• Author / Uploaded
• jold

Citation preview

issue 14

MODERN CHESS MAGAZINE Master the Grunfeld Structure Part 5

Endgame Series Part 14

The Art

of Analysis

Crisis Along the Big Diagonal Methods of Playing in Positions with

Carlsbad Structure Part 1

CONTENTS 3

Methods of Playing in Positions with Carlsbad Structure - Part 1  (GM Grigor Grigorov)

3 4 12 16 19 23

Introduction Matelin Pavel (2587) - Debashis Das(2400) / Commenwealth 2010 (4) 12.05.2010 Onischuk,Alexander (2667) - Dominguez Perez,Leinier (2757) / FIDE World Cup (2.2) 15.08.2013 Bagirov,Rufat (2487) - Novikov,Maxim (2519) / Tula Kotov Memorial (2) 01.07.2007 Arkell,Keith C (2474) - Croad,Nicholas (2288) / BCF-chT2 0910 (4NCL) (9) 01.05.2010 Tests 1 - 5

26 26 30 32 35

38 38 39

49 49 50 51 53 54 55 57 60 62 63 64 66 68

71 71 74 77 78 79 80 83 84

Master the Grunfeld Structure - Part 5 (GM Mihail Marin) Martynov,Pavel - Ivanchuk,Vassily / SochiJ-A 1986 Kapnisis,Spyridon (2412) - Marin,Mihail (2556) / EU-ch 9th Plovdiv (3) 23.04.2008 Marin,Mihail (2525) - Navrotescu,Catalin (2370) / Buzias 1991 Test 1 - 5

The Art of Analysis (GM John van der Wiel) Introduction, Theoretical Overview Exercise 1 - 4 / Questions & Answers

Crisis Along the Big Diagonal (GM Nikolai Ninov) Bukhovsky, Anatoly / examples / Belgrade 1963 Ljubojevic,Ljubomir - Gonda,Gentaro / Skopje ol (Men) qual-B (5) 23.09.1972 Damjanovic,Mato - Langeweg,Kick / Hoogovens 28th (1) 12.01.1966 Bryn,Askild (2019) - Kuipers,Stefan (2431) / Gibraltar Masters 11th (2)  23.01.2013 Georgiev,Krum (2430) - Heydarli,Kanan Beyukkishi Og (2213) Thessaloniki op (6) 09.04.2010 Georgiev,Krum (2530) - Ipsarides,Herodotos (2110) / Limassol 10.1997 Georgiev,Krum (2461) - Van Elst,Andreas / FRA-chT2C 0506 (1.1) 16.10.2005 Filipowicz,Andrzej (2375) - Adamski,Jan (2365) / POL-chT Mikolajki (7) 1991 Leveille,Francois (2360) - Saint Amand,Paul (2225) / Montreal op (5) 1995 Tkachiev,Vladislav (2455) - Watson,William N (2550) / Lloyds Bank op 17th (7) 1993 Yordanov,Nikolay (2146) - Petkov,Vladimir (2475) / BUL-chT Sunny Beach (4) 29.09.2005 Carmaciu,Lucian (2429) - Catalin Chircu,Vadim (2200) / Cap Aurora FISCA op (8) 27.06.2014 Tests

Endgame Series - Part 14 (GM Davorin Kuljasevic) Shouldering 1 - 3 Cornering 1 - 2 Cutting off 1 - 2 Restricting rook's movement Restricting bishop's movement Restricting light pieces Kuljasevic,Davorin (2591) - Weiss,C (2409) / TCh-AUT 1st Bundesliga 2013-14 (2.2) Gulko,Boris F (2490) - Kremenietsky,Anatoly M (2395) Moscow-ch 61st

Modern Chess Magazine

3

the beginning, I would like to provide you with some basic considerations concerning the structure. The most important positional factor in the position is the absence of open files. As the reader can see, there are two semi-open files - "c" and "e". Usually, White exercises pressure along the c-file, while Black tries to make use of the e-file. When analyzing the structure from a "classical" perspective, we can say that White's long-term is to play on the kingside whereas Black should look for counter-chances on the other side of the board. At this point, I insist on the word "classical" because, in the current series of articles, we are going to see that in many positions White plays in the center and on the kingside while Black goes for Introduction active actions on the queenside. In the Dear Reader, current article, I will focus on White's plan We are about to start dealing with one of to play on the queenside and on Black's the most popular and important pawn structures -Carlsbad. Among the openings positional ways to fight against it. In this out of which Carlsbad is likely to arise are structure, White playing on the queenside by executing the so-called Queen's Gambit, Nimzoindian Defence, Grunfeld Defence, Semi-Slav, Caro -Kann. "minority attack" (three white pawns attack four black pawns). The final Before I start explaining the structure in objective of the minority attack is to create detail, I would like to give a weak pawn on "c6". To achieve this the reader a visual example concerning the goal, White plays b2-b4-b5 followed by Carlsbad. A typical Carlsbad bxc6. In such a case, White will put position arises after the moves 1.d4 d5 strong pressure on the weaknesses on 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 "a7" and "c6". To avoid such scenario, c6 6.e3 This is the so-called Carlsbad Black usually meets the move b2-b4 variation of the Queen's Gambit through a7-a6. In this way, he forces Declined (QGD). This variation became White to prepare b4-b5 with a2-a4. As a popular during the strong tournament result, when White finally goes for the b4which was held in Carlsbad in 1929. Since b5 break, Black will get rid of his then, theoreticians introduced the name potentially weak a-pawn by playing axb5. "Carlsbad structure." For more than 80 In this case, only the c6-pawn will be years, this structure has undergone serious weak. Now, we are going to take a look at developments. Nevertheless, some general a game in which White managed to positional concepts remain unchanged. In execute his plan flawlessly. www.modern-chess.com

Methods of Playing in Positions with Carlsbad Structure - Part 1

Modern Chess Magazine

Matelin Pavel 2587 Debashis Das 2400 Commenwealth 2010 (4) 12.05.2010 After the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.cxd5 exd5 7.e3 Be7 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8.Qc2 , the game reached the most standard version of the Carlsbad structure. It is important to understand the point behind White's last move. In Carlsbad structure, it is essential to take the b1-h7 diagonal under control by playing Qc2 and Bd3. In this way, White connects his rooks and makes difficult for Black to execute his typical idea to play ...Ne4 in a suitable moment. [ Much more popular is 8.Bd3 Nevertheless, this move gives Black an additional option. Instead of the normal 8...0-0, he can opt for Ne4 Of course, from a theoretical point of view, White keeps a slight edge, but sometimes it makes sense to reduce the number of options for your opponent. ] 8...Nf8 This move introduces one of Black's most classical plans in Carlsbad

4

positions. It is evident that the c8-bishop is quite a problematic piece in this structure. That is why Black is always interested in exchanging the lightsquared bishops (as we are going to see later, Black is also ready to exchange that bishop for one of White's knights). Since White will develop his light-squared bishop on d3, Black's last move prepares the exchange via the f5square. To achieve it, Black goes for the maneuver Nf8-e6 followed by g7-g6, Ng7, and Bf5. After the eventual exchange of the bishops, Black's knight will occupy the f5-square, from where it will go to the ideal d6-square. At this point, we should mention the d6 is the perfect square for Black's knight in the Carlsbad structure. From there, the knight now only makes difficult for White to carry out the thematic b4-b5 advance, but at the same time, it can occupy the e4square at any moment. Despite it's strategical soundness, however, Black's plan is time-consuming. White has enough time to realize all the desired ideas in the position. 9.Bd3 Ne6 10.Bh4 In some cases, the exchange of the dark-squared bishop for the f6knight makes sense because it deflects Black's bishop from the important a3-f8 diagonal. Under such circumstances, the advance b2-b4 becomes easier. On the other hand, giving away the pair of bishops implies a considerable positional risk. If Black manages to open the position using the advance c6-c5 executed in the suitable moment, the pair of bishops might tell. g6 11.0-0 0-0 12.Rab1 This is the best way to prepare the advance b2-b4-b5. After White opens the b-file by means of b5xc6, the

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

5

the c-file. Of course, to transform his positional advantage in something significant, White has a lot of work to do. It goes without saying that one weakness is never enough to win the game. The strong side needs two weaknesses as a minimum. Even though Black can objectively hold the position, a lot of precision is required from him. When you are the one who is pushing in such kind of positions, your primary concern should be to eliminate even the slightest hope for counterplay. That is why we should always pay attention to the resources of our opponent. How can Black further improve his position? The most obvious way to generate some activity is to play 20...Ra3 followed by Qa5 and eventually c6-c5, thus making use of the somewhat vulnerable position of the c3-knight. That a b c d e f g h is why GM Maletin went for 20.Ne2! With 8 8 this precise move, White not only 7 7 prevents Black from playing 20...Ra3, but 6 6 at the same time he clears the c-file for the rook. It is clear that the pressure of 5 5 White's major pieces will not be enough 4 4 to capture the c-pawn. Somehow, White should find a way to bring his knights into 3 3 the attack of the weak c6-pawn. There is 2 2 a typical maneuver allowing to achieve 1 1 this idea -Ne2-f4-d3-e5 (b4). Qd7 a b c d e f g h 21.Rfc1 Nd6 22.Nd2! Another important prophylactic move which shows that The moment has come to draw some Maletin always keeps an eye on the conclusions concerning the strategy of resources of his opponent. By playing both sides. Black has managed to 21...Nd6, Black wanted to occupy the execute the favorable exchange of the weakened c4-square. Rab8?! I think that light-squared bishops, and now his this move is an inaccuracy. In general, knight is about to occupy the desired d6when your opponent has long-term square. Nevertheless, meanwhile, White weaknesses, you should try to exchange has achieved a lot on the queenside. As one pair of rooks. The justification of this a result of the typical minority attack, principle is quite simple. Let's take as an Black has a weak pawn on c6. Now, example White will start putting pressure along www.modern-chess.com

b1-rook will be perfectly placed. Ng7 13.b4 a6 In the introduction, I have already pointed out that Black should play a7-a6 in response to b2-b4. In this way, he prevents White from creating more than one weakness on the queenside. 14.a4 Bf5 15.b5 It is very important that White can immediately carry out this advance. As the reader already knows, before playing b4-b5, we should make sure that Black can not play c6-c5. It is evident that in the particular position, the move c6-c5 doesn't work. For example, in a case of 15...axb5 16. axb5 c5, White can go for 17.dxc5 Bxc5 18.Bxf6 Qxf6 19.Nxd5, winning a pawn. axb5 16.axb5 Bxd3 17.Qxd3 Nf5 18.Bxf6 Bxf6 19.bxc6 bxc6

Modern Chess Magazine

the position on the diagram. Obviously, one of the black rooks will be tied to the defense of the c6-pawn. To create some counterplay, Black will rely on his remaining rook. That is why by exchanging only a pair of rooks, White manages to restrict his opponent's counterplay. On the other hand, an eventual exchange of all the rooks will favor Black since White's remaining forces will hardly be sufficient to put significant pressure on the c6-pawn. Instead of exchanging a pair of rooks, Black should aim for the exchange of all minor pieces. Without minor pieces, White's pressure on c6 is almost never enough (if there are no other weaknesses in Black's camp). [ Maybe Black should have activated the bishop by playing 22...Be7 A possible line would be 23.Qc2 Ra6 24.Nf4 Rfa8 25.Nd3 Nb5 26.Nc5 Bxc5 27.Qxc5 White's position is still a little bit more pleasant, but Black managed to activate his pieces. As the reader knows, if Black exchanges the knights, he will be perfectly well prepared for the endgame. I believe that this position is objectively equal. ] 23.Rxb8 Rxb8 24.Qc2 White starts putting pressure on the c6-pawn. Now, he intends to follow with the maneuver Ne2-f4-d3. Be7 25.Nf4 Rb6 26.Nd3

a

6 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

f6?! Another inaccuracy. When you are in a difficult position, you should never create additional weaknesses in your camp. With his last move, Black starts weakening his kingside and the seventh rank. Also, the e6-square becomes weak. In the future, White can consider invading the seventh rank or attacking Black's kingside structure using h2-h4h5. Additionally, if White manages to transfer a knight to c5, Black will have problems to defend the e6-square. [ Again, Black should have gone for an active play through 26...Nb5 Maybe he was afraid of losing a pawn after 27.Ne5 ( Instead of 27.Ne5 27.g3 is a better option. White will continue gradually increasing the pressure against c6. With a precise defense, however, Black can still hold the position. ) 27...Qb7 28.Nxc6? but White's last move runs into Ba3 when Black wins an exchange. ] 27.Qa4 Nb5 28.Qa8+ Kg7 29.Nb3! White activates his last passive piece. Since Black's king is weakened, the idea

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

30.Nc5 becomes very powerful. That is why Debashis goes for an exchange of the queens. Qa7 30.Qxa7 Nxa7 31.Nbc5 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

7

White will put it on h3. After fixing the opponent's h7-pawn, White should start a combined play against Black's two weak pawns. [ After the abovementioned considerations, it becomes clear why Black should have played 31...h5! preventing the opponent from playing g2-g4. Later on, Black could proceed with 32...Kf7 followed by the maneuver Na7-c8-d6. The positon remains playable. ] 32.g4! Maletin immediately seizes the opportunity. Now, he will combine his play against his opponent's weaknesses. Nc8 33.Ra1! It is time to invade Black's camp. Nd6 34.Ra7 Nb5 35.Ra8 Nc3 36.Rc8 This is a very sound positional move. In general, we should always try to tie our opponent's pieces to the defense of some weaknesses. With his last move, White makes the b6-rook very passive. [ Nevertheless, it was possible to get a slightly better version of the same idea by playing 36.Rh8 Kg7 37.Rc8 Black's king is more passive on g7 than on f7. ] 36...Ne4 37.Kg2

Kf7?! Is it possible that such a natural move turns out to be a mistake? Of course, it is! Let's try to figure out where is the problem. I have already pointed out that to win in a better position, we need at least two weaknesses in the opponent's camp. This is the so-called "principle of two weaknesses." In this position, Black's only weakness so far is the c6-pawn. As we see, this pawn is very well protected. That is why White should create another weakness on the other side of the board. If the distance a between the two weaknesses is big, the 8 defender will encounter problems to defend them simultaneously. According 7 to these considerations, White's target 6 should be the h7-pawn. To prevent this 5 pawn from moving to h5 (where it will not be a weakness) White should fix it by 4 means of g2-g4. In a case of ...h7-h5, 3 White will answer with gxh5 creating another pawn island in Black's camp. 2 One would argue that White's h-pawn 1 becomes isolated too. Nevertheless, a this pawn couldn't be attacked since www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

Ng5? This is a tactical mistake which allows White to win a pawn.

[ Black should have released the tension by playing 37...Nxc5 38.Nxc5 A) I don't think that the rook endgame arising after 38...Bxc5 39.dxc5 Ra6 is playable for Black. Before starting active actions, White should force Black's king into passive position by means of 40.Rc7+ a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Ke8! This is the most tenacious defense. In the endgame, the activity is everything! ( The position after 40...Kg8? 41.h4! seems to be hopeless for Black. White intends to fix the h7-pawn by playing h4-h5-h6. Black is too passive to survive. ) 41.h4 Again, White goes for his main idea - fixing the h7-pawn. In

the endgame, it is very important to have advanced pawns. ( In a case of 41.Rxh7? Ra5 Black manages to create counterplay. ) 41...h5! Black can not afford himself to allow the advance h4-h5. 42.g5! Another very instructive move. As I have already pointed out, further advanced pawns are a very important asset in the endgame. That is why White prefers to fix the g6-pawn instead of creating a weakness on h5. When the g6-pawn is lost, White's passer will be very dangerous. ( After 42.gxh5 gxh5 43.Kg3 Black obtains a sufficient counterplay in a very instructive way: Kd8! The most important principle in the rook endgames says that we should activate our rook at any price. With his last move, Black unties his rook from the defense of the c6-pawn. In the position arising after 44.Rf7 Ra5 45.Rxf6 Rxc5 46.Rf5 Rc3 Black's counterplay should be enough for a draw. Stil a lot of precision is required though. ) A1) Another interesting possibility is 42...Ra4 I have examined the following interesting line: 43.Rxc6 Rxh4 44.Re6+! Important intermediate move which allows White to collect Black's f6-pawn with a check. Kd7 45.Rd6+ Ke7 46.gxf6+ Kf7 47.f4! This move allows White to isolate the h4rook. Now, Black should find a way to deal with the dangerous c5-pawn. Rg4+ 48.Kf1! Fantastic prophylactic move. In

www.modern-chess.com

8

Modern Chess Magazine

order to make it, White should discover the counterplay of his opponent. ( In a case of 48.Kf2 Black is just in time to survive. h4 49.c6 h3 50.Rxd5 Rg2+! This is the point. Now the rook goes behind the passed pawn. 51.Kf3 Rc2 Now, White should pay attention to the idea 52...h3h2. 52.Rd7+ Kxf6 53.Rh7 Rxc6 54.Rxh3 Rc1 We have reached a drawn position. The active black rook can always bother White's king with annoying checks. Furthermore, in some positions, Black can execute the g6-g5 advance after which the play becomes pointless.; To the same leads 48.Kf3 Rg1! 49.Rxd5 h4 50.e4 h3 51.Rd2 Kxf6 52.Rh2 Rc1 53.Rxh3 Rxc5= ) A1a) A very tricky attempt to save the game would be 48...Rg3 49.Kf2 Rh3 50.Rxd5 Kxf6 This is the most stubborn defense. ( Worse is 50...Rh2+ when White is winning after 51.Kg3 Rc2 52.e4 Kxf6 53.Rd6+ Kf7 54.c6 with e4-e5 and Kg3-h4-g5 to follow. ) 51.c6 Rh2+ 52.Kg3 Re2 53.Rd3! After this precise move, Black runs out of defensive resources. Besides protecting the e3-pawn, the rook is heading for the c3square. In rook endgames, our rook is best placed behind the passed pawns. No matter if passed pawns belong to us or our opponent. Ke7 ( After

