Short Sharp Shocks No.4
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.
Usually it is the king who suffers a speedy execution. This time, in this game between Dadian (white) and Doubrava (black) the black queen gets it in the neck!
- e4, d6
- Bc4, Nd7
- Nf3, g6

A leisurely form of the Pirc defence, where black intends to put his bishop on the dominating square at g7. But he never gets the chance!
4. Ng5!
A dawn raid on the weak f7 square.
4… Nh6
How did white trap the black queen?

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!
Submit your solution
What to do next
Make sure you subscribe below to get notified of the solutions and next week’s puzzle the moment they are published!
Diagram courtesy of www.chess.com