Brilliant Chess Games

Bobby Fischer's Sicilian Dragon

2011-11-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

BOBBY FISCHER vs. E. STEPHANS
Cleveland US-Open 1957
Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, g6
6. Be3, Nc6
7. f3, Bg7
8. Qd2, 0-0
9. Bc4 ....

The Yugoslav Attack of the Dragon Variation. This opening results in extremely tactical and decisive battles. White keeps a firm grip on the center while advancing aggressively towards the enemy king with f2-f4-f5 and even g2-g3-g4. However, danger exists in overextending and allowing Black to gain the initiative with a deadly counter-attack. Black's strategy is centered around the half-open c file and his ability to push the a and b pawns. Throughout the entire course of the battle, Black will be looking to break the center with an advance from d6-d5. Black can even sometimes obtain a winning endgame even after sacrificing the exchange, because of White's h-pawn sacrifice, doubled isolated c-pawns and most importantly the lack of mobility of the white Rooks compared to the Black minor pieces. (Source: Wikipedia)

9. .... a6
10. 0-0-0, Qc7
11. Bb3, b5
12. Nxc6, Qxc6
13. Nd5, Kh8

White threatens 14. Nxe7 double-check.

14. Nxf6!! ....

Far more powerful than 14. Nxe7 Qb7, 15. Nxc8 Raxc8, and Black gains control of the open c-file.

14. .... e6

Blocking 15. Bd5. Now, White has gained a piece!

15. Bh6, Bb7
16. Bxg7+, Kxg7
17. Ng4, f5
18. exf5, Rxf5
19. Qxd6, h5
20. Qe7+, Rf7
21. Qxf7, Kxf7
22. Ne5+, Ke7
23. Nxc6+, Bxc6
24. Rhe1, Bd7
25. Rxd7+, Resigns

With material and strategic advantage, White will ultimately capture Black's remaining pawns.

Evans Gambit

2011-11-10T00:39:00.000-08:00

GARRY KASPAROV vs. VISWANATHAN ANAND
Riga, 1995

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. b4 ....

The Evans Gambit, the purpose of which is the control of d4.

4. .... Bxb4
5. c3, Be7
6. d4, Na5
7. Be2!? ....

White would rather not part with the Bishop rather than gain a pawn by 7. Nxe5 Nxc4 (not 7....f6, 8. Bf7+ Kf8, 9. Bxg8 fxe5, 10. Bb3 ...), 8. Nxc4 ....

7. .... exd4

Black gains a piece after 7....Nf6, 8. dxe5 Nxe4, 9. Qa4 ....

8. Qxd4, Nf6?!
9. e5, Nc6
10. Qh4, Nd5
11. Qg3, g6

If 11.....0-0, then 12. Bh6 ....

12. 0-0, Nb6
13. c4, d6

If 13.....d6, then 14. cxd5 Qxd5, 15. Nc3 ....

14. Rd1, Nd7

If 14.....Be6, then 15. c5!! ....

15. Bh6, Ncxe5
16. Nxe5, Nxe5
17. Nc3 ....

White does not desire the outcome after 17. Bg7 Bf6, 18. Bxh8 Bxh8, 19. Nc3 b6. Black, with his Bishop Pair, gains equality.

17. .... f6
18. c5!, Nf7
19. cxd6, cxd6
20. Qe3!, Nxh6
21. Qxh6, Bf8
22. Qe3+, Kf7
23. Nd5, Be6?!
24. Nf4!, Qe7
25. Re1!!, Resigns

White's pressure on the center would be too much for Black to handle, i.e. 25....d5, 26. Bf3. If 25....Bh6, then 26. Bc4.

Subtle yet elegant!

The Power of Two Bishops

2011-11-05T22:34:00.000-07:00

Garry Kasparov demonstrates for us the power of the Bishop Pair. Two Bishops working in tandem constitute one of mightiest forces in chess.

G. KASPAROV vs. J. SPEELMAN
Barcelona, 1989

1. d4, d6
2. e4, g6
3. c4, e5

An attempt by Black to destroy White's central pawn structure.

4. Nf3, exd4
5. Nxd4, Bg7
6. Nc3, Nc6
7. Be3, Nge7
8. h4!?, h6
9. Be2, f5
10. exf5, Nxf5
11. Nxf5, Bxf5
12. Qd2, Qd7
13. 0-0, 0-0-0
14. b4!, Nxb4?!

Black took the poisoned pawn. Now the fight tension is increased.

15. Nb5!, Nc2

Black does not like 15....Bxa1, 16. Qxb4 Bg7, 17. Nxa7+....

16. Bf3! d5
17. Bxd5, Nxa1
18. Nxa7+, Kb8
19. Qb4! ....

Now, White threatens mate at b7.

19. .... Qxd5

Black has no choice. If 19....b6, then 20. Bxb6 cxb6, 21. Qxb6+ with a mating attack. If 19....c6, then 20. Bxc6 Qf7, 21. Bf4+ Ka8, 22. Qa5! and mate next move.

20. cxd5, Nc2
21. Qa5, Nxe3
22. fxe3, Rhe8
23. Nb5, Rxd5

If 23....Re7, then 24. d6! Rxd6, 25. Nxd6 cxd6, 26. Qd8+ and White's attack becomes overwhelming.

24. Qxc7+ Ka8
25. Qa5+, Resigns

Black loses after 25....Kb8, 26. Qa7+ Kc8, 27. Qa8+ Kd7, 28. Qxb7+ Ke6, 29. Qc6+ and White captures either Rook.

Kasparov's Might

2011-11-05T04:20:00.000-07:00

Garry Kasparov proved once again that he can demolish an opponent in a short time. The following game is a fine example.

G. KASPAROV vs. S. MARJANOVICH
Malta, 1980
King's Indian Defense

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, e6
3. Nf3, b6
4. g3, Bb7
5. Bg2, Be7
6. 0-0, 0-0
7. d5! ....

White intends to post his Knight at f5, and he can only do that if the e6 pawn is eliminated.

7. .... exd5
8. Nh4!, c6

The c4 pawn cannot be taken because of the Bishop's pin on d5.

9. cxd5, Nxd5
10. Nf5, Nc7
11. Nc3!, d5
12. e4, Bf6
13. exd5! ....

White dismantles Black's pawn structure. Connected pawns at the center poses a serious threat.

13. .... cxd5
14. Bf4, Nba6
15. Re1, Qd7?

A bad place for the Queen, as will be shown by Black's next move.

16. Bh3!, Kh8

Black prevents a double-check. The move also immobilizes White's Knight because of a pin by Black's Queen, threatening Qxh3.

17. Ne4! ....

Fantastic! The move threatens 18. Nxf6.

17. .... Bxb2
18. Ng5! ....

Effectively removing White's pin on f5. Now White threatens 20. Nxg7.

18. .... Qc6
19. Ne7, Qf6
20. Nxh7! ....

If the Knight is taken, as in 20.... Kxh7, White threatens mate by 21. Qh5+!

20. .... Qd4
21. Qh5, g6
22. Qh4, Bxa1
23. Nf6+, Resigns

Black realizes futility after 23... Kg7, 24. Qh6+ Kxf6, 25. Bg5 mate.

Sacrificing on Speculation

2011-07-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

"One of the most pleasing forms of attacking play is seen in speculative sacrifices which are made intuitively. To be able to sense the potentialities in a position is one of the hallmarks of a master." -- Fred Reinfeld.

NAIDORF vs. SAPIRO
Lodz, 1929
French Defense

1. e4, e6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, dxe4
4. Nxe4, Nd7
5. Nf3, Ngf6
6. Bd3, Be7
7. 0-0, b6?
8. Ne5! ....

White threatens to win the Black Queen by Nc6. Now if 8....Nxe5, then 9. Nxf6+ Bxf6, 10. dxe5 Bxe5, 11. Be4 Qxd1, 12. Rxd1 Rb8, 13. Bc6+ Ke7, 14. b2 (threatening Ba3+) Bd6, 15. Bb2 and White has a good game.

8. .... Bb7
9. Nxf6, gxf6?

The move exposes the Black King to an attack. 9....Bxf6 is a lot safer.

10. Nxf7!!, Kxf7
11. Qh5+, Kg8

Other king moves would be susceptible to 12. Bh6+ with the Queen eventually capturing the Rook without loss of time.

12. Re1, Nf8

The alternative move 12....Bd5 would be answered by 13. c4 driving off the Bishop.

13. Rxe6!!, Nxe6

14. Bc4, Qd6
15. Bh6, Bf8
16. Re1, Bc8

If 16....Bxh6, White wins with 17. Bxe6+ Kg7, 18. Qf7 mate.

17. Qe8! ....

Threatening 18. Rxe6! ...

17. .... Bd7
18. Rxe6!!, Rxe8
19. Rxe8+, Be6
20. Bxe6+, Qxe6
21. Rxf8 mate

A picture-perfect mate!

Scotch Game: Modern Defense

2011-04-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

SERGEY KARJAKIN vs. VASILY BORISOVICH MALININ
Sudak UKR 2002

Scotch Game: Modern Defense

1. e4, Nc6
2. d4, e5
3. Nf3, exd4
4. Nxd4, Qh4
5. Nc3, Bb4
6. Be2, Nf6

Black puts additional pressure on the e4 pawn. White offers the e-pawn in exchange for an open file. If Black plays 6.... Bxc3, 7. bxc3 Qxe4, 8. 0-0 N8e7, 9. Bf3 Qg6, 10. Nxc6 bxc6, 11. Re1! followed by 12. Ba3 and Black's Knight will be hopelessly pinned.

7. 0-0, Bxc3
8. Nf5, Qxe4
9. Bd3, Qg4
10. f3, Qa4
11.bxc3, 0-0
12. Nxg7!! ....

An unexpected move. White creates havoc along the kingside.

12. .... Kxg7
13. Bh6+!! ....

It seems that White does not run out of resources.

13. .... Kxh6

If 13....Kg8, then 14. Qd2 Qa5, 15. Bxf8 Kxf8, 16. Qh6+ Kg8, 17. Qxf6 ...

14. Qd2+!!, Kh5

It is bad for Black's King to retreat, e.g. 14.....Kg7, 15. Qg5+ Kh8, 16. Qxf6+ Kg8, 17. Qg5+ Kh8, 18. Qh6 and Black cannot parry the simultaneous threat of Qxf8 mate and Qxh7 mate.

15. g4+, Nxg4
16. fxg4+, Qxg4+
17. Kh1, d6

Hoping to bring the Bishop into play.

18. Rf6 ....

Threatening 19. Rh6+ mate.

18. .... Qg5
19. Be2+ Bg4
20. Bxg4+, Resigns

Black realized it is futile to fight. White is assured of victory after 20....Kh4, 21. Rh6+. If 20....Kxg4 then 21. Rg1+. If 20....Qxg4, then 21. Rh6+ mate.

A gem of a game.

Zukertort Opening, Sicilian Invitation

2011-04-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

VESELIN TOPALOV vs. VASSILY IVANCHUK
Ciudad de Linares 1999
Zukertort Opening, Sicilian Invitation

1. Nf3, c5

Black invites White to play the Sicilian Defense, hence this opening becomes, on the part of Black, the Sicilian Invitation.

2. c4, Nc6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, e6
5. g3, Bb4+
6. Nc3, Qa5
7. Nb5, d5

White intends to play 8. Nd6+. Black's last move renders it unplayable.

8. a3, Bxc3+
9. bxc3, Nf6
10. Bg2 ....

Aggressive players would have preferred the more aggressive 10. Nd6+ thereby displacing Black's King.

10. .... 0-0
11. Qb3, dxc4
12. Qxc4, e5
13. Nd6, Be6
14. Qd3, e4

Certainly not 14.....Rad8, 15. Nxb7! Rxd3, 16, Nxa5 and Black comes materially ahead.

15. Nxe4, Nxe4
16. Bxe4, Rad8
17. Qc2 ....

The immediate pawn capture 17. Bxh7 is not plausible because of 17....Kh8, 18. Qc2 Nd4, and Black captures either the c-pawn or the h7-Bishop.

17. .... Nd4
18. Qb2. Nxe2!!

Opening the e-file enables Black to penetrate White's defense.

19. Kxe2, Rfe8
20. Qb4, Qh5+
21. f3, f5
22. g4, Qh3
23. gxf5, Bxf5
24. Qc4+, Kh8
25. Re1, Rxe4+

White resigns, Black is assured of victory after 26. fxe4 Bg4+, 27. Kf2 Qxh2+, 28. Ke3 (not 28. Kf1 Rf8 mate) Qg3 mate.

Black would give the same reply if White moved the Bishop instead of the Rook in the 25th move: e.g. 25. Be3 Rxe4, 26. fxe4 Qg2+, 27. Bf2 Bg4+, 28. Ke3 Qf3 mate.

An amazing finale.

Sicilian Defense Closed Variation

2011-04-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

EMIL SUTOVSKY vs. ILYA SMIRIN
Israeli Championship 2002

Sicilian Defense Closed Variation

1. e4, c5
2. Nc3 ....

The Closed Variation of the Sicilian Defense. This variations avoids the early exchange cxd4 and instead promotes solid central pawn structure.

2. .... Nc6
3. Nf3, e5
4. Bc4, d6
5. d3, Be7
6. 0-0, Nf6
7. Ng5, 0-0
8. f4, exf4
9. Bxf4, h6
10. Nf3, Be6
11. Nd5, Bxd5
12. exd5, Na5
13. Nh4, b5

If 13....Nxd5, then 14. Bxd5 Bxh4, 15. Qh5 Bg5, 16. Bg3 and White has a good attack on f7.

14. Nf5 ....

If 14. Bxb5 Nxd5, Black relieves tension in the center and maintains pressure on White's pieces.

14. .... bxc4
15. Bxh6! ....

The reason behind White's sacrifice. Black's kingside defense is destroyed.

15. .... gxh6
16. Nxh6+, Kh7
17. Nf5, cxd3?

This move only enhances White's position. White's Queen would now be able to control the d3-h7 diagonal.

18. Qxd3, Kh8
19. Rae1 ....

If 19. Qh3+, Black defends with 19.....Nh7.

19. .... Qb6

Totally abandoning the Bishop. But Black has nothing better. If 19.....Re8, then White continues the attack with 20. Qc3! making a pin on the f6 Knight while attacking the other Knight. The game may continue 20....Bf8, 21. Rxe8 Qxe8, 22. Qxf6+ Kg8, 23. Qg5+ Kh7, 24. Qh4+ Kg8, 25. Qg3+ Kh7, 26. Rf4! ....

20. Qh3+, Nh7
21. Rxe7, c4+
22. Kh1, Qxb2

Black beats White to the control of b2-h8 diagonal.

23. Re4!! Rg8
24. Qxh7+, Resigns

Caught by surprise, Black realizes that mate is inevitable after 24.... Kxh7, 25. Rh4+ Kg6, 26. Rh6+ Kg5, 27. h4+ Kg4, 28. Ne3+ Kg3, 29. Rf3 mate.

A brilliant Queen sacrifice!

Caro Kann Defense Classical Variation

2011-03-27T00:53:00.000-07:00

KONSTANTIN LANDA vs. EVGENY SHAPOSHNIKOV
Russia 2005
Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation

See the other variations of the Caro-Kann Defense.

1. e4, c6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, dxe4
4. Nxe4 ....

The Classical Variation of the Caron Kann.

4. .... Bf5
5. Ng3, Bg6
6. h4, h6
7. Nf3, Nd7
8. h5, Bh7
9. Bd3, Bxd3
10. Qxd3, e6
11. Bf4, Qa5+
12. Bd2, Bb4
13. c3, Be7
14. c4, Qa6
15. 0-0, Rd8

Black intends to post his Knight at c5.

16. b4, Ngf6
17. a4, b6
18. Rfe1, 0-0
19. Nf5, Rfe8
20. Nxg7 ....

The fireworks begin. White slowly destroys Black's kingside pawn structure before pouncing on the beleaguered King.

20. .... Kxg7
21. Rxe6!!, fxe6

By sacrificing the Rook, White creates a weakness on the g6 square, which will ultimately cost Black the game.

22. Bxh6+, Kh8

The intruding Bishop cannot be captured because of 23. Qg6 mate.

23. Bg7+, Kxg7

If Black decides not to capture (23.....Kg8), then the game continues 24. Qg6 Nf8, 25. Bxf8+ Kxf8, 26. h6! Nh5, 27. Ne5 and mate next move.

24. Qg6+ Kf8

Black resigns.

Black has no defense to White's next move: 25. Ng5 assuring mate by Qf7. If 24....Kh8, then 25. Ng5 Rf8, 26, h6!! and mate next move.

King's Indian Defense: Saemisch Variation Yates Defense

2011-03-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

FLORIN GHEORGHIU vs. LUBOMIR KAVALEK
IBM 1969
King's Indian Defense: Saemisch Variation Yates Defense

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, g6
3. Nc3, Bg7
4. e4, d6
5. f3 ....

The Saemisch Variation. Instead of the usual f4, White chooses to solidify support of the e4-pawn.

5. .... 0-0
6. Be3, Nc6

The Yates Defense, which invites White to push forward the d-pawn thus opening the long diagonal for Black's Bishop.

7. Nge2, Rb8
8. Qd2, Re8
9. Rd1, a6
10. Nc1, e5
11. dxe5, Nxe5
12. Be2, b5
13. cxb5, axb5
14. Bxb5, Nxe4!!

A brilliant surprise move, with the objective of weakening White's central position.

15. fxe4, Rxb5!!

One cannot help but wonder at Black's foresight....

16. Nxb5, Nc4!
17. Qf2, Rxe4!!

Effectively pinning the Bishop. White has no choice but to give up the piece. If 18. Rd3, then 18....Qe1 putting additional pressure on e3 while attacking the Knight at b5.

18. 0-0, Nxe3
19. Qxf7, Kh8
20. Qxc7, Qxc7
21. Nxc7, Nxd1
22. Rxd1, Bd4+
23. Kf1? ....

White might have fared better had he placed the King at h1. The text move limited the movement of his own Rook.

23. .... Bg4
24. Rd2, Be3
25. Rc2, Rd4
(0:1)

White resigns, as he cannot prevent mate at d1. If 26. g3, then Black still wins with 26....Rd1+, 27. Kg2 Rg1 mate.

Sicilian Defense: Fischer-Sozin Attack Flank Variation

2011-03-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

LARRY CHRISTIANSEN vs. ALEKSANDER WOJTKIEWICZ
US Championship 2006

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, a6
6. Bc4, e6
7. Bb3, b5

The Flank Variation of Fischer-Sozin Attack, Sicilian Defense.

8. Qf3, Qc7
9. Bg5, Nbd7
10. 0-0-0, Be7
11. e5 ....

Attacking the Rook at a8. Black has no choice but to defend it.

11. .... Bb7
12. Qg3, Nxd5
13. Bxe6, fxe6
14. f4 ....

White keeps the pressure, controlling most of central squares.

14. .... Ng6
15. Nxe6, Qd7
16. Rhe1! ....

White could have moved 16. Nxg7 but then Black's reply Kf7 would have the Knight stranded.

16. .... Kf7
17. f5, Nf8
18. Bxf6!! ....

White begins an all-out attack. If 16.....gxf6, then 17. Qg7+ Ke8, 18. Qxh8.

18. .... Bxf6
19. Rxd6!, Qc8

Black's Queen has nowhere to go. If 19....Qe8, then 20. Ng5+ enabling Queen's capture.

20. Ng5+, Kg8

The exchange 20....Bxg5, then 21. Qxg5 Qc7, 22. f6!! favors White.

21. Rxf6!, gxf6
22. Nge4+, Ng6

Of course not 22.....Kf7, 23. Nd6+ double-check.

23. fxg6, Resigns

Black's King cannot escape White's onslaught. If the game continues 23....h6, then 24. g7!! Rh7, 25. Nf6+ Kf7, 26. g8=Q! Qxg8, 27. Nxg8 Rxg8, 28. Re7+ Kxe7, 29. Qxg8 and White is assured of victory.

The Good Old Spanish Game

2011-03-12T04:51:00.000-08:00

LJUBOMIR LJUBOJEVIC vs. JOAQUIM MANUEL DURAO
Orense 1974

Spanish Game Classical Variation

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, Bc5
4. 0-0, Nd4
5. Nxd4, Bxd4
6. c3, Bb6
7. d4, c6
8. Ba4, d6
9. Na3, Bc7

Preparing for b5 eventually.....

10. d5, Bd7
11. dxc6, bxc6
12. Nc4, Qe7
13. f4, Nf6
14. fxe5, dxe5
15. b3 ....

Preparatory to Ba3....

15. .... Bb6+
16. Kh1 ....

Not 16. Nxb6 because White would lose its control over a3.

16. .... Nxe4
17. Ba3, Qe6
18. Qd3, f5

If 18....Nf2+, 19. Rxf2 Bxf2, 20. Nd6+ Kd8, 21. Rf1.. and White attacks the pawn on f7.

19. Rae1, Bc7
20. Rxf5!! Qxf5
21. Rxe4, 0-0-0
22. Nd6+ ....

Now White begins to atack. This Knight fork aims to dislodge the c7 Bishop from its post.

22. .... Bxd6
23. Qa6+, Kc7

If 23....Kb8, then 24. Bxd6+ Ka8, 25. Bxc6+ Bxc6, 26. Qxb6 mate.

24. Qxa7+, Kc8
25. Bb5, Resigns

An ingenious way of dealing with Black's threat of mate at f1. Now, White threatens Ba6 mate. If 25....cxb5, 26. Qa6+ Kc7, 27. Bxd6 mate.

Superb play!

