Fundamental Chess Strategy in 100 Games [1 ed.] 9492510685, 9789492510686

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Title page

Fundamental Chess Strategy in 100 Games by Boroljub Zlatanovic

Cover Design: Philippe Tonnard Graphic Artist: Philippe Tonnard Production: BESTinGraphics ISBN: 9789492510686 D/2019/13730/24

Thinkers Publishing 2020

www.thinkerspublishing.com First edition 2020 by Thinkers Publishing Copyright © 2020 Boroljub Zlatanovic All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission from the publisher. All sales or enquiries should be directed to Thinkers Publishing, 9850 Landegem, Belgium. Email: [email protected] Website: www.thinkerspublishing.com

Managing Editor: Romain Edouard Assistant Editor: Daniël Vanheirzeele Typesetting: Mark Haast Proofreading: Ezra Kirk Software: Hub van de Laar 3

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Table of Contents

Chapter 7 – The Initiative Games 79-82 Games 83-86

Title page

Chapter 8 – Blockades and Prophylaxis Games 87-91

Key to Symbols Biography

Games 92-96 Games 97-100

Preface

Chapter 1 – The Centre Games 1-4 Games 5-8

Index of Games

Chapter 2 – Bishop versus Knight Games 9-13 Games 14-16 Chapter 3 – The Bishop Pair Games 17-21 Games 22-26 Chapter 4 – Open Files Games 27-31 Games 32-35 Chapter 5 – Pawn Structures Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39) Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42) Backward Pawns (Games 43-44) Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49) Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55) Key Squares I (Games 56-61) Key Squares II (Games 62-67) Pawn Chains (Games 68-71) Chapter 6 – Coordination and Harmony Games 72-74 Games 75-78 1

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Key to Symbols

Table of Contents Title page 3 Key to Symbols 5 Biography 6 Preface 7 Games 1-4 10 Games 5-8 58 Games 9-13 96 Games 14-16 158 Games 17-21 202 Games 22-26 265 Games 27-31 331 Games 32-35 391 Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39) 447 Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42) 496 Backward Pawns (Games 43-44) 528 Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49) 558 Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55) 622 Key Squares I (Games 56-61) 681 Key Squares II (Games 62-67) 754 Pawn Chains (Games 68-71) 833 Games 72-74 883 Games 75-78 917 Games 79-82 964 Games 83-86 1014 Games 87-91 1060 Games 92-96 1117 Games 97-100 1174 Index of Games 1245

!

a good move

?

a weak move

!!

an excellent move

?? a blunder !?

an interesting move

?!

a dubious move

™ only move N novelty ‰ lead in development ʘ zugzwang =

equality

∞ unclear position © with compensation for the sacrificed material ²

White stands slightly better

³

Black stands slightly better

± White has a serious advantage µ Black has a serious advantage +– White has a decisive advantage –+ Black has a decisive advantage ‚ with an attack ƒ

with initiative

„ with counterplay … with the idea of ¹ better is ≤ worse is +

check

#

mate

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Biography

Biography of Boroljub Zlatanovic • Born in Cuprija, Serbia, 5 August 1977 • Started chess at 4 years old, watching his father play • First club “Radnicki”, Cuprija, at 7 years old • FIDE Master since 1994 (only recognised in 1998) • Serbian Youth Champion in 1995 • Champion of Belgrade University in 2001 and 2002 • International Master since 2014 • Fide Trainer since 2015 • Winner of many open, blitz, rapid and internet events • Professional coach for over 15 years • Author and contributor to American Chess Magazine since 2019

Preface “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” Sun Tzu Dear reader, This book will bring something new to your chess library. In our computer era, focus is usually on openings. Watching recent broadcasts, the new generation would rather choose games of a certain opening and look for an interesting idea or even a brilliant novelty. I offer, and recommend, a different concept altogether, based on the famous Soviet school of chess. The focus should be on understanding strategical concepts, principles and underlying logic. Fashionable opening lines will be forgotten (or reevaluated) sooner or later, but understanding cannot be lost, and can be only upgraded. It is sad to see some players that are well equipped with opening lines, who are unable to realise a big positional advantage in an endgame. So, our advice is to concentrate on Strategy and Logic. This book is highly recommended for club players, advanced players and masters, although even higher rated players may also find it useful. There is no doubt that lower rated players will learn a lot about thinking processes and decision making, while some logical principles can be put to use by more advanced players too.

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Preface

The reader may ask: Why those games? The games presented in this book cannot be classified as the “best ever” (of course, such a classification is subjective). However, each game was chosen for its logic and instructive value. Of course, the author understands that readers’ opinion may differ. Either way, the games are useful for exploring many important points: How to evaluate a position and choose an appropriate plan? Where to attack? When to attack? When to exchange? How to realise an advantage?... Learning how to answer such important questions during your future games will improve your chess knowledge and technique considerably. Always try and introduce logic into your games – you will be delighted with the results! The author also chose some instructive games with the idea to illustrate some psychologically important moments in chess such as the counter-attack, zeitnot or realisation. The games are separated into chapters, each focusing on a topic. This should facilitate the reader’s navigation through the book. Hoping that this book will be as informative as it is interesting, and wishing you all the best in your future games,

Yours faithfully, Boroljub Zlatanovic

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Games 1-4

Chapter 1 The Centre Of course, it is clear that the side that has control over the centre should have good prospects on both flanks. But, why? Well, just remember the number of squares pieces can control from the centre, compared to the corner. The difference is evident. It is also evident that pieces placed in the centre can be easily transferred to any part of the board. Furthermore, if the opponent’s piece is out of play, we should take action on the opposite part of the board. Like in real war, we should strike before the opponent has a chance to regroup! And of course, when having more centralised pieces, it is natural to prevent the opponent from centralising his own pieces or from allowing him to undermine ours. Let’s remember Nimzowitsch’s famous “principle of two weaknesses”. He wrote that the side having “better communication lines” should try to create two weaknesses in the opponent’s camp. According to him, better communication lines (yes, that’s better control over the centre!) would lead to conquering one of these weaknesses! Do you think it sounds confusing? Just take a look at the brilliant masterpieces by Karpov and Rubinstein and you will see this is actually a simple principle (their games are highly instructive for understanding the principle of centralisation – I can’t remember other players so straight-forwardly implementing these principles in their games). In this chapter (and, of course, in 10

Games 1-4

other chapters) you will see some brilliantly conducted games in which centralisation was the key principle. I really hope you will perfectly understand the concept of centralisation and manage to implement it successfully into your games. “If the opponent neglects centralisation, just improve yours!” Game 1 Rubinstein – Schlechter San Sebastian 1912 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e4 Nxc3 7.bxc3 cxd4 8.cxd4 Bb4+

Position after: 8...Bb4+ With this move and the next, Black intends to finish development and exchange some material. That is generally a good strategy against an opponent’s space advantage.

11

9.Bd2 Qa5 10.Rb1! 10.Bxb4 is wrong. After 10...Qxb4+ 11.Qd2 Qxd2+ 12.Kxd2 Ke7 there are no problems for Black. After the text move, White has an extra tempo – the rook is already on b1! 10...Bxd2+ 10...Nc6? is a mistake. After 11.Rxb4! Nxb4 12.Qb3 White is winning. The following line is very pretty: 12...Qxa2 13.Bb5+ Bd7 14.Bxd7+ Kxd7 15.Ne5+ Ke8 16.Qxb4 Qa1+ 17.Ke2 Qxh1 18.Qb5+ with mate. 11.Qxd2 Qxd2+ 12.Kxd2

Position after: 12.Kxd2 White is slightly better due to his space advantage and better development. Black should follow the idea ...Ke7, ...Rd8, ...b6,

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Games 1-4

...Ba6 with centralisation and patient improving. But, instead... 12...0-0? A very bad move, neglecting centralisation principles. How should White continue? Black’s king is now far from the centre and there must be a good move leading to a serious advantage! Rubinstein’s next move proves he was one of the greatest players ever – no other player could so easily find such fine moves. The next move is a testament to his amazing, colossal strategical knowledge. Position after: 15.Rhc1

13.Bb5! Brilliant move – one of the best ever! It looks like a waste of time, but White will actually win a tempo! The move has two points. Firstly, it prevents natural developing moves such as ...Nc6, ...Nd7 and ...Bd7. And secondly, it forces the move 13...a6, weakening the b6-square.

15...b5

13.Bd3 b6 14.Rhc1 Ba6 15.Rc7 Bxd3 16.Kxd3 Na6 looks OK for Black.

16.Rc7 Nd7 17.Ke3! Nf6 18.Ne5!

A sad necessity. Black is forced to play with pawns while White’s army enjoys perfectly centralised squares. Fixed pawns on a6 and b5 will be good targets. There are also weak dark squares on the queenside.

13...a6 14.Bd3 Rd8 14...Nc6 15.Rb6 is very bad for Black. 15.Rhc1

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Games 1-4

Position after: 18.Ne5!

Position after: 19...h6

Absolute harmony! Please, take a look at Rubinstein’s last moves. First with 17.Ke3 he protected the d4-pawn, making the knight ready for action. With the following move, he prevented a check on g4 – so the king, pawn and knight nicely collaborate. Each piece supports centralisation and keeps the opponent’s pieces far from the centre! There were not many such masters in the past so dedicated to centralisation as Great Akiba was!

20.f4! Correct decision! White renews the threat of g5. 20.h4 is not so good – the f-file is more important than the h-file! 20...Be8 21.g5 hxg5 22.fxg5 Nh7 23.h4 Rdc8 24.Rbc1 Rxc7 25.Rxc7

18...Bd7 19.g4! h6

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Games 1-4

Position after: 25.Rxc7

Position after: 29...Kf7

Black’s position is hopeless. There is a big difference in activity! White’s centralised pieces are ultra-powerful, while the black pieces are out of play.

30.Nh8+! Kf8 31.e5 Now, the white pieces are placed in corners, but this setup decides the game! 27.gxf6 gxf6 28.Ng4 Bh5 29.Nh6+ Kh8

25...Rd8 26.Ra7 Converting a positional advantage into a material one. 26...f6 26...Rd6 allows a beautiful finale after 27.Ra8 Kf8 28.g6 fxg6 29.Nxg6+ Kf7

Position after: 29...Kh8 17

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Games 1-4

30.Be2! Following the same strategy and kicking out active pieces! 30...Be8 30...Bxe2? 31.Nf7+ 31.Rxa6 Kg7 32.Ng4 f5 33.Ra7+!

Position after: 34...fxe4 It looks like Black consolidated his position by exchanging some material. But, Rubinstein’s next move proves Black is desperately lost – after perfectly carrying out the game strategically, there must be some tactics coming up! 35.Bxb5! Nf6 36.Bxe8 Rxe8 37.Kf4! Position after: 33.Ra7+! 33...Kh8 33...Kg6 is bad, there is a risk Black’s king will be mated. 34.h5+ Kg5 35.Rg7+ Kh4 36.exf5 exf5 37.Nh6 is winning. Now 37...Nf8 38.Nxf5+ Kh3 39.Bf1+ Kh2 40.Rg2+ Kh3 41.Rg3+ Kh2 42.Kf2 leads to mate.

White chooses the fastest plan. Black’s king is in danger and White goes directly for the kill. 37...Kg8 38.Kg5 Rf8 39.Kg6

34.Ne5 fxe4

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Games 1-4

Position after: 39.Kg6

Position after: 9.Bxc4

Black resigns! What a triumph! From the opening, the white pieces dominated in the centre, while Black was not allowed to activate his pieces, even for a moment! Black made only one bad move – castling, and it was enough for Rubinstein to demonstrate his amazing understanding of chess strategy, giving a perfect example to his followers! 1-0

The game started pretty sharply and an uncommon line was chosen by the players. But, after exchanges, it is clear the game will be a positional one. Actually, Black should be satisfied with the position that arose from the opening. The biggest problem for Black is his opponent. Karpov always played superbly in positions with a small but stable positional advantage – such positions were his trademark throughout his career. White is slightly better due to a small space advantage and slightly better development. White is about to harmoniously place his pieces in the centre, seeking the initiative. With his next move, Black tries to stop this.

Game 2 Karpov – Seirawan Skelleftea 1989 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 e5 4.Nf3 Bb4+ 5.Bd2 Bxd2+ 6.Qxd2 exd4 7.Qxd4 Qxd4 8.Nxd4 Bd7 9.Bxc4

9...Nc6 10.Nxc6! This is the only move that keeps the advantage. It looks like a loss of tempo, but other moves would waste time.

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22

Games 1-4

A) 10.Nb3? 0-0-0! with the idea of ...Nb4 or ...Ne5. Surprisingly, Black gets the initiative immediately. B) 10.Nf3?! Be6!? 11.Bxe6 fxe6 12.Nc3 Nf6 then placing the king on e7 and occupying the d-file looks very solid for Black.

11...Nf6! was correct. After 12.f3 Ke7 13.Ke2 Rhd8 White’s advantage is only visual and not significant. 12.Ke2 Nf6 13.f3 Ke7 14.Rhd1

C) 10.Nb5? can even be fatal 10...0-0-0 11.Bxf7? Ne5 12.Bxg8 Bxb5 13.Be6+ Kb8 14.Nc3 Ba6 and White is hopeless. 10...Bxc6 11.Nc3

Position after: 14.Rhd1 Comparing this position with the aforementioned line, it is clear that Black has the “wrong” rook on d8. Evidently, he cannot capture on d1 followed by placing the other rook on d8 because the pawn on f7 is hanging. Actually, it is not obvious how to effectively activate the h8-rook without wasting time.

Position after: 11.Nc3 11...Rd8? This is the first imprecise move. Black wants to prevent White from castling long, but White actually wants to place his king on e2 and then e3. As a result, Black will have problems with the f7-pawn, which will soon become clear.

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14...a5 Probably played with the idea to “activate the majority”. Of course, that is not the way to activate. Another idea might be the activation of the rook via the a-file. Black is forced to play on the flank – that is a bad 24

Games 1-4

sign. He lost the struggle for the centre and is paying the price. 15.Rac1 Creating “x-ray” pressure on the c-file. 15...Rxd1 16.Rxd1 Rb8

Position after: 19.Ne2 is bad for Black. White moves his knight to d4 and rook to c1, with various threats. 18.Bb3 A prophylactic move against 18...b5. Position after: 16...Rb8

18...Ra8

Preparing to advance the b-pawn, which is ignored by White. This move would only weaken the c5-square. Another move away from the centre. 17.Ke3 g6 17...b5 18.Bf1 b4 19.Ne2

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26

Games 1-4

Position after: 18...Ra8 Black still wanders. Although, it is difficult to suggest anything else. Whenever the bishop on c6 moves, White will play e5, which is crushing. On the kingside, Black cannot find any single reasonable move either. He is forced to wait... 19.Rd4! Typical Karpov move. After any move far away from the centre from Black, he answers with a strong centralisation move, building stronger and stronger both positional and psychological pressure. The rook from d4 prevents ...a4 and is also ready to be transferred to the kingside after advancing the e-pawn.

Position after: 21.f4! Improving the kingside position, enabling e5 and waiting for the opponent to capture first. 21...f6 22.h4!

19...Nd7 What else?

22.g4? g5! and the black knight finally gets the perfect outpost on e5.

20.Bd5

22...h6

Black voluntarily reduced control over the d5-square and White immediately takes his chance. 20.Nd5+ is wrong. After 20...Bxd5 21.Bxd5 Ne5! 22.Bxb7 Rb8 Black is not worse. His pieces finally become active.

Once again, Black is ready to play ...g5. 23.g3 Don’t rush! 23...Bxd5 24.Nxd5+ Kd8

20...Ra6 21.f4!

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Games 1-4

other square, the move b3 would not be needed at all. B) 26.h5 of course was strong too, but Karpov did not want to change the rhythm of play. Indeed, why go for complications if everything is going smoothly? 26...c6 27.h5! g5 28.Kf3

Position after: 24...Kd8 25.Nc3! Every simplification would be in Black’s favour. Black wanted to play ...Rd6 followed by ...c6. 25...Rb6 26.Rd2! The rook’s job on the 4th rank is over. It now goes to the 2nd rank to support the move h5. The point is that White wants to eliminate Black’s g6-pawn and create an outpost on f5! With three connected pawns on the same rank, it is very natural to attack the middle one – if it is exchanged or advanced, an outpost would be created (see comments on White’s move 22). A) 26.b3? is the wrong move order. After 26...Rc6, whatever White chooses, the rook cannot easily be placed on the 2nd rank. Actually, if Black moves the rook to some 29

Position after: 28.Kf3 Both the knight and king are ready to occupy the f5-square. 28...Ke7 29.Ne2?! 29.Nd1! is much better – the knight inevitably gets to f5. 29...c5 30.Nc3 Rd6 31.Rd5 31.Rxd6 Kxd6 32.e5+ Ke6 would complicate White’s task. The text move leaves Black in a hopeless situation. 30

Games 1-4

31...Rxd5

they erred. No obvious mistakes – just superb Karpov style and technique.

What else? Black is paralysed.

1-0

32.Nxd5+ Ke6 33.Ne3

Game 3 Reti – Nimzowitsch Marienbad 1925 1.c4 e5 2.Nf3 e4 3.Nd4 Nc6 4.Nc2 Bc5 5.Nc3 Nf6

Position after: 33.Ne3 The rest is simple. 33...b5 34.Nf5 Nb6 35.Nxh6 Nc4 36.Nf5 Kf7 36...Nxb2 37.h6 Kf7 38.h7+– 37.b3 Nd2+ 38.Ke3 Nf1+ Black resigned without waiting for White to respond. The knight is trapped. A game won in typical “Karpovian” style. Centralisation and patient improving with fine realisation at the end. Very often he would leave opponents confused after the game, desperately wanting to understand where 31

Position after: 5...Nf6 Both sides played unconventionally, but now the pawn setup starts to resemble the French Defence, exchange variation structure. It really looks like Black has no problems – White has spent time to transfer the knight to c2. 6.d4 exd3 7.exd3 d5! White wanted to gain some tempi by advancing his d-pawn.

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Games 1-4

8.d4 Be7 9.c5

Position after: 11...b6! Position after: 9.c5

The right moment!

9...Bf5

12.0-0

Evidently, Black will first activate his troops. White must be wary of attacks with ...b6. There is already the direct threat to the d4pawn.

A) 12.cxb6 axb6 is excellent for Black. B) 12.b4?! a5!

9...b6?! 10.Bb5 Bd7 11.0-0 0-0 doesn’t give Black anything. Nimzowitch managed to attack the white pawn chain in better fashion. 10.Bd3 10.Bb5 is another option. 10...0-0 11.Ne3 [11.Bxc6 bxc6 must be at least comfortable for Black, or even slightly better.] 11...Bg6 12.0-0 Qd7 is one of the possible continuations. Black is doing perfectly fine. Position after: 12...a5! 10...Bxd3 11.Qxd3 b6! 33

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Games 1-4

13.a3 [13.b5? Nb4! and the white position collapses. Now the point of Black’s 9th move is clear – the queen is provoked to the d3square, and the knight jumps to b4 with tempo.] 13...axb4 14.axb4 Rxa1 15.Nxa1 bxc5 16.bxc5 Ne4 with good chances for Black.

14...bxc5! 15.dxc5 Ne5

12...0-0 13.Bg5

Position after: 15...Ne5 16.Qd4 16.Qg3 Ng6! threatening ...Nh4 and ...Ne4. 16...Ng6 And here is the point behind Black’s 13th move. The bishop on h4 is attacked and Black is able to support the pawn on d5!

Position after: 13.Bg5 13...h6! 13...bxc5 14.dxc5 Ne5 15.Qg3 attacking the knight on e5, Black doesn’t have time to play ...c6, fixing the c5-pawn on a dark square and supporting the strong d5-pawn. 14.Bh4 14.Bxf6 Bxf6 was another option for White. Black’s position is very solid.

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17.Bg3 17.Bxf6 Bxf6 18.Qxd5 Bxc3 19.Qxd8 Rfxd8 20.bxc3 Rd5 must be in Black’s favour. His rook on c5 will both attack the weak pawn on c3 and protect weak c7-pawn. 17...c6 18.Nb4

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Games 1-4

19.h3?! How to punish White for this inaccuracy? Instead of taking care of Black’s initiative in the centre, White just ignored it. Well, let’s go for centralisation! Nimzowitsch convincingly increases the initiative, proving White must play very precisely. He decided to improve his centre, while increasing harmony and putting more pressure on the c5-pawn. 19.Nd3 was much better. The move played in the game is just a waste of time. Black would never go for ...Nh5. Position after: 18.Nb4

19...Re8! 20.Rad1 Nf8! 21.Nd3

Intending to put that knight on d3, protecting c5 and blockading the passed dpawn. White understands the blockade on d4 would not be efficient, and is ready to establish it on d3. On the other hand, Black successfully finished development and already is slightly better. The main factor for such an evaluation is White’s exposed pawn on c5, fixed on a dark square. Black’s bishop will be more dangerous. Even the black knights can more easily find good squares. In a few moves, Black’s pieces will dominate the centre, while White’s pieces will be without harmony. 18...Rc8

Position after: 21.Nd3

Better than to use the queen to protect c6. This rook will temporarily be a defender – the b8-square is controlled by the bishop on g3. Meanwhile, the black queen can be active, probably on a5.

21...Qa5

37

21...Ne6 was natural and also a very good move. But, Nimzowitsch decided to give White the chance to exchange queens. 38

Games 1-4

dangerous without the support from the pawns. Black is much better.

22.Qa4 22.b4? Qa3! and after ...Ne6, Black would destroy the white pawn structure by playing ...a5.

25.b4 Nd4!

22...Qxa4 23.Nxa4 Ne4! 24.Bh2 Ne6

Position after: 25...Nd4!

Position after: 24...Ne6 Please, remember this position. You can see total disharmony in White’s army. And full harmony in Black’s. Take a look at the white knights, which must protect the weak pawn on c5, especially the one on a4. At the same time, the black knights are placed perfectly, controlling the entire centre. Notice, it is very useful to place knights and pawns on squares of the same colour. Placing them this way, you will control both light and dark squares. Also, the pawns can protect the knights. In our game, the black knights are truly dominant, but they would not be as

39

There is a stormy dark cloud in the centre of the board. 26.Rfe1 Renewing the threat of f2-f3. 26.f3 is prevented. Black wins after 26...Ne2+ 27.Kh1 N4g3+. 26...Bh4

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Games 1-4

Position after: 26...Bh4

Position after: 31.Nf3

He who dominates in the centre can play on the flanks. The text move keeps the knight on e4 active and puts pressure on the f2pawn.

31...Re8!

27.Be5?

32.Rd1 Re6

A blunder. But, it is evident that Black was much better.

With the idea to play ...Ng5 and then penetrate with ...Rf6–...Rf2.

27...Rxe5 28.Nxe5 Bxf2+ 29.Kf1 Bxe1 30.Rxd4

33.Rc1 Kf8

Keeping the white king in a prison while threatening mate on e1.

30.Rxe1 Nc2–+

White’s position is hopeless. Black patiently activates his king.

30...Bg3! 31.Nf3

34.Nc3 Nxc3 35.Rxc3 Re4 36.a3 36.b5 cxb5 37.c6 Rc4–+ 36...Ke8 37.Rd3 a6 38.Rd4

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42

Games 1-4

Position after: 38.Rd4

Position after: 42.Rxd5+

White desperately wants to get rid of Black’s ultra-active pieces. But simplifications are in Black’s favour – he has an extra pawn.

It looks like White has achieved a lot. He reduced the material on the board and activated his rook... but, there is one problem – he cannot capture on f5.

38...f5! A demonstration of power. 39.a4 Kd7 40.b5 axb5 41.axb5 cxb5! 42.Rxd5+

42...Kc6 43.Rd4 43.Rxf5 b4 44.Rf8 b3 45.Rd8 b2 46.Rd1 Rc4 47.Nd2 Rc2 wins easily. 43...Kxc5 44.Rxe4 fxe4 45.Nd2

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Games 1-4

Position after: 45.Nd2

Position after: 5.Qg4?!

The rest is a matter of technique. Not a problem for a master such as Nimzowitsch.

A dubious move, although still playable. The problem is that White connected it with a bad plan.

45...Kd4 46.Ke2 Bf4 47.Nb3+ Kc4 48.Na5+ Kc3 49.Nb7 b4 50.Nc5 Kc2 51.g3 Bxg3 White resigned. One of the most illustrative games ever on the topic of centralisation and harmony. A masterpiece by the great Aron. 0-1 Game 4 Bogoljubow – Reti Moravska Ostrava 1923 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Qg4?!

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5...c5 Of course, Black strikes in the centre. This natural reflex is even better due to White’s diversion on his last move. 6.Nb5 cxd4 7.Nf3 Nc6 Black did not make a single imprecise move, so White must not go for a “winning immediately” approach. There is rarely a punishment for an opponent that has played normal and healthy moves.

46

Games 1-4

Position after: 7...Nc6

Position after: 9.Qxg7

With his next manoeuvre, White neglects the centre and gives away full control to his opponent.

9...Bxe5?

8.Nd6+? 8.Bf4 was a better option, although Black’s position is already preferable.

Black returns the favour. But, this mistake is simply miscalculation or... no calculation at all. Knowing Richard Reti, such a fine positional player, we can suppose that he was dedicated to solving problems in the centre, probably omitting to search for a direct win. 9...Bb4+ led to a fairly easy win after 10.c3 dxc3 11.Qxh8+ Nf8 12.Kd1 cxb2 13.Bxb2 Qb6.

8...Bxd6 9.Qxg7

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48

Games 1-4

Position after: 11...Nxf6 Black temporarily has an extra pawn and White needs some time to return material. His advantage of the bishop pair should not be significant, because of the dangerous black pawn avalanche in the centre. A strong central pawn formation is a more important positional factor and Black is already a bit better. 12.Bb5 Bd7 13.Nf3 Ne4

Position after: 13...Qb6 Having near material balance (a pawn for an exchange is not a significant deficit) and superior activity with such a naked White king, Black will reach an absolutely winning position. White’s pieces are undeveloped and scattered and defeat is inevitable.

Centralising a piece and preparing the advance of central pawns. 13...Nb4 was also a very good move, perhaps an even better one. Black immediately puts pressure on the c2-pawn and forces White to exchange bishops. 14.0-0

10.Nxe5 Qf6 11.Qxf6 Nxf6

Position after: 14.0-0

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50

Games 1-4

14...f6! A good move, preparing to gain space in the centre. 14...a6 forces White to take on c6, but this will be a waste of time. The text move is better, because it also forces White to take on c6 and must be played to prepare ...e5.

16...e5 allows White to fight for the c5square after 17.Nb3. 17.Ne2 Kf7 There are many good moves here. Black chose this one, it is a matter of style... Of course, other good options include 17...e5, 17...Rc8, 17...Rb8, 17...Rg8.

15.Bxc6 bxc6 That move should be preferred – Black’s avalanche in the centre looks even more impressive now.

18.f3 Nd6 19.b3 e5

16.Nxd4

Position after: 19...e5

Position after: 16.Nxd4 16...c5

As a result of the risky (and bad) excursion of the white knight, Black is better. White has no more bishop pair, and the black pawn centre looks strong and impressive. Also, Black has more space, better piece centralisation and the better bishop.

This is the more precise attack on the knight. The move ...e5 is unstoppable as well.

Note: do not think Black has all that advantage randomly. No, usually one advantage leads to another... White has problems in finishing development, and even

51

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Games 1-4

after finishing it there will be a lack of harmony in his camp due to a lack of space.

22.Nc1 Nf5 Black found a target, the c2-pawn.

20.Ba3 Rac8 23.Rf2 Ne3 24.Re1 c4 That rook, of course. Black predicts the other rook will probably be needed on the d-file, in order to prepare advancing the pawns.

24...Bf5 was also a good move, but still the text move should be preferred.

21.Rad1 d4

25.b4 Only one brief look at the position is enough to reach an evaluation – White is hopeless.

Position after: 21...d4 Please, remember the following quote: “pawns and knights should stay on squares of the same colour, and bishops on opposite ones.” Take a look at the black central pawns and minor pieces – there is full harmony! All central squares are perfectly covered! Now, imagine the black knight and bishop swapping places – instead of harmony there would only be light-squared weaknesses!

53

Position after: 25.b4 His pieces are cramped while Black’s pieces dominate, together with the central pawns. Here, Black found a beautiful manoeuvre... 25...Ba4 26.Ree2 Nd1 27.Rf1 Nc3 28.Ref2 Nb1? ... but, executed it poorly. He missed White’s 30th move. 54

Games 1-4

28...Nb5 29.Bb2 c3 30.Ba1 would win easily – White plays without a bishop. 29.Bb2 c3

Position after: 34...Rxd3 After a series of active black moves, White is close to resignation. Position after: 29...c3

35.Bxd2 Rxd2

30.Nb3

Taking with the pawn was also winning. Black transposes to a trivial endgame – the rook behind the passed pawn decides the game.

This move delays resignation. Black is forced to find more good moves to convert. 30...Bxb3! 31.axb3 31.Rxb1 Bxa2 32.Ra1 cxb2–+

36.Ra1 Ke6 37.Kf1 Rxf2+ 38.Kxf2 c2 39.Rc1 Kd5 40.Ke3 Rc3+ 41.Kd2 Kd4

31...Nd2 32.Re1 Rhd8! 33.Bc1 d3! 34.cxd3 Rxd3

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Games 5-8

Game 5 Stolberg – Botvinnik Moscow 1940 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 0-0 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nge2

Position after: 41...Kd4 White is in some kind of zugzwang. Black’s king will inevitably collect the white kingside pawns, with a win to follow. 42.h4 Rd3+ White resigned. A terrible defeat. Never forget about the centre and never go for a flank attack if your centre is not secured. White’s centre simply collapsed in this game after his 8th move. Afterwards, White could not get control back over the centre and the punishment was well deserved.

Position after: 6.Nge2 6...c5 Black decides to crush the white pawn centre immediately. 6...dxc4 7.Bxc4 c5 was also very solid. 7.0-0 Nc6 8.cxd5 exd5

0-1

8...Nxd5 is bad. After 9.Nxd5 Qxd5 10.a3 Ba5 11.Qc2, White attacks pawns both on c5 and h7 with a clear advantage. 9.a3

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Games 5-8

Position after: 9.a3

Position after: 11...h6

9...cxd4

Securing the d5-pawn by preventing Bg5.

9...Bxc3 10.bxc3 c4 11.Bc2 b5 is also playable, of course. But that plan simplifies White’s task. White will organise the e4advance with Ng3 and f3. The text move poses more problems to White.

12.b4?!

10.exd4 10.axb4 dxc3 11.bxc3 Ne5 gives comfortable play to Black. White will dominate the d4square, but on the other hand Black can use the squares c4 and e4.

White wanted to secure a spot for the queen on b3. Alas, advancing pawns on the queenside misses its mark. In open positions, pawn play is rarely promising. Piece play should be preferred! 12...Re8 13.Qb3 Be6 14.Bd2 Qd7

10...Bd6 11.h3 11.Bf4 was a logical move, finishing development and exchanging a bad bishop for a good one. Instead of that, White made his bishop a worse piece... You’ll see. 11...h6 59

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Games 5-8

Position after: 14...Qd7

Position after: 16...Be4!

Black harmoniously finished development and is already better. The idea of the last few moves is the exchange of the light-squared bishops.

17.b5?

15.f4? It looks like suicide. One is not allowed to play on the flank if worse off in the centre. Also, attacking the black king is just an illusion. Take a look at the pawn on f4, restricting the rook, bishop and knight. Try to move or exchange such pawns in your games. And, what’s more, e4 and e3 are now desperately weak squares. Black’s idea of exchanging light-squared bishops is even more logical and dangerous now.

The game is over now. White invites so many black pieces into his camp. The knight goes to c4, along with future invasions on the cand e-files. White is without counterplay. With careless advances, White simply gave Black full control over the centre. 17...Bxd3 18.Qxd3 18.bxc6 Qf5–+ 18...Na5 19.Ng3 Nc4

15...Bf5! 16.Qc2 Be4!

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Games 5-8

22...Bb4

Position after: 19...Nc4 20.Bc1

Position after: 22...Bb4

20.Nxd5 is not good. After 20...Nxd5 21.Qxc4 Ne3 22.Bxe3 Rxe3 things are bad for White. There is no good place for the knight to retreat to and Black will keep the initiative with ...Rc8.

Black would be happy to exchange the bishop for the knight – the e4-square will be easier to control.

20...Rac8 White cannot oppose the black occupation of light central squares. His position is hopeless.

23.Nd1 Ne4 24.f5 Trying to die for something... With some precise moves, Black eliminates all threats on the kingside. 24...Nxg3 25.Qxg3 Bd6 26.Qf3 Be7 27.Qg3

21.Ra2 Bf8 Supporting the d5-pawn and freeing the d6square for the knight. 22.a4 This leaves the b4-square without control, but what else is there to suggest for White...? 63

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Games 5-8

Position after: 27.Qg3

Position after: 31...Ne5

27...Bf6! 28.Bxh6

If you follow games by such great masters, chess looks like a really simple game. Actually, it is sometimes. Dominate the centre and you will dominate all over the board.

It looks like White got some chances, but that was just an illusion. 28...Bxd4+ The pawn on d4 is more important than the one on h6. See how Black invades on central squares. Very soon, a storm will break out in the centre. 29.Kh1 f6! 30.Bc1 Re4 31.Qd3 Ne5

32.Qb1 Rc4 Black used his last move to achieve full centralisation. At the same time, White regrouped his troops... to the first rank! Botvinnik convincingly realises his advantage. 33.a5 Bc5 34.b6 a6 35.Nb2 Rc3 36.Bd2 Rb3 37.Qc2

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Games 5-8

Position after: 37.Qc2

Position after: 40.Qc1

Not that many squares are available for the white pieces...

40...Rxh3+! 41.gxh3 d4

37...Qb5 38.Rc1 Bf8 39.Rd1 Re2 Dominating in the centre gives you excellent prospects on both flanks. Botvinnik chooses the fastest way – he attacks White’s king. White’s cramped pieces on the queenside are of no help. 40.Qc1

A sad fate for White. Paralysed pieces in open positions is not a common site. There is no way to prevent ...Qd5, with mate. White resigned. A terrible defeat. Recklessly advancing pawns, White invited the black pieces to comfortable central positions. The realisation of a big positional advantage should be carefully studied and it depicts Botvinnik’s impressive technique. 0-1 Game 6 Tal – Kochyev Leningrad 1977 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.Be3 Nf6 8.0-0

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Games 5-8

Position after: 8.0-0

Position after: 12.Qd3!

8...Ne5!?

The last move strengthens the centre and makes ...b4 useless.

8...b5 is considered more precise nowadays. 12...Bb7?!

9.h3 White prevents the jump to g4. 9...b5 10.f4 Nc4 11.Bxc4 The dark-squared bishop is a valuable one. 11...Qxc4 12.Qd3! Tal was also an expert in positional chess. This game is confirmation.

12...Qc7 was perhaps better. Black renews the motif of advancing ...b4. The waste of time was not significant. 13.a4! Simply an excellent move. Using the fact that the queen is protected by the b-pawn, White strikes. Black’s advance ...b4 forces him to prematurely capture on d3. 13...Qxd3 14.cxd3 b4 15.Nce2

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Games 5-8

16...d6 17.Nb3 Very simple, but still inspiring play from Tal. 17...Bxe3+ 18.Kxe3 a5 19.Ned4 White’s centralised cavalry starts to dance. So many weak squares on the queenside are on the menu.

Position after: 15.Nce2 This is the point. White’s pawns on d3 and e4 restrict the black knight and b7-bishop. They also perfectly fit with White’s minor pieces and will make for a perfect shield for the king later on. Black’s advanced queenside pawns are in trouble. White wants to occupy the important a5square with the knight, so Black would be forced to advance the a-pawn, making it vulnerable. Also, Black is unable to open the position – any advance will only create weaknesses. White will gain control over the c-file. And, most importantly, White has a strong and harmonious formation in the centre, while Black has only exposed queenside pawns. The diagnosis is evident – White is much better.

Position after: 19.Ned4 19...Kd7 20.Rfc1 Rhc8 Both sides have activated their troops. White must find a plan to grasp the initiative and reach some degree of harmony. 21.Nd2!

15...Bc5 16.Kf2! Protecting the bishop, activating the king and supporting the centre. 71

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Games 5-8

Position after: 21.Nd2!

Position after: 25.Rc1+

Again, a simple and strong solution. Black’s main weakness is the pawn on a5. White regroups to place the knights on b3 and c4. Once you find the opponent’s weakness, make it your target! Tal effectively uses his cavalry in this game.

25...Kd8 [or 25...Kb8 26.Nec6+! Bxc6 27.Nxc6+ Ka8 28.dxe4] 26.Nxf7+ Ke8 27.Ng5 with an advantage for White. 23...d5 24.Nc5

21...Ra6 22.Rxc8 Kxc8 23.N4b3 23.Nc4 leads to complications after 23...d5 24.Ne5 dxe4 25.Rc1+

Position after: 24.Nc5 73

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Games 5-8

24...Ra7

27...Kxb7

24...Rc6 25.Ndb3+–

27...Rxb7 28.Rc5 is even worse for Black.

25.Rc1

28.Rc5 Nd7 29.Rb5+ Kc8 30.Nc4 Rc7 31.Kd4!

Compare White’s control over the centre to Black’s. From a strategical point of view, the game is already over. There are, of course, remaining technical issues that Tal has no problems with. 25...dxe4 26.dxe4 Kb8

Position after: 31.Kd4! There is no reason to rush. 31...f6 32.Rxa5 e5+

Position after: 26...Kb8 How to penetrate? How to attack the weakness on a5? Well, there is a simple solution.

Desperately trying to activate the rook, but this costs Black more material. The rest is trivial. 33.fxe5 fxe5+ 34.Nxe5 Rc2 35.Nxd7 Kxd7 36.Ra7+ Ke6 37.Rxg7 Rxb2

27.Nxb7 Tal chooses the simplest and most direct way. Black’s pieces will get some activity, but that is irrelevant. 75

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Games 5-8

Position after: 37...Rxb2

Position after: 8.cxd4

38.g4 h5 39.gxh5 b3 40.h6

8...Bb4+

Black resigned. This game shows the great champion Tal under a new light. This game, like many others of his remarkable games, are all important and instructive on the topic of gaining and supporting central initiative. 1-0

With this move, Black wants to cause confusion in White’s camp, pressuring both the b2- and d4-pawns and instantly finishing development. The downside is exchanging the dark-squared bishop.

Game 7 Tarrasch – Noa Hamburg 1885

9.Bd2 Qb6 10.Nf3 0-0 11.Bxb4 Qxb4+ 12.Qd2 Nb6

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Young Tarrasch preferred this move. Later, he would create theory on 3.Nd2. 3...Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Nce2 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.f4 cxd4 8.cxd4

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Games 5-8

If 14...Nc4 then 15.Bxc4 dxc4 16.Nd6 and the rook on d8 is useless. 15.Nd6 Rab8 16.Rc1 Qxd2+ 17.Kxd2

Position after: 12...Nb6 The knight will be badly placed on b6, but it liberates d7 for the bishop. 13.Nc3

Position after: 17.Kxd2

13.b3!?, then exchanging queens, would be a simpler solution.

Straight to an endgame, although it would be no mistake calling it a middlegame. White’s advantage is stable due to better centralisation, a better bishop and more space.

13...Rd8?! Strange move. Black probably wanted to be able to take with the d-pawn after the knights are exchanged on c4. Still this “mysterious” rook move should not be considered as good. 13...Nc4 is nothing special in view of 14.Bxc4 Qxc4 15.Ne2 Nb4 16.0-0 with a small advantage for White. 14.Nb5! Bd7

17...Nc8 Black’s knight achieved nothing on b6 and it is reasonable to exchange it for the knight on d6. But, White keeps the knight alive – a good idea because of the space advantage White has. 17...a6 was more logical, after which the exchange of knights would be inevitable. 18.Nb5 a6 19.Nc3

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Games 5-8

The knight retreats, but can be placed on b6 or c5 via a4. 19...N8e7 20.Bd3 Rbc8 21.b3

23...h6 This move actually does nothing to prevent White’s expansion on the kingside. 23...h5!? would be a more typical plan. By putting pawns on light squares (g6 and h5), Black will be able to exchange many pawns on the kingside, which is generally a good idea when playing for a draw. 24.h4 Nb8

Position after: 21.b3 With the idea to protect the knight on a4 and avoid some discovered attack from the d7-bishop. 21...Nb4 An unreasonable move. White will, of course, allow the bishop to be captured. One simple attack and the knight must retreat. 22.a3 Nbc6 23.b4 White gains space on the queenside while eliminating the possibility of ...Na5. White is ready to organise a kingside expansion. He who stands better in centre can and should play on the flanks. 81

Position after: 24...Nb8 Black loosens the pressure on the base of the pawn chain, d4. His pieces are stuck. They look centralised, but they are actually without prospects, blocked by the pawns on d5 and e6. White’s pieces are centralised, and in much better shape. They are very active and can easily be deployed to anywhere on the board. 25.Ke3 82

Games 5-8

The king should not be excused – every piece should be placed optimally before pawn action is taken!

White is not afraid of Black’s knight reaching c4. 30...Nb6 31.Nc5 Nc4+ 32.Bxc4 dxc4

25...Rc7 26.Rc2 Rdc8 27.Rhc1 Kf8 Previous moves from both sides were logical. Both sides consistently regrouped their pieces: doubled the rooks and improved the position of their kings. White is ready for action. 28.g4 Be8 29.Nd2

Position after: 32...dxc4 33.N5e4 Of course, this knight. The other one is a blockading piece and should stay put. 33...b5 Position after: 29.Nd2 White has better control over the central squares and having more space gets you the most out of a position. Before further pawn action, the knight goes to c5. 29.f5 of course, was possible. Black would wait with 29...Nd7. 29...Nd7 30.Nb3 83

33...h5!? would be an interesting try. 34.Nd6 [34.gxh5 Nf5+ is good for Black.] 34...hxg4 35.Nxc8 Nf5+ gives solid compensation to Black. 34.Nd6 Rb8 35.f5 Missing an opportunity on move 33, Black is forced to patiently endure White’s action. Situations in which the opponent controls the entire centre are very unpleasant. 84

Games 5-8

35...Bd7 36.Rf2

Position after: 39...Kg8 Position after: 36.Rf2

After full preparation, White chips away at Black’s kingside defence.

36...Nd5+?! 40.g6! f6? Black wants to eliminate the blockading piece, which is generally a good idea. Still, the c-pawn can easily be stopped. More important is the fact that the white phalanx now gets great dynamic energy. 37.Nxd5 exd5 38.g5! h5 39.Rcf1 Kg8

40...fxg6 was better, but after 41.fxg6 Be6 42.Kf4, Black’s position looks hopeless. 41.Re2! Rooks will be transferred to the e-file. 41...Bc6 42.Rfe1 Rd8 43.Kf4 fxe5+

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Games 5-8

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 0-0

Position after: 43...fxe5+ 44.Rxe5! A little bit of tactics to make our job even easier. 44...Kf8 44...Rxd6? 45.Re8+ Bxe8 46.Rxe8# 45.Nf7 Very neat final manoeuvre. The knight inevitably gets to h7 and the rooks will then penetrate.

Position after: 5...0-0 6.Bg5 Averbakh chose this variation to later be named after him. Black’s first reaction is logical – opening the diagonal for the g7bishop... 6...c5 7.d5 a6 8.a4 Qa5 9.Bd2

45...Re8 46.Ng5 Rce7 47.Nh7+ Black resigned. 1-0 Game 8 Averbakh – Panno Buenos Aires 1954 87

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Games 5-8

The idea is to prevent ...f5. Also, White may attack the opponent’s king. With the centre being blocked, action must take place on the flank. 10...Ne8 Black is consistently working towards ...f5. 11.h4 f5 12.h5! That is the point, White crushes Black’s kingside, alongside the Black king’s shelter. Please, look at the white king, it is perfectly safe in the centre. The centre is blocked and flank activities are encouraged!

Position after: 9.Bd2 However, his next reaction is completely wrong – he shuts off the bishop. Even more importantly, he loses the possibility to undermine White’s central pawn structure. As a result, Black will have less space and inactive pieces. 9...e5? In this position, the d6-pawn is the “double base” of the pawn chain. Black, naturally, should insist on preparing the advances ...b5 and ...f5. The first one is already stopped and, with his next move, White prevents the other. White’s next move is considered thematic and logical nowadays, but in those days it was a revolutionary idea! 9...e6 is logical and leads to a balanced position after 10.Nf3 exd5 11.exd5 [or 11.cxd5 Re8] 11...Re8.

Position after: 12.h5! 12...f4 With the idea to enclose the d2-bishop. White’s next move is forced, but still multipurposed and very strong. 13.g5!

10.g4! 89

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Games 5-8

Otherwise, Black will advance his own gpawn, refuting White’s attack. Now, White threatens to play 14.h6!, locking in the black bishop forever. The other idea is to achieve an important strategical goal – the exchange of the light-squared bishops!

16.Nf3! Less advanced players would probably go for 16.f3, but there is no necessity to support the pawn chain. It can be, if needed, played later. 16...Bf8 17.Ke2! Rg7 18.Rh4

13...Rf7 Only move. 14.Bg4 Qd8 15.Bxc8 Qxc8

Position after: 18.Rh4 The pawn on g6 is protected, so White doubles up, using h4 for his rook. He is even ready to triple. Position after: 15...Qxc8 18...Nd7 19.hxg6 hxg6 20.Qh1 White has achieved a lot. Black’s pieces are cramped and his king is in trouble. White is ready to place the king on e2, to connect rooks and continue attacking. His next move is proof of a deep understanding of this position and chess in general... The knight makes a shield for the king on e2 and is ready to jump to h4 and attack the g6-pawn.

91

Everything is going smoothly. Black has no counterplay. Don’t forget, by advancing both c- and e-pawns, Black lost the chance to open either the c- or e-file, which would have brought him some active play. 20...Be7 21.Rh8+ Kf7 22.Qh6 Nf8 23.Rh1 92

Games 5-8

From a strategical point of view, the game is over. White just needs to find the final strike.

26...Nf8

23...Rb8

Position after: 26...Nf8 Position after: 23...Rb8 Conducting the game in purely strategical fashion so far, tactics are now required. This can be observed in countless games. 24.Bxf4! Qc7

27.Rxf8+! Beautiful, isn’t it? White keeps the bishop hanging and goes for the next sacrifice. 27...Kxf8 28.Qe6 Rg8 29.Nh4 Bd8 30.Nxg6+ Kg7 31.Nxe5

24...exf4 25.Rh4+– 25.Qh2 The bishop is brave and untouchable. Its next target is the e5-pawn. Black prevents another sacrifice. 25...Nd7 26.Qh3 The e6-square is left uncovered now.

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Games 9-13

Chapter 2 Bishop versus Knight

Position after: 31.Nxe5 A convincing defeat. 1-0 Remember, in positions with central pawn chains, action must be taken on the flank(s). Though one must tread carefully, as any inaccurate opening or closing of the position can be fatal. Black’s move ...e5 was a serious mistake. Throwing away the opportunity to undermine White’s centre he hoped for the advances ...b5 and ...f5. White turned those thrusts into illusions and Black was unable to achieve anything active. He was forced to wait for White’s attack and defeat was unavoidable. A brilliant masterpiece by Averbakh, which served as a real torch for the next generations.

Bishop or knight? The eternal dilemma! The legendary Bobby Fischer would vote for the bishop. Some other authorities such as Nimzowitsch would prefer the knight. The truth lies somewhere in between. Of course, it is clear that the bishop usually dominates in open positions, while the knight should be favoured in blocked positions. But, what does that “usually” mean? Are there exceptions? Sure, a bishop can dominate even in “blocked” positions if a certain diagonal is very important. Conversely, a knight can dominate in “open” positions, where it may occupy an outpost or an influential square. Pawn structure definitely determines minor pieces’ prospects. Therefore, it is extremely important to be able to predict the properties of all kinds of pawn structures. Nowadays, it is not enough to start thinking about the endgame in the middlegame. No, today’s masters base their opening plans on potential endgames! This chapter (and book) will help you discover many of the properties that belong to the bishop and knight, which will undoubtedly open new horizons. Game 9 Efimenko – Neverov Rivne 2005 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Be2 Qc7 6.0-0 Nf6 7.Nc3 Nc6 8.Be3

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Games 9-13

Bb4 9.Na4 Be7 10.Nxc6 bxc6 11.Nb6 Rb8 12.Nxc8 Qxc8 13.Bd4

Position after: 17...d5 Now he decides to advance. A double-edged move. It frees the black pieces, but also helps White to open the position for his bishops.

Position after: 13.Bd4 Not a common Sicilian line. White got the bishop pair advantage, but Black cannot complain – he has a stable position without weaknesses. 13...c5

18.exd5 18.e5 Nd7 19.f4 c4 20.bxc4 Rc6!? 21.Qh3 Nb6 22.Bd3 g6 23.Rf3 Re8 24.Rg3 Qc7 25.Bd4 Nxc4„

13...d5 putting pawns on light-squares seems more logical, but leads to the opening of the position after 14.exd5 cxd5 15.c4 which must be in White’s favour. 14.Be5 Rb6 15.Qd3 d6 Black has reached some kind of Hedgehog setup, controlling the centre well... 16.Bc3 0-0 17.b3 d5

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Games 9-13

19...Rd8 19...Bf6 20.Bxf6 Nxf6 21.Rad1² 20.Qg3 Avoiding threats with tempo. 20...Bf6 21.Bxf6 Nxf6

Position after: 25...Nxc4„ 18...Nxd5 18...exd5 keeps a solid pawn structure, but Black wanted to use the d-file. 19.Be5 Position after: 21...Nxf6 The situation has stabilised. White enjoys a long-lasting advantage due to having a better minor piece and a more compact pawn structure. However, the black major pieces are ready to fight back. Black is ready to double or triple, so White’s urgent task is to neutralise the opponent’s domination of the d-file. 22.Rfd1 h6 23.h3? Perhaps played automatically.

Position after: 19.Be5 99

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Games 9-13

Why not 23.Rxd8+ Qxd8 24.Rd1, taking control over the file? This would increase White’s edge. More active major pieces would be added to the list of advantages.

Position after: 25.Qe5 A very fine move. Having no direct options, White goes for a normal, centralising move. Unpleasant for Black.

Position after: 23.h3?

25...Qd8?

23...Rd5

Losing a tempo and a file.

23...Nd5 24.Rd2² 24.Bc4

25...Rc6 was better, keeping the possibility to recapture the rook with the queen.

A) 24.Rxd5 exd5=

26.Rxd7 Nxd7 27.Rd1!

B) 24.Bf3 Rg5 25.Qf4 e5„ 24...Rd7 24...Rg5 25.Qf3 25.Qe5

101

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Games 9-13

Position after: 27.Rd1!

Position after: 29...Ne8

27...Qc8

30.Be2

27...Nxe5 28.Rxd8+ Kh7 29.Be2±

Intending to transfer the bishop to a better diagonal. Meanwhile, the black knight wanders, having no good outposts to aim for.

28.Qf4 Nf6 29.a4! Another fine move. The idea is to fix the weakness on a6. If Black prevents it, a hole on b5 will be a new important positional factor.

30.a5 Rc6 31.c3 was another evidently good option. 30...Rc6 30...Rb4 31.Qe3²

29...Ne8

31.Qe5 Nf6 32.Bf3

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Games 9-13

Position after: 32.Bf3

Position after: 34...c4

32...Rc7

Trying to find some counterplay.

32...Rb6 33.a5 also leads to penetration.

35.b4!

33.Rd6

Of course, advancing the majority and leaving the weak c4-pawn on the board.

Black’s position is hopeless. White has infiltrated and material loss is unavoidable.

35...Nf6 36.Qd4 Rd7 37.Rxd7

33...Nd7 34.Qc3

Capturing with the queen would be a similar story to the game.

34.Qf4±

37...Nxd7 38.Qd6 Nf6 39.Qc6!

34...c4

105

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Games 9-13

Position after: 39.Qc6!

Position after: 42...Nc7

39...Qd8

Black protects the pawn, maintaining material balance. But, White perfectly evaluated the position – Black is desperately lost. The c4-pawn cannot be protected. The knight is paralysed and hinders the monarch.

39...Qxc6 40.Bxc6+– 40.Qa8 40.Qxa6 was a better move from the engine’s point of view. However, the text move should be the first choice. Maybe it wins a bit more slowly, but also definitely avoids some risk.

43.Kf1 Kf8 44.Ke2 Ke7 45.Kd2

40...Qxa8 41.Bxa8 Ne8 42.Bb7 Nc7

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Games 9-13

Position after: 45.Kd2 45...Nd5 Only chance to keep the material balance, but now a typical realisation method takes place – reduction and transfer into a winning pawn endgame. White wins because he will create an outside passed pawn on the queenside. Here, we suggest the reader ensures White wins in all variations. The game is over. 45...Kd6 46.Kc3+– 46.Bxd5! exd5 47.Kc3+– Kd6 48.Kd4 Kc6

Position after: 48...Kc6 49.c3 49.g4 was better from a pedagogical point of view – the white c-pawn can be used for a tempo, if needed. 109

49...f6 50.g4 g6 51.h4 h5 52.gxh5 gxh5 53.f3 Kd6 54.b5 a5 55.b6 Kc6 56.b7 Kxb7 57.Kxd5 Black resigned. Patient play by White exploited the advantage of a superior bishop. Black was unable to find a stable spot for the knight and the result was logical. 1-0 Game 10 Marshall – Lasker USA 1907 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.0-0 Be7 6.e5

Position after: 6.e5 Marshall was known as a fabulous attacking player, but Lasker was fearless and ready to take risks. 6...Ne4 7.Nxd4 110

Games 9-13

7.Re1 is more principal, giving White chances for an advantage. 7...0-0 8.Nf5 d5 9.Bxc6 9.Nxe7+ Nxe7 gives nothing to White. The bishop pair cannot be efficiently used and e5 is exposed. 9...bxc6 10.Nxe7+ Qxe7 11.Re1 Qh4 12.Be3 f6

13...Ng5 was the normal continuation. Although this is playable, Lasker makes a psychological choice. He knows that the complications that would arise after the piece sacrifice would put his opponent on the back foot. Lasker was also a brilliant attacking player and did not like to be under attack himself. 14.fxe4 d4 The only move to support Black’s initiative.

Position after: 12...f6

Position after: 14...d4

Lasker takes a chance to put pressure on White’s position. Marshall counters logically.

15.g3

13.f3 fxe5!?

A) 15.Bd2? Bg4 16.Qc1 Rf2! 17.Bg5 Rxg2+ 18.Kxg2 Bh3+ 19.Kh1 Qf2–+

A wise decision. He knew about Marshall’s personality and character and decided to attack him. Marshall was never a fan of defending positions, even with a material advantage. He would always rather be the one to sacrifice. 111

B) 15.Bc1? Qf2+ 16.Kh1 Bg4! 17.Qd2 Qf1+ 18.Rxf1 Rxf1# 15...Qf6 16.Bxd4?

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Here is validation of Lasker’s decision to attack – Marshall misses a better option. 16.Bd2 Qf2+ 17.Kh1 Bh3 18.Rg1 Bf1! 19.Be1 Qe3 20.Nd2 Be2 21.Qc1 Bf3+ 22.Nxf3 Qxf3+ 23.Rg2 Qf1+ would lead to perpetual check.

Of course, Lasker activates the rook with tempo. 20.b3 Rb5!

16...exd4 17.Rf1 Qxf1+ 18.Qxf1 Rxf1+ 19.Kxf1 Perhaps Marshall expected to easily make a draw after refuting the opponent’s attack. But, for an endgame wizard like Lasker, the game has just started.

Position after: 20...Rb5! Before White finishes development, Black poses a new problem. 21.c4? Marshall immediately errs. Admittedly, it was not easy to find the best move. A) 21.c3? Re5 with an advantage for Black. Position after: 19.Kxf1 Black’s bishop is traditionally better than the knight and e4 can be a target. With all pieces inactive and Black’s next move, it is clear that Black will get the initiative.

B) 21.Na3? Re5 22.Re1 Ra5 is losing material. C) 21.Nd2! should be satisfactory: 21...Rc5 22.Rc1 Ba6+

19...Rb8

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With a comfortable position for White and no risk of losing. 21...Rh5

Position after: 22...Ba6+ 23.Kf2 [23.Ke1? Rc3!] 23...Bd3 [23...Rc3 24.Nb1!] 24.Nf3 Rxc2+ 25.Rxc2 Bxc2 26.Nxd4 Bxe4 27.Ne6 Bb1 28.a3 Ba2 29.Nc5

Position after: 21...Rh5 Only move to maintain the initiative. Black plays aggressively. 22.Kg1 22.h4? g5! 23.hxg5 Rh1+ would win by paralysing White’s army. 22...c5 The strong d4-pawn is supported and Black is ready to put pressure on e4. White’s queenside pawn phalanx is fixed on light squares and can be a target for the bishop.

Position after: 29.Nc5

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23.Nd2 Kf7 24.Rf1+ Ke7

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Games 9-13

Position after: 24...Ke7

Position after: 26...Ra6

25.a3?!

Impressive rook manoeuvres.

White should not advance the queenside pawns...

27.Ra1

25.Rf2 with the idea to keep the a2-pawn protected in advance was a better option.

It is difficult to go for 27.a4.

25...Rh6!

This bishop keeps the white king far away from the centre. See the total domination of the bishop over the knight. The bishop both controls weak squares and is ready to attack some pawns. It also paralyses both the white king and knight. Moreover, Black’s rook is much more active than its counterpart.

Black immediately benefits from White’s imprecise last move. 26.h4 26.b4 Ra6

27...Bg4!

26...Ra6 28.Kf2 Ke6

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Position after: 28...Ke6

Position after: 31...d3

29.a4

Black’s king penetrates, the game is over.

White goes for it anyway.

32.Rf1 Kd4 33.Rxf6 gxf6 34.Kf2 c6

29.Nf3 Bxf3 30.Kxf3 Ke5 is lost for White. 29...Ke5 The weakest part of Marshall’s play were endgames, while they were Lasker’s bread and butter. It is no wonder that only ten moves into the endgame White is completely lost.

34...a5 was more precise, but the result is the same. 35.a5 a6 36.Nb1

30.Kg2 Rf6 31.Re1 d3

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Position after: 36.Nb1 Finally the knight makes its second jump! Ironically, the black bishop was moved only once. The pawn structure makes the bishop ultrapowerful, it doesn’t even need to move. 36...Kxe4 Finally, winning material. No more comments are needed.

White resigned. One of the most illustrative games for exploring psychology behind moves. Once again, Lasker’s erudition, intuition and psychological skill helped him confuse the opponent and win the game convincingly. 0-1 Game 11 Fischer – Petrosian Buenos Aires 1971 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6

37.Ke1 Be2 38.Nd2+ Ke3 39.Nb1 f5 40.Nd2 h5

Paulsen (or Taimanov) Sicilian. Petrosian was recognised as an expert as Black. But, Bobby Fischer was one of the greatest attackers of all time as White in the Sicilian. So, the game was bound to be interesting. 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.Nxc6 bxc6 6...dxc6, leading to a completely different type of position, was also an option. 7.0-0 d5

Position after: 40...h5 Zugzwang! 41.Nb1 Kf3 42.Nc3 Kxg3 43.Na4 f4 44.Nxc5 f3 45.Ne4+ Kf4 46.Nd6 c5 47.b4 cxb4 48.c5 b3 49.Nc4 Kg3

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Position after: 7...d5

Position after: 10.exd5

8.c4!

10...exd5

Nowadays this is a typical shot. White wants to open the centre before Black activates his kingside pieces.

A) Knowing the rest of the game, 10...Nxd5 should have been preferred. Now, either 11.Nc3 or some other knight move only gives White a small visual advantage due to a better majority. Black would have good centralisation and harmoniously finished development.

8...Nf6 8...d4 9.e5 gives White excellent prospects on the kingside. He is ready to finish development following the scheme f4, Nd2e4. The d4-pawn can be a liability in the endgame. 9.cxd5 cxd5 10.exd5

123

B) 10...Qxd5?! Is ill-advised. After 11.Nc3 Qd7 12.Bf4 Be7 13.Qe2 Bb7 14.Rac1 White has some initiative. 11.Nc3 Be7

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Games 9-13

13.Re1! Qxa4 14.Nxa4

Position after: 11...Be7 12.Qa4+

Position after: 14.Nxa4

12.Be3 to place the bishop on the powerful d4-square would have been a good option.

The knight is more dangerous there. 14...Be6 15.Be3!

12...Qd7? Iron Tigran blunders. The positional master liked to exchange queens against great attackers. He probably evaluated that solid centralisation would guarantee a promising endgame. However, problems with the dpawn are serious. Very soon, trouble on the dark squares will also arise – a logical consequence of the presence of an isolated pawn placed on a light square.

Fischer conducts the game like a great strategist. He aims to exchange dark-squared bishops. The squares c5, d4 and e5 would then be under his control. 15...0-0 16.Bc5 Rfe8 17.Bxe7 Rxe7 18.b4

12...Bd7 was correct. Now 13.Qd4 0-0 14.Nxd5 Nxd5 15.Qxd5 Bb5 16.Qxd8 Rfxd8 17.Bxb5 axb5 is a forced line that gives Black enough counterplay for the lost pawn. A draw is more than likely. 125

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Games 9-13

Position after: 18.b4

Position after: 20.f3

Once again, a very dangerous move for Black. White fixes the a6-pawn on a light square.

20...Rea7?

18...Kf8 18...a5? 19.b5 and White’s passer will be a decisive positional factor.

A strange move. The great champion was evidently not having a good day. Black probably wanted to overprotect a6 to carry out the manoeuvre ...Bd7-b5. Alas, that can easily be prevented. 21.Re5 Bd7

19.Nc5 Bc8 20.f3

White’s advantage is obvious. Black’s idea of exchanging bishops with ...Bb5 is not dangerous. It can be either prevented or declined. Fischer was known as a player who respected the bishop over the knight. He has a remarkable collection of victories having a bishop against a knight. This game is one pearl in that collection. 22.Nxd7+!

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Exclamation mark because Fischer made that move almost automatically, shocking Petrosian. White’s bishop will dominate over the black knight and the rooks are active. To be fair, some other authorities like, let’s say, Nimzowitsch, or even Petrosian, would probably not have exchanged that strong knight for the bad bishop. That is the beauty of chess – relativity!

Trying to do something with that poor knight. But it is just a one move attack – there are no special prospects for this knight. 25.Re2 g6 26.Kf2

22.a4 preventing 22...Bb5 was evidently very strong too. 22...Rxd7 23.Rc1

Position after: 26.Kf2 The king should not be forgotten. White plays patiently – Black is paralysed. 26...h5 27.f4 Fischer wants to demolish Black’s kingside pawn structure. 27.a4 playing on the other side was also an option.

Position after: 23.Rc1 White absolutely dominates. Both the black weak pawns are under attack, fixed on the bishop’s colour. Black’s knight cannot find an outpost in a very open position. With such passive pieces, defeat is almost inevitable.

27...h4

23...Rd6 24.Rc7 Nd7

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Position after: 27...h4

Position after: 30...Nb6

Black must play something. Being paralysed, it is normal to go for bad moves – good moves cannot be found.

Capitulation. 31.Ree7 Nd5 32.Rf7+ Ke8 33.Rb7 Nxf4 34.Bc4

28.Kf3 f5 29.Ke3 d4+ 30.Kd2 Black’s king has lost his shield of pawns. 30...Nb6

Position after: 34.Bc4

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Black resigned. Petrosian was undoubtedly out of form that day, but Fischer’s play was simply inspired and fluent. He superbly punished Black’s indolent play. 1-0 Game 12 Andersson – Franco Ocampos Buenos Aires 1979

9...Be6 10.Bc4 Bxc4 10...Kf7 11.Kc2 Nd7 12.Rhd1 is slightly better for White. 11.Nxc4 Nd7

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.dxc3

Position after: 11...Nd7 Black wants to do the same – to exchange dark-squared bishops. 12.b4! Position after: 6.dxc3 Not as efficient as it is with a black pawn on c5 (see game 62), but still playable and solid. Also, it is typical of Ulf Andersson’s patient playing style.

A very good decision. Not only gaining space on the queenside, but also keeping the bishops on the board as the white one is better! 12...Nb6 13.Na5!

6...Qxd1+ 7.Kxd1 f6 8.Be3 e5 9.Nd2 With this move, White wants to provoke the exchange of the light-squared bishops. 9.Bc4 can be played immediately, of course. 133

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Games 9-13

Position after: 13.Na5!

Position after: 15...f5!?

White’s knight is now also superior.

With his last move, Black wanted to seize the initiative on the kingside due to the white knight being “misplaced” on the queenside. However, this is an illusion. Andersson superbly proves that the knight on a5 is ready for a big role in the endgame.

13...0-0-0+ 14.Kc2 14.Ke2? allows for some tactics: 14...Na4 15.Bd2 [15.Rac1? Nxc3+ 16.Rxc3 Bxb4µ] 15...h5 with the idea to exchange the bishop via h6 – Black is maybe even slightly better. 14...Be7 15.a3 Preparing the advance of the c-pawn

16.Bxb6 axb6 17.Nc4 In this interesting position, both sides want to force the opponent to capture the pawn first. Black should take the challenge!

15...f5!?

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Position after: 17.Nc4

Position after: 19...Bh4

17...Bf6?

20.g3 [20.Rxe4 Rxf2+ 21.Rxf2 Bxf2 22.Rxe5=] 20...Bg5 21.Rxe4 b5! 22.Ne3 Bxe3 23.Rxe3 with only a visual advantage for White.

A mistake. Black cannot wait forever – White would double on the e-file(!), forcing Black to decide the fate of the f5-pawn. Whatever Black chooses, the white knight will clearly dominate the bishop. 17...fxe4! 18.Rae1 Rhf8! A counterattack on f2. 19.Rhf1 Bh4

18.a4! Must be played before doubling! The knight must be secured on c4. Also, with his last move, White avoids fixing his queenside pawns on dark squares. 18...Bg7 19.Rhe1 Rhe8

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Games 9-13

Position after: 19...Rhe8

Position after: 21.a5

20.b5

Now, without tension in the centre, nor hope for Black to activate his bishop, White is free to organise an attack on the queenside.

Fixing Black’s pawn structure on the queenside and giving additional weight to an advance of the a-pawn. 20.a5? b5„

21...bxa5 22.Rxa5 b6 23.Ra7 Bf6 24.Rea1 Re6 25.R1a6

20...f4?

With the idea of Na5.

Playing this voluntarily must be positional suicide! Black fixes more of his pawns on the bishop’s colour. Black should have been able to counter-double on the e-file in case White doubled. Of course, Black’s task was difficult even without the last bad move – White can combine play down the a-file and play against the e-pawn.

25...Rde8 26.Kb3 Even the king should not be left out – it is ready, at the right time, to infiltrate along the light-squared diagonals. 26...Bd8 27.Ra8+ Kd7

21.a5

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Games 9-13

Position after: 27...Kd7

Position after: 32.h3

28.Ra2!

Don’t rush. This move, together with White’s 40th, have an aesthetic quality to them.

Andersson was a real master in cramping the opponent’s forces. There is no more reason to keep both rooks on the a-file, the 8th rank is also closed for the white rooks. One of them belongs on the d-file! 28...Bf6 29.Rd2+ Ke7 30.Ra7!

32...Ke7 33.Nb2! Amazing regrouping! The knight has done its job. Now, it will travel to c6 or d5 via b4. Even more important is that the c-pawn has been liberated – ready to crash Black’s defences.

Not exchanging a good piece for a bad one. 33...Ke8 34.Nd3 Bg7 30...Rc8 31.Rd5 34...c6 35.Rdd7+– Picturesque position. Black is almost fully paralysed.

35.c4 Bf6 36.c5

31...Ke8 32.h3

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Games 9-13

Position after: 36.c5

Position after: 40.f3

Everything is going smoothly – Black can only wait for execution.

40...Rb8 41.Ne6 Bf6 42.Rc6

36...bxc5 37.Nxc5 Re7 38.Ra6 With tempo, the rook goes to the promising c6-square, also preparing the knight’s jump to e6. 38...Bh8 39.Kc4 Bg7 40.f3 As previously mentioned, there was no particular need to make this move. But the final position is so beautiful – it would not be as perfect with the pawn on f2.

Black resigned. In the final position, ALL the white pieces and pawns are placed on light squares. Notice the sad destiny of Black’s bishop, the direct result of his 20th move. 42.Rc6 Rc8 [42...Rb7 43.Rd8+ Kf7 44.Rf8#] 43.b6+– 1-0 Game 13 Naiditsch – Blagojevic Valjevo 2011 1.c4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 Black chooses a line where he gets free play but, in return, the bishop on g2 is not restricted. 5.Bg2 Bb4+ 6.Nc3 Nc6 7.0-0 0-0 8.a3

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Games 9-13

Position after: 8.a3

Position after: 11.Ne4

8...Ba5

11...Qd8

White has a small edge due to a space advantage and slightly better development. Naiditsch’s next move is very simple, but has depth. He thinks that the dark-squared bishop is not needed and gives it away for the knight that is controlling the centre. White wants to base his queenside play on his powerful g2-bishop, his potentially dangerous knights and the open c-file.

11...Qf5 was definitely more active and was best. 12.Ned2 Bxd2 13.Qxd2 e5 is a possible continuation, giving Black a solid position without problems.

8...Bxc3 would just strengthen White’s centre. The c4-pawn will eventually fall.

12.Qa4 Bb6 13.Rfd1 Black’s pieces are somewhat out of play and his next move is a reasonable option to liberate his queenside troops. 13...Na5 14.Ne5

9.Bg5!? h6 10.Bxf6 Qxf6 11.Ne4

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Games 9-13

Position after: 14.Ne5

Position after: 19...Bc6

Simply opening up the bishop and regaining material.

14...Nb3 15.Rab1 and the black knight is in trouble.

After a series of exchanges, White has a small, but stable advantage. Having more space is his main achievement. Also, the black pieces are lacking prospects, especially the b6-bishop. Black would like to capture on e4, reaching a comfortable opposite coloured bishop endgame. Of course, White keeps the knight on the board – it will be more active than the b6-bishop.

15.Qxe8

20.Nc3 Bxg2 21.Kxg2 c6

15.Qb4 allows 15...Nb3 16.Rab1 Nxd4 where activity would give White compensation for a pawn, but there is no need to go for this line.

In this endgame, Black wants to play ...c5 or ...e5, opening the position for his bishop. White’s first task is to prevent both ideas. Secondly, White wants to advance his pawns – Black is almost without active play. White’s next move is typical.

14...Qe8 Exchanging pieces is a good strategy when you lack space.

15...Rxe8 16.Rac1 Rd8 17.e3 Bd7 18.Nxc4 Nxc4 19.Rxc4 Bc6

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Games 9-13

Position after: 21...c6

Position after: 23.h4

22.g4!

23...Ke7

Extremely instructive. This move does not allow Black to fix White’s pawns on the bishop’s colour. Other kingside advances would have. A) 22.f4 f5!?

Black cannot avoid being fixed. The following line is clearly in White’s favour 23...h5 24.gxh5 Ke7 25.Na4 Rh8 26.Rb4.

B) 22.h4 h5!

24.h5! Rac8 25.Rc1 Preventing 25...c5.

22...Kf8

25...Bc7 26.f4

Now 22...g5 is risky because of 23.h4. 23.h4

White has achieved a lot, making sure Black is out of satisfactory pawn moves. 26...Bd6 27.Kf3 Kd7

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Games 9-13

Position after: 27...Kd7

Position after: 30.Nd3

How to proceed? The space advantage is evident, White’s pieces are very active and the king is centralised. Naiditsch’s plan is very logical. It is based on preventing the opening of the position. His rooks are busy on the queenside but, of course, he wants to play on the kingside. So, let’s transfer the rooks!

Naiditsch has found an excellent square for the knight, Black is definitely unable to open the position for his bishop!

28.Ne4! The knight should be placed on d3 – from there it will prevent both ...c5 and ...e5. 28...Be7 29.Nf2 Bd6 30.Nd3

30...Rg8 31.Rh1 Placing the knight on d3, the white rooks now have their hands free. The last move prevents ...g6 in some positions. White should not hurry to take action. 31...Ra8 Black feels uncomfortable and makes the decision to activate his rooks via the a-file. Alas, there is not enough time. 32.Rc2 The rooks will soon be doubled. 32...a5

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Games 9-13

Position after: 32...a5

Position after: 34.gxf5

33.f5

would lead to pressure along the g-file and the advance of the dangerous central pawns.

White decides that it is time for action. He wants to open the position in his favour. He did not want to spend more time on rook moves, as it is not quite clear what files will be opened.

34.e4 Consistently gaining space. 34...e5?!

33...Rge8 A solid option. Black wants to establish a defence on the e-file 33...exf5 34.gxf5

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Games 9-13

Position after: 34...e5?! Risky. Opening the d-file with the white rooks ready to double up cannot be good. However, it is not clear whether or not Black could simply stay put.

After this simple move, the white king finds safety and Black loses material. 41...Re2

35.dxe5 Bxe5 36.Rd1 Kc7 37.Nxe5 Rxe5 38.Rcd2

Position after: 41...Re2 42.b3?

Position after: 38.Rcd2

White misses a simple win and gives Black a chance to prolong the resistance. 42.Rxg7! Rxb2 43.Rh7 was easily winning.

