Screen Horses (屏風馬)
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Direct answer
Screen Horses (屏風馬) develops both horses to the points in front of the advisors, where they defend the central soldier and each other — a screen across the centre. It is the principal defence to the Central Cannon and the most reliable answer at every level of play.
The formation
The name is literal: the two horses stand side by side like a folding screen (屏風) in front of the general. Step through the sequence to reach it.
Press “Next move” to see the first horse arrive.
Xiangqi position. Red: soldier a3, soldier c3, soldier e3, soldier g3, soldier i3, cannon b2, cannon h2, 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 h7, soldier a6, soldier c6, soldier e6, soldier g6, soldier i6. Red to move.
Why it works
The formation solves several problems with one idea:
- The central soldier is defended, which is what the Central Cannon attacks first.
- The horses defend each other, so neither can be won by a simple attack.
- Their legs stay clear. Because a xiangqi horse can be blocked, where you put horses matters more than in chess. These points keep both mobile.
- It leaves the chariots free to develop along the back rank without further preparation.
The trade-off is that it is a genuinely defensive system. Black accepts a slightly passive position in return for a structure that is very hard to break down, and looks to counter once Red's attack has run its course.
Common mistakes
Blocking your own horses' legs
The whole point of the formation is two mobile horses. A soldier or advisor move that hobbles one undoes it — check the leg points before every quiet move.
Staying passive forever
Screen Horses is a defence, not a plan to do nothing. Once Red's attack stalls, Black must counter — usually on the wing where Red has committed fewest pieces.
Trading off a screen horse for no reason
The horses defend each other; removing one leaves the other loose and the centre thin.
Related questions
What is Screen Horses in xiangqi?
A defensive formation in which both horses are developed to the points in front of the advisors, defending the central soldier and each other. It is the main reply to the Central Cannon.
Is Screen Horses good for beginners?
Very. It gives you a clear structure to aim for against the most common opening you will face, and the pieces end up on good points almost automatically.
What is the difference between Screen Horses and Same-Direction Cannons?
Screen Horses answers the Central Cannon with horse development; Same-Direction Cannons answers it with a cannon on the same wing. Screen Horses is more solid; the cannon systems are sharper and more double-edged.