Study 179

My Christmas Puzzle for this year is a twin study with DUPLEX solutions.

Árpád Rusz
RCS blog
2019

White wins
DUPLEX
Twin B: wR<->bR (the two rooks switch places)

1. Rd8+ 1. b7? Re8 2. Rg6 Rb8 3. Rxg3 Rxb7 = 1... Kh7 2. b7 g2

3. Rh8+! 3. b8=Q? g1=Q+ 4. Qb1+ Qxb1+ 5. Kxb1 = 3... Kg7 4. Rg8+! Kxg8 5. b8=Q+ +-

The DUPLEX stipulation means that black can also win if it is on move from the starting position. Due the symmetry, the solution is similar:

1... Re1+ 2. Ka2 g2 3. b7

3... Ra1+! 4. Kb2 Rb1+! 5. Kxb1 g1=Q+ -+

The twin also features rook sacrifices:

Twin B

1. b7 1. Rxg3? Rxb6 = 1... Ra6+ 1... Rd8 2. Rxg3 Rb8 3. Rb3 Kg7 4. Ka(b)2 Kf6 5. Ka3! Ke6 6. Ka4 Kd6 7. Ka5 Kc7 8. Ka6 Rh8 9. Ka7 +-

2. Ra3!! Rxa3+ 2... Rb6 3. Ra8+ +- 3. Kb2 g2 4. b8=Q+ +-

With BTM, we have a similar solution. I will give just the main line:

1... g2 2. Rh3+

2... Rh6!! 3. Rxh6 Kg7 4. b7 g1Q+ -+

Watch this study on a dynamic board!

Twin A: Click here!

Twin B: Click here!