Daily Chess Puzzle IOM

Today’s problem is from the current Chess.com Grand Swiss in Douglas, Isle of Man.

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

Ganguly v Saduakassova, Douglas, Isle of Man. 11 October 2019

Solution

1 Bh6! Nd4 2 Qg4 f6

My engine prefers  3 f4, or 3 R1d4 cd 4 f4, the point being after say 4…Kh8 to prise open the king side with 5 fe: all very complicated, but (with the engine’s help) I can see the power of White’s forces.

White however played 3 Bh3, also good enough to win.

FEN

1r1r2k1/1b1Pqpp1/1pnR3p/p1p1p3/4PB1P/5QP1/PP3PB1/3R2K1 w – – 0 28