Daily Chess Puzzle

Today’s problem is from an old edition of Chess Magazine. I don’t know which one, because, as is my habit, from time to time I photocopy a page to solve on walks or on trains etc; and my copy doesn’t show the magazine date.

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: analyse 1 Rh7 Bd3 2 Rh5

Maiorov v Atalik, Kavala 2/8/2011

Solution

The solution, given a couple of days ago, is 1 Rf7+, a move I am not sure I would have played. I might have, but I would have had some doubts that the Bishop ending was won. Hopefully I would have understood it should be, by the principle of two weaknesses, but in the pressure of a practical game, such high-minded theories, known in analysis, are often forgotten.

I might well have played 1 Rh7 Bd3 2 Rh5, and I think I would have thought my advantage had been converted, but no, 1…Ra8! or 1…Rb8! and Komodo 10 gives the dreaded three zeroes: 0.00.  It is perpetual.

FEN

5r2/1R6/2p1B3/2Pp3p/2bP1k1P/5P2/5K2/8 w – – 0 49