Chess Middlegame Combinations - Peter Romanovsky
July 17, 2022 | Author: Anonymous | Category: N/A
Short Description
Download Chess Middlegame Combinations - Peter Romanovsky...
Description
CHESS
CHESS MIDDLEGAME COMBINATIONS by
Peter
Romanovsky sd fm Rss by
Ji Ji Ad Ad
AERI A ERICAN CAN CHE CHESS SS PR PROMO OMOTI TION ONS S Macon, Georgia, UA
Fr E u 1991 © pyr 1991 Arc r A R R
ISBN 0-93929-95-3 Arc r 3055 Gr L R c Gr 31204 vr y R W
Contents
TrhaanpstleartoOr'ns eP:rW efahcaet is a Combination? C Chapte Cha pterr Two: Two: Com Combin binatio ational nal Elemen Elements ts - M Moti otives ves and The Themes mes.. Chapter Three: Aesthet hetics of Combinations. General Ideas. Chap Ch apte terr Four Four:: Idea deass and Te Techn chniq ique ue in Co Comb mbin inat atio ions ns with the "S mothered king. Chapte Cha pterr Five Five:: More More ab abou outt ae aesth stheti etics cs.. About Abo ut the the Pseudo Pseudo-Sa -Sacri crific fice. e. The Sacrifice of a Queen. Chapter Chap ter Six: Abo About ut the Th Theo eory ry of Comb Combin inat atio ions ns.. Typical Ideas Chap Ch apte terr Seve Se ven: Hi Histo story ry Game. of Co Comb mbin inat atio ions ns.. The Th e n:Immort Immo rtal al Masterpieces of theend of the 19th century. Chapter Eight: Eight: Double Att Attack. ack. Pawn Attacks. Attacks. Chap Ch apte terr N Nin ine: e: Po Posi siti tion onal al We Weak akne ness sses es - Mo Moti tive ve of a Combin Com binatio ation. n. Co Combi mbina natio tions ns pro provok voked ed by weakn we akness esses es in th thee cas castle tledd po posi siti tion on.. Sacrifice Sacr ifice of a bishop for the g3 h3 h3 g6 h6 pawns. Chap Ch apte terr Te Ten: n: The The comb combin inat atio iona nall at atta tack ck of the the two two bish bishop ops. s. Harm Ha rmon onyy of the rooks on th thee seco second nd and and seve sevent nth h rank ra nks. s. The sa sacr crif ific icee of th thee ro rook ok on g7 g7.. Chap Ch apte terr El Elev even en:: Harm Harmon onyy of rooks and and bish bishop ops. s. The theme of locked-in pieces. Chap Ch apte terr Tw Twelv elve: e: Me Meth thod odss of Inter Interce cepti ption on an andd vari variou ouss combinational ideas. Chap Ch apte terr Thir Thirte teen en:: Ab Abou outt th thee thin thinki king ng of a ches chessp spla laye yerr during the game.
3
45
8
13 17 23 35 52 75
97 1 16 143 160 169
Transl Tra nsltor tor's 's Pre Prefac face e
The present book a translation of the Russian original of 1963, forms the seco se cond nd pa part rt of Pete Peterr Ro Roma mano novs vsky ky's 's cl clas assi sicc work work on th thee midd middle legam game. e. ,, like its co comp mpan anio ionn vol volume ume P, is written with a view to helping the reader acquire a practical unders und ing middle dlegam technique quess and an ap appre preciat ciation ion of the beauty beauty an and d erstand aest aetanding sthet hetics icsofofmid ch ches ess. s.gamee techni Though little-known in the West Romanovsky was one of the game's independent and origina originall thin thinkers kers who gained gained great great respe respect ct in the Sov Soviet iet Unionn as a player Unio pl ayer write writerr and enthusi enthusiast astic ic teacher of the art and science of chess. Throughout the book one is struck by the harmony of the author's thou th ough ghts ts:: th thee natu natura rall lin link of ches chesss hi hist stor oryy wit ith h th thee pres presen entt day day th thee inter-r inter -rela elati tion on of pos positi itiona onall wea weakn kness esses es and com combin binati ation onal al motiv motives es the co-o co -ope pera rati tion on of th thee piece piecess in the ca carr rryi ying ng out out of tact tactic ical al oper operat atio ions ns balance bala ncedd an andd organ organise isedd thinkin thinkingg pro proces cesses ses.. his histor toryy of th this very very importa important nt ork ork is inte interes resting ting. . The firs rstt, edition edition a sinThe single gle vol volume ume T T is. . P P fi was published in 1929. Ten years later Romanovsky was already preparing a second edition but War broke out and the revised manuscript perished in hee sieg h siegee of Leni Lening ngra rad. d. Much Mu ch time time and and ener energy gy wa wass re requ quir ired ed fo forr Roma Romano novs vsky ky to rest restor oree his his creati cre ation on.. But this this was no nott an easy tas taskk and even a casual ccom ompa paris rison on of the the first fir st ed edit itio ionn with the prese present nt w work ork is enoug enough h to con convi vinc ncee the rea reade derr th that at we havve here in its comp ha compos osit itio ion n elu eluccid idaati tioon of them themes es and illu illust stra rati tive ve mate ma teri rial al an entir entirely ely new and origin original al piece piece of rese resear arch ch.. Afterr st Afte stud udyi ying ng Roma Romano novs vsky ky th thee re read ader er sh shou ould ld never ma make ke a move move without good reason - a positional plan or a combinational idea - ever again! Ji Jimm mmyy Ada Adams ms Lond Lo ndon on 1990 1990
Chapt Cha pter er On Onee What Wh at is a Co Com mbina bina on on?? It is now more than thirty years since the first edition of Middle game was pubished. For the stormy times of deveopment of chess thou th ough ghtt this isis a ong ong peri period od.. During this time quite a few new strategica and and tactica ideas in the chess strugge have been conceived. There has been a deepening of positiona understanding. The richest shoots appea appeared red iinn the th e poughed fied of chess theory, which in many paces was competey renewed. In presenting Middl game game Com binations to the reader, the author strives to methodicay unearth combinations from positions, to reduce them to purey forma features. From the very beginning of the book it is easy to sense a very sharp rapprochement, amost a merging into a singe whoe of the eements of positiona and combinationa pay. Combinations are presented to the reader not ony and even possiby not so much m uch as a method of of operation , but mosty mo sty as a significant creative phenomenon which inevitaby accompanies it, i.e. as a natura course of events
nesses in the book is neary aways interaced with combinationa motives, and positiona tension with an increase in combinationa crises. Now a few words about terms. Many of these which the reader game Combi runs across in Middl game nations coud be appied with systematic benefit benefit aso when investigatinvestiga ting panned positiona methods of pay. As in Middlegame Combina tions, tion s, Mid Midd dlegame game Plan Planni ning ng i kewise has its motives, ideas and themes. In chess circes ther theree sti s ti exists ex ists a division of chesspayers into positiona and combin combinatio ationa na acco accord rd-ing to their stye of pay. Each of these "abes attached to chesspayers must oend most of a and first and foremost the chessplayer himsef, since they testi only to the organic nature of his chess abiity and thinking. One cannot carry out and prepare a combination without understanding the aws of positiona weaknesses and panning of the game, one aso cannot carry out creative pans without taking up
and not as of as a chance "hocuspocus. "hocuspocus The unity the cr c reative eativ e process process .is emphasised by the author in that the anaysis of positiona weak
combinationa without possessing keenweapons, vision and the abiity to recognise combinationa motives.
5
Chesss Mle Ches Mlegame game Combin Combinations ations
uch great masters m asters of chess as W. W. teinitz, Em. E m. Lask Lasker, er, M . C higo higorin, rin, J. Zukertort, A. Rubinstein, A. Aekhine and many others (out of oviet ov iet chesspayers we name name M . Botvinnik, Bot vinnik, M . Tal, Tal, V. V . mysov, mysov, B. B. passky, indeed there are many of them) were by no means suited for the label marked positional or combinational. Neverth Ne vertheess eess stye sty e and schoo schoo in chess art whoeheartedy eists and cannot but exist. Heated arguments and discussions take pace on principa creative questions in order to create a group of ike-
You see, chess terminoogy has come from from generay accepted conc oncepts and j udgements udgements Thus a pawn is caed "backward when it is actuay eft behind, i.e. it is behind pawns of the same coour, and "passed if there are not enemy pawns on the oca es, preventing its advance advance.. The terms "bockade, "bockade, "attack, "centre, "ank, "bow and others essentiay dier in no way from the concept that is fixed for them in the very ife and history of everyday anguage. The term "combination can hardy be ooked ook ed upon as an exception excepti on to this thi s
minded In thepersons. game, chesspayers chesspayers dis dispay pay many traits of human character. Chessplayers can play carefully, riskily, sharply, boldly, experimentay, temperamentay, cunningy, driy, prudenty, accuratey, ingeniousy, etc, etc, but to pay positionay or combinationay is not possibe, since both these eements come into the practice of
natura, terms. standard origin of chess The word combination comes from the Latin "combinatio, which stands for a definite combination of characteristic features, circumstances, which aows us to ook at combining structures as a singe whoe. It is certain arrangement of pieces and pawns which opens the
chess, repeat, with aprocess. unification into a we singe creative To remove any of these the se eements e ements from from this process means decapitating its most important and main creative part. A chesspayers imagine perfecty we having combinations in the chess strugge, but when the matter arises as to the definition of a combination then there usuay deveops a great dea d ea of fruitess ui tess and perhaps even groundess argument.
pos possib i i ty fo for one opponents to sibi forciby andooff the comparativey quicky expoit a combination to hiss advantag hi advantagee . In ch ches esss there exists ex ists a concept caed ca ed variation variatio n , which is a chain of moves ogicay inked together by a singe pan. It is a certain combinationa arrangement of chess forces on the board which makes possibe the carrying ut of a forced forced vari variat ation ion,, eading eadi ng to the achievement of an objective and indeed to an advantage for the initiator or the instigator of the 6
Chess Mlega Mlegame me Com Combination bination
given varaton. Historicay, however, the matter turns out such that the concept "combination begins to reate not ony to a combinationa arrangement arran gement of of pi pieces eces from rom which the concept arose, but to the very process of the course of the forcing variation. Instead of expoiting combinations (pieces and pawns) it is a matter of carrying out comb co mbin inat atio ions ns i . e . forcin cingg va vari riaations,, coming out of the combinations tiona characteristics of certain positions. Combinations are transformed from a static to a dynamic
materia gain, mating the opponent, sometimes perpetua check, staemate, etc.) The broad concept of a combination, which adheres to the cassics of chess, might be experessedd by the resse th e ffoowing oowing si simpe mpe deideinition. A combination is a forced variation by means of which the initiator ini tiator of it achi achieves eves a set set aim. ai m. It woud seem that the definition appies ony to dynamic combinations (the main part of them). This, however, is not so, since the very concept of a possibe combination comes out of the static
concept. Let us concepts into one.join Thisthese givestwo us the possibiity, as aso in any other chess process, of making an independent investigation of static and dynamic combinations. It is perfecty cear that in any forcing course of the strugge, i.e. upon the carrying out of a forcing variation there is an initiator, or that of the opponents who makes
evauation of a given where characteristics and position, features giving giv ing it i t a combinationa character character are incuded. Centuriesod combinationa practice has aowed the discovery of tens and hundreds of combinationa features in positons. These open the way to a study of phenomeda me da,, characteris characteristic tic for the combinationa strugge, which usuay
the irst move of a combination, cacuating the achievement of an objective which brings him an advantag adva ntagee ( improvi improvinng his position, positi on,
attend i t. are it. Thedevoted principatochapte cahapters rs of of the book study these phenomena.
7
Chapter Chap ter Two Two Comb Co mbin inat atio iona nall El Elem emen ents ts o ove vess an and d Th Them emes es Combinations display various degrees of of diic diicul ulty ty in their the ir execuexe cution: they can be short, short, si simple mple and and obvious, logically arising from the planned process of the truggle. They Th ey can can also a lso be very compi com picat cated, ed, many moves, with branching variations, surprising moves which are diicul diicultt to calculate calc ulate and escaping even ingenious imagination. Not only in the process of play itself, but even in analysis, combinational decisions at times escape the attention of very strong strong authoauth orities. We give an exampe of such mistaken analysis. In the game P u Taasch, from the international touament at Nberg 189, the following position was reached after White's 19th move Rxc3 (knight)
Bac B ackk shoud shoud now continu continuee 19 . . .
Nxe4 20 Qxe4 f5! and only then exchange on c3, which would give him the possibility of staunch However, Tarrasch defence. played at once 19 Rxc3, not seeing any other way for White besides 20 bxc3. But Pillsbury surpris sur prisingly ingly replied 20 +. In hiss commenta hi commentary ry at this th is point point,, TarTarraschh gave Pills rasc Pill s bury's move a question mark, just as as his next move (20 ... Bxf). He recommended men ded taking the knight with the pawn, 20 ... gxf, maintaining that in this case Black would win the game. As proof, amongst other ines, Tarras Tarrasch ch provided this analytical variation: 20 ... gxf 21 Qg4 + Kf8 ( not 2 1 . . . Kh Kh88 in view of 22 Qe4) 22 QhS Ba4 with advantage to Black. Bla ck. However Tarrasch did not notice that after 21 Qg4+ Kf8 22 Bh7 he is mated (22 . . . Bd 23 Bxf Bxf ) . Thus Thus Pillsbur Pillsbury's y's move 20 Nxf Nxf + ! turns out to be be the begi beginnin nningg of an ecell ecellent ent combination, but one which was not noticed by Tarrasch ei ther in the game or in subsequent analysis. Andd here An her e is another another case, where where •••
did not notice athe world simplechampion combination. The diagram features a position, after the 25th move, from the game
8
Chess Mdegame Mdegame Coma Comao o
Aekhine Eue in their retu
match fo for the world championshi champions hip, p, 1 93 7 .
There follo ol loed ed 22 Bb2 , whereas by by means of the simple combination 26 Qh8+ h8 would 2 Nx Nxhave + and 28 Nxe5 White ob-
ained an easily ained ea sily winning endgame. Also on the following move the opponents did not notice this combinati bin ation, on, co cont ntinu inuing ing 2 . . . Bc ? 27 a3? Only now, by defending the queenn by 27 quee 27 . . . Bd, Bd, did Euwe Euwe preprevent the threat. Thes Th esee exampl examples es of which which we cold co ld give giv e many more, more, we present present mainly in order to draw attention o the importance of combinaional air, air, i . e . caref careful ul attention attention to to hose ho se features features of the positon posi ton oonn the boardd which incie boar inc ie ideas ideas and and imagination in the search for combinaions. The features of positions, which are characterised characterised by certain combinational condit conditions, ions, i t is most most convenient o call the motives motiv es of combinations. In the combination which failed to take place in the game AlekhineEuwe, he main
combinational motive (the it moti is the undefended Black queenn on e5 quee e 5 . As soon soon as as Euwe defended his bishop, this motive disappeared and the t he combination combination became impossible. course the position posi tion of the White Whi te knight on g5 also played played it own role as a supplesupple mentary motive, as did the queen Both these pieces occupied attacking positons close by the rathe exposed position posit ion of the Black king Thee unde Th undefen fended ded p iece, iece , as shown by an analysis of numerous combinational processes, is one of the important motives, which stimulate the combinations tions. . Theappearance basis of thisof motive moti ve consists of the opening of a possibility for the inti in tiator ator of the combination combinatio n to carry carryout a double attack attack , ei the on two undefe undefende ndedd peces pec es or on an undefended piece with a simultaneous check check to the t he king. Precisely Pr ecisely thi thiss mght also have occured in the th e moment we looked at above from the game, AlekhineEuwe, after 2 Qh+ Kxh 27 Nxf7+. The his h istory tory of chess knows many combinatons on the theme of double attack; this theme is also widely encountered today Here we come close to yet another concept, essential for an investigation of the combinational pocess, which we characterise as the theme of a combination. If the motive can be called a stimulus or a combnation, then the theme of a combination is its
9
Chesss Mleg Ches Mlegme me Comb Combinations inations
finale, i.e. the concluding position, which realises the combinational idea. The theme, as it were, sums u th e whole combination an andd brings brings out the reuslt reus lt of i t . We look at a few more examples on the theme of double attack with the motive of unde un defe fend nded ed pieces, i e . their placement on undefended squares. The diagram position is from the game anoskiMieses (Prague 1908) after White's 21st move Rac.
White. 22 Kgl f4
Now this attack is deadly an leads to new combinations. 23 Rc2 g3 24 g3 Bxg3
Also this combination has the theme of double attack after 2 hxg3 Qxg3 Qxg3 + , when when the the White knight falls under attack at the same time as the check 25 Rfl Ng5!
Black could now maintain the initiative tiat ive by 2 . . . f4, but by exploitexploiting the unefene hite queen on d3, decisively he finds aincreasing combinational means of te attack.
A beautiful concluding combination on the theme of simultaneous double attack. attack. The motive is j ust the same: sam e: the undef undefen ende dedd state of the White queen on d3. On 2 N xg5 xg5 ffollo ollows ws attack 2 . . Bon xh2the + White with with a simultaneous
2 1 ... Q Qh h3 + !
queen.
A splendid combination on the theme of double attack. If White were to go halfway to meeting the opponent, and this, incidentally, was probably the best, then, after 22 Kxh3 Nx+ 23 Kg2 Nxd3 24 Rxe Nxc 25 Bxc Rde8, he also could not save the game in view of the material loss. Janowski's refusal to go into this forcing variation leads to an even quicker defeat for
26 hxg3 Qxg3 + 2 Rg2 Nxf3 + 28 RxO Qxf3 29 Qx Rx and White continued the struggle without any foundation and res igned on the 45th move. ueen's Gambit
White: G.Friedstein Black: V.mysov
(22nd Moscow Championship 1944)
1 d4 N 2 Nf3 Nf3 d5 3 c4 c6 4 Nc3
10
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Combina Combinatio tio
dxc4 S e3 bS 6 a4 Na e6 8 Bxc4 Be 9 00 00 10 Q Qee2 B Bb b 1 1 Rd Rd a 12 Bd2 Nbd bd 13 N Ncc Qb6 14 NdJ cS S NdeS NxeS 16 NxeS Rad8 1 BbS
White gives up the d4 pawn, in exchange for the a pawn. This idea, owever, runs up against a combinational ref refutat utation. ion. 1 ... cxd4 18 exd4 Qxd4 19 Nc4 QdS 20 Qf QhS
process of the combination itself. In the field of vision should be discovered not only the presence of motives, but also the possibility of creating them in the course of the struggle. 24 Kh Qxd2 2S Qe2 Q4
Materia lly,, Black has gained Materially gained nothing, but he has succeeded in wrecking the covering cov ering detachment around the th e enemy king and created here a number of weak points, as, for example, the f3 pawn and particularly the h2 point, on which Black threaten threatenss to come down with wi th a dang dangero erous us attack by . . . Bd Bd. . 26 Nc4 Rc8 Qc 2 Rd Ne3 b3 29 Ng2 30 RS Ne328g6 31 Qd3 Q4 32 Ng2 Q 33 Ne3 Qh4 34 a RhS 3S Nf Qxf2 and White soon resigned.
2 1 Nxa S
A natural desire to compensate for the loss he has suered. White could not "lag behind in taking the pawn. On 21 Be3 could follow 21 ... Ng4, on 21 B4 NdS. The position of the White king has become generally shaky. Amogst other things, the manoeuvre Rd4h4 etc. is threatened. 21
•
Bf3!
An "awkward move, move , with wit h which begins a combination on the already known t us theme of double attack. 22 gxO Rxd2! 23 Rxd2 QgS+
As distinct from the previous examples, here the motive of undefended pieces was created in the
And so the result of a cobination might be, and frequently is, not the obtaining of a material advantage, but simply the improvement of one's posi positition, on, the creation of weaknesses in the opponent's camp, the achievement of an and attacking formation of pieces other positional gains. The theme of double attack is also a characteristic of many comb inations inat ions on the endgame. endgame. We find find a very refined example of this in a wellknown study by aavedra. A combinational motive is created by the faradvanced White pawn, and, though at first sight it appearss strange, appear strange, the th e po posi sition tion of the Black king in the corner. corner. It is absolutely clear that Black must endea
Ches Ch esss M leg legameComb ameComba ati tion ons s
vour to give up the rook for the pawn. The first move of the combination, as also Black's reply, is obvious.
Rd4+ 4 Kc3 Rdl 5 Kc2 Rd4!
Intending after c8(Q) to achieve a dr draw aw by . . . Rc4 Rc4 + 7 Qxc4 stalemate. 6 c8(R)! Ra4 Kb3!
The theme of the combination is the double attack on a4 and c. Black mates in a few moves.
1 c
is intere interesti sting ng on to note thatcould with theI t Black king b he achieve a draw without diiculty, both by checking the the rook, 1 . . . Rd+ Rd+ 2 KbS RdS RdS + etc. etc. and and alsoo by playing als playing simply 1 . . . Rd Rd22 followed by checks on the b2 and a2 squares. 1
Rd6+ 2 Kb5 Rd5+ 3 Kb4
In the following chapters we become acquainted with further various combinational motives and plans. We will come across these elements of combination throughout the whole book. eforehand, it is necessary to makehowever, a deep excursion into the region of the internal content of combinations; this reveals to us a far more important stimulus in combinational creativity than purely theoretical prerequisites in the form of combinational motives.
12
Chapte Chap terr Th Thre reee Aest Ae sthe hec css of Co Comb mbina inao ons. ns. Ge Gene nera rall Id Idea eas. s. Any higher expression of harmony makes a deep aesthetic impr i mpression. ession. t excites, creates ideas about the beautiful. Combinations in chess art ar t reprerepresent a higher expression of harmony of chess for forces. Even combicombi nations simple in structure are in themselves aesthetically already one in that all the init in itiator's iator's piece pi ecess operating in them pour out their strength together, harmoniously conducting a combinative theme. The aesthetics of combinations are expressed also in methods of operation. Here, first and foremost, is advanced the concept of sacriices. In what lies the aesthetics of sacrii sacriices ces?? As is well known, from the very first steps we teach
ground of a careful regard even for the weakest chess unit. And if several pieces or a strong piece (for example, the queen, rook) are sacriiced, then the contrast is redoubled. eemingly absurd, reckless moves suddenly tu out to be strong ideas, instruments of triumph, victory. The outwardly weak thanks thanks to to hidden hidden meaning, meaning, triumphs over strength. Adroitness, ingenuity, imagination, comes forth from the winner in a struggle against an opponent's more powerful armaments. In this lies the individual beauty of the sacrifice. The sacrifice will often be surprising, and this suddenness upsets the usual humdrum ideas
the beginnerenthusiast to have careful regard for material. Wea give, as an instructive example, the case when, after losing a minor piece, the master resigns the game, game, considering further further resistance to be fruitless. Even an extra awn, just one pawn, frequently gives the possessor of it an easy victory. Therefore a voluntary giving up of a pawn pawn or piece, pi ece, or an exchange of
about thetakes course the the stugg st uggle le anda likewise theofspectator into world of magic adventure. There is even an extensive, separate terminology, characterising the aesthetics of chess combination. There arise the concepts of refined and even graceful combinations, productions of rare beauty, immortal ideas, smooth mates, elegant finishes, inis hes, etc. etc . As far back back as the last
a stronger p iece forfor onerook less or sstro trong, ng, for examplepiece queen rook for kni knight ght etc. is an event event which which contrasts with the strict back
century specialawarded prizes forin beautiful games were tournaments. In chess literature there are a
13
Chesss Mleg Ches Mlegame ame Comb Combiations iations
number of articles and special works, showing aesthetic chess combinations. We point to the work of professor professor of li terature. teratu re. A. A. miov, "Beauty in the Chess Game, the book by V. I. Volkenstein, dramatisttheoretician, "Experience of Contemporary Contemporary AestheAe sthetics, where we find a special chapter showin showing chess play. In the t he handbook of Emanuel Lasker, world champion for many years, there is a special specia l chapter under the the heading "Aesthetics of Chess Play. We give giv e a fe few exampl exa mples es of beaubea uty in chess combinations. with an ilustration from We the begin endgame, where the simplicity and normal norm ality ity of the situation si tuation wil contrast particuarly boldly with the surpsg incursion into the str st ruggle of of combinations. This circumstance must undoubtedly make a great aesthetic impression upon us. It seems, in a simple position, highy artisti art isticc ideas suddenly spring up before us. Here is a position from the game Psbu Psbu Gunsbe (International tournament at Hastings 1895)
Let u s see how originally originally and interestingy a combination developed in it: 28 N
Already this thi s move obiges obiges Black to be caref carefuu l . You see, afte afterr the text move, Black Black could could reply reply 28 . . . a and White's Whit e's knight knight has to t o retreat. retreat. In addi addition tion to this, does does Black Blac k have anything ese at his dis d ispos posal al ? On 28 . . . exf5 follow ol lowss 29 gxf gxf5 and then 30 Nxd55 + . On 28 . . . Kd Nxd Kd7, 7, simp simpes estt iiss 29 fxe+ fxe+ Kxe Kxe 30 c c Kd 3 1 c7 Kxc7 32 Nxd5+ and Nxf. Thus Black has no choice. 28
•••
a5 29 c6!!
The beginning a long nation, in which asofthe main mai ncombitheme theme serves the double threat of the pawn an original aspect aspect of double attack.
29 ... Kd Kd6 6
But right now it seems seems the knight knig ht must step back. 30 e6!
A nail, which is the basis of a combinational idea. 30
•••
Nxc6
Black has nothing else, a situation that often ccurs during the course of a briliant and unusual combination. Even two moves ago ago it ooked ike a quiet knight ending w ith some som e position posi tiona a advantage advantage ffor or White. Now, however, the two White pawns burst into the th rank, ra nk, whie the the knig knight ht his his las lastt pi piece ece White Whi te o oers for sacrifice. sacrifice. For what and why does Black decline decli ne to accept the sacrifice sacrifice?? The reply to this is given by the folow folow
14
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Combiat Combiations ions
ing possib possibee continuat continuation: ion: 3300 . . . axb4 ax b4 3 1 e7 Kxe7 Kxe7 3 2 c7 and and the the White pawn goes on to queen, since Back has no defence against the two two threat threatss cxb7 or c8(Q c8 (Q ) . An origina ori gina aspect aspect of the doube doub e attack of a pawn! 3 1 Nxc xc6 6 Kxc6 Kxc6 3 2 e4! dx dxe4 e4 3 3 d5+
f the first theme in al the combinations is the "doube attack with the pawn, then the second is the formation of two connected passed pawns, which have already crossed the frontier. 33
000
Kd6 34 Ke3 b4 35 Kxe4
a4White 36 Kd4 hurries to hod up the
Back pawn and this aso decides the outcome of the strugge. His contemporaries considered this combinationa miniature of Pilsbury to be one o ne of the most ref refined, in fact the most refined production of the Hastings touament. And indeed so it is. A combination refined in its suddeness, originaity of theme, rarey met in practice, simpi sim picity city of materia taking part part in it, a beautifu sacriice of a single piece and the overal beauty of al the ideas. Two pawns, standing amost side by side, without piece support, putting up resistance to the kin ki ng and knight, knight , i. e. pieces which are considerably stronger. In the next diagram we see a study by Reti. White to play and draw. At first first sight, sigh t, the study ooks ooks ike nonsense.
The White Whi te pawn on f is nneutr eutraaised, whereas no way can the Black pawn be overtaken by the White king. uch an obvious state of aairs. But in the present case the obvious is not thecarries truth. out As aa matter of fact, White combination with two themes. One of o f them illustrate illustratess the succes successsfu pursuit of the Back pawn by the White king, and the other the queening of his own pawn, despitee the despit the reiab re iable le guarding guarding rol rolee of of the Back king. The combination dvelops like this: 1 Kb7 a4 2 Kc6
Now No w if 2 . . . a3 , then then 3 Kd Kd a2 a2 4
Kg7 5 Ke7 and White also
queens. 2
00 0
3
00 000 0
Kg6 3 Kd5!!
A move with two threats! The king enters into the square of the a apawn pawn and defen defends ds his own passed passe d pawn. a3 4 Ke6 a2 5 draw
The nevertobeforgotten A. A. Troitsky composed many combinational classic endgame studies. We give giv e one of these these , which makes a most aesthetic impression.
15
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Combia Combiations tions
The combination leading to the win is constructed on the sixfold repetition of the theme of double attack, but this is not al.
The beau beauty ty of th e st stud udyy lies in thethe extremey sparing movements of rook from the start and then on its retu jouey along the same path, and that this "sloth, stingy in its movements, has at the same time ti me a crushing e eect ect:: 1 Rb4! Qc8 2 Rb8 Qh3 3 Rh8 Nh4 4 Rxh4 Qc8 5 Rh8 Qb7 6 Rb8,
and Black inaly loses the stubborny escaping queen. Aso artistic ist ic is the construction of the rook manoeuvre: 1 Rb8h8xh4h8b8. Looking at the inuence of
creative moves in the chess game for the spectator, Em. Lasker said, "The spectator takes pleasure not only in the outward side of the chess game but aso in its story, its drama. It does matt that and the chessboard chessbo ard serves servenot s asmatter the er scene, the actors are represented by chess pieces. If it were a drama of chessplaye chess players rs unfold unfolding ing on the scene of a theatre, theatre , it might m ight not produce a very deep impression, but with the indispensable conditions conditions that exist exi st on the board, the spectator feels interested intere sted and understa understands nds i t. Nott all No al l combinations combinat ions produce produce an equal aesthetic impr Combinations ca n be impression. can more moreession. beautiful beautif ul and and less beautiful. A rough outward cover (form) might not be in accord with wi th a i ine ne idea (content) . At the basis basi s of a combinati combination on are always combined two important crea cr eati tive ve meth method odss dynami dynamicc and and harmonious. This united action leads to the production of creati creative ve forms, the the artist a rtistic ic content of of whi which ch also makes up, in the main, an aesthetic combination.
1
Chapter Chapt er Fo Four ur Idea Id eass an and d Te Tech chni niqu que e in Co Comb mbin ina aon onss with wit h th the e " "mo moth ther ered ed King King. . The concept of motives and themes can probaby be related to theoretic theor etical al concepts. concepts. Undoubtedly quite a ot of creative accent fals on them, but a a the same no no more more than an accent. Meanwhile the aesth ae sthetic etic this this esse essentially ntially is the the sum of artistic creative forms, impresses itsef upon the thoughts and feel elii ngs of of man. It is i s clear that in combinations, which appear as one of the basic sources of artistic creation in chess, apart from motives and themes there exists a further kind of eement, containing exacty that c reative eati ve oas oas where harmony of operation is perfected and its dynamic and intended, of course, concrete me-
tiona process, alowing an artistic path for al a l the pangs and doubts of an artist. The next diagram position was reached on the 27th move of an exhibition game, Bestein Capabanca (Moscow, anuary 194).
thod takesfrom shape,anwhich conveys thoughts approximate andma an dmark rk a motive, to a cearly cearly outlined outlin ed objective objective a the theme. me. The method which heps us to seek a basic motive and achieve a theme represents a conrete intention, in other words an idea. Idea! This is what, consequenty, is the main product of creative imagination in the thoughts thoughts of man. This is where
White's postonis isunder unsatisfactory. His knight attack and if it retreats to a3 or d4, Black consolidates his passed faradva ad vanc nced ed pawn by . . . Rdc8 (w ith the thr threa eatt . . . N b4 ) , and Wh White ite cannot hold on for long under the very strong pressure. It is natural that White does not see any other way out apart from taking the dangerous paw, the more so that
a storehouse aesthetic vaues is conceaed andof humdrum, accrued sma advantages become transformed into a dashing combina
it is defended attacked by three times and onlyhim twice by Black pieces. Moreover, into his thoughts
17
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Com Combatio bations ns
looms he looms he variation 2 7 N Nxc3 xc3 Nxc3 28 Rxc3 Rxc3 29 Rxc3 Qb1 + 30 Qf1 Qxa2, which, taking into account the material equality, gives him good chances of a draw.
movement restricted by its pawns. However, it shoud not be thou th ough ghtt that that th the moti motive ve the the lockedin loc kedin position position of the king king by itself testiies to the combinational
Up to a certain point game proceeded according to the above variation. It coninued ike this:
nature of the position. One of superfi fici cial al structural arran arrangement gement pi pieeces and pawns is a ong way from being suicient for such a conclusion. O cour course se,, to a certain certain extent, extent , thee thoughts of a chess ayer spurn th spu rn structura features in search of a combinational decision, but only spu, not more. more. One and the same position of the king (for example, ocked ocke din in,, as in the example looked looked
27 Nxc Nxc33 Nxc3 28 Rxc3 Rxc3 Rxc3 229 9 Rxc3
Now, however, folows not 29 . . . Q b 1 + , b u t 29 ... Qb2!! This double attack on the rook and queen leads immediately to a win, since White now loses a rook. Indeed, dee d, on 30 Qe 1 follows 30 Qxc3, while on 30 Rc2, 30 ... Qb1+. I t is not diicult to see that the possibility of carrying out the theme of doube attack is based on the t he unfortunate position of the White king, which has no ight squares after the the threatened threate ned invasion of the Black Bl ack rook. f White had made the move h3 or g3 , then Back's combination would have not been possible. Thus the main motive of the combination is the lockedin position of the White king, its
at) couldit also beaso a combinational motive, might not be. This depends on the creative tension of the position, positio n, on a number of details characterising this tension. Exposing the position posi tion of the k ing also might migh t serve as as a combinational motive,, but ony in that case when, motive when, alth al though ough only potential potentially, ly, the king could be made an object of attack. In the majority of endgames, only in rare cases can the open position posit ion of the king be seen as a combinational motive. ummarising, it is possibe possibe to say that the characteristic character istic features of a position can ony acquire the significance of a combinational motive when this feature is accopanied by other circumstances, which in total are able to produce serious creative potential. Returning to the combination in the game BernsteinCapablanca, we point to the additional circumstance which
18
Chess Mdlegam Mdlegamee Comba Combations tions
aows the ockedi ockedi n position of the White king (incidentay Black's is aso restricted!) to be seen as combinationa motive. This circumstance is the presence on the
creative connection connection with w ith ideas and to a considerable extent promotes the correct impementation of them (in the given positional circumstances!! ) cumstances
board of heavy and serve open ies, which mightpieces obviousy as paths for the penetration of the Back queen and rook to the first rank. What, however, is the idea of Capabanca's combination, i.e. what task did he set himself, by sacriicing the main trump of his positiona pressure, the pawn on c3? O course Black's idea is the
We ideas: ist a number tiona removal of of combinaa barrier (obstace), blockading, pinning (pieces), intercepting (lines on which pieces are moving), defection of pieces from defensive funct ions, decoying of of pi pieeces to squares marked for attack, and others. Al these methods ar so cosey connected with the creative, planned side of combination combinat ion,, in other words
penetration of the andsuch rooka to the first rank. In queen order for penetration to become possibe, it is necessary to defect the White rook and quee q ueenn from from defence defence of the d 1 and b 1 points. He manages m anages to defect the rok by the sacrifice of the pawn on c3, and the queen by carryi car rying ng out out the the powerful powerful them themee . . . Qb2. Here it shoud be noted that the theme in the present combination turns out to be in an unusua and beautiful form, and, as it were, owing into a basic creative pan an idea. The reaisation of an idea often requires great imagination, thee app th appication ication o f many methods, which in tota make up the technica side of fulfiing a plan. As aso in any business, business, technique has has
with the idea it rests rest s upon, even possibe, if we wantthat to, ittois attempt to classi combinational ideas. The technical method, you see, aso contains its own sort of plan, the details of the general idea, whic wh ichh as a whole is characteris characterised ed by a combination. Thus it is not possibe to divorce the technique of a combination frm its creative side, to give it secondary importance. The importance of technique in combinational creatvty is so great, that only upon the correct and wetimed application of its methods can creative thought in combination ind its fu expression. One soveny method might make a correcty conceived plan
paramount methods importance Technica mightinat chess. times be very compicated The technique of combinations has a direct
impossible. To conclude the th e present present chapter we dwe on one brill iant combinacombinationa idea, ide a, a combination where as
19
Chess Che ss Mlegam Mlegamee Com Comba batio tions ns
the theme we come across none other than the downfall of a king, "smothered by its own comrades. Essentiall Es sentiallyy we discuss an idea close to the one we have just j ust looked at of the mate of aThis king,idea locked b its own pawns. hasinpased along a great historical path and apparently entered entered into into the histor his toryy of combinations as long ago as the time of Greco (1600634). The question here is of a king getting mated as a consequence of the fact that the surrounding pieces and pawns (of the same colour), totally deprive it of the possibil possib ility ity of moving.In an instructive game, presented in his "elfTeacher, chiers, without indicating the names of the opponents, demonstrated this mate in the following form.
e4 e5 2 d4 c5 3 dxc5
Black's pawn sacrifice is unfounded, and White can quietly take the pawn 3 Bxc5 4 N Non Ne5. f6 5 Bc4 0 0 6 •• •
Nxe5 Nxe4 Qd5 Nxf2 Nx Qh4 9 Nh6+ Kh 10 +
Rxg N mat mate
uch a mate with the rook (o knight) and pawns locking in t king is called smothered mate. From Greco we find the follw ing example smothered i the nale ofof one of themate game variations given in his manucripts.
