Not only are there very few pieces on the board, material is equal.

If Black had the move then the players could agree a draw, however it is White to play, can you find a forcing  way to claim the win?

White to Move

Just for a change we have two games of the week

The first is between 2 Indian young talents and the second game is from the Thanet All Play All League. In both games we see a fairly level opening followed by one player gradually getting the upper hand.

I find the pair of games instructive to watch how simple moves and gaining activity for the pieces can quickly lead to overwhelming positions.

In Game one we see a young IM take down his higher rated opponent

 White:  Ghosh Aronyak       Black:  Ab Gupta

Vidit Tour KO 2021

In game two we see a very nice win from the Thanet All Play All

 White:  John Hunt       Black:  Robert Starley

Thanet All Play All 2021

Imagine that you are in this difficult position: Black threatens to win your Queen and, if the Queen moves, mate on g2 is unavoidable

However it is White to move, can you find a brilliant way to force victory?

White to Move

 

 

White to Move

In the game White actually resigned in this position, however he had a winning move

1.Rd6

if 1…. Rxd6 then 2. g8=Q+ wins and if 1 …..cxd6 2. f7 and White is promoting to a Queen next move