No. 19: Two Chariots Draw by Rule vs Chariot, Horse, Two Elephants and One Advisor

Pieces on the board

Red has a General, 2 Chariots. Black has a General, a Advisor, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, a Horse.

Solution move by move

1. 1. Red R7+4 (check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)

   Why it works

   • Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
   • Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
   • Takes away the General's escape squares.

   What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.

   1. Black A5-4

2. 2. Red R5=6

   Why it works–

   What to watch out for

   • Not forcing: the defender has 13 replies, so compare each one before playing it.

   2. Black K5=6

3. 3. Red R6+3

   Why it works–

   What to watch out for

   • Not forcing: the defender has 18 replies, so compare each one before playing it.

   3. Black R7+2

4. 4. Red R6=5 (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 22 replies, so compare each one before playing it.

   4. Black R7=4

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.

• 2. Black K5=6
  • If Black plays R7=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R7=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R7-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R7+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R7+2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R7+3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
• 3. Black R7+2
  • If Black plays H5-7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays H5+7 instead: Red mates immediately with R7=6. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays H5-3 instead: Red mates immediately with R7=6. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays H5+3 instead: Red mates immediately with R7=6. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays H5+6 instead: Red mates immediately with R7=6. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays H5+4 instead: Red mates immediately with R7=6. Try it on the board
• 4. Black R7=4
  • If Black plays R7=8 instead: Red mates immediately with R7=6. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R7=9 instead: Red mates immediately with R7=6. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R7=6 instead: Red mates immediately with R7=6. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R7=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R7=3 instead: Red mates immediately with R7=6. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R7=2 instead: Red mates immediately with R7=6. Try it on the board

Final position

Nearby puzzles

• No. 16: Two Chariots Draw by Rule vs Chariot with Full Advisors and Elephants
  2 moves
• No. 17: Two Chariots Draw by Rule vs Chariot, Two High Soldiers and Two Advisors
  5 moves
• No. 18: Two Chariots Draw by Rule vs Chariot, Horse, Two Advisors and One Elephant
  2 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. 1: Chariot and Low Soldier Draw by Rule vs Two High Soldiers with Full Advisors and Elephants
  4 moves

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