From Issue 1:
Malcolm Horne - Boris Mirnik
1 C2=6 (The Cross-Palace Cannon Opening, slightly unusual) C2=5
2 H2+3 H8+7!?
3 C6+5 (This wins a piece - the only drawback is that it allows my [Horne] opponent a dangerous attack!) C5+4
4 C6=2 C5-2 (This cannon on the central file makes it very awkward for me to develop normally.)
5 R1=2 R9+1
6 C2+1 R1+1
7 R2+7 R9=8
8 R2=3 R1=6
9 H8+7 R8+7
10 R3-1 H2+3
11 R3+3? R6+7! (Black will follow-up with ...R6=5 mate and there is no intelligent way of stopping it. At move 11 I should have played R3-1 to meet R6+7 with R3=5, although this still leaves me in some difficulty.)
0-1
From Issue 3:
Alan Jones - Novag(computer)
Alan Jones - Novag(computer)
1 C2=5 C8=5
2 H2+3 H8+7
3 R1=2 R9+1
4 H8+7 R9=4
5 R9+1 C2=3
6 R9=2 C3+4
7 +R+5!? (Sacrificing the left elephant in favor of a counterattack.) C3+3
8 K5+1 C5=3
9 +R=3 E7+5
10 R2+4 -C+5
11 R3+1 R4+7
12 C5+4 A4+5 (It looks as if Black's attack is much the more dangerous, but it actually helps Red to have an exposed King because the black cannons lack screens with which to be effective. If black could get the other rook into play it might be a different story, but this never happens.)
13 C5=2 (C5+2!? was an interesting sacrifice, when the other adviser would probably fall to the invading rooks.) A5+4
14 R2=4 A6+5
15 C2+3 K5=4
16 C8+2! (Threatening a fatal check on the 6th file, Black has to retreat.) R4-6
17 R4+5 K4+1
18 R4-1?! (R4=5! looks better, when Black seems helpless, e.g. ...C3=7, C2-1 A5-4, R3+1 A4-5, R3=5! K4+1, R4=6 mate.) R4+4
19 C8=9 -C=7
20 R3=5 R1+2 (There is nothing better. Moving the horse or elephant loses the rook to the other cannon!)
21 R4-6! (A beautiful move, which could easily have been overlooked. I wins the back black cannon, the red rook cannot be taken because of the cannon mate on the 6th file. After the mundane C9+3 H2+1 black would still have been left alive.) K4-1
22 R4=6 B3+5
23 C9+3 H2+1
24 R6=3 1-0
Allan Brown - Alan Jones
1 C2=5 H8+7
2 P3+1 R9=8
3 H2+3 C2=5
4 R1=2 C8+4
5 H8+9 R1+1
6 C8+5 H2+3
7 C8=5 E3+5
8 R9=8 R1=8
9 H3+4 +R+4
10 H4+6! (Due to the special knight movement in Xiangqi, the red knight cannot of course be captured. Instead, black has to put a knight on the central file, giving a very poor cramped defensive position, which is nicely exploited.) H3-5
11 R8+6 +R=7
12 R8=7 R7=4
13 H6+8 C8-3
14 H8+7 R4-4
15 C5=8! (With mate on the first rank threatened, black is forced to cede material. The knight on the center file is completely paralyzed!) R4=3
16 R7+2 E5-3
17 C8+7 C8-2
18 R2+8! 1-0 (A clever finish. After ...R8+1 R7=6, Black has to move the knight off the center file to avoid mate and thereby loses his rook.)
From Issue 5:
P. Blommers - V. Contoski
P. Blommers - V. Contoski
C2=5 H2+3
H2+3 H8+7
R1=2 R9=8
P3+1 C2=1 (usual here is ...P3+1)
C8+5 R1=2
C8=3 C1=7
R2+6 H3+5
R2=3 R2+8!
R3+1 R2=7
H3+2 R7+1
H2+3? (Ceding the 2nd file eases Black's task, but after say H8+7 C8=9 Red is still in considerable trouble.) C8+7! (Not ...R7-4?, C5=2! R8=9, R3=2 when Red is back in the game.)
H3+1?! (C5=4 looks a better idea, but after ...R7-4, K5+1 R7+3, K5+1 C8=7 Red is struggling badly once more.) R8+8 (A simpler path to victory is is ...R7-4, A4+5 R7+4, A5-4 R7-7, A4+5 R7=9)
H1+3 K5+1
R3=4 R7-4
A4+5 R7+4
0-1 (After A5-4 R7-8, A4+5 R7+8, A5-4 R7-8 it is all over)
M. Horne - M. Nägler
This game is printed mainly to illustrate a problem with the UKCCA rules about repetition of moves
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 R9=8
R1=2 C8+4
P3+1 C2=5
C8+5 H2+3
C8=5 E7+5
H3+4 R1=2?! (I found a game in a Chinese magazine which went ...C2+1 and now Red played the very interesting sacrifice H8+7 C8=3, R2+9 H7-8, R9+2 C3+1, R9-1 C3-1, H4+6 R1+3, R9=2 and went on to win. Under UKCCA rules, used in the postal tournament currently, it is however no longer a sacrifice as Red could decide to chase the Cannon back and forth if content to draw! The problem is that in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan etc, different repetition laws are in force... In tournaments in China an experienced arbiter can decide, but this is not practical in the West for postal chess.)
P3+1 C8=3
R2+9 H7-8
H4+6 C3-1
E7+9 P3+1!
H6+4 C3=8
R9+1! (P3+1 R2+8! threat ...C8=2) R2+9
R9=2 R2-4
P5+1 C8=6
P3+1! (R2+8 regains the piece but after ...P7+1 Black looks well placed, so I preferred to sacrifice for active counterplay.) H8+6
P3+1 C6+1
R2+2 C6+1
R2+2 C6+1
E9-7 A4+5
P3+1 H6+7 (It is now quite hard for Black's Cannon and Knight to dodge attacks from the Red Rook, and the UKCCA rules allowing repetitive chasing increase the chances of a draw.)
R2=3 H7+8
R3=2 H3+4!
H4-3 R2=5
H3-4 R5=6
A4+5 P3+1
C5=9 H4-3
H4+6 R6=4?! (Admittedly ...R6=7, H6-4 R7=4 seems to avid the forthcoming repetition and Black might still hope to win.)
C9=6 1/2-1/2 (...R4=7, H6-4 R7=6, H4+6 etc would follow. Under Chinese rules chasing the Rook repetitively would be illegal, and Red would have to vary!)
A. Brown - M. Horne
In this game Black establishes two united Pawns across the river and this eventually proves too strong.
P7+1 E3+5
H8+7 H2+4
R9+1! P3+1!?
P7+1 R1+3
R9=6 H4+6
P7+1!? (R6+4!? expected) R3+4
H7+8 R3-2
C8+5 R3=2
H8+9 R2+4
H9+7 R8=5
C2=5 A6+5
H2+1 H6+8! (Prevents R1=2 and attacks the knight on the third file)
H7-8 R5=6
H8-6 R6-3
R1+1 R9+1
R1=4 R9=6!
R4+5! (Not falling for C5+5? A5+4 [...G5=6?, C5=9!!], R4+5 R6+2 after which the Cannon gets trapped.) R6+2
H1-3 P5+1
H6-7 P5+1
A6+5?! (R6+2!?) P7+1
C5=4 P7+1!
R4+2!? (P3+1!? C8=7! also awkward for Red) R6=3
E3+5 P7=6
H7+8 R3=2
H8+6 R2=5
H6+4! C8=1
R6+2 P5+1
R6=3 H8-6
C4=2 R5=6
C2+7 A5-6
R3=5 C8+8
E5-3 P6+1
R5+2 A4+5
R5=3 R6=8
C2-9 R8+6 (Black has survived a tricky period but now life gets easier. Red's Knight is very awkwardly placed and he soon gives it up for counterplay against Black's King.)
