Two Cannons Class, Game 3

"Two Cannons Class, Game 3" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Double Cannon mates. Red moves first and wins in 6 moves; the key first move is C2+4. Below you will find the full solution, what each move achieves, where it could go wrong, and the alternative defences.

Solve this puzzle on ChessZing →

Free, in the browser, no download.

Pieces on the board

Red has a General, 2 Cannons. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants.

Solution move by move

1. Red C2+4 (check, the only legal reply)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
1. Black K4+1
1. Black K4+1
2. Red C4-2
2. Black K4-1
2. Black K4-1
3. Red K5+1 (the only legal reply)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black K4+1
3. Black K4+1
4. Red C2-6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 4 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
4. Black K4-1
4. Black K4-1
5. Red C2=6 (threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 4 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
5. Black A4+5
5. Black A4+5
6. Red C4=6 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
6. Red C4=6

Variations and alternative defences

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

Variation 1, from move 2: A4+5 3. C4=6 Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 6 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "Two Cannons Class, Game 3"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move C2+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: Two Cannons Class, Game 2 Next puzzle: Two Cannons Class, Game 00 →

Nearby puzzles

Two Cannons Class, Game 1
3 moves
Two Cannons Class, Game 2
3 moves
Two Cannons Class, Game 00
3 moves
Lone Soldier Draws Lone Cannon Class, Game 01
4 moves
Lone Soldier Draws Lone Cannon Class, Game 02
17 moves
Lone Soldier Draws Lone Cannon Class: Standard Positions 3
1 moves