Master classic endgame patterns and winning technique: chariot-horse, chariot-cannon and horse-cannon mates plus drawn fortresses — with replayable boards to practise each one.
A lone horse against a lone advisor is a textbook win. This guide explains why it is winning, the key plan and the standard technique, so you never again throw away a won endgame.
Read more →A lone chariot against both advisors and both elephants is one of the classic drawn endgames in xiangqi. This guide explains the defensive structure, why the extra chariot cannot break through, and the correct plans for both sides.
Read more →Earthworm Subdues the Dragon is one of the most widely circulated street xiangqi positions. Learn its structure, the trap hidden behind Red's apparent advantage, and the correct plans for both sides.
Read more →Cannon plus a high soldier against full advisors and elephants is a classic 'clever win' endgame. This guide explains why the soldier's height matters, how cannon and soldier crack the shell, and the right order of play.
Read more →The double chariot mate is one of the most practical mates in Chinese chess: two chariots check alternately on different lines so the defender can never cover both. Learn the conditions and the finishing sequence.
Read more →Cannon behind the horse is one of the most famous mates in Chinese chess: the horse seals the general's escapes while the cannon checks over a screen from behind it. Learn the structure, the standard sequence and how to break it.
Read more →The Iron Bolt is a classic chariot-and-cannon mate: the cannon holds the centre file so the general cannot step inward, and the chariot checks down the rib file. Learn the structure, the sequence and how to break it.
Read more →The crouching horse lands on the vital square at the side of the palace and checks the general directly. Combined with chariot or cannon it mates fast. Learn the square, the mating structure and how to defend.
Read more →The fishing horse lands on a square that controls the general's sideways movement, so the chariot or cannon can finish the job. Learn the landing squares, the mating structure and how to prevent it.
Read more →The Side Tiger is the classic chariot-and-horse mate: the horse seals the general's escape squares on the flank while the chariot checks from the side. Learn the structure, the typical sequence and how to defend against it.
Read more →Heaven and Earth Cannons is a double-cannon mate: one cannon holds the centre file, the other drops to the opponent's back rank, squeezing the palace from above and below. Learn the structure and how to defend.
Read more →The double cannon means two cannons stacked on the same line, the front one acting as a screen so the rear one fires straight into the palace. Learn the structure, the standard sequence and how to defend.
Read more →The Bold Heart-Piercer is the classic sacrifice: a chariot crashes into the centre advisor, tearing a hole in the palace so the follow-up attack can finish. Learn when it works, the standard sequence and the risks.
Read more →Two Ghosts at the Gate means two soldiers arriving on both sides of the enemy palace at once, working with a chariot or cannon to mate. Learn the structure, the order of advance and how to defend against it.
Read more →Two Horses Drinking is the mate where both horses work together: one holds the squares, the other checks, and they take turns until the general has no move left. A rare case of mating with minor pieces alone.
Read more →Three Pieces on One Wing means massing chariot, horse and cannon on the same side of the board and breaking through with local superiority. Learn the conditions, the attacking order and the risks.
Read more →A 'quiet move' is a move that looks unremarkable but hides a lethal follow-up. Chariot-and-horse play produces them more often than any other pairing. Learn the hallmarks, how to spot them and how to use them.
Read more →An 'old soldier' is one that has reached the enemy back rank. It can no longer advance, yet it seals the general's escape squares and supports chariot or cannon mates. Learn how to use it.
Read more →Sacrificing to break through means giving up one or more pieces to tear open the defence and create a mating attack. Learn the criteria, the common forms and how to control the risk.
Read more →In endgames you are often one move from winning, and that move is a 'waiting move' that seems to do nothing. This guide explains what waiting moves and tempo shifts do, when to use them, and how they turn advantages into wins.
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