Chess Puzzle #7116

CHESS PUZZLE, FEN 8/1K4P1/1n1pp3/pRpk3r/p4Rp1/1nB1p2p/Q7/1B2N3 w - -

Added by:	andy94
Added on:	05-Nov-08
Description:
Difficulty:	chess puzzle 8/1K4P1/1n1pp3/pRpk3r/p4Rp1/1nB1p2p/Q7/1B2N3 w - -
Attempts:	763
Solved:	126 (16%)


White to move, mate in 2

Comments: (11) » Last

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donnaclara
02-Jun-15, 06:19

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Strong hints...

The set play variations:

1...Nc4 2.Be4#
1...Re5 2.Rd4#
1...e5 2.g8=B#

Give a strong hint about the possible key. Just ask: "Against what threat are these aimed?" and you have practically solved the problem.

johnmv1
02-Jun-15, 08:06

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What about the variation...

1...hxg2 2.Qxg2#

donnaclara
02-Jun-15, 08:13

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That variation is only available when you already know the key

morphman
02-Jun-15, 09:58

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Very nice - 1.5 Stars

I often start analyzing these "difficult" puzzles by looking for "mate in 1 ... except for ....". In this case, it is 1. Qg2+, hxg2 (if not for the h-pawn, it is mate). So then how do I get rid of the h-pawn? ... only one way that I can see (Ng2, which incidentally also threatens mate in 1 via 2. Nxe3 .... This technique doesn't always work, but when it does, it usually works pretty quickly. Then of course the two black moves that prevent Nxe3, both block escape squares for other "mates in 1".

rook2d2
02-Jun-15, 11:42

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The g pawn for white

Stays there to prevent rook check and give mate if pawn e5 move .

nyati
02-Jun-15, 15:05

Comment deleted on 02-Jun-15, 15:29

nyati
02-Jun-15, 15:16

Comment deleted on 02-Jun-15, 15:29

nyati
02-Jun-15, 15:32

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Three stars seems about right in terms of difficulty, but I gave this just two stars because for me, the position lacks visual elegance. Too cluttered or "noisy", if that makes sense.

Prefer to be beguiled by simple-looking positions like

puzzle #16690 or

puzzle #9963, or amused by artistic compositions such as

puzzle #10572 or

puzzle #28795

This said, I enjoyed solving the problem. So thanks!

macheide
02-Jun-15, 18:49

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It's a pretty puzzle. I think that 3 stars is just. Thanks andy94.

sam273
05-Jun-15, 14:23

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Great puzzle, Its was fun...

snailmate
25-Oct-23, 07:17

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@nyatt

A lot of pawns, especially black pawns, contributes to the sense of a position being "cluttered", and gives the impression that they were introduced out of necessity to avoid a "cook" - which, as someone who has composed problems in the past, I can verify is oftent he reason they are there.

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