The Xiangqi Master From the Cave

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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
USA
UK
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
Japan
Canada
Australia
Mexico
India
Brazil
Netherlands
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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
USA
UK
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
Canada
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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.
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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
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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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