3. Discovered Check Tactics

"3. Discovered Check Tactics" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) tactic from the collection Discovered check. Black moves first and wins in 2 moves; the key first move is -R=7. 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, 4 Soldiers. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, 2 Chariots, 2 Cannons, 3 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Black -R=7
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 29 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
1. Red E3+1
1. Red E3+1
2. Black R7=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 35 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Black R7=5

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 E3+1
- If Red plays R8=7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays R8=9 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays R8+1 instead: Black mates immediately with C3+2. Try it on the board
- If Red plays R8+2 instead: Black mates immediately with C3+2. Try it on the board
- If Red plays R8+3 instead: Black mates immediately with C3+2. Try it on the board
- If Red plays R8+4 instead: Black mates immediately with C3+2. Try it on the board

Final position

The record ends here.

Questions about this puzzle

Who moves first in "3. Discovered Check Tactics"?

Black 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 -R=7 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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