Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem was seen on Twitter, posted hy Olympis G Urcan. It is a lovely puzzle and deep.

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: in yesterday’s problem, why was 4 Re8 the only move? What about, for instance, 4 Rb8?

Position before 4 Re8

unknown

Solution

My solution, alas, was 4 Rb8, but this fails: 4…Kh6. Against 4 Re8, this move “fails” since after 4 Rb8 Kh6 5 Kg4 Black has 5…Be6+ : the rook must only move to e8 to guard the e6 square.

1/2-1/2

Chess is deep.

FEN

5Rb1/6k1/6P1/8/7K/8/8/8 w – – 0 4