Chess

Monday 07 July 1997 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

White to play and mate in three (by Sam Loyd, first published 1876).

Anyone familiar with the wit of Loyd will guess the answer immediately. Since 1.b8=Q Bxg2 2.Bf2 is frustrated by 2...Bf1! and 1.bxa8=Q is stalemate, and 1.bxa8=R Kxg2 2.Rf8 is met by 2...Bxa7, there is only one way to do it: 1.bxa8=N! Kxg2 2.Nb6! - the only method of preventing the bishop from capturing on a7. Now whatever Black plays on his second move, White will mate with 3.a8=Q.

The only flaw in this splendid composition is that White can promote to queen or bishop on the final move.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Chess

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering