Waiting for the Right Moment

"Waiting for the Right Moment" 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 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 Chariot, a Horse. Black has a General, a Chariot, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red R6-1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 17 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
1. Black R5-3
1. Black R5-3
2. Red R6=4 (check)
2. Black K6=5
2. Black K6=5
3. Red H3-4 (check)
3. Black K5-1
3. Black K5-1
4. Red H4+6 (check)
4. Black K5=4
4. Black K5=4
5. Red R4=6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 22 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
5. Black R5+3
5. Black R5+3
6. Red H6+4 (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.
6. Black K4=5
6. Black K4=5
7. Red H4+3 (check)
7. Black K5+1
7. Black K5+1
8. Red R6+4 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
8. Red R6+4

Variations and alternative defences

The source manual records 2 variations. Each branch starts from the move number shown.

Variation 1, from move 1: R5=3 2. H3+4 K6-1 3. H4-2 K6=5 4. R6=5+ K5=6 5. H2-3+ K6-1 6. R5+5 Try it on the board
Variation 2, from move 1: R5-4 2. H3+4 K6-1 3. H4-2 K6=5 4. R6+5+ 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 "Waiting for the Right Moment"?

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 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.

← Previous puzzle: A Waiting Move Builds Strength Next puzzle: Horse Retreats to the River's Edge →

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