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Chessville
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Solutions to Holmes' challenges posed in The Royal Game
Challenge 1) With 16 moves by the White pieces (restricted to the White side of the board – the first four ranks), construct a position whereby, after any move by Black, White can force a mate-in-two, as Holmes announced against Mycroft. Several different orders of moves are possible; the important thing is the position of the White pieces when it is Black’s turn to make his move. Solution 1) a4, Na3, h4, Nf3, d4, Nd2, Rh3, Nac4, Ra3, Ne4, Qd2, Rhf3, g3, Bh3, Qf4, Rae3. The Schachfreund, ed. M. Alapin, in British Chess Magazine, January 1899 p.20
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Challenge 2) Construct a game in which each move by Black is the same as the preceding move by White, and in which White administers checkmate in four moves, as Mycroft demonstrated to his brother. Solution 2) Knowing that his brother, Sherlock, was bound by his word to respond with the same moves, Mycroft Holmes let slip a small, satisfied grin as he played 1.P-QB4, 2.Q-R4, 3.Q-B6 and 4.QxB mate. In algebraic notation, the game: Holmes, Mycroft - Holmes, Sherlock, English Opening, casual game, London, 188? 1.c4 c5 2.Qa4! Qa5 3.Qc6!! Qc3 4.Qxc8# Q.E.D.
Challenge 3) What match rules would allow one to play two games against an opponent and be assured of an even score? Solution 3) Having arranged to play a two-game match with Staunton, without benefit of time limit, each player having the white pieces once and the black pieces once -- Mycroft Holmes added one more condition, that the games be played simultaneously. When his opponent agreed, Mycroft announced his intention to play, in Game 2, with the white pieces, the same move that Staunton had made, in Game 1, with the white pieces; and to reply, in Game ame 1, with the same move of the black pieces, that Staunton had replied with in Game 2. In effect, Staunton would be playing against himself, and a win on one board would guarantee a loss on the other, and vice versa. Hence, the drawn match, a priori. Return to the Sherlock Holmes Index |
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