the path to victory 07-05-2010

Black to play and win !

2 Grandmasters (both with Elo above 2600) were battling in the last round of the U.S World Open played in Philly,PA.

The crucial moment didn't come in the opening or in the ending but in the middlegame.
Black gained a decisive advantage here, taking advatange of 38 Re1-e2?

linear calculation ( puzzle category : easy )

Black to play and win

Hint: Black ( a norvegian promising GM) noticed the awkward situation of the white pieces in the middle of the board and exploited it in a linear and convincing fashion. Yours to find !

Attacking tactics ( level=easy)

To continue with the theme Queen+Knight.

White to play and win ( Position I)

White to play and win ( position II)

White to play and win ! (Medium Difficulty)

White to play and win !

The GrandMaster with White has developped his attack on the King-Side. How does he get closer to the Black King ( note that the Black Queen and Knights are too far to protect the King-Side)

Tactics at the 39th move

Find the best move with White !

White (who sent me the spectacular game and position) to play in the following position, which happened in a recent tournament game.

What would you play ?

Find the best move with Black !

Black to play and take the advantage :19...?

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There is no straight win here, just a strong continuation made possible by a tactical motif

US Chess Championship 2010 : Nakamura-Shulman Tactics (round 9)

Black to play and win !

Nakamura-Shulman , (9) U.S Championship 2010; a brilliant tactical win for Black, issued from a french defense opening where Naka overpressed.

Shulman will play Kamsky tomorrow in the decisive game for the 2010 U.S Championship !

tactical conclusion

Black to play and conclude the attack

The White player ( a GM) just played Qc6. Can you figure out why Black ( also a GM ) was pleased to play on ?

Solution/Hint:

in the comments, one guest (gaffeur) found the right idea !

1..Rh2+ 2 Kg3 f1=N+ ! 3 Kf4 Rh4+ 4 Kg5 ( and 2 Kg1?? Bh3 #), reaching this diagram

Follow-up , Black to win :

What is the neat finish ?