Thursday’s winning 5-second tactics

im Ochsner,B – im Thybo,J Denmark_ch 24.3.2018

There is no doubt that White has a large positional advantage. But with Black’s King quickly coming in to the fray to support his own e-pawn, he must act quickly  or risk  being thrown back. White to play and win!

gm Smirnov,A – fm Stojic,D Doeberl Cup 30.3.2018

Passed pawns everywhere, and White is threatening mate in one move! In such sharp and complex positions, everything is about timing. Often having the move can make all the difference. Black to move and win!

gm Korneev – fm Figero Toro,J La Roda 1.4.2018

Black, in bad shape with his best pieces stuck on the back rank, and has just captured the Bishop on d3. White could simply capture it and maintain the pressure, but there is better! White to play and crush!

gm Sengupta,D – im Sukander,I Doeberl Cup 30.3.2018

Black is tied hand and foot and can hardly move,  so typical of the Spanish Opening. But the real challenge is how does White make progress. Often there is no direct way to do so. But not here! White to play and win!

gm Korobov,A – im Poetsch,H Grenke_Open 2.4.2018

Black’s last move (Nf8-g6) is a subtle error that Korobov is quick to pounce on. What White now finds is really quite remarkable, especially because it is not at all obvious. And complex. White to play and win!

fm Malek,D – gm Buhmann,R Grenke_Open 2.4.2028

A very tense and sharp fight up to now, with the advantage changing hands several times already. But now an opportunity is available to Black. Do you see it? Black to play and force mate!