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 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.
diagram of Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Aggelos Sismanis chess puzzle

Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Aggelos Sismanis

In Chalkidiki during the year 2000, Ian Nepomniachtchi faced Aggelos Sismanis in a game that concluded with a remarkable mating pattern. Can you find the three moves that finish the game for White?
diagram of Marianna Kalinina vs Mariya Muzychuk chess puzzle

Marianna Kalinina vs Mariya Muzychuk

During their 2005 meeting in Evpatoria, Mariya Muzychuk found a way to finish the game against Marianna Kalinina in just two moves. This short puzzle demonstrates how to navigate the board with decisive intent.