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White to Play

Pete Tamburro on Jun 9, 2025

I thought we’d take a break from queen sacrifices and do some easy mate in two problems this week, although each has their own unique quality, as you will see.

This was a composition by Carpenter. To White’s first move, Black has seven possible replies, followed by a different mate. Quite ingenious. 1.Qxd4+ exd4 1...N3xd4 2.Nc5#; 1...N5xd4 2.Nd6#; 1...Kxd4 2.Ra4#; 1...Bxd4 2.Bxd3#; 1...Rxd4 2.Rxe3#; 1...Qxd4 2.Bg2# 2.Re6#

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.

More Chess Puzzles

Black to Play

Chess Puzzles / June 06, 2025

Here’s a version of the “Steinitz Trap” played in 1895 by someone else. There is a road not taken given below that is entertaining to play through. Black to play his 10th move. It’s a great lesson on one of the ...Read More

White to Play

Chess Puzzles / June 04, 2025

A fine Pollock finish from 1893 in Buffalo. Black certainly got stampeded. The position is after Black’s 14th move. Enjoy the whole game.

White to Play

Chess Puzzles / June 02, 2025

Another rollicking King’s Gambit from the old days. Both sides get their hacks in. White has one move to successfully continue the attack and one move that loses. Choose wisely.