R5=7 R8=7
R7+5 A5-4
K5=6!? R7-1
R7=6 G5+1
R6=4 H6+7
R4=3 R7-2
R3-3 P9+1
P9+1 H7+8
R3=5 K5=6
P9+1? R7-2
R5=6 (P9+1? R7=4 and Black soon mates)R7=1
R6-4 R9-7
E7+9 H8+7
R6=3 R3=4
R3=6 R4+3
A5+6 H7-5
A4+5 P6+1!
0-1 (One line is E9-7 P6+1, E7+5 P5+1, K6+1 K6=5!, A5-6 K5-4, A6+5 P6=5)
From Issue 7:
An exerpt game from a book
C8=5 H8+7
H8+7 H2+1
R9+1 E7+5
R9=4 A6+5
R4+5 R9=6
R4=3 C8-2? (Better ...C8-1)
H2+3 C8=7
R3+1! C2=7
C2+7 C7+5
R1+2 C7=3? (Too greedy — better is ...H1-2, R1=3 H2+3 defending the central area)
C5+4 H1-2
R1=4 H2+3
R4+7 1-0
From Issue 9:
An excerpt from a book
C8=5 C2=5
H8+7 H2+5
R9+1 R1=2
R9=4 A4+5
R4+7 H8+9
P1+1 R2+6
H2+1 R2=3
R1+1 C8=6
H1+2 R3-1
H2+4 R3=6
H4+5 E3+5
C2+5 H3-4
R1=8 E9=8 "Red sacrifices the Cannon for the Elephant, and is well on the way to the execution of a brillian plan of checkmate."
C2=5 H4+5
R8+8 A5=4
C5+4 H5=3
R8-2! R6-2
R8=5 A4+5
R5+1 G5=4
R4+1 H3-5
R4=5 1-0 "In this game notice how damage is inflicted against Black's defence by the Knight. The sacrifice of the Cannon on move 14 is a master stroke; from then on White's sequence of winning moves is simply irresistible and breathtaking!"
From Issue 11:
Xu Juemin - J. Tolonen
1 C2=5 C8=5
2 H2+3 H2+3 (Patrick Donovan - The Knight is misplaced, being undefended by a Cannon. ...H8+7 is better.)
3 R1+1 R9+1
4 R1=6 P3+1
5 H8+7 R1+1
6 R9+1 (PD - This seems a bit passive. The critical line is R6+5 R9=4, R6=7 R4+1, when Red appears to have a good game.) R9=4!
7 P3+1 H3+4!
8 R6+3 C2+2!
9 R9=4 (PD - Why not the simple C5+4 ?) C5=4
10 R6=5 H8+7 (Xu - ...C4=5 =)
11 C8+5 (PD - Now Black has a perpetual attack on the Rook with ...C4=5, R5=6 C5=4 etc. Under the UK rules this would be a draw. Both players were unaware of this. Red would have to give up a Rook if he wished to play on.) H4+3
12 R5=4 A4+5
13 H3+2! (PD - This is very strong. H2+1 is the threat. If ...H7+9, C5+4, and if ...B7+5, then R4+5 mate. If 13 ...H3+5, then the simple H2+3, threatens R4+5. This can only be satisfactorily parried by ...C4=6.) P5+1? (Xu - Better is ...C4=3, with the idea of ...R4+1 and ...K5=4.)
14 R4+2 C4=5? (Xu - ...R1=3!)
15 R4=3 R4+6
16 R4=7 C5+4
17 A4+5 R1+1
18 C8+2 R4-1
19 C8-1 C5=7
20 R3=7 1-0 (Black loses a piece, and his game is in disarray.)
Malcolm Horne - Carlo Veronesi
C8=6 H2+3
P7+1 R1=2
H8+7 C2=1
E3+5 C8=5 (Xu - Better is ...B7+5 with ...C8=6 and ...H8+7 to follow.)
H2+3 H8+7
R1=2 R9=8 (Xu - Better is ...R9+1)
C2+4 R2+6 (Xu - Better is ...P7+1. PD - ...R2+6 looks more natural.)
C6+2! R2=3 (Xu - Better is ...P3+1!, P7+1 R2=3 =. PD - ...R...2=3 is very bad.)
R9+2 H7-9 (PD - A horrible move. Better is again ...P3+1, or C5=6.)
C2=5 (Xu gives C2+2 as better to the text continuation. The move actually played wins a Rook for two Cannon and leads to a most interesting duel. Theory says that a Rook is worth more than 2 Cannons, but Black has active pieces and was happy to go into this line as he thought he was winning. However Carlo Veronesi felt in retrospect that he should have been aiming at a draw in the ensuing play, as there proved not sufficient attack to press for a win.) H3+5
R2+9 H5+4
R2-1 H4+3
R2=1 C1+4
R1=6 H3-5? (Xu - ...C1=5! In this position the Knight must be better than a Cannon.)
H3+5 C1=5? (Xu - ...R3=5 is better, with the idea of taking all the Red pawns.)
A4+5 R3+3? (Xu - ...C5=9!, with the same idea mentioned on the previous move. PD - Taking the Rook off the correct line.)
R9=6 A6+5
K5=4 R3=1? (Xu - Better is ...R3-3!, R6+1 C5=9, -R6=7 C9=3. Taking the 1st file pawn is important as in the edgame the remaining 3rd and 5th file pawns can be blocked by the enemy Elephants to prevent them crossing the river. PD - Black felt that on an exchange of Rooks he woud lose any winning chances, and ...R3=1 does avoid the exchange of his Rook, but Black is not winning!)
+R-2 -C=6 (PD - Looking to this defences. But this is inconsistent placy. Why not ...C5=9; although Red can play R6=3 I would certainly play actively in this position.)
+R=3 E3+5 (Veronesi - Probably better is ...R1-5, sacrificing the Elephant to win a tempo. PD - Holding on to his Elephant, but here I would give it up for the 1st file pawn by playing ...C5=9.)
P3+1 R1-5
R6+1 R1=6
K4=5 C5-1
R6=5 C5-1
R3=7 (PD - Probably better is R3=1.) C5=2 (Better is ...C5=1 or ...C5=9. This would give Black more endgame chances.)
R7=9 R6=8
R9-3 R8+5
A5-4 C2=6
A6+5 K5=6
R5=2 R8=9
R9+2 +C+4
P3+1 +C6=7
P3+1(PD - P3=4 is safer.) K6=5 (PD - Why not ...C6+6, threatening C7+1 mate ?; although Red can play A5+4, when his position is pretty solid.)
P3=4 C6=7? (PD - This loses a piece. ...C6=9 seems a reasonable move and may still give Black some drawing chances, although Red has good chances of a win in this position.)
R9=3 1-0 (An unfortunate end to a difficult and interesting game.)
From Issue 12:
Xie Jun - Xia Tianshun (Two-move odds)
C2=5 pass
H2+3 H8+7
R1=2 R9=8
P3+1 P3+1
H8+9 H2+3
C8=7 H3+2
H3+4 E7+5
R9+1 H2+1?! (This move is not suitable under the odds situation, as the Knight will be sidelined without the usual support of the black right Rook.)
C7=8! (This is superior to C7=6: a) it leaves the option for her Rook to land on the 6th file; b) it hinders both ...R1=2 and H9-8.) C2=4
R9=6 A6+5 (The game so far has followed the usual line of the popular 'fie-seven Cannon' but since Red is playing with an extra move, she has a strong initiative.)
H4+5 C8=9? (This is questionable. After the exchange of Rooks, Black's left wing will be controlled by Red. ...H7+5, C5+4 R8=6 appears to hold better.)
R2+9 H7-8
R6=2 H8+6
R2+7 R1=2 (The black Rook seeks to rush into play, but the only trouble is that it will not hav a good path to transport to his left.)
C8=6 H6+5
C5+4 C9=6
C6=1! R2+3 (This move is ineffective, but there's nothing better.)
C1+4 K5=6 (To prevent P3+1 by Red.)
C5=4 C6=7 (Or ...K6=5, R2+1 C6-2, C4=5, tying Black up and Red could march the 3rd file pawn at leisure.)
