@@jedi10101the pawn needs to stay pinned to get a checkmate in 2. Qa1 is the answer. You keep the pin on the pawn and no matter which move black makes next it will be checkmate. Black can only move either of the rooks. Since the white queen will guard both rooks while still pinning the pawn, thus putting black in zugzwang it is a guaranteed checkmate
That such an old chess puzzle made its way through to us says something about our human mind: when for some purpose we try to use several advantages we have (here our two rooks and the queen diagonal pin), we may forget that retreating may be a way - if not the only way - to be able to keep our assets on. Here white has quite of an advantage, still it's a mistake to assume he should "attack" or even gets closer immediately to the upper right corner.
After Q-d5, then no matter what black does the next move for white is checkmate. If black moves either the pawn or the rook (h8), then QxR is checkmate. If black plays R(g8)xR, then QxR is checkmate. If black moves R(g8) and does not take R(a8), then R(a8)xR, checkmate. Or am I missing something?
My first idea, was to protect both rocks with the queen. But I looked too much on the diagonal h1 - a8. Only when I realized that I have to maintain the skewer on the pawn, I realized that there is a much better place.
I went through the exact same process. I haven't played chess in more than 5 years and I guessed correctly that white needed to move the queen to a1. Interesting puzzle!
After thinking a bit I realized I need to protect both my rooks and also keep the pawn pinned, that's the only way. And the only square that allows me do that is a1. Very nice puzzle.
I had the similar problem as most commenters. I found both Qa1 and Qd8 and couldn't figure out why the latter didn't work. I forgot that White has a king as well.
1) Slide rook from aitch one to gee one. No matter what move black makes... it will be 2) Queen to Gee seven which is check mate. Note that the rook at Gee eight cannot counter capture as it will be a "Rook takes king."
Push the queen in d5 or e4 then move the closest tower by eating your opponent's. This will check the king which has to eat the tower but if they do they're checked by the queen.
Before viewing: *Qa1* is the solution So, a few things to notice about Black's position. At the very start of this, Black cannot move their pawn (pinned by the Queen), and even if that pawn was gone could not move their H rook off of the H file, or their rook on the 8th rank off of that rank. If Black moves the rook on the 8th rank and does anything with it other than capture White's Rook on the 8th rank, white takes that rook and it's checkmate. The rook on the h-file, meanwhile, can move Rh6+. White can counterattack by capturing with their rook, and unless the G pawn is unpinned this is checkmate. Black can on their turn capture either of the White rooks, if they don't move before then (and the Queen doesn't get in the way). I originally thought that moving the Queen to d5 or e4 was the ideal move. However, I was neglecting the g7 pawn, and both of those get thrown off by the possibility of Black playing ...Rh6+. At that point, White captures Rxh6+, and Black can re-capture with the g7 pawn, negating a Mate in 2. I realized we have 2 things we need: 1: The g7 pawn must remained pinned. 2: Both rooks must be covered by the Queen. The first condition ensures that Black's only moves are moving rooks along the H file and the 8th rank. Of particular note; we need a way to recapture if either rook is captured by Black, and we need to make sure that Black can't play Rh6+ and stretch this into a three-move checkmate. The only move that does all of this, is Qa1. Black must now move one of their rooks. Moving the rook on the 8th rank anywhere BUT xa8, leads the White's rook on a8 capturing the black rook and declaring checkmate. If Black DOES capture on a8, Qxa8# is the response. Black's only option then, is to move the rook on the h-file. For most of the moves, this is a reflection of above; A move to h5, h4, h3, or h2 allows White's rook to capture and checkmate, and a capture on H1 allows white's queen to capture on h1 for checkmate. The one difference is at Rh6+. Since the pawn is pinned, black cannot recapture with it after white plays Rxh6, making that move checkmate.
Just what he stated. Black pawn moves down and is thus on the home square (as opposed to moving up and being one square away from promotion). This would be especially important if the board didn’t have labeled ranks and files.
