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 Jan Timman vs Marcel Sisniega chess puzzle

Jan Timman vs Marcel Sisniega

In Taxco, 1985, Jan Timman faced Marcel Sisniega in a game that concludes with a striking mating net. Find the four moves required for White to finish the game.
diagram of Joseph Blackburne vs Martin chess puzzle

Joseph Blackburne vs Martin

In 1876, Joseph Blackburne faced Martin in England and found a way to end the game quickly. White has a mate in two to conclude the match.
diagram of Walter Browne vs Jaime Sunye Neto chess puzzle

Walter Browne vs Jaime Sunye Neto

In Linares 1994, American Grandmaster Walter Browne found a way to finish the game against Jaime Sunye Neto. Can you find the three moves that lead to checkmate?
diagram of Dimitrij Bunzmann vs Thies Heinemann chess puzzle

Dimitrij Bunzmann vs Thies Heinemann

In 2007, Dimitrij Bunzmann faced Thies Heinemann in Germany in a game that led to a beautiful mate in three. See if you can find the winning finish for White.
diagram of Max Euwe vs Lohr chess puzzle

Max Euwe vs Lohr

In Amsterdam 1923, Max Euwe faced Lohr in a game that concludes with a beautiful mating pattern. Find the three moves that secure the win for White.
diagram of Nickolai Peregudov vs Vladimir Savon chess puzzle

Nickolai Peregudov vs Vladimir Savon

In a 1994 game from St. Petersburg, Vladimir Savon finds a way to overcome Nickolai Peregudov. Black manages to coordinate a decisive mating attack in just four moves.
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?