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.

Aleksandar Berelovich vs Francisco Vallejo Pons
In Germany, 2010, Aleksandar Berelovich found a way to conclude this game against Francisco Vallejo Pons with a short but decisive finish. Can you find the two-move mating pattern?

Jan Timman vs Jan Donner
In 1973, Jan Timman faced Jan Donner in Amsterdam with a decisive opportunity on the board. Find the four-move mating net that decided this game.

Elina Danielian vs Monica Calzetta
In Buenos Aires, 1993, Elina Danielian faced Monica Calzetta in a game that concluded with a sharp mating net. White finds a way to finish the game in just three moves.

Nikita Vitiugov vs Ivan Ryzhov
In Rybinsk 2004, Nikita Vitiugov found a way to finish the game against Ivan Ryzhov. This puzzle explores a mating net that White managed to construct in just four moves.

Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Tina Mietzner
In Dresden, 1999, Alexandra Kosteniuk faced Tina Mietzner in a game that reached a sudden, decisive conclusion. White finds a way to force checkmate in just four moves.

Rafael Vaganian vs Viktor Korchnoi
In Moscow 1975, Rafael Vaganian found a way to overcome the legendary Viktor Korchnoi. This puzzle presents a quick mating net that White can execute in just two moves.

Herman Steiner vs Ludwig Rellstab Sr
In Reggio Emilia during 1951, Herman Steiner found a way to overwhelm Ludwig Rellstab Sr. with a direct mating attack. White possesses a forced mate in four to finish the game.

Zhao Xue vs Jovanka Houska
In Turin 2006, Zhao Xue found a way to navigate the complexities of this position against Jovanka Houska. White possesses a decisive mating net if the moves are found.
Difficulty
- Easy Chess Puzzles (21)
- Moderate Chess Puzzles (83)
- Hard Chess Puzzles (33)
Mate in
Player
Recent Articles
- Overlooking Chess’s Past While Chronicling Its Present
- Chess in Georgia and Washington (May 2026)
- 2026 President’s Cup and Women’s President’s Cup: College Chess Championships
- Chess and Poker: Jennifer Shahade Returns to US Chess
- Tools of the Chess Trade
- GM Jan Timman’s Last Book
- International Chess Players in Texas
- Bobby Fischer’s Chess Queen: A Review