Today's problem is a two-tier puzzle. For the relatively new to chess or the novice, you have four moves to mate Black. For the sharks who are really alert and great at this, you have to find a mate in three. This composition by F.F.L. Alexander is especially pleasing because usually in these "Mate in..." problems, White generally has a great advantage in material. Here, Black has the material advantage. Good luck!

Solution:

For the relatively new at chess, you get credit if you saw the mate in four:

1.Qd3+ Kc6 2.Qd6+ Kb5 [2...Kb7 3.Qb6+ Ka8 4.Qa7#] 3.Qb6+ Kxc4 4.Qb3#

We hope you enjoyed the little merry-go-round with the queen and realized that those pawns of White's were placed on the board for a reason. It's a good tip for all solving puzzles that go "Mate in...." that are compositions. Problemists like economy and every chess man has a purpose in the puzzle. Figuring that out can many times help you find the solution.

For the veteran solvers, here's the delightful mate in three. Interestingly enough it has the same theme as the mate in four way, but does it one move quicker and adds a supporting role for the White knight to shine in its own way.

1.Qb3 Na6 [1...Kc6 2.Qb6+ Kd5 (2...Kd7 3.Qd6#) 3.Qe6#; 1...Be4 2.Qb5#; 1...Rxc7 2.Qd3+ Kc6 3.Na5#; 1...Nc6 2.Qb5+ Ke4 3.Nd2#; 1...Nd7 2.Qb7+ Kxc4 3.Qb3#; 1...Qh8 2.Qxf3+ Kxc4 3.Qb3#] 2.Qb7+ Kxc4 3.Qb3#

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.