Daily puzzle

#33 · July 12, 2026
David Howell
David Howell

To end the week, it's time for a puzzle from one of my online blitz games...against none other than Magnus Carlsen! During the pandemic, we played a long blitz match. He crushed me overall, of course, but I was able to score a couple of wins here and there. In this game I had been in trouble, but Magnus' last move was a bit careless. Can you see how I was suddenly able to win on the spot as Black?

Played 2020, in Blitz game • Carlsen vs Howell • Lichess.org
Solution

Qe3+ Rxe3 Rxf1#

There you go! I hope you enjoyed this week's puzzles based on my own games. I learned tactics myself from solving puzzles, so keep practicing. The main thing to take away is to always look for forcing moves in your own games! Checks, captures, and threats. In that order.