No. 117: Bend the Chimney, Move the Firewood

Pieces on the board

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

Solution move by move

1. 1. Red R8=2 (sacrifices the Chariot)

   Why it works–

   What to watch out for

   • Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
   • Not forcing: the defender has 33 replies, so compare each one before playing it.

   1. Black R8+5 (captures the Chariot)

2. 2. Red C8+7 (check, the General has no escape square)

   Why it works

   • Takes away the General's escape squares.

   What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.

   2. Black E3+1

3. 3. Red R6+1 (check, sacrifices the Chariot, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply)

   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.

   What to watch out for

   • Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.

   3. Black K5=4 (captures the Chariot)

4. 4. Red P6+1 (check, the only legal reply)

   Why it works

   • Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.

   What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.

   4. Black K4=5

5. 5. Red P6+1 (checkmate)

   Why it works

   • Ends the game: no legal reply remains.

   What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.

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 R8+5
  • If Black plays C9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays C9=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays C9=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays C9=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays C9-1 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
• 2. Black E3+1
  • If Black plays A5-4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board

Final position

Nearby puzzles

• No. 114: Walking the Path with Steadfast Sincerity
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• No. 115: Tilling at Shen, Awaiting the Call
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• No. 116: Emperor Ming Tours the Palace
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• No. 118: Many Advisors, None Can Reach
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• No. 119: Strength to Match Ten Thousand
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• No. 120: Treasures Smashed in the Casket
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