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

Solution

The type of position I find hard: I would see 1 Bg6! fg[] 2 Nh6 but not be sure that my initiative is strong enough for all eventualities, but Gawain saw the lack of coordination of Black’s forces, and the further disruption by f4-f5-f6.

White’s attack is overwhelming.

FEN

r1bqrk2/1pp2p1B/3pn1pp/2n2N2/p1P2P2/P1B1P3/1PQ3PP/R2R2K1 w – – 0 20