Ju Wenjun on the Attack: The Highlight of Norway Chess R4

Four armageddons out of six matchups in round four of Norway Chess 2025, three of which were won by the White player. The most convincing games were played by the two World Champions, this one by Ju Wenjun against Humpy Koneru.

Their classical game was a calm one, and ended peacefully in a rook and knight endgame. Armageddon was swift and dramatic, and Ju, as White, rounded it off in crushing fashion.

In contrast to round three’s highlight, we have the queen and bishop duo in action. Black has just played 24. …Ne5-xd3?, providing White with her opportunity. 25. Be6+ Kh8 26. Bf5 Taking aim at h7. Ng5! was mate in eight, but this is nearly as good and doesn’t put a piece en prise. 26. …g6 27. Bxg6 (D).

So far it is the light-square bishop doing the damage, but to delay mate on h7, Black must allow the dark-square bishop to play its part. 27. …Bf8 28. Bxf6+ Kg8 29. Ng5 Even the knight gets to participate, and the end is indubitably near. Black resigns.

You can view the full games on Lichess.

Photo via Michal Walusza / Norway Chess