Daily puzzle

#20 · June 29, 2026
David Howell
David Howell

Black is a pawn up, but has just committed a major blunder. Can you see how White suddenly seized a decisive advantage?

Played 2026, in World Rapid Team Championship • Erigaisi vs Niemann • Hong Kong
Solution

c5 Bxb5 cxb6 Ba6 Ra7

Nice spot! This type of endgame opportunity is rare, but the idea of creating a passed pawn by brute force is both instructive and satisfying. A hard lesson for Hans Niemann, who will not be making the same mistake again in a hurry!