12. Discovered Check Tactics 399

"12. Discovered Check Tactics 399" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) tactic from the collection Discovered check. Red moves first and wins in 2 moves; the key first move is R5+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, a Advisor, a Elephant, 2 Chariots, a Horse, a Cannon, 5 Soldiers. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Chariots, a Cannon, 2 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Red R5+1 (captures the Advisor, check, sacrifices the Chariot)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Advisor.
What to watch out for
Gives up the Chariot; the follow-up must be exact or the sacrifice is wasted.
1. Black K5+1 (captures the Chariot)
1. Black K5+1
2. Red C5-3 (captures the Cannon, check, threatens mate next move)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Cannon.
Creates an immediate mating threat that must be answered.
What to watch out forNo real drawback in this position.
2. 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+1
- If Black plays K5=4 instead: Red mates immediately with R8=6. Try it on the board

Final position

The record ends here.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "12. Discovered Check Tactics 399"?

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

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 R5+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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