There is something about Rooks that makes them less mysterious than all other chess pieces. Its rigid appearance & movements may have got something to do with it. Even in chess literature, rarely one comes across enjoyable chess problems with Rooks performing a major role. While knights, queens & pawns usually perform star roles in chess problems & studies, Rooks are usually condemned to perform supporting acts.
It appears the only way to checkmate the black king is by bringing a rook to the first rank in 02 moves & then playing Kf2. Black still has two more moves with his h pawn, so if white can mate in 03 moves then he does not have to worry about a stalemate. But how can white bring a rook to the first rank in 02 moves? The annoying black pawn on d4 spoils the party.
So as a tribute to all the neglected rooks in the chess world, I present the following chess problem. (Composed by O.Dehler in 1911)
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| WHITE TO PLAY & MATE IN 03 MOVES |
It looks impossible, but don’t forget that first appearances can be deceptive.
Give up? Then click 'show' to see the answer.
Give up? Then click 'show' to see the answer.
Correct solution is 1.Rh5 h6 2.h4 Kh2 3.Rh3#
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