Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Helpmate in 28

This one is for sheer fun, possibly the longest helpmate ever devised.

Newcomers, please recall that in helpmates, Black moves first and is cooperating in finding a single variation in which white may deliver checkmate in the stipulated number of moves. However, neither side may move into check, (or move a pinned piece leaving their king in check, or otherwise make a illegal move). In the final checkmate position, standard rules apply.

Note: it is a bit unusual for Black king to be in check in a position, but it is Black to play first, and neither side may make a illegal move, so the first Black move is forced. The rest is forced by the logic that Black has to navigate the minefield of white pawn controlled squares, while creating a passer to promote to allow White to promote. All of this takes 28 dance steps.

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