Michigan Class Championship - Round 2

Michigan Class Championships - Round 1

Carro Kann Blitz

Using a rook, knight, and queen (or bishop) to attack a king.

Bishop Pair Despair

Having both bishops is nothing without targets.

Mate in 3 Challenge (White to move)

Can you solve it?

Give your answer as a comment.

Find the "Help mate in 2" and the "Mate in 3"

This is from an 1888 "Illustrated London News". Enjoy!

Solution
Help Mate in 2:
1.Qd3 f6 2.Qd5#

Mate in 3:
1 Qh1 ...
1...Ke6 2.Qh8 f6 3. Qe8#
1...Ke6 2 Qh8 Kd7 3.Qc8#
1...Kf6 2.Qh4+ Kg6 3.Qh6#
1...Kf6 2.Qh4+ Ke6 3.Qe7#
1...Kf6 2.Qh4+ Ke5 3.Qe7#
1...f6 2.Bd5 Kxf5 3.Qh5#

Sicilian Nxc6

This game shows an example of how Black's central control can be increased if white decides to capture with his/her d4 knight on c6.

It is important to take from this game that Black is often trying to get in the move d5. This move when timed well can give Black equality in the opening and at times an initiative.

Enjoy!