Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from one of my recent blitz games; an easy tactic, for a change.

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 moved 1…Qb6: evaluate

allanbeard v Neste74, Chess.com 3-0, 13.6.19

Solution

Is it just me, but the tactic 2 Rc8+! undermining the Black’s rooks protection of his queen always pleases me. I visualise it as akin to pulling the rug from under a person’s feet, not that I have ever done this.

In Purdy terms, Black’s rook is tied to protecting the Qb6, and his king is in a net.

FEN

1r4k1/1q3p1p/3pp1p1/1p6/1P1QP3/3P2P1/5PKP/2R5 w – – 0 1