B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 20

"B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 20" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Cannon mates. Red moves first and wins in 5 moves; the key first move is R5+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 Advisor, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, a Cannon. Black has a General, a Advisor, a Chariot, 2 Horses, 2 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red R5+1 (captures the Advisor, check, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
1. Black K6-1 (threatens mate next move)
1. Black K6-1
2. Red R5=4 (check)
Why it works–
What to watch out for
The Chariot stands where it can be captured.
2. Black K6=5
2. Black K6=5
3. Red R7=5 (check)
3. Black R3=5
3. Black R3=5
4. Red R5+4 (captures the Chariot, check, the only legal reply)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
Wins material: takes the Chariot.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Black K5=4
4. Black K5=4
5. Red R4+1 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
5. Red R4+1

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 K6-1
- If Black plays K6+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
2. Black K6=5
- If Black plays R3=6 instead: Red mates immediately with R7+5. Try it on the board
3. Black R3=5
- If Black plays K5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with R4+1. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 5 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 20"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move R5+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.

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