White infiltrates. 42...Rh2? 38...Rae8 Black hopes to achieve active play by doubling the rooks. 38...Re7 would be met by 39.f6! gxf6 40.Rd6 Rae8 41.Rxf6 Rxe4 42.Rxf7+ where White is playing for a win.

A strange mistake. Black played the last stage indolently. 42...R2e7 was a must, but still after 43.Rxe7 Rxe7 44.g5 White has good winning chances. 43.Kf4 Rf2+ 44.Rf3

39.Rd7+ Kc8 40.Rxf7 Rxe4 41.Rd3

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Games 14-16

Game 14 Andersson – Quinteros Olot 1971 1.Nf3 c5 2.e4 Qc7

Position after: 44.Rf3 Black resigned. A very instructive game, illustrating that a knight can be better than a bishop, even in unblocked positions. Actually it all comes down to pawn structure and potential pawn advances. White successfully prevented the opening of the position at first, and waited for the right moment to open the position himself to his advantage. 1-0

Position after: 2...Qc7 Rare, but a playable continuation. 3.c3 Nf6?! 4.e5 Nd5 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 Black’s queen is probably not on the safest or the best square. If Black wanted to provoke the advance of the e-pawn, 2...Nf6 makes more sense. 6...d6 7.Be2 Making ...Bg4 toothless. 7...dxe5 8.dxe5 e6 9.0-0 Nc6 10.Re1

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Games 14-16

Position after: 10.Re1

Position after: 14...Nb4

Overprotecting the e5-pawn.

Good idea. Black wants to place the knight on d5 and bishop on c6. After putting the rooks on c8 and d8, he will have an excellent position.

10...Bd7 11.Bf1 White has activated the kingside troops, and it is now time for the rest of the army. There are two possibilities: to prepare Nc3 with Bd2 or to go for Nbd2 with Nb3 or Ne4 in mind.

15.Bxb4!

11...Be7 12.Bd2

A very good decision. White is almost forced to go for it. Black’s aforementioned plan is obvious but dangerous for White, and cannot be permitted.

Ulf Andersson chooses option one.

15...Bxb4 16.Re4

12...0-0 13.Nc3 Nxc3 14.Bxc3 Nb4

The point of the previous move. White gets some tempi and places pieces on comfortable squares. 16...Be7 17.Rc1 Bc6

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Games 14-16

Position after: 24.Kf1 Very logical and simple. The king goes towards the centre and the threat to c6 is renewed. 24...c5 Sooner or later, the pawn will be advanced. 24...Rc8 25.Nd4 and White fixes the c-pawn on a dark square. 25...c5 26.Rc4± 25.Rc3 Position after: 17...Bc6

Intending to transfer the rook to a6 via a3, or to b7 via b3.

18.Bb5!

25...Rb8

Leads to isolating the black pawn on c6.

Black prevents both.

18...Rfd8 19.Qc2 Qb6 20.Bxc6 Rac8 21.Rc4 Rxc6 22.Rxc6 Qxc6 23.Qxc6 bxc6 24.Kf1

26.Rc2

Position after: 26.Rc2

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Games 14-16

White is definitely better – his pawn structure is better and his knight dominates over the bishop. It is an essential fact that White controls the c4-square, which can be occupied by all the white pieces. On the other hand, it looks like there are no promising plans for Black. Of course, he will centralise the king. But, what next? In such cases, when your opponent is out of plans, it is very useful to play patiently. Patient play reduces the risk of blunders, and can potentially confuse the opponent.

would definitely harm his pawn structure and restrict his bishop – White will occupy the e4- and c4-squares with the knight and rook respectively. White’s next move organises a blockade on c4 and eventually e4 (after Black captures on e5). It also prevents ...Re4+. 28.Nd2! Rd4 29.f3 Establishing control over the e4-square and allowing the knight to jump to c4. 29...Rd5 30.Nc4 Rd7

26...f6 27.Ke2 Rb4

Insisting on attacking the e5-pawn, Black achieved nothing. The rook retreats to control the 7th rank again. 31.Rc3 Rb7 32.Ra3 The pawn on b2 is protected, so the rook can invade Black’s ranks. 32...Kf7 33.Ra6

Position after: 27...Rb4 An interesting position. Black just played some active moves and White must be accurate. Of course, it is bad to capture on f6, because Black would answer with ...gxf6. After this, Black will inevitably centralise the king and the bishop will get some freedom. Also, Black cannot capture on e5. This 163

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Games 14-16

Position after: 33.Ra6

37...Ke7 38.b3 Rd7 39.Rc6 Rc7 40.Ra6

33...fxe5

The rook returns to the less active a6-square but, as previously mentioned, White should not rush.

Finally, Black took. He couldn’t find anything better. If 33...f5 34.Kd3 Rd7+ [34...g5 35.g4!] 35.Nd6+ is very dangerous.

40...Rb7 41.Kd3 Bc7 42.g3!

34.Nxe5+ Kf6 35.Nc4 Bd8 36.Rc6 Before the bishop gets to b6. 36...Rc7 37.Rd6

Position after: 42.g3! White’s kingside pawns are not completely fixed on dark squares – they are simply being used to restrict the opponent’s bishop. Position after: 37.Rd6 Of course, White keeps the rooks. There is no reason to exchange an active piece for a passive one, even though the knight dominates the bishop. Black would probably be able to hold the position by placing the king on c6 and waiting. It would be very difficult for White to create another weakness on the kingside. 165

42...Kd7 43.Ke4 Bb6 44.Ne5+ Kc7 45.Ra4! The rook goes back, it is needed on the dfile! The d7-square is controlled by the knight, so the black rook cannot oppose it. 45...Rb8 46.Rc4

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Games 14-16

Position after: 46.Rc4

Position after: 50.g5!

46...Kd6

Excellent play. Black must choose between three bad options. He chose to allow White to penetrate via the f-file and to create an outside passed pawn.

46...Rd8 47.Nd3 Rd5 48.f4 with expansion on the kingside is also very promising for White. 47.Rc3 Rb7 48.f4

50...hxg5 A) 50...h5 51.Rh3+–

Finally, after patient play, everything is ready for kingside advances.

B) 50...Re7 51.gxh6 gxh6 52.Rh3 Rh7 53.Rxh6!+–

48...Rc7 49.g4 h6 50.g5!

51.fxg5 Look at the black army. Fully paralysed by White’s ultra-powerful knight. 51...Ke7 52.Rf3

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Position after: 52.Rf3

Position after: 55.h4

52...Ke8

Black resigned. It is really difficult to identify a serious mistake Black made. The endgame was simply in White’s favour due to the better knight, which was demonstrated superbly. This makes Ulf Andersson’s triumph convincing and glorious. Once again, he proved that he was a real master of R+N vs R+B endgames. 1-0

52...Kd6 53.h4 Rc8 54.Rd3+ 53.Rh3 53.h4 also easily wins. 53...Ke7 54.Rh7 Kd6 55.h4

Game 15 Karpov – Sokolov Linares 1987 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6

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White occupies the centre, but... 8...d5 Black immediately attacks it. 9.cxd5 The king travels a bit, but space will be gained after advancing the e-pawn. 9...Bxf1 10.Kxf1 exd5 11.e5 Ne4 12.Qe2 Nxc3 13.Bxc3 Qd7 14.Kg2

Position after: 4...Ba6 Black chooses the Queen’s Indian Defence. The point of this move and the next is to deflect the white knight from the natural c3square, or the bishop from b2. 5.b3 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Be7 7.Nc3 0-0 8.e4

Position after: 14.Kg2 The pawn structure is defined. White will play on the kingside, Black on the queenside – these activities are dictated by pawn majorities. Black’s next move looks bizarre, because it blocks the c-pawn, but Black intends to transfer the knight to e6. 14...Nc6 Position after: 8.e4 171

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Games 14-16

14...c5 was natural. Perhaps Black was afraid of 15.Rhe1, with the threat of 16.e6, forcing Black to put the queen on e6. [15.dxc5 bxc5 16.e6 Qxe6 17.Qxe6 fxe6 18.Rhe1 is an interesting line, leading to an unclear position.]

Before putting the knight on e6, Black wants to keep the queen active. The weakened light squares should be controlled. 19.Rad1 Bb4 20.Rf1 Ne6

15.Rhe1 Knowing White’s next move, perhaps 15.Rae1 was better, with the idea to place the king’s rook on the f-file. 15...Nd8

Position after: 20...Ne6 Not seeing a promising way to eliminate the blockade on f5, Karpov chooses the simplest solution – offering an exchange of queens. 21.Qd3 Qxd3 22.Rxd3 Rac8

Position after: 15...Nd8 16.Ng1!? Karpov was famous for knight retreats – one of his favourite manoeuvres. This time, the idea is to set the kingside in motion. 16...c5 17.f4 cxd4 18.Bxd4 Qf5 173

The endgame is dynamically balanced. White has more space and a more compact pawn structure, but Black currently has more active minor pieces and control over the cfile. In the next stage of the game, everything will depend on the players’ technique. 23.Nf3 Rc2+ 24.Rf2 Rfc8 After a series of obvious moves, White goes for direct action. 174

Games 14-16

25.f5 Nxd4 26.Nxd4 Rxf2+ 27.Kxf2 Rc1

Position after: 31.Kf4 Position after: 27...Rc1 The position is open, and it may look like the bishop should be the better piece. This is not the case – the knight has promising squares and the pawn on d5 is weak. Many pieces have disappeared, and the statements on move 22 are still valid. With his next move, Karpov continues expanding on the kingside. White’s advanced pawns get support, and the rook gets further access to the 3rd rank. 28.g4 Kf8 29.Kf3 Rf1+ 30.Kg3 Rc1 31.Kf4

White succeeds in placing the king in the centre. 31...h6 Black wants to protect the h-pawn from attacks down the h-file. 31...Rf1+? 32.Nf3 32.h4 Continuing to expand. White’s position looks better at the moment, but nothing much is on the horizon. 32...Ke8 33.Nf3 The knight starts dancing. The d5-pawn is under attack. 33...Rc2

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33...Rc5 was a normal move. White would probably continue with 34.g5.

37...Bc5 38.Ne2 d4

34.a4 Of course, White declines the exchange of pawns – d5 is weak. 34...Rb2 35.Nd4 Be7 36.h5

Position after: 38...d4 White’s advantage is now concrete. The d4pawn is weak and the e4-square is free for the white pieces, which is a very important factor. From this square, the knight and especially the king can support the launched majority.

Position after: 36.h5 Fixing the black pawns on the bishop’s colour. 36...a6 37.Kf3!

39.Nf4 Kd7 40.e6+ Ke8 40...fxe6! 41.Nxe6 leads to the loss of the g7pawn, but still after 41...Kd6 42.Nxg7 Ke5

A very good move. Direct in view of transferring the knight to the vacated f4square, and prophylactic because some checks are avoided. Always try to find multipurpose moves in your own games – they are often good. Step-by-step, the black bishop becomes a spectator.

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Voluntarily setting the pawns on dark squares with the idea to eliminate White’s threat a5. The bishop has become a “big pawn”. It is clear that Black did something wrong.... although, it is difficult to pinpoint the mistake. Not uncommon if your opponent is Karpov. 42.Rf3 Rb1 43.Nd5 Rg1

Position after: 42...Ke5 nothing is clear. Actually, maybe that was a good chance for Black. Two dangerous manoeuvres would be on the agenda: ... Rc2c3 or ...Rb1-f1. 41.Ke4 a5

Position after: 43...Rg1 It looks like Black achieved a lot, but White found a nice tactic... 44.Kd3! Rxg4? Better options were: A) 44...Rd1+ 45.Kc4 Rc1+ 46.Kb5 Re1

Position after: 41...a5 179

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Games 14-16

Position after: 45.f6! 45...Bd6 45...fxe6 46.f7+ Kd7 [46...Kf8 47.Nc7] 47.Nxb6+ followed by 48.Nc4 looks winning. 46.Nxb6 Rg5 47.fxg7 White finally simplifies the position by transferring into a won endgame. 47...Rxg7 48.Nc4 Bb4 Position after: 46...Re1 B) 44...fxe6 45.fxe6 Re1 46.Rf7 Rxe6 47.Rxg7 C) 44...Kf8 45.Rf4 Rg3+ with, of course, an advantage for White in all lines, but with chances to hold. 45.f6!

Position after: 48...Bb4 49.exf7+ Rxf7 50.Rxf7 Kxf7 51.Ne5+! Karpov’s endgame technique was always world class. 51...Kf6 52.Nc6 Be1 53.Nxd4

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Games 14-16

Position after: 53.Nxd4

Position after: 57...Kg5

Indirectly protecting the h5-pawn.

58.Nxa5! Bxa5 59.b4 Bd8 60.a5 Kxh5 61.Kb5 Bg5 62.a6 Be3 63.Kc6

53...Bb4 53...Kg5?? 54.Nf3++– 54.Nc6 Be1 55.Ke2 Golden rule: Don’t rush. 55...Bc3 56.Kd3 Be1 57.Kc4 Finally, Karpov goes for the win. He calculated until the end. 57...Kg5

Position after: 63.Kc6 Black resigned. Such a tense game. Both players played 40 moves almost impeccably, but finally Sokolov’s imprecise move allowed 183

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Games 14-16

Karpov to demonstrate his magnificent endgame knowledge. A perfectly conducted game by both players with clearly visible and notable plans for the reader. One more instructive and interesting example on chess relativity: in a relatively open position, the knight prevailed over the bishop.

11.Bf4 Qa5+ 12.Bd2 Qc7 13.0-0-0 Ngf6 14.Ne4 Another good option is the plan invented by Spassky 14.Qe2 with the idea of 15.Ne5. 14...0-0-0 15.g3

1-0 Game 16 Ljubojevic – Karpov Linares 1981 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 5.Ng3 Bg6 6.Nf3 Nd7 7.h4 h6 8.h5 Bh7 9.Bd3 Bxd3 10.Qxd3 e6

Position after: 15.g3 Preparing 16.Bf4, targeting d6. 15...Nc5!

Position after: 10...e6 Against such an inventive opponent as Ljubojevic, it is good advice to choose a solid opening. Karpov’s decision is the Caro-Kann, of which he was a great expert.

185

A very direct answer. Black gets rid of one knight – it is good to exchange pieces when the opponent has a space advantage. Black also takes control of d6, opens the d-file and eliminates White’s threats. Simple and strong. 16.Nxc5 Bxc5 17.Qc4 Bd6 18.Qa4 Kb8

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Games 14-16

Position after: 18...Kb8

Position after: 21...Bxe5!

19.Ne5

That knight must be eliminated, and it is better for Black to give away the bishop than the knight. Keeping the knight, Black can hope for more than an equal endgame. Black chose the perfect moment to capture – White cannot recapture with the f4-pawn, so there won’t be any pressure along the f-file.

19.c4 can be met by the simple 19...c5. 19...Nd5 19...Nd7 20.f4 [20.Nc4 Nb6=] 20...Nb6 was suggested by Karpov as an even simpler solution. 20.f4 Nb6 21.Qb3 Bxe5!

22.dxe5 Nd5 22...c5!?, with the idea to put the queen on the long diagonal, was evidently solid. But after 23.Ba5 Qc6 24.Bxb6 Black does not have serious chances to fight for the initiative. 23.c4 It looks like this move should be played sooner or later – the knight is very dominant on d5.

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Games 14-16

Position after: 23.c4

Position after: 27...b6

23...Ne7 24.Be3 c5!

Protecting c5 and freeing the queen.

Preventing the bishop from getting to d6, and paralysing it. Black’s queen also gets good prospects on the longest diagonal.

28.Qd3?!

25.Rxd8+ Rxd8 26.Rd1 26.g4 Qc6 should be in Black’s favour. 26...Rxd1+ 27.Qxd1 b6

With this move, White just forces Black to make a move he wanted to make anyway. 28.g4 looks logical, but after A) 28...Qb7!= Black is worry free. 29.Qd6+ Kc8 Black is fine due to threats along the diagonal. B) 28...Qc6?! is risky due to complications arising after 29.Qd6+ Qxd6 30.exd6 Ng8 [30...Nc6 31.g5±] 31.g5 Kb7 32.b4! cxb4 33.Bd4ƒ. 28...g6!

189

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Games 14-16

bishop in the endgame!”. White’s bishop is useless – Black has a safer king and pawns. Black’s knight is planted on f5 and the h5pawn will be in danger, whereas the h6-pawn will not. Definitely enough for Karpov to convert. 29...fxg6

Position after: 28...g6! 29.hxg6 29.g4? gxh5 30.gxh5 Nf5µ

Position after: 29...fxg6 30.a3 White senses Black’s upcoming initiative on the kingside and is ready to undertake active play on the queenside in return. 30.Qe4 Nf5 31.Bf2 h5 32.Kc2= 30...a5 Position after: 30...Nf5µ

Preventing 31.b4.

leads to a typical position Capablanca would use to support his theory: “Queen and knight is a stronger duo than queen and

31.b3

191

31.g4 h5 is in Black’s favour. 192

Games 14-16

31...h5

Too little too late. Black’s next multi-purpose move is amazing.

It has become clear that Black has outplayed the opponent. The knight will be placed on f5, putting strong pressure on the g3-pawn, and is ready to approach the white king.

35.Qa8? Qd3 36.Qa7+ Kc8 37.Qa8+ Kd7 38.Qb7+ Ke8 39.Qb8+ Kf7 40.Qb7+ Ne7– +

32.Qe4 Nf5 33.Bf2 Qd7

Position after: 35.Kc2 35...Qd8!! Position after: 33...Qd7 34.a4? A waste of time. 34.Kc2 was better.

Immediately achieving a much better position. From d8, the queen controls both the a8-square and the d-file. 36...g5 is also on the cards. White is in big trouble. 35...Qc6?! 36.Qxc6+ Kxc6 37.Kd3=

34...Kc7! An excellent move which highlights the downside of White’s last move. White’s queen cannot infiltrate because of ...Qd3, with devastating effect.

36.Kc1 A) 36.Qd3 Qa8!ƒ B) 36.Qf3 Qd4!!

35.Kc2

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Games 14-16

37.Kc2 g4! intending to create a passed pawn. 37...Qxg5+ 38.Kc2 Ne7 39.Qh7 Kd7 Exchanging queens immediately with 39...Qg6+ is good, but Black wanted to gain a tempo. 40.Qe4 Qf5! 41.Qd3+ Kc6

Position after: 36...Qd4!! 37.Qe2 Qa1ƒ 36...g5!

Position after: 41...Kc6 42.Qxf5 42.Be1 Qxe5µ 42...exf5!

Position after: 36...g5!

Of course! Allowing the king to attack the e5-pawn. The game is decided. Now, Karpov demonstrates his classy endgame technique. 42...Nxf5 43.Kd3 Kd7 44.Ke4 looks safe for White.

37.fxg5

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Games 14-16

43.Be3 Ng6 44.e6 Kd6 45.Bg5

Position after: 46...f4! Position after: 45.Bg5

47.gxf4 h4

White’s last chance is to attack the b6-pawn.

47...Kf5 is perhaps the more precise move order.

45...Kxe6 46.Kd2 48.Ke3 h3 49.Kf3 Kf5 46.Bd8 f4 47.gxf4 [47.Bxb6 fxg3 48.Bxc5 h4µ] 47...h4–+ 46...f4! A very instructive move – the black king joins the action.

Position after: 49...Kf5 197

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Games 14-16

50.Kg3 50.Bh6 h2 51.Kg2 Nxf4+ 52.Kxh2 Ke4 53.Bg5 Ne6–+ 50...Nxf4! 51.Bd8 Ne2+ 52.Kxh3 Nd4 53.Bxb6 Nxb3

Position after: 57...Kc3 Karpov decides not to collect the a4-pawn with the king. He chooses the safer plan. The pawn will fall later. 58.Bf6+ Kc2 59.Be5 Position after: 53...Nxb3

59.Kd5 Kd3–+

Black’s king is coming for the pawns, while his counterpart could not be any further away.

59...c4 60.Ke3 c3 61.Bf6 Nc5

54.Bd8 Ke4 55.Kg4 Kd3 56.Kf4 Kxc4 57.Ke4 Kc3

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Games 17-21

Chapter 3 The Bishop Pair

Position after: 61...Nc5 62.Ke2 62.Kd4 Nxa4 63.Kc4 Nb6+ 64.Kb5 a4 65.Kb4 Nd5+–+ with a nice fork at the end, was a variation shown by Karpov. 62...Kb3 White resigned. Against a master like Karpov in the 80’s, you must play very precisely, even in simple positions. Leaving the d3-square uncovered, White lost the option to have counterplay by penetrating via a8. This allowed Black to prepare ...g5 and obtain a decisive initiative on the kingside. A typical example that confirms Capablanca’s statement that a queen and knight collaborate more efficiently than a queen and bishop. 0-1

201

Everything about “Bishop against Knight” is also valid for the bishop pair. The bishop pair is even more of a dangerous weapon in open positions. So often, you can see these “scissors” in action, or two bishops attacking the opponent’s king. Overall, principles for play with or without the pair of bishops are well-known. Nevertheless, I would like to mention four important principles when having the bishop pair: 1. The side with the bishop pair (against a pair of knights or against a bishop and knight, of course) should open the position. 2. Having the bishop pair, it is a good idea to gain space (without creating “holes” for the opponent’s knight). 3. Put pawns on squares of the same colour as the opponent’s bishop in order to restrict it. As a result of this, our counterpart-free bishop will dominate! 4. The pair of bishops often allows you to easily exchange one of the bishops for the opponent’s bishop or knight, with the idea of simplifying or transferring into a desired endgame. Of course, the side playing against the bishop pair should try to oppose the above. I would add that the side playing with the bishop pair against a bishop and knight should insist on making the counterpart-free bishop a dangerous weapon.

202

Games 17-21

My coaching experience has confirmed that it is useful to remind students of the aforementioned principles, which are instructive concepts. The games analysed in this chapter explain perfectly both the advantages and disadvantages of having the bishop pair – which depends on pawn structure, of course. Games 17-23 in this chapter are instructive for using the powerful bishop pair. Games 24-26 illustrate how some pawn structures cause problems to the side with the bishop pair. My statistics suggest that the bishop pair is “good” in almost 80% of cases, which is why I pay much more attention to games showing their power. After analysing games in this chapter (and the entire book), you will be able to recognise the advantages and disadvantages of having the pair of bishops and to evaluate the position. Furthermore, you will be able even from the opening to predict if the pawn structure will benefit the bishop pair or not. Logically, you can adapt your plan accordingly.

Position after: 3...g6 This move is played even nowadays, but for the 19th century it must be criticised – Black “neglects” the centre. Actually, Steinitz always preferred moves he liked rather than those suggested by “theoreticians”. As a result, we enjoy his gigantic legacy today. 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Bg7 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Nc3 0-0 8.0-0

Game 17 Englisch – Steinitz London 1883 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6

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Games 17-21

Position after: 8.0-0

Position after: 11.Nxd5

White is more active and has more space. Of course, visually, White should be better. Still, Black has not made a particularly bad move yet. So, the position is fairly balanced and it is just the start of the game. Steinitz’s next move looks antipositional, but actually it is directed at controlling the centre – he prepares ...d5.

11...Qxd5

8...Ne7!? 9.Qd2 White finishes his development. He cannot prevent Black’s next move. 9...d5 10.exd5 Nexd5 11.Nxd5

With this move, Black aims for more than equality. The knight on d4 protects the bishop and can be the target of an attack – Black intends to play ...Ng4. 11...Nxd5 of course, is also good. 12.Bh6 Bxh6 13.Qxh6 c6 leads to quite a balanced position. 12.Be2? 12.h3 Ne4 13.Qd3 was a better option for White. 12...Ng4!

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Games 17-21

Position after: 12...Ng4!

Position after: 17.Nb3

Simple decision. Black gets the advantage of the bishop pair, which will be extremely dangerous given that the position is completely open.

A typical position where the bishop pair dominates. From here, Steinitz demonstrates all the possibilities and advantages of having the pair of bishops. The position is open and there is hence no need to open it further. Instead, Black focuses on gaining space and restricting the opponent’s minor pieces. Gaining space should be done patiently – avoiding the creation of holes for the opponent’s knight. Restricting pieces would be achieved after placing most of the pawns on dark squares. It does not matter that Black’s dark-squared bishop would be passive for a while. The point is that the lightsquared bishop would be very powerful. Finally, Steintz demonstrates the ability to easily exchange the right pieces – such a method is very common in the phase of realising a positional advantage. Let’s see the rest of the game, carrying out a step-by-step explanation of these properties.

13.Bxg4 Bxg4 14.Nb3 Qxd2 15.Nxd2 Rad8 15...Bxb2 16.Rab1 will give good counterplay to White. 16.c3 Rfe8 17.Nb3

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Games 17-21

17...b6! Taking away the a5- and c5-squares from White’s minor pieces. 18.h3 Be6 19.Rfd1 c5!

Position after: 22...g5! Black consistently gains space by putting his pawns on dark squares. 23.Rxd8 Position after: 19...c5!

23.Bg3 f5!µ

Very simple, isn’t it? Even the d4-square is taken away. Step-by-step, Black’s bishop on e6 becomes more and more powerful. The g7-bishop awaits his time to shine.

23...Rxd8 24.Be3 h6 Preparing the next move. 25.Re1

20.Bg5 f6 21.Bf4 Kf7 22.f3 g5!

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Games 17-21

Position after: 25.Re1

Position after: 30.Kf2

25...f5!

Black has achieved a lot. The white pieces are cramped. Black’s pieces dominate, especially the c4-bishop. White has many holes on the queenside and the potential same-coloured bishop endgame must be in Black’s favour, if his king reaches c4. However, it is difficult to transfer the king to the queenside. It is also difficult to advance the b-pawn as the pawn on c5 needs protection. Steinitz delivers a high-level performance in the rest of the game, leaving us with a perfect example on playing with a bishop pair advantage. Now, it is time for the last principle to take effect – the ability to exchange one of the bishops!

Some pawns can be on light squares. Black intends ...f4 to get more space. White prevents it. 26.f4 Bf6 26...g4 should have been preferred. It forces White to decide what to do with the h-pawn. Another benefit is that Black’s dark-squared bishop is not obliged to protect the g5-pawn. 27.hxg4 [27.h4 Bf6 28.g3 a5] 27...fxg4 and Black is ready to launch his h-pawn, with a dangerous initiative on the kingside. 27.g3 a5! 28.Nc1

30...gxf4!

A must. 28...a4! 29.a3™ 29...Bc4! 30.Kf2

I am sure that fewer than half of current masters would opt for this amazing solution. 31.Bxf4

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Games 17-21

31.gxf4?? Bh4+–+

Position after: 34.h4 Position after: 31.Bxf4

34...gxh4!

31...Bg5!

The correct move order.

Eliminating the piece that controls the d2square.

A) 34...Re8+? is wrong: 35.Kf2 Rxe1 36.hxg5+! Kxg5 37.Kxe1 Kg4 38.Kf2=

32.Bxg5 hxg5 33.Ke3

B) 34...f4+ is also good. 35.Kf3 [35.gxf4 gxh4–+] 35...gxh4 36.Kxf4 [36.gxh4 Kf5–+; 36.gxf4 Rd2] 36...h3 37.Rh1

Reestablishing control over d2. 33...Kf6 Black has various possibilities: to penetrate via the d- or e-file, advance the f-pawn, attack the h-pawn... White’s position is hopeless. 34.h4

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Games 17-21

Position after: 37.Rh1 37...Kg6! The strongest! Next is ...Rd2 while after 38.Rxh3 Rd1 the white knight is lost. 35.gxh4 Re8+ 36.Kf2 Rxe1 37.Kxe1 Ke5!

Position after: 41...f4+ 42.Ke4 f3 43.Ke3 Kg3

Position after: 37...Ke5! The point of the simplifications forced by Steinitz on move 30. 38.Ne2 38.Kf2 Kf4–+ 38...Bxe2! 39.Kxe2 Kf4 40.c4 Kg4 41.Ke3 f4+

A brilliant game which perfectly illustrates all plans for the side having the bishop pair: opening the position, restricting the opponent’s minor pieces by putting pawns on his bishop’s colour, gaining space and exchanging one of the bishops at the right time in order to convert. Actually, that was the first published game explaining the luxury of having the bishop pair in open positions, helping to establish some principles and theory on the topic. 0-1 Game 18 Arnason – Kasparov Moscow 1980 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e5 7.Nb3 Be7 8.Bg5 Be6

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Games 17-21

Position after: 8...Be6

Position after: 14...Rd8

9.Bxf6

15.Na5

9.0-0 0-0 10.Bxf6 Bxf6 11.Qd3 Nc6 12.Nd5 Bg5 13.Rfd1 was later suggested as a correct move order. The point is that Black cannot play 13...Ne7.

15.c4 was needed to prevent ...d5.

9...Bxf6 10.Qd3 Nc6 11.Nd5 Bg5 12.0-0 12.Rd1!? was a better option to prevent Black’s next liberating move. 12...Ne7 13.Nxe7 Qxe7 14.Rfd1 Rd8

217

15...0-0 15...d5 is premature due to 16.Qb3!. 16.Nc4 White played the opening without aggression. Moreover, he did not even attempt to fight for an advantage. Perhaps he respected young Kasparov, who, even in 1980, was already close to the world’s elite. White intends, after 17.Nb6, to establish a blockade on d5. Black prevents it, of course, opening the position for the bishop pair. Missing 15.c4, it was clear that White would not play it a move later. 16.c4 would be better, but then the move 15.Na5 would

218

Games 17-21

appear rather strange. White was consistent, but the knight will not get to d5. 16...d5!

Position after: 20...b5 With the bishop pair, expanding is a good idea. Position after: 16...d5!

21.Ne3 Bb7 22.Rd1 Rxd1+ 23.Bxd1 g6

17.exd5 17.Nxe5 Bc8! followed by ...dxe4 is clearly in Black’s favour.

Making space for the king and continuing the correct strategy – putting pawns on light squares. This will restrict both the white minor pieces.

17...Rxd5 18.Qf3 Rfd8

24.Qd3 Qb4 25.Qd7

Black’s strategy is clear. He has fully activated his troops. Potential exchanges will not do him any harm – his bishop pair will dominate in the endgame. 19.Rxd5 Bxd5 20.Qf5 b5

219

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Games 17-21

27...Qd8 28.Qxd8+ Bxd8 29.c3 Good move. White vacates the c2-square to activate his minor pieces

Position after: 25.Qd7 25...Qe7 White’s counter was good and Black must retreat.

Position after: 29.c3 29...Kg7

26.Qd3 e4 Black’s bishop does nothing on the long diagonal. It is therefore better to close it, gaining more space. 27.Qd2 Due to his careless play, White was forced to switch to defence. Black dominates with two ultra-powerful bishops. His next plan could be connected with using his majority on the kingside, though advancing pawns would leave the king unprotected. So, it is natural to exchange queens before expanding. Kasparov plays pragmatically, exchanging material doesn’t worry him. 221

29...f5 was more precise. Black should not voluntarily choose the longer path to the centre for the king. If possible, the king gets there faster using the light-squared diagonal. Moreover, the f-pawn would be sure to advance anyway. 30.a4

222

Games 17-21

Position after: 30.a4

Position after: 33.h4

Once again, a good move. White wants to create a weak pawn in Black’s camp and to reduce material. Exchanging material will improve his chances of a draw.

With his last two moves, White is ready to parry Black’s expansion on the kingside. His strategy remains the same: exchanging as many pawns as possible. Then possibly sacrificing the knight (yes, knight, because two bishops versus knight would be theoretically winning for Black) for the opponent’s pawns would lead to a draw.

30...bxa4! Only move to play for a win. It is extremely important for Black to keep at least one queenside pawn. A) 30...Kf6 31.axb5 axb5 32.Be2 would lead to the elimination of the b5-pawn. B) 30...Bc6 31.axb5 Bxb5 would lead to the same structure, but the bishop can be exposed – White would be able to launch the pawns with a tempo. 31.Bxa4 f5 32.g3 Kf6 33.h4

223

33...Bc8 Overprotecting the f5-pawn and liberating the king for action. 34.Bd1 The bishop wants to target a6. 34...h6 35.Be2 a5 36.Bb5 Ke5

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Games 17-21

That was the idea. It looks like Black took risks and will lose a pawn on the kingside. However, Kasparov calculated correctly. 39...g5 40.hxg5 hxg5 41.Bg6 f4 42.gxf4 gxf4 43.Ng2

Position after: 36...Ke5 37.Nc4+?! White wants to disturb the king, but it was heading to the queenside anyway. 37...Kd5 38.Ne3+ Kc5 39.Be8 Position after: 43.Ng2 43...Kc4! 43...f3 would save material, but White establishes a barrier after 44.Ne3. 44.Nxf4?! A) 44.Bxe4?! Kb3 would transpose. B) 44.Bf7+!? Kd3 45.Nxf4+ Kc2 46.b3 Kxc3 is much better for Black, but White should still go for it. The bishop pair is more dangerous with passed pawns on the board. Position after: 39.Be8 225

44...Kb3 45.Bxe4 Kxb2 46.Bc6 226

Games 17-21

The pawn must be stopped, urgently.

Now, that move is a mistake. Waiting was the only option: 49.Bc6.

46...Kxc3 47.Kf1

49...Bd3+!

Position after: 47.Kf1 A very interesting position. White has stopped the pawn and is ready to bring the knight and king over. Black must watch White’s idea to sacrifice the knight for the pawn. Black’s first task is to keep the white king and knight far away from the pawn.

Position after: 49...Bd3+! Finally, Black reaches the win. One of the most important properties of the bishop pair is the ability to exchange one of the bishops easily. 50.Bxd3 Kxd3 51.Ke1 a4

47...Kd2! The pawn is unstoppable now. Absolutely brilliant. Only move leading to a win. 48.Bb5

52.Kd1 a3 53.Kc1 Kc4 54.Ne3+ Kb3 55.f4 Bc7 56.Kb1 a2+ 57.Ka1

48.Nd5 was more resistant, but there is still no guarantee of a draw. 48...Bf5 49.Nd5?

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Games 17-21

Position after: 57.Ka1

Position after: 6.Nge2

57...Ba5 Not 57...Bxf4?? 58.Nc4!, with a surprising draw.

The so-called Botvinnik setup in the English Opening. White may want to prepare the d4-advance, and keeps possibilities of playing on either the queenside or kingside.

58.Nd5 Bd2

6...0-0 7.0-0 d6 8.d3 Ne8?!

White resigned. Docile play in the opening was punished. The result was a problematic endgame for White. It is no wonder the legendary Kasparov posed so many problems – the outcome was fair.

This is the first small mistake. Black wants to prepare ...f5, but this knight is badly placed if White plays d4. More logical was the move 8...Nd7, with the same idea.

0-1

9.Be3

Game 19 Zlatanovic – Mladenovic Paracin 2012 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e4 Nc6 6.Nge2

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Games 17-21

Position after: 9.Be3

Position after: 11.d4

9...Be6

11...Bxd5?

Black wants to prevent d4 by attacking the c4-pawn.

There was no reason to give White the bishop pair advantage.

9...Nd4 was logical, to radically prevent the move d4.

A) 11...c6 12.Nxe7+ Qxe7 13.d5 cxd5 14.cxd5 Bd7 15.Rc1 gives White better prospects, but Black’s position is still stable.

10.Nd5

B) Even 11...Nc6 is solid, although it looks strange.

An aggressive way of protecting the c4-pawn.

12.cxd5 f5

10...Ne7 It looks like Black forgot about his plan to play ...f5. Black’s knights should be placed on d4 and d7. They are retreating, and this is a signal for White to strike in the centre. 10...Nd4 was still better. 11.d4

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Games 17-21

Position after: 12...f5

Position after: 14...Bxe5

Black is finally consistent, but at the wrong moment. He opens the position for White’s bishops and allows access to the e6-square, which was weakened after parting with the light-squared bishop.

15.Nd4

13.Qb3!

15...a4 16.Qxb7 Qb8 17.Qxb8 Rxb8

Maybe including the moves 15.f4 Bg7 was more precise. Now it is dangerous for Black. 16.Nd4

A very fine move. Attacking the pawn on b7, White also prepares to capture on e5. Black is unable to recapture with the pawn due to the discovered check. Recapturing with the bishop allows the white knight to get to e6. 13...a5 An interesting possibility, but it cannot stop White’s initiative. 14.dxe5 Bxe5

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Position after: 17...Rxb8 That was the point of Black’s plan. He is threatening to crush White’s pawn centre and is attacking b2. White must play accurately to keep an advantage. 18.exf5 Nxf5 19.Nxf5 gxf5 The b2-pawn is lost, but White can choose how to lose it. 20.Rab1 Rxb2 20...Bxb2 21.Bd4 a3 22.Bxb2 axb2 23.Rfd1 leads to the loss of the pawn on b2. 21.Rxb2 Bxb2 The end of a series of forced moves. Inventive black play helped him retain material balance.

The material is equal and reduced but White is better due to the advantage of the bishop pair. After deeper analysis of the position, it becomes clear that Black actually has a dangerous plan to target the a2-pawn! His idea is to play ...a3 and transfer the knight to the queenside using the route Ne8-f6-e4-c3. This would force White to exchange the light-squared bishop, which could result in problems regarding the d5-pawn. White’s next move is superb and highlights the superiority of the bishop pair in such positions. 22.Bh3! The knight must change its route. The f5pawn is under attack, so the aforementioned threat is eliminated. Black has problems to reactivate his kingside pieces. 22...Ng7 22...Nf6? 23.Bxf5 Nxd5?? 24.Be6+ 23.Rd1

Position after: 21...Bxb2

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Games 17-21

Position after: 23.Rd1

Position after: 27...Bxb2

With the idea to place the rook on c2.

After some fine manoeuvring, a2 is finally safe. It is time to find the best squares for the bishops and to centralise the king.

23...Rb8 23...a3 24.Rd3 with the idea of 25.Rb3. 24...Rb8 25.Bd2 is better for White.

28.Bb5! A prelude to a very interesting setup.

24.Bf1

28...a3 29.Ba7 Bf6

The knight is deflected from its route, and now the bishop prevents the move ...Rb5 in some lines. 24...Rb4 25.Rd2 Be5 26.Rc2 Rb2 27.Rxb2 Bxb2

237

29...Bc3 was a better way to protect the c7pawn, but now White’s king goes for the a3pawn and attacks the bishop on its way. 30.Kf1 and Black is in big trouble. 30.Bb8 Bd8 31.Bd7 Kf7 32.f4

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Games 17-21

Position after: 32.f4

Position after: 35.Bd7!

A funny situation. Black can only activate the king and knight without losing material by playing ...Kg6 and ...Nh5, but then White will exchange the bishop for the knight after Be8+ and gets a probably winning position due to so many black pawns being fixed on dark squares.

White keeps the black knight out of play. 35...Nh5 36.Be8+ Kh6 37.Bxh5 Kxh5 38.h3, as mentioned above, should be winning for White. 33.Bxf5 Nf6

32...Nh5?! Black goes for active play, but runs into some tactics. 32...Ke7 33.Bc8 gives nothing to Black. After 33...Kf6 34.Kf2 Kg6 35.Bd7!

Position after: 33...Nf6 239

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Games 17-21

34.Bd3! 34.Be6+?? Ke7 and the knight gets to c3. 34...Nxd5 White would play 35.Bc4 anyway. 35.Bc4+–

Position after: 38...cxd5 The rest is a matter of technique. Comments are not needed. 39.g4 Ba5 40.Bd4 Bb4 41.f5 Bd2 42.Kf3 Be1 43.g5 Kf7 44.Kg4 Bd2 45.h4 Bc1 46.h5 Bb2 47.g6+ hxg6 48.hxg6+ Kg8 49.Bb6 Kg7 50.Bd8 Bc1 51.Be7 d4 Position after: 35.Bc4+– Black can only get rid of this annoying pin by allowing his pawns to be doubled. White is winning. 35...Ke6 36.Kf2 c6 37.Ba7 Ke7 38.Bxd5 cxd5

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Games 17-21

Position after: 51...d4 52.Bxd6 52.Kh5! followed by ...f6+ here was mate in a few moves. 52...d3 53.Be5+ Kf8 54.Kf3 Kg8 55.f6 Bg5 56.f7+ Kf8 57.Bd6+ Be7 58.Bxe7+ Kxe7 59.Ke3 1-0 Black resigned. A very interesting game. After badly playing the opening, Black resourcefully carried out the middlegame and found some practical chances. Still, the bishop pair advantage was a decisive positional factor which, along with some fine tactics, helped White to convert. Game 20 Polugaevsky – Ivkov Belgrade 1969 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Nxd4 6.Qxd4 g6 7.e4 d6 8.Be3 Bg7 9.f3 0-0 10.Qd2 Be6 11.Rc1 Qa5

Position after: 11...Qa5 In Maroczy’s system, White traditionally enjoys a slightly better position due to a space advantage. In return, Black hopes to organise an initiative on the queenside. The next move leads to pawn symmetry and actually turns the queenside into White’s playground – the powerful bishops will thrive there. This move is one of the few logical possibilities here. 12.Nd5 Qxd2+ 13.Kxd2

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but Black gets more control of the important outpost on c5. The text move really seems to give White good chances. 14...Rfc8 15.Be2 a6

Position after: 13.Kxd2 13...Bxd5 With this move, Black hopes to carry out queenside play on the dark squares and, if possible, to transfer the game into an endgame with Black’s knight against White’s light-squared bishop. However, it is a very risky decision to play against the powerful bishop pair. A) 13...Rae8 is playable, but definitely looks dull. The a7-pawn is without protection, and there is even the option of 14.Nc7, capturing the pair of bishops. B) But 13...Nxd5 should be considered, although after 14.cxd5 Bc8 15.b3, White definitely looks better.

Position after: 15...a6 16.b4 With centralised pieces, a completed development and an activated king, White immediately launches his pawn attack on the queenside. In positions with the bishop pair advantage, one very logical approach is to gain space. 16...Kf8 17.a4 Nd7 18.a5!

14.cxd5 14.exd5 leads to completely different patterns. White gets some pressure on e7, 245

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Games 17-21

Position after: 18.a5!

Position after: 21...Rc8

An excellent move that advanced players would execute without calculating a thing. There is nothing to calculate. Having the bishop pair advantage, it is useful to put your pawns on the opponent’s bishop colour. This way, the pawns successfully restrict the activity of the opponent’s minor pieces. Furthermore, the opponent’s pawns are fixed on our bishop’s colour, which will make them harder to protect. Hence, the a6- and b7-pawns are fixed and will later be weak.

22.Bd2!

18...Bb2 19.Rc2! Gaining a tempo. 19...Rxc2+ 20.Kxc2 Bg7 21.Kb3 Rc8

22.Rc1 is also good, but still the text move is much better. The point is to stop Black’s counterplay, while the rooks can be exchanged at any time. It is natural, by the way, to keep as many pieces as possible in positions where one has a space advantage. 22...Bd4 Knowing the rest of the game, Black should have tried 22...e6, attempting to change the character of game. Of course, opening the position is in White’s favour, but a waiting strategy is not a good option. 23.g4!

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Games 17-21

Position after: 23.g4!

Position after: 28.Rf1!

According to the notes after White’s 18th move, this pawn should be placed on g5! Black’s knight feels less and less comfortable with every passing move.

28...Bd4 29.h4

23...Kg7 24.g5 Rc7 25.Rd1 Kf8 26.f4 Bg7 27.Bg4 The point of White’s pawn setup is evident. Black’s pieces are cramped and it is no wonder that White wins the game convincingly.

But, while f7 is still protected, White improves his chances on the kingside – even the h-pawn joins the assault. 29...Bg7 30.h5 Bd4 31.Rh1 With the idea to penetrate via the h-file. 31...Bg7 32.Rh3

27...Ke8 28.Rf1! This rook eyes the f7-pawn. In case of advancing either the e- or f-pawn, that could be useful.

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Games 17-21

Position after: 32.Rh3

Position after: 38.e5

White tenaciously improves his position. It is instructive to see how Polugaevsky creates threats on various files and forces Black to play accurately.

with the idea of 39.e6! also wins. The white bishop arriving on g8 and/or the f4-f5 break is too much to handle. 34...Ba7 35.Bh3 Bg1 36.Bc3 Ke8

32...Kf8 Finally, Black makes a mistake. 32...Nf8 was a more precise move. But, of course, it is not easy to understand all the nuances during the game. 33.h6! Bd4 34.Rd3 34.Bc3!? Bxc3 35.Rxc3 Rxc3+ 36.Kxc3 Ke8 37.Kd4 Kd8 38.e5

Position after: 36...Ke8

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Games 17-21

White sets the scene for the decisive strike. 37.e5! Bh2 37...dxe5 38.fxe5 with very dangerous d- and e-pawns. 38.exd6 exd6 39.Re3+ Kd8 40.Re4 Bg1

game perfectly illustrates the convenience of the pair of bishops. Game 21 Gufeld – Kolarov Odessa 1968 1.e4 c6 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 g6 4.g3 Eduard Gufeld was perhaps the greatest ever fan of the fianchettoed king’s bishop. He contributed a lot to understanding various concepts in the King’s Indian and similar openings. In this game, he simply follows his own path and builds a reversed King’s Indian setup, with an extra tempo. 4...Bg7 5.Bg2

Position after: 40...Bg1 Finally, at the end of the game, the reader can observe one more very important feature of the bishop pair advantage – the possibility to exchange one of the bishops in order to simplify and convert. 41.Bxd7! 1-0 Black resigned. The rook inevitably penetrates, with devastating effect. A very important and instructive game, which explores very typical pawn structures which can arise from many different openings. The 253

Position after: 5.Bg2 In such positions, White usually tries to launch a kingside attack (actually, White’s setup is called the King’s Indian Attack). Black doesn’t want to counter by launching a 254

Games 17-21

queenside attack because he has already advanced his c-pawn – ...c5 would be played with a loss of tempo. That is the reason he wants to simplify the position in the centre.

12.a4!

A common approach.

Simple and strong. This move also secures a perfect position for the knight on c4, from where it may control the vulnerable d6square. For now, it looks well protected by the black pieces, but in the future it may be a real weakness.

9.h3 Bxf3 10.Qxf3 Nbd7 11.Qe2 e5

12...Qc7 13.Nc4 Rfe8 14.b4

Position after: 11...e5

Position after: 14.b4

White has a long-lasting advantage of the bishop pair. Having said that, Black’s position is without weak points. White’s task is clear: he must activate the bishops, possibly by opening the position. Opening the position is connected with advancing the pawns – this must be done accurately, without creating good squares for the opponent’s knights. Naturally, advancing pawns should start from the edge – these will not create holes.

White is consistent, he grabs space on the queenside, foreshadowing active play there.

5...dxe4 6.dxe4 Nf6 7.Ngf3 0-0 8.0-0 Bg4

255

14...Bf8 15.c3 Look at the c3- and b4-pawns, they perfectly restrict the black knight and bishop – place pawns on the opponent’s bishop colour when you have the bishop pair. 15...Nb6

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Games 17-21

Black counters well. The bishop pair is usually even stronger when both sides have an added knight. 16.Be3 Nxc4 17.Qxc4 Nd7 18.Rfd1 Nb6 19.Qb3 Rad8 White has achieved a lot. His pieces are developed harmoniously and the space advantage on the queenside is evident. The e3-bishop targets the a7-pawn and, sooner or later, weaknesses will appear

Position after: 21...Rd8 22.a5! The knight is driven back and forced to protect the pawn on a7. 22...Nc8 23.Bh3 Now, all important diagonals are controlled by white pieces. Position after: 19...Rad8

23...a6 24.Rxd8 Qxd8

in Black’s queenside structure. The other white bishop has good prospects but is temporarily on the wrong diagonal. 20.h4! Rxd1+ Black wants to exchange material. Alas, the endgame without rooks is also bad for him. 21.Rxd1 Rd8 257

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Games 17-21

orchestrate a breakthrough on either the kingside or queenside. 26.Kf1!

Position after: 24...Qxd8 Threatening ...Qd3. 25.c4 Position after: 26.Kf1! By far the best way to control the d3-square – other moves would be passive. White is not afraid of weakening the d4square because both the black bishop and knight are unable to get there.

The king gets closer to the centre and to guarding the d-file. 26...Kg7 27.Ke2 h6?! There was no need for this move. Black should find other waiting moves.

25...Ne7 If the knight must be placed there in this pawn setup, Black is in big trouble. With fixed pawns on e4 and e5 and an open d-file, the e7-square is the worst square for the knight to be placed. Actually, the game is strategically lost for Black. White’s bishops dominate while the black knight wanders aimlessly. No active plans for Black, paralysed pieces and no prospects for pawn play. It is only a matter of time before White will 259

28.Qc3 Qd6

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Games 17-21

Position after: 28...Qd6

Position after: 32.Qf3

With all pieces on their ultimate squares, it is time for action!

Brutal domination. Penetration after Be6 is Black’s inevitable fate.

29.f4! f6 30.Bc5 Qc7 31.fxe5 fxe5

32...Qd8 33.Be6 Qe8 34.Bd6 Kh7 35.Qf6

A must. Exchanging queens would lead to the loss of queenside pawns after 32.Qxe5, 33.Be7 and 34.c5!. (31...Qxe5 32.Qxe5 fxe5 33.Bxe7 Bxe7 34.c5) 32.Qf3

Position after: 35.Qf6

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Games 17-21

The diagram is needed to present the triumph of a simple, but logical and strong strategy. Black’s pieces are locked down, while the bishop pair could not be doing any better. Comments are not needed for the next moves. 35...Ng8 36.Bxg8+ Kxg8 37.Bxe5 h5 38.c5 Bh6

it is really a great pleasure to watch it over and over again. The pressure on Black’s position was building with every move and the defeat should not be a shock to anyone. White perfectly exploited many of the advantages he accumulated in the game, especially the bishop pair.

Position after: 38...Bh6 39.Qh8+ Kf7 40.Qxh6 Qxe5 41.Qf4+ 1-0 Black resigned. Being a great fan of this game and the classy strategy demonstrated by Gufeld, I decided to present the game without sublines. Adding any line can spoil this masterpiece. The reader can try and improve on Black’s play, but actually, especially in the middlegame, there are many similar possibilities that probably led to a simple transposition of move order. The game was conducted smoothly by White and 263

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Games 22-26

Game 22 Timman – Andersson London 1984 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Bd3 d5

Position after: 10.Be2 The idea is to put the bishop on the long diagonal. 10...h6 11.Re1 0-0 12.Bf3 Re8 Position after: 7...d5 White’s setup allows Black to play this advance, freeing his position. 8.exd5 exd5 9.0-0 Bd6

12...Ne5 was natural, with the idea to eliminate the light-squared bishop. Although, after a potential exchange of darksquared bishops, Black risks being stuck with a bad light-squared one. 13.h3 Bc7

Black has an isolated pawn, but it’s a good version for him. White’s pieces are on the wrong squares. The knight on d4 is unstable. With his next move, White tries to regroup and establish harmony. 10.Be2

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Games 22-26

16.Bxf4 Qb6

Position after: 13...Bc7 Both sides spent some time regrouping, with the idea to get better control over the centre. 14.Nde2 This is a fine move. The pawn on d5 is now under direct attack. Also, White plans to play 15.Bf4, intending to exchange bishops or 15.Nf4, putting more pressure on the d5pawn.

Position after: 16...Qb6 That was the point of the previous move. Black instantly finishes development, bringing the rook into play. White has no comfortable way of protecting b2. 17.Qd2 17.b3 Qb4 forces White’s retreat.

14...Be6 15.Nf4

17...Rad8 18.Na4

White chooses the second option. If 15.Bf4 then 15...Bb6.

Black has some initiative and White hopes to kick back the black queen. 18...Qd4

15...Bxf4!? Black directly eliminates the threat, but gives away his good bishop.

Attacking the knight on a4. 19.Nc3

Perhaps more logical and more flexible was 15...Ba5!?. 267

268

Games 22-26

Position after: 19.Nc3

Position after: 22...Rxe8

It would be bad to capture on d4.

This position was Black’s goal. White’s pieces are passive. The pawn on c2 is under attack. Protecting it with 23.Bd1 cannot be to anyone’s liking... However, White’s reaction is just brilliant...

19...Qxd2?! Without the queens on the board, Black’s initiative would not be dangerous. White’s bishop pair would be able to obtain activity. 19...Qb6!? should have been preferred, knowing what happened in the game.

23.Ne2!? Nxc2 24.Bc3 Threatening 25.Bxf6 followed by 26.Ng3 and capturing on d5.

20.Bxd2 Nb4 21.Rac1 Bf5 22.Rxe8+ Rxe8 24...Rd8 25.g4!

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Games 22-26

Position after: 25.g4!

Position after: 29...Bg6

Forcing the bishop to retreat to the kingside and taking control of the f5-square. The bishop is unable to reach the queenside, where it is actually needed.

How does one assess this endgame? White is a pawn down, isn’t he? Only formally, yes. However... Firstly, the white rook dominates on the open file, paralysing the black pieces on the 8th rank – they must control the c7and c8-squares, preventing infiltration. Secondly, the bishop on g6 can’t be used on the queenside – the battlefield is restricted there. Moreover, there are no good prospects for Black’s pawn play. Next, the d5-pawn is not dangerous – White’s bishop is stable on d4 and has influence on both flanks. In fact, the powerful bishop pair is the most important positional factor. Actually, here, White is playing for a win, although it is difficult to evaluate the position as better for White... Let’s say that there is more than enough compensation, with a strong initiative. Even more important is the psychological component: it is extremely uncomfortable to see that you cannot do

25...Bh7 26.Nd4 Nxd4 27.Bxd4 Be4 28.Be2 Ne8 Preventing 29.Rc7. 29.f3 Bg6

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Games 22-26

anything with an extra pawn. Black must take care of defence...

will be useless. 33.b5 was also a good move. 33...Be4 34.b5?!

30.Kf2 Centralisation is, naturally, the first phase.

34.f5+ followed by 35.Ke3 was probably more principled.

30...f6

34...axb5 35.f5+

Black does the same. 31.a4 As previously mentioned, White will attack on the queenside. All the white pieces target the queenside, while Black cannot bring over the bishop and king to defend. 31...Kf7 32.b4 Ke6

Position after: 35.f5+ 35...Ke7 35...Bxf5 would not be enough. After 36.gxf5+ Kxf5 37.Bxb5, White is winning. 36.Bxb5 Kf7 37.Bb6 The bishop can leave d4 now. Position after: 32...Ke6 33.f4!? White firstly wants to gain more space and invites the bishop to e4, where he predicts it 273

37...Ra8 38.Bd7 The b7-pawn is in danger. Also, the black king faces problems.

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Games 22-26

38...g6 39.a5

Position after: 42...Nd6 Position after: 39.a5

43.Bxb7! Nxb7 44.a6+– would be a pretty end to this remarkable game. 1-0

39...Kg8? Black’s final mistake. Also probably the first serious one. 39...gxf5 40.gxf5 Ke7 41.Bc8 d4 was more resistant.

Game 23 Karpov – Spassky Hamburg 1982 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6

40.fxg6 Bxg6 41.Rc8 Rxc8 42.Bxc8 Black resigned. Beware in your own games – in some positions, the bishop pair is worth more than a pawn. Do not fall victim to an illusion. An extra pawn is not always a reason to play for a win. 42.Bxc8 Nd6

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Games 22-26

Position after: 3...g6

Position after: 7...Nc6

This was the first time Spassky played the Pirc Defence against Karpov. Karpov answered with a classical system, his favourite. There are few surprises in the classical system.

Spassky chooses the first plan.

4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 0-0 6.0-0 Bg4 A logical move with two ideas behind it. One is to put pressure on the d4-pawn with ...Nc6 and ...e5 with a possible exchange on f3. The second is to exchange the bishop for the f3-knight and set the pawns in a CaroKann formation: c6, d5, e6. 7.Be3 Nc6

8.Qd2 8.d5 Bxf3 9.Bxf3 Ne5 10.Be2 c5 Seems to offer more to White, but Black’s position is actually without weaknesses and White cannot easily organise the advance of his epawn. 8...Re8 9.Rfe1 a6 Controlling the b5-square. 10.Rad1 White has refrained from attacking the black bishop on g4, intending to save time – perhaps Black will capture the knight even unprovoked. Indeed, Black could not find any other useful moves and so decided to capture the knight – a small victory for White.

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Games 22-26

10...Bxf3 11.Bxf3 e5

Position after: 13.Na4!? Position after: 11...e5 12.dxe5 Opening the position for the bishop pair. 12.d5 is wrong. Black answers 12...Nd4! and gets comfortable play.

A very interesting move. The knight goes to the rim with two ideas in mind. One is to transfer it to c5 or c4 (or d3) via b2. The second idea is to play c3, restricting the c6knight – a very important strategical resource in positions with this pawn structure. 13...Qe7 14.c3 b6

12...dxe5 12...Nxe5 gives a small, but stable advantage to White due to the bishop pair and extra space. 13.Na4!?

Taking away the c5-square, but weakening the a6-pawn. White reacts logically. 15.Qe2 Removing the queen from the open d-file and targeting the pawn on a6. 15...Nd8!

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Games 22-26

Position after: 15...Nd8!

Position after: 18.Nb2

A very solid move. Black removes the knight form a bad position on c6 and is ready to use two routes to reactivate it: d8-b7-d6 and d8e6-f4.

18...b5?!

16.b3 Ne6 17.g3 Of course, White places his pawns mostly on dark squares, making his light-squared bishop the dominant piece and restricting the opponent’s knight.

This pawn move eliminates the threat to the a6-pawn and takes away the c4-square from the knight. However, the c5-square is weakened now. A) 18...Nc5 was better. If 19.b4, then 19...Nb7. B) 18...Kh7 is not very good. After 19.Nd3 Nf8 [or 19...Nd7 20.Nb4] 20.Nb4 White is better.

17...h5 19.Nd3 Nd8 Once again, a good move. Black intends to play ...Ng4 at the right time. Also, there is the reasonable plan to exchange dark-squared bishops after the moves ...Kh7 and ...Bh6. 18.Nb2

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Games 22-26

Position after: 19...Nd8

Position after: 23.a4!

20.Bg2!

Fixing the pawn on a5 and posing problems to the b5-pawn.

The bishop attends a new and important diagonal.

23...bxa4

20...Ng4 21.Bc5±

This helps White, who will dominate on the weakened c4- and c5-squares, but what else to do?!

21.f3 Nb7 22.Bh3

24.bxa4 Nh7 25.Qf2

Now both bishops are on their ideal squares. White also intends 23.Nb4!.

Securing control over the c5-square and supporting the bishop’s domination.

22...a5 23.a4!

25...Red8 26.Bb6!

20...c6

It is useful to note the difference in the minor pieces’ activity. 26...Rd6

283

284

Games 22-26

Position after: 26...Rd6

Position after: 28.Bg2

Black wants to control the d-file, but this rook will soon face problems.

28...Bf8? That is a key mistake. Black overlooked White’s strong next move.

27.Nc5? This is not precise. 27.f4! gives a strong initiative to White. The point is that the black rook on d6 is in trouble. White simply threatens to capture twice on e5 and dominate with the two bishops. Black cannot capture on f4 because the e4-pawn will be advanced with deadly effect.

28...Rxd1 29.Rxd1 Nxc5 30.Qxc5 Qxc5+ 31.Bxc5 was a much better option, but Black evidently did not want to give up the d-file. 29.Rb1! After this, the game is almost over. Black cannot prevent the aforementioned move f4. 29...Nd8 30.f4 Rf6

27...Ng5 28.Bg2

285

286

Games 22-26

Game over. 34...Ng7 35.Bc5 Exchanging pieces and opening the file for the b1-rook. 35...Qe6 36.Bxf8 Kxf8 37.Nc5 Qe7 38.Red1

Position after: 30...Rf6 Black wants to complicate things. Alas, Karpov’s realisation was superb. The rook on f6 is trapped. 31.Nd3! exf4 32.gxf4 Nge6 33.e5 Rf5 34.Be4 Position after: 38.Red1 38...Rxf4 No, Karpov did not overlook this. He calculated perfectly. His rook will dominate the 7th rank. 39.Nd7+ Qxd7 40.Rxd7 Rxf2 41.Kxf2 Nge6 42.Rd6 Rc8 43.Rb6

Position after: 34.Be4 287

288

Games 22-26

Position after: 43.Rb6

Position after: 7...Bd7

Black’s pawns on the queenside are lost.

This is a well-known, complex Winawer variation. White usually goes for kingside play, but the next move is a serious mistake. Good options included 7.a4, 7.Be2 and 7.h4.

43...c5 44.Rb5 Ke7 45.Rxa5 Rc7 46.Rda6 The simplest. 46...f5 47.exf6+ Kxf6 48.Ra7 Rc8 49.Ra8 Rc7 50.R5a7 Rxa7 51.Rxa7 g5 52.Bd5 Ke5 53.Bxe6 Nxe6 54.a5 Kd5 55.Re7 Nf4 56.a6 Black resigned. 1-0 Game 24 Pflichthofer – Riefner Germany 1990 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Nf3 Bd7

289

8.Bd3? This move is very bad. It allows Black to play both ...c4 and ...Ba4, forever blocking the a3-pawn and closing the a3-f8 diagonal, making sure the dark-squared bishop is passive. Meanwhile, Black’s “eternal problem”, his light-squared bishop, has found the perfect place – it puts pressure on the c2-pawn. Compare this position to some positions arising from the Scheveningen Sicilian after Black recaptures with ...gxf6. White often puts the bishop on h5, fixing the h6-pawn and putting pressure on the weak f7-pawn (Black castles long, by the way!). 290

Games 22-26

8.Be2 Ba4?! [8...c4? 9.a4! and the bishop will dominate on the a3-f8 diagonal.] 9.dxc5!

Position after: 10.Ng5! Position after: 9.dxc5! After which White can go for the manoeuvre h4-h5 and Rh4, with a tempo. Black needs to manage to play both ...c4 and ...Ba4. 8...c4! 9.Be2 Ba4 10.Ng5! A typical manoeuvre in this variation. The knight opens the path for the f-pawn and is ready to be transferred to h5.

From h5, the knight attacks the pawn on g7 (the weakest point on Black’s kingside) and is ready to jump to f6 if attacked. 10...h6 11.Nh3 Qa5?! The fastest way to finish development and castle long, but the queen is not ideally placed here – there is no pressure on the white pawn chain because the black pawn advanced to c4. 11...Nbc6 12.0-0 Kd7!?

291

292

Games 22-26

Position after: 12...Kd7!?

Position after: 12.Bd2

A very interesting plan invented by Jusupov in the 1970’s and revitalised by Vitiugov 30 years later. The king is perfectly safe in the centre and the black queen is headed for h7! From there, it will support the kingside expansion and attack the vulnerable c2pawn, forcing some of the white troops to defend it. Yours truly has also tested this manoeuvre successfully many times throughout his career – players who play this line regularly with the white pieces are almost certainly not familiar with Jusupov’s idea.

12...Nd7!? 12...Nbc6 is more common, but less flexible. In some positions, it is important to control the b4-square, preventing doubling or tripling. On the other hand, Black thinks he doesn’t need both knights to cover the f5square (of course, sooner or later, White will advance his f-pawn, attacking the base of the black pawn chain on e6). 13.0-0 0-0-0

12.Bd2

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294

Games 22-26

Position after: 13...0-0-0

Position after: 15.Rb1

This is perhaps the key moment in the game. White must choose between two possible and natural plans: advancing the f-pawn immediately or after transferring the knight to h5. White chooses the wrong one.

Black has problems with organising a kingside attack – the very important resource of recapturing ...gxf6 is no longer available. Advancing both the g-pawn and h-pawn will only create holes. On the other hand, White might have a hard time finding a promising plan...

14.f4? 14.Nf4! was better. 14...g6 looks like the best move. 15.Rb1 and the position is unclear.

295

14...f5!

296

Games 22-26

Position after: 14...f5!

Position after: 16...Nf5!

15.exf6?!

Voluntarily allowing White’s next move, Black simply infiltrates on e4.

Of course, it is difficult to opt for something else and be stuck with a paralysed bishop pair, allowing Black to patiently carry out a kingside attack. The text move does allow Black to establish strong control over the e4square. 15...gxf6! Now it is clear that Black’s 12th move was very flexible. It looks like Black perfectly predicted that he would have the chance to place knights on e4 and f6 (or d6), while also including ...f5. Putting the knight on c6 instead of d7, Black would have needed an extra tempo to establish this setup.

17.Qb4?! Qxb4! An excellent and simple decision. White’s bishop pair is absolutely useless. Black’s minor pieces will soon dominate, so there is no particular reason to keep the queens on the board – exchanging them will simplify Black’s task. 18.axb4

16.Qb1 Nf5!

297

298

Games 22-26

Position after: 18.axb4

Position after: 19...Nd6!

18...Bxc2!

Giving White a chance to make a mistake by exchanging rooks. With the rooks on the board, White has some hope to find counterplay. Without them, even the black king can take part in the attack via the a4square! However, the position is almost hopeless for White due to many weaknesses and a very bad bishop pair. Black, on the other hand, has powerful knights that have access to many good squares, especially e4 and b5.

Another excellent decision – not so obvious this time. Black willingly gives away his potential passed a-pawn, understanding that it would be impossible to use directly. White would be able to establish an unbreakable blockade on the a3-square. In return, even the black bishop will control the essential e4square. Now, Black is clearly better. 18...Nb6 with the idea to keep a7 alive is too slow. Black simply needs too much time to launch his a-pawn, and probably won’t succeed at all. 19.Rxa7 Nd6!

20.Bg4? White plays without a plan. Black, step-bystep, convincingly increases his undisputed advantage. 20...f5! 21.Bf3 Nf6 22.Rc1 Be4

299

300

Games 22-26

Position after: 22...Be4

Position after: 25.Ra1

Playing against the bishop pair, it is often good to exchange our “theoretically” bad bishop against their good one, leaving the opponent with a bad bishop. This game is a perfect example.

25...Rg8!

23.Ra8+ Kc7 24.Rxd8?

26.Bxe4?

As previously mentioned, this exchange is clearly in Black’s favour. White’s position is hopeless.

The game is over now. Black simply attacks the c3-pawn with both knights and White must leave the a-file.

25...Bxf3? 26.gxf3 and evidently Black cannot make progress – the e4-square has been taken away.

26.Kf2! Ng4+!

24...Rxd8 25.Ra1 The rook only has a defensive role on the afile.

301

302

Games 22-26

Position after: 26...Ng4+!

Position after: 28...Ne5+

A) 27.Bxg4? fxg4! far better than the other capture. After 28.Ng1 Bd3!, Black will eventually exchange his bishop for the knight and then dominate. The winning plan would be simple: exchange the rooks and penetrate with the king either via a4 or f5! That is the point of capturing on g4 with the f-pawn – both routes would be available to the black king. The white knight would also be paralysed and then exchanged.

29.Kf2 Nd3+ 30.Kf1 but nothing concrete is apparent. Black would be forced to find some other way to crash White’s defences. 26...Nfxe4–+ 27.Be1 Nb5 28.Rc1 Ra8 29.Nf2 Ra3

B) 27.Kg1! Black can penetrate now with 27...Bxf3 28.gxf3 Ne5+

303

304

Games 22-26

Position after: 29...Ra3 Everything becomes clear.

37.Bxe3 Rxc3 38.Rxc3 Nxc3 39.Kg3 Nd5! 40.Bc1 Kxb4 Black calculated precisely; White’s counterplay is not fast enough.

30.Nxe4 dxe4 Of course, 30...fxe4 is very bad. White has counterchances after 31.g4. 31.Rc2 Kc6 32.Kf2 Nc7! The final regrouping! The knight will attack both the c3- and f4-pawns and control the blockading square on e3. Black’s king is headed to a4. 33.Ke2 Nd5 34.Bd2 Kb5 35.h3 h5 36.Kf2

Position after: 40...Kxb4 41.Kh4 Kb3 42.Kxh5 Kc2 43.Ba3 Nxf4+ 44.Kg5 Nxg2

Position after: 36.Kf2 36...e3+ A power demonstration, with a bit of tactics. 36...Ka4 also wins easily. 305

White resigned. Though White played the final stage of the game badly, it is very instructive to follow Black’s flexible play in the opening and middlegame, along with the simple and convincing logic in the endgame. Black setup his pawn structure advantageously – his knights clearly dominated. It does not matter that the players are not very well known – I would remind the reader of Bobby Fischer’s advice that old and less popular players’ games should also be analysed. Not many people do, and some amazing ideas remain hidden 306

Games 22-26

for a long time. This kind of game is definitely what Fischer had in mind! 0-1 Game 25 Andersson – Kavalek Bugojno 1980 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.d4 Nd7 4.Nf3 Ngf6 5.e4 g6

Position after: 9...a6?! From a certain point of view, this move is logical, because it prepares ...b5, which can be a counter to White’s move b4. From another point of view, it weakens the b6square. Thus, White’s next move is natural – it opens the diagonal for the bishop to be placed on e3. 10.dxe5 Nxe5?!

Position after: 5...g6

An interesting move, preparing to expand on the queenside. Perhaps other developing moves are more common. But, actually, it is a matter of style.

10...dxe5 should be preferred. Black needs the knight on d7 to cover the very important c5-square and to protect the pawn on e5. The other knight on f6 is ready to disturb the bishop on e3 by jumping to g4. Thus, White must waste time with h3. After the text move, Black is the one who must waste time by moving the knight back to d7 (before or after activating the c8-bishop).

9...a6?!

11.Nxe5 dxe5 12.Be3

Black chooses to place the bishop on the long diagonal. Of course, e7 is also a good square. 6.Be2 Bg7 7.0-0 0-0 8.Re1 c6 9.Rb1

307

308

Games 22-26

13...Ng4?

Position after: 12.Be3 12...Be6

Position after: 13...Ng4?

12...Qxd1 13.Rexd1 Be6 14.f3 Rfd8 [14...Nd7? 15.Nd5! cxd5 16.cxd5±] 15.Na4 is still unpleasant for Black.

A terrible mistake. White will voluntarily give Black the bishop pair. Actually, White’s minor pieces will dominate the board, controlling the weak b6- and c5-squares. Black’s bishop on e6 is desperately bad, attacking a well-protected pawn and is restricted because of it. The bishop on g7 can only be used to control weaknesses on the queenside and can also easily be exchanged. It looks like Black’s position is almost hopeless – White smoothly carries out the game, despite Black not making any more mistakes.

13.Qc2 It is natural to avoid exchanges, having a space advantage. Black should finish his development by placing the queen on e7, the king’s rook on d8 and probably the knight on d7 and bishop on f8, trying to establish control over the key c5-square. It is very important to place a piece in front of the opponent’s central pawn, if it is safe there – c5 is such a square. Black, however, decided to neglect it and decided to go for... the bishop pair “advantage” and allowed White to take control of c5. 309

14.Bxg4 Bxg4 15.f3 Simply restricting the bishop and making the d1-square available for the white rooks. 15...Be6 16.Na4 Re8 17.Rbd1 Qe7 310

Games 22-26

Position after: 17...Qe7

Position after: 21...Bg5

18.Bb6!

22.Qf2!

The knight goes to c5 and the black rooks cannot use the d8-square. White has enough time to prepare various ventures – Black lacks even one real plan.

Excellent prophylaxis. It is very useful to establish “overcontrol” of blockading squares – this time, the queen on f2 will control the entire weak dark-squared complex, both c5 and b6. White will be able to regroup later, while staying in control.

18...h5?! What for?

22...Qf8 23.b3

19.Nc5 Bh6

Don’t rush.

The bishop desperately needs a better diagonal. Alas, a new diagonal will not bring much either. 20.Rd3 Bc8 21.Red1 Bg5

311

23...Be7 24.Nd7! Now the idea behind Qf2 is visible. The c5square is controlled even after exchanging the knight for the bishop on c8.

312

Games 22-26

Position after: 24.Nd7!

Position after: 26.Bc5!

Black cannot capture this knight – the white rooks would penetrate. This knight is a real thorn in Black’s side, paralysing the entire black army. The game is practically over.

White has full control over the d-file and the bishop is no longer needed. It is important to exchange it for Black’s, which controls the infiltration squares.

24...Qg7 25.a4

26...Ba5 27.b4 Bc7 28.Bb6 Bxb6

Before trying to find a possibility to realise the advantage, White prematurely fixes the black queenside pawns.

28...Bb8 29.Nc5

25...Bb4 26.Bc5!

313

314

Games 22-26

Position after: 29.Nc5

30...fxe4 31.fxe4 Kh7 32.Rd6

followed by Rd8 would lead to a funny end to the game. Look at the black pieces! 29.Qxb6

Position after: 32.Rd6 The rest is simple and evident.

Position after: 29.Qxb6 Mission accomplished. 29...f5 Desperately trying to find counterplay will just fasten defeat. 30.h3 Everything wins. After exchanging pawns on e4 and removing the knight from d7, the “active” move ...Bg4 is prevented. Maybe White also wanted to make space for the king. The move is actually a demonstration of power.

315

32...Bxd7 33.Rxd7 Re7 34.Qxb7 Rae8 35.Qxc6 Qh6 36.Qf6! Black resigned. A tremendous defeat. Black lost so smoothly after his awful 13th move. He fell victim to an illusion – the bishop pair was actually a handicap for Black in this relatively open position. It is strange that an experienced grandmaster made such a mistake. Anyway, it was once again a great pleasure to watch a confident and superb Andersson realisation. 1-0 Game 26 Wolf – Rubinstein Teplitz Schoenau 1922

316

Games 22-26

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Bb4 5.0-0 0-0 6.d3 d6 7.Bg5 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Qe7 9.Re1 Nd8

Position after: 13...h6 14.Nxg6? Position after: 9...Nd8 Rubinstein was recognised as a great expert of the Four Knights’ opening, especially the Metger variation, played in this game. His last moves are about eliminating the unpleasant pin.