9

53...Rc2 54.Rd6+ Kf7 55.e4 White is winning. His plan is the same - e4-e5 followed by Kg3-h4-g5. ) 54.Rc3 Kd8 55.c7+ Kc8 56.Kf3+White is winning by using the plan we are already familiar with.; A1b) 48...h4 49.Rxd5 h3 50.Rd2+- White is winning since Black has no a reliable way to deal with the c5-pawn. Now, the reader can see the point behind the prophylactic 48.Kf1!. Via the second rank. the white rook not only controls Black's h-pawn but also can be transferred behind the c-pawn.; A2) 42...fxg5 43.hxg5 Ra4 44.f3! Excellent move which is also very instructive. White's g5pawn advanced and will be a valuable passed pawn, once the g6-pawn is eliminated. That is why we should protect it at any price. Ra3 45.Rg7! Another instructive move. The g6pawn is more important that the one on c6. ( The move 45.Rxc6 would have allowed the activation of Black's king by means of Kf7 Of course. White is still winning. ) 45...Rc3 46.f4 Rxc5 47.Rxg6 Now we have an even number of pawns. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that the quality is more important than the quantity. White's passers are more advanced, and they are moving towards Black's monarch,

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

creating mating threats. Take a look at the following illustrative line: Rc3 48.Re6+ Kf8 49.g6 h4 50.f5 d4 51.f6! Rxe3 52.g7+ Kg8 53.Re7! White is winning. His next move will be 54. Rd7. I am aware of the fact that this rook endgame is very complex and my analysis are far from being exhaustive. In any case, they show an important tendency. Carlsbad rook endings with two weaknesses in Black's camp are very difficult for Black. Also, the abovementioned lines show some important aspects of the rook endgames, such as activity, far advanced pawns, fixing opponent's weaknesses, and play with and against passed pawns.; B) 38...Bd6! Important move in Black's strategy. The d6-bishop prevents White's rook from occupying the seventh rank and takes the control over the important f4-square. With a bishop on e7, White would have played Rc7 followed by the maneuver Nc5-d3f4. In such position, Black will be completely paralyzed. Later on, White can further weaken Black's position by playing h2-h4-h5, thus provoking the weakening move g6g5 (this is what happened in the game). 39.h4!

a

b

10 c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

This is the typical way of playing the position. After transferring his rook to the seventh rank, White will fix the h7-weakness by means of h4h5-h6. That is why Black should play the energetic h5! 40.gxh5 ( It is possible that in the concrete position the move 40.g5 is objectively better. For example, after fxg5 41.hxg5 White has the possibility to further improve his position by means of f2-f4, Kf3 followed by a rook transfer to the seventh rank. In such a case, knight's jump to e6 gives White some mating ideas. On the other hand, we know that the rook ending arising after Bxc5 42.dxc5 Rb4 43.Rc7+ Kf8 is difficult for Black. I have decided to make the move 40. gxh5 main line because it is more characteristic from a structural point of view. The move 40.g5 is effective when Black has a pawn on f6. In most of the cases, however, you will play this structure with a pawn on f7. That is why it makes sense to explain the most common case. ) 40...gxh5 Now, Black's h5-pawn

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

becomes a serious weakness. Black hopes that his bishop controls all the squares from where White's knight could attack the h5pawn. On the other hand, it is not always easy to predict the maneuvers of the knight. To get an idea, we shall take a look at the following line which is not forced. 41.Kf3 Kg6 42.Nd3 White wants to transfer his rook to the seventh rank. Before doing that, it is important to prevent Black from playing ...Bxc5 followed by ...Rb5. Kf5 43.Rh8! Before playing Rd8, White wants to force Black's king into passive position. Kg6 44.Rd8 Bc7 45.Rd7 Bb8 46.Nc5 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

This is something like a model position for the Carlsbad structure. Depending on the circumstances, White could go after one of Black's weak pawns. In order to put pressure on the c6-pawn, White could consider the maneuver Nc5e6-d8. It seems, however, that the

11

idea to attack the h5-pawn is much more dangerous. Such an attack can be realized by means of Nc5e6-f8 followed by Rh7. It is impossible for Black to be equally well prepared for both White's plans. A classical illustration of the principle of two weaknesses! ] 38.Rc7?! Maletin misses a possibility to win a pawn. [ He should have played 38.Na4! Ra6 39.Ndc5 Bxc5 40.Nxc5 Rb6 41.Rc7+ With 42.Nd7 to follow. Black will lose his f6-pawn. ] 38...Ne6 By exchanging a pair of knights, Black wants to reduce the tension, but White has a clear way of improvement. 39.Nxe6 Kxe6 40.Nf4+ Kf7 This move turns out to be quite passive. [ More to the point was 40...Kd6 but White retains his advantage by playing 41.Rc8 followed by Rh8 on the next move. It becomes apparent that the significant distance between the weaknesses makes impossible their effective defense. ] 41.h4 Again, this thematic advance. Ra6 42.h5 This is the point. White is threatening to win a pawn with 43.hxg6 hxg6 44.Nxg6. Black is forced to create new weaknesses in his position. g5 This move weakens the f5-square which can be easily occupied by the knight. [ Nevertheless, it is already difficult to give Black a good advice in this position. For example, after 42...f5 43.gxf5 gxf5 Black creates two new weaknesses in his camp - e5-square and f5-pawn (also, the weak h7-pawn is still on the board). White will further improve his position with normal moves like Kf3, h5-h6 and Nf4-

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

d3-e5. ] 43.Ne2! The knight is heading for f5. Ke6 44.Ng3 h6 45.Nf5 Bf8 46.Rc8 Kf7 47.Rc7+ Since Black is doomed to passivity, White can afford himself to repeat the position. Kg8 48.Kf3 Rb6 49.Rc8 Kf7 50.e4?! In general, when there are a lot of weaknesses in the camp of your opponent, you are advised to open the position. In this way, your pieces will easily attack the weak points. Nevertheless, we shouldn't rush. It is crucial to pay attention to the resources of your opponent. [ Much more precise would have been to prepare the e3-e4 advance with 50.Kg3 White intends to follow with f2f3 and e3-e4. ] 50...Rb3+ 51.Ne3? This is already a serious mistake which allows Black to save the game. [ After 51.Kg2 dxe4 52.Rc7+ Kg8 53.Rxc6 White's advantage is out of question. ] 51...c5! It turns out that the pin along the third rank is very dangerous. 52.Kg2 dxe4? Black misses his chance. Now, White creates a dangerous passed pawn on the c-file. [ After 52...cxd4 53.Nxd5 Bd6 The position is equal. Black's weakness on h6 is compensated by the dangerous d4-pawn. ] 53.dxc5 Rc3 54.c6 Bc5 55.Nf5 Rc2 56.Nxh6+? Another mistake. To win a pawn, Maletin allows his opponent to centralize his king. [ Instead, White should have improved the position of his own king by playing 56.Kf1! Stockfish 7 gives the following line: Rxf2+ 57.Ke1 Rc2 58.Kd1 Rc3 59.Kd2 Bb4 60.Rb8 Ba5 61.Ra8

12

e3+ 62.Nxe3 Rc5+ 63.Kd3+White should be winning. This computer generated sequence illustrates one fundamental endgame principle - the activation of the king is more important than eventual material gains. ] 56...Kg7? This is the last mistake in the game. Concerned about the opponent's h-pawn, Black misses the opportunity to centralize his king. [ Of course, Black should have preferred 56...Ke6! In this position, his activity completely compensates the missing pawn. ] 57.Nf5+ Kh7 58.Kf1 Rxf2+ 59.Ke1 Rc2 60.Rb8 1-0

Onischuk,Alexander 2667 Dominguez Perez,Leinier 2757 FIDE World Cup (2.2) 15.08.2013

Since you already know the way in which Whtie conducts his majority attack, I want to provide you with an example which illustrates some of Black's best positional ideas. This is the high-profile game Alexander Onischuk - Lenier, Dominguez played in 2013. The position of interest arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 Bxd2+ 5.Qxd2 d5 6.Nc3 0-0 7.e3 Qe7 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Bd3 Nbd7 10.0-0 c6 11.Qc2 Re8 12.Rab1

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

As always, by playing 12.Rab1, White prepares his minority attack. At first sight, White's positional advantage is obvious. White's bishop completely dominates his c8-collegue. Since darksquared bishops are already exchanged, White's queenside play becomes much easier (Black's dark-squared bishop would have taken under control the important squares b4 and c5. On the other hand, after the exchange of the dark-squared bishops, Black's queen managed to occupy the ideal e7-square. As I have pointed out in the introduction to the current article, in this structure, the importance of the e4-square is crucial. By making use of his control over this square, Dominguez introduces a very strong positional plan. In this position, he played Ne4! This is a typical move for the Carlsbad structure. It is not so easy for White to live with the strong central knight of his opponent. Behind this knight, Black can start regrouping his pieces to prepare some active actions on the kingside. As we are going to see in my next article, the idea to

13

exchange the e4-knight (mostly by playing Bxe4) implies considerable risks. The e4-pawn would give Black a lot of space. That is why Black would have serious chances on the kingside. In the game, White proceeds with his standard plan. 13.b4 Ndf6 With this move, Black opens the way of his bishop. One would argue that the move 13...Ndf6 gives White the important e5-square. As we are going to see later, however, a knight on e5 is not always an asset in this structure. In some positions, such knight could be hanging. In the game, White decided to take advantage of the e5square and played 14.Ne5 [ it is very important to mention that 14.b5 is very well met by the thematic c5 Remember this idea. As I mentioned in the introduction, before playing b4-b5, it is important to make sure that Black can not answer it with c6-c5. Let's see where exactly is the problem. After 15.dxc5 Nxc5 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

we have a very specific version of IQP. With a pawn on b2 (instead of b5),

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

White's advantage would have been out of the question since Black can not generate a kingside activity. His pieces would have been tied to the defense of the d5-pawn. With a pawn on b5, however, the situation is completely different. Now, Black can make use of the weak squares c5, c4, and c3. White's most problematic pieces are the c3-knight and the bishop. Without the b2-pawn, the knight is unstable, while the bishop is restricted by the b5-pawn. Black can put pressure on White's position by making natural moves like Be6, Rac8 followed by Qc7-a5. White should try to activate or exchange his passive pieces (c3-knight and bishop). If he can exchange them for Black's knights, he will have a strong knight versus passive bishop. In this case, however, these exchanges are difficult. ] [ Another option for White is 14.Na4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

In order explain the idea behind this move. I should go ahead. As a rule,

14

besides the idea to exchange the light-squared bishops, Black also wants to exchange one pair of knights. After exchanging all the bishops and one pair of knights, he will transfer his knight to d6 and play a7-a6, thus making extremely difficult for White to launch a minority attack. On the other hand, Black has a clear action plan on the kingside. After taking the control over the e-file, he will start preparing the f7-f5-f4 contact. The idea is to create a weakness on e3. Maybe the reader still tries to understand why it is necessary to exchange one pair of knights. In general, when the bishops are exchanged, one of White's knights should control the e5-square in order to discourage the f7-f5 advance. At the same time, the task of the other knight is to prepare the b4-b5 advance. For example, the knights will be well placed on d3 and c3. With a pair of knights being exchanged, however, White's remaining knight will be tied to the defense of the e5-square. It will be impossible to prepare the minority attack (that is why Black should try to exchange the c3-knight which can eventually support the b4-b5 break). On the other hand, Black can still gain space on the kingside without weakening his positions - he will gradually prepare the advance of his h and g pawns. In such a case, White will find himself in a very passive position. By playing 14.Na4, White not only tries to keep all the knights on the board but at the same time he takes under control the important c5square. That is why the advance b4b5 becomes a positional threat.

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Nevertheless, Black has enough resources to neutralize the ideas of his opponent. Nd6 Black's knight has occupied the ideal d6-square. Now, Black threatens to exchange the lightsquared bishops through g7-g6 followed by Bf5. 15.Nc5 By activating his knight White starts preparations for his minority attack. He intends to follow with Rfc1, a2-a4 and b4-b5. It turns out, however, that Black is just in time to meet this idea. ( In general, the idea to carry out the thematic b4b5 at the price of giving the lightsquared bishop is not positionally sound. For example, after 15.b5?! cxb5 16.Bxb5 Nxb5 17.Rxb5 , Black can play b6 with Ba6 and Rac8 to follow. The weak lightsquares and the lack of coordination in White's camp are more than enough compensation for the slightly weakened d5-pawn. ) 15...Nfe4 Black centralizes his knight and puts pressure on c5. Later on, he will follow with Bf5. 16.a4 Bf5 17.Rfc1 After finishing the mobilization of his forces, White could consider playing b4-b5. I think that Black's best reaction here is the subtle g6! It is important to protect the bishop. In a suitable moment, Black can exchange the light-squared bishops as well as one pair of knights by playing ... .Ng5. Another possible idea is to weaken White's kingside by means of the advance h7-h5-h4-h3. It seems that White runs out of constructive ideas. The refutation of 18.b5?! is very instructive. b6 19.Na6 c5! This is the point. It turns out that the c5-pawn is untouchable. For

15

example, 20.dxc5 bxc5 21.Nxc5? runs into Rac8 when Black is winning. ] 14...Nxc3! As the reader must have learned by know, the exchange of one pair of knights is a must in this structure. 15.Qxc3 Ne4 16.Qc2 [ I have already pointed out that the move 16.Bxe4 implies a certain positional risk. After dxe4 White's knight is far from being stable. Moreover, Black has the perfect d5square at his disposal. Later on, he can play f7-f6 followed by Be6-d5. Since the center is blocked and the e4pawn gives Black a space advantage, Black can start pushing his kingside pawns in order to provoke weaknesses on the kingside. ] 16...g6! Black's idea becomes clear. He wants to exchange the bishops by playing 17...Bf5 followed by Nd6. 17.Rfc1 Bf5 18.Rb3 [ Once again, the thematic 18.b5 does not work. Black is just in time to meet it with c5! This was my point when I affirmed that in some positions the e5-knight could be unstable. Since the c5-pawn is untouchable, Black is ready to play c5-c4 on the next move. The idea behind 18.Rb3 is to answer 18...c5 with 19.Bxe4 Bxe5 20.Qxc5 (in this line, there will be no a hanging rook on b1). ] 18...a6 19.a4 Nd6 20.Bxf5 Nxf5 The mission is completed. Black is one tempo away from stopping White's queenside play with Nd6. 21.h3 After playing this move. White offered a draw which was accepted. At this point, Black could have played [ Note that 21.b5? would be a mistake

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

again because of the weakness of the back-rank. Black should play axb5 22.axb5 c5! with a clear advantage. The c5-pawn is untouchable: 23.Qxc5? Qxc5 Black is winning. White can't capture with a rook because the e5-knight will be lost. ] 21...Nd6 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Remember this position. Black has realized all his positional ideas. Now, it is impossible for White to carry out the b4-b5 advance. At the same time, Black can gradually start making progress on the kingside. I propose the following plan in three steps: 1) kick the knight back by means of Kg7 followed by f7-f6 2) double the rooks along the e-file after putting the queen on f7 3) start advancing h and g-pawns in order to create a kingside weakness. It is very important that one pair of knights are already exchanged. With a white knight on c3, Black should have reckoned with the b4-b5 advance. 1/2

16

Bagirov,Rufat 2487 Novikov,Maxim 2519 Tula Kotov Memorial (2) 01.07.2007 Another positional method of fighting against the minority attack is to radically prevent the advance b4-b5 by playing b7b5. It goes without saying that such an approach is very risky from a positional point of view - Black voluntarily weakens the c6-pawna and the c5-square. There are three main factors to consider before playing b7-b5:1) this idea is good when the light-squared bishops are already exchanged since White can not effectively control the c4-square 2) Black should be in time to close the c-file by transferring his knight to c4 3) Black should be able to prevent White from playing e3-e4 because we should avoid opening up the position when we have weaknesses. These principles are very well illustrated in the game Rufat Bagirov - Maxim Novikov, played in 2007. The critical position was reached after the moves 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c6 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 Be7 7.e3 Bf5 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3 Nbd7 10.0-0 0-0 11.Rab1 Ne4 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.b4 a6 14.a4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

So far, both sides were playing the most natural moves. I leave these moves without comments because the ideas behind them were explained in the previous two examples. Let's try to evaluate this position. Obviously, both sides have achieved some of their goals. White has started his minority attack, and now he is ready to proceed with the b4-b5 break. Given the fact that Black can not meet b4-b5 by means of the thematic c6c5 (This is possible only after including of the moves 15...axb5 16.axb5 Nxc3 17.Qxc3 and now c5. In this case, however, White can go for IQP by playing dxc5 since his problematic pieces (c3knight and d3-bishop) are exchanged), White's threat seems to be quite dangerous. On the other hand, Black managed to exchange the light-squared bishops and to establish a firm control over the e4-square. Also, Black has the possibility to easily transfer one of his knights to the weak c4-square. That is why he played b5! This move is played following all the three above mentioned conditions. 15.Rfc1 Nd6!This is the point. White doesn't have time to put pressure on c6 because Black is ready to close the c-file by playing Nc4. Again, we can see how useful is the d6-knight in the Carlsbad structure! 16.Nd2 With this move, White not only takes the c4-square under control but at the same time he wants to open the position with e3-e4. That is why Black's next move is practically forced.