French Defense: Rubinstein Variation Blackburne Defense

2011-03-06T02:55:00.000-08:00

RUDOLF SPIELMANN vs. RUDOLF L'HERMET
Magdeburg 1927

French Defense, Rubinstein Variation Blackburne Defense

1. e4, e6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, dxe4

The Rubinstein Variation, popularized by the famous Polish chess grandmaster, Akiba Rubinstein.

4. Nxe4, Nd7

The Blackburne Defense, named after Joseph Henry Blackburne, who dominated British chess in the latter part of the 19th century.

5. Nf3, Ngf6
6. Nxf6+, Nxf6
7. Bd3, h6
8. Qe2 ....

Preparing for queenside castling....

8. .... Bd6
9. Bd2, 0-0
10. 0-0-0, Bd7
11. Ne5, c5
12. dxc5, Bxe5?

Theory suggests not to exchange Bishop for a Knight without gaining anything. The Bishop should have taken the pawn instead.

13. Qxe5, Bc6
14. Bf4, Qe7

Getting the Queen out of the way. If 19. .... Bxg2, then 20. Bh7+!

15. Qd4, Rfd8
16. Bd6 ....

The real reason behind White's 14th move. White uses the Bishop to create a solid block at the center.

16. .... Qe8
17. Rhg1, b6
18. Qh4, bxc5
19. Be5!! ....

This comes as a surprise. Black expects 19. Bxc5.

19. .... Qe7
20. g4, c4
21. g5, Nd7

Not 21. .... cxd3, 22. gxf6 and the attack becomes devastating.

22. Qxh6 ....

A brilliancy! A Queen sacrife to promote a pawn. If 22.... f6, then 23. gxf6 Nxf6, 24. Bxf6 Qxf6, 25. Qxf6 and the attack becomes overwhelming.

22. .... gxh6
23. gxh6+, Kf8
24. Rg8+!! ....

A superb innovation. It is necessary to keep the Black King at g8. For if 24. h7, then Black neutralizes with 24.....Qh4.

24. .... Resigns

Black cannot prevent being mated by the h-pawn via promotion.

Anderssen Tames the King's Gambit

2011-02-26T20:28:00.000-08:00

JAKOB ROSANES vs. ADOLF ANDERSSEN
Breslau 1863

King's Gambit Accepted, Kieseritzky Gambit

1. e4, e5
2. f4, exf4
3. Nf3, g5
4. h4, g4
5. Ne5 ....

The Kieseritzky Variation of the King's Gambit...

5. .... Nf6
6. Bc4, d5
7. exd5, Bd6
8. d4, Nh5
9. Bb5+, c6
10. dxc6, bxc6
11. Nxc6, Nxc6
12. Bxc6+, Kf8
13. Bxa8, Ng3!!

This Knight position is more valuable than the Rook taken by White's Bishop.

14. Rh2, Bf5
15. Bd5, Kg7
16. Nc3, Re8+
17. Kf2, Qb6
18. Na4, Qa6!!

The Queen attacks the Knight and controls the a6-f1 diagonal.

19. Nc3, Be5!!
20. a4? ....

A useless move. But White has nothing better. If the Bishop is taken then 20....Qb6+, 21. Ke1 Rxe5+ Kd2, 22. Qd4 mate.

20. .... Qf1+
21. Qxf1 ....

Forced.

21. .... Bxd4+!!

The reason behind Black's 19th move. Now White crumbles.

22. Be3, Rxe3

White hoped for 22....Bxe3+, 23. Ke1 and the King escapes! Now, Black threatens 23....Re2 mate.

23. Kg1, Re1 mate.

A beautiful finale. For more articles about Adolf Anderssen, click here.

Queen's Gambit Accepted Classical Variation

2011-02-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

YURI YAKOVICH vs. DAVID BRONSTEIN
Italy 1994

Queen's Gambit Accepted Classical Variation

1. d4, d5
2. c4, dxc4
3. e3, Nf6
4. Bxc4, e6
5. Nf3, c5
6. Qe2, cxd4
7. exd4, Nc6
8. Nc3, Be7

Black stands to lose after 8....Nxd4, then 9. Nxd4 Qxd4, 10. Bg5! with the threat of 11. Rd1 and 12. Bb5+....

9. 0-0, 0-0
10. Rd1, Nd5
11. Bb3, a6
12. Bd2, Qd6
13. Rac1, Rd8
14. Ne4, Qb8

Black has no choice but to retreat his Queen. If 14....Qc7, then 15. Ne5! ...

15. Nfg5, h6
16. Nf3, Bd7
17. Nc5, Be8
18. Qe4, Nf6
19. Qh4, b6

20. Nxe6, fxe6
21. Bxe6+, Kf8

If 21....Bf7, then 22. Rxc6! with advantage to White.

22. Qxh6, Resigns

The Queen's capture leads to mate. A superb ending!

If 22...Ng8, then 23. Qh8 Bf7, 24. Rxc6! ...

Italian Game Classical Variation, Greco Gambit

2011-02-12T10:22:00.000-08:00

ALEXANDER STEINKUEHLER vs. JOSEPH HENRY BLACKBURNE
Manchester 1863

Italian Game Classical Variation, Greco Gambit

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. c3, Nf6
5. d4 ....

The Greco Gambit allows the e4 pawn to be taken in return for an open file. In this game, the gambit was declined.

5. .... exd4
6. cxd4, Bb4+
7. Bd2 ....

This author suggests 7. Nc3. Now, if 7.....Nxe4, then 8. Qc2.

7. .... Bxd2+
8. Nfxd2 ....

A weak move. Nbxd2 is much better.

8. .... Nxd4
9. 0-0, d6
10. Nb3. Nxb3
11. Qxb3, 0-0
12. Re1, Nh5
13. e5, Qg5
14. exd6, Nf4
15. Bxf7+. Kh8

Of course not 15.....Rxf7 because of 16. Re8+.

16. g3, cxd6
17. Nc3, Nh3+
18. Kg2, Qf6!!

Black threatens White's f-pawn and Bishop at the same time.

19. Bd5? ....

White decides to keep the Bishop, ignoring the safety of his King.

19. .... Qxf2+
20. Kh1, Qg1+

A brilliant Queen sacrifice. White has no choice but to accept the offer.

21. Rxg1, Nf2+
22. Kg2, Bh3 mate.

An elegant finish.

Italian Game Evan's Gambit Compromised Defense

2011-02-05T05:15:00.000-08:00

ROBERT JAMES FISCHER vs. REUBEN FINE
New York 1963

Italian Game Evans Gambit Compromised Defense

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. b4 ....

The aggressive Evan's Gambit named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the first player known to have employed it. The idea behind the move 4. b4 is to give up a pawn in order to secure a strong centre and bear down on Black's weak-point, f7.

4. .... Bxb4
5. c3, Ba5
6. d4, exd4
7. 0-0, dxc3

The Compromised Defense. In this variation, White plays a gambit and gains a tempo, while maintaining threat at f7.

8. Qb3, Qe7
9. Nxc3, Nf6
10. Nd5, Nxd5
11. exd5 ....

With the gambits, White opens the e-file and the a1-h8 diagonal. Both sides struggle to control them.

11. .... Ne5
12. Nxe5, Qxe5
13. Bb2, Qg5
14. h4 ....

Another gambit. White intends to fully control the long diagonal.

14. .... Qxh4
15. Bxg7, Rg8
16. Rfe1+!! ....

It does not matter now if the Bishop takes the Rook; the effect would be the same.

16. .... Kd8
17. Qg3 Resigns

Black cannot escape the mating threat 18. Bf6+ without losing the Queen. If 17.....Qh6, 18. Bf6+ Qxf6, 19. Qxg8 mate. A spell-binding finale.

Sicilian Defense Modern Variation

2011-01-29T20:27:00.000-08:00

LEONID STEIN vs. LAJOS PORTISCH
Stockholm 1962

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, e6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, a6
5. Bd3, Nf6
6. 0-0, Qc7
7. Nd2, Nc6
8. Nxc6, bxc6
9. f4, Bc5+
10. Kh1, d6
11. Nf3, e5

Black wants to free his c8 Bishop....

12. fxe5, dxe5
13. Nh4, 0-0
14. Nf5, Be6
15. Qe2, a5
16. Bc4, Kh8
17. Bg5, Nd7
18. Rad1, Nb6
19. Nxg7!! ....

A surprise move! If 19....Kxg7, then 20. Bf6+ Kg6, 21. Qf3 and mates eventually.

19. .... Bxc4

A piece to the good and a Queen-Rook pin, Black succumbs to temptation. But then comes another bombshell....

20. Bf6!!, Be7

If 20....Bxe2, then 21. Nf5+ Kg8, 22. Nh6 mate.

21. Qf3 Resigns

Black cannot prevent 22. Ne6+ Bxf6, 23. Qxf6 and mate at g7. If 21....Bxf6, 22. Qxf6 Nd7, 23. Rxd7 with the same result.

A fascinating game indeed.

Spanish Game Open Variation, Howell Attack

2011-01-28T06:24:00.000-08:00

BORISLAV IVKOV vs. JAN HEIN DONNER
Havana Cap Memorial 1965

Spanish Game Open Variation, Howell Attack

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, a6
4. Ba4, Nf6
5. 0-0, Nxe4

The Open Variation. White sacrifices the e4 pawn to keep the e-file open.

6. d4, b5
7. Bb3, d5
8. dxe5, Be6
9. Qe2 ....

The Howell Attack, popularized by David Howell, the youngest chess grandmaster in the United States, a title he earned in 2007 when he was 16.

9. .... Nc5
10. Rd1, Nxb3
11. cxb3, Be7
12. Nc3, 0-0
13. Be3, Na5
14. Rac1 ....

The reason behind White's 11th move. White intends to control the c-file.

14. .... Nb7

Black intends to move c5.

15. Ne4 ....

Effectively preventing c5....

15. .... Bg4
16. h3, Bxf3
17. Qxf3, c6

Black intends to protect the d5 pawn at all cost. If 18. Rxc6, then 18....Qd7, 19. Rdc1 Rac8, etc.

18. Ng3, Rc8
19. Nf6!, g6
20. Rxd5!! ....

The Rook cannot be taken by the Queen because of 21. Nxe7. Now, if 20.....cxd5, then 21. Rxc8 Qxc8, 22. Nxe7+.

20. .... Qe8

If 20....Qc7, then 21. Rxc6 Qxc6, and White still threatens 22. Nxf7+.

21. Bh6 Resigns

Black loses more material. Now, if 21.....gxf5, then 22. Qg3+ and mate next move.

Reti Opening Anglo-Slav Bogoljubow Variation Stonewall Line

2011-01-22T06:12:00.000-08:00

PAL BENKO vs. ISRAEL HOROWITZ
New York, 1968

Reti Opening: Anglo-Slav, Bogoljubow Variation Stonewall Line

1. c4, c6
2. Nf3, d5
3. b3, Nf6
4. g3, e6
5. Bg2, Be7
6. 0-0, 0-0
7. Bb2 ....

The Reti Opening Anglo-Slav Bogoljubow Variation Stonewall Line. This opening utilizes the power of two Bishops and keeps open the central squares for easy maneuvers.

7. .... a5
8. a3, c5
9. cxd5, exd5
10. d4, Na5
11. Nc3, Bf5
12. Ne5, cxd4
13. Qxd4, Nc5
14. Nxd5, Nxb3
15. Qf4, Nxd5
16. Qxf5! ....

White comes ahead in the exchange. In such open positions, the power of a Bishop cannot be underestimated.

16. .... Nxa1

17. Nxf7, Qc8

Black suddenly loses if he takes the Knight: 17....Rxf7, 18. Bxd5!!

18. Nh6+, Kh8

If 18....gxh6, 19. Bxd5+ and White mates.

19. Qxd5, Nc2
20. Qg8+!!, Resigns

If the Queen is taken, then Nf7 mate.

Magnificent!

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Gligoric System Exchange

2011-01-15T21:09:00.000-08:00

LEV POLUGAEVSKY vs. TIGRAN PETROSIAN
URS Championship, 1960

Nimzo-Indian Defense, Gligoric System Exchange

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, e6
3. Nc3, Bb4
4. e3, 0-0
5. Bd3, d5
6. Nf3, c5
7. 0-0, dxc4
8. Bxc4 ....

The Gligoric System Exchange of the Nimzo-Indian Defense. This opening focuses on the control of b3-g8 diagonal and takes advantage of white central squares.

8. .... b6
9. Qe2, Bb7
10. Rd1, Nbd7
11. d5!! ....

White now opens the intended diagonal.

11. .... Bxc3
12. dxe6, Ba5

If 12....fxe6, then 13. Bxe6+ Kh8, 14. Ng5 threatening Nf7+ and e7.

13. exd7 ....

Through subtle play, White regains his Knight....

13. .... Qc7
14. e4 ....

White provides a way for his stranded Bishop at c1.

14. .... Nxd7
15. Ng5, Rad8
16. Bxf7, Rxf7
17. Ne6, Qc8
18. Nxd8, Ba6
19. Qe3, Re7

If 19....Qxd8, then 20. e5 Re7, 21. e6! which is advantageous to White.

20. Qb3+, c4
21. Qa3, Nc5
22. Be3, Rxe4
23. Bxc5, Qxc5
24. Qf3 Resigns

White threatens Qxe4 and Qf7+. Now, if 24....Re7, then 25. Ne6 threatening Nxc5 and Qf8 mate and Rd8 mate. A superb performance!

Sicilian Defense, Richter-Rauzer Classical Variation

2011-01-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

PABLO MIRAN vs. E. FRANCO
Gijon, 1955
Sicilian Defense: Richter-Rauzer Classical Variation

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, d6
6. Bg5 ....

White's most common reply to the Classical Variation of the Sicilian Defense. This is otherwise known as the Richter-Rauzer Attack, threatening to double Black's pawns after Bxf6 and forestalling the Dragon variation by rendering 6...g6 unplayable.

6. .... e6
7. Qd2, Be7
8. 0-0-0, 0-0
9. f4, e5
10. Nf3, Bg4
11. h3, Bxf3
12. gxf3, Nd4
13. fxe5, dxe5

If 13.....Nxf3, then 14. exf6 Nxd2, 15. fxe7 and White would have enough compensation for the Queen.

14. f4, Qa5
15. fxe5, Nf3
16. exf6, Nxd2
17. fxe7, Nxf1?

A bad choice for Black. He should have moved the threatened Rook.

18. exf8=Q, Kxf8
19. Bf4, Ng3

Black hopes for 20. Bxg3 Qg5+, but White saw the plan.

20. Rhg1, Nxe4
21. Nxe4, Qxa2
22. Bd6+, Kg8

Of course not 22....Ke8, 23. Nf6 gxf6, 24. Rg8+ and White would be more ahead in material.

23. Rxg7+ !!!....

A surprise move! Black has been caught unaware. Black cannot capture the offered Rook because of a threatened mate: 23....Kxg7, 24. Rg1+ Kh6, 25. Bf4+ Kh5, 26. Rg5+ Kh4, 27. Rg4+ .... and here comes the beauty of the thing: 27......Kxh3 (if 27.....Kh5, 28. Nf6 mate.) 28. Nf2 mate.

23. ..... Kh8
24. Rg8+, Resigns

Black, with a Queen to his advantage, cannot take the Rook: 24....Rxg8 because of 25. Be5+ Rg7, 26. Rd8 mate.

A stunning victory!

Material Exchange

2010-12-31T04:58:00.000-08:00

Chess pieces have inherent values, and during material exchange, the captured pieces must be more or less equal in worth. However, in certain cases, material may be exchanged for quality game, facilitated attack, or speedy development. In the following game, the Queen is exchanged for 3 minor pieces, an exemplary demonstration of such theory.

KMOCH vs. PRINS
Amsterdam, 1940

Gruenfeld Defense

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, g6
3. Nc3, d5
4. Nf3, Bg7
5. Qb3, dxc4
6. Qxc4, 0-0
7. e4, b6
8. e5, Be6

Black attacks the Queen in order to plant his Knight at d5. But White refuses to be driven away.

9. exf6!! ....

White has correctly calculated that his Queen is worth the exchange.

9. .... Bxc4
10. fxg7, Kxg7
11. Bxc4 ....

The smoke has cleared and Black now realizes that he exchanged a Knight and two Bishops for the opponent's Queen. A bad bargain.

11. .... Nc6
12. Be3, Nb4

A wasteful maneuver on the part of Black. Now White gains time.

13. 0-0, Nc2
14. Nd1, Nxe3
15. fxe3, c5
16. Ng5!! ....

White suddenly threatens 17. Rxf7 Rxf7, 18. Ne6 etc.

16. .... e6

If 16....Qe8, a likely continuation could be 17. dxc5 bxc5, 18. Bb5 Qc8, 19. Rd7 and the pressure would be too much for Black.

17. Rxf7 Resigns

White threatens Nxe6 double-check!

All is lost for Black. If 17.....Kh6, then 18. Rxh7+ Kxg5, 19. h4+ Kg4, 20. Be2+ Kg3, 21. Ne4 mate. Superb play!

Opening Tricks and Traps

2010-12-30T05:08:00.000-08:00

Opening traps are fun to watch -- and much more fun to use. The popularity of a chess opening trick lies in the fact that it involves sneaky play, not necessarily brilliancy. The victim is usually persuaded to abandon common sense principles of play and take the bait.

It is therefore important that every serious chess player be aware of these opening tricks for they abound in different forms and combination, and even known to victimize chess masters. Chess opening is an art by itself, and while not all artists are chess players, all chess players are artists.

To see various opening tricks and traps, please visit Chess Opening Tricks.

Castle Early Or You'll Be Sorry

2010-12-26T22:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a player becomes so engrossed in his opening play that he forgets to castle. Such delay could be costly. The following game effectively demonstrates this important aspect of chess play. See also The Importance of Castling.

PALAU vs. TE KOLSTE
London, 1927

King's Indian Defense

1. Nf3, Nf6
2. d4, g6
3. Nc3, d5
4. Bf4, Nh5

Black attempts to exchange a Knight for a Bishop. While this has theoretical basis, the move provokes a weakness in Black's pawn structure. Instead, 4....c6 or 4.....Bg7 should have been played.

5. Be5! ....

Some players may see this move as a waste of time, but it is instrumental in creating the weakness as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

5. .... f6
6. Bg3, Nxg3
7. hxg3 ....

The open h-file is advantageous to White.

7. .... Bg7
8. e3, c6
9. Bd3, e5?

Not having castled yet, this move is ill-timed.

10. Rxh7!!, Kf7?

If Black replies with 10....Rxh7, then White gains material with 11. Bxg6.

Black's best reply is 10....e4, though White still wins with 11. Rxg7 exd3, 12. Qxd3 Bf5, 13. e4 Kf8 (if 13....dxe4, 14. Qc4 wins), 14. exf5 Rh1+, 15. Kd2 Rxa1, 16. Rxb7 Kg8, 17. fxg6 etc.

11. Bxg6+ ....

The fireworks begin.

11. .... Kxg6
12. Nxe5!! ....

Outstanding! If 12.....Kxh7, 13. Qh5+ Kg8, 14. Qf7+ Kh7, 15. 0-0-0 and mate follows.

12. .... fxe4
13. Qh5+, Kf6
14. Qxe4+, Kf7

If 14....Kg6, 15. Qxg7+ Kf5, 16. g4+ Ke6, 17. Qe5 mate.

15. Qxg7+, Resigns

If 15....Ke8, then White replies with 16. Qf7 mate. If 15....Ke6, then 16. Qe5 mate. Nothing short of elegant!

Play for Attack

2010-12-22T05:43:00.000-08:00

An old chess adage says "An attack is the best defense." Some players are determined to play for an attack at all cost, and such style almost always pays dividends. The following game is interestingly such a masterpiece.

MARSHALL vs. BURN
Ostend, 1907
King's Indian Defense

1. d4, Nf6
2. Nf3, d6
3. Bf4, Nbd7
4. e3, g6
5. Bd3, Bg7
6. Nbd2, 0-0
7. h4!? ....

Such dubious move might be regarded with horror by modern chess theorists, but Marshall is determined in his attack.

7. .... Re8
8. h5!?, Nxh5
9. Rxh5!?, gxh5
10. Bxh7!? ....

10. .... Kxh7?

Black now loses the game because he allowed his King to be exposed to attack. He would have fared better if he moved 10....Kf8! and would give White a difficult time to recover his lost pieces.

11. Ng5+, Kg6

Not 11....Kg8 because of 12. Qxh5 Nf6, 13. Qxf7+ Kh8, 14. 0-0-0, and then Rh1+.

12. Ndf3 ....

Threatening 13. Qd3+ f5, 14. Nh4+ etc.

12. .... e4
13. Nh4+, Kf6

Of course not 13....Kh6, 14. Nxf7+ winning the Queen.

14. Nh7+, Ke7
15. Nf5+, Ke6
16. Nxg7, Ke7
17. Nf5+, Ke6
18. d5+, Kxf5
19. Qxh5+, Ke4
20. 0-0-0, Resigns

White threatens 21. f3 mate. The only way to prevent this is to capture White's Bishop with 20....exf4, but then comes another bolt of lightning: 21. Rd4 mate.

An entertaining yet instructive piece of game.

Bishop's Power on the Long Diagonal

2010-12-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

The Bishop's power on the long diagonal (a1-h8 or a8-h1) cannot be underestimated, more so if it helps create a mating combination on the opponent's King. The following game effectively demonstrates this theory.

