Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the European Individual Championships.

Dipping into the tournament live on the Follow Chess app (dipping in because I was working that day) I was struck by the pressure Artemiev had in this position, and wondered if was going to convert it. Later, I logged on to see he had, and in style.

As is my custom, I only say 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

Artemiev v Hracek, EIXX 2019 Skopye, 26/3/19

(variation after 20….Qb2)

Solution

I had wondered what would have happened if Black had captured on b2.

White would win by 1 Rb1! forcing 1…Qa3, when a discovered attack wins: 2 Ne4! (and not 2 Nd5- no need to improve Black’s Bc6)

If 2…Qe7 3 Nf6+ gf[] 4 Nc6! hits the Q whilst winning a piece.

Tomorrow, my puzzle will be the game finale itself.

FEN

r2b1rk1/1p3ppp/p1b2n2/3pNQB1/3P4/2N1R2P/Pq3PP1/3R2K1 w – – 0 21