Friday, 29 March 2024

Chess Problems, Set 1

One of the big challenges for some chessplayers is knowing when they’ve won. Sometimes a checkmate is staring them in the face, but they don’t see it. These chess problems are designed to help you recognize checkmate.

The problems come in pairs labeled “A” and “B.” In the “A” problems, White can checkmate on the next move: move, bang, win! Each “B” problem takes the position back one step: White makes a move that forces Black to respond, then White makes another move and wins. The B problem winds up in the same position as the A problem.

Stare at them a while. They’ll make you stronger. And feel free to discuss them in the comments.


 
1A — Mate in One Move

[SetUp “1”]
[FEN “2rb3k/5p1r/p2p1N2/1pq1p3/4P3/1PP3R1/P5PP/R6K w – – 0 1”]
[Result “*”]

1B — Mate in Two Moves

[SetUp “1”]
[FEN “2rb3k/5prp/p2p1N2/1pq1p3/4P2Q/1PP3R1/P5PP/R6K w – – 0 1”]
[Result “*”]

 
2A — Mate in One Move (Note that White can’t move the rook on g1.)

[SetUp “1”]
[FEN “7r/p4pnk/b6p/2B4N/3P4/4qp2/PP3R1P/2r3RK w – – 0 1”]
[Result “*”]

2B — Mate in Two Moves

[SetUp “1”]
[FEN “4n2r/p4ppk/b6p/2B4N/3P4/4qpQ1/PP3R1P/2r3RK w – – 0 1”]
[Result “*”]

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