. king
2. 90
3. King, advisors, elephants
5. 5
6. 2
7. 1, 4, left
8. 4
4. King, advisors 9. 8
10. 32
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Xiangqi Game Pieces, Movement and Capturing Game Pieces The two players' pieces are usually colored red and black. Pieces are flat circular disks labeled or engraved with a Chinese character identifying the piece type, and in a color indicating which player has ownership. The black pieces are marked with somewhat different Chinese characters from the corresponding red pieces. The tables below show the details of Xiangqi pieces for the game. Game pieces belong to Red’s player Piece
Name
Quantity
King
Game pieces belong to Black’s player Piece
Name
Quantity
1
King
1
Advisor
2
Advisor
2
Elephant
2
Elephant
2
Pawn
5
Pawn
5
Chariot
2
Chariot
2
Horse
2
Horse
2
Cannon
2
Cannon
2
The player with the red pieces always moves first. After the first move, players alternately move one piece per turn. Pieces are moved to either an unoccupied intersection point or one occupied by an opponent's piece, which is captured and removed from play. Pieces are not allowed to move to a point where already occupied by his friendly piece. A player may not make any move that would put or leave his king under attack. A player cannot "pass", at each turn they have to make a 18
legal move. If the player to move has no legal move, the game is over; it is either a checkmate (a loss for the player with no legal moves) if the king is under attack, or a stalemate if the king is not.
King Movement and Capturing
The king is the most important piece on board. Once the king is captured by opponent, the player will lose his game. Kings are labeled with the Chinese character on the red side and on the black side. The king moves and captures one point forward, backward, left side or right side, but never diagonal within the palace. The kings are not allowed to move outside of the palace. Therefore, total numbers of intersection points for each king to move around on board are nine. For each move, a king can control up-to four intersection points. When a king is under immediate attack by opponent's pieces, it is said to be in check. A response to a check is a legal move if it results in a position where the king is no longer under direct attack (that is, not in check). A special rule for Xiangqi is both kings are prohibited to face each other in the same file with no intervening pieces. The diagrams below show the details. The indicate the possible movement of the king in next move.
Diagram 8
Diagram 9
Diagram 8- The kings are placed on palace's lower corner. There are two possible 19
points for next move as indicated by
. The kings are not allowed to move
diagonally to the centroid of the palace, marked with moving outside of palace in next move, as indicated by
. The kings also not allowed .
Diagram 9- The kings are placed on elephant’s eye. There are three possible points for next move as indicated by
. The kings are not allowed to move to palace roof
top, throne positions and outside of palace in next move as shown by
Diagram 10
.
Diagram 11
Diagram 10- The Red’s king is placed on centroid of palace. There are four possible points for next move as indicated by . This is also the maximum points that under king’s control. The king is not allowed to move diagonally to the palace corners, as indicated by
.
Diagram 11- The Red’s king is placed on palace's throne position. There are three possible points for next move as indicated by diagonally to the elephant’s eye, as marked with
. The king is not allowed to move .
The diagrams above also show that the numbers of intersection points under king’s control are dependable on its position. If the king is placed on the upper palace corner, there is only two possible points for next move. Therefore, the king will be more danger compared with other positions if under attack. As mentioned, there is a special rule for both kings. Both kings are not allowed to face each other in the same file with no intervening pieces. The player who not followed this rule will be considered losing the game.
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Xiangqi Notation Xiangqi notation is a system that has developed to record either the moves made in a game of Xiangqi or the position of pieces on board.
Official Xiangqi Piece's Names and Notation Xiangqi games and positions are recorded using a special notation. For this book, we use Asian Xiangqi Federation (AXF) notation format. The reason is simply because AXF format is easier to read after printed as book. The AXF official Xiangqi piece names and notation are listed below. Official Piece Names Piece
English Name
Denoted by single-letter piece abbreviation
King
K
Advisor
A
Elephant
E
Pawn
P
Chariot
R
Horse
H
Cannon
C
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The movement of each piece is denoted by the symbols below. Movement English
Denoted by
Advance
+ (plus sign)
Retreat
– (minus sign)
Traverse
= (equal sign)
Just a side note, the only difference between AXF notation format and World Xiangqi Federation (WXF) notation format is the traverse denotation. In AXF, is using = (equal sign), whereas WXF is . (dot sign). A dot sign is not easy to read as printed book. This is the reason why we use AXF notation format for this book. WXF notation format is rather common used in Xiangqi software development. The file numbers are counted from each player's right to each player's left. In case there are two identical pieces on one file, symbols + (front) and – (rear) are used instead of former file number. Direction of movement is indicated via an operator symbol. A plus sign is used to indicate forward movement. A minus sign is used to indicate backward movement. An equal sign is used to indicate horizontal, traverse or lateral movement. For a piece that moves diagonally (such as the advisor, horse or elephant), the plus or minus sign is used. Each move’s notation consists of four characters. The first character is “single letter piece abbreviation”, example K for king. The second character is the “former file number”; example if the king is placed on File 5, then the second character will be 5. The third character is the “direction of movement”, example if the king advances one point, then the third character would be +. The forth character will be the new file for the movement or in the case of purely vertical movement, number of points. For example, the king has moved one point forward, and then the forth character will be 1. For this example, the notation is K5+1.
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End of Game Win Games may be won in the following ways: Checkmate - If a player's king is placed in check and there is no legal move that player can make to escape from the check, then the king is said to be checkmated, the game ends, and that player loses
Diagram 61
Diagram 62
Diagram 61- Red to move. Red plays C1+6, checkmates. Red wins. Diagram 62- Black to move. Black plays R2+3 checkmates. Black wins. Resignation – Both players may resign at any time and their opponent wins the game. This normally happens when the player believes he or she is very likely to lose the game. It is usually considered poor etiquette to play on in a truly hopeless position, and for this reason high level games rarely end with a checkmate.
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Xiangqi terms
Explanation
Protected
A piece is said to be protected (rooted) if any opponent piece captures it can be captured immediately. The protector of the piece is called the root.
Fake root
When a protected piece is captured, the protector is immobilized and cannot take the captor immediately. The protector is a fake root.
Diagram 81
Diagram 82
Diagram 81- The Red’s pawn is protected by Red’s elephant. If Black played H4+3 to capture Red's pawn, Red’s elephant would respond with E5+7 to recapture Black’s horse. Red’s elephant is the root for Red’s pawn. Diagram 82- The Red’s pawn is protected by Red’s chariot. However this is a fake root. If Black played H6+8 to capture Red’s pawn, Red would not play R2+6 to recapture the horse. Red’s R2+6 is an illegal move. Red’s chariot is a fake root.
