Here is a position from the game E.Parr v P.Johanssen 1995 and, as you can see, Black is in a bit of trouble. White is threatening 1.Qh8 mate and 1.Qh7 mate. Black could play 1…Qxh4 giving up his Queen for a Rook but that would just leave him hopelessly down on material. Does he have a sneaky defence that will blunt White’s attack and force him to take a perpetual check …. or does he not? That is today’s puzzle.
Does Black to play have a defence?
ANSWER:
No he does not! 1…f6 2.Qh8+ Kf7 3.Rh7+ Kg6 (If 3…Ke8 4.Rxe7+ just wins on material) and now not 4.Rxe7 Rxh8 or 4.Rh6+ Kf7 repeating position, but 4.Rg7+!! Qxg7 5.Qh5 mate. A pretty finish.
