A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 7

"A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 7" 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 R2-1. 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 Advisor, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, a Horse. Black has a General, a Advisor, 2 Elephants, 2 Chariots, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red R2-1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 25 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Chariot stands where it can be captured.
1. Black R3-1
1. Black R3-1
2. Red R2=4 (threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 20 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Black A4+5
2. Black A4+5
3. Red R4=5 (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.
3. Red R4=5

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 R3-1
- If Black plays R5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
2. Black A4+5
- If Black plays R5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=7 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=8 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=9 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=3 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. 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. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 7"?

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 R2-1 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.

← Previous puzzle: A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 8 Next puzzle: B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 16 →

Nearby puzzles

A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 9
11 moves
A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 10
4 moves
A. Two Chariots and Horse Class: Standard Positions 8
3 moves
B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 16
6 moves
B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 15
6 moves
B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 13
6 moves