Xiangqi Basic Opening

A Xiangqi Opening is a group of initial moves of a Xiangqi game. The main

objectives of opening play are to obtain the better position when playing as Red and
to equalize when playing as Black. The idea behind this is that playing first gives
Red a slight initial advantage.

During the opening, a player is to mobilize the pieces on useful intersection points
where there will have impact on the game.

The Xiangqi Basic Opening Principles are described as below.

Rapid development of Own Main Pieces

Chariot, horse and cannon are the main pieces of Xiangqi. A player should always
move their main pieces on board where it can control as many as intersection points
as possible.

As an example below, Black uses “Blind Dog Gambit” opening variation to develop
his main pieces rapidly.

Diagram 255 Diagram 256

1. P7+1 P3+1

Diagram 255- Black plans to sacrifice his pawn for rapid development of main
pieces.

2. P7+1 E3+5 3. P7+1 …………

176