Now try figuring this one out without a computer! White to play, mate in 2!
Solution: 1. Bc6!!! A brilliantly quiet and subtle move; no it’s not a typo, it deserves 3 exclamation marks! Suddenly, it is apparant that Black is in zugzwang (!) Variations:
1…Qf6 2. Nd6++
1…Qg6 2. Rf2++
1…Qh7 2. Rg5++
1…Qh8 2.Rg5++
1…Qf8 2. Rg5 ++
1…Qg7 2. N6xg7++
1…Qxe6 2. Qf1++
1…h4 2. Qg4++
1…e4 2. Qd5++
1…N anywhere 2. Qe4++.
Note that 1. Ba8 doesn’t work because of 1…Nb7! and Black can survive 1 more move.
Absolutely beautiful!
Hi,
Thanks for the puzzles.
The last step in the July 9th puzzle should read
1..N anywhere 2.Be4++
If 2.Qe4 then Kxe6
Regards
Ian.