Qa1, then white takes the rook that moves, or takes back with the queen if black takes a rook. Black can only move its rooks bevause the pawn is pinned, any rook moves besides taking one of whites rook loses, in the event black takes a rook, white wants to be able to recapture with the queen, so the move white wants is a move that causes the queen to have an eye on both of whites rook while maintaining a pin on the pawn, only Qa1 does this.
@ChessFinalzero The differences are as follows; White's Queen is on h1, White's Bishop is on e5, and White's King is on e6. Black has a Pawn on h7, and a Queen on g7.
There is an error in evaluating Qd8. First, when considering P or Rh moves for black, Q was placed on d5 not back on d8. But even Qd5, or Qd8, If black move P or Rh, then QxRg8!!. If black moves R-8 without taking Q, then RxR-8!!, or QxR-8!!
Neg…cause black can always check white with H6 if white moved to D8 and white would have to move the king then or capture with the white H rook to get out of check and black captures with G pawn only than can white mate but that’s more than 2 moves.This puzzle calls for 2 moves Only.
I believe there is another mate in two. 1. Qd5. 1:17 points out the rook moves to Rh6 then its mate by 2. Qxg8. If the pawn is moved it’s the same result - Queen takes rook and mate. If the other rook on G8 moves then it’s captured by the white rook and mate. If the G8 rook captures the white rook it’s a back rank mate when the queen captures the black rook.
Everytime I thought I had it, I unpaused, and the very next explanation showed why my move did not work. I would repause, spend another minute to think of a better move, unpause, and this would repeat. Happened 5-6 times until I had exhausted every wrong answer. The next time I unpause the video move was again the same as mine, but this time was the correct one. I guess I am spookily predictable and good at finding moves that do not work.
So easy. Some thought Qa1, Qd5. But I thought this is mate in 3 with Qd8 (I’m stupid😢) Black Rook takes White Queen then White Rook takes back and checkmate. Black Rook check White Rook takes. Anything else, Qxg6#
*(At first we need to put our queen to e4... Then whatever black does its a checkmate ✔️)*.... Let me tell you after putting Qe4 if black takes rook to a8 then Qh7 is a checkmate ......and if black takes rook to h1 then Qh1 is a beautiful checkmate...
@@ChessFinalzeroyeah sorry I should've said after he takes the queen, you can skewer and take the rook. I imagine it's still a checkmate but will take a few more moves?
Whites : Rook from h1->g1. Blacks : Can only play one of their rook (on the line 8 or the line h), not the pawn because of the White Queen aiming the King. Whites : White Queen takes the pawn. The black rook remaining can't take the white queen because of the other white rook aiming the black king. t
@@Khrist75 You're missing Rh6+! (that means Black moved a rook to square h6, administering check and a great move). The White king is in check from the rook on h6, which now can't be taken since you moved the rook covering that square to g1. White must either block by Rg6 (terrible move), Qd6 or f6 (more terrible moves) or move the king off the 6th rank. None of those moves even checks Black.
Qd8 if black response Rd8 than white Rd8 is checkmate and if black take or play Rh1 than white play Qg8 and that's a checkmate. (Thanks for reading).❤❤
Вот подобные позиции итак выиграны за одну из сторон. Как не пойди. Материальный перевес огромен. Я понимаю, когда слабая сторона ищет выигрыш или ничью в единственно возможных вариантах. А это извините бред. Тут любой школьник скажет побей ладьей ладью, дай шах, отьешь вторую ладью и ставь линейный мат. Результат партии от этого не изменится.
Keeping everything symmetrical is important in this puzzle. Qa1 puts Black in zugzwang.
That right 👍
No king move, Rxh6 is mate due to the pin!
@@kimmeulenbroek1658 oh, there's a white rook in h1. then Qd8 or Qh4.
