A trivial point: the position is a Gueridon mate, which resembles an epaulette mate but is indeed different. (A "gueridon" is a type of table [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gu%C3%... ]).

But somehow this seems funny. Last night I played in a 3-round swiss (G/30) and each one of my opponent's (all lower-rated) played solid chess. No one gave me this kind of opportunity or any kind of edge I could take advantage of in that time control--except my last opponent. I told him after the game that I didn't think I had any kind of advantage throughout the game and basically I just waited for him to make a mistake. The game I lost was in time-pressure with about 6 seconds remaining--he had 5. Another game was a draw because my opponent played solid chess. And then I open this site and there's a simple combination right before my eyes.

I will definitely show the games to my instructor and get some insight. It may very well be that I'm playing into dull positions.

I really like the puzzles on this site, but it's a reminder that this is only a small part of chess. Because what do you do when you don't know what to do? For example, positions that don't contain puzzle-type combinations and no significant positional advantages. For one thing, don't lose on time. You could play on, making safe moves, and wait for a mistake. Or perhaps try not to get into those dull positions to begin with. This makes me wonder how many openings evolve into brilliant games only because the players allowed tension to build. But when a player simply breaks the tension and exchanges (where a GM usually wouldn't) or closes off the position, the game becomes dull and drawish.

Does anyone have any advice?

not a very complicated position - only a few pieces on any consequence are involved.

<48....?>

Material: White up, + vs 2, hm

Candidates: Rh2†, <[Rg1†]>

-ML-
Of course, the material disbalance gives away mate is pretty much forced.

<48....Rg1†!> aw, just give another rook. Care.

<49.Kxg1 gxf2††> a double check is not a winning move only in rare occasions.

Hi, <sevenseaman>.

The named mates also provide a structure for remembering related unnamed mates. For example, I think of the epaulette mate in the corner

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as a "half-epaulette" mate. Many if not most mating positions can be related to named mates in a some manner. Again in general, even simple processing of information helps reinforce recognition.

You obviously enjoy a good name (as do I). The best chess name I have ever enjoyed, I learned from <MostlyAverageJoe>. It is the Trebuchet position, the simplest zugzwang:

click for larger view

You are welcome.

< your diagram looks anti-zugswang to me. >

But not the gueridon, if I'm looking at the right place. Thanks btw for the link. >

Hi, <rilkefan>. You are welcome.

I added this game as a "Gueridon Mate". Thanks for reminding me :)

As so often setting up a double check is the key. Black sets it up with 48...Rg1+ 49 Kxg1 (forced) gxf2+ 50 Kxf2 Qg2# (gridiron mate). If 49 Kh1 or Kh2 then Qg2#. 48...gxf2?? is a crazy risk because of 50 Qe7+. Time to check:
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Useful comments by <patzer2>, <Sastre> and <once> on the might-have beens.

<Sastre: If 48...gxf2,>

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<White can draw with 49.Qe7+ Qf7 (49...Kg8 50.Qd8+ Kh7 51.Re7+ Kh6 52.Qh8+ Kg5 53.Rg7) 50.Qxf7+ Kxf7 51.Rc1> Black does retain a nagging initiative in this line after 51...Rg1+ and it is hard for White to unravel: meanwhile Black threatens to penetrate on the d file. Instead, after 49 Qe7+ (hoping for 49...Kh6?? 50 Rf6! winning) 49...Qf7 50.Qxf7+ Kxf7 51.Rd1 may be better: 51...Rg1+! 52.Kh2 Kf6 53.Kxh3 Ke5! (not Kf5 Ng3+ breaks the bind) 54.Kh2 Kf4 and neither side can progress.