Daily Chess Puzzle: Carlsen 2004

Today’s problem is my last from Carlsen’s games in 2004; this one just after his 14th birthday.

Magnus Carlsen 26/10/2004, Calvia Olympiad

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.

Black to play

Carlsen v McShanem 30/12/2004, Drammen

Solution

1… Ng2! and after 2 Kg2[] Qh3+ 3 Kg1[] Bg4, White can’t avoid a perpetual: 4 f3

FEN

r1b2rk1/p4pbp/p1pNq1p1/2P1p3/4Pn2/2N1B2P/PP3PP1/R2Q1RK1 b – – 0 17