Chariot and Soldier Class, Game 1

"Chariot and Soldier Class, Game 1" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Soldier mates. Red moves first and wins in 4 moves; the key first move is R2=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, a Chariot, a Soldier. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Chariot.

Solution move by move

1. Red R2=8
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 12 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
1. Black R4+2
1. Black R4+2
2. Red R8+3 (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.
2. Black R4-2
2. Black R4-2
3. Red R8=7 (sacrifices the Chariot, the only legal reply)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
What to watch out for
Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
3. Black R4=3 (captures the Chariot)
3. Black R4=3
4. Red P7+1 (captures the Chariot, checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
Wins material: takes the Chariot.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Red P7+1

Variations and alternative defences

The source manual records 1 variation. Each branch starts from the move number shown.

Variation 1, from move 1: R4=1 2. P7=6 R1=3 3. P6=5+ A6+5 4. R8=2 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 Soldier Class, Game 1"?

Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Chariot & Soldier 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 R2=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: Chariot and Soldier Class, Game 2

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