Chess problem #63
on 02/12/2012 at 03:23 PM
I probably should have mentioned that the motif is still the pin.
I am glad you are back to posting Chess problems again Chris and I have to say that I have not found any of these easy. In this problem I see a rook move that should lead to a very certain win but it is not mate in 2. I do not think there is a mate in two. The mate will take quite a bit longer.
My first move would be Rd1-b1 then black plays N8b-d7 After
1.Rd1-b1 N8b-d7 the black knight on d7 will stop any queen or rook move from mating at once. A white 2.Na5-c6+ is met by PxN so at move 2 white will back off the queen on the diagonal to keep up the pin and then take blacks queen with his rook on his next turn. After that the win is just a matter of time but not in 2. If there is something better I sure can’t find it.In the first problem of the new series, #60 I got the first move for a pawn pick and would have played it in a game because it fits my style. But still do not consider it a sure win for black, not even close. The continuation you give is not the best by a long shot. If instead of playing 1.Nxh7 KxN black plays Bc8-d6 as his first move the white rook is pinned against his bishop and the game will be very difficult indeed.
Least wise that’s my opinion, and again glad you are posting these again.
I’m certainly glad you’re back Wes. Missed ya. You’re probably right. It’s not mate-in-2. But it’s close enough so Drew doesn’t have conniptions over ‘and White magically wins’. He really hates that. Not that I disagree.
1. Rb1 is the correct move. It’s mate-in-2 if Black is really stupid, like taking White’s Queen. That is the pin involved here. Black is just screwed.
You’re going to have to explain to this here neophyte how, if 1. Rb1 ..., Black taking White’s now completely unprotected Queen, 1. Rb1 Qxc5, is really stupid. Not only does it look like a smart move to me, it then creates a counter-pin: with Black’s Queen at c5, White is forced to move his knight, and there is only ONE place it can go to be only slightly safe: b3. Black then zips his Queen to c2, and forces a Sophie’s Choice on White, whether to lose the knight or the rook. (I think White’s best move at that point would be Rf1 to guard the king while leaving the back door at h2 open.)
I can see White starting with providing some coverage for his Queen, either Rc1 or Rd5. I’d go with Rd5, which leaves Black only Nc6 or Nd7 as a significant move. Of them, Nc6 might be best? Nd7 guards b6 against a mate but could be foolishly sacrificial, as the Knight is not covered by any piece and has walked right into the path of White’s Rook. Nc6 is a covered position, and puts his Knight in a spot where it threatens White’s Knight, AND it opens up the back door for either the king or the rook. Seems like the best move to me. OTOH, White will probably kill it with his own Knight immediately, then be taken by a pawn which in turn will force White to retreat his Rook.
So, sure, let’s avoid Drew having ‘conniptions’ and show me MATE in less than 5 that starts with Rb1 where Black isn’t forced to behave like a passive imbecile to allow White the win.
1. Rb1 Qxc5
?Oh wait.
1. Rb1 Qxc5
2. Rb7++D’oh!! Maybe I shouldn’t look at these things until after my first cup of coffee.
Yes. Coffee first, chess second.
1. Rb1 Nd7
2. Nc6+ Pxc6Ok, I’ll agree with Wes; White has to pull back his Queen ... but not far. Let’s squeeze the Knight.
3. Qd4 ...No, I think White will lose his Queen. Wes has it right, back the Queen off in move 2.
1. Rb1 Nd7
2. Qd4 ...Nope, the White Queen still dies. Back her off further to be covered by the pawn.
1. Rb1 Nd7
2. Qe3 ...Looks like Black can free his Queen from the pin a little, and still leave her protected;
2. Qe3 Qc5
3. Rc1 Rc8and all we’ve done is move the pin diagonally one square. Yet Black’s King now has a safe spot to run to, and his Rook is coming out into play. If White takes Queen, Rxc5, then Black takes Rook, Rxc5 ... and White maybe then Qxc5 but Black will kill her Nxc5. So that’s a slaughter best avoided as it would leave both sides with just a knight. Which deserves conniptions over the lameness that would entail to win.
4. Nc6+ ...
doesn’t seem smart at all at this point. Hell, it’s suicidal and without repercussion.Ok, time for a coffee refill. We’re at move 4 for a “mate-in-2” game, neither side has much of an advantage, and it’s Black’s move. Black to move and win? Why not?
Actually Wes’s 1…Nd7 comes up short. That just drops Black’s Queen for the Rook.
Here’s how I would play it:
1. Rb1 Nd7
2. Rxb6 Nxb6 (forced, or mate after Rxb7)
3. Qc7! Again, threatening mate on b7.Black can’t cover with 3…Rb8 because of
4. Nc6+
Another pin. The b7 pawn is pinned by White’s Queen, and Black’s King and Rook are forked, fracked, and screwed.
I haven’t checked the book solution. It’s probably close to this. I’ll post that tomorrow. I’m working on getting problem #64 ready. And in case anyone is interested, I posted the solution to problem #62.
Drew, it was a two-move mate if Black was stupid! Or you hadn’t had your coffee!
Oh dear, I actually screwed that one up. Probably should check the book.
You are missing something here Chris… After
1. Rb1 Nd7
2. Rxb6? ... NxQc5! Now white has given back his advantage because
3. Rxb7+ ... NxRb7 If white plays 3.Nc6+ ... KxRb6Instead of winning white now loses! So the best moves after 1. Rb1 Nd7 for white are 2.Qe3 or 2.Qd3 and follow on 3 with RxQ. White can stand any complications and it’s an easy win after that.
Make that last line: (Change the d3 to d4 to keep the Q move legal.)
Instead of winning white now loses! So the best moves after 1. Rb1 Nd7 for white are 2.Qe3 or - 2.Qd4 - and follow on 3 with RxQ. White can stand any complications and it’s an easy win after that.
That’s exactly the move I missed Wes. I forgot that Nxc5 protects b7. On the plus side, I did realize it. I’ll post the book solution tomorrow.
