Chess Puzzles

Interesting chess puzzles and game positions in FEN format.

If you have the full version of SparkChess, you can copy each string, paste it in the Board Editor, then click Apply to play from that position. If you just have the online version, click the "Play now" link after each puzzle.

Tip: Click on a FEN string to select it automatically.

diagram of Paul Morphy vs Samuel Boden chess puzzle

Paul Morphy vs Samuel Boden

In London, 1859, the legendary Paul Morphy faced off against Samuel Boden in a game that showcases a remarkable finishing touch. White has a forced mate in four moves to decide the outcome.
diagram of Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Anna Ushenina chess puzzle

Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Anna Ushenina

In Minsk 2001, Alexandra Kosteniuk found a way to finish the game against Anna Ushenina in just three moves. This puzzle captures a sharp moment from their meeting in Belarus.
diagram of Nana Dzagnidze vs Inga Charkhalashvili chess puzzle

Nana Dzagnidze vs Inga Charkhalashvili

In Tbilisi during 2004, Nana Dzagnidze faced Inga Charkhalashvili in a game that reached a sudden conclusion. White finds a way to force a mate in just two moves.
diagram of Joseph Blackburne vs Smith chess puzzle

Joseph Blackburne vs Smith

In an 1882 simultaneous exhibition, Joseph Blackburne faced off against Smith. This puzzle invites you to find the mating net that Black could not escape.
diagram of Wlodzimierz Schmidt vs Heinz Liebert chess puzzle

Wlodzimierz Schmidt vs Heinz Liebert

At the 1967 tournament in Polanica Zdroj, Wlodzimierz Schmidt found a way to finish the game against Heinz Liebert. White has a mate in two to conclude the match.
diagram of Pal Benko vs Erno Gereben chess puzzle

Pal Benko vs Erno Gereben

In Budapest during 1954, Pal Benko faced Erno Gereben in a game that concludes with a swift mating pattern. White has a forced mate in two to finish the game.
diagram of Ekaterina Kovalevskaya vs Maria Schoene chess puzzle

Ekaterina Kovalevskaya vs Maria Schoene

During their 2009 meeting in Germany, Ekaterina Kovalevskaya found a way to navigate the defenses of Maria Schoene. White has a forced mate in four to conclude the game.
diagram of Milorad Kapelan vs James Tarjan chess puzzle

Milorad Kapelan vs James Tarjan

In Vrsac, 1983, James Tarjan faced Milorad Kapelan in a game that concluded with a remarkable mating net. Black finds a way to finish the game in just four moves.