Chess Puzzles

Play and learn how the pros handle complex chess positions. These interactive chess puzzles help you to get better at chess, improve your concentration and learn some new tricks. Most of the positions occurred during famous games between Grandmasters and demonstrate tactical ideas encountered in actual play – no computer analysis here. Careful study of these positions will help you improve your skill in finding good moves and combinations in actual games. You will also learn a great deal about the planning and execution of combinational chess.

Click on any puzzle for details. From there you can solve the puzzle online or select its FEN string and, if you have the full version of SparkChess, paste it in the Board Editor to play from that position. All puzzles have solutions (hidden by default). Don’t forget to comment if you found an alternate (or better) solution!

Use the links on the side (or at the bottom on mobile devices) to see more puzzles. They are sorted in levels to allow everyone to improve their skills.

Chess puzzles are best for when you are idle and bored. They provide a good way to pass time and also improve your concentration, even if you are a beginner or Olympiad master. Learning how to solve these puzzles will improve the knowledge of beginning chess principles – seeing the right move in a position that your opponent overlooked. Our collection of interesting chess positions for online play or trainer mode is unique in that it includes mistakes that were made by top players. Everyone makes mistakes, and studying these common errors is a great way to learn about what not to do!

diagram of Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Aggelos Sismanis chess puzzle

Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Aggelos Sismanis

In Chalkidiki during the year 2000, Ian Nepomniachtchi faced Aggelos Sismanis in a game that concluded with a remarkable mating pattern. Can you find the three moves that finish the game for White?
diagram of Marianna Kalinina vs Mariya Muzychuk chess puzzle

Marianna Kalinina vs Mariya Muzychuk

During their 2005 meeting in Evpatoria, Mariya Muzychuk found a way to finish the game against Marianna Kalinina in just two moves. This short puzzle demonstrates how to navigate the board with decisive intent.
diagram of Lajos Steiner vs Albert Becker chess puzzle

Lajos Steiner vs Albert Becker

In Vienna, 1923, Lajos Steiner faced the Austrian-Argentine master Albert Becker in a game that concluded with a sudden mating net. Find the two-move finish that ended the contest.
diagram of Leo Fleischmann vs Savielly Tartakower chess puzzle

Leo Fleischmann vs Savielly Tartakower

In 1909, Leo Fleischmann faced the legendary Savielly Tartakower in St Petersburg. White finds a way to deliver mate in four moves.
diagram of Judit Polgár vs E. Bareev chess puzzle

Judit Polgár vs E. Bareev

In a 1996 rapid game at the Kremlin PCA, Judit Polgar finds a way to overwhelm Evgeny Bareev. White delivers a quick finishing blow that leaves Black with no escape.
diagram of Paul Morphy vs NN chess puzzle

Paul Morphy vs NN

In a 1858 simultaneous exhibition in New Orleans, the American legend Paul Morphy demonstrates his mastery against an anonymous opponent. Find the forced checkmate in four moves.
diagram of Tigran V. Petrosian vs Rudi Koepsell chess puzzle

Tigran V. Petrosian vs Rudi Koepsell

In Brilon, 1978, the legendary Tigran V. Petrosian faced Rudi Koepsell in a game that concludes with a striking mating pattern. Find the three moves required for White to finish the game.
diagram of Gerardo Lebredo vs Tigran V Petrosian chess puzzle

Gerardo Lebredo vs Tigran V Petrosian

In Vilnius 1978, Tigran V Petrosian faced Gerardo Lebredo with a decisive opportunity. Black finds a way to force a mate in four moves.