On this day, 67 years ago, International Master Emory Tate was born in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away in 2015, but I am committed to continuing his legacy by sharing his chess games and stories. In honor of his birthday, today’s Winning Chess Move is a brilliant endgame tactic played by Emory Tate in 2001.
Emory Tate competed in the 2001 U.S. Open Chess Championship in Framingham, Massachusetts, winning several notable games, including victories against GM Nick de Firmian and GM Aleksander Shabalov. His game against Tom Braunlich on August 9, 2001, is a wonderful example of his tactical style. However, today’s puzzle comes from August 12, 2001 where Henry L Terrie had the white pieces against Emory Tate in Round 9. We join the game after White has just played 31. Rd5. This seemingly sound rook trade offer had a major flaw that Terrie missed. What stunning tactic did Emory Tate (Black) find for a game winning move.
Position after 31. Rd5. Black to move and win! (Henry L Terrie vs Emory Tate, Round 9 of the 2001 US Open in Framingham, MA, 8/12/2001)