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Xiangqi General Rules The rules of Xiangqi are rules governing the play of the Xiangqi game. Below are the simplified but important Xiangqi rules which are extracted from WXF official rules. 1. Under all circumstances, perpetual checking will be ruled as a loss 2. Perpetual chase of one piece without a real root will be ruled as a loss.
Diagram 91
Diagram 92
Diagram 91- Red to move. Red plays R2+1, K6+1, R2-1, K6-1, R2+1, K6+1. Red’s chariot is perpetual checking Black’s king. Although, Black’s both cannons are capturing Red’s chariot, Red must change his move or to lose the game. Diagram 92- Red to move. Black’s cannon is not protected by any real root. Red R2=1, C9=8, R1=2, C8=9, R2=1, C9=8. Red’s chariot is perpetual chasing Black’s cannon. Red must change the move or to lose the game. 3. A king or a pawn chasing any piece perpetually will be rules as a draw. A king or a pawn, in combination with another piece, chasing perpetually on a piece will also be ruled as draw.
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Xiangqi Basic Kills The objective of Xiangqi game is to put opponent’s king under attack from which escape is impossible (checkmate) or in which the king is not in check but cannot move except into check (stalemate). The game ends, and that opponent loses. In order to checkmate, we must learn the various basic kills checkmate tactics.
Face To Face Laughing Checkmate “Both kings are not allowed to face each other in the same file if there is no intervening piece in between” is a special Xiangqi rule. It is an illegal move if the player would like to move his king in a result facing opponent’s king in the same file without any intervening piece in between. Face to face laughing checkmate tactic uses this rule to checkmate opponent’s king.
Diagram 103
Diagram 104
Diagram 103- This diagram shows the most basic face to face laughing checkmate method. It is often that the Red’s king is stayed on center file and checkmate with the chariot. Black’s king is not allowed to play K6=5 because of the special rule as mentioned earlier. Red wins. Diagram 104- Red checkmates with his cannon by using the rule that both kings are not allowed facing each other in the same file if there is no intervening piece in between.
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Tiger Silhouette Checkmate Tiger Silhouette Checkmate is a tactic with combination of chariot and horse. The horse is placed on opponent’s pawn rank and File 3 or File 7, whereas opponent’s king is on File 4 or File 6. Normally the horse is controlling opponent’s king movement, the chariot is the killer.
Diagram 141
Diagram 142
Diagram 143
Diagram 144
Diagram 141-144 show the most common chariot and horse positioning for tiger silhouette checkmate.
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Self Test Solve all the Xiangqi puzzles below by using fish for moon under the sea checkmate tactic. All Red moves first to win. Answers are provided at the end of book.
Puzzle 43
Puzzle 44
Puzzle 45
Puzzle 46
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Self Test Solve all the Xiangqi puzzles below by using cannon smothered checkmate tactic. All Red moves first to win. Answers are provided at the end of book.
Puzzle 63
Puzzle 65
Puzzle 64
Puzzle 66
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Xiangqi Basic Endgame The Xiangqi endgame is the stage of the game when there are few pieces left on the board. Endgame starts when the player who is about to move can force a win or a draw against any variation of moves. Usually in the endgame, the stronger side converts a material advantage into a won game. The defending side should strive for the opposite. Endgames can be classified according to the type of pieces that remain on board.
Xiangqi Endgame Outcomes In general, there are four types of Xiangqi endgame outcomes as described below: 1) Always wins - in most cases, the stronger side can win the game. 2) Positional wins - normally is a draw game; however the stronger side can turn into a winning game because of having better piece’s positioning. 3) Always draws - in most cases, the stronger side cannot win the game. 4) Positional draws - normally is a losing game, however the weaker side can turn into a draw game because of having better piece’s positioning.
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Horse Endgame Usually, a horse is more effective than cannon in the endgame. In most cases, a horse needs to combine with other piece in order to checkmate.
Diagram 224
Diagram 225
A Horse Always Wins a King Diagram 224- Red’s horse is managed to control the movement of Black’s king and wins the game. 1. H2+3 K5=4
2. K4=5 K4+1 3. H3+4 K4-1
4. K5+1 Red wins
A Horse Always Wins an Advisor Diagram 225- Red needs to capture Black’s advisor first before he can win the game. 1. H4-5 K4+1
2. H5+3 A5+6 3. H3-4 A6-5
4. H4+6 A5-6
5. H6+8 A6+5
6. H8+7 K4-1 7. H7-5 K4-1
8. H5-7 K4+1
9. H7+8
10. K5+1
K4-1
Red stalemates and wins
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Diagram 226
Diagram 227
A Horse Always Draws Two Advisors Diagram 226- A horse is hard to win two advisors. 1. K5+1 K6+1 draws
2. H7+5 K6-1 3. H5+3 K6=5
4. H3-2 K5=6
A Horse Positional Wins Two Advisors Diagram 227- In general, a single horse is hard to win two advisors. However, due to in-proper positioning of Black’s pieces, Red is able to win the game. 1. K5=4 A5-6
2. H5+4
K5+1 3. H4+2
K5-1
4. H2+4
Red has captured Black’s advisor! Red’s horse always wins single advisor as mentioned in previous example.
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Xiangqi Basic Midgame The midgame in Xiangqi refers to the portion of the game between the opening and endgame. Usually both players have completed the development of most pieces. A midgame can be directly affected by the opening. In midgame, both players will apply their midgame’s tactics to gain and expand their initiative. The last thing that happening in the midgame is to setup endgame. Below are the basic midgame tactics.
Chasing and Capturing Chasing and capturing is often uses in the midgame. Player is aimed to gain material or strategic position by chasing and capturing opponent’s piece,
Diagram 243
Diagram 244
Diagram 243- On the surface, both players are having equivalent board status. However, Red can use chase and capturing tactic to gain additional advantage. 1. H7+9 ………… 164
Key move! Red's horse is capturing Black's chariot and prepare for H9+7 to kill. 1. ………… R2+2 If Black responded with C2=5 C5=3 R2=3 R4+2 Red would capture Black’s cannon by R4+2. 2. R8+3
R2=1
Black cannot R2+4
Red would play H9+7
3. C7+5 R1=3
K5=4 R4=6 checkmates.