15 ... Nf2+ 16 Ke Nd3+ 1 Kd Qe + Nxe Nxe Nf2 mate mate
Here the White king is bricked up with two pawns pawns and and three minor mi nor pieces. I t is not diicult diicult to see see that tha t there is much in common between the ideas of both the combination and the technique techniq ue of of carryi carrying ng it out. At the basis of the combination lies two checks with the queen and knight, in the first case by Nh6+, in the the second by Nd3 + . The The idea of the combination is reected in the sacrifice sacrifice of the queen, made in order to blockade, to make inaccessible to which the kingthe might mighlast t stilsquare move ( in compositions, composit ions, such an idea is caled cal ed the brickedup king).
20
Chess Mdl Mdlegame egame Combia Combiation tions s
The smothered mate is met in games also as a threat that might even bring to the active side (the initiator) a decisive achievement. Out of several casual games with the idea such a mate, which the we have at our ouofr disposal, disposal , we present following example.
There followed 2 0 Nd6! On 20 . . . Bxg2, there there isis obviously obviously the inevitable smothered mate after 2 1 Qa2+ . Naturally Black prefers to suer •
In this pon, where White has a small advantage, the struggle might still go on for a long time, were it not for a combinational possibility, connected with the idea of smothered mate which White has at his disposal here. There followed 24 Nd6! and Back resigned, since he suers new ne w material material loss loss ater ater 24 24 . . . cxd6 cxd6 25 Bxd5 + etc. The main di dirrection ection,, however, ho wever, of the combination lies l ies in in 25 . . . Bxg2 ( other otherwis wisee he cann cannot ot avoid serious material loss) 26 Qa2 + Kh8 27 Nf Nf + Kg8 Kg8 28 N h6 + Kh8 29 Qg8+ Rxg8 30 Nf7 mate. A complicated was carried out incombination the game RomanovskyBotvinnik played Romanovsky at Leningrad in 1927.
material loss, cxd6 byd6replying Bb 3 2 1 Qc1 cx 22 Bxc6 Bxc620Re6 Re6 23 cxd6 etc. Morphy also succeeded in twice gi giving ving smothered mate to to his hi s opponents nen ts these these game gamess are are gen gener erally ally well known and have appeared in many publications. A l l that tha t remains for for us is to say a few more words about the idea of a combination ending in smothered mate. It consists of bringing the enemy king into a state of total immobility, due to the close encirclement of its own pieces and pawns. To carry out this idea, which is the result of a joint (harmonious) attack of the queen and knight, knight , the following operation is necessary and obligatory: a diagonal check wi th theand queen, queen , double double heck with wi tha queen knight, andccheck finally queen sacrifice leading to a total locking in of the king with pieces
21
Chess Che ss Md Mdleg legame ame Com Combin binati ations ons
o its ow ownn colo colour ur.. A Ate terr th this is th thee knight gives mate on the critical square, upon which it appears or the second time. Today this combination is more o purely hi hist stor oric ical al si sign gni iic icanc ance, e,
but, irrespe but, irrespectiv ctivee o this, this, its artis artistry try,, the quee queenn sacr sacrii iice ce,, an andd outw outwar ardd structure o mate, even now makes a great eat aest aesthe heti ticc impr impres essi sioon on chess enthusiasts.
22
Chapter Chapt er Fi Fiv ve ore o re abo about ut Ae Aest sthe heti tics cs.. Ab Abou outt the ps pseu eudo dosa sacr cri ice ce. . The sacri ri ce of a Queen undefended square cannot be taken, interest is aroused for the whole creative production. You see, also the pseudosacrifice, which like the sacrice is an active oensive operation, is needed in accordance accor dance w ith the th e combinat combinational ional conditions.
Already in the previous chapters, we have touched upon the subject of sacrifice sacrifice,, as upon the element elem ent of aesthetics aes thetics in i n chess art. As we have already explained above, we call a voluntary giving up of material, pawns, pieces, etc, with the aim of carrying out a combinational plan, a sacrifice. Other sacrifices can be called pseudosacrifices where, after one, two, three moves, the sacrificed material is recovered with interest and the sacrificer himself achieves a material material advantage. advantage. Also possible possible is the kind of sacrifice as was feature tu redd above above in i n t he game, game , Bernste Bernstein in Capablanca. The queen is placed under attack, but it cannot be
rence Thus, between essentially, the pseudosacrifice the great dieand the sacrifice is diicult to perceiv. trictly speaking, the preix "pseudo can be added to almost any sacrifice sacrifice,, since si nce as as the end end resul resultt of the combination its initiator achieves (or a denite combination should achieve by itself) an advantage. The strength of the aesthetic influence of a sacriice is deter-
taken because of the mate inwhich would follow immediately this case. uch a "sacrifice can still quite rightly be called a pseudosacrifice sacrif ice,, but also a pseudosacrifice pseudosacrifice in no way lacks beauty. In it, also, the usual notions of the possibility and the allowance of this or that move are sharply and surprisingly disregarded. The irst impression about the pseudosacrice is the same as an "oversight (the socalled unnoticed threat). When, however, it is "explained that the
minedquestioning not so much theto argument the by right quai a giving up of material as a sacrifice, as by a number of other creative considerations, asg around the sacrifice (or pseudosacrifice). In both this and the other case occurs a sudden break with generally accepted, habitual notions and one of these circumstances is already suiient for aesthetic perception of the occurring events. For the dierent degrees of aes-
thetic inuence, of vital impor
piece placed under threat on an 23
Ches Ch esss M le lega game me Comb Combi iat ation ions s
tance are a number o circumstances, conceing not only the fact itself of the sacrifice (or pseudosacrifice) sacrif ice) but as a soo the interrelation in terrelation of the sacriici sacriicial al idea with the who-
pawn, minor piece, rook, several pieces (see, for example, below in Chapter 8, the game AnderssenKieseritsky), while it is also possible to sacrifice the queen,
le compositon com positon combinati Let us point outofathe fewcombination. of these: on. for example, the important moment when the sacrifice was oered oered.. This might occur occur ei ther at the beginning or in the midde m idde or end end of the combination. In the game BesteinCapabanca, the inal pseudosacrifice sacrif ice,, expressed by the move 29 . . . Qb2 ! found ound an almost almost uunan nani-imous response with commentator comm entators.s.
wh whic h is the the most mo st powerfu pow erfull piece piec e of theich operating chess forces. Therefore precisely the sacrifice of the queen or the pseudosacrifice of it often makes a particularly strong impression. Let us look lo ok at a fe few combina comb inations tions with such a sacrifice.
"An wrote eective concluding blow! they in their comments to this game. The aesthetic in this pseudosacrifice consists consis ts of fou fourr circi rcumstances: its construction of beauty, the fact that it is not obvious and therefore surrising in thatt it tha i t was foreseen foreseen "from "from afar afar,, and finally, its power and iresistibility, which evoked an immediate capitulation by t he oppon opponent. ent. No less, and even greater eect can be produced by a sacriice at the start of some multimove combination, where it will be diicut to quickly determine the correctness of the sacrifice and where the struggle goes on sometimes for a rather long time in unequal materia conditions, but with victory being gained, nevertheless, by the
The diagram poston is from Kotov Koto v Bondavsky Bonda vsky,, played in the AllUnion tournament in memory of avitsky (Leningrad 1936). It is unusual. The game has reached the 21st move but still no pieces have been exchanged. Black' Bl ack'ss queen's ank an k is "fr "frozen ozen and and twoo ooff his pieces th tw thee rook rook and and bishop bish op are inactive. inactive. The The othe otherr Black rook on d4 is tangled up amongst the opponent's opponent's pieces and must obviously perish in the small
sideTh with The e thi t hirthe rd thing thlesser ing westrength. want to mention is about the scale of the sacrifice. It is possibe to sacrifice a
cage which it findsposi wouldinseem that Black's poitself. sition tion isIt unenviable, but White's king is in an extremely precarious position
24
Chess Che ss M le legam gamee Com Comba bat t
which creates a motive for all sorts of combinations. Black threatens not only a discovered and double c h ec k . . . Ne4 Ne 4 + , but al also sim simpp ly to take the knight on e5. White thereforeto has He is forced take no the choice. rook. Thus: 22 Bxd4 Ne4+ 23 Ke3
This leads to mate, since Black has availabe a beautiful combination with a queen sacrifice. But also the retreat to f was not very comforting. On 23 Kf there might follow 23 ... Bxe5 24 Bxe5 Nxe5 25 fxe4 Ng4 Ng4 with the threa threats ts of . . . Ne3+ and ... Nh2 mate. Also the move 24 N xe5 would lead to an advantage for Back in this variation. Then 24 ... Ng3+ 25 K Qxd4+ Qxd4 + 26 Kxg3 Kxg3 N xe5 etc with wit h the better chances. 23
000
f4+!
This check solves two problems: it blocks the f4 square and deects the knight away from the f2 square.
board, even though a t the moment moment of mate White holds a great material advntage. 26 Kxd4 Bc5+ 2 Kd3 Nxe5 mate
The idea of thethecombination consists of enticing White king into a mating net. The queen sacrifice was a decisive factor in this operation. In the game, Bestein Capablanca the queen sacrifice is the apotheosis apotheosis of the combination. In the game, KotovBondarevsky, the queen sacrifice forced a final mate in 3 moves. In the next examp a sacrifice is made in the opening itself. The combin com bination ation coming comi ng out out of it looks most spectacular since from the sacrifice to the moment of the demonstration of the theme still lies a long path. However, just as in the game KotovBondarevsky, the idea of the combination consists of luring the king into open
24 Nxf4 Qf2+ 25 Kd3
space, into a mating net.
25
000
Qxd4+!!
Three minor pieces mate the
The diagram position is from the game Averbach AverbachKotov (Interna-
White king in the middle of the
tiona tournament for Candidates, 25
Chess Che ss Ml Mlega egame me Comb Combat atns ns
Zrich 1953). Black's d6e5f4 pawn chain has a highly cramping eect upon the activity of the White pieces. The White king is precariously pre cariously placed; the h3 point is
carelessness on the 33rd move. This reduces its aesthetic tone a lilitt ttle le,, but Black Bla ck all the the same fin finds ds a win and thereby saves the reputation of his sacrifice sacrifice..
very tweak Black threatens direct direc his and attac attack k upo upon n it by by .to .. Rh6.
3Black's Nf6+ t imet time tr38 rouble oubKf5 le was waNxd5+ s the the reason reason
30 Ne Ne22
Only with Only wit h the knight, from g , is it possible to defend the h3 point, therefore White's move is forced. However a combinational storm breaks out on the board. 0 ... Qxh3+!
An excellent combination, proving that the strengt of pieces is determined by their deployment and the dynamic role which they have in prospect to play in the cause of of immediate events. White's Whi te's quantitive advantage of a whole queen is more than compensated by the active position of the Black pieces. Moreover White's pieces now find themselves behind their king and and are unable, in the shortest possible time which is allowed them, to come to its help. 3 1 Kx Kxh3 h3 Rh6 Rh6 + 32 Kg Kg4 4 N+ 33 Kf5 Nd
Now mate in three moves is thre th reat aten ened ed by . . . R + , agai agains nstt which, however, White can still defend himself himself;; meanwhile meanwhile 33 . . . Ng4 would have made mate unavoidable. 34 Rg5 R+ 35 Kg4 N+ 36 Kf5 Ng8+ 3 Kg4
Thee combinat Th com bination ion has been com-
•••
for this unnecessary move. 39 Kg4 Nf6+ 40 Kf5 Ng8+ 41 Kg4 N + 4 2 K Kff5 Ng8 Ng8+ + 43 4 3 Kg4 Bxg5 44 Kxg5 R
Again, mate is threatened after . . . Rg7 + 45 Bh4 Rg6+ 46 KhS R 4 Bg5 Rxg5 + 48 Kh4 Nf6 . . . R5 R5gg6 also winning. 49 N g3 Rxg3 Rxg3 50 Qxd6 R3g6 5 1 Qb8+ Rg8 and Whi White te resigned resigned..
Out of two possible ways of realising the queen sacrifice, Black chose the worse. worse. This did not alter the result, but the artistic side of the combination faded. Thus technical infallibility is also an important element element of aesthetics aesthet ics.. If we are looking looki ng for an analogy, then a technical mistake in the process of a combination can be compared, perhaps, to a stroke of the brush in thee ppainting th ainting of a whole picture. In a picture, however, however, such suc h a strok strokee of the brush brus h can ca n be corre corrected, cted, washed washed o and restored in such a way as to achieve a production of full, high artistic value. In chess this is not possible. A mistake made in the process of carrying out a plan accompanies duction duction, , until unti lthe the given end end of ofchess tim time, e, proas a witness to its artistic imperfection.
We return again to a few inter
plicated due to Black s technical 26
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Combina Combinations tions
esting illustrations. As is well known, combinatinal romanticism found a good refuge in the thoughts of many chess players of the 9th century and ealier. uch very important representatives of Western romanticism as Anderssen, Zukertort, Mackenzie, Blackburne, Bird and others were proud champions of sacriicial tactics. Much material was sacrificed by them, even the queen. First of all we give some examples from their practice.
The diagram position is from the game MackenzieMason Mason (Paris 878) There folowed 17 Qh6+! Black was just about to steal away with his king to f8. His last movee was mov was 16 . . . Rag8. Rag8. With W ith the the queen sacrifice, White forces the enemy king to journey forth into the enemy camp, where of course, it will wi ll be shown no mercy. Later we we wi be convinced that such a forcible away the king intoas-a zone luring occupied by ofenemy forces sumes amost a typical character.
is one f the first with this idea. 17 Kxh6 Kxh 6 1 8 Nhf hfSS + Bx BxfS fS 19 NxfS+ KhS 20 g4+ 000
This sacrifice f a pawn is n obligatry. Mate in 23 mves wa als achieved 20 ... Rh3+ 2 Nh6 mate,after r 20 Nh4g4 2 Rxh4+ g6 22 Rh6 mate. 20 Kxg xg4 4 2 1 Rg3 + KhS 22 Be2 mate 000
Thus the theme f the cmbinatin is mate. uch a mate, frm nw n, we will wi ll call thematic themati c . The cmbinatin cntained three thematic mates: the bishp n e2, th knight n h6 and the rk n h6. In the game, Kosch Kosch yd yd,, after the 25th mve was created, it would seem, a perfectly quiet position. Hwever, White strived for precisely this positin, he was inspired by a pwrul cmbinational mtive, in view of his very actively placed bishop. The a2g8 diagonal, on which the bishop is deployed, points directly to a combinatin.
The famous problemist Loyd,
However the present combination
ooking placidy at the board was 27
Ches Ch esss M le lega game meCom Comb bat atns ns
probaby shaken to the bottom of his heart when there foowed 2 6 Qxg6!! and Back coud resign in view of 26 . . . hxg6 hxg6 27 R. The six six moves which Back made (26 ... Qd7 2307 QxfS R R Rad8 RaRf8 d8 28 29 e6 Qc7 31 Rh3 QeS h6 QxeS 32 fxeS ) were essentia essentiay y an a n unneces unnecesssary "production cost. We now present a queen sacrific icee , made by the eader of of German romanticism, Adof Anderssen. (Berin Andesen h Andesen haUop aUopp p 1 864) This game, toge together ther with wi th the combination combin ationa a finae, asted asted j ust 1 4 moves. e4 e5 2 f4 d5 3 NfJ dxe4 4 Nxe5 Bd6 5 B4 Bxe5 6 e5 Qd4 7 Qe2 Qxe5 8 d4! Qxd4 9 Nc3 N 1 0 B Bee3 Qd8 1 1 0 0 h6
On 1 1 . . . 00 Whit Whitee wo woud rep repyy 1 2 Rad 1 Nbd7 1 3 BgS obtainin obtainingg an irresistibe attack. 12 B5
Now 13 Rad Bd7 or Nbd7 14 Qxe4! is threatened. Back does not see thiscannot queen sacrifice, but he generay defend himsef against White's combinationa attack. 12
•• •
Nbd7
(ee next diaam
13 Qxe4+!
An obvious sacrifice sacrifice,, hich consideraby reduces its aesthetic vaue; nevertheess the queen is given up for insignificant materia. Contemporaries of thisas as-y sessed sess ed this thi s combination as atime "highy "high instructive ending. The concud-
... Nxe4 14 Bxf7 mate.
We do not have to discuss the motive of this combination. The course of the game, from the very opening, has a competey combinationa motive, over which "oomed the significance of accepting the weakness of the f7 point. Attack on this point aso made up the idea of the combination, into which entered the distraction of the Back knight from the f6 square. The thematic mate presents itsef as a pure mate, with two bishops, to ainBack haf ocked by itsking ownwhich pieces.is chaopp payed the game weaky and Anderssen probaby did not have to work very hard to demonstrate the aesthetic briiance of his pan. RiemannAndesen
(Bresau 1876) e4 e5 2 f4 exf4 3 B4 Qh4+ 4 Kf d5 5 Bxd5 Nf6 Nf6 6 Nc3 B 7 e5 exf6 1 0 Bxc3 Qe2 Qe2 +8 K d8 Bx Q94 NO Re Re8 QhS
A transparent combinational
"trap which one does not have to
ingg ma in mate te is origina and and "pur "pure, e , 1 3 28
Chesss Mdl Ches Mdlegam egamee Com Comba batn tns s
be particuary perspicacious to notice, but most frequenty it is precise pr eciseyy a queen sacriice which is overooked. 12 Bx?
does the concept does concept of o f combinationa combinationa vision enter into chess terminoogy. Combinationa vision arises anywhere in the inmost recesses of our thoughts and, heping in the
tion! Asothe exampe iustrates ustr ates th the e by present no means rare case of this sort. Very often a combination remains unnoticed, not ony by the payer over whom hangs the threat. ometimes even an "obvious combination sips out of eyeshot, as we have aready seen above and wi come across time and again in i n the future. future. What does does this impy? This impies that com-
work imagination, aows usouto find of interesting, beautifu, twardy weveied combinations. It is we known that there are chesspayers who possess or who have poss ssed very good, sharp combinationa vision. Amongst these, in the first instance, we can pick, out of contemporary UR chesspayers, Ta, passky, Korchnoy. no y. In the the past past the giants giants of combination were Anderssen, Zukertort, Pisbury, Lasker, Chigorinn and, gori and, o f cour course, se, Aekhine. Aekhine. At the same time, there exist strong chesspayers who possess average combinationa vision. It is precisey these chesspayers, for the most part, who overook overook combinations. This is why it is not possibe to equate the overooking of combinations with a simpe "bunder of pieces, pawns or mate. I t i s true that under some combinationa schemes, which are discussed beow, we do succeed in pacing a theoretica base, but for the present such schemes are sti comparativey few in number. A vai va iing ing ourseves of a convenient opportuni opportu nity ty for a itte itt e digres-
binations are an eement the chess strugge, most yiedingof with diicuty to theoretica generaisa-
sion, by no ofmeans to eave we the theme queenintend sacrifice. Extensive materia sti ies ahead
White ought ought to to payof1 2this d3 wiheth isa good game. Instead mated in 5 moves.
12 Qxf3+! 13 gxf3 Bh3+ 14 2 14 Kg Re + 15 K Bh4 •••
mate
14 ... ... B Bh4+ h4+ 1 5 Kg Kg Re + 1 6 Qf Rxf mate
White "fe for the combina-
of us in this area, which we con
tion and anaysis. Not for nothing 29
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame C Comba ombaons ons
sider absoutey absoute y essentia to bring to the notice of our readers. A few more od iustrations. Vienna Game
White: Back: PC.Hamppe .Meitner (Vienna 1873) 1 e 4 e 5 2 Nc3 Bc5 3 Na Na4 4 Bxf2+
White wants to refute Back's 2 nd move, and Back White's 3 rd move. harp pay ensues, in which White tries t ries to hod on to the extra piece. 4 Kxf2 Qh4+ 5 Ke3
The right continuation was 5 g3 Qxe4 6 N Qxa4 7 Bh3 foowed by 8 Re Re . 5 ... Q4+ 6 Kd3 d5 7 Kc3 Qxe4 8 Kb3 Na6 9 a3
safe refuge for his wandering "monarch by paying 12 a4. 12 Kxc5 Ne7
Now Back threatens mate in t w o mov es . . . b6+ b 6+ an a nd . . . Bd Bd77 + . 1 3 Bb5 Bb5 + Kd8 1 4 Bc6! Bc6!
The ony move to save himsef from mate mate.. After After 14 . . . bxc6 bxc6 1 5 N White Wh ite breaks out of the mat mating ing net,, into which his king has net has faen, ae n, and then the materia advantage tes. 14 ... . .. b b6 6 + 15 Kb5 Nxc Nxc6 6 16 Kxc Kxc6 6 B b 7 + ! 1 7 Kb K b5
Accepting this sacrifice sacrifice is strictly stric tly prohibit pr ohibiteed 1 7 Kx Kxb7 b7 Kd7 18 Qg Qg4 + Kd6, and White is mated. 1 7 ... Ba6+ 1 8 Kc6! Kc6!
White is accurate. He coud sti get mated after 18 Ka4 Bc4! 1 8 ... .. . Bb Bb77 + Draw Draw by perpetua check. Thus Back's queen sacrifice ed to a draw. After After the quee qu eenn sacrif sacr ifice ice Back payed in the best way, consequenty ony one question re-
A surprising combination! By sacricing the queen, Back competey isoates the White king from its army and surrounds it with his
mainsdiagram to be dec decided ided whether, in the position, Back had avaiabe a continuation better thann . . . Qxa4, tha Qxa4, in other other word words,s, was it worth sacrificing the queen for the sake of a draw? draw ? White Whi te threatens th reatens to pay Nc3 and then Ka2, after which the extra piece, which he has,s, can ha can "caim "c aim its right. right . Ony Ony two retorts are possibe against this: 9 . . . Be6 an and 9 d4. The attep atteptt 9 . . .
ow own oraces. 10 nKx Kfxorces. 4 Nc5 Nc5 + 1 1 Kb4 a5 + Back aso has to give up the
Be6insis to refook refuted uted at 1 0continua d4. There The re nre-9 ma mains aby t the conti nuatio tion . . . d4, but then 1 0 K Kaa2 Be6 Be6 + 1 1 b3
9
•••
Qxa4+!
knight. Otherwise White finds a
is possibe. Thus, f , .1 Back's 30
Chess Mlega Mlegame me Co Combna mbnations tions
point of view, the queen sacrifice was the right decision. Not to mention the fact that White might make a mistake in the diicut defence and ose, Back with this
tal t alia ian n Game
sacrifice insures himsef against oss. BackbueMackenzie (London 1882). The position after White's 29th mo move ( 29 Qg2 ? )
c3 Nf6 5 Bb6 Bh6 b6 69 Qb3 d6 8 Bg5 Bh40 0g57 d3 10 Bg3
White: H.Bird Back: A.Bu (London 1886) 1 e4 e5 2 NfJ Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 4
At first sight it seems that, by sacrificing a piece, 10 NxgS, White obtains chances of a win. Howe Ho weve ver,r, Back would repy 10 . . . Nxe4 with an interesting counterattack att ack.. Moreove Moreover,r, also also afte afterr 1 0 . . . hxgS 11 BxgS Bx + Back has promising defensive resources. 10 Ne7 1 1 Nbd Nbd c6 c6 12 d4 exd4 13 Nxd4 Nxe4? 14 Nxe4 d5 15 N+ Kg7 16 Nh5+ Kg6 17 Bd3+ • ••
There foows a combination with wi th a queen sacrifice sacrifice and a beautibeaut ifu thematic mate to concude. 29
•••
Qxd5!
im py 1 7 Be2 impy Be2 was was aso possi possibe, be, but White Whi te has pa p ann nned ed a combination with a queen sacriice. 17
•••
Kxh xh55 18 Q Q + Bg4 Bg4
In the the even eventt of 1 8 . . . g4, White quicky decides the game after 19
Backbue at this time aready one was f the strongest chesspayers in the word. In the 2nd congress congress of the Ge Gerrman Chess Federation in 1881, which was held in Berin, he took 1st prize, outstripping Zukertort, Winawer, Chigorin, L. Pausen and many other masters of that time. And none the ess he did not notice the threatened queen sacrifice!
h3.
30 eex xd5Bxc2 Bf Bf5 + 3 1 Qc Qc22 R Raa + ! 32 Kxa
19 Qxg4+
and White was mated on the next
A quite simpe combination
move.
with a queen sacrifice, but the 31
Chess Mlega Mlegame me C Combiat ombiations ions
Engish champion did not see it, otherwise he woud, of course, have resigned. 19
•••
Kxg4 20 Be2 mate
Internationa touament practice knows quite a few cases ofwith the overooking of combinations a queen sacrifice, even in cassics of chess art. Here is one exampe. In the game anowski anowski chechter, payed in the great inteationa touament at London 1889, after White's 33rd move the foowing position was reached.
Whi te's pieces have headed harWhite's moniousy towards the king's ank, and the position of the Back king is far from safe. For exampe, exam pe, 34 e5 dxe5 35 Qh6 e4 36 R5 is threatened, and Back is defenceess. There foowed: 33
•
mediate 34 Nf5 Bxf5 35 Rxf5 Qc3 36 Rxf8+ Kxf8 woud give White nothing,, since nothing si nce on 3 7 Qxh Qxh 7 ffo oows ows 37 ... Qx3+. However, after 34 Kh2, this variation is threatened, and some other attacks.equay A this,aso apparenty, worried chechter so much that he ost s ight of such an unusua method as the sacrifice of a whoe queen. 34 Qxh7+!! Kxh7 35 Rh5+ Kg8 36 Ng6 and Back rsined
in view of the inevitabe mate. Let us now take ook at the queen sacrifice in the pay of Aekhine. This outstanding Russian chesspayer vaued highy the aesthetic eement in ches, the basic refection of which he considered to be the sacrifice. The number of pieces sacrificed by Aekhine in the course of his creative work was enormous. It goes without saying that amongst the pieces sacrificed was aso the queen. AekhineCoUe (Paris 1925)
R8?
o as to meet 34 e5 with Rxe5. However this move misses a beautifu beautif uT, hdeci de f.o. r. White. e cisive best besive st defe decombination fenc ncee wa was 33 fo 6, but aso in this case Back's
The position ooks cear and an evauation of it shoud present no
6, but a so th s case B ack s position remains diicut. An im
compications. Materia is eve 32
Chesss Md Ches Mdleg legame ame Com Comba batio tions ns
but White has a strong passed pawn, he contros the open ines, hiss king hi ki ng fees fees freer freer and moreover it it is his turn to move. Undoubtedy, White has a positiona advantage but to see combinathat the boardit isis not fu easy of hidden tiona motives and that one of them, and and besides the most important is the unfortunate (it tus out!) position of the Back queen. 29 Bxg6! hxg6
From the positiona point of view the most accurate repy. On 29 . . . Qxg6 Qxg6 fo foow owss the combin combinaation 30 Qxd7. Finay, 29 ... fxg6 makes White's passed pawn a rea dang da nger. er. For For exampe: exampe: 29 . . . fxg fxg6 30 Qe66 + Rf7 3 1 Rc Rxc 32 Qxc+ Qe Rf 33 Re! Qf5 34 Rxf+ Qx 35 Qc6, and, in order to repuse the threat d6, Black must give up a pawn by by continuing continuing 3 5 . . . Qf3 36 Qa+ Qf 37 Qxa7 Qd6. However, in this endgame, endgame, the struggle struggle mightofsti haveCoe been would protracted and, course, have gone into it if he had foreseen the combinatina consequences of his "obvious move. However, east of a, did he think about the possibiity, from the opponent's side, of a queen sacrifice. 30 Qxd7! Rxd7 31 Re8+ Kh7 32 Rc8 Rd8 33 Rexd8 and Back resined.
Back has just taken the pawn, 24 . . . N xb2 , assumin assumingg he had had deceived his oppone opponent nt,, since s ince on 25 Rxd7 folow olowss 25 . . . Rxd 7! 26 Rxd7 Rxd7 Nxa4 with an obvious advantage to Back. However there folowed: 25 Qxa7! Rxa7
Back goes into the combination and accepts the queen sacrifice, afte af terr which whi ch he oses ose s by by force orce.. Upon thee oth th other er cont contin inua uati tion onss . . . Rx Rxd2 d2 or . . . Nxd t he resut sut w o u d be the same, but not so forcing. 26 Rxd8+ B 27 Bxc5 h6 28 Rx+ Kh7 29 Rdd8 Q + 3 0 Kh2 Nh4! On R7 this 31 ina move is based White's combination. Back res igned in view of the quick mate
after 31 ... g5 32 Rh+ Kg7 33 Rdg+ or 31 ... g6 32 Bd4. In conclusion we present two combinations, simiar in idea, motive and theme, where the queen was oered for sacrifice aready on the th e first first move. B y means means
of the sacrifice sacfrom rifice behind the opponent's king k ing is driven the chain of
its defending pawns and, under the coordinated coordina ted bows b ows of the two rooks
AekhineMoina
(Buenos Aires 1926) 33
Chess Mle Mlegame game Co Combinio mbinions ns
and knight, makes a journey into the enemy camp, surrounded by hostile pieces and pawns, and is naturaly nished o.
There fll fllwed: wed: 28 Qx Q x + !
In this thi s way way White Wh ite deprives depri ves the pawn of defe defenc ncee and introduc intr oduces es the th e possibilility possib ity of his wn harmoniously harmoniousl y operating roks launching a very strong attac on the enemy king. 28 Kx 29 Rx+ Kg8 30 Ne7+ Kh8 31 R+ Kg7 32 R+ Kh6 33 Ng8+ Kg5 ••
has a weakened queen's flank and his knight is precariously precariously placed p laced n n c6, being under threat by the queen. In shrt, the first impression is that White has the initiative, but it is Black's move. There follwed: 30
•
Re+
At first sight this check merits censure, since it deprives the knight knig ht on c6 f defence. defence. N evertheever theless, as will be seen later, it is correct. 31 Kg2 Qxf2+!
On 33 . . . Kh5 foll follw ws mate in
A queen sacrifice, which forces
two moves.Qxe2 35 h4+ Kg4 36 34 Kh2!
mateKxf few moves. 32 Kxinf2a R8e2 + 33 3 3 KO KO Ne5 Ne5 + 34 f4 f4 Rfl + 35 Kg5 h6 + 3 6 Kxh6 Rxh2+ 37 Kg5 Rh5 mate
Rf4+ Kh5 37 Kh3 g5 38 g4+ Back resigned.
