Mate in 2 puzzles

Each position is a forced checkmate in two moves: your move, any reply, then mate. The first move is the puzzle. It usually takes away the king's last flight square, drags a defender away, or forces the king into a mating net.

Mate in 2 is where calculation starts. You have to see your move, every answer, and the mate after each one.

How to spot it

• Start with checks, then captures, then threats - in that order.
• If no check works, look for a quiet move that covers the escape squares.
• A sacrifice that opens the king is often the first move.