B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 24

"B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 24" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Cannon mates. Red moves first and wins in 6 moves; the key first move is C8+3. 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 Elephants, a Chariot, 2 Horses, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red C8+3 (check, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
1. Black E3+1
1. Black E3+1
2. Red R7=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.
2. Black K4=5
2. Black K4=5
3. Red R2=5 (captures the Elephant, check)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Elephant.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black K5=6 (threatens mate next move)
3. Black K5=6
4. Red R5+2 (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.
4. Black K6+1 (threatens mate next move)
4. Black K6+1
5. Red R6+2 (check)
5. Black K6+1 (threatens mate next move)
5. Black K6+1
6. Red R5=4 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
6. Red R5=4

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 E3+1
- If Black plays H3-2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K4+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
3. Black K5=6
- If Black plays H3-5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
5. Black K6+1
- If Black plays H3-5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. 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 "B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 24"?

Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Chariot & Cannon 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 C8+3 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: B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 26 Next puzzle: B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 25 →

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