A Neat Kubbel Study

by kevinspraggettonchess · Published November 7, 2020 · Updated November 7, 2020

In the realm of chess studies, the name Leonid Kubbel stands out. The above study was created in 1913. Black has a Queen, while White has a Rook and Bishop for it. Hardly seems enough.

But here is where the genius of Kubbel enters into play! As we shall soon see, the Queen is no match for the two White pieces.

Let’s see the solution!

[FEN "6q1/p7/P3p1p1/4k3/2P1p1K1/4P3/8/1R2B3 w - - 0 1"] {[#]} 1.Rb8!{[#]} Qh7{[#]} ( 1...Qxb8 2.Bg3+ ) ({<strong style="color:black;">We shall see what happens after </strong> } 1...Qf7 {<strong style="color:black;"> in a couple of moves </strong> } ) ( 1...Qg7 2.Bc3+ ) 2.Rh8!{[#]} Qf7{[#]} ( 2...Qd7 3.Rd8! Qxd8 ( 3...Qf7 4.Bc3# ) 4.Bg3+ Kf6 5.Bh4+ ) ( 2...Qxh8 3.Bc3+ ) ( 2...Qe7 3.Bc3+ Kd6 4.Bb4+ ) 3.Rf8!{[#]} Qxf8{[#]} 4.Bc3+ Kd6 5.Bb4+{[#]} 1-0 You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.

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