Helpmates in xiangqi

Black moves first and helps Red mate it in two. The stipulation is the problem turned inside out, and the point of it is that positions which look impossible are forced: Red usually has a general and one piece, Black has an army, and out of every legal first move exactly one leads to mate. Composed by exhaustive search, so every claim of uniqueness here is proved rather than believed. The first ten are chosen, one idea each; the rest are the whole corpus, one chapter per distinct mating picture.

164 chapters

1. 1. A general and one soldier4 moves

   Red is a general and a soldier. Black steps out to e8, the soldier crosses, Black returns to d8 behind its own advisor, and the soldier mates from e7. Every red piece works in the final position and no square around the general is covered twice. Black moves first and both sides c…

2. 2. Fourteen pieces against one horse4 moves

   Black has both chariots, both cannons, both horses and the full guard. Red has a general and a horse standing in Black’s camp. Black fills its own palace with the horse from h10, and the red horse mates from d8. Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red,…

3. 3. Black hands the cannon its screen4 moves

   The cannon takes the elephant on c10 and mates along the back rank, firing over the advisor Black moved to d10 on the first move. A cannon needs a screen, and here the mated side supplies it. Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second mov…

4. 4. A chariot, and nothing spare4 moves

   Black’s chariot swings from a10 to e9 and plugs its own palace. The red chariot takes the horse on b10 and mates along the back rank, with the advisor on f10 sealing the last square. Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates.…

5. 5. The horse goes and comes back4 moves

   The horse takes the chariot in the corner on i10 and comes straight back out to g9 to mate, while Black’s advisor and cannon close the two squares its general could have used. Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. 14 piec…

6. 6. Eighteen pieces, one square4 moves

   The fullest board in the set: three red soldiers already in Black’s ninth rank against a nearly complete army. Black’s general walks to d10 and then d9, and the second soldier steps beside the first. Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's se…

7. 7. The soldier becomes the screen4 moves

   The mating move gives no check by itself. The soldier steps onto e8, the cannon on e5 now has the screen it needs, and the check arrives from behind it. The only discovered mate in the set. Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move…

8. 8. Two checks from one move4 moves

   The soldier arrives on f7 beside the general and checks, and by arriving it screens the cannon on f6, which checks up the same file. One move, two checks, and the general cannot answer both. Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move…

9. 9. Fifty-five ways to begin4 moves

   Black has two chariots, a horse and a cannon on an open board and 55 legal first moves. One of them ends in mate two moves later: the general to d10, the cannon back to the square it left, and the horse to c8. Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, an…

10. 10. A soldier walks up and mates4 moves

    Red is a general and one soldier against fourteen. The soldier goes f9 and then f10, and Black’s own cannon comes to e9 to shut the last square its general had. Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. 14 pieces on the board…

11. 11. model mate, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 44 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 10 pieces, Black 32 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: pure mate, model mate, Black blocks its own genera…

12. 12. model mate, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 40 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 14 pieces, Black 42.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: pure mate, model mate, Black blocks its own genera…

13. 13. model mate, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 25 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 15 pieces, Black 44.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: pure mate, model mate, Black blocks its own genera…

14. 14. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 28 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 14 pieces, Black 33.5 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns wh…

15. 15. model mate, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 37 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 15 pieces, Black 45 to Red 6 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: pure mate, model mate, Black blocks its own general,…

16. 16. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 48 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 26.5 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns whe…

17. 17. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 25 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 7 pieces, Black 17 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns where…

18. 18. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 35 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 11 pieces, Black 27.5 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns wh…

19. 19. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 45 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 21.5 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move…

20. 20. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 52 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 47 to Red 4.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, Black blocks…

21. 21. a piece already in the way, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 22 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 17 pieces, Black 39.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece already in the way, a piece returns wher…

22. 22. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 48 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 15 pieces, Black 43 to Red 6 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns wher…

23. 23. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 23 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 19 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, the general walks in,…

24. 24. a piece returns where it came from, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 50 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 53 to Red 4 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece returns where it came from, the general wa…

25. 25. a piece returns where it came from, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 47 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 53 to Red 4 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece returns where it came from, the general wa…

26. 26. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 47 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 49 to Red 4.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, Black blocks…

27. 27. a piece already in the way, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 43 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 17 pieces, Black 49 to Red 4 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

28. 28. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 24 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 7 pieces, Black 10.5 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns whe…

29. 29. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 34 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 7 pieces, Black 13 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move by…

30. 30. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 33 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 14 pieces, Black 35.5 to Red 4.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, Black bloc…

31. 31. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 52 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 11 pieces, Black 33 to Red 4 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, Red captures on the…

