A. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class: Standard Positions 3
"A. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class: Standard Positions 3" 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 R9=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, 2 Chariots, 2 Cannons. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Chariots, 2 Horses.
Solution move by move
- 1. Red R9=5Why it works
- 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.
1. Black -A+51. Black -A+5 - 2. Red A5+4Why it works
- Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for- Not forcing: the defender has 30 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
- The Advisor stands where it can be captured.
2. Black K5=42. Black K5=4 - 3. Red R8+9Why 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 for3. Black K4+13. Black K4+1 - 4. Red C9=6Why it works
- Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out for4. Red C9=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.
- 1. Black -A+5
- If Black plays +A-5 instead: Red mates immediately with C9+7. Try it on the board
- 2. Black K5=4
- If Black plays +R=7 instead: Red mates immediately with R8+9. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +R=8 instead: Red mates immediately with R8+9. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +R=9 instead: Red mates immediately with R8+9. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +R=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +R=4 instead: Red mates immediately with R8+9. Try it on the board
- If Black plays +R=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. 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 "A. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class: Standard Positions 3"?
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 R9=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.
Nearby puzzles
- B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 18
- B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 19
- B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 17
- A. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class: Standard Positions 4
- A. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class: Standard Positions 2
- A. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class: Standard Positions 1
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