In a helpmate problem white and black cooperate in order to reach a checkmate position in a certain number of moves. Traditionally, it is black playing the first move and also black getting checkmated. In other words, a helpmate in 3 means that black makes the first move and gets checkmate by white’s 3rd move. Black would play the worst possible moves for that to happen.

Many consider that solving such puzzles is a waste of time, since in practical play we’re never trying to find the worst possible moves for one side. Why would they ever play so stupidly?

My opinion is slightly different. I think it helps players develop their creativity and imagination. It’s useful to be aware of potential mating patterns, even if they currently seem to have a low probability of occuring on the board.

The 2 helpmate problems that follow are special for 2 reasons:

• It is white to move, so white is the one getting checkmated
• The position is the same for both, and it is one that we all know, the starting position!

The first puzzle was given to us by a GM, during a training camp. I discovered the second one a bit later, online.

Puzzle #1

We have the normal starting position on the board, the one you are all familiar with. White plays 1.e4, popular move. On move 5, black will checkmate white with a knight. It is not a discovered check from a different piece, it is not a promotion. One of black’s 2 knights checkmates white’s king on the 5th move.

Puzzle #2

Again, the normal starting position, but we do not know white’s first move. What we know is that black will promote a pawn to knight on the 5th move, delivering checkmate. So again it’s 5 moves, again a black knight, but not one of the ones black start with. It is a black pawn that becomes a knight.

Both are very interesting. I have this crazy idea that at some point in time, somebody will find this post and even try to solve the puzzles. I know chances are slim. I feel like those guys throwing a bottle with a letter inside into the ocean. If my bottle is found, a message with the solution(s) might show up on the blog. If I cease to exist, like Monty Python’s parrot, my sons are instructed to click a secret button that will publish a post with the 2 beautiful helpmates.