ANSWERS TO QUIZ
18 White threatens a fearful discovered check by moving his Rook from King Bishop 6. The most powerful Rook move would be R—B8 mate.
Black is powerless against this threat, for example 1 ... RxQ; 2 R-B8 mate.
19 The strongest move by far is 1 ... Kt—K6! winning White’s Queen, for if 2 PxKt, Q—R5ch; 3 P-KKt3, QxKtP mate.
(White played the opening badly. The opening moves were 1 P-Q4, Kt—KB3; 2 Kt-Q2, P-K4; 3 PxP, Kt—Kt5; 4 P—KR3??)
20 At first glance this seems a very exciting fight, with White attacking the Black King on the King-side and Black attacking the White King on the Queen-side. But whereas White’s Queen Rook Pawn is securely defended, Black is all too vulnerable on the other wing. The result is that White has a very pleasing finish:
| 1 | QxRPch!! | KxQ |
| 2 | R—R1ch | .... |
The triumph of the open King Rook file.
| 2 | .... | B—R6 |
| 3 | RxB mate |
When we re-examine the situation in Diagram 20, we see that Black’s futile attacking gestures on the Queen-side actually had the damaging effect of removing his pieces from their proper defensive functions. For example, with Black’s Queen at his King Bishop 2 square, this brilliant combination would have been impossible.
21 White has a distinct plus in mobility, and Black’s pieces are huddled in a bleak defensive position. White can continue in strict positional style with 1 P—B4, but he has a much better line of play by setting up a Knight fork:
| 1 | QxKt/B7ch! | KxQ |
| 2 | Kt-Q6ch | K moves |
| 3 | KtxQ | .... |
With a piece ahead, White has an easy win.
22 White has a stranglehold on the open King file. By exploiting this open line he forces an immediate win:
| 1 | R—K8ch | R—B1 |
On 1 ... RxR there follows 2 RxRch, R—B1; 3 RxRch, QxR; 4 QxQ mate.
But after 1 ... R—B1 it seems as if Black might hold the position, as capturing either Rook gets White nowhere; and 2 R/K8—K7 is satisfactorily answered by 2 ... R—B2. But White has another way, which wins:
| 2 | R/K1—K7! | .... |
Black is helpless against the mate threat, as 2 ... R-B2 is impossible and 2 ... QxBPch; 3 K—R1 does not alter the situation.
23 White has sacrificed a piece for the attack, and it seems he must regain the piece. His threat is 1 PxKtch, PxP; 2 BxPch!, KxB; 3 Q-R4ch winning Black’s Queen.
This looks terrifying, yet Black is far from despairing and calmly plays:
| 1 | .... | Q-Q4! |
Threatening ... QxKP which would leave Black a piece ahead.
| 2 | PxKtch | PxP |
Now it turns out that White’s Bishop is pinned—and cannot be saved. Thus Black remains a piece to the good. Black must be commended for not losing heart and finding a clever defence in what seemed a very bad position.
24 Black sees the threat 1 RxP, PxR; 2 BxP mate. Hence he plays:
| 1 | .... | Q—B2?? |
Black’s idea is that on 2 RxP? he will play 2 ... QxQ; 3 PxQ, PxR; 4 BxPch, K—R1; 5 BxR, BxB and with a piece for two Pawns Black has an easy win. But Black has overlooked a much subtler threat:
| 2 | QxPch!! | KxQ |
| 3 | BxP mate |
Moral: in a defensive situation, don’t assume that the threat you see is the only threat, or the strongest threat, available.
25 Black is momentarily a piece up for a Pawn. But his Knight is attacked and has no retreat. Nevertheless he can turn this seemingly precarious situation to his advantage by playing resourcefully:
| 1. | .... | K—K1! |
The first point is that if White does not capture the Knight, Black saves this piece with ... Kt—Kt4.
| 2 | PxKt | Q—R5ch |
Now we see the second point: after 3 P—KKt3, QxKP; 4 QxQ, BxQ material is even, but Black’s Bishops are all-powerful and he immediately wins a Pawn, leaving White’s Pawn position in a shattered state. A fine example of inventive counterattack.
26 The fatal defect of White’s game is that his Bishop has no scope and is permanently out of play; in effect, White is playing with a piece down.
