A position from the Bury Congress Open
Suffolk’s Ian Wallis, facing 210-graded David Graham in the final round of the recent Bury St Edmunds Congress, found himself (White, to play) in the following position. Can you see what Ian should have played (but didn’t)?
Ian comments: “Coming at the end of a very tough but enjoyable congress this was an opportunity missed. I would like to think if this occurred in the first round I would have found the continuation! I played 32. Qh4, retaining an advantage but eventually letting Black off with a perpetual check.
32. Nxe7+! was the killer move.
If 32. … Kg7, 33. Rxh7+! Kxh7, 34. Qg6+ Kh8 35. Qg8#
If 32. … Kf8, 33. Nxg6+ hxg6 (33. … Kg7, 34. Qd4+ Kxg6 35. Qg4+ Kf6, 36. Qh4+ Kg7, 37. Qxh7+ Kf8, 38. Qg6 transposes to same position. 38. Qh8+ also wins easily.) 34. Qxg6 Ke7, 35. Re1+ Kf8 (else the rook drops with a trivial win) but now 36. Qh6+ and it is mate in six or sooner.
If 32. … Rxe7, 33. Qxe7 +-
Complicated lines but calculable; must be getting old!”
Thanks for this Ian – more games and positions are always welcome.