Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from a recent league match.

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

Mike Taylor v Nick Lowe, Stockport v Altrincham, Bramhall, 30th October 2019

Solution

1 Rb7! with the nice point that if 1…Nb7, 2 a7! promotes.

Black played instead 1..Kc8, permitting 2 Re7, the a pawn advanced, and soon the Pc6 fell, 1-0.

The tricky side-step of the N, rather than the automatic capture 2 ab? was a nice point spotted by Mike.

FEN

3k4/R3p3/P1p2rpp/2n5/6P1/7P/5P2/5BK1 w – – 0 1