Worse yet, the Bishop is subject to multiple attack —for example, by the doubling and even tripling of Black’s heavy pieces on the Queen Rook file. The success of this manoeuvre is assured by the fact that White will be unable to move the Bishop out of the line of attack. What makes White’s defensive prospects even more disheartening is that his Pawn position is riddled with weaknesses and his King’s position is badly exposed. We have then the additional possibility that in some situations Black can even win by a quick switch to King-side attack. Play proceeds:
| 1 | .... | R—R6! |
Already threatening to win the Bishop with 2 ... Q-R4 or 2 ... Q—R1.
| 2 | Q—K1 | .... |
If White tries 2KtxP, Black continues 2 ... Q—Kt3ch ; 3 Kt—Q4, Q—R3 winning the unfortunate Bishop.
| 2 | .... | Q-R4 |
| 3 | Q-Kt1 | B—Q2 |
Another winning method is 3 ... QxP; 4 Kt—K2, QxRP and White’s game is hopeless.
After the text, the coming ... R—R3 is absolutely decisive. The flexibility and mobility of Black’s forces is in striking contrast to the lack of cooperation among White’s pieces.
27 Black, feeling uncomfortable under the pressure of White’s pieces, wants to free himself somewhat by driving back White’s King Bishop. Hence:
| 1 | .... | Kt—K4? |
Black thinks this move is playable because after 2 PxKt he can avoid the loss of a piece. But, as the sequel will demonstrate, Black has not looked ahead far enough.
| 2 | PxKt! | QxR |
The only way to recapture, as 2 ... RxR?? is disastrous because of 3 BxPch winning the Queen.
| 3 | PxR | QxBch |
Apparently White was under the impression that the reply 4 K—R2? is now forced, whereupon 4 ... BxPch wins for Black.
| 4 | B-B1! | .... |
But this quiet interposition wins for White, for after 4 ... BxP?; 5 QxPch leads to mate on the following move. And 4 ... RxP? leads to the same result.
The disagreeable consequence for Black is that he is confronted with a menacing, far-advanced passed Pawn and threats of checkmate.
| 4 | .... | K—R1 |
| 5 | QxP | Q—Q8 |
| 6 | P—Q7 | Q—Q3 |
| 7 | P—Kt3 | P—R3 |
| 8. | B—B4 | K—R2 |
| 9. | Q—K8 | B—K2 |
| 10. | B—Kt8ch | K—R1 |
| 11. | B—Q5 dis ch | Resigns |
For after 11 ... K—R2; 12 BxPch, P—Kt3; 13 QB7ch, K—R1; 14 BxP Black must give up his Queen.
Thus we see that Black’s 1 ... Kt—K4? was faulty in that he failed to reckon with 4 B—B1! When you play tricky moves, look for tricky replies.
28 White’s powerful attack along the open King Knight file gives him an overwhelming advantage. Observe, also, that whereas both White Rooks play an active role in the attack, Black’s Rook at Queen Rook 2 is momentarily useless.
However, Black can remedy this defect, if he is given the time, by playing ... B—K1, setting up a solid defence along the second rank to White’s concentration on Black’s King Knight Pawn. This means that White must undertake some decisive action at once.
But how? True, White can win two Pawns by 1 BxKt, QxB; 2 QxQ, RxQ; 3 RxKtPch, K—B1; 4 RxP, etc. There is no doubt that he would win without much trouble, but is there a more forceful continuation?
Let us review the situation. White attacks at King Knight 7 with three units, and Black defends with three units. Suppose White were to force away one of the defending units? In that case, White’s attack should bring an immediate decision. Following this reasoning, we get:
| 1. | B—Q6! | QxB |
Black has no choice. He is compelled to weaken his defence of the crucial point.
| 2 | RxPch | K—B1 |
Note the disastrous consequences of the removal of Black’s Queen. If 2 . . . K—R1; 3 QxPch!, KtxQ; 4 R-Kt8 mate.
| 3 | RxP dis ch | .... |
White can also play 3 RxRch, KxR; 4 R-Kt7ch, K—K1; 5 QxKt, Q—B1; 6 Q—K5 (threatening Q-Kt8ch and mate next move), R—R1; 7 RxP and Black is helpless against the coming 8 R—R8. The text is a bit simpler.
| 3 | .... | K—K2 |
| 4 | RxRch | KxR |
| 5 | R-Kt7ch | K—K1 |
| 6 | QxKt | Resigns |
For on 6 ... Q—B1 White wins the Queen with 7 R—R8 (this explains White’s third move).
