The Ultimate Chess Strategy Book Volume 1
Alfonso Romero and Amador Gonzalez de la Nava
[lAJi!irB II T I
First publ...
1168 downloads
5064 Views
7MB Size
Report
This content was uploaded by our users and we assume good faith they have the permission to share this book. If you own the copyright to this book and it is wrongfully on our website, we offer a simple DMCA procedure to remove your content from our site. Start by pressing the button below!
Report copyright / DMCA form
The Ultimate Chess Strategy Book Volume 1
Alfonso Romero and Amador Gonzalez de la Nava
[lAJi!irB II T I
First published in the UK by Gambit Publications Ltd 2008 Copyright © Alfonso Romero and Amador Gonzalez de la Nava 2008 The right of Alfonso Romero and Amador Gonzalez de la Nava to be identified as the authors of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchas er. ISB N-13: 97 8-1-904600-84-8 ISBN- l O: 1-904600-84-0 DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide (except USA): Central Books Ltd, 99 Wallis Rd, London E9 5LN, England. Tel +44 (0)20 8986 4 854 Fax +44 (0)20 8533 5821. E-mail: orders@Centralbooks .com Gambit Publications Ltd, 99 Wallis Rd, London E9 5LN, England. E-mail: info@gambitbooks .com Website (regularly updated): www.gambitbooks.com Edited by Graham Burgess Typeset by John Nunn Cover image by Wolff Morrow Printed in Great Britain by The Cromwell Press, Trowbridge, Wilts.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Gambit Publications Ltd Managing Director: Murray Chandler GM Chess Director: Dr John Nunn GM Editorial Director: Graham Burgess FM German Editor: Petra Nunn WFM Webmaster: Dr Helen Milligan WFM
Contents
Symbols
4
Foreword by Veselin Topalov
5
Preface
6
Tests 1-90
7
Solutions
68
Index of Players
206
Index of Openings
207
Symbols
+ ++ # "
1') ')1
? '),)
+-
±
;j; =+= =+= -+
Ch Cht Wch Wcht Ech Echt Ct IZ
Z ECC
OL jr tt 1-0 112_1/2 0-1
(n)
(D)
check double check checkmate brilliant move good move interesting move dubious move bad move blunder White is winning White is much better White is slightly better the position is equal Black is slightly better Black is much better Black is winning championship team championship world championship world team championship European championship European team championship Candidates event interzonal zonal European Clubs Cup olympiad junior event team event the game ends in a win for White the game ends in a draw thc game ends in a win for Black nth match game see next diagram
Foreword by Veselin Topalov
This first volume of The Ultimate Chess Strategy Book, covering Closed Openings, is a practical book for every chess amateur who wants to improve his knowledge of chess strategy. This is, with out a doubt, a key step in the improvement of the chess-player, in addition to training in calculating variations. The approach of this work is original. It is not only a book with practical exercises . The au thors introduce a critical position (there are 90 in this first volume) and they ask the reader how to continue the game by choosing one of severa l candidate moves. All them are very logical, so it is difficult to find the strongest move and there is a very strict scoring system. As a matter of fact, sometimes we see in the solutions that the protagonists of the model game didn ' t fi nd the best possible move. In the solutions, the authors explain the shortcomings of this and that choice and the suitability of the candidate move, besides providing extensive analysis , giving on some occa sions supp lementary material to the model game. Their idea is that the reader may systematize ideas and strategic solutions at the time he checks his knowledge. The problems are classified according to opening and level of difficulty, in increasing order. Likewise, in the solutions , the authors make a classification according to the main strategic theme. Because of the aforementioned reasons, I think this book is the right choice for chess-p layers of medium level, and in fact there are exercises that require a master level in order to solve them. The reader will not only exercise his understanding of chess, but will also learn in a quick and entertain ing way. I would even s ay this is a good method of improvement for teachers and higher-level stu dents . Alfonso Romero Holmes is a grandmaster, member o f the Spanish Team i n the Chess Olympiads and has been involved in the fields of journalism and publishing for many years. Amador Gonzalez de la Nava is a FIDE Master, although his p rofession is teaching. He is a Na tional and FIDE Trainer, Chief Executive at the 'Technical Centre' of Castile-Leon for the last 5 years and pretty soon he will be a FIDE Senior Trainer. Veselin Topalov FIDE World Champion 2005-6
Preface
The main focus in these strategy exercises is on the key themes, so that our readers will be able to employ them in their own games to good effect. The selection of the problems was not an easy job, as we wished to choose clear-cut and memorable examples that will entertain our readers and re main in their memory, ready for later use. In each exercise we offer 2, 3 or 4 possible answers. One of them is the correct or ideal answer, while the others are logical or natural choices, but less effective for some reason and therefore re ceiving lower scores. However, the strength of the main move will sometimes be similar to the sec ond best, which therefore also receives a very high score. We have tried to be realistic in these assessments, while also producing a competitive environment in which the reader will be rewarded for making the very best decision. In the solutions, we explain the reasons for the right choice, and classify the problem according to a particular strategic theme, so that the reader is acquiring experience across a wide range of strategic themes and in making decisions at critical moments . The solution always includes the complete model game, with the notes focusing particularly on those aspects that are relevant to the main themes under discussion. Many of the selected games feature the greatest strategists in the history of chess, making them especially instructive. By examining how well he scores in exercises on particular themes and in particular openings, the reader will quickJy see where the weaknesses lie in his game, and will thus know which areas need improvement in the future. Finally, we should mention that the problems are sorted according to difficulty (in increasing or der) in each opening. However, we do not reveal until the solution what the main theme of the exer cise i s ; otherwise, this information would noticeably help the reader to find the best answer. We should also note that the classification by opening is not followed rigorously, as we wish to provide variety to readers working through the book sequentially - there are batches of exercises with a par ticular opening, but for the more major openings, there is more than one such batch. We hope you enjoy this book and its innovative features, and find it a useful source of training material, both for teachers and pupils.
TESTS
7
out the advance f4. White has several ways to try to take advantage of this.
Test 1
White t o play. Choose one o f the following
larsen - A. Nielsen
possibilities:
Esbjerg 1953 Symmetrical English [A3!]
IlLif3 lLif6 2 c4 c5 3 d4 cxd4 4 lLixd4 lLic6 5 lLic3 d6 6 g3 g6 7 �g2 �d7 S lLic2 iLg7 9 b3 9 0-0 0-0 IO iLd2 a6 II �c 1 (if II UbI then 11 . . bS ! with counterplay in return for the pawn) is the main alternative. 9 ... 0 -0 10 iLb2 a6 11 0 -0 �bS?! The beginning of a dubious plan. 1 1 :i¥aS would have been better. 12 �c1 b5? As we are going to see, this move is a serious positional mistake. It was imperative to play 1 2 . . . 'iVaS ! 13 lLidS lLi xdS 14 �xg7 lLie3 ! IS lLixe3 r/{}xg7 16 �c2 Jafc8 with only a very small edge for White, Nemeth-Leko, Hungary 1994. 13 lLid5 lLixd5 14 s..x g7 r/{}xg7 15 cxd5 lLie5 E ven though this eS-kn ight is going to be a source of concern for Black , I S . . lLiaS . does not solve Black's problems either: 16 'iVd4+ r/{}g8 17lLib4! l::!. a 8 18l::!. c 2 s.. fS 19 �c3 �e8 20 J::lfc I lLib7 2 1 lhc6 �d7 22 b4 ! with an overwhelm ing advantage for White, Stahlberg-Enevold sen, Copenhagen 1960. 16 h3 'iVb6 (D)
Option A: Play 1 7 �d4, offering the ex change of queens. Option R: Play 1 7 lLid4, threatening to trap the knight by f4. Option C: Play 1 7 Wh I, with the same idea as mentioned under Option B.
.
Test 2
..
Black's dubious opening play has landed him in quite a delicate position. His main problem is the unsteadiness of the eS-knight, which would be immediately trapped if White could carry
Bisguier - Karpov Skopje OL 1 9 72 Symmetrical English [ 094 1
1 c4 c5 2 lLic3 g6 3 lLif3 iLg7 4 e3 4 d4 cxd4 S lLixd4 lLic6 6 lLic2 s.. xc3+! 7 bxc3 has also been played. 4 ...lLif6 5 d4 0 -0 6 iLe2 cxd4 7 exd4 7 4lxd4 has been tested in some games. 7 ... d5 S 0-0 8 s.. g S ? ! is dubious due to 8 . . . dxc4 9 s.. x c4 iLg4. S . lLic6 9 h3 iLf5 10 s..e3 dxc4 11 s..x c4 l:icS 12 s..e2 s..e6 13 'il'd2 1 3lLigS will be met by 13 . . . �dS with a slight advantage for Black. 13... ViVa5 (D) ..
Here we see a typical Isolated Queen' s Pawn position. On this occasion, Black's position is unmistakably sound, without any weakness and
8
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
with a good blockading square on d5 ; besides, he aims to play his king' s rook to d8 in order to put pressure on the isolated white pawn. White ' s pieces are not active enough to compensate for this weakness. White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: 14 i.h6, exchanging off Black's fianchettoed bishop, thus weakening the cas tled position. Option B : Play 1 4 a3, avoiding the blockad ing manoeuvre . . .4:lb4-d5, as well as threaten ing to play b4. Option C: Play 1 4 .:gfd l , strengthening the position.
In return for this, B lack has no weaknesses in his position (d6 could be the only exposed po int, but is very easy to defend in most cases). Besides, White must be mindful about Black's freeing moves ... b5 and ... d5 . White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Press on d6 after 10 4:lf3 and i.f4. Option B: Play IO �b2, planning either to follow up with e4, to contro l more space and set up a Maroczy bind, or to continue instead with e3, followed by 'iVe2 and .:gfd I . Option C: Play I O a4 with the idea o f �a3, putting pressure on d6.
Test 4
Test 3
Timman - Karpov Karpov - Schawecker
Montreal 1979 English Opening, Four Knights [A281
Bath Echt 1973 Symmetrical English [A33]
1 4:lf3 4:lf6 2 c4 c5 3 4:lc3 e6 4 g3 4:lc6 4 . . . b6 is another possibility. 5 �g2 d6 Black can also play 5 .. . i.e7 6 0-0 0-0 7 d4 cxd4 84:lxd4, with a slight advantage for White; or 5.. . d5, with a transpo sition to the Tarrasch Defence. 6 0-0 il..d 7 7 d4 cxd4 8 4:lxd4 a6 9 b3 �e7 (D)
1 c4 e5 2 4:lc3 4:lf6 3 4:lf3 4:lc6 4 e3 4 g3 is the more usual move. 4 ... �e7 The alternative is 4 . . . �b4. 5 d4 5 �e2 0-0 6 0-0 d5 7 cxd5 4:lxd5 8 d3, get ting a Sicilian Defence with reversed colours, is a better option for White. 5 ...exd4 6 4:lxd4 0-0 7 il..e 2 d5 8 4:lxc6 bxc6 9 0-0 i.d6 10 b3 'iVe7 1 1 �b2 (D)
w
B
Here we have a typical Symmetrical English position; where White has a spatial advantage.
This is a theoretical variation of the English. White has a slightly better pawn-formation.
TESTS
B lack, in tum, has his pieces actively placed, with several ways of neutraliz ing White ' s pres sure on dS . Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities to deal with the pressure against d5: Option A: Protect the centre by 1 1 . ..�e6. Option B : Hold the central pawn indirectly, by playing 1 l . . .J::!. d 8. Option C: Capture on c4, sacrificing the pawn-formation but getting active play for the black pieces in return.
Test 5 Karpov - Korchnoi Brussels 1 988 Symmetrical English [A33]
9
A good example of a zwischenzug: White had to decide between three possible squares for the dark- squared bishop - see below - but first he moved the bishop to gS, provoking a weakening on Black's kingside. This is the sort of subtlety capable of changing the evaluation of a position . White t o play. Choose one of the following retreats jar the bishop: Option A: 1 3 .ie3 , in order to help the blockade of the isolated queen's pawn. Option B : 13 i.d2 with the idea of .ic3, with the same idea of blockading the d-paw n . Option C: Drop the bishop back t o the ac tive h2-b 8 diagonal.
Test 6 Korchnoi - Karpov
1 CLlf3 CLlf6 2 c4 c5 3 CLlc3 CLlc6 4 d4 cxd4 5 CLlxd4 e6 6 g3 'lWb6 6. . . i.cS and 6 . . . i.b4 have been played quite regularly too. 7 CLlb3 7 CLldbS was met by the interesting novelty 7 . . . a6 ! in the game Gelfand-Topalov, Dortmund 2002. 7 d5 8 cxd5 CLlxd5 9 CLlxd5 exd5 10 .ig2 i.e6 1O . . . i.b4+ I I i.d2 as is more usual . 11 0-0 Taking on dS b y I I .i x dS ? is inappropriate on account of 1 1 . . . .ib4+ 1 2 c,;!;ofl J::!.d 8. U J::!.d 8 12 i.g5! f6 (D) •.•
Moscow 1 9 71 Symmetrical English [D73]
1 c4 c5 2 CLlf3 CLlf6 3 g3 d5 4 cxd5 CLlxd5 5 .ig2 g6?! A dubious move that causes Black many prob lems. S . . . CLlc6 is the normal move. 6 d4! i.g7 7 e4 CLlc7 8 d5 CLlb5 9 0-0 0-0 9 . . . .ig4 ! ? deserves attent ion. 10 'lWc2 CLla6 11 i.f4 i/.g4 12 CLlbd2 CLld4 12 . . . l:ic8 would be met by 13 'iIIb 3. 13 CLlxd4 cxd4 14 CLlf3! �b6 (D)
...
w
After a dubious opening on the part of Black, the resulting position clearly favours White. It
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
10
is quite obvious that a knight jump to e5 fits within White ' s plans. This knight could then move to d3, blockading the black d-pawn. But a question then arises: should White make this move at once, without delay, or would it be convenient to make some preparations? White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities:
Option A: Play 1 5 iVd2 with the idea of lLJe5 . Option B: Play 1 5lLJe5 at once.
White to play. Choose one of the following plans:
Option A: Play 1 2 e4, getting a safe spatial advantage very typical of this sort of structures. Option B : Play 12 'tWd3, preparing the ad vance e4. Option C: Play 1 2 'iVd3 with the idea of moving the queen to f3 , trying to take advan tage of the weakening of c6.
Test 8
Test 7
Adams - Karpov Las Palmas 1994
Trompowsky Attack [A45]
Pfleger - Karpov Montilla 1976
Symmetrical E nglish [A30] 1 c4lLJf6 2lLJc3 e6 3lLJf3 cS 4 g3 b6 Here many players prefer 4 . . . d5, reaching a Tarrasch or Semi-Tarrasch. 5 �g2 .tb7 6 0-0 a6 7 b3 d6 Black is playing a sort of Hedgehog system. 8 .fi.b2 Ji.e7 9 d4 cxd4 10 lLJxd4 White usually recaptures with the queen. 10 .txg2 Ul!i>xg2 0-0 (D) •••
w
This is a typical S ymmetrical English posi tion. White enjoys a spatial advantage, which would be more tangible after the advance e4. However, B lack has a very sound position, without weaknesses, and a good control of the central squares. And White should always have in mind Black's potential breaks at b5 and d5 .
1 d4lLJf6 2 .fi.gS e6 3 e4 h6 4 .bf6 'iYxf6 5 lLJc3 d6 6 'iWd2 gS 7 0-0-0 7 �c4 !? intending 8lLJge2 gained popularity thanks to Yusupov's efforts - he was Anand's second in 1 998. White is planning to castle kingside, followed by the advance f4. Anand Karpov, Lausanne FIDE Wch (8) 1 998 was very interesting: 7 ...lLJc6 8 lLJge2 .fi.g7 9 1:!.d I .fi.d7 1 0 0-0 0-0-0 ( 1 0 . . . 0-0 1 1 'iVe3 intending f4) I IlLJb5 ! ( 1 1 b4 g4 12 b5lLJa5 13 �d3 h5) 1 1 . ..a6 1 2lLJ a3 (intending c3 and b4) 1 2 . . . g4 ! 1 3 f4 ( 1 3 b4? ! 'iVg5 ! ) 1 3 . . . gxf3 14 J:hf3 �e7 1 5 c 3 h 5 1 6 �df11:!.df8 1 7 b4lLJa7 1 8lLJc2 .th6 1 9 'iVe I �b8 20 �d3 .fi.c6 ! (Black has counter play thanks to the bishop-pair and the open g file) 2 IlLJf4 .l:tfg8 (2 l .. .e5 22lLJxh5 ! ) 22 d5 (22 lLJxh5 f5 ! ) 22 . . . .te8 (22 . . ..fi.xf4 23 dxc6 ! {23 l:txf4 exd5 24 litxf7 fig5 +l 23 ... e5 24 cxb7 ;!:;) 23 'iVf2 (23 lLJxh5? 'iVg5 ! 24 lLJg3 'iVh4 with compensation) 23 . . . �g7 (23 . . . h4 ! ?) 24 lLJd4 ! .td7 25 dxe6 �xd4 26 cxd4 fxe6 27 e5 �c6 28 lLJg6 (28 .l:tg3 h4) and instead of the disas trous 28 . . . 'iYd8?? 29lLJxh8 ± Black should have played 28 .. Jhg6 29 .fi.xg6 (29 litf8+?? lLJc8 ! -+) 29 . . . �xf3 30 'iWxf3 dxe5 3 1 dxe5 lLJc6 (3 I ... iVxb4 32 'iff6 is unclear) 32 'iVf6 with un clear play. 7 i.g7 8 eS 8 g3 ! ?lLJc6 9lLJb5 'iVd8 10 c3 ! is another in teresting possibility. 8 dxeS 9 dxeS fIIe 7 10 f4lLJc6 I l lLJf3 .i.d7 12 h4 gxf4 13 'ifxf4 0-0-0 14lLJe4 (D) •..
•••
TESTS
11
B
B
Here we see some typical issues in the 2 .. . e6 line of the Trompowsky. White controls more space, has active piece-play and some initiative. On the other hand, Black possesses the bishop pair. The outcome of the game will depend on whether White is able to tum his initiative and spatial advantage to account (for instance, by winning some material), or if Black is going to neutralize the opponent's initiative and activate his bishops.
10 �b7 1 1 J:tdl CDbd7 12 il.d2 J:tc8 13 il.a6? ! This move is harmless for Black; better is 1 3 il.d3 �xc3 1 4 bxc3 'fIii c 7 1 5 �ac 1 �fe8 1 6 �e l 'fIiid6 1 7 h 3 ( l 7 lLle5 ! ?) 1 7 . . . h 6 1 8 �bl 'fIii d 5 1 9 c4 'fIii h 5 with a more or less level game, Scheeren-Ribli, Wij k aan Zee 1 9 8 3 . 13 .....txa6 14 'iVxa6 �xc3 15 bxc3 �c7 1 6 �ac1 'iVc8 17 'iVa4 (D) .•.
Black to play. Choose one o f the following possibilities:
Option A: Prepare the pawn-break ... f6 with 1 4 . . . �hf8. Option B: Regroup with 14 . . . CDb8 followed by . . . ..tc6 and . . . CD d7 Option C: Transfer the knight to d5 by means of 1 4 . . . CDb4. .
Test 9 Taimanov - Karpov USSR 1 9 73 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [E54]
1 d4 CDr6 2 c4 e6 3 CDc3 il.b4 4 e3 We have now the Rubinstein System, one of the most popular weapons against the Nimzo Indian Defence. 4 c5 5 il.d3 0-0 6 CDr3 d5 7 0-0 dxc4 8 �xc4 cxd4 9 exd4 b6 10 'iVe2 (D) The main line is 10 il.g5 ..tb7 I I �e l CDbd7 12 J::!. c 1 �c8 13 il.d3 �xc3 14 bxc3. •..
This is a very typical pawn-structure which can be reached via many openings: the Nimzo Indian Defence (as in this case), the Semi- Tar rasch Defence, the Panov Attack in the Caro Kann. etc. As nonnal, White has some activity to compensate for the weakening of the pawn structure; however, here we have a quite simpli fied position. so the dynamic chances offered by this pawn-formation are diminished. Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities:
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
12
Option A: Play 17 ...'iVb7 followed by ... l::tfc8, with pressure against the hanging pawns. Option B : Play actively, sacrificing a pawn but preventing the advance c4, by means of 1 7 . . Jlc4. Option C: Press by 1 7 . . .tt'le4.
Test 1 0
Option A: Complete Black's development with 1 1 . . . b6 followed by . . . �b7. Option B : Play 1 1 . . .tt'le7 first, assisting in the blockade of White's isolated d-pawn, and then follow with . . . b6 and . . . Ab7 . Option C: Blockade the white pawn at once with 1 l ...tt'ld5. Option D: Open the position by playing 1 1 . . .e5, attempting to use the lead in develop ment.
Hostalet - Karpov Groningen
U-18 Ech 196718 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [E38)
Test 1 1 Lautier - Karpov
1 d4 tt'lf6 2 c4 e6 3 tt'lc3 j,b4 4 e3 0-0 5 'iVc2 5 tt'lf3 and 5 tt'le2 are the usual moves in this position. 5 c5 6 a3 �xc3+ 7 'iixc3 tt'lc6 S �d3? Better is 8 dxc5 tt'le4 9 'ili'c2 'iVa5+ with an approximately equal game. S ... cxd4 9 exd4 d5 10 tt'le2 dxc4 1 1 �xc4 ( D)
Linares 1 995 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Capablanca Variation [E32)
•••
B
1 d4 tt'lf6 2 c4 e6 3 tt:lc3 Ab4 4 'ili'c2 0-0 5 a3 Axc3+ 6 'ili'xc3 b6 7 ii,g5 .itb7 7 .. .c5 is the main alternative. S e3 8 f3 has been played quite frequently too. S...d6 9 f3 tt'lbd7 1 0 Ad3 c5 1 1 tt'le2 J:!.cS 12 �b3 Both 1 2 0-0 and 12 fid2 have been played in this position, but the text-move is the most test ing for Black. 12 ... h6 13 �h4 cxd4 14 exd4 d5 15 c5 White has played 1 5 0-0 too. 15 ... i.aS 16 i.a6 :'c7 (D)
w
An Isolated Queen's Pawn position again. Now we have a different problem: should Black play this position in a standard way, or, on the contrary, should he aim to take advantage of the fact that White's king is still in the centre of the board? In case of adopting the first plan, Black should choose among several logical possibili ties in order to face this kind of battle, and if the second plan is to be preferred, he should open the position quickly. Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities:
Besides the usual strategic elements of the Nirnzo-Indian, we have a very special feature:
TESTS
the exposed position of the rook at c7. The question is how White should take advantage of this fact. White to play. Choose one thefollowing pos sibilities: Option A: Take on b6 followed by 0-0 or else �g3. Option B: Take advantage of the bad plac ing of the black rook at c7, playing �g3 at once.
Test 1 2 Kamsky - Karpov Elista FIDE Wch (14) 1996 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [E48]
1 d4 'Llf6 2 e4 e6 3 'Llc3 .li,b4 4 e3 e5 5 ii.d3 'Lle6 6 ttJe2 Another poss ibi lity is 6 'Llf3, allowing Black to play the HUbner Variation after 6.. . ii.xc3+ 7 bxc3 d6 8 0-0 eS. 6 exd4 7 exd4 d5 8 exd5 'Llxd5 9 0-0 ii.d6 The alternatives 9 ... 0-0 and 9 .'Llf6 deserve attention. 10 'Lle4 �e7 1 1 33 0-0 12 ii.e2 Wile7 13 fed3 !:rd8 14 'Llg5 g6 15 ii.b3 IS "iVo has been played in this position too. 15 ... 'Llf6 16 !:rd l .li,fS Transferring the bishop to g7 - where it will press on d4 - while al so strengthening Black 's cast led position . 1 7 �f4 (D) .••
..
13
We have the customary issues in positions with an Isolated Queen's Pawn. White enjoys a spatial advantage, the initiative and active play for his pieces, in return for the weakness repre sented by the IQP. There seem to be some threats against Black's slightly weakened cas tled posit ion. However, with preci se play Black is able to neutralize the danger. Black to play. The queen is attacked. Choose one of the following: Option A: 17 .. :tlYa5. Option B: 17 ... 'iVe7. Option C : 17 ... 'iVb6 .
Test 1 3 Botvinnik - Tal Moscow Wch ( 18) 1960 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Samisch Variation [E24]
1 d4 'Llf6 2 e4 e6 3 'Lle3 .li,b4 4 33 �xe3+ 5 bxe3 'Lle4 ! ? The text-move is interesting, although S ... cS is the customary move. 6 "iVe2 Botvinnik's idea 6 e3 f5 7 'iYh5+! deserves attention . 6 ... f5 7 'Llh3 0-0 8 f3 'Llf6 9 e5 b6 10 exb6 (D)
B
B
A typical position of the Nimzo-Indian De fence. White has a better position in the centre and the theoretical advantage of the bishop-pair.
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
14
On the other hand, Black possesses some dy namic features thanks to his lead in development and queenside counterplay.
B
Black to play. White has just taken on b6. Choose one of the following possibilities:
Option A: Take with the c7-pawn, opening the c-file. Option B : Take with the a7-pawn, activating the rook at once and moving pawns towards the centre.
Test 1 4 Po.rtisch - Karpov Bugojno 1978
Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [E54] 1 d4 liJf6 2 c4 e6 3 liJc3 il.b4 4 e3 0-0 S �d3 cS 6 liJf3 dS 7 0-0 dxc4 8 iLxc4 cxd4 9 exd4 b6 10 il.gS j"b7 11 l:!.et Both liliJe5 and I I 'i!Ve2 are two commonly played moves in this position. 11 liJbd7 12 11c1 l:tc8 (D) •••
A typical position in this line of the Nimzo Indian Defence. We see that White has hanging pawns and the bishop-pair. As with the isolated queen 's pawn, these pawns represent a weak ness, but one offering some compensation by controlling more ground and allowing piece ac tivity. Black's possibilities, as we are going to see, are no worse than White's. Black t o play. Choose one o f the following possibilities:
Option A: Press on the hanging pawns by means of 1 7 . .. 'iWd6. Option B: Seek to exchange pieces, reduc ing White's chances, by 17 ... liJ g4 Option C: Take on f3 followed immediately by the break on e5. .
w
Test 1 5 Zsinka - Tolnai Hungary 1988
Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [E5 8]
13 �d3 .bc3 14 bxc3 it'c7 1 S c4 15 il.h4 ! ? looks very attractive: 15 . . . �f4 ! ? 1 6 iLg3 iLxf3 1 7 iLxf4 iLxdl 1 811exd lliJb8! with approximate equality. IS JUe8 15 . . . h6 16 iLh4 �f4 17 iLg3 �xf3 1 8 �xf4 i.xdl 1 9 ':!:exd l and the position is slightly in White's favour. 16 'il'e2 h6 17 ii.d2 (D) •.
1 d4liJf6 2 c4 e6 3liJc3 iLb4 4 e3 0-0 S iLd3 dS 6liJf3 cS 7 0-0 liJc6 8 a3 iLxc3 9 bxc3 "Wic7 The main line is 9 . . . dxc4 10 iLxc4 �c7, fol lowed by .. . e5 . 10 cxdS exdS 1 1liJh4liJe7 12 g3 After 1 2 J:la2liJg6 1 3liJxg6 hxg6 14 f3 il..f5 Black gets a good game. 1 2 a4 and 1 2.1tb2 have also been played. 12 il..h3 13 l::i.e l liJg6 14 liJg2 it'd7 IS f3 (D) .•.
TESTS
15
IO . . . lLlbd7 has been played too. B
Here we have a typical pawn-structure of the Nimzo-Indian Defence. White has a mo bile centre. Among various plans available for Black in this type of position, we shall focus on that of preventing the central advance by accumulating forces on e4, lessening the ef fects of such an advance through exchanges, while seeking counterplay on the queensi de along the c-fiIe. Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play I S . . . iLfS, and then capture on d4 at once, begi nning counterplay along the c-file. Option B: Take on d4, followed by . . . �fS , starting counterplay along the c-file. Option C: Play I S . . . i.fS followed immedi ately by . . . hS, strengthening the position of the bishop.
Test 1 6 A. H.Williams - Karpov Nice OL 1974 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Leningrad Variation [E3I]
1 d4 lLlf6 2 c4 e6 3 lLlc3 iLb4 4 .ltg5 h6 5 .ih4 c5 6 d5 d6 7 e3 .ixc3+ 8 bxc3 e5 9 i.d3 9 f3 is the main alternative. 9 . e4!'? 10 .ic2 Obviously not 10 i.xe4?? on account of 1O . gS winning a piece. 10 ... g5 (D) ..
..
11 �g3 Wie7 12 h4 J:g8 13 hxg5 hxg5 14 lLle2 lLlbd7 1 5 'iVbl >itd8 16 a4 as 17 .:ta2
w
We have before us a sharp position orthe Le ningrad Variation in the Nimzo-Indian Defence. Here White possesses the bishop-pair (attack ing e4 and d6, with an annoying indirect i nflu ence of the dark-squared bishop against the black king), and some pressure on the queenside via the b-file. In return for this, Black's pawn structure is much better, and if he consolidates the position, neutralizing White's threats, he would secure a strategically winning position. We are faced by another interesting discussion, with a fight between dynamic features for one side, and static elements for the other. White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities:
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
16
Option A : Play 1 8 J::th 6, operating on the h file and restricting the f6-knight due to the pres sure on d6. Option B: Play 1 8 J::tb 2 with pressure on the b-file. Option C: Play 18 \i'b5 with pressure on the queenside.
1 6 b5 now fails because of 1 6 . . lLla7 . 1 7 \i'd3 ( 1 7 \i'a4 J::ta 8!) 1 7 . . lLlxb5 . . 16 ... lLla7 17 J::t e l lLleS (D)
w
Test 17 Marin - Ki. Georgiev Warsaw Z 1987 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [E42] 1 d4 lLlf6 2 c4 e6 3 lLlc3 �b4 4 e3 cS S lLle2
The main alternative is 5 �d3 . S cxd4 6 exd4 0-0 7 a3 �e7 S g3 .•.
8 d5 has been played very often. S dS 9 cS b6 10 b4 as 1 1 J::tb l axb4 1 1 . . .bxc5 deserves attention: 1 2 dxc5 lLlc6 1 3 .\tg2 .a:b8 ! (without exchanging on b4 since the exchange allows .\ta3), as shown in the game Salov-M. Gurevich, Leningrad 1 987. The game is given in the solution to this exercise. 12 axb4 bxcS 13 dxcS lLlc6 (D) ..•
A very appealing position. On one hand, White has two united passed pawns on the queenside, and on the other hand, Black has the advantage in the centre, with his mobile d- and e-pawns. The side achieving a successful block ade of the opponent's pawns, and able to push his own passed pawns should win the game. White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities:
Option A: Play 1 8 .\tel with the idea of transferring the bishop from a3 to f4. There it will prove to be more active, disturbing Black' s blockading forces, and inviting Black t o ad vance his central pawns. In this way, White thinks he will be able to blockade those pawns more easily, so getting important squares for his own pieces. Option B: Play 1 8 lLld4, attacking the block ading squares of White's passed pawns. Option C: Play 18 illfd3, threatening b5 .
w
Test 1 8 14 �g2
If 14 b5? then 1 4 ...lLle5 with the double threat of mating at f3 and taking the c5-pawn.
Karpov - Nikolic Skelleftea 1 989 Bogo-Indian Defence [ E l l ]
14...Itb8 1S �a3
1 5 b5 is again inadvisable on account of 15 .. . Ji.xc5! 16 bxc61hb1 1 7lLlxb l \i'b6. IS �d7 16 0-0 ..•
1 d4 lLlf6 2 c4 e6 3 lLlf3 �b4+
This defence is a popular choice of many Nimzo-Indian supporters when White plays 3
TESTS
tLlf3, although in recent decades it has for the
most part been eclipsed by the development of the Queen's Indian Defence. 4.1td2
4 tLlbd2 is the other possibility, while 4 tLlc3 would transpose to the Nirnzo-Indian Defence. 4 'liUe7 •.•
4 . . . a5, 4 . . . c5 and 4 . . . il.xd2+ are the main al ternatives. 5 g3 0-0 6 il.g2 il.xd2+ 7 'liUxd2 (D) 7 tLlbxd2 has been played too, even though the knight is more passively placed here than on c3 , and for this reason we prefer to take with the queen.
17
position without weaknesses, lacks any effec tive counterplay. White to play. Choose one the following pos sibilities: Option A: Play 17 f4 at once, choosing the set-up depending on the opponent's plan. Option B : Play 17 iVdl fust, controlling g4, being then able to play l:!.e3 followed by J::!.fe l strengthening the centre - and advance with f4 later.
Test 1 9 Karpov - Andersson Madrid 1973 Queen'slBogo-Indi an (El61
B
1 d4 tLlf6 2 c4 e6 3 tLlf3 b6 4 g3 iLb4+ 5 tLlbd2 il.b7 6 iLg2 0-0
6 c5 ! ? is an interesting choice. ...
7 0-0 cS? !
Better is 7 d5 8 tLle5, a s played in more re cent games. 8 a3 il.xd2 (D) .. .
w
7 ... d6 8 tLlc3 e5 9 0-0 .!::1e8 10 e4 .ltg4 11 d5 .ltxf3 12 .ltxf3 c5 13 �ael a6 14 b3 tLlbd7 15 .ltg2 �ab8 1 6 a4 'il'd8 (D)
In this position White has a great advantage in space, while Black, despite having a sound
White will have the advantage of the bishop pair. In return for this, Black has good control of the e4-square. However, as the game will prove, the move 7 . . . c5 does not give Black enough chances to level the game. White to play. He is facing a difficult deci sion: should he take on d2 with the bishop or with the queen ? Choose one of these three pos sibilities:
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
18
Option A: Take on d2 with the bishop. Option B: Take on d2 with the queen. Option C: There is no difference in taking with one piece or the other, since in both cases White gets an advantageous position.
Test 20 Karpov
-
Option B : Play 1 5 l:!.he l with the idea of ttJg l , followed by pushing the f-pawn. Option C: Play 15 J::lh dl in order to double rooks on the d-file with J::!.d3 and ];ladl, prevent ing Black's counterplay with ...c5. Option D: Play 15 h4 threatening to meet . . . ttJd8 with the knight jump to g5 , followed by 'iVh5 or 'iVd3 launching an attack against the black king.
A. Sokolov
Linares Ct (10) 1 987 Queen's Indian Defence, 4 g3 �a6 [EI5]
Test 2 1 Keres - Flohr
1 d4 ttJf6 2 c4 e6 3 ttJf3 b6 4 g3 it.a6 5 b3 it.b4+ 6 �d2 �e7 7 ttJc3 0-0 8 e4
SemmeringlBaden 1 937 Griinfeld Defence, Fianchetto Variation [D75]
8 �g2 is the alternative. 8 dS 9 cxdS �xf1 10 �xn exdS 1 1 eS ttJe4
1 d4 ttJf6 2 c4 g6 3 �f3 �g7 4 g3 c6
...
Without a doubt, this is better than the move II ...ttJe8, which was formerly played.
4 ... d5 (Griinfeld Defence) and 4 ...d6 (King 's Indian) are major alternatives. 5 it.g2 dS 6 cxdS �xdS?!
12 'ife2 ttJxc3 13 �xc3 'i!Vd7 14 'it'g2 ttJc6
(D)
A better possibility is 6 ... cxd5 . 7 0-0 0-0 8 �c3 ttJxc3 9 bxc3 c S 10 iLa3 cxd4 (D)
w w
With the last move, Black wants to transfer the knight to e6 by way of d8. From there, the knight will help in blockading the white pawns, as well as supporting the advance . . . c5. At the same time, it will exert some influence on the kingside. White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Move the rook from a l to c 1 and the other to dI, with the idea of exerting pres sure on the c-file, as well as against the future hanging pawns after Black plays . . . c5.
After a rather imprecise opening on Black's part, we have reached an interesting position. Black has just taken on d4. and the question is: with what piece should White capture on d4 ? Pawn or knight? Option A: With the pawn, getting a central pawn-majority. Option B: With the knight, hindering Black's development and exerting pressure along the long diagonal.
TESTS
Test 2 2 Karpov - Hubner Tilburs.: 1 980 Griinfeld Defence, Exchange Variation [08 5 ]
1 d4 tiJf6 2 c4 g6 3 tiJc3 d5 4 cxd5 tiJxd5 5 e4 tiJxc3 6 bxc3 ilg7 7 tiJf3 c5 8 ile3 'iVa5 (D) 8...0-0, 8 ... il..g4 and 8 . . . tiJe6 are also play
19
of the following proposed plans i s good enough to keep the advantage. White to play. Choose one of the followins.: possibilities: Option A: Play 13 tiJb3 , strengthening d4 and planning an eventual jump with the knight to c5, with pressure on the queenside. Option 8: Play 13 ilb5, hi ndering Black's queenside development. Option C: S i mply move the rook to c7, tak ing the seventh rank.
able moves.
Test 23 Karpov - Kasparov LondoniLeningrad Wch (5) /986 Griinfeld Defence, 4 il..f4 [082] 1 d4 tiJf6 2 c4 g6 3 tiJc3 d5 4 il.. f4
There i s no doubt that 4 cxd5 ctJxd5 5 e4 i s the most common line, but White has also played both 4 tiJf3 ilg7 5 'iVb3 and 4 il.. g 5 on a regular bas i s .
4...il..g7 5 e 3 c5 6 dxc5 'iVa5 7 Iitc1 tiJe4 7 . . . dxc4 8 il.. x c4 0-0 9 tiJf3 'iVxc5 is a possibility.
9 �d2 0-0 10 l:tc1 cxd4 11 cxd4 'iVxd2+ 12 tiJxd2 e6 (D)
8 cxd5 tiJxc3 9 'iVd2 'iVxa2 10 bxc3 'iVxd2+ Interesting is ](l... �a5 ! ? II ilc4 tiJd7 1 2 tiJ e2 tiJxc5 13 0-0 0-0 1 4 f3 e51 1 5 Ji.g3 b 5 16 ila2 'iVb6 17 �h l as with good counterplay for Black.
1 1 Wxd2 tiJd7 12 il.. b5 0-0 13 il.. x d7 Ji.xd7 14 e4 f5 15 e5 e6 1 6 c4 l:tfc8 1 7 c6 ! bxc6 18 d6 c5 19 h4 h6 (D)
Here wc have a typical endgame in the Grii n feld Defence, whcre White i s better because he controls more space and has a strong pawn centrc. He also exerts pressure on the queen side. However, as we are going to see, only one
20
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
The white pawns at e5 and d6 are imprison ing the black g7-bishop, excluding it from play ing an active role in the game. The question is whether White can maintain this situation, and therefore, which development of the knight is best suited to this aim. White to play. Please consider the following knight moves. Which is the correct one ? Option A: 20 tZle2. Option B: 20 tZlh3 . Option C: 20 tZlf3 .
Test 24 Karpov - Kamsky Moscow 1992 Grlinfeld Defence, Fianchetto Variation [079]
1 d4 tZlf6 2 c4 g6 3 tZlf3 il.g7 4 g3 c6 This move-order avoids the sharpest lines, and the game takes on a positional character. 5 .ltg2 d5 6 cxd5 cxd5 7 tZlc3 0-0 8 tZle5 e6 9 0-0 9 .ltg5 has been played in many games too. 9 ... tZlfd7 10 f4 tZlc6 11 .lte3 tZlb6 Black has also played I l .. .f6. 12 .if2 .id7 13 e4 tZle7 14 tZlxd7 �xd7 15 e5 �ae8 15 . . . �fc8 is a possibility. 16 !l:c1 a6 17 b3! ? �e7 18 �d2 �fe8 19 g4 .ltrs (D)
White has the theoretical advantage of the bishop-pair, as well as a nice space advantage,
with good chances on the kingside thanks to the wedge at e5 . Black, in return, is going to launch counterplay on White's queenside, since it has been somewhat weakened by the pawn advance to b3. White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play 20 �e3 , preparing to act on the kingside, and so countering Black's queen side counterplay by . . . tZlc6, followed by . . . .lta3 and . . . tZlb4. Option B: Play 20 tZle2, provoking exchanges on the queens ide and so reducing Black's pres sure there, with the idea of exploiting the advan tage of the bishop-pair and space advantage. Option C: Play 20 a4, harassing the b6knight, since it lacks a good retreat.
Test 2 5 Karpov - Kasparov London/Leningrad Wch ( 15) 1986 Grlinfeld Defence, Russian System [098]
1 d 4 tZlf6 2 e4 g6 3 tZle3 d5 4 tZlf3 il.g7 5 �b3 dxe4 6 'liVxe4 0-0 7 e4 .ig4 Prins's idea 7 . . . tZla6 is also popular. 8 .ie3 tZlfd7 9 �d1 tZle6 10 .lte2 tZlb6 1 1 'liVeS 'liVd6 (D)
12 e5! Of course, there are other moves in this posi tion ' but none of them causes Black problems, as it has been shown in master practice. The
TESTS
text-move is the only one which poses difficult problems to B lack. 12 ... "fixcS 13 dxcS 4Jc8 14 liJbS (D) The best move is 14 h3, as Karpov himself proved in a later game of the same title match.
21
This move is, without a doubt, stronger than 13 h4, which has been played frequently too. 13 ...f6 14 gxf6 'ilVxf6 Better is 1 4 . .. li!.xf6. IS 0-0-0 ':f7 16 'it'bl bS 17 4Jc1 4JdfS 18 �e2 i.d7 19 a3 Vi'd8 (D)
B
w
This position arose in the first game with the novelty 1 2 e5, introduced by Karpov in the 1 986 return match for the world championship. However, the knight's jump to b5 is not the strongest continuation, since Black is able to solve all his difficulties with correct play. Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Take with the knight on e5. Option B: Take on f3 and then with the bishop on e5. Option C: Move the rook to b8, answering the knight's capture on c7 with . . . e6, threaten ing to trap the knight after .. . a6. Option D: Move the rook to b8, and reply to 4Jxc7 with . . . �xf3, then capturing on e5 with the bishop (so attacking the white c7-knight).
Test 2 6
White has a clear positional advantage: space advantage, active pieces, pressure on the g-file, and, as if all that were not enough, Black's queenside features many weaknesses that the white knights can exploit. However, it is not so easy to target Black's weaknesses on the queen side, and only one of the proposed possibilities is appropriate, as the others permit Black suffi cient counterplay. White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play 20 b4 with the idea ofliJb3a5 . Option B: Play 20liJl a2 with the idea of 4Jb4-c6. Option C: Play 20 4Jb3 with the idea of 4Ja2 and 4Ja5 .
Test 2 7 Karpov - Dolmatov
Dortmund 1993 King's Indian Defence, Siimisch Variation [E89]
1 d4 4Jf6 2 c4 g6 3 4Jc3 i.g7 4 e4 d6 S f3 0-0 6 J/.e3 eS 7 4Jge2 c6 8 'ili'd2 4Jbd7 9 dS cxdS 10 cxdS a6 11 g4 hS 12 gS 4Jh7 13 J:tgl !
Petrosian - Gligoric Bled/Zagreb/Belgrade Ct 1959 King 's Indian Defence, Petrosian System [E93]
1 d4 4Jf6 2 c4 g6 3 4Jc3 �g7 4 e4 d6 S 4Jf3 0-0 6 .te2 eS 7 dS 4Jbd7
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
22
Modem practice prefers 7 . . . a5 followed by . . . lLl a6 .
8 �g5 White plays the Petrosian System, whose main goal is to hinder Black's counterplay based on . . . f5 .
8 ... h6 9 .th4 a6 With this move Black prevents a possible jump of a knight to b5, which means he can unpin with . . . 'iYeS , and then accomplish the thematic counterplay with . . . f5 . However, this method proved too slow and allows White a good position. The main alternative is 9 . . . g5 ! ?; e.g., 1 0 .tg3 lLlh5 1 1 h4 g4 1 2 lLld2 f5 ! ? with unclear play.
10 lLld2 'iYe8 11 0-0 lLlh7 12 h4 lLlg5
Option B: Take on d6 opening the c-file; then play the knight to a4, clearing the c-file and with an eye on b6. Option C: Transfer the knight to c4, where it will be ideally placed to threaten the queens ide.
Test 2 8 Karpov - Kasparov New York/Lyons Wch (23) 1990 King's Indian Defence, Samisch Variation [ES7]
1 d4 lLlf6 2 c4 g6 3 lLlc3 .tg7 4 e4 d6 5 f3 0-0 6 .te3
Not 1 2 . . . f57 1 3 exf5 gxf5 ( 1 3 .. Jhf5) 1 4 i.h5 ! ± Petrosian.
13 l:!.c1 f5 14 f3 'lJlie7 15 'it>hl! 1 5 .tf2 had been played earlier by Tal against Fischer.
15 ...lLlf6 16 c5 lLlh5 (D) 16 . . . dxc 5 ? 1 7 bxc5 'i!Vxc5 I S lLlb5 is much better for White.
6 il.g5 ! ? is worthy of attention too.
6 e5 7 d5 .•.
7 lLlge2, without making a decision in the centre, is equally playable.
7 lLlh5 8 'iVd2 'iVh4+ ...
The main alternative for Black is to play S . . . f5 at once.
9 g3 Wie7 10 0-0-0 f5 11 exf5 gxf5 (D)
w
w
A typical position in the King's Indian De fence. White puts all his hopes on the queen side, and Black on the opposite flank. White must choose among several interesting possi bilities, but only one of them makes all the shortcomings in Black's position evident. White to play. Choose one of the following continuations: Option A: Play 17 c6 closing the queenside but confining Black's cS-bishop.
This is a theoretical position of the Samisch King's Indian, with many interesting possibili ties for White. One of them proves to be very effective, revealing the shortcomings in Black's position. White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Develop the knight to h3, with the idea of moving it to f2, supporting the ad vance g4.
TESTS
Option B: Play 12 il.d3, with the idea of de veloping the g I -knight to e2. Option C: Play the prophylactic 12 �b l first.
Test 2 9 Uhlmann - Gligoric Hastings 1 97011 King's Indian Defence, Averbakh System [E7S ]
1 d4 '2lf6 2 c4 g6 3 '2lc3 ii..g7 4 e4 d6 5 ii..e2 0-0 6 �g5 The Averbakh System was systematically employed by the strong Soviet grandmaster whose name it bears . The main idea behind this set-up is to hi nder Black's central advance 6 . . . eS, which is now bad on account of 7 dxeS dxeS 8 'iUxd8 1:l:xd8 9 .ltxf6 �xf6 10 '2ldS . 6... c5 Adopting a Benoni-type approach, a frequent choice in the King·s Indian. 7 d5 e6 8 'li'd2 exd5 9 exd5 9 cxdS leads to a sharp game. 9 Jl:e8 10 '2lf3 �g4 11 0-0 a6 12 h3 �xf3 13 �xf3 '2lbd7 14 a4 'iUe7 (D) The main line is 14 .. :�i'c7, although 1 4 . . .'/iUaS and 14 . . . '/iUb6 have also been tried success fully. ..
This is a standard type of set-up in some lines of the King's Indian and Benoni. White enjoys a noticeable advantage in space as well
23
as the bishop-pair. Black, in turn, has active piece play. White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play 15 Mae I , aiming to ex change the major pieces on the e-file, and ex ploit the advantage of the bishop-pair in the ending. Option B: Play 15 as, fixing the queenside, in order to continue pressing with 1:l:a3 -b3 or J:l.bl followed by b4. Option C: Play 15 g4, with the idea of a fur ther advance f4, gaining more ground on the kingside.
Test 3 0 Piket - Smirin Biel /Z 1 993 King's Indian Defence, Classical Variation [E94]
1 d4 '2lf6 2 c4 g6 3 '2lc3 .1£.g7 4 e4 d6 5 '2lf3 0-0 6 �e2 e5 7 0-0 '2la6 (D) 7 . . . '2lbd7 and 7 . . . '2lc6 used to be the predom inant choices here, but today this move has gained popularity thanks to its flexibility.
8 �e3 '2lg4 9 �g5 'llfe8 10 dxe5 The other possibility is to close the centre with 10 dS . 10 dxe5 1 1 h3 h6 I 1 .f6 also deserves attention. 12 �d2 .•. ..
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
24
9 .\tfl is an alternative. 9 ... c5 9 .. . tiJc5 is another possibility. 10 a3 tiJe8 (D)
1 2 .\tel usually comes to the same thing. 12 ... tiJf6 13 .\te3 tiJd7 14 a3 f5 15 b4 c6 16 c5 f4 17 .\tel 'iSth7 (D)
As often happens in the King's Indian, White has an advantage on the queenside and the centre (in this position, a strong point on d6 well supported by a c5-pawn, where White could place a knight), while Black bases his hopes on getting kingside counterplay capable of disturbing the opponent's king. Often the game turns into a crazy race to see who strikes first, where the ability to combine attack and defence is decisive for the outcome of the battle. White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: 18 tiJd2 with the idea of tiJc4-d6. Option B: 18 .\tb2 with the idea of tiJb l d2-c4. Option C: Take on a6, weakening Black's pawn-structure.
Test 3 1 Bronstein - Petrosian Amsterdam Ct 1956 King's Indian Defence, Classical Variation [E95]
1 c4 g6 2 tiJc3 .\tg7 3 tiJf3 d6 4 d4 tiJ£6 5 e4 0-0 6 .\te2 e5 7 0-0 tiJbd7 Thc main line is 7 . tiJc6. 8 J:l:.el c6 9 d5 ..
11 .\tg5 The natural I I b4 has been played too. 11 ... f6 12 .\td2 f5 13 tiJg5 tiJc7 14 exf5 gxf5 15 £4 e4 16 .\te3 h6 17 tiJh3 (D)
B
White has two main plans at his disposal in this King's Indian set-up: I . Move a knight to f2 and later undermine Black's centre by h3 and g4. 2. Play on the queenside by preparing the ad vance b4. There are many ways for Black to counter these plans, but only one of them allows him to level the game completely. Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities:
TESTS
Option A: Play l7 . . . ttJf6, strengthening the e-pawn as well as hindering a future undermin ing of Black 's centre by the break g4. Option B: Play l 7 . . . i.xc3 and after this ex change, transfer the knight to f6. Option C: Play l 7 . . . a6 preparing the break at bS, with counterplay on the queenside as well as weakening White's dS-pawn.
25
White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play 13 f3, with the idea of clos ing the kingside w ith g4. Option B: Play 13 b4 fIrst, driving back the cS-knight before B lack can reinforce it with ... as . Later on White will close the kingside.
Test 3 3
Test 3 2
Mednis Alburt - Rizzitano
-
Lehmann
Berlin 1983 English Opening vs King's Indian [A26]
New York 1984 King's Indian Defence, Averbakh System [E 731
1 c4 ttJf6 2 g3 g6 3 it..g2 it..g7 4 ttJf3 0-0 5 0-0 d6
t d4 ttJf6 2 c4 g6 3 ttJc3 it..g7 4 e4 d6 5 i.e2 0-0 6 i.g5 h6 The main alternatives are 6 . . . cS and 6 . . . ttJbd7
in order to play . . . eS. 7 it..e 3 e5 8 d5 ttJbd7 9 h4 White has tested other plans, but the text move - aimed at pushing the pawn up to hS seems to be the best one. 9 ttJc5 10 'ilHc2 c6 1 1 h5 cxd5 12 cxd5 g5 (D) ...
It is apparent that Black prefers King's In dian set-ups. More in the style of the GrUnfeld would be S . . . dS or S . . . c6. 6 ttJc3 e5 6 . . . cS 7 d4 ! w ould transpose to a King's In dian line. 7 d3�c6 (D) 7 .. . cS leaves the key dS-square in White's hands .
w
White enjoys the usual advantage in space so common in this opening. Black is ahead in de velopment, and has his pieces actively placed. It is worth mentioning that thanks to the advance of the pawn to hS, White has lessened the effects of the opponent's break .. .fS, and in case of g4 this break could be ruled out completely.
8 �bl White is attacki ng on the queenside, at tempting to press on the light squares dS, c6 and b7, and taking advantage of his fIanchettoed bishop . Black, on the other hand, will have better chances on the kingside. One of his aims is to play . . .fS with a later advance . . .f40r . . . e4. 8 aS ...
26
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
This move has pros and cons. For instance : White will get the subsequent command of the a-file. The b6-square is also weakened. Black's alternatives are 8 . . . h6, 8 . . . l::l. e8, 8 .. .'�Jd4 and 8 . . . � fS 9 a3 h6 10 b4 axb4 1 1 axb4 ii.e6 12 b5 CiJe7 (D) 12 . . . CiJd4?! 1 3 CiJd2 'iVc8 14 e3 . .
Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: 14 . . . ii.h3, trying to get rid of the strong light-squared bishop. Option B: 14 . . . l::l. fb8, transferring the action to the centre and queenside. Option C: 14 . . . c6, strengthening the centre. Option D: 14 . . . l::l. ab8, defending b7, even though it leaves the a-file in White's hands.
Test 34 Karpov - Hjartarson Seattle Ct (2) 1989 English Opening, Reversed Dragon [A29]
13 ii.b2 '!i'd7 If 1 3 . . . 'iVc8 then 14 l::l. a l ! l::l. x al I S ii'xal �h3 16 �xh3 ! ii'xh3 17 'iIila7 iVc8 18 cS is much better for White; 1 3 ... CiJd7 1 4 CiJd2 c6 I S l::l. a l 'iVc7 1 6 'iVc2 CiJfS 1 7 l::l. fc l ! CiJf6 ? ! 1 8 'iVd l 'iVd7? ! 19 l::l. xa8 l::l. xa8 20 l::l. a l 'iIilc8 2 1 l::l. xa8 'iVxa8 22 ii'a4 ! 'il'xa4 23 CiJxa4 ii.d7 24 CiJb6 �e8 2S bxc6 bxc6 26 CiJb3 and White's pieces are moving into the queenside, Andersson Gulko, Biel IZ 1 976. 14 CiJd2 (D) 1 4 l::l.e I is also possible.
1 c4 e5 2 CiJc3 CiJf6 3 g3 d5 Black is playing a Sicilian Dragon with re versed colours . Having a tempo less, Black is not able to choose the most aggressive set-up. 4 cxd5 CiJxd5 5 �g2 CiJb6 6 CiJf3 CiJc6 7 0-0 Ji.e7 8 a3 Ji.e6 9 b4 0-0 10 l::l. b l f6 1 1 d3 'il'd7? I l . . .CiJd4 ! . 12 CiJe4! CiJd5 1 3 'iVc2 b6?! 14 �b2 l::l. ac8 14 . . . aS ? ! I S bS CiJa7 16 d4 ! CiJxbS 17 dxeS CiJxa3 18 �xa3 ii.xa3 19 CiJd4 ±. 15 l::l.b c1 ! I S �fd l ? ! �h8 1 6 CiJed2 ( 1 6 d4 fS is un clear) 16 . . . CiJcxb4 ' 17 axb4 CiJxb4 18 'iVc3 CiJa2 15 ... CiJd4 16 �xd4 exd4 (D)
White has given up his dark-squared bishop, and Black is preparing to free himself by the
TESTS
advance . . .c5 . White should do something to counter this plan. If Black solves the problem of his unprotected d4-pawn, he might exert pressure on the e-file thereafter. White to play. Please choose one of the fol lowing possibilities: Option A: 17 'iVc6, which physically pre vents . . . c5 . Option B: 1 7 'iVb2 with the idea of replying to 17 . . . c5 with 1 8 b5 and placing a strong knight on c4 afterwards. Option C: Entering the complications aris ing from the move 17 ttJxd4. Option D: 17 'iVd2 with the idea of prevent ing Black's advance 1 7 . . . c5 on account of 1 8 bxc5 bxc5 1 9 'iVa5 , following with the doubling of rooks on the c-fiJe.
27
�e2 ttJxe3 2 1 'iVxe3 with the initiative, and 1 8 ttJbd2 ! ? were better moves.
B
5 g6 6 d3 �g7 7 i.. d 2 b6 S 'iVa4+ i£.d7 9 'iVh4 �c6 10 .ig2 e6 1 1 'iVxdS+ WxdS 12 J::!.c 1 ttJa6 13 ttJxd5 i£.xd5 14 i£.c3 f6 15 a3? ! Better is 1 5 0-0 intending t o continue with 16 ttJd2. 15 ... We7 16 0-0 J::!. h cS 17 ttJd2 ttJc7 (D) ••.
Test 3 5 Hubner - Karpov Tilburg 1 977 Symmetrical English [A34]
1 c4 c5 2 ttJf3 ttJf6 3 ttJc3 d5 4 cxd5 ttJxd5 5 g3 (D) The aggressive line 5 e4 ! ? ttJb4 6 i£.c4 ! ? is still a rich field for investigation. 6 . . .ttJd3+ 7 We2 ttJf4+ 8 Wfl ttJe6 9 b4 and then: a) 9 . . . cxb4 1 0 ttJe2 ( l 0 ttJd5 g6 I I �b2 i£.g7 12 i£.xg7 ttJxg7 13 �c 1 ttJc6 14 d4 with compensation) 1O . . . ttJc7 I I d4 with compensa tion. b) 9 . . . g6 10 bxc5 �g7 ! 1 1 i£.xe6 i£.xe6 1 2 d4 ttJc6 1 3 i£.e3 and here: b 1 ) 1 3 . . . 'iVa5 is one possibility. b2) 1 3 . . .�g4 14 ttJe2 f5 1 5 h3 fxe4 1 6 hxg4 exf3 1 7 gxf3 'iVd7 ( I 7 . . . 'iVd5 1 8 ttJf4 'iVc4+ 1 9 Wg2 0-0-0 ! ? is unclear) 1 8 J::!. b l 0-0-0 1 9 'iVb3 ;t Seirawan-Miles, London 1 982. b3) 1 3 . . .�c4+ 1 4 Wg1 'iVa5 15 J::!.c 1 0-0-0 16 ttJb I ! ! ( \ 6 h3 f5 ! 17 exf5 gxf5 with unclear play) 1 6 . . . 'iVa6 ( l 6 . . . 'iVxa2 1 7 ttJbd2 ±) 1 7 d5 ± f5 ( I 7 . . .�e2 1 8 VWb3 i.. xf3 1 9 gxf3 ttJd4 20 .ixd4 �xd4 2 1 c6 ±; 1 7 . . . e6 1 8 J::!. xc4 'iVxc4 1 9 ttJbd2 ± ) and instead of 1 8 J::!.x c4?! (as played in Vallejo-Leko, Linares 2003), both 18 ttJfd2 ttJe5 1 9 ttJxc4 ( 1 9 c6 with an attack) 19 . . . ttJxc4 20
w
The ending that now follows seems to offer little for either side. This is a dry position, al though Black controls more space. However, HUbner has the floor. .. White to play. Choose one of the following options: Option A: 1 8 ttJc4, placing the knight on a good post. Option B: 1 8 e4, followed by 19 d4, at tempting to exploit the unsafe position of the black king.
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
28
Option C: 18 b4 - White seeks to free him self from the straitjacket represented by the cS pawn.
Test 3 6
i.a6 18 a4 .txbS 1 9 axbS ( 1 9 'iYxbS �xbS 20 axbS J:!.xa l 2 1 bxc6 J:!:c8 =t / -+) 19 . . . ltJd4 -+. b) IS eS dxeS 16 fxeS ltJd7 17 cxbS axb5 18 ltJxb5 ( 18 'i'xbS ltJdxe5 =t) 18 . . . Wlb6+ 1 9 'it>h l i.a6 20 a4 ltJd4 =t.
Bisguier - Petrosian New York ( USA- USSR) 1 954 Symmetrical English [A33]
B
1 d4 ltJf6 2 e4 cS 3 ltJf3 exd4 4 ltJxd4 ltJe6 5 ltJe3 e6 6 g3 6 e4 can be met by 6 . . . i.b4 7 f3 dS . 6 ... ..te5 7 ltJb3 Or 7 i.e3 'i'b6 8 ltJa4 i.b4+. 7 ... i.e7 8 i.g2 0-0 9 0-0 d6 10 e4? ! This leaves d 3 weak. White could prefer 1 0 ltJd4 i.d7 1 1 b3 . 10 ... ltJe5 11 'i'e2 Wle7 12 ltJd2 (D)
B
12 ... 86 1 2 . . . i.d7 ! ? 1 3 f4 ltJg6 14 b3 a6 I S i.b2 J:!:ac8 16 J::!. ac l J::!. fd8 17 �h l 'i'b8, Moggi Muehlebach, Bad Ragaz 1 99 1 . 1 3 b3? ! White should prefer 1 3 a4 intending b3 and i.a3 , or 1 3 f4 ltJc6 1 4 ltJb3 b6 I S i.e3 ltJd7 1 6 J:!.ac l ltJcS 1 7 ltJd4 il.b7 18 ltJxc6 'iUxc6 1 9 b4 ltJd7 20 .l:i:fd l 'Wic7 with unclear play, Fernan dez Garcia-Adams, Dos Hermanas 1 993. 13...b5! 14 f4 ltJe6 15 i.b2 (D) The alternatives were no better: a) I S cxbS axbS ( I S . . . ltJd4 ? ! 16 Wld3 ? { 1 6 'Wic4 } 1 6 . . .�xc3 -+) 1 6 ltJxbS 'i'b6+ 1 7 �h l
A Hedgehog structure has been enlivened by the thematic . . . b5 advance, by which Black ex ploited the fact that White was still busy devel oping his queenside. But now what? Choose the right plan: open the game, close it, or maintain the tension. Option A : 15 . . . i.b7, keeping options on the queenside open. Option B: IS . . . bxc4, so Black gets more pawns in the centre in case of 1 6 ltJxc4. Option C: IS . . . b4 - Black closes the queen side in order to open it later, when the opportu nity arises, and gets the c5-square for a strong knight. White's kingside attack is the only open question.
Test 3 7 Petrosian - Spassky Amsterdam Ct 1 956 English Opening vs King 's Indian [A I 6]
I ltJf3 ltJf6 2 c4 g6 3 g3 .tg7 4 i.g2 0-0 5 0-0 d6 6 ltJc3 ltJc6 7 d3 86 Black is playing a sort of Panno Variation with the white pawn at d3 instead of d4. 7 . . . e5 is more usual, occupying the centre. 8 ltJd2 J::!. b 8 9 a3 ltJe8
TESTS
With the idea of delaying White's initiative on the queenside by b4 and preparing to play in the centre, but this is a somewhat passive choice. A good option was 9 . . . i.d7, in order to strengthen the counterplay by means of . . . b5, and likewise with the possibility of playing . . . �c8 and . . . �h3 . 9 . . . CDg4 ! ? is another idea.
29
w
10 e3 1i.d7 11 �c2 f5 l l . . .b5 1 2 cxb5 ( 1 2 b4) 1 2 . . .axb5 l 3 d4 or 1 3 b4 and the knight i s looking misplaced on e8.
12 b4 e5 13 i.b2 g5 14 CDd5 CDe7? (D) 14 .. .f4 is consistent with his previous play.
White must now make a difficult decision with the knight. But from a strategic point of view, there is only one correct choice.
w
White to play. Choose one of the following moves with the knight: Option A: Transfer the knight to d2. A flexi ble choice .
Option B: Jump to e5 . The most active move, without a doubt.
Test 3 8 15 CDxe7+ 'l/iixe7 16 f4! CDf6
Donner - Pomar
1 6 . . . exf4 1 7 exf4 1i.xb2 1 8 'iVxb2 'iVe3+ 1 9 �h l 'ifxd3 20 1i.dS+.
Brunnen tt 1966 Symmetrical English [A3 8 ]
17 J:l.ael h6 18 CDf3 CDh7 The knight is not well placed on h7.
19 i.c3! :be8 20 'iVb2 1i.f6 20 . . . b5 ! ? ; 20 . . . exf4 2 1 exf4 �xc3 22 iHxc3 '¥kg7 23 'iVxg7+ <3;;x g7 24 J:: x e8 ':'xe8 25 fxg5 hxg5 26 CDd4.
21 b5 axb5 22 cxb5 Thanks to the advance b5, White has got some advantages: the c4-square for the knight and pressure against c7. Besides, the scope of White's fianchettoed bishop is even greater.
22 :�!Vg7 23 fxe5 dxe5 24 d4 ••
A critical moment. Also interesting was 24 CDd2 e4 25 i.xf6 CDxf6 (25 . . . 'ilfxf6 26 'iVc2 exd3 27 'iVxd3 ±) 26 J:: c 1 c6 27 bxc6 bxc6 28 dxe4 CDxe4 29 �xg7 + <3;; x g7 30 CDxe4 fxe4 3 1 J:!.fd 1
±.
1 c4 c5 2 g3 g6 3 i.g2 �g7 4 CDc3 CDc6 5 CDf3 S e3 is another set-up.
5 CDf6 •••
S . . . e5 seeks a firmer grip on the centre.
6 d4 cxd4 7 CDxd4 CDxd4 8 '¥kxd4 0-0 9 0·0 d6 10 '¥kd3 i.f5 11 e4 i.e6 12 b3 'VWa5 13 �d2 �h5 14 f3 .th3 As a result of the lack of manoeuvring space, Black decides to free himself seeking simplifi cations .
15 J:: a cl .bg2 16 <3;; x g2 J::fd8 1 6 . . . J:l.ac8 1 7 CDd5 CDxd5 1 8 exdS .
17 J:l.fdl Or: 1 7 CDd5 ; 1 7 g4 'ilfc5 .
17 b6? (D) •••.
24 e4 (D) •••
24 . . . exd4 25 exd4 intending CDe5 .
Not a good move. The black bishop was strong and should not have been exchanged.
30
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
w
Option A: The direct 23 l:!.c7, penetrating on the seventh rank. Option B: 23 h4 - a prophylactic move, guided towards the black king. Option C: 23 a4 - another waiting move, that captures more space on the queenside. Useful or not?
Test 3 9 Kramni k - Lautier Horgen 1995 English Opening/Semi-Tarrasch [D4 1 J
18 ctJdS 1 8 f4 g5 ( l 8 . . . ctJg4 is best met by 19 J:!.h l ! rather than 1 9 h3 �xh3+ 20 'it>xh3 ctJf2+ 2 1 'it>g2 ctJxd3) 1 9 f5 ctJg4 ? ! ( l 9 . . . g4 ! ) 20 l:h l (20 h3) 20 . . . ctJe5 2 1 it'fl g4 22 .bh6 'iVxh6 23 'iVf4 (23 ctJd5 'iVd2+) 23 . . . 'iVxf4 24 gxf4 ctJd3 25 :'cfl ±. 18 ...ctJxdS 19 cxdS! White prefers to play on the open c-file, which he is going to dominate. 19 .. J:tac8 20 l:c3 .ltxd2 21 l:xd2 Since the queen is away from the battlefield, Donner's decision was excellent. 21...'iVh6 22 l:tdc2 'li'f8 (D)
1 ctJf3 cS 2 c4 ctJf6 3 ctJc3 ctJc6 4 g3 dS 5 d4 A modem treatment, instead of the more common 5 cxd5 ctJxd5 6 .i.g2 ctJc7 7 0-0 e5, which gives Black a sound and comfortable game, with a preponderance in the centre. Of ten Black reaches this set-up via the move order 3 . . . d5 ! ? 4 cxd5 ctJxd5 5 g3 . S ... e6 5 . . . cxd4 6 ctJxd4 dxc4 7 ctJxc6 'li'xd l + 8 ctJxd l bxc6 9 .ltg2 ctJd5 1 0 ctJe3 e6 1 1 ctJxc4 i.a6 1 2 b3 .ltb4+ 1 3 .td2 'it>e7 14 �c l !:!.ac8 1 5 i.xb4+ ctJxb4 1 6 a 3 ctJd5 1 7 ctJa5 ;t Kramnik Hjartarson, Paris 1 995. 6 cxdS ctJxdS 7 i.g2 (D)
w B
White has a clear positional advantage, due to his command of the c-file, the space advan tage granted by the pawn-structure, and his more active pieces. Black's queen is waiting on f8, ready to act at the right moment. We mention only three possible choices:
7 ... cxd4 7 . . . i.e7 is an alternative. 8 ctJxd4 ctJxc3 9 bxc3 ctJxd4 10 'iUxd4 Not 1 0 cxd4? .ltb4+ 1 1 .td2 �xd4. 10 ...'iVxd4 11 cxd4
TESTS
31
Option B : 1 9 d5 exd5 and now 2 0 i.xa7 . Option c: 1 9 i.h3 threatening d5 .
White shows his cards: a powerful fianchett oed bishop aiming at b7, and a strong centre.
1 l ... i.d6?! Exchanging the dark-squared bishops favours the defending side: 1 l . . .�b4+ 1 2 .td2 .txd2+ 1 3 'iitx d2 'it;>d8 (preventing the rook from enter ing at c7) 14 �hc 1 l:l.e8 15 l:!.c5 J::tb 8 and White has only a slight advantage.
Test 40 Hubner - Ljubojevic Tilburg J 978 English Opening, l . . .e5 [A2 1 ]
12 0 0 -
More flexible than 1 2 J:!b l lib8 1 3 .tf4 'iite 7 14 i.xd6+ 'iit x d6 15 J;!.b3 b6 16 J:ta3 .ab7 17 e4 a6 1 8 'iit d2 �e7 19 .l:I.bl b5 = Groszpeter-Kar olyi, Hungarian Ch 1 986.
1 2 J::tb 8 13 e4! ••.
13 .td2 is another possibility : 13 ... .td7 14 J;!.fc 1 0-0 15 1i.f4 .txf4 1 6 gxf4 in order to con trol dark squares.
13 0-0 •••
13 . . . b6 is met by 14 �b2 ! 1i.b7 15 J:lac l 'iitd 7 16 d5 ! .
1 e4 e5 2 lbc3 d 6 3 g3 3 d4 ! ? is an interesting way to try to take ad vantage of Black's slightly passive 2nd move. In case of 3 . . . exd4 4 'iixd4 lbc6 White would withdraw the queen and then seek to exploit his better pawn-structure and control of d5 , contin uing with g3, �g2, e4, lbge2, b3, 1i.b2, etc . 3 ....te6 3 . . . g6 is another set-up.
4 �g2 e6 4 . . . lbc6 5 lbd5 intending b4-b5.
14 e5! i.e7 14 . . . .tc7 15 .ta3 litd8 1 6 l::tac 1 J:d7 ? fails to 1 7 l:txc7 ,!;!.xc7 1 8 1i.d6 +-.
15 �e3 �d7 15 . . . b6 16 .!:tfc 1 i.d8 1 7 .td2 intending .tb4-d6.
5 d3 5 b3 d5 ! ? 6 cxd5 cxd5 7 lbf3 lbc6 8 0-0 d4 9 lba4 lbf6 10 lbg5 .tg4 = Smyslov-Bronstein, Moscow 1 967 .
5 ...f5 (D) Other possibilities were 5 . . . lbf6 and 5 . . . g6.
16 l:tfc1 .!:tfe8 17 �xe8+ �xe8 18 �c 1 'it>f8 (D)
w w
White needs to exploit Black's delay in de velopment. White commands the open c-file and has pressure against the queenside. There are three logical options:
Option A: The immediate advance 19 d5 exd5 20 .txd5 .
Loyal to his style, Lj ubojevic produces a quite uncommon and aggressive position from the opening. Black has developed his queen's bishop early, and wants to gain more ground on the kingside. At the same time, he tries to pre vent White 's set-up with e4, lbge2, 1i.e3 , 0-0 and f4, which many players often choose.
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
32
White to play. Choose one of the following plans: Option A : 6 ct:Jf3 - even though this is not a flexible set-up, White develops the knight with a tempo gain, having a latent threat in the centre with the advance c5. Option B: 6 f4, attacking the black centre be fore deciding how to develop the king's knight. Option C: 6 e3 followed by ct:Jge2 - the 'English' set-up par excellence.
W
Test 4 1 Korchnoi - Petrosian II Ciocco Ct (5) 1 977
English Opening, Four Knights [A29] 1 c4 ct:Jf6 2 ct:Jc3 e5 3 ct:Jf3 ct:Jc6 4 g3 it.b4 5 ct:Jd5 �c5 6 d3 h6 7 .1i.g2 d6 8 0-0 0-0 9 e3 as 10 ct:Jc3 iLa7 This retreat was unnecessary. 11 a3 ct:Jh7 12 >i.thl ! ? (D)
Black is threatening the advance of the f pawn. Shall White prevent it? How? Prophy laxis or active play? White to play. He has the following possibili ties: Option A : White should sacrifice a pawn to liberate his bishops with 17 d4. Option B: 1 7 it.b2, deliberately ignoring Black's threat of . . . f4. Option C: 17 0,g l - the knight retreats in order to strengthen the weak points on White 's kingside.
B
Test 42 Romero - Zlotnik Ceuta 1 993 Trompowsky Attack [A45]
12 ..tg4 1 2 . . . ct:Jg5 13 ct:Jg l . 13 �c2 1 3 h3 .1i.h5 . 13 f5 14 ct:Jb5 ¥i'd7 14 . . . iLb6 1 5 d4. 15 0,xa7 J;txa7 16 b3 J::!. aa8 (D) Trying to give play to the queen's rook. An other possibility was 16 . . . f4 17 exf4 exf4 1 8 ..txf4? ! g5 1 9 ..te3 .1i.xf3 20 ..txf3 �xf3 2 1 iLxa7 0,xa7 2 2 d4 witb unclear play. •.•
•.•
1 d4 0,f6 2 it.g5 The Trompowsky Attack sometimes appears in master practice when White wants to avoid a theoretical discussion. English GM Hodgson has been one of its main supporters. 2 e6 One of Black's main choices together with 2 . . . 0,e4. 3 e4 h6 4 iLxf6 ¥i'xf6 5 ct:Jc3 d6 5 . . . .tb4 is another main line. 6 'iVd2 a6 6 . . . c6. 7 0-0-0 7 f4 ! ? g5. 7 b5 8 e5 VWd8 9 .td3 (D) ...
•••
TESTS
33
14 it.h6 15 tLlg5 as 16 f3!
9 f4 dxe5 1 0 dxe5 �xd2+.
•.•
16 'it>bl ! ? in order to play on the c-file.
1 6 1t.. a 6 17 i.xa6 •••
17 'it>bl ! ? �xd3 1 8 cxd3 was another inter esting possibility.
B
17 ... l:xa6 1 8 c;i;1bl J:!.a8 19 g4 Thus White produces a weakness in Black's position : either the h-pawn or the f-file.
19 hxg4 20 fxg4 Wie7 21 tLlc1 tLlb8 (D) •.•
w
9... b4 9 . . . tLlc6 ? ! 10 f4 tLlxd4? 1 1 �e4 +-; 9 . . . i.b7 10 f4.
10 tLle4 tLlc6?! 1 O ... d5 ! ? is better, trying to break with ... c5, reaching a position that is interesting for both sides.
11 tLlf3! Better than 1 1 'ii'e 3 dxe5 12 dxe5 Vlt'd5 ! or 1 1 tl:le2 dxe5 1 2 dxe5 tLlxe5 1 3 it.b5+ it.d7 .
1 1 ... d5 1 l . . ..i.e7 1 2 h4 ±.
1 2 tLlg3 g6 13 tLle2 ? ! (D) 1 3 h4 ! h5 14 tLle2 is better.
Black is trying to hit back in the centre with the ' French' break . . . c5 . This is a critical posi tion, with several plans that come into consider ation. Certainly, the style of the player is a major factor when choosing one or another move, but objectively speaking, one choice is better than the others.
White to play. Choose one of the following options: Option A: 22 c4 - White is taking risks,
B
opening the centre and giving Black new prob lems. Option B: 22 tLld3 , hindering ... c5 and pre paring the break c3, after the preparatory litc 1 . Option C: 22 J:tdfl with the idea of pressing against f7 before starting any other action.
Test 43 Petrosian - Liublinsky 13 ... h5? 1 3 . . . tLla5 intending . . . tLlc4 and . . . c5 .
USSR Ch (Moscow) 1949 Torre Attack [A46]
14 h4 1 4 tLlg5 ? ! 'iYxg5 15 'ii'xg5 i.h6.
1 d4 tLlf6 2 tLlf3 e6 3 it.g5
34
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
The similarity between this set-up and the Trompowsky Attack is obvious, but White has extra options when he has not yet played lZJf3 . 3 ... c5 4 e3 iLe7 (D) 4 .. .'i\Vb6 5 lZJbd2 is the most critical varia tion. Theory considers that White gets fair compensation for the sacrificed pawn.
