Endgame continuation 8
Endgame continuation 8. Xiangqi (Chinese chess), Black to play. Study 11 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 · F1 → G1
The destination was empty. It does not give check. The opponent has 30 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.
2. Red chariot · E1 → G1
It captures the cannon. It does not give check. The opponent has 22 legal replies; compare piece coordination rather than counting checks alone. Before this move the same piece had 13 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
3. Black general · F2 → E2
The destination was empty. It does not give check. The opponent has 34 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 advisor · E9 → D8
The destination was empty. It does not give check. The opponent has 23 legal replies; compare piece coordination rather than counting checks alone. Before this move the same piece had 4 legal destinations; other legal moves are not thereby proved equally strong.
Understand this position
10 ranks × 9 files · 4 red pieces · 4 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 (11 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
F1 → G1 - Red chariot
E1 → G1 - Black general
F2 → E2 - Red advisor
E9 → D8 - Black chariot
B7 → B9 - Red general
D9 → D10 - Black soldier
F9 → F10 - Red cannon
I9 → E9 - Black soldier
F10 → E10 - Red general
D10 → E10 - Black chariot
B9 → B10