ArcaMax

In 1959, Pal Benko missed a chance to gain a winning position against Bobby Fischer. Can you find the key move?

Although we give a lot of mating attacks, there has to be the realization that most games are won by winning material and then grinding out the win until one’s opponent gives in. Today’s game features Sammy Reshevsky finding a way to win material against Svetozar Gligoric and then use his great technical skills to win the game.

This one could be a toughie as Black doesn’t have to cooperate. So you have to figure out both possibilities.

May not be clear, but there is a mating attack here.

Well, there’s no question about where the target is! Can you see all the moves to mate?

In 1925, E. Gruenfeld gave the great chess teacher S. Tarrasch a lesson, starting without a check.

There is no mistaking White’s intentions here. Execute!

From King-Bedian, California, 1962

White is surrounded, or cornered, if you will. Black has a mating attack.

In a great irony at Hastings 1929, Koltanowski, as Black, found himself in a bad way out of a Philidor Defense. His opponent, Tylor, found the winning line.

White has a mate in there somewhere with the two rooks, but there is the matter of what Black can do.

A brilliant first move by White.

Black has the infantry advanced and ready to assault and the heavy artillery just waiting for the order to fire.

Any experienced player glancing at this position would tell you Black is in trouble. His king is not castled, and White is effectively two moves ahead with the N on g5 and the R on f8. You’re White. Your move.

A lot of possibilities and variations. Have fun.

White’s rook is attacked and his piece up is balanced by Black’s extra pawns and both king positions being vulnerable.

This varies from your usual mating/winning heavy material positions. It is quite original. If you solve this, bravo! If not, then join a big group including me, in just enjoying the solution.