SO LONG YOUR HIGHNESS

The checkmate on a long diagonal is literally (and geometrically!) the longest checkmate that can occur on a chess board. Just Imagine playing Qh1+ and mating the black king on a8! Unfortunately this does not happen all that often over the board. If you have practical experiences I'd love to hear about them.

A puzzle composed by Philip H. Williams in 1908 is a stunning example of how chess & geometry combine harmoniously to create a visually pleasing spectacle.

WHITE TO PLAY & MATE IN THREE MOVES

The possibility of a stalemate could not be ignored. But if white surrenders the pawn on a7, a mate in three is impossible.

So white plays

1.     Kb2

Black’s reply is forced.

1.     ...            a1= Q

Then comes

2.     Rxa1

Aha! The rook takes over the duties of protecting the a7 pawn, freeing the Queen to deliver the mate.

2.     ...            h1= Q

And the long distance killer blow…

3.     Qxh1 #

THE FINAL POSITION

How the composer achieved such elegance with such economy of pieces is commendable.

REPLAY THE MOVES

Another attractive long distance mate can be found at MATING IDEA THAT NEARLY WENT STALE 

Here’s another mate in three puzzle with a similar theme. I leave it for the reader to find the solution which should not be too difficult now that you know the theme.

WHITE TO PLAY & MATE IN THREE MOVES

Post your solutions in the comments.

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