Here's a gameplay I came across a few days ago, on Facebook. It's one I consider a brilliant move as it was the best move for White, having both it's Re5 and Nd6 under attack by Qf6.
This resulted in a conflicting conclusion between a friend and I. He didn't agree that Rh5 is a brilliant move, stating that it's an unnecessary sacrifice made out of desperation.
Brilliant move or not? Let's discuss this to see how it ends
Chess is a very practical game, so I would be analysing/playing out every possible situation in this position. I would be using Lichess Board Editor for this analysis.
The initial position before Rh5 goes:
White pieces: Kh3, Nd6, Re5, g2
Black pieces: Kh6, Qf6, Ng6
In the current Rh5 position, there are four possible outcomes. One if Black declines and plays g7, and three, if Black captures Rh5. Let's review them one after the other.
Situation 1: Black Declines
Declining is the worse option for Black, as the knight immediately forks the Knight and Queen, instantly giving white the upper hand.
Result
Kg7 Ne8
Kf7 Nxf6
Kxf6
Situation 2.1: Black Takes
Black gets forked with Nf7, resulting in a draw by insufficient material if Kxg5.
Result
Kxh5 g4
Kg6 g5
Qxg5 Nf7
Situation 2.2: Black Takes
The difference between this and 2.1 is, instead of Qxg5 on move 3, Black does Kxg5. Leading to Ne4, which is the same result as 2.1. Different routes, same destination. Another draw.
Result
Kxh5 g4
Kg6 g5
kxg5 Ne4
Situation 2.3: Black Takes
In this variation, Kg5 gives white the upper hand, as Black King and Queen gets forked once again, as seen below.
Kxh5 g4
Kg5 Ne4
Kh6 Nxf6
The Endgame.
4 possibilities: 2 draws, 2 potential wins for White.
The Rh5 sacrifice may have looked like an act of desperation but it wasn't. It was a calculated move that opened up four controlled possibilities which were in White's favour. Win or draw.
Either way, White doesn't lose. This event show that a player's success in chess depends on his/her ability to think ahead, calculating the possible scenarios before hand.
The essence of puzzles like these are to sharpen the mind to the possibilities one can come across during gameplay. There are an infinite possibilities in a chess match, so it may be almost impossible to replicate this position during gameplay.
If you ever come across this, now you know the best response is Rh5. Simply quote Seong Gi-hun Squid Game Season 2.
"I've played these games before"
"I've played these games before"
