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Текст
Contents
Title page
Introduction
Part 1. Basic Skills
Chapter 1. Checkmate with One Piece
Chapter 2. Checkmate with More Than One Piece
Chapter 3. Captures
Part 2. Capabilities of Your Own Pieces
Chapter 4. Sacrifices
Chapter 5. Pawn Promotion
Chapter 6. Vacation
Chapter 7. Attraction
Chapter 8. Combinations
Part 3. Overpowering Your Opponent’s Pieces
Chapter 9. Elimination
Chapter 10. Combination: Attraction + Elimination
Chapter 11. Combinations
Chapter 12. Deflection
Chapter 13. Combination: Deflection + Elimination
Chapter 14. Combinations
Chapter 15. Blocking
Chapter 16. Combinations
Chapter 17. Seizing the Square
Chapter 18. Combinations
Part 4. Piece Opposition
Chapter 19. X-Ray
Chapter 20. Combinations
Chapter 21. Pins
Chapter 22. Combinations
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Chapter 23. Discovered Check
Chapter 24. Combinations
Chapter 25. Double Check
Chapter 26. Combinations
Chapter 27. Windmill
Chapter 28. Combinations
Chapter 29. Interference
Chapter 30. Combinations
Part 5. Using Your Knowledge
Chapter 31. Test Yourself!
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1500 Forced Mates
Jakov Geller
1500 Forced Mates
Author: Jakov Geller
Translated from the Russian by Alexei Zakharov
Edited by Vladimir Barsky
Typesetting by Andrei Elkov (www.elkov.ru)
Front cover artwork by Maxim Borisov
© LLC Elk and Ruby Publishing House, 2021
Follow us on Twitter: @ilan_ruby
www.elkandruby.com
ISBN 978-5-6045607-4-7
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Introduction
Tactics are an integral part of any chess game. During the game, even the most ingenious strategic
ideas may not lead to a win without the clear calculations of lines. Any tactical line, in turn, may also
be divided into component parts, each of them consisting of one tactical pattern or a standard
combination of several techniques. Chess players should have good knowledge of all tactical blows
and standard combinations as well as a good sense of timing for such tactical blows. Further, they
should strive to make a minimal number of mistakes during calculation.
Extensive tactics practice should involve a thorough analysis of many different topics. Mating
combinations should be the first of them, for several reasons. First of all, checkmate is the ultimate
tactical achievement. To give checkmate, chess players are ready to make any strategic concessions
or sacrifices. Secondly, lines with continuous checks do not require any special chess training. They
are simple even for beginners. Thirdly, this topic introduces players to the overwhelming majority of
tactical themes. Through the prism of multiple checks, the reader will learn to checkmate the
opponent’s king without error and gain a basic knowledge of other tactical patterns, which is
necessary for further study of tactics.
The book is divided into thirty-one chapters, most of which are dedicated to a single tactical
method. Such methods include sacrifices, pawn promotion, vacation, attraction, elimination,
deflection, blocking, seizing the square, x-rays, pins, discovered checks, double checks, windmill and
interference. Every chapter includes a detailed description of the method, the solutions of several
typical examples and a number of puzzles. The rest of the chapters are titled Combinations; they are
used to consolidate the provided knowledge and test the acquired skills. They contain the theoretical
basics of the combinations and cases studied, but to solve these puzzles the reader will also need to
use techniques they studied in previous parts of the book, rather than in only the current chapter.
Therefore, each new tactical method studied gradually increases the diversity of combinations used in
the subsequent chapters. The puzzles in every chapter also gradually increase in difficulty. The last
chapter makes the book useful even for top-level players, because it consists solely of difficult
puzzles and can be used as a universal test to check forced mating skills.
All the puzzles in this book have been thoroughly checked by computers for a lack of mistakes and
alternative solutions. It’s highly unlikely that the reader will hence manage to solve the puzzle in a
way not intended by the author!
Methodological Recommendations
Learning materials grow in abundance each year, and it becomes increasingly hard to navigate the
information flows of the modern world. You often find yourself studying dozens of sources,
sometimes of mixed quality, to get hold of genuinely useful and carefully selected material. Indeed,
even a set of puzzles that was considered optimal just ten years ago may be obsolete and ineffectual
now. Chess itself is becoming increasingly younger, and professional players have less and less time
to learn. Thus, in my view, the effectiveness of methodical literature is very important now.
One of the main goals of this work was to create a “perfect” tactical handbook for solving puzzles
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on a given theme. To achieve that, the following ideas were implemented in this book:
• A clearly developed system defining the sequence of study topics;
• The possibility to check and re-check the extent to which the student has learned the material;
• A gradual increase in difficulty of the puzzles;
• The complete absence of unsolvable puzzles;
• A minimum number of alternative solutions.
The greatest value of this book is in the learning system that can be used as a foundation for young
chess players to study tactics. I have used this system countless times when working with my pupils
and it has proved to be highly successful. Together with the carefully crafted examples it turns this
work into a universal textbook that can be used by both students and coaches. An experienced coach
can add new examples to the present line-up of puzzles, constantly expanding the core material for
each chapter.
Tactical Vision
Not all games can be won thanks to even a thorough study of core tactics. When you have limited
time, there’s no point in searching for a complicated winning line on every move, because often no
such line exists. Thus, during the game the player must instinctively sense when to stop and calculate
concrete lines. It’s important to understand that none of the following conditions guarantees that the
game will be won with an immediate tactic. Rather, it should prompt the player to ask whether he or
she should search for a forced mate in the given position.
You should start looking for a forced mate in the following situations:
• A number of your pieces are in immediate proximity to the opposing king;
• One of your long-range pieces (queen, rook or bishop) is X-raying the opposing king;
• A battery of your pieces is directed towards the opposing king;
• The opposing king is exposed (fully or partially lacking pawn cover);
• There’s a weak square (or squares) in immediate proximity to the opposing king;
• The back rank that hosts the opposing king is poorly defended;
• The opposing king is blocked (it has only a few possible moves);
• Most of the opposing pieces are positioned far away from their king.
Finally, it’s important to understand that the list of conditions for carrying out other tactical blows
would be quite different.
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Part 1
Basic Skills
The first part of this book focuses on the basics of forced checkmating. The reader learns to
checkmate the opposing king with one, and then more than one piece. The black king’s defenders are
unable to join the game with any effect. In the first two chapters, they watch their helpless monarch
from afar, unable to stop the forced mating attack. In the third chapter, the significance of the black
pieces increases somewhat: even though they are still unable to affect the unfolding events, they may
occasionally block a check, only to be captured on the very next move.
The ability to deliver a forced mate with your pieces, which is developed in this chapter, is essential
for all further work. Before studying the more complicated tactics – various blows and combinations
–
it’s recommended that you learn to deliver such checkmates flawlessly.
Chapter 1
Checkmate with One Piece
In the first chapter, you’ll need to checkmate the opposing king with a series of moves made by one
piece. Only a major piece can achieve that; most often it’s a queen, but in occasional cases a rook is
enough. Minor pieces are usually unable to force the king into a mating net on their own. You won’t
need to deliver any tactical blows to solve the puzzles in this chapter.
Let’s look at the first example:
1
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As you calculate the lines, first check if the white rook can deliver checkmate on its own. Indeed,
after 1.Re8+ Kd7 2.Rd8#, there’s a checkmate on the board, and there’s no need to calculate further.
If there’s both a queen and a rook on the board, you should first check if the stronger piece can
deliver checkmate:
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The white queen cannot give a check without being immediately captured, so white should
calculate the possible checks with the rook. After 1.Rf1+, the black king can retreat both through f8-
e7-d8-c7 and to g8. In both cases, it’s black who wins now.
However, after the precise 1.Rh8+ Ke7 2.Re8#, the game immediately ends with a checkmate. The
puzzle is solved!
In the third puzzle, black can reply in two possible ways, which makes the calculations slightly
more difficult:
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After 1.Qh5+!, the king has two possible retreats: 1...Ke7 2.Qf7# or 1...Kf8 2.Qf7#. To solve the
puzzle in the correct way, white has to calculate both possibilities.
In the next puzzle, the number of alternatives for black is again minimal, but white will have to
calculate three, rather than two moves ahead:
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White has a lot of possibilities for a direct attack on the king. You should start your calculations by
checking if you can deliver mate with the queen alone. It’s easy to see that after 1.Qh5+ Kf6 2.Qf7+
Ke5, white has a pretty finish for the forced line – 3.Qg7#, and the calculations should be stopped at
this point because it’s impossible to find anything better than forced mate.
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1.Ra8+ Kg7 2.Rg8#.
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1.Rh4+ Kg7 2.Rh7#.
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1.Rd6+ Kc4 2.Rc6+ Kd5 3.Rc5#.
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1.Rc7+ Ke8 2.Rc8+ Kf7 (2...Kd7 3.Rd8#) 3.Rf8#.
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1.Rc5+ Ka4 (1...Ka6 2.Ra5#) 2.Ra5+ Kb3 3.Ra3#.
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1.Rh4+ Kg7 2.Rh7+ Kf8 3.Rh8+ Ke7 (3...Kg7 4.Rg8#) 4.Re8#.
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1.Qh8+ Kg5 2.Qh4#.
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1.Qc5+ Ka6 2.Qa5#.
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1.Qf8+ Kh7 2.Qh8#.
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1.Qh8+ Kg5 2.Qh4+ Kf5 3.Qf4#.
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1.Qh7+ Kf8 2.Qh8+ Ke7 3.Qf6#.
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1.Qh8+ Ke7 2.Qg7+ Ke6 (2...Ke8 3.Qf7#) 3.Qf7#.
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1.Qf8+ Kh7 2.Qg8#.
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1.Qb6+ Ka8 2.Qb7#.
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1.Qb7+ Ke8 2.Qe7#.
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1.Qg5+ Kf8 2.Qh6#.
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1.Qh5+ Kg8 2.Qh7#.
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1.Qh7+ Kf8 2.Qh8#.
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1.Qd2+ Kc7 2.Qd8+ Kb7 3.Qb8#.
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1.Qh7+ Kf8 2.Qh8+ Ke7 3.Qd8#.
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1.Qg4+ Kf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qg8#; 1...Kf8 2.Qg8+ Ke7 3.Qe8#) 2.Qg8+ Ke7 3.Qe8#.
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1.Qe8+ Kg7 2.Qf7+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.Qh7#) 3.Qh7#.
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1.Qe7+ Kg6 (1...Kh8 2.Qh7#; 1...Kh6 2.Qh7+ Kg5 3.Qh5#) 2.Qh7+ Kg5 3.Qh5#.
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1.Qf8+ Kd7 2.Qe7+ Kc6 (2...Kc8 3.Qc7#) 3.Qe6+ Kb5 4.Qb6#.
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1.Qh7+ Kf8 2.Qf7#.
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1.Qd8+ Kf7 2.Qf8#.
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1.Qh5+ Kg8 2.Qe8#.
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1.Qe6+ Ke4 2.Qg6#.
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1.Qh4+ Kg6 2.Qh5+ Kf6 3.Qf5#.
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1.Qd8+ Kc6 2.Qc7+ Kb5 3.Qb6+ Ka4 4.Qb4#.
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1.Qh3+ Kg7 2.Qh8#.
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1.Qe5+ Kg8 2.Qg7#.
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1.Qe7+ Kg8 2.Qe8#.
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1.Qh6+ Kg8 2.Qh8#.
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1.Qd8+ Kg7 2.Qh8#.
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1.Qg6+ Kh4 2.Qh6#.
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1.Qf3+ Kh4 2.Qh3#.
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1.Qf7+ Kg4 2.Qf3+ Kh3 3.Qh5#.
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1.Qg6+ Kf4 2.Qe4+ Kg5 3.Qf5#.
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1.Qh5+ Kg3 2.Qh3#.
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1.Qf8+ Ke6 2.Qe7#.
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1.Qf5+ Kh4 2.Qh5+ Kg3 3.Qh3#.
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Chapter 2
Checkmate with More Than One Piece
In the second chapter, you will again need to checkmate the opposing king without using tactical
techniques. This time, moving only one piece will not be enough, and white will have to coordinate
his forces in some way.
Standard mating patterns can be used for some of the piece combinations here. For instance, a rook,
a knight and a pawn can often create a mating net around the king:
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White wins with 1.Rg8+ Kh6 2.g5#.
Another example of a standard mating construction is the following typical cooperation between
the queen and the rook.
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White carefully pushes back the king: 1.Rf5+ Kg6 2.Qh5+ Kg7 3.Rf7+ Kg8, and then checkmates
with 4.Qh7#.
Not all piece combinations and mating patterns can be learned earlier. Most often, chess players
have to calculate lines without being totally sure that the mating attack will be successful:
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White can deliver a mate in three with the help of the queen, the bishop and the pawns: 1.Qf8+ Ke5
2.Qf4+ Kd5 3.Bc4#.
The necessity of calculating all possible lines can’t be stressed enough:
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The full solution of this puzzle is as follows: 1.Bg7+ Kh5 (or 1...Kg5 2.Nf3+ Kh5 3.g4#) 2.g4+
Kh4 (or 2...Kg5 3.Nf3#) 3.Nf3#. The mating ideas in all the lines are similar.
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1.Ne6+ Kg8 2.Nh6#.
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1.Nf7+ Kh7 2.Be4#.
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1.Ne5+ Ke8 2.Nc7#.
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1.Bg5+ Kh5 2.Nf4#.
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1.f3+ Kh5 2.Be8#.
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1.Bc4+ Kf5 2.g4+ Kg6 (2...Ke4 3.Nd2#) 3.Nh4#.
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1.Nf6+ Kh8 2.Rh7#.
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1.Nf6+ Kh8 2.Rg8#.
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1.Ne7+ Kh8 (1...Kh7 2.Rh3#) 2.Rh3#.
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1.Nf5+ Kh8 (1...Kg8 2.Rc8#; 1...Kf8 2.Rc8#) 2.Rc8#.
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1.Ne6+ Kb8 (1...Kc8 2.Rd8#) 2.Rd8#.
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1.Ne6+ Kg8 (1...Kh6 2.Rh4#) 2.Rf8#.
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1.Rh7+ Kg5 2.Ne4#.
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1.Nf3+ Ke4 2.Re6#.
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1.Ng3+ Kh4 2.Rg4#.
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53
1.Nc5+ Ka5 2.b4#.
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1.Rg8+ Kh6 2.Nf5+ Kh5 3.g4#.
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1.Rc8+ Kh7 2.Ng5+ Kh6 3.Nf7+ Kh7 (3...Kh5 4.Rh8#) 4.Rh8#.
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1.Nd6+ Kd8 2.Ne6#.
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1.Nf7+ Kh7 2.Nf8#.
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1.Rc8+ Kb7 2.Nc5#.
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1.Nf4+ Kg5 2.Nf3#.
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1.Rd8+ Kf7 2.Nd6+ Ke7 3.Nc6#.
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1.Rh7+ Kf8 2.Rh8+ Kg7 (2...Ke7 3.Re8#) 3.Rg8+ Kh6 4.g5#.
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1.Rg8+ Kh7 2.g6#.
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1.Re6+ Kf5 2.g4#.
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1.Re8+ Kh7 2.Be4#.
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1.Re8+ Kf7 2.e6+ Kg6 3.h5#.
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1.Rg1+ Kf8 2.Bb4+ Ke8 3.Rg8#.
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1.Re8+ Kg7 2.f6+ Kg6 3.Rg8#.
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1.Rc8+ Kg7 2.Nh5#.
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1.Bd5+ Kf8 2.Nd7#.
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1.Bf8+ Kh5 2.Rh7#.
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1.Nh6+ Kf8 2.g7#.
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1.Rd8+ Kb7 2.Nc5#.
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1.Bc5+ Kb7 2.Na5#.
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1.Rh5+ Kg6 2.Nf4#.
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1.Rb8+ Kf7 2.Bh5#.
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1.d5+ Kd6 2.Bf8#.
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1.Bd5+ Kf8 2.Rf6#.
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1.Ne7+ Kh5 2.Rf5#.
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1.Nf5+ Kf6 (1...Ke6 2.Rd6#; 1...Kf8 2.Rd8#) 2.Rd6#.
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1.Bb4+ Kg8 2.Nf6+ Kh8 3.Rh7#.
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1.Rf7+ Kg8 2.Nh6+ Kh8 3.Rh7#.
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1.Bg8+ Kh6 2.Nf7+ Kh5 3.Rg5#.
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1.Bd6+ Kg8 (1...Ke8 2.Nf6#) 2.Nf6+ Kh8 3.Rh7#.
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1.Rh8+ Kg7 (1...Kf7 2.Bh5+ Kg7 3.Rg8#) 2.Rg8+ Kf7 3.Bh5#.
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1.Rg5+ Kh7 2.Nf6+ Kh6 3.Rg6#.
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1.Rg1+ Kh5 (1...Kh4 2.Rh2#) 2.Rh2#.
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1.Rf2+ Kg6 (1...Kg8 2.Rg1+ Kh8 (2...Kh7 3.Rh2#) 3.Rh2#; 1...Kg7 2.Rg1+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.Rh2#;
2...Kh7 3.Rh2#) 3.Rh2#) 2.Rg1+ Kh5 (2...Kh6 3.Rh2#; 2...Kh7 3.Rh2#) 3.Rh2#.
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1.Rg3+ Kf4 (1...Kf6 2.Rg6#) 2.Rh4#.
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1.f5+ Kh5 (1...Kh6 2.Rh7#) 2.Rh7#.
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1.Rg7+ Kh6 (1...Kh5 2.Rh3#; 1...Kh4 2.Rh3#) 2.Rg6+ Kh7 (2...Kh5 3.Rh3#) 3.Rh3#.
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1.Rh7+ Kg5 (1...Kg4 2.Rg6#) 2.Rg7+ Kh5 3.g4+ Kh4 4.Rh6#.
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1.Rd8+ Kg7 2.Nh5#.
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1.Rag7+ Kf8 2.Nd7#.
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1.Rg7+ Kf8 2.Rh8#.
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1.Rh8+ Kd7 2.Rd6#.
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1.Rf8+ Kg7 2.Rg8+ Kf6 3.Nd5#.
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1.Rf5+ Ke8 (1...Ke7 2.Rf7+ Ke8 (2...Kd8 3.Rg8#) 3.Rg8#) 2.Re6+ Kd8 (2...Kd7 3.c6+ Kd8
4.Rf8#) 3.Rf8+ Kd7 4.c6#.
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1.Bb4+ Ke8 2.Rg8#.
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1.Rf7+ Kg5 2.Re5#.
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1.Bh7+ Kh8 2.Rf8#.
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1.Rf7+ Kh8 (1...Kh6 2.Bf4#) 2.Be5#.
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1.Re4+ Kh5 2.Rh3#.
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1.Re7+ Kf5 2.Rd5+ Kg4 3.Re4#.
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1.f3+ Kf5 2.g4#.
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1.Rh8+ Kf7 2.g6#.
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1.e4+ Kd4 2.Rd6#.
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1.Rh1+ Kg5 2.f4#.
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1.f3+ Kh5 (1...Kh4 2.Rh7#) 2.Rh7#.
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1.Re8+ Kh7 2.g6+ Kh6 3.Rh8#.
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1.Ra7+ Kb5 2.Nd4#.
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1.Rf4+ Kg3 (1...Kg5 2.Nf7#) 2.Ne4#.
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1.Rf5+ Kh4 2.g3+ Kh3 3.Rh5#.
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93
1.Rf7+ Ke8 (1...Kg8 2.Nh6+ Kh8 3.Rh7#) 2.Nd6+ Kd8 3.Rd7#.
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1.Rf7+ Ke6 2.f5+ Kd6 3.Rd7#.
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1.Rf7+ Kg8 (1...Ke8 2.Ng7#) 2.Ne7+ Kh8 3.Ng6+ Kg8 4.Rg7#.
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1.g5+ Kf5 2.Be4#.
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1.c4+ Kb4 2.Ra4#.
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1.Bg7+ Kg8 2.h7#.
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1.Rh7+ Kg6 2.Bf5#.
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1.Bh6+ Ke8 2.Rc8#.
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1.Rc8+ Kg7 2.Bf6+ Kh6 (2...Kh7 3.Rh8#) 3.Rh8#.
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1.Rd6+ Ke4 2.Rf4#.
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1.f3+ Kd5 2.Rc5#.
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1.Rg5+ Kf4 2.Be5+ Kf3 3.Rf5#.
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1.Rh6+ Kf5 2.Rc5+ Kg4 3.f3#.
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1.Rd5+ Kf4 (1...Ke6 2.Bf5#) 2.Rf5+ Ke3 3.Rd3#.
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1.Rc5+ Ke4 2.Rb4+ Kd3 3.Rd4+ Ke2 4.Rc2#.
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1.Nd6+ Kf8 2.Qf7#.
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1.Qf6+ Kg8 (1...Ke8 2.Qe7#) 2.Ne7#.
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1.Qe7+ Kg6 (1...Kg8 2.Qg7#; 1...Kh8 2.Qg7#) 2.Nf4#.
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1.Qf8+ Kh7 2.Qf7+ Kh8 (2...Kh6 3.Qg6#) 3.Ng6#.
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1.Qe8+ Kb7 2.Nd6+ Kb6 (2...Ka6 3.Qb5#) 3.Qb5#.
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1.Qh5+ Kg8 2.Ne7+ Kg7 3.Qg6+ Kh8 4.Qh6#.
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107
1.Qf8+ Kh5 2.g4#.
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1.Qg4+ Kf6 2.Nd5#.
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1.Qh7+ Kf6 2.Ne4#.
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109
1.Qe8+ Kg7 2.h6#.
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1.Qg8+ Ke7 (1...Kd7 2.Qe6#) 2.f6+ Kd7 3.Qe6#.
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1.Nf3+ Kg3 2.Qg1+ Kf4 (2...Kh3 3.Ng5#) 3.Qg5+ Ke4 4.d3#.
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111
1.Bh6+ Ke8 2.Qg8#.
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1.Bb4+ Ke8 2.Qe7#.
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112
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1.Qe6+ Kd8 2.Ba5#.
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113
1.Qf8+ Kh7 (1...Kg6 2.Be4#) 2.Be4#.
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1.Qh8+ Kf7 2.Qg7+ Ke6 3.Qf6#.
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1.Qg7+ Ke6 (1...Ke8 2.Qg8#) 2.Qf6+ Kd5 3.c4#.
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115
1.Qh6+ Kg8 2.Re8#.
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1.Qh5+ Kg7 2.Rf7#.
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1.Rd1+ Ke8 2.Qd7#.
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1.Rh5+ Kg8 2.Qb3+ Kf8 3.Rh8#.
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1.Re6+ Kg7 (1...Kf7 2.Qf6#) 2.Qh6+ Kf7 3.Qf6#.
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1.Re6+ Kf8 2.Qe7+ Kg8 3.Rg6+ Kh8 4.Qg7#.
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119
1.Qh8+ Kg5 2.Rf5#.
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1.Rh8+ Kg5 2.Qc1#.
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1.Qh3+ Kg6 2.f5#.
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121
1.Qf4+ Kh5 2.g4+ Kh4 3.Rh6#.
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1.Qh7+ Kf6 2.Rh6+ Kg5 3.Qg6+ Kf4 4.Rh4#.
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1.Qc8+ Kd5 (1...Kb6 2.Qc7#) 2.Rf5+ Kd4 3.e3+ Kd3 4.Rd5#.
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123
1.Ne7+ Kf8 2.Qh8#.
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1.Nh5+ Kf7 2.Qh7#.
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1.Qh8+ Kf8 2.Nh7#.
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125
1.Qh6+ Kf5 2.Re5#.
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1.Qc7+ Kd5 2.Rd7+ Ke4 3.Qf4#.
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1.Qh8+ Kg4 (1...Kg5 2.Rg3+ Kf4 3.Qh4#) 2.Rg3+ Kf4 3.Qh4#.
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Chapter 3
Captures
In the third chapter, the forced mate is again delivered without tactical techniques. This chapter
stands out because white captures one or more black pieces during the checkmating sequence. All
those pieces will be captured totally “for free”, meaning that white will not have to sacrifice or trade
his attacking forces. Such capturing doesn’t change the essence of the mating combination – it only
delays the inevitable.
Let’s look at several standard examples:
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After 1.Ra8+!, checkmate is essentially already delivered, but black can still give away some of his
pieces in various sequences: 1...Rb8 (1...Qe8 2.Rxe8#; 1...Bd8 2.Rxd8+ Qe8 3.Rxe8#) 2.Rxb8+ Bd8
(2...Qe8 3.Rxe8#) 3.Rxd8+ Qe8 4.Rxe8#.
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White plays 1.Re1+, and after 1...Kd6, checkmates with 2.Bf4#. The game ends similarly after
1...Kd4 2.Bf6+, but here, black can interpose with 2...Qe5, which, however, changes nothing:
3.Bxe5#.
In some cases, the presence of an opposing piece on the board is not important at all:
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White wins with 1.Qf8+ Kc7 2.Bxe5#. It’s easy to prove that even if there were no e5 pawn on the
board, the solution would still be the same!
To conclude, let’s look at a puzzle where the captured piece is an important part of black’s position:
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The solution is not difficult: 1.Qxh5+! results in a quick mate. At first sight, it seems that white has
just eliminated a defender of the black king, and that this example should hence be moved to chapter
9, where we study the respective tactical method. But in actuality, “elimination” constitutes capturing
an enemy piece while sacrificing or trading your own piece, while in this case white just took a pawn
“for free” and continued the mating attack: 1...Kg7 2.Qh7#.
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1.Qc8+ Rf8 2.Qxf8#.
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1.Bxg7+ Kh7 2.Ng5#.
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1.Bg6+ Kd7 2.Qxd5#.
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1.Qxg7+ Ke8 2.Nf6+ Kd8 3.Qd7#.
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1.Qe6+ Kh5 2.g4+ Kh4 3.Qxh6#.
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1.Rg3+ Rg4 (1...Kf6 2.Rg6#) 2.Rxg4+ Kf6 3.Rg6#.
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1.Bc7+ Ka6 (1...Ka7 2.Ra4+ Na5 3.Rxa5#) 2.Ra4+ Na5 3.Rxa5#.
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1.Rxe4+ Kf7 (1...Kf6 2.Rf5+ Kg6 3.Re6#) 2.Rf5+ Kg8 (2...Kg6 3.Re6#) 3.Re8#.
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1.Bf2+ Kh3 (1...Kh2 2.Rh8+ Rh4 3.Rxh4#) 2.Rh8+ Rh4 3.Rxh4#.
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1.Be5+ Kh6 (1...Kh7 2.Rh4+ Kg8 3.Rh8#; 1...Kg8 2.Ra8+ Kh7 3.Rh8#; 1...Kf8 2.Ra8+ Rb8
3.Rxb8#) 2.Rh4+ Kg5 3.Bf6#.
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1.Nf5+ Kh3 (1...Kh5 2.Nxf4#) 2.Nf2+ Kh2 3.Bxf4#.
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1.Re8+ Kf7 2.Re7+ Kg8 (2...Kf8 3.Qxg7#) 3.Qxg7#.
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1.Qg8+ Kf6 2.Qh8+ Kg6 (2...Qg7 3.Qxg7#) 3.Qg7#.
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1.Qh6+ Kf7 (1...Qg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Qe6+ Kf8 3.Qe8#.
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1.Ne7+ Kh5 2.Rxf5+ Kh4 3.Ng6+ Kh3 4.Rh5#.
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1.R1a7+ Kc6 2.Rc8+ Kd5 3.Rd7+ Bd6 4.Rxd6#.
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1.Nf3+ Kg6 2.Nh4+ Kg5 3.Rg7+ Rg6 4.Rxg6#.
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1.f3+ Ke5 2.f4+ Ke4 3.Rc4+ Rd4 4.Rxd4#.
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1.Qh7+ Kf8 2.Qh8+ Ke7 3.Qg7+ Qf7 4.Qxf7#.
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144
1.Rf8+ Ke7 (1...Kd7 2.e6+ Ke7 3.Bb4+ Bd6 4.Bxd6#) 2.Bb4+ Bd6 (2...Kd7 3.e6#) 3.Bxd6+ Kd7
4.e6#.
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1.Qh8+ Ke7 2.Qh7+ Ng7 (2...Ke8 3.Qf7#; 2...Kf8 3.Qf7#) 3.Qxg7+ Ke8 4.Qf7#.
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1.Bd4+ Kb8 2.Qb3+ Kc7 (2...Qb7 3.Qxb7#) 3.Qb6+ Kd6 4.Bc5#.
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1.Ng8+ Kh5 (1...Kg5 2.Qxf4+ Kh5 3.Qh6#) 2.Qxh7+ Kg5 3.Qh6+ Kf5 4.Qxf4#.
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1.Qh6+ Kg8 2.Rxg1+ Ng4 3.Rxg4+ Qg5+ 4.Rxg5#.
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Part 2
Capabilities of Your Own Pieces
The second part of this book is dedicated to the capabilities of your own pieces. The reader’s goal is
studying the concept of sacrifice and tactical patterns of “pawn promotion”, “square vacation” and
“attraction” and their use in various combinations.
You should also note that after using any tactical patterns, both individually or as parts of
combinations, there still occurs a position that requires you to use basic checkmating skills you’ve
acquired in the first part of this book.
Chapter 4
Sacrifices
Before we start studying tactics, we should look at one of the most important tactical concepts, the
sacrifice. A sacrifice in chess is defined as an unequal exchange or giving away material – a piece or
a pawn. Neither a sacrifice of material nor a trade of pieces of equal value are considered a tactic on
their own; rather, both these terms are a description of events happening on the board. Chess players
sometimes sacrifice material to gain a positional or strategic advantage, but much more often they use
sacrifices as a means of reaching a more short-term goal – delivering a decisive tactical blow or
creating a strong attack on the king. Unlike all other tactical gains, a player is ready to sacrifice any
amount of pieces to deliver a forced mate, so in this book sacrifices are an integral part of most tactics
and combinations.
In this fourth chapter, white again delivers forced mate without using tactical patterns, but to
achieve his goal he will have to sacrifice at least one of his pieces:
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One of the white knights is under attack, but does he have to waste time on its defense if he can try
and checkmate black with the remaining pieces? In this case, no! White wins with 1.Qh6+! Kxg8
2.Nf6#.
It’s not hard to find the sacrifice in the next example as well:
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After 1.Be4+!, white sacrifices a pawn with 1...Kxd4, but then gives a mate in one: 2.Bc3#.
To be able to sacrifice one of your pieces in a timely fashion, you will need both precision in
calculation and a good amount of imagination:
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The white queen and knight are trying to weave a mating net, but the obvious 1.Nf7+? loses to
1...Qxf7.
To force mate in this position, you first need to see the opportunity for a knight sacrifice! 1.Qh8+!
Kxg5, and white delivers an easy mate in two: 2.f4+ Kf5 3.Qe5#.
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White’s pieces are positioned in such a way that it seems that it’s up to the queen and bishop to
attack the black king. After 1.Be6+ Ke8, they indeed do the job: 2.Qf7+ Kd8 3.Qd7#. But after
1...Kd6!, it suddenly turns out that no bishop moves leads to mate. White wins with a sudden
sacrifice of that piece: 2.Qd8+! Kxe6 3.Ng5#.
You should note that in every example shown in this chapter white sacrifices a piece by giving a
check with another piece. In the subsequent parts of the book we will only refer to this situation as a
“sacrifice”, whereas any other attempt to sacrifice material constitutes a tactical pattern, which we
will study thoroughly in the following chapters.
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1.Re8+ Kc7 2.Rc8+ Kxd6 3.Rc6#.
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1.Nf3+ Kg4 2.h3+ Kxf5 3.Nh4#.
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1.Qg6+ Kf8 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh6#) 2.Qg8+ Kxe7 3.Nd5#.
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1.Qe8+ Kh7 (1...Kg7 2.Qh8+ Kxg6 3.Qg8#) 2.Qh8+ Kxg6 3.Qg8#.
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1.Qf7+ Kh6 (1...Kh8 2.Qh7#) 2.Qf8+ Kxg5 3.f4#.
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1.Bb6+ Ke7 2.Rf7+ Kxd6 3.Bc7#.
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1.Rg7+ Kxh6 (1...Kh8 2.Ng6#) 2.R7g6+ Kh5 (2...Kh7 3.Rh1#) 3.Rh1#.
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157
1.Qd6+ Kf5 2.Ng3+ Kg4 3.h3+ Kxh4 4.Qf4#.
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1.Qd8+ Kf7 2.Ng5+ Kg6 3.Qd6+ Kxg5 4.h4#.
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1.Qf8+ Kh5 2.Nf4+ Kxh4 3.Qh6+ Kg3 4.Qh3#.
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1.Na4+ Kxc4 2.b3+ Kb5 3.c4+ Ka6 4.Nc5+ Kb6 5.Qb4#.
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1.Qd7+ Kg6 2.Nf8+ Kxh6 3.Qh7+ Kg5 4.Qf5+ Kh6 (4...Kh4 5.Ng6#) 5.Qg6#.
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Chapter 5
Pawn Promotion
The first tactic we are going to study is called pawn promotion. As soon as the pawn reaches the
last rank, it turns into a piece, which radically changes the material balance on the board. This tactic is
found in many combinations. If the pawn is promoted near the opposing king, it often leads to a
forced mate.
Most often, the pawn promotes with check to a queen, which quickly and confidently takes care of
the opponent’s king:
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After 1.f8=Q+ black is immediately checkmated: 1...Kg6 2.Qf6#.
The next position shows the standard finish of a pawn endgame:
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White wins with 1.g7+; after the forced 1...Kh7, white promotes the pawn: 2.g8=Q+! Kh6 3.Qg6#.
Many games have finished in such a way.
You can also promote the pawn by sacrificing material. For instance, if we add a white knight on h7
in the previous position, the same pawn-promoting tactic will lead to a win, and the winning line will
also include a piece sacrifice.
Let’s look at another example of a timely pawn promotion. This time, a pawn, a bishop and a
knight will be involved in the mating attack:
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White promotes the pawn with checks and delivers checkmate: 1.Be6+ Kf8 (or 1...Kh8 2.g7+ Kh7
3.g8=Q#) 2.g7+ Ke8 3.g8=Q#. We should note that 3.g8=R# also wins in the main line, but there is
no sense in promoting the pawn to a rook (or bishop) to checkmate a king by force, since the queen
replaces both these pieces with ease.
However, promoting the pawn to a knight is sometimes quite useful! A knight is, of course, weaker
than a bishop, but the opportunity to continue the attack with a tempo is often much more important:
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White can’t play 1.f8=Q? due to 1...Qh2#,
but after 1.f8=N+!, white has just enough pieces to create a mating net: 1...Kh8 2.Bf6#.
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1.f8=Q+ Kg6 2.Rh6#.
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1.g7+ Kh7 2.Nf6+ Kh6 3.g8=N#.
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1.g7+ Kh7 2.g8=Q+ Kh6 3.Qh8#.
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1.e7+ Kg8 2.e8=Q+ Kh7 3.g6#.
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1.g7+ Kg8 2.Re8+ Kf7 (2...Bf8 3.Rxf8#) 3.g8=Q#.
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1.Bc6+ Kd8 2.Bb6+ Kc8 3.d7+ Kb8 4.d8=Q#.
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Chapter 6
Vacation
There are times when one of your own pieces prevents you from delivering a combination. In this
case, you can use the tactic called “vacation”. Its essence is simple: you need to get the interfering
piece out of the way (by sacrificing it or moving it elsewhere) and then proceed with the combination.
There are two kinds of vacation: vacating the line (rank, file or diagonal) and vacating a single square.
In a forced mate, white has to get the “extra” piece away with a check. There are no examples of
pawn promotion in this chapter.
Let’s start with vacating a square:
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The black king is already trapped, and white only has to give a check. The knight can do that if it
gets to the f7 square. The problem is, the square is already occupied by the white rook. White plays
1.Rf8+!, and after 1...Bxf8, the problem is solved – the square is now vacant: 2.Nf7#.
The next example is solved in a similar way:
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White vacates the g7 square for the queen: 1.Rh7+! Nxh7 2.Qg7#.
The tactics with vacating the lines aren’t much more difficult:
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The white queen wants to get to h8. After 1.Bd6+!, nothing will stop it from getting there: 1...Rxd6
(other moves lead to the same finish: 1...Nxd6 2.Qh8# or 1...Re7 2.Qh8#) 2.Qh8#. In this example,
white vacated a diagonal.
Line vacation is often executed without spectacular sacrifices, for instance, when two rooks play
along a single rank:
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White plays 1.Rh7+, freeing up the passage to g7 for the other rook (vacating the rank), and after
1...Kg8 2.Rdg7+ (a single rook can’t do the trick: 2.Rhg7+ Kh8, and white has to go back – 3.Rh7+
Kg8) 2...Kf8, there’s a mate in two: 3.Ne6+ Ke8 4.Rh8#.
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1.Bd7+ Kd8 2.Ne6#.
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1.Rh8+ Nxh8 2.Qh7#.
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1.Qd8+ Ka7 2.b6#.
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1.Qg5+ fxg5 2.Nh5#.
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1.f7+ Nxf7 2.Nf6#.
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1.Rb8+ Ka7 2.Nb5#.
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1.f5+ Nxf5 2.Nf4#.
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1.Rf6+ Ke5 2.f4#.
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1.Rh7+ Bxh7 2.Qg7#.
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1.Bf7+ Kd8 (1...Kf8 2.Ne6#) 2.Ne6#.
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1.Qxf8+ Rxf8 (1...Nxf8 2.Nh6#) 2.Nh6#.
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1.Rf4+ Kg5 (1...Kh3 2.Rh4#) 2.Nf7#.
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1.Ng7+ Ke7 2.Rf7#.
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1.Be6+ Kh8 2.Rh4#.
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1.Re7+ Kd8 2.Rad7#.
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1.Rf8+ Qxf8 2.Qxh7#.
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1.Nh7+ Bxh7 2.Bh6#.
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1.Nh7+ Rxh7 2.Qg8#.
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1.Rh8+ Bxh8 (1...Kg7 2.Qh7#) 2.Qh7#.
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1.Ng5+ hxg5 (1...Kf8 2.Qe7#) 2.Qe7#.
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1.Ra6+ Rxa6 (1...Kxa6 2.Qb7#) 2.Qb7#.
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1.Nf6+ gxf6 (1...Kh8 2.Qh7#) 2.Qh7#.
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1.Nc6+ dxc6 (1...bxc6 2.Qe8#; 1...Nxc6 2.Qe8#; 1...Qxc6 2.Qe8#) 2.Qe8#.
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1.Ng6+ hxg6 (1...Kg8 2.Qxg7#) 2.Qxg7#.
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1.Rg8+ Kh7 2.g6+ Kh6 3.g5#.
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1.Ng5+ hxg5 2.Be4+ Kh6 3.Qg6#.
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1.Rb8+ Kg7 2.f6+ Kg6 3.Be4#.
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1.Rh7+ Kg8 2.Rcg7+ Kf8 3.Rh8#.
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1.Ne7+ Nxe7 2.Qe8+ Qf8 3.Qxf8#.
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1.f7+ Ke7 2.Bg5+ Kd6 3.Nb5#.
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1.f6+ Kh6 2.Qh3+ Kg5 3.Qh4#.
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1.Ng4+ Ke4 2.Nf2+ Ke5 3.Bf4#.
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1.Rf8+ Kg7 2.R1f7+ Kh6 3.Rxh7#.
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1.Nh7+ Kg8 (1...Ke8 2.Nf6+ Kf8 3.Rf7#) 2.Nf6+ Kh8 (2...Kf8 3.Rf7#) 3.Rh7#.
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1.Rf8+ Kg7 (1...Kh7 2.R1f7+ Kh6 3.Rh8#) 2.R1f7+ Kh6 3.Rh8#.
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1.Rh8+ Kf7 (1...Kg7 2.R1h7#) 2.Ng5+ Kg7 3.R1h7#.
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1.Nf3+ Kh5 (1...exf3 2.Rh1#; 1...Qxf3 2.Rh1#) 2.Rh1+ Qh4 3.Rxh4#.
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1.Rf5+ gxf5 (1...Bxf5 2.Qh4#) 2.Qh4+ Kg6 3.Qh6#.
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1.Rd7+ Kh8 (1...Rg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Qb2+ Rg7 3.Qxg7#.
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1.Bd5+ Rf7 (1...cxd5 2.Qh7#) 2.Qh7+ Kf8 3.Qh8#.
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1.Bxd5+ Qxd5 (1...cxd5 2.f7#; 1...Nxd5 2.f7#; 1...Ne6 2.Bxe6#) 2.f7+ Qxf7 3.Rh8#.
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1.Nh6+ Bxh6 (1...Kh8 2.Ng6#) 2.Bh7+ Kh8 (2...Kf8 3.Ng6#) 3.Ng6#.
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1.Ne7+ Kh8 2.Rf8+ Rxf8 3.Qxe5+ Rf6 4.Qxf6#.
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1.Rf8+ Kb7 2.Rb8+ Ka6 3.b5+ Ka5 4.Be1#.
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1.Bd3+ Kh5 2.Rh3+ Kg4 3.f3+ Kf4 4.g3#.
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1.Qxf6+ Kg8 (1...Ng7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Nh6+ Kf8 3.Qh8+ Ke7 4.Nf5#.
