Coffee for Dessert

I sat down again and played until the position was real. This is that second sitting.

Chess is like life. Promotion looks like a win. It can also blind you.

Here both sides race a pawn. White’s d-pawn is one step from a queen. Black’s h-pawn is one step from a queen. Who promotes with a plan, and who promotes into mate?

5R2/3P4/8/6p1/2K3k1/7p/8/6r1 w – – 3 40

White to move. Find d8=Q. Then ask: does Black’s promotion save the seat, or does it hand White the finish?

Both queens appear. The board is loud. Sit through the checks.

3Q2R1/8/8/6p1/2K3k1/8/8/6rq w – – 0 42

Name the line that ends on Qa5#. Promotion without foresight is just a bigger piece walking into a net.

In life, a big promotion asks the same question. Do you see past the title, or do you get mated by the next check?

I wish you the best of luck!!

The Chess Zone – Coffee For Dessert.