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 Georg Marco vs Herbert Trenchard chess puzzle

Georg Marco vs Herbert Trenchard

In Vienna, 1898, Georg Marco faced Herbert Trenchard in a game that concluded with a swift mating net. Find the three moves that allow White to finish the game.
diagram of Arthur Bisguier vs J. Penrose chess puzzle

Arthur Bisguier vs J. Penrose

In a 1950 game from Southsea, Arthur Bisguier finds a way to finish the game against J. Penrose. Can you find the two-move mating pattern that ended this contest?
diagram of Li Xueyi vs Ju Wenjun chess puzzle

Li Xueyi vs Ju Wenjun

In Shanghai 2010, Ju Wenjun found a way to finish the game against Li Xueyi. Can you find the mate in two that ended this match?
diagram of William Steinitz vs Henry Bird chess puzzle

William Steinitz vs Henry Bird

In London 1866, the English player Henry Bird faced off against the legendary William Steinitz. Find the three-move checkmate that secured a victory for Black in this historic meeting.
diagram of Eltaj Safarli vs Bela Khotenashvili chess puzzle

Eltaj Safarli vs Bela Khotenashvili

In Baku 2008, Eltaj Safarli found a way to wrap up the game against Bela Khotenashvili with just two moves to spare. The position holds a quiet but decisive finish for White.
diagram of John Nunn vs Miroslaw Sarwinski chess puzzle

John Nunn vs Miroslaw Sarwinski

During their 1987 meeting in Naleczow, John Nunn found a way to navigate the defenses of Miroslaw Sarwinski. White holds a forced mate in three to conclude the game.
diagram of Janos Balogh vs Geza Maroczy chess puzzle

Janos Balogh vs Geza Maroczy

In Gyor during 1924, Hungarian-Romanian master Janos Balogh faced Geza Maroczy in a memorable game. Find the three moves that lead to a forced mate for White.
diagram of Bogdan Lalic vs A Summerscale chess puzzle

Bogdan Lalic vs A Summerscale

In Hastings 1993, Bogdan Lalic faced A Summerscale in a game that concludes with a beautiful mating pattern. White finds a way to finish the game in just three moves.