---
title: "Same Direction Cannons (順炮) in Xiangqi · Xiangqi Master"
description: "Both sides put a cannon on the central file from the same side of the board. The sharpest symmetrical opening in xiangqi, and why the extra move decides it."
url: https://xiangqimaster.com/openings/same-direction-cannons
updated: 2026-09-07
source: Xiangqi Master (https://xiangqimaster.com)
license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
---

# Same direction cannons (順炮)

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

## The position

Red plays C2=5 and Black answers with the cannon from the matching side. Both central cannons now sit on the same file, each aiming at the other's general, with only soldiers between them.

順炮. Red to move, and the position is completely symmetrical.

Two cannons on the central file. Every capture one side finds is available to the other, one move later.

> Diagram: Xiangqi position. Red: soldier a3, soldier c3, soldier e3, soldier g3, soldier i3, cannon b2, cannon e2, chariot a0, horse b0, elephant c0, advisor d0, general e0, advisor f0, elephant g0, horse h0, chariot i0. Black: chariot a9, horse b9, elephant c9, advisor d9, general e9, advisor f9, elephant g9, horse h9, chariot i9, cannon b7, cannon e7, soldier a6, soldier c6, soldier e6, soldier g6, soldier i6. Red to move.

## Why symmetry makes it sharp

A symmetrical position sounds safe and is the opposite. Every tactic Red finds, Black has too, and the only difference is that Red moves first. That single move is worth a great deal in a position where both sides are attacking the same points.

In practice this means the player who understands the resulting middlegame better wins, and the player who copies moves without understanding them loses to a tactic that arrives one move early.

## Same direction against opposite direction

Black has a choice when meeting a central cannon with a central cannon. Placing it on the same side of the board gives 順炮, the position above. Placing it on the other side gives 列炮, which is less symmetrical and leads to unbalanced play where both sides attack on different wings.

Neither is better. 順炮 rewards precise calculation in a sharp symmetrical race. 列炮 rewards understanding of which wing matters. Most players learn one and stay with it.

## Common mistakes

#### Copying moves because the position is symmetrical

Symmetry breaks the moment there is a tactic, and the player to move gets it first. Stop copying before that point, not after.

#### Trading cannons to simplify

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

#### Ignoring the wings

Both sides are looking at the centre, so the chariots decide the game. Whoever gets a chariot into play first is usually winning.

## Related questions

What is 順炮 in xiangqi?

Same direction cannons, an opening where both players put a cannon on the central file from the same side of the board. It is one of the oldest and sharpest openings in the game.

What is the difference between 順炮 and 列炮?

Which side Black's central cannon comes from. Same side gives 順炮 and a symmetrical, sharp game. The other side gives 列炮, an unbalanced game where the two players attack on different wings.

Is 順炮 good for beginners?

It is instructive, because the symmetry makes it obvious when a tempo matters. It is also unforgiving, since a single slow move hands the opponent the attack. Learn [opening principles](https://xiangqimaster.com/learn/opening-principles) alongside it.

## Related xiangqi resources

The Central Cannon

The move that starts it

Screen Horses

The other main defence

All openings

The opening reference

## Put it into practice

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