This section of the site would contain content on the following:

  • Basic Opening Theory,
  • Orthodox Opening Systems in Xiangqi (Chinese Chess),
  • Unorthodox Opening Systems, et cetera.

It would be a brief but fundamental introduction to the opening in Xiangqi.
The Webmaster would like to express his thanks to Master Yan Wenqing and Grandmaster Zhang Qiang for allowing me to use the content of their triology of books on opening theory. These three books are perhaps the most celebrated books on Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Opening theory and their tabiat; and they would serve as the backbone for a detailed learning of Xiangqi Opening Theory.

The Webmaster has created a series of videos based on their works and have tried his best to present interactive boards and their contents side by side for better learning. The visitor is encouraged to view the interactive boards while listening to the explanations in the videos and learn at his own pace.

These three books would serve as the backbone for a detailed analysis of Xiangqi Opening Theory.

Other material or content on the topic will be added in separate sections over time. This section would grow as the Webmaster would find new content to share with the English speaking Xiangqi lover.

This category would contain all articles on the Basics of Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Opening Theory. It would also articles on the orthodox and unorthodox opening systems in the game. Newcomers are encouraged to visit this section.

Same Direction Cannons from Master Yan Wenqing and Grandmaster Zhang Qiang's Opening Tabiat and their Principles

Central Cannon vs. Screen Horse Defense

Central Cannon vs. Three Step Tiger (including Deferred Opposite Direction Cannons)

Central Cannon vs. Left Cannon Blockade (including Deferred Opposite Direction Cannons)

Central Cannon vs. Sandwiched Horse Defense

Pawn Opening vs. Thundering Cannon Defense

Pawn vs. Pawn Opening

Pawn vs. Elephant Opening

Pawn vs. Horse Opening

Elephant vs. Left Central Cannon
Elephant vs. Left Cross Palace Cannon
Elephant vs. Right Palcorner Cannon
Elephant vs. Right Proper Horse

There is a free ebook that has been translated and is available for download at the World Xiangqi Federation Website
The ebook is called Deceptive play in Xiangqi openings and Counter Measures. It is bsed on one of the books in a trilogy that was published back in the 1990s. A reprint of the books is now available in China and these three books have been widely regarded as one of the best books on the Xiangqi opening.

The books in the trilogy are:

  • Xiangqi Opening Tabiat and Their Principles
  • Deception and Countermeasures in the Xiangqi Opening
  • Dubious Positions and How to Attack Them

The Webmaster has created a series of videos on his Youtube channel to explain the intricacies of the opening systems based on the books. The aim is to share more basics of the basics of opening theory in Xiangqi. He has redone the translations and added some notes to help make it easier for the reader.

The Webmaster is thankful to Master Yan Wenqing and Grandmaster for allowing the Webmaster to translate their work in the name of promoting Xiangqi. There are three books in their trilogy which have been deemed as some of the best books on opening theory in all time. 

In Deceptive Play in Xiangqi Openigns and their Counter-measures, cunning traps are analyzed and discussed. While the book appeared in the 1990s, the examples given in the book are still encountered very frequently in over the board play and also play on the internet. What stands out most is the ability to learn opening principles from the examples given in the book.

The URL for the book is http://wxf.ca/wxf/index.php/books

The Webmaster is thankful to Master Yan Wenqing and Grandmaster for allowing the Webmaster to translate their work in the name of promoting Xiangqi. There are three books in their trilogy which have been deemed as some of the best books on opening theory in all time.

The Webmaster has also created a series of videos on his Youtube Channel  to explain the content. He has redone the translations and also added notes to help the visitor. The Webmaster has also embedded the videos and the interactive boards so that the visitor can learn at his own pace and have a better understanding of the content.

In Dubious Positions and How to Attack Them, there is ample analyses and lessons on various aspects of Xiangqi Opening theory. While the book appeared in the 1990s, the examples given in the book are still encountered very frequently in over the board play and also online play. What stands out most is the ability to learn opening principles from the examples given in the book.

The books in the trilogy are:

  • Xiangqi Opening Tabiat and Their Principles
  • Deceptive play in Xiangqi openings and Counter Measures
  • Dubious Positions and How to Attack Them

The vistor is guaranteed to learn a lot from the various discussions given, no holds barred, by the authors.

This category would contain articles on the Same Direction Cannons (顺炮) Opening System.

This section would contain the Opposite Direction Cannons and the Deferred Opposite Direction Cannons. The Deferred Opposite Direction Cannons would refer to reaching the Opposite Direction Cannons slight later, after Black has used the Left Cannon Blockade or the Left Three Step Tiger to begin his counter.

The Sandwiched Horse Defense 《反宫马专辑》 was made viable against the Cental Cannon almost single-handedly by Grandmaster Hu Ronghua 胡荣华. The book remains one of the greatest works in Xiangqi to this day, even though it was written almost four decades ago. The Webmaster would like to take the opportunity to thank Secretary-General Mr. Lim Kwan How for allowing the Webmaster to translate the treatise into English and share with the World.

This category would contain articles on the Cross Palace Cannon Opening, as Red, in Xiangqi (Chinese Chess).

This category would contain articles on unorthodox opening systems, as Red, in Xiangqi (Chinese Chess).

A simple app to play Xiangqi on this site!

Developed by Code Monkey King.