Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the C.H.O’D. Alexander’s 1973 book”The Penguin Book of Chess Positions”, a book I devoured (and loved) as a child.

I thought I would use it for more of my daily training.

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: if Black played 1…Kf6, how would White proceed?

Peter Markland v Klaus Klundt, Madrid 16th March 1971

Solution

If 1…Kf6, then 2 Ne4+ Ke7[] 3 Nd6[] Kd6 4 Ba3+, attacking from all angles.

Either the LPDO Rf8 falls off because of the skewer, or the N self-pins 4…Nb4 and it and the rook are lost after 5 Qb3.

FEN

r1b2r2/pp3pp1/2nbp1k1/q5N1/3P4/7R/P4PPP/2BQ1RK1 b – – 0 16