December's Blitz 'n' Memes

Welcome everybody to another relaxing edition of Blitz 'n' Memes.

If you're a fan of puzzles taken from amateur online blitz tournaments, then you have come to the right place, because that is what I do.

As always, the tactics have been selected from the Japan Chess Federation's monthly blitz tournament: TGIF Blitz. The tourney takes place on the 3rd Friday of every month, 21:00 JST, right here on chess.com. It consists of seven rounds of blitz, with a time control of 3+2; and is open to all JCF club members.

The Memes on the other hand were scavenged from the 8 corners of the InterWebs...

This month's puzzles are straightforward enough, and offer I great chance for you to get all five correct on the first attempt.

So, without further ado, lets get to the Blitz 'n' Memes.

Clear Discovery

Our first tactic is from the 4th round, Zucci, playing White, is about to discover a route to victory. 

If you look closely, the path to victory should be clear. 

A Simple Ending 

Our next tactic is again from the 4th round, JamMasterInsane, playing White, shows that playing simply can lead to wonderful things.

White can capture material and need not worry about Black capturing that loose pawn on d3...

May the Pins be With You

Another crushing combination from, JamMasterInsane, playing White, this time in the 5th round, using the pins to full effect. 

The Black king is running out of squares, hope and time.

A Knightmare

In the 3rd round, Zucci, playing Black, used everything in his arsenal to break open the king-side.

What is the use of material if you're not going to sacrifice it?

Tactical Retreat

Our final tactic of the day, and the year, is from 5th round, TakaGaMe, playing Black, makes an important quiet move before proceeding with the attack.

Good luck!

And that was it, that was December Blitz 'n' Memes...

Congratulations to JamMasterInsane for winning with a 6.5/7 score. And of course congrats to you few puzzle masters who were able to score 5/5, incredible work.

As always, thanks for reading and feel free to share these puzzle with you friend's at the Library or Year-End party.

Cheers, SheldonOfOsaka.

P.S.

I'm still selling Merch over on Etsy, check out my number one selling Tal T-shirt.