@@jedi10101the pawn needs to stay pinned to get a checkmate in 2. Qa1 is the answer. You keep the pin on the pawn and no matter which move black makes next it will be checkmate. Black can only move either of the rooks. Since the white queen will guard both rooks while still pinning the pawn, thus putting black in zugzwang it is a guaranteed checkmate
@@mandalorian4620 Qd8 or Qh4 are valid solutions. Qd8 *or Qh4 will produce a mate in 2 too.
That such an old chess puzzle made its way through to us says something about our human mind: when for some purpose we try to use several advantages we have (here our two rooks and the queen diagonal pin), we may forget that retreating may be a way - if not the only way - to be able to keep our assets on. Here white has quite of an advantage, still it's a mistake to assume he should "attack" or even gets closer immediately to the upper right corner.
That totally right 😍
How about Qh4???
@@TheRomanianWolf Then simply rook h6 check
@@user-ul8vb4zz9t yes, my mistake!
After Q-d5, then no matter what black does the next move for white is checkmate. If black moves either the pawn or the rook (h8), then QxR is checkmate. If black plays R(g8)xR, then QxR is checkmate. If black moves R(g8) and does not take R(a8), then R(a8)xR, checkmate. Or am I missing something?
check on white with the black rook
then white rook takes Black and checkmate
@RonaldLohse
It was the first thing i saw too. This is the most obvious one for me.
You missed Rh6+ .
With Rh6+ it becomes mate in 3 after Rxh6+ gxh6, Qxg8#
My first idea, was to protect both rocks with the queen. But I looked too much on the diagonal h1 - a8. Only when I realized that I have to maintain the skewer on the pawn, I realized that there is a much better place.
Skewer? On a pawn?
May need to revise the definition of "skewer".
@@fifiwoof1969 He means Pinning
@@ChessFinalzero said skewer
I went through the exact same process. I haven't played chess in more than 5 years and I guessed correctly that white needed to move the queen to a1. Interesting puzzle!
@@truthseeker9454 Glad you like it
After thinking a bit I realized I need to protect both my rooks and also keep the pawn pinned, that's the only way. And the only square that allows me do that is a1. Very nice puzzle.
Thank you
Dang - I never saw that move. Awesome.
Very good example! Thank You for explaining very well!
glad you like it
Beautifully elegant. Thank you for sharing
Thank you! 😊
I'm liking (possible spoiler) Q-A1! Black must then move a Rook. Any move or capture results in XX. What'd I miss? Key is keeping pawn pinned.
nice
I had the similar problem as most commenters. I found both Qa1 and Qd8 and couldn't figure out why the latter didn't work. I forgot that White has a king as well.
mm
If Black makes check with rook, white rook takes Black and checkmate in second move too.
@@grzegorzp.5734 Nah black pawn retakes.
As the solution says, the pawn needs to stay pinned. So only Qa1 works, Qd8 doesn’t
Very beaitiful solution. Thank you
😉
Beautiful first move keeping the symmetry on the board. Did not see that.
Try previous one
Excellent puzzle, thank you very much
😍
I take it as challenge,
😊happy to solve it in 5 minites
Principle of chess puzzles- what is looking obvious can't be the solution.
yea unexpected move
1) Slide rook from aitch one to gee one. No matter what move black makes... it will be 2) Queen to Gee seven which is check mate. Note that the rook at Gee eight cannot counter capture as it will be a "Rook takes king."
he plays rook h6.
Good puzzle find, I didn't find the solution on time.
great
Thanks for the easy problem on a Monday!😊
no problem 😉
Thank you! I enjoyed that and learned also.
Glad to hear that
Funny, I tried every wrong move you covered in the video before finding out the solution.
😂
Push the queen in d5 or e4 then move the closest tower by eating your opponent's. This will check the king which has to eat the tower but if they do they're checked by the queen.
there is check with rook h6
Can't we just move the queen to g7 for mate in 1... Plz reply If I'm wrong....
King takes g7 ? Hahaha my first thought was queen takes g7 too but hey the king can capture too !
