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

Howell v Brunello, England v Italy, round 5; 28/9/18

Solution

1 f6+! gf[] 2 g7 Be6[] 3 Re2 1-0: either the pawn promotes, or the bishop is lost.

FEN

8/pp1bk1p1/3n2P1/2p2P2/5K2/2P5/PP1R4/8 w – – 0 40
wKf4,Rd2,Pa2,b2,c3,f5,g6/bKe7,Nd6,Bd7,Pa7,b7,c5,g7