Today we present 5 very hard mate-in-two composition for your attention. Look at each of the positions carefully and try to find a combination that leads to mate in 2. These are pretty difficult problems, don’t get frustrated if you take long time to solve them, this is normal. Hint: look for a quiet, yet powerful move. This type of compositions almost never start with a check or a capture. Think outside the box. Good luck!

Problem 1: G. Heathcote, “American Chess Bullettin”, 1911

White to move and mate 2

Problem 2: G. Rinder, “Schach”, 1961

White to move and mate 2

Problem 3: C. Mansfield, “Good Companion”, 1917

White to move and mate 2

Problem 4: A. Ellerman, “MK Gvidelli”, 1925

White to move and mate 2

Problem 5:I. Schiffman, “Bristol Times & Mirror”, 1927

White to move and mate 2

Solutions:

Problem 1: There are many ways to mate here: 1.Nd4! Qxd4 2.Qxh7# or 1.Nd4! Bxd4 2.Qb1# etc.

Problem 2: I’m giving just the main line here: 1.Qd5!! Kxd5 2.Rf5# for other captures there is a mate as well.

Problem 3: 1. Be4! Nd2+ 2.Nxc4# there are other mates available for different responses of black

Problem 4: One of the possible mating lines 1.Rd7! Qd4 2.Nd6#

Problem 5: One of the possible lines: 1.Qf3! Qxf3+ 2.Re4#

Solve more: