A. Two Chariots and Cannon Class: Standard Positions 4

"A. Two Chariots and Cannon Class: Standard Positions 4" 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 R1+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 Chariots, a Cannon. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, a Horse, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red R1+5 (check, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
1. Black A5-6 (threatens mate next move)
1. Black A5-6
2. Red R1=4 (captures the Advisor, check, sacrifices the Chariot, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for
Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
2. Black H7-6 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
2. Black H7-6
3. Red C3+3 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Red C3+3

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 A5-6
- If Black plays H7-8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays H7-6 instead: Red mates immediately with C3+3. 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 Cannon Class: Standard Positions 4"?

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 R1+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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