Two Cannons Class, Game 1
"Two Cannons Class, Game 1" 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 C4+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 Advisors, 2 Cannons. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Horse, a Cannon, 2 Soldiers.
Solution move by move
- 1. Red C4+3Why it works
- Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for1. Black K4-11. Black K4-1 - 2. Red C3+4Why 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 for2. Black H6+42. Black H6+4 - 3. Red C4+1Why it works
- Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out for3. Red C4+1
Variations and alternative defences
The source manual records 1 variation. Each branch starts from the move number shown.
- Variation 1, from move 1: A5+6 2. C3=6# 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 1"?
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 C4+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.
Nearby puzzles
- Two Cannons Class, Game 2
- Two Cannons Class, Game 3
- Two Cannons Class, Game 00
- Lone Soldier Draws Lone Cannon Class, Game 01
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