Throwing Meat to a Hungry Tiger

Pieces on the board

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

Solution move by move

1. 1. Red R3-3

   Why it works–

   What to watch out for

   • Not forcing: the defender has 35 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
   • The Chariot stands where it can be captured.

   1. Black R6+1 (captures the Advisor, check)

2. 2. Red R3=4 (captures the Chariot, sacrifices 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 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.

   2. Black R8=6 (captures the Chariot, check)

3. 3. Red K5=4 (captures the Chariot)

   Why it works

   • Wins material: takes the Chariot.

   What to watch out for

   • Not forcing: the defender has 9 replies, so compare each one before playing it.

   3. Black H7+6 (captures the Horse)

4. 4. Red P6+1 (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 7 replies, so compare each one before playing it.

   4. Black P5=6

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 R8=9 instead: Red mates immediately with H4+2. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R8=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R8-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R8-2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R8-3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R8-4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
• 2. Black R8=6
  • If Black plays R8=9 instead: Red mates immediately with H4+2. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R8=7 instead: Red mates immediately with H4+2. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R8-1 instead: Red mates immediately with H4+2. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R8-2 instead: Red mates immediately with H4+2. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R8-3 instead: Red mates immediately with H4+2. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays R8-4 instead: Red mates immediately with H4+2. Try it on the board
• 3. Black H7+6
  • 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 H4+2. 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+3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
• 4. Black P5=6
  • If Black plays P5+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P6=5. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays P5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with P6=5. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E5-7 instead: Red mates immediately with P6=5. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E5+7 instead: Red mates immediately with P6=5. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E5+3 instead: Red mates immediately with P6=5. Try it on the board
  • If Black plays E3+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P6=5. Try it on the board

Final position

Nearby puzzles

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• Abandoning the Chariot to Go Alone
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• Intercepting the Boat to Save the Young Lord
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• Retreating Bravely From the Rapids
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• Holding the Moon in One's Arms
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