White to move. How can White save this game. Can you find the solution in 3 minutes or less? No computer analysis please.
q7/p7/4b3/B6p/7k/7P/5P1K/5B2 w – – 0 1
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looks like f4 with the idea of Be1 or if queen moves Bd8
1. f4 Bh3 (only move I see to prevent mate)
2.Bh3 Qh1
3.Kh1 Kh3
4.f5
it’s a beautiful idea! 1.f4 Bxh3 2.Be1+ (if 2.Bxh3 Qe8 covering both e1 and d8 and threatening Qe2 – that’s winning for Black) Kg4 3.Bxh3+ Kxf4 4.Bd2+ Ke5 5.Bc3+ and perpetual check unless Black king goes to b8 when Bg2 draws!
Anon 10:31 is right. I missed Black’s reply: 1..Bxh3. And completely missed the amazing theme of perpetual check that Anon 10:31 had pointed.
Best wishes
A. Weiler
Yes, the anonymous commenter at 10:31 is correct. I kept seeing black’s bishop in its original location and didn’t see that black’s queen could cover both squares.
The perils of problem solving while drinking wine.