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203
1.Nab6+ Kc6 2.Nb4+ Kc7 (2...Kc5 3.Na4#) 3.Nxa6+ Kc6 4.Qd5#.
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1.Nh5+ Kg8 (1...Kh8 2.Qf6+ Bg7 (2...Kg8 3.Ne7#) 3.Qxg7#; 1...gxh5 2.Qf6+ Kg8 3.Ne7#)
2.Ne7+ Kh8 3.Qf6+ Bg7 4.Qxg7#.
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Chapter 7
Attraction
The next tactic is called “attraction”. Essentially, it uses sacrifices or threats to force an opposing
piece to occupy a certain square that will immediately make it vulnerable to tactics. In this chapter,
we learn to attract the opposing king to squares where it gets checkmated by force. There are no
examples of pawn promotion or vacation in this chapter.
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White gives up his queen to lure the black king to a dangerous square! After 1.Qg8+!, black is
forced to capture, 1...Kxg8, and then white delivers checkmate: 2.Re8#. A great example of
attraction!
Still, it’s usually hard to checkmate the opponent without a queen, and so the attraction tactic is
usually performed with less valuable pieces:
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White uses attraction: 1.Bh5+!, with the idea to give checkmate: 1...Kxh5 2.Qf7#. Black can
decline the sacrifice, so you should necessarily check the reply 1...Kf6 as well; in this case, 2.Qf7#
wins.
Attraction is a very important and often-used tactic that can be implemented against any opposing
piece. Still, the easiest way to learn to use it clearly and confidently is to use it against the king.
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This time, a pawn is used as a deflecting piece. White plays 1.h6+!, and now black loses both after
capturing the pawn: 1...Kxh6 2.Qf8#, and retreating to the back rank: 1...Kg8 2.Qd8# or 1...Kh8
2.Qf8#.
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The white army is very scanty, black has a huge material advantage. A simple attempt to give
checkmate loses; for instance, white can’t play 1.Qh5 due to 1...Bxg6.
The winning move is attraction: 1.Rh8+!, and after 1...Kxh8, the single remaining white major
piece delivers a mate in two: 2.Qh5+ Kg8 3.Qh7#.
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1.Qe8+ Kxe8 2.Rg8#.
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1.Qf8+ Kxf8 2.Rxd8#.
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1.Qh4+ Kxh4 2.Rh6#.
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1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Rf8#.
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1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Rf8#.
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1.g5+ Kxg5 2.Qf4#.
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1.Re6+ Kxe6 2.Qd6#.
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1.Qf6+ Kxf6 2.Bg7#.
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1.Qc6+ Kxc6 2.Bd5#.
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1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh7#.
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1.Qg6+ Kxg6 (1...Kg8 2.Rf8#; 1...Kh8 2.Rf8#) 2.Nf8#.
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1.g5+ Kxg5 (1...Kh7 2.Rh8#) 2.Qf4#.
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1.Qh7+ Kxh7 2.Nxf6+ Kh8 3.Rxg8#.
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1.Qh5+ Kxh5 2.Bf7+ Kg4 3.h3#.
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217
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh1+ Kg8 3.Qh7#.
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1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh6+ Kg8 3.Qxg7#.
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1.Rh7+ Kxh7 2.Qf7+ Kh8 3.Qg7#.
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219
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh3+ Kg8 3.Qh7#.
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1.Rg8+ Kxg8 2.Rb8+ Rd8 3.Rxd8#.
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1.Ra7+ Kxa7 2.Nc6+ Ka8 3.Rxb8#.
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221
1.Bh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Kg8 3.Rh8#.
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1.Bg8+ Kxg8 2.Rf8+ Kh7 3.Rh8#.
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1.Rh7+ Kxh7 2.Nf6+ Kh8 3.Rg8#.
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223
1.Bc4+ Kxc4 (1...Kd4 2.Qd3#) 2.Qb3+ Kd4 3.Qd3#.
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1.Bh7+ Kxh7 2.Qd3+ Kg8 3.Qg6+ Bg7 4.Qxg7#.
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1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh5+ Kg8 3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Qh8#.
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225
1.Ra8+ Kxa8 2.Qa2+ Kb8 3.Qa7+ Kc8 4.Qa8#.
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1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh5+ Kg8 3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Qh8#.
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1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh5+ Kg8 3.Qxf7+ Kh7 (3...Kh8 4.Qh5#) 4.Qh5#.
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227
1.Rg8+ Kxg8 (1...Kh6 2.Nf7#) 2.Qe8+ Kg7 3.Qf7+ Kh6 (3...Kh8 4.Qf8#) 4.Qxh7#.
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1.Rb8+ Kxb8 2.Bxd6+ Kc8 (2...Ka8 3.Nb6#) 3.Nb6+ Kd8 4.Bc7#.
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1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Rb8+ Nd8 (2...Nf8+ 3.Rxf8#) 3.Rxd8+ Qe8+ 4.Rxe8#.
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229
1.Bc5+ Ke6 (1...Kxc5 2.Qb4#) 2.Qe7+ Kf5 3.Qe5+ Kg4 4.Qg5#.
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1.Ra8+ Kb7 2.Ra7+ Kxa7 (2...Kb6 3.Qxc7#; 2...Kb8 3.Qxc7#) 3.Qxc7+ Ka6 (3...Ka8 4.Ra1#)
4.Ra1#.
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1.Qh6+ Kxh6 (1...Kf7 2.Qf8#) 2.Bf8+ Kg5 3.Nh7+ Kf5 4.e4#.
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231
1.Qc4+ Kh7 (1...Kh8 2.Rf8+ Kh7 3.Qg8#; 1...Qe6 2.Qxe6+) 2.Qe4+ Kg8 (2...Qg6 3.hxg6+ Kh8
4.Qe8#; 2...g6 3.Rf7+ Kg8 4.Qe8#) 3.Rf8+ Kxf8 4.Qe8#.
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Chapter 8
Combinations
The time has come to introduce you to chess combinations – forcing lines that use various tactical
blows. There can be almost any number of tactics in a single combination, but in this chapter you
only need to use the capabilities of your own pieces already described in this book.
Before moving forward, it’s necessary to learn to use the tactics you’ve studied both separately and
in various mixtures. Also, take note that tactics can be used both sequentially and simultaneously as
part of the same combination! In the first case, the tactics are used one at a time, but there can be any
number of them in a single combination, so you may have to calculate quite deeply. When tactics are
used simultaneously, the solution is usually quick, and the main difficulty is to notice the single
winning move.
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White plays 1.Rh8+!, attracting the king and vacating a square for the queen at the same time:
1...Kxh8 2.Qh7#.
233
The solution to the next puzzle is similar, but the line is longer:
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White checkmates with 1.Rh1+ Kg4 2.Rh4+! – again, attraction and vacation are used at the same
time. After the forced 2...Kxh4, an easy finish follows: 3.Qf4+ Kh5 4.Rh1#.
In both of these positions, the combination was built on finding one winning move, and then you
just had to carefully use your basic checkmating skills.
In the puzzles that require you to use tactics sequentially, it’s much harder to find the correct
solution. In this case, you often have to see a “combination within a combination”:
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White can only win with a combination of two sequential tactics: first attraction: 1.Qh8+! Kxh8,
and then vacating the square: 2.Bf6+! Kg8 3.Rd8#. Before sacrificing the queen, white has to
calculate the end of the combination as well.
Let’s see what kind of tactics white uses in the next example:
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The combination starts with attraction: 1.Qh8+! Kxh8. White’s second move is 2.d8=Q+!,
simultaneously promoting the pawn and vacating the d7 square for the rook, and after 2...Kg7 (black
loses in an analogous fashion after 2...Kh7 3.Rd7+ etc.), white finishes the black king off: 3.Rd7+
Kh6 4.Qh8#. Thus, white first uses attraction, and then pawn promotion and square vacation
simultaneously. Black can delay the checkmate by one move if he permits a capture: 3...Ne7
4.Rxe7+, and only now 4...Kh6 5.Qh8#.
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1.Qh7+ Kxf6 2.Bg5+ Kxg5 3.Qh4#.
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237
1.Rd8+ Kg7 2.h8=Q+ Kxg6 3.Rg8#.
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1.Bh7+ Kxf7 2.Qg6+ Ke7 3.Qe6#.
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1.Qf5+ Kf7 2.Qxf6+ Ke8 (2...Kg8 3.Nh6#) 3.Nxc7#.
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239
1.b8=N+ Ka7 2.Nc6+ Ka6 (2...Ka8 3.Qb8#) 3.Bc8#.
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1.Rg5+ Kxg5 (1...Kh6 2.Nf7#) 2.Nf7+ Kh5 3.g4#.
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1.Qg7+ Kxg7 2.Rxf7+ Kg8 3.Rf8+ Kg7 4.R1f7#.
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241
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh6+ Kg8 3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Qh8#.
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1.Qh7+ Kxh7 2.Rgxg7+ Kh8 3.Rh7+ Kg8 4.Reg7#.
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1.Rf8+ Rxf8 (1...Kh7 2.Qg6#) 2.Qd5+ Kh7 (2...Kh8 3.exf8=Q+ Kh7 4.Qfg8#; 2...Rf7 3.Qxf7+
Kh7 4.Qg6+ Kh8 5.e8=Q#) 3.exf8=N+ Kh8 4.Neg6#.
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1.Qa8+ Ke7 (1...Kc7 2.Ned5#) 2.Ned5+ Ke6 3.Qc8+ Bd7 4.Qxd7#.
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1.Rd5+ Qxd5 (1...Bxd5 2.Qxg4+ Kh6 3.Qh5#; 1...Kh6 2.Rh5#; 1...Kh4 2.Qxg4#; 1...Kxf4
2.Qxg4#; 1...f5 2.Qxf5+ Kh6 (2...Kh4 3.Qxg4#) 3.Qg6#) 2.Qxg4+ Kh6 3.Qh4+ Qh5 4.Qxh5#.
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1.Rc7+ Kxc7 2.Rd7+ Kc8 3.Ne7+ Kb8 4.N5c6+ Ka8 5.Ra7#.
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245
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Rf8+ Kh7 3.Ng5+ Kh6 4.Nf7+ Kh7 5.Rh8#.
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1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Rh1+ Kg8 3.Rh8+ Kxh8 4.Qh1+ Kg8 5.Qh7#.
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1.Qc8+ Kxc8 2.Ra8+ Kd7 3.Nc5+ Kd6 4.Rd8+ Rd7 5.Rxd7#.
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247
1.Rh5+ Kg8 2.Rh8+ Kxh8 3.Qh5+ Kg8 4.Qh7+ Kf8 5.Qh8#.
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1.Qg6+ Kxg6 2.e8=Q+ Kh6 3.Re6+ Kh7 4.Qxh5+ Kg8 5.Re8#.
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1.b7+ Ka7 2.b8=Q+ Ka6 3.Qb7+ Ka5 4.Qb4+ Ka6 5.Qa4#.
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249
1.Nh6+ Kh7 2.g8=Q+ Kxh6 3.Qg7+ Kh5 4.Bf3+ Kh4 5.Qg4#.
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1.Rh3+ Nh4 2.Rxh4+ Kg6 3.Rh6+ Kg5 4.h4+ Kg4 5.Nde3#.
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1.Rh4+ Kxh4 2.Qh6+ Kg4 3.h3+ Kf5 4.g4+ Ke4 5.Qe3#.
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251
1.Bh7+ Kf8 (1...Kh8 2.Bf6#) 2.Bh6+ Ke8 3.Bg6+ Kd8 4.Bg5+ Be7 5.Bxe7#.
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1.Ra7+ Kg6 (1...Kh8 2.Rf8#; 1...Kg8 2.Rf8#) 2.Rg7+ Kh5 3.Rh4+ Kxh4 4.g3+ Kxh3 (4...Kh5
5.Nf4#) 5.Nf4#.
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1.Qxh6+ Ke8 (1...Kg8 2.Qh8#) 2.Qf8+ Kd7 (2...Kxf8 3.Rh8#) 3.Qe7+ Kc8 4.Rh8+ Be8 5.Rxe8#.
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253
1.Qg5+ Kf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qh6+ Rh7 3.Qxh7#; 1...Kf8 2.Qg8+ Ke7 3.Qg7+ Ke6 4.Bg4#) 2.Bh5+
Ke6 3.Qg4+ Kxf6 (3...Ke7 4.Qg7+ Ke6 5.Bg4#) 4.Qg6+ Ke7 5.Qf7#.
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1.Qh6+ Kxh6 2.Rh4+ Kg5 (2...Kg7 3.Rxh7#) 3.f4+ Kxh4 4.g3+ Kh3 5.Bf1#.
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1.Rh8+ Kg7 (1...Kxh8 2.Qh5+ Kg7 (2...Kg8 3.Qf7+ Kh8 4.Qh7#) 3.Qf7+ Kh8 4.Qh7#) 2.f6+
Kxf6 (2...Kg6 3.Qh5+ Kxf6 4.Qf7+ Kxg5 5.Qf5#; 2...Kxh8 3.Qh5+ Kg8 4.Qf7+ Kh8 5.Qh7#)
3.Qf3+ Ke7 (3...Kxg5 4.Qf5#; 3...Kg6 4.Qf7+ Kxg5 5.Qf5#; 3...Kg7 4.Qf7+ Kxh8 5.Qh7#)
4.Qf7+ Kd8 5.Rxe8#.
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1.Rf7+ Rd7 (1...Kb8 2.Ra8+ Kxa8 3.Qxc6+ Kb8 4.Qb7#; 1...Kb6 2.Ra6+ Kxa6 3.Qxc6+ Ka5
4.Ra7#; 1...Kc8 2.Ra8#) 2.Rxd7+ Kb6 (2...Kc8 3.Qxc6+ Kb8 4.Qb7#; 2...Kb8 3.Ra8+ Kxa8
4.Qxc6+ Kb8 5.Qb7#) 3.Ra6+ Kxa6 4.Qxc6+ Ka5 5.Ra7#.
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1.Qh6+ Kg8 (1...Kxh6 2.Rh1+ Qh2 3.Rxh2#) 2.Qxg6+ Kh8 (2...Rg7 3.Qxg7#) 3.Rh1+ Qh2
(3...Rh7 4.Rxh7#) 4.Rxh2+ Rh7 5.Qxh7#.
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1.Be3+ Ka5 (1...Kb5 2.Rb4+; 1...Ka6 2.Ra4+ Kb5 3.Rb4+) 2.Ra4+ Kb5 3.Rb4+ Ka5 (3...Ka6
4.Bxb7+ Ka5 5.Bb6#) 4.Bb6+ Ka6 5.Bc4#.
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1.Qe8+ Kf6 (1...Kh6 2.Bf8+ Kg5 3.Qe7+ (3.Be7+ Kh6 4.Qf8+ Kg6 5.Qf6#) 3...Kg6 4.Qg7#;
1...Kg7 2.Bd4+ Be5 3.Bxe5+ Kh6 4.Qf8+ Kg5 (4...Kg6 5.Qg7#) 5.Qf6#; 1...Kg5 2.Be7+ Kh6
3.Qf8+ Kg6 4.Qf6#) 2.Bd4+ Be5 (2...Kg5 3.Qe7+ Kg6 (3...Kh6 4.Qg7#) 4.Qg7#) 3.Bxe5+ Kg5
4.Qe7+ Kg6 (4...Kh6 5.Qg7#) 5.Qf6#.
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1.Nc7+ Ka7 2.Bb6+ Kxb6 3.c5+ Kxc7 (3...Ka7 4.Ra2+ Qa3 5.Rxa3#) 4.Ne6+ Kc8 5.Rd8#.
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259
1.Ne5+ Kf5 2.Qh7+ Ke6 (2...Kf6 3.Qg6#) 3.Qd7+ Kf6 4.Ng4+ Kg6 5.Qh7#.
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1.Nxf6+ Kf8 (1...Kh8 2.Qh7#) 2.Qe8+ Kg7 3.Nh5+ Kh7 4.Qf7+ Kh8 5.Qg7#.
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1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.b8=Q+ Kh7 (2...Kg7 3.Rd7+ Be7 4.Rxe7+ Kh6 5.Qh8#; 2...Qc8 3.Qxc8+;
2...Bf8 3.Qxf8+ Kh7 4.Rd7#) 3.Rd7+ Be7 (3...Kh6 4.Qh8#) 4.Rxe7+ Kh6 5.Qh8#.
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1.Qd8+ Kb5 (1...Ka6 2.Nc5+ Kb5 3.a4+ Kxc5 4.Qd4#) 2.a4+ Kxa4 3.b3+ Kb5 4.c4+ Ka6
5.Nc5#.
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1.Qc5+ Kb7 (1...Kb8 2.Rb4+ Bb5 3.Rxb5+ Ka8 4.Qc6+ Ka7 5.Qb7#; 1...Bc6+ 2.Qxc6+ Kb8
3.Rb4+ Ka7 4.Qb7#) 2.Rb4+ Bb5 (2...Ka8 3.Qd5+ Bc6 (3...Ka7 4.Qb7#) 4.Qxc6+ Ka7 5.Qb7#;
2...Ka6 3.Qb6#) 3.Rxb5+ Ka8 (3...Ka6 4.Qb6#) 4.Qc6+ Ka7 5.Qb7#.
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1.Nc2+ Kc4 2.Ne3+ Kd4 3.Nf5+ Kc4 4.Nd6+ Kd4 5.Qe3+ Kxe3 6.Nf5#.
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263
1.Nf8+ Kd8 2.Ne6+ Kd7 3.c6+ bxc6 4.Nc5+ Kd8 5.Nb7+ Kd7 6.e6#.
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1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh4+ Kg8 3.Qxd8+ Kh7 4.Ng5+ Kh6 5.Nxf7+ Kh7 (5...Kh5 6.Qg5#) 6.Qh8#.
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1.Qg6+ Kf3 (1...Kh4 2.Qg5#) 2.Qg3+ Ke2 3.Qe1+ Kf3 (3...Kd3 4.Qf1#) 4.Qf1+ Kg4 5.Qe2+
Kh4 6.Be1#.
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1.Qh6+ Kxh6 (1...Kf7 2.Qxf8+ Ke6 3.Qe7+ Kd5 (3...Kf5 4.Qf6#) 4.Nf6#) 2.Bxf8+ Kh5 3.g4+
Kh4 4.Be7+ g5 (4...Kh3 5.Nf2#) 5.Bxg5+ Kh3 6.Nf2#.
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1.Qb8+ Ke7 2.Bf6+ Kxf6 3.Qd8+ Kg7 (3...Kf5 4.Qg5+ Ke4 5.Qe5#; 3...Kg6 4.Qg5#) 4.Rg3+
Ng4 5.Rxg4+ Kh6 6.Qg5#.
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1.b5+ Kxb5 (1...Kd5 2.Qc5#) 2.Qc5+ Ka4 (2...Ka6 3.Qb6#) 3.Qa7+ Kb5 (3...Kb4 4.Qb6+ Ka4
(4...Kc4 5.Qb3#) 5.Qa6+ Kb4 6.c3#) 4.Qb6+ Ka4 (4...Kc4 5.Qc5#) 5.Qa6+ Kb4 6.c3#.
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1.Rc7+ Bxc7 (1...Nxc7 2.Qg7+ Ke8 3.Qf8+ Kd7 4.Qd8#; 1...Ke8 2.Qb5#) 2.Qg7+ Ke8 3.Qf8+
Kd7 4.Qf7+ Kc8 5.Qe8+ Bd8 6.Qxd8#.
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1.Qd8+ Kf5 (1...Ke6 2.Bxd5+ Kf5 3.Qg5#; 1...Kg6 2.Qg5#) 2.Qg5+ Ke6 3.Qxd5+ Ke7 (3...Kf6
4.Qd6+ Kf5 5.Bd7#) 4.Qd7+ Kf6 (4...Kf8 5.Qd8#) 5.Qd6+ Kf5 6.Bd7#.
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1.Qc5+ Kg8 (1...Ke8 2.Qc8#) 2.Qc8+ Kh7 3.Qf5+ Kh8 (3...Kh6 4.Qh5#; 3...Kg8 4.Qg4+)
4.Qh5+ Kg8 5.Qg4+ Kf8 (5...Kh7 6.Qg7#; 5...Kh8 6.Qg7#) 6.Qc8#.
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Part 3
Overpowering Your Opponent’s Pieces
The third part of this book is dedicated to the king’s defenders and the various means of
overpowering them. It describes the typical tactics of “elimination” and “deflection”, which, together
with “attraction”, are often used to expose or weaken the opponent’s king or lure it to open space.
This part also includes the techniques of “blocking” and “seizing the square”, specific cases of the
three aforementioned tactics.
You should also note that after using any tactical patterns, both individually or as parts of
combinations, a position still occurs that requires you to use basic checkmating skills which you
acquired in the first part of this book.
Chapter 9
Elimination
In the first two parts of the book, we learned to use our own pieces skillfully, but now, it’s time to
turn our attention to the opponent’s pieces. The simplest way of overpowering them is their direct
elimination – sacrificing or trading your own piece when capturing them. Elimination is the best way
to forget about the opposing piece forever, so this tactic is often used in conjunction with other
techniques, which we shall see in the following chapters. We should also take note of the difference
between “elimination” and “capturing”, which was described in chapter 3. In this chapter, you will
have to eliminate at least one of the king’s defenders with a check in the course of the forced mating
combination.
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White could have delivered a checkmate with 1.Bb5+?, but black has a defense, 1...c6. In such
situations, you first need to check if it’s possible to eliminate the interfering piece or pawn.
The winning move is 1.Nxc7+!, and after 1...Bxc7, nothing stops white from delivering the
checkmate: 2.Bb5#.
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To deliver the so-called “Arabian mate”, you need to eliminate the black knight. It’s actually easy
to do: 1.Qxf8+!, and after the only possible reply 1...Bxf8, white plays 2.Rh7# without any further
obstacles.
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This time, you need to eliminate the bishop to win: 1.Qxd8+!, and after any possible reply by
black, white checkmates with 2.Rh4#.
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The white rooks are looking at the black king, but the black queen prevents the immediate
checkmate. The first thing you should check is whether it’s possible to eliminate it: 1.Qxf8+! Bxf8
2.Rg8#. We should note that in the context of a forced mate, there’s essentially no difference between
eliminating the defending piece with sacrificing material and without it (by trading off an identical
piece).
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1.Qc3+ e5 2.dxe6#.
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274
1.Rxf8+ Rxf8 2.Qh7#.
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1.Rxf8+ Nxf8 2.Qg7#.
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1.Qxd8+ Bxd8 2.Re8#.
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276
1.Qxf8+ Bxf8 2.Re8#.
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1.Qxd8+ Nxd8 2.Re8#.
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1.Qxf6+ Rxf6 (1...Qxf6 2.Rh7#) 2.Rh7#.
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278
1.Qxf6+ Qxf6 (1...Rxf6 2.Re8#; 1...Kg8 2.Re8#) 2.Re8#.
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1.Rxh5+ gxh5 (1...Kg8 2.Qg7#) 2.Qg7#.
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1.Qxc8+ Rxc8 (1...Nxc8 2.Bxb7#; 1...Bb8 2.Bxb7#) 2.Bxb7#.
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280
1.Qxf8+ Nxf8 2.Bxf6+ Qg7 3.Bxg7#.
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1.Qxd4+ Qc5 (1...b6 2.Qxb6#; 1...Rxd4 2.b6#) 2.Qxc5+ b6 3.Qxb6#.
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1.Rxg7+ Rxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh6#) 2.Qxh6+ Kg8 3.Qxg7#.
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282
1.Bxg7+ Nxg7 (1...Kh7 2.Qxh6#) 2.Qxh6+ Bh7 3.Qxh7#.
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1.Rxe7+ Rxe7 (1...Kf8 2.Qg7#; 1...Kg8 2.Qg7#) 2.Qf6+ Kg8 (2...Ke8 3.Qxe7#) 3.Nxe7#.
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1.Nh7+ Ke7 2.Qxe5+ Qxe5 (2...Bxe5 3.Rd7#) 3.Rd7#.
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284
1.Qxc6+ Kf8 (1...bxc6 2.Rd8#; 1...Qd7 2.Qxd7+ Kf8 3.Qf7#; 1...Qxc6 2.Rd8#) 2.Rd8+ Qe8
3.Rxe8#.
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1.Rxc8+ Rxc8 (1...Kb7 2.Rc7+ Ka8 3.Bd5#) 2.Bd5+ Rc6 3.Bxc6#.
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Chapter 10
Combination: Attraction + Elimination
Chapter 10 is dedicated to the simultaneous execution of attraction and elimination tactics, which is
very often used in practice. Indeed, if you get a chance to force the king to occupy a bad square and
eliminate a defending piece at the same time, why not use it?
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White plays 1.Qxf8+!, simultaneously eliminating the only defender of the back rank and attracting
the king for a simple mating finale: 1...Kxf8 2.Nd7+ Kg8 3.Re8#.
In the next example, white has a choice between several tempting continuations, but, as usually
happens in actual games, only one of them wins:
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With 1.Bxc6+!, white simultaneously eliminates a pawn and attracts the black king to the c6
square: 1...Kxc6 2.Qb7#. Other king moves can’t save black either: 1...Kc7 (or 1...Kc8), and 2.Qb7#
still wins. In this case, white’s first move turns out to be a simple capture, as we have seen in chapter
3, rather than the attraction + elimination tactic.
In the context of delivering a forced mate, the difference between elimination and capturing is often
negligible. The same can be said of sacrifices and trades – it doesn’t matter how many pieces white
has left when the combination ends with a checkmate!
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In the last chapter, we saw examples of elimination through trades rather than sacrifice of material.
So the move 1.Qxg7+! also constitutes a tactic in question. 1...Kxg7 2.Ne6+ Kg8 3.Rf8# or 2...Kh6
3.Rh4#.
To conclude, let’s look at a slightly longer combination:
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After 1.Rxg7+! (attraction + elimination) 1...Kxg7 2.Bf6+, black is checkmated in all lines:
2...Kh7 3.Qh8#, 2...Kh6 3.Qh8# or 2...Kf7 3.Qe7+ Kg8 4.Qg7#.
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1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3#.
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1.Qxg5+ Kxg5 2.Be3#.
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1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Qh6#.
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291
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Qh5#.
405
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1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3#.
406
292
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh4#.
407
Show/Hide Solution
293
1.Rxf7+ Kxf7 2.Rf5#.
408
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rd8#.
409
294
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rh8#.
410
Show/Hide Solution
295
1.Rxf8+ Kxf8 2.Qd8#.
411
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxf8+ Kxf8 2.Re8#.
412
296
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 2.Re7#.
413
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297
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 2.Bc4#.
414
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxf8+ Kxf8 2.Qh8#.
415
298
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1.Qxg8+ Kxg8 2.Re8#.
416
Show/Hide Solution
299
1.Qxe6+ Kxe6 2.Rd6#.
417
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg4#.
418
300
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1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qg7#) 2.Bd5#.
419
Show/Hide Solution
301
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rd8#.
420
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxb8+ Kxb8 2.Rc8#.
421
302
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg8+ Kxg8 2.Re8#.
422
Show/Hide Solution
303
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rd8#.
423
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rd8#.
424
304
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh6+ Kxh6 2.Rh3#.
425
Show/Hide Solution
305
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 2.Bc4#.
426
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ Kxg6 (1...Kf8 2.Qf7#) 2.Rg3#.
427
306
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1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxg7#) 2.Bc4#.
428
Show/Hide Solution
307
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 2.Be6+ Kf8 3.Nxg6#.
429
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1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Qh5+ Kg7 3.Qh6#.
430
308
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh1+ Bh5 3.Rxh5#.
431
Show/Hide Solution
309
1.Qh7+ Kf6 2.Bxg5+ Kxg5 3.Qh4#.
432
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 2.R1e7+ Kg6 3.Rg8#.
433
310
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh1+ Kg6 3.Ne7#.
434
Show/Hide Solution
311
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qg7#) 2.Be6+ Kf6 3.Ng4#.
435
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kg8 2.Qxg6#) 2.Qxg6+ Kh8 3.Qh7#.
436
312
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bxg7+ Kxg7 2.Qf7+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.Qf6#) 3.Qf6#.
437
Show/Hide Solution
313
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg3+ Kh8 (2...Kf8 3.Bh6#) 3.Nf7#.
438
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Nh5+ Kh8 3.g7#.
439
314
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh4+ Qh5 3.Rxh5#.
440
Show/Hide Solution
315
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Nf6+ Kh8 3.Rg8#.
441
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg8+ Kxg8 2.Rd8+ Kf7 3.Rf8#.
442
316
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rd8+ Ke7 3.Re8#.
443
Show/Hide Solution
317
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qg7#) 2.Bxe6+ Kf6 3.g5#.
444
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kg5 2.Qd5+ Kf6 (2...Re5 3.Qxe5#) 3.Rf7#) 2.Qf7+ Kh8 (2...Kh6 3.Qxg6#)
3.Nxg6#.
445
318
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Ng6#) 2.Bc4+ Be6 3.Bxe6#.
446
Show/Hide Solution
319
1.Qxg5+ Kf7 (1...Kxg5 2.Rg4+ Kf5 (2...Kh5 3.Rh1#; 2...Kxh6 3.Rh1#) 3.Ne3#) 2.Rf4+ Ke8
3.Qxg8+ Ke7 (3...Bf8 4.Qxf8#) 4.Rf7#.
447
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxc7+ Kxc7 2.Qc5+ Kd7 3.Rb7+ Ke6 (3...Ke8 4.Qe7#) 4.Re7#.
448
320
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh4+ Kg6 (2...Kg7 3.Rg1#; 2...Kg8 3.Rg1#) 3.Rg1+ Kf5 4.Rh5#.
449
Show/Hide Solution
321
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Qh3+ Rh4 (2...Kg7 3.Qh6#) 3.Qxh4+ Kg7 4.Qh6#.
450
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 2.Nh5+ Kh7 3.Qf7+ Kh8 4.Qg7#.
451
322
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh8+ Kxh8 2.Bf6+ Kg8 3.Rd8+ Re8 4.Rxe8#.
452
Show/Hide Solution
323
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rh8+ Ke7 3.Rg7+ Kxe6 4.Rxh6#.
453
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh4+ Qh5 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8#) 3.Rxh5+ Kg8 4.Rh8#.
454
324
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rb8+ Bc8 (2...Ke7 3.Rc7#) 3.Rbxc8+ Ke7 4.R1c7#.
325
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 11
Combinations
In this chapter, we will look at the interplay between elimination and all other tactics we studied in
the previous chapters.
The first puzzle is solved with a combination of two tactics used simultaneously: elimination and
vacation.
455
Show/Hide Solution
With 1.Bxf7+!, white eliminates a defender and vacates a square for the queen: 1...Nxf7 2.Qe6#.
The other move, 1...Kd7 2.Qe6#, is no better.
We should point out that the simultaneous use of two, three, four or more tactical patterns actually
doesn’t make the solution much more difficult, since you only have to find one precise move, and
then just use your basic checkmating skills.
326
456
Show/Hide Solution
At first glance, it might seem that 1.Rxf7+! is a familiar combination from the previous chapter:
attraction + elimination. However, this time there are three tactics used simultaneously in one move,
because it also frees up the a1-h8 diagonal for the queen. After that, black can play either 1...Kxf7
2.Qg7# or 1...Kg8 2.Qg7#.
The sequential use of tactics is fraught with many more difficulties, since you have to calculate
several tactical blows in a row:
457
327
Show/Hide Solution
The move 1.Rxg8+! is an “attraction + elimination” combination. Now, 1...Kh7 loses to 2.Rg7+
Kh8 3.Qf8#. While after 1...Kxg8, white has to deliver another tactical blow – attraction: 2.Qf8+!
Kxf8 3.Rb8#. Of course, you should also check 2...Kh7 3.Qg7#.
458
328
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+! (attraction + elimination) 1...Kxg7 2.Rxh7+ (capture) 2...Kf8 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8+! boils
down to the main line) 3.Rh8+! (vacation) 3...Kg7 4.R1h7#. Other king moves change nothing:
3...Kf7 4.R1h7# or 3...Ke7 4.R1h7#.
459
329
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rd8#.
460
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330
1.Qf3+ g4 2.hxg4+ fxg4 3.Qh1#.
461
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1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg1+ Kh7 3.Nf6#.
462
331
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne7+ Kh8 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 3.Rh1#.
463
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332
1.Rh8+ Kf7 2.Rxg7+ Kxg7 3.Qh7#.
464
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Bc5+ Kg8 3.Re8#.
465
333
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Bh6+ Kg8 3.Re8#.
466
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334
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rd8+ Kg7 3.h6#.
467
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1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Bd6+ Kg8 3.Re8#.
468
335
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1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rxf7+ Kg8 3.Re8#.
469
Show/Hide Solution
336
1.Bxg7+ Kxg7 2.Qg5+ Kh8 3.Qf6#.
470
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1.Bd3+ Kf3 2.Rxf4+ Kxf4 3.Rf5#.
471
337
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd8+ Bf8 2.Rxf8+ Kxf8 3.Qd8#.
472
Show/Hide Solution
338
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh5+ Kg6 3.Bf7#.
473
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxb8+ Kxb8 2.Rc8+ Ka7 3.Ra8#.
474
339
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Rh6 3.Rxh6#.
475
Show/Hide Solution
340
1.Qxh6+ Kxh6 2.Rh3+ Kg7 3.Rh7#.
476
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne7+ Kh8 2.Qxh7+ Kxh7 3.Rh3#.
477
341
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Kg6 3.Bd3#.
478
Show/Hide Solution
342
1.Qxg4+ Kxg4 2.f3+ Kh5 (2...Kg3 3.Rh3#) 3.g4#.
479
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg4+ Kf8 (2...Kh8 3.Rg8#) 3.Rg8#.
480
343
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kf8 2.Qh8#) 2.Rh3+ Kg8 3.Rh8#.
481
Show/Hide Solution
344
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rf7+ Kg8 (2...Ke8 3.Rb8#) 3.Rb8#.
482
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Bf6+ Kg6 (2...Kf8 3.Nh7#) 3.Bf7#.
483
345
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ Kg8 (1...Kxg6 2.Be4#; 1...Kh8 2.Qxe8+ Kh7 (2...Bf8 3.Qxf8+ Kh7 4.Be4#) 3.Be4#)
2.Qxe8+ Kh7 (2...Bf8 3.Qxf8+ Kh7 4.Be4#) 3.Be4#.
484
346
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxb7+ Kxb7 (1...Ka8 2.Qxa7#) 2.Rc7+ Ka8 (2...Kb8 3.Qxa7#) 3.Qxa7#.
485
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rxf7+ Kg8 (2...Kh8 3.Rb8#) 3.Rb8#.
486
347
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh6+ Kxh6 2.Rh3+ Kg6 (2...Kg7 3.Rg1#) 3.Rg1#.
487
Show/Hide Solution
348
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Rh7+ Kg8 3.Qf7#) 2.Qf7+ Kh8 3.Qh7#.
488
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf6+ Kh6 (1...Kxf6 2.Bd4#) 2.Qg5+ Kg7 3.Bd4#.
489
349
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf7+ Kh8 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 3.Rf7+ Kh8 4.Nxg6#.
490
Show/Hide Solution
350
1.Rxg6+ Kxg6 2.Rf6+ Kg5 3.Qg7+ Kh4 4.Qg3#.
491
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 2.Qg5+ Kf7 3.Rh7+ Ke8 4.Qe7#.
492
351
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxf7+ Kxf7 2.Qh7+ Kf8 3.Qg8+ Ke7 4.Qg7#.
493
Show/Hide Solution
352
1.Qc8+ Bb8 2.Qxb8+ Kxb8 3.Be5+ Ka8 4.Rc8#.
494
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh6+ Kxh6 (1...Kf6 2.Qxg6#) 2.Rh3+ Kg7 3.Rh7+ Kf6 4.Ne4#.
495
353
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 (1...Kh7 2.Rxf7#) 2.Rxf7+ Ke8 (2...Kg8 3.Rf8+ Kg7 (3...Kh7 4.R1f7#) 4.R1f7#)
3.Rf8+ Kd7 (3...Ke7 4.R1f7#) 4.R1f7#.
496
354
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Bh6+ Ke8 (2...Kg8 3.Rd8#) 3.Ra8+ Qb8 4.Rxb8#.
497
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Bg8 2.Rxg8+ Kxg8 (2...Kf7 3.Qg7#) 3.Nh6+ Kf8 4.Qh8#.
498
355
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kg8 2.Ne7+ Kxh7 3.Qh4+ Kg7 4.Qh6#) 2.Qh4+ Kg8 (2...Kg7 3.Qh6+ Kg8
4.Ne7#) 3.Ne7+ Kg7 4.Qh6#.
499
356
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh4+ Kg6 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8#) 3.Rh6+ Kxg5 4.Bf4#.
500
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Qh4 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8#) 3.Rxh4+ Kg8 4.Rh8#.
501
357
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Bh4 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8#) 3.Rxh4+ Kg8 4.Rh8#.
502
Show/Hide Solution
358
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Qh2+ Bh3 (2...Kg7 3.Qh6#; 2...Bh6 3.Qxh6#) 3.Qxh3+ Kg7 (3...Bh6 4.Qxh6#)
4.Qh6#.
503
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ Kg7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh6#) 2.Qxh6+ Kxh6 3.Rh5+ Kg7 4.Rh7#.
504
359
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Re7+ Rf7 (2...Kg8 3.Qxh7#; 2...Kh8 3.Qxh7#; 2...Kh6
3.Rxh7#) 3.Rxf7+ Kh6 (3...Kg8 4.Qxh7#; 3...Kh8 4.Qxh7#) 4.Rxh7#.
505
360
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh6#) 2.Qxh6+ Kg8 3.Qg5+ Kh8 (3...Kh7 4.Rh6#) 4.Rh6#.
506
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh5+ Kxh5 2.Be2+ Kh6 (2...Kh4 3.Rh1#; 2...Qf3 3.Rh1#) 3.Rh1+ Qh4 4.Rxh4#.
507
361
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh4+ Kg6 3.Rh6+ Kg5 4.h4+ Kg4 5.Bd1#.
508
Show/Hide Solution
362
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg3+ Kh6 3.Bc1+ Kh5 4.Be2+ Kxh4 5.Rh3#.
509
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 2.Bc4+ Kf8 3.Rxd8+ Rxd8 4.Bc5+ Rd6 5.Bxd6#.
510
363
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh6+ Kxh6 2.Rh2+ Bh5 3.Rxh5+ Kg6 4.Rg5+ Kh7 (4...Kh6 5.Rh3#) 5.Rh3#.
511
Show/Hide Solution
364
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Bxf5+ Rxf5 (2...Kh6 3.Rh3+ Qh4 4.Rxh4#; 2...Kh8 3.Rh3+ Qh4 4.Rxh4#)
3.Rh3+ Qh4 (3...Rh5 4.Rxh5#) 4.Rxh4+ Rh5 5.Rxh5#.
512
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd6+ Kxd6 2.Bc5+ Kc7 3.Nb5+ Kb8 4.Bd6+ Qc7 5.Bxc7#.
513
365
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bxg6+ Kxg6 (1...Kg8 2.Bh7+ Kxh7 (2...Kf7 3.Qh5#) 3.Qe4+ Kg8 4.Qg6+ Qg7 5.Qxg7#)
2.Qg4+ Kf7 (2...Kh7 3.Qe4+ Kg8 4.Qg6+ Qg7 5.Qxg7#) 3.Qh5+ Kg8 4.Qg6+ Qg7 5.Qxg7#.
514
366
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Qg5+ Kh8 3.Qf6+ Kg8 4.Rg3+ Qg5 5.Rxg5#.
515
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Rf8+ Kxg7 3.Qf7#) 2.Rf7+ Kg6 (2...Kg8 3.Rf8+ Kg7 (3...Kh7 4.Qf7#)
4.Qf7#; 2...Kh8 3.Rf8+ Kg7 (3...Kh7 4.Qf7#) 4.Qf7#) 3.Qf6+ Kh5 4.Qe5+ Kg6 (4...Nf5+ 5.Qxf5#)
5.Rg7#.
516
367
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Qh7#) 2.Qg6+ Kh8 3.Qxh6+ Kg8 4.Qg5+ Kf7 (4...Kh8 5.Rh6#;
4...Kh7 5.Rh6#) 5.Re7#.
517
368
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 2.Qxg5+ Kf7 (2...Kh7 3.Rh3#; 2...Kh8 3.Rh3#) 3.Qf6+ Kg8 (3...Ke8 4.Rd8#)
4.Qg6+ (4.Rg3+ Kh7 5.Qh4#) 4...Kh8 5.Rh3#.
518
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kf8 (1...Kh8 2.Qh7#) 2.Rxf7+ Kxf7 (2...Kg8 3.Qh7#; 2...Ke8 3.Qxe6+ Kd8 4.Qd7#)
3.Qxe6+ Kf8 4.Qe7+ (4.Qf6+ Kg8 5.Qg7#) 4...Kg8 5.Qg7#.
519
369
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf5+ Kxf5 (1...Kh6 2.Rxh7#) 2.Bd3+ Kg5 3.Rg7+ Kh6 (3...Kh5 4.Rxh7+ Kg5 5.h4#; 3...Kh4
4.Rxh7+ Kg5 5.h4#) 4.Rxh7+ Kg5 5.h4#.
