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 R8+1. Below you will find the full solution, what each move achieves, where it could go wrong, and the alternative defences.

Solve this puzzle on ChessZing →

Free, in the browser, no download.

Pieces on the board

Red has a General, 2 Advisors, a Chariot, a Horse, 2 Cannons, 2 Soldiers. Black has a General, 2 Advisors, 2 Elephants, a Chariot, 2 Horses, a Cannon.

Solution move by move

1. Black R8+1 (check)
1. Red K4+1
1. Red K4+1
2. Black R8-2
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 25 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
2. Red C3-1
2. Red C3-1
3. Black C3-3
Why it works–
What to watch out for
Not forcing: the defender has 23 replies, so compare each one before playing it.
The Cannon stands where it can be captured.
3. Black C3-3

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 K4+1
- If Red plays H1-3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays C3-3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
2. Red C3-1
- 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 K4=5 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays K4-1 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays H1+3 instead: no immediate mate; the attack continues. Try it on the board
- If Red plays H1-3 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 R8+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.

Next puzzle: 1. Pinning Tactics →