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 Sergey Karjakin vs Vassily Ivanchuk chess puzzle

Sergey Karjakin vs Vassily Ivanchuk

In Moscow during 2008, Vassily Ivanchuk found a way to outmaneuver Sergey Karjakin. This puzzle challenges you to find the three-move mating net that ended the game.
diagram of Maurice Ashley vs David Arnett chess puzzle

Maurice Ashley vs David Arnett

In a 1993 New York game, Maurice Ashley found a way to force a checkmate against David Arnett. Can you find the four moves that conclude this match?
diagram of Todd Andrews vs Emory Tate chess puzzle

Todd Andrews vs Emory Tate

In Philadelphia 1998, International Master Emory Tate faced off against Todd Andrews. Black finds a way to deliver mate in three moves.
diagram of Mikhail Tal vs Igor Platonov chess puzzle

Mikhail Tal vs Igor Platonov

In 1973, Mikhail Tal faced Igor Platonov in Dubna, delivering a masterclass in attacking geometry. This puzzle asks you to find the four-move finishing touch from the legendary Magician from Riga.
diagram of Daniel Campora vs Turhan Yilmaz chess puzzle

Daniel Campora vs Turhan Yilmaz

In Dubai, 1986, Daniel Campora faced Turhan Yilmaz in a game that concluded with a striking tactical finish. White finds a way to force a mate in four moves.
diagram of Mikhail Botvinnik vs Victor Goglidze chess puzzle

Mikhail Botvinnik vs Victor Goglidze

In Moscow 1931, Mikhail Botvinnik faced Victor Goglidze in a game that features a beautiful mating pattern. Can you find the four moves required for White to finish the game?
diagram of Fiona Steil-Antoni vs Patricia Llaneza Vega chess puzzle

Fiona Steil-Antoni vs Patricia Llaneza Vega

In Turin 2006, Fiona Steil-Antoni faced Patricia Llaneza Vega in a position that required a sharp tactical find. White has a forced checkmate in three moves.
diagram of Alexander Khalifman vs Alexander Huzman chess puzzle

Alexander Khalifman vs Alexander Huzman

In Tashkent 1987, Alexander Khalifman faced Alexander Huzman in a game that reached a swift conclusion. White finds a way to force a mate in just three moves.