520
370
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd7+ Kh6 (1...Qe7 2.Qxe7+ Kh6 3.Qxh7+ Kxh7 4.R1d7+ Kh6 5.Rh8#) 2.Qxh7+ Kxh7
3.R1d7+ Qe7 (3...Kh6 4.Rh8#) 4.Rxe7+ Kh6 5.Rh8#.
521
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh1+ Bh6 3.Rxh6+ Kg7 4.Rg1+ Kf7 (4...Kf8 5.Rf6#) 5.Rf6#.
522
371
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg8+ Kxg8 2.Qg4+ Kf8 (2...Kh8 3.Qg7#; 2...Kh7 3.Qg7#) 3.Qc8+ Bd8 (3...Re8 4.Qxe8#)
4.Qxd8+ Re8 5.Qxe8#.
523
372
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Kf7 (1...Bxh8 2.Rxh8+ Kg7 (2...Kf7 3.R1h7#; 2...Ke7 3.R1h7#) 3.R1h7#; 1...Ke7
2.Qxg7+ Kd8 (2...Ke8 3.Rh8+ Qf8 4.Rxf8#) 3.Rh8+ Qf8 4.Rxf8#) 2.Qxg7+ Kxg7 (2...Ke8 3.Rh8+
Qf8 4.Rxf8#) 3.Rh7+ Kf8 (3...Kg8 4.Rh8+ Kg7 (4...Kf7 5.R1h7#) 5.R1h7#) 4.Rh8+ Ke7 (4...Kf7
5.R1h7#; 4...Kg7 5.R1h7#) 5.R1h7#.
524
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb8+ Kg7 (1...Re8 2.Qxe8+ Kg7 3.Qe5+ Kg8 (3...Kf8 4.Qxh8#) 4.Rd8#) 2.Qxh8+ Kxh8
3.Bf6+ Kg8 4.Rd8+ Re8 5.Rxe8#.
525
373
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Rxh7+ Kg8 (2...Kxh7 3.Rh1+ Kg7 4.Qg4#) 3.Qg4+ Kxh7 4.Rh1#)
2.Bh6+ Kxh6 (2...Kh8 3.Qf6+ Kg8 4.Qg7#; 2...Kg8 3.Qg4+ Kh8 4.Qg7#) 3.Qf6+ Kh5 4.Rh1+
Kg4 5.Rh4#.
526
374
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kg8 2.Rh8+ Kxh8 3.Qh6+ Kg8 4.Qg7#) 2.Rh4+ Kg8 3.Rh8+ Kxh8 4.Qh6+
Kg8 5.Qg7#.
527
375
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kf8 2.Qh8+ Ke7 3.Rxf7+ Kxf7 4.Bg6+ Kxg6 (4...Ke7 5.Qe8#) 5.Qh5#.
528
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh5+ Kxh5 (1...Kg7 2.Qh7+ Kf6 3.Rh6#) 2.Rh2+ Kg4 3.Rh4+ Kxh4 (3...Kg3 4.Qh2#)
4.Qh2+ Kg4 5.Qh3#.
529
376
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bxg7+ Kxg7 2.Qh6+ Kxh6 (2...Kh8 3.g7#) 3.Ng4+ Kg7 4.Nh5+ Kh8 5.g7#.
530
Show/Hide Solution
377
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh6#) 2.Rg1+ Qg3 (2...Kh7 3.Qf7+ Kh8 4.Qg7#; 2...Rg6 3.Qxg6+
Kh8 (3...Kf8 4.Qf7#) 4.Qh6#; 2...Kh8 3.Qxh6#; 2...Kf8 3.Qf7#) 3.Rxg3+ Rg6 (3...Kh7 4.Qf7+ Kh8
5.Qg7#; 3...Kf6 4.Qf7#; 3...Kf8 4.Qf7#; 3...Kh8 4.Qxh6#) 4.Qxg6+ Kf8 (4...Kh8 5.Rh3#) 5.Qf7#.
531
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd8+ Nxd8 2.Rd7+ Kb8 3.Rxd8+ Kc7 (3...Nc8 4.Rxc8+ Ka7 5.Ra8#; 3...Ka7 4.Ra8#) 4.Rd7+
Kb8 5.Rxb7#.
532
378
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxb3+ Kxb3 2.Rc3+ Kb4 3.Qa3+ Kb5 4.Rc5+ Kb6 5.Qa5+ Kb7 6.Rc7#.
533
Show/Hide Solution
379
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh4+ Kg6 3.Rh6+ Kg5 4.h4+ Kg4 5.Ne3+ Kg3 6.Rf3#.
534
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Rh5 (2...Kg6 3.Rh6#) 3.Rxh5+ Kg6 4.Rh6+ Kg5 5.Nf3+ Kg4 6.h3#.
535
380
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kh8 (1...Kxg7 2.Rg1+ Kh8 (2...Kh6 3.Qh3#) 3.Qf6#) 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (2...Kg8 3.Rg1+
Kxh7 4.Qh5#) 3.Qh5+ Kg7 (3...Kg8 4.Rg1#) 4.Qg5+ Kh7 (4...Kh8 5.Qh6+ Kg8 6.Rg1#) 5.Qh4+
Kg6 (5...Kg7 6.Rg1#; 5...Kg8 6.Rg1#) 6.Rg1#.
536
381
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Rh5 (2...Kg6 3.Rh6#) 3.Rxh5+ Kg6 4.Rh6+ Kg5 5.h4+ Kg4 6.Ne3#.
537
Show/Hide Solution
382
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh1+ Bh6 (2...Qh2 3.Rxh2+ Bh6 4.Rxh6+ Kg7 5.Bd4+ Kf8 6.Rh8#) 3.Rxh6+
Kg7 4.Bd4+ Qe5 (4...Kf8 5.Rh8#) 5.Bxe5+ Kf8 6.Rh8#.
538
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxf8+ Kxf8 (1...Kg7 2.Qxf7#) 2.Bh6+ Ke8 (2...Bg7 3.Qd8#; 2...Kg8 3.Qd8#) 3.Qc8+ Ke7
4.Bf8+ Kf6 5.Qd8+ Ke6 6.Qe7#.
539
383
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 2.Ne6+ Kf6 (2...Kh7 3.Qd7+ Qe7 (3...Kg8 4.Qg7#; 3...Kg6 4.Qg7#; 3...Kh8
4.Qg7#) 4.Qxe7+ Kg6 (4...Kg8 5.Qg7#; 4...Kh8 5.Qg7#) 5.Qg7#; 2...Kg6 3.Qg8+ Kf6 4.Qg7#;
2...Kf7 3.Qf8+ Kg6 4.Qg7#) 3.Qh8+ Ke7 (3...Kg6 4.Qg7#; 3...Kf7 4.Qf8+ Kg6 5.Qg7#) 4.Qd8+
Kf7 5.Qf8+ Kg6 6.Qg7#.
540
384
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh8+ Kxh8 2.Rc8+ Re8 (2...Kh7 3.Bxg6+ Kh6 4.Rh8#; 2...Rf8 3.Rxf8+ Kh7 4.hxg6+ Kh6
5.Rh8#) 3.Rxe8+ Rf8 (3...Kh7 4.hxg6+ Kh6 5.Rh8#) 4.Rxf8+ Kh7 5.hxg6+ Kh6 6.Rh8#.
541
385
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qc5+ Kb8 (1...Kd7 2.Bb5#) 2.Rxb7+ Kxb7 (2...Ka8 3.Qxa7#) 3.Ba6+ Kxa6 (3...Ka8 4.Qc6+
Kb8 5.Qb7#; 3...Kb8 4.Qb5+ Kc7 (4...Ka8 5.Qb7#) 5.Qb7#) 4.Qc6+ Ka5 5.Bd2+ Qb4 6.Bxb4#.
542
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 (1...Kg7 2.Qf8#) 2.Qf8+ Kh7 3.Qxf7+ Kh8 4.Qf8+ Kh7 5.Bxg6+ Kxg6 6.Qg8#.
386
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 12
Deflection
The tactic of deflection is used when the opposing piece that prevents your combination cannot be
eliminated. The essence of this tactic is using sacrifices or threats to force the opponent’s piece to
move to another square, from where it cannot prevent the combination anymore.
543
Show/Hide Solution
The move 1.Rd1+! is a typical example of deflection. Now the bishop is forced to leave the g4
square, where it defended d7, and after 1...Bxd1, the combination ends with a mate in one: 2.Qd7#.
In theory, any piece can be deflected, but in the context of a forced mate, you cannot deflect a king.
If we try to imagine such a situation, it will boil down to attraction, which we studied in chapter 7.
544
387
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To distract the rook from defending the f7 pawn, you have to use deflection: 1.Qg8+! Rxg8 and
then 2.Nxf7#.
The reverse move order doesn’t work: white can deflect the rook with 1.Nxf7+? Rxf7, but the g8
square is still defended by other pieces.
545
388
Show/Hide Solution
The black queen, which controls the a4 square in a somewhat unusual way, is hindering white
slightly more than other black pieces. White gives checkmate with deflection: 1.Bd2+! Qxd2
2.Qa4#. Don’t forget to check the possible alternatives: 1...Bb4 is met with 2.Bxb4#, while after
1...Qc3, there’s 2.Qa4#.
546
389
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Be6+ Kh8, it seems that the black king is well-defended. But white plays 2.Ng6+!, and the
black pawn is deflected from defending the king – 2...hxg6, which allows white to give an easy
checkmate with 3.Qh3#.
547
390
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1.Ng6+ hxg6 2.Rh2#.
548
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1.Qc6+ bxc6 2.Ba6#.
549
391
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1.Ng5+ hxg5 2.Qh3#.
550
Show/Hide Solution
392
1.Nf6+ gxf6 2.Qg8#.
551
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1.Qh7+ Qxh7 2.Ng3#.
552
393
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1.Nd6+ Nxd6 2.Ne7#.
553
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394
1.Rh5+ gxh5 2.Qf6#.
554
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh6+ Nxh6 2.Nf6#.
555
395
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1.Rh3+ gxh3 2.Qh5#.
556
Show/Hide Solution
396
1.Rf4+ gxf4 2.Rh4#.
557
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1.Ng4+ hxg4 2.Qh1#.
558
397
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Nxh8 2.Rg8#.
559
Show/Hide Solution
398
1.Qg8+ Rxg8 2.Nf7#.
560
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg8+ Rxg8 2.Nf7#.
561
399
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Nxh8 2.Rxh4#.
562
Show/Hide Solution
400
1.Nf7+ Rxf7 2.Re8#.
563
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1.Re8+ Nxe8 2.Qd7#.
564
401
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ Nxf8 2.Rg8#.
565
Show/Hide Solution
402
1.Qc8+ Bxc8 2.Re8#.
566
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne7+ Bxe7 2.Qh8#.
567
403
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Bxh8 2.Qg8#.
568
Show/Hide Solution
404
1.Qh5+ gxh5 2.Be4#.
569
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf5+ Nxf5 (1...Ne6 2.Qxe6#) 2.e6#.
570
405
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh5+ gxh5 (1...Kg8 2.Rh8#) 2.Qg7#.
571
Show/Hide Solution
406
1.Qe6+ fxe6 (1...Be7 2.Qxe7#) 2.d7#.
572
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf6+ gxf6 (1...g6 2.Bf8#) 2.Bf8#.
573
407
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd8+ Nxd8 (1...Rc8 2.Rxc8#) 2.Ba7#.
574
Show/Hide Solution
408
1.Rh4+ gxh4 (1...g4 2.Rhxg4#) 2.Rg4#.
575
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb8+ Nxb8 (1...Nd8 2.Qxd8#) 2.Rd8#.
576
409
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nc6+ Bxc6 (1...Ka8 2.b7#) 2.Rxd8#.
577
Show/Hide Solution
410
1.Qh5+ gxh5 (1...Kg8 2.Qh7#) 2.Rh7#.
578
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh5+ Rxh5 (1...Rg6 2.Qxg6#) 2.Bg6#.
579
411
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1.Qd5+ Rxd5 (1...Kh8 2.Qxd8#; 1...Kf8 2.Qxd8#; 1...Re6 2.Qxd8#) 2.Re8#.
580
Show/Hide Solution
412
1.Qe5+ fxe5 (1...dxe5 2.Bc5#; 1...Be6 2.Qxe6#) 2.Bg5#.
581
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd8+ Bxd8 (1...Bf8 2.Rxf8#) 2.Qf8#.
582
413
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1.Qg7+ Bxg7 2.Rd8+ Bf8 3.Rxf8#.
583
Show/Hide Solution
414
1.Qg6+ Bxg6 2.Rg8+ Kh7 3.hxg6#.
584
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ hxg6 2.Rh1+ Bh3 3.Rxh3#.
585
415
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ fxg6 2.Bh6+ Qg7 3.Qxg7#.
586
Show/Hide Solution
416
1.R8h6+ gxh6 2.Qg8+ Kf6 3.Rxh6#.
587
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1.Rh6+ gxh6 2.Be5+ Rf6 3.Bxf6#.
588
417
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1.Nc7+ Qxc7 2.Qh5+ g6 3.Qxg6#.
589
Show/Hide Solution
418
1.Qa7+ Nxa7 (1...Kc8 2.Nb6#) 2.Rb7+ Kc8 3.Nb6#.
590
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Bxd8 (1...Kg7 2.h6#) 2.Re8+ Kg7 3.h6#.
591
419
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe6+ Rxe6 (1...Rf7 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Qh7#; 1...Kh8 2.Rxf8+ Rg8 3.Rxg8#) 2.Rg7+ Kh8 3.Rxf8#.
592
Show/Hide Solution
420
1.Rh8+ Bxh8 (1...Kg6 2.h5#) 2.Rh7+ Kg6 3.h5#.
593
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg5+ Kh6 2.Qf8+ Rxf8 (2...Rg7 3.Qxg7#) 3.Bg7#.
594
421
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be6+ Kh8 (1...Qf7 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Qg7#; 1...Qxe6 2.Qg7#) 2.Qe5+ Qg7 (2...Qf6 3.Qxf6#)
3.Qxg7#.
595
422
Show/Hide Solution
1.f4+ gxf3 (1...Kh5 2.Qh8#) 2.Qf4+ Kh5 3.Qh4#.
596
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1.Qf6+ Rxf6 (1...Qg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Rxd8+ Rf8 3.Rxf8#.
597
423
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Qe8 (1...Kg7 2.Qh8#; 1...Rxd8 2.Rh8#) 2.Qxe8+ Kg7 3.Qh8#.
598
Show/Hide Solution
424
1.Rb1+ Qb4 (1...Qb2 2.Rxb2+ Kc8 (2...Ka7 3.Nxc6#) 3.Qg4+ Kd8 4.Qd7#; 1...Qb3 2.Rxb3+
Kc8 (2...Ka7 3.Nxc6#) 3.Qg4+ Kd8 4.Qd7#; 1...Ka7 2.Qe3+ Qxe3 (2...c5 3.Nc6#; 2...Qc5
3.Qxc5#; 2...Qd4 3.Nxc6#) 3.Nxc6#; 1...Kc8 2.Qg4+ Kd8 3.Qd7#) 2.Rxb4+ Kc8 (2...Ka7
3.Nxc6#) 3.Qg4+ Kd8 4.Qd7#.
599
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kf7 2.Bg6+ Kf6 3.Rf4+ gxf4 (3...Qf5 4.Rxf5#) 4.Bh4#.
600
425
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg5+ fxg5 2.Rxa6+ Bc6 (2...Re6 3.Rxe6#) 3.Raxc6+ Re6 4.Rxe6#.
601
Show/Hide Solution
426
1.Ng5+ hxg5 (1...Kg8 2.Rd8+ Re8 3.Rxe8#; 1...Kh8 2.Rd8+ Re8 3.Rxe8#) 2.Qxh5+ Kg8 3.Rd8+
Re8 4.Rxe8#.
602
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd5+ Re6 (1...Kf8 2.Qf7#; 1...Kh8 2.Qxh5+ Kg8 3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Qh8#; 1...Bxd5 2.Rxe8#)
2.Qxe6+ Kh8 (2...Kf8 3.Qf7#) 3.Qc8+ Be8 4.Qxe8#.
603
427
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg7+ Rxg7 2.Re8+ Qf8 (2...Rg8 3.Rexg8#) 3.Rxf8+ Rg8 4.Rfxg8#.
604
Show/Hide Solution
428
1.Nc6+ Rxc6 (1...Kf8 2.Rd8#; 1...Ke8 2.Rd8#) 2.Rd7+ Kf8 (2...Ke8 3.Rg8#) 3.Rf7+ Ke8 4.Rg8#.
605
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg5+ Qxg5 (1...Re7 2.Qxe7#) 2.Rd1+ Qd2 (2...Qd5 3.Rxd5+ Bd7 4.Rfxd7#; 2...Bd7 3.Rdxd7#)
3.Rxd2+ Bd7 4.Rdxd7#.
606
429
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qa8+ Bc8 (1...Kh7 2.Qh8#; 1...Ne8 2.Qxe8+ Kh7 3.Qh8#; 1...Nxa8 2.Re8+ Kh7 3.Rh8#)
2.Qxc8+ Ne8 (2...Kh7 3.Qh8#) 3.Qxe8+ Kh7 4.Qh8#.
430
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 13
Combination: Deflection + Elimination
In this chapter, we look at combinations that simultaneously use two tactics: deflection and
elimination. This often occurs in actual games. Indeed, it’s no wonder that one of the king’s defenders
gets deflected after another is eliminated!
607
Show/Hide Solution
White sacrifices the queen: 1.Qxe6+!, eliminating one pawn and trying to deflect the other. Black
doesn’t have much of a choice: either play 1...Be7 2.Qxe7# or accept the sacrifice with 1...fxe6 and
get prettily checkmated: 2.Bg6#.
Such deflection of the pawns from the king and their elimination, including the “deflection +
elimination” combination, is often called “opening up the king’s position”.
In the next example, there are no pawns near the black king, but it’s protected by other pieces:
431
608
Show/Hide Solution
In the initial position, white is a piece down, and black threatens to trade queens. The active 1.Qe6?
is met with 1...Rxh2+!, and black wins. In such positions, active play is often the only hope of saving
the game; you should start your activity by considering possible forced checkmates.
The direct 1.Qxe7+! wins here – the black knight is eliminated, and the bishop is forcibly deflected:
1...Bxe7 2.Rc8#.
609
432
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Qb8+!, black has a choice between three replies. 1...Nf8 2.Qxf8# loses immediately,
1...Nd8 2.Re8# is no better – in this case, white’s first move works as a deflection. While after
1...Rd8, there follows 2.Qxd8+!, and after 2...Nxd8 it turns out that one of the king’s defenders is
eliminated, and the other one is deflected: 3.Re8#. Don’t forget to check all of black’s possible
replies: for the full solution, you should also consider 2...Nf8 3.Qxf8#.
610
433
Show/Hide Solution
The only way to win is 1.Rxe6+! White simultaneously eliminates the black bishop and deflects the
f7 pawn. 1...fxe6 2.Qf8#.
611
434
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxg6+ hxg6 2.Qh6#.
612
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh5+ gxh5 2.Rh7#.
613
435
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxh5+ gxh5 2.Qg5#.
614
Show/Hide Solution
436
1.Rxf8+ Rxf8 2.Rh7#.
615
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Qxf7 2.Rh8#.
616
437
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Qxf8 2.Rxh7#.
617
Show/Hide Solution
438
1.Qxh5+ gxh5 2.Rh6#.
618
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh6+ gxh6 2.Qg8#.
619
439
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxc6+ bxc6 2.Ba6#.
620
Show/Hide Solution
440
1.Qxg6+ hxg6 (1...Qg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Rh8#.
621
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxe6+ fxe6 (1...Be7 2.Qxe7#) 2.Bg6#.
622
441
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg5+ Nxg5 (1...Qg6 2.Qxg6#; 1...Qg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Rh8#.
623
Show/Hide Solution
442
1.Rxh7+ Bxh7 (1...Kg8 2.Qxg6#) 2.Qg7#.
624
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Rxg7 (1...Kf8 2.Qxf7#; 1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Qe8#.
625
443
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxd6+ cxd6 (1...Qd7 2.Qxd7#) 2.Rc8#.
626
Show/Hide Solution
444
1.Qxg7+ Rxg7 2.Ra8+ Rg8 3.Rxg8#.
627
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Bxf7 2.Ra8+ Be8 3.Rxe8#.
628
445
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf7+ Kh8 2.Rxh6+ gxh6 3.Qh7#.
629
Show/Hide Solution
446
1.Qxg7+ Rxg7 2.Rf8+ Rg8 3.Rfxg8#.
630
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf6+ Rxf6 (1...Kg8 2.Qg7#) 2.Re8+ Rf8 3.Rxf8#.
631
447
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Rxg7 2.Rd8+ Rg8 3.Rdxg8#.
632
Show/Hide Solution
448
1.Qxd7+ Rxd7 (1...Kb8 2.Qxd8#) 2.Re8+ Rd8 3.Rdxd8#.
633
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxe5+ Rf6 (1...Qxe5 2.Rf8#; 1...Kg8 2.Qg7#) 2.Qxf6+ Kg8 3.Qg7#.
634
449
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxe6+ fxe6 (1...Kf8 2.Rd8#; 1...Qe7 2.Rxe7+ Kf8 3.Rd8#) 2.Qg6+ Kf8 3.Rd8#.
635
Show/Hide Solution
450
1.Qxf6+ Rxf6 (1...Kg8 2.Qg7#) 2.Rc8+ Rf8 3.Rxf8#.
636
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh6+ gxh6 2.Bxd4+ Be5 (2...Rf6 3.Bxf6#) 3.Bxe5+ Rf6 4.Bxf6#.
637
451
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8#) 2.Re8+ Rf8 3.Rg7+ Kh8 4.Rxf8#.
638
Show/Hide Solution
452
1.Qxg7+ Bxg7 2.Rxd8+ Qe8 (2...Bf8 3.Rxf8#) 3.Rxe8+ Bf8 4.Rxf8#.
639
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Rxg7 2.Rb8+ Rf8 (2...Rg8 3.Rbxg8#) 3.Rxf8+ Rg8 4.Rgxg8#.
640
453
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8#) 2.Rc8+ Qd8 (2...Rf8 3.Rcxf8#) 3.Rxd8+ Rf8 4.Rdxf8#.
454
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 14
Combinations
In this chapter, we look at the deflection tactic in conjunction with all the other tactics that we
studied in the previous chapters.
The first puzzle is solved with a combination of two tactics, deflection and pawn promotion, used
simultaneously.
641
Show/Hide Solution
After the pretty 1.e8=N+! the black rook is forced to abandon its defense of the f7 square: 1...Rxe8
2.Qf7#.
The next example is also solved in two moves. White simultaneously uses three tactics in one
move: elimination, deflection and attraction.
455
642
Show/Hide Solution
White checkmates with 1.Qxh6+!, and now, after 1...Kxh6 2.Rh8#, it turns out that white used
attraction + elimination, while 1...gxh6 2.Rh8# involves elimination + deflection.
To be fair, three tactics in a single move is not a record; there are quite a few puzzles that
simultaneously use four or even five tactics! Finding such “simultaneous” moves in an actual game
often brings both good results and aesthetic pleasure.
643
456
Show/Hide Solution
The move 1.Rh8+! attracts the black king to a mating square after 1...Kxh8 2.Qh7# and deflects
the black bishop in the line 1...Bxh8 2.Qh7+ Kf8 3.Qf7#.
644
457
Show/Hide Solution
White wins with elimination: 1.Qxg7+! Rxg7, followed by deflection: 2.Nf7+! Rxf7 3.Rg8#.
645
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.exf8=Q#.
646
458
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Bxf8 2.Rh7#.
647
Show/Hide Solution
459
1.Qxh6+ gxh6 2.Rh7#.
648
Show/Hide Solution
1.g4+ hxg3+ 2.Nxg3#.
649
460
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxc6+ bxc6 2.Ba6#.
650
Show/Hide Solution
461
1.Qxg6+ hxg6 (1...Bg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.h7#.
651
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh5+ gxh5 2.Nf5+ Kg6 3.Nf4#.
652
462
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kf8 2.Qh8+ Bxh8 3.Nh7#.
653
Show/Hide Solution
463
1.Rxh6+ Bxh6 2.Qg6+ Kh8 3.Qxh6#.
654
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg8+ Kh7 2.Nf8+ Rxf8 3.R1g7#.
655
464
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Bxg7 2.f8=Q+ Bxf8 3.Rg8#.
656
Show/Hide Solution
465
1.Rf5+ Bxf5 (1...g5 2.Bf7#; 1...gxf5 2.Bf7#) 2.Be2+ Bg4 3.Bxg4#.
657
Show/Hide Solution
1.g4+ fxg3 (1...Ke5 2.Qd5#) 2.Qg4+ Ke5 3.Qe4#.
658
466
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nd6+ Bxd6 2.Qg8+ Bf8 (2...Nf8 3.Qxf7#) 3.Qxf7#.
659
Show/Hide Solution
467
1.Rxg6+ fxg6 (1...hxg6 2.Qg7#) 2.Qh8+ Kxh8 3.Rxf8#.
660
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxe5+ Ne6 (1...fxe5 2.Qd6#) 2.Rxe6+ fxe6 3.Qg7#.
661
468
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rc8+ Ng8 (1...Ne8 2.Rxe8#) 2.Rxg8+ Kxg8 3.Qf8#.
662
Show/Hide Solution
469
1.Qxc6+ Qxc6 (1...Nd6 2.Re7#; 1...Qd6 2.Qxd6+ Nxd6 3.Re7#) 2.Nd4+ Nxd4 3.Re7#.
663
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg8+ Kxg8 2.Qxd5+ cxd5 (2...Kh8 3.Qd8#; 2...Kf8 3.Qf7#) 3.Rc8#.
664
470
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kf8 2.Qh8+ Ke7 3.Rxg7#) 2.Nxf6+ gxf6 (2...Kh6 3.Rh3#; 2...Kh8 3.Rh3#)
3.Rh3#.
665
471
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd8+ Nf8 (1...Nxd8 2.Re8#) 2.Qxf8+ Kxf8 3.Re8#.
666
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Kh7 2.Rxh6+ Kxh6 (2...gxh6 3.Qg8#) 3.Qh8#.
667
472
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne6+ Qxe6 (1...fxe6 2.Qf8#; 1...Kg8 2.Qb8+ Qd8 3.Qxd8#; 1...Kh8 2.Qb8+ Qd8 3.Qxd8#)
2.Qh6+ Kxh6 (2...Kg8 3.Qf8#; 2...Kh8 3.Qf8#) 3.Bf8#.
668
473
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe6+ fxe6 (1...Be7 2.Qxe7#) 2.f7+ Bxf7 3.Nf6#.
669
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bh7+ Kh8 2.Nf7+ Rxf7 3.Re8+ Rf8 4.Rxf8#.
670
474
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kf7 2.Bg6+ Rxg6 3.R1h7+ Rg7 4.Rxg7#.
671
Show/Hide Solution
475
1.Bxc7+ Rxc7 2.Qe8+ Kxe8 3.Rb8+ Rc8 4.Rxc8#.
672
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf7+ Kg5 (1...g6 2.Qxh7+ Kg4 (2...Kg5 3.Qh4#) 3.Qh4#; 1...Kg4 2.Qxg7+ Kf4 (2...Kh5
3.g4#) 3.Qg3+ Ke4 4.Qf3#) 2.Qxg7+ Kf4 (2...Kh5 3.g4#) 3.Qg3+ Ke4 4.Qf3#.
673
476
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh6+ Kxh6 (1...gxh6 2.Qh8+ Kg6 3.Qg7+ Kf5 (3...Kh5 4.Qg4#) 4.Qg4#) 2.Qh8+ Kg6
3.Qxg7+ Kf5 (3...Kh5 4.Qh7#) 4.Qg4#.
674
477
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh6+ Kg8 (1...gxh6 2.Qh7#) 2.Rh8+ Kxh8 3.Qh1+ Kg8 4.Qh7#.
675
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kf8 2.Qh8+ Rg8 3.Qxg8#) 2.Rh4+ Rh6 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8#) 3.Rg7+ Kh8
4.Rxh6#.
676
478
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ gxf6 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Rg1+ Kh8 3.Qxh7+ Kxh7 4.Rh5#.
677
Show/Hide Solution
479
1.Nb6+ cxb6 2.Qxd7+ Rxd7 3.Rf8+ Kc7 (3...Rd8 4.Bxb7#) 4.Bb8#.
678
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Nxh7 2.Qg7#; 1...Kg8 2.Qxg5+ Kxh7 (2...Kf8 3.Qg7#) 3.Qg7#) 2.Qh5+ Kg8
3.Qxg5+ Kf8 (3...Kh8 4.Qg7#; 3...Kh7 4.Qg7#) 4.Qg7#.
679
480
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg5+ Bxg5 (1...Kh8 2.Rxh7#; 1...Bg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Rg7+ Kh8 3.Rxh7+ Kg8 4.Rag7#.
680
Show/Hide Solution
481
1.Qxg6+ fxg6 (1...Kh8 2.Qg7#) 2.Rg7+ Kh8 3.Rh7+ Kg8 4.Rbg7#.
681
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Kg7 2.Bh6+ Kxh6 3.Qf8+ Kg5 4.Rf5+ gxf5 5.Qg7#.
682
482
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Kg7 2.Rxg5+ hxg5 3.h6+ Kxh6 4.Qh8+ Rh7 5.Qxh7#.
683
Show/Hide Solution
483
1.Qe6+ Kxc7 (1...Kd8 2.Qe8+ Kxc7 3.Rb7#) 2.Rb7+ Kd8 3.Nc6+ Rxc6 (3...Nxc6 4.Rd7#)
4.Rb8+ Rc8 (4...Kc7 5.Qc8#) 5.Rxc8#.
684
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ Rg7 (1...hxg6 2.Rh8+ Kg7 3.R1h7#; 1...Kh8 2.Rxh7+ Rxh7 3.Rxh7#) 2.Qxg7+ Kxg7
3.Rxh7+ Kg8 4.Rh8+ Kg7 5.R1h7#.
685
484
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kf8 (1...Kf7 2.Bg6+ Kf8 3.Qh8+ Ke7 4.Qxg7#) 2.Qh8+ Kf7 3.Ng5+ hxg5 (3...Ke7
4.Qxg7+ Ke8 5.Bg6#) 4.Bg6+ Kxg6 (4...Ke7 5.Qxg7#) 5.Qh5#.
686
485
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ gxf6 (1...Kh8 2.Nxf7+ Rxf7 3.Rd8+ Rf8 4.Rxf8#) 2.Rg3+ Kh8 3.Nxf7+ Rxf7 4.Rd8+ Rf8
5.Rxf8#.
687
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ Rxg6 (1...Kd8 2.Qxg8+ Bf8 (2...Be8 3.Qxe8#) 3.Qxf8+ Be8 4.Qxe8#) 2.Rh8+ Rg8
(2...Bf8 3.Rhxf8+ Ke7 4.R2f7#) 3.Rxg8+ Bf8 4.Rgxf8+ Ke7 5.R2f7#.
688
486
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8#) 2.Rc8+ Rd8 (2...Rf8 3.Rcxf8#; 2...Qe8 3.Rxe8+ Rf8 4.Rfxf8#)
3.Rxd8+ Qe8 (3...Rf8 4.Rdxf8#) 4.Rxe8+ Rf8 5.Rexf8#.
689
487
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 2.Rb8+ Qd8 (2...Kh7 3.Rh8#; 2...Rf8 3.Rbxf8+ Kh7 4.Rh8#) 3.Rxd8+ Rf8 (3...Kh7
4.Rh8#) 4.Rdxf8+ Kh7 5.Rh8#.
690
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh6+ Nxh6 2.Rh7+ Kg8 3.Rg1+ Ng4 (3...Qg5+ 4.Rxg5#) 4.Rxg4+ Qg5+ 5.Rxg5#.
691
488
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxc4+ Qxc4 (1...d5 2.Qxd5#) 2.Rxd6+ Kf7 3.Rxf6+ Kg8 4.Nh6+ Kg7 5.Nh5#.
692
Show/Hide Solution
489
1.Rf8+ Bxf8 2.Bg5+ Be7 (2...Ke8 3.Qf7#) 3.Bxe7+ Kxe7 (3...Ke8 4.Qf7#) 4.Qf7+ Kd8 5.Qf8#.
693
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg3+ Rg4 (1...Kxh6 2.Rh1+ Rh4 3.Rxh4#) 2.Rg6+ Kxg6 (2...Kh5 3.Qxg4#) 3.Qxg4+ Kh7
4.Rh1+ Kg8 5.Qe6+ Kf8 6.Rh8#.
694
490
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Nxh8 2.Bh7+ Kxh7 3.Rh1+ Bh3 (3...Kg8 4.Rxh8#; 3...Kg6 4.Nf4+ Kg5 (4...Kf5 5.Rh5#)
5.Rh5#) 4.Rxh3+ Kg6 (4...Kg8 5.Rxh8#) 5.Nf4+ Kg5 (5...Kf5 6.Rh5#) 6.Rh5#.
695
491
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ Kh8 (1...gxf6 2.Qg4+ Kh8 3.Qg7#) 2.hxg7+ Kxg7 3.Qg4+ Kh8 (3...Kh6 4.Qg5#;
3...Kxf6 4.Qg5#) 4.Qh5+ Kg7 5.Qg5+ Kh8 6.Qh6#.
696
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxa7+ Bxa7 (1...Kxa7 2.Qa1+ Ba3 (2...Qa4 3.Qxa4#) 3.Qxa3+ Qa4 4.Qxa4#) 2.Nb6+ Bxb6
3.Qa1+ Ba7 (3...Qa4 4.Qxa4+ Ba7 (4...Ba5 5.Qxa5#) 5.Qxa7+ Kxa7 6.Ra1#; 3...Ba5 4.Qxa5#)
4.Qxa7+ Kxa7 5.Ra1+ Qa4 6.Rxa4#.
697
492
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne7+ Kh7 (1...Kf8 2.Qxf7#; 1...Kh8 2.Rxh6+ gxh6 3.Qf6+ Kh7 4.Qxf7+ Kh8 5.Ng6#) 2.Qf5+
Kh8 (2...g6 3.Qxf7+ Kh8 4.Nxg6#) 3.Rxh6+ gxh6 4.Qf6+ Kh7 5.Qxf7+ Kh8 6.Ng6#.
698
493
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf5+ gxf5 (1...Kf8 2.Qb8+ Bd8 3.Qxd8#; 1...Kg8 2.Qe8#; 1...Kh8 2.Qe8#) 2.Rg1+ Kf8
(2...Kh6 3.Qxf6#; 2...Kh8 3.Qe8#) 3.Rg8+ Kxg8 4.Qe8+ Kg7 5.Qxf7+ Kh6 (5...Kh8 6.Qg8#)
6.Qxf6#.
494
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 15
Blocking
The next tactic we study is called “blocking”. In essence, you’re using sacrifices or threats to force
one opposing piece to block the escape squares for another, more valuable piece that gets
immediately attacked. In other words, blocking is a special case of deflection; the difference is that
you deflect one piece and then attack another. In this chapter, we use blocking to deliver a forced
checkmate to the king blocked by its own pieces.
699
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Qd8+? Kf7, the black king runs away, and white has no win.
To prevent the black king from reaching f7, white has to play 1.Bh5+!, and after the forced 1...Rf7,
he can give checkmate – 2.Qd8#. In this example, the black king was blocked by its own rook.
495
700
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Qe8+? Kg7 2.Qg8+ Kf6, white will have to fight for a draw.
To win, he needs to use blocking: 1.Qe5+! Rg7, and now 2.Qe8+ with a quick checkmate – 2...Rg8
3.Qxg8#.
Positions where you have to make sacrifices to get the opponent’s pieces to blocking squares are a
good example of this tactic:
701
496
Show/Hide Solution
The only winning move is 1.Rh4+! (not the immediate 1.g4+? due to 1...Kh4)
1.Rh4+! Bxh4 2.g4#. The h4 square was “fortunately” occupied by a black bishop.
702
497
Show/Hide Solution
One of the most famous examples of blocking is smothered mate. In the initial position, 1.Nf7+
Kg8 gives nothing, and the only good move is to head back: 2.Nh6+ Kh8.
White has a pretty win: 1.Qg8+!, and black gets checkmated by the knight from the f7 square next
move: 1...Nxg8 2.Nf7# or 1...Rxg8 2.Nf7#.
703
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh5+ Bxh5 2.g5#.
704
498
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ra3+ bxa3 2.b3#.
705
Show/Hide Solution
499
1.Qg8+ Rxg8 2.Nf7#.
706
Show/Hide Solution
1.e7+ Rxe7 2.Qh8#.
707
500
Show/Hide Solution
1.g5+ Rxg5 2.Qh8#.
708
Show/Hide Solution
501
1.Ra7+ Kh6 (1...Qe7 2.Rxe7+; 1...Kg8 2.Qg7#) 2.g5+ Qxg5 (2...Kh5 3.Rh7#) 3.Qh8#.
709
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe7+ g5 2.Qe1#.
710
502
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bb5+ c6 2.Re7#.
711
Show/Hide Solution
503
1.Qd6+ Re7 2.Qh6+ Ke8 3.Rg8#.
712
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Bf8 (1...Ke7 2.Bxh4#) 2.Qg6+ Ke7 3.Bxh4#.
713
504
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb6+ Ka8 2.Qa6+ Qa7 3.Qc6+ Qb7 4.Qxb7#.
714
Show/Hide Solution
505
1.Qe5+ Bg7 2.Qb8+ Qd8 (2...Qc8 3.Qxc8+ Bf8 4.Qxf8#; 2...Qe8 3.Qxe8+ Bf8 4.Qxf8#; 2...Bf8
3.Qxf8#) 3.Qxd8+ Bf8 4.Qxf8#.
506
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 16
Combinations
In this chapter, we use the blocking tactic in conjunction with all other tactics that we studied in the
previous chapters.
715
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Qg8+!, white simultaneously blocks the g8 square and vacates the h7 square for the knight:
1...Nxg8 2.Nh7#.
716
507
Show/Hide Solution
The winning move is 1.Qxf8+!, and now black has a choice between 1...Kxf8 2.Rh8# and 1...Rxf8
2.Rag7#. In the first case, white uses elimination together with attraction, while in the second case,
it’s elimination with blocking.
717
508
Show/Hide Solution
White checkmates quickly with 1.Qxh7+!, with the following lines: 1...Kxh7 2.Rh3# or 1...Rxh7
2.Rxg8#. Interestingly, white’s first move combines five tactical patterns: elimination, attraction,
deflection, blocking and vacating. The solution to the puzzle is very short and not that difficult. It’s
usually much harder to calculate when you use even just two tactics in sequence:
718
Show/Hide Solution
To win, white first uses deflection: 1.Rh5+! gxh5 2.Qg8+ Kh6, and then blocking: 3.Qh8+! Qh7
4.Qf8+ Qg7 5.Qxg7#.
719
509
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Bxf7 2.Nd7#.
720
Show/Hide Solution
510
1.h7+ Nxh7 2.Be6#.
721
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxa7+ Bxa7 2.Nc7#.
722
511
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Rxg8 2.Nf7#.
723
Show/Hide Solution
512
1.Rc7+ Bxc7 2.Na7#.
724
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Bxh8 2.Nh6#.
725
513
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Nxf8 2.Nf6#.
726
Show/Hide Solution
514
1.Qg8+ Rxg8 2.Nf7#.
727
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 2.Ng6#.
728
515
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Rxh7 2.Ng6#.
729
Show/Hide Solution
516
1.Qxf7+ Nxf7 2.Ng6#.
730
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg8+ Rxg8 2.Nf7#.
731
517
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Nxg7 2.Nh6#.
732
Show/Hide Solution
518
1.Qg8+ Rxg8 2.Nf7#.
733
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxb7+ Nxb7 2.Na6#.
734
519
Show/Hide Solution
1.g5+ Bxg5 (1...Kxg5 2.Qf4#) 2.Qh8#.
735
Show/Hide Solution
520
1.Rf8+ Kxf8 (1...Qxf8 2.Qe6#) 2.Qe8#.
736
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Nxh7 (1...Kxh7 2.Rh3#) 2.Ng6#.
737
521
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxa6+ bxa6 2.Rxb8+ Ka7 3.R1b7#.
738
Show/Hide Solution
522
1.g4+ Kxh4 2.Qxg5+ Qxg5 3.Bf2#.
739
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe6+ Kh7 2.Rxh6+ gxh6 3.Qf7#.
740
523
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh6+ gxh6 2.Qf7+ Bg7 3.Qxg7#.
741
Show/Hide Solution
524
1.Qg8+ Rxg8 2.Ng6+ hxg6 3.Rh1#.
742
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh6+ Kf5 2.Rf6+ Qxf6 3.Qe4#.
743
525
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rc7+ Bxc7 2.Nd4+ Kc5 3.Rb5#.
744
Show/Hide Solution
526
1.Rh8+ Bxh8 2.Ne6+ Kg8 3.Nh6#.
745
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Nxg8 2.Rxh7+ Nxh7 3.g7#.
