New Solvers: In Directmates (commonly known as Mate in Two, Three, etc.) White always moves first. Only the key-move defeats every black defense in the stipulated number of moves. You should list only these keys, no variations!

No.2654 is a Progressive twin, deriving its change from the previous part (not the diagram). Thus, B) has five white men, C) has four white men, while D) has only three white men. This and No.2655 (a normal twin), plus Nos. 2658-59 are each worth 8 points for all correct solutions. All four have a common theme, elegantly composed, and should make for easy solving!

In Helpmates, Black always moves first, and both sides cooperate or "help" to mate the Black King. All moves must be legal. Full length solution(s) to helpmates must always be given by the solver. The best way to understand helpmates is to study past issues with solutions.

Old Solvers: all scores are recorded and you may rejoin any time where you left off. The numbers in parentheses, 2654-2659 correspond to David Brown's numbered collection.

Mail your list of solutions before September 15th to David L. Brown, 2217 N. Alpine, Rockford, IL 61107-1437. Or e-mail [email protected] Include the month and year of your submission in the subject line of your email or at the top of your mail-in form, or it may not be considered. A perfect score this month is 44. Solutions will appear in the Online version of September's Chess Life Magazine.

Click here for July's Key Krackers. Solutions to July's KK will be published by Aug 30 here: solutions.

1.
Dr. Werner Speckmann
Shak. v SSSR 1965 (2654)
Mate in Two
B) remove c6P C) then, remove b7B D) then, remove a5B




2.
Bo Larsson
1st HM Nya Norrland 1943 (2655)
Mate in Two
B) WR to c7 C) WR to g7 D) WR to f7



3.
V. Morozov
IMR 2005 (2656)
Mate in Three
B) WN to f7



4.
N. Sinowjew
Cm. IMR 1996 (2657)
Mate in Three
B) c7B to b6



5.
Miodrag Mladenovic
1st HM Israel Ring Ty. 1986 (2658)
Helpmate in Two (Four Solutions)



6.
Miodrag Mladenovic
1st Pr. The Problemist 1986 (2659)
Helpmate in Two (Four Solutions)