Rats Fight for the Hole

"Rats Fight for the Hole" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Xinwu Endgame Collection. Red moves first and wins in 22 moves; the key first move is P5=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, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, a Cannon, 5 Soldiers. Black has a General, a Advisor, a Chariot, a Horse, a Cannon, 3 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red P5=4 (check, sacrifices the Soldier)
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Gives up the Soldier; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
1. Black R6-1 (captures the Soldier, threatens mate next move)
1. Black R6-1
2. Red C1=4 (check, 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.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
2. Black R6=9
2. Black R6=9
3. Red P3=4 (check)
3. Black K6=5
3. Black K6=5
4. Red R9=8
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 32 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
4. Black H5+3 (check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
4. Black H5+3
5. Red R8=7 (captures the Horse)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Horse.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 30 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
5. Black R9+6 (captures the Chariot)
5. Black R9+6
6. Red +P=5 (check, sacrifices the Soldier)
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Gives up the Soldier; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
6. Black A4+5 (captures the Soldier)
6. Black A4+5
7. Red C4=5 (check)
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 6 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
7. Black K5=6
7. Black K5=6
8. Red C5-2 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 33 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
8. Black C2=4 (check, threatens mate next move)
8. Black C2=4
9. Red P6=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 32 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
9. Black A5+4 (check, threatens mate next move)
9. Black A5+4
10. Red R7=6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 25 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Chariot stands where it can be captured.
10. Black R9=5 (captures the Elephant)
10. Black R9=5
11. Red C5=4 (check)
11. Black K6=5
11. Black K6=5
12. Red K6+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 22 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
12. Black R5=4 (captures the Chariot, check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply)
12. Black R5=4
13. Red K6=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 23 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
13. Black R4-4 (threatens mate next move)
13. Black R4-4
14. Red C4+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 23 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
14. Black R4=5 (check)
14. Black R4=5
15. Red C4=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 14 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
15. Black K5=6
15. Black K5=6
16. Red P7=6 (captures the Advisor)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 23 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
16. Black C4=5
16. Black C4=5
17. Red K5=4 (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.
17. Black R5=6 (check)
17. Black R5=6
18. Red C5=4 (sacrifices the Cannon, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for
Gives up the Cannon; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
Not forcing: the defender has 13 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
18. Black R6+4 (captures the Cannon, check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply)
18. Black R6+4
19. Red K4+1 (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 9 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
19. Black C5=1
19. Black C5=1
20. Red P4+1 (check, 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 forNo real drawback in this position.
20. Black K6=5
20. Black K6=5
21. Red P5+1 (check, 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 forNo real drawback in this position.
21. Black K5=4
21. Black K5=4
22. Red P6+1 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
22. Red P6+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 R6-1
- If Black plays K6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K6+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
2. Black R6=9
- If Black plays H5-6 instead: Red mates immediately with R1+7. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6+5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
3. Black K6=5
- If Black plays H5-6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=6 instead: Red mates immediately with R1+7. Try it on the board
4. Black H5+3
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 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 H5-3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
5. Black R9+6
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 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 P1+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
6. Black A4+5
- If Black plays K5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
7. Black K5=6
- If Black plays A5-6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays A5+6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays A5-4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays A5+4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with P6+1. Try it on the board
8. Black C2=4
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
9. Black A5+4
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
10. Black R9=5
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
11. Black K6=5
- If Black plays R5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
12. Black R5=4
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
13. Black R4-4
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
14. Black R4=5
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=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 R4=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
15. Black K5=6
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=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 R5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5+2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
16. Black C4=5
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=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 R5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
17. Black R5=6
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=7 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=8 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
18. Black R6+4
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6+2 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
19. Black C5=1
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P1=2 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 22 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "Rats Fight for the Hole"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move P5=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.

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