Loshinsky’s task setting of an old idea, illustrating his unsurpassed
constructional ability.
Clearly the white queen must be brought into play, and the key
1.Kd7 threatens 2.Re4+ fxe4 (or K any) 3.Qd6. Note that
White simply wants the rook to vacate e7, but e4 is the only safe square.
Four black pieces can defend by preparing to exploit the pawn’s
departure from f5, but in each case another line-opening is invalidated,
hence the continuations, all of which threaten 3.Qd6.
1...Rg5 2.Re6;
1...Rh5 2.Re5;
1...Qh3 or Qh5 2.Re3;
1...Bh3 2.Re2.
There are two by-play variations, 1...Kc5 2.Re6+ any 3.Qd6 and
the striking 1...Kxd3 2.Kd8, threatening 3.Rd7.
Dafydd Johnston: The overloading of the four black pieces by the
five potential line-openings is nice, but what really appeals to me
about this is the further retreat of the white king after the black king
captures on d3. This is the antithesis of the conquering king!
Jacob Hoover: Decoy theme. I was wondering why there's a black
knight on h8, as it didn't seem to contribute at all. However, upon
analysis I've found that its presence prevents a dual by 2.Rxf7 after
1 ... Rg5.