Solution for Puzzle of week Dec. 7, 1998

Lewitzky-Marshall  Breslau, 1912

The solution to this gem is considered by many chess scholars the most beautiful move ever played. In fact, there is a story that goes following Black's decisive move on which White resigned, the audience was so appreciative that they showered the board with gold. (coins) There are differing accounts about the factualness of this story. But, according to Marshall, the man who played this move, that actually did happen. Well, this is the move:

1. ... Qg3!!  White resigns

White cannot accept the offer in any form and there are three ways.

a) 2. fxg3 Ne2+     3. Kh1 Rxf1++ Mate.

b) 2. hxg3 Ne2++ Mate

and White's best choice is not any good either:

c) 2.Qxg3 Ne2+     3. Kh1 Nxg3+     4. Kg1 Nxf1  (4. fxg3? Rxf1++)     5. gxh3 and White is a piece down so he gave up.

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