Game 1: Huang Yong (Shenzhen) vs.
Sun Yongzheng (Shanghai)
(Kunming, 3rd April, 1998)
1. C2=5 H8+7 2. H2+3 R9=8
3. R1=2 H2+3 4. P7+1 P7+1
5. R2+6 C8=9 6. R2=3 C9-1
7. H8+7 A4+5 8. H7+6 C9=7
9. R3=4 R8+5 10. C8+2 E3+5
11. C8=9 (as shown in the diagram)
Both sides are quite familiar with the conventional opening in the
first 10 moves. After that, the game becomes the common opening of
"Central Cannon, Cross-river Chariot and Riverbank Horse vs.
Screen Horse, Sideward-play Cannon for exchange of Chariot".
It is a typical deceptive play that
Red plays his Cannon sideward for attacking Black Chariot, which can be
also considered as a test to young player Sun Yongzheng for his ability in
meeting the change. If he changed to play C5=6, Black would play P3+1,
then P3+1, R8-1, P7+1, E5+3, C8=7, H3+4, C6+3, P7+1, C6+3, C7=4,
C8=3, R8=7, E7+5. It would lead to a conventional variation, in which
both sides are evenly matched in strength.
11. … R1=3
In the situation as shown in the diagram, Black plays Chariot to
protect his Horse, proving that he is very calm in face of the sudden
assault of Red. The following two variations will put Black in an
unfavorable position: (1) R1=2, H6+5, R8=3, H5+7, R2=3, R4+2. Red is
in a superior position as he has the material advantage. (2) R2=1, C9+3,
R8=4 (If Black erred in playing R1+2, Red would play H6+7, then R1=2,
R4+2, Red could make the dual assault on the Black Cannon or Elephant.
Black will be immediately routed), C9=8, after that, Red could play R4+2.
Red will have the initiative in his offensive.
12. R9=8 C2-1 13. H6+5 R8+3
Having failed in one stratagem, Red has brought out another one,
that is, to capture Black's central Pawn with his Horse. Being not misled
by Red play, Black drives his Chariot to the second rank, where it can
play defense as well offense. If Black played R8=3 for taking 7th file
Pawn, Red would play E7+9! Then FR+1, C9=7, H7+5, C5+4, P3+1,
C7+3, RR+2, R4+2! Red has gained the material advantage.
14. H5+7
After taking a long journey, Red Horse is reluctant to make the
exchange with Black's weak Horse. However, he has no other alternatives.
Otherwise, Black would take the cornered Cannon by playing P1+1.
14. … R3+2 15. R8+6 R3=4
16. C9=8 C2+4 17. R8-2 H7+8
After the exchange, the 3rd file Red Horse has become an
irremediable weak point. Black can take the opportunity in making an
assault to gain the superiority.
18. R8+5 A5-4 19. C5=9
By moving the Cannon away, Red could readjust his battle
formation. If he changed to play R4=3, Black would play H8-9! Then
R3+1, R8=7, H3-5, R4+6, Red is in a difficult position as he has a
cramped Centroid Horse.
19. … C7+5 20. E3+5 P7+1
21. R4=2 R8=4
By playing his Chariot sideward for taking a checkmate, Black could
shake off the control of Red Chariot. His next move would be to drive the
Horse into the battle. Black's offensive is so aggressive.
22. A4+5 H8+6 23. H3-4 C7-1
24. R8-6
If he changed to play C9+4 for counterattack, the situation will
become complicated. However, Black will be still in a winning position.
The game can be evolved into the following lines: C9+4, H6+4, H4+3,
C1+3! C9+3, FR=5! K5=4 (H3-5, H4+3, K5=4, R4+7, K4+1, R4+6,
K4+1, R4=6. Black wins), H4+3, R8-9, E5-3, Following that, Black can
play R4+7 or R4=6 to take a mating check. Red has no other choice but
to surrender.
24. … R4-2 25. R8=6 R4+4
26. E5+3 R4=5 27. H4+5 H6+4
28. C9+4 P9+1 29. R2=7
This move will lead to a quick defeat of Red. If he changed to other
variations, Black would be still in a winning position.
29. … H4+3!
It is a fetal strike. In the subsequent moves, Black will secure his
winning position after capturing the Red Chariot.
