Level
3-Bishop
Chess Diagram
[Event "Puzzle #39"][Date "2008.10.02"][Result "1-0"][SetUp "1"][FEN "r4r2/pp1R4/6R1/2kbp3/B1p4p/2P1K3/PP5P/8 w - - 0 1"]
This week it is about precise calculation, an important quality each chess player must have and practice it every day if possible. You have to analyse the position like you normally do, but have to answer only with moves (the best for both sides). The game Navara - Smeets, 1998 has reached the critical point (see diagram). White looks to have an advantage for the simple fact all his pieces are playing and buzzing around the centralized Black King. However Black needs just one so-so move from White to finish bringing out all his pieces as well and balance the game. If that would happen the centralized Black King could become a strong attacker and White might be in trouble. Right now White must find a way to end the game and not let Black catch from behind:
White to move and mate in 5 moves!
Total available points for this puzzle is 10 (2 for each correct move). The answers will be published next week together with puzzle #40.
Puzzle #38 solution:
Our surprising but well deserved winner of the week is Andy Qian. His answer to question "a" is:
Black's attack with Nc3+ is more dangerous because it is attacking in front and the White King cannot escape, while the Black King can sort of escape
Andy is right on both accounts as the White King would get mated if Black could move first, while the Black King can escape with a perpetual check and save a draw. Here is the correct solution to question "b":
[Event "Puzzle #38"][Date "2008.09.25"][Result "1/2-1/2"][SetUp "1"][FEN "1r3r2/6kp/3p1pp1/qnp1pP2/1p2P2N/3P4/PPPQ1P1P/1K1R2R1 w - - 0 1"]1.fxg6! Nc3+! 2.Qxc3!! {A move Andy Q found first} 2...bxc3 3.Nf5+ Kg8 (3...Kh8?? 4.g7+ Kg8 5.Nh6#) 4.Ne7+ {The game move; Nh6+ has the same effect} 4...Kg7 5.Nf5+ {Perpetual}
Correct solutions:
Andy Q - 10 points
Jeremy - 8 points
Joshua - 6 points
John, Katerina and Nathaniel - 5 points
Joanne - 3 points
James, Wilson, Mark - 1 point
Standings:
John - 25 points
Andy Q - 22 points
Jeremy and Joshua - 19 points
Katerina - 15 points
Joanne - 13 points
Karl - 11 points
Nathaniel - 8 point
Wilson - 5 points
James and Mark - 2 point
White to move and mate in 5 moves!
Total available points for this puzzle is 10 (2 for each correct move). The answers will be published next week together with puzzle #40.
Puzzle #38 solution:
Our surprising but well deserved winner of the week is Andy Qian. His answer to question "a" is:
Black's attack with Nc3+ is more dangerous because it is attacking in front and the White King cannot escape, while the Black King can sort of escape
Andy is right on both accounts as the White King would get mated if Black could move first, while the Black King can escape with a perpetual check and save a draw. Here is the correct solution to question "b":
[Event "Puzzle #38"][Date "2008.09.25"][Result "1/2-1/2"][SetUp "1"][FEN "1r3r2/6kp/3p1pp1/qnp1pP2/1p2P2N/3P4/PPPQ1P1P/1K1R2R1 w - - 0 1"]1.fxg6! Nc3+! 2.Qxc3!! {A move Andy Q found first} 2...bxc3 3.Nf5+ Kg8 (3...Kh8?? 4.g7+ Kg8 5.Nh6#) 4.Ne7+ {The game move; Nh6+ has the same effect} 4...Kg7 5.Nf5+ {Perpetual}
Correct solutions:
Andy Q - 10 points
Jeremy - 8 points
Joshua - 6 points
John, Katerina and Nathaniel - 5 points
Joanne - 3 points
James, Wilson, Mark - 1 point
Standings:
John - 25 points
Andy Q - 22 points
Jeremy and Joshua - 19 points
Katerina - 15 points
Joanne - 13 points
Karl - 11 points
Nathaniel - 8 point
Wilson - 5 points
James and Mark - 2 point
Mate in 5