Step by Step: Mate #59

Step by Step: Mate #59

By Mark Donlan

Step by Step: Mate is designed to test and improve your visualization skills. The premise is simple, try solving for mate from the first diagram. For best results, set the position up on the board and think for as long as you need without moving the pieces. If you are unable to solve for mate, refer to the diagrams below in which you can solve Step by Step for mate in one, mate in two, etc.

You can also print out this page and use it as a workbook exercise in a classroom setting. Spaces are provided for answers to be written; occasionally there will be positions that allow for two similar moves from the defender.

Solve for Black to Mate

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Black mates in one

1)__________           __________

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Black mates in two

1)__________           __________

2)__________           __________

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Black mates in three

1)__________           __________

2)__________           __________

3)__________           __________

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Benko,Pal C (2450) – Hartman,Christer (2210)
Troll Masters Gausdal (4), 1984
Old Indian Defense [A54]

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d6 3.d4 Nbd7 4.Nf3 e5 5.Bg5 Be7 6.Qc2 c6 7.e3 Qc7 8.Bd3 a6 9.0-0 0-0 10.Bxh7+ Nxh7 11.Bxe7 Re8 12.Bh4 Ndf8 13.c5 exd4 14.cxd6 Qxd6 15.Nxd4 Qh6 16.Bg3 c5 17.Nde2 Bg4 18.a4 Qc6 19.a5 Ng5 20.Nf4 Ng6 21.Nxg6

21…Qxg2+!! 0-1 22.Kxg2 Bf3+ 23.Kg1 Nh3#

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A PDF file of this week’s Step by Step puzzle, along with all previous puzzles, is available in the ChessCafe.com Archives.

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