Remonstrating the Lord in the North

"Remonstrating the Lord in the North" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Xinwu Endgame Collection. Red moves first and wins in 24 moves; the key first move is P4+1. 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, a Chariot, 2 Cannons, 3 Soldiers. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, 4 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red P4+1 (check, sacrifices the Soldier, 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 for
Gives up the Soldier; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
1. Black K5=6 (captures the Soldier, threatens mate next move)
1. Black K5=6
2. Red R6+1 (check, sacrifices the Chariot, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
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.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for
Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
2. Black A5-4 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
2. Black A5-4
3. Red -C=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 forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black A6-5 (threatens mate next move)
3. Black A6-5
4. Red P3=4 (check)
Why it works–
What to watch out for
The Soldier stands where it can be captured.
4. Black K6=5 (threatens mate next move)
4. Black K6=5
5. Red C4=9 (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 18 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
5. Black P5+1 (check)
5. Black P5+1
6. Red K4+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.
6. Black P4=5 (check)
6. Black P4=5
7. Red K4=5 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 16 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
7. Black +R+2
7. Black +R+2
8. Red C9+6 (captures the Chariot)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Chariot.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 17 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
8. Black R1=5
8. Black R1=5
9. Red C9+1 (check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
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.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
9. Black E5-3
9. Black E5-3
10. Red C5-1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 9 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
10. Black P7+1
10. Black P7+1
11. 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 11 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
11. Black P7=6
11. Black P7=6
12. Red C9-8
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 13 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
12. Black P6+1
12. Black P6+1
13. Red C9=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 13 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
13. Black R5+3 (captures the Cannon, threatens mate next move)
13. Black R5+3
14. Red E7-5 (captures the Chariot)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Chariot.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 8 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
14. Black P3+1
14. Black P3+1
15. Red E5+7 (check, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 5 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
15. Black A5+4
15. Black A5+4
16. Red C5=8
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 10 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
16. Black P6=7
16. Black P6=7
17. Red C8+2
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 10 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
17. Black P7+1
17. Black P7+1
18. Red E7-5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 10 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
18. Black P7+1 (check)
18. Black P7+1
19. Red K4=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 10 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
19. Black P5=6
19. Black P5=6
20. Red C8-2
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 10 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
20. Black P7+1
20. Black P7+1
21. Red C8+8
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 4 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
21. Black P7=8
21. Black P7=8
22. Red K5=6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 6 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
22. Black +A-5
22. Black +A-5
23. Red C8-9
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 10 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
23. Black A5+4
23. Black A5+4
24. Red C8=2 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 7 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
24. Black -A+5
24. Black -A+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.

3. Black A6-5
- If Black plays -R=6 instead: Red mates immediately with P3+1. Try it on the board
4. Black K6=5
- If Black plays K6+1 instead: Red mates immediately with C5=4. Try it on the board
5. Black P5+1
- If Black plays P4+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P4=3 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. 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 P7+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +R=2 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
6. Black P4=5
- If Black plays P5=6 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P4+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P4=3 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P7+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
7. Black +R+2
- 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: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +R=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +R=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
8. Black R1=5
- 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 R1=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=3 instead: Red mates immediately with C9+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=4 instead: Red mates immediately with C9+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R1=6 instead: Red mates immediately with C9+1. Try it on the board
10. Black P7+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 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
- 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
11. Black P7=6
- If Black plays P5=6 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P7+1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P7=8 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5-1 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5-2 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. Try it on the board
12. Black P6+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 P6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. 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 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
13. Black R5+3
- 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 P6+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. 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 R5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
14. Black P3+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 P6+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. 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 E3+5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
15. Black A5+4
- If Black plays P6=5 instead: Red mates immediately with P4+1. 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+6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays E3+5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
16. Black P6=7
- 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 P6+1 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 P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +A-5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
17. Black P7+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 P7=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P7=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +A-5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
18. Black P7+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 P7=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P7=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +A-5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
19. Black P5=6
- If Black plays P5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P7+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P7=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P7=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +A-5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
20. Black P7+1
- 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 P7=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P7=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +A-5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
21. Black P7=8
- If Black plays P6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +A-5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
22. Black +A-5
- 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 P8=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P8=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
23. Black A5+4
- 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 P8=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P8=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3+1 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
24. Black -A+5
- 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 P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +A-5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays E3+5 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

Final position

The record ends here.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "Remonstrating the Lord in the North"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move P4+1 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: Attending the Feast With a Single Blade Next puzzle: Cutting Thorns to Open a Path →

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