The horse reaches the centre via a zig-zag (bent) route rather than the direct file, hence the name.

Bent-Foot Horse (Guai Jiao Ma)

马二进三，马三进四

An old, attacking horse system where the horse advances in a bent path toward the centre, supporting a quick pawn storm.

Strategic Ideas

Bent-Foot Horse is for aggressive players who want an early central knight and fast attacks. It needs precise follow-up to avoid overextension.

Red may open 炮二平五 to support the knight.

Black answers 马8进7 + 马2进3.

Why "bent foot"?: The horse reaches the centre via a zig-zag (bent) route rather than the direct file, hence the name.

Horse Opening (Qi Ma Ju) 马二进三（或马八进七）Anti-Palace Horse (Fan Gong Ma) 炮8平6，马8进7，马2进3 Single Horse (Dan Ti Ma) 马二进三，马八进九 Side Horse (Bian Ma Ju) 马八进九