Solutions and New Problems

We interrupt our regular scheduled programming to bring solutions to the previous puzzles and new ones for solving.


What is white's best move?
1.e5, of course, smashing open the center to get to the black king.
Solved: Thomaster


Mate in one
Black has no possible last move. Therefore, it is black to play with the following variations:
1...Kxf5 2.Qg5
1...Kxd5 2.Qg5
1...f6 2.Qxe6
This one went unsolved.

New problems for solving:

White mates in 2
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White mates in 4
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White selfmates in 5 [white forces unwilling black to give mate]
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Apply to be a guard at torture camp!
Test: Construct a torturous "white mates in 2" problem with the following exact solution:
1.dxc7! (threat 2.dxc6🙄
Defenses:
1...Nf7 2.Qh4
1...Ne4 2.Ne2
1...Ne6 2.dxe6
1...Ne7 2.Qxh8
1...Nf6 2.Qxf6
1...cxd5 2.Qxd5

The new position will go to the one who gives the most economical [fewest pieces on board] position.