Two Cannons Class, Game 2

"Two Cannons Class, Game 2" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Double Cannon mates. Red moves first and wins in 3 moves; the key first move is C3=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 Cannons. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Horse.

Solution move by move

1. Red C3=5 (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.
1. Black H3+5
1. Black H3+5
2. Red +C+2 (sacrifices the Cannon)
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Gives up the Cannon; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
2. Black A4+5 (captures the Cannon)
2. Black A4+5
3. Red K5=6 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Red K5=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.

2. Black A4+5
- If Black plays A6+5 instead: Red mates immediately with K5=4. Try it on the board

Final position

Red wins after 3 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "Two Cannons Class, Game 2"?

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

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move C3=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.

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