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An interesting checkmate puzzle

The idea is that 1.Nf5 is not immediately possible due to the 1... Qc5+.
The solution in the provided game is to move first 1. d6 to block the a3-f8 diagonal and prevent Black from checking, then 2. Nf5 is possible.
However, 1. Kg2 and then 2. Nf5 also works, because Black has no checks from a8-h1 diagonal.

The idea is that 1.Nf5 is not immediately possible due to the 1... Qc5+. The solution in the provided game is to move first 1. d6 to block the a3-f8 diagonal and prevent Black from checking, then 2. Nf5 is possible. However, 1. Kg2 and then 2. Nf5 also works, because Black has no checks from a8-h1 diagonal.

it's not forced though. Yes white does have an EXTREMELY big advantage but it's still not a forced mate.

it's not forced though. Yes white does have an EXTREMELY big advantage but it's still not a forced mate.

@Just1HarmlessPotato said in #3:

it's not forced though. Yes white does have an EXTREMELY big advantage but it's still not a forced mate.
It is forced mate. If you don't believe check with an engine.

@Just1HarmlessPotato said in #3: > it's not forced though. Yes white does have an EXTREMELY big advantage but it's still not a forced mate. It is forced mate. If you don't believe check with an engine.

yep same thoughts as der_Drahtesel. At first I thought there were three ways, 1.d6 1.Kg2 1.Kf3
Sadly 1.Kf3 isnt so good, because after the knight moves there will be ...Qa3+

but ya, black is just paralyzed and your only objective is to stop one check (on c5 at the moment). so either 1.d6 or 1.Kg2 should be fine. Paralysis is always fun! (maybe painful for opp)

yep same thoughts as der_Drahtesel. At first I thought there were three ways, 1.d6 1.Kg2 1.Kf3 Sadly 1.Kf3 isnt so good, because after the knight moves there will be ...Qa3+ but ya, black is just paralyzed and your only objective is to stop one check (on c5 at the moment). so either 1.d6 or 1.Kg2 should be fine. Paralysis is always fun! (maybe painful for opp)

White needs one previous and preparatory move: d6, in order to block an eventually check by Black Queen. That is the only secret of this amazing puzzle. After this move , check mate is anavoidable. Nice!

White needs one previous and preparatory move: d6, in order to block an eventually check by Black Queen. That is the only secret of this amazing puzzle. After this move , check mate is anavoidable. Nice!

@Angelminu1980 said in #7:

Nf5 win
Yes white is winning, but Nf5 is not the move that leads to the mate in 4 moves.

@Angelminu1980 said in #7: > Nf5 win Yes white is winning, but Nf5 is not the move that leads to the mate in 4 moves.