A. Two Chariots and Cannon Class: Standard Positions 6

"A. Two Chariots and Cannon Class: Standard Positions 6" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Cannon mates. Red moves first and wins in 3 moves; the key first move is R6+5. 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, 2 Advisors, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, a Cannon. Black has a General, a Advisor, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, a Horse, a Cannon.

Solution move by move

1. Red R6+5 (captures the Cannon, check, sacrifices the Chariot, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
Wins material: takes the Cannon.
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.
1. Black K5=4 (captures the Chariot)
1. Black K5=4
2. Red R7=6 (check)
2. Black K4=5
2. Black K4=5
3. Red K5=6 (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 32 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
3. Red K5=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 K4=5
- If Black plays A5+4 instead: Red mates immediately with R6+3. Try it on the board

Final position

The record ends here.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "A. Two Chariots and Cannon Class: Standard Positions 6"?

Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Chariot & Cannon 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 R6+5 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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