In short: A composed position with a task, usually White to play and mate in a set number of moves, however Black defends.
A chess problem is a composed position with a task. The most common is the directmate: White to play and mate in a set number of moves, against any defense. The problem should have a single solution, and the first move may well be unexpected.
That is what sets problems apart from tactics puzzles, which usually come from played games. A problem doesn't need to look like something you would get on the board. It is the beauty and the idea that count.
Try a problem
We composed the problem below ourselves, to show how it works. White is to mate in two moves, however Black replies.
Show the solution
The first move neither gives check nor captures anything. Instead it takes every square from Black's king, and Black has to move something else. Black is in zugzwang.
More kinds of problems
- Directmate. White mates in a set number of moves: two-movers, three-movers and more-movers.
- Study. An endgame where White is to win or draw, with no number of moves given. Read about endgame studies.
- Helpmate. Black and White work together so that Black is mated.
- Selfmate. White forces Black to mate White, while Black tries not to.
Competitions
There are competitions both in composing problems and in solving them, and the World Federation for Chess Composition runs world championships in both. If you would rather solve positions from real games, there are plenty of chess puzzles here.
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from a tactics puzzle?
A tactics puzzle usually comes from a played game. A chess problem is composed, must have a single solution and preferably a beautiful or unexpected first move.
What kinds of problems are there?
The most common is the directmate, where White mates in a set number of moves. In a helpmate White and Black work together to mate Black, and in a selfmate White forces Black to mate White.
Are there competitions in chess problems?
Yes, both in composing problems and in solving them. World championships in both are run by the World Federation for Chess Composition.
Updated November 14, 2026
The starting position. Press ▶ or use the arrow keys.