Al Horowitz - New Traps in the Chess Opening

8/6/2019 Al Horowitz - New Traps in the Chess Opening

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INTRODUCTION

An ARC BookPublished by ARCO Publishing Company, Inc.219 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10003

Th.ird Printing, 1973Copyright 1964 by Arco Publishing Company, Inc.

A ll rights reservedlibrary of Congress Catalog Card Number 64-1n15ISBN 0-666-02191-8

THIS BOOK IS A COLLECTION of 175 chess traps,most of which evolve from variations of modern openings.Included also are a number of older traps which are requiredknowledge for every aspiring ehessplayer,Many of the selections were discovered by examiningthousands of games from tournaments throughout theworld; others were submitted by researchers. The field hasby no means been exhausted. We have tried only to cull thebest of the available harvest. Many traps in the middle andendgame, in fact, are beyond the scope of this work.To begin with, let us define a trap by what it is not. Everycombination, unexpected turn or deviation from standardpractice in the opening is not necessarily a trap. These may

be merely optional continuations, of which there are so manyin chess.A trap is a sly stratagem with a baited offer, tangible orintangible, the acceptance of which triggers a punitive com-bination. The offer may take the form of material, time,space, or anything which creates the impression that it iseither an outright blunder or a forced play in response tosome "mighty fine" moves of the adversary. It must beplausible and deceptive, leaving the victim unaware of itstrue Significance until he is stung beyond repair.Here is a two-move (!) game which is not a trap; 1P-KB4, P-K3; 2 P-KN4, Q-R5 mate. There is nothingbaited in Black's first move to induce White's foolish secondmove. Hence, White has stepped into a pitfall of his owndesign, and from Black's point of view, it is a windfall. Theidea embodied in this example, on the other hand, is perti-nent to many a trap abounding in this work.Here is an elementary trap; 1 P-K4, P-K4; 2 N-KB3,N-QB3; 3B-B4, N-Q5. The bait is Black's last move; it leavesthe King Pawn unguarded. Itholds out to White prospects ofeven greater gain. For after he captures the King Pawn, heis doubly threatening Black's vulnerable King Bishop Pawn.Perhaps White should inquire as to the meaning of Black'sgenerosity. Then, perhaps, he might discern the diabolicalidea. But greed is an overpowering emotion and leaves little

Printed in ttle United States of America v


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Introductiontime for questions. So White plays 4 NxP. Blaek replies4 ... Q-N4, the stinger, and White is lost. The continuationmight be 5 NxBP, QxP; 6 R-Bl, QxKPt; 7 B-K2, N-B6checkmate.Here is a more sophisticated trap based on tactics, onethat includes bait which accelerates the win:1P-Q4, P-Q4; 2 P-QB4, P-K4 (this is Albin's CounterGambit. A gambit, per se, is not a trap). 3 PxKP, P-Q5;4 P-K3?, B-N5t; 5B-Q2, PxP. Now White can play 6 PxP.Then Black will recover his Pawn eventually and actuallyenjoy the better position. But White can capture a wholepiece, apparently for nothing. Why not? Quickly he attrib-utes this absurdity to a fingerfehler ("finger-sJip") on thepart of Black. And so he plays 6 BxB. There follows 6 ...PxPt; 7 K-K2, PxN/Nt and White is lost. White failed toforesee this last underpromotion, and could not control his

greed.Even more sophisticated is the purely positional trap con-ceived by the former World Champion, Jose Raoul Capa-blanca, as Black against the eccentric modernist, SaviellyTartakover. Itis from the famous tournament held in NewYork, 1924:1P-K4, P-K4; 2 P-KB4, PxP; 3 B-K2. This, the LittleBishop's Gambit, was Tartakover's pet opening, which heplayed with success against Alekhine and Bogolubov. Therefollowed 3 ... P-Q4; 4 PxP, N-KB3 ; 5 P-B4, P-B3; 6 P-Q4,B-N5t; 7 K-Bl, PxP; 8 BxP, PxP. With a gesture of sur-prise and joy, thinking that the mighty Capablanca hadblundered, Tartakover continued with 9 BxN. He now ex-pected ... RxB, after which he would play 10Q...R4t,winninga piece. Lo and behold, Capablanca played instead 9 ...N-Q4. And Tartakover's position burst at the seams. Thethreat was 10 . N-K6t, which assured the recovery of thepiece in a position where White had forfeited castling andshattered his Pawn structure.Thus we see that traps may have varying degrees of com-

plexity; they range from the blatant to the subtle. Althoughthis book will not provide a magic key to the mastery oftraps, it contains a wide range of "trappy" ideas, themesand motifs, familiarity with which is essential for the seriouschessplayer. A knowledge of these traps will also give thevi

Introductioncasual or "friendly game" player - e wide edge' over oppo-nents who are unfamiliar with these stratagems.Finally, it must be remembered that the loser in each ofthese traps violates one or more of the basic chess principles,and in each case the punishment for this violation is clearand succinct.By studying traps, one becomes a better all-around chess-player in two ways: by learning how to avoid violations ofstrategic and tactical principles, and by acquiring the ability

to take advantage of mistakes when they are made by one'sopponents.There is a type of trap which has its infinite variationsand countless disciples. For good and sufficient reason, it isnot included in this collection. This is the "sour face" or"agitated agony" snare, known as the "coffee house." Thisploy may be employed in a Variety of positional situations,

and works like this: You want to bait your opponent byoffering him a Pawn or a piece. If he accepts, you have awinning game. Your adversary, however, is cautious. If youmake your baited move in the usual deadpan manner, he willanalyze it carefully. So you go into your act. Immediatelyafter your hand has left the bait, your features contort,your cheeks flush and a half-suppressed exclamation ofdespair escapes from your mouth. Your opponent is sureyou've blundered, or had a finger-sJip. He grabs the piece,and you mate him in four.Whether to employ this ruse must be left up to each chess-player's sense of ethics; we include the "coffee house" hereonJy because it is strategy which must be included in anytreatise which attempts to treat traps comprehensively!

THE FOLLOWING SYMBOLS ARE USED THROUGH-OUT THIS BOOK:! Strong move!! ;;:;Exceptionally brilliant move? =Weak move, or superior alternative has been over~

looked!? ;;:;Spectacular move with a flaw?! = Questionable move, but creates problema and com-plicationst = Check, discovered check, double checkvii


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ConfenfsIntroductionGamesIndex of Opening GambitsIndex of First Moves

v1 to 175

176178


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A/elc.hine's Defense 1WHITE

1 P-K42 PK53 N-KB34 p.Q45 B-K26 NxP7 QxB800

BLACKNKB3N-Q4p.Q3BNSP X PBxBNN3QxPr 's ee d ia gr am9 R-Ql Q -KRS'10 BN SI QxB '11 R-QSt

B lac k lo se s h is Q ue en WHITE TO PLAY"Take first and look later" isBlack's way. But retributwnis 8tiff.

, A grave error in judgment. Blaclt should play 8 QN-Q2 with satisfactory game. Other Queen moves are worse, e.g. 9 . Q-B4; 10 P-QN4, QxNP;11 Q-B3, QN-Q2 (if 11 ... P-KB3; 12 Q-R5t, P-N3; 13 NxP. PxN;14 QxP mate) 12 QxPt. K-Ql; 13 Q-K6 threatening 14 RxNt and14 NxN as well as 14 N-B7t. If 9 . Q-QR6 or 9 . Q-QN6; 10Q-B3 wins.'Again forced, for if 10 Q-QRS or 10 . Q-QN5, 11 Q-B3 is stilllethal. After 11.. KxR; 12 Nxpt and 13 NxQ. White has won the Queenfor Rook and Bishop. White should win easily since Black's King andWhite squares are still vulnerable.


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2 Alelc.hine's Defense Benon i Defense

wmTE TO PLAYBlack $hoold halle defendedhis Kmght Pawn by advam-inu it or moving his King.Either way would create asmall weakness. Now kisPawn structure seems sound.18 it?

WHITE1 P-K42 PK53 P-QB44 P-B55 BB46 N-QB37 QPxN8 Q-N4see diagram9 B-KN510 BxB11 QxNP12 Q-B613 Bo0314 N-B315 0-0-016 PxQ17 KR-Nl18 RN8t19 N-K5t20 BN5

Black has beencheckmated

BLACKN-KB3

N - Q 4NN3N-Q4P-K3NxNBxP8-Bl'

WHITE BLACKN-KB3p.B4

~

I P-Q42 P-QB43 P-Q54 N-QB35 PxP6 PK4 PKN37 P-84' B-N28 P-K5 KN-Q2?'see diagram9 N-K4!10 N-Q6t11 N-B3'

B-K2'QxB

Q.BIRN lQ-N2P-Q3'

~

PIPKBI

White has g re at positionalsuperiority

K-Q2PxN

, Better is 8 K-Bl.'Andnot9 P-KB3!; 10PxP, PxP; llQ-RSt. K-K2; 12 BxP't, KltB;18Q-R4t winning the Queen., 14 ... QxP? loses to 15 R-KNI A mistake, Black's first concern should be for the.Pawn at KB6, andtherefore 16 ... N-Q2 should he played,. or possl~ly 16 . : . ,P-KR8followed by 17 QN-Q2. The open KIng Kmght tile gIves WhIte s Rooktoo much activity.This ailows a pretty mate, but Black was already quite lost, e.g. i7. _ . RxR. 18 RxR, K-Bl; 19 BxP, or 17 RxR; 18 RltR, N-Q2: 19R-N8t, N-Bl; 20 N-N5, or here 17 RxR; 18 RltR, K-Q2: 19R-N7 wins easily.

3

WHITE TO PLAYWkite I a a 8 overerdended hisPawn phala:n.x. Does he haveIlompenaation? That is thequestion.

IThe introduction to a novel but speeulative attacking liDe. Black would do better to exchange the center Pawns before retre.t-ing the Knight. After 8 ... PxP: 9 PXP, KN-Q2, the situation wouldbe decidedly unclear. After the next move, Black's chances to defendseecessru Ill' au negligible.Black will have a very ditncult time developing hi. game. 11 ... P-K5ISmet by 12 N-KN5 and 11 . PxP, eventually giving White the KBfile to work on, is not attractive.


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4 Bishop's Gambi' B'a~lc.marGambi' 5

WHITE TO PLAYBlack's last move is 1 l O 1 ' t I U l l inJ 1 I . ( I S t instances. But nothere! Why?

WHITE1 PK42 B-B43 N-QB34 BxPt'5 NxN6 Q-B3tsee diagram7 NN5!'

BLACKP-K4

NKB3NxPKxB

N-B3?'K-N1?'

WHITE1 P-Q42 P-K43 N-QB34 PB35 QxP!6 BK37 0-0-0

Black will be checkmatedor lose his Queen

see diagram8 NN5!9 Nxpt10 QxP!'

BLACKP-Q4PxP

NKB3'PxPQxP'Q-QN5

B-N5?'P-K4'KK2

White has a winning attackWHITE TO PLAYBehind in development, Blackought to consolidate. But heis greedy.

, Tricky, but not White's best, which is" Q-R5_ .. ., 5 .. P--Q4 gives Black much the better game '7~ ~s ~5~'~~~and broad center. e.g, 5 . P--Q4; 6 Q-B3t, K-N, rl-II .:' f'and now Black can develop very quickly and powe u y In a ewmoves. . . ith 6 K Kl'A blunder. Black still has an adequate posltion WI . - There is no defense. as all Queen m,;,ves !,re met by 8 Q--Q5t, andWhite otherwise will mate at KB7 With b.s Qneen. _

,a ... P-K4 i8 a simple and effective method of equali;ing. Black is courting danger. Development shonld be the order of the day.IAnd this finally loses. Black should play 'I ... P-QB3 with fairchances of defending and eventually utiii;ing his material advantage.White's twin thnats of 9 NxP mate and 9 QxNP cannot satisfactorilybe met., For if 10 .. QxQ; 11 B-B5 mate. Black's cause is hopeless, sinceWhite threatens 11 QxQ mate, or if 10 P-QR4; 11 QxQt. P:xQ;12 B-B5 mate.


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6

BLACK TO PLAYA clever sorlie exploitsWhite's correcWooking butfaulty last move. BlMk netsa big PGwn.

Budapest DefenseWHITE

1 P-Q42 p.QB43 PxP4 PK45 p.B46 BK37 NKB38 QNQ29 BQ310 OO?'s ee d ia gr am

BLACKN-KB3P-K4NN5NxKPNN3NB3B-N5tQK20-0BB4!'

B la ck w i ns m ate ria l

, This is careless and loses a Pawn, White should play 10 Q-K2 withthe option of castling on either wing,, Now if 11 BxB, QxBt and 12 , , , NxP. and if 11 Q-K1 Or 11 Q-K2,the answer ;s still 11 , , . NxP, Black has won a Pawn with a goodposition.

Budapest DefenseWHITE BLACK

1 P-Q4 NKB32 P Q B4 PK43 PxP NK54 P 'QR3 P'Q35 NKB3 NQB36 PxP ' BxP7 PKN3? 's ee d iag ram78 KxN' NxBPBxPt 'White will lose his Queen

7

BLACK TO PLAYA Pawn plus is not an auto-matic win. Circumspectionwill nurse it along. But Whitehere was oblivious 0f the veil-ed but imminent threat.

, 6 Q-B2 is better.'7 QI;'-Q2 striving fOJ: exchanges was indies ted, though Black's at-tacking chances are still good,8 ,Q-B2, NxR; 9 B-N2, NxP; 10 PxN, BxPt and Black has an easyWin,, Black wins the QUeen for two pieces,


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8

BLACK TO PLAYBeware the discovered cluck,and observe the 'UUlnerableKing Bishop Pawn. White isremiss.

