Level
4-Rook
Chess Diagram
[Event "Puzzle #198"][Date "2012.05.22"][Result "0-1"][SetUp "1"][FEN "r1b3k1/pp1n3p/2pbp3/3pNpP1/2PBn2q/1P1NKP2/P1Q1P1B1/R5R1 b - - 0 23"]
We have talked a lot about Kings left in the center and timing plus methods to attack them. In the overwhelming number of cases what needs to be solved is a way of blowing up the center to get to it. In this example the White King has deliberately ran away from the King side (the only one somewhat open) to escape a deadly attack; last move was 23.Kf2-e3 ... Black has sacrificed a Rook to get here, but the center is closed; now it needs your help!
a) How should Black get anything in return for the sacrificed Rook?
Total available points for this puzzle is 20. The answers will be published next week together with puzzle #199.
Puzzle #197 solution:
Unknown source. There was a clear distinction between those who got the solution and those who did not; some of the names in both groups are quite surprising. Ziyao's solution follows:
[Event "Puzzle #197"][Date "2012.05.14"][Result "0-1"][SetUp "1"][FEN "4rrk1/1pp2qpp/p2b4/3p4/6b1/2P1B3/PP1Q1PPP/R3KN1R b KQ - 0 1"]1...d4! {This move attacks the absolute pinned Bishop and cannot be taken without dire consequences!} 2.h3 {This is the best reply since White doesn't get a passed pawn} (2.cxd4 Bb4 {White loses its Queen or gets mated} 3.Qxb4 Qxf2#) (2.f3 dxe3 3.Qe2 {The extremely advanced passed pawn and full piece ahead should easily win for black}) (2.Qxd4?? Qxf2#) 2...dxe3 3.Nxe3 {Black should still win with his bishop for a pawn and pressure on the White King} 3...Rxe3+ {Ziyao (and others) missed the convincing continuation} 4.fxe3 (4.Qxe3 Re8 5.hxg4 Rxe3+ 6.fxe3 Bg3+ 7.Ke2 Qf2+ 8.Kd3 Qxb2 {Black wins}) 4...Bg3+ 5.Qf2 Qxf2#
Correct solutions:
James, Ziyao - 10 points
Daniel, Leo - 9 points
Derrick, Justin, Philip - 5 points
Coco, Leroy Jeffrey - 1 point
Standings:
Philip - 368 points
Ziyao - 310 points
Jeffrey - 277 points
James - 275 points
Leo - 264 points
Daniel - 250 points
Derrick - 226 points
Alex, Leroy - 195 points
Harmony - 187 points
Coco - 185 points
Justin - 117 points
Kevin - 42 points
a) How should Black get anything in return for the sacrificed Rook?
Total available points for this puzzle is 20. The answers will be published next week together with puzzle #199.
Puzzle #197 solution:
Unknown source. There was a clear distinction between those who got the solution and those who did not; some of the names in both groups are quite surprising. Ziyao's solution follows:
[Event "Puzzle #197"][Date "2012.05.14"][Result "0-1"][SetUp "1"][FEN "4rrk1/1pp2qpp/p2b4/3p4/6b1/2P1B3/PP1Q1PPP/R3KN1R b KQ - 0 1"]1...d4! {This move attacks the absolute pinned Bishop and cannot be taken without dire consequences!} 2.h3 {This is the best reply since White doesn't get a passed pawn} (2.cxd4 Bb4 {White loses its Queen or gets mated} 3.Qxb4 Qxf2#) (2.f3 dxe3 3.Qe2 {The extremely advanced passed pawn and full piece ahead should easily win for black}) (2.Qxd4?? Qxf2#) 2...dxe3 3.Nxe3 {Black should still win with his bishop for a pawn and pressure on the White King} 3...Rxe3+ {Ziyao (and others) missed the convincing continuation} 4.fxe3 (4.Qxe3 Re8 5.hxg4 Rxe3+ 6.fxe3 Bg3+ 7.Ke2 Qf2+ 8.Kd3 Qxb2 {Black wins}) 4...Bg3+ 5.Qf2 Qxf2#
Correct solutions:
James, Ziyao - 10 points
Daniel, Leo - 9 points
Derrick, Justin, Philip - 5 points
Coco, Leroy Jeffrey - 1 point
Standings:
Philip - 368 points
Ziyao - 310 points
Jeffrey - 277 points
James - 275 points
Leo - 264 points
Daniel - 250 points
Derrick - 226 points
Alex, Leroy - 195 points
Harmony - 187 points
Coco - 185 points
Justin - 117 points
Kevin - 42 points
King left in the center (3)