Even Monkeys Fall from Trees. ~ Japanese proverb.

Welcome, everyone to another invigorating edition of Blitz and Memes. If you're a fan of puzzles taken from amateur online blitz tournaments, then you have come to the right place, because that is what I do.

As always, the tactics have been selected from the Japan Chess Federation's monthly blitz tournament: TGIF Blitz. The tourney takes place on the 3rd Friday of every month, 21:00 JST, right here on chess.com. It consists of seven rounds of blitz, with a time control of 3+2; and is open to all JCF club members.

The memes on the other hand, have been unearthed from the infinite corners of the InterWebs...

This month's edition includes a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT...

Moreover, there are a couple of really filthy tactics in here, so it will take something special to get all 5 puzzles correct on the first attempt...Good luck with that.

So, without further ado, lets get to the Blitz and Memes.

Unprotected Equine

Our first tactic is brought to use by IM rnanjo that perennial powerhouse of Blitz & Memes. Here in the 3rd round, playing White he is able to take advantage of an under-protected piece.

White's battery on the c-file is a key component of this tactic.

Whose Queen is it Anyway?

Another encounter from the 3rd round sees Sond_offwhitey, playing Black, take advantage of a miscalculation to win material.

White's attack is unsound, but why?

Tactics Over Everything

Interestingly enough, our next tactic is not the best move. Ever so often, you come across a Brilliant move that the Engine dislikes for some recondite reason or other. Diego_Yokohama_Chess, playing White, chooses tactics over positional play.

The engine prefers h4 or f4, but this is Blitz and Memes, and we come here for Blood, play a tactical alternative.

Forcing the Door Open

The penultimate tactic comes from IM rnanjo, playing Black, he is able to force his way to a win.

Use the force.

A Pawn Stop

Our final offering is from the 4th round. Diego_Yokohama_Chess, playing Black, finds a novel way to stop the promotion of the f-pawn.

Good Luck.

And that was it, that was July Blitz and Memes...or should say Blitz 'n' Memes...O_o...

Anyways, congrats to that perennial powerhouse IM rnanjo, for winning with a perfect 7/7 score. And of course congrats to you few brave sojourners who were able to finish with a perfect 5/5 score...the World is Yours.

As always, thanks for reading and feel free to share these puzzles with your friends down at the library or Merch store....Wait that reminds me!!

Huge Announcement

SheldonOfOsaka Chess Merch!!

Yes, I have decided to enter the shady world of chess merch.

Even if you don't plan to buy anything please have a look at my shop and tell me what you think...here is a link,

So...as always, thanks for reading and feel free to share these tactics with your friends down at the library or merch shop.

Cheers, SheldonOfOsaka.