Hi, I´m starting to study chess. I´ve taken a chess class in my university, and my teacher asked me to solve 2 puzzles (shouldn´t be too hard, but I´m still a newbie), can you guys help me? Thanks a lot!

1st one white mates in 5 moves, on the 2nd white wins (He didn't specified on how many moves).

Hints would be awesome, I have till next monday to solve them. If I can't solve untill the weekend, even with tips, then I'll get desperate =P

Both puzzles are based on sacrifice.

In the first one I tought about playing 1. Bf2, so if he plays 1... Bxf2, I can play 2. e7, forcing 2... Re3, 3. a7 Rxe7, 4. a8=Q+ Re8, 5. Qxe8++.

However, if he plays 1... Rh7, sacrificing his bishop, and then 2... Rg7+, it would take me more then 5 moves to mate, am I missing something or the puzzle was badly designed?

The 2nd puzzle I couldn't come up with a solution tho

Anyone?
I really need help with the 2nd puzzle 

Try Rc2 to start with.

I've seen the second puzzle before, but I can't for the life of me find how White wins.  I see a draw for Black by constantly shuffling along the back rank with his queen, but as long as d8 is covered...doesn't look like White wins.

in the second puzzle we can start with Bd2. after this move black have to sacrifice queen for escaping mate because after Bd2 white will win the game playing Ra4 or g2-g3

Ahmt92, not quite.  1. Bd2, Qb8+! foils White's plans since 2. g3?? runs into 2...Qxg3+.

The 2nd one is a brilliant study by SM Kaminer. 1st move is a killer

theweaponking, what about 2. Kg1 ? I've been thinking about this and can't seem to find a way that white doesn't mate with the rook on the 4th row and the bishop at e1, with the black king at g3, however I'm not sure thats the answer, cause there are too many possibilities.

Anyone know the sollutions for those 2 puzzles can send me a private message? I need them for tomorrow. thanks!

The first puzzle is all about creating double threats of queening with both pawns. To achieve this you confront his bishop with your bishop. Then take it from there. It's quite easy.

The second puzzle is about exploting the very bad position black king is in. If you can check him with your bishop on d8 he's finished. But that square is protected by queen so you have to take the queen away. Rook sac is therefore is okay.

Indeed, if Black accepts the rook sacrifice, then he's toast.  However, I see no reason as to why Black can't simply deny the offered rook and stay along the back rank with the queen.  White doesn't look like he can safely prepare a bishop check on d8 without allowing Black the saving grace 1...Qb8+!.

This is only a partial solution, and not even that if 1. Rc2 isn't the right move. I don't see how it couldn't be because all other moves seem to let black off the hook pretty easily.

Hmm, I missed Rc5 after Rc2 if Black declines.  I guess Rc2!! does win, then.  I've seen this puzzle before and knew that it was supposed to be a win for White, but I didn't see it after 1. Rc2.

But what about 1... Qb8+ after Rc2, I think it gives black time to get away with his king. Am I missing something?