Tactics: Beauty and Truth
This week's Canadian Tactic comes from the 2014 North American Youth Chess Championship.
In the 8th round in the U18, Canadian Jason Cao had White against US star Justus WIlliams.
White to play and win.
Hint:
Sometimes the most beautiful move is also the best... and not just in tactics books, but over-the-board. Spoiler: Highlight to view
Good enough, but not nearly best:
Spoiler: Highlight to view
30.Rxe1 also wins, but is not nearly as convincing: 30...Rc6 31.Bd6+ (only move) Rcxd6 32.Nxd6 Qb8 White is up a pawn and Black's K is horribly exposed, but the game's not over yet.
Solution:
30.Qg8+!! Beautiful and best. 30... Nxg8 31.Bd6+ resigns, 1-0; Black's only move 31...Ke8 will be met by 32.Rf8#.Spoiler: Highlight to view
One point is seen after: if 30...Ke7 31.Rxe1+ Ne4 32.Qf7+ Kd8 33.Qf8#
From the game:
Jason Cao (2330) - Justus Williams (2366)
NAYCC 2014 - U18
Tarrytown, New York
2014.06.16
The complete game, with notes by FM Jason Cao, will appear in the next issue of Chess Canada, the CFC's online newsletter.