My first two-solution proof game (6.5 moves)

Black

White

Position after White's 7th move. 2 solutions.
Not very long, but it might be a fun little exercise.
If you solve it, send me your solution so others can try.

Originally posted by Jirakon
Black
[fen]rnb1k1nr/p4ppp/8/1N6/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKB1R[/fen]
White

Position after White's 7th move. 2 solutions.
Not very long, but it might be a fun little exercise.
If you solve it, send me your solution so others can try.

It is better to say "one solution with two variations", since "two solutions" usually implies different first moves.

Originally posted by David113
It is better to say "one solution with two variations", since "two solutions" usually implies different first moves.

Couldn't the first move be N-h3?

Originally posted by Thomaster
Couldn't the first move be N-h3?

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Originally posted by David113
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

hmmm, It can't, but I have found 1 solution

"two solutions" usually implies different first moves.

Really? I've always thought "two solutions" simply implies two different strategies, not necessarily different first moves. And anyway, you said "usually", so I can be an exception 😛

Originally posted by Jirakon
"two solutions" usually implies different first moves.

Really? I've always thought "two solutions" simply implies two different strategies, not necessarily different first moves. And anyway, you said "usually", so I can be an exception 😛

I've seen PG's labeled 'two solutions' when they had the same first few moves before. The convention '2 variations' is seen more in helpmates, to indicate to the solver that the composer does not intend for the first move or two to differ from one sol to the other.

For example, this problem:

...is given as PG 10.0, 2 solutions, even though the first 2 ply are the same in each.

I agree with David113 that it is more logical to say '2 variations', but the the convention is not hard and fast when it comes to PG's, at least.

SOLV'D (afx, SwissGambit, and probably others who just didn't feel like sending me their solutions)