Before viewing:
*Qa1* is the solution
So, a few things to notice about Black's position. At the very start of this, Black cannot move their pawn (pinned by the Queen), and even if that pawn was gone could not move their H rook off of the H file, or their rook on the 8th rank off of that rank. If Black moves the rook on the 8th rank and does anything with it other than capture White's Rook on the 8th rank, white takes that rook and it's checkmate. The rook on the h-file, meanwhile, can move Rh6+. White can counterattack by capturing with their rook, and unless the G pawn is unpinned this is checkmate. Black can on their turn capture either of the White rooks, if they don't move before then (and the Queen doesn't get in the way).
I originally thought that moving the Queen to d5 or e4 was the ideal move. However, I was neglecting the g7 pawn, and both of those get thrown off by the possibility of Black playing ...Rh6+. At that point, White captures Rxh6+, and Black can re-capture with the g7 pawn, negating a Mate in 2.
I realized we have 2 things we need:
1: The g7 pawn must remained pinned.
2: Both rooks must be covered by the Queen.
The first condition ensures that Black's only moves are moving rooks along the H file and the 8th rank. Of particular note; we need a way to recapture if either rook is captured by Black, and we need to make sure that Black can't play Rh6+ and stretch this into a three-move checkmate.
The only move that does all of this, is Qa1. Black must now move one of their rooks. Moving the rook on the 8th rank anywhere BUT xa8, leads the White's rook on a8 capturing the black rook and declaring checkmate. If Black DOES capture on a8, Qxa8# is the response.
Black's only option then, is to move the rook on the h-file. For most of the moves, this is a reflection of above; A move to h5, h4, h3, or h2 allows White's rook to capture and checkmate, and a capture on H1 allows white's queen to capture on h1 for checkmate. The one difference is at Rh6+. Since the pawn is pinned, black cannot recapture with it after white plays Rxh6, making that move checkmate.
right perfect
You stated the puzzle as “white to move and black pawn moves down,” showing it moving to g5. What was that about?
Just what he stated. Black pawn moves down and is thus on the home square (as opposed to moving up and being one square away from promotion). This would be especially important if the board didn’t have labeled ranks and files.
Sac the queen by putting it on the same line with rook. If pawn moves, then Qf6
he have check in h6
You could spoil the fun and use the Stockish engine online, which solves it in 2-3 seconds.
Is that rotten tomatoes heading my way? :)
The thumbnail with the time in the bottom right obscured the white rook for me at h1, because of that I couldn't solve it.
Qa1, then white takes the rook that moves, or takes back with the queen if black takes a rook.
Black can only move its rooks bevause the pawn is pinned, any rook moves besides taking one of whites rook loses, in the event black takes a rook, white wants to be able to recapture with the queen, so the move white wants is a move that causes the queen to have an eye on both of whites rook while maintaining a pin on the pawn, only Qa1 does this.
correct
This is a great puzzle. I've seen this puzzle in another video, except with the reposition of a few pieces. Same result
ok it is famous
@ChessFinalzero The differences are as follows; White's Queen is on h1, White's Bishop is on e5, and White's King is on e6. Black has a Pawn on h7, and a Queen on g7.
There is an error in evaluating Qd8. First, when considering P or Rh moves for black, Q was placed on d5 not back on d8. But even Qd5, or Qd8, If black move P or Rh, then QxRg8!!. If black moves R-8 without taking Q, then RxR-8!!, or QxR-8!!
Neg…cause black can always check white with H6 if white moved to D8 and white would have to move the king then or capture with the white H rook to get out of check and black captures with G pawn only than can white mate but that’s more than 2 moves.This puzzle calls for 2 moves Only.
yes, what @brian_vb wrote - you forgot the RH6+.
very nice 😊
Thanks
Black can capture the queen with Rook, but only if g8 rook moves and h7 rook defends the pawn in your scenario
I believe there is another mate in two. 1. Qd5. 1:17 points out the rook moves to Rh6 then its mate by 2. Qxg8. If the pawn is moved it’s the same result - Queen takes rook and mate. If the other rook on G8 moves then it’s captured by the white rook and mate. If the G8 rook captures the white rook it’s a back rank mate when the queen captures the black rook.
