White to Play
Published in Chess Puzzles
This is a game won by the famous American champion, MacKenzie, in 1887. The overlying concept here is to get the Black king lured forward where it can be exposed to attack. In order to do that, you’re going to have to figure out a series of forced moves using checks to bring him closer to your camp while never allowing him to retreat. 1.Qh6+! Kxh6 2.Nhf5+ Bxf5 3.Nxf5+ Kh5 4.g4+ Another way is 4.Rh3+ Nh4 (4...Kg4 5.Ne3# (5.Nh6#) ) 5.Rxh4+ Kg6 6.Rh6# 4...Kxg4 5.Rg3+ You can still go wrong with 5.h3+?? Kh5 6.Ng3+ Kh4 7.Nf5+ Kh5 with only a draw by repeating the position 5...Kh5 6.Be2# Did you remember the idea of what you had to do? If you did, terrific! If you didn’t, then you can get a lot better as a player if you go back to the original position—knowing the solution—and trying to see it all in your head. Do that with every puzzle and you’ll find your play improve.
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