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 JR Capablanca vs TA Carter chess puzzle

JR Capablanca vs TA Carter

In St Louis, 1909, JR Capablanca faced TA Carter in a game that concluded with a swift mating net. White finds a way to finish the game in just three moves.
diagram of Tigran Petrosian vs Dragoslav Tomic chess puzzle

Tigran Petrosian vs Dragoslav Tomic

In Vinkovci during 1970, the legendary Tigran Petrosian faced Dragoslav Tomic in a game that concludes with a swift mating pattern. White finds a way to finish the game in just two moves.
diagram of Tigran V Petrosian vs Rafael Kakiashvili chess puzzle

Tigran V Petrosian vs Rafael Kakiashvili

In Tbilisi, 1945, Tigran V Petrosian faced Rafael Kakiashvili in a game that culminated in a remarkable mating net. White finds a way to finish the game in just four moves.
diagram of Siegbert Tarrasch vs Eckart chess puzzle

Siegbert Tarrasch vs Eckart

In Nuremberg 1892, Siegbert Tarrasch faced Eckart in a game that culminated in a swift mating net. Can you find the three moves required to finish the game?
diagram of Rudolf Spielmann vs Saviely Tartakower chess puzzle

Rudolf Spielmann vs Saviely Tartakower

In Munich, 1909, Rudolf Spielmann faced off against Saviely Tartakower in a game that concludes with a beautiful mating pattern. Find the three moves that seal the victory for White.
diagram of Iryna Zenyuk vs Sabina-Francesca Foisor chess puzzle

Iryna Zenyuk vs Sabina-Francesca Foisor

In Saint Louis during the 2009 season, Sabina-Francesca Foisor found a way to finish the game quickly against Iryna Zenyuk. This puzzle features a sharp mating pattern that Black can execute in just two moves.
diagram of Emanuel Lasker vs NN chess puzzle

Emanuel Lasker vs NN

In Manchester, 1903, the legendary Emanuel Lasker faced an unnamed opponent in a game that concludes with a swift mating pattern. See if you can find the two-move finish that left the board decided.
diagram of Adolf Anderssen vs NN chess puzzle

Adolf Anderssen vs NN

In 1866, Adolf Anderssen faced an unnamed opponent in Berlin. White finds a forced mate in four to conclude this mid-century game.