746
527
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng4+ Rxg4 2.Rf5+ Kxf5 3.Rd5#.
747
Show/Hide Solution
528
1.Ng5+ Rxg5 2.Rf6+ Kxf6 3.Rd6#.
748
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh4+ Bxh4 2.Bg7+ Kh5 3.g4#.
749
529
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Kh8 2.Qg8+ Rxg8 3.Nf7#.
750
Show/Hide Solution
530
1.Qg7+ Nxg7 2.Nh6+ Kh8 3.Ngxf7#.
751
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nh5+ Rxh5 2.Rg6+ Kxg6 3.Re6#.
752
531
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kf8 2.Bc5+ Re7 3.Qh8#.
753
Show/Hide Solution
532
1.Rg6+ fxg6 (1...Nxg6 2.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (2...Kxf7 3.Rh7#) 3.Ne6#; 1...Kxg6 2.Qg2+ Kf5 3.Rh5#)
2.Qf7+ Kxf7 (2...Rxf7 3.Ne6#) 3.Rh7#.
754
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Qxh8 (1...Kxh8 2.Qxf8#; 1...Kg7 2.Qxf8#) 2.Qe6+ Kg7 3.Qf7#.
755
533
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg6+ fxg6 (1...Kh8 2.Re8#; 1...Kf8 2.Re8#) 2.Re8+ Kg7 (2...Kf7 3.R1e7#; 2...Kh7 3.R1e7#)
3.R1e7#.
756
534
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd8+ Kf7 (1...Rxd8 2.Nc7+ Kf7 3.Qe6#) 2.Ng5+ Kg8 (2...Kf6 3.Qe6#) 3.Qe6#.
757
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxf8+ Nxf8 (1...Qxf8 2.Qh7#; 1...Kg7 2.Qh8#) 2.Rxf8+ Qxf8 (2...Kg7 3.Qh8#; 2...Kxf8
3.Qh8#) 3.Qh7#.
758
535
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh6+ Kxh6 (1...gxh6 2.Qg8#) 2.Qh8+ Kg6 3.Qh5#.
759
Show/Hide Solution
536
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8#) 2.Re8+ Rf8 3.Rxf8#.
760
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxb8+ Qxb8 2.Qxc6+ Kd8 (2...Qc7 3.Qxc7#) 3.Qd7#.
761
537
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Bxf8 (1...Kxf8 2.Rd8#; 1...Kh7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Nf6+ Kh8 3.Rh7#.
762
Show/Hide Solution
538
1.Qg7+ Kh5 2.Qxg6+ hxg6 (2...Kh4 3.Qxg5#) 3.Rh8#.
763
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Kh8 2.Qg8+ Rxg8 (2...Nxg8 3.Nf7#) 3.Nf7#.
764
539
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ hxg6 (1...Qg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.h7+ Kf7 3.Ng5#.
765
Show/Hide Solution
540
1.Rxc8+ Kb6 (1...Bxc8 2.Qd6#) 2.Qc5+ Ka6 3.Ra8#.
766
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh6+ Kh8 (1...Kxh6 2.Bf8#; 1...Kg8 2.Qf8#; 1...Kf7 2.Qf8#) 2.Qf8+ Bg8 3.Qxf6#.
767
541
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe6+ Bf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qc8+ Be8 3.Qxe8#; 1...Kf8 2.Bc5#) 2.Qc8+ Be8 3.Qxe8#.
768
Show/Hide Solution
542
1.Bg8+ Kxg8 (1...Qxg8 2.Qh3+ Bh5 3.Qxh5#; 1...Kh6 2.Qxg5#) 2.Qxg6+ Qg7 3.Qxg7#.
769
Show/Hide Solution
1.g6+ Kh8 2.g7+ Kh7 3.Rxh6+ Rxh6 4.Ng5#.
770
543
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg7+ Rxg7 2.Nf6+ Kh8 3.Rd8+ Rg8 4.Rxg8#.
771
Show/Hide Solution
544
1.Qxg7+ Rxg7 2.Nh6+ Kh8 3.Rxf8+ Rg8 4.Rxg8#.
772
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh6+ gxh6 2.Qe8+ Bg6 3.Qe5+ Bf5 4.Qxf5#.
773
545
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe5+ Kxe5 (1...fxe5 2.Rg6#) 2.Re7+ Qe6 3.f4+ Ke4 4.Rxe6#.
774
Show/Hide Solution
546
1.Qg8+ Kxg8 (1...Rxg8 2.Nf7#) 2.Rbxg7+ Kh8 3.Rg8+ Rxg8 4.Nf7#.
775
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nb6+ Kxc7 2.Rxc6+ bxc6 (2...Kxc6 3.Qc5#; 2...Kd8 3.Qa8#; 2...Kb8 3.Qa8#) 3.Qa7+ Kd8
4.Qb8#.
776
547
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd8+ Kh7 (1...Qxd8 2.Qe6+ Kh7 3.Rh6+ gxh6 4.Qf7#) 2.Qe4+ Qf5 (2...g6 3.Qxg6#) 3.Qxf5+
g6 4.Qxg6#.
777
548
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Nxg7 (1...Kf8 2.Qxf6+ Qf7 3.Qxf7#) 2.Nh6+ Kf8 3.Qxf6+ Qf7 4.Qxf7#.
778
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bf7+ Rxf7 (1...Qe6 2.Bxe6+ Rd5 3.Bxd5#; 1...Rd5 2.Bxd5#) 2.Nd6+ Bxd6 3.Rd4+ Nxd4
4.Na5#.
779
549
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxb7+ Rxb7 (1...Ka8 2.Rg8+ Rd8 3.Rxd8#) 2.Nxc6+ Ka8 3.Rg8+ Rb8 4.Rxb8#.
780
Show/Hide Solution
550
1.f6+ Kg8 (1...Bxf6 2.Qh6+ Kg8 3.Qh7#; 1...Nxf6 2.Qh6+ Kg8 3.Qh8#; 1...Qxf6 2.Qh6+ Kg8
3.Qh7#) 2.Rh8+ Kxh8 3.Qh6+ Kg8 4.Qg7#.
781
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Bh6+ Kg8 (2...Bg7 3.Re8#) 3.Re8+ Qf8 4.Rxf8#.
782
551
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh4+ g5 (1...Ke6 2.Qe7#) 2.Qh6+ Rg6 3.Qxg6+ Kxg6 4.R1h6#.
783
Show/Hide Solution
552
1.Qf8+ Rxf8 (1...Kh7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Ne7+ Kh7 3.Rh4+ Qh5 4.Rxh5#.
784
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne7+ Bxe7 2.Rc5+ Bxc5 3.Be4+ Nxe4 (3...Nd5 4.Bxd5#) 4.d5#.
785
553
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg8+ Qxg8 (1...Rxg8 2.Qxd4+ Qxd4 (2...Qe5 3.Nf7#; 2...Rg7 3.Qxg7#) 3.Nf7#) 2.Qxd4+ Rf6
(2...Qg7 3.Qxg7#) 3.Qxf6+ Qg7 4.Qxg7#.
786
554
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxc6+ Nxc6 (1...Kxc6 2.Rb6#) 2.Qc5+ Ke6 3.Qxc6+ Rd6 4.Qxe8#.
787
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe5+ f6 (1...Kh7 2.Rh8#) 2.Qc7+ Rd7 (2...Qe7 3.Qxe7#) 3.Qxd7+ Qe7 4.Qxe7#.
788
555
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Kh7 2.Rh6+ gxh6 3.g6+ Kg7 4.Qf7+ Kh8 5.Qh7#.
789
Show/Hide Solution
556
1.f5+ Nxf5 2.Qf7+ Kd6 3.Qxd5+ Kxd5 4.Bc4+ Kd6 5.Nxe4#.
790
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bxb7+ Rxb7 2.Qe8+ Rb8 3.Qc6+ Rb7 4.Qc8+ Rb8 5.Qxa6#.
791
557
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh7+ Kg8 2.Nf6+ Kf8 3.e7+ Nxe7 4.Rf7+ Nxf7 5.Ne6#.
792
Show/Hide Solution
558
1.Rg2+ Qg3 (1...Kh7 2.Rh1+ Qh3 3.Rxh3#; 1...Kf8 2.Nd7+ Rxd7 3.Re8+ Kxe8 4.Rg8#; 1...Kh8
2.Rh1+ Qh3 3.Rxh3#) 2.Rxg3+ Kf8 (2...Kh7 3.Rh1#; 2...Kh8 3.Rh1#) 3.Nd7+ Rxd7 4.Re8+ Kxe8
5.Rg8#.
793
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh5+ Kg8 3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Bd6+ Rae7 (4...Ree7 5.Qh8#) 5.Qh8#.
794
559
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qc8+ Bxc8 (1...Nb8 2.Nc7#) 2.Nc7+ Kb8 (2...Kb7 3.a6+ Kb8 4.Nc6#) 3.Nc6+ Kb7 4.a6+
Kxc6 5.b5#.
795
560
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re7+ Qxe7 (1...Kf8 2.Qxd8+ Ne8 3.Qxe8#) 2.Qb8+ Kd7 (2...Qd8 3.Qxd8#) 3.Qc7+ Ke8
4.Qc8+ Qd8 5.Qxd8#.
796
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Kxg8 (1...Rxg8 2.Nf7#) 2.Ne7+ Kh8 3.Nf7+ Rxf7 4.Rc8+ Rf8 5.Rxf8#.
797
561
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng5+ hxg5 2.Bg6+ Rxg6 (2...Kh6 3.Rh1#) 3.Rh1+ Rh6 4.Rxh6+ gxh6 (4...Kxh6 5.Rh1#)
5.Qf7#.
798
562
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rc8+ Bxc8 (1...Rf8 2.Qxg7#; 1...Kf7 2.Qc7+ Bd7 3.Qxd7#) 2.Qe8+ Rf8 3.Rxg7+ Kxg7
(3...Kh8 4.Rh7+ Kg8 5.Qg6#) 4.Qg6+ Kh8 5.Qh7#.
799
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd5+ Qe6 2.Qb7+ Ke8 (2...Kg8 3.Qg7#) 3.f7+ Kd8 (3...Qxf7 4.Qc8#) 4.f8=Q+ Qe8 5.Bb6#.
800
563
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 2.Qg5+ Qg6 3.Qe5+ Qf6 (3...Kg8 4.Qh8#) 4.Qxf6+ Kg8 5.Qh8#.
801
Show/Hide Solution
564
1.Qxg7+ Nxg7 2.Nf6+ Kf8 (2...Kh8 3.Rxh7#) 3.Nxh7+ Ke8 (3...Kg8 4.Nf6+ Kf8 5.Rh8#)
4.Nf6+ Kf8 5.Rh8#.
802
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re7+ Kf6 (1...Kf8 2.Qd8+ Qe8 3.Qxe8#; 1...Kh8 2.Qh7#; 1...Rf7 2.Rxf7+ Kh8 3.Qh7#) 2.Rf7+
Ke5 3.Qe3+ Qe4 (3...Kd6 4.Qe7#) 4.Qc5+ Qd5 5.Qxd5#.
803
565
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qa8+ Nb8 2.Rxd8+ Kxd8 (2...Rxd8 3.Qxb7+ Kxb7 4.Ra7+ Kc8 5.Rc7#) 3.Qxb8+ Kd7
(3...Ke7 4.Qd6#) 4.Qd6+ Kc8 5.Ra8#.
804
566
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ Rc8 (1...Qd8 2.Qxd8+ Rc8 3.Qd6+ Ka8 (3...Rc7 4.Qxc7+ Ka8 5.Qc8#) 4.Qa3+ Kb8
5.Qa7#) 2.Qd6+ Ka8 (2...Rc7 3.Qxc7+ Ka8 4.Qc8#) 3.Qa3+ Qa4 (3...Kb8 4.Qa7#) 4.Qxa4+ Kb8
5.Qa7#.
805
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ gxf6 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Qxh7+ (2.Rg1+ Kh8 3.Qxh7+) 2...Kxh7 3.Rh1+ Kg6 (3...Kg7
4.Rag1#; 3...Kg8 4.Rag1#) 4.Rag1+ Kf5 5.Rh5#.
806
567
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kg8 2.Qxg6#) 2.Qf6+ Kg8 3.Qxg6+ Kf8 4.Be7+ Kxe7 (4...Rxe7 5.Rc8+ Re8
6.Rxe8#) 5.Qg7+ Kd8 6.Rc8#.
807
568
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ hxg6 (1...Kg8 2.Rxf8#) 2.Rxf8+ Kh7 3.Qh6+ gxh6 (3...Kxh6 4.Rh8#) 4.Rxb7+ Bd7
(4...Ne7 5.Rxe7#) 5.Rxd7+ Ne7 6.Rxe7#.
808
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd5+ Kxd5 (1...Bxd5 2.Bb5+ Kc5 3.b4#) 2.Bxc4+ Kc6 (2...Kc5 3.b4+ Kc6 4.Bb5+ Kd5
5.e4+ Ke6 6.Bc4#) 3.Bb5+ Kc5 (3...Kd5 4.e4+ Kc5 (4...Ke6 5.Bc4#) 5.b4#) 4.b4+ Kd5 5.e4+ Ke6
6.Bc4#.
809
569
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ra1+ Kb6 2.Nd5+ Kc5 3.Rc1+ Kxd5 4.Re5+ dxe5 5.Rc5+ Rxc5 6.Qd7#.
810
Show/Hide Solution
570
1.Rh7+ Kxh7 (1...Qxh7 2.Qf6+ Qg7 3.Qxg7#) 2.Qxa7+ Qb7 (2...Kh8 3.Qg7#; 2...Rd7 3.Qxd7+
Bf7 (3...Kh8 4.Qg7#) 4.Qxf7+ Kh8 5.Qg7#; 2...Bf7 3.Qxf7+ Kh8 4.Qg7#) 3.Qxb7+ Rd7 (3...Bf7
4.Qxf7+ Kh8 5.Qg7#; 3...Kh8 4.Qg7#) 4.Qxd7+ Bf7 (4...Kh8 5.Qg7#) 5.Qxf7+ Kh8 6.Qg7#.
811
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxc7+ Rxc7 (1...Ke8 2.Bxd7+ Kf7 (2...Kf8 3.Qxc8+ Kf7 4.Be6#) 3.Be6+ Kf8 (3...Ke8
4.Qxc8#) 4.Qxc8#) 2.Ra8+ Rc8 (2...Nb8 3.Rxb8+ Rc8 4.Ne6#) 3.Ne6+ Ke8 4.Rxc8+ Kf7 5.Rf8+
Nxf8 6.Nd8#.
812
571
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh4+ Kg7 2.Qd4+ Kg8 (2...Kh6 3.Qf4+ Kg7 (3...g5 4 .Qxg5#) 4.Qe5+ Kh6 (4...Kg8 5.Qxb8+
Kg7 6.Qf8#) 5.Rh5+ gxh5 6.Qf6#) 3.Qd5+ Kg7 (3...Kh8 4.Qe5+ Kg8 5.Qxb8+ Kg7 6.Qf8#)
4.Qe5+ Kh6 (4...Kg8 5.Qxb8+ Kg7 6.Qf8#) 5.Rh5+ gxh5 6.Qf6#.
813
572
Show/Hide Solution
1.b8=Q+ Qf8 2.Qb3+ Kh8 (2...Qf7+ 3.Qxf7+ Kh8 4.Qh7#) 3.Qh3+ Qh6+ (3...Kg8 4.Qh7#)
4.Qxh6+ Kg8 5.Qh7+ Kf8 6.Qf7#.
814
573
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Qh7 2.Qxf6+ Kxh5 3.Be2+ g4 (3...Kh4 4.g3+ Kh3 5.Qe6+ g4 (5...Qf5 6.Qh6#) 6.Bxg4#)
4.Bxg4+ Kxg4 5.f3+ Kh5 (5...Kg3 6.Qg5#) 6.g4#.
574
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 17
Seizing the square
Chapter 17 is concerned with the tactic called “seizing the square”, which can be considered a
special case of elimination, which we covered in chapter 9. The essence of this tactic is getting one of
your pieces to a desired square despite the opponent’s defensive efforts. One of the pieces usually
gets sacrificed on the key square, and another one then seizes it with a decisive effect.
815
Show/Hide Solution
In the first example, the key h6 square is defended by the g7 pawn. But this cannot stop white from
seizing it: 1.Rxh6+! gxh6 2.Qxh6#. The g7 pawn was essentially eliminated by the rook, and then the
white queen delivered the checkmate.
Seizing the square is a standard way to make your pawns more useful. Pawns capture pieces
diagonally, which, in favorable circumstances, allows you to seize an important square
575
816
Show/Hide Solution
It seems that the black king is well-defended, but there follows 1.Qf5+! Nxf5 2.exf5#. Declining
the sacrifice doesn’t prolong the struggle: 1...Kh6 2.Qxf6#.
In practice, seizing the square is most often used when one side had already built a battery out of a
pair of their pieces:
817
576
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Qg7+! Bxg7 2.fxg7#, black gets checkmated by a pawn. The win was brought by a battery
built along the g-file and the timely seizing of the g7 square. The black bishop got eliminated in the
process.
818
577
Show/Hide Solution
Seizing the square can work diagonally as well. White delivers a quick checkmate with 1.Qh6+!
Rxh6 2.Bxh6#. In this position, a diagonal battery allowed white to seize the h6 square despite the
presence of a black rook.
819
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg6+ fxg6 2.fxg6#.
820
578
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ hxg6 2.Bxg6#.
821
Show/Hide Solution
579
1.Qg5+ Nxg5 2.hxg5#.
822
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg6+ fxg6 2.hxg6#.
823
580
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf5+ gxf5 2.Rxf5#.
824
Show/Hide Solution
581
1.Qf8+ Rxf8 2.Rxf8#.
825
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 2.Rxe8#.
826
582
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 2.Rxf7#.
827
Show/Hide Solution
583
1.Qg3+ Nxg3 2.hxg3#.
828
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe5+ Rxe5 2.fxe5#.
829
584
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg6+ Bxg6 2.fxg6#.
830
Show/Hide Solution
585
1.Bg5+ hxg5 2.hxg5#.
831
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Kf6 2.Rf8+ Bxf8 3.Qxf8#.
832
586
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qa7+ Kc8 2.Qa8+ Bxa8 3.Rxa8#.
833
Show/Hide Solution
587
1.Qd8+ Kh7 2.g6+ fxg6 3.hxg6#.
834
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Kh6 2.Qh8+ Nxh8 3.Rxh8#.
835
588
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb7+ Bxb7 2.cxb7+ Kb8 3.Nd7#.
836
Show/Hide Solution
589
1.Qf7+ Bxf7 2.exf7+ Kf8 3.Bc5#.
837
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Bxh8 2.Rxh8+ Kg7 3.Bf6#.
838
590
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg7+ Rxg7 2.fxg7+ Kg8 3.Re8#.
839
Show/Hide Solution
591
1.Rf8+ Bxf8 (1...Ke6 2.Qe7#) 2.Qxf8+ Ke6 3.Qe7#.
840
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Bxe8 (1...Kh7 2.Qh8#) 2.Rxe8+ Kh7 3.Rh8#.
841
592
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb5+ axb5 (1...Kc7 2.Nd5#) 2.Bxb5+ Kc7 3.Nd5#.
842
Show/Hide Solution
593
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 (1...Kh7 2.g6#) 2.Rxe8+ Kh7 3.g6#.
843
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 (1...Kg7 2.h6#) 2.Rxe8+ Kg7 3.h6#.
844
594
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Bxh8 (1...Kf7 2.Ng5#) 2.Qxh8+ Kf7 3.Ng5#.
845
Show/Hide Solution
595
1.Qxf7+ Nxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Bf6#) 2.Rxf7+ Kh8 3.Bf6#.
846
Show/Hide Solution
1.f5+ gxf5 (1...Kd6 2.Rd7#) 2.exf5+ Kd6 3.Rd7#.
847
596
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Bxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Ng6#) 2.Rxf7+ Kh8 3.Ng6#.
848
Show/Hide Solution
597
1.Rg6+ Bxg6 2.Rxg6+ Kh7 3.Ng5+ Kh8 4.Bc3#.
849
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf7+ Kh8 2.Qxf8+ Bxf8 3.Rxf8+ Kg7 4.Nxe6#.
850
598
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Rxh7 (1...Ke8 2.Nf6+ Kf8 3.Nxe6#; 1...Kf8 2.Nxe6+ Ke8 3.Nf6#) 2.Rxh7+ Ke8
(2...Kg8 3.Nf6+ Kf8 4.Nxe6#; 2...Kf8 3.Nxe6+ Kg8 4.Nf6#) 3.Nf6+ Kd8 (3...Kf8 4.Nxe6#)
4.Nxe6#.
851
599
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Bxh8 (1...Kf7 2.Bh5#) 2.Rxh8+ Kg7 (2...Kf7 3.Bh5+ Kg7 4.Rg8#) 3.Rg8+ Kf7 4.Bh5#.
852
Show/Hide Solution
600
1.Re8+ Rxe8 2.Qxe8+ Kg7 (2...Kh7 3.Qg6#) 3.Nf5+ Kh7 4.Qf7#.
853
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nh6+ Kh8 (1...Kg7 2.Qf6#) 2.Qf8+ Rxf8 3.Rxf8+ Kg7 4.Rg8#.
854
601
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bg6+ Kg7 (1...Kf8 2.Qe8+ Rxe8 (2...Kg7 3.Nf5#) 3.Rxe8+ Kg7 4.Nf5#; 1...Kg8 2.Qe8+ Rxe8
(2...Kg7 3.Nf5#) 3.Rxe8+ Kg7 4.Nf5#) 2.Nf5+ Kh8 (2...Kf8 3.Qe8+ Rxe8 4.Rxe8#; 2...Kg8
3.Qe8+ Rxe8 4.Rxe8#) 3.Qe8+ Rxe8 4.Rxe8#.
602
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 18
Combinations
In this chapter, we use the seizing-the-square tactic in conjunction with the other tactics that we
studied in the previous chapters.
855
Show/Hide Solution
The decisive blow consists of elimination + deflection: 1.Qxh6+! Black is forced to capture with
1...Bxh6 and gets checkmated after 2.Rg8+! Qxg8 3.Rxg8#.
856
603
Show/Hide Solution
White’s first move is 1.Nxf5+! Now, after 1...exf5, white checkmates with 2.Be5+ Ke6 3.Nc5#, or
after 1...Rxf5, he seizes the square: 2.Be5+! Rxe5 3.fxe5#.
857
604
Show/Hide Solution
In the third example, white uses “attraction + elimination”: 1.Qxa7+! Kxa7 2.Ra5+ Kb8, and then
“seizing the square + pawn promotion”: 3.Ra8+! Nxa8 4.bxa8=Q#. The last combination of tactics
should attract particular attention, because it’s often used when a pawn reaches the penultimate rank.
858
Show/Hide Solution
In the final example, seizing the square is the first tactic used: 1.Qe8+! Rxe8 2.Rxe8+ Kg7, and
then the last part of the combination follows: 3.Bh6+! Kxh6 4.g5+ Kg7 5.f6#. 3...Kf6 4.Bg5+ Kg7
5.f6# is no better. After 1...Kg7, play is analogous to the main line: 2.Bh6+! Kxh6 3.g5+ Kg7 4.f6#.
859
605
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg6+ fxg6 2.fxg6#.
860
Show/Hide Solution
606
1.Bh7+ Nxh7 (1...Kh8 2.Nxf7#) 2.Qxh7#.
861
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 2.Rd7+ Qxd7 3.Rxd7#.
862
607
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Nxg8 2.Bg7+ Bxg7 3.hxg7#.
863
Show/Hide Solution
608
1.Qxf8+ Rxf8 2.Ne7+ Kh8 3.Rxf8#.
864
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb6+ Bxb6 2.axb6+ Kxb6 3.Be3#.
865
609
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Rxh7 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 3.Qh6#.
866
Show/Hide Solution
610
1.Qf6+ Rxf6 2.exf6+ Kg6 3.Rg8#.
867
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Nxh7 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 3.Rh1#.
868
611
Show/Hide Solution
1.f4+ Qxf4 (1...Kh6 2.Qh8#; 1...gxf3 2.Qh4#; 1...Kh5 2.Qh8#) 2.gxf4+ Kf5 (2...Kh6 3.Qh8#;
2...Kh5 3.Qh8#; 2...Kh4 3.Qh8#) 3.Qe5#.
869
612
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf6+ exf6 (1...Kg8 2.Qg7#) 2.Rxe8+ Bxe8 3.Rxe8#.
870
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Rxg8 2.Rxg8+ Kxg8 3.Rc8#.
871
613
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxc6+ Ka8 (1...bxc6 2.Qxa6#) 2.Rxa6+ bxa6 3.Qxa6#.
872
Show/Hide Solution
614
1.Qxe5+ dxe5 (1...f6 2.Bxf6+ Rxf6 3.Qxf6#; 1...Kg8 2.Nh6#) 2.Bf6+ Kg8 3.Nh6#.
873
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd5+ Qxd5 (1...Rxd5 2.Rc8+ Qxc8 3.Rxc8#; 1...Kb8 2.Qb7#; 1...Qc6 2.Qxd8#) 2.Rc8+ Rxc8
3.Rxc8#.
874
615
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg8+ Rxg8 (1...Nxg8 2.Qxg8+ Rxg8 3.Rxg8#) 2.Qxg8+ Nxg8 3.Rxg8#.
875
Show/Hide Solution
616
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 (1...Ng8 2.Nf7#) 2.Rxe8+ Ng8 3.Nf7#.
876
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd8+ Bxd8 (1...Qe8 2.Qxe8#; 1...Nxd8 2.Rf8#) 2.Rxd8+ Nxd8 (2...Qe8 3.Rxe8#) 3.Rf8#.
877
617
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bg6+ Kg5 2.h4+ gxh3 3.f4+ Qxf4+ 4.exf4#.
878
Show/Hide Solution
618
1.Rg8+ Qxg8 2.Qg7+ Qxg7 3.fxg7+ Kg8 4.Ne7#.
879
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg7+ Rxg7 2.fxg7+ Kg8 3.Rf8+ Qxf8 4.gxf8=Q#.
880
619
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxc7+ Bxc7 2.Rxc7+ Kb8 3.Bxa7+ Ka8 4.Nb6#.
881
Show/Hide Solution
620
1.Rg8+ Rxg8 2.Rxg8+ Kxg8 3.Qa8+ Re8 4.Qxe8#.
882
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg5+ Kxg5 2.Qg7+ Kh5 3.g4+ fxg4+ 4.Qxg4#.
883
621
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf6+ Nxf6 (1...Kf8 2.Rh8#) 2.Bc5+ Qxc5 3.gxf6+ Kf8 4.Rh8#.
884
Show/Hide Solution
622
1.Rh8+ Bxh8 (1...Ng8 2.Rxg8+ Kxg8 3.Qh8+ Bxh8 4.Rxh8#) 2.Qxh8+ Ng8 3.Qxg8+ Kxg8
4.Rh8#.
885
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be6+ Rxe6 (1...Kh8 2.Qf8+ Nxf8 3.Rxf8#; 1...Rf7 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Qg8#) 2.Qf7+ Kh8 3.Qf8+
Nxf8 4.Rxf8#.
886
623
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf7+ Nxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Ng6#; 1...Rxf7 2.Qxf7+ Nxf7 3.Rxf7+ Kh8 4.Ng6#) 2.Qxf7+ Rxf7
3.Rxf7+ Kh8 4.Ng6#.
887
624
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf6+ Kf8 2.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (2...Nxf7 3.Rxf7+ Rxf7 4.Rxf7#) 3.Rxf7+ Nxf7 4.Rxf7#.
888
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe6+ Nf7 (1...Rxe6 2.Rf8#; 1...Kh8 2.Qxe8+ Bxe8 3.Rf8#) 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Qf8+ Rxf8 4.Rxf8#.
889
625
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#; 1...Kf8 2.Rxf7+ Qxf7 (2...Kg8 3.Qxh7#) 3.Qxf7#) 2.Bh6+
Kxh6 (2...Kh8 3.Qf6+ Kg8 4.Qg7#; 2...Kg8 3.Qg5+ Kh8 4.Qg7#) 3.Qf6+ Kh5 4.g4#.
890
626
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bg6+ Bxg6 (1...Kh8 2.Rxh6+ gxh6 3.Qxh6#) 2.fxg6+ Kh8 3.Rxh6+ gxh6 4.Qxh6#.
891
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Kh8 2.Qf8+ Rxf8 (2...Kh7 3.Rf7#) 3.Rxf8+ Kg7 (3...Kh7 4.R1f7#) 4.R1f7#.
892
627
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Qxh8 (1...Kg7 2.Qh7#) 2.Rxh8+ Kg7 (2...Kxh8 3.Qh7#; 2...Bxh8 3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Qxh8#)
3.Qh7+ Kf6 4.Qh6#.
893
628
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re8+ Bxe8 (1...Rxe8 2.Rxe8+ Bxe8 3.Qxe8#) 2.Rxe8+ Kf7 (2...Rxe8 3.Qxe8#) 3.Bg6+ Kf6
4.Qf5#.
894
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd8+ Kb7 2.Nd6+ Ka6 3.Qa4+ Na5 4.Qb5+ Nxb5 5.cxb5#.
895
629
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf6+ Kxf6 (1...Ke8 2.Rg8#; 1...Kf8 2.Rg8#) 2.Rg6+ fxg6 (2...Ke7 3.f6+ Kf8 (3...Ke8 4.Rg8#)
4.Rg8#) 3.Rxg6+ Ke7 4.f6+ Kf8 (4...Ke8 5.Rg8#) 5.Rg8#.
896
630
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nc7+ Ka5 2.Rb5+ Ka4 3.Ra3+ Nxa3 4.b3+ Bxb3 5.axb3#.
897
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rb7+ Ka8 (1...Nxb7 2.Nba6+ Ka8 3.cxb7#) 2.Rb8+ Kxb8 3.Nba6+ (3.Nca6+ Ka8 4.Nc7+
Kb8 5.Nba6#) 3...Ka8 4.Nc7+ Kb8 5.N5a6#.
898
631
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh6+ Kg8 2.Bxh7+ Nxh7 3.Qg6+ Kf8 4.Nxh7+ Ke7 5.Qxf6#.
899
Show/Hide Solution
632
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rd8+ Ke7 (2...Kg7 3.Rg8#; 2...Ne8 3.Rxe8+ Kg7 4.Rg8#) 3.Ng8+ Ke6 4.R8d6+
Rxd6 5.Rxd6#.
900
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd8+ Kf7 (1...Qe8 2.Rdxe8+ Kf7 3.Bg6+ hxg6 4.hxg6#) 2.Re7+ Rxe7 (2...Kf6 3.Rf8#) 3.Bd5+
Kf6 (3...Re6 4.Rf8#) 4.Rf8+ Rf7 5.Rxf7#.
901
633
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Bxd8 (1...Qe8 2.Qxe8+ Kh7 3.Qxf7#; 1...Kh7 2.Qh8+ Kg6 3.Qg7#) 2.Rxd8+ Qe8
(2...Kh7 3.Rh8+ Kg6 4.h5#) 3.Rxe8+ Kh7 4.Rh8+ Kg6 5.h5#.
902
634
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg6+ Kg8 (1...Bxg6 2.fxg6+ Kg8 3.Rb8+ Qxb8 (3...Qc8 4.Rxc8#; 3...Qd8 4.Rxd8#) 4.Rxb8#)
2.Qxe8+ Kh7 3.Qg6+ Kg8 4.Rb8+ Qxb8 (4...Qd8 5.Rxd8#; 4...Qc8 5.Rxc8#) 5.Rxb8#.
903
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ Kh5 2.Re5+ f5 (2...g5 3.Rxg5#) 3.Rxf5+ gxf5 (3...g5 4 .Rxg5#) 4.Qxf5+ Kh6 5.Qg5#.
904
635
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd5+ Kf6 2.Bg5+ Nxg5 (2...Kg6 3.Bf7+ Kh7 4.Qf5#) 3.hxg5+ Kg6 (3...Ke7 4.Qd7+ Kf8
5.Qf7#) 4.Bf7+ Kh7 5.Qf5#.
905
636
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bf4+ e5 (1...Ne5 2.Bxe5#) 2.Bxe5+ Nxe5 (2...Ke6 3.Rxc6+ Bd6 4.Rxd6#) 3.dxe5+ Ke6 4.Rc6+
Bd6 5.Rxd6#.
906
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne5+ Kb5 2.Bc4+ Ka4 (2...Ka5 3.Bb4+ Ka4 4.b3+ Bxb3 5.axb3#) 3.b3+ Bxb3 (3...Ka5
4.Bb4#) 4.axb3+ Ka5 5.Bb4#.
907
637
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb7+ Rxb7 2.cxb7+ Kxb7 (2...Ka7 3.b8=Q+ Kxb8 4.Rc8+ Ka7 (4...Kb7 5.R2c7#) 5.R2c7#;
2...Kb8 3.Rc8+ Kxb7 (3...Ka7 4.b8=Q#) 4.R2c7#) 3.Rc7+ Kb8 (3...Ka8 4.Rc8+ Kb7 (4...Ka7
5.R2c7#) 5.R2c7#) 4.Rc8+ Ka7 (4...Kb7 5.R2c7#) 5.R2c7#.
908
638
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd8+ Bxd8 2.Rxd8+ Kxd8 (2...Ke7 3.Bd6+ Kxd8 4.Qxf8+ Kd7 5.Qe7#) 3.Qxf8+ Kd7
4.Qxf7+ Kd8 5.Bc7#.
909
639
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg8+ Rxg8 2.Rxg8+ Kxg8 3.Qa8+ Bd8 (3...Kf7 4.Qf8#) 4.Qxd8+ Kf7 5.Qf8#.
910
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe5+ Kxe5 (1...Bxe5 2.e4+ dxe4 3.g4+ hxg4+ 4.fxg4#) 2.d4+ Kf5 3.e4+ dxe4 4.g4+ hxg4+
5.fxg4#.
911
640
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg8+ Kxh7 (1...Rxg8 2.hxg8=Q#) 2.Qh6+ Kxh6 3.Rh1+ Rh3 (3...Qh4 4.Rxh4#) 4.Rxh3+ Qh4
5.Rxh4#.
912
641
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxa6+ bxa6 2.Qb8+ Ka5 3.b4+ Ka4 (3...Qxb4 4.Qxb4#) 4.Bb3+ Rxb3 5.cxb3#.
913
Show/Hide Solution
1.g6+ Kh8 2.g7+ Kh7 3.Nf8+ Rxf8+ 4.gxf8=N+ Kh8 5.Bc3+ Qxc3 (5...e5 6.Bxe5#) 6.Rxh6#.
914
642
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh6+ gxh6 2.Rxh6+ Kg7 3.Rh7+ Kf8 4.Rh8+ Kg7 5.Rg8+ Kh6 6.g5#.
915
Show/Hide Solution
643
1.Qh6+ Kxh6 2.Nhf5+ Bxf5 3.Nxf5+ Kh5 4.Rh3+ Kg4 (4...Nh4 5.Rxh4+ Kg6 6.Rh6#) 5.Rg3+
Kh5 6.Bd1#.
916
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bxe6+ Rxe6 (1...Kh8 2.Qxg7+ Nxg7 3.Bxg7#; 1...Kf8 2.Qxg7+ Nxg7 3.Bxg7#) 2.Qxe6+ Kh8
(2...Kf8 3.Qf7#) 3.Bxg7+ Nxg7 4.Rxd8+ Ne8 (4...Nf8 5.Rxf8#) 5.Rxe8+ Nf8 6.Rxf8#.
917
644
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nc6+ Ke8 (1...Kc8 2.Nb6+ Kb7 3.Qa7#; 1...Kd7 2.Nb6+ Ke8 3.Qa8+ Nxa8 4.Rxa8#) 2.Qa8+
Nxa8 (2...Kd7 3.Nb6#) 3.Rxa8+ Kd7 4.Ra7+ Ke8 (4...Kc8 5.Nxd6#) 5.Nxd6+ Kf8 6.Rxf7#.
918
645
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kf8 2.Qxh8+ Kf7 3.Rxg7#; 1...Kf7 2.Qxg7+ Ke8 3.Nf6#) 2.Rxg7+ Rxg7
3.Nf6+ Kg6 4.Bh5+ Kf5 5.g4+ Rxg4 6.hxg4#.
646
Show in Text Mode
Part 4
Piece Opposition
The fourth part of this book describes the opposition of black and white pieces along the same line,
which gives rise to additional opportunities. For instance, when two long-range pieces oppose each
other, a comparatively rare situation occurs, which is called “X-ray”. The opposition of a long-range
piece with a king occurs much more often, and it’s covered in the remaining chapters. This includes
such tactics as “pin”, “discovered check” and “interference”. This part also covers double checks and
windmills, which are special cases of discovered check. These tactics don’t usually occur in games on
their own, but they often arise as parts of combinations.
You should also note that after using any tactical pattern, both individually or as parts of
combinations, a position still occurs that requires you to use the basic checkmating skills which you
acquired in the first part of this book.
Chapter 19
X-Ray
The next tactic is called “X-ray”. X -ray in chess occurs when a long-range piece attacks any square
straight through an opposing piece. This tactic can only be used along the line of opposition of long-
range pieces – queens, rooks and bishops. We should also point out that in the context of our topic, X-
ray is a special case of seizing the square, which we covered in chapter 17. The only difference
between them is the position of one of the defenders of the seized square.
919
647
Show/Hide Solution
The opposition of the g3 rook and black queen makes the use of an X-ray tactic possible in this
puzzle. Indeed, white plays 1.Rxg7+! and gives checkmate after 1...Qxg7 2.Rxg7#.
920
648
Show/Hide Solution
It seems that the black rook fully controls the corner square near its king, but, since the rooks on the
8th rank are in opposition, white has to search for some kind of X-ray. Indeed, he can play 1.Qh8+!,
and black might as well resign: 1...Rxh8 2.Rxh8#.
921
Show/Hide Solution
Careful readers of this book have already seen many examples of a back-rank mate. It’s often
delivered with X-ray tactics. In this example, the simple 1.Qe8+! Rxe8 2.Rxe8# wins.
922
649
Show/Hide Solution
The opposition of the bishops along the long diagonal creates good conditions for an X-ray tactic.
1.Qxb7+! Bxb7 2.Bxb7# is rather easy to spot.
923
650
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ Rxf8 2.Rxf8#.
924
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf7+ Rxf7 2.Rxf7#.
925
651
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Qxh8 2.Rxh8#.
926
Show/Hide Solution
652
1.Qf6+ Bxf6 2.Bxf6#.
927
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 2.Rxf7#.
928
653
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 2.Rxe8#.
929
Show/Hide Solution
654
1.Qf8+ Rxf8 2.Rxf8#.
930
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qc8+ Rxc8 2.Rxc8+ Qd8 3.Rxd8#.
931
655
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bg5+ Kf5 2.g4+ Bxg4 3.Bxg4#.
932
Show/Hide Solution
656
1.Qf8+ Rxf8 2.Rxf8+ Kg7 3.Rg8#.
933
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qc8+ Nf8 (1...Rf8 2.Rxf8+ Nxf8) 2.Qxf8+ Rxf8 3.Rxf8#.
934
657
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd4+ Bxd4+ (1...Qe5 2.Qxe5+ Bxe5 3.Bxe5#) 2.Bxd4+ Qe5 3.Bxe5#.
935
Show/Hide Solution
658
1.Qh8+ Rxh8 (1...Kg4 2.Qh4#) 2.Rxh8+ Kg4 3.Rh4#.
936
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Rxh8 (1...Kf7 2.Qg7#) 2.Rxh8+ Kf7 3.Ng5#.
937
659
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be5+ Qxe5 (1...Rf6 2.Qxf6+ Qxf6 3.Bxf6#; 1...Qf6 2.Qxf6+ Rxf6 3.Bxf6#) 2.Qxe5+ Rf6
3.Qxf6#.
938
660
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf4+ Rxf4 (1...Kh3 2.Qh4#) 2.Rxf4+ Kh3 (2...Kg5 3.h4#) 3.Rh4#.
939
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 (1...Nf8 2.Qxf8#) 2.Rxe8+ Nf8 3.Rxf8#.
940
661
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ra8+ Bxa8 (1...Qd8 2.Rxd8#; 1...Bc8 2.Rxc8+ Qd8 3.Rxd8#) 2.Qxa8+ Rb8 (2...Qd8 3.Qxd8#)
3.Qxb8+ Qd8 4.Qxd8#.
662
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 20
Combinations
In this chapter, we use the X-ray tactic in conjunction with all other tactics that we studied in the
previous chapters.
941
Show/Hide Solution
White checkmates with 1.Qg8+! Rxg8 2.hxg8=Q#. In this combination, white used X-ray together
with promoting the pawn.
942
663
Show/Hide Solution
The opposition of the bishops along the long diagonal can be exploited. First, you should use
blocking – 1.Qf8+! Bg8, and then the X-ray: 2.Qf6+! Bxf6 3.Bxf6#.
943
664
Show/Hide Solution
The move 1.Rh7+! both vacates the square for the queen and deflects the black knight. After the
forced 1...Nxh7, white gives a mate in two: 2.Qg7+! Bxg7 3.hxg7#.
