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World Xiangqi Rules · 2018

Real Root and Fake Root: can the defender recapture?

A protector is a Real Root when it can immediately recapture the enemy piece that captures the protected piece (19.14). If it cannot legally make that recapture, it is a Fake Root (19.15). A pinned defender can look protective while being unable to move.

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Quick answer

Test the protection

  1. Identify the proposed capture on the target.
  2. Imagine that capture completed on the board.
  3. Test the defender's immediate recapture, including King safety.
  4. Return to the actual sequence and apply Article 20.6 with its exceptions.

Diagram 30

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WXF 2018 · Chapter 5 · §12 · Diagram 30

Diagram 83

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WXF 2018 · Chapter 5 · §29 · Diagram 83

Diagram 86

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WXF 2018 · Chapter 5 · §30 · Diagram 86

Nearly the same picture, different ruling

Compare Diagrams 30 and 83. The Cannon and Elephant geometry looks similar, but the King-file arrangement changes whether the Elephant can recapture. In Diagram 83, moving the Elephant exposes the King to the Red Cannon. That protector is a Fake Root; Red must vary the forbidden chase.

FAQ

Does a second defender automatically make a piece safe from perpetual chase?

Only a legally available immediate recapture establishes a real root. Even then, the piece-type exceptions and the whole cycle must be considered.

Source and scope

According to World XiangQi Rules · World Xiangqi Federation · 2018. Article 19.13–19.15; 20.6; Chapter 5 §§12,29–30.

These guides explain the WXF 2018 rules. They do not replace the official rules or the regulations of your event.

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