Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the recent Grenke Classic. As is my habit, I am writing this blog many days in advance; in fact, whilst watching the final round live on the FollowChess iPad App. Magnus has just won again, so dominating the field.

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

Carlsen v Vachier-Lagrave, Baden-Baden 29/4/19

Solution

1 Bd5! protects the a-pawn tactically. I do feel Magnus combines postional pre-eminence with tactical mastery. Without one of these skills, he wouldn’t be as strong as he is.

1…Bd5 2 Qe5+ and 3 Qd5:

And Magnus shephered his a-pawn forward and Black resigned after a few more moves.

FEN

1Q6/5pkp/q3b1p1/8/6P1/7P/P4PB1/6K1 w – – 0 33