What shall we do with the bishop ? 1 0 iLf4 - White keeps the bish ops, strengthening the strong e5-pawn. Option B: 10 iLxe7 - White leaves Black with the bad bishop, the one acting on the light squares. Option A:
Test 44 Botvinnik - Zagoriansky
w
Sverdlovsk 1 943 English Opening [A I 3 ]
5 lZJbd2 d5 6 c3 lZJbd7 7 .td3 O-O?! 7 ... 'lJlic7 is more advisable, because it not only prevents the following move, but also avoids presenting a target for White's kings ide play. S lZJe5 White gains space for his pieces . S ... lZJxe5 8 . . . lZJe8 9 h4 ! . 9 dxe5 lZJd7 (D)
1 lZJf3 d 5 2 c 4 e 6 3 b3 Irregular, but perfectly safe and playable. 3 ... lZJf6 4 �b2 �e7 5 e3 0-0 6 lZJc3 c5 7 cxd5 lZJxd5 S lZJxd5 exd5 9 d4 cxd4 10 'iYxd4 �f6 1 1 iVd2 lZJc6 12 ..te2 ..te6 13 0-0 �xb2 14 �xb2 �a5 15 :fd l �adS 16 J;!,d2 �d7 17 :adl �fdS I S h3 h6 19 lZJe5! A very strong move and very difficult to play during a game. It seems that exchanging knights leaves the defender with less chances of successful counterplay, and on the other hand White vacates the f3-square in order to attack the isolated pawn with more determination. 19 ...lZJxe5 20 'iYxe5 'iYc5 21 iLf3 b6 22 'iYb2 ):;!.cS 23 �e5 �cdS 24 J::t d4 as (D)
w w
A standard decision : exchange the bishop or to keep it. Please appraise all the elements in this position and make the right choice.
After playing the opening in a careless way, Black quickl y obtained a position without any sort of counterplay. The difference in activity between the two bishops is obvious and the d5-pawn is like a thorn nailed into Black's
TESTS
position . White only needs to produce a sec ond weakness. White to play. How should he increase the pressure on Black 's position? Option A : 25 h4 with the idea of fixing the kingside advantageously, using the space ad vantage. Option B: 25 �g4 - the exchange of bish ops clears the situation and consolidates the ad vantage. Option C: 25 g4 - White attempts to attack the black king.
Test 45 Bronstein - Botvinnik Moscow Wch (22) 1 951 Dutch Defence [A9 ! ] 1 d4 e6 2 c4 f5 3 g3 This early fianchetto was popularized by Alekhine. White is able to develop his knight to e2 or h3, without interrupting the long light square diagonal . 3...tZlf6 4 iLg2 �e7 5 tZlc3 0-0 ( D)
6 e3 A very important set-up, introduced by Bot vinnik. Usually White tries to advance this pawn to e4 in one move (with the aim of openi ng the e-file) and if this is not possible, he does not ad vance the pawn (in order not to weaken the f3square). 6... d5
35
Black decides upon the rigid Stonewal l for mation. Bronstein favoured the more flexible 6 . . . d6; e.g., 7 tZlge2 c6 8 0-0 e5 9 d5 "iVe8 1 0 e4 'liYh5 I I exf5 and Black has more initiative, Botvinni k-Bronstein, Moscow Wch ( I ) 1 95 1 . 7 tZlge2 c 6 8 b3 tZle4 Premature. 9 0-0 tZld7 10 itb2 The white bishops are favourably placed, and when the centre opens up, one or the other will play an important role in the course of the game. IO ...tZldf6 11 �d3 If I I f3 then l l . . .tZlg5 ! 12 h4 tZlf7 and Black gets counterplay in the centre. Bronstein pre fers to concentrate forces in the centre of the board. 1 1 ... g5 Active defence. 12 cxd5 exd5 13 f3 tZlxc3 If 1 3 . . . tZld6, then 14 .ta3 and after some ex changes White will threaten the break e4. 14 �xc3 g4 (D) The aim of this move is to divert the f3-pawn from supporting the advance e4, but this is not risk-free. 14 . . . .td7 at least lets the bishop be come effective via e8 and g6. Now, this bishop will be bad until the end.
15 fxg4 tZlxg4 16 _�h3 tZlh6 A painful but forced retreat. 1 6 . . . �e6 1 7 tZlf4 'liYd7 1 8 �xg4 fxg4 1 9 e 4 dxe4 2 0 �xe4 il.. d5 2 1 tZlxd5 cxd5 22 'iVe5 'ltVd6 23 'iVh5 ! with advantage. 17 tZlf4 .td6 18 b4
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
36
Black's initiative on the kingside has been reduced to ashes, and then White transfers the battle to the opposite side. One important fea ture in Bronstein's play is his skill for changing the theatre of events - Nimzowitsch's ' alterna tion' , a procedure which requires a high level of accuracy. 18 a6 1 9 a4 'fIie7 20 J:.abl (D)
for the lack of his king ' s bishop. All chess fans are likely to remember the famous 5th game be tween Spassky and Fischer, in the 1 972 world championship match, where the bishops were neutralized by means of the right exchanges. 9 tZlg5 0-0 10 f4 exd4 11 cxd4 h6 12 tZlf3 cxd4 13 exd4 (D)
•••
B B
The pawn-structure has undergone a big change since move 14. The f5-pawn is now iso lated but Black has got in return the control of the e4-square - but he cannot take advantage of this immediately - and the weakness at e3 . White pursues the usual minority attack. What shall Black do now ? Option A: 20 . . . .td7, connecting his forces. Option B : 20 ... tZlf7, directing the knight to g5. Option C: 20 ... b5, physically preventing the advance of the white b-pawn to b5.
Thanks to his aggressive assault with the f pawn, White has opened the game, liquidating the pawn-centre, which should be useful to the bishops. Black must now take a critical deci sion. Which is best ? Option A: 1 3 . . . .li!.e8, to establish control over the open e-file. Option B : l3 ... �g4, to develop all the pieces and press against d4. Option C: l3 . . . d5, preventing the d5 ad vance and closing the position for the dark squared bishop. The e5-square is not valuable.
Test 46
Test 47 Pliester - Mednis
Wexler - Korch noi
Amsterdam 1 986 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [E4 I ]
Buenos Aires 1 960 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [E46]
1 d4 tZlf6 2 c4 e6 3 tZlc3 Ab4 4 e3 c5 5 .td3 5 tZle2 is an alternative. 5 tZlc6 6 tZlf3 .txc3+ 7 bxc3 d6 8 0-0 e5 This is the Hiibner Variation. Black puts his pawns on dark squares in order to compensate
1 d4 tZlf6 2 c4 e6 3 tZlc3 Ab4 4 e3 0-0 4 . c5 is also very common. 5 tZle2 d5 6 a3 .te7 7 cxd5 tZlxd5 8 g3?! 8 �c2 ! . 8 ... b6
•••
..
TESTS
37
8 . . . tL'lxc3 9 tL'lxc3 c 5 9 �g2 �b7 10 e4 tL'lxe3 11 bxe3?! I I tL'lxc3 i s more natural. 11...tL'le6 12 0-0 tL'la5 13 tL'lf4 J:.eS 14 1:l:el �fS 15 J::t b l e5 16 dS e5 17 tL'lh3 e4 1S �f1 ? ! 1 8 f4 ! ? leads t o more active play. IS .. J:ieS 19 a4 J::t e7 20 f3 iLeS 21 tL'lf2 iLd7 22 iLe3 iLd6 23 'li'e2 l:tfS 24 �al 'li'f6 25 'li'dl �JeS (D)
Thus White obtains a clear initiative on the queenside. S ...tL'le4 9 iLb2 tL'ld7 10 �d3 f5 11 tL'le2! �f6 12 0-0 'li'e7 13 tL'leS! Preventing the black pieces from freeing themselves. 13...tL'lxeS 14 dxe5 �g5 15 �d4 Intending f3 . 15 ... iLh6 16 f3 tL'lg5 (D)
Black has taken command of the game on the queenside, and firmly bl ockaded the white passed pawn. How should White react'! White to play. Choose one oj the Jollowing possibilities: Option A: 26 tL'lh l , with the idea of g4 and tL'lg3 . Option B: 26 tL'lg4 - White puts the knight on an active square and starts kings ide action. Option C: 26 lla2 in order to transfer the rook to the kingside when necessary. Besides, this move anticipates ... tL'lb3 .
This variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defence is not very common. The dark-squared bishop has taken several moves to reach the h6-square, and the position is similar to a Dutch Defence. Without a doubt, Black's chances of counterplay and White's possibilities are clearly defined. White to play. Choose one oj the three Jol lowing possibilities: Option A: I 7 b5 - the idea is to open the queenside by a4 and as . Option B: 1 7 c6 - the black c8-bishop is cut off from play, and his rooks unconnected. Option C: 17 tL'lf4, placing another piece ac tively before starting actions on the queens ide.
=.
Test 48 Petrosian - Fischer BledlZagreblBelgrade Ct 1 959 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [E40]
1 d4 tL'lf6 2 e4 e6 3 tL'le3 iLb4 4 e3 dS 5 a3 �d6? ! 5 . . . ilxc3+ ! ? 6 bxc3 c5 looks better. 6 tL'lf3 0-0 7 eS! ile7 S b4
Test 49 Taimanov - Petrosian Zurich Ct 1 953 Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [ES8]
1 d4 tL'lf6 2 e4 e6 3 tL'le3 �b4 4 e3 eS 5 �d3 0-0 6 tL'lf3 d5 7 0-0 l!Jc6 S a3 �xe3 9 bxe3 b6
38
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
It is more popular to prevent White from building the centre that results from the text move, by playing 9 . . . dxc4 ! ? 10 cxd5 exd5 1 1 ttJe5 (D)
14 file1 ttJd7 15 e4 c4 16 �c2 f5 17 e5 .sf7 1 8 a4 as (D)
B
1 1 ...'iVc7 Or: a) 1 1 . . . ttJxe5 12 dxe5 ttJg4 1 3 f4 f5 14 �e2 ttJh6 15 ga2 ! �e6 16 J::id 2 'iVh4 17 �f3 ttJg4 1 8 g3 'iVh5 1 9 'iVe2 gad8 20 .sfd l iif7 2 1 h3 ttJh6 22 iVg2 and the d5-pawn falls, Korchnoi-Gur genidze, USSR Ch (Tbilisi) 1 959. b) Lately Black has been playing 1 1 . . .�b7 : b l ) 1 2 f4? ! ttJe4 with counterplay. b2) 12 ttJxc6 �xc6 1 3 a4 ( 1 3 f3 'iVd7 ! ? in tending . . . J::i ac8 ; 1 3 dxc5 ! ? bxc5 14 �c2 { in tending c4 } Taimanov) 13 . . .'iVd7 1 4 'iVc2 ttJe4? ( l 4 . . . J::i. fe8 is unclear) 15 f3 ttJf6 16 �f5 ± Najdorf-Sliwa, Leipzig OL 1 960. b3) 12 s.. b 2 ! ? c4 ( 1 2 . . . .se8 13 ttJxc6 �xc6 14 c4 ;!;; 12 ... ttJxe5 13 dxe5 ttJd7 14 f4 c4 1 5 �c2 ttJc5 1 6 a4 ;!;) 1 3 ttJxc6 ( 1 3 �c2 ttJxe5 1 4 dxe5 ttJe4 i s unclear) 1 3 . . . �xc6 1 4 �c2 .se8 1 5 a4 as ( 1 5 . . . iVd7) 1 6 iVe2 file7 ( 1 6 . . . .sa7 ! ? 1 7 �ae l ;1; ) 1 7 .sfe l ( 1 7 �ae l ) 1 7 . . .g 6 1 8 f3 ( 1 8 �a3 iVd7 targets a4) 1 8 . . .ttJh5 ! ? 1 9 e4 ;1; Yusu pov-Lobron, Munich 1 992. 1 2 ttJxc6 iVxc6 13 f3 �e6 Petrosian later chose 1 3 . aS, threatening to exchange bishops, but this was not very useful after 14 'iVe2 c4 15 �c2 b5 16 e4 �e6 17 'iVe 1 ttJd7 1 8 'iVg3 f6 1 9 �f4 J:tf7 20 .sfe ! ttJf8 2 1 �d6 l::!.d 8 22 �c5 liz_ liz Rabar-Petrosian, Bel grade 1 954. Despite the result, the dark-squared bishop is also here a decisive piece. ..
In this closed position, it seems that White's bishop-pair should have little impact on the outcome of the battle. Is White better? The next move will decide the further course of actions: Option A: 19 J:tbl - first White prevents Black from becoming active on the queenside by creating a passed a-pawn. Option B: 19 iVg3 - White keeps the dark squared bishop ' alive' on the c l -h6 diagonal, and if necessary, he will later push the h-pawn to give it more scope. Option C: 19 f4 - White anticipates Black's move ... f4.
Test 50 Tal - Hecht Varna OL 1962 Nimzo/Queen's Indian [E 1 3 )
1 d 4 ttJf6 2 c 4 e 6 3 ttJf3 b 6 4 ttJc3 �b4 5 � g5 5 g3 ! ? is another line. 5 �b7 6 e3 h6 7 �h4 �xc3+ Interesting is 7 . . . g5 8 �g3 ttJe4. 8 bxc3 d6 9 ttJd2 e5 10 f3 iVe7 11 e4 ttJbd7 12 �d3 ttJf8 (D) Trying to drive the white bishop out by means of . . . ttJg6. If 12 . . . g5 13 �f2 ttJh5 , then 14 ttJfl ! with advantage. .•.
TESTS
39
Black played this odd-looking retreat in or der to attack d4 and give scope to the c8-bishop, instead of the passive and useless . . . liJb6. In this sort of structure the masters think that time is not too important and what counts is how we arrange our pieces.
A typical situation arising from the Nimzo Indian. After spoiling White's pawn-chain even though strengthening his centre - Black put his pawns on dark squares, attempting to limit the scope of the white queen's bishop. Black's middlegame strategy is based on this fact, in order to take advantage of the pawn structure afterwards. White must decide what to do. Option A: 13 0-0 - a development move, waiting for Black to decide upon his defensive set-up. Option B: 13 'iVa4+, trying to hinder Black's ideal piece arrangement. Option C : 13 a4, to weaken Black's queen side. Option D: 1 3 c5, trying to open the game at any price.
Test 5 1
Is White able to take advantage of his tempo rary space advantage? We have a sort of fixed centre. The pawns on d4 and d5 are mutually blocking and there are no other pawns on the open c- and e-files that can modify this situation.
Choose one of the following plans: Option A: 13 ..tc2 with the idea of replying
to 13 . . . tlJc6 with 1 4 '/Iid3 . The move threatens Black's kingside, forcing him to weaken it. Option B : 1 3 g4, winning space and exert ing pressure on d5 . Option C: 1 3 'i¥b3 , pressing on d5.
Test 5 2 Kasparov - Yurtaev Moscow 1981
Petrosian - Smyslov
Nimzo-Indian Defence, Rubinstein System [E48]
USSR Ch (Moscow) 1961 Queen 's Indian Defence, Petrosian System [E I 2]
1 d4 liJf6 2 c4 e6 3 liJc3 ..tb4 4 e3 The Rubinstein System against the Nimzo Indian Defence is never out of fashion.
4 ... 0-0 5 ..td3 d5 5 . . . c5, now or on the previous move, is one of Black's main choices.
6 cxd5 exd5 7 tlJe2 tlJbd7 S 0-0 c6 9 f3 c5 10 a3 cxd4 11 exd4 ..te7 12 liJf4 tlJh s (D)
1 c4 liJf6 2 tlJc3 e6 3 tlJf3 b6 4 d4 ..tb7 5 a3 d5 6 cxdS tlJxd5 6 . . . exd5 is also possible.
7 e3 ..te7 S ..tb5+ The point of thi s check i s to obstruct the queen ' s bishop' s diagonal , and thus obliging Black to play a quick . . . c5 .
40
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME I
8 ... c6 9 .ltd3 c5 10 l2lxd5 �xd5?! Smyslov wants to keep a symmetrical struc ture, but the queen will lose several tempi in the middlegame. 10 . . . exd5 ! would have led to the usual struggle with hanging pawns, and plenty of possibilities for both sides. 11 dxc5 �xc5? Very optimistic again, but this is a major mis take. Better were both 1 1 . . ..ltxc5 and I I . ..bxcS . 12 �d2 l2lc6 13 :ct 'iVd6 14 'iVc2 l:l:c8 15 O-O! Endorsed by fine calculations. Thi s is a key moment to question the dubious adventure of the black queen. 1 5 h6 A sad necessity, since I S . . . l2leS fails on ac count of 16 �a4+ �c6 1 7 �b5 0Jxf3+ 1 8 gxf3 •..
±.
16 l:!,fdl 0-0 17 �c3 �b8 (D) A further move with the queen, which finally finds a sec ure position. However, better was 17 . . .�cS intending 1 8 .. :tWhS .
Option C: Play b4 to give the white queen more space and a good location on b2, thus weakening Black's kingside. Option D: Push the e-pawn by e4 and eS, winning more space.
Test 53 Kramnik - Vaganian Horgen 1 995 Queen's Indian Defence, Petrosian System [E I 2]
1 4Jf3 4Jf6 2 d4 e6 3 c4 b6 4 a3 .ltb7 5 l2lc3 4Je4 Not the most usual move; S . . . dS is more common. 6 l2lxe4 �xe4 7 e3 Or: 7 �f4 cS 8 dS exd5 9 cxdS �e7 I O �b3 0-0 I I l2ld2 .ltg6 12 e3 d6 1 3 .lte2 ;j; Vaganian Browne, Buenos Aires OL 1 97 8 ; 7 l2ld2 ! 'I. 7 ...iLe7 There are many possible moves at this point; for example, 7 ... cS II .ltd3 .ltxd3 9 'iVxd3 cxd4 10 'iVxd4 4Jc6 1 1 Wid3 .lte7 12 c4 'iVc7 1 3 0-0 0-0 14 b3 a6 I S .i;!,d I J::!. a7 1 6 g3 ± Gheorghiu Andersson, London 1 980. Or 7 . . . g6 ' ? , 7 ... fS and 7 . . . l2lc6? ! . 8 .ltd3 (0) 8 .ltd2 as 9 i,c3 0-0 1 0 i,d3 is another l ine.
B
We have reached a symmetric pawn-forma tion where the white pieces are temporarily dis playing more energy than those of the opponent. We should find the best plan jbr developing the initiative. Option A: Transfer the queen to the king side by way of a4. Option B: Transfer the bishop to the active square e4, therefore vacating the d-file for the rook, and playing .lth7+ first in order to take the black king away from the centre given the forthcoming endi ng.
8 ... d5'! ! Better is 1I . . . kxd3 9 'fWxd3 d5 1 0 �d2 ' 0-0 I I 0-0 c6 1 2 .!:tac I 2I.d6 1 3 e4 J::!.e 8 1 4 cxdS cxdS
TESTS
1 5 exd5 exd5 1 6 lLlg5 g6 1 7 'ihI3 h5 1 8 'i'f3 'i'd7 1 9 .¥I.. f4 .¥I.. xf4 20 'il'xf4 lLla6 � Andersson Petursson, Reykjavik 1988. 8 . . . f5 can be met by 9 .¥I.. x e4 fxe4 10 lLld2 d5 I I 'i'h5+ g6 1 2 'il'g4 intending f3 with an attack.
9 .¥I..xe4 dxe4 10 lLld2 f5 11 f3! (D)
41
14 g3 .1i.xg3
=.
14 0-0 (D) •••
W
Theoretically speaking, Black did a good job in the opening; his dark-squared bishop solves his structural problems. As a result, e6 is weak and with his last move White is trying to clear the way in order to use the weaknesses along the a8-h I diagonal. If I I 0-0, then I I . . . 0-0 (or 1 1 . . .c5) 12 f3 c5 ! with counterplay.
B
It seems like Black has seized the initiative and is preparing a dangerous attack by means of . . . �f6. His only problem is the sad role played by the queen's knight.
How should White continue ? Option A: 1 5 c5 - a positional sacrifice in order to press along the c-file. Option B: 15 b4 - White quietly strengthens the threat of c5, since Black has no real coun terplay.
l 1...iLd6 Or: a) 1 1 . . .exf3 12 'il'xf3 c6 ( l 2 . . . lLld7 13 'tiHc6 ! .1i.d6 1 4 b 4 intending c5 ± ) 1 3 0-0 ( 1 3 b 3 and 1 3 b4 ! ?, intending .¥I.. b 2, 0-0-0 and e4, both suffice for an initiative) 13 . . . 0-0 14 b3 �. b) 1 1 . . .c5 12 'tiHa4+ �f8 13 fxe4 cxd4 1 4 exf5 dxe3 1 5 lLlf3 exf5 1 6 .¥I.. x e3 'i'd3 1 7 �f2 ±.
12 'il'a4+ A good zwischenzug. If 12 fxe4?, then Black replies 12 . . . 'i'h4+ with an attack.
12 ... c6 Or: 12 . . . lLld7 1 3 fxe4 ! 'i'h4+ 1 4 g3 ! .¥I.. x g3+ 15 �d l fxe4 16 'i'c6 �e7 17 lLlxe4 .1i.d6 1 8 .¥I.. d 2 with an attack on the black king, exposed on e7; 12 . . . 'i'd7 13 'iYxd7+ lLlxd7 14 fxe4 ±.
13 0-0 'i'h4 13 . . . exf3 1 4 lLlxf3 0-0 gives White a choice between 15 .1i.d2 �, intending gae l and e4, and 15 b4 ±.
14 f4
Test 54 Romero - Morales Lanzarote 1990 Old Indian Defence [A55 J
1 d4 lilf6 2 lLlf3 d6 3 c4 c6 4 lLlc3 lLlbd7 5 e4 e5 6 .¥I..e2 iLe7 7 0-0 a6 8 h3 White has some other possible plans, delay ing the development of the c l -bishop; for in stance, 8 'i'c2, or even 8 d5.
8 ... 0-0 9 .IT1.e3 b5 (D) A typical Old Indian position has ari sen . Compared to the King's Indian, Black is play ing with his bishop inside the pawn-chain d6e5, instead of fianchettoing it, which looks somewhat passive. The idea is to press against the centre while expanding on the queenside by means of . . . b5, . . . .1i.b7 and later against e4, after the moves . . . ge8 and . . . .1i.f8 . It is a sound
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
42
w
set-up, difficult to crack in practice but offer ing B lack very limited active prospects. White to play. Choose one of the following plans: Option A: 10 a3, preventing problems against the white centre in face of the latent threat of . . . b4 and the ensuing pressure on e4. White will follow up with 'iYc2, gad l , etc. Option B: 10 cxb5 followed by b4, with a favourable release of the tension in the centre. Option C: 1 0 c5 ! ?, playing to break up Black's central pawn-chain.
12 liIe1 12 lLld2 �a6. 12 lLlbd7 13 lLlf4 The opening problems now force White to protect the d3-square. 13 lLle5 14 lLld3 lLlfd7 14 . . . lLlxd3 ! ? 1 5 'ii'x d3 lLld7 was worth of at tention. 1 5 lLlf2 (D) •••
•••
B
Test 55 Milev - Petrosian Bucharest 1 953 Modem Benoni, Fianchetto Variation [A60]
1 d4 lLlf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 c5 4 d5 exd5 5 cxd5 d6 6 .ig2 g6 7 e4 .ii. g7 8 lLle2 The knight is poorly placed on this square; it is far away from the theatre of events and does not support the advance e5, which is one of White's main aims in this type of position. 8...0-0 9 0-0 li!.e8 10 f3? ! 1 0 lLlbc3 b 5 1 1 lLlxb5 lLlxe4 1 2 lite l would have been better. 10 b5 11 a4 b4 (D) Black has expanded on the queenside - in creasing the scope of the g7-bishop - while White has not been able to play in the centre. The opening has been more than satisfactory for Black. •••
White is ready to expel the powerful black knight from e5, beginning to play in the centre. His main aim is to play e5 under good condi tions. Black has three interesting possibilities at his disposal. Choose the best: Option A: 15 . . . a5, securing the b6-square for the knight, being able to continue the devel opment with . . . J.a6. Option B: 15 . . . c4, trying to 'justify' the su perfluous piece at d7. This knight will go to c5 .
TESTS
Option C: I S . . . liJc4 - foreseeing the inten tions of the opponent, the knight attacks b2, having the possibility of moving to as or b6 later.
Test 5 6
43
White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: 1 7 liJc4, improving the position of his knight now that . . . liJxdS fail s . Option B : 1 7 e4. Option C: 17 liJb I - the knight wants to move to c3, where it will restrict Black's queen side counterplay.
Donner - Petrosian Gothenburg IZ 1 955 Modem Benoni, Fianchetto Variation [A62]
Test 5 7
1 d4 liJf6 2 c4 cS 3 dS e6 4 liJc3 exdS S cxdS d6 6 liJf3 g6 7 liJd2 liJbd7 8 g3 �g7 9 i.g2 0-0 10 0-0 "fie7 1 0 . . . a6 and 1 O . . . :!l:.e8 are the most popular choices in this position.
11 h3 1 1 liJc4 liJeS 12 liJxeS "fixeS 1 3 a4 a6 14 as :!l:.e8 IS i.f4 "fie7 16 "fib3 liJd7 17 :!l:.fe I liJeS 1 8 liJa4 ;!: Gligoric-Petrosian, Zurich Ct 1 9S 3 .
l 1...b6 12 a 4 i.a6 13 :!l:.el Donner often played these sort of prophylac tic moves ( 1 1 h3, 12 a4, 1 3 :!l:.e l ) in his games, waiting for the opponent to show his intentions.
13 liJe8 14 liJbS •••
14 liJde4 deserves serious attention. After the possible continuation 1 4 . . . liJc7 I S SLgS f6 1 6 i.f4 liJeS White has the better prospects in a complex struggle.
14 ...�xbS 1S axbS liJc7 16 "fib3 liJf6 (D)
Gligoric - Ivkov Novi Sad 1 9 75 Old Benoni [AS6]
1 d4 liJf6 2 c4 cS 3 dS d6 4 liJc3 g6 5 e4 �g7 6 liJf3 0-0 7 h3 eS? ! This reduces the scope o f his fianchettoed bishop for nothing.
8 SLgS! Pinning the f6-knight in order to hold the f file thus avoiding a quick . . . fS .
8 ...liJbd7 (D) The problem of playing . . . h6 - sooner or later necessary - is that White is going to win another tempo attacking this pawn by 'li'd2. Gligoric-Lj ubojevic, Manila 1 974 continued 8 . . . h6 9 SLe3 liJa6 10 �e2 liJc7 1 1 0-0 liJh7 1 2 'li'd2 h S 1 3 liJh2 liJe8 1 4 f4 exf4 I S i.xf4 a6 1 6 liJf3 f6 1 7 i.d3 J::!.f7 1 8 i.g3 liJf8 1 9 liJh4 with advantage.
w w
Black had pinned his hopes on this last move. Now White must face the problem of the lack in development.
9 i.e2 a6 1 0 0-0 h6 1 1 i.e3 liJh7 12 'li'd2 hS 13 liJgS! (D)
44
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
White wants to prevent the break . . . fS at any cost. If 1 3 a3, then 1 3 . . . fS 14 exfS gxfS , and in case of 1 3 4Je l [S 14 exfS gxfS IS f4 '/We8 ( I S .. .':t'lhf6 1 6 fxeS tiJxeS 17 ctJf3 ) 16 [xe5 tiJxeS 17 tiJf3 b6 Black will follow with the standard manoeu vre . . . Ma7 and the later transfer of the rook to the kingside, with counterplay.
You should now choose the plan with the best prospects of getting the advantage. Option A: 1 7 Wh l - White puts his king into safety before playing the break f4. Option B: 1 7 b4 - this thematic break on the queenside transfers the struggle from the king side . Option C : 1 7 f4 - the g5-knight w i l l later move to f3 in order to fight for the blockading square eS.
B
Test 58 Szabo - Evans Buenos A ires 1 960 King's Indian Defence, Petrosian System [E92]
1 ctJf3 tiJf6 2 d4 g6 3 c4 il.. g7 4 ctJc3 0-0 5 e4 d6 6 Jte2 e5 7 d5 tiJe8 13",'/We7 After 1 3 . . . il.h6 1 4 tiJxh7 �xe3 I S �xe3 Wxh7 16 a3 White will have good play on the queenside as well as the kingside.
This i s not the most usual move against the Petrosian System, but it quickly prepares the thematic break . . . fS . However, 7 . . aS followed by . . . ctJa6 is more logical. 8 h3 f5 9 exf5 il.. xf5 (0) .
14 Mae1 Mb8 15 a3 �e8 Losing a tempo. Better was I S . . . ctJdf6 at once. 16 Jtd3 b6 (0) 16 ... fS 1 7 f4 ! .
White has several plans at his disposal, thanks to his space advantage and the restriction of the opponent's counterplay with .. .fS .
This is an important type of position to un derstand, where Black has taken on fS with a piece after carrying out the typical . . . fS ad vance. White to play. Choose one of the following plalls: Option A : \0 ctJgS - White attacks the weak ened square e6.
TESTS
Option B: 1 0 0-0, connecting all his pieces once White has checked that the usual attack on the kingside won't happen. Option C: 10 g4, chasing the bishop in order to place a knight on e4.
Test 59 Petrosian - Simagin Moscow Ch (5) 1 956
45
advantage of the lack of defenders of the black king. Option B: 22 exf5 - White releases the ten sion, believing he has the advantage in the cen tre. Option C: 22 lLla2, preventing the black knight from jumping to b4 before starting ac tion on the b-file and later in the centre.
Test 60
King 's Indian Defence, Classical Variation [E9 1 ]
Pachman - Gligoric Buenos Aires 1 960
I lLlf3 lLlf6 2 c4 c 6 3 lLlc3 d6? !
King's Indian Defence, Samisch Variation [E89]
3 . . . d5 is less compromising.
4 d4 g6 5 e4 !il.g7 6 !il.e2 0-0 7 0-0 !il.g4 8 .lte3 lLlbd 7 9 lLld2 9 h3 is also possible. 9 !il.xe2 10 'ii'x e2 e5 1 1 d5 c5 12 l:i.abl lLle8 13 f3 f5 14 b4! ? cxb4 15 li!.xb4 b6 16 a4 •••
White temporarily concedes control of the c5-square, but with the advance of his a-pawn he retains the advantage on this side of the board.
16 .ltf6 17 �hl .ltg5 18 .ltgl lLlc7 19 :gbbl lLla6 20 lLlb3 lLldc5 21 lLlxc5 bxc5 (D) •••
1 d4 lLlf6 2 c4 g6 3 lLlc3 !il.g7 4 e4 d6 5 f3 0-0 6 iLe3 e5 The classical reply, instead of 6 . . .c5 or the 'modem ' system with 6 . . . lLl c6.
7 d5 c6 8 lLlge2 cxd5 9 cxd5 a6 10 'ii'd 2 lLlbd7 11 g4 h5 12 !il.g5 A sacrifice with unpredictable results, in stead of 1 2 g5 .
12 hxg4 13 fxg4 lLlc5 14 lLlg3 !il.xg4 (D) .••
2 l . . .lLlxc5 22 a5 ! ?
w
Black has adopted a somewhat passive set up, but now his situation on the queenside has seemingly become more stable.
White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: 22 iLe3 , trying to get rid of the strong black dark-squared bishop, thus taking
White has been trying to refute Black's ag gressive 1 1 . . .h5 by sacrificing a pawn and open ing lines. Apparently, the pressure on f6 and the thrcat of the assault h4-h5 look like enough com pensation for the pawn.
White to play. Choose one of the three fol lowing possibilities in order to maintain the ini tiative:
46
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
Option A: 1 5 iig2, strengthening e4 and the f3-square, avoiding the entry of the black bishop before playing h3. Option B : 15 h3 - White must proceed speedily. Option C: IS b4 - attacking the knight be fore making a demonstration on the kingside. The weakness of the queens ide is not so impor tant; what counts is time.
Test 6 1 M. Gomez - Romero Paz de Ziganda 1 994 King's Indian Defence, S h3 [E7 1 )
black a6-knight. White ' s concept is interesting, since he made almost all his moves with pawns therefore disregarding development. Now he must pay attention to the safety of his king. White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: 14 .ltd3 - White opposes Black's planned break on f5 . Option B: 14 !ii. x a6 - White, behind in de velopment, is seeking safety for his king by playing ttJgc2 and 0-0 immediately. He thinks the king will be safe on the kingside. Option C: 14 h4 - White wants to close the kingside and meet . . . f5 with g5.
Test 62
1 d4 ttJf6 2 c4 g6 3 ttJc3 !ii. g7 4 e4 d6 5 h3 0-0 6 .\te3 e5 7 d5 ttJa6 7 . . . a5 is more flexible; the problem with this
Zielinska - Romero Merida rpd 2000 King 's Indian Defence, Classical Variation [E9 1 )
move is that sometimes the knight might be out of play.
S g4! ? A n aggressive attempt, but suitable t o op pose Black's counterplay based on the break . . . f5 . White keeps in reserve the manoeuvre ttJge2-g3 , strengthening the kingside pressure, until the conditions are more appropriate. 8 ttJf3 is the usual move.
1 d4 ttJf6 2 c4 g6 3 ttJc3 !ii. g7 4 e4 d6 5 ttJf3 0-0 6 .\te2 .ltg4 7 .lte3 ttJfd7 S �c1 ( D)
B
S ...ttJc5 9 f3 c6 10 iid2 cxd5 11 cxd5 !ii. d7 12 b4! ? ttJa6 13 a3 ttJeS (D)
S ... e6 ! ? Black's idea is t o play . . .c 5 a t once. The problem of playing 8 . . c5 right now is that after 9 d5 Black could barely free himself with the break . . . e6, due to d6 not being well defended. Other possibilities are 8 . . a6 and the classical 8 . . . e5 9 d5 f5 . .
.
White has played on the whole board, quite a normal thing in the 5 h3 line, risking the safety of his king in return for the bad situation of the
9 0-0 c5 10 d5 exd5 11 exd5 .ltxf3 12 .ltxf3 f5
TESTS
Black should w i n more space for his knights so they can develop some prospects in the fu ture.
13 li'd2 lbe5?! Surely 13 ... lbf6 was preferable.
14 j,e2 lbbd7 15 f4 lbf7 (D)
This situation is more characteristic of the Averbakh System, where Black has a strong dark-squared bishop, but is short of space to manoeuvre. White to play. Choose one of the following possihilities: Option A: 16 g4 - White tries to open the game at any price, activating his light-squared bishop. Besides, he wants to use the weakness of the e6-square quickly. Option B: 16 Wh l , attempting to penetrate on the e-file in the medium term and use the e6-square. Option C: 1 6 a3, with the aim of opening a gap in the queenside, since that is the side of the board where it is most natural to launch an at tack.
47
A good alternative to the better-known move
7 iLe3 . 7 ... lbbd7 8 d5 lbb6 (D) If 8 . cxd5, then 9 lbxd5 taking advantage of .
.
the fact that the knight can no longer move to c6.
9 lbc1 cxd5 10 cxd5 0-0 11 a4 a6 12 lbb3 j,d7 13 a5 lbc8 14 j,d3 b5 15 lba2! b4 is a good station for the white knights, as they probe the sensitive squares c6 and a6. In stead, 15 axb6 li'xb6 would give Black highly active play.
15 ...lbe7 (D) Thi s move is now necessary to prevent the invasion of c6, but the knight has now spent a lot of time reaching thi s customary position. 1 5 . . . h6 ! ? is also possible.
Test 63 Petrosian - Najdorf Bled 1961 King's Indian Defence, S amisch Variation [E80]
1 d4 lbf6 2 c4 g6 3 lbc3 iLg7 4 e4 d6 5 f3 e5 6 lbge2 c6 7 iLg5
The King's Indian is noted for the nexibil i ty of the plans for both sides. Shortly, the
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
48
manoeuvres that both sides are carrying out on the queenside will lead to action on both flanks . It is time to make a decision. because we are facing a critical position. where further delay could be fatal. Option A: 1 6 g4 - White takes prophylactic measures on the kingside. Option B: 16 0-0 in order to prcpare the break f4 in a suitable manner. Option C: 16 ctJb4, following the idea started with the previous move, and planning to control the c6-square in the future.
M g I 'lib 3 I S Mg3 'libs 1 9 f4 exf4 2 0 il.xhS fxg3 with unclear play.
16 b4 Seizing the initiative on the queenside before White can build his play. 16 ... c5! 17 Mbl b6 18 ctJn (D) White could play safer with I S 0-0 iLf4 1 9 exfS gxfS 2 0 Mfe l 'ii'g S 2 1 ctJ n WhS 2 2 iLd3 .
Test 64 Karpov - Kasparov New York/Lyons Wch ( 1 9) 1 990 King's Indian Defence, Classical Variation [E92]
1 d4 ctJf6 2 c4 g6 3 ctJc3 iLg7 4 e4 d6 5 ctJf3 0-0 6 iLe2 e5 7 iLe3 c6 8 d5 ctJg4 9 iLg5 f6 10 iLh4 ctJa6 11 ctJd2 ctJh6 l l . . .hS ! ?
1 2 a3 ctJf7 1 3 f3 il.h6 ! ? With the idea o f moving the bishop t o e 3 . The positions now appearing o n the board have many similarities with those derived from the Petrosian System, 7 dS. 14 iLf2 f5 15 'ii'c2 (D)
B
White is behind in development. With his last move he is trying to exchange on fS and then attack it by ctJe3 . Black t o play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: I S . . . 'ii' gS , attacking g2 immedi ately. Option B: I S . . . iLf4 - Black does not fear the reply g3 and threatens to place his pieces behind the bishop, using the gS-square as a base. Option C: IS . . . ctJc7 is a useful move in or der to start action on the queens ide. Option D: l S . . . ctJgS - Black's pieces begin to become active and are exerting pressure on e4.
Test 65 A. Petrosian - A. N. Panchenko USSR U-26 Ch ( Vilnius) 1 978 Queen's Gambit, Tarrasch Defence [034]
15 iLd7 .••
IS .. :iVgS ! ? is a sharper try : 16 ctJfl ( 1 6 h4 'ii'x g2 1 7 MgI 'ii' h2 I S il.fl ctJcS ! ) 16 . . . 'ii'x g2 1 7
1 ctJf3 d5 2 g3 ctJf6 3 iLg2 c5 4 0-0 ctJc6 5 d4 e6
TESTS
Of course it was possible to play 5 . . . cxd4, but White will be playing a Griinfeld Defence with an extra tempo. 6 c4 i,e7 6 . . . dxc4 is an alternative to the Tarrasch De fence, as it transposes to a critical line of the Catalan. 7 cxd5 exd5 S tiJc3 0-0 9 b3 A secondary line, instead of the main 9 i,g5 . 9 �g4 (DJ 9 . . . tiJe4 is also possible .
49
bxc6 14 tiJa4 l:iac8 15 f3 il.f5 16 'iWd2 h6 1 7 l:ifd l 'iWe6 Rukavina-Lputian, Belgrade GMA 1 988. 1 2 dxc5 il.xc5 (DJ =
w
•.•
•••
10 i,b2 l:ieS 1O . . . il.xf3 ? ! 1 1 i,xf3 tiJxd4 ( l l . . .cxd4 1 2 tiJb5 ± ) 1 2 i,g2 � intending 1 3 e 3 and 1 4 tiJxd5 . 1 0 . . . cxd4 ! ? 1 1 tiJb5 tiJe4 1 2 tiJbxd4 i,f6 1 3 'iWd3 ? ! tiJb4 + Kiselev-Magomedov, Chelia binsk 1 99 1 . 1 1 J::tc 1 1 1 dxc5 il.xc5 1 2 l:ic l a6 13 tiJxd5 ( 1 3 h3 i,h5 1 4 tiJxd5 i,xf2+ 1 5 l:ixf2 tiJxd5 1 6 tiJe5 tiJxe5 17 'iWxd5 'iWg5 18 g4 i,g6 19 �cfl J::!. a d8 20 'iVxb7 h5 with compensation, Inkiov-Peturs son, Lucerne OL 1 982) 1 3 . . . il.xf2+ 14 l:ixf2 tiJxd5 15 tiJe5 tiJxe5 16 'iWxd5 'iWg5 17 l:icfl l:iad8 18 iVxb7 f6 1 9 i,xe5 'iVxe5 20 e4 a5 2 1 l:ic2 l:id7 2 2 'iVb6 il.d l with compensation, Bis choff-Petursson, Reykjavik 1 982. ll li:cS? With this cursory move, a very natural one, Black makes a mistake. It was required to give up the tension in the centre by 1 l . . .i.xf3 ! ? 1 2 il.xf3 cxd4 1 3 tiJb5 'iVa5 1 4 a4 tiJe4 with un clear play, or l l . . .cxd4 12 tiJxd4 iVd7 13 tiJxc6 ...
No doubt we are in a very distinctive posi tion of the Tarrasch, where Black has good con trol of the d4-square, and White, on the other hand, has developed his queenside properly. B oth the black and white pieces seem to occupy their ideal squares in this set-up. Choose between: Option A: 1 3 tiJxd5 is a petite combinaison. White is satisfied with the bishop-pair. Option B: 1 3 tiJb5, in order to control the blockading square (d4), according to the dogma of the classical chess school. The knight is a good blockader. Option C: 1 3 h3 - a prophylactic move forc ing Black to make a decision. If Black retires to h5, White will be able to win a pawn by means of the advance g4-g5 . Option D: 1 3 tiJa4 is another natural move which wins a tempo and forces the c5-bishop to leave a superb diagonal.
Test 66 Andersson
-
Tal
Malmo 1 983 Queen' s Gambit Declined [D55]
1 tiJf3 dS 2 d4 tiJf6 3 c4 e6 4 �g5 il.e7 5 tiJc3 h6
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
50
Of course, Black can delay this move.
6 il.. xf6 6 il.. h4 leads to the main lines.
6 ... il.. xf6 7 e3 7 e4 is deemed unfavourable after 7 ... dxe4 S ttJxe4 ttJc6 9 ttJxf6+ 'li'xf6.
7 ... 0-0 8 Mel c6 9 il.. d3 ttJd7 10 0-0 dxc4 1 1 il.. xc4 eS (D)
need to add a second problem for the black army. Option A: 21 ttJe4 - White believes that in this way he gets rid of Black's strongest defen sive piece. Option B: 21 'li'e2 - White prefers to double on the e-file. The threat of Me7 looks strong. Option C: 21 dS, trying to open lines and di agonals where White is better arranged. With this customary procedure in the centre we get a typical QGO position. In order to achieve some advantage, White must allow the creation of an isolated pawn, and rely on his greater space and piece activity.
12 il.. b3 The prophylactic move 1 2 h3 was adopted by Kasparov and became popular for several years, but it doesn ' t achieve a great deal either; the same goes for 12 ttJe4 exd4 13 ttJxf6+.
12 ...exd4 13 exd4 �e8 14 'liVd2 ttJb6 The alternative is 14 ... ttJfS to oppose the pressure along the a2-g8 diagonal. After IS dS ! il.. x c3 1 6 �xc3 cxdS 1 7 il.. x dS 'li'f6 ( 1 7 . . . �b8? 18 il.. x f7+ followed by 'li'f4+) 18 �d l .a:b8 1 9 'li'd4 'li'xd4 20 ttJxd4 �d8 and 2 l . . .il..e6 Black equalized in the game Andersson-Wedberg, Haninge 1 989.
IS �fe1 �xel+ 16 �xel il.. g4 17 ttJeS il.. xeS 18 �xeS Seemingly, all these exchanges are profitless for White in a grandmaster duel, but White's initiative is enduring. 18 ttJd7 19 Be3 ttJf6 20 h3 il..d 7 ( D) White has a slight edge, thanks to his strong bishop pointing at f7. But is this enough ? We ...
Test 6 7 Bronstein - Botvinnik Moscow Wch (18) 1 951 Queen' s Gambit, Semi-Slav [0 IS]
1 d4 dS 2 c4 c6 3 ttJc3 ttJf6 4 ttJf3 e6 S e3 Avoiding the complications of the Botvinnik System that follows after S il.. g S dxc4.
S ... a6 A nowadays very topical move, by which Black fights for the initiative at an early stage. Black also avoids the Meran, which arises after S . . . ttJbd7 6 il.. d 3 dxc4 7 il.. x c4 bS.
6 il.. d 3 bS 7 b3 According to Botvinnik, 7 cS is premature in this position on account of 7 . . . ttJbd7 followed by 8 . . . eS.
7 ... ttJbd7 7 . . . bxc4 8 bxc4 dxc4 9 il.. xc4 cS is another possibility.
8 0-0 il.. b 7 9 cS! With the bishop on b7, White decides to close the centre. Now 9 . . . eS will be dubious due
TESTS
51
to 10 dxeS ct:lg4 1 1 e6 fxe6 12 ct:ld4 ct:lxcS 1 3 'iFxg4 ct:lxd3 1 4 'iFxe6+ 'iFe7 I S 'iFfS .
9 .lil..e 7 ..•
Botvinnik proposed fianchettoing thi s bishop.
10 a3 a5 Preventing I I e4.
11 ii.b2 0-0 12 'iFc2 (D)
B
12 ... g6 Black prepares to transfer the bishop to g7. According to Bronstein, despite the queenside being blocked, the cS-pawn secures White the advantage. 1 2 . . . 'iFc7 ! ?
White has a space advantage, even though there are few possible breaks in the present po sition. There are two ideas in order to force actions. Please consider the pros and cons of both care fully: Option A: 27 ii.xbS - a sacrifice in order to open a rip in Black's 'rock solid' position. Option B: 27 g4, keeping every possibility open on the kings ide.
Test 68
1 3 b 4 axb4 14 axb4 'iFc7 1 5 l:!ae1 For the time being White does not need the a-file. 15 l:!fe8 16 ct:l e2 1 6 ct:leS was sharper.
Petrosian - Sorokin Tbilisi Ch 1 945 Queen's Gambit, Slav [D I 4]
•••
16 ii.f8 17 h3 ii.g7 18 ct:le5 ct:lf8 •.•
The exchange at eS is bad since it would yield the d4-square to the other white knight.
19 f3 Keeping the chance of breaking at e4, even though on the following move Bronstein rejects this plan because the result is unfavourable.
19 ct:l6d7 20 f4 .••
Preventing . . . eS.
20...f6 2 1 ct:lf3 l:!e7 2 l . . . eS 22 fxeS fxeS 23 e4 and the white pieces aim at the black king.
22 ct:lc3 f5 A correct decision.
23 l:!al .i:l:.ee8 24 ct:le5 l:!xal 25 l:!xal l:!a8 26 'iFbl VJilc8 (D) 26.. .'iVbS ! ?
1 c4 ct:lf6 2 ct:lc3 c6 3 d4 d5 4 cxd5 cxd5 5 ct:lf3 ct:lc6 6 ii.f4 ii.f5 7 e3 'iVb6? ! This aggressive and optimistic move is not good since it disregards the development of the black pieces, though according to the state of opening theory in 1 945 it was very playable.
8 a3! e6 S . .'iVxb2 is bad due to 9 ct:la4 ffc2 10 ffxc2 ii.xc2 I I ct:lcS (Makogonov-Ravinsky, USSR Ch (Moscow) 1 944) ; e.g., l l . . .b6? 1 2 ii.bS ! . .
9 .1i1.. d3 Petrosian perfect! y understands that in this kind of pawn-formation the exchange of these bishops favours Black, but the plan i s to take advantage of the situation of the queen at b6 and play a quick b4 and ct:la4. 9 ... ii.xd3 10 'iVxd3 .i:1.c8 1 1 0-0 ct:la5 (D)
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
52
Black anticipates 1 2 b4.
An uncompromising battle will start after 1 O . . . CLld7 (intending . . . f5 and . . . CLlf6-e4) ; how ever, Black had a quiet soul.
1 1 CLleS �xe2 12 'iVxe2 'iVe7 13 .i:!.adl l:'!.e8 14 'iVg4 il.d6? (D) Black neglects his development. If he did not want to venture the risky 14 . . . il.xc3 ? ' I S bxc3 'iVa3 16 l:'!.d3 ! (intending e4 and l:'!.g3) , at least he could have tried an immediate development of the knight to d7, by means of 14 . . . 'iVe6.
Black has played the opening aggressively, developing his queen to b6 early on. Even so the situation is quite sound and the symmetrical pawn-structure does not show any outstanding trouble. How would you continue ? Option A: 1 2 'iVb5+ �xb5 1 3 CLlxb5, at tempting to create problems along the c-file quickly. Option B: 12 e4, seeking to take advantage of B lack's lack of development. Option C: 12 b4 - White defines the situa tion on the queenside. Option D: 12 CLla4, in order to expel the black queen from the queenside. Option E : 12 J:!.fc l .
Petrosian - Pachman
While White organized his forces accurately, Black has been playing in an optimistic and su perficial way. The knight is still at b8 ! White must evaluate which plan to follow, whether to sharpen the position or to keep the advantages of his position. Option A: I S f4, giving the white pieces new possibilities on the kingside. Option B : I S e4 - White sacrifices a pawn in order to give his pieces new important squares. Option C: 15 CLld3 , keeping the positional advantages.
Saltsjobaden IZ 1 952 Queen's Gambit, Ragozin Defence [03 8]
Test 70
Test 69
1 d4 CLlf6 2 c4 e6 3 CLlf3 dS 4 cxdS exdS 5 CLlc3 �b4 Introducing the Ragozin Variation.
Petrosian - Taimanov USSR Ch (Moscow) 1 955 Queen's Gambit, Semi-S lav [046]
6 �gS h6 7 �xf6 This exchange does not give White real pros pects of an advantage. Stronger is 7 il.h4 c5 8 l:'!.c l .
7...'iVxf6 8 e3 0-0 9 �e2 c6 10 0-0 �g4
1 d4 CLlf6 2 c4 e6 3 CLlf3 dS 4 CLlc3 c6 5 e3 CLlbd7 6 il.d3 il.b4?! This development is considered dubious i n the Semi-Slav, because Black needs this bishop
TESTS
in the middlegame, but in those years the move was quite normal.
7 0-0 7 a3 ! ? is strong, forcing the bishop to decide its destiny.
7 0-0 8 'tWc2 j"d6? .•.
Starting a plan already suggested by Chi gorin, but it is better to play first S . . . dxc4 9 i.xc4 �d6 intending . . . e5, as later pointed out by Petrosian.
53
Option B: 1 5 exd4, creating a powerful pawn-formation in the centre . Option C: 15 j"h7+ - White wants to retake on d4 with the rook, but he does not want to do it immediately on account of the sound reply 15 . . . lt:lf6 ! .
Test 7 1 Kasparov
9 b3! After this move Black is unable to react in the centre as he wished.
-
H. Olafsson
Dubai OL 1 986 Queen's Gambit Declined [055)
9 dxc4 ...
9 . . . e5 ? ! 10 cxd5 cxd5 I I lt:lb5 ! ±.
10 bxc4 eS 11 i.b2 l::te 8 12 lt:le4! ±
A good move, removing Black's best defen sive piece and establishing dangerous threats against the king.
12...lt:lxe4 13 i.xe4 h6 After 13 . . . g6 Black would have more defen sive chances, according to Petrosian. 14 l::t ad l ( 1 4 i.d3 ! ? 'tWe7 15 c5 i.c7 1 6 i.c4 was sug gested by Novote1nov) 14 . . . 'tWe7 15 l::t fe l f5 1 6 dxe5 i.b4 (Petrosian) - probably White has compensation for the exchange.
14 l::t a d1 exd4 (D)
1 d4 It:lf6 2 c4 e6 3 It:lf3 dS 4 It:lc3 i.e7 S i. gS h6 6 �xf6 j"xf6 7 e3 0-0 8 l::tc 1 c6 9 i.d3
It:ld7 10 0-0 dxc4 1 1 i.xc4 cS Not the main line, since theory considers that the centralized white knights will create problems for Black.
12 'tWe2 The hasty 1 2 d5 allows the freeing 12 . . . lt:lb6.
12...a6 Another line which deserves attention is 12 . . . cxd4 13 exd4 It:lb6 14 i.d3 g6! 15 �e4 l::tb S. Even though White has a space advan tage, Black is solid.
13 l::tfd1 cxd4 14 lt:lxd4 'tWe7 lS lt:le4 (D)
B
White is facing a difficult decision. How to recapture on d4? If he takes with the pawn, then he gets hanging pawns, with all their dynamic power. If he takes with a piece, the c4-pawn will be obviously abandoned to its fate.
What do you choose ? Option A: 15 lt:lxd4 in order to j ump to f5 .
l S ... �eS Or 15 . . . i.xd4 16 l::t xd4 e5 17 l::td 2 It:lb6 I S i.b3 jLe6 1 9 jLxe6 'ii'xe6 20 l::t d 6 l:iacS 2 1 l::t x cS l::t x cS 2 2 l::t xe6 l::tc 1 + 2 3 'tWfl l::tx fl + 24 'it>xfl fxe6 25 lt:lc5 .
16 'tWhS!
54
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
An improvement over the game Kasparov Karpov, London/Leningrad ( 1 2) W ch 1 986, where there followed 16 liJf3 �b8 17 'iVd2 b5 18 i..e 2 liJf6 and Black fully equalized. 16 ... li!.dS 17 �f1 17 �b3 is another good retreat. 17 � bS (D) ••.
1 970s, proving that Black could equalize with active development on the queenside. The al ternative is to keep the position closed by means of 6 . . . c6.
7 'iVc2 The main line. 7 liJa3 �xa3 ! and 7 liJe5 are less promising for White. 7 ... a6 S 'iVxc4 (D) 8 a4 is an interesting alternative, in order to prevent . . . b5 , but has a negative side: the weak ening of b4.
B
Kasparov gathered a lot of experience in the Queen's Gambit thanks to his encounters for the world championship and his preparations to face Karpov. Although Black has the bishop pair, there are several reasons for White to be optimistic : his space advantage, strong central ized pieces and Black's problems with piece communication. How do you continue ? Option A: 1 8 li!.d2, in order to double rooks on the d-file. Option B : 18 g3 to put pressure on the light-squared diagonal with the bishop. Option C: 18 'lia5 , creating problems on the queenside.
Test 7 2 Andersson - Miralles Cannes 1 989 Catalan Opening rE05)
1 c4 liJf6 2 liJf3 e6 3 g3 dS 4 �g2 �e7 5 0-0 0-0 6 d4 dxc4 Even though this capture seemingly leads to a passive game, Karpov gave it new life in the
S ... bS 9 'lic2 i.. b 7 Black's plan is to prepare the break on c5 and White's is to impede this break, keeping his space advantage and control of the centre.
10 i.. gS Other options are 1 0 i.. d 2 (threatening �a5 ! ) and I 0 �f4. With this latter move Ribli won a pretty model game against Karpov, with a beau tiful ending.
1O ... liJbd7 Here 1O . . . �e4 does not work: I I 'lic 1 'iVc8 1 2 liJbd2 �b7 1 3 e4 ! with advantage to White in Mednis-Burger, Brighton 1 983.
1 1 �xf6 41xf6 White cedes the bishop in order to win a tempo for controlling the important square c5. If Black gets to play the . . . c5 break, then he would free himself completely. 1 l . . .�xf6? ! is strongly met by 1 2 liJg5 ! .
1 2 l!Jbd2 li!.cS 1 3 liJb3 Another thematic move in this type of posi tion. 13...�e4 (D)
TESTS
13 . . . c5 ! ? 14 dxc5 as 15 a4 .ite4 16 "iVc3 b4 1 7 '!We3 �d5 (Andersson-Petursson, Reggio Emi lia 1 989/90) is an interesting idea, but White is better after 18 J::i fd 1 '!Wc7 1 9 LDfd4.
55
Option A: 20 e3 - White strengthens his centre before undertaking decisive action. Option B : 20 e4, speculating on the unstable position of the d5-bishop. Option C: 20 LDb7 - little by little, White strangles Black on the queenside.
Test 73 Adianto - Seirawan Jakarta 1 994 Queen' s Gambit Declined, Exchange Variation [036]
1 d4 LDf6 2 c4 e6 3 LDc3 d5 4 cxd5 exd5 5 .itg5 c6 6 e3 .ite7 7 "iVc2 .itg4?! With the idea of . . . .ith5-g6 exchanging the bad bishop, but this plan is not feasible.
14 "iVc3 LDd5 15 "iVd2 LDb4 15 . . . c5 led to a nice advantage for White in the ending after 16 LDxc5 .itxc5 17 dxc5 J::i x c5 18 J::i ac 1 J::ix c 1 19 J::i x c 1 LDf6 20 'iVxd8 J;txd8 2 1 LDe5 ! i n Larsen-Tal, N�stved 1 985.
1 6 J:tfc1 �d5 17 "iVd1 a5? Weakening his position yet more ! Neces sary was 17 . . . .itxb3 ! 1 8 "iVxb3 c5 with practi cal equality.
8 h3 ! .ite6 8 . . . .ith5 ? 9 f4 ! ± intending 1 0 g4 .itg6 I I f5 .
9 .itd3 LDh5 10 .itxe7 "iVxe7 Attempting to follow with . . . g6, . . . LDg7 and . . . .itf5 .
1 1 g4! Seizing more space on the kingside, together with the idea of 0-0-0.
1 1 ...LDf6 12 LDge2 LDbd7 13 0-0-0 0-0-0 (D)
18 a3 a4 19 LDc5 LDc6 (D)
White has prevented Black's freeing move ( . . . c5), which is typical in this line of the Cata lan. However, Black has actively developed his pieces on the queens ide. What must White do now ?
A position of the Queen' s Gambit where White (and also Black as a logical result) cas tled queens ide in order to keep the initiative. The plans are different from the positions with opposite castling. How do you play ?
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
56
Option A: 1 4 iDg3 and carefully preparing the e4 break with f3 . Option B: 1 4 f4, in order to push back the black pieces, thus seizing more space. Option C: 14 iDa4, with the idea of iDc5 .
Test 74
10 . . . iDxd5 1 1 'i¥c2 and iLd3 gives White good development.
l l iLd3 'fie7 If l l . . .d4 1 2 e4 iLg4, then 1 3 'iVc2 ! (or 1 3 'fic I ) i s an important move i n order to break the pin, followed by h3 and preventing . . . iDe5 , with a comfortable game.
12 0-0 Creating a subtle tactical threat.
12 ... 1Ld6
Karpov - Korneev Spanish Cht (Lanzarote) 2003 Queen's Gambit Declined [0301
1 d4 dS 2 c4 e6 3 iDf3 iDf6 4 e3 iLe7 If Black is going to play . . . c5 maybe it is better to play it immediately.
12 . . . iDe4 1 3 'iVc2 f5 :t was another possibility, seeking active play, but weakening many dark squares, including the long diagonal . B ad is 1 2 . . . 1Lg4? 1 3 iLxf6 'fixf6 1 4 iLxh7+. 13 'fibl (D)
S iDbd2! ? This development i s a speciality o f Anatoly Karpov.
B
S O-O 6 b3 cS •..
Another possibility is to play 6 . . . b6 7 iLd3 iLb7 8 'i¥c2 iDbd7 9 cxd5 exd5 lO 0-0 c5 1 1 iLb2 :to
7 dxcS In a game against Morovic, Karpov played 7 iLb2, which is probably less accurate. 7 ... iLxcs 8 a3! (D) It is very important to play this move now. If 8 iLb2 iDc6 9 a3 (9 cxd5 exd5 l O a3 d4), then 9 . . d4. .
This is better than moving the queen to c2 because there it will waste time.
13 ...iDeS After this move, the complications subside and White has a comfortable and lasting advan tage. As a rule, it is good for the attacker to keep the bishops of the same colour as the isolated pawn, and exchange the others (i.e. the dark squared ones here). The exchange of pieces in creases the advantage, since it avoids possible counterplay. After 13 . . . h6 14 h3, one idea for White is 'fia2, l:!ac I and 'fial , though not right now due to . . . iDe4.
B
14 iDxeS iLxeS IS iDf3 8 ... aS After R . . b6 ! ?, with the idea of taking with the knight, we would get a different kind of position. .
9 iLb2 iDc6 10 cxdS exdS
If 1 5 iLxe5 'fixe5 1 6 iDf3, then 1 6 . . . 'fid6, a square where the queen is better placed than on e7 .
Is ... iLxb2 16 'fixb2 iLg4 17 iDd4 l:!fc8 18 l:!fc1
TESTS
White should play 1 8 h 3 right now and then see what happens, due to the additional possi bility of moving the rook to d l . Of course, gen erally speaking, it i s good to exchange a pai r of rooks, on account of the weaknesses on the c file.
18 h6 19 h3 �d7 (D) •••
57
4 tbf6 5 ..tg5 h6 6 �h4 0-0 7 J:!.cl •••
7 e3 is the usual continuation.
7 dxc4 8 e3 •••
Interesting is 8 e4 ! ? si nce 8 . . . tbxe4? does not work on account of 9 �xe7 tbxc3 10 �xd8 li.Jxd I 1 1 ii.e7 tbxb2 (not, of course, 1 l . . .:e8 ?? since 1 2 �a3 wins a piece) 1 2 �xf8 with a large advantage for White.
8 cS 9 i.xc4 cxd4 10 exd4 tbc6 11 0-0 (D) •••
B
White has exchanged the dark-squared bi sh ops in his battle against the isolated pawn, which is always desirable.
But now what ? Option A: 2 0 b4 - White needs to create trouble on the queenside. Option B : 20 tbe2 - the knight walks away from its superb position in order to help in the attack against the isolated pawn. Option C: 20 l'.lc3 - White prepares to dou ble rooks on the c-fiIe.
We have a Isolated Quee n ' s Pawn struc ture. This arrangement appears regularly in the Queen 's Gambit, and other openings too. As a rule, simplifications favour the side fighting against the i solated pawn, since in thi s way the opponent's dynamic possibilities are dimin i shed. Black to play.
Choose one of these four possibilities for Black: Option A: Exchange pi eces by l l . tb hS . .
.
Option R: Exchange pieces by 1 1 . . .tbdS .
Test 7 5 Korchnoi - Karpov Merano Wch ( 9) 1 98 1
Option C: Continue development by 1 1 . . . b6 and . . . ..tb7 . Option D: Put pressure on d4 by playing I l . . :t!Vb6 followed by . . . gd8.
Queen 's Gambit Declined [DS3 1
1 c4 e6 2 tbc3 d5 3 d4 i.e7 Using thi s sequence of moves, Black avoids some lines where White's king's knight is devel oped to e2; for example, 3 . . .tbf6 4 cxdS exdS S �gS c6 6 'iVc2 �e7 7 e3 tbbd7 8 �d3 0-0 9 tbge2 followed by the typical advance f3 and e4.
4 tbrJ 4 cxdS exdS S �f4 is another possibil ity.
Test 7 6 Karpov - Kasparov Moscow Wch (4) 1 985 Queen's G ambit Declined [DSS]
1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 tbc3 �e7 4 liJrJ tbr6 5 �g5 h6 6 ..txr6
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
58
The main alternative is 6 �h4 0-0 7 e3 b6 en tering Tartakower's Defence (or else 7 . . . tll e 4, the Lasker Defence).
6...�xf6 7 e3 0-0 8 'iVc2 S l'tc \ c6 9 �d3 dxc4 10 �xc4 tll d 7 1 1 0-0 e5 1 2 h3 is the most tested line.
Option A: Taking on e6, freeing Black of the weakness of the isolated queen 's pawn, but weakening the light squares on the kingside. Option B: Play 21 l'tfd l , reinforcing the po sition and leaving Black with the theoretical weakness of his isolated queen's pawn.
8 ...tll a6 S . . . c5 9 dxc5 'iVa5 (9 . . . dxc4) is another possibility.
Test 7 7
9 J::td l 9 a3 ! ? looks very interesting, since it re stricts the black knight.
9 c5 10 dxc5 'iVa5 11 cxd5 tll xc5 12 'iVd2 •..
Both with 1 2 dxe6 �xe6, and 1 2 d6 �d7 fol lowed by . . . l'tacS Black would have enormous compensation for the lost pawn.
12 ... l'td8 13 tll d 4! If 13 �e2, then 13 . . . �xc3 14 'iVxc3 'iVxc3+ 1 5 bxc3 l:!xd5 with complete equality.
13 exd5 14 �e2 'iVb6 .•.
14 . . . tlle6 ! ? 15 tll b3 �xc3 16 bxc3 with some advantage for White.
15 0-0 tlle4
Karpov - Kasparov Moscow Wch (27) 1 984/5 Queen's Gambit Declined [D55]
1 tllf3 d5 2 d4 tll f6 3 c4 e6 4 tll c3 �e7 5 �g5 h6 6 �xf6 6 �h4 is played more often.
6 ...�xf6 7 e3 0-0 8 'iVc2 The most usual move is S l'tc 1 c6 9 �d3 dxc4 10 �xc4 tll d7 1 1 0-0 e5 1 2 h3. Both S 'iVb3 and S 'iVd2 are also played frequently.
8 ... c5 S . . . tll a6 is an interesting alternative.
White is better after 15 . . . tll e6 1 6 tllf3 ! d4 1 7 tll e 4.
9 dxc5 dxc4
16 'iVc2 tll xc3 17 'iVxc3 �e6 18 'iVc2! l'tac8 19 'iVbl l'tc7 20 l'td2 l'tdc8 (D)
10 �xc4 'iVa5
Also 9 . . . 'iVa5 and 9 . . . tllc 6 have been tested. 1O . . . tlld 7 ! ? looks interesting here.
11 0-0 �xc3 12 �xc3 'iVxc3 13 bxc3 tll d 7 14 c6 bxc6 15 l'tabl tll b6 16 �e2 c5 (D)
Black has good counterplay thanks to the activity of the rooks along the c-file. White now faces a dilemma: he must continue playing against the isolated pawn; or he must investigate the possibilities offered by the exchange on e6. Choose one of the following two possibili ties:
Here we have an almost symmetrical posi tion, with weaknesses in the a- and c-pawns. White's pieces are more actively arranged but it is not clear if this fact is enough for a substan tial advantage.
TESTS
Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play 17 .l::lfd 1 controlling the open
file.
Option B: Play 17 ttJe5 with the idea of re plying to . . . ii.b7 with ttJd7. Option C: Play the mysterious rook move 17 J:[fc l , strengthening the c3-pawn and en abling the centralization of the white king.
59
1 5 .bd6 iVxd6 16 ttJe5 ttJxe5 17 dxe5 Wile7 1 8 .!t rJ ii.a8 (D)
w
Test 7 8 Karpov - Lautier Biel 1 992 Queen' s Gambit, Semi-S lav [045] 1 d4 d5 2 e4 e6 3 ttJe3 ttJf6 4 e3 e6 5 ttJf3 ttJbd7 6 'iYe2 Another possibility is 6 i.d3 dxc4 7 .!txc4 b5, the famous Meran Variation. 6 ... �d6 7 .i.e2 7 �d3 has been extensively tested in this po sition. 7 0-0 8 0-0 J::t e8 The alternative is 8 . . . dxc4 9 �xc4 b5 1 0 .!te2 i.b7 ( 1 O . . . a6 ! ?). 9 J:[dl 'fIie7 1 0 h 3 b6 (D) 1O . . . h6 is the most usual move. •••
w
White has some spatial advantage in thi s po sition, but the real question is whether Black is able to push his c-pawn to c5 under favourable conditions. If so, then the game will be bal anced. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Take on d8 followed by playing J::[ d l . Option B : Play 1 9 'iih4 since Black i s threat ening to play ... c5. Option C: S acrifice a pawn by means of 1 9 c 5 , preventing the freeing of the a8-bishop.
Test 79 Karpov - Kasparov Moscow Wch (9) 1 98415 Queen's Gambit, Tarrasch Defence [034]
1 1 e4 ttJxe4 12 ttJxe4 dxe4 13 'iYxe4 �b7 14 .tf4 J:tad8 14 . . . .!txf4 15 'iixf4 c5 16 'fic7 l:!.ab8 17 dxc5 ttJxc5 1 8 filxe7 l:!.xe7 seems to be more precise and the queenside pawn-majority would give White only a theoretical edge, but not a real one.
1 d4 d5 2 e4 e6 3 ttJrJ c5 4 cxd5 exd5 5 g3 This is Schlechter's idea against the Tarrasch Defence. 5 ...ttJf6 6 �g2 �e7 7 0-0 0-0 8 ttJe3 ttJe6 9 .!tg5 Another possibility is 9 dxc5 ii.xc5 10 �g5 d4 I I .txf6 'iYxf6 12 ttJd5 'ifd8 13 ttJd2, played many times. 9...exd4 1 0 ttJxd4 h6 11 i.e3 J:te8 1 1 . . . .tg4 is the main alternative to the text move. 12 filb3 (D)
60
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
.!le4 3 1 Jif3 b5 32 �g2 .!l7eS 33 .!lxe4 .!lxe4 34 .!ld4 �f8 35 ..I1I.. e2 .a:.xd4 36 exd4 �e7 37 CtJa2 Jie8 38 CtJb4 �d6 39 f3 CtJg8 40 h4 CtJh6 41 �f2 CtJf5 42 CtJe2 f6 43 Jid3 gS 44 �xf5 JixfS 4S CtJe3 ..I1I.. b 1 46 b4 (D)
One of the many ideas tested in this position. The idea is to put pressure on the dS-pawn while freeing dl for a rook. 12 CtJaS 13 'lie2 Jig4 14 CtJfS .!le8 The sharp 14 . . . Jib4 is interesting even though after 15 Jid4 Jixc3 16 Jixc3 .!lxe2 1 7 'lid3 White has compensation for the pawn. I S Jid4 ! ? Freeing e3 for the knight, with pressure o n dS. I S ...JieS 16 �xeS .!lxeS 17 CtJe3 ! Jie6 Of course, 17 . . . d4 does not work on account of 1 8 .!lad l . 1 8 .!lad 1 'iVe8 1 9 'lia4 1 9 'lib 1 ! ? 1 9....!ld8 20 .!ld3 a 6 2 1 .!lfdl CtJe4 22 CtJxe4 .!lxe4 23 'liaS (D) 23 'lib3 ! ? •.•
We are now in a characteristic ending of bishop versus knight. In this position the knight is superior to the bishop. This kind of ending appears with some frequency in the Queen's Gambit. Black to play. Choose one of the followinf? possibilities: Option A: Play 46 . . . Jig6, maintaining the tension. Option B: Take on h4 and then follow with . . . �g6. Option C: In both cases White keeps a min imal theoretical advantage, although Black should draw without trouble.
Test 80 Korchnoi - Gheorghiu Bucharest-Leningrad match 1 968 S lav/Grii nfeld [094]
2 3....!le5 24 'lib6 .!ld7 2 S .!ld4 'iie7 2 6 'lixe7 .!ldxe7 27 h3 hS 28 a3 g6 29 e3 �g7 30 �h2
1 d4 d5 2 e4 e6 3 CtJe3 CtJf6 4 e3 g6 Entering Schlechter's Variation, which is a hybrid of the Slav and Griinfeld. 5 CtJf3 Jig7 6 Jie2 0-0 7 0-0 CtJbd7 More appealing is 7 ... dxc4 8 ..I1I.. xc4 CtJbd7 with the idea of . . . eS. 8 Jl.d2
TESTS
S b4 ! ? is interesting. 8 dxc4 9 �xc4 cS Now, if 9 . . . b6 White would get a distinct ad vantage by playing the simple 1 0 e4. 10 'ife2 cxd4 11 exd4 lLlb6 12 �b3 �g4 13 .!:tad 1 e6 Taking the pawn would give White a danger ous initiative : l 3 . . . �xf3 14 �xf3 'ii'xd4 1 5 nfe l with several threats. 14 �gS �d7 IS h3 �xf3 1 6 �xf3 lLlbdS 16 . . . lLlfd5? is very dubious because of 1 7 lLle4 ! . 1 7 :!:[fe l ! J:!.ac8 (0) ••.
w
61
4 lLlc3 leads to the main lines of the Slav or Semi-Slav. 4 ... .tfS Another possibility is 4 . . . e6 with a Semi Slav. S cxdS cxdS 6 'iiV b3 Trying to take advantage of the early devel opment of B lack's light-squared bishop. 6 ...'i6c7 6 . . . 'iVcS is also possible. while 6 . . . b6 would mean a serious weakening of the queenside . 7 �d2 ! ? e6 8 .ltbS+ lLlc6 9 �b4 This was the idea behi nd 7 oltd2 : White is ex changing off the ' good ' black bishop. 9• • ..1i.xb4+ 10 'iWxb4 'iWe7 1 1 .1txc6+ bxc6 1 2 'ii'xe7+
B
In spite of the seeming solidity of Black's position, there are some details that let White secure a definite advantage .
White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play I s lLlxd5 and after the corre sponding captures, take the seventh rank with the rook . O ption 8: Capture on f6 and immediately thereafter play the break on d5 . Option C: Play I S .1i.h4 with the idea of .ltg3 followed by .1i.e5 .
Test 8 1
White has a strong knight on c 5 , besides the weakness of the c6-pawn. In return for this, Black has the b-file to look for counterplay, and after the forced move b3, there would follow . . . a5-a4.
Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities:
Salov - Bareev
Option A: Play 16 . . . g5 preventing lLlh4.
Oortmund 1992
Option 8: Start counterplay on the queen side by playing 16 . . . J:.hbS followed by . . . a5 . Option C: The same idea as in ' B ' but play ing first 1 6 . . . a5 .
Queen' s Gambit, S lav 1 0 1 2]
1 d4 dS 2 c4 c6 3 lLlf3 lLlf6 4 e3
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
62
Test 82 Larsen - Ribli Las Palmas IZ 1 982 Queen's Gambit, Semi-Tarrasch [04 1 ] 1 c4 cS 2 tDf3 tDf6 3 tDc3 e6 4 e3 tDc6 5 d4 dS 6 cxdS Releasing the tension in the centre. 6 tDxdS The Semi-Tarrasch. The alternative is 6 . . . exd5, reaching a Tarrasch. 7 �c4 This move puts pressure on the d5-knight, thus forcing Black to make a decision in the centre. Another very tested line is 7 �d3 i.e7 8 0-0 cxd4 9 exd4 0-0 l O .l:i.e l .i.f6 1 1 .i.e4 tDce7 . 7 ... cxd4 S exd4 i.e7 9 0-0 0-0 1 0 �e1 tDxc3 1 O . . . b6? ! is a positional mistake on account of I I tDxd5 exd5 12 i.b5 with advantage to White thanks to the better coordination of his pieces and the weakness produced by the move . . . b6, Botvinnik-Alekhine, Amsterdam (AVRO) 1 93 8 . 1 1 bxc3 b 6 12 'iWe2 An interesting possibility is 1 2 i.d3 i.b7 1 3 'iVc2 . 12...�b7 13 .i.d3 tDaS ! An ideal move: it frees the c-file for the rook, points to the c4-square and prevents 'iVe4. 14 tDeS �cS 1 S �b2 �d6 16 'iNhS (D) ••.
at the important square c4. At the same time, White is pointing his forces towards B lack ' s kingside. Black to play. How to avoid the mating threat? Option A : 16 ... f5 . Option B : 1 6 . . . g6. Option c : 16 ... h6.
Test 83 Capablanca - Alekhine Buenos Aires Wch (2 1 ) 1 92 7 Queen's Gambit Declined [063] 1 d4 dS 2 c4 e6 3 tDc3 tDf6 4 i.gS tDbd7 5 e3 i.e7 6 tDf3 0-0 Black plays the Orthodox Variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined. 7 .l:i.c1 Both 7 'iVc2 and 7 i.d3 are the main choices to the text-move. 7 ... a6! ? (D) Until the date of this game, the most used line in this position was 7 . . . c6 8 J.d3 dxc4 9 �xc4 tDd5 10 �xe7 'iVxe7 1 1 0-0 tDxc3 1 2 J:txc3 e5 . Nowadays there i s also 7 . . .dxc4 8 �xc4 c5 (8 . . . a6 ! ?) 9 0-0 a6.
w
B
Black has started thematic action on the queenside with pressure against c3 and a glance
S a3?! 8 cxd5 and 8 c5 are better choices. S ... h6 9 i.h4 dxc4 10 .bc4 bS 11 �e2 ? ! I I �a2, followed by �bl and 'iNc2, is better. 1 1 .. ib7 ? !
TESTS
l 1 . . . c5 ! ? is more sensible. 12 0-0?! According to Kasparov, with 12 b4 ! White keeps a clear positional advantage, since after the logical I 2 . . a5 White replies 13 'ii'b 3 axb4 14 axb4 g5 15 i.g3 4:Jd5 1 6 0-0 with a crushing advantage. 12 c5 13 dxc5 4:Jxc5 14 4:Jd4 .sc8 15 b4
63
w
.
.••
(D)
B
Here we have a symmetrical pawn-structure, distinctive of the Queen's Gambit, where the strategy of both sides hinges on the key squares c4 and c5 . The present game is a perfect model of the strategy to follow in this kind of position.
Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities:
8 iLd3 There are many other ideas, though without a doubt the preferred one is nowadays 8 iLe2 i.b7 9 iLxf6 iLxf6 10 cxd5 exd5 1 1 b4. 8 ... iLb7 9 0-0 4:Jbd7 10 'iVe2 c5 1 1 i.g3 This move leads to a transposition to the nor mal lines that would arise by playing 1 1 :s.fd l . We shall explain this idea briefly. I n this posi tion Black lacks a good square for his queen, so he seeks exchanges by . . . 4:Je4. White normally declines the exchange of bishops on e7, be cause it would solve Black's problems with his queen. When moving the bishop to g3, White also keeps more options open about where to place his rooks. 1 1. ..4:Je4 1 2 cxd5 exd5 (D)
Option A: 15 . . . 4:Jcd7 . Option
B: 15 . . . 4:Jce4.
Test 84 Kramnik
-
Yusupov
Dortmund 1 998 Queen's Gambit, Tartakower Defence [D58)
1 4:Jf3 d5 2 d4 4:Jf6 3 c4 e6 4 4:Jc3 i.e7 5 iLg5 h6 6 i.h4 The exchange on f6 was a fashionable choice after the world championship matches between Kasparov and Karpov. 6 ... 0-0 7 e3 b6 (D) Another well-explored possibility is 7 . . . 4:Je4, known as Lasker's Defence.
13 :s.ad l ! ? The natural move seems t o b e 1 3 .sfd I , sav ing the c-file for the other rook, where it would press against the hanging pawns . But White
64
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
has outlined a plan based on a quick transfer of the bishop to b l , so if he had the king ' s rook on d 1 , then the a-rook would have been badly placed. 1 3 ...'Llxg3 14 hxg3 a6 (D) Black prevents �a6, exchanging bishops, since after this exchange the d5-pawn would become very weak .
B l ack' s castled position by lining up his queen and bishop.
White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play 17 a3 followed by i.a2 with pressure against the hanging pawns. Option B: Play 17 a4 with a similar idea. Option C: Play 17 Vi'c2 with threats against the king and a l atent possibility of 'Llxd5 fol lowed by e4.
Test 85 Botvinnik - Vidmar Nottingham 1 936 Queen 's Gambit Declined [060]
15 dxc5 bxc5 1 6 �bl ! An excellent move, not only threatening the opponent's kingside but also the transfer of the bishop to the a2-gS diagonal, where it would press against the hanging pawns. 16 ...'Llb6 (D)
1 c4 e6 2 'Llf3 d5 3 d4 'Llf6 4 'Llc3 �e7 5 �g5 0-0 6 e3 'Llbd7 Introducing the Orthodox Variation of the Queen' s Gambit. 7 �d3 More customary is 7 1:(c I c6 S �d3 dxc4 9 i.xc4 'Lld5 1 0 �xe7 Vi'xe7 I I 0-0 'Llxc3 1 2 l'lxc3 e5 1 3 Vi'c2 exd4 1 4 exd4; or else 7 Vi'c2 c5 S cxd5 'Llxd5 9 i.. x e7 Vi'xe7 10 'Llxd5 exd5 1 1 i.d3 w ith a slight advantage to White in both cases, although Black's position is very sound. 7 c5 8 0-0 cxd4 9 exd4 dxc4 10 �xc4 (D) •..
We have now a typical structure with hang ing pawns. This set-up happens very often in queen 's pawn openings. Here the pawns appear somewhat exposed. We should also point the possibility for White to create threats against
A typical position with an isolated queen ' s pawn, where White enjoys a space advantage and piece activity in return for the weakness of the d-pawn. Although we are still in the initial
TESTS
phase of the game, Blac k must play precisely i f h e does not w i s h t o g e t a disadvantage.
Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play 1O . . b6 in order to complete
In this position with an isolated queen's pawn, White 's possibilities of establishing threats against the opponent's king look serious.
White to play. Choose one of the following: Option A: Play 14 �e3 strengthening the
.
development with . . . �b7. Option B: Play 1 O . . .lLlb6 followed by ... i.d7c6 blockading the isolated pawn. Option C: Play 1 O ... a6 with the idea of . . . bS and ... i.b7, and if White plays a4 preventing such a plan, then follow with . . . lLlb6 carrying out Plan B .
65
d-pawn.
Option B: Play 14 i.gS with threats against Black's king. Option C: Carry out the break im mediately with 14 dS.
Test 87
Test 86
Yermolinsky - Christiansen USA Ch (Salt Lake City) 1 999
Smyslov - Karpov
Queen's Gambit Dec l ined, Exchange Vari ation [D36]
USSR Ch (Leningrad) 1 971 Queen ' s Gambit, Semi-Tarrasch [D42 1
1 e4 eS 2 lLlf3 lLlf6 3 tOe3 dS 4 exdS tOxdS 5 e3 e6 6 d4 By transposition we are now in the Semi Tarrasch Defence. 6 ... exd4 7 exd4 i.e7 8 i.d3 0-0 9 0-0 tOe6 10 ge 1 tOf6 After this move Black is going to be in a pas sive and restricted position. Better is 1O . . . i.f6 with pressure against d4, and what is more im portant, freeing e7 for the c6-knight.
11 a3 A useful move which prevents the jump of the kn ight to b4, in order to line up queen and bishop on the b l -h7 diagonal . 1 1 ••• b6 1 2 i.e2 ! i.b7 13 'ii'd 3 .!;[e8 (D)
1 d4 tOf6 2 lLlf3 e6 3 e4 dS 4 tOe3 tObd7 5 exdS Introducing the Exchange Variation and the interesting 'Karlsbad' structure. S ... exdS 6 i.gS e6 7 e3 i.e7 8 �e2 0-0 9 i.d3 �e8 10 0-0 t;Jrs 1 1 h3! ? An interesting idea. With this move, White not only controls the g4-square (preventing . . . �g4 and . . . lLlg4), but also gives the dark squared bishop a comfortable retreat. Besides, thi s is a very flexible move that leaves Black in a difficult situation, since White has not de cided upon his plan yet, and some useful moves against a spec ific plan would be a mi stake when facing another set-up. 11 . i.e6 ! ? 12 l:i:fe1 (D) ..
B
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
66
We have a typical position of the Karlsbad structure. Black has several logical continua tions, but only one is able to oppose White ' s usual plans (a minority attack or a break at e4) .
exerting disturbing pressure against the black queen) .
Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities:
Option A: Play 1 2 . . . l::i c 8 with the idea of . . . cS when White plays b4-bS . Option B: Play 1 2 . . . ltJ6d7, seeking exchanges and planning the transfer of the knight to b6. Option C: Play 1 2 . . . ltJhS , also seeking ex changes. Option D : Play 12 ... ltJg6 .
Option A : Play 12 . . . lZJe4 Iooking to exchange the dark-squared bishops. Black's queen would be comfortably placed at e7. Option B : Play 12 ... a6 with the idea of ... bS, and after 13 a4, then 13 ... ltJe4. Option C: Play 12 . . . a6 with the idea of . . . bS, and after White's 13 a4, then 13 ... cxd4 and af ter 1 4 exd4 follow with 1 4 . . . ltJhS, forcing the exchange of bishops .
Test 88
Test 89
Black to play. Choose one of the following possibilities:
Em. Lasker - Capablanca
Alekhine - Bogoljubow Bad Nauheim 1 93 7
Havana Wch ( 1 0) 1921
Queen's Gambit, Tartakower Defence [DS8]
Queen's Gambit Declined [D6 1 ]
1 d4 dS 2 c4 e6 3 ltJc3 ltJf6 4 �gS �e7 S ltJf3 h6 6 il.h4 0-0 7 e3 b6 Introducing the sound Tartakower Variation of the Queen 's Gambi t. 8 l::ic 1 8 ..t e 2 i.b7 9 i.xf6 il.xf6 1 0 cxdS exdS I I b4 (or 1 1 0-0) has been more fashionable re cently. 8 ... i.b7 9 il.e2 dxc4 10 i.xc4 cS 11 0-0 ltJbd7 12 "iVe2 (D)
1 d4 dS 2 c4 e6 3 ltJc3 ltJf6 4 il.gS il.e7 S e3 0-0 6 ltJf3 ltJbd7 7 'iVc2 cS 8 ndl (D) This move enjoys very little popularity now adays. The usual moves are 8 cxdS ltJxdS 9 i.xe7 'iVxe7 1 0 ltJxdS exdS 1 1 i.d3 and the sharp 8 0-0-0. 8 ...VaS 9 �d3 In a later game between the same players there followed 9 cxdS ltJxdS 1 0 il.xe7 ltJxe7 I I �d3 ltJf6 1 2 0-0 cxd4 1 3 ltJxd4 i.d7 1 4 ltJe4 ltJedS I S ltJb3 'iiVd 8 1 6 ltJxf6+ ltJxf6 with equal ity, and the game ended in a draw several moves later. 9 ... h6 10 �h4 cxd4 Alekhine's suggestion 1O . . . ltJb6 ! ? deserves serious attention. 11 exd4 dxc4 12 �xc4 ltJb6 13 ..tb3 j,d7 14 0-0 J::. a c8 IS ltJeS Some annotators pointed out the move I S 'iVe2 a s being more precise, immediately re moving the queen from the annoying pin. IS il.bS 16 l:ifel ltJbdS (D) We have now a position rich in complica tions, where White can get the advantage if he plays precisely. However, if he does not make the right decision then he could land in a much inferior position, as in fact happened in the game.
B
.•.
Black has a problem in the present position, and this is his queen, which lacks a good post (the white rooks will be pl aced at cl and d l ,
TESTS
67
White wishes to play the Exchange Variation of the Queen 's Gambit with his king's knight on e2. This move was used by Alekhine, but Botvinnik deepened his ideas. 4 • . • exdS 5 .ltgS c6 6 e3 i.e7 7 i.d3 0-0 8 'i!Vc2 h6?! This is a hasty move as we shall appreciate when studying this example. 8 . . . lLlbd7 is more sound. 9 .lth4 l::.e8 1 0 lLlge2 10 lLlf3 is also possible here, but that was not White's intention. 10 . . . lLlbd7 (D)
W
White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play 17 .ltxf6. Option B: Play 17 .ltxd5 . Option C : Play the tactical 1 7 lLlxd5 .
W
Test 9 0 Gufeld
-
Zamikhovsky
Ukrainian Ch (Kiev) 1 963 Queen's Gambit Declined, Exchange Variation [035]
1 c4 lLlf6 2 d4 e6 3 lLlc3 dS (D)
W
Here we have a Karlsbad structure with some peculiarities : 1. The knight was developed t o e 2 , thus eas ing eventual central action by means of f3 and e4. 2. The move . . . h6 gains in importance, since White has yet not defined a position for his king.
White to play. Choose one of the following possibilities: Option A: Play 1 1 0-0-0, leading a battle
4 cxdS
with opposite-side castling. Option B: 1 1 0-0 and play for the typical mi nority attack. Option C: Play 1 1 f3 and after castling, take the necessary steps in order to prepare the ad vance e4.
Solutions
Test 1 [Level l ]
Directed against 2 1 f4 winning a piece. 2 1 Wb2 b6 22 �e4! (D)
Themes: Transition into the Endgame; The Art of Exchanging 17 'lid4 ! (D) The other choices are also advantageous for White, but this is the strongest continuation. After the exchange of queens and thanks to the threat of trapping the knight, White gains a cru cial tempo to penetrate with the rook on the sev enth rank. If this was your choice (Option A), you have earned 5 points. The move in Option B , 17 QJd4, while being a natural move, does not threaten to win the piece due to the pin on the g l -a7 diagonal : 17 . . . J::!.b c8 18 f4? QJf3 + ! 19 �xf3 J::!.x c 1 20 'lixc 1 'lixd4+. You gain 1 point for this choice. The move sug gested under Option C, 17 Wh l , threatening to win a piece by 1 8 f4, also gives White a clear ad vantage, although it is more difficult to realize than the one resulting from choosing Option A : 1 7 . . .f6 1 8 f4 QJf7 1 9 QJd4. I f this w a s your choice, award yourself 3 points.
B
Threatening to exchange the light-squared bishops. 22 ... WfS 23 f4 ! QJf7 24 �f3 J::!. b bS 25 QJe6+! ? The black knight will b e forced t o move to the comer. 25 ... �xe6 26 dxe6 QJbS 27 f5! b4 2S �b7 as 29 e4! And although material is level, Black is forced to re sign. 1 -0 Option A: 5 points Option B: 1 point Option C: 3 points
Test 2 [Leve l l ] Themes: Isolated Queen 's Pawn; Unfortunate Exchange
17 ... f6 IS 'lixb6 J::!. x b6 19 QJd4 g5 20 J::!. c7 J::!. d S
In this position with an isolated queen 's pawn, Black has a comfortable game, preparing to play . . . J::!. fd8 with pressure against the white d pawn.
SOLUTIONS
Option B, consisting of 1 4 a3, preventing the manoeuvre . . . CLlb4-d5 as well as threatening b4, fails against 14 . . . �b3 taking advantage of the weakening of this square. Therefore 0 points i f y o u chose Option B . 14 �h6?! The move suggested under Option A. The idea is to exchange the dark-squared bishops, weakening Black's kingside. However, as the game will show, all this exchange achieves i s the removal of h i s queen's pawn's best defender, allowing Black to anchor himself firmly on the dark squares. You get no points if you chose this plan. White ' s best plan i s to maintain the tension with 1 4 l:!.fd 1, as suggested in Option C (5 points for this choice). 14 ... l:!.fd8 15 �xg7 �xg7 16 l:!.fdl l:!.d6! (D)
The lack of a dark-squared bishop starts to be felt. 17 'i'e3 l:!.cd8 18 a3? ! This move weakens b 3 , though i t i s difficult to suggest a good line for White: 18 CLlb5 l:!.d5 19 CLlc3 l:!.5d7 20 CLle5? loses to 20 . . . l:!.xd4 2 1 CLlxc6 l:!.xd 1 + . 18...�b3! This bishop will prove to be very annoying for White. 19 l:!.d2 If 19 CLlb5 , then 19 . . . �xd l 20 CLlxd6 �xe2 21 CLlxb7 'i'b6 with a clear advantage . 19 ... l:!.e6 20 'i'f4 CLld5 21 CLlxd5 l:!.xd5 ! (D) The rooks will prove to be very active . 22 g4
69
w
A necessary weakening on account of the threat of 22 . . . l:!.f5 . If 22 �d3 l:!.f6 ! 23 'i'e3 , the exchange sacrifice 23 . . . l:!.xB ' is very strong: 24 gxf3 CLlxd4 with more than enough compensa tion for the exchange. 22 ... g5! A good move stressing the weakness of the dark squares. A rook is going to settle on f4. 23 'i'g3 l:!.f6! (D)
Black continues manoeuvring on the dark squares, and now threaten s to settle thi s rook at [4, exerting pressure on the d-pawn. 24 �dl White should be alert against a possible ex change sacrifice on B . The following line gives us a sample: 24 l:!.d3 �c4 ! 25 l:!.e3 �xe2 26 l:!.xe2 l:!.xB ! 27 'i'xf3 CLlxd4 winning. 24...�c4 Now 24 . . . l:!.xB? does not work: 25 'i'xf3 'i'xd2 26 �xb3 ! w ith counterplay against f7.
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
70
25 b3 �a6 25 . . . J::!. x f3 ? is bad on account of 26 i.xf3 'iix d2 27 bxc4 J::!. x d4 28 �xc6 bxc6 29 "ii'e 5+ and White survives. 26 b4 'iid 8 26 . . . ttJxb4 ! ? is also sufficient: 27 i.b3 ttJd3 28 i.xd5 'iWxd5 with a c lear advantage . 27 ii.b3 (D)
B
27 ttJxd4 ! 28 Ji!.xd4 If 28 .i.xd5 then 28 . . . ttJxf3+ 29 ..I¥.xf3 'i!Vxd2 30 J::!.d l 'ii'c 3, etc . 28 ... J::!. xd4 29 ttJxg5 29 ttJxd4 also loses: 29 . . . 'ii'x d4 30 J::!. d l 'ii'e 4. 29 .. J:td3 30 'ii' h4 h6 3 1 ttJxf7 'ii'd4 32 litel J::ix h 3! 0-1 Option A : 0 points Option B : 0 points Option C: 5 points •••
Test 3 [Level 3]
the rook manoeuvre from a2 to d2, which, to gether with a bishop on a3, will make the d6pawn hard to defend. IO a4 ! Option A proves somewhat artificial, inas much as the pressure on d6 by ii.f4 would ap pear ineffective . Moreover, if that pressure fails, it will be obvious that the bishop should be better placed on the long diagonal, and we would have lost a valuable tempo in removing the knight from its good post at d4. Thus, we give only 1 point to this plan. 10 ttJf3 0-0 1 1 ..I¥.f4 'iia 5 ! 1 2 .l::i c 1 J::!. fd8 (with precise moves Black has neutralized the pressure on d6) 1 3 i.d2 ( 1 3 i.xd6 .i.e8 1 4 c 5 i.xd6 1 5 cxd6 'iWb4 regaining the pawn with a good game) 1 3 . . . 'iic 7 (as we can see Black is OK; let ' s see the rest of the game without comments) 14 e3 J::!.a c8 1 5 'ii'e 2 'iVb8 1 6 Ji!.fd l ttJa7 1 7 ttJd4 b5 ! 1 8 cxb5 axb5 1 9 b4 e5 ! 20 ttJb3 i.g4 2 1 ii.f3 ii.e6 22 ttJe4 ii.c4 23 ttJxf6+ i.xf6 24 'ii'e 1 d5 1/2- 1 /2 Smyslov-Lein, USSR 1 97 1 . Option B is a natural and logical way of deal ing with this position, and except for Option C, which casts doubts on Black's set-up, it would be worthy of the top score. Thus we give it 3 points. Here both plans, that of reaching a Mar oczy Bind sooner or later, or of playing soundly with e3, give White a small edge. 10 .i.b2 0-0 1 1 J::!. c I ( 1 1 e3 followed by 'iVe2, J::!. fd I and J::!. ac I also l eads to a small edge for White) 1 1 . . .'iia5 1 2 'iid 3 ? ! ( 1 2 ttJxc6 i.xc6 1 3 e4 is better as 1 3 . . . b5? is met by 14 e5 ! ) 1 2 . . . ttJxd4 1 3 'iVxd4 .i.c6 14 e4 e5 ! 15 iHd2 b5 ! with counterplay, Mohring-Bonsch, Halle 1 98 1 . 1 0... 0-0 1 1 .i.a3 'ii b 8 1 2 J::!. a 2! J::!. d8 1 3 J::!. d 2
(D) Themes: Weak Pawns; Weakness at d6 There is no doubt that Option C is worthy of the highest score here (5 points) . The move 1 0 a4, on the one hand, prevents . . . b5, and on the other hand, gives the white bishop the a3-square (if 10 .i.a3 at once, then 1O . . . 'iia5 ) , where it will press on d6, the true Achilles' Heel of Black's position. Furthermore, if we go deeply into the posi tion, the true understanding of 10 a4 will be clear, since this move frees the a2-square for
White has completed the plan started on move 1 0, and he is exerting strong pressure on d6. 13 ... ttJxd4 14 Ji!.xd4 .i.c6 15 'iVd2! Threatening Ji!.d l . 15 ... ttJ e8 If 1 5 . . . i.xg2, then 1 6 'it>xg2 'iVc7 1 7 Ji!.d l 'iic 6+ 1 8 f3 with a clear advantage for White. 16 J::!. d3 'iVc7 17 J::!. d l J::!.d 7 If 1 7 . . . J::!. ac8 , then 1 8 e4 i.f6 1 9 ttJe2 b5 20 cxb5 axb5 21 a5 , also with a clear plus. A stan dard theme in the realization of the advantage:
SOLUTIONS
71
26 ...'lie2 27 l"!.el ! The safest way. 2 7 f4 �xf4 2 8 gxf4 CDxe4 is also good for White but Black has some activ ity.
B
27 ...'lie2 2S h3 gS 29 l"!.e3 'lihS 30 'lib6 CDeS 31 �b4! 'lig6 32 'lia7 White takes advantage of the lack of coordi nation and communication between the black pieces.
32 ...l"!.dS 33 �aS ! l:idd7 34 l"!.eS cJiJg7 35 'libS f6 3 S . . . CDf6 3 6 �d8 winning.
36 �dS l"!.f7 37 �b6 l"!.fe7 (D) White, thanks to the strong pressure on d6, forced B lack to put his pieces in passive loca tions. However, d6 stil l withstands and White needs to use the bad placement of the black pieces to tum the weaknes s at d6 into another advantage.
IS CDdS! exdS 1 8 . . . �xdS 1 9 cxdS with a clear plus, since if . . . eS White would take the c-file after �h3 .
19 exdS The bishop is trapped. 1 9 •.. �xa4 20 bxa4 We can now make an assessment of 1 8 CDdS . White has got the bishop-pair and will press on b7. 20 . . . �f6 21 'lib4! (D)
3S aS! An elegant finish. Black i s helpless agai nst the transfer of the l ight-squared bishop to the a4-e8 diagonal.
3S ... hS 39 �f3 cJiJh6 40 �dl fS 41 exfS 'lif7 42 �a4 CDf6 43 l"!.fS!
B
The quickest way.
43 ... 'iYg7 44 l"!.hS+ CDh7 45 l:\gS 1 -0 Option A: 1 point Option B: 3 points Option C: 5 points
Test 4 [Level 3] Themes: Dynamic v s Static Elements; Hidden Features B eginning the siege of b7 . 2 1 . . .l"!.e7 22 �f3 �eS 23 l"!.b3 g6 24 �dbl
;g,bS 25 e4 CDf6 26 �g2 Threatening f4.
1 l ... dxe4! (D) This is Option C and certainly the best one, because besides solving Black's problems, it
72
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
causes serious problems to White. Seemingly Black tears his pawn-structure apart, but there are some concrete features in the position that justify it. If you noted all the subtleties concern ing this move, you have earned S points. Option B does not get full equality, although it leaves White with j ust a sl ight advantage and i s very logical and therefore deserves 2 points. I I . . Jld8 12 cxdS �eS ( l 2 . . . cxdS 1 3 ltJbS �a6 1 4 ltJd4 iLxe2 IS 'VWxe2 'lieS 16 g3 is in White 's favour) 13 g3 iLh3 14 l::te l �b4 IS "iVc2 iHS 1 6 'iVc I cxdS 1 7 iLf3 'V1!ie7 1 8 a3 �aS 1 9 b4 �b6 20 ltJxdS ! with advantage for White, Keene J ansson, Haifa OL 1 976. Option A doesn't solve Black ' s problems, so we shall grant it no points. After I I . . .�e6 1 2 cxdS cxdS 1 3 ltJbS ! White ' s advantage i s obvi ous.
w
Not 14 h3? �eS I S g3 ltJxe3 ! winning, while the capture of the annoy ing knight would leave a weak pawn at c4: 14 iLxg4 iLxg4 I S �e l �b4. 14 ... .:!.e8! Threatening to take on h2. 15 ltJd l ? I S iLf3 'iVf6 1 6 �xg4 ( 1 6 � g 2 'V1!ih6 1 7 h 3 ltJeS ! ) 1 6 . . . iLxg4 1 7 f 3 � h 3 1 8 11f2 �g6 would leave Black a strong i nitiative . 15 ... ltJxh2! 16 c5 (D) 1 6 �xh2 "ii' h4+ 1 7 �g2 "ii' h 3+ 1 8 �g l iLxg3 19 fxg3 'lWxg3+ 20 �h l l:!:e4 ! (20 . . . l::t e 6? 2 1 �f6 ! ) 2 1 :f4 iLh3 and White i s helpless.
B
12 bxc4?! If White takes with the bi shop (the natural capture), he leaves the g4-square defenceless, allowing Black to start an attack in various ways. 12 iLxc4 "ii'e S ! seems to be the best line (even though 1 2 . . . ltJg4 1 3 g3 ltJxh2 is interesting, or even 1 2 . . . iLxh2+ ! ?) : 13 g3 �h3 . 12 ... l::r b 8! 13 'V1!ic1 The natural 1 3 J::\b l ? doesn't work on ac count of 1 3 .. Jhb2 14 J::\ x b2 'V1!ieS . 13 ... ltJg4! (D) This blow is based on the idea that Black started on move II. With the white queen forced to leave d I , the g4-square remains without ade quate protection. 14 g3
16, .. ltJxfl ! 17 cxd6 ltJxg3! 18 fxg3 Of course 1 8 dxe7 ltJxe2+ 1 9 n ltJxc I doesn ' t work and White will be helpless. 18 .. :�xd6 19 'iit f2 'ii' h 6 20 �d4 If 20 'lic3 Me6 Black's attack would also be unstoppable.
SOLUTIONS
20 'lih2+ 21 'it>el 'lixg3+ 22 'it>d2 'lig2 23 tZlb2 �a6 24 tZld3 �xd3 25 'it>xd3 .a:.bd8 26 �f1 ile4+ 27 We3 e5 ! The quickest road to victory. 28 �xe5 'lie6 29 'it>b3 �b8+ 30 'it>a3 J:1e5 31 �b4 'lib6 0-1 Option A : 0 points Option B: 2 points Option C: 5 points ••.
Test 5 [Level 3] Themes: Isolated Queen 's Pawn; Blockade 13 �d2 The idea suggested under Option B, consist ing of the transfer of the bishop to c3 in order to blockade the isolated queen ' s pawn, proves quite effective in the game we are going to see. The idea mentioned in Option A, 13 �e3 ? ! i s dubious o n account of the reply 1 3 . . . d4 ! since taking on d4 is not possible: 14 �xc6+ bxc6 1 5 tZlxd4? c5 1 6 'lia4+ �d7 (D) and Black wins.
73
1 3...�e7 After 13 . . . a5 ? ! then 14 �e3 ! is good since the black queen is not guarded by the a-pawn. 1 4 ... d4 15 �xc6+ bxc6 1 6 tZlxd4 ! c5 17 'iVa4+ �d7 1 8 �b3 ! . 14 �e3! 0-0 If 14 . . . d4? ! 1 5 .i.xc6+ ! ? bxc6 ? ! (better is 1 5 .. :iYxc6 even though after 16 tZlxd4 'iVc4 1 7 e 3 the activity o f the light-squared bishop can not compensate for the loss of a pawn), then 1 6 �a5 with a big advantage. 15 tZld4 Completing the blockade of the isolated queen ' s pawn that began with 1 3 �d2. If you chose the plan suggested in B , then you have earned 5 points. 15 ...tZlxd4 16 'iWxd4 �e5 (D)
IV
Thus, we give no points to this plan. But the idea suggested in Option C is inter esting, and consists of the development of the bishop Lo f4, to follow then with 'lid3 and �fd l with pressure against the d-pawn. Let's examine a possible continuation: 13 �f4 ! ? �e7 1 4 'lid3 0-0 1 5 �fd l g5? 1 6 'lie3 ! 'ii'x e3 1 7 .i.xe3 and Black would have to concede more weaknesses besides the isolated queen's pawn, with nothing in return. We give 5 points to this choice.
17 "iVd2 ! Everything has been calculated very pre cisely. White threatens 1 8 �a5 , thus hindering the advance of the d-pawn . 17 ••,'lid6 18 b4! A clever zwischenzug before continuing with the blockade of the d-pawn, thus restricting the bishop. If 1 8 �d4 at once, then 1 8 . . . � b4. 18 •.•.i.b6 19 �d4 And finally the blockading plan is completed. Now it is a permanent blockade, and Black is forced into a passive defence, though he is not without resources. 1 9 ... .i.f5 ! ? With the idea of moving the bishop t o e4, strengthening the d-pawn. 20 .a:.ac1 �e4 21 �h3!
74
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOI,UME 1
Refusing to exchange bishops for the time being, since it wou ld weaken White's castled position. Besides thi s, White keeps control of the c-fi le. 21...J:.fe8 22 l:ifdl l:ie7! (D)
White gets an ending with an extra pawn, but still he needs to overcome some difficulties in order to win.
39 Wf3 We6 40 It>e4 Wd6+ 41 �d4 �d7 42 g4! l:ie8 43 e4 b6 44 l:id5+ It>e7 45 e5 ! l:if8 46 Md6 b5 The battle for command of the c-file contin ues. With the text-move Black wants to ex change at least a rook on this file.
The most stubborn line. If 46 . . . fxe5+ then 47 �xe5 J:.xf2 48 Mxh6 Me2+ (48 . . . Mg2 49 �f4) 49 It>f4 l:if2+ 50 It>e4 Me2+ 5 1 1t>f3 , etc.
23 a3 It>f8 24 'li¥b2 l:ic7 25 l:ixc7 Wixc7 26 l:id2 l:id6!
47 l:ixa6 fxe5+ 48 It>xe5 l:ixf2 49 l:ia7+! It>f8 50 h5 J:i:.f3 51 Wd4!
Black is defending in a quite ingenious way. He now wants to play . . Jk6.
The king marches towards the b5-pawn, de ciding the game.
27 ii.g2 The bishop has accomplished its job on h3 . White is no longer able to reinforce the pres sure without this exchange.
27 .. J:te6 Worthy of attention was 27 :'c6 28 ii.xe4 dxe4 29 �xb6 �'xb6 3 0 :'d4 with a slight ad vantage for White. ...
28 e3 It>e7 29 h4 a6 Better is 29 . . . ii.xg2 3 0 \t x g 2 :'e4 3 1 ':: c 2 Wid6 even though White i s somewhat belter.
30 .lii.. x b6 �xb6 31 J:i:.d l �'c7 32 '�d4 Wic4 33 Wia7! Wic7 34 Md4 �f7'! A serious error. After 34 . . . ii.xg2 35 � xg2 l:id6 Black m i ght sti ll be ahle to put up stuhborn resistance.
35 l:ixd5 ! Winning a pawn.
35 ...�xg2 36 �xg2 'iJlc6 37 i'i'c5! But not 37 e4? Mxe4 3 8 l:ic5 Wid7 39 Wih8 l:ie7 with equal ity. 37 ..:t�'xc5 38 l:ixc5 M e7 (D)
5 1 .. ..li!.f4+ 52 It>c5 J::!.xg4 53 �xb5 l:ig5+ 54 It>c6 l:ixh5 55 b5 J::!. h6+ 56 �c7 l:ih3 57 b6 We7 58 b7 X1c3+ 59 �b6 l:ib3+ 60 �c6 1 -0 Option A: 0 points Option B : 5 points Option C: 5 points
Test 6 [Level 3] Themes: Move-Orders; Right Idea, Bad Timing There is no question that ltJe5 one or White's main ideas. However, as we are going to see, making this move right away i s a serious mis take that changes the assessment of the posi tion.
15 1tJe5? This was suggested in Option B. However, it i s a serious positional mistake that allows Black to take command of the game.
15 ... �xe5 !
SOLUTIONS
This excellent move refutes White's idea. Black exchanges his important bishop but in re turn gets good counterplay along the c-file. 16 �xe5 (D)
75
22 �xf1 .a:.c2 23 �e3 lLlc5 Again, it is not advisable to take on b2: 23 ... 'lWxb2 24 �ab l 'li'xa2 25 'li'xa2 �xa2 26 �xb7 and White is fine.
24 'li'd4 24 'li'a3 is also interesting, although after 24 . . . �c8 Black retains some advantage. 24 ... e5! ? 25 dxe6 'li'xe6 (D)
B
16 ... f6! Strengthening the dark squares and driving the bishop out, which is forced to occupy a pas sive position. Of course, if the white queen were on d2, this plan would be impossible. Thus, if you chose the direct jump to e5 (Option B) you got no points. But if you preferred to move the queen to d2 fust (Option A) foreseeing the ef fects of the other continuation, you won 5 points.
17 �f4 �ac8 The position has done a full tum, and from a clearly advantageous position for White, we now have a position somewhat better for Black. The queen is not going to find a good place.
18 'li'a4 The natural move 1 8 'li'd2? loses a piece after 1 8 . . . g5.
18 ... g5 ! Continuing the harassment t o the bishop, which will be forced to return to c I . Not, of course, 1 8 . . . 'lWxb2 1 9 �abl , when White i s do ing well .
19 � c 1 �e2 Foreseeing that f3 would leave the bishop out of play. 19 . . . lLlb4 was interesting too.
20 :Sel d3 21 �f1 �xf1 ! The best move. The other possibility is some what unclear: 2 l . . .lLlb4 22 �xe2 lLlc2 23 �xd3 !;Jxc l 24 �e2 ; e.g., 24 . . . �c2 ? ! 25 �e3 'li'xb2 26 �d4.
26 �ac 1 ? ? A serious mistake that leaves White in a hopeless position. Correct was 26 b4 ! lLlxe4 27 'li'xd3, when Black's advantage is minimal .
26 ... �c8! 27 b4 lLlxe4 28 �xc2 Taking on d3 does not work: 28 'lWxd3 lLlxf2 ! 29 'ii'x c2? �xc2 30 �xc2 lLlh3 + ! 3 1 �g2 'li'e4+ 32 �xh3 'li'xc2.
28 ... dxc2 29 �c1 b6 30 f3 lLld6 31 'li'd3 �c6 Defending the knight and thus freeing the queen . 32 a4 'li'c4! 33 '!j'd2 lLlf7! 34 f4 (D)
76
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
Weakening the light squares, but there is no other way of preventing . . . tLleS . 34 ... g4 35 b5 11c8 36 '/IUd7 h5 37 �f2 '/IUc3 38 '/IUf5 11e8 0-1 Option A : S points Option B: 0 points
Test 7 [Level 3] Theme: Transition into the Endgame 12 '/IUd3 As we shall see, this seemingly good move is harmless. White should play 12 e4 ! , the idea suggested in Option A. With this, and by means of a series of accurate moves, White retains a slight opening advantage: 1 2 . . . '/IUc7 1 3 f4 ! tLlc6 14 tLlf3 ! (the logical sequel to the previous move ; White avoids the exchange of knights, which would relieve Black's position) 14 . . . '/IUb7 IS '/IUe2 11fe8 16 11ad I ! bS 17 eS ! (D) and White is better, B ronstein-Kalinichev, Moscow 1 982.
B
If you chose thi s plan (more or less up to this position) then you have earned S points. 1 2 ...'/IUc7! 13 '/IUf3 White fully enters into Option C and as we are going to prove, this will leave him with a somewhat worse ending. It would be better to play 1 3 e4 (Option B) with ideas similar to Op tion A, though White has worse prospects due to the bad placing of the queen at d3. Both choices B and C get 2 points . 13 ... 11a7 14 11fdl 11c8 15 Mac 1 'iVb7! (D)
16 '/IUxb7 11xb7 Finally everything clears up, and Black's po sition looks more pleasant, since he has a break on bS. 1 7 f3 tLlc6! The knight goes to a7 to support ... bS. 1 8 �a3 1 8 a4, preventing the aforementioned break, would leave White ' s pawn-formation rather weak (especially the b3-pawn). 1 8 ...tLla7! Continuing with the plan. 1 9 tLlc2 Preventing ... bS but allowing the other pawn break. 19 ... d5! 20 iLxe7 11xe7 21 tLle3 11ec7 22 tLla4 11c6 22 . . . bS ? is wrong due to 23 tLlb6 ! ! 11b8 24 cxd5 ' with advantage to White. 23 11bl dxc4 24 bxc4 b5 25 cxb5 tLlxb5 26 �f2 g5 ! ? (D)
SOLUTIONS
Gaining more ground. Black, in spite of the exchanges, remains slightly better thanks to his more active and well-arranged pieces. Anyway, White has no weaknesses and with careful play he should not lose. 27 l"l.b4 �g7 28 h4 h6 29 l"l.hl l"l.8c7 30 hxg5 hxg5 31 l"l.al l"l.d6 32 lLlb2 lLld5 33 lLlxd5 l"l.xd5 34 l"l.c4 l"l.xc4 35 lLlxc4 lLlc3 36 �el Practically forced on account of . . . l"l.d4 fol lowed by . . . Md2. 36 .. J:id4 ! (D)
77
40 fxg4? ! Maintaining the tension with 4 0 �d2 or 40 �f2 is better. 40 ... l"l.xg4 41 �f2 f5 42 �f3 �f6 42 . . . l"l.c4 ! ? 4 3 l"l.dl l"l.c4 44 lLle3 Ma4 4 5 lLlc2 e5 Not, of course, 4S ... lLlxa3 ? since it loses ma terial after 46 l"l.a I . 46 �f2 �e6 47 l"l.d3 l"l.c4 48 lLle3 l"l.c3 49 g4 Allowing Black to put his pawns on the fifth rank, leaving White with a hopeless ending. Better and more stubborn was 49 a4, as pointed out by some annotators. 49 ... f4 50 l"l.xc3 lLlxc3 5 1 lLlc2 e4 52 a4? Losing a pawn, but White's position was desperate. 52 ... lLlxa4 53 e3 f3 54 lLld4+ �e5 55 lLlc6+ 0-1 White resigned without waiting for Black's reply. Option A : S points Option B: 2 points Option C: 2 points
Test 8 [Level 5] Black increases the advantage step by step, and the difference in activity between the black and white pieces is becoming more no ticeab le. 37 lLle3 l"l.a4 ! 38 a3 lLlb5 39 lLlc2 (D)
B
39 ... g4! The manner in which Black combines ac tions on both flanks is very instructive.
Theme: Rearranging Pieces White seems to have a healthy position. His pieces are actively placed, and the eS -pawn al lows him to control more ground and is far from being weak. Besides, he is threatening to put some pressure on the f-file. Nonetheless, Black has a continuation that disputes the relevance of these elements. 14 ... lLlb8 ! ! A n excellent regrouping o f the pieces. The knight releases c6 for the bishop, where it will prove very active, giving the knight the d7square for pressing on eS and defending f6 at the same time. This is Option B, and if it was your choice, then you have earned S points. o points for Option C , since it fails tactically: 1 4 . . . lLlb4? I S lLld6+ ! cxd6 16 'i¥xb4 with a great advantage. Option A is an interesting idea: 14 . . . l"l.hf8 ! ?, attempting to react with . . . f6. After I S kd3 (if I s lLlf6 then IS ... lLlxeS ! ) IS .. .f6 16 exf6 kxf6
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
78
1 7 'liVxh6 Black gets activity in return for the pawn. This choice deserves 2 points. 1 5 tLlf6 After I S tLld4 iJ.c6 1 6 tLlf6 'liVc5 Black's game is more pleasant. IS g4 instead, with the idea of playing g5 , is an interesting possibility. 15 ... iJ.e6 16 iJ.e2 tLld7! (D)
27 J:!.e2 �dl ! 28 tLlf4 Not 28 J:!.xe6 on account of 28 . . . J:!.d2, win ning. 28 J:!.b5+ 29 Wa2 J:!.bbl 30 iJ.h5 J:!.al+ 31 Wb3 J:!.dbl+ 32 �e4 J:!.xa3 33 iJ.xf7 J:ix g3 34 iJ.xe6+ 34 tLlxe6 J:!.g4+ 35 Wc3 J:!.xh4 36 .l1d2 b5 is hopeless for White. 34 ... We7 35 tLld3 as 36 J:!.f2 J:!.e3! 37 J:!.f7+ Wb8! 38 J:!.e7 J:!.e4+ 39 We3 39 Wc5 J:!.b5+ 40 Wd6 l:id4+. 39... J:!.b5 0-1 Option A : 2 points Option B: 5 points Option C: 0 points •..
Continuing with the plan started on move 14. 17 tLlh5 In case of 17 tLld4 �xg2 1 8 tLlxd7 (if 1 8 J:!.hg I , then I 8 . . tLlxe5 ! 1 9 tLlh5 tLlg6 winning) 18 . . . iJ.xh I 19 tLlc6?? iJ.xc6 with a clear advan tage for Black. And after 17 tLlxd7 Black will be a bit better too. 17 ...�xf3 II! iJ.xf3 iJ.xe5 ! White gets two minor pieces in exchange for a rook ; however, Blaek is going to win a second pawn, leaving the white king in a somewhat ex posed situation. 1 9 'liVe4 e6 20 J:!.xd7 iJ.xb2+ ! 21 Wxb2 J:!.xd7 Finally the position has clarified and Black's advantage is obvious. 22 'liVe3 J:!.hd8 23 a3 Not 23 'ilxa7 ? 'ilb4+ 24 Wc I �c3 with a decisive advantage. 23 ... J:!.d4 24 g3 'liVeS Threatening . . . J:!.b4+. 25 J:!.el J:!.e4 ! (D) The simplest way. Black is going to enter an ending where the advantage of two pawns, the activity of the rooks and the bad coordination of the white pieces will give him victory. 26 'liVxe5 J:!.xe5 Threatening . . . J:!.d2. .
Test 9 [Level 1 ] Theme: Positional Sacrifice of a Pawn In this position, coming from the Nimzo-Indian Defence, Black has got nearly equal chances. There are several ways of proceeding, all of them quite acceptable. 17 ... J:!.e4! Undoubtedly, this is the most incisive way of treating the position. With this move Black takes the initiative and prevents the advance c4, which would have freed White's game. This is Option B, and if it was your choice, award yourself 5 points. Option A is a natural continuation. The idea is to proceed with . . JHc8 pressing against the hanging pawns. With this move, the game would
SOLUTIONS
be more or less equal, though White ' s position
would be easier and more pleasant than in Op tion B. Thus we give only 2 points for this choice. Let us see a natural follow-up: 1 7 . . . 'ii'b7 1 8 c4 ( 1 8 .ltf4 b5 ! ) 1 8 .. .I:tfc8 19 .ltf4, etc. 17 ... 4:Je4, the move suggested under Option C. is sharper than the one in Option A though White will play 1 8 c4 getting a more comfort able game than after 1 7 ... l:!.c4 ! . We give 3 points for this choice.
79
24 . . . 4:Jxc3, then 25 .ii. x c3 1:hc3 26 l:xc3 'iYxc3 27 �xc3 J::r x c3 28 4:Je5 ! with equality. 25 �e1 �f7 26 '/j'd l 4:Jf8 27 l:tb3 4:Jg6 28 'i'Hbl �a8 (D)
w
18 'l!Vxa7
There is no choice but to take the offered pawn. Now Black is going to increase the pressure little by little, while White will lose several moves bringing his queen back. 1 8 .. :�c6!
Threatening . . . J:l:a8 . 19 'l!Va3 J::t.c 8 20 h3 h6
There is no hurry, and it is a good policy to take prophylactic measures before starting deci sive actions. The game is more or less balanced although White's position is more unpleasant since he is doomed to passivity. 21 J::!. b l �a4
Black is pressing both on c3 and a2.
22 'iWb3 4:Jd5 23 l:dc1 l:1c4 (D)
29 J:.e4?!
29 'ii'd 3 is better; then 29 . . Jha2 30 lbe6 ! ? leads to complications that are difficult to as sess. 29 ...l::i. ca4 30 l:b2 4:Jf8 3 1 'ilVd3 J::ic4 32 !iel J::i a3
Black has improved the position of his pieces to the utmost. The major pieces are not only pressing against the c3-pawn (as was the case when they were on the c-file) but with a rook on a3 he is pressing on the a2-pawn, making White's defence difficult. But turning this pres sure into something more real is not easy. 33 'iYbl 4:Jg6 (D)
w
24 l:!.b2
24 'iYb5 looks better. 24...f6! ?
An interesting move. Black controls the e5square, thus hindering the mobility of the white knight. On the other hand, Black need not worry about the e6-pawn, since it is easy to protect. If
34 l:!.cl?
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
80
A typical mistake . White is getting tired af ter an unpleasant defence and lowers his guard. 34 '/i'd3 ! would retain the extra pawn, since 34 . . . CLlxc3 ? does not work on account of 35 J:(b3 ! ! winning material. 34 CLlxc3 35 '/i'd3 CLle2+! 36 V!'xe2 J::txe l + 3 7 .bel 'lixel + 38 �h2 (D) Allowing the following exchange sacrifice. 38 CLle l is a better choice, although Black's ad vantage is clear anyway. .••
38 J::t xf3 ! A powerful exchange sacrifice that causes serious problems to White, all the more if we consider his heavy time-trouble. 39 gxf3 CLlh4 0-1 White lost on time. The main threat is ... '/i'g5 , though after 4 0 d5 ! the road t o victory would be long and difficult. Option A: 2 points Option B: 5 points Option C: 0 points •.•
The logical move 1 1 ... b6, with the idea of completing development, gives Black no more than full equality, even though it is a quite ac ceptable continuation. We give 2 points if your choice was A. Let us examine some possible follow-ups: not, of course, 12 jLxe6? .\k.xe6 1 3 'lixc6 J::t c 8 ! ( l 3 . . . .\k.dS ) 1 4 'lia4 .\k.c4 and White stands on the brink of ruin; 1 2 0-0 .\k.b7 ? ' ( 1 2 . . . CLle7 ! ?) 1 3 .\k.g5 J::t c 8 1 4 'lid3 CLlaS I S .\k.a2 with a slight advantage for White. The continuation suggested under Option B is also interesting: 1 1 . . .CLle7 ! ? helping in the blockade of the isolated queen ' s pawn and get ting ready to follow with the development of the bishop by . . . b6. Let us see a possible contin uation : 1 2 0-0 b6 13 'lin CLlfdS 14 il.gS .\k.b7 and the game is about equal. 3 points for this choice. The direct blockade by 1 1 . . . CLld5, pointed out in Option C, would leave White with very good prospects after 1 2 'lig3 ! , where the bish ops (particularly the dark-squared one) display a lot of activity. Therefore, this choice gets no points. 1 2 il.e3 If 12 dxeS, then 12 . . . CLle4 ! 1 3 'lie3 �a5+ 1 4 CLlc3 CLlxc3 I S bxc3 CLlxeS with advantage for Black. 12 CLle4 1 3 �b3 �a5+ ! ? (D) •••
Test 1 0 [Level 1 ] Theme: Development Advantage 1 l ... e5 ! Without a doubt the strongest continuation. Black opens the game, trying to take advan tage of his lead in dcvelopment and the ex posed situation of the white king, which is still unsafe in the centre. Thus, we give S points for Option D.
Black's advantage is decisive. Thus we con firm the accuracy of the plan Black started with 1 1 . . . eS . 14 �f1 CLlxd4 15 CLlxd4 exd4 16 f3 dxe3 17 fxe4 'lid2 0-1
SOLUTIONS
Let us see a possible outcome: I S �e2 �g4 ! 1 9 J::ie l J::i a cS 20 'ii'd l J::i c l ! 2 1 'ii'x c l �xe2+ 22 �gl iLB ! . Option A: 2 points Option B : 3 points Option C: 0 points Option D: 5 points
81
an extra pawn, White ' s b- and d-pawns are both somewhat weak and we should add the bad placing of the white bishop. 19 e5! (D) ••.
w
Test 1 1 [Level 1 ] Theme: Positional Exchange Sacrifice
17 iLg3? The move suggested under Option B proves very dubious, as we shall see. White's best choice is Option A, recognizing he has got no advantage from the opening and following the road to equality : 17 cxb6 liJxb6 I S 0-0 (after I S �g3 J::ic 6 1 9 �b5 J::ic S 20 �a6 J::ic 6 2 1 �b5 White will be able to force a draw) I S . . . liJc4 with an equal game. If this was your plan, fore seeing the consequences of playing 1 7 �g3 at once, award yourself 5 points. 17 ...bxc5 ! (D)
20 � d3 If 20 dxe5, then 20 . . . d4 2 1 'ii'd 2 (2 1 liJxd4 liJd5 ! ) 2 l . . .liJxe5 22 0-0 'ii' b 6 ! 23 �d3 c4 ! . Or 20 dxc5 d4 21 'ii'd 2 liJxc5 with advantage to Black. 20 exd4 21 liJxd4 J::te8+ 22 �f1 After the natural 22 liJe2 there would follow 22 . . . d4 23 'ii'c 2 liJe5 , with threats that are diffi cult to neutralize. 22 'ii'b 6 23 liJf5 d4! Simple and good. The following line also de served attention: 23 . . . g6 ! ? 24 liJxh6+ �g7 25 liJg4 d4 ' 26 'ii'd 2 liJxg4 27 fxg4 liJe5 28 J::ie I 'ii' f6+ 29 �g l liJB+ ! ! 30 gxf3 J::ix e l + 3 1 'ii'x e l 'i\'xB 32 'ii'e 5+ �h7 33 �xg6+ 'it'xg6 34 'ii' h 5+ �f6 35 g5+ We5 and Black wins. 24 "iYd2 liJe5 25 J::i e 1 J::ie 6! ? We could think about other choices, like 25 . . .�b7 ! ? or 25 . . .�d5 ! ? 2 6 � bl The attempt to connect rooks by 26 �f2 does not work due to the tactical blow 26 .. :�Vxb2 ! 27 'ii'x b2 liJxd3+. 26 �b7 If 26 . . . liJc4 then 27 'ii'c 2 J::t xe l + 2S '>t>xe l liJxb2 29 liJxd4. ..•
.•.
This excellent sacrifice casts doubt over White's whole idea. Black is going to take ad vantage of his lead in development and the un fortunate placement of White's pieces. Hence we give no points to Option B . 18 �xc7 'ii'xc7 1 9 iVc3 19 �d3 is met with 1 9 . . . e5 ! , while after 1 9 0-0 c 4 2 0 'ii'a4 J::tb S Black has enough compen sation for the exchange, since in return he gets
..•
27 litf2 In case of 27 �a2 then 27 . . . �d5 ! with a big advantage. 27 d3! •••
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
82
Pursuing the central advance. 28 I:!.hf1 e4+ 29 'iti>g3 29 lbe3 ct:Jeg4+ ! .
B
29 lbh5+ 30 �h3 lbg6! 31 g3 •••
3 1 g4?? lbgf4+ 32 'iti>h4 gS#. 31.. .lte8 •
3 1 . ..'iiVc S ! would be more precise: 32 lbh4 (32 lbe3 lbgf4+ ! 33 gxf4 lbxf4+ 34 'iti>g3 'iiVg S+ 3S �f2 lbh3#) 32 ... I:!.xe l ! 33 'iWxe l 'iWc8+ 34 <;t>g2 lbxh4+ 3S gxh4 'iWg4+ etc. 32 .l:te4 'iVc5! 33 g4 lbgf4+! 34 :xf4 J:!.e2! 35 'it'el lbxf4+! (D)
3S . . . 'iiVeS is wrong: 36 gxhS il.. xfS+ 37 'iti>g3 and White can still resist.
Spassky - Petrosian Moscow Wch (1 1 ) 1 969 30 J�e4! 31 'iWd3
w
••
If 3 1 lbxc4, then 3 l . . .dxc4 32 'iWc2 �e8 33 .ltc 1 'iiVe 6 ! and Black is clearly better. 3 1...l::1.e8 32 il.. f3 i.b4
Freeing d6 for the knight. 33 .lta3 .ltxa3 34 l::1.xa3 ct:Jd6 35 :e1 f5 36 l::1.aa1 lbe4+ 37 �xe4 fxe4 38 'ilfb1 "iid 7!
The queen is beginning to act against the weakened light squares. 39 .!:ta2 )lee8 40 lbxe4 dxe4 41 d5
Trying to get some activity. 41...i.xd5 42 J:td1 e3 43 l::1.e2 'i!Vh3! 44 J:!.g1 36 'liVxf4 �xf5! 37 gxf5
The exchange of queens also doesn't solve White's problems: 37 'llfxfS 'iiVxfS 38 gxfS J:.xb2 39 i.xd3 cxd3 40 �c 1 'iti>f8 41 ':c7 'iti>e8 ! with a hopeless ending for White. 37 ..Jlxb2 38 J:te1
3 8 'iti>g3 l:i:.e2.
38 :�'f2 39 'llfg3 'iiVxg3+! 40 hxg3 J:txb1 ! 0- 1 ••
White resigned since he is unable to hold black pawns after 4 l 1hbl c3 42 I:tb8+ �h7 43 J:!.c8 d2. Option A : S points Option B: 0 points Black took the command of this game thanks to a strong positional exchange sacrifice. With out a doubt, Petrosian was the world champion most recognized for playing such sacrifices. Let us see a sample:
Not, of course, 44 l:txdS ? 'liVh2+ 4S �e l 'iVg l + 46 'it>e2 'ii'x bl . 44 • • • 'iVg4
The black queen roams the light squares with total freedom. 45 'iti>g2 'liVf3+ 46 I£Ih2 'liVxe3 47 f5
47 'iWd l 'liVd3 ! 48 "iig4 "iix c2+ ! 49 J:!.g2 �xg2+ SO 'iti>xg2 e3+ S l 'iti>h2 J::t e 8 with a win ning position. 47 'iVe5 48 l::1.f1 b4 49 f6 b3 50 l::1.ef2 e2 5 1 fUel e 3 5 2 f7+ 'it>f8 5 3 J::.f5 b 2 5 4 'liHxb2 el'llf 55 'llfxg7+ �xg7 56 J:!.g5+ 0-1 ••.
Test 12 [Level l ] Themes: Isolated Queen 's Pawn; Strengthening the Position 17 'ii'e 7! .••
SOLUTIONS
Clearly the right square. From here the queen reinforces the somewhat exposed kingside and does not hinder the development of the queen side by means of . . . b6, . . . �b7 and . . . l:l:.acS. Therefore, if you chose this plan (Option B), you have earned 5 points. We give 2 points to the other choices.
22 l:l:.ac1 il.f5 23 h3! ? h5 Preventing g4-g5 , which would weaken the e5-square.
24 CDc3 g5! Gaining more ground and restnctmg the white pieces, while fixing the white kingside pawns.
25 �h2 h4!
18 'li'e3 I S l:l:.ac 1 is better, hindering Black's queen side development, though after I S .. /bd5 Black also has a good game.
18.. .cbd5! (D)
83
Completing the idea of the previous move.
26 CDd2 Wf7 27 CDb3 The seemingly good 27 CDxd5 ? does not work on account of 27 . . . l:l:.xd5 2S e4 l:l:.xd4 29 exf5 l:l:.ad8. 27 ... l:l:.ac8 28 CDb5! ? a6 29 CDc3 b5! Ruling out the threatened CDa4.
w
30 CtJe2 30 CDc5 seems better, although even in this case Black retains the advantage by 30 . . . �xc5 ! 3 1 dxc5 d4.
30 b4! 31 a4 l:l:.e8 32 Wf2 Wg6 33 CDgl ! ? •••
White wants t o transfer this knight t o d2, play CDc5 and then move the other knight from d2 to b3. But as we shall see, this plan proves very slow in the face of energetic play by Black. If 3 3 CDc5 at once, then 3 3 . . . CDa5 ! 34 CDxa6 CDc4 with advantage to Black.
33...CDa7! (D) This excellent move allows Black to take command of the battle, and thus highlights the dubious nature of White's previous move.
19 �xd5
W
Almost forced. Let us see some other possi bilities : a) 1 9 'li'e4? CDxf4 20 'li'xf4 �h6 2 1 h4 f6 with a decisive advantage. b) 19 'li'h3? h6 20 CDf3 e5 winning. c) 19 'li'g3 CDxf4 20 CDxf4 CDxd4.
19 exd5 ! .•.
The right capture, since it speeds up develop ment. Taking with the rook would be very dubi ous as the following line proves: 19 . . . l:l:.xd5 ? 20 CDc3 ! l:l:.d8 21 d5 ! and White takes the lead.
20 CDf3 Exchanging on e 7 first seems better.
20 ... 'li'xe3 21 fxe3 The natural 2 1 �xe3 is met by the unpleas ant 2 1 . . .�g4 ! .
21 ...f6! Keeping e5 under control.
A strong move, threatening not only the un pleasant ... �c2, but also defending the cS-rook.
34 CDc5 If 34 l:l:.xcs J:xc8 35 l:l:.c 1 , then 35 . . . �c2 36 CDa l iLxa4 ! and the a7-knight begins to be noted.
34 ... l:l:.c6!
84
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
Defending a6 and preparing to double rooks on the c-file.
35 tiJf3 1:!.ec8 36 b3
w
36 tiJd2? does not work: 36 . . . �xc5 37 dxc5 J:txc5 and if 38 tiJb3 then 38 . . . �c2+ 39 Jaxc2 il.. x c2 40 J:!.c l il.. x b3 , again showing the impor tant task fulfilled by the a7-lrnight.
36 ... a5 36 . . . il.. x c5 would be unclear: 37 dxc5 J::!.x c5 3 8 J:txc5 l:hc5 39 tiJd4 threatening il.. d6 with some counterplay.
37 �e2 ii.e4! (D)
46 ... il.. d 5 47 Wf2 il..xb3 48 llJe5+ llJxe5 49 dxe5 il.. xa4 50 1i..xa5 b3 51 il.. c3 �f5 52 il..b 2 il.. c6 53 Wfl il..d 5 54 Wf2 We4 55 We2 il.. c4+ 56 Wd2
w
If 56 Wf2, then 56 .. .'.t'd3 57 �f3 il..e 6 fol lowed by . . . Wc2.
56...f3 57 gxf3+ �xf3 58 e6 il.. xe6 59 il..f6 g4 60 hxg4 h3 6 1 il..e 5 il.. xg4 0-1 Option A : 2 points Option B: 5 points Option C: 2 points
A strong move that exerts pressure against the weakened white pawns, hindering the move ment of the f3-knight.
38 �d2 il..x c5 39 dxc5 J:!.xc5 40 J:!.xc5 .!:!.xc5 41 11c1 4 1 tiJd4 is bad due to 4 1 . . .tiJc6 ! , removing the defender of the seventh rank: 42 il..d 6 tiJxd4 ! 43 exd4 .!:!.c2+ 44 'it'e l .txg2.
41..Jbc1 42 'ittx c1 tiJc6 43 iLc7 f5 43 . . . d4 i s hasty : 44 exd4 il.. xf3 45 gxf3 tiJxd4 46 �d I ! tiJxb3 47 il..b 6 f5 48 'ittc 2 g4 49 'it'xb3 ! gxh3 50 il..c 7 ! . 44 'ittd 2 d4! (D) Now is the right moment.
45 exd4 After 45 tiJxd4 tiJxd4 46 exd4 1i.. x g2 47 il.. x a5 g4 48 hxg4 fxg4 49 il..xb4 g3 50 �e3 Wf5 5 1 1i.. d 6 �g4 the h-pawn is unstoppable.
45 ...f4! 46
Test 1 3 [Level l ] Themes: Open Files; Counterplay on the c-File
10 ...cxb6! Despite chess theory teaching us we should take ' towards the centre ' , in the present case taking with the a-pawn would give Black a passive position where White keeps all the chances. Instead, taking with the c-pawn se cures Black good counterplay on the c-file, with a particular focus on the c4-square. There fore, if you chose the capture with the a-pawn (Option B) you got no points, but i nstead, if you chose the text-move (Option A), then you have earned 5 points.
11 e3 This seems better than 1 1 e4? ! , which looks somewhat unsteady after 1 1 ... fxe4 12 fxe4 il.. b 7 1 3 llJf2 ( 1 3 il.. d 3 ? llJxe4 ! ) 1 3 . . . d6 14 il.. d 3 e5 and Black is OK.
1 1...'lic7!
SOLUTIONS
The exchange of bishops by ... i.a6 is one of Black's ideas, but he wants to save time for de velopment, and thus he waits until White moves his bishop to d3 before offering the aforemen tioned exchange. Meanwhile, Black is making useful moves and the queen at c7 exerts pressure against White's weaknesses. 12 i.d2 (D)
85
15 ...'iVc6! Entering a seemingly painful endgame for Black, but he has everything under control, as we shall see. If 1 5 . . . 1:.c81 ! , as Tal mentioned, then 16 c5 ! ii.xfl 1 ( 1 6 ... b5 is necessary) 17 cxd6 it'xc 1 + 1 8 i.xc 1 l:I.xc 1 + 19 �d2 i.b5 20 'ilt'xb5 :'xh l 2 1 d5 ! and Black is in a very bad way. 16 'lWxc6? ! 1 6 'lWb3 would give Black more difficulties. 16 ... lLlxc6 17 i.b4 lLlxb4! 18 axb4 (D)
B B
Now it seems like Black has no more useful waiting moves and he is forced to exchange bishops. However, as we are going to see, this is not true. 12 lLle8! The knight is going to d6, where it will put pressure on c4. 13 c4! The only possible way, although White will have to withstand some pressure. Otherwise, Black would plant his knight on c4. 13... i.a6 Starting the siege against the c-pawn. 14 J:tc1 The beginning of an ingenious idea. 14...�6 15 'iVa4! The reason for White's previous move. With this, he prevents Black from strengthening the pressure by moving the rook to c8. After the natural 1 5 �b3 Black could increase the pres sure with 1 5 ... :c8 ! 16 c5 bxc5 17 :xc5 'itb6 ! offering a favourable simplification that would highlight White's lack of development, as well as the bad placing of the knight on the queen side: 1 8 'iVxb6 axb6 19 ':xc8+ lLlxc8 20 i.xa6 ':xa6 and Black is somewhat better. •••
18 i.xc4! The ace Tal had up his sleeve. After this move, Black enters a somewhat favourable end ing, due to the creation of a passed pawn on the queenside. 19 i.xc4 ID'c8 20 .be6+ dxe6 21 �d2 <M7 22 lLlf4 (D) •••
B
White puts pressure on the weak e6-pawn. 22 ... a5
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
86
And Black pushes his passed pawn.
23 bxa5 bxa5 24 'it>d3 a4 25 J:txc8 J:txc8 26 J:l.al (D)
36 h3 If 36 J:!.g7+ 'it;>h6 3 7 .l:!.f7, then 37 . . . e5 ! , avoiding the mate at f6.
36 e5 37 dxe5?! •••
37 d 5 was the correct continuation.
37 fxg4 38 hxg4 tDxe5 39 �xa3 �c2+ 40 •••
'it>fl 'it>f7
Not, of course, 40 . . . tDxf3 ?? on account of 4 1 'f3.a6+ �f7 42 :f6+ and the knight is captured.
41 e4 !l:d2 Black has very good drawing chances due to the scarce material on the board.
42 �e1 l:!.g2! If instead 42 . . .'f3. d 3 ? Black loses after 4 3 �a5 ! � e 6 4 4 f4 ! Jite3+ 45 'it;>f1 ! .
4 3 �b3 <3Je7 4 4 tDg7'? ! (D)
26 ..ltJc4 ? ! •
Now Black i s struggling. 2 6 . . .J:!. a 8 i s correct.
27 J:!.bl ! a3 White is maybe a little better after 27 . . . 'f3.c7 28 d5 ! exd5 (but not 28 . . . tDe5+? 29 'ito>d4 ! 'ito>f6 30 tDh5+) 29 tDxd5 'f3.c6 30 lIb7+.
28 J::lb7+ 'it>f6 29 'f3.a7 gS? As Tal mentioned, 29 . . . tDb2+! was the right move: 30 'it>d2 tDc4+ 3 1 'it>e2 tDb2 ! , and if 32 J::!: x a3 then 32 . . . lIc2+ 33 'it>e l tDc4.
30 tDh5+ 'it>g6 31 g4! Bringing about a mating-net.
3 1 . tDb2+ 32 'itld2 tDc4+ 33 'itld3 tDb2+ 34 'it>d2 tDc4+ 35 'itle2 (D) ••
Black gets a draw without difficulties after this move.
44 tDxf3+! •••
The white pawns are going to fall.
45 lixf3 �xg4 46 tDf5+
B
46 !l:e3 also leads to a draw: 46 .. .'�{f6 ! 47 tDh5+ <3Je5 48 tDg3 h5 ! .
46 �e6 47 tDg3 h 5 4 8 tDxh5 .l:[xe4+ .•.
The last pawn perishes, and with it every hope of a win for White. The rest of the game is a useless struggle.
35 ... l:!.c6 The only move.
49 <3Jf2 'it>e5 50 �g3 lIh4 5 1 tDg7 J:!i4 52 'f3.a3 Itd4 53 l:!.a6 lId6 54 l:!.a7 litd4 55 m7 !l:f4 56 Ite7+ �f6 57 11a7 J:!.e4 58 tDh5+ 'ito>g6 59 Wf3 �b4 60 tDg3 'f3.f4+ 61 �e3 �f7 62 lIaS lIf6 63 tDe4 ,!;tf5 64 .l:la6+ �g7 65 tDg3 J:.e5+ 66 'it>d4 �b5 67 'ito>e4 'ito>f7 68 tDf5 �b4+ 69 tDd4 'f3.bl 70 tDf3 l:i.b4+ 71 tDd4 'f3.bl 72 tDc6
SOLUTIONS
<;i;>g6 73 tLJe5++ <;i;>h5 74 l::t a5 l::t e l+ 7 5 <;i;>f3 1:i.f1 + 76 <;i;>g3 l:l:f4 liz-liz Option Option
A: S points B: 0 points
Let us see one more game of that match, with the same opening line, where Black gets coun terplay against c4.
Botvinnik
-
Tal
Moscow Wch (14) 1 960
1 d4 tLJf6 2 c4 e6 3 tLJc3 iLb4 4 a3 il.xc3+ 5 bxc3 tLJe4 6 tLJh3 c5 7 e3 'iYa5 S il.d2 cxd4 9 cxd4 tLJxd2 10 �xd2 �xd2+ 11 <;i;>xd2 b6 12 J/.d3 il.a6 13 l:l:hc1 tLJc6 14 l:l:abl <;i;>e7 (D)
87
award 3 points to this idea. Let us see how a game proceeded with this plan : 1 8 il.c3 �a3 ( l 8 . . . tLJhS ! ?) 19 tLJeS ! tLJxeS 20 'iYxeS il.dS ! (20 . . ..ii'xa2 2 1 �g3 ! threatening to win the queen with 22 l:l:al �3 23 l:l:fbl �xc3 24 il.h7+, as well as the strong breakthrough dS) with a level game in Weinstein-Bilek, Leipzig OL 1 960. Option B, seeking exchanges by 1 7 . . . tLJg4, does not work here, since White has no need to stop the threat of . . . il.xf3 by playing 1 8 il.e4. With 1 8 h3 ! White simply wins important tempi, since Black has no better move than returning his knight to f6, for if 1 8 . . . il.xf3? 19 �xf3 �h2+??, then 20 Wfl tLJgf6 2 1 il.f4 winning. So no points for this choice.
I S �xf3 e5! Continuing the plan started with the previous move.
1 9 'iYg3? Better was 19 dS tLJcS and Black's game is preferable.
19 exd4 20 ':xeS+ tLJxeS 21 il.f4 'iYc6 22 il.f5 l:l:dS (D) .•.
15 c5 il.xd3 16 Wxd3 l:l:abS I7 l:l:b5 bxc5 IS l:l:cxc5 a6 19 .!:ixbS l:l:xbS 20 Wc2 l:l:cS 21 tLJf4 d6 22 l:l:c3 g5 1/2-1/2
Test 1 4 [Leve l 3] Theme: Hanging Pawns
17...il.xf3! This was Option C, consisting of taking on f3 in order to disrupt the white pawns by means of . . . eS - thus getting strong points for the knights - and the best line. If this was your choice, award yourself S points . Option A, placing pressure on the hanging pawns by means of 17 . . . �d6 ! ?, is a natural fol low-up and gives Black quite a good game. We
White has sacrificed a centre pawn and we cannot see any compensation for it.
23 h3 tLJc5 24 l:l:dl �f6 25 il.bl �e6 26 Wh2 'it>f8! 27 il.e5 �xc4 2S �f4 tLJe6 29 �e4 �d5 30 �e2 tLJd6 31 a4 tLJc4 32 il.g3 tLJc5 33 il.a2 d3 34 'il'e1 �d4 35 f3 tLJe3 36 l:l:d2 l:l:eS 37 �c1 tLJxa4 3S Whl tLJc5 39 il.f2 �e5 40 il.bl WgS 0-1 Option A: 3 points Option B: 0 points Option C: S points
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
88
Test 1 5 [Level 4] Themes: Zwischenzug; The Order Changes the Result In these positions, one of Black's plans is to ex change bishops and gain counterplay on the c file. Because of this, both IS . . .�fS and 15 . . .cxd4 (followed by .. J:!ac8) are logical continuations. And why not combine both plans? This last plan seems to be ideal for Black, but which is the right order?
1 5 cxd4! •••
This is the right move-order; we exchange pawns first and then play . . . �fS . If you saw the reason why it was necessary to exchange pawns first, then you have earned S points (Option B ) . Instead, trying t o follow this plan by exchang ing bishops first does not work. I S . . . �f5 1 6 � f1 (D) and now:
'ilfxb7 VlVa6 38 'ilVb4 �f7 39 'fiie7 VlVe6 40 �b7 l::!. a l + 41 'it>h2 'fixe7 42 .!:txe7 1 -0 Shashin Osnos, USSR 1 980. b) It is essential to keep the bishop on f5 by 16 . . . h5 17 l:I.a2 1iac8 - once the bishop is forti fied on fS , we follow with the thematic coun terplay on the c-file. The idea was mentioned in Option C and is quite good, apart from the loss of tempo compared to Option B. Thus we give it 3 points . Let us see a game with this idea: 1 8 a4 cxd4 1 9 cxd4 l;;1 c 7 20 �bS 'ilVe6 2 1 �a3 �fc8 22 4Jf4 4Jxf4 23 exf4 'iVb6 24 '¥id2 a6 25 �e2 �c2 26 l::!. x c2 '!:'xc2 27 'iWe3 fia5 28 .ltd 1 l::!.d 2 29 �c5 l::!. d 3 30 'ilfe7 VlVc3 3 1 'it>f2 J:.xd 1 32 l::!. x d l .lte4 33 J.b4 'i'xf3+ 34 'it>el 4Jg4 3S l:!d2 'fih l + 36 'it>e2 'iWg2+ 37 �e l 'ilfg l + 38 �e2 VlVf2+ 39 �d l 'ikf1 # (0- 1 ) Lerch-Roizman, corr. Ech 1 979-83.
16 cxd4 �f5 17 1m Of course, the exchange of bishops is not ad visable. 17 l:!ac8 18 �a2 li1.c7 (D) .•.
B w
a) 1 6 . . . cxd4? is answered by the unpleasant zwischenzug 17 g4 ! ! . After this unpleasant reply the bishop is doomed to passivity. The move order can indeed change the result in chess ! Therefore, Option A gets no points. 1 7 . . . i.e6 1 8 cxd4 4Je8 1 9 h4 ! (White is playing with great power, forcing the black pieces to occupy passive positions) 19 . . . fS 20 gS 4Jd6 2 1 �a2 ! ? �fc8 2 2 h S 4Jf8 2 3 4Jf4 litc6 24 'u'g2 '¥ic7 25 �d2 as (2S . . . 4Jc4 26 i.b4 ! ) 26 �h l 4Jc4 27 �d3 4Jb2 28 'iVb l 4Jxd3 29 'iKxd3 g6 30 'iKb5 ! 'ilVd6 3 1 .\k.xaS 'ilVxa3 32 .id2 �a6 33 �b l gxh5 34 4Jxh5 l:I.c2 3S 4Jf6+ 'it>h8 36 �b4 'iVd3 37
19 �d2 The idea was tested for the first time in the game Lin Weiguo-Ivanchuk, Adelaide jr Wch 1 9 8 8 : 1 9 g4 l::!. fc8 ! (Black's whole plan is based on this idea - again a zwischenzug impeding the white bishop) 20 .\k.d2 �c2 ! 21 'iVai �b3 22 J:tb2 �c4 ! and Black was clearly better even though he lost the game. -
19 JUc8 20 i.b4 �c2 21 VlVd2 �b3 22 J:.b2 i.c4 23 .ltd3 i.xd3 24 'iVxd3 ••
The exchange of bishops has diminished White ' s chances of active play. Besides, Black
SOLUTIONS
89
is strengthening his grip on the light squares (especially c4).
24 b6 25 i.d2 ttJe8 26 i.b4 h6 27 ttJf4?! �xf4 28 exf4 (D) •••
W
B
15 lIe8 16 h5! ttJrs 17 g6! fxg6 18 hxg6 h6 19 'iYbl ttJa5 20 ttJf4 e4 21 �e2 lle6 22 lla2 ttJd7 23 a4! ttJf6 24 i.a3 'il¥d7 25 litb2 b6 26 l:!.b5 ! ttJb7 27 e4! dxe4 28 i.xe4 .l:1ee8 29 1:!.e5! i.g4 30 ttJdS! •••
The knight is much better than the bishop here.
28 .l:!.el 29 J::!.b e2 �xe1+ 30 J:be1 as 3 1 ..td2 ttJd6 32 g4 l:te8! 33 l:te5 ttJe4! 34 l:txe8+ ·"xe8 35 ..tel 'iYel + 36 Vi'n 'ii'c3 37 'iYdl b5 38 f5 b4 39 axb4 axb4 40 'it>g2 b3 41 'it>g3 b2 42 i.f4 'ilt'b4 0-1 •• •
Option A : 0 points Option B: 5 points Option C: 3 points
Ending all Black's hopes.
30...li!.xe5 3 1 ttJxf6+ gxf6 32 dxe5 ttJe5 33 i.xe5 'iWd2+ 34 'it>g3 .i.xf3 35 ..txf3 1he5 36 'iYel 'lixel 37 J;lxel !!.xe5 38 'iW4 'it>g7 39 i.e4 h5 40 l:dl lle7 41 :d5 'it>h6 42 �d6 g3 h2 gel 48 J::!. h 4+ 'it>g5 49 g7 1 -0
Test 1 6 [Level 5]
Let us see a classical example that shows very well the risks for Black in these positions when he lacks active counterplay:
Themes: Dynamic vs Static Elements; Static Elements Prevail
Gheorghiu - Fischer
This is the possibility suggested in Option A. The idea is to play against d6, thus restricting the movements of the f6-knight. However, this plan is ineffective, as the game itself will prove. For this reason we give only I point to this line. Option B is the one causing Black most prob lems : 1 8 J:ib2 ! (D), and now : a) The move 1 8 . . . b6 was met by an inter esting rook sacrifice in one game: 1 9 11xb6 ! ? ttJxb6 2 0 'iYb5 and then : a l ) 20 . . . i.d7 2 1 'lWxc5+ 'it>b7 22 i.xd6 'iYe8 23 O-O ! 'iYc8? ! (23 .. J:tc8 is better) 24 �bl 'lixc5 25 i.xc5 .!::!. a 6 26 ..td4 ! followed by c5. a2) 20. . . 'iYe8 ! 2 1 'Yi'xc5+ a6 24 ttJd4 gives White enough
18 .!:!.h6 Havana OL 1 966
1 d4 ttJf6 2 e4 e6 3 ttJe3 ..tb4 4 f3 d5 5 a3 i.xe3+ 6 bxe3 0-0 7 exdS exd5 8 e3 ttJh5 9 'iWe2 l:te8 10 g4! ttJf4 1 1 h4 e5 12 'it>f2! The logical follow-up. The king is perfectly safe on f2.
12 ttJg6 13 i.d3 ! •••
Better than 1 3 h5 at once. The advance of the h-pawn will be even more effective later. 13 ttJe6 14 ttJe2 i.e6?! (D) •••
15 g5 ! Launching a decisive pawn-storm against the black kingside.
90
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
B
same time . . . l::i h S) 22 cxd4 fS fol lowed by . . . l::i h S and it seems like White has not enough compensation for the piece. b2) 19 l::ib 2 fS with a good game for Black after . . . tiJgeS, or else . . . J:!.a6 controlling b6 fol lowed by . . . ClJdeS. If you chose Option C, then you have earned 3 points.
18 .. J:ra6! Defending d6 and other important queens ide squares, while threatening a possible . . . l:!.b6, neutral izing White's pressure on the b-file.
19 'iVb5 (D)
compensation for the rook, but probably no more than that. a3) 20 . . . l::i a 6 leads to a very complex posi tion where White has excellent possibilities; e.g., 21 'iVxcS+ 'it>d7 22 'ti'bS+ 'it>dS 23 ClJd4 ClJa8 24 ClJc6+ J::!. x c6 2S dxc6 ClJc7 26 'ti'xaS J:'l:g6 27 cS ! dxcS 2S �xe4 ! J:l:gS 29 �bl ClJfdS 30 0-0 fS 3 1 �a2 ! �e6 32 .txdS �xdS 33 l:1.d I f4 34 l::ix dS + ! 1 -0 Bangiev-Zhugda, corr. 1 989. b) IS ... l!.a6 1 9 llbS l::!. e S ! ( l 9 ... ClJeS ? 20 il.xe4 ! ClJxc4 21 l::ix cS + ! ; 19 . . . >itbS 20 ClJc l ! { the knight goes to b3, where it will press on as } 20 . . . 'it>a7 2 1 ClJb3 b6 and the a6-rook re mains excluded from play, with a favourable game for White) 20 ClJc I (Bangiev 's suggestion 20 tiJd4 ! ? is interesting) 20 ... ClJg4 21 �d l ClJgf6 22 iLc2 b6 and although the position is unclear, White's game looks more pleasant, Bangiev Ionov, Budapest 1 990. If you chose Option B and captured a good part of its spirit, then you have earned S points. The idea mentioned under C is also interest ing, since it prevents Black from consol idating the queenside, as happens with A: I S �bS ! ?, and then: a) I S ... J::!. a6 1 9 J:(b2 ! and now the move l::i h 6 makes itself felt since the black king cannot be transferred to a7 . Black cannot contemplate 19 .. Jib6'?? 20 'i¥xaS or 19 . . . 'it>b8 ? ? 20 'iVxa6 . b) I S . . . ClJg4 ! and then: b l ) 1 9 C1Jd4 ! ? is an interesting possibility, even though White gets very little if Black plays correctly. For instance: 19 . . . cxd4 20 cS >itdS 21 cxd6 'ti'fS ! (a precise reply ; from here Black is planning to push the f-pawn and at the
B
19 .'it'b8! ..
