A. Other Mating Techniques: Standard Positions 4

"A. Other Mating Techniques: Standard Positions 4" 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 R4+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 Chariot, a Horse, 2 Cannons. Black has a General, a Advisor, a Elephant, a Chariot, 2 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red R4+4 (check, sacrifices the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for
Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
1. Black K5=6 (captures the Chariot)
1. Black K5=6
2. Red H5+3 (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.
2. Black K6+1
2. Black K6+1
3. Red C7+5 (check, the General has no escape square)
Why it works
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 4 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
3. Black E5+7
3. Black E5+7
4. Red C5+3 (checkmate)
Why it works
Ends the game: no legal reply remains.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
4. Red C5+3

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.

1. Black K5=6
- If Black plays K5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
3. Black E5+7
- If Black plays E5-7 instead: Red mates immediately with C5+3. Try it on the board
- If Black plays E5-3 instead: Red mates immediately with C5+3. Try it on the board
- If Black plays E5+3 instead: Red mates immediately with C5+3. 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 "A. Other Mating Techniques: Standard Positions 4"?

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 R4+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.

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