WINTER vs. COLLE
Scarborough, 1930

Nimzo-Indian Defense

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, e6
3. Nc3, Bb4
4. Qb3, c5
5. dxc5, Nc6
6. Nf3, Ne4
7. Bd2, Nxc5
8. Qc2, f5

Black intends to control the center (e4) by piece rather than by pawn. In line with this objective, f5 is much better than d5.

9. e3, 0-0
10. a3, Bxc3
11. Bxc3 ....

Although White at this point has a Bishop Pair, the Bishops have little scope and therefore rendered futile against Black's Bishop and Knight.

11. .... b6
12. Be2, Bb7

This Bishop, entrenched on the long diagonal, is destined to rule the board.

13. 0-0, Rc8
14. Rfd1, Qe7
15. b4, Ne4
16. Be1?, Rf6

White's Bishop should have remained at its own diagonal, rather than cower at e1. Now Black's Rook is poised to play...

17. Nd4? ....

This move increases the power of Black's Bishop. Bad for White.

17. .... Rg6!
18. Bf1 ....

If White plays 18. f3, then Black wins with 18.....Qg5!, 19. Bf1 Qxe3+, 20. Bf2 Qxf3 etc.

18. .... Ng5!

Now Black threatens to win with 19.....Nxd4, 20. exd4 Nf3+, 21. Kh1 Qh4! somewhat akin to actual play.

19. Kh1, Nxd4
20. exd4 ....

20. .... Nf3!!
White resigns.

White's case is hopeless. If he tries 21. d5 (to block the diagonal), then Black replies with 21....Qh4 followed by mate. If 22. h3 then 22....Qxh3, 23. gxh3 Rg1 mate. The same result happens after 21. g3, thereafter Black replies with 21.....Qh4, 22. gxh4 Rg1 mate.

The Power of Two Bishops

2010-12-13T16:41:00.000-08:00

The Bishop Pair is one of the most powerful weapons in chess arsenal. In the hands of a master, two efficiently coordinating Bishops can create havoc along open files.

JANOWSKI vs. SCHALLOPP
Nuremberg 1896

Queen's Gambit Accepted

1. d4, d5
2. c4, dxc4
3. Nf3, c5
4. e3, cxd4
5. exd4, Bg4
6. Bxc4 ....

White threatens 7. Bxf7 Kxf7, 8. Ne5+.

6. .... e6
7. Qa4+, Nc6

White readily exploits the absence of Black's Bishop along the a4-e8 diagonal. If Black replies 7....Nd7, there follows 8. Ne5 N8f6, 9. Bg5! Bf5, 10. Nxd7 Qxd7, 11. Bb5 winning the Queen.

8. Ne5, Qxd4
9. Nxc6, Qe4+
10. Be3, bxc6

Of course not 10....Qxc6 because of 11. Bb5 winning the Queen.

11. Nc3, Qxg2
12. Bd5!! ....

This beauty of a move drives off the Black Queen and spearheads an attack on the opponent King. Black is obliged to take down the Bishop.

12. .... exd5
13. Qxc6+, Kd8

If 13....Ke7, then 14. Nxd5+ Kd8, 15. Qxa8 and Black can resign.

14. Qxa8+, Kd7
15. Qb7+, Ke6
16. Qc6+, Bd6
17. Bf4, Resigns

There is no way to prevent 18. Qxd6+. If 17....Qxh1+, 18. Kd2 Qxa1, 19. Qxd6+ Kf5, 20. Qe5+ Kg6, 21. Qg5 mate.

Sweet Mobility

2010-12-11T17:06:00.000-08:00

In chess, more mobile pieces most often ensure victory. This happens when almost all pieces are developed and not restricted to cramped positions. This theory is illustrated in the following game.

SPIELMANN vs. FUSS
Sopron, 1934
Queen's Gambit Declined

1. d4, Nf6
2. Nf3, e6
3. c4, Bb4+
4. Nd2, Ne4
5. e3, Nxd2
6. Bxd2, Bxd2
7. Qxd2, d5
8. Rc1, c6
9. Bd3, Nd7
10. 0-0, 0-0

At this point, both sides have been striving to relieve off cramped positions. White, however, has a much more free game.

11. e4! ....

White decides to open up more files to expand the control of his pieces.

11. .... dxe4
12. Bxe4, Nf6
13. Bb1, b6
14. Qf4, Bb7
15. Ne5, Qc7?

Black should have opened his Bishop's diagonal by the freeing move 15.....c5.

16. Rc3!, Nh5

17. Bxh7+!!, Kxh7

Effort by Black to turn down the Bishop would prove futile, as in 17.... Kh8, 18. Ng6+ wins the Black Queen.

18. Rh3, Kg8

A pretty situation arises after 18.....g6, 19. Nxg6 Qxf4, 20. Nxf4 in which case Black recovers his lost piece (Bishop) plus two extra pawns.

19. Rxh5, f6
20. Rh8, Resigns

Black loses the Queen after 20.....Kxh8, 21. Ng6+.

A wonderful game.

When Minor Pieces Play

2010-12-09T05:10:00.000-08:00

When Queens are exchanged in a turbulent opening, the minor pieces working in harmony may conquer the uncastled King and create a beautiful mating combination.

BATTELL vs. BARCZA
Budapest, 1939
Nimzovich Defense

1. e4, Nc6
2. d4, d5
3. exd5 ....

Better is 3. e5 for a stronger central pawn structure.

3. .... Qxd5
4. Nf3, Bg4
5. Nc3?! ....

The best reply is 5. Be2, then Black's hope of winning a pawn by 5....Bxf3 can be scuttled by 6. Bxf3 Qxd4, 7. Bxc6+ winning the Queen.

5. .... Bxf3

6. Nxd5, Bxd1
7. Nxc7+, Kd7
8. Nxa8, Bxc2

The next few moves illustrate White's hopeless pursuit to make a getaway plan for his Knight at a8.

9. Bf4 ....

9. .... e4!!

A powerful tempo-making move. If White replies 10. Bxe5, there follows 10....Bb4+, 11. Ke2 Nxe5, 12. dxe5 Ne7, 13. Rc1 Be4, 14. Nc7 Bc6 and White's Knight is lost after all.

10. dxe5 ....

Now, White's control over the b8-f4 diagonal is broken.

10. .... Bb4+
11. Ke2, N8e7
12. e6+, fxe6
13. Nc7 ....

White has succeeded in letting his Knight escape. But Black has the last word....

13. .... Nd4+
14. Ke3, Nef5 mate.

An excellent mating combination.

Alexander Alekhine

2010-12-05T02:52:00.000-08:00

Alexander Alekhine was 4th World Chess Champion (1927-1935, 1937-1946). In 1929 and 1934 he played Russian Bogolyubov for the world champion beating him easily. However in 1935, the Dutchman Euwe challenged him. Alekhine, who had a liking for alcohol was frequently drunk during his games with Euwe and consequently lost his title. However in a rematch, after giving up alcohol, he defeated Euwe by 10 wins to 4 with 11 draws making him the first man to ever regain the world championship title.

Alekhine was the author of the famous Alekhine's Defense, a good opening for aggressive chess players.

Alekhine's brilliance is again exhibited in the following post. Black, having gained the initiative, never let up the pressure until the opponent surrendered.

POTEMKIN vs. ALEKHINE
Saint Petersburg, 1912
Sicilian Defense

1. e4, c5
2. g3, g6
3. Bg2, Bg7
4. Nd2, Nc6
5. c3, Nf6
6. Na3, d5!
7. exd5, Nxd5
8. Nc2, 0-0
9. d4, cxd4
10. cxd4, Bg4

Black now has the initiative, and from this point on, never let up the pressure.

11. f3, Bf5

Black threatens to win a pawn by 12.....Bxc2 etc.

12. Ne3, Qa5+

Black gains a piece if White replies with 13. Qd2 or 13. Bd2.

13. Kb2, Ndb4
14. Nxf5, Qxf5
15. g4, Nd3+
16. Kg3 ....

16. .... Nxd4!!
17. gxf5 ....

White should have allowed a pawn loss by taking the Knight with 17. Nxd4 Qe5+, 18. f4 Qxd4, etc. without much trouble.

17. .... Nxf5+

At this point, Alekhine announced a mate in two moves: 18. Kg4 h5!, 19. Kg5 Bh6 mate; or 18. Kh3 Nf2 mate. A picture-perfect mate.

Modern Gambits

2010-12-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

A modern chess player, in order to confuse the enemy, might turn a staid opening into a gambit. The idea is to present the opponent with surprises so unpleasant that he will spend so much time looking for the proper reply. And before he realizes it, his time has run out already....

KERES vs. GAUFFIN

Helsinki, 1936
Sicilian Defense

1. e4, c5
2. NF3, a6
3. b4!? ....

White seeks to develop his pieces immediately, and to lessen Black's control over the center.

3. .... cxb4
4. a3, d5
5. exd5, Qxd5
6. axb4, Bg4

Black neglects to develop his King-side and disregards the safety of his King.

7. Nc3, Qh5
8. Be2, e6
9. 0-0, Nf6

Black should have taken the offered Pawn.

10. Ra5!! ....

A surprising yet powerful move. If 10....b5 then 11. Bxb5+ ... or if 10....Qg6 then 11. Rg5 Qh6, 12. d4 threatening 13. Rxg4 ...

10. .... Nd5
11. h3!, Bxf3
12. Bxf3, Nxc3
13. dxc3, Qg6
14. Qd4!! ....

White threatens 15. Bxb7 and the Rook has nowhere to go.

14. .... Qf6
15. Qc4, Nd7
16. Bg5!! ....

16. .... Qg6

Black cannot play 16.....Ne5 because of 17. Rxe5 Qxe5, 18. Qc6+ bxc6, 19. Bxc6 mate.

17. Bxb7, Rb8
18. Bc6, Be7
19. Bxd7+, Kxd7
20. Rd1+, Resigns

Life ends wherever the King goes. If 20....Ke8, then 21. Qc7!! etc. If 20....Bd6, then 21. Rxd6 Kxd6, 22. Qc5+ Kd7, 23. Qe7+ and mate follows.

Confusing the Enemy

2010-11-27T23:59:00.000-08:00

In the following game, six of Black's 14 moves were pawn moves, the remaining were King moves. It would not take a statistician to guess the outcome.

KROGIUS vs. OJANEN
Helsinki, 1944

Sicilian Defense

1. e4, c5
2. d4, cxd4
3. Nf3 ....

White deviated from the usual 3. Qxd4 ... intending to confuse the opponent. Black is advised to reply 3....Nc6 or 3....d6.

3. .... e5

Black turns the game into a gambit, hoping to trap White into capturing the e-pawn: 4. Nxe5,Qa4+ winning the Knight.

4. c3!, dxc3
5. Nxc3, d6
6. Bc4, h6

Black is afraid of 7. Ng5, but Black's f7 pawn is more vulnerable than he thinks.

7. Bxf7, Kxf7
8. Nxe5 ....

The Queen's pawn is pinned, and this fact makes the attack possible.

8. .... Ke7

Black has no satisfactory reply. If 8.....Ke8, 9. Qh5+ and mate follows.

If 8....Ke6, then 9. Qd5+ Kf6, 10. Qf7+ Kxe5, 11. Bf4 Kd4, 12. Qd5 mate.

If 8....Kf6 then 9. Qd4! Qe8, 10. Nd5+ Ke6, 11. Nc7 winning the Queen.

9. Nd5+, Ke6
10. Qg4+, Kxe5
11. Bf4+, Kd4

If 11....Kxe4, then 12. Nc3+ Kd4, 13. Qd1+ Kc4, 14. Qd5+ Kb4, 15. a3 mate.

12. Be3+, Ke5

If 12....Kc4, then 13. Qe2 mate.

13. Qf4+, Ke6
14. Qf5 mate

White energetically pursued Black's King taking advantage of open files.

Sicilian to Danish

2010-11-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

White turns a Sicilian opening to Danish Gambit. Black unknowingly cooperated in the magnificent outcome.

KERES vs. WINTER
Warsaw, 1933
Sicilian Defense (Danish Gambit by transposition)

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, Nf6
3. e5, Nd5
4. Nc3, e6
5. Nxd5, exd5
6. d4, d6
7. Bg5, Qa5+

If 7....Be7, then White gains a pawn by 8. Bxe7 Qxe7, 9. dxc5 ..

8. c3, cxd4
9. Bd3!? ....

Offering pawns one after another, White plays for a dashing attack.

9. .... dxc3
10. 0-0, cxb2
11. Rb1, dxe5?

This move opens the e-file and increases Black's attacking prospects.

12. Nxe5, Bd6

Of course not 12....f6 because 13. Qh5 is devastating. At this point, 12....Be6 is preferable.

13. Nxf7, Kxf7
14. Qh5+, g6

Black's situation is shaky. If 14....Kf8, then 15. Bxh7 etc. If 14....Ke6, then 15. Bf5+ Ke5, 16. Re1+ Kd4, 17. Be3+ Kc3, 18. Qd1 and Black can resign.

15. Bxg6 hxg6
16. Qxh8, Bf5

Preventing the loss of another pawn. If 16....Nd7, then 17, Qh7+ Kf8, 18. Bh6+ Ke8, 19. Qxg6+ etc.

17. Rbe1, Be4

A mating position arises for White after 17....Bf8, 18. Re7+ Bxe7, 19. Qh7+ Kf8, 20. Qxe7+ Kg8, 21. Bf6 etc.

18. Rxe4!!, dxe4
19. Qf6+, Resigns

White wins after 19....Ke8, 20. Qe6+ Kf8, 21. Bh6 mate. If 19....Kg8, then 20. Qxg6+ Kf8, 21. Qxd6+ Kg8, 22. Qe6+ Kg2 (If 22....Kh8, then 23. Bf6+ Kh7, 24. Qf7+ Kh6, 25. Qg7+ Kh5, 26. g4 mate.); 23. Qe7+ Kg6, 24. Qf6+ Kh7, 25. Qf7+ Kh8, 26. Bf6 mate.

Lazy King and the Traveler Queen

2010-11-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

The importance of castling is again reiterated in today's post. The game below also underlines the chess theory that the Queen should not be moved too early in the game, since it could be trapped and an easy target for attack.

NIMZOVICH vs. ALAPIN
Riga, 1913

French Defense

1. e4, e6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, Nf6
4. exd5, Nxd5
5. Nf3, c5
6. Nxd5, Qxd5

The Black Queen began traveling...

7. Be3!, cxd4
8. Nxd4, a6
9. Be2, Qxg2?

Black fell to White's trap.

10. Bf3, Qg6
11. Qd2, e5

12. 0-0-0 ....

White decides to sacrifice the Knight in exchange for an open position, taking advantage of the uncastled King.

12. .... exd4
13. Bxd4 ....

White now threatens 14. Bxg7 Bxg7, 15. Qd8 mate.

13. .... Nc6
14. Bf6!! ....

Fantastic! The threat now is 15. Qd8+ Nxd8, 16. Rxd8 mate.

14. .... Qxf6

If 14....gxf6 or 14....Be6, then 15. Bxc6+ and White wins. If 14....Be7 then 15. Bxc6+ bxc6, 16. Qd8+ Bxd8, 17. Rxd8 mate.

15. Rhe1+, Be7

If 15...Be6, then White mates with 16. Qd7.

16. Bxc6+, Kf8
17. Qd8+, Bxd8
18. Re8 mate

White took exceptional advantage of Black's uncastled King and wandering Queen.

Flank Attack

2010-11-21T02:57:00.000-08:00

In chess, a struggle may happen along the a-file or h-file - a flank attack. This situation may be aggravated by a trap or a sacrifice paving the way for an attack in an open file. This phenomenon is best illustrated in the following post, a brilliant game in which the great grandmaster Adolf Anderssen demolished Mayet in just 12 moves.

MAYET vs. ANDERSSEN
Berlin, 1851

Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game)

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, Bc5
4. c3, Nf6
5. Bxc6 ....

Modern masters would perhaps prefer 5. d4 fortifying the center and getting rid of the pesky Bishop.

5. .... dxc6

Modern chess theory would suggest 5....bxc6 to be followed by 6....d5, but Anderssen has something up his sleeve.

6. 0-0 ....

Ill-timed. The best move is still 6. d4.

6. .... Bg4!
7. h3 ....

Intending to drive off the annoying Bishop...

7. .... h5!

8. hxg4? ....

A bad move. White obligingly opened the h-file, paving the way for Black's attack.

8. .... hxg4
9. Nxe5, g3!!
10. d4, Nxe4!

Black threatens 11. Rh1+ Kxh1, 12. Qh4+ Kg1, 13. Qh2 mate.

11. Qg4?, Bxd4

Anderssen may win in another way by 11....gxf2+, 12. Rxf2 Rh1+, 13. Kxh1 Nxf2+ winning the Queen.

12. Qxe4, Bxf2+

White resigns, as there is no stopping 13. Rxf2 (forced) Qd1+, 14. Rf1 Rh1+, 15. Kxh1 Qxf1 mate.

Scotch Game

2010-11-19T18:45:00.000-08:00

DELMAR vs. LIPSCHUETZ
Match, 1888
Scotch Game

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. d4, exd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nxc6, bxc6
6. Bd3, d5

Afterwards, the usual move is 7. exd5, cxd5; but White tries something different, hoping to drive the Black's Knight to the back rank.

7. e5, Ng4
8. 0-0, Bc5!

An attacking move, one crucial to center play. If 8....Nxe5, then 9. Re1 f6 (or Bd6), 10. f4 and White wins.

9. h3, Nxe5
10. Re1, Qf6!!

Hmmm...White senses a trap. The f2 pawn is very vulnerable.

11. Qe2, 0-0

If Black tries 11....Bd6, then White replies with 12. f4 winning the Knight. Since the Knight is lost anyway, Black decides to wait for the right time to attack.

12. Qxe5, Qxf2+
13. Kh1 ....

Of course not 13. Kh2 since White would lose the Queen after 13....Bd6.

13.....Bxh3!
14. gxh3, Qf3+
15. Kh2, Bd6
16. Qxd6, Qf2+

White resigns, since Black takes the Rook before confiscating White's Queen.

Spanish Game, Berlin Defense

2010-11-15T04:33:00.000-08:00

JOSE RAUL CAPABLANCA vs. MARC FONAROFF
New York, 1918

Spanish Game: Berlin Defense

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. d4, d6
4. Nc3, Nf6
5. Bb5, Bd7
6. 0-0, Be7
7. Re1, exd4
8. Nxd4, Nxd4
9. Qxd4, Bxb5
10. Nxb5, 0-0
11. Qc3, ....

Threatening 12. Qxc7...

11. .... c6
12. Nd4, Nd7

Black's Knight gives way to his Bishop.

13. Nf5, Bf6
14. Qg3, Ne5
15. Bf4, Qc7
16. Rad1, Rad8
17. Rxd6!! ....

The bombshell! This move came very unexpectedly.

17. .... Rxd6
18. Bxe5, Rd1

If 18.....Bxe5, then 19. Qxe5 and White wins the Queen or the Rook because of a mating threat at g7.

19. Rxd1, Bxe5
20. Nh6+, Kh8
21. Qxe5!! ....

A magnificent move. But Black has no choice but to capture. If 21....Qc8, then 22. Nf5 f6, 23. Qe7 Rg8, 24. Nd6 and White wins the Queen or mates at f7.

22. .... Qxe5
23. Nxf7, Resigns

White comes ahead in material after winning the Queen. If 23....Rxf7, then 24. Rd8+ and wins.

This game is one of Capablanca's best. A superb performance!

Center Play

2010-11-14T07:01:00.000-08:00

Keeping a solid central pawn structure is crucial to a defensive chess play. Once the center breaks down, it would be easy for the attacker to penetrate. The posted game is an excellent model of this theory.

CASTALDI vs. TARTAKOVER
Stockholm, 1937

Philidor Defense

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, Nf6
4. Nc3, N8d7
5. Be2, Be7
6. 0-0, h6
7. b3 ....

White intends to position his Bishop at b2, to apply indirect pressure on Black's e5 pawn.

7. .... c6
8. Bb2, Qc7
9. Qd2, g5

Black's last move weakens his long diagonal. Black should have kept a tight defensive game.

10. Rfd1, Nf8?

Black intends to post his Knight at f4 via g6, but it never made it. He should have concentrated on developing his pawn structure at the center,

11. dxe5, dxe5
12. Nxe5!! ....

12. .... Be6

If 12....Qxe5, then White replies with 13. Nd5 Qxb2, 14. Nc7 mate. In this variation, if 13....Qd6, then 16. Nxf6+ and wins.

13. Nb5!!, Qb8

If 13....cxb5, then 14. Bxb5 N8d7, 15. Bxd7 Bxd7, 16. Nxd7 Nxd7, 17. Bxh8. In this variation, if 15....Kf8, then 16. Bxe6 fxe6, 17. Ng6+. Either way, White wins.

14. Qa5 !! ....

A pretty move. Black cannot shoo away the Queen with 14....b6 because of 15. Nxc6 bxa5, 16. Nxb8 Rxb8, 17. Nc7 mate. In this variation, if 16....Bd8, then 17. Rxd8 Kxd8, 18. Bxf6+ and White wins.

14. .... Bd8
15. Rxd8, Qxd8
16. Nc7+, Resigns

There is no hope for Black. If 16....Ke7, then 17. Ba3+ and White wins.

White executed one brilliant move after another.

King's Gambit Declined

2010-11-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

NEUMANN vs. DUFRESNE
Berlin, 1863

King's Gambit Declined

1. e4, e5
2. f4, Bc5
3. Nf3, d6
4. Bc4, Nf6
5. Nc3, 0-0
6. d3 ....

After 6. fxe5 fxe5, 7. Nxe5 Black replies with 7....Qd4! and he would have a good game.

