Hard Chess Puzzles

Play and solve advanced, hard, difficult and plain nasty chess puzzles for advanced chess players. You’ll find solutions and historical details and you can play each puzzle live against the computer.

diagram of Maurice Ashley vs David Arnett chess puzzle

Maurice Ashley vs David Arnett

In a 1993 New York game, Maurice Ashley found a way to force a checkmate against David Arnett. Can you find the four moves that conclude this match?

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 Leo Fleischmann vs Savielly Tartakower chess puzzle

Leo Fleischmann vs Savielly Tartakower

In 1909, Leo Fleischmann faced the legendary Savielly Tartakower in St Petersburg. White finds a way to deliver mate in four moves.

diagram of Paul Morphy vs NN chess puzzle

Paul Morphy vs NN

In a 1858 simultaneous exhibition in New Orleans, the American legend Paul Morphy demonstrates his mastery against an anonymous opponent. Find the forced checkmate in four moves.

diagram of Gerardo Lebredo vs Tigran V Petrosian chess puzzle

Gerardo Lebredo vs Tigran V Petrosian

In Vilnius 1978, Tigran V Petrosian faced Gerardo Lebredo with a decisive opportunity. Black finds a way to force a mate in four moves.

diagram of Sofia Polgar vs Rumiana Gocheva chess puzzle

Sofia Polgar vs Rumiana Gocheva

In Novi Sad during 1990, Sofia Polgar found a way to finish the game against Rumiana Gocheva. White possesses a decisive mating pattern that requires careful calculation.