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2024/07/05 DPA: "Castle Wall, Knightsfall"

2024/07/05 DPA: "Castle Wall, Knightsfall"

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Black to move.

Black has the makings of a mating net.

If the g Knight moves, the Rook check is discovered.  Where can the Knight move to do the most damage?

1. ... Ne4^ [discovered check] will win the Knight on d6 but Black's own d Knight is en prise also which means no material gain.

1. ... Ngxf3^ reveals the check and protects the d Knight.  But after 2. Kf2, what follow-up does Black have?  The Knights protect each other but if one moves, the other will not be defended.

1. ... Ne4^ might be a better move because it prevents White from escaping to f2.

  • 2. Kh2 Nxf3+  3. Kh1 Nf2#
  • 2. Kh1 Nf2+  3. Kh2 Nxf3#

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The key was recognizing that the Rook controlled the g file and that the King should not be allowed to escape to f2.  Only one move accomplishes that and then, since the King only has h1 & h2, it's merely a matter of which square he picks.