Crescat scientia, vita excolatur

"With the growth of learning, life is enriched."  That's the motto of a certain Hyde Park institution.

One of its distinguished alumni was featured on chess.com recently.

Before matriculation: Shmulik der vunder kind

And don't forget the club!

Back to the Back Rank II: Reshevsky-Fischer continued

Back to yesterday's question. 

Reshevsky-Fischer, Palma de Majorca Interzonal, 1970

Black to move

In this position, you may have been tempted to play 28...Qe2??  It does threaten a back-rank mate in one move: 29...Qxf1#.  But White gets to go first: 29.Qxf7+! Kh8 leads to this position:

Analysis after 28...Qe2??: White to play and win

So what's the winning move?

28...Qe1?? is bad for a slightly different reason: do you see why?

Analysis after 28...Qe1??: White to play and win

Of course, Fischer was not naïve in matters on the chessboard.  He found the best move: 28...Qf4!

White to play in the actual game:
a critical position!

Switch sides for a minute and try to help Reshevsky save this position with White (hint: a grandmaster playing White would have real drawing chances against Fischer): what would you recommend?  The most important challenge is to avoid getting mated on the back rank!

Back to the Back Rank: Reshevsky-Fischer, Palma 1970

Reshevsky-Fischer, Palma de Majorca Interzonal, 1970

Black to move

This is a position hard enough that eight-time U.S. Champion Sammy Reshevsky blundered horribly, but easy enough that a beginner can understand.  But take it one step at a time, slowly, and double-check you calculations!

Bobby Fischer is Black, and it's his move.  The position is probably only slightly better for Black, but Fischer would really like to win this qualifier so he can eventually play Boris Spassky.  He needs your help!

How many different ways can Black threaten back-rank mate?  Fischer did choose one such move: which one would you recommend?  Do you see any problem with any of the other possible mate threats?

Answers (and more questions) tomorrow evening....