30. H5-7 C1=3! 31. H7+8 C3-3
32. H8-6 R5=9 33. E3-5 R9=4
34. C9-1 C3=5 35. K5=4 P9+1
36. E5-3 A4+5 37. C9-4 A5+4
38. E7+5 A6+5 39. C9=8 R4=6
40. K4=5 C5+3
Black wins.
Game 2: Xu Tianhong (Jiangsu) Vs.
Hu Ronghua (Shanghai)
(Guangzhou, 7th January 1991)
1. C2=5 H8+7 2. H2+3 R9=8
2. R1=2 H2+3 4. P3+1 P3=1
5. H8+9 P1+1 6. C8=7 H3+2
7. R9+1 E3+5
As both sides are familiar with their play, the game is quickly
turned into the opening of "5th and 7th file Cannon, advancement of
3rd file Pawn vs. Screen Horse, using outward Horse to seal off Red
Chariot" After that, the most
popular play of Black is P1+1, then P9+1, R1+5, R2+4, E7+5, R9=4,
A6+5, R4+5. The situation has become more complicate as both sides are
locked in the attack on one wing. Now, Mr. Hu Ronghua switches to his
favorite variation of playing his right Elephant. His purpose is to strength
the ranks of Pawn by playing R1+3 in his next move, and adopting the
strategic policy of "overpowering the firm with the gentle, and gaining
mastery by striking only after the enemy has struck".
8. R2+6
After crossing the river, the right Red Chariot can put more pressure
on Black’s forces in his left wing. If he changed to play R9=6, Black
would play H2+1, then R6=8, C2=4, R8+2, P1+1, H9-8, C8+4. Black
would find himself in a satisfactory position.
8. … P1+1
By breaking with the conventions, Black pushes the Pawn forward
to clear the way for his Chariot, hoping that he can defeat his enemy with
a surprised attack. However, the play has a deceptive nature. The safe and
stable play should be R1+3.
9. P9+1 R1+5 (as shown in diagram)
10. R9=4
Black's "careless play" must not be treated lightly. In the situation as
shown in the diagram, with the aim of gaining the initiative, Red plays
the Chariot sideward and then sacrifices his Pawn. If he changed to play
E3+1, Black would play H2+3 to get back the initiative quickly. Or if he
changed to play R2=3, Black would play C8+4, then C5+4, A6+5, E3+5,
C8=7, R3=4, H7+5, R4=5, H2+3. Black has succeeded in taking the
Pawn.
10. … R1=7
11. H3+4 A4+5
If he changed to play A6+5, Red would play H4+6, then C2+1,
C7=8! C2=4, H6+4, C4=6, R4+5, R7+4, H9+8, H2-3, H8+7. Red will be
in a winning position with his follow-up moving of H7+9.
12. H4+5
With a flexible tactics, Red takes Black's central Pawn with his
Horse. It is not appropriate for Red to play H4+6 any more. As Black has
played his right Advisor, Red Chariot can not cause any menace to the
Black King.
12. … C8=9 13. R2+3 H7+8
14. E3+1 R7+1
Red plays his Elephant for expelling the Black Chariot and at the
same time, for sounding out how Black will respond. It is unwise for
Black to capture Red Pawn with his Chariot when Red Horse is galloping
at will. Black should change to play R7=8, despite the fact that Red
would be still in a superior position after playing H5-4.
15. H5-6! P3=1
16. H6+4 R7-2
17. P7+1 C9=6 (as shown in diagram)
In the situation as shown in diagram, Black is fully aware that he is
taking risk when he plays the Cannon sideward for taking the Chariot.
However, he has no other alternatives. Otherwise, Black will find it
difficult in resisting Red attack, as Red has the material advantage in
Pawns and his pieces are taking a better position. For example, if he
changed to play H2+1, Red would play C7-1, then H1-3, H9+7,
Obviously, Black would be in a losing position. Following that, Red
could launch a fierce attack by capturing Black’s two Elephants with his
Horse.
18. H4+5 E7+5
19. C5+5 K5=4
20. R4=6 C2=4 21. R6+2 C4-1
Black stubbornly resists Red attack by withdrawing his Cannon. If
he changed to play C6+3, Red would play P7+1, then R7=3, C7=6, K4+1,
A4+5, R3+1, R6+2, H2+4, E7+5, R3=1, H9+7, R1=2, C5=2. After that,
Red could make more aggressive attack by playing C2+1 or C2-3.