This is the first mistake. White must not open the f-file for Black – his f2-pawn is backward! Instead, the knight should be placed on f5, aiming to open the e-file for the rook on e1. 14...fxg6 15.Bc4+ Kh7 16.Bh4 g5!

10.d4 Bg4 Developing the bishop before the knight jumps to e6. 11.h3 Bh5 11...Bxf3 12.Qxf3 Ne6 is also playable. 12.g4 Bg6 13.Nh4 h6

317

318

Games 22-26

Position after: 16...g5!

Position after: 18...Nh8

Closing the kingside forever. Black’s knights must be better than the white bishops. The light-squared bishop targets nothing, while the dark-squared one targets very well protected pawns.

19.Qe3 b6 Stabilising the queenside. 20.Bb5 Rd8 21.a4 Nh8 22.a5

17.Bg3 Nf7 The knight goes to g6. 18.Qf3 Rae8 18...Nh8 was possible, of course.

Position after: 22.a5

319

320

Games 22-26

It is natural that White wants to somehow open the position for his bishops and accelerate upcoming events – slow play would suit Black. The problem is that White cannot successfully open the position in the centre – opening the a-file is only a superficial achievement. Black’s knights will still dominate. In fact, Black will use the a-file to his advantage.

25.Bxf4 White eliminates the dangerous knight. Yes, it is dangerous to only play with the lightsquared bishop on the board, with such a great number of weak and potentially weak dark squares, but it is very difficult to suggest another plan. 25...gxf4 26.Qf2 g5

22...Ng6 23.f3 Nf4 Of course, Black should insist on keeping a piece on f4, but it is not obvious how else to proceed. Rubinstein decided to offer this knight up for exchange. After the exchange on f4, the f3-pawn would no longer be weak, but White loses his main defender – the g3bishop. 24.Bf1 Kh8

Position after: 26...g5 The situation has transformed into a position where Black’s knight dominates over White’s bishop. Seeing as he cannot use the d8-h4 diagonal for infiltration, Rubinstein decided to fix the kingside, hoping to organise play down the h-file on the queenside. 27.d5?!

Position after: 24...Kh8 321

White must keep the tension for as long as possible. He hopes that blocking the queenside will help him, but the rest of the 322

Games 22-26

game seems to prove him wrong. The socalled Wyvill formation arose on the queenside, and White cannot stop Black’s knight dominating from the c5-square. 27...h5 28.Bg2 28.Bb5 stopping the knight manoeuvre was more logical, although Black is definitely better. 28...Kg7 29.Qe2 Rh8

Position after: 33...Nc5 Simultaneously attacking on both sides, Black achieved a lot. White must diminish Black’s initiative and carefully exchange pieces – perhaps the minor piece endgame is desperately lost. 34.Rh1 Rh4 34...Rxh1 35.Rxh1 Qd7 was another, completely different plan. Position after: 29...Rh8

35.Rxh4 gxh4 36.Bh3

Taking action on the kingside before starting domination on the queenside. 30.Kf2 Ra8 And now, the rook to the a-file! 31.Reb1 Nd7 32.Qb5 hxg4 33.hxg4 Nc5

323

324

Games 22-26

Position after: 36.Bh3

Position after: 39...a6

36...bxa5!

Black patiently improves his position on the queenside. The bishop must block the hpawn, the threat of advancing it followed by infiltrating the queen is very dangerous.

Rubinstein wants to create a passed a-pawn. He will practically be a pawn up due to the doubled c-pawns. It is useful to remark that White should not capture on b6 – this would give Black a passed a-pawn and pressure down the c-file. 37.Qxa5 Qd8 38.Rb1 Rb8 39.Rb4 a6

40.Ke2 Rb6 41.Qa1 Kg6! 42.Kd2 Kg5 Of course, the king is a much better blockading piece than the bishop. It can even infiltrate after the advance of the h-pawn. 43.Rb1 Qb8 44.Rh1

325

326

Games 22-26

Position after: 44.Rh1

Position after: 48...Ra8

44...a5

The queen and rook are in corners – long live the active king! Just for a brief moment, the black major pieces are passive.

That push decides the game. The pawn bravely heads for promotion.

49.Bc4 a3 50.Ba2 Qh7 45.Bg2 45.Qxa5 Rb2 with the threats of ...Nb3 and ...Qb6 with further infiltration is decisive.

Preparing the move ...h3. 51.Rh3 Nd7 52.Qf1 Qh8 53.Rh1 Nc5

45...a4 46.Qe1 Qh8 47.Qc1 Ra6 48.Bf1 Ra8

327

328

Games 22-26

Position after: 53...Nc5

Position after: 57...Qh4

Black plays patiently. White is hopeless, there is no need to rush.

The black queen joins the party and the game is over.

54.Qc1 Rb8!

58.Be2 Qf2 59.Rxh3 Qe3+ 60.Ke1 Na4 01

Finally finding the plan. 55...Rb2 is a dangerous threat. Eliminating this threat, the queen will be deflected from the h-file. 55.Qxa3 Ra8 56.Qb2 h3! 57.Bc4 Qh4

329

White resigned. A very instructive game. The pair of bishops was inferior to the pair of knights due to a fixed structure, not allowing the position to be opened. Later, it was transformed into a position with clear domination of the knight over the bishop. Sometimes, visually big advantages cannot be converted that easily. Actually, the advantage was not huge, and Black needed to open lines on both sides to finally break through.

330

Games 27-31

Chapter 4 Open Files By default, rooks should be placed on open (or semi-open) files. But, what to do if there are several of them? How to react when the opponent controls the open file? When should you exchange rooks? The answers, of course, depend on the properties of the position. They also depend on a player’s intentions. The reader will find many answers in this chapter (and book) regarding open files and the principles surrounding them. The reader will learn to base the importance of a file on targets and infiltration squares. There will be many helpful positions to show when to exchange or not. Using a file as a trampoline will also be shown. The principle of temporarily closing a file (and opening it after doubling or tripling) will also be demonstrated, along with, finally, material about reducing the opponent’s domination on a file by using another. I am sure you will be able to recognise the utility of these examples and implement the various principles in your future games. Game 27 Botvinnik – Alekhine Netherlands 1938

Position after: 5...Nxd5 6.e3 6.e4 Nxc3 7.bxc3 cxd4 8.cxd4 Bb4+ was tested in the rematch Alekhine – Euwe, Alekhine was recognised as an expert on this line. So, Botvinnik deviates. 6...Nc6 7.Bc4 cxd4 8.exd4 Be7 9.0-0 0-0 10.Re1 Both sides logically spent the previous moves finishing development and castling. On the board is a classical position with an isolated central pawn on the d-file. White has more space and slightly more active pieces. On the other hand, the black knight on c6 controls the e5-outpost.

1.Nf3 d5 2.d4 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c5 5.cxd5 Nxd5

331

332

Games 27-31

11.Nxd5! exd5 12.Bb5

Position after: 10.Re1 Black installed a knight on d5, but it is not supported by another one. White can capture on d5 and force Black to recapture with a pawn. Positions with isolated pawns were always to Botvinnik’s liking. He always treated them logically and superbly (especially when he had the isolated pawn). His games are very instructive for understanding various positions with isolated pawns.

Position after: 12.Bb5

10...b6?!

This move is not precise. Soon the lightsquared bishops will be exchanged. However, this will be, maybe paradoxically, in White’s favour.

Capturing on c3 should be included at some point.

Black is now forced to use passive defence. His main problem is the lack of harmony in his army. White will occupy the c-file and finish development first. The weakened squares a6 and especially c6 may also play an important role. 12...Bd7?

A) 10...Nxc3 11.bxc3 b6 12.Bd3 Bb7 should be better. Although, 13.h4!, suggested by Kasparov, was very interesting and looks like a serious test for Black. B) The best alternative is probably 10...a6, controlling the b5-square and preparing to fianchetto with a tempo.

12...Bb7 13.Qa4 Rc8 14.Bf4 a6 looks like a more solid defence.

333

334

13.Qa4 Nb8 13...Rc8 14.Bf4 also doesn’t offer much to Black.

Games 27-31

14.Bf4 Bxb5 15.Qxb5 a6 16.Qa4 Controlling the very important c6- and d7squares and targeting the pawn on a6.

Position after: 18...Ra7 19.Qc2! Position after: 16.Qa4 16...Bd6 Black naturally wants to reduce the pressure by exchanging one of his passive pieces for an active one. 17.Bxd6 Qxd6 18.Rac1 White dominates on both open files. Black’s pieces are passive. Strategically, the game is almost over. Unfortunately for Alekhine, Botvinnik, even in the 1930s, was certainly strong enough to convert this. 18...Ra7

Preventing the move ...Rc7, exchanging material. It is very instructive to see the simple but strong strategy chosen by White in the rest of the game. 19...Re7 Black, understandably, goes for simplifications, but White has two major pieces on the c-file ready to infiltrate. 19...Nd7 after 20.Qc6 Qxc6 21.Rxc6 leads to penetration of the white pieces and a probably hopeless position for Black. 20.Rxe7 Qxe7 21.Qc7 Simple, obvious and strong. Beauty is often found in simplicity. 21...Qxc7 22.Rxc7

335

336

Games 27-31

Position after: 22.Rxc7

Position after: 25.Rc3!

White has an undisputed advantage. The rook dominates in the black camp, paralysing Black’s knight (and even the king in the future). Alekhine’s next move may look ugly because it opens up the 7th rank, but it actually reduces the influence of the white rook! Black’s rook will oppose it using the f7and f8-squares. Also, the move played in the game restricts the white knights.

The rook temporarily takes up a “passive” position. Of course, even on the 3rd rank it can be active, attacking the black queenside pawns, creating some weaknesses! Actually, the rook will soon return to the 7th rank – immediately so if Black moves the knight or king. Black is in some kind of zugzwang and he decides to lessen the importance of the 7th rank by removing targets from it.

22...f6! 23.Kf1

25...g5!

23.Rb7? Rc8! 24.Kf1 b5 looks like a big achievement for Black. White cannot win without using the king and knight. It is time to activate them.

A) 25...Nd7 26.Rc7±

23...Rf7 24.Rc8+ Rf8 25.Rc3!

An excellent move. The knight is on its way to f5 via c2 and e3. Another possibility is to place it on b4.

B) 25...Kf7 26.Rc7+± 26.Ne1!

26...h5 337

338

Games 27-31

Position after: 26...h5

Position after: 29.Nf3!

27.h4!!

A typical manoeuvre for Botvinnik. Such moves became his trademark! He is ready to lose a tempo, or even two, in order to provoke the advance of the g-pawn – which will create weaknesses.

After this deep strategical move, new weaknesses will inevitably arise in Black’s camp. After eliminating the g5-pawn, the f4square will become accessible for the white knight. If Black waits, the exchange on g5 will give White control over the e5-square. Indeed, this powerful pawn thrust is connected to the activation of the knight! 27...Nd7

29...g4 30.Ne1 f5 31.Nd3 f4 Black prevented the installation of the knight on f4, but his pawns are so advanced and lack piece support. The entire black army is over-stretched and without harmony.

A) 27...gxh4 28.Nd3 and placing the knight on f4 leads to full domination.

32.f3

B) 27...Kf7 28.Rc7+ Kg6 29.hxg5 fxg5 30.Rb7 b5 31.Rb6+ Kf5 32.f3 poses great problems to Black.

Fixing the target on f4. Please, take a look at the black knight and how restricted it is. Black is hopeless.

28.Rc7 Rf7 29.Nf3!

339

32.Nb4 wins material. But after 32...Nf6 33.Nxa6 f3 there are some chances for Black. White keeps both pieces on the board and plays without hurrying. 340

Games 27-31

32...gxf3 33.gxf3 a5

Position after: 38.Ke2 Position after: 33...a5 Taking control of the b4-square. What else? 34.a4

The idea is to move the king to c4 and advance the b-pawn, destroying the black queenside pawn structure. 38...Nb8

Fixing a target on b6. 34...Kf8 35.Rc6 Ke7 Black’s pieces are paralysed. Both the knight and rook must protect the exposed pawns. 36.Kf2 Rf5

Setting a trap. 39.Rg6! 39.Rxb6? Kc7 and Black has counterplay after 40...Nc6. 39...Kc7

Black cannot do anything, except wait. 37.b3 Kd8 38.Ke2

Played now without a tempo... 40.Ne5 Na6 41.Rg7+ The realisation method is a matter of style. 41.Rg5 looks like a faster win. 41...Rxg5? 42.hxg5 Kd6 43.g6 Ke7 44.g7

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Games 27-31

41...Kc8 42.Nc6 Rf6 43.Ne7+ Kb8 44.Nxd5

Black resigned. Alekhine’s words perfectly explain the struggle: “Of the 14 games I played in this tournament, only once did I feel that my opponent outplayed me – it was the game with Botvinnik in round seven”. 1-0 Game 28 Andersson – Limp Rio de Janeiro 1985 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.0-0 0-0 7.d4 d6 8.dxc5 dxc5 9.Bf4

Position after: 44.Nxd5 Just note the difference in the knights’ activity in this game. The black one achieved nothing, while the white one danced around and wreaked havoc. 44...Rd6 45.Rg5 Nb4 46.Nxb4 axb4 The knights have disappeared now, but White has both a material and positional advantage. The game is over. Position after: 9.Bf4 47.Rxh5 Rc6 47...Rxd4 48.Rf5 Kc7 49.h5 also wins easily. 48.Rb5 Kc7 49.Rxb4 Rh6 50.Rb5 Rxh4 51.Kd3

343

Due to the symmetry in this open position, Black must play precisely. 9...Nd4?! 10.Be5!? Nxf3+? Apparently, this is a mistake. Black spent two moves to... open the diagonal for the g2bishop! 344

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10...Nc6! was correct. After 11.Bf4 Nd4, White has to find another plan...

16.Rd2 Na8 17.Rad1 Nc7

11.Bxf3 Nd7 12.Bxg7 Kxg7 Black’s experiment failed. White has better development. It is very difficult for Black to develop his queenside pieces.

Position after: 17...Nc7 18.f4!? White gains space and prepares Kf2-Ke3. Position after: 12...Kxg7 13.Bg2 Nb6 14.b3! Tarrasch said once that a knight is always badly placed on b6. Of course, that was selfcriticism and a joke, but there is also some truth in that statement. This game supports Tarrasch’s claim. 14...Qxd1 15.Rfxd1 Rb8 Black tries, step-by-step, to get rid of White’s pressure on the long diagonal. Meanwhile, White will secure domination on the d-file.

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18...Be6 19.Ne4 Forcing ...b6, after which c6 will be weak. Another idea is Ng5, eliminating the piece controlling d7. 19...b6 20.Ng5 a5 Removing the pawns from the 7th rank. 21.Kf2 21.Nxe6+ Nxe6 22.Rd7 Rfd8 gives nothing to White. 21...Bc8

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Games 27-31

Position after: 21...Bc8

Position after: 25.g4

22.Bc6

White even gains space on the kingside. Andersson’s style is perfect. After some “slow” moves, he makes active ones. Such a playing rhythm is very dangerous for the opponent.

A typical Andersson move. No actual threats. Black can no longer fight for the d-file and Andersson just wants to underline White’s domination. The move has great psychological effect. 22...f6?! After 22...Ne6 23.Nxe6+ Bxe6 24.Bd7 we see the clear point of Bc6. White eliminates the e6-bishop and prepares infiltration with Rd7.

25...Bb7? And Black’s defences collapse. Now White’s rooks invade the 7th rank. 26.Bxb7 Rxb7 27.Rd7 Rxd7 28.Rxd7 Rb8 The position is hopeless for Black. White’s rook and knight dominate.

23.Ne4! Ne6 24.e3 Kf7 25.g4

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Position after: 32...Kd8 33.Ke2 Black is fully paralysed and there is no reason to rush. By choosing a slow rhythm, the opponent has the chance to make a mistake – helping us to realise our advantage. Also, at any moment, the rhythm may be changed. The most important is to patiently activate all pieces, so... let’s activate the king! And so, the king embarks on the long journey, the target is the c6-square! Position after: 28...Rb8 Black is lacking any counterplay. So many squares are available to White’s knight, and none for Black’s. Even White’s king can take part in the attack. 29.Nc3 Nf8 30.Ra7 Ke8 31.Nd5 Nd7 32.Nc7+ Kd8

33...Kc8? 33...Rc8 is more resistant, but the result is indisputable. 34.Na6! Rb7 35.Ra8+ Rb8 36.Nxb8 Nxb8 37.Kf3 1-0 Black resigned. White’s king comes to d5 and the pawn endgame is easily winning. One of many Andersson games that reflects his patient playing style at its best... After taking control of the d-file, White was able to patiently increase the pressure, without real counterplay for the opponent. Game 29 Alapin – Rubinstein Prague 1908 1.e4 e5 2.f4 Bc5 3.Nf3 d6

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Position after: 3...d6

Position after: 8...0-0

Alapin was a great attacking player and he always tried to set fire to the position. On the other hand, Rubinstein was a great strategist and decided to play carefully and patiently to tame White’s aggression.

9.f5??

4.Nc3 Nc6 5.Bb5 Bg4 6.d3 Nge7 It is evident that the idea of White’s attack is gone, and so he switches to a strategical treatment. The game is quite balanced. 7.h3 Bxf3 8.Qxf3 0-0

351

A big mistake, both strategically and tactically. 9.Bxc6 Nxc6 10.Be3 was better, although, after 10...f5, Black has good chances to seize the initiative. 9...Nd4! 10.Qg3?! A desperate bluff. 10.Qd1 Nxb5 11.Nxb5 c6 12.Nc3 Nxf5 is winning easily.

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Games 27-31

Position after: 10.Qg3?!

Position after: 12.Bh6

10...Nxb5?

12...Ng6!–+

Rubinstein was not a player who liked to take risks. He was always more dedicated to strategy than tactics. Still, it was not very difficult to calculate that Black should take a risk, with an easy win.

11.Nxb5 f6

10...Nxc2+! 11.Ke2 [11.Kd1 Nxa1 12.Bh6 Nxf5 13.exf5 Qf6–+] 11...Nxa1 12.Bh6

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Eliminating both Bh6 and f6 threats and preparing to play in the centre. 12.Be3 Bxe3 13.Qxe3 d5 14.0-0

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Position after: 14.0-0 After some mistakes from both sides, the situation has stabilised. The game shall continue in a positional manner. Black already has some initiative and it is not difficult to guess who won. From now on, all of Rubinstein’s moves are full of logic and it is highly recommended to analyse them carefully. In the diagram position, Black is slightly better. He is already putting pressure on the white pawn chain, while White cannot easily do the same. If White manages to secure his pawn chain, he would have a good chance to launch his g-pawn. Then, attacking f6 (the pawn chain) would be connected with mating motifs. Thus, Black decided to exchange queens – without queens on the board, White’s actions on the kingside would no longer be dangerous for Black. After exchanging queens, as in the game, Black will even have a semi-open afile. A potentially crucial factor. 14...c6! 15.Na3 Qb6! 16.Qxb6 axb6 17.c3 Rfd8 18.Rf2

355

Position after: 18.Rf2 Covering the 2nd rank. 18...Rd7 Black doubles on the d-file first, before capturing. Remember this technique. Placing the rooks first, Black will wait for the right moment to capture on e4. Very often, the threat is more dangerous than the execution! A) 18...dxe4 19.dxe4 Rd3 20.Nc2 doesn’t give much to Black.

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Games 27-31

Position after: 21.dxe4 21...Nc8?! 21...b5 was more precise, before White plays a4. This pawn must be advanced. 22.Rfe2 22.a4 was better, fixing the black b-pawns. 22...b5! Black’s knight eyes the a4- and c4-squares. Position after: 20.Nc2 B) 18...b5 was also very good. In such positions, it is important and useful to advance doubled pawns in order to keep flexibility of the pawn structure. The opponent, normally, should try and prevent their advance, fixing both pawns!

23.Na1 23.Kf2 Nb6 24.b3 looks more resistant. 23...Nb6 24.Nb3

19.Nc2 Rad8 20.Re1 dxe4 21.dxe4

Position after: 24.Nb3 24...Na4!

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A much better option for the knight. Not only does it control the c5-square, but it also targets both the white pawns and cannot be attacked because the c3-pawn would fall. Also, the c6-pawn may now advance. 25.Kf2 c5! Kicking the white knight away, its black counterpart will then be transferred to c5, attacking the pawn on e4 and threatening to jump to d3. 26.Rc2

more space and more active pieces should have better “communication lines”. If the opponent has one weakness, it is important to create another weakness on the opposite part of the board. Then, simultaneously attacking both of them, one would eventually fall – the opponent would not be able to transfer his defences fast enough. In our game, White takes care of the d-file – his pieces cover the infiltration squares. Therefore, Rubinstein felt he must create another front! 26...g6! 27.fxg6 hxg6 28.Nc1 c4! 29.Ke3 Kf7

Position after: 26.Rc2 White’s pieces are cramped and focused on defence. Black strongly holds the d-file, the knight is on a great square, but there is still nothing concrete. The great Nimzowitsch, a couple of decades later in his capital opus My System, explained the “principle of two weaknesses”. The point is that the side with 359

Position after: 29...Kf7 A very fine move. Not only is it a good centralising move, it also has a great psychological effect. White cannot find a reasonable plan and it is extremely uncomfortable to idly watch the opponent improve his position move by move. 360

Games 27-31

30.Rf1 Rd1

37.Rb6+ Kd7 38.Ne2 Kc7!

Black decides it is the right moment to invade. 31.Rxd1 Rxd1 32.Ke2 Rd7 Keeping the rook on the 1st rank was also good, but Black would rather control the dfile. White cannot oppose this. 33.Ke3 Nc5 34.b3 Ke6 35.bxc4 bxc4

Position after: 38...Kc7! Tactics serve strategy! 39.Rb4 39.Rxf6 Rd3+ 40.Kf2 Nxe4+–+

Position after: 35...bxc4 Black is perfectly centralised. The king is able to protect the knight, so the rook can infiltrate on d1, once again. 36.Rb2 Rd1 The game is over. White will soon face a zugzwang. He cannot protect all his weak pawns. Position after: 40...Nxe4+–+ 361

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Games 27-31

39...Rd3+ 40.Kf2 Nxe4+ 41.Ke1 Nd6 Black’s knight gallops around, gobbling up white pawns along the way. Ultimately, the centralised black troops didn’t give a chance to White’s resistance. 42.Ra4 Kc6 Not forgetting the king! 43.Ra8 Kd5 44.h4 Nf5 45.Rf8

46...Nxg2+ 47.Kf2 Nxh4 48.Rd8+ Ke4 49.Ng3+ Kf4 50.Ne2+ Kg4 51.Rc8 Rf3+ White resigned. This game has a serious opening flaw. Still, followers should thank Rubinstein for his decision on move 10. If Rubinstein had captured the a1-rook, he would have deprived us of such a beautiful and instructive endgame. 0-1 Game 30 Rubinstein – Takacs Budapest 1926 1.c4 Nf6 2.d4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 Be7 6.Nf3 0-0 7.Rc1 c6 8.Qc2 a6

Position after: 45.Rf8 45...Ne3 Once again, small and useful tactics. White’s knight looks like a policeman on a crossroads, with significant traffic around it.

Position after: 8...a6

46.Rg8

Black prepares the move ...b5. White’s reaction is logical.

46.Rxf6 Rd1+ 47.Kf2 Ng4+–+

9.cxd5

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9.c5 is another option. 9...exd5 A) After 9...cxd5, Black may face problems on the c-file. B) After 9...Nxd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Be2, White has a space advantage and can use his central pawns.

The knight also supports the e4-advance, with or without the move f3. It can also be transferred to the promising c5- and a5squares. Multi-purpose moves were Rubinstein’s trademark and the reader should, as often as possible, try to find them over the board. 13...N6d7

10.Bd3 Re8 11.0-0 Nf8

Position after: 13...N6d7 Position after: 11...Nf8 In this position, White has three solid plans. One is related to queenside play, using a minority attack, but it requires long preparation. Another is kingside play with Ne5, f4, etc... However, Rubinstein always chose plans connected with playing in the centre – his next move prepares the e4advance. 12.Rfe1 Bg4 13.Nd2 365

Black offers the exchange of dark-squared bishops, which is generally in White’s favour, but... 14.Bf4! It was logical to exchange bishops, but Rubinstein was right to refuse. White’s bishop on f4 will control the very important diagonal, preventing, for instance, such moves as ...Bd6, ...Qc7 and ...Rb8. At the same time, Black’s e7-bishop attacks well 366

Games 27-31

protected white pawns, making it restricted. The bishop on f4 is definitely more active than its counterpart on e7. 14...Bg5 Black insists, but... 15.h3! Keeping the bishop alive. 15...Bh5 15...Bxf4?? 16.exf4+– will cost Black the g4bishop. 16.Bh2 Bg6 17.Bxg6 hxg6 17...Nxg6 keeps the pawn structure more flexible and solid, but the g6-knight is out of play – Black planned to place it on e6. 18.Qb3 Now, the domination of the h2-bishop is evident – Black has problems in protecting the b7-pawn.

Position after: 19.Na4! Forcing Black to take and accelerating White’s development – excellent move. 19...Qxb3 20.Nxb3 Ne6 Another option is 20...Bd8, preventing White’s next move. White can go for 21.Nbc5 Nxc5 22.Nxc5, forcing Black to put the rook on a passive square: a7. 21.Na5!

18...Qb6 18...Qc8? 19.Nxd5 19.Na4!

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Games 27-31

course, taking the knight leads to a disaster – White will double the rooks on the b-file and inevitably collect the b7-pawn. 23...f5 Trying to find some play on the opposite side, but weakening the e5-square. 24.Nb2 From d3, the knight will keep an eye on the squares c5 and e5, and stop the move ...f4. 24...g5 25.Nd3 Kf7 26.Rc2 Position after: 21.Na5! Excellent. The knight attacks both the b7and c6-pawns, making the move ...b6 impossible. Placing the knight on c5 instead, ...b6 would have been possible at some point. Some would say that a5 is not an “outpost” (according to great Aron Nimzowitsch). That is correct, but a5 is a much better square in this position. Furthermore, the other knight can jump to c5. 21...Ra7 22.Kf1 A very nice prophylactic move. The king approaches the centre and protects the rook, eliminating ideas of ...Nxd4 (for instance after Rc2, to double up).

Position after: 26.Rc2

22...Bd8 23.b4!±

26...Bb6

Black hoped to benefit from attacking the a5-knight, but it is clear now that he should have prevented Na5 in the first place. Of

26...Bc7 27.Bxc7 Nxc7 28.Nc5 Nxc5 29.bxc5 Ne6 30.Rb2 Re7 31.Reb1 Nd8 leads to such a passive position for Black –

369

Preparing the possible doubling on any file.

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Games 27-31

probably undefendable. White can organise long-term, patient play on the kingside, using the fact that the black pieces are paralysed due to the weakness of the b7pawn. 27.Bd6! Patient and strong. White progressively improves his position. The bishop is ready to come to c5 and feels very comfortable so deep in the opponent’s ranks. 27...Nd8 28.Nc5! Position after: 30...Ke7 We are already familiar with this pawn structure. Black’s b7-pawn is desperately weak. Three pieces must be used to protect it. Thus, the a7-rook will be out of play for a while. After doubling the rooks on the b-file, White must switch focus to the kingside. Pressure on the b-file is the most important positional factor. 31.Rb2 Kd7 32.Reb1 Kc8 33.Ke2 Re7 34.Kf3 Position after: 28.Nc5! Correct!

34.Kd3 is also normal, but the text move is better. White wants to use the king on the kingside. 34...Re4

28...Nxc5 28...Bxc5 is worse. After 29.bxc5, Black is hopeless against the attack on the b7-pawn. 29.Bxc5 Bxc5 30.bxc5 Ke7 371

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Games 27-31

Position after: 34...Re4

Position after: 37.h4

In order to make progress, White must open the position on the kingside. Then, he will be able to exploit the paralysis of the a7rook. White’s next move is logical and a direct approach – it leads to opening new files.

Again, a very direct approach.

35.g4 g6 35...f4 36.Nc4! Nf7 37.Nb6+ locking the a7-rook out forever.

37...gxh4 37...Nh6!? was better. But still, after 38.hxg5 [38.gxf5 g4+] 38...fxg4+ [38...Nxg4 39.Rh1+–] 39.Kg2! Nf5 40.Rh1, Black’s position looks hopeless. 38.gxf5 gxf5 39.Rg7 White finally penetrates after opening a file on the kingside. The game is over – the rest is a matter of technique.

36.Rg1 Nf7 37.h4

39...Nd8 40.Rg8

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Games 27-31

Position after: 40.Rg8

Position after: 42...Kd7

40...f4?

43.Rg2?

A desperate move which should just lead to faster defeat.

43.Nc4! was missed once again.

41.Rh8?

43...Re8 44.Rxh4 Re7 45.Rh8 Kc7 46.Rgg8 Rd7 47.Nb3

Alas, Rubinstein misses an immediate win. I think that such masters are so dedicated and focused on strategy that they do not expect such gifts from their opponents.

Missing the immediate transfer of the knight towards the centre twice, White finally goes for it.

41.Nc4!+–

47...a5 48.Nc1 Ra8

41...fxe3 42.fxe3 Kd7

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Games 27-31

Position after: 48...Ra8

Position after: 52...Rc8

Overprotecting the d8-knight because the other rook will soon leave the d7-square.

53.Kg4! Even the king has a role in the attack.

49.Nd3 b5 Finally trying something on the queenside. Too little too late. 50.cxb6+ Kxb6 51.Nc5 Rd6 52.a4! Tightening the noose around Black’s king.

53.Kf4?? Ne6+ 54.Nxe6 Rxg8 55.Rxg8 Rxe6= 53...Ra8 54.Kf5 Kc7 54...Rc8 55.Re8 Ra8 56.Rh2 55.Rh7+

52...Rc8

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Position after: 55.Rh7+

Position after: 12...Nc6

Black resigned. White’s next move is Ke5. 1-0

Normal moves for the Ruy Lopez. Anatoly Karpov was recognised as an expert on this opening. This game is one of his numerous masterpieces.

Game 31 Karpov – Unzicker Nice 1974

13.d5

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 0-0 9.h3 Na5 10.Bc2 c5 11.d4 Qc7 12.Nbd2 Nc6

White wants to close the centre and launch kingside play according to the usual scheme of Nd2-f1-g3 (with or without g2-g4) and to prepare f2-f4 in favourable conditions. He is ready to keep the position stable or blocked on the queenside, but if needed, that side can be opened with a2-a4. 13.Nf1 is also playable, keeping various possibilities in the centre. 13...Nd8 Knowing the rest of the game, Black should have tried something else.

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13...Nb8, with the idea to place the knight on d7, was solid. The knight looks more flexible there than on b7.

immediately blocks the position on the queenside and paralyses the black rook, bishop and knight.

14.a4!

16...Nb7 16...cxb4 17.cxb4 Qc3 is false activity. After 18.Ra7 Bd7 19.Re3!,

Position after: 14.a4! Black cannot connect rooks after his next move, so the move chosen by Karpov is very logical. 14...Rb8 14...Bb7 15.axb5 axb5 16.Rxa8 Bxa8 17.b3 looks better for White. He is ready to switch activities to the kingside and to block the position on the queenside whatever Black chooses (...b4 or ...c4).

Position after: 19.Re3! the queen must retreat: 19...Qc8 [19...Qxb4?? 20.Ba3+–] 20.Rea3 with a significant advantage for White. 17.Nf1 Bd7 18.Be3

15.axb5 axb5 16.b4 16.b3, with the same idea as in the previous line, was also a natural decision. The text move is more aggressive, though. Karpov 381

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Games 27-31

Position after: 18.Be3

Position after: 22.Ra2!

White patiently finishes development, while the black pieces struggle to find comfortable positions.

22...c4?

18...Ra8 19.Qd2 Rfc8 20.Bd3 g6 21.Ng3 White has more options and can go for multi-functional moves. After placing all his pieces on optimal squares, he goes for infiltration down the a-file. 21...Bf8 22.Ra2!

Positional capitulation. Black hoped that blocking the position would reduce White’s growing initiative on the queenside. Actually, White has control over the a-file and the a7g1 diagonal, which is enough. On the kingside, long-term possibilities are still available. 22...Rxa2 23.Qxa2 cxb4 24.cxb4 Qc3 25.Qb1 is undoubtedly better for White. Black temporarily prevents infiltration, but there will soon be problems with the b5pawn, which can also be attacked by the white queen and knight... 23.Bb1 The bishop looks passive here, but it can easily be transferred to e2, for instance, and prevents Black’s possible ...f7-f5 thrust.

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Games 27-31

23...Qd8

Position after: 29...Bg7 Position after: 23...Qd8 24.Ba7!! A key move, and a famous one! One of Karpov’s trademarks. White temporarily closes the a-file, making time to double or even triple. Then, the bishop will be removed and the rooks will infiltrate!

Black’s pieces wander aimlessly. Karpov felt that this was the best moment to switch sides. 30.f4 f6

Consistent.

30...exf4 31.Nxf4 is much better for White. There are new possibilities on the kingside, related to the potential use of the weak f6and h6-squares after playing Bd4 and Ng4, for instance... The point is that Black cannot transfer a knight to the perfect outpost on e5, while many white pieces have access to the important d4-square. The backward pawn on e4 is not a weakness, of course, as the black rooks cannot use the e-file.

26...Qe7 27.Bb1 Be8 28.Ne2

31.f5!

Reshuffling the knights.

Another great decision. Black’s lack of space is being felt more and more. Of course, he

Yes, chess is actually a rather simple game! Black cannot prevent White’s plan – the bishop on a7 is untouchable! 24...Ne8 25.Bc2 Nc7 26.Rea1

28...Nd8 29.Nh2 Bg7 385

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Games 27-31

should somehow open the position to get fresh air, but it is very difficult to find a way.

Black is forced to wait for an execution. Admire Karpov’s patient regrouping and brutal realisation.

Position after: 31.f5! Position after: 35...Qe8

31...g5 31...gxf5 32.exf5 will give White both the perfect blockading square on e4 for his knight and a very dangerous majority on the kingside.

36.Qd1 Nd8 37.Ra3 It may be necessary to triple. Don’t rush! 37...Kf8 38.R1a2

32.Bc2

Tripling might well be on the agenda.

There will be a job on the d1-h5 diagonal for this bishop.

38...Kg8 39.Ng4 Kf8 40.Ne3 Kg8

32...Bf7 32...h5 33.Bd1 followed by Ng3 will finally force Black to advance the h-pawn once again. Then, White will open the position on the kingside with g2-g3. Black would be hopeless. 33.Ng3 Nb7 34.Bd1 h6 35.Bh5 Qe8 387

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Games 27-31

Position after: 40...Kg8

Position after: 43.Qg6!

After putting all his pieces on optimal squares, Karpov goes for the kill.

Nice point. 43...Kf8

41.Bxf7+ Nxf7 41...Qxf7 42.Qh5 exchanging queens. After installing the knights on g4 and h5, the move Bb6 will put an end to Black’s resistance. 42.Qh5 Nd8 43.Qg6!

389

43...Qxg6 44.fxg6 would be a more beautiful position for the end of the game – the knights will inevitably invade f5 and h5. 44.Nh5 1-0 Black resigned. What a strategical triumph! After White placed the bishop on a7, Black was forced for a long time to take care of the incoming infiltration along the a-file. This caused some paralysis and White effectively crushed Black’s defences on the opposite side of the board. Please, feel free to watch this beautiful game over and over again. There are so many instructive moments, and a picturesque final position.

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Games 32-35

Game 32 Nimzowitsch – Capablanca New York 1927 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.Bd3

Position after: 6...Qb6 7.Nge2

Position after: 4.Bd3 Nimzowitsch was always preoccupied with theory, but this move is definitely not dangerous for Black. Actually, even at the height of his powers, he could not outplay the great Cuban genius. Capablanca’s simple and natural playing style usually easily prevailed over Nimzowitsch’s ingenuity.

7.Nce2 deserved attention. White should play on the kingside and strengthen d4 with a pawn on c3. But, Nimzowitsch preferred to piece play, not fearing the exchange of his centre. 7...c5 8.dxc5 Bxc5 9.0-0

4...Bxd3 5.Qxd3 e6 Some sort of Advanced French has appeared. Black has achieved his main goal – the lightsquared bishops are no longer. 6.Nc3 Qb6 391

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Games 32-35

Position after: 9.0-0

Position after: 11...Qxc5

9...Ne7

In this position, where White played more originally than inventively, Black is problem free and probably even slightly better. With his next move, White follows his strategy based on installing a piece on d4 and attacking on the kingside.

9...Nc6 was a more precise move, eliminating the possibility that White missed on the next move. 10.Na4 10.b4!? was a very interesting option. After 10...Qxb4 11.Nb5 Qa5 12.Be3, interesting complications arise. 10...Qc6 11.Nxc5 Qxc5

12.Be3 Qc7 13.f4?! Three pieces protect this pawn – all of them are hence restricted. White will not be able to advance f5, so this move cannot be very good. Although, for now, everything looks OK for White. 13...Nf5

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Games 32-35

suggested the preparation of the move c4 instead. However, in the same year, Nimzowitsch formulated his theory about the blockade – one important postulate was that as many pieces as possible should control the blockading square (d4 in this case). 15.Bf2 looks better, with the idea of preparing c4 or g4.

Position after: 13...Nf5 14.c3?! This move weakens the light squares further. A) If 14.Bf2 h5 would secure the knight on the excellent f5-square. Still, this was better for White than the plan he chose. B) 14.g4 now, and on the next moves, would be a mistake, as shown in the game. 14...Nc6

Position after: 15.Rad1?! 15...g6?!

Capablanca later noted that it is important that Black can still choose where to castle. So, now we know why he delayed castling. He was trying to find the best place for the king, predicting that a major piece endgame would soon arise. 15.Rad1?!

It is strange that Capablanca chooses such a move, doing nothing but setting a great positional trap. But, it worked... A) 15...0-0 B) or 15...h5 were more natural moves. 16.g4?

Alekhine criticised this move because the rook does nothing on the d-file and 395

396

Games 32-35

Natural looking, but actually a very bad move. This move forcingly leads to the blocking of the kingside, leaving the queenside as the only open front. (15...g6?!) 16.Bf2, later suggested by Alekhine (Nimzowitsch agreed), was a normal move. After 16...h5 17.c4 the position is balanced, with chances for both sides. 16...Nxe3! 17.Qxe3 h5!

18...0-0 The situation has stabilised. Black’s king is safe and White’s expansion on the kingside failed miserably, leaving his king desperately weak. However, it is very difficult for Black to convert his evident advantage due to White’s control over the d4-outpost. Black’s hunt for the white king must commence on the queenside. Once the d4-outpost is conquered, Black will have the chance to catch White’s king. The next stage is clear. Black tries to put pressure on d4 and the c3pawn. 19.Nd4 Qb6 20.Rf2 Rfc8

Position after: 17...h5! That is point. Black forces White’s hand. 18.g5 All the files on the kingside are definitively closed. Black will patiently organise play on the semi-open c-file. 18.h3? hxg4 19.hxg4 0-0-0! gives Black a dangerous attack on the h-file

397

Position after: 20...Rfc8 21.a3?! White wants to protect all his pawns. This move was, perhaps, also psychological, showing Black that the b4-square is fully 398

Games 32-35

controlled. Alas, Black must go for the ...b5b4 break, or the game would be drawn.

24.Kg2 Nc6!

21...Rc7 22.Rd3 Na5?! A waste of time, but still not a bad move. The opponent doesn’t have an active plan, so various attempts are allowed in order to crush the opponent’s defences. 23.Re2

Position after: 24...Nc6! Great masters are not conceited – they know when to own up to their mistakes... 25.Red2

White must be patient, trying to be ready to counter Black’s activities on the queenside.

In case of 25.Nxc6, suggested by Alekhine, Black has two promising plans: 25...Qxc6 [25...bxc6 26.Qxb6 axb6 27.Kf3 Ra8] 26.Rd4 [26.Qxa7?? b6 27.Qa6 Ra8–+] 26...Qb6. Both moves give a small but lasting edge.

23...Re8

25...Rec8

In order to prevent the potential blow f4-f5. No reason to be impatient. Don’t rush! 23...Nc4 24.Qc1 doesn’t give much to Black. The d4-knight is a key defensive piece and it must be exchanged, at the right time.

Moving the rook back to where it belongs.

Position after: 23.Re2

399

26.Re2 26.Nxc6!? was possible again, with continuations resembling those in the 400

Games 32-35

previous note. 26...Ne7 27.Red2 Rc4

29.f5? Nxf5 30.Nxf5+ gxf5 31.Rd4 [31.Qxh5? Rg4+ 32.Rg3 Rh8–+] 31...Kg6µ 29...a5 Black has secured the kingside and is ready to launch his queenside pawns. 30.Re2 Nf5!

Position after: 27...Rc4 The black rook is ready to be transferred to e4, if the d4-knight were to move. A typical use of a semi-open file – an outpost can be utilised for transferring a rook to another file. As Capablanca stated afterwards, this position is White’s maximum, it’s all he can hope to achieve. 28.Qh3?! Nimzowitsch dreams about advancing f5. It was better to make a neutral waiting move, keeping the queen in the centre.

Position after: 30...Nf5! Right on time! The d4-knight is not supported well enough. Also, the h5-pawn is not in danger. 31.Nxf5+ 31.Red2 Nxd4

28.Qf2!? 28...Kg7 29.Rf2

401

402

Games 32-35

Position after: 31...Nxd4

Position after: 33...Rh4

32.Qe3!? [32.Rxd4 Rxd4 33.cxd4 Qb5µ with an almost winning position.] 32...Qb5 33.Rxd4 Rxd4 34.Qxd4 Rc4 35.Qf2 Re4 is much better for Black – White has lost control of the all important d4-outpost.

34.Qf2 [34.Rf2 Rcxf4 35.Qxf4 Rxf4 36.Rxf4 Qxb2+–+; 34.Rd4 Rg4+ 35.Kf1 Rxd4 36.cxd4 Qxd4–+] 34...Rg4+ 35.Rg3 Qxf2+ 36.Rxf2 Rgxf4 is almost lost for White. 32...Kg6

31...gxf5 32.Qf3 32.Qxh5? Rh8 33.Qf3 Rh4

403

404

Games 32-35

Position after: 32...Kg6

Position after: 36.Kg3

Black has achieved a lot. His king is safe, the kingside blockade is stable and White has lost control of the d4-outpost.

Again, the white pieces are on the best defensive squares. On the other hand, Black’s pieces are on the ultimate attacking ones. Thus, pawn action is needed. However, perhaps prematurely, Black creates one more weakness in White’s camp – the d4-pawn!

33.Red2 Re4! Very simple, but very strong. Black can benefit from the c-file later, now it is important to control the d4-square.

36...Rcxd4 37.cxd4 37.Rxd4? Re2–+

34.Rd4 Rc4 Capablanca stated that White should exchange rooks, despite the queen endgame being winning for Black, due to the exposed white king and weak f4-pawn. 35.Qf2 35.Rxc4!? Rxc4 36.Qf2 Qb3 is much better for Black, ...b5-b4 may be on the cards.

37...Qc4 White is paralysed. Knowing that Capablanca is conducting the black pieces, the rest is matter of technique. There was no player of the past with better conversion technique than the Cuban legend. 38.Kg2 b5 39.Kg1 b4 40.axb4 axb4!

35...Qb5 36.Kg3

Position after: 40...axb4! 405

406

Games 32-35

Of course, taking with the queen would be nonsensical. Black wants to weaken the b2pawn, not exchange it. If needed, the black pawn can be moved to b3, securing the important c2-square.

Now, and on the next moves, I suggest the reader tries to find a win after other white moves. 44...Rd1 45.b3

41.Kg2 Qc1 Threatening a potential ...Re1. 42.Kg3 Qh1!

Position after: 45.b3 45...Rc1! With the idea of ...Rc3. Position after: 42...Qh1!

46.Re3 Rf1!

The game is over.

White resigned. It was a real pleasure to see the perfect exploitation of the c-file and the beautiful way in which Jose Raul Capablanca employed his major pieces. 0-1

43.Rd3 A) 43.Re2? h4+!–+ B) 43.Qf3? h4+!–+ C) 43.Qg2 Re3+ 44.Kh4 Qxg2 45.Rxg2 Rf3–+ is a funny line.

Game 33 Nimzowitsch – Tarrasch Breslau 1925 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5

43...Re1 44.Rf3 407

408

Games 32-35

Position after: 4...Nxd5

Position after: 6...e6

5.d4

7.e3

5.e4

Chosen for an unknown reason... A) 7.e4 is normal and more aggressive. After 7...Nxc3! 8.Qxc3 [8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 9.bxc3 gives nothing.] 8...Nc6 9.Bb5 [9.a3 Qa5!] 9...Bd7 10.0-0, looks better for White.

A) 5...Nxc3 is not very good. After the surprising 6.dxc3 Qxd1+ 7.Kxd1, White has a stable advantage due to the advanced black c-pawn. The b5- and c4-squares will be perfect spots for the white pieces: the knight and bishop, and even the king in the endgame. B) 5...Nb4 6.Bc4 is another very interesting line, not once tested by Aron Nimzowitsch. 5...cxd4

B) 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.e4 dxe4 [8...Nc6 9.Qxd5 Qxd5 10.exd5 Nb4 11.Bb5+ Bd7 is OK for Black] 9.Qxd8+ Kxd8 10.Ng5 Bb4+ 11.Bd2 Bxd2+ 12.Kxd2 Ke7 even gives some initiative to Black. 7...Nc6 8.Bb5

5...Nxc3 6.bxc3 cxd4 7.cxd4 e6 8.e4 Bb4+ 9.Bd2 also gives a stable advantage to White. 6.Qxd4 e6

409

After missing the principal continuation on the 7th move, White is forced to primitively finish development without real chances to get an advantage.

410

Games 32-35

8...Bd7 9.Bxc6 Bxc6 10.Ne5 Nxc3 11.Nxc6 Qxd4 12.Nxd4 Nd5 13.Bd2

15.Rc1! Rd8 15...Bxd2+ 16.Kxd2 Rd8 17.Ke2 is slightly better for White because the c-file is slightly more dangerous than the d-file. 16.Bxb4 Nxb4 17.Ke2

Position after: 13.Bd2 In a symmetrical pawn structure like this, it is very important to support the pieces’ harmony and go for active play. Black’s next move requires precise follow-up play.

Position after: 17.Ke2

Another option was 13...Be7 14.e4 Nb6 15.Rc1 0-0 16.Ke2 Bf6 with solid play for Black.

Suddenly, Black is in an uncomfortable situation. White threatens to penetrate on the 7th rank. Meanwhile, Black obtains nothing on the d-file. Black must play very precisely.

14.Nb3 Bb4?!

17...Ke7

This is imprecise and allows White to get a small initiative after his next move. 14...Bb6!, neutralising the white knight, was better. 15.e4 Ne7 16.Bc3 Nc6 is equal. All minor pieces restrict each other – a very interesting setup.

17...Nxa2? is evidently a mistake. After 18.Rc7!, another rook intends to capture the a7-pawn. White is clearly better.

411

412

13...Bc5?!

18.Rc4!

Games 32-35

From here, the reader can enjoy Nimzowitsch’s patient and brilliant realisation of a small advantage.

20.f4!

18...Nc6 19.Rhc1 with the idea to play Nc5.

Impressive play by the great Aron. This move secures the knight’s future on d4. Also, the white king gets a perfect safe and active position on f3. Another possible plan can be to expand on the kingside.

19.Rhc1

20...Rhd8 21.Nd4 f6

18...Na6?!

The c7-square is now covered, but the black knight will be out of play for a long time. 19...Rd7

Position after: 21...f6

Position after: 19...Rd7 Black is also ready to double. However, in this position, the c-file is much more promising than the d-file. This is because the white king is controlling the infiltration squares and the white knight is more stable, and can even close the d-file. The a6-knight is very passive and it is only a matter of time before it is attacked by the b-pawn. 413

Black wants to attack the white knight and penetrate on the 2nd rank, if possible. Of course, White can prevent it by moving the knight to f3 immediately, or after being attacked. Before any action in the centre or kingside, White wants to lock out the black knight using his queenside pawns. The next move patiently works to that effect. 22.a4! It looks impossible for Black to stop the b4b5 advance, having great impact. 414

Games 32-35

Nimzowitsch avoided the move 22.b4, after which 22...b5!? may lead to some complications. Although they must be in White’s favour, there is no reason to complicate matters. In positions where you dominate and the opponent lacks any real counterplay, it is always good advice to play patiently and only take action after eliminating possibilities of counterplay.

25.b4 b6 26.R1c2! Very useful prophylaxis. 26...h6

22...e5 23.fxe5 fxe5 24.Nf3! Ke6

Position after: 26...h6 27.h4!

Position after: 24...Ke6 It looks like Black has consolidated. This is only an illusion. His rooks are toothless on the d-file. His king may meet danger, even in the centre. The main problem is the knight, which has been misplaced for a long time now.

Before any direct action, White wants to collect as many advantages as possible. The last move fixes Black’s pawn structure on the kingside. Thus, more pawns will be available to attack there. Also, moving the pawns to h5 and g4, and maybe even use f5 for the knight, may be a useful plan. 27...Rd6 28.h5! Rd5 29.Rg4

Conversely, the white knight is perfect. It controls the d2-sqaure, attacks the isolated pawn on e5 and is ready to jump to g5 at any moment. 415

416

Games 32-35

wins again. 31.Rg6+

Position after: 29.Rg4 There we are! White’s rook uses the g-file with great impact. It is formally “closed” but, placing the rook in front of the g2-pawn, it is possible to benefit from the weak g6-square and exposed g7-pawn. Strange but true, the closed g-file brings more to White than the open d-file (controlled by doubled rooks!) does to Black. Black’s position suddenly collapses. White’s rooks will simultaneously disturb the black king and pawns using both the c-file and g-file.

Position after: 31.Rg6+ 31...Ke7 31...Kd5 32.Rcxd6+ Rxd6 33.e4+! Kc6 34.b5++– 32.Rxg7+ Kf8 33.Rxd6 Rxd6 34.Rxa7 Nxb4 35.Nxe5+–

29...R5d7 30.Rc6+ 30.Rg6+ is more precise. 30...Rd6 A) 30...Kf5? 31.Rcg6+– with a mate coming soon. B) 30...Kd5 was correct, and White should repeat with 31.Rc1 Ke6 and now 32.Rg6+ 417

418

Games 32-35

Position after: 35.Nxe5+–

Position after: 39.g4

The situation has stabilised. White has a completely winning position. Not only because of the two extra pawns, but the white pieces also still dominate. White’s realisation is impressive.

White has consolidated the kingside position with a wonderful knight manoeuvre. Now, it protects the e3-pawn and attacks the weak pawn on h6. The game is over.

35...Re6 36.Ng6+ Kg8! 37.Ne7+ Kf8 38.Nf5 Nd5 39.g4

39...Nf4+ 40.Kf3 Nd3 41.Ra8+! 41.Rh7 Ne5+ 42.Kf4 Nf7! is less easy. 41...Kf7 42.Rh8 Nc5 43.Rh7+ Kg8 43...Kf8 44.Nxh6+– 44.Rxh6 Rxh6 45.Nxh6+ Kf8 46.Nf5 Nxa4

419

420

Games 32-35

Position after: 46...Nxa4

Position after: 8...Nbd7

White’s pawns are much faster. The rest of the game doesn’t require any commentary.

9.cxd5

47.h6 Kg8 48.g5 Kh7 49.Kg4 Nc5 50.Kh5 Ne6 51.g6+ Kg8 52.h7+ Kh8 53.Kh6 1-0 Black resigned. The game was won in fine fashion and illustrates relativity in chess – not all open files are equal! I can only presume that Aron Nimzowitsch must have enjoyed this game very much. He won convincingly and in style against his eternal opponent, Dr. Siegbert Tarrasch. Game 34 Petrosian – Unzicker Hamburg 1960

This move is a natural reaction to Black’s last move. 9...cxd5 9...Nxd5 is probably better. Black should try to exchange material due to White’s superior activity. Also, in positions where knights protect each other, it is generally a good idea to exchange one of them. After 10.Bg3 [10.Nxd5 exd5 is solid for Black.] 10...Qa5 Black is OK. 10.Bd3 a6 11.0-0 b5

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bg5 d5 4.c4 c6 5.Qc2 Be7 6.e3 0-0 7.Nc3 h6 8.Bf4 Nbd7

421

422

Games 32-35

Position after: 15.Nb3 The point of the fine 12th move is evident. That move brought a lot to White: control over the c-file, access to the b5- and c6squares, permanent pressure on the exposed a5-pawn... It is no wonder such a fine strategician as Petrosian had little trouble converting his long-lasting advantage. 15...Ba6 With the idea to exchange material and then control the c6-square. Position after: 11...b5

16.Bxa6 Rxa6 17.Qd3 Ra7 18.Rfc1

12.a4! An excellent decision. After Black’s next move, which is forced, some weak squares appear on the queenside. 12...b4 13.Na2 Ne8 14.Nc1 a5 15.Nb3

Position after: 18.Rfc1 White’s pieces are ready to penetrate Black’s queenside. 18...Nd6 18...Bd6 19.Rc6! 423

424

Games 32-35

19.Bxd6! Very simple and very strong. Black’s bishop cannot attack anything. It is also useless against White’s occupation on the light squares. 19...Bxd6 20.Rc6! Nb8 21.Rc2 Nd7

Position after: 28...Kg7

Position after: 21...Nd7 White gained an important tempo. 22.Rac1 Nb6 23.Qb5 Nc4 Black closes the file... but only briefly. 24.Nfd2 Nxd2 25.Rxd2 Qa8 26.Rdc2 Rd8 27.Rc6 g6 28.g3 Kg7

White’s advantage is tremendous. Domination on the c-file completely paralyses the black army. All of the white pieces are amazingly placed and Black’s army is forced to wait for an execution. Still, nothing direct is apparent. In positions where all pieces are on their best squares, pawn play should be on the agenda! Petrosian was a real master of preparation, and perfectly understood the previous statement. So, how to organise pawn play? It must take place on the kingside, of course. It is time for one of Petrosian’s all-time favourite approaches – evacuating the king before launching a pawn attack! 29.Kf1! The king voluntarily heads to a2 – safety! Note that Black is unable to do anything. This is the consequence of White’s unchallenged reign on the c-file!

425

426

Games 32-35

29...Kg8 29...Rb8 30.Rb6 Rd8 31.Rcc6± 30.h4 h5 31.R1c2

Position after: 38.Qb5! White sets a trap. Of course, Black must avoid the exchange. 38...Qa8 Position after: 31.R1c2 Don’t rush! The king goes to a2 via c1 without breaking the connection between the rooks.

38...Qxb5 would be fatal after 39.axb5 a4 40.b6 Rad7 [40...Raa8 41.b7 Rab8 42.Na5+–] 41.Na5 Ra8

31...Kh7 32.Ke1 Kg8 33.Kd1 Kh7 34.Kc1 Kg8 35.Kb1 Kh7 36.Qe2 Qb7 37.Rc1 Kg7 38.Qb5!

427

428

Games 32-35

Position after: 41...Ra8

44.Ka2

42.Rxd6! Rxd6 43.b7 Rf8 [43...Rb8 44.Rc8 Rd8 45.Rxd8 Rxd8 46.Nc6+–] 44.b3 a3 45.Nc6 Rxc6 46.Rxc6 Rb8 47.Rb6+–

With queens on the board, White wins more easily.

39.f4 Kh7 39...f5? 40.Rb6 with doubling on the 6th rank.

44...Kg7 45.hxg6 Qxg6 46.Qh4 Be7 46...Rh8 47.Qf2 and the rook goes to g1, with fatal effect. 47.Qf2 Kf8

40.Qe2 Qb7

Position after: 47...Kf8 Position after: 40...Qb7 41.g4! Finally opening new files on the kingside. Black is lost. 41...hxg4 42.Qxg4 Qe7 43.h5 Qf6 Black wants to exchange queens now, to avoid a rapid defeat. 429

48.Nd2 48.Qh2! was stronger – but White just repeated the position once before playing it. 48...Rb7 49.Nb3 Ra7 50.Qh2! With the idea to penetrate via h8 or advance the f-pawn, with penetration along the diagonal.

430

Games 32-35

50...Bf6

Position after: 51.Rc8!

50...Bd6

51...Rad7 51...Rxc8 52.Rxc8+ Ke7 53.f5 Qxf5 54.Qb8 Rd7 55.Re8# 52.Nc5! b3+ A) 52...Rxc8 53.Nxd7+ Ke7 54.Rxc8+– B) 52...Rd6 53.f5 Qxf5 54.Qxd6+ 53.Kxb3 Rd6

Position after: 50...Bd6 51.Rxd6! Rxd6 52.f5 exf5 53.Rc8+ Ke7 54.Qh8+– 51.Rc8!

Position after: 53...Rd6 54.f5! Rb6+ 55.Ka2 1-0 Black resigned. A terrific defeat. After losing control of the c-file, Black lost without being able to fire a single bullet. Game 35 Sveshnikov – Balashov 431

432

Games 32-35

Moscow 1976 1.e4 c5 2.c3 e6 3.d4 d5 4.e5

time (probably after the moves ...Ne7-g6, ...Be7 and ...0-0).

Position after: 5...Bd7 Position after: 4.e5

6.dxc5?!

Now the game transposes to the advance variation of the French Defence. Grandmaster Sveshnikov was recognised as an expert on this line in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Although, this game shows a dark side to his contribution... 4...Nc6 5.Nf3 Bd7

If the white pawn is already on c3, this move doesn’t make sense. The point is that c3 was played with the idea of strengthening the centre. White voluntarily destroys his pawn chain by taking on c5, thus making the move c3 a waste of time. 6...Bxc5 7.Bd3 Nge7

That is one possibility. Usually, on moves 4 and 5, Black chooses two out of the three following moves: ...Qb6, ...Nc6 and ...Bd7. Of course, transpositions are possible but, generally, each setup has various ideas... Black chose a flexible setup. He can go for ...Qb6, with the transfer of the kingside knight to f5, or he can go for ...f6 at the right

433

434

Games 32-35

Position after: 7...Nge7

Position after: 9...Qc7

8.0-0?!

Black insists on attacking the e5-pawn.

Once again, not a precise move.

10.Bxg6?

A) 8.b4?! Bb6 9.b5 Na5 is excellent for Black. B) 8.Bf4! Ng6 9.Bg3 was much better. The bishop looks passive on g3, but it overprotects the e5-pawn. Now the thematic blow ...f6 is not as effective for Black – the bishop on g3 would become very active and help establish a blockade on e5! 8...Ng6 9.Re1 Qc7

A huge mistake. It is very strange that a great expert like Evgeny Sveshnikov would choose such a move... Firstly, White voluntarily gives away his most valuable piece. Secondly, Black can now seize the initiative on the kingside. Furthermore, White will soon face problems with regards to finding a promising plan. Finally, Black’s pieces will become extraordinarily active on the kingside. 10...fxg6!!

435

436

Games 32-35

on f3, making some sacrifices possible. The knight on f3 is such an important piece, controlling the d4-outpost and protecting the key pawn on e5. After the move ...fxg6, Black can also go for a kingside attack, supported by his pawns: ...h6 and then ...g5! It is clear that the f3-knight will soon face problems! Hence, White will have problems in the centre. Last but not least, taking with the f-pawn gives opportunities to the lightsquared bishop – it may be placed on g6 or h5. 11.Bf4 0-0 12.Bg3 Ne7! Position after: 10...fxg6!! A key move. After this, Black seizes the initiative and everything goes smoothly. Advanced players would probably choose it, and real masters would certainly play it. However, beginners would probably not even consider it, automatically taking with the hpawn. Why? Let’s see... The decision should be based on the resulting open files. Of course, the f-file gives Black more than the hfile. After taking with the h-pawn, it would be very difficult to prove that the rook is useful on h8. White can keep the strong e5pawn, so Black is unable to build pressure on the h2-pawn. Furthermore, it would be risky for Black to choose to castle kingside. White can potentially organise an attack with the knight on g5 and the queen on h3 or h4. Most people would argue that “pawns should go towards the centre”. Yes, in the early stages of the game... Actually, by taking with the f-pawn, Black takes care of the centre! The rook on the f-file will attack the knight 437

Position after: 12...Ne7! The knight goes to the nice f5-square. From there, it can both control the d5-outpost and attack the bishop on g3. 13.Nbd2

438

Games 32-35

If 13.Nd4 Nf5 14.Nxf5 Rxf5, Black will double on the f-file, with a clear advantage. 13...Nf5 14.Nb3 Ba4!

Position after: 17.Re2

Position after: 14...Ba4! 15.Kh1? Another mistake. Moving the queen was a must. 15.Qe2 Bxb3 Was a good option – the b3-knight is ready to jump to d4. 16.axb3 g5!µ

Look at the white pieces – only the rooks can make reasonable moves. White can only dream of putting a reasonable plan together – his position is hopeless. Black has a pleasant choice. There are many promising plans: playing on the kingside with ...h6 and ...g5, doubling on the f-file, doubling on the c-file, opening the position with ...d4, and so on. First of all, Black chooses to improve his position on the kingside. 17...h6 18.h3 g5

15...Qb6! New problems for White! Both the queen and b3-knight are now paralysed!

18...Nxg3+ doesn’t make sense – there is no reason to trade this beautiful knight for the bishop.

16.Qc2 Rac8 17.Re2

19.Bh2 Rc7

439

440

Games 32-35

Position after: 19...Rc7

Position after: 22.Rd2

Preparing to double on either file.

22...g4!

20.Ne1 Be7

22...Ne3 looks nice. But, after 23.Qe2, the knight has to retreat [23.fxe3? Rf1+ 24.Bg1 Qxe3–+].

20...d4! was also a good option – the knight is removed from f3!

23.hxg4 Ne3! 24.Qe2 Nxg4 25.f3

21.Qd1 Rc4 Now, Black changes plan. Instead of doubling, he prefers to control the 4th rank.

25.Bg1 Rf5!–+ 25...Nxh2

22.Rd2

441

442

Games 32-35

26...Bb5 was better. Avoiding the fork on b3 and threatening to take the knight on d4 – Black is winning. 27.Nd3 [27.Qf2 Ng4] 27...Rxd4 28.cxd4

Position after: 25...Nxh2 26.Nd4 An interesting solution, which only delays resignation. 26.Kxh2 Rh4+ 27.Kg3 Qg1–+

Position after: 28.cxd4 28...Qxd4! 29.Kxh2 Qh4+ 30.Kg1 Bc5+ would have been a beautiful finale. It is quite apparent how the black bishops have dominated over the white minor pieces throughout the entire game. 27.Kxh2 Bxd4 28.cxd4 Rxd4

Position after: 27...Qg1–+ 26...Bc5?! 443

444

Games 32-35

Position after: 28...Rxd4

Position after: 33.Rcd1

29.Rc1?

33...Rhf4! 34.Qxf4 Rxf4 35.Kxf4 Qg5+

29.Qf2 is more resistant. Although, after 29...Rxd2 30.Qxd2 Rc8, Black should be winning – the knight cannot reach the blockading d4-square. If 31.b3 Be8 32.Nc2 then 32...Qc7.

White resigned before getting mated on the next move with ...Qe3. An amazing game! It is hard to believe that Sveshnikov played the opening in such a primitive manner. Balashov impeccably punished White’s indolent play. I hope the reader will fully appreciate all the benefits of ...fxg6, a very instructive move. 0-1

29...Rh4+ 30.Kg3 Bb5 30...Qg1 was also winning. 31.Qf2 Qd8! 32.Qe3 d4 33.Rcd1

445

446

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Chapter 5 Pawn Structures In order to explore pawn structures, many games are definitely required. There are various types of structures, each having their own properties. I will try to explain and present the essence of all of them. This should allow the reader to understand the concepts surrounding pawn structures, and how to treat them in practical games. The focus will mostly be on various weaknesses – the reader will learn about creating and exploiting them. This is a very sensible strategy and can be found in other aspects of chess too. The concept of pawn structures is intrinsically connected to understanding the bishop vs. knight combat, for instance. There are also links with the concepts of gaining space, king safety, initiative, transferring into an endgame, etc. Do not worry, important moments in this book are highlighted and explained in detail. I am sure your understanding of the importance of weaknesses and defects of pawn structures will grow significantly. Pawn Majorities Game 36 Marshall – Capablanca New York 1909

Position after: 6.g3 Marshall chooses the line later named after Rubinstein, now known as the best option for White against the Tarrasch Defence. 6...Be6 7.Bg2 Be7 8.0-0 Nf6 9.Bg5 9.dxc5 was another option: 9...Bxc5 10.Na4 [10.Ng5 is also possible.] 10...Be7 11.Be3 00 12.Nd4 White keeps a small edge, but Black can be satisfied with the opening. 9...Ne4 One of several typical approaches. Black wants to simplify the position by exchanging material. 10.Bxe7 Qxe7

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.g3

447

448

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

White has a small advantage. 11...Nxd4 11...Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nxe5 13.dxe5 0-0!

Position after: 10...Qxe7 11.Ne5?! A) 11.dxc5 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Qxc5 and the position is unclear. B) 11.Rc1 is a solid answer. After 11...Nxc3 12.Rxc3 c4 13.Ne5 0-0

Position after: 13...0-0! 14.Bxd5 Rad8 15.e4 Bxd5 [15...Bh3 16.Re1 Qxe5 17.Qb3 b6 18.f4 Qe7 19.a4 is slightly better for White.] 16.exd5 Qxe5 17.c4 b5 18.Re1 is unclear. 12.Nxe4 dxe4

Position after: 13...0-0 449

450

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 12...dxe4

Position after: 15...0-0

13.e3

This position is already slightly better for Black. Other things being equal, Black has a better pawn majority, which can be more easily launched than the opponent’s. White’s majority would have to be advanced at the price of weakening some squares. Hence, White must play accurately in order to avoid serious problems.

13.Bxe4? Bh3–+ 13...Nf3+ Other retreats would be a bit too passive. 14.Nxf3 14.Bxf3 exf3 15.Qa4+ Kf8 would give nothing to White. 14...exf3 15.Qxf3 0-0

16.Rfc1? A passive move that cannot be recommended. It will soon become clear that White cannot stop Black’s majority. It was better to try and launch the kingside majority instead. A) 16.Qxb7? Qxb7 17.Bxb7 Rab8 with a much better position for Black. B) 16.e4 is the most consistent continuation. The idea is to take risks by advancing the eand f-pawns.

451

452

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Without good moves available, you go for bad ones – an infamous truth.

16...Rab8 17.Qe4 This move was played with the primitive idea of 18.Bh3. Never go for “one move threats” if they are not part of a larger, good plan.

20.Rd1 Trying to find some counterplay on the open file was logical.

17.e4 was again a better option.

20...Rfd8 21.Rd1 Rxd1+ 22.Bxd1 Rd8

17...Qc7

Position after: 22...Rd8 Position after: 17...Qc7 18.Rc3? This move does nothing to stop Black’s majority. 18.f4, seizing the last chance to launch the kingside majority, was better. 18...b5! 19.a3 c4

Black is much better. His control over the open file is a new addition to the list of advantages. 23.Bf3 g6 24.Qc6 Qe5! Of course, Black centralises the queen, keeping the b5-pawn protected. Meanwhile, there are threats to the c3-rook and b2-pawn.

Black’s majority is fully activated, and he is much better.

25.Qe4 Qxe4

20.Bf3

Now Black allows the exchange – the b5pawn is not under attack. 26.Bxe4 453

454

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 27...Rd2 wins much more rapidly. 27.Kg2 a5 28.Rc2 b4 29.axb4 axb4 White’s position is hopeless. 30.Bf3 Rb1 31.Be2 b3!

Position after: 26.Bxe4 26...Rd1+? Perhaps this move was made automatically in order to prevent Kf1, with centralisation. 26...Bh3 was a much better choice. 27.Rc1 [27.f4 Rd1+ 28.Kf2 Rd2+–+; 27.Bf3 Rd2– +] 27...Rd2 Position after: 31...b3! 32.Rd2 32.Rc3 Rxb2 33.Bxc4 Rc2–+ 32...Rc1 33.Bd1 c3 Creating a passed pawn. Game over. Only a few technical issues remain in order to convert the endgame with an extra bishop. 34.bxc3 b2 35.Rxb2 Rxd1–+

455

456

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 35...Rxd1–+

Position after: 43...f5+

36.Rc2 Bf5 37.Rb2 Rc1 38.Rb3 Be4+ 39.Kh3

44.Kg3

39.f3 Rc2+–+

44.Kg5 Kg7 and ...Rh5# is inevitable. 44...Re2 45.Rc4 Rxe3+ 46.Kh4 Kg7 47.Rc7+ Kf6 48.Rd7 Bg2 49.Rd6+ Kg7

39...Rc2 40.f4 h5 With the idea to play directly for mate. 41.g4 hxg4+ 42.Kxg4 Rxh2 43.Rb4 f5+

White resigned without waiting to get mated. He lost the game without firing a single bullet. The reason is evident – he neglected Black’s majority and did nothing to launch his own. From the early middlegame right up to the end of the game, White played aimlessly, creating primitive threats and simply responding to the opponent’s plans. The punishment was ruthless. 0-1 Game 37 Erenburg – Murariu Las Palmas 2003

457

458

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 e6 6.Be3

Position after: 8.Nc3 8...a6 Position after: 6.Be3

8...cxd4 is also good.

6...Nbd7

9.dxc5!

Black protects the pawn, but finishes development in unnatural fashion – the knight belongs on c6. 6...cxd4 is more common. White can choose to play with an isolated pawn after 7.cxd4, which is the best option. [Or to recapture with the queen and give some tempi to Black after 7.Qxd4 Nc6 8.Qxd5 Nxd5.]

This move gains some tempi and gives White good chances to fight for the initiative. 9...Qxd1+ 9...Nxc5 10.Qxd6 Bxd6 11.0-0-0 must be better for White. [11.Rd1 is also promising.] 10.Rxd1 Bxc5 11.Bxc5 Nxc5

7.c4 White plays aggressively, making space for his knight on c3.

The first important moment in the game. White has many advantages: better development, more space, and a better majority.

7...Qd6 8.Nc3

459

460

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Far better than castling short. The king should be placed in the centre as the pawn majority may need support. The kingside rook is headed to d1.

Position after: 11...Nxc5 Still, the advantage is not significant. Black hasn’t made a single bad move yet. He is ready to place his king on e7 and finish development soon. In such situations, active play is extremely important. 12.b4! White tries to prevent Black’s natural development and to cause disharmony in Black’s camp.

Position after: 16.Kd2 16...a5 Trying to activate the rook on the a-file to get some play. 17.a3 axb4 18.axb4 Rd8 19.Rxd8 Kxd8 20.Kc2 Nb6 21.Nc3 Ke7 22.Rd1

12...Nfe4 13.Nb1 Very interesting and actually a logical continuation. Black is lacking space and hence White should avoid exchanges. Also, a tempo may soon be gained after attacking the e4-knight. 13...Na4 14.Rd4! Nf6 15.Be2 Ke7 16.Kd2 461

462

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 22.Rd1

Position after: 24.Kb3

After a series of natural moves, it becomes clear that White is much better due to the presence of a better majority and better development. Black loses his way with his very strange next move – the f2-pawn is actually untouchable.

24...h6 It is obvious that Black feels that he lacks good moves. Still, some are available. Why not 24...Bd7 ? 25.Ne5

22...Ng4 Black has no useful moves but this move is a waste of time. 22...Bd7 was natural and a far better move. 23.h3! Nf6

White gradually improves all of his pieces: the rook, then king and now time for the knight. Meanwhile, Black wastes time. 25...Nbd7

23...Nxf2? 24.Rf1+–

Following the good strategy of exchanging material in restricted positions.

24.Kb3

26.Nxd7 Bxd7

463

464

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

27...Be8 with 28...Nd7 would give Black some defensive chances. 28.Bf3 Rb8 28...Ra7 29.Na4+– 29.Ra1

Position after: 26...Bxd7 27.b5 White’s advantage is now concrete: activity, space and, of course, the better majority. Also, the black king is cut off from the queenside where a dangerous passed pawn will soon appear. White’s next move goes against Capablanca’s famous postulate about advancing a majority. However, this move restricts the black minor pieces (advancing the c-pawn would liberate the c6- and d5squares). The point is that Black cannot prevent the creation of a passed pawn. 27.Bf3 Bc6 28.Bxc6 bxc6 29.b5 also looks good, but the text move is definitely more dangerous. 27...b6? Black falls victim to an illusion. White’s majority cannot be stopped this way. The b6-pawn simply becomes exposed. 465

Position after: 29.Ra1 Taking control of the a-file, White plans a complete invasion. This is the result of Black’s bad 27th move – his rook was forced to leave the a-file. 29...Bc8 30.Ra7+ Nd7 31.Bc6 Paralysing Black’s pieces, White goes for the b6-pawn. The rest is a matter of technique. 31...f5 31...Kd8 32.Ne4+–

466

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

32.Na4 Kd6

Position after: 36.Rxb6 Position after: 32...Kd6 33.Bxd7 The simplest way to win. The trick to avoid was 33.Kb4? Ne5 and Black gets some chances. 33...Bxd7 34.Kb4 The game is over. 34...Ke7 34...Be8 35.Nxb6 – tactics serving strategy.

