White to Play and Mate

Pete Tamburro on Dec 28, 2009

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This is a tough but doable problem. It takes nine moves. Here's how you make a logical series of inferences about composed problems (todays is B. Horwitz, 1889). First, you have to note just how cramped the Black king is. If the rook could play right now to the h-file it would be mate. The other thing you should notice is those two pawns on g2 and f3. No problemist puts in "gingerbread." Every piece and pawn is there for a reason. That leaves the White bishop and Black rook as the other active pieces. Think about why the White bishop is on the board. That's important. The Black rook is more obvious in its purpose. It's going to defend along the h-file as White tries to get his rook over there. Use logic. There are no real alternatives or variations that go in some other wild direction. It's actually quite straightforward. Tough, but straightforward.

Solution:

1.Rg3 Ra5 2.Rh3+ Rh5 3.Rxh5+ gxh5 4.g4 hxg4 5.fxg4 Kh6 6.Bf3 Kh7 7.Be2 Kh6 8.g5+ Kh7 9.Bd3#

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.