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

Lundin v Smyslov, Staunton Memorial, Groningen 7/9/1946

Solution

Smyslov played 1…Nf2+ and 2…Nh3+ , 3…Nf2+, with a draw by repetition.

Instead 1…Rf2! (or 3…Rf2!) wins.  White is overloaded.

FEN

7k/4p2p/2p2p2/8/1P3P2/P3Pq1n/3r2RP/2R2Q1K b – – 0 37