Daily Puzzle Analysis 5/31/2025

Here is my analysis for today's daily puzzle!

Key Tactics: Removing the Defender, Deflection, Mating Net, Back-Rank Mate

At the start of the puzzle:

- Black is up three pawns.

- White's knight on e6 is very strong, taking away the f8 and g7 squares from Black's king. It is supported by White's d5-pawn.

- White's queen is on the long dark-squared diagonal and controls the g7 and h8 squares around Black's king.

- Black's back rank is currently defended, but if some defenders are removed, White can possibly back-rank mate Black.

- White's rook is on the open c-file and can access the back-rank square c8, which is currently under control by Black's knight and queen.

So, I should probably look for a way to back-rank mate Black's king, pivoting to winning material if necessary.

When I first opened the puzzle, I first looked at possible kingside attack plans such as 1. ... Bh6. However, these moves don't threaten anything, and Black has time to defend.

So, I should focus on the back rank. Immediately, I see that I can eliminate a defender with 1. Bxb6, prompting Black to recapture with 1. ... axb6 (otherwise, we would have won a knight). However, after that, what should I play?

I spent a long time looking for lines after 2. Rc7 and I even stumbled upon the Qb5 resource. However, my lines failed multiple ways:

Unfortunately, I did not see the remote bishop on h2 that foils my plans, and I failed the puzzle with the incorrect move.

Then, I considered, why not play 2. Qb5 immediately? I couldn't see anything to foil this, so I played it and got the puzzle correct on my second try.

Excellent puzzle by Jeremy Kane!

I hope this helps, and have a nice Saturday!