4. C5+4 …………
Red is prepared to play R8+3 for checkmate. 4. …… R3-2
5. R8=4 K5=4
6. R4+6 K4+1
If Black played A5-6 R4=6 checkmated. 7. -R=6 A5+4
8. R4-1 K4-1
9. R6+6 Red wins.
Diagram 244- Black’s chariot which placed at opponent’s throat rank is in difficult position. Red can utilize Black’s weakness and gain initiative by chasing and capturing this mentioned Black’s chariot. 1. C8=3 ………… Red starts to attack Black’s horse which is protecting the center pawn. 1. ………… H7-9 If Black responded with H7-5 C5+4 E7+9 C3=2 R3=4,C2+5 E9-7 R3=4 Black cannot stop Red for R4+3 checkmate. 2. C5=2 ………… Excellent move! Red is prepared for C2-1 to capture Black’s chariot and also C2+6 to block Black horse’s leg. 2. ………… C5=4 This is the only move for Black. If Black played R3=4 C2+6 A6+5 C3+5 K5=6, R3+2 Black could not stop Red C2+1 in next move. Red wins. 3. R3=5 A4+5 If Black played E3+5 R5=6 A4+5 C2-1. Red has captured Black’s chariot. 4. C3=5 R3=2
5. R5=7 165
Xiangqi Basic Opening A Xiangqi Opening is a group of initial moves of a Xiangqi game. The main objectives of opening play are to obtain the better position when playing as Red and to equalize when playing as Black. The idea behind this is that playing first gives Red a slight initial advantage. During the opening, a player is to mobilize the pieces on useful intersection points where there will have impact on the game. The Xiangqi Basic Opening Principles are described as below.
Rapid development of Own Main Pieces Chariot, horse and cannon are the main pieces of Xiangqi. A player should always move their main pieces on board where it can control as many as intersection points as possible. As an example below, Black uses “Blind Dog Gambit” opening variation to develop his main pieces rapidly.
Diagram 255
Diagram 256
1. P7+1 P3+1 Diagram 255- Black plans to sacrifice his pawn for rapid development of main pieces. 2. P7+1 E3+5
3. P7+1 ………… 176
Red P7+1 is a mistake. Red should develop his main piece example C2=5. 3. ………… H2+4
4. P7=6 R1=3
5. E7+5 R3+8
Diagram 256- As seen on board, Red has moved his pawn too often and caused delay of development of other main pieces. The movement of Red's pawn is like a blind dog, without any direction. Red’s chariots, horses and cannons still remain on initial position. Whereby, Black has developed chariot and horse. Black’s right chariot also stays on a strategic position. Black is in upper hand.
Rapid Mobilization of Chariot Is The Key Chariot is the most powerful piece on board. A player should develop his chariots as soon as possible. During development, a chariot should place on a strategic position where it could control as many as intersection points as possible. Usually, a filed chariot is more effective than a ranked chariot. Below example shows the consequence of late development of chariot.
Diagram 257 1. C2=5 H8+7 5. H8+9
Diagram 258
2. H2+3 R9=8 3. P3+1 P3+1
4. C8=6 H2+3
R1=2
Diagram 257- Black has successfully developed both of his chariots. 6. R9+1 C2+6
7. R1=2 C8+6 8. R9-1 H3+4
Diagram 258- As seen, Red's both chariots are hard to develop. Black has gained initiative. 177
Introduction of Common Xiangqi Openings Xiangqi Opening is divided into two main categories, i.e. Central Cannon Opening and non-Central Cannon Opening. Red first move C2=5 is called Central Cannon. Usually, Black will respond with Same Direction Cannon, Opposite Direction Cannon, Sandwiched Horses Defense and Single Horse Defense. Non-Central Cannon Opening are mainly Pawn Opening P7+1, Elephant Opening E3+5, Horse Opening H2+3. Non-Central Cannon Opening is consider a “wide-deeper-knowledge” opening. Player is required to have more Xiangqi knowledge if compared with Central Cannon Opening. Due to same reasons, Black has more options to respond to non-Central Cannon Openings. There is no best opening, it is always depends on player’s style, strategic and level of competency.
Same Direction Cannons In this opening variation, Red uses central cannon and Black responds with same direction cannon. There are two main variations, differentiate by filed chariot or ranked chariot.
Same Direction Cannons Filed Chariot vs Ranked Chariot
Diagram 275
Diagram 276
1. C2=5 C8=5 186
Diagram 275- Black C8=5 is same direction as Red. This is the reason why it calls Same Direction Cannons. 2. H2+3 H8+7
3. R1=2 …………
Red has selected filed chariot. There is another main variation R1+1 for ranked chariot. 3. …… R9+1
4. P3+1 R9=4 5. H8+7 H2+3
6. P7+1 R1+1
Diagram 276- Both reach Same Direction Cannons Double Headed Snake vs Double Ranked Chariots variation. As seen on board, Red has advanced his 3rd and 7th pawn, like a double headed snake, while Black is having two ranked chariots line-up on throat rank. Same Direction Cannons Ranked Chariot vs Filed Chariot
Diagram 277
Diagram 278
1. C2=5 C8=5 Diagram 277- Same Direction Cannons formation. 2. H2+3 H8+7
3. R1+1 …………
In this example, Red has selected Ranked Chariot. 3. ………… R9=8 In this example, Black has selected Filed Chariot. 4. R1=6 R8+4
5. H8+7 H2+3
Diagram 278- Both reach Same Direction Cannons Ranked Chariot vs Filed Chariot variation. 187
Elephant Opening Red first move E3+5 is called Elephant Opening. The purpose of elephant opening is to consolidate center line defense before deploy the pieces for attack, and prepare to fight at midgame. Usually, player needs to master at midgame tactics and endgame skills in order to win the game.
Elephant Opening vs Right Palace Corner’s Cannon
Diagram 299
Diagram 300
1. E3+5 ………… Red uses Elephant Opening 1. ………… C2=4 Diagram 299- Black responds with right palace corner's cannon 2. H8+9 H2+3
3. R9+1 R1=2 4. R9=6 H8+7
5. P9+1 R2+4
6. R6+3 R2=6
7. H9+8 P3+1 8. H2+1 A6+5
9. P1+1 P7+1
10. H1+2
R6+4
Diagram 300- As seen, both players are ready to fight at midgame.
