I’ve been playing through some of Petrosian’s games lately on my iphone and have come across some nifty positions. Tigran Petrosian was World Champion from 1963 – 1969 and was renown for being a very defensive player who rarely lost. It was surprising therefore when I came across the following position with Petrosian playing Black a pawn down in a double rook ending. Surely with White’s extra pawn being doubled Petrosian could find a way to draw?
He has just played 1…R-c3. Today’s puzzle is how did the game finish? Did Petrosian gets his draw or did he suffer a rare defeat?
I’ll give you a couple of hints. Firstly, the game does not last very long. Secondly, sometimes it pays to look for an idea rather than just analysing moves.
8/8/2p2R2/7p/5P1k/2rR3P/5PK1/2r5 w KQkq - 0 1 White to play.
ANSWER:
White played 1.Rg3! threatening 2.Rg4+ hxg 3.Rh6# so Black was forced to play 1…Rc5 but after 2.Rh6! he can resign as 3.Rg4+ is mate.
