23 JUN 2025

Mate in 3

by Werner Speckmann

Schach-Echo, 1957

1. d8=N+! Kf8 2.h8=N! zugzwang.

 

In the current position, the g7 knight precludes Ne6#, while its partner on e7 keeps Ng6# at bay. But the cruel geometry of the board dictates that one of them must forsake their post:

 

2...Ng8 (Ne~) 3.Ng6#

2...Ne6+ (Ng~) 3.Nxe6#

 

A knightly standoff—with no way out!