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If you would like to buy the book, please search at www.amazon.com OR visit my Xiangqi blog http://xiangqielephantgame.blogspot.my/
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The XiangQi Master From The Cave FREE Edition By Wong Ping Loong
Based on a secret ancient Xiangqi manual 200 years ago
Copyright © 2016
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Table of Contents DISCLAIMER AND TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT Preface Foreword The Beginning: A secret ancient Xiangqi manual 200 years ago A story regarding the origins of the "The Invincible XiangQi Manual" Chapter 1 The character of “自”- Since Introduction Game #1 Game #2 Game #3 Game #4 Game #5 Chapter 2 The Character of “出”- Out Introduction Game #1 Game #2 Game #3 Game #4 Game #5 Chapter 3 The Character of “洞”- Cave Introduction ===================================================== 3
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Game #1 Game #2 Game #3 Game #4 Game #5 Chapter 4 The Character of “来”- Come Introduction Game #1 Game #2 Game #3 Game #4 Game #5 Chapter 5 The Character of “无”- No Introduction Game #1 Game #2 Game #3 Game #4 Game #5 Chapter 6 The Character of “敌” - Enemy Introduction Game #1 Game #2 Game #3 ===================================================== 4
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Game #4 Game #5 Chapter 7 The Character of “手”- Hand Introduction Game #1 Game #2 Game #3 Game #4 Game #5
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DISCLAIMER AND TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT All rights reserved.
No part of this eBook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author. The author and publisher disclaim any warranties (express or implied), merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable to any party for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this material, which is provided “as is”, and without warranties. The author and publisher do not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any sites listed or linked to in this eBook. All links are for information purposes only and are not warranted for content, accuracy or any other implied or explicit purpose.
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To my wife and son for their love and support
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Preface
The XiangQi Master From The Cave Chinese chess or Xiangqi, which is the preferred term is one of the most ancient games that the Chinese have played for centuries. While the exact origins of the game are still not known, it is believed that the current form of Xiangqi that we play now took form in the late Song dynasty, which is about over one thousand years ago. Throughout the centuries, the game had flourished and went into decline for many times. During the time when the game flourished, it became one of the national pastimes of the ancient Chinese, whose popularity surpassed Weiqi (or Go as it may be more commonly known). A lot of literature ancient literature had been written about this topic but unfortunately, only a tiny fraction of these gems of wisdom had made it through the sands of time. Fortunately, one of the ancient manuals that we still have today, still in complete form, is The XiangQi Master From The Cave. Written by Priest Chunyang, it was a short manual that was divided into seven volumes. What was interesting was that each chapter was named after a short Chinese verse, 自出洞來無敵手, which literally meant, becoming invincible after training in the caves. I have chosen the name, The XiangQi Master From The Cave as title. ===================================================== 8
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The ancient manual mainly discussed different variations of the Same Direction Cannons and also some Central Cannon vs Single Horse Defense variations. Although the standard of play demonstrated in the files are considered elementary by modern day standards, it nevertheless demonstrated various opening principles, middle game tactics, and basic kills. The games described also showed a consistent, albeit simple, way of thinking, and also demonstrated how one could improve upon a position that was not ideal. This would suit the needs of the beginner or even the amateur nicely. This eBook is not meant as a beginner's guide to Xiangqi. Instead, it is mean to share with you an important piece of the Chinese culture. If you would like to learn more about the basics of Xiangqi, please refer to the below links: http://wxf.ca/wxf/index.php/books http://www.xqinenglish.com I would also like to take the opportunity to have received help from Jim Png, the webmaster of www.xqinenglish.com in the creation of this book.
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This ancient manual has given me much and I hope to share with you the intricacies of Xiangqi. Enjoy! Wong Ping Loong. Blogger of Xiangqi Elephant Game
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Foreword
Wong Ping Loong is a very active Xiangqi player in Malaysian circles and he has had an impressive record in competitive Xiangqi to back it up. I had met him over the internet and we clicked instantly. When Wong came to Taiwan, I had the opportunity to meet up with him on a cold winter's morning. We discussed many things, but all were about Xiangqi. Wong's keen insight and hardworking attitude towards Xiangqi was very respectable. While chatting one day on Facebook’s Messenger, Wong mentioned that he was interested in trying to translate his own version of an ancient manual, which he thought was impressive by the standards of the day. I was attracted immediately. One discussion led to another and soon, Wong was actually writing his own version of the ancient manual. I was very impressed and decided to help him out in his endeavor. With his persistent hard work, Wong finally managed to finish his interpretation of the ancient manual, The XiangQi Master From The Cave. I would like to recommend this ancient manual to beginners and amateurs in Xiangqi, to get acquainted with the Same Direction Cannons and most of all, to get acquainted with a rich piece of Chinese culture. ===================================================== 11
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To non-Chinese speaking people who are interested in Xiangqi, The XiangQi Master From The Cave is a must read book. Jim Png Webmaster of xqinenglish.com
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The Beginning:
A secret ancient Xiangqi manual 200 years ago 自出洞来无敌手 – which would be translated to be "The Invincible XiangQi Manual" was an ancient manual that was supposedly authored by a Taoist priest called Priest Chunyang. Chunyang in Chinese meant “pure sun”. When the manual was actually published is not known, however it was believed that it was published more than two hundred years ago. The manual was basically copied by hand and handed down generation by generation with only a handful few manuals still in circulation during the Qing dynasty. The entire manual consist of seven chapters. Each chapter contained five games. All thirty five games did not show any variations these was easier for the readers to study. Each chapter was represented by a single Chinese character. Each single Chinese character would represent a particular Xiangqi variation. Shown below is the Chinese character and its relevant Xiangqi opening. The Chinese character “自” - Same Direction Cannons with Ranked ===================================================== 13
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Chariot vs Filed Chariot The Chinese character “出” - Opposite Direction Cannons with Big Variation The Chinese character “洞” - Central Cannon vs Single Horse Defense The Chinese character “来” - Same Direction Cannons with Centroid Cannons vs Filed Chariot with Palcorner Cannon The Chinese character “无” - Screen Horses vs Central Cannon The Chinese character “敌” - Same Direction Cannons with Filed Chariot vs Ranked Chariot The Chinese character “手” - Same Direction Cannons with Ranked Chariot vs Filed Chariot Combining all the seven Chinese characters would form the title of the ancient manual - 自出洞来无敌手. According to China folktale, the title of the book actually came from a Taoist priest call Priest Shanqi. In Chinese, Shanqi meant good in Xiangqi. 自出洞来无敌手 if translated directly means that after intensive training in a cave, you come out invincible. 自= can be translated as “ since” in this context,出 and 来 = “ coming out or going out”
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in this context, 洞= “cave" in this context, 无敌 = "invincible"手 = "opponent" in this context. By translated the seven Chinese characters directly: The Chinese character “自”- "Since" The Chinese character “出”- "Out" The Chinese character “洞”- "Cave" The Chinese character “来”- "Come" The Chinese character “无”- "No" The Chinese character “敌”- "Enemy" The Chinese character “手”- "Hand" There was another folktale mentioned during Song dynasty (960-1279 AD). A Taoist priest who excellence in Xiangqi was unparalleled in his time. He lived and died in Baoxin City and always play Black. Before he died, he requested an old village man to organize the funeral. After few years, the old village man had to relocate the grave to another location. After opening the coffin, the body of the priest was missing, and only left were the cloths.
