09
Nov
Nov
White to play: can you spot the mate in two hidden in this blitz position before time runs out?
The Palace Journal
Mate in 2: a chess puzzle every day
Solving a mate in 2 puzzle is the perfect exercise for sharpening your tactical eye. In each problem, the side to move plays a first move, often a sacrifice, then delivers checkmate on the next move whatever the opponent’s defence. Look first for checks, captures and threats, then check every possible reply before revealing the solution. Would you rather win a game in 2 moves right from the opening? That’s the “Fool’s mate”, a quick cousin of the Scholar’s mate. To master mating patterns, read our guide to checkmate, then move up a level with mate in 3.
07
Nov
Nov
Checkmate in 2 moves at Expert level: White has a crushing combination to uncover. Your move!
04
Nov
Nov
Black just promoted a new queen: can you spot the two-move checkmate waiting for White?
02
Nov
Nov
Black has two moves to deliver mate. Can you spot the winning sequence on this interactive board?
31
Oct
Oct
A mate in two is waiting on the board: White to play. Can you find the winning combination?
28
Oct
Oct
Checkmate in two moves: White to play against the black king tucked away on g8. Can you spot the winning combination on the interactive board?
26
Oct
Oct
A knight has just captured on c5, but Black has a lightning response. Can you find mate in two moves?
24
Oct
Oct
A two-move checkmate awaits on an interactive board: Black to play — can you spot the idea?
21
Oct
Oct
Black’s king looks safe on a8. White to move: can you spot the checkmate in two moves on this board?
19
Oct
Oct
A simple rook recapture hides a mate in two: can you spot it before the black king does?
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