Short Sharp Shocks No.14
Note that the bottom left corner of the board is ‘a1’. This set is a continuation of the last set of puzzles. These games are real games played by master players. Rather than searching necessarily for a checkmate, you must search for the best continuation. We prefer to receive answers in algebraic notation.
White: KRAUS Black: COSTIN
Correspondence Game 1914
- d4, c5
An unusual defence to the queen pawn opening – but none the worse for that.
2. dxc5
Not a great idea, as after 2… e6! black should easily recover the pawn.
2… Qa5+
The queen fork way to regain the pawn. But might it not expose the queen a little, by bringing her out so soon?
3. Nc3, Qxc5
4. e4, e5
Rather brave. More solid would be 4… e6, covering up his king.
5. Nf3, d6?
And here, 5… Nf6 would be safer, getting ready to swap the white knight if it lands on d5.
6. Nd5
Here she comes! The punishment begins!
6… Ne7?
Oh no! Black is oblivious to the perilous position of his principle participant in the pugilistic parade – the oh so mighty black queen.
How did white bring her crashing down to earth with two crushing blows?
When you think you know the answer, send your solution in to us by submitting the form below. We will publish the full solutions, and names of all those who sent us the correct answers, in our blog next week (if you would rather not be named, please say so!).
Everyone who sends in their answers receives at least 1 point. If you correctly guess the best continuation, you will receive 3 points. The puzzler with the highest score after the six week set of puzzles will win a solver badge/solver spots and a free chess lesson with the teacher of their choice!
Good luck!
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