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2002-2003 – The Starter Problem

Johh Rice

original for BCSC (after C J Morse, and others)

2RSqQ2/2b1PBP1/1sPk1p2/R7/5K2/8/8/8

Mate in 2

1.g8=S!  ()

1...Bxd8  2.exd8=Q#
1...Qxc6  2.e8=Q#
1...Qxf8  2.exf8=Q#
1...Qxf7,
    Qd7   2.e8=S#
1...Qxd8  2.exd8=S#
1...Bb8   2.Sb7#
1...Qxe7  2.Qxe7#
1...S~(+) 2.R(x)d5#
1...f5    2.Qh6#

The following incorrect moves, all given by entrants and listed in order of popularity, are refuted in the manner shown:

  • 1.Qxe8? by 1...Bxd8!
  • 1.Rf5? by 1...Qxe7!
  • 1.Sb7+? by 1...Kxc6+!
  • 1.Bd5? by 1...Sxd5+!
  • 1.Bxe8? by 1...Sd5+! & 1...Sd7!
  • 1.Bg8? by 1...Qxe7!
  • 1.Kf5? by 1...Qxe7! & 1...Qd7+!
  • 1.g8=Q? by 1...Qxe7!
  • 1.Bb3? by 1...Qxe7!
  • 1.Be6? by 1...f5!, 1...Bxd8!, 1...Bb8! & 1...Qxe7!
  • 1.Bh5? by 1...Sd5+!, 1...Sd7! & 1...Qxe7!
  • 1.Kg3? by 1...f5! & 1...Qxe7!
  • 1.Rd5+? by 1...Sxd5+!

Developed and maintained by Brian Stephenson.