Game 1: Escape from being captured
1. E3+5 C8=5 2. H2+3 H8+7
3. R1=2 R9=8 4. P3+1 R8+6
For realization of his tactical scheme, Red pushes his 3rd file Pawn
forward so that he could bring the game on the track designed by him.
It is inevitable that Black drives his left Chariot forward. If he
changed to play R8+4 (Black's thinking is correct that he plays the
Chariot forward. Otherwise, Red would seal off the advancement of the
Chariot by playing C2+4), Red would play H8+7, then P7+1 (If he
changed to play P3+1, Red would play C8+2, Red has potential in his
development), P3+1, R8=7, H3+2. Red has gained the initiative.
5. H8+5 R8=7
It is a correct move. If he changed to play H2+3, Red would play
H3+4. The situation would be in favor of Red when his left Horse is at
the riverbank.
6. R2=3 H2+3 7. P7+1 R7=8
8. C2=1
It is a flexible maneuver. If he changed to play R3=2, Black would
play P5+1, then C8+1, R8-2. After that, Black would play his Horse.
Black's play will be of elasticity.
8. … P5+1 9. P3=1
It is a deceptive attack that Red makes a forced sacrifice of his 3rd
Pawn. Here, the most common play is C8+1, R8+1, C1-1. Each side can
play defense as well as offense in the game.
9. … P7+1 10. H3+4 (as shown in the diagram)
?35
In the situation as shown in the diagram, in responding to the attack
of Red Horse, Black mainly can have three variations: (1) R8=6; (2)
R8+1; (3) C5+4. They may be developed into the following possible
lines:
(1) R8=6
10. … R8=6
It is a customary practice that Black plays his Chariot sideward for
capturing Red Horse. However, it does not fit in with this game.
11. H4+6 H3+5
12. C8+1
For gaining the initiative, it is an important measure for Red to force
the Black Chariot to leave the key passage.
12. … R6+1 13. C1=3 R1+1
14. A4+5 R6+1 15. C8=6!
By playing the Red Cannon sideward, it can seal off the movement of
the Black Chariot (The riverbank Horse can display its power as Black
Chariot can not play R1=4). On the other hand, it can clear the way for
his left Chariot. It is a good move for developing the initiative.
15. … P5+1
Black attempts to make a breakthrough in the central file. However,
Black has no other alternatives.
16. R9=8 C2=1
That is the only move for Black. He must not play P5+1. Otherwise,
Black would suffer from the lose of materials, as Red could play C6-2!
17. C3=4!
If he changed to play P5+1, Black would play C5+3. Red couldn't
have any benefit at this moment. After that, if Red made a forced attack
by playing R8+7, Black would play R6-4, then C6=5, E7+5, C3+5, H5-7,
H6+5, C1=5, C5+4, R6-2! C5=7, R1=8. Red would have trouble at home.
17. … R6=8 18. P5=1
If the position had been simplified, Black could meet the attack
calmly. For example, If Red played H6+5, he could play E7+5 (or P5+1),
then P5+1, H5+6.
18. … C5+3 19. H6=4 C1=5
20. C6=5
Now, Red has a good chance in the mutual attack, as Black is now
under the control of Red.
(2) R8+1
10. … R8+1
Black attempts to capture Red Cannon for gaining the initiative.
Unfortunately, Black's play is totally ignored by Red.
11. R3+5!
The move is simple but powerful. After the exchanges of the pieces,
Red has control of the whole situation on board.
11. … R8=9
The situation could not be improved even if he stationed his Horse in
the central file. For example, If he played H3+5, Red would play H4+5,
H7+5, R3+1, R8=9, R3=5, R9-1, C8+1, R9-1, C8=7. Red will have a
bright future.
12. R3+2 R9-1
The tricky move of C5+4 is untenable, otherwise Red would play
H7+5, then C2=7, C8=1, P5+1, H4+2. Black will have the material
deficit.
13. R3-1
Now, the situation is clear that Red is in a superior position.
(3) C5+4
10. … C5+4!
It is an unexpected good move, which can only be made out after
Black has made a careful analysis.
11. A6+5
As Red still has the initiative, he doesn't want to have the situation
simplified. If he played H7+5, Black would play R8=5, then H4+6, R5=4,
H6+7, R4-4, R3+5 (If Red played H7+8, Black would play E3+5. Red
couldn't get any advantage), R4=3, R3=5, A4+5. Both sides will be
evenly matched in strength.
