thats fine,
Mark.
----- Original Message -----
From: Jim
To: usbca_chess@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 9:52 PM
Subject: [usbca_chess] Re: updated Larry Evans' Puzzles with algebraic notation
and corrected FEN notation
Hi Mark,
Are you OK with me adding these to my chess resources page? Does
anyone else have any secret resources I can feed you truth serum and
get from you?
Thanks.
Jim
On 12/8/15, Mark R Hague <Mark.hague.list@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Lary Evans Problems from 01 to 12 (mates in 1) and
from 13 to 31 (mates in 2) originally compiled on the blind-chess
group with Comments on puzzles 14, 16, 19, 27, 30 and 31 by Tyson Mordou on
the US BCA list
The solutions are placed under the problem setup so you'll have to
be careful how you view the file otherwise you'll spoil the problem for
yourself.
Mate in 1 Puzzles
Problem 1:
Fen diagram:
4Q3/3R3p/2p1pr1k/p7/4q1P1/5p2/PPP4P/1K6 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Queen e8, Rook d7, Pawn g4, Pawn a2, Pawn b2, Pawn c2, Pawn h2, King
b1
Black: Pawn h7, Pawn c6, Pawn e6, Rook f6, King h6, Pawn a5, Queen e4, Pawn
f3
Points: 2
White to mate in one move.
My solution:
1.
Qh5#
Principle:
I notice that the Black King, while not in check
is unable to move. I also notice that h5 is attacked twice (Pawn and
Queen)
and is not attacked by any Black pieces, so the
White Queen can move there for the mate. Notice also that
if it was
Black's move, Black could take the Pawn at g4 eliminating his current
problem. So noticing opportunities early is
critical. Uwe points out that if it is
Black's move he can mate in two moves!
Problem 2:
Fen diagram:
6r1/1R4bk/2pR3p/5p2/4p3/4B1P1/2r1qPKP/8 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Rook b7, Rook d6, Bishop e3, Pawn g3, Pawn f2, King g2, Pawn h2
Black: Rook g8, Bishop g7, King h7, Pawn c6, Pawn h6, Pawn f5, Pawn e4, Rook
c2, Queen e2
Points: 2
White to mate in one.
My solution:
1. Rxh6#
Principle:
First notice the
Black Bishop at g7 is pinned even though he is protected by the Black
Rook. Because the Bishop is pinned,
his ability to protect the Pawn at h6 is an
illusion. Always examine every check or capture as these moves often limit
your
opponents reply. Since the Pawn at h6 is
protected only by the King and White attacks that Pawn twice, White can
capture
it
with the Rook at d6 resulting in
mate.
Problem 3:
Fen diagram:
r1b2r2/7p/ppn1N1pk/2p4q/1bP1Pp2/3P4/PB4BP/1R3RK1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Knight e6, Pawn c4, Pawn e4, Pawn d3, Pawn a2, Bishop b2, Bishop g2,
Pawn h2, Rook b1, Rook f1, King g1
Black: Rook a8, Bishop c8, Rook f8, Pawn h7, Pawn a6, Pawn b6, Knight c6,
Pawn g6, King h6, Pawn c5, Queen h5, Bishop b4, Pawn f4
Points: 2
White to mate in one.
My solution:
1.
Bg7#
Principle:
Again, Black is boxed in and is unable to
move. He is blocked by his own pieces and the only two open squares (g7
and g5)
are attacked by the White Knight. So White
can move his Bishop to g7 for the win.
Problem 4:
Fen diagram:
8/p4pkp/8/3B1b2/3b1ppP/P1N1r1n1/1PP3PR/R4QK1 b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Bishop d5, Pawn h4, Pawn a3, Knight c3, Pawn b2, Pawn c2, Pawn g2,
Rook h2, Rook a1, Queen f1, King g1
Black: Pawn a7, Pawn f7, King g7, Pawn h7, Bishop f5, Bishop d4, Pawn f4,
Pawn g4, Rook e3, Knight g3
Points: 2
Black to mate in one.
My solution:
1...
Re1#
Principle:
Notice the Black Bishop at d4, the Black Rook and
White's King are all on a common diagonal. If the Black Rook moves away,
White is in discovered check, but if the Rook moves
to e1 it also pins the Queen preventing her from blocking
the check at
f2. Also notice White's King is, as usual, boxed in and has no flight
squares.
Problem 5:
Fen diagram:
4r1k1/pp3ppp/8/3P4/3B1b2/3q4/PPN3Q1/R5K1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn d5, Bishop d4, Pawn a2, Pawn b2, Knight c2, Queen g2, Rook a1,
King g1
Black: Rook e8, King g8, Pawn a7, Pawn b7, Pawn f7, Pawn g7, Pawn h7, Bishop
f4, Queen d3
Points: 2
White to mate in one.
My solution:
1.
Qxg7#
Principle:
The Pawn at g7 is only protected by Black's King
and is attacked twice. Almost all successful combinations are based on
some
form of double attack.
Problem 6:
Fen diagram:
8/1p4kp/2p3r1/1bP1N2K/1P2Pp1P/5P2/2RR4/6r1 b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn c5, Knight e5, King h5, Pawn b4, Pawn e4, Pawn h4, Pawn f3, Rook
c2, Rook d2
Black: Pawn b7, King g7, Pawn h7, Pawn c6, Rook g6, Bishop b5, Pawn f4, Rook
g1
Points: 2
Black to mate in one.
My solution:
1... Rh6#
Principle:
This is a
common mate with two Rooks pattern, the Rook at g1 restricts the White King
to
the H-file and then the other Rook
moves to the H-file for the mate. Note that
if Black tries instead to move the Rook at g1 to g5 the White
Pawn at h4
captures the Rook.
Problem 7:
Fen diagram:
2b4k/3q3p/n2Q2p1/2pP4/2P1N3/7P/6BK/8 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Queen d6, Pawn d5, Pawn c4, Knight e4, Pawn h3, Bishop g2, King h2
Black: Bishop c8, King h8, Queen d7, Pawn h7, Knight a6, Pawn g6, Pawn c5
Points: 2
White mates in one.
My solution:
1. Qf8#
Principle:
Black's King is simply
trapped in the corneer and Black is unable to prevent the mate at
f8.
Problem 8:
Fen diagram:
r2q1rk1/p5pp/2pp2b1/8/3B1n2/2P3Q1/PP1N1P1P/2KR2R1 b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Bishop d4, Pawn c3, Queen g3, Pawn a2, Pawn b2, Knight d2, Pawn f2,
Pawn h2, King c1, Rook d1, Rook g1
Black: Rook a8, Queen d8, Rook f8, King g8, Pawn a7, Pawn g7, Pawn h7, Pawn
c6, Pawn d6, Bishop g6, Knight f4
Points: 2
Black to mate in one.
My solution:
1...
Ne2#
Principle:
The White King is unable to move because of the Black
Bishop at g6. But White is not in check, so Black moves his Knight to
e2 for the mate.
Problem 9:
Fen diagram:
4r3/p5pp/2k5/2pp1p2/2n5/2PK1PB1/P1P3PP/1R6 b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn c3, King d3, Pawn f3, Bishop g3, Pawn a2, Pawn c2, Pawn g2, Pawn
h2, Rook b1
Black: Rook e8, Pawn a7, Pawn g7, Pawn h7, King c6, Pawn c5, Pawn d5, Pawn
f5, Knight c4
Points: 2
Black to mate in one.
My solution:
1... Re3#
Principle:
Black has a mate
threat at e2 and White has not moved the Bishop to f2 in order to prevent
mate. The White King is boxed in
and the King is the only protector of
e3.
Problem 10:
Fen diagram:
6rk/1bp2Q1p/p2p4/1p2p3/5N1N/1P1P3P/1PP2p1K/8 b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Queen f7, Knight f4, Knight h4, Pawn b3, Pawn d3, Pawn h3, Pawn b2,
Pawn c2, King h2
Black: Rook g8, King h8, Bishop b7, Pawn c7, Pawn h7, Pawn a6, Pawn d6, Pawn
b5, Pawn e5, Pawn f2
Points: 3
Black to mate in one.
