A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 2

"A. Two Chariots and Horse 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 R1=4. Below you will find the full solution, what each move achieves, where it could go wrong, and the alternative defences.

Solve this puzzle on ChessZing →

Free, in the browser, no download.

Pieces on the board

Red has a General, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, a Horse. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, a Cannon, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red R1=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 C6-2 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
1. Black C6-2
2. Red R5+1 (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.
2. Black E3-5 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
2. Black E3-5
3. Red H3-5 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Red H3-5

Final position

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

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "A. Two Chariots and Horse 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 R1=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.

← Previous puzzle: A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 1 Next puzzle: B. Chariot and Two Horses Class, Game 09 →

Nearby puzzles

A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 4
3 moves
A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 5
3 moves
A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 1
3 moves
B. Chariot and Two Horses Class, Game 09
13 moves
B. Chariot and Two Horses Class, Game 08
9 moves
B. Chariot and Two Horses Class, Game 06
7 moves