The Grand Swiss tournament, held in September, was one of the most important events of the year. Three of the world’s youngest grandmasters showcased their potential. Texas’ 15-year-old Andy Woodward and New Jersey’s 16-year-old Abhimanyu Mishra tied for third place alongside several of the world’s top-rated players.
The rising tide of young prodigies was further evidenced when the youngest player in the tournament, 14-year-old Yagiz Erdogmus of Turkey, uncorked a checkmate for the ages. In this week’s position, Erdogmus is Black. Despite allowing White two queens threatening mate, Erdogmus countered with a bold queen sacrifice. With this hint in mind, try to find Black’s mating attack.
First, Erdogmus checked White from f2 with his queen. The White king dare not retreat to h1, as Black’s rook-queen battery on the second rank mates with queen to h2. Thus, White’s rook on f1 captured the Black queen.
Erdogmus’ rook on e5 then checked White from e1. White’s rook on f2 couldn’t block the check, as Black’s e1 rook would capture with support from its bishop, mating White’s king. Instead, White’s king retreated to h2 (see next diagram).
Black’s other rook on d2 captured White’s rook with check. White’s king was forced to take Black’s bishop, and Black’s rook on e1 checked White from h1, forcing the king to g4 (see next diagram).
Black’s rooks had done their job. Now it was up to the pawns, beginning with f6-f5, checking White and forcing the exhausted king into the corner on h5. The fatal blow was g6 (see next diagram).
This masterpiece was painted with rooks, pawns and a queen. It was a kind of silent symphony.
Reach Eric Morrow at ericmorrowlaw@gmail.com or (505) 327-7121.