This idea of enticing the opponent's king, by a queen sacrifice sacrifice,, to "visit him, has already already come quite qu ite a long way. Here is a combination, similar in motive, idea and theme. Kugenek Romanovsky
The last last tw tw combnations combnations and and we could, if we wanted, add som more examples with analogous ideas of pursuing a king which has beenn lured bee lured into into open open sspa pace ce ununquestionably point to the possibil-
(Petersburg 1912) is te excange Though Back
ity sions o f some of theoretic theoretica general con-clu clusions even in the aarea of combicombi
national creativity. national creativity. We wil wi l devote devote the next chapter to to this question. qu estion.
ahead, White has managed to provoke some compications, Back 34
Chapt Cha pter er S Abou Ab outt th the e Th Theo Typic Ty eo pical al of Id Ideas eas Com Combi bina nao ons ns. . At the the basis ba sis of a combination combin ation ies ie s a creative idea. The birth of an idea t h i s isis te fruit of the mind and imagination of man. Creative thought is impoverished without inventive fire and and a broad outook, when it is usuay unabe to create deep, origina ideas, beautifu
finay, to a certain extent, the methods of combinationa thinking at the chessboard. Concerning the genera theory, it is necessary to incude aso the tactics of combinations, ie. the numerous technica methods methods which aow the ffu u carrying out of combinationa
creative The forms. question arises as to whether there exists in the purey creative roe of chess art, in its combinationa area, a theory simiar to, et us say, the virtuay immutabe theory of the endgame (rue of the square, opposition, et etc. c. ) or o r the the theory of the the ope opening ning where there is absouey no need to provide proof proof of the useessnes use essnesss ( a t east! ea st! ) of such openin opening moves as 1 g4, 1 h4, 1 . . . h5, 1 . . . g5 g5 and possiby some others as we? Of course it exists. There is a genera theoryy of combination theor combin ations,s, there exist exis t aso successfu genera concusions of combinationa practice, a famiiarity with which aows every chesspayer to find a correct combinationa binati ona reference reference point in many
pans. There exist rather a ot of particuar positions, especiay those where both motives and themes are of the same tye. In such positions aso combinationa ideas come to be of the same type (usuay). This oers a possibiity of constructing a method of generaising the theory of a number of combinations, which can be body caed typica combinations. Let us ook at one of these these typica combico mbinations in detai. Theo Th eoreticay reticay th thee scheme scheme of it is ike this:
positions. Concerning the genera theory of combinations, above a, is its
definition, an anaysis of the eements of which it is made up, and 35
Chess Ch ess M le lega game me Comb Comb ti tion ons s
The prerequisite for the combination ( its motive) is the weak weaknes nesss of the h 7 point poi nt,, defe defend nded ed ony on y by the king, and the ready for attack ( i e . succe success ssfu fu depoy depoyment) ment) White W hite knight, queen and bishop. The techniquee of the techniqu the combina co mbination tion does not ook compicated. By means of a bishop bi shop sacrifice on h 7 , Wh White ite exposes the position of the king, chaenges it on h7 by a knight check, and sets Back an unpeasant choice, whether to advance the king towards towards open space, space, or to go bac backk where where it wi prov provee diidiicut, and often an impossibe task to repuse the threats of mate. The soution to the scheme is thus: 1 Bxh7+ Kxh7
Though the retreat Though retreat of the king k ing to h8 aows White to maintain both his attack and and the materia mater ia advantadvantage he has gained, this woud have been comparativey best. 2 NgS+ Kg8
In cacuating the in combination White must examine detai the possibiity of the advance of the king to h6 or g6. The usua continuation of the attack in these the se cases cases is 3 Qg4.
how this wel known combinationa scheme, which first saw the ight of day about 300 years ago, nevertheess finds itsef being carried out aso in crucia games in inteationa touaments of the 20th century. ueen's Gambit
White: K.chechter Back: H.o Internationa Tournament (Ostende 905) 1 d4 dS 2 N Nf6 Nf6 3 e3 cS 4 c4 e6 S Bd3 Nc6 6 0 0 a6 7 Nc3 dxc4 8 Bxc4 bS 9 Bd3 Bb7
Apparent Appare ntyy are aready ady this this an automatic foow up to his 8th move is an inaccurate inaccurate continuation continuation and eads to eary diicuties. On the other hand, after 9 ................... cxd4 10 exd4 Nb4 and then Bb 7, Back obtains a good game and thereby proves that White's opening system is harmess. 10 a4! c4?
But this raising of the siege against the combinationa d4 point opensprospects, up for White rea in connection with the advance of the epawn. The esser evi woud have ha ve been been 10 ...... b4 1 1 Ne4 Ne4 cxd4 cxd4 1 2 Nxf6+ gxf6! 1 3 exd4 Rg8,
3 QhS
This aso is a typica position for examg the combinationa scheme. In order to save himsef from immediate mate, Back is forced to move his rook, but then after 4 Qxf7 White's attack as-
concentrating counterpressure on the g2 point. 1 1 axbS axbS axbS axbS 12 Rxa8 Rxa8 Bxa8 Bxa8 1 3 Bb Qb8
White's advantage consists of the fact that he outstrips Back in
sumes a decisive character. The foowing game iustates
deveopment, and that the atter, stricty speaking, aready has no 36
Chesss Mdl Ches Mdlegam egamee Combi Combintion ntions s
titime me to secure casti ca sting ng for for himsef. him sef. 14 e4!
Exacty! White intends to remove mo ve the th e Bac B ackk knight knig ht from from f6 and thereby there by deprive the h 7 point of defence. If Back castes, it woud be possibe possibe to carry out the scheme, which we have ooked at, at , by means of a bishop b ishop sacrifice sacrifice on h 7 . 14
••
Be7
Back meets the danger hafway. He shoud oud p pay 1 4 . . . Nb4, but, ceary, it is aso not easy to payy with pa wi th the th e king in i n the th e centre. centre. 1 5 Bg5 Bg5 0 0
After this everything goes "swimmingy. It is hard to beieve that Wof forgot about the bishop sacrific sacri ficee on h 7. Perhaps, i t seemed to him that, that , in the present concrete conditions, a defence woud tu up for Back. If this is so then he fe fe victim to unjustif unjusti fied optim optimism. ism. 16 e5 Nd5 17 Nxd5 exd5 18 Bxe7 Nxe7
( eary eary 1 7th cent centur ury) y) . 19 Bxh7 Kxh7
He canot refuse the "Greek gift. An even quicker catastrophe ensues ens ues afte afterr 19 . . . Kh Kh88 20 Ng5 Ng5 g6 2 1 Q Nf5 Nf5 22 Bxg6. Bxg6. 20 Ng5 + Kg6
The best, but insuicient, defensiv def ensivee resource resource.. On 2200 . . Kg8 Kg8 foows, according to the scheme, 2 1 Qh5 Re8 22 Qxf7+ Qxf7+ Kh8 2 3 f4, f4, with the irresistibe threat of R. If, If, ho howeve wever,r, 22 . . . Kh6, Kh6, then 23 Qg44 Qc8 24 Qg 2 4 Qh4 Qh4 + Kg6 2 5 Qh7 + Kxg5 26 f4+ Kg4 27 Qh3 mate. 2 1 Qg4 Qg4 £5 £5
No hep either is 21 ... f6, on which, as aso in the game, woud have foowed 22 exf6. However the threat of Ne6+ cannot be repused in any other way. 22 ex gx
Or 22 22 . . . Rxf6 Rxf6 23 23 Ne6 Ne6+ + Kf7 Kf7 24 Qxg7+ Kxe6 25 Re+. 2 3 Ne6+ Ne6+ K 24 Q Qg7 g7 + Kx Kxe6 e6 2 5 Re + Kf Kf5 26 Qh7 Qh7 + Kg5 Kg5 2 7 Rxe7 Mate is forced by means of 27
h4+ Kg4 Kg4 ( 2 7 . . K K 28 Qh6 Qh6 + ) 28 + Kg3 29 Qg7+ and Qg4 mate. mate. 27 Rg 8 28 Re Rg8 Re33 29 Rg3 + Qxg3 30 Qxg8+ Back esigned •••
Let us examine Let exami ne one more more coourfu, game on the same theme. ueen's Gambit Gambit
It cannot be doubted that chechter envisaged this position in making his 14th move. There fo-
White: G.ave Back: M . Vidmar Inteationa Tournament
ows a typica combination, weknown from the time of Grec
(Petersburg 1909) 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 c5 4 e3 37
Chess Che ss leg legame ame Com Combina bination tions s
Nf6 5 NO N6 6 a3 Bd6 7 dxS BxS 8 Bd6 9 B Bb2 b2 0 0 10 Bd3 a ! 1 1 bS N eS
Back's combinationa pan becomes cear. He wi exchange White's knight, which prevents the reaisation of the idea of the bishop sacrifice on h2. 12 NxeS BxeS 13 Qe2 Qe7 14 0 0 b 6 1 5 Na4 B7 1 6 Rac Rac 1
White does not stand bady and has chances to seize the initiative after carrying out the break c5. However, he shoud keep under observation the situation on the king's ank, where in i n the weaknes weaknesss of the h2 point is contained a typica ty pica combinatio combinationa na motive with wit h the bishop sacriice on h2. 1 6 .. . Rd8
pay either 7 cxd5 or at first 17 Bxff6 Qx Bx Qxf6 and then 8 cxd5 . The compications deveop in White's favour thanks to the precarious position of the Back bishop on c7 , for exampe, 17 cxd5 Nxd5 (if 17 . . . exd5, exd5, then then 1 8 Bx Bxf6) 8 Qc Qc22 g6 g6 (or 1 8 . . . h6) 9 e4 Nf4 20 Qxc7 Qxc7 Qxc7 2 Rxc7 Nxd3 22 Nxb6 Rb8 23 Bf6 (or Nxc8 etc). 1 7 . .. bxS bxS 1 8 Nx NxSS Bd6 Bd6 1 9 Q2 Q2 eS 20 a4
On 20 h3 h3 coud coud foow 20 20 Bxh3 21 gxh3 Rac8 20 ... Bg4!
Backk thre Bac threat aten enss 2 1 . . . Rac8 22 Ba3 Nd7.
21 Nb3 Ra8 22 Qbl e4 23 B2
It was possibe to pay 23 Bxf6, bu t after 23 . . . Qxf6 Qxf6 2 4 Rx Rxc8 c8 Rxc8 Rxc8 25 Bc2 Qh6 26 h3 Bxh3 on 26 g3 Qh3 White's time woud aso be up. 23 ... Be2 24 fel
Aso now, if 24 Bxf Bxf6 , then then 24 24 . . . Qxf Qxf6 2 5 Rf Rfee 1 B ! Whi White te cannot save6himsef.
1 7 cS
Routiney and nonconcretey payed. Firsty White achieves nothing from this break and, at the same time ti me,, opens o pens a way for Back to attack the king's fank in connection with the advance of the epawn.
At ast a a the prerequisi prerequi sites tes have have been created for a combination
Instead of his ast, rather hasty "attacking move, White shoud 38
Chess Ch ess M le lega game me Combi Combia ati tions ons
with the the sacrif sacr ifice ice of a bishop b ishop on h2 h2 and subsequent attack with the queen and knight on the White king, heped out of the "fortress.
encountered earier. Here is an exampe from the practice of that great chespayer.
24 ... ... Bxh2 + ! 25 Kxh2 Ng4+ 26 Kh3 Rd6
The rook is aso incuded in the attack.
27 Bxe4 Rh6+ 28 Kg3 Qh4+ Qh4+ 29 4 Q h 2 + and mates in 4 moves. White resigned.
A typica cmbinationa idea can be considere consideredd the expoitat exp oitation ion of a king ocked in by its own pawns (motive) to achieve a decisive materia or positiona advantage, whie at other times even a forced mate. The main idea in such combinations is to strive to divert , from the defenc defencee of the first or ast rank (depending ( depending on whether wheth er the initiator is White or Back), the enemy pieces covering it. The themes of such combinations can be various, but more often than any other is met the theme of doube attack, as, for exampe, in the game, BernsteinCapabanca, with which whi ch the t he reader reader has aread areadyy become . acquainted in Chapter 4. Both by this game and by those given beow one can aso be convinced how great an eement of aesthetics is contained in combinions of this type, despite the fact that to a considerabe extent they have now aready become the property of of theory. The history hi story of this combination takes us back at east
The diagram features the position after the 18th move in the Morphy Mongrdien Morphy game (Match, Paris 1859). The sharp combinationa sight of Morphy perceived here a beautifu combination on the theme f doube attack, as a motive for which serves the ockedin position of the Back king and the undefended state of his his bishop on b 7 . Th Ther eree foowed: 19 Nxf6 xf6 20 Rhf Qd8 Qd 2 1doube Rx Rx +attack Qx 2222 Q and8the decided the
strugge. Interesting rther is this combination combi nationa a variat variation ion:: 22 . . . Nd7 23 Qxb7 Rb8 24 Qxc7 Qb4 25 Bb5 axb5 26 Qxb8+ Nxb8 27 Re8+. I n the 10th game of the match, Taasch Lasker (Munich 1908), White cevery expoited the oc in position of Lasker's king and won a pawn in a situation which was very favourabe for him. After
to the time of Morphy, but it is highy probabe that it was aso
Back's 24th move, the game reached the foowing positon. 39
Ches Ch esss M leg legme meCo Comb mba ati tions ons
There is ony one repy for Back. 25 ... Qg6 26 Bf4 Re6 27 Bxd6 Qh5
A combinationa "trap. On 28 Be5 ? Back wins wi ns th e game game afte afterr 28 . . . Q x d + 29 Rxd Rxd Rxd Rxd + 30 Kh2 Rg6. Undou Undoubt bted edy y better better was 2 7 . . . h5 , a move pointed out by Lasker, Lasker, but this coud ony proong resistance. Back has has a rea position positi on weakness ne ss the d6 pawn. pawn. White coud coud win it at once, by continuing 25 Bf4 Re + 26 Rxe Rxe Qxe + 27 Kh2, Kh2,
28 Qg4 Qxg4 29 hxg4 Re4 30 Bxc55 Rx Bxc Rxd2 d2 3 1 Rxd2 Rxd2 h5 3322 Rd6 Back resned.
and the th d6 d6 pa paof wn28i s os Be5 ost.t. g6 2 7 29 . . dQg5 5 is bad ineview Re8 30 Bf6 with w ith the th e threats of Qh6 and cxd5. However, Lasker probaby reckoned in this variation, instead of 27 ... d5, on paying simpy 2 7 . . . Qe6 28 Bxd6 Qg6, Qg6, and Back, thanks to the oppositecooured bishops, obtains chances of a draw. This, however, was obviousy
cassic exampe ofposition the expoitation of the ockedin of a king as a leit-mot of a combination.
fsteered oreseencear asoof by arrasch. arrasch . reef He the T "drawing and, expoiting the ockedin position of the Back king, found a combinationa decision, eading quicky to victory. There foowed: 25 Bh6!
Threatening no more, no ess than mate, and preparing, in the eventt of 25 . . . Qxh6 , the decisi even decisive ve combinationa bow 26 Qxe5.
The foowing game represents a
Philidor Defence
White: Z.Adams Back: C.To (New Orleans 1920)
1 e4 e5 2 N d6 3 d4 exd4
If we set the opening task of the strugge to be infuence in the centre, appropriate and it is weknown wekno wn that thisheis an question, then shoud shou d of course ppre refe ferr 3 . . . Nf6 Nf6 here. Though the exchange made by Back does not ead to ceary bad conseq consequen uences, ces, it simpy si mpy makes makes it easier for White Whi te to draw up a pan of pay. 4 Qxd4 Nc6
o me payers ome p ayers woud wo ud now prefer prefer 4 . . . Bd7 , so as as ttoo th then pay pay . . . Nc6 wi th tempo, tempo, but this particuar and and
Back aso cannot pay now 25 ... Re + 26 Rxe Qxe + 2 7 Kh2 Kh 2 g6 28 Qc3, and mate is inevitabe.
rather intangibe consideration cannot serve here as a basis for criticism of the continuation cho 40
Chess Mdlegame Combnation Combnations s
sen by Back. On 4 . . . Bd7 White woud have repied 5 B5 Nc6 6 Qd, and the possession of a base on d5 means he sti retains the better bet ter position. position. 4 . . . Qf6 is worth worth considering. 5 Bb5 Bd7 6 Bx6 Bx6 7 N3 N 8 0-0 Be7 9 Nd5
The position after the 8th move had aready been met in tournament practice practi ce.. Thus, Thus , Pis Pi s bury , against Backburne in the London inteationa touament 1899, now payed 9 b3, which probaby gives White W hite more chance of attack.
possession of the initiative. 16 Rae Qd7 17 Bxf6
From a narrow ositiona point of view, this does not ook ike a particuary successfu operation, but . . . this is the be beginnin ginningg of of a prerequisite for the combination. 17
000
Bxf6
Back coud sti st i have rid rid himself hi mself of the terribe combinational "sco "scourg urge, e, by paying paying 16 . . . gxf6 gxf6 , after which the combination 17 Rxee 7 is not Rx not possib ssibe, e, ie. 1 7 . . . Qxe7 Qx e7 (but (bu t no not 1 7 . . . Rx Rxe7 e7 1 8 Rx Rx e7 Qxe 7 1 9 Qg Qg4 1 8 Rxe Rxe 7 ? R
00 0
9 OnBxd Bxd5 10 ex exd5 d5 his 00-0 0 initiative, 1 1 Bg Bg55 the5 basis of
White strives to exert pressure on the ony open eie, in order to expoit his his better deveopment deveopment and territoria advantage in the centre. There is aso nothing ese for White. This pan arises from the spirit of the position.
and Back Bashould ckuld mates. O7nh3,1 6threat . . eaten. gx gxf f6 White sho pay 1On thr ening the indicated combination. If then 1 7 . . . Rc7, there there foow oowss 18 g4 g4 and, after the manoeuvre Nh4f5, Back finds himself in a hopeless situation.
1 1 6 12 4 xd5 13 xd5 R Re8 e8 14 fe a 15 Re2 R8 000
aowing combiWhite to A carfata carry ry outmistake, a very v ery beautifu nation which goes into chess history a a briiant exampe of the expoit exp oitati ation on of the motive mo tive of a king ki ng bocked in by its own pawns. Back ought oug ht to "open "open a vent, vent, i . e . pay 1 5 . . . h6 an thereb therebyy ei e iminate minate the motive and as a consequence the theme the me of of doube doube attack attack the two two main eements e ements of the combination combinati on,, which create the combinationa
1 8 4!
White's doube attack on the rook on e8 wi force Back to keep his rook on c8 aso under the defe de fenc ncee of tw twoo pieces queen queen and
rook. It is enough for White to deect the queen from the a4e8 diagona or the rook from the ast
idea. It shoud, however, be noted thatt aso tha aso afte afterr 1 5 . . . h6 16 Bd Bd and and thenn 1 7 Bc3, the Bc3 , White has has firm firm 41
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame C Combatio ombations ns
rank, and mate by Rxe8, to demonstrate distincty the theme of the combination. Repeated appications of the technica method of diversion of the opponent's queen from the e8 point in the end achieves the objective. Back finds himsef faced with a depressing ateative, whether to ose the queen or be mated. The extea idea of removing the queen from the a4e8 diagona is very nerveracking. White's queen itsef is eft undefended and
Back resned.
Combinations , motivated by the Combinations ockedin position of the enemy king are frquenty met in the creative creati ve work of of chesspayers chesspayers . Here are some exampes. The diagram poston is from the game N .Pavov Romanovsky Romanovsky,, after White's 20th move.
en pse invunerabe, to both Back's twice heavy is paced piec p ieces. es.
This combination goes into the historyy of chess stor chess art a rt as producing producing one of the most aesthetic impressions. 1 8 ... Qb5
Now Back even threatens the winnin winn ingg m mov ovee . . . Qxe2 Qxe2 , but ther theree foows ... 1 9 Qc 4!
Briian Bri iant,t, but the foowing move of the striking. combination is perhaps even more 19 ... Qd7
Obviousy the ony move. 20 Qc7! Qb5 2 1 a4!
Not at once 2 1 Qxb 7 ? in view of of . . . Q x e 2. 2. 21 ... Qxa4 22 Re4 Qb5 23 Qxb7
A four fourth th "sacrifice "sa crifice of the queen q ueen to concude the combination. Back's queen cannot stay on the
Back has a sma advantage in the centre, centre, but his hi s queen' que en'ss flan flankk is weak.. It is true that White' weak Whi te'ss queen queen is in unpeasant opposition to the Back rook, but this circumstance is of itte signif significan icance ce here here . Afte Afterr . . . Re7 ... Qd7 this rea mightor possiby produce reopposition a threats, but the fact of the matter is that White coud himsef pay 21 Qa6! Back has nothing better than 21 . . . Bxg3 Bxg3 2 2 hxg hxg33 Ne5 , after which which White Whi te coud take tak e the pawn pa wn on a 7 . Back's sma initiat ini tiative ive hardy compensates pensa tes for for the th e oss he has suered. suered. However, White payed 2 1 Qd3?
motivated by the variation 21
a4e8 diagona, which is a necessary condition for continuing the strugge.
Qxd3 22 Rxd3 Bxg3 23 Rxe8 + Rxe8 Rx e8 24 hxg3 hxg3 Re 1 + 25 Kh2 Re2 26 Rd2, securing him a draw. 42
Chess Mlegame Mlegame Combina Combinations tions
Nevertheess aso in this variation he is mistaken. mistaken. Inste Instead ad of 25 . . . Re2, Back maintains the better chances chanc es in the endgame endgame afte afterr 25 . . . Ne55 ! due to the bad Ne bad positio positionn of of the White king. However, other moves are worse for White. After 21 Qd3? a combinationa possibiity arises for Back which is based on the ockedin position of the White king. A good exampe of how a not very rea motive, but nevertheess one which potntiay exists,, suddeny exists su ddeny becom becomes es a decisive factor in the strugge. There fo-
for the present not very active. This contrast between a superfici superficia a pacement of roo rooks ks and their thei r actua roe is a testimony tes timony to a deep combinationa pan. The combination unfoded ie this:
owed: 21 ... Qxd3 22 Rxd3 Bxc3! and Back has an extra pawn and a strong centra group of pawns; this advantage advant age was reaised reai sed withot wi thot dif d if-ficuty in the endgame. An eegant, deepycacuated and subte subte combina co mbination tion was carried out by Back in the game, ovotenov ovote nov Rovner (Moscow 1946, 19 46, emiina emiina of the 1 5 th UR UR Championship). In the diagram it is Back's 24th mve. It is hard to beieve, ooking at the construction of this position that th at the the motive ocke ockedd in position of the White White king ki ng can aread areadyy be reaised with an exceent combination on the theme of doube attack ta ck and the idea of di diverting verting White te's's piece pi ecess fr from defen defence ce ooff the th e first rank. He shoud set o the obigatory to ry and de deci cisive sive part in the combicom bi-
24 ... Bxf5!
A sacrifice which diverts the White rook from the first rank. 25 Bxf5 x 26 Rxf5 Red8 27 Qc4 Rac8 Rac8 28 2 8 Qe2 Qe2 Rxc2 Rxc2 2 9 Qxc2 Qxc2 Qc8!
N ow th e theme of th e combinacombination is iustrate iustratedd doube attac attackk on c2 and and f5 f5 . White ccannot annot parry this bow resned. and oses a rook. Novote nov A very briiant combinationa attack was conducted by Ta against Lehmann in the match UR v West Germany, 1960, where White's idea, which Ta payed,, is based payed based on, or rather ensues fm, the motive motive the the oc ocke kedin din positi pos ition on of of the king. ki ng. Lehmann defended himsef quite ingeniousy, but he coud not do anything
against the subte and accurate expoitation by Ta of the abovementioned minus in the Back
nation payed by the rooks (as aso in a a such combinat combinations) ions) , the posipositition onss o f which whi ch in the th e di diag agra ram m are are 43
Chesss Mleg Ches Mlegame ame Combans
king's poston. After the 24th move this th is game reached the the fo foowowing position.
2 6 + Rx 27 Re6!
Back cannot defend the a6 pawn and, in addition, he must worry about repusing the threat of the invasion of of the White knight. 27 Q4 28 Rxa6 Qc + 2 9 •
Kh2 Q4+ 30 g3!
Again a itte combination on the motive of "the suocated king. 30 ... Qc4 3 1 Qd2
White's queen is under attack
White's knight is invunerabe, he has an extra extra pawn and the initatve; White's fina attack, however, deserves attention. •••
and his knight necesary cover of thetied down point. toHowever on the board are many open ies, on which heavy pieces operate, operate, and Back has a ockedin king. This combinationa motive prompts Ta to a beautifu soution to the probem. 25 Rf4!
White now threatens a very dangerous attack after 26 Ng5. ••
2 5Beautifu, Q but insuicient to
repuse the attack. Reativey best was 25 25 . . . h6 , forcin forcingg White White into into Rx+ and opening an airway for the king. On 2 5 . . h6 woud woud have have probaby foowed 26 Rxf8+ Rxf8 2 7 Qd6 Qd6 wit w ithh attacks attacks on f8 and and aa6. 6. If 27 . . . Qf6, then 28 Re6 and White maintains the initiative. Beautifu is this this poss possibe ibe variat variation ion:: 28 . . . Qa + 29 Kh2 Qxa2 Qxa2 3 0 Rxh Rxh66 + !
31 Qf
Nb7 32 Ra7 Nc5 33 Ne5
The queen moves out of pay, which makes White's White's attack easier. Best Be st now now wa wass 33 . . . Qe6. 34 R
The other way is 34 Nf7+ Kg8 35 Nh6+ Kh8 36 Rf7 Ne6 37 Qf4 Rxf7 38 Qxf7 gxh6 39 Q6+ etc. 34 ... Ne6
On 34 ... Rc8, White wins quicky Qxc5 after and 35 R+! Qd5, with the threats 3 5 + Nx 36 Q4 Ne6 Or 3 6 . . Ng6 3 7 Qf Qf7 3 7 Q Q h6 38 Ng6+ Ng6 + Kh7 39 Ne7 Back resned.
On 39 . . . Qxh3 Qxh3 + foows oows 40 Kg 1 h5 41 Nf5 winning the knight. The question sometimes arises why the side, fiding itsef the obj ect of a combination based on the
gxh6 3 1 Qxh6+ Kg8 3 2 Qg6 gxh6 Qg6 + Kh Kh88 33 Ng5, and there is no saving Back from mate.
motive "ockedin position of the king, in anticipation of a possibe combination, does not make, in 44
Chesss Mle Ches Mlegm gmee Com Combat batns ns
good time, one of the prophyactic move mo vess . . . g or . . . h6. h6. The The rreepy to this rather naive question coud be formuated in approximatey the foowing way: in the chess stru s trugge gge the eement of tim timee , measurabe measurabe by moves or tempi , pays a very signif sign ifi-icant roe and one shoud not no t make make moves "just to be on the safe side, moves with a motivation which "does not seem to surface. Therefore the moves .. g6 or ... h6, motivated ony by the consideration that otheise the king finds itsef ocked in by its own pawns,
manage, because of the sharp process of events, events , to find time to open an "airvnt. Frm the exampes presented it can be seen that even grandmasters become victims of the theoretica combinations which we have ooked at. Let us consider now one further theoretica continuation which periodicay finds itsef a pace in contemporary practice. The question conces the sacrifice of a knigh for two pawns in the foowing situations.
cannotabstract be regarded as expedient. uch prophyactics essentiay can be, and actuay often are, a wrongfu waste of precious time. Besides Besides tthis, his, the moves moves . . . g6 and ... h6 (g3, h3) ead to a weakening of the casted position po sition and, as we see ater, can ead to the creation of new combinationa motives. You see, the motive "ockedin "oc kedin position posi tion of the king, as in any at other motive, needs toeatbe ooked not abstracty, abs tracty, but creatcr ivey, i e . accor according ding to to the gen gener eraaconnditions co dit ions of of the strugge. In other conditions a ockedin position of the king is a pus, since it ensures safety saf ety,, and it i t does does not serve at a as a motive for a combination by the opponent. Thus a master never makes the moves h3 or g3 just for the sake of prophyaxis, not reay existing,, threats. existing threats. At the same time ,
White continues 1 Nxg5 ( in the other oth er diagram diagram corres corresppondingy 1 . . . Ng4) and after xg5 2 Bxg5 renews ren ews the pin of the knight knig ht f6 (f ( for •••
increasing combinationa tension can make these moves extremey necessary and one may not aways
Bac B ackk the the knig knight ht ) . Moreover, by expoiting the open position position of the Back ( White) White ) 45
Chess Mle Mlegame game Combinat Combinations ions
king, White obtains the possibility of holding on to a str s trong ong ini initia tiativ tivee for a long time. A high standard of defence is required from the defending side in order to avoid defeat. If there were such cases in the history of this combination, they were considerably rarer than the successful successful conclusion conclusi on of the ata ttack by the initiator of the sacrifice. The illustrations given below show how the attack develops when this combination is carried out. talian Game
White: G.ave Black: M.Chigorin 3rd All-Russian tournament, (Moscow 1903)
1 e4 eS 2 NfJ N6 3 B4 BS 4 d3 Nf6 S Nc3 d6 6 00 Bg4
Black threat Black threatens ens the mov move . . . Nd4, which also folows even on 7 Be3. Meanwhie the pin of the knight hampers White. Whi 8te.Bg5, It was possibeontof3play 7 h3 Bh5 in his tu threatening also the moves g4 an andd Nd5 . After After 8 . . . h6 9 Bx Bxf6 Qxf66 1 0 Nd5 Qxf Nd 5 Qd Qd8 1 1 c3 White has a fuly satisfactory game. The way chosen by alve prevents ven ts the immedi immediate ate threat threat ( . . . Nd4) but does not solve the cardial question about the pin of the knight. This is its weak side. 7 BbS? BbS ? 0 0 8 Be 3
makes three moves with the king's bishop Bc4b5 xc6 , j ust to Bc4b5xc6 exchange it for a knight which whic h has made one move. No way can such an expenditure of time, right in the opening stage, be recommended, but White's sin lay in 7 Bb5. 8 ... Nd4!
Now the bishop on b5 finds itself isolated from the main area of the struggle, while the problem of the pi pinne nnedd knight on arises with wi th new force. 9 Bxd4 Bx Bxd4 1 0 h3 B BhS hS 1 1 g4?
worse, but theWhite's ther re was wa s noposition basis bas is for forssuch a provocative form of action. He could contend with the pin of the knight by contin continuing uing 1 1 Qe2 and and prep prepararing the tran transf sfer er of the knight, knight, Nd e3. In the the eve eve n t of 1 1 . . . Bx c 3 1 2 bxc3 White Wh ite manages to liberate the knight by Qe3, but Black maintains a positional posit ional advantage advantage also in in this case after 1 1 Qe2 c6! 1 2 Bc4 Bc4 Bxc3 13 bxc3 d5 14 Bb3 Qa5. Now follows the combination which we saw in the theoretical scheme.
8 Bxc6 was more more consiste consistent, nt, but, in this case, arithmetic woud wou d have have its way. It turns out that White 46
Chess Ml Mlegam egamee Com Comba batio tions ns
1 1 ... Bx Bx c 3
Possibe was aso an immediate 1 1 . . . Nxg Nxg4 1 2 Nxd Nxd 4 e x d 4 1 3 Nd5 Nd 5 (Of course, course, not 13 hxg4 dxc3 1 1 g x h 5 cxb c xb22 1 5 R b1 Q g 5 + and and . . . Q x b 5) 1 3 . . . Ne3! 1 4 Qx Qxh5 h5 Nxf Nxf 15 Rxf c6 or 15 Ba4 c6 16 Nf4 Nd2! and Back, threatening both ... b5 and ... Qg5+! retains an extra exchange. 12 bxc3 Ng4 13 hxg4 Bxg4
This can be caed a theoretica position. However if the queen were on e2 or the king on h, White woud have obtained the possibiity dispute the correctness of thetoknight sacrifice, in the fi firs rstt case by Qe3 , in the second secon d R Rgg see the the game N imzovichMarsha imzovich Marsha beow. However, in the present theo th eorretica structur structuree , the thr threa eatt . . . f5 makes Back's attack irresistibe. 14 d4!
o as, by paying 1 5 Be2 Be2 unpinning the knight, to endeavour to repuse the attack.e4 14 ... f5 f5 15 Be 2 e 4 1 6 Nd2 Nd2 This retreat of the knight hastens his downfa downfa,, but aso afte afterr 16 Nh2 Nh 2 Bh Bh3 1 7 Kh Bxf 1 8 Qx Qxf f Qh4 1 5 Kg Rf6 , White woud not be abe to save the game. 16 ... ... Bx Bxe2 e2 1 7 Qxe2 Qxe2 Qg5 + 1 8 Kh f4 White resigned.
In the game MaroczyJanowski, Back's Bac k's sacrific sacrificee o f a knight o n g4
notice some resembance of opening pans. Both ave and and Marocz Maroczyy refr re frai ained ned fro from m an immed im media iate te attack in the centre (d4). For both, the whitesquared bishops, depoyed on the queen's ank, turned turned out to be not very active pieces. The payer of the Back pieces in these games reacted to this sow form of activ act ivity ity with wi th a pin of the knight on (Bg4) and, after h3 and g4, with a sacrifice of a knight on g4. Tus we observe observe that that a quie qu iet,t, "soid method of operation, pretendi pretending ng ony on y to fortify the centre (d3), but not containing an ounce of initiative, does not prevent, but more quicky faciitates, the creation of combinationa natio na pans p ans fro from m the th e opponent's opponent's side. Taking the th e opportunity, opportunity, we therefore want to repeat once again the advice which we systematicay systematicay iustrate i ustrate in the pages of this book: the best way to prevent a combinationa initiati ini tiative ve by the opponent is by ownsinned activity. Both inave andone's Maroczy greaty this respect and a fu fuy y deserved punishpuni shment befe them. panish Game
White: G.Marocz Back: D.anowski (Internationa tournament at Ostende 1905)
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4
was carried out in consideraby more compicted conditions conditions.. Comparing the opening stage of both games, it wi not be diicut to
Ba4 Nf6 5 d3
Besides this very quiet continuation, White has at east three acive possibiities: 5 d4, 5 Bxc6, 5
47
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Comb Combato atons ns
troubesome pin.
