Problem solved!

Solution to puzzle 6

chess problem

In the position shown, Fischer (white) played:
31. Qf1! offering his queen! Now black must accept a deficit in material whilst trying to dodge checkmate along the way!

If 31. ... Rxf1+? then 32. Rxf1+ Qxd5
[not 32. ... Kh8?? 33. Rxf8 checkmate;
nor 32. ... Rf7?? 33. Ra8+ and mate follows]
33. Rxf8+ Kxf8 34. exd5 and the material advantage is enough to win.

In the game, black replied with 31. ... h5
alleviating immediate threats of mate, but Fischer's tactical blow had given him a decisive edge, and Sherwin was forced to concede the game a few moves later.

The game continued: 32. Qxc1 Qh4  [32. ... Qxc1+? 33. Rf1+!]  33. Rxf8+ Kh7  [33. ... Kxf8?? 34. Qc8+ Ke7 35. Ra7+ Kf6 36. Qc5 mate] 34. h3 ... [or 34. Bg8+! Kg6 35. Bf7+ Kh7 36. Rh8+ Kxh8 37. Qc8+ and mate cannot be avoided]  34. ... Qg3 35. hxg4 h4 36. Be6 and with that, black resigned!

Back to Puzzles
Back to main Archive page