◇ Just read — no move neededThe one commandment
The opening has one commandment: bring the chariots, horses and cannons out fast (尽快出动大子). Xiangqi is a race — the side whose heavy pieces reach active squares first chooses where the fight happens. Every idle pawn push or aimless general move hands that choice to the opponent. Ask of each move one question: which big piece does it develop, and which road does it open?