Why do I keep losing in the opening?
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
Almost always one of three: moving the same piece repeatedly, leaving both chariots at home, or developing while ignoring a concrete threat. None of them is an opening-theory problem, which is why studying more theory does not fix them.
The tempo test
Count your developed pieces against your opponent's on move ten. If you have moved a cannon three times and they have two horses and a chariot in play, you are lost on tempo whatever the material says — and the punishment arrives around move fifteen.
Answer threats, then develop
Development is not an excuse to ignore a threat. The order is: what did their last move attack, then what is my most useful reply. A player who develops through a Central Cannon's threat to the central soldier finds their own general's file open a few moves later.
Related questions
Would learning more theory help?
Not at this stage. Four or five moves plus the plan is enough; the losses are coming from tempo and missed threats.
Should I switch openings?
No. Switching hides the problem. Keep the system and fix the habit.
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