Step 4 - Advanced Puzzles

Each hard puzzle should be set up on a board. Be prepared to spend some time solving it.

Try to solve it without moving the pieces. If you haven't solved it after 5 minutes you can move the pieces to analyse.

No clues on this step of the stairs!

Black to move

Solution

White to move

Solution

White to move

Solution

White to move

Solution

White to move

Solution

White to move

Black is threatening mate on h2.   How does white prevent this and emerge with an advantage?

Solution

White to move

White has been working steadily towards putting pressure on the c7 pawn and could, for instance, proceed to double rooks on the c-file.  But now a different opportunity presents itself.

Solution