Nº7 Amatzia Avni

Win

Amatzia Avni (Israel)

wKa2,Qa1,Rh3,Pa6,b2/bKa8,Qe8,Bg1,Pb6,c5,d3,e7,f5

1.b3 double threat – 2.Rh8 and 2.Q:g1
1.Rxd3? Qa4+ 2.Ra3 Qc4+=
1.Qxg1? Qa4+ 2.Kb1 Qc2+=

1…Qg6
1…Bd4?? 2.Qh1++-

2.Rh8+
2.Qh8+ thematic 2…Ka7 3.Qc8 Qg2+= protecting square b7

2…Ka7 3.Ra8+! Kxa8 4.Qh8+ Ka7 5.Qh1 Kxa6 6.Qa8+ Kb5 7.Qa4#

Themes: A) corners – a1–h8-h1–a8 B) clearance – Rh5 is sacrificed to enable Qh8-h1 The move b2-b3, originally defensive, proves to be key in enabling the final mate