No. 194: Traps Set at Every Step
"No. 194: Traps Set at Every Step" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Elegant Pastimes (Shiqing Yaqu, 1570). Red moves first and wins in 6 moves; the key first move is R5+1. Below you will find the full solution, what each move achieves, where it could go wrong, and the alternative defences.
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Pieces on the board
Red has a General, 2 Chariots, a Horse. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Chariots, 2 Horses, 2 Cannons, a Soldier.
Solution move by move
- 1. Red R5+1Why it works
- Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
- Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for1. Black K4+11. Black K4+1 - 2. Red R5=6Why 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 for- Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
2. Black H2-42. Black H2-4 - 3. Red H4+5Why it works
- Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
- Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for3. Black A4+53. Black A4+5 - 4. Red R1+2Why it works
- Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
- Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for4. Black C8+14. Black C8+1 - 5. Red R1=2Why it works
- Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
- Wins material: takes the Cannon.
- Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
- Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for5. Black R6-15. Black R6-1 - 6. Red R2=4Why it works
- Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
- Wins material: takes the Chariot.
What to watch out for6. Red R2=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.
- 3. Black A4+5
- If Black plays C8=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays A6+5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- 4. Black C8+1
- If Black plays R6-1 instead: Red mates immediately with R1=4. Try it on the board
Final position
Red wins after 6 moves. The General has no legal move.
Questions about this puzzle
Who moves first in "No. 194: Traps Set at Every Step"?
Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Elegant Pastimes (Shiqing Yaqu, 1570).
How many moves does the solution take?
6 moves. The main line is shown above; alternative defences are covered in the variations section.
What is the key move?
The first move R5+1 starts the combination. Everything that follows depends on it.
Can I play this position myself?
Yes. Open it on ChessZing, where the board checks your moves and shows the solution if you get stuck.
Nearby puzzles
- No. 191: Comforting the Officers and Men
- No. 192: Hearts Bound Across Two Places
- No. 193: Equal Merit, Equal Rank
- No. 195: Fine Steed Hauling a Salt Cart
- No. 196: Snow Blocks the Blue Pass
- No. 197: Casting One's Life at the Enemy's Gate
More from Elegant Pastimes (Shiqing Yaqu, 1570) →
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