Moderate Chess Puzzles

Play and solve medium-difficulty chess puzzles for enthusiasts. You’ll find solutions and historical details and you can play each puzzle live against the computer.

diagram of Joseph Blackburne vs Martin chess puzzle

Joseph Blackburne vs Martin

In 1876, Joseph Blackburne faced Martin in England and found a way to end the game quickly. White has a mate in two to conclude the match.

diagram of Walter Browne vs Jaime Sunye Neto chess puzzle

Walter Browne vs Jaime Sunye Neto

In Linares 1994, American Grandmaster Walter Browne found a way to finish the game against Jaime Sunye Neto. Can you find the three moves that lead to checkmate?

diagram of Dimitrij Bunzmann vs Thies Heinemann chess puzzle

Dimitrij Bunzmann vs Thies Heinemann

In 2007, Dimitrij Bunzmann faced Thies Heinemann in Germany in a game that led to a beautiful mate in three. See if you can find the winning finish for White.

diagram of Max Euwe vs Lohr chess puzzle

Max Euwe vs Lohr

In Amsterdam 1923, Max Euwe faced Lohr in a game that concludes with a beautiful mating pattern. Find the three moves that secure the win for White.

diagram of Sergey Karjakin vs Vassily Ivanchuk chess puzzle

Sergey Karjakin vs Vassily Ivanchuk

In Moscow during 2008, Vassily Ivanchuk found a way to outmaneuver Sergey Karjakin. This puzzle challenges you to find the three-move mating net that ended the game.

diagram of Todd Andrews vs Emory Tate chess puzzle

Todd Andrews vs Emory Tate

In Philadelphia 1998, International Master Emory Tate faced off against Todd Andrews. Black finds a way to deliver mate in three moves.

diagram of Fiona Steil-Antoni vs Patricia Llaneza Vega chess puzzle

Fiona Steil-Antoni vs Patricia Llaneza Vega

In Turin 2006, Fiona Steil-Antoni faced Patricia Llaneza Vega in a position that required a sharp tactical find. White has a forced checkmate in three moves.

diagram of Alexander Khalifman vs Alexander Huzman chess puzzle

Alexander Khalifman vs Alexander Huzman

In Tashkent 1987, Alexander Khalifman faced Alexander Huzman in a game that reached a swift conclusion. White finds a way to force a mate in just three moves.