17

f5! Of course! Now, White experiences difficulties to build a plan. There is an amazing synchrony in the actions of Black's pieces. The d7-knight controls the important squares e5 and c5 while the other knight keeps an eye on c4 and e4. Also, every black pawn does it's task to prevent White's play. 17.Nb3 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

This knight is heading for the c5-square. After the eventual exchange on c5, White is going to take with the d-pawn, thus freeing the d4-square for his other knight. Nevertheless, with a white pawn on c5, Black doesn't have to worry about his weakness on c6 and can focus on his kingside play. Despite the fact that the position is objectively balanced, Black's play is much easier. Nc4 When the e4-square is under control, Black can afford himself to bring his knight to c4. 18.Nc5 Nxc5 19.dxc5

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Rae8 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

18

already closed, Black's knight has no more work on c4. From the e5-square the knight protects the c6-pawn and can easily participate in active actions on the kingside. Important for the evaluation of Black's plan is the position arising after 24.Qc2 f4 25.exf4 Qxf4 26.Rd1

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

8

8

3

3

7

7

2

2

6

6

1

1

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

The queenside is stabilized, and Black concentrates his pieces on the other side of the board. The move 19...Rae8 prepares the thematic f5-f4. By exchanging his f-pawn for the opponent's e-pawn, Black creates a stong passed central passed pawn on d5. Moreover, his active pieces can create dangerous threats on the kingside and along the efile. 20.axb5 axb5 21.Ne2 It seems that White managed to prevent his opponent's immediate threats and is now ready to invade opponent's camp via the open a-file. The maneuver Ra1-a6 seems to be a decent idea. Black, however, has something else in mind. g5! Very strong move! Despite White's prophylactic attempts, Black will carry out the desired f5-f4 break. Given the fact that the center is stable, pushing the kingside pawns is not risky. In order not to find himself in a very difficult position, White starts a counterplay against the c6-pawn. 22.Nd4 Qf6 23.Ra1 Ne5 Since the c-file is

a

a

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

f

f

g

g

h

h

Both sides managed to realize their ideas. White centralized his knight and took the control over the a-file. In a longterm, the c6-pawn will be a concern for Black. On the other hand, Black concentrated his pieces in the center and on the kingside and is now ready to start active actions. I am inclined to think that the position remains balanced. From a practical point of view, however, it is more difficult to play with White because Black's threats are directed against the king. To provoke kingside weaknesses he played Ng4 27.g3 [ The idea to remove the knight from the center by playing 27.Nf3 doesn't seem attractive to me. A good idea for Black would be to play Re4 attacking the b4-pawn and preparing

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

to double the rooks along the e-file. ] 27...Qf6 Black is threatening 28...Nxf2. 28.Qd2! This is the most precise defense. White protects the d4-knight to be able to meet 28...Nxf2 by means of 29.Rf1. Rf7 Black makes a useful move which protects the seventh rank and prepares to double the rooks along the open e-file. [ Wrong is 28...Nxf2? due to 29.Rf1 Ne4 30.Rxf6 Nxd2 31.Rxf8+ Kxf8 32.Rd1 Nc4 33.Nxc6 when White's advantage is out of question. ] 29.f3 White this move White chases away Black's knight but weakens the e3square. [ Maybe White should have preferred the solid 29.Rf1 This move is not as passive as it might look at first sight. For example, White is prepared to meet 29...Ne5 by means of 30.f4. A possible continuation would be h5 30.Ra6 Ne5 Black protects the c6pawn and threatens to fix White's kingside structure by means of g5-g4. 31.f3 Qg6 32.Re1 Rfe7 With a position which is similar to the game. ] 29...Ne5?! Black misses an interesting opportunity. [ He could have made use by the weak c3-square by playing 29...Ne3 30.Re1 Rfe7 In this position, the e3-knight is very powerful. Also, it worth mentioning that after a possible exchange of the knights via the f5square, major pieces endgames are difficult for White because of Black's dangerous passed pawn. The worst scenario for White would be to enter a queen endgame where the white queen will be tied to Black's passed

19

pawn. ] 30.Re1 Rfe7 31.Kg2 Qg6?! This move turns out to be an inaccuracy because allows White to create a strong outpost for the knight by playing 32. g3g4. [ Black should have opted for 31...g4 when the game remains balanced. For example, after 32.fxg4 Nc4 33.Rxe7 Nxd2 34.Rxe8+ Kf7 35.Rae1 Qxd4 36.R8e7+ Kf8 37.Re8+ Kf7= the game ends with a draw by perpetual. ] 32.Qc3? White misses his chance. [ Of course, better was 32.g4 with the idea to install the knight on f5. Already, White is the one who is on the sunny side of the equality. ] 32...h5 33.Ra2 Nc4 34.Rxe7 Rxe7 35.Ra6?? This is a blunder which loses immediately. Nevertheless, such mistakes are likely to happen in this position because White is always forced to keep an eye on the security of his own king. [ A simple move like 35.Ra1 would have maintained the balance. ] 35...Ne3+ White resigned because he will either lose the queen or receive mate. 0-1

Arkell,Keith C Croad,Nicholas BCF-chT2 0910 (4NCL) (9)

www.modern-chess.com

2474 2288 01.05.2010

Modern Chess Magazine a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

In the last game of the current article, I would like to feature a case in which the b7-b5 advance turns out to be dubious. The diagram position was reached in the game Keith Arkell - Nicholas Croad played in 2010. Since GM Keith Arkell is a big specialist in the Carlsbad type of positions. I recommend you to check his games in this structure - they are quite instructive. The current game is not an exception. Let's try to evaluate the position on the diagram. It is obvious that the exchange of the light-squared bishops favor Black. On the other hand, the exchange of White's dark-squared bishop for one of Black's knights is advantageous for White since Black can't exercise effective control over the important squares c4 and e4. Now, White is threatening to follow with 14.b4b5 taking advantage of the fact that Black can not answer this move with c6c5 since the d5-pawn is hanging. Black decided to radically prevent White's idea by playing 13...b5?! In this concrete position, the b7-b5 advance is not a

20

good idea since Black can not easily transfer his knight to c4. Generally speaking, when our opponent has a pair of knights at his disposal we should avoid creating weak squares in our camp. [ Black should have played 13...Nf6 by protecting the d5-pawn, Black is getting ready to answer b4-b5 with the thematic c6-c5. After 14.0-0 0-0 , I think that 15.b5 is premature due to ( An interesting idea would be 15.a5!? The advance a4-a5 makes a lot of sense when Black had already played a7-a6. White's pawns on a5, b4, and d4 neutralize four black pawns on the queenside. After transferring his knight to c5, White can consider gaining space in the center by means of f2-f3 and e3-e4. This structure will be dealt with in detail in one of my next articles dedicated to the e3-e4 break. ) 15...axb5 16.axb5 Ra3 17.bxc6 bxc6 followed by ...Qa5 and c6-c5 in a suitable moment. As we already know, the c3-knight is quite a problematic piece in such structures. ] 14.a5! This is a very important move in White's strategy. It is necessary to prevent Black from executing the maneuver Nb6-c4. Also, I would like to point out that in a number of endgame positions the a6-pawn will be a concern for Black. 0-0 15.0-0 Bd6 The bishop is well placed on d6. Black intends to follow with 16...Qe7, attacking the b4pawn and connecting the rooks. 16.Ne2! GM Arkell demonstrates a prophylactical thinking. With his last move, he not only intends to put pressure on c6 by playing Rfc1 but at

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

the same time he is prepared to meet Black's 16...Qe7 by 17.Qb3. Qe7 17.Qb3 Nf6 18.Rfc1 Rac8 19.Rc2! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

A beautiful positional idea. White is planning to defend the weak b4-pawn through the maneuver Nc1-d3. Later on, he can increase the pressure against c6 by doubling the rooks along the c-file. Note that white knights will be ready to attack Black's weaknesses via the squares c5 and e5. On the other hand, it is difficult to find a clear plan for Black. Next few moves seem to be pretty logical. Rc7 20.Nc1 Ne4 21.Nd3 f6 22.Rbc1 Qe6 23.Nd2! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Another subtle positional decision by GM Arkell. His idea is to exchange Black's most active piece. At the same time, Black already has some problems connected with the defense of the c6pawn. In this position, Black goes wrong by playing f5? Black runs into a positional trap. The move f7-f5 weakens the e5-square and Black's position becomes extremely difficult. [ Black should have accepted the passive position arising after 23...Nxd2 24.Rxd2 f5 25.Rdc2 a

h

21

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

We have reached a typical position in which White go for the following typical plan: 1) exchange the knight for the bishop by playing Nc5 2) triple the major pieces along the c-file in

h

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

order to force Black's pieces into a passive position 3) evacuate the king towards the queenside (a3 would be a good square) 4) try to open the center by means of e3-e4 or start playing on the kingside through f2-f3 followed by h2-h3 and g2-g4 ] 24.Nf3! White immediately opts for the occupation of the e5-square. In order not to find himself in a completely cramped position, Black undertakes drastic actions on the kingside. f4 25.exf4 Bxf4 26.Nxf4 Rxf4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

27.Ne5?! So far, White was playing perfectly. His last move, however, turns out to be an inaccuracy. Feeling the overwhelming positional advantages, GM Arkell tries to immediately collect the fruits of his work. This is a very instructive mistake when it comes to a realization of an advantage. Until the very end, we should pay attention to the resources of our opponent. [ After the precise 27.Qe3! Rf8 28.Ne5 Black is doomed to passivity. ] 27...Nd6! This is the point! Black will

22

manage to transfer his knight to the perfect c4-square. It turns out that taking the c6-pawn is not a very good idea. 28.Nxc6?! Taking the pawn at the price of the activation of the opponent's pieces is hardly a good idea. From a psychological point of view, however, it is hard to stop when you had already taken the wrong way. [ Even worse is 28.Rxc6? Rxc6 29.Rxc6 Rxd4 30.Nf3 Rc4 when Black has the advantage. ] [ The best option was to focus on the efile by going for 28.Qd3 Nc4 29.Re2 followed by Rce1. Black is still far away from the equality. ] 28...Nc4! After this move, Black has enough compensation for the missing pawn. 29.Qg3 Qf5 30.Nb8? White continues to follow the same wrong strategy. Of course, the activation of the pieces is much more important than the pawns. Re7! The last passive piece comes into play. Despite the fact that computer evaluates the position as equal, I am sure that every strong player would prefer to be Black here. 31.h3?! This move allows Black to isolate the knight by playing 31...Re6. [ It seems that White still holds the draw after 31.Nxa6 Qxc2 32.Qxf4 Nd2! 33.Qb8+ ( 33.Ra1 Qa4! ) 33...Kf7 34.Qf4+ Kg8= ] 31...Re6 32.f3?! Another inaccuracy in a very difficult position. Of course, from a human point of view, it is almost impossible to play precisely when the pieces of your opponent are so close to your king. [ It seems that White can still bring his knight into play by 32.Nd7 Rg6 33.Qh2 h6 34.Re2 followed by Ne5.

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Black position is still preferable though. ] 32...Rg6 33.Qh2 h6?! Black doesn't need this prophylactic move. [ Maybe he rejected the obvious 33...Rxf3 in view of 34.Nc6 threatening 35.Ne7 and 35.Qb8. Nevertheless, after the precise, Qe4! it turns out that these ideas are not possible. 35.Qb8 is simply met by 35... Rf8. Obviously, for a human is very difficult to spot all the tactical details. If I am currently pointing out the mistakes of the opponents, I am doing it for the sake of the objective evaluation. ] 34.Nd7! The knight grabs the chance to enter the game. Rxf3?! This move allows White to bring the knight to the center. [ Now, it was the right moment for the prophylactic 34...Kh7 when White has problems to defend the d4-pawn. ] 35.Qb8+? This move leads to a lost position. Surprisingly, in the game, it worked our quite well since White sets up a trap. [ The natural 35.Ne5 already leads to equality. ] 35...Kh7 36.Ne5 Qf4?? Black makes the only losing move in a winning position. [ 36...Nxe5 37.Qxe5 Qxh3-+ Black's attack is decisive. ] 37.Qh8+! After this move, Black resigned. GM Arkell is the one who finally managed to win this highly dramatic and exciting encounter. 1-0

23

Test 1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

This position was reached in the game Alexander Kotov - Ludek Pachman, played in 1950. What is Black's best move? 42...h5! Very important positional move. White was threatening to play g3g4, fixing the h7-pawn. In such case, there will be two weaknesses in Black's camp - pawns on c6 and h7. After 42... h5, the most probable outcome is a draw. In general, one weakness is not enough to win the game. Test 2 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

This position was reached in the game Bartolomiej Macieja - Hrair Simonian played in 2011. Can you find the most efficient way to proceed with the minority attack? 18.Bf5! Very precise move. It is impossible to immediately play 18.b5 because of 18...cxb5. Also, White is planning to meet 18...Nxa4 by means of 19.Qc2. Rd8 19.b5! Of course! White shouldn't be afraid of losing the a4-pawn since 19...Nxc4 runs into 20.b6! axb5 20.axb5 White completed the minority attack. Now, he is planning to create a queenside weakness by playing bxc6.

24

Carlsbad structure, Black always try to transfer a knight to the ideal d6-square. 17.Bxd6 Nxd6 Being on d6, Black's knight makes difficult for White to carry out his minority attack and controls the important c4 and e4 squares. 18.Nf4 Ng6! As a rule, after exchanging the light-squared bishops and transferring a knight to d6, Black is advised to exchange a pair of knights. In the concrete position, after exchanging a pair of knights, White's remaining f3knight will not be able to support the minority attack on the queenside. On the other hand, Black has room for improvement on the kingside.

Test 3 Test 4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

This position was reached in the game Teimour Radjabov - Alexander Morozevich, played in 2012. With his last move 15.Bg3, White offers an exchange of the bishop. What is the best way for Black to execute this exchange? 16...Ne4! Very precise move. In the

b

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

This position was reached in my game against Elitsa Raeva played in 2005 (I play with Black). Black has achieved a lot. After exchanging the light-squared bishop he managed to transfer his knight to d6 and exchange a pair of knights. Now, it is time to undertake concrete

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

actions on the kingside. How exactly should Black proceed here? 23...f5!This is a typical move in such positions. The idea is to follow with f5-f4. In this way, Black creates a weakness on e3 or d4. 24.Nc5 Qf6 This is the move which was played in the game. Black is ready to play f5-f4. [ Another possibility was 24...Qf7 ] Test 5 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

This position was reached in the game Karpov - Spassky played in 1974. Spassky tried to radically prevent White from executing his minority attack by putting his pawn on b5. Do you think that his decision is correct? How should White proceed here? 19.a5! Excellent move. White chases away the b6-knight and fixes the weaknesses of his opponent. Bc7 20.g3 Nc4 21.e4! As a rule, when there are a lot of weaknesses in the camp of your opponent, you are advised to open the position. Now, White intends to proceed with 22. exd5 followed by Bf3. www.modern-chess.com

25

Modern Chess Magazine

Master the Grunfeld Structure - Part 5

a

Martynov,Pavel Ivanchuk,Vassily SochiJ-A

2390 1986

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 0-0 8.Be3 Nc6

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

Dear Readers, In the previous articles dedicated to the typical Grunfeld structures we have focused on Black's most popular plan against White's massive centre, namely ...c7-c5. We will now deal with the main alternative, breaking the centre with ... e7-e5. ***Sometimes choosing between the two options is a matter of taste, implying an early choice of variation, but on other occasions using the e-pawn may be simply better. I will illustrate the main differences between the possible plans in the comments to the next game.

26

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

This more or less implies that Black had made up his mind for playing ... e7-e5 already. 9.Ne2 b6 10.0-0 Bb7 11.Qd2 Qd6 [ Black could switch to the standard plan with 11...Na5 12.Bd3 c5 but this could transpose to the dangerous scenario examined in the first article dedicated to the Grunfeld structures, see Carlsen-Ivanchuk. ] 12.Bd3 Rad8 13.Rad1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

Black is fully mobilized and there is nothing more natural than breaking the centre with+++ e6!? Tending a small psychological trap into which White will fall blindly. [ 13...e5 The thematic continuation is 14.d5 ( Defending the d4 pawn implies abandoning with the bishop the best square. For instance 14.Bc2 allows Ba6 putting the e2-knight in an uncomfortable position and indirectly increasing the pressure on d4.; 14.Bb5 abandons the defence of the e4-pawn and could be met with exd4 15.cxd4 Qe7 threatening both ...Qxe4 and ... Nxc4 followed by ...c7-c5. It is worth mentioning that in the positions arising after ... c7-c5 instead of ...e7e5 Black does not have the plan based on putting pressure on e4 along the e-file. 16.Bxc6 The only way of keeping the integrity of the centre, but a positional concession at the same time. Bxc6 17.f3 Bb5 18.Rfe1 Qa3= White cannot enjoy his massive centre as Black's pieces are very active.; The attempt of reducing the pressure with 14.Bg5 can be answered in several ways, the most resolute being exd4 15.Bxd8 Rxd8 16.Nxd4 Nxd4 17.cxd4 Bxd4 18.Qe2 c5 with perfect compensation for the exchange. ) 14...Nb8!? ( The typical reaction is 14...Na5 , as we will see more than once throughout the article, but with the bishop on b7 Black would need some time recycling the knight to d6. After the recommended move the knight is heading for c5. ) 15.c4 Na6 possibly followed by ...c7-c6 and .. .f7f5. ]

a

27 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

14.Bh6?! [ After the f6-square has been weakened, this looks like the normal plan, but White obviously overlooked the next move. Before thinking of exchanging bishops White should have blocked the centre with 14.e5 , yielding him attacking chances. ] 14...e5! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Only apparently a loss of time. The blocked central structure arising after this delayed break tends to favour Black after the bishop exchange as the black squares are all Black's. 15.d5 Na5 [ The familiar 15...Nb8 was also possible, but things are much calmer now and the knight jump to the edge is entirely viable. ]

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

16.c4 [ One of the merits of placing the knight on a5 is keeping the c4-square under observation. This invites White to prudence when thinking of f2-f4. For instance: 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.f4 c6 18.c4 Nxc4 ( This leads to interesting complications but the simple 18...Ba6 would also have maintained the dynamic balance even. ) 19.Bxc4 Qc5+ 20.Kh1 Qxc4 21.fxe5 Qxe4 22.Nc3 ( 22.d6 c5 23.Ng3 Qxe5 offers White no compensation at all, as the b7-bishop is a monster. ) 22...Qxe5 23.Rde1 Qc7 24.Ne4 White's only chance is focusing on the f6-square. Rxd5 25.Qb2+ Qe5 26.Nc3 Qd4 27.Re4!? ( Trying to keep the game going. 27.Rd1 would force a draw by repetition. ) a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

27...Qd2 28.Qa1 Kg8 If White simply takes the rook Black gets three pawns for the exchange, with better chances already. 29.Re7 Rg5 30.Rg1 White threatens Rxb7 and Ne4 at the same time but Black is active enough to force a draw: Rh5 31.Ne4 ( 31.Rxb7? Qh6 offers Black a decisive attack. ) 31...Rxh2+ 32.Kxh2 Qh6+ 33.Kg3 Qe3+ with a draw by perpetual. ]

