Endgame continuation 16
Endgame continuation 16. Xiangqi (Chinese chess), Black to play. Study 21 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 cannon · I7 → G7
The destination was empty. It does not give check. The opponent has 49 legal replies; compare piece coordination rather than counting checks alone. Before this move the same piece had 8 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
2. Red cannon · B4 → B1
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 14 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
3. Black elephant · C1 → A3
The destination was empty. It does not give check. The opponent has 47 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.
4. Red soldier · C3 → C2
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 3 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
Understand this position
10 ranks × 9 files · 13 red pieces · 13 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 (21 plies)
Coordinates match this board: letters left to right, row numbers from top to bottom. These are board coordinates, not traditional score notation.
- Black cannon
I7 → G7 - Red cannon
B4 → B1 - Black elephant
C1 → A3 - Red soldier
C3 → C2 - Black cannon
G7 → G10 - Red advisor
F10 → E9 - Black cannon
G10 → I10 - Red soldier
C2 → C1 - Black advisor
E2 → D1 - Red soldier
C1 → D1 - Black general
E1 → D1 - Red chariot
F2 → F1 - Black general
D1 → D2 - Red horse
D6 → E4 - Black horse
F6 → E4 - Red general
E10 → F10 - Black cannon
C7 → C9 - Red advisor
E9 → D8 - Black cannon
C9 → G9 - Red general
F10 → F9 - Black cannon
I10 → I9