In partnership with

This newsletter is created for students who want to improve their Chess and for parents who want structured, meaningful chess learning for their children.

Every edition includes:

  • A clear topic explanation

  • Practice puzzles

  • One daily challenge puzzle

Our focus is on building thinking skills, confidence, and consistency at the board.

Thank you for subscribing—we’re happy you’re here.

— Kar & Kish

1 Zugzwang

Explanation:

Here, in the below set of puzzles, you are going to do Zugzwang concept.

Zugzwang is a situation in chess where you make a move and give a situation to your opponent where whatever he/she plays, they would end up losing the game.

Example Puzzle: (Black to Play)

Here, in the above puzzle, Black can play Kf5 which would to lead a Zugzwang for white. If white king goes to E3, Black king can enter via G4. If white king goes to G3, Black king can enter via E4

Kf5 Ke3 Kg4 Ke4 Kh4 wins

or Kf5 Kg3 Ke4 Kh3 Kf4 wins

2 Practice Puzzles

Instructions:
Try to solve the puzzles without moving the pieces.
Write down your solutions before checking the solution at the bottom

Puzzle Set:

  • Puzzle 1: Black to move and win

De4 Fe4 Kf4 G3 Kf3 Kd2 Ke4 wins

Puzzle 2: Black to move and win

Kd5 Ke3 Kc4 Kf3 Kd4 wins

or Kd5 Kc3 Ke4 Kc4 Kf4 wins

  • Puzzle 3: Black to move and win

Ra3 Kd2 Re3 Ke3 Ke5 wins via opposition

Sponsor Section

Smart starts here.

You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.

3 Challenging Puzzle

Challenging puzzle : White to move and win

🎯 Your Task:
Find the best continuation and write the full variation (not just the first move).

📩 Send your answer to: [email protected]

🏆 Best solutions will be featured in the next newsletter

4 Opinion Poll

Did you like today's newsletter puzzles?

Login or Subscribe to participate

👋 About US

Who’s Writing This?

Hi, Karthik and Kishore here —

  • Chess players with 20+ years of playing experience

  • FIDE Peak Rating: 2086 - Karthik, 1815 - Kishore

  • Focused on building strong fundamentals and thinking habits