The Opposite Palace Cannon is a distinctive first-move choice. It does not fight down the centre; it slides a cannon across to the other side, concentrates pieces, and creates a local superiority. Knowing it makes your opening repertoire much richer.

1. What it is

After the cannon comes out, Red slides it to the sixth file (or the fourth) — from one side of the palace "across" to the other. The effects:

  • two cannons, a chariot and a horse can be massed on one wing, creating local superiority;
  • it disrupts the opponent's usual patterns and fights for the initiative;
  • central options stay available and can be switched back to later.

2. Advantages and risks

Advantages:

  • a clear attacking direction from the concentration of pieces;
  • opponents unfamiliar with the line find it hard to answer;
  • combined with a soldier push, it creates lasting pressure on that wing.

Risks:

  • the other wing is comparatively empty and can be counter-attacked;
  • if the attack does not break through, concentration turns into crowding;
  • it demands good piece management and accurate timing.

3. Middlegame priorities

  1. Get the major pieces out fast so chariots and horses support the massed cannon;
  2. Use a soldier to open the road and free the horse on that side;
  3. Keep the other wing connected so the opponent cannot break through the weak side;
  4. Switch when needed — if the strong wing stalls, bring the pieces back to the centre.

4. How Black answers

  • hold the key squares on the wing Red has massed against, and avoid unnecessary trades;
  • target Red's weaker wing with horse and chariot;
  • do not let Red dictate the tempo; keep your own development moving.

5. A word of warning

The Opposite Palace Cannon is not a "winning" opening — its value is in disrupting normal patterns and creating an asymmetric position. Keep in mind:

  • do not shuffle pieces aimlessly on the strong wing;
  • if the attack stalls, switch to balanced development without delay;
  • drill it against the AI so you know your own most comfortable continuations.

Read next: the river-patrolling chariot and Elephant Opening guides.