Budapesf DefenseBLACKN-KB3P-K4N-K5N.QB3P-Q3BB4BxPQ-B3

WHITEI P-Q42 P-QB43 PxP4 NKB35 P-QR36 p.K3'7 PXP8 BK29 N-041'see diagram9 ....10 KIN'11 NB312 RxB13 N.Q214 K-NI

NxP!B-B7fBx QNK4N-N5fBxPf

Black wins decisivematerial

, Too passive. White should play 6 Q-B2 and if 6 . B-B4; 7 N-QB3,N-N6; 8 P-K4! OT 7 . NxBP; 8 QxB with the better chances. NowBisek gets a tiM attack. A blunder, losing imm~diately. However, after 90-0, 0-0-0 (threat-ening 10 . BxPt winning the Queen) Black is ready for Q-R3and a King-side storm' . _. P-KN4-N5. etc.'Ifthe Queen moves, 10 NxR is equally bad fol!' White. He tanoffer no furlhe r resista nee.

Caro-Kann Defense 9WHITE

1 P-K42 p.043 N-QB34 NxP5 NxNf6 B-QB47 Q.R58 N-K29 Q.B310 BKR6

BLACKP.QB3p.04PxP

NB3KPxN'BK20-0PKN3'N-Q21R-Kl'see diagram

11 BxPf 'White wins decisivematerial

WHITE TO PLAYAgain, the guarded KingBishop Pawn is vulnerable.Here, the King is the butt.

IAl~ough thi,Brecapture affords Black free play for hm minor pieces,he Is left, w!th a lastinz di~adv!,ntage in the endgame. The WhitePa",!n ,maJorlt~ on the Queen S wing could easily prove decisive. Also,WhIte s attacking chances are not to be underestimated as this gamedemonstrates. '; 9 . ,N-Q2 followed by 10 , . N-N3 is preferable to this weakening.Black.a.last chance was 10 _ , . Q-R4t, though White should maintaina positional advantage, IIp' _ . KxB is met by 12 Q-N3 mate, so White wins the excbanee andII awn. ..~


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10 Coro-Konn Defense

BLACK TO PLAYA clever combination pro-fMtes a mite of a Pawn,

WHITE1 P-K42 P-Q43 N-QB34 NxPS N-N3'6 B-KNS'7 BxN'8 B-KS'9 RxR

BLACKP-QB3P-Q4PxPN-B3P -KR4 'P-RSPxNRxP

910 P-B311 PxQ

see diagram Q-R4tQxBtPxR'Black wins de


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1 4 Center Counter Game

WHITE TO PLAYA Pawn is a Paum, and onlyan expert can teU when it'8tainted, HM'e the Pawn-snatcher is punished quickly.

BLACKp.Q4QxPQ-QR4

N-KB3BN5B-R4'B-N3P-QB3'Q-B2BxP?'

WHITE1 P -K42 PXP3 N-QB34 P-Q45 NB36 P-KR37 PKN48 N-KS9 NB410 Q-B3see diagram11 BB412 Q-K2!13 N-Q6t14 NxNP '

Q-QlBN3'K-Q2

White has a winning attack

'6 ... Bl(Ni 7 Ql(B, P-B3, yielding the advantage of the two Bishopsbut maintaming a sound p


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1 6 Center Counter Game Center Counter Game 17

WHITE TO PLAYUndoubtedly, Black plaY8 tIudefense just to be different.He loses just the same.

WHITE1 P -K42 PxP3 N-QB34 NB35 P-KR36 QxB7 B-N5

BLACKP-Q4QxP

Q-QR4BN5BxNN-QB3?'Q-N3'

WHITE1PK42 PIP3 N.QB34 P'Q45 N-B36 P-Q5

see diagram7 NxN8 B-NSf9 Px P10 P-B7f11 PxQ/Qf12 NxB'

BLACKP-Q4QxPQ-Ql'N-QB3'BN5N-K4'

see diagram8 N-Q59 P-QN4'BxQP-B3P'QR3'PxBRxQ

Q-R4'

Black's Queen is lost

White has won decisivematerial

, Blaek should play 6 ... P-QB3 here with only a minimal pusitionaldisadvantage, Otherwise 8 BxNt .".in8.'If 8 ... QxB; 9 NxPt wins the Queen, and if8 . Q-B4; 9 P-Q4.!and if 9 ... QxQP; 10 BxNt, PxB; 11 Nxpt, or \) QxBP, NxPt, orfinally 9 . Q-Q3; 10 B-KB4, P-K4; 11 BxP and IE Mxpt.o Black's Queen is lost, for if 9 ... QxB; 10 NxPt.

WHITE TO PLAYThe iUU3Qrll pin plays havocwith Black's plan. Bent ondevewpment, Black fails t()see the denouement.

'3 ... Q-QR4 followed by an early ... P-QB3 is more usual for Black.'And this is dubious, as the White Queen Pawn may advance withgain of tempo.a Black overlooks the Queen sacrifice. The Knight had to retreat to N1. Black is helpless. If here 9 ... Q-B2; 10 PxPt, K-Q1; 11 NxP mate.'And White, a piece ahead, can look forward to}an easy victory.


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1 8 Center Counter Game

WHITE TO PLAYWhen i3 tt pin not it pin? Hereis another case in point.White wins a Pawn or cheek-mates.

WHITE1 P-K42 PXP3 N-QB34 BB45 BN36 NB37 P-Ql8 PKRlsee diagram9 NxP10 BxPf11 BNSf12 N.K4t13 pB4t14 RxB15 00116 QR.K1t17 RxNt18 B.RSf19 RBlt20 B-B7

BLACKp.Q4

NKB3NxPNNlNBlPK4BKNSBR4?'

B x QKK2K-Q3KxNK-QS'KK6'N-Q5NK7t

KxR


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20

WHITE TO PLAYWith a Pawn to the' good,Black intends to swap Queens.He does. However, things donot work out as intended.

Danish GambitWHITE BLACK

1 PK4 P-K42 p.Q4 PXP3 P-QB3 PxP4 B.QB4 PxP5 SxP P-Q46 SxQP NKB37 N-QB3' NxB8 NxN PQB3?'

see diagram9 N.B6t'

White wins decisivematerial

'The usual move, leading to approximate equality, is 7 BxPt. KxB;8 QxQ B-NSt; 9 Q-Q2, BxQt.'A blu~der. First 8 ... N-Q2 at;d then 9 ... P-QB3 would allowBlack to retain his extra Pawn WIth safety.'And White wins. If 9 ... PxN; 10 QxQt, KxQ; 11 BxPt and 12 Bx~9 K-K2' 10 B-R3t K-K3' II QxQ, B-NSt; 12 BxB, RxQ,1 1 N':lis'Olr 13 N-N4 and White ha; won a full piece. Or even strOlngerin this line after l() , , K-K3: 11 Q-N4t, KxN; 12 P-K5t, andBlack is soon mated.

Dufch DefenseWHITE BLACK

PKB4PxP

NKB3P-Q4PxPB-B4Q-Q2N B 300-01'

1 P'Q42 P-K43 N-QB34 PB35 PxP6 BQB47 KNK28009 B-KN510 P-Q511 Q.Q4!'

see diagramN-K4'

1112 QxRP!13 P-QR41'NxBN-N3

ReSignsWhite has an overwhelming

attack'

21

BLACK TO PLAYWith a dmlble attack onBlack's Knight and RookPawn, Black's choice is limit-ed. And Black is in t O T altUrprise.

, 9 , . , P-K3 i.eo!'l'el:t..'10 , .. N-QNl is a little better. but Black can banfly cope with theWhite attack.Very pretty. Black Dlust capture the Bishop, (or 11 ... N-B3 is metby 12 Q-BS! By virtue Olfthe threat of 14 P-R5 and mate at R8, White wIll regainhis piece and remain with an overwhelming attack. NOltethat Black',Queen at Q2 is burdened by having to defend the Bishop at KB4, e.g.13, ., KNxP; 14 P-R5, NxN; 16 NxN and Black is helpless.


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2 2

WHITE TO PLAYThinking he has won a . Pawnas a result of his fine play,Black takes the bait. He willsoon be disillu.sioned.

Dutch DefenseWHITE

1 P'Q42 PQB43 N.QB34 PB35 PxP6 PK47 PxN8 BQB49 NK210 BK311 BPxP12 PXP13 QN3 '

see diagram14 BxB15 NxN16 Q.R4t'

BLACKPKB4N-KB3P-KN3P'Q4NxPNxNBN2P-B4NB3PxQPPxPRBlBxP? 'NxBQ xN

Black will lose his Queen

, Both sides have treated the opening very originally. White perhapsenjoys a minimal advantage because of his central Pswn duo. NowWhite baits a clever trap., Black bites. He should play 13 ... N-QR4: 14 Q-R4t, B-Q2: 16B-N5, N-B3! With an interesting game in prospect.'White wins the QUeen, for if 16 . , . K-Ql; 17 R-Ql, while 16 .B-Q2; 17 B-B7t does the job.

Fallcher Counter Gam6itWHITE

1 P-K42 PK843 KPxP4 P-Q35 PIP6 N KB37 Q-K28 KN-Q2 '9 NxN10 B-K3

see diagram11 Q -B44White wins deeisiYematerial

BLACKp.K4P-Q4P-K5

N-KB3HxKPB-qB4P-84'0-0PxNQ x P >

2 3

WHITE TO PLAYBlack seems to have solved allhis opening problems; he hasrecovered his Gambit Pawn._d his development loobf~. AU, however, is ' / lOtwhat it semtUr.

I 'I' ~ B-IU is best, and Black bas euelIent eompenaation 1m' thesaer,fieed Pawn., Here a simple way for White to obtain the better J,lOSitionis 8 B-K8e.g. 8.. QxP; 91lIB, QxB; 10 N-B3. 'A blunder. After 10. _ . B-KN6; 11 QxB; BIB, Black is still in thegame. vt:hite wins a Bishop, for af't-'!r 11 _. QxQ. White recaptures 12 BIQWIth cheek, and then 13 BxB.


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2 4 Fa/kher Counter Gambit

BLACK TO PLAYAfter ta U maneuvering. Black1 uu It strong initiative. Huthe has eCI8JIvictory in hisgrasp. D o you see it?

WHITE1 PK42 PKB43 KPxP4 NKB3S p.Q4'6 PB47 QNQ28 Q-R4t'9 Q-N3'10 KB211KNl'

BLACKPK4p.Q4P X P

NKB3NxPBNStNK6BQ2Q-K2N-Qat

see diagramII N8612 PKR3' B-RSWhite's Queen is lost

, Either I> P-QB4. Or I> N-B3 should be play

I Th

Four Knight's GameWHITE

1 PK42 N-KBl3 NB34 8-B4S P--Q360-07 8-KNS8 N-Q59 Q.q210 IxNsee diagram11 NK7t12 Ixpt13 Q-NSt14 Q-86'

B la ck h as b ee ncheckmated -

BLACKPK4N-QB3NB3B-B4'P--Q30-0'

BKNS'N-Q5Q-QrBxNK-RIKxBKRI

25

WHITE TO PLAYImitation may be flattery, buthere it is the path to beingchet:kmated.

'4 .. HlI'P and if I) NIH, P-Q4 is a good line for Black., 6 .. B-KN5 is more promising for Black.'The poliey of imitation is extremely hazaTdous as the sequel demon-strates. Black hall better chances of defending: with 9 .. P-QB3 and if 10NINt, PIN; 11 B-R4, BxN; 12 Q-R6 N-K7t 13 K-Rl BlI:Pt14IUB. N-B5t; 15K-Rl, N-N3. ' ., And m.cl< is mated.


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26 Four Knight's Game

WHITE TO PLAYBhwk appears to haoe put upa reasonably good defense. Itis not good e1UJttgh, for Whitehas a crushing combination.

WHITE1 PK42 N.QB33 NB34 8N55006 P-Q37 NK28 P-B39 NN310 P-KR311 BN512 BxN

see diagram13 NR5!14 Q-Q215 Q-R616 PxN17 NxP18 N-N5

White wins deelsiMmaterial

BLACKNKB3PK4N-B3B-N500PQ3B-N5B-QB4BN3B-Q2NK2'BxB'PxBKRlN-84'R-KNIR-N2

, A serious mistake whkh ~ost8 the game. Black could defend with 11... P-KR3; 12 B-KR4, K-R2 (not 12 ... P-KN4; 13 NxNP!) and13 ... R--KNI.'12 .. hB 13 N-RIi, K-Rl is aomewhat better, for if 14 Q-Q2,N-KNI holdsk'SO White must play 14 BxB, QxB; 15 NxBP, Q-K3;16 NxNP, R- Nl or 16 N-N4 or 16 N-R5, P-KB4 and Black haseeunter-eha nees for his material dellcit., Naturally if 15 ... R-KNl; 16 QxBPt and 17 QxR mate. There is no defense to 19 N (5)xRP followed by 20 N-N5, mating orwinning the Queen.

French DefenseWHITE BLACK

1 P-Q4 P'Q42 NQB3 NKB33 BN5 p.1 < 3 ,4 PK4 B-K25 BxN BxB6 PK5 BK27 Q.N4 008 B-Q3 N-B39 N-B3 NN510 000 NxBt11 RxN p.QB412 PxP BxP'

13 NK4 B-K214 N/3N5 PKRl15 PKR4 Q-B2? '

se e diagram16 NB6t17 PxB18 PR519 NR7!20 Pxpt'

Bx",PKN3'Q-K4'

KxN '

White has a winning attadc:

27

WHITE TO PLAYBlack has played the openingto gain the minute advantageof the Bishop-pair. But hehas neglected his King, andnow White comes cTfUlhingthrough.

'S ... B-B4 here gives Black an easier game than he generally eb-tains in the French.'~2 ... P-QN3 to recapture with the Pawn is a worthwhile idea. TlwnIf 13 PxP, QxP and Black has some Queenside Illes on which to workfor attack, and he ill threatening the White KBP.'Whiw has built up a strong attack and Black should try 15 . P-B4'if 16 PxP e.p., BxP: 17 NxP!, Q-K2 and Black would appe&r to hav~adequate defensive resources. Certainly not 16 ... PxN; 17 N][Pt and 18 Q-N7 maw. However,16 K-Rl may he a little better tun 16 .. , BxN. If 17 PxN; 18QxP, P-KN3; 19 Q-R6.Again 18 . .. PxN; 19 QxP wins easily.,If the Rook moves, 20 PxP is decisive.Whiw wins. If 20 ... X-Nl; 21 PxPt1 KxP; 22 Q-N7t K-Kl' 23Q-K7 mate. If20 .. K-Rl; 21 RxPr, X-Nt; 22 Pxpt KxP: 23Q-N6 mate, and if 20 ... PxP; 21 RxPt, KxR (or 21 : . , K:Nl22 QxP mate); 22 R-R3t, Q-R4; 23 RxQt, PxR; 24 Q-N7 mate.


