rnb3kr/ppp4p/3b3B/3Pp2n/2BP4/4KRp1/PPP3q1/RN1Q4 w - - 0 1

Intermediate Problem - White To Play (1482)

This is a beautiful little problem which supposedly dates back to the 1300s, well before the modern rules of chess were standardized. But even then, rooks and knights move as they do now, as do kings, so the problem is still good. This is an intermediate problem because even though it's a just a forced mate in 2, I think the first move is going to be tough for a n00b to find. Black has a number of responses to the key move, so make sure your solution accounts for them all.

3k4/R6R/3n4/8/8/3K4/8/8 w - - 0 1

Advanced Problem - Black To Play (1476)

Black's rook on the 2nd rank really has White in a death grip. How can Black use this to efficiently finish the game with a victory? There is, of course, more than one mating line. Of particular interest are the lines where Black can force checkmate without having to move the rook even once.

8/p3q1k1/2P2pp1/8/2Q1PP2/6P1/P2r4/5RK1 b - - 0 1

Dress Pr0n For the 'Ettes:

A golden end to the week, a #1930s party frock to welcome the weekend in shimmering style. A neckline to study and layers of #sequins in a molten metal gown @ChertseyMuseum #fashionhistory pic.twitter.com/KhkqodQDBE

— Dr Kate Strasdin (@kateStrasdin) October 22, 2021

Canadian-born actress and singer, Deanna Durbin, was born #OnThisDay in 1921. The actress was photographed in 1946 modelling a floral strapless evening dress designed by the Hollywood costume designer, Howard Greer. #film #actress #dress pic.twitter.com/kLXMYyEWFi

— Victoria Haddock (@vickyhaddock) December 4, 2021

#HappyDecember1st! We are here at the last month of 2021. So today's #ootd is this cozy 1920s blue wool knitted jersey with silk lining and fur trimmings. I adore the buttons down the front. So elegant! Unsurprisingly, it was owned by Queen Maud. @nasjonalmuseet #Fashionhistory pic.twitter.com/ku9A8F7ZHZ

— Lauren Deutsch (@LaurenCDeutsch) December 1, 2021

Greetings From the PM of Finland

Bonus Shoe Pr0n:

___________

Problem Solutions

Beginner Problem - White To Play (1483)

rnb3kr/ppp4p/3b3B/3Pp2n/2BP4/4KRp1/PPP3q1/RN1Q4 w - - 0 1

1.Rf8+ Bxf8
2.d6+ Be6
3.Bxe6#

Intermediate Problem - White To Play

3k4/R6R/3n4/8/8/3K4/8/8 w - - 0 1

Astute morons (such as davidt) might see that this is one of those "zugzwangy" puzzles where, instead of an attacking move, White needs a to find the best position to be in and then Black impales himself. And that move is...

1.Rhg7!

And now Black has to move either his king...

1...Kc8 2.Ra8#
1...Ke8 2.Rg8#

...or his knight

1...Nc8 2.Rg8#
1...Ne8 2 Ra8#
1...Nc4 2 Rg8#

Either way, he's toast.

Advanced Problem - Black To Play

8/p3q1k1/2P2pp1/8/2Q1PP2/6P1/P2r4/5RK1 b - - 0 1

1...Qa3
2.Qb3 Qc5+

Now, the most "logical" response here is 3.Kh1, but then 3...Qh5+ 4.Kg1 Qh2#

Nobody wants to do this:

3.Qe3

Because you're just giving up your queen. It's hopeless, anway:

3...Qxe3+
4.Kh1 Qxe4+ (4...Qxg3 5.Rf2 Qxf2 (5...Rd1+ 6.Rf1 Rxf1#) 6.c7 Qg2#)
5.Rf3 Qxf3+ (5...Qb1+ 6.Rf1 Qxf1#)
6.Kg1 Qg2#

Hope to see you next week!

___________

Note: that cryptic line of letters and numbers you see underneath each board diagram is a representation of the position in what is known as "Forsyth-Edwards Notation", or F.E.N. It's actually readable by humans. Most computer applications nowadays can read FEN, so those of you who may want to study the position, you can copy the line of FEN and paste into your chess app and it should automatically recreate the position on its display board. Or, Windows users can just "triple click" on it and the entire line will be highlighted so you can copy and paste it into your chess app.

___________

So that about wraps it up for this week. Chess thread tips, suggestions, bribes, rumors, threats, and insults may be sent to my yahoo address: OregonMuse little-a-in-a-circle yahoo dott com.

posted by OregonMuse at 05:37 PM

| Access Comments