Difficult Puzzles " Step By Step solving "

How to solve difficult tactic puzzles ? 

Someone very smart once said to break down complex tasks in smaller units and solve like that.

I think this applies to complex chess puzzles.

Now difficult puzzle means different things to many chess players. I may struggle on 1 position but you may find the solution right away. and of course you may be stuck on another puzzle which I consider medium difficulty.

Position #1 : Black to play and win 

If you find the solution, you can move to puzzle #2.

Here's how I would go about this one. Clearly, it is important to look at Checks,Captures and Threats. The common point is that these type of moves "force" an answer from other side.

So I would consider 1..Rxg2+ which is both a capture and a check. This forced 2 Kh1.

So the challenge on this one is what to do next:

Puzzle1 : Move 2, What to play with Black ?

Clearly Black has a discovery possible thank to the bishop on d5 and the rook on g2. But where should the rook go to deliver check ?

This is why I classified this puzzle as difficult

Here's the answer as only 1 move wins !

Solution 

The solution was 2..Rg1++ which is a double-check, which "forces" Kxg1. Very important to find forcing moves whenever possible. And next Black can use the g-file to checkmate the white king with ..Rg8+. there were different ways like 2..Rg5+ or ..Rxf2+ but White would counter with 3Nxd5 and there is no knock-out punch after that.

ok onto the next position !

Position 2: White to play and win ! 

if you have found the solution ( several moves needed !) congratulations, you can confirm by reading what is next.

if this is challenging, I will bring the solution step by step, and you can check how far you were able to go in your own calculations !

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Solution to problem #2

Here, I cannot find a winning check, or a capture which is compelling for White.

So we should look for a threat. I do not see any way to win material, so we should attack the king.

So the first move is  1.h5! 

This is a difficult first move. The idea is to open lines, we will elaborate. now if Black tries 1..Rg8 to defend g6, White takes the rook on c7 and wins. and if Black tries to block the g- file by 1..g5 White would play 2 Rf6! with the threat to take on h6.

So the puzzle continues with Black playing 1..a3 i.e trying to have counterplay on the queenside.

What is the second move of the tactics here  after 1.h5 a3? 

Once again, there are several moves to consider. Captures and checks come to mind !

Would you rather play 2.Rxf7+ or 2.hxg6 ?

These are both plausible since these checks are also captures. Trouble is, only one move wins. 

It is important to calculate here the lines, as I don't think intuition can be a guide. At least at my level.

Hint: after 2hxg6 fxg6 there is no obvious threat, White can play 3 Qxe6 but there is no concrete threat. after 2 Rxf7+ this "forces" ..Rxf7 and now the move hxg6+ is stronger as you fork the king and the rook opening more lines. This is more compelling

And here's how to conclude the analysis and the solution 

Let me know if you find this instructive or if you would like different puzzles ( harder ? , simpler ?)

for the pro solvers, this is coming up.

https://www.chess.com/article/view/2022-puzzle-battle-world-championship