18/94

2 8

WHITE TO PLAYBlack tJwxgkt he ~ theKing Pawn as a reward forhis sound play. The impetu-ous M.pW,re, 1&owetler, willtlmItlert reward to punish--ment.

'reneh DefenseWHlTE

1 P-K42 P-Q43 NQB34 PK55 Q-N4'6 B-KN5?'70-0-08 RxPsee diagram9 NxP!

10 Q-Q111 B-N512 Rx P13 R-Q8tWhite mates on the nextmove

BLACKp.K3P-Q4

N-KB3KN-Q2P-QB4Q-N3PxPNzP? 'Q-R44

Q N - 8 3 "PxN'Q-B2'

, The Gledhill Attack, which freqnently features the speculatiy", saeri-fiee of a Pa'WD.? 6 N-B3 or 6 B-K3 offers somewhat better ehanoos than this dubious",",rilice.> Black is too impatient. First S . QN-B31 would enable him to wintbe KP. Now 8 NxQ: 9 NxQ and White is threatening 10 R-Q8 mate.'Nllt 10 .. ' QxP?; 11 N-B7 mate or 10 ... PxN; 11 RxP and Whitethreatens mate at Q8 as we1l lUI the Queen.'If 11 ... B-Q2; 12 R-R4 and the Queen is trapped (12 .. QxB13 N-B7t)., White threatened 13 BxNt winning the Queen. as well as his aetual13th move (Jl..Q8t).

'rench DefenseWHITE

1 PK42 p.Q43 NQ834 PK55 PQR36 PxB7 NB38 BQ3900

BLACKP-K3P-Q4a.N5

p.QB4BxNtQ.B2NK2

QN-83001'see diagram10 BxP'WWhite has a winning aHack

29

WHITE TO PLAYThis stock sacrifice in thisand similar positions number8many neophytes among itsvictims.

, II : B;-Q2 or II , , P-BS yield approximate eql1Slity. The text allowsa 'W 1 nn tn g lISe ri lI.ee,'This wins, e.g. 10 .. , bB; 11 N-N5tJ,. K-Nl- 12 Q-RS R-Ql' 13QxPt. K-RI; 14_ P-KB-I!, Q-Q2; Hia-ss N-Ik 16 R-R3t N-Ri-17 Q-N6, K-Nl; 18 RxN followed by 19 R.:-R8t ~nd 20 Q-R7 maW:or 11 ... K-N3; 12 Q-N-I, P-B3 (if 12 .. , P-B-I' 13 Q-R-I P-BS,l4_ Q-R7t, KxN 15 P-R4t, K-N6; 16 P-B3t. K-N6' 17 B':Q2 fol:lowed by 18 B-ib mate); 13 NxPt. K-B2; 14 QxPt KxN' 15 QxRetc. A very attractive version of a familiar sacrifice.' , ,


19/94

30

WHITE TO PLAYA classic example of tlu: ~ble-edged nature of Pawn-grabhlng. White's gain illtime converts W Cl pqwerfulgain in development.

French DefenseWHITE

1 p.K42 P-Q43 N-Q834 B-Q25 Q-N46 ().C).()7 B-KN5!'8 R-Q8t9 Nb!

BLACKp.K3P-Q4B-N5PxPQ x PPKB4

Q-K4KB2Q-R4?'

see diagram10 B-N5!!' NK83411 Q-RSt!!'Black cannot aYOidchec:kmate

'White plays the whole game in a va baJlqDe manll!"r and neeeedsbeautifully. Now if '1 PxQ; S RxQ and White WlII reeapture thegambited PaWlls.'The lmIing move ."mieh allOW!! a beautiful refutatiOIL Correet was9 ... Pli:N: 10 ~B. Q-KSt!: 11 R-Ql. N--QB3: 12 Q-KR4 with fairattaeking pogsibilities. ., Very elegant. White euts off the Queen from tbe defense of the K4lII.)uare and threatens 11 N-K5 mate.'10 .. N-QB3 losea to 11 N-K5t, NxN: 12 B-KSt, K-81: 13 B-N601' R5mate. A problem.like conelusion whicb forces checkmate. No... if 11 NltQ;12 N-K5 mates. If11. K-K2: 12 R-KSt, K-Q3 (or 12 RltR:13 QxRt 13 ... K-Q3: 14 Q-BS mate); 13 R--Qlt~N--Q4 (if 13 .K-B4; 14 B-K3 mates): 14 B-K7 mate. If11 r-N3 12 N-Klit,K-K2 (if 12 . K-N2 White mates at KR6): 13QxPt!, ib:Q (13KltR; 14 HxNt and 15 QxB or 15 QxR mates): 14 R-KSt. K-Q3:15 N-B4t. K-B4.: 16 B-K3 mate.

French DefenseWHITE!PK42 p.Q4

3 NQB34 Q-N4'5 Q xP6 Q-R67 QxP?'8 B-Q2'

see diagram89 BxBBlack wins decisive

material

BLACKp.K3p.Q4B-N5

NKB3RN!NxPRB!

BxNo.B3'

31

BLACK TO PLAYWhite's Pawngrabbing ex.pedition here uoe a1vry.

, 4 P-K5 followed by Ii P-QR3 is the line of play recommended by thetheoreticians. The text is not good as it loses time and results in theexchange of a valuable central Pawn for a less important wing Pawn,, This is a serious error. 7 KN-K2 or 7 P-QR3 are preferable alterna-tives.'If 8 Q-R3, P-K4! is very st:rong. Bisek will win QUeen for Rook. The threat is 10 ... QxPt: 11 K-Q1,QxBt as well as 10 ... R-Rl winning the Queen.


20/94


21/94

34

WHITE TO PLAYBlck has swaltowed morethan he can digest. Now,with one fell move, it is over.

'rench DefenseBLACKp.1(3P-Q4BN5N-KB3PxPPB4PXP'Q-R4BxNfQxPtQ x R f ? 'Q x R

WHITE1 P-K42 P-Q43 N-QB34 B-Q35 B-KN56 BxP7 NB38 NxP9 BxN10 PxB11 Q-Q2!12 KK2see diagram13 NxP!! 'White has a winning attack

, Immediately 8_ . . Q-R4 is better I


22/94

36

BLACK TO PLAYWhite's last offbeat mot'c toconfuse his opponent boomer-angs,

Frenm DefenseBLACKPK3p.Q4P-QB4KPxP8xP

WHITE1 PK42 p.Q43 N-Q24 KPxP5 PXP'6 N-K2?'see diagram6 .. ,- Q-N3'Black wins overwhelming

material

'5 B-N5t or 5 KN-B3 gives White a good game., 6 B-Q3 still yields approximate equality . Black wins at least a piece, for if the King Knight moves to a,,":ysquare but Q4. 7 . _ . BxPt is followed by 8 _ .. Q-K6 mate, and Ifthe Queen Knight moves anywhere except K4 Or QB4, the same 7 ...BxPt and 8. .. Q-K6 mate occur.

French DefenseWHITE BLACK

1 PK4 PK32 p.Q4 P-Q43 N-QB3 PxP4 NxP N-Q25 NKB3 KN-B36 NxNt NxN7 B-Q3 B-K28 QK2 0-09 B-KN5 PQN3?'

see diagram10 BxN BxB11 Q-K4'


37

WHITE TO PLAYHere is a standard winningopening MlItbination whickoccurs frequenUll.

'A caroelee move ",hkh TOIle!!quickly. 9 ... P-B4, and if 10 Pxp,Q-R4t and 11 ... QxBP ;s a reasonable line of play.'BIsek must defend apinst 12 QxP mate, 50White will win the QueenRook.


23/94

38

BLACK TO PLAYUp to the diagrommed posi-tion, Black has been on thereceiving end. Now Blackgives once - and it is over.

'rench DefenseWHITE BLACK

1 PK4 p.K32 PQ4 P-Q43 N.QB3 PxP4 NxP NQ25 NKB3 KN836 KNN5' BK27 NxBP K x N8 N.N5f KNl9 NxKP Q-Kl10 NxBP?'10

see diagram8N5f'

White has beencheckmated

, C areless play; either 6 NxN or 6 P-KR3 Is satistactory torBlack., With 10 B-QB4 White has a winning position; the threatened dis-covered check is devastating and if 10 .. B-N5t; 11 K-Bl! and thesituation is no better for Black., Never have the tables been turned more rapidly. Now it is Whitewho is mated.

'rench DefenseWHITE

1 P-K42 P-Q43 PK54 P-Q835 NB36 B-Q3'7 PxP8 () .()!? '9 NxN10 N-B311 R-Kl12 N-N513 BxBt14 BK315 RQBl16 B8517 P-KN3

see diagram18 Qxpt19 B-N6t

BLACKp.K3P-Q4P-QB4N.QB3Q-N3P X PB.Q2'NxQPQxNQ x PQ-Q3BxNK-QlN-K2NB4Q.BSrQ-N4PxQ

White mates on the nextmove

39

WHITE TO PLAYBlack has accepted two Gam-bit Pawns and forfeited casU-ing. Now his King is an easytargct.

, With this move, White virtually eommlta himself to saeriftdng a Pawn., But not immediately 7 . NxQP; 8 NxN, QxN; 9 B-N5t winningthe Queen.'After 8 B-K2 (if 8 B-B2, N-N5; 9 B-N3!, B-N4!); 8 . KN-K2and 9 . N-B4 Black has a wonderful game, 80White embarks on aspeculative sac rifiee. Black should reconcile himself to sacrifieing the Queen. After 16 ...QxB; 17 RxQ, BxR he would have a good !\,ame with Rook, Knightand two Pawns and a safe position for the Queen.'And White will mate with 20 R-K8t.


24/94

40

WHITE TO PLAYWhite has entrapped his ownKnight as he picked off aPawn. Is there a way outfor him in this dilemma?

From GambitWHITE

1PKB42 PxP3 PxP4 N-KB35 P-Q46 N-N57 P-K4see diagram8 N-KR39 Q-R5t10 B-QB411 Q-R6f12 BxN

Black has beenche


25/94

42

WHITE TO PLAYBkuk 1 u t s P14l1ed 11 NIB--Q8, ,eemingl1l retaining hisextra piece; but White hasa surpriBe continuation whichleads to a forced, win.

Giuo(o PianoWHITE BLACK

1 P-K4 P-K42 N-KB3 N-QB33 B-B4 B-B44 P-B3 NB3S P-Q4 PIP6 PIP B-N5f7 N-B3 NxKP8 0-0 BxN9 P-Q5 N-K4'10 PxB NxB11 Q-Q4 N/B-Q3'see diagram12 QxNP13 QxQ14 R-Klf15 B-N516 RxNt17 R-Klt18 B-R6t19 -R-K5'

Q-B3NxQK-Ql'N-KlK x R 'K-BlK-Nl

White mates shortly

, Another recommended line for Black here iH 9 ... B-B3; 10 R-Kl,N-K2; 11 RxN, P-Q3; 12 B-N~, BxB; 13 NxB, 0--0.'This loses. The right move i. 8 11 ... P-KBt; 12 QJ


26/94


27/94

46

BLACK TO PLAYWhite hopes to weather thestorm by giving up the Ex~ehange, remaining wah su-perior material, Blaek 8lwwshow the right Knight at theright 8quare at the right timeis worth more than a Queen.

Giuoco PianoWHITE

1 p.K42 NKB33 BB44 O.()5 PQ36 BKN57 PKR38 PxB?'9 NR2?'10 NKB3see diagram

NKN5!'BxptPxRtRR8tRxQNQ5tNK6tNK7 mate

BLACKPK4

N-QB3~B4NB3PQ3BKN5PKR4P X PPN6

10r II BxQ12 RxB13 KB114 KK215 KN-Q2'16 KxR17 KB1


, This capture, which opens the Rook file, is too dangerous,'Better possibilities of defense are oered by 9 KN-Q2 or 9 N-R4., The Queen offer justifies the preceding sacrifice.4 Naturally White m\l.8t try to prevent 15 .. P-B8=Qt, but tbe textleads to a beautiful semi-smothered mate.

Giuoco I';ano ".. lange AIhxIIWHITE

1 p.1(42 NKB33 8-8440-05 P-Q46 PKS7PxN8 R.K1f9 NN510 N-QB311 N/31(4see diagram12 NxBP13 NoN5f14 PKN4!15 RxB16 Q-B317 RK7!

BLACKp.1{4

N-QB3~84NB3PIP'p~P I B8-K3Q-Q4'Q-B4'

BKBI?"ibN'KNl"QIP/3'Q-QIQ - Q 2

Black cannot avoidcheckmate

47

WHITE TO PLAYIt seems that Blaek has OfJer-come the worst with a Pawnplus, but the power of White'sPawn on the si:eiA rank tWcr-whelms him.

, In thill opening 8I!q1leIl(:t! 5 Brl> ill g < ) O < I . for mack, .. White doem'tget enough play for the sacrifleed Pawn.'Not 9 QIP; 10 NxB, PIN; 11 Q-R5t followed by 12 QxB win-ning a piece.'And certainly not 10 ... PIN as after II QxQ, Black's Bisbop ispinned and he can't l"eC8pture., Black should play 11 0-0-0 with chances for both sides. Thetext is a milJtake but he wants to guar.! ~nat 12 PIP KR-Nl;13 P-KN~ tf4 (or 13 QxNpt; 14QI\l, BxQ; 16N-B6 wins);14 P-B4. ; 16 N-B6t and wins the Queen.If12 BIN; 13 N-Q6f wins the Queen. Or 13 KIP; 14 RzBt wins.'Or 14 QxNpt; 11 i QIQ, BxQ; 16 P-B7 ~te, or 14 Q-QC;16 RIB winning.

