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 Paul Morphy vs Samuel Boden chess puzzle

Paul Morphy vs Samuel Boden

In London, 1859, the legendary Paul Morphy faced off against Samuel Boden in a game that showcases a remarkable finishing touch. White has a forced mate in four moves to decide the outcome.

diagram of Ekaterina Kovalevskaya vs Maria Schoene chess puzzle

Ekaterina Kovalevskaya vs Maria Schoene

During their 2009 meeting in Germany, Ekaterina Kovalevskaya found a way to navigate the defenses of Maria Schoene. White has a forced mate in four to conclude the game.

diagram of Milorad Kapelan vs James Tarjan chess puzzle

Milorad Kapelan vs James Tarjan

In Vrsac, 1983, James Tarjan faced Milorad Kapelan in a game that concluded with a remarkable mating net. Black finds a way to finish the game in just four moves.

diagram of Jan Timman vs Marcel Sisniega chess puzzle

Jan Timman vs Marcel Sisniega

In Taxco, 1985, Jan Timman faced Marcel Sisniega in a game that concludes with a striking mating net. Find the four moves required for White to finish the game.

diagram of Nickolai Peregudov vs Vladimir Savon chess puzzle

Nickolai Peregudov vs Vladimir Savon

In a 1994 game from St. Petersburg, Vladimir Savon finds a way to overcome Nickolai Peregudov. Black manages to coordinate a decisive mating attack in just four moves.

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.