32. 32. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 47 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 12 pieces, Black 36.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move…

33. 33. Black blocks its own general, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 51 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 10 pieces, Black 32.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns wher…

34. 34. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 19 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 5 pieces, Black 11 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move by…

35. 35. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 18 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 5 pieces, Black 11 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move by…

36. 36. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 39 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 9 pieces, Black 30.5 to Red 4.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, Black block…

37. 37. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 33 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 11 pieces, Black 34.5 to Red 6 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns wh…

38. 38. a piece already in the way, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 40 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 40 to Red 6 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

39. 39. Black blocks its own general, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 43 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 10 pieces, Black 28 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns where…

40. 40. model mate, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 32 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 14 pieces, Black 35.5 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: pure mate, model mate, Black blocks its own gene…

41. 41. model mate, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 27 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 11 pieces, Black 20.5 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: pure mate, model mate, Black blocks its own gene…

42. 42. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 44 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 10 pieces, Black 25.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move…

43. 43. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 45 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 11 pieces, Black 30 to Red 4.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, Black blocks…

44. 44. Black blocks its own general, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 49 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 10 pieces, Black 32.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: Black blocks its own general, the general walks in…

45. 45. Black blocks its own general, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 33 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 7 pieces, Black 24 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move by R…

46. 46. model mate, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 30 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 37.5 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: pure mate, model mate, the cannon fires over a…

47. 47. a piece already in the way, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 44 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 34 to Red 6 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

48. 48. Black blocks its own general, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 26 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 16.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns where…

49. 49. double check, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 36 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 6 pieces, Black 13.5 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: double check, Black blocks its own general, a q…

50. 50. model mate, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 56 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 10 pieces, Black 28 to Red 13 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: pure mate, model mate, the general walks in, a qu…

51. 51. Black blocks its own general, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 45 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 21.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move by…

52. 52. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 15 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 6 pieces, Black 6.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns wher…

53. 53. model mate, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 55 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 15 pieces, Black 43 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: pure mate, model mate, a piece already in the way…

54. 54. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 22 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 12.5 to Red 4.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, Black block…

55. 55. the general walks in, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 52 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 9 pieces, Black 28.5 to Red 6 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: the general walks in, Black never checks or captu…

56. 56. pure mate, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 47 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 49 to Red 11 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: pure mate, cannon and screen together, Black block…

57. 57. model mate, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 36 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 17 pieces, Black 40 to Red 9 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: pure mate, model mate, the cannon fires over a blac…

58. 58. Black blocks its own general, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 35 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 17 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move by R…

59. 59. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 39 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 49 to Red 8.5 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move…

60. 60. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 42 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 12 pieces, Black 30 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, Black blocks…

61. 61. pure mate, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 39 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 47 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: pure mate, Black blocks its own general, Red capt…

62. 62. Black blocks its own general, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 19 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 5 pieces, Black 11 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move by R…

63. 63. pure mate, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 20 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 17 pieces, Black 37.5 to Red 8 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: pure mate, Black blocks its own general, Red captu…

64. 64. Black blocks its own general, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 22 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 7 pieces, Black 10.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: Black blocks its own general, the general walks in,…

65. 65. discovered mate, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 24 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 6 pieces, Black 13.5 to Red 8.5 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: discovered mate, the general walks in, a quiet fi…

66. 66. double check, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 16 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 6 pieces, Black 6.5 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: double check, Black blocks its own general, the…

67. 67. Black blocks its own general, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 40 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 14 pieces, Black 36 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns wher…

68. 68. Black blocks its own general, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 54 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 26.5 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move…

69. 69. Black blocks its own general, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 42 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 53 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a piece returns wher…

70. 70. cannon and screen together, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 46 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 11 pieces, Black 27.5 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: cannon and screen together, Black blocks its ow…

71. 71. pure mate, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 22 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 38.5 to Red 11 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: pure mate, the cannon fires over a black piece,…

72. 72. double check, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 33 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 15 pieces, Black 35.5 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: double check, a piece already in the way, Blac…

73. 73. a piece already in the way, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 41 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 51 to Red 8 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece already in the way, a piece returns where…

74. 74. double check, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 26 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 10 pieces, Black 18.5 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: double check, a piece already in the way, the…

75. 75. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 14 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 5 pieces, Black 4.5 to Red 4 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move b…

76. 76. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 10 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 5 pieces, Black 6 to Red 2 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, the general walks in,…

77. 77. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 40 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 45 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, Black blocks…

78. 78. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 35 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 9 pieces, Black 21.5 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, Black block…

79. 79. discovered mate, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 46 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 45 to Red 8.5 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: discovered mate, the general walks in, a quiet fir…

