Chariot and Cannon Class, Game 06A

"Chariot and Cannon Class, Game 06A" 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 C3=4. 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 Chariot, a Cannon. Black has a General, a Chariot.

Solution move by move

1. Red C3=4
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 19 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
1. Black R4=9
1. Black R4=9
2. Red R5=4 (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.
2. Black R9=6
2. Black R9=6
3. Red C4-2 (captures 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 Chariot.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black K6-1
3. Black K6-1
4. Red C4=9 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Red C4=9

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 R4=9
- If Black plays R4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R4=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. 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 06A"?

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 C3=4 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: Supplementary Game 2

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