Chariot and Cannon Class, Game 03

"Chariot and Cannon Class, Game 03" 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 C8=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, a Chariot, a Cannon. Black has a General, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, a Cannon, 2 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red C8=5 (check)
1. Black E5+7
1. Black E5+7
2. Red C5=4 (check)
2. Black E3+5
2. Black E3+5
3. Red R5+3 (captures the Elephant, check)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Elephant.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black K5=4
3. Black K5=4
4. Red R5=6 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. 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.

1. Black E5+7
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=4. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=6. Try it on the board
2. Black E3+5
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: Red mates immediately with C4-5. Try it on the board
- If Black plays K5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with R5=6. Try it on the board
3. Black K5=4
- If Black plays K5=6 instead: Red mates immediately with C4-5. 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 "Chariot and Cannon Class, Game 03"?

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 C8=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: Chariot and Cannon Class, Game 02 Next puzzle: Chariot and Cannon Class, Game 04 →

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