Chess problem: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:36, 29 May 2023

Revision as of 14:56, 29 May 2023

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*'''[[Endgame study|Studies]]''': an orthodox problem in which the stipulation is that White to play must win or draw. Almost all studies are [[Chess endgame|endgame]] positions. Studies are composed chess problems, but because their stipulation is open-ended (the win or draw does not have to be achieved within any particular number of moves) they are usually thought of as distinct from problems and as a form of composition that is closer to the puzzles of interest to over-the-board players. Indeed, composed studies have often extended our knowledge of endgame theory. But again, there is no clear dividing line between the two kinds of positions.

In all the above types of problem, [[castling]] is assumed to be allowed unless it can be proved by [[retrograde analysis]] (see below) that the rook in question or king must have previously moved. ''[[En passant]]'' captures, on the other hand, are assumed {{em|not}} to be legal, unless it can be proved that the pawn to be captured must have moved two squares on the previous move.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}

There are several other types of chess problem which do not fall into any of the above categories. Some of these are really coded [[Mathematical chess problem|mathematical problems]], expressed using the geometry and pieces of the chessboard. A famous such problem is the [[knight's tour]], in which one is to determine the path of a knight that visits each square of the board exactly once. Another is the [[Eight queens puzzle|eight queens]] problem, in which eight queens are to be placed on the board so that none is attacking any of the others.