944
Show/Hide Solution
White wins with 1.Qxe6+!, which either deflects the rook: 1...Rxe6 2.Rxd8+ Re8 3.Rxe8#, or
forces the black king to retreat: 1...Kf8 2.Qf7# or 1...Kh8 2.Qe8+! (X-ray) 2...Rxe8 3.Rxe8#.
945
665
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Rxh8 2.gxh8=Q#.
946
Show/Hide Solution
666
1.Rc8+ Re8 2.Qf8+ Rxf8 3.Rxf8#.
947
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ Rxg6 (1...Kf8 2.Qg8+ Rxg8 3.Rxg8#; 1...Kh8 2.Qg8+ Rxg8 3.Rxg8#) 2.Rxg6+ Kh8
(2...Kf8 3.Rg8#) 3.Rg8#.
948
667
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 (1...Kh7 2.g6#) 2.Rxe8+ Kh7 3.g6#.
949
Show/Hide Solution
668
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 (1...Kh7 2.Bf5+ g6 3.Qh8#) 2.Rxe8+ Kh7 3.Bf5+ g6 4.Rh8#.
950
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg7+ Bxg7 2.Rd8+ Rxd8 (2...Bf8 3.Rxf8+ Rxf8 4.Rxf8#) 3.Rxd8+ Bf8 4.Rxf8#.
951
669
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rc8+ Kh7 2.Qg6+ fxg6 (2...Bxg6 3.hxg6+ fxg6 4.Bxg6#) 3.hxg6+ Bxg6 4.Bxg6#.
952
Show/Hide Solution
670
1.Qh8+ Bxh8 (1...Kf7 2.Nd6+ Ke6 3.Ng5#) 2.Rxh8+ Kf7 3.Nd6+ Ke6 4.Ng5#.
953
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Bxh8 (1...Kf7 2.Qh5+ Ke6 3.Qf5#) 2.Qxh8+ Kf7 3.Qg7+ Ke6 4.Qf6#.
954
671
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Rxh7 2.Rxh7+ Kg8 3.Rg7+ Kf8 (3...Kh8 4.Nf7#) 4.Nh7+ Ke8 5.Re7#.
955
Show/Hide Solution
672
1.Qxd8+ Rxd8 (1...Kh7 2.Ng5+ Kh6 3.Nxf7+ Kh7 (3...Kh5 4.Qh8#) 4.Qh8#) 2.Rxd8+ Kh7
3.Ng5+ Kh6 4.Nxf7+ Kh5 (4...Kh7 5.Rh8#) 5.Rh8#.
956
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb8+ Rxb8 (1...Kg7 2.h6+ Kg6 3.Nf4#; 1...Bc8 2.Qxc8+ Kg7 3.h6+ Kg6 4.Nf4#) 2.Rxb8+
Bc8 3.Rxc8+ Kg7 4.h6+ Kg6 5.Nf4#.
673
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 21
Pins
Chapter 21 covers yet another tactical pattern, pinning. A pin is an attack by a long-range piece on
an opposing piece when another, more valuable piece or a key square is placed behind the first piece
in the line of attack. In the context of a forced mate, this tactic can only occur when a king is standing
on the attacking line behind the first piece.
957
Show/Hide Solution
White checkmates with 1.Nf6+! Kh8 2.Ng6#. The black g7 pawn is pinned and cannot take part in
the game, which allows white to deliver a quick checkmate. We should note that the opposition of
white rook and black king was the main prerequisite for this tactical blow. If you see such an
opposition, there’s a reason to look for a pinned piece and think how to exploit it.
958
674
Show/Hide Solution
The opposition of the white b2 bishop and the black king is easy to notice. The piece that protects
the king from the check, the g7 pawn, is pinned and cannot move. White can immediately exploit
this: 1.Qh6+! Kg8 2.Qxg7#.
959
675
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Rg7+!, the pinned g7 bishop cannot help its king. Therefore, 1...Kh8 2.Rxh6#.
960
Show/Hide Solution
676
There are no pieces in direct opposition to the black king in this example. However, after 1.Rc8+
Kg7, the situation changes: the black queen is pinned, and after 2.Nxf5#, it cannot capture the
checkmating knight.
961
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh5+ Kg8 2.Nf6#.
962
677
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe6+ Kf8 2.Qxf7#.
963
Show/Hide Solution
678
1.Ng6+ Kg8 2.Nh6#.
964
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ Kh8 2.Qg7#.
965
679
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ Kf8 (1...Kh8 2.Qh7#) 2.Qe8#.
966
Show/Hide Solution
680
1.Bxd5+ Kf6 (1...Kf8 2.Rf5#) 2.Bg5#.
967
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qa8+ Rb8 2.Qxb8+ Kd7 3.Nc5#.
968
681
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ Kg8 2.Qd5+ Re6 3.Qxe6#.
969
Show/Hide Solution
682
1.Ne6+ Kg8 (1...Kh8 2.Rb8+ Rd8 3.Rxd8#) 2.Rb8+ Rd8 3.Rxd8#.
970
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh4+ Kg8 (1...Kg7 2.Rg1#; 1...Kg6 2.Rg1#) 2.Rg1+ Qg7 3.Nf6#.
971
683
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf5+ Kg8 (1...Kh7 2.Qh6+ Kg8 3.Ne7#; 1...Kh8 2.Qh6+ Kg8 3.Ne7#) 2.Ne7+ Kg7 (2...Kh8
3.Qh6#; 2...Kh7 3.Qh6#) 3.Qh6#.
972
684
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re4+ Kg5 2.Nf3+ Kf5 3.Rh5+ Bg5 (3...Rg5 4.Nh4#) 4.Nh4#.
685
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 22
Combinations
In this chapter, the pinning tactic is used in conjunction with all other tactics that we studied in the
previous chapters.
973
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Qh5+!, black has a choice between 1...Nxh5 2.Bxh5# and 1...Ke7 2.Qe8#. In the first line,
white seized a square, while in the second one, he exploited a pin.
974
686
Show/Hide Solution
The decisive move is 1.Rf8+! Kxf8 and 2.Qf7#. Black couldn’t capture the white rook with the
bishop because of the pin.
975
687
Show/Hide Solution
White plays 1.Rxh7+! Rxh7 2.Qf6#, and it’s checkmate because the black rook is pinned.
976
Show/Hide Solution
The black rook is pinned, so white plays 1.Rxh6+! Kxh6 2.Qh3# or 1...Kg8 2.Rh8#.
977
688
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxc7+ Kxc7 2.Qc6#.
978
Show/Hide Solution
689
1.Qxg7+ Qxg7 2.Rxf8#.
979
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 2.Qg6#.
980
690
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg8+ Rxg8 2.Rxg8#.
981
Show/Hide Solution
691
1.Rxf8+ Kxf8 2.Qd8#.
982
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh5#.
983
692
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Rxf8 2.Rxf8#.
984
Show/Hide Solution
693
1.Qg3+ Qxg3 2.Be3#.
985
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Qh5#.
986
694
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxc6+ bxc6 2.Rb8#.
987
Show/Hide Solution
695
1.Rxh5+ Kxh5 2.Qh4#.
988
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh7#.
989
696
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh7#.
990
Show/Hide Solution
697
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Qxh7 2.Qxh7#) 2.Qh5#.
991
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bd5+ cxd5 (1...Qf7 2.Qxg7#; 1...Bf7 2.Qxg7#; 1...Kh8 2.Qxg7#; 1...Kh7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Qxg7#.
992
698
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rc4+ Kxc4 (1...Kd6 2.Qd8#) 2.Qc3#.
993
Show/Hide Solution
699
1.Bf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8#) 2.Qe6#.
994
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8#) 2.Rd8#.
995
700
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ Ke8 2.Qxg8+ Bxg8 3.Rf8#.
996
Show/Hide Solution
701
1.Ra6+ Kxa6 2.Qa8+ Kb6 3.Qa5#.
997
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rfxg6+ hxg6 2.Rxg6+ Kh7 3.Qg7#.
998
702
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Qxg6+ Kh8 3.Qh6#.
999
Show/Hide Solution
703
1.Qh7+ Kxh7 2.Nf6+ Kh8 3.Ng6#.
1000
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ Rg8 2.Ng6+ hxg6 3.Qh6#.
1001
704
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe6+ Qe7 2.Rd8+ Kxd8 3.Qc8#.
1002
Show/Hide Solution
705
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Rxf8+ Qg8 3.Nf7#.
1003
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qxh6+ Kg8 3.Qxg7#.
1004
706
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg8+ Kxg8 2.Rxg7+ Kh8 3.Rxf8#.
1005
Show/Hide Solution
707
1.Qxg7+ Rxg7 2.Rf8+ Rg8 3.Bf6#.
1006
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh5+ Kg8 3.Rh8#.
1007
708
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh6+ gxh6 2.Qd4+ Bg7 3.f8=Q#.
1008
Show/Hide Solution
709
1.Qxd6+ Qxd6 2.Bc4+ Qd5 3.Bxd5#.
1009
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be6+ Kxe6 2.Qe8+ Nge7 (2...Qe7 3.d5#; 2...Nce7 3.d5#) 3.d5#.
1010
710
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qa6+ Nxa6 (1...Kb8 2.Qxb7#) 2.Bxb7+ Ka7 (2...Kb8 3.Nc6#) 3.Nc6#.
1011
Show/Hide Solution
711
1.Qf5+ Rxf5 (1...Re6 2.Qxe6+ Kb8 3.Rxd8#; 1...Kb8 2.Rxd8#) 2.Be6+ Kb8 3.Rxd8#.
1012
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Qxh7 (1...Kxh7 2.Rh1+ Qh6 3.Qxh6#) 2.Qf6+ Qg7 3.Rh1#.
1013
712
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Bxh8 (1...Qg8 2.Rxf5+ Bf6 3.Qxf6#) 2.Qxh8+ Qg8 3.Rxf5#.
1014
Show/Hide Solution
713
1.Bd5+ Bf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8#; 1...Rf7 2.Qe8#) 2.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (2...Kh8 3.Qxf8#) 3.Re8#.
1015
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd5+ Rf7 (1...Kh8 2.Rxf8#) 2.Rxf8+ Kxf8 3.Qa8#.
1016
714
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ Kh8 2.Qxh6+ gxh6 (2...Qh7 3.Qxh7#) 3.Rg8#.
1017
Show/Hide Solution
715
1.Bg7+ Rxg7 (1...Kxg7 2.Qxh7+ Bxh7 3.Rxh7#) 2.Qxh7+ Rxh7 3.Rxh7#.
1018
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bd5+ Rf7 (1...Re6 2.Bxe6#) 2.Rxf8+ Kxf8 3.Qd8#.
1019
716
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxb8+ Rxb8 (1...Bc8 2.Bb5#; 1...Bd8 2.Rxd8#) 2.Bb5+ Bd7 3.Bxd7#.
1020
Show/Hide Solution
717
1.Bxg7+ Qxg7 (1...Rxg7 2.Qxe8+ Rg8 3.Rhxh7#) 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (2...Qxh7 3.Qxh7#) 3.Qh5#.
1021
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh1+ Rh2 (1...Nh7 2.Rbxh7#; 1...Nh5 2.Rh7#; 1...Nh6 2.Rxh6+ Nh7 (2...Kg8 3.Rg7#) 3.Rb8#)
2.Rh7+ Nxh7 (2...Rxh7 3.g7#) 3.g7#.
1022
718
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf6+ Qxf6 (1...Rg7 2.Qxf8+ Rg8 3.Rxg8#; 1...Qg7 2.Re8#) 2.Re8+ Qf8 3.Rxf8#.
1023
Show/Hide Solution
719
1.Bxe5+ Rf6 (1...Qxe5 2.Qxh7#; 1...Qf6 2.Qxh7#; 1...Qg7 2.Qxh7#) 2.Bxf6+ Qxf6 (2...Qg7
3.Qxh7#) 3.Qxh7#.
1024
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg6+ hxg6 (1...Kh8 2.Bf6#) 2.Qxg6+ Kh8 3.Bf6#.
1025
720
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qc8+ Qf8 (1...Qd8 2.Qxd8#) 2.Bf7+ Kxf7 (2...Kh8 3.Qxf8#) 3.Qe6#.
1026
Show/Hide Solution
721
1.Rg8+ Kxg8 (1...Rxg8 2.Rh7#) 2.Qg3+ Kh8 (2...Kf8 3.Qg7#) 3.Qg7#.
1027
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ Qxf6 2.Ba4+ Nxa4 (2...Ke7 3.Qd6#; 2...Nd7 3.Qxd7#) 3.Qd7#.
1028
722
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Kf7 2.Ne5+ Ke7 3.Qxg7+ Bxg7 4.Rf7#.
1029
Show/Hide Solution
723
1.Ng6+ Kg8 2.Qxh7+ Kxh7 3.Rh3+ Kg8 4.Rh8#.
1030
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kf7 2.Bg6+ Ke7 3.Bxf6+ Kxf6 4.Qh4#.
1031
724
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Qh4+ Kg6 3.Qg5+ Kh7 4.Qh5#.
1032
Show/Hide Solution
725
1.Qg4+ Kh8 2.Qg7+ Rxg7 3.Rxf8+ Rg8 4.Rxg8#.
1033
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh5+ Kxh5 2.Rh1+ Bh4 3.Rg5+ Kh6 4.Rxh4#.
1034
726
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bg7+ Rxg7 2.Qf8+ Rg8 3.Ng6+ hxg6 4.Qh6#.
1035
Show/Hide Solution
727
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qxh6+ Kg8 3.Rd8+ Re8 4.Rxe8#.
1036
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg6+ Kxg6 (1...Kh7 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Qg8#; 1...Kh8 2.Qh4#) 2.Qg5+ Kh7 3.Rh1+ Bh2
4.Rxh2#.
1037
728
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be4+ Rb7 (1...Rc6 2.Qb8#) 2.Qb8+ Rcxb8 3.Rxa7+ Bxa7 4.Nc7#.
1038
Show/Hide Solution
729
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxg7#) 2.Rc8+ Qd8 (2...Bf8 3.Rxf8#) 3.Rxd8+ Bf8 4.Rxf8#.
1039
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qa4+ b5 (1...Kf8 2.Qxa8+ Bc8 3.Qxc8#; 1...Rxa4 2.c8=Q#) 2.cxb6+ Kf8 (2...Rxa4 3.c8=Q#)
3.Qxa8+ Bc8 4.Qxc8#.
1040
730
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd8+ Qxd8 (1...Kf7 2.Qf6#) 2.Qxe6+ Kf8 (2...Kg7 3.Bh6#) 3.Bh6+ Ke8 4.Bh5#.
1041
Show/Hide Solution
731
1.Nxf6+ Kf8 (1...Rxf6 2.Qxg7#; 1...Kh8 2.Qh7#) 2.Qxf7+ Nxf7 3.Re8+ Qxe8 4.Rxe8#.
1042
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg6+ Qxg6 (1...Kf8 2.Qg7+ Ke8 3.Qg8#) 2.Rd8+ Re8 (2...Kh7 3.Rh8#) 3.Rxe8+ Kh7 4.Rh8#.
1043
732
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ra8+ Qd8 (1...Rf8 2.Qf6+ Bxf6 (2...Kg8 3.Qg7#) 3.Rxf8#; 1...Bf8 2.Qxf6+ Kg8 (2...Qg7
3.Rxf8#) 3.Rxf8#) 2.Rxd8+ Rf8 (2...Bxd8 3.Qe8+ Rf8 4.Qxf8#) 3.Qf6+ Bxf6 (3...Kg8 4.Qg7#)
4.Rxf8#.
1044
733
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Rxg7 2.Rc8+ Qe8 (2...Rf8 3.Rxf8#) 3.Rxe8+ Rf8 4.Rxf8#.
1045
Show/Hide Solution
734
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8#) 2.Re8+ Rf8 3.Be6+ Kh8 4.Rxf8#.
1046
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re8+ Nf8 2.Nh6+ Qxh6 (2...Kh8 3.Rxf8#) 3.Rxf8+ Kxf8 4.Qd8#.
1047
735
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxc5+ bxc5 (1...Qd6 2.Qxd6+ Re7 3.Qd8+ Re8 4.e7#; 1...Re7 2.Rd8#) 2.e7+ Rxe7 3.Rd8+ Re8
4.Rdxe8#.
1048
736
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rhxh6+ gxh6 (1...Kg8 2.Rh8#) 2.Qxh6+ Kg8 3.Rg6+ Qg7 4.Rxg7#.
1049
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kg8 2.Qxg7#) 2.Qh5+ Kg8 3.Qxf7+ Kh7 (3...Kh8 4.Qh5#) 4.Qh5#.
1050
737
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxg6+ Nxg6 (1...Rxg6 2.Qxf8+ Rxf8 (2...Rg8 3.Qxg8#) 3.Rxh7#) 2.Qxh7+ Rxh7 3.Rxh7+ Rxh7
4.Rxh7#.
1051
738
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 (1...Kf7 2.Qg6+ Ke7 3.Qe8#) 2.Qh5+ Kg8 (2...Bh6 3.Qxh6+ Kg8 4.Be6#) 3.Be6+
Kf8 4.Qf7#.
1052
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Bxh8 (1...Bf8 2.Qh5+ Rf7 3.Qxf7#; 1...Rf8 2.Qh5#) 2.Qh5+ Rg6 (2...Kf8 3.Qxh8#;
2...Rf7 3.Qxf7#) 3.Qxg6+ Kf8 4.Qf7#.
1053
739
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh5+ Kxh5 (1...Kg6 2.Qxf5#) 2.Qxf5+ exf5 (2...Ng5 3.Nf4#) 3.Nf4+ Kg5 4.Rg6#.
1054
Show/Hide Solution
740
1.Bf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kh7 2.Qg6+ Kh8 3.Rxf8#; 1...Kh8 2.Rxf8+ Kh7 3.Qg6#) 2.Rc7+ Ke8 (2...Kg8
3.Qxg7#; 2...Kf6 3.Qxg7#) 3.Qg6+ Kd8 (3...Rf7 4.Qxf7+ Kd8 5.Qd7#) 4.Qd6+ Ke8 5.Re7#.
1055
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf7+ Bxf7 (1...Ke8 2.Qxg8+ Bf8 3.Qxf8#) 2.Bh6+ Ke8 3.gxf7+ Kxf7 4.Qg7+ Ke8 5.Qg6#.
1056
741
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Rf8 (1...Qe8 2.Rxe8+ Rf8 3.Rxf8#) 2.f7+ Kxf7 (2...Kh8 3.Qxf8#) 3.Re7+ Kg6 (3...Kg8
4.Rxg7+ Kh8 5.Qxf8#) 4.Rxg7+ Kh5 (4...Kh6 5.Qg5#) 5.Qg5#.
1057
742
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf7+ Bxf7 2.Rb8+ Bd8 (2...Bg8 3.Rxg8+ Kxg8 4.Qe8#; 2...Be8 3.Rxe8#) 3.Rxd8+ Bg8 (3...Be8
4.Rxe8#) 4.Rxg8+ Kxg8 5.Qe8#.
1058
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Qxh7 2.Be5+ Qg7 3.Rh3#) 2.Rh3+ Qh6 3.Rxh6+ Kg7 4.Be5+ Kf8 5.Rh8#.
1059
743
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8#) 2.Ra8+ Bd8 (2...Rf8 3.Bc4+ Kh8 4.Rxf8#) 3.Rxd8+ Rf8 4.Bc4+
Kh8 5.Rxf8#.
1060
744
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 (1...Kf7 2.Qxh7+ Kf6 (2...Qg7 3.Qxg7#) 3.Rxf8#) 2.Rxf8+ Ng8 (2...Qg8 3.Be5+
Rf6 4.Bxf6#) 3.Be5+ Rf6 (3...Qg7 4.hxg7#) 4.Bxf6+ Qg7 5.Bxg7#.
1061
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd5+ Kf8 (1...Kh8 2.Qa8+ Qd8 (2...Qf8 3.Qxf8#) 3.Qxd8#; 1...Qe6 2.Qxe6+ Kh8 (2...Kf8
3.Qe8#) 3.Qe8#; 1...Qf7 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Qe8#) 2.Qc5+ Kg8 (2...Qe7 3.Qc8+ Qe8 (3...Qd8
4.Qxd8#) 4.Qxe8#; 2...Qd6 3.Qxd6+ Kg8 4.Qd8#) 3.Qc8+ Qf8 (3...Qd8 4.Qxd8#) 4.Bf7+ Kxf7
(4...Kh8 5.Qxf8#) 5.Qe6#.
1062
745
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne6+ Kh8 (1...Kg8 2.Rxd8+ Ne8 (2...Qf8 3.Rxf8#) 3.Rdxe8+ Qf8 4.Rxf8#) 2.Rxd8+ Ng8
(2...Ne8 3.Rdxe8+ Qf8 4.Rxf8#; 2...Qf8 3.Rxf8+ Ng8 4.Rxg8+ Kxg8 5.Re8#) 3.Rxg8+ Kxg8 4.Re8+
Qf8 5.Rxf8#.
1063
746
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Rd8+ Rf8 3.Be6+ Kh8 4.Rxf8+ Qg8 5.Rxg8#.
1064
Show/Hide Solution
747
1.Rc8+ Nf8 (1...Bf8 2.Nh6#; 1...Nd8 2.Rxd8+ Bf8 3.Nh6#) 2.Qxg7+ Kxg7 3.h6+ Kg8 (3...Kh8
4.Rxf8#) 4.Nf6+ Kh8 5.Rxf8#.
1065
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Qxh7 2.Re8+ Qg8 3.Rh1#) 2.Rh1+ Kg6 3.f5+ Kf7 4.g6+ Kf6 5.Nh5#.
1066
748
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh5+ Nh6 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8#) 3.Rxh6+ Kxh6 (3...Kg8 4.Rh8#) 4.Rh3+ Bh4
5.Rxh4#.
1067
749
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Bxf8 2.Bf6+ Bg7 3.Ra8+ Nb8 (3...Bc8 4.Rxc8+ Nd8 5.Rxd8#; 3...Nd8 4.Rxd8+ Be8
5.Rxe8#; 3...Be8 4.Rxe8#) 4.Rxb8+ Bc8 (4...Be8 5.Rxe8#) 5.Rxc8#.
1068
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxg7#; 1...Kh7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Be6+ Kf6 (2...Kf8 3.Rf3#) 3.Rf3+ Ke5
4.Bxg7+ Ke4 5.Re3#.
1069
750
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8#) 2.Re8+ Rf8 3.Bc4+ Rd5 (3...Kh8 4.Rxf8#; 3...Re6 4.Bxe6+ Kh8
5.Rxf8#) 4.Bxd5+ Kh8 5.Rxf8#.
1070
751
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be5+ Rc7 (1...Nxe5 2.Qd6+ Rc7 (2...Ka7 3.Nc4+ Kb7 4.Qxb6#) 3.Qd8+ Rc8 (3...Ka7 4.Qxc7#)
4.Qxb6#) 2.Nc6+ Kc8 (2...Kb7 3.Qxa8#) 3.Qxa8+ Nb8 4.Qxb8+ Kd7 5.Qd8#.
1071
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be4+ Kxf7 2.Qh5+ Kf8 (2...Kg8 3.Qxe8+ Bf8 4.Qg6+ Bg7 5.Rd8#) 3.Qxe8+ Kxe8 4.Bg6+
Kf8 5.Rd8#.
1072
752
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxe7+ Rxe7 (1...Kg8 2.Bc4+ Rf7 3.Qxf7#; 1...Rf7 2.Ne6+ Kg8 3.Qxe8+ Rf8 4.Qxf8#) 2.Rxe7+
Kg8 (2...Rf7 3.Ne6+ Kg8 4.Re8+ Rf8 5.Rxf8#) 3.Bc4+ Rf7 4.Re8+ Kg7 5.Ne6#.
1073
753
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ Kg8 2.Qe6+ Rf7 3.Qe8+ Rf8 (3...Rxe8 4.Rxe8+ Rf8 5.Rxf8#) 4.Ne7+ Kh8 5.Rxh7+ Kxh7
6.Qh5#.
1074
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ Kg8 2.Bc4+ Rf7 (2...Re6 3.Qxf8#) 3.Qf8+ Rexf8 4.Ne7+ Kh8 5.Rxh7+ Kxh7 6.Rh1#.
1075
754
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh6+ Kxh6 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#; 1...Kf7 2.Qxh7#) 2.Bf8+ Kg5 (2...Rg7 3.Ng8+ Kg5 4.h4+ Kf5
5.e4#) 3.Ne4+ Kf5 4.g4+ Kf4 5.Bh6+ g5 6.Bxg5#.
1076
755
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re8+ Nce6 (1...Be6 2.Rd5#; 1...Nde6 2.Rxd5#) 2.Ng4+ Kf5 3.Rxd5+ Rxd5 4.e4+ Kg5 5.h4+
Kh5 6.Rh8#.
1077
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.h8=Q+ Kf7 3.Rh7+ Ke6 4.Qg8+ Kf6 5.Qg7+ Kg5 (5...Ke6 6.Qf7#) 6.Rh5#.
1078
756
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Nxh7 2.Rd8+ Be8 (2...Nf8 3.Bh7+ Kh8 4.Rxf8+ Ng8 5.Rxg8#) 3.Rxe8+ Nf8 4.Bh7+
Kh8 5.Rxf8+ Ng8 6.Rxg8#.
757
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 23
Discovered Check
The next tactic is discovered check, which, like pinning, can only be used when a long-range piece
opposes the king on a line. The check is called “discovered” if the king is attacked by a piece
different from the one that made the last move. In other words, to give a discovered check, you
should free up the line for one of your pieces, which allows us to consider the discovered check a
special case of the vacation tactic we covered in chapter 6. We should also note that the exact square
to move the “interfering” piece to is almost always crucially important for the combination.
1079
Show/Hide Solution
White’s dark-squared bishop has a lot of squares to move to, but the only mating move is 1.Be7+!,
preventing the black king from reaching f8. 1...Kh6 2.Qg5#.
1080
758
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Nc5+!, white hasn’t just delivered a discovered check: he has put his knight onto a good
square as well! 1...Kf8 2.Nd7#.
Discovered check is a formidable weapon that works in the majority of cases. Thus, beginner
players are advised to watch the safety of their king closely – either avoiding the opposition with the
opponent’s long-range pieces completely, or defending with their own pieces in a timely fashion.
1081
759
Show/Hide Solution
The opposition of the white rook and the black king gives an opportunity to give a discovered
check. To choose the correct square for the white knight, you should calculate the following lines
precisely – 1.Nf5+!, and white delivers a checkmate next move: 1...Kg8 2.Qg7#. Both 1...Qh5
2.Qg7# and 1...Bh5 2.Qg7# change nothing.
1082
760
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Qf6+ Kh6, white gives a discovered check 2.g7+! and then checkmates on the next move:
2...Kh7 3.Ng5# or 2...Kh5 3.Qg5#.
1083
761
Show/Hide Solution
1.f7+ Kh7 2.Ng5#.
1084
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf5+ Kg6 2.Rh6#.
1085
762
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng5+ Kg8 2.Qh7+ Kf8 3.Qh8#.
1086
Show/Hide Solution
763
1.Bf6+ hxg2 (1...Bg3 2.Qg6+ Qg7 3.Qxg7#; 1...Bg5 2.Qg6+ Qg7 3.Qxg7#; 1...Qg7 2.Rxg7#)
2.Qg6+ Qg7 3.Qxg7#.
1087
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng5+ Kf8 (1...Kh8 2.Rxh7#) 2.Nxh7+ Ke8 3.Nf6+ Kf8 4.Rf7#.
1088
764
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be4+ Kg4 (1...Kh6 2.Qf6+ Kh5 3.Qg6#) 2.Qf5+ Kg3 3.Qf3+ Kh2 4.Qg2#.
765
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 24
Combinations
In this chapter, we use the discovered check tactic in conjunction with all other tactics studied in the
previous chapters.
1089
Show/Hide Solution
To deliver checkmate, white first has to use deflection 1.Qg5+!, and after 1...fxg5 he finishes the
game with a discovered check: 2.Bg8#. 1...Kh7 2.Qxh5# is no better.
1090
766
Show/Hide Solution
The “attraction + elimination” combination is decisive: 1.Qxh7+!, and after 1...Kxh7, the
discovered check 2.Rxf8# is checkmate.
1091
767
Show/Hide Solution
The move 1.d8=Q+! combines discovered check with pawn promotion: 1...Rxf7 2.a6#.
1092
Show/Hide Solution
The only winning move is the precise 1.Re7+! Kg8 2.f7+! (“blocking”) 2...Rxf7 3.Re8+ Rf8
4.Rxf8#.
1093
768
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Qxh7 2.f7#.
1094
Show/Hide Solution
769
1.gxh7+ Nxh5 2.Bg6#.
1095
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Bf8#.
1096
770
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bg8+ Bh4 (1...Kxg8 2.Qh7#; 1...gxh3 2.Qh7#) 2.Qh7#.
1097
Show/Hide Solution
771
1.Qh7+ Kxh7 2.hxg7+ Kg8 3.Rh8#.
1098
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg8+ Kxg8 2.Rh8+ Kxh8 3.Bf7#.
1099
772
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Bxd8 (1...Bf8 2.e7+ Kh8 3.exf8=Q#) 2.e7+ Kh8 3.e8=Q#.
1100
Show/Hide Solution
773
1.Bc4+ Kc6 (1...Kxc4 2.b3#; 1...Kd6 2.Qd5#) 2.Qb5+ Kd6 3.Qd5#.
1101
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg6+ fxg6 (1...Qg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.d6+ Qe6 (2...Qd5+ 3.Bxd5#) 3.Bxe6#.
1102
774
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bg6+ Qh6 (1...Kg8 2.Qh8#; 1...Kg7 2.Qh8+ Kxg6 3.Qg8#; 1...Nh7 2.Qxh7#) 2.Qxh6+ Kg8
(2...Nh7 3.Qxh7#) 3.Qh8#.
1103
775
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bxg6+ Kg8 (1...Nxg6 2.Qxh5+ Kg8 3.Qxg6#) 2.Be8+ (2.Bxh5+) 2...Ng6 (2...Kh7 3.Qg7#)
3.Qxg6#.
1104
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf5+ Kg8 2.Qf8+ Kxf8 (2...Kh7 3.Qxg7#) 3.Rc8#.
1105
776
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be6+ Kh5 2.g4+ Kh4 3.Ng6+ Kh3 4.g5#.
1106
Show/Hide Solution
777
1.Rxc8+ Kb7 (1...Rxc8 2.e5+ Rc6 3.Bxc6#) 2.Rc7+ Ka8 3.e5+ Rd5 4.Bxd5#.
1107
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ Kg8 (1...Kg7 2.f6+ Kxg6 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8#) 3.Rh6#) 2.Rh8+ Kg7 3.f6+ Kxg6 4.Rh6#.
1108
778
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re8+ Nc8 2.Rxc8+ Kxc8 3.Ra8+ Nb8 4.f6+ Kd8 5.Rxb8#.
1109
Show/Hide Solution
779
1.Bxa7+ Kxa7 2.Bc8+ Kb8 3.Qa8+ Kxc7 4.Qb7+ Kd8 5.Qd7#.
1110
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Kxg8 (1...Ke7 2.Ng6+ Kd6 (2...Rfxg6 3.Qe8+ Kf6 4.Qf8#; 2...Kd7 3.Qe8+ Kd6 4.Rc6#;
2...Rgxg6 3.Qe8+ Kd6 4.Rc6#) 3.c5+ Kd7 (3...Qxc5 4.Qd8#) 4.Qe8#) 2.Ng6+ Qd8 (2...Kf7 3.Rf8#;
2...Kh7 3.Rh8#; 2...Rf8 3.Rxf8+ Kh7 4.Rh8#) 3.Rxd8+ Rf8 (3...Kf7 4.Rf8#; 3...Kh7 4.Rh8#) 4.Rxf8+
Kh7 5.Rh8#.
1111
780
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg8+ Kh5 (1...Kh6 2.Rh4+ Rh5 3.Bf8#) 2.Rh4+ Kxh4 3.Be7+ Rg5 (3...Kh5 4.g4+ Kh6 5.Bf8#)
4.Bxg5+ Kh5 (4...Kg3 5.Bf6#) 5.g4#.
1112
781
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re5+ Qxe5 2.Nf6+ Qxf6+ 3.Kc7+ Qc6+ (3...Rd7+ 4.Bxd7#) 4.Bxc6+ Rd7+ 5.Bxd7#.
1113
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh5+ Kg8 (1...gxh5 2.Rg7+ Kh6 3.f5#) 2.Rxg6+ fxg6 (2...Kf8 3.Qxh8#) 3.Qxg6+ Kf8 4.Qg7+
Ke8 5.Qe7#.
1114
782
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Rxh7+ Kg8 (2...Kxh7 3.Bf7+ Kg7 4.Qh6#) 3.Bf7+ Kf8 4.Qh6+ Ke7
5.Bg6+ Kd8 6.Qf8#; 1...Kf8 2.Qxf6#) 2.Bh6+ Kxh6 (2...Kg8 3.Qg4+ Kh8 4.Qg7#; 2...Kh8
3.Qxf6+ Kg8 4.Qg7#) 3.Bg6+ Kg7 4.Qxh7+ Kf8 5.Qf7#.
1115
783
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re4+ dxe4 2.Ng4+ Nxh8 (2...Nge5 3.Rd1+ Qd2+ 4.Rxd2+ exd2 5.e3#; 2...Nf6 3.Bxf6+ Ne5
4.Bxe5#; 2...Nde5 3.Rd1+ Qd2+ 4.Rxd2+ exd2 5.e3#) 3.Rd1+ Qd2+ 4.Rxd2+ exd2 5.e3#.
1116
784
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf8+ Bxf8 2.Ng6+ hxg6 (2...Kg8 3.Bd5+ Ne6 4.Bxe6#) 3.hxg6+ Kg8 4.Bd5+ Ne6 5.Bxe6#.
1117
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg6+ Rg7 (1...Qxe5 2.Rxh6#; 1...Kh7 2.Rxh6#; 1...f6 2.Rxh6#) 2.Rxh6+ Kg8 3.Ne7+ Kf8
4.Rh8+ Rg8 5.Rxg8#.
1118
785
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ Kxg6 2.Bh5+ Kh7 (2...Kh6 3.Be8#) 3.Bf7+ Bh6 4.Rxh6+ Kxh6 5.Rh1#.
1119
Show/Hide Solution
786
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Qh5+ Kg7 (2...Rh6 3.Qxh6#) 3.Bh6+ Rxh6 (3...Kh8 4.Bf8+ Rh6 5.Qxh6#;
3...Kh7 4.Bf8+ Rh6 5.Qxh6#) 4.Rxf7+ Kh8 5.Qxh6#.
1120
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Kg2+ Qh3+ (2...Bh6 3.Rhxh6+ Kg7 4.Rfg6#) 3.Rxh3+ Bh6 4.Rhxh6+ Kg7
5.Rfg6#.
1121
787
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd8+ Kxd8 2.Ne4+ Kc8 (2...Ke8 3.Rb8#) 3.Rd8+ Kxd8 4.Rb8+ Kd7 5.Nc5#.
1122
Show/Hide Solution
788
1.Qxc7+ Ka7 (1...Ka8 2.Nb6+ Nxb6 (2...Ka7 3.Qxb7#) 3.Qxb7#) 2.Qxb7+ Kxb7 3.Nb6+ Kb8
(3...Ka7 4.Rc7+ Kb8 5.Rb7#) 4.Nd7+ Ka7 5.Rc7#.
1123
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Ng4+ Bd4 (2...Kg8 3.Nh6#; 2...Qe5 3.Bxe5+ Kg8 4.Nh6#) 3.Bxd4+ Qe5
(3...Kg8 4.Nh6#) 4.Bxe5+ Kg8 5.Nh6#.
1124
789
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh6+ gxh6 (1...Kg8 2.Qxg7#) 2.g7+ Kg8 3.Bh7+ Kxh7 4.gxf8=Q+ Kg6 (4...Nf7 5.Qxf7+
Kh8 6.Qg7#) 5.Rg7+ Kh5 6.Qf5#.
1125
790
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nc6+ Kc5 2.Be2+ Kxd5 (2...Nc4 3.Qxc4#) 3.Bf3+ Ke6 4.Qf5+ Kxf5 5.Nd4+ Kxf4 6.Bxd6#.
1126
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe4+ Kb6 2.a5+ Ka6 3.Qxe6+ b6 (3...Bxe6 4.Nc7#; 3...Qxe6 4.Nc7#; 3...Bc6 4.Nc7#)
4.axb6+ Kb7 5.Qxd7+ Kxb6 (5...Kb8 6.Qc7#) 6.Qc7#.
1127
791
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxb7+ Kxb7 (1...Kc8 2.Ne7+ Kd8 3.Qb6+ Ke8 (3...Nc7 4.Qxc7+ Ke8 5.Qc8#) 4.Rb8+ Kxe7
(4...Kd7 5.Qd6#; 4...Nd8 5.Qxd8#) 5.Qd6#; 1...Ka8 2.Qa7#) 2.Qb6+ Kc8 (2...Ka8 3.Nc7#) 3.Ne7+
Kd7 4.Qd6+ Ke8 5.Bc6+ Kf8 6.Nf5#.
1128
792
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ hxg6 (1...Kg8 2.Qxb3+ Re6 (2...Rc4 3.Qxc4+; 2...Rd5 3.Qxd5+; 2...Qe6 3.Qxe6+ Rxe6
4.Rxf8#; 2...Qf7 3.Qxf7#) 3.Qxe6+ Qxe6 (3...Qf7 4.Qxf7#) 4.Rxf8#; 1...Qxg6 2.Qxf8+ Rxf8
3.Rxf8#) 2.hxg6+ Rh4 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8+ Kxh8 4.Qh5+ Kg8 5.Qh7#) 3.Rxh4+ Kg8 (3...Qxh4
4.Qxf8+ Rxf8 5.Rxf8#) 4.Rh8+ Kxh8 5.Qh5+ Kg8 6.Qh7#.
793
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 25
Double Check
The next tactical pattern is a special case of a discovered check; it’s called a double check. Double
check is a simultaneous attack on the king by two pieces.
Such a position can occur only with a discovered check. A king in double check has no defense
other than to run away. If the king has no moves after a double check, it’s checkmate!
1129
Show/Hide Solution
In the line 1.Nh6+!, the black king is attacked both by the queen and the knight. After the only
possible move 1...Kh8, white checkmates with 2.Qg8#.
In the next example, the decisive factor is the opposition of the black king and the white rook along
the f-file, which allows white to give a double check:
794
1130
Show/Hide Solution
After the double check 1.Nh5+!, the black king has only one escape square – 1...Ke6, and this
allows white to give checkmate: 2.Bd7#.
We should note that white has other discovered checks at his disposal, including another double
check – 1.Nxd5+, but all of them lead to a poor position for white.
Let’s look at another couple of examples:
1131
795
Show/Hide Solution
There are several possible ways to reach the black king, but the only way to win is: 1.Nf6+!, and
after either king retreat, white checkmates with 2.Bxe7#.
1132
796
Show/Hide Solution
The decisive move is 1.R1c6+ Ke5 2.Re7#. It’s impossible to interpose against a double check, and
the black king has nowhere to go – that’s checkmate!
1133
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf7+ Kg8 2.Nh6#.
1134
797
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxd6+ Ke7 2.Nf5#.
1135
Show/Hide Solution
798
1.Nf6+ Kf8 2.Qe8#.
1136
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf7+ Kh8 2.Rh7#.
1137
799
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nd5+ Ke8 2.Nc7#.
1138
Show/Hide Solution
800
1.Nc7+ Kb8 2.Na6#.
1139
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf7+ Kg8 2.Qh8#.
1140
801
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ Kf7 2.Nxh8#.
1141
Show/Hide Solution
802
1.Nf6+ Kh6 (1...Kh8 2.Rh1#) 2.Rh1#.
1142
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ba5+ Kc8 (1...Ke8 2.Rd8#) 2.Rd8#.
1143
803
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh7+ Kg8 2.Rh8#.
1144
Show/Hide Solution
804
1.Rd7+ Ke8 (1...Kf8 2.Rd8#) 2.Rd8#.
1145
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bg8+ Kh8 (1...Kh6 2.Rh7#) 2.Rh7#.
1146
805
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bd5+ Ke8 2.Bf7+ Kf8 3.Ne6#.
1147
Show/Hide Solution
806
1.Re5+ Kh4 (1...Kf6 2.Bg5#) 2.Bg5+ Kh5 3.Bg4#.
1148
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne5+ Kg7 (1...Kh6 2.Qg6#; 1...Kh5 2.Qh7#) 2.Qg6+ Kh8 (2...Kf8 3.Qf7#) 3.Nf7#.
1149
807
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne8+ Kh6 (1...Kg8 2.Qg7#; 1...Kf8 2.Qh8#) 2.Qg7+ Kh5 3.Nf6#.
1150
Show/Hide Solution
808
1.Nc6+ Kc8 (1...Ka8 2.Qb8#) 2.Qb8+ Kd7 3.Qd8#.
809
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 26
Combinations
In this chapter, we use the double check tactic in conjunction with all other tactics we studied in the
previous chapter.
1151
Show/Hide Solution
The decisive move is attraction with 1.Qg7+! Kxg7, followed by a double check: 2.Rxg6#.
