The Cannon
📋 What it is
The Cannon moves like a Chariot but can only CAPTURE by jumping over exactly one piece (a "screen").
🗣️ Coach says
The Cannon is the game's unique piece. It moves in straight lines like a Chariot — but to CAPTURE, it must leap over exactly one piece (of either colour) to hit the target beyond. No screen, no capture. This "jump-to-capture" makes the Cannon tricky and dangerous.
🧠 Memory hook
Moves like a Chariot, captures only by jumping ONE screen piece.
😂 Giggle
Why did the Chariot love open files?
Because like a rook, it charges straight down clear lines!
😲 Whoa!
The Cannon's jump-to-capture is unlike anything in Western chess — it makes threats that appear from behind other pieces, so beginners are constantly surprised by it.
✅ Quick check: What does a Cannon need in order to CAPTURE an enemy piece?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
Exactly one piece (a "screen") between it and the target to jump over — with no screen, it can move but cannot capture.
The Cannon captures only by leaping a single screen piece.
🪄 Trick question: Can a Cannon capture an enemy piece standing right next to it with nothing in between?
Careful — think it through, then reveal.
No — with no screen to jump, the Cannon cannot capture; it needs exactly one piece in between.
A Cannon requires a single screen to capture, so an adjacent target is safe.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Set a Cannon, a screen piece, and a target in a line. Confirm the Cannon can only take by jumping the screen.