Solve Susan Polgar’s Chess Problem

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  • Solve Susan Polgar’s Chess Problem

    Solve Susan Polgar’s Problem

    In her Chess Daily News blog of Oct. 28, 2013, Susan Polgar says that over the years, she has composed well over 10,000 chess puzzles. Her first ever composition was at the age of 4 (1973).

    White: pawn on d2, king on e1, queen on h4
    Black: pawn on g2, king on g1



    White to move. Can you spot the checkmate in 2 in five seconds or less?
    ________

    Without sight of the board, give yourself 15 seconds. If you set up the position, or use the tiny attached thumbnail, see if you can do it in five seconds or less.

    Of 26 replies on the site, 18 got it correct and 8 did not. One said, “I am ashamed to say it took me more than five seconds”. Another said, “Can’t see it in two.” Another, “I think it is quite brilliant for 4 years of age. 
It's slightly counterintuitive and plenty of moves lead to stalemate.”

    Confession is good for the soul – it took me a couple of minutes – I was so sure the first move was with the queen!
    Last edited by Wayne Komer; Monday, 6th November, 2017, 12:57 AM. Reason: added diagram

  • #2
    Re: Solve Susan Polgar’s Chess Problem

    1. Qh8 secures the draw!
    i rep back 3+

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Solve Susan Polgar’s Chess Problem

      Solve Susan Polgar’s Problem

      Solution:

      Which is more correct – Black is stalemated or Black is in zugzwang? Probably the latter..

      Anyway, the key is

      1. Kd1 and White wins in two moves

      If 1. Qg3 Kh1 2. Kf2 g1=Q 3. Qxg1 mate

      Almost all other queen moves win in 4 moves.

      If 1. Qh2+ or 1. Qh1+ Black wins in 12 or 9 moves.

      Very clever girl, that 4-year old Susan!

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Solve Susan Polgar’s Chess Problem

        Solve Susan Polgar’s Problem

        November 5, 2017

        Reposted with a diagram, four years later!

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