The Steinitz Gambit

Last week's "Excelsior" problem struck a chord with many visitors. We were asked by some to display another famous Samuel Loyd problem: the "Steinitz Gambit". As in the Excelsior, here, too, Loyd composed the problem mainly for the purpose of creating the most preposterous and incredible solution imaginable. Here is the position he came up with.

Samuel Loyd, Checkmate (1st prize) 1903

Mate in three moves

Once again, dear visitor, you are invited to study the position and decide: 
which is the absolutely worst move white can make?
That is the solution of the problem! 

The solution is given here. If you are interested in story of how the problem was originally composed and why it came to be know as the "Steinitz Gambit" you will find that here.

The above problem is not at all easy, so here is a miniature which you can enjoy and solve without too much trouble.

Samuel Loyd, London Era 1861

Mate in five moves

It is pretty amazing that one can compose a really meaningful problem with so little material.