The Gazette - May 2022

Sponsored by The Ulverscroft Foundation
Edited by Julie Leonard
The views expressed in the Gazette do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the BCA, nor those of the editor.

Gray Matter Test

These puzzles are selected by Graham Lilley from the website http://www.wtharvey.com, which contains many puzzles that challenge you to find a win from a position in a real game.

February 2022 Puzzle

Jon Hammer vs Magnus Carlsen, Halkidiki, 2003

5rk1/ppp2pbp/3p2p1/1q6/4r1P1/1NP1B3/PP2nPP1/R2QR2K

White: King h1, Queen d1, Rooks a1 and e1, Bishop e3, Knight b3, Pawns a2, b2, c3, f2, g2 and g4.

Black: King g8, Queen b5, Rooks e4 and f8, Bishop g7, Knight e2, Pawns a7, b7, c7, d6, f7, g6 and h7

Black mates in 2 moves.

Solution:  ... Qh5+ 

May 2022 Puzzle

Magnus Carlsen vs Nurlan Ibraev, Calvia, 2004

r2qr1k1/pb1p1pp1/1pnR1n1p/4pQN1/2P4P/1P2P3/PB3PP1/2K2B1R

White: King c1, Queen f5, Rooks d6 and h1, Bishops b2 and f1, Knight g5, Pawns a2, b3, c4, e3, f2, g2 and h4.

Black: King g8, Queen d8, Rooks a8 and e8, Bishop b7, Knights c6 and f6, Pawns a7, b6, d7, e5, f7, g7 and h6.

Find White’s winning move!

The solution will appear in the August gazette.