Game 1: Track the Tiger to its Lair
1. C2=5 H2+3 2. H2+3 C8=6
3. R1=2 H8+7 4. P3+1 P3+1
5. H8+9 E3+5 6. C8=6
It leads to the common formation of “5th and 6th file Cannons,
advancement of the 3rd file Pawn vs. sandwiched Horse,
advancement of 3rd file Pawn and of right Elephant” . It is a stable and safe play that Red moves his
Cannon to the palcorner. Red can also play C8=7 or C8=4 for launching
an offensive. Both variations have their own features.
6. … R9+1 7. R9=8 R1=2
8. R8+4 R9=4 9. A4+5 A4+5
10. R2+8 (as shown in diagram)
?24
It is a typical deceptive play that in the situation as shown in
diagram 1, Red pushes his Chariot forward to the 2nd file and has the
follow-up play of R2=3 to menace the Black Horse. To respond, Black
mainly may have three variations: (1) C2-1. (2) C6+2 (3) P3+1. They can
be evolved into the following possible lines:
(1) C2-1
10. … C2-1
Black has fallen into the trap. If Red had the formation of 5th and
7th Cannon, it would be a correct move.
11. R2=3!
Red ignores the discovered attack of Black, showing that Red is
quite confident in his play.
11. … R4+6
If Black changed to play R4+4, Red would play R3=5, then A6+5,
R8+6. Red would be in a superior position when the Black Advisor was
captured.
12. R8+4! R2+1 13. A5+6 R2+4
14. E3+1
Red drives his Elephant forward for protecting his Pawn. Now,
Black left Horse can not find a way in making an escape, and will be
unavoidably lost.
(2) C6+2
10. … C6+2
It looks like that Black can play both defense and offense with this
move. However, it can not be considered as a good one, as it has
weakened the battle formation.
11. R8=4!
The move is simple but powerful, throwing Black Cannon into a
hard position.
11. … C6=5
If Black changed to play R4+3, Red would play P9+1 and with
H9+8 to follow-up H9+8. Black is liable to the attack of the enemy.
12. R2-1 C5+3 13. E3+5 H3+2
If he changed to play C2+6 to make a counterattack, Red would play
R2+7, then R2+7, R4+4. Red would be in a superior position when he
strikes first.
14. H3+2 P5+1 15. R2-1
It is obvious that Red has gained the initiative when Black has a
loose formation.
(3) P3+1
10. … P3+1 (as shown in diagram)
?25
Black sacrifices his Pawn for exploring the responding move of Red
and waiting for the opportunity to make the counterattack. It is a powerful
move in answer to the deceptive play of Red.
In the situation as shown in diagram 2, in face of the sacrifice of
Black Pawn, Red mainly can have two variations: (1) P7+1. (2) R8=7.
They may be developed into the following possible lines:
(3.1) P7+1
11. P7+1 R4+4
12. P2=3
Red is bent on capturing the Black Horse. However, such a
“stubborn” act will bring him the risk. As a qualitative change has taken
place in the game, Red should switch to a stable and safe play of P9+1.
12. … C6+2 (as shown in
diagram) ?26
In the situation as shown in diagram 3, when Black Cannon is
stationed at the riverbank, Black can have a series of means of
counterattack, such as C6=2. It can be considered as a maneuver of
vitality. To respond to this move, Red mainly can have the variations of
R3-1 and R8+2, which may be developed into the following possible
lines:
(3.1.1.) R3-1
13. R3-1 C6=2
14. R8=9 H3+4
By driving his Horse forward, Black aims at launching an attack. It
is also a good move if he changed to play RC=1, which could be
developed into the following lines: P7+1 (Red has no other choice. If Red
played R9=8, Black would play H3+4, Red would lose his Chariot),
C1+3, P9+1, C2-3, P7+1, C2=3, C6=7, C3+2! C7+5, R4=7, H3-4, R2=3,
C5=7 (If Red played C7=8, Black would play R7=3), C3+6! C7-7, R3+7,
E3+5, R7=1. Black has retrieved what he has lost and is in a superior
position, while Red has the chance to draw the game.
15. R3-1
If he changed to play C6=8, Black would play P7=1 (It is a well-knit
play. If Black played C2+5, Red could play P7+1)! R9+1, C2+5, C5+4,
R4=7. Black is now in a superior position.
15. … P7+1! 16. R9+1 RC=3
17. C6=7
In addition to that, Red may have other too responding moves.
However, both can not retrieve him from falling into the inferior position:
(1) H9-7, R4=3. Black can get back what he has lost by making a
discovered attack. (2) K5=4, C3+7, K4+1, H4+6, H3+4, C2+4, H9-7,
R4=6, C5=4, C2=1, R9=6, R2+8. Black is sure to win.
17. … C3+5 18. C5+4 C2+3
It is an accurate and powerful move that Black transfers his Cannon
forward to take Red Horse. During the mutual attack, Black will be in the
winning position as he can strike faster than Red.
19. H3+2 C3=1 20. E7+9 C2+2
21. E9-7 C2=1 22. R9=7 K5=4
23. C5=6 H4+6 24. R7=4 R2+9
25. C6=7 R2-1
After that, Black can have chain killing by playing R2=5! K5-1,
R4+3, K5-1, R4+1, K5+1, R4-1. Red will find it difficult to resist Black’s
ferocious offensive.
(3.1.2.) R8+2
(Please refer to diagram 3)
13. R8+2 R4=3!
When Red Chariot is in flight, Black has brutally captured Red
Pawn. If he changed to play C2=1, Red would play R8=7 (if Red played
R8+3, Black would play H3-2, then C5=4, R4=7. The initiative is in the
hands of Black), R2+2, R7=9. Both sides are entangled together.
14. C5=4
If Red were covetous of taking Black Horse by playing C3-1, Black
would play H3+4, then R8-5 (If Red played R8-6, Black would play
H4+2, then C6=8, H2+1! C8+7, H1+3. It would entail a chain of killings),
H4+2, C6=8, C6=2! R3+1, C2+3. Black has secured immense superiority.
14. … H3+4 15. R8-5 H4+2!
It is a positive play that Black drives his Horse forward to capture
the Red Horse for gaining the initiative. If Black changes to play R3-5, he
can also have a satisfactory position. But this move is not so powerful as
the former one.
16. C6=8
Red puts up a stubborn play. If he changed to play E3+5, Black
would play C2+6, then E5+7, C6=3! E7-5 (If Red played H9-7, Black
would play C3-2, Black would be also in a superior position), H2+1,
R3-1, H1+3, K5=4, C3=6, H3+4, R2+5! Black is sure to win.
16. … R3=7!
Black is trying to maintain a complicated situation and to make
progress. Black can also play: (1) C2+5, E3+5! R3=4, R8+1, C6=2, R8=6,
R4+2, A5+6, C2-2, Both sides are evenly balanced in their strength. (2)
R3+4, C8+5 (If Red erred in playing R3-1 or E3+5, Black could have a
powerful move of H2+1), R2+2, E3+5 (If Red played R8+2, Black would
play R3-2, then H9-8, R3-2. If the game kept going on, it would do Red
no good, as he has a single Elephant), H2+1 (If Red played R3-7, Black
would play R8+2), C4=9, R2+6, E5-7, R2-1, R3-1 (Red is striving to
draw the game. If he played H3+4, Black would play C6=3. After that,
Black could play R2=3 and C3-2. He would be in a better position as he
had the material advantage of Elephant), R2=7, R3-1. Black stands
slightly better, but it is difficult for him to win the game.
17. E3+5 R7+2 18. R3-1
It is a correct move. If he changed to play C8+5, Black would play
R2+2, R3-1, R7-1, R8+2 (to prevent Black from playing H2+1), C6-2,
Black is in a superior position as he has the material advantage of Pawns.
18. … C6=2
It is a move of ingenuity, which helps Black to extricate himself
from the containment of Red.
19. R3+1 H2-4 20. C8+5 R2+2
Now, the situation is tending towards calm. Black has a bright future
as he has the material advantage in pawns and the positional advantage.
