White wins

Both of White’s minor pieces are en prise, calling for swift and decisive action. The obvious check 1.Ra1+? Kb5= achieves nothing; equally futile is the capture 1.Bxf7? — after 1…cxb3+ 2.Bc4 b2! (forestalling Ra1) 3.d3 d5, for instance, Black equalises. Instead, the solution opens with a bold bishop sacrifice:

1.Bc6+! Rxc6

Of course, 1…b5?? runs into 2.Ra1#.

2.d5! Bxd5

Black is compelled to capture the pawn, for after 2...Rc8 or Rc7, 3.Nd4 follows, and nothing thereafter can avert Ra1#.

3.Ra1+ — with c6 and d5 now sealed off by Black’s own pieces, White embarks on the chase, herding the black monarch inexorably into a most unexpected mating net — 3…Kb5 4.Nd4+ Kc5 5.Rb1 (threatening 6.Rb5#) 5...a6 6.Rb5+! axb5 7.Nb3+! cxb3 8.d4#

White parts with all their forces save the d2 pawn — and it is this humble foot-soldier that lands the final blow.

Delightful!