Does it just copy Red?

Mirroring keeps things equal, but Black can later deviate (e.g., with a counter-cannon) to seize the initiative.

Mirror Soldier (Dui Bing Ju)

兵三进一，卒7进1

The symmetric reply to Adjacent Soldier: both sides push a soldier, keeping the position balanced and the centre closed.

Mirror Soldier avoids early theory and leads to a quiet, maneuvering game. It is a safe choice for players who dislike forced lines.

Red's 兵三进一 starts the line.

Either side may later switch to 炮二平五.

Does it just copy Red?: Mirroring keeps things equal, but Black can later deviate (e.g., with a counter-cannon) to seize the initiative.