G r u e n f e / d Delense


28/94

48

BLACK TO PLAYDoes the old adage prove !alaehere: "He who grabs theQueen Knight's Pawn sleepsin the streets" '! Apparently,White's greed has been re-warded by the capture of an-other Pawn. But the Pawn-snatcher has a grim surpriseawaiting him.

WHITE1 P-Q42 P-QB43 N-QB34 Q-N35 QxBP6 Q-N5t'7 N-B38 QxPl'98-8410 exP 'see diagram10 . _ ..11 8xQ'12 K-Ql13 N-Q514 Q-B715 QxRt16 KPxB

BLACKN-KB3P-KN3P-Q4PxPB-K3N-B3N-Q4

N/4-N58-R3!

NxQPN/Q5-B7t

RxBtBxNBxNtKxQK-B2'

White ha s a winning attack

, Better I. tI Q--Q3followed by an early P~K4.'Thi.loses. White should play 8 NxN, BxN: 9 P-X3.,If10 BxB, QR-Nl traps the Queen. 11 NxN, QxN and Black threatens mates at both QB7 and Q'f.Black win. at le.. t another piece, for 17 QR-Nl is met by 17 ..R-Ql t and now 18 K-K2, R-Q'I mate.

G r u e n l e / d D e f e n s eBLACKN-KB3P-KN3P-Q48oN2PxP0-0N-R3

8oK3?'

WHITE1 P-Q42 P-QB43 N-QB34 N-B35~6 QxBP7 P-K48 P-KSsee diagram9 PxN!'10 PJ;B11 BxS'

BxQKxP

White has superiorHy Inmaterial and position

49

WHITE TO PLAYIntent on gaining a sllaf'ptempo, Black forgets that ItPawn captures diagonally for-ward aM tkvaurs e-uerythi,noin its skuiting path.

'This ;1 5 a JIliI!take which spoils the maek posltio ..._which is actuallyquite promising after 8 ... KN-Q2: 9 Q--N3, N-N3lIO BxN, PxB;11 B-K3, B-K3: 12 Q--B2.N----Q4:130-0, NxB: 14 rxN, P-QB4: 16P--Q5. B-N5; 16 Q--K4, BxN; 1'1 PxB, R-NI and Blaek threatensboth RxP and R-~'r5.'A surprise .'And White has gained th.-ee pieeea for Queen and Pawn in a po8itionhighly favonble for the pieces.

Gruenfeld Defense


29/94

50

BLACK TO PLAYBl4ck's salvation 1 . 6 to jumpfrom the frying pan into thefire. If he StiN tluJ {ire,White wiU burn down his ownhouse.

WHITE BLACKN-KB3PKN3p.Q4

NxPNxNp.QB4BN2PxPNB3Q-R4tQR600'NK4

1 p.Q42 P .QB43 NQB34 PxPS PK46 PxN7 B.QB48 N-K29 PXP10 BK3'11 B-Q212 R-QNl '13 P-QS'14 8-N4?'

see diagram Q.B6!!NxPtBR6

1415 PxQ?'16 KBl

Wh ite h as b ee ncheckmated

, The position is typical of the exchange variation of the Grllenfeld;White has a broad Pawn eenter, but it IS under constant pressure., A resour.,.,ful method of defending the Queen Pawn. for if 12 ...NxP; 13 B-N4 wins the Queen.'Blsck also baits the hook.'And he has a tug on the line. 130-0was better.'White traps the Queen. And the fish gets away.'A blunder, but other moves allow Black to play either 1~ ... Qx.KPor 15 ... QxNP, with an edra Pawn and the far superior POSition.

Gruenfeld DefenseWHITE

1 P-Q42 NKB33 p.B44 NB35 p.K36 BQ37 PQR38 PR39 QxB10 BPxP11 PxN12 PxNP13 884?'14 P-QH3'15 Q-K2

se e diacram15 ., ..16 PxN"17 R-QR2'

BLACKNKB3P-KN3BN2P-Q400N-B3! 'BN5BxNPK4!P X PPxNR-NlN.Q2

N-K4NxBPB7

B-B6tWhit e l o se s o v erwh elm in a:materi""

51

BLACK TO PLAYWkite ha s apparently dodgedBlMk's bag of tricks. A fi1Wlconjuring act on Black's part,however, illustrates the forceof a 'fKUsedPawn on the sev-enthrank.

, An interesting innovation whereby Black aims for an e,"ntual ..P-K4 rather than the eustomary ... P-QB4. Preierable is 18Q-K2.'Or 14 R-QNl. P-B7; 16 R-QRl, N-K4; 16 Q-K2, NxB; 1'1 Q:>:N,Q-Q8 mate. Or 16QxN, P-B7; 1'1R-QR2, Q-Q8 mate.,If 18 B-Q2, P-B8=Qt, and if 18K-Bl, Q-Qat and mate next.

Gruenfe'd Defense


30/94

52

BLACK TO PLAYWhite I u u J been lured intoa line advooated btI for-mer world champion, whereBlack's loss uf the Exchangeis more than outweighed b tlhis fUCelemted development.

WHITE BLACKNKBlPI(N3P-Q4B-N20-0P-MQ-R4

R-QI

I P-Q42 P-QB43 N-QB34 B-B45 P-K36 RBI7 hBP8 PxP9 Q-Q2?'~diagram910 B-B7'11 NxN

12 QJ:R13 Q-Q2

NxPQx8RxN!'B-K3N83"

B lack h as a d ecis ivepositional advantage

, 9 8--B41 or 9 Q-R4 is preferable to the text., A brilliant mistake., This exchange saeritiee completely reflrt.ell White's opening strategy.Now White's backward development will not allow of a successfuldefense. Black will continue to gain time for attaek with . R--Q1 and ..Q--R4t. The likely continuation would be 14 R--Ql, R-Q!i 15 Q-Bl,Q-R4t; 16 R-Q2, R-Q4; 17 N-K2, Ib:P; 18 N-B3. Bx"; 19 hB,RxP; 20 Q-N2, R-R6; 21 Q-N5, Q-B6; 22 Q-N2. Q-B4; 23 Q-Nl,BxP; 24 Ib:B, Q-lUt .. in a game between TolWlb and Botvinnik,Moscow, 1989.

Hungarian DefenseBUCK

P-K4N-Q838-K2

PxPPxP? 'NR30-0

WHITEI P K42 NKB33 B-B44 P'Q45 P-836 QQ5!7 BxN8 B.QBI?'

see diagram8 ....9 Q.KRS10 PxQP11 K-Ql12 NxP

NN5!p.Q4!N87tN x RP'QB3'

B la ck h as a p os itio na ladvantage

53

BLACK TO PLAYWhite strives to prevent 8.PxP, but oVeTlooka Bl4ck'ssharp retort. If 9 Q-Ql,P-B7, etc.

, This mistake should lose. Black should play 5 . , N-Ba, and if 6P-K5, N-K5 with a satisfactory game.> This abject rdreat gives Black fine attacking chances. White shouldplay 8 BxP, K:xB; 9 NxP with an excellent game.'Black has excellent chances of rescuing his Kn4rht at R8 and White'sKing is none too safe. Black has the better chances.

Irregular Defense Irregular Defense


31/94

54

BLACK TO PLAYWhite is Iwoked 1WtD. Thisis a trap 1 I O U can only plaJIonce agGimt the same 0ppo-nent. Though bflB'i lJaUy naive,it!8 worth a niche in everyplayet" 8 repertoire.

WHITE1 P-K42 N-KB33 BB44 tbP1'

see diagram

BLACKP-K4N-QB3N-Q5

45 NxBP1'6 RBI7 B-K2

Q-N4Q x PQ x K P tN-B6 mate

While has beencheckmated

, .. NxN or .. 0--0 gives White the adn.ntage.White should try 5 Bxpt and 6 0--0 with two PaWllll snd some sttaekfor the pi"",,-

WHITE1 PK42 8843 NKB34 NNS'

BLACKP-Q3NQ2'PKN3NR3'

see diagram5 B x p t6 NK6

N x B

Black's Queen is trapped

55

WHITE TO PLAYBlack has neglected to provide/01' the protection 0/ kis KB2.From 1WW on in, in order tostaR off the mate, White mustlose his Queen.

, 2 ... N-KB3 or 2 ... P-KN3 is preferable.'4 BxPt. as in the next example, is even stronger.l This costs the Queen. White already has the better game. If 4 ...N-K4; 5 B-N3, P-KR3; (\ P-Q4, PxN; 7 PxN and now 7 . PxP ismet by 8 BxPt winning the game.

Irregular Defense I,regular Defense


32/94

56

WHITE TO PLAYBlack has protected his 1 J U l . .nerable KB2 with the wrongKnight. But ha s he not fol-lowed the book advice: "Don'tmove the same piece twice inthe opening?" Remember,every rule has its exception.

WHITE1 PK42 N-KB33 B-B4see diagram4 BxPfS N-NSt6 Q-B3f7 P-Q4t8 Q-R3


BLACKP-Q3N-Q2P-KN3

K x BK-B3'KxNK-RS

'Otherwise White wins the Queen immediately by 6' N-K6.

WHITE1 P-Q42 PxP3 N-KB34 B-84'S B-Q26 B-B31'7 Q-Q2see diagram7 ....8 QxB

BLACKP-K4'

N-QB3Q-K2

Q-NSfQxPB-NS! '

BxBQ-B8W hite has b eencheckmated

57

BLACK TO PLAYWhite will soon be punished[or trying to hold on to anearly Pawn capture at a ucosts. White has only onesolace - his last move was asgood as any.

IAn unusual variation. the chief virtue of whkh is that of novelty.'The simplest method of maintaining White's advantage is by 4 N-B3,NxP; 5 P-K4:...w~"n White has a tine game with 6 N-Q5 in the offing,Or If 5 .. N-tl3. 6 B-KN5.'This is a blunder which loses outright. White still has good chanceswith 6 N-B3, e.g. 6 .. B-N5; 7 N-Q5, BxBt: 8 NxB, and besides9 NxPt. White is ready to play 9 N-QB4 with the better game. Winning immediately. Now if 7 BxB, NxB (even stronger than7 .. QxR) with threats on QB7 as wen as QRS.

King's Gambit King's Gambit


33/94

58

WHITE TO PLAYThe insecure position ofBlack's Queen Bishop is thecentral cog in White'8 com-blnation. A potent exampleof a long-range payoff ba.sedon positional maneuvering.

BLACKP-K4PXP

PKN4PN5NKB3PQ3N x PQ-K2B-N2P-KR4NxNQxQtB84'NQ2 'NB3

WHITE1 PK42 P-KB43 N-KB34 P-KR4S N-KS6 p.Q47 NQ38 BxP9 Q-K210 P-B311 N-Q212 KxN13 BxQ14 KR-KBI15 NN4see diagram16 B-Nst17 QR-Klt18 B-NS19 RxN!'

B-Q2'K-QlBx B

Wh ite w in s d e c is iv ematerial

, Best is IS ... N-BS; 14 QR-KI, B-K3! and now, though White haasome pressure, Black is still an important Pawn ahead., Even here 14... N-B3 was better to prevent White's move of U N-N4.'On 16 .. P-B3; 17 NxP, PxN; 18 BxPt. K-K2; UI BxR, RxB; 20B-No, White wins. White wins, =s. if 19 ... BxR; 20 BxBt, K-Q2; 21 R-K7t, K-QI;22 R-K5t, K-Q2; 23 RxB.

WHITE1 PK42 PKB43 N-KB34 BB4S NB!6 NKS7 PN38 Bxpt9 ().O!10 KxP11 KN2see diagram12 Q-RS!13 N.N6t

BLACKPK4PxPBK2

NKB3NxPB.RSt'P X PKBlPxPtB.N6tNxN'QK2'

White mates on his nextmove

59

WHITE TO PLAYThe culmination of White'splan is a "family" check witha Knight which wins theKing, the Queen, and theKing's Rook in one feU blou;

, The right way is 6 N-N4! followed by 7 P-Q3, and Blackshould De able to stay a safe Pawn ahead. As the play now develops,White evolves a tremendous attack.'If 11 .,. BxN; 12 NxN and White's attack should win.'If 12 BxN; 13 B-Q5, B4, or N3t. K-K2; 14 QxB mate. 13 PxN; 14 QxR mate.

I(ing's Gam"it King's Gam"it


34/94

60

WHITE TO PLAYBlack's premature attack haswon three Pawns, but White'scounterattack nets him thegame.

BLACKPK4PxPB-K2B-RStP X PPxPtB-K2?'

WHITE1 P-K42 PKB43 NKB34 BB4S P -N 3!? '6 0-07 KRlsee diagram8 BxP t9 N-KSt10 Q.N4t11 Q.BSt12 Q-QS

KxBKK3'KxNKQ3


, 6 K~Bl gives White the better game., Here Black should play 7 P~Q4! and if 8 BxP, N~KB3 or 8 PxP,B~B:l, and in both eases Black has good chances of nursing his extraPawn to eventual victory,'Or I} .. K~K!; 10 Q~R6t, P-N3; II NxP, KN-B3; 12 RxN, BxR:13 N-K5t"K-tl.2k 14 Q-B7t, K--Q3J.16 N-B4t, K-B4: 16 Q--Q5t,K-N5; 17Y-R3f, -R5: 18P-N:l, or \;l-R5 mate.

WHITE1 PK42 PK843 B-K24 PxPS P-B46 p.Q47 KBl8 BxP9 BxN?'

see diagram N-Q4!! 'Q-B3W

BLACKPK4P X PP'Q4NKB3PB3

B-NstPxPPxP!!

910 B84'Black mainlains a posilional advantage

6 1

BLACK TO PLAYHere the obvious, but hastymove, is 9 _ RxB. Blackavoids this losing move. Hisdeep conception regains thepiece with a lasting initiative.

, This is a positional blunder. White antieipates only 9 _ . RxB, when10 Q-R4t would win a piece., Black now threatens to win the Queen with 10 .. _N-K6t.'10 K-B2 ;s slightly better, though Blaek has a marked positionalsdvantage. Black is still threatening 11 __ . N-K6t as well as II _ .. Q or NxB.After II N-B3, QxB White is lost, as he is a Pawn down and hisKing is exposed: in addition, his Blaek squares are very weak.

