Mate in one December 25, 2002
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Solutions

T. P. Madeley, Chess, December 1950

Mate in one move

Solution: The only move that leads to mate in one in the above position is 1.f4#!

Pollmächer et.al. Illustrierte Zeitung, 1859

Mate in one move – how many solutions?

Solution: There are 47 different mating moves – just count them carefully.

Dr. Karl Fabel, Rätselstunde, June 1952

White to play and not deliver mate.

Solution: The only way not to mate is to play 1.Rc6+, unpinning the bRb7 and allowing the defence 1...Rxh7. You need a fair amount of altruism to find that move.

Author unknown

White to play and win

Solution: Both sides have only one legal move each time it is their turn to play. So the problem solves itself: 1.d4 b5 2.d5 b4 3.axb4 a3 4.b5 a2 5.b6 a1Q 6.b7#. You can't make 'em easier.

The solution to the last problem (by Dawson) is part of the special problem solving contest which we will stage at the end of the puzzle week. The prize will be a copy of Fritz, signed by one of the world's top players.

Do not submit any solutions yet. You will have an opportunity to do so after January 1st 2003.

Frederic Friedel