Bruce Pandolfini-Pandolfini's Chess Challenges, 111 Winning Endgames

Pandolfini' s Chess Challenges

Pandolfini' s Chess Challenges 111

Winning Endgames

by

Bruce Pandolfini

Random House

Puzzle� & Games New York Toronto London Sydney Auckland

Copyright

©

2007 by Bruce Pandolfini

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Pandolfini's chess challenges : Ill winning

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I by Bruce

I. Chess-End games.

GVI450.7.P447 2007

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Table of Contents vii

Introduction

Tactical Test Results

xiii

Chess Challenges ( 111 examples and answers) Glossary

225

Acknowledgments

237

� .t

Introduction Pandolfini's Chess Challenges is a collection of I ll winning tactical prob­ lems. All the problems are endgame miniatures, never with more than seven black and white units on the board, and every solution has two parts. There's the setup, which is the first move of the winning line, and there's the tactic, which is the follow-up. By relying on this two­ part system, the examples tend to take on the feel of actual play, where winning shots aren't always obvious or straightforward. Over the board, they might not happen at all without due preparation. The format of the book is simple. In every case, the problem and its solution are on back-to-back pages. All problems are posed on the right side page. All answers are found on the left page, as you flip the page. Points are awarded for seeing the winning move and for analyzing pertinent variations. Some first moves are harder to find and get more

points. Many of the analytic variations that support the answer move receive one point each, though trickier ones sometimes get more. To develop your calculating skills, Pandolfini's Chess Challenges encourages the reader to try to analyze all the follow-up variations. By keeping a running total of your score, and noting the allotted time (the less time used, the better), you can check your overall result in the accompany­ ing chart. Beyond giving moves and signifying points, each answer page offers a short description of the winning procedure. In addition to pre­ senting key supporting variations, the text cites possible traps to avoid when germane. Filling out the picture are the winning setups and tac­ tics. For clarification, and as a reminder, short usage definitions of the book's tactical terminology can be found in the glossary. Chess players have been known to employ different names for the same tactic, so I've included and connected these variant terms. The ones relied on are those with the greatest currency and practicality. Classifying the setups and tactics isn't so easy, especially those with

compound features. Whenever several different themes are at work, they are listed in the appropriate columns also, either as part of the setup or tactic, with the order of appearance based on sequence or relative import. Various qualities characterize the problems. A number of them are drawn from serious, multifaceted, and aesthetic compositions. I've tried to reduce them to their most critical elements, stressing those aspects that can best be grasped and utilized. Although the problems have been simplified, their two-part nature has been maintained, each one having a setup and follow-through. In every instance, the empha­ sis is on economy of means. Throughout the collection there are vivid patterns and startling turns, with unexpected sacrifices and apparent exceptions to principle. These are designed to render the examples more memorable and ready to be played. Of course, exceptions don't violate principles. Rather, they refine them for more effective use. As you play over the problems and their answers, the value of context becomes increasingly evident. It's almost ,

a misnomer, for instance, to call a specific move a "sacrifice" if it forces checkmate. What kind of sacrifice is that, knowing that playing it guar­ antees victory? Clearly, there's a sensible side to both art and paradox. The beauty of an idea may enable one to absorb it better, and a contradiction can show when an idea applies, and when it doesn't. Indeed, the essence of the game's most sublime concepts is often found in their surprising utility. If there's a message to this collection, it's that beautiful moves can really win chess games. Various aptitudes go into playing high-level chess. It helps to be excellent in visualizing, calculating, judging, associating, comparing, and contrasting. Nor does it hurt to be mentally tough and resilient, with the ability to fight off bad situations, and a willingness to battle to the very last pawn. One other quality that may be indispensable is probably situational awareness. Strong players can feel when circum­ stances are about to change. They can sense when it's time for another course.

