The edge palace
The edge palace. Xiangqi (Chinese chess), Red to play. Study 1 reference ply, 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.
Why the finish works
Compare the finish and the defensive replies
At the palace edge, rebuild the checklist
In “The edge palace”, Black’s general starts on D1 and Red’s chariots on A2 and I3. The soldier and Red general stay in their previous places. Black’s adjacent palace squares are now E1 and D2. C1 is on the board but outside the palace.
After I3–I1, the checking chariot covers E1 and the chariot on A2 covers D2. The same division of duties works with a different set of escapes. Before revealing the reference, name the square covered by each chariot. “This wins” is an outcome; “this covers E1 and that covers D2” is an explanation you can transfer to another position.
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 chariot · I3 → I1
The destination was empty. The opposing general is in check and has no legal reply: this position is checkmate. Before this move the same piece had 17 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
Understand this position
10 ranks × 9 files · 4 red pieces · 1 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 (1 plies)
Coordinates match this board: letters left to right, row numbers from top to bottom. These are board coordinates, not traditional score notation.
- Red chariot
I3 → I1