Chess puzzles for Black

Play and solve Black-to-move interactive chess puzzles. All puzzles have solutions and historical context. You can play each puzzle online against the computer.

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 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?

diagram of William Steinitz vs Henry Bird chess puzzle

William Steinitz vs Henry Bird

In London 1866, the English player Henry Bird faced off against the legendary William Steinitz. Find the three-move checkmate that secured a victory for Black in this historic meeting.

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 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 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 Gerardo Lebredo vs Tigran V Petrosian chess puzzle

Gerardo Lebredo vs Tigran V Petrosian

In Vilnius 1978, Tigran V Petrosian faced Gerardo Lebredo with a decisive opportunity. Black finds a way to force a mate in four moves.