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A story regarding the origins of the "The Invincible XiangQi Manual" 烂柯真诀妙通神， 一局曾经几度春。 自出洞来无敌手， 得饶人处且饶人。 There is a saying in Chinese: “The way of the Lan Ke is deep and profound, Each game can be analyzed for several years.
After intensive training in a cave, one would come out invincible. Even then, it would be best to let bygones by bygones”. "The Lan Ke" in second sentence actually representing another ancient Xiangqi manual. While, the third sentence in the poem would be the title of this ancient Xiangqi Manual 自出洞来无敌 手. During the Qing dynasty, under the rule of of Emperor DaoGuang (1820-1850 AD), there was a Xiangqi player called Gu Erxie. He lived in Weifang City in Shangdong Province. Gu was a famous Xiangqi player in his own right and was uncontested. ===================================================== 16
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One day, Gu heard there was a Taoist priest named Chi, who lived in the Shangqing monastery in the Lao mountain, who was an excellent Xiangqi player. Itching to prove himself, Gu decided to visit Laoshan Mountain to search for Priest Chi. After travailing far and wide, Gu finally reached Lao mountain. At a place not far from the Shangqing monastery, there was a rock table. A Xiangqi board was carved into the table and there were Xiangqi pieces nearby. Tired from his travels, Gu rested near the table. Not long after, a Taoist priest who worked in the kitchen, walked from the monastery and came upon the resting Gu. The priest asked Gu where he was heading. Gu replied that he was going to Shangqing monastery, hoping to play a game of Xiangqi against Priest Chi. The priest offered to play against Gu instead. In the spirit of the game, Gu accepted the challenge. To Gu Erxie’s surprise, he lost the first game quickly. He requested a rematch. The priest smiled and agreed. But Gu lost that game also, and the next game and the game after. Within a short period of time, Gu lost six games. As a gesture of respect and awe, Gu saluted the priest and even begged to be his disciple. But the priest rejected.
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The priest told Gu that a game as deep and profound as Xiangqi could never be mastered in a short period of time. But Gu was persistent and refused to let the priest go. In exasperation, the priest finally took out a Xiangqi manual called 自 出洞来无敌手 ("The Invincible XiangQi Manual") and gave it to Gu to encourage him. Seeing that the priest was adamant that he would not have any disciples, Gu promptly took the manual and went home to study it in depth. Gu’s level of play improved by leaps and bounds greatly because of the manual.
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Chapter 1
The character of “自”- Since
Introduction
Hundreds of years ago, the Screen Horse Defense was not as developed as modern day. The Same Direction Cannons or Opposite Direction Cannons were the main counters used, whereby Black fought fire with fire. In The XiangQi Master From The Cave, the first five games dealt with the Same Direction Cannons Ranked Chariot vs Filed Chariot.
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Game #1
Game #1 demonstrates the use of the Palcorner Horse to set up the Horse Cannon Checkmate . 1. C8=5
C2=5
2. H8+7
H2+3
3. R9+1
R1=2
Diagram 1.1a. And we reach one of the most basic opening systems in Xiangqi, the Same Direction Cannons : Ranked Chariot vs Filed Chariot..
Diagram 1.1a ===================================================== 20
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4. R9=4 A6+5 Diagram 1.1b. Black’s A6+5 would be a mistake. It would not be advisable to move the advisor so early. Even though consolidating the central file is an important issue especially in Same Direction Cannons openings, it would be advisable to develop the other pieces at this point in time. Therefore, a sound move would be H8+7 if modern opening theory and principles were to be followed. If an advisor must have been played, A4+5 instead of A6+5 would have been much better as it would negate any influence that Red’s Ranked Chariot would have. A6+5 would have been like opening a backdoor for the enemy to attack. With A4+5, the Black king would have the option of moving K5=4 to avoid under Red Chariot's control.
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Diagram 1.1b 5. R4+7
…………
Red’s R4+7 would be not ideal. Red would have moved the chariot too many times, at the expense of development of the other friendly pieces. A better play for Red would be H2+3 for a more balanced development of the pieces. 5. ………… H8+9 Fortunately for Red, Black's H8+9 was even worse. A good reply for Black when Red played R4+7 would have been H8+7 whereby both Black horses were developed as Proper ===================================================== 22
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Horses to consolidate the central file. If Red's chariot moved R4=3, Black would immediately counter with C8+2, which was one of the earliest opening traps that was listed. Black would have the option of an fork to gain a Red chariot should Black be greedy with R3-1. For example,: If Black 5. …………
H8+7,
7. R3-1
9. K5+1
C8=7,
8. R3=2
C7+5,
6. R4=3
C8+2,
C7=9. And
Black would have gain a Red chariot. Diagram 1.1c.
Diagram 1.1c 6. P3+1
…………
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Red's P3+1 would not be a good move. Black would immediately counter with C8=7. After C8-7, Red would be discouraged from developing his horse as H2+3. Therefore P3+1 would be a waste of efforts. 6. ………… R2+6 However, in the ancient manual, Black followed with R2+6. This was not ideal, as Black did not prey upon the chance to play C8=7 as mentioned above, and actually allowed Red to develop the horse with H2+3 followed by H3+4. 7. H2+3
R2=3
8. H3+4
P3+1
As can be seen, Diagram 1.1d, Red's cannon would still be protecting his horse that was threatened by the Black chariot while his other horse would have galloped to the riverbank.
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Diagram 1.1d 9. H4+3
C8=6
10. H3+2
C6=8
Diagram 1.1e. After ten move plies, we can see that the situation on the board heavily favored Red. Red had managed to charge a horse deep into enemy territory to attack, while causing Black's left flank to be congested.
