Cannon and Soldier Class, Game 3

"Cannon and Soldier Class, Game 3" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Cannon & Soldier mates. Red moves first and wins in 4 moves; the key first move is P6+1. 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 Cannon, a Soldier. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Horse, 2 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red P6+1 (check)
1. Black K5-1 (threatens mate next move)
1. Black K5-1
2. Red C4=5 (check, threatens mate next move, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
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 -A+5 (threatens mate next move)
2. Black -A+5
3. Red P6+1 (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.
3. Black K5=6 (threatens mate next move)
3. Black K5=6
4. Red C5=4 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Red C5=4

Variations and alternative defences

The source manual records 2 variations. Each branch starts from the move number shown.

Variation 1, from move 2: +A-5 3. P6+1# Try it on the board
Variation 2, from move 1: K5+1 2. C4=5# 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 "Cannon and Soldier Class, Game 3"?

Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Cannon & 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 P6+1 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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