1152
810
Show/Hide Solution
White promotes the pawn to a knight with a double check and delivers an elegant finish: 1.c8=N+!
Ka8 2.Ra7#.
1153
811
Show/Hide Solution
After seizing the square with 1.Qg5+! Rxg5 2.hxg5#, the double check becomes a checkmate.
1154
Show/Hide Solution
White gives a discovered check 1.Nxd7+! to finish the game with double check after 1...Nxe2
2.Nf6# or 1...Ne6 2.Nf6#. Black can’t save the game after 1...Qe7 2.Qxe7# either.
1155
812
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Nxf5#.
1156
Show/Hide Solution
813
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 2.Bxd5#.
1157
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kxh7 2.g8=Q#.
1158
814
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg8+ Kxg8 2.Rd8#.
1159
Show/Hide Solution
815
1.Qh7+ Kxh7 2.Nxf6#.
1160
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3#.
1161
816
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg6#.
1162
Show/Hide Solution
817
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.hxg6#.
1163
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg5#.
1164
818
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qc6+ Kxc6 2.Ne5#.
1165
Show/Hide Solution
819
1.Bxg7+ Kxg7 2.Qh7#.
1166
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd6+ Kxd6 2.Bb4#.
1167
820
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg5#.
1168
Show/Hide Solution
821
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Bf6#.
1169
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh4#.
1170
822
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ra8+ Rxa8 2.Nc8#.
1171
Show/Hide Solution
823
1.Nf5+ Kg8 2.Nh6#.
1172
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf8+ Kxf8 (1...Kg7 2.Qf7#) 2.Bh6#.
1173
824
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bh6+ Kxh6 (1...Kf6 2.Qg5#; 1...Kh7 2.Qg7#) 2.Rh1#.
1174
Show/Hide Solution
825
1.Bf6+ Kxf6 (1...Kxh6 2.Qg5#) 2.Ng8#.
1175
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxf6+ Kf7 2.Rxd7+ Kxf6 3.Bg5#.
1176
826
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Nxf7+ Kg8 3.Nh6#.
1177
Show/Hide Solution
827
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 2.Rxe8+ Kg7 3.Nf5#.
1178
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg6+ Rxg6 2.hxg6+ Kg8 3.Rh8#.
1179
828
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Ng6+ Kg8 3.Rh8#.
1180
Show/Hide Solution
829
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh5+ Kg7 3.Rh7#.
1181
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Kxd8 2.Bg5+ Ke8 3.Rd8#.
1182
830
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Kxd8 2.Nc6+ Ke8 3.Rd8#.
1183
Show/Hide Solution
831
1.Nf8+ Kh8 2.Qh7+ Nxh7 3.Nfg6#.
1184
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Rd8+ Kh7 3.Rh8#.
1185
832
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ Kxf8 2.Bd6+ Ke8 3.Rf8#.
1186
Show/Hide Solution
833
1.Nxf6+ Kh8 2.Qg8+ Rxg8 3.Nf7#.
1187
Show/Hide Solution
1.hxg6+ Kxg6 2.Be4+ Kf7 3.Rh7#.
1188
834
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Kxd8 2.Ba5+ Kc8 3.Rd8#.
1189
Show/Hide Solution
835
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Rxh6+ Kg8 3.Rh8#.
1190
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg6+ Kh8 2.Qg8+ Rxg8 3.Nf7#.
1191
836
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kxh7 2.Nf6+ Kh8 3.Ng6#.
1192
Show/Hide Solution
837
1.Qh7+ Kxh7 2.Re7+ Kh8 3.Rh7#.
1193
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf8+ Kh8 2.Qh7+ Nxh7 3.Ng6#.
1194
838
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ Kxf8 2.Ne6+ Kg8 3.Rf8#.
1195
Show/Hide Solution
839
1.Qg7+ Kxg7 2.Nf5+ Kg8 3.Ne7#.
1196
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qa8+ Kxa8 2.Nb6+ Kb8 3.Ra8#.
1197
840
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg5+ Kh6 3.Bg7#.
1198
Show/Hide Solution
841
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Ng6+ Kg8 3.Rh8#.
1199
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Ne6+ Ke8 3.Nxg7#.
1200
842
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg5+ Kh6 3.Bg7#.
1201
Show/Hide Solution
843
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Bg8+ Kh8 3.Rh7#.
1202
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Kxg8 2.Be6+ Kh8 3.Rg8#.
1203
844
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nh6+ Kh8 2.Qg8+ Rxg8 3.Nf7#.
1204
Show/Hide Solution
845
1.Qh8+ Kxh8 2.Bf6+ Kg8 3.Rh8#.
1205
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Bxh8 2.Ne7+ Kf8 3.Rg8#.
1206
846
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Kxd8 2.Bg5+ Ke8 3.Rd8#.
1207
Show/Hide Solution
847
1.Nf8+ Kg8 (1...Kh8 2.Ng6+ Kh7 3.Rh8#) 2.Ng6+ Kf7 3.Rf8#.
1208
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf8+ Kh7 (1...Kxf8 2.Ng6#) 2.Bg8+ Kh8 3.Ng6#.
1209
848
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxa6+ bxa6 (1...Na7 2.Rxa7#) 2.b7+ Ka7 3.b8=Q#.
1210
Show/Hide Solution
849
1.Qg7+ Ke7 (1...Kxg7 2.f8=Q#) 2.f8=Q+ Ke6 3.Bxc4#.
1211
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg6+ Kh8 (1...Qxg6 2.hxg6#; 1...fxg6 2.hxg6#) 2.fxg7+ Rxg7 3.Qxg7#.
1212
850
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bf6+ Kh6 (1...Kf8 2.Rd8#) 2.Bg7+ Kh5 3.Rh6#.
1213
Show/Hide Solution
851
1.Qxb7+ Kxb7 2.Nc5+ Kc7 (2...Kb8 3.Na6#) 3.Na6#.
1214
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxh6+ Kh8 (1...Kxf8 2.Qf7#) 2.Qg8+ Nxg8 3.Nf7#.
1215
852
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Kxd8 2.Bg5+ Kc7 (2...Ke8 3.Rd8#) 3.Bd8#.
1216
Show/Hide Solution
853
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Bd6+ Ke8 (2...Kg8 3.Rxd8#) 3.Bc6#.
1217
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kf8 2.Qh8#) 2.Nf6+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.Nf7#) 3.Nf7#.
1218
854
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Kh8 (1...Kxf7 2.Rf5#) 2.Qxe8+ Bf8 3.Qxf8#.
1219
Show/Hide Solution
855
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Bd6+ Kg8 (2...Ke8 3.Rf8#) 3.Rf8#.
1220
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Kxe8 2.Bb5+ Kf7 (2...Kd8 3.Re8#) 3.Be8#.
1221
856
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Kxe8 2.Bb5+ Kd8 (2...Kf8 3.Re8#) 3.Re8#.
1222
Show/Hide Solution
857
1.Qg7+ Kxg7 2.Nf5+ Kf7 (2...Kg8 3.Nh6#) 3.Nh6#.
1223
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg4+ Kh5 (1...Kxg4 2.Be2#) 2.Bf7+ Kxg4 (2...Bg6 3.Rh4#; 2...g6 3.Rh4#) 3.h3#.
1224
858
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kf8 2.Qh8#) 2.hxg6+ Kg8 3.Rh8#.
1225
Show/Hide Solution
859
1.Qh6+ Bxh6 (1...Kg8 2.Qh8+ Bxh8 3.Nh6#) 2.Ng5+ Kh8 3.Rh7#.
1226
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg3+ Kf6 (2...Kh8 3.Nxf7#) 3.Nd7#.
1227
860
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rc8+ Ka7 (1...Kxc8 2.Nb6#) 2.Bb8+ Ka8 3.Nb6#.
1228
Show/Hide Solution
861
1.Qxc7+ Kxc7 2.Bxe5+ Kb6 (2...Kd7 3.Rc7#) 3.Bc7#.
1229
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Nf6+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.Rh3#) 3.Rh3#.
1230
862
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rf7+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.Rh7#) 3.Rh7#.
1231
Show/Hide Solution
863
1.Qxg5+ fxg5 (1...Kf7 2.Bh5#) 2.Rh8+ Kf7 3.Bh5#.
1232
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kd7 2.Qxg4+ f5 3.Qxf5#) 2.Nxe5+ Ke6 (2...Ke7 3.Qf7#; 2...Kg7 3.Qxg4#)
3.Qf7#.
1233
864
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ Kh8 (1...Kh6 2.Qh7+ Rxh7 3.Ng8#) 2.Qh7+ Rxh7 3.Rg8#.
1234
Show/Hide Solution
865
1.Qxc8+ Kxc8 2.Be6+ Kb8 (2...Kd8 3.Rc8#) 3.Rc8#.
1235
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg8+ Kxg8 2.Ne7+ Kf8 (2...Kh8 3.Rh1#; 2...Kh7 3.Rh1#) 3.Ng6#.
1236
866
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxg6+ Bxg6 (1...Kg8 2.Ne7+ Kf7 (2...Kh8 3.Qg7#) 3.Qg6#) 2.Rxh7+ Bxh7 (2...Kxh7
3.Qxg6+ Kh8 4.Qg7#) 3.Qg7#.
1237
867
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg4+ Kxf6 (1...Nxg4 2.Rd6#) 2.Bxe5+ Ke7 (2...Kxe5 3.Qf5#) 3.Qd7#.
1238
Show/Hide Solution
1.gxf6+ Kh8 (1...Kxh6 2.Be3#) 2.Rg8+ Rxg8 3.Nxf7#.
1239
868
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Qh6#) 2.Rxg5+ Kf8 (2...Kh8 3.Qh6#; 2...Kh7 3.Qh3#) 3.Rg8#.
1240
Show/Hide Solution
869
1.Qxe6+ Qxe6 (1...Re7 2.Qg8#; 1...Kf8 2.Rd8#) 2.Rd8+ Kf7 3.Rf8#.
1241
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf8+ Kxf8 2.Bh6+ Kg8 (2...Ke8 3.Rf8#) 3.Rf8#.
1242
870
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ Rxf8 2.Nd6+ Ke7 3.Nf5+ Ke8 4.Nxg7#.
1243
Show/Hide Solution
871
1.Rg6+ Kh7 2.Rg7+ Kh8 3.Rh7+ Kg8 4.Rh8#.
1244
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nb6+ Ka7 2.Nc8+ Ka8 3.Qa7+ Nxa7 4.Nb6#.
1245
872
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxb7+ Ka8 2.Rb8+ Kxb8 3.Bf4+ Rd6 4.Bxd6#.
1246
Show/Hide Solution
873
1.Ng6+ Kh7 2.Nf8+ Kh8 3.Qh7+ Nxh7 4.Ng6#.
1247
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf8+ Kxf8 2.Nd7+ Rxd7 3.Rc8+ Rd8 4.Rxd8#.
1248
874
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be7+ Ke8 2.Rf8+ Kd7 3.Bf6+ Qe7 4.Rxe7#.
1249
Show/Hide Solution
875
1.Rxg7+ Kh8 (1...Kxg7 2.Ne6+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.Qg7#) 3.Qg5#) 2.Rxh7+ Kg8 3.Ne6+ Kxh7
(3...Ng6 4.Qxg6#) 4.Qg7#.
1250
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Nxh7 2.gxh7+ Kh8 (2...Kf8 3.h8=Q#) 3.Nf7+ Kxh7 4.Nxf6#.
1251
876
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Kxg8 (1...Rxg8 2.Nf7#) 2.Ne7+ Kf8 (2...Kh8 3.Nf7#) 3.N7g6+ hxg6 4.Nxg6#.
1252
Show/Hide Solution
877
1.Qxh6+ Rxh6 (1...Kxh6 2.Rh3#; 1...Kg8 2.Qh8#) 2.Rg7+ Kh8 3.Rg8+ Kh7 4.R1g7#.
1253
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf8+ Kh8 (1...Kg8 2.Ne7+ Kh8 3.Nfg6+ Kh7 4.Rh8#) 2.Ng6+ Kh7 3.Rh8+ Kxg6 4.Ne7#.
1254
878
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kf8 2.Qh8#) 2.Nf6+ Kg7 3.Nxe8+ Kg8 (3...Kf8 4.Rh8#) 4.Rh8#.
1255
Show/Hide Solution
879
1.Qxe6+ Qxe6 (1...Bxe6 2.Rxg7+ Kh8 3.Rh7+ Kg8 4.Rh8#; 1...Kh8 2.Bxg7#; 1...Rf7 2.Qxf7+
Kh8 3.Qxg7#) 2.Rxg7+ Kh8 3.Rh7+ Kg8 4.Rh8#.
1256
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe7+ Kxe7 2.Nxg6+ Kd8 (2...Kd6 3.Nf7#) 3.Nf7+ Kc8 4.Ne7#.
1257
880
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Nf6+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.Rh3+ Qh5 4.Rxh5#) 3.Rh3+ Qh5 4.Rxh5#.
1258
Show/Hide Solution
881
1.Rc8+ Kb7 (1...Kxc8 2.Bxa6+ Kd8 (2...Kb8 3.Qc8#) 3.Qc8#) 2.Bd5+ Rxd5 (2...Nxd5 3.Rb8+
Kxb8 4.Qc8#; 2...Qc6 3.Qxc6#) 3.Rb8+ Kxb8 4.Qc8#.
1259
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh5+ Kg8 (2...Kg6 3.Nf4#) 3.Ne7+ Kf8 4.Ng6#.
1260
882
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kd7 2.Qf5+ Kd6 3.Qe6#) 2.Ne5+ Ke6 (2...Kg7 3.Qf7#; 2...Kg8 3.Qf7#;
2...Ke7 3.Qf7+ Kd6 4.Nc4#) 3.Qf7+ Kd6 (3...Kf5 4.g4#) 4.Nc4#.
1261
883
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nhg6+ Kh7 2.Nf8+ Kh8 (2...Kh6 3.Qg6#) 3.Qh7+ Ngxh7 (3...Nfxh7 4.Nfg6#) 4.Nfg6#.
1262
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.hxg6+ Kxg6 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8#) 3.Rh6+ Kg5 4.R1h5#.
1263
884
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Nf6+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.Ng6#) 3.Neg4+ Kg5 4.h4#.
1264
Show/Hide Solution
885
1.Bxe5+ Rxe5 (1...Kg8 2.Rg7+ Kh8 3.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (3...Kg8 4.Qxg6#) 4.Qxg6#; 1...Bf6 2.Rxh7+
Kxh7 (2...Kg8 3.Qxg6+ Bg7 4.Qxg7#) 3.Qxg6+ Kh8 4.Qh7#; 1...Rf6 2.Bxf6+ Bxf6 (2...Kg8
3.Qe8#) 3.Qe8#) 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (2...Kg8 3.Qxg6#) 3.Qxg6+ Kh8 4.Qh7#.
1265
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd7+ Bxd7 2.Nd6+ Kd8 3.Nf7+ Kc8 4.Re8+ Bxe8 5.Rd8#.
1266
886
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Nxg7 2.Rxg7+ Kh8 3.Rg8+ Kxg8 4.Rg1+ Qg5 5.Rxg5#.
1267
Show/Hide Solution
887
1.Nd7+ Kxb7 2.Qb8+ Ka6 3.Qb6+ Rxb6 4.Nxc5+ Ka5 5.b4#.
1268
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rg6+ Kh7 3.Rg7+ Kh8 4.Rh7+ Kg8 5.Rh8#.
1269
888
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Rxh7 2.Ne7+ Kf8 (2...Kh8 3.Rg8#) 3.Rg8+ Kxe7 4.Re8#; 1...Kf7 2.Nxe5+
Ke7 (2...Kf8 3.Qh8+ Ke7 4.Qe8#) 3.Rxg7+ Kd8 (3...Qxg7 4.Qxg7+ Kd8 5.Qf8#; 3...Qf7 4.Rxf7+
Ke8 5.Qg8#; 3...Kf8 4.Qh8#) 4.Qg8+ Qf8 5.Qxf8#) 2.Bg4+ Qh4 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8+ Kf7 4.Rf8#)
3.Rxh4+ Kg8 4.Rh8+ Kf7 5.Rf8#.
1270
889
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Bxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Nf7+ Bxf7 3.Rg8+ Kh7 4.Rh8#) 2.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (2...Kh8 3.Ng6+ Bxg6
4.Rg8+ Kh7 5.hxg6#) 3.Nd7+ Nf6 (3...Kh7 4.Nf8#) 4.Bxf6+ Kh7 5.Nf8#.
1271
890
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.Qh2+ Kg8 3.Qh7+ Kxh7 4.Nf6+ Kh6 (4...Kh8 5.Rh1#) 5.Rh1#.
1272
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bf5+ Kh8 2.Nf7+ Kg8 3.Nxh6+ Kh8 (3...Kf8 4.Qf7#) 4.Qg8+ Nxg8 5.Nf7#.
1273
891
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng5+ Kh8 (1...Kh6 2.Nf7+ Kh7 3.Qh6+ Bxh6 4.Ng5+ Kh8 5.Rh7#) 2.Nf7+ Kh7 3.Qh6+
Bxh6 4.Ng5+ Kh8 5.Rh7#.
1274
892
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ Kb7 (1...Nb8 2.Qxb8#) 2.Na5+ Kb6 3.Nd5+ Kxa5 4.Qb4+ Naxb4 (4...Rxb4 5.axb4#;
4...Ncxb4 5.axb4#; 4...Qxb4 5.axb4#) 5.axb4#.
1275
Show/Hide Solution
1.gxf7+ Kxh7 (1...Kf8 2.Rg8+ Ke7 3.f8=Q+ Ke6 4.Rg6#) 2.Qh1+ Nh6 (2...Nh4 3.Qxh4#)
3.Qe4+ Nf5 (3...Kh8 4.Qe5+ Kh7 5.Qg7#) 4.Qxf5+ Kh6 (4...Kh8 5.Qh5#) 5.Qg6#.
1276
893
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rd7+ Kg6 3.Rg7+ Kf5 4.Rf1+ Qf4 (4...Qf2+ 5.Rxf2#) 5.Rxf4#.
1277
Show/Hide Solution
894
1.Qxg8+ Ke7 (1...Kxg8 2.Nf6#) 2.Rxd7+ Kxd7 3.Qxf7+ Kd8 (3...Kc8 4.Qc7#) 4.Qc7+ Kxe8
5.Rh8#.
1278
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kf8 2.Qh8#) 2.Nf6+ Kxh6 (2...Kh8 3.Bxg7+ Kxg7 (3...Rxg7 4.Rh3+ Rh7
5.Rxh7#) 4.Rg3+ Kxf6 (4...Kh6 5.Rg6#; 4...Kh8 5.Rg8#; 4...Kf8 5.Rg8#) 5.Rg6#) 3.Rh3+ Kg5
4.Rg3+ Kxf6 (4...Kf4 5.Rg4#; 4...Kh4 5.Rg4#; 4...Kh6 5.Rg6#) 5.Rg6#.
1279
895
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxg6+ Kg7 (1...fxg6 2.Qe7#) 2.Ne8+ Kxg6 (2...Kh7 3.Qg7#; 2...Kg8 3.Qg7#) 3.Qf6+ Kh5
(3...Kh7 4.Qg7#) 4.Ng7+ Kg4 5.Qf5#.
1280
896
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Kh8 2.Qg8+ Kxg8 (2...Rxg8 3.Nf7#) 3.Ne7+ Kf8 (3...Kh8 4.Nf7#) 4.N5g6+ hxg6
5.Nxg6#.
1281
Show/Hide Solution
1.dxc7+ Kb6 (1...Kb5 2.Qb4#; 1...Kd5 2.Nf6#) 2.Qb4+ Ka7 3.Nc6+ Qxc6 4.Qb8+ Rxb8
5.c8=N#.
1282
897
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.hxg6+ Kg7 (2...Kg8 3.Rh8+ Kg7 4.R1h7#) 3.Rh7+ Kg8 4.Rh8+ Kg7 5.R1h7#.
1283
Show/Hide Solution
898
1.Qf6+ Kg8 (1...Rg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Qg7+ Rxg7 3.Nf6+ Kh8 4.hxg7+ Kxg7 5.Rh7#.
1284
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Kxd8 2.Nxe6+ Ke7 (2...Kc8 3.Rd8#; 2...Ke8 3.Nxg7+ Bxg7 4.Bg5+ Qe6 5.Rd8#)
3.Bg5+ f6 (3...Ke8 4.Rd8#) 4.Nd8+ Re3 (4...Qe2 5.Rxe2+ Re3 6.Rxe3#; 4...Qe6 5.Rxe6#) 5.Rxe3+
Qe6 6.Rxe6#.
1285
899
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re5+ Kd7 (1...Bxe5 2.Qe6+ Qe7 3.Qxe7#; 1...Nxe5 2.Qe6+ Qe7 3.Qxe7#; 1...fxe5 2.Qe6+ Qe7
3.Qxe7#; 1...Qe7 2.Rxe7+ Kf8 3.Qxf7#) 2.Qe6+ Kc6 3.Rc5+ Kb6 4.Bc7+ Ka7 (4...Kxc5 5.Qc4#)
5.Ra5+ Qa6 6.Qxa6#.
1286
900
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Kxd8 (1...Kf7 2.e6+ Kg6 (2...Kxe6 3.Nf4+ Kf7 4.Ne5#; 2...Bxe6 3.Ne5#) 3.Nf4+ Kh6
4.Qh4#) 2.Bg5+ Ke8 3.Rd8+ Kf7 4.e6+ Kxe6 (4...Bxe6 5.Ne5#; 4...Kg6 5.Nf4#) 5.Nf4+ Kf7
6.Ne5#.
1287
901
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bh7+ Kh8 2.Nxf7+ Rxf7 3.Ng6+ Kxh7 4.Nf8+ Kg8 (4...Kh8 5.Qh7#) 5.Qh7+ Kxf8 6.Qh8#.
1288
Show/Hide Solution
902
1.Bb4+ Ke6 2.exd5+ Kxd5 (2...Kf5 3.Bd7#) 3.Bb3+ Kxd4 4.Bc5+ Kd3 5.Bc4+ Kd2 6.Bb4#.
1289
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf7+ Kg8 (1...Kg7 2.Qxh6+ Kg8 3.Qh8+ Bxh8 4.Nh6#; 1...Rxf7 2.Re8+ Rf8 (2...Kg7 3.Qxh6#;
2...Kh7 3.Qxh6#) 3.Rxf8+ Kg7 (3...Kh7 4.Qxh6#) 4.Qxh6#; 1...Kh7 2.Qxh6+ Kg8 3.Qh8+ Bxh8
4.Nh6#) 2.Nxh6+ Kh8 3.Nf7+ Kg7 (3...Kg8 4.Qh8+ Bxh8 5.Nh6#) 4.Qh6+ Kg8 5.Qh8+ Bxh8
6.Nh6#.
1290
903
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne5+ Rxe5 (1...fxe5 2.Bxe4+ Kh5 (2...Kh6 3.Rh7#; 2...Kf6 3.Rg6#) 3.Bg6+ Kh4 (3...Kh6
4.Rh7#) 4.Rh7+ Qh6 5.Rxh6#; 1...Kf5 2.Bh3#; 1...Kh5 2.Rh1#; 1...Kh6 2.Rh1#) 2.Bxe4+ Kh5
(2...Kh6 3.Rh7#) 3.Bg6+ (3.Rh7+ Qh6 4.Bg6+ Kh4 5.Rxh6+ Rh5 6.Rxh5#) 3...Kh4 (3...Kh6
4.Rh7#) 4.Rh7+ Qh6 (4...Rh5 5.Rxh5#) 5.Rxh6+ Rh5 6.Rxh5#.
1291
904
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bxg6+ Kxg6 (1...Kg8 2.Qf7#) 2.Qe8+ Kh7 (2...Kg7 3.Ra7+ Kg8 4.Qf7#; 2...Kg7 3.Ra7+ Kg8
(3...Nd7 4.Rxd7#) 4.Qf7#) 3.Ra7+ Bg7 (3...Nd7 4.Qxd7+ Kg6 (4...Kg8 5.Qf7#; 4...Bg7 5.Qxg7#)
5.Qf7#; 3...Kg8 4.Qf7#) 4.Qxh5+ Kg8 (4...Nh6 5.Qxh6+ Kg8 6.Rxg7#) 5.Qf7+ Kh7 (5...Kh8
6.Qxg7#) 6.Qxg7#.
1292
905
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be6+ Kh7 (1...Kh8 2.Be5+ Kh7 3.Rf7+ Kg8 4.Rf8+ Kh7 5.Bg8#; 1...Kg7 2.Be5+ Kh7 3.Rf7+
Kg8 4.Rf8+ Kh7 5.Bg8#) 2.Rf7+ Kg8 (2...Kh8 3.Be5+ Kg8 4.Rf8+ Kh7 5.Bg8#) 3.Rf8+ Kh7
(3...Kg7 4.Be5+ Kh7 5.Bg8#) 4.Bg8+ Kg7 (4...Kh8 5.Be5+ Qf6 6.Bxf6#) 5.Be5+ Qf6 6.Bxf6#.
906
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 27
Windmill
Another special case of a discovered check has an unusual name: the “windmill”. A windmill in
chess is a typical combination with alternating ordinary and discovered checks, which is used to win
material and improve the position of pieces without losing time.
1293
Show/Hide Solution
Here, we see one of the most popular windmill patterns. The white bishop can go to any square
along the b1-h7 diagonal without wasting a move! To solve the puzzle, you have to get it to the g6
square: 1.Bh7+! Kh8 2.Bg6+! Kg8. The position has only slightly changed in comparison with the
diagram, but now white can deliver a mate in two: 3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Qxf7#.
The windmill can be built with many different pairs of pieces, for instance, a queen and knight:
907
1294
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Qg5+ Kc8, white can improve the position of his knight: 2.Ne7+! Kd8 3.Nc6+! Kc8.
From the c6 square, the knight can finish the combination: 4.Na7#. We should note that other
discovered knight checks don’t lead to a win, for instance, 3.Ng6+ is met with 3...Kc8, and white
can’t play 4.Nxh8? due to 4...Nf3+ 5.Kh3 Nxg5+, and black soon wins. Still, even if white plays the
wrong discovered check on the third move, he can still retreat with 4.Ne7+!, and then, after 4...Kd8,
finish the combination in the correct way.
In the next position, the windmill is performed by a rook and knight:
1295
908
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Rc8+ Kh7, white uses the windmill pattern to get the knight to g6 and deliver checkmate:
2.Nf8+! Kg8 3.Ng6+ Kh7 4.Rh8#. 2...Kh8 changes nothing: 3.Ng6+ Kh7 4.Rh8#.
The most famous windmill is probably the construction built with a rook and a bishop:
1296
909
Show/Hide Solution
The white rook can visit all the squares on the seventh rank with checks: 1.Rg7+! Kf8 2.Rxd7+!
Kg8 3.Rg7+! Kf8 4.Rb7+! Kg8, and now it delivers checkmate: 5.Rxb8+ Nf8 6.Rxf8#.
1297
910
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf8+ Kh7 2.Bg8+ Kh8 3.Bf7+ Kh7 4.Bg6#.
1298
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bh7+ Kh8 (1...Kf7 2.Bg6+ (2.Qg6+ Kf8 3.Qg8#) 2...Kg8 3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Qh8#) 2.Bg6+ Kg8
3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Qh8#.
1299
911
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf6+ Kc8 (1...Ke8 2.Qe7#) 2.Ne7+ Kd8 3.Nc6+ Kc8 (3...Ke8 4.Qe7#) 4.Na7#.
1300
Show/Hide Solution
912
1.Bf5+ Kh5 2.Bxd3+ Kg4 3.Bf5+ Kh5 4.Be4+ Kg4 5.Bf3#.
1301
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf8+ Kg8 (1...Kh8 2.Ng6+ Kh7 3.Rh8#) 2.Nxd7+ Rc8 (2...Kh7 3.Nf8+ Kg8 (3...Kh8 4.Ng6+
Kh7 5.Rh8#) 4.Ng6+ Kh7 5.Rh8#) 3.Rxc8+ Kh7 4.Nf8+ Kg8 (4...Kh8 5.Ng6+ Kh7 6.Rh8#)
5.Ng6+ Kh7 6.Rh8#.
1302
913
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be4+ Kh8 (1...Rf5 2.Bxf5+ Kh8 3.Ng6+ Kh7 4.Ne5+ Kh8 5.Nf7#) 2.Ng6+ Kh7 3.Nxf8+ Kh8
4.Ng6+ Kh7 5.Ne5+ Kh8 6.Nf7#.
914
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 28
Combinations
In this chapter, we use the windmill tactic in conjunction with all other tactics we studied in the
previous chapters. Actually, it’s almost impossible to assemble a “pure” windmill without using
additional tactical patterns. The windmill is used much more often as part of a combination, to
eliminate the opponent’s pieces with checks or to improve the position of a piece without losing the
right to move.
1303
Show/Hide Solution
Smothered mate is one of the most famous checkmating patterns. White plays 1.Nc7+! Kb8
2.Nxa6+! Ka8 3.Qb8+! Rxb8 4.Nc7#. After 1...Rxc7, white checkmates with 2.Qe8+ Rc8 3.Qxc8#.
In addition to a short windmill, white used deflection, double check and blocking in this puzzle.
The ending of the next puzzle is also standard:
915
1304
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After landing an “attraction + elimination” blow with 1.Qxh7+! Kxh7, white plays 2.Rh4+ Kg7
and checkmates the black king with a windmill on the h-file – 3.Bh6+! Kh7 4.Bf8#. 3...Kh8 4.Bf8#
changes nothing.
Most combinations that include a windmill are fairly complicated. Let’s look at two more
examples:
1305
916
Show/Hide Solution
White needs only a couple of pieces to deliver checkmate. After carefully calculating the lines, he
should play 1.Qh5+ Kg8. Then he uses “vacation” to get rid of his own knight: 2.Ne7+! Rxe7. And,
finally, he delivers a checkmate with the windmill: 3.Bh7+! Kh8 4.Bg6+! Kg8 5.Qh7#.
1306
917
Show/Hide Solution
The decisive move is 1.Qe8+! Bd8 – the black bishop is forced to block the escape square for the
king. Then 2.Qxd7+! follows (the standard “attraction + elimination” idea) 2...Kxd7 3.Bg4+ Kd6.
And only now the windmill makes a sudden appearance: 4.Re6+! Kd7 5.Re5+! Kd6 6.c5#. Of
course, black loses even more quickly after 2...Kb8 3.Qxd8#.
1307
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1.Rh4+ Kg8 2.Bh7+ Kh8 3.Bg8+ Kxg8 4.Qh7#.
1308
918
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg8+ Rxg8 (1...Kxg8 2.Rxg7+ Kh8 3.Rg4#) 2.Bxg7+ Rxg7 3.Rf8+ Rg8 4.Rgxg8#. (4.Rfxg8#)
1309
Show/Hide Solution
919
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh5+ Kg7 3.Bh6+ Kh7 (3...Kh8 4.Bf8#) 4.Bf8#.
1310
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf6+ Qxf6 (1...Bxf6 2.Rxh5+ Kg7 3.Bh6+ Kh8 4.Bf8#) 2.Rxh5+ Kg7 3.Bh6+ Kh8 4.Bf8#.
1311
920
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh6+ Bxh6 2.Bxh6+ Kh7 (2...Kh8 3.Bf8+ Qh4 4.Rxh4#) 3.Bf8+ Qh4 4.Rxh4#.
1312
Show/Hide Solution
921
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Kg6 3.Bh5+ Kh6 (3...Kh7 4.Bxf7#) 4.Bxf7#.
1313
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf7+ Kg8 2.Nh6+ Kh8 (2...Kf8 3.Qf7#) 3.Qg8+ Rxg8 4.Nf7#.
1314
922
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nc7+ Kb8 2.Na6+ Ka8 (2...Kc8 3.Qc7#) 3.Qb8+ Rxb8 4.Nc7#.
1315
Show/Hide Solution
923
1.Nd7+ Kc8 2.Nb6+ Kb8 (2...Kd8 3.Qd7#) 3.Qc8+ Rxc8 4.Nd7#.
1316
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf7+ Kg8 (1...Rxf7 2.Qd8+ Rf8 3.Qxf8#) 2.Nh6+ Kh8 3.Qg8+ Bxg8 (3...Rxg8 4.Nf7#)
4.Nf7#.
1317
924
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nc7+ Kd8 2.Ne6+ Ke8 (2...Kc8 3.Qc7#) 3.Qd8+ Nxd8 4.Nc7#.
1318
Show/Hide Solution
925
1.Ng7+ Kf8 2.Nxe6+ Ke8 (2...Kg8 3.Qg7#) 3.Qf8+ Bxf8 4.Ng7#.
1319
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Kf6 2.Qd8+ Kf7 (2...Kg6 3.Be8+ Kh6 4.Qg5#) 3.Be8+ Kf8 (3...Kg8 4.Bg6#) 4.Bg6#.
1320
926
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Rxh8 2.Nf6+ Kg7 3.Nxd7+ Kg8 (3...Kh7 4.Rf7+ Kg8 5.Rg7#) 4.Rf8+ Kh7 5.Rxh8#.
1321
Show/Hide Solution
927
1.Qh5+ Kd8 2.Nf7+ Ke8 3.Nd6+ Kd8 4.Qe8+ Rxe8 5.Nf7#.
1322
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Bxg7 2.Bxg7+ Kg8 3.Be5+ Kf8 4.Bd6+ Ke8 5.Rg8#.
1323
928
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe6+ Kh8 (1...Rf7 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Qf8#) 2.Nf7+ Kg8 (2...Rxf7 3.Qc8+ Qe8 (3...Rf8 4.Qxf8#)
4.Qxe8+ Rf8 5.Qxf8#) 3.Nh6+ Kh8 4.Qg8+ Rxg8 5.Nf7#.
1324
929
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd5+ Kh8 (1...Kf8 2.Qf7#) 2.Nf7+ Kg8 3.Nh6+ Kh8 (3...Kf8 4.Qf7#) 4.Qg8+ Rxg8 5.Nf7#.
1325
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Kg8 3.Nh6+ Kh7 (3...Kh8 4.Nf5+ Kg8 5.Ne7#) 4.Nf5+ Kg8 5.Ne7#.
1326
930
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Nf5+ Kg6 3.Ne7+ Kg7 4.Bh6+ Kh8 (4...Kh7 5.Bf8#) 5.Bf8#.
1327
Show/Hide Solution
931
1.Qxh7+ Rxh7 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 3.Rh3+ Kg7 4.Bh6+ Kh7 (4...Kh8 5.Bf8#) 5.Bf8#.
1328
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh3+ Kg6 (2...Bh6 3.Rxh6#) 3.Bh5+ Kh7 (3...Kf5 4.Rf3#) 4.Bxf7+ Bh6
5.Rxh6#.
1329
932
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg7+ Rxg7 2.Bg6+ Kg8 (2...Rh7 3.Rxh7+ Kg8 4.Nh6#) 3.Nh6+ Kh8 4.Nxf7+ Kg8 5.Rh8#.
1330
Show/Hide Solution
933
1.Qe6+ Kf8 (1...Kh8 2.Bf6+ Kh7 3.Qf7#; 1...Kg7 2.Bf6+ Kf8 (2...Kh7 3.Qf7#) 3.Qe7+ Kg8
4.Qg7#; 1...Kh7 2.Qf7+ Kh8 3.Bf6#) 2.Be7+ Kg7 (2...Ke8 3.Bxd6+ (3.Bf6+ Kf8 4.Qe7+ Kg8
5.Qg7#) 3...Kd8 4.Qe7#) 3.Bf6+ Kf8 (3...Kh7 4.Qf7#) 4.Qe7+ Kg8 5.Qg7#.
1331
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rc8+ Bxc8 (1...Be8 2.Rxe8+ Kg7 3.Bf8+ Kg8 4.Bh6#) 2.Rxc8+ Kg7 3.Bf8+ Kg8 4.Bh6+ Bd8
5.Rxd8#.
1332
934
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 (1...Kf7 2.Qh5+ Ng6 (2...Kf6 3.g5#) 3.Qxg6#) 2.Qh5+ (2.Qh4+) 2...Kg8 3.Bh7+
Kh8 4.Bg6+ Kg8 (4...Bh6 5.Qxh6+ Kg8 6.Qh7#) 5.Qh7#.
1333
935
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qc4+ Kh8 (1...Rd5 2.Qxd5+; 1...Rf7 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Qf8#; 1...Re6 2.Qxe6+) 2.Nf7+ Kg8
(2...Rxf7 3.Qc8+ Rd8 4.Rxd8+ Rf8 5.Rxf8+ Qxf8 6.Qxf8#) 3.Nxh6+ Kh8 4.Qg8+ Rxg8 5.Nf7#.
1334
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nh6+ Kh8 2.Nf7+ Kg8 3.Qxg7+ Kxg7 4.Rh7+ Kg8 5.Nh6#.
1335
936
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxa6+ bxa6 2.Bf3+ Ka7 3.Rb7+ Ka8 4.Rd7+ Kb8 5.Rd8+ Ka7 6.Ra8#.
1336
Show/Hide Solution
937
1.Qxb7+ Kxb7 2.Nc5+ Kb8 (2...Kc8 3.Bb7+ Kb8 4.Nc6#) 3.Rb1+ Bb3 (3...Kc8 4.Bb7+ Kb8
5.Nc6#) 4.Rxb3+ Kc8 5.Bb7+ Kb8 6.Nc6#.
1337
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bc8+ Kb5 (1...Rxc8 2.Qxa7+ Kb5 3.a4#; 1...Ka5 2.Qxa7+ Rxa7 (2...Kb5 3.a4#) 3.Rxa7+ Kb5
4.a4#) 2.a4+ Kxa4 (2...Ka5 3.Qxa7+ Rxa7 4.Rxa7#) 3.Qxa7+ Rxa7 (3...Kb5 4.Ba6+ Ka4 (4...Ka5
5.Bxc4+ Rxa7 6.Rxa7#) 5.Bxc4+ Rxa7 6.Rxa7#) 4.Rxa7+ Kb5 5.Ba6+ Ka4 (5...Ka5 6.Bxc4#)
6.Bxc4#.
1338
938
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ Bxf6 (1...gxf6 2.Qg4+ Kh8 3.Rxh7#; 1...Kh8 2.Rxh7#) 2.Bxh7+ Kh8 3.Bb1+ Kg8
4.Rh8+ Kxh8 5.Qh5+ Kg8 6.Qh7#.
1339
939
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bf6+ Qxf6 (1...Qe7 2.Bxe7#) 2.Qd6+ Kc8 3.Bd7+ Kd8 4.Bc6+ Kc8 5.Qd7+ Kb8 6.Qxb7#.
1340
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh4+ Kg1 2.Rg4+ Kh2 3.Rg2+ Kxh1 (3...Kh3 4.Ng5+ Kh4 5.Rh2#) 4.Rg4+ Kh2 5.Rh4+ Kg1
6.Rh1#.
1341
940
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd8+ Be8 (1...Re8 2.Nf7+ Kg8 3.Nh6+ Kh8 (3...Kf8 4.Qf7#) 4.Qg8+ Rxg8 5.Nf7#) 2.Rxe8+
Rxe8 (2...Nf8 3.Rxf8#) 3.Nf7+ Kg8 4.Nh6+ Kh8 (4...Kf8 5.Qf7#) 5.Qg8+ Rxg8 6.Nf7#.
1342
941
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ (1.Qh8+ Bh7 2.Qf8+ Kg6=)
1.Qf8+ Kh7 (1...Kg6 2.Bf7+ Kh7 3.Qg8+ Kh6 4.Qh8+ Bh7 5.Qf8#; 1...Kh5 2.Bf7+ Bg6 3.Qh8#)
2.Bg8+ Kg6 (2...Kh8 3.Bf7+ Kh7 4.Qg8+ Kh6 5.Qh8+ Bh7 6.Qf8#) 3.Bf7+ Kh7 4.Qg8+ Kh6
5.Qh8+ Bh7 6.Qf8#.
942
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 29
Interference
To conclude, we study the tactical pattern of interference. Interference is placing a piece along the
attacking line of the opposing long-range piece to disrupt its attacking or defending activity. In the
context of forced checkmating, “pure” interference only occurs when one of the pieces of the mating
side is pinned and cannot take part in the game.
1343
Show/Hide Solution
The white knight is pinned and cannot move, but after 1.Qg4+! it regains freedom of movement
and quickly checkmates the black king: 1...Kf7 2.Nh6#. The other reply doesn’t work either 1...Ng7
2.Nh6#. In the next example, interference is used in a similar way:
1344
943
Show/Hide Solution
To get rid of the pin, the white queen should get to the g4 square. It’s rather easy to do: 1.Qxh5+
Kg7 2.Qg4+!, and after any king’s retreat, for instance, 2...Kh7, white checkmates with 3.Rh5#.
1...Kg8 2.Qg4+ Kh7 3.Rh5# changes nothing.
Opposing pieces can also be used for interference if you can force the opponent to put them onto
the opposing line:
1345
944
Show/Hide Solution
The white knight cannot move, but after 1.Qe7+! Kd5 the black king is forced to block the long
diagonal and gets white out of the pin: 2.Nb4#.
