Chess Tactics: Study 2 – Mate in 2

This is continuation of the previous week’s tactical studies. Here are another 7 very difficult mate in 2 problems. You can approach them in two different ways. First, you should try to analyze the position before struggling to find the right moves. In this type of problems each piece is usually does a specific job and if you find this job, your problem is almost solved. So, first approach is to try to solve them on the diagram without shuffling the pieces on the chess board. If you find that quite difficult, only then you should go ahead and use the board (second approach). Visualization is the key. In each problemGood luck.

Diagram on the left: I have decided to put an actual problem (I. Shel “De Maasbode”. White to mave and mate in 2) due to the confusion caused by the previous’ week position, which was there just for demonstration purposes.

#1 N. van Dick “E. W. W. Wedstrijd”. White to move and mate in 2.

#2 L. Cubbel “Special Collection”. White to move and mate in 2.

#3 A. Gulyaev “Special Collection”. White to move and mate in 2.

#4 L. Cubbel “Special Collection”. White to move and mate in 2.

#5 L. Cubbel “Special Collection”. White to move and mate in 2.

#6 K. Voityla “The Problemist”. White to move and mate in 2.

#7 V. Moikin “USSR Chess”. White to move and mate in 2.

Solutions

Ready to start winning games? Check out our store and articles:

• Essential Chess Tactics Easily Explained – IM Andrew Martin

• Complete Tactics Manual with IM Boroljub Zlatanovic

• 3 Killer Chess Tactics Most Players Cannot Find