Two Chariots Lead the Way

"Two Chariots Lead the Way" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Hundred Game Manual. Red moves first and wins in 2 moves; the key first move is +R=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, 2 Chariots, 2 Soldiers. Black has a General, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, 3 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red +R=6 (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.
1. Black R4-3 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
1. Black R4-3
2. Red A4-5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 26 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Advisor stands where it can be captured.
2. Black P2=3
2. Black P2=3

Variations and alternative defences

The source manual records 1 variation. Each branch starts from the move number shown.

Variation 1, from move 2: R4+3 Try it on the board

Final position

The record ends here.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "Two Chariots Lead the Way"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move +R=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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