ArcaMax

This is a very instructive position I found in Joel Johnson’s book “Formation Attacks”—a real classic of a book. The attack here combines several themes into one assault and well worth playing over.

Considering the nature of White’s threat, you should figure out the first move. Can you see it all the way to the finish?

Viktor Korchnoi was famous for his counter-attacks; however, he could attack brilliantly as well. This is a game from the 50s against Zakharov.

A win by Spassky from the 60s. It’s a mating attack.

I reached this position in a five-minute game. I had about two minutes left, so now so do you. Well, OK, you can have 5 minutes!

In case you celebrated too hard on New Year’s Eve, you can be assured you’re not seeing double. There are two sets of two knights, and it’s a mate in 5!

If it were Black’s move, he would have a decisive position after Qxf2+, but it isn’t. What should White do?

Note: the previous puzzle was supposed to have read--Bishops and pawn endings are often drawn because the weaker side bishop can sacrifice itself for the draw, but here White can win—Sorry for the confusion. Here we have a brilliant finish by Rossolimo in 1944.

Bishops of opposite color endings are generally considered drawn, but here White can win.