00. One cannot ignore aso such moves as 5 Nc3 and 5 Qe2, which ikewise might provide a basis for the organisation of active pay inthe centre. The motive of the "soid move chosen by Maroczy can can be sought in various directions, even in the touament standings at the moment the present game was payed. To a appearances, Maroczy did not strive for a sharpening of the game against a temperamenta opponent.
Now Back seizes the initiative. It is unfavourabe for White to exchange on cS , and he is forced forced to advance the attacked pawn. But then Back obtains the important eS square for his knight, whie in addition to this he has a mobie, active group of pawns on the queen's's fan queen fankk three three again against st two. In the ight of deveoping events, the pin on becomes a the more and more tiresome.
5
16 d5 Ba5!
••
B5 6 0 0 d6 7 Be3
After nevertheess appropriate preparation, White intends to begin an advance in the t he centre and and pay d4. 7 ... b5 8 Bb3 Bg4
A pin which weakens the strength of White's pressure after d4. On the other hand, Back provokes White into h3 and g4. Protracted manoeuvring is required to rid himsef of the pin in any other way, and, with the active depoyment of Back's pieces, this woud be dangerous. White is orientated towards towa rds the advance advance d4 d4,, and this is correct. However, in this ight, White's 5th move must be subject to criticism. 9 c3 Qe7 Qe7 10 N Nbd bd22 Rd8 Bd5 Nb8 12 d4 exd4!
A sharp and farsighted repy. 13 xd4 Bb6 14 Bb3
14
••
0 0 15 Re Re 5 !
Back frees the cpawn, pins the the advance second of White knight and finay creates a direct threa thr eatt . . . N xe4 xe4 ( if, if, on this, this, Bg BgSS , then . . . QxgS ! ) . 17 B2 Nbd7 18 h3 Bh5 19 Bf4
On 19 g4 woud have foowed the combination 19 ... Nxg4 20 hxg4 Bxg4 and aready he cannot pan p an now 2 1 B, in vi view ew of 2 1 . . . Bxd2 Bx d2 2 2 Bxd2 Bxd2 NeS. 19
•
4 20 Re3 Re3 Bb6 Bb6 2 1 Re
The rook The rook manoeuvre pursues the t he aim of freeing the knight on d2 fr from om the pin. pin . It goes wi without thout saying thatt White agrees tha agrees to a repeti repetition tion of moves. 21
•• ••
Ne5! 22 Bxe5
He cannot endure the knight on e S , but now now the Back Back bishop bishop on b6 becomes a douby threatening
piece.
Ti midyy payed ! There is no need Timid for White White to fear fear the capture capture on dS dS . It woud have been usefu usefu to pay 1 4 Qc2 , i n order order t o rid himse hi mseff of the
22
•
dxe5 23 g4
This move is not in accord with White's carefu, circumspect pay 48
Chesss Mdl Ches Mdlegam egamee Comb Combat atns ns
in this game. I t is not based on the conviction that White can refute thee attack th attack afte afterr . . . N xg4 xg4 ; Maroczy, Maroczy, apparenty, simpy came to the concusion that his position was unsatisfactory and the best chance of saving the game was to try to provoke the opponent into a piece sacrifice. It seems to us that to a certain extent he is right. After 23 Nf Bg 24 Ng3 Ng3 NhS ( . . . Ne8d Ne8d is stro stronge nger) r) 25 N xh5 Bxh B xh55 22 g4 Bg Bg , White woud have got into a very diicut di icut posi position tion.. From the point of view of this psychoogica moment,asthe movea 23 g4 can be regarded amost forced continuation.
23
••
woud have prba woud prbab byy payed payed 23 . . Bg.
24 hxg4 Bxg4 25 Kg2 Rd6 26 Rg f6 27 Qe
Obvi ousyy in rder to incude Obvious incu de the the bishop in the defence of the point, via d 1 . On 2 7 Kf Kf , which which oks o ks better, cud cud fow 27 . . . h5. 27
•
Rf4!
Whi te has White ha s no defe defenc ncee against 28 . . . f5 f5 29 ex exf5 Bx + 30 Nx e4.
28 Kf Bxf3 29 xf3 Rxf3 30 Rg2 Qh4 31 Kg
Or 3 Ke2 Ke2 Qh5 and Back wins. 3 1 ... .. . Rh3 Whit Whitee resig resigne ned. d. In bth the games we have given, the kniht sacrifice prved t be justified, but the concusion shoud not be drawn frm this that the idea of unpinning the knight by h3 an and g4 g4 ( . . h a n d . . g5) is fauty. The unpinning of the knight requires preparation, which ave and Maroczy did nt manage to carry ut. In the foowing exampes we see how the knight sacrifice on g4 suers a fiasco.
Nxg4
We do not give this move an excamation mark for the simpe reason that equay good woud havee been hav been tthe he simpe simpe . . . Bg Bg with the threa threatt . . . h5. If 24 Nh4 , then then 24 . . . Nxd5 25 N xg xg fxg fxg 2 eexd xd55 Rx with an irresistibe attack.
Four Knights Game
White: Nim%ovich Back: Maha (San Sebastian 1912)
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 Bb5 B 5 0 0 0 0 6 Bxc6 dxc6 7 d3 Bg4 8 h3 Bh5
(ee diagram next page
With his stye of pay, Janowski coud not choose this way. However, Rubinstein or chechter and even Capabanca
9 Kh!
A preparatory move! move ! If at once 9 g4, then 9 . . . N xg4 xg4 0 hxg hxg4 Bxg4 Bxg4 49
Chess Mdlegam Mdlegamee Combinat Combinations ions
White's hands. 1 1 hxg4 Bxg Bxg4 4 12 R Rgg Qg6
On 1 2 . . . f5 , Whi Whitte wou woudd ha have ve payed simpy 13 exf5. Now, however, Back threatens check on h5, and White's repy,a stricty speaking, is forced. 13 Rxg4
and Back's attack is highy dangerouss since rou since . . . f5 is threat threatene ened. d. 9
Qd6
Back cannot prevent the move g4,, after which White woud thr g4 th reaten the active knig ht manoeuvre knight manoeuvr e Ne2g3f5. Nimzovich time and again successfuy carried out this pan in his practi practice. ce. Theref Therefore, ore, instead of the queen move which wh ich has veryy obscure aims, ver aims, Marsha shoud pay 9 ... Bxc3 and then ... Nd7, wi th a future trans transfer fer o f t h e knight to e, after ter . . . Re8. Re8. 10 g4
If N imzovich imzov ich had thought that the knight sacrifice on g4 was dangerous for him, then he woud have payed the preiminary 10 Rg 1 . From From the point of view of the consistent con sistent carrying out of the pan, p an, this was aso the most expedient continuation. 10
Nxg4
Even with Even wi th the the kin on h , Back does not risk much by sacriicing the knight for two pawns. Restora-
13 Rg3 is dangerous, in view of 1 3 . . . Qh Qh55 + 1 4 Kg2 Bx Bxc3 1 5 b xc xc33 f5 and White's defence becomes diicut. 13 Qxg4 14 Nh2 Qxd + 1 5
Nxd
Bac B ackk has has rook and and two pawns for for two knights, at worst can for be regarded as which materia equaity him. Consequenty, aso in this game the knight sacrifice justifies itsef, but since Back nevertheess oses this game, we wi give a few more moves here. 15
fS?
In an exceent position, Back surprisingy gives himsef an isoated pawn, but the main thing is that a stro s trong ng piece base on e4 is set up for for the opponent's knights. knights . And a this for a shadowy attack on the pawn, whie possiby aso even wi th a dream of once agai againn creating threats to the king. As a resut of Back's thoughtess move, the initiative passes to White. 16 exf exfS fS fS 1 7 Be3 Ra
Aso now Back Back coud sti sti put up serious resistance by 7 ... h5, and
if 1 8 Nf , then 1 8 . . . h4. Inste Instead ad of this, he makes a rutine move, White's knight gets to e4 without hindrance, and his advantage be
tion of of materia mater ia equaity equa ity was, in any vent, assured for him. On the othher hand, ot and, aft after 10 . . . Bg 1 1 Ne 2 the initiative woud find itsef in 0
Chess Mdlegame Mdlegame Comb Combatns atns
comes decisive.
On top of everything, Back has
2 6 Rx + K Kgg 7 Rg 7 + Kh Kh 2 Rxb7 Rx b7 + Kg Kg 2 9 Rg7 + Kh 3 0 Rg55 + Kh7 Rg Kh 7 3 1 Rxh5 Rxh5 K Kgg6 32 Rh3 Kx 33 Rxh6+
rther entanged 21 Be7 22 Ne4his rook. Back Ba ck was soon forced forced to give gi ve up the exchange, but ony aid down his arms on the 4th move. We have examined three types of theoretica theoretica combination, combinatio n, but th theory of combinations is not limited to these. uch themes as smothered mate, which we ooked at earier, are theoretica; aso
Andpawns. WhiteThis easiy expoited his extra combination is so efective in its resuts and so striking in its form, that it forces a payer to be extremey aert with regard reg ard to his g7 g7 square (or ( or g2) g2 ) when w hen there is a ombinationa attack of bishop and rook. And nevertheess the "mi combination sti finds itsef a pace from time to time in tournament tourn ament practi practice. ce.
reating to socaed theoretica combinations isis the socae d "mi "mi , , which was carried out in the weknown game, Torre-sker, payed in the internationa touament at Moscow in 1925. As a scheme, we give the end of this game.
In theofcourse of the chapters this book, the future reader wi come acros wi acros some m more ore combi combi nations which can, in their content, be paced in the area of of theory. In genera, however, if we broach the subject of the interreation of theory with the eements of combinations, then it is possibe to say that theoretica investigations and generaisations come into cosest contact with the motives of combination. There is amost no motive which has not been exposed to, and investigated by, the thoughts of a chesspayer. Likewise, combinationa themes end themseves to theoretica investigation. In return, in respect of ideas,, theory sti ideas st i cannot cannot say a great great dea.
Nf Rh5 Rh5 + 19 Kg2 Rh4 20 Ng3 h5 h5?? 2 1 f3
000
24 B Qxh5 25 Rxg7 Rxg 7 + Kh
Now the rook rook,, by repeated discodisco vered checks from the g7 square,
wins interest. with back theThis sacrificed combinationa materia form of harmony in the action of rook nd bishop is given the graphic name of of "the mi m i. .
If itand hassomehow been possibe generaise cassifytocertain ideas, then thousands of them remain outside the orbit of theory, since repetition of ideas is rare. 51
Chapt Cha pter er Seven istor ist or of Combin Combina aon ons. s. The Im Immo mort rtal al Ga Game me. . astei eiec eces es of tthe he End of the 1 9t 9th h Centur ur. . Up to the 19th century and in the first 3035 years of the 19th century, combinations were the basic creative method in the chess strugge. Even Phiidor, pioneer of the first positiona thought, was essentiay a briiant exponent of combinationa methods of pay. Ony in the 40's did the deveopment of chess thought ead to the intrroduction int oductio n into the chess process process of many notions about positiona pay, pay with a pan based on these notions. notions. Masters of this time t ime , in the first pace the Engishmen, taunton, Wyvi, Wiiams, and then aso the Germans, Lasa, Bi-
weapons,s, these had to b e consideweapon consideraby improved and perf perfected ected.. Thi process of renewa came to be noticed particuary briianty, in approximatey the midde of the 1 9th ccentur entury, y, i . e . rough roughy y from the first inteationa touament whic wh ichh took took pace pace in Lond London on 1 85 1 . This touament proceeded under the banner of positiona pay and neither nei ther the briiant briia nt combinationa combinationa thoughts of its winner, the outstandingg master of the German outstandin G erman chess schoo, Adof Anderssen, nor the eegant, bod pay of the Hngarian zen, coud change the positiona background of the tour-
guer some somewh ater, L. Pausen, and, proved to what beatknowedgeabe and subte apoogists of positiona principes in practica pay. However, a of them at the same time inherited the historica ine and were firstcass exponents of combinationa combina tiona creativity. creativity. CombinCombiningg the att in atter er with positiona principes, they possessed weapons against which the representatives
nament, guarded guarded such piar pi ars s of Engish chess as bytaunton, Wiiams and Wyvi Wyvi . These These three three aso occupied the next paces to Anderssen in the touament. And this occurred even despite the fact that the introduction to the tournament was a stunning combination.. We are ref tion referring err ing to the game, game , AnderssenKieseritsky, payed on the eve of the touament and
of chessgame art, for the concept "chess game waswhom equivaent to the concept "combinationa pay, proved poweress. In order to win from now on with combinationa
which, in the history Game. of chess,It isis caed the "Immorta precisey this game which we choose as a starting point for expounding the history of combi 52
Chess Mdlegame Combat Combato os s
nation in the second haf of the 19th century. It s usefu for the reader to know know that in many pubipub icaions the text of the game is
of an advantage for White in this variation, variat ion, then it is ony an insignificant one.
given incor the textbooks of Euwe, incorrecty Retirecty and ( Em. Lasker, the magazine hakhma by N. I. Grekovv ) , wi th a wrong ko wrong order of moves. moves . It shoud aso be taken into in to account that this game, which asted about 1 hours, ought to be cassed as as a "casua game. Thus Anderssen's profound execution of the combinationa idea deserves, a the more, high estimation.
Back threatens Now 8 Kg 1 is ba badda incheck viewon of g3. ... Qb + ; however no no wo wors rsee than the continuation chosen bAnderssen was 8 Rg.
Bish's Gambit
White: A.Andesen Back: L.Kieseritsky (London 85 1)
1 e4 e5 2 f4 exf4 3 e4
The King's Gambit, at east at the time, ed to a ivey combinationa game. ide by side with the Evan Ev anss Gambit, Gambi t, it was the fa favourite opening of Anderssen.
7 d3 Nh5
8 Nh4 Qg5
A doube attack, reckoning on 9 Nf5 c and, on any retreat of the bishop, bish op, 10 . . . d5 with an initiative. Kieseritsky does not take into account a circumstan circumstance ce which, it is true, woud not beme. easy8 .to. . g notice even in a serio serious us game. ga was best. 9 Nf5 c6 10 g4 Nf6
Bac k aso reckone on this Back th is posiposi tion. What Wha t can White do now? On 1 1 Ba4 Ba 4 fo o ows 1 1 . . . g aand nd th th en . . . N xg4 with an obviou obviouss advant advant-age for Back.
3 ... Qh4+ 4 Kf b5
This countergambit has some foundation: oundation: the White b isho ishopp is di diverted from a strong positon to an undefended square and Back gets time to deveop his queen's bishop. b ishop. However the further course of the strugge tus out so tragicay for Back that neither this nor any other factor pays any roe at a.
1 1 Rg !
Chigorin, never very generous with his praise, characterised this rook manoeuvre as a geniusike pan and provided Anderssen's combinationa move with two
5 Bxb5 Nqueen 6 Nf3 Qh6imited in Here the is too
its possibiities. More promising ook o oked ed . . . Qh5 Qh5 and on 7 Qe2 Qxb5 8 Qxb5 Ba. If one can speak 5 3 5 3
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame C Combinati ombinations ons
excamati on marks. excamation marks. A rare rare event in Chigorin's evauations! Anderssen's idea i dea is indeed very very deep and and it is hard to bame Kieseritsky for not
Back. On 1 ... Bb7 woud have foowe oowedd 1 7 NxbS with the threats threats of Nd+ and Nc7+. Reativey better woud woud be 1 . . . Na, but aaso so
being abe to fathom it out to the end.
in this thiwith s case case continuatio continuation Bd! thethe threat eS, eadsnto1 a7 decisi dec isive ve atta attack ck.. 1 7 . . . Bxd is ceary not possibe in view of 18 NdS QeS QeS 1 9 d4. If, how howev ever er,, 1 7 . . . Bb7, t h en 1 8 g S Qe Qe 1 S NxbS Nx bS ith i th the irresistibe threat Nbd4.
11
•
xb5
Ba acck has has nothin nothingg ese. ese. If 1 1 . . . N xe4, so as, afte afterr 1 2 dxe4, to tak takee the bishop, then White wins by continuing 13 QdS with a doube threat of taking the t he rook and winnwi nning the queen after Nd+. It is inte in terrestin estingg ttha hatt on . . . Nxe4 Nxe4 White achieves a win aso a so by means of the oss simpe to the of a 12 piece pieQe2, ce fo forwhich Back Ba ck eads ( as a minimum, minimu m, since White sti hods a dang da nger erou ouss initiative) . 1 2 h4 Qg Qg6 6 1 3 h5 5 1 4 Qf3 Ng8
For the suering which fe to Back's ot, he wants to at east maintain the extra materia. A egitimate desire! 15 Bxf4 Qf6 16 Nc3 B5
Back cannot defend himsef against the invasion of the knigt on dS . If, fo for examp exampe, e, 1 . . . N e7 , then 17 Nd+ Kd8 18 eS. Nevertheess Kieseritsky's move is bad, since it deprives the g7 pawn of defence and the more so that the simpe 1 7 d4 decisivey refutes refutes the aggrressive agg essi ve intent intent of the thrust. thrust . The ony justification for such moves
1 7 Nd5
Apart from the above mention men tioned ed mov movee 1 7 d4 d4 , White White wins here by means means of 1 7 Bd with the threatssince, of gS on ad17eS....Back hepess, Bxd,is again ag ain 1 8 NdS is decis decisive. ive. 1 7 ... Qxb Qxb2 1 8 Bd6 Bd6!!
The best continuation of the attack, which is sated with combinations. 18 ... Bxg
The bishop cannot be taken in vi view ew of of mate in four four moves. Nu Nume me-rouss comment rou commentator atorss of o f this h istoric gamee maintained gam maintained that that afte afterr 18 . . . Qxa 1 + 1 9 Ke2 Ke 2 Qb2 Q b2 Back obtains chances of saving the game. However, after the simpe 20 Kd2 Bxg 21 eS is obtained approximatey the same picture as in the game. White threatens, after 20 Kd2, not ony to take the bishop but aso the deady Rb 1 . The There re is is no apparent dierence.
can they ion are ofusuay the resutbeof that a recognition recognit the hopeessness of one's position. Indeed, there does not seem to be any a ny sati s atisf sfactory actory continuat contin uation ion for
19Cutting e5! o the queen from the
g7 point (the method of intererence) and preparing a fina sacrifice of the queen. 54
' Ches Chesss M Mdl dlegame egame Com Comba batio tions ns
19 Qxa + 20 Ke2
White threatens mate in two moves, 21 Nxg7+ and Bc7 mate, and mate in three mves, 21 N xg7+Kieseritsky Kd 8 2 2 Qfnoticed + ! Nxf Nx fony 2 3 Bthe e7 mate. first threat, as the more obvious, and defended himsef ony against that. 2 0 N Naa6
Defending the c7 square, but getting mated from the other side. The best defence was the move 20 ... Ba, pointed out by teinitz. Thee idea Th id ea f the th e mov movee is to fr free ee the c sq squa uarre for the kin king. g. 20 . . . b, withh the same objective wit objective,, i s unsatisunsatisctor c toryy in view v iew of 2 1 N xg7 + Kd Kd88 22 Qxf7. On any move of Back's king's knight, and there are no other ways to defend against the threat of Qe8 mate, White forces mate ma te by N e + . However, aso aft after er 20 . . . Ba Ba Back Back must ose, ose, as shown by the foowing anaysis,
24 Nd mate o 23 ... Ke8 24 Nd+ f8 25 Qxf7 mate is threatene te ned. d. ) 22 . . Bb Bb ( (rr 22 . . . Qc3 Qc3 23 7+ Qc7 24 Nc7 xc7 25 Qa8 Bc 5 2 Nd Bxd Qc3 27 exd exd24 +Qxb8+ Kc8 28 Qxa7) 23 Qxa8 Qc8 25 Qxc8 Qx c8 + Kxc8 2 Bf8! f8 ! Kb 7 ( if 2 . . . Nh, then 7 7 Nd+ Nd + Kd8 Kd8 28 Bxg7 with the three threats Bf mate, Bxh and Bxh8. On 2 . . . h f ws ws 27 27 Nd+ Kd8 28 N xf7 xf7 + Ke8 29 Nxh8 Kx 30 Ng+ Kf7 31 K and the reaisatin of the extra pawn des nt presen pre sentt any any diicutes diicutes here. here. ) 2 7 Bxg7 h (as28 eading is 27 Nb4 Nd+ t b8a win 29 Nxf7 7 30 K, and the king penetrates to g withut hindrance) 27 . . . Kxa 2 8 Bx Bxhh 8 h 29 g5 hxg hxg 5 3 0 h with the win f the the knight. And so even upon the best defence by Kieseritsky, Back's game coud not have been saved. Anderssen's cmbinationa intuition, aestheticay, consideraby raises the artistic vaue f the game. Anderssen created a truy immorta production of chess chess art. It is interesting that cntemporaries,, without mentioning the fac raries factt that they worked on a confused text, subjected Kieseritsky's pay t criticism when he was aready in a osing position, and did not indicate what exacty was the original
cause Back's of th, Kieseritsky's 7th and 8th defeat. moves created diicuties which in the end proved to be insurmountabe. We give the finae.
the variation And of which ongbasic to to Chigorin. so: 20 be... Ba 2 1 Nc7 + Kd8 2 2 Nxa Nxa ! (Pointed out by Chigorin. Now, apart from 23 Qxa8, 23 Bc7+ Kc8 55
Chess Mdlega Mdlegame me Com Combiatio biations ns
2 1 Nxg7 + Kd8 Kd8 22 Q+ ! N Nx xf6 23 Be7 mate
deveopment of deveopment o f positiona thought thought conceing the panning of the game, weaknesses weaknesses of a po posit sition ion.. In tu the question arose about the
A pure economica mate after the sacrifice of the queen, two
improvement of against methods of defence, above a a combinationa attack. O course, wiyniy, ni y, Anderssen Anderssen had to poss possess ess eements of positiona panning, but to the end of his ife his heart and sou beonged to combinationa ideas. This ed to him osing by a big score in 1858 to the young American Morphy, who possessed both combinationa taent and fine
rooks andpieces bishop,was whie not one to of Back's subjected banishment fr from om the arena arena of batte. In this aso ies the immortaity immortaity of the game. Anderssen's enormous combinationa taent won him word fa fame. me . After the game with Kieseritsky soon foowed his game with ufresne, which, in accord with thee beauty th be auty of its concuding conc uding combicombi nation, was dubbed "evergreen. In a number of other games, Anderssen succeeded in carrying out many beautifu combinations. T 0 get her with wi th this it shoud be mentioned that Anderssen was no onger a son of his time. Here it is necessary to expain why his sporting gory was comparitivey shortterm. Anderssen did not keep pace pace
understanding of the positiona strugge. In 18 he ost a match to the young teinitz, future word champin. Just ike Morphy, teinitz possessed possess ed great co combina mbinationa tiona gifts gifts and reativey good good technica pay. p ay. Objectivey, Anderssen at this time was stron stronge gerr than th an teinitz, t einitz, but he underesti underestimat mated ed him hi m and severa games, particuary in the midde of the match, he payed too riskiy. (The score score of the th e match match was +8 in teinitz's favour). The name of teinitz, future author of teaching about positiona pay (see Middle gamee Plan gam Planni nin ng represented, in the chess word, a briiant combinationa payer. In the inteationa tournament at London 182, his combination in a game
with thewas history ofin chess. thought deveopin deveop intensiv intenChess sivey ey at this time tim e in the direction of of the construction and deepening of theory, perfection of technique,
Mongredien against was hig highy hy vaued by Andessen Ande(Back) ssen himsef (first prizewinner of the touament). Here is this combination:
5
Chess Mdl Mdlegam egamee Com Comba bans ns
of the combination. The ine which whi ch suggests suggests itsef, 2 1 Rf + Ke8 Ke8 22 Bxg+ Rxg 23 Qxg+ Kd7, does not produce a cear resut. 21 ... Ke6 22 Qh3+ K 23 Rf + Ke8 24 Qe6 Rg7 25 Bg5 Qd7 26 Bxg6+ Bxg6+ Rxg6 2 7 Qxg6 Qxg6+ + Kd8 28 R+ Qe8 29 Qxe8 mate.
The diagram poston was reached after the 15th move, which was preceded by the moves 5 g4 fxg fxg4 ? Back went hafway hafway to meeting White's combinationa pan. He shou shoud d have have paye payedd 1 5 . . . Nxe55 1 fxe5 Nxe fxe5 f4 f4 or 1 dxe5 dxe5 Bc8 Bc8 , andd Back coud sstiti def an defend end hi himsef msef successfuy. Thus, to be fair, it is necessary to say that the combination succeeded for teinitz after a direct mistake by Mongredien. Was this not an exampe of teinitz'severy basicay mistaken that ever y combination combinat ion canpremise be preented? This was what teinitz maintained when ater constructing his posit positiona iona theory. theory. In repy to 15 ... fxg4, there folowed: 6 Rxh7 ! N Nxe xe55 1 7 e e55 Kxh7 Kxh7 1 8 Qxg4 Rg8
teinitz had foreseen the aternati na tive ve 18 . . . Qe8 19 Qh5 + Kg Kg88 20
teinitz's pan is beautifu both in content and execution. The period 1 80 1 880 repres represent ented ed years years of of further deveopment of positiona principes, and combinationa creativity, in its od Itaian spirit, graduay gra duay went on on the wane. wane. Let us ookk at a number oo num ber of combinations, combinations, carried out in this period, which hep us to grasp the evoution of combinationa ideas, giving rise to the further deveopment of methodss ooff eva thod evaua uating ting posit positions ions on the new foundations and the need to take into consideration the heightened he ightened roe roe of def defence ence and aso a so the theory of expoit expoiting ing positiona weaknesses. MayetZukertort Mayet Zu kertort (Berin 188)
Bxg Rf7 2 1 Kh 1 Bf8 22 Rg 1 Bg7 Bxg 23 Bh and wins. 19 Qh5 Qh5 + Kg7 Kg7 20 Qh6 + K 2 1 Qh7+
In the diagram poston it is Back's 20th move. Mayet was
In this check ies the fine point 7 5 5 7
Chess M Mleg legam amee Com Combatio bations ns
obviousy not abe to expoit the combinationa motives contained for White i n the King's Gambi Gam bitt and as a resut found himsef no better
White threatens mate in three movess after move after 29 Qxh 7 + , since on 29 . . . Kxh 7 mate is achieve achievedd in two ways wa ys:: ( 1 ) 30 Rh3 Rh3 + and and Rh8 Rh8 mate;
o theair, start. starsince t. A mating mat theme than is in atthe theing White king finds itsef in a hepess state, surroun sur rounded ded by enemy pieces. With Wit h two sma combinations, invoving the sacrifice of the queen, Zukertort soved soved the combinationa probem:
(2) 30 g8(Q)+ precisey becauseand of Rh3 this mate second threat any move of the rook from the square is useess. But how does does B Back ack defe defend nd him him-sef? Aas there is no defence and thiss one exampe a thi arready disproves teinitz's thesis about the posibiity of o f preventin preventingg any an y combination. Zukertort chose 2 8 Qd6 o n which whi ch foow o owed ed 29 Qxh7 + Kxh7 Kxh7
2 0 Qd6! 2 1 Ba3 Qd3 22 Nd5 Qf + 23 R Rxf xf Ne2 mate mate
Thi s game This game wa wass the firs firstt tim t imee that the theme of mate with w ith two knights knight s had been carried out in this form. The c ombin mbinat atio iona na ide ideaa the the transfer of the queen que en from from h to f1 is spectacuar by its suddeness and means of transfer. AndesenZukert (Berin Andesen 189) Anderssen was a great connoisseur and over of the Evans Gambit. In the present game, with a bod attack, he succeeded in achieving a position where the concuding beautifu combination turned out to be irresistibe.
30 + + Kg8 3 1 Bh7 + ! Kxh Kxh77 32 Rh3+ Kg8 33 Rh8 mate.
The foowing game between two German romantic masters is interesting because of he scae of the combination. The reader sees a whoe series of mating threats threats,, and the king eaves its passive position to make a forced trip through the whoe board. teinitz Gambit
White: C.Gring Back: H.Minckwi (Wiesbaden 1871)
1 d4 £5 2 e4 e4 3 Nc3 N£6 4 Bg5 e6
Here, 4 . . . c is mor moree ofte oftenn met met in practice, but the organic defect of this continuation is the deay in the deveopment of both fanks. fanks. In
any case, no worse; afterMinckwitz's 5 Nxe4 Be7move Bd3is b! Back has time aso to dveop his queen qu een's's fank. Interesting Interesting is the t he fofoowing combinationa variation: 58
Chesss Ml Ches Mlegam egamee Comb Combinat inations ions
7 Bxf Bxf Bx Bxff 8 Qh5 Qh 5 + g 9 Q -? 10 N xf + Qxf Qxf 1 1 Qxa8 Qx Qx + 1 2 d Nc5 1 2 Ne 2 ith advan advanta tage ge ttoo White. Howeve However,r, instea insteadd of 9 . . .
aso ose, with his pieces "frozen on the queen's fank fank,, but nevertheess, by keeping keeping the queen queen in pay , he might hae put up a more
00, Bac shoud shoud pla Bx and, Back if 1 0kNd + , tplay heny 91 0. . . . .Bxd4 cxd4! d! 1 1 Qxa8 Qxa8 Bxb2 Bxb2 1 2 Rb Rb 1 Bc3 Bc3 + 1 3 Kf Kf Nc. This variation aready ooks more promising for Back.
successfu resistance.
5 Bx Qxf6 6 Nxe4 6
Back wants to gain time by attackin ta ckingg the knight, knigh t, but tthis his move is not good. Even the simpe continuation 7 Ng3 foowed by Bd3 leads to an advantage for White. Corr orrect ect was was . . . Qh, Qh, and it is not easy for White to expoit his advantage in deveopment. 7 Bd3
The beginning of The of a mu m utitimove, move, finey and deepy deep y cacu cacuate ated, d, beautifu tif u combinatio combi nation. n. O course, Back is not obiged to go hafway to meeting the opponent and take on g2. Aso worth considering now was the retreat of the queen to h, h , disregarding the oss of tempo, but inckwit inckwitzz apparenty did d id not foreforesee the opponent's opponent 's grand pan p an to its extent and reckoned reckoned ony on 7 ... Qxg2 8 Ng3 Qd5; true, even in this case Back does not have an easyy ife, eas ife, but, but, after after paying paying . . . Qg Qg on the previous move, Minckwitz had aready decided to be consistent.
12 Nf6+ K
On 1 2 . . . Ke Ke77 fo fooows the main branch of the combination: 13 Nd5 + ! ! exd exd55 14 Qh7 Qh7 + K Kff 1 5 Qxgg + Ke7 1 Qg5 Qx Qg5 + Kf Kf7 1 7 Bg+ Bg+ Kg8 18 Qxd5+ Kg7 19 Qf7+ Kh 20 Qh7+ Kg5 21 f4+ Kxf4 22 Qh4+ K 22 Be4 mate. If, If, in this variation, Back pays 1 7 . . . Kg Kg7, 7, the then 18 Be8 + Kh7 Kh7 1 9 Qg + ! Kh8 2 0 Qh Qh55 + Kg7 Kg7 2 1 Qf7+ h8 22 Qxf8+ h7 23 Qf7+ Kh8 24 Q+ with a quick mate. 13 +
On 1 3 . . . Ke 7 fo folo lows ws aaga gain in 1 4 Nd5+! 1 4 Qx Qx + Kg5 1 5 4 4+
An even quicker way of forcing matee is by 1 5 h4+ mat h4 + g4 othe otherw rwis isee
mate tw m18 oves 1 Kh1 Be2 +19Kh3 Kh 1 7 Qin+two oh 2move Qsg3+ B B3 mate. This i tte miss of Gring is, perhaps, the ony speck in the combination, which contemporaries
7 Qxg2 hQh5+ Q 1 0 Qx Qx Q Qx xg g6 + 9 Qe5! Kd2 Q
Now itit is a forced. Aft After 1 1 . . . Qg2 or 11 ... Qxh2 Back woud 5 5 9 9
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Combat Combatns ns
caed ca ed briiant. briiant . 15 Kg4 16 Be2+ Kh3 17 Qh6 Qh 6 + Kg Kg2 1 8 5 + K Kxh xh22 1 9 BO Qf Qf 2 0 Qh4+ Kg •
20+ ...Qg2 Qh3 21 Qxg2 Q+ mate. 2 1Or Qg3 + 23 We give the fina position.
