A. Other Mating Techniques: Standard Positions 3

"A. Other Mating Techniques: Standard Positions 3" 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 R6+5. 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, 2 Cannons, a Soldier. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, a Horse, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red R6+5 (check, sacrifices the Chariot, threatens mate next move, 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.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
Takes away the General's escape squares.
What to watch out for
Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
1. Black A5-4 (captures the Chariot, threatens mate next move)
1. Black A5-4
2. Red P3=4 (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 K6+1 (captures the Soldier, threatens mate next move)
2. Black K6+1
3. Red C3=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.
3. Black A6-5 (threatens mate next move)
3. Black A6-5
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

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 3"?

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 R6+5 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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