Endgame continuation 15
Endgame continuation 15. Xiangqi (Chinese chess), Black to play. Study 17 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. Black chariot · H4 → H10
The destination was empty. It gives check. The defender has 3 legal replies in this position; inspect the actual reply before assuming a win. Before this move the same piece had 13 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
2. Red cannon · F5 → F10
The destination was empty. It does not give check. The opponent has 29 legal replies; compare piece coordination rather than counting checks alone. Before this move the same piece had 1 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
3. Black general · E1 → F1
The destination was empty. It does not give check. The opponent has 28 legal replies; compare piece coordination rather than counting checks alone. Before this move the same piece had 1 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
4. Red advisor · E9 → F8
The destination was empty. It gives check. The defender has 4 legal replies in this position; inspect the actual reply before assuming a win. 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 · 12 red pieces · 12 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 (17 plies)
Coordinates match this board: letters left to right, row numbers from top to bottom. These are board coordinates, not traditional score notation.
- Black chariot
H4 → H10 - Red cannon
F5 → F10 - Black general
E1 → F1 - Red advisor
E9 → F8 - Black cannon
I10 → F10 - Red horse
A4 → B2 - Black cannon
B1 → B3 - Red chariot
B10 → B4 - Black cannon
F10 → D10 - Red general
E10 → E9 - Black chariot
H10 → H3 - Red chariot
B4 → C4 - Black cannon
B3 → B9 - Red chariot
C4 → B4 - Black chariot
H3 → H9 - Red general
E9 → E10 - Black cannon
D10 → A10