Chess puzzles for White

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

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 Eltaj Safarli vs Bela Khotenashvili chess puzzle

Eltaj Safarli vs Bela Khotenashvili

In Baku 2008, Eltaj Safarli found a way to wrap up the game against Bela Khotenashvili with just two moves to spare. The position holds a quiet but decisive finish for White.

diagram of John Nunn vs Miroslaw Sarwinski chess puzzle

John Nunn vs Miroslaw Sarwinski

During their 1987 meeting in Naleczow, John Nunn found a way to navigate the defenses of Miroslaw Sarwinski. White holds a forced mate in three to conclude the game.

diagram of Janos Balogh vs Geza Maroczy chess puzzle

Janos Balogh vs Geza Maroczy

In Gyor during 1924, Hungarian-Romanian master Janos Balogh faced Geza Maroczy in a memorable game. Find the three moves that lead to a forced mate for White.

diagram of Bogdan Lalic vs A Summerscale chess puzzle

Bogdan Lalic vs A Summerscale

In Hastings 1993, Bogdan Lalic faced A Summerscale in a game that concludes with a beautiful mating pattern. White finds a way to finish the game in just three moves.

diagram of Jan Timman vs Marcel Sisniega chess puzzle

Jan Timman vs Marcel Sisniega

In Taxco, 1985, Jan Timman faced Marcel Sisniega in a game that concludes with a striking mating net. Find the four moves required for White to finish the game.

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?