C4-4 C4+1 (if ...P7+1, R2+1 C7-2 [forced], C1+3 winning the Cannon; or ...R2+1, R2+1 K6+1, E3+1 to beffolowed by C5-1 and P3+1 etc., and Black is lost. At this time, Black is in t trouble too deep, and red can take her time and win.)
C1-1 R2+2
E3+1 A5+4
R2-1 C7-2
R2=4 K6=5
R4+1 A4+5
C1+4 C7+2
R4=3 C7=6
R3+1 C6-2
R3-3 (This wins the Cannon and the game) 1-0
Patrick Donovan - Uwe Frischmuth
1 C2=6 (The Cross-Palace Cannon opening) C2=5 (More usual is ...C8=5. Xu recommended ...R1+1, followed by ...R1=4)
2 H2+3 H2+3
3 R1=2 C8=7
4 H8+9 (An idea to be aware of, is the interesting R2+8!? R1=2, R9+2 A4+5, C6-1 C5=4, C6=8 R2=1, C8=2 C4+1, with an unclear position. Red can draw if he wishes by R2-1 C4-1, R2+1.) H8+9
5 R9=8 R9+1
6 C8=7 (I can play an Elephant to e3, but instinctively avoid this so as to keep open the option of maybe playing the Cannon to the center file.) R9=6
7 R8+6 (I thought this was maybe too early, but Xu seemed to think it was OK.) R6+3
8 R8=7 R6=4 (It has taken 4 moves for this Rook to arrive here. If Black wanted it here he should have played 6 ...R9=4 instead of ...R9=6.)
9 A4+5 R1=2 (Better is ...C5=6 with the idea of moving an Elephant to the center file, when both Cannons protect the Knight on the 3rd file.)
10 P7+1 E3+1 (Black thought that ...R2+3 failed against H1+3, but Black can play ...R4+2 and if P7+1 then ...R4=3.)
11 R2+4 P1+1?! (...P9+1, P7+1 R4=3, R7+1 E1+3, R2=7 H3+4, with the idea of ...H4+6. (Xu). Black may be holding.)
12 P9+1! P1+1
13 P7+1 E1+3
14 H9+7 (The best move. In compensation for the pawn that Red has given up, Red has brought his knight on the 9th file to a better position, the black Bishop is awkwardly placed on the 3rd file, the black knight on the 3rd file is now more exposed to attack. Black does not have a very good game. Red is clearly better.) R4=6
15 H7+9 R2+4
16 R2=6 (I spent 30 minutes on this move. I looked at H9+8 with the ida of H8+7, and bringing a Cannon over to the open 9th file. The reason I did not play it is because of 16 ... R6-3, C7=9 R6=2, C9+7 A4+5, which is good for Black. Another line is 16 ...R6-3, R7+1 C7=3, H8+6 K5+1 (the only move.) .The idea is C7+5 C5=3, H6+4; BUT ...C3+7 is mate! The move played is a semi-waiting move...) A6+5
17 H9+8 (Onwards!) C7-1 (This is maybe a mistake. ...C5=6 is a better possibility here. The motiffs: a) The Cannon is not under attack... b) The 6th file is defended... c) Either Elephant can be posted to the center file which... makes Black's position more solid, d) The Cannon can retreat to the back in some lines, as to protect the Advisor...)
18 H8+7 (If R7+1 R2-1, C6+7 G5-4, R7+2 P9+1 (say), R6+5 G5+1and neither rook can check... I believe the text move is a good idea...) C7=3
19 R7+1 C3=1 (Xu recommends ...C3=2; but ...C3=1 is more aggressive.)
20 R6+4 (More accurate is C6+7 A5-4, R6+4...) C1+5 (An interesting move... If 21 R7+2 C1=3, B7+9 C3-6, C7+7 mate! BUT, in this line, 22... C5=4!, (this move could also be played on move 21), and Black is solid...)
21 R6-5 C1-1
22 E7+9 (This is unnecssary. R7+2 is more accurate for if ...C1=3 B7+9 wins with a tempo...) C5=6! (This can no2 go to the back.)
23 C6+7 (Now ...A5-4, R7+2 C6-2 seems to be a defence but perhaps red has good chances after C7=6...) E7+5 (This attacks the rook, and attempts to prevent R7+2.)
24 R7+2! E5-3??
25 C7+7 1-0 (Is 24 ...C6-2!? playable? If C6=4 the black can play ...E5-3 so Red must play 25 R7=9, or C6-4, when Black will still be worse. 24... E3-1 forces R7-1, when Xu's opinion, which I agree with, is that Red has a slight advantage. Maybe 23 C6+7 is not so strong as it looked. An eventful game.)
From Issue 16:
Chen Fazuo - Guo Shulong
1 C8=5 H2+3
2 H2+3 C8=6
3 R1=2 H8+7
4 P7+1 P7+1
5 C8+2 E7+5
6 H8+7 A6+5?
7 H7+6 C2+2
8 A6+5 C2=4
9 R2+6 R9=7
10 R9=8 R1=2
11 C8+4 C6-1
12 C8-1 C4-2
13 C8-2 C4+2
14 C5=7 C6+1
15 C7+4 E3+1
16 C8+2 E5-3
17 C8-1 C6=4
18 R2-2 E3+5
19 C7=6 C4=2
20 P7+1 C4+3
21 P7+1 C4+1
22 R8+5 C4=7
23 E3+5 H3-1
24 P9+1 R7=6
25 C8+2! R6+4!
26 R8+2 R6=3
27 C6=9 R3-1
28 C9+2 R2=1
29 R2-1 H7+6
30 R8-2 E1+3
31 C9-3 R1=2
32 R8-1! E3-1
33 R8=4 R2+1 [Things get unclear in the record after this line]
34 R4+1 P7+1
35 E5+4 R3+6
36 A5-6 R2+6
37 R2=3 R3-4
38 E3-5 R2=5
39 A4+5 R3=1
40 R4+3 A5-6
41 C9=2 R5=7
42 R3-1 1-0
Paul Byway - Guo Shulong
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 R9=8
R1=2 C8+4
H8+7 P3+1
P3+1 C2=5
C8+5 H2+3
C8=5 E3+5
R9=8 A4+5
H3+4 C8-1
H4+3 C8+2
C5=3 R1=4
H3+5 E7+5
C3+5 H3+4
R8+6 P3+1
R8=5 P3+1
H7+5? R8+9
R5-1 R4+2
C3=2 H4+6
R5=2 K5=4
0-1
From Issue 19:
Liu Si Hinh - Chen Fazuo
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 R9=8
P7+1 P7+1
H8+7 H2+3
R1+1 E7+5
R1=4 C2+4
P5+1 A6+5
R4+2 C2-2
R9+1 C8+4!
R4+3 C2+2
H7+8 H7+8!
R4-2 H8+7
C5+1 C8-1!
E3+5? C8=5!
H8+7 C2=3!
C8+2? C5=2
H7-8? H3+4
R4=6 H4+2
R9=8 R8+7!
H3-5 H7+6!
R8+3 C3=9
R6=1 C9=7
R1-4 H6-5
H5-3? R8=7!
R8+2 P5+1
A4+5 R1+2
R8=5 H5-3
H3+4 H3+4!
