Daily chess puzzle: Check Mate #111

Another puzzle from Dragoslav Andric’s 1981 book “Matni Udar”.

Bogoljubov v Monticlli, San Remo 1930

The book doesn’t say which side is to win: normally it is obvious, and when it isn’t obvious, a quick look at the players’ names makes it all clear: Alekhine v unknown, simul, is likely to be 1-0.

So, here, I thought it must be Bogoljubov to play and win, and yet Black’s Berlin defence type queenside looks more than robust: I don’t think there is an easy win for White.

So, instead, Black to play and win: easier. 1…Ne2+! 2 Re2 Rf1+!

3 Kh1 Qh1+ 4 Kf2 Ng4 mate.

An elegant Q+N mating format.

2k2r2/2p5/1pq5/p1p1n3/P1P2n1B/1R4Pp/2QR4/6K1 b – – 0 36