Another puzzle for an easy main puzzle day: Kamsky- Ponomariov

Black to play and win

G Kamsky v R Pomomariov 2013

Source: Chess Today, 4582

Pono played 1…Qf3 – the move I would always play- but there was a better move.

Warning: I think this is a stinker. Despite spending a lot of time on this puzzle, I didn't solve it, and didn't even consider the winning initial move. But as is often the case, as soon as it is shown, it becomes obvious, if you know what I mean.

Solution

The best I could come up with was 1…Re1+ 2 Kg2 Qa1, threatening Rh1 and maybe winning the h3 pawn, and then check, check, check and see if anything happens. In fact, it doesn't: 3 Qd2! Rh1 4 Kg3! Qg1+ 5 Kh4 Qg2 6 Qe3! and now all there is is 6…Rh3+! 7 Qh3[] Qf2+ 8 Qg3 Qc5 and a drawn Q ending.

So, how to win? I didn't examine all biffs because 1…Qe7! is super strong. If say 2 Rd5, anchoring the rook on somewhere safe, then of course 2…Qe1+ 3 Kg2 Re2 0-1, since if 4 Re8+ Kh7, and white can't protect f2. So best is 2 Rc6! hoping for the same line, when after 3…Re2 there is 4 Rg6+ drawing by perpetual after 4…fg, or if 4…Kf8 5 Qf5 holds and may well be better for white.

But after 1…Qe7! 2 Rc6! Black has 2…Qb7! and now Re1+ and Q or R h1+ lines emerge, though in fact after say 3 Qc5 the win is 3….Re1+ 4 Kh2[] Qf3 0-1.

Wonderful: but also showing how hard chess is, since even elite players miss such things.

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