White is a pawn up. He has two connected and advanced passed pawns, so the rest is easy. 36...Rd8 37.Rb7 Kf6 38.Nc5 Be8 39.Rc7 1-0 Black resigned. A very instructive game on the topic of seizing the initiative and converting accumulated advantages without allowing the opponent to solve his problems. Game 38 Radulov – Pinter Pernik 1978 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4

35.Ra6 e5 36.Rxb6

467

468

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

We have instantly landed in an endgame. It looks like Black has done a good job – he has improved his pawn structure, placed the king in the centre... White’s position may look primitive, but he actually stands slightly better. Black’s king can be harassed by the white pieces, and the pawn structure is in White’s favour. White rapidly finishes development. 11.Bd2!

Position after: 5...Bb4 The game has transposed into the Scottish Defence. Black’s last move is one of the tested and main lines. 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.Bd3 d5 8.exd5 Qe7+ 9.Qe2 cxd5 10.Qxe7+ Kxe7

11.0-0 is too slow. Black is not obliged to capture on c3, which would be in White’s favour. The point is that the white king is far from the centre and one extra move would be needed to place both rooks on open files. 11...c6 12.0-0-0 Rd8 12...Re8 looks normal. After 13.Rhe1+ Kf8 14.Rxe8+ Kxe8 15.Na4 White looks good, but his advantage is not significant. 13.Na4

Position after: 10...Kxe7 469

470

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Black spent time on prophylaxis and did not finish development. White, fully developed, goes for action.

Position after: 13.Na4 White’s knight targets the c5-square. Also, if Black captures on d2, White improves the position of his rook – doubling will be faster.

Position after: 16...Nd7 17.c4!

13...Bd6 14.Be3

14.Rhe1+ was good now and on the previous move.

A very good solution. White destroys Black’s central pawn structure. Black is stuck between a rock and a hard place: play with an isolated c6-pawn or an isolated d5-pawn.

14...Kf8 15.h3

17...Bb4

Prophylaxis from both players.

This looks good, but it actually accelerates White’s development.

15...h6 16.Rhe1

A) 17...dxc4? 18.Be4! Bb4 19.Bxc6! with full domination for White.

Consistent; intending to occupy c5.

16.Bc5 Bxc5 17.Nxc5 Ke7 and the c5knight is unstable.

B) 17...Nf6 was a good move. 18.cxd5 Nxd5 19.Bc5

16...Nd7 White could not benefit form occupying the c5-square, but his position is still preferable. 471

472

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

This move almost forcingly leads to considerable exchanges. A) 20.Rde2 allows 20...Ba6!. B) 20.b3 dxc4 21.Bxc4 Nb6 22.Nc5 Nxc4 23.bxc4 Rxd2 24.Kxd2 Rd8+ 25.Kc3 Bc8 26.Rb1 is another good option for White. 20...Nb6 Of course, Black doesn’t allow that knight to be taken. 21.Nc5 Bc8 22.Bxc8 Raxc8 Position after: 19.Bc5

Black has got rid of his bad bishop, but White still has a better structure.

is evidently better for White, but Black’s weaknesses are still inaccessible. 18.Bd2 Bxd2+ 19.Rxd2 Bb7

Position after: 22...Raxc8 23.cxd5 cxd5 Position after: 19...Bb7 20.Bf5 473

Black goes for tactics, but there is nothing there. The d5-pawn is now more exposed. Also, it is very important that White’s majority on the queenside will lead to the 474

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

creation of an outside passed pawn. Every simplification now would clearly be in White’s favour – his goal is a pawn endgame, which would be easily winning. 23...Nxd5!? deserved attention. This is strategically a better option. 24.Rc2

Position after: 27.a4 White launches his majority. He allows Black to “gain” a tempo by attacking the knight. 27...Kd6 28.Nb7+ Ke5 29.a5! The point. Now the white king is closer to the centre while the black knight is under attack.

Position after: 24.Rc2

29...Rxc2+ 30.Kxc2 Nc8

24...Re8

The endgame is in White’s favour. The opportunity to create an outside passed pawn is the most important positional factor.

24...Nc4 25.Nd3² 25.Rxe8+ Kxe8 25...Rxe8 26.b3! taking control of c4, making space for the king, and intending a4a5. 26.b3 Ke7 27.a4

475

476

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 30...Nc8

Position after: 32.b4

White first centralises his king.

Of course.

31.Kd3 f5

32...g5?

Black goes for direct counterplay on the kingside, but this plan cannot be good. White is simply faster on the queenside.

This was probably the last moment to try 32...d4.

31...d4, with the idea to place the king on d5, was more logical. Perhaps Black was afraid of 32.Kc4. This position must be analysed carefully, as both sides have many tempi to spare. 32.b4

33.b5 h5 Black carelessly plays on the kingside. He thinks the white majority is stopped. However, White has an interesting possibility that Black missed... 34.Nd8! The knight creates threats in two directions: against the a7- and g5-pawns, both with checks. 34...g4

477

478

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 34...g4

Position after: 36.g3

35.hxg4?

36...Kd6

35.h4 was better 35...f4 36.a6 Kd6 [36...d4 37.Nc6+ Kd5 38.Nxa7 Nxa7 39.b6 wins.] 37.Kd4 and White wins after activating the king.

36...d4 is useless now. 37.Nc6+ Kd5 38.Nxd4 Kc5 39.b6 axb6 40.axb6 Nxb6 41.Nxf5 wins easily. 37.Kd4 Ne7 38.Nf7+

35...hxg4? Black returns the favour. He probably wanted to be able to protect both pawns with the king. 35...fxg4 was correct. After 36.g3 d4 37.Nc6+ Kd5 38.Nxd4 Kc5 the game would probably have been drawn. White is unable to make progress.

The last precise manoeuvre. The knight is used to deflect the king! 38...Ke6 38...Kc7 39.Ke5+– 39.Kc5!

36.g3

479

480

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 39.Kc5!

Position after: 41...Kg7

39...d4

42.Kxd4! Kxh7 43.Kc5!

39...Kxf7 40.b6 axb6+ 41.axb6 Ng8 42.b7 Nf6 43.Kc6 wins.

Game over. 43...Nc8 44.Kc6 f4 45.Kd7 fxg3 46.fxg3 Nb6+ 47.axb6 1-0

40.Ng5+! The most precise. Before taking the d4pawn, White deflects the black king further. 40...Kf6 41.Nh7+ Kg7

Black resigned. A very important game to explore the benefits of a majority. Even without being that distant, the majority was a decisive positional factor in the endgame. Game 39 Ivkov – Taimanov Belgrade 1956 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Bg5 e6 7.Qd2 Be7 8.0-0-0 0-0

481

482

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 8...0-0

Position after: 12.e5

Rauzer’s Attack was one of the most popular openings in the middle of the 20th century.

A very popular move, which had already been well studied in those years.

9.f4 Nxd4 10.Qxd4 h6 11.Bh4 Qa5

12...dxe5 13.Qxe5

Black has the idea to play 12...e5, this move will free his position.

White transfers into an endgame, which must be more or less in his favour.

White’s reaction is logical.

13.fxe5 is bad in view of 13...Rd8 14.Qe3 Rxd1+ 15.Nxd1 Ng4.

12.e5

13...Qxe5 14.fxe5 Nd5 15.Bxe7 Nxe7 16.Bd3

483

484

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 16.Bd3

Position after: 18...Bb7

Some of the greatest players of that period had differing opinions about this position. Bronstein stated that the last move is not precise because it allows 16...Bd7 – the pawn has already advanced to h6, so 17.Bh7 will not lead to the loss of a pawn.

19.Rd7 Bxe4 20.Nxe4 [20.Rxe4 Nc6] 20...Nc6 with an OK position for Black.

16...Bd7?! Taimanov decided to follow Bronstein’s recommendation. Boleslavsky, by the way, stated that 16...b6 is the only good move for Black. He gave the line 17.Be4 Rb8 18.Rhe1 Bb7

485

17.Bh7+! In this interesting theoretical clash, Ivkov will convincingly prove that Boleslavsky was right. Nonetheless, very precise play was needed to prove it. White swaps his weak e5pawn for the b7-pawn in return for dominating on the 7th rank. 17...Kxh7 18.Rxd7 Nc6 19.Rxb7 Nxe5

486

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 19...Nxe5

Position after: 22...Rc8

20.Re1

Black consistently offers the exchange, and...

This move was Ivkov’s improvement. The rook is transferred to the queenside with tempo.

23.Nb5

20.Nb5 was played previously, but after 20...Rab8, Black usually proved that White has nothing.

23...Rab8?!

White allows it, but on his own terms.

Black actually isn’t threatening to take the white knight.

20...f6 24.Ra3 20...Ng4 21.Ne4!? underlines the problems with the g4-knight. There is the threat of the simple 22.h3. After 21...Nxh2 22.Nf2 f5 [22...h5? 23.Rh1+–] 23.Rxe6 is bad for Black. 21.Re3

A very fine move. 24...a5 25.Rxc8 25.Rxa5? Rxb5–+ 25...Rxc8

21.Re4 must be more precise... 21...Rfb8 22.Rc7 Rc8 487

488

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

Position after: 25...Rxc8

Position after: 27...e5

26.Nd4

It looks like White has achieved nothing and that his initiative is gone. However, Ivkov spotted a very fine tactic in this position...

26.Rxa5 Nd3+ 27.Kb1 [27.Kd2 Nxb2] 27...Ne1 leads to unclear play. Three connected pawns are not as dangerous as two – usually there is not enough time to advance all of them! 26...Nc4 Black saves one pawn with tempo. On his next move, he saves another one.

28.b3! An excellent and very practical decision. White offers Black three (!) different types of endgames to choose from: rook, knight or pawn endgame. All of them are clearly in White’s favour. Black goes for knights. 28.Nb3 a4 29.Nd2 Nb6 leads to a doubleedged endgame.

27.Rc3 e5 28...Nd6 A) The pawn endgame after 28...exd4 29.Rxc4 Rxc4 30.bxc4 is lost for Black. The game could continue: 30...Kg6 31.Kb2! Kf5 32.Ka3 Ke6 33.Ka4 Kd6 34.Kb5 with an obvious win.

489

490

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

B) The rook endgame after 28...exd4 29.Rxc4

Position after: 30.Nc6 White is almost winning due to the distance of his pawns and better majority. White’s king and knight are also better placed. 30...a4 In practice, the best. 31.bxa4! White is not afraid of disconnecting his pawns. Black has problems stopping this apawn. 31...Kg6 32.a5 Kf7 33.a6 Ke6 34.a7 Nb6

Position after: 29.Rxc4 29...Rd8 [29...Re8 30.Rxd4 Re2 31.Rd2 is also winning for White.] 30.Rc5 is hopeless for Black. 29.Rxc8 Nxc8 30.Nc6

Position after: 34...Nb6 The last moves were natural. 35.Nb4 Kd6 36.c4 Kc5 37.Nd5 Na8 38.Ne3

491

492

Pawn Majorities (Games 36-39)

38.Kd2

Position after: 41.g4! Position after: 38.Kd2 was perhaps more precise, but this move could easily be missed. Black is unable to play 38...Kb6. 38...Kxc4 39.Ne3+ Kc5 40.Nf5 Kb6 41.Nxg7 Kxa7 42.Nf5 h5 43.h4 would give White two outside passed pawns on both flanks.

This move fixes a target on h6. 41...Nxc4 42.Nf5 e4 43.Nxh6 Ne5 44.h4 The fastest win. 44...Kb6 45.h5 Kc5 46.Kd2

38...Kb6 39.Nf5 Kxa7 40.Nxg7 Nb6 41.g4!

493

494

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 46.Kd2 46...Kd5 46...Kd4 47.Nf5++–

Isolated Pawns Game 40 Botvinnik – Zagoriansky Sverdlovsk 1943

47.Nf5! Nf3+ 47...Nxg4 48.Ne3+!+– 48.Ke2 Ng5 49.h6

1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 e6 3.b3 Nf6 4.Bb2 Be7 5.e3 0-0 6.Nc3 c5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Nxd5 exd5 9.d4

Black resigned. An interesting theoretical debate. Ivkov realised his advantage in a very interesting and educational manner. 1-0

Position after: 9.d4 9...cxd4 Black reached a crossroads – he had to decide whether to play with an isolated pawn, or a pair of hanging pawns. Zagoriansky opted for the former. Another possibility is 9...b6!?. 10.Qxd4 Even if not forced to recapture with the queen, it’s a good decision. In a position with an isolated black pawn on d5, his dark495

496

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

squared bishop is usually his most valuable piece. The text move practically forces its exchange. A) 10.Nxd4? Bb4+µ B) 10.Bxd4? Bb4+µ 10...Bf6 11.Qd2

Position after: 14...Qa5 Black can only watch White gradually improve his position. Black can do nothing against White’s occupation of the d4-square and the permanent pressure on the weak d5pawn. Position after: 11.Qd2

15.Rfd1 Rad8 16.Rd2 Rd7 17.Rad1 Rfd8 18.h3 h6 19.Ne5!

11...Nc6 11...Be7 keeps the bishops on the board but loses time. Furthermore, the bishop on b2 would be a much better piece than its counterpart. 12.Be2 Be6 13.0-0 Bxb2 14.Qxb2 Qa5 A typical position where the side with the isolated pawn has no compensation for the defect in their pawn structure. There is neither a knight installed on e4, nor an attack on the kingside. 497

498

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 19.Ne5!

Position after: 24...a5

Key to White’s strategy – eliminating the black pieces that control the important d4square. After the exchange, White will fully control d4.

Everything is clear – White has a significant, long-lasting advantage. On the other hand, Black has only one weakness – the d5-pawn. One typical plan in such positions is to exploit the pin. This is very difficult to achieve, because the d7-rook is well protected. Even if achieved, after the moves e4 and exd5, the pawn would be firmly blocked by a rook on d6 and the white pieces would be passive and restricted because they protect the d5-pawn. Botvinnik goes for another approach. Instead of trying to collect the weak d5-pawn, he decides to use the fact that the opponent’s pieces are so passive. Hence, he decides to attack the opponent’s king. There is a clear positional basis to this solution: he who dominates in the centre can organise an attack on a flank.

19...Nxe5 20.Qxe5 Qc5 21.Bf3 b6 22.Qb2 Rc8 23.Qe5 Don’t rush. Black is lacking counterplay and White can attempt various plans in order to convert. 23...Rcd8 24.Rd4 a5

25.g4! Qc6 26.g5 499

500

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Of course, White could bring another pawn to the attack (h-pawn) but he felt that the gfile should be opened for his major pieces.

31...Qe5 32.Rg1 Rf8 33.Qh6

26...hxg5 27.Qxg5 f6 What else? Black opens the 7th rank for the rook to protect the endangered king. 28.Qg6 Bf7 29.Qg3

Position after: 33.Qh6 Attacking the b6-pawn and creating threats on the h-file. 33...Rb8 34.Rh4 Kf8 35.Qh8+ Bg8 36.Rf4 Rbb7 Position after: 29.Qg3

36...d4 would not give counterplay. After 37.Rg5 Rf7 38.Bh5 White wins.

29...f5?

37.Rg5 Rf7

Black even wants to use the 6th rank, bringing the queen to the defence. However, the e5- and g5-squares will be desperately weak. 30.Qg5 Qe6 31.Kh1 White starts transferring the rooks to the gand h-files.

501

502

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Black resigned. He lost the game without being able to fire a single bullet. This was a consequence of not having counterplay in a position with an isolated pawn. White achieved a nice position against an isolated pawn by exchanging some very important pieces – the f6-knight and the dark-squared bishop. As a result of having a safe kingside, White patiently built pressure on the weak d5-pawn while firmly controlling the most important square: d4. When the time was right, he launched a direct attack against the black king. Position after: 37...Rf7

Game 41 Karpov – Sokolov Brussels 1988

38.Qh5 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.d4 Be7 5.g3 0-0 6.Bg2 Nbd7 7.Qd3

38.Bh5 also wins. 38...Qa1+ 39.Kg2 g6 40.Qxg6 Bh7 41.Qd6+ Rfe7 42.Qd8+ 1-0

The game started with a Catalan. With his next move, Black changes the situation in the centre in an uncommon way.

Position after: 42.Qd8+ 503

504

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 7.Qd3 Now, and on previous moves, ...dxc4 was a more common option.

attacking the opponent’s exposed pieces (queen, knight, bishop...). With his next move, White goes for the initiative. The idea is to ruin Black’s pawn structure.

7...c5 8.cxd5 Nxd5

12.Bg5 Nbd5

8...exd5 9.0-0 c4 [9...h6 10.Bf4] 10.Qc2 and all lines give a small but stable advantage to White due to the weakness of the d5-pawn.

Black allows the ruining of his pawn structure. He is ready to play with an isolated pawn.

9.0-0 Nb4 10.Qb1

12...h6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.Ne4 Qe7 15.Nxc5 Qxc5

Of course, the queen can retreat to d1. However, this spot is for the rook. The text move should be more precise. 10...Nf6 11.dxc5 Bxc5

Position after: 15...Qxc5

Position after: 11...Bxc5 White is obviously slightly better because of better piece coordination and his ultrapowerful “Catalan” g2-bishop. Moreover, White will soon gain some tempi by 505

would have kept the pawn structure intact, but other problems would have formed. Black will be behind in development and White can still gain some tempi. It will be very difficult for Black to activate his queenside pieces in a promising way. 13.Nxd5 exd5 14.Qc2 Bb6

506

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 14...Bb6

Position after: 19.Qd3

15.Rad1?!

19...Bxf3!?

It looks like the more logical 15.Rfd1 should be played.

This is a questionable decision, but other options are hardly better. Black leads the game into a knight vs. bishop endgame where he is playing only for a draw – the bishop is a much better piece and pressure on the weak d5-pawn will be constant. Otherwise, White can install a knight on d4 after exchanging the dark-squared bishops, which would also be very unpleasant for Black.

15...h6 16.Bf4 Re8 17.Be5 A fine move. White is ready to establish a strong blockade on d4 with the bishop. Or, even better, to exchange the powerful b6bishop. 17.Nd4 is not good enough because after 17...Bg4 18.h3 Rc8 Black gets active play.

20.Bxf3 Bxd4 21.Qxd4 Qa5 22.a3 Rc2 17...Bg4 18.Bd4 Rc8 19.Qd3

507

508

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 22...Rc2

Position after: 26...Rxc2

Black has got some counterplay and has achieved a lot. His defensive plan is actually to transfer the game into a rook endgame after losing the d5-pawn. He hopes that, even with a pawn down, he will be able to hold due to an active rook on the 2nd rank. Karpov’s next plan looks natural and convincing – he neutralises Black’s activity on the 2nd rank.

27.b4! Advancing the b-pawn, White allows Black to capture the a-pawn. As a result of this operation, the b7-pawn will be left unprotected. The alternative 27.e4 only leads to equality. 27...Ra2 28.Bxd5 Nxd5 29.Qxd5 Qxd5 30.Rxd5 Rxa3 31.Rd8+ Kh7 32.Rd7

23.e3! a6 23...Rec8 was definitely better. The rook is doing nothing on the e-file, and there was probably no need to advance the a-pawn at all. 24.Rfe1 Rec8 25.Re2 Qb5 26.Rxc2 Rxc2

509

510

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 32.Rd7

Position after: 35...Rb2

Black loses a pawn. Of course, he protects the f-pawn – Black must not allow White to create two connected passed pawns.

36.Rb6!

32...f5

36...g6 37.Kf3 Ra2 38.e4!

32...Kg6 should be preferred, activating the king and not compromising the kingside pawn structure.

Exchanging material but activating the king.

Preventing 36...a5!.

38...fxe4+ 39.Kxe4

33.Rxb7 h5?! It is understandable that Black wants to advance the pawns with the idea of exchanging as many of them as possible. But still, this move creates holes. 34.Kg2 White also activates his king. 34...Ra2 35.h3 Rb2

511

512

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 41.Ra6 White’s king is close to the passed pawn. Black’s king is out of play. The game is decided. 41...Rxf2 A) 41...Rb2 42.b6 a3 43.Kd5 a2 44.Kc6+– B) 41...a3 42.Kd5+– 42.b6 h4 A desperate attempt to find counterplay. Position after: 39.Kxe4

43.gxh4! Kh6 44.Kd5

With an active king, White is winning. 39...a5? 39...Rxf2 was the best try. After 40.Rxa6 Rb2 41.Rb6 White still has some work to do. 40.b5 a4 41.Ra6

Position after: 44.Kd5 44...Rf5+ 44...Kh5 45.Rxa4+– 45.Kc6 Rf6+ 46.Kb5 Rf5+ 47.Kxa4 Rf4+ 48.Kb5 Rf5+ 49.Kc6 Rf6+ 50.Kc7 Rf7+ 513

514

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

51.Kb8 1-0 Game 42 Andersson – Tal Malmo 1983 1.Nf3 d5 2.d4 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nc3 h6

Position after: 10.0-0 10...dxc4 Black logically prepares the opening of the position for his bishop pair. 11.Bxc4 e5 12.Bb3 A) Exchanging with 12.dxe5 gives White nothing. After 12...Nxe5 13.Nxe5 Bxe5 Black is already slightly better.

Position after: 5...h6 6.Bxf6 Ulf Andersson was a great expert in closed positions, so it is no wonder he chose this peaceful line, bringing him a small but stable advantage. It seems like a dynamic player such as Tal should opt for something more suited to his style. Andersson must have been happy with the opening.

B) 12.d5 is also not good 12...Nb6 13.Bb3 e4! and Black achieves good play. 12...exd4

6...Bxf6 7.e3 0-0 8.Rc1 c6 9.Bd3 Nd7 10.0-0 515

516

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 12...exd4

Position after: 14.Qd2!

13.exd4

Andersson always had a great sense of harmony. He predicts that the ideal square for his queen will be f4 – from there it will create threats on both flanks.

This is good. White cannot organise a kingside attack like in typical isolated pawn positions. Also, White cannot organise a stable outpost for his pieces on c5 or e5. An important fact, however, is that Black cannot create a firm blockade on the d5-square. The knight is forced to go to b6, which is unnatural in this setup. Perhaps most importantly, the b3-bishop cannot be neutralised – the pressure it puts on the f7pawn is very dangerous and Black needs to tread carefully. Avoiding the isolation of the d-pawn is not good. 13.Nxd4 Nc5 14.Bc2 Qb6 and Black has solid play on the dark squares while White’s minor pieces are restricted.

14...Nb6 15.Rfe1 Rxe1+ 15...Bg4 will be met by 16.Rxe8+ Qxe8 17.Re1 followed by 18.Ne5. 16.Rxe1 Bg4 17.Ne5 Bxe5 18.Rxe5

13...Re8 14.Qd2!

517

518

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 18.Rxe5

Position after: 21.Ne4

After some exchanges, Black no longer has the bishop pair advantage and still the strength of the b3-bishop is more important than the presence of an isolated pawn. White’s pieces are active and perfectly centralised, while Black has not finished development. The d4-pawn, although isolated, is not weak – it cannot be properly attacked. Furthermore, the white queen will go to f4 and the knight to e4 and later c5 or d6, putting more pressure on Black’s position. Black decides to transfer the knight to f6, to protect the f7-pawn – it is clear that Black lost time in the early middlegame.

After exchanging knights, White steers the game towards various types of endgames, with a dominating bishop in all of them. He is not afraid of exchanging material. Black will have problems with the f7-pawn and weak dark squares on the queenside. 21...Nxe4 22.Rxe4 Qf8 23.Qf4 Re8

18...Nd7 19.Re3 Nf6 20.h3 Bd7 21.Ne4

519

520

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 23...Re8

25...a5?

Black consistently continues to exchange passive pieces for active ones. Generally, that is a good strategy. The resulting endgame should be theoretically holdable for Black. However, in practical chess, it is very unpleasant indeed. The isolated pawn is not weak, while Black’s queenside pawns can be targeted. White has the possibility to play without risk, patiently improving, while Black must play accurately and keep an eye on White’s numerous threats.

And Tal immediately errs. 25...b6 26.Qc7 Be6 27.Qxa7 Bxb3 28.axb3 Qe4 leads to an equal position. White would certainly be forced to find another way to support the initiative. 26.Qc7!

24.Rxe8 Qxe8 25.Kh2!

Position after: 26.Qc7! 26...Qe4!

Position after: 25.Kh2! A very good move and a very useful approach. Moving the king “in advance”, White eliminates counterplay related to a check on e1. White also gives more choice to Black, which is a kind of psychological pressure. 521

26...Be6 is not helpful: 27.Qxb7 Bxb3 28.Qxb3 and Black’s position is bad. He must suffer for a long time in the endgame, and that without any counterplay. 27.Bxf7+ Kxf7 28.Qxd7+ Kg8 There is a threat of perpetual. How should White avoid it?

522

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

29.Kg3

Position after: 31...b5 Position after: 29.Kg3 Simply! The king goes to meet the enemy queen. 29...Qd3+ 30.f3 Qd2 31.b3 Black’s queenside pawns are in danger, while White has secured his king’s position.

White should try and collect Black’s pawns on the queenside or to create a passed pawn in some other way. He must also constantly be wary of perpetuals. The first task is centralisation. White makes a few checks to get closer to the time control on move 40. 32.Qe6+ Kh8 33.Qe8+ Kh7 34.Qe4+ Kh8 35.Qe8+ Kh7 36.Qe4+ Kh8

31...b5

523

524

Isolated Pawns (Games 40-42)

Position after: 36...Kh8

Position after: 43.Qxa5

37.a4

White is definitely winning now.

A fine move.

43...Qd6+ 44.Kf2 Qd4+ 45.Ke2 Qb2+ 46.Qd2 Qxb3

37.Qxc6 Qg5+ [37...Qxa2 38.Qxb5; 37...Qxd4 38.Qxb5] 38.Kh2 Qf4+ 39.Kh1 Qxd4 40.Qa8+ Kh7 41.Qe4+ was another plan to win the game.

Trying to find a draw in a lost pawn endgame. 47.Qd3+ Qxd3+ 48.Kxd3 Kg6 49.Ke4 Kf6 50.f4 h5 51.f5

37...Qc3 37...Qg5+ was better, but the endgame is still winning for White: 38.Kh2 Qf6 39.h4 with patient progress on the kingside looks very bad for Black. 38.Qe8+ Kh7 39.Qe4+ Kh8 40.axb5 cxb5 41.Qe8+ Kh7 42.Qxb5 Qxd4 43.Qxa5

Black resigned. This game introduced some uncommon properties and demonstrated ways in which the side having the isolated pawn can seize the initiative. Black lacked harmony and could not easily neutralise White’s forces. Many pieces were exchanged, but the last remaining minor piece, the lightsquared bishop, was the most powerful piece of them all. Making only one visible mistake on move 25 (which was not even that big a mistake), Black was shown no mercy.

525

526

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

1-0 Backward Pawns Game 43 Polgar – Anand Wijk aan Zee 1998 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e5 7.Nf3 Be7 The correct move order. 7...Be6 8.Ng5!² 8.Bc4 0-0 9.0-0 Be6

Position after: 9...Be6 10.Qe2 White’s idea is clear, she wants to firmly occupy the d5-square. 10...b5 11.Bb3 Bxb3

527

528

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

This was later evaluated as a bad move, helping White occupy d5... However, it is not clear whether Black has a better option. A) 11...Nbd7? 12.Bxe6 fxe6 13.Ng5+–

reach an endgame with a knight against Black’s dark-squared bishop. 14...Rfc8

B) 11...Nc6 12.Rfd1² 12.axb3

Position after: 14...Rfc8

Position after: 12.axb3 Doubling the pawns is not a bad thing for White at all. The opened a-file can be an important factor. 12...Nbd7 13.Rfd1 Qc7 13...h6 would prevent White’s next move but 14.Nh4! would be very unpleasant for Black.

Black’s counterplay involves play on the cfile. 15.Ne1! Excellent move. This knight was without prospects on f3. After the retreat to e1, the knight protects the c2-pawn, making ...b4 less dangerous. White also has some strategically dangerous manoeuvres in mind, such as Ne1-d3-b4-d5 and Ne1-c2(g2)-e3-d5!

14.Bg5 15...Qb7 16.Bxf6 Nxf6 17.Nd5 White simply follows the same strategy: fight for the outpost on d5. White’s dream is to

529

Consistent, Polgar eliminates the black pieces that were controlling the d5-square. 530

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

17...Nxd5 18.Rxd5 Rc5 19.Rad1 Rxd5 20.Rxd5

Position after: 23...Rc5 24.Rd1 Position after: 20.Rxd5 20...Rc8 Black could try 20...b4, although after 21.g3 with the idea of transferring the knight to c4, Black will be in trouble.

Of course, White doesn’t allow an exchange on d5. That square is for a piece, not a pawn! 24.Rxc5 was not as good, because White will lose the chance to make a breakthrough on the queenside. 24...a5 25.Nc2

21.c3 This move prepares the activation of the e1knight. Also, White gets ready to block the position on the queenside. 21...b4

The knight comes to d5 and Black cannot prevent it. Smooth sailing for White. 25...Kg7 26.Qd3 Rc6 27.Ne3 Qc8 28.Kg2 Qe6 29.Qe2 Bd8 30.Nd5

Black hoped this blockade would be in his favour, but White actually has another resource. 22.c4 g6 23.g3 Rc5

531

532

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 30.Nd5

Position after: 35.h4

The first phase of Polgar’s plan is over – her knight has reached d5. Black’s a5- and d6pawns are well protected. Hence, White must play on the kingside. Meanwhile, Black must keep an eye on c4-c5.

Finally, after some preparation, Judit goes for active kingside play.

30...Rc5 31.Qe3 Be7 32.Rd3 Bd8 33.Qd2 Rc6 34.Qd1 Kg8 35.h4

35...Kg7 Black should have stopped the advance of White’s h-pawn by playing 35...h5 himself. Serious efforts would be required in order to make progress on the kingside – opening the position could lead to problems to do with the white king’s safety. 36.h5 Bg5 37.Qf3 Rc8 38.Rd1 Rc6 39.Qe2 Rc8 40.Rh1 Kg8 How to proceed? What’s the plan? 41.f3! White vacates the second rank for the queen. It can be placed either on h2 with mating ideas, or on f2 from where it would prepare the advances c5 and f4.

533

534

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

41...Rb8 42.Qf2 Rb7 43.hxg6

Position after: 46.Qe1 Position after: 43.hxg6

44.c5!

43...fxg6

The black king’s shelter is damaged after the disappearance of the f-pawn. Hence, White wants to attack it from the centre.

A) 43...hxg6 is bad. After 44.Qg1 f5 [If 44...Bf6 45.Qh2 Bg7 46.Qh4 with a win.] 45.Qh2 Bf6 46.Qh6 Bg7 47.Qg5 Black’s position must be lost.

44...dxc5 45.Qxc5 Bd8 46.Rc1

B) 43...Qxg6 even makes the f5-square weak. 44.Ra1! Bd8 45.Ne3 Bb6 46.Qe1 and Black’s position is in ruins.

535

536

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 46.Rc1 Strategically, White has convincingly outplayed Black.

53...g5 aiming for some play on the kingside was more resistant. Still, 54.Rb7 is very unpleasant. 54.Qe3+ Bg5 55.f4!

46...Kf7 47.Qe3! Very nice. White doubles on the c-file with the rook in front of the queen. 47...Kg7 48.Rc4 Rd7 49.Qc1 h5 50.Rc6 Rd6 51.Rc8 Qd7 52.Qc5

Position after: 55.f4! After this move, the game is over. 55...exf4 56.Rh8+ Black resigned. Position after: 52.Qc5 Triumph of a good strategy. White’s pieces are dominant. 52...Kh6 53.Rb8 53.Ra8 with the idea of 54.Ra7 looks even more precise.

The variation is beautiful: 56.Rh8+ Kg7 57.Qd4+ Bf6 58.Qxf6+ Rxf6 59.Rh7+ Kxh7 60.Nxf6+ Kg7 61.Nxd7+– 1-0 Game 44 Geller – Bolbochan Stockholm 1962 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e5

53...Bf6

537

538

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 6...e5

Position after: 10.Qd2

Boleslavsky’s line. With this move, Black eliminates the threat of White’s kingside attack – he is ready to capture on f4 if necessary. The game will continue in a rather positional manner – Black has weakened the d5-square but wants to use the c-file for active play.

10...b6

7.Nb3 Be7 8.0-0 0-0 9.Be3 Qc7 10.Qd2

11.Rfd1 Be6 12.a4

This line was very popular in the early ‘60s. Thanks to Geller’s efforts, White’s next move became the most dangerous reply during those years. 10...b5 was also possible.

A good move, preventing ...b5. White’s knight on b3 is not needed. Hence, Black does not capture the knight as the e6-bishop is an important piece. 12...Nbd7 13.f3 Qb7

539

540

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 16.Nd5! 16...Nxd5 [16...Bxd5 is worse as 17.exd5 e4 18.f4 gives a clear edge to White due to the weaknesses on b5 and c6.] 17.exd5 Bf5 18.Bb5 leads to trouble for Black. 16.Nb4

Position after: 13...Qb7 14.Nc1! Geller’s revolutionary idea. The knight heads to the d5-square. 14...Rfd8 15.N1a2 Nc5 15...a5 16.Nd5!

Position after: 16.Nb4 16...a5? That was unnecessary. The knight will jump to d5, even without being attacked. Black probably wanted to secure his own knight on c5. However, that is only an illusion – White will eventually be able to advance c3 and b4. 17.Nbd5 Nxd5 18.Nxd5 Bxd5 19.Qxd5 Qxd5 20.Rxd5 g6

541

542

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 20...g6

Position after: 26...Nc5

The situation has stabilised. Black has dimmed White’s initiative in the centre by exchanging material. He hopes that his knight can compensate for the positional defects. White has established firm control over d5 and has the bishop pair advantage. The light-squared bishop is the most powerful. So, White wants to advance some pawns onto dark squares in order to support it. Placing pawns on c3 and g3, White patiently prepares the opening of the position with the moves b4 and f4.

27.Ra1 Preparing the move b4 while having the manoeuvre Ra1-a3-b3 in mind. 27...Bf8 28.Bd3 Giving Black the “opportunity” to get rid of White’s bishop pair. 28...Be7 29.Ra2 Rbc8 30.Ra3 Ra7

21.c3 Ra7 22.Bb5 Rb8 23.Rad1 Kg7 24.Kf1 White has fully activated his pieces. It is now time for the king. 24...Rc7 25.Ke2 Ne6 26.g3 Nc5

543

544

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 30...Ra7

Position after: 34...Be7

The point is that White can patiently play on both flanks. He first attempted to make a breakthrough on the queenside. Black defended well, and so White switches to the kingside. The f4-advance is on the agenda. In positions where the opponent has no active play, always try and breakthrough with piece play first, and then switch to pawn play if needed. In essence, you have two bullets. If you start with pawn play, it is impossible to switch back to option one.

Comparing this position to the previous diagram, it looks like White has achieved nothing. Formally speaking, this is correct. However, White tried piece play on the queenside and now he knows what to do: progress must be made on the kingside. Searching for the correct plan when your opponent has no counterplay is not a waste of time. White predicts that Black will take on f4 so White retreats the king to the g-file – after the exchanges on f4, he wants to be ready to play e5.

31.Bb5 Rb8 32.Ra1 Rc7 33.Rad1 Bf8 34.Bf2 Be7

35.Kf1 Bf8 36.Kg2 Be7 37.Re1 Ne6 38.Be3 Ra7 39.Rd2

545

546

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 39.Rd2

Position after: 41.f4!

Patient play will lead to success. Black has had enough of waiting for White to act and tries active play for himself...

That is the point. White fixes the f5-pawn. Black’s next move is forced as the e-file must stay closed. However, the e4-pawn will be in danger because White will prepare the g4advance.

39...f5? ...which is suicide. There was no reason to help White open the position.

41...e4 42.h3 Straightforward attacking...

40.exf5 gxf5 41.f4! 42...h5 43.Rd5 Kg6 44.g4

547

548

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 44.g4

Position after: 45.Be8+!

44...Rf8 44...hxg4 45.hxg4 Rf8 46.Rh1 is even worse. Now 46...fxg4? 47.f5+ Rxf5 48.Be8+ Kf6 49.Rh6+ would be a disaster.

45...Rxe8 46.gxf5+ Kf6 47.fxe6 Kxe6 48.Rxh5 is winning. Black’s mini f5-e4 pawn chain is destroyed and all of his pawns are now weak. With an extra pawn and more active pieces, White has a winning position.

45.gxh5+?

45...Kxh5

White returns the favour, missing a much better option. The surprising 45.Be8+!

White obviously lost a significant part of his advantage. More efforts are required. 46.Kh2 Nc7 47.Be2+ Kh6 48.Rd2 Rb7 49.Bc4!

549

550

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 49.Bc4!

Position after: 55.Rg3

There will be threats on the g-file and the positional threat of infiltrating the lightsquared bishop. Being almost paralysed, Black goes for active play by sacrificing a pawn and transferring into a clear rook endgame.

White’s rooks are very active and prevent the activation of the opponent’s rooks. The king goes to block the e-pawn. 55...Rc4 56.Rg5 e3 57.Kf3! Re6 57...Re4 58.Rdxf5!

49...d5 50.Bxd5 Nxd5 51.Rxd5 Bc5 52.Re2? 52.Bxc5 bxc5 53.Re2 was obviously a better option to exchange bishops. 52...Bxe3 53.Rxe3 Rf6 54.Kg2 Rc7 55.Rg3

551

552

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 58.Rdxf5! 58...Rfe6 [58...Rxf5 59.Kxe4 e2 60.Rg1; 58...e2 59.Rxf6+ Kh7 60.Rf7+ Kh8 61.Kxe4 e1=Q+ 62.Kf5+–] 59.Ke2 Rxa4 [59...Rxf4 60.Rxf4 Kxg5 61.Rf3+–] 60.Rh5+ Kg7 61.Rfg5+ Kf7 62.Rh7+ should lead to a win. 58.Rg2 Rxa4 59.Rxf5

Position after: 61.Rg4 60.Re5! White eliminates Black’s last hope. After losing the e3-pawn, Black will be without counterplay. 60...Rf6 Black must keep the rooks. Position after: 59.Rxf5 59...Rc4?

61.Re4 Rc5 62.Rxe3 Rh5 63.Rg3 Rb5 64.Re2 a4

A strange move. The rook becomes useless. 59...Ra1 was a better chance. After 60.Re5 Rf6 61.Rg4 Black still has practical drawing chances.

553

554

Backward Pawns (Games 43-44)

Position after: 64...a4

Position after: 67.Ke4!

65.Reg2

However, Black is unable to get his way.

65.h4 with the idea of Rg5 was also good.

67...Rxa3 68.f5 Rf7

65...a3!

68...b5 69.Rg8+–

Good try. Exchanging pawns is a good idea. Black targets an endgame with R+f+h against R, which is known to be drawish with precise play.

69.Rg6+ Kh7 70.R2g5

66.bxa3 Rb3 67.Ke4!

555

556

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 70.R2g5

Pawn Weaknesses

Now it is definitely winning for White. 70...Ra4+ 71.Ke5 Rh4 72.f6 Rxh3 73.Rg7+ Rxg7 74.Rxg7+ Kh6 75.Rg8 Rf3 76.c4 Kh7 77.Rg7+ Kh6 78.Rg4 b5

Game 45 Marshall – Capablanca New York 1927 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bf5 5.Ng3 Bg6

Position after: 78...b5 The last trick.

Position after: 5...Bg6

79.c5!

Marshall was recognised as one of the most dangerous attackers of the first quarter of the 20th century, while Capablanca was recognised as the greatest expert of the CaroKann. So, their clash was predicted to be a very interesting and tense game. Marshall’s next move was a first step in that direction...

Of course not 79.cxb5? Rb3 with a draw! 79...Re3+ 80.Kf5 Black resigned. A very tense game. White’s patient realisation should be carefully studied, despite the few mistakes he made due to miscalculation.

6.f4?! The idea is to establish a so-called “Morphy’s knight” (a knight on e5 supported by pawns on d4 and f4) and to trap the g6-bishop.

1-0

557

558

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

6...e6 7.Nf3 Bd6 8.Bd3

Position after: 11...Rd8 Position after: 8.Bd3 Imprecise. Advancing the f-pawn should be connected with chasing the g6-bishop. Instead, White exchanges it. Without the light-squared bishop, Black may exploit the light-squared weaknesses. 8...Ne7 This move may look strange to a beginner, but the f5-square is very important and Capablanca is fighting for it. In fact, the other knight can come to f6, if needed. 9.0-0 Nd7 10.Kh1 Qc7 11.Ne5 Rd8

White has definitely done a bad job. He spent so much time to install a knight on e5. He was forced to advance the f-pawn to manage this too, weakening some squares and forcing the king to move to the corner. Meanwhile, Black harmoniously finished his development and is ready to castle. The king will be safe on the kingside. Black is ready to undermine White’s centre with the move ...c5, along with the e5-knight. 12.Qe2 Bxd3! After the queen moves, it is logical to take the d3-bishop as recapturing with the queen would be a waste of time. 13.Nxd3 0-0 14.Bd2

559

560

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 14.Bd2

Position after: 18.Bc3

Black is already better. He has finished development, and it is now time to open the position. The opening of the position will highlight the weaknesses caused by White’s advanced f-pawn.

Black is clearly better. He has achieved a lot: he has more active pieces and control over the open file. By advancing his f-pawn without attacking afterwards, White only created weaknesses. The squares e3, e4 and g4 can be occupied by black pieces. But how to proceed? Black rightly felt that he should exchange bishops. With his next move, he eliminates the protector of the d2-square and puts pressure on the c-file. He also takes control of the d4-square.

14...c5! 15.Ne4 Nf5 Black doesn’t actually need the bishop. The knight is a more valuable piece – it may use the e4-square, for instance. 16.dxc5 Nxc5 17.Ndxc5 Bxc5 18.Bc3

18...Bd4! 19.Rad1 19.Bb4 Rfe8 would not be better. Pressure on b2 will cause new weaknesses after 20.c3 Bb6. Black is ready to double on the d-file or use the e3-square. 19...Bxc3 20.Nxc3

561

562

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 20.Nxc3

Position after: 25.Qf2

20...Rxd1! 21.Nxd1

Black is much better, but it is not easy to make progress. White will probably try to make space for his king to free the queen from protecting the 1st rank. So, Black’s next move is very logical. Black secures the f5knight and is ready to create new weaknesses, depending on whether White advances his gor h-pawn. Black also makes space for his king and creates the possibility of activating it via the h7- and g6-squares.

A) 21.Qxd1? Ne3–+ B) 21.Rxd1? Qxf4µ 21...Rd8 22.Nc3 Qb6! Excellent move! Black targets the b2-pawn and e3-square at the same time. 23.Rd1 Rxd1+ 24.Nxd1 24.Qxd1 h6 leaves White’s position in ruins.

25...h5! 26.a3 Qd6 27.Nc3 Qd4!

24...Qb4 Also targeting f4 and e1. 25.Qf2

563

564

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

At this moment, accuracy is required. Capablanca was, in my opinion, the player with the best realisation skills ever – and this game supports that statement. His next move is the only move to keep an edge. 30...Ne3! 31.a4 31.Nxb7 Nc4µ

Position after: 27...Qd4! This move leads to either material gain or infiltration. White prefers to lose a pawn and activate his pieces. 28.Qxd4 Nxd4 29.Ne4 Nxc2 30.Nd6

Position after: 31...Nc4µ 31...Nd5 32.Nxb7 White hopes that his outside passed pawn can compensate for material loss, but that is just wishful thinking. 32...Nxf4 33.b4 Nd5 34.b5 Nc3

Position after: 30.Nd6

565

566

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

After a series of forced moves, the diagnosis is clear – Black is winning. 38.Nc6+ Kd6 39.Kg1 f6 Moving the pawn in advance, in case of ...Nd8 at some moment. 40.Kf2 e5 41.Nd8 Kd7 42.Nb7 Kc7 43.Na5 Nc3

Position after: 34...Nc3 35.Na5 35.Nc5 does nothing. Black just activates his king and wins easily after 35...Kf8. 35...Nxa4 36.Nc6 Kf8 37.Nxa7 Ke7

Position after: 43...Nc3 After some precise moves, White’s last hope is gone. The rest does not require comments. 44.Kf3 Nxb5 45.Ke4 Nd6+ 46.Kd5 Kd7 47.Nc6 Nc8 48.Nb8+ Ke7 49.Nc6+ Kf7 50.Nd8+ Ke8

Position after: 37...Ke7 567

White resigned. A very instructive game. Once you decide to advance your pawns in order to attack, try to actually attack. Otherwise, as demonstrated in this game, 568

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

advancing your pawns will just produce weaknesses for your opponent to exploit. Marshall was an attacking player and his defensive skills were simply not as good. Hence, Capablanca’s strong play led to a logical result. 0-1 Game 46 Lasker – Capablanca Belgrade 1921

his development and soon build pressure against the isolated d4-pawn. 13.Bb3 Bd7 14.0-0 Rac8 15.Ne5 It is natural to use the perfect e5-outpost for the knight in such positions. Here, however, it doesn’t bring much to White. 15...Bb5 16.Rfe1

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 0-0 6.Nf3 Nbd7 7.Qc2 c5 8.Rd1 Qa5 9.Bd3 h6 10.Bh4 cxd4 11.exd4 dxc4 12.Bxc4 Nb6

Position after: 16.Rfe1 16...Nfd5?

Position after: 12...Nb6 This line was not very fashionable and, as a result, the position is very comfortable for Black. White no longer has the chance to secure a serious advantage in the middlegame. Black will harmoniously finish 569

This move allows a nice tactical shot, which Lasker missed... 16...Nbd5 was natural, putting pressure on the c3-knight. 17.Bxd5? 17.Bxe7! Nxe7 18.Nxf7! Rxf7 19.Bxe6 was clearly better for White. Missing this chance, Lasker gradually starts getting an uncomfortable position... 570

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

17...Nxd5 18.Bxe7 Nxe7 19.Qb3 Bc6 20.Nxc6 bxc6

22...Rfd8 23.Ne2 Rd5!

Position after: 23...Rd5! Position after: 20...bxc6 The situation has stabilised. After his mistake on move 17, White has a slightly worse position. Why? Black has an isolated pawn, doesn’t he? Indeed, but the point is that the d4-pawn is more exposed than the c6-pawn, and especially the a7-pawn. The rest of the game will confirm this.

Very nice play by the Cuban genius. Capablanca was always, and in 1921 especially, recognised as the greatest master in finding the most harmonious setups. Black simply intends to double the rooks on the dfile, giving White a chance to exchange a pair of rooks. Lasker goes for it, but this just improves Black’s pawn structure.

21.Re5

24.Rxd5?!

White intends to play actively, although it was already time to find a good setup to protect the weakness on d4.

A) 24.Re3? c5µ

21.Qc4 looks natural.

24...cxd5

21...Qb6 22.Qc2 22.Qxb6 axb6 is bad for White – it will help Black eliminate his pawn islands.

It is true that the d4-pawn is safer now; there is no more frontal attack on the d-file. However, more important is the fact that Black controls the only open file and has got

571

572

B) ¹ 24.b3

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

rid of his weak c6-pawn. Black’s active pieces start to prevail in the next stage of the game. 25.Qd2 Nf5

Position after: 28...Rc6

Position after: 25...Nf5 The knight is on its ultimate square. It is safe, protected and attacks the d4-pawn. If needed, it can easily be transferred to c4 or e4 via d6. In fact, it will perform a magical dance later on! 26.b3 h5! Before going for any direct action on the queenside, Capablanca secures the excellent f5-square for his knight.

Capablanca doesn’t hurry. The rook can be used to attack the a2-pawn and Black is ready to double on the c-file with the queen behind the rook. 29.Kf1 g6 Once again, played without haste! Capablanca doesn’t forget about his king. The point is that White is lacking any useful moves, and Black has a lot of them! So, why not play them? Black goes for patient play, putting more psychological pressure on White. 30.Qb1 Qb4 31.Kg1

27.h3 h4! See the previous note! 28.Qd3 Rc6

573

574

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 31.Kg1

Position after: 33.Qd2

31...a5!

White hopes that exchanging material will help him survive. Black accepts the queen trade – without queens on the board, his rook will more easily dominate over White’s.

Black uses a powerful and typical weapon in such positions – a minority attack! He also plans to get rid of his isolated a-pawn while creating an isolated pawn for White! This will lead to another weakness in White’s camp. Two weaknesses on b3 and d4 would be very close, so Black would still have some work to do to convert his advantage. It is certainly a step in the right direction though.

33...Qxd2 34.Rxd2 axb3 35.axb3 Rb6 36.Rd3 Ra6 The rook is ready to attack the weak pawns from behind. It will be ideally placed on the 2nd or 1st rank. 37.g4?!

32.Qb2 a4 33.Qd2

575

576

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 37.g4?!

Position after: 43...Rb1

It is understandable that the ultra-powerful position of the f5-knight was unnerving White, but the text move leads to new weaknesses in his camp.

44.Ke2? In a hopeless position, tired of a long and patient resistance, White allows a primitive tactical shot.

37...hxg3 38.fxg3 Ra2 39.Nc3 Rc2 44...Rxb3 45.Ke3 Rb4 The white pieces are desperately passive. Black is winning, though accuracy is still required.

There is no need to exchange rooks. Actually, Black can enforce it at any time – his rook is more active.

40.Nd1 Ne7 41.Nc3 46.Nc3 Ne7 White can only wait. 41...Rc1+ 42.Kf2 Nc6 The knight is now on an even better square – it attacks both the d4-pawn and controls the important b4-square.

The knight has done a lot. The b4-square is no longer important, so it goes back to its beloved position on f5. 47.Ne2 Nf5+ 48.Kf2 g5

43.Nd1 Rb1

577

578

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 48...g5

Position after: 57...f6

Black fixes the white kingside pawns and makes space for the king.

Black keeps both options open (advancing the e- or f-pawn). He will decide after improving his king’s position.

49.g4 Nd6 50.Ng1 Ne4+ 51.Kf1 Rb1+ 52.Kg2 Rb2+ 53.Kf1 Rf2+ 54.Ke1 Ra2 55.Kf1 Kg7

58.Re3 Kf7 59.Rd3 Ke7 60.Re3 Kd6 61.Rd3 Rf2+

The king joins the attack. The game is over.

Don’t rush!

56.Re3 Kg6 57.Rd3 f6

62.Ke1 Rg2 63.Kf1 Ra2 64.Re3 e5

579

580

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 0-0 6.Nf3 Nbd7 7.Qc2 c5 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5

Position after: 64...e5 65.Rd3 65.dxe5+ fxe5 wins even more easily – Black practically has two extra pawns. 65...exd4 66.Rxd4 Kc5 67.Rd1 d4 68.Rc1+ Kd5 White resigned. I hope that all the problems that can arise with an isolated d4-pawn in the endgame were made clear. Of course, this pawn was more exposed than the a7- or c6pawns. Capablanca demonstrated why Black is clearly better after his 24th move. The d4pawn remained weak, despite the d-file being closed. Domination on the c-file and the possibility of a minority attack ensured Black’s success in the endgame. 0-1

Position after: 10...exd5 In this position, White has a small but lasting advantage due to the weak pawn on d5, especially when it becomes isolated. On the other hand, Black has free play and will comfortably finish development. 11.Bd3 g6 11...h6 looks more precise. 12.dxc5 Nxc5 13.0-0 Bg4 14.Nd4 The knight is placed on its eternal square. 14...Rac8 15.Qd2 a6

Game 47 Flohr – Vidmar Nottingham 1936 581

582

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 15...a6

Position after: 16...Qg5

16.Bc2?!

Black wants to organise something on the kingside (of course, he can’t do much...). White’s next move is evident, eliminating all threats on the kingside and taking away the e4-square from the black knight. The e3pawn will need some protecting afterwards, which shouldn’t be much of an issue.

I would not have recommended this move. Black should not exchange the knight for the bishop, so this is a waste of time. The bishop heads to b3 in order to put pressure on d5. However, a better choice was to double on the c-file, as the pressure on d5 is not that significant. This would also lead to simplifications, which are in favour of the side playing against an isolated pawn.

17.f3 Bd7 18.Rfe1 Rfd8 19.Rad1 It looks like White has placed his rooks on the wrong files and Black is out of trouble.

16...Qg5 19...Qf6 20.Bb3

583

584

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 20.Bb3

Position after: 24.Ne2!

20...Ba4

A very fine move. The d4-square is vacated for the white queen or rook. White’s knight goes to c3 or f4 to attack the d5-pawn. Let’s remind ourselves of Nimzowitsch’ advice: an isolated pawn should first be blocked to limit the opponent’s active play, and then the blockade should be transformed into an attack.

A good move. Black exchanges his traditionally bad bishop for a good one. On the other hand, this simplifies the position, which generally should be in White’s favour. Still, in this case, it’s a good trade. 21.Bxa4 Nxa4 22.Rc1 Finally, White must take control of the c-file. 22...Nc5 23.Red1 Qb6 24.Ne2!

24...Nd7?! Black intends to transfer the knight to c4, but the knight should actually control the blockading d4-square. Perhaps 24...Rc6 was simpler, and better. Black would prepare to double on any file. 25.Nc3 would give nothing due to 25...d4! 26.exd4 Ne6=. 25.Qd4

585

586

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Simple and strong. Without the queens on the board, the d5-pawn becomes weaker. Also, the queen paralyses the d7-knight. 25...Qxd4 26.Nxd4 Ne5 27.b3

Position after: 28.Kf1 28...Rxc1?

Position after: 27.b3 The endgame is clearly in White’s favour because of the weak d5-pawn and strong outpost on d4. Having said that, Black can still be satisfied – it will be extremely difficult for White to realise his advantage by creating another weakness in Black’s camp. The next stage for both sides should be the centralisation of their kings.

Black was simply not forced to go for any tactics, taking concrete measures. I suggest readers play the position for both sides, without going for Black’s last move – this would be good practice. The rest of the game is a convincing realisation, worth analysing carefully. 28...Ke7 was a normal move which should have been made automatically. 29.Rxc1 Nc6 30.Nxc6 Rc8 31.Rc5! bxc6 32.Ke2 Ke7 33.Kd3 Kd6 34.Ra5 Ra8 35.Kd4

27...Kf8 28.Kf1

587

588

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 35.Kd4

Position after: 38.e4

The position has radically changed. The isolated d5-pawn now has support, but the a6-pawn is isolated. Also, the c6- pawn can become a target. The c5- and d4-squares, under White’s control, are very important positional factors. In the next stage, White must create another weakness on the kingside. The aforementioned weaknesses on the queenside should be counted as one weakness – they are very close to each other. A pawn attack on the queenside does not look promising, by the way.

With his previous moves, White fixed the black queenside weaknesses and is now opening the 5th rank for rook manoeuvres. 38...fxe4 39.fxe4 dxe4 40.Kxe4 Ra7 Black must wait – nothing else is good. 41.Kf4 h6 Preventing the infiltration of White’s king. Nonetheless, White intends to create another route with his next move.

35...f5?! This helps White open the position and create some routes for the king. However, it is reasonable for Black to wish to exchange material – the e4-advance will be on White’s agenda sooner or later. 36.b4 Rb8 37.a3 Ra8 38.e4 589

590

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 41...h6

Position after: 49...Ke6

42.h4! Ke6 43.Kg4 Ra8 44.h5! g5

50.Re5+

After some patient play, White finally infiltrates.

Finally, the rook infiltrates. Black’s position is hopeless.

45.g3!

50...Kd6 51.Re8 c5

Don’t rush. Again, White chooses a very precise move.

Desperately trying to find some play.

45.Kf3 Rf8+ 46.Ke4 Rf4+ may give some chances to Black.

52.Rd8+ Kc6 53.Rc8+ Kb6 54.Rxc5 Rh7

45...Ra7 46.Kf3 Ra8 47.Ke4 Ra7 48.Kd4 Kd6 49.Ke4 Ke6

591

592

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Botvinnik chooses the reversed King’s Indian. He wants to bring his weaker opponent out of theory... 4...Nd7 5.h3 Bxf3 6.Bxf3 e5

Position after: 54...Rh7 The black rook cannot activate – after capturing the h6-pawn, the h5-pawn will be too fast. 55.Re5 Kc6 56.Re6+ Kb5 57.Kf5 Rf7+ 58.Rf6 1-0 Black resigned. It is really difficult to find Black’s “fatal” mistake. In fact, a few imprecise moves were enough for the fine strategician to win the game convincingly. Black fell victim to an illusion on his 28th move. Making his rook passive, he was not able to prevent the creation of new kingside weaknesses. A very instructive endgame, which is a perfect example to understand this common pawn structure. Game 48 Botvinnik – Szilagyi Amsterdam 1966 1.g3 d5 2.Nf3 c6 3.Bg2 Bg4 4.d3 593

Position after: 6...e5 White has the bishop pair, but Black has the centre and easy play in return. 7.Nd2 Ngf6 8.e4 dxe4 Blocking the position with 8...d4 is not recommended. A natural expansion on the queenside would create new light-squared weaknesses. In the future, White’s lightsquared bishop could perhaps use the a2-g8 and c8-h3 diagonals. The text move fixes the centre and is a good option. 9.dxe4 9.Nxe4 would be worse. There is no reason to exchange knights – Black’s knights are 594

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

hindering each other. 9...Bc5 10.0-0 Qe7

Position after: 13.a4?! 13...Rfd8? Position after: 10...Qe7 White has a small and long-lasting advantage. Not only has he got the bishop pair, but he also has better prospects for pawn play. White’s queenside expansion is to be expected. Meanwhile, nothing is obvious for Black. Hence, Black will wait and have to respond to White’s plans, which is very unpleasant.

13...a5 was a must. After 14.Ba3 axb4 15.Bxb4 [15.cxb4? Bd4µ] 15...Bc5 16.Qb3 Rfd8 Black’s position is very good. 14.Qc2?! 14.a5! 14...Rac8 14...a5!

11.c3 15.Be2 Preparing to expand. White logically places his pawns on dark squares beforehand. 11...0-0 12.b4 Bb6 13.a4?! Premature.

595

596

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Black missed the unique chance to remove his pawn from c5 and he will now suffer until the end of the game. 16...c4™ sacrificing the pawn straight away would reactivate Black’s pieces. That was the last chance to resist. 17.Nc4! Simply keeping a piece on c4, White paralyses the entire black army. Now, Black’s position is lost.

Position after: 15.Be2 Black missed so many chances to undermine White’s pawn structure on the queenside. And now, dear readers, I ask for your undivided attention – Black’s next move is probably the worst positional move you will ever see! 15...c5?? A terrible positional blunder. There was absolutely no reason for Black to weaken the light squares and block his entire army. Look at the pawn on c5 – it restricts four black pieces! Be careful in your games, avoid blocking your pieces like this with your own pawns. 16.b5! Of course, White keeps the black pieces locked out. 16...Ne8? 597

Position after: 17.Nc4! He cannot do anything against White’s occupation of light squares and combined play on both flanks. From a strategical point of view, the game is over. Botvinnik’s realisation is instructive as always. 17...Nd6 18.Bg5! One of Botvinnik’s trademarks: attacking, provoking, weakening and retreating. Tactics 598

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

come in handy when you outplay your opponent strategically. White doesn’t need this bishop – it attacks well protected pawns. The light-squared bishop is the star of the show. Black must not accept the exchange as he will be unable to prevent White’s occupation of light squares. His next move creates further weaknesses. 18...f6 18...Qxg5 19.Nxd6 Rb8 20.Bc4 Rf8 21.Rfd1 is hopeless for Black. 19.Be3 Nxc4 20.Bxc4+ Kh8

Position after: 26.a6! Excellent. Black must close the position, making his own bishop more passive. Sacrificing motifs arise on the queenside, with the idea of promoting the a-pawn. White’s queen is free to manoeuvre and setup a battery on the a2g8 diagonal. 26...b6 27.Kg2 Don’t rush! 27...Qd7 28.Qe2 Ng6 29.Bb3 Ne7 30.Qc4

Position after: 20...Kh8 21.a5! Tightening the noose. 21...Bc7 22.Rfd1 Nf8 23.Qa2 Rxd1+ 24.Rxd1 Rd8 25.Rxd8 Bxd8 26.a6! 599

600

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 30.Qc4

Position after: 33.h4

Infiltration is inevitable.

With the idea to gain control over g6 or to destroy the black king’s shield after g4-g5.

30...h6 31.Qf7 Kh7 32.Bc4 33...Qd1 Once again, Botvinnik demonstrates his class. The b5-pawn should be protected. Black cannot do anything, so why be impatient?

Black stopped the second plan, but... 34.Qe8 A potential idea is to deliver mate after h5, Bf7 and Bg6.

32...Qd6 33.h4

34...f5 Trying something... actually, this is a desperate bluff. 35.exf5 Nxf5 36.Bg8+ Kh8 And Black resigned. You can see that one mistake was enough to be strategically lost. Be very careful when advancing pawns – they cannot be moved back again! Always think 601

602

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

twice, every advance potentially weakens surrounding squares! 1-0 Game 49 Petrosian – Bannik Riga 1958 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 d6 5.d4

Position after: 6.dxe5! 6...Nxe5 6...dxe5?! 7.Qxd8+ Kxd8 8.Bg5 Be7 9.0-00+ Nd7 [9...Bd7 10.Bh3+–; 9...Ke8 10.Nb5+–] 10.Nd5!+– 7.Nxe5 dxe5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 9.Bg5 White finishes development while attacking. Black’s position is awful.

Position after: 5.d4 5...g6?

9...Be7 10.0-0-0+

Black intends to switch to some kind of Indian Defence, but the move is evidently a mistake. With knights on f6, and especially c6, it is bad to allow the exchange of queens. A) ¹ 5...exd4 B) ¹ 5...Be7 6.dxe5!

603

604

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 10.0-0-0+

Position after: 11.h4!

10...Nd7

11...f6

A) 10...Bd7? 11.Bh3+– B) 10...Ke8? 11.Nb5!+–

11...c6 12.Ne4 h6 13.Nd6 Rh7 14.Bxe7+ Kxe7 15.Bh3 f5 16.e4 is winning for White.

11.h4!

12.Be3

An amazing move. White uses the fact that the black pawn is already on g6. This will fuel White’s attack down the h-file. Black must not capture on g5 because White will also dominate on the h-file and gain control of the solid outposts on e4, f6 and h6.

The perfect place for this bishop. Also, White doesn’t plan to advance the e-pawn – the f1-bishop will be activated on g2 or h3. 12...c6 13.h5

11.Bxe7+ gives nothing. Black must play very precisely, but after 11...Kxe7 12.Nd5+ Kd8 13.Bh3 f5 14.e4 c6 15.Ne3 f4 16.Bxd7 Bxd7 17.Ng4 Re8 18.Nf6 Re7 it looks like he is out of trouble.

605

606

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 13.h5

Position after: 17.b3

Forcing Black’s next move and creating new weaknesses.

17...Rcd8?!

13...g5 14.Bh3 Kc7 15.Ne4 White’s pieces are perfectly placed. After the exchange of light-squared bishops, the e4and f5-squares will be fully under White’s control, giving him excellent winning chances. 15...Nb6 16.Bxc8 Raxc8 17.b3

A) 17...g4 was suggested as better, although after Petrosian’s planned 18.h6 with the idea of 19.Rh5, White maintains an edge. B) 17...Nd7 was perhaps the best alternative, although after 18.g4 White’s advantage is undisputed. Black’s last move is natural – by exchanging material he wants to reduce White’s pressure. Indeed, it was very difficult to predict White’s next brilliant move. 18.Bc5! What a surprise! Why exchange a good bishop for a bad one? The point is that the black bishop protects the f6-pawn and controls the weak d6-square. The rest of the game will confirm that Iron Tigran’s idea was just brilliant.

607

608

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

18.Bxb6+ axb6 19.g4

Position after: 18.Bc5! Position after: 19.g4 18...Rxd1+ This really looks good for White. Actually, it is. However, in his long analyses Petrosian showed that the domination on the e4- and f5-squares and pressure on the weak f6-pawn in the ensuing minor pieces endgame would not be a guaranteed win. In fact, all three points should be counted as only one weakness due to their proximity. Petrosian explained that he would not be able to create another weakness in the black camp on the queenside – and we should believe him! By choosing the paradoxical text move, he convincingly proved to be right.

609

18...Bxc5 loses a pawn after 19.Nxc5 Rhe8 20.Rxd8 Kxd8 [20...Rxd8? 21.Ne6++–] 21.Nxb7+±. 19.Rxd1 Bxc5 20.Nxc5 Re8 21.Ne4

610

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 21.Ne4 Things have become clear: White uses the weak squares on c5, d6, e4 and f5 to create various threats. Black must play very carefully to avoid immediate collapse.

should be open to allow for rook manoeuvres. 23...Nd7 24.Kc2 b6 25.Rf3 Kd8 26.a3 Preparing queenside play. 26...c5

21...Re6 21...Rf8 22.g4 Rf7 [22...Nc8 23.Nc5 Rf7 24.Ne6++–] 23.Rd6 Nd7 24.Re6 and Black is paralysed. 22.g4 a5

Position after: 26...c5

Position after: 22...a5 Played with the idea to exchange some pawns in case White wants to launch a queenside expansion. 23.Rd3! It is time to remember the words of the great genius Jose Raul Capablanca: the third rank 611

Black is forced to advance the c-pawn first. If he allowed White to advance his pawns to b4 and c5, all the black pieces would be fully paralysed. Black also cannot play this move after White plays b3-b4 because White would then advance his b-pawn to b5 and the result is the same – Black would be paralysed. 27.Kc3 Ke7 28.Rd3 Rc6 29.Rd5 Not a very dangerous move. It is more of a demonstration of power, following the important principle “Don’t rush!”. 612

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

29...Nf8 30.Ng3 Ne6 31.Nf5+ Ke8 32.e3

Position after: 35...Rc6 Position after: 32.e3

36.Nd6+?!

A sad destiny for the black knight – as soon as it tries to activate, it is restricted again.

The question mark is because it delays the win. Perhaps Petrosian decided not to force play due to time trouble and preferred to wait for the time control.

32...Nc7 32...Nd8 with the idea to place the knight on f7 in order to control White’s occupation, and perhaps even to exchange it, was correctly suggested as a better option. Even then, it is not obvious how Black can solve all his problems. 33.Rd1 Ne6 34.Kd3 Rc7 35.Ke4 Rc6

613

36.Rd6! wins easily. The multitude of weak squares used by the white knight and king are fatal for Black. After 36...Rxd6 37.Nxd6+ Kd7 38.Nb5! and placing the knight on d5 and king on f5, White wins a pawn. 36...Ke7 37.Nf5+ Ke8 38.Nd6+ Ke7 39.Nf5+ Ke8

614

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Position after: 39...Ke8

Position after: 41.Nh6

A threefold repetition – but Black did not claim a draw!

41...Ne6™ A) 41...Re6 42.Kf5 Rc6 43.Ng8+–

40.a4?

B) 41...Ke7 42.Ng8+ Ke8 43.Kf5+–

The question mark is for a pedagogical reason. Such a move, definitively blocking one side of the board, is not a good waiting move. Who knows, perhaps White will need to open the queenside in order to win the game?

C) 41...Nb7 42.Ng8 Kf8 43.Rd7!+– 42.Ng8!

40.Rd2 was a good, neutral waiting move.

Having missed the win several times, White must find unique moves to bring down Black’s defences... or to get the same chance he had on move 36.

40...Nd8 41.Nh6

42...Nf8 42...Kf7 43.Rd7+! Kxg8 44.Kd5+– 43.Rd2! 43.Kf5? Kf7 44.Nh6+ Kg7 45.Rd8 Ne6 46.Re8 Nc7–+

615

616

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

43...Kf7™ 43...Nd7 44.Kf5 Kd8 45.e4 Ke8 46.f3 Kd8

Position after: 45.Nf5 45...Ne6 Position after: 46...Kd8 A nice picture! White has trapped his own king on f5! But now 47.Rxd7+! Kxd7 48.Nxf6++– is another interesting way to win the game. 44.Nh6+ Ke8 45.Nf5

45...Nd7 46.Kd5 Nb8 [46...Rc7 47.Ke6] 47.Rd1 Kd7 48.Ke4+ Ke8 49.Rd6 also leads to an easy win. 46.Rd6! Finally, White goes for this winning move. 46...Rxd6 47.Nxd6+ Kd7 48.Nb5

617

618

Pawn Weaknesses I (Games 45-49)

Zugzwang, and a very beautiful win. Now it is clear why it can be very important to have some spare tempi in blocked positions. We have a mutual zugzwang! 49.h6! Ne8 50.Kd5ʘ

Position after: 48.Nb5 48...Ng7 48...Nf8 49.Kf5 Ke7 50.Nc3 Nd7 51.Nd5+ Kf7 52.e4 h6 53.f3! Position after: 50.Kd5ʘ Once again: zugzwang! White did not win this game accidentally. No, the many zugzwang positions in this endgame occur as a result of White’s complete domination over the many weak squares in the black camp (b5, d5, d6, e4, f5...). 50...f5 A desperate bluff. White easily combines realisation and beauty during the rest of the game. Position after: 53.f3!

51.Kxe5 fxg4 52.Nc3 Ke7 53.Ne4 Kf7 54.Kf5 g3 55.fxg3 g4 56.Ng5+ Kg8 619

620

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

57.Ke6 Nc7+ 58.Kd7 Na6

Game 50 Geller – Bertok Belgrade 1961 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e5 7.Nb3 Be7

Position after: 58...Na6 Now White should just push his e-pawn. 59.e4 Nb4 60.e5 Nd3 61.e6 A very typical game for Petrosian. In this remarkable game, he convincingly exploited Black’s many weaknesses. Thanks to the mistake on the 36th move, we were able to see this beautiful endgame. As if in a study, we were faced with marvellous zugzwangs.

Position after: 7...Be7

1-0

8.0-0 0-0 9.Be3 Qc7

This variation, named after Boleslavsky, was very popular in those days. Thanks to Geller’s efforts, many resources were found for White.

9...b5 is premature. White answers with 10.a4 and after 10...b4 11.Nd5 White’s position looks better due to the control of the weak d5-square and possession of the c4square. 10.Qd2

621

622

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

10.a4 preventing 10...b5 should have been preferred. 10...Nbd7 10...b5 looks better. 11.a4 b6 12.Rfd1

Position after: 17...Nf8

Position after: 12.Rfd1

he faced Geller’s great invention: 18.Nc1!. The idea is to transfer the knight to d5 via a2 and b4. Even a genius like Fischer was unable to react to it and reached a bad position, and somehow survived after a sharp struggle in time trouble. Indeed, it was a very complicated task to play the Sicilian as Black against Efim Geller.

Simply overcontrolling the d5-square. 14.Bf1 12...Bb7 13.f3 Rfd8 A year later, the great Bobby Fischer played 13...Bc6. But, after 14.Qe1 h6 15.Qf1 Qb7 16.Bc4 Rfc8 17.Rd2 Nf8

623

624

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

16.Qf2!

Position after: 14.Bf1 14...Nc5?

Position after: 16.Qf2!

A typical “active queenside move” in the Sicilian... and also a big mistake. Why? After White’s next simple move, the c-file will be closed. Though the backwards d6-pawn will disappear, the d5-square remains weak. In fact, White will combine play on the two light-squared a2-g8 and a6-f1 diagonals. Both the white bishops will be better than their counterparts. Black’s main problem will be the lack of queenside play, while White can play against the a6-pawn and occupy the d5-square. White will even have some chances on the kingside because he is dominating the centre...

That is the point. This move secures the c4square for the bishop... Black cannot advance his pawn there – the b6-pawn is hanging. 16...Rxd1 17.Rxd1 Rd8 18.Rxd8+ Bxd8 19.Bc4!

14...Bc6 was better, with the idea to prepare the move ...b5. 15.Nxc5! dxc5 Even worse for Black was 15...bxc5 16.Bc4. 625

626

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 19.Bc4! Everything is clear. White has a stable and considerable advantage. It might not be obvious, but the domination on the light squares is the most important positional factor. A deep understanding of chess is required to convert this advantage here. In fact, the engine evaluates this as only “slightly better” for White, but in practice Black’s task is very difficult. Please, let this position be your exercise. Try to play it, with both the white and black pieces, and you will have no doubt that Black is in big trouble. Also, there is a very important psychological point – it is extremely uncomfortable to watch your opponent improve his position move by move while you have nothing to do but wait. 19...Be7 20.Qe2 Qc8 20...a5 is bad. Now even the b5-square is added to the list of weaknesses. 21.Qd3 h6 22.Kf1 Another educational point.

Position after: 22.Kf1 In case of exchanging queens, the king will be closer to the centre. Also, from e1 (or e2), the king will control some infiltration squares on the d-file, giving freedom to the white queen. This point will be verified later. 22...Bf8 23.Ke1 Be7 24.Bf2 The idea is to target the e5-pawn. It may also be good to exchange that bishop for the f6knight at some point. 24...Kf8 Black must wait. There is simply no counterplay. 25.Bg3 Nd7

627

628

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 25...Nd7

Position after: 28.Ne3

26.Bd5 is also natural, but the text move is better. White’s light-squared bishop is better than the black one and, if needed, it can be exchanged at any moment.

Both the queen and knight even target d6 now.

26.Nd5 Bg5 27.Bf2

Take a look at the sad black pieces. They are all significantly restricted, mostly by black pawns.

Targeting the b6- and c5-pawns and preparing some potential tactical shots. 27.Nxb6 Nxb6 28.Qd6+ Kg8 29.Qxb6 Qd7 30.Bd3 c4 31.Bxc4 Qd2+ 32.Kf1 is actually winning for White, but why complicate your task if the opponent is lacking any form of active play?