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Diagram 1.1e 11. R1+1 P3+1 P3+1 would be another ghastly mistake from Black, one that would bear consequences. 12. R1=8
R9+1
13. R8+7
…………
And Red would have positioned his pieces nicely in preparation for the final kill. Diagram 1.1f.
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Diagram 1.1f 13. ………… 14. R4+1
P3=4
…………
The Red chariot is sacrificed to weaken Black's defense, thereby setting the stage for the final kill.
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Diagram 1.1g 14. ………… A5-6 15. H2-4
R9=6
16. R8=4 A4+5 17. R4+1
…………
Diagram 1.1h. The second Red chariot is used as another decoy sacrifice to lead the Black king to a precarious position where the other Red pieces can be prepared for the final onslaught.
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Diagram 1.1h 17. …………
K5=6
18. C2=4 Horse Cannon Checkmate. Diagram 1.1i. Victory to Red. Such a romantic style of play was characteristic of the ancient manuals of that era. Bold sacrifices, often with chariots are often seen.
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Diagram 1.1i
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Game #2
In this game, Red would demonstrate how to sacrifice two chariots to set up a Throat Cutting Checkmate in conjunction with the Heaven and Earth Cannons. 1. C8=5
C2=5
2. H8+7
H2+3
3. R9+1
R1=2
4. R9=4 A6+5 5. R4+7
H8+9
6. P3+1
R2+6
7. H2+3
R2=3
8. H3+4
P3+1
The first eight moves are the same as in the previous examples. Diagram 1.2a. Please refer to Game #1 for detailed explanations.
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Diagram 1.2a 9. P1+1
…………
In Game #2, Red used a different strategy to attack. However, by modern day standards, Red’s P1+1 would not be ideal. Black could immediately counter with C8+3 to attack Red's horse which would be in an awkward position. 9. ………… P3+1 10. P1+1
…………
Red's P9+1 is a must-make move in this position.
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10. …………
P9+1
11. R1+5 ………… Red’s R1+5 is a brilliant move under the circumstances, resulting in containment of Black’s chariot and horse. This would be a blockade to seal off Black’s right flanks. Diagram 1.2b.
Diagram 1.2b 11. ………… P3=4 By moving P3=4, Black showed that he did not understand the gravity of the situation. A better choice for Black would be ===================================================== 33
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C8=6. 12. R4=2
…………
Red's R4=2 is a move that does many things. Diagram 1.2c. The Red chariot is threatening to capture the Black cannon, while at the same time, blocking the elephant’s eye. This is to prepare for the final attack.
Diagram 1.2c 12. …………
C8=7
Black’s C8=7 would be a mistake. Black would have been ===================================================== 34
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better off with C8=6. 13. H4+5
…………
Red started his attack from the center. 13. …………
H3+5
Black's H3+5 would be another mistake. 14. C5+4
R3+1
Black only way to save the king would be C7-1. 15. R1+2
…………
Red sacrificed the chariot for the Black horse. Diagram 1.2d.
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Diagram 1.2d 15. ………… 16. R2=5
R9+2
…………
Red sacrificed another chariot to set up the final checkmate. Diagram 1.2e.
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Diagram 1.2e 16. ………… A4+5 17. C2+7 Checkmate! A combination of the Heaven and Earth Cannons led to the final checkmate. Diagram 1.2f.
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Diagram 1.2f
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Game #3 In Game #3, Red would demonstrate a third attacking strategy: attacking from the center. Red's chariot would block the Black elephant’s eye in order for the Red horse to trade with the Black cannon. Later, Red would advance his cannon to initiate a series of attack. 1. C8=5
C2=5
2. H8+7
H2+3
3. R9+1
R1=2
4. R9=4 A6+5 5. R4+7
H8+9
6. P3+1
R2+6
7. H2+3
R2=3
8. H3+4
P3+1
9. H4+3
C8=6
The first nine moves are the same as in the previous examples. Diagram 1.3a. Please refer to Game #1 for detailed explanations.
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Diagram 1.3a 10. H3+5
…………
In this third game, H3+5 was played to trade for Black's central cannon. Diagram 1.3b. Such an attacking strategy is still commonly seen, and this would give Red command of the center for attack.
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Diagram 1.3b 10. …….
E3+5
11. C2+5 H3+4 Red planned to sacrifice the right horse and advance left cannon to attack Black’s elephant. Black’s chariot would not capture Red’s horse. Red's next move C8=5 would be a threat to checkmate. Black also would not be able to move E5-3, as Red could play C8=3 to capture Black’s horse, while at the same time protecting horse. Red would gain Black’s horse. Therefore, H3+4 is the only move plausible. Diagram 1.3c.
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Diagram 1.3c 12. C5+4
…………
Black's left horse was protecting the central elephant. However, this would present an opportunity for Red to sacrifice his horse to take the Black central pawn by force, thereby enabling a campaign down the central file. It would seem that at this point in time, Red would have to trade his horse for the Black cannon. However, Red's hidden agenda would now be revealed... 12. ………… 13. C5=7
R3+1
…………
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C5=7 was simply brilliant. Diagram 1.3d. The Red cannon would now be attacking the Black chariot, have moved out of harm's way from any future attacks by the Black horse, and be prepared for the final checkmate.
Diagram 1.3d 13. …………
R3=6
14. C2=5 A5+4 If Black H4-5, then Red would immediately counter with C7+3, for a Cannon Smothered Checkmate.
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15. C7+3 Checkmate. Diagram 1.3e. Instead of C7+3 for the Heaven and Earth Cannon Checkmate, Red could also play C7=5, for a Double Cannons Checkmate.
Diagram 1.3e
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Game #4
In Game #4, we will learn how to maneuver the pieces to gain advantageous positions. 1. C8=5
C2=5
2. H8+7
H2+3
3. R9+1
R1=2
4. R9=4 A6+5 5. R4+7
H8+9
6. P3+1
R2+6
7. H2+3
R2=3
8. H3+4
P3+1
The first eight moves were the same as in the previous examples. Diagram 1.4a. Please refer to Game #1 for detailed explanations.
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Diagram 1.4a 9. H4+3
C8=7
In this game, Black improvised and for his ninth ply, Black chose to play C8=6, which was a bad move. In Game #4, Black make corrections and played C8=7 which was still insufficient as could be seen by Black's dismal outcome. C8=7 would still be a good move in this situation but more could have been done. Diagram 1.4b. We can see by going through the game how the ancient Chinese players improvised and learnt from their mistakes, making corrections and perfecting their play. It is very ===================================================== 46
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important to learn from your mistakes.
