Thomas Taverner — an extraordinary mate in 2

Objective: White to move. Find the unique first move that forces checkmate on the second move regardless of Black's reply.

Position and task condition

Black has many possible defenses, while the obvious checks do not solve the problem. Look for a move that does not attack the king directly, but makes every Black move weaken the position and open a different mating route.

Theme: Zugzwang • quiet move • interference • mate in 2

1st Prize, Dubuque Chess Journal

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