Chess Puzzle of the Week (214): Solution

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.