28

16...Bxh6 17.Qxh6 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

We have reached a typical structure for the plan examined in this article. It may seem that White has some kingside attacking chances since Black's minor pieces are stuck on the opposite wing. But White's regrouping is not perfect either since his knight not only stays in the rooks' way but also fails to take part to any constructive plan. It does not contribute to the defence of the relatively weak c4-pawn and it cannot put pressure on e5 easily. This is one of the reasons why the plan with ...e7-e5 mainly works against the exchange variation with Bc4 and Ne2 and not against the systems based on Nf3. ***The regrouping carried out by Ivanchuk is a typical remedy for his temporary problems. Bc8 Clearing the b7-square for the knight and activating the bishop at the same time. [ Black had an alternative in 17...Ba6 18.Rc1 ( 18.c5 bxc5 19.Bxa6 Qxa6 is interesting but should not offer more than adequate compensation for the pawn. ) 18...Nb7 followed by ... Nc5. ]

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

18.Nc1 Nb7 19.Nb3 Bd7 20.Rc1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

29

23.Qh4 [ 23.f5 is more ambitious, even though after Qg7 24.Qh4 Nd6 possibly followed by ...g6-f5 Black's position remains solid. ] 23...Rde8 24.Rf2 exf4! Finally transposing to the structure indicated above. 25.Qxf4 Nd6

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

8

8

2

2

7

7

1

1

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White has taken measures against what seems to be Black's main plan, ...Nc5, threatening c4-c5 followed by Qe3 at the same time. Even his knight suddenly looks active, but with his next move Ivanchuk completely changes the picture. c5!? Since the exchange on c6 does not favour White, Black ensures the d6-square for his knight. Suddenly, White's knight is stuck on the queenside and needs returning to the other wing. [ If 20...Nc5 21.Qe3 White may retain a symbolic advantage. ] 21.Nd2 The knight has finally emerged on a flexible route, but it will be soon confined to the passive task of defending e4. Qe7 Black plans ...Nd6 followed by ... f7-f5 so White decides striking first. 22.f4 f6 [ A solid move, but 22...exf4 23.Qxf4 f6 was entirely playable, with a possible transposition to the game after having avoided f4-f5. 24.Qc7 is not dangerous due to the calm Rb8 planning ...Qd6, which would reach a similar ending as in the game. ]

a

a

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

f

f

g

g

h

h

Even though the position remains basically equal, Black's play is easier due to his absolute control on dark squares. White cannot undertake anything active. 26.Rcf1 Kg7 27.h3 Qe5 28.g4?! White hopes undermining Black's central stability with h3-h4 and g4-g5, but this only creates him new weaknesses. Qxf4 29.Rxf4 h6 The start of an interesting series of pawn moves on both wings. 30.Kg2 a6 31.R4f2 [ White cannot prevent ...b6-b5 since a2-a4 is denied by the bishop and after 31.Rc1 Re7 32.Kg3 (or any other neutral move) Rc8 33.Nb3? loses a pawn to g5 34.Rf2 Nxe4+ ]

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

31...g5 Blocking the white kingside pawns on light squares. 32.Kg3 b5 Since ...h7-h5 also is a possibility, White is under pressure on practically the whole board. 33.Re1 Re7 34.Rfe2 Rfe8 35.Kg2 Kg8 36.Rc1 b4 37.Rce1 a5 38.Nf3 [ 38.Nb3 is parried with Nb7 followed by ...a5-a4. ] 38...Nf7! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

30

Kapnisis,Spyridon Marin,Mihail EU-ch 9th Plovdiv (3)

2412 2556 23.04.2008

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 0-0 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.h4 This is supposed to be the best reaction to moves such as 8...b6 or 8...Qd7, which do not put immediate pressure on the d4-square. However, this is not the case with 8... Nc6, which casts some doubt about the viability of White's last move. e5! Of course, the best reaction against an attack on the wing is a counter-blow in the centre. 10.Be3 Qe7 11.d5 Na5 12.Bd3 f5 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

h

White's position is unpleasant but the next move looks like premature panicking. 39.a3? b3 40.a4 in vain hoping to win the b3-pawn. Rb8 41.Rb2 Rb4 42.Nd2 Bxa4 43.Re3 Reb7 44.Be2 Nd6 One of the key elements in Black's play in this game was using the d6-square for his knight. But this is an issue which needs careful treating, as we can infer from the next example. 0-1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

With his king in the centre yet and the attack not really going, White faces some problems despite his advantage in space. 13.Qa4 b6 14.h5 f4 15.Bc1 Bd7 16.Bb5 Bxb5 17.Qxb5 White has managed to provoke the generally favorable exchange of the

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

light-squared bishops, but with his poor development, this is a questionable achievement. Among other things, the c4-square is vulnerable and the e2knight rather passive. c6! 18.Qd3 [ White tries keeping his centre together as after 18.dxc6 retrieving the c6-pawn would be just a matter of time for Black, when the weakness of the c-pawn and the c4-square would offer him a consistent advantage. ] 18...g5! Ultimately removing the possibility of an attack along the h-file. 19.a4 g4 20.Ba3 c5 White has managed to block the centre, but this does not affect Black, whose knight controls the c4-square. 21.f3 Bf6 22.c4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

31

entirely safe residence either. 25.Ng1 Planning to meet gxf3 with Nxf3, getting some stability. Qd7 Slihghtly hesitating. [ 25...Qb7 followed by ...a7-a6 gains a tempo over the recommended line below. ] 26.h6 Qb7 [ In principle a good move, but I had designed it in combination with a wrong plan. ***Transferring the knight to d6 is too slow: 26...Nb7 27.Bb2 Nd6 28.Kb1 a6 The only active possibility, I the spirit of the improvement suggested below. 29.Ne2! Suddenly White threatens Nxf4, which cannot be parried so easily: Qe7 30.Nxf4 exf4 31.Rh5 Black's king is vulnerable and the d6knight has turned unstable. ] 27.Rd3

8

8

7

7

6

6

8

8

5

5

7

7

4

4

6

6

3

3

5

5

2

2

4

4

1

1

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Planning Nc3 with reasonable coordination. Rad8! A strong move preventing White's regrouping by threatening to transfer the knight to d4 with ...Nc6. White's knight is awfully passive now. 23.Qc2 Now, White cannot play Nc3 anymore. Kh8 24.0-0-0 Rg8 White has evacuated the king from the centre but the queenside is not an

a

a

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

f

f

g

g

h

h

Qa6? The turning point of the game as the plan of increasing the pressure on c4 followed by the knight's transfer top d6 does not bother White, allowing him consolidating statically. [ It is easy to notice even without a

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

deep analysis that 27...a6! followed by ...b6-b5 would have offered a winning attack. One important element is the absence of White's king's bishop, leaving the light squares vulnerable. ] 28.Rc3 g3 29.Ne2 Rg6?! [ 29...Rg5= would have prevented the later Rh5, leading to a static balance. ] 30.Kb1 Nb7 31.Qb3 Nd6 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 b

c

d

e

f

g

can sometimes become dynamical both sides display kingside ambitions at the same time. 1-0

Marin,Mihail Navrotescu,Catalin Buzias

2525 2370 1991

h

8

a

32

h

Black has reached the standard regrouping, but since c4 and e4 are safely defended the knight is not doing much on d6. Little by little it will become clear that Black has a bad bishop and a chronical weakness on e5. 32.Rcc1 Qb7 33.Bb2 Qe7 34.Rh5 Nf7 35.Rch1 Kg8 36.Nc1! Suddenly it is White who plays on both wings. The knight is heading for d3, increasing the pressure on e5. Rd6 37.Nd3 Rd8 38.Bc3 Re8 39.Qb2 Bg5 40.Kc2 Qd6 41.a5 White has strong pressure all over the board and went winning in style. ***The knights' fate is not always decided by static maneuvers. Things

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 0-0 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 e5 10.0-0 Na5 11.Bd3 b6 12.Rc1 Bb7 13.Qd2 Qd7 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

14.Bh6 [ Even without knowing... my much later game against Kapnisis examined above, I was not interested in offering Black kingside play after 14.d5?! f5 When playing my last move I was also aware that I need avoiding the scenario from the first game above. ] 14...c5 [ To my taste Black should play more

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

flexibly, avoiding early queenside commitments. I would prefer 14...Rae8 increasing the pressure on e4 and aiming to induce either d4-d5 when the c5-square would be available to Black's pieces or the passive f2-f3 when White would have little to hope for on the kingside. ] 15.Bxg7 Kxg7 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

33

17.cxd4 cxd4 18.f5 f6 19.Nf4 Threateniong not only Ne6+ but also Rc7. Rae8 20.fxg6 ( Winning an exchange with 20.Ne6+ Rxe6 21.fxe6 Qxe6 is too modest. ) 20...hxg6 21.Nxg6! Kxg6 22.e5+ f5 23.Qf4 Followed by Qg3+ (or Qg4+) and Rf3-g3 with a winning attack. ]

h

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

16.f4!? Trying to open the kingside in order to generate attacking chances. This is the only consequent follow-up of the bishops' exchange. Apparently, White has promising initiative as the a5knight is far from the main theater of events, but the next move shows that White's bishop will not be able to defend e4 and keep the enemy knight passive for long. [ 16.d5 could become similar to Ivanchuk's game, but could also transpose to the main line after f5 17.f4 ] 16...f5 [ Pawn grabbing would clear the path for White's pieces: 16...exd4?

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

17.d5 After this move the structure acquires familiar contours with the difference that the kingside is under tension. [ 17.exf5 e4 followed by ...Nc4 is simply bad for White. ] [ 17.fxe5 fxe4 18.Bc2 completely changes the structure, but in principle activates Black's minor pieces. ] 17...fxe4 18.Bxe4 Nc4 The knight finally joins the battle, leveling the chances. 19.Qd3 Nd6 [ This is good enough, but 19...Nb2 would have more or less forced a draw. If 20.Qd2/c2/b1 Black would play 20...Nc4, more or less forcing a

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

move repetition. During the game, post-mortem analysis and comments for the Chess Informant I was convinced that 20.Qg3 is strongest, due to Bxd5 21.Rcd1? Nxd1 22.Rxd1 failing to notice the simple Qa4!-+ with a double attack. ] 20.c4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

as favourable for White, but after Qh4 22.Ng3 Ba6 Black's pressure on both wings is unpleasant. ] 21.cxb5 c4 22.Qe3 Qxb5 23.Rb1 Qe8 This looks a bit strange but is logical as Black defends the e5-pawn. But after the queenside operation the bishop is hanging slightly. 24.Nc3 In this phase of the game both players erred in the same way, by treating the position too statically. The knight stands well on c3, of course, but dealing with the pawn tension was a higher emergency. [ 24.Bf3 (or 24.Bc2!?) would have offered White the initiative. e4 ( 24...exf4 25.Qd4+ Kg8 26.Nxf4 is simply bad for Black. ) 25.Bg4 Bc8 26.h3 followed by Qc5 and Nd4 soon. ] a

h

The position is intriguing as Black has many thematic moves available but not all of them are adequate. Black is quite stable on dark squares but the main thing is avoiding Ne2-f4-e6. b5?! This looks perfectly logical as it activates the minor pieces, but the long term consequences are not that favourable. [ The developing 20...Rae8 may also cause some problems: 21.fxe5 Rxe5 22.Qc3 Rfe8 23.Bd3 followed by Nf4-e6. ] [ The best would have been 20...Qe7! taking the dark squares under control even though this looks like wasting a tempo. I initially evaluated the position resulting after 21.f5

34

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

24...exf4? Practically the decisive mistake. [ As pointed out by my opponent right after the game it was essential to exchange rooks with 24...Rxf4

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

25.Rxf4 exf4 26.Qd4+ Kh6! In the game this resource will not be available due to Rf3-h3. 27.Rf1 Qh8!= solving all Black's problems. ] 25.Qd4+ [ My opponent in vain hoped for 25.Rxf4 Qe5 with perfect play on dark squares. ] 25...Kg8 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

35

Test 1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

8

8

3

3

7

7

2

2

6

6

1

1

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Things may look fine for Black at a first glance, but White has a simple way of demolishing the blockade on dark squares. 26.Rxb7!+- Nxb7 27.d6 It's all over now. The pawn clears the path for the minor pieces which will join the attack with decisive effect. Rf7 28.Bd5 Rd8 29.Ne4 Rxd6 30.Bxf7+ 1-0

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White's last move was 16.Bb3-c4. His main idea was to fight against the threat of 16...Ba6 followed by a5-a4. Do you agree with that? Enter Black's strongest move. 16...Qa4! This strong move shatters White's stability on light squares. 17.Bd3 Nxd3 18.Qxd3 Ba6 19.Qd2 f6 20.Be3 f5 There is no satisfactory way of defending e4 so White has to give up the centre. 21.exf5 gxf5 22.f4 A desperate move making things only worse. Rae8 Black's pressure along the e-file soon got him an exchange.

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Test 2 a

36

Test 3 b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

By centralizing his queen, White is attacking the knight. How should Black proceed here? 15...b5! The is the right reaction. It is very important to keep the control over the c4-square. Weaker is 15...Nd6 16.c4 b6 17.Be3 when White has the initiative. 16.Qb1 Qd7 17.Rd1 Bf8! This exchange leaves White with a potentially bad bishop, while the knight remains the dominating minor piece. 18.Bxf8 Rxf8 19.0-0 c5 With obvious advantage for Black.

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White has just met the move 24...g3 by means of 25.h3. Which is the best way to proceed with the attack? 25...Nf7! The knight was not doing much on d6 anymore. Black plans ...Qh4 followed by ...Ng5 and ...Bxh3. [ 25...Qh4! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

followed by ...Nf7 would have been the same. ] [ But 25...Bxh3?! is premature: 26.gxh3 g2 27.Qxg2! ( 27.Rf2?! Qg3 Threatening ...Qh2!+ 28.Rxg2 Qxe1+ www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

29.Kh2 Rxg2+ 30.Kxg2 Kf7) 27...Qf6 28.Kh2 Rxg2+ 29.Rxg2 The attack came to an end and White has enough compensation for the queen. ] 26.a5 Qh4 27.axb6 Ng5 28.b7 Bxb7 29.Ba5 Bc8 30.Re1 Bxh3 31.Kf1 [ 31.gxh3 Nxh3+ 32.Kf1 Nf2 followed by ...g3-g2 wins. ] 31...Bd7-+

Test 4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h 8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Test 5 a

h

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

8

37

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White plans Qb1 followed by Rc1 with string queenside pressure and an absolutely safe king. Can you find a way of putting the pawns into motion? 22...Rfb8! Since things are calm on the kingside Black affords concentrating his rooks on the queenside for the sake of reaching ...b6-b5. 23.Qb1 b5 24.axb5 axb5 25.Nxb5 Now Bxb5 26.Bxb5 c4 27.Rb2 Qb7 would have offered excellent compensation for the pawn.

White decided to prevent ...e7-e5 with 12. e5 aiming to gain a tempo for his kingside attack. Was this a good idea? 12...Nxe5! Not really a good idea! Black simply wins a pawn as 13.dxe5 Qc6 attacking g2 and c4 only makes things worse.

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

The Art of Analysis

38

our calculations much faster and more exact! Shall we try and exercise that in a few articles, then? Maybe you remember if you read my previous article (almost two months ago), a crazy alternative I mentioned in my game vs. Hübner from 1988? Let's start with that. I became curious, found only one game with it in my database and then decided to try and analyze the complications onto a more or less firm conclusion. Without the help of any computer program. Yep, the same as I always ask from you. Here we go: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 Introduction 7.Qg4 0-0 8.Bd3 c4?! Here most other Theoretical Overview people and I played 9. Bh6 But this time we are looking at: 9.Bg5!? cxd3 The art of analysis! You don't know? So [ 9...Qa5 10.Bxh7+ and 11. Qh3+ dig deeper! by GM John van der Wiel would be a bad idea. ] Sometimes you notice an unusual, fascinating move. But you know it will take 10.Bf6 g6 11.Qg5 Qc7 at least 20 minutes to start understanding a b c d e f g h whether it is playable or not. If not, you will severely miss the invested time later 8 8 on in the game. So usually the wiser/more 7 7 practical course is to select a move you know to be healthy and play it more 6 6 quickly. Back in the old days, we started 5 5 off with 2, 5 hours for the first 40 moves. 4 4 Then it was possible to examine the 'crazy moves' in greater depth and sometimes 3 3 they led to wonderful games. With a 2 2 slower rate of play, you need adjourning games, though, that have become 1 1 completely undesirable. So nowadays we a b c d e f g h have to speed it up. Understandably, but then we see less of these great, What should White play? 12.g4! imaginative [ 12.Kd2 Nf5 13.g4 h6 14.Qf4 Nd7! risky games. Unless....well, either we 15.gxf5 Nxf6 does not work for White. come better prepared (which is usually The text steals the f5 square and not possible), or we manage to make provides a route for White's king. ] www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

12...Qxc3+ 13.Kf1 Qxa1+ 14.Kg2 Qxd4 15.Nf3 Question: let's assume your rating is 2278. Can you defend this? Qxg4+ [ 15...h6? 16.Qxh6 Qxg4+ 17.Kf1 there is a double threat on g7 and h8 ] [ 15...Qa4?? 16.h3! Nd7 17.Qh6 1-0 was the only game in my database: Roganovic - Mitrovic, Serbia 2013. White was the favorite anyway, with his Elo of 2497, but can Black with 2278 produce 15... Qa4 ? Remarkable. ] [ 15...Qe4 16.cxd3 ] 16.Qxg4 Nf5 The normal defense. Now, reader, I first ask you to watch and consider this position. Even without a queen, Black is okay in a material sense. His king is far from safe, however. What are, in general, the different ways for White to conduct the attack? We are starting our investigation from this position. Please enjoy the exercises! [ 16...Nbc6 2 See exercise ] 17.cxd3 [ 17.Nh4 1 See exercise ] 17...b6 4 See exercises 3 and Exercise 1 - Question a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

39

Exercise 1 - Answer 17.Nh4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Solution: 17...h5! [ 17...Nd7 18.Nxf5 exf5 19.Qg5 Nxf6 20.exf6 Kh8 may just be playable, too, but ] [ 17...Nxh4+?! 18.Qxh4 h5 19.Qf4 Kh7 20.Be7! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

8

8

7

7

6

6

3

3

5

5

2

2

4

4

1

1

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

is bad news for Black. He had better keep the f-file closed. ]

Find the main line and the correct judgment after 17. Nh4? www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

18.Qf4 Kh7 19.cxd3 Nc6 20.Nxf5 [ 20.Nf3!? ] 20...exf5 21.Rg1 [ If 21.d4 , intending Rh1-c1-c3-h3 Nd8! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

c

d

e

f

g

h 8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

f

g

h

is indeed a draw

Exercise 2 - Question

h

is a good reply ] [ on 21.Rc1 Black may consider d4!? ] Now Black has to be careful. If he thinks it's a draw, he will be disappointed 21...Be6? [ 21...Nd8! With a knight on e6, Black has much more of a defence. Play might continue 22.Be7 Ne6 23.Qh4 Rg8 which we shall call 'unclear/ equallish'. ] 22.Kf1 Rg8 23.Rg5?! Rac8 24.Qh4 Kh6 25.Qf4 With 26. Rxh5+! Kh7

b

8

a

a

40

a

b

c

d

e

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

You might wonder if Black should expose his knight on f5 immediately. Can he wait, by means of 16...Nbc6 ? What is your verdict: yes, possibly or no?