22. H9+8 A5+4 23. R6=9 K4=5
24. R9+5 C4-1 25. R9=2 R7=4
26. A4+5 C6+2 27. C7=2 C6=8
28. C5-2
Due to his correct offensive play, Red has expended his superiority
step by step. Now, Red withdraws his Cannon to block Black Chariot. He
has secured a winning position.
28. … H2+4 29. H8+7 H4+6
30. R2-3 K5+1 31. R2+3 H8+6
32. C2=5
Red wins.
Game 2: Lu Qin (Guangdong) vs.
Zhao Guorong (Heilongjiang)
(Dalian, 3rd September, 1990)
1. C2=5 H8+7 2. H2+3 P7+1
3. P7+1 R9=8 4. H8+7 C8=9
5. R1+1 R8+5 6. E7+9 A4+5
The game is now turned into the opening of "Central Cannon,
sideward-played Chariot and 7th file Horse vs. 3-step Tiger defense
and riverbank Chariot"(??????????????). The stable
and safe play for Red is to play the Elephant for protection of his Pawn. If
he changed to play P5+1, Black would play C2=5. The game is in a state
of mutual attack. After the play of the Advisor, Black is ready to makes
variations.
7. R1=3 (as shown in diagram)
To place Red Chariot behind the Horse is a move of deception. Its
aim is to present himself in an unfathomable manner, so as to put
psychological pressure on his opponent and to win the game with a
surprised attack.
7. … C2+4
Being not misled by the tactical menace of Red play P3+1, Black
takes the initiative first by sending his Cannon to the other side of the
river. With a vigorous and meticulous play, Black has shattered Red
attempt at one stroke. In the situation as shown in diagram 1, if Black
erred in playing E3+5, Red would play P3+1, then R8-1 (R8=7, E3+1,
R7+1, C8+1, Black would lose his Chariot), H3+4, Red would have the
material gains. If he changed to play R8-1, Red would take the
opportunity to make an assault by playing H7+6 and build up his
initiative.
8. P5+1 H2+3
9. R9+1
It is a correct move that Red plays his Chariot for strengthening his
formation. If he changed to play R3=6, Black would play R8+1 or C2=9.
Red battle formation would be in a state of imbalance when his left wing
is under attack, while Black is in a superior position.
9. … E3+5 10. R9=6 C2=9
By taking the edged Pawn with his Cannon, it can contain the
offensive of Red in the central file and clear the way for his right side
Chariot. The play is simple and clear-cut.
11. H3+1 C9+4 12. C8+2 R8+4
13. E9-7 C9+3 14. C5=2 R1=2
15. R6+5 R2+4
The above are the inevitable responding moves played by both sides.
Now, Red Chariot has crossed the river with the aim to make a
counterattack. However, the actual competition proves that such a plan
can not be realized. Due to the hasty play, the unfavorable situation of
Red is now turned worse. It is better for Red is to play R6+2 for
strengthening his defense. When Black drives his Chariot to the riverbank,
Red will be thrown into the mire.
16. E7+5
Red has no other alternatives but to play the Elephant. If he
changed to play R6=7, Black would play R2=6! There are many
opportunities for Black to launch an attack. For example, if Red played
A6+5 (R7+1, R6+5! K5=4, R8=7, Red is losing quickly), Black would
play R6+4, then C8-3, R6=7, C8=3, R8-2 (It is a move of precision. If
R8-1, then FC+3! Red would have an opportunity for the counterattack),
FC=6, R8=7, R7+1, R7+1, E7+5, R7-2 or H7+6, Black will be always in
a superior position.
16. … P3+1
By playing 3rd file Pawn for an exchange, it can activate all other
pieces on board. It can be considered as a timely and powerful play. If he
changed to play R2=6 for making a hasty attack, Red would play C8-3,
an excellent move for defense. After that, Black may have two variations:
(1) R6=5? K5=4, R8-1, K4+1, C9-1, K4+1, R8=7, H7-5! Red has turned
the defeat into the victory. (2) R8-4, A6+5, R8=5, C8+1, R6=2, R3=1.
Red has freed himself from the cramped battle formation.
