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

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

Solution

1 g4! and Black is in a mating net: Black resigned.

A fitting finale to a great game by Luke, where he took a big risk (seen in yesterday’s problem) and took his chances.

FEN

2r5/3R4/4k3/1PB1p2p/1P2qp1P/6P1/5P2/3R2K1 w – – 0 42