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Exercise 2 - Answer a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

The answer is NO. I will give you this variation: 17.cxd3 Diagram Black must play Nf5 [ Question: is anything wrong with 17...b6? a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Yes, White plays 18.Rc1 with the

41

deadly threat 19. Rxc6 to lure away the Ne7. Now 18...Bb7.19. Rxc6 Nxc6. 20. Qf4/Qg5 and 18.. .h5.19. Qg5 are quite hopeless. If h6 , White has several wins. A nice one is 19.Rxc6 Nxc6 20.Qf4 Kh7 21.Ng5+! Kg8 22.Qh4 h5 23.Nh3 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

preparing a sacrifice on h5. ] 18.Rg1 [ 18.h4 h6!? ] 18...b6 19.Qh3 Ba6 20.Kh1 Nce7 [ 20...Rfe8 21.Ng5 h6 ( 21...h5 ) 22.Nxe6! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

and next move White takes on g6 or f5, tearing down Black's defences, fxe6 23.Rxg6+ Kh7 24.Rxh6+! Nxh6 25.Bg5 ] [ 20...Bxd3?! 21.Ng5 Be4+ 22.f3 ] 21.Ng5 h5 [ 21...h6 22.Bxe7 ] 22.Nf3! [ 22.Ne4 and ] [ 22.Nxe6 are not convincing. ] a

b

c

d

e

f

g

24.Qh3 Be4 [ 24...Bf5 25.Qh6 White is winning. ] [ 24...Nef5 25.Ng5 win for White. ] 25.Bxe7 Rfc8 26.Bf6 Rc3 27.Rg3 Rxf3 [ 27...Nh5 28.Qxh5! Bxf3+ 29.Qxf3 Rxf3 30.Rxf3 is curtains. ] 28.Rxf3 Rc8 [ 28...Nh5 29.Kg1 ] 29.Qh6! a

h

42

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

b

c

d

e

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

c

d

e

f

g

h

f

g

h

and Black must resign. a

f

b

Exercise 3 - Question

22...Bxd3 23.Qxh5 Ng7 a

a

b

c

d

e

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Knowing it is almost impossible to defend Black's position with the knight on c6, how would you prefer to develop?

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Exercise 3 - Answer a

b

c

d

e

20.Kh1 Rfc8 21.Nh4 [ 21.Ng5 Nf8! f

g

h

a

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

b

c

d

e

f

g

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

c

d

e

f

g

h 8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

h

b

8

h

Answer: The knight does a better job on d7. At some point, it may be essential to have Nd7xf6. Then Bc8 has to be developed via b7-b6 and usually Bc8-a6. Furthermore, keeping the c-file open improves Black's chances for counterplay. Let's see about the 'real difference' after 17...b6 18.Rg1 Ba6 19.Qh3 Nd7 a

43

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

and White is not making progress ] [ 21.Rg5 Rc1+ 22.Ng1 Nxf6 23.exf6 d4! ( not 23...Kh8?? 24.Qh6 eyeing g7 and c1 ) a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

with enough play for Black. ]

h

www.modern-chess.com

h

Modern Chess Magazine

Exercise 4 Answer 20...Ba6

21...Ng7! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Black's defensive resources are adequate, hence his counter-activities may trouble White. Exercise 4 - Question a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

44

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

So, after 17...b6 it is time for White to reconsider. Question: do you see a healthier attacking plan for White? Go to the next game for the answer.

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Answer: 18.h4 is a good idea. Naturally, Black can block White's h-pawn, but h7h5, a good move in itself, also gives White a target. The bonus of 18. h4 is a better square for White's king (h2). Exercise 3: Analyse this option as deeply as possible. What will be the final assessment? This is by far the most difficult exercise, so start the digging! h5 [ 18...h6 19.h5 g5 20.Bxg5 is already promising for White and even a move like 20. Nh4!? can be very dangerous. ] 19.Qf4 Nd7 [ 19...Ba6 20.Nd4! After Kh7 is a little more unpleasant for Black. Other white ideas usually transpose to the text. ] 20.Kh2 [ Here it is easier to parry 20.Nd4 Kh7 21.Nxf5 exf5 and in most cases Nd7c5-e6 ]

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

45

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Good defense. Now White can choose We split up the analysis: A) 20...Ba6 and between 23. Rg3/Rg1, aiming for a B) 20. ..Kh7. 20...Ba6 move repetition, and the more ambitious 23. Nd4(!) The a b c d e f g h complications still look somewhat 8 8 dangerous for Black; ) 23.Rxh5+ gxh5 24.Qg5 Nxf6 25.exf6 Rg8 26.Qxh5+ 7 7 Nh6 27.Ng5+ Rxg5 28.hxg5 Rh8 6 6 29.Kg3! Kg8 30.gxh6 Bg6 31.h7+! Rxh7 32.Qe5 and Black cannot avoid 5 5 defeat; ] 4 4 21...Kh7 22.Nxf5 [ 22.Rg1 Bxd3 23.Rg5 ] 3 3 22...exf5 23.Rg1 Nc5 24.Rg5 Ne6 2 2 25.Rxh5+ gxh5 26.Qxf5+ Kh6 1

a

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

21.Nd4 [ 21.Rg1 Bxd3 22.Rg5 Kh7? ( 22...Ng7!

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

White has a perpetual check, but normally not more than that between 23. Rg3/Rg1, aiming for a move repetition, and the more ambitious 23. Nd4(!) The complications still look somewhat dangerous for Black; ) 23.Rxh5+ gxh5 24.Qg5 Nxf6 25.exf6 Rg8 26.Qxh5+ Nh6 27.Ng5+ Rxg5 28.hxg5 Rh8 29.Kg3! Kg8 30.gxh6 Bg6 31.h7+! Rxh7 32.Qe5 and Black cannot avoid defeat; ] 21...Kh7 22.Nxf5 [ 22.Rg1 Bxd3 23.Rg5 ] 22...exf5 23.Rg1 Nc5 24.Rg5 Ne6 25.Rxh5+ gxh5 26.Qxf5+ Kh6 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

46

Exercise 4 - Answer 20...Kh7 Conclusion a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

f

g

h

20...Kh7 21.Ng5+ [ 21.Rg1 Ba6 22.Rg5 A) 22...Nh6!

8

8

7

7

6

6

8

8

5

5

7

7

4

4

6

6

3

3

5

5

2

2

4

4

1

1

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White has a perpetual check, but normally not more than that.

a

a

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

f

g

h

This effectively stops White's attack. He may still play for a draw (23. Rg3), but the intended 23.Rxh5 gxh5 24.Ng5+ ( 24.Qg5 Rg8 25.Qxh5 Rg6! ) 24...Kg6 25.Nxe6 Rg8 when the almost mating 26.Qg5+ Kh7 27.Bg7 is refuted by Ng4+! www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

47 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

and then 28...fe6;; B) 22...Nxf6?! 23.exf6 The attack Nh6 24.Ne5 doesn't quite work. Now Black has to worry about Ne5xg6.] ( 24.Rxh5 gxh5 25.Ng5+ Kg6 26.Nxe6 Rg8! doesn't quite work. ) 24...Rg8 25.Qa4! Bc8 ( 25...Bb7 26.Qd7 Qd7 pawn f7 is too weak. ) 26.d4 White intends to continue with 27. Qc2, creating new threats (Rxh5). Black has a difficult life here; ] 21...Kg8 22.Rg1 Not accepting a draw yet. Ba6 [ after 22...Nxf6 White usually has the strong maneuver Ng5-f3-e5. ] 23.Nxe6 fxe6 24.Qg5 [ 24.Rxg6+ Kf7 25.Qg5 Rg8 26.Rxg8 Rxg8 27.Qxh5+ Kf8 28.Qh7

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Nxf6 ( However, 28...Bb5! changes the issue. White's king and queen are more or less stuck, Black's ideas are to walk forward with his queenside pawns or to play Nxf6 at a better moment.] 28...Bb5! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

) 29.exf6 Bxd3 30.Qd7 with 31. Qxe6 or 31. f7 could be very dangerous for Black. ] www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

24...Rxf6 25.exf6 Nf8 26.Qxh5 Bxd3 27.Rxg6+ Nxg6 28.Qxg6+ Kh8 29.f7 Rf8 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

48

even more exact and in this case I believe Black won't be able to save himself. 30...Ng7 31.Qf6!

h

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

However, White can start with 30.h5! [ 30.Qxe6 d4 ( 30...Kh7! with an idea Nh6 31.Qxd5 Bb1 hoping to reach a position with rook and bishop vs. queen, which might be close to a fortress. ) 31.h5 White will win, the main threat being 32. h6 and 33. Qe8. ] a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

certainly doesn't help.

Conclusions: This turned out to be complicated, and probably we haven't even covered ALL the possibilities. But if the findings in variation B are correct, we can make the following statements: A) 9. Bg5 is a good alternative to 9. Bh6 (which scores quite well). Perhaps not objectively better, but Black's practical task is tough; B) White's best way to conduct the attack appears to be 17. cd3 and 18. h4, with 17...b6 being Black's best start; C) Variation A, with 20. ..Ba6 (and possibly 21...Bxd3) may be necessary in order not to lose, even though some of the resulting positions are far from easy. Finally, if White searches to improve his attack even further by playing 15. h3 (instead of Nf3), not allowing the queen sacrifice, Black will be at least OK according to my analyses, starting with 15...Nd7.16. Nf3 Qc3! (17. cd3 Nc6 or 17. Bxe7 f6.) To be continued next month

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Crisis Along the Big Diagonal

a

Bykhovsky,Anatoly A examples Belgrade

1963

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 6.g3 Nc6 7.Bg2 Nxd4 8.Qxd4 Be7 9.0-0 0-0 10.b3 Qa5 [ 10...Bd7 11.Bb2 Qc7 12.Rac1 a6 13.Nd1 Bc6 14.c4 Rfd8 15.Nc3 Ne8

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

In my previous article the emphasis was put on the tactical possibilities after our dark-squared bishop has been sacrificed on h6. Here we are going to examine another sort of attack against the shortcastled king and the vulnerable g7-pawn in particular - with the same bishop fianchettoed on b2 in connection with a powerful knight sacrifice. Very often Nc3d5 is just a temporary piece sacrifice, aimed at positional achievements like obtaining a pair of bishops. Here are two short examples from games by Anatoly Bykhovsky, both played in 1963:

49

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

was reached by small transposition in Bykhovsky - Cobo Arteaga, where the thematic jump 16.Nd5 exd5 17.cxd5 should have been answered by 17.... Bf6 ( instead of 17...Qa5?! ) 18.Qd2 Bxb2 19.Qxb2 Nf6 20.dxc6 bxc6 with acceptable position ] 11.Bb2 Rd8 12.Nd1 Bd7 13.c4 Bc6 14.Nc3 a6 15.Rfe1 b5 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

16.Nd5 Bxd5 17.cxd5 e5 (closing both long diagonals) 18.Qe3 Rdc8 19.Bh3 Rc2 20.Re2 Rxe2 21.Qxe2 Ra7

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

and Black forced more exchanges along the open file and drew in Bykhovsky Estrin, Moscow, 1963. This strategical ground will most probably be a subject of a separate article. We are now going to investigate much more dynamic approach, in which the leading idea is to create threats towards the short-castled enemy king. Then the jump Nc3-d5 turns into a real sac. By opening the big diagonal and the e-file White usually targets also the closest defenders - Be7 and Nf6. Ljubojevic,Ljubomir Gonda,Gentaro Skopje ol (Men) qual-B (5) a

b

c

d

e

f

23.09.1972 g

h 8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Here is a typical Sicilian position, in which a correct positional idea became a prelude to a forced sequence. As a result, the shelter of the king was destroyed. Black has just played 15...b5 After 16.Rac1 Qa5 17.Bb2 b4 18.Nd5! exd5 19.exd5 Bd7?! [ In a case of 19...Bxd5 20.cxd5 Nxd5 21.Qe4 Bf6 22.Bd3 g6 23.Nc4 Qc5 24.Bxf6 Nxf6 25.Qh4 White keeps the initiative, but there is nothing decisive. ]

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

2550

8

a

a

50

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

From now on we are often going to be in similar situations when Black would better decline the sacrifice or return the piece. 20.Qxe7 Re8 21.Qxd6 Rxe2 22.Bxf6 gxf6 23.Qxd7 Rxd2 24.Qg4+ Kh8 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

25.Qf4! The point of the whole operation! 25... Rxa2 26.Qxf6+ Kg8 27.Rfe1! Qd8 28.Re7 Qf8 29.Re3! h6 30.Rg3+ Kh7

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Damjanovic,Mato Langeweg,Kick Hoogovens 28th (1) a

b

c

d

e

12.01.1966 f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

h

31.Re1!+- Yet another brilliant move Black is helpless in the view of the coming 32.Re7! 31... Nb5 (a sad end for the extra piece) 32.cxb5 axb5 33.h4 R8a6 34.Re6 [ As usual, the engines have something attractive to suggest 34.Qf5+ Kh8 35.Re7! , but this cannot spoil the impression from the impeccable attack by the former worldclass player. ] a

51

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Here is a pure piece sacrifice for cleaning the key diagonal. 18...b5 19.Nd5!? exd5 20.cxd5 Bd7 21.e5 Ng4 22.h3 Nh6?! [ Once again returning of the material by 22...Nxe5 had to be preferred after 23.Bxe5 Bf8 ( 23...dxe5?! 24.d6 Qb8 25.Bxa8 Qxa8 26.dxe7 Bxh3 27.f4 ) 24.Bd4 Rxe1+ 25.Rxe1 Re8 Black is close to full equality. ] 23.e6 Bc8

h

1-0 www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

24.exf7+! A surprising, but very concrete improvement. [ The game saw hunting for the extra knight with 24.g4 Qb8 25.g5 Nf5 26.Be4 fxe6 27.Bxf5 e5 28.Qd3 ( 28.Be4 ) 28...Bxf5 29.Qxf5 Qd8 and Black managed to survive. ] 24...Kxf7 [ The tactical justification of White's last move is 24...Nxf7? 25.Qd4 Ne5 26.Rxe5 Bd7 27.Rg5 ] 25.Re6! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

52

Cutting enemy's position into two parts. Note the enormous difference between any of the White's pieces and their counterparts! 25... Ng8 [ Perhaps 25...Kg8 is the lesser evil, even though after 26.Rxh6 Bf5! ( 26...gxh6? 27.Qd4 is as disastrous as in the previous note ) 27.Re6 Rac8 28.Ree1 White is enjoying a healthy pawn up and a pleasant edge. ] 26.Qd3 [ Equally strong is 26.Qc2 Nf6 27.Bxf6 Kg8 28.Bxe7 Bxe6 29.dxe6 Qxe7 30.Bxa8 Rxa8 31.Qc6 Rf8 32.Re1 with large advantage. ] 26...Bf6 27.Qxh7 Rd8 [ 27...Bd7 allows some exciting fireworks like 28.Ba3! b4 ( 28...Rac8 29.Qh5+ Kf8 30.Bxd6+ Be7 31.Qf3+ Nf6 32.Rxe7 Rxc1+ 33.Re1+ Kg8 34.Rxc1+- ) 29.Rc4!! Qb8 ( 29...Qa7 30.Bxb4! Bxe6 31.dxe6+ Rxe6 32.Bd5! Rae8 33.Qh5+! g6 34.Qh7+ Bg7 35.Rf4+ Nf6 36.Bc3+-; 29...bxa3 30.Rg4+- Bb2 31.Qf5+ Bf6 32.Qg6+ Kf8 33.Rxf6+ Ke7 34.Re4+ Kd8 35.Rxe8+ Bxe8 36.Rxd6+ Bd7 37.Qxg7 ) 30.Rxb4 Qc8 31.Qh5+ Kf8 32.Rf4! Bxe6 33.Bxd6+ Re7 34.dxe6 Qe8 35.Bxe7+ Nxe7 36.Qh8+ Ng8 37.e7+! Qxe7 38.Bxa8+- ]

h

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

53

Bryn,Askild Kuipers,Stefan Gibraltar Masters 11th (2)

2019 2431 23.01.2013

8

8

7

7

6

6

8

8

5

5

7

7

4

4

6

6

3

3

5

5

2

2

4

4

1

1

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

28.Bxf6 Nxf6 29.Rxf6+ Kxf6 30.Qh4+ g5 31.Qh6+ Kf7 32.Rc7+ Qxc7 33.Qh7+ Kf6 34.Qxc7 Bf5 35.Qc3+ Kf7 36.g4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

a

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

f

f

g

g

h

h

Before analyzing more examples of a long-term attack let us see what can happen when White has direct access to the vulnerable g7-pawn in front of the king. 15.Qg3 a6?