6. .... Ng4?

Black is enticed by ....Nf2, but 6....Nc6 is a much better reply.

7. Rf1, Nxh2?
8. Rh1! ....

Black hoped for 8. Nxh2 Qh4+ followed by ...Qxh2, giving him an excellent game.

8. .... Ng4
9. Qe2, Bf2+?

A useless move. It disabled White's castling but at this point of the game, castling for White does not signify.

10. Kf1, Nc6
11. f5!, Bc5
12. Ng5!!, Nh6

If 12....Nf6 White wins with 13. Nxh7 Nxh7, 14. Qh5 etc.

13. Qh5, Qe8

14. Nxh7, Kxh7
15. Bxh6, g6

Of course not 15....gxh6, 16. Qxh6+ and mate next move.

16. Qxg6+!!, fxg6
17. Bxf8 mate.

An artistic finale.

Ignatz Kolisch, Vienna Game

2010-11-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

Ignatz Kolisch was a Baron of the Austrian Empire. He was ranked number one chess player in the world between July 1867 and November 1868. He later became involved in banking and abandoned chess in favor of the stock market.

MANDOLFO vs. KOLISCH
Paris, 1859
Vienna Game

1. e4, e5
2. Bc4, Nf6
3. Nc3, c6

Most players prefer 3....Nc6. Combative players may choose 3...Nxe4, which goes 4. Nxe4 d5.

4. d3, b5

Black's last move turned out well, but 4....d5 is stronger.

5. Bb3, a5
6. a4, b4
7. Na2? ....

White voluntarily exiled his Knight to a useless square, where it is stranded for the rest of the game.

7. .... d5
8. exd5, cxd5
9. Nf3, Nc6
10. Qe2, Bg4
11. 0-0, Bc5

If 11...e4, then 12. dxe4 dxe4, 13. Qb5....and the Knight becomes unpinned. At this point, if 13....exf3, then 14. Qxc6 Bd7, 15. Qxf3... and Black loses much material.

12. Bg5, h6
13. h3, h5?!

What does Black have in mind? He could have won the exchange outright by 13....Bxf3, 14. Bxf6 Bxe2, 15. Bxd8 Bxf1.

14. hxg4, hxg4

Now we see the reason for Black's 13th move. The open h-file paves the way for an attack.

15. Nxe5, Nd4
16. Qe1 ....

White waits. He is a piece ahead and threatens 17. Nc6+ winning Black's Queen.

16. .... Ne4!!

A magnificent blockade. If the Knight is taken e.g. 17. dxe4 then17.....Qxg5 and White's attack fizzles.

17. Bxd8, Ng3!!

Now we see the reason behind the Queen sacrifice. Black threatens mate at h1. The attacking Knight cannot be captured because of 18....Ne2 mate.

18. Nb6+, N4e2+
19. Qxe2, Nxe2 mate.

A superb masterpiece. The game reflects Kolisch's dazzling style.

English Opening: King's English, Four Knights Variation

2010-10-31T21:24:00.000-07:00

GARRY KASPAROV vs. VASSILY IVANCHUK
Moscow 1988

English Opening: King's English, Four Knights Variation

1. c4, Nf6
2. Nc3, e5
3. Nf3, Nc6

Not 3....e4 because White replies 4. Ng4 Qe7, 5. Qc2... and White takes the pawn.

4. g3, Bb4
5. Bg2, 0-0
6. 0-0, e4
7. Ng5, Bxc3
8. bxc3, Re8
9. f3, exf3
10. Nxf3, d5
11. d4, Ne4
12. Qc2, dxc4
13. Rb1, f5
14. g4, Qe7

If 14....fxg4 White replies 15. Ne5 Nxe5, 16. Qxe4!....

15. gxf5, Nd6
16. Ng5, Qxe2
17. Bd5+, Kh8
18. Qxe2, Rxe2
19. Bf4, Nd8
20. Bxd6, cxd6
21. Rbe1, Rxe1
22. Rxe1, Bd7
23. Re7, Bc6
24. f6, Resigns

If 24....gxf6, then White mates next move by 25. Rxh7.

If 24....Bxd5, then 25. Re8+ Bg8, 26. f7 Nxf7, 27. Nxf7 mate. Superb play!

French Defense: Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Albin-Chatard Gambit

2010-10-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

LUDEK PACHMAN vs. ECKERT
Cista, 1940
French Defense: Alekhine-Chatard Attack, Albin-Chatard Gambit

1. e4, e6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, Nf6
4. Bg5, Be7
5. e5, Nfd7
6. h4 ....

The Albin-Chatard Gambit. White sacrifices the h-pawn in return for an attack on Black's King side, launching from the half-open h-file.

6. .... Bxg5
7. hxg5, Qxg5
8. Nh3, Qh6

If the Queen retreats e.g. 8....Qe7, then 9. Qg4 0-0, 10. Bd3 g6, 11. Ng5 and White would have an easy attack.

9. Bd3, g6
10. Qg4, c5
11. f4! ....

The safety of the e5-pawn is of paramount importance.

11. .... cxd4
12. Nb5, Kd8
13. Ng5! ....

Another sacrifice. But Black really has no choice. If 13....Qg7, then 14. Nd6 ... threatening 15. Ngxf7+.

13. .... Qxh1+
14. Kf2, Qxa1
15. Nxf7+, Ke7
16. Qg5+, Kxf7
17. Nd6+, Kg7

If 17....Kf8, then 18. Qd8+ Ke7, 19. Qe7 ... bringing the position to the one in text. If 17....Kg8 then 18. Qe7 and mate next move.

18. Qe7+, Kh6
19. Nf7+, Kg7
20. Ng5+, Kh6
21. Nxe6, Nf6

Preventing 22. Qg5 mate. But White has another ace up his sleeve.

22. Qg7+, Kh5
23. Qxf6, h6

Again, preventing 24. Qg5 mate, but White's next mating move cannot be prevented...

24. Be2 mate.

Much quicker than 24. Qxg6+ Kh4, 25. g3+ Kh2, 26. Qh5 mate. White, thought two Rooks down, played magnificently. The relentless attack left Black's major pieces still standing in their original positions.

Blindfold Chess

2010-10-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

In chess, there is nothing more fascinating than a master playing blindfold. The following game exhibits the genius of Alexander Alekhine.

ALEKHINE vs. FELDT
Tarnopol, 1916

French Defense

(White plays blindfold.)

1. e4, e6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, Nf6
4. exd5, Nxd5

Much better is 4...exd5 in order to control the central squares.

5. Ne4, f5?

This move creates a weakness at the e5 square. White would exploit this weakness to maximum advantage.

6. Ng5!, Be7
7. N5f3, c6
8. Ne5, 0-0
9. N1f3, b6
10. Bd3, Bb7
11. 0-0, Re8
12. c4, Nf6
13. Bf4, N8d7
14. Qe2, c5
15. Nf7!! ....

A surprising yet powerful move! Black has no choice but to capture, as his Queen and e6 pawn are threatened.

15. .... Kxf7
16. Qxe6!! ....

Another surprise! The Queen cannot be captured because of Ng5 mate.

16. .... Kg6

If 16....Kf8 then 17. Ng5 threatening mate at f7.

Before making his next move, Alekhine announced a mate in two.

17. g4!, Be4

Preventing 18. Bxf5 mate, but this does not prevent White's next and last move.

18. Nh4 mate

A delightful finish!

Win Some, Lose Some

2010-10-09T01:13:00.000-07:00

It seems inconceivable for a grandmaster to lose a game in 15 moves. But even grandmasters have mental lapses that would account for a game loss. The following game shows how Rubinstein, an acclaimed chess master in his time, succumbed to the wiles of Frederick Yates using Ruy Lopez Opening.

FREDERICK YATES vs. AKIBA RUBINSTEIN
Budapest, 1926

Ruy Lopez Opening

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, a6
4. Ba4, Nf6
5. Qe2, b5
6. Bb3, Bc5

Black's last move may look attractive but it would be better placed at e7 to prevent a pin on the Knight.

7. c3, Qe7
8. 0-0, d6
9. Rd1, 0-0
10. d4, Bb6
11. Bg5, Nd8?

Reinfeld suggests 11....h6 to drive away the pinning Bishop.

12. Nh4! ....

Now, it is not possible to drive the Bishop away, for 12....h6 would be refuted by 13. Ng6.

12. .... Ne6?

In his haste to get rid of the pesky Bishop, Black loses control of the f5 square, which would become a stronghold for White's Knight.

13. Nf5!! ....

If Black plays 13....Qd8, White replies with 14. dxe5 and the double pin would be too much for Black to handle.

13. .... Qe8
14. Bxf6, gxf6
15. Bxe6, Resigns

If 15...gxf6, then 16. Qg4+! The only way Black could avoid mate is 16....Qg6 but would lose the Queen after 17. Ne7+.

A brilliant and very instructive little game.

Richard Reti

2010-10-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

RICHARD RETI, the author of Reti's Opening, was an ethnic Jewish, Austrian-Hungarian, later Czechoslovakian chess player, chess author, and composer of endgame studies. One of the top players in the world during the 1910s and 1920s, he began his career as a fiercely combinative classical player, favoring openings such as the King's Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.f4). However, after the end of the First World War, his playing style underwent a radical change, and he became one of the principal proponents of hypermodernism, and considered to be the movement's foremost literary contributor. The following game, one of the shortest he ever played, is posted in his honor.

RETI vs. DUNKELBLUM
Vienna, 1914

Three Knights' Game

1. e4, e5
2. Nc3, Nc6
3. Nf3, Bc5
4. Nxe5, Nxe5
5. d4, Bxd4

Reinfeld recommends 5....Bd6, 6. dxe5 Bxe5 etc.

6. Qxd4, Qf6?

Black desires to win White's Queen with ....Nf3+, but his last move proves fatal.

7. Nb5!! ....

A move difficult to meet. The c7 square is unguarded and White has rightly chosen this location to attack.

7. .... Kd8
8. Qc5!, Resigns

Black has to contend with the threats of 9. Qf8 mate and 9. Qxc7.

If 8....d6 then 9. Qxc7 Ke8, 10. Nxd6+ Kf8, 11. Nxc8 ... and White comes ahead in material.

If 8....Ng6 then 9. Bg5 winning the Queen. If 8....Nh6 then 9. Qxc7 Ke7, 10. Be3 with the deadly threats of Bc5 or Bd4.

An amazing finale.

Knight Forks and (K)nightmares

2010-10-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Neophyte chess players are sometimes haunted by memories of knight forks. But even grandmasters find themselves immersed in similar situations. The game below is a fine example.

FRANK MARSHALL vs. KLINE
New York, 1913
Queen's Gambit Declined

1. d4, d5
2. c4, e6
3. Nc3, Nf6
4. Nf3, Be7
5. Bg5, Nbd7
6. e3, 0-0
7. Rc1, b6

Black intends to follow-up with c5, but the resulting position created a weakness on white squares.

8. cxd5, exd5
9. Qa4, Bb7
10. Ba6, Bxa6
11. Qxa6, c6?

Reinfeld recommends 11....c5 as a more energetic move.

12. 0-0, Ne4
13. Bxe7, Qxe7
14. Qb7!!, Rfe8
15. Nxd5! ....

15. .... Qd6

The Knight could not be taken because of 16. Rxc8 winning a Rook.

16. Rxc6, Resigns

Black loses his Queen if 16....Qxd5, 17. Rxc8 ... and also if the Queen takes the Rook by 16. .... Qxc6, then 17. Ne7+.

If 16....Rxc6 then 17. Qxa8+ Nf8, 18. Qxc6 Qxc6, 19. Ne7+ and this leaves White ahead in material. However, in this variation, Black could have prolonged the game a little longer with 17....Nb8, 18. Ne7+ Qxe7, 19. Qxb8 Qf8, 20. Qb7 Re6 (not 20.....Qe8, 21. Ne5!), 21. Rc1 Re8, 22. Ne5 (with the idea of 23. Rc7) f6, 23. Qd5+ and White still wins after 23....Kh8, 24. Nf7+ Kg8, 25. Nd6+ Kh8, 26. Nxe8 Qxe8, 27. Qxe4!.

Stampeding Horses

2010-10-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

In chess, we often see two Bishops working in tandem to achieve victory. But two Knights jumping tactically in harmony is a rare sight even in grandmaster play. This post features such occurrence made even more beautiful by a two-Rook sacrifice and a Queen sacrifice.

MACZYNSKI vs. WILFRED HENRY PRATTEN
Portsmouth, 1948
Italian Game: Classical Closed Variation

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. c3, Qe7
5. 0-0 ....

Making the e4 pawn invulnerable. This is the Closed Variation. In Greco Gambit White allows the e4 pawn to be taken by the immediate 5. d4 in return for an open file.

5. .... d6
6. d4, Bb6
7. b4, Bg4
8. a4, a5
9. b5, Nd8
10. Ba3, f6

The move supports the e5 pawn as the d6 pawn is pinned.

11. Ra2? ....

A useless move. Where thou goest, Mr. Rook?

11. .... Ne6

The Knight intends to post itself on f4.

12. dxe5, fxe5
13. Qd5, Bxf3

A lesson in move prioritization. If 14. Qxe6 then 14....Bxe4. Definitely not 14. gxf3 because of 14....Qg4+,

15. Kh1, Nf4.

14. Qxb7, Qg5!!

Black decides the keep the Bishop instead of the Rook, as the former is more important in sustaining the attack.

15. Qxa8+, Ke7
16. g3, Nf4!!!

Threatening mate at h3.

17. Re1 ....

Worthless, but White has nothing better. If 17. h4 then 17....Qg4, 18. Re1 Qh3 and mate next move at g2 or h1.

17. .... Qh5!!

Placing the Queen at a strategic location. If 18. gxf4 then Black still wins with 18....Qh3.

18. Nd2, Nf6!!!

The winning move, but more surprises are still to come.

19. Qxh8, Qxh2!!

A beautiful Queen sacrifice. Black clinched his victory. The rest of the moves followed naturally.

20. Kxh2, Ng4+
21. Kg1, Nh3+
22. Kf1, Nh2 mate.

Caro-Kann Defense Exchange Variation

2010-09-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

MIKHAIL TAL vs. LEONOV
Riga 1949

Caro-Kann Defense Exchange Variation

1. e4, c6
2. d4, d5
3. exd5, cxd5

The Exchange Variation of the Caro-Kann.

4. Bd3, Nf6
5. h3, h6
6. Bf4, e6
7. Nf3, Bd6

The Bishop at f4 is at an advantageous position. It would be prudent to neutralize the Bishop at once.

8. Bxd6, Qxd6
9. c3, Nc6
10. 0-0, 0-0
11. Qe2, Re8
12. Ne5, Qc7
13. f4, Nxe5
14. fxe5, Nh7
15. Qh5, Re7
16. Na3, a6
17. Nc2, Qd7?

Why block the Bishop's way? If the Queen intends to travel to f8, Black could have moved 17....Qd8 at once

18. Ne3, Qe8
19. Rf6, Qf8

If 19....gxf6, then 20. Bxh7+ Kxh7, 21. exf6 Rc7, 22. Rf1 ... and White gets attacking position in exchange.

20. Rf4, Bd7
21. Ng4, Be8
22. Nf6+ ....

22. .... Nxf6

If 22....exf6, then 23. Bxh7+ Kxh7, 24. exf6 Rc7, 25. Rg4 ... and White weaves a mating net.

23. exf6, Rc7

If 23....gxf6, then White mates with 24. Rg4+ Kh8, 25. Qh4 and 26. Qxf6.

24. fxg7, Kxg7

Of course not 24....Qxg7 then 25. Rg4.

25. Qe5+, Resigns

White would have tremendous material advantage after 25....f6, 26. Qxc7.

Superior Mobility

2010-09-19T00:18:00.000-07:00

In chess sometimes sacrifices have to be made in order to gain rapid development and attain an attacking position. In the posted game, an attack ostensibly aimed at Black's queenside suddenly turns into an attack on the other wing. The explanation: superior mobility.

E. LASKER vs. WINKELMAN
New York, 1926

Queen's Gambit Declined

1. Nf3, Nf6
2. d4, d5
3. c4, e6
4. Bg5, Nbd7
5. e3, Be7
6. Nc3, 0-0
7. Bd3, a6

Stronger is 7....c5, allowing Black to equalize.

8. Ne5!, dxc4
9. Nxc4, b5??

This move drives White's Knight to a5 where it will make inroads to Black's position.

10. Na5!, c5
11. Nc6, Qe8
12. Qf3!! ....

Now, White threatens to win a Rook with 13. Nxe7 and 14. Qxa8.

12. .... Nb6

Protecting the Rook. If 12....Bb7, White still wins a piece by 13. Nxe7.

13. Ne4! ....

Black cannot take the c6 Knight because of 14. Nxf6 winning the Queen.

An interesting situation develops after 13....Bb7, 14. Nxe7+ Qxe7, 15. Nxf6+ gxf6, 16. Qh5 with Black losing its Queen as 16. ...f5 is the only way to avoid mate.

13. .... Nd5

Black's position deteriorates. But 13....Nxe4, 14. Nxe7+ Kh8, 15. Bxe4 would leave White in tremendous material advantage. At this point, saving the Rook is not a solution. For if 15....Ra7, 16. Bxh7 Rxe7 (not 16....Kxh7, 17. Qh5 mate), 17. Qh5...., White wins with a mating attack.

14. Nxe7+, Nxe7
15. Nf6+, Resigns

An elegant finish. The subsequent moves would have been 15....gxf6, 16. Bxh7+ Kxh7 (If 16....Kg7, then 17. Qxf6+), 17. Qh5+ Kg7, 18. Qh6+ Kg8, 19. Bxf6 Ng6, 20. Qg7 mate.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Botvinnik Variation

2010-09-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

MIKHAIL BOTVINNIK vs. MILAN VIDMAR
Nottingham, 1936

Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Botvinnik Variation

1. c4, e6
2. Nf3, d5
3. d4, Nf6
4. Nc3, Be7
5. Bg5, 0-0
6. e3, Nbd7
7. Bd3, c5
8. 0-0, cxd4

Alekhine commented that 8....dxc4 would be better as Black is not yet developed to attack the isolated d pawn. The game may then continue as 9. Bxc4 a6, 10. a4 Re8.

9. exd4, dxc4
10. Bxc4, Nb6
11. Bb3, Bd7
12. Qd3 ....

Intending 13. Bc2 and 14. Bxf6....

12. .... Nbd5
13. Ne5, Bc6
14. Rad1, Nb4?

A mistake, according to Alekhine, which makes White's attack tremendously strong.

15. Qh3, Bd5?

Exchanging this good Bishop for a Knight is a bad strategy. Moreover, White's powerful King's Bishop is still preserved.

16. Nxd5, Nbxd5
17. f4, Rc8
18. f5, exf5
19. Rxf5, Qd6
20. Nxf7!! ....

A subtle and magnificent move. Whichever way the Knight is taken, Black's Knight at d5 would be pinned.

20. .... Rxf7
21. Bxf6, Bxf6

If 21....Nxf6, then 22. Rxf6 and 23. Qxc8.

22. Rxd5, Qc6
23. Rd6 ....

If 23. Rd7, then 23....Rcf8.

23. .... Qe8
24. Rd7, Resigns

Both Rooks are endangered, and Black sees no hope for recovery.

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Bronstein Variation

2010-09-11T00:28:00.000-07:00

RAYMUND KEENE vs. STEPHEN KERR
Sydney, 1979

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Bronstein Variation

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, e6
3. Nc3, Bb4
4. e3 ....

The Bronstein (Byrne) Variation.

4. .... b6
5. Ne2, Ba6
6. Ng3, 0-0
7. e4, Nc6
8. Bd3, e5

Not 8....Nxd4, 9. Qa4 wins.

9. a3!, Bxc3+
10. bxc3, d6

If 10...exd4 then 11 cxd4 Nxd4, 12 Bb2 c5, 13 Bxd4 cxd4, 14 O-O would be better for White, as he regains the pawn with a great advantage in structure.

11. Bg5 ....

White intends to follow up with 12. Nh5.

11. .... h6
12. Be3, Na5
13. Qe2, Qd7
14. Nf5, Qa4

Black hopes to win the c4 pawn.

15. Bxh6! ....

15. .... gxh6
16. Qe3, Ne8
17. Qxh6, Qd7

White has nothing better. If 17....f6, then 18. Qg6+ Kh8, 19. Ne7 and White mates with 20. Qh6.

If 17....Qb3, then 18. 0-0 Qxc3, 19. f4! Qxd3, 20. Rf3! and White wins with 21. Rg3+.

18. Qg5+, Kh7
19. Qh4+, Kg8
20. Qg3+ Kh7
21. Qh3+, Kg8
22. Nh6+, Resigns

White takes Black's Queen!

Sicilian Defense: Pin. Koch Variation

2010-09-10T03:56:00.000-07:00

JONATHAN D TISDALL vs. GRAHAM LEE
London 1981

Sicilian Defense: Pin. Koch Variation

1. d4, e6
2. e4, c5
3. Nf3, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, Bb4
6. e5 ....

The aggressive Pin. Koch Variation. White gives up some pieces in exchange for an attack on Black's King side.

6. .... Ne4
7. Qg4, Nxc3
8. Qxg7, Rf8
9. a3, Nb5+
10. axb4, Nxd4
11. Bd3, Qb6
12. Bg5, Nf5
13. Bxf5, exf5
14. 0-0-0, Qg6
15. e6 ....

The Queen could not be taken. If 15....Qxg7, then 16. exd7+ Bxd7 (or Nxd7), 17. Rhe1+ Be6, 19. Rd8 mate.