Diagram 1.4b 10. H3+5
…………
Red would still use the same strategy as in Game #3, trading the Black central cannon with the Red horse. However, the situation was different as at Game #3. In Game #3, Black cannon was at palcorner (Black’s sixth file), so the strategy was valid. Unfortunately, in Game #4, Black cannon was at file number seven. Red C2+5 would not be an ideal move. 10. …….
E3+5
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11. C2+5 C7+7 Red had attempted C2+5 as in Game #3. However, Black’s C7+7 actually provided a chance for Red to attack. Diagram 1.4c. A better move for Black would be to play R3+1. If Red answered with C2=5, Black would defend with A5-6 and Red would not be able to continue his attack.
Diagram 1.4c 12. R1=3
R3+1
13. C2=7
R3=2
14. C5+4
R2-7
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This is to prevent Red's C7+2 checkmate. Diagram 1.4d
Diagram 1.4d 15. P3+1
R9=8
16. A4+5
R8+3
17. P3=2
…………
Red's P3=2 to maneuver the pawn to attack was timely and brilliant. Diagram 1.4e. This would allow Red's chariot to team up with the other chariot for an attack. This tactic is often used during the middle game.
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Diagram 1.4e 17. …………
R8=5
Black would have lived slightly longer with R8-3. However, it would just be a matter of time before Red won. 18. R3+9 A5-6 19. R3=4 Double Chariots Checkmate. Red wins. Diagram 1.4f.
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Diagram 1.4f
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Game #5
In Game #5, Red would demonstrate several middle game tactics and skills in basic kills in order to win the game. 1. C8=5
C2=5
2. H8+7
H2+3
3. R9+1
R1=2
4. R9=4 A6+5 5. R4+7
H8+9
The first five moves are the same as in the previous examples. Diagram 1.5a. Please refer to Game #1 for detailed explanations.
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Diagram 1.5a 6. P3+1
R2+4
Diagram 1.5b. Blacks had learnt from his previous games that R2+6 was weak. R2+4 was an attempt to improve, but it was still far from perfect. C8=7 would be advised for Black, because Black would have the option to play R2+4 anytime. Once C8=7 was played, Black's next move would be R9=8, which would gain initiative for Black and allowing faster development of the pieces on this side of the board. Moreover, C8=7 would also discourage Red from playing H2+3. If Red insisted on H2+3 after Black C8=7, Black would push his pawn forward with P7+1, thereby threatening Red horse ===================================================== 53
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directly.
Diagram 1.5b 7. H2+3
C8=6
8. H3+2
P7+1
9. P3+1
R2=7
10. E3+1
…………
Diagram 1.5c. Red’s E3+1 was to prepare for R1=3, offering to trade and remove Black's only functional piece, the riverbank chariot, from the board. This strategy is still often used in Xiangqi nowadays, whereby a relatively weaker piece is used to exchange for a threatening enemy piece. This ===================================================== 54
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would allow for future gains.
Diagram 1.5c 10. ………… 11. A4+5
P3+1
…………
Red A4+5 was a waiting move. Red was hoping that Black would make a mistake. 11. ………… R7+2 And to Red's delight, Black did play R7+2, which was a huge mistake. Diagram 1.5d. Black had planned to capture the Red ===================================================== 55
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horse and cannon at the same time, but forgot about the fact that this would allow the Red horse to move forward and become a threat.
Diagram 1.5d 12. H2+4
R7=8
R7=8 was a weak move. A better move would be R7-2 which would offer more defense. 13. H4+6
C5=4
14. C5+4
E3+5
15. C2=5
…………
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It would seem that Red’s C2=5 would seem cowardly, running away from the Black chariot, but in actual fact, Red was actually executing his plan. Diagram 1.5e.
Diagram 1.5e 15. ………… 16. C+=4
H9+7
…………
C+=4 was an excellent move! Diagram 1.5f. Red ignored the threat by the Black horse to capture his chariot, and instead chose to attack with C+=4.
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Diagram 1.5f 16. …………
H7-6
If E5-3, Red would checkmate with R4+1. Diagram 1.5g.
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Diagram 1.5g 17. C5+5
K5=6
If Black countered with A5-6, Red would reply with C4=5 for the Double Cannons Checkmate. 18. C5=7 And Black would not be able to stop Red's C7+2 checkmate on the next move. Diagram 1.5h.
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Diagram 1.5h
End of Book - Free Edition
You also can visit my blog for more XiangQi information. I also share my idea and thinking about XiangQi in my blog. http://xiangqielephantgame.blogspot.my/
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About my first Book
Xiangqi, or Chinese Chess which more Westerners may be acquainted with, is an ancient game with strategy that has been played for at least a thousand years. Through the ages, there have been many classics that were written about it, with the earliest publication on the form of Xiangqi that we know today in the late Song dynasty. Many have been lost through the ages, but a handful few have made are still present today. One of theses ancient classics is The Xiangqi Master from the Cave which was estimated to have existed at least over two hundred years ago. There are several unique features to this ancient manual. The Chinese name is made up seven Chinese characters, with each character representing a particular opening system being discussed. There are five games per character. The Chinese name of the book, if translated directly would be Invincible after coming out of the Caves. There are not many variations but there are many tactics, strategies and brilliant kills that are demonstrated. Although the level of play may seem simple by today's standards, it is nevertheless an ideal book for the beginner, amateur or even club level Xiangqi player to learn, for the ideas demonstrated form the basics of Xiangqi theory today. Detailed explanations have been provided to assist the reader in understanding the game. Ample diagrams have also been placed such that it would be easy to cross reference the moves and the actual situation on the board.
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The reader will be guaranteed to be amazed at the contents of the board, but more importantly, the reader will be able to appreciate the Chinese culture way back in the ancient times.
You also can visit my blog for more XiangQi information. I also share my idea and thinking about XiangQi in my blog. http://xiangqielephantgame.blogspot.my/
Wong Ping Loong. Blogger of Xiangqi Elephant Game
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If you would like to buy full version (eBook or Print Book) The XiangQi Master From The Cave: ebook version
You can buy the eBook from the following Amazon stores nearest to your place of residence. Just click on the flag of your country or nearest to the place where you live.
