What is the missing piece (marked "?") in this configuration of a normal chess game?

BLACK

WHITE
Notice that the Black King is in check by the White Rook.

How could the Rook on the white square possibly have gotten in there? Firstly the concept of being "land-locked" comes to mind.  And then we have the situation that the King would have to have moved into that unallowed position of check.

Now there is no piece on the board which could have been moved to created a discovered check but discovered check did occur.

I'll let someone decide on the merits of the "?" piece but I see 'mate not too many moves ahead.

 

Posted by brianjn on 2008-06-12 10:48:31