OT: Chess Puzzle

[Maple Leafs]

Here's the chess puzzle I mentioned yesterday. It's actually quite simple:

A game begins with 1.e4 and ends in the fifth move with knight takes rook mate.

Your task is to figure out the moves leading up to the checkmate. Remember, in chess a "move" is when both white and black take their turn.

There are no tricks to the puzzle (word play, misdirection, alternate chess rules, etc).

[HornedFrog Purple]

Grrrr so far the best I have done is 6. I did one with 5 but it was illegal heh.

I am guessing black mates somehow with a stupid blunder from white and the king blocks himself in which will require a move from him that is not castling.

[Maple Leafs]

Yes, you're correct that Black mates and White needs to play very foolishly for this to happen. Unlike other scenarios (such as the "fool's mate"), this is not based on realistic play by White.

[Anrhydeddu]

I did one with 5 but it was illegal

I can do one with 2 but it's illegal. ;)

[HornedFrog Purple]

Ohhhh I think I got it! I dont want to spoil it for anyone else trying though. If I post the 3rd move to see if it is correct is that cool?

I can see why grandmasters have trouble, they would never see this in games they play. :D

[Maple Leafs]

Horned... PM me if you want me to check it for you.

[Maple Leafs]

Well, I have to admit I didn't think anyone would get it... but HFP nailed it.

[HornedFrog Purple]

Can't balance my checkbook to save my life but I can figure out chess puzzles.... go figure.

It would have taken me a lot longer without the hint.