In studying tactics, I'm going through Murray Chandler's "How to Beat Your Dad at Chess" for about the 15th time, just to make sure I can still recognize the patterns and calculate out the solutions several moves deep (some of which are 10 moves long). Don't let the silly title fool you - this is a GREAT book on typical attacking/mating patterns.

 

Anyway, I came across this relatively easy puzzle in that book, and I know the solution to it, but I was trying to make sure it works against every possible defense. I came up with a defense that the author doesn't mention. It's a better defense for black, but I'm pretty sure it still allows white to mate in a couple more moves. See what you think:

 --Fromper

thats easy, is hard to keep your bishop at f4 with that free diagonal

not forced

not forced but White gain at least a pawn

1.Qa6 Nb6 2.Qxa7 Nfd7 3.Ba6 is Fromper's line. Now 3...Nc5 prevents mate but 4.dxc5 bxa6 5.Qb8+ Kd7 6.Qxb6 Qxc5 7.Ne5+ Ke8 8.Qxc6+ wins. 3.Ba6 was right and better than Na4, a4, or Ne5. Sometimes writers omit weak lines, even if they do not lose as badly as what they show.

Easy...two move mate

QE2xA6

PB7xA6 

BF1xA6

 

This is my first time writing algebric notation so if I messed up...correct me 

Jaguarphd wrote:

Easy...two move mate

QE2xA6 

PB7xA6 

BF1xA6

 

This is my first time writing algebric notation so if I messed up...correct me 

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You must not use capital letters for the names of the squares.  Those are reserved for the pieces.  Also, instead of using "P" to define a pawn, don't use anything.  The lack of a piece definer indicates that it is a pawn.  Only use "x" to note a capture.  You should number the moves, as well.  Here is what your notation should look like:

1.Qa6  bxa6

2.Bxa6#

Note: You may use either "#" or "++" to indicate checkmate.

GreenLaser wrote: 1.Qa6 Nb6 2.Qxa7 Nfd7 3.Ba6 is Fromper's line. Now 3...Nc5 prevents mate but 4.dxc5 bxa6 5.Qb8+ Kd7 6.Qxb6 Qxc5 7.Ne5+ Ke8 8.Qxc6+ wins. 3.Ba6 was right and better than Na4, a4, or Ne5. Sometimes writers omit weak lines, even if they do not lose as badly as what they show.

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 I'd like to see that in a puzzle.  Sounds very informative, but I'm really not good at following letters.  I'm more of a visual learner.

Soulcrates wrote: GreenLaser wrote: 1.Qa6 Nb6 2.Qxa7 Nfd7 3.Ba6 is Fromper's line. Now 3...Nc5 prevents mate but 4.dxc5 bxa6 5.Qb8+ Kd7 6.Qxb6 Qxc5 7.Ne5+ Ke8 8.Qxc6+ wins. 3.Ba6 was right and better than Na4, a4, or Ne5. Sometimes writers omit weak lines, even if they do not lose as badly as what they show.

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 I'd like to see that in a puzzle.  Sounds very informative, but I'm really not good at following letters.  I'm more of a visual learner.

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Put it in a puzzle, then.