Opposite Cannon is Black's other way of meeting the Central Cannon head on. Where Same-Direction Cannon has both cannons facing the same way, here Black's cannon faces Red's, which makes the struggle for the centre even more direct.

1. The shape

After Red plays Cannon 2 to 5, Black plays the cannon to the centre file from the other side. This:

  • creates equal pressure in the centre, so Red cannot own it unopposed;
  • sidesteps the heavy theory of Screen Horse and Reverse Palace Horse in favour of a straightforward fight;
  • keeps both wings flexible for whichever wing Black chooses to attack.

2. Differences from the alternatives

  • Versus Same-Direction Cannon — same-direction has the cannons parallel; opposite has them facing. The attacking directions change, and so do the routes Black's horses and chariots take.
  • Versus Screen Horse — the Screen Horse defends first and counters later; Opposite Cannon fights from move one, faster and sharper.

Which to choose is a matter of style and preparation.

3. Red's priorities

  1. Develop both chariots quickly and use the open files to constrain Black;
  2. Never let the centre fall — use horses and soldiers to protect the centre soldier;
  3. Use the first-move advantage — Red should be the one choosing the attacking direction;
  4. Avoid pointless checking sequences, which are easy to fall into in this opening.

4. Black's priorities

  • keep the centre cannon pressing Red's centre to gain time;
  • get the horses and chariots out and keep everything connected;
  • look for the wing where Red has not yet developed, and attack there.

5. A warning

Opposite Cannon is a "one fight decides it" opening with a low margin for error:

  • check the safety of your centre on every move;
  • do not grab a small soldier and hand over the initiative;
  • when the position equalises, accept the simplification instead of drifting into chaos.

Learn one fixed move order first, then expand. Drill the same opening against the AI until the middlegame rhythms are familiar.

Read next: the Same-Direction Cannon and Central Cannon guides.