My solution:
1...
f1=N#
Principle:
When promoting a Pawn look at every promotion possibility
not just a Queen! Here once again the White King is boxed in and a
Knight is just the thing for Black.
Problem 11:
Fen diagram:
r4k1N/2p3pp/p7/1pbPn3/8/1P1P3P/1PP2qPK/RNB4Q b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Knight h8, Pawn d5, Pawn b3, Pawn d3, Pawn h3, Pawn b2, Pawn c2, Pawn
g2, King h2, Rook a1, Knight b1, Bishop c1, Queen h1
Black: Rook a8, King f8, Pawn c7, Pawn g7, Pawn h7, Pawn a6, Pawn b5, Bishop
c5, Knight e5, Queen f2
Points 3
Black to mate in one.
Solution:
1... Nf3#
Principle:
White's
Queen side development is poor and those pieces are out of the action. The
White King is, as usual, hemmed n and
unable to move. So Black begins by looking at
every possible check or capture. At first glance checking the King
with the Knight looks bad, but then Black notices the Pawn at g2 is pinned
by the Queen and so the Knight can safely jump
into action.
Problem 12:
Fen diagram:
rnbqkr2/pp1pbN1p/8/3p4/2B5/2p5/P1P3PP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Knight f7, Bishop c4, Pawn a2, Pawn c2, Pawn g2, Pawn h2, Rook a1,
Rook e1, King g1
Black: Rook a8, Knight b8, Bishop c8, Queen d8, King e8, Rook f8, Pawn a7,
Pawn b7, Pawn d7, Bishop e7, Pawn h7, Pawn d5, Pawn c3
Points 3
White to mate in one.
1. Nd6#
Principle:
Black's development is
poor as his entire Queen side is still at home having breakfast. The first
thing to notice is that
the Black Bishop is pinned. That means his
power to capture is only an illusion and the Knight can mate the boxed in
Black
King at d6. End of warm up exercizes.
Mate in 2 puzzles
Tyson: Just a few observations on these puzzles. You may wish to postpone
reading the rest of this e-mail until you've done the puzzles.
Problem 14: An analogous position occurred in Szabo-Reshevsky, Candidates
Tournament, Zurich 1953. Szabo actually missed the mate!
Problem 16: This is Anderssen- Keiseritzky, also known as the Immortal Game.
Note the amount of material White has sacrificed to get this position, but
that's how they played chess then! For any chess historians out there this
game was played at the first international tournament in London 1851, but it
was an offhand game and not part of the actual event. Anderssen did defeat
Kieseritzky 2½-½ in the first round of the knockout event.
Problem 18. This is my favourite of this selection.
Problem 19. This is worth remembering. I've had this pattern myself and
often the simple threat of this pattern has been enough to gain material.
Problems 23 and 24. Standard mating sequences well worth remembering!
Problem 27. Proof that the first move you think of - 1 Ne5+ - although it
may be good isn't necessarily the best!
Problem 30. This is actually a mate in three starting with the White Queen
on d3 and the Black King on e8. The solution is 1 Qd8+ Kxe8 2 Bg5++ and mate
on d8 next move. It seems odd to miss out the nice Queen sac as it reduces
the instructional value.
Problem 31. There must be a misprint here as Black starts off a piece down
and his Queen is en prise. Why give the puzzle a value of four points with 1
Rxd5 being such an obvious starter? I suspect there is an additional White
Pawn on d4 and another Black Bishop on b7. That balances the material and
Black threatens mate on g2, hence White is forced into 1 Qxf7+ Qxf7 2 Nd7
mate.
Tyson
Problem 13:
Fen diagram:
r1b2k1r/1p2bppp/p1B2q2/8/8/8/PPPQ1P1P/2KRR3 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Bishop c6, Pawn a2, Pawn b2, Pawn c2, Queen d2, Pawn f2, Pawn h2,
King c1, Rook d1, Rook e1
Black: Rook a8, Bishop c8, King f8, Rook h8, Pawn b7, Bishop e7, Pawn f7,
Pawn g7, Pawn h7, Pawn a6, Queen f6
Points 3
White to mate in two.
