27/03/21 COMPETITION: Short Master Games

Short Sharp Shocks No.10

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.

An Ancient Classic.

White: De Legal Black: Saint Brie

This game, which dates back to Paris 1750, has immortalised the name of the white player: in face it is known as LEGAL’s mate.

  1. e4, e5
  2. Nf3, d6
Position after 2… d6 (diagram courtesy of chess.com)

This opening is known as Philidor’s Defence to the king pawn opening, after the effective 18th century world Champion Francois Andre Danican Philidor, otherwise known as Philidor the composer and chess player from France.

3. Bc4, Bg4
4. Nc3, g6?

Position after 4… g6? (diagram courtesy of chess.com)

Almost any normal developing move, such as … Nc6, … Nf6, … Be7 or … c6 would have avoided catastrophe. How did white stun black with his next move, and what are the main variations?

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

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Diagram courtesy of www.chess.com


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