Freie Presse 1987, Prize
08 MAR 2025
Mate in 4
The incredible key is 1.Rb5!.
To prevent Rb8#, Black has no choice but to take the rook, but both captures open up crucial lines for White:
1…axb5 2.Nf6! threat: 3.Rc8# — a sparkling decoy.
2…Rxf6 3.Qa1 threat: 4.Qa8#
3…Na4 4.Qxf6#
The second variation is analogous:
1…cxb5 2.Nf8! threat: 3.Rc8#
2…Rxf8 3.Qf3 threat: 4.Qa8#
3…Nd5 4.Qxf8#
A spotless gem of a problem.