When Red opens with the Central Cannon, Black does not have to defend. Black can hit back at once by putting a cannon of its own on the center file. The resulting positions are among the sharpest in xiangqi: both sides have a cannon aimed at the other's center, and the first player to make a careless move often pays immediately.
There are two versions, depending on which black cannon goes to the center. Their names describe the geometry.
How the names work
Remember that files are numbered from each player's own right.
- Red's C2=5 moves the cannon that started on Red's right-hand side.
- Black's C8=5 moves the cannon on file 8 from Black's point of view — Black's left-hand side, which is the same physical side of the board as Red's moved cannon. That is Same Direction Cannons (Vietnamese Thuận pháo).
- Black's C2=5 moves the cannon on Black's right-hand side — the opposite physical side. That is Opposite Direction Cannons (Vietnamese Nghịch pháo).
What both versions have in common
Both centers are under pressure
Each central cannon threatens the opposing center soldier through its own center soldier as a screen. Each side must watch its center soldier and the pieces on its center file.
Development is urgent
With cannons pointing at both palaces, a lead in development becomes dangerous quickly. The side that gets horses and chariots out first often creates threats the other cannot meet.
Tactics everywhere
Screens appear and disappear with every move. A horse jumping into the center file can suddenly give one of the cannons a screen toward the other general. Players must look at the center file after every single move.
Same Direction Cannons
In the Same Direction line, the cannons came from the same side, so the other two cannons — Red's on file 8 and Black's on file 2 from Black's view — also stand on the same physical side.
Typical features:
- Very direct fights on one side. Both sides' remaining cannons and the horses nearby interact closely, and chariot development on that side is critical.
- Aggressive chariot play. Many lines see Red bringing a chariot out quickly, sometimes across the river, while Black counterattacks with its own chariot.
- Mutual threats. It is common for both sides to have attacks at the same time. Counting tempo — who is faster — matters more than in calmer openings.
Same Direction Cannons has a reputation as a fighting opening for Black. It is not the most solid choice, but it gives Black active play from the first move.
Opposite Direction Cannons
Here the remaining cannons end up on opposite sides, and the play is often a little different:
- Asymmetric attacks. Each side may attack on a different wing, and races are common.
- Flexible structures. Both sides have more choice about which horse and chariot to develop first.
- Less direct contact on one side than in Same Direction lines, but the central tension remains.
Opposite Direction Cannons is also sharp. Some players find it slightly easier to handle because the pieces clash less immediately; others find the asymmetry harder to judge.
Plans for Red
- Develop quickly, usually with H2+3 and H8+7, and bring a chariot out early.
- Do not grab the center soldier carelessly. After capturing, your cannon may be exposed to Black's central cannon and horses.
- Watch your own center file. Your center soldier and any piece that steps in front of your general can become the screen for Black's cannon.
- Look for a chariot post that attacks Black's undeveloped side.
Plans for Black
- Match Red's development move for move. Falling behind is the fastest way to lose in these openings.
- Use the central cannon's pressure. If Red neglects its center, your cannon can capture or pin.
- Defend the center with horses when needed. Black often combines the central cannon with at least one horse defending the center soldier.
- Keep your general's file safe. Do not put two pieces on the center file where they become pinned.
Common mistakes
Mirror-playing without thinking
Beginners sometimes copy the opponent's moves. In these openings, the side to move has an extra tempo, and copying can walk straight into a tactic. Always check what the last move threatened.
Forgetting the second cannon
With all eyes on the center file, players forget the other cannons. A cannon on the side can capture through a horse or soldier that just moved.
Slow chariots
A chariot still in the corner at move eight in these openings is often a lost position already.
Which should you play?
If you like solid, flexible positions, start with the Screen Horses defense and add these lines later. If you enjoy sharp tactical fights and learn best by calculating, the central cannon replies are a great choice. Either way, understanding them helps with Red, because you will face them against the Central Cannon.
Practice
Against the computer on the home page, play five games as Black answering C2=5 with C8=5, and five with C2=5. After each game, note who developed their second chariot first and whether that side won. The pattern is instructive. For Red's side, see the Central Cannon opening.
Counting tempo: the key skill in cannon-against-cannon openings
In both versions, the most useful habit is counting tempo — how many useful moves each side needs to complete development or execute a threat. A simple method:
- Count how many of your pieces still need to move to be "developed": both horses, both chariots, and usually one cannon.
- Count the same for your opponent.
- If you are behind, avoid opening the position and prioritize development. If you are ahead, look for ways to create threats before the opponent catches up.
This sounds obvious, but in sharp openings it is easy to become fascinated by a tactical idea and forget that the opponent is two chariot moves ahead. Many games in these lines are decided not by a brilliant combination but by one side simply being faster.
What a typical mistake looks like
A common scenario: Red captures the black center soldier with the central cannon early. Black immediately develops a chariot with tempo against the advanced cannon, then a horse, then a second threat. Red wins a soldier but spends three moves saving the cannon, while Black gets both chariots out. Such positions are often better for Black despite the missing soldier.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more aggressive, Same Direction or Opposite Direction?
Same Direction Cannons is usually considered the more directly combative, but both lead to sharp play.
Can Black play a central cannon if Red did not?
Yes, Black can place a central cannon against any opening. The names Same and Opposite Direction specifically describe replies to Red's central cannon.
Are these openings good for beginners?
They are good for learning tactics, but risky if you often forget to develop. Many players learn the Screen Horses first.
What decides these games most often?
Development speed and tactics on the center file.
