Short Sharp Shocks No.2
Note that the bottom left corner of the board is ‘a1’. This set is different to the last sets of puzzles. These games are real games played by master players. Rather than searching necessarily for a checkmate, you must search for the best continuation. We prefer to receive answers in algebraic notation.
This game was played in Brighton, UK (1845), between Kennedy (white) and an amateur. The game was played at odds, which was popular in Victorian times, and started without white’s knight on g1.
- e4, e5
- Bc4, Nf6
- d4, Nxe4
- dxe5, Nxf2!?
A cunning plan by our unnamed amateur. he reasons that if white takes the knight with 5. Kxf2, he can sweep in with a check at h4 by his queen and hoover up the white bishop at c4.
How did white turn the tables, sacrificing his own queen and then achieving checkmate in a few moves?
When you think you know the answer, send your solution in to us by submitting the form on this page. We will publish the full solutions, and names of all those who sent us the correct answers, in our blog next week (if you would rather not be named, please say so!).
Everyone who sends in their answers receives at least 1 point. If you correctly guess the best continuation, you will receive 3 points. The puzzler with the highest score after the six week set of puzzles will win a solver badge/solver spots and a free chess lesson with the teacher of their choice!
Good luck!
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