You overlooked that after Rh6 the white king is in check. So you cannot move Qg8 mate.
@@w.okkerse915 Ah!!
@@michaelwatkins8871
I was puzzled myself as I had also found Rh6 check as the solution.
1. Qd8 (brilliant sacrifice) Txd8 2. Txd8#
he will check with rook in h6+
There are three solutions: 1. Qa1, 1. Rd8, 1.:Rh4
Why not give Theodore Herlin credit as the author? And why give a mirror image of the original puzzle?
Couldn't we play Qd8? If rook takes the queen it's checkmate and if the other rook takes our rook then it is checkmate again. Is this wrong?
Wrong he can play rook h6 checking our white king.if white king is not there it would work
That allows for black to play rook h6 check
Oh, I see, you 're right. Thanks for correcting me 👍!!! I really missed that.
Brilliant. Thanks!
Great puzzle! i got it after several hours 😂😅😅😅
wow
Best puzzles,best answered with explanation 🎉🎉❤❤
Thank you for that 😊
Got it after a few minutes of calculation
very good
Most realistic position I have ever seen
(It's a joke, don't attack me)
cool
Everytime I thought I had it, I unpaused, and the very next explanation showed why my move did not work. I would repause, spend another minute to think of a better move, unpause, and this would repeat. Happened 5-6 times until I had exhausted every wrong answer. The next time I unpause the video move was again the same as mine, but this time was the correct one. I guess I am spookily predictable and good at finding moves that do not work.
very good try previous one
Me not noticing rook on h1: this is impossible
So easy. Some thought Qa1, Qd5. But I thought this is mate in 3 with Qd8 (I’m stupid😢)
Black Rook takes White Queen then White Rook takes back and checkmate.
Black Rook check White Rook takes.
Anything else, Qxg6#
it is ok try previous
Q5 to d5 is a checkmate solution. He missed 2nd move g8...
he can put rook h6
What the hell? Queen taking the black pawn results in checkmate in one move!
If White plays Qxg7, Black will simply play Kxg7.
So yeah... Qxg7 doesn't work.
Noticed zugzwang but couldn't find Qa1 to complete idea. I'm not happy :( because it's simple when you see it
try previous one
*(At first we need to put our queen to e4... Then whatever black does its a checkmate ✔️)*.... Let me tell you after putting Qe4 if black takes rook to a8 then Qh7 is a checkmate ......and if black takes rook to h1 then Qh1 is a beautiful checkmate...
Thank u
@@ChessFinalzero plz pin my comment
Good puzzle.
Thank u
The correct solution is also to move Queen to d 8 You don’t even need the rook on h1
rook check in h6
Qd8, would be mate in 3.
Красивая задачка)
Thanks
Why can’t you play Qd5? Whatever he does, you capture the rook on g8 with the queen, or on a1 when he captures you rook there.
Should have watched the whole thing. He can check with his rook. My mistake!
I literally completely missed the ability for black to check. Oof
it is ok
I see 2 first moves. Either Qd5 or Qd8.
Plz mention who's turn it is in the description
it is already
@@ChessFinalzero "2 Moves for white here"? But what if it is 2 moves for white after black moved? 😅
!Excelente!
🥰
What about moving ur queen to g8 instead of taking the rook that would also be checkmate
he play check with his rook to h6
Excellent I got it after 4 min😊
Great ☺
The move became immediately obvious.
awesome
It took me a minute but I got it.
excellent
1.Qd4d8 Rh7h6+ mate in 2 no posible
yea
Thumbs up!
👍
does queen d5 work too or am i not seeing something
rook check in h
Rook d8 or h4 also works right?
Rd8 allows ...Rxh1 while Rh4 allows ...Rxa8. It's necessary to protect both rooks with the queen while maintaining the pin on the pawn.
Nice checkmat
Thanks
Does Qd8 or Qh4 work?