8

8

7

7

6

6

8

8

5

5

7

7

4

4

6

6

3

3

5

5

2

2

4

4

1

1

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

and the kingside pawn majority should quickly decide the game, for instance 36... Bg6 37.Qe3 Kf6 38.Qe6+ Kg7 39.Qe7+ Kh6 40.h4+-

a

a

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

f

f

g

g

h

h

A serious tactical oversight with heavy consequences. Did Black underestimate his lower-rated (with a difference of 412 ELO points!) opponent? 16.Nd5! exd5 17.Nf5 Bf8 18.Bxf6 g6 19.Qh4 h5

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

20.Rxd5 [ 20.Bd4! would have created inevitable mating threats along the big diagonal. ] 20...Qc7 21.Ne7+ [ Instead, 21.Nd4! Bg7 22.Rxh5 Bxf6 23.Qxf6 gxh5 24.Nf5 would have been the natural flourish finish of the attack. ] a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Going for more material. The game continued with 21...Bxe7 22.Bxe7 Bc6 23.Rxh5 Qxe7 24.Rh8+ Kg7 25.Rh7+ Kf8 26.Rh8+ Kg7 27.Qxe7 Rxh8 28.f3 Rcd8 29.Rd1 and White converted his advantage. 1-0

54

Georgiev,Krum 2430 Heydarli,Kanan Beyukkishi Og 2213 Thessaloniki op (6) 09.04.2010 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

When a mating idea is in question the price of each move increases. Black has just played 14...Nd7 , but after 15.Qg3 continued with the careless Bb7?? [ 15...Bf6 would have been the logical idea behind his previous move. The punishment came instantly. ] a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

55

16.Nd5 Forcing resignation. One can judge for himself how many knight jumps are winning here. [ 16.Nxe6+- ] [ 16.Nf5+- ] [ 16.Ncb5+- ] 1-0 Georgiev,Krum Ipsarides,Herodotos Limassol a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

once again vs. the Soviet team (the reigning champion Tseshkovsky was his victim then) and against the Romanian Ionescu in the penultimate round. The latter, which is my favourite, was also decisive for his final GM-norm. Being a devoted KID player, Krum has the passion for fianchettoing his dark2530 squared bishop when facing the Sicilian 2110 as well. He uses to say that the plan is 10.1997 very simple - to deliver a mate on the g7-square. In the abovementioned game, Ionescu barely escaped that fate, albeit at the cost of big material losses. 8 No matter whether Krum has been 7 joking, many of his games ended exactly in this uncompromising manner. Here 6 are two more of them. The rook had 5 arrived at the desired location, and Black had to be on alert. 4 However, the natural developing move 3 16...Rad8?! turned out not to be very successful. 17.Nd5! exd5 2 a

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Of course, in practice the circumstances are much more complicated. My fellowcitizen GM Krum Georgiev is well known as a very gifted tactical player. In 1980 he became the first Bulgarian who defeated Garry Kasparov after spectacularly sacrificing both his knights. The future Word Champion (notably that was his only loss for the whole year!) could resign with a clear conscience straight after the opening stage had it not been a team event. 6 years later, at one of his next Olympiads (Dubai), Krum created two more masterpieces -

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

18.Rxg7+!? An amazing and very brave decision! Such a rook sacrifice seems to be unique to its character, and we can just admire Krum's deep intuition and determination! The less obliging

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

[ 18.Nf5 g6 19.Qf3 is fully playable either, and Black has a difficult defensive task, e.g. 19.... Rc8 ( it is better to confess at once the inaccuracy on move 16 than entering 19...dxe4 20.Qf4 Bf8 21.Bxf6 Re6 22.Bxd8 Qxd8 23.Nh6+ Bxh6 24.Qxh6 ) 20.Nh6+ ( or 20.Nxe7+ Qxe7 21.Bxf6 dxe4 22.Qf4 Qe6 23.Rd1 ) 20...Kg7 21.Qf4 dxc4 22.bxc4 Qd8 23.Nf5+ Kg8 24.Nxe7+ Qxe7 25.Bxf6 Qf8 ( 25...Qe6? 26.Rf3 ) 26.Rc3 b5 27.cxb5 axb5 28.Rxc8 Rxc8 29.h4 with a perminent pressure on dark squares. ] 18...Kxg7 19.Nf5+ a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Kh8? The worst of all the possible replies, but this illustrates well the problems in front of Black. [ 19...Kg8 20.Qf3 h5 21.Qf4! Ng4 22.Nh6+ ( 22.h3!? ) 22...Nxh6 23.Qxh6 A) 23...f6 24.Qg6+ Kh8 ( 24...Kf8?? 25.Bc1 ) 25.exd5 Bf8 ( 25...Bc8? 26.Qxh5+ Kg7

56

27.Re3+- ) 26.Rxe8 Rxe8 27.Bxf6+ Bg7 28.Qxh5+ Kg8 29.Qxe8+ Kh7 30.Bd8 Qc5 31.h4 Bc8 ( 31...Qd4 32.Qd7 ) 32.Bxb6 Qxb6 33.Qxc8 and 5(!) pawns should dominate the bishop; B) 23...d4 24.Bxd4 f6 25.Qg6+ Kh8 26.Qxh5+ Kg7 27.Re3 Rg8 28.Rg3+ Kf8 29.Qh6+ Kf7 30.Qh7+ Ke6 31.Rxg8 Rxg8 32.Qxg8+ Kd7 The forced play has come to an end, and it is time to draw some conclusions. With three pawns for a piece, White will rely on his passed h-pawn. Here is a sample line: 33.Qh7 Kd8 34.h4 b5 35.h5 Qa5 36.h6 Qe1+ 37.Kh2 Qxe4 38.Qg8+ Kc7 39.h7 Qf4+ 40.Kh3 Bc8+ 41.Qxc8+ Kxc8 42.h8Q+ Kd7 43.Qh4 ] [ 19...Kg6 (as far as I remember from the conversation with Krum, he was not entirely certain about the assessment of this retreat only; indeed, White has a perpetual, but can he try for more?) 20.Nh4+ Kg7 ( 20...Kh6? 21.Qe3+ Kh5 22.Qh3 ) 21.Qg4+! And the answer is positive! A) 21...Kf8?! 22.Qg5 A1) 22...Qc5 23.Qh6+ Kg8 24.Re3! ( 24.Nf5? Qxf2+ ) 24...Qxe3 25.fxe3 Bc8 26.exd5!+-; A2) 22...Bc8 23.Qh6+ Kg8 24.Re3+- Qd7 ( 24...d4 25.Bxd4 d5 26.f4! ) 25.Qg5+ Kf8 26.Nf5; B) 21...Kh8 22.exd5! Strong and very aesthetic! In spite of his big material advantage Black is in serious trouble: relatively the best is

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

B1) 22...Bxd5?! 23.Nf5 Rg8 24.Qh4! Rxg2+ 25.Kf1 Rg6 26.Rxe7 ( 26.Nxe7? Bg2+ 27.Kg1 Qxe7 28.Rxe7 Bh3+= ) 26...Qc8 ( 26...Qc5 27.Bxf6+ Kg8 28.cxd5 Qb5+ 29.Re2+Re8 30.Ne7+ Rxe7 31.Bxe7 Qxd5 32.Qe4 ) 27.Bxf6+ Kg8 28.Nh6+ Kf8 29.cxd5+- Qc1+ 30.Re1; B2) 22...Bc8?! 23.Qg5 Rg8 24.Bxf6+ Bxf6 25.Qxf6+ Rg7 26.Re7 Qxe7 27.Qxe7+-; B3) 22...h6 23.Nf5 Bf8 24.Bxf6+ Kh7 25.Ne7 Rxe7 26.Rxe7 Qxe7 27.Bxe7 Re8! (only due to this clever resource Black is able to stay in the game) ( 27...Bxe7? 28.Qe4+ ) 28.Qd4 Rxe7 29.Kf1 and still, after winning the b6-pawn, White has every chance to convert his queenside majority. ] [ 19...Kf8?! 20.Qe3! Ng4 21.Qh3 with irresistable threats - 21..... d4 ( 21...h6 22.Qxg4 Bg5 23.Bg7+ Kg8 24.Bxh6 f6 25.Bxg5 fxg5 26.Qxg5+ Kh8 27.Re3+- ) 22.Bxd4 ( even 22.Bc1!? seems to be winning - the computer line goes on with 22.... Bh4 23.Qxg4 Bxf2+ 24.Kxf2 Re5 25.Qg7+ Ke8 26.Bg5 Bxe4 27.Qg8+ Kd7 28.Qxf7+ Kc6 29.Qxc7+ Kxc7 30.Bxd8+ Kxd8 31.Nxd6+- ) 22...Bf6 23.Bxf6 Rxe4 24.Rxe4 Bxe4 25.Qxg4 Bxf5 26.Qg7+ Ke8 27.Qg8+ Kd7 28.Bxd8 Qxd8 ( 28...Qc5 29.Bxb6! ) 29.Qxf7+ Qe7 30.Qxf5+ Kc7 31.g3+- ]

57

20.exd5+- Bc8?! [ 20...h6 21.Nxe7 is hopeless as well. ] a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Leads to mate in 3, but the position is already beyond salvation. 21.Bxf6+ So, we have now enough evidence that the rook sacrifice is not only correct, but also objectively stronger than the safer alternative 18.Nf5. 1-0 Georgiev,Krum Van Elst,Andreas FRA-chT2C 0506 (1.1)

2461 2282 16.10.2005

1.e4 c5 2.b3 Krum's pet line, which served him well throughout many years. [ Just like him, in 2005 I was able to implement the thematic sacrifice. Curiously enough, only one month later and against the same opponent! Since this game is wrongly presented

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

in the databases, here is a realistic review: 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 d6 7.Be2 Bd7 8.0-0 Nc6 9.Nc2 Qc7 10.f4 Be7 11.Qd3 0-0 12.b3 Rac8 13.Bb2 Rfd8 14.Rad1 Nb8 15.Qg3 b5 16.Ne3 Qb6?! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

58

Here is the moment, when in every available source the text is interrupted and the game Ninov - Van Elst is given as finished in a draw. Actually, after 19.... Kf8 20.Nxe7 Kxe7 21.Qxg7 Black found himself in a desperate situation against the marching f-pawn and resigned in few moves. ] 2...d6 3.Bb2 e6 4.Nf3 Nd7 5.d4 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Ngf6 7.Bd3 Be7 8.c4 Nc5 9.Nc3 Nxd3+ 10.Qxd3 0-0 11.0-0 a6 12.f4 Qc7 13.Kh1 b6 14.Rae1 Bb7 15.Qg3

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

8

8

3

3

7

7

2

2

6

6

1

1

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

17.Ncd5! 19.Nxd5 a

b

c

d

exd5

c

d

e

f

g

18.Bd4!

e

f

g

h

Qb7

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

a

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

f

f

g

g

h

h

Rad8? A familiar mistake. Compared with the previous game here it is almost decisive. 16.Nd5! exd5 17.Nf5 Nh5 [ It is notable that after 17...g6 18.exd5 the attacked bishop cannot retreat to d8! ] 18.Qg4 Bc8 19.Nh6+ [ Good is also 19.Qxh5 Bxf5 20.exf5 dxc4 21.Rf3 , but why should not White continue his assault with material up? ] 19...Kh8 20.Qxh5 Rde8 21.Nxf7+ [ An attractive alternative lay in

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

21.exd5 Qd7 22.Nxf7+ Kg8 23.Nh6+ gxh6 24.Re6 and, to avoid the mate, Black must give the piece back by 24... Bf6 ] 21...Kg8 22.Nh6+ gxh6 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

23.Qxh6?! [ Correct was 23.Rf3! Bg5 24.fxg5 Rxf3 25.Qxf3 with even a better version of the line in the previous note. The attack in both of them only gains in power due to the opposite-coloured bishops. ] 23...Rf7 24.exd5 Ref8 25.Rf3 Bf6 26.Bxf6 Rxf6 27.Rg3+ Rg6 [ 27...Kh8? 28.Qxf6+ Rxf6 29.Re8+ Rf8 30.Rxf8# ] 28.Rxg6+ hxg6 29.Qxg6+ Qg7 30.Qxd6 Bf5 31.Qxb6 With plenty of pawns for the piece White should win. I will give the text till the end because of some tricky moments in the ensuing ending. 31... Qc3 32.Qf2 Bg6 33.Qg3 Qc2 34.h3 Rf6 35.Kh2 Qf5 36.Re5 Qxf4 37.Qxf4 Rxf4

a

59

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

38.Re6?! [ Black regained one of the pawns, but at the cost of exchanging the queens. 38.c5 , just advancing the connected passed pawns, would have been the simplest way to win. ] 38...Bb1 39.Kg3 Rd4 40.Rxa6 Rd2 41.a4 Ba2 42.a5! Bxb3 43.Rc6 Rc2 44.a6 Bxc4 45.a7 Rxg2+ 46.Kh4 Ra2 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

47.Rc8+ [ 47.Rxc4 Rxa7 48.d6! , demonstrating that this pawn is unstoppable, would have significantly shortened the game. ] 47...Kh7 48.a8Q Rxa8 49.Rxa8 Bxd5 Here is the intriguing endgame. White must win, though precision is required. 50.Ra7+ Kh8 51.Kg5 Bb3 52.Kh6 Bc4 53.Re7 Bb3 54.Rh7+ Kg8 55.Ra7 Bc2 56.Ra8+ Kf7 57.Ra2 Bd3 58.Rg2 Bc4 59.Rg5 Going for the winning (this is why for the last pawn is important to remain in its half) king maneuver. [ White could reach his purpose at once through 59.Rg7+! Kf8 ( 59...Kf6 60.Rg4 Bd3 61.Rf4+ cuts forever the king from the corner ) 60.Kg6 Bd3+ 61.Kf6 and nothing can block the march of the pawn. ] 59...Bd3 60.Kh5 Be2+ 61.Kh4 Kf6 62.Rg1 Kf7 63.Kg3! Bd3 64.Kf4+Bg6 65.h4 Kf6 66.Rg5 Bd3 67.h5 Bc2 68.h6 Bg6 69.Rg1 Kf7 70.Ke5 Bc2 71.Rg7+ Kf8 72.Kf6 1-0

60

Filipowicz,Andrzej Adamski,Jan POL-chT Mikolajki (7) a

b

c

d

e

2375 2365 1991

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

As a rule, White is obtaining good prospects after the thematic jump. The featured impressive games of GM Krum Georgiev have just come as a confirmation, but this does not at all mean that the sacrifice is automatically leading to a mating attack. Let us see what Black can do even in an alarming situation, in which the second enemy knight is established at the weakened (after accepting the sacrifice) f5-square. 17.Ncd5!? exd5 18.Nf5 Qd8 19.Qg3 Nh5 20.Qg4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

www.modern-chess.com

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

Bd7 Black immediately targets the annoying knight. A solid choice, but two other opportunities should be noted: [ one option is the somewhat passive 20...f6 , based on restoring the material balance after 21.exd5 Bd7 22.Qxh5 bxc4 White can try 23.Bd4 cxb3 24.axb3 Rxb3 25.Re1 with compensation for the pawn. ] [ The most natural way to neutralize the most dangerous enemy piece is 20...Bf6! and it seems to be the best, e.g. 21.Bxf6 ( an interesting, but insufficient try is 21.e5!? dxe5 22.fxe5 Bg5! 23.h4 Bd7! , forcing the opponent to an unfavorable ending after 24.hxg5 bxc4 25.Nh6+ gxh6 26.Qxh5 Qxg5 27.Qxg5+ hxg5 28.Rxd5 Be6 ) 21...Qxf6 22.cxd5 Bxd5 23.exd5 g6 24.Ng3 Nxg3 ( also promising, but much more complicated is 24...Nxf4!? 25.Rf1 Qd4+ 26.Kh1 Ne6 27.Qe4 Qxe4 28.Nxe4 Nc5 29.Nxd6 Rbd8 30.Rfc1 Nxb3 31.axb3 Rxd6 ) 25.Qxg3 Rfe8 and it is already much easier to be behind the black pieces. ] 21.Nh6+ Kh8 22.Qxh5 Bf6! 23.e5 g6! 24.Qe2 Bg7 The point of the previous two moves. It is important that the c4pawn is still hanging. 25.Ng4 [ 25.cxd5 Bxh6 26.e6+ Bg7 27.Bxg7+ Kxg7 28.exd7 Qxd7 29.Rac1 ] [ 25.Nxf7+ Rxf7 26.e6 Rxf4 27.Bxg7+ Kxg7 28.exd7 Qxd7

61

29.Rxd5 bxc4 ] [ A quick draw would have been the likely outcome in both of them. Here is how White could find himself in trouble: 25.Rxd5?! bxc4 26.Rxd6 Qc8! 27.Qd2 Be6 28.f5 gxf5 ( 28...c3!? 29.Qxc3 Qxc3 30.Bxc3 gxf5 31.Bd2 Bxe5 ) 29.Rc1 Qb7 30.Rc3 Qe4! ] a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White had two safer continuations to simplify the position: 25...Bxg4 26.Qxg4 bxc4 27.Rxd5 cxb3 28.axb3 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

www.modern-chess.com

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

Rxb3 [ Perhaps Black was happy with the way he had parried the attack and was not looking for more. Besides his draw offer on the next move, here he could go for 28...Qb6+ 29.Bd4 Qc6 30.Qf3 ( 30.Rxd6? Qxd6 ) 30...dxe5 31.Bxe5 Bxe5 32.fxe5 Qb6+ 33.Qf2 Qxb3 , albeit White should draw without too much difficulty after 34.Rda5 Qb1+ 35.Qf1 Qxf1+ 36.Kxf1 Rb5 37.Rxa6 Rxe5 38.Ra8 ] 29.Rxd6 Qb8 1/2

Leveille,Francois Saint Amand,Paul Montreal op (5)

