Cannon or Make-up Opposite Direction Cannon
Game 1: Deception in Attacking Horse
1. C2=5 H8+7 2. H2+3 R9=8
3. R1=2 C8+4 4. P3+1 C2=5
5. P7+1 H2+3 6. C8=7 (as shown in diagram)
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The above play of both sides has formed the typical formation of
“Central Cannon vs. Make-up Opposite Direction Cannon”
In the situation as shown in diagram 1, it is a deceptive play that Red
moves his Cannon sideward to attack the opponent’s Horse. To respond to
the menace of Red play P7+1, Black mainly can have two variations: (1)
E3+1; (2) R1=2. They may be developed into the following possible
lines:
(1) E3+1
6. … E3+1
This is a pure defensive play, looking that the nose leads Black.
7. C7+4!
It is a practical move and the best way for Red to gain a superior
position.
7. … R1=2
8. H8+7 R2+4
9. R9=8 R2=8
10. C7=3
With several moves, Red has easily secured the superiority.
(2) R1=2
6. … R1=2 ( as shown in diagram)
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Losing no time, Black drives his Chariot out to implement a counter
offensive. In the situation as shown in diagram 2, Red can have two
variations: P7+1 or H8+9. They may be developed into the following
possible lines:
(2.1.) P7+1
7. P7+1 R2+8!
Ignoring the fact that Red Pawn is going to cross the river, Black
drives his Chariot to curb the advance of Red Horse. It is the most
effective counterattack played by Black.
8. P7+1 H3-1 9. H3+4 C5+4
If Black changed to play C5=2, Red would play P3+1. The situation
would be unclear.
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10. A4+5 C5-1 11. C7+1
Red advances his Cannon, in case Black makes a discovered attack
by playing C8=3.
11. … C8=5 12. R2+9 H7-8
Now, Black is in a superior as Red pieces on his left side are
cramped.
(2.2.) H8+9
7. H8+9 R2=5
It is a correct move that Black drives his Chariot to the riverbank. If
he changed to play R2+4, Red would play R9=8, E2=8, R8+6, C8=7,
R2=1, C5=6, R8=7, E7+5, P7+1. The 7th file Cannon can fully display its
power, and Red is in a superior position.
8. R9=8
If he changed to play P7+1, Black would play R2=3. Or if he
changed to play C7+4, Black would play E3+1, then C7=3, R2=3, C3+3,
R8=7, R2+3, R3=7. The initiative would be reverted to Black.
8. … R2=3 9. R8+2 H3-5
Black retreats his Horse for launching an attack when his defense
line is strengthened. After that, Black can play C5=3 or R3=7, which will
render him the initiative. Black has a bright position.
Summary: Red 7th move C8=7 can be considered as a typical
deceptive play. Its aim is to threaten the Black Horse and force Black into
a defensive play. If Black takes the lines as in variation (1), Red can
easily dominate the game. In variation (2), Black adopts a tit-for-tat
policy by implementing the attack against enemy’s offense. At the end,
Black has turned the passive position into the positive position, thus
frustrating the Red scheme.
It is premature for Red to play C8=7, though it is of some deception.
It is too early for Red to expose his plan. If Black had not fallen into the
trap, Red himself would be thrown into the passive position. The correct
move is H8+7 or H8+9. If so, the initiative will be still in the hand of
Red.
Game 2: Single-handed Attack
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1. C2=5 H8+7 2. H2+3 R9=8
3. R1=2 C8+4 4. P3+1
It is a tit-for-tat play. If Red played P7+1, Black would play P7+1,
then H8+7, E3+5. Black has succeeded in implementing his initial
strategic scheme of sealing off the right wing of Red.
4. … C2=5 5. H8+7 H2+3
6. P7+1
Red can also play R9=8. If so, Black may play P3+1. After that, Red
may have the following possible lines: (1) C8+4, C8=7 (It is a correct
move. If he played R1=2, the formation of both sides are the same. Red
would be in a superior position by playing C8=7), C8=7, E3+1. The two
sides are confronting each other with a well-balanced strength. (2) H3+4,
C8+1, H4+5! H7+5, R2+2, R8+7, C5+4, H3+5, C8=2. Red’s position is
slightly better than Black’s as he has the central Pawn. However, the
situation on the whole becomes comparatively simple.
6. … R1=2 7. R9=8 R2+6
Placing the stress on the attack, Black ferries his Chariot across the
river for provoking conflicts. In this variation, both sides are locked in
tactical conflicts and Black is possessed of more deceptive methods. Red
must have a clear understanding of the traps set by Black. The stable and
common play for Black now is R2+4, C8=9, R2=8, by which Black can
enforce a blockade. After that, Black may play C8=7 for gaining the
initiative. Black still has enough strength to take up the challenge of Red.
