On Monday I asked you to assess this position from the game between Nick Edwards (Coulsdon 2) and Chris White (Richmond) played at the club last week. It’s White’s move (the colour, not the player).

Discussing this at the club last night there were differing opinions about who stood better and what White should play here. Several moves were suggested: Nc1, Nf4, Bf4, Qb2 for example. In general terms Black is rather better here. White’s position is stagnant, with a weak pawn on c4, while Black has a long-term plan of building up an attack on the kingside.

In the game, Nick Edwards played Kh1, losing fairly quickly. You can see the game here.

In fact White has one move here that holds the balance – and it’s none of those mentioned above.

17. Nd4!! and if 17… cxd4 then 18. cxd4 with c5 to follow. Stockfish tells me White’s central pawn mass more than outweighs Black’s extra piece.

After 17. Nd4!! Black should play 17… g5! 18. Nb5+ Kb8 and now 19. Bd4!!, when again Black should refuse the offered piece: after 19… Nh6! 20. Bxe5 Qxe5! (both pawn captures lose) the position apparently offers equal chances.

If you found this sequence you score a well deserved 100%.