K5=4 C7=6
H4-3 R7=6
0-1
From issue 20:
Grand Master 2 - Grand Master 3
P3+1 C2=6
H8+7 H2+3
R9=8 H8+9
H2+3 P3+1
R1+1 R1=2
R1=4 A4+5
R4=6 R2+6
C2+1 C6+4
P5+1 C8=5
R6+2 C6=3
E7+9 P5+1
R6+5 C5+3
R6-4 C3-1
C2-2 R2=3
C8+7 H3-2
R8+9 R3+1
E9+7 E7+5
P3+1 P3+1
R6-3 R3=5
R6=5 R5=7
R5=8 P7+1
-R+7 R9=8
-R-7 R8+6
+R-1 R8=5
A6+5 R7+1
K5=6 R7=8
+R=6 R8-2
R8=6 R5=1
-R=8 R1-4
R6-5 R8=4
A5+6 R4+1
K6=5 K5=4
K5+1 P9+1
R8+4 H9+8
R8-2 P7+1
R8=4 H8+7
K5-1 R4+1
R4=3 P7+1
E3+1 P7=8
P1+1 P9+1
E1-3 R4=8
0-1
Novag Computer - Oxford Software
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 P3+1
H8+7 H2+3
R1=2 H3+4
C8+2 H4+3
C8=1 R9=8
C1=9 H3-1
P9+1 P3+1
A4+5 P3+1
H7-9 P1+1
R2+5 C2+5
H3-4 P1+1
R2=8 C8+5
R8+1 E3+5
R9=8 P1=2
C5+4 H7+5
+R=5 P2+1
E7+9 C8+2
A5+6 R1+7
H9-7 C2=3
R5=3 R8+6
P5+1 C3+1
A6-5 R1=7
R3=1 R7+2
R1=4 R7-1
H4+5 R7+1
A5-4 R7-2
A4+5 R7=5
K5=4 A6+5
R8=9 R8=7
A5+6 R7+3
K4+1 R7=4
R9+6 C8=3
R9-5 R4-1
K4-1 R4+1
K4+1 P3+1
P5+1 R4-1
K4+1 P3+1
P5+1 R4-1
K4-1 P3=4
R4=6 R5=6
K4=5 R4+1
K5=6 R6+2
0-1
From Issue 22:
Lu Qin - Xu Yinchuan
C2=5 H2+3
H2+3 C8=6
P3+1 R9+1
R1=2 H8+9
H8+9 R9=4
C8=7 R4+4
R9=8 R1=2
R8+6 E3+5
A4+5 R4=7
E3+1 R7-1
R2+4 A4+5
H3+4 P3+1
H4+5 H3+5
C5+4 R2=4
R2=4 H9-8
P9+1 C2=3
R4=2 H8+9
P1+1 P9+1
P1+1 R7=9
C7=3 C6=7
C3+5 C3=7
R2=4 C7=8
K5=4 C8-2
R8+2 R4=3
R4+5 C8=6
R8=5 K5=4
R5+1 K4+1
R5=7 R9=5
C5=8 R5-1
C8-4 C6+3
C8=5 R5=2
R7-1 K4-1
R7=2 P7+1
R2-2 C6=7
P5+1 H9-7
R2-3 C7=5
C5-6 C5=9
P5+1 R2=8
P5=6 K4=5
C6=5 1-0
From Issue 23:
Huang Shnech Kung - C. K. Lai
C2=5 C2=5
H2+3 H8+7
R1=2 R9=8
P3+1 C2=1 (usual here is ...P3+1)
C8+5 R1=2
C8=3 C1=7
R2+6 H3+5
R2=3 R2+8!
R3+1 R2=7
H3+2 R7+1
H2+3? (Ceding the 2nd file eases Black's task, but after say H8+7 C8=9 Red is still in considerable trouble.) C8+7! (Not ...R7-4?, C5=2! R8=9, R3=2 when Red is back in the game.)
H3+1?! (C5=4 looks a better idea, but after ...R7-4, K5+1 R7+3, K5+1 C8=7 Red is struggling badly once more.) R8+8 (A simpler path to victory is is ...R7-4, A4+5 R7+4, A5-4 R7-7, A4+5 R7=9)
H1+3 K5+1
R3=4 R7-4
A4+5 R7+4
0-1 (After A5-4 R7-8, A4+5 R7+8, A5-4 R7-8 it is all over)
M. Horne - M. Nägler
This game is printed mainly to illustrate a problem with the UKCCA rules about repetition of moves
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 R9=8
R1=2 C8+4
P3+1 C2=5
C8+5 H2+3
C8=5 E7+5
H3+4 R1=2?! (I found a game in a Chinese magazine which went ...C2+1 and now Red played the very interesting sacrifice H8+7 C8=3, R2+9 H7-8, R9+2 C3+1, R9-1 C3-1, H4+6 R1+3, R9=2 and went on to win. Under UKCCA rules, used in the postal tournament currently, it is however no longer a sacrifice as Red could decide to chase the Cannon back and forth if content to draw! The problem is that in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan etc, different repetition laws are in force... In tournaments in China an experienced arbiter can decide, but this is not practical in the West for postal chess.)
P3+1 C8=3
R2+9 H7-8
H4+6 C3-1
E7+9 P3+1!
H6+4 C3=8
R9+1! (P3+1 R2+8! threat ...C8=2) R2+9
R9=2 R2-4
P5+1 C8=6
P3+1! (R2+8 regains the piece but after ...P7+1 Black looks well placed, so I preferred to sacrifice for active counterplay.) H8+6
P3+1 C6+1
R2+2 C6+1
R2+2 C6+1
E9-7 A4+5
P3+1 H6+7 (It is now quite hard for Black's Cannon and Knight to dodge attacks from the Red Rook, and the UKCCA rules allowing repetitive chasing increase the chances of a draw.)
R2=3 H7+8
R3=2 H3+4!
H4-3 R2=5
H3-4 R5=6
A4+5 P3+1
C5=9 H4-3
H4+6 R6=4?! (Admittedly ...R6=7, H6-4 R7=4 seems to avid the forthcoming repetition and Black might still hope to win.)
C9=6 1/2-1/2 (...R4=7, H6-4 R7=6, H4+6 etc would follow. Under Chinese rules chasing the Rook repetitively would be illegal, and Red would have to vary!)
A. Brown - M. Horne
In this game Black establishes two united Pawns across the river and this eventually proves too strong.
P7+1 E3+5
H8+7 H2+4
R9+1! P3+1!?
P7+1 R1+3
R9=6 H4+6
P7+1!? (R6+4!? expected) R3+4
H7+8 R3-2
C8+5 R3=2
H8+9 R2+4
H9+7 R8=5
C2=5 A6+5
H2+1 H6+8! (Prevents R1=2 and attacks the knight on the third file)
H7-8 R5=6
H8-6 R6-3
R1+1 R9+1
R1=4 R9=6!
R4+5! (Not falling for C5+5? A5+4 [...G5=6?, C5=9!!], R4+5 R6+2 after which the Cannon gets trapped.) R6+2
H1-3 P5+1
H6-7 P5+1
A6+5?! (R6+2!?) P7+1
C5=4 P7+1!
R4+2!? (P3+1!? C8=7! also awkward for Red) R6=3
E3+5 P7=6
H7+8 R3=2
H8+6 R2=5
H6+4! C8=1
R6+2 P5+1
R6=3 H8-6
C4=2 R5=6
C2+7 A5-6
R3=5 C8+8
E5-3 P6+1
R5+2 A4+5
R5=3 R6=8
C2-9 R8+6 (Black has survived a tricky period but now life gets easier. Red's Knight is very awkwardly placed and he soon gives it up for counterplay against Black's King.)
R5=7 R8=7
R7+5 A5-4
K5=6!? R7-1
R7=6 G5+1
R6=4 H6+7
R4=3 R7-2
R3-3 P9+1
P9+1 H7+8
R3=5 K5=6
P9+1? R7-2
R5=6 (P9+1? R7=4 and Black soon mates)R7=1
R6-4 R9-7
E7+9 H8+7
R6=3 R3=4
R3=6 R4+3
A5+6 H7-5
A4+5 P6+1!