We all can develop our thinking acuity, regardless of native skill, and one method is to acquire the proper tools in stimulating training. Even the most gifted players are unable to perform at the top of their game if they haven't honed their talents with constant application and practice. That's where this kind of problem-solving comes in. If employed regularly and wisely, it can approximate real-game conditions, and the more we do it, the better we're likely to b ecome at it. To be sure, problem-solving is one of the smartest ways to stretch mental capital; it forces us to be more resourceful, logical, and imaginative. And it can be exhilarating. There is true delight in the challenge of staying with a tricky puzzle until finding a deep, hidden truth that solves it. The pleasure is even greater when we realize the answer wasn't deep at all, but merely overlooked or discarded as too obvious. In Pandolfini's Chess Challenges, I've selected Ill opportunities to revel in the thrills of problem-solving. I hope the ones you don't solve, if any, prove as fascinating and rewarding as the ones you do.

Tactical Test Results The following scores do not correlate exactly to chess ratings, which can be achieved only in actual competition, where individual reactions can better or worsen performance. In addition to degree of difficulty, scores are also based on time. Each problem point is worth three minutes. That is, to receive full credit for a 3-point problem, test takers are allowed up to 9 minutes to work out all critical variations. Or, if a problem is worth 7 points, test takers are permitted to think without penalty for up to 2 1 minutes. A problem's score should be reduced by a point if the time limit is exceeded. For truer results, it is recommended (though not required) that test takers indeed monitor their time. After working through the entire book and compiling your results, you can check how well you've done by the following chart. For exam-

ple, let's say you score 382 total points. From the chart, your analytic strength falls somewhere between 1 600 and 1 800, placing you some­ where in the zone between Class A and B. Naturally, you don't have to view the book as a test at all. Like most chess enthusiasts, you can j ust play through it for pleasure and mental stimulation. Good luck, and may you have lots of fun. POINTS

400 350 300 250 200

RESULT

Exceptional Excellent Very Good Good Not Bad

RATING 1800

1600 1400

CLASS A

B c

1200

D

1000

E

Chess Challenges

.� �

� � 8

Black to m ove

7

6

(2 points)

First move points· An a l yszs points: ·

5

1

·

2 1

.t

� � -jj /.

?

i

'4{ z

/,

'/

� "� '

ft -

'/

�� '-b � � w /- 1\ �.

�

:l/

'fi1

�. - �

��

,-:ff

�-

g rft'l

� . ,/

:/,; / �. ��

� ·.;;.

Answer:

:;

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1 . . . Ra8 .

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

(1 point)

White loses at least the Exchange. If 2. Rxa8, then 2 . . . Bxe3+, followed by retaking on a8 .

(1 point).

The best White has is 2. Bxd4 Rxa3, dropping the Exchange (1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

Deflection In between move

8

White to move

First move points: Analysis points:

(2 points) l 2

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

8

7

7

6

5 4 3

2 1

�

h

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

jt

� �

�

Answer:

ft

�g l£J � w / ;

·- -

/ •·K

/-� =� -

l1 �� :£) g ii:-: �

/

a

%'/

1

:il¥� . �/./;:' �

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

1 . Ng3

(1 point)

White moves the king to g6 and mates :

4

3

4

1 . . . . a3 2. Kf5 a2 3. Kg6 a l /Q 4. Nf5 mate (2 points).

2

2

1

1

Setup: Tactic:

3

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Surrounding Mating net

I Bl ack to move

(3 points)

First move points: Analysis points:

8

7

6

2

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

� t7i

Answer:

ft

�g

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

1.

6

6

The h-pawn falls.

5

5

If 2. h8/Q then 2 . . .. Bd3 mate

. . .

Bc2

4 3

4

(1 point).

2

2

Setup: Tactic:

3

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

(2 points)

Mate threat Taking for free

8

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

7

White to move

First move points: Analysis points:

(3 points) 2

6

5 4 3

2 1

� .t

�

Answer:

ft

��

a

b

c

d

e

8

8

7

7

1 . Nd3

6

6

Black's bishop is lost.

5

5

Saving the bishop allows mate

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

(2 points)

(1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

Double threat Taking for free

8

g

h

7

Black to move

(3 points)

First move points: Analysis points:

2

6 5

2 1

�

Answer:

ft

�§''1 � � w

.

/J ,.

I'

.

;.

'l / -�-

0'//

:df;

�

,-f:".(/

�

;g ��

',(/ - �/1'

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

'

/

'" 0h

fj� :7#

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

L

.

. d l /Q+ .

