Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the same game as yesterday, Lilienthal v Smyslov, Candidates match, game 1, Budapest 11/4/1950.

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

Lilienthal v Smyslov, Candidates match, game 1, Budapest 11/4/1950.

Solution

Lilienthal played 1 Be3 here, and the game was immediately drawn.

But 1 Be6! Qe6[] (1…fe 2 f7+ wins the Rd8) 2 Bh6!!

Threatening 3 Bg7 and 4 Qh8 mate; 2…Qf5 (intending to meet 3 Bg7 by 3…Qh5) 3 g4! (preventing 3…Qh5) 3…g5! 4 Bg5 and White is a pawn up.

FEN

r2r2k1/5p2/2p1nPp1/p3pqB1/PbB4Q/8/1P3PP1/R2R2K1 w – – 0 29