black to move and draw

This was a position I reached against an elo average 1850. I was playing black, and the time controls for the game were 40/2 SD 1. In time trouble just before the 40th move I played rf8, and resigned a move later to Qd1. As it turns out there was a relatively simple drawing line instead of rf8. Can you find it? If you do find the solution please send it to me in a message instead of posting. thanks 🙂

No, I can't find it. I believe white is much better and winning in all variations.

I think I know your idea (because it's kinda obvious). However I'm not convinced it's really draw. I'll send you moves after I've looked a bit more at it.

Kf8?

alright guys, there's a line for black that at least draws in there. I can't say I blame you for not seeing it though, it actually took SwissGambit and kbaumen to help me realize my line was bad and there was another possible line. gl 😉

I still believe White will win. But here are some ideas:
Obviously 1... Rf8 loses to 2. Qd1.

So what about 1... Qc1+ 2. Kh2 Qc7+ 3. g3?

Now without the mate threat on Qxf7 followed by Qxg7 Black could already take the d-pawn. But f7 has to be protected. 3... f6 will be mate, same with Kh8 or Qc4. Therefore 3... Rf8 is only possible move.

I think White has clear advantage now and several winning lines. For example 4. Qf4 Qd8 5. Qxb5 and so on. Or: 4. Qd5 Qd8 5. Re3 and Black probably has to play b3 giving the pawn just to start counterpressure, because of White's Qc6-Re8 threat.

So where can Black play different? I dont see it (yet).

I can't tell you or I would be giving it away for other viewers. If you're really interested and want me to tell you I'll message you the answer. Also you're posting ideas on here, which is kind of unfair to others who want to solve it on their own, so please instead of posting just send me your ideas. thanks 🙂

I would agree that someone posting "the solution" immediately could spoil it a bit for others. But in this case, a challenging analysis was posted, and I think that is beneficial to all. On top of that, I tend to agree with the challenge, and I am very anxious to read "the drawing line".

Yes, please send it to me.

If you, Artplayer, get your line refuted, by these two players (Mephisto and Crazyblue) via PM, then please send me a PM of how they refuted it because I think black can easily gain a draw here.

EDIT: And it would very interesting to see that.

He didnt send me yet, so if you have the time, just send me and if I find any mistake I will send it back to you 🙂

Originally posted by kbaumen
If you, Artplayer, get your line refuted, by these two players (Mephisto and Crazyblue) via PM, then please send me a PM of how they refuted it because I think black can easily gain a draw here.

EDIT: And it would very interesting to see that.

If your drawing line is not something else than starting with 1. ... Qc1+, then the refutation posted above looks convincing to me, and you are invited to post the flaws. If it is something else, then even more so.

sigh. OK, there isn't a draw as far as I can tell. Sorry- Black's best tries are Qc1+ Kh2 Qc7+ g3 rf8 Qd5 (Qd8 re2!, with the unstoppable threat of Qb6 and re8 1-0) Qb8 Qc6! b3 re8 b2 rxb8 rxb8 Qc8+ 1-0

Originally posted by Mephisto2
If your drawing line is not something else than starting with 1. ... Qc1+, then the refutation posted above looks convincing to me, and you are invited to post the flaws. If it is something else, then even more so.

Unfortunately, my drawing line had its own flaws.

Originally posted by kbaumen
Unfortunately, my drawing line had its own flaws.

That's ok. The position was interesting enough to spend some time analysing the options. It is not about who is right or wrong.