King's Indian Defense King's Indian Defense


35/94

62

WHITE TO PLAYWhen under fire, a playermay often solve the problemof defense by simple develop-ment. Such is the case here.Black has shot his bolt; theQueen swap leaves him help-less.

WHITE BLACKNKB3PKN3BN2P'Q3p.B400PK3PxPRKlNN5BQ5t'

PxNQR5'

1 P'Q42 P.QB43 N.QB34 PK45 P-B46 P-Q57 N-B38 BK29 KPxP10 0-011 R-Kl!12 NxB'13 QxP

see diagram14 B-Q2!15 K-Sl' Qxpt

White h as a winning attack

, White has allowed the combination because he sees the flaw in it,Black was better advised to continue with 11 . B-B4, and the gamewould be about equal., But not 12 K-Bl?, Q-R5 winning, since 13 NxQ is met by 13 . NxPmate and 13 P-KN3 is followed by 13 . Q-R6 mate, And after 13QxB, NxPt wins the Queen., Black has relied on this sortie, but it is witbout sting. He recaptul eshis Pawn only to find himself in a resignable position.'Now Black finds bimself in great danger on the King file, as Whitethreatens BxN. And after 15 .. Q-Rst; 16 Q-NI, QxQt; 17 KxQWhite also has 18 N-N5 as a winning threat. The Black position ishopeless.

WHITE1 P-Q42 P-QB43 PKN34 BN25 NKB36 0-07 N-B38 PxP9 BK310 QR4?'11 NxQ12 NK5?'see diagram

BLACKN-KB3PKN3BN2P'Q30-0P-B4N-B3P X PQ.R4QxQP-N3

1213 BxR NxNB-Q2!'Black wins material

63

BLACK TO PLAYWhite, greedy to win the ex-change, overlooks the iuse.cunty of his Queen Knight.The trap was particularly de.eeptioe, based on the quietand innocent.woking 11 . P-N3.

I Better was 10 B-Q2 when White has chances of maintaining the ini-tiative of the first move.'This blunder costs two pieces for the Rook. Black was already som....what better off as a result of the White Knight's unfortunate position. And Black must win either the Knight Or the Bishop.


36/94

King's Indian Defense Nimzovich Defense


37/94

66

WHITE TO PLAYWhite will soon show the pow-er of a Rook on a partly openfile. But tke Rook wiU notmove until the final, knock-out.

WHITE1 P-Q42 P.QB43 N-QB34 P-K45 p.B36 BK37 QQ280009 B-R610 PKR411 PR512 RPxP13 BxB14 Q-R6f

se e diagram15 PK5!16 N-K417 N.N5f18 QxPf'

BLACKNKB3P-KN38-N2P'Q30-0NQB3P-QR3B-Q2QNl'P-QN4R-QlBPxPKxBK-B2PxKPNxP'K-Kl'


'Black's Queen-side attack, apparently initiated with this move, awoefully slow oompared with White's play on the opposite wmg.Mille plausible is 9 ... P-K4, fighting for his Q5 square witb a viewtowards exchanges.'This loses immediately. A better try was 16 . _ R-Rl and if 17N-N5t, K-Nl! (Not 17 . .. K-Kl; 18QxPt!)'If17 . K-Nl; 18 NxP wiru< easily., After 18 PxQ; 19 R-RSt, N-Nl; 20 RxN mates,

WHITE1 PK42 P-Q43 PxP '4 NKB35 N-B3'6 NxQ'7 NxPf8 NxR9 BK84'see diagram

BLACKN-QB3P-Q4Q x PBN5BxNBxQK-Q2axP

910 Px:P11 K-K2'12 p.K6f13 N-B714 KK3

P-K4B-NSfKN-K2PxPN-QSfN/2-84'


67

BLACK TO PLAYWhite's attempt to salvage hisKnight will lead to a bad end.At first sight it seems thatWhite is better developed, butappearances are deceptivehere,

'Either 3 P-Kfi or 3 N-QB3, PxP; , P-Q5 gives White fine ehaneeaand is preferable to the text.'And here White shoujd first play 5 B-K2 (now Black cannot win aPawn with 5 ...BxN; 6 BxB,~p because of 7 BxNt winning theQueen) and then later N-B3. As the play proceeds he wins the ex-change, but bis Knight at R8 is in great danger., Now this is necessary or White loses at least a Pawn with no com-pensation. An attempt to rescue his Knight, but 9 P-Q5 offers better chances.'And here 11 B-Q2 was absolutely necessary, though White is prob-ably already lost.'Black's minor pieces combine to produce a lively "pure" mate.

68 Nimzo-Indion Defense Nimzo-'nclion Defense


38/94

WHITE TO PLAYPositional traps are more sub-tle than combinational ones;the variations are not obI'ious,Imt elegant, based on theoreti-cal niceties. Here, White'seventual two-Bislwp edge willdominate the end-game.

WHITE BLACK1 P-Q4 NKB32 P.QB4 PK33 NQB3 BNS4 PK3 PB4S BQ3 p.Q46 NB3 007 00 QNQ28 P-QR3 PxQP?'see diagram9 NxP/S'10 PxB

11 BxP12 B-N313 BxKP'

PxNPxBPN-N3PxP

Wh ite h as a p os Hio na l1 ywon game

, Either 8 ... BxN or 8 . _. B-R4 would be preferable., This pretty move assures White of the two Bishops plus a positionaladvantage.'Black will be hard put to hold his position, e.g, 13 _ .. KN-Q4; 14B-B5, R-Kl; 15 R-Kl, B-K3; 16 N-Q4, or 13 ... B-K3; 14 BxB.PxB 15 QxQ KRxQ 16 Rl(P! 16 ... RxR; 17 BxN, KR-Rl! 18BxR: RxB; 19 N-K5, or 13 ... QN-Q4; 14 B-B5, R-~l; 15 R-Kl,RxRt; 16 QxR, P-QN3; 17 B-Q4, B-N2; 18.R-:'lI, Q-Kl; 19 B-K&.White's advantage is dear in all of these vanations.

WHITE BLACKH-KB3PK3B-NSP-B4P'Q40-0H-B3BxNPxBPQ.B2B.Q2

1 P'Q42 P-QB43 N-QB34 P-K3S BQ36 NB37 0-08 P-QR39 PxB10 BxP11 BNS12 R-Kl?'see diagram1213 NxN14 BxBIS BR4'16 KxP

NxPIPxNPxKP!PxPtQxRP'

B la ck b as a winning attack

69

BLACK TO PLAYA most innocentlooking posi-tion. Black, lwwever, by his'next nwve shows that White'sB-N5 was a mistake.

'Either 12 P-QR4! or 12 Q-K2 was indicated.'Neeessary, or White will be minus a Pawn without compensation.'Black must win as the White King is too exposed and there anthreats of 17 . _. Q-RSt and 18 .. _N-N5 and/or KR-Ql. A likelycontinuation now would be 17 B-KN5 (to prevent 17 ... Q-R5t),KR-Ql; 18Q-B3, R-Q4 and Black must win.

70 Himzo-Indion Defense Nimzo-Indion Defense 71


39/94

WHITE TO PLAYNow White has an elegantnwve in hand that winB atIeoet: a Pawn in all variaUo1l:J.The move is quiet, sharp, andprofound.

WHITE1 PQ42 PQB43 NQB34 PK35 B-Q36 NB37 008 P'QR39 PxB10 BxP11 BQ312 QB213 PxKP14 NxN15 PKB4!16 PB417 RKl18 BN2see diagram19 BK5!'

BLACKNKB3PK3BN5p.B4p.Q400NB3BxNPxBPQ.B2PK4QK2NxPQxNQK2'RKlNK5PB3'

White has a winningadvantage) 15 .. Q-R4 leads to more active cotlnterplay, e.g, 16 P-B4 (if 16P-K4, P-B5!; 17 B-K2, B-N5 18 BxB, NxB; 19 P-R3, Q-B4t:20 K-Rl N-B3 with fine 'play for Black), 16 . R-QI; 17 P-K4,B-N5; 18 R-N2, RxB; 191,]xR, B-K7; 20 Q-N3, BxR; 21 RxB, Q-N3and Black should be able to hold the ending.> Itis absolutely essential for Black to prev~nt P-K~-5, which (as sooften in the Nimzoindian Defense) would YIeldWhite an overwhelm.ing position., This neat move results in clear positional advantage ror White. Blackis advised to capture the Bishop and after 19 ... PxB; 20 BxN,P-KN3 (the Rook Pawn must be protected, for after 20 .. PxP;21 PxP! and the threats of 22 BxPt, 22 B-Q5t, and 22 BxNParemore than poor Black can manage, ann if 20 . P-KR3, White re-tains great advantage after either 21 B-Q5t followed by 22 Q-K4, oreven


40/94

7 2

BLACK TO PLAYBlack feels that fast develop-ment and dangerous attackingchances against White's unde~velQped jorees are worth thepiece.

WHITE BLACKNKB3p-){3~N5p.B4P-Q40-0NB3BxNPxBPQ-B2PK4BN5NxNQxP

1 P-Q42 P-QB43 N-QB34 P-1{35 B-Q36 NB370-08 P.QR39 PxB10 BxP11 B-Q312 Q.B213 NxP14 PxN15 PR3?'see diagram QR.Ql

NxPKHlPKN3

K x BQ-R4NxPQ-R3! '

1516 PxB'17 BxPch'18 PN319 P-QB4'20 BN221 P-B322 Q.B3

Black has positionalsuperiority

, Hen 15 P-B3, striving 1," P-K4 and 8-)[3, is cuiJWman- and eer-tainly preferable to 15 P-R3., 1 1:; B-N2 is much saler.,If17 P-KB4, Q-R4; 18P-N3, RxB Or 17 P-N3, RxB; 18QxR, Q-R4.Both variations naturally win for Black.'If 19 BxP. PxB; 20 QxP, R-KNl; 21 Q sny, Q-R4 and Black wins.'And not 22 ... N-B4; 23 K-N2! However, after 22 ... Q-R3 Blackshould win easily, e.g; 23 R-B2, N-Q8 or 23 KR-Kl, N-B4 andBlack has various threats such as 24 ... R-Q7 or 24 ... N-Q5 or24 ... NxP and he is a Pawn ahead to boot.

WHITE1 P.Q42 P-QB43 N-QB34 Q-B25 PxP6 BN57 P'QR38 QxB9 PB3?'10 BxQ11 BK7'

BLACKNKB3P-K3S-N5PB4

00NR3BxNtNxPKN-K5'NxQ

see diagram1112 BxR' NN6'KxB!'Black has all the winning

chances

BLACK TO PLAYBlack has foreseen White'ssortie with the Bishop. Hissurprise rejoinder 11 . .N-N6 gives him a positionalwin against White's best reosource.

, A weak move which saddles White with the inferior game. He fears 9...QN-K5 with possibilities of 10 . NxB Or 10 ... Q-R4t, and so heattem.,ts to prevent an incursion on his K4. He should have played9 BxN with approximate equality,, Surprising but quite good. Black remains with the better chances inthe endgame.,If11 Px~, ~xB and .White's weak Pawns should cost him the game.tf0w.Whlte IS attackmg a Rook and both Knights, yet Black's posi-tton IS preferable. The pretty point which White overlooked.'Again if 12 PxN. NxR; 13 BxR. KxB and the Black Knight escapesvia N6. In this situation, the doubled QB Pawns must lose. Now in order to avoi~ the organic Pawn weaknesses, White must play13 R-Q1, NxR; 14 KxN. After 14 ... PQ4 White has serious prob-lems developing his remnininil: pieces, and Black will threaten Wpenetrate with his Rook on the QUeen Bishop or QUei'n file. A badand probably lost game for Black.

74 Nimzo ..lndiQn Defense Norris Gambit 75


41/94

WHITE TO PLAYWhite is convinced that it is-profitable to give immediatelyand w/Wle-heartedly. TheQueen, "cast upon thewaters", is returned withmore than double profit.

WHITE1 P'Q42 P-QB43 N-QB34 P'QR35 PxB6 P-B37 PXP8 P-K39 N-K210 N-B411 B-Q312 QxB13 0014 RNl15 RxP16 PN417 P-KR418 PN519 PxNsee diagram20 Q-N6

BLACKN-KS3P-K38-N5BxNt0-0P'Q4PxPBB4QNQ2PB4BxBRKlR.QBlQ.R4NN3'PKR31'PXPPxKP'RxP

B lack cann ot av oidcheckmate

, This attempt at rounterplay i~ ill-advieed, since White not only ~.in$a Pawn by capturing on N7, but his Rook develops great activity., This merely weakens the Black King position and does no good. 16 PxP immediately w as preferable.'This attempt at counterplay fails because of the weakness of his ow nKing position, Bisek can't defend against 21 QxP mate except by 20 ... PxQ, when21 RxP, followed by 22 N-N6 is mate.

WHITE BLACKP'Q4P'QB4N-QB3PxQPPxNQR4QxNP

1 P-Q42 S-B43 PK44 N.QB35 PxP6 PxN7 P'QN4see diagram8 QQ5!'9 Q.B310 PxPt'

BK30-00

White has an overwhelmingattack WHITE TO PLAYWhite's diabolical reply toBlack's last move offers aBishop, permits his Queen to

be assailed by an e1U!myKnioht or Bishop, Despitethese drawbacks, tJ w mOllewins in ail variations.

'The soekdolager. White threatens 9 PxP followed by B-Nlit, and if9 ... P-K3; 10 PxP! anyway.'And White wins, e.g. 10 ... QxP; 11 B-QR6!, Qx.B; 12 Q-R8t,K-Q2; 13 R-Q1t.

76 PetroH Defense Philidor's Defense 77


42/94

BLACK TO PLAYHere is the setti1!g for a doub le fi-reworks display, leavingBlack with tw" Pawns for theExchange and a slight end-game edge.

