Here we are at our third "ego building" problem. We've gotten some nice feedback. The big question was how should we finish up this week? Our first thought was that no ego building should be without a mate in one; however, how do you make it challenging? Fortunately, we ran across this Mate in One by J.C.J. Wainright, published in American Chess Bulletin in December, 1917. All we can tell you is that the position is legal and that it is, indeed, a mate in one, but the obvious answer isn't right! Have fun! I sincerely hope you have a sense of humor.

Solution:

Well, if you went ahead, despite all the hints, and played 1.Rb8 thinking it was mate, you're wrong! This is the genius of the problem and why it doesn't say White to Play and Mate in One. It's not even a Black to Play and Mate in One! You had to notice that you were told it was a legal position. If you look closely at the legal position, you can't find what Black's last move was. That's because there's no move he could have possibly made. The Black king could not have moved to where it is in the diagram on the last move. The same is true of the rook, the bishop, and the pawns. Thus, the only conclusion is that it is Black's move!! So, Black moves. No matter what Black does, White mates him on his first move! In real chess, one move is one White move and one Black move, e.g., 1.e4 e5 to start a game is one move. In this puzzle the one move is Black's one move and White's one move...just the usual order is reversed. You can find the various mate replies in one to whatever Black tries.. I will mention one to avoid mail:

1...Rd8+ 2.cxd8=N#

I really hope you enjoy the sense of humor this problemist had and your ego is still intact.

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.