I had an idea of creating a thread where we could share cool chess problems/positions that could be used as a form of entertainment when surrounded by people less apt at chess. This old coach I know back in Lithuania knew plenty of such positions with some story behind them, and yet I can only remember one right now, I hope maybe you will remind me of some others. This one is named "The retreat of Napoleon I from Moscow". I will not state a solution just yet even though it is not hard.



The Black King is obviously Napoleon. White knights symbolize the Russian soldiers who were chasing him. The h1-a8 diagonal symbolizes the river in Moscow which Napoleon had to cross to try to escape. There are two solutions to this (one mate in 14, and one mate in 6), as if you know history, Napoleon could have been "mated" earlier yet the Russians didn't do it. Go go go!

1.Nd2 Ka2 2. Nc3 Ka3 3.N2b1 Kb4 4.Na2 Kb5 5.N1c3 Ka6 6.Qa8#

I have this solution too. 1.Nd2 Ka2 2. Nc3 Ka3 3.N2b1 Kb4 4.Na2 Kb5 5.N1c3 Ka6 6.Nb4 Ka7 7.Nb5 Kb8 8.Na6 Kc8 9.Nd6 (I have not found a mate if he takes) Kd7 10.Nb8 Ke7 11.Nc8 Kf8 12.Nd7 Kg8 13.Ne7 Kh8 14.Kg2#

Correct correct. In the second one instead of Nd6+ just Na7+

I don't know how to do diagrams but the only position I remember by heart is an absolutely stunning selfmate in 6 lol that people are invariably blown away by.

Anyone interested in selfmate problems?

Selfmating really isnt interesting to me. I sometimes do it as much as 3 times a day.

Retrograde analysis problems could be another good option for this type of a situation. I don't have any great examples off the top of my head, but it can definitely be fun, and can appeal even to the non chess player.

Ok I couldn't figure out from the sticky how to get the diagram, but this link seems to work.

This is so awesome and entertains chess novices.

White to move and selfmate in 6.

Yes that's right, I will play white, you play black and do your best NOT to win. I will force you to checkmate me in 6 moves. LOL.

http://www.chessvideos.tv/bimg/110ytnz9qg1c.png

Props to anyone who can solve this, it is not easy!

Man selfmate problems. I never have even the slightest idea where to even begin. I can not even solve mate in 2 problems.

Here's the self-mate position loveinvain linked:

If you like, I can figure out how to use spoiler tags and post the solution. I doubt anyone will solve this.

F..k me. Have you seen this before or did you actually solve this mofo!!?