80. 80. Black blocks its own general, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 45 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 14 pieces, Black 43 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: Black blocks its own general, Red captures on the…

81. 81. cannon and screen together, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 21 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 12.5 to Red 8.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: cannon and screen together, Black blocks its own…

82. 82. Black blocks its own general, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 35 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 11 pieces, Black 21 to Red 6 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move by…

83. 83. pure mate, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 33 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 51 to Red 8.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: pure mate, the cannon fires over a black piece, a…

84. 84. pure mate, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 44 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 42 to Red 8 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: pure mate, a piece already in the way, the general w…

85. 85. pure mate, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 33 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 17 pieces, Black 47 to Red 10 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: pure mate, a piece already in the way, a quiet firs…

86. 86. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 33 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 17 pieces, Black 49 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, a piece returns where…

87. 87. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 37 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 51 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, a piece alre…

88. 88. model mate, by the horse4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 9 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 8 to Red 6 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: pure mate, model mate, a piece already in the way, the…

89. 89. a piece already in the way, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 42 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 38 to Red 8 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

90. 90. Black blocks its own general, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 30 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 9 pieces, Black 19 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move b…

91. 91. pure mate, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 46 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 17 pieces, Black 40 to Red 15.5 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: pure mate, Black blocks its own general, the ge…

92. 92. a piece returns where it came from, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 31 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 46.5 to Red 13 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece returns where it came from, the general…

93. 93. the general walks in, by the soldier4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 43 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 38 to Red 11 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: the general walks in, Black never checks or captu…

94. 94. Black blocks its own general, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 30 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 12 pieces, Black 32.5 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first mov…

95. 95. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 46 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 10 pieces, Black 30.5 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in…

96. 96. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 20 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 5 pieces, Black 11 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, a quiet first move by Red, Bl…

97. 97. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 22 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 7 pieces, Black 12.5 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, a quiet first move by Red,…

98. 98. cannon and screen together, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 35 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 15 to Red 8.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: cannon and screen together, the general walks in,…

99. 99. cannon and screen together, by the cannon4 moves

    Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 22 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 9 pieces, Black 14.5 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: cannon and screen together, a piece already in t…

100. 100. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 36 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 14 pieces, Black 42.5 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, a quiet first move by Red,…

101. 101. discovered mate, by the horse4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 47 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 49 to Red 10.5 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: discovered mate, a piece already in the way, the…

102. 102. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 45 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 43 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, a piece alre…

103. 103. discovered mate, by the horse4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 44 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 47 to Red 10.5 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: discovered mate, the general walks in, Red captur…

104. 104. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 44 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 17 pieces, Black 51 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

105. 105. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 25 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 46.5 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, Red captures on the way, B…

106. 106. pure mate, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 48 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 20 pieces, Black 53 to Red 13 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: pure mate, a piece already in the way, the genera…

107. 107. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 48 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 17 pieces, Black 49 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

108. 108. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 42 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 53 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

109. 109. a piece already in the way, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 51 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 49 to Red 13 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

110. 110. pure mate, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 30 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 21 pieces, Black 45 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: pure mate, a piece returns where it came from, th…

111. 111. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 22 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 6 pieces, Black 6.5 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, a quiet first move by Red,…

112. 112. a piece returns where it came from, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 44 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 53 to Red 13 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece returns where it came from, the general w…

113. 113. a piece returns where it came from, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 39 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 53 to Red 13 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece returns where it came from, the general w…

114. 114. pure mate, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 39 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 20 pieces, Black 53 to Red 15 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: pure mate, a piece already in the way, the genera…

115. 115. pure mate, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 51 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 23 pieces, Black 51 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: pure mate, the general walks in, Red captures on…

116. 116. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 23 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 12.5 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in…

117. 117. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 43 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 44.5 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks i…

118. 118. pure mate, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 28 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 20 pieces, Black 42.5 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: pure mate, a piece already in the way, the gene…

119. 119. model mate, by the horse4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 1 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 17 pieces, Black 39.5 to Red 8 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: pure mate, model mate, a piece already in the way,…

120. 120. a piece returns where it came from, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 30 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 42.5 to Red 15 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece returns where it came from, the general…

121. 121. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 40 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 15 pieces, Black 36 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

122. 122. double check, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 36 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 42 to Red 15.5 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: double check, a piece already in the way, the g…

123. 123. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 43 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 49 to Red 11 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, the general w…

124. 124. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 42 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 53 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

125. 125. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 39 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 53 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, a quiet first move by Red,…

126. 126. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 38 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 53 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

127. 127. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 50 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 53 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

