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Problem of the Week
200
9.05.10








Black to move and win

Need a hint?


Solution


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Each side has a rook, bishop and three pawns, but the disjointed nature of White's pawns have helped reduce her bishop to not much more than a very tall pawn.

Additionally, the white king is cornered, almost smothered by her own pieces.  Together, this is a recipe for a disaster, just waiting to happen!

1...Ke3








With this 'quiet' move, Black creates zugzwang for White: whatever White does next, he will create a weakness for Black to exploit.  All roads now lead to mate.

2.Bf5

Sadly (for White, but not for Black!) White's longest resistance is provided by this ridiculous looking piece sacrifice, which in turn allows White's king to escape checkmate long enough to prolong the inevitable.  The alternatives:

A.  2.Rxg5  Taking the pawn leads to mate sooner rather than later: 2...Rd1+ 3.Rg1 Kf2 Mate next, either on g1 or g2.









Analysis Diagram: after 3...Kf2

B.  2.Re1+ Kf2 Once again threatening mate on g2. 3.Rg1 Rd1 Pinning the rook, and erasing the rook's protection of g2.  Mate next move.









Analysis Diagram: after 3...Rd1

C.  2.Rc1 Kf2 Once again threatening mate on g2. 3.Rg1 Rd1 etc. etc.

So, back to the 'main' line, after 2.Bf5:

2...Bxf5 3.h4 Kxf3 4.Rf1+ Kg3 5.Rg1+ Kh3 6.Rc1 f3








The f-pawn can be stopped only at the cost of White's last remaining piece.  Time to call it a day.


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