This is a splendid example of well timed, forcing play in exploiting an advantage before the defender has an opportunity to consolidate his position for a stubborn defence.
29 Black’s weak point is his isolated Queen Pawn. As this Pawn cannot be guarded by a Pawn, it must be defended by pieces. This gives White a lasting initiative: White is free to attack the Pawn; Black is compelled to defend it.
In order to win the Pawn, however, White must play with great accuracy. Thus, the immediate capture would be useless. There would follow 1 KtxP, KtxKt; 2 BxKt, BxB; 3 RxB, RxR; 4 QxR, Q—B8ch followed by 5 ... QxKtP and the forces are still even. White must therefore proceed with great care if he is to be successful in turning his advantage to account.
| 1 | K—Kt2! | .... |
Now White really threatens 2 KtxP, KtxKt; 3 BxKt, BxB; 4 RxB, RxR; 5 QxR, as Black no longer has a check available.
| 1 | .... | Q—K4 |
This defence of the Pawn proves inadequate, but 1 ... Q-B3 is not much better. White then continues 2 B-Q1! followed by 3 B-Kt3 and 4 P-B4! with a view to P-B5, driving Black’s Bishop away from the defence of the Queen Pawn.
| 2 | P—Kt4! | .... |
Forcing Black’s Rook to give up the defence of the Queen Pawn.
| 2 | .... | R—B5 |
Black hopes for 3 KtxP, RxR; 4 PxR?, KtxKt!; 5 PxQ, Kt-B5ch followed by 6 ... KtxQ and Black is a piece ahead.
| 3. | KtxP! | .... |
Is White falling into the trap? No, for he has a winning finesse in mind.
| 3. | .... | BxKt |
Black changes his mind, for he sees that on 3 ... RxR White will interpolate 4 KtxKtch!, QxKt; 5.PxR and White has safely won a Pawn.
| 4. | RxB! | R—B6 |
Or 4 ... KtxR; 5 QxR, Kt-Kt3; 6 Q-K4! and White wins a second Pawn.
| 5 | RxQ | RxQ |
| 6 | R—R5! | .... |
And now White wins a second Pawn, as Black cannot simultaneously defend his Queen Knight Pawn and Queen Rook Pawn. Thus White has carefully and ably carried out his plan. In the foregoing play we have a good example of the tactical skill which is often required to exploit a strategical advantage.
30 Here White’s weakness is his backward Queen Bishop Pawn. This unfortunate Pawn cannot be guarded by Pawns, nor can it be advanced or exchanged. It therefore forms a perfect target for pressure by Black’s Rooks.
However, if White is given the necessary time, he will play Kt-Kt2 followed by Kt-B4, successfully masking any further attack on his weak Pawn. Black must therefore lose no time in driving his advantage home.
| 1 | .... | Q—B4! |
Threatening 2 ... QxQ which would win a piece.
| 2 | R—K4 | .... |
It is clear that 2 Kt-Kt2 loses the Pawn at once (2 ... RxP!; 3 RxR, RxR; 4 RxKt, QxQ; 5 R-K8ch, B—B1; 6 KtxQ, RxB etc.); while after 2 QxQ, KtxQ, the weak Pawn likewise falls.
| 2 | .... | Kt—Q4! |
Just in time to prevent White from carrying out the contemplated manoeuvre Kt—Kt2—B4.
| 3 | Kt—Kt2 | Kt—B6! |
Now White is forced to capture the intruder, for if 4 R/K4—K1?, QxQ wins for Black - for example 5 KtxQ, Kt—R7 winning the weak Pawn; or 5 PxQ, Kt—K7ch winning the Exchange.
| 4 | BxKt | RxB |
| 5 | Q—K2 | B—R3! |
The real point of Black’s Knight manoeuvre to force the disappearance of White’s Bishop. Now Black drives off the defending Rook and thus finally wins the weak Pawn.
| 6 | R—K8ch | RxR |
| 7 | QxRch | K—Kt2 |
| 8 | R—B1 | RxBP |
And White wins easily in the endgame. As was the case in Diagram 29, pressure on a positional weakness favored the player with the more aggressive development.