The whoe of this wonderfu combination contains severa thematic mates, each more beautifu than the other. A very eective combination was carried out in the game HampeMeitner (Vienna 1873). Back obtained a draw. I n this combination shoud be mentioned White's accurate defence (see Chapter 5). This game was one ooff the ast, a st, in the period we are are ooking at, to be payed in a purey combinationa spirit, but even here is fet the increased roe of defence. In the 1880's the majority of games presented themseves as a
maoeuvring and generay circumspect pay. The period 18801899 was characterised by many combinations buit a foundation of pay, new posistrategy, on purposefu pan of tiona manoeuvres. To the aesthetics of combination was added the absoute correctness demanded of it. The beauty of combinations became deeper, because the combinations themseves came to be not sefcontained factors but appeared as a component ogica part in the positiona pan of pay. Combinations became becam e not a product of stye sty e but an inevitabiity of any chess process. The, as it were, organicay inuenced even the creative thought of the fightin fightin side and entered into a new historica stage of their deveopment, which shoud be caed the panning or even more accuratey the positiona stage. We begin an investigation inve stigation of this period with a very beautifu combination which was carried out in the game Mason MasonWinawer from the inteationa intea tiona touament at Vienna 1882. After 35 QhS Rf the game reached the foowing critic critica a position. White has two extra pawns, but the very active position posit ion of the Back knight on cS, weakness of the White fS fS , e3 , a2 pawns, pawns ,
process of astricty positiona at times quite so, instrugge, which was aready widey expoited open ines, weakness of squares, and showing the irst tendencies to
the d strong e4 position and ion a3, wou woud seemoutposts to bring on to to the posit some motives for equiibrium. Howeve, the decisive deci sive factors prove t be te precais state the 0
Chess Che ss M le legam gamee Co Comb mbia iatio tions ns
Back king and the powerfu depoyment of the White bishop, which stimuate stim uatess White Whi te to ook ook for for a combination.
rank, White wins the queen and with it aso the game. 44 Ka 45 Qxg and Back soon rsigned. In this same tournament, Winawer ( Back) in a game game against against teinitz was abe to demonstrate a form of defence against the combinationa attack of the future future word champion. It shoud be noted that, in the Vienna touament 1882, teinitz and Winawer divided first and second prizes. The present game is one of two games of the
There foowed:
40 Rxg5 Rxg5 hxg hxg55 4 1 Qh7 + Nd7
On 41 ... Kd8 coud foow 42 Rxb8 Qxb8 43 Qh8+ Kc7 44 Qg7 + Kc8 45 Qxf Qxf Qb Qb + 4 Kh2 Qxa2 47 4 7 Qxd Qc4 48 f f aa22 49 and mate is inevitabe. 42 Bxd7 Qg
Bad iiss 42 . . . Qxd7 43 43 Rc4 Rc4 + Kd8 44 Qh8+ Qe8 45 Qxf+ with a quick win. aso the continuation However chosen chos en by Winawer meets with wi th an eegant refutation.
match opponents for first exchanged prize, in which victories. the The game went ike this.
43 Rb7+!
French Defence
In this surprising, beautifu sacrifice of a rook are combined, in one move, two combinationa methods: diversion of the rook from defence of the queen and uring of the king to the the white whi te square b 7 ,
White: W.ini Back: . Winawer (Vienna 1882)
1 e4 e6 2 e5
A very od cntinuation which cannot cann ot be refuted refuted by simp si mpee means.
ee diagram next column
In any case, practicaly speaking, has brought White many interest-it ing victories.
43
2
which introduces the possibiity of a doube check (Bc8+).
Kxb7 44 Bc+!
3 d4 c5 4 dxc5
In the game game PoockT Po ockT arrasch, arrasch ,
By an interception on the 8th 1
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Com Combination binations s
from te internatinal tounament at Hastings in 895, Wite cntinued ere 4 Bd3 and, and, on 4 fS , 5 g4! wit a nice initiative
wit ceck Oterwise he would ave played 7 Ne4, and, if 7 K ten 8 Nd6 + wit a draw Als nt witut iterest is te
4 Bxc5 5 Nc3 6 Bf4 Qb6 7 ... Qd2 Bxf2 + Qc7 Qxf2 Qxb2 9 Kd22 ! Qxa l 1 0 Nb5 Na Kd Na6 6 11 Nd6+ K 1 2 Bxa6 bxa6 1 3 Qc5
cntinuatin 7 ne Nf, reply, n wic Black as nly 7 ................ Ng6, and, if 8 Nf4, ten 8 Q2 and tere is apparently n decisive atack fr Wite, wereas Blacks material advantage is igly signiicant
White as obtained a dangerus inititative for te ecange 13 ... Ne7
17 ... Qx2
Winawer cnducts te defence in wrkmanlike fasin 8 Qf6 is met by Qd6 + and NfS Bf4 Qh5 ! 19 xf6 xf6 Nd5 20 Qd+ Kg7 21 Qa5 Nxf4 22 Qc3 + e5 23 Nxf4 Qg5 24 g3 Rf 2 5 Ne4 Qe7 26 Nd Nd55 Qe6 Qe6 27 2 7 Nc7 Qh6+ White resigned. 14 Ne2
An interesting cmbination Of curse, Gring's duble rok sacrifice crif ice was was wellknw well knwnn t teini t einitz tz Te idea f isolating te ppnent's queen in tis way is quite correct wen tere is an attack n an insecure enemy king However, as sown by te furter curse of te game, teinitz tei nitz did nt calculate te combinatin to the end 14 ... Q Qxhl xhl 15 ex gxf6 1 0 Bh6+ Kg 17 Qd4
Winawer demnstrated in tis game w muc te art of defence ad grwn in te second alf of the 9t century As we ave alreay pinted ut earlier, tis led grwt f cmbinatinal art t itselftCmbinatins nt nly became precise, crrect and interesting, but te artistic value f tem was increased Below we present five games, played pla yed in in te perid perid 883 883 89 8966 , where te cmbination cmbination carried out was called a true masterpiece
English Opening
.Zukertort Wite: Black: .Backbue tenatinal Turnaent nn
This move is based n a miscalculation teinitz eplained eplained his mistake by the fact tat he did not ntice that, after 7 Qxh2 8 Qxf66 , Black Qxf Black takes takes the knight on o n d6
188 1 c
62
Chess Mdlegam Mdlegamee Comb Combnation nations s
This particuary positiona pening was widey practiced by Engish masters in the first internaiona tournament in London
which woud ead to a certain weakening of White's queen's ank. Finay, after NbSxd6, Back, by taking the knight with wi th the cpawn,
85 1 . Henc Hencee the name name of of the the openopening.
Blackbue aows the exchange of the backsquared bishop for hite's queen's que en's knight (after 0 NbS ) . I t is not so simpe to say whether or not this decision is right. rig ht. The Th e fo foowing owing considerations spea sp eakk in i n favour of it: White Wh ite,, for the exchan exc hange ge of a piece pi ece of equa equa vvau aue, e, ust u st ose ose two tw o tempi temp i , sinc s ince, e, yo youu see see , it is not possible to maintain that
obtains cie for operations with his the rooks. And yet, despite the weightness of the given considertions, Backburne's decision must be considered, at east, debatabe. It woud be right if White's manoeuvre NbSxd6 were a separate, independent operation. Meanwhie the exchange actuay carried out by Zukertort is the initia ink of a deep pan of attack, the execution of which brings Back to a terribe combinationa combinati ona catastrophe. catastrophe. White' Whi te'ss pan consists of the the preparation of a pawn oensive oensive in the centre by means of Nd2, £ Qc2, Rae 1 , Bd3 Bd3 and, fi finay, nay, e4. With the bishop on d6 d6 and pawn on c7 , this compicated pan comes up agai ag ains nstt the the anti antido dote te . . . cS . If Ba Back, ck,
the bishopknigh onght d6 is stronger than th anBack the White kni t on c3 this is one consideration. The other consists of the fact that, with the ove o ve NbS Nb S , White Whi te gives up, even even if teporariy, to Black's control the ipor ip orta tant nt cent centra rall poi point nt the e4 suare. su are. One aso cannot cannot ignore this ou ought ght with w ith his 0th move Ba Back ck inues to mobilise his forces,
inst in stea eadd9of9 . . . Qe7 pa pay ewould d 9 ... cS or ... a6, thenhad White have to think a ittle over another pan in connection connection with the moves a3, b4, while, in the event of an immedia imme diate te 9 . . . cS , to play play 0 dxc dxcSS , in order to open the diagonal for the queen's bishop and organise, after 0 . . . bxcS , pres pressu sure re on the the cS pawn.
e6 2 e3 N 3 N b6 4 Be2 Bb7 5 0 0 d5 6 d4 Bd6
The game has deveoped at a slow tempo, and even Backbue, creato cre atorr of many beautifu beau tifu combinacombi nations, set an exampe of the new sitiona approach to the process of the strugge. 7 Nc3 Nc 3 0 0 8 b b33 Nbd Nbd77 9 Bb2 Qe7
ecting rooks and developing
In the tense situation created
e queen new, it handy pos ition itio n for to it, awhere i tmore can support thee adva th advanc ncee . . . eS , while on the the other hand it i t creates the posi positional tional threat thr eat . . . Ba3 Ba3 , the carry carrying ing out of
upon this pay, it would be be the hard hardadto talk about anyone having vantage, since the opening stage of the game was played by both opponents sufficiently wel and in accor 63
Chesss Mle Ches Mlegam gamee Com Combia biation tions s
dancee wi danc with th the the new new posit po sitio iona na prinpri ncipes. 10 N5 Ne4
This knight thrust, which essenessentiay tieasier ay gives Back nothing, for White to carry makes out theit abovementioned pan. At the same time, the adva advanc ncee . . . eS at at the pres present ent moment, moment, afte afterr 1 1 dxeS NxeS 12 Nxd6 cxd6, eads to an advantage for White (a piece base on d4, weakness of Back's cente pawns). It is not easy to suggest anything usefu for Back ere, since rook manoeuvres aong the 8th rank aso ook quite pointess, but, apparenty, it was nevertheess necessary to untie the knot in the centre cent re by means means of 10 . . . cS c S , and, if 1 1 Nxd Nx d6 Q xd 6 1 2 NeS Ne S , t h e n 1 2 . . . cxd4 cx d4 1 3 exd4 exd4 dxc4, dxc4, giving the the opponent hanging hangin g pawns. 1 1 Nxd6 Nxd6 cxd6 1 2 Nd2! Nd2! Nd Nd 13 Nxd2 14 Qxd2 dxc4
The ony possibiity of somehow doing against thee4.im-If pendingsomething threat of of the advance White takes with wi th the bishop on c4, c4 , then the cfie is opened and Back obtains obt ains an exit for rook operations. If, hwever, 15 bxc4, then the pawn on c4 might serve as an object of attack. 15 Bxc4 d d55
The fact that this move imits
coud first of a pay 16 Bd3 or 16 Rae 1 and thereby secure the advance of of his centra pwns. Back's task is to keep the e4 point under maximum contro andthisBackburne's move fuy meets task. 16 Bd3 Rfc8
Back pays routiney, not foreseeing the strength of the impending hurricane, but how can he create a covering detachment ? The c onti ontinu nuaati tin n 1 6 . . . Qd6 1 7 Ra Raee 1 Nd7 18 e4 dxe4 19 fxe4 eS 20 Bc4 wud maintain the initiative for White. 1 7 Ra Rae l Rc7 18 e4
The oensive oensive begins begins,, but b ut,, as wi wi be apparent ater, Backburne has thought thou ght up a sharp sha rp and, as it seems, a highy promising pan of defence. 18
••
Rac8 19 e5 Ne8 20 f4 g6
An immediate 20 fS aso woud not give a satisfactory defence, due to 21 exf6 Nxf6(e2) (21with ... Qxf6 fS) 22 2t2fSReS! Qe the22threat threa . Ne4 23 2 1 Re3
Provoking the repy which immediatey foows. If Back does not pay 21 ... fS at once, then, after 22 Rfe 1, this move wi aready be hampered, and, without it, it wi be diicut to conduct a defence. 21
•
f5
impy g was threatened.
the activity of the bishop on b7 (supposedy!) pays fo Of course course, , Back coud fono r theroe. present payy 1 5 . . . Rfc8, pa Rfc8, n an imm immedi ediat atee 16 e4 is now not not so good in view v iew of the repy, 16 ... dS. But White
22Aso ex af aNx fter 2 2 . . . Qxf6 23 Qe2
Ng7 2 4 ReS, ReS , White retain retainss the attack. In addition, this continuation cuts across Backbue's pan 64
Chess Che ss M Mleg legme me Combina Combinatio tios s
of def defence ence,, wi th which whi ch he intended in tended to decisivey refute Zukertort's attack 23 Ne4
witho foundafoundatin,Backburne, pinned anot hiswithout hopesut on this move. Indeed Indeed , what does does White do now? If White retreats the queen, Back Ba ck simpy rrepies epies 24 . . . exfS exfS and, with his powerfuy depoyed knight in the centre and extra pawn, pa wn, stands stands to win. wi n. After 24 Bxe4 dxe4, Back, threatening a rook invasion on c2 with the win of a bishop, obtains a good counterinitiative. It goes without saying that Backburne Backbur ne does not suspect that in this game he is destined to fa victim to one of the most briiant combinations in the history of chess. 24 Bxe4!
A the same! 24
dxe4 25 g6!
At what irst sight is incomprehensibe Whiteit inends after 2S . Rc2 . Moreo Moreove ver,r, ther theree is nnothi othinng e ese se eft eft for Back, Back , since s ince on 2S 2S . . . hxg6 woud have foowed 26 Rg3 g77 (or 26 . . . Qh7 2 7 Rf g Rf6 Rg7 28 Rh3) 27 dS eS 28 QgS Re8 29 Rf6. 25 Rc2 26 gxh7+ Kh8 27 d5+ e5
(See diaam next column
If it were not defended by the queen, White woud force mate. Thus,s, on 28 Thu 28 Qxb Qxb44 , foow foowss 29 BxeS+ Kxh7 30 Rh3+ Kg6 31 Rg3 + Kh7 (3 . . . Kh6 3 2 Rf6 + K h S 33 RfS + Kh6 34 Bf4 + and RhS mate) 32 Rf7+ Kh6 33 Bf4+ and Rh7 mate. 28
R8c5
Reativey best, but not not a saving saving repy. re py. On 28 . . . Qe8, decisive decisive isis 29 Rf8+ Qxf8 30 BxeS+ Kxh7 31 Qxe44 + Kh6 3 2 Rh3 Qxe Rh3 + KgS 33 Rg33 +. If, howe Rg howeve ver,r, 28 . . . R2cS , then 29 Qxe4 and Back cannot defend the eS pawn. 29 R+ This new sacrice achieves the capture of the critica eS square. 2 9 Kxh7 O cour course, se, aso afte afterr 29 29 . . . Qxf8
30 BxeS Bx eS + the the denouemen deno uementt appap proaches quicky. 3 0 Qxe Qxe4 4 + Kg7 3 1 Bxe5 Bxe5 + 32 Bg7 + Back resned.
Zukertort s combination coud
28 Q!!
be characterised as teinitz a true masterpiece of chess art. caed Zukertort's combination combinatio n one of the reate r eatest, st, perhaps perhaps the most beautif beaut ifu u of a a that tha t had ever eve r been bee n created on
In this sur queen sacrifice sacrif ice,, grand in surprising ideaprising and strength, is revealed the whoe of Zukertort's bribri liantt improvisation. The lian Th e combination deveops around the eS point. 6S
Chesss Mle Ches Mlegame game Comb Combinations inations
the chessboard. In 1 889 , out of the the midst of German chesspayers, the 22 year old Emanue Lasker attracted attention. In uy of this year, in an inteationa tournament for amateurs in Bresau (where in the master touament the irst place was aso taken by a German ches ch essp spa aye yerr . Tarr Tarras asch) ch) , Lask Lasker er turned out to be the winner and gained the right to take part in internationa master tournaments. Aready within a month, Lasker took advantage of this right and competed in a sma internationa tournament in Amsterdam, Amsterdam, where, besides him, him , participated five five Engish, two Dutch and a Viennese master, Bauer. Lasker obtained 2nd prize in in this touamen touamentt ( st wa wass Bu ) . teinitz teinit z wrot wrotee the fo foowing owing assessment of this success: "Herr Lasker made made an exceen exce entt debut in a master touament ... without doubt we wi hear again of the successes of this taented young payer, who, in this touament, created a masterpiece in a concuding attack at tack on the opponent's opponent's king. kin g. He was referr referring ing to the game Lasker won against Bauer, which was not ony of historica, but aso theoretica significance in the deveopment of combination.
Be7 5 Bd3
The majority of commentators had a negative regard to this move of Lasker, considering that Back coud ater on, with advantage, exchange the bishop, 5 ... b6 6 Nc3 Bb7 7 NO
We quote the text of the game according to teinitz's mgazine, since in severa other pubications (for exampe Dufresne's book Collect Colle ctio ion n of nst nstc cti tive ve Games, Pla Pl ayed yed in Recen Recentt nte nte atio ationa nall Touamen the move of the
king'stheknight appears as the 6th, and queen's the 7th. 7 ... .. . Nb Nbd7 d7 8 0 0 0 0 9 Ne2 Ne 2 c5
Knowingg the Knowin t he roe which wh ich White's W hite's bi bishop shop on d3 pays i the combination foowing shorty, the commentators unanimousy maintained that Back ought to have exchan exch ange gedd it by paying paying now 9 . . . NcS. Probaby White woud have rep re pied ied 10 Ne NeSS Nxd3 1 1 cxd3 cxd3 . Back is rather cramped, but withthee move th move 1 1 . . . Nd7 Nd 7 he cou coudd pr obaby obtain equa chances. 10 Ng3 Ng 3 Qc7 Qc7 1 1 Ne5 Nxe5 Nxe5 1 2 Bxe5 Qc6 13 Qe2 a6?
Leading to defeat. Back, preoccupied with his pan, ignores White's threat (NhS). It is surprising that not one of the commentators, incuding even teinitz, tein itz, paid atten-
tion to Bauer's mistake. He shoud payy 13 . . . Ne pa Ne4; 4; neithe neitherr 1 4 Qg4 Qg4 nor nor 14 NhS was terribe for Back, in view of 14 ... f6. Back coud aso pay 14 ... g6, but this woud weaken the casted
Bird's Opening
White: Em.Lasker Back: .H.Bauer (Amsterdam 1889)
1 f4 d5 2 e3 Nf6 3 b3 e6 4 Bb2
66
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame C Combinati ombinations ons
position unnecessarily. 4 Nh Nh55 !
14 . . . N Ne8 e8 is no not pos possible sible now, in view f 15 Bxg7. On the other and, the threats Bxf6 or Nxf6, in the present circumstances, are deadly, and so there is nothing left fr Black but to take the knight. 4 ... Nxh5
Black reckone Black reckonedd only only n 1 5 Qxh5 Qx h5 f after which his positin is quite solid.
from the White queen and rooks. Black is forced to accept the sacrifice. On 17 ... f6, the simplest way to to decide the the game is by 8 R R Qe8 19 Qh8+ 20 Qh7. 17 . .. Kxg7 Qg4+ Kh Kh77 19 RJ 20 Rh3 Rh3 + Qh6 2 Rxh6 Rxh6 + Kxh6 22 Qd7
The inal thematic move of the combination. The queen carries out a double attack. 22 ... B 23 Qxb7 Kg7
s a result of the combinatn, White has obtained a great material advantage withalready a continuing attack. Black could resign. We give the nal moves.
5 Bxh7+!
24 Rfl Rab 25 Qd7 Rfd 26 Qg4+ K 27 e5 Bg7 2 e6 Rb7 29 Qg6 30 Rxf6+ Bxf6 3 1 Qx Qx + Ke Ke8 8 3322 Qh Qh + Ke7 Ke7 3333 Qg7 + Kxe6 Kxe6 34 Qxb7 Rd6 3 5 Qxa6 Qx a6 d4 336 6 exd4 exd4 cxd cxd4 4 3 7 h4 d3 3 Qxd3 Back signed.
"The beginning f a very deep
lmst 25 years later Lasker's
and elegant elega nt combinatin combinat in , teinitz tei nitz oted, aprpos this sacrifice. Fr this time, Lasker's cmbination was perfectly riginal, since te feature f it cnsists not f the sacrifice of the bishop on h 7, with which we ave already become fmilia mi liarr abve, abve, but in the sacrifice sacrifice,, a move later, f the ther bishp f the g7 pawn.
combinatio combinational idea was repea repeated ted in the game nal Nimzovch Nimzovch Taasch (Petersburg 1914). The latter carried ut a double bisp sacrifice, playing play ing Black in the the fol following lowing pos pos itin.
5 ... Kx 6 Qx Qxh5 h5 + Kg Kg 1 7 Bxg7!
The secnd sacrifice completely wrecks the castled pitin and after this the expsed Black king lls under a cnvincing attack 67
Chess Mlegme Combina Combinations tions
In its aesthe aes thetiticc form form,, Tarrasch's combinatin is even higher than Lasker's. A pure, economical final mate , a sacrifice of of the echange on top f the sacrifice of tw bishops, the uneasy position also of the Black king, all these adorn Tarrasch's play in this game. The venerable German champion was awarded the secnd specia prize for beauty for this game, thugh it was undubtedly as beautiful and eective as the game CapablancaBernstein, which was honoured with the first prize. The
replied repl ied Lask Lasker er and especial especially ly not not on this matter of what the judges have decided. Your combination with Nimzovich, Doctor, remains a masterrpiece, maste piece , j ust as as all the the brill br illiant iant productions in your games. uch a comb co mbin inati atioon he added mi migg ht occur occ ur only only once once in 25 years years . . . After the game, NimzovichTarrasch, arrasch , the sacrifice of the two bishops occurred in several more games.. And so games so this sort of combinacomb ination assumed a theoretical character, representing, as it were, a theoretical discover dis coveryy of Lasker. The diagonal operation of the bishops in the direction of king'ssidee castlin sid cast ling, g, and the def defenc encee of the g2 and h2 , g7 an andd h 7, pawns pawns with just the king king this is the combina combina-tinal motive through which one can boldly carry carry out this theoretic theoretical al cmbination. And one more cnclusi clu sin n the the str strength of two bishops lies nt nly in the har-
judges deny this, decisindid wasnt mtivated bybut the their fact that Tarrasch's cmbinatin was not riginal and had a predecessr. This formal apprach t the prblem was f urse unjust. In cnnectn with this we rrecal ecalll an anecdtal incident incide nt,, of which the authr was an eyewitness. During the banquet at the end of
mony f their thei r peration pto eration, , but also in their readiness "sacrifice themselves. We gie two cmbinational masterpieces, created by Chigorin in the internatinal turnament at New Yrk 1889. In this turnament, Chigorin divided 1st and 2nd prizes with the Austrian grandmaster Weiss and gained a great
8 ... d4 8 exd4 Bxh2+ 20 Kxh2 Kx h2 Q Qh4 h4+ + 2 Kg l Bxg Bxg22 2222 f3 f3
22 g is not possible because of mate after ... Qg4+ and ... Rd5.
22 .. . Rf Rfe8 e8!! 23 Ne4 Qh l + 24 Kf2 Bxfl 2 5 d5 ff55 2 6 Qc3 Qc 3 Qg Qg22 + 2 7 Ke3 Ke3 R Rxe xe4 4 + ! 28 e4 e4 f4 + 2 9 Kxf4 R R+ + 30 Ke5 Qh2 + 3 Ke6 Ke 6R Re8 e8+ + 3 2 Kd7 Bb5 mate. mate.
number f ecellent victries in purely psitional style.
th e turnamen the turnament,t, T arrash arrash came up up t Lasker with a bottl bot tlee f wine wine and and,, withut beating abut the bush, begged to state his opinion abut the decisin f the judges. "I d nt wish to take issue with the judges
M.Chigorin W.Poock
The mst mst striking striki ng combinati combinatinal nal motive is the White Wh ite pa pa n e 7 . 68
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame C Combat ombations ions
The position posit ion on the board somehow resemble rese mbless a wilderness wilderness Chig Chi g o rin thought thought up a 1 2 move combination His imagination sees the flight of the enemy king through the chessboard wilderness There followed: ol lowed: 34 Rxg Rxg 7 + Kxg7 35 Rb7 + Kg Kg6 6 36 Q + 55 37 3 7 Rb5 Rb5 + Ke4 Ke4
Very diverse combinations might arise on the theme of its reaching the last rank For eample, the move 32 Ng7 might be the start of one of them On 32 Ne7 or 32 e 7, White quickly concludes the struggle strugg le after 33 Qe6 + The best way out for Black would be 33 Re4, but it is obvious that also here the simple e8(Q) + achieves achieves ictry ictry for White Chigrin preferred another, more effective way, striving t cmbine two aspiratins ict ictr ryy an and beau beauty ty 2 e5 e5 IfNx Nxd6 32d6+ +de5, ! Rx Rxd6 d6 then 34 3 e5 Rd8 + Rf6 Rf6 5 e8( e8(Q Q ) + Kxe8 36 Qd7 + 8 8 7 exf6 Back resigned. .Chigo .Chi gori rin n - .Bir .Bird d
Black also threatens mate! 38 f3 + Ke3 39 Qb3 + Ke2 40 Qb2 + Kd Kd33 4 Qb l + Ke2 42 Rb22 + Ke3 4 Qe Rb Qe l + Kd4 44 Qd2 + Kc4 45 Rb4 mate.
The following game received the first special prze fr beauty in the famous Hastings cngress of 1895 In its cmbinatinal idea, it belongs t the unique productions f chess art The cmbination in this game can be cnsidered the crowning and, t a certain etent, the result f cmbinational creativity of the the secnd half of the 1 9 th century It represents, as it were, the hi highest ghestthught pint f cmbinational thu ghtffascent the 1 9th century, bth in the idea and brilliance f its frm and als in its classical simpli sim plicity city and clarity cla rity f cntent cntent talian Game
White: W.initz Black: C.von Bardeeben Intrnatinal Turnamnt
(Hasti (Ha stings ngs 1895)
e4 N Nc6 Nc66cxd4 Bc4 Bc5 N f6 5e5d d4 4 exd4 Bb4+ Bb44+ c7 Nc3
The sharpest repl, which was recmmended by teinitz in his 69
Cess Ml Mleg egme me Com Combin bintion tions s
etbook A quieter cntinuatin here is 7 Bd2 Bd2+ 8 Nbd2 White des not sacrifice a pawn but in return return must afte afterr 8 d S part with h i s pa pawn wn centre centre and sub mitt to the islatin mi islati n f the d4 pawn 7
H
d5
Modern ther ges deepl int the move move 7 N e4 e4 the pra practi ctice ce of which prvides a great deal f material t evaluate frm the variatins ensuing frm ths repl At the th e time the th e requisite requisite cntinua tion was 7 N e4 8 00 Bc3 9 bc3 is the Mller Attack) dS (9 0d5Ba3 Ba3 whic which h is al als s rec recm m9 mended in teinitzs tetbk exd5 exd 5 Nxd5 9 0 0
Nw Black has n gd repl A duble capture n c3 leads t de feat as shwn b ther Black cannt withut lss secure cast ling fr himself 9 Be6 Be 6 0 Bg Bg55 Be7 Be7 Bxd Bxd55 Bxd5 2 Nxd5 Qxd5 3 Bxe7 Nxe7 4 Re •••
Whites echanging cmbina tin has nce and fr all deprived Black f the pssibilit f catling Hwever H wever the uncas uncastle tledd king this is an effective cmbinatinal mt ive and namel n its basis is cns truce Whites future attack 4 ... .. . f6 5 Qe2 Qd7 6 R Rac ac
B l a c pla pla f f7 N d S a n d Rhe8 he miht even tae ver the initiative Upn 6 f7 f7 wa wa teinitz recn re cnin in n te cntinuat cntinuatin in 7 Q e7+ Qe7 Qe7 8 e7+ e7 e7 9 Rc7+ et Frm the fllwin ntes the reader will be cnvinced that thi calculatin is t pimistic Hwever after 6 d White initiative wul have cntinued cntinued t develp deve lp f fr eamle 6 dS f7 7 Rad Rhe8 (if 7 NdS N dS then 8 NgS + f fS S 99Q QQb4 + Rd Rd ) 18 Qc4 f8 rg82 0Re6 6 ... c6
Blackk d Blac des nt pl 6 f7 prbabl fearin the cmbinatin withh 1 7 Qe7 + Mean wit Meanwhile while afte 7 Qe 7 8 Re 7 + e7 e 7 Rc7 R c7 + d6 d6 2 0 R R Rac Rac88 2 Rc7 Black succesfull efen himself Admittedl in repl t 16 f7 teinitz ha available the sharpp cnt shar cntinuat inuatin in 7 NeS + (a (al l NgS + ) fe fe 18 de de Q Qee6 9 Rc Rc 7 r 8 e8 19 e6 Qc8 20 Q Blacks defence wuld nt have been eas It is als pssible that this variatin cnfused cnfused Bardeleben Bardeleben Hwever in the numerus surces where this t his game was feat eatured ured nt a
word was said abut this possibilit for White
Perhaps the nl mve in the whole of Whites pla with which we cannot quite agree agree A mre crrect continuation continuat ion of te attack was w as 16 dS One cannot den the tetmove is natural the the roo rookk is developed on an open line However if
ee e e diag diagra ram m p of net net ge ge
7 d5!
In order t penetrate with the knight via d4 to e6 The pawn sacrifice is abslutel correct and 70
Chess Ml Mlegme egme Combinat Combinations ions
Black should not accept it 7 ... .. . ccxd xd55
Better would Better would have have bee beenn 1 7 ....... and and , if 1 8 Nd4, Nd4 , then 1 8 NdS White, however, mai mainta ntains ins the advantage advant age by continuing continu ing 18 dc6 bc6 bc6 1 9 Qc44 + QdS 20 QdS + cdS 2 1 Qc Rc7 8 Nd4 K K 9 Ne Ne6 6 Rhc Rhc8 8 20 4 g6
It is all happening as teinitz anted, and with the following oves he begins to reveal his brilliant combinational plan Added t the particular colouring of the hole combination is the fact that, in the process of carrying it out, hite needs to seriously take into account the lockedin position of is own ingg a circu in circumst mstanc ancee hich hich is distinctly eploited by Bardeleben 2 Ng5+ Ke8 See diagram p ofnext column
ind themselves under attack Blackk c annot tak Blac take the rook 22 Ke 7 owing ttoo 23 Re 1 + Kd Kd66 24 Qb4+ Kc7 2 S Rc + or 2S Ne6 + with quick 2 3 Ra+ ! win This move sets o the depth and accuracy of teinitz's technique If White were, first of all, to echange on c8 he could not have won the game 23 ... Kg8 24 Rg7+!!
The peak of beauty I t is i s clear cl ear that neither with the king, nor the queen, can Black tae the undefended White rook Black has to move to the coer An unusual spectacle!
22 xe7+!! Kf8!
splendid fr theAfact that, reply in thiswhich game,speas teinitz encountered a worthy opponent Because of the threat of mate n c, the Blac queen is invulnerble, whereas all four White pieces
24
•••
Kh8 25 Rxh7+!
Here Bardeleben left te toua 7
Chess Ml Mlegame egame Comb Combination inations s
ment hall and did not return that day Thus Thus he did not allow teinitz tein itz to bring this remarkable combination to an end. However, teinitz, there and then, demonstrated before the public the finale of his idea, id ea, and and to be preci precise, se, 26 g8 27 Rg7 + h8 28 2 8 Qh4 Qh4 + g7 29 Qh7 + f f8 30 Qh8 Qh8 + e7 3 1 Qg7+ e8 32 Qg8+ Qg8+ ! ( incor incorrect rect would would have been been 32 Re + d8 33 Ne6 + Qe6, and the ominous threat of mate ma te on c brings Black Black a win win ) 3 2 e 7 33 Qf Qf7 + d d88 34 Qf8 + Qe8 35 Nf7+ d7 36 Qd6 mate Thus teinitzs calculation (22 Re7+) etended for 14 moves! In our view, the following game, in which clashed the two strongest players of the 890s, should be rank ra nked ed with w ith the number num ber of combicombi national masterpieces of the 19th century
7 ... Be7 Be7 8 0 0 0 Qa5 Qa5 e 3 Bd7 1 0 Kb h6 1 1 x xd5 d5 exd5 exd5 1 2 Nd4 Nd4 0 0 1 0 Bxf6 Bx 14 Qh5 Nxd4 15 exd4 Be6 16 f4
This precocious attack is beautifully refuted by the world champion Deserving attention is 16 Bc4, and, and, i f 16 gg6, 6, th then en 17 Q Q Also here Black maintains the initiative by replying 6 Bc4 Qb4 Thee tempt Th te mpting ing 6 Ne4 was was not goo goodd because o the surprising combinational retort 16 Bd4 17 Rd4 Qe 1 + and Black is le left ft wit w ithh an etra pawn 16 ... Ra8 17 f5
Inte nd i ng, on Int on 7 Bd7, t play 8 Q, but Lasker as something else in mind
ueen's ue en's Gambit
.Psbury White Black: Em.Lasker Matchturnament (Petersbur 89/96)
1 d4 d 4 d5 2 4 e6 3 N3 N3 Nf Nf6 6 4 NfJ 5 B xd4 6 Qxd4 N N6 7 Qh4
In a game played between the same partners 9 years later
1 7 ... Rx Rx c3 !
Beautiful, surprising, and at first sight not even fully comprehensible
(Cambridge prings 1904), Pills bury played the sharper 7 Bf6 gf6 and now 8 Qh4 Gradually White succeeded in obtaining an attack To avoid this possib possibili ility ty,, it is usefu usefull for Black on the 6th move to ii rst of all play 6 Be7
18 e6
On 8 bc3 would ave probably followed ollowed 8 Qc3 19 fe6 fe6 Rc8 20 Qf7 + h8 2 1 Be2 Qb4 + 22 a Rc + ! and mate in two moves, or 20 ef7 + f8 2 1 e Bd4 72
Chess Mdle Mdlegame game Combi Combiation ations s
8
Ra3!!
