Chess puzzle

No. 857

5 July 2025

9:00 AM

5 July 2025

9:00 AM

White to play and mate in two moves. Composed by Barry Barnes, the Observer, 1964. Barnes, who died in January, was a great expert and composer of mate in two problems. Email answers (first move only) to chess@spectator.co.uk by Monday 7 July. There is a prize of £20 for the first correct answer out of a hat. Please include a postal address and allow six weeks for prize delivery.


Last week’s solution 1 f4! The queen cannot safely defend the Ne4, so Black resigned

Last week’s winner Reginald Chaplin, Woodford Green, Essex  

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