1346
945
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.g5+ Kf5 2.e4+! Nxe4, white blocks the pin along the long diagonal with the help of the
black knight, which allows him to get his only minor piece into the game – 3.Ne7#.
1347
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh4+ Kg6 2.Ne5#.
1348
946
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg3+ Kf8 (1...Kf6 2.Qg5#) 2.Bh6#.
1349
Show/Hide Solution
947
1.Rg2+ Kh5 (1...Kh7 2.Rh3#; 1...Kh6 2.Rh3#) 2.Rh3#.
1350
Show/Hide Solution
1.h4+ Kf5 2.Bg4+ Ke5 3.Rd5#.
1351
948
Show/Hide Solution
1.h5+ Kg5 2.f4+ Rxf4 3.Rg7#.
1352
Show/Hide Solution
949
1.Qg4+ Kh7 (1...Kh8 2.Qh3+ Kg7 3.Qg2+ Kh8 4.Rh3#; 1...Kh6 2.Qh3+ Kg5 3.Qg2+ Kh4
4.Rh3#) 2.Qh3+ Kg6 3.Qg2+ Kh7 4.Rh3#.
950
Show in Text Mode
Chapter 30
Combinations
In this chapter, the interference tactic is used in conjunction with all the tactics we studied in the
previous chapters. As part of a combination, interference can be used both to break a pin, like in the
previous chapter, or to protect an attacked piece.
1353
Show/Hide Solution
In the span of a two-move combination, white manages to use four different tactics: 1.Qxh6+!
(“attraction + elimination”) 1...Kxh6 2.Nf6#. This move is both a discovered check and an
interference. It interferes with the black queen, which could capture the h4 rook in case of any other
knight move.
Similar ideas lead to checkmate in the following position:
951
1354
Show/Hide Solution
The combination starts with blocking 1.Qh7+! Nxh7, then windmill and interference are used:
2.Nf7+! Kg8 3.Ne5+! This move blocks the e-file for the queen, preventing it from capturing the
bishop: 3...Kh8 4.Ng6# or 3...Kf8 4.Ng6#.
The next example demonstrates that interference, like all other tactics from Part 3 of this book, can
be used to overpower the king’s defenders.
1355
952
Show/Hide Solution
The back rank is defended by only one black rook. White can’t eliminate or deflect it, so he has to
resort to interference! 1.Nd8+! Qxd5 2.Qe8#. Otherwise, 1...Kh8 2.Qe8#.
1356
953
Show/Hide Solution
After 1.Rd8+!, black has a choice between white interfering with the black queen 1...Bxd8 2.Qe8#
or its deflection 1...Qxd8 2.Ne6+ Kg8 3.Qxg7#.
1357
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re8+ Bxe8 (1...Qxe8 2.Qf6#) 2.Qf8#.
1358
954
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nd8+ Kg7 2.e8=N#.
1359
Show/Hide Solution
955
1.Qxg7+ Nxg7 2.Bxg7+ Kg8 3.Bc3#.
1360
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg8+ Rxg8 2.Bg6+ Kf8 3.Re8#.
1361
956
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re8+ Rxe8 (1...Bxe8 2.Qf8#) 2.Rxe8+ Bxe8 3.Qf8#.
1362
Show/Hide Solution
957
1.Bxf7+ Kf8 (1...Qxf7 2.Nh6+ Kf8 3.Qxf7#) 2.Be6+ Qf7 3.Qxf7#.
1363
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf8+ Rxf8 (1...Bxf8 2.Qg8#) 2.Rxf8+ Bxf8 3.Qg8#.
1364
958
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nd5+ Kb7 (1...Kb8 2.Qc7#; 1...Kd7 2.Qc7+ Ke8 3.Qe7#; 1...Kd8 2.Qc7+ Ke8 3.Qe7#)
2.Qc7+ Ka6 3.Qb6#.
1365
959
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rc8+ Rxc8 (1...Nxc8 2.Qd8#) 2.Rxc8+ Nxc8 3.Qd8#.
1366
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ne8+ Kg8 (1...Qf6 2.Qxf6+ Kg8 (2...Bg7 3.Qxg7#) 3.Qxf8#; 1...Bg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Qh8+ Kxh8
3.Rxf8#.
1367
960
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Rxe8 (1...Bxe8 2.c7+ gxf3 3.c8=Q#; 1...Qd8 2.c7+ gxf3 3.Qc6#) 2.Rxe8+ Bxe8 3.c7+
gxf3 4.c8=Q#.
1368
961
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf7+ Kg8 (1...Qxf7 2.Qxf7#) 2.Rd7+ Kf8 (2...Qf7 3.Qxf7#) 3.Rf1+ Qf7 4.Qxf7#.
1369
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nd8+ Qf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qe8+ Bf8 3.Qxf8#; 1...Kf8 2.Qe8#) 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Qe8+ Bf8 4.Qxf8#.
1370
962
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nh6+ Kh8 2.Nf7+ Kh7 (2...Kg8 3.Rb8+ Kh7 4.Rh8#) 3.Ng5+ Kh8 (3...Kg8 4.Rb8#; 3...Kh6
4.Rh7#) 4.Rb8#.
1371
963
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf7+ Ke8 2.Nf6+ Bxf6 3.Rg7+ Bxg6 (3...Kf8 4.h8=Q#) 4.h8=Q#.
1372
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bh7+ Kh8 2.Bg6+ Kg8 3.Rh8+ Kxh8 4.Qh5+ Kg8 5.Qh7#.
1373
964
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf5+ b6 (1...Ka8 2.c8=Q+ Rxc8 3.Rxc8#) 2.axb6+ Ka8 (2...Kb7 3.Nd6+ Ka8 4.b7#) 3.c8=Q+
Rxc8 4.Rxc8+ Kb7 5.Nd6#.
1374
965
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Kf7 (1...Bxh8 2.Rxh8+ Kf7 (2...Kg7 3.R1h7#) 3.R1h7#) 2.Qxg7+ Kxg7 (2...Ke8 3.Rh8#)
3.Rh7+ Kf8 (3...Kg8 4.Rh8+ Kf7 (4...Kg7 5.R1h7#) 5.R1h7#) 4.Rh8+ Kf7 (4...Kg7 5.R1h7#)
5.R1h7#.
1375
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Ng6+ Kg8 3.d6+ (3.Rh8+ Kf7 4.d6+) 3...Rxb3 (3...Qc4 4.Bxc4+ Bf7 5.Rh8#;
3...Qd5 4.Bxd5+ Bf7 5.Rh8#; 3...Bf7 4.Rh8#) 4.Rh8+ Kf7 5.Rf8#.
1376
966
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bd5+ Kh8 2.Nf7+ Kg8 3.Nxd6+ Kh8 4.Nf7+ Kg8 5.Nd8+ Kh8 6.Rf8#.
1377
Show/Hide Solution
967
1.Qxg6+ hxg6 2.Rh8+ Kf7 3.Rh7+ Kg8 (3...Ke6 4.Rb6+ Qc6 (4...Bd6 5.Rxd6#) 5.Rxc6+ Bd6
6.Rxd6#; 3...Bg7 4.Rxg7+ Ke6 5.Rb6+ Qc6 6.Rxc6#) 4.Rg7+ Kh8 5.Rf7+ Kg8 (5...Rxe5 6.Rbxf8#;
5...Rf6 6.Rbxf8#) 6.Rbxf8#.
1378
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ hxg6 (1...Kd8 2.Nxe6+ Kc8 3.Qe8#) 2.Bxg6+ Kd8 3.Nxe6+ Kc8 4.Rxc7+ Kb8 5.Rc2+
Ne5 6.Bxe5#.
1379
968
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd6+ Qxd6 (1...Ka8 2.Ra6#; 1...Qc7 2.Qxc7+ Ka7 (2...Ka8 3.Qxb7#) 3.Qxb7#; 1...Ka7
2.Ra3+ Qa4 (2...Ba6 3.Raxa6#) 3.Rxa4+ Ba6 4.Raxa6#) 2.Rxb7+ Ka8 3.Rb4+ Ka7 (3...Qc6 4.Ra3#;
3...Ne4 4.Ra3+ Qa6 5.Rxa6#; 3...Nd5 4.Ra3+ Qa6 5.Rxa6#; 3...Qd5 4.Ra3#) 4.Ra3+ Qa6 5.Rb7+
Ka8 6.Rxa6#.
1380
969
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rxf7+ Kg8 (2...Kh8 3.Ng6+ Kg8 4.Re7+ Qd5 (4...Be6 5.Bxe6#) 5.Bxd5+ Be6
6.Bxe6#) 3.Re7+ Qd5 (3...Kh8 4.Ng6#; 3...Kf8 4.Ng6#; 3...Be6 4.Bxe6+ Kf8 (4...Kh8 5.Ng6#)
5.Ng6#) 4.Bxd5+ Be6 (4...Kh8 5.Ng6#; 4...Kf8 5.Ng6#) 5.Bxe6+ Kf8 (5...Kh8 6.Ng6#) 6.Ng6#.
970
Show in Text Mode
Part 5
Using Your Knowledge
The first four parts of this book contained a review of all the tactics that can be used in forced-mate
combinations, as well as puzzles to test the knowledge of every individual tactic. The main goal of
the previous parts of the book was studying the tactical patterns, so there was no need to calculate
further than six moves ahead to solve any puzzle.
The final part requires both skillful use of all the tactical patterns and calculation of much longer
lines! There are 120 forced-mate puzzles that require you to calculate lines six to eleven moves long.
The fifth part is a universal test of any player’s capability to deliver a forced mate; it also indicates
their possible weaknesses – for instance, a tactical pattern they keep missing or mistakes in
calculating simple but long lines.
Chapter 31
Test Yourself!
1381
971
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxg5+ Kh6 (1...Kh8 2.Qh7#; 1...Kg8 2.Qh7#; 1...Kg7 2.Qh7+ Kf6 3.Ne4#) 2.Qh7+ Kxg5
3.Qg7+ Kf5 (3...Kh4 4.Qg4#; 3...Kh5 4.g4+ Kh4 5.Qh6#; 3...Kf4 4.Qg4#) 4.Re5+ dxe5 (4...Kf4
5.Qg4#) 5.g4+ Ke4 (5...Kf4 6.Qxe5#) 6.Qxe5#.
1382
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf8+ Kg5 (1...Kh7 2.Bg8+ Kh8 3.Bf7+ Kh7 4.Qg8+ Kh6 5.Qxg6#) 2.Rxf5+ Kg4 (2...gxf5
3.Qg7#) 3.Rg5+ Kh3 (3...Kxg5 4.Qf4#; 3...Rxg5 4.Qf4+ Kh5 5.Qh4#) 4.Be6+ Qxe6 (4...Qg4
5.Qf1+ Kxg3 (5...Rg2+ 6.Qxg2#) 6.Rxg4#) 5.Qf1+ Rg2+ 6.Qxg2#.
1383
972
Show/Hide Solution
1.axb7+ Rxb7 (1...Kxb7 2.Qxa7+ Kc8 3.Qb8#) 2.Qxa7+ Rxa7 3.Rxa7+ Kxa7 4.Ra1+ Kb7
5.Ba6+ Ka7 6.Bc8#.
1384
973
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.f6+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.fxg7#) 3.Bd2+ Kh5 4.Bf3+ Kh4 5.Bg5+ Kh3 6.Bg4#.
1385
Show/Hide Solution
1.h4+ Kf6 (1...Qxh4 2.Qxh4#) 2.Qf7+ Ke5 3.Qd5+ Kf6 4.Qe6+ Kg7 5.Qf7+ Kh6 (5...Kh8
6.Qh7#) 6.Qh7#.
1386
974
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf5+ Bxf5 2.gxf5+ Kh5 3.Ng3+ Kh4 (3...Kg4 4.Rf4+ Kxg5 5.h4#) 4.Rf4+ Nfg4 (4...Neg4
5.Nf3#; 4...Kxg5 5.h4#) 5.Rxg4+ Kxg4 (5...Nxg4 6.Nf3#) 6.Rd4#.
1387
975
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Kxg8 (1...Rxg8 2.Nf7#) 2.f7+ Kf8 (2...Kh8 3.f8=Q+ Rxf8 4.Rxf8#) 3.Ba3+ Rxa3
4.Nxh7+ Ke7 5.f8=Q+ Kd7 6.Rf7#.
1388
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kh8 (1...Kf8 2.Qxf7#) 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (2...Kg8 3.Qxf7#) 3.Qxf7+ Kh6 (3...Kh8
4.Qg7#) 4.Qg7+ Kh5 5.Be2+ Kh4 6.Qg4#.
1389
976
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxc6+ Kb7 2.Rc7+ Kb6 (2...Kb8 3.Qxd8#) 3.Rb7+ Kxb7 (3...Ka5 4.Qe1+ Qd2 (4...Ka4
5.Qb4#) 5.Qxd2+ Ka4 6.Qb4#) 4.Qe4+ Kb6 (4...Qd5 5.Qxd5+ Kb6 6.Qc6+ Ka5 7.Qa6#; 4...Kc8
5.Qc6#) 5.Qc6+ Ka5 6.Qa6#.
1390
977
Show/Hide Solution
1.e8=N+ Kf7 (1...Kg6 2.Bh5+ Kh7 3.Re7+ Kh8 (3...Kg8 4.Nf6+ Kh8 5.Rh7#) 4.Be5+ Kg8
5.Nf6+ Kf8 (5...Kh8 6.Rh7#) 6.Rf7#) 2.Bh5+ Kg8 (2...Kf8 3.Bh6+ Kg8 4.Nf6+ Kh8 5.Re8#)
3.Rg5+ Kh8 (3...Kh7 4.Nf6+ Kh8 5.Rg8#; 3...Kf8 4.Bd6#) 4.Be5+ Kh7 5.Nf6+ Kh6 (5...Kh8
6.Rg8#) 6.Rg6#.
1391
978
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qc8+ Bxc8 (1...Bf8 2.Qxf8#; 1...Kf7 2.Qc7+; 1...Qe8 2.Qxe8+ Bf8 3.Qxf8#) 2.Rxc8+ Kf7
(2...Qe8 3.Rxe8+ Kf7 (3...Bf8 4.Rxf8#) 4.Re7+ Kg8 (4...Kg6 5.Rxg7#) 5.Rxg7+ Kh8 6.Rg6#)
3.Rc7+ Qd7 (3...Kg8 4.Rxg7+ Kh8 5.Rg6#; 3...Ke8 4.Re7#; 3...Kg6 4.Rxg7#) 4.Rxd7+ Kg8
(4...Kg6 5.Rxg7#; 4...Ke8 5.Re7#) 5.Rxg7+ Kh8 6.Rg6#.
1392
979
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh1+ Kg6 (2...Kg7 3.Qg4+; 2...Qh5 3.Qxh5+ Kg7 4.Qh7#) 3.Qg4+ Kf7
(3...Qg5 4.Qxg5+ Kf7 5.Qf5+ Ke8 (5...Ke7 6.Qd7#; 5...Kg7 6.Rh7#) 6.Qd7#) 4.Rh7+ Rg7 (4...Qg7
5.Qe6#; 4...Ke8 5.Qd7#) 5.Rxg7+ Qxg7 (5...Ke8 6.Qd7#) 6.Qe6#.
1393
980
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf6+ gxf6 (1...Kg8 2.Qe8+ Kh7 (2...Bf8 3.Rxf8+ Kh7 4.Rxh8#) 3.Qg6+ Kg8 4.Re8+ Bf8
5.Rfxf8#) 2.Qe6+ Kg7 (2...Kg6 3.Qxf6+ Kh7 (3...Kh5 4.Qg5#) 4.Qxh8+ Kg6 5.Re6+ Kf7 6.Qg7#;
2...Kf8 3.Qxf6+ Kg8 (3...Rf7 4.Qd8#) 4.Qg6+ Rg7 (4...Kf8 5.Re8#) 5.Qxg7#) 3.Qxf6+ Kh7
(3...Kg8 4.Qg6+ Kf8 5.Re8#) 4.Qxh8+ (4.Re7+) 4...Kg6 5.Re6+ Kf7 6.Qe8#.
1394
981
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rc1+ Kb8 (1...Rc3 2.Rxc3+; 1...Rc7 2.Qxc7#) 2.Qb4+ Ka8 (2...Rb7 3.Qxb7#) 3.Bf3+ Rxf3
(3...Re4 4.Bxe4+ Qxe4 5.Rc8#; 3...Rb7 4.Qxb7#; 3...Rd5 4.Qb7#; 3...Qe4 4.Rc8#) 4.Qe4+ Kb8
(4...Qxe4 5.Rc8#; 4...Rd5 5.Qxe8+ Rd8 6.Qxd8#; 4...Rb7 5.Qxb7#) 5.Qxe8+ Rd8 6.Qxd8#.
1395
982
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re8+ Rxe8 2.Qg8+ Ke7 (2...Kxg8 3.dxe8=Q#) 3.dxe8=Q+ Kd6 (3...Kf6 4.Qgf7#) 4.Qee6+
(4.Qgf8+) 4...Kc5 (4...Kc7 5.Qgc8#) 5.Qxc4+ Kd6 6.Qge6#.
1396
983
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#; 1...Kf8 2.Qe7#) 2.Qe7+ Kg6 (2...Kg8 3.gxf4+ Bg4 (3...Qg3
4.Rxg3+; 3...Kh8 4.Qf6#) 4.Rxg4+ Kh8 5.Qf6#; 2...Kh8 3.Qf6+ Kg8 4.gxf4+ Qg3 (4...Bg4
5.Rxg4#) 5.Rxg3+ Bg4 6.Rxg4#; 2...Kh6 3.Qf6+ Kh5 4.g4+ Bxg4 5.fxg4#; 2...Bf7 3.gxf4+ Kh6
(3...Qg3 4.Rxg3+; 3...Kh8 4.Qf6#) 4.Qg5#) 3.gxf4+ Qg3 (3...Kh6 4.Qg5#; 3...Kh5 4.Qg5#; 3...Bg4
4.Rxg4+ Kh5 (4...Kh6 5.Qg5#) 5.Qg5#) 4.Rxg3+ Bg4 (4...Kh5 5.Qg5#; 4...Kh6 5.Qg5#) 5.Rxg4+
Kh6 (5...Kh5 6.Qxh7#) 6.Qg5#.
1397
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxf8+ Qxf8 2.Bxg7+ Qxg7 3.Rd8+ Bf8 (3...Qg8 4.Rxg8#; 3...Qf8 4.Qxe5#) 4.Rxf8+ Qxf8
(4...Qg8 5.Rxg8#) 5.Qxe5+ Qg7 (5...Qf6 6.Qxf6#) 6.Qe8+ Qf8 7.Qxf8#.
1398
984
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb3+ Rxb3+ 2.axb3+ Kb4 3.bxa4+ Ka5 4.axb5+ Kb6 5.bxa6+ Ka7 6.axb7+ Kb8 7.bxa8=Q#.
1399
Show/Hide Solution
985
1.Qxa7+ Kxa7 2.Ra1+ Kb8 3.Ra8+ Kxa8 4.Rxc8+ Ka7 5.b6+ Ka6 6.Bd3+ Ka5 7.Ra8#.
1400
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf8+ Rxf8 2.Qd5+ Rf7 3.Qxa8+ Rf8 4.Qxa2+ Rf7 5.Qa8+ Rf8 6.Qd5+ Rf7 7.Ra8#.
1401
986
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh5+ Ke7 2.d6+ Kxd6 (2...Kf6 3.Qf7+ Kxe5 (3...Kg5 4.h4#) 4.f4+ Kxd6 5.Rd4+ Kc5 6.Qd5#;
2...cxd6 3.Qf7#; 2...Kf8 3.Qf7#; 2...Ke6 3.Qf7+ Kxe5 4.f4+ Kxd6 5.Rd4+ Kc5 6.Qd5#) 3.Rd4+
Kc5 (3...Ke7 4.Qf7#; 3...Ke6 4.Qf7+ Kxe5 5.Rd5+ Ke4 6.Qf5#) 4.Nd3+ Kxd4 (4...Kc6 5.Qd5#)
5.Qe5+ Kc4 6.Nxb2+ Kb4 7.c3#.
1402
987
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg5+ Kg7 (1...Bxg5 2.Nf5#) 2.Qxf6+ Kxf6 (2...Kg8 3.Qxf7+ Kh8 4.Qf8#; 2...Kf8 3.Qxf7#;
2...Kh6 3.Nxf7#) 3.Nf5+ Ke5 4.cxd4+ Kd5 5.Ne3+ Kxd4 6.Rd6+ Ke5 7.Nc4#.
1403
988
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg6+ Nd5 (1...Kh7 2.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (2...Kh6 3.Nf5#) 3.Qf7+ Kh6 4.Nf5+ Kg5 5.h4#; 1...Ne6
2.Qxe6+ Kh7 (2...Kf8 3.Qf7#) 3.Rh6+ Bxh6 4.Qf5+ Kg7 (4...Kg8 5.Qf7#) 5.Qf7#; 1...Kf8 2.Qf7#)
2.Qxd5+ Kh7 (2...Kf8 3.Qf7#) 3.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (3...Kh6 4.Nf5#) 4.Qf7+ Kh6 5.Nf5+ Kg5 6.Bd2+
Nf4 7.h4#.
1404
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qc7+ Rxc7 (1...Ka8 2.Qxc8#) 2.Rd8+ Rc8 3.Nd7+ Kc7 (3...Ka8 4.Rxc8#) 4.Ne6+ Kd6 5.Nb6+
Rxd8 6.Rd7+ Rxd7 7.Nc8#.
1405
989
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kg8 (1...Kxh7 2.Qh6+ Kg8 3.Ne7+ Kf7 4.Qh7+ Qg7 (4...Ke8 5.Nc6+ Qe4 6.Rxe4#)
5.Qh5+ Qg6 6.Qxg6#) 2.Rh8+ Kxh8 (2...Kf7 3.Re7+ Kg6 4.Nh4#) 3.Qh6+ Kg8 4.Ne7+ Kf7
5.Qh7+ Qg7 (5...Ke8 6.Nc6+ Qe4 7.Rxe4#) 6.Qh5+ Qg6 7.Qxg6#.
1406
990
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nc6+ bxc6 (1...Kc8 2.Bf5+ Rd7 3.Nde7#; 1...Ka8 2.Nxc7#) 2.Rb1+ Kc8 (2...Ka8 3.Nxc7#)
3.Bf5+ Rd7 4.Ne7+ Kd8 5.Nxc6+ Ke8 (5...Kc8 6.Rb8#) 6.Rb8+ Rd8 7.Rxd8#.
1407
991
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh8+ Kf7 2.Ne5+ Ke7 3.Qxg7+ Bxg7 (3...Kd6 4.Nb5+ Kd5 5.c4+ Ke4 6.Rae1#) 4.Rf7+ Kd6
5.Nb5+ Kd5 6.c4+ Ke4 7.Re1#.
1408
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxc7+ Ka8 2.Qb8+ Kxb8 (2...Rxb8 3.Nc7#) 3.d7+ Re5 (3...Ka8 4.Nc7+ Kb8 5.Nxe8+ Ka8
6.d8=Q#) 4.Bxe5+ Ka8 5.Nc7+ Kb8 6.Ne8+ Ka8 7.d8=Q#.
1409
992
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Ng6+ Qh6 (2...Kg7 3.Bh6+ Kh7 4.Bxf8#) 3.Rxh6+ Kg7 4.Rh7+ Kxh7 5.Rh1+
Kg7 6.Bh6+ Kh7 7.Bf8#.
1410
993
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nh4+ Kh7 2.Qd3+ Bf5 (2...Ne4 3.Qxe4+ Bf5 4.Qxf5+ Kh8 5.Ng6+ Kh7 6.Nf8+ Kh8 7.Qh7#;
2...Kh8 3.Ng6+ Kh7 4.Nf8+ Kh8 5.Qh7+ Nxh7 6.Ng6#; 2...g6 3.Qxg6+ Kh8 4.Qxh6+ Nh7
5.Ng6#) 3.Qxf5+ Kh8 (3...g6 4.Qxg6+ Kh8 5.Qxh6+ Nh7 6.Ng6#) 4.Ng6+ Kh7 5.Nf8+ Kh8
6.Qh7+ Nxh7 7.Ng6#.
1411
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rc8+ Kxc8 2.Qe8+ Kc7 (2...Rd8 3.Qc6+ Bc7 4.Rb8+ Kxb8 5.Qb7#) 3.Qb8+ Kc6 4.Qa8+ Kc7
(4...Rb7 5.Qxb7#) 5.Rb7+ Kc6 6.Rb8+ Kc7 (6...Rb7 7.Qxb7#) 7.Qb7#.
1412
994
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Rxf7 (1...Kh8 2.Qxf8+ Bg8 3.Nf7+ Kh7 4.Be4+ g6 (4...Rf5 5.Bxf5+ g6 6.Bxg6#; 4...Rg6
5.hxg6#) 5.Qh6#) 2.Rc8+ Rf8 3.Bd5+ Kh8 4.Nf7+ Kg8 5.Nxg5+ Kh8 6.Rxf8+ Bg8 7.Rxg8#.
1413
995
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxf8+ Kxf8 (1...Qxf8 2.Bh7+ Kh8 3.Bg6+ Kg8 4.Qh7#) 2.Qh8+ Kf7 3.Bg6+ Ke6 (3...Kxg6
4.Qh5#) 4.Qg8+ Kd7 (4...Qf7 5.Qxf7#) 5.Bf5+ Qe6 6.Qxe6+ Kd8 7.Qd7#.
1414
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh6+ Kxh6 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Rh4+ Kg5 (2...Kg7 3.Rxh7#) 3.Bc1+ Rd2 (3...Kxh4 4.Rf4+
Kg5 5.Rg4+ Kf5 6.Rg5#) 4.Bxd2+ Kxh4 5.Rf4+ Kg5 6.Rf3+ (6.Rg4+ Kf5 7.Rg5#; 6.Re4+ Kf5
7.g4#) 6...Kh4 7.Rh3#.
1415
996
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb8+ Kxb8 2.Bd6+ Kc8 (2...Ka8 3.Nc7+ Kb8 4.Nd5+ Ka8 (4...Kc8 5.Nb6#) 5.Nb6#) 3.Rc7+
Kb8 4.Rc6+ Ka8 5.Nc7+ Kb8 6.Nd5+ Ka8 7.Nb6#.
1416
997
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe5+ Ka8 (1...Kc8 2.Qc7#) 2.Nc7+ Kb8 3.Nxe8+ Ka8 (3...Kc8 4.Qc7#) 4.Nc7+ Kb8 5.Na6+
Ka8 (5...Kc8 6.Qc7#) 6.Qb8+ Rxb8 7.Nc7#.
1417
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re8+ Kb7 2.Qa6+ Kxa6 (2...Kc6 3.Nb4+ Kc5 (3...Kd6 4.Qd3+ Kc5 5.Qd5#) 4.Qc4+ Kd6
5.Qd5#) 3.Nxc7+ Ka5 4.b4+ Ka4 5.Bd1+ Qc2+ (5...Ka3 6.Nb5#) 6.Bxc2+ Ka3 7.Nb5#.
1418
998
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kxh7 2.Rxg7+ Kh8 (2...Kh6 3.R1g6#) 3.Rg8+ Kh7 4.R1g7+ Kh6 5.Rg6+ Kh7 6.R8g7+
Kh8 7.Rh6#.
1419
999
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Nxg8 2.fxg8=Q+ Kxg8 3.Ne7+ Kg7 (3...Kh8 4.Rf8+ Kg7 5.Rg8+ Kh6 6.Bg5#) 4.Rf7+
Kh6 (4...Kh8 5.Rf8+ Kg7 6.Rg8+ Kh6 7.Bg5#) 5.Rf6+ Kg7 6.Rg6+ Kh8 (6...Kf8 7.Rg8#) 7.Rg8#.
1420
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxe6+ Qxe6 (1...dxe6 2.Rd8#; 1...Kf8 2.Bh6+ Rg7 3.Qxg7#) 2.Qxe6+ Kf8 (2...Re7 3.Qxe7#;
2...dxe6 3.Rd8#) 3.Bh6+ Rg7 (3...Kg8 4.Qe8+ Kh7 (4...Rf8 5.Qxf8+ Kh7 6.Qg7#) 5.Qxf7+ Kxh6
(5...Kh8 6.Qg7#) 6.Rd6#) 4.Qf6+ Ke8 (4...Kg8 5.Qxg7#) 5.Re1+ Re5 (5...Re7 6.Qxe7#) 6.Rxe5+
Re7 7.Qxe7#.
1421
1000
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh6+ gxh6 2.Qe5+ Rg7 (2...Kh7 3.Rf7+ Kg6 (3...Rg7 4.Qxg7#) 4.Qf5#) 3.Rf8+ Kh7 4.Qf5+
Rg6 5.Rf7+ Kh8 (5...Kg8 6.Qxg6+ Kh8 7.Rh7#) 6.Qe5+ Kg8 (6...Rf6 7.Qe8#; 6...Rg7 7.Qxg7#)
7.Qe8#.
1422
1001
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh1+ Kg7 3.Bh6+ Kf6 4.Qxd6+ Kf7 5.Qd7+ Kf6 (5...Kg8 6.Qg7#) 6.Bg7+
Kg5 7.Qg4#.
1423
1002
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxa5+ bxa5 2.Qxc5+ Kb8 (2...Ka6 3.Qxa5+ Kxa5 4.Ra2#; 2...Ka8 3.Qc8+ Rb8 4.Qxb8#;
2...Rb6 3.Qxb6+ Ka8 4.Qb8#) 3.Qa7+ Kc8 (3...Kc7 4.Rxb7+ Kd6 (4...Kd8 5.Qa8#; 4...Kc8
5.Qa8#) 5.Qc5+ Ke5 6.Qxe7#) 4.Qa8+ Kc7 (4...Kd7 5.Rxb7+ Kd6 6.Qa6+ Ke5 7.Rxe7#; 4...Rb8
5.Qxb8+ Kd7 6.Rb7#) 5.Rxb7+ Kd6 6.Qa6+ Ke5 7.Rxe7#.
1424
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg8+ Kxg8 (1...Bxg8 2.Ng6+ Kh7 3.Rxh4#) 2.Bd5+ Rf7 (2...Kh8 3.Ng6+ Bxg6 (3...Nxg6
4.Rxh7+ Kxh7 5.Rh1+ Nh4 6.Rxh4#) 4.Rxh4+ Bh7 (4...Bh5 5.Rxh5#) 5.Rxh7+ Kxh7 6.Rh1#)
3.Bxf7+ Kh8 4.Ng6+ Bxg6 (4...Nxg6 5.Rxh7+ Kxh7 6.Rh1+ Nh4 7.Rxh4#) 5.Rxh4+ Bh7 (5...Bh5
6.Rxh5#) 6.Rxh7+ Kxh7 7.Rh1#.
1425
1003
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh6+ gxh6 (1...Kg8 2.Qh7#) 2.Rxh6+ Kg7 (2...Kg8 3.Rg3#) 3.Rh7+ Kxh7 (3...Kg8 4.Nf6#;
3...Kg6 4.Rg3+ Kxh7 (4...Kf5 5.Rh5+ Kxf4 6.Rf3+ Kg4 7.Nf6#) 5.Nf6+ Kh8 (5...Kh6 6.Rh3+ Kg7
7.Rh7#) 6.Rh3+ Kg7 7.Rh7#) 4.Nf6+ Kg7 (4...Kh8 5.Rh3+ Kg7 6.Rh7#; 4...Kh6 5.Rh3+ Kg7
6.Rh7#) 5.Rg3+ Kh6 (5...Kh8 6.Rh3+ Kg7 7.Rh7#) 6.Rh3+ Kg7 7.Rh7#.
1426
1004
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh6+ Bxh6 (1...Rh7 2.Qxh7#) 2.Rxh6+ Kg7 (2...Rh7 3.Rxh7#) 3.Rh7+ Kf8 4.Rh8+ Kg7
5.Rg8+ Kh6 6.Nf7+ Rxf7 7.g5#.
1427
1005
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxb6+ Kxb6 (1...Kc8 2.Ra8#) 2.Rb3+ Kc5 (2...Kc7 3.d6+ Qxd6 (3...Kc8 4.Ra8#) 4.Ra7+ Kc8
5.Nxd6#) 3.Ra5+ Kc4 4.Rb4+ Kxb4 5.Bd2+ Qc3 (5...Kc4 6.b3#) 6.Bxc3+ Kc4 7.Nd6#.
1428
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qg7+ Rxg7+ 2.hxg7+ Kg8 3.Bxh7+ Kxh7 4.Rh1+ Qh3+ (4...Kg6 5.g8=Q+ Kxf6 (5...Kf5
6.Qg5#) 6.Qg5#; 4...Kg8 5.Rh8#) 5.Rxh3+ Kg6 (5...Kg8 6.Rh8#) 6.g8=Q+ Kxf6 (6...Kf5 7.Qg5#)
7.Qg5#.
1429
1006
Show/Hide Solution
1.Re8+ Rxe8 2.Qxc7+ Kxc7 3.Nd5+ Kb8 (3...Kd8 4.Nxb7#) 4.Nc6+ bxc6 (4...Ka8 5.Nc7#)
5.Rb1+ Bb2 6.Rxb2+ Ka8 7.Nc7#.
1430
1007
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kg8 2.Qxg5+ Kf8 3.Rh8#; 1...Nxh7 2.Qg7#) 2.Qh5+ Kg8 3.Qxg5+ Kf8
4.Qg7+ Ke8 5.Qg8+ Kd7 6.Qxf7+ Kd6 (6...Kd8 7.Qe7#) 7.Qe7#.
1431
Show/Hide Solution
1.a7+ Kxa7 2.b8=Q+ Bxb8 (2...Ka6 3.Qa8#) 3.Qxd4+ Ka6 4.Qc4+ Ka7 (4...Kb6 5.a5+ Ka7
6.Qc5+ Ka6 7.Qb6#; 4...Ka5 5.Qb5#) 5.Qc5+ Ka6 6.Qb5+ Ka7 7.Qa5#.
1432
1008
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Kh7 2.Ng5+ Kg6 (2...hxg5 3.Rh3+ Kg6 4.Rh6+ Kxh6 (4...gxh6 5.Qg8#) 5.Qh8+ Kg6
6.Qh5#) 3.Qxf7+ Kxg5 4.Qxg7+ Kf4 (4...Kh4 5.Rh3#) 5.Qxh6+ Kxg4 6.h3+ Kf5 7.Qf6#.
1433
1009
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd7+ Be7 (1...Kg6 2.Rg7+ Kh5 3.Rh4+ Kxh4 (3...Bxh4 4.Nf4#) 4.Nf5+ Bxf5 (4...Nxf5 5.Rg4+
Kh5 6.Nf4#; 4...Kh5 5.Nf4#) 5.g3+ Kxh3 (5...Kh5 6.Nf4#) 6.Nf4#) 2.Rxe7+ Kg6 (2...Kh8 3.Rf8#;
2...Kg8 3.Rf8#) 3.Rg7+ Kh5 4.Rh4+ Kxh4 5.Nf5+ Bxf5 (5...Kh5 6.Nf4#; 5...Nxf5 6.Rg4+ Kh5
7.Nf4#) 6.g3+ Kxh3 (6...Kh5 7.Nf4#) 7.Nf4#.
1434
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nh5+ Kh6 (1...Kf8 2.Qf7#; 1...Kh8 2.Nf7+ Kg8 3.Nh6+ Kh8 (3...Kf8 4.Qf7#) 4.Qg8+ Rxg8
5.Nf7#) 2.Qe6+ Ng6 (2...Kxh5 3.Qg4+ Kh6 4.Nf7#) 3.Nf7+ Kxh5 4.Qxe2+ Kh4 5.Qf2+ Kg4
6.Qf3+ Kh4 7.Qh3#.
1435
1010
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rh1+ Kg6 3.Bh5+ Kf6 (3...Kf5 4.g4+ Kf6 5.g5+ Kf5 6.Qh3#; 3...Kh7 4.Bf7#)
4.Bg5+ Kxg5 (4...Kf5 5.Qh3+ Kxg5 6.Qg4+ Kf6 (6...Kh6 7.Qg6#) 7.Qg6#) 5.Qg3+ Kf5 (5...Kh6
6.Qg6#; 5...Kf6 6.Qg6#) 6.Qg4+ Kf6 7.Qg6#.
1436
1011
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rxh7+ Kg6 3.Rh6+ Kg7 (3...Kg5 4.Qh5+ Kf4 5.Qg4#; 3...Kxh6 4.Qh5+ Kg7
5.Qg5+ Kh8 6.Qh6#) 4.Qg4+ Kxh6 5.Qh5+ Kg7 6.Qg5+ Kh8 7.Qh6#.
1437
1012
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Kxf7 2.Ng5+ Kf6 (2...Kg8 3.Be6#) 3.e5+ Kxe5 (3...dxe5 4.Nde4#; 3...Nxe5 4.Nde4#)
4.Ndf3+ (4.Ngf3+ Kf6 5.Ne4+ Kf7 6.Nfg5+ Kg8 7.Be6#) 4...Kf6 5.Nxh7+ (5.Ne4+ Kf7 6.Nfg5+
Kg8 7.Be6#) 5...Kf7 6.Nfg5+ Kg8 7.Be6#.
1438
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kg6 2.e8=Q+ Kf5 (2...Kg5 3.Qe5+ Kg6 4.Rg8+ Kh7 5.Rg7+ Kh8 6.Qe8#) 3.Qe4+ Kxf6
4.Rf8+ Kg7 5.Qe7+ Kg6 6.Qf6+ Kh7 7.Rh8#.
1439
1013
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kxh8 2.f8=Q+ Kh7 3.Qf7+ Kh8 4.Qf6+ Kh7 (4...Kg8 5.Bxe6+ Kh7 6.Qg6+ Kh8
7.Qxh6#) 5.Qg6+ Kh8 6.Qxh6+ Kg8 7.Bxe6#.
1440
1014
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qe8+ Bf8 2.Nf6+ Kg7 (2...Kh8 3.Qxf8#) 3.Nh5+ Kg8 (3...Kh8 4.Qxf8#) 4.Bh7+ Kxh7
(4...Kh8 5.Qxf8+ Kxh7 6.Qg7#) 5.Qxf7+ Kh8 (5...Bg7 6.Qxg7#) 6.Qxf8+ Kh7 7.Qg7#.
1441
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh7+ Kxh7 (1...Kg5 2.h4#) 2.Qg8+ Kh6 3.Qh8+ Kg5 4.h4+ Kf4 5.Qh6+ g5 (5...Ke4 6.Qe3#;
5...Kf3 6.Qe3#) 6.Qxg5+ Ke4 (6...Kf3 7.Qe3#; 6...Ke5 7.Qe3#) 7.Qe3#.
1442
1015
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg6+ fxg6 (1...Kh7 2.Qxh5+ Bh6 3.Qxh6#; 1...Bg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Rxf8+ Kxf8 (2...Kh7 3.Rh8#)
3.Qh8+ Ke7 4.Qg7+ Ke6 (4...Kd8 5.Qf8#) 5.Qxg6+ Ke7 (5...Ke5 6.Qf5+ Kd4 7.Qd5#) 6.Qf7+
Kd8 7.Qf8#.
1443
1016
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf6+ Kxg7 (1...Kg6 2.Rg3+ Qg4 3.Rxg4#) 2.Ne8+ Kh7 (2...Kh8 3.Rf8+ Kh7 4.Nf6+ Kg6
5.Rg8#; 2...Kg6 3.Rg3+ Kh5 4.Ng7+ Kh4 5.Rf4+ Qg4 6.Rgxg4#) 3.Rf7+ Kg6 4.Rg7+ Kh5 5.Nf6+
Kh4 6.Rf4+ Qg4 7.Rfxg4#.
1444
1017
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxf6+ Kf8 (1...Kh8 2.Qe8+ Kg7 3.Nh5+) 2.Qe8+ Kg7 3.Nh5+ Kh6 4.Qxe6+ Kxh5 (4...Kg5
5.Qf6+ Kxh5 6.g4#) 5.Qf5+ Kh6 6.Qf6+ Kh5 7.g4#.
1445
1018
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kf7 (1...Kxh8 2.Qxf6+ Kh7 (2...Kg8 3.Rxg6+ Kh7 4.Qg7#) 3.Qxg6+ Kh8 4.Qg8#;
1...Kg7 2.Qh6+ Kf7 3.Qf8#) 2.Rf8+ Kxf8 (2...Kg7 3.Qxf6+ Kh7 (3...Kh6 4.Qxg6#) 4.Qxg6#;
2...Ke7 3.Qxf6+ Kd7 4.Qd8#) 3.Qxf6+ Ke8 (3...Kg8 4.Rxg6+ Kh7 5.Qg7#) 4.Qxg6+ Kd8 (4...Kd7
5.Qf7+ Kd8 (5...Kc8 6.Rg8#) 6.Rg8#; 4...Ke7 5.Qh7+ Kf6 (5...Kf8 6.Rg8#; 5...Ke8 6.Rg8#; 5...Kd8
6.Rg8#) 6.Rg6#; 4...Kf8 5.Qf6+ Ke8 6.Rg8+ Kd7 7.Qd8#) 5.Qxd6+ Ke8 (5...Kc8 6.Rg8#) 6.Rg8+
Kf7 7.Qe6#.