Solution:
1. Qd8+ Bxd8
2. Re8#
Principle:
The King is in
a classic back rank mate position where a Queen or Rook on the back rank
can
mate him. Square e8 is good as
it is protected by the Bishop. Always looking at every check or
capture in order to limit Black's possible
responses, White comes up with an
always flashy Queen sacrifice! The Queen checks at d8 forcing the Bishop
to capture
opening up the door for the Rook to mate.
Problem 14:
Fen diagram:
1r1n1rk1/ppq2p2/2b2bp1/2pB3p/2P4P/4P3/PBQ2PP1/1R3RK1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Bishop d5, Pawn c4, Pawn h4, Pawn e3, Pawn a2, Bishop b2, Queen c2,
Pawn f2, Pawn g2, Rook b1, Rook f1, King g1
Black: Rook b8, Knight d8, Rook f8, King g8, Pawn a7, Pawn b7, Queen c7,
Pawn f7, Bishop c6, Bishop f6, Pawn g6, Pawn c5, Pawn h5
Points 3
White to mate in two.
Solution:
1. Qxg6+ Kh8
2.
Bxf6#
if
1... Bg7
2. Qxg7#
Principle:
First, look at every check
or capture. And here realize that since the F-Pawn is pinned, the Pawn
does not protect the
G-Pawn. So White captures the G-Pawn checking the Black King.
The King is either forced to the corner or the Bishop
can interpose, both
fail.
Comment: An analogous position occurred in Szabo-Reshevsky, Candidates
Tournament, Zurich 1953. Szabo actually missed the
mate.
Problem 15:
Fen diagram:
r2q1rk1/1b2bp2/ppn1p1p1/3P2Np/2P4Q/P2B4/1B3PPP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn d5, Knight g5, Pawn c4, Queen h4, Pawn a3, Bishop d3, Bishop b2,
Pawn f2, Pawn g2, Pawn h2, Rook a1, Rook f1, King g1
Black: Rook a8, Queen d8, Rook f8, King g8, Bishop b7, Bishop e7, Pawn f7,
Pawn a6, Pawn b6, Knight c6, Pawn e6, Pawn g6, Pawn h5
Points 3
White to mate in two.
Solution:
1. Qxh5
if 1...
gxh5
2. Bh7#
if 1... Bxg5
2. Qh8#
if 1... Re8 to give a flight
square
2. Qh8#
anything else
2. Qh7#
Principle:
Black may feel
relatively safe behind his King side Pawn chain, but White has a good deal
of
force concentrated on the King
side attack. White's Bishop at b2 prevents the Black King from moving
to the corner and all other flight squares are
occupied. So the King's position is cramped. Looking at all
checks and captures White takes the h-Pawn and threatens mate
at h8. Black is toast since taking the Queen opens a mate by the
Bishop at d3 and doing anything else lets the Queen into
the cramped corner.
Problem 16:
Fen diagram:
r1bk2nr/p2p1pNp/n2B4/1p1NP2P/6P1/3P1Q2/P1P1KP2/q5b1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Knight g7, Bishop d6, Knight d5, Pawn e5, Pawn h5, Pawn g4, Pawn d3,
Queen f3, Pawn a2, Pawn c2, King e2, Pawn f2
Black: Rook a8, Bishop c8, King d8, Knight g8, Rook h8, Pawn a7, Pawn d7,
Pawn f7, Pawn h7, Knight a6, Pawn b5, Queen a1, Bishop g1
Points 3
White to mate in two.
Solution:
1. Qf6+ Nxf6
2.
Be7#
Principle:
The Black King is not in check, but cannot move because
the White Knights cover all his flight squares. So if White can
check him he is toast! Looking at all available checks and captures,
White notices that he can check Black along the
black diagonal leading away
from the King along e7 and f6, but those squares are garded by the Knight.
The Black Knight is
overworked and must be lured away. If you try 1. Be7+ Black takes the
Bishop, which you can pin with your Queen. But if you
play the Queen first the Knight is distracted and the Bishop moves to e7
for the mate.