2360 2225 1995

We are now going to examine examples, in which another pair (in the last several games a knight was traded for our lightsquared bishop) of minor pieces has been exchanged. Their absence is in general considered to bring relief to the player with less space, but, as we will see, these positions are not without venom. By playing 18...Rb8 Black declared his intention to go for the typical thrust b7-b5. We had already seen how often it was met by our thematic sacrifice. It was, therefore, worth to increase its effect by 19.Qe2, but White was tempted by the immediate 19.Nd5!? exd5 20.exd5 Rc7 21.Rde1 Bf8? [ It was essential to keep the pawn shelter intact by the seemingly passive 21...Kf8 22.Qe2 ( 22.Bxf6 Bxf6 23.Qxh7 g6 ) 22...Ng8! ] 22.Bc3! a

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

62

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

h

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

A clever insertion before spoiling the structure. 22.... Qxa2 [ 22...Qb6 23.Bxf6 gxf6 24.Qc3! (here is one of the advantages of the strong intermediate move 22) 24.... h6 ( 24...Bg7 25.Re8+ ) 25.Rg3+ Kh7 26.Qxf6 Qb4 27.Qf5+ Kh8 28.Qg4! Qxe1+ 29.Kh2 with mate to follow. ] 23.Bxf6 gxf6 24.Qc3 Be7 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

63

26.Qe3! with numerous threats, e.g. 26... Qa5 ( 26...Rd8 27.Qh6+ Ke8 28.Qxf6; 26...Qb2 27.Qh6+ Ke8 28.Rg8+ Kd7 29.Rxb8 ) 27.Qh6+ Ke8 28.Rg8+ Kd7 29.Rxe7+ Kxe7 30.Rxb8 Qe1+ 31.Kh2 Kd7 32.Qxh7 Qe5+ 33.g3 Ke7 34.Qh8 , completing the mating set. ] 25...Qxa1+ 26.Qxa1 Kh8? 27.Rxe7 1-0

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

8

8

3

3

7

7

2

2

6

6

1

1

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

25.Ra1 [ Good enough, but more in the spirit of the position was 25.Rg3+! Kf8 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Tkachiev,Vladislav Watson,William N Lloyds Bank op 17th (7) a

a

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

2455 2550 1993 f

f

g

g

h

h

Let us now enjoy what is, in my humble opinion, the most picturesque, if not the best, execution of the featured Nc3-d5 sacrifice! 19.Re3 Bf6? [ The vulnerable g7-pawn had to be defended with 19...Bf8 ]

h

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine a

b

c

d

e

f

g

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

b

c

d

e

f

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

h

This naturally looking move appeared to have a hidden tactical drawback. 20.Nd5!! exd5 21.exd5 Qd7 22.Bxf6 gxf6 23.Rg3+ Kh8 [ For our delight this retreat has allowed a fantastic finish. True, 23...Kf8 24.Qxh7 was completely hopeless. ] a

2146 2475 29.09.2005

Yordanov,Nikolay Petkov,Vladimir BUL-chT Sunny Beach (4)

h

8

64

g

h

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

The next example is also of big theoretical importance. 16...Rfc8? appeared to be an instructive mistake. 17.Nd5!! exd5 18.exd5 R6c7 19.Bxf6! gxf6 [ 19...Bxf6?? 20.Qe8+ Rxe8 21.Rxe8# ] 20.Qg4+ Kf8 [ 20...Kh8? 21.Rxe7+- ] 21.Re3!

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

8

8

4

4

7

7

3

3

6

6

2

2

5

5

1

1

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

24.Qxh7+!! Kxh7 25.Rd4 1-0

g

h

a

a

www.modern-chess.com

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

f

f

g

g

h

h

Modern Chess Magazine

f5 [ 21...Qxa2?! took place in the predecessor of the whole operation Belic - Kondou, 1990, the only difference being the location of the pawn on h2 in that game. After the precise moves 22.Rg3! Ke8 23.Qe4! Kf8 24.Qxh7 Ke8 White, instead of forcing mate by 25.Rg8+ Bf8 26.Re1+ Re7 27.Rxf8+! , at first repeated (Qe4-h7) once and only then finished the game with 27. Re1+- ] 22.Qxf5 h6 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

65

30.Rc1+- ) 24...a5 ( 24...b5 25.b4 Qxb4 26.Rxe7+- ) 25.h4 Rd8 (Black is almost in zugzwang!) 26.Qf4!+- The surprising point of the last two moves! ]

23...Bf6 24.Qxh6+ Bg7 25.Qxd6+ Kg8 26.Rg3 Kh8 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

27.Rd4?! A tempting move, but in fact it allows the queen to enter the game, thus giving up a large part of the advantage.

[ 27.Qf4 is better, but still not entirely convincing ] [ The engines have something special to prevent that penetration - 27.Rxg7!! Kxg7 28.Qg3+ Kf8 29.Qe5!! A spectacular idea - from the center queen controls many squares, including that possible check from e1. Despite the extra rook Black is utterly helpless: Here is a very entertaining computer line A) 29...Kg8 30.Rd4+-; B) 29...Qc5 30.b4! Qxc4 31.Qh8+ Ke7 32.d6+ Ke6 33.Qh6+ f6 www.modern-chess.com

23.Qh7 [ Slightly premature, as Black succeeded in activating his bishop. Stronger was 23.Rde1! Qc5 and now the stunning 24.Re4! ( once again there is no need to go for 24.Qh7 Bf6 25.Rg3 Be5 26.Qxh6+ Ke7; worth of attention is the preparation for f2-f4 by means of 24.Kf1!? b5 25.Qh7! Qd4 26.Qxh6+ Qg7 27.Qxg7+ Kxg7 28.Rxe7 bxc4 29.Rxc7 Rxc7

Modern Chess Magazine

34.Re1+ Kf7 35.d7! ( or 35.dxc7 ) 35...Rxd7 36.Qh7+ Kf8 37.Qxd7 Qc6 38.Qe7+ Kg8 39.Re3 Kh8 40.Rf3!+-; C) 29...Rc6!? 30.Qh8+ ( 30.b4+- ) 30...Ke7 31.Qh4+ Rf6 32.d6+ Ke6 33.Qe4+ Qe5 34.Qxb7 Re8 35.Qb6 Qe2 36.d7+ Kf5 37.dxe8Q!? Qxd1+ 38.Kh2 Rxb6 (Black will be happy with his extra rook for a few moves only) 39.Qxf7+ Kg5 40.Qg7+ Kf5 41.g4+ Kf4 42.Qf7+ Ke5 43.Qe7+ Re6 - the rook is alive, but after 44.Qg5+ Black must part with his queen or be nicely mated - 44.... Ke4 45.Qe3# ] 27...Qe1+ 28.Kh2 Qe7 29.Qf4 Rd7? [ 29...Qf6 would force an exchange of the queens and Black could then hope for a positive result. ] 30.Qf5!+- Rg8?? and Black resigned, not waiting to be mated in 2. 1-0 Carmaciu,Lucian Catalin 2429 Chircu,Vadim 2200 Cap Aurora FISCA op (8) 27.06.2014 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

66

Black had probably decided to free the c5-square for his knight by retreating 19...Qc6?! We have already seen what this plan led to in the brilliant miniature Tkachiev - Watson. Even here the queen appeared to be exposed on c6 to an unexpected tactical resource of exceptional beauty. 20.Nd5! Bf8 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

21.Rg3 [ Missing the moment for immortality 21.Bxg7!! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

Kxg7 ( 21...exd5?! 22.Rg3 Bxg7 23.Qg4 Kf8 24.exd5 Qc5 25.Qxg7+ Ke8 26.Re1+ Ne5 27.fxe5+- ) 22.Qh5!! and White is breaking through, as shown by: A) 22...exd5 23.Rh3!! ( not 23.Rg3+? Kh8 24.Qg5 Bh6 25.Qxh6 Rg8 ) 23...Nf6 24.Qg5+ Kh8 25.Rg3!! , mating.; B) 22...Kh8 23.Rh3 h6 24.Ne7! Qxe4 25.Qxf7 Bg7 26.Rg3! Rg8 27.Nxc8 Qe2 28.Rg1 Nf6 29.Rxg7 Rxg7 30.Qxf6+- ] 21...g6 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

67 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Black kept the extra piece and developed a severe counterattack after 27.g4 Qd8 28.g5 b5! 29.axb5 axb5 30.cxb5 Rc2 31.Bd4 Qd7 32.f6 Qxb5 33.Qe4 Re2 34.Re3 Rxe3 35.Bxe3 Ng4 In the second part of this article we are going to deal with positions, in which the light-squared bishop is on the board. 0-1

h

22.Qh5?? A good example of how easy is to lose one's head in the process of a promising attack. [ White had to switch to 22.Nf6+ Nxf6 23.Bxf6 Rd7 24.Rgd3 with lasting pressure. ] 22...exd5 23.exd5 Qc7 24.f5 Ne5 25.Qh4 Re8 26.Rh3 h5-+

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Alavkin,Arseny Sidorov,Anatoly Privolzhskogo FO-ch (3)

a

b

c

d

e

68

2491 Pugachov,Alexey 2416 Grebionkin,Vladimir 24.03.2007 RUS Cup Qualifier 3 blitz

f

g

h

a

b

c

d

e

2499 2462 21.10.2004

f

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White met 14...Qb6 with the vigorous 15.Nd5!? exd5 16.Nf5 Assess the consequences of 16.... Nxe4 [ ANSWER: The text is a grave mistake. Black is not only exposing the vulnerable g7square to the enemy fire, but is parting with his only piece, which is able (in case of Qd2-g5) to defend it. The game did not last for long 16...Nxe4?? (16.... d:c4 with mutual chances) 17.Rxe4 Rfe8 ( 17...dxe4 18.Qh6! was most probably overlooked by Black before the fatal capture ) 18.Rg4 and 1-0. ] 1-0

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

In a blitz game Black replied to 21.Rg3 with 21... Ne8? [ He had many acceptable possibilities, 21...Rc5 being one of them. Find the drawback of the textmove. ] [ ANSWER: Black lost material by force after 21...Ne8? 22.Nf5! Bf6 23.Nd5 exd5 24.Bxf6 Bxf5 ( 24...Nxf6? 25.Qh6! with mate to follow ) 25.Qxf5 ( White decided to remain a pawn up than taking the exchange by 25.Bxd8 Qxd8 26.Qxf5 dxc4 27.Rc3 , but to continue his attack ) 25...Nxf6 26.Qxf6 g6 27.Rxd5 Re8 28.Re3 Qb4 29.h4 and Black could not resist its new wave. ]

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Zatulovskaya,Tatiana 2231 Grinfeld,Alla B 2062 14.02.2009 Sochi (Woman) 16th

Genova,Liubka Vladimirova,Maria BUL-ch (Women) (2)

a

b

c

d

e

69

f

g

a

h

b

c

d

e

f

2214 2234 1981

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

17...Qe7 [ ANSWER: The text only optically defended the bishop. 17...Qe7 was refuted convincingly by 18.Nd5! exd5 19.Nc6 Qe8 20.Bxf6 Nxe4 21.Rxe4! Qxe4 22.Ne7+ Kh8 23.Bxg7+! and mate in 2. Black resigned. ] 1-0

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

After our thematic sacrifice 20.Nd5!? exd5 21.exd5 Black defended the attacked bishop with 21... Rfe8 Would you accept her decision? [ ANSWER: The text allowed a beautiful small combination. Correct was 21...Nxd5! 22.cxd5 Bf6 ] [ The game saw 21...Rfe8? 22.Rxe7! ( 22.Nf5 Bf8 23.Bxf6 gxf6 24.Qg3+ Kh8 25.Qh4 ) 22...Rxe7 23.Nf5 Kf8 ( 23...Rde8 24.Bxf6 Re1 runs into 25.Nh6+ Kf8 26.Bxg7+ Kxg7 27.Qg3+ Kf8 28.Qg8+ Ke7 29.Rxe1+ ) 24.Bxf6 gxf6 25.Nxe7 Kxe7 26.Re1+ Kf8 27.Qxh7 , forcing resignation. ] 1-0

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Pribyl,Martin Wolf,Ulrich Martin Holger Blomstrand's op (2) a

b

c

d

e

f

2355 2200 10.08.1997 g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

The thematic jump 19.Nd5! Bd8 turned into a real sacrifice after 20.Qh5 exd5 21.exd5 Ba8 Finish the attack. [ ANSWER: 21...Ba8 22.Bxg7! Kxg7 23.Qh6+ Kg8 24.Be4 f5 25.g6 Nf6 26.Bxf5 Re8 27.Rde1! The last finesse, aimed at eliminating the best defender of the king. The mate is inevitable, so Black resigned. ] 1-0

www.modern-chess.com

70

Modern Chess Magazine

Endgame Series - Part 14

Hello Dear chess friends, In the previous thirteen issues of Endgame series we have covered a broad range of basic endgame topics. From the square rule to protected passed pawns, zugzwang and correspondent squares, you will find most endgame fundamentals on the pages of the preceding issues. From now on, however, we will move onto the more advanced topics and endgame strategies. A solid knowledge of previously discussed themes is necessary to absorb the upcoming material. We will start with a topic that is not related to the endgame exclusively, but becomes increasingly significant as fewer and fewer pieces are left on the board. When material is reduced, limiting mobility of opponent's piece(s) can be a decisive factor in a game. Restriction of opponent's pieces can come in many forms, some of which we will discuss in this issue. The strongest form of limited mobility is trapping or entrapment - it is when opponent's piece is completely immobile.

71

However, in this issue we will not talk about trapping, but rather focus on other ways we can restrict opponent's pieces to obtain an edge in the endgame. I suggest we begin with the ways we reduce king's mobility. This is a reasonable approach because king is an important piece in pretty much every type of endgame, while other pieces may or may not play a notable role. We will look at three different ways to limit king's movement: shouldering, cornering, and cutting off. Then we will move on to instructive examples of limiting mobility of other pieces. Shouldering 1 The term "shouldering" is borrowed from other sports, such as football, where two players are running after a ball shoulder to shoulder. Usually the player who wins the shouldering battle gets to the ball first. So the analogy holds when we have two kings battling to get to a certain pawn or square and one of them "shoulders" the other one, winning important space. Let us see how this concept works in the first example: a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

1.Ke6 We already explained the advantages of king's diagonal movement in issue #5. [ 1.Ke7? is worse. Kc3 2.Kd7 Kd4 3.Kc7 Kd5 4.Kb7 Kd6 5.Kxa7 Kc7= and black achieves a draw by cornering white king (a limitation strategy we will talk about later). ] 1...Kc3 2.Kd5! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

72 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

8

8

2

2

7

7

1

1

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

What is the most natural plan here?

Surely, to go for the b-pawn. But, white wins only with the paradoxical: 1.Ke2!! 2 2 [ instead of the more natural 1.Kc4 1 1 The problem is that black king can a b c d e f g h also move towards white pawn: Kf2 2.Kb5 Ke3 3.Kb6 ( Nothing is The key move that takes the d4 square changed by 3.a4 Kd4 4.a5 away from black king, while because black can still get to the asimultaneously getting closer to the apawn with Kc3! 5.Kb6 Kb4 ) 3...Kd4 pawn. Kb4 4.Kxb7 Kc4 5.Kb6 Kb4 and despite [ The cornering strategy doesn't work winning the pawn, white will not win any more: 2...Kd3 3.Kc6 Kd4 4.Kb7 the game because he will lose his aKd5 5.Kxa7 Kc6 black is one tempo pawn. ] too short, his king needsto be on c7. 1...Kg2 6.Kb8+- ] [ If black pushes the pawn forward 3.Kc6 Ka5 4.Kb7 Black king has been 1...b6 white can go for it: 2.Kd3! Kf2 boxed out. He also can not reach c7 in 3.Kc4 Ke3 4.Kb5 Kd4 5.Kxb6 Kc4 time. Kb5 5.Kxa7 Kc6 6.Kb8+The difference here is that white king is close enough (on b6, not b7) to Shouldering 2 support the a-pawn. 6.a4 Kb4 7.a5+- ] In the next study by M. Zinar we see an 2.a4 This is why white "wasted" a move impressive example of shouldering. on 1.Ke2. Black king can not get closer Sometimes taking a patient step back to to the a-pawn, so white has just enough restrict your opponent is better than time to move it down the board where it going forward. will be out of king's reach. Kg3 www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

4.Kd4!

[ 2...Kg1!? a

b

73

c

d

e

f

g

a

h

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

is cunning, hoping to get behind white's back if he moves his king up, but white wins with 3.a5! ( 3.Kd3? Kf2 4.a5 Ke1! 5.Kc4 Kd2 6.Kb5 Kc3 7.Kb6 Kb4= ) 3...Kg2 4.Kd3 Kf3 5.Kc4 Ke4 6.Kb5 Kd4 7.Kb6 Kc4 8.Kxb7 Kb5 9.a6+- ] 3.Ke3 White continues to shoulder black king. Kg4 [ In the event of 3...b6 white wins with 4.Ke4 when black is defenseless from king's invasion to c6: Kg4 ( or 4...Kf2 5.Kd5 Ke3 6.Kc6 Kd4 7.Kxb6 Kc4 8.a5+- ) 5.Kd5 Kf5 6.Kc6 Ke6 7.Kxb6 Kd7 8.Kb7 and white is just in time to block black king from reaching c8 square. ]

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

No need for shouldering any more. White is ready for the winning king march. Kf5 5.Kc5 Ke4 [ 5...Ke6 6.Kb6 Kd7 7.Kxb7+- ] 6.Kb6 Kd5 7.Kxb7 Kc5 8.a5 Kb5 9.a6+Shouldering 3 As I said earlier, reducing king's mobility can be essential in different types of endgames, not only pawn endgames. Here we have a study by Amellung, 1901. , which is an example of shouldering in rook vs. pawn endgame. This is a textbook maneuver worth remembering.

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

74 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Black to move draws only with: 1...Kc5! One thing that you absolutely must remember about rook vs. pawn endgames is that rook alone can not hold off the pawn and king in most situations. Therefore, the position of white king usually determines the outcome of the game. If it manages to fight its way to the pawn, the game is usually won; if not, it's a draw. [ In that sense, the natural-looking 1...Kc4? is a mistake as it allows 2.Kb6 b3 3.Ka5 Kc3 4.Ka4 b2 5.Ka3+- and white king has reached the pawn just in time. ] [ The same goes for 1...Ka4? 2.Kc6 b3 3.Kc5 Ka3 4.Kc4 b2 5.Kc3+- ] 2.Kb7 [ If white would give check 2.Rc1+ then black can move forward with his king Kd4 because after 3.Kb6 b3 4.Kb5 b2 5.Rb1 Kc3 6.Ka4 Kc2= he is one move faster than white king. ] 2...Kb5! 3.Ka7 Ka5!