White's king and queen get forked. After 2. Qxd l Black has 2 . . . . Nf2+

(1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

(2 points)

Unpin/Deflection/ Attraction Fork

� 8 7

White to move

First move points: Analysis points:

6

(3 points)

5

2

4 3 2 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1

t

�� � �} � � A /� E ;((.;t /.

' /,

'

/

'

/ ,

�

'/."

� :!'� JJ

�

Answer:

ft

�& 4::1 � w � it &S ;g �y� /i �

�.

.

.

� �

·�

�

'j, '/ . .

�

� /::f;�

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

1 . Kg3

6

6

Mate is unavoidable.

5

5

4

4

3

3

Black must abandon his queen just to delay mate (1 point).

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Setup: Tactic:

(2 points)

Mate threat Zugzwang

� 8

8

6

6

7

7

B lack to move

(3 points)

First move points: Analysis points:

I

2

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2 1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

t

�� A)) ri � � A 'I) E /-

/

. /

/ /

/

/ .-:

/.

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1.

. . .

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

b4+

(1 point)

Black wins the queen and then promotes. If 2. Kxb4, then 2 .

. . .

If 2. Qxb4, then 2

. .

(1 point).

(1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

.

Attraction Skewer/Pin

Bd6+

. BxaS

White to move

First move points: Analysis points:

(3 points) 2

Answer: a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

1 . Qds

6

6

White wins a queen for a rook.

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

(2 points)

If 1 . . . . Rxa6, then 2. Qxd7

(1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

Cross pin Forcing a j ettison

Black to move

(3 points)

First move points: Analysis points:

2

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

� ft

Answer: a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1.

. . .

Ne4

(2 points)

Mate is a move away. Once the bishop moves, the e4-knight mates on the unguarded square, either f2 or g3 (1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

Overload Mating net

� I

White to move

First move points: Analysis points:

(3 points)

I

2 I

I

8

8

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

7

7

2 1

2

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1

1

�� � � � � .!. � B /tf /

�

"

/,

%

-?4

.

?

/

�

/

� �

Pw

�7�

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1 . Qf4+

(2 points)

A beautiful symmetrical mate follows. After 1 .

(1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

. . .

Qxf4, then 2. Rg6 mate

Attraction/Obstruction Mating net

a

b

c

d

e

� w

f

8 7

3la ck to move

6

(3 points)

First move points: Analysis points:

5

1

4

2

3 2

d

e

f

g

h

1

t

a � � � � � � A -� E .(. -�1 /.

;-:

'

/

/.

'

/.

2�

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h 1 . . . Bxb4+

7

White's queen is trapped.

6 5 4 3 2 1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

( 1 point)

8

.

Once the king moves to safety, then 2 . Bc5 snares the queen . . .

(2 points). Setup: Tactic:

Taking with check I Removing the guard Trapping

White to move

First move points: Analysis points:

(3 points) 2

� ;z;,

Answer:

.ft

1�f {) 'f!?-{

�

� ',M

�

�%

i;t � fi 1K �. � /, .

a

; � ft

��

Answer: a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1

.

. . .

g4+

(2 points)

It is mate next move: 2. Kxg4 Qf5 mate

Setup: Tactic:

Attraction Mating net

(1 point).

�

Black to move

(4 points)

First move points: Analysis points:

2 2

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3 2

2 1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1

t '��

� �� @ � A � E �tr ( /.

. /,

/ /

/.

/

h

- - /'

�

Answer:

it

;� 4J {� � �-� -�. : "_Q� � g 1r ; � �

.

�

�: : //

//,.

�

f�

:i': n

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1 . . . . KB

(2 points)

Black's threat to discover check is decisive. If 2. Qc3+, then 2 . . . . Kf2+ 3. Kh2 Qg2 is mate (1 point). If 2. Qf8+, then 2 . . . . Kg3+ 3. Kg l Qg2 is mate (1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

Maintaining the threat Discovery/Mating net

f

g

h

� 8 7

White to move

First move points: Analysis points:

(4 points) 1

3

6 5 4 3 2 1

1 ·��

� � � � J.. '� E ;t.t' ? ' /

%:

.

/,

/.

' -� 1 _ _

�$

7 ??'

�

Answer:

ft

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

(1 point)

1 . Rb4

h

Once the rooks are gone, White will queen. If 1 . . . . Rxb4, then 2. axb4

(1 point). If 1 .