17. R6=7 P3+1 18. R7-2 H3+4
19. C3=4 H7+6 20. A6+5 R8-3
21. P5+1
With his two Horses taking the position at the riverbank and other
pieces at strategic positions, Black is ready to launch an all-round
offensive. Red can only sacrifice his Pawn to stop the advance of the
Black Horse, attempting to postpone the crisis. Otherwise, when Black
could makes an invasion by playing H6+7, Red will be routed
immediately.
21. … P5+1 22. R7=4 H6-7
23. C8=6 H4+2
Black advances his Horse to make a forced exchange of pieces, thus
making a breach in the enemy's line. The play is simple and powerful.
24. C6-4 H2+3 25. C4=7 R2+2
26. R4+2 P5+1 27. C7+5
When Red sees that there is no hope in his defense as Black Pawn
can penetrate deep into his territory, Red plays his Cannon to capture
Black's Horse for making a desperate struggle.
27. … H7+8 28. R4=1 R8+3
29. R1=2 P5+1 30. R3=1 R2=1
Red is waiting for the chance that he can use his Chariot for an
exchange of opponent's two pieces, hoping that he could draw the game
by playing defense. Except this hopeless attempt, Red has no alternatives.
When Black plays his Chariot to capture the Red Pawn, the idea of Red
has been stamped out.
31. C7=9 R1=2 32. C9+2
Red has no other choice but to play his Cannon to the bottom rank,
waiting the opportunity for a strike.
32. … P1+1
Black's move is too leisurely and carefree. When Black has lost his
guard, it might become the cause of ruin in Black's Play. Here, Black
should play P5+1. If Red played E3+5, Black would play R2=7. After
that, Black could make a chain of checkmate by playing R8=6 to make a
sacrifice of his Chariot. When Red uses Chariot for an exchange of two
pieces, Black has secured his winning position.
33. R1+7
Being in a hopeless position, Red suddenly hits upon an ingenious
idea of driving his Chariot to the Black's second rank, planting a "time
bomb" without turning a hair. With the Cannon at the bottom as its fuse,
the bomb can be detonated at any time.
33. … P5+1 34. E3+5 (as shown in diagram) E2=6
In the situation as shown in diagram 2, Black plays his Chariot
sideward for a mating. As Black is eager to win, he has overlooked the
strong counterattack of Red. The negligence of Black will lead to his
defeat. If Black changed to play R2=7, Black will be still in a winning
position.
35. C6+9
By taking this opportunity, Red ingeniously makes a sacrifice of his
Cannon and wins the game with the suddenness of a thunderbolt.
35. … E5-3
36. C6-1 E3+1
37. R1-8 R8=9
38. C6=8
Red wins.
Game 3: Liu Dianzhong (Hebei) vs.
Lin Hongmin (Shanghai)
(Emei, 16thMay, 1995)
1. C2=5 H2+3 2. H2+3 C8=6
2. P3+1 P3+1 4. H8+9 E3+5
5. R1=2 H8+7 6. C8=6 R1=2
7. R9=8 R9+1 8. A4+5 R9=4
9. P9+1 (as shown in diagram
1)
In the Xiangqi manuals, the most common play here is R8+4, then
A4+5, P9+1, C2=1. After that, Red can play R8+5 or R8=4. Each
variation has its own characteristics. Now, Red has broken the old
conventions and is calmly waiting for the change by pushing his Pawn
forward to activate his Horse. The move looks plain in appearance, but
conceals many tricks.
9. … R4+4
In the situation as shown in the diagram, Black responds positively
by driving his Chariot to the riverbank. It can be considered as the best
play of all variations. If he changed to play C2+4, Red would play R2+6.
The initiative is in the hands of Red. Or if he changed to play A4+5, Red
would play R2+8, then C2-1, R2=3, R4+6, R8+8! R2+1, A5+6, Black
will suffer the materials.
10. R2+8 P7+1
Red Horse is advancing forward threatening Black Horse. The move
is ferocious. If he changed to play E3+1, Black would play A4+5, then
R2+8, C2-1, R2-2, C2+2. Red hasn't got any advantage. Black responds
ingeniously by sacrificing his Pawn to rescue himself from the siege.
Each side is displaying his skill in the play while one is playing defense
and the other is playing offense.
11. R2=3
Red should be resolute to play Chariot for catching the Horse. If he
played carelessly by pushing his Pawn forward to take Black Pawn, Black
would play R4=7. Black would stand better.