15. .... d5
16. Rxd5 ....

Threatening Rd8+ mate.

16. .... Nc6
17. e7, Nxe7

White's Queen is still invulnerable because of the threat 18. Rd8+ Nxd8, 19. exd8=Q+ mate.

18. Rd8+, Resigns

If 18....Kxd8, then 19. Qxf8+ Kc7, 20. Qxe7+ Bd7 (Not Kb6, 21. Qc5+ Ka6, 22. Qa5+ mate.), 21. Bf4+ Kb6, 22. Qc5+ with the same mating attack.

French Defense: Classical, Delayed Exchange Variation

2010-09-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

AARON NIMZOWITSCH vs. SENIOR ALAPIN

Saint Petersburg 1914

French Defense: Classical, Delayed Exchange Variation

1. e4, e6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, Nf6
4. exd5, Nxd5

Typical of the this variation. Black surrenders the center in exchange for disrupting White's central pawn structure.

5. Nf3, c5

Black wants to eliminate the d4 pawn.

6. Nxd5, Qxd5
7. Be3 ....

This move is both a defensive and attacking move. White threatens dxc5, winning a pawn.

7. .... cxd4
8. Nxd4, a6
9. Be2, Qxg2 ??

Black takes the poisoned pawn. The move allows the White Bishop to take up an attacking position.

9. Bf3, Qg6
11. Qd2, e5 ??

Another bad move. Black meant to get rid of the pesky Knight so that somehow he can catch up in development.

12. 0-0-0, exd4
13. Bxd4 ....

Notice that White's development far exceeds that of Black. Notice further the open e-file which would be crucial to the outcome of the game.

13. .... Nc6
14. Bf6 ....

A tempo making move. Any other Bishop move would have had a defensive reply. Now, there is no more time for this. Black must take the Bishop. If not, White moves 15. Bxc6 then 16. Qd8 mate.

14. .... Qxf6
15. Rhe1+!! ....

The beginning of a breakthrough. White's sacrifices are showing results.

15. .... Be7

If 15...Be6 then 16. Qd7 mate.

16. Bxc6+, Kf8

If the Bishop is taken, then White answers 17. Qd8 mate.

17. Qd8+!!, Bxd8
19. Re8 mate.

A superb ending! White must have had all these in mind while offering sacrifices.

Chess Tactics

2010-08-31T00:13:00.000-07:00

Choosing the right move is as difficult as winning the game itself. Learn chess tactics from Chess Tempo, one of the best known chess tutors in the Internet. Learn how to make the right combination of moves. Choose the best move in a given problem set. Learn while having fun. Indulge!!

Italian Game: Classical Variation, Greco Gambit

2010-08-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

MAX EUWE vs. S. VAN MINDENO
Holland, 1927

Italian Game, Classical Variation, Greco Gambit

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. c3, Nf6
5. d4 ...

The Greco Gambit. White allows the e-pawn to be taken in return for an open e-file.

5. .... exd4
6. cxd4, Bb4+
7. Nc3, Nxe4
8. 0-0 ....

Qe2 is bad for White because of 8....d5! allowing support for the Knight.

8. .... Bxc3
9. d5!!, Bf6

If 9....Ne7, 10. bxc3 Nxc3, 11. Qd4!!

10. Re1, 0-0

Black castled his King into safety, knowing that one of his Knights will be taken anyway.

11. Rxe4, Ne7
12. d6, cxd6
13. Qxd6, Nf5
14. Qd5 ....

14. .... d6
15. Bg5, Bxg5

Black fell to the trap! Better is 15....h6 sustaining the defense.

If 15. Be6 then 16. Rxe6 fxe6, 17. Qxe6+ Kh8, 18. Qxf5 with more than enough compensation.

16. Nxg5, Qxg5
17. Qxf7+, Resigns

If 17....Rxf7, then 18. Re8 mate.

Sicilian Defense, Dragon Variation; Yugoslav Attack

2010-08-21T02:00:00.000-07:00

MIKHAIL TAL vs. SVIRIDOV
Stuttgart Simultaneous Exhibition, 1969

Sicilian Defense, Dragon Variation; Yugoslav Attack

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, g6
6. Be3, Bg7
7. f3 ....

The Yugoslav Attack. This opening supports the e4 pawn and promotes the mobility of both Bishops.

7. .... Nc6
8. Qd2, Bd7
9. 0-0-0, Qa5
10. Kb1, Rc8
11. g4, h6
12. h4, a6
13. Be2, Ne5
14. g5!! ....

14. .... hxg5
15. hxg5, Rxh1
16. gxf6, Rxd1+
17. Nxd1!! ....

This move gains a tempo, as it forces the Black Queen to make a move.

17. .... Qxd2
18. fxg7, Resigns

Black cannot prevent the pawn from being promoted. If 18....Kd8, then 19. g8=Q+ Kc7, 20. Qxc8 Bxc8, 21. Bxd2 and White is a piece ahead

Victor Korchnoi

2010-08-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

Korchnoi is a four times USSR chess champion (1960, 1962-63, 1964-65, 1970), two times winner of the interzonal tournaments for world championship, winner of two Candidates Tournaments (1977, 1980) and five time European champion. Victor Korchnoi played three matches with Anatoly Karpov for the World Chess Championship (two official matches in 1978 and 1981, and the 1974 Candidates' Final which later won Karpov the title by forfeit against Bobby Fischer). He also became a six time Chess Olympiad winner as a member of the Soviet team.

VICTOR KORCHNOI vs. ANATOLI KARPOV
Moscow, 1974
Queen's Indian Defense, Anti-Queen's Indian System

1. d4, Nf6
2. Nf3, e6
3. g3, b6
4. Bg2, Bb7
5. c4, Be7
6. Nc3 ....

The Anti-Queen's Indian System, which seeks to control the d5 square.

6. .... 0-0
7. Qc2, c5
8. d5, exd5
9. Ng5 ....

Part of the Anti-Queen's Indian System, the move threatens mate at h7 while attacking the d5 pawn.

9. .... Nc6
10. Nxd5 ....

If 10. cxd5 then Black drives the White Queen away by 10....Nd4. The text allows White to maintain pressure.

10. .... g6

Black eliminates the threat, but White maintains pressure at the center.

11. Qd2, Nxd5
12. Bxd5 ....

White maintains the pin on the b7 Bishop.

12. .... Rb8
13. Nxh7!!, Re8

Of course not 13....Kxh7 because of 14. Qh6+ Kg8; 15. Qxg6+... with a devastating attack.

14. Qh6, Ne5
15. Ng5, Bxg5
16. Bxg5, Qxg5
17. Qxg5, Bxd5
18. 0-0 ....

Black hoped for 18. cxd4 Nf3 double check! But Korchnoi saw the plan. Without the Queen, Black has already lost the game. The succeeding moves have become irrelevant.

18. .... Bxc4
19. f4, Resigns

Queen's Indian Defense

2010-08-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

BORIS SPASSKY vs. MIKHAIL TAL
Montreal 1979

Queen's Indian Defense

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, e6
3. Nf3, b6
4. e3, Bb7
5. Bd3, d5
6. b3, Bd6
7. 0-0, 0-0
8. Bb2, Nbd7
9. Nbd2, Qe7
10. Rc1, Rad8
11. Qc2, c5
12. cxd5, exd5
13. dxc5, bxc5
14. Qc3, Rfe8
15. Rfd1, d4
16. exd4, cxd4
17. Qa5 ....

If 17. Nxd4 then 17....Bxh2, 18. Kxh2 Ng4+, 19. Kg1 Qh4 with good attacking chances.

If 17. Qxd4, then 17....Ne4, 18. Nxe4 Bxe4 also with good attacking possibilities.

17. .... Ne5
18. Nxe5, Bxe5
19. Nc4, Rd5
20. Qd2, Bxh2+
21. Kxh2, Rh5+
22. Kg1, Ng4
White resigns.

Black intends to place his Queen at h4, then mate next move.

If 23. g3, then Black mates by 23....Rh1+.

If 23. f3, then Black replies with 23....Rh1+; 24. Kxh1 Qh4+, 25. Kg1 Qh2+, 26. Kf1 Qh1 mate.

A Brutal Chess Attack

2010-08-08T05:31:00.000-07:00

RAYMUND KEENE vs. ANTHONY MILES
Hastings, England 1975
Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Tarrasch Variation

1. Nf3, Nf6
2. c4, c5
3. Nc3, Nc6
4. e3, e6
5. d4, d5
6. cxd5, Nxd5
7. Bd3, cxd4
8. exd4, Be7
9. 0-0, 0-0

The situation that arose is one of the classical isolated pawn positions, in which White's mobility and attacking possibilities compensate for the structural weakness.

10. Re1, Nf6
11. Bg5, Nb4?

Keene recommends 11....b6. Black gave away too soon his plan to dominate the blockade square d5.

12. Bb1, b6
13. Ne5, Bb7
14. Re3!! ....

White prepares for attack.

14. .... g6

Black's last move prevents 15. Bxf6 Bxf6, 16. Bxh7 Kxh7, 17. Qh5+ and 18. Rh3.

15. Rg3! ....

This move may seem odd at first, but after a few moves the objective becomes evident.

15. .... Rc8

Better was 15....Nc6! 16. Bh6 Qxd4! and Black breaks White's attack by sacrificing the exchange.

16. Bh6 ....

16. .... Re8
17. a3, Nc6
18. Nxg6!, hxg6
19. Bxg6, fxg6

Raymond Keene wrote "Apart from capturing the bishop Black has two other defenses: a) 19...Bf8 20 Bc2+ Kh8 21 Bxf8 Rxf8 22 Qd2 Ng8 23 Rh3+ Kg7 24 Rh7+ (Fritz gives 24 Qf4) 24...Kf6 25 d5+-; b) 19...Bd6 20 Bxf7+ Kxf7 21 Rg7+ Kf8 22 Qf3+-. In this position Black is quite helpless, in spite of his extra material."

20. Qb1! ....

Keene commented that b1 is the best square for the queen in a mating combination, but neither 20 Qd3 Ne5 nor 20 Qc2 Ne5! 21 dxe5 Ne4 (exploiting the pin on the c-file) would be good enough for White.

20.... Ne5
21. dxe5, Ne4
22. Nxe4, Kh7

Of course not 22....Bxe4, 23. Rxg6+ Kh7, 24. Qxe4 and White wins.

23. Nf6+, Bxf6
24. Qxg6+, Kh8
25. Bg7+, Bxg7
26. Qxg7 mate.

What more could we say? This game is considered as one of the most brutal chess attacks of all time.

Caro-Kann Defense, Breyer Variation

2010-08-03T04:31:00.000-07:00

MIKHAIL TAL vs. VASILY SMYSLOV
Yuloslavia 1959

1. e4, c6
2. d3 ....

The Breyer Variation of the Caro-Kann.

2. .... d5
3. Nd2, e5
4. Ngf3, Nd7
5. d4, dxe4
6. Nxe4, exd4
7. Qxd4, Ngf6
8. Bg5, Be7
9. 0-0-0, 0-0
10. Nd6, Qa5
11. Bc4 ....

White's two Bishops are now active.

11. .... b5
12. Bd2, Qa6
13. Nf5, Bd8
14. Qh4!! ....

White sacrifices the c4 Bishop in order to gain attacking position.

14. .... bxc4
15. Qg5, Nh5
16. Nh6+ ....

If 16. Qxh5, then Black replies with ...Nf6, 17. Qg5 Bxf5, and White's attack fizzles out.

16. .... Kh8
17. Qxh5, Qxa2
18. Bc3!! ....

This move serves many purposes. First it provides an escape square for the King; second, it attacks the long c3-h8 diagonal; third, it opens the d-file.

18. .... Nf6
19. Qxf7!!, Qa1+

Black has no other choice. If 19....Re8 (or any other move), then 20. Qg8+ Rxg8, 21. Nf7 mate. Of course not 19....Rxf7 because of 20. Rxd8 and mate next move.

20. Kd2, Rxf7
21. Nxf7+, Kg8
22. Rxa1, Kxf7
23. Ne5+, Ke6
24. Nxc6, Ne4+
25. Ke3, Bb6+
26. Bd4, Resigns

Black hoped for 26. Kxe4 Bb7 pinning the Knight.

If 26....Bxd4, then 27. Kxd4 Nd6, 28. Rxa7. With superior material, White wins easily. A very instructive play by Mikhail Tal.

Ruy Lopez Opening: Exchange Variation

2010-07-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

ROBERT JAMES FISCHER vs. BORIS SPASSKY
$5 million match, 1992

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, a6
4. Bxc6 ....

The moves so far comprise the Exchange Variation of Ruy Lopez.

4. .... dxc6

This move is almost always chosen at master level. Black has gained the bishop pair at the cost of a weakened pawn structure, due to his doubled pawns on c6 and c7. In the Exchange Variation, by exchanging the 'Spanish Bishop', White aims to reach an endgame in which he has the superior pawn structure, which may become an important factor. Thus Black is compelled to strive for an active position, generally avoiding piece exchanges.

5. 0-0, f6
6. d4, exd4
7. Nxd4, c5
8. Nb3, Qxd1
9. Rxd1, Bg4
10. f3, Be6
11. Nc3, Bd6
12. Be3, b6
13. a4, 0-0-0
14. a5, Kb7
15. e5, Be7

If 15....fxe5, then 16. axb6 cxb6, 17. Ne4 Be7, 18. Rxd8 Bxd8, 19. Nexc5 bxc5, 20. Nbxc5... and White gets more than enough compensation.

16. Rxd8, Bxd8
17. Ne4, Kc6
18. axb6, cxb6
19. Nbxc5, Bc8

If 19....bxc5, then 20. Rxa6+ Kd7, 21. Nxc5+!!...

20. Nxa6, fxe5
21. Nb4+, Resigns

If 21....Kb7, 22. Nd6+ Kc7, 23. Nf7!.

Black loses after 21....Kb5, 22. Nd6+ Kxb4, 23. Ra3!! Be7, 24. c3+ mate.

Black loses material after 21....Kd7, 22. Ra7+ Ke6, (if 22....Ke8, then 23. Nd6+) 23. Ng5+ followed by 24. Ra8 or 24. Nf7.

Black also gets nowhere after 21....Kc7, 22. Ra7+ Bb7, (if 22....Kb8, then 23. Nc6+ mate) 23. Rxb7+ Kxb7, 24. Nd6+ Kc7, 25. Nf7!.

Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation

2010-07-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

VICTOR KORCHNOI vs. BORIS SPASSKY
Leningrad 1948
Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Levenfish Variation

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, g6

The Dragon Variation of the Sicilian Defense. In this variation, Black controls the a1-h8 diagonal by placing a Bishop at g7. The Dragon Variation is one of the sharpest variations of the Sicilian Defense, making it one of the sharpest of all chess openings.

6. f4 ....

The Levenfish Variation. It is named after Russian GM Grigory Levenfish who recommended its use in the 1937 Russian Chess Yearbook. The move 6.f4 prepares 7.e5 attacking Black's f6 Knight. One may continue 6...Nc6 or 6...Nbd7 to prevent 7.e5 before continuing with the normal Dragon moves of Bg7 and 0-0.

According to Wikipedia, 6...Bg7 is not playable, as 7. Bb5+ proves to be horrible for black. The check must be dealt with and there are 3 ways to accomplish this that should be considered. The first is Nc6, which simply loses material. We will therefore concentrate on a piece moving to d7 to block the check. Now white can play 8. e5 attacking the black knight on f6, it doesn't matter whether the pawns are exchanged first with 8... dxe5 9. fxe5 or the pawn is left alone; the knight is almost forced to move back 9... Ng8 or 9... Nh5 and now the killing blow of 10. e6 after the only move to save material 10... fxe6 11. Nxe6 and the black position is collapsing.

6. .... Bg4
7. Bb5+, Nbd7
8. Bxd7+, Qxd7
9. Qd3, e5
10. Nf3, Bxf3
11. Qxf3, Qg4??
12. Nd5!!, Resigns

Black loses either his Knight or his Queen. A very instructive game by Viktor Korchnoi. Spassky forgot one of the most basic rules in chess "Don't be a goose and leave a piece loose!"

Pirc Defense: Austrian Attack, Unzicker Attack

2010-07-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

HIKARU NAKAMURA vs. ILYA ISMIRIN
Foxwoods Open, Connecticut 2005

Pirc Defense: Austrian Attack, Unzicker Attack

1. e4, g6
2. d4, Bg7
3. Nc3, d6
4. f4 ....

The Austrian Attack. This move strengthens the central pawn structure, and provides support for future attacks.

4. .... Nf6
5. Nf3, 0-0
6. e5 ....

The Unzicker Attack. This thrust displaces the Black Knight and limits the control of g7 Bishop.

6. .... Nfd7
7. h4!, c5
8. h5, cxd4
9. hxg6!! ....

White sacrifices a piece. Black thought White was aiming for h7, so he took the gambit.

9. .... dxc3
10. gxf7+!!, Rxf7

If 10....Kh8, then 11. Nf5 h6, 12. Qd3 ... with a mating attack.

11. Bc4, Nf8
12. Ng5, e6
13. Nxf7 ...

White takes the Rook since it is now unpinned.

13. .... cxb2
14. Bxb2 ...

Black would be at an advantage if 14. Nxd8 bxa1=Q.

14. .... Qa5+
15. Kf1, Kxf7
16. Qh5+, Kg8
17. Bd3, Qb4
18. Rb1, Bd7?

A useless move. Better would be 18....Qxf4+.

19. c4 ...

An attempt to cover the f4 pawn.

19. .... Qd2
20. Bxh7+, Nxh7
21. Qxh7+, Kf8
22. Rh4, Resigns

No matter which move he makes, Black could no longer defend the g7 Bishop or the g8 square if 23. Rg4!!.

Sicilian Defense: Fischer-Sozin Attack

2010-07-20T03:04:00.000-07:00

ROBERT JAMES FISCHER vs. EFIM GELLER
Skopje, 1967

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, Nc6
6. Bc4, e6
7. Be3, Be7
8. Bb3, 0-0
9. Qe2, Qa5
10. 0-0-0, Nxd4
11. Bxd4, Bd7
12. Kb1, Bc6
13. f4, Rad8
14. Rhf1, b5

The Fischer-Sozin Attack. Promoted by Fischer, but ironically now used against him. Normally, Black prepares for the attack by ....a6 followed by ....b5. In this case, however, the pawn is fully supported.

15. f5, b4
16. fxe6, bxc3
17. exf7+ ....

Typical of Fischer, who sacrifices pieces in order to achieve the desired position.

17. .... Kh8
18. Rf5, Qb4
19. Qf1 ....

Threatening 20. Bxf6.

19. .... Nxe4
20. a3, Qb7
21. Qf4, Ba4
22. Qg4 ....

White attacks Black's weakest link. Definitely not 22. Qh6 because of 22....Bf6, 23. Rxf6 Nxf6, 24. Bxf6 Rxf7.

22. .... Bf6
23. Rxf6, Bxb3

White resigns. Black's threat at b2 and f6 would be too much. If 23. Bxc3 Nxc3+, 24. bxc3 Bc4+, 25. Ka1 Rb8! and mate follows.

Sicilian Defense, Richter-Rauzer Attack

2010-07-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

PAUL KERES vs. LASZIO SZABO
Budapest, 1955

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, d6
6. Bg5 ....

This reply of White is known as the Richter-Rauzer Attack (invented by Kurt Richter), threatening to double Black's pawns after Bxf6 and forestalling the Dragon by rendering 6....g6 unplayable.

6. .... e6
7. Qd2 ....

Prepares for castling on the queen-side.

7. .... Be7
8. 0-0-0, 0-0
9. f4, a6
10. e5, dxe5
11. Nxc6, bxc6
12. fxe5, Nd7

If 12....Nd5, then 13. Bxe7 Qxe7, 14. Ne4... then 15. Nd6 with a good position for White.

13. h4, Rb8
14. Qe3, Re8
15. Rh3!, Qa5
16. Bxe7, Rxe7
17. Rg3, Re8
18. Rxd7, Bxd7
19. Bd3, h6
20. Qf4 ....

If 20. Qxh6, then 20.....Qxf4. Clearly, White has a better plan.

20. .... Kf8
21. Rxg7, Kxg7
22. Qf6+!!, Kf8

If 22….Kg8 then 23. Qxh6 f5, 24. exf6 and mate next move.

23. Bg6, Resigns

Black cannot defend his f7 pawn without losing. If 23....Re7, then 24. Qh8 mate. A superb ending.

Bishop's Opening

2010-07-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

The Bishop's Opening is characterized by the opening moves

1. e4 e5
2. Bc4

White attacks Black's f7-square and prevents Black from advancing his d-pawn to d5. By ignoring the beginner's rule, "develop knights before bishops", White leaves his f-pawn unblocked allowing the possibility of playing f2-f4. This gives the Bishop's Opening an affinity to the King's Gambit and the Vienna Game, two openings that share the same characteristic.

JOHN COCHRANE vs. HOWARD STAUNTON
London, 1841
Bishop's Opening: Lewis Gambit

1. e4, e5
2. Bc4, Bc5
3. d4, Bxd4

The Lewis Gambit. White sacrifices the d-pawn in order to weaken Black's central pawn structure.

4. Nf3, Nc6
5. 0-0, Nf6
6. Nxd4, Nxd4
7. f4, d6
8. fxe5, dxe5
9. Bg5, Be6
10. Bxe6, Nxe6
11. Qxd8+, Rxd8
12. Bxf6, gxf6
13. Rxf6, Nf4
14. Nc3, Rd2!!
15. Rd1 ....

