No. 1: Chariot and Low Soldier Draw by Rule vs Two High Soldiers with Full Advisors and Elephants

Pieces on the board

Red has a General, a Chariot, a Soldier. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, 2 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. 1. Red R8=2

   Why it works–

   What to watch out for

   • Not forcing: the defender has 10 replies, so compare each one before playing it.

   1. Black A5-6

2. 2. Red R2+3 (threatens mate next move)

   Why it works

   • Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.

   What to watch out for

   • Not forcing: the defender has 8 replies, so compare each one before playing it.

   2. Black A4+5

3. 3. Red P4=5 (captures the Advisor, check, sacrifices the Soldier)

   Why it works

   • Wins material: takes the Advisor.

   What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.

   3. Black K5+1 (captures the Soldier)

4. 4. Red R2=4 (captures the Advisor)

   Why it works

   • Wins material: takes the Advisor.

   What to watch out for

   • Not forcing: the defender has 9 replies, so compare each one before playing it.

   4. Black E3+1

Variations and alternative defences

What if Black defends differently? The alternatives below were checked with the rules engine; lines marked with a mating move lose at once, the others are worth trying on the analysis board.

• 1. Black A5-6
  • If Black plays P5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays P5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays P6+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays P6=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E5+7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E5+3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
• 2. Black A4+5
  • If Black plays P5+1 instead: Red mates immediately with R2=4. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays P5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with R2=4. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays P6+1 instead: Red mates immediately with R2=4. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays P6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with R2=4. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E5+7 instead: Red mates immediately with R2=4. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E5+3 instead: Red mates immediately with R2=4. Try it on the board
• 3. Black K5+1
  • If Black plays K5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with R2=4. Try it on the board
• 4. Black E3+1
  • If Black plays P5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays P5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays P6+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays P6=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E5-7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E5+7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board

Final position

Nearby puzzles

• No. 19: Two Chariots Draw by Rule vs Chariot, Horse, Two Elephants and One Advisor
  4 moves
• No. 20: Two Chariots Draw by Rule vs Chariot, Cannon, Two Elephants and One Advisor
  6 moves
• No. 21: Two Chariots Draw by Rule vs Chariot, Cannon and Two Advisors
  3 moves
• No. 2: Chariot and Low Soldier Draw by Rule vs Horse with Full Advisors and Elephants
  11 moves
• No. 3: Chariot and Low Soldier Draw by Rule vs Cannon with Full Advisors and Elephants
  10 moves
• No. 4: Chariot and Low Soldier Draw by Rule vs Cannon and Two Elephants
  4 moves

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