11. Discovered Attack Tactics 385

"11. Discovered Attack Tactics 385" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) tactic from the collection Discovered attack. Black moves first and wins in 3 moves; the key first move is C2-1. 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, 2 Chariots, a Horse, 2 Cannons, 3 Soldiers. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, 2 Chariots, a Horse, 2 Cannons, 4 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Black C2-1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 51 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
1. Red R8=7 (captures the Soldier)
1. Red R8=7
2. Black C2=7
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 47 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Red E3+1
2. Red E3+1
3. Black H3+1 (captures the Cannon)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Cannon.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 47 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Horse stands where it can be captured.
3. Black H3+1

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=7
- If Red plays K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays E3+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays A5+4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays A5-6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays C6=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays C6=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
2. Red E3+1
- If Red plays K5=6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays A5+4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays A5-6 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays C6=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays C6=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays C6=9 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 "11. Discovered Attack Tactics 385"?

Black moves first, as in every puzzle of Discovered attack.

How many moves does the solution take?

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

What is the key move?

The first move C2-1 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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