0-1 (One line is E9-7 P6+1, E7+5 P5+1, K6+1 K6=5!, A5-6 K5-4, A6+5 P6=5)
From Issue 7:
An exerpt game from a book
C8=5 H8+7
H8+7 H2+1
R9+1 E7+5
R9=4 A6+5
R4+5 R9=6
R4=3 C8-2? (Better ...C8-1)
H2+3 C8=7
R3+1! C2=7
C2+7 C7+5
R1+2 C7=3? (Too greedy — better is ...H1-2, R1=3 H2+3 defending the central area)
C5+4 H1-2
R1=4 H2+3
R4+7 1-0
From Issue 9:
An excerpt from a book
C8=5 C2=5
H8+7 H2+5
R9+1 R1=2
R9=4 A4+5
R4+7 H8+9
P1+1 R2+6
H2+1 R2=3
R1+1 C8=6
H1+2 R3-1
H2+4 R3=6
H4+5 E3+5
C2+5 H3-4
R1=8 E9=8 "Red sacrifices the Cannon for the Elephant, and is well on the way to the execution of a brillian plan of checkmate."
C2=5 H4+5
R8+8 A5=4
C5+4 H5=3
R8-2! R6-2
R8=5 A4+5
R5+1 G5=4
R4+1 H3-5
R4=5 1-0 "In this game notice how damage is inflicted against Black's defence by the Knight. The sacrifice of the Cannon on move 14 is a master stroke; from then on White's sequence of winning moves is simply irresistible and breathtaking!"
From Issue 11:
Xu Juemin - J. Tolonen
1 C2=5 C8=5
2 H2+3 H2+3 (Patrick Donovan - The Knight is misplaced, being undefended by a Cannon. ...H8+7 is better.)
3 R1+1 R9+1
4 R1=6 P3+1
5 H8+7 R1+1
6 R9+1 (PD - This seems a bit passive. The critical line is R6+5 R9=4, R6=7 R4+1, when Red appears to have a good game.) R9=4!
7 P3+1 H3+4!
8 R6+3 C2+2!
9 R9=4 (PD - Why not the simple C5+4 ?) C5=4
10 R6=5 H8+7 (Xu - ...C4=5 =)
11 C8+5 (PD - Now Black has a perpetual attack on the Rook with ...C4=5, R5=6 C5=4 etc. Under the UK rules this would be a draw. Both players were unaware of this. Red would have to give up a Rook if he wished to play on.) H4+3
12 R5=4 A4+5
13 H3+2! (PD - This is very strong. H2+1 is the threat. If ...H7+9, C5+4, and if ...B7+5, then R4+5 mate. If 13 ...H3+5, then the simple H2+3, threatens R4+5. This can only be satisfactorily parried by ...C4=6.) P5+1? (Xu - Better is ...C4=3, with the idea of ...R4+1 and ...K5=4.)
14 R4+2 C4=5? (Xu - ...R1=3!)
15 R4=3 R4+6
16 R4=7 C5+4
17 A4+5 R1+1
18 C8+2 R4-1
19 C8-1 C5=7
20 R3=7 1-0 (Black loses a piece, and his game is in disarray.)
Malcolm Horne - Carlo Veronesi
C8=6 H2+3
P7+1 R1=2
H8+7 C2=1
E3+5 C8=5 (Xu - Better is ...B7+5 with ...C8=6 and ...H8+7 to follow.)
H2+3 H8+7
R1=2 R9=8 (Xu - Better is ...R9+1)
C2+4 R2+6 (Xu - Better is ...P7+1. PD - ...R2+6 looks more natural.)
C6+2! R2=3 (Xu - Better is ...P3+1!, P7+1 R2=3 =. PD - ...R...2=3 is very bad.)
R9+2 H7-9 (PD - A horrible move. Better is again ...P3+1, or C5=6.)
C2=5 (Xu gives C2+2 as better to the text continuation. The move actually played wins a Rook for two Cannon and leads to a most interesting duel. Theory says that a Rook is worth more than 2 Cannons, but Black has active pieces and was happy to go into this line as he thought he was winning. However Carlo Veronesi felt in retrospect that he should have been aiming at a draw in the ensuing play, as there proved not sufficient attack to press for a win.) H3+5
R2+9 H5+4
R2-1 H4+3
R2=1 C1+4
R1=6 H3-5? (Xu - ...C1=5! In this position the Knight must be better than a Cannon.)
H3+5 C1=5? (Xu - ...R3=5 is better, with the idea of taking all the Red pawns.)
A4+5 R3+3? (Xu - ...C5=9!, with the same idea mentioned on the previous move. PD - Taking the Rook off the correct line.)
R9=6 A6+5
K5=4 R3=1? (Xu - Better is ...R3-3!, R6+1 C5=9, -R6=7 C9=3. Taking the 1st file pawn is important as in the edgame the remaining 3rd and 5th file pawns can be blocked by the enemy Elephants to prevent them crossing the river. PD - Black felt that on an exchange of Rooks he woud lose any winning chances, and ...R3=1 does avoid the exchange of his Rook, but Black is not winning!)
+R-2 -C=6 (PD - Looking to this defences. But this is inconsistent placy. Why not ...C5=9; although Red can play R6=3 I would certainly play actively in this position.)
+R=3 E3+5 (Veronesi - Probably better is ...R1-5, sacrificing the Elephant to win a tempo. PD - Holding on to his Elephant, but here I would give it up for the 1st file pawn by playing ...C5=9.)
P3+1 R1-5
R6+1 R1=6
K4=5 C5-1
R6=5 C5-1
R3=7 (PD - Probably better is R3=1.) C5=2 (Better is ...C5=1 or ...C5=9. This would give Black more endgame chances.)
R7=9 R6=8
R9-3 R8+5
A5-4 C2=6
A6+5 K5=6
R5=2 R8=9
R9+2 +C+4
P3+1 +C6=7
P3+1(PD - P3=4 is safer.) K6=5 (PD - Why not ...C6+6, threatening C7+1 mate ?; although Red can play A5+4, when his position is pretty solid.)
P3=4 C6=7? (PD - This loses a piece. ...C6=9 seems a reasonable move and may still give Black some drawing chances, although Red has good chances of a win in this position.)
R9=3 1-0 (An unfortunate end to a difficult and interesting game.)
From Issue 12:
Xie Jun - Xia Tianshun (Two-move odds)
C2=5 pass
H2+3 H8+7
R1=2 R9=8
P3+1 P3+1
H8+9 H2+3
C8=7 H3+2
H3+4 E7+5
R9+1 H2+1?! (This move is not suitable under the odds situation, as the Knight will be sidelined without the usual support of the black right Rook.)
C7=8! (This is superior to C7=6: a) it leaves the option for her Rook to land on the 6th file; b) it hinders both ...R1=2 and H9-8.) C2=4
R9=6 A6+5 (The game so far has followed the usual line of the popular 'fie-seven Cannon' but since Red is playing with an extra move, she has a strong initiative.)
H4+5 C8=9? (This is questionable. After the exchange of Rooks, Black's left wing will be controlled by Red. ...H7+5, C5+4 R8=6 appears to hold better.)
R2+9 H7-8
R6=2 H8+6
R2+7 R1=2 (The black Rook seeks to rush into play, but the only trouble is that it will not hav a good path to transport to his left.)
C8=6 H6+5
C5+4 C9=6
C6=1! R2+3 (This move is ineffective, but there's nothing better.)
C1+4 K5=6 (To prevent P3+1 by Red.)
C5=4 C6=7 (Or ...K6=5, R2+1 C6-2, C4=5, tying Black up and Red could march the 3rd file pawn at leisure.)
C4-4 C4+1 (if ...P7+1, R2+1 C7-2 [forced], C1+3 winning the Cannon; or ...R2+1, R2+1 K6+1, E3+1 to beffolowed by C5-1 and P3+1 etc., and Black is lost. At this time, Black is in t trouble too deep, and red can take her time and win.)
