Black to Play and Mate in Four

Pete Tamburro on Jun 9, 2008

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Anthologist Francis Wellmuth called this one of the most beautiful mates seen in actual play. The finish is from Bogoljubov-Monticelli, 1930.

Solution:

1...Ne2+ A primary function of this move is one of interference. If White goes to h2 with the king, Qg2 is mate! 2.Rxe2 Rf1+ Enticing the king away from h1. Again, if the king tries to hide on h2, then Qh1 is mate. 3.Kxf1 Qh1+ 4.Kf2 Ng4# A delightful knightful!

As we have noted before, it would be well worth your while to set this position up with the Black pieces on your side and move the pieces mentally. Try and imagine the logic of it. Black knew it was "one of those positions." Ask yourself, "How did Black figure each step along the way." He had to see the finish before he started giving away a knight and a rook. It's one of the best ways to improve your chess strength.

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.