#chinese chess opening

Openings

Same Direction and Opposite Direction Cannons: When Black Answers the Central Cannon With a Central Cannon of Its Own

Both sides put a cannon in the center. How Same Direction and Opposite Direction Cannons differ, why they lead to sharp play, and plans and dangers for each sid

28/09/2026 5 min read

Openings

The Pawn Opening in Xiangqi (P7+1): A Flexible First Move That Frees a Horse and Keeps Every Plan Open

P7+1 or P3+1, the Pawn opening, is a flexible first move. What it prepares, how Black commonly answers, and why many players choose it over the Central Cannon.

28/09/2026 5 min read

Openings

The Elephant Opening in Xiangqi (E3+5): A Solid First Move That Builds a Safe Palace and Waits for Black to Commit

E3+5, the Elephant opening, starts with defense instead of attack. What it achieves, how play usually develops, and when it suits you better than the Central Ca

28/09/2026 5 min read

Openings

The Central Cannon Opening (C2=5): Xiangqi's Most Popular First Move, Its Ideas, Main Replies and Typical Plans

The Central Cannon, C2=5, is xiangqi's most played first move. What it attacks, how Black usually answers, the plans that follow, and the traps to avoid.

28/09/2026 6 min read