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White to Play

Pete Tamburro on Jun 13, 2025

I hope you have enjoyed these very special and ingenious two-movers this week. Our final one is a gem of the highest order.

A composition by Tuxen. 1.Nf3 Nxf3 None of the other seven knight moves work either, each with their own unique mating move by White--1...Nc6 2.Qd5#; 1...Nf5 2.Rg4#; 1...Nc2 2.Qd3#; 1...Nb3 2.Qxb1#; 1...Ne6 2.Re5#; 1...Nb5 2.Bxb7#; 1...Nxe2 2.Qxe2#; and if you move something else then the answer is one move-1...Qxa8 2.Nd2# 2.exf3# I have always been fascinated with the minds that come up with such creations. How do they do it?

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.

More Chess Puzzles

White to Play

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Here’s our second special two-mover for the week, and this one is a work of genius.

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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.