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.

White to play

Markland v Klundt, Madrid 1971

Solution

1 Rb3! bringing another piece to the party, before, after 1…Qa5[] 2 Bh7+ a standard Greek gift sacrifice.

2…Kh7[] 3 Ng5+

3…Kg8 4 Qh5 Qf5[] 5 Rh3;

or 3…Kg6 4 Rh3[]

and wins: Black has various defences, but all lose. For instance, 4…Kf6 5 Ne4+ Ke7 6 Nd6 Kd6 7 Ba3+ skewering the king and LPDO rook.

FEN

r1b2rk1/pp3ppp/2nbp3/8/3P4/2qB1N2/P4PPP/1RBQ1RK1 w – – 0 13