From: Nick Bardsley <nbardsley <at> ICC <dot> CO <dot> UK>
Date: 2 dec 1999
Subject: Re: CHU: Black's quick attack on 5th file (really)

I was hoping to provoke discussion with the more experienced Chu
players out there.

I hope they weigh in soon. In the meantime, there is such a thing as
serendipity...particularly as I can suggest things that might seem/are =
foolish
(such as my focusing on 8d, hence taking two extra moves with the Kylin)
without any loss of face

1) If White is going to play like this, then he should not move the
Lion at all. Simply Ky-6d followed by Ky-7e is two moves faster. See
historical game 1 in MSM. This aims at a quick attack by white on file =
8.

Well, D'oh! As I said, mesmerised by 8d.

Black's opening strategy is an outstanding success if play
goes along these lines. [Kylin exchange]

That's a useful lesson.

White MUST do better.

Well look. Again as a beginner, it strikes me that the development seen =
is all very well for
Black but, if your strategy is strong (and it seems to be at the =
moment), all wrong for White;
just playing, mechanically, into Black's hands.
It seems to me that your strategy, if good, is signalled by Black =
playing the high Lion (that is
posting it on 6g, yes?) - yes, I realise many other lines can adopted =
after this, but I'm
assuming it is known that your strategy is powerful and is therefore =
most likely to be
adopted.

Well, in the case of such a signal, what is wrong (probably a lot, but =
there we are) with the
following, rough, sequence:

3. Ln-6g DK-5d
4. ... DK-6e

I can't see (blinded again?) how Black can stop this threat. (I take on =
board the need for development of the Phoenix [which can happen anyway =
when Black's Lion retreats] - but
as you say, White MUST do better...and that means trying stuff that =
seems crazy
on the face of it].

I'll make this my last suggestion (I have just got to play out the =
historical games, etc.)

The Chu Grandees have the floor.... ;-]

Nick Bardsley