Black wants to put his king on a7 , thus es caping the gaze of the g3-bishop.
20 l:ib2 >ita7 Completing the plan; furthermore, Black now threatens . . . ClJb6 followed by . . . il.d7 (this had been impossible with the king at bS, when mov ing the knight allows 'ti'xcS), and we see now how important is the role played by the rook on a6.
21 'iVb3 ClJg4! Now that Black has consolidated his posi tion, he launches a pawn-storm on the kingside. White is almost defencc1ess.
22 l:ih1 f5! 23 >itd1 Transferring the king to a safer place, al though this does not prove useful. White's initia tive on the queens ide has gone out and Black' s counterplay is overpowering.
23 .. J:tb6 24 'i¥a2 l:ixb2 25 'iVxb2 b6 Black is not in a hurry since White lacks any counterplay. Thus, before starting decis ive
91
SOLUTIONS
actions he strengthens the position to the ut most, avoiding unpleasant surprises. With his last move, B lack provides the bishop access to a6, where it will press against the c4-pawn.
W
26 .Il.b3 Jta6 27 ttJc1 ttJf8! Transferring the knight to g6. From there it will support the advance of the f-pawn. 28 'iVe2 ttJg6 (D)
IV
29 Wd2 ttJf6 30 'iVdl f4! 0-1 Option Option
A : 1 point B: 5 points
Option C: 3 points
Test 1 7 [Leve l 5] Themes: Blockade; How to Battle Against Blockade 18 ttJd4!
The idea suggested under Option B and the best choice. If you chose this move and your analysis more or less coincided with the follow ing, award yourself 5 points. The plan of transferring the bishop to f4 in order to interfere with the black blockading pieces, and inducing the advance of his central pawns for a later blockade, proves to be wrong. Thus, if you chose Option A, you win no points: 18 .i.c l ? ! .tf6 ! 1 9 .i.f4? (White follows his plan, even though here it was required to play 1 9 f4) 1 9 . . . e5 20 �d2 d4 2 1 ttJd5 �c6 ! 22 ttJxf6+ 'ifxf6 23 .bc6 'iYxc6 24 f4 f6 25 'iYb3+ Wh8 26 litfl ttJc7 27 'ifc4 ttJab5 ! (D).
White's plan proves to be a fiasco. His pawns are perfectly blockaded and immobilized, while the black central pawns are far from being blockaded and threaten to advance dangerously. 28 �be 1 h6 29 g4 ! (with the idea of transferring the knight to e4 via g3) 29 . . . l:tbe8? (a serious mistake allowing White to blockade on e4; he should move the other rook: 29 . . . l::!. fe8 ! 30 fxe5 fxe5 3 1 ttJg3 e4 ! ) 30 f5 ? (returning the favour; after 30 fxe5 ! fxe5 3 1 ttJg3 litxfl + 32 fk'xf l ! White will blockade on e4 since 32 . . . e4? does not work on account of 33 ttJxe4 ! I:txe4 34 'iff8+ Wh7 35 'iif5+ Wh8 36 �xe4) 30 . . . 'iYd5 ! 3 1 'iVc l Wh7 ! (taking care of every threat) 32 ttJg3 e4 ! 33 Jtf4 e3 34 ii'd 1 'iYc4 35 h4 ttJd5 ! 36 g5 d3 37 'iig4 J:.g8 (White's threats are very simple and they can be easily neutralized) 3 8 ttJh5 lite4 ! 39 g6+ W h 8 4 0 'iig 3 0- 1 (40 . . . d2 ! follows) Gligoric-Szabo, Helsinki OL 1 952. Option C is somewhat better, though it causes Black no problems either. After 1 8 'iVd3, the threat of b5 is easily met by 1 8 . . . ttJb5 ! 19 �b2 Jtf6 ( 1 9 . . . ttJec7 ! ? ) preventing the knight j ump to d4. Black has no problems. 1 point for thi s choice.
18 ttJc7 19 f4 i.f6 20 ifd2 l::!.e 8? ! •••
This interesting position deserves some anal ysis. The natural move is 20 . . . ttJab5, but, as we shall see, it does not hold the position. 2 1 ttJcxb5 ! (taking with the right knight, since the one at d4 is going to act against b5 and c6 too) 2 l . . .ttJxb5 22 i.b2, and then: a) 22 . . . ttJxd4 makes things easy for White: 23 .i.xd4 .i.xd4+ 24 'iVxd4 .Il.b5 (Black cannot prevent f5 by playing 24 . . . g6 since it will be
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
92
met with 25 I;:!.ec 1 .ltc6 26 �f1 ! �d7 27 b5 ! iLxb5 28 lItxb5 !) 25 f5 ! with a crushing advan tage. b) 22 ... iLxd4+ (by getting rid of the second knight. Black seems to secure the blockading positions) 23 .txd4 ..ic6 24 ..ie5 ! l:.a8 25 �b2 ! (in addition to the previous move. this casts doubt over Black's whole idea. forcing the ad vance of the f-pawn, thus weakening the e6pawn) 25 . . . f6 26 il.d4 'ild7 27 iLh3 ! l::!.fe8 28 J:e3 ! followed by litbe l with advantage. We shall pay attention to the direct continua tion 20 . . . .txd4+ ! . winning a tempo in compari son with the aforementioned line: 2 1 'iVxd4 tLlcb5 22 tLlxb5 tLlxb5 23 'iVd3 ..ic6 ! (but not 23 . . . �a8 ? ! 24 .tb2 .tc6 { 24 . . . li!.a2 25 �b3 ! } 25 f5 ! ) 24 �b2 'iVd7 and although White is slightly better, Black's position is very sound.
against the b-pawn by 27 . . .l::t e b8) 27 ... J::t b b8 28 tLld3 .tc8 White would be better.
27 tLld3 :!.ec8 28 'iVf2 iLe8? (D) This lets White push his pawns. Without a doubt. it was required to play 28 . . . tLla7 .
21 tLlce2! S trengthening the d4-knight.
21...tLlcb5 22 iLb2 tLlc6 23 tLlxb5! 23 tLlxc6? ! would be a positional mistake: 23 ... .txc6 24 tLld4 iLxd4+ ! 25 il.xd4 'ild7 and Black holds firm on his blockading squares.
23 ...l::!. xb5 24 ..if1 ! (D) The pawn is indirectly defended. The bishop targets the b5-square. thus breaking the block ade. 24 .txf6 leads to nothing : 24 . . .'iVxf6 25 tLlc3 J::!. x b4 26 tLlxd5 exd5 2 7 :'xe8+ iLxe8 28 nxb4 tLlxb4 29 �xb4 'iiVa l + with full equality.
2 9 b 5 ! tLld4 3 0 b 6 tLlc6 31 nec1 g 5 3 2 tLlb4 gxf4 33 �xf4 �e7? 34 ..ia6 �d8 35 'iVc7! 'iVg5 36 'ii'f4? As Marin pointed out in his notes to the game. the following continuation wins: 36 tLlxc6 i.xc6 3 7 iVxc6 'iVe3+ 38 <;t>f1 'iVf3+ 39 �e l 'iiVe 3+ 40 �e2 iVg I + and here 4 1 'it>d2 looks most convincing: 4 1 . . .�d4+ 42 .td3 :!.a8 43 'iVb5 . etc .
36 :iVxf4 37 gxf4 �f8 3S iLb5 li!.dcS 39 �a6 'udS 40 iLb5 I;:!.dcS 41 tLla6 li!.b7 42 Wf2 �e7 43 �e3 iLd7 44 �gl Wf6 45 .bc6! ..ixc6 46 tLlb4 l::!. b bS 47 l::!. a l iLb5 4S �d4 �f5 49 l::!. a7 f6 50 �f7! ••
Bringing about a mating-net.
50 ... J::tx b6 51 tLlc2! e5+ 5 1 . . . �bb8?? 52 tLle3+ <;t>xf4 5 3 li!.xf6#.
52 fxe5 �bc6 53 tLle3+ �f4 54 tLlxd5+ Wf5 55 tLle3+ �f4 56 l:tg4+ �f3 57 :'xf6+ l:lxf6 5S J:tg3+ �f4 59 tLld5+ �f5 60 l:.f3+ �g4 61 :'xf6 h5 62 e6 �h3 63 e7 h4 64 litfS l::!. eS 65 :'xeS iLxeS 66 tLlf6 iLc6 67 eS'ii' .txeS 6S tLlxeS Wxh2 69 �e3 h3 70 tLlf6 1-0 Option A: 0 points Option B: 5 points Option C: I point
24 iVe7 25 .txf6 'iVxf6 26 tLlc1 l:tbb8 ..•
26 . . . ,Ub 7 ! ? is interesting. although after the correct 27 i.a6 ! (27 tLld3 would let Black press
Now we are going to see an interesting game for the theory of this variation:
SOLUTIONS
Salav
-
M. Gurevich
Leningrad 1 987 1 d4 t'Llf6 2 c4 e6 3 t'Llc3 ibb4 4 e3 c5 5 t'Llge2 cxd4 6 exd4 d5 7 a3 i.e7 8 c5 0·0 9 g3 b6 10 b4 bxc5 11 dxc5 a5 12 litbl t'Llc6 13 ..tg2 J::t b 8! D) An interesting idea. Black i s exerting pres sure on the white pawns without exchanging by . . . axb4. The upshot is that White does not have the a3-square for his bishop.
93
1 9 'ilfd6! 20 �f3 �a6 21 l:ixfS+ il.xfS 22 'iia5 .•.
If 22 'ilfb l there comes 22 . . . t'Lld3+ 23 'itlfI 'Wc5 ! with a decisive threat against f2. 22 ...t'Lld3+ 23 'it>f1 t'Lle5 24 'Wxc3 d4 25 �b3
..tc4 0· 1 White resigned in view of 26 'ilfb7 t'Llxf3 27 �xf3 �d5 .
Test 1 8 [Level 2] Themes: Space Admntage ; Increasing the Ad mlltage Il'itl! 110 Hurry
17 �'d l !
14 �f4 1 4 b5 il.xc5 ! 1 5 bxc6 .:!.xb l 1 6 t'Llxb l �h6 ! and Black wins many pawns in return for the bishop. 14 �a4 leads to complicated play : 14 . . . axb4 1 5 axb4 (not, of course, 15 �xc6 ? because of the reply 1 5 . . . �d7). Gurevich suggested 14 t'Lld4 later, although Black got a good game after 1 4 . . . t'Llxd4 1 5 'ilVxd4 t'Lld7 ! 1 6 0-0 i.a6 1 7 litd I �f6 1 8 �d2 axb4 19 axb4 t'Lle5 20 �c2 t'Llc6 ! in M arin Portisch, Szirak IZ 1 98 7 .
14 ... axb4! An excellent positional exchange sacrifice, which reduces the white pawn-mass to ashes. Not, of course, 1 4 ... e5 ? due to 15 t'Llxd5 ! .
1 5 i.xb8 bxc3 1 6 �a4 After 1 6 �d6 �xd6 1 7 cxd6 'iVa5 ! 1 8 0-0 'ifxa3 Black is better too.
16 ...t'Llxb8 17 �xb8 t'Lld7 ! 18 1:.a8 t'Llxc5 19 �b5 Other queen moves would not save White from a catastrophe.
White enjoys a space advantage, and since B l ack lacks counterplay, he must keep waiting, For this reason, White shou ld play carefu l l y, without hurrying and giving the opponent no chances for counterplay. Thus the idea behind Option A, of breaking with f4 at once, is not altogether advisable, as the following variation shows: 1 7 f4? ! exf4 1 8 gxf4 ¥i'b6 1 9 'ilfc2 li!.e7 20 �e2l:t be8 2 1 J:.fe l ? ! t'Llh5 with good counterplay for Black. S o we give no points for this choice. The text-move begins Option B, and its pur pose is to strengthen the position to the utmost before starting action . This is possible because B l ack is not able to take advantage of this quiet pl ay. White prevents the knight jump to g4 (se curing the e3-square for the rook). Then, White is going to doub le rooks on the e-fiIe, strength ening the e-pawn, in order to play f4 in good conditions. If thi s was your reasoning, and the hasis for choosing this plan, then you have earned 5 points .
17 l:e7 18 lite3 'iWa5 19 ];tfet ! (D) •••
Pursuing the policy of consolidation. 19 f4 is somewhat hasty again on account of 19 . . . exf4 20 gxf4 lithe8 with good counterplay for B l ack.
19 'it>h8 ! ? •••
Freeing g8 for the rook, i n order t o hinder the advance [4.
20 �h3! White is still in no hurry. Now it is the tum of the bishop, which gets more play along this
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
94
This move proves how deep was White 's plan when playing 20 i.. h 3 . Before breaking with f4 or b4, it is necessary to exchange the knight that controls the squares c5 and e5 .
25 ... 'lixd7 26 f4! ;g;ge8 27 b4! cxb4 If 27 . . . exf4, then 2S lLlxf4 ! is the right recap ture. The knight will go to d3, watching the squares e5 and c5.
28 'lixb4 f5 29 lLlc3 The line suggested by Karpov was indeed better: 29 c5 ! dxc5 30 'lixc5 exf4 3 l lLlxf4 fxe4 32 ;g;xe4 ;g;xe4 33 ;g;xe4 ;g;cS 34 l::t e7 'lig4 35 'lif2 with advantage for White . diagonal . Besides, it can be exchanged for the d7-knight when required.
20 .. J:tg8 21 Whl 21 f4? would again be inadvisable on ac count of 2 l . . .exf4 22 gxf4 g5 ! .
21...'lid8 2 2 'lid2 The queen keeps an eye on the f4-square and also on the queenside.
22 lLlh5 ..•
Again opposing the f4 advance.
23 lLle2! White uses his space advantage to combine actions on both flanks . This move not only supports the advance of the f-pawn, but also threatens a5 in order to follow with b4 when appropriate. Black will be unable to face both threats successfully.
23 ... g6 If 23 . . . a5 White gets a clear advantage after 24 iLxd7 ! 'sxd7 25 f4 ! .
2 4 as ! lLlg7 2 5 iLxd7 ! (D)
B
29 ... exf4 30 gxf4 fxe4 31 lLlxe4 'lif5 32 c5! dxc5 33 'lic4 'lixf4 34 d6! ;g;e5?! 34 . . . ;g;d7 is more stubborn.
35 d7 ;g;d8 36 �c3! h5 Better was 36 . . . h6 37 ,Sf3 'lig4 38 ;g;f7 �e6 39 ;g;efl (39 ;g;xg7 ! ?) 39 . . . lLlf5 ! and not every thing is clear.
37 ;g;f3 'lih4? 38 'sf7! ;g;g8 39 'lieI ! g5 39 . . . lLlf5 10ses to 40 ;g;xf5 ! .
40 lLlg3 ;g;d5 4 1 ;g;f6 ;g;d8 42 'libl Wg8 43 'se8+! 1-0 Option Option
A : 0 points B: 5 points
Test 1 9 [Level 2] Themes: Space Advantage; Restricting the Op ponent 's Position
9 �xd2! The capture indicated in Option A. 9 'lixd2 (Option B) leads to a very comfortable game for Black after 9 . . . cxd4 1 0 'lixd4 lLlc6 followed by . . . ;g;c8 with good counterplay. If this was your choice, then you have scored I point.
9 ...cxd4 9 . . . d5 looks somewhat better.
10 iLb4! The reason for taking with the bishop on the previous move. Now the bishop is going to set tle firmly on d6, seriously restricting Black's game.
10 ... ;g;e8 Not, of course, 10 . . . d6? I I 'lixd4 winning the d-pawn.
SOLUTIONS
11 �d6! (D)
95
1 7 . . . h6? would be met by 1 8 lDg5 ! .
1 8 iLxf3 lDe8 (D)
B
The successful outcome of the plan started on move 9. If you chose Option A, foreseeing so far, then you have earned 5 points . The dif ference between taking on d2 with bishop or queen is evident now. If you preferred Option C, which indicated there was no difference tak ing with one piece or the other, you get the same score as in B ( I point).
11 .tiJe4? ••
Black is not going to free his game after this move. Some annotators mentioned the capture on f3 as a better choice, though Black's play is far from being satisfactory. After I I . . . .ltxf3 we have the same problem again: with which piece should we take? a) 1 2 .ltxf3 ? ! lDc6 1 3 .ltxc6 (the only move in view of 13 . . . e5) 1 3 . . . dxc6 1 4 i¥xd4 lDe4 ! 1 5 �fd l and White i s only slightly better. b) 1 2 exf3 ! lDc6 1 3 f4 ! (the reason for tak ing with the pawn; White prevents the threat of . . . e5 and Black ' s position remains very unsta ble) 1 3 . . . l:!.c8 14 b3 ? ! (better is 1 4 l::t c l ! lDa5 1 5 'i¥d3 ) 1 4. . .lDe7 ! 1 5 g4 ! h6 1 6 h 3 b5 1 7 c5 ! lDc6 18 l:te I lDd5 19 i¥d3 a6 20 .ltxd5 exd5 21 i¥f5 l::[e6 22 i¥xd5 l::t x e l + 23 lihe l 'ilVa5 24 .:te4 'fYxa3 25 g5 hxg5 26 fxg5 g6 27 l::[ f4 lDd8 28 .!:lh4 lDe6 29 .lte5 i¥a l + 30 It>h2 lDg7 3 1 .ltxg7 1 -0 Poluliakhov-Kruszynski, Poland 1 99 1 .
1 2 'iVxd4 lDa6 If 1 2 . . . lDxd6, then 1 3 'iix d6 Wie7 14 .!:lfd l and Black is tied up again.
13 b4 .!:le8 14 l::ta c1 lDxd6 15 'ilVxd6 lDc7 16 l::tfdl .!:le7 17 Wid3! iLxf3
19 �b7! An original idea. White is going to transfer the bishop to the fl -a6 diagonal , supporting the advance of his queenside pawns .
19. . ..!:lc7 2 0 .lta6 ! l::tc6 One additional feature of having the bishop on a6 is that Black cannot play 20 . . . d6 because of 21 ..tb5 ! , exchanging the e8-knight and win ning the d-pawn.
21 ii'b3 'i'b8 22 'i'a4! The queen is going to b5, helping in the advance of the queens ide pawns.
22 ...l:tc7 23 'i'b5 lDf6 24 f3 Restricting the knight.
24 ... d5 An attempt to free his game. If 24 . . . 'ilVe8, then 25 �d6 ! and Black remains tied up.
25 c5 h5 (D)
w
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
96
26 a4! J:l.e8 27 cxb6 axb6 28 a5! l:txc1 29 l:txc1 'ii'e5
Test 20 [Level 5]
If 29 . . . bxa5, then 30 'irxbS ':xbS 3 1 bxa5 ll:aS 32 J:l.cS+ l:!.xcS 33 �xcS and Black cannot stop the a-pawn. 30 'ii'xb6 d4 3 1 �hl 'ire3 32 J:Ul e5 33 i.d3
Themes: Prophylaxis; Thwarting the Oppo nent 's Plans
h4 34 gxh4 'ii'f4 35 J:l.gl 'ili'xh4 36 a6 g6 37 a7 r3;g7 38 i.xg6! 1-0 Black resigned since 3S ... fxg6 is met by 39 'i!Vb7+ followed by the pawn promotion. Option A : 5 points Option B: I point Option C: I point The following position is interesting because White carried out an idea similar to the one in the game we have just seen :
w
15 :he1 ! White is making preparations for advancing the f-pawn. Black's plan, consisting of the transfer of the knight to e6, replying to f4 with . . . f5 blockading the mass of white pawns, will not succeed due to the pressure generated by the queen and the rook on the e-file. If this was your assessment, and you chose Option B, then you have earned 5 points. With the idea mentioned in Option A, Black is able to carry out his plan, getting a good posi tion: 15 l:tac l liJdS (the knight is going to e6, where it will blockade the e-pawn, put pressure on d4 and support the advance . . . c5) 16 i.b2 liJe6 17 lIhd l .l:!:ae S ! (Black wants to play .. .f5 , s o h e puts the rook o n the e-file, in case White takes en passant) I S J:ld3 f5 ! (D).
w
Karpov - Serper Dortmund 1 993 He transferred the bi shop to a6, where it neu tral ized the bl ack rooks while al so supporting the advance of the c-pawn.
26 i.a6! g6 27 c5 bxe5 28 bxe5 J:l.e7 29 J:c1 J:!.e8 30 e6! r3;g7 If 30 . . . .l:!:e6, then 3 1 i.b7 ! ? followed by l::t a4.
31 �n .l:te5 32 i.b7 J:ta5 33 l:I.ed l ! lie5 In case of 33 .. .l:!.xa3 then 34 J;[d7 ! liJxd7 35 cxd7 winning.
34 J:l.d7! J:te7 35 %he7 litxe7 36 J:.d8 lte7 37 f3 g5 38 J:l.a8 3S l'lcS? liJd5 .
38 g4 39 fxg4 fxg4 40 l::txa7 liJd5 41 1::ta4 liJe3+ 42 r3;gl r3;f6 43 l:!.f4+ 1-0 •••
This was the game Litinskaya-Gurieli, Zel eznovodsk worn IZ 1 9S5, with a very promis ing position for Black. We give I point for this choice. Another plan is the one mentioned under Option C, consisting of doubling rooks on the d-file, preventing . . . c5. White has successfully used this plan in some games although Black can develop his own plan and gets a safe posi tion. We give 3 points to this plan. Let us see a sample: 15 J:thd l liJdS 1 6 l:td3 liJe6 1 7 :!:tad l
SOLUTIONS
�ae8 (playing 1 7 . . .f5 ! ? a t once deserves atten tion too) 1 8 �b2 (D) and then :
B
a) 1 8 . . . f5 frees Black 's position agai n. After 1 9 exf6 �xf6 the game is more or less equal. b) Black played 18 . . . g6 19 �c l f5 in an other game which has instructional value since it shows how comfortable Black's position is if White does not take en passant: 20 Wg I ? ! (20 exf6) 20 . . . J:l:f7 2 1 '2le I and Black will launch a pawn assault on the kingside. The action of the e6-knight, blockading the e-pawn, pressing against the d4-pawn and supporting actions on both flanks, is noteworthy : 2 l . . .g5 ! 22 '2lg2 f4 23 h4 l::i: ef8 24 'ii'g4 �h8 25 h5 'ii'c 8 26 �h2 �b4 27 a3 �e7 28 .i.b2 a5 29 J:!. l d2 'ii'd 7 30 '2le l J::l. f5 3 1 'iVd l g4 32 'ii'x g4 Wt'e8 3 3 ..t>gl 'ii'f7 34 '2lg2 J::t g 5 3 5 �f3 �g8 36 'i¥xd5 fxg3 3 7 llxg3 �xg3 38 fxg3 'ii'g 4 0- \ Neverov Stempin, Poznan 1 985. c) 1 8 . . ...t>h8 1 9 �c l was played in Petursson M.Gurevich, Akureyri 1 988. Petursson himself noted that now, instead of the weak 19 . . . c6? ! , Black could have equalized with the thematic 19 . . . f5 . He gives 20 exf6 �xf6 2 1 �e3 '2lg5 22 '2lxg5 ii.xg5 23 Mxe8 Mxe8 24 'ij'f3 �xc I 25 �xc I h6 with equality. Another plan is the one mentioned under Option D, consisting of playing the bold 1 5 h 4 with the idea of replying to the planned 15 . . . '2ld8 with 16 '2lg5, threatening the king by means of 'ii' h 5 or 'ii'd 3. But as we shall see this plan is somewhat artificial, since with the sim ple 16 .. .f6 ! Black deals with the opponent's threats. For that reason, we give this choice
97
only I point. Let us see a sample from master practice: 17 exf6 �xf6 1 8 'ij'd3 �xg5 ! (the knight i s going to be clearly superior to the bi shop, without fearing the opening of the h file, since Black will be able to neutralize every threat with ease) 1 9 hxg5 g6 20 l::i: ae I '2lf7 2 1 �d2 1l:ae8 (2 l . . .'2ld6 ! ?) 2 2 �f4 c 6 2 3 'iWc2 �xe I ! (after the exchanges on the e-file, Black neutralized his opponent ideas, and enters a very favourable endgame) 24 �xe l J:l:e8 ! 25 J:txe8+ �xe8 26 a4 Wf8 27 f3 'iWe6 28 g4 We8 29 'it>f2 'it>d8 30 �d3 'iWe7 31 'ii'd 2 'it>d7 3 2 Wg3 �c8 33 �f2 'it>b7 34 'ii'c I c5 35 iVd2 cxd4 36 Wt'xd4 Wt'c5 37 'it>e3 Wc6 38 Wd3 �xd4+ 39 'it>xd4 a6 40 �d2 'it>d6 41 �f4+ 'ite6 42 �e3 (42 b4 ! ) 42 . . . '2le5 43 Wc3 b5 44 axb5 axb5 45 f4 '2lxg4 46 �c l '2lf2 47 'it>d4 '2le4 48 �b2 '2ld2 49 �c3 '2lf3 50 'it>d3 'itd6 5 1 �a3+ 'it>c6 52 �b4 '2lh4 5 3 'it>d4 '2lf5 + 54 'it>e5 '2le3 55 �c3 '2lc2 56 b4 '2le3 57 �d4 '2lg4+ 58 We6 '2lh2 59 Wf6 '2lf3 60 i.b2 d4 61 Wg7 'it>d5 62 'it>xh7 '2lh4 63 Wg7 d3 64 �c I We6 0- 1 Ionov Solozhenkin, St Petersburg 1 998. 15 '2ld8 16 '2lg1 ( D) •••
B
1 6 ... c5 In case of 1 6 . . . '2le6 the effects of the e 1 rook can b e seen after 1 7 f4 f5 ? 1 8 exf6 �xf6 19 f5 ! , etc . This shows how deep was the plan started with 15 J:!.he I, where White prevents Black from real izing the plan initiated with 1 4 . . . '2lc6. If Black instead plays 16 ... f5 first, White simply replies 1 7 exf6 .i.xf6 1 8 f4 ! followed by '2lf3-e5, with advantage .
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
98
17 f4 cxd4
25 f5!
Black must open the c-file in order to obtain some counterplay.
Now White is able to make this advance, and gets a clear positional advantage .
18 .bd4 fif5 19 J:[adl ii.b4 20 J:ln �e6 2 1 fid3! (D)
25 ... �xd4 26 �xd4 l:xf2+ 27 �xf2 l:1.c1 28 g4 <M8 29 �f3 :n + 30 �g3 J:!.c1
Just in time to destroy the blockade on the light squares. If instead White had played 2 1 �f3 ? ! Black would reply 2 l . . .l:!.ac8 and 22 'iVd3 would met b y 22 ... 'iHe4 ! .
Preventing the j ump to c6. 30 .. J::t g l + does not work on account of 3 1 �f4 l:!.f1 + 32 �f3 and the d-pawn is lost.
3 1 �4 3 1 g5 would be hasty because after 3 1 . . . J:!.c3 ! 32 J:[xc3 ..Itxc3 33 �c6 a5 34 �f4 �e8 Black can put up stubborn resistance.
3 1...h6 32 h4 �e8 33 �f3 li!.c2 34 a4 l::t b 2 35 �d4 ie7 36 h5!
B
3 6 g5 hxg5+ 37 hxg5 also deserved atten tion, although the text-move (fixing Black's kingside) is stronger.
36 ... a6 37 'it>f3! Freeing f4 for the knight.
37 ... .Jlc5 38 �e2 d4 39 �f4 �d7 40 e6+ �e8 40 . . . fxe6? 4 1 �xe6 ! costs Black the g7-pawn .
41 �e4 as 42 ':f3! J::t b 1 43 �d5! (D) 2 1 . 'iVxd3 22 l:txd3 ••
White has a better ending thanks to his king side pawn-majority and the weakness of Black's isolated queen' s pawn. However, realizing the advantage is not so easy. White should pay at tention to the counterplay on the c-file.
22 J;tac8 23 �f3 ••.
After the logical-looking 43 'iit d 5? Black would hold the position by 43 .. J:tgl ! 44 �d3 l:hg4 45 �xc5 bxc5 46 �xc5 fxe6 47 fxe6 <3;e7 without any trouble.
B
23 f5 ? would be a mistake due to 23 . . . �xd4 24 J:xd4 J:c2+ ! since 25 .!:!.f2? is not possible: 25 . . . J:!.xf2+ 26 'iit x f2 .Jlc5.
23 J:[c2+ 24 litf2 l:tfc8 (D) •••
w
43 J::!. g l ••.
43 ... <3;f8 i s more stubborn, even though after the study-like follow-up, in which the white king is the main character, White wins: 44 e7+ ! iLxe7 4 5 <3;xd4 J:!. g l 4 6 �c4 ! ':xg4+ 47 'iit b 5 ! Ji.. d 8 48 J;tc3 ! l:!.h4 49 �c6 ! ':xh5 50 'iit d 7 ! J:!.xf5 5 1 �xb6 ! .
SOLUTIONS
Option A: 1 point Option B : 5 points Option C: 3 points
44 '>t>d3! 1'hg4 45 f6! �d6 Taking on e6 loses. Let us see the line given by Karpov: 45 . . .fxe6 46 f7+ �d8 (46 . . . 'it>d7 47 ltJxb6+ ! �c7 48 ltJc4 followed by ltJe5-g6; 46. . .�f8 47 ltJc7 ! followed by ltJxe6+) 47 f8�+ i.xf8 48 �xf8+ �d7 49 ltJxb6+.
46 ltJxb6! �g5 The e6-pawn remains taboo, because in case of 46 ... fxe6? White plays 47 f7+ 'it>f8 48 ltJd7+. 46 . . . gxf6 i s also inadvisable, because of 47 �xf6 ! fxe6 48 �xe6+ il.e7 49 ltJd5 J:.g7 50 .!':txe7+ .:!!:. x e7 5 1 ltJxe7 Wxe7 52 'it>xd4 win ning.
47 fxg7 l::!. xg7 47 . . . fxe6 100ks at fIrst as if it puts up more re sistance, but 48 .!:i:f6 ! finishes Black off cleanly: 48 ... .ilg3+ 49 'it>c4 ! llxg7 50 lhe6+ iLe7 5 1 ltJd5 .
4S ltJe4 iLb4 49 exf7+ l';!xf7 50 !:lxf7 �xf7 51 ltJe5+! '>t>f6 52 ltJe6 iLel If 52 . . . i.c5, then 53 ltJxa5 �g5 54 ltJc6 �xh5 55 b4, etc .
53 ltJxd4 i.b4 53 . . . iLf2 doesn' t save Black either: 54 ltJc6 �g5 55 ltJxa5 �xh5 56 �e2 i.c5 57 Wf3 Wh4 5 8 ltJc6 and the white queenside pawns are un stoppable.
54 ltJe6 iLel 55 �e2 i.e3 56 �d3 iLel 57 'it>c4 �g5 (D)
99
Option D: 1 point
Test 2 1 [Level 2] Themes: Files and Diagonals; Pressing on the Queenside
n ltJxd4! A strong move, recommended i n Option B . This prevents the development o f the black knight via c6 (where it would not only press the white centre but also would interfere with the action of the g2-bishop upon the queenside). B esides, White opens the long diagonal for the bishop, which together with a rook on the b-file i s going to exert unpleasant pressure on the queenside. Therefore, the advantages of this capture are greater than its shortcomings (the weakness of the c3-pawn). If this was your rea soning, then you have earned 5 points. Of course the natural 1 1 cxd4 - suggested in Option A - is by no means a bad move, but does not pose Black many problems. After 1 1 . . . ltJc6 12 e3, both 1 2 . . . iLf5 and 1 2 . . . ..IlI..e6 give Black a good game. If this was your choice, award yourself 2 points.
1 1...�c7 12 �b3 il.f6 Defending e7, thus allowing the develop ment of the knight via d7. If 12 ... ltJc6 then 1 3 ltJxc6 bxc6 1 4 'Ilic4 with advantage.
w
13 I:!.fdl ltJd7 14 c4 ltJc5 15 �b4! (D)
B
5S ltJxa5! White decides the issue with this beautiful stroke.
5S ... iLxa5 59 b4 iLdS 60 a5 �xh5 61 �b5 iLg5 62 a6 iLe3 63 �c6 1-0
1 00
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
White's pressure is going to be felt. The knight must retreat. IS ... liJe6 16 liJbS 'ii'eS 17 J:.ac1 J:.d8 If 17 . . . 'ili'xe2, then 1 8 liJc3 ! followed by 1 9 liJdS , with great pressure. 18 J:.dS l:txdS After 1 8 . . . 'iVxe2 1 9 liJc3 ! i.xc3 (a sad neces sity ; 19 . . . 'ili'g4? 20 h3 ! ) 20 il'xc3 Black's posi tion is in ruins. 19 cxdS a6 20 liJa7! An elegant move. 20... liJd4 21 J:.xc8+ J:!.xc8 22 liJxc8 il'xe2 23 h4 liJfS 24 'iWe4 1-0 Option A: 2 points Option B: S points
Test 2 2 [Level 2]
development by 14 .id3 is also interesting: 14 . . . .ia6 IS We2 with a slight advantage for White) 1 4 . . . .1i.b7 I S f3 J:!.c8 1 6 J:.xc8+ i.xc8 1 7 � f2 .id7 1 8 J:tc l ! � rs ( 1 8 . . . .ixbS ?? 1 9 J:!.c8+ .irs 20 .ih6) and now White should settle for a slight edge by 1 9 �xd7 liJxd7 , since 1 9 .if4 eS 20 dxeS ? doesn' t work: 20 . . . .ixbS 21 J:tc8+ �e7 22 l:!.g8 i.rs. c) 13 . . .liJc6 1 4 i.bS ! .id7 I S liJcS ! with ad vantage too. 14 i.. gS! An annoying move forcing Black to weaken himself. 14...f6 IS i.e3 fS Activating the bishop but producing new weaknesses. 16 exfS gxf5 17 .ibS! (D) Threatening 1 8 i.gS .
Themes: Advantage in the Centre; Pressing against the Queenside B
13 liJb3! There are no doubts this line presents Black most problems, as the game will show. This is the idea mentioned in Option A. If you chose it, realizing that Black has no problems after the other moves, then you have earned S points. Option B is not fearsome for Black on ac count of 13 .libS .lid7 ! , an excellent reply that refutes White's plan, since, as we shall see, the rook cannot enter at c7: 1 4 i1.xd7 liJxd7 I S We2 ( I S l::tc 7? :lfc8 ! - this is the key to Black's de fence) I S . . . J:.fc8 1 6 liJc4 lIc6 with equality. Since this is a quite rational choice, we give it 2 points. But the idea suggested as Option C, consist ing of taking the seventh rank with the rook, is still less fearsome for Black: 13 ':c7 liJc6 1 4 liJb3 .:td8 ! gives Black good counterplay against the d4-pawn since I S .ligS does not work due to I S . . . J::!. xd4 ! 1 6 liJxd4 il.xd4 and the c7-rook is trapped. No points for this continuation. 13 ...J:i:d8 The alternatives are not better: a) 1 3 . . . .id7 1 4 i.c4 J:!.c8 I S 0-0 followed by liJcs with advantage. b) 1 3 . . . b6 1 4 .ibS (supporting the centre by 14 f3 is another viable approach, while simple
17...liJd7 If 1 7 . . . a6?, then 1 8 .igS ! , and if 17 . . . .td7 , 1 8 .ic4 ! , followed by 1 9 liJcS . 18 0-0 liJf6 19 .1i.gS .1i.d7 20 .ic4 b6 Controlling cS. The drawback, however, is the weakening of the queenside light squares, and thanks to this White will take the control of the c-file. 21 liJd2 The knight has no prospects on b3 and there fore goes to the weakened square eS . 21 ... :te8 22 liJf3 .ic6 23 liJeS .idS 24 i.. bS J:tec8 2S a4 liJe4 26 .if4 .irs 27 f3 liJf6 27 . . . liJc3 ? 28 .1i.a6 J:tc7 29 liJg4 1eaves White much better. However, 27 . . . liJd6 ! ? deserves at tention, with the idea of replying with . . . i.b7 in
SOLUTIONS
case White puts the bishop on a6, although White is clearly better after 2S il.d7 ! l:txc I 29 .s.xc 1 .
28 il.g5! 'i;;g 7 29 il.a6! (D)
1 01
of 3 7 li:b l ? ! iLd2 ! 3S il.xe6 il.xe3+ 3 9 il.xe3 l::!.c 2+ 40 'i;; e l :xg2 B lack will be better.
36 ...l::!. f7 37 :c2! This is the idea: now the c2-rook will be protected.
37 ... :f8 Again planning . . . .s.cS.
38 il.c4! �e8
B
3S . . . tZJd5 doesn ' t solve the problems either: 39 tZJxd5 exd5 (39 . . . il.xd5 40 il.b5 with a clear advantage) 40 il.d3 and White is much better.
39 il.b3! Opening the way for the rook .
3 9. . .:e7 4 0 h4 h6 41 g 3 (D)
B
The consequences of . . . b6 are now clearly visible. White takes the open file.
29 ...:xc1 30 .s.xc1 il.d6 3 1 tZJc4! The knight goes to e3, where it will exert strong pressure.
31...il.b4 32 tZJe3 l:te8 If 32 . . . £d6, then 33 tZJxd5 tZJxd5 34 .s.c6 ! .
3 3 iLb5! The moves with this bishop are proving very annoying for Black. 33 ... :£8 34 iI.£4 'i;; g6 35 'i;;f2 £b7 (D)
41...£a3? This move leads to serious problems for Black. 4 l . . .�g7? doesn ' t work either: 42 il.xe6 :xe6 43 :c7+. However, 4 1 . . .'i;; h 7 is more stubborn.
w
42 tZJc4! White wins the bishop-pair, which together with Black' s weak pawn-formation, as well as the command of the c-file, will make Black's position untenable.
42 ... il.d5 White also gets the bishop-pair after 42 ... il.b4 43 tZJe5+ 'i;;g 7 44 tZJc6 il.xc6 45 .il:.xc6.
43 il.a2 iLxc4 If 43 . . . il.b4, then 44 tZJe5 + 'i;; g 7 45 tZJc6, etc. With the idea of . . . licS .
36 lic7! Preventing the black rook from reaching c S . If 3 6 il. c 4 a t once, then 3 6 . . . l:tcS ! a n d in case
44 il.xc4 h5 45 il.b3 Clearing the way for the rook.
45 ...'i;;£7 46 .s.c6 il.b2 47 'i;; e3 ! With the idea of 4S il.e5 followed by 'i;; f4.
1 02
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME I
47 .. .tiJd5+ 48 �xd5 exd5+ 49 �e5 The position cannot be held. The pawns will be an easy prey for the white king. 49 ... l::1.e6 50 l::1.c 7+ l::1.e7 5 1 l::1.c2 �a3 52 >t>f4 a6 If 52 . . .';t>g6, then 5 3 l::1. c 6+, etc . 53 Wxf5 b5 54 l::1.c6 b4 55 l::1.b 6 Stopping the b-pawn. 55 :;t>e8 56 g4! White's kingside pawns are decisive. 56 ... Wd7 57 gxh5 l::1.f7+ 58 W g4 1-0 Option A : 5 points Option B: 2 points Option C: 0 points
B
.•
22 a3 23 tiJf2 a2 24 tiJd3 The knight has finally arrived on its best square. From d3 it protects the e5 -pawn (which imprisons the g7 -bishop), puts pressure on the weak c5 -pawn and prevents a possible penetra tion by the black rooks via b2. 24 Jl:.a3 25 l::1.a l g5 25 . . . 1l:b8, seeking to play . . . g5 in better cir cumstances, is best met by 26 We2 (compare the next note). Instead, 26 l::1.e c I g5 27 hxg5 hxg5 28 tiJxc5 �e8 is less clear. 26 hxg5 hxg5 27 �x g5 Wf7 After 27 . . . l::1. b 8, there again follows 28 We 2 � (not 28 tiJxc5 ? l::1. b 2+ 29 We i l::1. x g2 30 �d2. when Black should try 30 ... �c6, rather than 30 . . . 3l.h6?, losing to the surprising 3 1 Wb2 ' ) 2 8 . . . l::1.b b3 29 tiJxc5 l::1. b 2+ 3 0 Wfl , winning. 28 �f4 l::1. b 8 29 l::1.e c1 �c6 30 l::1. c3 l::1.a 5 31 l::1.c2 l::1.b a8 32 tiJc1 1-0 Option A : 0 points Option B: 5 points Option C: I point ••.
Test 23 [Level 3] Themes: Confining Pieces: The g 7-Bishop is Imprisoned
••
Clearly Option A, proposing to develop the knight by 20 tiJe2, is a serious mistake, since it allows 20 . . . g5. Therefore, we give no points for this choice. Option C , natural development by 20 tiJf3 , gives Black the chance of getting counterplay on the h l -a8 diagonal after 20 . . . �c6. I point for this choice. However, the development indicated by Op tion B meets all the requirements of the posi tion. That i s to say, the development of the knight by 20 tiJh3 on the one hand prevents the threat of . . . g5 and on the other prepares the transfer of the knight to the ideal square d3 . Af ter this manoeuvre, the g7-bishop will be re stricted by the pawns at e5 and d6, and without chances of freeing itself. If this was your choice and you grasped the whole meaning of that move, award yourself 5 points. 20 tiJh3 ! as Better is 20 . . . l::1.c b8 seizing the file. 2 1 f3 a4 22 l::1. hel ! (D) White should secure e5 before playing tiJf2. If 22 tiJf2 at once, then Black plays 22 ... g5 ! 23 hxg5 hxg5 24 �h2 f4 25 tiJd3 �e8 26 � g l il. g 6 27 tiJxc5 �xe5 , and although White ' s po sition is still better, Black has achieved more freedom.
We shall see now a classical example with some similarities with this game:
Capablanca - Bogoljubow London 1 922 1 e4 e5 2 tiJf3 tiJc6 3 �b5 a6 4 �a4 tiJf6 5 0-0 �e7 6 ael b5 7 �b3 d6 8 c3 0-0 9 d4 exd4 ! 10 cxd4 � g4 11 �e3 tiJa5 12 �c2 tiJc4 13 �c1 c5 14 b3 tiJa5 15 �b2 tiJc6 16 d5 tiJb4 1 7 tiJbd2 tiJxc2 1 8 �xc2 ae8 19 �d3 h6 20 tiJf1 tiJd7 2 1 h 3 �h5 ? !
SOLUTIONS
As Capablanca pointed out, the right move was 2 L .�xf3 ! ' Now the bishop is going to be excluded from active play.
22 lD3d2! Avoiding the exchange, while preparing the advance of the f-pawn, imprisoning the Jight squared bishop.
22 ... �f6 23 �xf6 'iVxf6 24 a4 c4! ? 25 bxc4 lDc5 26 'lWe3 bxa4 27 f4! White pursues his plan.
27 'iVe7 28 g4 �g6 29 f5 .lth7 (D) •••
103
45 '>t>el ctJbl 46 J:l:.d3 a3 Better would be 46 . . . '>t>d6 47 ctJxa4 although Black has no chances of surviving.
47 d6+ '>t>d8 48 ctJd4 Mb6 49 ctJde6+ .ltxe6 50 fxe6 Mb8 51 e7+ We8 52 ctJxa6 1 -0
Test 24 [Level 3] Themes: Closed Centre; From One Flank to the Other
20 'iVe3! (D)
As in the game Karpov-Kasparov, Black has a bishop excluded from the game (in that game it was the dark-squared bishop), and a strong passed pawn on the a-file, which slightly hin ders the realization of White 's advantage.
30 lDg3 'iVe5 31 '>t>g2 Mab8 32 Mabl f6 This move, aiming to activate the bishop through f7 by way of g8, has the drawback of weakening the e6-square.
33 ctJf3 l:l:.b2+ 34 l:l:.xb2 'lWxb2+ 35 l:l:.e2 'lWb3 36 ctJd4! 'il'xe3 37 Mxe3 Mb8 38 Mc3 '>t>f7 39 �f3 .bb2 40 ctJge2 �g8 41 ctJe6! lDb3 Therc are no better choices, since 4 1 . . .ctJxe6? allows 42 fxe6+ We7 43 c5, winning. After 4 1 . . . ctJxe4 White would continue, as pointed out by Capablanca, 42 '>t>xe4 l::( x e2+ 43 '>t>d3 :lh2 44 '>t>d4 h5 45 c5 ' with a decisive advan tage.
42 c5 dxc5 43 ctJxc5 ctJd2+ 44 '>t>f2 '>t>e7? This move loses. The right continuation was 44 . . . ctJb l 45 ctJxa4 (45 Mc4 ! ?) 45 . . . ctJxc3 46 ctJxb2 ctJxe4+ 47 '>t>e3 ctJd6 with some drawing chances.
The queen will become the main player in this game. White plans to start actions on the kingside, thinking his chances on this side are better than Black's on the queenside. In order to be successful it is mandatory to keep the rooks. If this was your assessment, and you chose Op tion A, then you have earned 5 points. The idea indicated in Option B, of exchang ing rooks after 20 ctJe2 Sxc 1 21 Sxc 1 Sxc l + 22 ctJ xc I ctJc6 23 ctJd3, would give White a slight advantage thanks to his bishop-pair and advantage in space. However, without rooks, White' s attacking chances on the kingside are seriously reduced. For this reason we give this choice only 2 points. The idea of disturbing the b6-knight (Option C) by 20 a4? is a serious positional mistake, since it seriously weakens the queenside (the part of the board where Black has counterplay) since Black simply plays 20 . . . ctJc6 preventing the threat of as , and the weakening becomes evident. Therefore, no points for this choice.
1 04
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
25 CLlc2
20 .. .ttJc6 21 f5! White plays with great energy, giving Black no rest.
21...�a3 Starting counterplay on the opposite side. However, this approach is not without risks, since it removes pieces from the kingside. If 2 l . . .exf5 , then 22 gxf5 "iVxf5 23 � h 3 "iV h 5 24 �xc8 �h6 25 "iVh3 �xc I 26 "iVxh5 gxh5 27 �xb7 with a clear advantage.
22 J::\ cdl tI:lb4 The blow 22 . . . tI:lxd4?? fails since the b6knight is undefended: 23 "iVxd4 jLc5 24 "iVd2 .ltxf2+ 25 illVxf2 J::\ x c3 26 Vixb6.
.•.
If 25 . . . a5, then 26 a3 ! (26 "iVxb2? J::\c 2 27 "iVa3 J::\ x a2) 26 . . . J::\c 2 27 "iVe l "iVb5 (27 . . . CLlc6 28 J::\ d2 ! ) 28 axb4 Me2 29 "iVxe2 ! 'iVxe2 30 bxa5 tI:ld7 3 1 J::\ d 2 winning.
26 �h l A good move giving the g l -square to the bishop and clearing the way for the fl -rook.
26 :!i'e7 27 .ltgl CLld7 28 J::\f3 "iVb4 .•
If 28 . . . b5 then 29 J::\ h 3 ! (threatening "iVh6) 29 . . . "iVf8 30 J::\ f l with a crushing advantage.
29 '1i'h6! The threat of J::\ h 3 prevents the loss of the d pawn .
23 Vih6! There is no profit in playing 23 tI:lbi first, be cause of23 . . . tI:lc2 ! 24 "iVh6 �f8 and everything is OK for Black.
23 ... "iVe8 After 23 . . . t!Jc2 24 tI:le2 ' the black knight will prevent the rooks from taking the seventh rank. Nor does Black equalize after 23 . . .W!ie7 24 tI:lbl �b2 25 �h4 "iVf8 26 "iVd2 J::\c 2 27 "iVe i and his initiative on the queenside is hollow, the ab sence of his pieces on the other flank being clear. Finally, 23 . . . tI:ld3 ? fails in view of 24 CLlxd5 ! CLlxd5 25 Ihd3 and White will have a healthy extra pawn.
29 ... 'Ii'f8 30 'li'g5 ! If 30 'li'h4, then 30 . . . 'Ii'g7 and Black still stands .
30 ... 'Ii'g7 31 'li'd2! (D) Now we see why it was better to retreat the queen to g5 instead of h4. The black pieces are now in serious trouble.
B
24 CLlbl! (D)
31 ...b6 With the idea of ... a5, and then transferring the knight to b4.
32 :idfl as 33 h4 CLlb4 34 a3! Taking the bishop would lose the queen : 34 'li'xb2 ?? :ic2 35 'li'a3 :ixa2.
34 :ic2 ..•
This invasion is now harmless. An excellent move forcing the bishop to abandon the important a3-f8 diagonal.
24 ... �b2 25 "iVd2 Again a queen move. Black's pieces are hav ing problems due to their poor coordination.
35 'li'f4 tI:lc6 36 �h3! Aiming at e6.
36 CLld8 37 �e3 •••
Control ling c 1 .
37 ... b5 38 :i3f2 !
SOLUTIONS
White will take advantage of the bad placing of his opponent' s pieces in order to exchange rooks, and then decide the game on the queen side. The way in which White combines play on both flanks is creative.
1 05
in Alekhine' s style" . Without a doubt, there are good examples in Alekhine ' s games where he combines action on both flanks, transferring the battle from one side to the other. Let us see one of them :
38 b4 39 axb4 axb4 40 l:!.xe2 1ixe2 41 �f2! •••
Now it is the turn of the other rook.
41 ... l::txf2 42 'iWxf2 �a3 The disastrous effects caused by White ' s 24th move are remarkable. If 42 . . . �c3, then 43 f6 'iff8 44 'iWc2 i.e l 45 'WIc7 'iWe8 46 i.fl ! liJf8 47 'WIe7 ! and the position collapses .
W
4 3 'ilVe2! (D)
B
Alekhine - Chajes Karlshad 1 923
2 1 liJe2! The knight goes to b4, where it will press against c6.
21....!;!.ae7 22 �f1 Leaving the e-file in view of a possible . . . e5. Who would have said, some moves earlier, that White will be the one deciding the fight on the c-file?
43 ... liJxe5 Neither 43 . . . liJb8 44 f6 nor 43 . . . i¥f8 44 VJic7 'iWe8 45 f6 saves Black.
44 dxe5 "iYxe5 45 'liVe8! "iYe4+ 45 . . .'ii'x e3 46 i¥xd8+
22 ...i.. f6 23 liJe5 Sl.xe5 ? ! 24 VWxe5 'iUe7 25 'ilVf6! White exploits the weakness of the dark squares to bring his queen to the h-file, where it will produce serious threats, forcing the cre ation of new weaknesses.
25 ...l::!.f7 26 'ii' h 4 'ii'e7 27 hxg6! Concluding the plan. Now Black is forced to take with the knight, leaving the h7 -pawn weak.
27 ... liJxg6 28 i¥h5 "iYf6 29 .ie2!
46 i.. g2 iYxbl + 47
Aiming at the h5-square and vacating the d3-square for the knight.
But not 5 3 �h3 ? �f5+ 54 �xf5 gxf5 55 .if3+ 'it'g6 .
29 ...�g7 30 'li'f3 liJf8 31 'iWe3 .!:iee7 32 liJb4 il.d7 33 il.h5 !
53 ... 'ii'e 7+ 54 'it'h3 1 -0 Option A: 5 points Option B: 2 points Option C : 0 points
For this game, played in the Alekhine Me morial, Karpov was given the prize "for playing
This bishop move hinders the scope of the black pieces .
33...liJg6 34 liJd3 i..e 8 35 'it'e2! Centralizing the king, with the threat (if all the major pieces are exchanged) of penetrating with his king on the queenside via b4.
35 ...'it'f8
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
106
Black decides on transferring his king to the centre, where it will cover his weaknesses.
36 �d2 J:!.b7 37 ..tn
40 �d3 J:ge7 41 'Yl\Vd2! Threatening liJa6 followed by �a5 penetrat ing on the queenside.
41. .li!:a7 42 .:thl ! ••
White pays attention to the h-file again, and now the threats are stronger, due to the dis placement of the black pieces.
42...J:!.dc7 43 I!.h2 il.g6 44 �e3
46 Wd2 l:!:e7 47 liJd3 liJd7 (D)
w
But not 5S axb4 because of 5 S . . . J:eb7 .
58 ... Itee8 59 axb4 �a7 60 �c3 �a6 61 liJf7! :a8 62 liJd6 J::!. e b8 63 .l:l:hl ! liJd7 64 .l:l:al ! 1-0 Clearly this is a beautiful example of com bining actions on both flanks.
Test 25 [Level 4] Themes: Defence; Precise Moves
14 ....li!:b8! 14 . . . ..txf3 ? ! (the continuation suggested by Option B ) 15 il.xf3 il.xe5 16 il.h6 ! il.g 7 1 7 il.xg7 rJ;; x g7 I S liJxc7 libS 1 9 0-0 with a n indis putable advantage for White. So no points for this choice. The idea proposed by Option A, of directly taking with the knight on e5, leads to a clearly advantageous game for White after 14 . . . liJxe5 ? ! I S liJxe5 ..Itxe2 1 6
15 liJxc7 (D)
48 il.h5 ! This appears to make no sense from a posi tional viewpoint, since White exchanges his good bishop for the black one that is blocked by its own pawns . However, this move ends Black's resistance, since the bishop was vital to with standing the pressure on the h-file.
B
48 ...�a8 49 il.xg6 hxg6 Forced, as without his bishop, Black would have had a more difficult task in defending the h7-pawn. Now, finally, White has opened the h-file for his rooks.
50 .l:l:h7 J::!. ae8 51 liJe5! liJf8 52 J:!.h8 J:!.g7 53 liJf3 .l:l:b8 54 liJg5 ! .l:l:e7 55 Vi'e5! The exchange of queens removes Black's last possible source of counterplay.
55...�xe5 56 fxe5
15 ... e6! An excellent move that enables Black to level the game . It threatens to trap the knight with . . . a6, forcing the annoying occupant to go
SOLUTIONS
back, therefore winning a tempo. This move also enables B lack to improve the c8-knight by way of e7. The issue of recovering the e5-pawn can wait. If you chose this possibility, sug gested in Option C, then you have earned 5 points. After the continuation mentioned in Option D, White's chances are preferable: 15 . . .il.xf3 1 6 i.xf3 AxeS 1 7 lDa6 ! ( a superb blow that ques tions Black's whole plan) 17 . . . bxa6 ( l 7 . . . .:.a8 18 J;id7 ! ) 18 il.xc6 l:!:xb2 19 il.d5 il.c3+ 20 'iit f l e6 ( worse is 20 . . . I;l;.d8 21 il.xf7+ 'iit xf7 22 ':'xd8 J::t b I + 23 �e2 J;ixh I 24 ':'xc8 I;l;.xh2 25 c6 il.e5 26 f4 il.d6 27 �f3 and White is clearly better) 21 il.b3 and as Khalifman pointed out, White's game is slightly better. Therefore, if you chose this variation, you score only I point.
16 lDb5 lD8e7 17 J;id2! Protecting the b2-pawn. In case of the natu ral 17 0-0 White would be the one thinking how to level the game after 17 . . . ..Itxf3 1 8 Axf3 '�xe5 , since Black is somewhat better.
17 ... b6 White will have some chances of gaining the advantage after this move. Black should have continued 17 . . . lDd5 ! ? 1 8 h3 ..Itxf3 1 9 il.xf3 lDxe3 20 fxe3 (D) .
107
20 b3 20 0-0 il.xf3 2 1 Axf3 lDxe5 leads to a level position . But interesting is 20 lDfd4 ! ? lDcxd4 (20 . . . lDxe5 ? 2 1 f3 ! ) 2 1 lDxd4 lDxd4 (2 1 . . . il.xe2 22 Wxe2 ;i;) 22 l:txd4 il.xe2 23 'iit xe2 il.xe5 24 J;ib4 ;i;.
20 h6! ••.
After 20 . . . �xf3 White is slightly better on account of 21 il.xf3 lDxe5 22 Ae4 h6 23 il.f4 g5 24 �xe5 il.xe5 25 'iit e 2.
21 il.f6 If 2 1 Af4, then 2 1 . . .g5 22 Ag3 ':'fd8 with equality.
2l ...il.xf3 22 il.xf3 lDxe5 23 ..Itxe5 ..Itxe5 24 0-0 J:lfd8 The game is perfectly level .
25 J;ifd 1 J;ixd2 26 ':'xd2 :c8 27 g3 �c1 + 28 'iit g2 'iit f8 29 il.e4 'iit e7 '12_ 112
B
Option A: 0 points Option
B: 0 points
Option C : 5 points Option D: I point
In a later game of the same match. Karpov introduced an important improvement on move 1 4, thereby obtai ning a nice victory. Let us see it: 20 . . . .:.fc8 ! (the most acc urate reply ; after 20 . . . lDxe5 2 1 lDd6 White is somewhat better: 20 . . . iLxe5 2 1 �e2 1!fc8 22 J;ic l ;i;) 2 1 'iite 2 (2 1 lDd6 'P.c 7 22 'iit e 2 il.xe5 23 l!c I lDb4 24 a3 lDd5 25 il.xd5 il.xd6) 2 l . . .lDb4 ! and Black equalizes.
18 cxb6 axb6 19 ..Itg5 lDr5 (D)
Karpov - Kasparov London/Leningrad Wch (/ 7) 1 986
14 h3! ..Itxf3 If 14 . . . il.e6, then 1 5 lDg5 lDxe5 1 6 lDxe6 fxe6 17 f4 with a clear advantage.
15 il.xf3 il.xe5
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
1 08
I S . . . ttJxeS is possible, although White is better after 16 �xb7 �b8 1 7 c6.
16 �xc6 bxc6 17 �d4 �f4 1 7 . . .�xd4? 1 8 J:l.xd4 l:tb8 1 9 b3 as 20 l:ta4 ! lId8 2 1 'it>e2 l:ta8 22 J:!.d l l:!.xd l 23 ttJxd l and the knight goes to c4. White has a great advan tage.
However, the move suggested in Option C looks more attractive, even though it does not achieve its aim: 20 ttJb3 �f6 and White is not able to carry out his plan, since if 21 ttJa2 Black simply plays 2 1 . . . a5 ! and everything i s OK. Anyway, since it is quite a logical move, we give it 2 points.
20 'ii' b 8
18 0-0 as? (D) Better is 1 8 . . . eS, as Timman played against Karpov, obtaining a draw.
•.•
Defending the b-pawn and trying to play . . . as , while heading for b7, controlling c6.
21 ttJb4 iHb7 (D)
w
w
19 mel a4 20 1:te4! �h6 21 i.e5 a3 22 b3 ttJa7 23 J::l.d 7 Taking the seventh rank with decisive effect.
23 ... �c1 24 1:txc7 �b2 25 ttJa4! 2S l::l xe7 ? ! is dubious because of 2S . . . �xc3 26 �xc3 ttJbS followed by ... J:!.fd8 with coun terplay against the a2-pawn.
25 ttJb5 26 �xc6 l::lfd8 27 J:!.b6! �d5 28 i.g3 ttJc3 29 ttJxc3 i.xc3 30 c6 �d4 3 1 J:tb7 1 -0 •••
Test 2 6 [Level 3] Themes: Weak Squares; Heading for c6
22 l::l c 1 ! Again the best move, though the following continuation would not have been bad: 22 ttJc6 �xc6 23 dxc6 'ii'x c6 24 'ii'x d6 'ilVxd6 2S 1:txd6 and White will be slightly better due to his su perior pawn-structure, the bishop-pair and the weakness of the light squares.
22 �e8 23 ttJca2! •.•
White is ready for the invasion of the c6square.
23 Jtc8 •.
23 . . . l::t c 7 does not prevent the invasion by 24 ttJc6 ! since 24 . . . i.xc6 25 dxc6 l:txc6 fails be cause of the obvious 26 'iWdS+.
24 i:[xc8 'ii'x c8 25 �c1 'iYa8 20 ttJla2! The most accurate continuation, i mmobi lizing the black queenside pawns, while also heading for c6 (the Achilles' Heel i n Black's position). If this was your choice, then you have earned S points . 20 b4, suggested in Option A, is somewhat weakening, and therefore only deserves 1 point.
25 . . . 'ii' h 3 does not offer more chances on ac count of 26 ttJxa6 'ii' x h2 27 ttJc7 ii.d7 28 ttJc3 with an overwhelming advantage.
26 ttJc6 Finally the knight has reached the goal .
26 �f6 27 'iVa5! (D) •••
Once the queenside is fixed, the white pieces ' are ready to occupy the weak squares on this
SOLUTIONS
1 09
On the other hand, 17 ltJc4 (Option C) is strong too: 1 7 ... ltJf4 ( 1 7 ... dxc5 18 bxc5 'f¥xc5 1 9 d6 ! ? with compensation) 1 8 cxd6 cxd6 1 9 exf5 gxf5 2 0 ltJb6 lib8 2 1 b 5 with some prog ress on the queenside. 3 points for this choice.
B
17 b6 .••
Not, of course, 17 . . . bxc6 18 dxc6 since this leaves d5 for the white pieces, allowing them the creation of a passed pawn on the queenside.
18 exfS gxfS 19 g3! (D)
B
flank, where they will attack the opponent' s pawns .
27 il.g5 28 il.xg5 ltJxg5 29 ltJab4 ltJxf3 30 �xf3 J::txf3 31 ltJe7+! •••
This strong tactical blow finishes Black off.
31. .'it>f7 32 ltJc8 �d7 33 ltJxd6+ g8 34 ltJc6 J::!:f6 35 fee7 ..i.xc6 36 J::!: xc6 1-0 •
Option Option
A: 1 point B: 5 points
Option C : 2 points
Test 2 7 [Level 5] Theme: Excluding Pieces /rom Play
17 c6! This move appears to be a mistake, because it closes the queenside, leaving Black a free hand on the kingside. But as we are going to see, it is the beginning of a profound plan which leaves Black with a ruinous position, since his light squared bishop is excluded from the game. Op tion B is not so strong, although it gives White a slightly favourable game; therefore we give 2 points for this choice. Let us see a game with this continuation: 17 cxd6 cxd6 1 8 ltJa4 ltJf4 1 9 ltJb6 nb8 20 b5 as 2 1 ltJxc8 nbxc8 22 l::tx c8 l::t x c8 23 ltJc4 il.f6 24 exf5 (24 ltJxaS l::t a 8) 24 . . . gxf5 25 ltJe3 'ilYh7? ! (after 25 . . .'iVd7 Black is OK) 26 �e l il.d8 27 'iVd2 nc5 (27 . . . i.b6 ! ? 28 ltJc4 �c5
29 ltJxaS 'iVf7 with some compensation for the pawn) 28 ii.d l ! Vi'd7 (28 . . . .:xb5 ? 29 g3 ltJg6 30 ltJxf5) 29 a4 and White is better, Olafsson-Gli gorie, BledlZagreb/Belgrade Ct 1 959.
This move sustains White's plan. He threat ens f4 (wholly imprisoning the c8-bishop) and if 1 9 . . .f4 then 20 g4 and the bishop i s still un able to play; for instance, 20 . . . ltJf6 21 ii.xg5 hxg5 22 ltJde4 ±. Therefore, if the bishop is out of play, the a8-rook would never enter the game. 1 9 . . .ltJf6 i s met by 20 f4 exf4 2 1 gxf4 ltJge4 22 ii.h5 ! ±, as Petrosian pointed out. If you saw this far, and so preferred Option A, then you have earned 5 points.
19 ... i.f6 20 f4! ? M aybe it was better to follow with 2 0 a4 ! e4 (20 .. .f4 2 1 g4 ±) 2 1 f4 ±.
20 ltJg7 2 1 ltJe4 •.•
As Petrosian rightly pointed out, 2 1 a4 ! is more accurate: 2 1 . . . a5 (2 1 . . .b5 22 a5) 22 b5 closing the cage over the c8-bishop. Instead, 2 1 fxe5 ? i s a mistake o n account of 2 1 . . .iL xe5 ! (2 1 . . . dxe5 ? 22 ltJc4 intending 23 d6) 22 ltJc4 f4 with counterplay.
21 exf4 22 gxf4 bS 23 ltJd2 ••.
If 23 ltJaS, then 23 . . . i.. x c3 24 J:!.xc3 'iVe4+ 25 'it>gl 'f¥xb4 26 iLel ltJe4.
23 ltJe4 •••
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
110
Black sacrifices a pawn in exchange for some activity. 24 .lixf6 Mxf6 25 .lif3 Interesting is 2S ttJb3 ! ? ttJxc3 26 Mxc3 �e4+ 27 Mcf3 ' �xb4 28 MgI ±. 25 a5 Thus we see why White should have played 2 1 a4 ! . 26 a3 axb4 27 axb4 Mg6 27 . . . .!'l,a3 28 ttJdb l Ma l 29 �d4 ±. 28 ttJdxe4 fxe4 29 .lixe4 (D) ..•
B
White remains with a healthy extra pawn, which should give him victory if nothing un usual happens. But the black knight is active and the white isolated passed pawn is not a sub stantial power. 29 ....lif5 30 .lixf5 ttJxf5 31 �h5 Mf6! It i s too early to enter the endgame. After 3 l . . .�f7 32 �xg6+ �xg6 33 Mg J White would simplify the position favourably. 32 Mgl+ Iith8 33 l:l:.cel 'ii'f7 34 �xf7 l:txf7 35 Me4 3 S l:tal ! ? 3 5 lith7 3 6 ttJxb5 Ma2 3 7 ttJd4 ttJxd4 38 Mxd4 Me7 39 f5 Mee2 40 Mh4 Mf2 41 b5 Mab2? A mistake that costs half a point. 4 1 . . .Mac2 42 l:l:.hS Mb2 would achieve the goal. 42 b6! Mxb6 42 . . . cxb6 43 l:'l.c J Mbc2 44 l:txc2 Mxc2 4S Mg4 ! . 43 nhg4 nb8 44 Mg7+ Iith8 45 M7g6 1 -0 Black resigned on account of 4S . . . lith7 46 f6 Mf8 47 Mg7+ Iith8 48 l:txc7 +-. .•.
Option A: 2 points Option B: S points Option C: 3 points
Test 28 [Level 4] Theme: Central Squares 12 ttJh3 ! The move indicated in Option A, aimed at fighting for the e4-square. White wants to play g4 to seize control of that square but he first needs to control the f4-square. If the black knight returns to f6 opposing this advance, then White will move his own knight from h3 to f2, where it will impact the critical square e4, while supporting the advance g4, undermining its de fence. If this was your choice, award yourself S points . The plan suggested in Option B is interest ing, although in our opinion not so strong. Let us see an interesting game where this idea was used: 12 .lid3 as 1 3 ttJge2 ttJa6 14 f4 .lid7 I S fxeS dxeS 1 6 Mhn a4 1 7 .lih6 ttJcS 1 8 ..tc2 Ma6 19 .lixg7 ttJxg7 20 �e3 �d6 2 1 litb I Mb6 22 a3 Me8 23 ttJc I Ma6 24 ttJd3 b6 2S ttJbS .lixbS 26 cxbS l:: aS 27 ttJxcS bxcS 28 g4 Mb8 29 gxfS l:taxbS 30 f6 l:!.x b2 + 3 1 litc I �b6 32 .lixh 7 + Iith8 33 fxg7+ Iitxh7 34 g8�+ l:txg8 3S �h3+ Iitg7 3 6 l:tg l + Iitf8 37 l:txg8+ Iitxg8 1 -0 Vyzh manavin-Akopian, Lvov 1 990. If you chose this option, you have earned 3 points. However, the prophylactic 1 2 litbl (Option C) can be considered a loss of time, and there fore deserves no points. 1 2 ... ttJa6 13 l:tgl ! Following the idea o f the previous move. White wants to play g4 to get control of the e4square. 13 ttJf6 If 1 3 . . . ttJcS, then 1 4 g4 ! fxg4 I S fxg4 ttJf4 1 6 ttJxf4 exf4 1 7 .lixf4 �xc3 1 8 bxc3 ttJe4 1 9 �e3 and Black does not have enough compensation. 13 ... lith8 is met by 1 4 g4 ' fxg4 I S fxg4 ttJf6 1 6 ttJf2 ! with a clear advantage. 14 ttJf2 After 14 .lid3 ?? f4 Black wins a piece. 14 lith8 ? ! •.•
.••
SOLUTIONS
14 ... .td7 ! ? was undoubtedly better: 15 il.e2 litae8 with only a somewhat better position for White .
III
w
15 .te2 .td7 In the event of 15 . . . ttJc5 16 g4! f4 17 .txc5 dxc5 1 8 Jl.d3 White obtains control of e4. Be sides, the threat of pushing the kingside pawns, as well as the pressure along the b l -h7 diago nal, leaves Black with a hopeless position.
16 .tgS! Pinning the knight a n d therefore supporting the advance g4.
16 ttJcS 17 g4 ! (D) .••
After appropriate preparations White finally advances the pawn.
26 . . . 'fi'a3 + 27 c;t>bl Vi'xc3 28 .td4.
27 �d6 J:.xc3+ 28 �bl 'fi'f7 29 .td4 1 -0 Option A: 5 points Option B: 3 points Option C: 0 points
B
Test 29 [Level 4] Themes: Entering the Endgame; White 's Bish ops Prevail
IS l::!.a el !
17 ... e4 Seeking complications since the game has turned very difficult for Black. 17 . . . fxg4 1 8 fxg4 a6 1 9 .te3 gives White a clear advantage.
18 fxe4 fxe4 19 J.e3 With the idea of taking on c5 followed by g5, winning the e-pawn.
19 ... ttJa4 ! ? The only move that saves the pawn, but i t leaves Black in a hopeless position.
20 gS! ttJxc3 21 bxc3 ttJg8 (D) 22 ttJg4! Threatening to advance the h-pawn.
22... c5 23 dxc6 .txc6 If 23 . . . bxc6, then 24 'fi'xd6 �xg4 25 .l:!.xg4 il.xc3 26 flixe7 ttJxe7 27 .l:!.xe4.
24 h4! dS 25 cxdS .txdS 25 . . .J::t a d8 26 d6.
26 'fi'xdS .l:!.ac8
With this move White pins his hopes on the endgame. As practice has shown, the defence is somewhat unpleasant and difficult for Black, while White is taking no risk. Therefore, if this was your assessment and you chose Option A, then you have earned 5 points. The plan indicated in Option B consists of playing 15 a5, with the idea of transferring the rook to b3 via a3 with pressure on the queen side, or else moving the rook to b l and playing b4 - with the same idea. This has not proved very effective. Anyway, since this is a very logi cal plan in this position, we give it 3 points. Let us see a game : 15 .. :iif8 16 l::!. a 3 ttJe5 17 .te2 ttJed7 ! ? (the knight goes back to d7, vacating the e-file, thus allowing a possible . . . ttJe4; be sides, the knight will prove very useful on d7, controlling the c5-square in case White breaks on b4) 1 8 iLe3 ttJe4 ! (Black's pieces gain a lot of activity, especially the g7-bishop) 19 ttJxe4 ( l 9 f1ic2 ? ! ttJg3 ! ) 19 .. Jhe4 20 il.d3 !:te7 2 1 .l::t b l (2 1 J:!:b3 looks somewhat better: 2 l . . . ttJe5
1 12
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
22 �e2 lii: a e8 23 J:!.b6 gives rise to unclear play after 23 .. Jk7 ! with the idea of meeting 24 b4 by 24 . . . ltJd7 25 bxc5 ! ltJxb6 26 axb6 J::!. x c5 ! ) 2 l . . .l:tae8 2 2 �fl (as Gligoric pointed out in his annotations to this game, B lack would be doing very well after 22 b4 cxb4 23 J::t xb4 lii:x e3 ! { an excellent exchange sacrifice which gives Black complete control of the dark squares } 24 fxe3 ltJc5 with equality) 22 . . .ltJf6 23 b4 ltJe4 ! 24 'iic I cxb4 25 J::i xb4 ltJc5 ! (thanks to this firmly posted knight on c5, B lack holds his queenside) 26 J:ib l 1:tc8 27 ..Itg5 112- 112 Por tisch-Gligoric, Kapfenberg Echt 1 970. Instead, the idea suggested in Option C is more than dubious: 15 g4 ? ! 'liif8 16 �f4 ltJe5 17 ..Ite2 ltJfd7 ! (the knight is heading for a new destiny and thus liberates the field for the f pawn and the activity of the bishop) 1 8 �g3 ltJb6 ! and in this position, more pleasant for Black, the players agreed a draw in Polugaev sky-Minic, Skopje/Ohrid 1 968. A possible con tinuation is 19 b3 f5 ! , attempting to punish the weakening g4. Therefore, this choice gets no points.
IS :�f8 16 i.dl ! ••
The bishop goes to c2, where i t will control e4. It also clears the way for the f-pawn, for an eventual f4 and g4 advance, gaining more space on the kingside.
24 a5 ! (using the same procedure that Uhl mann would utilize a year later in the game we are analy sing) 24 . . . h5 ! 25 ..Itd2 ltJe8 26 g3 �d4 27 'it>g2 ltJg7 28 f4 ltJf5 29 ltJd l etJh6 30 'it>f3 f5 (hindering the mobility of the white pieces and aiming for e4 at the right moment; a negative feature is that now the g6-pawn is somewhat weak) 3 1 �d3 Wd8 32 etJe3 We7 33 ltJc2 ..Itb2 34 <;i;>e3 etJf6 35 etJe I ..Itd4+ 36 <;i;>f3 i.b2 37 etJg2 ! (the knight is going to h4, pressing against the weakness at g6) 37 . . . etJd7 38 ltJh4 ! '>iIf6 39 We3 ltJf7 40 �c2 �al 41 �e2 �b2 42 �e l � a l 43 g4 ! (a logical follow-up of the plan started with the transfer of the knight to h4) 43 . . . hxg4 44 hxg4 fxg4 45 etJxg6 'it>g7 46 ltJh4 'iit f8 47 �f5 ! ltJf6 48 ..Itc8 ltJd8 49 ltJf5 etJh5 50 �d2 �d4 5 1 ltJxd4 1 -0 Polugaevsky-Uhlmann, Amsterdam 1 970.
19 :i¥e7 20 'ii'e 2! ..
White does not stray a millimetre from his initial idea. With this move, he offers the ex change of queens, which Black must accept, since otherwise his queen would remain in a very passive position. 20 :.tt fS 21 'ii'xe7+ Wxe7 22 as (D) ..
B
16 �xel 17 J:.xel �eS IS 1l:xeS 'iWxeS 19 �f4 ...
In another game, where the victim was Uhl mann himself, White played 1 9 ..Itc2 ltJb6 20 b3 ltJbd7 2 1 �f4 'fie7 22 'iie2 ! Wf8 23 'iix e7+ Wxe7 (D) .
w
Before anything else, White fixes the queen side pawns.
22 ...ltJeS ! ? 23 i.. d 2 Necessary in order to prevent the capture on c3, doubling White's pawns .
