Take & Mate

Book excerpt: The first move, or “key,” of a conventional chess problem is almost never a capture. But convention is turned on its head in this collection of 200 original problems in which every move of the white pieces requires the capture of a black piece! The advantages are several: for one thing, jaded problem fans are sure to appreciate the totally fresh approach. For another, unlike traditional problems, which require a rarefied and artificial type of thinking, these “take and mate” problems demand the same thought processes that players use in over-the-board play. Arranged in order of difficulty and coupled with a built-in scoring system, they offer a unique way for players at all levels to sharpen their tactical skills.