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

Y Pelletier v R Song, Baku Olympiad 2016

Solution

White played 1 e4 and won anyway, but 1 Ne4! Qg6 2 Nfg5! is much stronger.

If 2…hg? 3 Nf6+ and either 3 Qg6+ or 3Qh7 mate follow, with the Bc4 pinning the f7 pawn. So 2…Bf5 3 g4 with a clear edge.

FEN

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