Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Chess Puzzle

Came across the following study while doing a thrall of the net a couple of years ago. As usual in chess, as in life, it provides an opportunity to learn something if you are willing to give it serious attention. You will, I feel, as Andrew Martin states about analysis of chess studies: "notice a distinct improvement in your perception of the game if you do."


Give it a shot, but watch out for Black's stalemate attempts!
1.Rb7!!
I hope you didn't fall for 1.Rxg1? Rf8+ 2.Qxf8+ Kg6+ 3.Kg8 Rh8+ 4.Kxh8 stalemate!
1...Rf8+
Looks like all roads lead to the same conclusion, but Sileav demonstrates a beautiful concept.
2.Qxf8+ Kg6+ 3.Kg8 Rh8+ 4.Kxh8 Qh1+
Black is aiming for the stalemate manoeuvre.
5.Qh6+!!


What a move.
5...Qxh6+ 6.Kg8 1-0


The final position - Black has no moves. The threat of Rb6 mate is crushing.

Well what did you think? Is that not a brilliant concept presented with the minimum of material.

And now just to be honest here is the link to the original article by IM Andrew Martin.

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