Rg4, then 2. Rxg4 fxg4 3. a4

(1 point). . . .

If 1 . . .

3. a4

Setup: Tactic:

.

Re4+, then 2. Rxe4 fxe4

(1 point).

Simplification Unstoppable pawn

8 7 Black to move

(4 points)

. F1rs I move points: . Analysis pomls..

2 2

6 5

2 a

b

c

1

�

Answer:

ft

��r 4J � c¢J � A £} g �

/. /

�

...-:; :, ·/,

a

. -j

/.

'

/

'

b

c

d

e

8

8

7

7

1 . . . . Bc2

6

6

White can't avoid a losing skewer.

5

5

If 2. Kfl , then 2. . . . Rh I +

( 1 point).

4

4

If 2. Ra l , then 2 .

(1 point).

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Setup: Tactic:

(2 points)

. . .

Rh l +

Obstruction/Cutting off Separation/Skewer

a

8

White to move

First move poinls: Analysis poinls:

(4 poinls)

1 3

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

� t

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

1

1

2

2

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

/� "' � � � j_ � E � /.r.tr�; � � - '.

' /

/. z

/ /

�

� /; �

�

Jl �;��

4J � w � � � B � '/,: � Y,

:..

x/_

/< "

, .

�

i!%'f.: )////r

Answer: a

b

I . Kf8 c

d

Both players promote, but Black's queen is lost.

e

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

(1 point)

f

g

h

If 1 . . . . d2, then 2. e8/Q d l /Q 3. QhS+ (1 point).

If White instead plays 1 . Kd7, or I . Kd8, Black saves the day by queening with check (1 point). Nor should White play 1 . Kf7. That obstructs the e8-h5 diagonal. preventing a skewering queen check (1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

Careful move Skewer

8 7 Black to move

(4 points)

First move points: Analysis points:

�

6 5

� ,:>i

Answer:

*

"'-">

;Lr 4J �:} w �· �� ..:_� fL /

'

<

-- -··

a

'/

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

/

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

.

�:

��

§ �'Jr .,; {�

/.,'-:V

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

I.

. . .

Bb4

(3 points)

White must lose the queen to delay mate (1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

Shielding Mating net

a

8

White to move

First move points: Analysis points:

(4 points)

2 2

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

� � t

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3 2

2 1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1

-�� � � ® � A ;: � � E f'f/. <

t"j

/,

� � �- . �

,r � �!ffi

�

Answer:

it

�H t£J �e::.� ;- � w �] C-Q-=>

a

;/: - "' ' .

' - / ,:-:- ,/

7Z-J

�,

g {;{{ "(<

/,

fjl � �/-r

b

c

d

e

f

g

I . Nb4+

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

(2 points)

Cornered, Black's king is mated in two moves. It's over after 1 . . . . Ka l 2. Kc l a2 3. Nc2 mate (1 point). Note that after 1 . Ncl +? Ka l , White can do no better than a draw. Both 2. Kb3 a2, and 2. Nd3 a2, go nowhere (1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

Cornering Mating net

Black to move

(4 points)

first move points: Analysis points:

2 2

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

�

Answer:

ft �a · -·� ;::.:

I• • .

·�

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

. /

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1 . . . . Rg2

(2 points)

Saving White's rook allows mate. If 2. Rf4, then 2 . . . . Rg l + leads to mate (1 point). If 2. Rb 1 , then 2 . . . . Ra2 is mate (1 point).

Setup: Tactic:

Saving/Maintaining threats Obstruction/Mating net/ Indefensible unit

White to move

First move points: Analysis points:

(4 points) I

3

� ft �):O':f ,t:S/;

4J

Answer: a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1 . b6

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

(1 point)

The b-pawn will cost Black his rook. If 1 . cxb6, then 2. Ra l is mate (1 point). . . .

If 1 . wins

. . .

Setup: Tactic:

Rd8, then 2. b7 Rb8 3 . KcS

(2 points).

Obstruction Dangerous pawn/ Mating threat

a

8

Black to move

(4 points)

First move points: Analysis points:

2 2

b

c

d

� ;� t'

e

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3 2

2 1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1

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