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 Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Anna Ushenina chess puzzle

Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Anna Ushenina

In Minsk 2001, Alexandra Kosteniuk found a way to finish the game against Anna Ushenina in just three moves. This puzzle captures a sharp moment from their meeting in Belarus.

diagram of Nana Dzagnidze vs Inga Charkhalashvili chess puzzle

Nana Dzagnidze vs Inga Charkhalashvili

In Tbilisi during 2004, Nana Dzagnidze faced Inga Charkhalashvili in a game that reached a sudden conclusion. White finds a way to force a mate in just two moves.

diagram of Joseph Blackburne vs Smith chess puzzle

Joseph Blackburne vs Smith

In an 1882 simultaneous exhibition, Joseph Blackburne faced off against Smith. This puzzle invites you to find the mating net that Black could not escape.

diagram of Wlodzimierz Schmidt vs Heinz Liebert chess puzzle

Wlodzimierz Schmidt vs Heinz Liebert

At the 1967 tournament in Polanica Zdroj, Wlodzimierz Schmidt found a way to finish the game against Heinz Liebert. White has a mate in two to conclude the match.

diagram of Pal Benko vs Erno Gereben chess puzzle

Pal Benko vs Erno Gereben

In Budapest during 1954, Pal Benko faced Erno Gereben in a game that concludes with a swift mating pattern. White has a forced mate in two to finish the game.

diagram of Georg Marco vs Herbert Trenchard chess puzzle

Georg Marco vs Herbert Trenchard

In Vienna, 1898, Georg Marco faced Herbert Trenchard in a game that concluded with a swift mating net. Find the three moves that allow White to finish the game.

diagram of Arthur Bisguier vs J. Penrose chess puzzle

Arthur Bisguier vs J. Penrose

In a 1950 game from Southsea, Arthur Bisguier finds a way to finish the game against J. Penrose. Can you find the two-move mating pattern that ended this contest?

diagram of Li Xueyi vs Ju Wenjun chess puzzle

Li Xueyi vs Ju Wenjun

In Shanghai 2010, Ju Wenjun found a way to finish the game against Li Xueyi. Can you find the mate in two that ended this match?