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 -variation after Qf6: how to gain control as White?

Wojtaszek v Tari, Douglas, Isle of Man. 11 October 2019

Solution

My engine prefers 1 Kh1! (onto a White square, away fron forks on the g1-a7 diagonal) 1…Bg3 (threatening a nasty accident on the first rank) 2 Qc4! protecting f1; 3 Qd3! pushing back the Bg3, and then pushing the d pawn.

Another nice way, also suggested by my engine, was 1 Rb3! preventing Bg3, so preventing nasties on the first rank.

FEN

5r1k/1p5p/p4q2/P1QPp3/4Bb2/7P/6P1/1R4K1 w – – 0 41