A. Chariot and Two Horses Class: Standard Positions 2

"A. Chariot 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 3 moves; the key first move is R6+1. 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 Elephant, a Chariot, 2 Horses. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red R6+1 (captures the Advisor, check, sacrifices the Chariot)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
What to watch out for
Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
1. Black A5-4 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
1. Black A5-4
2. Red +H+2 (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.
2. Black K6+1 (threatens mate next move)
2. Black K6+1
3. Red H1+3 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Red H1+3

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 A5-4
- If Black plays K6+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 3 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "A. Chariot 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?

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

What is the key move?

The first move R6+1 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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