Today’s 5-second tactics

Today’s examples come from the French Team Championship (Top-12) being held as I write in Saint-Quentin.  The link is on the side-bar for those interested in finding out more.  Other than that, solutions at the end below; more examples as the day progresses.  GOOD LUCK!

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gm  Vaisser,A

gm  Vachier-Lagrave,M

Played on the 27th.  Position after 15 moves.  A rare case of a grandmaster being caught in a known opening trap!  Black’s position looks solid enough (it is) but the theme of a discovered check is cleverly hidden from view…atleast from Black’s!

WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN!

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TCh-FRA Top 12 Saint-Quentin  2014.5.27  Vachier Lagrave,M–Vaisser,A: 16.Nxd5!! cxd5 17.Rxd5!!  Ouch!  The combined threat of discovered check and capturing a piece means that White will win material in every line.  The game finished rapidly: 17… Bxe5 18.Rxd8+ Kh7 19.Bd3+ g6 20.Rxf8 Rxf8 21.Kb1 Bf4 22.Bxf6 Ra8 1-0