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 Siegbert Tarrasch vs Arthur Kurschner chess puzzle

Siegbert Tarrasch vs Arthur Kurschner

In Nuremberg 1889, Siegbert Tarrasch faced off against Arthur Kurschner in a game defined by a swift conclusion. White finds a way to force a mate in four 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 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.

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 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 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.

diagram of Zhao Xue vs Jovanka Houska chess puzzle

Zhao Xue vs Jovanka Houska

In Turin 2006, Zhao Xue found a way to navigate the complexities of this position against Jovanka Houska. White possesses a decisive mating net if the moves are found.