8. H7+6!
It is a positive play that Red drives his Horse to the riverbank for
gaining the initiative. If he changed to play C8=9 and then to play the
Cannon sideward for exchanging of Chariot, Black would play R2=3,
then R8+2, R3-1! After that, Red may have the following two possible
lines: (1) C5-1, R3=7, R8+2 (It is not suitable to play H7+8, as Black can
play C8+1), P7+1, H3+4, P3+1, E7+5, C8=6! R2+9, H7-8. Black stands
better as he has the material advantage of pawns. (2) C5=6, P7+1 (He can
also play P5+1 to make a counterattack directly), E7+5, R3-1, P3+1,
R3=7, R8+4, C8-3. Black is in a satisfactory position as he can play
defense as well as offense.
8. … C8=7 (as shown in the diagram)
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?21
To parry the menace of Red P7+1, Black usually plays R2-2 or R2-1.
Now, ignoring the attack of Red, Black plays his Cannon sideward to
freeze the movement of Red Horse in an attempt to launch a
counterattack.
In the situation as shown in the diagram, in face of Black’s tough
move, Red mainly can have two variations: (1) P7+1. (2) H6+4. They
may be developed into the following possible lines:
(1) P7+1
9. P7+1
It looks a strong move, but in reality, it is a move of short-eyesight,
as it caters to the Black’s scheme of gaining the victory during the
disturbance. If Red changed to play R2+9, Black could also attain the
desired results by playing C7+3, then A4+5, H7-8, P7+1, R2-1, P7+1,
R2=4, P7+1, H8+7 or C7=9. It would lead to a mutual-offensive position
in which both sides have scruples.
9. … R8+9 10. H3-2
It is obvious that Red can not play H6-8, as Black will play C7+3,
then A4+5, C7=4! H3-2, C4=2. Red will suffer a material loss.
10. … R2-1 11. H6+4 P3+1!
When Red is still indulging in his happiness of "capturing", Black
has gained the initiative by making a sacrifice after capturing the Red
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Pawn, from which, Black has got enough compensation.
12. H4-3 C5+4 13. A4+5 H3+4!
It is an important move for control of the situation. The tempting
move is R2=7, then H2+3! C5-2 (If Black played R7+1, Red would play
H3+5, R7=5, C8=7. Red has gained the initiative), FH-1, R7=2, H3+5,
Red is in a superior position as he has gained the material advantage.
14. H2=3 C5-2
After making a sacrifice, Black has secured the initiative. A bright
future is looming up.
(2) H6+4
9. H6+4
By driving his Horse forward, Red can exploit the fork trick. It can
be considered as the best choice among so many variations.
9. … R8+9 10. H3-2 P7+1
Forcing his 7th Pawn forward is a good move in a partial warfare.
Otherwise, Black can not get relevant compensation.
11. H4+3! C5+4 12. A4+5 P7+1
13. H3-4 P7=6
Black has no other choice. If he played C5-2, Red would play H4+2
to take the Black Pawn. After that, Black must not play P7=6. Otherwise,
Red would make a discovered attack to take Black’s central Cannon by
playing H2+4.
14. H2=3 C5-2 15. H4+2! A6+5
16. E3+1
It is quite necessary to strengthen his defense. If he played directly
R8+1, Black would play C7+3. After that, Black could play C7-1 and
R2=8. Red would have scruples in his play.
16. … E3+5 17. R8+1!
It is a grave menace to Black that the single-handed Red Horse is
galloping in the Black’s backyard. Now, Red left Chariot is driven
forward, which is ready to join in the battle at any time.
17. … P6+1
Even if Black changes to play C5=7, the situation can not be
improved, as Red still can have the same brutal move of R8=6. After that,
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Black may have the following possible lines: (1) R2+1, R6+2! RC+3,
R6=3. Red offense is kept growing. (2) P6+1, C8=9, R2+1, R6+3, RC+3,
C5+5! E7+5, C9=3. In the follow-up moves, Red can play the Elbow
Horse for a mate. Red has secured a winning position.
18. R8=6! R2+1 19. H2+3 K5=6
20. R6+3
Now, Red has gained a superior position after sacrificing his
Cannon.
Summary: To respond to the tough and deceptive move of Black, as
there are loopholes in the play of Red in variation (1), Black has
succeeded in his scheme. While in variation (2), the single-handed Red
Horse has charged into Black’s backyard. Red has made a timely sacrifice,
thus gaining the superior position.
Black's deceptive plan is based on “making a sacrifice for gaining
the initiative”. Red must have a correct judgement of it. If Red is not
misled by Black’s play and refrains from playing the customary offensive
move of P7+1, and makes a "single-handed attack" as in variation (2),
Black can not succeed in his deceptive play.
