THE FORSAKEN KING.
(
The Guarded Chessboard)
Set up the position shown in the diagram. Then the condition of the
puzzle is--White to play and checkmate in six moves. Notwithstanding the
complexities, I will show how the manner of play may be condensed into
quite a few lines, merely stating here that the first two moves of White
cannot be varied.
Answer:
Play as follows:--
White. Black.
1. P to K 4th 1. Any move
2. Q to Kt 4th 2. Any move except on KB file (a)
3. Q to Kt 7th 3. K moves to royal row
4. B to Kt 5th 4. Any move
5. Mate in two moves
If 3. K other than to royal row
4. P to Q 4th 4. Any move
5. Mate in two moves
(a) If 2. Any move on KB file
3. Q to Q 7th 3. K moves to royal row
4. P to Q Kt 3rd 4. Any move
5. Mate in two moves
If 3. K other than to royal row
4. P to Q 4th 4. Any move
5. Mate in two moves
Of course, by "royal row" is meant the row on which the king originally
stands at the beginning of a game. Though, if Black plays badly, he may,
in certain positions, be mated in fewer moves, the above provides for
every variation he can possibly bring about.
Informational
