The Knight, being the only piece with “hopping privileges”, is an integral part of the game of chess. Many a chess masterpiece would not have been possible if not for this special ability of the knight.
Somewhere during our chess careers we all have experienced that nasty jolt of pain inflicted by an overlooked knight maneuver which is usually followed by a deadly fork. Nothing is more annoying than having to let your more powerful pieces dance to the tune of an enemy knight. This problem composed by Christoph Fieberg in 2006 elevates our theme further.
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| WHITE TO PLAY & WIN |
The position looks a bit of a mess & it is indeed bit of a chaotic muddle. But bear with me because what follows is worth the effort.
The natural 1.Rxb5 Qxh5 is unclear and likely to end up in a draw. White needs to find a forcing continuation. But from where?
The natural 1.Rxb5 Qxh5 is unclear and likely to end up in a draw. White needs to find a forcing continuation. But from where?
Let’s start with
1. Nd6 + Bxd6 (1. … Kd4 2.Rc4 #)
Followed by
2. Rc4 +
2. … dxc4 Once again forced.
More gifts are coming Black’s way.
3. Qd4 +
At this rate, soon white won’t have any pieces left.
3. … Kxd4
But now the real fun begins in earnest.
4. Ne2 +
The knight starts the ultimate ‘walk in the park’. Black army can only observe helplessly.
4. … Ke4
5. Nxg3 +
The rook on g3 becomes the first victim.
5. … Kd4
6. Ne2 + Ke4
And a pawn...
7. Nxc3 + Kd4
And the other rook ….
8. Nxb5 + Ke4
And a bishop...
9. Nxd6 + Kd4
But now if white tries to continue with the ride, 10.Nxf5+ Kc3 will put an end to all the fun. Time is nigh for the return of the knight.
10. Nb5 + Ke4
11. Nc3 + Kd4
12. Ne2 + Ke4
All is set for one final triumphant check...
13. Ng3 + 1-0
Amazing thing is after all that, the Knight is still there (admittedly hidden in a corner) to tell the tale.
REPLAY THE MOVES
REPLAY THE MOVES
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