31 White has much more ambitious plans than playing a trite move such as BxKt. The point is that he has a magnificent attacking position along the King Knight file, supported by the powerful Bishop striking along the long diagonal. If Black is given the opportunity, he will exchange Queens, bringing the attack to an abrupt end. So White must act quickly.
| 1 | QxKtPch!! | KtxQ |
| 2 | RxKtch | K—R1 |
| 3 | R-Kt8 dbl ch!! | .... |
The point of White’s sacrifice.
| 3 | .... | KxR |
| 4 | R—KKtlch | Q—Kt4 |
| 5 | RxQ mate |
Call this inspiration if you will; but it represents the flawless fusing together of elements that are subject to analysis. If White realises the value of the concentrated pressure against King Knight 7, he is halfway on the road to this beautiful combination.
32 White resigned because he realized that 1 Kt—Q4 would be answered by 1 ... B-R6! ! leaving White defenceless.
However, this “answer” only increases the mystery of White’s resignation, so let us examine the position of Diagram 32 in some detail. It soon becomes clear that Black has an enormous advantage. He has completed his development, whereas White’s Queen Rook and Queen Bishop are still on their home squares and absolutely useless.
Secondly, we observe that while Black’s King is quite safe, White’s King is in danger because several protective Pawns have disappeared. Add these factors: Black’s Bishops have considerable scope, and the tripling of his heavy pieces on the King Bishop file looks menacing. But the question remains why White did not at least try 1 Kt—Q4. This is what would have happened:
| 1 | Kt—Q4 | B—R6!! |
Although this move is astonishing at first glance, there is enormous power behind it. Black’s threats are so powerful that he will be able to win quickly even if his Queen is captured.
| 2. | RxQ | RxR |
Threatening ... R—B8 mate. And if 3 B—Kt2, R-B8ch; 4 RxR, RxR mate. So White tries a different way.
| 3 | Kt—K2 | R—B8ch |
| 4 | Kt—Kt1 | RxKtch |
| 5 | KxR | R—B8 mate |
It is the overwhelming superiority of Black’s development that makes his drastic victory possible. Black’s superiority prevails even when White declines the sacrifice. Let us return to Diagram 32 and try another way for White:
| 1 | Kt—Q4 | B—R6!! |
| 2 | R—KKt1 | Q—R5 |
| 3. | B—Kt2 | .... |
Too late. Black now infiltrates decisively into White’s fatally weakened castled position.
| 3 | .... | R—B7 |
| 4 | Q—K1 | B—B8 |
And Black mates shortly.
33 Black’s position is so constricted that he hardly has any moves left. Yet the Pawn position is so blockaded that it seems difficult if not impossible for White to make any headway.
Still, it does not take White long to evolve a highly ingenious winning plan. This has two parts: (1) to sacrifice his Knight on King Bishop 5 for Black’s Queen Pawn, which will make it possible to win Black’s Queen Bishop Pawn; (2) to follow this up with the advance of his own Queen Bishop Pawn to Bishop 6. Given the slight mobility of Black’s pieces, he will be helpless against the “Pawnroller.”
In preparation for the first step, White brings his Bishop to King 3 and his Queen to Queen Rook 3. In preparation for the second step, White places his Rooks on Queen Bishop 1 and Queen 1, where they will be most effective in supporting the intended Pawn advance. The whole plan proceeds like clockwork.
| 1 | Q—B1! | R—Q1 |
| 2 | Q—R3 | B—B1 |
| 3 | B—K3 | R—Q2 |
| 4 | QR—B1 | R—Q1 |
| 5 | KR—Q1 | B—Q2 |
Now White is ready for the sacrifice.
| 6 | KtxQP! | KtxKt |
The alternative 6 ... QxKt; 7 BxBP, Q—Kt1; 8 B-K7, QR—B1; 9 P-B5 is just as bad for Black, as White carries out the plan outlined above.