(3.2) R8=7
11. R8=7
It looks like that Red has gained some advantage after capturing one
of Black Pawns, but Black can have enough time to adjust his battle
formation by attacking Red Chariots.
11. … C2-1 12. R7=8 (as shown in diagram)
?27
In the situation as shown in diagram 4, Black has got the advantage
in tempo after sacrificing his Pawn. In the subsequent moves, Black can
have two powerful moves: P7+1 or C2=1. They may be developed into
the following possible lines:
(3.2.1) P7+1
12. … P7+1
Making use of the discovered attack, Black left Horse can gallop out.
It is a move of vitality.
13. R2=3
Red is trying to make the situation more complicated. If he changed
to play P3+1, Black would play R4+3, then R2-4, R4=7. Black would be
satisfied as his pieces are more active.
13. … H7+6 14. P3+1 R4+4
15. R8+4
Red uses one of his Chariots in exchange of Black’s two pieces. If
he changed to play R8=6, Black would play H6+4, then R3-1(He should
refrain from playing R3-2. Otherwise, Black would play C2+2 and then
C2=3 to attack the Elephant), C2=3. Black is in a superior position.
15. … R2+1 16. P3=4 R2+4
17. E3+1 R2-1 18. P4+1 C6=9
Now, each side has his own strong points in his play.
(3.2.2) C2=1
12. … C2=1
When Red right Chariot is in an inactive position, Black plays his
Cannon sideward for an exchange of the active Red left Chariot. It is a
very practical move.
13. R8+5 H3-2 14. C6=7
Red has no other alternative. Otherwise, Black could play R4+6 or
C1=3, which would put him in peril position.
14. … R4+4 15. R2-4 H2+3
Black has a solid battle formation with his riverbank Chariot
commanding the whole board. The situation is quite optimistic for him.
Summary: In variation (1), in responding to the deceptive play of
Red on Move 10, Black was taken in when he uses the play that should be
used for “5th and 6th Cannons opening” in answer to the “5th and 7th
Cannon opening” of Red. In variation (2), Black’s play is proven to be
not effective, as it has weakened his own battle formation. In variation (3),
when Red has a impending “Cannon Smothered Mate” and his left
Chariot is not in a proper position, Black timely launches a counterattack
and makes a strike at the enemy's weak point, to secure a satisfactory
position.
Despite the fact that the Red play of “tracking the tiger to its liar” is
of some deception, Black can easily make use of the situation when Red
force is fighting in isolation. If Black has adopted the strategy as in
variation (3), Red can not succeed in his play.
Game 2: Seize the Opportunity for Counterattack
1. C2=5 H2+3 2. H2+3 C8=6
3. P3+1 P3+1
Each side pushes his Pawn forward to build up his own strength.
Black can also play H8+7. If Red played P7+1, Black would play R9+8.
As Black's left Chariot comes out earlier than that of Red, it can be served
as the compensation for the cramped situation of his two Horses.
4. H8+9 E7+5
Black plays his Elephant for strengthening his defense. When Red
plays his Cannon sideward, Black right Chariot can come out earlier. If
Black played H8+7, Red would play C8=7, then E3+5, R9=8, R1=2,
R8+4, R9=8, R1=2! R8+9, H3-2. Red has gained the initiative to some
extend.
5. C8=7 R1=2 6. R9=8 C2+4
7. R1+1 H8+7 8. R1=7
After playing his Chariot, Red places his Chariot placed behind the
Cannon, putting much pressure on Black's 3rd file.
8. … R9=8 9. P7+1 (as shown in diagram)
?28
In the situation as shown in the diagram, when Red pushes his Pawn
forward to launch the attack, Black can respond it with two variations: (1)
C2=3. (2) R8+4. They may be developed into the following possible
lines:
(1) C2=3
9. … C2=3
Black plays his Cannon sideward for capturing Red Chariot. It
seems that this move can help Black to get the initiative, but in reality, it
has fallen into the trap of Red.
