Chess/Puzzles/Directmates/Two-move 1/Solution

The solution is: 1. Qa2

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Starting position.
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1. Qa2
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If 1... Kxa8 then 2. c8=Q#
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If 1... Kc6 then 2. Qd5#
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If 1... Nb5 or 1... Nc6 then 2. c8=Q#


If 1... Nc8... 2. d8=N#

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Other attempts

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  • The move 1. Qb3+ fails because the line 1...Nb5 2. Qxb5+ Kxa8 is mate in three, not two.
  • Likewise 1. Qb8+ fails to Kc6 2. Qb6+ Kxd7
  • And 1. c8=Q+ Nxc8 2. dxc8=Q+ Ka7 3. Qf7# is also one move too slow.