Futility Closet

“Fire Escape”: Solution

Posted in Puzzles by Greg Ross on August 10th, 2008

Solution to Fire Escape, from Saturday:

Accept the challenge. Wait for Nimzowitsch's first move, and then play that move on Alekhine's board. When Alekhine responds, copy his move on Nimzowitsch's board. In effect the two masters are playing against one another; you're just transferring the moves between them. Since their game must end in a win or a draw, you're guaranteed to escape hell. You don't even have to know how to play chess!