Brain Teaser

Exactly- white uses the looming mate threat on the immobilized black king to force the stalemate. Well done.

I understood what you mean, Yancey. I will consider the most interesting variations.

V-3

1.Nb2 a2
2.h7 a1=N
3.Nd3 exd3
4.e4 b2
5.e5 b1=Q
It's a draw.

V-4

1.Nb2 a2
2.h7 a1=R
3.Nd1 Ra6
4.Nf2 Rxe6
5.Ng4 b2
6.Ne5 Rxe5
It's a draw.

V-5

1.Nb2 a2
2.h7 a1=R
3.Nd1 Ra4
4.Nf2 b2
5.Ng4 b1=Q
6.Ne5 Qa1
It's a draw.

Or, I should put in this problem, black has a more tenacious attack after 2.h7 in V-2.

To be specific, black has a more tenacious defense after 2.h7 in V-2.

You found theme easily, but you did not find the main line after white's second move. Try again, Alena.

V-1

1.Nb2! axb2
2.h7 b1=Q
It's a draw.

V-2

1.Nb2 a2
2.h7 a1=Q
It's a draw.

It was a very easy puzzle.