Through theoretical analysis,simulation test and practice,the law of a fracture\'s influence on hard top coal press cracking was studied.The study focused on the relation between fracture and coal strength,top coal caving ability and work face layout.Based on the investigation of the fracture system,the control of press cracking was achieved by matching working face to fracture orientation to improve top-coal caving ability and recov-ery.The matching principle was pointed out: The top-coal caving working face should be perpendicular to or obliquely cross the primary fracture at a large angle,and cross the secondary fracture at a small angle.The rational match can increase the recovery ratio of top-coal and avoid rib spalling.The application of control technology on hard top coal press cracking was introduced at the Iongwall top-coal caving face.