Discovered Attack Tactics

"Discovered Attack Tactics" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) tactic from the collection Discovered attack. Red moves first and wins in 2 moves; the key first move is C5+3. 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, 2 Horses, 2 Cannons, 2 Soldiers. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, 2 Chariots, 2 Horses, 2 Cannons, 3 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red C5+3 (captures the Cannon, sacrifices the Cannon)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Cannon.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 44 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
1. Black R8=5 (captures the Cannon)
1. Black R8=5
2. Red C6=7 (threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 39 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Red C6=7

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 R8=5
- If Black plays H1-3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays H1+3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays H1-2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R7=8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R7=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R7=6 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 "Discovered Attack Tactics"?

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

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 C5+3 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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