WHITE1 PK42 NKB33 NxP4 NKB3S P-Q46 BQ37 a-a8 p.B49 PxP10 NB3'11 RK11

BLACKPK4NKB3P.Q3NxPP.Q4BQ3B-KNS0 0 '

PKB4NQ2

1112 KxB13 BKNS14 BxQ15 BK716 BxR17 NKS'

see diagram BxPt!?'NxPNxQ"NxN 'NxQPRxBN/2-B3Black has a positional

advantage

r Another of Marshall's trieky variations, whereby Black gambits ma-terial for attack.1And not 10 R-KI1, BxPt!; 11 KxB, NxP; 12 Q-K2, NxB; 13 QxN,BxN; 14 QxB, Q-R5t; 15 Q-R3, QxR when Blaek has won theexchange,, But now this brilliant conception is somewhat dubious, Or 13 .. , QxB; 14 NxQ, BxQ; 15 QRxB, NxR; 16 NxN and Whitehas two pieces for the Rook,, 14. , . QRxB; 15 QRxN leaves White a piece ahead. Black's Pawns are sufficient compensation for the exchange thoughthe win, if it exists, is very difficult,

WHITE1 PK42 NKB33 p.Q44 NB35 B.QB46 BxPt?'7 NNSf8 NK69 NxBP10 NxR'

see diagram1011 RBl12 Q xP13 P-B4'

BLACKP-K4P'Q3NKS3QNQ2B-K2KxBK-Nl'QKlQN3

QxPPxPNK4!N/3-NS'

White must lose his Queen

BLACK TO PLAYWhite will pay dearly [or thisRook capture, This ancientopening must behandled withthe utmost finesse by bothsides in order to avoid theabundant traps, some ofwhich boomerang,

, A te",!pting but unsound sacriftc, White calculates that he ean forcethe WIn of the Black Queen's Rook but fails to appreciate the vigorof Black's counterplay,, The only move, 7 .. , K-Kl or 7 , .. K-Bl costs the Queen after8N-K6 and 7 , , , K-N3; 8 P-KR4, P-KR4' 9 P-KB4 PxP' 10 N-K2{onowed by 11 NxBP is lethal. "'White might put up some sort of fight ,with 10 0-0, though after10 , , . R:'NI hIS two Pawns do not constitute adequate compensationfor the PIee


43/94

WHITE TO PLAYThe potency of White's con-.tinuaiionis based on the awk-ward position of the Blaek.Knight at KR3 and the vul-nerability of Black's KBf.

WHITE1 PK42 NKB33 p.Q44 BQB4S NB36 PxP7 NKNS

see diagram8 NK6!9 BxN10 Q-RSf11 BN312 R.Ql13 QxPt14 RQ315 RB316 PN417 PNS'


BLACKPK4PQ3N-Q2PQB3B-K2PXP'N-R3'PxNNN3'KSIPxB'Q-KlK-S2B-B3NQ2'KNI

, Perhaps Black should try the recapture with the Knight. slnee Wlliteobtains a positional advantage after the text., After 7 _ BxN; 8 Q-R5, P-KN3; 9 QxB or 8 ... Q-B3; 9 BxB.Q-N3; 10 Q-R4, White has the two Bishops and a minimal positionaledge. but the text is more dangerous.'Not 9 .. PxB; 10 Q-R5t, K-Bl; 11 BxP. Q-Kl; 12 QxP mate.'11 B-B3, although in Whites favor, offers better fighting chanc es,'15 ... Q-K2 is also met by 6 P-N4 winning the pinned Bishop. All Black's Bishop or Queen moves are met incisively by 18 BxPt.Now White recaptures the sacr-ificed Bishop and remains with anoverwhelming attack.

WHITE BLACKI P-K4 PK42 N-KS3 P'Q33 8-84 SK24 P'Q4 PxP'S NxP N-Q2?'see diagram6 BxPt7 NK68 NxBP9 Q-RSf'10 Q-Qst1l BNSf12 N-K6t

KxBQ-Kl'Q-QlP-N3K-83K-N2

White wins both Queenand King

WHITE TO PLAYAfter four moves Black islost; in 1W other opening doespunishment follow 8& quicklyafter a careless move as inPhilidor's Defense.

, This ceding of the center gives Black's game too passive a character., And this is a blunder. 5 ... N-KB3 and 6 ... 0-0 Was indicated., Or 7 ... KxN; 8Q-QQt, K-B3; 9 Q-B5 mate. A subtle check, the purpose of which is to deny the Black King accessto KN3., And White wins the Queeu.

80 P h ilid or' 5 Defense Philidor's Defense 8 1


44/94

WHITE TO PLAYBlack has "developed" fivepieces, while White has "de-f!eloped" only four . The word"development", Iwwever, is abadly abused word. In tki8position it's evident thatBlack has erred badly-he hasnot placed the right pieces ontn right squares.

WHITE1 PK42 NKB33 P-Q44 BB45006 QK27 R-Ql8 PxP9 N-NS

BLACKP-K4P-Q3N-Q2P-QB3B-K2KN-B3Q-B2PxP?'00s ee d ia gr am

10 BxPt AxB'11 Q-B4'

White wins detisivematerial

, 8 . QNxP is playable and gives fail' chances, e.g. 9 B--N3, B-N5.If 10... K-R1; 11N-K6 wins the exchange., White will capture the King Rook with an ea$Ywin in prospect.

BLACKPK4P'Q3NKB3NxPBK3'PxBP.Q4NB3QQ2

WHITE1 PK42 HKB33 p.Q44 PxPS B-QB4'6 BxB7 QK2'8 Q.NSt9 NQ410 QxNP?'

see diagramBNSt!NxN!!KB2QN4!!'

1011 PB3'12 QxRt'13 QxR


BLACK TO PLAYWhite threatens QxR andNxN. Black's strong retortill a demonstration 0/ spiritoveT matter.

, I) QN-Q2 or I) Q-Q5 offers a better chance for an advantage., 5 . P-QB3 is a simpler means of equalizing, but Black is not inter-ested in simplicity.'70-0 or 7 QN-Q2 gives White a good lI:ame. This time-wasting expedition is suspect., White continues his faulty plan., 11 . NxN!! is a good answer to any White 11th move., White's game is beyondredemption. 12QxB, N-B7t or 12 0-0. 0-0and Black, with an extra piece and the threat of , .. N-B7, winseasily., And White is powerless to prevent mate On his K2.

82 Philidor's Defense Pire Defense 83


45/94

WHITE TO PLAYTo cheekmate your oppo1!entwith a Pawn is a rare priv-ilege. Here, White has thechance to do so in five 1IWVCS.

WHITE1 P -K42 NKS33 P'Q44 QPxPS NNS6 N-QS3'7 PK68 PxB

BLACKPK4P-Q3

P-KB4?'BPxPp.Q4BQNSBxNt?'N-KR3'see diagram

9 Q.RSt10 BR3t11 Q.B7t12 PxN

KBI'KHlNxQ


'A premature attacking move which results in a weakening of theKing side.'Immediately 6 P-K6 is stronger than the text move and should winfor White.'This loses. Black had chances with 7 ... P-Q5; 8 N-B7, Q--B3; 9P-QR3, BxKP; 10 NxR, PxN., Otherwise 9 N-B7 wins the exchange, but 8 . Q-B3; 9 N-B7, BxPwould have been the lesser evil.'9 ... K-K2 is a little better, though White has his choice of severalwinning continuations, e.g. 10 N-B7 Or 10 NxKP (threat 11 B-N5f)Or 10 B-Rat, K-B3; 11 N-B7.

WHITE BLACKI P'Q4 NKB32 NKB3 P'Q33 N-83 B-B44 N-KR4 B-N3S NxB RPxN6 PK4 QNQ27 B-QB4 PK48 0-0 p.B39 P 'QR4 PXP10 QxP NNS11 PR3 NI2-K4!?'see diagram12 PxN? ' NB6t13 PxN Q-RS '

White cannot avoidcheckmate

BLACK TO PLAYBlack's foll01.lJing doubleKnight sacrifice is based onthe blockade of aU escape ex-its for the White King.

'~th aides. have treated the opening in an original fashion. Objee.tlvely, White probably has a theoretical advantage he has the twoBishops arid a better bold on the center, but he must be very carefulas the Rook's file and Black's Knight can be extremely dangerous. ', This loses, as does 12 B-N3, RxP; 13 P-KB4 (if 13 PxR N-B6t wins!he Queen), R-R8t; 14KxR, Q-R5t; 15 K-N1, Q-R7 m'ate. 12 B-K2IS good here. White is helpless to prevent mate at R8 and R7.

84 Polish Opening Queen's Fianchetto 85


46/94

WHITE TO PLAYAn eccentric opening leads toan eccentric position. In at-tempting to destroy IVhite'sdangerous King Bishop, Blackoverlooks the dangerousstroke which this Bishop maydeliver.

BLACKPK4PKB3BxPNQB3'

P X PKN-K2

WHITE1 PQN42 BN23 PK44 BB45 p.B46 NKR3!7 NxP

see diagram8 BxP!9 NR510 NxPt11 0012 QR5113 RxR14 RxN15 QxP16 NK8!17 NB6

NR4'RBl'NxB'KB2KNIRxB'

N-KN3PxRKRl'QK2


, Black would do better to play ~ ... KN-K2 .followed by 5 ... P-Q4.As play progresses White obtaIns nne attacking chan~el!.. ., Black wishes to drive the White Bishop off the QR2-KN8 diagonal Inorder to be able to castle, but he is in for a rude shock.'And not 8 ... NxB (8 ... PxB; 9 Q-R5t is even worse); 9 Q-R5t,K-Bl (9 .. P-N3; 10 NxP!): 10 N-Nilt, K-Nl: 11 BxN, BxB(11 PxN; 12 Q-Q5t); 12 Q-Q5 mate.'Not 12 ... PxB; 13 N-N7 mate., Forced' the Bishop is too strong . White threatened discovered cheek winning the Queen and 15 .N-K4; 16 Q-N8 wins tbe Knight., Black resigns for if 17 Q-N2; 18 Q-RSt mates.

WHITE1 P-K42 PQ43 N.QB34 NB35 B-Q36007 BxP8 NxN9 NN510 PQ5

see diagram11 PxP!12 PxBPt13 BxB14 QQ6t15 KRKlBlack must lose his Queen

01" be checkmated

BLACKPQN3'BN2PK3

NKB3p.B4PB5'NxPBxNBN3BK2BxN'KBlQxBQ-K2

WHITE TO PLAYWhite, ahead in space and de-velopment, can now penetrateBlack's King-side defenses bya weU-timed sacrificial con-tinuati&R.

, Not reeommended, as it gives White to o free a hand in the center., Now 6 PxP transposes into a form of the Sicilian, somewhat inWhite's favor. With 6 .. P-B5 Black exchanges his Queen BishopPawn tor White's King Pawn, but he loses valuable time in theprceess.'If 11 BPxP; 12 Q-B3, N-B3 (or 12 ... P-Q4: 13 NxKP!) or12 ... N-R3; 13 NxKPl and 11 .. QPxP; 12 Q-B3, N-Q2; 13 R-Q1,0-0; 14 NxKP, PxN; 15 BxPt, K-R1; 16 Q-N3 regaining the piece,and with two extra Pawns, White should win, though this is Black'sbest eh anee,

86 Queen's Gam"it Accepted Queen's Gambit Accepted 87


47/94

WHITE TO PLAYBlack expects a routine swapof Knights, Qverlooking thestrength 0/ White's next mO'vewhich threatens to win theQueen.

WHITE1 P'Q42 PQB43 NKB34 P.Q55 NB36 P-K4!7 PK5s ee d ia gr am8 BxPJ'9 PxN10 QK2f11 BB4112 R.Qlt13 B.QN5f'

BLACKp.Q4P X PP.QB4'

NKB3?'p.K3P X PP.Q5?'NB3?PxNKQ2'Q-R4N-Q5

Whit e h as a n o v erwhe lm in gattack

IA seldom seen move which generall~ transposes Into better "knownvariations if White replies with 4 P-K3. ., Here Black should play 4 .. P-,K3 with an easy game after 5 P-K4,PxP; 6 Pxp. N-KB3; 7 BxP. B-Q3.) Black is better advised to try 7 .. N-K5 and If 8 NxP, Q-R4t.although White has the better ending if he plays simply 8 NxN.P)tN; o QxQt, KxQ; 10 N-N5, B-KS; 11 NxBt, PxN; 12 BxP., Very strong. The intention is to meet 8 ... PxN with 9 BxPt. K-K2(or he loses the Queen); 10 PxNj, PxP; 11 Q-N3, Q-NS! (if 11 ..PxP; 12 0-0 with a winning attack) ; 12 0-0, QxQ; 13 BxQ andBlack's hackward development and exposed King should make Suc-cessful defense impossible, However, this variation offered betterehances than 8 . N-B3? Whieh leads to a rapid debacle., All interpositions eost a piece. Now if 13 ... K-Ql; 14 Q-K8 mates, so White wins the Queen andshould mate quickly as well.

WHITE1 P-Q42 P-QB43 N-KB34 QR4f5 N-B36 P-K47 P-Q58 P-K59 BxP10 PxN11 B-KN5s ee d ia gr am12 00-0'

Whit e g ain s d ec is iv ematerial

BLACKP-Q4PxPN-KB3

QN.Q2P-K3P-B4PxP

P-Q5?'PxNQxPQ-B3

WHITE TO PLAYBlack is sure that in White'shurry to develop all his pieces,he has overlooked his Queen.Has he?

'A serious mistake. Black should play 8 P-QN4!; 9 QxNP,R-QNl; 10 Q-R4, P-Q5; 11 PxN, PxN; 12 BxP, R-N!i! (not 12 ..PXP; 13 BxPt, KxB; 14 N-N5t with a winning attack)' 13 Q-Ql!and .though White has a dangerous initiative, Black has '~han~es 01holding the balance.'Blaek is help!ess against the threat of 13 KR-Klt. He must try12 .. QxQ (If 12 N-B3; 13 B-N5) 13 KR-Klt B-K2 (13N-K4; 14 R-Q8 mate); 14 RxBt, K-EI1 (if 14.' K-Ql;'i5Rl7xNt, K-Kl; 16 R-Q8 mate); 15 RxPt K-Nl (if 15 K-Kl'16 n-xi+, N-K4; 17 RxNt, B-K3' 18BxB pxPt 19 K X " P 'Q-N5t:20 ~-N3 mate); 16 RxNt, QxB; '17 R-Q8t, K-B'2; 18 N":K5t andWlllte recovers the Queen, remains a piece ahead, and wins very easily.

