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 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.

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.