| 7 | BxBP | B—B1 |
| 8 | B—KKt4! | .... |
This removes an important defensive piece and thus lends added strength to the intensification of the pin by Kt-B5.
| 8 | .... | BxB |
| 9 | PxB | R—Q2 |
| 10 | Kt-B5 | Q—Q1 |
| 11 | BxKt | .... |
Now that White has recovered the sacrificed piece and is two Pawns ahead, he has an easy win.
| 11 | .... | Kt—B1 |
| 12 | P—B5 | Kt—Kt3 |
| 13 | P—B6 | PxP |
| 14 | PxP | RxB |
Black’s despair is justified. If 14 ... R-KB2; 15 P-Kt7 and the Pawn queens.
| 15 | QxR | QxQ |
| 16 | RxQ | Resigns |
There is nothing to be done against the advance of the passed Pawns. An impressive example of the value of a carefully considered plan; such plans are almost magical in the effective way they dispose of obstacles.
34 With Black’s King driven from the castled position, White has an overwhelming attack, with several winning lines at his disposal.
The simplest method would be 1 B-Kt3, with a view to 2 P-QR3 followed by 3 Kt/B3xP, BxKt; 4 Q-R8 mate. If Black answers 1 B-Kt3 with 1 ... QxP, White can reply 2 RxB, PxR; 3 KtxKPch winning the Queen - or 2 RxB, QxKt/B5; 3 Q-R8 mate.
Now that we see the dangers to which Black’s King is exposed, we can try a more complicated method: 1 Kt/B3xP!, KtxKt (not 1 ... BxKt; 2 Q-R8 mate); 2 KtxKt, RxKt; 3 Q-R8ch, K-K2; 4 QxR. This is certainly good enough to win for White, but he has an even more convincing line:
| 1 | P—QR3! | .... |
Very strong - the idea is to force Black’s Knight to give up the protection of his Queen Pawn.
| 1 | .... | KtxB |
| 2 | Kt/B3xP! | RxKt |
If 2 ... BxKt; 3 Q-R8 mate.
| 3 | KtxR | Resigns |
Black is helpless, as his Queen is attacked, Q-R8 mate is threatened, and 3 ... BxKt allows 4 Q-R8 mate. It is always instructive to see how a good player seeks the simplest, most convincing road to victory.
35 Before considering the merits of 1 ... P-KKt4, we have to get our bearings. White has a huge plus in mobility, as Black’s pieces are huddled together and have very little scope. Furthermore, we note that Black’s King-side has been weakened by the advance of his King Rook Pawn and King Knight Pawn, and that in consequence White has advanced his King Rook Pawn in order to open the King Rook file. Black, on the other hand, has no similar target for attack on the other wing.
Finally, note that White has five pieces on hand to menace the Black King, whereas Black has no threats against the White King. When we sum up all these factors, we realise that the chances are that White can refute 1 ... P-KKt4. Let us see:
| 1 | .... | P—KKt4 |
The object of this move is to prevent White from opening the King Rook file. But, thanks to the advantages previously outlined, White can sacrifice successfully.
| 2 | Kt/K4xKtP! | .... |
This threatens Q-R7 mate.
| 2 | .... | PxKt |
| 3 | P—R6! | .... |
Black cannot capture the Bishop, for if 3 ... PxB; 4 PxB dbl ch, KxP; 5 Q-R7 mate (or 5 R-R7 mate).
| 3 | .... | BxRP |
| 4 | BxP | K—Kt2 |
| 5 | BxBch | KtxB |
| 6 | RxKt! | KxR |
| 7 | R—R1ch | .... |
And White mates next move. Thus we see that 1 ... P-KKt4 would not have achieved its objective of closing the King Rook file; White’s margin of extra mobility is much too great to give Black a chance to escape.