Comment: This is Anderssen- Keiseritzky, also known as the
Immortal Game. Note the amount of material White has sacrificed to
get this position, but that's how they played chess then! For any chess
historians out there this game was played at the
first international tournament in London 1851, but it was an offhand game
and not part of the actual event. Anderssen did d
Problem 17:
Fen diagram:
1r1k3r/2pb1pp1/3p1P2/p4PBp/P2p2P1/1qNP3P/4Q3/2KR3R b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn f6, Pawn f5, Bishop g5, Pawn a4, Pawn g4, Knight c3, Pawn d3,
Pawn h3, Queen e2, King c1, Rook d1, Rook h1
Black: Rook b8, King d8, Rook h8, Pawn c7, Bishop d7, Pawn f7, Pawn g7, Pawn
d6, Pawn a5, Pawn h5, Pawn d4, Queen b3
Points 3
Black mates in two.
Solution:
1... Qa3+
2. Kd2
Qxc3#
Principle:
Black has a strong position with both Rook and Queen on
the open B-File, but the White Queen gards b2 and the Knight gards
b1, preventing mate on the move. Further the Queen protects the
Knight. So once again looking at checks Black
sees that checcking the
White King at a3 forces him to move to the second rank blocking the Queen's
protection.
Problem 18:
Fen diagram:
R6R/1r3pp1/6k1/3pPp1p/1r1pq1P1/7P/1P1Q3K/8 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Rook a8, Rook h8, Pawn e5, Pawn g4, Pawn h3, Pawn b2, Queen d2, King
h2
Black: Rook b7, Pawn f7, Pawn g7, King g6, Pawn d5, Pawn f5, Pawn h5, Rook
b4, Pawn d4, Queen e4
Points 3
White mates in two.
Solution:
1. Qh6+ gxh6
2.
Rag8#
Principle:
The Black King is unable to move right or left and if the
Pawn at g7 were gone the White Rook at a8 could mate Black at g8.
So how does White move the g7 Pawn? Again, we look at forcing moves
like checks or captures, which limit Black's responses.
So if White checks with his Queen, Black is forced to capture with the Pawn
and the Rook finishes the game.
Problem 19:
Fen diagram:
r3r1k1/ppp1bpp1/2bp3p/4Pp2/3BnP2/3B3P/PPP4P/R2Q1R1K b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn e5, Bishop d4, Pawn f4, Bishop d3, Pawn h3, Pawn a2, Pawn b2,
Pawn c2, Pawn h2, Rook a1, Queen d1, Rook f1, King h1
Black: Rook a8, Rook e8, King g8, Pawn a7, Pawn b7, Pawn c7, Bishop e7, Pawn
f7, Pawn g7, Bishop c6, Pawn d6, Pawn h6, Pawn f5, Knight e4
Points 3
Black to mate in two.
Solution:
1... Nf2+
2. Kg1
Nxh3#
Principle:
First, notice that the White King and the Black Bishop
and Knight all sit along the same diagonal. That is a good position
for a discovered attack from the Bishop. Second notice that the Black
Knight, the White King and the White Queen all sit on
squares of the same color suggesting a Knight fork is possible. So at
the very least Black can fork the king and Queen
winning the queen. But if you look further, you see the King is
restricted and after the Knight fork, Black can win instead
of taking the Queen.
Comment. This is worth remembering. I've had this
pattern myself and often the simple threat of this pattern has been e nough
to gain material.
Problem 20 revised:
Fen diagram:
1r3rk1/pp4pp/2p3n1/3p2N1/2P2PK1/3B2P1/PP5q/R1BQ1R2 b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Knight g5, Pawn c4, Pawn f4, King g4, Bishop d3, Pawn g3, Pawn a2,
Pawn b2, Rook a1, Bishop c1, Queen d1, Rook f1
Black: Rook b8, Rook f8, King g8, Pawn a7, Pawn b7, Pawn g7, Pawn h7, Pawn
c6, Knight g6, Pawn d5, Queen h2
Points 4
Black mates in two.
Solution:
1... Ne5+
2. fxe5
h5#
Principle:
The White King is once again boxed in and mostly unable to
move. If Black can remove the Pawn at f4, the King would be even
more restricted, but a Rook protects that Pawn. So Black removes the
Pawn by checking the King forcing the Pawn to capture
and once completely trapped the H-Pawn administers the Coup De
Grace.
