A. Two Chariots and Two Horses Class: Standard Positions 2

"A. Two Chariots and Two Horses Class: Standard Positions 2" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Horse mates. Red moves first and wins in 4 moves; the key first move is +R=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 Advisors, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, 2 Horses. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, 2 Cannons.

Solution move by move

1. Red +R=4 (check, sacrifices the Chariot, 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.
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 A5-6 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
1. Black A5-6
2. Red H3+2 (check, sacrifices the Horse, 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 Horse; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
2. Black R8-8 (captures the Horse)
2. Black R8-8
3. Red R3+2 (check, sacrifices the Chariot, 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.
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.
3. Black C3=7 (captures the Chariot)
3. Black C3=7
4. Red H8+6 (captures the Advisor, checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Red H8+6

Final position

Red wins after 4 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "A. Two Chariots and Two Horses Class: Standard Positions 2"?

Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Chariot & Horse mates.

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move +R=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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