Chess problem: White to mate in 2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a chess problem where White is tasked with delivering checkmate in two moves. Participants explore various potential solutions, analyze the implications of Black's last move, and debate the legality of certain positions and moves within the context of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose various sequences of moves that could lead to checkmate, including the use of en passant captures.
  • Others argue about the legality of certain moves based on the position of the pieces, particularly questioning the implications of Black's last move.
  • A participant mentions the concept of "retrograde analysis" as a method to approach the problem, suggesting that understanding Black's last move is crucial.
  • Several participants express confusion or corrections regarding the rules of en passant and the conditions under which it can be applied.
  • Some solutions are presented as valid, while others are challenged for requiring more than two moves to achieve checkmate.
  • There is a discussion about the appropriateness of having extraneous pieces on the board in chess problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct solution, and multiple competing views remain regarding the legality of moves and the implications of Black's last move. The discussion contains both agreement on certain points and significant disagreement on others.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved questions about the legality of specific moves and the assumptions regarding the initial position of the pieces. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of chess rules, particularly concerning en passant and the conditions for checkmate.

Who May Find This Useful

Chess enthusiasts, problem solvers, and those interested in retrograde analysis may find this discussion engaging and informative.

  • #31
We need more chess problems :rolleyes:
 
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  • #32
I agree... Too bad I can't find any.
 
  • #33
Only one possible solution - I assume this has been already solved:
pxp ep kxa5
rxa7 mate
 
  • #34
Chronos said:
Only one possible solution - I assume this has been already solved:
pxp ep kxa5
rxa7 mate

It has been solved... And your answer is mostly right...

Kxa5 is not possible. The pawn at a5 is the one that was used for the ep so the move is Ka5 not kxa5. So as I said its mostly right :biggrin:

I know I am being picky, but peoples misunderstanding of en passant is annoying me
 
  • #35
Why can't I see the image..?

Do I have to be a paying member? That's pretty annoying.
 
  • #36
Log out and try again
 
  • #37
Chess Puzzle

I have a puzzle; white to move and can mate in 3 moves.
 

Attachments

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  • #38
1. Qf8+ Be7xQ 2. Nf6+ Kh8 3. Rxh7++
 
  • #39
Right. Here's another one. White's turn and he can mate in 5.
 

Attachments

  • chesspuzzle.gif
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  • #40
1. Ba4+ KxB 2. Nc3+ Kb3 3. Nd2++
 
  • #41
oops. hold on a while
 
  • #42
1. Ba4+ Kc4 2. b3+ Kd3 3. Bb5+ Ke4 4. Rg4+ Kf5 5. Ne3++
 
  • #43
quark said:
1. Ba4+ Kc4 2. b3+ Kd3 3. Bb5+ Ke4 4. Rg4+ Kf5 5. Ne3++
or 4. ... Rf4 5. Rxf4++
 
Last edited:
  • #44
quark said:
1. Ba4+ Kc4 2. b3+ Kd3 3. Bb5+ Ke4 4. Rg4+ Kf5 5. Ne3++

what if 2. b3+ Kb5? or KxB?
 
  • #45
xJuggleboy said:
what if 2. b3+ Kb5? or KxB?
2... Kb5 is not a legal move because the Bishop is now at a4 and attacks b5.
2... KxB is not a legal move because the King is now at c4, and the Bishop at a4, two squares away.
If, however, you mean 1... KxB, this case was handled by quark in message #40 of this thread.
quark said:
1. Ba4+ KxB 2. Nc3+ Kb3 3. Nd2++
 
  • #46
jimmysnyder said:
2... Kb5 is not a legal move because the Bishop is now at a4 and attacks b5.
2... KxB is not a legal move because the King is now at c4, and the Bishop at a4, two squares away.
If, however, you mean 1... KxB, this case was handled by quark in message #40 of this thread.


oops I ment

3... Kb5 or 3... KxB
 
  • #47
xJuggleboy said:
oops I ment

3... Kb5 or 3... KxB


Ok nevermind... I tought the seccond move was B-b2 not P-B2
I was confused :rolleyes:

Quarks answer is correct =-)
Sorry Quark! :biggrin:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #48
Galileo said:
I'd like to share with you guys one of the most beautiful chess problems I've ever seen.

See the attachment for the setup.

It's white's turn. Mate in two.

got it (in white) W rook b8, B king a5 W king b5
 
  • #49
noob said:
got it (in white) W rook b8, B king a5 W king b5

Umm... No :rolleyes:
This was solved a long time ago anyway
 

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