B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 31

"B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 31" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Cannon mates. Red moves first and wins in 11 moves; the key first move is R8+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 Chariots, a Cannon. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Chariots, a Cannon.

Solution move by move

1. Red R8+5 (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 K5+1
1. Black K5+1
2. Red R8-1 (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.
2. Black K5+1
2. Black K5+1
3. Red C9+7 (check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
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.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black A4-5 (threatens mate next move)
3. Black A4-5
4. Red R7+3 (check, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
Why 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 forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Black A5+4 (threatens mate next move)
4. Black A5+4
5. Red R7-6 (check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
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.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
5. Black A4-5 (threatens mate next move)
5. Black A4-5
6. Red R8-1 (check, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply, the General has no escape square)
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.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
6. Black A5+4 (threatens mate next move)
6. Black A5+4
7. Red R8-2 (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.
7. Black A4-5 (threatens mate next move)
7. Black A4-5
8. Red R7=5 (captures the Cannon, check, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Cannon.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
8. Black R7=5 (threatens mate next move)
8. Black R7=5
9. Red R8=5 (captures the Chariot, check, sacrifices the Chariot)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Chariot.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
9. Black R8=5 (captures the Chariot)
9. Black R8=5
10. Red R5+4 (captures the Chariot, check)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Chariot.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
10. Black K5=4
10. Black K5=4
11. Red R5=6 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
11. Red R5=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.

2. Black K5+1
- If Black plays K5-1 instead: Red mates immediately with R7+5. Try it on the board
7. Black A4-5
- If Black plays K5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
8. Black R7=5
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
9. Black R8=5
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with -R=6. Try it on the board
10. Black K5=4
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=4. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 11 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 31"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move R8+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.

← Previous puzzle: B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 32 Next puzzle: B. Two Chariots and Cannon Class, Game 30 →

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