One Step Too Slow
"One Step Too Slow" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Horse mates. Red moves first and wins in 6 moves; the key first move is H2+4. 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, a Horse. Black has a General, a Chariot, 2 Soldiers.
Solution move by move
- 1. Red H2+4Why it worksWhat to watch out for
- Not forcing: the defender has 17 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
1. Black P8=71. Black P8=7 - 2. Red R4=6Why it works
- Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
What to watch out for2. Black K4=52. Black K4=5 - 3. Red R6=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 H4-5Why it worksWhat to watch out for
- The Horse stands where it can be captured.
4. Black K4-14. Black K4-1 - 5. Red H5+7Why it works
- Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
What to watch out for5. Black K4+15. Black K4+1 - 6. Red R5=6Why it works
- Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out for6. Red R5=6
Variations and alternative defences
The source manual records 1 variation. Each branch starts from the move number shown.
- Variation 1, from move 1: R5-7 2. R4=7 Try it on the board
Final position
Red wins after 6 moves. The General has no legal move.
Questions about this puzzle
Who moves first in "One Step Too Slow"?
Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Chariot & Horse mates.
How many moves does the solution take?
6 moves. The main line is shown above; alternative defences are covered in the variations section.
What is the key move?
The first move H2+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.
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- Chariot Blocks the Horse's Leg
- Chariot and Horse Tie Down the King
- Turning Their Plan Against Them
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