Monday’s puzzle was taken from the game between Peter Lalic and Gavin Wall from the recent Thames Valley Cup match between Richmond and Kingston.

Peter continued 18. Nxh7!! Kxh7 19. Qh3+ Kg6 and now the most efficient conclusion would have been 20. Rxd7!!, which either mates or wins the queen. The game continuation, 20. Qg3+ Kh7 21. Rxd7!? allowed Gavin the defence 21… Qf6, but White still had a decisive initiative.

Here’s the complete game.

As a Christmas bonus, here’s another Peter Lalic game, this time playing for, rather than against, Richmond.