White to Play

Pete Tamburro on Oct 5, 2026

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Here is your chance to beat a world champion from the 1920s. Jose Capablaca couldn’t solve this mate in two in a contest—the only problem he could not solve.

The key to solving many chess problems is to ask yourself what each piece is doing there, especially ones that are oddly placed. There are no unnecessary pieces or pawns in a composition. Economy is a requirement. Two great candidates for oddly placed are the queen and the bishop on g1.The queen’s many abilities are the key here, and the solution revolves around her. 1.Kg5 c2 1...Ke5 2.Qg7#; 1...e5 2.Nf5#; 1...Bg4 2.f4# 2.Qa1#

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.