B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 21
"B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 21" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Horse mates. Red moves first and wins in 8 moves; the key first move is R8+2. 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, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, a Horse, a Soldier.
Solution move by move
- 1. Red R8+2Why 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 for1. Black K5-11. Black K5-1 - 2. Red R8+1Why it works
- Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for2. Black K5+12. Black K5+1 - 3. Red R3=5Why 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 for3. Black K5=43. Black K5=4 - 4. Red R5=6Why 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 for4. Black K4=54. Black K4=5 - 5. Red R6+2Why 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 for- Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
5. Black K5=45. Black K5=4 - 6. Red H7+5Why 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 for6. Black K4=56. Black K4=5 - 7. Red H5+7Why 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 for7. Black K5=47. Black K5=4 - 8. Red R8=6Why it works
- Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out for8. Red R8=6
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.
- 2. Black K5+1
- If Black plays K5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
Final position
Red wins after 8 moves. The General has no legal move.
Questions about this puzzle
Who moves first in "B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 21"?
Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Chariot & Horse mates.
How many moves does the solution take?
8 moves. The main line is shown above; alternative defences are covered in the variations section.
What is the key move?
The first move R8+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 23
- B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 07
- B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 20
- B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 22
- B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 18
- B. Two Chariots and Horse Class, Game 19
More from Chariot & Horse mates →
Languages: English · Tiếng Việt · 简体中文 · 繁體中文