Problem 21:
Fen diagram:
7k/1bpp2p1/3bp3/p4B2/2P5/P3BrPq/1PQ2P1P/4RRK1 b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Bishop f5, Pawn c4, Pawn a3, Bishop e3, Pawn g3, Pawn b2, Queen c2,
Pawn f2, Pawn h2, Rook e1, Rook f1, King g1
Black: King h8, Bishop b7, Pawn c7, Pawn d7, Pawn g7, Bishop d6, Pawn e6,
Pawn a5, Rook f3, Queen h3
Points 4
Black mates in two.
Solution:
1...
Qg2+
2. Kxg2 Rxg3#
Principle:
Earlier in this game, either Black
induced White to move the G-Pawn or White foolishly moved it from in front
of
the castled
King. Now White has two holes in his King's defense at f3 and h3,
which Black has been happy to use as perches for his heavy
pieces the Queen and a Rook. In addition the Black Bishop pair bare
down on the Kingside dcorner. So Black begins by luring
the White King forward by a Queen sacrifice check at g2 and then mates with
the Rook at g3. Note moving the Rook discovers a
check by the Bishop and the Rook now at g3 is protected by the other
Bishop.
Problem 22:
Fen diagram:
r4rk1/ppp1qpp1/1bnp1P1p/6NQ/2BPP1b1/4n3/PP4PP/RN3RK1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn f6, Knight g5, Queen h5, Bishop c4, Pawn d4, Pawn e4, Pawn a2,
Pawn b2, Pawn g2, Pawn h2, Rook a1, Knight b1, Rook f1, King g1
Black: Rook a8, Rook f8, King g8, Pawn a7, Pawn b7, Pawn c7, Queen e7, Pawn
f7, Pawn g7, Bishop b6, Knight c6, Pawn d6, Pawn h6, Bishop g4, Knight e3
Points 4
White mates in two.
Solution:
1. Qg6
if 1... Bf5
to block Qh7
2. Qxg7#
if 1... Qxf6 to block Qxg7
2.
Qh7#
Principle:
If you examine lines leading away from the Black King you
will see the F-Pawn is pinned and unable to move. White can thus
move his Queen to g6 since there is a hole again in the Pawns in front of
the castled King caused by a pin this time. That
presents Black with a double threat, which Black cannot defend. A
double attack is a key to most combinations as the
defender in a successful double attack can only defend against one
threat.
Problem 23:
Fen diagram:
3r2rk/pp4pp/2npp3/2p3Nq/4QP2/P7/1BP4P/3R2K1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Knight g5, Queen e4, Pawn f4, Pawn a3, Bishop b2, Pawn c2, Pawn h2,
Rook d1, King g1
Black: Rook d8, Rook g8, King h8, Pawn a7, Pawn b7, Pawn g7, Pawn h7, Knight
c6, Pawn d6, Pawn e6, Pawn c5, Queen h5
Points 4
White mates in two.
Solution:
1. Qxh7+
Qxh7
2. Nf7#
Principle:
Since White has a Knight past his fourth rank,
he is alert to possible Knight fork opportunities. The White Knight, Black
King and Rook are all on dark squares and f7 is the forking square.
The fork is a smothered mate right now, but at least it
will win the Rook. But f4 is protected by the Queen. So White
must lure the Queen away. Looking at every check or capture
in order to force the move and limit Black's response, White takes the h7
Pawn with the Queen dramaticly forcing it!
Problem 24:
Fen diagram:
2r5/k4p2/p3p1p1/1p1pP2p/3P1P1P/bP3QP1/P7/KNrN4 b - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn e5, Pawn d4, Pawn f4, Pawn h4, Pawn b3, Queen f3, Pawn g3, Pawn
a2, King a1, Knight b1, Knight d1
Black: Rook c8, King a7, Pawn f7, Pawn a6, Pawn e6, Pawn g6, Pawn b5, Pawn
d5, Pawn h5, Bishop a3, Rook c1
Points 4
Black mates in two.
