Cannon and Soldier Class, Game 2

"Cannon and Soldier Class, Game 2" 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 P3=4. 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 Advisor, a Cannon, a Soldier. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, a Horse, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red P3=4 (check, 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 forNo real drawback in this position.
1. Black K6-1
1. Black K6-1
2. Red C7=4 (check, 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.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
2. Black A5+6
2. Black A5+6
3. Red P4+1 (captures the Advisor, check, sacrifices the Soldier, the only legal reply)
Why it works
Forcing: the opponent has only one reply, so the line cannot be avoided.
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black K6+1 (captures the Soldier)
3. Black K6+1
4. Red C4-2 (captures the Soldier, checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
Wins material: takes the Soldier.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Red C4-2

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 2"?

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 P3=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: Cannon and Soldier Class, Game 1 Next puzzle: Cannon and Soldier Class, Game 3 →

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