Chess by correspondence, in the middle decades of the last century, was a very popular activity.

It’s still played occasionally, by email rather than post of course, and there’s no restriction concerning engine usage. Consequently, almost all games, with your Stockfish taking on my Stockfish, result in draws. But there are those who enjoy this, and the fascinating positions which might arise.

This position is taken from a game posted on Facebook today by US correspondence player Frederick Rhine. Frederick was playing White against Joe G Tanti.

It’s White’s move. How should play continue? How would you assess this position?

It’s too hot to do anything else today, so have a fun Bank Holiday analysing this position.