Saavedra Position - Solution

Solution

The position as it is usually given today, with White to move and win, is shown in the diagram to the right. The solution is:

1. c7 Rd6+
2. Kb5 (2. Kc5? Rd1 and 3...Rc1! If 2. Kb7? Rd7 pins the pawn)
2...Rd5+
3. Kb4 Rd4+
4. Kb3 Rd3+
5. Kc2! Rd4!
6. c8R! (threatening 7.Ra8+; instead 6.c8Q? Rc4+! 7.Qxc4 is stalemate)
6...Ra4
7.Kb3

Black must either lose the rook (allowing White to easily checkmate) or be checkmated by 8. Rc1 (Emms 2008:10–11). This is one of the most famous examples of underpromotion in chess and a rare example of a player being famous for a single move (Sunnucks 1970).

Read more about this topic:  Saavedra Position

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