Endgame position

Submitted by FM zibbit on Tue, 07/01/2008 at 7:17am.

This is from my game against IM Esben Lund played last year. I am white and it's my move. Short on time and defending for a long time we ended up in this position and I found nothing better than 81.Rf8+ and I resigned after 81...Bf5. The thing is black is threatening ..Bf3+ and then ..Bg4 to close the g-file and then promote next move and my king can't help to stop the g-pawn.

Can you find an improvement or was this the natural result of this game?

» posted in zibbit's Blog

| 814 reads | 6 comments

Comments:

by Loomis - 16 months ago
Durham, NC United States

Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 3023

There's very little chance I would play it right in an actual game. The hint of being a puzzle makes a big difference.

by likesforests - 16 months ago
United States

Member Since: May 2007
Member Points: 4407

Good spotting, Loomis! A 6-man tablebase confirms 81.Ke1 is the only draw.

by FM zibbit - 16 months ago
Hafnarfjordur Iceland

Member Since: Jun 2008
Member Points: 102

Loomis found the stalemate idea that saves the day. If anything is unclear just ask!

by Loomis - 16 months ago
Durham, NC United States

Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 3023

81. Ke1! And now if 81. ... Bf3 then 82. Rg4+ when taking the rook results in stalemate.

by FM zibbit - 16 months ago
Hafnarfjordur Iceland

Member Since: Jun 2008
Member Points: 102

I already said in the text black is threatening Bf3+ and Bg4. So lets say you play a waiting move like 81.Rg7 then you are simply losing after 81...Bf3+ 82.Ke1 Bg4 because the g-pawn cannot be stopped.

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