Why patrol the river?

A river cannon can capture encroaching soldiers and support a horse crossing, giving Red a calm but useful post.

River Patrol Cannon (Xun He Pao)

炮二平五，炮八进二

A gentle Central Cannon setup where the left cannon advances just to the river, ready to defend or exchange. Great for beginners who want a safe, flexible start.

Strategic Ideas

River Patrol Cannon trades early aggression for control of the river line, making it easy to steer into many transpositions.

Common Replies

Screen Horses

Black answers 马8进7 + 马2进3.

River Chariot

Red plays 车一平二 then 车二进四 to patrol the river too.

FAQ

Why patrol the river?: A river cannon can capture encroaching soldiers and support a horse crossing, giving Red a calm but useful post.

Related Openings

Central Cannon 炮二平五 Identical Cannons (Shun Pao) 炮二平五，炮8平5 Cross Cannons (Lie Pao) 炮二平五，炮2平5 Cross Palace Cannon (Guo Gong Pao) 炮二平六

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