White avoided 15. g3 Nh3+, 16. Kh1 (if 16. Kf1 then 16....Rxh2) Nf2+, 17. Kg1 Ng4 and Black wins the exchange.

15. .... Rxg2+
16. Kh1, Rhg8
17. Rf5, f6!

Black correctly decided to protect the e5-pawn. If 17....Nh3; then 18. Rxe5+ Kf8, 20. Rd8+ Kg7, 21. Rxg8 and Black's attack collapses.

18. Rxf6, Nh3!!

19. Rff1, Rg1+
20. Rxg1, Nf2+ mate.

A marvelous finish.

English Opening

2010-07-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

RICHARD RETI vs. EFIM BOGOLJUBOV
New York, 1924
English Opening; Agincourt Defense, Bogoljubov Defense

1. Nf3, d5
2. c4, e6
3. g3, Nf6
4. Bg2, Bd6
5. 0-0, 0-0
6. b3, Re8
7. Bb2, Nbd7
8. d4!, c6
9. Nbd2, Ne4

Rubinstein recommends 9....e5, a liberating move.

10. Nxe4, dxe4
11. Ne5, f5
12. f3 ....

White changes the closed game into an open one, in order to liberate his own g2 Bishop.

12. .... exf3
13. Bxf3 ....

Not 13. exf3, because the pawn is intended for e4.

13. .... Qc7
14. Nxd7, Bxd7
15. e4, e5

Necessary in order to prevent 16. e5, followed most probably by a breaking maneuver by means of d5 or g4.

16. c5, Bf8
17. Qc2 ....

White maintains the threat at e5 while adding another threat at f5.

17. .... exd4
18. exf5, Rad8

If 18....Qe5, then 19. Qc4+, Kh8; 20. Bxd4.

19. Bh5!!, Re5
20. Bxd4, Rxf5

Not 20....Rd5 because of 21. Qc4 Kh8, 22. Bg4 giving White a superior position.

21. Rxf5, Bxf5
22. Qxf5, Rxd4
23. Rf1 ....

23. .... Rd8

Black may play 23....Qe7, but still left without defense after 24. Bf7+ Kh8, 25. Bd5 Qf6, 26. Qc8.

24. Bf7+, Kh8
25. Be8, Resigns

There is no defense against 26. Qxf8+ and mate next move. Now if 25....h6, then 26. Qxf8+ Kh7, 27. Qf5+ Kh8, 28. Qg6 Qe7, 29. Rf7 and mate on either f8 or g7.

A sparkling combination. The game was awarded the first brilliancy prize in the tournament.

King's Indian Defense

2010-07-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

The King's Indian Defense was already discussed in previous postings. It is a hypermodern opening, where Black deliberately allows White control of the centre with his pawns, with the view to subsequently challenging it with the moves ...e5 or ...c5. It is a dynamic opening, exceptionally complex, and a favourite of players such as former world champions Garry Kasparov, Bobby Fischer, and Mikhail Tal.

RENE LETELIER MARTNER vs. ROBERT JAMES FISCHER
Liepzig Olympiad Prelim 1960

King's Indian Defense

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, g6
3. Nc3, Bg7
4. e4, 0-0
5. e5, Ne8

The normal continuation is 5....d6. Fischer decided to complicate the opening in order to break loose White's central pawn structure.

6. f4, d6
7. Be3, c5
8. dxc5, Nc6
9. cxd6, exd6
10. Ne4, Bf5
11. Ng3, Be6
12. Nf3, Qc7
13. Qb1?? ....

An odd move. It does not help White in any way. It even imprisoned his own Rook!

13. .... dxe5
14. f5 ....

Black's position is unassailable after 14. fxe5 Nxe5, 15. Nxe5 Bxe5.

14. .... e4!!
15. fxe6, exf3
16. gxf3, f5
17. f4, Nf6
18. Be2, Rfe8!
19. Kf2, Rxe6
20. Re1, Rae8
21. Bf3, Rxe3!!

22. Rxe3, Rxe3
23. Kxe3, Qxf4+!!
White resigns (0:1).

White loses if he takes the Queen (24. Kxf4 Bh6+ mate).

If 24. Kf2, then 24....Nd4, 25. Qd1 Ng4+, 26. Kg2 Ne3 double-check, and Black wins.

Fischer Uses the Pirc Defense

2010-07-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

ROBERT JAMES FISCHER vs. PAL BENKO
US Championship, 1963

Pirc Defense

1. e4, g6
2. d4, Bg7
3. Nc3, d6
4. f4, Nf6
5. Nf3, 0-0
6. Bd3, Bg4
7. h3, Bxf3
8. Qxf3, Nc6
9. Be3, e5
10. dxe5, dxe5
11. f5!! ....

The move is intended to weaken Black's king-side pawn structure.

11. .... gxf5
12. Qxf5, Nd4
13. Qf2, Ne8
14. 0-0, Nd6
15. Qg3, Kh8
16. Qg4, c6
17. Qh5 ...

Strategically, Fischer wanted this position. His Queen has to travel from f2 to h5.

17. .... Qe8
18. Bxd4, exd4
19. Rf6 ....

19. .... Kg8

If 19.... Bxf6, then 20. e5!... with a mating threat at h7.

20. e5, h6
21. Ne2, Resigns

If 21. exd6 Bxf6, 22. Qf5 Qe3+, 23. Kh1 Rfe8, 24. Qxf6 dxc3...and White's attack fizzles out.

Definitely not 21. Rxd6 Qxd5 and Black neutralizes the position.

With his last move, Black gains a tempo. Now if 21....Qe7, then 22. Raf1 Rfe8, 23. exd6 Qe3+, 24. Kh1 Bxf6, 25. Rxf6 Re7, 26. Rxh6!! ... and White wins.

Scandinavian Defense

2010-07-01T18:54:00.000-07:00

The Scandinavian Defense is also known as Center Counter Defense, which was discussed in a previous blog. The opening is characterized by the moves 1. e4, d5.

VISWANATHAN ANAND vs. JOEL LAUTIER
Credit Suisse, Biel SUI 1997

1. e4, d5
2. exd5, Qxd5
3. Nc3, Qa5
4. d4, Nf6
5. Nf3, c6
6. Bc4, Bf5
7. Ne5, e6
8. g4, Bg6
9. h4, Nbd7
10. Nxd7, Nxd7
11. h5, Be4
12. Rh3, Bg2
13. Re3, Nb6
14. Bd3, Nd5
15. f3 ....

This innocent-looking move actually provides escape square for White's King.

15. .... Bb4

If 15....Nxe3, 16. Bxe3 0-0, 17. Kf2... then White gets some compensation for material loss in addition to mobility of his pieces (bishop-pair).

16. Kf2, Bxc3
17. bxc3, Qxc3
18. Rb1, Qxd4
19. Rxb7, Rd8
20. h6, gxh6
21. Bg6!! ....

A surprise move! At this point, the table is suddenly turned. White is now the attacker.

21. .... Ne7

Not 22....Qxd1, for then 23. Rxe6+ Kf8, 24. Bxh6+ Kg8, 25. Bxf7 mate.

22. Qxd4, Rxd4
23. Rd3, Rd8

Not 23....Rxd3, 24. Bxd3... and after 25. Kxg2 White's position is far superior.

24. Rxd8+, Kxd8
25. Bd3, Resigns

Black's Bishop will be taken. In addition, White threatens 26. Rb8+ giving White overwhelming material and positional advantage.

Zukertort Opening

2010-06-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

The Zukertort Opening was already discussed in one previous blog. The following game demonstrates the Nimzo-Larsen Variation of the opening.

VIACHESLAV RAGOZIN vs. PETER ROMANOVSKY
Leningrad, 1927

1. Nf3, Nf6
2. b3 ....

The Nimzo-Larsen Variation. It aims to develop the c1 Bishop at once.

2. .... g6
3. Bb2, Bg7
4. g3, d5
5. Bg2, c5
6. 0-0, 0-0
7. d3, Nc6
8. c4, d4
9. Nbd2, Qc7
10. h3, Nh5
11. Ne4, b6
12. a3, Bb7
13. Qc2, f5
14. Ned2, e5!!

Solidifying the central pawn structure. This is crucial to the outcome of the game.

15. b4, Rae8

Black correctly assessed that the center is more important than his right flank. If 15....cxb4, 16. axb4 Nxb4, 17. Qb3 a4, 18. Ba3.... then the resulting position favors White.

16. Rfb1, e4!!
17. dxe4, fxe4
18. Ng5 ....

It is unwise to take the pawn. If 18. Nxe4 cxb4, 19. axb4 Nxb4, 20. Qb3 Bxe4 then Black gains material.

18. .... Rxf2!!
19. Ndxe4 ....

If 19. Kxf2 then Black replies with 19....Qxg3!! Kg1, 20. Nxb4 threatening 21. Qxg2 mate.

19..... Nxb4
20. axb4, Rxg2+
21. Kxg2, Qxg3+
22. Kf1 ....

If 22. Kh1, then Black continues with 22....Be5, 23. e3 Qxg5...

22. .... Bxe4
23. Qxe4 ....

No other choice. For if 23. Nxe4 Rf1+...

23. .... Rxe4
24. Nxe4, Qxh3+
White resigns.

No matter where the White King goes, he will have a hard time defending his position (i.e. 25. Kg1 Nf4!! and mate next move. If 25. Ke1 or Kf2 Black still weaves a mating net with combination of Bh6, Nf4, Qe3, or Qh1).

Ruy Lopez Opening

2010-06-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

PAUL MORPHY vs. ADOLF ANDERSSEN
Paris 1858

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, Nf6
4. d4, Nxd4
5. Nxd4, exd4
6. e5, c6?

A weak move, seen as the ultimate cause of this game's loss.

7. 0-0, cxb5
8. Bg5 ....

This pin is seen as much stronger than taking the Knight at once.

8. .... Be7

The correct reply. If 8....h6 then White replies with 9. exf6 hxg5, 10. Re1+!! and White wins an extra piece with an overwhelming position.

9. exf6, Bxf6
10. Re1+, Kf8
11. Bxf6, Qxf6
12. c3, d5
13. cxd4, Be6
14. Nc3, a6
15. Re5, Rd8
16. Qb3, Qe7
17. Rae1 ...

Strengthens the e-file. If 17. Nxd5, then Black replies with 17....Qd6, and the Knight is pinned.

17. .... g5

Black prevents the advance of the f-pawn.

18. Qd1, Qf6
19. R1e3!!, Rg8?

A losing move. However, the game at this point is beyond recovery.

20. Rxe6, Resigns

White is now positionally and materially superior. If 21....fxe6, then 22. Rf3!! and Black loses his Queen.

Sicilian Defense, French Variation

2010-06-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

VIACHESLAV RAGOZIN vs. P. NOSKOV
Moscow-Leningrad Match 1930
Sicilian Defense, French Variation

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, e6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nd2 ....

The French Variation of the Sicilian Defense. Instead of the normal 6. Nc3, White intends the keep open the b2-f6 diagonal for future attack.

5. .... d6
6. Bd3, Nc6
7. Nxc6, bxc6
8. 0-0, Be7
9. b3, 0-0
10. Bb2, Nd7
11. f4, Bf6
12. e5!, dxe5
13. Ne4, exf4
14. Nxf6, Nxf6
15. Rxf4 ....

By a series of moves, White managed to control the b2-f6 diagonal, which would be crucial to the outcome of the game.

15. .... Re8
16. Rxf6!! ....

16. .... gxf6
17. Qg4+, Kf8

If Black chooses 17.... Kh8, then 18. Qh5!! and 19. Qxh7 mate.

18. Ba3+, Re7
19. Bxh7!!, Qb6+
20. Kh1, Ke8

Faced with a mating threat at g8, Black sought an escape square for his King.

21. Rd1, Resigns

The escape square is blocked! There is no way Black could prevent the mating move 22. Qg8. Superb play. This game is listed as one the best chess games of all time.

King's Gambit Accepted

2010-06-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Once again, we are posting an article on the King's Gambit. In the gambit, the f4 pawn is being offered so that White could build up a strong center with d2-d4. Theory has shown that in order for Black to maintain his f4 pawn, he must weaken his king-side.

PAUL MORPHY vs. ADOLF ANDERSSEN
Paris 1858
King's Gambit Accepted, Kieseritzky Gambit Berlin Defenese

1. e4, e5
2. f4, exf4
3. Nf3, g5
4. h4, g4
5. Ne5 ....

The Kieseritzky Gambit, said to be stronger and positional in nature. The Gambit was used by Boris Spassky to beat Bobby Fisher in a famous game during the year 1960.

5. .... Nf6
6. Nxg4, Nxe4
7. d3, Ng3
8. Bxf4 ....

White sacrifices a Rook in exchange for an attack on the uncastled Black King.

8. .... Nxh1
9. Qe2+, Qe7

If 9....Be7 then 10. Nf6+ Kf8, 11. Bh6+ mate.

10. Nf6+, Kd8
11. Bxc7!!, Kxc7
12. Nd5+, Kd8
13. Nxe7, Bxe7
14. Qg4, d6
15. Qf4, Rg8
16. Qxf7, Bxh4+
17. Kd2, Re8
18. Na3, Na6
19. Qh5 ....

Threatening both Bishop and Knight.

19. .... Bf6
20. Qxh1, Bxb2
21. Qh4+, Kd7

If 21....Re7 then 22. Re1!! with a great attack.

22. Rb1, Bxa3
23. Qa4+, Resigns

With material and positional advantage, White wins after 23....Kd8, 24. Qxa3. A simple yet elegant finish.

To see the POPULAR VARIATIONS of this opening, visit KING'S GAMBIT ACCEPTED.

Alekhine Defense

2010-06-22T03:44:00.000-07:00

The Alekhine Defense was featured in a previous post (Adams vs. Kline). The following game again illustrates the capability of the opening to provide avenues of attack for aggressive players.

NIGMADZIANOV vs. KAPLIN
USSR 1977
Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation

1. e4. Nf6
2. e5, Nd5
3. d4, d6
4. Nf3, Bg4
5. Be2, c6
6. c4, Nb6
7. Nbd2, N8d7
8. Ng5!, Bxe2
9. e6!! ....

Threatening mate at f7.

9. .... f6
10. Qxe2, fxg5
11. Ne4, Nf6

If 11....h6. then 12. Qh5+ mate.

12. Nxg5, Qc7

Black avoids a fork by the White Knight and creates an escape square for his King.

13. Nf7, Rg8
14. g4!, h6
15. h4, d5

Black hoped to free his Queen, but it was not to be.

16. c5, Nc8
17. g5, Ne4

Black correctly avoided 17....hxg5, 18. hxg5 allowing White to activate his h1 Rook.

18. gxh6, gxh6
19. Qh5, Nf6
20. Nd6+!!, Kd8

The Knight cannot be captured because of the double-check.

21. Qe8+!!!, Resigns

A dazzling finish reminiscent of medieval times. If Black's Knight captures the Queen, then White's Knight mates with 22. Nf7+.

Polish Opening

2010-06-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

The Polish Opening or The Sokolsky Opening (also called The Orangutan) is an uncommon chess opening in which White opens with 1.b4. According to ChessBase, in master level chess, out of the twenty possible first moves from White, 1.b4 ranks ninth in popularity.

BERNARD FLEISSIG vs. CARL SCHLECHTER
Vienna 1895

1. b4, e6
2. Bb2, Nf6
3. a3, c5
4. b5, d5
5. d4, Qa5+
6. Nc3? ....

Why not c3? If Black continues 6.....Ne4, then 7. Qd3.

6. .... Ne4!
7. Qd3, cxd4
8. Qxd4, Bc5

9. Qxg7, Bxf2+
10. Kd1, d4!!

White cannot take the Knight because of a mating threat at e1.

11. Qxh8+, Ke7
12. Qxc8, dxc3
13. Bc1, Nd7

This move secures the d file for Black's attack.

14. Qxa8, Qxb5
15. Bf4, Qd5+
16. Kc1, Be3+
17. Bxe3, Nf2!!!

The move that clinches victory for Black.

18. Bxf2 ....

Forced, since Black threatens mate at d1.

18. .... Qd2+
19. Kb1, Qd1+
20. Ka2, Qxc2 mate

The culmination of a brilliant attack.

Zukertort / Reti Opening

2010-06-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

The Zukertort Opening is also known by another term "Reti Opening" and is characterized by the opening move 1. Nf3 although most sources define the Réti more narrowly by the sequence 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4.

TIGRAN PETROSIAN vs. LUDEK PACHMAN
It Bled, 1961
Zukertort Opening: Sicilian Invitation

1. Nf3, c5
2. g3, Nc6
3. Bg2, g6
4. 0-0, Bg7
5. d3, e6
6. e4, Nge7
7. Re1, 0-0
8. e5, d6
9. exd6, Qxd6
10. Nbd2, Qc7
11. Nb3, Nd4
12. Bf4, Qb6
13. Ne5, Nxb3
14. Nc4 ....

A tempo move.

14. .... Qb5
15. axb3, a5

The pawn advance prevents 16. Ra5.

16. Bd6, Bf6

If 16. ... Re8 then 17. Be5! ... creating a potential fork attack on d6 by Knight.

17. Qf3, Kg7
18. Re4 ! ....

Fischer commented at this point that Petrosian is preparing for a very beautiful finish.

18. .... Rd8
19. Qxf6+!!

19. .... Kxf6
20. Be5+, Kg5

If 20....Kf5, then 21. Ne3+ Kg5, 22. Bg7 ... with the same outcome as in the actual game.

21. Bg7, Resigns

There is no hope after 21....Nf5, 22. h4+ Nxh4, 23. gxh4+ then 24. Bf3+ or Bh3+ whichever way the Black King goes.

If 21….h5, then 22. h4+ Kf5, 23. Bh3 or Ne3 mate.

If 21….f5, then 22. h4+ Kh5, 23. Bf3 mate.

A gem of a game!

Nimzo-Indian Defense, Classical Variation

2010-06-16T01:47:00.000-07:00

The Nimzo-Indian Defence is a chess opening characterized by the moves:

1. d4 Nf6

2. c4 e6

3. Nc3 Bb4

This opening was developed by Aron Nimzowitsch who introduced it in the early 20th century, though the opening was played between Steinitz and Englisch in 1882. Unlike most “Indian” openings the Nimzo-Indian Defense does not involve an immediate fianchetto, although Black often plays b6 and Bb7. It can also transpose into lines of the Queen's Gambit or Queen's Indian Defense. The Nimzo-Indian is a very popular and sound defense to 1. d4.

The following game is also known as the "Atalik Immortal Game".

SUAT ATALIK vs. GYULA SAX
Maroczy Mem, 1997

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, e6
3. Nc3, Bb4
4. Qc2, d5
5. a3, Bxc3+
6. Qxc3 ....

Stronger for White is 6. bxc3 dxc4, 7. e4! ... and followed by 8. e5!!

6. .... Ne4
7. Qc2, Nc6
8. e3, e5
9. cxd5, Qxd5
10. Bc4, Qa5+
11. b4, Nxb4
12. Qxe4, Nc2+
13. Ke2 ....

If 13. Kd1 then Black replies with Qa4 and White's Bishop would be in danger.

13. .... Qe1+
14. Kf3, Nxa1
15. Bb2, 0-0
16. Kg3 ....

Moving the King away from possible checks.

16. .... Kh8
17. dxc5, Be6
18. Nf3, Qxh1
19. Ng5, g6
20. Nxf7+ ....

20. .... Rxf7

If 21.... Bxf7 then 22. e6+!! Kg8, 23. e7!! Rfe1, 24. Qd4!! with a mating attack.

21. Bxe6, Rg7
22. Bf7 ....

Securing the promotion square... White would make the same move if the g7 Rook is in e7.

22. .... Rxf7
23. e6+!!, Kg8
24. Qd4, Kf8
25. exf7, Kxf7
26. Qd7+, Resigns
(1:0)

White wins after 26....Kf8, 27. Bg7+ Kg8, 28. Bh6!! and mate next move. A truly magnificent game.

Pirc Defense

2010-06-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

The Pirc Defense looks a lot like the Philidor defense, but it is very different. The point of the Pirc Defense is to open up both bishops and attack the center with knights, not pawns. You fianchetto kingside which is normally followed by a castle. The light bishop is opened up. This defense strategy is not bad. In fact, it is tied with the Sicilian Defense for number one. The main line reads 1. e4, d6. That is the whole line. There are many variations to this, but this is where it begins.

The following game between GM Wenzhe of China and GM Donner of Germany is also called the Chinese Immortal Game.

LIU WENZHE vs. JAN HEIN DONNER
Buenos Aires 1978
Pirc Defense, Chinese Variation

1. e4, d6
2. d4, Nf6
3. Nc3, g6
4. Be2, Bg7
5. g4, h6
6. h3, c5
7. d5, 0-0
8. h4, e6
9. g5, hxg5
10. hxg5, Ne8
11. Qd3, exd5
12. Nxd5, Nc6
13. Qg3, Be6
14. Qh4!! ....

14. .... f5
15. Qh7+, Kf7
16. Qxg6, Kxg6

If Black's King retreats to g7 then 17. Qh7+ Kf7, 18. g6+ mate.

17. Bh5+, Kg7
18. Bf7+, Bh6
19. g6+!, Resigns
(1:0)

Black cannot stop mate. 19….Kg7 is answered by 20. Bxh6+ Kh8, 21. Bxf8 mate. Splendid ending of a brilliant game!

Caro-Kann Defense, Modern Variation

2010-06-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

KONSTANTIN LANDA vs. EVGENY SHAPOSHNIKOV
TCh-Republic of Russia 2005

Caro-Kann Defense

1. e4, c6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3 ....