Solution:
1... Rxb1+
2. Kxb1
Rc1#
Principle:
This seems simple, White is trapped in the corner and his
Knight is pinned by the Black Rook. The Bishop can check at b2,
but the other Knight protects that square. So what is the correct
approach? Violence, Black simply takes the pinned Knight
forcing the King to b1 where he is mated by the other Rook.
Problem 25:
Fen diagram:
3qr1k1/pbr1bp1p/1pn1p1pB/8/2BP1QN1/2P3P1/P4P1P/2R1R1K1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Bishop h6, Bishop c4, Pawn d4, Queen f4, Knight g4, Pawn c3, Pawn g3,
Pawn a2, Pawn f2, Pawn h2, Rook c1, Rook e1, King g1
Black: Queen d8, Rook e8, King g8, Pawn a7, Bishop b7, Rook c7, Bishop e7,
Pawn f7, Pawn h7, Pawn b6, Knight c6, Pawn e6, Pawn g6
Points 4
White mates in two.
Solution:
1. Qxf7+
Kxf7
2. Bxe6#
Principle:
The original version of this problem did not
work because the Knight at g4 was missing and the King had a flight
square. Now
I think it works, but I am not certain. White lures the Black King to
f7 by sacrificing the Queen where he is mated by the
Bishop. The Rook protects the Bishop and the Knight at g4 blocks the
f6 flight square.
Problem 26:
Fen diagram:
r2r2k1/p2nqp2/2b1p2P/4B3/2p5/3B4/PPP2P1P/2KR4 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn h6, Bishop e5, Bishop d3, Pawn a2, Pawn b2, Pawn c2, Pawn f2,
Pawn h2, King c1, Rook d1
Black: Rook a8, Rook d8, King g8, Pawn a7, Knight d7, Queen e7, Pawn f7,
Bishop c6, Pawn e6, Pawn c4
Points 4
White mates in two.
Solution:
1. h7+ Kf8
2
h8=Q#
Principle:
Notice first that the White Bishops control the corner
where the Black King is hiding. Looking at every check or capture
notice that if the passed White Pawn advances checking the King, the Pawn
is protected by the Bishop forcing the King away
from the corner. Then the Pawn is crowned and the game is
over.
Problem 27:
Fen diagram:
4r1k1/2pq3n/ppbp1pNQ/5P2/2P4P/P3r1R1/6PK/8 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Knight g6, Queen h6, Pawn f5, Pawn c4, Pawn h4, Pawn a3, Rook g3,
Pawn g2, King h2
Black: Rook e8, King g8, Pawn c7, Queen d7, Knight h7, Pawn a6, Pawn b6,
Bishop c6, Pawn d6, Pawn f6, Rook e3
Points 4
White mates in two.
Solution:
1. Ne7+ Kh8 or
Kf7
2. Qg7#
Principle:
Notice that the White Rook, white Knight and the
Black King are aligned along the same file. That is an ideal situation for
a discovered attack. First, White notices that his Knight and the
Black Queen are on the same color square, so a fork of the
Queen is possible. Indeed moving the Knight to e5 discovers a check
via Rook and attacks the Queen. But there is an even
better attack. If the Knight moves to e7 discovering the same check,
the White Knight blocks the Black Queen's defense of
the mate threat at g7 via the White Queen. Remember in chess it is
legal to kick your opponent when he is down!
Comment: Proof that the first
move you think of - 1 Ne5+ - although it may be good isn't necessarily the
best!
Problem 28:
Fen diagram:
r1b3nr/ppp3qp/1bnpk3/4p1BQ/3PP3/2P5/PP3PPP/RN3RK1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Bishop g5, Queen h5, Pawn d4, Pawn e4, Pawn c3, Pawn a2, Pawn b2,
Pawn f2, Pawn g2, Pawn h2, Rook a1, Knight b1, Rook f1, King g1
Black: Rook a8, Bishop c8, Knight g8, Rook h8, Pawn a7, Pawn b7, Pawn c7,
Queen g7, Pawn h7, Bishop b6, Knight c6, Pawn d6, King e6, Pawn e5
Points 4
White to mate in two.
