Test your chess: Reitstein problem 168

Black to play and win

NJ de Jong v D Morschel 1967-68

Solution

Reitstein's clue says that 1…Re3+ will lead to ultimate victory, but that black's move led to immediate victory. To me, this is a clue, if one were needed, that there is a disruptive move, probably a sacrifice, and 1…Rb3! is therefore obvious.

The point of the move is that now only the Qd1 protects the Ra1, so that after 2 ab (2 cb? 2 Re3+ and mates on e2) 2…Qc3+ is terminal: 3 Kf2 Qe3 mate, or 3 Qd2 and either the said 3…Qa1+ or, even better, 3…Re3+ winning the queen: Rb3 also removes the defence of the Q when on d2.

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