A. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class: Standard Positions 1
"A. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class: Standard Positions 1" 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 C5-2. 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, 2 Elephants, 2 Chariots, 2 Cannons. Black has a General, a Advisor, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, 2 Horses, a Cannon, 2 Soldiers.
Solution move by move
- 1. Red C5-2Why it works
- Wins material: takes the Soldier.
- Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
- Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for- Gives up the Cannon; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
- Not forcing: the defender has 5 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
1. Black H7-51. Black H7-5 - 2. Red R3=5Why it works
- Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
- 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 H3-52. Black H3-5 - 3. Red R6+1Why it works
- Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
- Wins material: takes the Advisor.
What to watch out for3. Red R6+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 H7-5
- If Black plays H3-5 instead: Red mates immediately with R6=5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays H3+5 instead: Red mates immediately with R6=5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays E5-7 instead: Red mates immediately with R6=5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays E5+3 instead: Red mates immediately with R6=5. 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 Two Cannons Class: Standard Positions 1"?
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 C5-2 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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