The modern variation of Caro-Kann. This move allows White greater mobility for the Knights and eventual neutralization of Black's Bishop.

3. .... dxe4
4. Nxe4, Bf5
5. Ng3, Bg6
6. h4, h6
7. Nf3, Nd7
8. h5, Bh7
9. Bd3, Bxd3
10. Qxd3, e6
11. Bf4, Qa5+
12. Bd2 ....

Also possible is 12. c3. The text move keeps the tension going.

12. .... Bb4
13. c3, Be7
14. c4, Qa6
15. 0-0, Rd8
16. b4 ....

Detecting a weakness on the queenside, White decides to advance the pawns.

16. .... Ngf6
17. a4, b6
18. Rfe1, 0-0
19. Nf5 ....

A prelude to a devastating attack.

19. .... Rfe8
20. Nxg7!! ....

White is attacking on both sides of the board!

20. .... Kxg7
21. Rxe6!!, fxe6

Black was not able to find anything better. If 21....Nxh5, then 22. Rxh6 Ndf6, 23. Rg6+ fxg6, 24. Ne5! and White threatens 25. Qxg6 with an overwhelming attack.

22. Bxh6, Kh8

If 22....Kf7 or 22.....Kxh6 then 23. Qg6 mate.

23. Bg7+, Kxg7
24. Qg6+, Resigns

There is no stopping mate at g7 after the pawn advances to h6. If 24....Kh8, then 25. Ng5 Rf8, 26. h6 and Black cannot parry simultaneous mating threats at the same time.

An amazing game.

Attack of the Traxler

2010-06-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

The following game features a variation of the Two Knights Defense known as Traxler Counterattack. The combination brought about an amazing victory and the game was henceforth known as the "Attack of the Traxler".

J. REINISCH vs. KAREL TRAXLER
Hostoun, 1890
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Traxler Counterattack

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Nf6
4. Ng5, Bc5

The Traxler Counterattack, an original combination that is better than it looks. Traxler in his own annotation said that a small mistake by White can give Black a decisive attack.

5. Nxd7 ....

If 5. Bxd7, then Black replies with 5....Kf1, 6. 0-0 h6! and Black gets an extra piece. (If 6. Bb3 Bxf2+, 7. Kxf2 Nxe4! with a decisive attack.)

5. .... Bxf2+

6. Ke2, Nd4+
7. Kd3, b5
8. Bb3, Nxe4
9. Nxd8 ...

A Queen now or never! If 9. Kxe4 Qh4+ with a good attack.

9. .... Nc5+
10. Kc3, Ne2+
11. Qxe2, Bd4+
12. Kb4, a5+!
13. Kxb5 ....

No choice. If 13. Ka3, then 13....b4 mate.

13. .... Ba6+
14. Kxa5, Bd3+

Whether or not Black takes the White Queen is immaterial.

15. Kb4, Na6+
16. Ka4 ....

If 16. Ka5, Black would have the same reply...

16. .... Nb4+
17. Kxb4, c5 mate
(0:1)

A horrendous attack that added brilliancy to the game.

French Defense, Tarrasch Variation

2010-06-07T04:47:00.000-07:00

PER OFSTAD vs. WOLFGANG UHLMAN
Halle, 1053

1. e4, e6
2. d4, d5
3. Nd2, c5

The Tarrasch variation of the French Defense. Black threatens to break White's central pawn structure by the c5 move, in the process isolating the d-pawn, an important feature which determines the rest of the game.

4. exd5, Qxd5
5. Ngf3, cxd4
6. Bc4, Qd6
7. 0-0, Nc6
8. Re1, a6
9. a4, Qc7
10. Ne4 ....

The move exposes the pawn at d4. Now, if Black tries 10....e5, then 11. Neg5 with a good attack.

10. .... Bd7
11. Nxd4 ....

Finally, White regains the pawn.

11. .... Be7
12. Nf5!! ....

This move threatens to post a Knight at d6 at the same time attacks the pawn at g7.

12. .... exf5
13. Nd6+, Kf8
14. Nxf7!, Be8
15. Qd5, Qa5!

Black tries to neutralize White's mating attack by engaging White's Queen and attacking the e1 Rook.

16. Qe6 ....

White continues the attack and protects the Rook.

16. ... Nd4
17. Ng5, Bxg5

The game is drawn after 17...Nxe6 18.Nxe6+ Kf7, 19.Nf4+ Kf8 etc., since 19...Kf6?? loses to 20.Re6+ Kg5, 21. Nh3+ Kh5 or Kg4, 22. Be2+ Kh4, 23. Bf4 and mate next move.

18. Qd6+!!, Be7
19. Rxe7, Resigns

If 19....Nxe7, then 20.Qf6+ gxf6, Bh6 mate. A peculiar yet beautiful ending.

Garry Kasparov

2010-06-03T01:32:00.000-07:00

Every chess player living today knows Garry Kasparov. He is the first world champion to have an official website. Just go there in order to see some of the games he played. The following game, which he played against Adams in 2005, stands out in unique brilliancy.

MICHAEL ADAMS vs. GARRY KASPAROV
XXII Torneo Ciudad de Linares, 2005

Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, a6

The Najdorf Variation of Sicilian Defense. Black's fifth move (a6) aims to deny White the b5 square to his knight and light-squared Bishop while maintaining flexibility in development.

6. Be3, e6
7. Be2, Qc7
8. Qd2 ....

White prepares for Queen-side castling.

8. .... b5
9. a3, Bb7
10. f3, Nc6
11. 0-0-0, b4
12. axb4, Nxb4
13. g4, Be7
14. g5, Nd7
15. h4, Nc5!

Black prepares for Queen-side attack.

16. Kb1, Rb8!
17. h5, 0-0
18. g6, Bf6
19. Rdg1, Ba8

Black opens the b-file...

20. Bg5, Be5
21. gxh7+, Kxh7
22. Nb3, Nxc2

23. Nxc5 ....

If 23. Qxc2 then 23. .... Rxb3 which is good for Black.

23. .... Na3+
24. Ka2, Qxc5
25. Na4, Nc2!!
26. Kb1 ....

If 26. Nxc5, then 26. .... Rxb2 mate.

26. .... Qa3!!
(0:1)

White resigns. If 27. Qxc2, then 27. ... Rfc8+, 28. Qd1 Rxb2+ and mate next move.

Capablanca's Blindfold Immortal

2010-06-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

JOSE RAUL CAPABLANCA vs. JAIME BACA ARUS
Havana Blindfold Exhibition, 1922

Queen's Pawn Game

1. d4, d5
2. e3, e6
3. Bd3, c6
4. Nf3, Bd6
5. Nbd2, f5
6. c4, Qf6
7. b3 ....

This move has a dual purpose. It supports the c4 pawn and at the same time giving a way for the c1 Bishop.

7. ... Nh6
8. Bb2, 0-0
9. Qc2, Nd7
10. h3, g6
11. 0-0-0, e5?

This opens the long diagonal, in which White has a better control.

12. dxe5, Nxe5
13. cxd5 ....

Better than 13. Nxe5 Bxe5, 14. Bxe5 Qxe5. The latter gives Black the opportunity to neutralize the a1-h8 diagonal.

13. .... cxd5

Better than 13....Nxd3, 14. Qxd3 Qe7.

14. Nc4 ....

Remember that Capablanca played this game blindfolded. Could any other player visualize this move blindfolded?

White's aim is to open the d file, and he has to sacrifice a piece to do that.

14. .... dxc4
15. Bxc4+, N6f7

If 15....Kg7 or Kh8, then 16. Rxd6 Qxd6, 17. Nxe5 with a strong attack.

16. Rxd6!!, Qxd6
17. Nxe5, Be6
18. Rd1, Qe7
19. Rd7!!, Bxd7
20. Nxd7, Rfc8

If 20....Qxd7 then 21. Qc3 and mate next move. Black thought that his last move (Rfc8) would pin White's Queen.

21. Qc3, Rxc4
22. bxc4, Resigns
(1:0)

There is no more hope. After 22....Ng5, then 23. Qh8+ Kf7, 24. Ne5+ Ke6, 25. Qxa8 and White has a tremendous positional and material advantage.

A gem of a game. One of Capa's finest.

Dutch Defense

2010-05-30T04:07:00.000-07:00

The Dutch Defense is characterized by the moves 1. d4 f5, with several continuing variations. The Dutch Defense belongs to the Closed Games Openings. In general, this opening leads to quieter and longer struggles. Many modern Grandmasters include it in their repertoire and former World Champions Mikhail Botvinnik and Max Euwe played it.

The following game is also known as the "Najdorf Immortal Game", one of the finest games ever played by Miguel Najdorf, a Polish chess grandmaster.

GLUCKSBERG vs. MIGUEL NAJDORF
Warsaw, 1929
Dutch Defense, Queen's Knight Variation

1. d4, f5
2. c4, Nf6
3. Nc3, e6
4. Nf3, d5
5. e3, c6
6. Bd3, Bd6
7. 0-0, 0-0
8. Ne2, Nbd7
9. Ng5, Bxh2!!

10. Kh1 ....

If 10. Kxh2, then 10....Ng4+ and 11....Qxg5 and Black has the advantage.

10. .... Ng4
11. f4, Qe8!

Black seeks a new attacking position.

12. g3, Qh5!!
13. Kg2, Bg1

If 13....Bxg3, then 14. Rh1 and White parries the threat.

14. Nxg1 ....

If 14....Rxg1, then 15. Qh2+ and then 16. Qf2 mate.

14. .... Qh2+
15. Kf3, e5!!
16. dxe5, Ndxe5+
17. fxe5, Nxe5+
18. Kf4, Ng6+
19. Kf3, f4!!
20. exf4, Bg4+
21. Kxg4 ....

White has no choice but to capture the Bishop, otherwise his Queen is lost.

21. .... Ne5+

A check out of the blue. Now White must take the Knight.

22. fxe5, h5 mate.

A beauty! A pawn mate added brilliance to a magnificent mating combination.

Geza Maroczy

2010-05-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Geza Maroczy was a leading Hungarian chess master. He was also a practicing engineer. He won the “minor” tournament at Hastings in 1895, and over the next ten years he won several top prizes in international events. In 1906 he agreed to terms for a World Championship match with Emanuel Lasker, but political problems in Cuba, where the match was to be played, caused the arrangements to be canceled.

Maroczy’s style, though sound, was very defensive in nature. Few of his games are used in textbooks due to their lack of spark and innovation. However none of his contemporaries could match his defensive skills. After 1908, Maroczy retired from international chess to devote more time to his profession as a mathematics teacher. He did make a brief return after World War I, with some success, and today the Maroczy Bind (pawns on c4 and e4 against the Sicilian) carries his name.

The following game was one of Maroczy's finest, and known as "Maroczy's Immortal Game".

GEZA MAROCZY vs. MIKHAIL CHIGORIN
Wien, 1903
King's Gambit Accepted, MacDonnell Gambit*

* MacDonnel Gambit (4. Bc4 g4 5. Nc3) is different from the Muzio Gambit (4. Bc4 g4 5. 0-0).

1. e4, e5
2. f4, exf4
3. Nf3, g5
4. Bc4, g4
5. Nc3 ....

Like the Muzio Variation, the MacDonnell Gambit sacrifices a Knight in order to obtain attacking position on the king side.

5. .... gxf3
6. Qxf3, d6
7. d4, Be6
8. Nd5 ...

White could take the Bishop and attack outright (8. Bxe6, fxe6; 9. Qh5+ ...). He has other plans.

8. .... c6

9. 0-0 ....

Another gambit. White has already sacrificed his two knights!!

9. .... cxd5
10. exd5!! ....

The point of the second sacrifice. The e-file will be left wide open if the Bishop leaves e6.

10. .... Bf5
11. Bxf4, Bg6
12. Bb5+, Nd7
13. Rae1+, Be7
14. Bxd6!!, Kf8

Black must have thought the storm is over. He is terribly mistaken...

15. Rxe7, Nxe7
16. Re1!!, Kg7
17. Bxe7, Qa5
18. Qe2 ....

Protecting both the Bishop and the Rook at the same time seeking control of e5.

18. .... Nf8
19. Bf6+!! ....

The Bishop cannot be taken because of Qe5 mate.

19. .... Kg8
20. Qe5!! ....

The beginning of the end for Black.

20. .... h6
21. Bxh8, f6
22. Qe7!! ...

If 22. Qxf6, then 22. ... Qc7. The text shortens the agony.

22. .... Kxh8
23. Qxf6+, Kg8
24. Re7 ....
(1:0)

Black resigns. He cannot stop Qg7 mate.

Petrov's Immortal Game

2010-05-26T00:49:00.000-07:00

Alexander Dmitrievich Petrov was born into a noble family and is usually remembered as the first great Russian chess master. From 1804, he lived in Saint Petersburg. In 1809, he defeated Kopev and Baranov, Petersburg’s leading chess players, and became Russian best player at the age of 15. Since then, over half a century Petrov was the strongest Russian player.

He is an author of the first chess handbook in Russian. He also analysed with Carl Friedrich von Jänisch the opening that later became known as the Petrov's Defense or Russian Game.

Petrov died in 1867, and was buried in the Russian Orthodox cemetery in Warsaw.

The following game is Petrov's best chess game and popularly known as "Petrov's Immortal Game".

F. ALEXANDER HOFFMAN vs. ALEXANDER PETROV
Warsaw, 1844
Italian Game: Classical Variation, Center Attack

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. c3, Nf6
5. d4, exd4
6. e5, Ne4
7. Bd5? ....

Better is 7. cxd4 Bb4+, 8. Nc3 Ne4, 9. Qd2 ...

7. .... Nxf2!!
8. Kxf2?, dxc3+
9. Kg3, cxb2
10. Bxb2, Ne7
11. Ng5? ....

Much better is 11. Be4, preventing Black from deploying his Knight against the King, and avoiding Bishop-Knight exchange.

11. .... Nxd5
12. Nxf7! ....

If 12. Qxd5, Qxg5+.

12. .... 0-0!!

This Queen sacrifice paved the way for a very strong attack. The f file is wide open! Black could not have done any better. If 12. .... Kxf7, 13. Qxd5+ and 14. Qxc5. If 12. .... Qe7, then 13. Nxh8 followed by 14. Qh5+ or 14. Qxd5.

13. Nxd8, Bf2+
14. Kh3, d6+

Now, the two Black Bishops are active.

15. e6, Nf4+!!

Maintaining the strong attack of Bishop Pair. Chess theory holds that the power of two Bishops working in tandem is one of the most powerful forces on the chessboard.

16. Kg4, Nxe6
17. Nxe6, Bxe6+
18. Kg5, Rf5+
19. Kg4, h5+!
20. Kh3, Rf3 mate.

Note that White's Queen has not moved an inch. The most powerful game piece has been rendered useless. Not only that, White's other pieces are still in their original positions.

Extraordinary!

Famous Short Game

2010-05-24T04:46:00.000-07:00

This post features one of the most famous short games of all time, played by two players of undoubted GM strength.

RICHARD RETI vs. SAVIELLY TARTAKOWER
Vienna, 1910

1. e4, c6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, dxe4
4. Nxe4, Nf6
5. Qd3!? ....

The standard play is 5. Nxf6+, etc. Black can recapture with either pawn.

5. .... e5??

Wrong. Black breaks prematurely in the center. The best line for Black was clearly: 5...Nbd7!, 6.Bd2 Nxe4, 7.Qxe4 Nf6, 8.Qd3 Bg4!?, 9.f3 Be6, 10.0-0-0 (10.Ne2!? Qd7, 11.0-0-0 0-0-0, 12.Kb1 ) 10...Qd6, 11.Kb1 0-0-0, etc.

6. dxe5, Qa5+
7. Bd2!! ....

Setting an incredibly deep trap. If 7.Nc3!? Qxe5+, 8.Qe3 Bd6.

7. .... Qxe5

8. 0-0-0!, Nxe4

Black takes the bait. Let us forgive the great Tartakower this small indiscretion, for the trap was very unusual. If 8. .... Qxe4? 9. Re1 and White wins the Queen.

9. Qd8+!!, Kxd8
10. Bg5+ ....
(1:0)

Black resigns. If 10. .... Kc7, 11. Bd8 mate. Or 10. .... Ke8, 11. Rd8 mate.

One of the prettiest and most famous of all miniature games. It was said that Reti played this very quickly, and it might have been a prepared trap. Even if that was true, it makes the moves no less beautiful.

Rubinstein

2010-05-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

Akiba Rubinstein

“A Master of Openings, Pawn structures and Endgame”

Akiba Kivelovic Rubinstein was born December 12, 1882 in the Polish border town of Stawiski. He learned to play chess at the age of 16 in school where he played his classmates, and afterwards, his thoughts were on nothing else. He gave up theological studies for a professional chess career. In 1903 he placed 5th at a tournament in Kiev. After a few years of skill development, Rubinstein entered the international scene being a powerful force to contend and was one of the world's dominant players from 1905 to 1911.

As we learn of his many historical achievements, keep in mind that Rubinstein had a nervous disorder known as anthrophobia (fear of people and society) for his entire life. His poor mental health was clearly an extremely difficult disability for him to contend with and caused him enormous suffering throughout his life. But, in spite of his disability, Rubinstein was able to compete brilliantly for many years with the best Chess players in the world and his games are studied and treasured to this day.

Rubinstein never had a chance to play for the Chess World Championship but he was considered the strongest Chess player who did not have the opportunity to compete for the title. In 1912, Akiba Rubinstein won tournament after tournament: he won five consecutive International tournaments and the year was dubbed the Rubinstein year, this had never been done before in the history of Chess!

The beginning of deep psychological problems that eventually turned into full-fledged mental illness, the appearance of the Cuban Chess genius Capablanca, and the advent of World War I all combined to dash his championship hopes. In 1914 Nicholas II, the Czar of Russia, organized a tournament in St. Petersburg and invited all the greatest players in the world. The top five finishers would be given the title "Grandmaster".

Tragically, Akiba Rubinstein failed to qualify in the top five. Though he remained one of the world's strongest players until about 1921, his pathological shyness and the erosion of his confidence led to a gradual disintegration of his powers. After World War I, Rubinstein continued to play in tournaments with moderate success but he did not revisit his former high level of play until he won the Vienna tournament in 1922, ahead of Alexander Alekhine and Richard Reti.

Rubinstein's style formed a bridge between the styles of Steinitz and the players of today. A mastery of openings, a deep understanding of the consequences of different types of pawn structures, and a skill in the endgame that has never been surpassed, were all part of his repertoire. Most notable, however, was his ability to connect the openings he played with the kinds of endgames that could be reached from them.

This incredibly deep planning is commonly seen in modern champions, but it was virtually unheard of in Rubinstein's day. Among the Chess players who deserve our highest reverence, Akiba Rubinstein stands out as a unique contributor to Chess. His noble career and life of great suffering stands as a beacon of light to all who study the game of Chess as well as those who study life itself. Today, Rubinstein's games are carefully studied by all the finest players.

His moves and concepts still seem fresh, his handling of the endgame is still remarkable, and his opening ideas are still all the rage. After 1932, Rubinstein never competed in chess tournaments again, although he was invited to do so. His lifelong struggle with his mental health worsened and he spent time in a sanitarium.

He spent his final days in Belgium with his family until his death in 1961.

The following game is considered one of the greatest chess games of all time and rightfully dubbed as "Rubintein's Immortal Game". It also contains two of the prettiest chess moves ever played.

GEORG ROTLEWI vs. AKIBA RUBINSTEIN
Lodz, 1907
Tarrasch Defense

1. d4, d5
2. Nf3, e6
3. e3, c5?!

The Tarrasch Defense, which is considered a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined. With this third move, Black makes an aggressive bid for central space. After White plays cxd5 and dxc5, Black will be left with an isolated pawn on d5. Such a pawn may be weak, since it can no longer be defended by other pawns, but it also grants Black a foothold in the center.

The opening was advocated by the German master Siegbert Tarrasch who enjoyed the mobility that Black received, even at the cost of the isolated pawn. Theory has often frowned on this opening -- and even labeled it UNSOUND -- but it has been repeatedly used, and revived, by great masters including Tal, Spassky, and Kasparov.

4. c4, Nc6
5. Nc3, Nf6
6. dxc5!? ....

White isolates Black's d5 pawn, but in the process it activates Black's dark-squared Bishop. Tartakower commented that the move is less consistent than 6.a3 or 6.Bd3, maintaining as long as possible the tension in the center.

6. .... Bxc5
7. a3, a6!
8. b4, Bd6!
9. Bb2!? ....

Not 9.cxd5!? exd5, 10.Nxd5?? Nxd5, 11.Qxd5?? Bxb4+ which wins the White Queen.

9. .... 0-0
10. Qd2!? ....

White could try 10. cxd5 exd5, 11. Be2 .... or 10. Bd3!? ... Tartakower preferred 10. Qc2.

10. .... Qe7!

Schlechter: "A fine sacrifice of a pawn. If 11.cxd5 exd5, 12.Nxd5? Nxd5, 13.Qxd5 Rd8! and Black has a strong attack."

11. Bd3?! ....

Other annotations say that this is a bad move because White loses tempo. Better was 11.cxd5!? exd5,12.Nxd5?! Nxd5, 13.Qxd5 Rd8, 14.Qb3 (14.Qh5? Bxb4+!) Be6.

11. .... dxc4
12. Bxc4, b5
13. Bd3, Rd8
14. Qe2!?, Bb7
15. 0-0, Ne5!
16. Nxe5, Bxe5

Tartakower: "Threatening to win a pawn by 17....Bxh2+, 18.Kxh2 Qd6+. White's next move provides against this, but loosens the kingside defenses."

