Winning starts with what you know
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Today we start with three wonderful little puzzles for you to solve. You probably know that you can move the pieces on the diagrams below. For the first, we have switched on an engine to defend for Black. You must find the correct strategy to achieve your goal. You can take back moves with the cursor keys of your computer, and try different lines. The notation button below the diagram will show you the lines you have entered so far. Clicking on a move will jump to the corresponding position.
The author and source of the problems, with the full solution, will be given next week.
This problem is what can be called a pseudo-two-mover, because if it were Black's turn to play, White could execute a mate in two moves: 1...Kg1 2.Ne2+ Kh1 3.Nf2#. However, White moves first, and there is no waiting move that retains the threat. You have to carry out a longer manoeuvre to mate Black. Can you find the right way to do it?
In the above diagram, you can move the white pieces. The diagram will defend for Black. You can take back moves with your cursor keys and try different lines. The notation button below the diagram will show you the moves you have entered so far. Clicking on any of them will jump to the corresponding position.
This relatively famous problem is by a world class chess master. It's White to play and win! Looking at the position, it may seem paradoxical as to how such a feat could be achieved with the a5-pawn soon-to be lost. But, there is a subtle trick, into winning this position. Can you find it?
Another study by the same author. Its first version was “cooked” by another great composer, who found a change for the idea of the study to be preserved. The second version is presented to you and again White must win here! He has a passed pawn on e6 which may soon promote, but the rook remains in its way - can you find how to block/dominate it? Here you have work out everything by yourself.
The source of the problems and their solutions, with full video explanations, will be given here in a few days. Naturally we ask you, very earnestly, not to post any solutions in the feedback section below. That would spoil the fun for readers who are still searching for the right strategies. Instead, tell us if you enjoyed the challenge the puzzles presented, if you were able to solve them, how long it took you, and whether you want more of the same.
You can enjoy video descriptions of the studies by FIDE Master Gauri Shankar, in his inimitable style. Gauri teaches chess to thousands of children in the Chicago area.
Note that the first puzzle formed part of a famous study by the great Abram Gurvich. Our starting position is marked in the notation below.
