It's really neat how you set this up. I like how you give people a chance to figure it out, but if they can't, such as me, it's just a click away from the solution.
That solution would work only if black responds with Rf6. If black responds by capturing the queen with hxg5 instead, white will lose a considerable positional advantage and also lose the material advantage*. Furthermore, the pawn on b2 is one move from promotion and checkmating white.
The solution I presented will force mate in either 3 moves or 4. Black has the option to play Rf6 instead of hxg5 after white plays Rxb7+. If this is the case, then the solution is: 1. Rxb7+ Rf6 2. Nc6+ Ke8 3. Re7+ Kf8 4. Qxg7#
*White's starting position in this puzzle has 23 points compared to blacks 20. After 1. Rxg7+ hxg5, the material points are white 13 and black 19.
As far as point values for pieces, I assigned the points as follows: pawn: 1 horse: 3 bishop: 3 rook: 5 queen: 10 king: 0
I assume you mean Qxf6 in the line: 1. Rxb7+ Rf6 2. Qxf6+ gxf6
This also poses a problem because after the exchanges white is now forced to do one of the following (note the threat of Bxb7): (a) capture the pawn on b2 to prevent a back rank checkmate with Rxe2 (b) create a flight square for the king by moving a pawn forward from f2, g2, or h2 (c) Nc6+ to stop the pawn promotion by using check, but this line does not lead to a forced mate.
1. Rxb7+ Rf6 2. Qxf6+ gxf6 3. Nc6+ Ke8
Now white has a problem, the pawn on b2 is close to promotion and black's king cannot be put in perpetual check. Forcing another check with Re7+ allows the king to escape to f8 and white's threat on b2 is renewed, This time the rook cannot capture as in option (a) and must create a flight square for the king or move the rook back to e1 to prevent the back rank checkmate.
If white plays 1. Qxg7, black will simply respond with 1...b1(Q)+ White is now forced to respond with 2. Re1 and black simply captures and mates with 2...Qxe1#
The pawn on b2 is a threat for a back rank checkmate in two moves, therefore, white must force check each move, create an escape square for the king, capture the pawn, or somehow block the threat with another piece.
It's really neat how you set this up. I like how you give people a chance to figure it out, but if they can't, such as me, it's just a click away from the solution.
ReplyDeleteAm I seeing this right?
ReplyDelete1. White RxG7+
2. Black RF6
3. White QxF6+
4. Black KE8
5. White QE7#
That solution would work only if black responds with Rf6. If black responds by capturing the queen with hxg5 instead, white will lose a considerable positional advantage and also lose the material advantage*. Furthermore, the pawn on b2 is one move from promotion and checkmating white.
ReplyDeleteThe solution I presented will force mate in either 3 moves or 4. Black has the option to play Rf6 instead of hxg5 after white plays Rxb7+. If this is the case, then the solution is:
1. Rxb7+ Rf6
2. Nc6+ Ke8
3. Re7+ Kf8
4. Qxg7#
*White's starting position in this puzzle has 23 points compared to blacks 20. After 1. Rxg7+ hxg5, the material points are white 13 and black 19.
As far as point values for pieces, I assigned the points as follows:
pawn: 1
horse: 3
bishop: 3
rook: 5
queen: 10
king: 0
Dang, I missed the pawn takes queen!
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice your solution link. That is handy.
Seems like Qxf6 may force mate as well?
I assume you mean Qxf6 in the line:
ReplyDelete1. Rxb7+ Rf6
2. Qxf6+ gxf6
This also poses a problem because after the exchanges white is now forced to do one of the following (note the threat of Bxb7):
(a) capture the pawn on b2 to prevent a back rank checkmate with Rxe2
(b) create a flight square for the king by moving a pawn forward from f2, g2, or h2
(c) Nc6+ to stop the pawn promotion by using check, but this line does not lead to a forced mate.
1. Rxb7+ Rf6
2. Qxf6+ gxf6
3. Nc6+ Ke8
Now white has a problem, the pawn on b2 is close to promotion and black's king cannot be put in perpetual check. Forcing another check with Re7+ allows the king to escape to f8 and white's threat on b2 is renewed, This time the rook cannot capture as in option (a) and must create a flight square for the king or move the rook back to e1 to prevent the back rank checkmate.
Dang sorry ken, I meant Qxg7. I have no idea why I said Qxf6!
ReplyDeleteIf white plays 1. Qxg7, black will simply respond with 1...b1(Q)+ White is now forced to respond with 2. Re1 and black simply captures and mates with 2...Qxe1#
ReplyDeleteThe pawn on b2 is a threat for a back rank checkmate in two moves, therefore, white must force check each move, create an escape square for the king, capture the pawn, or somehow block the threat with another piece.
I had a better solution figured out, and then I saw that it would cost me my queen and not work.
ReplyDeleteI have a good one. It takes 5-6 moves, but you don't lose your queen!
ReplyDelete