ArcaMax

This week and next we will pay homage to former World Champion, Boris Spassky, who passed away some days ago. He is inextricably paired with Bobby Fischer for their two historic matches. Contrary to the movie Pawn Sacrifice, the two were actually friends as well.

This composition is slightly tricky because of the constant threat of mate on c1. Next week, we will start our tribute to the recently deceased former world champion, Boris Spassky.

On of the common themes in chess appears here.

A very instructive king and pawn ending.

Not all mating attacks begin with a check, but the checks do follow.

One of my favorite Richard Reti studies. White can’t promote right away because of the bishop check, so what does White do as the Black pawn intends to run.

For a Mate in Two Monday, we took this from the exceptionally instructive and entertaining classic, The Mammoth Book of Chess by Graham Burgess. Should be on everyone’s bookshelf.