1

Given this board setup:

6k1/1p3rpp/1q1p4/p2Pp3/P5Q1/1P3PP1/2R3KP/8 w - - 3 13

Puzzle states: White to move, find the best move. The puzzle solution says Qg4-e6 and the rationale is that Rc2-c8+ cannot be stopped. It seems to me, and some computer programs agree, that going directly for Rc2-c8+ is better because it forces a response of Qb6-d8 followed by Rc8xd8+ Rf7-f8, Qg4-e6+ Kg8-h8, Rd8xf8#. I am no master, I barely can call myself novice. So why is the solution saying that Qg4-e6 is better?

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5
  • 2
    I prefer Rc8 as it is more forcing. I don't see the advantage to 1. Qe6
    – Tony Ennis
    Nov 8, 2015 at 21:18
  • What is the stipulation of the puzzle?
    – Sir Cornflakes
    Nov 9, 2015 at 8:39
  • @jknappen what do you mean by stipulation? The problem states "white to move, find the best move". Does that answer your question? I guess I should have included that wording in the question.
    – Matt
    Nov 9, 2015 at 14:44
  • @Matt: Yes, it does. Thanks for the clarification.
    – Sir Cornflakes
    Nov 9, 2015 at 14:52
  • @jknappen Thanks for pointing that out. I edited the question.
    – Matt
    Nov 9, 2015 at 14:55

2 Answers 2

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3

You're absolutely right. Qe6 only seems to draw:

6k1/1p3rpp/1q1p4/p2Pp3/P5Q1/1P3PP1/2R3KP/8 w - - 3 13

1. Qe6 g6 2. Rc8 Kg7

There's no forced win for white here as far as I can see.

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2
  • Do you have a link or reference for creating those boards in questions and answers? I looked through the help but struck out.
    – Matt
    Nov 8, 2015 at 21:41
  • @Matt: check this question on Chess Meta.
    – Glorfindel ♦
    Nov 8, 2015 at 21:42
1

Often there are several strong moves and the puzzle solution lists just one of them.

In this case however, it seems to be a mistake. Possibly the second move was given instead of the first, with the intended solution being 1.Rc8 Rf8 2.Qe6+.

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