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 Siegbert Tarrasch vs Fiedler chess puzzle

Siegbert Tarrasch vs Fiedler

In Nuremberg 1892, Siegbert Tarrasch faced off against Fiedler in a game that concluded with a swift mating net. Find the two-move solution that allowed White to finish the game so decisively.
diagram of Aleksandar Berelovich vs Francisco Vallejo Pons chess puzzle

Aleksandar Berelovich vs Francisco Vallejo Pons

In Germany, 2010, Aleksandar Berelovich found a way to conclude this game against Francisco Vallejo Pons with a short but decisive finish. Can you find the two-move mating pattern?
diagram of Jan Timman vs Jan Donner chess puzzle

Jan Timman vs Jan Donner

In 1973, Jan Timman faced Jan Donner in Amsterdam with a decisive opportunity on the board. Find the four-move mating net that decided this game.
diagram of Elina Danielian vs Monica Calzetta chess puzzle

Elina Danielian vs Monica Calzetta

In Buenos Aires, 1993, Elina Danielian faced Monica Calzetta in a game that concluded with a sharp mating net. White finds a way to finish the game in just three moves.
diagram of Nikita Vitiugov vs Ivan Ryzhov chess puzzle

Nikita Vitiugov vs Ivan Ryzhov

In Rybinsk 2004, Nikita Vitiugov found a way to finish the game against Ivan Ryzhov. This puzzle explores a mating net that White managed to construct in just four moves.
diagram of Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Tina Mietzner chess puzzle

Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Tina Mietzner

In Dresden, 1999, Alexandra Kosteniuk faced Tina Mietzner in a game that reached a sudden, decisive conclusion. White finds a way to force checkmate in just four moves.
diagram of Rafael Vaganian vs Viktor Korchnoi chess puzzle

Rafael Vaganian vs Viktor Korchnoi

In Moscow 1975, Rafael Vaganian found a way to overcome the legendary Viktor Korchnoi. This puzzle presents a quick mating net that White can execute in just two moves.
diagram of Herman Steiner vs Ludwig Rellstab Sr chess puzzle

Herman Steiner vs Ludwig Rellstab Sr

In Reggio Emilia during 1951, Herman Steiner found a way to overwhelm Ludwig Rellstab Sr. with a direct mating attack. White possesses a forced mate in four to finish the game.