Solution To Problem Of The Day 2004-08-06

1. b8=Q Rxc2

There's nothing better as Q+N vs. R+B is a win after the pawns come off.

2. Qb1! Bf5

If the rook moves say 2...Rc4 3. Kxf2+ and mate on g1 follows, or if 2...Rd2 3. Qe4+ Kh2 4. Qf4+ Kh1 5. Qxd2 and soon mates. If 2...Re2 then 3. Qb7+ Kh2 4. Qxc7+ and White delivers perpetual check.

3. Qd1 Be4

The rook is tied to the defense of f2 and if 3...Kh2 then 4. Qd6+ cxd6 stalemate. If the bishop does not guard f3 then White gives perpetual check between f3 and f4.

4. Qf3+ Bxf3 stalemate