Two from off the Vine!

Two problems for your solving enjoyment!

Both are taken from the first round of this month's Tuesday Night Open at the Chess Emporium. The time control for this event is 45 moves in 2 hours and then Sudden Death in 1 hour. SD means all remaining moves - when some one's time runs out then they lose! My opponent in round one was a fellow chess coach Abriam Blair who weighed in at 1523 USCF.

PROBLEM # 1

BLACK: Coach SEAN

WHITE: Coach ABRIAM

Right here Abriam just played 24. Qxc3 as I had just captured a Bishop on c3 with a Knight. So my opponent made a recapture to stay even on points. But now Black to play wins material!

BLACK TO PLAY & WIN POINTS!

PROBLEM # 2

This is one move before the final position. Abriam has just played 39. Rd6-d8 and is hoping that I miss an "obvious" move. What did I play here? 39. ...____ ?

BLACK TO PLAY & WIN (CHECKMATE!)

Two problems for you solving enjoyment = the solutions! :

Problem #1: 24. ...e4! The Queen (9 points) is attacked by the Bishop (3 points) on g7. The pawn uncovered the attack by the Bishop upon the Queen AND is attacking the White Bishop on d3. White can choose - lose a Queen or lose a Bishop!

Problem #2: 39. ...Qe2 + + Game over Rover! Tis checkmate.