Chess Tactic of the Day Answers #35 to #41

Tactic #35



This tactic comes from the 5th round game of the World Chess Championship between Steinitz and Zukertort. Steinitz continues his poor play, and this was the last of his 4 early losses in a row. It makes his ultimate victory amazing!

The idea behind the tactic is 32. Rxg7 Rxg7 33. Rxg7 Kxg7 34. Nxe6+ Kh8 (or anywhere) 35. Nxc7 winning a rook.

Tactic #36:

1. Bc5 Ka5 2. Rxa7# or 1. Bc5 a3 2. Rxa7#

Tactic #37:

1. Qc5+ Kd3 2. Bf5# or 1. Qc5+ Ke4 2. Qd4#

Tactic #38:

1. Qg4+ Kh7 2. Qg7# or 1. Qg4+ Kh7 2. Qh5# or 1. Qg4+ Kh6 2. Rh8#

Tactic #39:

1. Qf4+ Ke1 2. Qc1# or 1. Qf4+ Kg1 2. Qc1#

I messed this one up because I thought it was 1. Qe5 Kg1 2. Qe1# or 1. Qe5 g1=Q 2. Qe2#. This doesnt work, though, because 1. Qe5 g1=N! and there is no checkmate.

Tactic #40:

1. Qf3 c5 2. Qf7#

Tactic #41:



This is simply an incredible game. Ponomariov ended up winning Dortmund, which is not all that surprising if he played like this!

Well, my plan was to put these answers up on the Monday two weeks or so after the problems are up. This one is about a week late. I will put up one tomorrow, and hopefully get back on schedule.