B. Chariot and Horse Class, Game 18

"B. Chariot and Horse Class, Game 18" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Horse mates. Red moves first and wins in 6 moves; the key first move is R2+5. 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, a Chariot, a Horse. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Elephant, a Chariot, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red R2+5 (check)
1. Black K6+1 (threatens mate next move)
1. Black K6+1
2. Red R2-1 (check)
2. Black K6-1 (threatens mate next move)
2. Black K6-1
3. Red H4+3 (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.
3. Black K6=5 (threatens mate next move)
3. Black K6=5
4. Red R2+1 (check, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Black E5-7 (threatens mate next move)
4. Black E5-7
5. Red R2=3 (captures the Elephant, check, 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 Elephant.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
5. Black A5-6 (threatens mate next move)
5. Black A5-6
6. Red R3=4 (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.
6. Red R3=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 K6+1
- If Black plays E5-7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
2. Black K6-1
- If Black plays K6+1 instead: Red mates immediately with H4+2. Try it on the board
4. Black E5-7
- If Black plays A5-6 instead: Red mates immediately with R2=4. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 6 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "B. Chariot and Horse Class, Game 18"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move R2+5 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: B. Chariot and Horse Class, Game 06 Next puzzle: B. Chariot and Horse Class, Game 04 →

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