Hint 1

It's mate in 4.


Hint 2

Nf7+ then Nh6+

Smothered mate


The solution is here - https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/120785379743?tab=analysis&move=59 - check top of the right sidebar.

I started trying something new when I watch speed chess.

  1. Sometimes I watch players stronger than me but not too much stronger than me.

  2. I keep the evaluation bar off so I'm forced to think without hints. I'm way too addicted to the elav bar.


Spoiler - I mention what I saw in real time.

I watched this game a few minutes ago. I thought I was clever to notice Nf7+ and Nxd8 which wins the rook. But even though I love smothered mates - I didn't even think to look for that. When white played Nh6+ I nearly groaned. What the- Oh! I missed it! Fuuuuuuck!

  • Nationalgoatism [any]
    ·
    3 months ago

    Nxd8 also leads to a mate in 3 or 4. Black has to respond Kh8 or Kf8, so Qe8 or Qf7 respectively. This is a cool play as well though

    • Speaker [e/em/eir]
      ·
      edit-2
      3 months ago

      I don't think Nxd8 would be legal. EDIT: Oh, I see it, next move. My bad. Though I think you need the smother to avoid Qxe6.