Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from the recent Tata Steel Chess India Blitz.

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

Carlsen v Aronian, Tata Steel Chess India Blitz, Kolkata, November 2019

Solution

1 Rc2!! a move I might never consider, even in classical time control. Suddenly, all becomes clear: the Pa7 promotes, protecting g2, and White wins.

FEN

8/P4pkp/2Rp2p1/8/8/7P/1r3rP1/R5K1 w – – 0 1