Lu Ban's Left A Corner Opening Skills

Lu Ban's "Left a Corner" (左角炮) is a traditional Chinese chess (Xiangqi) opening strategy where Red (the first player) places the cannon (炮) on the left corner (C3 in algebraic notation) instead of the more common central cannon (C2 or C8). This opening is less aggressive than the central cannon but offers flexibility and can transition into various structures. Here are some key skills and ideas behind this opening:

1. Basic Setup (Red's Perspective)

First Move: 炮二平三 (Cannon moves from C2 to C3, the "Left a Corner" position).
Follow-up: Typically develops other pieces (e.g., 马二进一 or 马八进七 for knight development) while keeping the cannon’s influence on the 3rd file.

2. Strategic Ideas

Flexibility: Unlike the central cannon, which commits to an early attack, the Left a Corner cannon allows for a more positional game, possibly transitioning into Screen Horses (屏风马) or other structures.
Control of the 3rd File: The cannon exerts pressure on Black’s 7th file (if Black plays 象3进5, Red can later consider 炮三进四 to exchange or disrupt Black’s structure).
Avoiding Symmetry: Since it’s an off-center opening, Black cannot directly mirror Red’s moves, leading to more varied middlegame positions.

3. Common Black Responses & Red’s Counterplay

Black’s 象3进5 (Elephant to center):
- Red may push 兵七进一 (advancing the 7th file pawn) or develop knights.
- If Black plays passively, Red can consider 炮三平七 (shifting the cannon to the 7th file for a more aggressive stance).
Black’s 炮8平5 (Centralizing cannon):
- Red can respond with 马八进七 (knight development) or 相七进五 (solidifying the center).
Black’s 马8进7 (Developing knight):

Red can prepare for a slow maneuvering game, possibly aiming for a "Three-Step Tiger" (三步虎) setup by moving the chariot (车) out early.

4. Transitioning to Middlegame

If Black overextends, Red can use the cannon to support pawn pushes (e.g., 兵三进一).
The cannon on C3 can later shift to join attacks (e.g., 炮三平七 or 炮三平一 for flank threats).