Thunder Before the Rain

"Thunder Before the Rain" 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 +C=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 Chariots, 2 Cannons, 5 Soldiers. Black has a General, 2 Chariots, a Cannon, 3 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red +C=4 (captures the Chariot, check, sacrifices the Cannon, threatens mate next move, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Chariot.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 6 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
1. Black R6+2 (captures the Cannon, threatens mate next move)
1. Black R6+2
2. Red P5+1 (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.
2. Black K6=5 (captures the Soldier, threatens mate next move)
2. Black K6=5
3. Red R1=5 (check, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black K5=6 (threatens mate next move)
3. Black K5=6
4. Red R5-2 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 22 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
4. Black R6+1
4. Black R6+1
5. Red R2=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 24 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
5. Black P4=5 (check, the General has no escape square)
5. Black P4=5
6. 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.
6. Black C4+3
6. Black C4+3
7. Red C1-1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 38 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
7. Black R6+1
7. Black R6+1
8. Red C1+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 38 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
8. Black C4+2
8. Black C4+2
9. Red P3=4
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 34 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Soldier stands where it can be captured.
9. Black P5=4 (check, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
9. Black P5=4
10. Red +R=6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 33 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Chariot stands where it can be captured.
10. Black R6+2 (threatens mate next move)
10. Black R6+2
11. Red R5+5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 30 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
11. Black R6+1 (check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
11. Black R6+1
12. Red R5-5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 28 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Chariot stands where it can be captured.
12. Black P4+1 (captures the Chariot, check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply)
12. Black P4+1
13. Red K6+1 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 25 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
13. Black R6=5 (captures the Chariot)
13. Black R6=5
14. Red C1=4 (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.
14. Black K6=5
14. Black K6=5
15. Red P7=6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 24 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
15. Black R5-6
15. Black R5-6
16. Red P8=7
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 24 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
16. Black R5=4
16. Black R5=4
17. Red K6=5 (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 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
17. Black C4=5
17. Black C4=5
18. Red C4-4
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 28 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
18. Black R4=5
18. Black R4=5
19. Red K5=4
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 26 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
19. Black C5-3 (captures the Soldier)
19. Black C5-3
20. Red P4+1 (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.
Not forcing: the defender has 19 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
20. Black R5=6 (captures the Soldier, check, threatens mate next move)
20. Black R5=6
21. Red C4+6 (captures the Chariot)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Chariot.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 15 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
21. Black C5=6 (check, the General has no escape square)
21. Black C5=6
22. Red C4=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 13 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
22. Black K5+1
22. Black K5+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+2
- If Black plays R6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with C1=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=8 instead: Red mates immediately with C1=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=9 instead: Red mates immediately with C1=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=5 instead: Red mates immediately with C1=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6=4 instead: Red mates immediately with C1=4. Try it on the board
2. Black K6=5
- If Black plays K6+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
3. Black K5=6
- If Black plays R6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
4. Black R6+1
- If Black plays P9=8 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
- If Black plays R6=7 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
5. Black P4=5
- If Black plays P9=8 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=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
6. Black C4+3
- If Black plays P9=8 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 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
7. Black R6+1
- If Black plays P9=8 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 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
8. Black C4+2
- If Black plays P9=8 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 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
9. Black P5=4
- If Black plays P9=8 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 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
10. Black R6+2
- If Black plays P9=8 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
- 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
11. Black R6+1
- If Black plays P9=8 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
- If Black plays R6=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
12. Black P4+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=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6-2 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
13. Black R6=5
- 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 R6-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R6-2 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
- If Black plays R6-4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
15. Black R5-6
- 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=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=3 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 R5=4
- If Black plays P9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
17. Black C4=5
- If Black plays P9=8 instead: Red mates immediately with P5+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4=3 instead: Red mates immediately with P5+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4=2 instead: Red mates immediately with P5+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4=1 instead: Red mates immediately with P5+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4-1 instead: Red mates immediately with P5+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4-3 instead: Red mates immediately with P5+1. Try it on the board
18. Black R4=5
- If Black plays P9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=7 instead: Red mates immediately with P5+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=8 instead: Red mates immediately with P5+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=9 instead: Red mates immediately with P5+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with P5+1. Try it on the board
19. Black C5-3
- If Black plays P9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
20. Black R5=6
- If Black plays P9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=3 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
- If Black plays R5=1 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
21. Black C5=6
- If Black plays P9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C5+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
22. Black K5+1
- If Black plays P9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with P6=5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C6=8 instead: Red mates immediately with P6=5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C6=9 instead: Red mates immediately with P6=5. 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 C6-2 instead: Red mates immediately with P6=5. Try it on the board

Final position

The record ends here.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "Thunder Before the Rain"?

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 +C=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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