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CHESS PUZZLE, FEN 8/4R3/8/1K1k4/8/B3P3/8/8 w - -

Added by:clems
Added on:07-Apr-25
Description:
Difficulty:
chess puzzle 8/4R3/8/1K1k4/8/B3P3/8/8 w - -
Attempts:16
Solved:4 (25%)
White to move, mate in 5
Comments: (3) » LastGo to last comment
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capafan
11-Feb-26, 14:31

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Excellent Teaching Example
1.Bc5=1/2 (Stalemate)
4.Bc5 prepares for 5: Checkmate.
Moves 1-3 transform the situation from draw to win, all because of the Bishop's power of seizing the initiative through a "waiting move".
capafan
11-Feb-26, 14:36

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This is definitely one to memorize, to share with friends in the future.
capafan
20-Feb-26, 01:29

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Memorize What?!... The WAITING MOVE...
Here's the rub:
Just 9 days ago, I posted this msg above, but today I came back here and couldn't recall the first move, let alone the pattern. Had to figure it out all over again!
Therefore, in case that happens again, here it is:
1. Bb2! ...Kd6 (he's attacking the Castle! 🏰 )
2. Bf6 (guards Castle) ...Kd5
3. Bd4 (the WAITING MOVE; guarded by Pawn) ...Kd6 (attacks e7 again, the wait is OVER!! 😁 )
4. Bc5+ ...Kd5 (not Stalemate, b/c it's White's move!!! 😁 Note: d4 is guarded twice, by Pawn and Bishop)
5. e4# (B guards d4, since Pawn has left)

This WAITING MOVE technique of losing the move to avoid Stalemate has a technical name:

••••• Seizing the Opposition! •••••

Some annotations refer to this move #3 by it's follow-up, simply as "White moves 4. Bc5 with check."
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