May Blitz and Memes
Everything in the universe is either a potato or not a potato.
- Unknown Redditor
Hello, my fellow non-potatoes, and welcome to another edition of Blitz and 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 gathered from the infinite corners of the InterWebs...
This month's collection of puzzles showcases the sublime attacking abilities of 2 FIDE Masters and 2 International Masters, so it will be no easy feat to replicate their prowess by getting all 5 puzzles correct on the first attempt, good luck trying though...
So, without further ado, let's get to the Blitz and Memes.
Pins Up, Forks Down
Our first tactic is taken from the 3rd round battle between FM drsljones and IM rnanjo. The International Master, playing Black, can make use of a pin which eventually leads to winning material through a fork.
The g3-pawn is up for grabs because of the pin, but what to do after that?
Light Squares, Heavy Pieces
Another one from the International Master, this time in the 4th round. IM rnanjo playing White, can make use of Black's light square weaknesses to win material.
If you listen carefully you can hear this move coming...
Take, Sac, and Check
In the 2nd round FM drsljones, playing White, can take advantage of Black's loose pieces to bring things to an early conclusion.
Can you take advantage of Black's poor piece coordination?
Promotional Threat
In the fifth round we had a clash of the Titans, with two IMs squaring off. IM nekochabo, playing White, is threatening to promote the pawn on f7, but the bishop on c4 is also under threat...decisions, decisions.
First the Appetizer, Then the Main Course
And that was it, that was May Blitz and Memes.
P.S. I have finally joined X (formerly Twitter), please follow me,
SheldonOfOsaka_Chess@SofO_Chess
If you're into that kind of thing....
