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Xiangqi openings

The Central Cannon, the Screen Horse Defence and every major Chinese chess opening system, with the idea behind each move and the traps to avoid.

46 articles

Openings

The Central Cannon, Played the Modern Way

The oldest first move in Xiangqi is still the most common one at every level. How strong players handle the Central Cannon today: what the cannon is really for, when to open the chariot file, and the tempting captures that lose the initiative.

Mei LinJun 12, 2026 7m

Openings

The Central Cannon Opening: A Complete Guide for Xiangqi Players

The Central Cannon (中炮) is the most aggressive and popular first move in Xiangqi. This complete guide explains its plans, typical formations, and how to launch a coordinated attack down the central file.

FM Elena PetrovaMay 30, 2026 9m

Openings

The Screen Horse Defense: How to Answer the Central Cannon

The Screen Horse defense (屏风马) is the classic, rock-solid answer to the Central Cannon. Learn how two horses shield your center, absorb the attack, and set up counterplay against aggressive Xiangqi opponents.

GM Lê MinhMay 27, 2026 9m

Openings

Same-Direction Cannon: The Sharp Opening Taking Over Master Play

The Same-Direction Cannon (顺炮) answers a Central Cannon by mirroring it on the same side, creating razor-sharp, symmetrical battles. Discover why this fighting opening is a favorite in modern master Xiangqi play.

FM Elena PetrovaMay 24, 2026 8m

Openings

The 5 Best Xiangqi Openings for Beginners

The best xiangqi openings for beginners aren't complex: the Central Cannon, Screen Horse, and Elephant opening teach safe kings, clear plans, and attacking ideas.

Coach Aisha RahmanMay 21, 2026 8m

Openings

7 Xiangqi Opening Principles That Instantly Improve Your Play

Master seven timeless Xiangqi (象棋) opening principles that instantly sharpen your play. From fast development to General safety and central control, these fundamentals matter more than memorizing lines in Cờ Tướng.

Mr. Tan WeiMay 18, 2026 8m

Openings

Cannon Openings vs Horse Openings: Which Style Suits You?

Should you build your Xiangqi (象棋) game around cannons or horses? This guide compares the aggressive cannon openings with the flexible horse openings, helping you choose the style that fits your temperament in Cờ Tướng.

Zhang WeiMay 15, 2026 8m

Openings

The Elephant Opening: A Solid, Flexible Start to Any Game

The Elephant Opening (飞象局) starts by moving an elephant to the center for a calm, flexible, and rock-solid setup. Learn why this patient Xiangqi (象棋) opening suits positional players and how to use it effectively.

GM Lê MinhMay 12, 2026 8m

Openings

The Cross-Palace Cannon Opening and How to Play Against It

The Cross-Palace Cannon (过宫炮) shifts a cannon across your own palace to the far wing, creating an original, flexible attacking setup. Learn how to play this offbeat Xiangqi (象棋) opening and how to counter it.

FM Elena PetrovaMay 9, 2026 8m

Openings

6 Xiangqi Opening Traps to Set (and Avoid)

Sharpen your tactical eye with six classic Xiangqi (象棋) opening traps. Learn how to set clever pitfalls for unwary opponents and, just as importantly, how to avoid falling into them yourself in Cờ Tướng.

Daniel OkaforMay 6, 2026 8m

Openings

Immortal Points the Way: The Pawn Opening in Xiangqi

The Immortal Points the Way opening (仙人指路) is Xiangqi's most flexible first move. Learn the probing pawn thrust, Black's best replies, and key middlegame plans.

Mr. Tan WeiMay 26, 2026 8m

Openings

The Palcorner Cannon: A Flexible Xiangqi Opening

The Palcorner Cannon opening (士角炮) is a flexible Xiangqi system. Discover how the advisor-corner cannon builds a harmonious, transposition-rich setup for Red.

Mr. Tan WeiJun 2, 2026 8m

Openings

The Three-Step Tiger Opening in Xiangqi

The Three-Step Tiger opening (三步虎) develops a chariot in just three moves. Learn the edge-cannon and horse setup, its main plans, and the most common mistakes.

