Hint 1

It's mate in 4.

Hint 2

Nf7+ then Nh6+

Smothered mate

The solution is here - https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/120785379743?tab=analysis&move=59 - check top of the right sidebar.

I started trying something new when I watch speed chess.

  1. Sometimes I watch players stronger than me but not too much stronger than me.

  2. I keep the evaluation bar off so I'm forced to think without hints. I'm way too addicted to the elav bar.

Spoiler - I mention what I saw in real time.

I watched this game a few minutes ago. I thought I was clever to notice Nf7+ and Nxd8 which wins the rook. But even though I love smothered mates - I didn't even think to look for that. When white played Nh6+ I nearly groaned. What the- Oh! I missed it! Fuuuuuuck!

  • Tomorrow_Farewell [any, they/them]
    ·
    3 months ago
    spoiler

    Nf7 Kg8
    Nh6
    Then, either
    1.
    ... Kh8
    Qg8 Rxg8
    Nf7
    Smothered checkmate.
    Or
    2.
    ... Kf8
    Qf7

    Let's see if I was correct.

    EDIT: Seems like I solved this one correctly.