Daily Chess Puzzle

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

Howell v Bluebaum, Douglas, Isle of Man. 19 October 2019

Solution

1 d4! and after either 1….Qd4 or 1….Qa5, holding on to the Nc3, 2 Qc7 is a double attack on the Nc3 and Rb8: 1-0

FEN

1r5k/4Q1p1/1p2p2p/4qp1P/8/2nP1BP1/4PPK1/2R5 w – – 0 1