Solution:
1. Qe8+
followed by interpose with a Knight
2. d5#
Principle:
Looking at every
check and capture, White has two interesting checks. The D-Pawn can check
at d5, but the King has a flight
square at d7. The Queen can check at e8, but Black can block with one
of his Knights. But the Queen check also closes the
flight square for the Pawn check! So the order in which you move is
important.
Problem 29:
Fen diagram:
2r1nr2/p3qp1k/1p2p1p1/nP1bR3/8/P2B4/1BP2PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn b5, Rook e5, Pawn a3, Bishop d3, Bishop b2, Pawn c2, Pawn f2,
Pawn g2, Pawn h2, Rook d1, King g1
Black: Rook c8, Knight e8, Rook f8, Pawn a7, Queen e7, Pawn f7, King h7,
Pawn b6, Pawn e6, Pawn g6, Knight a5, Bishop d5
Points 4
White mates in two.
Solution:
1. Rh5+ Kg8
(forced)
2. Rh8#
Principle:
First, notice that even though White has
lost his Queen the Bishop pair bearing down on the corner where the
Black King is
hiding is very powerful. The Bishop at d3 pins the Black G-Pawn and
the other Bishop controls the long black diagonal.
Since the Black G-Pawn is pinned the Rook can check at h5 driving the King
back to where he can be mated by the Rook at h8.
Problem 30:
Fen diagram:
rnbk1b1r/pp3ppp/2p5/4q3/4n3/8/PPPB1PPP/2KR1BNR w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Pawn a2, Pawn b2, Pawn c2, Bishop d2, Pawn f2, Pawn g2, Pawn h2, King
c1, Rook d1, Bishop f1, Knight g1, Rook h1
Black: Rook a8, Knight b8, Bishop c8, King d8, Bishop f8, Rook h8, Pawn a7,
Pawn b7, Pawn f7, Pawn g7, Pawn h7, Pawn c6, Queen e5, Knight e4
Points 4
White mates in two.
Solution:
1. Bg5+
if 1... Ke8
2.
Rd8#
if 1... Kc7
2. Bd8#
Principle:
Although again without his Queen
White is in good shape in this problem. Since his Rook and Bishop are
aligned along the
open D-File a discovered attack is in the cards. Even though both the
Black Queen and Knight attack g5 making it appear
unsafe for the Bishop, the double check by Rook and Bishop prevent Black
from both taking the Bishop and blocking along the
D-File. The Black King has only two flight squares and neither really
works!
Comment: This is actually a mate in three starting with the White
Queen on d3 and the Black King on e8. The solution is 1
Qd8+ Kxe8 2 Bg5++ and mate on d8 next move. It seems odd to miss out the
nice Queen sac as it reduces the instructional
value.
Problem 31:
Fen diagram:
r3rk2/4bppB/p7/1p1qN2Q/1n6/8/1B3PPP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1
Algebraic notation:
White: Bishop h7, Knight e5, Queen h5, Bishop b2, Pawn f2, Pawn g2, Pawn h2,
Rook c1, Rook d1, King g1
Black: Rook a8, Rook e8, King f8, Bishop e7, Pawn f7, Pawn g7, Pawn a6, Pawn
b5, Queen d5, Knight b4
Points 4
White to mate in two.
Solution:
1. Rxd5 g6
2.
Qh6#
or
1. Qxf7+ Qxf7
2. Nd7#
Principle:
The Black King is in a
cramped position and is ripe for a smothered mate. The F-Pawn is attacked
twice and defended by Queen
and King, but the King is a poor defender while so many heavy pieces are
still out. Happily for White, he has two
approaches. He can remove a guard by taking the Queen or he can
distract the guard by sacrificing his own Queen.
Comment: There must be a
misprint here as Black starts off a piece down and his Queen is en prise.
Why
give the puzzle a
value of four points with 1 Rxd5 being such an obvious starter? I suspect
there is an additional White Pawn on d4 and another
Black Bishop on b7. That balances the material and Black threatens mate on
g2, hence White is forced into 1 Qxf7+ Qxf7 2 Nd7
mate.
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