Puzzles that can be solved for either side

Wyn Davies

Long Necked Ruminant

Only Chess

31 Dec 25 14:45

Wyn Davies

Long Necked Ruminant

Aisle no 3

Joined: 16 Apr 23
Moves: 41419

31 Dec 25 14:45

I was trying to solve a chess problem and thought "this seems rather hard" and then realised I was trying to solve it for the wrong side.

This made me think - are there puzzles that can be solved for either side? For example, White to move and mate in 4 and also Black to move and mate in 4.

I'm sure there are as someone will have thought of this, but I was wondering if there is a specific name for this kind of puzzle?

I also imagine that composing such a puzzle must be extremely complicated.

wycoller

Joined: 10 Jun 21
Moves: 125281

31 Dec 25 16:29

@Wyn-Davies said
I was trying to solve a chess problem and thought "this seems rather hard" and then realised I was trying to solve it for the wrong side.

This made me think - are there puzzles that can be solved for either side? For example, White to move and mate in 4 and also Black to move and mate in 4.

I'm sure there are as someone will have thought of this, but I was wondering ...[text shortened]... r this kind of puzzle?

I also imagine that composing such a puzzle must be extremely complicated.

If there isn't a name for it you claim it.
It will be called The Wyn Davies.
Think about it.
The Americans sent some guys to the moon.
And what did those guys do?
They stuck their flag in it.
Spending time on solving a chess pussle from the wrong side deserves your name your flag.
People will forever say Wyn Davies was human.Just like me.He did silly things. Just like me.
But he gave us something.
You can tell the whole universe about your silly slips.
and still be Wyn Davies

~~Removed~~

27 Jan 26 13:07

2 edits

Removed by poster

~~Removed~~

27 Jan 26 13:13

Removed by poster

Ponderable

chemist

Linkenheim

Joined: 22 Apr 05
Moves: 715870

27 Jan 26 15:19

1 edit

@Wyn-Davies said
I was trying to solve a chess problem and thought "this seems rather hard" and then realised I was trying to solve it for the wrong side.

This made me think - are there puzzles that can be solved for either side? For example, White to move and mate in 4 and also Black to move and mate in 4.

I'm sure there are as someone will have thought of this, but I was wondering ...[text shortened]... r this kind of puzzle?

I also imagine that composing such a puzzle must be extremely complicated.

And Greenpawn took up your idea and made a very worrthwhile blog entry from it:

Blog Post 681