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.

Black to play

R Tozer v J Shaw, Plymouth 1992

Solution

A nice deflection first: 1…Ra1! ; what a lovely move to be able to play.

White sportingly played 2 Qb2+ and 3 Qa1, and then allowed the smothered mate.

FEN

r3r2k/1p3p2/7p/1NP2B2/1PP5/4q2n/2Q3PP/5R1K b – – 0 28