M8 in 14


This puzzle was too difficult for my mortal mind. The start and end made sense, but the middle was very confusing.
Like BishopTakesH7 I didn't attempt to solve it which is obviously a daunting task. But I did what is probably of more use to you - I analyzed it. The solution is interesting, dualfree and correct! Great composition! There is one technical and one aesthetic flaw which can be resolved in one sweep with only a superficial change in the solution!
As you might have guessed it's the black pawn. Taking a pawn is acceptable as an opening move but here the pawn looks ugly like a huge pimple on the face of a beauty queen. It is also technically undesirable for the check threat it carries. This is called an unprovided check and is disapproved of as it forces white to take measures against the threat which makes finding the starting move easier. And that is precisely what it does here! The simple remedy is to place the queen on c2 in the diagram and make the first move with the bishop, e.g. 1.Bh7-e4. That looks perfect!
Btw, check threats (and opening checks) are less relevant in longmovers like yours but why keep one which is easily fixed and makes the baby look more radiant?

This puzzle was too difficult for my mortal mind. The start and end made sense, but the middle was very confusing.
My friend, I believe you could understand it, however I am too lazy to add explanations like you do with your puzzles. Too lazy...
Looks OK. A detail: of course black should defend with 1. ..Rg6! as in your first version since it discourages white from playing its queen to c6 - to no avail but worth trying!
Actually I am still looking at other options for the intro moves. It's a position with many possibilities! Let's get some more confusion there!

Actually I am still looking at other options for the intro moves. It's a position with many possibilities! Let's get some more confusion there!
Yes Master! Upscaling is more than welcomed here and so is more sweet confusion that will add to the alure of the illusions at work. Much obliged!