Christmas #2

(With apologies to T.R. Dawson...)

Black to move and mate in 2

Are you sure this is a mate in two?

Can't see how black can manage check, let alone mate.

Originally posted by Peakite
Are you sure this is a mate in two?

Can't see how black can manage check, let alone mate.

Looks like thats the key too it.... figuring out how to check in two moves

Originally posted by Peakite
Are you sure this is a mate in two?

Can't see how black can manage check, let alone mate.

Yes, it's correct...keep looking.

It is c3 or e3 followed by c2 or e2 respectively? Only works if white had just played c4 or e4.

Originally posted by SwissGambit
(With apologies to T.R. Dawson...)
[fen]8/3p4/3p4/2pPp3/1pPkPp2/1n1p1n2/P2p2P1/3K4 w - - 0 1[/fen]
Black to move and mate in 2

I think that the idea is to secure the d-2 pawn so to keep the white king stalemated. And then mate him with one of the knights. Now we secure the d-2 pawn with the king and let one knight be taken and maneuver the other one till we mate. But I can only do it in four moves.

So I have to ask you: is this black to move and mate in two pairs of moves?

Originally posted by adam warlock
I think that the idea is to secure the d-2 pawn so to keep the white king stalemated. And then mate him with one of the knights. Now we secure the d-2 pawn with the king and let one knight be taken and maneuver the other one till we mate. But I can only do it in four moves.

So I have to ask you: is this black to move and mate in two [b]pairs of moves?[/b]

No, it isn't two pairs of moves. It's a normal mate in 2.

Originally posted by MattP
It is c3 or e3 followed by c2 or e2 respectively? Only works if white had just played c4 or e4.

Well, don't just stop there. Keep going!

Question for the class: What are all those pawns doing on the board? Is it just for the sake of looking more Christmassy?

Originally posted by SwissGambit
No, it isn't two pairs of moves. It's a normal mate in 2.

In that case is it white to move then?

Originally posted by adam warlock
In that case is it white to move then?

No, it is not White to move.

Originally posted by SwissGambit
No, it is not White to move, but you're thinking in the right direction.

But I haven't got any decent waiting move for black... Or do I? Let me see...

Originally posted by SwissGambit
Well, don't just stop there. Keep going!

I thourght that was mate?

Originally posted by adam warlock
But I haven't got any decent waiting move for black... Or do I? Let me see...

Sorry, had to edit my last post. 😉

Originally posted by MattP
I thourght that was mate?

Yes, but as you pointed out, that only works IF the last move was c2-c4 or e2-e4. You must prove en passant is legal before you can use it in the solution.