28...Bc7 29.Nf5

29...Bb8 30.Bh4 Qc6 31.Bd5 Qc8

27...Bd8 28.Ne3

629

630

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 31...Qc8

Position after: 36.a5!

32.Bxf7!

36...Ba7 37.axb6 Bxb6 38.Bxc5+ Bxc5 39.Qxc5+ Kg8 40.Qxe5

A perfectly led game, White deserves to finish it in style. Tactics inevitably take over at some point... 32...g5 32...Kxf7 33.Qc4+ Kg6 [33...Kf8 34.Be7+ Ke8 35.Qg8++–] 34.Ne7++–

Black resigned. Beware of weak squares, they can lead to paralysis. 1-0 Game 51 Fischer – Durao Havana 1966 1.e4 e6 2.d3 c5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.0-0 Nge7 7.c3

33.Qc4 Nf6 If 33...gxh4 then 34.Qe6 mates soon. 34.Bf2 Qc6 35.Bg6 Qd7 36.a5! Finally, Black’s position collapses after White exploited all of his weaknesses.

Fischer starts the game in a peaceful manner... 7...0-0 but after this move he shows signs of aggression. 8.d4

631

632

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 8.d4

Position after: 10...b6

There is a very logical reason behind this move. Fischer decided to advance this pawn, even though he loses a tempo. The point is that the d6-square is potentially weak and White’s last move opens a path directly to it.

with solid play, was definitely a better option for Black.

8...d6?

9.dxc5! dxc5 10.Qe2 The potentially weak d3-square is covered. The queen also takes control of the very important a6-f1 diagonal.

This is a very important moment – this move is a serious positional mistake. With a pawn already advanced to c5, it is usually bad to allow the opening of the d-file. The simple reason is that the d6-square becomes weak, and can be accessed by the white pieces. The c4-square will now also play an important role. 8...cxd4! 9.cxd4 d5 10.e5 b6

633

634

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 10.Qe2

14.Nbd2

10...b6 11.e5!?

14.a4, with the idea to activate the knight via a3, was also interesting.

It is clear that Fischer wants to immediately control d6, but he neglects his development. 11.a4 followed by Na3 was a good option.

14...Bd3 15.Qh4

11...a5!

Position after: 15.Qh4

Position after: 11...a5! That is the point! Black achieves counterplay by taking back control of the a6-f1 diagonal, while creating many threats. 12.Re1 A good move, overprotecting the e5-pawn. 12.Rd1? Ba6! Black is better.

By far the best square for the queen. It controls the important f6- and h6-squares. 15...Nd5 15...a4?! would be a solid move with the idea to prevent the fixing of the pawn structure, but White has the strong reply 16.Ne4!. 16.Qxd8 Rxd8 17.a4!

12...Ba6 13.Qe4 Ra7 Black doubles on the d-file, with the rook leading the way. 635

636

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 19.Kxf1 The king gets closer to the centre. Despite the fact that Black’s position looks very solid, it is actually hanging by a thread. The rooks cannot infiltrate and White can easily retake control of the d-file if needed. White’s minor pieces will soon dominate the entire board. 19...Nde7 19...h6 was much better in order to prevent the white bishop from reaching g5. 20.Nc4 Nc8 21.Bg5 Position after: 17.a4! Fixing the black queenside pawns, White gets ready to fight for control over the very important squares that are b5 and especially c4 – after exchanging the light-squared bishops. Black’s initiative has evaporated. From now on, White will dictate the play. 17...Rad7 18.Bf1! Bxf1 19.Kxf1

Position after: 21.Bg5 21...N6e7? This move is positional capitulation. With precise play by White, we could even say that it is winning. Black’s bishop is useless and White will easily exploit the many weak squares on the queenside. 637

638

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

21...Re8! was a must. The g5-bishop would be attacked, so Black could then move the rook back to d8.

Bit by bit, White increases the pressure. Black can only sit and wait. 26...Bf8 27.Ke2 Be7

22.Nfd2 h6 23.Bxe7 Rxe7

Position after: 27...Be7 Position after: 23...Rxe7 24.Ra3! Fischer, once again, demonstrates his class. This move would be chosen by top players and endgame masters. Many players, including masters, would automatically retake the d-file. Even though the minor piece endgame looks dreamy for White, it would remain difficult to convert – Black would put his king on c6 and White would have a lot of work to do. Black’s rooks cannot use the d-file; the knight is eternal on c4. Thus, White’s rooks have the freedom to occupy themselves in a different way...

28.f4! White has better placed pieces and more space. Hence, he may even play on the kingside. This is a result of having better communication lines. 28...Kf8 28...h5 was perhaps a better reaction, with the idea to exchange some pawns on the kingside after White’s expansion. 29.g4! Ke8 30.Rf1

24...Rc7 25.Rb3 Rc6 26.Ne4 639

640

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 30.Rf1

Position after: 33.Nxa5!

The last two moves were made with the idea to attack the h6-pawn!

Tactics kick in! 33...Rc7

30...Rd5 An incomprehensible move. With no good moves available, naturally, bad moves are played.

33...bxa5 34.Nf6+ Ke7 35.Rb7+ Rd7 36.Rxd7#

31.Rf3 Rd8 32.Rh3 Bf8 33.Nxa5!

Position after: 36.Rxd7# 641

642

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

is a very pretty mate. Enjoy this beautiful picture. The pieces are symmetrically placed in a rectangle – c6-c8-f8-f6. 34.Nc4

Position after: 45...Kd5 46.b4!

Position after: 34.Nc4 The rest of the game does not require comments. 34...Ra7 35.Nxb6 Nxb6 36.Rxb6 Rda8 37.Nf6+ Kd8 38.Rc6! Rc7 39.Rd3+ Kc8 40.Rxc7+ Kxc7 41.Rd7+ Kc6 42.Rxf7 c4 43.Nd7 Bc5 44.Nxc5 Kxc5 45.Rc7+ Kd5

643

Once again, setting the scene for a mate. 46.b4! cxb3 47.Kd3 followed by 48.c4+ wins, so Black resigned. It looks like Black’s initiative was only temporary. Long-term positional factors (weak squares on c4, b5 and d6, the weak b6-pawn, the bad g7bishop, the lack of space and coordination in Black’s camp...) simply took their toll. These were consequences of Black’s bad 8th move. Advancing the pawn to c5 in positions with an open d-file can lead to many problems for Black. Black even had centralised pieces, the initiative and much better development at some point. However, the pawn structure was a more important factor. Another proof that chess is a very interesting game, where dogmatism has no place. No principle is 100% valid. 1-0 644

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

pawn; this will create a weakness on c6.

Game 52 Larsen – Nielsen Esbjerg 1953

12...b5 13.Nd5

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 d6 6.g3 g6 7.Bg2 Bd7 8.Nc2

Position after: 13.Nd5

Position after: 8.Nc2 Having a space advantage, White avoids exchanges. Also, this move prevents the wellknown manoeuvre ...Nxd4 followed by ...Bc6. 8...Bg7 9.b3 0-0 10.Bb2 a6 11.0-0 Rb8 Played with the idea to advance 12...b5 and to remove the rook from the dangerous diagonal. 12.Rc1 12.Nd5 was possible, of course, but White wanted to provoke the advance of the b645

Following the famous principle: attacks on the flank should be countered with an attack in the centre. However, there is no pawn action available and both kings are safe. The text move is very logical. In order to avoid doubling his f-pawns, Black allows the opening of the c-file for White’s rook, and access to the weak c6-square. 13...Nxd5 A) 13...bxc4 14.Nxf6+ Bxf6 15.Bxf6 exf6 16.Qxd6 cxb3 17.axb3 is in White’s favour. B) 13...Ne8 14.Bxg7 Nxg7 15.cxb5 axb5 16.Nd4 is also better for White. His pieces are dominating in the centre and a potential passed pawn on the a-file will be a dangerous asset. 646

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

14.Bxg7 Kxg7 15.cxd5 Ne5 16.h3

17...f6 Black decided not to invite the white knight to d4, but the rook on b6 is now badly placed. 18.Qxb6 Rxb6 19.Nd4

Position after: 16.h3 Laying a trap for the e5-knight. 16...Qb6 With the idea of preventing 17.f4. 16...f6 was perhaps more resistant, although White is evidently better after 17.f4 Nf7 18.Qd2 preventing 18...Qa5 and followed by 19.Nd4. 17.Qd4! Excellent. This forces the exchange of queens because the e5-knight is pinned. The c2knight goes to d4 and the c-file is open. Black is forced to spend one more move in order to secure the knight and White infiltrates. White is much better and, with precise play, should win the game.

Position after: 19.Nd4 19...g5? Ignoring White’s initiative on the queenside. 19...Rfb8 was a must: 20.f4 Nf7 21.Rc7 with a far better position for White but no clear win on the horizon. 20.Rc7 Rd8 21.Kh2 21.f4 immediately looks more aggressive, and better. 21...h6 22.Be4 22.f4 again was an obvious choice.

647

648

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

22...Kf8 23.f4 Nf7

Position after: 27.f5 Position after: 23...Nf7

Locking out the knight, White easily wins the game on the opposite flank.

24.Bf3 27...b4 28.Bb7 a5 29.e4 A) 24.Ne6+? would be premature as Larsen showed afterwards. Black gets counterplay after 24...Bxe6 25.dxe6 d5!. In positions where the opponent doesn’t have a promising plan, the primary task is to prevent his potential counterplay. B) 24.Bf5 with the idea of eliminating Black’s main defender, the d7-bishop, was also a natural way to proceed. 24...Rbb8 25.Ne6+ Bxe6 26.dxe6 Nh8 27.f5

It is difficult to pinpoint Black’s mistakes. He probably went for queenside activities a little too early, allowing the opponent to open the c-file. He wasn’t ready to oppose this and was forced to spend too much time in order to secure his knight. Beware when exposing your pieces: it may take a very long time to regroup them. 1-0 Game 53 Steinitz – Sellman Baltimore 1885 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7

649

650

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 4...Nfd7

Position after: 5...c5

5.f4

6.dxc5

5.Nce2 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.f4 was the “only” continuation before Steinitz. He was the first master to give a detailed explanation as to why the centre should not always be protected. He listed the pros of surrendering the centre (and the exchange of central pawns), especially if the vacated squares can be occupied by pieces. The d4-square is exactly what Steinitz had in mind.

With this move, White begins to take control over d4.

5...c5

Better was 7...Nc6 8.Bd3 and now 8...f6 is an aggressive and very promising solution.

6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3 is a more popular – and better – move order nowadays (the black bishop doesn’t recapture on c5 in one go). Still, Steinitz’s ideas are alive and well over a century later! 6...Bxc5 7.Nf3 a6

8.Bd3 Nc6 9.Qe2

651

652

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 9.Qe2

Position after: 11.Nd1

9...Nb4?

Naturally, Black captured the bishop. However, that knight should have retreated to c6. After all, the white knight will need time to reactivate from d1.

A move which is part of a bad plan. The only idea is to capture the white bishop, but this is a bad idea. Black should focus on development. A) ¹ 9...Qc7

11...Nxd3+? 12.cxd3! As Kasparov commented for ChessBase: “any professional player today would make this move automatically”. Of course, this is the best move. White gets the c-file for his rooks and can support the occupation of the weak c5-square.

B) ¹ 9...b5 10.Bd2 b5 11.Nd1

12...Qb6? If the previous move was just a misstep, this is a serious blunder. 12...b4! must be played in this position.

653

654

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 12...b4!

Position after: 14.a3

Black’s main problem is his light-squared bishop, and now it can be placed on the beautiful a6-f1 diagonal. With the text move, Black lost that possibility and his position becomes very bad instantly. He will not be able to activate his c8-bishop and oppose White’s occupation of the weak squares on the queenside, especially c5.

14...f5?

13.b4! Be7 14.a3

Already a decisive mistake. Black was probably afraid of White’s expansion on the kingside, but White’s focus was elsewhere! After the text move, Black has no more chances to open the position. Therefore his pieces, especially his bishops, become cramped and without coordination. 14...d4! was the last chance. Even if this pawn were to be lost, the active light-squared b7-bishop and outpost on d5 would compensate for it. 15.Rc1 Bb7 16.Be3 Qd8 17.Nd4

655

656

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

19...Kf7 20.Nb1 g6 21.Nd2 Nd7 22.N2b3 Rc8 23.Na5

Position after: 17.Nd4 Th ultra-powerful knight targets c6 and e6, and is ready to head to a5 or c5 via b3. However, by far its most important role is blocking the d5-pawn, which paralyses the entire black army: the queen, bishop, and even the knight.

Position after: 23.Na5 Black is hopeless. White’s pieces inevitably penetrate on the queenside. 23...Ba8 24.Rxc8

17...Nf8 18.0-0 h5?! A new dose of prophylaxis... just makes things worse. Either way, Black’s position is probably already hopeless. The g5-square is now added to the long list of weaknesses in the black camp. 19.Nc3! Black’s position is tragicomic. White has enough time to transfer the knight to a5 or c5.

657

Simple and strong. A piece of advice from basic chess lessons: exchange with a gain of tempo. 24...Qxc8 25.Rc1 Qb8 26.Qc2 Bd8 27.Nac6 Unfortunately, this knight will be exchanged for one of the black bishops, but this will lead to the final invasion. 27...Qb7 28.Nxd8+ Rxd8 29.Qc7 Qb8

658

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 29...Qb8

Position after: 34...Nd7

30.Bf2!

One of the best illustrations in the topic of “domination in positions with opposite coloured bishops”. A reminder of a basic principle... The attacking side (with the good bishop) practically has an extra piece – the opponent’s bishop cannot oppose it!

Finally, the bishop joins the fun. It was supposed to be exchanged against Black’s good dark-squared bishop. Instead, it will deliver the final blow to Black’s crumbling position. 30...Qb6 31.Nf3 Qxc7 32.Rxc7 Ke8 33.Ng5 Nf8 34.Bc5 Nd7

35.Bd6 Black resigned. Everything started with a blockade on d4. Let’s remind ourselves of the famous statement by the great Aron Nimzowitsch: “The blockade of a central pawn never only has local character”. May this game serve as a typical example. By missing the opportunity to advance his pawn to d4, Black’s entire army became paralysed. 1-0 Game 54 Ubilava – Timoscenko Soviet Union 1974

659

660

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 e6

Position after: 7.d4 White’s idea is to occupy the dark squares by installing a bishop on d6, or to put pressure on the black pawn were it to move there. His light-squared bishop is not a part of the plan. 7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 d6 Black eliminates the positional threat of Nxc6, followed by e5 and Ne4. 9.Nxc6 bxc6 10.Qh5

Position after: 3...e6 4.0-0 4.Bxc6 is perhaps more logical. White wants to capture only after the bishop is attacked. 4...Nge7 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bxc6 Nxc6 7.d4

Position after: 10.Qh5 Placing the queen on this very active square, White has a kingside attack on his mind. The queen can only be attacked at the price of creating weaknesses. 10...g6?! 10...Be7 refraining from attacking the queen, was better. Black can castle calmly – White’s 661

662

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

pieces aren’t ready to attack. 11.Qh3 Rb8

Position after: 13.Qg3!

Position after: 11...Rb8 This move looks logical, but the rook should not be placed on the dark diagonal. The point will soon become clear. 12.Rd1 Bg7 12...Be7 was another option, but the h6square would be uncontrolled. Generally speaking, Black should advance either the eor the g-pawn in the opening – not both. Doing so would create weaknesses that cannot all be covered by the bishop.

A very fine move, underlining Black’s problems on the dark squares. Black cannot advance his d-pawn! 13...Be5? This looks natural, but it is actually a big strategical mistake. To be fair, it was easy to overlook White’s next shocking move. 13...e5 was the only move, but Black did not want to make the d6-pawn backward. White could continue with 14.b3 with the dangerous positional idea of Ba3. 14.Qxe5!! What a move. Usually, chess fans enjoy queen sacrifices as part of a mate. However, this sacrifice is even more beautiful in my opinion. The move was played with the idea to exploit the weak dark squares and paralyse the entire black army. The light-squared

13.Qg3!

663

664

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

bishop will be particularly bad. The great Aron Nimzowitsch would be very satisfied.

Position after: 18...Bd7 The first phase of White’s plan is over. However, in order to convert, White needs more backup. The next task is to activate the knight. Black wants to cover the d-file by transferring his rook to d4. White found a beautiful plan. 19.Na4! Rb4 20.Nc5 Rd4 21.Rxd4 exd4

Position after: 14.Qxe5!! 14...dxe5 15.Rxd8+ Kxd8 16.Bg5+ Ke8 Other moves are even worse. 17.Bf6 Rg8 18.Rd1 Bd7

Position after: 21...exd4 22.h4? A strange mistake which could be explained by White’s focus on maintaining the paralysis. 22.Nxa6! would win faster. Black’s king cannot escape because it is blocked in by the bishop. After 22...Bc8 23.Nc5 the a-pawn will never look back. 22...e5 665

666

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 22...e5

Position after: 25.g4

Black desperately wants to reactivate his pieces. Alas, White is not interested in capturing the e5-pawn.

Black is desperately lost. He cannot do anything to prevent the upcoming disaster on the queenside.

23.f3

25...h5 26.g5 Bh3 27.Kf2 Rf8 28.Ke2 Rg8 29.a4!

23.Nxa6 was still possible. However, White was consistent. He blocks the kingside and plans to win the game by transferring his king to the queenside without ever removing the knight from c5 – not even for a moment. 23...Be6 24.b3! a5 25.g4

Position after: 29.a4! 667

668

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Winning by creating an outside passed pawn. 29...Rf8 30.b4 axb4 31.a5 Bc8 32.Kd3 Rg8 33.Kc4

Position after: 7...Be7 8.a3

Position after: 33.Kc4 A convincing victory of strategy over material. 1-0 Game 55 Karpov – Hjartarson Seattle 1989 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nb6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.0-0 Be7

True to his style, Karpov chooses the English opening. White is planning to play on the queenside using his powerful g2-bishop and the c-file. 8.d3 with the idea of playing Be3 and Ne4 and occupying the c5-square is another option. 8...Be6 9.b4 0-0 10.Rb1 f6 11.d3 The game has transposed to some reversed side line of the Dragon. White has some extra tempi, but Black’s position is central and solid. 11...Qd7

669

670

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 11...Qd7

Position after: 15.Rbc1!

12.Ne4! A good spot for the knight, especially after Black’s last move – White threatens 13.Nc5.

Underlining the fact that Black has weakened the c6-square. Suddenly, Black is in trouble. With his next move, he tries to calm things down by exchanging material.

12...Nd5

15...Nd4 16.Bxd4!

Avoiding the threat and centralising his piece.

A very good decision. White’s knight on f3 is a more valuable piece – it can be transferred to c6! Here, Karpov had already planned his magnificent 19th move.

13.Qc2 b6?! Taking control of the c5-square but significantly weakening the long diagonal, especially the c6-square.

16...exd4

14.Bb2 Rac8 14...a5 is risky. After 15.b5 Na7 16.d4! the resulting complications should be in White’s favour. 15.Rbc1! 671

672

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Position after: 16...exd4

Position after: 18...Bd7

17.Qc6!

19.Nxd4!

17.Nxd4 is not as strong due to 17...Nxb4„.

Excellent! Karpov sacrifices the exchange in order to maintain a blockade on c6. The knight will also capture some black pawns on its way.

17...Qxc6 18.Rxc6 There is a lot of traffic on the long lightsquared diagonal. All the white pieces occupy active positions. With his next move, Black tries to consolidate.

19.Rc2 c5 is very good for Black. 19...Bxc6 20.Nxc6 Rce8 21.Rc1!

18...Bd7

673

674

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Black desperately wants to get rid of his weaknesses and to open the position for his rooks. Karpov superbly counters this, not giving chances to his opponent. 24...c5 25.Nc4 Bb8 26.Nc6 b5 27.N4a5 cxb4 28.axb4 Nd7 29.d4!

Position after: 21.Rc1! With the deadly threat of Nd2!. Black’s only centralised piece is in trouble. 21...f5 22.Nd2 Nf6 23.Nxa7 Bd6 24.e3

Position after: 29.d4! White’s pieces are harmoniously placed and prevent the activation of the black pieces. White also has excellent prospects in the centre – there is the potential to create two connected passed pawns there. Black should now be lost. 29...g5 Trying to fire some bullets. With some precision, the counterplay is not effective. Position after: 24.e3

30.Nxb8

675

676

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

Perhaps this is the most direct way to win, or perhaps it is a bad move due to exchanging a good piece for a bad one. In fact, the truth is somewhere in between – it depends on the playing style. If Karpov chose this move, we would probably be wise to believe him...

34...Ra6

30...Rxb8

Position after: 34...Ra6 35.Rc1! Ra2 36.h3! Don’t rush! 36...Rb2 37.e4 Position after: 30...Rxb8 31.Rc7 31.Bd5+ Kh8 32.Be6 Nb6 33.Nc6 was another good continuation – the d-pawn looks unstoppable. 31...Nf6 32.Nc6 Rb6 33.Ne7+ Kh8 34.Nxf5 The rest should be a matter of technique. Black’s rooks do become active, but Karpov proves that this is only temporary.

677

Finally, the pawns start moving. The end is near. 37...Rxb4 38.g4 In many other situations, this move would be considered as bad: it creates holes and a backward pawn. However, here it is a good move. The f5-knight gets support, so the e4pawn can be launched. 38...h5 39.e5 hxg4 A bluff. Karpov accurately and instantly converts. 678

Pawn Weaknesses II (Games 50-55)

practically decided the game – White got the initiative and Black lost all harmony. A welldeserved win.

Position after: 39...hxg4 40.exf6 gxh3 41.Bxh3 Rxf6 42.Rc8+ Kh7 43.Rc7+ Kg6 44.Rg7+ Kh5 45.f3 1-0

Position after: 45.f3 Black resigned due to the threat of Bg4#. A very fine positional exchange sacrifice 679

680

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Key Squares Game 56 Van der Sterren – Ljubojevic Amsterdam 1999 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 h6 6.Bh4 0-0 7.Rc1 b6

Position after: 11...Ne4 This manoeuvre frees Black’s position and became one of the most important resources in the Queen’s Gambit Declined. 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Qb3 Putting pressure on d5 and connecting the rooks. Position after: 7...b6 13...Ndf6 14.Nxe4 Nxe4 15.Rc2 c5 8.cxd5 exd5 8...Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5 looks more logical for Black. 9.Nf3 Bb7 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.0-0 Ne4

681

682

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 15...c5

Position after: 16...Rfe8

Sooner or later, Black will face problems with his hanging pawns. At first, the c5-pawn will be White’s main target. White must decide between either isolating Black’s pawn by eliminating the other or provoking one of them to advance, which would create a strong outpost. Black, on the other hand, should somehow play dynamically around the hanging pawns and try to seize the initiative by advancing one of the pawns at the right time.

17.dxc5 bxc5 18.Bb5 Red8 18...Rec8 also deserved attention. 19.Bd3 Qe6

16.Qa3 A very fine move, pinning the pawn and avoiding attacks with tempi. 16.dxc5 bxc5 17.Qa3 Rfd8 18.Rfc1 was another option for White. 16...Rfe8 Position after: 19...Qe6

683

684

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

20.b4! This simple and excellent move eliminates the dynamic energy of the hanging pawns and makes them static and weak. Furthermore, a perfect outpost on d4 is secured for white pieces. 20...c4 Not recommended. Both pawns will soon be weak and vulnerable. 20...cxb4 21.Qxb4 Ba6 22.Nd4 Qb6 is clearly better for White, but Black’s chances for a draw are significant. 21.Nd4

Position after: 22...Qxe4 23.b5!

Gaining an important tempo.

Of course, the black knight is the most active of Black’s pieces.

A very important move! White opens the diagonal for the queen, restricts the bishop and launches his majority. It is also important that Black is unable to open files on the queenside.

22...Qxe4

23...Qg6 24.Qe7 Qb6 25.a4 Re8

21...Qg6 22.Bxe4

25...a6? 26.a5+– 26.Qb4 a5 27.Qc3 Rad8

685

686

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 27...Rad8

Position after: 31.Rd4

White is obviously better (better pawns and minor piece). It is time to remember Nimzowitsch’s statement about blockading a weak pawn – the first task is to establish a stable blockade and the next stage is to transform the blockade into an attack. The next simple move is a prelude to a natural regrouping. The rooks will be doubled on the d-file and the knight will head to the c3square. If necessary, the e4-strike may come in very handy.

Once the knight is removed from d4, the rook must become the blockading piece. 31...Re5 32.Qd2 Qc7 32...Rg6 33.Nf4 [33.Nc3 Qf6 34.Nxd5? Qf3 35.g3 Rd6–+] 33...Rd6 34.Rxc4 dxc4 35.Qxd6 Qxd6 36.Rxd6± 33.Nc3 Rg6 34.g3

28.Rd2 Rd6 29.Ne2 Re4 30.Rfd1 Qd8 31.Rd4

687

688

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 38.Rc1 38...Qxa4 38...c3 39.Qd3 Qxa4 40.Rxc3 must also be winning for White – his passed pawn has better support. 39.Rxc4 Qa1+ 40.Kg2

Position after: 34.g3 Avoiding some tactics. Black is hopeless. 34...Qc5 34...Rd6 35.e4+– 35.Nxd5+– Bxd5 36.Rxd5 Rxd5 37.Qxd5 Qb4 38.Rc1 Position after: 40.Kg2 White is winning. His passed pawn is stronger because the white pieces are more active. 40...Qb1 40...Rf6 41.Rc8+ Kh7 42.Qe4+ g6 43.Qe8

689

690

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

48.h3 Black resigned. An important game that demonstrates the problems that come with having a hanging pair of pawns. 1-0 Game 57 Alatortsev – Levenfish Tbilisi 1937 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 Bxd2+ 5.Nxd2 Nc6 6.Ngf3 d6 7.Bg2

Position after: 43.Qe8 41.Rc8+ Kh7 42.Qxf7 Rf6 43.Qg8+ Kg6 44.Qc4 Qf5 45.f4 a4 46.e4 Qg4 47.e5

Position after: 7.Bg2 After exchanging the dark-squared bishop and developing the knight on c6, Black opens the c8-h3 diagonal for his bishop. 7...e5 8.d5

Position after: 47.e5 47...Re6 47...Rxf4 48.Rc6+ Kh7 49.Qxf4+– 691

White decides to block the position, but this can lead to problems with the g2-bishop. Having said that, other solutions such as 8.0692

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

0 or 8.e3 would also give Black very comfortable play. 8...Ne7 9.0-0 0-0 10.e4 There was no necessity to also put that pawn on a light square, but White is consistent.

Position after: 11...f5 When a bishop is fianchettoed on g2, White must generally prevent Black’s next move. The point will soon be apparent. 12.Nd3? Position after: 10.e4 By securing the d5-pawn, he prepares the c5advance. 10...Nd7 Simple and good. Black prevents the move c5 and prepares an attack with ...f5. Both sides plan to attack the base of their opponent’s pawn chain. Black is faster and has definitely won the opening battle. The game is dynamically balanced but Black certainly has easier play.

Although this looks logical, this move must be bad. White must not allow 12...f4. 12.exf5 was a better option. White gets an outpost on e4 for the knight and the f4advance will soon be on the agenda. 12...f4!

11.Ne1 f5

693

694

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 12...f4!

Position after: 14...Ng6

Excellent, this move is a very typical weapon for Black. White has to choose the lesser of three evils: capturing on f4 will give Black a perfect outpost on e5 and make the g2bishop very bad (after the almost forced f2-f3 advance), closing the position with g4 will also make the g2-bishop bad and weaken the dark-squared complex (note: Black can advance ...f4-f3. A positional sacrifice that creates pressure on the f-file and an amazing outpost on f4 for his pieces), or White can wait and allow Black to orchestrate a very dangerous and direct kingside attack by launching the g- and h-pawns. White goes for option one.

Both sides try to control the e5-square. Black intends to block the e-pawn with a piece and to avoid recapturing with the d-pawn after exchanges.

13.gxf4 exf4 14.Nf3 Ng6

15.Rc1 Qe7 It has become clear that White cannot advance his e-pawn. So, after establishing a firm blockade on e5, Black will be able to carry out a kingside attack. White will be almost hopeless. Exchanging material will not help him as almost any endgame would be hopeless for him – Black has a much better bishop. Meanwhile, White has a useless majority and a weak dark-squared complex. 16.Re1 Nde5 17.Nfxe5 Nxe5 18.f3

695

696

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 18.f3

Position after: 24.b3

Advancing the pawn to f3, White has stopped Black’s attack for a while. However, Black will inevitably strike again. First, Black must secure his queenside. The next move prevents White’s counterplay related to the opening of the c-file after c5.

The game has turned into an endgame. White managed to lessen Black’s initiative by exchanging queens. However, this is not that helpful – Black only delayed his kingside attack. Due to his much better bishop and a more mobile majority, Black is much better. Two tasks await Black: using the kingside majority and be ready to prevent White’s queenside play with b4. The first part is natural, the centralisation of the king. The king heads to e5, forcing White to control the d4-square in order to prevent penetration.

18...b6! 19.Nxe5 19.b4 a5! and Black’s potential play on the afile is even more dangerous. 19...Qxe5 20.Qd2 Bd7 21.Qc3 Rfe8 22.Qxe5 Rxe5 23.a3 a5 24.b3

24...Kf7 25.Kf2 Kf6 26.Ke2 Rh5 27.Rh1 Ke5 28.Kd3

697

698

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 28.Kd3

Position after: 31...Rg8!

28...h6?!

This move prepares the ...g5 advance. Doubled rooks on the g-file will neutralise White’s control of the h-file as Black will be able to cover the 7th rank with ...R8g7.

A strange decision. Maybe it was just a waiting move. A) 28...Rh4 with the idea to prevent White’s h4 before pursuing the attack, was a good option. B) 28...Bh3!? was also a good move, with the idea to weaken the f3-pawn. Still, Black should find something else. There is no need to exchange bishops.

32.Ke2 g5 33.hxg5 hxg5 34.Kf2 g4 Black’s attack proceeds smoothly. 35.Rh5+ Kd4

29.h3?! Played in order to prevent ...Bh3, but g3 is now desperately weak. 29...Rg5 30.Rh2 Rg3 31.h4 Rg8!

699

700

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 38...Kc2! 39.Rd3 39.Re1 R8g7 40.Rxg7 Rxg7 41.Kxf3 Kxb3 42.Kxf4 Kxa3–+ 39...Bh3! 40.Rxf3 Hoping to find some counterplay – wishful thinking. 40...Rxf3+ 41.Kxf3 Bxf1 42.Rxc7 Rf8!

Position after: 35...Kd4 Now Black’s idea has become clear. White’s defence is overstretched and the king, by covering the g-file, allowed its black counterpart to infiltrate. The game is over and the rest is a matter of technique. 36.Rd1+ Kc3 37.Rh7 gxf3 38.Bf1 Kc2!

Position after: 42...Rf8! Black’s f-pawn will decide the game. 43.Rc6 Kd3 44.Rxd6 Be2+ 45.Kf2 f3 46.Rh6 Rg8 47.Rh2 Kxe4 48.Rh4+ Kd3 49.Rh2 Rg6 White resigned. Making only one mistake on move 12, White could not avoid such a bad 701

702

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

endgame against Black’s powerful bishop. Firmly controlling the most important square, Black organised an unstoppable attack on the kingside. Weaknesses on the queenside helped him deflect the white troops and the realisation was straightforward. 0-1 Game 58 Karpov – Spassky Leningrad 1974 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be2 Be7 7.0-0 0-0 8.f4 Nc6 9.Be3 Bd7 10.Nb3

10...a5 A typical and fashionable move in those days. After White’s next move, the black knight gets the b4-square. In return, the b5-square becomes weak. 11.a4 Nb4 12.Bf3 Bc6 13.Nd4 After the knight leaves c6, this is a good reaction. Black’s knight will not be on b4 forever – it can be attacked with the c-pawn. White has a pleasant choice between placing the knight on b5, and capturing the bishop and gaining the bishop pair advantage.

Position after: 13.Nd4 Position after: 10.Nb3

13...g6?!

At this point, Karpov was leading the match. Hence, he logically chose a more positional line. By playing this move, White doesn’t allow Black to exchange knights and then place the bishop on c6.

13...Nd7 to transfer the knight to c5 was a more flexible and logical choice.

703

The text move has the idea to control the f5square and prepare the move ...e5. White allows this by playing his patient and strong 704

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

next move – the point is that Black’s plan is not good.

bishop will probably be placed on the long a2-g8 diagonal.

14.Rf2 e5?!

16.fxe5! dxe5

Position after: 14...e5?!

Position after: 16...dxe5

15.Nxc6

In this position, it may look as though everything is OK for Black. However, the experienced player, and especially Karpov, may easily detect the disharmony in Black’s army. White’s light-squared bishop seems neutralised and both the d- and f-files bring nothing to White... However, this is only visual. Going a little deeper, it becomes apparent that Black is in trouble. His pieces cannot find good squares. On the other hand, the white army will soon establish full control over the centre and the entire board. The point is that the key c4-square will be under White’s control. Again, let’s remember: “Always place a piece in front of the opponent’s central pawn if it cannot be attacked!”. The c4-square can be used by the

Karpov stays true to his style. He prefers a simpler solution, giving him a stable longterm advantage. 15.Ndb5!? looks promising, although after 15...d5, a very complicated and doubleedged position arises. 15...bxc6 15...Nxc6 is worse. After 16.f5!, White is ready to expand on the kingside at the right moment. More importantly, he controls all the important light squares – his lightsquared bishop has no opposition. This

705

706

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

white queen, bishop and knight... and even the king in the endgame! From this square, all the white pieces will cause Black many problems, attacking weak pawns and controlling weak squares. The next stage of the game will convincingly confirm these statements. Karpov’s next move is brilliant. 17.Qf1! After placing the queen on c4, the c6- and f7-pawns will be targeted.

Karpov gives away his bishop for the knight – it is important that the c4-square remains under White’s control. Meanwhile, Black cannot use the c5-square at all. 19.Qc4 Qa6 and Black achieves a lot. He will inevitably move his bishop to c5, happily exchanging the bishops. Black will then have an excellent spot for the knight on c5, and a very promising position. 19...h5 20.Bxd7 Qxd7 21.Qc4 Bh4 22.Rd2 Qe7

17...Qc8 18.h3 Don’t rush. The g4-square should be controlled. 18...Nd7

Position after: 22...Qe7 23.Rf1

Position after: 18...Nd7 19.Bg4!

707

23.Bc5 Qg5 24.Rad1 was also very good for White, maybe even a better option. It looks like the game would continue: 24...Rfd8 25.Rxd8+ Rxd8 26.Rf1 Rd7 27.Bxb4 axb4 28.Qxc6, placing the knight on d5 and reaching a completely winning position. Not 708

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

once did Karpov go for the simplest solution if it made his task any more difficult.

With the simple idea of playing g3. 25.c3 Rxd2 26.Nxd2 Nc2

23...Rfd8 24.Nb1!

Position after: 26...Nc2 Position after: 24.Nb1! One of the most beautiful moves I have ever seen. This move looks primitive. The point is that it is multi-purpose. White is ready to attack the black knight by advancing his c-pawn – the knight doesn’t have a comfortable square to retreat to. Also, the white knight leaves the c3-square, where it was paralysed by the c6pawn. It is now ready to be transferred to either d2 and c4 or f3, depending on the situation. Karpov was a real master of such regroupings. It is highly recommended to analyse his games in order to improve your positional play.

looked like a complication to Karpov, so he rejected it. Although, after 27.Bh6!!, Black will be in big trouble after the upcoming Nf3. 25...Kg7 26.c3

24...Qb7 25.Kh2

709

710

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 26.c3

Position after: 29...f6

26...Na6

Black has managed to defend the f-pawn, but now White strikes on the other side. The d8square is occupied by the black bishop and White immediately uses this to penetrate via the d-file.

26...Rxd2 with the idea of exchanging material was better. 27.Re2! White keeps the rooks on the board! After attacking the black bishop, the rook will move to f2, creating terrible pressure on f7. Black is already hopeless. There are so many weaknesses on both flanks and complete disharmony in the black camp. Take a look at his minor pieces...

30.Rd2! The game is over. 30...Be7 31.Qe6 Rad8 32.Rxd8

27...Rf8 28.Nd2 Bd8 29.Nf3 f6

711

712

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 32.Rxd8

Position after: 35.Rxd8!

That is the simplest.

35...Rxd8 36.Be7+– 1-0

32...Bxd8 32...Rxd8 33.Nxe5!+– 33.Rd1 Nb8 Black’s pieces are ridiculously placed. 34.Bc5 Rh8 35.Rxd8 After recapturing, the bishop comes to e7 with devastating effect. 35.Rxd8!

713

A convincing victory. It is a perfect example on the topic of important squares. Indeed, control over the important c4-square gave White excellent prospects on both flanks, which were superbly utilised by Karpov. Game 59 Guimard – Euwe Groningen 1946 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 b6 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.c4 Bg7 6.0-0 0-0 7.Nc3

714

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 7.Nc3

Position after: 8...Bxe4

Black decided to activate his bishops by fianchettoing them. Controlling the centre from a distance, Black is ready to attack it later with some pawns. His next move is played with the idea to secure the exchange of the light-squared bishops. This can make White’s king slightly more vulnerable.

The light-squared bishops will certainly be exchanged at some point. 9.Bf4 d6 10.Qd2 Nd7 11.Bh6 White, in return, wants to exchange the dark-squared bishops. 11...e6 12.Bxg7 Kxg7 13.Ne1 Bxg2 14.Nxg2 Nf6

7...Ne4 8.Nxe4 8.Qc2 Nxc3 9.Qxc3 c5„ 8...Bxe4

715

716

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 14...Nf6

Position after: 19...Nd7

The position is completely equal. Everything will depend on the players’ strategical skills, form and creativity.

20.g4?

15.d5?! This move looks strange, especially in view of the rest of the game. White allows the formation of a pawn chain, but is nowhere near ready to attack its base. Furthermore, some poor coordination in White’s camp will be apparent.

This move weakens the f4- and h4- squares. 20.Ne1 f5 21.Nd3 was a correct suggestion by Botvinnik. White should organise an attack on Black’s pawn chain with c5. 20...Kh7 21.Ne3

A) 15.f3 with the idea of e4, suggested by Kmoch, was more logical. B) 15.Qc2 with the same idea of e4, suggested by Botvinnik, also looks better. 15...e5 16.f3 Qe7 17.e4 Rae8?! 18.Kh1 h6 19.b4 Nd7

717

718

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 21.Ne3 White has perfectly prevented Black’s ...f5 break, but Black hasn’t said his final words. 21...Ra8!? This mysterious rook move is actually quite logical. Black wants to play 22...a5, hoping to eliminate the b4-pawn and secure a perfect square for the knight on c5.

23.a3 was a must. Black would have had the very interesting possibility 23...Ra7, doubling (or even tripling) on the a-file with the idea to provoke the move b5. After that, the knight would jump to c5 and the rooks would be transferred back to the kingside. 23...Qg5 24.Rg3

22.Rg1 a5

Position after: 24.Rg3 With the idea to be ready in case of ...f5 or ...h5. White can even prophylactically double the rooks on the g-file.

Position after: 22...a5

24...Nc5 25.Re1 a4

23.b5? Perhaps a fatal mistake. It is hard to believe that Black wins after this move, but White is definitely left without counterplay. Black will easily organise an attack on the kingside, which will be supported by the perfect c5knight.

719

With the idea to transfer the rook to b4 via a4, if possible. White decided to stop this. 26.a3 However, the black knight can now make use of the b3-square, which leads it to d4. By 720

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

preventing one infiltration, White allows perhaps an even more dangerous one. 26...Rh8 27.Qe2 Kg7

Position after: 28...Kf8 28...h5 29.h4 hxg4

Position after: 27...Kg7 28.Ng2 White wants to be ready to blockade the position on the kingside with h4 after any of Black’s advances. Black grasps his last chance to avoid the closing of the position and strikes. 28.Nf5+ gives nothing because of 28...Kf8.

Position after: 29...hxg4 30.fxg4 30.Rxg4 is not good. After 30...Qe7 31.Kg1 Rh5 Black can place both rooks on the h-file, 721

722

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

evacuate the king and advance ...f5. Feel free to consider the consequences and ensure that White is in big trouble. 30...Rxh4+!

Position after: 33...Qxh4+ 34.Kg1 [34.Kg2 Nd3!–+] 34...Qg3+ 35.Kh1 Qxa3µ Position after: 30...Rxh4+!

32...Qxh4 33.g5

Tactics serve strategy. With an exposed, under attack king, White’s position becomes hopeless. 31.Nxh4 Rh8! 32.Kg2 A) 32.Qg2 Qxh4+ 33.Kg1 Nd3–+ B) 32.Rh3 Rxh4–+ 33.Rxh4 [33.Qh2 Rxh3 34.Qxh3 Nd3! with full domination; 33.Qf3 Qxg4–+.] 33...Qxh4+

Position after: 33.g5 33...Nb3!? 723

724

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

33...Nxe4 was a direct win. The knight is untouchable. After 34.Qxe4? Qh2+ 35.Kf3 Rh4 Black wins easily. 34.Rg1?

White made a serious mistake by allowing Black to get his knight to c5. As a result, he played the rest of the game without even a glimpse of activity. Black was able to patiently organise a kingside attack, which finally led to a convincing win.

34.Kf2 is better, although after 34...Qf4+ 35.Qf3 Rh2+ 36.Kg1 [Or 36.Rg2 Rxg2+ 37.Kxg2 Qxg5+] 36...Qh4 Black should win.

0-1

34...Nd2!

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+

Game 60 Khalifman – Adams Groningen 1990

Black chooses the Bogo-Indian. Usually, after exchanging the dark-squared bishops, Black opens the diagonal for his light-squared one by placing his pawns on d6 and e5. 4.Bd2 Qe7 5.g3

Position after: 34...Nd2! A very beautiful finale. 35.Kf2 35.Qxd2 Qh2+–+ Position after: 5.g3

35...Nxe4+

5...Nc6

White resigned. 725

726

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

5...b6 6.Bg2 Bb7, with control over the e4square, is also well-known and fine for Black. 6.Nc3 White takes control over the e4-square, forcing Black to exchange the bishop for the knight at some point. Black decides to do it immediately. 6...Bxc3 7.Bxc3 Ne4 8.Rc1 d6 9.Bg2 Nxc3 Sooner or later, Black will be forced to capture. 10.Rxc3 e5

Position after: 11.d5 11...Nb8!

White must make a decision. Capturing on e5 is primitive and Black is out of trouble after recapturing with the pawn. Keeping the tension in the centre also doesn’t hinder Black’s development. So, White chooses the most active continuation. Although, after this advance, there is a risk of making the g2bishop bad.

The knight aims for the c5-square. 12.0-0 0-0 13.Nd2 a5 Securing the c5-square for the knight. 14.c5

11.d5

727

728

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 14.c5

Position after: 16...Qd8!

White found this active continuation on move 11. He wants to utilise his superior development. Otherwise, after finishing development, Black would have excellent prospects due to his potentially powerful bishop.

Protecting the a5-pawn and controlling the b6-square.

14...Na6 14...dxc5 would be risky. After 15.Ne4 Na6 16.d6 cxd6 17.Qxd6 Qxd6 18.Nxd6 White has more than compensation. 15.cxd6 cxd6 16.Nc4 Qd8!

729

17.a3?! After this unnecessary prophylactic move, White loses the initiative. Black gets a chance and turns the game around. More aggressive was 17.Qb3 Nc5 18.Qb5 Bd7 19.Qb6 Qxb6 20.Nxb6 Ra6 21.Nc4 with annoying pressure on the d6-pawn. 17...b5! 18.Nd2 Bd7

730

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 18...Bd7

Position after: 21...Nc5

The bishop is much better placed there than on b7, of course. Otherwise, White would happily place his bishop on h3.

The situation has clarified. Black is already better. White’s pieces are kicked back and the c5-knight is dominating the entire board. White’s next move is incorrect.

19.Qb1 b4! 22.Ne4? Black must not allow White to play b4 himself. 20.axb4 axb4 21.Rcc1 Nc5

A) 22.Qc2 with the idea of transferring the rook to the a-file, was obviously a better choice. B) 22.f4!? in order to find counterplay on the kingside also deserved attention. 22...Bf5!µ A simple move that Khalifman incredibly allowed. Black will dominate in the endgame with a strong knight against a bad bishop. 23.Rc4 b3

731

732

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Although this pawn will be fixed on a light square, it will be safe. The bishop will soon be unable to attack it.

Position after: 26.Bg2 26...Qa5 Position after: 23...b3

26...Ra2 followed by 27...Qa5 was also good.

The text move grants Black control over the outposts a2 and c2. 24.Qc1 Bxe4 25.Bxe4 f5 Black plays very simply. He methodically puts pressure on both flanks.

27.h4?! It is now too late to go for kingside counterplay. The queenside should be White’s focus. 27...Qb5 28.Qc3 Na4

26.Bg2

733

734

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 28...Na4

Position after: 30.Rc8+!+–

29.Qb4?

30.Rxb4 Rfb8!

Although it looks logical, it is not good. ¹ 29.Qc1 and Black doesn’t have a better move than 29...Nc5, closing the c-file and preventing counterplay with Rc7 [29...Nxb2? 30.Rc7„]. 29...Qxb4 29...Rfb8? 30.Rc8+!+–

Position after: 30...Rfb8! Of course, White would survive after eliminating the b-pawns. 31.Rxb8+ Rxb8 32.Rb1 735

736

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

The position is technically winning for Black. White’s lone rook cannot prevent material loss. 32...Rc8 33.Bh3 g6 34.e4

Position after: 39...Ke7

Position after: 34.e4 White tries some tactics, but Black convincingly realises his huge advantage. 34...Rc2 35.Ra1

After trying all the active moves and tactics, White resigned. Unable to find an active continuation on move 17, White switched to defence. That is one of the most important psychological aspects in the game of chess – deciding when to seek activity, and when to switch to defence. 0-1 Game 61 Petrosian – Botvinnik Moscow 1963

35.exf5 Rxb2–+ 35...Nc5 36.exf5 Rxb2 37.fxg6 hxg6 38.Be6+ Kf8 39.Ra8+ Ke7

737

1.c4 g6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.e3 0-0 6.Be2

738

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 6.Be2

Position after: 8.d5

Botvinnik was a real expert in the Grunfeld Defence. On the other hand, Petrosian was known as a master of prophylaxis, manoeuvring and defence. It is understandable that he wanted to lead the game in a quiet manner against Botvinnik, who would always prefer dynamic play. A master of strategy against a master of dynamics – an interesting matchup!

8...e6?! This move was tested by Botvinnik a little before this match. So, Petrosian could prepare against it, and he did. 8...a6!? was another interesting solution. 9.dxe6 Qxd1+ 10.Kxd1 Bxe6 11.Bxe6 fxe6

6...dxc4 6...c5!? 7.Bxc4 c5 8.d5

739

740

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

control so many important squares and allow White to play on both sides. Indeed, Petrosian won the game without Botvinnik even making any obvious mistakes... 12.Ke2 Nc6 13.Rd1

Position after: 11...fxe6 Here, we must stop for a while. Analysing some of his previous games, Botvinnik stated that this endgame is very comfortable for Black. Black has solid development, and maybe even a space advantage. The e6-pawn cannot be counted as a significant weakness. What about Petrosian’s evaluation? Well, a journalist asked him about his preparation and the position in general. His answer was utterly surprising: Petrosian was sure that he would win this endgame! Of course, he did not say that the endgame was winning. He was just convinced he would win. The reason for such a drastic statement is that there are not a lot of dynamics going on. Hence, he knew that Botvinnik would feel uncomfortable. Black has some active play, but static elements would soon prevail. Petrosian saw that his knight will end up dominating the entire board from the excellent and safe e4-square. This knight will 741

Position after: 13.Rd1 13...Rad8?! The first mistake. Black is forced to lose a tempo. This probably confirmed Petrosian’s statement in his mind – Botvinnik immediately went for an imprecise move. 13...Kf7 was correct: 14.Ng5+ Ke7 with centralisation of the king. 14.Rxd8 Rxd8 15.Ng5!

742

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 15.Ng5!

Position after: 19.Bd2!

15...Re8™

19...Nd5

Other moves are just as bad.

Compared to the previous diagram, material has reduced and the game has been simplified. The most important factor in this position is the e4-knight. It dominates the board, covering so many important squares. It is safe there – a consequence of isolating the e6-pawn. There are good places for our pieces in front of our opponents’ weak pawns. Still, it is difficult for White to cause any serious damage with this knight. White proceeds prophylactically, setting the scene for the creation of new weak points in Black’s camp.

A) 15...Rd6? 16.Nb5± B) 15...e5? 16.Ne6± 16.Nge4 Nxe4 17.Nxe4 b6 18.Rb1 Nb4 19.Bd2!

19...Nxa2? 20.Ra1 Nb4 21.Bxb4 cxb4 22.Rxa7 Bxb2 23.Rb7± 20.a4 With the idea to fix the black pawns on dark squares and establish control over the light 743

744

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

squares. 20...Rc8 21.b3 Bf8 22.Rc1

Position after: 24.b5 24...Kf7?! Position after: 22.Rc1 22...Be7 This allows White to play his next move, seizing the initiative.

Petrosian later suggested the following line as better for Black: 24...Ba3 25.Rc2 c3! 26.Bxc3 Bb4 27.Kd2 Rc4 28.Bxb4 Rxe4 29.Bd6 Rxa4.

22...Rc7 was more precise. 23.b4! c4 A natural reaction, Black doesn’t allow the isolation of his c5-pawn. 24.b5

Position after: 29...Rxa4 745

746

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

According to him, Black should go for concrete play – waiting and playing patiently is not a viable option. Here, White’s advantage is not significant. 25.Bc3!

Position after: 28.Rc2 28...Ke7

Position after: 25.Bc3! White blocks the c4-pawn. The idea it to attack it later after Nd2 and Be5. Black’s pawn on c3 would also be in danger. 25...Ba3 26.Rc2 Nxc3+ Black now goes for active play, but it is probably already too late. Black’s c-pawn is in danger.

If 28...e5 then 29.Nd2 c3 30.Ne4 Ke6 31.Kd3 Rd8+ [31...Kd5 32.Nxc3+] 32.Kc4 Rd2 33.Kb3 with a clear advantage. 29.Nd2! c3 29...Bxd2 30.Kxd2 Kd6 31.Kc3 Kc5 32.Rd2+– 30.Ne4 Ba5 31.Kd3 Rd8+ 32.Kc4 Rd1 32...Rd7 33.Kb3+– 33.Nxc3

27.Rxc3 Bb4 28.Rc2

747

748

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 33.Nxc3

Position after: 35.Kd4

White has achieved a lot and gained a pawn. Botvinnik, probably upset by the turn the game has taken, strangely makes another mistake.

35...Kd7

33...Rh1?

36.g3 Bb4 37.Ke5!

The knight had to be captured. Black’s bishop is out of play. The difference in importance between the minor pieces will soon be evident.

This manoeuvre was Petrosian’s idea. The king joins the attack. Not only are Black’s kingside pawns in danger, so is his king.

33...Bxc3 34.Kxc3 Rh1 35.h3 Kd7 gives Black some practical chances to survive.

35...Rxg2 36.Rc7+ Kd8 37.Rxh7 would be even worse for Black.

37...Rh5+ 38.Kf6 Be7+ 39.Kg7!

34.Ne4! An amazing move. White gives the pawn back “for nothing”. Actually, only a brief look at Black’s scattered army is enough for a diagnosis – Black is hopeless. 34...Rxh2 35.Kd4 749

750

Key Squares I (Games 56-61)

Position after: 39.Kg7!

Position after: 44.Ke8

What a king!

Consistent.

39...e5 40.Rc6! Rh1 41.Kf7!

44...Bc7 45.Rc6 Rd1

White attacks the king directly. Everything had been precisely calculated by Petrosian.

45...Rxa4 46.Nc3+– 46.Ng5 Rd8+ 47.Kf7 Rd7+ 48.Kg8

41...Ra1 42.Re6 Bd8 42...Bb4 43.Nf6+ Kc8 44.Rxe5+– 43.Rd6+ Kc8 44.Ke8

751

752

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 48.Kg8 Material loss is inevitable. Black resigned. It is extremely important to understand such games from a psychological viewpoint. Both players were satisfied with the position they achieved after the opening. From an objective point of view, we must admit that Botvinnik’s evaluation was correct. However, psychology plays a crucial part in chess, so Petrosian was also right. It is very important to get a type of position you are familiar with in your game, and that your opponent isn’t. In this game, Botvinnik simply made some imprecise moves, not feeling the danger soon enough. After that, it was already very difficult for Black to save the game.

Game 62 Krasenkow – Protaziuk Suwalki 1999 1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4

1-0

Position after: 5.e4 5...Nxc3 This move is usually chosen if Black wants to play the Grunfeld. 5...Nb4 6.Bc4 Nd3+ 7.Ke2 leads to a very interesting position, where it is extremely important to play inventively. 6.dxc3! Let’s stop for a moment. This move can be recognised as a very interesting psychological jab. Perhaps Black was expecting sharp play in the Grunfeld (6.bxc3). Now, he must be a bit shocked. 753

754

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

White is ready to go for a “primitive and equal” endgame instead!

6...Qc7 is playable, but I feel that there is disharmony in the black army. After 7.Bc4, several games showed that he has problems with finishing development. The lightsquared bishop lacks a good square, as moving it to g4 would probably lead to giving the advantage of the bishop pair to White. Likewise, the dark-squared bishop would not find a comfortable spot on e7 nor g7; in both cases, pawns would restrict it. [White also has the option to play 7.Bd3 followed by Qe2, which can give him attacking chances on the kingside after advancing his pawn to e5.] 7.Kxd1

Position after: 6.dxc3! No, White is ready to play patiently, enjoying perhaps a small but stable advantage. The point is that the black queenside is very weakened after the advance of the c-pawn. White can comfortably access the c4-square (note: always place a piece in front of the opponent’s central pawn if other pawns cannot attack it!). Also, the b5- and d5-squares can also be used by the white pieces. For instance, the white bishop on f4 could control a very important diagonal, and after the natural setting of black pawns on f6 and e5, the entire light-squared complex would be weakened.

Position after: 7.Kxd1

6.bxc3 g6 7.d4 transposes to the Grunfeld. White’s king is well-placed on d1, and it will soon go to the perfect central c2-square.

6...Qxd1+ White has a slight space advantage and Black logically wants to trade queens. 755

7...Nc6 8.Kc2 756

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

It looks like White is delaying the activation of the c1-bishop. The text move simply waits to see what Black will do about his f8-bishop first. A) 8.Be3 is quite possible. B) 8.Bf4 is another good choice.

9...f6 10.Nd2 This is a standard and logical regrouping plan. The knight heads to the strong c4square, while the a-pawn will be advanced to a4, supporting the knight. 10...e5?!

8...e6 (8.Kc2) 8...g6 can be met with 9.Be3 with the idea to provoke the move ...e6, which would weaken the f6-square. 9...b6 10.Bb5 Bd7 11.a4 Bg7 12.Rhd1 with an evident advantage and the positional threat of advancing a5.

Black consistently restricts White’s darksquared bishop, but then light-squared weaknesses appear. 11.Be3 Be6

9.Bf4!?

Position after: 11...Be6 12.Bc4 Position after: 9.Bf4!? This move was actually Krasenkow’s improvement. The bishop targets the weakened d6-square and Black is almost forced to advance his e-pawn again. 757

Of course, once White exchanges Black’s light-squared bishop, he can aim for a good knight vs. bad bishop type of position. There is no time to play 12.a4 prematurely. After 12...0-0-0 the move Bc4 is forbidden: 758

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

13.Bc4?? Rxd2+.

to combine play on both flanks. Firstly, he will organise activities on the kingside and, at the right moment, switch to the queenside, making use of the many weak squares there.

12...Kf7?! Black should fight for some light squares with ¹ 12...Bxc4 13.Nxc4 b5, even though this is still slightly better for White. 13.a4 Now it is too late, White’s knight will dominate from square c4. 13...Be7 14.Bxe6+ Kxe6 15.Nc4 b6 16.Rhd1 Rhd8

17.Rxd8 Rxd8 18.g4 g6 With the idea of playing ...f5, perhaps. Black later decided not to go for it though. This move will make the e5-pawn vulnerable. 18...g5? may look good to the inexperienced player, because it “blocks the kingside”. Even if true, it creates new light-squared weaknesses. Anyway, the queenside is still open for White’s activities. 19.Rg1

Position after: 16...Rhd8 White has a small and stable advantage. There is the intention of getting the dream endgame with a knight versus a bad bishop.

Position after: 19.Rg1

Even with all the minor pieces on the board, it is clear that White’s pieces are better. White exchanges a pair of rooks and is ready

A patient move. Aron Nimzowitsch would perhaps call it a “mysterious rook move”. However, it is not that mysterious. The idea is to advance the h-pawn to h5 and open the

759

760

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

h-file. If Black opposes this by playing ...h5 himself, White would control the g-file after the exchange of pawns. Of course, this move is also a measure against ...f5. 19...Rh8 Black gets ready for White’s aforementioned plan. 20.Kd3 Patiently improving all his pieces. 20...Kf7 21.h4 Ke6 22.h5 Rd8+ 23.Kc2 Position after: 25.f3! preventing the move ...h5. 25.Rh1 White finally achieves control over the h-file. He has accumulated many pluses with patient play from the beginning. 25...Nd8 26.Na3 Vacating the c4-square for the king. The knight is ready to be used on b5. 26...Nc6 27.Rh7 Position after: 23.Kc2 23...Rg8 23...Rh8 24.Rh1 doesn’t help Black. 24.hxg6 hxg6 24...Rxg6 25.f3! 761

762

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 27.Rh7

Position after: 29...f5?!

Without a real plan, Black’s position gets gradually worse with every move.

Hoping to exchange some pawns. Black decides not just to wait for White’s further improvements...

27...Rc8 30.Rh6! fxg4 31.Rxg6+ Rf6 32.Rxf6+ Kxf6 27...Na5 28.Nb5!+– 28.Nc4 Do not rush! 28...Rf8 29.Bd2 f5?!

After a short series of forced moved, the situation has cleared. White has kept an advantage due to better minor pieces and weaknesses in Black’s queenside structure. The g4-pawn is separated from the rest of the army and will soon face problems. White’s next few moves are very natural. 33.Kd3 Kg6 34.Ne3

763

764

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 34.Ne3

Position after: 38...a6

Attacking the g4-pawn and freeing the c4square.

Black has a slight initiative for the pawn, but it is insufficient.

34...Bg5

39.Nf6 b5 40.Nd5+!

Black wants to exchange the bad bishop, at last.

With a fine tactic, White ends the game.

If 34...Kh5 35.Kc4 Bh4 36.Be1 and White’s king penetrates.

40...Kg5

35.Nxg4 Bxd2 36.Kxd2 Kg5

40...Kg3 41.Nc7 bxa4 42.Nxa6+– 41.Nc7 bxa4 42.Ne6+!

Black has some counterplay. He lost a pawn but has activated his king and got rid of his bad bishop. Alas, White accurately proves that Black’s initiative is temporary and that there is not enough compensation for the pawn.

Black resigned.

37.f3 Kf4 38.Ke2 a6

1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nbd7 4.Nf3 e5 5.h3 g6

765

1-0 Game 63 Gorodetzky – Radovanovic Veliko Gradiste 2016

766

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 5...g6

Position after: 10.a4

The game started with a Philidor, but now Black decides to switch to a Pirc setup.

Preventing ...b5 and intending to fix the a7pawn after advancing the pawn to a5.

6.Be3 Bg7 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Be2

10...Qe7 11.Qc1

An incomprehensible move. The bishop does nothing on e2.

White is already running into some problems with finding a good setup to finish development. With the bishop on c4, e2 would have been a fine square for the queen. Generally, the Hanham pawn structure after dxe5 is more often in Black’s favour – the c6pawn paralyses the c3-knight.

8.Bc4 is better. 8...0-0 9.0-0 c6 10.a4

11...Nc5 Attacking the e4-pawn and perhaps preparing to transfer this knight to d4 or f4 via e6. 12.Nd2 a5! A very important resource for Black in this kind of structure. Fixing the a4-pawn and 767

768

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

securing the very important c5-square for the knight, Black has enough time to regroup and play for the initiative. Meanwhile, White’s knights must protect the e4-pawn and are hindering other pieces. Black is already better.

Position after: 14...Rfd8! A very fine move. Precisely that rook belongs to the d-file. The f8-square is vacated for the bishop. This is very important – it can be exchanged for White’s dark-squared bishop, weakening his dark-squared complex on the queenside. 15.Qa3?! A strange idea. In fact, White will admit it was a mistake on the next move. 15.f3 was perhaps a good move, with the idea to free the knights by protecting the e4pawn. However, Black will have an excellent opportunity to switch his activities to the kingside with 15...Nh5. 15...Bf8 16.Qb2 Qc7

Position after: 12...a5!

Opening the diagonal for the f8-bishop.

13.Rd1 Be6 14.b3 Rfd8!

17.Bf1 Rd7

769

770

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 17...Rd7 A lot of time has passed without White improving even a single piece. Probably fearing Black’s growing initiative and lacking a promising plan, he decided to play... 18.g4? This move is a big mistake. Sometimes this move can be made with a fianchettoed bishop on g2, in order to launch a kingside attack. However, the entire white army is locked on the queenside. The idea behind this move cannot be to attack the f6-knight either – it would jump to h5 and then f4. White’s last move is just a horrible mistake as it simply creates weaknesses. 18...Rad8 Black’s reaction is simple. Faced with a flank attack, he counters by improving his position in the centre. 19.Bg2 Na6!

Position after: 19...Na6! Black is consistent. Simply by following his plan of exchanging the dark-squared bishops, he will reach a superior position. 20.Nf1 Rxd1 20...Bc5, giving White the opportunity to take on the d-file first, was perhaps even better. 21.Rxd1 Bc5 21...Rxd1 may seem better as it makes the knight “passive”. Black had probably planned that initially but switched to a better option before capturing twice. Remember, the knight is bad on c3! 22.Qc1 Rxd1 22...Bxe3 23.Nxe3 Nb4 looks like a better option – see the previous note.

771

772

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

23.Nxd1 Qd6

Position after: 29.Ne3 Position after: 23...Qd6 24.Qd2 This looks logical. White wants to get rid of Black’s superbly placed pieces, which dominate the dark squares in the centre and on the queenside. 24...Qxd2 25.Nxd2 h5!? A very interesting solution. After White’s response, Black may be able to create an outside passed pawn on the h-file by undermining White’s kingside pawn chain with ...f6 and ...g5.

It looks like White has achieved a lot. He has managed to exchange a lot of his passive pieces, and to reduce the opponent’s pressure in the centre and on the queenside. He even managed to fix some of the opponent’s pawns on light squares, and his king is ready for action. White would like to place a knight on c4, attacking both black pawns. However, Black’s next simple move prevents this. It also leads to the creation of a dangerous passed pawn on the a-file! 29...b5! 30.axb5 cxb5 31.Nb1

26.g5 Nd7 27.h4 Nb4 28.Bxc5 Nxc5 29.Ne3

773

774

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 31.Nb1

Position after: 34.Na3

31...Nc6

34...f6!

This move prepares the advance of the apawn while the knight heads to d4. Black probably didn’t play 31...a4 immediately in view of 32.c3 Nc6 33.b4 with some counterchances due to the weak b5-pawn.

Opening another front. Black wants to create a passed pawn on the h-file too. With these two powerful and distant passed pawns, Black should be very close to the win. 35.gxf6 Kf7 36.Nd5

32.Kf1 a4 33.bxa4 bxa4 34.Na3

775

776

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 36.Nd5 White finally finds some activity. Alas, Black simply destroys all of his hopes.

bound to play an important role in the next stages of the game. 39.Bd5 Nf5 The positional advantage will finally be converted into a material advantage.

36...Bxd5! The only move, but a simple and strong one. Black’s knights control the entire board and with a passed pawn on both flanks, the game seems to be decided.

40.Nb5 Nxh4 41.c3 Nf5 42.Kg2 g5

37.exd5 Nd4 38.d6 Kxf6

Position after: 42...g5 The rest is simple. Black launches his kingside pawns. Position after: 38...Kxf6 Take a look at the black knight on c5. It has been there for such a long time, and has been safe and very influential. Blocking one of White’s pawns and stopping another, it even protects the a-pawn. All of that thanks to Black’s fine 12th move. Pieces placed on secure and key squares in the centre are

777

43.Kh2 g4 44.Kg1 h4 45.Kh2 g3+ Black accurately calculates that this wins quickly. 46.fxg3 hxg3+ 47.Kh3

778

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 52.Kf2 52...Nd3+ 53.Kxe2 Nf4+ Yet again, tactics serve strategy... 54.Kd2 Nxd5 55.Kc2 Kxd7 White resigned.

Position after: 47.Kh3 47...e4 47...Nd3 followed by a check on f4 is another option. 48.d7 Ke7! 49.Nd4 Nxd4 50.cxd4 e3 51.Kxg3 e2! 52.Kf2

779

A great game, which perfectly depicts many important properties of the Hanham structure after dxe5 in the Phillidor or Pirc Defence. A typical method was shown: patient and persistent occupation of dark squares in the centre and on the queenside. The realisation was also very instructive. 0-1 Game 64 Alekhine – Chajes Karlsbad 1923 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bg5 Be7 6.e3 0-0 7.Rc1 c6 8.Qc2 a6 9.a3 Re8 10.h3 b5

780

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 10...b5

Position after: 14.Bd3

This is the first important moment in the game. White decides to block the queenside and play on the kingside.

14...g6

11.c5 Nh5 Black wants to exchange bishops and then play ...e5. 12.Bf4!? White has other plans. His idea is to prevent ...e5, even prepared to give away the bishop for the knight.

After this move, White will comfortably advance his h-pawn, seizing the initiative. He will choose the right moment to open the hfile, maybe even keeping his king in the centre. 14...h6!? was probably a better and more flexible move. 15.h4! Bf6 16.h5 Nf8 17.g3 Ra7

12...Nxf4 13.exf4 a5 14.Bd3

781

782

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

queenside, by the way, White will make sure the position remains closed. 20.Qe2 a4

Position after: 17...Ra7 By preventing the ...e5 advance, White has established a strong blockade of Black’s kingside in order to then organise an attack. Position after: 20...a4 18.Nd1! The knight heads to g4 via e3. From there, it will control some important dark squares, especially e5.

Black hopes to get some counterplay with ...b4 at some point. 21.Nc2! Rae7 22.Kf1 Don’t rush. Such prophylaxis is useful.

18...Bg7 19.Ne3 It is crucial that Black cannot play ...f6 – the g6-pawn is hanging. 19...f5?!

22...Bf6 23.Ne5! Bxe5 24.Qxe5 Qc7 24...Nd7 25.Qd6! Bb7 26.hxg6 hxg6 27.Nb4 and Black is hopeless.

From a certain point of view, it is natural for Black to want to forever eliminate threats on the b1-h7 diagonal. On the other hand, the position gets definitively blocked. This means that White will have the possibility to patiently carry kingside play. On the 783

784

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 24...Qc7

Position after: 28...Qf6

White is much better. One brief look at the position is enough to be sure. The most obvious factors are that White has a much better bishop, better squares for his knight, and a safer king. His space advantage is also important. Hence, refusing the exchange of queens is a logical decision.

29.Be2

25.Qf6 Rf7 26.Qh4 Qe7

Both sides patiently improve the pieces.

Black is consistent.

32...Bd7 33.Bh5 Ng6 34.Nd3

The bishop aims for the h5-square to eliminate one of the pieces defending the black king. 29...Rg7 30.Qf3 Nf8 31.Qe3 Ree7 32.Nb4

27.hxg6 Nxg6 28.Qh5 White has increased his advantage. Black’s kingside is in ruins. 28...Qf6

785

786

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 34.Nd3

Position after: 38.Rhe1?!

This knight is on the right spot. It controls two key squares: b4 and e5.

White wastes time but, of course, Black cannot do anything about it. In closed positions where your opponent is unable to carry out any active plans, you are allowed to waste some time, slowly trying to find the right continuation...

34...Be8 White should definitely try to invade down the h-file. Doubling on the e-file should not bring much – the e6-pawn would easily be defended by Black’s minor pieces. White’s king needs to be evacuated to the queenside. Even the threat of penetrating via b4 or e5 may be on the agenda in the endgame.

38...Nf8? This move is imprecise. 38...Rd7 39.Nb4 Rd8 and continuing the king’s evacuation was better.

35.Ke2 Kf8 36.Kd2 Rb7 37.Bf3 Ke7

39.Nb4 Kd8?

This defensive manoeuvre looks pretty good. The king heads to the safety of the queenside. It would even be ready to oppose its white counterpart in the endgame.

Black overlooked a nice tactical shot, which was surprisingly also missed by Alekhine. It is easy to explain such a mistake – White was focused on strategical approaches, which is very natural in such closed positions.

38.Rhe1?!

39...Kf7 was the only good move, but Black wanted to continue with the evacuation. 787

788

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 39...Kd8?

Position after: 47...Nd7

40.Kd3

White’s pieces are all on their best squares. What to do now? Alekhine’s next move shows his other side. He is famous for his attacking playing style, sacrifices and combinations. However, his next move shows his impressive strategical understanding.

White wants to create similar threats as in the line below. 40.Bxd5! was crushing: 40...cxd5 41.Nxd5 exd5 [41...Qg6 42.c6+–] 42.Qxe8+ Kc7 43.Qa8 Qxd4+ 44.Kc2 is a pretty engine line, which is winning for White. However, it is difficult for a human to find it. 40...Rge7 41.Qd2 Ra7 42.Rh1 Missing his chance, White finally doubles on the h-file. 42...Rec7 43.Rh2 Bg6 44.Qe3 Kc8 45.Rch1 Kb7 46.Kd2 Re7 47.Nd3 Nd7

48.Bh5! Perhaps a key move in the game. There can be no progress made on the h-file while the bishop is on g6. Opening the position by preparing g4 was risky. Alekhine perfectly evaluates the position and his diagnosis is correct: he doesn’t need his light-squared bishop – it cannot attack anything. It should therefore be used to eliminate Black’s main defensive piece. 48...Ra8 49.Bxg6 hxg6 50.Rh7

789

790

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 50.Rh7

Position after: 54...Re7

All of White’s pieces are perfectly placed and finally invade.

55.Qe5!

50...Rae8 51.Ne5! Nf8

This move decides the game. The paralysed black troops are unable to do anything against White’s doubling on the 8th rank.

Black must not take this knight: 51...Nxe5 52.fxe5! Qf8 53.Qg5 is lost for him.

55...Qxe5 56.fxe5 Ra8 57.Rg8 b4

52.Rh8 Rg7

A desperate attempt. Alas, counterplay is only an illusion.

Black protects all his weaknesses. 58.Rhh8 53.Nf3 There was nothing wrong with 58.axb4. Another fine manoeuvre. The knight goes to g5, vacating the e5-square for the queen.

58...Ree8

53...Rb8 54.Ng5 Re7

791

792

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 58...Ree8

Position after: 62...Rd8

59.axb4

63.Rh1!

59.Nh7+–

That is the point. Finis opus coronat!

59...Ka7 60.Kc3

63...Rd7 64.Ra1

Alekhine always preferred to finish a game in style. He spotted an interesting possibility... to play for a mate!

Black resigned.

60...Ka6 61.Nf7 Rec8 62.Nd6 Rd8

Once a position is blocked in the centre, flank activities become a must. The game was also a good lesson on understanding the relative worth of bishops. Finally, the evacuation of the king in blocked positions is always a manoeuvre that one should have in mind. A masterpiece with an exquisite ending presents a less well-known side of the great champion. 1-0 Game 65 Smyslov – Letelier Venice 1950

793

794

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.a4 Qa5 8.Qd2 Nbc6 9.Nf3

Position after: 11...Nf5 12.Bc3! Position after: 9.Nf3 9...cxd4?! Premature. Black should not exchange the queens while the bishop is still on c1. The point is that, from d2, the bishop prevents the useful Nc6-a5-c4 manoeuvre, which is an important resource for Black. 9...Bd7 10.Bd3 f6 11.Ba3 cxd4 12.cxd4 Qxd2+ 13.Kxd2 Na5 is a common line, and a much better version for Black.

Perhaps some would say that the bishop on c3 is “just a big pawn”. This would be very far from the truth. With his last move, White liberated a perfect spot for his king on d2. After attacking or exchanging the f5-knight, White’s c3-bishop will once again be free and dominate on the a3-f8 diagonal. 12.c3? Na5„ 12...Bd7 13.Bd3 Rc8 14.Kd2

10.cxd4 Qxd2+ 11.Bxd2 Nf5

795

796

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 14.Kd2

Position after: 18...Rxf6

14...0-0

The position has settled. Instead of having the bishop pair and a space advantage, White enjoys better coordination due to his better bishop and the holes in the black camp. With his next move, White puts pressure on the b7-pawn and soon on the d5-pawn.

Black would rather keep his king in the centre, but after 14...Ke7 15.g4 Nh6 16.h3 there are problems with the h6-knight. 15.a5! A very important move, fixing a target on b7 and preventing the move ...b6. 15...Rc7 16.Rhe1 Sooner or later, Black will move his pawn to f6 and king to f7. White’s move overprotects the e5-pawn and indirectly attacks the e6pawn. 16...f6 17.Bxf5 exf5 18.exf6 Rxf6

797

19.Rab1 h6 20.Rb5! Suddenly, Black faces problems. There is no satisfactory way to protect the d5-pawn. 20...Be6 The bishop is very passive there and requires protection. 21.Reb1 Rff7

798

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

the f4-square. 23.f3 Stopping Black’s kingside expansion. 23...g5 24.Nd3 Kh7 25.Re1!