C1-1 R2+2
E3+1 A5+4
R2-1 C7-2
R2=4 K6=5
R4+1 A4+5
C1+4 C7+2
R4=3 C7=6
R3+1 C6-2
R3-3 (This wins the Cannon and the game) 1-0
Patrick Donovan - Uwe Frischmuth
1 C2=6 (The Cross-Palace Cannon opening) C2=5 (More usual is ...C8=5. Xu recommended ...R1+1, followed by ...R1=4)
2 H2+3 H2+3
3 R1=2 C8=7
4 H8+9 (An idea to be aware of, is the interesting R2+8!? R1=2, R9+2 A4+5, C6-1 C5=4, C6=8 R2=1, C8=2 C4+1, with an unclear position. Red can draw if he wishes by R2-1 C4-1, R2+1.) H8+9
5 R9=8 R9+1
6 C8=7 (I can play an Elephant to e3, but instinctively avoid this so as to keep open the option of maybe playing the Cannon to the center file.) R9=6
7 R8+6 (I thought this was maybe too early, but Xu seemed to think it was OK.) R6+3
8 R8=7 R6=4 (It has taken 4 moves for this Rook to arrive here. If Black wanted it here he should have played 6 ...R9=4 instead of ...R9=6.)
9 A4+5 R1=2 (Better is ...C5=6 with the idea of moving an Elephant to the center file, when both Cannons protect the Knight on the 3rd file.)
10 P7+1 E3+1 (Black thought that ...R2+3 failed against H1+3, but Black can play ...R4+2 and if P7+1 then ...R4=3.)
11 R2+4 P1+1?! (...P9+1, P7+1 R4=3, R7+1 E1+3, R2=7 H3+4, with the idea of ...H4+6. (Xu). Black may be holding.)
12 P9+1! P1+1
13 P7+1 E1+3
14 H9+7 (The best move. In compensation for the pawn that Red has given up, Red has brought his knight on the 9th file to a better position, the black Bishop is awkwardly placed on the 3rd file, the black knight on the 3rd file is now more exposed to attack. Black does not have a very good game. Red is clearly better.) R4=6
15 H7+9 R2+4
16 R2=6 (I spent 30 minutes on this move. I looked at H9+8 with the ida of H8+7, and bringing a Cannon over to the open 9th file. The reason I did not play it is because of 16 ... R6-3, C7=9 R6=2, C9+7 A4+5, which is good for Black. Another line is 16 ...R6-3, R7+1 C7=3, H8+6 K5+1 (the only move.) .The idea is C7+5 C5=3, H6+4; BUT ...C3+7 is mate! The move played is a semi-waiting move...) A6+5
17 H9+8 (Onwards!) C7-1 (This is maybe a mistake. ...C5=6 is a better possibility here. The motiffs: a) The Cannon is not under attack... b) The 6th file is defended... c) Either Elephant can be posted to the center file which... makes Black's position more solid, d) The Cannon can retreat to the back in some lines, as to protect the Advisor...)
18 H8+7 (If R7+1 R2-1, C6+7 G5-4, R7+2 P9+1 (say), R6+5 G5+1and neither rook can check... I believe the text move is a good idea...) C7=3
19 R7+1 C3=1 (Xu recommends ...C3=2; but ...C3=1 is more aggressive.)
20 R6+4 (More accurate is C6+7 A5-4, R6+4...) C1+5 (An interesting move... If 21 R7+2 C1=3, B7+9 C3-6, C7+7 mate! BUT, in this line, 22... C5=4!, (this move could also be played on move 21), and Black is solid...)
21 R6-5 C1-1
22 E7+9 (This is unnecssary. R7+2 is more accurate for if ...C1=3 B7+9 wins with a tempo...) C5=6! (This can no2 go to the back.)
23 C6+7 (Now ...A5-4, R7+2 C6-2 seems to be a defence but perhaps red has good chances after C7=6...) E7+5 (This attacks the rook, and attempts to prevent R7+2.)
24 R7+2! E5-3??
25 C7+7 1-0 (Is 24 ...C6-2!? playable? If C6=4 the black can play ...E5-3 so Red must play 25 R7=9, or C6-4, when Black will still be worse. 24... E3-1 forces R7-1, when Xu's opinion, which I agree with, is that Red has a slight advantage. Maybe 23 C6+7 is not so strong as it looked. An eventful game.)
From Issue 16:
Chen Fazuo - Guo Shulong
1 C8=5 H2+3
2 H2+3 C8=6
3 R1=2 H8+7
4 P7+1 P7+1
5 C8+2 E7+5
6 H8+7 A6+5?
7 H7+6 C2+2
8 A6+5 C2=4
9 R2+6 R9=7
10 R9=8 R1=2
11 C8+4 C6-1
12 C8-1 C4-2
13 C8-2 C4+2
14 C5=7 C6+1
15 C7+4 E3+1
16 C8+2 E5-3
17 C8-1 C6=4
18 R2-2 E3+5
19 C7=6 C4=2
20 P7+1 C4+3
21 P7+1 C4+1
22 R8+5 C4=7
23 E3+5 H3-1
24 P9+1 R7=6
25 C8+2! R6+4!
26 R8+2 R6=3
27 C6=9 R3-1
28 C9+2 R2=1
29 R2-1 H7+6
30 R8-2 E1+3
31 C9-3 R1=2
32 R8-1! E3-1
33 R8=4 R2+1 [Things get unclear in the record after this line]
34 R4+1 P7+1
35 E5+4 R3+6
36 A5-6 R2+6
37 R2=3 R3-4
38 E3-5 R2=5
39 A4+5 R3=1
40 R4+3 A5-6
41 C9=2 R5=7
42 R3-1 1-0
Paul Byway - Guo Shulong
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 R9=8
R1=2 C8+4
H8+7 P3+1
P3+1 C2=5
C8+5 H2+3
C8=5 E3+5
R9=8 A4+5
H3+4 C8-1
H4+3 C8+2
C5=3 R1=4
H3+5 E7+5
C3+5 H3+4
R8+6 P3+1
R8=5 P3+1
H7+5? R8+9
R5-1 R4+2
C3=2 H4+6
R5=2 K5=4
0-1
From Issue 19:
Liu Si Hinh - Chen Fazuo
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 R9=8
P7+1 P7+1
H8+7 H2+3
R1+1 E7+5
R1=4 C2+4
P5+1 A6+5
R4+2 C2-2
R9+1 C8+4!
R4+3 C2+2
H7+8 H7+8!
R4-2 H8+7
C5+1 C8-1!
E3+5? C8=5!
H8+7 C2=3!
C8+2? C5=2
H7-8? H3+4
R4=6 H4+2
R9=8 R8+7!
H3-5 H7+6!
R8+3 C3=9
R6=1 C9=7
R1-4 H6-5
H5-3? R8=7!
R8+2 P5+1
A4+5 R1+2
R8=5 H5-3
H3+4 H3+4!