23 ... hS! Black attempts, by means of this advance, to hinder White 's kingside pawn- storm . This was allowed in another game, and Black lost
SOLUTIONS
easily. Let us see how : 23 ... itJe5 24 .i.e2 itJd7 25 b3 .i.d4 26 'it>fl itJg7 27 .i.d3 itJe8 28 f4 ! (beginning the restriction of the black pieces) 28 . . . itJg7 29 g4 ! f5 30 'it>g2 itJf6 3 1 'it>f3 'it>f7 32 itJe2 ! (the knight goes towards g3, where it will press on f5 forcing Black to capture on g4) 32 . . . .i.b2 33 itJg3 fxg4+ 34 hxg4 h5 35 gxh5 itJgxh5 (now g6 will be a target for White, but leaving him with a passed f-pawn was worse) 36 itJxh5 itJxh5 37 'ifi>g4 itJg7 38 b4 ! .i.f6 (38 . . . cxb4 39 .i.xb4 ltJe8 40 c5 ! ) 39 b5 ! (the strongest move ; the b6-pawn will decide the issue very quickly) 39 . . . .i.d8 40 b6 .i.f6 4 1 .i.c2 ! (com pleting the aforementioned plan: the bishop is heading for c6) 4 l . . ..i.b2 42 i.a4 i.a3 43 'it>f3 itJf5 44 .i.c6 .i.b4 45 .i.xb4 cxb4 46 'itre4 b3 47 'it>d3 itJg3 48 .i.xb7 itJe4 49 �c8 1 -0 Panno Godoy, Sao Paulo 1 972. 24 'iitf1 i.d4 25 b3 itJg7 26 .i.c2 itJe8 27 itJe2 i.b2 28 f3 itJg7 29 'itrf2 .i.f6 30 itJc3 .i.d4+ 31 'it>e2 f5 32 f4! Controlling e5. 32 • • •itJe8 33 .i.d3? (D)
113
If 40 . . . itJfe4 then simply 4 1 g4 ! . 4 1 .i.dl <Jile7 42 g4! This strong break will leave Black very close to zugzwang. 42 hxg4 43 hxg4 'itrf6 44 'it>e3 b6 This seems to be the most stubborn move. A waiting policy would lead Black to defeat after 44 . . . 'it>f7 45 gxf5 gxf5 46 it.h5+ : a) 46 . . .<Jil g 7 4 7 �e8 ! itJf6 48 .i.xc5 ! and then: a l ) 48 . . . dxc5 49 d6 ! 'it>f8 (49 ... itJxe8?? 50 d7) 50 �g6 itJe4 5 1 d7 'it>e7 52 .i.xf5 itJf6 53 .i.e6 ! itJxd7 54 .i.xd7 'it>xd7 55 We4 with a won pawn ending. a2) 48 . . . itJxe8 49 .i.b4 �f6 50 c5 ! . b) 4 6 . . . 'it>e7 4 7 i.g6 ! 'it>f6 48 .i.h7 ! itJe4 49 .i.a3 and there is no defence against the threat of 50 .i.b2+, followed by the capture of the f5pawn. 45 gxf5 gxf5 (D) •••
w
B
46 .i.xc5 ! The simplest finish. 46 itJxc5 Losing a pawn, but the other options were not much better: a) 46 . . . bxc5 47 i.a4 itJb8 (the only way to avoid losing the a6-pawn; if 47 . . . itJf8 , then 48 it.c6 ! and 49 .i.b7, etc.) 48 'it>f3 and the black king cannot prevent the invasion by the white monarch: 48 .. .'�g6 49 'it>g3 'it>f6 50 'it>h4 'it>g6 5 1 .1t.. c 6! 'it>h6 5 2 .i.e8 'it>g7 53 'it>g5, etc. b) 46 . . . dxc5 47 .i.a4 ! (entering a won pawn ending) 47 . . . 'it>e7 48 .i.xd7 ! <2;>xd7 49 axb6 with an easy win for White. •••
33 .i.xc3? Black exchanges his only bishop for a knight. �ow the white bishops are going to command the whole board. 34 .bc3 itJef6 35 .i.el l1tf7 36 'it>e3 'itre7 37 �c2 <3;(7 38 b4! A strong break, which will, despite giving up the c5-square, force Black to keep the knights immobilized, while White can play on the other flank without opposition . 38 ... cxb4 39 .i.xb4 itJc5 40 'it>d4! itJfd7 •••
114
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
47 axb6 as 48 ..te2 'i;e7 49 'i;d2 'i;d8 50 �xf5 ctJa4 51 b7 'i;e7 52 ii.e8 ctJe5 53 f5 ctJe4+ 54 'i;e2 'i;b8 55 'i;b3 ctJd2+ 56 'i;a4 ctJxe4 57 f6 ctJe5 58 'i;xa5 1-0 Option A : 5 points Option B: 3 points Option C : 0 points
Some time after losing against Polugaevsky (see the note to White 's 1 9th move) , Uhlmann won this ending against Gligoric, who, as we just noted, was defeated for a second time by the same opponent.
White now restricts the black pieces :
39 gS ! ctJd7 40 ctJe2 'i;f7 41 �e3 ctJf8 42 ctJc1 ctJd7 43 'i;e2 �g3 44 'i;e3 h4 45 �f3 b6 46 axb6 ctJxb6 47 ctJe2 ctJd7 48 'i;d3 �f2 49 'i;e2 ctJf8 50 ctJc1 ! Heading for d 3 , t o support the break o n b4.
50 �e3 51 ctJd3 ctJh5 52 �xh5 gxh5 53 b4 exb4 54 �xb4 'i;e7 SS e5 dxe5 56 ctJxe5 as 57 �a3 ctJg6 58 ctJd3+ 'i;e8 59 �d6 'i;d7 60 �b8 'i;e8 61 �e5 ctJxe5 62 fxeS? ! 6 2 ctJxe5 ! ? �xf4 6 3 ctJf3 'i;d7 6 4 g 6 +-. 62...�xg5 63 'i;b3 �d2 64 d6? ! f4? .•.
64 . . . 'i;d7 ! draws .
65 e6 f3 66 e7 'i;d7 67 ctJe5+ 1-0
Test 30 [Level 5] Themes: Prophylactic Thinking; Accomplishing our own Plans while hindering the Opponent 's
18 �b2!
Uh lmann - Gligoric Palma de Mallorca IZ 1 9 70
27 'i;g2 ctJe8 28 ctJg3 ii.b2 29 ctJe2 ctJg7 30 f3 �a3 31 ctJc1 �b2 32 'i;f1 ctJe8 33 'i;e2 �d4 34 �dl ctJg7 35 'i;d3 f5 36 f4 ctJf6 37 ctJe2 �f2 38 ctJe3 hS (D)
This is Option B. The move puts pressure on e5, thus preventing the knight from going to f6, and hindering Black's counterplay on the king side. S ubsequently, White will transfer the knight from c3 to bl - vacating the bishop 's di agonal - and then move to c4 by way of d2, where it will threaten to settle on d6 . This is the right knight, inasmuch as on c3, as we noted be fore, it obstructs the action of the bishop and besides lacks any prospects there. And what is most important: the knight is very well placed on f3 , since from there it puts pressure on e5 and defends d4. If you chose Option B then you win 5 points . The plan mentioned under Option A is less accurate (as the following game is going to show) than Option B. White i s heading for the d6-square ; however, it leaves the d4-square without protection and does not neutrali ze Black's kingside counterplay. There may fol low 1 8 ctJd2 ctJc7 ! (the knight is going towards d4) 19 ctJc4 ctJe6 20 ctJd6 �e7 2 1 �g4 ctJf6 22 ctJxc8 �axc 8 23 ii.xe6 �xe6, when Black is better, since he i s able to use the d-file and has good prospects on the kingside : a) Now the natural 24 �b2 will be met by 24 . . . �cd8 ! 25 �e2 (guarding the seventh rank;
SOLUTIONS
25 'iUc2 f3 ! ) 25 . . .tbh5 ! and White cannot deal with the invasion by the rook on the seventh rank and the threat of . . f3 at the same time. b) 24 J:tb l J:tcd8 25 'iUb3 'iUxb3 26 lhb3 �d3 ! (D). .
115
B
29 J:tc7 as 30 'iUb5!
Threatening to win a piece and more. 30... .ia6 (D)
White will need to withstand an unpleasant pin. 27 J:td 1 �fd8 28 J:txd3 �xd3 29 f3 'Llh5 30 a4 'Llg3 3 1 .ib2 .if6 32 �a3 .ie7 (White is fully paralysed) 33 �al a5 ! 34 bxa5 .ixc5+ 35 ii
The knight doesn't deviate from the outlined route. 21 ... 'Llxe2+ 22 'iUxe2 b6 23 'Lld6 'iVe6 24 �dl bxc5 25 J:tac 1 cxb4? 26 J:txc6
26 axb4 was tantamount to the game's con tinuation. 26 bxa3 27 .ixa3 J:td8 28 J:tdcl 'iUg8 If 28 . . . 'iVb3 then 29 J:t6c3 . ..•
w
31 'iVxd7 ! !
An excellent queen sacrifice, causing a col lapse in Black's position. The activity of White's pieces is overwhelming. 31...J:txd7 32 J:txd7 J:tdS
If 32 . . .'iUa2 there would follow 33 J:tcc7 ! J:tg8 34 'Lle8 'iUxa3 35 'Llf6+ �h8 36 'Llh4 ! , winning. 33 J:te7 .ie2
Again 33 . . . �a2 will not do: 34 �cc7 'iVxa3 35 J:txg7+ Wh8 36 J:th7+ Wg8 37 J:tcg7+ Wf8 38 J:ta7 Wg8 39 J:thg7+ Wh8 40 'Llxe5 J;txd6 4 1 J:tgc7 .ic4 4 2 'Llxc4. 34 'Llxe5 'iUa2 35 J:tcc7 J:tg8 36 'Lle8 1-0 Option A: 2 points Option B: 5 points Option C: 3 points
116
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
Test 3 1 [Level 4]
h5 , preventing White from advancing his g pawn altogether.
22 :gl 'iWg6 23 'ii'd 2 .ltd7 24 g3 J::!. ae8! Themes: Prophylactic Thinking; A Very Accu rate Exchange
The rook aims at g7.
25 as l:!.e7 26 I!.abl �c8 27 J::!. g2 J::l eg7 28 l:!.bgl tLlce8 29 h3 h5 ! (D)
17 ...�xc3! An excellent move that thwarts White 's plans . With this exchange, White is impeded from playing on the queenside by means of b4, and at the same time the advance g4 loses its strength, since it does not press on the e4-pawn. This is the idea suggested in Option B, and gets 5 points. Instead, the move mentioned under Option A, consisting of playing the knight to f6 at once, gets no points. The plan outlined in Option C, seeking quick counterplay on the queenside, by 1 7 . . . a6 fol lowed by a possible . . . b5 , looks somewhat un realistic. Such an advance is far from being possible under good conditions, whereas White can pursue his own ideas, playing 1 8 tLlf2 ! lIb8 1 9 a4; then only White has been able to make some progress. Therefore, we give no points to this choice too .
w
112_112 The g-pawn cannot advance. Option A : 0 points Option B: 5 points Option C: 0 points
18 bxc3 tLlf6 19 a4 <;t>h8! S ince White is unable to play on the queen side (with b4) , Black is now attempting to pre vent the break g4. The text-move is aimed at this goal , vacating g8 for his rook.
20 tLlf2 �g8 21 �hl il'e8! (D)
Test 3 2 [Level 4] Themes: Closed Centre; Removing Black 's Counterplay on the Kingside
13 b4? w
The queen goes towards g6, where it will act on g4 and support the advance of the pawn to
This i s the most natural move and the one suggested under Option B, but it is a serious mistake, for with the knight sacrifice on e4 Black radically changes the position in his fa vour. Therefore, this option gets no points. What the position demands here is to close the kingside by g4, stopping any attempt at counterplay by Black in this part of the board, thus gaining a free hand on the queens ide, where White has the advantage. This is the plan mentioned under Option A and gets 5 points. 1 3 f3 ! strengthens e4, planning to get rid o f the knight by b4, and, what is most important, to close the kingside with g4. Let us see some practical examples :
SOLUTIONS
a ) 1 3 . . .�d7 1 4 g4 ( 1 4 b4 ! ?) 1 4 . . . !!.c8 I S 'Wd2 'WaS 1 6 !!. b I
117
This move attempts to speed up his develop ment, but at a high price, since he loses a third pawn. After 1 7 bxaS !!.xaS Black would be clearly better. However, 17 bS is better, al though after 17 . . .
17 ...
13 ...
Activating the g7-bishop.
19 !!.dl As Rizzitano pointed out in his notes, taking on e6 was no better: 19 �xe6,!
19 ...�xe4 20
2 1 'We2
B
14
16 g4 The only move to counter Black's threat of . . .fS .
16 a5! •.•
Black gives his opponent no respite.
17 �e4?!
23...b5 24
118
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
White might as well resign now.
27 'iVc6 x:!.xd2+ 28 il.xd2 'iVxd2+ 29 Wf3 'iVf4+ 30 �e2 30 cJig2 'iVxg4+ 3 1 cJif1 (3 1 cJih2 il.e5+ 3 2 f4 iLxf4#) 3 1 . . .J::1b S 32 lLif3 J::1b l + 3 3 cJie2 :s.xh l 34 'iVxc3 'iVe6+ with an easy win.
30 ... 'i'xg4+ 3 1 lLif3 J::1c 8 32 J::1 g 1 'iVf5 (D)
Preventing Black from blockading the d pawn with a knight on d6.
33 'iVxh6 33 'iVb7 loses the queen after a pretty se quence : 33 . . . J::1 e S+ 34 cJif1 (34 cJid l 'i'd3+ 35 'it>c I il.b2+ ! 36 'iYxb2 J::f. c S+, etc.) 34 . . . 'i'h3+ 35 J::1g 2 'iVh l + 36 J::f. g l J::f. e l +! 3 7 lLixe l 'i'xb7 .
18 ...�b7 19 41e2 ttJe8 20 il.xe8 J::1xe8 21 ttJc4 il.a6 22 'iVb3 'iVf6 23 :!:i:c1 iLf8 24 ttJg3 il.c8 2S 0-0 .a:d8 26 cJig2 J::1 a7 27 J::1 f2 cJih7 28 kifc2 'iVa6 29 ttJxeS 't1c7 30 ttJc4 !ig7 31 'iVd3 cJig8 32 kid2 kie7 33 eS !ixe5 34 ttJxeS J::1x eS 35 �xa6 il.xa6 36 x:!.xcS il.c8 37 x:!.xa5 f5 38 gxf5 !ixi'S 39 ttJxf5 x:!.xfS 40 J::1b S x:!.df8 41 d6 't1xbS 42 axb5 cJif7 43 d7 1-0
Test 33 [Level 2]
33 ...'iVb5+ 0-1 Option Option
A: 5 points B: 0 points
We are now going to take a look at a very in structive game on this theme . Petrosian closes the kings ide, eliminating every attempt at coun terplay in that sector, in order to play w ithout opposition on the queens ide, where he has the advantage.
Petrosian - Schweber Stockholm IZ 1 962
1 d4 lLif6 2 c4 g6 3 lLic3 il.g7 4 e4 d6 5 il.e2 0-0 6 il.g5 h6 7 il.e3 e5 8 d5 c6 9 h4 cxd5 10 cxd5 lLibd7 11 h5! g5 12 f3 a6 13 g4! (D) Closing the kingside.
1 3 ... b5 14 a4! Starting actions on the opposite flank.
14 ... b4 1 5 lLibi as 16 lLid2 lLic5 17 il.xc5 ! dxc5 18 il.b5 !
Themes: Control of Light Squares; Positional Exchange Sacrifice
14 ... il.h3? ! This move (Option A) gets no points. Option D, 14 . . .l:1abS (2 points) cedes the afile and the whole game is then decided on the kingside: 1 5 J::1 e l il.h3 1 6 il.h l ttJg4 1 7 J::1 a l f5 I S ttJd5 g5 and now instead of 1 9 kia7 ? ! ttJcS ! 20 .a:a2 c6 + Mednis-Zapata, Amsterdam 1 9S6, White should play 19 ttJxe7+ 'i'xe7 20 e3 ! ;1;, reducing Black's attacking chances. 14 ... c6 (Option C) is not good either: 15 ttJa4 ttJcS ( I 5 . . . �c7 is somewhat better) 1 6 bxc6 bxc6 17 c5 !ih3 I S ttJc4 ! ± . This move gets I point. Option B is correct, even though Black has less hope of attacking the white king now : 1 4 . . . kifbS ! (5 points) 1 5 kial ;1;. Sometimes it is necessary to face the facts.
IS il.xb7 il.xfl 16 'i'xfl
SOLUTIONS
1 6 � x a S �xe2
Lobron - Kudrin
=.
16 ..J:ta7 17 .>tg2 Thanks to the modest sacrifice of an ex change for a pawn, White has secured absolute control of the light squares.
17 ...d5 Other possibilities were 17 . . .':tjh 7 and 17 ... c6 IS ttJb3 ( I S b6? ! l:!:a6 19 c5 dxc5 20 ttJc4 ttJed5 ; I S bxc6 ttJxc6 19 ttJde4 targeting d5 ) . T h e compensation w a s obvious anyhow.
IS "iVc1 ! d4
119
New York 1 983
I e4 c5 2 tLlf3 d6 3 d4 cxd4 4 tLlxd4 ttJf6 5 ttJc3 g6 6 .>te3 iLg7 7 f3 0-0 S "iVd2 tLlc6 9 0-0-0 d5 10 ttJxc6 bxc6 11 iLh6 A line that was fashionable for some years, but then was replaced by 10 exd5 tLlxd5 1 1 tLlxc6 bxc6 1 2 �d4, a line that is much safer from a positional point of view.
1 1 ...e6!? 12 h4 (D)
I S . . . J:.faS 1 9 "iVc2 .
19 ttJce4 ttJxe4 20 ttJxe4 ttJf5 21 tLlc5 (D)
1 2 ... .>thS ! ? 21..."iVcS 22 tLla6 c6?! 22 ... J:.xa6 23 bxa6 "iVxa6 24 .>ta3 J:.dS 25 .>tc5 leaves White with a positional advantage thanks to his powerful bishop.
23 �a3 J:.dS 24 .>tc5 cxb5 ? !
A true exchange sacrifice. Black's powerful dark-squared bishop and the pressure along the b-file amply compensate for the material defi cit.
13 h5 ttJxh5 14 .>txfS 'ilxfS IS g4 ttJg3 16 J:.h3 J:.bS 17 a3 (D)
24 . . . J:.xa6 2 5 bxa6 "iVxa6 26 J:.al "iVcs 2 7 "iVa3 ! ±.
25 �xa7 "iVxa6 26 J:.al 'iVe6 27 cxb5 ttJd6 2S b6 e4 29 J:.bl J:.cS 30 "iVb2 "iVd7 31 .>txe4! 3 1 b7 ! ?
31...ttJxe4 32 b 7 tLld6 33 bxcS'iI+ ttJxcS 34 .>tc5 1-0 Option A : Option B: Option C: Option D:
0 points 5 points I point 2 points
This type of exchange sacrifice is played very often in the Sicilian Dragon . Let us see a characteristic game where the same idea was applied.
17 ... .>te5
120
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
The dark-squared bishop begins to cause trouble.
1 8 Vi'f2 il.f4+ 19 �bl �xfl 20 �xfl Vi'xa3 21 �dl il.e5 22 c3 .ia6 And now both bishops are doing so.
23 f4 .ixfl 24 'lixfl il. g7 25 e5 Vi'a4 26 'lif3 g5 27 fxg5 .ixe5 28 'lid3 Vi'xg4 29 �xh7+ �f8 30 �e3 'li'e2 31 �c2 �e7 32 �e3 Vi'd l+ 33 �a2 �h8 0-1
Test 34 [Level 2] Themes: Positional Exchange Sacrifice; Pro phylaxis - Preventing Counterplay
19 �xd4! 19 �c2 is met by 19 . . . fS .
17 'lic6! This move (Option A) gets S points. Among two good continuations one must always choose the clearer, the one that gives the opponent less possibilities of counterplay. Unquestionably, this was the move that Karpov - a real expert in situations like this - chose. B esides the capture on d4, 17 'li'c6 is the only other way to make sure Black cannot play the desirable 1 7 . . . cS, connecting his central pawns. In case of 17 �xd4 (Option C ; 4 points) White indeed does not fear the complications arising from 17 . . . �xb4 18 axb4 'lixd4 thanks to the reply 19 bS ! ± (a key move) which fixes the black pawns on the queenside, while White's centre becomes stronger. There might follow 19 .. .fS ( l 9 . . . �fd8 20 �al fS 2 1 �d2 'lieS 22 �fb l il.f6 23 �b3 Jil.dS 24 Jil.xdS+ 'li'xdS 2S �xa7 c6 26 bxc6 �xc6) 20 e3 'lid7 21 �c3 with a clear advantage for White. If 17 'lid2 (Option D) 17 . . . cS 18 bxcS bxcS 19 'liaS ? Black quietly plays 19 . . . il.d8 ! and the queen must go back. This is a tactical mistake. Better would be 1 9 �c2 with the idea of dou bling rooks with pressure on cS. Only 1 point for this choice. Finally, if 17 'li'b2? (Option B) 17 . . . cS 18 bS Black won' t delay in expelling the e4-knight, thus becoming strong on the c3-square. Black's space advantage guarantees him a steady and comfortable positional advantage. 0 points for this choice.
17 ...'lixc6 1 8 �xc6 �d7 (D)
19 ... Jil.xc6 20 �xc6 �ce8 21 �c1 White has liquidated the black centre and is trying to prevent any counterplay. The black pawns will soon fall.
21...f5 2 l . . .Jil.d8 22 �d2 �e7 23 �xa7 .
22 �d2 �f6 23 �xa7 (D)
B
23 ... Jil.d6 23 . . . cS 24 �c6 cxb4 2S axb4 il.d6 26 �c4 Jil.c7 27 e3 .
24 e3 c5 25 �c4 Jil.b8 26 �c6 b5 27 �4a5 cxb4 28 axb4 The white minor pieces control the whole board.
28 ... �d7 29 d4! White is in no hUrry. 29 �xb8 �xb8 (or 29 . . . �xb8 30 �cS ) 30 �c7 �eS 3 1 d4 +- was good too.
SOLUTIONS
29 ... g5 30 lZJxb8! ? li!.xb8 31 '1J.c7 lZJf6 32 lZJc6 li!.b6 33 lZJe7 + 'it>h8 34 lZJxf5 li!.a6 35 li!.c1 ! li!.a2 (D)
w
121
22 lZJe3 followed by 23 c4, with advantage to White, because the superiority of the knight) 1 9 'it>xg2 lZJd5 20 a4 o r else 2 0 Ji.d2 with complete and healthy equality. Option B, I S e4, gets only 2 points, since it fails to secure complete equality after IS ... Ji.b7 1 9 d4 cxd4 20 �xd4 lZJb5 2 1 il.c3 f5 and the black g7-bishop becomes active.
B
36 h3! li!.b2 37 e4 li!.xb4 38 g4 3S e5 lZJh5 39 Ji.e4 lZJg7 and the d4-pawn i s lost. 38 ... h5 Or: 3S . . . lZJeS 39 li!.cS li!.gS 40 lZJe7 li!.fS 41 d5 li!.bl + 42 'it>h2 �b2 43 lZJf5 'it>gS 44 d6; 3 8 . . .�dS 39 e5 lZJd5 ? 40 �xd5 li!.xd5 4 1 li!.cS+. 39 e5 hxg4 40 exf6 gxh3 41 �xh3 li!.xf6 42 l:'i.c8+ 'it>h7 43 �c7+ 'it>g6 44 �g7+ �h5 45 f3 1-0 Option A: 5 points Option B: 0 points Option c : 4 points Option D: 1 point
18 ... Ji.xg2 19 'it>xg2 cxb4 20 �xb4+ 20 axb4 lZJd5 =t. 20 ...'it>d7 The position has cleared up a lot. The c-file is a base for operations and the white a-pawn remains as a serious weakness. 21 iLc3 lZJd5 22 iLb2 (D)
Test 3 5 [Level 2] Themes: Transformation of the Pawn-Structure; Unfavourable Pawn-Structure 18 b4?? (D) This is Option C, and it gets 0 points . White damages his pawn-structure by moving his b pawn carelessly. In case of Option A, I S lZJc4 (5 points), White gets a healthy position. The knight has an ideal place on c4, and chances of counterplay given the opponent's unquestionable space advantage. For instance: I S . . . �xg2 (worse is I S . . . lZJb5? 1 9 a4 lZJxc3 20 bxc3 with the idea o f 2 1 �xd5 exd5
22...�h6! An interesting tactical solution. The resulting position with rook and two pawns versus two minor pieces is clearly in Black's favour. The
122
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
white pawns are extremely weak and Black' s rook can penetrate into White ' s position.
23 e3 i.. xe3 24 fxe3 ctJxe3+ 25 '>!tf3 ctJxfl 26 ctJxfl nxc1 27 i.. x c1 ne8 28 i.. b 2 l:l:.e2 29 i.. xf6 ;g:a2 30 '>!te3 ;g:xa3 31 ctJd2 b5 32 ctJe4 b4 33 '>!td4 as 34 '>!te4 l::t a 2 35 h4 '>!te6 36 i.. d4 l::t e2 37 il..e 5 ;g:el 38 i.. f6 l::t b I 39 il..e7 e5 40 g4 ;g:el+ 41 1t>b3 '>!td5 42 il.. g5 ;g:bl+ 43 '>!te2 l::t h l 44 '>!tb3 l::t h 3 45 ctJf6+ '>!td4 46 ctJxh7 l::t x d3+ 47 '>!te2 a4 48 i..e7 l::t e3+ 49 '>!tbl l::te7 0-1 Option A : S points Option B: 2 points Option C: 0 points
Test 3 6 [Level 3] Themes: Transformation of the Pawn-Structure; Favourable Pawn-Structure
B
24 . . . exfS ! ? 2S exfS ( 2S ctJxfS ! ? i.. xfS 26 l::t xfS il.. f8 +1 2S . . . il.. x gS 26 hxgS '>IJIixgS with the ini tiative) 2S i.. x eS dxeS 26 l::t fd l '>IJIid4 ! .
24 ... i.. f8 25 J::i. g3 e5! A sudden blow on the dark squares.
26 f5 15 b4! ..•
This is Option C. Black closes the queenside in order to open it later, at the right moment, and gains the cS-square for a strong knight. The only unsolved question is White's attack on the kingside, but this can be parried without too much difficulty. If this was your choice, then you won S points. lS . . . i.. b 7 (Option A) 16 cxbS axbS 1 7 l::t fc l gives White some relief (2 points). On the other hand, lS ... bxc4 (Option B ) se cures more pawns in the centre but gives White a superior game, which is obvious after 1 6 ctJxc4. White will press on the open c-file and also against the weakness at d6. 0 points for choosing this.
26 ctJdS exf4 27 ctJxf4 ctJeS +.
26 ... ctJd4 27 'lWfl A humble retreat. If 27 il.. x d4, then 27 . . . exd4 28 ctJdS (28 ctJg4 il.. xfS -+) 28 . . . il.. xfS ! (e4 i s weak) . A n d 27 iVd l is m e t by 27 . . . ctJ d 3 -+.
27...ctJdxb3 28 ctJxb3 ctJxb3 29 '>IJIiel ctJe5! The safest way of realizing the advantage is to give the pawn back. If 29 . . . '>IJIiaS , then 30 ctJdS .
30 '>IJIixb4 i.. b7 (D)
16 ctJdl 16 ctJa4 would leave the knight misplaced .
16 ... a5 17 ctJe3 Better is 1 7 a4.
17 ... a4 18 l::t a bl axb3 19 axb3 l::t a2 + 20 g4 ctJd7 21 g5 l::t e8 22 '>!thl ctJc5 23 h4 (D) With the idea of fS . GM Chekhov analyses 23 l::t f3 eS ! ? 24 ctJdS '>IJIia7 =t.
23 ...'>IJIid8! Preventing fS - a strong prophylactic move .
24 l::tf3 The aggressive 24 fS doesn't work: 24 . . . ctJeS (24 . . . i.. f8 2S f6 g6 26 hS with the initiative ;
The harmonious placement of the black pieces contrasts with the artificial position of the white units, scattered across the whole board. It is only a matter of time and the entire position falls.
SOLUTIONS
31 lLlds .s:a4! 32 'iVd2! 32 'iVc3 is bad: 32 . . . .¥La6 (32 . . . .¥Lxd5 33 exd5 'iVb8 34 .s:fl .s:b4 35 .¥La3 .s:b3 -+) 3 3 lLlb4 'i¥b6 34 lLlxa6 'W'xa6 =+=.
32 ... .¥Lxds The game deserves such an outcome, by po sitional means. 32 . . . .s:xc4 was more complex although correct anyway : 33 .¥La3 (33 lLlf6+ �h8) 33 . . . .s:d4 (33 . . . .¥Lxd5 34 'iVxd5 .s:d4 35 'iVc6 lLld3 36 B.b7 gives White more of the ini tiative than is desirable) 34 lLlf6+ �h8 35 'iVc2 gxf6 36 .¥Lxc5 .¥Lxe4 37 .¥Lxe4 dxc5 .
33 'W'xds .s:b4! 34 .¥Lf3 'iVa8 35 'iVd2 (D) 35 'iVxa8 .s:xa8 intending . . . .s:ab8 -+.
123
The passive retreat 25 lLld2 (Option A ) gets 0 points. With this move, the knight looks for a better place on the queenside, threatening at the same time g4 in addition to the latent pressure on c7, but Black strongly replies 25 . . . g4, with the idea of playing the knight to g5 .
2s ... iLxes 26 dxes iLe6 27 g4! Just in time. This break complements the knight's previous move to e5 . If the black centre had not been destroyed and he had time to play . . . g4 and . . . lLlg5, then White's dark-squared bishop would not play such an important role as in the game. Understanding this key idea de serves the full 5 points . The immediate threat is 28 gxf5 .¥Lxf5 29 .a:xf5 .a:xf5 30 .¥Lxe4 ±.
27 ...'iVg6 27 . . . fxg4 28 .1£.xe4 is not good for Black.
28 'iVbl .¥Lds If 28 . . . .a:d8 then 29 gxf5 .1£.xf5 30 ..ib4 .a:f7 3 1 .a:d l .a:xd l 32 'iVxd l lLlf8 3 3 'iVd5 b6 34 ..ixf8 is decisive.
29 gxfs .a:xfs 30 .a:xfs 'iVxfs (D)
3s 'iVb7 36 .s:g2 .s:b8 -+ •••
Intending . . . lLla4.
37 .¥Ldl 37 �h2 lLla4 -+.
37 'iVxe4 38 .¥Lc2 'iVxc4 •••
38 . . . 'iVxh4+.
39 g6 .s:xb2 40 gxh7+ <;t>h8 41 .a:bgl 'i¥xh4+ 42 .a:h2 'iVf4 0-1 Option A: 2 points Option B: 0 points Option C: 5 points
Test 3 7 [Level 3] DJemes: Transfonnation of the Pawn-Structure; L'1?favourable Exchanges
25 lLles ! 5 points for this, Option B .
31 'iVdl ! A n elegant manoeuvre i n order t o press against Black's castled position and improve the queen's performance. 31...'iVe6 32 'iVhs ± Black's blockade of the e5-pawn turns his re maining pieces passive. White has a free hand to continue the pressure against the weakened black kingside.
32 ....a:e7 33 ..ih3 g4 3 3 . . . 'iVb6 34 e6 ±.
124
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
34 il.xg4 .s.g7 35 h3 'V/JIe7 36 il.b4 'i'd7 (D)
Black has enough counterplay to compensate for the pawn.
50 .¥ixe7 CiJxe7 5 1 l:i:.d6+ <;t>g7 Or 5 1 . . . <;t>f7 52 IId7+ �e6 53 l:!.xc7 <;t>xe5 54 b6 l:1,b2.
W
52 b6 CiJe8 52 . . . CiJa6 53 b7 .
53 l:!.d8 l:!.b2 54 l:!.xe8 l:!.xb6 55 <;t>f5 <;t>f7 56 l:!.a8 <;t>e7 57 l:!.a7+ 57 .a.h8 �a6.
57 ... �e8 58 <;t>xe4 .s.b4+ 59 �f5 .s.b6 60 l:!.g7 l:!.b3 61 e4 The position i s equal. If 6 1 <;t>f6, then 6 l . . .l:!.xe3 62 .s.a7 .s.e 1 63 <;t>e6 �f8 and Black draws .
37 �hl ? A n odd mistake that gives Black some coun terplay by removing the strong light-squared bishop. Better was 37 IId 1 ! c6 (37 . . . 'i'e6 38 IIxd5 'i'xd5 39 'i'e8+ wins immediately) 38 <;t>h2 ±.
37...�e6 38 l:!.dl il.xg4 39 'i'xg4 'i'xg4 40 hxg4 CiJg5 41 �g2 CiJe6 ;j; Finally, after Petrosian's mistake, the knight emerges as a superb blockader.
42 �h3 �f7 43 g5
61...�f8 62 l:!.a7 .s. b 6 63 l:!.d7 <;t>e8 6 4 IId6 IIb4 65 l:i:.h6 J::!. a4 66 Mb6 �e7 67 J::!. b 7+ �e8 68 �f6 .s.xe4 69 <;t>e6 �f8 70 IIb8+ <;t>g7 71 <;t>d6 �f7 112_ 112 Option Option
A: 0 points B: 5 points
Test 3 8 [Level 3] Themes: Prophylaxis; Assessing the Opponent 's Counterplay
43 b6.
43 ... hxg5 43 . . . CiJxg5+ 44 �g4 CiJe6 45 a4 b6 46 as bxa5 47 .¥ixa5 .
44 �g4 b6 45 a4 �g7 46 �h5 g4 47 <;t>xg4 <;t>g6 48 a5 bxa5 49 il.xa5 (D)
49 ... l:!.f2
23 a4! ? This i s Option C . White expands o n the queenside, trying to produce weaknesses on this side of the board and take advantage of them later on. Without a doubt this is a useful waiting move, which suffocates Black on the queenside and at the same time prevents a sud den reaction ; but this is not the strongest contin uation. Sometimes it is not advisable to play in a prophylactic manner, but to face the critical situation. This move gets 2 points. Option B, 23 h4 (3 points), is of course more efficient and logical than 23 a4. The threat of h5 , creating extra difficulties on the kingside, is very serious. And we know that the side con trolling less territory cannot transfer pieces to the required squares with ease. The right move is that of Option A, in spite of letting the black queen become active, but this demanded precise calculation. After 23 l:!.c7 ! l:!.xc7 24 l:!.xc7 �c8 25 l:!.xb7 'jig7 ! (D), at
SOLUTIONS
first glance it might seem that Black gets coun terplay, but this is not true.
125
Thus White keeps the command of the tile. Besides, with his move a4, he prevented coun terplay by way of . . . 'iVb5 .
26...�d8 27 e5 Opening another file for his maj or pieces, besides creating another point of contact. Black cannot quench all the fires, simply because of his lack of space and mobility.
27 ... a6 (D) 27 . . . dxe5 2S 'iVxe5 'iVd6 29 'iVxd6 (29 l::1. x e7 'iVxe5 30 l::1. x e5 is less conclusive) 29 . . . exd6 30 f4 would lead to a very unpleasant rook ending.
For instance, 26 Bxe7 'iVb2+ 27 Wh3 .!l:.c2 or 26 'iVe2 'iVaI 27 l::1. b4 ! 'iVc 1 2S .!l:.c4 l::1.x c4 29 bxc4. But after the correct reply 26 'iVd2 ! 'iVa I 27 l::1. xe7 'iVb 1 2S 'iVf4 l::1. c 2+ (2S . . . 'iVxa2+ 29 Wh3 l::1.f S 30 'iVxd6 'iVxb3 3 1 'iVf6) 29 Wh3 White is able to consolidate his advantage. 5 points for this precise calculation.
23 'iVe8? •••
The move White was waiting for. Much better was 23 . . . l::1. x c3 24 'iVxc3 'iVeS and now 25 'iVc7 does not work on account of 25 . . . l::1. d7 26 'liVcs 'iVxcs (after 26 . . . WfS 27 'iVc3 WgS Black will be ready to react and in fact . . . e6 is playable at the right moment) 27 .a:xcS+ Wg7 :t, with stub born opposition in this rook ending. 24 l::1.c7 l::1.xc7 25 l::1.x c7 l::1. b 8 25 . . . l::1. d 7 26 �b5 +-.
26 'iVc3 (D)
28 h4 Another concealed threat: the idea of play ing h5-h6.
28 ... b5 2S . . . h5 was other possibility : 29 b4 (29 e6 fxe6 30 dxe6 ±) 29 . . . 'iVeS .
29 l::1. c6 bxa4 3 0 bxa4 dxe5 3 1 �xe5 l::1.c 8 32 'iVc3 l::1. b8 33 'iVe5 l::1. c 8 34 g4 (D)
126
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
The difference in activity between the queens is striking.
24 l"1.xcS .ltxcs 25 Wf2.
24 ... l"1.xc1 25 .ltxc1 (D)
34 ... e6? More stubborn was 34 .. .l:hc6 35 dxc6 'ii'd 2+ 36 Wg3 'ii'c 1 37 c7 +-. For instance: 37 . . . 'ii'g l + 3S Wf4 'ii'c l + 3 9 We4 'ii'e l + 4 0 Wd4.
35 'ii'c3 lhc6 36 dxc6 Wf8 36 . . . 'ii'c 7 37 as .
37 c7 'ii'c8 38 'ii'h 8+ 1 -0 Option A: 5 points Option B: 3 points Option C: 2 points
Test 39 [Level 3] Themes: Supported Passed Pawn: Bishop Ac tivity
19 iLh3! 5 points for this move (Option C). which takes advantage of Black's lack of develop ment. White is threatening d5 without permit ting . . . exd5, since that move would give Black some freedom. 19 d5 exd5 20 iLxa7 (Option B; I point) is much too straightforward: 20 . . . l"1.aS 21 iLxd5 .lte6 22 .ltxe6 fxe6 23 .ltc5 with a clearly ad vantageous rook ending, but difficult to win over the board. For instance: 23 . . . iLxc5 24 l"1.xc5 l"1.xa2 25 l"1.cS+ �f7 26 l"1.c7+ �g6 (26 . . . �fS 27 l:,xb7 .:i::(e 2) 27 .:i::( x b7 l"1.e2 2S f4 h5 29 �e7 h4 30 g4 (30 gxh4 Wf5 3 1 l"1.xg7 �xf4) 30 . . . h3 . Another line is 1 9 d5 exd5 20 iLxd5 (Option A; 2 points) 20 . . . .lte6 21 .ltxe6 fxe6 22 l"1.c7 ! b5 23 .s.xa7 b4 :t Black has good drawing chances in this ending with 4 pawns against 3 on the same flank. This is also far too straightforward.
This was the critical position which Kram nik aimed for. The power of the passed and pro tected d-pawn, and the activity of both white bishops should lead to victory. But first it is es sential to create weaknesses i n Black's posi tion, since at the moment it is very sound.
25 ... .ltb5 25 . . . b5 26 .lte3 as 27 !ii.. a7 (the penetration by the bishop is decisive) 27 . . . b4 2S We3 Aa4 (2S . . . a4 29 Wd4 b3 30 axb3 axb3 3 1 Wc3 +-) 29 Wd4 Wd7 30 Wc5 h6 (30 . . . b3 3 1 axb3 .ltxb3 32 Ac6+ WcS 33 d7 + Wc7 34 Ab6+) 3 1 .ltfl g6 32 Ac4 h5 33 iLb6 +-.
26 .lte4 h6? ! (D) 26 . . . g6 is a better defence, even though it leaves f7 potentially weak.
w
19 ... We8 In case of the pseudo-active 19 . . . b6, there follows likewise 20 d5 iLc5 2 1 d6 .lta6 ! ? 22 .ltxc5 bxc5 23 l"1.xc5 l"1.bl + 24 Wg2 .ltb7+ 25 f3 .:i::(b 2+ 26 'It>g l l''1. x a2 27 J:tb5 ! +-.
20 d5 .ltd7 21 d6 Completing the first step of the plan. 21. .. .ltd8 22 .lt g2 Not 22 .ltxa7? l"1.aS 23 .lte3 l"1.xa2 with coun terplay.
22 ... b6 23 f4 l"1.c8 24 Wf2
27 Ae3 'It>d7 28 WeI Ac6
SOLUTIONS
28 . . .� c 4 2 9 a 3 a s 30 'it> d 2 bS 3 1 W e 3 fails to produce the desired counterplay, and the dark squared bishop remains passive. The black pawns are rather weak.
127
Starting an elegant manoeuvre, which is per fectly carried out. Not 43 �c l �dS 44 �a3 jLa2 4S 'it>c3 �dS 46 �e8? �c6.
29 �d3 29 jLxc6+? 'it>xc6.
29 ... �d5 30 a3 f6 31 Wd2 fxe5 32 fxe5 'it>e6
B
32.. .�gS 33 �xgS (33 jLf4 ! ? Wc6 34 h4) 33 . . . hxgS ±.
33 We3 �f3 34 jLe4 jLd5 35 jLa6 �f3 36 'it>d4 �d5 36 . . . bS? 37 'it>d3 �b6 38 �xb6 'it>xb6 39 �xbS ! +-.
37 a4 �b3 A better chance is 37 . . . 'it>d7 38 �bS+ 'it>c8 (not 38 . . . jLe6? 39 'it>c4 ! +-).
38 �b5+ Wb7 39 �d7! (D) 43...�d5 44 �c1 �a2 45 'it>c3 �d5 46 �a3! White finds the winning plan : attacking the kingsidc pawns .
46...�a2 46 . . . a6 47 �b4.
47 �e8 ! �d5 48 d7 (D)
Restricting the black king, and with an eye on the e6-pawn.
39...�d5 40 'it>e3 �a2 41 Wb4 jLd5 The idea of advancing the g-pawn at once by 4 l . . .gS ! ? is maybe better. But the exchange of dark-squared bishops by means of 4 l . . .�gS 42 �f4 ! �xf4 43 gxf4 looks bad: 43 . . . g6 44 h4 hS (44 . . . aS+ 4S 'it>c3 hS 46 �bS �bl 47 �c4 jLfS 48 jLd3 jLxd3 49 'it>xd3 +-) 4S as (with the aim of weakening the black pawn-chain and therefore winning the pawn ending) 4S . . . bxaS+ 46 'it>xaS �c4 47 'it>b4 �dS 48 'it>c3 'it>b6 49 �a4 �e4 SO �c2 �xc2 S I 'it>xc2 +-.
42 h4! jLa2 42 . . . gS 43 hS.
43 �d2 ! (D)
48 ... �e6 49 �f8 �xa4 49 . . . gS SO hS.
50 jLxg7 'it>e7 5 1 �xh6 �xd7 52 �f7 'it>e6 S 2 . . .�e7 S3 hS Wd8 S4 �g7 �e8 SS h6 ! +-.
53 h5 S3 �gS �c7 S4 'it>d4 +-.
53 ... Wd5 54 �g7 �g5 55 g4 We4 56 h6 �xh6 57 �xh6 'it>xe5 58 g5 'it>f5 59 g6 'it>f6 60 �g5+ Wg7 61 'it>d4 �a4
128
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
6 l . . .b5 62 'ilte5 a5 63 �f6+ 'iltfS 64 �xe6 �xe6 65 'iltxe6 b4 66 'iltd5 +-. 62 'it>e5 �c2 63 �f6+ 'iltf8 64 'iltf4 b5 65 'ilt g5 �f5 66 �d4 'ilte7 67 �c5+ 67 �xa7 . 67 ... 'iltd7 68 g7 iLh7 69 'ilth6 1-0 Option A: 2 points Option B: 1 point Option C : 5 points
Test 40 [Level 4] Themes: Attacking the Centre; Using the Lead in Development 6 f4! This is Option B , and it earns 5 points. White quickly plays against the black centre, taking advantage of the innocuous developing move . . . �e6. As a rule, provided that Black has de clared his intentions in the centre, this move is very strong, because it speedily acts against the black centre, and the knight will be developed to f3 - its ideal square - exerting pressure on e5 immediately. 6 ttJf3 (Option A) has the advantage of pre venting Black's play in the centre - the . . . d5 ad vance - but is a schematic move giving Black freedom for development. That is to say, it fails to refute Black's dubious opening, and only gets I point. We can say the same about Option C, 6 e3 (2 points), although this is more flexible than the previous move. The main drawback of these two choices is displayed especially when White plays the set up with the pawn on e4 (the so-called Botvinnik System) . Having to choose one of the continua tions e3 or ttJf3 it is clear that White has failed to carry out his initial plans, and Black has struck a psychological blow in the opening. 6 ttJf6 If 6 . . . g6 then 7 ttJf3 �g7 S e4 ttJe7 and now, for instance, 9 ttJg5 is strong: 9 . . . �c8 10 �e3 .••
;l;.
7 ttJf3 ttJbd7 7 . . . exf4 S �xf4 and White speeds up his de velopment. On the other hand, 7 . . . e4 is hasty: S
ttJd4 'lWd7 9 dxe4 fxe4 1 0 ttJxe4 ttJxe4 I I �xe4 �xc4 1 2 'lWc2. 8 0-0 g6 Thi s fianchetto means a substantial delay in development, even though 8 . . . �e7? was also not good: 9 fxe5 dxe5 (9 . . ttJxe5 10 ttJd4 'lWb6 I I e3 �d7 1 2 ttJxf5) 10 ttJg5 ttJfS I I ttJxe6 ttJxe6 1 2 J::r x f5 . If 8 . . . exf4, then 9 �xf4 'lWb6+ 10 'ilth l 'lWxb2 I I 'lWe i (intending 12 J::r b l , 1 3 ttJd4 and 1 4 e4) 1 l . . .'lWb6 1 2 J::r b l 'lWc7 1 3 e4 with the initiative. 9 ttJg5 ! ? A move w ith a l o t of poison, because i t stops Black' s development on the kingside and will force him to weaken himself in order to drive the invasive knight out. 9 e4 is too hasty : 9 . . . fxe4 1 0 ttJg5 �g4. 9 ... �g8 10 e4 h6 11 illf3 The other retreat is more innocuous: 1 1 ill h 3 'lWb6+ 12 'ilth I �e6 13 'lWe2 iLg7 14 �e3 'lWc7 . l 1 ...fxe4 12 illh 4! �f7 (D) It is best to keep the bishop along this diago nal. Not 12 . . . �h7 1 3 dxc4 exf4 14 gxf4 illx e4? 15 'lie l +-. .
13 illxe4 Worse is 1 3 dxe4 �xc4 14 ttJxg6 J:l:.gS 1 5 ill xfS 'lWb6+ 1 6 'ilt h I ( 1 6 J::r f2 ill g 4) 1 6 . . .�xfl :t.
13...�e7 Black cannot speculate on the exposed posi tion of the white pieces after 13 ... exf4 ( l 3 ... 'I/IIe 7 ! ? 1 4 f5) 1 4 �xf4 ttJxe4 ( l 4 . . .g 5 1 5 ttJxd6+ i.xd6 16 �xd6 +-) IS �xe4 g5 16 ttJg6 ±. 14 'lWe2 ill xe4
SOLUTIONS
Or: 14 . . . 0-0 15 fS ; 14 .. :iVc7 15 fxeS dxeS ( 1 S . J iJxe4 16 e6) 16 ke3 ±.
15 'lixe4 kxh4 Ljubojevic believes that the lesser evil is to get rid of the strong knight while damaging White's pawn-structure. More interesting was the stubborn IS . . . liJf6 ! ?, but IS . . . liJcS ? ! fails to obtain positive results: 16 'lie2 (D), with the following variations:
129
White has handled the position in dynamic fashion. The pawn-structure is not as important as the security of the black king and the weak nesses now appearing on Black's kingside. 17 ... 'lie7 (D)
18 ke3?
a) 16 ... kxh4 17 gxh4 and now: a l ) 1 7 .. :iVe7 1 S fxeS dxeS 1 9 ke3 ±. For instance: 19 ... 0-0-0? 20 J,;!;xf7 . a2) 1 7 . . . 'lixh4 I S fxeS 'lid4+ ( 1 S . . . 0-0 1 9 ke3 +-) 1 9 �e3 'li'xd3 2 0 'lif2 �xc4 2 1 �xcS dxcS 22 'lif6 :!:tgS 23 :!:tad l 'lie3+ 24 <;t>h 1 with many threats. b) 16 . . . exf4 17 :!:txf4 gS ( 1 7 . . . 0-0 IS d4 liJe6 19 :!:te4) I S :!:txf7 ! <;t>xf7 19 'lih5+ <;t>fS and now 20 kxg5 1 is decisive (and better than 20 liJg6+): 20 ... �xgS 21 :!:tfl + kf6 22 'lig6 liJd7 23 kh3 : b l ) 23 .. :ileS 24 :!:txf6+ liJxf6 25 'lixf6+ �gS 26 ke6+ �h7 27 kf5+ �gS 2S liJg6 should lead to a win for White. b2) 23 . . . :!:tgS 24 'lixh6+ �eS 25 'li'hS+ �e7 (25 . . .�fS 26 kxd7 +-) 26 'lih7+ li>fS (26 . . .:!:tg7 27 liJfS+) 27 ke6 with a decisive advantage.
This natural developing move fails to punish Black's careless play in the opening. a) I S hS ! ? b ) I S d4? ! kxc4 1 9 'lixg6+ kf7 20 'lif5 .lte6. c) IS b4 ! is best: e l ) I S . . . 'lixb4 19 ke3 'lie7 ( 1 9 . . . 0-0 20 �xh6 +-) 20 :!:tab 1 with a strong initiative. For instance : 20 . . . 0-0-0? 2 1 l::t x b7 +-. c2l I S . . . 0-0-0 19 ke3 liJf6? 20 'lif3 +-. 18 ... liJcS 19 kxcs 'lixcS+ 20 �hl 0-0 21 .!lf6 ;t (D)
16 fxeS! A key move in order to keep the initiative. If the bishop retreats, White recovers the piece.
16 ... dxeS Again forced. The alternatives are no better: 16 . . . liJxe5 ? ! 17 gxh4 'lie7 1 S :!:te l +-; 1 6 . . . kgS 17 e6; 16 . . . ke7 17 exd6.
17 gxh4
21...�g7 22 �an 'lie7
130
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOIBME I
The position demands defensive measures. If 22 . . . l:!.adS?, then 23 h5 ! l:!.d6 (23 . . . gxh5 24 'li'f5 'li'e7 25 ..te4; 23 . . . g5 24 l:!.xf7+ ! ) 24 b4 ! (24 'li'f3? ..tdS ! ! ) 24 .. :iVd4 (24 .. :iVxb4 25 il'xe5) 25 'iYf3 ! +- with the idea of 25 . . . ..td5 26 l:!.xg6+ ! '
23 'li'e3 23 h5 'li'xf6.
23 ... 'Ii'xf6
33 'li'g3 ..td5 34 ..txd5 cxd5 35 'li'g4 'it>d7 36 h6! +- 'it>e7 36 . . . z:ihS.
37 'i'g5+ 'it>f7 38 'i'f4+ 'it>e7 39 i'fd4 l:!.f6 40 'li'e5+ �e6 41 h7! 1-0 Option A: 1 point Option B: 5 points Option C: 2 points
23 . . . l:!.adS ! ?
24 z:ixf6 'it>xf6 25 'li'xh6 z:iae8 26 'i'g5+ (D)
Test 4 1 [Level 5] Themes: Prophylaxis; The Bishop-Pair
17 tLlgl !
26 ...'it>e6?! Here Black missed a great defensive chance: 26 . . . 'it>g7 with the idea of meeting 27 h5 ! ? with 27 . . . l:!.hS 2S hxg6 ..txg6 29 ..te4 l:!.h6.
27 ..te4 l:!.g8 28 c5! Intending h5.
28...'it>d7 29 'i'f6 ..t e6 29 . . . ..txa2 ' ?
Unexpected prophylaxis (Option C; 5 points). The move has a passive appearance but is really useful. The knight defends the h3-square (which would be accessible to the g4-bishop once the f-pawn has advanced) and at the same time lets the white f-pawn advance to f4 if re quired. In fact, after 17 ..tb2 it is difficult to suggest a defence after 1 7 .. .f4. So 0 points for Option B . Option A, 1 7 d4 ! ? is really interesting, be cause it is a central thrust. After 1 7 . . . ..txf3 I S ..txf3 exd4 ? ! (better i s I S . . .e4 1 9 ..tg2 l:!.aeS or 19 . . . tLlg5 ! ?) the white bishops have a lot of play in exchange for a pawn. 2 points.
17 ...z:iae8 White was planning to meet 1 7 . . . tLlg5 with 1 8 f3 ..th5 and then 19 f4 ! . 18 ..td2 tLlf6 (D)
30 'iVxe5 ..txa2 31 'li'd6+ 'it>c8 32 h5 �e6 (D) 32 . . . gxh5 ?? 33 ..tf5+.
19 f3 ! ?
SOLUTIONS
Another intricate move, characteristic of the always creative and unorthodox sty le of Viktor Korchnoi ; the move prevents the advance . . . e4 in a radical manner and sidelines the enemy bishop. The g2-bishop will be ready to take part in the battle when required. White could also have played 19 b4 axb4 20 axb4 e4 21 .ltc3 d5 (2 l . . .tDe5 22 J.xe5 J:!.xe5 23 �a7 with the ini tiati ve) 22 cxd5 tDxd5 23 dxe4 fxe4 24 b5 tDd8 25 J.b2 ! ? ±. 19 ...J.h5 20 b4 b6 21 J.h3 ! ? One o f the ideas o f 1 7 tD g I . The attack has been stopped and the white pieces are becom ing active in all sectors . 21...J.f7 22 tDe2 axb4 Black had some other options here: 22 . . . g5 ! ? ; 2 2 . . J�a8 23 b 5 tDe7 2 4 J. c 3 ; o r 22 . . . J.e6 2 3 iL c 3 (better is 23 b5 tDe7 2 4 iL c 3 ) 23 . . . e4 ! ? 23 axb4 tDe7 2 4 b 5 (D)
131
30 J.xf8 tDxe3 3 1 'iYc3 tDxf1 32 .ltb4 �h5 32 . . . tDe4 33 fxe4 'iYxe4+ 34 J.g2 'iYxe2 35 l:i:xfl I!.xc4 36 WVd2 ±. 33 I!.xf1 +The rest requires no comments. 33 e4 34 iLg2 'iYxc4 35 'iYxc4+ J::txc4 36 iLe7 tDd5 37 tDf4 tDxf4 38 gxf4 e3 39 1iel e2 40 Wgl �xf4 4 1 Wf2 g5 42 J.d6 J:td4 43 iLc7 b5 44 l:!:xe2 iLf7 45 l:!:b2 iLc4 46 J.e5 l:dl 47 f4 Wf7 48 J.f3 .s:d8 49 h4 g4 50 J.c6 Wg6 5 1 iLxb5 �xb5 5 2 l:!:xb5 J:td2+ 5 3 We3 l:!:h2 5 4 l:I.b6+ �h5 5 5 l:!:f6 llh3+ 5 6 Wf2 J:lh2+ 5 7 We3 .l:I.h3+ 5 8 Wd4 I!. h l 59 lhf5+ �xh4 60 I!.f6 h5 61 I!.g6 J:!.fl 62 We4 �e1 + 63 Wd5 Wh3 64 f5 h4 65 f6 J:lfl 66 We6 g3 67 f7 g2 68 J.f6 l:te1+ 69 Wd5 I!.dl + 70 We4 l:tel+ 7 1 Wd3 1-0 Option A: 2 points Option B: 0 points Option C: 5 points •..
24 ... �d8 Perhaps 24 . . . nc8 was more stubborn, or else the ambitious 24 . . . g5. Instead, if 24 . . . l::t a 8 then 25 J::!. a6 ! . 25 d4? ! 25 J:la7 d5 26 .ltb4 lUe8 27 e4 ! ;to 25... c6 26 bxc6 "iVxc6 27 �ac1 l:!c8 28 dxe5 dxe5 29 J.b4 (D) 29 ... tDed5?? A blunder i n a critical position. Necessary was 29 . . . tDfd5 ! ? or else 29 .. ..!':.fe8 30 !ixe7 J:lxe7 3 1 J.xf5 Jacc7 ;to 29 . . . "iVb7 can be met by 30 'iYb3 or swapping blows with 30 !ixe7 llxc4 (30 .. :iVxe7 3 1 'iYb3 ;t) 3 1 J.xf8 .s:xc2 32 llxc2 'it>xf8 33 J.xf5 ;to
Test 42 [Level 3] Themes: Initiative, Time and King Safety 22 c4! ! This is Option A , and i t earns 5 points. White creates a new source of concern for Black. Although the other options keep the advan tage, Black finally achieves his thematic break at c 5 . It is a good rule to create problems on the side of the board where the opponent is short of space and is barely able to extinguish all the fires.
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
132
22 ll'ld3 (Option B) also looks attractive (3 points) even though Black is able to put up an active defence by 22 . . . ll'ld7 23 c3 cS ! ? 24 dxcS ll'lxcs 2S ll'lxcs �xcS ;1;. Option C, 22 .l:1df l , is not so strong. The pressure against f7 looks promising, but Black holds his own. Since this is a rather inflexible and very straightforward move, there i s not much chance for switching to another plan . The main drawback is that after the exchange on gS, White does not fight for control of the h-file: 22 .. JH8 23 �f2 i.xgS 24 hxgS ll'ld7 (24 .. .'iVxgS 2S 1:th7 iIIe 7 26 ll'ld3 ll'ld7 27 ll'lf4 iII g S 28 ll'lxdS exdS 29 J::!. x f7 +-) 2S J:!.h7 (2S ll'ld3 l:tc8 26 J:.h7 cS 27 dxcS ll'lxcs 28 ll'lf4 ll'le4 29 ll'lxg6 ll'lxf2 30 ll'lxe7 �xe7 3 1 :!:!'xf2 :!:!.c4 ) 2S . . . cS . This plan scores only I point. =
22 dxc4 23 �g2 l:':ta7 24 d5 (D) •••
Playing against the black king, which i s seemingly trapped. 24 ll'le4 ll'ld7 2S gS i.g7 26 ll'lf6+ i.xf6 27 gxf6 is an alternative, when the white queen can enter at c6.
32 . . . 'iWxg2 33 ll'lxc7# is an elegant checkmate. Option A: S points Option B : 3 points Option C: I point
Test 43 [Leve l 2] Themes: Avoiding Exchanges when Having a Space Advantage; A Classical Kingside Attack
10 i.f4! Option A; S points. In keeping the bishop, White denies his opponent any easy way to free his game. There is a principle in chess that when you have a space advantage you should not exchange pieces. This happens many times in the Maroczy Bind of the Sicilian Accelerated Dragon, where White usually declines to ex change the dark-squared bishops. Option B , 10 i.. xe7 (1 point), would free Black's game after 1 O . . . 'ilYxe7 1 1 f4 f6 ! , with equality and chances for both sides.
10 f5'? ! •.•
1 O . . . f6 is better since after 1 1 'iVhS g6 ! 1 2 i.. x g6 hxg6 1 3 'ilYxg6+ �h8 1 4 h4 ! fxeS I S 'ifhS+ <;t>g8 1 6 i.h6 i.f6 White has no more than a draw. White should play for a small plus by 1 1 ll'lf3 fxeS 12 ll'lxeS ll'lxeS 13 i.xeS i.f6 and now 14 i.xf6 or 1 4 i.g3 ! ? eS I S e4.
B
11 h4! Preventing ... gS and securing the gS-square for one of his minor pieces.
1 1 c4 •••
Black feels compelled to react, even at the cost of yielding control of the key square d4.
24 .txg5 25 hxg5 J:.f8 •••
If 2S . . . .s.xh l 26 J:.xh l ll'ld7 then 27 d6 ! cxd6 28 iIIc 6 +-. 26 dxe6 'iVxe6 26 . . . fxe6 27 'iVe4 'iVxgS 28 �xc4.
27 ll'le2 The knight j oins the attack too.
27 'iVc6 28 J:.d5! ll'ld7 •••
28 . . . c3 29 ll'ld4.
29 ll'ld4 'iWb7 30 :ctdl J::!. a 8 30 . . . ll'lb6 3 1 ll'lc6 ! .
31 ll'lb5 ll'lc5 32 J:.d7! 1 -0
12 i.. c2 b5 Black needed to act quickly, in the face of White's imminent attack. Better was 1 2 . . . ll'lcS at once, with the idea of meeting 13 g4 with 1 3 . . . ll'le4 ! .
1 3 ll'lf3 ll'lc5 (D) Black must oppose the direct threat of ll'lgS and 'iWhS . Thus, 13 . . . b4 would be very slow : 1 4 ll'lgS ll'lcs ( 1 4 . . . i.xgS I S hxgS 'ife7 1 6 .l:!.xh7 ! 'i£txh7 1 7 �hS+ �g8 1 8 g6 ll'lf6 1 9 exf6 gxf6 20 i.d6 iIIg 7 2 1 VWh7+ +-) I S �hS h6 1 6 'iVg6 +-.
SOLUTIONS
133
1 possible is 22 l:ih6 l:ig8 23 e6+ �xe6 24 'li'g6+ �f8 2S 'li'xe8+ l:ixe8 26 l:ixe6 bxc3 27 bxc3, though in this case White is only slightly better) 22 . . . �xe6 23 Vi'xg7 with a powerful attack; for instance, 23 . . . Vi'bS 24 l:ih7.
w
w
14 g4 Opening another front against the black king. 14 ...b4 Other defensive tries are inadequate : a) l 4 . . . fxg4 1 5 lbgS h6 1 6 Vi'xg4 hxg5 1 7 hxgS with a strong attack. b) 1 4 ... lbe4 15 lbgS ( 1 S gxf5 exfS 1 6 lbd4 �d7 1 7 �gS is another interesting possibility) IS . . . lbxgS ( 1 S . . . h6 16 lbxe4 dxe4 17 Vi'e2 is good) 16 hxgS �xg5 17 �xgS �xgS 18 gxf5 and White's attack is moving ahead. IS gxfS Or I S lbd4 ! ? with an attack. IS exfS 16 lbgS (D) •.•
17 hS! The lack of adequate protection of d5 allows this decisive breakthrough. 17 ... lbd3+ 1 7 . . . �xgS 1 8 �xgS Vi'xgS 19 'li'xdS+ �e6 20 Vi'xc5 would be decisive. 18 �xd3 cxd3 1 9 hxg6 hxg6 1 9 . . . �xgS 20 l:ixh7 +-. 20 Vi'xd3 bxc3 21 bxc3 �xgS 22 �xgS Vi'aS 23 �f6 l:ie8 24 Vi'd4 �f7 2S e6+ l:ixe6 26 �d8! 1 0 The game could have finished 26 . . . Vi'a3 27 l':ih7+ �e8 28 Vi'g7 +-. Option A: 5 points Option B: 1 point -
B
The idea of avoiding the exchange of pieces when having a space advantage is often used. The side short of space wants to exchange pieces at any price and thus free his game. Let us see another example :
Romero - Candela 16 ... g6? (D) This move surrenders without a fight. The critical defence was 1 6 . . . h6 1 7 Vi'h5 (or 1 7 ::Jf3) 1 7 . . .lbd3+ 1 8 �xd3 cxd3 1 9 Vi'g6 hxg5 20 hxg5 Vi'e8 (20 . . . 'i'b6 2 1 l:ih8+ �xh8 22 '''hS+ �g8 23 g6) 21 Vi'h7+ �f7 22 e6+ ! (also
Spanish Ch (Palencia) 1 999 1 c4 lbf6 2 lbc3 g6 3 e4 d6 4 g3 �g7 S lbge2 cS 6 �g2 lbc6 7 d3 0-0 8 0-0 lbe8 9 �e3 lbc7?! 10 d4 cxd4 l l lbxd4 lbeS 12 b3 lbg4 13 �cl lbe6 (D)
134
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
offer the exchange of queens at e6; or 26 .u.xg4 'iVf8 ! with the idea of 27 . . .f6 and . . . 'iff7. Black has freed his position. 0 points. 25 h4 (Option A) is not a bad move. White is perhaps threatening to advance this pawn to h5 , therefore restricting Black's kingside. But the resulting pawn-structure is not favourable, si nce the possibility of a breakthrough on the kingside is reduced, and besides White is lo cating a pawn on a light square. 1 point.
25 ... iVc6 With the idea of breaking with . . . f6.
26 g5 hxg5 27 'il'xg5 Threatening .u.h4 and 'il'h5.
14 lbde2! Black does not know what to do with his pieces !
14 ... lbc5 15 h3 lbe5 16 �e3 �d7 17 f4 lbc6 18 e5 �f5 19 iVd2 iVa5 20 exd6 �fd8 21 �adl .l::t xd6 22 lbd5! iVxd2 23 .u.xd2 lbe4 24 .u.ddl e6 25 �xe4 �xe4 26 4If6+ �xf6 27 .u.xd6 lbb4 28 �d2 with a decisive advantage.
27 ... f6 Anticipating the threat of penetration on the h-file.
28 'il'g6 �f7 29 'il'g3 f5? ! Black attempts t o bring h i s queen t o the de fence of the kingside, but the move weakens the position too much, particularly the dark squares. 30 'il'g5! iVe6 31 1t>hl 'lieS 32 .u.gl .l::tf8 (D)
Test 44 [Level 5] Themes: Space Advantage; The Principle of the Second Weakness
25 g4! ! This i s Option C . and i t earns the full 5 points. White is weakening his own castled position ! This is possible because of White's space advan tage and the passive position of the black pieces. The idea is to open a new battle front, in this case against the black king, opening the g-file at the right moment. As a result, Black will probably be unable to defend both points, losing the d5pawn, which is the main target of White's attack. There is another additional plan with �g2, fol lowed by the advance of the f-pawn: f4-f5 . After 25 �g4 (Option B) White exchanges his good bishop for Black's bad one. Generally speaking, this is not a good policy for the side having the advantage. In the present case, nei ther recapture on g4 after 25 . . . �xg4 is advan tageous: after 26 hxg4 iVc6 Black defends without trouble, and threatens, for instance, to
33 'il'h6 Threatening .u.h4 again.
33... .u.b8 Or: 33 . . . B:d6 34 �xg7+; 33 . . . g6 34 h4.
34 .l::t h 4 lt>fS 35 'il'h8+ �g8 36 .u.f4 Targeting the weakness of f5 .
36....u.bb7 37 �g5 �f7 38 'iIIh5 'iIIal + 39 1t>g2 g6 40 'il'xg6 �h7 41 'il'd6+ .u.fe7 42 'il'd8+ 1-0 Option Option
A: 1 point B: 0 points
Option C : 5 points
SOLUTIONS
Test 45 [Level 2] Themes: Counterplay Along a File; Minority Attack The main feature of the memorable world cham pionship match between Bronstein and Botvin nik was that both players were seeking new developments, untested set-ups, and thus play ing in a creative fashion. 20 ... b5? ! Option C gains 0 points. There is n o justifi cation for such an attack on this flank. Black will probably not be able to bring a knight to c4 in order to hinder the future pressure against c6. Besides, White will combine an attack against
135
Black played both the aforementioned strata gems, with little fortune, and thanks to the mis take on the 20th move he ruined his position. 25 iLel Mfc8 26 'il'b3 There is a concrete threat now: 27 axb5 axb5 28 �xa8 .!:i:xa8 29 ctJxd5 cxd5 30 "il'xd5+ iLe6 3 1 "il'xa8+. 26 ... �h8 27 Mba2 (D)
B
this weakness with pressure along the a-file.
The defensive 20 . . . .lil.d7 (Option A; 3 points) is preferable. If then White insists with his ad vance on the queenside, Black is going to get more play than he obtained in the game after 2 1 b 5 axb5 2 2 axb5 Mfe8 2 3 .lil.d2 Ma3 . Another way of permitting b5 , but providing compensation in other parts of the board, is Op tion B . 20 . . .tuf7 21 b5 (taking the f5-pawn leaves the e3-pawn undefended) 2 1 . . . axb5 22 axb5 ctJg5 23 .lil.g2 ctJe4 with a great centralized position. Thi s choice deserves 5 points, be cause it is the ideal follow-up to the advance . . . g5-g4 made some moves before. 21 iLg2 ctJg4 22 .i.d2 ctJf6 23 Mb2 .lil.d7 24 M a l (D)
24... ctJe4
27 ... 'iI'f8 White was threatening to win a pawn. 28 ctJd3 Mab8 The decision to give up the a-file leads to di saster. The lesser evil was 28 . . . Meb8, but in this case White replies with 29 ctJe5 iLxe5 30 dxe5 jLe6 3 1 Mc2, ably transferring the target to c6. 29 axb5 axb5 30 Ma7 Me7 31 ctJe5 iLe8 (D) If 3 l . . . iLxe5 , then 32 dxe5 iLe6 33 g4 fxg4 34 Ji.. h4 and Black has a lot of trouble since after 34 . . . Mxa7 35 Mxa7 White threatens 36 iLxe4 followed by 37 iLf6+.
136
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
32 g4 Magic. B ronstein changes the battle front and resumes his actions on the kingside.
32 ... fxg4 33 �xe4 dxe4 34 �h4 A new soldier - which was sleeping until now - appears in the battlefield with decisive effect.
34 ...J:.xe5 Virtually forced. 34 . . . J::lg7 35 'iVe6, 34 . . . l:t.eb7 35 �e6 .txe5 36 'iVxe5+ Wg8 37 l:t.xb7 l:t.xb7 38 .s:.a8, and 34 . . . 1ixa7 35 J::l x a7 'iYh6 36 �c3 Wg8 37 .ltg3 J:.d8 38 'iVb3+ Wh8 39 lite7 ! ? are all very good for White.
35 dxe5 .txe5 36 .s:.n �g8 36 . . . .ltxh2+ is clearly useless on account of 37 ..t>g2.
On the other hand, 1 3 . . . l:.e8 (Option A; 0 points), is a very logical move to control the e file, but it lets the dark-squared bishop come to life again after 14 d5 ! .
14 i1.. a3 The bishop is misplaced here. After 1 4 lZle5 , 1 4 . . . lZlxd4 1 5 �a3 ( 1 5 .ltb2 'iVb6 16 .l:!f2 ; 1 5 cxd5 lZlxd5) 1 5 . . . J;!.e8 1 6 cxd5 lZlxd5 1 7 .tc4 al lows White enough play. But better is 14 . . . dxc4 1 5 �xc4 .lte6 ! ! 16 il.. xe6 fxe6 +. This curious idea - creating a 'weak' isolated pawn - helps to control the blockading square d5 and will help us when examining some other examples on this subject later. On the other hand, 1 4 li b 1 ! ? is interesting.
14 ... J:.e8 15 lZle5 dxc4!
37 .tg3
This is the primary idea.
A nice tum.
16 .ltxc4 .lte6 17 .txe6 l:l:xe6 18 f5 J::te 8 (D)
37 ... .tg7 If 37 .. J/Vxb3 (or 37 . . . il.. x g3 38 'iVc3+), then 38 1:f8+ �g8 39 il.. x e5#.
38 'iVxg8+ 1-0
w
White is going to win a piece after the up coming double exchange. This was the most beautiful game of the match. Option A: 3 points Option B: 5 points Option C : 0 points
Test 46 [Level 2] Themes: Favourable Fight vs Isolated Pawn; Playing Against the Bishops
13 ... d5! This is Option C, by which Black plays against White ' s light-squared bishop and pre vents the advance of the d4-pawn. The momen tary concession of the e5-square is of little significance (5 points). 13 ... .ltg4 (Option B ) gets 2 points. In a game Benj amin-Browne, USA Ch (Greenville) 1 983 White got a good game thanks to his powerful dark-squared bishop, despite the unsightly ap pearance of his kingside: 14 d5 lZld4 1 5 il.. b 2 lZlxf3+ 16 gxf3 il..h 3 17 J:if2 lZlh5 18 'iVd2 'iVh4 19 �h l lZlxf4 20 J;!.g l f6 2 1 .ltbl with compen sation. Of course this was difficult to foresee.
Black's plan is clear. The battle is for block ade, with a knight against a bad bishop.
19 il.. b 2?! White should have tried 19 lZlxc6 bxc6 20 J::tc 1 + when at least he will be able to press against a weakness.
19 ..Ji'b6 20 lZlc4 It is better for White to exchange queens by 20 'iYb3 'iYxb3 (20 . . . lZld5 ! ? and if 2 1 'iVxd5 then 2 1 . . Jhe5) 2 1 axb3 lZlb4 although White has too many weaknesses in the endgame. Cer tainly not 20 lZlxc6? 'iYxb2 2 1 J;!.bl 'iYxa2 22 .s:.xb7 J;!.e2 -+.
20 .. Jlfb5 21 1ic1 21 'iYc2 litad8.
21 ...1:ad8 22 �d3 'iYd5 + (D)
SOLUTIONS
13 7
An excellent square for the queen. The cen tralized queen is going to put pressure not only on the isolated pawn but also against other criti cal points, such as fS and a2.
1 1 ...0-0 12 'ii'd 2 'li'b6 13 a4 .itfS 14 ClJfd4
23 .:ted1 bS 24 ClJe3 'ii'xa2 2S .ite3 2S .ital ClJ b4 2S ... b4 26 .ita1 ClJeS ! 27 dxeS .
Trying to fish in troubled waters, but without success. 27 'ii'b S l:ib8 28 'ii'c s ClJed7 29 'ii'c 4 'ii'x c4 30 ClJxc4 ClJdS =t.
27 ... l:ixd3 28 Mxd3 ClJe4 -+ The rest is a technical j ob.
29 e6 fxe6 30 fxe6 'li'xe6 31 ClJfS ClJe3 32 .itxe3 bxe3 33 l:ixe3 l:if8 34 l:icf3 'ii' b6+ 3S Wh1 Wh7 36 h4 g6 37 ClJe3 .:txf3 38 l.:l:xf3 'ii'd 4 39 g4 as 40 Wg2 a4 0-1 Option Option
A: 0 points B: 2 points
The extra control of d4 forces the exchange of knights, restoring for White a favourable pawn-structure in the middlegame , where the lasting weakness of the isolated dS-pawn is no ticeable.
14 ... ClJxd4 IS exd4! l:iae8 16 ClJeS a6 17 l:iae1 Me7 18 .itd3 .itxd3 19 'iVxd3 'ii'd 6 20 e3 as 21 Vj'f3 ClJg6 22 l.:l:e3 b6 23 ClJd3 Md7 24 l:ife1 'iie6 2S g3 l:id6 26 h4! f6 27 'iifS 'iie8 28 'li'xe8 l:ixe8 29 hS ClJf8 30 l:ie7 l:ied8 31 ClJf4 l:i8d7 32 g4 l:ixe7 33 l:ixe7 White has all the aces: seventh rank, active knight and the opponent's weakness on dS .
33 ... gS 34 hxg6 ClJxg6 3S ClJxg6 hxg6 36 .:tb7 Wf8 37 'li>f2 We8 38 'li>e3 gS 39 Wd3 l:te6 40 b4 axb4 41 exb4 Wd8 42 as We8 43 a6 bS 44 l:ixbS l:ixa6 4S l:ixdS l:ia1 46 l:ieS+ Wb7 47 dS l:ifl 48 l:ie4 fS? 49 We2 1-0
Option C : S points
Fernandez Garcia - Romero Let us see some further examples of the cre ation and blockade of an isolated pawn.
Botvin nik - Boleslavsky Leningrad/Moscow 1 941
1 e4 e6 2 d4 dS 3 ClJd2 eS 4 exdS exdS S .itbS+ ClJe6 6 ClJgf3 .itd6 7 dxeS .itxeS 8 0-0 ClJe7 9 ClJb3 .itb6 (D) 10 .ite3! iLxe3 11 fxe3 In a later game of the same encounter, Bot vinnik favoured the zwischenzug I I .itxc6+ bxc6 12 fxe3 0-0 13 'li'd2 'iVb6 1 4 'li'c3 ! with advantage.
Spanish Ch playoff (5) 1 993
1 e4 e6 2 d4 dS 3 exdS exdS 4 ClJf3 .itd6 S e4 ClJf6 6 ClJe3 0-0 7 exdS h6! ? 8 .ite2 ClJbd7 9 0-0 ClJb6 10 ClJeS ClJbxdS 11 ClJxdS ClJxdS 12 .ite4 ClJb6 13 .itb3 (D) 13 ... iLe6! 14 .itxe6 fxe6 IS 'iVg4 'li'f6 16 .itd2 'ii'fS 17 l:iae 1 jLxeS 18 'iVxfS jLxh2+ 19 Wxh2 exfS 20 l:ixe7 .sf7 21 .sfe 1 ClJdS The ending is very advantageous and Black's pawn-maj ority on the kingside should be ap parent in the future.
22 .s7eS .sd8 23 Mel l'1fd7 24 .seS ClJe7 2S .se4 ClJe6 26 .seeS g6 27 jLe3 Wf7 28 b4 ClJe7
138
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
28 .,txc5 gxc5 29 �a2 ibb7 After the blockade of the d-pawn, the game takes a strategic tum. White plays his ace on the f-file, but he does not have enough attacking pieces.
B
30 �f2 'fie7 31 h4 ibd6 32 g5 �f8 (D)
29 �e5 ibd5 30 .,tb2 b5 31 �c5 a6 32 a3 ibb6 33 �e2 ibc4 34 �c6 �d6 35 d5 �xc6 36 dxc6 �c8 37 .,tel g5 and Black won some moves later.
Test 47 [Level 2/3] 33 .,th3 ? ! Themes: Counterplay on the Opposite Flank; Dynamism vs a Handicapped Structure The right solution is to preserve the pieces and hinder Black's progress on the side where he is better - the queenside. As a general rule, ex changes in a strategically inferior position may help the other side to take advantage of the better structure. White 's position is poor and he should try to start counterplay on the kingside, preserving as many pieces as possible. Therefore it is neces sary to play 26 ibh l ! ? (Option A; 5 points). Be sides transferring the knight to g3, eventually he will try to transfer the queen' s rook to the kingside, when the attack has some possibili ties of success. Hence 26 �a2 (Option C) is also good (4 points) since it is the same plan.
White insists on h i s desire for kingside coun terplay, but perhaps he should have prevented the attack against the a4-pawn.
