h4 d5
h5 Nd7
h6 Nf6
hxg7 Kd7
Rh6 Ne8
gxf8N++

This was actually Chessbase's Christmas 2000 puzzle.  I had a rough time solving it then, but this time, remembering the general strategy, it only took a  minute or two to reconstruct it.  Thanks for putting this puzzle up there--normally  I can't swing the math puzzles--this was a refreshing break from work for a  little bit.

Thanks again,
Joe Birsa
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Hello!

>>In a chess game, White's sixth move is g×f8N++

Original puzzle is NOT by Noam & Richard!!!!
You should mention that!
and (in chess problems)
++ = double-check...
# = mate
http://www.chessbase.com/puzzle/puzz05b.htm

I used 3 hours for solving that some years ago.

There is much better question: what's the move that uniquely
forces as long game as possible?
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The answer should be:
1.h4 d5  2.h5 Nd7  3.h6 Ndf6  4.hxg7 Kd7  5.Rh6 Ne8  6.gxf8N++

I like your page!

Anders Uddgren
Uppsala, Sweden
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We have:  1. h4 d5  2. h5 Nd7 3. h6 Ndf6 4. hg Kd7 5. Rh6 Ne8
and 6. gxf8(N) mate.  Fantastic puzzle!

Steven Stadnicki
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The unique solution is 1. h4 d5  2. h5 Nd7  3. h6 Nf6
4. hxg7 Kd7  5. Rh6 Ne8  6. gxf8N++.
 
Nice puzzle!
 
Todd Trimble
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Hello Ed,

after very long time I have something to say regarding your perfect pages.

Last week's puzzle (In a chess game, White's sixth move is g×f8N++. Reconstruct the game.) is NOT by Noam Elkies and Richard Stanley. Instead it is from 1994 and was found  by Peter Rossler as you can find on his personal page

http://www.p-roesler.de/schach_06.html

(see especially comments with solution that come from Problemkiste magazine, real experts commented positively) or perhaps also in more general Retrograde  Analysis Corner

http://janko.at/Retros/index.htm

(although it is difficult to search, I didn't dare to, but I think it is there)

I looked into referenced Emissary and I found out your wrong information is probably coming from misreading it. I'm sure NDE & RSA will in their book give proper credit to Peter Rossler,  however, it is usual with chess problems to cite the name of author and source as well everytime - I wonder why Emissary  didn't do that...

I knew this proof game for a long time, of course, it is very surprising and quite good find.

Best wishes,

            Juraj Lorinc
            maintainer of Chess Composition Microweb
            JurajLorinc.tripod.com/chess/chess.htm
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On your website mathpuzzle.com, you claim this puzzle is by Noam Elkies and Stanley, as published in the Oct 2003 Emissary. I have seen this puzzle many years ago, although I do not recall the source. I do have it written down on a piece of paper, however, that is many years old.

So did they really invent it, or just collect it?

Thanks,
Chris Lomont
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