It is hoped that the previous two helpmates warmed you up for the final challenge. A little bit more material and it takes one move longer. Black moves and helps White mate in three.

Solution:

1...Be5 2.g5 Kf5 3.Rd7 Ke6 4.Bg4# Composed by G. Fuhlendorf. Note the striking similarity between this problem and the first, with a little complexity added in the form of pawns. As we now get back next week to "regular" chess problems, it is hoped you see the value of these little mental exercises and how important it is to recognize mating patterns that are possible. The trick in having an opponent is that you have to force your opponent into such positions, but if you don’t recognize the patterns you’ll pass them by and not even know they were there. It’s happened to all of us!

We've received several emails asking why Black doesn't do this or that to stop the mate. We tried to make it clear and will try one more time! Black is helping White to create a mate. Black doesn't want to stop the mate. He wants to assist White in creating a mate....that final position we were talking about above. It's a special form of chess composition that interests many chess composers.

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.