Daily puzzle

#22 · July 1, 2026
David Howell
David Howell

Yesterday we featured one of Magnus' recent losses. Today it's time for a win! There is currently an awkward-looking pin on the b-file. Magnus, however, had foreseen a deep variation that wins by force. Can you calculate like the GOAT?

Played 2026, in ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup • Tin vs Carlsen • Bangkok
Solution

Bxc4 Rxb8 Bf1 g4 hxg3 Qe1 g2+ Kg1 Bh2+ Kxh2 g1=Q+ Bxg1 Qg2#

Very, very nice. Blow after blow, using a combination of different motifs - forcing moves, threats, en passant, promotion, mating nets - gave Black a killer attack. Magnus might be struggling for form right now, but he'll be back with a vengeance!