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Shortest Mate using Only Pawns

Shortest Mate using Only Pawns

Posers and Puzzles

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Construct the shortest possible game where one side delivers mate, but makes only pawn moves.

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Black mating on his sixth is the best I can see now.

1. d3 d5
2. Kd2 e5
3. Ke3 f5
4. Kf3 a6
5. Kg3 b6
6. Kh3 f4#

1 edit
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Originally posted by Peakite
Black mating on his sixth is the best I can see now.

1. d3 d5
2. Kd2 e5
3. Ke3 f5
4. Kf3 a6
5. Kg3 b6
6. Kh3 f4#
Well done, but this can be improved.

1 edit
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I'd figured out it couldn't be the e-pawn for white moving, will let the queen through. Forgot to consider the f-pawn. In that case make it four.

1. f3 e5
2. Kf2 f5
3. Kg3 d5
4. Kh3 f4#

5 edits
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Yes, the solution has 8 plies - but not those.

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Originally posted by Peakite
I'd figured out it couldn't be the e-pawn for white moving, will let the queen through. Forgot to consider the f-pawn. In that case make it four.

1. f3 e5
2. Kf2 f5
3. Kg3 d5
4. Kh3 f4#
Neither are mate, black can play g4 to block in both.

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Originally posted by THUDandBLUNDER
Construct the shortest possible game where one side delivers mate, but makes only pawn moves.
1.f3 e5 2.Kf2 h5 3.Kg3 h4+ 4.Kg4 d5#