11. … H7+6
12. P3+1 R4=7
13. R8+4 (as shown in diagram) R7=2
It is an important link in the play that Red moves his Chariot
forward for an exchange in order to gain the initiative, and it is also a test
to Black. If he changed to play R3=4, Black would play E5+7, Red will
fail in his plan. In the situation as shown in diagram 2, Black has to make
the decision at this important juncture. To accept the exchange of Chariot
is obviously wrong as it has been proved by the competition. The result of
the play demonstrates that such a responding move is the direct reason
that has led to Black's defeat in the play. The correct move is R7+1. After
that, the game may be evolved into the following lines: E3+1, A4+5,
R8=3, R7-1, E1+3, C2-1, R3-2, C2+2, R3+2, H6+7, C5=4, R2=4. Black
will be satisfied with the result. In the situation as shown in the diagram,
Black could make a mistake by playing R7-1, Red play would R3-3, then
E5+7, H3+2, H6-7, C5=3, E7-5, C3+4. Red has secured a superior
position.
14. H9+8 H6+4 15. P3=1 C2=1
16. P3=4 R2+5
The play of Red is well knit that Red plays his Pawn sideward for
catching Black Cannon. Black has no other alternative but to accept the
exchange. If he changed to play C6=9, Red would play H8-6, then H4+2,
C6=8, C1=2, C8+5, R2+2, C5=8, R2=1, R3=8. Red has the material
gains.
17. P4+1 A4+5 18. P4+1 C1-1
Black's position besets with crisis as Red Pawn is now threatening
the castle. There is a mistake in the order of the play of the Cannon. The
correct move for Black is to play H4+5 to take Red central Cannon, and
then C1-1. Black still can have enough strength in resisting Red offensive
despite the fact that Red has got the upper hand.
19. C5=4 P5+1 20. H3+4
When playing the Cannon sideward and releasing his Horse, Red is
smashing the enemy's resistance and advancing victoriously. Black's
defeat is inevitable. The remaining moves are:
20. … H4-6 21. H4+2 H6+5
22. H2+4 R2=4 23. R3+1 R4=6
24. H4+6 C1=4 25. C6+6 R6=7
26. C6=8 K5=4 27. R3-5
Red wins.
Game 4: Liu Dahua (Hubei) vs.
YanWenqing (Hebei)
(Shanghai, 17th August, 1997)
1. P7+1 C2=3 2. C2=5 E3+5
3. H2+3 P3+1
It becomes a popular opening of "Pawn advancing vs. PR
Cannon" ????????. Black responds positively by pushing his
3rd file Pawn forward, which can lead to a complicated situation. In
addition to that, Black can have the variation of R9+1, in which Black
puts the stress on defense and counterattack. In responding to that, Red
may have the following two lines: (1) R1=2, R9=2, H8+7, H2+4, C8=9,
H7+6, A4+5, C9=6. Red is slightly in an advantageous position. (2) C5+4,
A4=5, E7+5, H2+4, C5-1, R1=2, H8+6, R9=6, P3+1, R2+4, P5+1, R6=5.
It will lead to the situation in which Red has the material advantage in
Pawns, while Black can speedily deploy his pieces.
4. H8+9 P3+1 5. R1=2 R9+1
6. A6+5 R9=4 7. R2+4 (as shown in diagram)
Red drives his Chariot to the riverbank for catching the Pawn. It is a
move for seeking variations and also a test to Black. The most common
play for Red is C5=4, A4+5, C5=1, H8+9, R2+4. After that, Black may
respond with the play of R4+4, or P7+1, or P3+1. All these variations will
lead to complicated situations.
7. … R4+4
In the situation as shown in diagram, it is the best choice of all
variations that Black drives his Chariot forward for making an exchange.
The following two lines will put Black in a disadvantageous position: (1)
R3+1, C8=6, R4+5, P9+1, H2+1, C5+4, A4+5, H9+8, R4-3, C5=1, P7+1,
C1+3. Red has secured the initiative in attacking. (2) R4+2, R9=8, H2+1,
C8=6. Red stands better.
8. C8+2 R4-2
It is the premeditated strategy that Red drives his Cannon for
capturing the Black Chariot, and it is also a deceptive play. By retreating
his Chariot, Black has ingeniously removed the risk. It seems that Red is
in an upper hand, but in reality, Black is in an advantageous position as
Red Cannon is dislodged. Black should refrain from playing R4=8, as
Red could play C8=2, then H8+7, P3+1. Red will succeed in his scheme.
