Ascending the Altar to Appoint the General

"Ascending the Altar to Appoint the General" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Hundred Game Manual. Red moves first and wins in 28 moves; the key first move is C3=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, a Advisor, a Elephant, a Chariot, 2 Cannons, 4 Soldiers. Black has a General, a Elephant, a Chariot, a Cannon, 5 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red C3=6 (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 29 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
1. Black C7+1 (check, threatens mate next move, the General has no escape square)
1. Black C7+1
2. Red R3-6 (captures the Cannon)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Cannon.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 23 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Black R4-3 (captures the Cannon, threatens mate next move)
2. Black R4-3
3. Red C4=6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 28 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
3. Black R4=2
3. Black R4=2
4. Red +P=6 (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.
4. Black K4-1 (captures the Soldier)
4. Black K4-1
5. Red R3+8 (check, the only legal reply)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
5. Black K4+1
5. Black K4+1
6. Red R3=7
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 30 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
6. Black E5-7
6. Black E5-7
7. Red R7-7
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 30 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
7. Black P6+1 (captures the Advisor, check)
7. Black P6+1
8. Red K5=4 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 27 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
8. Black +P=7
8. Black +P=7
9. Red P5+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 24 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Soldier stands where it can be captured.
9. Black P7=6
9. Black P7=6
10. Red P5+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 28 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
10. Black R2=9
10. Black R2=9
11. Red R7=6 (check)
11. Black K4=5
11. Black K4=5
12. Red P5+1 (check)
12. Black K5-1
12. Black K5-1
13. Red R6=3
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 29 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
13. Black R9-4 (captures the Soldier)
13. Black R9-4
14. Red C6-6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 26 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
14. Black P6=5 (captures the Elephant)
14. Black P6=5
15. Red C6=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.
15. Black E7+5
15. Black E7+5
16. Red C5+4 (captures the Elephant)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Elephant.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 23 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
16. Black P5=6
16. Black P5=6
17. Red K4=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 24 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
17. Black P8=7
17. Black P8=7
18. Red R3+2 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
18. Black P6+1
18. Black P6+1
19. Red K5=6
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=2
19. Black -P=2
20. Red R3=9 (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.
20. Black R9+8 (check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply)
20. Black R9+8
21. Red K6+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 25 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
21. Black R9-4
21. Black R9-4
22. Red R9=6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 23 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
22. Black P2=3
22. Black P2=3
23. Red R6+5 (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.
23. Black K5-1
23. Black K5-1
24. Red P7=6 (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.
24. Black K5=6
24. Black K5=6
25. Red C5=8 (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 20 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
25. Black R9=4 (check, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
25. Black R9=4
26. Red R6-4 (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 7 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
26. Black P3=4 (captures the Chariot)
26. Black P3=4
27. Red C8-6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 7 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
27. Black K6+1
27. Black K6+1
28. Red C8=4 (captures the Soldier)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 6 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
28. Red C8=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 C7+1
- If Black plays R4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=3 instead: Red mates immediately with R3=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=2 instead: Red mates immediately with R3=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=1 instead: Red mates immediately with R3=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4-1 instead: Red mates immediately with R3=6. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4-2 instead: Red mates immediately with R3=6. Try it on the board
2. Black R4-3
- If Black plays R4=5 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
- If Black plays R4=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4-1 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 R4=2
- 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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
6. Black E5-7
- 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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
7. Black P6+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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=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
8. Black +P=7
- If Black plays +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=9 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=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
9. Black P7=6
- 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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P8+1 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
10. Black R2=9
- 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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P8+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
11. Black K4=5
- If Black plays R9=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
12. Black K5-1
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
13. Black R9-4
- 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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P8+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
14. 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=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P8+1 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
15. Black E7+5
- If Black plays K5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
16. 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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P8+1 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
17. Black P8=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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P8+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
18. Black P6+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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays -P=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
19. Black -P=2
- 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 +P+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +P=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
20. Black R9+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 P2+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
21. Black R9-4
- If Black plays R9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
22. Black P2=3
- 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 P2+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P2=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R9=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
25. Black R9=4
- If Black plays P6+1 instead: Red mates immediately with C8+2. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with C8+2. 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: Red mates immediately with C8+2. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3=4 instead: Red mates immediately with C8+2. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3=2 instead: Red mates immediately with C8+2. Try it on the board
26. Black P3=4
- If Black plays P6+1 instead: Red mates immediately with R6=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P6=7 instead: Red mates immediately with R6=4. 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: Red mates immediately with R6=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays P3=2 instead: Red mates immediately with R6=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K6+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
27. Black K6+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 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

Final position

The record ends here.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "Ascending the Altar to Appoint the General"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move C3=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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