A. Chariot and Two Horses Class: Standard Positions 4
"A. Chariot and Two Horses Class: Standard Positions 4" 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 H3+2. 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 Chariot, 2 Horses. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Chariot, a Soldier.
Solution move by move
- 1. Red H3+2Why it works
- Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for1. Black K6+11. Black K6+1 - 2. Red H8+6Why it works
- Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
- Wins material: takes the Advisor.
- 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 A5-42. Black A5-4 - 3. Red H2-3Why it works
- Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for3. Black K6-13. Black K6-1 - 4. Red R5+4Why it works
- Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out for4. Red R5+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 K6=5 instead: Red mates immediately with H8-6. Try it on the board
- 3. Black K6-1
- If Black plays K6+1 instead: Red mates immediately with R5+2. Try it on the board
Final position
Red wins after 4 moves. The General has no legal move.
Questions about this puzzle
Who moves first in "A. Chariot and Two Horses Class: Standard Positions 4"?
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 H3+2 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.
Nearby puzzles
- B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 32
- B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 31
- A. Chariot and Two Horses Class: Standard Positions 3
- A. Chariot and Two Horses Class: Standard Positions 1
- A. Chariot and Two Horses Class: Standard Positions 2
- A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 6
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