Study 185

Árpád Rusz
Die Schwalbe
2020
3rd Honourable Mention

White wins

1. b5+! Rxb5 2. Rc6+! 2. Ra8+? Kb7 3. Kxb5 Kxa8 = 2... Rb6

3. Rg6!! mutual zugzwang 3... Ka7 3... hxg6 4. h7 Rb8 5. hxg6 +- 4. Rg7+ Rb7 5. Ka5 mutual zugzwang 5... Kb8 6. Ka6 Ka8! cyclic zugzwang - WTM. The only way to win is by reaching the same position but with black to move. (6... Rc7 7. Kb6 +-)

7. Rg5 or 7. Rg6 Rb8 8. Rf6! etc. but no 7. Rg1?! Rb1! 8. Rxb1? stalemate; 7. Rxb7? stalemate 7... Rb8 8. Rf5! 8. Re5? Rf8! = 8... Rb7 9. Rf8+ Rb8 10. Rf7 Rb7! 11. Rg7! +- cyclic zugzwang - BTM