10. R8+9 C3+2
11. R8-9!
By returning to the bottom rank, Red Chariot can lend protection to
the Elephant. It is an excellent move premeditated by Red, by which Red
will have got precious time in attacking Black’s 3rd file.
11. … C3-3 12. C5=6!
By playing the Cannon sideward, Red can have his battle formation
adjusted. After that, he is going to drive Black Cannon away with his
Elephant. The pressure on Black’s right wing is bulging on.
12. … R8+4 13. E7+5 R8=4
If he changed to play C3=4, Red would play R8+7, then H3-5 (If
Black played H3+4, Red would play R8-3! Then C4+1, R8=6, Black
would lose pieces), R8+1! Red would be is in the upper hand as his
offensive is strong.
14. A6=5 R4+2 15. H3+4 R4-1
16. H4+3 R4+1
Black has no other alternative. If Black changed his move to C3=7,
Red would play E5+3, then R4=7, C6+4, R7+4, R8+7, H3+4, C7+7,
Black would find it hard to cope with the situation.
17. C6-2 C3=4
If he changed to play C3+1, Red would play H9+7, then R4=3,
R8+2, H3+4, C6=7, R3=4, FC+7, E5-3, C7+9, A4+5, R8+7. Red has
gained the initiative in his offense after making a sacrifice.
18. C7=6 R4=1 19. C6+4 R1+1
20. C6+4
By now, Red is noticeably in a superior position and his pieces are
more active.
(2) R8+4
9. … R8+4
It is a safe and stable play that Black drives his Chariot forward and
is waiting at ease for the chance to come.
10. P7+1
Red pushes his Pawn forward for gaining the initiative. If he played
C7=6, relatively speaking, the game looks calm and smooth.
10. … C2=3!
It is the right time for Black to play his Cannon sideward. If he
changed to play R8=3, Red would play C7+5, then C6=3, R7+4, E5+3,
H3+4, Red will stand better.
11. R8+9
If he changed to play C7=6, Black would play R2+9, H9-8, R8=3,
Red can not get any advantage.
11. … C3+2 12. C7+5 C3-6
13. C5+4 A6+5 14. E3+5 R8=3
Now, the game is calm and smooth and both sides are evenly
balanced in strength.
Summary: Red play on Move 8 belong to the normal offensive play.
However, it is of great deception, as it conceals some deceitful tricks. In
variation (1), in face of the attack of Red Pawn on Move 9, Black plays
his Cannon for attacking Red Chariot, believing that it is the best
responding move. However, he has fallen into the trap set by Red. After
exchanging the Chariot, Red returns his Chariot to the bottom rank,
concentrating the fire on Black's right wing, thus gaining a superior
position. In variation (2), Black drives Chariot to the riverbank. It can be
considered a steady and safe play. After Red Pawn is pushed forward,
Black plays his Cannon sideward to force an exchange of pieces. The plot
is so ingeniously conceived that it doesn’t give Red any loophole for
attacking. At end, the game has been developed into a well-balanced
position, in which each side has his strong points. Red has the material
advantage of the central Pawn, while Black has a stable battle formation.
Black should be satisfied with the situation as he plays black.
Many xiangqi fans deserve commendation for their strong sense of
counterattack. However, we must have a correct judgement in seizing the
right opportunity for the attack. It proves that in the second variation, it is
Black who has seized the right opportunity in making a counterattack,
thus frustrating the scheme of Red.
Game 3:Well-matched in Strength
1. C2=5 H2+3 2. P7+1 C8=6
3. H8+7 (as shown in diagram)
?29
In face of Black’s Sandwiched Horse formation, after pushing his
7th file Pawn first, Red drives his Horse forward for occupying the
strategic post at the riverbank and threatening Black’s central file. This
offensive play was quite popular in the middle of 1980s. It has become
one of main attack methods of the central-Cannon side.
In the situation as shown in the diagram, is Red in dread of the
attack of Black Cannon when he drives his left Horse forward? To
respond to it, Black can have three variations: (1) C6+5; (2) P7+1; (3)
H8+7. They may be developed into the following possible lines:
(1) C6+5
3. … C6+5
If the opponent is deliberately showing some flaws in his play, there
must be a trap behind. It may not be a good thing to make an attack
immediately.
