Today’s Chess Problem 9/15/11

 

Again, this is a forced mate for Black.

1. 1b. Q f4-d4 for check
   1w. R f1 - f2 to block

   2b. R e8 - e1 for mate

   ********************

   Yeah, but white could play smarter perhaps?

   Posted by Drew458       09/15/2011  at  04:48 PM  



2. Your solution works as well. My book gives:

   1. … Qd4+
   2. Kh1 Qf2!

   The book moves are prettier, but your solution solves the problem in the same number of moves. Which only goes to show that White is lost.

   Well done Drew. You’ll be decent chessplayer before I die. And yes, you get bragging rights, and I’ll post this before the next problem.

   The score is now

   Wes: 01
   Drew: 01
   BMEWS: 2/6

   Yes I’ve posted six problems. Two have been solved. Come on BMEWS!

   Posted by Christopher       09/15/2011  at  05:23 PM  



3. Chris, my solution was kind of a joke. I think your book may be simplistic.

   What on earth is going to stop White from taking out the queen with his rook at f1? Without moving the rook at e8, once the black queen leaves column e she is no longer covered. Bam zoom, dead queen, no check, no mate. That’s why I rejected this solution, even though it was instantly obvious.

   I thought about starting the queen to e3, which would give a check but also threaten the white bishop. From there it becomes a beat down game, leaving white 1 rook and black 1 bishop. Didn’t seem elegant, but it went on for more than a dozen moves each.

   Black needs to win, yes. But to win solidly he needs to take out at least white’s rook, and her queen as well if possible.

   Posted by Drew458       09/15/2011  at  05:41 PM  



4. It wasn’t a joke

   After 1. … Qd4+
   2. If you block Rf2 Re8-e1+

   Now, the book says

   1. … Qd4+
   2. Kh1 Qf2!

   If you take the Black Queen at f2, Black responds with Re8-e1+ and mate to follow.

   Don’t overthink. You had the right idea. The book’s Queen-sack just makes it look prettier. Remember, the bishop is a distraction. The goal is to mate the king.

   Posted by Christopher       09/15/2011  at  05:53 PM  

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