Poisoned Pawn

Introduction

This problem appeared as a "Daily Puzzle" on chess.com. I found it very neat: it has a clear idea that is marvelously captured in an economical setting. In fact, it is so nice, I wondered whether it might be a composed problem. There is of course much beauty that surfaces in over-the-board play—but usually that beauty is surrounded by the irrelevant rubble of a game in play. A successful chess problem takes the rough stone, facets it to increase its depth and sparkle, and embeds it in an attractive setting. So I searched around and, sure enough, found that this is a composed problem that was published over 120 years ago. I was glad chess.com offered it to thousands for enjoyment. But I was sorry that the site gave no inkling that a couple of humans had no doubt labored mightily to create this gem. So, thank you Walther and Max!

The Problem

W. von Holzhausen and M. Sohege, 1903

White to move and win.

(Solution appears below.)

The Solution

Outro

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