Longest mate

The above problem is considered the longest forced direct mate which starts from a legal position. Originally it was published as a mate in 270, but computer analysis showed that in the final stage Black could delay the mate by one more move.

Naturally we do not expect you to solve this position all on your own – heaven forbid! Instead simply sit back and enjoy the convoluted and bizarre logic that is possible in such artistic compositions. Thanks to Helmut Conrady for sending us this problem.

Click here to replay the moves on our Java board.
Note that you can click the notation and the board will follow.

Main puzzle index