there are many ways to winthis is a sure-win endgame, there are many ways to win as long as red does not make any critical mistakes the solution offered is the most direct and efficient chariot (R) 2+1 king (k) 6+1 if on 3rd move red R2+1 black has elephant (e) 5+7 (if e5-7 then R2=3, k6=5, H3+4 red wins by capturing black's chariot) it may take a longer time for red to win although should still win the the end =) example of another way to win is: R2+1 k6+1 H3+4 e5-7 R2=5 r7+6 A5-4 r7=6 K5+1 r6-6 H6-4 r6=4 R5=3 Red wins by trading horse with chariot But the original solution offered is more elegant I'm writing this at my work place. I may have missed some moves so do let me know if there are any mistakes.