Rainbow Pierces the Sun

"Rainbow Pierces the Sun" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Xinwu Endgame Collection. Red moves first and wins in 25 moves; the key first move is -R=4. 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 Elephants, 2 Chariots, a Cannon, 3 Soldiers. Black has a General, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, 2 Cannons, 3 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red -R=4 (check, threatens mate next move, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for
The Chariot stands where it can be captured.
1. Black C1=6
1. Black C1=6
2. Red R1=6 (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 40 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Black C2=8 (captures the Soldier, threatens mate next move)
2. Black C2=8
3. Red R4-2 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Chariot.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 39 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Chariot stands where it can be captured.
3. Black C8+9 (check, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
3. Black C8+9
4. Red R4-1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 40 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Chariot stands where it can be captured.
4. Black R1=3 (threatens mate next move)
4. Black R1=3
5. Red E7+5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 42 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
5. Black C8=6 (captures the Chariot)
5. Black C8=6
6. Red C1+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 44 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
6. Black P7=6
6. Black P7=6
7. Red C1+6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 38 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
7. Black -C=5
7. Black -C=5
8. Red C1=7 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Chariot.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 26 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
8. Black C5-3 (captures the Soldier)
8. Black C5-3
9. Red R6+5 (check)
9. Black K6+1
9. Black K6+1
10. Red R6-1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 14 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
10. Black K6-1
10. Black K6-1
11. Red R6=5 (captures the Cannon)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Cannon.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 14 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
11. Black E5-3 (captures the Cannon)
11. Black E5-3
12. Red E5+7
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 12 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
12. Black P6+1
12. Black P6+1
13. Red R5=8
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 8 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
13. Black E3+5
13. Black E3+5
14. Red R8-2
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 12 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
14. Black K6+1
14. Black K6+1
15. Red E7-9
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 12 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
15. Black K6=5
15. Black K6=5
16. Red P9+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 12 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
16. Black P1+1
16. Black P1+1
17. Red R8=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 7 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
17. Black P1=2
17. Black P1=2
18. Red P9+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 8 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
18. Black P2=3 (check, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
18. Black P2=3
19. Red E9-7 (captures the Soldier, sacrifices the Elephant)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Gives up the Elephant; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
Not forcing: the defender has 7 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
19. Black C6=3 (captures the Elephant)
19. Black C6=3
20. Red E3+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 17 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
20. Black C3-9
20. Black C3-9
21. Red P9=8
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 23 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
21. Black C3=8
21. Black C3=8
22. Red R5=2
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 20 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
22. Black P6+1 (threatens mate next move)
22. Black P6+1
23. Red R2-6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 27 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
23. Black P6=5 (check, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
23. Black P6=5
24. Red R2=5 (captures the Soldier, sacrifices the Chariot)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
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 26 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
24. Black P5+1 (captures the Chariot, check)
24. Black P5+1
25. Red K6=5 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 20 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
25. Red K6=5

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 C1=6
- If Black plays R6-2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
2. Black C2=8
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: Red mates immediately with R6+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: Red mates immediately with R6+5. Try it on the board
- 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 R6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+2. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=8 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+2. Try it on the board
3. Black C8+9
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5=6 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 P7+1 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+4. Try it on the board
4. Black R1=3
- If Black plays C8=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-1 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-2 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-3 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-4 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+5. Try it on the board
5. Black C8=6
- If Black plays C8=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-1 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-2 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-3 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-4 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-5 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+5. Try it on the board
6. Black P7=6
- If Black plays +C=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +C-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +C-2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +C-3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +C-4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
7. Black -C=5
- If Black plays +C=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +C-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
8. Black C5-3
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: Red mates immediately with R6+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C6-1 instead: Red mates immediately with R6+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: Red mates immediately with R6+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: Red mates immediately with R6+5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5=6 instead: Red mates immediately with R6+5. Try it on the board
9. Black K6+1
- If Black plays C5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
10. Black K6-1
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C6-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
11. Black E5-3
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C6-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
12. Black P6+1
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C6-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
13. Black E3+5
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- 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=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
14. Black K6+1
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- 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=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
15. Black K6=5
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- 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=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
16. Black P1+1
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- 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=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
17. Black P1=2
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- 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=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
18. Black P2=3
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- 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=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
19. Black C6=3
- If Black plays C6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- 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=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
20. Black C3-9
- If Black plays C3=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3-2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3-3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3-4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
21. Black C3=8
- 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 K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
22. Black P6+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=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
- If Black plays E5-3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
23. Black P6=5
- If Black plays P6=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5=6 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 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
24. Black P5+1
- If Black plays P5=6 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 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
- If Black plays E5-3 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

Final position

The record ends here.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "Rainbow Pierces the Sun"?

Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Xinwu Endgame Collection.

How many moves does the solution take?

25 moves. The main line is shown above; alternative defences are covered in the variations section.

What is the key move?

The first move -R=4 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.

← Previous puzzle: Discussing Strategy in the Tiger Tent Next puzzle: Earthworm Subdues the Dragon →

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