33 ...�a5 34 "iVc2 The only move was 34 �b2, heading for b4, even though it is clear that his choice on move 26 was not entirely correct. White wished to bring both rooks to bear on f7.
34 ... "iVe8 35 .a:efl 35 �al b5.
35... "iVxa4 36 "iVe2 "iVb3 37 "iVg4 "iVxc3 38 "iVd7 ibxe4 39 �xf7 'iVe3+ 0-1 White has no defence. 40 � l f2 (40 Wh l ibxg3+ 4 1 Wh2 �a2+) 40 . . . "iVxg3+ 4 1 .,tg2 � a l + 42 �f1 �xf1 +. Option A: 5 points Option B: 0 points Option C : 4 points
26 ibg4?! Option B receives 0 points. This move eases Black's task.
Test 48 [Level 2/3]
26 ... .,txg4 27 fxg4 .,tc5 ! + This exchange of bishops is very logical. He gets rid of his opponent ' s best bishop and leaves on the board a somewhat passive bishop against a knight that will be blockading the d pawn .
Themes: Lack of Communication: Playing against a Piece; A Bad Piece Dooms the Whole Position
17 c6!
SOLUTIONS
With this move (Option B; S points) White uses his advantage in space and is going to take total control of the a-file, besides creating a fu ture target on c7 . Black is left with bad coordi nation and a poor bishop. 17 tZlf4 (Option C) is not a particularly strong move. The knight is not doing too much on f4 (in fact, the e2-knight can go to d4 later) and loses an important tempo that could be used to achieve a concrete advantage on the queenside (0 points). The idea of 17 bS (Option A) is to open the position on the queens ide by a4, as , etc. This is quite a logical choice (3 points), but is inferior to and less concrete than the text-move.
17 b6 •..
Of course, 1 7 . . . bxc6 does not work on account of 1 8 Acs ±.
18 b5 The c8-bishop has no squares at its disposal .
18 ... a6 19 a4 axb5 20 axb5 :!l:.xal 21 �xal tZlf7 22 �c3 �h4 23 :!l:.al tZlg5 24 �el �h5 Black pins all his hopes on an attack, but really there is no such possibility.
25 Ma7 (D)
B
Black resigned without waiting for White's 32 Ae7. Option A: 3 points Option B: S points Option C: 0 points
Test 49 [Level 4] Themes: Reducing the Activity of the Enemy Pieces; Prophylaxis
19 f4! (D) Option C; S points. This seemingly ugly move - it shuts in the c 1 -bishop - is based on impeding the latent threat of . . . f4, while prepar ing a slow-burning attack with h3, �h2, g4, agl and �g3 . 1 9 l!:ib l (Option A; 3 points) ignores Black's intention but is perfectly playable . After 1 9 . . . f4 20 �h4 AfS 2 1 AxfS MxfS 22 MbS ' (not so clear is 22 Me 1 �xa4 { 22 . . . Me8 23 MbS } 23 e6 tZlf8 24 Mxb6 and now 24 . . . t1.e8 or 24 . . . tZlg6) and White should be better, because of the pressure against dS and since the black queen is tied to b6. For instance: 22 . . . Maf8 (22 . . . tZlf8 23 �g4 ! ) 23 Aa3 Me8 24 Ad6 and the white bishop displays its full power, even though Black' s position is difficult to crack. 19 �g3 (Option B; 1 point) keeps the diago nal open for the bishop, but has no concrete plan, and White will have difticulty exploiting his theoretical advantage.
25 ...�g6 2S . . . Mf7 26 tZlf4 tZlxf3+ 27 gxf3 �xf3 28 file2.
26 �hl 26 Mxc7 ? tZlxf3+ +.
26 ...�h5 27 f4 tZle4 28 .!:txc7 g5 Attacking?
29 Axb6 �h8 30 Axe4 fxe4 31 Ac5 Mg8 1 -0
139
19 ... b5
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
140
This helps the light-squared bishop to get more diagonals, but a waiting policy is always unpleasant.
20 axbS 'il'xbS 21 jLa3 tiJb6 Preventing iLa4 for a moment. 22 'il'h4 'il'e8 23 J::tf3 tiJc8 (D) Conting to the rescue.
28 jLe7! The inroad of the bishop into the enemy camp helps to dismantle the defences.
28... jLf7 29 'il'gS jLg6 30 h4 tiJc6 31 jLa3 tiJd8 32 hS tiJe6 33 'il'h4 jLf7 34 h6 g6 35 'il'f6 'il'd8 36 jLe7 'il'c7 (D)
37 J:1.xg6+! 24 jLa4! A nice move. The bishop emerges in a good supporting role.
24 J::td 7 •..
A desperate exchange sacrifice. If 24 . . . jLd7, then 25 e6 ! 'il'xe6 26 'il'd8+.
A nice finish.
37 hxg6 38 h7+ Wxh7 39 'il'xf7+ tiJg7 40 Wf2 1-0 •.•
Option Option
A : 3 points B: 1 point
Option C: 5 points
25 J::t b l 'il'd8 26 jLxd7 ! 'il'xd7 If 26 . . . 'iI'xh4 then 27 jLxe6+ Wh8 28 jLxd5 .a:a7 29 J::tb 8 'il'd8 30 e6 or 30 jLe6 and White wins.
27 J::t g3 Or 27 J::t h 3 h6 28 J::t g3 Wh7 29 jLf8. 27 tiJa7 (D)
Test 50 [Level 4] Theme: Positional Sacrifice of a Pawn to Im prove Our Pieces
•••
13 cSt ? Option 0 ; 5 points. White uses the dynamic character of his pawn-centre to open the game to the benefit of his dark-squared bishop, whose potential activity could soon be lost if he does not act promptly. The remaining moves are harmless. Option A, 1 3 0-0, contributes very little ( I point) ; 1 3 . . . tiJe6 ( 1 3 . . . tiJg6 ! ? 1 4 jLf2 0-0) 1 4 tiJb3 c5 forces White to make a decision in the centre sooner or l ater. But worst is Option B: 1 3 'il'a4+? ! (0 points) 13 . . .iVd7 14 �xd7+ tiJ6xd7 Generally speak ing, and in spite of the bishop-pair, this sort of =.
SOLUTIONS
closed position with a static pawn-structure cannot favour White. Option C, 1 3 a4, is basically wrong. Black replies with 1 3 .. a5 (the natural move to oppose the planned advance a5, creating trouble along the a-file). If your plan was to follow with 14 c5 (very unlikely), you would get 5 points too, since it would have the same efficacy as the ideal solution. If not, this sort of pawn advance is troublesome, because a4 could be a new weakness (0 points).
141
fxg4 ,a,ad8 30 h4 .!:l:d l + leads to a draw, but there are many other possible lines.
20 fxg7 ,a,g8 21 iLfS ! ! (D)
B
13 dxcS ..•
If 1 3 . . . bxc5. then 14 d5 with compensation. Opening the b-file is undesirable for Black, be cause he is not ready for the further struggle.
14 dxeS 'ilfxeS IS 'iVa4+ c6 This weakens some key dark squares, and is certainly not the safest way to handle the posi tion. One could prefer 15 . . . ltJ8d7, although af ter 1 6 'iVc2 White has the initiative and chances to expand in the centre.
16 0-0 ltJg6 1 6 . . . 'iVxc3 is met by 1 7 iLa6 or 1 7 tilc4. 17 ltJc4 'iVe6 18 eS! bS (D) 1 8 . . . ltJxh4 1 9 ltJd6+ 'iit f8 20 .!:l:ae l .
The key follow-up to the previous sacrifice. There is no rest for either the king or the queen .
21...iLJxh4 Let us see some other possible defences : a) 2 1 . . . 'iVxc4? 22 ,a,fe l + 'iVe6 23 ,a,xe6+ fxe6 24 iLxg6+ 'iit d 7 25 ,a,d l + 'iit c 7 26 iLg3+ 'iit b6 27 J:!.bl + 'iit a6 28 iLd3+. b) 2 l . . .'iVxf5 22 ltJd6+ 'iit d 7 23 iLJxf5 iLJxh4 24 J::!. ad I + 'iit c 7 25 ltJxh4 ,a,xg7 26 ,a,fe I ±.
22 iLxe6 �a6 22 . . . fxe6 23 ltJd6+.
23 ltJd6+ 'iit e7 (D)
1 9 exf6! An unexpected queen sacrifice in Tal' s char acteristic style.
19 ... bxa4? 1 9 . . . 0-0 ! is necessary. and seems to hold: 20 J:!.ae 1 'lWxe l (not 20 . . . 'iVd5 ? 21 'iVc2 ltJxh4 22 iLJe5 with a decisive advantage) 21 ,a,xe 1 bxa4 22 iLxg6 fxg6 23 J::!.e 7 g5 24 J::!. x g7+ 'it'h8 25 iLg3 iLa6 26 iLe5 iLxc4 27 f7 h5 28 g4 hxg4 29
24 iLc4! Another key moment of the combination. White recovers the sacrificed material and re tains a positional advantage.
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
142
24 MXg7 25 g3 Wxd6 26 itxa6 ttJf5 27 Mabl ± f6 28 Mfdl+ We7 29 ktel+ Wd6 30 Wf2 (D) •..
f6-knight and pressing against the dS-pawn at the same time. In case you chose the logical Option C, 1 3 'lib3 ( 1 point), Black will be able to repel the ag gression against dS. For instance, after 1 3 . . . ttJc6 14 ite3 ttJaS 1 S 'lia2 ite6 the game would reach a dead point. Option A (0 points) is less effective. The idea of lining up the bishop and queen is easily par ried, and the weakening of the black kings ide will not be serious: 1 3 itc2 ttJc6 14 'lid3 ? ( 1 4 g 4 would transpose t o the next note, scoring S points) 14 . . . g6 1 S itb3 itfS 1 6 'lid I ite6 1 7 M e l 'lid7 =.
13 ...itd6
30 c4 31 g4 ttJe7 32 Mb7 Mag8 33 itxc4 ttJd5 34 itxd5 cxd5 35 Mb4 Mc8 .•.
3S . . . hS 36 h3 .
36 Mxa4 Mxc3 37 Ma6+ Wc5 38 Mxf6 +- h5 39 h3 hxg4 40 hxg4 Mh7 41 g5 Mh5 42 Mf5 �c2+ 43 Wg3 Wc4 44 �ee5 d4 45 g6 �hl 46 Mc5+ Wd3 47 Mxc2 Wxc2 48 Wf4 Mgl 49 Mg5 1 -0 Option A: 1 point Option B : 0 points Option C : 0 points Option D: S points
If 13 ... ttJc6 then 14 itc2 1 ? is strong (rather than 14 gS ttJe8 I S h4 ttJc7). One idea is to line up the bishop and queen to weaken the black kingside, an idea that might be used later. White will simply follow with his development (ite3, Mad I ) and "keep the advantage in view of the restriction of the black pieces", accord ing to Garry Kasparov.
14 Whl Me8 15 g5 itxf4 This was Black's defensive plan, though it does not work. 16 itxf4 ttJh5 (D)
Test 5 1 [Level 5] Themes: Use of Spatial Advantage and Better Development; The Principle of the Second Weakness
13 g4! Option B ; S points. Up to now White didn ' t have more than a slight lead in development. Intuition tells us we must proceed quickly. With 1 3 g4 White produces the conditions for getting a spatial advantage on this side of the board, thus restricting the mobility of the black pieces. He also considers that Black cannot break in the centre, so the weakness of the white king is not meaningful. Likewise this active advance intro duces the immediate threat of gS, attacking the
17 �xb8! White is giving no rest to the opponent and maintains the momentum. Time is very impor tant and giving up the dark-squared bishop turns out to be a secondary feature in the posi tion.
17 ...Mxb8 18 f4 g6 19 'i'Hf3
SOLUTIONS
143
The exchange of the bishop for a knight al lows us to make the first assessment: White pre vents the counterplay against d4 while attacking d5 . The light-squared bishops are still on the board, and this is favourable for White due to the blockaded centre. If this were not enough, White 's initiative along the f-file is still potent.
19 ... b6 Maybe Black should regroup the knight to keep it in the battle by 19 . . . liJg7 20 �b5 (20 liJxd5 �g4 ! ) 20 . . . oitd7 (20 .. .1:HS 2 1 liJxd5 oitg4 22 'lie4) 2 1 �xd7 'lixd7 22 liJxd5 liJh5 ±. 20 f5 l:::1. b 7 (D) If 20 . . . liJg7, then 2 1 fxg6 fxg6 22 liJxd5 (22 �b5 l:::1. fS 23 'lixfS+ 'lixfS 24 J:l:.xfS+ 'iitxfS ;!;) 22 . . .�b7 23 liJf6+ 'it>hS 24 d5 l:::1. e 5 25 �e4 l:::1. x g5 26 'lif4 h6 27 �f3 with a clear advantage to White.
Option
A : 0 points
Option B: 5 points Option C : 1 point
Let us see a similar example with an expan sion on a flank with a closed centre :
Spraggett - Pornes Manresa 1 995
1 e4 e6 2 d4 dS 3 liJe3 oitb4 4 exd5 exd5 5 oitd3 liJf6 5 . . . liJc6 6 a3 �xc3+ 7 bxc3 ;!;.
6 oitg5 h6 7 oith4 liJe6 8 a3 8 liJe2 is another idea.
8 ...�e7 9 liJge2 0-0 10 0-0 liJh5 11 �xe7 liJxe7 12 'lid2 e6
21 f6! White is closing the flank where he is attack ing ! The compensation is obvious, since he re duces the mobility of the black knight and hin ders the doubling of Black' s rooks on the e-file. The game is strategically won.
21...oite6 22 l:::1.a el 'lid6 23 l:::1.e 5 l:::1. d 8 24 'lie3 b5 25 �e2! b4 26 axb4 ;g:xb4 27 �xhS gxh5 (D) 28 g6! hxg6 29 l'he6! fxe6 If 29 . . . 'iVxe6 then 30 'lih6 ! .
30 'lih6 l:::1.b 7 1-0 After 3 1 �xg6+ 'it>hS (3 1 . . . 'it>fS 32 l:::1. g 1 ) 32 f7 '\Wf8 33 'lixh5+ 'it>g7 34 l:::1. g 1 + 'it>f6 35 'lih4+ White wins.
This prophylactic move was not necessary. After the natural 12 . . . �f5 !? Black will exchange his bad bishop, therefore avoiding tactical trou ble. For instance : 1 3 oitxf5 liJxf5 1 4 ·g4? ! liJh4 1 5 f4 liJf6 1 6 h3 liJe4 ! .
1 3 f3! This prevents . . . �f5 and gets a promising game on the kingside. 13 ... b6 14 l:::1. a el eS 15 b3 �b7 (D)
16 g4! liJf6 17 liJg3 As in similar situations, this expansion is justified because of the closed centre.
17 ... cxd4? 1 7 . J iJc6 is better, keeping the tension in the centre: 18 liJce2 l:!.e8.
18 liJbS �a6 19 liJxd4 �xd3 20 'lixd3 ± liJg6 2 1 liJgf5 'lie7 22 'lid2 Targeting f4.
144
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
w
43 ...'it>g8 44 'i!;>f3 'it>g7 45 ttJd4 ttJc7 46 :!:tel ttJd5 47 'it>e4 J:td8 48 J:!c6 Threatening ttJxe6+. 48 ... a5 49 b5 Wg8 50 ttJxe6 ttJxe6 51 Wxd5 ttJxf4+ 52 'i!;>e4 ttJg2 53 lhb6 ttJxh4 54 J::!:.c 6 J:l:.f8 55 b6 ttJf3 56 b7 1-0
Test 52 [Level 2/3] Themes: Improving Our Pieces: Attacking the King
22 ... J:!fe8 23 'it>hl �f4 24 �xf4 ttJxf4 25 h4 h5? Very passive. Now Black will not get any counterplay. 26 g5 ttJd7 27 Wh2 ttJc5 28 Wg3 ttJfe6 29 ttJc6! The first step. Black's problem is his isolated pawn. 29 ...ttJc7 30 ttJd6! +The white knights are ruling the centre of the board. A curious position. 30 ...J:l:.e6 3 1 lhe6 fxe6 32 b4 ttJd7 33 J::.e l g6 34 c4 Opening a file for the white rook. 34 ... dxc4 35 ttJxc4 ttJrs 36 ttJd6 'it>g7 37 l:tc1 ttJd5 38 J:!e1 a6 39 ttJd4 ttJc7 40 J:!c1 ttJd5 41 J:l:.e1 ttJc7 42 ttJe6 ttJd5 (D)
17 'ilVa4! (D) In order to transfer the queen to the kingside, with unpleasant threats against g7 . This plan (Option A) gets 5 points. Centralizing the bishop with 17 .I1.h7+ Wh8 1 8 �e4 does not work because after 18 . . . J:l:.fd8 1 9 J:l:.xd8+ .I1.xd8 the position has been simpli fied and White's pressure is fading. This con tinuation (Option B) scores I point. On the other hand, the second-best possibility is 1 7 b4 ! ? (Option C) 17 . . . �d6 ( l 7 . . . a5 1 8 �b2 ± ) 1 8 'ilVb2 f6 1 9 'ilVb3 ( 1 9 hH) 1 9 . . .ttJd8 with a good enough defence. 2 points for choos ing this idea. Now it is obvious that the key of the position was to improve the efficiency of the white queen. The advance 1 7 e4 (Option D) will be com fortably met by 17 . . . .I1.d6 ! , covering the e5square and this whole diagonal. White will lose the advantage. 0 points.
B
43 f4 Beginning the right plan: introducing the king into the battle.
17 .. JUd8
SOLUTIONS
17 . . . g6, keeping the rook on fS, seems better: I S il.e4 ! (with the idea of :id7 ; if I S 'ltg4 then IS . . . hS or IS . . . >lth7 with a better defence than in the game; I S h4 ! ?) IS . . . :ifdS I 9 :ixdS+ �xdS ( 1 9 . . .i2lxdS 20 il.xg6 { 20 'ltd4? eS 21 i2lxeS il.f6 } 20 . . . :ixc3 21 bxc3 fxg6 22 'lWeS+ il.fS 23 :id I) 20 il.xc6 il.xc6 2 1 'lWd4 f6 22 'lWg4 with a decisi ve attack.
White feared the complications resulting from I S . . . :if6 ! ? 1 6 cS �h6 1 7 cxd6 'lWxh2+ 1 8 �f2 :ih3 19 'lWb3 'lieg3+ 20 >lte2 'liexg2+ 2 1 >ltd l >ltf7. Here it was required to sharpen the intu ition in order to choose one move or the other. Without a doubt Krarnni k chose the safer move.
15 ... bxc5 If I S . . . �c7 , then 16 cxb6 il.xb6 17 i2lc4 ±.
16 i2lc4 'liee7
t 8 'lWe4 g6 19 'lWg4 h5
If 1 9 . . . >lth7 , then 20 il.xg6+ ! fxg6 2 1 'lWxe6 (we see now why the black rook was needed at fS) 2 l . . .:ifS 22 :id7 :ic7 (22 . . . :iceS 23 i2lgS+ ! ) 2 3 i2leS .
16 . . . �c7 17 dxcS '/We7 I S b4 ±.
17 dxc5 17 i2lb6 ? ! axb6 1 8 'lWxaS cxd4 19 exd4 'lWc7 20 'lWa4 i2ld7 :t.
20 'lth3 f5 20 . . . :id6 does not arrive in time: 2 1 g4 :icdS (2 l . . .:idS 22 il.xg6 fxg6 23 gxhS +-) 22 gxhS :ixd3 23 :ixd3 :ixd3 24 hxg6 fxg6 2S 'lWhS+ >ltf7 26 i2leS+ or 26 'lWg7+ >lteS 27 'lWxg6+ +- .
21 il.c4 :ixdl + 22 :ixdl >ltf7 23 e4 23 :ie l .
23 ...'lWf4 24 �el 'lWg4 25 exf5 'lWxc4 26 fxg6+ >lte8
145
17 ... il.xc5 18 b4 il.d6 19 il.b2! (D) ± This leaves the bS- knight poor. It is too late to think in terms of recovering the material: 19 i2lb6 axb6 20 'lWxaS eS (20 . . . cS ! ? with compensation; 2 0. . .b S 2 1 �d2 'lWc7 2 2 a4 t; 20 . . . 'lWc7 2 1 'lWa4 i2ld7 22 'lWb3 :ie8 23 a4 i2lf6 24 il.d2 t) 2 1 il.b2 exf4 22 exf4 'lWc7 with com pensation.
26 . . . >ltxg6 27 :ixe6+ >ltf7 2S :ixc6.
27 g7 e5 27 . . . >ltf7 2S 'lWxhS+ >ltg8 29 'lWhS+ >ltf7 30 'lWh7 .
B
28 fi'xh5+ >ltd7 29 :idl + �d6 30 �xe5 i2ld4 31 i2lxd4 1-0 Option Option
A: S points B: I point
Option C : 2 points Option D: 0 points
Test 53 [Level 4] Themes: Positional Sacrifice of a Pawn; Activ ity vs Weaknesses
15 c5 ! ! Option A gets S points. This pawn sacrifice provides some strategic dividends : lead in de velopment, the c l -hishop joins the game and the black pawns (a7, c6, e6) are permanent weakness. IS b4 (Option B; 2 points) also deserves at tention. After IS . . . il.c7 16 il.b2 ( 1 6 bS) 16 . . . 11f6 1 7 :ifc I White defends his king (i2lfl ) and ends up with all his pieces ideally placed. Probably
19 . iLc7 . .
Or: 19 . . . a6 20 :ifd l il.c7 2 1 il.d4 ±; 19 . . . 'lWc7 20 i2lxd6 'lWxd6 2 1 l:l:.fd I ±.
20 :ifdl 20 iLd4 is interesting, according to OM Stohl. All the white pieces are playing at the small price of a pawn. Besides, the dark- squared bishop is ruling a very strong diagonal .
20 ... c5 20 . . . MdS 2 1 :ixdS+ 'lie xd8 22 :id I 'lWc8 23 i2ld6 'lWfS 24 'lWb3 'lWe7 2S i2lxfS gives White a decisive attack .
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
146
21 bxc5 2 1 'iWb5 ! ? .i.b6 22 lLlxb6 axb6 23 'ii'xb6 ±. 21...�xc5 22 gael (D) The white pieces are taking part of the game with the highest economy. The position is ad vantageous for White ; it is not just a question of compensation.
B
22 ...'ii'e 7 The exchange of queens will not free Black's position at all : 22 ... 'ii'c 6? ! 23 'ii'x c6 (23 'iib 3 I ?) 23 . . . lLlxc6 24 lLld2 litab8 ! (24 . . . .i.b6 25 l::t x c6 .i.xe3+ 26 'it>fl .i.xf4 27 g3 .i.xd2 28 J:!.xd2 +-) 25 �xc6 l:ixb2 26 lLlc4 ! (26 1:xc7 ? :d8 =) 26 ... l::tb 7 27 J:td7 l:tb l + 28 �f2 ±. 23 'ifb5 White's strategy is extremely clear and char acteristic of the style of Vladimir Kramnik: lin ear play, constructive and restricting the chances of his opponent. In some aspects his play is simi lar to that of Karpov. 23 .i.b6 23 . . . a6 24 'iWb7 +-. 24 a4! ? Taking the gift would also lead t o a superior position: 24 tDxb6 axb6 (24 .. :VWb7 ? 25 'iVe5 ) 25 'iVxb6 ±. 24 .i.c5 24 . . . l:!.d8 doesn't help either: 25 a5 (25 tDxb6 l:txd l + 26 J:ixd l axb6 27 "ilVxb6 ±) 25 .. Jhd l + (25 . . . .i.c7 2 6 '/Wb7) 2 6 J::( x d l .ic5 (26 . . . .ltd8 27 �a3) 27 a6 ! .i.b6 28 �a3 +-. 25 .ltd4 Removing Black's best piece. 25 ....i.xd4
If 25 . . . tDd7 ! ? , then 26 .i.xg7 ! , and now: a) 26 . . .Wixg7 27 l:ixd7 .i.e7 28 'iVb7 +-. b) 26 ... �fd8 27 .i.h6 (27 .i.al h6 28 'iVb2 �h7 ;!;; 27 .i.d4 ±) 27 ... l:tab8 (27 ... lLlf6 28 .i.g5 J:ixd I + 29 J:ixd I 1:!.c8 30 Vi'b2 1:[f8 3 1 "ilVe5 ! ) 28 .i.g5 ! (28 J:ixd7 ! ?) 28 . . . 'iVe8 29 'ilVc6 ! (29 l:[xd7 l:ixd7 30 'ii'x c5 l:tc8 with counterplay) 29 . . . l:[bc8 30 'ilVa6 +-. c) 26 .. JH7 27 .tal J::( d 8 ! ? ± (27 . . . lLlfS 28 'iVb2 lLlg6 29 �h l ! intending lLle5 +-). 26 J::(xd4 a6? ! Getting rid of the pressure and completing development without making concessions is not easy. For instance: 26 . . . J:ic8 (or 26 ... l:d8 27 :txd8+ 'iVxd8 28 'ilVb7 lLld7 29 J:id l +- win ning a piece) 27 :'cd l lLlc6 28 J:td7, and then : a) 28 . . . ifb4 29 tDd6 ± . b ) 28.. .litab8 2 9 'ilVxc6 ! (29 l:!.xe7 oUxb5 30 J::( xe6 11c5 with counterplay) 29 .. Jhc6 30 l:[xe7 J::( xc4 3 1 I!.dd7 +-. c) 28 . . . a6 29 "iWb6 +- (29 'ii'x c6). d) 2s . . :iVf6 29 tDd6 J::!. ab8 30 'ilVc5 +-. e) 28 ... "iVe8 29 'iVb7 Wif8 30 tDd6 ! J:!.ab8 3 1 'li'a6 tDb4 3 2 "ilVxa7 :ta8 3 3 Wid4 ±. 27 "iWb6 (D)
B
•••
•••
27 .. :!J.a7? This way of defending the seventh rank and connecting the rooks fails for tactical reasons. However, 27 . . .l:tc8 also fails: 28 J:tcd l tDc6 29 l:[d7 ± and now: a) 29 . . . 'ilVb4 30 "iVxb4 tDxb4 3 1 lLlb6 +-. b ) 29 . . . 'ilVe8 3 0 'iVb2 (30 'ii'b 7? J:ta7 ! 3 1 I!.xg7+ 'i¥;>f8 3 2 1:!.f7+ �g8 =) 30 . . . 'ii'g 6 3 1 : l d6 with an attack.
SOLUTIONS
c) 29 . . :iVf6 30 lDd6 l:i:ab8 31 'iVcs +-. 2S lDd6 l:id7 (D) If 28 . . . h6, then 29 l:i:c8 ! (29 lDc8 "iVa3 is more complex) 29 . . .l:i:xc8 30 lDxc8 "iVa3 3 1 �d8+ and 32 lDxa7 .
147
3 3 . . .�f8 34 l:i:.xd7 "iVxe3+ 3S 'ii' f 1 �xf4+ 36 'ii'e 2 lDxd7 37 lDd6 ! +-. 34 '!IVb6+ �e8 34 . . . �xc8 3S l:i:c4+ +-. 3s lDd6+ 1-0 There would follow 3S . . . �e7 36 blxe4+ 'ii' f6 37 'iVd4+ �g6 3 8 l:i:e6+. Option A: S points Option B: 2 points
Test 54 [Level 4] Themes: Demolishing the Centre; A Positional Sacrifice
29 l:i:cS +White demonstrates the exposed position of Black's b8-knight. 29 l:i:xcS 29 . . . l:i:fd8 30 lDxfS ! exfS 3 1 l:ixd8+ +-. 30 lDxcs "iVa3 31 "iVxe6+ �t'8 32 "iVxt'S+ (D) •••
B
10 cS ! ? Option C ; S points. White attempts t o break the black centre, using tactical weaknesses such as c6, eS , etc. White' s aim is t o get a strong cen tral majority. Other possibilities are less sharp. The sim plification with 10 cxbS (Option B; 2 points) 1O . . . cxbS is satisfactory for Black after 1 1 b4 i.b7 12 dS �c8 and the exchange sacrifice at c3 gives him counterplay against the pawns at e4 and dS. Option A, 10 a3, is passive and lets Black strengthen his position starting with 1O . . . �b7, threatening to take on d4 and press against the central e4-pawn. Black is also able to play a waiting move such as 1 O . . . !l:.e8 . 1 point. 10 b4? ! Black is too optimistic and weakens his quccnside a lot in order to win a pawn. He had other choices, but none of them promise full equality : a) 1 O . . . exd4 I I lDxd4 and the threat against c6 comes just in time: a l ) 1 l . . .�b7 12 cxd6 ( 1 2 lDxc6 i.xc6 1 3 cxd6 4'lxe4 1 4 lDxe4 �xe4 I S dxe7 "iVxe7 ±) 1 2 . . .�xd6 13 lDfS il.cs 1 4 lDd6 ±. a2) 1 l . .."iVc7 1 2 cxd6 il.xd6 1 3 lDfS ii.eS 1 4 'li'c2 t . b) 1 O . . . �b7 1 1 dxeS ! ? ( 1 1 cxd6 ii.xd6 1 2 "iVc2) 1 1 . . .lDxeS 1 2 lDxeS dxeS 1 3 "iVc2 is much better for White. c) 10 .. :iVc7 ! ? 1 1 cxd6 �xd6 12 l:i:c l t. Akhmylovskaya-Lobron, New York Open 1 989 ..•
32 �eS 32 . . . �g8 33 l:i:xd7 'iVxe3+ (33 . . . lDxd7 34 ·jt·xd7 "iVxe3+ 3S �f1 also wins for White) 34 �f1 "iVc 1 + (34 . . . lDxd7 3S 'lIVe6+ �f8 36 "iVe7+ �g8 37 'iiVe 8+ lDf8 38 lDe7+ +-) 3S �f2 e3+ ( 3S .. :iVc2+ 36 �g3 'iiVc 3+ 37 �h4 +-) 36 �g3 ..•
+-
33 "iVe6+ �d8
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
1 48
continued 1 2 .. :/ib8 1 3 'lic2 Me8 1 4 Mfd l �b7 IS dS (in our opinion, better is IS dxeS lDxeS 16 lDd4 lDg6 17 lDfS :t) IS . . . cxdS 1 6 lDxdS lDxdS 17 exdS lDf6 1 8 'lib3 Mc8 1 9 lDh4 g6 20 Mxc8+ 'lixc8 21 �h6 �d7 22 'ii'f3 lDe8 23 g4 Mc8 24 'lid3 'lie7 2S lDg2 Mc4 26 'iYb3 Mc8 27 a4 b4 28 Me l MXe l + 29 �xe l 'lic7 30 �gS �g7 3 1 lDe3 h6 32 �h4 'lic I + 33 �g2 lDc7 34 �f3 'lics 3S 'lic4 f6 36 �e4 'lixc4 37 lDxc4 �cS 38 �f3 �xdS 39 �xdS lDxd5 40 �e4 lDe7 41 .i.g3 �f7 42 f4 �e6 43 fxeS f5+ 44 gxfS+ gxf5+ 45 �f4 �d4 46 b3 lDc6 47 �e l �c3 48 �f2 lDd4 49 lDaS .I11. d 2+ 50 �g3 f4+ S I �g2 .I11. e 3 S2 �e l lDc2 S3 .I11. h4 �xeS S4 lDc4+ �e4 55 lDd6+ �d3 0- 1 .
1 1 cxd6 .I11. x d6 12 lDa4 Now the holes at c5 and b6 are evident.
12 ... 'lie7 1 2 . . . lDxe4 1 3 'lic2 ±.
13 'lic2 exd4 14 lDxd4 'iWxe4 15 'lixe4 lDxe4 (D)
Both white knights located on the a-file are wholly disabling the black pieces. A pictur esque position.
19 ... lDef6 20 �f3 Mb8 21 lDe6 1:l.b5 22 lDa7 �b7 23 lDxb5 �xf3 24 gxf3 Mxe3 25 fxe3 axb5 26 Mc7 bxa4 27 Mdxd7 lDxd7 28 Mxd7 �g7 29 �f2 1-0 +-
Option A : I point Option
B: 2 points
Option C: 5 points
The idea of demolishing the white centre ap pears in the following example, but with an im portant difference. The association of ideas is useful in determining how effective such an idea is.
Morovic - Romero Alicante 1 989
16 Mfd 1 ! Exerting unpleasant pressure against the pieces on the d-file and restricting Black' s possibilities. White is gathering many advan tages. 1 6 lDxc6 is slightly worse: 16 . . .�b7 (16 . . . a5 1 7 Mfd l .I11. b 7 1 8 lDe7+ ! ; 1 6 . . . lDecS 1 7 Mfd l ) 1 7 lDaS �dS 1 8 Mfd I lDef6 1 9 �d4 Mfe8 20 �xf6 (20 �fl �e5) 20 . . . lDxf6 and now, if 2 1 lDb6 then 2 l . . ..I11. c 7 ! 22 lDxa8 .I11. x aS .
16 Me8 •..
16 . . . cS 1 7 lDfS +-.
17 lDxc6 �f8 18 Mac1 g6 19 lDa5 ! (D)
l lDf3 lDf6 2 e4 d6 3 lDe3 g6 4 d4 �g7 5 e4 0-0 6 i1.e2 lDbd7 7 0-0 e5 8 Mel e6 9 �f1 a6 10 h3 b5 1 1 e5! ? The same idea once more.
11 ... exd4 12 lDxd4 lDxc5 13 lDxc6 'lie7 In a later game, Visier-Romero, Albacete 1 989, Black equalized with a different continu ation: 13 .. :/id7 14 lDb4 �b7 I S f3 Mfd8 1 6 �e3 Mac8 1 7 a4 bxa4 1 8 lDxa4 '¥iic 7.
14 lDb4 �b7 15 lDbd5 lDxd5 16 lDxd5 �xd5 17 �xd5 lDa4 with comfortable equality. The difference is due to the activity that the powerful dark-squared bishop is displaying in this position.
SOLUTIONS
149
Test 55 [Level 3] Themes: Positional Compensation: Piece Ac tivity; The Supeifluous Piece
15 c4! •..
Option B is a principled move, and receives 5 points. A Benoni player must not be afraid in situations like this. The opening of the c-file and the strong control of the a6-fl diagonal wholly justify the positional sacrifice of a pawn. Besides, the d7 -knight now gets the c5-square. In case of IS . .'�Jc4 (Option C) 16 J::i a2? ! LLlcb6? 1 7 b 3 a 5 1 8 LLld2 (or 1 8 .lil.fl ) White is attempting to prevent the possible advance ... c4 - which would give Black a powerful passed b-paw n - by covering this square with aJl the available pieces. But surely 16 . . . LLla5 ! is much better, in order to meet 17 b3 with the vigorous 17 . . . c4 ! . 16 LLld3 is somewhat better, although insufficient. The knight wiJl firmly settle on a5 , aJlowing the other knight to become active. If you saw the idea of settling a knight on a5, then you earned 4 points. This plan is nearly as strong as the text-move, although less clear. Instead, IS . a5 (Option A) is too slow. After 1 6 i.fl the threat against the e5-knight is be coming dangerous. 0 points for this choice. .
both black bishops are displaying, besides the good coordination of all the black pieces.
20 .l1l.f1 To defend d3 or to sacrifice the central pawn: a difficult decision. Now the e4-pawn fails, and with it the whole position, but 20 J::i e 3 is an ugly move. White would be without a clear plan, wandering with his pieces.
20 ... LLlxe4 21 .l1l.xa6 'iVb6+ 22 .l1l.e3 'i'xa6 23 .l1l.d4 .l1l.xd4+ 24 'ii'xd4 (D)
..
16 f4? Better is 1 6 .l1l.e3 LLlc5 1 7 LLld2 LLlcd3 ? ! (17 . . c3 ! i s preferable, when there can follow 1 8 bxc3 bxc3 19 LLlb3 LLlxb3 20 'iVxb3 i.a6 +) 1 8 LLlxd3 If\xd3 sacrificing the exchange with adequate compensation: 19 LLlxc4 LLlxe l 20 'li' xe l i.a6 21 J::i c l b3 22 LLla5 ! ? .
16 ... LLld3 ! 17 LLlxd3 cxd3 This pawn sacrifice is very strong. White is much behind in development, so Black opens the c-file, vacating the c5-square for the knight, and continuing the pressure against b2 while giving the light-squared bishop new prospects.
18 'iVxd3 LLlc5 19 'iVdl .l1l.a6 (D) All the black pieces are working harmoni ously on both sides of thc board, while the white ones are lagging in development, and the situation is still worse because of the pressure of the bishop against b2. White's space advan tage and centre cannot deal with the control
24 ... LLlxg3 A simple combination.
25 LLlc3 bxc3 26 hxg3 c2 27 Wf2 J::i ac8 28 J::ie 3 J::ixe3 29 'iVxe3 'iVc4 0-1 Option A: 0 points Option B: 5 points Option C : 4 points
This was a clear example on the theme of the ' superfluous piece' . The e5-knight leaves his
150
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
fellow at d7 without space. Probably Petrosian underrated the reply 1 5 ctJf2 ! . So, it would have been simpler to have exchanged the knights a move before. The theme of the superfluous piece is clearly noticeable in games with the Benko Gambit, where the knight moves from g4 to e5 .
20 .. Jita5 2 1 ctJa7 ! .
2 1 'i'xb5 ctJd7 2 2 i.d2! (D) With the idea of getting rid of the almighty black bishop.
B
Test 56 [Level 4] Theme: Relocating the Pieces
17 ctJbl ! Option C earns 5 points. This surprising looking move is very logical, since it is heading for the key square c3, where it will comfortably defend the b5-pawn and the e4-square. 17 e4 ! ? (Option B; 3 points) is not clear but may favour Black: l 7 . . . ctJfxd5 1 8 ctJc4 ! ( 1 8 e5? 'iYe6 ! ) l8 ... 'iVe6 ! 1 9 %:td l ( 1 9 ctJxd6 ctJb4 20 'iYxe6 ctJxe6) 1 9 . . . ctJb4 20 J::!. x d6 fIIe 7. On the other hand, the natural 1 7 ctJc4 (Op tion A) fails because of 17 . . .Wid7 and White is forced to defend the b5-pawn passively by 1 8 ctJa3, which i s met by l 8 . . . a6 ! 1 9 bxa6 l:ha6 20 e4 b5. Only 1 point for this choice since it ne glects the b5-pawn.
17 .. JUb8 Black must react quickly on the queenside, before White can consolidate his position. For instance: 17 . . . a6 ! ? 1 8 bxa6 ( 1 8 ctJc3 axb5 1 9 l:ha8 J::1. x a8 20 ctJxb5 l:l.a5 2 1 ctJxc7 'fixc7 22 .itd2 c4 ! 23 �c 1 l::t a l is unclear) 18 . . .l:ha6 ( 1 8 . . . ctJxa6 19 Vi'xb6 ctJb4 { 1 9 . . . .l::t tb8 20 Vi'c6 } 20 .l::t x a8 J:ixa8 2 1 i.. f4 ±; 1 8 . . . b5 1 9 a7 b4 20 J::!. a 5 ! ; perhaps 1 8 .. J:ttb8 ! is the best try) 1 9 J:!:.xa6 ctJxa6 2 0 'ti'xb6 ctJb4 2 1 i.. f4 pressing against d6 at once. The assault with l7 . . . ctJe4 ! ? 1 8 ctJc3 f5 ! ? ( 1 8 . . .ctJxc3 1 9 bxc3 ;1;) i s possible. Then White's a-file play is compensated by the control the black pieces are exerting on the centre.
22 h5 ! ? •••
Seeking counterplay o n the dark squares and against the white king. White must delay the advance e4 because of the counter . . . h4.
23 i.. c3 fIId 8 24 f4 An ambitious move. White is trying to keep control of the dark squares.
24 h4 25 g4 �xc3 26 bxc3 lIaS .••
If 26 . . . g5 there simply follows 27 e3.
27 Wic6 ctJf8 28 e4 !!.c8 29 'Yi'b7 .l::t b8 30 'i'c6 b5 (D) Very ambitious. 30 . . . l:'!c8
=.
18 ctJc3 a6 19 �e3 This bishop has no good place for the time being. If 19 .itd2 Black would exchange everything on b5 and play . . . ctJe4. Nor is 1 9 bxa6 possible because of 19 . . . b5 ! .
1 9 axb5 20 ctJxb5 ctJxb5 •.•
3 1 %haS? White misses his chanc e ! 3 1 e5 ! J:ib6 32 J:ixa5 lhc6 33 dxc6 'iYxa5 34 exd6 fIIx c3 35
SOLUTIONS
':d l 1lfb3 36 J:e l (36 :dS 'iVe3+) and it is Black who must seek a draw in face of the dan gerous central pawns: 36 . . . 'I!lYc3, with equality .
151
w
31 .. :�xa5 32 �e3?! Losing valuable time. 32 'iWxd6 �xc3 33 ':f1 would have produced a complex struggle with pawn races.
32 b4 33 ii'xd6 •••
33 cxb4 cxb4 34 'ilYxd6 'I!lYa7 3S 'it>h2 (3S .t>h l b3 36 J:te l b2 37 litbl J:c8) 3S ... b3 36 �el b2 37 !;tbl Itb3 -+ and the white king suc cumbs .
33 ... J:!.b6 34 Wic7 bxc3 35 J:e1 c2 36 .l:.n '�b4 36 . . . 'iWbS -+.
37 Wh2 litb7 38 "iVc8 litd7 39 'ti'a8 �d2 40 '�a3 c4
J::!.f3 ctJg6 28 a4 b6 29 �f2 a6 30 g3 h5 31 J;!.b2 b5 32 axb5 �xb5 33 �h2 h4 34 gxh4 lLle7 35 �f2 ctJf5 36 �f3 'it'h7 37 h5 'it>h6 38 �f4 1-0
40 . . J�b7 .
41 'iVaI
Test 57 [Level 4]
4 1 fec i c 3 .
41. J::!. b7 0-1 ••
Option Option
A: I point B: 3 points
Themes: Using the Space Advantage; Control of the Blockading Square
Option C: S points
17 �h1 ! In a game we have previously examined Test 8 , Adams- Karpov) Black employed a far-sighted regrouping of his pieces beginning with the outstanding idea 14 . . . lLlb8 ! . In the following, Anand displayed all his natural tal ent when regrouping his pieces in an optimal way : I
Anand - A. Ramirez Calvia OL 2004 1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 lLlc3 �b4 4 e5 c5 5 a3 �xc3+ 6 bxc3 lLle7 7 'ilYg4 0-0 8 �d3 lLlbc6 9 'iWh5
8g6 10 lLlf3 'iWc7 11 �e3 c4 12 .bg6 fxg6 13 �g4 i.d7 14 h4 litf5 15 'i'h3 J::!.afS (D) 16 lLlg1 ! ! The knight goes t o e2, where i t will defend c 3 , thus making the pawn assault against the black king more dangerous.
16 'iWa5 17 ctJe2 �a4 18 �d2 J;txf2 1 9 l.xf2 �xf2 2 0 h 5 Itxe2+ .••
Despair.
21 >ltxe2 'iWxc2+ 22 �n gxh5 23 �gl 'iWg6 24 ii'xh5 Wixh5 25 I;(xh5 lLle7 26 l:!.h3 1Le8 27
Option A receives S points. This interesting strategic solution involves stepping up the pres sure against eS. We shall see later what is the subtle idea hidden by this apparently inexplica ble king move. More usual is 1 7 b4 (Option B ) . The initia tive on the queenside is slow and will be suc cessful only with an all-out attack. This is also a prophylactic move, since it puts pressure on cS and prevents . . . bS. 2 points for this logical op tion that works together with the text-move. 17 f4? ! (Option C ) is inferior owing to 17 . . . ctJxgS 18 fxgS f6 or 1 7 . . . exf4 1 8 �xf4 ctJxgS and Black settles on the eS-square . This harmless move gets 0 points. =
17 J�'d8 18 b4 lLldf6 19 ctJe2! .•
The beginning of a fairly original plan, that works together with the previous prophyl actic move ('it>h l ) . The knight assists a future break with f4, since transferring the pieces to the queenside would let Black, in the long run, achieve counterplay with . . . fS . 19 �d7 (D) •..
20 lLlgl !
1 52
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
posting at e l ; 24 . . . ..te5 25 'iVd2 :tfe8 26 '2.1: iLg7 27 ..tg3 with pressure against d6). Now . j: 25 .\te7 ? ! , then 25 ... iLe5 ! , when neither 26 'if'!: .\td4 nor 26 'tiif3 ..tg4 ! is satisfactory for Whit�
w
22...tDh7 ? ! A submissive move. Interesting w a s 22 . . . c x b-: 23 axb4 tDxe4 2 4 ..txe4 f5 25 iL d 3 f4 26 ..t x g c fxe3 2 7 fxe3 'iix c4. Another option is 22 . . . .ia-l-. with the idea of transferring the f6-knight to the struggle for the e5-square.
23 f4!
The key move. White's space advantage en ables him to spend some time preparing the winning breakthrough, which needs to happen on the kingside. The knight is going to f3 to cover e 5 , a square whose control will be criti cal for Black after the planned break. To reach this conclusion was really difficult from the starting position, but without a doubt the move cJt h l was already preparing this effective ma noeuvre. Less precise was 20 f4 tDxg5 (20 . . . exf4 2 1 iLxf4) 2 1 fxg5 tDh7 2 2 J:tf2 f6 23 gxf6 l:hf6 24 J:tefl (24 tDg l ) 24 . . . J:txf2 25 �xf2, and al though White keeps the advantage, the simpli fication has lessened it. 20 ...tDxg5 21 iLxg5 flie7 (D)
And here is the break White was carefully preparing, by controlling the critical blockad ing square e5 adequately. 23 exf4 24 ..txf4 1:tfe8 25 tDf3 (D) •••
White does not fear the backward e-pawn. given that he has control of the e5-square. The pressure on the f-file is very unpleasant for Black, and very difficult to meet.
25 Jibd8 26 'iif 2! .ie3?! ••
Black is trying to free his position, avoiding a long and hopeless defence, but he suffers a di saster.
27 J:te2 b5? This attempt to create counterplay is sui c idal. Taking the pawn by 27 ... cxb4 2 8 axb4 ..txb4 29 e5 iLc8 30 �g3 gives White a strong initiative.
22 iLe3 The very sound 22 f4 was perfectly feasible: 22 . . . tDh7 23 ..th4 exf4 24 'iVxf4 .ic3 (the bishop is trying to displace the rook from its good
28 bxc5 flixe5 29 ..te3 �xa3 30 �a2 �b3 31 tDd4 ..txd4 32 �xf7+ cJth8 33 iLxd4+ J:te5 34 �e7 �e8 35 'tiix d7 1-0 Option
A : 5 points
Option B: 2 points Option C: 0 points
SOLUTIONS
Let us see another game with a very similar idea, where the knight fights for control of the blockading square eS, taking the same route, g l -f3 :
1 53
19 tlJe2! 1l.e5 (D) 19 . . . 1l.xb2 20 J::i b l 1l.eS 2 1 J::i x b7 ±.
Zsu. Polgar - Chiburdanidze Sf Petersburg
wom
Ct ( 7) 1 995
1 d4 tlJf6 2 c4 g6 3 tlJc3 Ji.g7 4 e4 d6 5 f4 0-0 6 !Df3 tlJa6 7 Ji.d3 1l.g4 7 . "eS S fxeS dxeS 9 dS ;t. 8 0-0 tlJd7 S . . . eS 9 fxeS tlJd7 is another possibility. 9 1l.e3 e5 10 fxe5 c5 ! 1 0 . . . dxeS l i dS . 11 d5 I I exd6? cxd4 -+. 11. .. tlJxe5 12 1l.e2 tlJxf3+ Or: 1 2 . . . .ltxf3 1 3 gxf3 ! fS 14 f4 tlJf7 IS exfS gxfS 1 6 Wh l ;1;; 12 . . . .ltd7 1 3 'iVd2 tlJc7. 13 1l.xf3 Ji.xf3 14 'iVxf3 'iVe7 1 4 . . . tlJbS (intending . . . tlJd7-eS ) I S 1l.f4 ! ± . 15 Ji.f4 tlJc7 (D) Or: I S . . . �eS 1 6 �xeS 'iVxeS 1 7 'iVf6 ± ; I S . . .f S 1 6 'iVg3 J::i a dS 1 7 tlJ b S ±.
20 tlJgl ! Aiming again to seize control of the eS square, using a strategic manoeuvre that is al ready known to us. 20 ...a6?! 20 . . . bS. 21 tlJf3 1l.xf4 2 l . . .bS 22 tlJxeS fxeS 23 1l.h6 ! ± (23 .ltgS? J::i x fl + 24 J::i x fl J::i fS ) 22 'iVxf4 b5 23 b3 23 cxbS axbS . 23 .. J!tb8? 23 . . . bxc4 24 bxc4 J::ib S 2S J::ib l ;1;; 23 . . . b4 24 h4 tlJaS 2S hS tlJb6 and the knight will reach the critical square eS. 24 b4! cxb4 25 c5! J::ibd8 Maybe 2S . . . dxcS 26 d6 'iVd7 27 dxc7 labcS ;1; was better, trying to use the black pawn-mass on the queenside. 26 tlJd4 26 c6 ! ? was more sound. 26 ... dxc5 27 tlJc6 'i¥d7 28 tlJxd8 'iVxd8 29 lac1 ? ! 2 9 d6? ! tlJe6 intending . . . tlJd4 with counter play; but the natural 29 lad ! c4 30 d6 ± was better. 29 ... c4 30 d6 tlJe6 31 'iVd2 'iVd7? 3 l . . .c 3 ? ! 32 'iVdS 'iVd7 33 eS fxeS 34 laxfS+ 'it>xfS 3S lan + 'it>gS 36 'iVxeS ±. However, Black missed an opportunity to complicate the game by 3 1 . . . aS ! 32 'iVdS 'iVd7 33 J:H2 c:tJg7 with unclear play. =
w
=
16 'iVg3 J::i ad8 17 'it>hl ! 1 7 1l.gS 1l.d4+ ! I S 'it>h l f6 1 7 ...1l.d4! 17 . . . J::i feS IS Ji.gS ! f6 19 �f4 ±; the g7bishop is poor. 18 J::i a el f6 Not I S . . . J::i feS ? 1 9 eS ! Ji.xeS ( l 9 . . . dxeS 20 Ji. gS +-) 20 1l.xeS dxeS 2 1 tlJe4 +-; I S . . . tlJeS is also met by 19 eS ! . =.
.
1 54
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
32 'fHxb4 lZJg5 33 'fHc5 .l::!.eS 3 3 . . .lZJxe4? 34 'iYdS + +-. 34 �ce1! 34 �xf6 lZJxe4 3S 'iYdS+
lZJge2 lZJcs 1 0 j.,c2 c6 I I a3 (intending b4) l 1 . . .cxdS 1 2 cxdS j.,d7 1 3 b4 axb4 1 4 axb4 lZJa6 I S J:::ib 1 lZJhS 1 6 lZJa4 ! ;:!; attacking b6; 8 lZJf3 is another option. S ...lZJa6 9 lZJge2 h5 9 . . . c6 1 0 lZJg3 �d7 1 1 gS lZJe8 1 2 h4 lZJcS 1 3 hS a4 1 4 'iYd2 'ii'aS I S f3 a3 1 6 b3 lZJc7 1 7 J::te l ;:!; Kharlov-Glek, Bie1 1 997. 10 f3 lZJh7 Black must act speedily. 1O . . . lZJcS 1 1 'ii'd2 lZJh7 1 2 0-0-0 h4 1 3 J:i: g l ;:!; Shabalov-Kozul, Belgrade 1 98 8 . 1 1 'fHd2 'iYh4+ 1 1 . . . h4 1 2 J::t g l ! ? thwarting the manoeuvre . . . j.,f6-gS. 12 �f2 'iif6 13 j.,g2 h4 14 0-0 Now White is preparing the break on f4. Black cannot contemplate closing the kingside with . . . gS , since the queenside is in White 's hands. 14 'iie7 15 gae1 lZJc5 16 f4 1 6 il.e3 il.f6 intending . . . j.,gS exc �. anging the dark-squared bishop. 1 6 ... exf4 17 lZJxf4 lZJd7 This manoeuvre takes some time, even though the idea of blockading the critical square eS is logical. 1 7 . . . ge8 ! ? I S lZJd3 lZJe5 1 9 lZJxe5 il.xe5 (D) .•.
36 a4! Intending 37 axbS axbS 38 :a l . 36 ...lZJf7 37 axb5 axb5 3S 'iYc7! 'iYxc7 39 dxc7 gc6 39 .. Jite8 40 e6 lZJd6 41 gd l +-. 40 e6 l:xc7 40 . . . lZJd6 4 1 gd l . 41 e7 lZJd6 42 eS'ii'+ lZJxeS 43 l:txeS+
Let us now see another illustrative game of the fight for a blockading square. We must em phasize the dynamic character of these posi tions, where the advantage in space compensates for the weaknesses created.
Aleksandrov
-
EI Taher
New Delhi FIDE KO 2000 1 d4 lZJf6 2 c4 g6 3 lZJc3 j.g7 4 e4 d6 5 h3 0-0 6 j.,e3 e5 7 d5 as Intending . . . lZJa6 - a logical plan, though it takes time. 7 . . . lZJa6 at once is another possibility. S g4 A prophylactic move. White is fi ghting against the thematic break on fS . 8 j.,d3 lZJa6 9
20 lZJb5 20 'iYh6 gS. 20 ... a4? ! 20 . . . J:!.e8 2 1 ibd4. 21 lZJd4 2 1 ge l ; 2 1 il.d4.
SOLUTIONS
21 ....1l.d7 22 tL'lf3 .1l.f6 23 �d4 23 'li'b4 ! ? intending c5 deserved attention. 23 . . . l::tfe8 (23 . . . b6? 24 e5 ! was the other threat) 24 c5 ;1;. 23... .1l.xd4+ 24 'li'xd4 lIae8 25 e5! Finally White has achieved his goal: the breakthrough on e5. 25 ...tL'lg5 26 tL'lxg5 'li'xg5 27 exd6 cxd6 28 l::t xe8 .1l.xe8 29 'li'f4 29 l::t f6 was also tempting. 29 ... 'Ii'xf4 30 l::t xf4 f6 (D)
31 l::te4 In spite of the advantage, White has to over come some technical problems in order to win the game. 31...�d7 32 l::t e7 l::t d8 33 �e4 33 'litf2 'litf8 34 l::t h 7 g5. 33... l::te8 34 l::tx d7 l::txe4 35 l::t xd6 l::txc4 36 l::txf6 l::t c 1+ 37 'litg2 l::t c2+ 38 l::t f2 l::t c5 39 l::td2 'litf7 40 'It>f3 lIc4 41 d6 'lite8 42 J:1:.e2+? ! This lets the black king become active. 42 d7+ is better. Anyway, rook endings alway s of fer drawing chances to the defending side. 42 ... 'litd7 43 lIe7+ �xd6 44 l::t xb7 a3! 45 l::t b6+ 'liteS 46 gb5+ <;!;>e6 47 l::t b3 axb2 48 J:l:.xb2 l::t a4 49 l::t b 3 �ha2 50 'litf4 l::t a5 5 1 l::t b7 g5+ 52 �e4 1/2 _ 1/2
155
With this move (Option C; 5 points) White reduces the activity of the black pieces, wins the blockading square e4 and starts an attack against the black king. 1 0 tL'lg5 ! ? (Option A) is another good possi bility, creatilig the threat of a j ump to e6 (4 points). After 1O . . .tL'lf6 there would follow I I �g4 ! , the key move to get the four points. 1 0 0-0 (Option B ) is possible but fails to take advantage of the very good prospects offered by the given position (0 points). 10 ...�d7 11 tL'lg5 This knight is manoeuvring in order to block ade on the e4-square - thereby neutralizing Black' s fianchettoed bishop - while leaving the other knight on c3. In a few moves, and thanks to g4, which limits the activity of the light-squared bishop, Black will begin to suf fer problems with his development and pas sive pieces. 1 1...tL'la6 12 �e3 'li'e7 13 tL'lge4 tL'lc5 What else to do? 14 �xc5 ! The exchange of this bishop is necessary, and despite its bad appearance, does not give the op ponent any counterplay on the dark squares. The power of the blockading knight is such that the weakening of the dark squares is not important. Besides, we should keep in mind that Black's dark-squared bishop is unlikely to come into play. 14 ... dxc5 (D)
Test 58 [Level 2] Theme: Blockade of the Central Square e4 15 h4 tL'lf6 16 f3 tL'lxe4 17 ttlxe4 l::tf4 18 'li'b3 10 g4!
b6
1 56
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
In case of l S . . . ..txg4 White must play not 1 9 fxg4? l::t xe4 2 0 "ifx b7 "ifdS 2 1 d 6 c 6 22 l::t d 1 (22 "ifxc6 "t'iaS+ -+) 22 . . :�aS+ =t, but 1 9 "iYxb7 ! , winning. 19 "iVd3 .b!.af8 20 0-0-0 h6 2 1 .tt d gl ..te8 22 "t'ia3 Now follows a manoeuvring phase where White first weakens - and fixes - Black's queen side and then aims at the real target: g6. 22 ... a5 23 "iVd3 �h8 24 l:tdl i.d7 25 lidgl ..te8 26 l:ig3 il.. f7 ( D)
positional disadvantage by means of tactic skir mishes and lost almost without fight. White became too strong on the blockading square e4.
Veingold - Kasparov USSR Spartakiad (Moscow) 1 9 79 1 d4 lLlf6 2 lLlf3 g6 3 e4 �g7 4 lLle3 d6 5 e4 0-0 6 il.e2 e5 7 d5 as 8 �g5 h6 9 .lth4 lLla6 10 0·0 'iWe8 ll lLld2 lLlh7 12 a3 f5? A wrong idea. Better is l 2 . . . .ltd7. 13 exf5 i.xf5 (D)
w w
27 �dl J:!.d8 28 i.a4 ..tg8 29 'iWe3 �h7 30 i.e2 �g8 31 �bl l:.df8 32 .ltd3 �h8 33 lLle3 White is threatening hS and after the ex change of bishops, he will get a favourable situ ation with a good knight against a bad bishop. 33 ...e4 34 .be4 il.d4 35 "ifd3 'iWe5 36 g5 ! ? l:!.xh4 3 7 �xh4 'iWxg3 3 8 J:!.xh6 'li'xg5 3 9 %:ihl �g7 40 lLle2! "iVe3 40 . . . il..e 5 4 1 f4 ..txf4 42 'iWh3 +-. 41 lLlxd4 "iVxd3+ 42 i.xd3 exd4 43 �e4 �f7 44 'it'e2 'it>f6 45 �d3 �e5 46 f4+ 'it>f6 47 �xd4 lie7 48 J:tgl �g7 49 e5 bxe5+ 50 �xe5 l::t e7 51 �d4 J:'i.f7 52 J:.c1 �g7 53 J:'i.e6 a4 54 e5 1-0 Option A: 4 points Option B: 0 points Option C : 5 points
14 g4! �d7 15 lLlde4 a4 "White keeps a lasting initiative and, bar ring a mistake , he will be able to dictate his conditions. Black's position, though passive, i s sound, and with precise defence he could get a draw" - Botvinnik. 16 f3 b6 17 i.d3 �f6 18 lLlxf6+! lLlxf6 19 "iVd2 lLle5 20 �e2 �g7? 20 . . . g5 ! . 21 l:.ae1 lLlb3 22 �d3 22 il.. x b3 ! axb3 23 f4 ! . 22 ... g5 23 il.. g3 lLle5 24 "iVd2 "iff7 2 5 h4 lLlh7 26 i.xh7 gxh4 27 il.. xe5+ dxe5 28 .libl "iVf4 29 "t'ixf4 lhf4 30 l:txe5 gaf8 31 l:te7+ l:i:8f7? 3 l . . .�gS ! 32 l:.xf7 + 'it'xf7 33 lLle4? 33 i.e4 ! . 3 3... lLlb3? 3 4 'it>f2 .lixg4 3 5 �e3 l:tf5 36 !if2 i.h5 37 lLld6+ exd6 38 .lixf5 f6 39 .lie2 lLle5 40 l!h2 'it'g5 41 i.dl l-0 =.
We shall see now a curious game by the best chess-player in history, Garry Kasparov, when he was 16 years old and his great skill was al ready becoming known in the Soviet Union. However, he was unable to escape a huge
SOLUTiONS
Test 59 [Level 3] Theme: Strong Outpost for the Knight 22 exf5! This is Option B. White releases the tension in the centre in order to occupy the e4-square with his knight. 22 .lte3 (Option A) is inconsistent with the previous play. After 22 . . . �xe3 23 'iYxe3 f4 Black will be able to carry out his thematic at tacking plan, trying to push his g-pawn to g4. Only 1 point if you chose this plan, even though the white g l -bishop is not performing a con crete task just now. On the other hand, 22 lZ:Ja2? (Option C) is clearly bad - a passive move which only pre vents the activity of the black pieces on the queens ide temporarily. 0 points for this un happy choice. 22 gxf5 22 . . . J::!. x f5 ± would not fight for the g4square. 23 g4! Only in this way do you score the 5 points. ' This is the key move. 23 ...fxg4 (D) •.•
157
24 . . . gxf3 25 J::t xf3 .ltf4 26 J::!. b 7 with a power ful attack.
25 J::!.b 7 lZ:Jc7 26 fxg4 lZ:Je8 27 g5 (D) Preventing the transfer of the knight to f6 and the activation of the queen (to h4). If 27 �e3, then 27 . . . 'iVc8 ! .
B
27 :�c8 28 J::!. e7 'iYh3 28 . . . 'iYd8 29 J::!.e 6. 29 J::!. f3 'iYg4 30 'iYd3 Threatening lZ:Jxd6 and J::!. h 3. 30 .ltx h2 3 1 J::!. xf8+ xfS 32 J::!. xe8+ J::!.xe8 33 .ltxh2 J::!.e 7 34 lZ:Jxd6 'iYxg5 35 'iYn + g8 36 lZ:Je4 (D) 36 'iYg l was very strong too. .•
.•.
w B
24 lZ:Je4 Trying to keep control over the b-fiJe, thus gaining access to b7. 24 fxg4 J::!. x fl (24 . . . J::!.b 8) 25 J::!.x fl J::!. b 8 26 lZ:Je4 lZ:Jc7 27 Irf5 �e7 28 �d2 ± is less decisive than the game continuation. 24 �f4 •..
36 'iYh4 37 �e2 l:tg7 38 d6 The d-pawn decides the game. 38 Jli'h6 39 �dl? Better was at once 39 'iYfI J::!. f 7 40 'iYg2+ J::!. g7 4 1 d7, transposing to the game. •••
••
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
158
39 'ilVh4? ••.
39 .. :iVh3 40 'ilVdS + <Jtf8 4 1 .:tJd2 slightly fa vours White, but Black has good drawing chances.
40 'ilYe2 White backtracks, since if 40 'li'dS+ then 40 . . . <Jtf8 . 40 .:tJxcS was another possibility. 40 ...'ilYh6 41 'ilVn J:[f7 4 1 . . .fie3 42 .:tJf6+ Wh8 43 d7 'ii'd4 44 .li.xeS 'ii' h4+ 4S �h2 'ilVd4 46 'ii"e 1 +-.
42 'li'g2+ WfS 42 . . . 1:!.g7 43 d7 'ilVc 1 + 44 �g l 'iWh6+ 4S 'ii'h 2 'ii" b 6 46 'i!ih4.
43 .:tJgS 'i!ixd6 43 . . . l:td7 44 'YIif3+ Wg7 4S 'tWg3 'iYxd6 46 .:tJe4+ fig6 47 Viix eS+ ±.
44 'ii'aS+
IS b4 (Option C) was played in Botvinnik Tal, Moscow Wch ( 1 0) 1 960: IS . . . .:tJcd7 16 h3 .li.f3 (now this bishop is not precarious on the f-file since the d7-knight is defending f6) 1 7 l:th2 'ik'b6 ! (much better than 1 7 . . . aS ? 1 8 bS 'YIib6 19 'YIif2 'i!ixf2+ 20 '!:!'xf2 �hS 2 1 b6 ! ± ; with this advance White gets new prospects for his pieces) 1 8 l1f2 �hS with advantage. If you understood that the defence of f6 reduced the effectiveness of the attack, you get S points for the choice I S h3. Instead, I S b4 only gets 1 point, and just because it is a logical move. Option A , IS 'ilVg2?, is worst, because it lets Black take the initiative on the queenside, which is now somewhat unprotected. After ls .. :ili'as followed by . . . I!.ac8 and . . . .:tJa4 (or even the la tent possibility of . . . 'i\'b4) Black gets the advan tage. 0 points for this careless move.
B w
lS ... ..td7 4S .li.xeS+! ! 'YIixeS 46 'i\'hS+ WxhS 47 ltJxf7+ 1-0 Option A: 1 point Option B: S points Option C: 0 points
lS . . . ..tf3 looks dubious since after 16 J::ig 1 the black pieces are having problems o n the f file. If we go a little deeper, a tactical detail will appear: l6 . . ..:tJcxe4 17 .:tJgxe4 .:tJxe4 18 .:tJxe4 f6 19 i.xf6 il.. xf6 20 lhg6+ .li.g7 2 1 'figS 'i\'xgS 22 .:tJxgS e4 This was Black's best and most active defence. =.
Test 60 [Level 3]
16 h4! 16 b4 .:tJa4.
Theme: Accuracy i n the Attack
IS h3! (D) This is Option B. It is a good idea to expel the bishop. The advance h4-hS looks more dan gerous in that case.
16 .. J'Has The beginning of a curious manoeuvre with the queen in order to slow down White ' s attack. If 1 6 . . .�g4, then 1 7 hS gxhS 1 8 ..te2 'ii'd 7 1 9 ii.xf6 �xf6 2 0 .:tJxhS with a strong attack.
17 J:!.bl
SOLUTIONS
17 h5 'Llb3 .
1 9 h6 ! ? keeps the initiative.
17...\i'b4 18 h5 (D)
19 ... 'Llg4 20 l:1dl 'iib4 21 a3 'iib 6 (D)
18 ...\i'd4
22 'Llf5?!
Black can challenge White to prove his case by 1 8 . . . 'Llxh5 ! ? (D). Then:
159
A vigorous attempt to punish Black's loss of time. If 22 h6, then 22 . . . .\tf6.
22... gxf5 23 h6 'Llxe4 23 . . . .\th8 24 h7+ Wg7 gives White more chances: 25 exf5 .\txf5 26 .\th6+ Wf6 and now 27 l:1h5 ! ? looks better than 27 b4? 'Lld7 (or 27 . . .We7 ! ?) 28 1:rh5 'IDIf2+ ! ?
24 'Llxe4 fxe4 2 5 hxg7? 25 .\te2 f6 (25 . . . f5 ? 26 hxg7 Wxg7 27 .\txg4 fxg4 28 'iih 2 1:rh8 29 .\th6+ +-) 26 iLc I �f2+ 27 'iixf2 'Llxf2 28 1:rgl is less clear.
25 ...Wxg7 26 iLh6+ Wg6? Black should play 26 . . . Wf6 ! , when White is in deep trouble.
27 .1i.e2 f5 28 .1i.xg4 fxg4 (D)
a) 1 9 a3 �d4 20 'Llxh5 gxh5 21 l:1xh5 f5 . b) 1 9 'Llxh5 'Llxe4 ! and now the spectacular 20 .\tg2 ! ? does not work: 20 . . . 'Llxg5 (20 . . .'Llxd2? 21 'Llf6+ +-) 21 'iix g5 gxh5 22 'iix h5 l:1fc8, de fending. c) Very probably the exchange sacrifice 1 9 :'xh5 is critical. 1 9 . . . gxh5 and then: c l ) 20 'iig 2 ? ! f6 21 .\td2 .\tg4 22 .\te2 and Whi te 's hopes of settling an almighty knight on f5 are dashed by 22 . . . f5 ! , with murky prospects.
c2) 20 .\th6 ! ? f6 2 1 .\txg7 (2 1 'Llxh5 'Llxe4 21 'iig 2 'Llg5 ! ) 2 l . . .Wxg7 22 'Llxh5+ gives
White attacking prospects.
19 \i'g2?!
29 \i'h2! l:1f5 30 'ii h 4??
1 60
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
In time-trouble, White misses a win and loses instead. 30 il.f4 ! 'it>f7 3 1 "iVh7+ �eS 32 li'g6+ �dS 33 J:!.hS+ �c7 34 l:!.c 1 +. 30 l:!.g8 31 oltg5 J:h8 32 �h6 'it>f7 33 J:tfl "iVe3+ 0-1 Option A : 0 points Option B: S points Option C: I point ..•
piece at present: 16 . . . ttJec7 ! 1 7 ttJge2 ttJa8 with counterplay. Instead, after 16 . . . fxe4 17 fxe4 iLg4 IS iLe2 �d7 19 oltxg4 �xg4 20 �e2 :t White is able to guard the light squares. 17 ttJge2 17 il.xa7 was possible right now. 17 ... fxe4 18 fxe4 ttJec7 (D)
Test 6 1 [Level 4] Themes: Reducing the Activity of the Oppo nent 's Pieces; Prophylaxis and Better Pawn Structure 14 h4! Option C; S poi nts. Weighing up the pros and the cons, we conclude that White must play this move in order to freeze Black's king side and his possible activity on that side of the board, where a move like . . . �h4 is always worthy of attention. The black pieces (the g7bishop, the e8-knight) remain inactive. This humble move shows the importance of the pawn-structure in the activity of the minor pieces and i s automatic i f we are acquainted with the subtleties of the complex world of the King ' s Indian. 14 iLxa6 (Option B; 0 points) 1 4 ... bxa6 I S ttJge2 fS 1 6 0-0 gives Black a lot o f play against the weakened kingside. For instance, after 16 . . . hS ( l 6 ... li'h4 17 �g2 and the black queen stays exposed; 16 ... fxg4 ! ? 17 fxg4 Mxfl + I S :xfl hS) White is going to miss his light squared bishop and the control of those squares. Option A, 14 �d3 ( l point), lets Black carry out the typical break, and is extremely risky despite achieving the exchange of the light-squared bishops. After 14 . . .fS I S gxfS gxfS 16 exfS �xfS Black presses strongly against f3 , and threatens . . . �h4+. 14 ...f5 15 g5 1;:tc8 IS . . . ttJec7 was possible at once: 16 iLd3 �e8. The move I S . . . f4 is worse : 16 iLf2 h6 1 7 gxh6 �xh6 1 8 h S g S 1 9 iL.h3. 16 iLd3 �e7? An optimistic idea. It is better to start the ma noeuvre to revive the e8-knight - a hopeless
1 9 0-0-0?! After 19 il.xa7 ! it is hard for Black to prove compensation. 19 . . . iLg4 is an interesting try : 20 0-0-0 ttJxdS 2 1 exdS e4 22 �c2 Mc4 23 �b3 iLxe2 ! 24 iLxc4 il.xd l with complicated play, because Black regains the piece. 19 . . . 'YWf7 ! ? also looks promising, with the idea of 20 O-O-O?! ttJbS 21 iLxbS oltxbS with compensation. 19 ...ttJb5 20 iLxb5 20 <;t>b2 ttJd4 21 iLxa6 ttJf3 . 20 ... iLxb5 Black has got almost everything he could hope for in exchange for a pawn. His domina tion of the light squares is clear. 21 'it>b2 iLd7 22 iLxa7 iLg4 A logical place for the bishop, exerting pres sure against White 's kingside pieces and the centre. 22 . . . b6 ! ? was an interesting way to open another front. 23 :tel ? b6! 24 iLxb6 �b7 25 iLa5 �f2 (D) 26 l:!.c2 ttJc5! ? Not 2 6. . J'hc 3 ? 2 7 �xc3 Mxe2 with a slight advantage for White. 27 .i;'!.hel Ma8 28 �a2 :xa5 29 bxc5 �a6 29 .. Jhcs was a good possibility, maintain ing all the threats.
SOLUTIONS
30 e6 l::ixa3+ 31 �b2 l::i a5? ! 3 1 . . . �xe2 ! was preferable, o r even better 3 l . . .l::i x e2 ! 32 tUxe2 l::i a 2+ -+.
32 l::i b 1 l::i e5 32 . . . �xe2.
33 �el? 'liVa3+ 34 �d l l::in + 35 'liVe1 Mxel+ 36 Wxe1 �xe2 0-1
A : I point Option B: 0 points Option
Option C : 5 points
In the following game we can see a curious strategic mistake made by the 'virtuoso' on this matter. The structure is reminiscent of the game we have j ust examined.
1 61
27 gn 'iVxe3 28 Jl.xe3 tUf8 29 gel l::i x el + 30 �xel Wf7 31 We2 tUd7 32 �e3 as 33 ClJf2 �f3 34 a4! bxa4 35 We4 The white king penetrates the queenside be fore the black pieces can organize resistance.
35 ...�e7 36 Wb5 White has a huge advantage, although the game ended in a draw.
Test 62 [Level 4] Theme: Creating an Isolated Pawn to Maximize the Power of Our Pieces
16 g4! !
Polugaevsky - Petrosian USSR Ch (Tbilisi) 1 959 1 d4 tUf6 2 e4 g6 3 tUe3 �g7 4 e4 d6 5 f3 0-0 6 �e3 e5 7 d5 e6 8 'liVd2 exd5 9 exd5 a6 10 g4 :::.:Jbd7 1 1 tUge2 h5 12 g5 tUh7 13 h4 b5 14 :Jg3 tUb6 15 �d3 Jl.d7 16 0-0-0 l::i e8 17 �b1 :::.:J e4 18 Jl.xe4 l:l:xe4 19 tUee2 'liVe7 20 l::i e l l::ife8 1 1 l::i xe4 Mxe4 22 tUel (D) 22 ...f5? 22 . . . f6 23 tUd3 fxg5 24 hxg5 would produce least a favourable pawn-structure on the king ,ide. Now Black's kingside is frozen, with the h 7 -knight needing several moves to enter the game, and a virtually dead bishop at g7. at
23 �b6 iff7 24 tUd3 fxe4 25 fxe4 'liVf3 26 �e3 Jl.g4 The light-squared bishop can hardly com ?ensate for the inactivity of the other bishop.
Option A gets 5 points. From the point of view of keeping the initiative, this move occu pies first place in the preferences. The idea be hind this move is to activate the light-squared bishop, since right now it clashes with his own pawns and hits a ' wall ' at f5 - the main target of White ' s break. Black cannot ignore this pawn advance, because after g5 his minor pieces would be severely restricted - without any prospects - and White would have more space to manoeuvre, finally penetrating via the e-file with his rooks. After 16 .. .fxg4 Black's control of the e4-square disappears and Black would be unable to play the planned exchange of knights on e4 after . . . tUf6 and . . . l::i e S, thus giving his fianchettoed bishop some prospects. In short, this is an ideal solution to White ' s problems. giving h i s light-squared bishop free dom to play.
1 62
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
1 6 �h l (Option B) is logical because the white king is always a tactical target on gl - for instance after .. J�.e8 attacking e3. The game Gustafsson-Romero, Kallithea ECC 2002 con tinued 16 ... tiJf6 1 7 .if3 �e8 1 8 �fe l l/z_ lh. In this situation, the control of the e-file is not dif ficult for Black to meet. Only 1 point for this choice. 16 a3 (Option C), attempting the thematic break b4, is not useful in this position. Further more, Black is going to seize control of the e file with the rook on e8 (White should meet the tactical threats) and if possible, carry out the manoeuvre . . . tiJf6-e4 under good conditions. 0 points.
16 ... �e8! 17 �f2 fxg4 1 7 . . . �xc3 is a typical solution when White has inadequate control of e4, but here this does not seem to be the case because of the strong pressure White is exerting against f5 : 1 8 bxc3 ( 1 8 �xc3 tiJf6) 18 . . .tiJf6 19 gxf5 tiJe4 20 �c2 gxf5 21 �d3 'i¥f6 22 �ce l tiJh6 23 �xe4 fxe4 24 �h l 'i¥f5 25 �g l + �h8 26 �h4 (D) t and the dark-squared bishop is strong.
B
The white pieces are very active, although Black gets some practical counterplay with the threat of . . . b5 and in fact might transfer the rook from a8 to the kingside by way of a7, defending the second rank. In this game each player had 45 minutes for the whole game and Black - who did not record any more moves on the scoresheet - is unable to remember the follow-up exactly. The game ended in Black' s favour since the Polish WGM exceeded the laws of logic . Option A: 5 points Option B: 1 point Option C : 0 points In another of my games you can find an ex ample where White gladly accepts a position with a structural weakness:
Yudasin
-
Romero
Madrid 1 992
1 d4 tiJf6 2 c4 g6 3 tiJc3 �g7 4 e4 d6 5 tiJf3 0-0 6 �e2 �g4 7 �e3 tiJfd7 8 tiJgl �xe2 9 tiJgxe2 c5 10 0-0 eS! '? 18 .ixg4 tiJh6 19 �e6+ 1 9 �h3 is met by 1 9 . . . tiJf5 20 l:.ce l (20 �xf5 gxf5) 20 . . . tiJd4.
