Easy Problems?

Chess problems are not supposed to be easy. After all, that is why they are known as “problems”.

 
Nevertheless, there are some problems that are easy to solve. One just has to know how the pieces move, add in a little logic thought, and the solution readily presents itself.

 
We’ll start with the easiest and move onto the ones that are a little more difficult (but still easy) to solve.

 

 

 

All are White to move and eventually mate.

 

Ropke, no date

 

 

E.B. Cook, 1926

 

 

Korolkov, 1958
[Hint: The black pawns are ready to promote and check the White king.]

 

 

Escalante, 1994
[Hint: Black is threatening mate in one, three different ways.]

 

 
Solutions, in case you need them, will be presented next Thursday.