Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the January 1979 Chess magazine. I have hundreds (many hundreds) of magazines on my book shelves, and I thought I would dip into them; and thought I would start with going forty years back.

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: how do you assess the position? And why?

Svidler v Carlsen, Grenke Chess, Baden-Baden 28/4/19

Solution

Magnus showed in emphatic style that Black was better in this position. His Q swung to the king-side, N improved. king-side pawns advanced, and White was mated.

I think a key to this position is that Black had the better minor piece after the exchanges (on f5, after Pf7-f5). The Black N became a monster, and the White B had no role.

Intriguing/interesting how Magnus so often gets the better pieces after exchanges.

FEN

r2q3k/1p4pp/1pn5/2pppr2/8/P1PP4/BP3PPP/2RQ1RK1 w – – 0 18