Wild Geese Fly in Pairs

"Wild Geese Fly in Pairs" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Hundred Game Manual. Red moves first and wins in 25 moves; the key first move is +C=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, 2 Chariots, 2 Cannons, 3 Soldiers. Black has a General, a Chariot, a Cannon, 3 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red +C=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 R4+1 (captures the Cannon, threatens mate next move)
1. Black R4+1
2. Red C3=6 (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 for
Not forcing: the defender has 9 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
2. Black R4=7 (threatens mate next move)
2. Black R4=7
3. Red R1=6 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 24 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
3. Black R7+2 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
3. Black R7+2
4. Red E3+5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 26 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
4. Black R7=8
4. Black R7=8
5. Red C6=3 (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.
5. Black R8=4 (threatens mate next move)
5. Black R8=4
6. Red R6+2 (captures the Chariot, 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.
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 forNo real drawback in this position.
6. Black P3=4 (captures the Chariot)
6. Black P3=4
7. Red C3=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 15 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
7. Black P5=6
7. Black P5=6
8. Red K6+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 15 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
8. Black C3+6
8. Black C3+6
9. Red E5+3
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
9. Black C3=5
9. Black C3=5
10. Red C5=6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
10. Black P4=5
10. Black P4=5
11. Red P5=4
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 18 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
11. Black C5=7
11. Black C5=7
12. Red P2=3 (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 20 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
12. Black C7-4 (captures the Soldier)
12. Black C7-4
13. Red P9+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 19 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
13. Black K4+1
13. Black K4+1
14. Red P9=8
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 19 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
14. Black K4+1
14. Black K4+1
15. Red P8=7
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 16 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
15. Black C7=8
15. Black C7=8
16. Red C6+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
16. Black P5+1
16. Black P5+1
17. Red P7=6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
17. Black C8+6 (check)
17. Black C8+6
18. Red K6-1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 19 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
18. Black P6=5
18. Black P6=5
19. Red C6=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 20 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
19. Black -P=4
19. Black -P=4
20. Red C5+3
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 20 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
20. Black P4+1 (threatens mate next move)
20. Black P4+1
21. Red P6+1 (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.
21. Black K4-1 (threatens mate next move)
21. Black K4-1
22. Red P4=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.
22. Black K4=5 (captures the Soldier, threatens mate next move)
22. Black K4=5
23. Red C5-8 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 18 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
23. Black P4+1 (check, the only legal reply)
23. Black P4+1
24. Red K6=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 19 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
24. Black P4=5 (captures the Cannon, check)
24. Black P4=5
25. Red K5=4
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 18 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
25. Red K5=4

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 R4+1
- If Black plays R4=5 instead: Red mates immediately with C3=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=6 instead: Red mates immediately with C3=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=7 instead: Red mates immediately with C3=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=8 instead: Red mates immediately with C3=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=3 instead: Red mates immediately with C3=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=2 instead: Red mates immediately with C3=6. Try it on the board
2. Black R4=7
- 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=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
3. Black R7+2
- 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 P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3=4 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
4. Black R7=8
- 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 P3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3=4 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
5. Black R8=4
- If Black plays P3=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
7. Black P5=6
- If Black plays P5+1 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 P4+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
8. Black C3+6
- 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
- If Black plays C3=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
9. Black C3=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 P6=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C3=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
10. Black P4=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 P6=5 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
11. Black C5=7
- 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 C5=6 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
12. Black C7-4
- 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 C7=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C7=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C7=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
13. Black K4+1
- 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 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
14. Black K4+1
- 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 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
15. Black C7=8
- 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 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
16. Black P5+1
- 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 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 K4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
17. Black C8+6
- 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 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
18. 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 C8=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
19. 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 C8=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
20. Black P4+1
- 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 C8=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
21. Black K4-1
- If Black plays K4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
22. Black K4=5
- If Black plays K4-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
23. Black P4+1
- If Black plays C8=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
24. 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 C8=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C8-1 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 "Wild Geese Fly in Pairs"?

Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Hundred Game Manual.

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move +C=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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