Position after: 21...Rff7 Excellent. Smyslov, as usual, puts emphasis on harmony between pieces. White’s rooks need support and only the knight can help them. The knight can be placed on c5, but also on b4, e5 or f4. Position after: 25.Re1!

22.Ne1 22.Ne5 was obvious enough, and a pretty good continuation. Still, the text move looks more dangerous. After 22...Nxe5 23.dxe5 d4! 24.Bxd4 Rfd7 25.c3 White is probably winning but it is difficult to find a concrete winning plan. Opposite coloured bishops give some practical chances to Black. White easily keeps the initiative with knights on the board.

Very nice. Black’s king is now far away from the centre and cannot easily cover all the infiltration squares on the e-file. 25...Rf6 26.Rc5 With the dangerous threat of Nb4. 26...Rc8 26...Rd7 27.a6!±

22...f4 27.Nb4! A solid move. The bishop and rook get some space and the white king can no longer use 799

800

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 27.Nb4!

Position after: 33.Bb4

Tactics serve strategy! The same story can be seen over and over again. A player leads a game in perfect strategical style but then, at some point, strategy is no longer the way forward and tactics kick in!

The previous moves were forced. Black loses the d5-pawn and the two white central passed pawns will decide the game. Black’s counterplay on the kingside is not fast enough.

27...Nxb4 28.Rxe6! Rxe6 29.Rxc8 Nc6 30.a6

33...Nf5 34.Rxd5 Ne3 35.Rd8 Nxg2 36.d5 Rb6 37.Bc5 Rb7

Undermining the c6-knight. 30.Rc7+? Re7=

37...Rb5 38.Rc8 followed by advancing the passed pawns.

30...bxa6 31.Rc7+ Kg6 32.Rd7 Ne7 33.Bb4

801

38.Rc8 Nh4 39.Ke2 Nf5 40.Rc6+

802

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 40.Rc6+

Position after: 7...Bg4

40...Kh5

This line was very popular during the middle of the last century.

40...Kf7 41.Kd3 even bringing the king into the action, and then advancing the pawns. 41.d6 Rd7 42.Rc7 Black resigned. By choosing his imprecise 9th move, Black ran into problems. Smyslov convincingly led the game and completely deserved the win. 1-0

8.h3 Bxf3 9.Bxf3 Nd7 Now the point is evident: after eliminating the f3-knight, Black will put pressure on the d4-pawn. The move ...e5 will also be on the cards. 10.Bg2?! A strange move. White invites Black to capture on d4, with consequences that were not correctly evaluated. 10.e3 e5

Game 66 Najdorf – Geller Zuerich 1953 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 0-0 5.Nf3 d6 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Nc3 Bg4

803

804

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 10...e5

Position after: 12.Bg2

11.dxe5 [11.d5 Ne7 and Black is ready to provide typical play on the kingside after ...f5, with or without placing the knight on c5 after ...a5.] 11...Ndxe5 with a balanced position where White should be slightly better due to the bishop pair.

12...Rb4!

10...Nxd4! 11.Bxb7 Rb8 12.Bg2

805

This was Geller’s idea. First of all, he keeps the c5-square for his knight. He wants to put pressure on the b2-pawn, both on the b-file and along the diagonal in order to provoke the move b3. Then, the knight on c5 will support the ...a5-a4 advance, crushing White’s queenside structure. It looks like a daring plan, but White cannot actually do much against it. 42 days prior, in the same tournament, Petrosian played 12...c5? against Najdorf, which was a terrible positional mistake. After that move, Black loses the perfect outpost for the knight and Black can no longer prepare the strategically promising ...a5-a4 advance. 13.e3 Ne6 14.Qc2 a5 15.Bd2 Ne5 16.b3 Qd7 17.Kh2 Nc6 18.Rad1

806

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 18.Rad1

Position after: 14...Ne5?!

and Black’s position looks really bad – there are no promising plans. There is nothing Black can do against the patient improvement of White’s position on the kingside: Bf3, Kg2, h4, Rh1, h5... with or without f4. Black’s play on the queenside can easily be stopped with Nb5 and a4 or after Na4. Geller undoubtedly watched that game and found his great improvement.

This move is a mishap in an otherwise perfectly played game. Black miscalculated that he cannot capture on c4.

13.e3 White, for as long as possible, will refrain from advancing b2-b3.

15.f4 Nd7 15...Nxc4? 16.a3+– 16.Nd5 Rb8 Black’s pieces are forced to retreat, but they will soon return to very active positions, targeting the queenside. 17.Qc2 c6 18.Nc3 Qc7 19.Rb1

13...Ne6 14.Qe2 Ne5?!

807

808

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 19.Rb1

Position after: 23.Bc3

19...a5!

White wants to eliminate the sole defender of the black king, intending to launch a kingside attack.

Securing the c5-square for the knight and preparing the ...a4 advance.

23...Bxc3 24.Nxc3 Qa6 25.b3

20.Bd2 Nec5

Finally, b2-b3 is provoked. That knight, of course! The other one can be placed on f6 or b6, or even e5 after White advances his f-pawn.

It is now time to prepare the crushing move ...a4. Having said that, Black must also take care of kingside defence.

21.Ne2 Qb6 22.Kh2 Rfc8

25...Rb6 26.Ne4 Nxe4

22...Qa6 was perhaps more precise. Black can double on the b-file without losing a tempo by placing the rook on c8.

Black doesn’t allow Ng5, with some threats. 27.Qxe4

23.Bc3

809

810

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 27.Qxe4

Position after: 29...Qa7

27...Re8

Bringing the queen to the defence and controlling the dark-squared diagonal.

27...e6 was possible, of course, but it looks like Black wanted to allow White’s next move – the knight gets an excellent outpost on e5.

30.Rbd1 Rb4 Preventing c5 and opening the diagonal for the queen.

28.f5?! Looks positionally bad, but White must try something on the kingside – waiting would be a bad option because of Black’s growing initiative on the queenside.

31.Qd4 c5

28...Ne5 29.f6 Qa7

811

812

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 31...c5

Position after: 35...Qxe7

Now, even the pawn can be placed on c5. Black gains a tempo in order to crush White’s pawn structure on the queenside.

36.Qxe7?

32.Qh4 a4 33.Rxd6

36.Rdf6 was a must. Black is clearly better, though.

A clever attempt, but Black effectively parries the attack, forcing the game into a much better endgame. 33...axb3 34.axb3 Rxb3 35.fxe7 Qxe7

This is suicide. Without the queens on the board, White is simply lost.

36...Rxe7 This endgame is simply winning for Black. He has an extra pawn, the knight dominates over the bishop, and his king is safer. The only target for the bishop, the f7-pawn, is effortlessly protected. 37.Bd5 White decides to protect the c4-pawn and to activate the bishop. 37...Rxe3 38.Rd8+ Kg7 39.Rc8 Nd3

813

814

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Game 67 Kosten – Chabanon Cannes 2004 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 Nc6 5.Nf3 e5

Position after: 39...Nd3 The c5-pawn is protected and Black’s pieces are ready to attack the enemy king. The game is over. 40.Ra8 Re2+ 41.Kg1 Rd2 42.Raa1 Nb4 Position after: 5...e5

White resigned. A typical game on the topic of harmony and planning. By placing his pawn on c5, Petrosian lost the option of placing his pieces harmoniously along with his chance to attack on the queenside. As a result of this, his position collapsed due to not having a normal plan. Geller improved the line, placing his knight on c5 instead. This helped him control the entire board and to decisively launch the a-pawn. Be careful when advancing pawns in your games – they cannot be moved back again. 0-1

Black wants a reversed Botvinnik setup. This is playable, but accuracy is required – White has an extra tempo and good chances to gain control over the weak d5-square.

815

816

6.0-0 Nge7?! This seems logical, developing a piece. Actually, it is the wrong move order. 6...d6! is stronger – this move narrows down White’s options. After 7.Ne1 Be6 8.d3 Nge7 Black is ready for ...d5 before the white knight gets to e3. So, after 9.Nd5 0-0 10.Nc2,

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 7.Ne1! The knight heads straight for e3 in order to control d5. 7...0-0 7...d6 8.Nc2 Be6 is met by 9.Ne3! defending c4 and controlling d5. 8.Nc2 d6 9.d3 Rb8 10.a3 White wants to play b4 without even playing Rb1. Position after: 10.Nc2

10...a5

the c2-knight will go to e3, but this knights setup is less flexible than the one in the game – the knights should be placed on c3 and d5 (the c1-bishop would not be blocked and the move e2-e3 would be available, covering the d4-square).

A standard reaction, preventing the move 11.b4, but the b5-square is now weak. 11.Bg5

7.Ne1!

Position after: 11.Bg5

817

818

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

A very typical move in such positions. White wants to eliminate the e7-knight, which controls the weak d5-square. 11...f6 This is the best move, but the g7-bishop is now shut-off and can only be reactivated after advancing the f-pawn again. This will inevitably lead to the creation of some new weaknesses – probably the g5-square. 11...h6? is a well-known positional mistake: 12.Bxe7 Nxe7 13.Rb1 Bd7 14.b4!? gives White an edge. [Or 14.Ne3 with the occupation of the d5-square.] 12.Bd2 Be6 13.Ne3 Nd4

Position after: 13...Nd4 Black’s knight on d4 will be kicked back after e2-e3. Meanwhile, White’s piece installed on d5 will be safe!

819

14.Ned5 Nxd5 15.Nxd5 15.Bxd5 seems solid, but after 15...Bxd5 16.Nxd5 b5 17.e3 Ne6 it looks like White’s knight on d5 is not completely safe – Black can offer its exchange by moving his knight to c7. 15...a4!? If 15...b5 then 16.e3 Nf5 [16...Nc6 17.cxb5 Rxb5 18.Qa4 is clearly better for White due to the many weaknesses on the queenside and lack of harmony in the black camp.] 17.b4 and the opening of the position on the queenside must be in White’s favour – the white minor pieces are much better placed!

Position after: 15...a4!? 16.b4! axb3 If 16...Nb3 17.Rb1 and Black must choose one of two bad options: to play with the badly placed knight on b3, or to play with a 820

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

bad bishop pair against White’s dominant bishop and knight after capturing on d2. 17.e3 The point – the knight must go back. 17...Nc6

19...f5 19...Nc8, insisting on exchanging, brings nothing good to Black after 20.Rab1 Nxb6 21.Qxb6 with dangerous pressure on the queenside. 20.Rab1 g5

17...Nc2? is a mistake – White wins after 18.Rb1 Nxa3 19.Rxb3.

Black looks for counterplay on the kingside. 21.f4

18.Qxb3 White now has the open b-file. Black cannot even use the a-file because the white knight will soon be placed on b6. Also, the b7-pawn is more vulnerable than the a3-pawn. White has a comfortable advantage. 18...Ne7 19.Nb6 Of course, keeping the dominant knight.

Position after: 21.f4 A typical counter to Black’s kingside expansion. 21...gxf4 22.exf4! Control over the d4-square is weakened, but it is not that important. White’s king will have a solid shield of pawns, unlike Black’s. Position after: 19.Nb6 821

22...Nc6 23.Qd1 822

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

The h5-square is targeted. White wants to combine play on both flanks.

30.Qxf3 White looks better, but nothing is clear.

23...Nd4 24.Qh5 Kh8

27.fxe5 dxe5?!

24...Bf7 25.Bd5 and the queen remains active on h5.

A) 27...Bxe5?! 28.cxb5 is close to lost for Black.

25.Bd5 Bxd5 26.Nxd5

B) 27...bxc4! 28.e6! Nxe6 29.dxc4± 28.Bg5!

Position after: 26.Nxd5 White has a more influential and safer knight, and a more secure king. Also, Black may have problems with the b7- and f5pawns. Hence, White must be better. With his next move, Black tries to get rid of one of his weaknesses. However, he tried to get rid of the wrong one.

Position after: 28.Bg5! Black probably missed this strong counter. 28...Qe8 28...Qd7?! 29.Be7 Rfe8 30.Nf6 with a win for White.

26...b5?!

29.Qxe8 Rfxe8 30.Nc7 Rec8 31.Nxb5

26...e4!? looks like a preferable option. After 27.dxe4 fxe4 28.f5 Nf3+ 29.Rxf3 exf3

White is a pawn up and still has a positional advantage.

823

824

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

31...e4

36...Bxf6

A solid attempt in search of counterplay. The idea is also to exchange pawns in the hope of surviving the endgame. 32.dxe4 fxe4 33.Kg2!

Position after: 36...Bxf6 37.Nxf6!

Position after: 33.Kg2! Simple and strong. White avoids forks, places his king on a light square and closer to the centre.

37.Rxf6? Rxf6 38.Nxf6 Kg7 39.Ne4 Rxa3 40.Nxc5 Ra2+ with good chances for a draw. 37...Rca6 38.Rb7 R8a7 39.Rb8+ Kg7

33...Ra8? In time trouble, Black missed White’s options. 34.Nd6 Rc6 35.Nxe4 h6 36.Bf6 This is the simplest. White exchanges material and eliminates Black’s strong bishop which controls the important diagonal and secures the position of the black king. 825

826

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 39...Kg7

With the idea of exchanging this last pawn and to restrict the activity of the white king.

40.Rg8+?! 47.Nd7 Ne3+ 48.Kh3 Ng4 49.Kh4! 40.Nh5+ looks even better. After 40...Kh7 41.Rff8 [41.Rc8 Rxa3 42.Rxc5 is also very good.] 41...Rxa3 42.Rh8+ Kg6 43.Nf4+ looks easily winning for White.

This fine response proves that Black’s temporary initiative is definitely not serious counterplay.

40...Kf7 41.Rh8 Kg7 42.Rh7+ Kg6 43.Rxa7 Rxa7 44.Ne4 Rxa3 45.Nxc5

Position after: 49.Kh4! 49...Nxh2 50.Ne5+ Kg7 51.Rf7+ Kg8 52.Rf5 Rc3 53.Rg5+ Kf8 54.Kxh5 Position after: 45.Nxc5 After a more or less forced series of moves, White has two extra pawns in this endgame. It is not that simple to convert this advantage due to the limited material on the board. In the end, with the help of some tactics, White managed to win, although both sides made some bad moves...

Black assumed he was simply exchanging a couple of pawns, but now White’s pieces are dangerously active. 54...Ke7 55.Rg6 Nf1 56.g4 Re3 57.Nc6+ Kd7 58.c5 Rc3

45...Nf5 46.Rf4 h5

827

828

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 58...Rc3

Position after: 61...Ng3+

59.Ne5+

White’s pieces are surprisingly cramped and the win is now in doubt.

59.Nb8+! is stronger. After 59...Kc8 60.Na6 and c6-c7 looks unstoppable.

62.Kh4 62.Kh6 Ne4 63.Rh5 looks better, although after 63...Kd6 Black may save the game.

59...Ke7 60.c6?! ¹ 60.Nc6+

62...Ne4 63.Rf5 60...Rc5 61.Rg5 Ng3+ 63.Ng6+ Kd6 64.Rxc5 Nxc5 leads to a draw. 63...Ke6? After a long and commendable resistance, Black finally collapses. 63...Kd6! draws. 64.Nf7+ Kxc6

829

830

Key Squares II (Games 62-67)

Position after: 63...Ke6?

Position after: 68.Kf5

64.Nf3! Rc4

68...Rc1

64...Rxf5 65.Nd4+ Kd5 66.gxf5 Kxd4 67.c7 Nd6 68.f6+–

68...Rxg4 69.Kxg4 Kxf6 70.c7+–

65.Ng5+ Nxg5 66.Kxg5 Even the c6-pawn is untouchable. 66...Kd6

69.g5 1-0 Black resigned. From a theoretical and strategical point of view, this was a very important game, despite the mistakes made by both players in the endgame.

66...Rxc6? 67.Rf6++– 67.Rf6+ Ke7 68.Kf5

831

832

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Pawn Chains Game 68 Paulsen – Tarrasch Nuremberg 1888 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6

Position after: 7...Bd7 8.Be2? Of course, this move is not recommended – White just loses an important tempo. However, authorities back then considered the elimination of central tension as a benefit to White, even worth a tempo. Position after: 5...Qb6 6.Bd3?! This move was popular even in the 19th century. In the second half of the 20th century, it was played with a completely different idea behind it. 6.Be2 or 6.a3 (see the next game) are more normal. 6...cxd4 7.cxd4 Bd7

833

A) 8.0-0 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Nc3 was a largely tested gambit in the 20th century. However, in our computer era, it is considered as quite harmless. This is the reason why White’s 6th move is not very popular. 10...a6 was shown to be the simplest way of parrying White’s initiative. B) 8.Bc2? Nb4 with the idea of ...Bb5, with an initiative for Black on the queenside. 8...Nge7

834

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 11.Kf1 11...Be7 Tarrasch’s biggest opponent, Aron Nimzowitsch, later suggested the amazing and beautiful line: 11...0-0! 12.g4 Nh6 13.Rg1 f6! 14.exf6

Position after: 8...Nge7 9.b3 9.Na3 Nf5 [9...Ng6 10.0-0 Be7 with ...f6 coming soon is also good for Black.] 10.Nc2 is another way to protect the d4-pawn. 9...Nf5 10.Bb2 Bb4+ 11.Kf1

Position after: 14.exf6 14...Rxf6! and after 15.g5 Rxf3! 16.Bxf3 Nf5 Black is clearly dominating. Actually, Black can go for this even with the bishop still on c8 (if White doesn’t lose a tempo with his light-squared bishop). Black has solid compensation for the lost material.

835

836

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 11...Be7

Position after: 12...a5!?

12.g3

A very interesting move. Before White activates his pieces, Black goes for queenside action.

White patiently regroups. The idea behind Tarrasch’s last move is that after 12.g4 he could play 12...Nh4. Black exchanges his knight, which was attacking d4, for a piece which was defending it. Meanwhile, White’s king becomes vulnerable and Black would organise an attack down the f-file. 12...a5!?

13.a4 White decides to block the pawn, a matter of style. 13...Rc8 14.Bb5 A) 14.Kg2 was more natural. B) 14.Na3!? controlling the b5- and c2squares was also interesting.

837

838

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 14.Bb5

Position after: 16.Nxb5

14...Nb4?!

as better. Now, a big mistake would be 16...Nc2? 17.Rc1 Nce3+ 18.fxe3 Nxe3+ 19.Ke2 Nxd1 20.Rxc8+ Kd7 21.Rxh8 Nxb2 22.Rc1+–.

There was no need for this. Black’s king will be safe in the centre and it is logical to use the weak b4-square. However, it was more natural to try and exploit White’s passivity. 14...0-0 followed by ...f6 would be more unpleasant for White.

15...Kxd7 16.Nc3

15.Bxd7+ This helps Black finish development. Later, Nimzowitsch correctly suggested 15.Nc3 Bxb5+ 16.Nxb5

839

840

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 16.Nc3

A) There is nothing wrong with 16...Rc6.

Excellent. White must capture the queen, otherwise Black’s rook penetrates on c2. White cannot benefit from the doubled apawns. This is actually good for Black, he has even opened the b-file!

B) 16...Qa6+ 17.Kg2 [17.Nb5? Nc2] 17...Qd3 was another good idea.

20.Qxa6 bxa6 21.Kg2 Rc2 22.Bc1 Rb8

16...Nc6

17.Nb5 Na7 18.Nxa7 18.Qd3!? Nxb5 19.axb5 was possible as well. 18...Qxa7 19.Qd3

Position after: 22...Rb8 Everything is going smoothly. For a long time, White will not even be able to try for activity on the kingside. He is being completely outplayed. Position after: 19.Qd3 This was White’s idea. By exchanging the knight, he hopes to cover the weak light squares with his queen and to consolidate the position after Kg2 and Rhc1. Alas, Black has an important resource. His next move probably shocked Paulsen.

23.Rb1 Rc3 24.Bd2 Rcxb3 25.Rxb3 Rxb3 26.Bxa5

19...Qa6! 841

842

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 26.Bxa5

Position after: 28.Bf4

Of course, Black has done a good job. White has maintained material balance but his position is hopeless.

A) 26...Ra3? 27.Rc1„

Black has achieved a lot. Collecting some material on the queenside is only a matter of time. Seeing perfectly well that White is hopeless, Black goes for the well-known principle: Don’t rush! With his next move, he eliminates White’s active intentions on the kingside forever.

B) 26...Bb4 immediately was probably even better.

28...h6! 29.g4 Ne7

27.Bd2

The knight heads to another good square: c6.

27.Rc1 Ne3+! 28.Kg1 Nc4µ

30.Ra1 Nc6 31.Bc1 Rc2 32.Ba3

26...Rb2

27...Bb4 28.Bf4

843

844

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 32.Ba3

Position after: 38.a5

Avoiding this exchange earlier, White now offers it himself! Another proof that his position is hopeless. Black could take, but prefers to build pressure on the d4-pawn.

38...Ra4!

32...Rc4 33.Bb2 Bc3 34.Bxc3 Rxc3 35.Rb1 Kc7 36.g5

39.Kg3 Rxa5 40.Kg4 Ra3

This is a desperate attempt at counterplay... anywhere. Black, naturally, ignores the kingside. 36...Rc4 37.gxh6 gxh6 38.a5

845

38...Nxa5 39.Ra1 Kb6 40.Rb1+ Ka7 forces the king to be passive.

The king is stopped. The threat is 41...Rd3. 41.Rd1 Rb3 41...a5 immediately was also good. 42.h4 Ne7 43.Ne1 Nf5

846

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 43...Nf5

Position after: 47.Na6+

The knight has returned to its best spot. It is stable on f5, attacking two pawns and protecting a weak one... can we expect any more from a single knight?!

Black is completely winning and White tries his last trap.

44.Nd3 a5 45.Nc5 Rc3 46.Rb1

However, Black is vigilant. Game over.

46.Ra1 Nxd4 47.Rxa5 Nc6 48.Rb5 Nxe5+– +

47...Kc6 would be wrong. After 48.Nb8+ Kc5 49.Nd7+ Kc4? 50.Nb6+ Kd3 51.Rd1+ Ke4 52.Re1+

47...Kd8!

46...Nxd4 47.Na6+

847

848

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 50...Kf8 51.Nb5 51.Ra7 Nc6 52.Rb7 Nxe5+–+ 51...Nxb5 52.Rxb5 Ra8 The rook is behind the pawn – the rest is irrelevant. 53.f4 a4 54.Rb1 a3 55.f5 a2 56.Ra1 Ra4+ 57.Kh5 Kg7 58.fxe6 fxe6 59.Rg1+

Position after: 52.Re1+ the game is drawn due to a perpetual check. Another piece of advice: be careful until the very end! One bad move in the endgame can simply ruin the many good moves that got you there. 48.Rb8+ Rc8 49.Rb7 Ke8 50.Nc7+ Kf8

Position after: 59.Rg1+ 59...Kh8 59...Kh7 60.Rg7+ Kh8 61.Rh7+ Kg8 62.Rg7+ Kf8 would also win. 60.Ra1 Kh7 61.Rg1 a1=Q 62.Rg7+ Kh8 White resigned. A historical clash which made an enormous contribution to the entire 849

850

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Advance variation. This game was the basis of a very detailed and complex part of Nimzowitsch’s work further down the line. 0-1

many cases, Black is able to activate his queen or bishop on the a4-d1 diagonal. 7.g3 Bd7 8.Bg2

Game 69 Clarke – Petrosian Munich 1958 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Qb6 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.a3

Position after: 8.Bg2 8...0-0-0 One of many options, but more common is to delay castling. 8...Na5 is more logical because, sooner or later, it will be played. Position after: 6.a3 9.0-0 Na5 10.Nbd2 h6! This move is very popular in our time. The idea is to gain space by advancing the bpawn, or at least to control the b4-square which might have been used by the black knight or bishop. 6...c4 This is an old move, whose idea is to fix the weak b3-square and prevent the move b4. In

851

852

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 10...h6!

Position after: 15.Re1

A very useful move in many French lines – the g5-square should be taken away from the white knight.

15...Qb3!

11.Re1 Ne7 12.Nf1 Nf5

16.Qe2

Since g3-g4 would be weakening, this knight doesn’t need the support of a pawn on h5.

16.Qxb3 Nxb3 with the idea of expanding on the queenside.

13.Ne3 Nxe3 14.Rxe3

16...Ba4 17.Be3 Kb8

14.fxe3 f5 15.exf6 gxf6 16.e4 dxe4 17.Rxe4 e5 should be in Black’s favour.

The king heads to safety. Also, there may be a need to transfer the rook to the b-file.

Preparing infiltration.

17...Qc2 is also good, of course.

14...Be7 15.Re1

18.Rad1 White gets a moment to activate the rook. 18...Qc2 19.Rd2 Qf5 20.Rf1 The centre is blocked. However, after deeper inspection, it becomes clear that Black is 853

854

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

better. He controls all the important squares. So, it is permitted for him to attack on the flanks.

Position after: 22...Rdg8 23.g4? Position after: 20.Rf1 Despite the bishop and knight being placed on the queenside, Black expands on the kingside. These queenside pieces are ready for action as soon as they are needed.

White is afraid of Black’s growing initiative. It was better to take no defensive measures. 23...Qg6 24.Bf3 hxg4 25.Bxg4

20...g5! 20...Nb3 21.Rdd1 doesn’t help Black. 21.h3 h5 22.Nh2 Rdg8

Position after: 25.Bxg4 855

856

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

The bishop protects the king and is very stable on g4. However, Black has more resources! 25...Nc6! Bringing the knight back to the kingside! White’s position becomes critical.

should still lead to a win, but something else should have been preferred. 30...Nf5 was evidently a good enough choice. 31.Bxh3 Rxh3 32.Qg2 Qh7 33.Ne3 Ng6 34.Ng4 Nf4! 35.Bxf4 gxf4 36.Kf1 Rg3

26.f3 Bd8 27.Bf2 Ne7 28.Re1 Rh6 29.Nf1 Rgh8 30.Bg3

Position after: 36...Rg3 37.Qf2 Position after: 30.Bg3 30...Rxh3!?–+ A very important moment. Not many times in his brilliant career did “Iron Tigran” decide to go for beauty. Black has enough resources to improve his position and build his initiative, without needing this sacrifice. He decided to follow someone else’s style, perhaps Alekhine or Tal. This sacrifice

857

37.Qh2 Rxf3+ 38.Kg1 [38.Rf2 Rh3–+] 38...Rh3–+ 37...Qh3+ 38.Ke2 Rg2 39.Rg1 Rxf2+ 40.Nxf2 Qh7 41.Rh1 Qg6 White resigned. He did not feel danger until it was too late. After Black’s 20th move, it was clear that White was in trouble. His reaction on move 23 was a mistake which resulted in the black pieces obtaining open files, which they successfully used. One of 858

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Petrosian’s very linear games, started in his style and ended in an uncharacteristic attacking manner. 0-1 Game 70 Nimzowitsch – Salwe Karlsbad 1911

4...Nc6 4...Bd7 5.Nf3 Qb6 can be played with the idea of ...cxd4 followed by ...Bb5. It is good for Black to exchange light-squared bishops, even though some time will be wasted.

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5

5.Nf3 Qb6

Nimzowitsch was the first to explain details in this line. He gave prospects and evergreen ideas for both sides. Thanks to him, many great masters of the last century were honoured to test and add to his colossal work.

5...Bd7 here can lead to positions where Black plays for ...f6 after ...Nge7-g6 and ...Be7. Very often, various move orders just lead to transpositions. 6.Bd3

3...c5 4.c3

Position after: 6.Bd3 Position after: 4.c3

6...Bd7?!

For the next two moves, Black naturally chooses two out of the three following moves: ...Nc6, ...Bd7 and ...Qd7.

This is known to be imprecise. Nimzowitsch later explained that 6...cxd4 7.cxd4 Bd7 is the correct move order. He explained that the lines after 8.Bc2 or 8.Be2 are very promising

859

860

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

for Black. Nowadays, players who opt for 6.Bd3 usually sacrifice the d4-pawn, seeking the initiative.

B) 8...a5 was the best choice.

7.dxc5!

Overprotecting e5.

That is the point – the black knight and queen are now without prospects. The c5bishop will be driven back and the d7-bishop cannot be exchanged.

10...fxe5 11.Nxe5 Nxe5 12.Bxe5

9.b4 Be7 10.Bf4

7...Bxc5 8.0-0

Position after: 12.Bxe5 12...Nf6

Position after: 8.0-0 8...f6?! Another dubious move. Black hopes that he will be able to undermine what’s left of White’s pawn chain. However, he should have foreseen that the white pieces will be installed on the squares vacated by the pawns.

12...Bf6 can be tried in order to eliminate the blockader 13.Qh5+ g6 14.Bxg6+ hxg6 15.Qxg6+ Ke7 16.Bxf6+ Nxf6 17.Qg7+ Kd6 18.Qxf6 was shown by Nimzowitsch as a potential continuation, but the simple move 13.Nd2 also looks good. 13.Nd2 0-0 14.Nf3 Bd6

A) 8...Nge7? 9.b4+– 861

862

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 14...Bd6

Position after: 17...Be8

White is definitely better. He has fixed Black’s hanging pawns in the centre and must now maintain this blockade.

Black tries to regroup.

15.Qe2

Nimzowitsch’s play in this game produces a strong impression. He takes care of centralisation and supporting the blockade simultaneously.

15.Bd4 would be wrong due to 15...Qc7 16.Qe2 Ng4 17.h3 [17.Bxh7+ Kxh7 18.Ng5+ Kg6 19.Qxg4 Bxh2+ 20.Kh1 Qf4 is very good for Black.] 17...e5 and the blockade is no longer. 15...Rac8 16.Bd4 Qc7 17.Ne5 Be8

863

18.Rae1

18...Bxe5?! 18...Ne4 should have been tried. 19.Bxe4 dxe4 20.Qxe4 Bb5 21.c4 Bxc4 22.Nxc4 Qxc4

864

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 22...Qxc4

Position after: 20...Bd7

23.Qxe6+ [23.a3 keeps some advantage, but this should not be significant – Black’s pieces are very active.] 23...Qxe6 24.Rxe6 Bxb4 25.Bxa7 Ra8 26.Be3 Rxa2 27.Rb6 Bd2 28.Bxd2 Rxd2 29.Rxb7 is an interesting and long variation showing that Black still had a better option than the text move. This endgame should be an easy draw.

White’s pieces are dominating. When controlling the centre, you should be able to play on either flank. In this game, logically, White chooses the kingside – all of his pieces are targeting Black’s king!

19.Bxe5 Qc6 20.Bd4 Bd7

21.Qc2 White’s hopes to create a weakness on the kingside. Also, rather importantly, the rook joins the attack. 21...Rf7 22.Re3! b6 23.Rg3 Kh8? Black overlooked this nice tactical shot. 23...Ne4, hoping for an endgame with opposite coloured bishops, was his last practical chance, even if losing a pawn. 24.Bxe4 dxe4 25.Re1 is very bad for Black, but still a better option than the text move.

865

866

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 23...Kh8?

Position after: 30...Kg8

24.Bxh7! e5

Black has exchanged material to avoid direct threats on his king. White’s pieces dominate and he consolidates his queenside. No need to rush.

24...Nxh7 25.Qg6+– 25.Bg6 Re7 26.Re1 Qd6 27.Be3 White has gained a pawn and destroyed the black king’s shelter. White is winning. 27...d4 28.Bg5 Rxc3 29.Rxc3 dxc3 30.Qxc3 Kg8

31.a3 Kf8 32.Bh4 The e5-pawn is the next target. 32...Be8 33.Bf5 Qd4 34.Qxd4 This is the simplest. Not having a direct attack, White just transfers the game into a completely winning endgame. 34...exd4 35.Rxe7 Kxe7 36.Bd3 Kd6

867

868

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 0-0 5.d4 d6 6.Be2 e5 7.d5

Position after: 36...Kd6 37.Bxf6 Position after: 7.d5 Again, the simplest solution. Very soon, two connected passed pawns will be created. 37...gxf6 38.Kf1 Bc6 39.h4 Black resigned. A very instructive performance by the great Aron! He convincingly proved one of his postulates: a pawn chain should be attacked from both sides (both the base and the front) only if the opponent’s pieces cannot be installed on the vacated squares. In this game, Nimzowitsch installed his pieces on the vacated squares and created an irresistible blockade! A fabulous game! 1-0 Game 71 Petrosian – Lutikov Tbilisi 1959 869

Petrosian chose his favourite line against the King’s Indian, later named after him. He was the first who practiced and suggested different paths for White, explaining all the pros and cons of the immediate advance of the d-pawn. In those years, castling was usually played. White waited for Black to play 7...Nc6 in order to advance the d-pawn with a tempo. 7...Na6 Nowadays, 7...a5 is the most popular move, with the idea to secure the c5-square for the knight. 8.Bg5

870

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

A typical prophylactic Petrosian invention. He is ready to transfer his bishop to h4 and even g3. The idea is to prevent Black from easily playing ...f5, or to provoke the move ...g5 which would create some light-squared weaknesses.

It is apparent that there is no coordination in the black camp. Black must prepare two strikes against the white pawn chains, ...b5 and ...f5, but it looks too difficult to even achieve one of them. The black minor pieces are on strange squares. With his next fine move, Petrosian demonstrates a new idea.

8...h6 9.Bh4

¹ 10...Nc7!? with the idea to prepare ...b5, suggested by Petrosian, was probably a better option. 11.Nb5

Position after: 9.Bh4 9...c5?! Black probably wants to radically prevent White’s expansion on the queenside. However, this move cannot be good – it makes a fool of the a6-knight. White will also easily prevent any counterplay involving ...b5. 9...g5!?, directly eliminating the pin, is possible, though this would weaken the light squares. 10.Nd2 Bd7?!

Position after: 11.Nb5 11...Be8 A strange place for the bishop. However, the move was played with the idea to exchange the b5-knight for a knight. 11...Bxb5? 12.cxb5² … Nc4+/ – 12.a3

871

872

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

White prepares b2-b4.

B) 13.0-0 was probably the best and most logical.

12...Qd7 13...Nc7 It is clear that Black has gone astray. Just one look at his position is enough to see that he’s in trouble. So much time is needed for him to regroup, repress White’s initiative and eventually strike the bases of White’s pawn chain. 12...Nc7 13.Nc3! a6 14.b4 with an advantage for White.

Position after: 12...Qd7

Petrosian expected (13.g4!?) 13...Nh7 (… ... Bf6-g5) and planned to play 14.Bg3 Bf6?! 15.h4!. 14.Nc3 a6

Position after: 14...a6 15.a4!?

13.g4!? Another one of Petrosian’s trademarks. White uses the fact that the centre is blocked to play on both flanks. The idea of this expansion is to prevent ...f5 and cramp Black’s pieces. Even the h4-h5 strike will be possible after the bishop retreats. The downside is that there is a risk involved with delaying castling and weakening the kingside. A) 13.Rb1 was a good choice, of course. 873

15.b4 was natural. Although Black can answer with 15...b6 [Or even 15...b5 with sharp play.], implementing a waiting strategy on the queenside. 15...Qc8?! ¹ 15...a5 and it will be very difficult for White to prove that he can win the game on the kingside. 874

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

16.h3 16.a5! was a better choice, fixing the black pawn structure and keeping the option to open the position on the queenside if needed. 16...Rb8 17.Qc2 Bd7 18.b3 b6 19.Nd1

Position after: 22.Ne3 22...Ne7?!

Position after: 19.Nd1 Both players decided not to advance their pawn to a5, preferring to finish development and regroup instead. 19...b5 20.a5 Finally, White played this move, but with a completely different idea: to restrict the black pieces.

The knight is doing nothing there. It was more flexible to keep it on g8. 22...b4 was a better solution. Black blocks the queenside and is ready to counter White’s initiative on the kingside. Only White can benefit from opening the queenside at any moment. 23.Bh4 23.b4! creating a passed pawn was very good, but White played it later. 23...Qe8 24.b4!

20...Kh8 21.Bg3 Ng8 22.Ne3

875

876

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Position after: 24.b4!

Position after: 27...Nd4„

24...Nc8

would give Black counterplay. Although, after 28.Bxa6, White must be winning.

A) 24...cxb4 25.c5 Rc8 26.c6 Nxc6 27.dxc6 Bxc6 28.Qb3±

27...Rxb5 28.0-0 f5 29.f3

B) 24...bxc4 25.bxc5± 25.bxc5 dxc5 26.cxb5 Nxb5 26...Bxb5 27.Qxc5+– 27.Bxb5 Petrosian was afraid 27.Qxc5?! Nd4„

Position after: 29.f3 29...Rf7 877

878

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

29...h5!? 30.Ndc4± 30.Ndc4 Rb4 31.Be1! Rb7 32.Bc3

Position after: 34.exf5 Black’s position is in ruins, and it will soon collapse. Position after: 32.Bc3 34...e4 35.Kh2+– Attacking the e5- and f5-pawns, White wants to break the tension. 32...h5 32...fxe4 was better, although after 33.fxe4 Black is obviously in trouble: no coordination, bad minor pieces, a bad pawn structure, weak squares...

35.fxe4 Bxc3 36.Qxc3+ Rg7+ 37.Kh2 Qxe4 38.f6 Rf7 39.Ne5+– was a faster win. However, Petrosian chose a safer line. 35...exf3 36.Rxf3 Bd4

33.gxf5 gxf5 34.exf5

879

880

Pawn Chains (Games 68-71)

Black resigned. A very instructive and interesting battle. Quite simply, Black was unable to deal with the new pattern suggested by Petrosian in this game.

Position after: 36...Bd4 Black tries to attack something. Too little too late – the game is over. 37.Qd3 Bf6 38.Rg1 Kh7 39.Bxf6 Rxf6 40.Qc3 Qf8 41.Rg6 Rf7 42.Rg5 1-0

Position after: 42.Rg5 881

882

Games 72-74

Chapter 6 Coordination and Harmony The title of this chapter is self explanatory. Of course, harmony can only be established among developed pieces. However, developing pieces is just the first stage of the process – the second, and also the most important, is making them collaborate. It is not enough to just develop pieces; development without harmony is nothing! There are many positive aspects of establishing harmony – it is easier to carry out an attack, but also easier to defend. During a game, harmonisation is a frequent problem. Also, it may seem difficult to learn how to establish harmony but, fortunately, there are many masterpieces out there (led by the brilliant Capablanca, for instance), which make it much easier to understand. This chapter (and book), will shed a light over the entire concept. Game 72 Rubinstein – Duras Karlsbad 1911 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 Bb4 4.Bg2 0-0 Of course, now and on the next moves 4...Bxc3 was possible. 5.Nf3 Re8 6.0-0 Nc6

Position after: 6...Nc6 7.Nd5!? I like this move. White wants to get the bishop pair advantage without damaging his pawn structure. Black faces a dilemma. 7...Bf8 7...Nxd5 8.cxd5 Nd4 9.Ne1! will cause some problems to Black – the d4-knight cannot find a comfortable and safe place. 8.d3 h6 Preventing Bc1-g5. 9.b3 d6 10.Bb2 Nxd5 If 10...Be6 then 11.e4, with some disorder in the black camp. White is ready to soon play d4, with an advantage in the centre. 11.cxd5 Ne7 12.e4

883

884

Games 72-74

Position after: 12.e4

Position after: 15.d5

12...c5

15...Ne7

Otherwise, White is ready to organise pressure on the c-file.

15...Nd4 16.Bxd4 exd4 17.Qxd4 Bxf3 18.Bxf3 g6 is a reasonable option, knowing the game continuation. Though it is difficult to decide to give away the pawn this way. Black has a better bishop and it will be difficult for White to convert his extra pawn.

13.dxc6 Nxc6 13...bxc6 is bad. After 14.d4! exd4 15.Nxd4, White is clearly better due to the weak black pawns on c6 and d6. 14.d4 Bg4 Reducing White’s pressure in centre. 15.d5

16.Qd3 This Rubinstein move and his next are about regrouping his troops towards the queenside. White has more space and the pawn chain lights up the way for White’s activities. 16...Qd7 16...Nc8 was an interesting solution, with the same idea as White – regrouping. The bishop on f8 should be reactivated via e7 and d8. The knight goes to b6 and perhaps d7.

885

886

Games 72-74

Black tries to find some counterplay. It is difficult to simply wait passively.

17.Nd2

21.axb5 Qxb5 22.Ra3!

Position after: 17.Nd2 17...Bh3?

Position after: 22.Ra3!

Black’s previous move should have been made with the idea of connecting rooks. The idea of exchanging the light-squared bishop is very bad – and Black cannot even dream about attacking the white king. After the exchange, White’s dark-squared bishop will clearly dominate over his black counterpart. Also, the white knight would be much stronger. Black’s minor pieces will not collaborate well with the rest of the troops.

Protecting the b3-pawn and doubling on the a-file to attack the a7-pawn. Such multipurpose moves should be made automatically. 22...Ng6? A bad move. The knight does nothing on g6. 22...Nc8 with the idea of ...Be7-d8-b6 was necessary.

18.a4! 23.Rfa1 a6 24.Bc1 Allowing Black to exchange first and taking space on the queenside, all the while securing an excellent position for the knight on c4. 18...Bxg2 19.Kxg2 Reb8 20.Nc4 b5 887

White does not forget about his bishop. Before finding a solution to invade, it is important to activate all pieces – a trademark of Rubinstein’s. 888

Games 72-74

24...Rb7 25.Be3 f6 Another strange move. It is clear that bad moves are made when good moves are not available.

Position after: 29.Qc4! The a6-pawn is lost. For a long time now, Black has done nothing with his minor pieces. So, reducing material by exchanging queens favours White.

Position after: 25...f6 However, every move should be part of a plan. 25...f6 is definitely a move without an idea behind it.

29...Qxc4 30.Nxc4 30.bxc4? Rb2

26.f3 Ne7 27.Qf1! A very simple solution. One small step backwards will lead to many steps forwards. White renews the threat to the d6-pawn. Also, after removing the knight from c4, the a6-pawn will fall! Chess is such a simple game... when Rubinstein is playing! 27...Nc8 28.Nd2 Qb4 29.Qc4!

889

890

Games 72-74

Position after: 30...Rb2

39...Bc7

30...Rab8 31.Nd2 Rc7 32.Rxa6 Finally.

Black is hopeless. Finally, he has managed to regroup his minor pieces towards the queenside, but now they are stuck there.

32...Rc2 33.R6a2 Rxa2

40.g4

33...Rc3 34.Kf2 is also desperately lost for Black.

Fixing Black’s pawns on dark squares. 40...Bd8 41.Ra6 Bc7 42.h4

34.Rxa2 Be7

Position after: 42.h4 Position after: 34...Be7 35.Kf2

White has put his pieces on the best squares and now it is time for pawn play. Firstly, the pawn goes to h5, to fix a target on g7.

The first phase of realisation is the centralisation of the king.

42...Bd8 43.h5 Bc7 44.b4

35...Kf7 36.Ke2 Ke8 37.Kd3 Kd7 38.Kc3 Bd8 39.Nc4

Now it is time for the b-pawn. White has the idea to support the move b5 by getting the king to a4.

The second phase is fully activating all pieces.

44...Rb7 45.Ra8 Kd8 46.Kb3 Rb8

891

892

Games 72-74

This leads to full paralysis but, anyway, the game was over. 47.Rxb8 Bxb8 48.b5 Ne7 49.b6

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 9.c3 Be7 10.Nbd2 Nc5

Position after: 10...Nc5

Position after: 49.b6 Take a look at the black pieces. A sad sight to behold. 49...f5 50.gxf5 Ng8 51.Bf2! Accuracy until the very end. 51...Kc8 52.Bh4 1-0 Black resigned. Rubinstein superbly punished his opponent for neglecting to activate his minor pieces. Simply, Black was unable to establish harmony and order within his army. Game 73 Capablanca – Chajes New York 1915 893

All very well known theory, even back then. The next move is logical – White keeps his important bishop... 11.Bc2 ...but Black counters very optimistically. 11...d4!? Chajes was known as a player that liked active play. 11...Bg4 with the idea of transferring the knight to e6 was another, more flexible option. 12.Ne4

894

Games 72-74

Position after: 15...fxe6 16.Be3 [16.Bf4 0-0 17.Bg3 g5! with excellent prospects for Black.] 16...Rd5 17.Rfc1 Nxe5 18.Nxe5 Rxe5 19.Rxc2 Kf7 with a visual, but not significant advantage for White. 13.Nxc5 Bxc5 14.Be4 Qd7 14...Qxd1 15.Rxd1 Bd7 16.bxc3 gives White an extra tempo. 15.bxc3 Rd8 16.Qxd7+ Bxd7 17.Rd1 Position after: 12.Ne4 12...dxc3 Black wants to damage White’s pawn structure, but even isolated the white pawns would not be weak. After playing his last move, Chajes should have chosen 12...d3!? now. After 13.Nxc5 dxc2 14.Qxd8+ Rxd8 15.Nxe6 fxe6

Position after: 17.Rd1 It is an illusion that Black’s position is comfortable. His centralised forces are mostly hanging. The c3-pawn is actually very strong, restricting both the black knight and bishop. Black’s queenside pawns are exposed. Also, the space advantage for White is obvious. Black must proceed with precision. 895

896

Games 72-74

perhaps most importantly, White will soon occupy the weak c5-square with great effect.

17...Ne7 Black simply eliminates tactical shots and is ready to reactivate this knight. Capablanca goes for his trademark moves – establishing harmony while causing chaos in the opponent’s camp. 17...0-0?! would give White the chance for the tactical blow 18.Be3!? [18.Bg5 of course, would be more solid.] 18...Bxe3 19.Rxd7 Rxd7 20.Bxc6 Rd3 21.fxe3 Rxc3 Although, Black is actually OK here, it is still very difficult to give such an opportunity to Capablanca.

18...h6 Preventing Bg5. However, the bishop has an even more important diagonal! 19.Nb3 Bb6 20.Ba3 White’s strategy has helped him achieve a great deal.

18.Nd4!

Position after: 20.Ba3

Position after: 18.Nd4! An amazing multi-purpose move. White takes control over the f5-square, keeping the black minor pieces passive for a while. At the same time, the f2-pawn is no longer pinned and may support the pawn on e5. And,

897

There is a notable difference in the pieces’ activity and harmony. Please also note another very important fact – Black is out of any active pawn play, while White has a clear plan of using his kingside majority. The principle is: he who doesn’t have a reasonable plan for pawn play is actually in big trouble. 20...h5

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Games 72-74

This is solid. Black wants to stop White’s pawn avalanche and is also getting ready to activate the rook using the 6th rank.

27...f5 28.exf6 Rxf6

21.Rd3 Capablanca’s technique: using the 3rd rank for manoeuvres. 21...Bg4 22.Rxd8+ Kxd8 23.Nc5 Rh6 24.h3 Bc8 25.Rd1+ Ke8 26.Kf1 The previous moves were natural. The king gets closer to the centre.

Position after: 28...Rxf6 Black has somehow activated his pieces, but he is still in trouble. In return, he has exposed his kingside pawns and, more importantly, his king is under attack! 29.Re1! Very nice. Capablanca supports his initiative by making threats on the e-file. Position after: 26.Kf1

29...Be6 30.Bf3!

26...g5

Black’s pieces are hanging on the e-file. White attacks the h5-pawn while opening the file for the rook.

Preventing f4. Now however, the black pawns on the kingside are exposed.

30...Rh6 27.Nd3

30...h4 31.Ne5! and Black is hopeless. There is no reasonable move for him!

Preparing Bc1. 899

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Games 72-74

31.Bxh5+ Kd7 32.Bg4

1-0 Game 74 Rosselli del Turco – Rubinstein Baden-Baden 1925 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bc4

Position after: 32.Bg4 The rest is simple and the game is over. The technical part of the game was never an issue for the ingenious Cuban. 32...Nc6 33.Rxe6 Rxe6 34.Bc1

Position after: 3.Bc4

Another pawn is lost.

3...Nxe4?!

34...Kd6 35.Bxe6 Kxe6 36.Bxg5 Ba5 37.Bd2 Kd5 38.h4 Ne5 39.Nxe5 Kxe5 40.h5 c5 41.g4 Kf6 42.Ke2 c4 43.f4 Kf7 44.Kf3 Bd8 45.Ke4 a5 46.Kd5 Be7 47.g5 Kg8 48.f5

This move is a bit risky. There is more sense in capturing on e4 after 3...Nc6 4.Nf3 Nxe4.

Black resigned. A technically brilliant game, perfectly led by Capablanca. It is no wonder his games are recommended when learning about strategy and realisation! A highly instructive game on the topic of harmony and supporting the initiative! 901

4.Qh5 Nd6 5.Qxe5+ 5.Bb3 is another option but 5...Be7, preparing to castle, gives Black comfortable play. [5...Nc6 6.Nb5 g6 7.Qf3 f5 8.Qd5 Qf6 9.Nxc7+ Kd8 10.Nxa8 b6 leads to a wild position with an advantage for White.] 5...Qe7 6.Qxe7+ Bxe7 7.Bb3 902

Games 72-74

Position after: 7.Bb3

Position after: 10...Na6!

Intending 8.Nd5.

One idea is to capture the bishop on b3 after 11...Nc5. An even better plan is to transfer the knight to e6. Black’s knights on e6 and f5 would collaborate perfectly with the pawns on c6 and d5, controlling the entire centre. Such principles of harmony and central strategy were a trademark of the great Rubinstein.

7...Nf5! Excellent move! Black intends 9...Nd4 himself. Also, the text move allows the pawn setup c6+d5, which will perfectly restrict the c3-knight and b3-bishop. If 7...c6 then 8.d4 Nf5 9.d5 with a small space advantage for White.

11.d4 h5!?

8.Nf3

Securing the f5-square for the knight.

8.Nd5 Bd8 gives Black some tempi.

12.Ne2!

8...c6 9.0-0 d5 10.Re1 Na6!

Bringing the knight and bishop back into play.

Once again, an excellent and deep move found by Rubinstein.

12...Nc7 13.c3 f6 14.Ng3?! White feels a lack of harmony in his camp and desperately goes for exchanging material. Maybe he wanted to simplify the position

903

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Games 72-74

and offer a draw to his great opponent?! Alas, that is a questionable approach if your opponent is an endgame and strategy wizard.

Position after: 16...Bf5! Bc2 is impossible now. Position after: 14.Ng3?! 14...Nxg3 15.hxg3 g5!? Concrete play. Black prevents Bf4 and potentially Nh4. 15...Bf5? 16.Nh4! with the idea of 17.Bf4 would be terrible for Black.

17.Re3 White wants to double rooks on the open file but... 17...Kd7 18.Rc1

16.Bc2 was normal.

...surprisingly he once again changes plan! It is clear that 16.Bd2 was a bad move, so now White wants to spend more time to exchange the perfect bishop on f5. So much time wasted, so many unfinished plans – this gives Rubinstein a signal for action!

16...Bf5!

18...Bd6 19.Bc2 Bxc2 20.Rxc2 Rae8!

16.Bd2? Big mistake.

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Games 72-74

Position after: 20...Rae8!

Position after: 25.Re1

Of course – White’s rooks are not connected!

A key moment in the game. With all pieces perfectly placed, it is time for pawn action! But where?

21.Bc1 Rxe3 22.Bxe3 Black is clearly better. He has more active pieces, full harmony and a space advantage. Also, he has the more flexible pawn structure, giving him promising possibilities on both flanks. However, before any active pawn moves, all pieces must be placed on the best squares! 22...Ne8 23.Re2 Ng7 24.Bd2 Nf5 25.Re1

25...c5! An absolutely amazing and shocking move! Indeed, it is usually bad to have isolated pawns in the endgame. However, there is something more important. After exchanging pawns, White cannot comfortably protect the g3-pawn! Another example of when tactics help after strategical goals have been achieved. A) 25...g4 26.Nh2 is not dangerous for White. B) 25...h4 26.gxh4 g4 27.Nh2 g3 28.Nf1 also gives nothing. 26.dxc5

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Games 72-74

White cannot allow ...c4. After that, the d2bishop would be even more restricted. Black would have more space and excellent prospects on the queenside. 26...Bxc5 27.Kf1™

Position after: 29...Rxh4 Black threatens 30...Rh1 followed by 31...g3 or 31...Ng3. 29...Bxd4! Position after: 27.Kf1™

The best continuation. In the endgame, the knight will dominate over the bishop.

27...h4! 28.gxh4 g4 29.Nd4 29.Ng1 Rxh4 is bad for White.

909

30.cxd4 Rxh4 31.Bc3 Rh1+ 32.Ke2 Rh2 33.Rg1

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Games 72-74

Position after: 37...Kf5–+ and the black knight paralyses the white rook! 34...Nf5

Position after: 33.Rg1 33...Nh4 34.g3 34.Kf1 Ke6 is a funny position: White has no moves to play and Black just wants to bring his king over. 35.g3 What else? The position was almost a zugzwang. 35...Nf3 36.Rg2 Rh1+ 37.Ke2 Kf5–+

Position after: 34...Nf5 A knight on f3 is only visually strong. From f5, it attacks both the d4- and g3-pawns. Once again White cannot move a muscle! 35.b3 Ke6 36.Bb2 a6 37.Bc3 White can only wait while Black patiently improves his position. 37...Nd6 38.Ke3 Ne4 39.Be1 Kf5 40.Rf1 Rh8 With the idea to penetrate along the c-file or e-file... if allowed. 41.Kd3 b5 42.a3 Rh7

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Games 72-74

In the next stage of the game, Rubinstein demonstrates one of the most important endgame principles: “Do not rush!”. Well, if the opponent is lacking any real counterplay and is forced to stay passive, it is very useful to patiently improve your position, switching playing fronts and perhaps waiting for a mistake by your opponent. Generally, patient play includes only piece moves – pawn action will take over if patient play does not result in a win.

Position after: 48...f5! Patient play did not lead to progress and Black wants to find the right moment for ...f4. 49.Ba5 Rh8 50.Ke3 Re8 51.Kd3 Rc8 52.Bb4 Rc7 53.Ba5 Rh7 54.Ke3 Re7 55.Kd3

Position after: 42...Rh7 43.Ba5 Rh8 44.Bb4 Rc8 45.Ba5 Ng5 46.Bd2 Ne4 47.Ba5 Kg6 48.Bb4 f5!

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Games 72-74

Position after: 55.Kd3

63.Rxf3 Ra1 leads to a pawn endgame, easily won for Black.

55...f4! White did not make any mistakes and Black decides to go for direct play.

63...Re1+ 64.Kd3 Re4

56.gxf4 Rh7 57.Bd2 Nxd2! Once again, direct play! Of course, the knight is optically much stronger than the bishop, but after this exchange Black easily converts his positional advantage into a full point. 58.Kxd2 Rh3

Position after: 64...Re4 The rook comes to f4 and the game is over. A brilliant win for Rubinstein. Once again, he demonstrated his endgame and strategy skills. It is likely that neither the opponent nor the reader can find White’s fatal mistake. This is one of the reasons for which everyone should learn strategy from Rubinstein’s convincing victories! 0-1 Position after: 58...Rh3 59.f3 What else? 59...gxf3 60.Rf2 Kf5 61.Ke3 Kg4 62.b4 Rh1 63.f5 915

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Games 75-78

Game 75 Jacimovic – Jakovljevic Tivat 1995

This move is playable but simplifies White’s task. 11...Nf6 was another option which would maintain the tension.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Be2 e5 7.0-0 Nc6 8.d5 Ne7

12.h4

Position after: 8...Ne7

Position after: 12.h4

Mar del Plata, or the Gligoric variation, was played. Both sides are ready to advance pawns in accordance with their pawn chains, but... 9.Ne1 Ne8 10.f3 f5 11.g4!?

White gets ready to close the position on the kingside in case of any advance. 12...h6 A) If 12...Bf6 White has 13.Ng2.

...there is a surprise. White wants to block the position on the kingside, which would leave the opponent without active play. Black must play very accurately.

B) 12...c6 was probably the best option. Active kingside play being a thing of the past, it might be time to play on the queenside. Black wants to use the a7-g1 diagonal – the white bishop cannot be placed on e3.

11...f4

13.Rf2

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Games 75-78

Securing the kingside and preparing the potential doubling of rooks on the queenside. 13...Bf6 14.Rh2

Position after: 18.Bf2

Position after: 14.Rh2 14...Kg7 Black has an idea to reactivate the e7-knight – it is traditionally one of Black’s problems in the King’s Indian Defence. 14...c6 was still a very reasonable and solid option. 15.Bd2 Ng8 16.Ng2 Black’s manoeuvre achieved something – the white rook and knight are misplaced. Still, Black’s kingside pieces are cramped.

After regrouping, White’s kingside is now safe. Still, White has not yet started queenside activities. Black goes for a typical approach. His next move makes sure that a lot of material will be exchanged in case White expands on the queenside. 18...a5 19.Ne1 The knight goes to a natural place on d3 – the c5-advance is on White’s agenda. 19...b6 Black definitively goes for a static setup. He will never play ...c6 and wants to be ready against the c5-advance. 20.a3 Bd7 21.b3

16...Be7 17.Be1 Ngf6 18.Bf2

919

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Games 75-78

Position after: 21.b3

Position after: 23...Kh7

White feels it is not yet time to advance to b4. He wants to prepare it more first. This is a good strategy because Black lacks space and White can more easily regroup.

24.b4

21...Qc8 22.Rg2

White goes for the advance. He is not afraid of the opponent’s control of the a-file – it will bring nothing to him. 24...axb4 25.axb4 Ra3 26.c5 bxc5 27.bxc5

Don’t rush. White prevents potential sacrifices on g4. 22...Rf7 Black wants to control the 7th rank. 23.Rc1 Kh7

921

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Games 75-78

Position after: 27.bxc5 27...Qa8? A typical positional mistake. He did not want to damage his pawn structure, but he locks out his entire army after White’s next move. 27...dxc5 was the only move. Black accepts to have an isolated and weak c7pawn, but he gets the d6-square for his pieces, especially his knight. He would also get rid of the bad e7-bishop after White recaptures the c5-pawn.

wants to exchange Black’s active pieces on the queenside. After that, Black’s cramped pieces on the kingside would be helpless when faced with White’s infiltration on the queenside. If needed, a sacrifice on c7 or d6 will crush Black’s defence. 28...Bc8 29.Nb1 Ra5 30.Nd2 Ba6

28.c6!

Position after: 30...Ba6 This just helps White. It is difficult to suggest anything better though. 31.Nc4 Position after: 28.c6!

31.Bxa6 was good, of course.

Of course, White takes the opportunity to paralyse the black pieces. This move simply splits the black army into two separate parts. Connection between them will be possible only via the c8-square – this will cause serious disorder. White’s plan is clear. He

31...Bxc4 Without that bishop, Black can only dream of counterplay on the kingside – all sacrifice motifs are now gone. 32.Bxc4

923

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Games 75-78

This bishop will later infiltrate into Black’s camp via the c8-square. 32...Ng7 33.Nd3 Rf8 34.Be1 Ra7 35.Rb2

Position after: 38...Ra8 39.Ne1?! Position after: 35.Rb2

39.Qe1 protecting the h4-pawn was more precise.

The plan can be to play Qc2 and Ra2, exchanging material.

39...Nfe8

35...Rb8 36.Rxb8 Qxb8 37.Rb1 Qd8 38.Bf2! Gaining an important tempo to protect the h4-pawn.

39...Nxg4?! 40.fxg4 Bxh4 was perhaps the last practical chance for Black, but objectively it’s still winning for White. 40.Ng2 Ra3 41.Bb3

38...Ra8

925

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Games 75-78

the queenside. It is possible only via the c8square, which cannot be accessed by the black minor pieces. White’s advanced c6pawn split the board in two parts – and Black was unable to establish communication between them!

Position after: 41.Bb3 Closing the 3rd rank. 41...Qa8 42.Qc1 Ra5 43.Qc3 Step-by-step, the white pieces cover more and more squares on the queenside, neutralising the black queen and rook. 43...Rb5 44.Bc2 Rxb1+ If 44...Ra5 White can bring the knight to the queenside attack with 45.Ne1.

Position after: 47...Qa5 48.Kh2 The king is ready to protect the h4-pawn, liberating both the knight and bishop. 48...Kg8 49.Be1 Qc5 50.Qc3 Qb5 51.Bd3

45.Bxb1 Qa4 46.Bc2 Qa6 47.Qd3 Qa5 White has definitely done a great job. However, in order to make progress, he must transfer his pieces to the queenside. Temporarily, the f2-bishop and g2-knight must protect the h4-pawn. So, let’s protect it with the king! It is worth noting that Black cannot do the same and regroup his pieces to 927

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Games 75-78

Position after: 58.Ne1 Finally, the black queen goes to a8! 58...Qa8 59.Bf1 Qd8 60.Kh3! Qa8 61.Nc2 61.Qb7 is useless, White’s queen can do nothing even after getting to c8. Black simply plays 61...Qa2. 61...Qa4 62.Bd3 Kf8 63.Qa3!

Position after: 51.Bd3 Very patiently, White neutralises Black’s last active piece by forcing its exchange. 51...Qa4 52.Qc2 Qa3 53.Bc3 Kf8 54.Qb2 Qa7 55.Be1! Qa4 56.Bf2 Kf7 57.Bb5 Qa5 58.Ne1

Position after: 63.Qa3! The queens get exchanged at last. The rest is simple. White transfers his entire army to the queenside. 63...Qxa3 64.Nxa3 Bd8 65.Kg2 Bf6 66.Kf1 Bd8 67.Ke1 g5 68.h5 68.hxg5 would eliminate the possibility of sacrificing a piece, but would liberate the 929

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Games 75-78

black pieces after 68...Bxg5! followed by ...h5. 68...Nf6 69.Nb5

Position after: 74...Ke7 75.Bf5

Position after: 69.Nb5 If Black doesn’t sacrifice now, then it will be impossible to sacrifice after the white bishop comes to a5 or b8. 69...Ngxh5 70.gxh5 Nxh5 71.Ba7 Nf6 72.Bb8 Ne8

There is nothing wrong with 75.Bd7 as after 75...Nf6 76.Bf5 Ne8 77.Bg6 the game is over. 75...Kf7 76.Bd7 Ke7 77.Bxe8 Kxe8 78.Bxc7 Bxc7 79.Nxc7+ Ke7 80.Ne6 g4 81.Ng7

The c7-pawn is protected, but only temporarily. The white bishop is headed to d7. 73.Bf1 h5 74.Bh3 Ke7

931

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Games 75-78

Position after: 81.Ng7

Position after: 5.e4

Black resigned. Black made only one obvious mistake, allowing White to advance to c6. Although Black’s resistance was long-lived, the result of the game was never in doubt. Be careful of long pawn chains in your games, make sure to have good communication between flanks. In this game, Black could only transfer pieces from one flank to the other via the c8-square. Unfortunately, his minor pieces were unable to access this transfer point. 1-0

A revolutionary Nimzowitsch novelty. He wasn’t afraid to play with a backward pawn. Some advantages would be gained, including space and an accelerated development.

Game 76 Nimzowitsch – Rubinstein Dresden 1926 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4

933

5...Nb4 5...Nxc3 6.dxc3!, yes. This move leads to pawn symmetry, but Black will have problems with his advanced c5-pawn. It causes issues on the b5- and d5-squares, and c4 will be a perfect spot for a white knight, bishop or king in the endgame (this piece would be safe after advancing a4). Numerous games, even at the top level, are proof that Black’s position is uncomfortable. [6.bxc3 g6 7.d4 will transpose to the Grunfeld.] 6.Bc4

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Games 75-78

Position after: 6.Bc4

Position after: 8.d3

6...e6

The idea is to push d3-d4 one day, preparing it with a3 and Be3.

Too passive. But, in 1926, theory on this line did not exist. Rubinstein was a player who always preferred to avoid risks. A) 6...Nd3+ was logical. 7.Ke2! Nf4+ [7...Nxc1+ 8.Rxc1 Nc6 9.Bb5 Bd7 10.Bxc6 Bxc6 11.d4 cxd4 12.Qxd4² is slightly better for White.] 8.Kf1 with the idea of 9.d4 with tempo leads to very interesting lines. Some gambits can be found among them. B) 6...Be6!? 7.Bxe6 Nd3+ 8.Kf1 fxe6 9.Ng5 leads to a sharp and interesting double-edged position.

8...Nd4 Of course, this looks good for White as he gets rid of the backward d3-pawn. In fact, Black was unable to prevent the advance d4. 8...Be7 9.a3 Na6 10.Be3 e5? leads to an awful position after 11.Bxa6 bxa6 12.Nd5±. 9.Nxd4 cxd4 9...Qxd4? 10.Nb5 Qd8 11.Bf4+– 10.Ne2 a6

7.0-0 N8c6 8.d3 There was no need for this move. Black is behind in development and 10...Be7 was more appropriate. 11.Ng3 Bd6 935

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Games 75-78

14.Bd2 A) 14.f5 gives nothing in view of 14...Nc6. B) 14.e5 should be preferred, delaying the advance of f5. 14...f5

Position after: 11...Bd6 Black will castle on the next move. Still, that is not enough – Black’s army is mostly undeveloped and scattered. No harmony whatsoever, while the white pieces are ready to harmoniously attack on the kingside. The next move is logical and is a starting step in that direction. 12.f4 0-0 13.Qf3?! Nimzowitsch was very familiar with psychology and knew that Rubinstein would not go for complications... 13.a3 should perhaps be preferred. 13...Nc6 14.Qg4 leads to an undisputed advantage for White. [14.e5 is also interesting.]

Position after: 14...f5 That was Rubinstein’s idea. It looks very logical – the f4-pawn is now blocked and the entire white army behind it looks passive. Still, Black is behind in development... 15.Rae1 Nc6 16.Re2 Qc7 17.exf5 exf5

13...Kh8?! 13...Nc2! 14.Rb1 Qb6 and placing the knight on e3 will give Black some play.

937

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Games 75-78

Chess and its beauty in the purest form. The knight was bad on g3 and it is now on its way to an oasis – the g5-square. 18...Bd7 19.Nf2 Rae8 Black logically responds by finishing development. 20.Rfe1 Rxe2 21.Rxe2 Nd8 22.Nh3

Position after: 17...exf5 A very interesting position, and one of the most fabulous diagrams ever. Black has advanced some pawns and visually has more space. Alas, space without development is nothing. Actually, the gained space would just cause problems! Advanced pawns cannot be moved back and there are a lot of weak squares for Black to cover. Look at the squares d5, e6, g5, h5... Look at the a2-g8 diagonal. It is also important that the white queen controls the important light squares. The rooks will dominate on the e-file. The d2-bishop awaits its mission. There is practically no harmony in Black’s camp, while White’s entire army work well together. Well, with the exception of the knight. So... what about the knight? The scene is set for one of the most beautiful manoeuvres ever played.

Position after: 22.Nh3 22...Bc6 Futile – White’s queen is forced to a better square. 22...h6 doesn’t prevent 23.Ng5! since 23...hxg5?? allows 24.Qh5#. 23.Qh5 White has done a lot to synchronise the activities of his troops, while the black army

18.Nh1!

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Games 75-78

is still in disarray.

26...Be7 was more resistant, even without a pawn.

23...g6?! Black’s point. Opening the 7th rank to protect his king, but new dark-squared weaknesses have arisen. Black is in big trouble now. 24.Qh4 Kg7 25.Qf2 A very interesting and deep idea. White wants to deflect the black bishop from the kingside.

27.Qh4? A strange mistake by Nimzowitsch. But the chess public should be grateful to him – it will lead to a very beautiful finale. 27.Qe1 was winning on the spot. It also prepares 28.Re7, but the point is that 28...Re8 is impossible. 27...Re8 28.Re5

25.Ng5 h6 26.Ne6+ was also good, but White would rather keep attacking potential on the board. 25...Bc5 26.b4

Position after: 28.Re5 28...Nf7 This looks logical, attacking the rook practically forces White to capture the knight...

Position after: 26.b4

A) 28...Rxe5? 29.fxe5+– Qxe5 30.Qh6+ Kh8 31.Qf8#

26...Bb6?

941

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Games 75-78

B) 28...Qd7 was best, preparing to reactivate the b6-bishop. White would then require a special effort to convert the superior position – a big part of the advantage would have been lost.

34.Qxb7. 33.Qe7+ Kh8

29.Bxf7! Actually good news for White. His lightsquared bishop is no longer needed – the game will be decided by occupying the darksquared weaknesses. 29...Qxf7 30.Ng5 Qg8 31.Rxe8 Bxe8

Position after: 33...Kh8 There are many ways to win the game, like 34.Ne6 or 34.Nf7. But, Nimzowitsch is consistent. He wants to include all his pieces in this triumph. The d2-bishop was patiently waiting and now is his time to shine. 34.b5! Qg7

Position after: 31...Bxe8

Black would rather give a piece away. No more comments are needed. A) 34...Bxb5?! 35.Qf6+ Qg7 36.Qxb6+–

32.Qe1! That is the point. The queen infiltrates!

B) 34...axb5 35.Ne6 h5 36.Qf6+ Kh7 37.Bb4+–

32...Bc6 32...h5 would make space for the king but the game is lost anyway after 33.Qe7+ Kh6 943

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Games 75-78

White chooses a peaceful continuation. Patient manoeuvring will be of the essence.

Position after: 37.Bb4+– Bringing the last piece into action. Next up is Ng5+ and Bf8+. 35.Qxg7+ Kxg7 36.bxc6 bxc6 37.Nf3 c5 38.Ne5 Bc7 39.Nc4 Kf7 40.g3 Bd8 41.Ba5 Be7 42.Bc7 Ke6 43.Nb6 h6 44.h4 g5 45.h5 g4 46.Be5 Black resigned. A truly magnificent game. Advanced pawns left many weaknesses behind them. Black’s undeveloped and disorganised troops were unable to reckon with White’s harmonious and collaborative pieces. A breathtaking manoeuvre by White’s knight was a prelude to the beautiful finish.

Position after: 4.d3 4...Bc5 5.c3 d6 6.0-0 0-0 7.Nbd2 Both players finish development in “Giuoco piano” style – the bishop on b5 is not a significant difference. 7...Bd7 8.h3 a6 9.Ba4 Ba7 10.Re1 Ne7

1-0 Game 77 Zajic – Petkov Kragujevac 2015 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 945

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Games 75-78

Position after: 10...Ne7

Position after: 16...b5?!

Black offers the exchange of the light-squared bishops in order to free his pieces and transfer the knight to g6.

A strange move. It is difficult to find the idea behind it. Gaining space without further prospects should not be considered an idea. White’s reaction is natural and in the spirit of the Ruy Lopez.

11.Bc2 White decides to keep the bishops on the board. The c2-bishop might look passive but it protects the e4-pawn, making the advance of the d-pawn safer. Also, Black’s d7-bishop is hindering its colleagues. 11...Ng6 12.Nf1 Re8 13.Ng3 h6 Both sides patiently finish their development, and White is the first to take action. 14.d4 Bc6 15.Be3 exd4 16.Bxd4 b5?!

17.a4! Suddenly Black has problems on the a-file. Capturing on d4 gave a tempo to White. White simply threatens to capture on a7 and then b5, harming Black’s pawn structure on the queenside. This, in turn, will lead to the loss of harmony in Black’s camp. So, Black decides to capture himself. 17...bxa4 18.Bxa7 Rxa7 19.Nd4! A very fine move. Before recapturing on a4, White gains a tempo in order to activate the knight. 19...Bd7 20.Bxa4

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Games 75-78

However, the rest of the game does not seem to support his ideology. 22.Bxd7 Qxd7 23.exd5 Rxe1+ 24.Qxe1 Qxd5

Position after: 20.Bxa4 20...c5? If the strange 16th move was labelled as such, this one must simply be labelled as a mistake. There is no reason to invite the knight to the perfect outpost in the “Ruy Lopez” and “Giuoco Piano” – f5. Also, the d6-pawn will be backward and weak. The effects of Black’s 16th move are now evident. The a6- and d6pawns are weak and the rook on a7 is another reminder that Black has done a bad job – his pieces are without coordination.

Position after: 24...Qxd5 After a series of exchanges, White is obviously better. In open positions, it is very important to have more active pieces. Adding a better pawn structure and the turn into the mix – the evaluation is clear. With his next move, White seizes the initiative.

21.Ndf5

25.Rd1 Qb3?

21.Nc6 was also solid, but White preferred to keep the knight on the board.

Black immediately stumbles. He overlooked White’s powerful response!

21...d5

A) 25...Qe6 26.Rd8+ Kh7 27.Qxe6 fxe6 28.Nd6 leads to a damaged pawn structure and a passive king.

This was Black’s idea – he wants to radically open the centre and activate his pieces. 949

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Games 75-78

B) 25...Qe5 was the best move, although 26.Qf1!, controlling the c4-square, keeps the advantage. [26.Rd8+?! Kh7 27.Qxe5 Nxe5=] 26.Rd8+ Kh7

Position after: 28...Nxd7 29.Qd2?!

Position after: 26...Kh7

Wrong move order. White allows the exchange of the good g7-knight for the bad one on d7.

27.Nxg7! Rd7

29.N7f5 with the idea of attacking the h6pawn was a simpler way to win.

