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 Joseph Blackburne vs. Martin chess puzzle

Joseph Blackburne vs. Martin

Joseph Blackburne vs. Martin, England, 1876. Mate in 2. White to move.
diagram of José Capablanca vs. Gunnar Friedemann chess puzzle

José Capablanca vs. Gunnar Friedemann

Another chess puzzle. Mate in 3 with white to move. José Capablanca vs. Gunnar Friedemann, Cuernavaca, 1933.
diagram of Varuzhan Akobian vs. Blas Lugo chess puzzle

Varuzhan Akobian vs. Blas Lugo

Varuzhan Akobian vs. Blas Lugo, Minneapolis, 2005. Mate in 3. White to move.
diagram of Magnus Carlsen vs. Hans Harestad chess puzzle

Magnus Carlsen vs. Hans Harestad

A puzzle from this century’s chess master: Magnus Carlsen vs. Hans Harestad, Copenhagen, 2003. Mate in 3. White to move.
diagram of Alexander Alekhine vs. Frieman chess puzzle

Alexander Alekhine vs. Frieman

This chess puzzle shows the challenge between Alexander Alekhine and Abraham Frieman, New York, 1924. Alekhine wins in 3 playing white.
diagram of Giese vs. Alexander Alekhine chess puzzle

Giese vs. Alexander Alekhine

Chess puzzle: Giese vs Alexander Alekhine, black to move and mate in 4.
diagram of Gregor Podkriznik vs. Mohamed Gassouma chess puzzle

Gregor Podkriznik vs. Mohamed Gassouma

Medium difficulty puzzle, mate in 2, white to move.
diagram of Li vs. Alitha chess puzzle

Li vs. Alitha

Hard puzzle, mate in 5, white to move.