I am a keen chess problem solver and have won a few prizes (but, sadly, no titles). Composing chess problems is as at least as hard and as much fun as solving them. I offer the following rather feeble puzzles for your amusement and have written a short explanation of the algebraic notation used by problemists for your guidance. When solving and composing problems I find it helpful to write down the current board positions at various stages. Recording positions describes a simple method for recording board positions using only plain text.
With chess problems you have to do whatever is necessary (e.g. mate your opponent in a certain number of moves) against any defence. This requires great care, as there are often subtle moves your opponent can make to thwart your ambitions.
1. White to play and mate in 2
2. White to play and mate in 2
3. White to play and mate in 2
4. White to play and selfmate in 2
5. White to play and mate in 3
6. White to play and mate in 3