Chess Puzzle #20111

CHESS PUZZLE, FEN 6b1/8/2Q1R3/3pb3/5p2/3k4/1PNN1n2/4K3 w - -

Added by:	jota58
Added on:	05-Jan-10
Description:
Difficulty:	chess puzzle 6b1/8/2Q1R3/3pb3/5p2/3k4/1PNN1n2/4K3 w - -
Attempts:	513
Solved:	98 (19%)


White to move, mate in 2

Comments: (10) » Last

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wardh
10-May-25, 07:32

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very nice (and difficult)

I needed to use the "hint" option, but then it became clear: the Q takes over the task of Nc2. 4 Stars.

snailmate
10-May-25, 08:02

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I found this puzzle rather thin, with only two Black responses that stop the initial threat. and neither of them leading to a particularly elegant alternate mate. I was hoping for some sort of exploitation of the black pawn moving to d4 and interfering with the bishop.
I think my issue with this problem is that the key move is a move that I probably would have instinctively made in the game anyway, after discounting check moves.

tadepalli
10-May-25, 19:42

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Not sure

What is wrong with Rd6, which threatens Qc4 mate? If BXR or d4, then Qc3 mate. I think it is prettier than the given solution.

schizoidman
10-May-25, 21:17

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tadepali

After 1.Rd6 black plays d4 and the c4 square is covered by the Bishop on g8.

tadepalli
10-May-25, 22:14

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Schizoidman

1. Rd6 d4
2. Qc3#

schizoidman
10-May-25, 22:37

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tadepali

1. Rd6 d4
2. Qc3 dc

tadepalli
10-May-25, 22:52

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if 1.Rd6 d4, 2.Qc3 is mate. dc does not work because of the Rook.

snailmate
11-May-25, 00:48

Comment deleted on 11-May-25, 00:49

snailmate
11-May-25, 00:52

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I was also hoping for a solution along the lines of 1. Rd6, which is much prettier than the actual solution.
After 1. Rd6, d4
White can indeed mate via 2. Qc3#

Unfortunately, after 1. ...Bd4!
preventing both 2. Qc3# and 2. Qc4#, White has no mate (or at least no mate in one).

tadepalli
11-May-25, 08:53

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Ah, yes, it is unfortunate that 1... Bd4! kills that line. Thanks for the message.

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