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The Xiangqi Master From The Cave : Print book version
For print book, you may directly order from createspace.com by clicking on the link below. Createspace has worldwide delivery. https://www.createspace.com/6364209 To save on shipping costs, please click on the flag nearest to your place of residence.
Worldwide
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About my next eBook Currently, I am preparing my next XiangQi eBook. The coming eBook will be focused on Xiangqi Openings Trap. Stay Tuned, and visit my blog XiangQi Elephant Game regularly to receive the latest information. Below is one of the opening trap written in the upcoming eBook - “XiangQi Opening Traps - The Hunter has been hunted”.
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Horse Sacrifice With Thirteen Moves Kill Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) has long history. It has been developed at China more than few hundreds years. Several ancient manuals had been published during this year. One of the masterpiece of Xiangqi ancient manual is "The Secret In The Tangerine". According to historical data, it was written in AD1632 during the Ming Dynasty by Zhu JinZhen .There were lot of xiangqi opening traps had been recorded in this manual.As we learnt from this ancient manual, Xiangqi's opening trap already well developed since many year ago.The term Xiangqi Opening Traps refers to a move which may tempt the opponent to play a losing move in the game's opening. In order to learn Xiangqi's opening trap well, it is always good to learn from its origin and evolution. The following game from the "The Secret In The Tangerine" manual, is the most famous Xiangqi's opening trap all time.The game is called Horse Sacrifice With Thirteen Moves Kill. This is a must-learn xiangqi opening trap. 1. C2=5 ………… Red started the game with Central Cannon opening.
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1. ………… C8=5 Black countered with same direction cannon. 2. H2+3 H8+7 3. R1+1 ………… Red used Ranked Chariot 3. ………… R9=8 Black responded with Filed Chariot. Now we reached one of the famous opening, Same Direction Cannons Ranked Chariot vs Filed Chariot. This opening still valid and using nowadays.
4. R1=6 R8+6 Black R8+6 was too early. According to modern day opening theory, a better move for Black would H2+3. It is always a good strategy to develop both flanks to form balance formation. 5. R6+7 ………… Red R6+7 was early if modern day Xiangqi opening theory need to be applied. As mentioned earlier, Red also should develop its left flank for example H8+7. This would help to
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balance him both flanks development. 5. ………… H2+1 Black H2=1 was not ideal. Black would play H2+3 to consolidate its central defense.Black H2+3 may tempted Red to make a losing move R6=7. We will discuss this in next example. 6. R9+1 …………
!! R9+1, this is where the well known opening trap was began. Red R9+1 and leave left's horse unprotected.It gave false incentive to encourage Black play C2+7. ===================================================== 68
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6. ………… C2+7
Black immediately responded with C2+7 to capture the horse for material gain.Black was fall into the trap and no turning back. This was a common mistake for beginners. It being tempted by the material gain and forgot to analyze the consequences that could cost him. 7. C8+5 ………… Excellent move. Black C2+7 gave way for Red C8+5 to attack Black's left horse. As seen on board, Black's central pawn was protected by single horse.Therefore, Black's center ===================================================== 69
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defense was weak.This gave Red's golden opportunity to attack. Red executed his plan C8+5 to attack Black's left horse in order to further weaken Black's center defense. 7. ………… H7-8 In this variation, Black played H7-8. As a result, Black's central pawn was not protected. 8. C5+4 ………… Since Black central pawn was no more protection, C5+4 was the easier move for Red. 8. ………… A6+5 9. R9=6 ………… Excellent move. Red threaten to checkmate with R++1. 9. ………… K5=6 K5=6, the only move. 10. +R+1 …………
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Excellent move. Red sacrificed his chariot to destroy Black's defense, and in preparation for the final kill. 10. ………… A5-4 If Black replied with K6+1,still could not secure the king. 10. ………… K6+1 11. -R=4 C5=6 12. R6-1 R1=2 13. C8=5 R8=7 14. R6=5 K6-1 15. R4+6
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Red checkmate. 11. R6=4 ………… Excellent move! 11. ………… C5=6 12. R4+6 K6=5 13. C8=5
Double cannons checkmate in thirteen moves.Red wins.
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Red wins in thirteen moves.This is the reason we named the game as Horse Sacrifice With Thirteen Moves Kill. This is the first opening trap that you must know.
You also can read more Xiangqi Opening Traps from here.
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More eBook for you.
Another Xiangqi eBook I must shared with you Becoming A Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Assassin Volume 1 written by Jim Png.
Start your journey on becoming a Xiangqi Assassin! A new eBook written by Jim Png, webmaster of www.xqinenglish.com, already published and available at Amazon.com worldwide. A good foundation eBook for Xiangqi Lovers. You can visit http://www.xqinenglish.com/publications.html for more information.You also download the free edition from www.xqinenglish.com
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============================================= Xiangqi or Chinese Chess as it may be more commonly known to the Western world, is an ancient game that the Chinese have played for centuries. Yet, it is relatively unknown to the English speaking world, probably because of the language barrier. It is very easy learn, especially to players with a background in International Chess but mastering it is a totally different issue. Over a five year period, I have posted hundreds of puzzles on my website, www.xqinenglish.com as an individual effort to share the game I so love. There are at least 3000 puzzles that I have uploaded. The puzzles are still on my website and can be found under the daily boards sections, which can be found on the menu bar. The site is over 2300 pages to date. This book is a selection of the puzzles that I have posted on my website and is targeted at beginners and amateurs who are starting to get acquainted with Xiangqi but still have trouble with the basics, or have limited visualization of the board, the pieces and their intricate relationships. The book is divided into four chapters with the first chapter being a simple introduction on how to play the game and how to read notation. The second chapter consists of forty-five
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puzzles that take 2-5 plies to solve. This chapter would be suitable for the complete beginner. The third chapter is targetted at amateurs and club players who already have some experience with the game. This chapter would consist of forty-five puzzles that are are solved with 6-9 moves. Finally, the forth chapter would contain ten actual games played that demonstrate how the experts do it in actual competition. There are detailed explanations so that even the complete beginner can understand what is going on as sometimes it is tough to explain so much on the website. Besides, the main idea is to force the reader to think and construct an image of the board in his mind, so that clearer visualization can be obtained. I absolutely love Xiangqi. This would also represent a book that I wished I had when I first started learning the game over thirty years ago. I hope the reader would learn to love the game as much as I do by going through the puzzles. Go, clear your mind, visualize the board. Go, start your journey on becoming a Xiangqi Assassin!
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