Curb the Strong, Aid the Weak

"Curb the Strong, Aid the Weak" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Xinwu Endgame Collection. Red moves first and wins in 21 moves; the key first move is C2+6. 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, a Chariot, 2 Cannons, 2 Soldiers. Black has a General, a Chariot, 4 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red C2+6 (check, sacrifices the Cannon, 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
Gives up the Cannon; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
Not forcing: the defender has 8 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
1. Black R6=8 (captures the Cannon)
1. Black R6=8
2. Red C3-2
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 23 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
2. Black P3=4 (check)
2. Black P3=4
3. Red C3=6 (captures the Soldier, check, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black P4=5
3. Black P4=5
4. Red C6+7
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
4. Black P6=5
4. Black P6=5
5. Red E1-3
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
5. Black R8=7 (threatens mate next move)
5. Black R8=7
6. Red E3+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
6. Black R7=8
6. Black R7=8
7. Red R1=3
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
7. Black -P+1
7. Black -P+1
8. Red E1-3
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
8. Black R8=6 (threatens mate next move)
8. Black R8=6
9. Red P5=4
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 14 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Soldier stands where it can be captured.
9. Black -P=4 (threatens mate next move)
9. Black -P=4
10. Red R3=6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 15 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
10. Black R6+1 (captures the Soldier, threatens mate next move)
10. Black R6+1
11. Red C6-6 (captures the Soldier, check)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
11. Black K4=5 (threatens mate next move)
11. Black K4=5
12. Red C6=5 (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 4 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
12. Black -P=4 (threatens mate next move)
12. Black -P=4
13. Red R6=5 (check)
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 4 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
13. Black K5=6 (threatens mate next move)
13. Black K5=6
14. Red C5=4 (check, sacrifices the Cannon, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Takes away the General's escape squares.
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 9 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
14. Black R6+6 (captures the Cannon, threatens mate next move)
14. Black R6+6
15. Red R5-2 (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.
15. Black R6=1 (captures the Elephant)
15. Black R6=1
16. 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.
16. Black R1-6 (captures the Soldier)
16. Black R1-6
17. Red K6=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
17. Black R1+8 (check, the only legal reply)
17. Black R1+8
18. Red K5+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 19 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
18. Black R1=6
18. Black R1=6
19. Red E3+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 20 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
19. Black R6-4
19. Black R6-4
20. Red K5-1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 16 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
20. Black P4=5
20. Black P4=5
21. Red R5-1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 15 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
21. Red R5-1

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=8
- If Black plays R6+1 instead: Red mates immediately with C3+6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6+2 instead: Red mates immediately with C3+6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6+3 instead: Red mates immediately with C3+6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6+4 instead: Red mates immediately with C3+6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6+5 instead: Red mates immediately with C3+6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6+6 instead: Red mates immediately with C3+6. Try it on the board
2. Black P3=4
- If Black plays P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3=2 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 P6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P4+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
3. Black P4=5
- If Black plays P4=3 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
4. Black P6=5
- 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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
5. Black R8=7
- If Black plays +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
6. Black R7=8
- If Black plays +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
7. Black -P+1
- If Black plays +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
8. Black R8=6
- If Black plays +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
9. Black -P=4
- If Black plays +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
10. Black R6+1
- If Black plays +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P4+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P4=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
11. Black K4=5
- If Black plays -P=4 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
12. Black -P=4
- If Black plays -P=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=5 instead: Red mates immediately with R6+6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: Red mates immediately with R6+6. Try it on the board
13. Black K5=6
- If Black plays P4=5 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 K5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
14. Black R6+6
- 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=9 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=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
15. Black R6=1
- 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=9 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=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
16. Black R1-6
- If Black plays R1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
17. Black R1+8
- If Black plays P4+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P4=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
18. Black R1=6
- If Black plays R1=2 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=3 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=4 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=7 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
19. Black R6-4
- If Black plays R6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=8 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=9 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=4. 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: Red mates immediately with R5=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=3 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=4. Try it on the board
20. Black P4=5
- If Black plays P4+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P4=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. 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=9 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

Final position

The record ends here.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "Curb the Strong, Aid the Weak"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move C2+6 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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