Game 3: Get Caught in His Own Trap
1. C2=5 H8+7 2. H2+3 R9=8
3. R1=2 C8+4 4. P3+1 C2=5
5. P7+1 H2=3 6. H8+7 R1=2
7. R9=8 R2+4 8. C8=9 R2=8
9. R8+6 P7+1 (as shown in the diagram)
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The diagram 1 shows one of the lines leading to the opening of
“Central Cannon vs. Make-up Opposite Direction Cannon”. It is a
tough, play that Black pushes his Pawn forward, inviting an exchange.
However, it can be considered as a typical deceptive play. In responding,
Red mainly can have two variations: (1) P3+1. (2) R8=7. They may be
developed into the following possible lines:
(1) P3+1
10. P3=1
Red is liable to be a cat's-paw as his play caters to the combat
scheme of Black, when he accepts the exchange of the Pawn.
10. … R8=7
11. C5-1
If he changed to play H3+4, Black would play C8+1. The initiative
is now reverted to Black.
11. … C5=6
It is a correct move that Black timely adjusts his battle formation by
playing the Cannon. Black can also play C8=7. If so, the subsequent
moves might be R8=7, H3-5, E3+5, R8+9, H3-2, C7+2. Both sides will
have scruples in their play.
12. C5=3
If Red makes a hasty attack by playing H3+4, Black will play C8-3,
H4+5, H3+5, C5+4, C6+1! Black has gained the material advantage. Or
if Red changed to play R8=7, Black would play E7+5. Then, H3+4, C8-3,
C5+4 (If H4+5, then C8=3, R2+9, H7-8, H5-3, C6+6. Black has the
material gains), H3+5, R7=5 (if H4+5, then C6+1), C8=7, R2+9, C7+6,
A4+5, H7-8. Black would be satisfied with the situation.
12. … C8=7 13. R2+9 H7-8
14. C3+2 R7+2 15. R8=7 E7+5
Though Red has the material advantage of one Pawn, he can get
nowhere as his Horse and Cannon are in a cramped position.
(2) R8=7
10. R8=7
Red takes a positive attitude in meeting the challenge of Black. The
play is powerful.
10. … P7=1
To make a sacrifice for gaining the initiative does Black premeditate
a tactical method. If he changed to play H3-5, Red would play P3+1 (It is
a simple and practical move). Then R8=7, H3+4, C8+1, H4+5, R7-1,
H5-6, R7=3 (If C8=3, then R7=3, R8+9, H6-7, Red would be in a
superior position), C5+5, E7+5, H6+7. Red is in superior position as he
has the material advantage of Pawns.
11. R7+1 P7+1 12. R2+2 (as shown in diagram )
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Driving Red Chariot forward to protect the Horse is an excellent
move, showing that Red has taken the situation as a whole into account.
If he changed to play H3-5, Black would play C8=5 (or A6+5, which is
an implicit play), R2+5, H7+8, H7+5, C5+4. The centered Red Horse is a
serious hidden trouble for Red. Black will have a bright future after he
makes the sacrifice for gaining the initiative.
In the situation as shown in diagram (2), in face of the
counter-sacrifice of Red, Black can have three variations: (1) P7+1; (2)
C8=5; (3) R8=7. They may be developed into the following possible
lines:
(2.1.) P7+1
12. … P7+1 13. R2=3 R8+2
14. R7+2
It is obvious that Red is in a superior position, when he strikes first.
(2.2) C8=5
12. … C8=5 13. H3+5
It is quite clear that Red can not play H7+5. Otherwise Black would
play FR+3, then C5=2, P7+1. The initiative is now reverted to Black.
13. … FR+3 14. R7+2 FR-3
15. P7+1
Red pushes his Pawn forward to reinforce the attack of Red Horse.
Now, Black finds it difficult in resisting the increasing offensive of Red.
(2.3.) R8=7
12. … R8=7
It is the best choice for Black to make the sacrifice, as it can
maintain the menace on Red.
13. C5-1
It is a wise choice for Red to maintain the initiative.
13. … P7+1 14. R2=3 P7+3
15. C9=3 C8+3 16. R7-2
By withdrawing Chariot to the riverbank, Red can play defense as
well offense. Black finds it hard in launching an attack. Now, Red has
secured an advantageous position. If Red changed this move to R7+2,
Black would play R8+7! then C3+7, A6+5. It would be hard for Red to
control the situation.
Summary: Due to the unwise play of Red in variation (1) when
responding to the deceptive play of Black, it has rendered Black a chance
for attack. While in variation (2), Red plays positively by striking first
and timely making a sacrifice, ensuring that the initiative is always in his
hands.
Black’s play of exchanging Pawns on Move 7 is of deceptive nature.
Though it can lead to a complicated battle, it can not be considered as the
successful scheme if we take the whole situation into consideration. Once
the opponent has seen through the plot, Black will be thrown into a
passive position. Therefore, the correct choice for Black is to play C5=6
to extend the battle line. If so, both sides will be evenly balanced in their
strength.
