Young Rudolf the reindeer surprised Santa with his red nose. Santa first thought Rudolf had a bad cold, but then saw his nose emitted a light so bright. The rest went down in history.
Like Rudolf, Magnus Carlsen surprised Alireza Firouzja in this week’s position by underpromoting his pawn, forcing checkmate. With this hint in mind, please try to find White’s three-move mating line.
Black’s advanced g2 pawn is dangerous, as Black’s queen threatens check on e1 followed by queen to f2. This move both defends and attacks. Immediate action is required by White.
White replies with queen to g8, check. Black’s rook must take the queen.
Now the red light lit up on Carlsen’s nose. He promoted his pawn to a knight, not a queen, double-checking Black’s king (see next diagram).
Black’s only move is king to h8. White’s rook slid over to h7 as if on a sled and mated Black with the support of the knight.
Expect the unexpected, Rudolf later said to Santa when he grew up. Rudolf was referring to heavy clouds and fog. All the same, let your nose sniff for the unexpected on the chessboard, and you may find an unexpected gift.
Reach Eric Morrow at ericmorrowlaw@gmail.com or (505) 327-7121.