K5=4 C7=6
H4-3 R7=6
0-1
From issue 20:
Grand Master 2 - Grand Master 3
P3+1 C2=6
H8+7 H2+3
R9=8 H8+9
H2+3 P3+1
R1+1 R1=2
R1=4 A4+5
R4=6 R2+6
C2+1 C6+4
P5+1 C8=5
R6+2 C6=3
E7+9 P5+1
R6+5 C5+3
R6-4 C3-1
C2-2 R2=3
C8+7 H3-2
R8+9 R3+1
E9+7 E7+5
P3+1 P3+1
R6-3 R3=5
R6=5 R5=7
R5=8 P7+1
-R+7 R9=8
-R-7 R8+6
+R-1 R8=5
A6+5 R7+1
K5=6 R7=8
+R=6 R8-2
R8=6 R5=1
-R=8 R1-4
R6-5 R8=4
A5+6 R4+1
K6=5 K5=4
K5+1 P9+1
R8+4 H9+8
R8-2 P7+1
R8=4 H8+7
K5-1 R4+1
R4=3 P7+1
E3+1 P7=8
P1+1 P9+1
E1-3 R4=8
0-1
Novag Computer - Oxford Software
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 P3+1
H8+7 H2+3
R1=2 H3+4
C8+2 H4+3
C8=1 R9=8
C1=9 H3-1
P9+1 P3+1
A4+5 P3+1
H7-9 P1+1
R2+5 C2+5
H3-4 P1+1
R2=8 C8+5
R8+1 E3+5
R9=8 P1=2
C5+4 H7+5
+R=5 P2+1
E7+9 C8+2
A5+6 R1+7
H9-7 C2=3
R5=3 R8+6
P5+1 C3+1
A6-5 R1=7
R3=1 R7+2
R1=4 R7-1
H4+5 R7+1
A5-4 R7-2
A4+5 R7=5
K5=4 A6+5
R8=9 R8=7
A5+6 R7+3
K4+1 R7=4
R9+6 C8=3
R9-5 R4-1
K4-1 R4+1
K4+1 P3+1
P5+1 R4-1
K4+1 P3+1
P5+1 R4-1
K4-1 P3=4
R4=6 R5=6
K4=5 R4+1
K5=6 R6+2
0-1
From Issue 22:
Lu Qin - Xu Yinchuan
C2=5 H2+3
H2+3 C8=6
P3+1 R9+1
R1=2 H8+9
H8+9 R9=4
C8=7 R4+4
R9=8 R1=2
R8+6 E3+5
A4+5 R4=7
E3+1 R7-1
R2+4 A4+5
H3+4 P3+1
H4+5 H3+5
C5+4 R2=4
R2=4 H9-8
P9+1 C2=3
R4=2 H8+9
P1+1 P9+1
P1+1 R7=9
C7=3 C6=7
C3+5 C3=7
R2=4 C7=8
K5=4 C8-2
R8+2 R4=3
R4+5 C8=6
R8=5 K5=4
R5+1 K4+1
R5=7 R9=5
C5=8 R5-1
C8-4 C6+3
C8=5 R5=2
R7-1 K4-1
R7=2 P7+1
R2-2 C6=7
P5+1 H9-7
R2-3 C7=5
C5-6 C5=9
P5+1 R2=8
P5=6 K4=5
C6=5 1-0
From Issue 23:
Huang Shnech Kung - C. K. Lai
C2=5 C2=5
H2+3 H2+3
H8+9 H8+9
R9=8 P1+1 (Testing the water...)
R1=2 C8=7
P1+1 R9+1
R2+4 R9=4
A4+5 R4+3
R2=4 P9+1
P1+1 R4=9
C5=6 C7+4
E7+5 R1=2
C8+4 A4+5
P7+1 R9=7
E3+1 R7=9
E1-3 R9=7
E3+1 R7=9
E1-3 R9=7
E3+1 P5+1
C6=7 C5=8 (This follows a series of manoeuvring... Pressure is building up.)
R4=1 C8+5
H9-7 C7=1
E1+3 R7=8
P7+1 H3-1
C8-1 E3+5
R8+2 C1-1
R1-4 P3+1
C8+3 P3+1
H7+9 C1=7
A5+6 C7+1
R8+3 P3+1
C7-2 P1+1
H9-7 P1+1
R1+3 C8-1
R1+1 P1=2
R1=3 C7=6
R3=9 R8=7
H3+2 C6-5
R9+4 C8+3
A6+5 A5+6
C8-2 R7+5
A5-4 R7=6
K5+1 R6-1
K5-1 A6-5
C7=2 (C8=5 with real threats) C6=1
H7+9 R6=8
C2=3 K5=4
R8=6 C1=4
R6=8 R8-3
C8=6 C4=2
H9+8 C2+4
R8+4 K4+1
C3+4 C2=6
R8-5 H9+8
C3-1 H8-6
0-1
Guo Shulong - Chen Fazuo
C2=5 H8+7
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 R9=8
P3+1 C8=9
R1+1 C2=5
H8+7 H2+3
R9=8 R1+1
P7+1 R8+4
R1=6 R1=6
R6+3 R6+7
H7+8 A6+5
C5=7 P5+1
A6+5 P5+1
C7+4 E3+1 (Better is ...H3+5)
R6+2 P5+1
H8+9 H3+1
C8+7 E3-1
R8+6 P5=4 (Too slow, Much better is ...R7-1. Then if E7+5 P5+1, K5=6 [or ...E3+5] ...R6=7... If C7=3 R6=3, R8-6 [or R4-6 P5=6, E7+5 P6+1] ...H1-3)
K5=6 C5=4
C7=9 R6-4
C9+3 E7+5
K6=5 R6=1
C9-3 P9+1
C8=9 R1=4
R6+1 R8=4
H3+4 R4=6
H4-6 C9+1
R8=3 C9+3
P3+1 R6=2
P7+1 C9=5
B3+5 R2-4
+C9-1 R2+1
+C9+1 C5-1
P9+1 C5=7
P3=4 R2+2
R3-2 R2=1
C9=8 H7+6
R3=5 H6-7
H6+5 E5+3
1/2-1/2
From Issue 25:
Xi - Paul Byway
P7+1 H8+7
C8=5 H2+3
H8+7 P7+1
R9=8 R1=2
H2+1 C2=1
R8+9 H3-2
R1+1 E7+5
R1=4 A6+5
R4+7 C1-1
R4-4 H2+1
H7+6 C1=3 (...R9=6 or P1+1)
H6+5 H7+5
C5+4 P1+1
P1+1 H1+2 (Surely ...R9=6 now)
C2=7 P3+1?
C7+3 C3=1
C7=9 R9=6
R4=2 R6+3 (The central cannon must be dislodged—but I am 3 pawns down at the moment.)
C5+1 C8=6
A6+5 H2+1
E3+5 R6=5 (Breaking the pin.)
R2=5 H1-2 (I am more wary of a knight being cut off these days.)
P7+1 H2-3
R5=7 C1=3
P5+1 C3+3 (Now the deficit is cut back to 1 pawn and with [hopefully] a sound position...)
C9-2 K5=6
C9=4 R5=6 (My opponent gave the impression of having overlooked this.)
H1+3? (Blundering a piece away... he should simply exchange cannons.) C6+4
C5=4 K6=5
P5+1 C6+2
C4=7 E5+3
R7+1 H3+1
R7+4 H1+2
R7-5 H2-3
P5=4 R6=8
P4=3 H3+5
R7=5 H5-4 (At last the knight has a secure base, but my opponent has a lot for a cannon.)
H2+3 C6-8
H3+5 C6+2
H5-6 R8=4
H6-5 H4+6 (I am feeling a bit better again: the red knight has been driven back, and my pieces are better co-ordinated than they were.)
P7=6 C6+2
R5=2 C6=2
R2=8 C2=8
P3+1 R4=3
E7+9 R3+3
H5+3 R3+1
H4+6 (Now I must watch out for H6+7 followed by R8=4.) R3=5
H6+7 K5=6
K5=6 C8+5
K6+1 C8-1
A5+4 (If K6-1, I take the elephant...) R5=6 (It is better to control the 6th file and leave him with 2 pieces that cannot defend each other.)
P3+1 H6+4
R8=6 H4+6
E9+7 H6+8
R6=3 R6+2
R3+2 H8+7
K6+1 R6=4
0-1
Lu Qin - David Young
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 R9=8
P3+1 C2=5
H8+7 H2+3
R9=8 P3+1
C8+4 C8+5
R1=2 C8=5
R2+9 H7-8
E7+5 H8+9
C8=7 R1=2
R8+9 H3-2
H3+4 H2+1
C7=8 H1-3
C8-5 P9+1
H4+5 H3+4
C8=1 H9+8
C1=3 H8+7
A6+5 C5=3
H5+4 A6+5
H4-3 P9+1
P1+1 H7-9
H3-4 E7+5
H4+6 C3-1
P5+1 H4+2
H6+4 H2+3
H7+5 H3+1
P5+1 H9+8
A5+4 H1+3
C3=6 C3=2
K5=6 H3-4
P5+1 P3+1
H5+6 E5+3
A4+5 C2=3
P5=6 P3+1
K6=5 P3+1
C6=9 H6+7
K5=4 H8-6
C9+5 H6-8
H6-5 E3-1
C9-2 H8-9
C9=5 E3+5
P6+1 E1+3
P6+1 C3=2
H4+3 K5=6
C5=4 K6+1
H3-4 0-1 (...A5+6, H4+2)
From Issue 26:
Stefan Scholz - Huang Yu Ying
C2=5 H8+7
H2+3 R9=8
R1=2 H2+3
P7+1 P7+1
R2+6 R1+1 (...C8=9 is more usual.)
