Category: Curiosities

The half-pin, a concept dating back to the 19th century, remains a persistent problem in chess. The basic concept can be seen in real games as well.

A seriesmover refers to a chess problem where one side executes a consecutive sequence of valid moves without any response from the opposing side. The sequence culminates with the other side performing a single move that results in either a checkmate or a stalemate, depending on the specific conditions given in the problem.

Coloring problems are scenarios in which the colors of depicted units, whether Black or White, are unknown. The objective is to determine the colors of these units, ensuring that the resulting arrangement is permissible.

A Maximummer is a chess problem in which Black is required to consistently make the longest legal move, with preference given to one of the longest moves when there are multiple options.

A reflexmate is a chess puzzle where the player controlling the white pieces must, on their first move, compel the opponent playing the black pieces to deliver checkmate within a predetermined number of moves, even if the opponent does not wish to do so. Additionally, both players are bound by the requirement that if either of them has the opportunity to deliver checkmate, they must take it.

This task is called Proof Game (or, in this case, Shortest Proof Game), and it belongs to the category of retrograde analysis chess problems.

An Albino chess problem is characterized by a unique scenario in which a white pawn, positioned on its starting square, performs all four of its potential moves during the solution. These moves include advancing one square forward, advancing two squares forward, capturing to the left, and capturing to the right.

The Saavedra position stands as a renowned chess endgame study, honoring the Spanish priest Fernando Saavedra (1849–1922), who resided in Glasgow during the late 19th century. Despite not being a highly skilled player, he astutely discovered a winning strategy featuring a remarkable underpromotion in a position that was previously believed to result in a draw.

The official record stands at six, considering only serious games. Additionally, Black’s outstanding accomplishment lies in promoting four pawns.

The Knight’s Tour is a puzzle that involves moving a knight on a chessboard in such a way that it visits each square exactly once.