Test your chess: daily chess puzzle # 57

Black to play and win

(A really tough puzzle, today)

B Samuel v W Kobese 2000

Solution

When I got this second book by Leonard Reitstein on South African puzzles in 2008, I dipped into it, and for some reason (probably no other reason than simple chance of where I opened the book) I had landed on this page. My annotations show I failed to solve this puzzle at that time, despite Leonard giving the clue that black found a problem like move to force his opponent's instant resignation.

Cut to 2014, and with my first glance at the position, I presumed it was something based on Re8, Rg5+, Re8-h8 mate; but saw that Na3-c4-e5+ might be a big spanner in the works. So I left the position, as one which needed proper thought.

Fortunately the solution came to me on second examination. It doesn't fit neatly into any of the Purdy maxims, except to the extent that it is obvious that white's king is in a (mating) net; but it is not obvious, unless you see it, that 1…Rg4!! succeeds in netting the king. If the rook isn't taken, then Rh4 mate; and if it is, then Rh2 mate.

Full marks to Black for finding such a lovely move in a game. I doubt I would have done so.

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