Two horses but no cannon yet?

Exactly — Red delays the cannon to keep options open, a calm alternative to Cannon-first openings.

Double Horse (Shuang Zheng Ma)

马二进三，马八进七

A balanced horse-first system where Red brings out both "straight" horses, prioritising harmony and a solid base over early central control.

Double Horse builds a symmetrical, robust position. It suits players who like to complete development before committing to an attack.

Red may later play 炮二平五 to seize the centre.

Another calm, base-first alternative.

Two horses but no cannon yet?: Exactly — Red delays the cannon to keep options open, a calm alternative to Cannon-first openings.

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 Bent-Foot Horse (Guai Jiao Ma) 马二进三，马三进四