19 ... �h8 20 tiJe4 tiJf8 21 tiJgS 'i'f6 Black needs to cover the e6-square ade quately. If 2 l . ..'i¥b6, then 22 �ce l 'S.e7 23 �e2.
22 .l!1.cel a6! ? (D) Black has enough counterplay to render the game unclear. Other moves are very slightly in White's favour.
This was a new move. 1 0 . . . cxd4 I I tiJxd4 i s slightly better for White.
11 d5 fS 12 f4 tiJa6 13 Whl fxe4 14 tiJxe4 'i¥e7 15 tiJ2c3 �h6? A somewhat unnatural move, but useful to press against f4. Better is 15 . . .exf4 1 6 �xf4 tiJe5 t.
16 g3! exf4 17 �xf4 �xf4 18 gxf4 (D) In return for the isolated pawn, White at tempts to use his lead in development and the
SOLUTIONS
1 63
Again 1 7 Wid2 was sounder. The text-move weakens the light squares, which is easy to see after Black's thematic break with . . . f5 .
B
17 ... f6 IS �e3 f5 19 Itc1 If 19 'iVd2, then 19 ... fxe4 20 fxe4 �g4 2 1 �e2 Wid7 2 2 0-0-0 ItfcS+ 23 '>t>b1 �xe2 24 Wixe2 Itc4 ! and Black is attacking the weak nesses in White's camp first.
19 ...WieS 20 Itc7 ctJf6 21 "iVd2 fxe4 22 fxe4 � h3 (D)
weakness of the e6-square. The e4-knight is a decisi ve piece.
IS . ./t'lc7 19 1/lNd2 tLlf6 20 Itae1 ctJxe4 I/lNd7 22 f5! ItaeS
+-
ctJxe4 21
Or: 22 . . . Itxf5 23 ctJf6+ +-; 22 . . . gxf5 23 Itg l + Wf7 24 ctJg5+ +-.
23 I/lNc3 I/lNdS 24 fxg6 Itxe4 24 .. .l:hfl + 25 .:s.xfl .:s.xe4 26 gxh7+ '>t>xh7 27 Itf7+ Wg6 2S I/lNg7+ '>t>h5 29 Itf5+ Wh4 30 I/lNg3#.
25 gxh7+ '>t>xh7 26 Wih3+ 1-0 After 26 . . . Wg7 27 gg l + mate is forced.
Test 63 [Level 3] Themes: Prophylaxis: Restricting the Thematic Counterplay; Playing on Both Flanks
16 ctJb4?! An inaccuracy, missing the opponent's coun terplay - White is neglecting the kingside. Therefore this logical move (Option C) gets onl y 2 points. 16 g4 ! ;j; (Option A) was necessary, prevent ing .. .'�'lh5 and opposing the break . . . f5 . This prophylactic idea scores 5 points. In this way, both flanks would be controlled and White could restart actions against the c6-square, with good prospects. 1 6 0-0 (Option B), with the idea of the ad vance f4, is not feasible. After 1 6 . . . ctJh5 or first 1 6 . . . h6, White does nOl achieve his main goaL Therefore, 0 points for this choice.
16 ... ctJh5 17 g3? !
Black has counterplay on the weakened light squares.
23 �g5 Itf7 24 i.. xf6 Necessary in order to avoid a possible jump of this knight to g4.
24 ... Itxf6 25 �n i.. g4 26 i..e2 i.. h3 27 i.. n �g4 2S �g2 After all, White is playing for a win. He has achieved his strategic aims on the queenside, with a disturbing rook sweeping the seventh rank, but Black has some counterplay on the kingside. For this reason, White will attempt to exchange as many pieces as possible.
28 .. :!lVf8 29 h3 If 29 Itfl , then 29 . . . Itxfl + 30 i.. x fl Wif3 ! 3 1 Wid3 Wih 1 3 2 Itxe7 ItfS 3 3 ctJd2 Wig l ! winning.
29 ... �h6 30 Wid3 (D) 30... �c8? A mistake in a position where precise calcu lation was required: 30 . . . Itf2 3 1 Itfl Itxg2 ! ! 32 ItxfS+ ItxfS 33 hxg4 Itg 1 + 34 We2 Itgfl 35 Wic2 ! Now White achieves one of his aims: to calm the position down. =.
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
1 64
Gelfand - Romero Wijk aan Zee 1 992
1 d4 ttJf6 2 c4 g6 3 ttJc3 iLg7 4 e4 d6 5 ttJf3 0-0 6 iLe2 ttJbd7 7 0-0 e5 8 il..e 3 c6 9 d5 c5 10 ttJe1 ttJe8 11 g4! ? (D)
31 ll.f1 !:!'xf1+ 32 �xf1 iid8? 32 . . . �e3.
33 �c3! i.g7 34 1if2 h5 35 �b6 'iix b6 36 axb6 :b8 36 . . . aS 37 ttJxaS IhaS 38 .:!:!.xcS+! and the b pawn promotes.
37 ll.c7 iLf8 38 ttJa5 (D) 1 1 f5 •..
1 l . ..�h4 1 2 'it>h l WhS 1 3 :gl �e7 1 4 a3 with advantage to White in Gelfand-Ivanchuk, USSR U- 1 8 Cht (Kramatorsk) 1 989.
12 gxfS gxfS 13 exfS ttJb6 (D)
w
38 �xb6 39 ttJbc6 ttJxc6 40 ttJxc6 1 0 After 40 . . . �b7 4 1 ttJaS .1i.aS 42 litc8 �b7 43 :bS the bishop is lost. Option A : S points Option B: 0 points Option C : 2 points ••.
-
This kind of prophylactic move is usual in the King's Indian, to prevent Black's counter play based on . . . fS , or likewise for using the open lines on this flank. Let us see a set-up which was successfully used by Gelfand and Kramnik:
14 'it>h1 ! ? This line is in White's favour since h e has a simple and effective plan to pursue his initiative on the kingside. It is based on the activity of the rooks along the g-file, control of the e4-square and the manoeuvre ttJf3-gS . The move is in agreement with the essence of the position, with the idea of an immediate Itg l .
SOLUTIONS
14 1i.xf5 15 J::ig l ctJf6 .••
1 5 . . . WhS is another idea, while 1 5 . . . e4 ! ? has the point 16 ctJg2 1i.xc3 17 bxc3 Wh8 with un clear play. but 16 'iYd2 is a better answer.
16 ctJf3! ctJg4!? 1 6 . . . ctJe4 1 7 ctJxe4 �xe4 18 �h6 J::i f 7 looks unclear. but after 19 �xg7 J::i x g7 20 J::i x g7+ Wxg7 21 1i.d3 ! 'llih4 22 'ilHe2 �xd3 23 'ilHxd3 'ilHh5 24 ctJg5 ! White has a strong attack. 17 ctJg5 ! ctJxe3 IS fxe3 (D)
B
1 65
The same plan used by Gelfand: White bases his play on the g-file and the e4-square.
15 ...'ilHe7 1 5 . . . 'ilHd7 was played in San Segundo-Kozul, Ohrid Ech 200 1 : 1 6 Wh l ctJf6 1 7 f3 ! ? (with the idea of seizing control of the key e4-square, preventing the advance . . . e4; also possible is 1 7 J:tg l ± ) 1 7 . . . ctJh5 I S J::i g l li'h8 1 9 �d3 ! (an im portant exchange of bishops to press against the weak light squares in Black's camp) 19 . . . 1i.xd3 20 'ilHxd3 'ilHf5 2 1 �xf5 J::ixf5 22 b3. Despite the exchange of queens, White keeps a big advan tage. The d6-pawn is weak, and the g5-knight is going to e6.
16 1i'hl ctJf6 17 J::i g l Ii'hS 1 7 . . . e4 ! ? (Knaak).
18 'ilHd2 (D) 18 J::i g 3 ! ? intending 'ilHg l , 'ilHg2 and J::ig l .
B
I S ... e4? ! 1 8. ..Wh8 ! ? 1 9 e4 �g6 ! 20 ctJe6 'ilHh4 2 1 J::i g4 'ilHh3 22 CUxf8 J::i x f8 gives Black counterplay against the weak pawns on e4 and c4.
19 ctJe6! �xe6 20 dxe6 'ilHe7 2 1 ctJxe4 ± 'ilHxe6 22 �d3 Wh8 23 J::i g3 ctJd7 23 . . . �e5 24 ctJg5 'ilHh6 25 J:th3 ! 'ilHxg5 26 J::i x h7+ Wg8 27 'i'c2 +-.
24 ctJg5 'ilHh6 25 4Jxh7 J::if2 25 . . . 1i.e5 26 ctJxf8 �xg3 (26 .. .l:hf8 27 J:tg2 ctJf6 28 "iVf3 ±) 27 ctJg6+ Wg7 28 'ilHgl +-.
1 8...�g6 19 J::iafl ctJh5 20 ctJe6 J::if7 21 b3! ctJd7? 2 1 . . .ctJf4 was the only move.
26 'ilHgl ctJe5 27 1i.e4 J::i afS
22 �d3
27 . . . J::i x b2 28 ctJg5 +-.
23 . . . J::if6 24 ctJce4 J::i f5 ±.
2S ctJxfS +28 ctJg5 ! ?
2 8... J::i xf8 2 9 'ilHg2 �f6 3 0 J::ig l l -0
+-
ctJfS 23 ctJg5 �xd3
24 'ilHxd3 J::if6 25 'ilHe2 ctJf4 26 �xf4 �xf4 27 'ilHh5 h6 2S 'ilHh3 J::i e S 29 J::i g3 WgS 30 ctJge4 Ii'h7 31 J::i fgl .if6 32 ctJe2 1-0 32 ... J::i xe4 3 3 'ilHf5+ Ii'hS 34 J::i g S#.
In a later game Kramnik successfully devi ated on move 1 4 :
Kramnik - Knaak Dortmund 1 992
14 ctJf3 ! ? �xf5 15 ctJg5
As a final example, in one of the classical systems against the King's Indian, White antic ipates Black's plans on the kingside, making prophylactic moves on this side of the board and intending later to break through on the queenside. It runs as follows: 1 d4 ctJf6 2 c4 g6
166
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
3 lLlc3 .tg7 4 e4 d6 5 .ltl.e2 0-0 6 lLlf3 e5 7 0-0 lLlc6 8 d5 lLle7 9 lLle l lLld7 10 lLld3 f5 I I .td2 lLlf6 12 f3 f4 13 g4 g5 14 .ltl.e l h5 15 h3 lLlg6 1 6 c 5 :f7 1 7 b4 .ltl.f8 1 8 .ltl.f2 .i.e7 1 9 'itg2 .li:th7 20 J:th l ;t.
Test 64 [Level 4] Themes: Exploiting Weaknesses; Changes in the Pawn-Structure
18... .ltl.f4! (D) Option B is awarded 5 points. Black provokes the weakening of White's kingside pawns so as to exploit these new weaknesses later. In short, the time lost is well invested. Other moves are less effective. 1 8 . . . �g5 (Op tion A) 1 9 lLle3 ! and if 19 . . . f4, then 20 lLlg4 and Black must go back. 0 points. In reply to 18 ... lLlc7 (Option C) there fol lows the planned 1 9 lLle3 ( 1 9 bxc5 dxc5) and 1 9 . . . cxb4 20 axb4 a5 does not work: 2 1 exf5 .1l.xe3 22 il.xe3 .i.xf5 23 lLle4. 2 points for this choice, which is very logical anyway. Option D, 1 8 . . . lLlg5, with pressure against e4, is met by 19 h4 ! , a useful weakening for White, since it controls the key g5-square. 0 points for this choice.
lLlf5 22 lLlxf4 exf4 is unclear) is very desir able. This was the right continuation, pressing against f5 and keeping e4 safe. On the other hand, 19 lLle3 is met by 19 .. :iYg5 20 lLlcd I .i.xe3 2 1 lLlxe3 f4 22 h4 "Wie7 23 lLld l lLlc7 with the idea of moving to e8-g7-h5 , and then to g3.
19 ... .th6 Threatening . . . lLlg5 (hitting f3 and h3), so White 's next move is virtually forced.
20 h4 If 20 lLle3, then 20 . . . f4 2 1 lLlg2 .th3 ! with the advantage.
2o... lLlc7 21 g4? ! This move is too ambitious and weakening. 21 il.d3 followed by lLlh2 was suggested by Polugaevsky.
21...fxg4! 22 fxg4 il.f4! Karpov had underestimated this idea, since he felt that this bishop would not be secure on f4.
23 lLle3 lLle8 24 lLlcdl !? A typical regrouping. The advance g5 could be a threat in the future, followed by lLlg4 and lLlde3 . 24 lLlg2 lLlf6 with counterplay ; 24 h5 g5 is unclear.
24 ... h6! 25 h5 g5 � (D) The bishop is the only piece settled on the fifth rank, and if well protected is without doubt a powerful piece.
w w
26 l1.g1 lLlf6 27 J;[g2 19 g3 White is unduly weakening his kingside, probably overestimating the solidity of his po sition. 19 h4 ! ? is an interesting idea, while 1 9 il.d3 lLlh6 2 0 lLlg3 ;t (20 lLle2 ? ! fxe4 2 1 i.xe4
Before securing his king, White firmly de fends g4. 27 lLlfl ! ?
27 ...illfc 8! Thus the e3-knight cannot recycle itself via fl .
SOL UTIONS
2s '>t>n (D)
167
33 ... axb4 34 J::!. xb4 lZlcS! (D) 34 . . . lZlxd5 35 .i::ib 5 .i::i a 5 36 'il'b3 with compensation.
B
Now Kasparov carries out a good plan, seek ing to play on the queenside, even at the cost of a pawn.
2s ...lZldS! 29 '>t>gl lZlb7 30 '>t>h l ? It is better t o oppose Black's planned coun terplay by means of 30 b5 a6 3 1 a4 axb5 32 axb5 .i::i a 3 +, although he will have pressure along the a-file.
30 cxb4 31 axb4 as! (D) •..
3 1 .. .b5 ! ? was another way of striking on the queenside, but the text-move is more straight forward.
A logical pawn sacrifice. The strong e-pawn, the weak situation of the white king, the activ ity of the queen's rook and some favourable tactical features justify this decision.
35 .i::i xb6 4ice4 + In return for the pawn, the black pieces have obtained a great deal of activity. The pawns at c4 and f5 are well blockaded, but not the e pawn, whose advance is always to be feared.
36 .i::ic 6 Or: 36 il.f3 lLlxf2+ 37 lLlxf2 'il'c5 38 .i::ib l .i::i a 3 ; 36 il.gl .i::i a 3; 36 il.e l 'il'c5 (36 . . . 4ixd5 ) 37 .i::ib 5 'il'd4 3 8 'il'b2 .i::i a l with compensation; 36 'il'b2 ! ? .i::if7 .
36 ... 'iI'b7 (D)
32 lZlfS The right moment for parrying the knight's jump from b7 to c5 .
3 2. . .il.xfS 3 3 exfS If 33 gxf5 , then 33 . . . axb4 34 J::!.x b4 lZlc5 with the initiative.
37 il.el ?!
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
1 68
Probably it is better to give up the dark squared bishop in exchange for one of the strong black knights: 37 �f3 lZlxf2+ 3S lZlxf2 l:.a l + ( 3 S . . . l:.a3 3 9 �d l ) 3 9 l:.g l "iia7 't . 37 l:.al 37 . . . l:.a3 3S �d3 (3S c5 ! ?) 3 S . . . "iia7 ! 39 �xe4?? l:.h3+. •.•
38 �f3 (D)
There could follow 40 'l!Vb2 'liaS ! , when af ter 4 1 "iia 2 (4 1 l:.xc5 dxc5 42 �xe5 'iVa4) 4 l . . .lZlfe4 42 'lixaS MxaS 43 �b2 l:.b l Black has the initiative. Surely Karpov 's best defence was 41 l:.c2 ! lZla4 42 'iVa2 and Black cannot re ply 42. "lZlxc3? 43 'lixaS l:.xd l +? 44 �xd l l:.xaS 45 l:.xc3 .:g,a l ? 46 l:.b3 +- with the white rooks playing a supreme role. Option A: 0 points Option B: 5 points Option C : 2 points Option D: 0 points
Test 65 [Level 5] Theme: Bishop-Pair vs a Better Pawn-Forma tion
13 lZlxd5 !
38 lZlc5 ...
3S . . . l:.c l was also possible at once, and if 39 'lia2 (39 �xe4 J:!.xc2 40 �xc2 'lie7 is not enough), then 39" .'libl (39" .lZlc5 ! ? 40 Sb2 "iif 7 ! 4 1 1:ic2 lZld3 ! ) 40 "ii x bl Sxb l 4 1 Sb2 l:.c 1 42 �g2. 39 � c3 l:.c1 =+ (D)
Option A is a very deep combination, so we give it 5 points. Let us see the remaining op tions : 1 3 lZlb5 (Option B ; 2 points) starts a typical manoeuvre, but it is not clear that White takes d4 or e2 under control after the natural follow ups 1 3 " .lZle4 or 1 3 " .ii'b6. The position could be level. 1 3 h3 (Option C ; 0 points) 1 3 " .�xf3 (in fact, White will win a pawn, but Black gets in ex change a lot of activity after 1 3 " .�h5 14 g4 �g6 1 5 g5 lZlh5 1 6 lZlxd5 'iVa5 or 1 6" .lZle7 with obvious activity which fully compensates for the sacrificed pawn; White has weakened his kingside too much) 14 �xf3 �d4 't; the bishop appears strong on this diagonal. After 13 lZla4 (Option 0) 1 3 " .�fS White does not appear to achieve much; Black's next move is going to be " .lZle4 and his pieces will be very active. This move gets I point.
13 �xf2+ ...
After this move Kasparov surprisingly of fered a draw, partly because of the favourable situation he enjoyed in the match . '12 _ '12
1 3 " ."iix d5 is not completely satisfactory ei ther: 1 4 "iix d5 lZlxd5 1 5 l:.xc5 1:ixe2 16 �xg7 (or 1 6 �al �e6 and White keeps an edge after both 1 7 lZlg5 t and 1 7 lild4 lZlxd4 I S l:.xcS+ �xcS 19 �xd5 t) 1 6 " .�xg7 17 l:.xd5 �xf3 I S �xf3 Mxa2 t.
14 l:.xf2 lZlxd5 If 1 4 " .'iVxd5 then 15 'iVxd5 lZlxd5 16 lZlg5 ±.
SOLUTIONS
15 tLle5 ! This key move w a s planned when White played 1 3 tLlxd5 .
15 tLle3 .•.
The critical reply, achieving an unbalanced endgame with two bishops vs two knights. Too passive is 1 5 . . . �e6 1 6 tLlxc6 (in our opinion 1 6 tLlxf7 ! ? is very strong : 16 ... �xf7 17 J::!. x f7 Wxf7 IS �xd5+ Wg6 1 9 'iVd3+ Wh6 20 J::!. c 4 with an attack) 16 . . . bxc6 17 'll:Vd4 ±. Also bad is 1 5 . . . tLlxe5 16 l':1,xcs �xcS 17 'iVxd5 "il'xd5 I S �xd5 ± and it i s unclear how to defend f7.
16 "il'xdS tLlxdS 17 tLlxg4 17 l':1,xcS �xc8.
17 .1:l:xc1+ IS �xc1 tLlxg4 19 l':1,f1 .•
1 9 Ii:.f4 :xe2 ! . 19 ... tLl e6 1 9 . . . tLle3 20 �xe3 :xe3 2 1 :d l ±.
20 J:ldl :dS 21 J:lxdS+ tLlxdS 22 �f4 (D) ±
1 69
27 . . . b6 is met by 2S Wc3 intending 29 Wc4 and Wb5-a6 and the queens ide collapses.
2S We3 Once the queenside has been weakened, the king tries to penetrate.
2S ...tLlfe6 29 Wb4 Wd6 30 WaS We7 31 �b6+ +- WeS 32 i.xdS! A timely simplification. As the old adage goes, the advantage of having the pair of bish ops is that one of them can be exchanged for a knight if necessary ! The game is decided by zugzwang.
32 ...tLlxdS 33 Wb6 WbS 34 �d5 With a decisive advantage.
34 h6 35 e3 WeS 36 a4 WbS 37 as WeS 3S e4 WbS 39 e5 WeS 40 b4 WbS 41 h4 WeS 42 h5 WbS 43 �e4 f6? ..•
Now White breaks through immediately. However, the pawn ending is equally lost after 43 . . . WcS 44 �f5+ (44 b5 � ! axb5 45 �xb7+? tLlxb7 46 a6 WbS -+) 44 . . . tLle6 (44 . . . WbS 45 �d7 comes to the same thing) 45 b5 axb5 46 Wxb5 Wc7 47 �xe6 fxe6 48 Wc5 Wd7 49 Wb6 WcS 50 a6 bxa6 5 1 Wxa6 Wc7 52 Wb5 Wb7 53 Wc5 Wc7 54 g4 Wd7 55 Wb6 +-.
44 e6! tLlxe6 45 �xb7 f5 46 �xa6 f4 47 gxf4 1-0 If 47 ... tLlxf4, then 4S �b7 intending a6-a7#. A: 5 points Option B: 2 points Option C: 0 points Option D: I point Option
The bishop-pair with an open position and pawn-chains on both flanks promise a definite edge . We have the strong feeling that B lack should be able to occupy a defensive fortress with his knights, thanks to his superior pawn structure, but this is not possible. The Arme nian GM Arshak Petrosian plays the ending with great technique.
22 ...WfS 23 �f3 tLlf6 24 Wf2 We7 25 We3 One of White' s advantages is the possibility of activating his king. 25 tLld7 26 Wd2 tLlCS? ! Better were both 2 6. . . tLlb6 2 7 � b S tLl c s and 26 . . . f6, ensuring a strong post for the knight. ••.
27 �e3 a6
Test 66 [Level 3] Theme: Getting Rid of the Defender
21 tLle4! Option A receives 5 points. With this move White gets rid of Black's best defensive piece. Although natural, doubling rooks on the e file does not achieve the proposed goal, since after 2 1 �e2 (Option B; 2 points) 2 l . . .:bS ! the move 22 :e7 will be met by 22 . . . �e6 ! , when White gets nothing special. Meanwhile, Black is threatening to defend with 22 . . . 'iVf8, followed by . . . l':ieS. Instead, 2 l . . .'iVfS is bad due to 22 :e7 �e6 23 .l2:.xb7 .
1 70
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
2 1 dS (Option C; 1 point) fails to take ad vantage of the activity and better develop ment of the white pieces, because Black has a tactical resource: 2 1 . . ,.te6 ! , and if 22 d6 then 22 .. .':tjdS ! 23 .txdS Vi'xd6 White ' s idea 2 1 d S had the point that after 2 1 . . .cxdS 2 2 ctJxdS .te6 (22 . . . .tc6 23 ctJe7+) 23 ctJxf6+ 'iVxf6 24 �xe6 fxe6 the weakness of the isolated e6pawn gives White a slight but enduring advan tage . =.
21...ctJxe4 Black needs to exchange this knight. After 2 l . . .ctJdS there follows 22 .!"rg3 ! .
22 .!::!. xe4 After getting rid of Black's best defensive piece, White frees the way to f7 .
22 ...Vi'f8 22 . . . .tfS 23 .!"reS .tg6 24 'iVe3 .
28 ... �g8 29 �g3 WHd3+ 30 f3 WHd2 31 b3 b5 32 'ii'e6+ �h8 33 Vi'e8+ �h7 34 Vi'e4+ �h8 35 Vi'e8+ �h7 36 Vi'e4+ �h8 37 a4 Vi'c3 Losing a pawn. More stubborn was 37 . . . bxa4 38 bxa4 'i!VgS+ 39 �h2 \'Iic I 40 Vi'eS ! (the queen is an almighty piece on this square) 40 . . . Vi'c3 4 1 �g3 and White will proceed slowly with h4-hS .
38 'iVe8+ �h7 39 Vi'e4+ �h8 40 axb5 cxb5 41 Vi'e8+ �h7 42 WHxb5 'iVxd4 43 WHxa5 'iVd6+ 44 �f2 'iVd4+ 45 �e2 Vi'b2+ 46 WHd2 WHxb3 47 WHd3+ WHxd3+ 48 Wxd3 �g6 49 We4 Wf6 50 f4 h5 5 1 f5 But not S I g4 h4 S2 gS+? �g6 S3 �eS �hS S4 We6 g6.
1-0 Option A : S points Option B: 2 points Option c: 1 point
2 3 Vi'f4 .!"re8 2 4 .!"rxe8 'i!Vxe8 (D)
Test 67 [Level 2] Theme: Strong Passed Pawns
27 .txb5 !
25 >t>h2! The king goes to the centre, preparing to play an ending without queens.
25 ...a5 An attempt at counterplay. If 2S . . . .te6, then 26 �eS ! .td7 (26 . . . �h7 27 .txe6 'iWxe6 28 WHxe6 fxe6 29 �g3 �g6 30 �f4 +-) 27 WHc7 WHc8 28 WHd6 Vi'e8 29 �g3 . Another position that deserves analysis and is complicated to as sess - for Black - in practice, is the pawn end ing after 26 �xe6 fxe6 (26 . . . WHxe6 ! ?) 27 Vi'c7 'lJiff7 28 Vi'xf7+.
26 WHc7 'i!Ve4 27 .txf7+ �xf7 28 Vi'xd7+ White wins a healthy pawn and his king will be better protected in this difficult ending.
Option A earns S points. When playing this positional piece sacrifice it was necessary to make a good assessment of the lack of the light-squared bishop and the strength of the d6-knight. A quiet option was 27 g4 (Option B; 3 points) 27 . . . ctJxeS? ! (27 . . . .!"rxal 28 WHxa l WHa8 29 WHe l :1:) 28 dxeS with a good game. This is a healthy choice, since the black pieces are quite restricted and cannot fight easily against two 'fires' on both sides of the board. It is a pity, but there was a better move .
27 ... ctJxe5 28 fxe5 .th6 29 .tel cxb5 30 ctJxb5 A funny position. White is a piece down and his dark-squared bishop is limited by its own pawns. But this is only for a short time.
30 ... ctJd7 3 1 ctJd6 .!"rxal 32 WHxal WHa8 33 WHc3 33 WHb2 is better, securing the defence of the b-pawn after its later advance, and probably wins. After 33 . . . .tf8 34 bS �xd6 3S exd6 White has three connected passed pawns: 3S . . . WHa4 36 �d2 +-.
SOLUTIONS
33 ... �f8 34 b5 �xd6 35 exd6 Here too. White has three connected passed pawns.
35 .. :�a4 36 \llVb2 �f7 37 �h2 Under severe time-pressure, White plays hes itantly. Interesting was 37 �d2 followed by "iVb4.
37 h6? ..•
37 . . .CLlf6 would have saved the game. After 38 �d2 �e8 39 'ii'b4 (39 c6 �xc6 40 bxc6 "ii'x c6 41 "ii' b 8+ �d7 42 "ii'a 7+ �c8 43 "ii'e 7 CLle4 44 "ii'xe6+ 'il'd7) 39 .. :iVxb4 40 �xb4 �d7 Black should not lose (Botvinnik). 38 e4 f4 (D) If 38 . . . dxe4, 39 d5 ! and if 38 . . . fxe4 then 39 'il'f2+ and the queen gets in.
1 71
44 hxg5 hxg5 45 'il'xe6 'iVd3 46 'iVf6+ �h7 47 'iVf7+ 47 "iVxg5 "iVg3+ 48 "iVxg3 fxg3+ 49 �xg3 �c8 =.
47 �h8 48 "iVf6+ �h7 49 �xf4 gxf4 50 "iVf7+ �h8 51 �e8+ �g7 52 "iVe7+ �h8 53 "iVe8+ �g7 54 "iVe7+ �h8 55 "iVf8+ �h7 56 "iVf7+ �h8 57 "iVxb7 "iVg3+ 58 �hl 1/Z-1f2 ..•
"I shall admit that I had used this technical procedure quite often. Two passed pawns, mov ing forward over the enemy pieces, provided me with more than a dozen victories in different tournaments, but in a World Championship match such a sacrifice should be calculated with special accuracy." - Bronstein. Reuben Fine voiced his opinion immediately after the end of this game, saying that this was the most fantastic game among the ones played in world championship encounters up to this date. Option A: 5 points Option B: 3 points Supplementary game:
Shirov - Grishchuk New Delhi FIDE KG 2000
1 e4 e5 2 CLlf3 CLlc6 3 �b5 a6 4 �a4 CLlf6 5 0-0 fie7 6 Mel b5 7 fib3 d6 8 c3 0-0 9 h3 CLla5 10 fic2 c5 11 d4 ..ib7 39 e5 g5 40 "iVe2 �g7 41 "iid 3? This sealed move wastes White ' s huge ad vantage. The winning move was 41 c6 �xc6 42 bxc6 "ii x c6 43 �xf4 ! gxf4 (43 .. :li!Vc4 44 "iVxc4 dxc4 45 �c 1 +-) 44 'Ii'g4+ �f7 45 'li'xf4+ �g7 46 "iVg4+ �f7 47 'li'h4 CLlf8 48 "iVxh6 +- and Black cannot oppose the advance of the h pawn, even if queens are exchanged.
41...CLlb8 ! An unexpected resource. Only this move, re locating the offside knight, saves Black.
42 h4 'li'c4 43 "iVh3 'li'xb5! Much better than 43 ... "iVxc 1 44 hxg5 hxg5 45 "iVxe6 'li!Ve3 46 'iVf6+ �h7 47 "ii'x g5 "iig 3+ 48 "iVxg3 fxg3+ 49 �xg3 and the white pawns are stronger than the black pieces. As result of this analysis, we know that the b5-pawn must be eliminated.
Romanishin is the champion of this second ary line, instead of the most usual 1 1 . . ."iVc7 .
12 d5 One of the ways to resolve the central ten sion (and favoured by some of the strongest players) is to close the position and play on the flanks. 1 2 CLlbd2 cxd4 1 3 cxd4 exd4 1 4 CLlxd4 a.e8 1 5 b3 fif8 16 fib2 g6 17 "iVf3 fig7 1 8 Mad 1 Mc8 19 fib I CLlc6 20 CLlfl CLle5 21 'li'e3 CLled7 22 'li'f4 d5 23 CLlg3 "iVc7 = I.Polgar Milos, Buenos Aires 2000.
12 ... CLlc4 Black improves the placing of his minor pieces.
13 a4 1 3 b3 CLlb6 1 4 a4 fic8 1 5 CLlbd2 g6 1 6 CLlfl CLlh5 17 fid3 ii.d7 18 �h6 Me8 19 axb5 axb5 20 "iVe2 Mxal 21 Mxal fif8 ! 22 figS CLlf4 23
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
1 72
iLxf4 exf4 24 iLxb5 tiJxd5 25 iLxd7 'iixd7 26 'iid 3 tiJf6 27 tiJ l d2 'lib7 28 Me l tiJd7 '12- '12 was played in Luther-Grishchuk, Istanbul OL 2000.
13 tiJb6 14 'iie 2! ..•
White wants to play on both flanks.
14 tiJxa4 15 il.xa4 bxa4 16 c4 •..
Strengthening the centre.
16 ... tiJd7! 17 l:txa4 17 tiJc3 ! ?
1 7...tiJb6 1 8 Ma3 as An important move; if White manages to fix the pawn on a6 and achieve the b4 advance, he will win the strategic battle. Karpov proved this in similar positions long ago; see, for instance, the game Karpov-Gligoric, Milan 1975.
19 tiJc3 a4 White was already seriously contemplating b3.
20 il.e3 20 tiJd I il.c8 2 1 tiJe3 g6 with counterplay.
20 ...iLc8 21 b3! (D) 2 1 tiJd2 iLg5 22 l:tb I iLxe3 23 'ii x e3 iLd7, Topalov-Piket, Groningen FIDE KO 1 997.
24 ...dxc5 25 tiJxe5 tiJa4 Logical: Black exchanges off the hanging knight.
26 tiJxa4 Mxa4 27 tiJc6 'iic7 28 e5 �a6 28 . . . iLa6 ? ! 29 �b6 intending d6 and 'iid l . 29 'iif3 29 tiJxe7+ 'ii x e7 30 1'4 Ma4 ! ? intending . . . iLa6. Shirov keeps the tension.
29 ... f4 Freeing the passive c8-bishop. 29 . . . Mxc6 30 dxc6 'iix e5 3 1 l:te3 'iif6 (3 1 . . .'iic 7 32 \IlVd5+ <;t>h8 33 l:tbe I iLd6 34 l:te8 intending l:txf8+ and l:te8 +-) 32 �d5+ <;t>h8 33 l:tbe I il.d6 34 �e8 h6 35 c7 ! <;t>h7 36 �xf8 'iVxf8 37 'iVc6 iLe7 38 l:tbl ! intending l:tb8 +-.
30 l:te 1 iLf5 31 l:tb5 iLc2 Intending . . . iLa4.
32 l:tb2 iLg6 ! ? 32 . . . iLa4 33 k!.a2 (Win ants suggested 33 Ma l ) 33 ... l:txc6 34 l:txa4 ! J::t:g 6 35 d6 iLxd6 36 ifd5+ iff7 3 7 'iix f7+ <;t>xf7 (37 ... Mxf7 38 exd6 l:txd6 39 l:ta8+ l:[f8 40 l:ta7 with the initiative) 38 exd6 l:txd6 39 l:ta7+ leads to an unpleasant ending for Black.
33 l:td2 iLe8 (D) A great tactical resource. 33 . . . l:txc6 34 dxc6 iLe8 35 J::t: d 7 ! iLxd7 36 �d5+ is dangerous for Black.
21 ...axb3 22 l:txb3 l:ta6 Alternatives: 22 . . . iLd7 ! ? 23 l:tebl tiJa4 = / ;1; ; 22 . . .f5 23 l:tebl tiJa4 24 tiJb5 ! ? ;1; intending 24 .. .fxe4 25 tiJd2 iLf5 26 l:ta3 and White re gains the pawn with the initiative; 22 . . . tiJd7 ;1; is rather passive.
23 l:.ebl f5 23 . . . iLd7 24 tiJd2 was Shirov' s idea.
24 iLxc5! This brave decision poses Black some prob lems.
34 tiJxe7+ Wixe7 35 d6 'iVe6 36 'iVb7 iLc6 37 'iixa6 iLxg2 ! ! 38 f3! 38 <;t>xg2 0+ 39 <;t>h2 'iif5 40 l:tg I (40 'iib 7 'iif4+ 4 1 'it>h l Wif5 ' =) 40 . . . iff4+ 4 1 <;t>h l Wih6 ! 42 l:tg3 Vixd2 43 V!lia7 'iie l + 44 l:tgJ 'iixe5 =.
38 ... iLxf3 39 <;t>h2 iLg4!
SOLUTIONS
The bishop continues its dauntless ride. It at tacks the h3-pawn, and also helps blockade White 's pawns. 39 . . ..aJ6 40 d7 ! ! 'iVxa6 4 1 exf6 ! .
4 0 'iVb7 40 hxg4 'iVxg4 intending .. .f3 and a perpetual check with . . . 'iVh4+ and . . . 'iVg3+.
40...'iVh6 41 'iVd5+! White can ' t save the h3-pawn, so he sets a clever trap. Not 4 1 'iVg2? f3 42 'iVf2 .!l:.f4 ! -+ in tending ... �xh3 .
41. .. .!l:.f7! Not 4 l . . .Wh8 ? 42 '/Wg2 f3 43 .!l:.f2 ! and White wins; 41 . . . �e6 42 'iVf3 .
42 >t>g1 42 �g2 f3 43 'iVxg4? 'iVxd2+.
12 b4 (Option C) is a bad attempt, since after 12 . . ..!I:lc4 1 3 ill d 2 �e7 Black has no problems. o points for this line. 12 ill a4 (Option D ; 0 points) is a mistake due to 12 . . . 'li'b3 ( l 2 ... iVc6 i s met by 13 b3) and Black i s OK. The move 12 iVbs+ (Option A ; 1 point for in ventiveness) 1 2 . . . iVxbS 1 3 illx bS does not work well, since after the reply 13 . . . a6 ( l 3 . . . illc 6 1 4 ille S) 1 4 illc 7+ \t>e7 (or 1 4 . . . \t>d8 ! ?) White has no direct approach that takes advantage of the temporarily bad situation of the black king. The ingenious 12 J:.fc l (Option E; 0 points) is met by 12 . . . illb 3 ! and the planned 13 ill x dS? fails.
12 ... dxe4
42...iVxh3 43 iVg2 43 e6 'iVg3+ 44 \t>fl �h3+ 4S \t>e2 �g4+
=.
43...'iVh4 44 .!l:.f2 After 44 .!l:.al f3 4S d7 ! ? �xd7 46 .!l:.a8+ .!l:.f8 47 l':ixf8+ \t>xf8 48 'iVxf3+ \t>e7 Black has com pensation and a draw is the most likely result.
44 ...f3? It was necessary to play 44 . . . �h3 ! 4S iVh2 (4S iVf3 'iVgS+ 46 \t>h l 'li'h4 ) 4S .. .f3 46 e6 '/Wg4+ 47 'it'h l �g2+ with a draw (since 48 .!l:.xg2?? fails to 48 . . . fxg2+ 49 iVxg2 iVh4+ SO >t>gl iVxe l + S I \t>h2 J:.f2 -+). =
45 e6!
1 73
If 12 . . . iVxb2, with the point 13 �d2 (this was the move Petros ian had in mind) 1 3 . . . Vib3 ! , White has the superior 1 3 .!l:.fc 1 , with strong pressure.
13 ill xe4 ill d5 B etter was 1 3 . . . ill x e4 14 'iVxe4 �e7, al though I S dS offers good prospects to White af ter I S . . . exdS 1 6 'li'xdS (or 1 6 'li'e2 ! ?) 1 6 . . . 0-0 1 7 ill e S . 14 �g3 iVb3 (D)
+-
Now White wins a crucial tempo. 4S 'iVh2 �h3 46 e6 iVg4+ draws as above. =
45 ... .!l:.f8 Or: 4S . . . fxg2? 46 exf7+ +-; 4S . . . �xe6 46 .!l:.xe6 fxg2 47 .!l:.e8+ .!l:.f8 48 .!l:.fxf8#.
46 e7 .!l:.e8 47 d7 �xd7 48 "iVxf3 iVg5+ 48.. .Vig4+ 49 iVxg4 �xg4 SO .!l:.efl +-. 49 Wf1 1-0 49 . . . hS SO 'iVdS+ 'iVxdS S I cxdS intending d6 and .!l:.a2-a7 +-.
Test 68 [Level 3] 15 iVd2 Theme: Creating a n Isolated Pawn - Seeking Activity
The exchange of queens is inconceivable for White.
1 5 .. .':tJc4 16 iVg5 ;!; 12 e4! Option B is best, and scores S points. This i s a logical opening o f the position since the op ponent is behind in development.
Whereas Black has clearly won the queen side battle, White has successfully transferred the action to the centre and kingside. Even though there are no forced lines, the general
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
1 74
assessment of the position is undoubtedly in White' s favour.
16 h6 ••.
16 ... lLlxb2 is strongly met with 17 J:l:fb l , while if 1 6 . . . f6 i n order to give the king some space, then 17 "iVg4 (targeting e6) 17 . . . I:itf7 ( 1 7 . . . fS I S v&'hS+ g6 19 "iVh3 fxe4 20 "iVxe6+ lLle7 2 1 lLleS with an attack) I S lLlfgS + ! .
17 VWg4 hS 18 "iVgS J:l:h6 Once the g6-square is covered, the threat is . . . f6.
lLleS+ Wd8 35 lLlgS MhS 36 lLlxe6+ rJ;e7 37 lLlg6+ rJ;d6 38 lLlgf4 lLlxf4 39 lLlxf4 1 -0 White followed one of the most important rules in chess strategy : "When a side is behind in development, the position must be opened in order to punish the 'transgressor' ." Option A: I point Option B : S points Option C: 0 points Option D: 0 points Option E: 0 points
19 Mae 1 Another piece joins the attack: the threat is "iVxdS .
Here is a supplementary game:
19 ... lLlxb2 Or: 19 .. :iVxb2 20 "iVxdS exdS (20 . . . �e7 ! ) 2 1 lLlf6++ I:itdS 2 2 l:eS#; 1 9 . . . f6 2 0 "iVxdS exdS 2 1 lLlcs+ intending lLlxb3.
20 lLlfd2
IIIescas - Short Pamplana 1 999100
1 lLlf3 dS 2 d4 lLlf6 3 c4 e6 4 lLlc3 �e7 5 �gS h6 6 �h4 0-0 7 e3 b6
20 lLlcs ! ?
The Tartakower Defence.
2 0 "iVbS 21 f4 (D)
8 .te2 .tb7 9 .txf6
.••
The exchange is justified because the bishop is now worse at b7 than at cS.
9.....txf6 10 cxdS exdS 1 1 0-0 "iVe7 12 "iVb3 l:d8 13 :!l:fd1 c6 14 �f1 14 Md2 lLld7 I S MC I lLlfS 16 a3 lLle6 17 "iVa4
B
cS 1 8 �a6 cxd4 19 lLlxd4? (better is 19 exd4 -+ 20 �xb 7 lLlxa4 2 1 �xaS lLlxc3 22 lLlc6 "iVcs 0- 1 Derichs-G.Ginsburg, Germany 1 996.
=
- Donev) 1 9 . . . lLlcs
14 itJa6! •••
The knight is going to the excellent square e6.
15 l:d2 lLlc7 16 a4 lLle6 1 6 . . . cS ! ?
1 7 as bS 1 8 'iVa2 a6 1 9 Mel ? ! This pawn is going to play a decisive role by demolishing the pawn-cover which protects the black king from White's major pieces.
21...l:g6 2 l . . .lLld3 can be met by 22 fS or 22 l:bl .
22 "iVxhS :Sh6 23 'iVf3 'iVd3 24 "iVf2 g6? Now White' s threats become real. 24 . . . VWa6 ! (intending . . . lLld3) looks like the best defence, bccause Black can repeat moves after 2S "iVf3 .
White misses his opponent's counterplay. Better options are 19 :!l:ad I cS 20 dxcS �xc3 (20 . . . "iVxcs 2 1 itJxdS �xb2 ! 22 �xb2 { 22 itJb6 �c3 ! +' } 22 . . . MxdS ) 2 1 bxc3 itJxcS +' and the prophy lactic 19 itJe2 ! =
=.
19 ... cS! Temporarily creating an isolated pawn, in order to get thc greatest piece activity.
20 dxcS d4!
25 fS gxfS 26 "iVxfS "iVxd4+ 27 l:ith1 �e7
Giving the b7-bishop some life.
27 . . . "iVg7 28 "iVxdS .
2 1 itJxd4 �xd4 22 exd4 lLlxd4 23 l:ith1
28 "iVxf7+ I:itd7 29 lLlf3 "iVh8 30 �eS "iVh7 31 "iVxh7 Mxh7 32 �xb2 Mc2 33 �d4 �xa3 34
23 J:tcd l ? itJf3 + ! and the queen check at gS is decisive.
SOLUTIONS
23...ttJf3! (D)
1 75
better), then 16 ttJg6 'lixe3+ 17 �h l with the initiative.
IS ...dxe4 16 ttJxe4 f6? Black probably did not foresee White 's next move. The only move was 16 . . . iLxeS 17 dxeS 'li'xeS even though the menacing position of White 's pieces give him a strong initiative af ter 1 8 ttJd6 ( I S l:ife 1 allows White an edge af ter 1 8 . . . l':IfS ;1;, but Black can also consider I S . . . 4Ja6) 1 8 . . . l':If8 1 9 b 3 .
17 f4! iLc7 Taking on eS will end in immediate disaster: 17 . . . fxeS 18 fxe5 iLc7 19 ttJf6+ �h8 20 ttJxe8 ilixe8 21 e6 +-.
18 ttJg3 fxeS A pretty tactical resource.
24 Sxd8+ 24 l':1dd l iligS ! (intending . . . ttJd2 and . . . ilif4) 2S ttJe2 ilih4 26 h3 l':Ixd l 27 Sxd l ilixf2 2S ilia3 ttJe I " -+.
There is no other move, on account of the threat of ttJfS . 19 ttJfS 'lif6 (D) 19 . . .ilif8 20 ttJxh6+ intending 21 fxeS +-.
24 l':Ixd8 25 c6 iLxc6 26 ttJe2 ilih4! -+ 27 gxf3 ilixf2 28 ttJf4 iLxf3+ 29 iLg2 l':1d2 30 l':Igl .••
30 ScS+ �h7 3 1 'lib I + g6 32 ilig l l':ldl ! .
30 ... iLe4! 0-1 This nice game exemplifies why the Tarta kower Variation is so attractive for players who seek more complex and dynamic posi tions within the Queen ' s Gambit Declined.
Test 69 [ Level 3] Themes: Fighting for the Initiative; Exploiting a Lack of Development
20 dxeS 20 fxeS ? is a mistake due to 20 .. :ti'gS.
15 e4! This reply (Option B) gets S points. White decides to open the position; thus he gives his opponent no rest, and takes advantage of the fact that the black knight is still on its original square. An experienced master like Pachman should have felt the danger. The natural but lazy IS ttJd3 (Option C; I point) would miss the chance of taking advan tage of the poor development of the black pieces. Very interesting was IS f4 (Option A; 3 points), attempting to introduce dynamic possi bilities to the position. If IS . . .f6 ( l 5 . . . ttJa6 is
20 ...hS 20 ... ilif8 allows a nice finish: 21 ilig6 �h8 22 l':Id3 ilig8 23 l':Ih3 l':Ie6 24 ttJxh6 l:ixg6 2S ttJf7#.
21 'lixhS 'lif7 22 '/ig4 l':1e6 23 11f3 With the idea of l':Ig3.
23 ...l':Ig6 24 'iYxg6 'lixg6 25 ttJe7+ �f7 26 ttJxg6 �xg6 Despite having stopped the attack, Black is lost. White will soon get four passed pawns.
27 g4 ttJa6 28 l':Id7 lId8 29 fS+ �gS 30 l':Ixg7+ �h4 31 e6 iLb6+ 32 �f1 l':1dl + 33 �e2 l:idS 34 f6 MeS+ 35 �f1 ttJcS 36 MrS 1-0
1 76
Option Option
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
A: 3 points B: S points
Option C: 1 point
Test 70 [Level 3] Theme: Bringing More Pieces into the Attack
c) 16 ... 'iVe7 1 7 !!.fd l .ltc7 18 l:1e4 'fid8 19 !!.g4 f6 20 .ltfS Wile7 21 CLlh4 is winning for White. d) 1 6 . . . CLlf6 1 7 cS CLlxh7 1 8 !!.xd6 intending !!.xh6 ± (Novotelnov ) . e) 1 6 . . .�c7 1 7 !!.fd l 'iVe7 1 8 1l:e4 'iVfS 1 9 !!.h4 ±.
17 .l:if4 'iVe7 1 7 . . . !!.fS I S :!:i d l ! .
15 .1th7+! This is Option C, and it receives S points. After IS exd4 (Option B; 2 points) IS .. .':t'lf6, the hanging pawns don' t seem to give White the good dynamic chances that they often deliver in positions of this type. 16 CLleS CLlxe4 17 'iVxe4 'iVb6 is comfortable for Black, and the same goes for 16 �fS .ltxfS 17 'iVxfS !!.e2, with equality. The move IS CLlxd4 (Option A; 0 points) is not very good. Even if IS ... �xh2+ fails, the other replies IS . . . CLlcS and IS . . . 'ii'c 7 are good enough to get a healthy position. 15 .. .';t>h8 (D)
1 8 :!:ie4! 'ii'f8 Better was l S . . . 'iVdS 1 9 !!.d l ( I 9 lah4 CLlf6) 1 9 .. J1xe4 20 'iVxe4 'iVe7 .
19 �h4! Threatening !!.xh6.
1 9... f6 This weakens the light squares, but what else could he do? 19 . . . !!.e6 20 CLlgS ; 19 . . .CLlf6 20 laxh6 ! +-. 20 .ltg6 !!.e7 (D)
2 1 !!.h5! This is a subtle move, freeing the h4-square for the knight and foreseeing the defence with . . . CLleS .
16 !!'xd4 White takes a brave decision, giving priority to the dynamic power of his pieces rather than the pawn-structure. The rook joins the game and it is able to cooperate in a future attack.
16...�c5 Or: a) 16 . . . iH8 17 !!.fd 1 'fic7 18 !!.h4 forces 1 8 . . . CLlf6, with a very difficult position. b) 16 . . . .lte7 17 CLleS �f8 18 CLlxd7 �xd7 1 9 !!.fd l +-.
21....ltd6 22 �dl .lte5 23 .lta3 c5 24 CLlh4! 1-0 Black cannot prevent CLlg6. 24 . . .'iVdS 2S .lte4 <;t>g8 26 .ltdS+ +-; 24 . . . 'iVgS 2S .lth7 ! 'iVxh7 26 CLlg6+ +-. Option A: 0 points Option B: 2 points Option C: S points Here are a few supplementary games where a rook joins the attack:
SOLUTIONS
Piket - Van den Doel Dutch Ch (Leeuwarden) 2001
1 d4 d5 2 c4 dxc4 3 iLlf3 c5 4 e3 e6 5 i.xc4 a6 6 O-Il iLlf6 7 a4 iLlc6 8 'ije2 cxd4 9 gdl �e7 10 exd4 0-0 11 4.:lc3 iLld5 12 �d3 4.:lcb4 13 �bl b6 14 4.:le5 i.b7 15 ga3 Starting a thematic attacking plan against the opponent's king. A similar idea, avoiding the exchange of knights, was played in the game Korotylev-Vaulin, Minsk 1 998, where White, before bringing the rook into the attack, played first 1 5 4.:le4: 15 . . . gc8 1 6 ga3 f5 1 7 �d2 ! ? 4.:lc6 18 gh3 4.:lxe5 19 dxe5 fxe4 20 �xe4 gf5 2 1 �xf5 exf5 2 2 'ijh5 'ijd7 2 3 'ijxh7 + cJtf7 24 gg3 i.f8 25 'ijg6+ cJtg8 26 e6 'ije8 27 'ijxf5 iLle7 28 'ijg4 .a:.d8 29 i.c3 4.:lf5 30 ge l 4.:lxg3 3 1 e7 iLle2+ 32 'ijxe2 'ijxe7 33 'ijxe7 �xe7 34 gxe7 gd l + 35 gel l:1xe 1 + 36 �xe l �c6 37 as bxa5 38 �xa5 cJtf7 39 f3 cJte6 40 cJtf2 iLb5 4 1 g4 �a4 4 2 cJtg3 �d l 4 3 f4 g 6 4 4 cJth4 1 -0. 15 g c8 16 4.:lxd5 'ijxd5 17 �xh7+ 17 .a:.g3 i.f6 1 8 �g5 �xg5 19 gxg5 f5 20 h4 ttlc6 2 1 iLlf3 gc7 22 ge l �c8 23 'ijd2 gd8 24 �e4 'ija5 25 "iix a5 iLlxa5 26 �bl +' Tregubov G.Salakhova, Czestochowa 1 992.
1 77
22 ... i.e4 23 h4 23 iLlh6+ gxh6 24 iYxh6 'iVxg3 25 hxg3 iLld5
23 ... 'iVxh4 24 iLlxf6+ 24 iLlh6+ �h7 =t; 24 MXf7? 'iVxh5 25 iLlxf6+ cJtxf7 26 iLlxh5 g6 -+.
24 ...'iVxf6 25 Mh3 g5 =t 26 Mg3 �g6 27 'li'xg5 "iYxg5 28 Mxg5 Md8 28 . . . iLld5 ! -+.
29 as b5 (D) 29 . . . bxa5 ! ?
..•
17 ...'�xh7 18 'ijh5+ cJtg8 19 J:.g3 l::i xc1 ! 1 9 . . . g 6 2 0 'ijh6 with a n attack; 1 9 . . . �f6 20 iLlg4 ! .
20 l::i x c1 20 l::i x g7+ cJtxg7 21 'ijg4+ lh- lh AvrukhSadler, Budapest 1 993.
20 ...�f6! Or: a) 20 . . . �d6? 2 1 "iig4 �xe5 22 dxe5 g6 23 'ijxb4 +- Mirkovic-Djukic, Yugoslav Ch (Kla dovo) 1 992. b) 20 . . . 'iVe4 ! ? 21 'ijh6 g6 (2 1 . . :iVh7? 22 'ijxh7+ cJtxh7 23 gc7 gc8 24 ggc3 +-) 22 h4 'ijxh4 23 iLlxf7 'ijxh6 24 iLlxh6+ cJtg7 25 4.:lg4 �d6 26 iLle5 �e4 +'.
21 iLlg4 2 1 'ijh6 .ixe5 22 dxe5 'ijxe5 =t.
21...iYg5 The black queen is ready to give herself up in exchange for three white pieces.
22 gc7 22 iLlh6+ gxh6 23 'iVxh6 'iVxg3 24 hxg3 4.:ld5 (24 . . . �g7 ! ?) 25 'iVd2 as +,.
30 gg4 cJtg7 Better is 30 . . . gd5 .
31 d5! 4.:lxd5 32 Mc6 4.:lf6 33 Mg3 Ma8 33 . . . ttle4 ! =t.
34 Mgc3 b4 Better is 34 . . . 4.:ld5 35 M3c5 b4 =t .
35 M3c4 4.:ld5 36 gd4! cJtf8 37 g4 cJte7 38 f4! cJtd7 39 Mcc4 gb8 40 f5 White has more counterplay than Black need have allowed, but nevertheless it is insufficient.
40 ... �h7 41 Md2 f6 42 fxe6+ cJtxe6 43 Mc6+ cJte5 44 .a:.e2+ 44 Mxa6 gg8 45 cJtn Mxg4 46 l::i a 8 �e4 47 ge8+ cJtf4 with an attack.
44 ...cJtd4 45 Md2+ �d3 46 Md6 46 gxa6 We3 -+.
46 ...Mg8! 47 Mxd5+ 47 cJtf2 Mxg4 48 Mxa6 Mf4+ 49 cJtg3 cJte3 50 Mxd3+ �xd3 5 1 l::id 6 gd4 52 a6 4.:lc7 wins for Black.
47 ...'�xd5 48 gxd3+ cJtc4 49 gg3 f5 SO g5 f4 51 J:.g2 5 1 Mg4 cJtb3 .
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
1 78
5 1 ...�b3 52 g6 �a2! 53 �f2 S3 g7 f3 S4 l:tg4 b3 -+.
53 �xb2 54 �f3+ 'it>a3 55 �xf4 b3 56 �f5 b2 57 l:tgl �a2 58 �f6 bl'1i 59 l:txbl �xb1 60 g7 �b2 61 �f7 l:ta8 0-1 •••
62 gS'Ii l;'!.xgS 63 �xgS �b3 -+. 011 - Romero
Groningen jr Ech 1 98415
1 d4 tbf6 2 e4 e5 3 dxe5 tbg4 4 tbf3 J.e5 5 e3 tbe6 6 tbe3 tbgxe5 7 tbxe5 tbxe5 8 J.e2 0-0 9 0-0 �e8 10 b3 as 11 J.b2 l:ta6 (D) What is the purpose of this eccentric-looking move? The rook intends to move to the kingside, considering its lack of natural defenders. Be fore this game the customary move was 1 1 ... d6, impeding the manoeuvre played in the game.
I S 'lib4 ! ? is interesting, with the idea of meeting I S . . . 'lih4 with 1 6 cS (defending the knight) 1 6 . . . l:th6 ? ! 1 7 tbf6+ ! 'lixf6 I S cxb6 and the queen plays a defensive role from b4.
15 'lih4 16 f4 .••
White has a difficult defence from now on. If 16 cS, then 16 . . . l:th6 17 h3 dS ! .
1 6... l:th6 1 7 h 3 d5 Opening the way for the light-squared bishop, which was the only piece not attacking yet. Equally interesting was 17 . . . d6.
18 exd5? IS fxeS ? J.xh3 19 e6 f6 20 tbxf6+ gxf6 2 1 l:txf6 d4! and I S tbf2? 'Iig3 ! also favour Black, but White should try IS cS ! dxe4 ( 1 S . . . J.xh3 19 'YIVe l ! ) 19 cxb6 ( 1 9 fxeS J.xh3 20 'lie ! ! ?) 1 9 . . . l:tg6 20 l:tf2 tbf3+ 2 1 J.xf3 exf3 22 l:txf3 �xh3 23 l:tf2 cxb6 =.
18 J.xh3 19 gxh3 ..•
If 19 g3, then 19 . . . l:tg6 20 Wf2 l:txg3 ! 2 1 tbxg3 'lixf4+ taking advantage o f the pins thanks to the dark-squared bishop.
19 'lixh3 20 Wf2 'lih4+ 2 1 tbg3 'lih2+ 22 �el 'lixg3+ 23 �dl ••.
If 23 �d2, then 23 . . . J.xe3+.
23 tbd7 •••
The game is decided even though the white king was able to escape. The weakness of the e-pawn removes any possibility of defence.
24 gf3 'lig2 25 gf2 'lixd5+ 26 �e2 ge6 27 �e4 'lie4+ 28 �dl tbf6 29 l:te2 l:td6+ 30 l:td2 l:ted8 0-1 12 tbe4 White brings a knight to the defence. 12 J. a7 It is important to keep the bishop on this diag onal, anticipating a possible advance of White's f-pawn.
Beliavsky - IIIescas Linares 1 990
..•
13 'lidS If White had anticipated what follows, then he would probably have chosen 1 3 J.d4 with a level game.
13 l:tae6 .•.
Black brings the rook to the kingside in order to play . . . d6 later under more favourable condi tions. He could also accelerate his attack by 1 3 . . . l:th6 ! ? 011 expected 1 3 . .. d6.
14 'iYxa5 J.b6 15 'lie3
1 d4 d5 2 e4 e6 3 tbe3 e5 4 exd5 exd5 5 tbf3 tbe6 6 g3 lflf6 7 J.g2 J.e7 8 0-0 0-0 9 J.g5 exd4 10 tbxd4 h6 1 1 .ll.e 3 l:te8 12 'YIVe2 J.g4 13 h3 J.d7 l 3 . . . �e6 1 4 l:tad l l:tcS I S �h2 �b4 j an-Tarj an, Indonesia 1 9S 3 .
=
Ador
14 l2:.adl 1 4 l:tfd I J.fS IS tbxdS tbxdS 16 �xdS l:txe3 17 fxe3 'ligS with counterplay.
14...'i4I'e8! 15 �h2 J.f8 16 gfel? White is not giving enough attention to the following manoeuvre of the black rook. Better was 16 tbxc6 bxc6 =.
SOL UTIONS
16 ... MeS! The rook surprisingly goes to h5, with dev astating effects.
17 Mhl The only move. 17 lLlxc6 bxc6 18 iLd4 Mh5 19 iLxf6 iLxh3 20 iLh4 (or 20 iLf3 iLf5+) 20 ... Mxh4 ! 21 gxh4 iLd6+ -+.
17 ... MhS! 18 >t>gl iLxh3 19 i.f3 l::!. eS 1 9 . . . iLg4 20 Mxh5 iLxh5 2 1 i.xh5 lLlxh5 22 lLlf3 =.
1 79
the advantage probably fades away. For in stance: 18 ... lLlb6 19 i.g2 iLa7 ( 1 9 ... lLld5 and 19 . . . Md5 are also possible) 20 lLlc5 (20 lLlc3 is another idea) 20 ... lLld5 21 lLldb3 and White keeps some the pressure on the queenside and the knight is well placed on this square.
18 ... b6 Black weakens the c6-square, as White had hoped. Bad is Is . . iLxh2+ 19 >t>xh2 'iVh4+ 20 >t>g I b6 2 1 'iVa3 'iVxe4 22 lLlc6 ! . .
19 �c3 i.b7
20 lLlxc6 bxc6 20 . . . Mxe3 ! 21 fxe3 bxc6 =t Beliavsky.
21 iLd4 iLfS! 22 e4 Mxe4 23 lLlxe4 lLlxe4 24 'i!Ve2 cS? 25 i.e3? 25 i.xg7 ! i.xg7 26 l:!.xd5 is much better.
Again, 19 . . . i.xh2+ seems to fail : 20 Wxh2 'iVh4+ 21 >t> g J 'iVxe4 22 'iVc7 i.b7 (22 . . . MeS 23 lLlc6) 23 lLle2 i.d5 (23 ... l:l.acS 24 l:!.xd7 ! +-) 24 l::!. d4 ! , followed by e4.
20 lLlc6 iLxc6 21 'iVxc6 Ma7 22 g3
2S ... 'iVe6 26 >t>g2 d4? ! 2 6 . . .M e S 2 7 'iVb5 g5 ! =t.
27 i.c1 Me8 28 �bS a6 29 'i!Vb7 'i!Vxa2 30 Mde l ! lLld6 30 . . . 'iVe6 3 1 l:!.h4 ! .
3 1 'iVb6 �c8 3 2 iLf4! lLlc4 3 3 'iVb7 �xb2 34 'iVdS 'iVc2 35 Me2 lLlb6 36 'iVb7 'iVb3 37 Mhel 'iVbS! 38 i.c1 lLlc4 39 'iVdS i.d7 39 . . . iLg6 ! ?
4 0 Me7 ! i.xe7 41 Mxe7 i.e8 4 2 i.e4?
In spite of the opposite-coloured bishops, Black faces a wearisome middlegame with some trouble freeing his queenside, many weaknesses to defend and a rather inactive bishop.
22... bS Black cannot liberate himself easily : after 22 . . . i.e5 23 Mc2 (23 b3) 23 . . . MC7 24 'iVxc7 i.xc7 25 Mxc7 f5 26 lLld6 the pin is decisive.
23 b3 .l::i: f8 24 i.e2 lLlf6
42 i.f4 ! with counterplay.
24 . . . 'iVa3 ! was necessary.
42 >t>f8 0-1
25 lLlxf6+ 'iVxf6 (D)
.•.
43 Mb7 'iVc6 44 �f5 �xe4+ ! 45 'iVxe4 iLc6 -+.
Test 7 1 [Level 4] Theme: Inducing Weaknesses in a Flank
18 'iVaS! Option C earns 5 points. White anticipates the idea of . . . lLlb6 and ties Black down on the queenside, where the white queen can create serious trouble. Black can hardly avoid a seri ous weakening of his queenside. since he has few useful moves at his disposal. The natural move 18 Md2 (Option A; 1 point), to double rooks on the d-fiIe, has little sense. Black reacts quickly with Is . . lLlf6 19 'i!Vh4 g5 20 lLlxf6+ 'iVxf6. I S g3 (Option B; 3 points) is an interesting move as Black has some trouble completing his queenside development, but with precise play .
26 'iVb6 The exchange of the knight does not help a lot. The pressure continues.
26 ...'iVe7 26 . . . 'iVb2 27 i.f3 'iVxa2 2S ladS.
27 lac6 �eS 28 iLf3 l:!.b8 29 'i!VaS iLc7 30 'iVc3 l:!.b6 3 1 h4
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
180
Another disturbing factor enters the game. When this pawn reaches the fifth rank, the black king will not breathe quietly.
31...g6 32 l:Ic5 l:Ib8 32 . . . h5 is risky due to 33 l:Ig5 (rather than 33 �xh5 b4 ! ) .
3 3 h5 g 5 3 4 l:Ic6 �b6 Black should have insisted on a freeing rook exchange by 34 . . . l::l. b 6 ! , in order to reduce White's attacking chances.
12 . . . h6 ! ? intending . . . lLle7, . . 0-0-0, . . '>!ib8 and . . . llc8. .
.
13 iLe2 h6 14 h4 0-0-0 15 fic1 With this pressure against h6, the g8-knight is condemned to defence. Please note the pri mary role played by the white queen in the pas sivity of the black pieces.
15 ...lLlb6 16 Mh3 i.e8 17 l:Ib1 lLla4 18 '>!in fig7 19 lLlgl as 20 .ltf3 lLle7 21 lLle2 �e6 22 J:ig3 (D)
35 '>!ig2 b4 36 fie5 l:Ie7 37 l:Idd6 J:ixe6 38 l:Ixe6 The exchange has finally happened, but un der bad circumstances, since the rook on the sixth rank is very difficult to beat off, and cre ates several tactical threats.
B
38 ...fid8 39 �g4 .i;!.b7 39 . . . fie8 40 fie4 ! .
40 �xe6 fxe6 4 1 fixe6+ 1-0 Option A : 1 point Option
B: 3 points
Option C: 5 points
Here is a supplementary game, where the queen again plays a weakening role:
Kamsky
-
C. Hansen
Groningen 1 995
1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 lLle3 �b4 4 e5 e5 5 a3 �xe3+ 6 bxc3 fie7 7 fig4 f5 8 fih5+ g6 It is well known that the exchange of queens after 8 . . . fif7 favours the white bishops.
9 fid1 Now that Black's kingside dark squares have been weakened, the queen returns in order to defend c2.
9...�d7 10 lLlf3 �a4 11 �d2! 1 1 �d3 ? ! cxd4 1 2 cxd4 fic3+ 13 �d2 fixd3 14 cxd3 �xd 1 15 '>!ixd 1 lLlc6 16 gb 1 b6 1 7 llc 1 '>!id7 + 1.Polgar-Morovic, Buenos Aires 1 992.
1 1...lLld7 Not 1 l . . .cxd4? 12 cxd4 �xc2 ( 1 2 . . . fixc2 1 3 �b5+ +-) 1 3 �b5+ lLld7 1 4 l:Ic 1 llc8 1 5 fie2 (intending i.a4) 1 5 . . . fid8 1 6 lLlg5 +-.
12 .ltd3 e4 Black closes the centre (he fears dxc5 at some moment) but also removes his chances of counterplay along the c-file. He could try
All White 's pieces are converging on Black's kingside, which is very exposed.
22 ... lldg8 23 '>!ig1 b5 24 lLlf4 fif7 25 lLlh3 firs 26 iLe2 '>!id7 27 gal l:Ih7 28 iLf4 .s.hh8 29 fid2 .s.h7 30 lle1 '>!ie8 31 fic1 iLd7 32 iLd2 i.e6 33 '>!ih2 '>!id7 34 l:Ih1 l:Ihh8 35 '>!ig1 l:Ih7? ! 35 . . . '>!ic7 intending . . . .ltd7.
36 lLlf4 .i!f7 37 �f3 J:ih7 38 lLle2 J:igh8 39 '>!in l:If7 40 l:Igh3 l:Ihh7 4 1 lLlf4 l:Ihg7 42 �e2 l:Ig8 43 g4!? After much preparation, White finally de cides to open the game. This was the thematic break.
43 g5 •••
43 . . . fxg4 44 iLxg4 lLlf5 45 h5.
44 hxg5 hxg5 45 lLlxe6! Of course !
45 Wxe6 46 llh6+ lLlg6 •.•
46 . . . l:Ig6 ! ? 47 gxf5+ l:Ixf5 (47 . . . '>!ixf5? 48 .ltxg5 ! J:ixg5 49 fixg5 + ! Wxg5 50 ll6h5+ \t>g6 5 1 l:Ig 1#) 48 l:Ixg6+ lLlxg6 49 �g4 'it'd7 (49 . . . �d7 50 l:Ih7 ! +-) 50 �xg5 Wc7 5 1 'iVe3 ! (Kamsky) 5 l . . .l:If4 (5 l . . .lLlb6 5 2 e6; 5 l . . .Wb7) 52 �xf4 fixf4 5 3 fixf4 lLlxf4 54 llh6 +-.
SOLUTIONS
47 gxf5+ J:ixf5 48 j)"g4 +- 'it'd7 49 J:ilh5 'it'c7 50 �xf5 '/i'xf5 5 1 1hg5 'iVe4 52 'iVdl b4 53 axb4 53 f3 J:if8 54 J:igxg6 J:ixf3+ 55 'it'g l .
53 ... axb4 54 cxb4 'iiVxd4 55 J::(g4 ctJc3 56 J:ixd4 ctJxdl 57 b5 j)"xb5 58 j)"a5+ 'it'b7 59 J:ixd5 j)"a6 60 J:id7+ 'it'b8 61 J:id6 1-0
Test 72 [Level 5]
181
the white knight on b7 White avoided unpleas ant counterplay with . . . ctJa5 .
21...J:ib8 The c6-knight must prevent the j ump of the white knight from f3 to e5 . Not 2 l . . .ctJb4 22 axb4 j)"xb7 23 ctJe5 .
22 ctJc5 'ilHc8 And we have now the starting position with the rook at b8, which represents an important advantage.
23 C1Jd2! Theme: Restricting Counterplay
20 ClJb7! Option C gains 5 points. Apparently, the knight moves to an exposed square without an obvious reason, but in fact, this piece is unas sailable at b7, restricts the scope of the black pieces, keeps an eye over the critical square c5 and, finally, forces Black to lose a tempo. The direct approach 20 e4 ! ? (Option B) is also interesting. After 20 . . .j)"c4 White has a choice: a) 21 ctJb7 'ilHd7 22 d5 ! is one intriguing pos sibility : 22 . . . exd5 23 exd5 '/i'xd5 (23 ... ctJd8 24 ctJa5 j)"f6 { 24 . . .'ilHxd5 25 ctJd2 ±J 25 ctJxc4 bxc4 26 J:ixc4 ± ; 23 ... j)"xd5 24 ctJe l ) 24 ctJd2 'ilHe6 25 ctJxc4 bxc4 26 j)"d5 ! ±. b) 2 1 ctJxa4 ctJa5 22 ctJe5 (22 ctJd2 'ilHxd4 ! ) 22 . . .j)"b3 (22 . . . ClJb3 2 3 ctJxc4 { 23 ctJc6 'ilHe8 24 ctJxe7+ 'ilHxe7 25 ctJc5 ClJxc l 26 J:ixc l e5 't J 2 3 . . . bxa4 and White has some compensation) 23 'ilHd2 (23 'ilHe l 'li'xd4 24 'ilHxa5 'ilHxe5 't) 23 . . . c5 ! . These variations hang o n a thread, but intu ition tells White he has the advantage, even though this is a different kind of advantage from that in the game. Calculation is here very important, and if you calculated so far then you deserve 4 points. 20 e3 (Option A) gets 0 points, because after 20 . . . ctJa5 Black has obtained all the time he needed in order to strengthen himself and put pressure on the light squares on the queenside.
This is a thematic exchange in this kind of position. The black bishop supports the weak ened light squares on the queenside and in the centre.
23 J:id8 24 b4! .•.
Another step in order to realize the advan tage. The idea is to press against b5 giving new possibilities to the other white pieces to attack the weakened black queenside. If 24 e4, then 24 . . . j)"c4.
24 ... axb3 25 ClJdxb3 l:tb6 26 j)"xd5 J::( xd5 27 a4! (D)
B
With the exchange of the a-pawn for Black's b-pawn the advantage becomes more durable: the c-pawn is going to be very weak and the strong white centre will tell.
27 bxa4 28 ctJxa4 J:ia6 29 'ilHc2 ± .•.
c7 is weak.
20 ...'iiVd7
29 j)"d6?!
20 . . . 'ilHe8 is interesting.
29 ... l::t d 8 is better.
21 e3
30 ctJc3 ctJb4 31 'ilHe2 J:ig5 32 J:ixa6
We are now able to understand the idea be hind that incomprehensible knight move. With
•.•
Exchanging the rook that defends Black's queenside.
THE ULTIMA TE CHESS STRATEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
1 82
32 ... lt:lxa6 32 .. :i!Vxa6 33 'ti'xa6 lt:lxa6 34 J:tal . 33 It:le4 �d5 34 J::!.a l lt:lb8 34 . . . lt:lb4 35 'il6c4 ±. 35 It:lc3 J:!.g5 36 It:le4 J::td 5 37 It:lc3 ltg5 38 �c4! While White has brought all his pieces to the queenside, the black rook is misplaced. The next move will be lta7 . 38 �b7 39 J::t b l ! Threatening It:lc5 followed by It:l5e4. 39 :iVc6 40 It:lc5 lt:ld7 40 .. :iVe8 4 1 VWa4 lt:lc6 42 lt:l5e4 ! +-. 41 lt:lxd7 �xd7 42 lt:le4 1-0 Black made White's task easier, although probably he could not have defended the c pawn for long. Option A : 0 points Option B: 4 points Option C: 5 points ••.
••
Test 73 [Level 3]
On the other hand, 14 f4? ! (Option B; 0 points) has the same drawback as the text-move. After 14 . . . lt:lb6 White achieves nothing tangi ble with his central expansion while there re main some weaknesses in his position. 14 'i2ib8 The procedure to counter this pawn ava lanche is to place our pieces out of the scope of the threatening pawns. Then this avalanche can easily tum into an over-expansion. Black plans to transfer his pieces to the queenside and pre pare . . . h5. 15 lii> b l It:lb6! 16 f3 It:le8! 17 ,l;!.hel It:lc7 ! (D) Black puts pressure on the white d4-pawn, trying to hinder the central advance e4. 17 . . . lt:ld6? lessens the pressure on d4 and White will take advantage of this by 1 8 e4 ! ±. •••
w
Theme: Over-Expanding
This is a key strategic crossroad. There are two main possibilities in this type of position: I ) a central break, with f3, e4 and e5 fol lowed by f4; 2) attack on the queenside: It:la4-c5 , and if It:lxc5 then dxc5 freeing d4 for the knight. Adianto chose the wrong plan. 14 lt:lg3?! Option A; 2 points. The idea is to prepare the central break by f3 and e4-e5. In a superficial manner, this looks natural but the knight is mis placed here. One of the most pleasant strategies is the pawn-storm. The pawns force the enemy pieces back from their squares and seize more and more space. But in the present case the de fence does not look difficult and White is tak ing the risk of over-expanding. 1 4 lt:la4 ! ± (Option C ; 5 points) was the right move. This is the best plan for attacking on the queenside by means of It:lc5 , and after . . . It:lxc5 follow with dxc5 and It:ld4. It would be very good for White if he could get this knight on that square.
18 .i.n White has taken too long preparing the ad vance. Black is now fully prepared. 18 �d7! 19 f4 Changing the original plan. After 1 9 e4 dxe4 20 fxe4 l::t h d8 2 1 'iVf2 'il6b4 the d4-pawn is weak. 19 f6! This move comes within the planned set-up: hold up the white centre. If 19 ... ,l;!.dd8, then 20 f5 ! and "the bishop might be in the dark for ever" - Seirawan. 20 f5? ! Closing the bl -h7 diagonal and restricting the scope of his knight. Better was 20 .i.d3 'i!Vd8 ! intending 2 l . . .l:te7 22 �xh7 lt:lc4 ! ? •••
•••
SOLUTIONS
1 83
20 iH7 21 e4 dxe4 22 llJgxe4 l:te8 23 '//Vf2 'li'd8 24 llJc5 l:tde7 25 l:txe7 'li'xe7 112_112 .•.
Black ought to be a little better here, al though the position is far from clear after 26 llJ3e4 llJbdS 27 'li'g3 . Option A: 2 points Option B: 0 points Option C : S points
Test 74 [Level 3] Theme: Besieging the Isolated Pawn
2 6... axb4 2 7 axb4 l:ta4 28 l:tal !
20 llJe2! Option B gets S points, and was the game's best move. When you are playing against an isolated pawn it is very important to keep good control of the blockading square, i.e. the one in front of the pawn. On d4 the knight is a good piece, hut does little. It is necessary to regroup the pieces in order to take advantage of such a theoretical strategic advantage. 20 b4 (Option A; 0 points) would only help to simplify the position, thus reducing our win ning chances. 20 l:tc3 (Option C; 2 points) doesn't give Black real problems either, since the exchange of rooks on the c-file will ease Black's position.
Ruling the a-file is very important. For Black it means having the squares a4, a3 and a2 under control, and for White a6 and a7 . On the con trary, there is only one entry-square along the c-file (c7) which is easily defended by . . . llJe8 or . . . fifd6.
28 .. J'!.ca8 Defending the dS-pawn is already difficult. 28 . . . J::t x al ! 7 is interesting.
29 l:txa4 l:txa4 30 llJc3 l:ta3 31 �e2 Intending �f3 , targeting dS .
3l....ITl.a4 3 l . . .�c6 32 llJbl (32 �f3 l:tb3) 32 . . . l:ta2 (32 . . . l:tb3 ? 33 llJd2) 33 �f3 ! '
32 �cl (D)
20 ... b6 A new weakness appears, thanks to White's threat of directly attacking the pawn by 'li'd4.
