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: what are his best moves, what would you play?

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

Solution

I would always, always, play 1 Qd6, but apparently the star of all star moves (+20) is 1 Rc5!

I imagine it is part prophylactic, restricting Black’s Q and N, and shows how helpless Black is.

Next best is 1 Re1, I imagine with the same idea: capture on e5 if you dare. 1…Be5 2 Re5 Re5 3 de and the two threats of Q*LPDO Re8 and e5-e6+ win.

Next best after 1 Re1 is 1 Nd3, an odd move, but again proving how powerful White’s position is.

But I would still always capture on d6.

FEN

1n2r2k/pq2r3/2pb2Q1/1p2N3/1P1P4/P7/1B3PPP/2R3K1 w – – 0 30