B. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class, Game 18

"B. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class, Game 18" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Cannon mates. Red moves first and wins in 7 moves; the key first move is -R+8. 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 Elephant, 2 Chariots, 2 Cannons. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, 2 Chariots, a Horse, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red -R+8 (check)
1. Black K4+1 (threatens mate next move)
1. Black K4+1
2. Red -R-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 K4-1 (threatens mate next move)
2. Black K4-1
3. Red +R-1 (check)
3. Black K4-1 (threatens mate next move)
3. Black K4-1
4. Red -R=6 (check, sacrifices the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
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 A5+4 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
4. Black A5+4
5. Red R8=6 (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.
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.
5. Black K4+1 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
5. Black K4+1
6. Red C1=6 (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.
6. Black A4-5
6. Black A4-5
7. Red C5=6 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
7. 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.

1. Black K4+1
- If Black plays R3-7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
2. Black K4-1
- If Black plays R3-6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
3. Black K4-1
- If Black plays R3-7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
4. Black A5+4
- If Black plays K4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 7 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "B. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class, Game 18"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move -R+8 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 30 Next puzzle: B. Two Chariots and Two Cannons Class, Game 19 →

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