A. Other Mating Techniques: Standard Positions 5

"A. Other Mating Techniques: Standard Positions 5" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) puzzle from the collection Other mating patterns. Red moves first and wins in 4 moves; the key first move is P4+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, 2 Chariots, a Cannon, a Soldier. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, 2 Cannons, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red P4+1 (captures the Advisor, 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.
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
1. Black K5=4 (threatens mate next move)
1. Black K5=4
2. Red P4=5 (check, sacrifices the Soldier, 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 for
Gives up the Soldier; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
2. Black K4=5 (captures the Soldier)
2. Black K4=5
3. Red R8=5 (captures the Advisor, 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.
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
3. Black K5=4 (threatens mate next move)
3. Black K5=4
4. Red R4+3 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Red R4+3

Final position

Red wins after 4 moves. The General has no legal move.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "A. Other Mating Techniques: Standard Positions 5"?

Red moves first, as in every puzzle of Other mating patterns.

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 P4+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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