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White to Play and Mate in Two

Pete Tamburro on Feb 3, 2010

Comins Mansfield had a long chess composing career. This two-mover won first prize in the Good Companions contest in 1917. He was still winning prizes in the 1970s! Remember: the really top drawer problems rarely have a check as the first move.

Solution:

1.Be4!! Nxe3+ [1...Nxd6+ 2.Bd3#; 1...Nf6 2.Nxc4#; 1...Ne5+ 2.Rd3#; 1...Nd2+ 2.Nc4#] 2.Nb5# What a great composition! White allows Black to check him and replies with a cross-check and mate.

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.

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