88 Queen's Gambit Accepted Queen's Gambit Accepted 89


48/94

BLACK TO PLAYWhite's Queen has reached adead end. Does this presagethe death of the Pale Lady'!

WHITE1 p.Q42 p.QB43 NQB3'4 PK35 NxP?'6 Q.B3'7 QxR8 QxPsee diagram89 P.Q5'10 P-Q6'Black wins decisivematerial

BLACKP'Q4P X PPQB3PQN4

PxNQ.B2B-N2

P-K4!BB4BxQP '

, The right move is 3 N-KB3., White combines to win the axehange only to find his Queen trappedin the finale. 5 P-QR4 would lead to the recapture of the gambitPawn with about an equal game.'White's point-s-or S(Ihe thinks. Now White becomes aware (If the danger, but it is too late. Thethreat was 9 ... N-QB3 and the Queen has no retreat. 9 P-Q5 isdesigned to prevent this.'Again the Queen has no move. And White has no defense against the twin threats (If 10 .. B-84and 10 ... N-QB3.

WHITE BLACK1 P-Q4 p.Q42 P-QB4 PxP3 NKB3 NKB34 PK3 P-K35 BxP P-B46 00 PxP7 PxP NB38 NB3 P.QR39 Q-K2 NxP?'10 NxN Qx N11 R-Ql Q-N5?'see diagram12 N-Q5' WHITE TO PLAY

Black, a Pawn plus, hopes toswap Queens, if White "I1WVeshis Queen; then simple de-velopment gi"vcs Black theedge. White's sharp coupturns the tables.

White wins decismmaterial

'9: . B-K2 or 9: P-QN4 should be played. The Pawn capture istoo risky.'Bbu:k should retire his Queen to R2, although his baekwar


49/94

WHITE TO PLAYWhite now has an opportunityto finish Black off by a cutecombination.

BLACKp.Q4PXPp.QB4

NQB3p.1(3NB3P.QR3P.QN4BN2Q-B2PxPPxP?'NIINNK2'

WHITE1 N-KB32 PB43 PK34 BliP5 P-Q46007 Q-K28 NB39 BN310 RQl11 PQ5!12 PK413 NxKP14 QxNts ee d ia gr am15 811Pt

Wh ite m ate s sh ortly

, Black should try 12 ... 0-0-0 with an exciting game in prospect.'Or 14 B-K2: 1&B-B4 and if 1&... N-Q5; 16QxN wins a piece,and 15 Q-Bl; 16 B-Q6, N-QI 17 B-Q6 is decisive. If14 ...Q-K2: 16 Q-lCB4, N-Ql: 16 R-Kl. N-K3: 17 Q-KN4. P-B5; 18B-N5! Q-B2; 19 RxNt, PxR: 20 QxPt, B-K2: 21 R-Kl, winningeasily.'After 1&... KxB: 16 N-N5t, K-KI (if 16 .' . K-Nl; or HI K-B3: 17 Q-K6 mates): 17 Q-K7, Black cannot prevent the mateat KB7.

WHITE1 p.Q42 PQB43 NKB34 BNS5 NB36 PK47 PK58 QR4t9 0-0-010 NK4

1 1 P x N12 BR413 KNl'14 QxNP15 NxQP16 Q-N317 Q.B218 QxPs ee d ia gr am19 BQNS"

BLACKP-Q4PK3

NKB3aN5tPIPp.B4PIPNB3BQ2BK2PIPQRBlP-N4'PB6P-QR3'NR4PIPBB3

In th e m yr ia d v aria tio nse ns uin g, Wh ite will alwaysma in ta in supe ri or it y

WHITE TO PLAYIt appears that Black hasthe more potent threats be-cause of White's undefendedQueen's R()(}k. Rut White isadvantageously prepared tosacrifice a piece.

'An interesting and well.known posmon where the chances havealways been assessed as roughly equal; Black's strong Pawns areabout an equivalent for the extra piece.'13 ... N-R4; 14 Q-B2, P-K4! also gives about equal ehances,'And not 15 ... NxN; 16 RxN, BxQ; 17 BxBt, K-Bl; 18RxQt andWhite should win. Also 15 ... N-N5; 16 QxN!, BXQ' 17 NxPt,K-Bl; 18 N-B2! is in White's favor. ' This fine move finally sets off White's advantage. Now 19 ... BxB'20 NxB and 21 N (5)-Q6t wi\] be murderous. Or 19 .. '. PxB; 20NxB, foilowed by 21 NxB and 22 BxP(t), is equally lethal.


50/94


51/94


52/94

98 Queen's Indian DefenseBLACKWHITE

Queen's Indian DefenseWHITE

9 9


53/94

WHITE TO PLAYWiUy-nilly, the Black KingwiU undergo a long journey,but in any case he will survivelonger than the White Queen.

NKB3P.QN3'PK3BN5NK5NxNBxptKBl'NB3

1 p.Q42 p.QB43 N-QB34 PK45 PK56 Q-N4'7 PxN8 KQl9 RN!see diagram10 BR3t11 RN312 QxPt'13 RN3t14 e-ar+15 BK2t16 R-R3

KNl'BxPK x QKR3KR4'KR5


, The imme.tlate fianch

1 P-Q42 NKB33 P-KN34 BN25006 PB47 N-B38 Q-B29 RQl10 PK4

11 PXP12 B-N5see diagram13 BxN14 BR315 R-Q616 QR.Q!17 Q-Q218 RxB!

Wh ite w in s d e< ;is iv ematerial

BLACKNKB3P.QN3BN2PN3'BN20-0P-Q3

QN-Q2RKlPK4PXPPB3'BxBRK2'Q-B2RQlBBl

WHITE TO PLAYNQ'WBlack's attempt to retainthe "strong point" center willbe repulsed because 0/ thefatal position of hi8 Knights.

, The double fianchetto seldom works well tor BlaCK,who Is unable toget his fair share of the central squares Or files. Better is simply4 - P-K3.> Otherwise White will occupy Q~ with his Knight, but now the Bishopat QN2 makes a sad lmpresslon ; moreover, White has a strong seriesof moves. Comparatively beat was 12 .. . Q-K2., No better was 14 B-Bl; 15 R-Q6. Q-B2; 16 QR-Ql! (but not16 BxN. BxB; 17 RxB/6, K-N2!); 16 ... R-K2 or 16 ... R-QI;17 QR-Ql winning a piece.'White win$ a piece and the game.

1 0 0 Queen's Inclian Defense Queen's' Indian DefenseWHITE BLACK

1 0 1


54/94

BLACK TO PLAYWhite's Pawn [roni. h ag animposing air, but Blackshows up its ballie weakness.

WHITE1 P'Q42 P .QB43 PKB3?4 P'Q5'5 NQ26 PK4?'7 BPxPsee diagram

BLACKNKB3P.QN3PK3B.NSf

00PxP

78 PxN9 KK2'10 K-B3

NxKPQ-R5tB.R3tPK84

White will be checkmatedin a few moves or lose

h is Q ue en

, .. P-K4 is quite good for White here, as ..... NxP is unsound. Whiteshould plan on playing P-Q5 in answer to a Black ... P-QB4.'Now this allows a sound sacrifice. 6 Q-N3 was preferable.'9 P-N3, QxKPt wins the King Rook, Black threatens 11 ... Pxpt as well as 11 ... Q-Nfit winning theQueen. White is helpless.

1 P -Q42 P-QB43 NKB34 PKN35 B-N26 PQ57 NR48 NQB39 NxP10 8xN11 NB5!

see diagram12 BxB13 QQ5!'

Wh ite g ain s d e < :is iv ematerial

NKB3p.K3PQN3BN2PB4PxPp.Q3Q.Q2NxNBK2'00QxB WHITE TO PLAY

Black will lose because of theinsecure position of his QueenRook. Can you see why?

I A serious mistake. 10 ... N-B3 should be played and though Whitehas some advantage, there is no forced win. ', If 13 ... QxQ; 14 ~xBt. K-R1: 15 NxQ, and if 13 ... N-B3: aNxBt (or 14 QxN) wms a piece.


55/94

104 Queen Pawn GameWHITE BLACK

Ruy LopezWHITE BLACK

105


56/94

WHITE TO PLAYIf White tokes the QueenPawn he has no more than aneven game, But by capturingsome other Pawn (whichone?) he wins the game,

1 P-Q42 N-KB33 PK34 P-B3S BQ36 QN-Q270-08 RKl9 P-K410 NxP11 BxN

P-Q4N-KB3PB4PK3B.Q3QNQ200RKlQPxPNxNPxPse e diagram

12 BxPt' KxB13 N-NSt KN314 P-KR4 R-RlIS Rxpt' NB316 PRSt KR317 RxB Q.R418 NxPt KR219 NNSt KHl20 Q-N3t'

Black can' t avoid mate

, This sacrifice is standard in positions of tbill type.This second sacrifice, which cannot be accepted, is the key to ~heBlack King position. If 15 . PxR; 16 P-R5t, RxP; 17Q-Q3t, K- 3;IS Q-B3t, K-N3; (IS ... K-K4; 19 Q-K4t, K-B3; 20 QxKP mate.)Ht Q-B7t, K-R3; 20 NxPt, K-R2; 21 QxP mate.'And mates shortly.

1 PK42 NKB33 BNS4 P-Q4S QxP6 BxN7 N-QB38 B-NS900-010 PKR4

PK4NQB3P-Q3PxPB-Q2BxB

NKB3B-K200P-KR3see diagram11 N-QS! hB'12 NxBt QxN13 PxP NxP14 RRS QK3IS QR.Rl p.B416 N-KS!' PxN'17 PN6'

White forces mate

WHITE TO PLAYWhite's Queen Bishop is at-tacked. Should he retreat it,or capture Black's Knight?Or is there stiU arwther con-tinuation?

, The acceptance of the sacrifice meets with a subtle refutation. Blackshould play 11. .. BxN and 12 ... R-Kl with fair chances for equality .'Wins, for 16 . QxN: 17 QxQ, PxQ: IS P-N6 and mate at RScannot be averted.'Or 16 .. P-KN3; 17 R-RSt, K-N2: 18 R(l)-R7 mate., Now 17 ... QxP; 18 Q-B4t and when Black interposes on B2, Whiteplays R-RS mate.

106 Ruy LopezWHITE BLACK


1 0 7


57/94

WHITE TO PLAYBlack's last move avoided theaccelerated reply by White,9 NxP, but White h a an in-1Wcent-looking maneuver inreserve.

1 P -K42 N-KB33 B-N54 B-R45 P-Q46 B-N37 NxN8 P-QB3see diagram9 P-QR4!10 PxP11 Q-R5"

P-K4N-QB3P-QR3P-Q3P-QN4NxPP x NP-Q6? 'B-Q2?'PxP? 'Resigns

Black will be checkmatedor lose decisive material

IEither 8 _ .. B-N2 or 8 ... pxp ;3 preferabl

see diagram910 Q-any

P-B4P-B5Black has won a piece BLACK TO PLAY

White dominates the center,but Black's Queen-side Pawnsspring to life.

I IfWhite intends to play P--Q4, he should preface it with 6 BxNt,PxB; 7 P--Q4.'And if White suspected the danger, he could still play 7 PXP withabout an even game.lWhite's last chance to avoid toslng a pioc

108 Ruy Lopez Ruy LopezWHITE BLACK WHITE BLACK

109


58/94

WHITE TO PLAYWhite wiU lose if he capturesthe Queen's Pawn, so he of-fers another Pawn instead;its capture, which can hardlybe avoided, loses for Bfuck.

1 P-K4 P-K4 1 P-K4 PK42 NKB] N-QB3 2 N-KB3 N-QB33 BN5 P-QR3 3 B-N5 P-QR34 BR4 N-B3 4 BR4 NB35 00 PQ3 5 PQ3 P-Q36 R-Kl P-QN4 6 PB3 B-K27 B-N3 N-QR4 7 QN-Q2 ().O8 p.Q4 PXP' 8 N-Bt P-QN4see diagram 9 BB2 NKR49 PK5 PXP 10 NxP?'10 NxKP BK3' see diagram11 NxP KxN 10 NxN12 BxBt' 11 QxN 8N5'White gains overwhelming White's Queen is lostmaterial

1 This loses. Black should try 8 ... NxB; 9 PxN, B-N2 or 9: .. N-Q2,and though White has somewhat better play, there are still chancesfor both sides.'There is no better defense to the threat of 11 N-B6t and 11 NxP., Black must play 12 ... K-Kl when 13 B-~5t leaves White the ex-change and a Pawn ahead with an easy won. IfBlack attempts toavoid this by 12 K-N3 he will be mated as follows: 13 Q-Q3t,N-K5 (or 13 K-R4; 14 Q-R3t and 15 Q-B5 mate); 14 QxNt,K-Ba; 15 Q-R4t, K-N3; 16 Q-N4t, K-B3; 17 Q-N5 mate.

BLACK TO PLAYNow follows a drama inthree acts. 1. White wins aPawn. 2. Greed cometh be-tore a. faU. 3. The trapper istrapped.

1 Until now Whit" has adopted a mode of play favored by WilhelmSteinitz. This move is a blunder. Instead, he should play 10 N-N3with a good position.'And the White Queen is trapped. Black has looked ahead One movefurther than White.

1 1 0 Ruy LopezWHITE BLACK


1 1 1


59/94

WHITE TO PLAYBlack's last move was a . mis-take which permits White towin a Pawn. Black, anxiousto regain the Pawn, loses to azwischenzug (intermediarymove) 10 BxP.

