Short Sharp Shocks No.7
Note that the bottom left corner of the board is ‘a1’. This set is a continuation of the last set 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.
Correspondence 1930
Correspondence games involved letters being sent back and forth through the post, sometimes for months on end. This game did not take that long!
White: Warren Black: Selman
- d4, Nf6
- c4, e5 (The famous Budapest Gambit)
- dxe5, Ne4 (And this is the Fajarowisz variation)

4. a3
White is wary of black’s bishop check at b4
4… d6
Black continues in buccaneering style; development comes before regaining his pawn.
5. exd6, Bxd6
6. g3?
Too slow and inattentive; you cannot play chess without an opponent; so don’t try!

What was black’s deadly winning move?
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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Diagram courtesy of www.chess.com