Red wants to utilise mate threats
to transform the position into a won technical endgame. An
exchange of the cannon against the black rook would lead to
the easily won endgame rook vs. 2 advisers. Red will also
be happy if he achieves the endgame rook and cannon vs. rook
as long as he controls the central file. Thus, the main goal
for Red is to capture both of Black’s advisers while
retaining the control over the central file.
1. R5-4
,With this key move
(2 points) Red decisively restricts
the mobility of the black rook. The black rook can’t idle
behind the red cannon because this would result in a forbidden
perpetual check. Solitary checks would not change the nature
of the position and are therefore not mentioned later on.
1. . . . R9.8
1. . . . K5.4
2. R5.6 K4.5
2. . . . A5+4 yields
similar positions as in the main line, since it is insignificant
whether black rook and red cannon are on the first, second or
third file.
3. K4.5 R9.8
4. C1.2 R8.7
5. C2.3
Black is in Zugzwang. If the black rook moves sidewards, Red
will play C3+7 mate. The only alternative 5.R7-1 results in
the hopeless endgame 2 advisers vs. rook. 2
points for this side line (Answer 4).
2. C1.2 R8.7
2. . . . K5.4 yields
positions similar to the main line or the side line after 1.
... K5.4
3. C2.3 K5.4
4. R5.6 A5+4
4. ... K4.5 5. K4.5
yields the final position of Answer4.
5. R6+5 K4.5
6. R6.5 K5.4
6. . . . A6+5
7. C1.5
7. ... R9-7
8. R5.3 K5.4
9. R7+1
7. ... R7.5
8. R5-1 K5.4
8. . . . R5.1
9. C5+6 R1-7
10.K4.5
9.R5+2 R5.1
10.K4.5
Red controls the central file in the endgame rook and cannon
vs. rook and has achieved a book win. 2
points for this line (Answer3).
7. K4.5 K4+1
7. . . . A6+5
8. C3.5 A5-6
8. . . . A5+4 9. R5.6
K4.5 10. R6.5 or
8. ... A5+6 R5.4 along with R4.5 likewise yield the desired
endgame for Red.
9. C5.6 A6+5
10.R5+1 2 points for this line (Answer2)
8. R5-1 R7.4
9. C3+7 R4-2
10.R5+3
With the threat R5.6 checkmate.
11. ... A6+5
11.R5-1 Red has gained control over the central file, therefore
the endgame rook and cannon vs. rook is a book win. 2
points for the correct continuation of the main line
(Answer 1).
Puzzle 2: Red to move and checkmate
Solution
Red does not have enough time
to strengthen his attack with quiet moves like 1.H4+6, since
Black threatens 1. ... H6+7 along with 2. ... C9+4 checkmate.
Red can parry the mate threat with 1.R8+3 A5-4 2.R8-8. This
position would be better for Red but he does not have an immediate
kill, since Black can temporarily lock out the red rook from
the attack with 2.... A4+5 3.H4+6 S3.2 (3.... S3.2 4.R8.7
S2.3 5.R7.8 S3.2 is a legal repetition of moves because the
attacking piece is a soldier).
However, Red can avoid these positions and achieve a running
mate:
1. H9+8
Red can as well start
with 1.R8+3 A5-4 2.R8-1 A4+5 3.H9+8. In most variations positions
of the main line will follow (just one move later), only after
Black’s defence 3. ... A5-4 4.H8-6 K5+1 Red needs a different
plan, he can win with 5.H6-8 C4-1 6.R8.6 K5+1 7.H4+3 K5.6 8.R6.4
checkmate.
1. ... A5-4
1. . . . C4-2
2. H8-6 C4+9
3. H6+8 A5-4
3. . . . C4-9
4. H8-6 matt
Amusing swing of the red horse
4. H8-7 A4+5
5. R8+3 A5-4
6. R8.6 mate 1 point for this side line (Answer3)
2. H8-6 K5+1
2. . . . A4+5
3. R8+3 A5-4
4. R8.6 K5+1
4. ... K5.4
5. H6+8 mate
5. C9-1 K5+1
6. H4+3 mate 1 point for this side line (Answer2)
3. C9-1 2 points for the key move of
the main line
3. ... K5-1
3. . . . K5.4
4. R8+2 mate
3. . . . K5+1
4. R8.5 mate
4. H6-4 K5+1
5. R8+2 C4-1
5. ... K5+1
6. H-+3 K5.6
7. R8.4 mate
6. R8.6 K5+1
7. H-+3 K5.6
8. R6.4 mate 1 point for the correct continuation
of the main line (Answer1)
Puzzle 3: Red to move and checkmate)
Solution
Since the various mate threats
of the black soldiers cannot be parried there is no defensive
hope for Red. He has to find a running mate.
1. R2+9 E5-7
1. . . . A5-6
2. H3+4 K5+1
3. R2-1 mate or R1+3 mate, 1 point
2. C7+2
This key move (3 points) is difficult
to find. The idea behind it will become obvious after move 8
of the main line. Red removes the cannon to avoid that it would
stand in the way of the red horse later on.
2. . . . E1-3
3. R2.3 A5-6
4. H3+4 K5+1
5. H4-6 K5.4
