Shiqing Yaqu · Study 9
Shiqing Yaqu · Study 9. Xiangqi (Chinese chess), Red to play. Study 19 reference plies, try both sides and branch from the replay.
Site coordinates run A–I left to right and 1–10 top to bottom; A1 is the top-left intersection.
Read the position, one decision at a time
Try the position first, then open the notes. They explain measurable changes in the reference, not every possible variation.
Reveal step-by-step explanations
1. Red horse · I4 → H2
The destination was empty. Its horse-leg point I3 is empty; a piece there would block this jump. It gives check. The defender has 2 legal replies in this position; inspect the actual reply before assuming a win. Before this move the same piece had 4 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
2. Black general · F1 → E1
The destination was empty. It does not give check. The opponent has 50 legal replies; compare piece coordination rather than counting checks alone. Before this move the same piece had 2 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
3. Red horse · H2 → F3
It captures the advisor. Its horse-leg point G2 is empty; a piece there would block this jump. It gives check. The defender has 2 legal replies in this position; inspect the actual reply before assuming a win. Before this move the same piece had 4 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
4. Black general · E1 → E2
The destination was empty. It does not give check. The opponent has 53 legal replies; compare piece coordination rather than counting checks alone. Before this move the same piece had 2 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
Understand this position
10 ranks × 9 files · 8 red pieces · 10 black pieces
Before moving, locate both generals and check open files, cannon screens and blocked horse legs. Try a legal move on the board, then examine the reply rather than assuming the first check wins. The reference is one continuation to compare, not an evaluation of every possible branch.
Read the reference line (19 plies)
Coordinates match this board: letters left to right, row numbers from top to bottom. These are board coordinates, not traditional score notation.
- Red horse
I4 → H2 - Black general
F1 → E1 - Red horse
H2 → F3 - Black general
E1 → E2 - Red horse
F3 → D4 - Black general
E2 → F2 - Red chariot
H10 → H2 - Black general
F2 → F1 - Red chariot
H2 → H1 - Black general
F1 → F2 - Red horse
D4 → C2 - Black advisor
D1 → E2 - Red horse
C2 → E3 - Black advisor
E2 → D3 - Red chariot
H1 → F1 - Black general
F2 → E2 - Red cannon
I7 → E7 - Black general
E2 → E3 - Red soldier
D5 → E5