17. f4, Bc7
18. e4!?, Rac8
19. e5!?, Bb6+
20. Kh1, Ng4!
21. Be4 ....

Schlechter: "There is no defense; e.g., 21.Bxh7+ Kxh7, 22.Qxg4 Rd2 etc.; or 21.h3 Qh4., 22.Qxg4 Qxg4 23.hxg4 Rxd3, threatening ...Rh3 mate and ...Rxc3; or 21.Qxg4 Rxd3, 22.Ne2 Rc2, 23.Bc1 g6! threatening ...h5; or 21.Ne4 Qh4, 22.h3 (if 22.g3 Qxh2+ 23.Qxh2 Nxh2 and wins.) Rxd3, 23.Qxd3 Bxe4, 24.Qxe4 Qg3, 25.hxg4 Qh4+ mate."

21. .... Qh4!
22. g3 ....

Schlechter: "Or 22.h3 Rxc3!, 23.Bxc3 Bxe4, 24.Qxg4 Qxg4, 25.hxg4 Rd3 wins. *** Tartakower: The alternative 22.h3, parrying the mate, would lead to the following brilliant lines of play: 22...Rxc3! (an eliminating sacrifice, getting rid of the knight, which overprotects the bishop on e4) 23.Bxc3 (or 23.Qxg4 Rxh3+, 24.Qxh3 Qxh3+, 25.gxh3 Bxe4+, 26.Kh2 Rd2+, 27.Kg3 Rg2+, 28.Kh4 Bd8+, 29.Kh5 Bg6+ mate) 23...Bxe4+ 24.Qxg4 (if 24.Qxe4 Qg3 25.hxg4 Qh4+ mate) 24...Qxg4, 25.hxg4 Rd3 with the double threat of 26...Rh3+ mate and 26....Rxc3, and Black wins. Beautiful as are these variations, the continuation in the text is still more splendid."

22. .... Rxc3!!
23. gxh4, Rd2!!
24. Qxd2, Bxe4
25. Qg2, Rh3
(0:1)

White resigns. The only possible replies are 26. Rf3 and 26. Rf2. In both cases, Black takes the Rook with the Bishop, and Rxh2 mate.

When Pawns Attack

2010-05-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

What happens when pawns attack? The game below, one of Spassky's brilliant games, illustrates this chess phenomenon.

BENT LARSEN vs. BORIS SPASSKY
Beograd 1970
Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Modern Variation

(For a thorough discussion of Larsen's Opening, also called Nimzo-Larsen Attack, please visit Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.)

1. b3, e5
2. Bb2, Nc6
3. c4, Nf6
4. Nf3, e4
5. Nd4, Bc5
6. Nxc6, dxc6

This move frees the c8 Bishop.

7. e3, Bf5
8. Qc2, Qe7
9. Be2, 0-0-0

Better than King-side castling. Notice that the Rook immediately controls the d file.

10. f4, Ng4
11. g3, h5!

The beginning of a pawn barrage.

12. h3, h4!!

13. hxg4, hxg3!!
14. Rg1, Rh1!!!

An unexpected sacrifice.

15. Rxh1, g2!
16. Rf1 ....

If 16. Rg1, then Black plays Qh4+, followed by Qf2 or Qh1.

16. .... Qh4+
17. Kd1, gxf1=Q
(0:1)

White resigns. For after 18. Bxf1, Black plays 18. .... Bxg4+, 19. Be2 Qh1+ and mate next move. If 19. Kc1 Qe1+ and mate next move.

A splendid pawn attack.

Boris Spassky

2010-05-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

Boris Spassky was the 10th World Chess Champion (from 1969 to 1972). He was born in 1937 in Leningrad, Russia. He learned chess as a youngster in the Urals where he lived during the Second World War. He became international master in 1953, and junior world champion in 1955 and received his grandmaster title in the same year. He won the World Championship against Tigran Petrosian in 1969 and became one of the most popular of all champions with his naturally polite, friendly disposition.

In 1972 American Bobby Fischer challenged Spassky for the title of World Champion which was held in Reykjavik, Iceland. This most publicized world championship in chess history took place during the Cold War between the USA and the USSR. As a consequence both players were under considerable pressure to win. When Fischer defeated Spassky, 35 years of Soviet domination of the world championship also ended. Spassky returned to his homeland in disgrace.

After this match Spassky continued to play at top level and won the 1973 Soviet championship and other international tournaments. He still plays occasionally today and is a frequent participant in the annual Ladies vs. Veterans competitions.

(Extracted from the Chess Corner.)

The following game is one of Spassky's Immortal Games.

BORIS SPASSKY vs. DAVID BRONSTEIN
URS Championship 1960
King's Gambit Accepted; Modern Defense

1. e4, e5
2. f4, exd4
3. Nf3, d5

Recommended variation. This allows Black to free his two Bishops for defense.

4. exd5, Bd6

If 4. ... Qxd5, 5. Nc3 Qd8, 6. Bc4 ... Black's move 4 prevents the White Bishop from going to c4.

5. Nc3, Ne7
6. d4! ....

The double-pawn served to strengthen White's control of the center.

6. .... 0-0
7. Bd3, Nd7
8. 0-0, h6
9. Ne4, Nxd5

Black took the poisoned pawn, not knowing of an impending attack at the center board.

10. c4!!, Ne3
11. Bxe3, fxe3
12. c5!!, Be7
13. Bc2 ...

A preparatory move, allowing White to move its Queen to an attacking position.

13. .... Re8
14. Qd3!, e2

Intended for White's consumption. If 15. Qxe2, f5!; 16. Knight move, Bxc5!

15. Nd6!! ....

A real shocker! GM Soltis commented that this is one of the deepest sacrifices ever.

15. .... Nf8

What happens if the queening pawn takes the rook? Let us see... If 15. .... exf1, 16. Rxf1 Nf8, 17. Nxf7!! Kxf7, 18. Ng5++ Kg8, 19. Bb3+ Kh8, 20. Nf7+ and wins the Queen. If 17. .... Qd7, 18. N3f5 Qe6, 19. Bb3!! with a tremendous attack.

16. Nxf7!!, exf1=Q+
17. Rxf1, Bf5

This move is intended to free Black's Queen. It looks like a useless move, but Black has nothing better. If 17......Qd2, then 18. Bb3 attacks the King.

18. Qxf5, Qd7
19. Qf4, Bf6
20. N3e5, Qe7
21. Bb3!!, Bxe5
22. Nxe5+, Kh7

If 23. .... Kh8, then 24. Qe4 followed by 25. Rxf8 with an attack we see at the end of this game.

23. Qe4+, Resigns

Black loses his Queen after 23. ....g6, 24. Qd5!! Qe6 (Not 24....Ne6, 25. Rf7+), 25. Rf7+ Kh8 (Not 25....Kg8, 26. Qxb7 and White wins by a fork.); 26. Rxf8 enabling capture of the Black Queen.

The Ukraine Immortal

2010-05-15T01:32:00.000-07:00

The game got its name because it was played at Ukraine in 1931.

EFIM KORCHMAR vs. ABRAM BORISOVICH POLIAK
Spanish Game (Ruy Lopez), Steinitz Defense

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, d6
4. d4, Bd7
5. Nc3, Nf6
6. 0-0, Nxd4
7. Bxd7+, Qxd7
8. Nxd4, exd4
9. Qxd4, Be7
10. Rd1 ....

A preparatory move...

10. .... 0-0
11. e5!, Ne8
12. Bf4, a5
13. Rd3, Ra6
14. Re1, Qf5
15. Nd5 ....

Attacking the Bishop at e7 and threatening double-check...

15. .... Bd8
16. exd6, Nxd6
17. Rg3 ....

Threatening mate at g7...

17. .... f6
18. Bh6!!, Rf7

Black thinks he has successfully defended his position. Here comes another bomb...

19. Nb4!!!, axb4
20. Qxd6!!!, Qd7

Black cannot take White's Queen because of a mating threat: 21. Re8+ Rf8, 22. Rxg7+ Kh8, 23. Rxf8 mate.

Now, if 21. Qxd7 Rxd7, 22 Re8+ Kf7, 23. Rxg7+ Kxe8 and the game favors Black.

21. Qd5!! ....

Still the Queen cannot be taken because of the threat at e8.

21. ....Kf8

Black removes his King from the pin, and eliminates the threat at e8. He must have thought he is safe, but here comes another attack...

22. Rxg7!!, Qxd5

If 22..... Rxg7 then 23. Qxd7 with no compensation.

23. Rg8!!!+ ....

Black resigns. For after 23.....Kxg8, 24. Re8+ Rf8, 25. Rxf8 mate. An amazing brilliancy.

Marshall's Immortal Queen Sacrifice

2010-05-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

STEFFAN LEVITSKY vs. FRANK JAMES MARSHALL
DSB Kongress XVIII, 1912
Sicilian Defense, Marshall Gambit

1. d4, e6
2. e4, d5
3. Nc3, c5
4. Nf3, Nc6
5. exd5, exd5
6. Be2, Nf6
7. 0-0, Be7
8. Bg5, 0-0
9. dxc5, Be6

If 9..... Bxc5, then 10. Bxf6 Qxf6, 11. Nxd5 ... and White has a strong attack.

10. Nd4, Bxc5!

The pawn is there for the taking.

11. Nxe6, fxe6
12. Bg4, Qd6
13. Bh3, Rae8

Black strengthens the center.

14. Qd2, Bb4

This move effectively pins the Knight.

15. Bxf6, Rxf6
16. Rad1, Qc5

Putting pressure on the Knight at c3...

17. Qe2 ....

White disregards Black's threat ...

17. .... Bxc3
18. bxc3, Qxc3
19. Rxd5, Nd4!
20. Qh5, Ref8

Escapes threat and attacks the f2 pawn...

21. Re5, Rh6!!

22. Qg5, Rxh3!!

Now, if 23. gxh3 then 23....Nf3++ and White loses his Queen.

23. Rc5, Qg3!!!
(0:1)

And mate next move...

The Queen cannot be taken. If 24. hxg3 then 24....Ne2 mate. If 24. Qxg3, then 24....Ne2+, 25. Kh1 Nxg3+, 6. fxg3 Rxf1 mate. If 24. fxg3 Ne2+, 25. Kh1 Rxf1 mate.

An amazing finish!

Horwitz Defense

2010-05-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

The opening was popularized by Bernard Horwitz, then one of the Berlin Pleiades. After settling in England in 1845 he played in the 1851 tournament, beating Henry Edward Bird but then being knocked out by Howard Staunton. His true love was chess problems and together with Josef Kling wrote the classic book 'Chess Studies'. He was the winner of the first study composing tourney in 1862.

The Horwitz Defense begins with 1. d4, e6. Possible continuations include 2. e4 (the most popular) and 2.c4. The game may be transposed into a Benoni or Sicilian Defense.

The following game is known in other chess literature as the "Immortal King Walk Game". Play it and find out why.

EDWARD LASKER vs. GEORGE ALAN THOMAS
London 1912
Horwitz Defense

1. d4, e6
2. Nf3, f5
3. Nc3, Nf6
4. Bg5, Be7
5. Bxf6, Bxf6
6. e4, fxe4
7. Nxe4, b6
8. Ne5, 0-0
9. Bd3!! ....

Preparing onslaught on the king's side.

9. .... Bb7
10. Qh5, Qe7

11. Qxh7!! ....

A Queen sacrifice that shocked everyone including Thomas.

11. .... Kxh7
12. Nxf6!!+ ....
12. .... Kh6

If 12. .... Kh8, then 13. Neg6! mate.

13. Neg4+, Kg5
14. h4+, Kf4
15. g3+, Kf3
16. Be2+, Kg2
17. Rh2+, Kg1
18. Kd2 mate.

A nice ending to a beautiful Queen sacrifice. Notice that the enemy King is brought all the way to the back rank.

Bobby Fischer

2010-05-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Robert James "Bobby" Fischer (born March 9, 1943), won the World Chess Championship on September 1, 1972 and lost the title when he failed to defend it on April 3, 1975. He is considered to be one of the most gifted chess players of all time and, despite his prolonged absence from competitive play, is still among the best known of all chess players.

"I am the best player in the world and I am here to prove it." - Bobby Fischer

Not to be outdone, Fischer has his own Immortal Game. This game is considered one of the best games he ever played.

ROBERT BYRNE vs. BOBBY FISCHER
US Championship, 1963
King's Indian Defense, Fianchetto Variation

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, g6
3. g3, c6
4. Bg2, d5
5. cxd5 ....

Qb3 creates more tension. - Fischer

5. .... cxd5
6. Nc3, Bg7
7. e3, 0-0
8. Nge2, Nc6
9. 0-0, b6
10. b3 .....

White intends to develop his own Bishop at a3.

10. .... Ba6
11. Ba3, Re8
12. Qd2, e5
13. dxe5, Nxe5
14. Rfd1 ....

Fischer thinks that 14. Rad1 is more superior.

14. .... Nd3!!
15. Qc2 ....

White plans to capture the Knight by 19. Rxd3.

15. .... Nxf2!!
16. Kxf2, Ng4+
17. Kg1, Nxe3
18. Qd2 ....

Adding pressure on the d4 pawn.

18. .... Nxg2!!!

This dazzling move came as a shocker. At this point, two grandmasters who were commenting on the play for the spectators in a separate room believed White had a won game.

19. Kxg2, d4!
20. Nxd4, Bb7+!!
21. Kf1 ....

If 21. Kg1, then 21. .... Re1, 22. Rxe1 or 22. Qxe1 Bxd4+!! and the power of two Bishops comes into play.

21. .... Qd7
White resigns.

All is lost for White. For after 22. Qf2 Qh3+, 23. Kg1 Re1+!!, 24. Rxe1 Bxd4 with mate to follow shortly.

The Opera House Massacre

2010-05-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

Chess game of Paul Morphy versus the Duke of Brunswick and Count Isourard at the Paris Opera House, 1858. Philidor Defense

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4 .....

A developing move.

3. ..... Bg4
4. dxe5, Bxf3
5. Qxf3, dxe5
6. Bc4 ...

Threatening Qxf7 mate.

6. ..... Nf6
7. Qb3 .....

This move forks b7 and f7.

7. ..... Qe7
8. Nc3 .....

White decided against Qxb7 because of 8. ... Qb4; 9. Qxb4 Bxb4. A simple line leaving Black with an active Bishop.

8. ..... c6

Black defends the b7 pawn and secures the b5 and d5 squares.

9. Bg5, b5
10. Nxb5!!, cxb5
11. Bxb5+, Nbd7
12. 0-0-0 .....

Adding pressure on the d7 Knight...

12. ..... Rd8

13. Rxd7, Rxd7
14. Rd1!! .....

Adding another pressure...

14. ..... Qe6
15. Bxd7+, Nxd7
16. Qb8+!!!, Nxb8
17. Rd8+ mate.

A beautiful finish!

The Evergreen Game

2010-05-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

This post features another magnificent game by Adolf Anderssen. Containing one of the most brilliant attacks ever recorded, this game is immortalized as the Evergreen Game.

You may also want to view Adolf Anderssen's The Immortal Game.

ANDERSSEN vs. DUFRESBE
Berlin, 1852
Ruy Lopez Opening

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. b4 .....

The Evans Gambit - a sharp try for control of the center and attacks on f7. Gary Kasparov played the Evans Gambit a number of times in modern grandmaster play, a testimony to its soundness.

4. ..... Bxb4
5. c3, Ba5

Black keeps the pressure on c3. This is the only move that prevents White from getting a firm pawn post on d4.

6. d4, exd4
7. 0-0 .....

An extra aggressive castling maneuver. Now the PIN on the c3 is broken, enabling White to get a pawn center if given the opportunity. And now the Rook is activated to slide over to the critical e file.

7. ..... d3

Black thinks White will take the pawn, hindering the latter's development and effectively stopped White from getting a strong pawn center.

8. Qb3 ......

Attacking the weak f7 pawn.

8. ..... Qf6
9. e5 .....

Black cannot take the e pawn because of the resulting pin by Re1.

9. ..... Qg6
10. Re1 .....

White controls the e file. Although the file is not yet open, White puts a tremendous pressure on the center.

10. ..... Nge7
11. Ba3, b5?

An attempt to remove some of the pressure off f7. Black should have castled immediately.

12. Qxb5, Rb8
13. Qa4, Bb6

Black adds pressure on the weak f2 pawn, at the same time relieving the c6 Knight of the responsibility of defending it.

14. Nbd2, Bb7

Black would have been better off if he castled at this point. Not castling early in the game will lead to his downfall.

15. Ne4 .....

Centralizing the Knight where it attacks key squares.

15. ..... Qf5

A needless move. Black had better moves like d2.

16. Bxd3, Qh5
17. Nf6+!! .....

The beginning of one of the most brilliant attacks in chess.

17. ..... gxf6
18. exf6, Rg8!!

A strong move that activates the rook, attacks the f3 Knight, and threatens mate.

19. Rad1!! .....

White offers the f3 Knight in exchange for a brilliant attack.

19. ..... Qxf3
20. Rxe7+!!, Nxe7

Black would have done better with Kd8.

21. Qxd7+!! .....

Sacrificing the Queen for an unstoppable mate.

21. ..... Kxd7
22. Bf5+!!, Ke8
23. Bd7+, Kf8
24. Bxe7 mate.

Brilliant! If black would have just castled back when he had the chance, none of this would have happened.

The Immortal Game

2010-05-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

A game that has made into the annals of chess books is presented to you in the following post. Adolf Anderssen is forever immortalized through this brilliant game...hundreds of years and thousands of strong players later. He is still remembered today.

Anderssen's biography may be viewed at Morphy's Opponents.

ANDERSSEN vs. KIESERITZKY
London, 1851
King's Gambit, Kieseritzky Variation

1. e4, e5
2. f4, exf4
3. Bc4 .....

The usual move is Nf3 which clearly stops Qh4. The text 3. Bc4 deals with it by creating a safe flight square for the King.

3. ..... Qh4+
4. Kf1 .....

Although White cannot castle, the pawn would be easy to win back, and the Black position is compromised by a badly placed Queen prone to attack.

4. ..... b5??

A strange move that sacrifices a pawn for no good reason.

5. Bxb5, Nf6
6. Nf3, Qh6
7. d3 .....

Protecting e4 and activating the c1 Bishop which bites down on the f5 pawn.

7. ..... Nh5
8. Nh4 .....

White is eyeballing the f5 square.

8. ..... Qg5
9. Nf5, c6!

Black creates a pawn lever with tempo.

10. g4!! .....

Taking advantage of the pinned f4 pawn, and offering to trade the b5 Bishop for the h5 Knight.

10. ..... Nf6
11. Rg1 .....

White sacrifices the b5 Bishop in exchange for an attack on the king side.

11. ..... cxb5
12. h4!!, Qg6
13. h5, Qg5
14. Qf3 .....

Threatening BxP trapping the Queen.

14. ..... Ng8

The only way to save his Queen.

15. Bxf4!! .....

Although White is a piece down, he is starting to develop and getting a strong position.

15. ..... Qf6
16. Nc3, Bc5
17. Nd5!! .....

Attacking the Queen and putting the Knight in a sharp OUTPOST position.

17. ..... Qxb2
18. Bd6! .....

White offers both rooks.

18. ..... Bxg1
19. e5 !!, Qxa1+
20. Ke2, Na6

Ba6! would have been Black's salvation.

21. Nxg7+!, Kd8
22. Qf6+!!, Nxf6
23. Be7 mate.

A beautiful finish. White completes mate with only two knights, one bishop and a handful of pawns.

The Importance of Castling

2010-04-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Castling is one of the basic and important concepts in the game of chess that instantly enhances the dynamic potential of a chess player. The objective of castling is to provide safety to the King from the threat and at the same time, bring the rook, occupying the flanks, for better play in the initial stages.

Tarrasch was the second best player of his day. This game effectively illustrates the importance of castling and the security of the f pawn.

TARRASCH vs. KURSCHNER
Nuremberg, 1893
French Defense

1. e4, e6

In the French Defense, Black allows White to get a pawn center, only to contest it later. Very sound but leads to slow positional game. Not recommended for beginners.

2. d4, d5
3. Bd3 .....

The Bishop is in a position to attack both sides of the board.

3. ..... Nf6
4. e5, Nfd7
5. Nf3, c5

The move is often played by Black in the French Defense, with the idea of undermining d4, and further weaken White's central pawn structure.

6. c3, Nc6
7. 0-0, f6?!

Pushing the f pawn is not advised. This exposes the King too early in the game.

8. Re1 .....

Controlling the e-file.

8. ..... f5

Black spends another move to close the e-file.

9. Be3, c4

Black decides to close the center. This leads to a positional struggle.

10. Bc2, Be7
11. b3!! .....

White tries to break apart the pawn structure.

11. ..... b5
12. a4, bxa4
13. bxc4 .....

This takes a critical pawn off the center.

13. ..... dxc4
14. d5 .....

Cracking the position wide open.

14. ..... N6xe5
15. dxe6!! .....

Now White's central pawn has become extremely dangerous.

15. ..... Nxf3
16. Qxf3, Nb6
17. Qxf5 .....

Threatening Qf7 mate.

17. ..... Bf6
18. Bc5!! .....

Locking the enemy King in, prevents it from castling.

18. .... Bb7
19. Qg6!!! .....

A Queen sacrifice taking advantage of the missing f pawn.

19. ..... hxg6
20. Bxg6 mate.

The moral of this chess game is not to push the f pawn without good reason....Castle!....and center pawns are deadly.