Qd8 does work, but it would be mate in 3 not 2.
@@joep1551 could you show me the lines?
1) Qd8 Rh6 check
2)Rxh6 gxh6
3)Qxg8 checkmate
Move queen in line with white rook giving check no way out
rh6 check
Sacrificed the queeeeeeeen!
😂
What is the outcome if the queen just takes the pawn straight away?
he take with king
@@ChessFinalzeroyeah sorry I should've said after he takes the queen, you can skewer and take the rook. I imagine it's still a checkmate but will take a few more moves?
Doesn’t Rd8 also force checkmate in next move?
he take rook h1
If white has to move : Qd4 > g7 ... So : mate with 1 move.
take with black king
take the pawn with the queen. checkmate in one move.
queen not protected
Yeah I just asked that question also. King would take the queen, but then you could win a rook ? So I guess a win for white eventually???
@@sam29mill2that’s not really the point of composed problems
The queen must take the pawn and its CKD
rh6
Excellent! Thanks.
Thank you
Whatabout QD8?
0:07 Qa1 seams to do the trick
Got it after 3 mins.
😉
1. Qd8 Rxd8 2. Rxd8#
2. Qd8 Rh6 2. Qxg8#
Rh6 is a check
Why not Qd8 ?
black white
g7-g6 Qg8++
Rxd8 Rxd8++
Rxh1 Qxg8++
Black can play Rh6+.
@@lajos-berenyi Now I see. I rewatched the vid, he mentioned it, but too fast
@@lajos-berenyi Doesn't matter QxRg8 is still checkmate even if black plays Pg6 or 5 first. Puzzle has two solutions.
@@johnbilsky1153 White cannot play QxRg8 because white is in check after black plays Rh6+
@@sealand000 You are correct and have better vision with a flat screen than I do.
I stand corrected good sir. Thanks.
What about Qh4 if black takes then Rh4 or Qh7
he wont take rook over h6
Whites : Rook from h1->g1.
Blacks : Can only play one of their rook (on the line 8 or the line h), not the pawn because of the White Queen aiming the King.
Whites : White Queen takes the pawn. The black rook remaining can't take the white queen because of the other white rook aiming the black king.
t
Rh6+ and White has to defend his King and cannot do it and simultaneously mate Black.
@@gordonherring2055 Uugh That's what i explained... Don't understand your comment here.
@@Khrist75 You're missing Rh6+! (that means Black moved a rook to square h6, administering check and a great move). The White king is in check from the rook on h6, which now can't be taken since you moved the rook covering that square to g1. White must either block by Rg6 (terrible move), Qd6 or f6 (more terrible moves) or move the king off the 6th rank. None of those moves even checks Black.
Great puzzle
🥰
Rook d8 or rook H4. Obvious. Black has to make a move and any move loses.
No mate, on that move.
Great 👍🏻
😍
Qa1 i saw within 2 minutes
amazing
Great puzzle!
Glad you like it
Qa1!!!
🤩
i can solve this, saya dapat menebak langkahnya, benteng ke d 8 rd8
clever
yea
Qa1 then pawn can't move
yea
thank you
You're welcome
Qa1
Now let's see the video
right
Qd8 if black response Rd8 than white Rd8 is checkmate and if black take or play Rh1 than white play Qg8 and that's a checkmate. (Thanks for reading).❤❤
Rh6+
Вот подобные позиции итак выиграны за одну из сторон. Как не пойди. Материальный перевес огромен. Я понимаю, когда слабая сторона ищет выигрыш или ничью в единственно возможных вариантах. А это извините бред. Тут любой школьник скажет побей ладьей ладью, дай шах, отьешь вторую ладью и ставь линейный мат. Результат партии от этого не изменится.
Got this one .
Perfect
I like his accent ❤
❤
Qa1 is the 🗝️
that right
Im not wired for chess
it is ok
Why not Qd8
Rh6+
Does this puzzle have a name?
yes
What is a check mat?