Returning to Diagram 35, let us follow the. course of the actual play, which makes a fine study in incisive middle-game tactics.
| 1 | .... | QPxP |
| 2 | QPxP | P—QKt4 |
| 3 | BPxP | QxKtP |
| 4 | PxP | PxP |
White has attained his objective – the opening of the King Rook file. But now he is confronted with a crisis: both his Bishop and his King Pawn are attacked. He solves the difficulty very cleverly.
| 5 | Kt—R4! | .... |
Very tricky. Black cannot play 5 ... RxB because of 6 KtxPch, K—R2; 7 Kt-Kt5 mate. Nor will 5 ... P-KKt4 do because of 6 Kt-Kt6ch, K—R2; 7 KtxKtP mate. And on 5 ... K—R2 there are various winning methods, for example 6 KtxP! or 6 Kt-Kt5ch!
| 5 | .... | KtxP |
Black gives up the Exchange to gain some relief that proves only temporary.
| 6 | BxKt | BxB |
| 7 | KtxPch | K—Kt2 |
| 8 | KtxR | RxKt |
| 9 | R-R3! | .... |
Generally, when a player with an aggressive position wins some material his attack slows down. This is not the case here, because White’s pieces are placed to very good advantage.
| 9 | .... | Kt—B3 |
| 10 | R—QKt3 | Q—R3 |
Or 10 ... Q—K1; 11 Q-B5 and White has a winning attack.
| 11 | Kt—B5 | Q—B3 |
| 12 | R—K1! | Resigns |
A curious position. If 12 ... B—Q3; 13 Kt—K6ch or 12 ... Q—Q3; 13 R-Q3, B—Q5; 14 RxB, QxR; 15 Kt-K6ch and in either case White wins the Queen.
A convincing demonstration of the value of open lines. White drove his advantage home relentlessly by stressing his superior mobility.
36 A player who is ahead in material finds that simplifying exchanges ease the problem of making his material advantage tell in his favor. The fewer pieces left on the board, the less opportunity his opponent has to create diversions and complications that might becloud the issue.
Acting on this principle, Black, who is the Exchange ahead, wants to simplify. In this case this involves the exchange of Queens. The method selected is subtle and forceful.
| 1 | .... | Q—K5! |
Very ingenious. The answer to 2 BxQ is 2 ... Kt—K7ch; 3 K—B1, KtxQch. Now White cannot play 4 K—Kt1 because of 4 ... R—R8 mate. Hence he must play 4 K—K1, leading to 4 ... R—R8ch; 5 K—Q2, KtxBch and Black is a whole Rook ahead.
Obviously 2 BxQ won’t do, but meanwhile Black is threatening to win outright with ... Q—R2.
| 2 | QxKt | .... |
Reluctantly White decides to simplify, as he sees that 2 B—Q1 will not do because of 2 ... Q—R2; 3 P-B3, R-R8ch; 4 K—B2, Kt-Q6ch etc.
| 2 | .... | QxQ |
| 3 | BxO | RxB |
Now Black has obtained the exchanges he wanted. White’s weak Queen-side Pawns make vulnerable targets.
| 4 | R—K1 | R—QR5! |
Black will win the ending without much trouble. Black’s procedure is an instructive example of how to use powerful threats to bring about a simplified endgame.
37 Most players with the White pieces would automatically remove the attacked Rook. But instead of this mechanical retreat White finds a brilliant surprise attack:
| 1 | B—K4!! | .... |
Threatening 2 QxRP mate. If Black tries 1 ... PKt3, the continuation is 2 B—B6! (threatens Q-R6 and mate), KtxR (if 2 ... P-KR4; 3 RxP wins); 3 BxKt, P-KR4 (if 3 ... BxB; 4 Q-R6 forces mate); 4 B-QB3! (threatening Q-B6 followed by mate), K-R2 (if 4 ... Q-Q1; 5 Q-Q4! forces mate); 5 Q-B6, R-KKtl; 6 QxBPch, K-R3; 7 BxB and wins.
Likewise 1 ... P-KR3 leads to a lost game after 2 BxP. Black cannot reply 2 ... PxB because of 3 R-KKt5ch! forcing mate. If he tries 2 ... P-B4 there follows 3 Q-Kt5, Q-B2; 4 BxKtP!, QxB; 5 QxQch, KxQ; 6 R-Q7ch. White recovers the piece and remains with a considerable material advantage.
| 1 | . . . . | P—B4 |
| 2 | BxP! | RxB |
| 3 | R—Q8ch | QxB |
| 4 | BxQ and wins |
White’s substantial material advantage gives him an easy win.
Sudden attacks of this kind can often upset the most carefully laid plans. This is especially so when a Queen is separated from the defence, as is the case here.