Paul Morphy’s problem

This problem is attributed to Paul Morphy as being created at the age of nine.

It was first published on June 28, 1856 in “New York Clipper”

White to move and mate in 2.

Roll over to see the solution: 1. Ra6 bxa6 2. b7#

FEN: kbK5/pp6/1P6/8/8/8/8/R7 w - -

About the players

Paul MorphyPaul Charles Morphy (1837-1884) American chess player, considered the greatest of his time and unofficial World Chess Champion. Bobby Fischer ranked him among the 10th best chess players of all time, "The Pride and Sorrow of Chess".

2 articles on Paul Morphy


3 Responses

  1. James
    James at

    Everyone knows this puzzle. The move is Ra6

    Reply
  2. Boris
    Boris at

    You puny earthlings. It’s easy. I, the AI that is currently playing that knows that ya gotta do R-a6 then b7.

    Reply
  3. Oageng chalashika
    Oageng chalashika at

    Simply Ra6 bxa6 then b7#
    Or if Ra6 any bishop then
    Then Rxa7#

    Reply
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