Daily chess puzzle - hints and answers for Monday, November 9, 2026
This chess puzzle comes from a Blitz game on Lichess between mando_emiliano (1,712) and taufikBRA (1,747). White to move, and the position holds a decisive tactic for white. Lichess rates the puzzle 2,144, which sits in our Hard band. Work the ladder below: the board first, then hints that give away a little more with each step down the ladder.
Step 1 - The setup
From a Blitz game (3+2) on Lichess between mando_emiliano (1,712) and taufikBRA (1,747). The position comes 35 half-moves into the game, right after Black played h5. White to move.
Puzzle from a real game played on Lichess (CC0): mando_emiliano (1,712) vs taufikBRA (1,747). Play it on Lichess · See the full game
Step 2 - The idea
What kind of tactic is hiding in the position.
The theme is mate in 2: checkmate is forced in two moves - every reply has been accounted for.
Step 3 - The piece
Which piece makes the key move.
Your queen is the piece that starts the tactic.
Step 4 - The first move
The first move of the line, in standard notation.
Qxe6+ - the queen moves from g4 to e6 capturing the piece on e6 with check.
Step 5 - The solution
The full line, move by move - and a stepper that walks the board through it.
18. Qxe6+ fxe6 19. Bxg6# - 3 moves.
The line ends in checkmate.