21 J::t d l If 21 l:txcS+ l:txcS the white queen is tied to the defence of a3. He chooses to keep a pair of rooks, because right now the black queen is not very active, due to the weakness at b6.
B
21. .. l:tc5 22 b4 l:tcc8 23 'li'd4 fife6 24 llJg3 After 24 llJf4 'li'd6 the idea of playing e4 will be impossible. From g3 the knight can go to fS .
24 ...'Ii'd6 25 llJe2 Again threatening e4. If 25 e4, then 2S . . . �eS ! (2S . . .'Ii'f4 26 llJe2 'li'h4 27 e5) 26 exdS axb4 ! .
25 ... fife6 (D) 26 l:tabl ! Not only with the threat of reaching b6 but also protecting b4 (prophylaxis against a possi ble . . . a4 or . . . fife7). White keeps the rook on d l , t o maintain the pressure o n dS.
There is an additional problem: the rook is badly placed on a3.
32 ....ITl.c6 33 'li'xb6 J::t b3 34 �d4 '//Vd 6 35 Mbl l:txbl + 36 llJxbl llJe4 37 llJc3 llJg5 38
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
184
�g4! h5 39 �f5 g6 40 h4! l2le6 41 �xe6 'iYxe6 42 b5 �b7 43 l2le2 iVf5 44 'iVb6 iVd7 45 l2ld4 1-0 Option A: 0 points Option
B: S points
Option C : 2 points
Test 75 [Level l ]
26 l2lg4 .txg4 27 fxg4 Wf7 28 .tc7 lie8 29 cJif2 cJie6 30 cJif3 cJid7 3 1 .tg3 bS 32 a4 bxa4 33 lih 1 lixc 1 34 lixc 1 lic8 3S lixc8 cJixc8 36 cJie3 a3 37 bxa3 �xa3 38 cJid3 as 39 �e l a4 40 �c3 cJid7 41 cJie2 cJic6 42 cJid3 cJibS 0- 1 . The idea behind Option B , 1 l . . .l2ldS, does not score any points, since White is able to avoid the exchanges by 12 �g3 ! , while 1 2 .txdS ! ? also leaves White i n a better position.
12 .txe7 Themes: Isolated Queen 's Pawn; Exchanging Manoeuvre
12 �g3 l2lxg3 13 hxg3 .tf6 gives Black pres sure against d4 since 14 dS ? fails to 14 . . . l2laS ! .
Black has several possibilities, but the most in teresting path to equality is that indicated in Option A, since it brings about a simplification which reduces the dynamic possibilities offered to White by the isolated queen's pawn. There fore, we give S points to this continuation.
The right recapture. The knight looks at dS in order to blockade the isolated pawn.
12 ... l2lxe7!
1 1...l2lh5! This excellent move forces the aforemen tioned exchange of pieces. The move suggested under Option C. whose idea is to complete development, does not achieve full equality, though it is a perfectly playable choice and we give it 2 points. I I . . .b6 1 2 a3 ! �b7 1 3 lie l produces a thematic position which can arise, with slight differences, both in the Queen's Gambit and the Nimzo-Indian De fence. White gets a slight advantage because of his space advantage and the dynamic possibili ties offered by the isolated queen 's pawn. Now we are going to evaluate Option D, which led to success in Damljanovic-Beliav sky, Belgrade 1 99 3 , but with accurate play White can get an advantageous position. Here, similarly to the previous option, we award 2 points since this is a logical and playable con tinuation. That game continued I I . . .iVb6 1 2 iVd2 lid8 1 3 l2la4 ? (after the natural 1 3 lifd 1 we don' t see how Black can equalize) 13 ... iVb4 ! 14 iVxb4 l2lxb4 (after the exchange of queens, the weakness of the queen's pawn increases and the compensation for this weakness disappears ; we give the rest of the game without notes so the reader will know how to play this position) I S l2lc3 �d7 1 6 lifd 1 liac8 1 7 �b3 .tc6 1 8 l2leS gS 19 .tg3 .te4 20 h4 .tfS 21 hxgS hxgS 22 a3 l2lbdS 23 l2lxdS l2lxdS 24 .txdS exdS 2S f3 f6
13 .tb3?! A dubious move: better is 13 dS, getting rid of the isolated pawn.
13 ...l2lf6 14 l2le5 .td7 15 iVe2 licS I6 l2le4?! Pursuing the policy of exchanges that only favours Black. It is better to play 16 �fe I .te8 ! (a serious mistake is 16 . . . �c6? 1 7 l2lxf7 lixf7 18 iVxe6 l2ledS { 1 8 . . .iVe8 19 iVxe7 } 1 9 l2lxdS , etc . , while 1 6 . . . l2ledS 1 7 l2lxdS l2lxdS 1 8 .txdS exdS gives White a slight edge) 1 7 lied l l2ledS 18 l2lxdS l2lxdS with approximate equality.
1 6 ...l2lxe4 17 'iVxe4 .tc6 IS l2lxc6 �xc6 19 lic3 1 9 lixc6 bxc6 ! 20 lic 1 iVb6 and the d4-pawn will be more exposed than the one at c6. 19 ...iVd6 20 g3 lidS 21 lidl lib6! (D)
w
The rook is going to b4, where it will put pressure on the queen's pawn while immobiliz ing the bishop because of the pressure against
SOLUTIONS
the b2-pawn. The way in which Black ' s major pieces are using the dark squares is remark able. White is greatly missing his dark-squared bishop whose exchange Black forced with the move l l . . .tDhS ! .
2 2 �el �d7 23 .!:!.cd3 .!:!.d6 24 �e4 �c6! 25 'iVf4 If 2S 'iVxc6 there would follow 2S . . . tDxc6 ! 26 dS tDb4 winning a pawn.
2S ... tDdS 26 �d2 �b6! Threatening . . . tDb4.
27 il.xdS �xdS 28 �b3 'iVc6 29 �c3 'ijVd7! Now Black threatens . . . eS , thus causing new weaknesses.
1 85
along the c-file. We give only 1 point to thi s op tion.
21...fxe6 Reinforcing the central pawn, but weakening the light squares. After 2 1 . . .'iVxe6, 22 h3 .!:!.d8 23 .!:!.fd 1 favours White, but not 22 �fd I ? d4 ! 23 exd4 jLgS ! .
2 2 jLg4 (D) Starting the pressure against the light squares. With this move White attacks e6 and so ties the black queen to its defence. If 22 �fd 1 then Black would play very actively by means of 22 . . . �b4 ! , threatening to take on d2.
30 f4 b6 3 1 �b4 bS! With the threat of . . . as .
32 a4 bxa4 33 'iVa3 as 34 .!:!.xa4 'iVbS 35 .!:!.d2 eS !
B
An excellent move which highlights the exposed position of the white king.
36 fxeS �xeS 37 'iVaI 37 dxeS �xd2 38 �xaS �e2, etc.
37 ...'iVe8! ! Decisive .
. 38 dxeS �xd2 39 �xaS 'iVc6 40 �a8+ >t>h7 41 'iVbl+ g6 42 �f1 �cS+ 43 >t>hl 'iVdS+ 0- 1 Option A: S points Option
B: 0 points
Option C: 2 points Option D: 2 points
Test 76 [Level 3] Themes: Realization of the Advantage; Weak ness of a Square Complex
21 tDxe6! This is the right decision. It is true that this exchange reinforces Black's d-pawn, but in re turn, the light squares around the black king are seriously weakened, while the attacking chances are greater since we have opposite coloured bishops. Therefore, if this was your choice (Option A), you have earned S points . The idea behind Option B, which is to leave Black with the weakness of the isolated pawn, here does not work: 21 �fd l jLxd4 ! 22 �xd4 �c2 23 �4d2 jLfS leaves Black very active
22 �c4 23 h3 'iVc6 24 �d3 .•.
In case of the direct 24 �g6 Black would re ply with 24 . . . 'iVe8 . The time to invade the light squares has not come yet.
24 ... >t>h8 25 �fdl as 26 b3 �c3 27 'iVe2 �f8 Better is 27 . . . l'!.c l 28 �xc l 'iVxc l + 29 >t>h2 'iVc6 30 g3, with a minimal advantage for White.
28 iLhS! The bishop is directed to a more dangerous diagonal.
28 ... b5 Black should choose 28 . . . jLd8 29 jLg6 jLc7 30 jLd3 �d6 3 1 g3 'iVeS 32 �g4 'ilIff6, building a fortress.
29 jLg6 Finally the bishop comes to the critical diag onal.
29 ... iLd8 30 jLd3 b4 3 1 'iVg4 �e8 32 e4! 32 h4 is inferior owing to 32 . . . >t>g8 33 hS i/.gS .
32 ... iLgS 33 l'!.c2 �xc2?
186
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
Not the best, although White is doing well even after 33 ... iI'f7 34 .l:te2 or 33 . . .iI'c6 as long as he replies 34 exd5 and not 34 il'e2? il'c5 ! 35 J::t f l I/Wd4 (Kasparov).
59 . . . .a:e6 60 I/Wc4 ! .l:txe4 6 1 I/WgS+ ct;e7 62 I/Wxg7+, etc.
60 I/Wc4+ �fS 61 �h7! .l:tf7 62 il'e6 il'd7 63 l/We5! (D)
34 SLxc2 il'c6 35 il'e2 il'c5 Threatening . . . .l:txf2.
36 .l:tfl il'c3 37 exd5 exd5 3S �bl il'd2 39 il'e5 (D)
B
Of course it would be unsuitable to play 39 'iWxd2 �xd2 40 J::td 1 iLg5 4 1 J::t x d5 J::t d 8, when Black has drawing chances in the ending, be cause of the opposite-coloured bishops.
B
1-0
39 ...1:!:dS 39 . . . d4 doesn't work either in view of 40 il'e4 >itg8 41 �d3, but 39 . . . �f6 is tougher.
40 I/Wf5 �gS 41 l/We6+ WhS 4 l . . .�f8 42 �g6 il'f4 43 .l:te l with the deci sive threat of penetrating at e S .
42 1Hg6 �gS 43 1He6+ �hS 44 �f5! �c3 45 il'g6 >itgS 46 �e6+ >ithS 47 �f5 �gS 4S g3 >itfS 49 � g2 il'f6 50 il'h7 il'f7 50 . . . g6 5 1 i.. x g6 'fig7 52 f4 ! �f6 53 J::t d l .
5 1 h4 i.. d 2 Other possibilities also fail: 5 1 . . .�f6 52 .l:te 1 'fig8 53 'fig6 il'f7 54 il'g4; 5 l . . .iLe7 52 ge l and the threats to penetrate with the bishop on e6 or g6 are decisive.
52 .l:tdl �c3 53 .l:td3 .l:td6 5 3 . . . iI'g8 54 il'g6 il'f7 5 5 'fib6 followed by J:1J3 decides matters.
54 .l:tf3! 54 .l:te3 g5 ! .
54 ... >ite7 55 'fihS! d4 5 6 1Hcs .:!:if6 57 'fic5+ �eS 5S l:1:f4 I/Wb7+ 59 );!,e4+ �f7
There i s no defence. Let us see some possi ble variations: a) 63 ... iI'e7 64 'fibS+. b) 63 . . .l/WdS 64 I/Wc5 + 'ge7 65 'gf4+ We8 66 il'c6+ 'fid7 67 SLg6+. c) 63 . . . .l:te7 64 il'f4+ .sf7 65 il'bS+. Option A : 5 points Option B: 1 point
Test 77 [Level 5] Themes: Piece Activity; Symmetrical Struc ture
17 .l:tfc 1 ! This move, reinforcing c 3 , i s the beginning of a deep plan. The natural 17 .l:tfd 1 , suggested under Option A, would only lead to simplifica tion along the d-file ( l point for this choice). B esides, with the movement of the rook to c l , the d I -square is released to the bishop, which will prove important. We shall see in some moves the whole plan. The other natural move, 17 ttJe5 (Option B), leads only to clear equality after 17 . . .iLb7 I S ttJd7 gfcS 1 9 ttJxb6 axb6, so we give just 1 point to this choice.
17...�b7?!
SOLUTIONS
187
It looks more appropriate to develop the bishop on the e8-a4 diagonal, controlling criti cal squares. In fact, the bishop is going to move (0 this diagonal, losing a tempo. In any event, even after the correct development of the bishop by 1 7 . . . iLd7, White would have a slight but lasting advantage: 18 'i!;>f] ktfd8 19 l::1.b 3 ' l::1. a c8 20 l::1. a 3 l::1.c 7 2 1 c4 ii.a4 22 l::1.b 1 ii.e8 23 l:Ia5 , Novikov-Sturua, Lvov 1 98 5 . 18 'i!;> f1 iLd5 If 18 . . . iLc6 ! ? then 19 ttJe5 iLa4 20 iLb5 ! iLxb5+ 2 1 l:txb5 l:iac8 22 ttJd3 c4 23 ttJb2 ! with a slight advantage to White.
19 l:tb5! The rook goes to as in order to put pressure on the black pawns. 19 . . . iLxa2 does not work because of 20 c4. This detail shows (he action of the c 1 -rook.
19 ...ttJd7 More resistant was 1 9 . . . l:tac8 20 :a5 :c7 2 1 c4 ii.a8 .
the whole idea of White ' s 1 7th move. If you grasped a good part of the idea (Option C) award yourself 5 points.
23 ...l:ib7 24 f3 l:id8 25 ttJd3 g5 26 iLb3! (D) A last preparation before taking on c5. Not 26 ttJxc5 ? ttJxc5 27 l"[xc5 �b2 ! 28 �xc6 l"[dd2 with equality.
20 1::\ a 5! (D)
B B
26 ... 'i!;>f8 27 ttJxc5 20 ... �tb8 21 c4 ii.c6 22 ttJel ! The knight goes to d3 i ncreasing the pressure against c5.
22 ... �b4 22 . . . 1::\b 2 23 ttJd3 .
23 iLdl ! (D) The direct 23 ttJd3 fails to 23 . . . l:ia4 ! . The bishop retreat is a multi-purpose move: it deprives the black rook of the a4-square, and prepares the transfer of the bishop to b3, closing the b-file and at the same time supporting the c4-pawn. After this, we are able to appreciate
Finally, White has won a pawn, thus success fully concluding the plan started with 17 �fc 1 .
27 ... ttJxc5 28 �xc5 �d6 29 �e2 cbe7 30 Mdl l::1. x dl 31 'i!;>xdl 'i!;>d6 32 l::1. a5 f5 33 cbe2 h5 34 e4! fxe4 35 fxe4 iLxe4 36 �xg5 iLf5 37 'i!;>e3 Fixing the h-pawn, but there was an easier way to win: 37 h4 ! 1::\ f7 38 'i!;>e3 iLg4 39 c5+ �c6 40 iLa4+ 'i!;>c7 41 iLe8 l:ih7 42 iLg6 l:ih6 43 iLe4.
37 ... h4 38 'i!;>d4 e5+ 39 'i!;>c3 iLb1 40 a3 l::1. e7 41 J:l:.g4 h3!
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
188
If 4 1 ...e4 then 42 .1i.d l litf7 43 'it>d4 f:.f2 44 c5+ rtt e7 45 .1i.b3 l::!.d 2+ 46 'it'c3 �d3+ 47 'it>b2 e3 4S �a4 with a decisive advantage. 42 g3 l:I.eS 43 llg7! :s.f8 44 l:.xa7 llf2 45 �b4 .:txb2 (D)
45 .. .l::1 b 2 46 c5+ 'it>c6 47 lita6+ 'it>c7 4S �c4 ..tc2 49 .1i.xc2 J:!.xc2+ 50 'it>d5 l:txh2 5 1 �a7+ 'it>bS (5 l . . .'it>cS 52 :s.h7 lith l 53 'it'd6 h2 54 lithS+ <.t>b7 55 c6+ winning) 52 J:!.h7 l:I.h l 53 'it>e4 h2 54 'it>f3 e4+ 55 'it>g2 J:!.c I 56 �xh2 J::!.x c5 57 l:[e7 �c4 58 g4 with a decisive advan tage.
w
White starts a sequence of exchanges preventing the freeing of the black bishop by . . . c5. If this was your choice, then you have earned 5 points. The move indicated under Option B is also very interesting: 19 iVh4 ! ? ':'xd l + ( 1 9 . . J;le7? 20 litxdS+ 'i1ixdS 2 1 l:td l with a clear advan tage; 19 . . . c5? ! 20 llxdS ':xd8 2 1 ii.xa8 1haS 22 :s.d l with advantage) 20 litxd l 'ilYxe5 2 1 J::!.d S ! 'iVe l + (2 l . ..'it>fS) 2 2 <.t>h2 'i1ie5+ 2 3 g3 �f8 with unclear play. Award yourself 4 points if this was your choice. However, the idea under Option C, of sacri ficing a pawn by 19 c5, deserves no points, since Black gets a very good position with the simple 1 9 . . . bxc5 ! . 19 :'xdS 2 0 :s.d l ! (D) •••
B
46 e5+ �e6 47 .1i.a4+ 'it>d5 4S l:td7+ 'it>e4
48 .. .'�e6 49 c6 J:!b2+ 50 .1i.b3+ J::!. x b3+ 5 1 'it>xb3 �e4 5 2 J::!. d S .1i.xc6 5 3 lithS .1i.g2 5 4 a4 'it'f5 55 J:th4 with an easy win. 49 e6 J::!.b 2+ 50 'it>a5! :s.bS 51 e7 liteS 52 'it'b6 'it>e3 53 i(.c6 h2 54 g4!
Preventing . . . ..tf5 . 54 l:th S 55 l:.d l .1i.a2 56 J:tel+ �f4 57 J:!.e4+ <.t>g3 5S J:!.xe5 �xg4 59 J::!.e2 1-0 Option A: I point Option B: I point Option C : 5 points •••
Test 78 [Level 4] Themes: Exclusion of Pieces; The A rt of Sim plification 19 J::!. x dS!
This was the move indicated under Option A, and looks the strongest continuation. With this,
Complementing the previous move. It again prevents . . . c5, exchanging the remaining pieces and reaching a position where the difference in the activity of the bishops is decisive. 20 J:txdl+ 21 ..txdl 'il'dS 22 .1i.f3 iVd2 23 b3 it'xa2 ••
White calculated this pawn sacrifice when he started the exchanges on move 1 9 . With this sacrifice, he prevents the freeing of the black bishop, while Black must also face the threat of b4-b5 . Besides, White seizes control of the d file. 24 b4!
The best move. If 24 'i¥d4, then 24 ... 'i¥a3 25 'il'dS+ (25 'i¥d7 'iVal + ! 26 �h2 Wb'xe5+ 27 g3 iVbS ! ) 25 .. .'iVfS and Black is able to defend himself. 24 ii'al+ 25 'it>h2 'i1ia6 •••
SOLUTIONS
If 25 . . . 'iYb2, then 26 b5 'iYxf2 27 'iYd3 'Vi'c5 28 .ltxc6 ..\txc6 29 bxc6 with advantage.
26 'iYd4! 26 b5 would be less effective now : 26 . . . 'iYc8 27 bxc6 h6 28 g3 a5 with counterplay.
26 ... \Wc8 27 c5! (D)
189
although White ' s advantage will be crushing after 32 'it'f4.
32 'iYxb7! .ltxb7 33 'it'f4 The king pursues his invasion.
33 ...'it'f8 34 'it'g5 'it'e7 35 i1.e4 Preparing the decisive break with f3 and g4.
35 ... ..\ta8 36 f3 ..tb7 36 . . . c5 doesn' t save Black either: 37 ..\txa8 cxb4 38 .ltc6 b3 39 .lta4 b2 40 .ltc2 and White wins.
37 g4! ..\ta8 38 gxh5 gxh5 39 f4 ..\tb7 40 ..\tf3 .lta8 41 'it'xh5 1-0 Option Option
A : 5 points B : 4 points
Option C : 0 points
Test 79 [Level 5] Theme: Bishop vs Knight Completely closing in the black bishop.
27 ... bxc5 28 'iYxc5 a6? ! 28 . . . 'iWb8 is better.
29 Wie7 g6 30 h4 h5? (D) A serious mistake in a difficult position. With this move the dark squares are severely weak ened, and the white king will take advantage of this weakness later. 30 . . . 'i!Vb8 was preferable.
Here we have a typical position in which Black has a 'bad' bishop against a graceful white knight. However, after 46 . . . ..\tg6 White would find it very difficult to break Black's fortress. Therefore, if this was your choice (Option A), you have earned 5 points. Kasparov decided to take on h4, thus con sidering that he would get a draw more easily by avoiding a possible break based on g4, and with only one remaining point, f4, where the white pieces can penetrate Black's position. But he missed the strong reply prepared by Karpov.
46 ... gxh4? 47 ct:lg2! ! (D)
31 'it'g3! Starting the decisive invasion.
31...'iYb7? This simply loses. The exchange of queens leaves Black no hope. 3 1 . . .Wib8 was necessary
1 90
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEG Y BOOK: VOLUME 1
This move was missed by Kasparov, who only considered the recapture on h4. With this move, which involves a temporary pawn sacri fice, the white king will be able to penetrate into Black's camp. Take 1 point if your choice was Option B or Option C.
47 hxg3+ 48 'it'xg3 We6 49 ttJf4+ 'it'f5 50 ttJxh5 �e6 51 ttJf4+ �d6 52 �g4 •..
The king starts his invasion.
the white rook with full equality. If this was your choice then you have earned just 1 point. The idea in Option C, of transferring the bishop to e5, is quite harmless for Black. Let us analyse a possible continuation: 18 �h4 ct:lxc3 ! ? 1 9 bxc3 'ii'c 6 ! 2 0 'iVxc6 bxc6 and White i s somewhat better, though Black should not be worried too much. We give 2 points to this move.
52 ... �c2 53 Wh5 �dl 54 Wg6! We7 The best defence. If 54 . . . �xf3 55 Wxf6 White would continue, by means of knight checks, displacing the black king and thus winning the d5-pawn.
55 ttJxd5+? This capture is hasty. Extensive analysis shows that 5 5 ttJh5 wins.
18 ... ct:lxf6 19 d5! A strong breakthrough based on the previous move. 19 ... exd5 20 �xd5! (D) Taking with the knight is hannless: 20 ttJxd5 ? ct:lxd5 2 1 �xd5 'iic 7 22 �xb7 'fJ.. b S 23 �d5 'fJ.. x b2 and Black has nothing to fear.
55 ...We6 56 ttJc7+ Wd7? 56 . . . Wd6 is considered just sufficient to draw.
57 ttJxa6 �xf3 58 Wxf6 Wd6 59 Wf5 Wd5 60 Wf4 �hl 61 We3 Wc4 62 ct:lc5 i.c6
B
Nor does 62 . . . �g2 help: 63 ct:ld3 Wb3 64 ct:lf4 �b7 65 Wd3 Wxa3 66 Wc3 followed by d5 winning.
63 ct:ld3 �g2 64 ct:le5+ 'it'c3 65 ct:lg6 Wc4 66 ct:le7 �b7 If 66 ... Wb3 White wins after 67 d5 Wxa3 68 d6 �h3 69 ct:ld5 Wb3 70 Wd4 �g4 71 'it'c5 �h3 72 ct:lf6 etc.
67 ct:lf5 �g2 68 ttJd6+ Wb3 69 ct:lxb5 Wa4 70 ct:ld6 1 -0 Option A: 5 points Option
B: 1 point
Option C: 1 point
Test 80 [ Level 4] Themes: Isolated Queen 's Pawn; The Break at d5
18 �xf6! This is a strong follow-up without a doubt, and Black' s position starts to stagger. The idea suggested under Option A, of cap turing at d5 in order to enter the seventh rank with the rook, gives White no special advantage: I S ct:lxd5 ct:lxd5 1 9 �xd5 'iVxd5 ! 20 'ii'x d5 exd5 21 'fJ..e 7 f6 ! followed by 22 . . . .sf7, neutralizing
Even though it looks unusual, the capture on d5 with the bishop appears more frequently than you might believe. After the end of this game you will find another example where af ter the break at d5 and the later capture with the bishop, White gets a clear advantage. Indeed, White's whole idea was based on this capture with the bishop. The centre is now open and the white rooks play along the central files, where the black queen is exposed. There are serious threats that are very difficult to meet. If your choice was Option B and your analysis reached this move, then you have earned 5 points.
20 ...'fJ.. b8 The only move. Black loses material after 20 . . . ct:lxd5 ? 2 1 ct:lxd5 ; 20 . . . 'lJiic 7 is a little more difficult to refute: 2 1 �xb7 'fJ..b 8 22 �d5 ! 'fJ.. x b2
SOLUTIONS
23 jLb3 ! (trapping the black rook; the direct threat is 24 tUa4) 23 . . . �dS (if 23 . . . tUg4 then 24 hxg4 'iVxc3 25 j.,xf7+ ! ) 24 �xdS+ 'iVxdS 25 �b7 liJd7 26 j.,xf7+.
21 j.,b3! 'iVc7 (D) Also bad would be 2 1 . . .'iVc6 22 'iVxc6 bxc6 23 �e7 with complete control.
1 91
Option A: I point Option
B: 5 points
Option C: 2 points
Let us see a supplementary example where after the thematic break at d5 the right recap ture is with the bishop:
22 liJb5!
Dvoretsky - Romanov
The knight is going to be decisive at d6.
Moscow 1 963
22 'iVb6 23 liJd6 �bdS (D) ..•
15 d5! A strong break that gives White a dangerous initiative.
15 exd5 16 jLxdS! .••
The right capture. The bishop is untouchable and Black is subjected to unpleasant pressure.
16 ... �feS 17 'iYc4!? liJxdS? 17 . . . tUe5 ! is superior, and forces simplification that leaves White only a little better.
IS tUxdS 'iYbS 19 j.,f4! tUaS 20 tUxe7+ �xe7 21 'iYxcS+! 1-0
Test 8 1 [Level 2] 24 tUxf7! Starting the harvest.
Themes: Move-Order; Right Plan but Wrong Realization
24... �xf7 24 . . . �xd l 25 �xd l �xf7 26 �d7 ! also leads to immediate defeat for Black.
25 �xdS+ 'iYxdS 26 'iYxb7 'iYd7 27 �e7! A graceful finish for a game where Korchnoi played with great power.
1 -0
16 ... aS? The commutative property does not always apply to chess. Therefore it is not enough to find the right plan but one must also play the moves in the right order. Of course Black must move the rook from h8 to b8, then withdraw the
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
1 92
knight, with pressure against the b2-pawn and follow with . . . as planning a break at a4 with good counterplay. However, B lack omits an important tactical detail, whereby he should play the rook to b8 first before playing . . . as , as we shall see later. 0 points for Option C. The idea behind Option A, of guarding the bishop against a possible jump of the knight to h4 by playing l6 . . . gS is not necessary since the bishop has the g4-square to escape. 11 is better not to lose time and he should seek counterplay along the a- and b-files without delay. 0 points for this choice. 16 . . . lIhb8, suggested under Option B, is the right plan (and the right move-order). Now Black is ready to play 1 7 . ..tiJd7 (or maybe better . . . as first) beginning the aforementioned coun terplay. There is no need to worry about 1 7 ctJa6 1Ic8 1 8 ctJb4? due t o 1 8 . . . \t>d6 and . . . as . I f this was your choice, and you found that the other move-order fails tactically, then you have earned S points.
17 ctJh4! i.g4? 17 . . . lIhb8 was the only move, although af ter 1 8 ctJxfS+ exfS White 's advantage is evi dent. 18 h3 .b5 (D)
The situation is now clear and White has a healthy extra pawn.
26 J':tb2+ 27 \t>f3 iLf7 28 ctJf5 g6 29 ctJh6 iLe6 30 J:tal lIb7 31 h4 g5 32 hxg5 fxg5 33 lIhl 1-0 .•
The game would have ended as follows: 33 ... \t>e7 34 ctJfS+ i.xfS 3S gxfS \t>f6 36 \t>g4 lIb2 37 l"1,xh7 l"1,xf2 3 8 1Ih6+. Option A : 0 points Option B: S points Option C : 0 points
Test 82 [Level l ] Themes: Pawn-Formation c3-d4; Hindering the Threats
16 f5! •••
This is the right way to hinder White's threats, without fearing the weakness at e6, since we do not see how White can exploit this. We should remember that "a weakness is only a weakness if the opponent can take advantage of it" ! Both 16 . . . g6 and l6 . . . h6, suggested under Options B and C, are a little weakening and thus they de serve no points. If this was your assessment and you chose Option A, ending White's attacking prospects, then you have earned S points.
17 ctJf3 Probing e6 and threatening 1 8 ctJgS . 17...'lIUe8! (D)
w
19 ctJxe6! The key move. White forced the bishop from the defence of e6 and now the undefended b6knight becomes apparent.
19 \t>xe6 20 lIxc6+ \t>d7 21 :§.xb6 1Ihb8 22 J::t xb8 lIxb8 23 b3 a4 24 g4 axb3 25 axb3 lIxb3 26 \t>e2 •••
A logical follow-up. With this move, Black virtually forces the exchange of queens. After
SOLUTIONS
this exchange, the c3-pawn will be more vul nerable than that at e6 (supported and protected by the black king) .
1 93
B
IS iY'xeS Avoiding the exchange is no better since the queen remains in an unhappy position. Let us see a very likely continuation: 1 8 ifh3 J:if6 ! 1 9 Ac 1 (preventing 1 9 . . J:th6) 1 9. . :iifc6 ( l 9. . . :'xc3? ! 20 Axf5 ! ) 20 i.d2 tLlc4 ! (20 . . . litg6 gets no where: 2 1 tLlh4 ! forces the rook to return be cause if 2 l . . .litg4? then 22 f3 ! ) 21 Ac 1 'iVd5 ! and Black' s advantage is beyond question.
lS JUxeS 19 tLld2 ••
Necessary in order to control c4.
19 ... Ad5! (D)
23 . . .tLlc4 24 ..txc4 ! ..txc4 25 tLlf3 followed by 26 tLle5 with some activity.
24 .ie2 g5! 25 fxg5 hxg5 26 Aa3 Axa3 27 litxa3 i.d5! Preventing tLlf3-e5 again.
w
2S .id3 l:.edS 29 lite1 If 29 c4, then 29 . . . i.b7 winning the d-pawn.
29 ...l::!: e 7! Preparing not only the doubling of rooks on the c-file but the rooks will also play on the other flank, one on the first rank and the other via the second.
30 :e3 �f6! Centralizing the king and freeing the way for the rook.
31 ..ta6 f4! (D) A very complete move. From d5 the bishop attacks the a2-pawn, watches over the important c4-square and defends e6. The reader should notice the difference in activity between the bishop defending the 'weakness' at e6 and the other defending the weakness at c3.
W
20 a4 'ik;f7 21 g3 g6 ! 22 f4 The only way to prevent 22 . . . e5 . The draw back of this move is that it gives Black the pos sibility of a break with . . . g5, combining play on both flanks.
22 h6! •••
Preparing . . . g5.
23 :tec1 (D) Threatening to gain some space by pushing the c-pawn.
23... ..te4! The right way to hinder the advance. The at tempt to do so with the knight is not so effective:
Beginning the final onslaught.
32 :d3 :hS 33 e4 .iaS 34 gxf4 gxf4 35 1:th3 J:tg7+! 36
1 94
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
Black has won a pawn, thus realizing his po sitional advantage. The rest is just technique, since besides the material advantage, the white pieces are badly placed. 39 tbf3 :td8! 40 <;£;>f2 .bf3 41 <;£;>xf3 :txd4 Winning a second pawn. The rest of the game is not i nteresting. 42 J:!.c3 tbc6 43 �b5 tbe5+ 44 <;£;>e2 <;£;>f5 45 c5 f3+ 46 <;£;>el bxc5 47 :txc5 <;£;>f4 48 :tc7 c;t>e3 49 �e7 f2+ 50 <;£;>n J:!.g4 0-1 Option A : 5 points Option B: 0 points Option C: 0 points
Test 83 [Level 2] Themes: Weak Squares; Linked Squares
1 5 ...tbcd7 ! ! A n excellent move. The knight is going t o d7 with the idea of reaching c4 via b6. In this and similar positions, the game revolves around the c4- and c5-squares, and the side in a better posi tion to take advantage of them gets the advan tage. If this was your choice, then you have earned 5 points. If instead you decided to play the natural l5 . . . tbce4, which leads to equal play, then you have scored 2 points. 16 ..tg3? A serious mistake. White would get a more or less equal game after 16 tbb3 and tba5 , fight ing for the c4-square. 16 ... tbb6 17 'il'b3 (D)
B
17...tbfd5! With the idea of . . . tbxc3 followed by . . . �d5c4, and after the exchange of the light-squared bishops, the c4-square will be even weaker. 18 �f3 J:!.c4! 19 tbe4 'il'c8 20 J:!.xc4? According to Kotov, White should have played 20 �b1 with the idea of tbd6 or tbd2, fighting for control of the c4-square. 20 tbxc4 21 :tel 'iYa8! 22 tbc3 White faced the threat of . . . tbdxe3 . 22 J:!.c8 23 tbxd5 ..txd5 24 Ji.. x d5 'iYxd5 25 a4 �f6 26 tbf3 Ji.. b 2! With the idea of . . . e5 without blocking the bishop. 27 J:!.el (D) Let us examine other lines quoted by Ale khine: a) 27 :td 1 bxa4 28 'iYxa4 tbb6 29 J:!.xd5 tbxa4 30 :td l tbc3 3 1 :te l J:!.c4 32 �d6 tbe4 33 i.e7 f6 34 �b1 <;£;>f7 35 <;£;>n �c3 winning. b) 27 �b1 tba3 ! 28 'iYxb2 tbxb1 29 'il'xb 1 'il'b3 ! ! 3 0 'il'fl bxa4 3 1 h3 'il'c4, also winning. .•.
.•.
B
27 ... :td8 28 axb5 axb5 29 h3 e5 30 J:!.bl e4 31 tbd4 Ji.. xd4 32 J:!.dl tbxe3 0-1 Option A : 5 points Option B: 2 points
Test 84 [Level 3] Themes: Hanging Pawns; Realization of the Advantage
17 a4!
SOLUTIONS
A strong move which puts the black centre under serious pressure, because the move not only prepares to drive one of its defenders out by means of as , but also �a2 with pressure against dS . If this was your choice (Option B), you have earned S points. We give 2 points to Option A because it only allows Jl.a2, without threatening to drive the black knight out, and is therefore a less com plete plan than the one in Option B . The idea underlined in Option C, despite be ing very logical, gives Black some counterplay. If you chose this option, then you have earned 3 points. Let us see a possible follow-up: 1 7 'IIiIc 2 g6 I S CLlxdS CLlxdS 19 e4 'iVd6 20 exdS Jl.f6 and matters are not so clear for White, since Black is active and owns two powerful bishops. 17 Jl.f6 According to Kramnik, White would also get a clear plus after 17 . . . as I S "iYc2 g6 19 �a2 ! �f6 20 e4 ! . 1 8 'iVc2 g6 1 9 as ! 1 9 Jl.a2 is also promising. 19 ...CLlc4 20 CLlxdS CLlxb2 If 20 . . . Jl.xdS then 21 e4 with a great advan tage. 21 CLlxf6+ 'iVxf6 22 J:id2 Jl.xf3 23 gxf3 (D)
195
23 .. J�ab8 24 f4 c4 25 e4 J:tfd8 If 2S . . . c3, then 26 eS 'iVc6 27 J:td6 with a crushing advantage. 26 eS J:!.xd2 27 �xd2 'iVd8 28 'iVe2 'ilIId 4! In case of 2s .. :iVxaS White will play 29 e6. 29 e6 CLld3! 30 Jl.c2 fxe6 3 1 �xe6+ c:t;g7 (D)
w
•.•
32 Jl.a4! c3? Weakening the position of the d3-knight, and therefore allowing the bishop to become powerful along the bl -h7 diagonal. 33 Jl.c2! l:lb2 34 "iYe7+ c:t;g8 35 'iVe2! CLlxf4 Neither 3S ... �xc2 36 "iYxc2 c:t;g7 37 �d l winning, nor 3S . . . CLlb4 because 36 �eS+, of fered Black a way out. 36 gxf4 Wf7 37 �dl 1-0 Option A : 2 points Option B: S points Option C: 3 points
Test 85 [Level 3] Themes: Isolated Queen 's Pawn; Zwischenzug
This is what we know in chess as the realiza tion of an advantage. White turned the pressure against the hanging centre into another advan tage, namely that the b2-knight is excluded from play. This fact, combined with the ad vance of the central pawns, should give him victory.
10... CLlb6 This was the idea proposed by Option B . However, a s Botvinnik skilfully shows, despite being a logical idea it was necessary to play . . . a6 first, thus forcing White to play a4, weak ening the b4-square, which will serve as an out post for the black knights. Therefore we give only 2 points to Option B . The right plan was that mentioned under Op tion C (S points): 1O . . . a6 ' with the idea of . . . bS
196
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
followed by . . . �b7 and . ..liJb6. If White pre vents it by playing I I a4 then after I I . . .tiJb6 Black has the b4-square for his knights. Playing ... a6 in order to force a4 before playing . . . ttJb6 is a customary procedure in positions like this. Therefore, we recommend the reader to re member this idea. Let ' s see some examples af ter 1 2 �b3 �d7 (D) :
good prospects and leaving B lack in a restricted position and without good control of the dS square. We give no points to this choice . 11 ii.b3 �d7 12 iNd3 ttJbd5?! 12 . . . ctJfdS ! is more precise, heading for ex changes, although after 1 3 �e3 ( 1 3 �c2 ? ! g6 with the threat of . . . ttJb4) 1 3 . . . ttJxc3 14 bxc3 �a4 ! IS c4 White has a slight edge according to Botvinnik. 1 3 ttJe5 �c6 14 J:!.adl White follows his preparations, strengthen ing the central pawn before beginning king side action. 14 ttJxc6 would be a positional mistake since besides exchanging the awe some eS-knight, it allows Black to reinforce the dS-square. 14 ttJb4 We are now able to assess the importance of inducing the weakening of the b4-square on move 1 0, since the knight is not going to remain on this square. 15 \\lVh3 !/td5 16 liJxd5 ttJbxd5 Better is 16 .. .tiJfxd5 17 ii.c I ! . 17 f4! Opening the f-file with fS, as well as weaken ing the blockade at dS. Thus the light-squared bishop gains power. 17 ... J:!.c8 18 f5 exf5? It would have been better to keep the bishop's diagonal closed, even at the cost of weakening the e6-pawn. 19 .:1i:.xf5 iNd6? A tactical mistake in a very bad position. 20 liJxf7! J:!.xf7 21 ii.xf6 �xf6 If 2 l . . .ttJxf6, then 22 .:1i:.xf6 !/txf6 23 iNxc8+, etc. 22 J:!.xd5 'lJic6 23 J:!.d6 'lie8 24 J:!.d7 1-0 Option A : 0 points Option B: 2 points Option C: S points •..
a) 1 3 'lJie2 �c6 1 4 J:!.fd l ttJfdS ! ? I S �d2 ttJb4 1 6 ttJeS 'lJixd4 ! ? 1 7 ttJxf7 J:!.xf7 1 8 �e3 (if 18 �xe6, then 18 ... 'lJif6) 18 ... 'lJieS 19 .txb6 'lJixe2 20 ttJxe2 .tdS ! 21 �xdS ttJxdS 22 .ltd4 .a:.d8 23 ttJc3 ttJxc3 24 bxc3 1/2- 1/2 Spraggett A . Sokolov, Saint John Ct ( I ) 1 988. b) 1 3 as seems to be the only way for White to keep some advantage after the upcoming ex changes, even though if Black plays with some care he should have no problems drawing. 1 3 . ..4JbdS 14 liJxdS liJxd5 I S �xdS exdS 1 6 !/txe7 'lJixe7 1 7 Vib3 (the advantage o f the knight against the bishop in this position is more theoretical than real, since the bishop has the bS-square) 17 . . . iNd6 1 8 J:ife l f6 (control ling eS) 1 9 J:!.e3 J:!.fe8 20 J:!.c 1 ii.c6 2 1 J:!.ce 1 \tof8 22 J:!.xe8+ J:!.xe8 23 J:!.xe8+ �xe8 24 iNc3 iNe6 2S h3 \tod7 26 ttJel !/tbS ! (preventing liJd3-cS ; we can see how the bishop is not so awkward in this position) 27 liJc2 iNc6 28 'lJixc6+ \toxc6 29 ttJb4+ \tod6 30 f4 !/tc4 31 �f2 \toc7 32 �e3 b6 33 axb6+ <;i;>xb6 34 <;i;>d2 <;i;>b5 35 ctJc2 .tb3 36 CDe3 \tob4 112- 1/2 Eslon-Hoffman, Alicante 1 989. The idea suggested under Option A does not
solve Black's needs in this position. 1 O . . .b6 de prives the d7 -knight of the b6-square, with no
Test 86 [Level 2] Themes: Isolated Queen 's Pawn; Break at d5 14
!/tgS
This strong and natural move was suggested under Option B. White played this move in the
SOLUTIONS
game, without noticing that Black's position would be a total ruin after the break at dS, as we are going to see later. If you chose Option B then you have scored 3 points. The idea mentioned under Option A, of de veloping the bishop to e3, deserves no more than I point, because it does not emphasize Black's problems. The right plan was recommended under Op tion C : 14 dS ! . After this strong break White's attack gets a decisive boost. 1 4 ... exdS (l4 . ..tLiaS is answered by I S .tgS g6 16 d6 ! ) IS .tgS g6 ( l S .. .':tje4 is met by 16 4:Jxe4 dxe4 17 'iVxe4 ! g6 I S .txe7 'fIxe7 19 'iVxe7 4:Jxe7 20 l:txe7 .txf3 2 1 .tb3 ! .tg4 22 l:txa7 with an overwhelming advantage, Howell-Magem, Groningen jr Ech 1 983/4) 16 l:txe7 ! 'VJ!ixe7 17 4:JxdS 4:JxdS 1 8 .txe7 winning. If this was your choice, and your analysis was somewhat like this, then you have earned S points.
197
19 ....tf6 20 .tb3 'iVh5 21 d5! 4:JdS 22 d6 l::'l: c5 23 d7 l:te7 24 'iVf4! .tg7 25 'iVbS 'iVxh6 26 'iVxdS+ iLfS 27 l:te3 .tc6 2S 'iVxfS+! 'iVxfS 29 dS'iV 1-0 Option A : I point Option
B: 3 points
Option C : S points
Let us see a similar position in which an other former world champion, Tigran Petro sian, played more accurately :
14 g6 ..•
Despite missing the win, White's position remains much better.
15 l:tadl 4:Jd5 16 iLh6 l:teS 17 .ta4! Forcing new weaknesses due to the pressure from both bishops.
17 ... a6
Petrosian - Balashov
Weakening the b6-pawn, but there was no choice.
IS 4:Jxd5! 'VJ!ixd5 (D)
Moscow (Spartakiad) 1 9 74
15 d5! Like in the main game, this break has decisive effects.
15 ...exd5 16 .tg5 4:Je4 If 16 . . . g6, then 1 7 l:txe7, etc.
17 4:Jxe4 dxe4 IS 'iVxe4 g6 19 'VWh4! 'iVc7 20 .tb3! The threat against f7 induces new weak nesses.
20... h5 If 20 . . .tfS , then 21 .tf4 ! followed by 4:JgS .
and wins.
21 'iVe4 'it;g7 22 itxf7! This is an instructive example of demolish ing the defences .
22 ... 'it;xf7 23 ith6! 19 'VWe3! The follow-up to the previous move. Now White plans iLb3 followed by dS and the weak ness at b6 becomes apparent.
This strong move is the key of the combina tion, establishing many threats to which there is no solution.
23 .. :iVd6
1 98
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
If 23 . . .tL'Jd8, controlling e6, then 24 CLJgS+. 24 "iVc4+ 'it>f6 25 .sad l ! CLJd4 26 "iVxd4+ "iVxd4 27 �xd4 �c5 With the idea of covering the check on the fS-square as well as controlling gS. 2S h4! 1-0 There is no defence against CLJgS .
15 CLJa4 ! ? (D) As pointed out by Yermolinsky, it would be more precise to exchange on f6 first: I S i£.xf6 i.xf6 1 6 CLJa4 axb4 1 7 axb4 l:1a8 ( l 7 . . . b6? loses to 18 i.a6 ! l:1c7 19 CLJxb6 �e7 20 .seb l ) 1 8 CLJcS lixa I 1 9 l:1xal b6 20 CLJxe6 l:1xe6 2 1 il.. fS gd6 22 lIa7 with advantage.
Test 87 [Level 4] B
Themes: Karlshad Formation; Minority Attack
12., ..s cS A logical move suggested under Option A. With this, as we are going to see, Black does not solve all his problems. But since this is a natural follow-up in this type of position, we give 3 points to this choice. 12 . . . CLJ6d7 ! is a good move, solving Black's problems. Black is preparing the transfer of his knight to b6, where it will control the c4square, preventing White from playing the mi nority attack. Then: a) The natural 13 il.. xe7 "iVxe7 1 4 �ab l as I S a3 �ec8 1 6 b4 bS ! , followed by . . . CLJb6-c4, gives Black a good game. In this line we are able to see the spirit of Black's plan. If you chose Option B and analysed so far, then you have scored S points. b) 13 il.. f4 ! is the best move. 13 . . . CLJg6 1 4 il..h 2 CLJdf8 (but not 1 4 . . . CLJf6 because o f I S CLJeS ! followed b y f4) I S �ad 1 (to open the po sition with e4, trying to take advantage of the more harmonious development and activity of the white pieces) IS . . . CLJh4 ! ( l S . . . il.. d6 1 6 CLJeS ! ) 1 6 CLJxh4 (not, o f course, 1 6 CLJeS? because of 16 . . .f6 1 7 CLJg4 hS 1 8 il.. g 3 hxg4 19 �xh4 gxh3) 16 . . . i.xh4 17 e4 ! dxe4 18 i.xe4 with a more or less equal game, Yermolinsky-Yusupov, Chi cago 1 996. Instead, the exchange of bishops by means of 12 . . . CLJhS suggested under Option C allows White to carry out the minority attack comfort ably after 1 3 il.. xe7 "iVxe7 14 .sab I ! . We give 2 points to this choice. 13 a3 CLJg6 14 b4 as? ! This move unnecessarily creates a new weak ness in Black's position.
15 ... CLJe4 IS . . . axb4 1 6 axb4 i£.xb4 ( l 6 . . . CLJe4 ! ? deserves attention) 17 �eb l with a clear advan tage for White. 16 i.xe7 lIxe7 17 CLJcS f5 Let us see the interesting variations which arise after 17 . . . i.fS 1 8 CLJgS axb4 19 axb4 "iVe8 (if 19 ... CLJxgS, then 20 i.xfS lIa8 21 f4 ! .§.xal 22 l'hal b6 23 CLJd3 with an overwhelming ad vantage) 20 gec 1 h6 2 1 CLJgxe4 dxe4 22 i£.fl b6 23 CLJa4 with a clear advantage. IS bxa5 ! White opens the b-file and therefore is going to put strong pressure on the b7 -pawn. IS ... "iVxaS 19 lIebl "iVa7 After 1 9 . . . CLJxcS 20 dxcS White would fix b7 as well as getting the d4-square for his knight. 20 a4 lIfS 20 . . . b6 also leads to a clear advantage for White: 2 1 CLJxe6 lixe6 22 "iVb3 . 21 a s il.. cs 2 2 .sb6! Preparing the decisive a6. 22 ... h6 23 "iVb3 'it>h7 24 a6! After this move Black is helpless. 24 ... CLJxcS 25 dxc5 gf6 26 CLJd4 CLJe5 27 il.. xfS+! il.. xfS 2S CLJxf5 gxf5 29 "iVbl l-0 If 29 . . .lIef7 then 30 axb7.
SOLUTIONS
Option A : Option
199
3 points
B: 5 points
Option C: 2
points
B
Let us see a supplementary example on the theme of Black's strategy to combat the minor ity attack.
B
White is playing routine moves, without a plan, since the minority attack he intended can not be accomplished. Once the minority attack has been prevented, Black is going to focus his attention on White's king. 22 .. :iYg5! 23 'iVd l h5! Preventing 'ifg4. 24 <;t>hl Freeing g l for the rook, on account of the threat of . . . ctJf5-h4. 24 ...l:!.e7! (D)
Bobotsov - Petrosian Lugano OL 1 968
15 ... ctJb6 ! ? The knight points t o the important c4-square, a useful idea especially when this square lacks the protection of the light -squared bishop. 16 �g5 ctJe4! A typical move in these positions; besides, the knight can go to d6 where it guards the criti cal squares c4 and e4. 17 �xe7 'ifxe7 18 'ifc2 (D) The pawn cannot be taken: 1 8 ctJxe4 dxe4 1 9 'ifxe4?? (if 1 9 �b3 then 1 9 . 'ife6 ! 2 0 'ifxe6 l:!.xe6 and Black's position is preferable) 19 . . f6 and White loses a piece. 18 ... ctJd6! Following the aforementioned idea. 19 ctJa4 ctJbc4 20 ctJxc4 ctJxc4 21 ctJc5 ctJd6! The d6-knight performs several duties admirably : on the one hand it controls e4 and particularly c4, thus preventing b4. From d6 the knight also protects the b7-pawn and hin ders the break at b5, and furthermore, we shall not forget a possible transfer to the kingside to h4 via the f5-square. 22 !:tac1 ..
.
A multi-purpose move. On the one hand the rook releases the knight from the defence of b7 and thus can join the attack, and on the other hand, clears the way for the other rook. Further more, as the game is going to show, the rook can use the second rank in order to help in the attack (after . . . f6 the rook will move to g7 sup porting the break . . . g5-g4). 25 ctJd3
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
200
Transferring the knight to the defence. It is clear that Black has won the strategic battle. 25...ttJe4 26 ttJc5 ttJd6 27 ttJd3 (D)
B
27 :�f5 ! The beginning of a decisive attack. With this move Black frees the way for his g-pawn. 28 ttJe5 f6 29 ttJf3 litg7! This was one of the ideas behind the move . ..'fJ.e7 . 30 ttJh2 J:!.e8 And thus the other rook joins the battle. 3 1 'it>g1 ttJe4 32 �f3 �e6 33 .!i1.fd1 g5 ! Threatening . . . g4. 34 �xh5 Although the drawbacks of this move are obvious, there was no better choice. 34 f5 35 J:te1 g4! Threatening to win the queen with . . . lith7. 36 hxg4 fxg4 37 f3 gxf3 38 ttJxf3 .!';l:h7 39 'iWe5 'iWc8! 40 �f4 J:!.f8 41 'fie5 J:!.f5! 0-1 White loses material. ••
•••
Test 88 [Level 5] Themes: Isolated Queen 's Pawn; The c-File
12 ttJe4 (D) This was the move suggested under Option A. This is a natural move which tries to solve the problem of the black queen's position. How ever, as Alekhine proves in a masterful way, White can get a superior position with accurate play. We give 2 points to this choice. •••
Before starting any exchange manoeuvre, it is important to play 1 2 . . . a6 threatening . . . bS and hence forcing White to play 13 a4. After this, White's position is weakened a little, and the c4-bishop is somewhat restricted in its movements (the bishop could not go to a6, a very annoying manoeuvre in some variations, as we shall soon see) and the same for the c3knight. Then: a) The plan based on 13 ... ttJe4 is now more interesting, as the following variation shows: 14 ttJxe4 ..txe4 IS ..tg3 (but not IS .1i.xe7? ! "l/ii xe7 1 6 .1i.xa6 .1i.xf3 1 7 gxf3 cxd4 1 8 exd4 ttJf6 with a lot of compensation for the pawn) I S . . . 'i1ic8. This is the key move of Option B . Now, in contrast t o what would happen in Op tion A, this move is possible since iLa6 - a very annoying idea - is under control. At any rate, after 16 dxcS bxcS ( 1 6 . . . ttJxcS 1 7 ttJeS ! ) 1 7 ttJd2 ! White had a slight but lasting advantage in Korchnoi-Karpov, Merano Wch (3) 1 98 1 . If Option B was your choice, you are entitled to 3 points. b) Black can simplify by l 3 . . . cxd4 14 exd4 (restricting the mobility of the d7 -knight; 1 4 ttJxd4 does not cause Black too much trouble) 14 . . . ttJhS ! - this is the true essence of Black's plan. We feel that this idea was not seriously considered until this game, due to Black's conse quent lack of control over dS . However, after I S iLxe7 "fifxe7 1 6 dS ttJf4 1 7 'ii'e3 'iVf6 ! , White has nothing better than 1 8 ttJe4 �fS 19 ttJg3 �f6 20 ttJe4 �fS 1/2- 1/2 Kasparov-Karpov, Moscow Wch (34) 1 9 84/S . If this - Option C was your assessment and analysis, you get S points. -
w
SOLUTIONS
201
13 ctJxe4 .txh4 After 13 . . . .txe4 14 .tg3 ! White's pressure remains.
14 ctJc3! After the inferior 14 ctJd6 .txf3 15 �xf3 id,e7 Black gains time.
1 4... .tf6 Maybe 1 4 . . . id,e7 is better, although Black's desire to free e7 for his queen is understandable.
15 �Jdl �e7 (D)
20 ... ctJb8 In the event of 20 . . . Mdb8 White will follow with 2 1 Mc8+ Mxc8 22 'iVxb7 and the invasion by the queen has decisive effects.
2 1 ctJxf6+! This exchange also causes a weakening in the kingside.
21. .. gxf6 22 �e2 Mbd7 23 Md3 Preparing to double rooks on the c-file, and we should not forget that from the third rank the rook is able to pass to the kingside.
16 .ta6! A typical move in these positions. After the exchange of queens, White is going to consoli date the queenside and the command of the c file.
16 ...Mab8 After this move the black rooks will lose co ordination. 16 . . . id,xa6 17 'iVxa6, allowing the white queen to take up residence on a6, with pressure against Black's queenside pawns - and also against the c8-square, a key one for the control of the file - looks no better.
17 .txb7 Mxb7 18 ctJe4! A strong move, opening the c-file.
18 ...cxd4 19 exd4! The right recapture. The d4-pawn is far from being weak and prevents the jumps of the black knight. If 19 ctJxd4, then 1 9 . . . .txd4 20 exd4 ctJf6 with equality (Alekhine). 19... �d8 (D)
20 'iVa6! The queen uses the weakened light squares on the queenside in order to disturb the black pieces.
23 ... l;i.d5 24 Mdc3 �h7 25 h3 as 26 a3! A strong move which denies the black queen the b4-square. Black's passivity is complete.
26 ... Mg8 27 �c7 ctJd7 28 � lc6 'iVf8 29 'iVc2+! As Alekhine pointed out, this is more precise than 29 Mc8 'IiiIg 7 30 �c2+ since then Black could reply with 30 .. :iVg6.
29 ...f5 Thc weakening of the e5-square was un avoidable.
30 Mc8 'iVe7 31 Mxg8 �xg8 After the exchange of rooks, any sort of counterplay on the g-file vanishes.
32 'iVcl �g7 33 'iVf4 'iVd8 34 a4! Depriving the black rook of the b5-square. Black is virtually in zugzwang.
34 ... b5 If 34 . . . �h7, as Alekhine wisely indicated, White wins by playing 35 'iVc 1 followed by 'IiiIc 4-a6 with a decisive invasion.
35 'iVg3+ �f8 36 Md6! 'iVa8 36 . . . bxa4 37 Mxd5 exd5 38 �d6+ 'fie7 39 'iVxd5 is also hopeless for Black.
202
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRA TEGY BOOK: VOLUME J
37 axb5 �b7 38 lhd5 �xd5 ( D)
�xe6+
17 ...ctJxd5 18 �xe7 ctJxe7 19 'li'b3 �c6 20 ctJxc6 bxc6! 39 b6! The position is an easy win for White.
39 .. :�c6 40 �c7 �xc7 41 bxc7 ctJb6 42 ctJe5
54 h5 e3 55 fxe3 fxe3 56 ctJc1 1-0 Option Option
A: 2 points B: 3 points
Option C : S points
Test 89 [level 3] Themes: Isolated Queen 's Pawn; GoinR to a Fixed Centre
17 .l¥.xd5'? This move - suggested under Option B - is a positional mistake that leaves Black with a very comfortable game . Therefore we give this choice 0 points . The tactical idea suggested under Option C gets no points either, since after 1 7 ctJxdS ctJxdS (not, of course, 17 .. Jhc2?? 1 8 ctJxe7+
Fixing d4. As we saw many times, this is the right recapture, since the d4-pawn is going to prove more exposed than the one at c6.
21 lle5 If 2 1 ctJa4, then 2 l . ..IHd8 22 .!:'l.eS l:idS ! .
21..:�b6 2 2 'li'c2 llfd8 2 3 ctJe2? Too passive. After the correct 23 ctJa4 'li'b8 24 J::1. c S ctJfS 2S J:txc6 J:txc6 26 iUxc6 ctJxd4 27 'li'e4 ! (the only move on account of the discov ered attacks by the knight) 27 . . . eS Black is only slightly better.
23 .. ,lld5 24 Ihd5 After this exchange, Black improves his pawn-structure, and the d4-pawn remains ex posed despite the d-file being closed. Neither was more promising 24 Me3 ctJfS 2S .!'Ib3 iUd8 26 llb4 'tIHd7 and we do not see how White is going to face the move . . . eS or . . . .!:'l.d8 .
24, .. cxd5 25 'li'd2 ctJf5 26 b3 h5? ! (D)
SOLUTIONS
203
This natural move, securing the knight, al lows the exchange of that piece, thus easing White 's defence.
27 h3?! Missing the opportunity to play 27 ctJg3 ! .
27",h4! Fixing the white pawns.
28 "iYd3 l:tc6 29 'it>fl g6 30 "iYbl 'li'b4 31 'it>gl a5 ! (D)
White has some minimal hope due to the posi tion being simplified. But really, this knight ending does not look difficult to win.
Once the position is strengthened and the po sition of the pieces is improved, Capablanca be gins this advance, producing new weaknesses in White's position.
32 'li'b2 a4 33 "iYd2 "iYxd2 34 l:txd2 axb3 35 axb3 l:tb6 36 .sd3 .a:.a6 37 g4 This move weakens the position even more, but is the only way. If White keeps his pawn structure unbroken by playing 37 ctJc3 then Black can reap the fruits of his advantage by 37 . . . l::i a l + 38 'it>h2 l::i c l 39 b4 l::i c 2 40 'it>g l l::ib 2 41 b5 l::ib 4.
44".l::ixb3 45 'it>e3 l::i b4 46 ctJc3 ctJe7 47 ctJe2 ctJf5+ 48 �f2 g5 49 g4 ctJd6 50 ctJgl ctJe4+ 5 1 �fl l::i b l + 5 2 �g2 .sb2+ 5 3 �fl l::if2+ 54 �el l::ia2 55 Wfl �g7 56 l::ie3 Wg6 57 l::id 3 f6 58 l::ie3 �f7 59 J::[ d 3 �e7 60 l::ie3 �d6 61 l::id3 l::if2+ 62 �el l::i g2 63 �fl Ma2 64 Me3 e5 65 .a:.d3 exd4 66 l::ixd4 Wc5 67 Mdl d4 68 l::ic 1 + �d5 0-1 Option Option
A : 5 points B: 0 points
Option C: 0 points
This game reminds us of another example where the solution is also a capture at d5 with the bishop:
w
37 ...hxg3 38 fxg3 l::ia 2 39 ctJc3 l:tc2 40 ctJdl ctJe7 41 ctJe3 l::i c 1+ 42 'it>f2 ctJc6 43 ctJdl l::i b l! (D) Capablanca plays this phase of the game with great accuracy. The alluring 43 . . . ctJb4 44 l::i d2 l::ib 1 45 ctJb2 l::i x b2 46 l::i x b2 ctJd3+ 47 'it>e2 ctJxb2 fails because after 48 'it>d2 the knight is trapped.
44 'it>e2? This move was much criticized by some an notators, even though the alternative they of fered does not look much better: 44 'it>el ctJa5 45 'it>d2 l::ix b3 46 l::i x b3 ctJxb3+ 47 'it>c3 and
De Groot - Scholtens Netherlands 1 938
204
THE ULTIMATE CHESS STRATEGY BOOK: VOLUME 1
17 �xdS! Since Black is unable to recapture on dS with a piece. 17 ...exdS If 1 7 . . . �xdS , then 1 8 �xf6 �xf6 1 9 lLld7 'iVxd4 20 'iVxd4 �xd4 2 1 1L1xf8, etc. IS 'iVf3! 'iVd S 1 8 . . . �g7 is met by 1 9 1L1g4 ! . 1 9 :!:!.fe1 �g7 2 0 lLlg4! lLlxg4 21 �xe7 'iVd7 22 �xfS+ J:txf8 23 �f4 With a decisive advantage.
Test 90 [Level 2] Themes: Karlsbad Structure; Castling on Op posite Wings
11 O-O-O! (D) This is the most sensible choice. White pro poses a battle with opposite-side castling, and a typical race to open lines against the oppo nent's king. White will have a head-start in this race since there is a point of contact at gS thanks to the advance . . . h6. If this was your as sessment and therefore your choice was Option A, then you have earned S points. Of course, the plans suggested under Op tions B and C also deserve attention. Let us be gin with Option B, where White plans a typical minority attack. Without a doubt, this is one of the typical manoeuvres in these positions and here is stronger than in analogous positions without the move . . . h6, since Black is unable to play the manoeuvre . . . lLlf8-g6 or . . . g6 followed by . . . lLlf8-e6-g7 planning the exchange of bish ops with . . . �fS . If this was your choice (Option B) then you have scored 4 points. Let us see two older garnes, without notes: I I �g3 1L1f8 1 2 0-0 �d6 1 3 J:tabl lLlg4 14 h3 lLlf6 IS b4 lLle6 1 6 J:tfc I lLlhS 1 7 �xd6 'iVxd6 1 8 b S �d7 1 9 bxc6 bxc6 20 lLla4 1L1gS 21 �fS �xfS 22 'iVxfS :!:!.e6 23 lLlcs l'1g6 24 h4 l'1f6 2S 'iVeS ! 1 -0 Gligoric Linskens, Montevideo 1 9S 3 ; 1 1 0-0 �d6 1 2 l'1abl as 1 3 1'1bc l lL1f8 1 4 h3 �e7 I S �g3 �d6 16 �xd6 'iVxd6 17 lLla4 lLle6 1 8 lLlb6 l'1b8 1 9 �fS 'iVc7 2 0 lLlxc8 l'1bxc8 2 1 lLlf4 J:\cd8 22 lLlxe6 fxe6 23 �g6 l'1e7 24 f4 ! lLle8 2S 1'1f3 lLld6 26 g4 l'1f8 27 �h I �h8 28 J:\g I 'iVd8 29
l'1fg3 l'1d7 30 gS lLlfS 3 1 �xfS exfS 32 gxh6 gxh6 33 'iVg2 l'1df7 34 1'1g6 'iVe7 3S l'1g8+ 1 -0 Kotov-H.Steiner, Moscow (USSR-USA) 1 9S 5 . O f course Black could have played better in these games, but they are good to show the dif ficulties facing Black if he does not play with precision against White's plan. The plan mentioned under Option C also de serves 4 points. Even though it is a matter of taste, we like this plan more than the minority attack, since Black's defensive task is quite dif ficult. Let us see two examples: I I f3 cS 1 2 0-0 a6 I H tad l ( 1 3 �h l ! ? c4 14 �fS bS IS e4 1L1b6 1 6 �xc8 J:.xc8 17 eS lLlh7 1 8 �xe7 l'1xe7 19 a3 'iVe8 20 f4 as 2 1 a4 b4 22 lLlbS l'1c6 23 lLlg3 g6 24 fS lLlc8 2S 'iVd2 hS 26 1'1f3 h4 27 lLlfi f6 28 lLle3 fxeS 29 dxeS l'1xeS 30 lLlg4 l'1e4 3 1 f6 ! �f7 32 h3 gS 33 'iVxdS+ 'iVe6 34 'iVd8 'iVe8 3S 'iVxaS l'1e l + 36 1'1xe l 'ltxe l + 37 �h2 1L1xf6 3 8 lLld4 J:td6 39 'iVxgS 1 -0 Lalic-Ascic, Zadar 1 997) 1 3 . . . bS 14 �f2 c4 IS �fs lLlb6 1 6 1L1g3 �f8 ( 1 6 . . . b4 ! ?) 17 a3 �b7 18 e4 g6 19 �h3 as 20 eS b4 2 1 1L1ce2 1L1h7 22 f4 �c6 23 1'1al �a4 24 'iVbl fS 2S axb4 axb4 26 lLlxfS ! gxfS 27 �xfS 'iVe7 28 lLlg3 �d7 29 �xd7 lLlxd7 30 'iVg6+ 'iVg7 3 1 'iVc6 1'1xal 32 1'1xal 'iVf7 33 1'1a7 lLlxeS 34 dxeS 'iVe6 3S 'iVxe6+ l'1xe6 36 lLlfS l'1c6 37 �fl c3 38 bxc3 bxc3 39 �e3 �cS 40 �xcS l'1xcS 4 1 l'1a I lLlf8 42 �e2 1L1e6 43 g3 hS 44 �d3 d4 4S lLld6 l'1c7 46 lLle4 �h7 47 fS lLld8 48 lLlf6+ 'ii' h 6 49 lLldS l'1b7 SO e6 lLlc6 S I J:\a6 lLleS+ S2 �xd4 1 -0 Botvinnik-Larsen, Noordwijk 1 965.
B
1 l lLlfS .•.
SOLUTIONS
205
1 1 . . .tLle4 ! ? looks interesting.
12 h3! Preparing the advance g4.
12 ...Jk.e6 13 g4 a6 14 f4 �c8 IS gS! hxgS 16 Jk.xgS White has the g-file for attacking with the rooks.
16 ... cS 17 �hgl c4 1 7 . . . cxd4 1 8 tLlxd4 ! would be no better. 18 Jk.fS Jk.xfS 19 'li'xfS 'li'd7 20 'li'c2 bS 21 Jk.h6 g6 (D)
Spassky - Petrosian Moscow Wch (19) 1 969 Starting a battle with opposite-side castling. Since Black has played . . . h6, White has the ad vantage of having a ready-made point of contact by which to open lines against the black king.
10 ... e6 11 �hel Jk.e7 12 f4 0-0 13 iLb3 �e8 14 'it'bl iLf8 IS g4! With the idea of a break at g5, hence forcing Black to take the pawn, opening the g-file for the rooks.
22 fS ! Another hreakthrough, opening more lines into the enemy fortress.
22 ... b4 23 fxg6! bxc3 24 gxf7++ 'it'xf7 2S tLlf4 cxb2+ 26 'it'bl The black pawn serves as a shield to the white king.
26 ...tLle4 27 �g7+ 'it'f6 28 �f1 tLld2+! ? A last attempt i n a hopeless position.
29 'li'xd2 'li'fS+ 30 'it'xb2 c3+ 31 'li'xc3! �xc3 32 tLlxdS+! 'it'e6 33 �xfS 1-0 Option A : 5 points Option B: 4 points Option C: 4 points
Here is a supplementary example (see fol lowing diagram) :
10 0-0-0!
IS ... tLlxg4 If 1 5 . . . tLld7, then 16 h4 tLlc5 1 7 g5 ! with a strong attack.
16 'li'g2 tLlf6 17 J:[gl ! Jk.d7 18 fS! White gives his opponent no relief and opens new lines.
18 ... 'it'h8 19 �df1 'li'd8? ! 1 9 . . . 'Ii'e5 is necessary, although Black's situation remains very delicate. 19 . . . e5 is best met in restrained fashion by 20 tLlde2, with a posi tional plus.
20 fxe6 fxe6 21 eS! This strong move leaves Black defenceless.
21...dxeS 22 tLle4 tLlhS 23 'li'g6 exd4 If 23 . . . tLlf4, then 24 �xf4 exf4 25 tLlf3 'li'b6 26 �g5 ! iLc6 27 tLlf6 ! winning.
24 tLlgS! 1-0 Black cannot face White's threats.
I n d ex of P layers Numbers refer to pages. When a page number appears in Adams Adianto Alburt Alekhine Aleksandrov Anand Andersson B alashov Bareev Beliavsky B i sguier Bobotsov Bogoljubow Boleslavsky Botvinnik Bronstein Candela Capablanca Chajes Chiburdanidze Christiansen De Groot Dolmatov Donner Dvoretsky EI Taher Evans Fernandez Garcia Fischer Flohr Gelfand Georgiev,
Ki.
Gheorghiu Gligoric Gomez, M. Grishchuk Gufeld Gurevich, M . Hansen, C . Hecht Hjartarson Hostalet Hiibner Illescas Ivkov Kamsky Karpov
10 55 25 62, 66, 105 154 151 1 7 , 49, 54 1 97 61 178 7, 28 199 66, 1 02 1 37 13, 34, 35, 50, 64, 87, 137 24, 35, 50 133 62, 66, 102 1 05 153 65 203 21 29, 43 191 1 54 44 137 37, 89 18 164 16 60, 89 2 1 , 23, 43, 45 , 1 1 4 46 171 67 93 1 80 38 26 12 1 9, 27, 31 174, 1 7 8 43 13, 20, 180 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 1 0 (2), 1 1 , 12 (2), 1 3 , 1 4, 1 5 , 16, 17,
bold, t h e named player had White .
Kasparov Keres Knaak Korchnoi Korneev Kramnik Kudrin Larsen Lasker, Em. Lautier Lehmann Liublinsky Ljuboj evic Lobron Marin Mednis Milev Miralles Morales Morovic Najdorf Nielsen, A. Nikolic 0lafsson, H. 011 Pachman Panchenko, A . N . Petrosian, A. Petrosian, T.
Pfleger Piket Pliester Polgar, Zsu . Polugaevsky Pomar Pomes Portisch Ramirez, A . Ribli Rizzitano Romanov
18, 19 (2), 20 (2), 21, 22, 26, 27, 48, 56, 57, 57, 58, 59 (2), 65, 96, 107 1 9 , 20, 22, 39, 48, 53, 5 7 , 5 8 , 59, 1 07 , 1 5 6 18 1 65 9, 9, 32, 36, 57, 60 56 30, 40, 63, 165 1 19 7, 62 66 12, 30, 59 25 33 31 1 19 16 25, 36 42 54 41 148 47 7 16 53 178 45, 52 48 48 2 1 , 24, 28, 28, 32, 33, 37, 37, 39, 42, 43, 45, 47, 5 1 , 52 (2), 82, 1 18, 1 6 1 , 197, 1 99, 205 10 23, 177 36 153 161 29 143 14 151 62 25 191
INDEX OF OPENINGS
Romero S alov Schawecker Scholtens Schweber Seirawan Serper Shirov Short S imagin S mirin Smyslov Sokolov, A. Sorokin Spassky Spraggett Szabo Taimanov
32, 4 1 , 46 (2), 133, 1 37 , 1 48, 1 62, 1 64, 1 7 8 6 1 , 93 8 203 1 18 55 96 171 1 74 45 23 39, 65 18 51 28, 82, 205 143 44 1 1 , 37, 5 2
Tal Timman Tolnai Uhlmann Vaganian Van den Ooel Veingold Vidmar Wexler Williams, A.H. Yermolinsky Yudasin Yurtaev Yusupov Zagoriansky Zamikhovsky Zielinska Zlotnik Zsinka
207
1 3 , 38, 49, 87 8 14 23, 1 14 40 177 156 64 36 15 65 162 39 63 34 67 46 32 14
I nd ex of O pe n i ngs N umbers refer to pages. Alphanumerical codes are ECO codes.
English Opening
A 1 3 34 ; A I 5 45; A I 6 28; A2 1 3 1 ; A26 25; A28 8; A29 26, 32; A30 10; A3 1 7; A33 8, 9, 28; A34 2 7; A35 30; A36 133; A39 29
65; 045 50, 59; 046 52; 053 57; 055 49, 53, 5 7, 58; 058 63, 66, 1 74; 060 64; 061 66; 063 62 Griinfeld Defence
Queen 's Pawn
A45 1 0, 3 2 ; A46 3 3 ; A 5 2 1 78 ; A 5 5 4 1 ; A56 43
073 9; 075 1 8 ; 079 20; 082 19; 085 1 9 ; 094 7, 60; 098 20, 107 Catalan Opening
Modern Benoni
E05 54
A60 42 ; A63 43 Bogo-Indian Defence Dutch Defence
E I I 16
A9 1 35 Queen's Indian Defence Sicilian Defence
E I 2 39, 40; E 1 3 38; E I 5 18; E I 6 1 7
B76 1 1 9 Nirnzo-Indian Defence French Defence
CO l 1 3 7, 143; C09 1 3 7; C I 8 1 5 1 , 1 80
E24 13, 8 7; E27 89; E3 1 15; E32 1 2 ; E38 1 2 ; E40 3 7; E4 1 3 6 ; E42 16, 93 ; E46 3 6 ; E48 1 3 , 39; E54 1 1 , 14; E 5 8 14, 3 7
Ruy Lopez (Spanish)
C9 1 102; C96 1 71 Queen's Gambit
0 1 2 61 ; 0 1 4 5 1 ; 027 1 77; 030 56; 034 48, 59, 1 78; 035 67; 036 55, 65; 038 52 ; 04 1 62 ; 042
King's Indian Defence
E7 1 46, 1 54 ; E73 25, 1 1 8; E75 23; E76 153; E80 4 7; E87 22; E89 2 1 , 45, 1 6 1 ; E9 1 46, 162; E92 44, 48, 156; E93 21; E94 23, 1 64, 165; E95 24, 148; E99 1 66
How to Play Chess Endgames
G randmaster Secrets: The Ca ro- Ka n n
Karsten Muller & Wolfgang Pajeken
Peter Wells
This book focuses on the practical side of
I
playing endgames. Using outstanding
stakes Black's claim to the central squares,
e4 c6
�
the popular Caro-Kann Defence -
examples, the authors explain both how to
and seeks free development for all his pieces.
conduct ' classical ' endgame tasks (e .g. ,
GM Peter Wells reveals the new approaches
exploiting an extra pawn), a n d also how to
for both sides developed in recent years.
handle unbalanced endings that arise from
1 76 pages, 248 x 1 72 mm; $29. 95 / £1 5. 99
modem-day dynamic openings.
352 pages, 248 x 1 72 mm; $34. 95 / £18. 99
The Road to Chess I m provement A lex Yermolinsky
Grandmaster Secrets:
Improve your game with the help of some
W i n n i ng Qu ickly at Chess
straight-talking advice from former US
John Nunn
Champion Yermolinsky. Voted ' B est Chess
For a grandmaster to lose a game in 25 moves
Book 2000 ' by the Chess Journalists of
or fewer takes something special, and c lub
America.
players can learn much from studying these
224 pages, 248 x 1 72 mm; $24. 95 / £1 7. 99
miniatures. Each game i s a true battle, with the result often in doubt until near the very
I m prove You r Positional Chess
end.
Carsten Hansen
256 pages, 248 x 1 72 mm; $29. 95 / £1 5. 99
Throughout a game there are judgements and decisions that cannot be determined simply by
C reative Chess Strategy
calculation. This illuminating book shows how
A lfonso Romero
to weigh up positional elements at the board.
Many players, once they have obtained an
1 92 pages, 248 x 1 72 mm; $25. 95 / £14. 99
advantage, mistakenly assume that the exploitation will be 'j ust a matter of
Chess Strategy in Action
technique ' . Romero shows that often it is the
John Watson
paradoxical solution that wins the game.
Here Watson fleshes out the theory presented
224 pages, 248 x 1 72 mm; $24. 95 / £1 7. 99
to enormous acclaim in Secrets of Modern
Creative Chess Opening Preparation
imaginative players such as Kasparov,
Chess Strategy. The games come from Viacheslav Eingorn
Kramnik, Anand, Ivanchuk and tempestuous
Grandmaster Eingorn is a renowned chess
innovators such as Shirov and Morozevich.
opening trend-setter. Here he reveals the
288 pages, 248 x 1 72 mm; $29. 95 / £19. 99
methods by which he prepares his openings.
1 60 pages, 248 x 1 72 mm; $26. 95 / £1 5. 99
50 Way to Win at Chess Steve Giddins
Secrets of Chess Tra n sformations
An engaging book guaranteed to develop your
Drazen Marovic
personal arsenal o f techniques and ideas . The
This instructive work teaches one of the most
5 0 games are mostly from the modem era, but
important skills in chess
with some classic examples to show essential
�
the ability to
transform one type of advantage into another.
themes.
208 pages, 248 x 1 72 mm; $2 7. 5 0 / £1 5. 99
1 76 pages, 248 x 1 72 mm; $26. 95 / £1 4 . 99
About the Publisher: Gambit Publications is passionate about creating innovative and genuinely instructive chess books. The company is owned and run exclusively by chess masters and grandmasters.
www. ga m bitbooks . com