H8+7 R1=4
P5+1 A6+5
C8=9 C2+4
R9=8 R4+5
C5+1!? (To R2=3?? there would follow ...C2=7) C2=5
H3+5 H7+6
H5-3 P7+1 (Black wants to unpin his cannon...)
R2-1 P7+1
R2=4 P7+1
C9=3 C8+7
E7+5 R4=7 (Red's position is somewhat under pressure... The weak point of the black position is the knight...)
H7-5! (Probably the only move... Losing pretty quickly are C3=4? R8+8 followed by ...R8=6, and C2=1 R8+7!.) E7+5 (Preparing for the exchange of rooks. The vital question for Black is whether he gets any clear threats... Red decides that after the Rook exchange black had no threats.)
R8+7 R8=6
R4+4 K5=6 (The threat is now ...R7=6, with makte to follow: R8=7?? R7=6, H5+7 R6+3, K5+1 R6-1)
C3=4! R7+2
H5+7 (Because of the threat ...R7=6 there is still not time for R8=7) C8-7
R8-1 C8+1
R8+1 C8-1
R8-1 R7-2 (The maneuver... has cost Black two tempi; meanwhile Red has played 21. H5+7)
R8=7 R7=9 (The position is now almost level with just a small advantage for Red...)
H7+6 (If... P9+1 then ...R1=3... and the red pieces are as much tied down as Black's...) P1+1
H6+5!? (The alternative is to go for a win with P5+1 P5+1, H6-4 K6=5, H4+5; or P7+1 R9=4, H6+8 H3-2; in each case leading to a small red advantage; but Red... does not make the attempt to win.) H3+5
R7=5 P9+1
R5=4 K6=5
R4-1 P9+1
R4=2 C8=7
R2=9 R9=5
R9-1 R5-1
R9=3 C7-2
R3-2 R5=7
E5+3 1/2-1/2
From Issue 27:
Chris Hann - Paul Byway
H2+3 P7+1
C2=1 C8=5
R1=2 H8+7
H8+7 R9+1
E7+5 H2+3
C8+2 P3+1
R2+4 H7+6
P7+1 P3+1
R2=7 H3+4
H7+6 C5+4
A6+5 C5-1
H6-7 C5=2
H7+8 (Peter Wood: Honors to Black in the opening. Red's 10. H7+6 loses the valuable center pawn...) H6+7
C1-1 (...as well as the 3rd file pawn.) E3+5? (Paul Byway: ...C2=7 was far superior.)
C1=3 H7-6
R9=6 H6+5
H3+5 H4+5
R7=5 H5+7
R5+2 A6+5 (PW: ...Red has taken the initiative and won back the central pawn.)
R6+4 P1+1 (PW: ...R9=8, intending ...R8+7, looks a promising idea.)
H8+6 R1=3
H6+4 C2+7
K5=6 R3+9
K6+1 C2-1
C3+4 R9=8
C3=8 R3-1
K6-1 C2=5
A4+5 H7+5 (PW: Not ...R3=5, for Red mates following C8+4)
C8+4 R3-8
K6=5 H5-3 (PB: Things started to go wrong after this move...)
R6-2 H3-1
C8-1 R3+1
C8+1 R3-1
C8-2 C3=2
C8-1 H1-3??
E5+7 P1+1
E7-5 P1=2
R6+2 R2=1
R5=6 P2+1
-R=3 R1+9
R6-6 R1=4
K5=6 R8=7 (PB: I missed ...A5+6, which would have blocked the knight check and freed king and rook.)
C8+3 E5-3
R3+5 A5-6
H4+6 R6=4
R3-2 E6+5
K6=5 R4+1
R3+2 A5-6
R3-6 P2+1
R3=5 A6+5
E5+3 R4=2
R5+5 1-0
From Issue 29:
Andrew Pereira - Peter Wood
C8=5 C2=5
H8+7 H2+3
R9=8 R1+1
R8+6 P3+1!? (Either ...P7+1 or ...R1=6 is normal here...)
C5+4!? A6+5 (...H3+5, R8=5 H8+7, R5-2 also seems quite okay)
C5-2 C5+1
C2=3 H8+7 (...C8=5 is more consistent)
C3+4!? (This looks greedy. Straight development is probably better.) H3+4
R8=9 R1=2 (Red is three soldiers up, but Black has a lot of initiative.) (PW: ...[Xu Juenmin] said that pawns are worth much less than the initiative. I was taking his advice to the extreme!)
R9=7 E7+5
H2+3 R2+6 (The initiative is starting to tell)
R1=2 R9=8
H3-5 (This passive setup is frequently seen in novice games, less in master games. It is okay if you can soon move your horse away, but frequently fatal if you can't!) H4+3
C5=3!? E5+7 (...R2=3!?, R7=5! H7+5, H5+7 and Red has brighter prospects...)
R7-1!? R2=3
-C=7 (Looks lethat... but...) E3+5
R7=5 (C7-2!? [R7=3!? is similar to the game] ...E5+3, C7+3 E7-5, C7=5 is rather unclear...) C8+2
R5=3 R3+2 (Intending ...H3+1 and ...H1+3.)
C7-4 (Novag [top level] plays R3=2!? when ...R8+4, R2+5 H3+2 [...H3+1 C7=6!] R2=6 R3-4 is unclear...) H3+1!! (The mundane ...R3=2 [Novag} is unclear again.)
R3=6 C8=5!
R2+9 H7-8
E3+5 (If C7+2 -C+3, C7=5 +C=3! and Black wins.) -C+3
0-1 (If R6-3 then ...H1+3, R6-1 -C+3. Even after the desperate C7+9 E5-3, C3=5 +C-3 Red is still perfectly paralyzed, and has only delayd mate.)
From Issue 31
P7+1 C2=3
C2=5 E7+5 (Pawn versus Short Cannon opening: I could find no example of ...E7+5... but ...E3+5, H2+3 P3+1, R1=2 P3+1, H8+9 is quite common.)
H8+9 H2+1
R9=7 R1+1
H2+3 (interesting that Red declines to win three paywns with C5+4 A4+5, C5=9 R1=4, C9=3) R1=4
R1=2 P1+1
A6+5 A6+5
C8=6 R4+3 (Black persists in offering the center pawn for more active pieces—and Red declines...)
P5+1 P3+1
R2+4 H8+6
P5+1 P5+1
P7+1 E5+3 (...R4=3, C6+6 looks embarrassing.)
R2=4 R9=6
R8+3 E3-5
C6=7 H1+3
C7+5 C8=3
C5=4 P5+1
R4=5 (Discretion. Red would not enjoy R4+2 H3+4, R8=6 R4=3... C4+6 C3-1...) H6+8
R5-1 P7+1
C4=6 R6+4
E3+5 R4+1
R5+3 R6=3
R8=5 P9+1
+R=2 H8-7 (Black has pinned back the red knights... Now it's time to improve the coordination of the black knights.)
R2=5 H7+6
+R-2 R4=5
R5+1 H3+5
R5-1 C3+1 (This is very instructive. Keeping everything tight, Black now improves the cannon's prospects.)
C6+2 C3=7
H3-2 C7=9
H2+3 H6+8
C6=5 H8+6
R5=8 C9=7
R8=4 H6+7
H3-1 P7+1
H1+2 C7=5
H9+7 C5=3
H7=8 R3+4 (Switching back to the right and cramping the knight...)
H8+7 C3=2
H2+1 C2+3
H7+6 C2+3
A5-6 P7=6
R4=3 P6=5
R3=7 R3=4 (Black breaks into the palace by threatening to win a knight. R3=8 C2=1, R8-3 C1-1 [threat ...R3-4])
H6+8 R4+1
K5+1 P5=6
H8+7 K5=6
R7=2 H5+4
1-0 (K5=4 R4=6)
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