Daily puzzle

#26 · July 5, 2026
David Howell
David Howell

Today is a big day in Norway, home of the Take Take Take office! Norway play Brazil in the football World Cup. To celebrate the occasion, let's check out one of Magnus Carlsen's games against a Brazilian GM, Gilberto Milos. White is currently a piece down. Can you find the only winning move, which turns the tables and guarantees a material advantage? Milos actually resigned after seeing Magnus' move!

Played 2014, in Caxias do Sul Uva KO rapid • Carlsen vs Milos
Solution

Ne4 Rxc2 Nxf6+ Bxf6 e8=Q+

Simple and strong, in classic Magnus style! Black could have played ...Re8 on the first move, but we would've just taken the bishop on g5, with two extra pawns. Good work solving today's puzzle. I hope you're all enjoying the World Cup!