Mate in 2 with Only 5 Pieces – Campbell | MoveForge #29

Objective: White to move. Only 5 pieces remain on the board. Find the unique first move that forces checkmate in 2 moves.

Position and task condition

Only 5 pieces remain on the entire board, yet the solution is far from obvious. The queen already seems perfectly placed near the Black king — but the key is a surprising quiet move. Can you find the mate in 2?

Theme: Mate in 2 • zugzwang • quiet queen move • chess miniature • queen retreat

Joseph Graham Campbell — The Chess Player’s Chronicle, 1861

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