A classical masterpiece

In the October issue of the Deutsche Schachzeitung in 1888 the following position was published, which later became one of the most well-known studies of all time. It features several queen sacrifices followed by skewers.

L. van Vliet
Deutsche Schachzeitung
1888
White wins

1. Qb4! Qh1! 1... Qd5 2. Qa4+ Kb6 3. Qb3+! Qxb3 4. b8=Q+ +-; 1... Qf3 2. Qa4+ Kb6 3. Qb3+! Qxb3 4. b8=Q+ +-; 1... Qg2 2. Qa3+ Kb5 3. Qb2+! Qxb2 4. b8=Q+ +-; 2. Qa3+ Kb6 3. Qb2+ Ka6 3... Kc7 4. Qh2+! Qxh2 5. b8=Q+ +- 4. Qa2+ Kb5 5. Qb1+! Qxb1 6. b8=Q+ +-

The key position in his study is a mutual zugzwang, so I have tried to compose a version with a thematic try.

L. Van Vliet
1888
Deutsche Schachzeitung
version by A. Rusz (2026)
White wins

The immediate 1. Qb4? is answered by the waiting move 1... Qc2! (and not 1... Qc6? 2. Ka8 zz +-), and after 2. Ka8 Qc6, white is in zugzwang.

The solution is 1. Ka8! Qc6 (forced), and only now 2. Qb4! zz etc.

mutual zugzwang

Other versions were also composed since 1888, the best is probably Zhukov's where four units move before the key position:

L. Van Vliet
1888
Deutsche Schachzeitung
version by A. Zhukov (2026)
White wins

1. b7 Qe4 1... Qf4+ 2. Ka8 Qe4 3. Qa2+ Kb6 4. Qb1+! +- 2. Ka8! Qc6 3. Qb4 etc.