1 PK42 NKB33 BN54 BxN5 NP36 PQ37 PKR38 BK3

PK4N-QB3P.QR3QPxBPB3BKN5BR4Q.Q2? '

see diagram9 NxP BxQ'10 NxQ BxP?'11 NxB KxN12 K-Q2White remains a piece tothe good

, Careless play which loses a Pawn. 8 ... B-Q3 gives Black a satis-factory position.'9 ... PxN; 10 QxBt is even WOrsefor Blaek., And here Black should play HI , .. KxN O r 10 ... B-R4, fec

1 P K42 N-KB33 BN54 p.Q45 NB360-07 RKl8 BxN9 PxP10 QXQ11 NxP12 NxB

P-K4N-QB3P.Q3B.Q2N-B3B-K2O-O? 'BxBPxPQRxQ'BxP'NxNsee diagram13 NQ3' P-KB4

14 PKB3 BB4t15 NxB NxN16 BN5 R-Q4 '17 BK7 R-Kl18 P-QB4 RxB'19 RxRWhite wins at least theExchange

WHITE TO PLAYAt first sight it seems thatBlack has weathered the open-ing storm. But White has afitud winning coup.

, This loses at least a Pawn; Black outcombines himself.'10 ... KRxQ is no better, e.g, II NxP, BxP; 12 NxB, NxN; 13 N-Q3,P-KB4; 14 P-KB3, B-B4t; 15 K-Bl, R-KBI (to meet 16 PxN with16 ... PxPt regaining the Knight): 16 K-K2, B-N3; 17 PxN, PxP:18 N-B4, P-N4; 19 N-R3, P-N5: 20 N-B4 and White is a pieceahead.J Not 11 ... NxP?; 12 NxB, NxN; 13 NxBt, K-Rl; 14 PltN, Black hoped for 13 RxN?, R-Q8t and mate.'Or 16 ... QR-Kl; 17 B-K7 wins the exchange.'If the other Rook moves, White has 19 BxN. Now White is the ex-change ahead with a simple win in prospect,

1 1 2 Ruy LopezBLACKPK4

WHITE1 PK4

Ruy LopezWHITE

1 P K4BLACK

PK41 1 3


60/94

BLACK TO PLAYWhite has won the Exchange,but his backward developmentand the absence of his Queenfrom the battleground wiU de-stroy him.

NQB3PQR3NB3P .QN4BK200P.Q4!l'NxPNB5NxN

2 NKB33 BN54 BR45 Q.K26 B-N37 PB38009 PxP10 N xP11 Q-K412 QxR1 'see diagram1213 B-Ql'14 QxP15 RKl16 BxQ'

Q-Q6BKR6BxPQ.B6

NxBWhite has beencheckmated

I This sacrifice oIfen Black excellent attacking chances at the expenseof a Pawn. I t is more important for White to free his game at this time than toplay for material gain. Correct is 12 P-Q4!, Necessary, as Black was threatening 13 ... N-K7t: 14 K-RI, N-N6t:15 RPxN, QJ


61/94

WHITE TO PLAYBlaek's two Bishops a:remoreth a n com p en .w ted for byWhite's comma n d of theQueen Rook file. Besides,Blaek has developed thewrong Bishop.

PK4N-QB3PQR3NB3PQ3PQN4N.QR4B-NS'NxB'P X P

1 PK42 NKB33 B-NS4 B-R4S 0-06 Q-K27 B-N38 P-Q49 PxP10 RPxNsee diagram11 RxP'White wins material andmaintains awinning attack

'Better is 8 .. NxB; 9 RpxN, N-Q2; 10 R-Ql, P-KB~; 11 N-1!J3,B-NZ and Black is somewhat cramped, but his posltion remaInSdefens il e.'This loses, as does 9 ... PxP; 10 BxPt, KxB; 11Nxpt and 12 NJI'B.Black had to try 9 .. BxN; 10 QJ


62/94

1 1 8 luy LopezWHITE BLACK


1 PK4 PK4

1 1 9


63/94

BLACK TO PLAYWhite has played the openingoorelessly, and he wiU paydearly for the Pawn ahead,because all Black's forces areprepared to annihilate theenemy.

1 PK42 NKB33 BN54 BR45 006 p.Q47 BN38 PxP9 PB310 QQ311 PxP12 BxP?'13 BxBt14 QK2'15 BK3'

PK4NQB3PQR3NB3NxPP.QN4p.Q4BK3

B-QB4P-B3QxP000QxBKRKl

1516 RxN17 QxQ

see diagram NxKBPQ x BRQ8t'

While will be checkmatedin three moves

'This eapture involves White in great difficulties. More discreet Is12 QN-Q2 with a goodgame for White., 14 Q-B2 is better, as White could then continue with 15 B-K3 whichwould give him some defensiv .. chances.'White is lost, for if 15 QN-Q2. NxKBP; 16 QxQt, RxQ; and if 17RxN, R-K7; 18N-Q4, NxN!After 18 N-Kl, RxNt; 19 R-Bl, BxQt; 20 K-Rl, RxR is mate.

2 NKB3 N-QB33 B-N5 P-QR34 B-R4 NB35 ()..O NxP6 P-Q4 P-QN47 8M3 p.Q48 PxP 8K39 p.B3 8K210 BK3 0-011 QNQ2 p.B4'12 PxP e.p_ NxP1313 NN5 BKB4'see diagram14 QNK415 Q x P t16 Q-N8t17 NB7


NxNKRl'RxQ

WHITE TO PLAYBlack has oompleted his devel-opment, and there seem to beno weak spots in his position,but White is ready to unleasha winning attack.

'A better line is 11 .. B-KNII' 12 NxN PIN 13 Q-Q5 QxQ' 14BxQ, PxN; 15 BxN" PxP; 16 KxP, QR-Ql: 1 7 P-QR4, P - N 5 'andBlaek should drsw Wlthout much difficulty.'0.. 13: B-KN5; 14 P-B3 followed by 16 QN-K4! Howenr 13 B-B2 LS lI(Imewhat better than the text. ''T.his all~ a forced mate but 15 . QxQ; 16 BxQt, K-RI; 17 NxN gIVes WhIte an extra Pawn in a superior position.The smothered mate seeres again


64/94

1 2 2 Ruy lopezBLACK

PK4WHITE


1 23


65/94

WHITE TO PLAYThe Black King is in a 8trai t-jacket, and only one convul-sive gugp is permitted him.

N-QB3P-QR3N-B3NxPP-QN4N-K2? 'N-B4PxB

1 P-K42 N-KB33 B-N54 B-R45 0-06 P-Q47 P-Q58 R-Kl9 NxPsee diagram10 Q-B3 P-KB311 Q-R5t P-N312 NxNP'Black wil l be checkmatedor Jose overwhelming

material

, B 1 a< : k should play" .. PxB; 8 PxN, P-Q3 with a good game. NaturaUy if 12 ... PxN; 13 QxP mate. Black is unable to stavt: of tmaw.

1 P-K42 NKB33 B-NS4 NxN5 B-84'6 PKS7 B-N38 P-KB3'900'10 PxB

p.K4NQB3N-Q5PxNN-B3P-Q4B-KN5NK5!P'Q6

see diagram10 .... B-B4t11 KRl NN6t12 PxN Q-N413 RBS' P-KR414 PxRP ' QxR15 PN4' RxPt16 PxR QK517 Q.B3' Q-R5t18 Q-R3 Q-K8t19 K-R2 BNSt20 K-RI B-B7t21 K-R2 Q-NS


BLACK TO PLAYW!tite I u L 8 nothing better tham.to capture the Bishop, whichappears to have slowed downBlack's attack. But Black'selegant offer of another pielleforces chukmate.

, Preft:rablt: at thi8 point 1$ Ii 0-0.'It looks as though White is winning a piece.'Not 9 PxB, Q-Blit; 10 K-K2 (10 P-N3, NxNP also wina tor Blaek)10 ... Q-B7t; 11K-Q3, N-B4 mate. Blaek threatened 13 ... Q-R3 mate.N


66/94

BLACK TO PLAy.... . ..White has grabbed a Pa.wnand threatens BlMk's vulner-able King Bishop. BlMk dis-regards the threat with fatalconsequences to the Whiteforces.

N-QB3N-QSBB4

2 N-KB33 BNS4 B-B4'S NxP?'see diagramS6 NxBP'7 RBl'8 B-K2

Q-N4 'QxPQxKptNB6


'Weak. White should play 4.NxN, hN; s 0-0.> Either Ii NIN or Ii 0-0 would give White a good pme. The ten, ~:. elever move, which attacks the Knight and King Knight Pawn,wins. Or 6 P-KB4., QxNP: '1 R-Bl, QxKPt; ~ K-B2, N-B~t or 6 N-Nol,P-Q4.1 attacking the Bishop and uncovermg on the Knlg~ ~robabl~White's best chance was 6 Dxpt, K-K2; '1 0-0, althou"" e wouhave to play with a piece down.If'1 NIR, QxRt; 8 B-Bl, Qxpt; 9 B-K2, NxPt; 10 K-Dl, Q-RBmate,

2 NKB33 p.Q44 NxP5 NQB36 BKN5f

N-QB3PxPKNK2'PKN3?'BN2'see diagram7 N-QS'

White wins decisivematerial, or Blackis checkmated

WHITE TO PLAYIn this innocent looking posi-tion, White wins by foree.Thecontinuation includes a varia-tion Wherein White sacrificeshis Queen.

, Thi$ i$ inferior, Either .... , N-B3 or .. , .. B-B .. aYe_ended,le$ding to easy equality.And this move, severely weakening the Black squares on the Kin!!:.side, is definitely bad. Preferable was Ii.,.NxN; 6 QxN, N-B3 witha playable game.I There i8 no effective answer to the threat of '1 N-Q5, e.g. 6 . , .P-KR3; '1 N-Q5, PxB; 8N-B6 mate. Winning. The main point is that 7 , BxN Can be met by 8 QlI:B,and if 8 ... NxQ; 9 N-B6t. K-Dl; 10B-R6 mate.

1 2 6 Scotch Gambi'WHITE

1 PK4BLACKPK4

Sicilian DefenseWHITE BLACK

1 PK4 p.QB4

1 2 7


67/94

WHITE TO PLAYHere, the olroious 1!QxP fai!8became of 12 BxBt. SoWhite gets rid of the Bishopby giving up a Rook for it.This leaves Black without re-source.

2 NKB33 P-Q44 NxP5 QxN6 NB37 BKB48 o-oo9 PK510 QxKP11 BNstsee diagram12 RxB13 QxNP14 BxP

NQB3PxPNxN?'P-Q3NB3BK3B-K2P X PB.Q3N.Q2'PxR

R-KB1'

White wins overwhelmingmaterial

'This exchange mel'(!ly facilitates White's development. Either" ..N-B.~ Or 4 . B-84 is good., This loses by fone. Black had to play 11 ... K-Bl.'If13 ... K-K2; 14 B--N5t wins. Blaek bas no effective defense against 15 QIR mate.

2 N-KB3 N.QB33 p.Q4 PxP4 NxP PKN35 N-QB3 B-N26 BK3 NB37 8-QB4 P-QR38 o.o P.Q39 KRl B-Q210 BN3 P-QN411 P 'Q R3 R-QBl

s e e d i ag ram12 N-Q5!13 NxNPf14 BxN15 NxPf'

NxP?'NB4'PxB

White will gain dedsivemateria l

WHITE TO PLAYBy abandoning material,W kite conceives an elegantmaneuver which wins in allvariations.

, Blaek nibbles at the hook. 12 .. 0-0or 12. __KNxN was playable.'If13 ... PxN; 14 B-N6, R-B2; 15 NIRt, K-Bl; 16 N-K6t wins theQueen.)Very Pl'(!tty. The Knight at K7 cannot be eaptured without materialloss for Black, e.g. 16 ... QxN: 16 R-KI. B-1I:3 (if Black interposesat K4, then 17 N-Q6t, 18 NIR and 19 P-KB4 and White has wonthe exchauge in a highly favorable position): 17 N-Q6t and wins: if17 ... K-Bl; 18 NxR and if 17 _ .. K-Ql; 18 NxBPf, K-B2; 19RxB!, QxN (other Queen moves can be met by 20 NxR); 20 RxNtwins the Queen.If15 _ .. NxN: 16 N-Q6t, K-Bl; 17 NIP, Q-B2; 18NxR, BxN;19 Q-B3t, N-84 (not 19 , . , B-B4; 20 P-N4. Now if 20 P-N4!,B-QB3 breaks the pin); 20 Q-Q5 with Rook and two Pawns and astrong attack against the vulnerable King for the two pieces, e.g.20 , . , P-B5; 21 BxP or 20 .. , N-R3; 21 QR-Ql.Finally, if 15. _. KxN; 16 Q-QGt, K-Kl: 17 KR-Klt, B--K3 (ifBlack interposes at K4 with Knight or Bishop, White _plays RxNt[or Bishop] and wins the King Rook with check) ; 18RxBt and wins,for if 18. _ , PxR; 19 QxPt, N-K2; 20 N-QGf Or 18 . N-K2; 19QR-Kl.Probably beat is 15 ... hN: 16 NxR, BIN, but then White has17 Q-K2f followed by 18 QxNP and White has somewhat the betterchances,


68/94

1 30 Sicilian DefenseBLACKP-QB4

WHITE1PK4

Sicilian DefenseBLACKp.QB4

WHITE1 PK4

1 3 1


69/94

BLACK TO PLAYWhite is unaware that hislast move has enormously in-creased the power of Black'sQueen. Black starts his com-bination by sacrificing theExchange,

NQB3P X PNB3P-Q3PKN3BN200P.QR3BK3NxNQ-R4QR.B lRB5NN5

2 NKB33 p.Q44 NxP5 N-QB36 BK27008 BK39 NNl10 PQR411 NQ412 BxN13 p.B414 BB315 RKl '16 NK2?'see diagram1617 NxR18 QxQ19 K-Rl '

RxBQxRtBxNtH-B7t'

B la ck w i ns o ve rwhelmi ngmaterial

, 15 K-Rl holds th

N-QB3PxPNB3P-Q3PKlBK20-0Q-R4BxB

2 N-KB33 P-Q44 NxP5 N-QS36 BKN57 Q-Q2800-09 N/4-N5'10 BxN11 QxP?'see diagram

PQR3BN4tR-QlRxRtQQ7!'

1112 NR3'13 K-Hl'14 Q - - H 315 NxR

White cann ot av oidche

8/6/2019 Al Horowitz - New Traps

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Al Horowitz - New Traps in the Chess Opening