---
title: "What Is 順炮 (Shun Pao) in Xiangqi? · Xiangqi Master"
description: "順炮 is when both players put a cannon on the central file from the same side of the board, giving a symmetrical and very sharp game."
url: https://xiangqimaster.com/blog/what-is-shun-pao
updated: 2026-09-22
source: Xiangqi Master (https://xiangqimaster.com)
license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
---

# What is 順炮 (same direction cannons)?

These answers restate the rules implemented by our open-source engine, which follows the WXF laws and is regression-tested against the official 110-diagram repetition casebook. Where an answer refers to a specific position, that position lives on the linked reference page, where the build verifies it against the engine before publishing.

> Direct answer
>
> **順炮** happens when Red plays a central cannon and Black answers with a central cannon **from the same side**. Both end up on the central file pointing at each other with only soldiers between. The position is **symmetrical and extremely sharp**, and Red's extra move usually means Red attacks first.

## Why symmetry makes it dangerous

Every tactic Red finds, Black has too — one move later. In a position where both sides attack the same points, that single move is worth a great deal. The player who copies moves without understanding them loses to a tactic that arrives one tempo early.

## 順炮 or 列炮

Placing the cannon on the same side gives 順炮 and a symmetrical race. Placing it on the other side gives **列炮**, an unbalanced game where the two players attack on different wings. Neither is better; most players learn one and stay with it.

## Related questions

Is 順炮 good for beginners?

Instructive, because symmetry makes tempo obvious. Also unforgiving — one slow move hands over the attack.

Should I trade the central cannons?

Only for a concrete reason. Trading releases the tension and usually helps whoever was worse.

## Related xiangqi resources

Same direction cannons

順炮 — the sharpest symmetrical opening

The Central Cannon

The most played first move in the game

Xiangqi openings

The opening reference

## Try it on a real board

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