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: evaluate 1 ed cd

McShane v Flores,  England v Argentina , Round 7, Batumi 1/10/18

Solution

Luke played 1 ed cd 2 dc!?: great nerves!

2..de

3 cb Rb8 4 Ne5

The resultant position. My engine doesn’t like it, suggesting that Black is somewhat better, but maybe it is one of those positions in which engine evaluation will change at greater depths. (Although there is one very clear engine line which looks to give Black a decent plus).

Anyway, fine bold play by Luke against a very strong (2621) opponent.

FEN

r2qk2r/1b2bppp/ppn1pn2/3p4/2p1P3/N1PP1NP1/PP2QPBP/R1B1R1K1 w kq – 0 11