A new reveation by b y Las Lasker ker.. 9 e + 20 bxa3 Qb6+ 2 Bb5
Otherwise i is quite bad, but even ev en now White's White' s position is miserm iserabe. 2
Qxb5+ 22 Kal Rc7
A "quiet move, with the threat . . R + , which which deter determin mines es the the correctness of Lasker's fine combination. na tion. Though Though Whit Wh itee parries parries the threat and ater some others, the inevitabe denouement quicky draw dr awss near and it i t iiss crowned wi th a spendid diagona mate with the bishop. On the way to this mate, hi hite te ove overooks rooks the sacrifice sac rifice of the second rook on the same ifated a3 square. 23 Rd2 Rc4 24 Rhdl 24 Qe2 Lasker had had in m ind a
beautifu sacriice of the queen: 24 . . . Rx Rxdd4 25 Qxb5 (25 Qe6 Qe6 + Kf Kf8 26 c88 + Kf7 c Kf7 27 Qc7 Q c7 + Kg6) 25 R 26 Rb2 or 26 Bxbb42++! and then Rxb5 . . . Rxb5. Rxb5. 24 ... Rc3
o as, on 25 Rb, to repy 25 ... c4 an and, if 26 Qd Qd , then then 26 . . . Bg5 Bg5 27 Re2 Re2 Rd3 Rd3 or 2 7 . . . Be3 . Never Never-theess this quiet, sefcondent move mo ve might give Whi W hite te a surprising surpri sing chan ch ance. ce. A decisive decisi ve continuation continua tion of of
simpy . . . Qxa3 simpy Qxa3 , maintan maintann ngg a strong attack, whereas the positions of White's pieces are highy passive. 25 Q5
N o ess unpeasant fo for Back here was the move move 25 Re , with the threat to exchange queens. On 25 . . . Qc4, Qc4 , White force orcess a dra draw: w: 2 6 Re8+ Kh7 27 Qf5+ g6 28 Re7+ B g 7 (2 8 . . . B x e7 2 9 f7+ Kh 8 30 Q e8+ and Qxe7+ Qx e7+ ) 29 Rxg7+ Rxg7+ etc. etc. 2 5 . . . Kf8 i s as asoo dou doubt btffu i n view of 26 R with wi th the irresistib irresistibee threat of a sacrifice on f6. Back woud have to retreat the rook to c8, but then, if ony, 26 Qf5 Qc4 27 Qd3. The move made by Pisbury Pisbury does not contain direct threats and this is its minus. 25
Qc4 26 Kb2?
This is aready careessness. 26 Qf1 was aso not good, in view of thee simpe 26 th 26 . . . Qa4, and and White's position remains diicut, but 26 Kb wasthreatens necessary. After this, White to provoke an exchange by Rc2. If, however, 26 . . . Rx Rxa3 a3 , then then 27 R ! and no nott possibe are ... Qb5+ or Qb4+ because of 28 Rb2, and it is Back not White who stands bady. Covering himsef with the rook is aso miserabe: miser abe: 27 . . . Rc3 28 Rxc3 Rxc3 Qxc3
29 Qxd5+ and White has everythin more or ess in order. A draw might be obtained after 26 . . . Qb5 + 2 7 Rb Rb2 c c66 28 28 Rc2 Rc2 Qb5 + etc. etc . Back's king is aso insuicienty covered, and there is hardy anything better for him.
the attack attack was 24 24 . . . Qc5 ! and and if 25 e8+ Kh7 26 Qe3 (there is apparenty nothing ese), then 26 ... Rc3 ! 2 7 Rd3 ( 2 7 dxc dxc55 R mate) mate) 27 . . . Bxd4! Bxd4! 28 Qxd4 Qxd4 R R + and and 29 b22 Qc2 mate. Upon the re b repy py 2 7 e in this variation, Back pays 73
Chess d dlega legame me Combaon Combaons s
Lasker's reply strikes like a bolt from the blue.
26 ... Rxa3! 27 Qe6+ Kh7 On 28 Qf5 + Black replies now
28 ... h8.
28 Kxa3 Qc3 + 29 Ka4 bS + 3 0
KxbS Qc4+
And mate on the following move. With this brilliant eample, we conclude our sho short rt history illustratil lustrating the development of combinational ideas in the second half of the 19th century. The main conclusion from the given eamples is this: in the second second half of the 1 9th century, combinations gradually came forth as an organic component part of the positional plan, and began to show the way for a construction of its theory and subsequent sequ ent historical his torical stages of i ts devedeve lopment.
74
Chapter Chapt er Eigh Eightt
Double Attack. ttack. Pawn Attack acks. s. The double attack is the most frequently met case of simultaneous attack. It is necessary to subject this theme to an independent, separate investigation. The theme of double attack (mainly ith the knight) has already been
the queen does subject the Black pawn on g7 and d7 to attack. The object of the blow always becomes undefended or insuiciently defended points in the deployment of enemy forces, and frequent motives in combinations with the the-
slightly upontheincombinaChapter 2, wheretouched we showed tional elements. There, however, e touched upon this theme only ith the aim a im of more clearly fami fami-liarisingg the liarisin th e reader reader with w ith the th e de deini ini-tion itself of the theme, i.e. how e understand this as an element of combination. Now before us stan stands ds another anoth er task to investigate the theme of double attack in all he aspects aspects f it which wh ich could cou ld have a bearing on its implementation in he practice practice of combinationa combin ationall creativity. Above all, one important matter should be mentioned. ouble attack is not only a combinational nation al theme. It can be delivered del ivered also ithout combinations. This is the first thing. However, the se-
me of and double attack are weak points pieces (or pawns). The most eective piece for delivering a double attack, clearly, is the queen. Let us try to porray schematically the various themes of double attack with the queen. From Fro m th e diag di agram ramss given below we see that there are five such kinds. The queen alone, at times, times , del ivers a double attack, but more often i requires the help of some piece or other, as we can see se e both both fr from the given schemes and also from he eamples illustrating the delivery of a double attack in the chess game.
cond thing is that we do not call any one attack a ltblow, only which whicinh is ichess s diicu diicult to parry. parbut ry. For eample, one cannot rgard as a blow the move 3 Bb5 in the panish Game or the doubleblow move 2 Qg4? after 1 e4 e5, though 75
Chess Che ss Mlega Mlegame me Com Combi biatio ations ns
Three kinds of double attack with the queen, more than any other,
are met in games. These are: 1) double attack along the diagonal 2) double attack along the rank and fle, and 3) double attack along along the diagonal and rank (or ile) 76
Chesss Mdl Ches Mdlegam egamee Comb Comban ans s
hite: .R.Capabana Black:
Rad 1 , Black, as a minimum, minimum , loses loses the pawn on e5 with the worse position. Bu chooses the second way but, bu t, upon it, a combination on the theme of double attack awaits him.
(San Sebastia Sebastian n 19 1 1
17
Let us take a look at combinations with these themes. Spanish Game
•••
b4 18 xb4 Bxb4
e5 2 N Nff3 N6 3 Bb5 a6 4 a4 Nf6 5 d3 d6 6 c3 Be7 7 Nbd2 Nb d2 0 0 8 Nf b5 9 B2 d5 1 0 Qe2 dx dxe4 e4 d de4 e4 B5
Black's last two moves are poor and allow White to plan an interesting combination. 12 InBg5 the present situation, the pin
of the Black king's knight is a serious rio us combinational combinational motive. motive . 12 Qe7
•••
Be6 Be 6 13 Ne Ne33 Re Re8 8 1 4 0 0
14 . . . Bxe3 Bxe3 isis bad, bad, in view view of 1 5 fxe3 ! but he should retu with the bishop bish op to e 7 . 15 Nd5 Nd5 ! B Bxd xd55 1 6 ex exd5 d5 N N 17 a4!
Here White could carry out ofa little combination on the theme doub ouble le attack: attack: 1 7 d6 d6 Bxd6 Bxd6 1 8 Bxf Bxf66 Qxf6 1 9 Qe Qe4 Nd 7 20 Qxh Qxh 7 + . hite somewhat worsens the position of the Black Bl ack king. king . Capablanca Capablanca finds a combination on the same theme, but with a better result. The move in the game is, as it
19 Bxf6 Qx 20 Qe4
A double attack on h7 and b4. The possibility of it is conditioned by the undefended state of the bishop on b4 and the fact that the h7 square is defended only by the king. If the Black Blac k pawn pawn were on a5 a5 or thecould knighthave not been on b8, b8no , but on f8 , there question of a double attack. 20
•••
Bd6
Or 20 . . . Qg Qg66 2 1 Qxb4 Qxb4 Qxc xc22 22 Rac 1 a n d Black Black loses loses the the c7 pawn. pawn. 2 1 Qxh7 + K 2222 Nh4 Qh6 Qh6
If 2 2 . . . g6, then then 23 23 Bxg6! Bxg6! 23 Qxh6 gxh6 24 Nf5 and White
were, an introduction to th were, this is combination. White threatens simply to take the pawn on b5. There is nothing to defend it, and Black is faced with the alternative of playi n g 1 7 . . . bxa bxa 4 o r 1 7 . . . b4. I n t h e first case, after 18 Bxa4 Rd8 19
wins.
White carried out a whole series of combinations on the theme of double attack in the exhibition game Capabana Capabana us Cho miky (Petersburg 913). 77
Chess Mle Mlegame game C Combinat ombinatins ins
It seems that now everything is in Black's hands and so it also would be if the character of the struggle were determined only by its positional elements. Hwever combinations intervene and everything is changed as if by magic. 25 e5! g6
The diagram poston is after Black Bla ck's's mo move 2 2 . . . N c5 . The The game game continued 23 b4!!
first first sight sig ht rather harmless harm andThis nota t very intelligible moveless is the prelude to a series of elegant and surprising combinatins. t is incomprehensible for what reason White invites the opponent's knight to a4 where it secures the capture of a weak point in White's camp ca mp the the c3 squa square re and pro pro-bably domination over one f the open les. 000
2 3Black Na4 does not unravel the oppo-
nent's combinational idea but he hardly need grieve heavily over this. The The continua continuation tion 23 . . . Nxd3 24 Rxa8 Rxa8 25 Qxd3 would lead to a winning position for White due to the weakness of Black's pawns. White threatens after 26
f Black Black were were ttoo rep reply ly 25 . . . dxe5 then with wit h the the move move 2 1 Qf Qf55 White Wh ite by attac att acki king ng the the h 7 and c8 points also in this way carries out points the theme of double attack and would complete attack. triumphantly However also after the defensive move Black's position remains dismal since White's attack does not dry up and after a twomove combination once again begins to regenerate its "electric charge. ts summer lightning begins to flash from all directions. 26 e6 R
f 26 . . . fxe6 then 2 7 Qg Qg4 27 Ng3 Qb7
On 2 7 . . . fxe6 ffollows ollows 28 Qg4 Qg4 ee55 29 Bxg6.
28 Nf5!
Also this is an original double attack. Both Nh6+ and exf7+ are threatened. Clearly impossible is 28 . . . gxf5 29 Qx Qxf5 and and mate mate is unavoidable.
Rc6 to win Rc6 wi n one f the pawns b5 or d4. f however however 25 . . . Bf6 Bf6 then then all al l the the same 26 Rc6 Rc6 Qb8 Qb8 2 7 f4 ! and Black is helpless against the maneuvre Nfg3f5 or h5 since on ... g6 follows e5.
28
000
e6 e 6 29 2 9 dxe6 dxe6
A new cmbination on the theme of double attack with the knight. knig ht. 29 . . . Qx Qx wul wuldd lose lose a piece after N xe 7 + . 29
000
Qc7
Or 2299 . . . Qa7 N h 6 + g 7 3
24 Rxc8+ Rxc8
78
Chess Che ss M le lega game me Co Comb mbina inati tions ons
N with the threats of 32 BxbS andd Qh6+ an Qh6+ .
3 0 Qc6
One of more combination on the theme doube attack with knight: 30 30 . . . Qxc6 3 1 N xe7 + . 30
•••
Qd8
Giving up materia and the game. 31 Nxe7+
Possiby the objective was achi ac hiev eved ed ev even en quick quicker er by 3 1 N h6+ g77 3 2 Nf g N f7 , but not i n the the stye stye of of Capabanca, Cap abanca, to whom whom "a bir bi rd in i n the hand bush. is worth twice in the 3 1 Qx Qxe7 e7 3 2 Bxb5 Nc3 3 3 Qd7 Qxd7 34 Bxd7 •••
Back now oses the exchange, but, through inertia, he sti continued the strugge for some time. Can i t be said that tha t the combinacombina-
said that Capablanca's positional plan was met, right from the opening, by an insiciently staunch resistance, which aso faciitated the successful conduct of its concuding combinationa stage for Capalanca. V myslov spoke well apropos aprop os the th e inevitabl i nevitablee course of the struggle when when there is an accum accumua ua-tion of combinationa tension, in his book "elected Games. He wrote wro te "A correctl correctlyy staged staged game not infr in frequently equently creates creates,, in its development a culminating moment which can ony be decided by combinational means. But nevertheess nevertheess in the creative process there is i s aso a place ffoor the chance combination combination,, when one of the opponents overooks a combination nat ion prepared prepared befo beforehand rehand which whi ch in such cases begins to assume the character of a skifuy disguised trap, but is not a ogica consequence of panned positional pay. We want to ook in more at one such case, where aso detai the theme of doube attack with the queen is featured. In the game Dubinin aviky (9th UR Championship, Leningrad 1934), the foowing position arose after White's White's move 20 R .
tion carried out by Capabanca in this game bore a fortuitious character ract er and was the resut resu t of a serious seriou s mistake,, made by his opponent? mistake opponent ? Of Of course not! This combination appeared as an organic part in the pan, and, as it were, was the stage of competion competio n of the pan. It can be
(ee diram next page)
Back has the more active position. The powerfu depoyment of hiss queen hi queen and and rook, rook, the th e pi pinn on on c4, passed apawn, weakness of the eS pawn, contro contro of the th e cent centra ra die these many positiona considerations convince us that Back has 79
Chesss Mdleg Ches Mdlegame ame Com Combat batons ons
2 Rxa5 Rdl + 22 Rfl Rd2
the initiative in the deveoping struggle. avitsky made the "beautiful move 20 ... a5? This bad move surprisingly brings Black a
23 R??
Black also counted on this. thi s. Now
quick to victory, whereas inl neutrafact it ought have hav e led to a total tota lisation of Black's positional advantage. Black gives up a pawn, obtaining nothing in retu. It tus ou t that avi a vitsky tsky played fo for a trap in the hope that his partner would not notice the combination he had prepared. And so it happened. Playing for a "trap this is a bad style of play, which usually
follows combination the theme of adouble attackonwith the queen. 23 ... Rxf2 24 Kxf2 Rxc4! and White resigned in view of 25 Qxc44 Qd2 + xa5 . Instea Qxc Insteadd o f the fatal 23rd move, White should conti co ntinu nuee 23 g3 , and and nei either ther 23 . . . Qh6, nor nor . . . Rcd8 Rcd8 gives gives Black Black a decisive attack. More than this Black must reckon with the threat
turns against author himself hi mselfsharply of the trap. Play,thecounting on a mistake by the opponent, usually usua lly consists of bad moves and is j ustified ustified sportingly only in i n that case when the opponent falls into a "trap. Creatively, however, in general it is not justified, since the
of mate, arises for for White Whi te,with , on themate back, which rank in connection the lockedin position of the Black king.. Here is an approxima king approximate te variation, pointed by by G. G . Y. Levenf Levenfisish: h: 2 3 gg33 Qh6 Qh6 24 h4 Rcd8 Rcd8 25 Rb ! Qg6? 26 Qxd2 Rxd2 2 7 Ra8 + and mate in two moves.
bad moves of the winner do not become good just because the opponent "blunders. Winning a bad game resounds resounds as a paradox paradox,, and and in every case the bad play remains remain s a discredit to creativity. However, what wh at happene happenedd in i n the game? This is what happened:
Instead of the trappy idea with 20 . . . a , avitsky should should advan advance ce the other rook's rook's pawn two squares, which would give him good chances ch ances of win winning ning the game. And so 20 ... h5. The a7 pawn is safe, becaus bec ausee of the the combination combination 2 1 Rxa77 Rxc 4, then Rxa then . . . Rd + an andd . . . 80
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Comba Combatns tns
e3 + (diagona doube attack withh the wit the queen) queen) . At the same same time, hite is bound hand and ft, whie his bishop remains pinned: te pin serves as a highy active combinationa motive. The bishop can only be unpinned un pinned by the move 2 Qb3 (on 21 Qc foows an elegant combination: 21 xc + 2 2 Rxc Rxc Rxc4! Rxc4! 2 3 Rx Rxc4 + 24 Rf Rxf + 25 Kxf Kxf Ba6 Ba6 theeme doube attack th attac k ooff the the bbishop ishop alongg the diagona alon diagona)) 2 1 Qx Qxe5 e5 22
Rxa7 Qc5 23 Rxb7 Rd2 24 Qb6 Qxc4! Qc, land + 26 Kf Kf22 Qxd2 + 25 2 7 Rxd2 Kg Kg] g5 White,
obviousy, cannot repulse the mating attack. The variations are fu of interesting ideas and combinations. A this coud have happened upo uponn 20 2 0 . . . hS . After 20 . . . a victory came more quicky, but creativey the game was impoverished. White gained an exceent victory, in on the thefoowing theme ofgame. doube attack, Queen' Que en'ss Gambit
hite: A.Rubinsin Back: E.Znosko E.ZnoskoBorovsky Inteational Conress (Petersbur 909)
flank. lan k. One of the concrete minuses min uses of Back's ast move, amongst others, is that, after 8 cxdS, he cannot take on dS with the knight in view of the oss of a pawn. However, in the event of 8 cxdS exdS, the position of the Back b ishop on b 7, wher wheree it wi obv iousy be deveoped, is rather passive. It is interesting that, in this game, the bishop on b 7, being undefended, even pays a roe of a combinationa motive. Back's most energetic repy to 7 Qc2 is consid con sidere eredd to to be bpayed e her heree in. . this cS .variaThis was frequenty frequenty t. his tion, and with good success, by Teichmann. 8 cxd cxd55 ! exd5 exd5 9 BdJ BdJ Bb7 0 000
This sharp variation, introduced into practice by Rubinstein and in which White prepares the storm h4 and g4, creates great combinationa tension in the strugge. 10
N e 4 I I h 4 f5 I I Kb Kb l !
subte having the aim noA not t ony on y of removing remove, moving the t he ki king ng fro from m a ine on which Back coud countera te ratt ttac ackk by . . . cS aand nd . . . Ra Racc8 , but aso preparing a convenient situation for a combination. 12
c5?
Aready Back's ast move gave
rise to doubt; the opening of the a2g8 diagona, with the king on g8, wi create new combinationa motive mot ivess which which as aso rathe ratherr sugsuggested to Rubinstein the move 12 Kb 1 . The concrete signific significance ance of this move is seen from the foowing note.
I d4 d5 2 cc4 4 e6 3 Nc3 N 4 Bg5 Be7 5 e3 N N77 6 N N 0 0 7 Qc2
At the time this game was payed, the theory of the Orthodox ariation st stii did not highigh high ightt suf suf-cienty the shady side of this method of deveoping the queen's 81
Chesss Mleg Ches Mlegame ame Comb Combation ation
13 dxc5 bxc5
Not 1 3 . . . Ndxc5 Ndxc5 , in view of 1 4 N xd5 Bxd5 Bxd5 1 5 Bc4. I f the the White White ki kinng we were standing standing on c , then this combination combinat ion would prove to be imim practicable pra cticable in view v iew of the intermediat di atee 14 . . . N xd3 with with ch chec eck, k, bbut ut als also, in repl replyy to 1 3 . . . bxc5 , RubinRubinstein ste in had prepared prepared a beautiful combination in which was consistently consistently carried out the theme of double attack, at first by the bishop, then the queen, and finally the rook. Inst In stea eadd of 1 2 . . . cS , Black Black coul couldd make the the also pre prepa para rattthis or oryy mov mcase ove, e, White 12 ... R, but in maintains the initiative by continuing 13 Bxe4 fxe4 14 Ne5 Ne 5 , and, if 14 . . . Nxe5, then then 15 ddxe xe55 Bxg5 Bx g5 1 6 hxg5 Qxg5 17 f4! Andd so Black overlooks An overloo ks the combination and finds himself already under the "yoke of strong pressure from the opponent's side. uch a phenome phe nomenon non an oversight oversight in the the worse position, is highly characteristic for the thinking of some and even many many chessplayers, chessplayers , coming up agains aga instt diiculties. diiculties. Here Here , several several traits of a man's nature are tried, such as coolness, stubborness and will. The idea of Rubinstein's combicomb i-
15 Bxe4!
A double attack att ack by th thee bishop b ishop on d5 and h7. 1 5 .. . dx dxee4
Thusattack opening both ways for a double by Rubinstein. 16 Qb3+
A double attack of the queen. 16 ... Kh8 17 Qxb7 ex 18 Rxd7
A double attack of the rook on d and e7. 18 ... Qe8 19 Rxe7 Qg6+ 20 K a Rab8 Rab8 2 1 Qe4 Qe4 Q Qxe xe4 4 22 Rxe4 Rxe4 g2 23 Rg Rxf2
As a result of the deeplycalculated combination, combination, White has an extra piece. Black's little counterplay, in connection with the penetration of his pawn to g2, is liquidated quickly by simple technical means. To give the full picture we present the finale.
nation consists consists of the exploitation of the dile and the a2 g diagonal di agonal for the setting up of a series of double attacks. By sacrificing a bi bishop, shop, White Wh ite opens opens both these arteries for his combintional attacks.
24 Rf4 Rc2
If 24 ... Rbxb2, then 25 Rf+ 25 b3 h6 26 Be7 Re 27 Kbl Re2 28 Bxc5 Rd8 29 Bd4 Rc8 30 Rg4 Back resigned.
Th theme of of "double attack atta ck , in its structure, looks very simple, and, it would seem that contem
14 Nxe4! e4
2
Chess Mleg Mlegme me Combin Combinations ations
porary chessplayers of our epoch, aving many exampl exa mples es from from pla pl a y of tee classic past, t past , could by now make make some theoretical generalisations and conclusions. However, creatively, this theme is so interesting and rich and contains such s uch a varied var ied combinational process, that even famous grandmasters of our time ll victim to combinations on this teme. Here is ne of these.
wrecked. tahlberg's attentin was drawn t yet anter cmbinatinal mtive the undefended state of the rok on a6 tgether with the weakness f the g6 pint. Cncentratig is creative thugts arud these mtives tahlberg finally fud a cmbinatin wic quickly achieved victry fr him. The intrductry move mo ve t the cmbinatin is beautibeaut iful. 3 B ! !
Blackk cann Blac cannt t take take the rk: rk: 3 . . . Rx Rxd2 32 Qxg6+ Qxd6 g6+ 35f8Qe6 33 Qg Q g8 + e7 34d2Qe8+ mate. 3 Kx Kx 32 Rxd8 Rxd8 Qxd8 Qxd8 33 Qb7+
Te theme. 33 Kg8 34 Qxa6 e4 35 Re3 Bd4 36 Rxe4 Back resigned
The diagram features the position after the 30th move in the game tahbe tahbeNa Najd jdorf orf played i 1947 at the international turament in Buenos Aires. Blacks position is clearly wrse due to the splendid deployment of te hite bishop in the centre of te board. Under cover f this bishop, hite could systematically, and in various ways, con-
n the game mysov mysovEuwe (nternatinal Candidates Turnament in witzerland 1953), hite carried ut an f elegant cmbinatin on the teme double attack.
duct his attack. For example, 31 dd3 with the threat of Rxf6 is worth considering; very dangeous for Black was the idea of attack with h4h5, against which there is apparently no good defence, for example, 31 h4 32 g4 and the Black kings pawn cover is
The diagram is after hites 24th move. There followed:
24 Bb4! Q6
83
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Combinat Combinatns ns
but after still a long struggle. Bronstein gave the following
liantly portrays the nature of this that it is hardly worth adding adding anything to such a picture. We pick out briefly our thoughts, thoug hts, devoted to the theme of double attack (mainly with the queen). In the majority of cases, a weakened point in i n the castled castled position serves as one of the objects of attack, when carrying out the theme of double attack. Let us list other combinational methods which assist in the carry-
vaaton, myslov's which would have crowned combination more worthi worthily: ly: 29 Bg2 Re8 30 Bxe5 Rxe5 31 Qxe5 Qxe5 32 Bxc6+ Kb 33 Rb7+ Ka8 34 Rb6 (b5, b4, b3) mate. It would have been possible to give further quite a lot of illustrations demonstrating the double attack with wi th the queen. It is useful for the reader himself to sort out and investigate suitable examples. pecial examples of double attack by the rook rook or bishop are not not given given.. These are identical with the double attack of the queen. Double attack with the rook is the same as the verticalhorizontal blow with the queen. The theme of the bishop is
ing of combinational ideas on this out theme: 1 ) The The meth method od of enti enticeme cement nt (pi eces lured to an undefended square, thee king to a line th lin e where it can can be be checked) 2 ) The rever reverse se of th thee first first the method of diversion (pieces diverted from defence of squares or lines intended intended as one of the th e ob objects jects of the double attack) 3) Demolition or removal of ostacles (doing away with enemy pieces and pawns with the aim of exposing the position of the king, opening of lines, weakening of squares). There are also other combinational methods, as, for example,
To avoid the double attack, 24 . . . Qxb Qxb 4 2 5 Qxe Qx e 5 +. 25 Bc3
Again threatening the thematic bows Bxe5 or Qxe5. 25
00 0
Bg7 26 Nc5
And once again a double attack is prepared, this time with the knight. 26 Ka8 27 Nxb7 Kxb7 28 Rd7+ Ka8 29 Qc5 and hite 000
won
th e method ooff intercption intercption of lines of defence (depriving the attacked oint of defence by intercepting the line of operation of the piece defending it, for example the move e5 in the "Immortal "Immortal game) game) . A parparticula tic ularr place place is occupied occupied by the method of the pin of a piece, and
the theme of the diagonal double attack with the queen. Likewise we do not consider it necessary to return once again to the double attack of the knight. The nature of such a double attack is clear. Just the one study of Troi Troitsky, tsky, given giv en in in Chapter 3, so diversely and bril 84
Chess Ml Mlegam egamee Comba Combans ns
veral others. We refer to these later on. Now however we want to throw light on the question of the combinational role of the weakest ches hess unit the pawn its part in those combinations where it is destined to play the role of a hero. owever o wever also the t he secondary secondary role of the pawn has a part whic wh ichh is i s of very great signiicance. A very complicate ca tedd combination combi nation mi ght not no t receive its fullment if a pawn taking part at some stage of of i t turns out to justthat one on square further forwardit than which precisely
would play its secondary role. Below we are oered the possibility of convincing ourselves that the pawn might indeed become a hero he ro ooff a combination combinat ion which whi ch presents itself as as the bbasic asic reason for for its bi birth. rth. In other words words we must recognise that the activisation of pawns leads to the creation of original combinational motives. A passed passed far advanc advanced ed pawn is almost on the threshold of a combico mbination. In chess terminology the double attack of the pawn is given the gra graphi phicc name of the "fork. "fork. Already in the opening stage we often come across the pawn fork. In
Four Knights Game
White: Danowski Black: EmLasker nteational Tournament (Cambride Sprins 904)
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nf3 N6 3 Nc3 N£ N£6 4 B5 B5
The famous famous Morphy Mo rphy also l iked to play this. 5 Nxe5
Already here there is a lttle combination on the theme of the pin. 5 Nxe5
goes halfway to meeting theLasker opponent and allows him to carry out the theme of the fork. In the wellknown game L.PaulsenMorphy Black castled which looks more natural. Contemporary openingg analysis also look openin lookss aatt 5 . . . Nd4 here. 6 d4
White wins back the piece at the same time having the rather better development.
the middlegame the the th e pawn fork fork apap pea ears rs at the th e other ot her times t imes as a combi national The exploitation theme. of the "fork both as a tactical method and as a combinational theme is well portraye tra yedd in the first half of the fol ollow low-ing game.
6 Bd6 7 £4 Ng6
The best opening reference book bo okss ccon onsi side derr 7 . . . Nc6. 8 e5
85
Chesss Mle Ches Mlegame game Combi Combinations nations
Yet another fork. Admittedly, in the present situation it does not present itself as a combinational theme. 8 cc6 6
A dubious attempt to confuse the game. Janowski considered it obligatory to castle here, but also possible sible is 8 . . . Be 7. 9 Bc4
Black's position becomes critical Black's afte af terr 9 exd6 cxb5 10 Qe2 + f8 1 1 f5 N h4 h4 1 2 0 0 b6 1 3 Bg 5 , or or 1 2 . . . Q b6 1 3 Qe7+ Qe7+ g8 1 4 Nd Nd5. 5. 912Bxd5! Bc7 1 0 eex x Qx6 1 0 0 d5 d5
Otherwise Black simply obtains the better game. 12 cxd5 13 Nxd5 Qd6 4 Qe22 + Ne7 1 5 R Qe Ree I Bd8 1 6 c4 £6 17 Bd2 a 18 Qh5+ g6 19 cS Qa6 20 Qh Qh6 6 Be6
24 Qb3 + e7 25 Re + f8 26 26 Nxa8 Qxa8 27 Qe6 Qe6 ! g7 ! 28 Q Qd7 d7 + h6. Janowski indicated 21 Qg7 as a winning move, considering that after 2 1 . . . Bxd5 Bxd5 22 Qxh8+ Qxh8+ d7 23 Qxh 7, Whi White te has both a material mat erial advantag adva ntagee rook and and three three pawn pawnss for bishop and knight, and also a continuing attack. This evaluation requires careful verifcation, since it does not take into account the powerful attacking position of Black's centralised whitesquared bishop. bisho p. By continuin continuingg 23 . . . Qc6 Black Bla immedia i mmediately tely obtains chances of ackcounterattack. n this example, the combina tiona role of of the paw pawnn the openopening thematic thematic fork fork was still sti ll comparatively unimportant. However, recalling the historical game from the 4th match between the strongest masters of their thei r tme t me,, Labour Labour donnais (France) and MacDon ne (England), where three pawns of Labourdonnais, playing Black, reached the second rank, automatically imbues one with great faith in the dynamic combinational activity of pawns. Here is the concluding combination in this game.
2 1 Nx + ?
This continuation loses the game. Black holds holds on to the piece , and also obtains a counterattack. After 21 ... f7 22 Ne4 Nf5! Chigorin gave the following variation, leading to victory: 21 Nb6 N f5 ! 2 2 Rxe6 Rx e6 + f7 23 Qh3 Qh3 xe6 xe 6 86
Chss Ch ss M Mlega legame me Combn Combnati ations ons
There followed:
6 ... Qxdl!
This Th is is m moore decisi decisive ve then then 3 6 . . .
the material and and positional positi onal advantage turned out to be the decisive advance of the White g5 pawn,
+
xf 7 Rx Rxf f39 e 2.g3,ByWhite playing playingcould now now 38 Qd33 e(Q) ave still put up resistance. 7 Rxdl e2
The three pawns tu out to be stronger, by far, than the queen and rook, and White cannot avoid a quick mate. The impetuous march of pawns to queen queen in i n many games figures as a teme of beautiful combinations.
which, taking supporting bishopinto , embodies embaccount odies all the elements eleme nts of of combinati combination on motive, idea, theme. The possibility of a harmonious attack on the point with the bishop and pawn is the basic leit mot of the combination. And so: 27 g6! Re7 28 Qh5 Nh6
et us look at a number of examples.
29 Qxh6!
n the diagram is the pton after the 26th move in the game terk te rkMarshaU (nteational touament in Pistyan 1912). hite is the exchange ahead; Black has no compensation for it,
A sacrifice with two thematic mates in mind. One theme mates theme mate wi th a rook supported by the bishop andd . . . fo an forr the the pres present, ent, a nonnonexistent knight knight!! 29 ... gxh6 30 gx+ Kh7 3 (N)+
t wa wass possible to delay the the decideci -
ore than this, the positional advant va ntag agee is l ikewise on White's White 's side. sid e. is bishop on c4 occupies a threatening place, while the , g7 and 7 points are really weak. we ak. Partic Particuularl larlyy weak is the point, poin t, which is already subjected to attack. Thee most energetic real isati Th isation on of
si sion on by one move, by promoting promoting to a queen, but it seems that White was not conceed only concise that but the elegant. decision 3 ... Kh8 22 Rg8 mate.
Though the final mating theme passed by, as it were, without the firsthand participation of the 87
Chess Che ss Md Mdleg legame ame Com Comba bation tions s
pawn, it would be ingracious of Black Bla ck to forget about i ts heroic run. From the idea side, but not the technical, the piece on f8 is not simpy a knight, but a pawn transformed into a knight. In the following position we see how the firmly blockaded dS pawn is surprisingly given the "green light and quickly brings the desired decision for White. (From the game, BotvinnikGrigoriev, Grigoriev, LeningradMoscow match 1927)
30 Qxd2 31 Qx Qx + Ng8 32 c8(Q) c8( Q) Back resigned.
In the game, c chechr hechr Peris Peris (International touament in Carl Ca rlsb sbad ad 1 9 1 1 ) , stil stilll in in the the open open-ing, even in the early stage of it, White succeeded in demonstrating a fascinating idea, the essence of whic wh ichh is to free free the pawn for for queen qu een-ing by a surprising combination. After the moves: 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 Bf5 3 c4 c6 4 Qb3 Qb6 5 cxd5 Qxb3 6 axb3
Black felt he was forced to play 6
Bxbl
The introductory move of the combination is surprising and beaubeautiful. 28 Rxe5
Black now has a painful choice whether to leave the rook to its own fate, by playing 2 8 . . . QxeS , or to go halfway to meeting White's
Indeed, the continuation 6 cxdS 7 Nc3 e6 8 NbS Na6 9 Rxa6 bxa6 bx a6 10 Nc7 + d8 d8 1 1 Nxa8 c8 c8 1 2 Bf Bf44 might not not suit him, but nnow ow
combiational theme and open the combiational semaphore "pawn on dS. Black chooses the second.
follows a witty combination, in which the pawn must show all its best qualities.
28
7 dxc6!!
dxe5 29 d6
And here also is the known to us them th emee doubl doublee attac attack. k. 29
With rare originality and a beautiful tif ul idea. id ea. On 7 Be4 would have followed 8 Rxa7! Rxa7! ! R Rxa7 xa7 9 c7. This position, which we give in the diagram, also appears as the theme
Qd8 30 dxc7
It was possible to conclude also with 30 Qxf8+ Qxf8 31 dxc7. 88
Chess Ch ess M le lega game meCo Combi mbia aio ions ns
of chechter's combination.
exampes, was carried out in the game, BogoyubovAekhe from the inernational tournament at Hastings 1922. The shows the position after diagram hite's 29th move Rxa5.
