There is an error in the diagram. A white rook is required on either e4, f4 or g4 to pin the black bishop.
That's an unusual Maxinummer type. Commonly either black or black&white are forced to play their longest moves but this one has an exception for the first move. Which makes it much more interesting by the way!
There is an error in the diagram. A white rook is required on either e4, f4 or g4 to pin the black bishop.
That's an unusual Maxinummer type. Commonly either black or black&white are forced to play their longest moves but this one has an exception for the first move. Which makes it much more interesting by the way!
Diagram fixed now. Found in 'Adventures of my Chessmen' by G.F. Anderson, Problem 120, which was originally my great grandfather's. (he died a year ago.
From Chess Amateur, 1924; White to play.
"White's first move (in this puzzle) is not restricted to any particular length; but Black's reply thereto and all subsequent moves on both sides must carry the maximum distance." (leading to quite forced play)
...where 1 unit of distance is from the centre of a square to the centre of another.
If multiple moves of maximum length exist, (e.g. Qf6-Qf4 or Rf3-Rd3) account both variations as a defence/move.
Note; sqrt(5) < 2xsqrt(2) (a knight move is shorter than a two-square bishop move)
Maximummers are a rarer kind of puzzle, love to see more of them in the future.
With that, find the "forced" mate in 5, White to play; remember the first move is not restricted at all.