Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the recent Saint Louis Winter tournament.

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

Oparin v Gauzyan, Saint Louis Winter tournament, 11/11/2019

Solution

White played 1 Qa4 which retains the edge, but 1 Qf6!! was far stronger.

I think it is too deep except for an elite grandmaster or other very strong tactician. One sample line:

1…Bf6 2 ef Qc5+ 3 Bd4! and if the game is simplifed, White has a winning ending.

The game came to my attention through following Jonathan Tishall on Twitter.

FEN

5r1k/p1p1q1b1/1rQ3pp/3BPbN1/2P2p1P/2B2P2/PP6/3RR1K1 w – – 0 25