128. 128. cannon and screen together, by the cannon4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 37 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 45 to Red 10.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: cannon and screen together, the general walks in…

129. 129. a piece returns where it came from, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 33 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 20 pieces, Black 53 to Red 13 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece returns where it came from, the general w…

130. 130. pure mate, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 18 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 20 pieces, Black 42.5 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: pure mate, a piece already in the way, the gene…

131. 131. discovered mate, by the cannon4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 43 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 47 to Red 15.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: discovered mate, a piece already in the way, the…

132. 132. pure mate, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 31 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 20 pieces, Black 38 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: pure mate, a piece already in the way, the genera…

133. 133. pure mate, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 29 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 21 pieces, Black 45 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: pure mate, a piece already in the way, the genera…

134. 134. discovered mate, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 2 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 4 pieces, Black 0 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: discovered mate, the general walks in, a quiet firs…

135. 135. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 51 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 47 to Red 13 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

136. 136. Black blocks its own general, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 6 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 4 pieces, Black 4 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move by R…

137. 137. Black blocks its own general, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 32 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 21 pieces, Black 38 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: Black blocks its own general, a quiet first move…

138. 138. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 29 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 49 to Red 20 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, a quiet first move by…

139. 139. model mate, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 1 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 19 pieces, Black 53 to Red 13 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: pure mate, model mate, the general walks in, Red c…

140. 140. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 11 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 6 pieces, Black 6 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, a quiet first move by Red, Bl…

141. 141. Black blocks its own general, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 3 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 14 pieces, Black 45 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: Black blocks its own general, the general walks in,…

142. 142. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 4 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 14 pieces, Black 43 to Red 9 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, a piece returns where i…

143. 143. the general walks in, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 45 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 22 pieces, Black 49 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: the general walks in, Black never checks or captu…

144. 144. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 9 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 6 pieces, Black 6 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, a quiet first move by Red, Bla…

145. 145. pure mate, by the horse4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 1 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 43 to Red 12.5 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: pure mate, a piece already in the way, a piece ret…

146. 146. the general walks in, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 40 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 24 pieces, Black 53 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: the general walks in, Black never checks or captu…

147. 147. the general walks in, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 36 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 24 pieces, Black 53 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: the general walks in, Black never checks or captu…

148. 148. cannon and screen together, by the cannon4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 6 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 5 pieces, Black 2 to Red 8.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: cannon and screen together, a piece already in the w…

149. 149. a piece already in the way, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 26 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 23 pieces, Black 51 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…

150. 150. discovered mate, by the horse4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 2 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 20 pieces, Black 53 to Red 12.5 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: discovered mate, Black blocks its own general, a q…

151. 151. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 6 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 8 pieces, Black 8 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in, Bl…

152. 152. the general walks in, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 2 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 38 to Red 11 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: the general walks in, Black never checks or captur…

153. 153. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 4 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 5 pieces, Black 2 to Red 11 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, a quiet first move by Red, Bla…

154. 154. pure mate, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 3 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 21 pieces, Black 45 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: pure mate, Black blocks its own general, the gener…

155. 155. the general walks in, by the horse4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 3 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 5 pieces, Black 2 to Red 13 in material, mate by the horse. Themes: the general walks in, Black never checks or captures.…

156. 156. cannon and screen together, by the cannon4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 3 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 4 pieces, Black 0 to Red 6.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: cannon and screen together, the general walks in, a…

157. 157. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 1 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 51 to Red 8.5 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, the general w…

158. 158. Black blocks its own general, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 1 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 49 to Red 13 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: Black blocks its own general, the general walks in…

159. 159. the cannon fires over a black piece, by the cannon4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 2 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 16 pieces, Black 38 to Red 11 in material, mate by the cannon. Themes: the cannon fires over a black piece, a piece alread…

160. 160. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 4 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 5 pieces, Black 2 to Red 13.5 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, a quiet first move by Red, B…

161. 161. pure mate, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 2 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 24 pieces, Black 53 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: pure mate, a piece returns where it came from, the…

162. 162. the general walks in, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 3 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 42 to Red 13 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: the general walks in, Red captures on the way, Bla…

163. 163. pure mate, by the soldier4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 3 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 24 pieces, Black 53 to Red 14 in material, mate by the soldier. Themes: pure mate, a piece already in the way, the general…

164. 164. a piece already in the way, by the chariot4 moves

     Black moves first and both sides cooperate: Black, Red, Black, Red, and Red's second move mates. Black has 4 legal first moves and exactly one of them works. 18 pieces, Black 49 to Red 13 in material, mate by the chariot. Themes: a piece already in the way, the general walks in,…