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 Roberto Grau vs. Edgar Colle chess puzzle

Roberto Grau vs. Edgar Colle

The confrontation between the Argentinian chess master, Roberto Grau and the Belgian chess master Edgar Colle ended in a victory for white after a 3 moves including an unexpected sacrifice.

diagram of Alexander Flamberg vs. Oldrich Duras chess puzzle

Alexander Flamberg vs. Oldrich Duras

This is the end game between Alexander Flamberg and Oldrich Duras from their meeting at Opatija in 1912. Duras, with the black pieces, obtains a victory against Flamberg just in two. Can you figure out his strategy?
diagram of James Mason vs. Georg Marco chess puzzle

James Mason vs. Georg Marco

Georg Marco with black defeats James Mason in a game, Leipzig 1894.
diagram of Johannes Zukertort vs. William Norwood Potter chess puzzle

Johannes Zukertort vs. William Norwood Potter

Johannes Zukertort, with white, mates in 3.
diagram of Edward Lasker vs. George Alan Thomas chess puzzle

Edward Lasker vs. George Alan Thomas

Try to solve this online chess puzzle. It is a difficult one. White to move and wins after an unusual 8th movement.
diagram of Ossip Bernstein vs. Alexander Kotov chess puzzle

Ossip Bernstein vs. Alexander Kotov

This online chess puzzle recreate the endgame between Bernstein and Kotov. Will Berstein do a sacrifice to gain a strategical position and win the game?
diagram of Paul Keres vs. Arturo Pomar Salamanca chess puzzle

Paul Keres vs. Arturo Pomar Salamanca

With a sacrifice trap Paul Keres has developed a strategical position that allowed a clear win against

diagram of Alexander Meek vs. Paul Morphy chess puzzle

Alexander Meek vs. Paul Morphy

An amazing chess endgame between Alexander Meek versus Paul Morphy. Morphy with the blacks proves his chess abilities and intuition