9. C8=9
It is inevitable for Red to take Black Chariot with his Cannon for
taking the Chariot. If he changed to play R2=7 for taking the Pawn, Black
would play H2+4. As Red pieces are out of strategic position, the
situation is in favorable of Black.
9. … H2+1 10. R2=7 P1+1
11. C9+3 R1+2 12. R9=8 H8+7
13. C5=6
After the exchange of the pieces, Red has lost the initiative. When he
is aware of this, Red removes the Cannon immediately for adjusting his
battle formation and makes preparations for making a protracted
positional warfare. If he changed to play P3+1, Black would play C8+4.
Red couldn't have any advantage.
13. … P7+1 14. E7+5 C3=4
By playing Cannon sideward for an exchange, Black can gain the
superiority in the arms of service. The move is clear-cut and powerful.
15. C6+5 R1=4 16. R8=6
It is a soft move, which has increased the difficulty for seeking a
draw. The correct move is P9+1 or P3+1 for an exchange of the Pawn and
for activating the Horse.
16. … FR+6 17. A5-6 H7+6
18. P3+1 P7+1 19. R7=3 R4+4
20. R3=4 H6-4
Taking retreat as advance, Black is playing meticulously. If he
carelessly played H6+4, Red would play A4+5. Black couldn't have any
advantage.
21. R4+2 H4-2 22. R4=5 H2+3
23. R5=1 R4=1 24. H9-8 R1=4
It is an important move. Being in the armpit file, the Black Chariot
can check the advance of the Red Horse.
25. R1=2 C8=6 26. R2-5
After taking the Black Cannon, Red withdraws his Chariot to the
second rank for strengthening defense. Red is playing stubbornly.
26. … P1+1 27. H8+6 H3=2
28. H6+8 R4=3 29. H3+4 R3+1
By driving his Chariot forward to take the Red Horse, Black is
storming the enemy's position. If he changed to play R3=5 to take the
Red Pawn, Red would play R2=6, then R5=6, H4+6, Red feels relaxed.
30. H8-7 P1+1 31. H7+9 R3=1
32. H9-7 R1=3 33. H7+9 H2+3
34. R2=6 R3-1 35. E5+3
Red has misjudged the situation when he plays the Elephant. The
correct move is H4+6. If Black played R3-2, Red would play H6-4, P1+1,
H9-7. After that, Red could play H4-6 to make a forced exchange of
pieces. Black will find it difficult in winning the game.
35. … H3=1
It is an unexpected move. Red is caught unprepared when Black
plays his Horse to the edge. After that, Black's position is becoming more
promising.
36. R6+2 R3-1 37. H4-5 P1+1
38. R6=9 P1+1 39. R9-2 R3+4
It is not an ideal move that Black plays the Chariot for protecting the
Horse. It is better to play R3=7. After that, if Red played R9-1, Black
could play R7+4. As Red has lost double Elephants, Black has more
chances of winning the game.
40. A4+5 C6-1 41. P5+1 C6=5
42. K5=4 C5+4 43. H5+3 C5=6
44. E3-5 R3=2 45. H3+4
Red has misjudged the play when he drives the Horse to the armpit
file. The correct move for Red is to play H3+5. After that, he could seek a
draw by ferrying his Pawn cross the river when there is an opportunity.
45. … A6+5 46. H4-6
It is unwise to retreat his Horse an exchange. The correct move is
P1+1 to ferry driving his Pawn across the river as quickly as possible.
46. … C6=8 47. E3+1 C8=5
48. K4+1 C5=6 49. E1+3 K5=6
50. K4-1 (as shown in diagram)
51. … R2-6
When Black's King is exposed, it renders Black an opportunity of
making a checkmate. It is unwise for Red to play K4-1, as it will make
him to lose quickly. The correct move for Red is to play P1+1. In the
situation as shown in diagram 2, Black ingeniously retreats Chariot,
making Red difficult to respond.
51. R9+4
Red has no other choice but to make this move. If he changed to
play R9-1 to take Black Horse, Red would play R2=6, then E5-7, C6=5,
A5+4, R6+4, K4=5, R6=5, After that, Black could win very quickly by
playing R5=1 to take the Red Chariot.
