Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the June 1979 Chess magazine. I have hundreds (many hundreds) of magazines on my book shelves, and I thought I would dip into them; and thought I would start with going forty years back.

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: how should White have played?

Lemachko v Caldwell, Hyeres April 1979

Solution

White could have won by 1 b6! (or 1 Kg2 or even 2 Kh2, wins, too)

1…a4 2 c6 a3 3 cb a2 4 b8(Q) a1(Q)

5 Kg2 (best, defending the f2 pawn) Qd4

And my engine says it is mate in 33; but what matters is 6 Qd6+ Ke8 7 e6 and the Queen has sight of important squares around the White’s king, such as g3, so the checks can be shielded: and pawns pushed.

FEN

8/1p2k3/8/pPPpPp2/3P4/8/5P2/7K w – – 0 1