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 Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Aggelos Sismanis chess puzzle

Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Aggelos Sismanis

In Chalkidiki during the year 2000, Ian Nepomniachtchi faced Aggelos Sismanis in a game that concluded with a remarkable mating pattern. Can you find the three moves that finish the game for White?

diagram of Marianna Kalinina vs Mariya Muzychuk chess puzzle

Marianna Kalinina vs Mariya Muzychuk

During their 2005 meeting in Evpatoria, Mariya Muzychuk found a way to finish the game against Marianna Kalinina in just two moves. This short puzzle demonstrates how to navigate the board with decisive intent.

diagram of Lajos Steiner vs Albert Becker chess puzzle

Lajos Steiner vs Albert Becker

In Vienna, 1923, Lajos Steiner faced the Austrian-Argentine master Albert Becker in a game that concluded with a sudden mating net. Find the two-move finish that ended the contest.

diagram of Judit Polgár vs E. Bareev chess puzzle

Judit Polgár vs E. Bareev

In a 1996 rapid game at the Kremlin PCA, Judit Polgar finds a way to overwhelm Evgeny Bareev. White delivers a quick finishing blow that leaves Black with no escape.

diagram of Tigran V. Petrosian vs Rudi Koepsell chess puzzle

Tigran V. Petrosian vs Rudi Koepsell

In Brilon, 1978, the legendary Tigran V. Petrosian faced Rudi Koepsell in a game that concludes with a striking mating pattern. Find the three moves required for White to finish the game.

diagram of JR Capablanca vs TA Carter chess puzzle

JR Capablanca vs TA Carter

In St Louis, 1909, JR Capablanca faced TA Carter in a game that concluded with a swift mating net. White finds a way to finish the game in just three moves.

diagram of Tigran Petrosian vs Dragoslav Tomic chess puzzle

Tigran Petrosian vs Dragoslav Tomic

In Vinkovci during 1970, the legendary Tigran Petrosian faced Dragoslav Tomic in a game that concludes with a swift mating pattern. White finds a way to finish the game in just two moves.

diagram of Siegbert Tarrasch vs Eckart chess puzzle

Siegbert Tarrasch vs Eckart

In Nuremberg 1892, Siegbert Tarrasch faced Eckart in a game that culminated in a swift mating net. Can you find the three moves required to finish the game?