Another checkmate puzzle

Logic Level 2

It's white turn to move. What is the minimum number of moves for white to checkmate the black king? Assume optimal play for both sides.

3 4 5 6 2

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2 solutions

Francis Kong
Nov 8, 2017

Best is

  1. Nd7+ Kc8 (only legal move by black)
  2. Nb6+ Kb8 (If ... Kd8 3. Qd7#. Note that Both the Queen and the Knight is attacking the King so the King has to move)
  3. Qc8+ (Queen Sacrifice) Rxc8 (only legal move by black)
  4. Nd7#

This the famous "smothered mate". It is mate in four if both plays optimally.

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