Test your chess: Reitstein problem 158

White to play and win

H Liebeck v LR Reitstein 1949

Solution

Not too hard, knowing it is a puzzle with a solution: examine all biffs requires you to look at Rg6, noting that the Bc2 is is jump check away.

So, 1 Rg6 Kg6 and now either 2 Nd6+ or 2 Ng5+ win. I first found the former, so 2 Nd6+ Kh5[] 3 Qf3+ and if 3..Kg5, 4 Rg1+ etc, and if 3…Kh4, 4 Qg3+ Kh5 5 Bg6 is mate. 2 Ng5+ is similar.

2…Kh5[] 3 Qh3+ Kg5[] 4 Rg1+ and mate next move.

Slightly less clear unless you are an engine, is 1…Kh8. I played the move played in the game 2 Rh6+, which wins but black can shudder on with 2….Kg8. Stockfish, my iPad app, immediately suggests bringing more pieces to the party by 3 Rg1!! which turns out to be incredibly strong, often threatening 4 Qh6+!! which either mates if taken by Rh6, or if not adds a further piece on g7: very instructive how once again, bringing another piece in can be so strong.

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