Why do we treat these puzzles as works of art? Let’s let this example convince us all.
The challenge is
to find the checkmate in 2 moves.
That is, try to find the move that White can play now that will allow him to win by checkmate in the next move. This is the winning move. Did you find it? With what checkmate move do you plan to win in the second move? Note that there are moves that only look like a winning move but are not… Then try to think about Black’s defensive attempts as well and find the appropriate checkmate move for each of them. Good luck and enjoy!
➡️Read more about this Art-Puzzle
Recommendation: Try solving it yourself first
Solved it yet?
📖Read more
In the first move, the white ♗ boldly steps in between the Black royal couple.
As they try to capture it, this creates pins and opens up new mating lines
📌 (Capturing the ♗ with the ♛ pins it and allows mate by ♘.
Capturing with the ♚ paralyzes ♟g4 and enables mate by ♖).
If the black ♛ tries to circle around for defense, the ♗ gracefully returns to its original square — a charming Switchback — and it’s checkmate.
🎯The detail we admired:
💡The impressive courage of ♗ to penetrate right between the rival royal couple, and when necessary – to return to his place with the humility of “I did nothing” 🎖️
One More to Explore 🧩 — Bonus
Finished finding all parts of the solution — including the almost-solutions?
Here’s a little extra challenge for you:
A help-mate in two moves.
There is a short sequence in which Black delivers mate on his second move —
but only if White cooperates.
Feel free to return to the interactive board and look for a sequence
White → Black → White → Black#
in which Black’s second move is checkmate.
Just note: this isn’t the main point of the composition —
it’s simply an extra decorative idea.
(Which is why this section doesn’t insist on perfect economy;
not every piece on the board is essential for the bonus task.)
I liked this scene: He opens the door for her. She goes out. He closes it. Game over.
Thank you for the response. We liked this scene too. And we also liked your cool description of it 🙂
Beautiful puzzle. Thank you.
Thank you for the complimentary response, it’s meaningful to receive such praise from a professional 🙂 We are happy to bring you beautiful puzzles.
Why do I make the right move and it reacts to me as if it’s only an almost solution? (I made a white queen to A4) – does anyone understand what Black can do to stop him from losing immediately?
Hi King Alexander,
Great observation! ♕a4 is indeed a very interesting idea — you’re definitely on the right track. The system marks it as an “almost solution” because there’s still a hidden defensive resource for Black. Try to look a bit deeper into what happens next — the key is subtle. 😉
– The ChessAPit Team
Two moves of a royal piece results in a lock on the place of a black piece. But I can’t find the third lock… Is there a third?
Hi Sonicizi,
Great eye for detail! 🔍 The way those royal moves create the first two “locks” is indeed the key idea here.
As for a third one — let’s just say the mystery might be part of the beauty 😉
Thanks for diving so thoughtfully into the composition!
– The ChessAPit Team
What a beautiful puzzle! Genius!
Really impressive!
‘Chess Snacks’ – that’s not it!
Hi Yona,
Thank you so much for the wonderful words! 🙏♟️
We’re glad you found it beautiful — and we love hearing that you feel it deserves to move beyond the Chess Snacks table.
Maybe we’ll promote it to the “gems” corner after all 💎
– The ChessAPit Team
A really easy puzzle – not suitable for the level here on the site. My opinion
Hi America,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts — we appreciate honest feedback. ♟️
Our collection includes puzzles of many levels, from quick “Chess Snacks” to deeper “Tough Nuts.” Even the easier ones often serve as small warm-ups before the more challenging compositions ahead.
– The ChessAPit Team
I accidentally clicked one star in the rating, sorry.
Truly an impressive composition.
Hi Dr. Abigail,
No worries at all about the rating. (Really, everything is fine, and we were even touched that you took the time to write the apology and compliment.)
We truly appreciate your kind words and are glad you enjoyed the composition ♟️✨
– The ChessAPit Team
Lovely puzzle 🙂
Hi there,
Thank you! We’re happy you liked it.
– The ChessAPit Team
A really interesting problem. How fun that we have problems. 🙂
Hi Mozes,
Indeed — we all need a few good problems in life… and we’re lucky that ours don’t talk back 😄
Appreciate your wit and your words!
– The ChessAPit Team
You are a champion, well done, what a beautiful puzzle. I really enjoyed it, thank you very much.
Hi Sasun,
Thank you very much for your kind words — we’re really glad you enjoyed it ✨
It means a lot to know the puzzle brought you that kind of experience.
– The ChessAPit Team
BIG LIKE
It took me quite a while, but once I found everything—wow, that was the most enjoyable chess puzzle I’ve ever encountered! And the “dessert”—the help-mate bonus—really added a lot to the experience.