Daily puzzle

#23 · July 2, 2026
David Howell
David Howell

It appears that Black is threatening a scary discovered check on the b-file. Svidler, however, an 8-time Russian champion, had seen that this is just an illusion. Which move gives White a winning position?

Played 2026, in World Rapid Team Championship • Svidler vs Caruana • Hong Kong
Solution

Rh4 Kg8 Qh6 Ba4+ Ka1 Qf1+ Ka2 Qe2+ Ka3

Good job! Turning defence into attack is an elegant and important skill, but it can be difficult to train. Here it was important to realise White can leave the king to its own devices, and that Black's checks will eventually dry up. Walking the king along the a-file guarantees safety, and it will soon be White's turn to deliver mate.