1. Pinning Tactics

"1. Pinning Tactics" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) tactic from the collection Pin. Black moves first and wins in 3 moves; the key first move is C6+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, 4 Soldiers. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, 2 Chariots, 2 Horses, a Cannon, 3 Soldiers.

Solution move by move

1. Black C6+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 41 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
1. Red R2+3
1. Red R2+3
2. Black H7-6
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 39 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Red C3=2
2. Red C3=2
3. Black H6-8 (captures the Cannon, sacrifices the Horse)
Why it works
Wins material: takes the Cannon.
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 31 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
3. Red C2+4 (captures the Horse)
3. Red C2+4

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 R2+3
- If Red plays K5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays R2=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays R2=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays R2=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays R2+1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays R2+2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
2. Red C3=2
- If Red plays A5+4 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 H9-7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays H9+8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays H9-8 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
3. Red C2+4
- If Red plays K5=4 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 A5-4 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 H9-7 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays H9+8 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 "1. Pinning Tactics"?

Black moves first, as in every puzzle of Pin.

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 C6+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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