1. Catch the King Chess Materials
2. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
3. Teacher & Classroom Questions
4. Introductory Email Chess (Practice Session)
5. Consultation & Tandem Chess
6. Puzzles (Math Chess & Trivia)
Paul Simon's
"Catch the King"
(Chess For Elementary Schools)
Weekly Puzzles & Trivia
February 6, 2012 - Chess Puzzle
Level One - Puzzle #406
In the above position it is white to play and checkmate in one move. Can you find the move that will "Catch the King"?
February 6, 2012 - Chess Puzzle
Level Two - Puzzle #406
It is white to play and mate in two moves in the the above position. Can you find the final moves that were used to "Catch the King"? Hint: Look at the Level One puzzle.
February 6, 2012 - Math Chess
Level One - Puzzle # 406
On which square(s) would you need to place the black king in order to turn the above position into a checkmate?
February 6, 2012 - Weekly Trivia Question:
Q #406: Why did Prince Dadian uninvite Tchigorin to the Monte Carlo tournament of 1903?
Solutions will appear on February 13, 2012.
Registered schools are invited to send in their solutions before February 13, 2012.
Last Week's Puzzles & Solutions
January 30, 2012 - Chess Puzzle
Level One - Puzzle #405
In the above position it is white to play and checkmate in one move. Can you find the move that will "Catch the King"?
Solution: Black is checkmated after, 1. Nd4-e6#!!
January 30, 2012 - Chess Puzzle
Level Two - Puzzle #405
It is white to play and mate in two moves in the the above position. Can you find the final moves that were used to "Catch the King"? Hint: Look at the Level One puzzle.
Solution: At first glance it looks like white should pile up on the pinned black knight, or perhaps fork the king and bishop with the knight from f5. These continuations look quite strong, but it turns out that the real target should be the king. While it is easy to get distracted by the lure of material gain, it is always important to remember that the king should be first and foremost when looking for ways to win. Not surprisingly, it turns out once again that because of the black king's exposed position white has a forced mate in two moves, 1. Pc4-c5+!, Kd6-c7 2. Nd4-e6#!!
January 30, 2012 - Math Chess
Level One - Puzzle #405
On which square(s) would you need to place a black king in order to turn the above position into a checkmate?
Solution: The above position would be a checkmate if a black king were placed on c5 or d5.
January 30, 2012 - Weekly Trivia Question:
Q #405: Who sponsored the Monte Carlo tournament of 1903?
Answer: The tournament was sponsored by Prince Dadian.
