Short Sharp Shocks No.18
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: Damant Black: Amateur
London, 1932
- e4, c6
The sturdy Caro Kann Defence, against whose rock-like defences many an attack has floundered.
2. d4, d5
3. Bd3, Nf6
One has to be wary of giving white too much lee way in the centre by not exchanging the pawns. Safer is 3… dxe4
4. e5
Now black is in a dilemma. He cannot play 4… Ne4, as his knight is trapped by 5. f3. But he does not have the gall to play the best move, 4… Ng8. So that leaves…
4… Nd7
5. e6
A lightning strike breaks up black#s pawns. His best is now 5… Nf6 6. exf2+, Kxf7, but then he has lost castling rights.
5. fxe6?
How does white now finish the game in only 3 moves?
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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