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

1.Kf1! Only like this. [ 1.Kf2? would be a wrong choice because black can put us in zugzwang: Nd6 2.Kf1 Ne4 that a bit later): b2 6.Rh1 Kb4 7.Kb6 Ka3 8.Kb5 Ka2= ] 4...Kb5 5.Rb1 [ 5.Kb7 b3= ] 5...Ka5= Cornering 1 Cornering can be a very effective way of limiting king's mobility. It is usually used to force the king in front of his own pawn, so that neither the king nor the pawn can move. Here is a classic example:

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

75 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

8

8

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White has an opportunity to corner black king, but which square he should go to?

1.Kf1! Only like this. [ 1.Kf2? would be a wrong choice because black can put us in zugzwang: Nd6 2.Kf1 Ne4 and white king can not stay on the ffile any more, so 3.Ke2 Kg2-+ wins. ] 1...Nd6 2.Kf2 Ne4+ 3.Kf1= and in the same position with black to move, it's a draw because the knight is known to be the only piece that can not "lose" a tempo. For example: Nd2+ 4.Kf2 Ne4+ 5.Kf1 Ng5 6.Kf2 Nh3+ 7.Kf1 Ng1 8.Kf2 Black king will remain cornered "forever". Cornering 2 Not only the king gets cornered - other pieces can be as well. The knight is particularly awkwardly placed in the corner, which is illustrated perfectly in the following example:

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White to move wins with 1.a8Q+! [ 1.Kc5 is not sufficient. Black just has to find a way to sacrifice his knight for the g-pawn. Nc8! 2.Kd5 Nxa7 3.Ke6 Nb5 4.Kf7 Nd4 5.Kxg6 Nf3= followed by Nxg5. ] 1...Nxa8 2.Nd5! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

A beautiful idea. White knight on d5 dominates black knight in the corner and black can not get it out because the pawn endgame is lost. Kb8 [ 2...Nc7+ 3.Nxc7 Kxc7 4.Kc5+white wins thanks to the opposition. ]

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

3.Kc6 Kc8 4.Kd6 white still needs to win the g-pawn to win the game, so he sends his king to do the job. [ It would be a big mistake to use the knight for the same purpose 4.Ne7+? Kd8 5.Nxg6 because it would allow the poor black knight to get out of the corner just in time: Nc7 6.Nf4 Ne8= ] 4...Kb7 5.Ke6 Kc6 6.Ne7+ It was not possible to keep the knight on d5 any more. But now white pieces are placed much better for the pawn promotion. Kc7 [ 6...Kc5 is another possibility. 7.Nxg6 Nc7+ 8.Ke5! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

76 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

8

8

1

1

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

This is the best way to limit mobility of black pieces. White king holds black king in short opposition and the knight in the diagonal opposition! Kc6 9.Nf8! Not allowing Kd7. Ne8 10.g6 Kc7 11.Ke6 Ng7+ 12.Kf6 Nh5+ 13.Ke7! Again, not allowing black king to come any closer. Kc6 14.Ne6+- and black can not avoid 15.Nf4! with a winning deflection. ] 7.Nxg6 Kd8 8.Kf7!

Shouldering black king. Nb6 9.Ne5 and black knight is too far to stop the gpawn. For example: Nc8 10.g6 Nd6+ 11.Ke6 Ne8 12.Nf7+ Kc7 13.Nd6! Ng7+ 14.Kf7 Nh5 15.Ne8+ Kc6 16.Nf6 Ng3 17.Ke6!+a

a

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

f

f

g

g

h

h

[ 17.g7?? Nf5 18.g8Q Nh6+= ] The final precision.

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

Cutting off 1 Cutting off Cutting off is a very important tool in endgames. Inexperienced players often forget about it as they focus on other "priorities", such as winning opponent's pawn or pushing their own passed pawn. However, there are positions when it is essential to limit the mobility of opponent's piece (especially the king), by cutting it off from a file, rank, or diagonal. Let us see a simple example where white secured victory by cutting of opponent's king from his pawn:

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 b

c

d

e

f

g

[ Perhaps the best chance was 1...Ra6!? 2.Kg7 Ra7+ 3.f7 Ke6 4.Rf2 Kd5! threatening to bring his king to the c-file. The only winning move is 5.Rf4! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

h

8

a

77

h

In the game Konstantinopolsky Friedman, 1940. white played 1.Rc2! [ Instead 1.f7? Rxf7 2.Kxf7 would allow Kc4 with a drawn rook vs. pawn endgame. 3.Ke6 a3 4.Rb8 a2 5.Ra8 Kb3 6.Kd5 Kb2= ] 1...Ke6 [ 1...a3 loses after 2.f7 Rxf7 3.Kxf7+exactly because black king is cut off the c-file. ]

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

which cuts the king along the 4th rank! a3 ( 5...Kc5 6.Rxa4! Rxa4 7.f8Q++- ) 6.Kg8 a2!? leads to a fun position ( 6...Ra8+ 7.f8Q Rxf8+ 8.Kxf8 is also lost for black beacuse his king is cut off. ) 7.f8Q a1Q a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

78

but white is the first one to move and can force checkmate with 8.Qd8+!+etc. ] 2.Rc3! The winning move. Black is actually in zugzwang. [ 2.f7? would be wrong just as in the starting position: Rxf7 3.Re2+ Kd5 4.Kxf7 Kc4= ] 2...a3 3.f7 Now this move wins. Rxf7 [ 3...Ra8 4.Rxa3! Rxa3 5.f8Q+- ] 4.Re3+ Kd5 5.Kxf7 The only difference compared to 2.f7 variation is that here the a-pawn is hanging, so Black has no time to bring his king closer. a2 6.Ra3+-

1...b4? would be a beginner's mistake, [ Instead, black has 1...Ka5 which loses because it doesn't shoulder white king. 2.Kg7 b4 3.Kf6 b3 4.Rb8 Ka4 5.Ke5 Ka3 6.Kd4 White king has a free pass to the pawn. b2 7.Kc3+- ] [ and 1...Kc5! which is the only way to draw. 2.Kg7 b4 3.Kf6 b3 4.Ke5 Kc4 5.Ke4 Kc3 6.Ke3 b2 7.Rc8+ Kb3= ] due to 2.Rg5! The rule is: If the rook can cut the king along (at least) the fifth rank, he wins. If black pushes the pawn b3 he loses it after 3.Rg3 b2 4.Rb3+ +-

Cutting off 2

Restricting rook's movement

In the following situation, typical for rook vs. pawn endgames, black has to be extremely careful not to let his king get cut off along the fifth rank:

Reducing mobility of other pieces We shall now look at positions where reducing mobility of opponent's pieces is the winning endgame strategy. The failure to do so would allow the defending side to escape with a draw or achieve counter-play by activating its pieces. We start with the rook!

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

www.modern-chess.com

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Modern Chess Magazine

Rook is usually the most mobile piece in endgames. However, sometimes things like this happen. Black has, therefore, played Nd6 with the idea to free his rook by taking on c8. If white moves the bishop away, the b7-pawn falls. What should white do? 1.Rb6

1...Ke7 2.Rxd6! An excellent solution. White eliminates opponent's strongest piece (the knight) , highlighting helplesness of his worst piece (the rook). Kxd6 3.Kg3 b

c

d

e

f

g

pawn and king vs. king endgame since the rook is completely trapped on b8. Ke7 4.Kh4 Kf6 5.Kh5 Kg7 6.Kg5+white has achieved opposition and wins easily even without the help of his bishop. Restricting bishop's movement

[ 1.Rc3 Nxb7= ] [ 1.Bd7 Rxb7= ] [ 1.Kf3 Nxc8 2.bxc8Q Rxc8= ] [ 1.Rf3+ Kg5= ]

a

79

h

In endgames where defending side has a bishop, very often the right strategy is to limit bishop's movement by forcing it onto a "short" diagonal. The next example illustrates this strategy very well: a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

8

8

6

6

7

7

5

5

6

6

4

4

5

5

3

3

4

4

2

2

3

3

1

1

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

What we basically have here is a simple

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White's winning plan is to capture the a6 pawn (without a-pawns the position is a draw). On first inspection, this is not so easy to do as it is on the same color as black bishop. But, 1.Re6! is a good start because we force the bishop to return to b7. [ Something like 1.Re7? on the other hand, would allow black bishop to

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

reach the "long" f1-a6 diagonal. Bc6 2.Rc7 Bb5 3.Ra7 Bd3 4.Ke3 Bf1 5.Kf2 Bb5= and black draws comfortably as he has a lot of safe squares on this diagonal. ] 1...Bb7 2.Rd6! [ White would be going nowhere by just attacking the bishop: 2.Rb6 Bc8 3.Rc6 Bb7 4.Rb6 Bc8 5.Rb8? Bd7 6.Rb6 Bb5= ] 2...Bc8 3.Rb6! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

80

Bg2! ] 6...Bc8 [ 6...Ke5 is merely a transposition, after: 7.Rb6 Bc8 8.Rc6+- ] 7.Rb6! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

8

8

4

4

7

7

3

3

6

6

2

2

5

5

1

1

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Now black is in zugzwang as he can not move his bishop along the "short" diagonal any more. g3!? The only move to keep the game going. [ The key point is that after 3...Kf7 white has 4.Rc6 and black can not return to b7 due to the double attack on c7. Be6 5.Rxa6+- ] [ 3...Kh6 4.Rxf6++- ] 4.Kxg3 Kf5 Now black king has access to the fifth rank, but white performs a very similar rook maneuver, regardless: 5.Rc6 Bb7 6.Rd6! [ White would make his life more difficult with 6.Rc5+?! Kg6 7.Kf4

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Black is in zugzwang once again! Ke5 [ If he returns to 7...Kg6 then we would be back to the previous position after 8.Kf4+- ] [ 7...Ke4 8.Rxf6+- ] 8.Rc6 Bb7 9.Rc5+ The h5 pawn is without protection and the game is over. Bd5 [ or 9...Ke6 10.Rxh5+- ] 10.Ra5+Restricting light pieces Now we move on to somewhat more complex practical examples. In a very recently played game, Hungarian star Richard Rapport showed an excellent endgame technique in knight and bishop vs. knight and bishop endgame. The key

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

to his victory was reducing mobility of opponent's light pieces, especially the knight. a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

In the important last round game from Zalakaros open 2017., Rapport - Banusz, black was fighting for draw in a difficult endgame: 1...Nd2 2.Bd5! White bishop assumes commanding position in the center, dominating not only black knight, but also the bishop on c8. [ 2.Be2?! would allow black to activate with Bb7 3.Kb6 Bxf3 4.Bxf3 Nxf3 5.Kxa6 g5!= ] 2...Bd7 Black gets his bishop out before it is too late. [ 2...Nf1 looks principled considering white did not put his bishop on e2, but white has a strong answer: 3.Kc6! Nxg3 4.Bc4! Diagram ( 4.Kc7? Ke5 )

a

81 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

and black bishop is trapped! Black can try 4...g5 5.Kc7 gxf4 6.Kxc8 but it would not help because of limited mobility of his knight. Next move is Bxa6, followed by b5-b6, etc. ] 3.Ne2 g5 4.f4 Rapport does not allow black king to get into the game. [ Wrong continuations are: 4.Kb6 Bb5 5.Nd4 f4!= ] [ and 4.hxg5+ Kxg5 5.Kb6 Bb5 6.Nd4 f4! 7.Ne6+ Kf5 8.Nxf4 h4= ] 4...g4 5.Bg2! Again, limiting the mobility of black knight. Now f1 square is under control. Bb5 [ Black can try to activate the knight with 5...Nb3+ but that would just help white achieve his goal: 6.Kb6 Bb5 7.Nc3 Bd3 8.Bb7 and the a6 pawn falls without black creating any counterplay. ] 6.Nc3 Bd3 7.Kd4! The king takes away squares, too. [ Nothing is achieved by 7.Kb6 Ke6 8.Bb7 Nf1 9.Bxa6 Bxa6 10.Kxa6 Nxg3 11.b5 Ne4! 12.b6 g3= ]

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

7...Bf1 8.Bd5! a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

An impressive display of domination. Both black pieces are practically immobile. Out of eleven legal squares I found only one that is safe. The worst thing for black is that his own bishop takes away an important square for the knight (f1). Ke7 [ 8...Bh3 This is the only "safe" square. But after 9.Ke3! Nf1+ 10.Kf2+a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

82

we get a funny position that is completely lost for black, of course. ] 9.Ke3 Nc4+ This move loses without a fight. [ 9...Nf3! was the last chance. White has to find 10.Bb3! ( Strangely, it is wrong to take the pawn: 10.Bxf3 gxf3 11.Kxf3 Kd6 12.Ke3 Bc4 13.Kd4 Bb3 Diagram a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

and apparently white is somehow unable to make progress with best play by black. ) 10...Kf6 11.Nd5+ Ke6 12.Nc7+ Kf6 13.Be6+- followed by Bc8 and white gets a passed pawn. ] 10.Bxc4 Bxc4 11.Kd4 Bb3 12.Ke5+The f5 pawn is lost. Bc2 13.Nd5+ and black resigned.

h

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

83

32.Bc6 Re7 ] Kuljasevic,Davorin 2591 Weiss,C 2409 30...Rxb7 31.Rxb7 Bxf4 [ Black can save the a-pawn 31...a5 TCh-AUT 1st Bundesliga 2013-14 (2.2) , but then white is in time to protect his kingside with 32.Kf3 and black is busted. ] The next example comes from my own 32.Bxa6 Bxg5 33.Bb5! An important practice. In the position below, I found a intermezzo, forcing black rook to an forced winning sequence that was extremely passive position. Ra8 largely based on limiting mobility of [ Other responses, such as 33...Re7 opponent's pieces. Diagram allow white to push his a-pawn, which decides the outcome. 34.Rxe7 Bxe7 a b c d e f g h 35.a5 Bd8 36.a6 Bb6 37.Bg3+- ] 8 8 34.Bg3! Black can not protect his dpawn. Bxh6 35.Bxd6 7 7 6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

In a very cramped position black attempted to create counterplay with 29...Rab8 [ 29...Bxf4 would only help white open up the position to his satisfaction: 30.Bxc5 and if Bxg5 then 31.Rg7+ Kh8 32.Bd4+- ] 30.Rfb1! A very strong move. White is ready to give up all his kingside pawns just to keep black pieces on the eight rank. [ Black would get some form of counterplay after 30.Rg7+ Kh8 31.Bxa6 Rb2 ] [ or 30.Bxa6 Rxb7 31.Bxb7 Nd7

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

At the end of the combination, black is a pawn up, but his pieces are terribly placed, while white pieces are in perfect harmony. White also obtained two dangerous passed pawns in the process. Be3 [ In case of 35...c4 36.Be5 Rc8 37.d6+- ] [ or 35...Bg7 36.Bxc5 g5 37.d6+march of the d-pawn decides the issue quickly. ]

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

36.Be5 Bd4 37.Rg7+ a

b

c

d

e

a f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

84 b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

h

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

We have a typical "strangling" endgame with two bishops versus bishop and knight. Pawn on a6 is the main and black resigned as he would lose his weakness (as it incidentally was in the rook to Ra7+ discovered check. 1-0 previous several examples as well!), but it is customary to create the "second weakness" in such positions, to make defender's job more difficult. Gulko Gulko,Boris F 2490 continued: 33.g4! Ke8 Passive. Kremenietsky,Anatoly M 2395 [ On the other hand, trying to oppose Moscow-ch 61st white's kingside expansion with 33...f5 is also not ideal as after 34.g5 he would succeed in creating the Finally, I really like how grandmaster second weakness (h7 pawn). ] Boris Gulko used the "limitation" strategy [ A great thing about having bishop on opponent's knight in the following pair in such endgames is that your game. You don't see very often a piece opponent's chances of playing actively on a central file being immobilized as it with his pieces are very small. For was in this instance. example, the active attempt 33...Nc5 34.Bb4 Kd6 35.Kd4 Kc7 still fails to 36.Bd5 Ne6+ 37.Ke5 and white king invades via f6, g7 etc. ] [ Perhaps the most stubborn defense was 33...Kd6 ]

www.modern-chess.com

Modern Chess Magazine

34.Kd4 Be2 35.g5 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

85

The a6 pawn has been fixed, but what next? From where is white king going to break into black's position? We get the answer after a few preparatory moves: Be2 39.Bc6 Kd8 40.Bd5 Ke8 41.Bc6 Kd8 42.Bd6 Ke8 43.Bd5!

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

8

8

4

4

7

7

3

3

6

6

2

2

5

5

1

1

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

White fixed black pawns on f7 and h7 squares, but he also took the f6 square away from black knight. Ke7 36.Bb4+ Ke8 How to improve white's position? Black stopped the immediate king's invasion by keeping some sort of a fortress (virtually all squares on the fifth rank are under his control). It would seem logical for white to try to reach the a5 square with his king. However, Gulko comes up with a fantastic idea: 37.a4! Bd1 38.a5 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a

a

b

b

c

c

d

d

e

e

f

f

g

g

h

h

Now white's idea becomes clear. He will swap the light-squared bishops and infiltrate via d5 and c6. f6 [ 43...Bf1 44.Bc4 Bxc4 45.Kxc4 Kd8 46.Kd5 Kc8 47.Kc6+a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

puts black into zugzwang! ]

h

www.modern-chess.com

h

Modern Chess Magazine

44.Bc4 Bxc4 45.Kxc4 fxg5 46.fxg5 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

8

8

7

7

6

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

1 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Black resigned because he hasn't got a single safe square for his knight (if we rule out f8, which leads to a lost pawn endgame). Pawns on g5 and a5 play a key role in this entrapment. It is a strategy well worth remembering. 1-0

www.modern-chess.com

86