3. Piece-Winning Tactics 71

"3. Piece-Winning Tactics 71" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) tactic from the collection Winning material. Black moves first and wins in 2 moves; the key first move is R8+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 Advisors, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, a Cannon. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, a Cannon, 2 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Black R8+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 24 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
1. Red R8=3
1. Red R8=3
2. Black C8=7
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 21 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Black C8=7

Variations and alternative defences

What if Red 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. Red R8=3
- If Red plays E7+9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays A6+5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays K4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays K4-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays E5+3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays E5+7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board

Final position

The record ends here.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "3. Piece-Winning Tactics 71"?

Black moves first, as in every puzzle of Winning material.

How many moves does the solution take?

2 moves. The main line is shown above; alternative defences are covered in the variations section.

What is the key move?

The first move R8+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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