1. Pinning Tactics

"1. Pinning Tactics" is a Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) tactic from the collection Pin. Red moves first and wins in 3 moves; the key first move is C8=5. 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, a Chariot, a Horse, a Cannon, 2 Soldiers. Black has a General, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, 2 Horses, a Soldier.

Solution move by move

1. Red C8=5
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 24 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
1. Black E7-9
1. Black E7-9
2. Red P7+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 28 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Soldier stands where it can be captured.
2. Black H6-7
2. Black H6-7
3. Red P7+1
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 30 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
3. Red P7+1

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 E7-9
- If Black plays R5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5-2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
2. Black H6-7
- If Black plays R5=4 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=2 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5=1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Black plays R5-2 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"?

Red 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 C8=5 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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