The pawn on c7 embodies in its action, as it were, a doube attack in which the threat b8 also represents a bowtointake the on nest sense of the word. Referring to the treat c8, even this is also not a low low in the the i tera sense, sense, but bu t neverteless it is a threat of mate or a blow on a square. Therefore, in ches ch esss terminology , th thee th thrreat ea t to advanc va ncee the pawn to the ast rank it i t is customary to consider a blow. Thus in pawn themes there are two aspects of double attack: one is a fork, the the other the the threat to capture, at the same time as the treat to advance the pawn to the last square of its ie. e have digressed from the chechterPerlis game, but there
There folowed: 29 ... b4!
The beginning The begin ning of a deeply calc ca lcuulated combination the theme of which is the same as tat in the game chlechterPerlis. The basis f it is the undefended state of te first rank and the undefended knight on d wich is situated on it. 30 Rxa8
hi te is hoping hite hoping for 30 . . . Qxa Qxa88 , which would leave him chances of resistance. Bad now would be 30 Qa 1 , on which woul wouldd have fol-
remain rema inss to give j ust on one move move 7 . . . Nxc66 8 Rxb . Back is si mply ef Nxc eftt a pawn down with the worse posi-
owed 30 . . . Rxa5 Rx a5 3 1 Qxa5 Qxa5 Qa Qa8! 32 Qxa8 Rxa8 33 Nf Ra 34 Rd2 Ba4, or 34 Nb2 Ng4 with a quick
tion, and naturay aso lost the game. An amazing amazing combination, with wit h a tematic bow by the pawn as its finale, but considerably more complicated than in all the previous
win. 30 ... bx bxc3! c3! Three moves ago this pawn was st stiill on b 7. Fro From m this it fol folows ows that the sixsquare path of the pawn, whic wh ichh seemed so ong ong and impenet impene t 89
Chesss Mle Ches Mlegame game Comb Combations ations
rabe, assumes a completely dierence aspect when the advance of thee pawn is stim th st imul ulated ated by the the fir firee of
36 Rb8 Bb5 37 Rxb5 Qxb5
Black has a queen fr fr r r and bishpp a quite seriu bish seriuss material material
Black is two rooks rooks ahead, ahead , but the strength of the double attack is s great that the hopelessness of his
advantage. White's pieces are bunched in the crner f the bard. The reali sation f f such an advntage advntage usually u sually occurs by means f a cncrete, bu purely technical, plan. Hwever, the presence f cmbinatinal mtives in the psitin, in particu lar the t he sea f weakn weaknesses esses int int which the White king falls, cmpels ne to epect a new cmbinati cmbinatinal nal ut
position becomes clear quite sn.
break this+spectacular 38 g4inN 39 Bx game. ex 40
a3 combinational Rxe8 cc22 !! beacon. And here, befo before re u s once again, again , is the t he final final theme theme of o f the combination the double double attack of the pawn pawn on d and c. The combinatin consists of three pawn mo moves. ves. 32 Rx+ Kh7
gxf5 Qe2 4 d5
If 4 Ng4, Ng4, then 4 . . . Ng4 Ng4 42 42 Re2 fe2 and the duble attack f the pawn crwns the matter. 4 ... Kg8 42 h5 K7
Zugzwang. 43 e4 Nxe4 44 Nxe4 Qxe4 Qxe4 45 d6 d6 cxd6 46 gxf6 47 Rd2 Qe2!
Now, after 48 f5, White once again finds himself in zugzwang.
33 Nf2 cl(Q)
48 Rxe2 e2
The inevitable has happened! The b 7 pawn pawn is promot pro moted ed t a queen on c. Here the curtain could be lowered, but the fact of the matter matter is that 1 5 moves later later we
49 Kf2 exfl exfl ( Q ) + 50 Kxfl Kg Kg 5 Kf Kf22 Kfl 52 Ke3 Ke Ke6 6 53 Ke4 Ke4
While now the pawn cming frm e7 has its say. And so, ne me double attack.
d5 + and finally White capitu ated.
will wi tness tness yet another pawn combination. 34 Nfl
tragicomic for White'sApieces o n tthe on heposition king's king' s flank. flank.
The pearl Tofartakoer the tournamen grandmaster called cal led th thee game Capabanca-piemann (Match tournament, New York 1927), in which White's deciding combination was concluded with
34 ... Nel 35 Rh2 Qxc4
Now aris arises es the the threat threat of . . . Bb5 Bb5 , which White can cannot not prevent prevent withwit hout material loss. 90
Chesss Md Ches Mdg gme me Combi Combintio ntions ns
he run of White' he Whi te'ss apawn to the the a 7 square. The diagram features the pition it ion after after the 1 7th move.
Alas, the gift must be accepted. On 18 . . . Bb7 w would ould have have follow ollowed ed simply 19 bxa6. 19The Bxe4branch, Rb8 where the pawn
theme of the combination combination would be expressed more more strikingly, striki ngly, and perhaps even more beautifully, consists of 19 ... Ra7 20 b6 Qxa5 21 bxa77 ! ! Bb7 bxa Bb7 2 2 Rxa Rxa55 Bxe Bxe4 23 Rxa Rxa66 winning. 20 bxa6!
The positional advantage is on hite's side; his pieces are better developed, his pawn chain is stro strong ng,, compact, compact, in the centre centre is a srong passed pawn. Black's pawns on the queen's ank already come under attack. ite's 17th move was a4, on whic wh ichh pielma pielmann nn replied replied . . . Qd5 , atacking the White bishop on g5. The initiative also is on White's side. The simple retreat of the bishop to f4 forces Black to enter a region of diicult defence. owever, Capablanca's next move shows that this initiative assumes a dangerous character.
There is also no comfor in There in 2 1 . . . Qd8 2 2 Qxd8 Qx d8 Rxd8 23 a 7 and he has to give up the knight for the "terrible pawn.
1 axb5!!
22 a7 a 7 Bh3 23 Reb Reb l Rxbl Rxb l + 24
20 Rb5
Or 2200 . . . Qxa Qxa55 2 1 Rxa5 Rxa5 Nb6 22 a7 Ra8 23 Rb
2 1 Qc7 Nb6 Nb6
The bishop is oered for sarifice, the bishop which would be so needed by White to dominate
Rx b 1 f5 2 5 BO f4 26 Rxb 2 6 exf4 exf4 Back resigned
he weakened black in the opponent's camp. In sqares the process of ombination, such positional considerations do not begin to come ino he reckoning.
The pawn is "aggression Labourdonnais reminiscen of the fnal part of the game, game, mysovBotvinnik, played in mysov 1941 in the matchournament for the title of absolute champion of
1
••
Qxg5
91
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Combia Combiations tions
the UR. We give the position after the 55th move.
White has two connected passed pawns, breaking through to the cherished 8th rank, but Back has not two, but three connected passed pawns, out of which one on th thee b2 square square aready aready fi find ndss itsef on the eve of its triumph arriva at the queening square. 56 a6
Otherw Othe rwis isee Bac Backk wi pay pay . . . c2 . No w , however, however, this is not good, good, if ony on y in view of of 5 7 Rxb2 Rxb2 c (Q) 58 Rxc Rxc + 59 Kh2, and there is nothing eft for Back but to give back ba ck the the rook by . . . Rxb6. Rxb6. On White's move, Back repies with a combination with a rook sacriice. 5 6 Rx Rxb6! b6! 57 Rx Rxb6 b6 d3 ! 558 8 Rg Rg l d2! 59 Rx Rc7 •••
is a position positi on from from the game Kotov Ragozin ( 1 7th UR UR Cham Champi pion on-ship, Moscow 1949)
27 b5!
"The beginning of the most beautifu combination that I have ever managed to create on the chessbord noted Kotov, apropos this move. He gives further the basic branch coming out of his combinationa idea. It consists of 2 7 c5 2 8 dxc5 dxc5!! Qxe5 Qxe5 2 9 cxb cxb6 6 Rxc33 30 b Rxc bxa7 xa7 Rxc Rxc22 3 1 Rxc2 Rxc2 •••
"A rare rare position writes the the author author of the combination in concusion the White pawn, competing the marchh d4 marc d4c5b c5b6a 6a 7, is inevitaby promoted to a queen, since three Back pieces cannot prevent this.
But no not 54 . . . c 60 Rf7 + Kh8 61 R Rff6 dra draw. 60 R6
o as, on 60 ... c, to repy 61 R6g5. 60
••
dl(Q)! White resigned.
I f 6 1 Rxd Rxd , then 6 1 . . . c2 . A few more exampes. Before us 92
Chess Mlega Mlegame me Com Combiati biations ons
The theme The t heme of doube attack with w ith pa pawn wn fin finds ds its its bri br iiian antt expression expre ssion i this variation. True, the b8
combina tion, to remove it combination, i t fr from the creative process, this is approximatey the th e same same thing as depriving
pi pint nt is defended, defended, but bu t the a8 point is inaccessibe to Back. I f h e r e 3 1 . . . Q a 1 + , then simpy 32 Bf Bf . Our ook at exampes exampes could so so have been competed with wit h this t his iustr ius tration ation of the theme in a comentary variation, but the disapintment which overtook Kotov i con conne nection ction with Ragozin's Ragozin's repy re py 27 . . . Rac 7, and and the statement statement y y i apropos this consideration, consideration , obliges us to respond with a itte mment. Aprop Apropos os 27 27 . . . Rac7, in place of of the natur natura a 27 . . . c5 which was anticipated by White, Kotov wrote, "In our century, an oppoet does not give one the chance t carry out bea beautifu utifu combinations combina tions d pre prefe fers rs to s impy imp y be b e eft a pawn dwn. In this way, grandmaster tv, author of many beautiful binations which his opponents ud not avoid, contradicts himself se lf in trying to generais genera isee Ragozin's Ragozin' s decision and justi it by the tencies of "our century century . The quesques tin is obviousy about the increase increase i the standard of defence in "our etury, the improvement of
humansense. life of the spiritual sen se. and No activity matter matter how much the technique of defence and prophyaxisis grows both in our phyax ou r century century and in the future centuries, combinations wi wi ive an andd deveop deveop fo for as ong as chess art ives and deveops. The match for the word championship between Botnnik and Bronstein (Mosco 1951) produced many interesting games, in particular the 9th game of the match, which provides excelent materia for the investigation of pawn combinations. The first 14 moves brought the opponents to the foowing position, with Botvinnik, as White, to move.
technique, etc. But, you see, combiations are an organic compoent part of the overa creative
The White pawn, which has made way to b5, becomes the her her ofitsthe combination.
prce pr cess ssone of the game, gameimportant, , and, besides, of chess the most being inseparaby inked with it. It is pssibe to prevent an arising treat of a combination or combiationa trap, but to prevent any
15 b6! Bxa4 16 b7
There is no doube attack, but even a singe one is suicient to remain with an extra rook. 93
Chess Mle Mlegame game Comb Combination inations s
6 Bxb3 7 bxa8( 8(Q) Q) B Bb b6 8 axb3 •••
The result of the ecelle e cellent nt pawn com combin ation on is at hand. d. of the Tobinati conclude, in han praise pawn, we want want to show one classic, old combination. In it, the pawn presents itself in such a varied role that it is diicult even to have any idea where hard and fast rules can limit it. Before us is a position from the 13th game of the match between Tarrash and Marsha, played in
1906. In this game, Marshall played White.
Here alre al ready ady is the first combinacombin ation on the theme of the pin. 32 Qd44 was dang Qd dangerous, erous, in view of 32 . . . Rc2 3 3 Qd5 Qd cd cd55advantage 34 Nd4 Rc8! 35 Nf5 Rf8 5with to Black. 32
•••
Qx6 33 b5+ Ka5
Black is stil st illl on the lookout lookou t for for a double attack with the knight, which stops the king marching to the c6 and b5 squares. Therefore bad now isis 33 33 . . . Qb5 Qb5 or 33 . . . Kb7. 34 bx6 Rx2 35 Nxd4 R5!
Blackwith already needs to icient concern hi mself himself wit h a draw. Insuicie Insu nt for for this purpo purpose se was 35 . . . Bd3 Bd3 36 N c2 Bc2 37 g4 g4 ! h hg4 g4 38 h5 Ka Ka66 39 h6 b5 40 a, and White must win. 36 7
With the thre threat at of N f5 f5 . 36 Bg4 37 Nb3+ K 38 Nx5 Kx5 39 a5 Kd4 40 axb6 axb6 axb 6 4 Kf2 Kx Kxd3 d3 42 Bd6 b5 43 Be7 Kd4 44 Bd6 Ke4 Draw. •••
Black is the echang echangee ahead, ahead, but the positi positio o is sated with combinational motives; it is sharp and the position of the Black king leaves
Let us sum up a little. The combinational bin ational role of the modest infan infan-tr tryma ymann looks quite qu ite varied in al alll the illustrations given. Even the pawn itself mates mates and helps pieces pi eces in the
much to be desired. Marshall eploits this circumstance ecellently and, guided
set ting up of mating net setting nets.s. Breaking through into the enemy camp and through the blockading chain, the
by surprising combination on the his theme of double attack, neutralises the opponent's material advantage. There followed:
pawn the organisation of variouspromotes combinations, riveting the opponent's oppo nent's defensive defensive reserves to itit.. Quite a few technical methods fall to the lot of advancing pawns. They must "divert, "intercept,
32 Qx6! 94
Chess Mlegam Mlegamee Com Combation bations s
and "destroy. A real performer finds many ombinational ideas in them. To
the knight on with the bishop. He should begin to move on the queen's flank, for eample, by 19
onclude, present game in hich White Whiwe te carries carri es outa an eceponal combination with the help o a pawn.
. . . a , and andon White wou be ablea to carry his would lineld not in such carefree way as in the game.
Ialian Game
hite: .Tartakover Black: A.Rubinstein Iternationall tournament Iternationa tournament oscow 925)
e5 e5 2 N3 N6 3 B4 Nf6 4 d3 Bc5 5 Be3 d6 6 Bx5 dxc5 7 ge2 Na5 8 Bb3 Nxb3 9 axb3 0 0-0 0-0 Ng4 h3 N Nh6 h6 2 ff4 4
The manoeu manoeuvr vree . . . Ng4h6 doe doess not justi itself: White seizes the inii tiative. in tiative . For For the present, present, it is sti ll not dangerous, but, possessing the advantag adva ntagee in the centre , White has a ba basis sis to count on its ffurth urther er development. 2 ... exf4
This is necess This necessary ary White threaned to push on the pawn to f5. 3 Nxf4 f6
Black chooses the e5 square for his piece base. Indeed he succeeds in settling down here with the night, but it proves diicult to
2 0 N e3 Rad8 Rad8 2 Nf5 Bxf5 22 exf5
The opening opening of the eile eile is favourable for White. Moreover, on e6, Black has ha s a "hole where where the White knight can head for. 22 ... Qd7 23 f4 Rfe 24 Khl Re7 25 Re4 Rde8
Black also cannot etract anything fro from this centralisation along the efle. White, however, having control cont rol of space on the king's kin g's flank flank , begins to prepare combinational threats. 26 Qh4
Already the combination Nf6 is threatened. 26 ... Kg8 27 Qf2 b6 28 Rfel Kh8 29 Rle3 Kg8 30 Rg3 Kh8
Not suspecting the enormous potential strength of the f5 pawn. Now a combination breaks out, in which this strength comes into operation.
derive bnet from this due to the t that the initiative continues to ain in White's hands. 4 Q N e7 5 Rf2 Rf2 Ne5 Ne5 6h8 Qg3 Qg 9 3 6 7N Nh h5 Q Qe7 8 Ra Rafl fl Kh8 K dl Bd7
A very passive move, which, oreover, entails a loss of tempo a move later, Black has to take 9 5
Chess Mdle Mdlegame game Co Combat mbatns ns
3 1 Rxg7
Expoding a mine in a we protected for fortt . The rook opens the way
the theme of the combination: it deserves a diagram.
for its tu, freesthe theknight, way forwhich, the f5inpawn. 31
•• ••• •
Rxg7 32 Nx6
The doube attack of the knight here appear appearss , as it were were,, as a transit theme. 32 Q4!
•
Qe7 33 Nxe8 Qxe8 34
The queen prepares the advance of the pawn. An immediate 34 f6 woud be unnecessary haste, in view of 34 . . . Rg5 Rg5 35 Q Qff4 h6, and White Wh ite has no compensation compensat ion for for the piece. 34
•••
Re7
The forced forced advance adva nce of the White Whit e pawn to brings with it ruin for Back. 35 ! Ng6
On 35 35 . . . Re6 folows the the thematic finae: 36 Rxe5! Rxe5 37 Re + 38 Kh2 Qf8 39 Qf Qf66 + and mate on the foowing move. 36 Rxe7 ! N Nx xe7 37 ! !
Here this move aso embodies
Bck resigned.
In his mind he foresees the folowing mate, hanging over his ki king ng:: 3 7 . . . Qf Qf8 38 Q6 + Qg7 39 39 f8(Q)+ Ng8 40 Qxg7 ate. With this we concude our account of the combinationa wonders of the magic pawn. Passing on to the next chapter, we, however, in no way intend to take eave of the pawns combinationa participants for ever. ever. We wi certainy sti wi st i come come across across the time and again when we examine individual combinational ideas. -
96
Chapter Nine Posional Weaknesses Motive of a Combinaon. Cnns prvkd y wknsss n h csd psn Scr S cr c c shp shp r h h g3 , h3, h3 , g6, h6 pn pns s
he combinational motives to which we have already given so uch consideration, present themselves as nothing other than weaknesses of a position. The
nent, develops into a combinational method of action, is served by the following ol lowing game by N imzoimzo vich. Here it is appropriate to metion that Nimzovich knew to per-
lockedin king, ep epose osedd po posit sition ionundefended of the the kking ing pieces, all al l of of these are minuses, which, upon opportune conditions, allow combinationa nat ionall ideas ideas t o come to the th e ffoore of the struggle. On the other hand, a po posisititional onal weakness in the the llight ight of weak squares, undefended or insufficiently defended points, open less , ranks le ranks and and diagonals diagonals can, in accordance with the position, play
fection the elements of the tional struggle. He wrote deepposiesMy y ystem, yst em, My sayss on this say th is theme theme M
the th of combinational a combinational combinati onalmotive motive. moti heerle usual mot iveve.iiss a po posi sitional tional weakness in the t he castled region re gion.. Pawns Pawn s pushed pus hed forward forward to h3 and g3 , h6 and g6 g6 , quite quit e oft often en serve as objects for combinational attacks and points for sacrifice. The
ystem Practice, T Chess Bloc kade. At the same time, Nimzo-
vich was a brilliant master of combination. Caro-Kann Defence
White: L.Aszos Black: A.Nimzovich (Bled 193 1)
1 e4 c6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 dxe4 4 Nxe4 Nf6 5 Nxf6+ ex
As shown by the practice of this variatio varia tion, n, more ofte oftenn 5 . . gxf6 is preferred. In the sporting respect, this move also gives the best res
ults.
intss £, g2 , h 2 , , g7 , h7 if they int they are defended only with the king, can at any moment be made real cobinational motives. We recall if only the combination with the sacrifice of the bis bishop hop on h 7 and even two bishops on g7 and h7. An ecellent i llustration of o f how a plan, leading to the formation of sition si tional al weaknesses for for the the oppo
6 c3
The important The impor tant opening theoretitheoret ician, oviet master Rauser, successfully employed here a plan involving g3 and Bg2. From this square the bishop bi shop later supports suppor ts the advance of paw pawns ns on the e eft ft flank, flank, where White has available a "pawn majority. 97
Chess Che ss M Mleg legame ame Com Combia biation tions s
6 Bd6 7 Bd3 0 00 8 Qc2 h6 9 Ne22 Qc Ne Qc77 1 0 Be3 Be3 Nd Nd77 1 1 Qd Qd22 •••
Now White threatens the combination Bxh6 and, as itabout were, the reminds the opponent weakness of the h6 point. We, Back might be peased with this reminder and, of course, he forestas the threat. Nevertheess is it worth osing time in order to to create a threat which is easiy parried? Of course it is not worth it. Possiby the threat seemed irresistibe to Asztaos, or, most probaby, that the doube doub e attack on on h6, h 6, accordi according ng to the thinking of the Hungarian master, must restrict Back, who woud have to continuay watch over this weakness of his. uch a motivation for action is nevertheess incorrect. incorrect. It is not necessary to create a threat for the sake of a threat, but to pan the game. Veryy go Ver good was was 1 1 000 00 0 with a subsequent pawn storm on the king's ank, whie it was possibe aso to begin immediatey the active oper operation ation 1 1 h4, foowed oowed by g4, with the threat gS. In such a sharp attack, the combinationa tension woud woud aso inevitaby in evitaby have
Ony by 13 000 coud White eave himsef free to attack on the king's ank, but he obviousy avoid avo idss sharp sha rp pay pand ay,, preerr pre erring ingsecuring carefu carefu manoeuvring a 100% of his own king's position. 13
•••
Bxe3 14 e3 N
ince the darksquared bishops have been exchanged, Nimzovich's pan wi consist of creating a weakness of the back squares in the opponent's camp. The basis of this pan ies in the advance of the cpawn, therefore it is usefu for White to immediatey pay 1 5 b4. 15 R Rf2 f2 Qe Qe7 1 6 e4 Be Be6 6 1 7 a3 a3 cS
Back provokes the advance of the dpawn, which woud give him the possibiity of expoiting the good pi piece ece base on the eS square. square . 1 8 Ra f
Whi te'ss new White' new threat is the the combicombi nation 19 Rxf6 gxf6 20 Qxh6 Bg4 2 1 Rf4 , and Back find findss himsef hi msef under a mating attack. Nevertheess, White's move deserves censure, since it forces Back into a strong stro ng continuation, which signifsignifcanty improves his chances in the future deveopment of the strugge. Undoubtedy, better was 18 NhS,
again threatening Rxf6, and if 18 . . . Bg4, then 1 9 Nf N f4 with the threat of NdS.
to increase. 11
•••
Re8 12 Ng3?
But this aready is not at a in thee spir th s piritit of the the posit pos ition ion.. Of course,
(ee diagram next page •••
12 000 was correct. sacrifice of the bishop on h6The woud now have been mistaken, in view of the reppy 1 3 . . . Bf4, aft re after 1 2 Bxh6 gx gxh6 h6 1 3 Qxh6. Qxh6.
1 8A beautifu cxd4! and convincing re-
tort to White's combinationa combinatio na idea. On 19 Rxf Rxf6 now now foow oowss 19 . . . dxc3 20 bxc3 gxf6 21 Qxh6 QcS+ 22 Kh QgS. On the ther hand,
1 2 ... Bf Bf4 4 3 0 0
98
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Combi Combiatio ations ns
gins to noticeably increase.
21 Ra8 22 Rl Qe5 23 Qf2 a6 24 h3 ••
Black, by attacking the d4 pawn, forces its advance, after which he can already hope to seize the initiative by eploiting eplo iting the e5 squa square. re. 9 xd4 Ng6 20 d5?
White continues to weaken positio position, n, and on castled territory territoryhis at that, and gives the grateful opponent grounds for carrying out play with a combinational idea. The best defensive resource here seems to us, 24 Rc8 Rc Rc88 2 5 Re , intending, ding, on . . . f4 , the the retreat Bb Bb 1 and cherishing some hopes of the sortie Qb6. 24 Bd7 25 dl Qg5 26 Rx8 Rx8 •••
A move which reckons only on an incorrect retreat of the bishop. Indee In deedd , in th the event of 20 . . . Bd7 21 Rf6 gf6 22 NhS Qf8 23 Nf6+ and Nd7, White would have the better chances, despite being the echange down. Worth considering is 20 h3, so as not to allow the bishop to g4 and thereby
Now the cle is also seized by Black Bl ack,, and the weakened g3 and h3 squares assume the significance of combinational motives. This incites Black to a combinational decis ion to the crisis crisi s of the stru struggle ggle.. The denouement approaches surprisingly quickly.
secure night. the h5 square for the
White is already and the begins to take measuresuneasy to defend h3 point, which for the present is still not threatened; however, the clouds are thickening, all Black's pieces are deployed very actively, and probably it is already not
20
•••
Bg 4! 2 1 R R ?
This is already a retreat and an admission of the erroneousness of his 18th move. move. If 2 1 h3 , then 2 1 . . . Qe5 ! and the White Wh ite knight already
27 Kh2
does not succeed in penetrating to h5, while the springboard on e5 opens up broad possibilities of initiative fo for Black. White could cou ld con-
possible to prevent the discharge of the accumulated combinational tension.
tend for 21theBe2. initiative by continuing now After also missing this chance, he soon gets into an area of serious diiculties, while thee main thing is that the combinath tional tension of the position be
28 Qd2, for White wouldhighly be theunpleasant continuation ti on 28 . . . Ng Ng44 + ! 29 Kg 1 ( 29 Kh 1 Qh4 3300 Qe 1 Ne5 ) 29 . . . Qe5 Qe5 with the threats of ... Qg3 and ... Qd4+. By playing also simply 28
27
•• •
Ne5 28 Nf5
99
Chesss Mleg Ches Mlegame ame C Combaons ombaons
... Qxd2 29 Rxd2 Kf8, Black obtains an endgame with an advantagee which is easy to real ag realise ise ( the d6 d6
also not possible possible to play 3 1 Kxh3 . Thee White Th Whi te king is thereby thereby virtuall virtu all deprived of pawncover, to the
squares). 2and 8 ...eSR Rcl cl ! 2 9 R Rd d2
otherand weaknesses is added thatone on g4, combinations arise after the other.
29 Rxc ? N xd3 would would lose a piece. Also, 29 Qd2 Rxd 30 Qxd g6 31 Ng3 Ng4+ would be miserable fo for White. Combinations Combina tions with wi th double attacks sparkle from both sides. But also after after the move chosen by Asztaos Asztaos,, the combinational combinational discharge is inevitable.
Once again threatening the comb co mbin inat atio ionn . . . Qxe3 Qxe3 etc. etc.
29 .. . g6!
33 Rdl
An excelent excele nt intro i ntroduc ductory tory move to a combination in which all of Black's pieces take part.
There was no defence for White and a new combination crowns matters. The finale is elegant.
3 1 Bf Bf Bd7 Bd7
Threatening two combinations: 32 . . . Qxe3, Qx e3, foll folloowed by . . . Ng4 Ng4 + , and 32 ... Rxf 33 Qxf Qxe3. 32 Kgl B5
3 0 Ne3
If 30 Nd4, Nd4, t h e n 30 3 0 . . . Nxd3 Nxd3 3 1 Rxd3 Rx d3 QeS + and and . . . Qxe4. Qxe4. Whit Wh itee is mated in two moves after 30 Ng3 Ng4+
33 ... Qxe3! 34 Qxe3 Rxdl 35 Q6 Ng4 36 g3 Bxf Bxf ! Wh Whit itee res res ined.
And so, a positional weakness,
The mate The mate by . . . Bh Bh33 is inevitable. Let us try to again retrace the whole process of play in this ins-
arising aris ing inpanning the the process of of Black's Black' s purposeful pay, is expoited in a combinational way. The beautiful tif ul idea: idea: 3 1 gxh3 gxh3 N + . The The White queen is forciby diverted fr from om defenc defencee of the g square s quare.. It is is
tructive In thegame. opening stage, White did not feel feel bad. bad . Black Bla ck chose chose a diicult diicul t vaaton of the CaroKann efence, in which Black's construction of pawns on the king's
30 .. . Bxh Bxh33 !
100
Chesss leg Ches legame ameCom Comba bat tons ons
ank was not quite satisfactory. hitee secured himsel hit h imselff a firm irm centre and stoo stoodd quite qu ite well w ell on the anks anks..
great combinational tension. Beginning from the 28th 2 8th move, move , the frst lightning appeared and the
owever, on hi the ha hand, nd, had toBlack, concern concern himself mselfother with prophylact ylactic icss in vario various us direcdirections tio ns and particula part icularly rly on the king's k ing's ank. Coming out of the opening with an excelent game, Asztalos, instead of castling queen'sside to logically exploit his opening advantage, began to play passively, avoiding a sharpening of the game which in the created situation would have opened the way for hite to to seize the initiativ initi ative. e. Black then exchanged the darksquared bishops and won the struggle for control of the black squares in the centre. White's 18th and 20th moves, reck re ckoning oning only on a mis m istake take by the opponent, turned out to be a wrongful expenditure of time
combinational threatsonincreased to maximum strength the 30th move after . . . Bx Bxh3. h3. On the 33rd move followed a decisive combination by Black. In this t his game it is i s clearly clearly seen seen that the achievement achi evement of a posit positional ional advantage is a prerequis pre requisite ite for for a combinational decision, where positiona weaknesses assume the role of the main combinational motive. motiv e. In the same light, let us look at one mor m oree game gam e of N imzovich imzov ich from rom the touament in Bled.
1 e4 6 2 NO d5 3 N3 dxe4 4 Nxe4 Nf 5 Ng3
which was exploited was exploi excellently his by Nimzovich. Hetedachieved planned objective and achieved domination in the centre, creating a handy position for his pieces on the e5 square. From the moment Black finally
rather artiicial retreat withs theAai the aim m of avoiding early exchanges exchange and complicating the game. The continuation Nxf6+ followed by d4, frequently occurring in the practice of this variation and strongly recommended by theory,
Caro-Kann CaroKann D efence en ce
Wite: R.piemann Black: A.Nimzovich Bled 193 193 1)
seized the initiative and began to prepare a decisive combinational attack on the 24th move, White further weakened his castled posi-
migh t have appeared might appeared dull du ll to such a over of of combinations as, not wit w ithhout foundation, pielmann was considered to be.
tionpositional with the weaknesses move h3. Aappeared number of in White's castled position, and Blackk had fu Blac full dominati do mination on of the e5 square; however, his seizure of the open cile led to the creation of
Nevertheless, theexperience fact that itand is confirmed by deep tested as a correct way of of obtain obt aining ing a solid position in the centre, should not be discounted. Besides this, the retreat of the knight is 101
Chess Ml Mlegame egame Com Combitio bitios s
nevertheless a loss of time. Also unclear is the choice of the square of retreat. Why g3, and not c3,
taste for a chessplayer to choose one or another plan, when presented with a certain choice. The
where the knightofwould have a greater amplitude activity?
chosen bygame, N imzovich leadsit to aplan complicated in which is diicult to foresee the various possibilities which appear for both opponents. To a more clear, and if we might say, elastic psit psition, ion, le ledd 8 . . . Bg4 9 h3 B B3 1 0 Q e6 1 1 00 Be 7 1 2 Re 00. The situati s ituatin, n, which here foreshadows a manoeuvring game, is more comfortable for Black, whose pieces have great operational operat ional direct d irective ive fr fr purposeful transference and manoeuvres. We point to the df le le,, the the d8aS diagon diagonal al , th thee marchmarchroutes for the knights c6d4, f6d7 eS, which might, mig ht, depe dependi nding ng on the future situation and curse of the struggle, turn out to be useful fr carrying out his planned ideas.
S
cS
Nimzovich immediately underlines White's refusal to seize the centre and already already strives to hinder h inder him from playing d4. None the less the move move . . . cS has rath rather er more more psychological persuasivenss than chess strength. A good continuation for Black Black here here is the sharp S . . . hS , and and , if White Whi te plays not 6 h4 or 6 h3, but for eample 6 Bc4, Black, by advancing his pawn to h3, seriously seriou sly weakens the the white squares on the opponent's opponent's kingside ki ngside castled position. 6 Bc4
Of course, this is not bad, but he would have given Black more difficulties now by 6 d4, and and , if 6 . . .
9 Be Be33 Bg7 0 0 0
cd4, this would then not be7 inQd4! the However, spirit of pielmann's style style , though though in the spirit of the position.
+ 11 10 BcS for QaSBlac, b4 The Nb4variation was favurable but now White threatens to take the pawn.
6
10
••
a6 7 a4 Nc6
After White has twice voluntarily declined to play d4, Black,
••
b6 c3 0 0 2 h3
Not at nce 12 Qe2, n which White rightly feared the continua-
ti tion on 1 2 . . . Bg4 1 2 h3 h3 B B 14 Qf3 NeS.
with harmonious pressure by several of his pieces on the d4 squasqu are, achieves a strng position posi tion in the centre where alread a lreadyy he is also close
ee diagram ne page
securing the initiaive. to d3 g6
4At first BdS!sight, the echange, of-
2
•
Bb7 3 Qe2 aS 4 Ba2
fered by Nimzovich, is not quite comprehensible. The f7 point, if need be, could have been easily covered by . . . e6. In fact, howeve however,r,
The king's bishop also places the d4 square under re. Black Black decides to develop both bishops on the flanks. Of course, it is a matter of 102
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Co Combat mbations ions
Black. 18
000
b5 19 Nb6
Giving u the apawn for the cS pawn Black's central and knightechanging would seem to ease White's mind. 19 Nxb6 Nx b6 20 axb axb6 6 Q Qxb xb6 6 21 Ne4 Ne 4 Qc7 2 2 Nxc5 Nxc5 00 0
with the echange o the whitesquared bishops, Black begins a deep plan of advance on the queen's ank, for which, rst of all, he creates lightsquared weaknesses. This is similar to his game with sztalos, where Nimzovich, by eans of an echange of darksquared bishops, began play on the weakened black squares.
