Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the currently ongoing Batumi Olympiad. I am writing this message live as I watch the games, though it will be posted on my site in several days’ time, since I write my blogs some days in advance.

Since the start of 2018, I have decided to adopt the style of only saying which side is to play: and not giving an idea if the move wins or otherwise, unless on occasion I think signposting would be helpful. Instead, the problems are posed with the instruction to decide what you would play, as in a game.

White to play: analyse 1 f4, as played in the game

Docx v Howell, Belgium v England, 25/9/2018 Batumi

Solution

1 f4?? was a mistake, and David capitalised on it by 1…Ba3! and after the bishop moved, 2..Bc1+ picks up the f pawn.

FEN

4k3/8/4p3/2bbP1p1/3N2P1/4KP2/pB6/8 w – – 0 64
wKe3,Nd4,Bb2,Pe5,f3,g4/bKe8,Bc5,d5,Pa2,e6,g5