THE HASTINGS CHALLENGER No. 5

SOLUTION

White to play and mate in 2

Comins Mansfield

1st Hon. Mention, Good Companions 1918

Key: 1.Nc5 (threat 2.Qf2 mate) 

1…Be3 2.Qd1 mate 1…Be1 2.Bd1 mate

 1…Nd3 2.Qe4 mate

 1…Nd1 2.Qxd2 mate

 1…Ke1 2.Qf2 mate

The main feature in this problem is the line up of pieces on the 2nd rank. Neither black piece is pinned, but if either moves, the other piece is left pinned. This so-called Half-pin is exploited in the first three variations above. Note that the tempting 1.Ne1? fails to 1...Qb6! 

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