ArcaMax

Any experienced player glancing at this position would tell you Black is in trouble. His king is not castled, and White is effectively two moves ahead with the N on g5 and the R on f8. You’re White. Your move.

A lot of possibilities and variations. Have fun.

White’s rook is attacked and his piece up is balanced by Black’s extra pawns and both king positions being vulnerable.

This varies from your usual mating/winning heavy material positions. It is quite original. If you solve this, bravo! If not, then join a big group including me, in just enjoying the solution.

Yes! Another piece is missing! One less piece .on the board, but instead of a mate in three or four as the previous days, this one’s a mate in five. Why are these pieces disappearing? Who’s playing this game? Answer next time.

You’ll notice that today’s puzzle is different from the previous one in that a piece is missing. There’s still a mate though. The other part to this puzzle is that this series of puzzles is based on a story about a famous person. Thus, aside from the answer, we will give a shout out on this page to the reader who knows who the famous ...

From a very old chess tale. This is part one.

Mating Attack!

Another fun mate in three with the piece that moves to mate comes as a surprise.

A little magic by one of the greatest: Sam Loyd. A mate in three.

Pop quiz for beginners: do you know what to do right this instant without thinking, but knowing? Because these types of positions occur during the end of a game, you usually don’t have much time on the clock left; thus, you really have to know instantly what to do. Do you? If not, learn it!

White will win if he can safely queen his h-pawn, but Black threatens to play his pawn to e4 to stop it. What to do?

Let’s see if you remember the mating attack patterns we’ve done in the past.

A standard finish to a well-known mating attack.

One of my favorite Kavalek finishes.

Miniature puzzles in chess truly show some great ideas in simple positions. The logic of the solution is staring right at you.

Mate in two.

White’s in a tough spot. What is the best move for the defense?

From Euwe-Lohman, 1923

This is from an old Koltanowski game. There are several ways to win. Pick one you would be proud of!