4. R1+2!
It is a well-knit play. If he changed to play R9+2, Black would play
C6=3, then C8+4, C3-1, C8=5 (If R9=7, then C3+3, R7-2, E3+5, Both
sides have scruples in their play), H3+5, C5+4, H8+7, C5-2, R1=2.
Despite the fact that Red has an exposed Cannon, he has no strong moves
to follow-up. Therefore, Black has enough strength in resistance.
4. … C6=3 5. C5-1 C3-1
6. R1=7 C3+3
Black has to make a sacrifice. If he played C3=4, he would meet the
severe tactical strike of Red: P7+1, P3+1, R7+3, R9+2, C8=7, E3+1,
R7+1, Black’s central file would be affected when his right Horse is
under the attack of the enemy. Black would be in a dire position when his
defense line is broken.
.
7. R9=7 E3+5
After the exchanges of pieces, Red can have at least 5 effective
moves, while Black can only have 2. Red’s superiority will be shown
more clearly if the play keeps going on.
8. FR=6 H8+7 9. R6+4 R9=8
10. H2+3
Black will find it difficult in resisting the offensive of Red, whether
Red launches the attack from the 7th file or from the central file.
(2) P7+1
This is an undetectable weak move, as Black has overlooked the
speed of the play, while putting undue emphasis on activating the Horse.
4. H7+6
Red makes a timely assault, forcing Black to make some moves in
strengthening his defense. Red has gained the valuable time.
4. … E3+5 5. H2+3 H8+7
6. R1=2
By driving his Chariot out earlier than Black’s, Red has increased
his initiative in the play.
6. … A4+5 7. C8=6 C2+3
This is the tactical move taken by Black for driving his
armpit-file-Chariot out. If Black changed to play R1=2, Red would play
R9=8, Black’s pieces would be in a cramped position.
8. H6+5
The play is simple and clear-cut. If he changed to play H6+7, Black
would play H6+7, then R1=4, A4+5, C2+1, Black still could cope with
the situation.
8. … H3+5 9. C5+4 R1=4
10. R9=8 C2-3
It is an excellent move that Red drives his Chariot for capturing
Black Cannon. If Black changed his move to R4+7 (If Black played C6+3,
Red would play C6=5, Red has gained the initiative), Red would play
R8+4, K5=4, A6+5, R4=7, R8+5, K4+1, R2+6, R9=8, R2=3. After that,
Red could withdraw his Cannon to make a way for his Chariot, forming a
checkmate position.
11. A6+5
Now, with the material advantage in Pawns, Red will launch an
offensive with his central Cannon. He has a bright future in his play.
(3) H8+7
3. … H8+7 4. H7+6 A4+5
5. C8=7 E3+5 6. R9=8 C2=1
7. H2+3
If Red made a hasty attack by playing H6+4, Black would play
C6+1, then P3+1 (Otherwise, Black could play P7+1), R9=8. Red hasn’t
gained any advantage.
7. … R9=8 8. R1=2
If he changed to play P3+1, Black would play R8+4, then H6+7,
P7+1, P3+1, R8=7. Despite the fact that Black has lost one Pawn, he still
has enough strength to contend with the opponent, as his pieces are more
active.
8. … R8+9 9. H3-2 P7+1
By now, both sides are evenly matched in strength.
Summary: The hasty attack of Red left Horse belongs to the normal
play, though it is of some deception. In variation (1), due to poor
calculation in his play, Black hasn't gained any advantage. In variation (2),
because Black is slow in action, Red has succeeded in extending his
initiative. Black’s play in variation (3) is desirable. Despite the fact that
Red has several initiative moves, if he played correctly, Black could build
up a solid battle formation, possessing the same strength as Red.
Generally speaking, in responding to the fast attack of Red central
Cannon, Black should try to dispatch his pieces out quickly for
strengthening his defense, so that he can have enough strength to contend
with Red.<PIXTEL_MMI_EBOOK_2005>7 </PIXTEL_MMI_EBOOK_2005>
