Puzzles

Solving puzzles is a very good way of becoming a stronger player. Solve as many as possible! And feel free to post your own puzzles here.

Puzzle 1
By Piet Hein

Blue to play and win.

R11 C11 Vd1 Vd2 Vd3 Vd4 Vd5 Vd6 Vd7 Vd9 Vd10 Vd11 Vh6 Vh7 Hc2 Hd8 Hh9 Hi4

Puzzle 2
By Piet Hein

Blue to play and win.

R3 C3 Ha1 Va2 Vb3

Puzzle 3
By Piet Hein

Blue to play and win.

R6 C6 Vc3 Vf3 Vd5 Hb1 Hb5

Puzzle 4
By Piet Hein

Blue to play and win.

R4 C4 Vd1 Va4 Hc2

Puzzle 5
By Piet Hein

Blue to play and win.

R4 C4 Va4 Ha1

Puzzle 6
By Piet Hein

On the board of size 3 there are precisely two opening moves such that, with optimal play from both players, the board will be completely filled before the game is over. Which are the two opening moves?

Puzzle 7
By Unknown

Red (Vertical) to play and win

This is a very difficult puzzle whose complete solution is extremely complex.

R6 C6 Q1 Vf4 Hc2