Cordingley puzzle 22

White to play and win

Solution

In a game, almost without hesitation I would play 1 f6, which turns out to be the solution, or at least the move played; and after 1…gf, 2 Ng5+ is not too hard to see, clearing the f7 square for the queen. The move 1f6 clearly opens lines, prising open the black king side.

So far, so good: but Houdini actually prefers 1 Qd3, an example of 'the threat is stronger than the execution'. Having said that, it gives 1f6 as +5, so still amply winning.

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