Study 177

Árpád Rusz
Gravure
2019
3rd Honourable Mention

White wins

1. Bc5 Qxb7+! 1... Bxe4 2. Ba7+ +-; 1... Qxd6+ 2. Bxd6# 2. Nxb7 Bxe4

Fork! Unfortunately, the white bishop occupies the c5 square, so the knights cannot defend each other…
3. Ba7+! 3. Bd6+? Ka8! 4. Ndc5 (4. Nbc5 Bxd3+ 5. Nxd3 stalemate) 4... Bxb7+ 5. Nxb7 stalemate 3... Ka8! The black king wants a stalemate. Now the c5 square is empty. Should the knights defend each other? No!

1st thematic try:
4. Nbc5? Bxd3+! 5. Kb6 5. Nxd3 stalemate 5... Bc4! = mutual zugzwang

2nd thematic try:
4. Ndc5? Bxb7+! 5. Kb6 5. Nxb7 stalemate 5... Bc8! = mutual zugzwang

4. Nb4!! Bxb7+ 5. Kb6 mutual zugzwang 5... Bd5 5... Ba6 6. Nd5! Bc4 7. Nc7# 6. Na6! Bc4 7. Nc7#

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