IS IT A SWINDLE?by Joel Feinstein

July 1996

In each of the positions that follow there are just two empty squares left, and it is Black to play. Under ordinary circumstances, Black would play in one square, and White would then play in the other. This is often good for White, and Black would usually prefer to be able to play both of the remaining moves if possible. In some of the following positions, Black can swindle White by playing both moves.

For each position there are two questions:

• Can Black swindle White and play both of the last two moves of the game?
• Can Black win the game?

Remember, it is Black to move in all cases! You should be able to answer these questions easily by setting up the positions shown and trying both moves. But you should try to solve them in your head first. Solutions are here.

Diagram 1 Solutions.	Diagram 2 Solutions.
Diagram 3 Solutions.	Diagram 4 Solutions.
Diagram 5 Solutions.	Diagram 6 Solutions.
Diagram 7 Solutions.	Diagram 8 Solutions.
Diagram 9 Solutions.