Don't know if there is any interest in these sorts of puzzles/tests being
posted, but I thought I'd give it a try and see if anyone thinks
continuing them is a good idea. Feel free to flame me if you think its
stupid or annoying - or better off in a different forum.
And no, I certainly didn't think of this on my own! It's taken from John
Nunn's Learn Chess. His books were recommended to me by several
here, and I'll pass the recommendation along!
And so for the entertainment of others:
Forotylev-Keselev, Moscow Championship 1996. Black has just played
Nb8d7, leading to the following position (FEN notation, which is
described on the FAQ page of this web site.):
r2q1rk1/p2nppbp/bp1p2p1/2pP4/6n1/P1N2NP1/1PQ1PPBP/R1B1R1K1
w - - 0 1
And the question is: What is white's move?
Let me know if I'm supposed to post an answer.
And you'll have to get harder ones from someone else!
Hey, here's a puzzle for you Maggoteer!
A young lad shows great promise for a future scientific career.
He casts about a bit, considering at length whether 'tis nobler to study
mathematics, physics, chemistry or biology.
Then, one day he has a revelation. All nature's secrets can be
revealed by studying it's humblest creature: the lowly maggot.
For many long years he studies diligently, meticulously unlocking
nature's secret doors behind which hide the greatest of mysteries: the
mystical transformation of lowly maggot into noble fly (if they can do
it, why can't I).
But, as All-But-Dissertation Day approaches, he suddenly discovers
Red Hot Pawn and throws it all away to become a garbage-eating
chess bum like Bobby Fischer.
In 50 words or less, what is the solution to this riddle?
Do you, or anyone, know "The Chess Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes"?
50 Tantalizing Problems of Chess Detection.
(Raymond Smullyan - Published New York 1979 by Alfred A. Knopf)
E.g.: "Black moved last, Watson. What was his last move - and
White's last move?" ...
Black: Ka8
White: Kc8, Bg1, h2
Retro-puzzles, with typical Holmes-introductions. It's fun! If interested,
I can post one now and then. Not the stories, that would take to much
typing! Lazy me! Jan