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

E Zude v M Marin, Helsingor, 25/7/2016

Solution

Straightforward today, in the sense that, knowing it is a puzzle, the first move has to be 1 Rh6. In a game, a lot more thinking and worrying about whether there is anything wrong with it.

First, 1…gh.

2 Qg6+ and 2…Rg7 isn’t possible, since the Re7 is tied to defending the Re8.

2..Kf8 or 2..Kh8 both now possible; I’ll look at 2…Kh8 when both pawns are gobbled, and then the LPDO Bd6.

This is what I think Jonathan Tisdall refers to as a stepping stone. Stop here, focus your mind, remember where the pieces are. The Ne5 is very stable, so no back rank mates, White has a rook lift and swing Rc1-c3-g3/h3 and must be at least equal; in fact, he is winning.

FEN

1n2r1k1/pq2r1p1/2pb1p1p/1p2NQ2/1P1P3R/P7/1B3PPP/2R3K1 w – – 0 24