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.

Black to play: played 1…Rc8 2 Rc8 Bc8: examine

Adams v Jumabayev,  Round 11 (final), Batumi 5/10/18

Solution

This blog is being written live, as the games are in play. Its a Friday, and I am working, so only peeking at the games when I can. [the blog will be posted some days later]

An hour ago, Mickey’s game was level, but now he seems to be on the path to victory.  2…Bc8? was a mistake, allowing the little tic-tac 3 Nde4! picking up an important pawn. 3…Ne4 4 Qd8 Rd8 5 Ne4.

FEN

r2qrbk1/1b3pp1/n4n1p/8/Pp2p3/1B2B1NP/1P1N1PP1/2RQR1K1 b – – 0 24
wKg1,Qd1,Nd2,g3,Bb3,e3,Rc1,e1,Pa4,b2,f2,g2,h3/bKg8,Qd8,Na6,f6,Bb7,f8,Ra8,e8,Pb4,e4,f7,g7,h6