Short Sharp Shocks No.16
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: Amateur Black: Goetz
Strassburg, 1880
- e4, e5
- f4, exf4
- b3
Not content to gambit his ‘f’ pawn, white is also prepared to gamble with his king’s safety. This move should have been prefaced by Qe2, preparing to answer 3… Qh4+ by 4. Kd1.
3… Qh4+!
The white king should now begin his travels to the more interesting parts of the chess board, but instead hatches a defensive plan of his own…
4. g3, fxg3
5. h3
Not really. White is in deep trouble, but this only makes things decidedly worse.
What is black’s best way of finishing the game?
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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