White to move. Which side is better? How should White proceed? No computer analysis please.
5k2/R6P/4K3/2p3p1/1p6/8/8/7r w – – 0 4
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Calculations required
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Rf7 – Ke8
Rg7 – Kd8
Kd6 – Kc8/Ke8
Kxc5 – b3
Rg8+ – King moves
h7=Q – RxQ
RXR – b2
Rh1 etc
O.K. the first moves should be easy:
1.Kf6 threatens mate, so 1…Rf1+ is forced when white replies 2.Kg6. Black has to stop the h-pawn from queening, so 2..Rh1. Then 3.h8Q Rh8: 4.Ra8+ Ke7 5.Rh8: wins the Black rook. As the white king is already close to the Black pawns it looks like white should win this…
Ke6 looks good.
Black should give his rook for white passed pawn in h-file.
I don’t know How white can stop marching pawns in b and c-files, moreover king seems to be support these pawns
Really calculation required!!!
I suggest 1.Rf7+ Ke8 2.Rg7 and the threat of mate prevents black from pushing either pawn. White is now able to exchange his h-pawn for black’s rook and my guess is white will be able to prevent any of white’s pawns from queening. Did not calculate it through, though. Any other ideas?
Beelze
1. Rf7+ Ke8 2. Rg7, with the threat 3. Rg8+ and h8Q results in a Rook against 3 pawns. Don’t know the result, but this seems to be the best continuation.
3…Rh6+ 3. Kd5 g4 4. Rg8+ Ke7 5. h8Q Rxh8 6. Rxh8 and now ??
Seems white will win easily in the continuation I gave above. The WR can take the g-pawn, and the WK can hold the pawn pair from advancing too much and the Rook can take them later,
Off Topic:
CARLSEN CONVINCED TO GET A SPOT IN THE CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT
The German Chessbase page has an interview with Carlsen where he was asked about dropping out of the World Championship Cycle.
From his answer it becomes clear IMO that he dropped out simply because he is convinced that he will be granted a wild card for the Candidates Tournament anyway.
Question: But how do you want to become then world champion? (after dropping out)
Carlsen.: I think, my time is yet to come. As third of the current world rank list FIDE must consider me for the next Candidates Match.
Anon 10:52 has got it right. I am just elaborting on your solution Beelze ( Is that your name?). Good job!
So as Beelze correctly suggested:
1. Rf7+ Ke8
2. Rg7! Kd8
The beauty of Beelze’s variation is that it is forced.
Now my addition:
3. Kd6 again threatening mate and practically forcing Black’s reply;
3……. K either to c8 or e8.
4. Kxc5
With no connected pawns, Black lost his chances
4………. b3
5. Rg8+
5…. K to anywhere on the 7th rank
6. Pawn promotion to queen on h8
6…… RxQ
7. RxR and the Rook easily stops the two far apart pawns by simply waiting for them on the 1st rank and bringing his King to help. The Black King is too far away to make any real dangerous situation for White.
Thanks for the compliments A. Weiler. Beelze is my handle when playing on the Chessbase server. Maybe see you some time around?!
I do not see “the easy win”
first of all, the most apparent 1.Kf6 is an easy draw: Rh6+ 2. Kxg5 with a rook endgame that looks very drawish. 1… Rf1+ probably loses, I didn’t explore
Now 1. Rf7+ Ke8 2. Rg7 Rh6+ 3. Kd5 g4! all hopes of Black are with g-pawn. Now what? 4. Rg8+ Kf7 5. h8Q Rxh8 6. Rxh8 — critical position which looks like a draw. I think both 6… Kf6 and 6…b3 give black a draw. white has no time to capture both q-side oawns and stop g-pawn.
actually, 6… kf6 loses
6… b3 still looks like a draw 7. Rb8 8. Rxb3 Kf5 9. Kxc5 Kf4 – typical shoulder pushing, it’s a draw
trying a different method: 7. Rh1 Kf6 7. Kxc5 Ke5! 8. Kc4 Ke4 9. Kxb3 Kf3 =
I do not exclude the possibility that white can win the R vs pawns game though. In a game this will be easier because forst moves are evident
Alex
Dear Beelze
Unfortunately we play on different servers. I use FICS. I think the Chessbase server is not free or is it?
About the compliments: You are welcome! Why not give them? After all, you deserve them. The solution -Not so easy to find, by the way.
I thought the puzzle was neat and highly instructive. Your solution- elegant. Bless Susan for giving us these puzzles.
ok!
Ra8+ Kg7
Ra7+ Kh8?,Kh6?,Kf8
kf6…etc