27...Kxg7 28.Nf5+ Kh7 29.Qe3 Ng8 30.Rxg8 Kxg8 31.Qxh6 f6 32.Qxg6+ Kf8 is a very nice winning variation – the importance of the f5-square is evident. 33.Qxf6+

29...Kxg7! White has made his task a lot harder. 30.Nh5+ Kg8 31.Qxd7 Qxb2 32.Qc8+ Kh7 33.Qf5

28.Rxd7 Nxd7

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Games 75-78

Position after: 33.Qf5

Position after: 35...Qb8+

33...Kg8

36.f4!

¹ 33...Qb3 A direct win is no longer on the horizon. White needs more troops – only a queen and knight cannot bring victory. After 34.f4! Qe6 35.Qxc5 White would be forced to show good technique and accuracy in order to convert.

36.g3? Qe5! and centralisation would save Black at the last moment.

34.Qf6! Qb1+ 35.Kh2 Qb8+

953

36...Qf8 37.Qxa6 Qe7 38.Qc8+ After a short excursion, the white queen is back to an active position on the kingside. 38...Kh7 39.Qf5 Kg8 40.Nf6+ Kg7 41.Ng4

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Games 75-78

Position after: 41.Ng4

Position after: 10.Bxg5

With the threat of 42.Qh5.

This Slav line is named after the former world champion Mikhail Botvinnik. Thanks to his efforts, many important resources were found and even today many of his ideas remain very relevant.

41...h5? Alas, Black answered with a blunder, although the endgame is winning for White despite technical difficulties. 42.Qxh5 Black resigned. White convincingly exploited a few imprecise moves Black made in the middlegame, allowing for the appearance of pawn weaknesses. 1-0 Game 78 Werle – L’Ami Leeuwarden 2005

10...Nbd7 11.g3 White intends to place the bishop on the longest diagonal and to castle kingside. 11...Bb7 12.Bg2 Qb6 Protecting b5 and preparing to castle queenside. 13.exf6 0-0-0 14.0-0 Bh6

1.Nf3 d5 2.d4 c6 3.c4 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 b5 7.e5 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5 hxg5 10.Bxg5 955

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his queenside majority and the knight. White needs to be accurate. He managed to find the best response. 15...Nxf6? 16.Qf3! and Black has problems involving the knight and f-pawn. 16.dxc5 Nxc5 17.Bxc5 Qxc5 17...Rxd1? 18.Bxb6 Rxa1 19.Rxa1 axb6 20.Nxb5+– 18.Bxb7+ Kxb7 19.Qf3+ Qc6

Position after: 14...Bh6 Black wants to eliminate this bishop, which is protecting the f6-pawn. He is not afraid to weaken his dark squares as he plans to advance the queenside majority and exchange his bad light-squared bishop. 15.Be3! A very good move, protecting the d4-pawn and posing an “x-ray” threat to the black queen. The bishop cannot be taken because the f1-rook would protect f6. 15.h4 would protect the f6-pawn, but the hfile would be opened, compromising White’s king safety. After 15...Bxg5 16.hxg5 c5 17.d5 b4 the situation is unclear. Black has more than enough compensation. 15...c5 The situation gets complicated. Black is ready to use the pin on the d-file to activate 957

Position after: 19...Qc6 20.Ne4! Excellent move. White keeps the knight by placing it on by far the most influential square. This unstable and hanging knight will be a huge strength for White! Relativity makes chess more beautiful. There will be constant threats of discovered attacks and, more importantly, White gets to keep the 958

Games 75-78

queens on the board. One reason for this decision is that his king is safer. The other is that Black’s more advanced (and more dangerous!) majority cannot be advanced that easily with queens on the board. 20...Rd4 21.Rfe1 Rhd8 22.Re2 R8d5 23.a3

Position after: 26...Kb6 27.Qh1!!

Position after: 23.a3 After this move Black cannot activate his majority without opening the a-file. But there are no other promising options. 23...a5 24.h4 b4?! Black bravely takes a risk – which was a bad option. The advance should have been kept for later, after exchanging queens if possible. On the other hand, it is very difficult to find another plan. Moreover, White’s amazing 27th move was quite unpredictable.

A really amazing move. It looks like an answer to some study. Take a look at Black’s centralised pieces and at White’s surrounded lone knight – like a white pigeon among black falcons. Other white pieces are on the rim, and the queen just joined them! Still, White’s move is the best! That is chess in all its beauty. There is no chess principle that is always valid. So, why that move? As we have seen, the black king is without a pawn shield and the a1-rook could pose problems. Naturally, White should find a plan to transfer the queen to queenside. The queen should be transferred to a2 via b1! By transferring the queen to one corner via another, White actually achieves harmony. The queen both protects the knight and attacks the black king!

25.axb4 axb4 26.Kh2 Kb6 27...Ra5 959

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Games 75-78

Black immediately wants to prevent infiltration on the a-file. 28.Rxa5 Kxa5 29.f3

Position after: 32.Kg2! Black has no good moves. White patiently brings his king closer to the centre and anticipates the check on f4 after launching the g-pawn.

Position after: 29.f3 After exchanging a couple of rooks, White doesn’t need to keep the 2nd rank closed. The knight gets protection and the queen is ready for action.

32...Rd3 What else? 33.Qxb6+

29...Kb5 30.Qa1 Qa6 Now White exchanges queens. Black insists on preventing infiltration. 33...Kxb6 34.g4 Bf4 35.g5 c3 36.bxc3 bxc3 37.Rc2 Bd2 38.Kf2 Kb5 39.h5

31.Qg1 White keeps the queens, logically. Although 31.Qxa6+ Kxa6 32.g4 and simply advancing was perhaps an even easier and faster win. 31...Qb6 32.Kg2! 961

Black resigns. White’s pawns are much faster. Readers can analyse the possible continuations themselves, if they wish. A very instructive game with a remarkable manoeuvre Qh1-Qb1-Qa2, showing chess beauty in all its glory. 962

Games 79-82

1-0

Chapter 7 The Initiative Finishing development is a prerequisite for going for the initiative. Or, at the very least, better development than your opponent. Playing actively is not the same as having the initiative. It is just a prelude to seizing the initiative. The initiative is not synonymous to an attack either. It simply means that we lead the play and the opponent must take care of our activities and threats. Generally speaking, development leads to the initiative and the initiative leads to an attack. Throughout this process, it is of the utmost importance to be aware of the opponent’s counter-chances. When dealing with the initiative, psychology has a greater influence than usual. It is very important to intuitively “feel” the moment for attack, or counter-attack, and manage to predict the opponent’s reaction. Practice serves an important role in learning to manage the initiative, along with analysing games of great legends of the past such as Alekhine, Tal or Fischer. Game 79 Tkachiev – Mikhalevski Ohrid 2001 1.c4 c5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Nc3 Nc7

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Position after: 5...Nc7

Position after: 7.Nf3

6.Qa4+!?

7...Qxa4?!

6.Nf3 Nc6 would lead to a typical Rubinstein variation. White wants to benefit from the light-squared diagonal before the g1-knight closes it.

This move liberates the queenside pieces but accelerates White’s initiative in the centre. As a result, Black will suffer right until the end of the game.

6...Qd7

7...Nc6 8.0-0 e5 is more normal, although both queens are developed on strange squares.

6...Bd7!? 7.Qb3 Nc6 8.Qxb7 Nd4 leads to a sharp and double-edged position. 7.Nf3 White wants to exploit the fact that the black queen blocks her other pieces and to prepare the move d4. It looks like White will develop his troops more rapidly, so it is natural to open the position. 7.Qxd7+ Nxd7 8.Nf3 e5 is primitive and not that aggressive.

965

8.Nxa4 Nd7 An attempt to improve on 8...Ne6?! 9.b3! Nc6 10.Ba3 Nb4 11.Kd1!

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Games 79-82

Simple and strong. White exploits the pressure on b7 and fights for the initiative. Also, very soon it will become clear that White will be the first to control the open files. In open positions, rooks on open files supported by a fianchettoed bishop can be devastatingly strong. Actually, all the white pieces will soon be better placed than Black’s. Black is in big trouble after only 9 moves, without making even one obvious mistake. That is the beauty of chess, the relativity of principles. 9...cxd4 10.Nxd4 e5 Position after: 11.Kd1! this odd move is very strong and Na4xc5 is the immediate threat. 11...a5 12.Nb6 Rb8 13.Nxc8 Rxc8 14.Ne5 Rb8 15.Nc4 with a much better position for White.

What else? Black wants to gain a tempo to finish development as soon as possible. 11.Nb3 Bb4+ 12.Bd2 Bxd2+ 13.Kxd2!

9.d4!

Position after: 13.Kxd2! This is the fastest way to finish development – activating the rooks. When seeking for the

Position after: 9.d4! 967

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initiative, every tempo is important. 13...Nb6 This brave move could lead to the damaging of the pawn structure, but the open a-file would compensate for that. The idea is to reduce the pressure by exchanging one of White’s menacing knights. Alas, Black missed a dangerous response after which White increases his advantage. A) 13...0-0 was better, although White’s advantage remains undisputed after 14.Rhc1 Ne6 15.Nac5 [Or 15.Na5]. B) 13...Ke7 happened in one of my games 17 years later. My opponent improved on Black’s play, but after 14.Rhc1! Ne6 15.Na5 [15.Nc3 is also very good.] 15...Rb8 16.Nc3 White kept a stable advantage. 14.Rhc1! Ne6 A) 14...Nxa4?! 15.Rxc7 is winning.

Position after: 15...Rb8 16.Na5! Excellent. Forcing Black to take first, accelerating White’s development. This stage of the game is very instructive, even for advanced players. 16...Nxc5 17.Rxc5 f6 18.Rac1

B) 14...Na6 would transpose later on. White has completed development, becoming the master of the queenside. Black is hopeless. Everything is going smoothly and White should convert his big advantage.

15.Nac5 Rb8

18...0-0 19.Rc7 The b7-pawn is lost. 19...Be6

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Position after: 24...Rd7 After some exchanges, the situation is stable. White has a winning position: an extra pawn, a big positional advantage and the white pieces are more active. White fully activates his rook. 25.Rc8+ Kf7 26.Nc5 Nb6 27.Rc6 Re7 28.e4!

Position after: 19...Be6 20.b3! A great, simple move. The pawn restricts the activity of Black’s minor pieces. 20...Rfd8+ 21.Ke1 Bd5 22.Bxd5+ Nxd5 23.Rxb7 Rxb7 24.Nxb7 Rd7

Position after: 28.e4! An excellent decision. Once again, we see the “Do not rush” principle in action. Black’s knight is out of play and the e5-pawn is blocked – Black’s rook remains passive. 28...Nd7 29.Nb7 Now is the moment to remember Tartakower’s quote “All rook endgames are drawish!” Indeed, why exchange an active knight for a passive one? 971

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Games 79-82

29...Nf8 30.Nd6+ Kg6 31.Nc8 Re8 31...Rd7 32.Ra6+– 32.Nxa7

Position after: 35.Nc6 White returns the pawn, but the game is simplified. The win is trivial.

Position after: 32.Nxa7 After some fine manoeuvring, White has collected another pawn. There are still some technical issues which were perfectly solved by Tkachiev.

35...Rxa5 36.Nxa5 Nxe4 37.Nc4 Kf5 38.f3 Nc3 39.a4 Ke6 39...e4 40.Nd6++– 40.Kd2 Na2 41.Nb2!

32...Ra8 33.Ra6 Ne6 34.Ra5 34.b4 was also natural and perhaps even better. Choosing a plan and the move order is a matter of style. 34...Ng5 35.Nc6

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worth remembering: also analyse games that are not frequently published – this may lead you to some easy victories in the future. 1-0 Game 80 Fine – Alekhine Netherlands 1938 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 d6 5.0-0 Bd7 6.c3 g6

Position after: 41.Nb2! 41...Kd5 41...Nb4 42.Kc3+– 42.Nd3 Black’s knight is trapped. White calculated perfectly to the end. 42...Kd4 43.a5 Nc3 44.Nc5! Nb1+ 45.Kc1 Nc3 46.Ne6+ Ke3 47.Nc7 Ne2+ 48.Kb2 Nd4 49.a6 Nc6 50.b4 After doing his best to postpone defeat, Black finally resigned. Indeed, that was an amazing game. Unfortunately, it did not find its place in many books – though that fact helped me win my game easily. The opponent, after being shocked by White’s 6th move, started spending too much time and finally, after a long resistance, could not keep his position together in zeitnot. That is another thing 975

Position after: 6...g6 Alekhine chooses one of his favourite setups against the Ruy Lopez. It looks flexible, but actually the bishop on g7 very often remains closed in or strongly restricted by the c3pawn. 7.d4 Bg7 8.dxe5 I like this move. White simply keeps the advantage due to more space or better harmony, depending on Black’s next move. 976

Games 79-82

8...Nxe5 Black wants to exchange material. 8...dxe5 would lead to a position where Black may soon be frustrated – the c6-knight and g7bishop are badly placed. 9.Nxe5 dxe5 10.f4!

perfect example. The text move is bad – the f7-pawn is now hanging and Fine seizes the opportunity. 11...b5 was better. Although after 12.Qb3 Black is clearly behind in development, which should result in problems very soon. White has threats both on the f-file and probably even the a-file (after the move a4). If 12...exf4 then 13.Bxf4 must be in White’s favour. 12.Qxd7+ Kxd7

Position after: 10.f4! Very inventive play by Fine. Before Black finishes development of the kingside, White opens the f-file. Very often, energetic play is needed in order to seize the initiative when having better development. 10...Bxa4 11.Qxa4+ Qd7? Alekhine was probably unsettled by Fine’s suggestive and direct play. Alekhine was known as a great attacking player, and only seldom was he attacked first. In such moments, opponents could have their chance against the great champion. This game is a 977

Position after: 12...Kxd7 13.fxe5 The point is that Black cannot easily regain the material. 13.f5 is typically a good advance against the opponent’s fianchetto setup, but Black has the strong reply 13...Nf6 and White has problems with the e4-pawn. 978

Games 79-82

13...Ke6 14.Bf4 Rf8

Position after: 17...b6

Protecting the f7-pawn.

It looks like Black has consolidated his position. However, White’s next move proves that the initiative is still alive and well.

15.Nd2! Bxe5

18.a4!

The material is balanced, but Black is far behind in development.

Excellent. Using the fact that the black troops are on the kingside, White attacks on the queenside! 18.Nd4+ Kd7 [18...Ke5 19.g3 followed by Raf1 is obviously bad for Black.] 19.a4 with the same idea as in the game is also solid for White.

Position after: 14...Rf8

16.Nb3 With potential jumps to a5, c5 and d4. 16...Bxf4 17.Rxf4 b6

18...Ke5?! 18...Nf6 19.Nd4+ Ke5 20.g3 with the threats of Nc6 and Raf1 is better for White. 19.g3

979

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Games 79-82

Position after: 19.g3

Position after: 21.Rf2!

19...Nf6

21...Ke6

A) If 19...Ne7 20.a5 crushes Black’s queenside.

If Black tries to eliminate the threats on the f-file with 21...f6 then 22.a5 leaves Black’s queenside in ruins. 22...b5 23.Nf3+

B) 19...a5 20.Rd1! 20.Nd2 20.Nd4 is also solid. 20...Nxe4? 21.Nf3+ Kd5 22.Rd1+ 20...Nh5 20...Ke6 21.a5 b5 22.Nb3 Nd7 23.Nd4+ Ke7 24.Nc6+ Ke6 25.Nb4 is a forced line showing that White has various possibilities on the queenside for his knight. 21.Rf2!

Position after: 23.Nf3+

981

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Games 79-82

23...Ke6 [23...Kxe4 24.Rd1 Rd8 25.Nd4+–; 23...Kd6 24.Rd1+ Kc6 25.Nd4+ Kb7 26.Ne6+–] 24.Nd4+ Kf7 [24...Kd7 25.Nb3 Kc6 26.Raf1+–] 25.Raf1 are just a few lines proving that Black is hopeless.

23...Rhf8 also loses after 24.g4 Ng7 25.axb6 cxb6 26.Rf6++–. 24.Nf3 Ke7

22.a5 Ra8

24...f6 25.axb6 cxb6 26.Nd4+ Kf7 27.g4 with a win.

22...b5 23.Nb3 Ke7 24.Nc5 Ra8 25.Rd1+–

25.axb6 cxb6 26.Ng5

23.Raf1

The game is over and the rest is a matter of technique.

Position after: 23.Raf1

Position after: 26.Ng5

23...Rhd8

26...h6 27.Rxf7+ Kd6

Black managed to somehow protect the queenside, but the danger is now on the kingside. This is a perfect illustration: better development, better communication lines and play against two or more weaknesses allows for the conquering of one of them.

27...Ke8 28.Ne6 is even worse for Black.

983

28.Nf3 g5 29.Nd4 This knight has performed miracles in this game. Fittingly, his majestic role decides the game.

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Games 79-82

29...Re8 30.Rh7 Rh8 31.Rff7

Position after: 36.Rg6 Position after: 31.Rff7

36...Nd7

Look at Black’s army. All the pieces are terribly placed. The king is the most active piece and faces mating threats. Black must exchange material, leading to further material loss.

A desperate bluff. Black goes for primitive tactics.

31...Rxh7 32.Rxh7 Rf8 33.Rxh6+ Nf6 34.Nf3 Kc5 35.Nd2 There is nothing wrong with 35.Nxg5 – a matter of taste. 35...g4 36.Rg6

36...Rd8 37.Nb3+ Kc4 38.Rxf6 Kxb3 39.Rxb6++– 37.Rxg4 Ne5 38.Rg5 Kd6 39.Rf5 The rest is simple – no need for commentary. 39...Rd8 40.Nf3 Nd3 41.Rd5+ Ke7 42.Rxd8 Kxd8 43.b3 Ke7 44.Nd2 a5 45.Kf1 b5 46.Ke2 1-0 One imprecise move was enough to ignite Fine’s fine attack. He seized the initiative at the right moment and maintained it until the end of the game. Very instructive play against several weaknesses. The reader may wish to analyse lines himself (without the engine!) that were not presented here.

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Game 81 Zlatanovic – Djuric Lipnicki Sor 2008 1.e4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Nf3

Position after: 7.Qa4 7...Bc5? 7...d3!? 8.Ned4 should be in White’s favour, although the position would be doubleedged.

Position after: 3.Nf3 The line chosen by White doesn’t pose many problems to Black. Still, some accuracy is needed. 3...d4

8.b4! This is an unexpected move, immediately giving the initiative to White. 8...Bxb4 9.Nexd4 Qa5

This move forces play. 3...Nf6 is the most common reply. 4.Ne2 c5 5.c3 Nc6 6.cxd4 cxd4 7.Qa4

987

Black tries to trade queens in order to reduce White’s pressure. 10.Qxa5 Bxa5

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Games 79-82

Position after: 10...Bxa5

Position after: 14.Ng5

11.Nb5

Often it is required to support the initiative with unusual measures. White’s minor pieces are knitting some kind of net around the black king. Meanwhile, Black faces big problems with finishing development.

The point is the d6-square. This knight will perfectly collaborate with the bishop that will soon be arriving on a3. 11.Nxc6 looks promising 11...bxc6 12.Ba3 Nf6 13.Bd3 followed by Ke2 and activating the rooks looks much better for White. However, the text move also gives White a strong initiative.

14...Nd8 After this retreat, Black is very far from full development. 14...f6 15.Ngf7 Rg8 16.Rc1 also gives White an edge.

11...a6? Definitely bad. There is no reason to force the knight to the d6-square. If you cannot prevent a good move, don’t force your opponent to make it – play some useful moves instead!

15.Rc1 Bd7 16.Be2 16.Bd3 keeping the king in the centre was also very good, but White did not want to block the d-pawn.

12.Nd6+ Kf8 13.Ba3 Nge7 14.Ng5 16...b5 17.0-0 f6 18.Nf3

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Games 79-82

Position after: 18.Nf3

Position after: 21.Nd2!

The knight has done its job by causing disharmony in Black’s camp. It goes back to recover before the upcoming events.

21...Bxd4 22.Nb3 Bb6 23.N7c5 Black’s position looks hopeless. 21.Nc5 Ra7 22.d5!

18...Nf7 19.Nb7! Not only played with the idea to gain a tempo before advancing d4 but it is also good to keep pieces on the board when you have a space and development advantage. 19...Bb6 20.d4 Nd8 20...Rc8 can be chosen with the same idea of exchanging material. Although, after 21.Nd2!

Position after: 22.d5!

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Games 79-82

The player with the initiative must play aggressively, or it may disappear. The d5pawn restricts the d8-knight and d7-bishop. The d4-square is also vacated for the f3knight. 22...Kf7 Capturing will just boost White’s initiative. 22...exd5 23.exd5 and Black is unable to prevent the infiltration on the e6-square. 23.Rfd1 23.Bd1 was another good possibility. The idea, of course, is to place the bishop on b3 and support pressure on the e6-square. The number of promising options for White is a testament to just how bad Black’s position is. 23...e5 This move blocks the position and slows White’s attack but, on the other hand, a strong protected passed pawn has appeared. White has lost some aggression, but gained a long-lasting advantage which is enough to guarantee the win. 24.Ne1 h5

Position after: 24...h5 Preventing a potential Bg4 after capturing on d7, though White is not obliged to capture the bishop. Black’s other bishop is more valuable as it covers many weak squares on the queenside. The knight is perfectly placed on c5 and White regroups patiently behind it. 25.Ned3 Bg4 26.f3! The pawn setup in the centre suggests that White should exchange the light-squared bishops. In fact, this would help Black reduce the pressure. The text move is much better, White gains a tempo and the black pieces remain clustered. 26...Bc8 27.Kf1 Ng6 28.Rd2 White patiently puts all his pieces on their best squares. It is time to double the rooks.

993

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Games 79-82

28...Nb7 29.Nb3

Position after: 32.Nc5 Position after: 29.Nb3

32...Nf4

Keeping pieces on the board and threatening 30.Rc6.

A) 32...Bc8? 33.Nb3+–

29...Bd7 30.Rdc2 Na5 31.Nxa5

B) 32...Be8 33.Nb3 Bb6 34.Rc8± 33.Nxd7

White sees the variation with infiltration along the c-file and so he now goes for exchanges.

The simplest solution.

31...Bxa5 32.Nc5

Black has an unpleasant choice: to capture the e2-bishop and continue playing with a worse bishop, or to play against a dangerous bishop pair. White also has much better pieces and pawn structure, and even a safer king. The position is almost won for White.

33...Rxd7 34.Rc6

34...Ra8 35.g3 Ng6

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Games 79-82

Position after: 35...Ng6

Position after: 38...b4

36.Bd1

One bishop is shut off, but the other will inherit an amazing diagonal (Ba4).

36.f4! was winning immediately. 36...Ne7 [36...exf4 37.Bxh5 Rh8 38.e5!] 37.fxe5 fxe5 [37...Nxc6 38.e6+] 38.Re6+– White missed this because he was focused on the queenside – all White pieces target the queenside and it was unexpected that a blow was possible on the kingside. White instead transfers the e2bishop to a more important diagonal, a2-g8. This also wins easily.

39.Bb2 Bc7?! A) 39...Rb7 40.d6 Ng8 41.Bd5+– B) 39...Ng8 40.Bxe5+– 40.Ba4 Rad8 41.Bxd7 Rxd7

36...Ne7 37.Bb3 Black’s king must escape – the white bishops are too dangerous. 37...Kg6 38.Re6 b4

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Games 79-82

Position after: 41...Rxd7

Position after: 4...Bg7

Further resistance was redundant, as are comments. With a few trivial tactical shots, White easily converts the advantage.

Transposing, the game switched to the Pirc Defence. On his 4th move, White chose the most aggressive continuation. But now, instead of playing the main line 5.Nf3, he preferred the immediate advance of the epawn. This move has not yet been analysed too deeply and gives White very promising positions, in my opinion. The game was played in a rapid event. In such events, it is good to go for rare lines that you are familiar with.

42.Rxc7 Rxc7 43.d6 Rc6 44.d7 Rxe6 45.d8=Q Kf7 46.Bc1 Rc6 47.Bd2 Rc2 48.Bxb4 Nc6 49.Qd5+ Kg6 50.Bc5 Na5 51.f4 Nc4 52.f5+ Kh7 53.Ke1 Nb2 54.Bf8 Rc1+ 55.Ke2 Rc2+ 56.Kf3 Nc4 57.Qf7 Nd2+ 58.Ke3 Nf1+ 59.Kd3 Rd2+ 60.Kc3 Black finally resigned. An instructive game on the topic of seizing and maintaining the initiative.

5.e5 dxe5 6.dxe5 Qxd1+ 7.Kxd1 Ng4 8.Nd5!?

1-0 Game 82 Zlatanovic – Lekic Smederevska Palanka 2016 1.Nc3 Nf6 2.e4 d6 3.d4 g6 4.f4 Bg7 999

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Games 79-82

Position after: 8.Nd5!?

Position after: 9...Nc6

A very interesting move. Black must play precisely.

10.c3

8...Kd8 8...Nf2+? 9.Ke1 c6 [9...Nxh1 10.Nxc7+ Kd8 11.Nxa8 is almost winning for White.] 10.Nc7+ Kd8 11.Nxa8 Nxh1 12.Be3! is very bad for Black.

This move was played instinctively. The c3pawn keeps the c6-knight under control and is also useful against the g7-bishop, which will be released at some point after ...f6. 10.Nf3 is probably a better option. 10...Be6 11.Ne3 Nxe3 12.Bxe3 f6 13.exf6 exf6

9.Ke1 Nc6 9...c6 gives White two options. 10.Ne3 [10.Nc3 can be played with the idea to exclude the black knight from play after h3 and g4.] 10...Nxe3 11.Bxe3 leads to a slightly better position for White.

1001

13...Bxf6 is possible, but Black will need time to get rid of the isolated e7-pawn. 14.Nf3 Ke7 15.Kf2 Kf7

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Games 79-82

Position after: 15...Kf7

Position after: 17...Ne7

Both sides put their kings on the safest squares and soon the rooks will also be involved. Black will need time to activate the g7-bishop – the f6-pawn cannot move due to the check on g5. It is White’s turn and he decides to combine finishing development with creating positional threats.

The knight returns to protect the bishop. It looks like 16.Bb5 missed its mark. However, White is still able to use the bishop.

16.Bb5

18.c4 Be6 18...a6 19.cxd5 axb5 20.d6 would evidently be very risky for Black. 19.Bd7!

A logical move. Damaging Black’s queenside pawn structure could benefit White.

A risky move, but Black wants to play actively.

The point! Very often, the initiative can only be supported with drastic measures. White wants to eliminate the e6-bishop, which controls the d7-square. Also, capturing on e6 with a check would give White tempi to activate the knight via the route f3-d4-b5.

17.Rhd1 Ne7

19...Nc6

16...Bd5

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Position after: 19...Nc6

Position after: 22.Nb5?

Perhaps a key moment in the game. Black is ready to play with doubled pawns, but White has other plans.

would even lead to disaster after 22...Bg4.

20.f5! With this positional sacrifice, White secures a lasting initiative. The f5-pawn should fall eventually and White will use the f5-square himself. A) 20.Bxc6 bxc6 21.Nd4 Bd7 gives nothing to White. 22.Nb5?

B) 20.Bxe6+ Kxe6 21.Rd5 Rhd8 22.Rad1 Bf8 is optically better for White, but nothing concrete is on the horizon. Black has clear plans to consolidate, starting with 23...Bd6 or 23...Be7. 20...gxf5 20...Bxf5? 21.Bxf5 gxf5 22.Rd7+ is winning for White. 21.Bxe6+ Kxe6 22.Rd5

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Games 79-82

Position after: 22.Rd5

Position after: 24.Nxf5

That is the point. Neither the king nor the knight can move due to the loss of the f5pawn. Running out of good moves, Black decided to allow it anyway.

24...Rhd8

22...Ne5 22...Rhd8 23.Rad1 and it is difficult to suggest a normal plan to Black. Meanwhile, White has resources: Bf4 with capturing on d8 followed by Nd4, or even Nh4.

A) 24...Nxc4 25.Rc1!+– B) 24...c6 25.Rd4 with ideas of Nd6 and Bf4. 25.Rad1 Rxd5 26.Rxd5 Bf8 26...Nxc4 27.Rc5! Nxe3 28.Rxc7+

23.Nd4+ Kf7 24.Nxf5

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Games 79-82

The situation has stabilised. White has managed to harm Black’s pawn structure and install a knight on f5. However, Black’s forces are centralised. White’s next task is to secure the position of the knight on f5 and, if possible, to eliminate the e5-knight. 27...Re8 28.h3 a6 29.Bf4 29.g4 was another solid option. 29...Kg6 30.Bxe5 fxe5

Position after: 28.Rxc7+

30...Rxe5 31.Rxe5 fxe5 32.g4 is much better for White. 31.g4

28...Kg6 [28...Ke6 29.Nxg7+ Kd6 30.Rxb7 gives White a winning position.] 29.Nh4+! Kh5 30.Rxg7 Kxh4 31.Rxh7+ Kg5 32.Kxe3 and Black’s position looks lost. 27.b3

Position after: 31.g4 31...b6? The check on c5 will actually give nothing to Black, so this move is simply bad. 31...h5 was needed in order to undermine the

Position after: 27.b3 1009

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Games 79-82

position of the f5-knight. 32.Rd7 hxg4 33.hxg4 Rc8 [33...Kg5 34.Rxc7 Kxg4 35.Ne3+ Kf4 36.Nd5+ and Black is in trouble.] 34.Kf3 looks passive for Black, but nothing direct is apparent.

This forces White to place the rook on an even better square, but Black’s position was bad anyway.

32.Ng3

35.Rf5 e3 36.g5!

34...e3 35.Rd7 Rf8 36.Ne4 with great winning chances.

White prevents ...h5 and is ready to place the knight on the more dominant e4-square. It was necessary to calculate that Black’s counterplay is not dangerous and is only of temporary character. 32...Bc5+ 33.Ke2 e4 34.h4!

Position after: 36.g5! With the idea to create mating threats after Rf6 and Nf5. 36...Kg7 37.Rf6 a5 38.Nf5+ Game over, though technical issues still remain.

Position after: 34.h4! White’s majority is launched. Black’s king will be driven back and the knight will be placed on f5 again. 34...c6?!

38...Kh8 39.h5 Rd8 40.Re6 White stops the e-pawn and starts thinking about a mate on e8. 40...Rg8 41.g6 hxg6 42.hxg6 Rd8

1011

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Games 83-86

Game 83 Spassky – Kavalek Montreal 1979 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6 3.Nc3 Nbd7 4.e4 e5 5.d5 Be7 6.Nf3 0-0 7.Be2 Nc5 8.Qc2 a5

Position after: 42...Rd8 The rest is simple. Capturing the c-pawn was also easily winning. 43.Nxe3 a4 44.Nf5 axb3 45.axb3 Ra8 46.Rxc6 Kg8 47.Rc7 Re8+ 48.Kf3 Ra8 49.Nh6+ Kf8 50.g7+ 1-0

Position after: 8...a5 Kavalek chose a sort of Indian Defence. Spassky decides to close the centre immediately. Traditionally, there is a small and stable advantage for White – he has more space and more possibilities, even regarding castling. On the other hand, Black’s position looks solid and without weaknesses. With his last move, Black attempts to secure the good position of the c5-knight. So, White’s next move is also logical... 9.Be3 b6 10.h3 Preventing 10...Ng4.

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Games 83-86

Yes, it creates a hole on f4 but it also prevents 12...f5. White is ready to launch a pawn attack directly, aimed at the enemy’s king.

10...h6

12...Ng5 13.Nd2

Position after: 10...h6 We have arrived at a very important crossroads for White. He can castle short side, followed by patient organisation and expansion on the queenside. Or, as was played, he can castle long, with an ensuing expansion on the kingside. Spassky chose the more inventive and more forceful continuation. We have to admit that his king will be absolutely safe on the queenside – by advancing his b-pawn, Black lost the possibility to easily open the position on the queenside with ...c6. 11.0-0-0 Nh7 A flexible and very solid manoeuvre. Black wants to exchange dark-squared bishops when the time is right.

Position after: 13.Nd2 Not only keeping pieces on the board due to a space advantage, it also prevents the exchange of the dark-squared bishops. Black must spend more time in order to achieve that. 13...Nh7 14.Nf3 Ng5 15.Ne1 After some psychological games, Spassky decides to allow the exchange. The knight will be more useful on e3, which will be vacated after exchanging bishops. 15...Nh7 16.Ng2 Bg5 17.h4 Bxe3+ 18.Nxe3

12.g4 1015

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Games 83-86

19...Bd7 20.Kb1 Qe7 21.f3 Kg7 22.Rf2 Nf6 23.Qd2 Rae8 24.Bd1 Nh7 25.Bc2

Position after: 18.Nxe3 18...g6?! A very interesting idea. Black creates a kind of “Hedgehog” setup, in Petrosian style. He will now be able to block the position on the kingside, regardless of which white pawn advances. On the other hand, the move does create some dark-squared weaknesses. 18...Qf6, with control over the f4-square, was a logical move. 19.Rdf1?! Actually not a dangerous move. It will be very risky for White to advance the f-pawn and open the file, because Black would gain the perfect outpost for his knight on e5. During the next moves, both players patiently regroup, gently improving their positions.

1017

Position after: 25.Bc2 Even the bishop’s position is improved, the point will soon be clear. 25...Rb8 26.Nb5?! It looks bad for Black to capture that knight, but in fact the consequences remain uncertain. Anyway, the pressure on c7 is not fatal for Black, and the knight will end up returning to c3. 26...Rbc8 27.Rfh2 Rh8

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Games 83-86

Position after: 27...Rh8

Position after: 29...h5

When commenting the game for the tournament magazine, the legendary David Bronstein suggested that Black should organise an escape for his king, transferring it to the queenside. There is a dose of truth in this but in the game, with tension and deep calculation, it is very difficult to reach such a decision.

A logical reaction – Black keeps the kingside closed.

28.Rg1 Rhf8 29.g5 After a long preparation, White finally decides to go for the kill. 29...h5

30.Nf5+! This resource was perhaps overlooked by Kavalek. Though, to be fair, it was not something he could have prevented. The game suddenly becomes complicated and very interesting, and it is almost forced. 30...gxf5 31.exf5 Kh8 32.Rhg2 Preparing the advance of the g-pawn. 32.g6? is premature. After 32...fxg6 33.fxg6 Qg7! followed by 34...Nf6 Black will even be better. 32...e4!? A very inventive defence. Black temporarily closes the diagonal of the c2-bishop and gets an outpost on e5.

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Games 83-86

Position after: 32...e4!?

Position after: 36...Bg4

33.fxe4 Qe5 34.g6 fxg6 35.fxg6 Rf4!?

The situation has changed dramatically. Spassky once again demonstrates his top class by perfectly understanding this. Black is now behind in terms of material, but with the initiative on the kingside. Spassky immediately goes for the counter. He attacks on the queenside. In fact, this will eventually result in a breakthrough in the centre!

Again, a very interesting and solid solution. Black is ready to play with less material, but his pieces are active. 35...Bg4 still looks more precise – g4 is definitely the bishop’s spot, closing the g-file, so that move should have been played immediately.

37.a3! Rcf8 36.gxh7 Bg4 A) 37...a4 can lead to the loss of this pawn. White could continue 38.Rf2 Rxf2 [38...Rcf8 39.Rxf4 Rxf4 40.Nxc7] 39.Qxf2 Nxe4 40.Qf7 with a probably winning position. B) 37...Nxe4 leads to collapse after the very fine 38.Qc1, keeping an eye on the f4-rook and with the idea to create a pin on the e-file. After 38...Nc5 39.Re1 Qf6 40.Nxc7, White wins. 1021

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Games 83-86

38.Qd4

…d6

38.Nxc7 was also logical and probably better. Spassky was afraid of Black’s active pieces and transferred the game into an endgame with a solid advantage

42...Rf2 43.Rg2 Rxg2 44.Rxg2 Nf8!

38...R8f7 38...Qxd4 39.Nxd4 Nxe4? 40.Ne6!+– 39.Qxe5+ dxe5 40.Nc3 Protecting the e4-pawn and securing the advance of the b-pawn. After his excursion, the knight returns to c3 at the right moment.

Position after: 44...Nf8! Targeting the h4-pawn. White must act quickly! 45.b4 axb4 46.axb4 Ng6 47.Rh2 Kg7 48.c5 bxc5 49.bxc5 Kf8 50.Ba4 Rf6 51.Kb3

Position after: 40.Nc3 Black cannot oppose White’s queenside expansion and must try to find counterplay on the kingside. 40...Kxh7 41.Ka2 Nd7 42.Rd2

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Games 83-86

Position after: 51.Kb3

Position after: 53...Nxh4

Again, the situation has changed. With his ingenious 37th move, White managed to increase his advantage. In the process of activating pieces, the king should not be forgotten.

54.d6+! cxd6 55.Nd5+ Ke6 56.Rb7 dxc5 57.Be8 with an upcoming mate would be an even more beautiful end to the game. 54.d6+! cxd6 55.cxd6+

51...Rf3 52.Kc4 Ke7 53.Rb2 Finally, the rook becomes active. Black’s position is hopeless. 53...Rf7 53...Nxh4

Position after: 55.cxd6+

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Games 83-86

55...Kf8 55...Kxd6 56.Rb6++– 56.Rd2 56.Rb8+ Kg7 57.Be8 Ra7 58.Nb5 is another winning method – a matter of style. 56...Bd7 57.Bxd7 Rxd7 58.Kd5 Ke8 Black resigned. Let’s summarise with one of Bronstein’s comments that the game was perfectly led by both players. 1-0 Game 84 Alekhine – Teichmann Berlin 1921 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Nxe4 Teichmann was one of the greatest fighters ever. He was never afraid of that era’s elite. This game, full of shots and fine tactics, is proof. 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6

Position after: 8...Be6 This is one of the Ruy Lopez variations (the Open Spanish). 9.c3 Be7 10.Be3 0-0 11.Nbd2 All this is well-known. Teichmann chooses a more active and forcing continuation. 11...Bg4 11...Nxd2 12.Qxd2 Na5 is evidently solid for Black. 12.Nxe4 dxe4

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Games 83-86

Position after: 12...dxe4

Position after: 15.Qxg2

13.Qd5

White has a strong initiative on the kingside. An interesting discussion unfolded – Jusupov disagreed with that evaluation and decided to test the statement in their game. After 15...Qd7 16.Bh6!? gxh6 17.f3 h5? [17...Rad8 18.fxg4 Qd2 with a slightly better position for White, was much better.] 18.Rad1 Qf5 19.fxg4 Qxe5 20.Rde1 Qc5+ 21.Kh1 White’s attack was unbearable, and Kasparov won the game in style.

An improvement that Alekhine had in mind. It is unpleasant for Black, but he should be OK with precise play. 13.Bd5 Nxe5 [13...exf3 14.Bxc6 fxg2 15.Qxg4 gxf1=Q+ 16.Rxf1 Rb8 17.Rd1 Qc8 18.Rd7 gives White more than enough compensation for the material.] 14.Bxe4 Nxf3+ 15.Bxf3 Qxd1 16.Bxd1 leads to an equal endgame.

14.Bxd5 exf3 15.Bxc6 fxg2 16.Kxg2 Rad8 13...Qxd5 Analysing the game, Kasparov later suggested that after 13...exf3 14.Qxc6 fxg2 15.Qxg2

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Games 83-86

Position after: 16...Rad8

Position after: 17...f6!

After a series of exchanges, White should be better due to the better mobility of his pieces. Many pawns are exposed: a6, b5, e5... Inventive and active play is needed. Other players may fail to understand this, but not Alekhine. This is one of his most concrete games – every move carries some kind of threat...

18.axb5

17.a4! White strikes first. Due to the ultimate activity of the c6-bishop, Black cannot activate the rooks properly and White doesn’t waste time by going for a direct attack. However, Black’s reaction is also classy...

Suddenly the white king will be in trouble if White captures on f6. 18.exf6? Rxf6 with the idea of ...Rg6 is unpleasant. 18...axb5 19.Bxb5 fxe5 20.Bc4+ Keeping the king far from the centre and removing the bishop from the b-file, rendering the move ...Rb8 useless. 20...Kh8 21.f3 Bh5 22.Ra5

17...f6! 17...b4 would keep the a-file closed, but the pawn structure would be ruined after 18.cxb4 Bxb4 19.Rac1 and White is better. 1031

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Games 83-86

A) 23.Rxd1 Bxf3+ 24.Kg1 Bxd1 25.Rxe5 Bd6 would not satisfy White – Alekhine definitely wanted more than a draw. B) 23.Rxe5 Rxf1 24.Kxf1 Rxf3+ 25.Kg2 Bd6 is also drawish. 23...Rxf1 24.Kxf1 Bxf3 25.Bxf3 Rxf3+ 26.Ke2 Rf8

Position after: 22.Ra5 White collected Black’s exposed pawns on the queenside but lost the e5 pawn at the same time – all the weak pawns are gone. However, new ones have appeared: c7, e5, f3. With his last move, White attacked the e5pawn and is ready to play Bc5 at some point, securing that spot for the rook. But it is Black’s turn and he immediately notes that White also has weaknesses. Very typical of Teichmann – the first unforced move must be an active one! 22...Rd1! 23.Bd5! An exclamation mark is given because this is the only chance for White to play for a win. The idea, even should it not be enough to win the game, is still grandiose. Not many players would find this possibility – Alekhine found one of the most beautiful ideas ever.

1033

Position after: 26...Rf8 27.Kd3! A miracle! What is the point? The point is that the e5-pawn just blocks the black bishop, causing a mess in Black’s camp. The rest of the game confirms Alekhine’s idea. White simply wants to place the king on e4 and, after establishing control over the entire centre, to advance his queenside pawns. It is important, by the way, that the white bishop is dark-coloured, so that the endgame with the bishop and h-pawn is 1034

Games 83-86

winning – Black cannot just sacrifice his bishop to eliminate White’s queenside pawns. 27.Rxe5 Bd6 28.Rh5 g6 with centralisation of the black king would give Black an easy draw. 27...Kg8?! 27...e4+ was better, although White benefits by capturing the pawn back while centralising the king. After 28.Kxe4 Bd6 29.h3 White is better, but Black is probably able to hold without much difficulty.

White’s centralised army easily supports the pawn majority. It was better to continue the king’s centralisation: 28...Kf7!. 29.b4 Kf7 30.b5 Ke6 31.c4 Everything is going smoothly. Evidently Black’s counterplay on the kingside is slow and Black must take care of the queenside. 31...Kd7 32.Ra7

28.Ke4

Position after: 32.Ra7 32...Bd6? Position after: 28.Ke4

This is the last mistake. The position is now lost.

28...Rb8?

32...Kd6 was a much more resistant defence. A draw should be the expected result.

A bad move. Black cannot stop the white pawns by keeping the rook in front of them.

1035

33.Kd5

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Games 83-86

White could also win with 33.b6, profiting from the pin. 33...e4 34.b6!

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.0-0 Nxe4 5.d4 Nd6 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.dxe5 Nf5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 9.Nc3

Position after: 9.Nc3

Position after: 34.b6! Of course, the e4-pawn is unimportant. 34...Rf8 35.c5 Rf5+ 36.Kc4 Black resigned. White inevitably advances the pawn to the 7th rank, with an easy win. One of the most beautiful games I have ever seen. It was truly fascinating, full of tactics in order to achieve strategical goals. You will not often see such a dynamic and beautiful game. Both players deserve applause. 1-0 Game 85 Kasparov – Kramnik Astana 2001

The Berlin variation. One year prior, it helped Kramnik dethrone Kasparov in their famous match that Kramnik won 8.5 : 6.5. Kasparov couldn’t pose serious problems in the Ruy Lopez and a few games later he switched to the English. After losing the title, he was probably keen to prove himself again in the Berlin. In this game, he presented his artillery: persistent pressure, direct play in search for the initiative, active play when having the initiative... 9...h6 This move was one of Kramnik’s weapons in their London match. 9...Bd7 was played in the first game of the aforementioned match. Kramnik made a

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Games 83-86

draw relatively easily. 10.h3 Bd7 11.b3 Ke8 12.Bb2 Rd8 13.Rad1

14...Bf5 is premature. After 15.Nd4 Bg6 16.e6 White is obviously better. 15.Ne4

Position after: 13.Rad1

Position after: 15.Ne4

In this game, Kasparov goes for rapid activation and the centralisation of all his troops. He hopes to create problems for the black king.

15...Nf4?

13...Ne7 One of the possible manoeuvres in this line. The knight goes to a safer spot on g6, vacating the f5-square for the bishop. Generally, the idea is to patiently exchange pieces in order to reach a comfortable ending.

Black naturally wants to place the knight on the blockading e6-square. This is too slow, the third move in a row for the knight. Moreover, it just so happened that Kasparov was in great shape. 15...Bf5 with the intention of reducing White’s attacking resources by exchanging some pieces was better. 16.e6!! Excellent move, and practically the only chance to support the initiative. White must not allow the blockade on e6, which would also block the pieces behind the e5-pawn.

14.Rfe1 Ng6

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Games 83-86

Another reason is, of course, the opening of the e-file – Black’s king is in big trouble. 16...Nxe6

Position after: 18.Nf5 18...Rh7 Position after: 16...Nxe6

18...Rg8? 19.Nxh6!+– 19.Bf6

17.Nd4 White continues to open the e-file. 17.Be5! Rc8 18.Nh4 with the idea to launch the f-pawn was later suggested by Kasparov as even stronger. Black’s position looks hopeless, despite the fact that he seemingly made no mistakes. Simply put, it is a bad idea to waste time with the king in the centre against Kasparov.

...in case Kasparov’s great inventivity was ever in doubt. 19...Rc8

17...c5 18.Nf5

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Games 83-86

Position after: 19...Rc8

Position after: 25...Nf4

20.Bxg7!?

After a series of forced moves, we have reached a fairly simple endgame. Due to Black’s doubled pawns, White is practically a pawn up, but Black has some initiative. Two pawns are under attack and White needs to find a strong response.

Once again, according to Kasparov it was better to launch the f-pawn with 20.f4! Bc6 21.Nfg3 with the deadly threat of advancing f5. 20...Bxg7 21.Nxg7+ Rxg7 22.Nf6+ Ke7 23.Nxd7 Rd8 24.Ne5 Rxd1 25.Rxd1 Nf4

26.Kh1! Kasparov finds the only move that gives him the chance to fight for an advantage. Paradoxically, moving the king into the corner is the best move – another proof that chess is a magical game. 26...Rg5 With nothing happening on the g-file, Kramnik decides to transfer the rook to the queenside. A) 26...Nxg2? 27.Rg1+– B) 26...Rxg2? 27.Nd3+–

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Games 83-86

27.Ng4 Rd5 28.Re1+ 28.Rxd5 Nxd5 29.Nxh6 Nb4 gives excellent counter-chances to Black due to a more active king and more advanced pawns. 28...Kf8 29.Nxh6 Rd2

Position after: 34.Rf2+– As a result, White has a winning position. Still, some technical accuracies are required. 34...Rc3 35.Kg2 b5 36.h4!

Position after: 29...Rd2 30.Re5! Once again the most active, and actually the only move. 30...Rxf2? This is a big mistake by Kramnik. Capturing the c2-pawn, Black enters a deadly pin ¹ 30...Rxc2 31.Rf5 Rxf2 32.Ng4 Rxg2 33.Rxf4 Rxa2² 31.Rf5 Kg7 32.Ng4 Rxg2 33.Rxf4 Rxc2 34.Rf2+– 1045

Kasparov chooses a concrete line. He perfectly calculated that Black’s queenside counterplay is not fast enough. 36...c4 37.h5 cxb3 38.axb3 Rc5 39.h6+ Kf8 40.Nf6 Rg5+ 41.Kh1 1-0 A very nice win and very convincing play from Kasparov. Unfortunately for him, he was not able to find such a promising response to Kramnik’s Berlin the year before. An extremely instructive example on the topic of supporting the initiative. Game 86 Keres – Kotov Parnu 1947

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Games 83-86

needing to prepare it with ...a6 like in a normal Sicilian. In fact, this is not the case. In a few moves it will be clear that White gains tempi. At this point, let’s just remind ourselves of the remarkable and useful principle: “If your opponent plays on the flank, counter in the centre!”

1.e4 c5 2.Ne2

4.Bg2 Bb7 5.d4!

Position after: 2.Ne2 Keres was always recognised as a great expert of the Sicilian Defence – he repeatedly crushed Black, in so many different ways. He was also recognised as a great inventor and he probably prepared something for his opponent. Kotov always felt uncomfortable playing the Sicilian as Black against the great Paul. So, he decided to deviate from wellknown theory and to play originally. Alas, that was a very bad decision... 2...d6 3.g3 b5?! And it is time to stop for a while... What is the idea behind Black’s strange last move? Certainly, the idea is to accelerate the queenside expansion and to advance the bpawn before the white knight gets to c3. It looks like Black will benefit from this premature advance – he plays 3...b5 without 1047

Position after: 5.d4! 5...cxd4 5...Nd7 is another satisfactory option, but still White’s position should be preferred due to a space advantage and control of the centre. Also, Black determines the position of the queenside knight – it can no longer be developed to c6. 6.Nxd4 a6 It becomes clear that Black did not save even a single tempo – the move ...a6 is played! We 1048

Games 83-86

are now in some strange Najdorf and White uses the fact that Black’s kingside pieces are on their initial positions to seize a huge initiative. 7.0-0 Nf6 8.Re1

Position after: 9.a4!

Position after: 8.Re1 White threatens to advance his e-pawn. Black eliminates this threat with his next move.

Now White gets the initiative, which he will keep until the end. Black will be unable to finish development or even castle. His kingside troops are undeveloped and his queenside pawns are vulnerable after his uncareful advancing. Finally, we see that White is the one who benefited from Black’s strange 3rd move. 9...bxa4 9...b4?! 10.c3!

8...Qc7?! 8...e5 was later suggested as a better option. Although, after 9.Nf5 g6 10.Ne3 Be7 11.Nc3 White is evidently better due to control of the weakened d5-sqaure and better development. Black also has weaknesses on the kingside and the lack of harmony in his camp is apparent. 9.a4! 1049

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Games 83-86

Position after: 10.c3!

Position after: 10...Nbd7

A) 10...a5 11.cxb4 axb4 12.e5! dxe5 [12...Bxg2 13.exf6+–] 13.Nb5 Qc8 14.Bf4!! looks devastating. The reader may wish to pursue this on their own.

11.Bd2!?

B) 10...bxc3 11.Nxc3 Nbd7 [11...e6 12.Nd5! exd5 13.exd5+ Kd8 14.Bg5 is also winning. Black’s king is in the centre and cannot be successfully defended. All the white pieces are attacking.] 12.Nd5 Nxd5 13.exd5 leads Black to a hopeless position. He is unable to castle kingside without losing material. The e7-pawn is vulnerable and there is no satisfactory defence against the moves Nc6, Bg5, etc. 10.Rxa4 10.Nc3 was perhaps even better. White wants to get this knight to d5. 10...Nbd7 1051

Black played the opening in original style (and badly). Keres well understood that the first phase of the game was now over – he logically and successfully countered Black’s strange 3rd move. It is time for a crushing plan to be found. Intuition told Keres that a5 was the best square for this bishop. The natural 11.Nc3 was also a good option: 11...e6 12.Nd5!?. 11...Nc5 12.Rc4! Take a look at White’s setup. His queenside knight is waiting to be activated. It will have a role later. The rook and bishop on the queenside are very strong pieces, even though they are strangely placed. If the opponent plays the opening strangely, it is sometimes necessary to employ even stranger measures to refute it! The c5-knight is in trouble. 1052

Games 83-86

Position after: 15.Ba5 In many games, we observe “bishop scissors” on b2 and g2. But, in this case, a5 and h3 are much better options! 15...g6 15...d5 16.Rc7! Nxc7 17.Nxg7+ Bxg7 18.Bxd7+ Kxd7 19.exd5

Position after: 12.Rc4! 12...e5 13.Nf5 Qd7 14.Bh3!? 14.Nc3 with the occupation of the d5outpost was simple and evidently strong. However, Keres preferred to play in a more tactical manner. 14...Ne6 15.Ba5 Position after: 19.exd5 is winning for White. With an exposed king and disharmony in his troops, there is nothing Black can do against White’s pawn avalanche on the queenside. 16.Ne3 Rc8

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Games 83-86

Position after: 16...Rc8

Position after: 19.b3

Last but not least, the knight joins the battle. Black is hopeless.

It may appear as though Black has survived. However, after some deeper analysis, it becomes clear that Black can do nothing. Black is just delaying the inevitable.

17.Nc3 White’s minor pieces terrorise Black. The black king is in the centre, surrounded by weaknesses... 17.Nd5?! Nxd5 18.Rxc8+ Qxc8 19.exd5 Qc5!„

19...Nc5? A) If 19...Be7 20.Bxe6! fxe6 21.Bb4 0-0 22.Bxd6! Rd8

17...Rxc4 18.Nxc4 Qc6 19.b3

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Games 83-86

21.Nxe5! [But not 21.Qxd4? Nf4! 22.Nxe5 Nxh3+ 23.Kg2 Qc8∞ and White should still be better, but the result is far from set in stone.] B1) 21...Qc5 22.Nc4 Be7 [22...Nf6 23.Bb6+–] 23.Bg2 [23.exd5?? Qxd5–+] 23...Nf6 24.Bb6+– B2) 21...dxe5 22.Qxd4!± as later shown by Keres. White should be positionally winning after 22...f6! [22...exd4?! 23.exd5++–] 23.exd5 Qxd5 24.Qxd5 Bxd5 25.Rd1. Such a big difference in piece activity should result in a win for White. Position after: 22...Rd8

20.Nxe5!

23.Nd5!!+–. What an incredible and beautiful blow! Game over. B) 19...Nd4!? looks very promising, although there are still some amazing tactical shots. 20.Nd5! Nxd5

Position after: 20.Nxe5!

Position after: 20...Nxd5

1057

Black can choose between getting mated (Qd8#) and losing a queen. He decided to resign. A terrible defeat indeed! Many coaches suggest the games of the great Paul Keres to learn how to seize and support the 1058

Games 87-91

initiative. I agree with this, and particularly love this game. 1-0

Chapter 8 Blockades and Prophylaxis The title contains two seemingly unrelated terms. However, there is a strong connection between them. Blockading (probably a pawn) means that the opponent’s pieces will remain passive. The great Aron Nimzowitsch astutely stated that “a blockade never has a local character”. Imagine a blockade established in front of an opponent’s isolated pawn. Their pieces would protect that pawn (because it would be weak!), and would become active should that isolated pawn disappear! In effect, by blockading the isolated pawn, we are keeping the opponent’s pieces passive! Naturally, they should remain passive – the pawn should be taken at the right moment. Hence, the connection between a blockade and prophylaxis is evident. The reader will find many useful tips when carefully analysing the games presented in this book. We will explore illustrative and instructive points about managing and maintaining a blockade, securing the blockading piece on the dominating square, preventing the activation of the opponent’s troops, eliminating counterplay and so on. Game 87 Rubinstein – Salwe Lodz 1908 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 c5 3.c4 e6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nc3 Nf6 6.g3

1059

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Games 87-91

Position after: 6.g3

Position after: 8...Qb6

Nowadays, this line – named after Rubinstein – is considered as the most dangerous for Black. The bishop will attack the vulnerable d5-pawn from g2. Of course, White would capture on c5, after Black plays ...Be7.

9.Nxc6! 9.Nb3? d4 10.Ne4 Nxe4 11.Bxe4 Bh3 suddenly gives the initiative to Black. 9...bxc6 10.0-0 Be7 11.Na4

6...Nc6 7.Bg2 cxd4 A) 7...Be7 8.dxc5 Bxc5 9.0-0 0-0 10.Bg5 is another reasonable option for Black. White keeps a small edge, pressuring d5. B) If 7...c4 then 8.Ne5 is a good option. [8.Bg5 Be7 9.0-0 0-0 10.b3 also looks promising for White.] 8.Nxd4 Qb6

Position after: 11.Na4 1061

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Games 87-91

That is the point. Black now has a hanging pair of pawns in the centre instead of an isolated pawn. Importantly, he is unable to advance it to c5. With the text move, White starts the operation of occupying the weak c5- and f4-squares and blocking the black pawns. 11...Qb5 12.Be3 0-0 13.Rc1

Position after: 14.f3!

Position after: 13.Rc1 Everything is going smoothly. It is, indeed, a great pleasure to analyse Rubinstein’s games – his plans are so natural and clear. Moreover, they are always supported by logic and dedicated to centralisation. This makes him one of my chess mentors – his games are so instructive and I couldn’t recommend analysing them highly enough.

Once again, Rubinstein shows his skill. He rightly felt that the move f3 will be useful for White. It looks like a waste of time and a bad idea due to the blocking of the g2-bishop (if the move f4 follows, Black will exploit the hole on e4!). However, the bishop will be reactivated via the f1-square – it is no longer needed on the long diagonal because the d5pawn is stable. Also, the f1-rook will be transferred to c2 via f2. Rubinstein always tried to find multi-purpose moves. 14...Be6 15.Bc5 It is useful to exchange all of the opponent’s pieces that control the weak squares! 15...Rfe8 16.Rf2 Nd7 17.Bxe7 Rxe7 18.Qd4!

13...Bg4 14.f3!

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Games 87-91

Position after: 18.Qd4!

Position after: 21.Nc5

Beautiful and simple centralisation. The queen protects both the a4-knight and b2pawn, while also securing domination over the c5-square.

In front of the opponent’s weak pawns are good squares for our pieces. Occupying them will result in a strong blockade, as illustrated by Rubinstein. All the black pieces and central pawns are placed on white squares, leaving the dark squares horribly weak. White’s pieces – knight, rook and queen – will use the c5square at their leisure. The king will even use it in the endgame. Meanwhile, the black pieces are without prospects. The only thing Black can do is... wait, and try to resist for as long as possible.

18...Ree8 19.Bf1 Rec8 20.e3 Not 20.e4, of course, as simplifications would favour Black – his pieces would have more space. 20...Qb7 21.Nc5

21...Nxc5 22.Rxc5 Rc7 23.Rfc2 Qb6 24.b4 a6 25.Ra5 Rb8 26.a3

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Games 87-91

Position after: 26.a3

Position after: 30.Kf2

White practically has no bad moves. He will patiently put pressure on a6 and/or c6. Domination in the centre gives him the ability to play on either flank. In this case, simplification will not help Black.

There is no reason to rush.

26...Ra7?

30...h5 31.Be2 g6 32.Qd6 Vacating the c5-sqaure for the rook and attacking the a6-pawn. 32...Qc8 33.Rc5 Qb7 34.h4 a5

A blunder in a lost position. A desperate attempt. 27.Rxc6! Qxc6 28.Qxa7 Ra8 29.Qc5 Preventing Black’s queen infiltration. 29...Qb7 30.Kf2

35.Rc7 Qb8 36.b5 a4 37.b6 Ra5 38.b7 Black resigned. The game is just one of many convincing Rubinstein victories which left the opponents confused about where they went wrong. Control over the blockading squares c5 and d4 gave White full control over the entire board, and led to the paralysis of Black’s queenside. 1-0

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Games 87-91

9...Qa5+? 10.Bd2 Qxa2 11.Rxb2 Qxb2 12.Bc3+–.

Game 88 Smyslov – Denker Moscow 1946

8.c3 Nc6 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 e6 6.Be3

8...Nxe2 9.Nxe2 Ne7 10.d4 Qc7 is also OK for Black. 9.d4 cxd4

Position after: 6.Be3 6...Nd4?!

Position after: 9...cxd4

6...d6 is more common. 7.Nce2!? This is an interesting move. White wants to play c3, and later on d4. This is why Black should jump to d4 only after Ng1-e2. 7...d6 7...Nxe2 8.Nxe2 Bxb2 9.Rb1 White wins back the pawn. Now, a big mistake would be

10.Nxd4 White had this recapture in mind since his 7th move. The point is that Black’s pawn structure (d6+e6+g6) is fairly weak – Black’s dark-squared bishop cannot simultaneously be fianchettoed and protect the d6-pawn. 10.cxd4 would give Black many solid options: 10...d5 or 10...Nge7 or 10...Qa5+ 11.Nc3 Nf6. 10...Nxd4 11.Bxd4

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Games 87-91

Position after: 11.Bxd4

Position after: 12.Be3

11...e5!?

12...Ne7

A) 11...Nf6 12.e5 dxe5 13.Bxe5 Qxd1+ [13...0-0 14.Qe2 is slightly better for White.] 14.Rxd1 poses another kind of problem to Black – the queenside is paralysed.

12...Nf6 13.Ne2 Be6 14.0-0

B) 11...Bxd4 12.Qxd4 e5 13.Qa4+ Bd7 14.Qa3 Qb6 is relatively OK for Black, although White should be somewhat better. 12.Be3

Position after: 14.0-0 A) 14...d5? 15.exd5 Bxd5 [15...Nxd5 16.Bc5±] 16.Qa4+ Qd7 17.Qxd7+ Kxd7 1071

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Games 87-91

19.Nxe4

18.Rad1± B) 14...0-0 should be OK for Black. 13.Ne2 0-0 14.0-0 Be6 15.Qd2 Qc7 15...d5?! 16.Bc5! 16.Rfc1 With the idea to play 17.c4.

Position after: 19.Nxe4 With the threat of 20.Ng5. 19...Nxe3 19...Nd4 20.c5! d5 21.Ng5 Bf7 22.Nxf7 Qxf7 23.f4 with a strong initiative for White. Position after: 16.Rfc1 20.Qxe3 16...f5 16...b5 would be risky in view of 17.a4! a6 [17...bxa4 18.Rxa4 a5 19.Rca1 preparing b4.] 18.Rd1 and Black is in trouble. Black hopes to advance the d-pawn after eliminating the e4-pawn, but...

20.fxe3 is bad because Black gets counterplay after 20...Bh6. 20...h6

17.c4 fxe4 18.Nc3 Nf5 18...Bxc4? 19.Nxe4 d5 20.Nc5 with big problems for Black. 1073

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Games 87-91

Position after: 20...h6

Position after: 24.Nc3!

White has harmoniously placed his pieces and now is the time to fight for the d5square. Black’s bishop pair is useless, especially the dark-squared bishop.

The white pieces are optimally placed and it is time to find the correct plan. Certainly, the d5-square should be occupied. Doing so with the knight could give Black a chance to play with opposite coloured bishops – White would still be better, but Black may have chances to survive. Black’s bishop on e6 is his most valuable piece, so White should exchange it. The white knight will dominate over the bad bishop on g7. The strong blockading squares d5 and e4 will be occupied by the white pieces.

21.Rd1 Rfd8 A) 21...Bxc4? 22.Rac1+– B) 21...Qxc4 22.Rxd6± 22.Rac1 Rac8 23.b3 b6 24.Nc3!

24...Qe7 24...Kh7 25.Be4!ƒ with the idea of advancing the h-pawn gives White a very strong attack. 25.Bd5! Kh7 26.Bxe6 Qxe6 27.Rd3 Rc7 28.Rcd1 Rf7

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Games 87-91

Position after: 30.Rd5 Preparing to triple on the d-file – the queen goes behind the rooks. The main goal has been achieved: a firm blockade. Black’s central pawns are fixed targets which paralyse the pieces behind them. 30...Qg4 31.R1d3 31.Nxd6 Bxd6 32.Rxd6 Qxd1+! 33.Rxd1 Rxd1+ with excellent drawing chances. 31...Be7 Position after: 28...Rf7

31...Qe6 32.Qd2 Rfd7

29.Ne4! The d6-pawn is Black’s main weakness, so the knight belongs on e4. 29.Nd5 doesn’t give White anything – why block the d-file? The pawn should be conquered. 29...Bf8 30.Rd5

Position after: 32...Rfd7 33.c5!+– 32.Nxd6

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Games 87-91

Position after: 32.Nxd6

Position after: 38.Qe8

The pawn is lost. A triumph of logic and pure strategy.

The game is over. The next stage is a convincing Smyslov realisation.

32...Bxd6 33.Rxd6 Rdf8 34.Qxe5!

38...g5 39.Qh8+ Kg6 40.Rd6+ Kf7 41.Qxh6

White precisely calculated that the f-file would bring nothing to Black. 34...Rxf2 35.Rd7+ R8f7 36.Rxf7+ Rxf7 37.Rd8! Rg7 38.Qe8

1079

41.Qa8 also wins – a matter of style. 41...Qf5 42.Rd1 Qc5+ 43.Kg2 Qe7 44.Rf1+ Kg8 45.Qf6 Qe8 46.Qf5 g4 47.Rf2 Qe7 48.Qd3

1080

Games 87-91

Position after: 48.Qd3

Position after: 16.Ne2

48...Rg5

We have a well-known pawn structure which often arises from the French Defence. White is ready to install a blockading knight on d4 and organise a pawn attack on the kingside. Black intends to carry out active play on the queenside using the semi-open c-file. Due to fixed pawns on d5 and e6, it is good for him to exchange his bishop. On the other hand, White should aim for an endgame without rooks and with Black’s bad light-squared bishop. The game is quite balanced and everything depends on the players’ strategic skillsets. Teichmann was a fun player and sharp in middlegames full of combinatory and tactical play. In this position, however, it is no surprise the great Dr. Tarrasch outplayed him.

48...Qb7+ 49.Qd5++– 49.Re2 Finally, White penetrates. 49...Qf8 50.Qe4 Rg7 51.Qd5+ Qf7 52.Re6! 1-0 Game 89 Tarrasch – Teichmann San Sebastian 1912 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e5 Nfd7 6.Bxe7 Qxe7 7.Qd2 0-0 8.f4 c5 9.Nf3 Nc6 10.g3 a6 11.Bg2 b5 12.0-0 cxd4 13.Nxd4 Nxd4 14.Qxd4 Qc5 15.Qxc5 Nxc5 16.Ne2

16...Bd7? The first mistake. The bishop does not belong there.

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Games 87-91

16...a5 was much better, with the idea of 17...b4 and 18...Ba6, activating the bad bishop.

advantage. The weak g5- and f6-squares, by the way, cannot be exploited by White – the point is that he needs his knight on d4!

17.Nd4 Rac8 18.Kf2 Rc7 19.Ke3

20.Rf2 Nb7!?

Position after: 19.Ke3

Position after: 20...Nb7!?

19...Re8?

Interesting, and not such a bad move. Although it was, unfortunately, part of a bad plan. It was still good to put the pawns on h5 and g6.

Unnecessary prophylaxis. White is nowhere near ready to play f5. 19...h5 was a good choice. What is the point? Isn’t it bad to set pawns on the bishop’s colour? Yes, it is! However, this is an exception. The point is that Black should prevent White’s kingside expansion. Counterplay on the queenside is not very promising with the bishop on d7. So, by playing 19...h5 and later ...g6, Black would be ready to exchange many pawns on the kingside in case of White’s expansion. It is often a good idea to exchange pawns in positions where the opponent has an 1083

21.Bf1 Na5 21...h5! 22.b3 h6? A) 22...Rc3+? also gives nothing. After 23.Kd2 Rc7 [23...b4?? 24.a3+–; 23...Rec8? 24.b4! Nb7 25.a4! Black’s position collapses.] 24.Rf3 there is the interesting and promising possibility for White to use the 3rd rank to 1084

Games 87-91

exchange rooks. After exchanging rooks, Black’s weakened queenside will be in danger.

25...Bd7 26.g4

B) 22...h5 was still a good option.

It is time for aggression!

23.Bd3

26...Bc8 27.h4 g6 28.Rh1 Kg7

Position after: 23.Bd3

Position after: 28...Kg7

23...Nc6?

29.h5! Rh8 30.Rfh2 Bd7 31.g5! hxg5!? 32.fxg5!?

A key mistake! Black should leave the pieces to cover the weak dark squares on the queenside. White’s knight on d4 is a monster, of course, but his king will be no less dangerous there!

32.h6+ Kh7 33.fxg5 Rhc8 34.Rf2 Be8 is much better for White, but no direct win is visible.

24.Nxc6! Before the opponent changes his mind! 24...Bxc6 25.Kd4! Immediately blocking the d5-pawn and eliminating ideas involving ...d4. 1085

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Games 87-91

Imprecise move. Do not rush! 36.Rh7! Kf8 37.g6 fxg6 38.Bxg6 Kg8 39.Rf7 was the correct path to victory. 36...fxg6 37.Bxg6 b4 38.Rh7+ Kd8 39.Bd3

Position after: 34...Be8 32...Rxh5 33.Rxh5 gxh5 34.Rxh5 Kf8 35.Rh8+ Ke7

Position after: 39.Bd3 39...Rc3?? 39...Rc6 holds the position. 40.Rh8+ Ke7 1-0

Position after: 35...Ke7 36.g6?

1087

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Games 87-91

Position after: 5...Be7 6.Bxc6?! Nothing special happened to justify this loss of tempo. 6...dxc6 7.Re1 Nd7 8.d4 exd4 9.Qxd4 0-0 10.Bf4

Position after: 40...Ke7 Black resigned. White easily wins after 41.a3. Game 90 Bondarevsky – Smyslov Moscow 1946 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 Position after: 10.Bf4 White has better development, more space and a better majority. Black’s position is compact and he has the bishop pair. 10...Nc5! Generally, it is good to exchange passive pieces for active ones. Also, the knight heads to the excellent e6-square. The point will soon be clear. 11.Qxd8 Bxd8 12.Nc3 f5! 1089

1090

Games 87-91

Position after: 12...f5!

Position after: 14...g5!

An excellent decision. Smyslov wants to open the position for his bishop pair and sets a positional trap. Many players would automatically advance the e-pawn.

Logical and strong. First of all, Black gains space on the kingside – a good strategy for the side with the bishop pair. Secondly, this move restricts the white minor pieces. And, perhaps most importantly, the text move maintains the blockader on its perfect position on e6. White may play Ne2 with the idea to exchange the blockader after Nf4 or Ned4. Thus, Black’s last move is both aggressive and prophylactic.

13.e5? Including Bondarevsky! It looks natural, but it is a terrible positional mistake. The e5pawn will be blocked. With precise play by Black, the blockading knight on e6 will be eternal. The e5-pawn will actually restrict three white pieces: the bishop, knight and rook. Always try to advance or exchange pawns that are protected by three or more of your pieces! 13.Bg5 Bxg5 14.Nxg5 h6 15.Nf3 fxe4 16.Nxe4 Nxe4 17.Rxe4 Bf5 18.Re2 [18.Re7 Bxc2 19.Rxc7 Rf7=] 18...Bg4 19.Re3 leads to draw.

15.Ne2 c5! The knight is now safe on e6. 16.Bc3 b5 Gaining space on both flanks and preparing a fianchetto for the light-squared bishop. 17.b3 Bb7

13...Ne6 14.Bd2 g5! 1091

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Games 87-91

Position after: 17...Bb7

Position after: 23.Rad1

You do not need to be an expert to see that Black is much better. His powerful pawn avalanches on both flanks will destroy everything in their paths.

White’s knight on f6 is useless. If he wants, Black can reach an opposite coloured bishop endgame with an extra pawn (after the move exf6, this pawn will fall). Thus, Black decided to simplify the position by exchanging all the rooks – his minor pieces dominate the board and are collaborating with pawns on both flanks.

18.Ng3 White intends to penetrate behind the opponent’s pawns, perhaps hoping for an endgame with opposite coloured bishops. In fact, this knight will be out of play on f6.

23...Rxd1 24.Rxd1 Rd8 25.Rxd8 Bxd8 26.Ne3? f4!

18...g4 19.Nd2 Be7 Improving the position step-by-step. It is time to activate the rooks. 20.Nh5 Kf7 21.Nf1 Kg6! 22.Nf6 Rad8 23.Rad1

1093

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Games 87-91

Position after: 26...f4!

Position after: 29...b4!

Taking the g4-pawn is forbidden. Black’s king even gets to f5 now.

Preventing the activation of the d1-knight. White cannot escape, his queenside pawns are helpless.

27.Nd1 Bxf6! This is by far the simplest way to realise the huge positional advantage. The point is that Black will collect White’s queenside pawns while keeping the white minor pieces paralysed.

30.f3 Bxc2 31.Nf2 gxf3 32.gxf3 Bb1 33.Ne4 Bxa2 Even after being activated, the white knight is without purpose. 34.Nd2 a5 35.Kf2

28.exf6 Be4! 29.Bb2 b4!

1095

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Games 87-91

Position after: 35.Kf2

Position after: 39...a4!

35...Nd4

40.bxa4 c5 41.a5 c4 42.a6 d3+

35...c4 36.Nxc4 Bxb3 37.Nxa5 Bd5 would be a funny line! The tables have turned – now the black bishop completely paralyses the white knight!

Black is faster. White resigned. White made only one important mistake, on the 13th move. Even with better play afterwards he would probably not have been able to save the game. Excellent realisation by Smyslov. 0-1

36.Bxd4 cxd4 37.Ke2 Kxf6 38.Kd3 Ke5 39.Kc2 a4!

Game 91 Szostko – Zlatanovic Plovdiv 2015 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nc6 4.Ngf3 Nf6 5.e5 Nd7 6.Nb3

1097

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Games 87-91

Position after: 6.Nb3

Position after: 10...Ba6

One of the many moves tested in this position.

11.Bxa6 11.Bf4

6...Be7 This move is played with the idea of preventing some moves like Bg5 or Ng5. 7.Bb5 Ncb8 Black prevents White’s idea of doubling the pawns and prepares the exchange of the light-squared bishops.

A) 11...Bxb5 12.axb5 leads to the momentary paralysis of Black’s queenside troops. Black can break free with the move ...c6, but then ...c5 would no longer be an option after the exchange of pawns. Undermining the pawn chain with the advance of the a- and b-pawns would be too slow – White will have enough time to seize the initiative on the kingside. B) 11...c6!

