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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.

27 articles

Openings

Five Seven Cannon vs Screen Horses in Xiangqi

Five seven cannon xiangqi explained: why Red's second Cannon goes to file seven, the main line against Screen Horses, both sides' plans and early slips.

XiangqiPlay TeamOct 1, 2026 6m

Openings

Five Eight Cannon vs Screen Horses: The Flying Cannon

Five eight cannon xiangqi explained: Red's second Cannon jumps up file eight to Black's Soldier rank. The main line, Elephant choices, plans and slips.

XiangqiPlay TeamOct 1, 2026 5m

Openings

Five Six Cannon in Xiangqi: Plans, Lines and Pitfalls

Five six cannon xiangqi explained: the palace-corner Cannon, main lines against Screen Horses and the Reverse Palace Horse, both sides' plans and pitfalls.

XiangqiPlay TeamOct 1, 2026 5m

Openings

Left Cannon Blockade in Xiangqi: Sealing Red's Chariot

Left cannon blockade xiangqi guide: how Black's 炮8进4 seals Red's Chariot, Red's usual answer, the half-way Opposite Cannons, plans and early traps.

XiangqiPlay TeamOct 1, 2026 6m

Openings

Turtle Back and Mandarin Duck Cannons in Xiangqi

Turtle back cannon xiangqi and the Mandarin Duck Cannons: two offbeat Black replies to the Central Cannon, with main lines, ideas and traps for both.

XiangqiPlay TeamOct 1, 2026 6m

Openings

Xiangqi Opening Names: A Bilingual Glossary with Pinyin

Xiangqi opening names decoded: characters, pinyin, English and Vietnamese names for the Central Cannon, Screen Horses, Elephant Opening and many more.

XiangqiPlay TeamSep 30, 2026 6m

Openings

How to Defend Against the Central Cannon in Xiangqi

Learn how to defend against central cannon openings in xiangqi, from the solid Screen Horses to the sharp Same and Opposite Direction Cannons.

XiangqiPlay TeamSep 30, 2026 6m

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