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2023/08/11 DPA: "Zig Zag Zug"

2023/08/11 DPA: "Zig Zag Zug"

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EnPassantFork
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Observations:

  • White's King is horribly exposed
  • Black has a monster Bishop pair and open diagonals
  • White's up a piece and a Rook

Based on this, I think the puzzle will be about checkmate.

Black probably must check; a threat or capture will be too slow.

1. ... Qxh2+ is bad as the White Queen protects h2.

1. ... Qd4+ is the only reasonable check available.  2. Rf2 is forced, as there is no other piece to block check and the King can't move to either g2 or h1 due to the Bishop on c6.

2. ... Qxa1 is a blunder:  Black is already down a Rook and a piece so merely winning a Rook still leaves him down material.  Then there's the slight problem of 3. Qf7# [which I initially didn't see but I did calculate a variation where White wins a ruinous amount of material].

In general, trying to win material when already down and when one's own King is on shaky ground, is a bad idea [but not always:  you have to keep an open mind].

2. ... Qg4+  3. Kf1 [or 3. Rg2 Qxg2#] Qd1#.

Note how Black skillfully weaved his Queen towards through territory and avoiding defenders, like Messi or Ronaldo.

Alternate title:  "Zig Zag Zug"