8.0-0 b6 9.c3 a5 11...Nxa6 12.Be3 c5 13.Rc1 9...Ba6 immediately is bad. After 10.Bxa6 Nxa6 11.Qd3 Black is forced to retreat, wasting time. 10.a4 Ba6

1099

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Games 87-91

The point of the previous move. Before White plays b3, Black unblocks the a5-pawn. 15.axb5 Nc7

Position after: 13.Rc1 The first important moment in the game. One idea for White in this line can be to open the position with the move c4. The weak b5- and c6-squares can cause Black some problems.

Position after: 15...Nc7

13...c4

16.Ne1

Black decided to radically eliminate that possibility. This is risky: by blocking the queenside, he must organise an attack further down the chain – on the c3-pawn. This is time consuming. However, Black has achieved a lot by exchanging the lightsquared bishops and eliminating White’s threats on the kingside by taking away the g5-square. Certainly, White must carry out a direct pawn attack on the kingside, but Black is ready to face it.

White prepares an invasion on the kingside. 16.b3 cxb3 17.Qxb3 a4 followed by 18...Nb6 with dangerous compensation for a pawn. 16...0-0 17.f4

14.Nbd2 b5!?

1101

1102

Games 87-91

Position after: 17.f4

Position after: 19...Qxb5

17...Qb8

Black is even slightly better – the knight from c7 will head to the perfect blockading square on e6. Even the rook can go to a6 to support the kingside counter-attack with ...f6.

A very fine move. Black wants to recapture on b5 with the queen. The knight will be needed on c7. Black could stop White’s attack directly with 17...f5, but he wanted to provoke White’s next move.

18...f5!

18.g4?! A logical continuation. 18.f5 was an option, but after 18...exf5 19.Rxf5 Qxb5

1103

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Games 87-91

Position after: 18...f5! This move is even stronger with White’s pawn on g4. The position on the kingside will be opened and advancing the g-pawn will actually weaken White’s kingside. 19.exf6 A) 19.g5? is very bad, of course. White blocks the side on which he is determined to attack, giving Black freedom to organise queenside play. B) 19.gxf5?! Rxf5 with a perfect outpost for the black pieces on f5. 19...Nxf6 20.g5?! 20.h3 looks more solid, not allowing a blockade on the light squares. But it would also be a sign of White’s hesitance. 20...Nfe8

Position after: 21...g6 White’s natural attack on the h-file cannot easily be organised. It has become clear that White’s attack has been parried and Black’s blockade on the weak light-squares in the centre will be the decisive positional factor. 22.Ndf3 Bd6

The knight goes to the ideal d6-square, from where it can jump both to e4 and f5. 21.Qg4 g6 Black played this move to block the g-pawn and secure an outpost on f5.

1105

It is important to control the e5-square and capture the white knight when it gets there. The black knight will travel to f5 via g7. 23.Ng2 Ng7 24.Rce1 Qxb5 25.Bc1 a4

1106

Games 87-91

Position after: 25...a4

Position after: 28.Rxe3

Black has recaptured the pawn and is ready to install pieces (knights initially) on the weak central light squares. Advancing the apawn with the idea to infiltrate on the queenside is also on the agenda.

28...Rae8

26.Qh3 Nf5 27.Ne3 Nxe3!

B) 28...Bxf4? 29.Rxe6!+–

Black avoids the clever trap set by White. 27...Bxf4? 28.Nxf5 Rxf5 29.Bxf4 Rxf4 30.Rxe6! and Black’s position is in ruins.

Once again, the f4-pawn was poisoned. Now Black threatens to capture it. A) 28...Rxf4? 29.Rxe6!+–

29.Ne5 Bxe5 30.Rxe5 The situation has simplified.

28.Rxe3

1107

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Games 87-91

Position after: 30.Rxe5

Position after: 34.h4

Black is clearly better due to a much better minor piece. Although there are many problems with converting this advantage. White maintains pressure on the e-file, which can be transferred to the h-file. Black must put a knight on f5 or e4. Black must also try to exchange queens and a pair of rooks. The endgame R+N against R+B would be a dream come true for Black.

34...h5?!

30...Rf5 31.Re2 Qd7!

Both sides were in time trouble so Black missed a better continuation, being afraid of the attack on the h-file. Actually, Black wanted to play on the kingside himself after White’s “en passant” – he was worried he would not be to able realise his advantage due to an overblocked position. If White doesn’t capture “en passant”, the kingside will be blocked permanently and White’s position will collapse on the queenside.

Bringing the queen back to defend and vacating the b5-square for the knight.

34...Ne4 was still a better option. Now 35.h5 would be met by the powerful 35...e5!.

32.Qg4 Nb5 33.Rf3 Nd6 34.h4

35.gxh6 Kh7 36.Rg3 Qf7 Black’s idea is to attack on the h-file after 37...Rh5 and 38...Nf5. 37.Reg2 Rg8

1109

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Games 87-91

Position after: 37...Rg8

Position after: 41...Qf7

38.h5?

The e6-pawn will need protecting. The h6pawn can be taken at any moment.

A mistake in time trouble. Perhaps White just miscalculated – the g8rook is protected well enough. Or maybe White wanted to create play on the h-file after losing both h-pawns? The answer remains a mystery, but the text move definitely made Black’s life a lot easier. 38...Rxh5 39.Qd1 Qe8 40.Qe1

42.Qd1 Qe8 43.Qe1 Qf7 44.Qd1 Rxh6! After some repetition, Black found a good plan to realise the advantage. White’s queen is temporarily out of play and Black regroups to organise a dangerous doubling down the h-file. 45.Qxa4 Kh8! 46.Qc2 Qh7 47.Rh2

Intending to double on the e-file. 40...Nf5 41.Rg5 Qf7

1111

1112

Games 87-91

Position after: 47.Rh2

Position after: 50.Kxh2

47...Kg7

The game is over. Such a difference in power between the minor pieces is decisive. It is fairly rare to see such a good knight and such a poor bishop. The conversion is simple. Black’s rook penetrates down the h-file and the knight goes to e4, vacating the f5-square for the king.

Black wants to win a tempo. 47...Ra8, with the same idea, was simple and very good. The rook will infiltrate down the a-file. 48.Qe2 Rxh2 49.Qxh2 Qxh2+ 50.Kxh2

50...Rh8+ 51.Kg2 Kf6 52.Kf2 Nd6 53.Rg1 Ne4+ 54.Ke2 Rh2+ 55.Ke1

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Games 87-91

Position after: 55.Ke1

Position after: 60...Nf2#

55...Kf5

The final position is very beautiful and is the logical result of the endgame. The endgame is everything Black had hoped for when playing his 13th move. A very typical game that explores the total domination of a knight over a bishop. Also an instructive example on the topic of how a middlegame plan should be based on the arising endgame. 0-1

White’s pieces are forced to retreat. Meanwhile, the black trio are organising a mating attack. 56.Rf1 If 56.Kd1 then 56...Nf2+ 57.Ke1 [57.Ke2 Nh3+–+] 57...Nd3+ 58.Kd1 Ke4–+. 56...Kg4 57.Rg1+ Kf3 58.Rf1+ Rf2 59.Rg1 Re2+ 60.Kd1 The game was played in the last round. In the manner of a real gentleman, White decides to let himself be mated. 60.Kf1 Rc2–+ 60...Nf2#

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Game 92 Rauzer – Riumin Leningrad 1936 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1

Position after: 10...Qc7 After an unusual move order, we are back in a popular Ruy Lopez variation. 11.Nbd2 Nc6 12.a4 12.d5 was also a good choice. With this move, White will force the black knight to retreat once again.

Position after: 6.Re1 6...d6 More common is 6...b5, forcing White to make one more move with his bishop.

12...Rb8 13.axb5 axb5 14.dxc5 dxc5 15.Nf1

7.c3 b5 8.Bb3 This is the difference. Playing 6...d6 instead of 6...b5, Black gave White the opportunity to play 8.Bc2. 8...Na5 9.Bc2 c5 10.d4 Qc7

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Position after: 15.Nf1

Position after: 18...Rd6!?

This knight uses its usual route, going to f1 via d2...

Black’s last move is very interesting. Of course, Black prepares to double rooks on the d-file. But, Black also sets a small positional trap. What is the point? Black’s e6-bishop is undoubtedly a good piece and the rook protects it. It looks like if White captures the bishop, Black will recapture with the rook.

15...Be6 16.Ne3 ...but now White deviates. Usually, the knight goes to g3 and then f5, keeping the diagonal for the dark-squared bishop open. But, the text move is very good too – the knight also eyes the d5-square. 16...0-0 17.Ng5!? Rfd8 18.Qf3 Rd6!?

19.Nf5! White responds perfectly. He goes for the e6bishop another way, keeping the d5- and f5squares accessible! 19.Nxe6 fxe6! is the point, Black protected the bishop on e6 with the rook to recapture... with a pawn! Black’s pawns are doubled and isolated, but they control very important central squares. The e6-pawn is perfectly placed, controlling the important d5- and f5squares, restricting the white knight. The white bishops are also restricted. Black has comfortable play and can go for the initiative

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on the queenside with the following plan: ...c4, ...Nd7-c5. [19...Rxe6 would be bad. After 20.Nd5 Qb7 21.Bg5 White is clearly better.] 19...Bxf5 19...Rd7 20.Nxe6 fxe6 21.Nxe7+ Rxe7 22.Bg5 is bad for Black. Comparing it to the line above after move 19.Nxe6, White got rid of the e3-knight and his dark-squared bishop is already very active. 20.exf5!!

He can organise a pawn march on the kingside, directly attacking the black king. Or he can use the a-file and diagonals g1-a7 and h1-a8 to attack the opponent’s weakened queenside. From this point onwards, it is unclear how Black could improve on his play. His position simply looks hopeless. 20...h6 21.Ne4 Nxe4 22.Bxe4 This bishop will clearly be the most influential piece on the board. From the perfect blockading square, it will target both flanks simultaneously, while paralysing the black pieces by blocking the e5-pawn. 22...Bf6 Blocking the f5-pawn, which closes the b1h7 diagonal. However, the bishop is now very passive. 23.Be3 Ne7

Position after: 20.exf5!! Correct decision! The e4-pawn restricted the entire white army: bishop, rook and queen. Transferring it to f5, the rook will work perfectly on the e-file and the queen will dominate on the long diagonal together with the bishop which will be placed on e4! White will have excellent prospects on both flanks. 1121

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Position after: 23...Ne7

Position after: 28...Kh8?

24.b4!

A mistake in a lost position. This move allows some tactics.

Now this! The dark-squared diagonal is opened, and Ra7 is another threat. 24...c4 25.g3 White enjoys a perfect position. Black’s pieces are without prospects due to White’s perfectly placed bishops. Instead of the “slow” text move, White could even have gone for an invasion on the a-file.

29.g4! Ng8 29...Bxh4 30.Qh3 Bf6 31.g5 will cost Black a piece. 30.g5 Be7 31.Rd1 Qc7 32.f6!

The idea of g3 is to play h4, to prevent potential attempts to exchange the darksquared bishops. 25...Rd7 If 25...Bg5 then 26.Bc5 Rd7 27.h4 Bd2 28.Red1 and Black will lose material. 26.Ra7 Qd8 27.Rxd7 Qxd7 28.h4 Kh8?

Position after: 32.f6! Brutal realisation. The bishop on e4 finds activity on another diagonal. 32...Bxf6 32...gxf6 33.Qf5 Kg7 34.gxh6+ Kf8 35.h7+– 33.gxf6 Nxf6 34.Bc2 Rd8 35.Bxh6 Rxd1+ 36.Bxd1 e4 37.Bf4 Qd8 38.Qe2 Nd5

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Black resigned.

7.Nxe4?!

A short game but a very instructive and helpful one for understanding the central complex and occupying and blockading on weak squares. Rauzer also perfectly demonstrated the power of the bishop pair. 1-0 Game 93 Solmundarson – Smyslov Reykjavik 1974

Why not 7.Qc2, intending to prove Black’s last move was a waste of time? 7...dxe4 8.Ne5 White goes for symmetry, but Black will soon be a pawn up... 8...Nxe5 9.dxe5 Qg5 10.Bd2 Qxe5 11.Bc3 Qc7 12.Qc2 f5 13.0-0-0

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.Nf3 e6 4.e3 d5 5.d4 Nc6 Both players chose Tarrasch’s setup. White’s next move prepares the advance of b4 after dxc5. Black decides to parry this in original fashion. 6.a3 Ne4!?

Position after: 13.0-0-0 After a strangely played opening, the position is very interesting. Black has an extra pawn, but White certainly has compensation. Black must find a safe spot for his king. 13...Bd7 Position after: 6...Ne4!?

1125

A) 13...Kf7 gives White some initiative after 14.f3 exf3 15.gxf3. 1126

Games 92-96

B) 13...Bd6 allows 14.Bxg7.

Perhaps Smyslov wanted to confuse the opponent. Maybe he underestimated him.

14.f3 exf3 15.gxf3 0-0-0 16.Rg1 Bc6 17.Rxd8+ Qxd8 18.e4

18...fxe4 19.fxe4 Qh4 was evidently a good option for Black. It is difficult to prove that White’s initiative is worth a pawn. This move was definitely better, objectively. Smyslov based his decision on psychology... 19.Bxh8 Bh6+ 20.Kb1 Qxh8

Position after: 18.e4 White has the initiative. However, Black shouldn’t be in much trouble. There are a few logical peaceful continuations for Black. Having said that, Smyslov was never a fan of defence. He would much rather play with the initiative as compensation for material, so his next move is understandable. Still, had this game been played at an international team event, or at a more important tournament, I don’t think he would have chosen the text move.

Position after: 20...Qxh8 Objectively, there is a dynamic balance. White has a small material edge but his rook cannot be used effectively. White’s weakened dark squares are the most important factor in the position, but it is currently unclear how Black can benefit from them.

18...g6!?

21.Bd3?

One cannot say that the move is bad. It is simply solid. But, should it be chosen?

A horrible mistake. White misses his last chance for active play. Having a rook on the board, White must open some files!

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21.exf5 was a must. After 21...exf5 both sides will have their chances. The weakness of the f3-pawn is not significant – Black would only be able to attack it twice.

would jeopardise the safety of the white king. Transferring it to the kingside would just be ridiculous, because of Black’s incoming pawns. Another idea behind Black’s king evacuation will soon be clear...

21...Be3! 22.Re1 f4! 26.Rh1 Qh4 27.Bf1 g5

Position after: 22...f4! Position after: 27...g5 After this move, White is unable to find an open file for his rook. Black is now better because he has setup a blockading net all over the board – only he has chances to organise active play. 23.Bf1 Qf6 24.Bh3 Kd7 25.Qd1+ Ke7 What is the idea behind this king manoeuvre? It is to prevent White’s potential expansion on the queenside. White needs some open files for his rook. The h-file cannot be opened – Black would easily prevent it. On the queenside, it will also be impossible to open files properly because it 1129

Black patiently improves his position on the kingside. 28.Bd3 Bd4 29.Qe1 Qh5 30.Qe2 e5! A very important move. A battery on the long dark-squared diagonal would not bring anything to Black. On the other hand, White could potentially advance his pawn to e5, liberating his bishop. By giving away that pawn, White could achieve some active play. 31.Qg2 Bd7 32.h3 Qh4 33.Be2

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Position after: 33.Be2

Position after: 41...a4

33...a5

After getting additional time, Black goes for the kill. Before striking on the kingside, he fixes the position on the queenside.

The idea of this move is to paralyse the position on the queenside. White is almost hopeless. However, Black must still find a plan, or agree to a draw. 33...Qg3 would not lead to anything. White simply plays 34.Qf1, waiting. 34.Ka2 Be6 The next few moves were probably played with the idea to delay any serious action and wait for the 40th move, when players receive more time. 35.Kb1 Kf6 36.Kc2 h6 37.Kb1 Bf7 38.Rd1 Bh5 39.Bf1 Bf7 40.Be2 Be6 41.Rh1 a4

1131

42.Kc2 Black’s pieces are on their ultimate squares. In such situations, they logically need additional help. Evidently, the pawns cannot help – expanding would open the position... Eureka! The king! 42...Kg6! There is a route for the king! The queen will vacate the h4-square and the king will penetrate. 42...Qg3 43.Qf1 still gives nothing to Black. 43.Kb1 Qg3 44.Qf1 Kh5 45.Kc2 Kh4 46.b3

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Games 92-96

Position after: 46.b3

Position after: 51...Kg3

46...b5

White resigned. A very instructive game. White missed the chance to open a file for his rook, and so his defeat is the logical result. Dear reader, in your games, choose a pawn structure that favours your pieces. Don’t forget, ultimately, active pieces need extra support. In some cases, especially in endgames, the king is the answer! 0-1

Smyslov keeps the queenside blocked first. A) 46...Bxh3 was possible, but why take risks? B) 46...axb3+ 47.Kxb3 Qf2 was also very good. 47.bxa4 bxa4 48.Bd3 h5 White can only watch while the Black pieces infiltrate. 49.Kb1 Qf2 50.Qxf2+ Bxf2 51.Rh2 Kg3

Game 94 Zlatanovic – Brankovic Paracin 2016 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.a3!? With the idea of advancing b4 and expanding on the queenside. 5...d6 6.Rb1 a5?!

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Position after: 6...a5?!

Position after: 13...Nc7

A risky move, b4 is stopped but the b5square is now weak.

14.Nb5!

7.d3 Bd7 8.Nf3 Nf6 9.0-0 0-0 10.Bg5 Played with the idea to provoke ...h6. The point will soon become clear. 10...h6 11.Bd2 Ne8 12.Ne1 Rb8 13.Nc2 Nc7 Black intends to play ...b5, with comfortable play on the queenside. But...

The planned and typical 14.b4 is solid. After 14...axb4 15.axb4 cxb4 16.Nxb4 Nxb4 17.Rxb4 b5 18.cxb5 Nxb5 19.Nxb5 Rxb5 20.Rxb5 Bxb5 21.Qb3 White is slightly better, but without serious chances to play for a win. It would be unsatisfactory for White. 14...Nxb5 What else? 15.cxb5

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Position after: 15.cxb5

Position after: 18...d5!

15...Ne5

19.e4

A) 15...Na7 is too passive: 16.a4±.

A must. Black intended to play 19...d4, stopping the pawn on e2 and liberating the d5-square for the knight.

B) 15...Nd4 16.Nxd4! Finally, we see the benefit of provoking the move 10...h6. Black must take with the pawn! 16...cxd4 [16...Bxd4? 17.Bxh6] 17.a4± White’s initiative on the queenside should be faster than Black’s play on the kingside or in the centre. 16.f4 Ng4 17.h3 Nf6 18.a4

19...b6? 19...c4! should have been played, with reasonable practical chances. After 20.exd5 [20.dxc4 dxe4 21.Ne3 also leads to an unclear position.] 20...cxd3 21.Ne3 the position is double-edged.

Suddenly, Black is lacking piece harmony and space and must play very precisely. White is planning to organise a pawn march on the kingside. 18...d5!

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Position after: 20.Ne3! Played with the clear idea to install the knight on c4 after eliminating the d5-pawn. 20.e5 Ne8 21.d4 is also promising. 20...d4? ¹ 20...e6 21.e5² 21.Nc4

Position after: 21.Ne3 Black probably decided to play passively because of the tournament standings. The game was played in the last round and either a draw or a win would bring him the silver medal. White, on the other hand, had to win.

After this move, the game is almost over. Black is without any real counterplay and he can only wait and watch White’s growing initiative on the kingside. Establishing a strong blockade on c4, White will also be the one creating threats on the queenside. 21...Ne8 22.f5 Continuing to expand and preventing 22...f5. White blocks the position. 22...e5?!

20.Ne3!

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Position after: 22...e5?! Black has the idea of playing ...g5 and ...Bf6 to be ready, after White’s h4 and hxg5, to recapture with the bishop. This would achieve the strategical goal of exchanging the dark-squared bishops.

have continuous control over it. White must be ready to recapture with a piece, and not with a pawn! Soon, White’s queen will dominate on c4. Later, perhaps the bishop will – or even the king, in the endgame, could use the route b3-c4-d5. 25...Nxc4 26.Qxc4 g5 27.hxg5 hxg5 28.Bg4!

23.h4! Not only preventing ...g5, but also preparing Bh3 with the idea to potentially exchange the light-squared bishops.

An interesting position!

23...Bc8 If 23...g5? 24.hxg5 hxg5 25.Qh5, followed by transferring the rook to h1. 24.Bh3 Nd6 25.Qb3!

Position after: 28.Bg4! White not only has a better dark-squared bishop, but a better light-squared one too! Soon, it will dominate on the a2-g8 diagonal, paralysing the c8-bishop and potentially exchanging it at any time. Black’s position is hopeless. There is nothing he can do against White’s initiative on the kingside. Position after: 25.Qb3!

28...Bf6 29.Kg2 Kg7 30.Rh1 Qe7 31.Rh5

The c4-square is the most important square on the board and it is extremely important to 1141

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White simply follows his plan of a kingside invasion, while Black’s queenside pieces are without prospects. 31...Bb7 32.Rbh1 Rh8

Position after: 40...Bd7 41.Kf3 Even the king joins the attack. The game is over. Position after: 32...Rh8

41...Be8 42.Kg4 Bd7 43.Bxg5

33.Bd1! A simple and logical idea! The queen on c4 only uses one diagonal. So, the queen and bishop should swap places! 33...Rxh5 34.Rxh5 Rh8 35.Rxh8 Kxh8 36.Bb3 Kg7 37.Qc1 Qd8 38.Qh1 Qe7

The most direct winning idea. White is not afraid of exchanging a good bishop for a bad one! 43...Bxg5 44.Qxg5+ Qxg5+ 45.Kxg5 f6+ 46.Kh4 Be8 47.g4 Kh6 48.Be6ʘ

38...Qg8 was a better defence. Still, after 39.Qh5 Kf8 40.Qh6+ White should win the game. 39.Qh5+– Bc8 40.Bd5 Bd7

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Position after: 48.Be6ʘ

Position after: 7...e5

Zugzwang!

Such setups for Black were fashionable between the two world wars. Nowadays, Black favours more dynamic approaches.

48...Kg7 49.g5 Bf7 50.Bxf7 Kxf7 51.b3 Eliminating Black’s last chance: 51...c4. Black resigned. It is hard to find Black’s mistakes. It looks like his only bad move was 20...d4?, after which Black could no longer save the game. White’s control over the important blockading c4-square and closed queenside left Black without counterplay. White was unstoppable on the kingside. 1-0 Game 95 Capablanca – Ragozin Moscow 1935

8.Bd3 c5?! This cannot be a good move. As Nimzowitsch stated, Black should try to provoke d5, liberating the c5-square for a knight. With his last move, Black blocks the centre; but this will not be in his favour as his knights can no longer find outposts. 8...b6 is another, better option. 9.Ne2 Nc6 10.d5 Ne7 11.f3 Nd7

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3 Bxc3+ 5.bxc3 d6 6.Qc2 0-0 7.e4 e5

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Position after: 11...Nd7

Position after: 14.Ng3

12.h4

White is about to organise a kingside attack. Black is evidently unable to find appropriate counterplay – the centre is closed and he is undeveloped. It is uncertain whether Black can defend successfully – it is always a problem when the opponent has all the time in the world to prepare an attack. Hence, Black is almost forced to go for a king escape. He starts the evacuation immediately.

With a blocked centre, activities on the flanks are a must. 12...Nb6 The knight is wandering with no good destination in sight. 13.g4

14...Kf7 15.g5?! White goes for a kingside expansion. He cannot do much on the other flank. 13...f6 14.Ng3

This move is not in Capablanca’s patient style, but it is understandable that he wants to attack while the king is still on the kingside. 15...Ng8 Moving a piece back allows White to strike once more in the centre. A) 15...Ke8 is bad in view of 16.Nh5.

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B) 15...Nd7 was needed in order to strengthen the centre.

20...gxf6

16.f4! Ke8

Position after: 20...gxf6 21.Ng7! Position after: 16...Ke8 17.f5! Once again, an excellent solution. By advancing this pawn (and setting pawns on the opponent’s bishop colour!), White grabs more space and paralyses the black army. Now, the g-file may be opened at some point and used for infiltration by White.

That knight threatens to jump to e6, which would be a bone in White’s throat. Black’s position is hopeless. 21...Bd7 22.h5

Pressuring g7.

Bringing the pawn into the attack, White will secure the knight’s position and have time to regroup the other pieces. Do not be surprised by White’s play. Indeed, he did not finish development. However, in blocked positions, this principle does not carry as much weight.

19...Kc7 20.gxf6

22...Rac8 23.h6 Kb8 24.Rg1 Rf7 25.Rb1

17...Qe7 18.Qg2 Kd8 19.Nh5

Capturing at the right moment – Black must recapture with the pawn.

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Position after: 25.Rb1

Position after: 30...Nb6

There could be a role to play for the rook on the b-file.

It is time to strike. White opens another front. Black’s problems with space and communication lines mean that he is unable to take care of both flanks.

25...Qf8 26.Be2! After installing the knight on g7, White reactivates the other pieces. The bishop aims for the h5-square. 26...Ka8 27.Bh5 Re7 28.Qa2 Temporarily protecting the c4-pawn and preparing to advance the a-pawn. Later, the king should go to d3 to unchain the queen. 28...Qd8 29.Bd2

31.a4! Rb8 31...Bxa4 32.Qa2 would lead to an irresistible attack. 32.a5 Nc8 33.Qa2 Finally, locking the cage. Black’s army is paralysed. 33...Qf8 34.Be3 b6 35.a6

Connecting the rooks. Patient play. 29...Na4 30.Qb3 Nb6

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Position after: 35.a6

Position after: 41.Qa3

What a funny position! Only Black’s queen has moves. White must find a plan to crush Black’s defences.

Removing the pawn from c5, both the white queen and bishop get beautiful diagonals. 41...Qc7 42.Kc1 Rf8 43.Rbg2

35...Qd8 36.Kd2 Qf8 37.Rb2 Qd8 38.Qb1 b5 Black could not resist – he decides to try and liberate his army. However, this attempt will just lead to defeat.

Everything is in place for the move Ne6 with further infiltration down the g-file. Further resistance is redundant, the game is decided. 43...Qb8 44.Qb4 Rd8 45.Rg3 Rf8 46.Ne6

39.cxb5 Nb6 40.Qa2 c4 41.Qa3

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1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.d4 0-0 6.Qc2

Position after: 46.Ne6 46...Bxe6 47.dxe6 Rc7 48.Qxd6 Ne7 49.Rd1 A terrible defeat. Knights are not automatically better than bishops in blocked positions – they need outposts. To be fair, there is no guarantee a bishop will dominate over a knight in an open position; that is the beauty of chess. In our game, the white bishops found good diagonals and that was enough. On the other hand, the black knight – without outposts – started hindering the other pieces. Very soon, Black’s camp was a real mess. Always be careful when thinking about blocking the position. 1-0 Game 96 Soysal – Marjanovic Banja Vrujci 2017

Position after: 6.Qc2 6...c6 6...dxc4 is also possible, leading to a completely different type of middlegame. 7.0-0 b6 8.Rd1 Bb7 Black decides to play passively, but his position still looks solid and without weaknesses. White, having a space advantage, prepares a typical advance in the centre. 9.b3 a5 With the idea to stop White’s potential expansion on the queenside and advance ...a4 at the right time, creating threats on the afile. 10.Nc3 Na6 11.e4

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Naturally, White goes for the initiative, enhancing his space advantage. 11...Rc8 Acting as a submarine against the white queen. White ignores this and finishes development. 11...dxe4 is a typical response. After 12.Nxe4 Nxe4 13.Qxe4, it becomes clear that the a6knight is badly placed. It should be on d7, controlling White’s e5-outpost and intending to jump to f6. 12.Bb2

12...c5 would be too risky. After 13.dxc5 Nb4 [13...Nxc5 14.exd5 exd5 15.Nh4 Black loses material.] 14.Qe2 Bxc5 15.a3 Na6 16.e5 followed by capturing on d5, White is clearly better. 13.e5 With the idea to gain more space and organise a kingside attack. 13...Nd7 14.Qe2 I like this move. The queen is ready to be active on the kingside. The c-file is vacated for a rook, which will oppose the black queen. Finally, the a6-knight can no longer jump to b4 with tempo. 14...Qb8 15.h4!

Position after: 12.Bb2 12...Qc7 Black continues to patiently develop his pieces. He is definitely not afraid of White’s expansion.

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Position after: 15.h4! Taking control of the very important g5square. 1158

Games 92-96

15...Nc7

Position after: 17.cxd5!

On the other hand, Black prepares ...c5 – it will free his play and activate his pieces.

17...cxd5 17...Nxd5 is an interesting move, with the idea of reducing material.

16.Rac1 16.cxd5 immediately was a logical reaction – White would keep the centre closed and go for a kingside expansion. He did it one move later. 16...Qa8?!

18.a4 White wants to block the position on the queenside. This could eventually leave Black without any counterplay. 18...Ba6 19.Nb5 Nxb5?

Black decides to further control the longest diagonal... which remains closed. 16...c5!? should have been preferred. After 17.cxd5 [17.Ng5 opening the diagonal for the bishop deserves serious attention.] 17...Nxd5 18.Nxd5 Bxd5 19.dxc5 Nxc5 White’s advantage is not significant.

Maybe Black’s only mistake. It really looks like a normal move, which could finally give Black some chances on the a-file. In fact, the a-file will bring him nothing. 20.axb5

17.cxd5!

Position after: 20.axb5

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This pawn will paralyse all of Black’s minor pieces.

22.Rxc1 Rc8 23.Rxc8+ Qxc8

20...Bb7 21.Bf1 The bishop belongs on d3. From there it can play on both flanks. 21.Ng5?! could lead to wild complications after 21...h6 22.Nxe6 fxe6 23.Bh3 Kh8 24.Bxe6.

Position after: 23...Qxc8

Position after: 24.Bxe6 White has the initiative, but it is questionable whether he needs to go for complications. The path chosen by White looks promising. He decided to gradually organise kingside play while keeping an eye on Black’s play on the queenside. 21...Rxc1

After exchanging some material, the situation has stabilised. White is definitely better due to much more promising pieces. The black knight and light-squared bishop are especially bad. On the other hand, Black doesn’t have any weaknesses and it will be very difficult for White to break through. The good news for White is that Black lacks any active plans – the thematic ...f6 break is very risky with the queens on the board. Also, evacuating the king looks very slow and quite dangerous. Black is forced to carefully parry White’s kingside activities, which will be unpleasant. White has many possibilities and as much time as he likes. 24.Qd1!

21...a4 is risky. 22.Ra1 a3 23.Ra2 looks better for White. 1161

A very fine starting move. The bishop goes to d3 and the queen controls two important 1162

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diagonals. A battery on the b1-h7 diagonal could also be on the agenda. 24...Nf8 25.Bd3 Bb4

Position after: 30.Nf3

Position after: 25...Bb4 Black takes the chance to make an “active” move and crosses the halfway line. However, the focus should be on finding a good defensive kingside setup.

The knight goes back. White admits his 28th move led to nothing. Nonetheless, White’s advantage is stable. The opponent lacks active play, so various plans can be tested. The position is blocked and White has many more prospects for his pieces. 30...Qc8 31.Qe2 Qa8 32.Bc1!?

26.h5! Qc7 26...Bc3 runs into 27.Bc1. 27.Kg2 27.h6 was simple and strong – now and on the next move. 27...Bc8 28.Ng5?! Be7 29.Qd2 Bd7 30.Nf3

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Position after: 32.Bc1!? Of course, White could stop Black’s next move, but he decided to allow it, feeling that after the queens come off, some weak squares would be available on the queenside (he was probably thinking of the knight infiltrating via b4). Interesting and clever. Still, it should always be better not to give a choice to the opponent. Black decided to go for it... 32...a4 33.bxa4 Qxa4 34.Be3

Position after: 36...h6? 37.Bxh6! gxh6 38.Nf6+ Bxf6 39.exf6 and Qg4+ is inevitable. 37.h6

Position after: 34.Be3 Both the b5- and d4-pawns are stable. White wants to prove that the black queen is practically out of play – the action is happening on the kingside. 34...Qb3 35.Nh2 Be8 36.Ng4 Nd7 Black must allow White’s next move. 36...h6? 1165

Position after: 37.h6

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Games 92-96

The f6-square is under Black’s control, so the knight aims for g5.

A concrete decision. White is not afraid of exchanging material. Without queens on the board, the white pawns will be safer and his pieces can be fully activated. It looks like Black should not offer the exchange of queens, and White should actually force Black into it.

38...Qb4 39.Nf3 Qc3

42...Bxb4 43.Bg5 Nd7 44.g4 Ba3 45.Bd8

Finally creating some weaknesses in Black’s position. 37...g6 38.Nh2!

Black’s queen wanders. 40.Qd1 Nf8 41.Qb1 Intending to play Bd2 or to use the a-file for a queen infiltration after removing the bishop from d3.

One of the black minor pieces must stay on d7, paralysing the other. 45...Bc1

41...Qb4?!

Position after: 45...Bc1 46.g5! Position after: 41...Qb4?! 42.Qxb4

1167

Very inventive play. No, the game is not drawn due to the position being “blocked “. The knight goes to f6. After its exchange, the white monarch can use the newly formed route via e5! 1168

Games 92-96

In case of 46.Bg5 Ba3 47.Kg3 White can prepare the advance f4-f5, but it will lead to further exchanges and probably the activation of Black’s pieces. Furthermore, it is not clear whether White could make progress if Black just decided to wait. 46...Kf8 47.Kf1

Position after: 53.Bc7 Don’t rush! White wants to place his pieces on the best possible squares before executing his plan. 53...Nd7 54.Bd6+ Kg8 55.Kc2 Nf8

Position after: 47.Kf1 It is funny to see how the white bishop on d8 paralyses the black army. Black wants to get his bishop to a5 to liberate his other pieces. White, logically, improves the position of his king...

55...Kh8 is another possibility. The readers may wish to find the win here. 56.Bxf8!

47...Bb2 48.Ke2 Bc3 49.Kd1 Ba5 50.Kc2 Bb4 51.Kb3 After eliminating threats to the d4-pawn, the white knight can go to f6. 51...Ba5 52.Be2 Nb8 53.Bc7 1169

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Games 92-96

Position after: 64...Bb7 It looks as though White cannot break through, but the next manoeuvre proves otherwise. 65.Bd3 Bc8 66.f4 Bb7 67.Bxg6! This blow could not have been prevented. 67...fxg6 68.f7 Ke7 69.f8=Q+ Kxf8

Position after: 56.Bxf8! Once again, a concrete decision. White calculated until the end. The next moves are all forced. 56...Kxf8 57.Nh2 Bb4 58.Ng4 Be7 59.Nf6 Bxf6 60.exf6 Bd7 61.Kd2 Ke8 62.Ke3 Bc8 63.Kf4 Kd7 64.Ke5 Bb7

Position after: 69...Kxf8 70.Kd6! 1-0 Black resigned. A very interesting and highly instructive game. Both players were consistent: White persistently improved his advantage while Black defended tenaciously. Both players deserve recognition. Finally, Black collapsed due to a lack of space and harmony in his camp. Everything probably started going wrong after the white pawn 1171

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reached b5. The blockade was too powerful and Black couldn’t regroup his pieces.

Game 97 Petrosian – Peters Lone Pine 1976 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 3.g3 Nc6 4.Bg2 e6 5.Nf3 Be7 6.d4 d5 7.cxd5

Position after: 7.cxd5 7...Nxd5 7...exd5 is another option. White follows Rubinstein’s line against the Tarrasch Defence and is ready to create pressure on the d5-pawn. 8.0-0 0-0 9.Nxd5 exd5

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Games 97-100

Position after: 9...exd5

Position after: 11...a5

Comparing this position to the aforementioned line, one can conclude that Black has achieved something. There is no dangerous knight on c3 and there is no Bg5 move – normally an important resource for White in this line.

Black stopped 12.b4, but the inclusion of the 11th moves is clearly in White’s favour. The important b4-square is not available to the black minor pieces. Meanwhile, the weakness on b3 is not significant, and b5 will turn out to be a great spot for White’s queen. The next stage of the game should shed more light on White’s very fine 11th move.

10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.a3! White has the idea of playing 12.b4 and then fianchettoing the bishop. Black reacts logically. 11...a5

12.Ne1 Again, a very nice manoeuvre by Petrosian. He understood that it was impossible to establish a blockade on the natural d4-square – Black controls it perfectly well. White sends the knight to the excellent d3-square, while attacking the d5-pawn. 12...d4 12...Be6 13.Nd3 Ba7 14.Nf4 gives White the advantage of the bishop pair.

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Games 97-100

13.Nd3

Position after: 15...Bg4 Position after: 13.Nd3 The d4-pawn is now safe, but take a look at the black queen, knight and dark-squared bishop. They are all restricted by the d4pawn. The d3-knight is an eternal blockading piece, so the black pieces may remain passive for quite a while. I often say to less advanced students: “Avoid protecting your pawn with 3 or more pieces...” Indeed, the rest of the game confirms that these words are good advice – Black never manages to activate his pieces at all.

The previous moves were very logical. Black finished development and it looks like he has more space and more active pieces. Even if this is true, it will soon become clear that Black has problems establishing harmony in his camp. Meanwhile, White’s pieces will start dancing around the weak d4-pawn, mostly using the weakened light squares on the queenside, creating various threats. 16.Re1 Rc8 17.h3 Bf5 18.Qb3

13...Bb6 14.Bd2 Re8 15.Rc1 Bg4

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Games 97-100

protect the e2-pawn and pose threats of infiltration.

Position after: 18.Qb3 From now on, Black will be unable to rest until the end of the game. Due to the weak pawn on b7, Black’s queenside pieces are cramped.

Position after: 23.Rc1 23...Na7 24.Qf5 Re8 Not 24...Rxe2 25.Qf3 and after capturing the b7-pawn, Black will be in huge trouble.

18...Be4 Played with the idea to reduce the pressure on the long light-squared diagonal. The downside is that the queenside light squares will be under White’s control.

25.Bf4 Qd8 26.Rc2

19.Bxe4 Rxe4 20.Qb5 Na7 Continuing the same strategy of exchanging material. 21.Rxc8 Nxc8 22.Bg5! Qd6 23.Rc1 The c8-knight is not protected, so White transfers the rook to an excellent position on c2 with tempo. From there, it can both 1179

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moment to react. Let’s see the next, very instructive stage of this magnificent game. 26...Nc6 27.h4! This “active” move has the idea of securing the g5-square for the bishop and to attack the opponent’s king. 27...h6 28.Qb5 Na7 29.Qf5 Nc6

Position after: 26.Rc2 After some more or less forced moves, the situation is clearer. White’s pieces dominate the board, while Black’s are desperately passive. They must control the infiltration squares on the c-file and protect the weak pawns d4, a5 and b7. However, nothing concrete is visible for White and the win is still far away – some strategical skills are required. Unfortunately for Black, his opponent is the brilliant strategician Petrosian. Petrosian begins to showcase his trademark: patient play. It seems like he believes he will crush his opponent’s defences anyway, so he is more focused on eliminating potential counterplay. Remember this while observing his playing rhythm; after a few patient moves he makes an “active” one, and so on. By choosing such a rhythm, he aims to “hypnotise” and confuse the opponent, who will be unable to determine the right

1181

Position after: 29...Nc6 30.Kf1! One of the most beautiful moves I have ever seen. After a few patient moves, Petrosian plays an active move with a hidden point. The king protects the e2-pawn, liberating the rook. Also, the king is now closer to the centre – after potential exchanges of the major pieces, it could head to d3 and directly attack the weak d4-pawn. The final idea: the king can go to b1 and White will then 1182

Games 97-100

launch a pawn attack on the kingside! A very deep move with so many hidden ideas. Such king walks became another one of Petrosian’s trademarks. A very good prophylactic measure! 30...Re6 31.Qb5 Na7 32.Qb3 Nc6 33.h5 Once again, after a couple of patient queen moves, White plays an active one.

of them would be a part of a reasonable plan. Black simply waits for White to take action. 35...Nf6 35...Nxf4 36.Nxf4 would just increase White’s advantage – the knight is much better than the bishop! 36.Kd1 Nd5 37.Be5 Ne7 38.g4

33...Ne7 34.Ke1

Position after: 38.g4

The king goes for a stroll.

Everything is going smoothly: White steadily realises the plan of attacking the opponent’s king.

34...Nd5 35.Qb5

38...Nc6 39.Bg3 Na7 40.Qb3 Nc6

A sad fate for the black pieces. The bishop must directly protect both the a5- and d4pawns; and the b7-pawn indirectly. Also, the queen must protect the bishop. Only the knight and rook have options, although none

It is very difficult to count the black knight’s moves. The other pieces are spectators.

1183

1184

Position after: 34.Ke1

41.Kc1 Re4 42.f3 Re3

Games 97-100

The rook threatens nothing, so White proceeds with his plan. 43.Kb1

Position after: 46...Kh7 47.Rf8 Position after: 43.Kb1

47.Nf4 with a check on the light-squared diagonal was also very good.

43...Ne7?

47...Qc7 48.f4

Finally, after a long resistance, Black makes a decisive mistake. After White’s next move, the bishop will be exchanged for the knight and Black’s defences will come crashing down. Without the knight on the board, Black will be unable to prevent the infiltration of White’s major pieces.

Preparing the move 49.Ne5. 48...Bc5 49.Qd5 Re5 50.Rxf7 1-0

44.Bh4! Qd6 45.Bxe7 Rxe7 46.Rc8+ The rook penetrates, Black is lost. 46...Kh7

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Games 97-100

Position after: 50.Rxf7

Position after: 4...Nf6

A brilliant game teaching everyone how to patiently improve a position, stop counterplay, confuse the opponent and, finally, convert an advantage.

5.Ng3

Game 98 Henneberger – Nimzowitsch Winterthur 1931 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6

This move is playable, but Black effortlessly equalises. 5.Nxf6+ is more common and aggressive. 5...c5 5...e5 6.Nf3 [6.dxe5 Qxd1+ 7.Kxd1 Ng4 and Black has an initiative.] 6...exd4 7.Nxd4 Bc5 and Black is doing well. 6.Bb5+ This allows for the fastest development but now the black bishop will be exchanged – after the natural ...e6, the c8-bishop can be bad. 6...Bd7 7.Bxd7+ Nbxd7 A matter of style.

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Games 97-100

8.Nf3

Position after: 15.Bg3 Position after: 8.Nf3

15...c4!

8...Qa5+!?

A powerful concept. First of all, Black gains space on the queenside. Secondly, this move secures the knight’s excellent position on d5. Finally, it fixes the white pawns on the dark c3- and d4-squares, restricting White’s minor pieces.

A very interesting solution. The great Aron Nimzowitsch often preferred, after exchanging the light-squared bishops, to immediately transfer the queen to the a6-f1 diagonal in order to prevent the opponent from castling. A nice manoeuvre. 9.c3 Qa6 10.Qe2 Qxe2+ 11.Nxe2 Rc8 12.0-0 e6 13.Bf4 Be7 14.Rfe1 Nd5 The previous moves were natural. Now, Black goes for a logical and excellent plan. 15.Bg3

16.Ne5!? Clever idea. White wants to exchange the d7knight and then use the e2-knight to exchange the knight on d5. 16.Nf4 gives nothing to White, because after 16...Nxf4 17.Bxf4 Nb6 Black still controls the important outpost on d5! 16...Nxe5 17.Bxe5 f6! 18.Bg3 g5! Necessary prophylaxis! It is very important to keep the d5-knight alive. Black prevented the

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Games 97-100

move 19.Nf4. Now, the advantage undoubtedly belongs to Black. White will soon feel the lack of space and there will be no promising plans available to him.

Position after: 21...b5!

Position after: 18...g5! 19.f4?! White still dreams about exchanging the knights, which is natural. However, knowing his next moves, he should have gone for another plan.

White’s pieces are cramped. He can only respond to Black’s activities. Black can organise active play on both flanks. On the kingside he wants to play ...g4 and ...f5, so he still must wait. It is time to create queenside play – Black stands better here because White’s minor pieces cannot take part in the struggle. 22.Rf1 Rhe8 23.Rf3?

19...h6!

It is very difficult to find the idea behind this move. Black seizes the opportunity...

Of course. 19...g4 looks natural, but after 20.f5! exf5 21.Nf4 Nxf4 22.Bxf4 Black is not better.

23...g4!

20.Rad1 Kf7 21.Rd2 b5!

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Games 97-100

Position after: 23...g4!

Position after: 25...Rg8!?

Perfect timing!

Probably preventing the move h4 and preparing a possible kingside attack.

24.Rf1 f5! Black played ...g4 with tempo and followed up ...f5. Now White is desperately lost. His minor pieces would rather swap places... White can no longer play f5 – his minor pieces are fully paralysed.

26.g3 h5 27.Kg2 Bd6 The best place for the bishop! 28.Rc1 h4! 29.Rdd1 Rh8 30.Rd2

25.Bf2 Rg8!?

1193

1194

Games 97-100

Position after: 30.Rd2

33...hxg3!?

What else to do?

Interesting move order. It looks like Black wants to exchange rooks on the h-file... and win the game on the opposite flank.

30...Ke7! Black wants to optimally place all of his pieces before commencing pawn action. The king approaches the d5-square (or even a4) in order to be ready for the endgame. If the opponent is in a hopeless situation, desperately passive and can only react to our activities; if we dominate both in the centre and on both flanks; if we have better “communication lines” due to a space or mobility advantage... the most important advice is “Don’t rush!”. By playing patiently, we will probably confuse the opponent, maybe even provoke a mistake, and reduce the chances of making a mistake ourselves.

33...Rch8 34.Bg1 holding on for dear life. 34.hxg3 a5 35.Rcc1 Rch8 36.Rh1 Rxh1 37.Rxh1 Rxh1 38.Kxh1 b4!

31.Rdc2 Kd7 32.Re1 Rh7 33.Ra1

Position after: 38...b4! Notice the difference in activity between the black and white troops. Black is winning. 39.Kg2 a4 Preparing both ...a3 and ...b3! 39...b3 40.axb3 [40.Nc1 a4–+; 40.a4 Ba3!– +] 40...cxb3 41.c4 Nb4 42.c5 Nd3 also wins. 40.cxb4 Bxb4 41.Kf1 Kc6 42.Be1 Position after: 33.Ra1 1195

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Games 97-100

Position after: 48.Ke3 48...Ne4! 49.Nxe4 fxe4 50.Kxe4 a3! was the obvious continuation. B) 42...a3 43.bxa3 Bxa3 with the idea of ...Bb2 was winning. 43.Nc3+! Now Black must show much more technique in order to win the game. 43...Bxc3! 44.bxc3 Position after: 42.Be1 42...Kb5? Nimzowitsch played a perfect game, but this move is an anomaly. A) 42...Ne3+ 43.Kf2 Nd1+ 44.Kf1 Bxe1 45.Kxe1 Nxb2 46.Nc3 Nd3+ 47.Kd2 Nf2 48.Ke3

Position after: 44.bxc3 44...Kc6 It is only possible to penetrate via the e4square. 45.Ke2 Nf6 46.Ke3 Ne4 47.Ke2 Kd5 48.Ke3

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Games 97-100

Position after: 48.Ke3

Position after: 52.Be1

It is clear that Black must get his king to e4. The knight must be used to deflect the white troops, maybe using zugzwang motifs...

Black achieves nothing. It is clear that with White to move, it’s a zugzwang. So, Black must lose a tempo. But, if the black king makes a triangle, the white king will do the same! No progress is possible!

48...Kd6!! Triangulation! The white king cannot do the same – the squares d2 and f2 are taken by the black knight!

49.Ke2 Kc6 50.Ke3 Kd5

48...Nd6 gives nothing. After 49.Bd2 Nb5 50.Be1 Na3 51.Bd2 Nb1 52.Be1

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Games 97-100

Position after: 50...Kd5

56...Kd6 57.Ke2 Kc6 58.Kd1

51.Ke2

58.Kf2 Nd2–+ The next move is 59...Nb3.

51.a3 Nd6 52.Bd2 Nb5–+

58...Kd5 59.Kc2 Ke4 60.Kxb1 Kf3

51...Nd6 52.Ke3 Nb5 53.Bd2 Na3 Mission accomplished! 54.Bc1 54.Be1 Nc2+ 55.Kd2 Nxe1 56.Kxe1 Ke4 57.Ke2 a3–+ 54...Nb1! 55.Bb2 a3! 56.Ba1

Position after: 60...Kf3 61.Bb2! axb2! 61...Kxg3? 62.Bxa3 Kf3 [62...Kxf4 63.Bd6+] 63.d5 exd5 64.Bc5 and, surprisingly, White wins! 62.a4 Kxg3 63.a5 Kh2! Position after: 56.Ba1 A picturesque situation. Both minor pieces are paralysed. How to proceed? Black needs to lose a tempo to obtain the same position with White to move. White’s king cannot triangulate because it must control the d2square! 1201

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Games 97-100

After exchanging the queens, Black promotes first. 68.Qxg2+ Kxg2 69.Ka3 Kf3 70.Kb4 Kxf4 71.Kxc4 Ke3 72.d5 exd5+ 73.Kxd5 f4 74.c4 f3 75.c5 f2 76.c6 f1=Q

Position after: 63...Kh2! This move secures the win. The point will soon be apparent. 64.a6 g3 65.a7 g2 66.a8=Q g1=Q+ 67.Kxb2 Qg2+!

White resigned. Finally, Black won. What a roller-coaster! A few times, it looked like White may survive. However, the black pieces were led by Aron Nimzowitsch, a great master whose trademarks included positions with a knight dominating over a bishop and prophylactic tendencies. Thanks to his bad move, 42...Kb5, we now have the opportunity to enjoy that endgame over and over again. Black’s knight danced around, ended up being paralysed, and then sacrificed while the black king triangulated twice! Indeed, an absolutely amazing endgame! 0-1 Game 99 Saunders – Jacimovic Pula 1997 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nc6 Not as popular a line as 3...Nf6 or 3...c5. Though this move deserves a better reputation. 4.Ngf3 Nf6 5.e5 Nd7

Position after: 67...Qg2+! 1203

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Games 97-100

8.c3 b6

Position after: 5...Nd7 Black’s knight retreats to d7 and the thematic ...c5 blow is unavailable. However, Black has chances to advance ...f6 in some lines, undermining White’s centre. Meanwhile, White’s d2-knight hinders the other pieces and his kingside initiative is momentarily delayed. Other options included 6.Bd3, 6.Be2, 6.Bb5, 6.c3 – Black always gets some play. 6.Nb3 a5 7.a4 7.Bf4 a4 8.Nc1 Bb4+ 9.c3 a3 is an interesting line, illustrating the various possibilities available to Black.

Position after: 8...b6 9.Bd3 9.Bf4 0-0 Black would wait for the f1-bishop to move before offering its exchange on a6. 9...Ba6 9...Ncb8 is another option, perhaps even more flexible. Black would be able to recapture on a6 with the knight while giving way to the c7-pawn. 10.Bxa6 Rxa6 11.0-0 0-0

7...Be7 It is very important for Black to keep the f3knight in check. While on f3, it closes the diagonal for the white queen.

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Games 97-100

Position after: 11...0-0

Position after: 15.Qe2

12.Re1

15...Ra8

White could “gain” a tempo with 12.Qd3, but actually it would just lead to a transposition.

The game has entered a middlegame which is very comfortable for Black. White has no advantage at all and probably started to feel uncomfortable. Many players in such situations make a similar mistake – they start to play sharply. White’s next move is a very typical mistake that you should remember. He thinks he should attack on the kingside, but there is no attack. Instead, White should consolidate his position patiently, waiting for the right moment for an attack.

12...Ncb8 13.Be3 13.Qe2 was probably more accurate. In case of 13...c5 [13...Ra7 is more precise.], White would have an important resource available to him: 14.c4. The point is that Black cannot protect the d5-pawn with a knight and this should give White the initiative. 13...c5 14.Nbd2 Nc6 15.Qe2

15...Ra7 would lead to faster doubling later on. However, Black wanted to leave the a7square free for the knight in case the white queen came to b5. 16.g4?

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Games 97-100

Position after: 16.g4?

Position after: 17...Qc8

A bad move, only weakening White’s kingside. Black’s knight is not even on f5! So, what ideas could be behind this move? Perhaps to advance f4-f5. But Black can easily parry this by playing ...f5 himself! In the game, White was inconsistent – after this move he switched to play on the queenside. Indeed, inconsistency, not flexibility! Be consistent in your games, carefully choose and follow your plans.

I like this manoeuvre. Black starts using the weak light squares and prepares to exchange queens. Without queens on the board, the action would take place on the queenside – which is clearly in Black’s favour. 18.Rec1 Qa6 19.Qxa6 Otherwise Black’s queen could infiltrate. 19...Rxa6 20.Nb1!

16...Re8 Black places the rook opposite the white queen and vacates the f8-square for the bishop or knight. 16...Rc8, keeping the rook on the f-file to keep ...f5 as a resource, was also OK. 17.Kg2 Qc8

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Games 97-100

Position after: 20.Nb1!

Position after: 23.Nec2

Embarking on the journey to b5.

23...Na7!

20...Rc8

The c8-rook acts as a deterrent against the move b3. Black also prepares the advance ...b5. Very good prophylaxis – Black has time to organise queenside play, there is no need to rush.

20...c4 is perhaps more precise – the point is that White cannot play 21.b3. 21.Ne1 21.c4 is bad due to 21...Nxd4!.

24.Rcb1 b5 Black strikes first on the b-file

21...Raa8 22.Na3 c4 Black is consistent. He transfers the game into an endgame in which the white bishop will be desperately bad.

25.Nxb5 25.axb5 a4! Black will recapture on b5 later on, with ensuing threats on the b-file. 25...Nxb5 26.axb5 a4! 27.Ra2 Rcb8

23.Nec2

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Games 97-100

Position after: 27...Rcb8

Position after: 32...Kc7

28.Na3?!

33.Bd2

White wants to protect the b5-pawn. However, this just gives Black the chance to exchange the bishop for the knight at the right moment, transferring from a complex endgame into a dream endgame with an excellent knight versus a bad white bishop.

33.f4 should be played sooner or later. White’s only chance is to get some counterplay going on the kingside. Playing only on the queenside would result in a hopeless situation for him. 33...Rh8!

28...Ra5 29.Bc1 Kf8 Black’s king also takes part in the action. No need to hurry. 30.Kf3 Ke8 31.Ke2 Kd8 32.h3 Kc7

Psychologically, a very important moment. The great Nimzowitsch would call it a “mysterious rook move”. The point is clear: after the move f4, Black will strike back with ...h5, provoking new weaknesses on the kingside. 34.Kf3 White correctly refrains from advancing the f-pawn. 34...Rb8 35.Ke2

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Games 97-100

After some repetition, Black continues the queenside operations.

Position after: 41.Kc2 Position after: 35.Ke2

41...Bxa3

35...Rb7 36.Bc1 Nb6 37.Bd2

Finally, Black takes the pawn back.

White decides to wait. However, some activity was required in order to survive.

42.Rxa3

37.f4 was correct. Black’s rook cannot easily be transferred to h8 to support ...h5.

42.bxa3? Rxb5 43.Rb1 Rb3–+ 42...Nxb5 43.R3a2

37...Nc8 38.Bc1 Rb8 39.Kd1 Na7 40.Rba1 Ra8 41.Kc2

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Games 97-100

Position after: 43.R3a2

Position after: 46.Bg5

Black is better in this endgame, though it is difficult to make progress. There are no open paths for infiltration. Furthermore, White does not have two weaknesses. The b2-pawn, together with the weak squares on the queenside, can be counted as one weakness. Hence, according to the famous principle, Black must create another weakness on the kingside. Otherwise, it would probably be impossible to win the game. So, his plan is clear. The first phase is regrouping on the queenside – the knight should protect the a4-pawn and the rooks should be doubled on the b-file. The threat of ...a3 must be persistent in order to paralyse the white pieces. The second phase is the creation of a weakness on the kingside.

46...Kd7! Preventing 47.Be7!. 47.Be3 R8a7 48.Bd2 Na8 49.Be3 Nb6 50.Bd2 Ra5 The knight is well placed; now time for the rooks. 51.Be3 Ra8 52.Bd2 Rb5 53.Be3 Rb3 54.Bd2

43...Kc6 44.Bd2 R5a6 45.Be3 Nc7 46.Bg5

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Games 97-100

Position after: 54.Bd2

Position after: 58...g6

54...f6

59.Rf1

The first phase of plan is complete, so it is time to work on the second. Placing the other rook on the b-file looks useless 54...Ra5 55.f4 Rab5 56.f5.

59.g5 Rh8 followed by ...h6 benefits Black.

55.Be3 Kc6 56.f4 Rf8 57.Rf1 f5

61.gxf5 exf5! Black’s king is close to the kingside where Black will prepare ...g5, after transferring the knight to e6.

Capturing on e5 would give nothing – White would activate the bishop after dxe5.

59...Kd7 60.Rf2 Ra8 61.Bc1 Preventing ...a3.

61...Ke7 62.Rf1 Rf8

58.Rf2 58.g5 Rh8 59.h4 h6 would give Black chances on the kingside. 58...g6

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Games 97-100

In practice, though, it is very difficult to go for fxg5. 63...fxg4!? A typical approach in such a pawn setup. Black creates an outside passed pawn and obtains the f5-square for his pieces. His e-pawn should be able to stop the two white pawns. 64.hxg4 h5

Position after: 62...Rf8 63.Rf2 63.g5?! h6 64.h4 hxg5 65.fxg5 [65.hxg5 Rh8 is very uncomfortable for White.] 65...Rh8 66.Rh1 Rh5 67.Ra1 Rb5 68.Bd2 Ra5 69.Rh2 was perhaps another option to hold.

Position after: 64...h5 65.g5? During the entire game, White opted for static defence. That was the last chance to get some activity.

Position after: 69.Rh2 1221

65.gxh5! gxh5 66.Rg2! was a better defence, although it is difficult to play with Black’s rooks behind the pawn after 66...Rh8 [66...Kf7 would be an interesting move and 1222

Games 97-100

should be analysed]. However, White would actually have dangerous counterplay after 67.f5! exf5 68.Rg7+

Position after: 66.Rh2 66...Kf7 The king goes to g7. Black will be ready to sacrifice the h-pawn in order to deflect the white rook from the queenside. Again, good prophylaxis. 66...Kd7 was more logical. The king is needed more on the queenside. Black should not be afraid of the f5-advance as he will always have ...exf5. 67.Rh1 Kg7 68.Rh2 a3

Position after: 68.Rg7+ and the h-pawn is stopped by the bishop. 65...Ra8 66.Rh2

Position after: 68...a3 Now Black’s plan is clear. He wants to sacrifice the a-pawn to vacate the square for the knight. White will lose either the a- or cpawn in force. Black’s h-pawn can also be sacrificed to deflect the white rook from the protection of the c3-pawn, which is why the black king controls the h-file. 1223

1224

Games 97-100

69.Rxa3 Raxa3 70.bxa3 Na4 71.Rh3 Kf7

Position after: 74...Nc8 Position after: 71...Kf7 Trying to confuse the opponent...

is much better for Black. The knight has two good routes: ...Nc8-e7-f5 and ...Nc8-a7-c6a5-b3.

72.Bd2?

73...Ra2+ 74.Kc1

White immediately gets confused. ¹ 72.Rf3!? h4 73.Bd2 [73.Rh3 Rxc3+! 74.Rxc3 Nxc3 75.Be3 Ne2–+] 73...Rxa3 74.Rh3 and nothing concrete is visible for Black. 72...Rxa3 73.Rh2? Another mistake, leading to collapse. 73.Rh4 Nb6 74.Rh3 Nc8

Position after: 74.Kc1 1225

1226

Games 97-100

74...Nxc3 The rest is simple. 75.Rh3 Ne2+ 76.Kd1 Nxd4 77.Bb4 Ra4 78.Bd6 Nf5 79.Rc3 h4 80.Ke2 Ra2+ 81.Kf3 h3 82.Rc1 h2 83.Rb1 d4 84.Kg4 Ke8 85.Bc5 Kd7 86.Rd1 Ne3+ White resigned. A very instructive game, demonstrating how to use prophylaxis and how to create pressure in positions with no promising active play for the opponent. Analysing the game more deeply, it looks holdable for White. However, this is no easy task in a real chess game. White did miss some chances for active play, but Black’s patient and logical play still deserves credit and attention. Black did his best to make White’s task as complicated as possible. 0-1 Game 100 Johner – Nimzowitsch Dresden 1926 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 0-0 5.Bd3 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.0-0

Position after: 7.0-0 7...Bxc3 No wonder this defence is named after the great Aron Nimzowitsch. He was the first to give detailed explanations of plans for both sides. With his significant contributions, the Nimzo-Indian Defence is one of the most popular openings today. With his last move, Black wants to damage White’s pawn structure and neutralise White’s bishops – especially the dark-squared one. 8.bxc3 d6

1227

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Games 97-100

10.Nb3 10.f4!?

Position after: 8...d6 In this position, patient manoeuvring is on the agenda. White wants to somehow force Black to capture on d4, which would activate the c1-bishop. Black, on the other hand, wants to keep the pawn stable on c5 – it is extremely important to keep the a1-h8 diagonal closed.

Position after: 10.f4!? was suggested as better by some commentators because it prevents the move ...e5. However, 10...Ba6 with the idea of playing 11...d5 gives Black solid play. 10...e5!

9.Nd2!? Played with an interesting prophylactic idea. White wants to control the a5-square and prevent Black from obtaining the typical setup with ...b6, ...Ba6 and ...Na5. 9.e4 e5 10.d5 Na5∞ [10...Ne7!?] 9...b6 Black should avoid closing the position with 9...e5 10.d5 when the b1-h7 diagonal is still open for the d3-bishop. It is better to wait for White to play e4 first. 1229

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Games 97-100

Position after: 10...e5!

Position after: 12.Be2

This is a logical reaction now! Black cannot put pressure on the c4-pawn as the a5-square is taken! Hence, the bishop does not belong on a6. Using the fact that the white knight is temporarily out of play, Black activates his pieces towards the kingside. The c4-pawn will be a weakness for a long time – Black can attack it later!

12...Qd7!!

11.f4 11.d5?! e4! 12.Be2 [12.dxc6 exd3³] 12...Ne5!³ 11...e4! 11...Qe7 12.fxe5 dxe5 13.d5 Nd8 14.e4 Ne8 and installing the knight on the ultrapowerful d6-square is fine for Black, but he wants more...

As Aron Nimzowitsch stated in his important work My System: “Black spots that White has a qualitative kingside pawn majority with his f-, g- and h- pawns. The text move involves a complicated procedure to restrain it!” According to Nimzowitsch, only this move gives Black the chance to play for a win. This is the prelude to one of the best and most beautiful prophylactic manoeuvres ever. 12...Ne8 13.g4 [13.f5 Qg5] 13...f5 14.dxc5!? [14.d5 Ne7 15.g5 results in a closed position that Nimzowitsch wanted to avoid.] 14...dxc5 15.Qd5+ Qxd5 16.cxd5 Ne7 17.Rd1 Nd6 leads to a very interesting and unclear position. 13.h3

12.Be2 1231

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Games 97-100

A) 13.f5?! Ne7 14.g4 h5! looks very risky for White.

A2) 14...Nf5 pressuring the e3-pawn and intending to jump to g3 – simple and good.

B) 13.Bd2!? is another logical option. White wants to activate the bishop via e1. 13...Ne7 14.Be1 Ng4 15.Qd2 f5 leads to an unclear position.

B) 14.g4?! would be a risky attempt. After 14...h5 15.f5 [15.g5 Ne8 White is in trouble.] 15...Qc7 16.d5

13...Ne7 Regrouping to the kingside. 14.Qe1 A) 14.Bd2

Position after: 16.d5 closing the b8-h2 diagonal. 16...b5! destroys White’s centre and enables access to the lightsquared weaknesses in White’s camp. 14...h5!

Position after: 14.Bd2 A1) 14...h5 is one good option: 15.Be1 [15.Bxh5? Nxh5 16.Qxh5 Ba6 winning the very important c4-pawn back and being left with the much better bishop.] 15...Nf5 16.Bf2 h4 with promising play on both sides.

1233

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Games 97-100

Position after: 14...h5!

Position after: 16...Qh7!

No doubt that Nimzowitsch had this in mind when playing his amazing 12th move. Now Black gradually paralyses White’s kingside.

Isn’t chess beautiful? Black spent three moves on transferring his queen to h7!? Yes. Indeed, it is a brilliant concept with an amazing prophylactic idea behind it. White only has chances on the kingside due to his qualitative majority. The result depends on whether it can be activated or not. Black’s strategy will prevail thanks to the astonishing Qd7-Qf5Qh7 manoeuvre; White’s pawn avalanche will be stopped. Furthermore, Black will use the pieces that he transferred to the kingside to orchestrate an attack on the white monarch!

15.Bd2 15.Qh4 Nf5 16.Qg5 Nh7 17.Qxh5 Qe7!–+ [17...Ng3–+] 15...Qf5! 16.Kh2 Qh7!

17.a4 Aiming for counterplay on the opposite flank, which is not the correct strategy. However, it is already difficult to suggest something better. 17...Nf5 1235

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Games 97-100

Threatening 18...Ng4. 18.g3

Position after: 21...Rac8 Posing threats to the c4-pawn. In this stage of the game, Nimzowitsch’s play is not that good. Perhaps he faced time trouble, or simply was not ready for aggression.

Position after: 18.g3 18...a5 Nimzowitsch was always preoccupied with prophylaxis. Alas, his last move was not as necessary as blocking White’s kingside avalanche.

22.d5 Kh8! Finally, after White definitively closes the centre, Black goes for a decisive attack on the kingside – the g-file will come in very handy.

18...h4 was a direct and stronger approach. 23.Nd2

19.Rg1 Nh6 19...Kh8 with the same plan as in the game was also good. Black wanted to prematurely open his bishop.

Evacuation will not help: 23.Kg2 Rg8 24.Kf2 g5–+. 23...Rg8 24.Bg2 g5 25.Nf1

20.Bf1 Bd7 21.Bc1 Rac8

1237

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Games 97-100

Position after: 25.Nf1

Position after: 28.Qd1

25...Rg7

28...gxf4!

25...h4 26.gxh4 [26.g4 Nhxg4+ 27.hxg4 Nxg4+ 28.Kh1 h3 is winning.] 26...g4 with infiltration on the weak light squares on the kingside was good enough, but Nimzowitsch played methodically – he wanted to double first.

Opening the gate... 29.exf4 Bc8? but not yet entering. 29...Ng4+!

26.Ra2 Nf5 27.Bh1 Rcg8 28.Qd1

1239

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Games 97-100

Position after: 29...Ng4+! 30.hxg4 [30.Kg2 Nh4+ What a picture! 31.gxh4 Ne3+–+] 30...h4 was winning immediately. 30.Qb3 Ba6 31.Re2 Nh4

Position after: 34.Nf2 34...Qxh3+! 35.Nxh3 Ng4# is another beautiful mate. 32...Bc8 33.Qc2

Position after: 31...Nh4 Again, this sacrifice is devastating. 32.Re3 32.Nd2 Bc8! 33.Nxe4 [33.Qd1 Bxh3! 34.Kxh3 Qf5+] 33...Qf5! 34.Nf2

Position after: 33.Qc2 33...Bxh3! 34.Bxe4 1241

1242

Games 97-100

34.Kxh3 Qf5+ 35.Kh2 Ng4+ 36.Kh3 Nf2+ 37.Kh2 Qh3#

37.Rgg2 hxg3+ 38.Kg1 Qh3 39.Ne3 Nh4 40.Kf1 Re8!

34...Bf5

An amazing defeat. One of the most important games for understanding the concept of prophylaxis.

Domination on the light squares is decisive. Game over.

0-1

35.Bxf5 Nxf5

Position after: 35...Nxf5 Please, take a look at the black pieces. They are all targeting the poor white king! Meanwhile, White’s pieces appear almost randomly placed behind their ruined pawn structure. 36.Re2 h4 No more comments. The realisation is brutal.

1243

1244

Index of Games

Index of Games 1. Rubinstein – Schlechter San Sebastian 1912 2. Karpov – Seirawan Skelleftea 1989 3. Reti – Nimzowitsch Marienbad 1925 4. Bogoljubow – Reti Moravska Ostrava 1923 5. Stolberg – Botvinnik Moscow 1940 6. Tal – Kochyev Leningrad 1977 7. Tarrasch – Noa Hamburg 1885 8. Averbakh – Panno Buenos Aires 1954 9. Efimenko – Neverov Rivne 2005 10. Marshall – Lasker USA 1907 11. Fischer – Petrosian Buenos Aires 1971 12. Andersson – Franco Ocampos Buenos Aires 1979 13. Naiditsch – Blagojevic Valjevo 2011 14. Andersson – Quinteros Olot 1971 15. Karpov – Sokolov Linares 1987 16. Ljubojevic – Karpov Linares 1981 17. Englisch – Steinitz London 1883 18. Arnason – Kasparov Moscow 1980 19. Zlatanovic – Mladenovic Paracin 2012 20. Polugaevsky – Ivkov Belgrade 1969 21. Gufeld – Kolarov Odessa 1968 22. Timman – Andersson London 1984 23. Karpov – Spassky Hamburg 1982 24. Pflichthofer – Riefner Germany 1990 25. Andersson – Kavalek Bugojno 1980 26. Wolf – Rubinstein Teplitz Schoenau 1922 27. Botvinnik – Alekhine Netherlands 1938 1245

28. Andersson – Limp Rio de Janeiro 1985 29. Alapin – Rubinstein Prague 1908 30. Rubinstein – Takacs Budapest 1926 31. Karpov – Unzicker Nice 1974 32. Nimzowitsch – Capablanca New York 1927 33. Nimzowitsch – Tarrasch Breslau 1925 34. Petrosian – Unzicker Hamburg 1960 35. Sveshnikov – Balashov Moscow 1976 36. Marshall – Capablanca New York 1909 37. Erenburg – Murariu Las Palmas 2003 38. Radulov – Pinter Pernik 1978 39. Ivkov – Taimanov Belgrade 1956 40. Botvinnik – Zagoriansky Sverdlovsk 1943 41. Karpov – Sokolov Brussels 1988 42. Andersson – Tal Malmo 1983 43. Polgar – Anand Wijk aan Zee 1998 44. Geller – Bolbochan Stockholm 1962 45. Marshall – Capablanca New York 1927 46. Lasker – Capablanca Belgrade 1921 47. Flohr – Vidmar Nottingham 1936 48. Botvinnik – Szilagyi Amsterdam 1966 49. Petrosian – Bannik Riga 1958 50. Geller – Bertok Belgrade 1961 51. Fischer – Durao Havana 1966 52. Larsen – Nielsen Esbjerg 1953 53. Steinitz – Sellman Baltimore 1885 54. Ubilava – Timoscenko Soviet Union 1974 55. Karpov – Hjartarson Seattle 1989 56. Van der Sterren – Ljubojevic Amsterdam 1999 57. Alatortsev – Levenfish Tbilisi 1937 1246

Index of Games

58. Karpov – Spassky Leningrad 1974

88. Smyslov – Denker Moscow 1946

59. Guimard – Euwe Groningen 1946 60. Khalifman – Adams Groningen 1990

89. Tarrasch – Teichmann San Sebastian 1912 90. Bondarevsky – Smyslov Moscow 1946

61. Petrosian – Botvinnik Moscow 1963 62. Krasenkow – Protaziuk Suwalki 1999 63. Gorodetzky – Radovanovic Veliko Gradiste 2016 64. Alekhine – Chajes Karlsbad 1923 65. Smyslov – Letelier Venice 1950 66. Najdorf – Geller Zuerich 1953 67. Kosten – Chabanon Cannes 2004 68. Paulsen – Tarrasch Nuremberg 1888 69. Clarke – Petrosian Munich 1958 70. Nimzowitsch – Salwe Karlsbad 1911 71. Petrosian – Lutikov Tbilisi 1959 72. Rubinstein – Duras Karlsbad 1911 73. Capablanca – Chajes New York 1915

91. Szostko – Zlatanovic Plovdiv 2015 92. Rauzer – Riumin Leningrad 1936 93. Solmundarson – Smyslov Reykjavik 1974 94. Zlatanovic – Brankovic Paracin 2016 95. Capablanca – Ragozin Moscow 1935 96. Soysal – Marjanovic Banja Vrujci 2017 97. Petrosian – Peters Lone Pine 1976 98. Henneberger – Nimzowitsch Winterthur 1931 99. Saunders – Jacimovic Pula 1997 100. Johner – Nimzowitsch Dresden 1926

74. Rosselli del Turco – Rubinstein BadenBaden 1925 75. Jacimovic – Jakovljevic Tivat 1995 76. Nimzowitsch – Rubinstein Dresden 1926 77. Zajic – Petkov Kragujevac 2015 78. Werle – L’Ami Leeuwarden 2005 79. Tkachiev – Mikhalevski Ohrid 2001 80. Fine – Alekhine Netherlands 1938 81. Zlatanovic – Djuric Lipnicki Sor 2008 82. Zlatanovic – Lekic Smederevska Palanka 2016 83. Spassky – Kavalek Montreal 1979 84. Alekhine – Teichmann Berlin 1921 85. Kasparov – Kramnik Astana 2001 86. Keres – Kotov Parnu 1947 87. Rubinstein – Salwe Lodz 1908 1247

1248