Mr. Tan WeiJun 9, 2026 8m

Openings

The Sandwiched Horse Cannon: A Sharp Defense

The Sandwiched Horse Cannon (夹炮屏风) is a sharp screen-horse defense in Xiangqi. Learn its counterattacking ideas, main lines, and the typical pitfalls to avoid.

Zhang WeiJun 16, 2026 8m

Openings

The Single Horse Defense in Xiangqi

The Single Horse Defense (单提马) is a solid, low-theory Xiangqi setup. Learn how one raised horse and an open chariot file create a resilient, adaptable position.

Zhang WeiJun 23, 2026 7m

Openings

Central Cannon vs Screen Horse: Xiangqi's Great Rivalry

The central cannon vs screen horse battle is the heart of Xiangqi opening theory. Learn how China's most famous attack meets its classic defense.

Mr. Tan WeiJun 30, 2026 9m

Openings

How to Choose the Right Xiangqi Opening for Your Style

Learning how to choose a xiangqi opening starts with knowing your own style. This guide matches attackers, defenders, and all-rounders to the right setup.

Zhang WeiJan 9, 2026 8m

Openings

The Best Aggressive Xiangqi Openings for Attackers

Explore the best aggressive xiangqi openings for players who love to attack, from the Central Cannon to fast chariot assaults down the flanks.

Mr. Tan WeiJan 16, 2026 8m

Openings

Building Your First Xiangqi Opening Repertoire

A practical guide to building your first xiangqi opening repertoire: pick one attack, one defense, and learn the ideas that make them work together.

Zhang WeiJan 23, 2026 8m

Openings

The Best Defensive Setups in Xiangqi

Master the best xiangqi defensive setups, from the classic Screen Horse to solid advisor-and-elephant formations that keep your general safe and counter hard.

Zhang WeiJan 30, 2026 8m

Openings

The Best Chess Openings for Beginners

The best chess openings for beginners run from the Italian Game and London System to the Sicilian, plus the principles that matter more than memorizing lines.

Coach Aisha RahmanFeb 8, 2026 7m

Openings

The Italian Game: A Complete Guide

The Italian Game is one of chess's oldest and friendliest openings. Learn the main lines, the Giuoco Piano, the Evans Gambit, and the traps beginners should know.

Mr. Tan WeiFeb 10, 2026 8m

Openings

The Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening) Explained

The Ruy Lopez, or Spanish Opening, is one of chess's most respected weapons. Explore the Berlin, Marshall, and Exchange variations and the famous 'Spanish torture'.

Zhang WeiFeb 11, 2026 9m

Openings

The Sicilian Defense: Black's Sharpest Weapon

The Sicilian Defense is Black's sharpest reply to 1.e4. Meet the Najdorf, Dragon, and Sveshnikov, and learn why fighting players choose 1...c5 to play for the win.

Mei LinFeb 13, 2026 10m

Openings

The French Defense Explained

The French Defense is a resilient reply to 1.e4 where Black counters White's center head-on. Learn its key variations, pawn breaks, and winning plans.

FM Elena PetrovaFeb 15, 2026 7m

Openings

The Caro-Kann Defense: A Solid Guide

The Caro-Kann Defense is a rock-solid answer to 1.e4 that keeps Black's pieces active. Explore its main variations, plans, and why champions trust it.

Daniel OkaforFeb 16, 2026 8m

Openings

The Queen's Gambit Explained

The Queen's Gambit is one of chess's oldest and soundest openings. Learn the Accepted, Declined, and Slav, plus the pawn structures that decide it.

Coach Aisha RahmanFeb 18, 2026 9m

Openings

The King's Indian Defense Guide

The King's Indian Defense is a bold, hypermodern answer to 1.d4. Discover its main variations and the thrilling kingside pawn storm that defines it.

Mr. Tan WeiFeb 20, 2026 10m

Openings

The London System: A Simple, Solid Opening

The London System is a simple, solid 1.d4 opening you can play against almost anything. Learn the setup, the key plans, and how to attack with it.