11. … R8=6 12. H4+6
This is the most menacing move. If Red changed to play H7+5, Black
would play R6-1, then R3+5, H3+1, E3+5. Red couldn't get any
advantage.
12. … C5-1! 13. R3+5
If he played H6+7 for capturing Black' piece, Black would play E3+5.
There is possibility that Red Horse would be captured at any time as it is
cornered in the enemy's territory. Furthermore, Black has the material
advantage of two pawns.
13. … H3+5 14. R3=5 R6-2!
It is a clever exchange of pieces. Now, the initiative is reversed to the
hands of Black.
15. R5-1 R6=4
After that, Black has the play of C2=5 for making a counterattack.
The situation is optimistic for him.
Summary: It is of great deceptive nature that Red makes a forced
sacrifice of his Pawn on move 9, and then drives his Horse to take Black
Chariot. In variation (1), when Black follows the conventional pattern by
playing his Chariot sideward for capturing the Red Horse, Red has seized
the opportunity to make a mating assault, thus has gained the initiative. In
the mutual attack, Red has a good opportunity, as his pieces are more
active. In variation (2), when Black drives his Chariot forward to capture
Red Cannon for gaining the initiative, Red makes a simple but powerful
exchange of pieces, thus putting the whole situation under his control. In
variation (3), Black ingeniously conceived a plan of playing the Cannon
to take Red central Pawn. Following that, he executed several beautiful
moves for reducing the strength of Red, thus the situation became
optimistic for him.
It is obvious that Black's passive play in variation (1) and (2) is very
harmful. In variation (3), Black makes a positive assault by playing his
Cannon to attack the enemy's central Pawn, turning the unfavorable factor
into the favorable one. It can be considered as the best counter measure.
Game 2: Make the choice resolutely
1. E3+5 C8=5 2. H2+3 H8+7
3. R1=2 R9=8 4. H8+7 H2=1
5. P7+1
It is an age-old popular opening that Black plays his left Cannon to
the central file in responding to the Elephant opening of Red. It features
that Black can have a balanced deployment of his pieces and make a
counter attack from his two wings while using the central Cannon as the
containing force.
One of the main variations is that Red pushes his Pawn forward for
clearing the way for his Horse. Red can also play P3+1. After that, Black
can play C2=4, then R9=8, R1=2, A4+5, R2+6, C2+1, R8+4. Both sides
are closely matched in strength.
5. … P3+1
It is a deceptive play that Black sacrifices his Pawn for gaining the
initiative. The most common play is C2=4 or R8+4. If so, they can be
evolved as follows: (1) C2=4, C2+2, R8+4, H7+8, P3+1, P3+1, R8=3,
A4+5, P7+1. The position of Red is slightly better than that of Black. (2)
R8+4, C2=1, R8+5, H3-2, R1+1, R9+1, R1=8, H2+4, R8+3. Both sides
are evenly balanced in strength.
6. P7+1
It is a correct move. If Red changed to play C2+4, Black would have
chance of making a counterattack by playing P3+1, then E5+7, R1+1,
P3+1, R1=4, E7-5, R4+5, R9+2 (If Red played C2-3, Black would play
R4+2, then A4+5, R8+4. Black has the initiative), C2=3, C8+4 (Red must
not play H7+8, as Black could have the aggressive moves of R4=2 and
C3+5), R4=3, H7-5, H1+3, R9=6, A6+5, H5-3, H3+5! Red will not be
satisfied with the situation).
6. … R8+4 (as shown in diagram)
?36
At the situation as shown in diagram 1, Red mainly can have two
variations: (1) P7+1; (2) H7+6. They may be developed into the
following possible line:
(1) P7+1
7. P7+1
It is unwise for Red that he is reluctant to give up the promoted Pawn.
7. … R8=3 8. H7+6 C2=4
9. P7=8
It is imperative for Red to play the Pawn sideward to seal off the
Black Chariot. If he changed to play A4+5, Black would play R1=2, then
R9+2, R2+5! Red will find it hard to resist the attack.
9. … C4+7!
The move is very aggressive. The stable and safe play is R3=4, then
H6-7, R4=2, R9=8, R2-1. Black can easily capture the promoted Pawn.
