This was an actual game today in the Women’s World Championship in Nalchik, Russia.
It is White to move. Can you find the best continuation for White?
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Real game exercise
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Sure – (58.)Ke5 as per the Kosteniuk game, as noted in earlier threads.
Rxa6 Rxa6,
cxb4 might be interesting, but daring such a move would be a question of its own.
cxb4
The point of 58.Ke5 is that it enables d5 after Rh1. The Black King is harried and even threatened with Rh8 mate. The Black N and R have to come across, taking moves, while the wR continues to defend rank one. Black soon has to play RxP, and loses the R.
Maybe Kosteniuk missed the threat of Rh1.
The Nalchik site commentary doesn’t even note that Kosteniuk missed the win.
cxb4
You’re in good company — that’s what Kosteniuk played. But it was only good for a draw.
Rh1 is clearly winning.