Zhang WeiFeb 21, 2026 7m

Openings

The English Opening: A Flexible Guide

New to the English Opening chess strategy? This flexible 1.c4 flank system suits patient, positional players. Explore its main lines and core plans.

Mei LinFeb 23, 2026 8m

Openings

The Scandinavian Defense Explained

The Scandinavian Defense answers 1.e4 with 1...d5, striking the center immediately. Learn the main lines, plans, and traps behind this bold, resilient opening.

FM Elena PetrovaFeb 25, 2026 9m

Openings

The Vienna Game: An Aggressive Guide

The Vienna Game starts 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3, hiding sharp gambit ideas behind a calm move. Explore its attacking lines, famous traps, and plans for both colors.

Daniel OkaforFeb 26, 2026 10m

Openings

The Scotch Game Explained

The Scotch Game opens 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4, blasting open the center early. Learn its main lines, the Scotch Gambit, and clear plans to play it well.

Coach Aisha RahmanFeb 28, 2026 7m

Openings

The King's Gambit: Romantic Chess Lives On

The King's Gambit sacrifices a pawn with 1.e4 e5 2.f4 for a fast attack. Discover why this romantic opening still wins games and how to handle both sides.

Mr. Tan WeiMar 2, 2026 8m

Openings

The Slav Defense Guide

The Slav Defense meets 1.d4 d5 2.c4 with 2...c6, a rock-solid reply that keeps the light-squared bishop free. Learn its main lines, structures, and plans.

Zhang WeiMar 3, 2026 9m

Openings

The Nimzo-Indian Defense Explained

The Nimzo-Indian Defense answers 1.d4 with 1...Nf6 and an early ...Bb4, pinning the knight to fight for e4. Learn its main systems, plans, and pawn structures.

Mei LinMar 5, 2026 10m

Openings

Common Chess Opening Traps to Know

Learn the most common chess opening traps, from Scholar's Mate to the Fried Liver, so you can spring them on opponents and never fall for one yourself.

FM Elena PetrovaMar 17, 2026 9m

Openings

Chess Openings to Avoid as a Beginner

Some chess openings to avoid quietly wreck your position before move ten. Here are the worst offenders for beginners and the solid systems to play instead.

Daniel OkaforMar 19, 2026 10m

Openings

The Pirc Defense: A Hypermodern Guide

The Pirc Defense lets Black cede the center to White, then strike back. Learn the hypermodern ideas, main lines, and plans behind this combative 1.e4 reply.

FM Elena PetrovaMar 7, 2026 7m

Openings

Chess Opening Principles Every Player Should Know

Master the chess opening principles that guide strong play: control the center, develop your pieces, and castle early. A practical guide for improving players.

Daniel OkaforMar 9, 2026 8m

Openings

How to Choose a Chess Opening for Your Style

Wondering how to choose a chess opening that fits you? Match tactical or positional preferences to the right repertoire and stop drifting between random systems.

Coach Aisha RahmanMar 10, 2026 9m

Openings

The Best Chess Openings for White

Explore the best openings for White, from the Ruy Lopez and Italian to the Queen's Gambit and London System, and pick a first move that fits your playing style.

Mr. Tan WeiMar 12, 2026 10m

Openings

The Best Chess Openings for Black

Discover the best openings for Black against 1.e4 and 1.d4, from the Sicilian and Caro-Kann to the Nimzo-Indian and King's Indian, for a repertoire that fits you.

Zhang WeiMar 14, 2026 7m

Openings

Gambits in Chess: Sacrificing for the Attack

Chess gambits sacrifice a pawn for speed, space, and attacking chances. Learn how the King's Gambit, Evans, and Smith-Morra trade material for the initiative.

Mei LinMar 15, 2026 8m

Openings

The Fried Liver Attack in Chess

The Fried Liver Attack is a razor-sharp knight sacrifice in the Italian Game. Learn the moves, the ideas, the defenses, and whether you should play it.

Mr. Tan WeiMay 18, 2026 10m

Openings

The Best First Move in Chess

What is the best first move in chess? Compare 1.e4, 1.d4, and the flank openings, and learn the principles that make a great opening move for any player.

Mei LinJun 4, 2026 8m