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If black can survive the white attack (without having to sacrifize much material) then “white is so lost” – the material (B+N vs R+P) is at the moment almost equal but the passed pawn on b2 should decide.
But before black can think of anything like Qc2 or Nc3 to win the white rook he first has to defend against white’s mating threat in form of 2. Qf7+, Kh8 3. Ng6#.
2. Qf7+, Kh8 also allows Qxf8+ (with at least perpetual).
First try: 1. -, Bg7 – that move leads to (at least) a perpetual (startimg with Qf7+).
As long as we are in a winning mood a “draw move” like Bg7 isn’t acceptable (if all the other variations lead to mate we change our plan and fight for draw – then such a move allowing perpetual should come back to our thoughts and I think Bg7 is the best move THEN).
So what else? Tries like Bd3/Qc2 defending g6 do not help either so the only move seems to be 1. -, Be8.
How shell white proceed? There is no time to lose, perhaps 2. Rf1.
But then 2. -, Bg7 (now!) seems to save black and I see no more (fast!) attacking move.
I am not very convinced by now and look forward to reading more comments.
But I think black can hold this position (“hold” means here to defend against mate AND perpetual and later win the game because of the strong passed pawn) by 1. -, Be8!
(Perhaps black gets crushed after Be8 and I simply don’t see it.)
Greetings
Jochen
Doesn’t Be8 solve black’s immediate problem of the white Q? That prevents any next turn check. So black’s next move is to force that rook out of the way of the b2 pawn.
I agree that 1…Be8 defends against all of white’s threats (Qf7+, Nd7, Ng6). Then I would follow up with 2…Nc3 to Queen the pawn.
Susan, no one seems to be interested in posting here anymore. But I am interested in knowing the solution.
Are we right? Is the simple Be8 a winning move? Are there any white attacking variations left?
Tom, where are your analizations? 🙂
Greetings
Jochen