51. … E5+3
It is a good move that Black plays his Elephant to block Red Chariot.
For relieving the imminent menace of Black's play of R2=6, Red is forced
to take the Elephant. Now Black Horse is set free, it is quite clear to see
who is in the winning position.
52. R9=7 C6-3 53. R7+1 R2+2
54. R7-2 R2-2 55. R7+2 R2+2
56. R7-2 R2-3
Black shouldn't play carelessly when he is in the winning position. If
Black erred in playing R2+1, Red would play R7-4, Red could have a
favorable turn.
57. P1+1 R2=4 58. A5+6 H1-2
Red resigns.
Game 5: Li Laiqun (Hebei) vs.
Tao Hanming (Dalian)
Xiaogan, 4th April, 1988
1. P7+1 P7+1 2. C2=3 E7+5
3. H2+1 C8+4 (as shown in the diagram)
?47
The most common play is H8+7, R1=2, R9=8, R2+4. It is a normal
opening for both sides. Theoretically speaking, Red has the initiative in
the play. Now, Black drives his Cannon across the river, with the aim of
sealing off the Red right Chariot. Black's unconventional play has made
the situation complicated and confusing.
4. R1=2
In face of the challenge of Black, Red resolutely sacrifices his
central pawn by playing his Chariot to take the Cannon and makes a
tit-for-tat play, displaying a lofty bearing. In the situation as shown in the
diagram, if Red made a compromise by playing H8+7, Black would play
H8+7, then R1=2, R9=8, E7+5, H2+1, P1+1, C2=3, R9=8 (C8+2, R1=2,
H1+2, P3+1! Black has the upper hand), R1=2, C8=4, P3+1, P7+1, C3+5,
C3=7. Black could play C8=5 to make a checkmate and to exchange the
Chariot and then play E5+3 to wipe out the Red Pawn. Black would be in
a satisfactory position. If Red changed to play P3+1, Black would play
P7+1, then R1=2, P7=8, P1+1, C2+2, H1+2, C2=8, Black can easily
respond.
4. … C8=5 5. H8+7 C5-2
6. H7+6 H2+1
When Black is slowly dispatching his pieces, Red leaves no time in
driving his Horse forward. Red's play is well knit. It is a wise choice that
Black places his Horse on the left edge for clearing the way for his pieces.
If Black were reluctant to give up the exposed Cannon by playing C2+4,
Red would play H6+7, then C2=5, H7-5, P5+1, P9+1, H8+7, R9+3, C5-1,
R9=6, H2+3, C8=7. After that, if Black played H3+5, Red would play
R6+2. Or if Black played R1+2, Red would play P7+1. In both variations,
Red will be in a superior position.
7. H6+7 H8+7 8. H7-5
Red has a clear-cut tactics that following the exchange of Red
Horse with Black Cannon, he drives the Chariot into the enemy’s forest
of Pawns.
8. … P5+1 9. R2+6 P9+1
10. P7+1 E5+3
It is a good move that Red sacrifices his Pawn for gaining the
initiative. Black is unwise to take the Red Pawn with his Elephant, as it
will put Black under the control of Red on all fronts. The correct move is
R9+3 for seeking an exchange of Red Chariot. If so, Black still can have
strength in resistance.
11. C8=5 E3-5 12. R9=8 R1=2
13. R8+5 R9+3
Red offensive is increasing when he drives his left Chariot into the
battle. Now, it is too late and useless for Black to exchange the Chariot
with Red. Furthermore, it will weaken the defense in his left wing, thus
giving Red the opportunity for making a breakthrough. It is better for
Black to play A6+5 for strengthening his defense.
14. R2=1 H7+9 15. R8=5 A6+5
16. R5+1 H9-7 17. R5=3 K5=6
Black has no other alternatives but to play his King. If he changed to
other moves, Red would make assault by playing C3+3. Black can hardly
make any resistance.
18. P3+1
It is a prelude for Red to enhance his initiative and make a
checkmate. If he played hastily A4+5, Black would play C2=3, then P3+1,
R2+5. Some side issues might be cropped up.
18. … P7+1 19. A4+5 H7-8
20. R3=4 H8+6 21. K5=4 A5+6
22. C3=4
Now, Black's position is torn to pieces. Black has no other
alternatives but to resign, and Red wins
