Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the recent Grenke Classic.

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 and win

Svidler v Meier, Karlsruje 22/4/19

Solution

Watching this live, I thought Peter’s 1g4! was one of the meanest little moves of the championships.

Once I saw it, it all became clear; Peter is “bringing all pieces to the party”, theatening g4-g5, and also permitting Rd3-h3. In an AlphaZero way, advancing pawns to open lines.

Black resigned in a few more moves.

Classy play by Svidler.

FEN

r4k2/pp3p2/2b2Brp/4P3/7R/P2R2P1/2P5/2K5 w – – 0 33