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 Varuzhan Akobian vs. Blas Lugo chess puzzle

Varuzhan Akobian vs. Blas Lugo

Varuzhan Akobian vs. Blas Lugo, Minneapolis, 2005. Mate in 3. White to move.
diagram of Magnus Carlsen vs. Hans Harestad chess puzzle

Magnus Carlsen vs. Hans Harestad

A puzzle from this century’s chess master: Magnus Carlsen vs. Hans Harestad, Copenhagen, 2003. Mate in 3. White to move.
diagram of Alexander Alekhine vs. Frieman chess puzzle

Alexander Alekhine vs. Frieman

This chess puzzle shows the challenge between Alexander Alekhine and Abraham Frieman, New York, 1924. Alekhine wins in 3 playing white.
diagram of Gregor Podkriznik vs. Mohamed Gassouma chess puzzle

Gregor Podkriznik vs. Mohamed Gassouma

Medium difficulty puzzle, mate in 2, white to move.
diagram of Li vs. Alitha chess puzzle

Li vs. Alitha

Hard puzzle, mate in 5, white to move.
diagram of John Emms vs. Albert Blees chess puzzle

John Emms vs. Albert Blees

Medium difficulty puzzle – mate in 3, White to move.
diagram of Wuisard vs. Durufle chess puzzle

Wuisard vs. Durufle

Medium difficulty puzzle – mate in 5, white to move.
diagram of Laszlo Vadaz vs. Carsten Lingnau chess puzzle

Laszlo Vadaz vs. Carsten Lingnau

Medium difficulty puzzle – mate in 2, white to move.