B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 08

"B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 08" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Cannon mates. Red moves first and wins in 4 moves; the key first move is R3+6. 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 Elephant, 2 Chariots, a Cannon. Black has a General, a Advisor, 2 Chariots, a Horse.

Solution move by move

1. Red R3+6 (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.
1. Black K6-1
1. Black K6-1
2. Red R3=5 (sacrifices the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
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.
Not forcing: the defender has 29 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Black R5-6 (captures the Chariot)
2. Black R5-6
3. Red R4=3 (check, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black K6=5
3. Black K6=5
4. Red R3+3 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Red R3+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.

2. Black R5-6
- If Black plays R8=9 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R8=7 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R8-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R8-2 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R8-3 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R8-4 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. Try it on the board
3. Black K6=5
- If Black plays R5=6 instead: Red mates immediately with R3+3. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 4 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 08"?

Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Chariot & Cannon mates.

How many moves does the solution take?

4 moves. The main line is shown above; alternative defences are covered in the variations section.

What is the key move?

The first move R3+6 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. Two Chariots and Cannon Class: Standard Positions 1 Next puzzle: B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 09 →

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