10. R9+1
If Red Played K5=6 to capture the Black Cannon, Black would play
R3=4, then P8+1, R4+1, K6=5, R4=2. Black would be in a superior
position.
10. … C4-2 11. A4+5
If Red hastily played P8+1, Black would play C4=7, then C8=3,
C5+4, K5=6, R1+1! Black could make a sacrifice for attacking and be in
a superior position.
11. ... R3=4 12. A5+6 R4+1
13. A6-5 R4=2 14. C8=6 R2-2
Now, Black is in a superior position as he has the material advantage
of Advisors.
(2) H7+6
7. H7+6 (as shown in diagram)
?37
Being not mislead by the promoted Pawn, Red timely drives his
Horse into the battle. The play is flexible.
In the situation as shown in diagram (2), Black can have two
variations: R8=3 or C2=4. They may be developed into the following
possible lines:
(2.1) R8=3
7. … R8=3
Though Black has easily retrieved the lost Pawn, he fails to see that
Red can have the following ingenious stratagem.
8. H6-8! R3-2
9. H8-6
By exploiting the initiative of capturing the Chariot and Cannon, Red
Horse can return to the palcorner. His next step is to seize the position of
the Elephant at the riverbank. Red can also play C8+5 for exchange of the
Cannon. If Black played C3=2, Red would play H8+6, then P7+1, C2+4.
Red will have the initiative.
9. … C5=4 10. H6+7 C4+4
11. E7=9 C2+4 12. R9=7 C4=7
13. H7+8
Despite the fact that Black has made the assault with his double
Cannons, Red Horse stands fast at its post. Now, as the time is ripe, Red
makes a forced exchange. No matter how he will react, Black will be
thrown into the inferior position.
(2.2) C2=4
7. … C2=4 8. H6-8
Since Black hasn't taken the promoted Pawn, it is necessary for Red
to withdraw his Horse to protect it, and safeguard his initiative.
8. … C4+4 9. P3+1 C4=9
10. H8+6
It seems that Black could retrieve what he has lost by playing his
Cannon. However, there is a hidden peril when his battle formation has
been weakened. By driving his Horse forward, Red is attempting for
another attack. Red can also play C2+1, if Black played C9=5, Red would
play A4+5.
10. … C9-1 11. H6-8 C9+1
12. H8+6 R8=3 13. C2+4! R3=4
14. C2-2
Moving Cannon ingeniously forward and backward, Red can gain the
initiative by playing C8=6 to take Black Chariot.
14. … C9-1 15. R9+1 P7+1
If Black played his Chariot for capturing Red Cannon, his situation
still could not be improved: R1=2, C8=6, R4=8, R9=4, P7+1, P3+1,
R8=7, C2-3. Following that, Red could play C2=3 to launch an attack. It
would be hard for Black to handle with the situation.
16. C8=6 R4=3 17. H6-8! R3=2
18. P3+1 R2=7
It is a move of stubborn play. If Black changed to play R2+2, Red
would make an attack by playing P3+1, then H7-5, R9=4, H5+3, P3+1,
Black would find it difficult in defense as he is weak in the left wing.
19. C2-3 R7=8 20. R2-1! P9+1
21. C2=3 R1=2 22. H8+6
Now, Black's left Horse is under attack, while Red is obviously in a
superior position. In the following moves, if Black played R8+4, Red
could play R9=5!
Summary: In variation (1), in responding to the deceptive play of
Black on Move 5 that after sacrificing his Pawn, Black plays his Chariot
to take the Red Pawn, Black has succeeded in his scheme, as Red is
reluctant to give up to the promoted Pawn. In variation (2), after driving
his Horse forward, Red could make the countermoves flexibly in
responding to Black's play. In variation (2.1.), despite the fact that the
promoted Red Pawn has been taken by Black, as Red has a skillful
deployment of his forces, and Red Horse has taken up a strategic position
at the riverbank, so the initiative is still in the hands of Red. In variation
(2.2.), when Black plays his Cannon sideward seeking for a change, Red
withdraws his Horse for protection of the Pawn. Black Cannon is forced
to disengage itself from the defense line. In the end, Red has gained the
initiative and the superiority.
The best variation for Red in dealing with the deceptive play of Black
is to sacrifice the 7th file Pawn. If he is resolute in making his decision
and flexible in his play, Red can have enough strength in frustrating
Black's deceptive play.
