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Black to move
View Solution
1… a5+ 2. Ka4 Ka6 3. h4 gxh4 4. g5 h3 5. g6 h2 6. g7 h1=Q 7. g8=Q Qd1#
1… a5+
2. Ka4
2… Ka6
3. h4
3… gxh4
4. g5
4… h3 (remember if hxg5, it’s a draw by Stalemate because White will have no legal moves)
5. g6 or gxh6
5… h2
6. g7
6… h1=Q
7. g8=Q
7… Qd1#
Explanation: In this scenario, White is in a Zugzwang (a situation in which a player is forced to make a move that will result in a significant disadvantage). So, Black wins this game.
In-depth explanation: Watch Video (1:47)
The Surprising Benefits of Solving Chess Puzzles Every Day
Solving chess puzzles is an enjoyable and challenging activity that can benefit players of all levels, from beginners to grandmasters. Chess puzzles come in different types, ranging from simple two-move tactics to complex endgame studies. Solving puzzles requires you to analyze a given position, identify the best move or combination of moves, and evaluate the resulting position. By solving puzzles daily, you can train your brain to think critically, creatively, and strategically, which can translate into better performance in your actual games.
Moreover, solving puzzles can provide several other benefits, such as improving your calculation skills, enhancing your pattern recognition abilities, and increasing your knowledge of the game. It can also help you avoid blunders, which can be costly in a game. Solving puzzles can be a fun and rewarding activity that can keep you engaged and motivated to improve your chess skills.
Here are 16 reasons compelling why you should make a habit of solving daily chess puzzles:
- Improve your chess tactics: Solving puzzles can help you develop your tactical skills, such as identifying forks, pins, skewers, and other important tactical patterns.
- Enhance your calculation skills: Solving puzzles requires you to calculate multiple moves ahead, which can improve your ability to calculate accurately and quickly in your own games.
- Develop your strategic thinking: Puzzles often involve finding the best plan of action in a given position, which can help you improve your strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
- Increase your overall knowledge of the game: Puzzles are designed to teach specific concepts and patterns, which can help you develop a more well-rounded understanding of chess.
- Improve your visualization skills: Puzzles require you to visualize the board and calculate variations in your head, which can improve your visualization skills.
- Help you avoid blunders: Solving puzzles can help you develop a habit of looking for threats and avoiding blunders in your own games.
- Enhance your memory: Repeating the same patterns and solutions in puzzles can help you improve your memory and recall skills.
- Keep your mind sharp: Solving puzzles requires focus, concentration, and mental agility, which can help keep your mind sharp.
- Challenge yourself: Puzzles can be challenging and rewarding, giving you a sense of satisfaction when you solve them.
- Improve your rating: Solving puzzles can help you improve your chess rating by improving your skills and knowledge of the game.
- Boost your concentration: Solving puzzles demands focus and concentration, improving your ability to stay focused during games.
- Develop your pattern recognition skills: Solving puzzles can improve your ability to recognize common patterns in different positions.
- Increase your confidence: Solving puzzles regularly can help you feel more confident in your ability to play chess and make good decisions.
- Practice different openings: Puzzles can involve different openings, allowing you to practice and learn new ones.
- Improve your endgame skills: Puzzles can involve different endgame scenarios, allowing you to improve your endgame skills.
- It’s fun: Solving puzzles can be a fun and enjoyable way to improve your chess skills and challenge yourself.
Solving daily chess puzzles is an excellent way to improve your chess skills and enhance your overall understanding of the game. It is a fun and challenging activity that will keep you engaged and motivated to learn more about chess. Try making puzzle-solving a regular part of your daily or weekly chess training routine. Consistency is key to improving your skills and becoming a better chess player.
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