1446
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng6+ Kh7 2.Ne5+ (2.Ne7+ Kh8 3.Qg8+ Rxg8 4.Ng6+ Kh7 5.Nf8+=) 2...Ne4 (2...Kh8 3.Nf7+
Kg8 4.Nxh6+ Kh8 (4...Kf8 5.Qf7#) 5.Qg8+ Rxg8 (5...Nxg8 6.Nf7#) 6.Nf7#; 2...g6 3.Qf7+ Kh8
4.Nxg6#) 3.Bxe4+ Kh8 (3...g6 4.Qxg6+ Kh8 5.Qh7#) 4.Nf7+ Kg8 5.Nxh6+ Kh8 (5...Kf8 6.Qf7#)
6.Qg8+ Rxg8 7.Nf7#.
1447
1019
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rb8+ Kxb8 (1...Kd7 2.Rxf7+ Ke6 (2...Ke8 3.Qe7#) 3.Re7#) 2.Rb3+ Kc8 (2...Bxb3 3.Qb5+ Kc8
4.Bb7+ Kb8 5.Bc6+ Kc8 6.Qb7#; 2...Bb4 3.Qb5+ Kc8 4.Bb7+ Kb8 5.Bc6+ Kc8 6.Qb7#) 3.Bb7+
(3.Rb8+? Kd7 4.Bc6+ Ke6 5.Qe3+ Kf6=) 3...Kb8 (3...Kd7 4.Bc6+ Kc8 (4...Ke6 5.Re3#) 5.Rb8+
Kxb8 6.Qb5+ Kc8 7.Qb7#) 4.Bc6+ Kc8 (4...Bxb3 5.Qb5+ Kc8 6.Qb7#; 4...Bb4 5.Qb5+ Kc8
6.Qb7#) 5.Rb8+ Kxb8 6.Qb5+ Kc8 7.Qb7#.
1448
1020
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd7+ Kxd7 2.Nbxc5+ (2.Naxc5+ dxc5 3.Nxc5+) 2...dxc5 (2...Kd8 3.Ne6+ Kd7 4.Nac5+ dxc5
5.Ba4+ Bc6 6.Bxc6+ Kxe6 7.d5#) 3.Nxc5+ Kd8 4.Ne6+ Kd7 5.Ba4+ Bc6 6.Bxc6+ Kxe6 7.d5#.
1449
1021
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxc6+ Rxc6 (1...Kc7 2.Qa7+ Rxa7 (2...Kd6 3.e5+ Nxe5 4.dxe5+ Kd5 5.c4#) 3.Rxa7+ Kd6
4.e5+ Nxe5 (4...Kd5 5.c4#) 5.dxe5+ Kd5 6.c4#; 1...Kb7 2.Qa7+ Rxa7 3.Rxa7#) 2.Qxa8+ Kc7
3.Ra7+ Kd6 4.Qf8+ Nxf8 5.e5+ Kd5 6.c4+ Rxc4 7.Be4#.
1450
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxh7+ Ka6 (1...Bc7 2.Nd6+ Ka6 (2...Kc6 3.Qd5#; 2...Kb8 3.Qc8#) 3.Qb5#; 1...Kb8 2.Qf8+
Re8 3.Qxe8#; 1...Re7 2.Rxe7+) 2.Qc8+ Nb7 (2...Rxc8 3.Rxa7#) 3.Qxb7+ Ka5 4.b4+ Kxb4 5.a3+
Ka5 (5...Ka4 6.Qa6#; 5...Kc5 6.Qd5#) 6.Qxa7+ Rxa7 7.Rxa7#.
1451
1022
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bd8+ Ka7 2.Rxa6+ bxa6 (2...Kxa6 3.Qa5#; 2...Kb8 3.Qf4+ Qe5 (3...Rd6 4.Qxd6+ Kc8
5.Qc7#; 3...Kc8 4.Qc7#) 4.Qxe5+ Rd6 (4...Kc8 5.Qc7#) 5.Qxd6+ Kc8 6.Qc7#) 3.Qd7+ Kb8
(3...Ka8 4.Qc8+ Ka7 5.Bb6+ Kxb6 6.Qb8#) 4.Qc7+ (4.Bc7+) 4...Ka8 5.Qc8+ Ka7 6.Bb6+ Kxb6
7.Qb8#.
1452
1023
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nf7+ Kh7 (1...Kg8 2.e8=Q+ Kh7 3.Ng5+ (3.Qh8+) 3...hxg5 4.Rh2#) 2.Ng5+ hxg5 (2...Kg6
3.e8=Q+ Kf6 4.Qe6#; 2...Kh8 3.e8=Q#; 2...Kg8 3.e8=Q#) 3.Rh2+ Kg6 (3...Kg8 4.e8=Q#) 4.e8=Q+
Kf6 5.fxg5+ Kxg5 6.Qe5+ Kg6 (6...Kg4 7.Qf4#) 7.Qf5#.
1453
1024
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxc6+ Kf8 (1...Rxc6 2.Rd8#; 1...Nd7 2.Qxc8#) 2.Bh6+ Ke7 (2...Kg8 3.Qxc8+ Nxc8 (3...Bf8
4.Qxf8#) 4.Rd8+ Bf8 5.Rxf8#) 3.Qf6+ Ke8 4.Qh8+ Ke7 (4...Bf8 5.Qxf8#) 5.Bf8+ (5.Qf6+ Ke8)
5...Rxf8 (5...Ke6 6.Qf6#; 5...Ke8 6.Bxc5#) 6.Qf6+ Ke8 7.Rd8#.
1454
1025
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kg8 2.Qxh7#; 1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Qxh7+ Kf6 (2...Kf8 3.Bh6+ Ke8 4.Qg8+
Ke7 5.Bg5#; 2...Ke8 3.Qg8+ Ke7 4.Bg5#) 3.e5+ dxe5 (3...Kxe5 4.Qg7+ Kd5 5.Be4+ Kxe4
(5...Kc4 6.Qd4#) 6.Qd4+ Kf5 7.g4#) 4.Bg5+ Kxg5 5.Qxg6+ Kh4 (5...Kf4 6.Qg3#) 6.Qf6+ Kg4
(6...Kh5 7.Be2#) 7.Be2#.
1455
1026
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Nd5+ Kg8 (2...Kh7 3.Nf6+) 3.Nf6+ Kh8 (3...Kg7 4.Ng4+) 4.Ng4+ Rd4
(4...Kh7 5.Ng5+ Kg8 6.Nxh6#; 4...Kg8 5.Nxh6+ Kh7 6.Ng5#) 5.Bxd4+ Kh7 (5...Kg8 6.Nxh6+
Kh7 7.Ng5#) 6.Ng5+ Kg8 7.Nxh6#.
1456
1027
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ Kxg6 2.R1f6+ Kh5 (2...Kg5 3.Rf5+ Kh6 (3...Kg6 4.R7f6+) 4.R7f6+) 3.Rf5+ Kh6
(3...Kg6 4.R7f6+ Kh7 (4...Kg7 5.Rg5+ Kh7 6.Bf5#) 5.Rh5+ Kg7 (5...Kg8 6.Rg5+ Kh7 7.Bf5#)
6.Rg5+ Kh7 7.Bf5#) 4.R7f6+ Kh7 (4...Kg7 5.Rg5+ Kh7 6.Bf5#) 5.Rh5+ Kg7 (5...Kg8 6.Rg5+ Kh7
7.Bf5#) 6.Rg5+ Kh7 7.Bf5#.
1457
1028
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kf7 (1...Kg7 2.R3h7+; 1...Ke7 2.R3h7+) 2.R3h7+ Kf6 3.Rf8+ Ke5 (3...Kg5 4.Rg8+ Kf6
5.Rg6+ Ke5 6.Re6#) 4.Re8+ Ne7 (4...Kf6 5.Re6+ Kg5 6.Rg6#) 5.Rexe7+ Kf6 6.Re6+ Kg5 7.Rg6#.
1458
1029
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rg8+ (1.Rxf7+ Kxf7=)
1.Rg8+ Kxg8 2.Nh6+ Kg7 (2...Kh8 3.Qf6#) 3.Qxf7+ Kxh6 4.Qf6+ Kh5 5.g4+ Kxg4 6.Rg1+
Kh5 (6...Kh3 7.Qh6#) 7.Qg5#.
1459
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf5+ Bxf5 (1...Ke7 2.Qxg7+ Kd8 (2...Ke8 3.Qf8#; 2...Bf7 3.Qxf7+ Kd8 4.Qf8#) 3.Rf8+ Be8
4.Rxe8+ Kxe8 5.Qg8+ Ke7 6.Qf7+ Kd8 7.Qf8#) 2.Qxf5+ Ke7 3.Qf7+ Kd8 4.Qg8+ Ke7 (4...Bf8
5.Qxf8#) 5.Qxg7+ Ke8 (5...Kd8 6.Qf8#) 6.Qg8+ Ke7 7.Qf7+ Kd8 8.Qf8#.
1460
1030
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rd3+ Kc8 2.Rc3+ Kb8 (2...Kd8 3.Qc7#) 3.Qc7+ Ka8 4.Qa5+ Kb7 (4...Kb8 5.Qb4+ Ka7
6.Qa3+ Kb6 7.Qb2+ Ka5 8.Ra3#) 5.Qb4+ Ka7 (5...Ka6 6.Qa3+ Kb5 7.Qb2+ Ka4 8.Ra3#) 6.Qa3+
Kb6 7.Qb2+ Ka7 8.Ra3#.
1461
1031
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Bf6+ Kh6 3.Bg7+ Kh5 4.Be2+ Kh4 5.Rg4+ Kh5 6.Rf5+ Bg5 (6...Ng5
7.Rgxg5+ Kh4 8.Rg4#) 7.Rgxg5+ Kh4 8.Rg4#.
1462
1032
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Nxf6+ Kh6 (2...Kh8 3.Ng6#) 3.Neg4+ Kg5 4.h4+ Kf4 5.Bd2+ Kg3 6.Rh3+
Kxg2 7.Bf1+ Kg1 8.Be3#.
1463
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nxb5+ Nxe7 (1...Kb8 2.Be5+ Nd6 (2...Rc7 3.Re8+ Kb7 4.Ra7#) 3.Bxd6+ Rc7 4.Re8+ Kb7
5.Ra7#) 2.Ra7+ Kb8 3.Be5+ Rc7 4.Bxc7+ Kc8 5.Ra8+ Kd7 (5...Kb7 6.Rb8+ Ka6 7.Rb6#) 6.Rd8+
Ke6 7.Rd6+ Kf5 8.Nd4#.
1464
1033
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Nxh7 2.Bxh7+ Kg7 3.Rf7+ Kh6 4.Ne6+ Kh5 (4...Qf4 5.Bxf4+ Kh5 6.Rf5+ Kg4
(6...Kh4 7.Bg3+ Kg4 8.Rg5#) 7.Rg5+ Kh4 8.Bg3#) 5.Rf5+ Kg4 (5...Kh4 6.Bf2+ Qg3 (6...Kg4
7.Rg5#) 7.Bxg3+ Kg4 8.Rg5#) 6.Rg5+ Kh4 7.Bf2+ Qg3 8.Bxg3#.
1465
1034
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxd8+ Rxd8 (1...Kf7 2.Bc4+ Re6 3.Bxe6#) 2.Bc4+ Rd5 (2...Kh8 3.Ng6+ hxg6 4.hxg6+ Nh6
5.Rxh6+ gxh6 6.Bf6#; 2...Re6 3.Bxe6+ Kh8 4.Ng6+ hxg6 5.hxg6+ Nh6 6.Rxh6+ gxh6 7.Bf6#)
3.Bxd5+ Re6 (3...Kh8 4.Ng6+ hxg6 5.hxg6+ Nh6 6.Rxh6+ gxh6 7.Bf6#) 4.Bxe6+ Kh8 5.Ng6+
hxg6 6.hxg6+ Nh6 7.Rxh6+ gxh6 8.Bf6#.
1466
1035
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qd8+ Ka7 (1...Bc8 2.Qxc8+ Ka7 3.Nb5#) 2.Nb5+ Ka6 3.Nxc7+ Ka7 4.Nc8+ Bxc8 (4...Kb8
5.Nd6+ Bc8 (5...Ka7 6.Ndb5#) 6.Qxc8+ Ka7 7.Qb7#) 5.Nb5+ Kb7 (5...Ka6 6.Qxc8+ Kxb5
7.Qc4#; 5...Kb8 6.Qc7+ Ka8 7.Qa7#; 5...Ka8 6.Qxc8#) 6.Qc7+ Ka6 (6...Ka8 7.Qa7#) 7.Qxc8+
Kxb5 8.Qc4#.
1467
1036
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh7+ Kf6 2.e5+ Kxe5 (2...dxe5 3.Nce4#; 2...Kxg5 3.Qh4#; 2...Bxe5 3.Nce4#) 3.Qg7+ f6
4.Qxe7+ (4.Re1+ Be3 5.Rxe3+ Kd4 6.Rd3+ Ke5 7.Qxe7+ Qxe7 8.Rd5#) 4...Qxe7 (4...Be6 5.Qxe6#)
5.Re1+ Be3 6.Rxe3+ Kd4 7.Rd3+ Ke5 8.Rd5#.
1468
1037
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg6+ fxg6 (1...Kh8 2.Qh6#; 1...Kh7 2.Qh6#) 2.Qe7+ Kh6 (2...Rf7 3.Rxf7+ Kh6 (3...Kg8
4.Rf8#; 3...Kh8 4.Rf8#) 4.Rh7#) 3.Qxf8+ Kg5 (3...Kh7 4.Rf7#; 3...Kh5 4.Qh8+ Kg5 5.h4+ gxh3
6.Rg3+ Kf4 7.Qh4#) 4.Qf6+ Kh5 (4...Kh6 5.Qh8+ Kg5 6.h4+ gxh3 7.Rg3+ Kf4 8.Qh4#) 5.Qh8+
Kg5 6.h4+ gxh3 7.Rg3+ Kf4 8.Qh4#.
1469
1038
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bxc7+ Rxc7 (1...Ka8 2.Nb6#) 2.Qxa7+ Kxa7 (2...Kc8 3.Nb6#) 3.Ra1+ Kb8 4.Ra8+ Kxa8
5.Nb6+ Kb8 (5...Ka7 6.Ra2+ Kb8 7.Ra8#) 6.Rd8+ Rc8 (6...Ka7 7.Ra8#) 7.Rxc8+ Ka7 8.Ra8#.
1470
1039
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bd5+ Qxd5 (1...Kb6 2.Qc6#) 2.Ra7+ Kxa7 (2...Kb6 3.Qc7+ Kb5 4.Ra5#; 2...Kb8 3.Qc7#)
3.Qc7+ Ka6 (3...Ka8 4.Ra1+ Ra4 (4...Qa5 5.Rxa5#; 4...Qa2 5.Rxa2+ Ra4 6.Rxa4#) 5.Rxa4+ Qa5
6.Rxa5#; 3...Rb7 4.Ra1+ Qa2 (4...Qa5 5.Rxa5#) 5.Rxa2#; 3...Qb7 4.Ra1+ Ra4 5.Rxa4#) 4.Ra1+ Qa2
(4...Ra4 5.Rxa4+ Kb5 (5...Qa5 6.Rxa5#) 6.Ra5+ Kb4 7.Qc3#; 4...Kb5 5.Ra5#; 4...Qa5 5.Rxa5#)
5.Rxa2+ Ra4 (5...Kb5 6.Ra5#) 6.Rxa4+ Kb5 7.Ra5+ Kb4 8.Qc3#.
1471
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bf6+ Rxf6 (1...Kc8 2.f8=Q#; 1...Bxf6 2.f8=Q#) 2.e7+ Kd7 (2...Kc8 3.e8=Q#) 3.e8=Q+ Kxd6
4.Nc4+ Kc7 (4...Kd5 5.Qd7+ Rd6 6.Qxd6#) 5.Qe7+ Kc8 (5...Kc6 6.Qb7#; 5...Kb8 6.Qd8#)
6.Nd6+ Rxd6 (6...Kb8 7.Qd8#) 7.f8=Q+ Rd8 8.Qfxd8#.
1472
1040
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bd5+ Kf8 2.Rf7+ Ke8 (2...Kg8 3.Re7+ Kf8 4.Ng6#) 3.Bc6+ Kd8 4.Rd7+ Ke8 (4...Kc8 5.Bb7+
Kb8 6.Nc6#) 5.Rb7+ Kd8 (5...Kf8 6.Ng6+ Kg8 7.Bd5#) 6.Nf7+ Kc8 7.Nd6+ Kd8 8.Rd7#.
1473
1041
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ra8+ Rxa8 2.Qg4+ Kb8 (2...Nf5 3.Qxf5+; 2...Ne6 3.Qxe6+; 2...Kd8 3.Qd7#) 3.Nd7+ Kc8
(3...Ka7 4.Ra1+ Qa5 5.Rxa5#) 4.Nb6+ Kb8 (4...Kd8 5.Qd7#) 5.Qc8+ Rxc8 (5...Ka7 6.Ra1+ Qa5
7.Rxa5#) 6.Nd7+ Ka7 7.Ra1+ Qa3 (7...Qa5 8.Rxa5#; 7...Qa4 8.Rxa4#) 8.Rxa3#.
1474
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qc5+ Kd7 (1...Ke8 2.Re6+; 1...Qd6 2.Qxd6+ Ke8 3.Qxb8+ Kd7 (3...Ke7 4.Qd6+ Ke8 5.Rc8#)
4.Qd6+ Ke8 5.Rc8#) 2.Rd6+ Ke8 (2...Ke7 3.Re6+ Kd7 4.Qc6#) 3.Re6+ fxe6 (3...Qe7 4.Qxe7#;
3...Kd7 4.Qc6#) 4.Bh5+ Rg6 (4...Kd7 5.Qc6+ Ke7 6.Qxe6+ Kf8 7.Qf7#) 5.Bxg6+ Kd7 6.Qc6+
Ke7 7.Qxe6+ Kf8 8.Qf7#.
1475
1042
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf4+ gxf4 (1...Ka8 2.Nb6+ axb6 3.axb6+ Na6 (3...Na4 4.Rxa4#) 4.Rxa6+ bxa6 5.Rxc8+ Rxc8
(5...Kb7 6.Qc7#) 6.Bg2+ Rc6 7.Bxc6#; 1...Ne5 2.Qxe5+ Ka8 3.Nb6+; 1...Rd6 2.Qxd6+ Ka8
3.Nb6+) 2.Bxf4+ Ka8 (2...Ne5 3.Bxe5+ Ka8 4.Nb6+; 2...Rd6 3.Bxd6+ Ka8 4.Nb6+) 3.Nb6+ axb6
4.axb6+ Na6 (4...Na4 5.Rxa4#) 5.Rxc8+ Rxc8 6.Rxa6+ bxa6 7.Bg2+ Rc6 8.Bxc6#.
1476
1043
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rb8+ Rxb8 2.Bd5+ Nxd5 (2...Rhb7 3.axb7+ Rxb7 4.Bxb7+ Kxb7 5.Rb1+ Kc8 (5...Ka8 6.Qb8#;
5...Ka6 6.Qb5#) 6.Qb8+ Kd7 7.Rb7#; 2...Rbb7 3.axb7+ Rxb7 4.Bxb7+ Kxb7 5.Rb1+) 3.Qxd5+
Rhb7 (3...Rbb7 4.axb7+ Kb8 (4...Rxb7 5.Rxa7+) 5.Qd8+ Kxb7 6.Rb1+ Ka6 7.Qd6+ Ka5 8.Qa3#)
4.axb7+ Rxb7 5.Rxa7+ Kxa7 (5...Kb8 6.Qxb7#) 6.Qa5+ Kb8 7.Nc6+ (7.Qd8+ Ka7 8.Nc6+ Ka6
9.Qa5#) 7...Kc8 8.Qd8#.
1477
1044
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rh8+ Kf7 (1...Kxh8 2.Qh5+ Kg8 3.Qxe8+ Kh7 4.Qh5+ Kg8 5.e8=Q#) 2.Qh5+ Kxe7 (2...Ng6
3.Qxg6+ Kxe7 4.Qxe8+ Kd6 5.Qe6+ Kc7 6.Qxc6#; 2...g6 3.Qh7#) 3.Qxe8+ Kd6 4.Qe6+ Kc7
5.Rc8+ (5.Qc8+ Kd6 6.Qe6+ Kc7) 5...Kb6 6.Rxc6+ Nxc6 (6...Kxa5 7.Ra6#; 6...Ka7 7.Rc7+ Kb8
(7...Ka8 8.Qc8#) 8.Qc8#) 7.Qxc6+ Kxa5 (7...Ka7 8.Qb7#) 8.Qb5#.
1478
1045
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nd7+ e5 (1...Kh7 2.Nf6+; 1...Kg8 2.Nf6+ Kg7 (2...Kf8 3.Qd8+ Kg7 4.Qg8#; 2...Kh8 3.Qd8+
Kg7 4.Qg8#) 3.Nh5+ Kf8 (3...Kg8 4.Qg7#; 3...Kh7 4.Qg7#) 4.Qd8#; 1...f6 2.Qxf6+ Kh7 (2...Kg8
3.Qf8+ Kh7 4.Nf6#) 3.Qf7+ Kh8 4.Qf8+ Kh7 5.Nf6#) 2.Qxe5+ Kh7 (2...f6 3 .Qe7+ Kh8 (3...Kg8
4.Nxf6+ Kh8 5.Qf8#) 4.Qf8+ Kh7 5.Nxf6#; 2...Kg8 3.Qe8+ Kg7 (3...Kh7 4.Nf6+ Kg7 5.Qg8#)
4.Qf8+ Kh7 5.Nf6#) 3.Nf6+ Kg7 (3...Kh8 4.Qe8+ Kg7 5.Qg8#) 4.Nh5+ Kf8 (4...Kh7 5.Qg7#;
4...Kg8 5.Qg7#) 5.Qd6+ Kg8 (5...Ke8 6.Nf6#) 6.Qd8+ Kh7 7.Nf6+ Kg7 8.Qg8#.
1479
1046
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rb7+ Ka8 2.Rb8+ Kxb8 (2...Rxb8 3.Be4+ Nd5 (3...Rb7 4.Rg8#) 4.Bxd5+ Rb7 5.Rg8#) 3.Nd7+
Kc7 (3...Kb7 4.Nc5+ Kc6 (4...Kb8 5.Na6+; 4...Ka8 5.Be4+ Nd5 6.Bxd5+ Rc6 7.Rg8+ Re8
8.Rxe8#) 5.Be4+ Nd5 (5...Kd6 6.Rd7#) 6.cxd5+ Kd6 7.Rd7#; 3...Ka8 4.Be4+ Nd5 (4...Rc6 5.Bxc6#)
5.Bxd5+ Rc6 6.Bxc6#) 4.Nc5+ Kb8 (4...Kd8 5.Ne6+ Ke8 6.Bg6#; 4...Kc6 5.Be4+ Nd5 (5...Kd6
6.Rd7#) 6.cxd5+ Kd6 7.Rd7#; 4...Kd6 5.Rd7+ Kc6 6.Be4+ Nd5 7.cxd5#) 5.Na6+ Ka8 6.Be4+ Nd5
(6...Rc6 7.Bxc6#) 7.Bxd5+ Rc6 8.Bxc6#.
1480
1047
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qb6+ Kxd3 (1...Ke5 2.Re1#) 2.Rf3+ Kc2 (2...Kxc4 3.b3+ (3.Rc1+) 3...Kd5 (3...Kb4 4.Qd4#)
4.Rd1+ Ke5 5.Qe3#; 2...Kd2 3.Qe3+ Kc2 4.Qc3#; 2...Ke2 3.Qe3#) 3.Rc1+ Kxc1 (3...Kd2 4.Qe3#;
3...Kxb2 4.Qd4+ Kxc1 (4...Ka2 5.Ra1#) 5.Qc3+ Kb1 6.Rf1+ Ka2 7.Ra1#) 4.Qe3+ Kb1 (4...Kc2
5.Qc3+ Kb1 (5...Kd1 6.Rf1+ Ke2 7.Re1#) 6.Rf1+ Ka2 7.Qa3#; 4...Kxb2 5.Qd2+ Kb1 (5...Ka1
6.Rf1#) 6.Rf1#; 4...Kd1 5.Rf1+ Kc2 6.Qc3#) 5.Qe1+ (5.Qd3+) 5...Kc2 (5...Ka2 6.Ra3+ Kxb2
7.Qc3+ Kb1 8.Ra1#; 5...Kxb2 6.Qd2+ Kb1 (6...Ka1 7.Rf1#) 7.Rf1#) 6.Qc3+ Kb1 (6...Kd1 7.Rf1+
Ke2 8.Re1#) 7.Rf1+ Ka2 8.Qa3#.
1481
1048
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qf4+ Kg6 (1...Nf5 2.Nge4+ Kg6 3.Qg5+ Kf7 (3...Kh7 4.Qxf5+) 4.Qxf5+ Kg8 5.Qe6+ Kh7
6.Ng5#) 2.Qf7+ Kxg5 (2...Kh6 3.Rxh2+ Kxg5 4.Ne4+ Kg4 5.f3#) 3.Ne4+ Kg4 (3...Kh6 4.Rxh2#;
3...Kh4 4.Rxh2+ Kg4 5.f3#) 4.f3+ Kh3 (4...Kh4 5.Rxh2#) 5.Qe6+ Nf5 (5...Kg2 6.Qg4+ Kxh1
7.Nf2#; 5...Kh4 6.Rxh2#) 6.Qxf5+ Kg2 (6...Kh4 7.Rxh2#) 7.Qg4+ Kxh1 8.Nf2#.
1482
1049
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nc6+ Bxc6 (1...Kc8 2.Rd8#; 1...Ka8 2.Rd8+ Bc8 3.Rxc8+ Kb7 4.Rb8+ Ka6 5.Qc4+ b5 6.axb5#)
2.Rd8+ Kb7 3.Qxc6+ Kxc6 (3...Ka6 4.Qb5+ Kb7 5.Be4+ Nd5 (5...c6 6.Qxc6+ Ka6 7.Qb5#)
6.Qxd5+ c6 (6...Ka6 7.Qb5#) 7.Qxc6+ Ka6 8.Qb5#) 4.Be4+ Kc5 (4...Nd5 5.Bxd5+ Kc5 6.Ne4+
Kd4 7.Bc3#) 5.Nd3+ Nxd3 6.Rd5+ Kc6 7.Rxd3+ Kc5 8.b4+ Kc4 9.Bd5#.
1483
1050
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxf7+ Nxf7 (1...Rg7 2.Qxg7#) 2.Rxf7+ Rg7 3.Rxg7+ Kh8 4.Rxg6+ Kh7 (4...Bf6 5.Bxf6+ Kh7
6.Rg7+ Kh8 7.Rxg4+ Kh7 8.Rd7#) 5.Rg7+ Kh8 6.Rxg5+ Kh7 7.Rg7+ Kh8 8.Rxg4+ Kh7 9.Rd7#.
1484
1051
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxa7+ Kxa7 (1...Kc8 2.Qxc7#) 2.axb6+ Kb7 (2...Kb8 3.bxc7+ Kc8 4.Ra8+ Nb8 5.cxb8=Q+
Kd7 6.Qb7#) 3.Ra7+ Kb8 (3...Kc6 4.Rxc7+ Kd5 5.Rb5+ Nc5 (5...Qc5 6.Rcxc5+ Nxc5 7.Rxc5#)
6.Rbxc5+ Qxc5 7.Rxc5#; 3...Kc8 4.b7+ Kd8 (4...Kb8 5.Ra8#) 5.b8=Q+ Nxb8 6.Rxb8+ Kd7
7.Rxc7#) 4.Bxc7+ Kc8 5.b7+ Kxc7 6.b8=Q+ Kc6 7.Qb7+ Kd6 8.Ra6+ Nb6 9.Raxb6#.
1485
Show/Hide Solution
1.Be5+ Ka8 (1...Rc7 2.Qe8#) 2.Nb6+ axb6 3.Ra1+ Na6 (3...Na2 4.Rxa2#) 4.Rxa6+ bxa6 5.Bg2+
Ka7 (5...Ne4 6.Qxe4+ Rc6 (6...Ka7 7.Qb7#) 7.Qxc6+ Ka7 8.Qb7#; 5...Rc6 6.Qxc6+ Ka7 7.Qb7#)
6.Qxb6+ Kxb6 7.Nd7+ Ka7 (7...Ka5 8.Bc3#) 8.Bd4+ Rc5 9.Bxc5#.
1486
1052
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Qe7 (1...Kxc8 2.Be6+ Kb8 (2...Kd8 3.Qf8+ Kc7 4.Qc8+ Kd6 5.Bc5#) 3.Qf8+ Kc7
(3...Be8 4.Qxe8+ Kc7 5.Qd7+ Kb8 6.Qc8#) 4.Qc8+ Kd6 5.Bc5#; 1...Kd6 2.Bc5#) 2.Be6+ (2.Rc7+?
Kxc7 3.Qxe7+ Bd7 4.Qe5+ Kc8 5.Qxb2 Nxe3–+) 2...Kxe6 3.Qe5+ Kf7 (3...Kd7 4.Rc7+ Ke8
5.Qxe7#) 4.Qxf5+ Qf6 (4...Kg7 5.Bd4+) 5.Rc7+ Kg8 (5...Kf8 6.Qxf6+ Kg8 7.Qg7#; 5...Ke8
6.Qc8+ Qd8 7.Qe6+ Kf8 8.Qf7#; 5...Bd7 6.Qxd7+ Kg6 7.Qg4+ Kh6 8.Qxh3+ Kg6 9.Qh7#)
6.Qc8+ Qf8 7.Qg4+ Kh8 8.Bd4+ Qf6 9.Bxf6#.
1487
1053
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxa7+ Kxa7 2.Ra1+ Kb8 (2...Ra2 3.Rxa2+ Kb8 4.Bf4+) 3.Bf4+ Rc7 (3...Ne5 4.Bxe5+ Rc7
5.Bxc7+) 4.Bxc7+ Kc8 5.Ra8+ Kd7 6.Rd8+ Ke6 7.Re8+ Kd7 8.Re7+ Kc8 9.Nb6#.
1488
1054
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rf7+ Kxf7 (1...Kg8 2.Qxh7#; 1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Qxh7+ Kf8 (2...Kf6 3.Qxg6#; 2...Ke6
3.Qxg6#) 3.Qh6+ Kg8 (3...Kf7 4.Bxg6+ Kg8 (4...Ke6 5.Bxe8+ Kf5 6.Qg6#; 4...Kf6 5.Bxe8+ Kf5
6.Qg6#) 5.Qh7+ Kf8 6.Qf7#) 4.Qxg6+ Kf8 (4...Kh8 5.Qh7#) 5.Qh6+ Kg8 (5...Kf7 6.Bg6+)
6.Bh7+ Kh8 (6...Kf7 7.Qg6+) 7.Bg6+ Kg8 8.Qh7+ Kf8 9.Qf7#.
1489
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxa7+ Kxa7 2.Ra1+ Kb8 (2...Qa2 3.Rxa2+) 3.Ra8+ Kc7 4.Ra7+ Kb8 5.Rb7+ Ka8 6.Rbxg7+
Kb8 (6...Nxe4 7.Ra7+ Kb8 8.Rhb7#; 6...Qd5 7.Bxd5+; 6...d5 7.Ra7+ Kb8 8.Rhb7#) 7.Rb7+ Ka8
8.Ra7+ Kb8 9.Rhb7#.
1490
1055
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kf8 (1...Kh8 2.Rxh7+ Kg8 3.Rh8#) 2.Rg8+ Kxg8 3.Rg1+ Kf8 (3...Qg5 4.Rxg5+) 4.Bg7+
Kg8 5.Bf6+ Kf8 (5...Qg5 6.Rxg5+) 6.Rg8+ Kxg8 7.Qg2+ Qg5 (7...Kf8 8.Qg7#) 8.Qxg5+ Kf8
9.Qg7#.
1491
1056
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg7+ Kxg7 2.Rxf7+ Kh6 (2...Kg6 3.R1f6+; 2...Kg8 3.Rxf8+ Kh7 4.Rh8+ Kg6 5.Be4+ Kg5
6.Bf6+ Kg4 7.Rh4#) 3.R1f6+ Kg5 (3...Kh5 4.Bf3+ Kg5 5.h4#) 4.h4+ Kg4 (4...Kh5 5.Bf3#) 5.Rg6+
Kh5 6.Rg5+ Kh6 7.Bg7+ Kh7 8.Be4+ Kg8 9.Rxf8#.
1492
1057
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxg6+ fxg6 (1...Kf8 2.Qxf7#; 1...Kh8 2.Qg7#) 2.f7+ Kf8 (2...Kh7 3.f8=Q+ Re7 (3...Nc7
4.Rf7#; 3...Ne7 4.Rf7#) 4.Rf7+ Rxf7 5.Rxf7#; 2...Kh8 3.f8=Q#; 2...Kg7 3.f8=Q#) 3.Ra8+ Ke7
(3...Re8 4.fxe8=Q+ Kg7 5.Qh8#; 3...Kg7 4.f8=Q+ Kh7 5.Qh8#) 4.f8=Q+ Ke6 (4...Kd7 5.Rd8+ Kc7
(5...Ke6 6.Qd6#) 6.Qd6+ Kb7 7.Qb8+ Ka6 8.Qa8#) 5.Re8+ Kd7 (5...Ne7 6.Qxe7+ Kd5 7.Rd8#)
6.Rd8+ Kc7 (6...Ke6 7.Qd6#) 7.Qd6+ Kb7 8.Qb8+ (8.Rf7+) 8...Ka6 9.Qa8#.
1493
1058
Show/Hide Solution
1.Nd7+ Ka7 (1...Ka8 2.Qxb7+ Kxb7 3.Be4+) 2.Qxb7+ Kxb7 3.Be4+ Ka6 (3...Ka7 4.Rc7+ Ka6
5.Nb8+? (5.b5+ Kxb5 6.Bd3+) 5...Kb5 6.Bd3+ Ka4 (6...Kxb4 7.Rc4+ Kb5 8.a4#) 7.Bc2+ Kxb4
8.a3+ Kb5 9.a4+ Kb4 10.Na6#) 4.b5+ Kxb5 5.Bd3+ Kb4 (5...Ka4 6.Rc4+ Kb5 7.a4+ Ka6 8.Rc7+
b5 9.axb5#) 6.Rc4+ Kb5 7.a4+ (7.Rc3+ Ka4 8.Ra3+ Kb4 9.Rb3+ Ka4 10.Bb5#) 7...Ka6 8.Rc7+ b5
9.axb5#.
1494
1059
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxb7+ Kxb7 2.Bc6+ Kc7 3.Ra7+ Kb8 (3...Kc8 4.Nxd6+ Kb8 5.Rb7+ Ka8 6.Rb6+ Ka7
7.Nc8#) 4.Rb7+ Ka8 (4...Kc8 5.Nxd6#) 5.Rd7+ Kb8 6.Rxd8+ Kc7 (6...Ka7 7.Ra8#) 7.Rd7+ Kb8
(7...Kc8 8.Nb6+ Kb8 9.Rb7#) 8.Rb7+ Kc8 (8...Ka8 9.Nb6#) 9.Nxd6+ Kd8 10.Rd7#.
1495
1060
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh6+ Kxh6 (1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Rh4+ Kg5 (2...Kg7 3.Rxh7#) 3.Nxh7+ Kxh4 4.Rd4+ f4
(4...Kh3 5.Ng5+ Kxh2 6.Rh4+ Kg1 7.Nh3+ Kh2 8.Nf4+ Kg1 9.Ne2#) 5.Rxf4+ Kh3 6.Ng5+ Kxh2
7.Rh4+ Kg1 8.Nh3+ Kh2 9.Nf4+ Kg1 10.Ne2#.
1496
1061
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qh3+ Kg8 2.Rxg7+ Kxg7 (2...Kf8 3.Qh8#) 3.Qh6+ Kg8 4.Qxg6+ Kh8 (4...Kf8 5.Qf7#)
5.Qxe8+ Kg7 (5...Kh7 6.g6+ Kg7 (6...Kh6 7.Qf8+ Kxg6 8.Qf7+ Kh6 9.g5#) 7.Qf7+ Kh8 (7...Kh6
8.Qh7#) 8.Qh7#) 6.Qf7+ Kh8 7.Qf8+ Kh7 8.g6+ Kxg6 9.Qf7+ Kh6 10.g5#.
1497
1062
Show/Hide Solution
1.Qxa7+ Kxa7 2.Ra1+ Kb8 (2...Qa2 3.Rxa2+) 3.Ra8+ Kc7 4.Nb5+ Kd7 5.Ra7+ Rc7 (5...Ke8
6.Bxg6+ Kf8 7.Rh8+ Bxh8 8.Nxe6+ Kg8 9.Bh7#) 6.Rxc7+ Ke8 7.Bxg6+ Kf8 8.Rh8+ Bxh8
9.Nxe6+ Kg8 10.Bh7#.
1498
1063
Show/Hide Solution
1.Rxg7+ Kf8 (1...Kxg7 2.Qh6+ Kf7 (2...Kg8 3.Qe6+ Kg7 4.Bh6+ Kh8 5.Qf6+ Kg8 6.Qg7#)
3.Qf6+ Kg8 4.Qe6+ Kg7 5.Bh6+ Kh8 6.Qf6+ Kg8 7.Qg7#; 1...Kh8 2.Qxh7#) 2.Be7+ Kxg7
(2...Ke8 3.Rg8+ Kf7 4.Qxh7+ Ke6 5.Rg6#) 3.Qf6+ Kg8 4.Qe6+ Kg7 (4...Kh8 5.Bf6#) 5.Bf6+ Kg6
(5...Kh6 6.Bxd8+ Kg7 7.Bf6+ Kh6 8.Be7+; 5...Kf8 6.Qe7+ Kg8 7.Qg7#) 6.Bxd8+ Kg7 (6...Kh5
7.Qf7+ Kh6 8.Qf6+ Kh5 9.Qg5#) 7.Bf6+ Kh6 (7...Kf8 8.Qe7+ Kg8 9.Qg7#) 8.Be7+ Kh5 (8...Kg7
9.Qf6+ Kg8 10.Qf8#) 9.Qf7+ Kh6 10.Qf6+ Kh5 11.Qg5#.
1499
1064
Show/Hide Solution
1.Ng5+ Ke8 (1...Kg8 2.Qe6+ Kh8 (2...Rf7 3.Qxc8+ Rf8 4.Qe6+) 3.Nf7+ Kg8 (3...Rxf7 4.Qxc8+
Rf8 5.Qxf8#) 4.Nh6+ Kh8 5.Qg8+ Rxg8 6.Nf7#) 2.Qe6+ Kd8 3.Qxd5+ Kc7 (3...Ke7 4.Qe6+ Kd8
5.Rd1+ Kc7 6.Qd6#; 3...Ke8 4.Qe6+ Kd8 5.Rd1+ Kc7 6.Qd6#) 4.Ne6+ Kb8 5.Qd6+ Rc7 (5...Ka8
6.Nc7+ Kb8 (6...Rxc7 7.Qxf8+ Rc8 8.Qxc8#) 7.Nxa6+ Ka8 8.Qb8+ Rxb8 9.Nc7#) 6.Qxf8+ Rc8
7.Qd6+ Ka8 (7...Rc7 8.Qxc7+ Ka8 9.Qc8#) 8.Nc7+ Kb8 (8...Rxc7 9.Qd8+ Rc8 10.Qxc8#)
9.Nxa6+ Ka8 10.Qb8+ Rxb8 11.Nc7#.
1500
1065
Show/Hide Solution
1.Bh7+ Kh8 2.Bxe4+ Kg8 3.Bh7+ Kh8 4.Bxd3+ Kg8 5.Bh7+ Kh8 6.Bc2+ Kg8 7.Rg2+ Bxg2
8.Bh7+ Kh8 9.Bg6+ Kg8 10.Qh7+ Kf8 11.Qxf7#.
1066
Table of Contents
Title page
4
Introduction
5
Chapter 1. Checkmate with One Piece
7
Chapter 2. Checkmate with More Than One Piece
40
Chapter 3. Captures
128
Chapter 4. Sacrifices
148
Chapter 5. Pawn Promotion
161
Chapter 6. Vacation
169
Chapter 7. Attraction
205
Chapter 8. Combinations
233
Chapter 9. Elimination
270
Chapter 10. Combination: Attraction + Elimination
286
Chapter 11. Combinations
326
Chapter 12. Deflection
387
Chapter 13. Combination: Deflection + Elimination
431
Chapter 14. Combinations
455
Chapter 15. Blocking
495
Chapter 16. Combinations
507
Chapter 17. Seizing the Square
575
Chapter 18. Combinations
603
Chapter 19. X-Ray
647
Chapter 20. Combinations
663
Chapter 21. Pins
674
Chapter 22. Combinations
686
Chapter 23. Discovered Check
758
Chapter 24. Combinations
766
Chapter 25. Double Check
794
Chapter 26. Combinations
810
Chapter 27. Windmill
907
Chapter 28. Combinations
915
Chapter 29. Interference
943
1067
Chapter 30. Combinations
951
Chapter 31. Test Yourself!
971
1068