Test your chess: daily chess puzzle #55

White to play: what is his best approach?

G De Marigny v F Korostenski 1977

Solution

Not much of a puzzle today. Black's c2 pawn is dominating, his pieces well centralised, and white's only trick is the threat of Rh4 mate if it were possible…but the c4 rook prevents it. So, simplify, and hope. 1 Qc4 Qc4 (1…Nc4 2 Rh4+ Qh5 is no different) 2 Rc4 Nc4 3 Rc2 and hope that the ending is drawn.

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