Answers (Perils of Pauline)

Here's the answer key to yesterday's problem set:

Friday catblogging

 

Here are some positions that my cats (of blessed memory) could have solved.  Well, Chloé could have solved them; Muffin was perhaps a bit too dense.

Today's theme is the "Perils of Pauline": the White king on b1 is tied to the railroad tracks, and ...Qb2 checkmate seems inevitable.  Your job: ride to the rescue!

Seriously, many of you may be stumped by some or even all of these.  Just keep in mind that every move must be a forcing move, and you'll eventually be able to figure them out!  (If you have problems, just leave a note in the comments.)

White to play and win

White to play and win

White to play and win

White to play and win

 White to play and win

 White to play and win

  White to play and win

  White to play and win

Learm these mating patterns!  In a real game, strong players don't have to calculate these mates from scratch.   They recognize the pattern and simply check to make sure that it works in the given position.

How to Beat Your Dad at Chess is one of several good books for learning these basic mates.