B. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class, Game 19

"B. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class, Game 19" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Cannon mates. Red moves first and wins in 8 moves; the key first move is R9+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 Advisors, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, 2 Cannons. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, 2 Cannons.

Solution move by move

1. Red R9+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.
1. Black C4-2
1. Black C4-2
2. Red C8+7 (check, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 8 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Black C4+2
2. Black C4+2
3. 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.
3. Black C4-2
3. Black C4-2
4. Red R7=6 (captures the Cannon, check, sacrifices the Chariot, threatens mate next move, the only legal reply)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
Wins material: takes the Cannon.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for
Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
4. Black K5=4 (captures the Chariot)
4. Black K5=4
5. Red C8-8 (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.
5. Black K4+1
5. Black K4+1
6. Red C8=6 (check, threatens mate next move, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
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
6. Black A5+4
7. Red +A-5 (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.
7. Black A4-5
7. Black A4-5
8. Red C5=6 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
8. Red C5=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 C4+2
- If Black plays C4=1 instead: Red mates immediately with R7+3. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4+3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4+4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4+5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays C4+6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
6. Black A5+4
- If Black plays C5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 8 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "B. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class, Game 19"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move R9+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 Two Cannons Class, Game 18 Next puzzle: Chariot and Cannon Class, Game 01 →

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