Classic chess problem by Henri Rinck: White to move and win - click on the photo to enlarge

In this chess study, it is White to move and win. The win is forced – either checkmate or a White gets a large amount of material to make the position untenable for Black.

Chess studies are composed problems rather than positions from a real chess game. Sometimes the study is inspired by a real game and often the study features game like possibilities. Chess studies are a proven way to learn endgame ideas and techniques.

In addition, studies are used by expert chess players and their chess trainers as a way to keep the ability to calculate sharp in between tournaments.  To derive benefit from a study as a practical chess player, it is recommended to set up the position on your chess board and solve it without moving the pieces – like a real chess game. The composer of the study has made it difficult and lays many traps along the way as you work through the solution.

This classic by problem composer Henri  Rinck has delighted and challenged chess solvers for generations. The challenge to you is simply – White play and win.  Making that happen, well, is a little more difficult. Notice that dangerous Black passed pawn on g3 is two moves away from queening. The solution will test your chess imagination.

To see more chess problems, visit Michael Ciamarra’s chess blog at www.al.com.

This image showcases our new 3D Chess Room, where we will demonstrate techniques and principles, pose problems, and provide instruction.

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Michael Ciamarra teaches Chess at Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center

Here is the announcement on the official FIDE (World Chess Federation) page; Michael’s name is under the “FI” section about halfway down, with “USA” next to his name.

Click this link to go to our videos page, or click the new page button in our website menu above and to the right of this page:  http://alabamachess.wordpress.com/videos/

This video was shot and produced by John Marc Green (http://johnmarcgreen.com).

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Everyone is welcome! Hope to see you there.

There is no cost to join, and equipment is provided. Students are invited to bring their parents and learn Chess, International Checkers, and the Asian game of Go. These games are currently classified as “Mind Sports,” and are featured in tournaments around the world.

This will be a weekly event from 2:00 p.m.  to 5:00 p.m. CST at the Books-A-Million at Broodwood Village Mall in Homewood, Alabama, near the intersection of Highway 280 and Lakeshore Drive. The gaming area is located upstairs in the Children’s section of the store, and the event is sanctioned and monitored by Books-A-Million. Students will sign in and out for safety.

Again, this is a free, weekly event designed to foster interest and enjoyment in classic games of strategy played around the world today, promoting educational and social development in young people.

Please email us at alabamachess@gmail.com if you have any other questions.