Daily Chess Puzzle: Carlsen, 2004

Today’s problem was played by Magnus Carlsen on 25th October 2004, at the Calvia Mallorca Olympaid. The reason I have chosen it is that I took this photo of Magnus the day after (during draw against Kotronias). Magnus was a month from his 14th birthday at the time (born 30th November 2004)

I found the photo whilst looking for my photo of Andor Lilienthal which I used in my blog a few days ago.

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 Ibrayev, Calvia Olympiad 25/10/14

Solution

1 Rf6! 1-0;

If  1…Qf6 then 2 Qh7+ Kf8 3 Ne4! hits both the Qf6 and d6, so that 4 Ba3+ comes next, with mate the move after.

FEN

r2qr1k1/pb1p1pp1/1pnR1n1p/4pQN1/2P4P/1P2P3/PB3PP1/2K2B1R w – – 0 17