Turmoil reigns at the Court of the White King; all pieces oppose one another.

The King and his entourage (The queen, king, and the 3 pieces to his right) can be spread inside the 5 x 5 domain from [Q1 - KR5] with only the King on the first rank, where he is at home.

During this state of upheaval no piece threatens another.

Within a smaller domain than the given 5x5 space, place the pieces such that the Queen can force "mate" in just one move while remaining free from aggression herself, though possibly threatening others. (I note two different arrangements)

Note:
1. Other than the "domestic aggression" all chess rules still apply.
2. No dimension of the smaller domain is greater than 5.

Bonus:
1. How many cases of the White Court's disarray can you find? I have slightly over 30.

2. Offer one where Q and KB files are vacant.

(In reply to I found (re: Solution) ... by Charlie)

Charlie, several of the arrangements found by your program ignored the restriction: "...inside the 5 x 5 domain from [Q1 - KR5] with only the King on the first rank, where he is at home."
In addition, as all chess rules apply other than the "domestic aggression", the Queen must position herself without the Knight, Rook, or Bishop being able to move between her and the threatening position to the King. These other positions are "Check", but not "Mate".

Posted by Dej Mar on 2007-10-19 23:00:36