B. Two Chariots and Soldier Class, Game 04

"B. Two Chariots and Soldier Class, Game 04" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Chariot & Soldier mates. Red moves first and wins in 5 moves; the key first move is R1+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 Chariots, a Soldier. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Chariot, a Horse, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red R1+3 (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.
1. Black K4+1
1. Black K4+1
2. Red P5+1 (captures the Advisor, check, sacrifices the Soldier, 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.
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
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 A4-5 (captures the Soldier)
2. Black A4-5
3. Red R3=6 (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.
3. Black A5+4 (threatens mate next move)
3. Black A5+4
4. Red R1=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.
4. Black K4-1 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
4. Black K4-1
5. Red R6+5 (captures the Advisor, checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
5. Red R6+5

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 A5-6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 5 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "B. Two Chariots and Soldier Class, Game 04"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move R1+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.

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