Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the 1972 book “Chess Combination as a Fine Art”, a book based on articles published in the 1950s-1960s by Kurt Richter.

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

Bloussenko v Pugachov, corres 1966-68

Solution

1Qb4!! exploits the fact that the Qf8 and Rd8 are tied to each other; that the Bg4 is LPDO; and the threat of Qc3+. The result: 1-0.

If 1…Qb4, then 2 Rd8+ Kg7 3 Rg8+ Kh6[] 4 Rf6 mate.

FEN

3r1q1k/pQ3B1p/8/3R2p1/6b1/6P1/PP2r2P/5RK1 w – – 0 0