Nevertheless, as now becomes clear,r, the measures clea measures taken taken by White Whi te do not avert Black's oensive on the queen's flank. 22
00 0
a5 23 d4 R 24 f4
With some delay, pielmann nevertheless tries to start active operations on the king's ank, the more so that Black's oensive, for the present present,, does not co contain ntain direct threats, while the knight is strongly strongly placed on cS. White threatens d5, then Bd4, and finally f5. 24
000
e6 25 Raal
5 Nd2 Bxa2 6 Rxa2 Nd5 17 c4 Nc6
With the legitimate desire fr the rook to establish contact with
It is clear echange of nights wouldthat cut the across the Black lan which which we indicated indi cated in the previous note.
the piecesWhite on the king's flank; however, misses the chance cha nce of playing f5. After 25 f5 gf5 26 Bf4 , or 25 . . . e5 26 d5 , the the sharpen sharpen-ing of the conflict does not lead to bad consequences for White
8 a5
This operation leads to enor-
rather the contrary. Black would have to go in for 25 . . . ef5 ef5 26 Bf Bf4 Nd4 Nd4 2 7 cd4 cd4 Bd4+ 28 Kh Qc5 29 Bb8 Rb8 30 Ra5, which in the end
ous complications, the conse quences of which were impossible to foresee at the board. The development of a battle on the queen's ank enters into Blac's plan, and,t'sinstead meetng the opponent's opponen idea half halof fway , it would have been useful for White to create creat e a di version ver sion on the the oth other er ank. For eample, the advance h4h5 must cause some aniety fr
would probably lead estohere peace, though Black's chances chanc are are somewhat better. In any case, this continuation was more correct for White than that which occurs in the game. 103
Chess Mdle Mdlegame game Comba Combans ns
Thus White's ast move coud be seen as the decisive mistake. 25 ... Ne7!
squares in Black artisti cexploits artistic fa fashion. shion the . Hewhite blockade blockades s all of them. A combination appears on the scene if, for example, now 26 f5, then th en 26 26 . . . N xf5 2 7 B B N xd4 xd4 etc. etc. as pointed out above. Neverthee ess ss,, White should choose choose this continuation as the lesser evil. 26 g 4 Nd5 2 7 RfJ
efending the g3 square frm a queen check, and thereby preparing f5. 27 ... a4 28 Bd2
He also has to make this prophyactic move, since, on an immediate 28 f5, very unpleasant would be 28 . . . exf5 29 gx gxf5 Re8. 28 ... Qc6!
The last preparatory move for the brea breakk . . . b4, b4 , upon which, with w ith the queen placed pl aced wou ld have followed Na6. on c 7 , would Besides this, Black defends the a4 pawn and the sixth rank, which also improves the conditions for the break.
takes the lead. 2 9 ... .. . b4 30 ff55 exf exf5 3 1 gxf5 a3 !
Combinational
threats
hag
over position. is a ogicaWhite's consequence of This the positiona break on the queen's flank. A colourful position! 32 bxa3 bxc3 33
On 33 Bxc3 fol follow lowss 33 33 . . . Nxc N xc33 andd the an thenn . . . Bxd4 Bxd4 + with w ith a double double attack. 33 ... cxd2
And here again on the scene appears the combinational pawn, which we have only just left. It turns out ou t to be a real motive moti ve for for the approaching combination. 34 g7 Re8!
34 . . . Qc 1 + is parried parried by by covering with the rook, Rf. Now, however, White cannot prevent the combination with the exchange sacriice on e4. At the present moment, besides this sacrif cr ific ice, e, is thr threa eate tene nedd . . . f5 or . . . Qe6. 35 Qd3
29 Ne4
An immediate 29 f5 would ead, after fter 29 29 . . . exf5 exf5 30 gxf5 gxf5 Re8, Re8 , only to a concession of the ele to Black and a nd a future future derangement derangement of the itecasted position. Therefore Wh White attempts to also bring bring up his hi s knight to the right ank, and, already on the next move, tries to breach Black's casted position with wi th the longawai longawai ted f5 . But Black
35 ... Rxe4!
The atmosphere must be cleared, and the inevitable time of 104
Chess Mdlegam Mdlegamee Co Combat mbations ions
the combinational completion of the plan p lan of attack on the the que que en's ank draws near.
channels. Meanwhile, it is worth examingg 9 . . . Nxe5 . Black examin Black lose losess a pawn, but great possibilities are
36The Qxe4 Re8 37 Qh4of the comother variation
opening for ishim to takevariathe initiative.upHere a sample tion tion:: 9 . . . Nxe5 Nx e5 10 dxe5 dxe5 Ng4 Ng4 1 1 Bxe7 Bx e7 Qxe Q xe77 1 2 Qx Qx d 5 (o (orr 1 2 Nxd5 Nxd5 Qxe5 13 Nxc7 Qxb2 14 Be2 Rb8 15 Bxg4 Bxg4 with the better chances for Black) 12 ... Be6 13 Qe4 f5 1 4 exf exf66 Qxf6 Qxf6 , and, and, if 1 5 , then th en 1 5 . . . Ra Raee8 1 6 fxg4 Qf + 1 7 Kd Bxg4+ Kd Bxg4+ 1 8 Qxg4 Qxg4 Rd8+ and and mate in three moves. It seems that White White should not go after the pawn, but instead of N xd5 or o r Qxd5 , be content with wi th the modest retreat of the bishop to f4, on the one hand, creating the threat to capture on d5, on the other, however, intending to exploit the precarious position of the Black knight by h3. Nevertheless, also here Black could successfully
bination is 3 7 Qd3 Re 1 + 38 R Nf4 39 Qxd2 Re2 37 ... N3 38 Rl QdS White signed.
The struggle against agai nst the pawn on d2 is useless. It is interesting that it was just this modest infantryman which White, with his his 1 8th mov movee , willllingly wi ingly let le t through the fr frontier ont ier on b5. Now Black, first and foremost, thrreaten th eatenss to play pla y . . . Re4 Re4 , but ther theree are also other threats. In the following game, which was awarded a special prize for beauty, a catastrophe befalls Black on the g6 square. Queen's Gambit
White: H.Pisbu Black: H. Wof Inteationa Touament (Monte Carlo 1903) I d4 dS 2 4 e6 3 Nc3 Nf Nf6 6 4 Bg BgSS Nbd7 S NfJ Be7 6 e3 0 0 7 R b6
defend by exploiting fact thathimself White lags behind in the development deve lopment of his ki king's ng's flan, flan, for example: examp le: 1 1 Bf Bf4 c6 1 2 h3 h3 N h6 1 3 Bx6 gxh6 1 4 Bd3 Bd3 Re8 1 5 Qh5 Bf8 etc.
In all cases, Wolf would have obtained a less diicult position than that which Black usually obtains in the Pillsbury Pills bury system. system.
Apropos this Apropos t his method of developdevelo pment me nt see see Chap Chapte terr 4 in Middle game Planning.
8 xdS exdS 9 NeS
In earlier games, Pillsbury Pills bury made
10 f4 f4 a6 1 1 Bd3 cS 2 0 0 4
Black is 4in1 diiculti di goxod i s 1Bla 2 . ck . . Ne4 Ne 3 Bx B iculties. x e7 Qes. xe7Not 1 4 Bx Bgood e4 dxe44 1 5 Nxd7 Qxd7 16 dxc5 dxe dxc5 Qxd Qxd 17 R Rffxd bxc5 1 8 Na4 with the the win of a pawn, but also the plan of a pawn oensive on the queen's
this move only and 00, which seems to after us to Bd3 be more accurate and logical. 9 .. . Bb7
With this reply, the opening once again goes into theoretical 105
Chess Che ss Mdle Mdlegame game Com Combina binatio tions ns
ank, chosen by him, is at least premature, since White' White'ss attack on the ing's an makes much quicker progress. It apparently make ma kess sens sensee to play play 1 2 . . . Re8, Re8, and and then th en . . . N , in order order to st stre reng ngth then en the weakest point of the castled position po sition the h 7 squar square. e. 13 Bf5 b5 14 R Re8 15 Rh3
Because Becau se of the the h 7 pawn pawn this this "eteal weakness in Black's castled cast led position the situatio si tuationn has has become threatening. On 15 ... Nf8, there would already be a clap of combination combi national al thunder: thunder: 1 6 Bf6 Bf6 Bf6 17 Bh7+ Nh7 18 Qh5 Be55 1 9 Qh Be Q h 7 + Kf8 20 fe5 and things are rather bad for Black. Another tragedy would unfold in reply to 15 ... h6. Then 16 Nd7 Nd7 17 Bh6 gh6 18 Qg4+ Kf8 19 Bd7. Thus Black's reply is forced. 15 ... g6
Theprice Th h 7 pawn pathwn is defended defended at ga high perice e serious weakenin weakening of the h6 point. As will be seen shortly, the f6 point is also insecure, and even the g6 point. And all this close to the king, it goes
to the defence, via c8. Best for Black would be to play 16 . . . Ne Ne4, 4, but White White al also so main main-tains the initiative in this case, after 1 7 Be4 de4 1 8 Qg4 Qg4 , and if 1 8 . . . N e5 , then 19 Qh4 Qh4 ! Th Th e continuation chosen by Wolf opens the important operational fline, and all the weanesses in the Black king's catled position, mentioned earlier, became real objects of attack. The posi position tion is sharp and tens te nsee the the wea weakn knes esse sess be beco come me combinational motives, the atmosphere of the struggle thickens and a combinational combina tional discharge discharge becomes a logical inevitability. 17 e5 Nd7 18 Bxe7 Rxe7 9 Qf3 Nf8 Nf8 220 0 Rfl Rf l Qd7 Qd 7 21 Q
Black apparently, does not notice the reply, but also after 21 ... Re6 22 Qg5 b4 23 Ne2, and then Nf4, his position remains difficult. 22The Na4!White Qc7 knight is invulner-
able. If 22 . . . Re Re66 , then 23 Qf Qf4 Qa4 ? 24 2 4 Qf7 Qf7 + Kh8 25 Qb7 an andd White, threatening Rf8+ and Qh 7 mate mate,, wins. wins .
wi thout saying that the weaknesses weaknesses formed around the king become combinational motives.
2 3 Nc5 Nc5
All five white pieces occupy strong stro ng attack attacking ing positions a decis ive combination can be epected any minute.
16 Bbl Nxe5?
Black fears the advance f5. Of course cour se,, all is not not well for for Black with wit h the g6 square, square, but this could coul d nevernevertheless be further defended with the knight from f8. Incidentally, upon 16 ... Nf8, the possibility is opened ope ned to also move the t he bishop up
23 ... .. . Bc8 24 Rh6 a5 25 Rf4
The last preparatoy move.
25 ... Rb8
Black does not evaluate the opponent's previous move. The only possibility of resistance for him 106
Ches Mle Mlegame game Comb Combinatio inations ns
could be in connection with the movee 25 . . . Re8, defending mov defending the f8 point and, f the present, parrying the threatened combination. Neverth Neve rtheless, eless, the the initiative init iative and dange dan gerou rouss at at that remains in White's hands, while the combinational tension is not weakened. Ther Th eree could folow olow (on 25 . . . Re8) 26 R4 R4 Qe7 2 7 Q Be6 28 g4, wi th the th e threat threat of Qh3 .
hardly gives aesthetic satisfaction, since a quick victory could have been achieed even without withou t resorting to it. 27
Nxg6 28 Q6 Re8
Wh ite threatene White threatenedd a combination on the same same theme Rxg6 Rxg6 + , but if resistance is to be be continued then it must be by by 28 . . . Nxf4 Nxf4 29 exf4 exf4 c3 30 bxc3 bxc3 31 Rh5 Re8. Of course, Black would also lose here. 29 Rfl Be6 30 Qg5 Qg5 Kh8 Kh8 3 Qh5 Qh5 Nf8 32 Nxe6 Nxe6 33 Rxe6! Back resigned
A little combination on the theme of double attack with the rook.
26 Bxg6!
The black squares do their "black business. Mate son h8an and d f8 squares determines determine th theethe possipossi bility and the correctness of this combinationa co mbinationa blow. blow . The g6 point is a fort fort whic wh ichh defend defendss Black' Bla ck'ss whole strong strongho hold. ld. The point poi nt is that, that , on on
The following position was reached after 18 moves in the game Nomann Nomann Aekhine (Buenos Aires 1926)
26 . . . N xg6 , folo folows ws 27 Rxg6+ Rxg6+ hxg6 28 Rh4. 26
Rb6 27 Qxb6
This "eective move served, it seems, as the main basis for awarding Pis bury bu ry the th e spec s pecia iall prize for briliancy. However, How ever, after 27 Bxh 7 + (or 2 7 Bxf7 Bx f7 + ) , Black would probably have recognised that further pay was useless. uch a queen sacriice
Black is threatening to win the exchan exch ange ge by playing playing . . . Ng4. If White plays 19 h3, then his opponent is provoked immediately into makin mak ingg a combin combinati ation: on: 19 . . . Bxh3 20 gh3 Qd7 21 Bc4 Nxh3+ 22 Kf b5 23 Bd3 Ng4 107
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Combin Combination ations s
etc. The game continued:
ness of the sacrifice.
19 Rdl Ng4 20 Reel Kh8
25 gxh3 Nxh3+ 26 Kfl
Black intends to pplay lay . . . f6 f6 and and then, under the cover of a wellfortified centre, to prepare an offensive on the king's flank.
On 26 K Kg2 g2 could could follow 26 . . . Nf44 + 2 7 Kf Nf Kf Ng4 28 Q Qaa 7 Rb8 an and , if now now 29 Red Red 1 , then then 29 . . . Qf6 Qf6 20 Qc5 Ne6! 31 Be6 fe6 and the open ffile gives Blak a decisive attack.
2 1 h3
White gets ge ts nervous of the knight on g4, and he decides to weaken the castled position, if only to thrust back the rather "troublesome knight. Now the h3 pawn becomes a combinational motive, andd B an Black lack begins to concentrate his attent att entio ionn on on . . . Bh3. Bh3. 21
Nf6 22 Qe3 Rde8
According to Alekhine, the sacrifice of the bishop was unclear here. This is his variation: 22 ... Bh3 23 gh3 N h3 + 24 Kg2 Kg2 Ng4 25 Qc 1 Nh Nh f2 26 2 6 Rd2 etc. et c. Black would assure himself a draw if, instead of 24 ... Ng4, he played ... Nf44 + , but obviously this result did Nf not suit Black. 23 dxe5 dxe5 24 Rd2
26 Ng4 27 Qd3 Qf6 28 Bdl Rd8 29 Qc2 Rxd2 30 Qxd2 Rd8 3 Qe2 Ngxf2 Ngxf2 3322 Bc2 h5 and Back won
King's ndian Defence
White: VGogdse Black: Fohr Intenatinal Tunament (Mscw 93)
I d4 Nf6 2 c4 g6 3 Nf3 Bg7 4 g3 0 0 5 Bg2 d6 6 0 0 bd7 bd 7 7 Qc2 e5 8 dxe5 dxe5 9 Rdl Qe7 10 Nc3 c6 I I Na4? Re Re8 1 2 h3 Nh5 Nh5
24
White's castled position is weakenedd by the advanc kene ad vancee of of the g and h pawns. Particularly weak is the g3 point, in the irection of which Black already begins to eert pressure, by placing his knight on h5. Tis obliges White to act with circumspection. White, apparently,
Bxh3
It is interesting that, in going in for this combination combina tion , Alekhine Alekhine was not convinced of the total correct 108
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Co Combatio mbations ns
was carried away with was wi th active acti ve operations on the queen's ank where, twoo moves ago, he began to prepare tw prepare an oen oenss ive. iv e. Theref Therefor oree he play played: ed: 13 cS
Cherishing the idea, sooner or later, of invading on the weak d6 square squa re.. The mistake l ies in the fa fact ct that th at Wh White ite does does not give due attention to the opponent's concrete possibilities and, as a result, overlooks an elegant combination. In the game there followed: 13 ... e4 14 Nd4 e3 15 Bxe3 Nxg3
By now opening openi ng new approaches to the white king, Black firmly seizes the initiative and quickly launches an attack. 16 Rac1 N 17 Nc3 Nfe4 18 Nxe4 Nxe4
White's position is hardly defensible. . . . NgS NgS is threa threate tene nedd and, generally speaking, the shattered defence his king appears as a serious of combinational motive, foreshadowing new combinational outbreak. 1 9 Bf4 I t necessary to shut o the
1 9 ... Nx !
emolishing the last bulwark. 20 Kxf2 Qh4+
The theme of double attack.
2 1 Kf3 Bxh3 2 2 Bxh3 Bxh 3 Qxh3 Qxh3 + 23 Kf2
If 23 Bg3 Bg3 , then then 23 . . . Be BeSS . 23 Qh4+ 24 KfJ BeS! 25 e3 Bxf4 ••
Black echanges the bishop which represents the heart of the defence. 26 exf4 Qh3+ 27 Kf2 Re3
Now . . . Rg Rg33 is thr threate eatene ned. d.
28 Rgl Rae8 29 Rg2 Qh4+ White resigned.
A splendid combinational rout, in whic wh ic h the positional posi tional weakness weaknesses es of White's castled position were brilliantly eploited as combinational motives. We return ret urn to the positio posi tionn befo before re White's 13th move, wishing to put the question: it possible all this happened isbecause happened of 13that cS ? Of course not, as the saying goes, it only poured poured oil oi l on the ames. ames . You You see, also upon other moves, White's weaknesses on his king's flank
would by no means disappear and, indeed, the struggle tells its own story. Nevertheless, in place of 13 cS, White should have conceed himself with fortiing these weaknesses weakness es by the manoeuvre Nd2 f1 , but this mean meanss yieldin yieldingg the initiative to to Black. Alas , at times, tim es, one has to come to to such a decision. decisio n. The reason for White's diiculties was, abov ab ovee all, all , the the move movess 1 2 hh33 aannd 1 1
gaing diagonal. diagonal.
109
Chesss Mle Ches Mlegame game Combintions
Na4, but even earlier White's opening open ing plan suere sueredd from from a lack la ck of cleaess of purose. For example, the pawn exchange on e5 was not in the spirit of the position. In the game, iyBronstein (HungaryUR match, Budapest 1949), the position before White's 24th move looked like this.
castled pton and represents a quite qu ite real characteristic of a combicombinational motive. All Al l the same, thethere followed: 24 0 0
He wanted to exchange first on e6, but, on 24 Nxe6 alas, follows 24 ... Bb4. 24
Bxh3! 25 Ng3
Not at once, but on the following move, White will be forced to accept the sacrifce. On immediate 25 gxh3 gxh3 coul couldd follow 25 . . . Qg6 + 26 Kh Kh R 2 7 Ng Qh5 28 Kg2 Rxh3 ! 29 Nxh3 Qg4 Qg4 + 30 Kh Qh3 + an and . . . Qh2 Qh2 m mat atee . 25 Qg6 26 gxh3 Bxg3 27 Kh Qh5 28 g g33 Qxh3 Q xh3 + 29 Kg Kg Qxg3 Qx g3 + 30 Kh Rf Rf33 3 Rxf3 Rxf3 Qxf3 Qx f3 + 3 2 Kg Nx Nxc5 c5 3 3 dxc5 Qg3+ 34 Khl R
Any chessplayer chessplayer would prefer Black's position for many reasons. Particularly Particu larly unpleasant unpleasan t fo for White is
A decisive intervention by the reserves!
the position his king. It iscenobviously bad toofleave it in the tre. Castling on the queen'sside also is not very acceptable. The king does not find a cosy future there. It seems that there remains
Bf2If 37 Qf2, then 37 ... Rg6+ 38 Kf Qh + a n d . . . Qxa . 37 Rg6 Rg 6 + 3 8 Kl Kl Qh3 + 39 Ke2 Qd3 mate
35 Qe l Q + 36 Kg 6 6 37
The following game also serves
as an an instructive instruc tive and beautiful beautiful iillllusustration of the combinational exploitation of weaknesses in the castled position.
only one way out, to attempt to hide the king on on the king's flank, flank, it its own domain, so to speak. However, How ever, even in its own dwelling, dwell ing, it will hardly har dly find find itself its elf being left left in peace. You see, Black controls the territory on this ank. This is secured by the strong pawn chain, c6d5e4. Besides this, White has made the move h3, which, in the present situation, weakens the
King's ndian Defence
White: BGuenide Black: MTa 24th USSR Champinship (Ms (M sc cw w 9 57)
d4 Nf6 2 c4 c5 3 d5
110
Chess Ml Mlegame egame Combinat Combinations ions
This "indicated move, nt allowing the queen's knight to be developed "normally, on c6, is considered by many to be the best continuation. There are strng masters maste rs,, past past and and presen present,t, to whom whom such a wedgeshaped incursion of pawns, crossing over to the oppnent's territory, was a real support to their creative views. However, we have dealt in detail with the question of the constructin of a iddlegee Planning to wedge in M iddleg
te's planning prspects upn these moves are nt a bit wrse, and possibly even better, than upn 3 d5
3 e6 e 6 4 N3 exd5 exd5 5 xd5 xd5 d6 6 NO g6 7 e4 Bg7 Bg7 Be2 00 00 9 0 0 Re 0 Nd2 Na Na6 I I Re ?
This and and the 3 th ve are bad, since they d nt lead t any bjectives and weaken the regin f the castled psitin (the and g4 pints) White mst strive as q ickly ickl y as pssible pssi ble ffr the cnstructin a4, Nc4, B, n andthe in weak this way rganise pressure d6 pawn (Bf4).
which we now refer the reader. T h is, you see, isalso a purely psitional question. Nevertheless, also now we allow ourselves to give one cnsideration of a general character. A pawn in the opening, advanced t the ffth rank (for Black, to the fourth rank), quickly becomes an bj ect of attack attack . In addi addition tion to this, thi s, such an advanced pawn (we have in mind a central one) one ) , for the most
White des nt find a cnvenient plan, which, indeed, is nt easy Wrth cnsidering is 3 Bf3 Nd7 4 Nc4 Nc4 Ne5 5 Ne5 Ne5 Be Be55 6 Be2
part, signif es ina refusal signif to f fand ght fr the initiative the centre an agreement to concede to the opponent the influence of squares f a certain clour. In the French
missibletake carelessness HeThe shuld of curse the knight variation 4 Bg4 Bg4 5 h3 Bc8! 6 N f5 f5 7 Bg5 Qd7 retains the better game for Black, but it might
I I N7 N7 2 a4 a4 3 Q2?
3
•••
Ng4 4 h3?
While this is already inad-
still be a stubbrn struggle Now, however, ver White's king's flank blows a combinational whirlwind, which in the course of a short time produces terrible devastation in the White king's suite.
Defence, for eample, after e5, Black is oered the possibility f carrying car rying out play pla y on the whit whitee squares, while in the present variation of the King's Indian De Deffence on the black. We present these consideration de rationss in order to show the t he subjectivity of the statement about which continuation, this or that, ( in repl replyy to 2 . . . cS) is bette betterr her here. Also 3 dc5 and 3 N are su su ciently energetic energetic repl replies ies here here . Whi Whi
4
•••
Nx2!
The king is invited to come out. 15 2 Qh4+ Qh4+ 6 K Kfl fl
On 6 g3 follows ollows . . Bd4 d4+ + with a quick mate. •
Chess Mdle Mdlegame game Co Combatio mbations ns
16
•••
Bd4 17 Ndl
The combination The combinat ion is in full ul l swing, but nevertheless White does not sense the theme of it.
advantage. 23 Ra3 Rae8 24 Bd2 Nxd5
Also 24 . . . Qf4 Qf4 wa was goo good. d. 25 Bxd5 Rxd5 26 Ke2
Or 26 Nd5 Qh mate.
26
•••
Bxe3 27 Rxe3 Bxc4+
On 28 28 Qc4 now follow ol lowss 28 . . . Qg2+ 29 Kd Qd2 mate, while on 28 Kd Kd Re3 29 Re3 Qg2 etc. White resined.
In the eamples presented above,, the sacrifice of above of a piece pi ece for a
Back is still a piece down and
pawn, taken ed from theascastled position, tio n, presented present itself its elf a combination with, for the most part, a clear theme, and quickly brought concrete results. In the following game, the correctness of the combination with the sacrifice of the bishop for the h6 pawn was, for a long time, the object of a great debate and, even to the present day, it seems there
the over White areofmanaging to go to pieces the help their king. The first impression is that the worstt for White wors Whi te is over. But this is only the first impression. The posi posi--
are opponentsorwho assert that the the combination, more rightly sacrifice, was incorrect. Nevertheless,, this game was awarded a prize less as the best in the tournament;
17
• ••
Qxh3!
Murderous trouble! On 18 gh3 follows ollows . . . Bh3 Bh3 mate. mate. Here, Here, this is a pure mate with the two bishops and appears as the theme of the combination. 18 Bf Qh2 19 Ne3 f5 20 Ndc4 e4 e 4 2 1 Bx Bxe4 e4 Ba6 Ba6 22 BO
tion of the king, attacked by four powerful pieces, remains highly precarious and threatens to become the object of a new combination.
possibly, in the decision of the judges, the surprise, diiculty and risk of the sacrifice, played a role.
22
Nimzo-ndian Defence
• ••
Re5
White: D.Bronstein Black: P .Keres
White will not succeed in slipping away with his king from the combinational zone. Thus, if 23 Ke2, then 23 . . . Rae8 24 24 Ra3 Qf4 25 Kd Bc4 26 Qc4 Be3, and Black, recovering the sacrificed piece, is left with a great material
International Tournament (Gothenbur 955)
1 d4 Nf6 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 e3 c5 5 Bd3 b6 6 Ne2 Bb7 Bb 7 7 0 0 cxd4
112
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Comba Combatns tns
Black, wi thout suicient suicient foundafoundation, refrains from the strugge for equali eq ualitty in the centre centre by . . . dS . The exchange of pawns, which he carries out, pursues the aim of opening op ening the the possibi possi bilility ty of retreat fo forr his bishop on b4, but this, in the present position, is only a particular probem which could also have een solved ater.
dxc4
Here, the matter consists not so much of the gaining of a second pawn, which of course would not do any harm either, so much as blocking the way of the White queen, after NfS, to the g3 square (via or d3) . 1 4 Bxh6! Bxh6!
8 exd4 0 0
Now Blac Blackk inte intend ndss to to play 9 . . . dS, but White gets there first. 9 dIt5 w ha6s unfavourabe wa unfavourabe to play 9 . . .
exdS 1 0 cxdS cxdS NxdS 1 1 N xdS xdS BxdS BxdS 1 2 Bxh7 Bxh7 + (poss (possib iby y 1 2 Nf4 Nf4 Bb7 Bb7 1 3 NhS is eve evenn more ene enerrgetic) etic ) 1 2 . . . Kxh7 1 3 QxdS QxdS Nc6 1 4 Bf Bf4 with a good game, full of initiative. Thereffore, in the meanwhile re meanwhi le,, Black decides to prevent the pin BgS. However, in the present situation, ther th eree immed i mmediatel iatelyy arises arise s the idea of
The 1 1 th and 13th 13 th moves prepared this sacriice, which Black is forced orced to accept. Afte Afterr 14 . . . gxh6 gxh6,, White's basic threat consists of
a sacrice on h6, while since Black is badly developed, White's pieces ae handily placed for an attack on the king's flank flank.. In other word wo rds,s, the hh66 pawn is a weakne weakness ss
Qd2xh6 NfSN or 1 4 gxand h6 then 5 Qd2 Nh7 h7 NhS. As Black cannot defend the h6 pawn, his task consists of finding a way to neutralise the direct attack
of th thre reee White White piece piecess quee queen, n, bishop and knight, and with his move Black achieves this objective,, admittedly with some material ive loss. Was there ther e anythi anything ng better fo for Black? Here, grandmaster Bondarevsky, with the greatest clarity, presented a detailed detai led analysis of this position, which proved that, even after 1 5 . . . NcS NcS ( recom ecomme mend nded ed by many commentators as best) Black could not save the game.
in the castled position, and it would be better for Black to think about something ese, possibly 9 . . Re8, though even in this case White maintains the initiative after the simpe 10 a3.
0 B B2 Na6 1 N5
The begi The b eginn nning ing of one one of the the deed eepest combinations of our time. White threat threatens ens to win wi n the t he bishop after a3. eex xd5 1 2 aa33 Be7 3 N Ngg3
113
Chesss Mleg Ches Mlegame ame Com Comnations nations
We give a few variations from thiss anal thi analyy sis: 1 5 . . . Nc5 1 6 Rae 1 ! (occupying the e4 square also represents a decisive link in the attack. atta ck. On 1 6 Qxh6, Black inincludes cl udes the bishop in the def defence: ence: 1 6 ... Be4, which makes diicult the further course of the attack. Thus, on 1 7 Qg5 + , Black Black co could uld calmly calmly reply ... Bg6. However, by continuingg 1 7 Nxe4, White nuin White eve evenn in thi thiss casee maintains the cas t he better chances. chances. ) 16 ... Nd3 17 Bxd3 cxd3 8 Nf5
material equality, but there are no pawns left in the castled position and his king kin g is totally expos exposed ed an eective combinational motive. It is precisely this which determines hite's advantage.
Bexh6 4 (on Re8 Bc5 foll ollow ows 1 95 N + Kf88 2.0. . Qg5 2 1 s Nf Nf5 Re6 22 Qg7 + Ke8 Ke8 23 Qh8 + B Bf8 f8 24 Nbd6 mate.) 19 Nbd4 Re8 20 Nxh66 + Kf Nxh Kf8 2 1 Qg5 Q g5 Bg6 Bg6 (or ( or 2 1 . . . d5 2 2 Rxe Rxe44 ! dxe4 dxe4 23 Ne6 + fxe6 24 Qg6) 22 Rxe7! Rxe7 (22 ... Kxe7 23 N hf5 hf5 + Bxf5 Bxf5 24 N xf5 xf5 + Ke6 25 Re + Kd5 26 Ne7 + ) 23 Qxf Re Qxf66 Re4 Re4 24 Qh8+ Ke7 25 Nhf5+ Bxf5 26 Nxf5+ Ke6 27 Qh3 etc as indi-
A double attack. Both h4 (f4) and Qxc4+ are threatened.
cated in Bondarevsky's analysis. is indeed bad for Black. If, forIt exampl exa mple, e, 2 7 . . . ReS , then then 28 28 f4 Rxf5 29 Re + 6 30 Qh6 mate. Thus Th us al also so 1 5 . . . Nc5 left Whit Whitee a
are quite position. a few other weaknesses ina Black's Nevertheless more worthy crowning of this brilliant game here was the combination 23 Qxg5 Qxg5 24 Nf7+ Kg7
20 Qh5 Qh5 Q£6 Q£6 2 Nd6 Bc6 Bc6 22 Qg4 22 ... Kh8 23 Be4
It is natural natu ral that White Whi te wants to to specul spe culate ate on the bad positio posit ionn of th thee Black king, the more so that there
possibility of deciding the game by an eective attack. From this, another conclusion suggests itself, that th at th the cont contin inua uati tion on 1 5 . . . Nh 7, chosen chos en b y Keres, Keres, was the most diidiicultt ret cul retort, ort, for White, Whi te, to his hi s combicombinational attack.
25 N xg5 Kf6 Kf6 26 Bc2 B c2 ! Kxg5 K xg5 27 Rd6 Ne66 28 f4 Ne f4 + N xf4 xf4 ( 28 . . . Kf Kf66 29 29 f5 f5 Ke7 30 Rxc6) 29 h4+ Kg4 30 Rd4 Rf8 31 Kh2 and then Bd + winning the knight. A strong strong continuation of the th e attack was also 23 Nf7 + Qxf7 24 Qxg5 . Thanks Thanks to to the threat threat of of Rd4 Rd4 , White does not allow the inclusion into the defence of the knight on a6.
1 6 Qxh6 Qxh6 £5 1 7 N Nx xf5 R Rx xf5 ! 8 Bxf5 N 19 Radl Bg5
The immediate danger has passed. Black has two minor mi nor pieces for rook and pawn, approximate
23 ... Bh6 24 Bxc6 dxc6 25
114
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Co Combinati mbinatis s
Qxc4 Nc5 26 b4 Ne6 27 Qxc6 Rb8 28 Ne4 Qg6 29 Rd6 Bg7 30 f4 Q Qgg4 3 1 h3 Qe2 3 7 Ng3 Qe3 Qe3+ + 33 Kh Nd4
On 33 . . . N f4 f4 arises a ne new combination with Rh6 + There followed 34 QdS Re8 35 NhS Ne2 36
Nxg7 Qg3 37 Khl Nxf4 38 Qf3 Ne2 39 Rh6+ and Back res igned
The main conclu conclusion sion which suggests itself itse lf fro rom m the i llustrative llustr ative material teri al is the presenc presencee of a close close intercommunicatio intercommunicati o between weak points and combinational motives.
115
Chapt Cha pter er Ten The Comb The Combin ina aon onal al Attack Attack of the Two Two Bish Bishops ops,, Haon y of the the R ook s on the the 2nd 2nd & 7t 7 th Rank Ranks. s. The Sacrice of the Rook on g7.
We have aready aready sp spoke okenn qu quite ite a bi t about the two bishops in Midd game ga me Pnning. Pnning. Previousy, however, this theme had touced mainy upon the process of planning manoeuvring, where, in certain conditions, the harmonious activity of the two bishops acquired specific strength. In a combinationa attack, the bishops become particulary threatening if their blows from the queen's ank, along two open, adjacent diagonals, are directed towards the side of the opponent's castled position. In such attacks the bishops promote many beautiful combinationa themes. One can cite the immortal combinationa attack attack in the game, game, RoteviRubinstein, where, epoiting the
Rubinstein also regulary employed this opening with White, when, in the present position, he usualy played 6 a3, so as, after 6 . . . Bd Bd66 , to continue continue 7 dc5 Bc5 8 b4 and Bb. 6 dxc5 Bxc5 7 a3 a6 8 Bd6 9 Bb2 0 0 1 0 Qd2
Thus White delays the decision of the basic problem prob lem of the opening ope ning castling. On the the other other hand, also unfavourable is 10 Bd3, since after 10 . . . d dcc 4 1 1 B c4 b5 1 2 B Bdd3 Bb Bb77 13 00, would have been obtained a perfectly symmetrical position, but with Black's turn to move. This means that White has lost a whole tempo, and, in the present variation, this circumstance has highly important significance. The correct decision was 10 cd5 ed5
powerful harmony of the bishops, Back,, with Back wi th each move, move , oere oere the the opponent newer and newer sacrifices. This beautifu game proceeded in the following way.
11 Be or 11 Qb3. 1 0 .... .. Qe7! Qe7! 1 1 Bd3?
The negative The negati ve side sid e to this th is move move is epained epa ined in th the previous previous note note . 1 1 cd5 was necessary. 1 1 ... dx dxc4 1 2 Bx Bxc4 b5 1 3 Bd3 Bd3
ueen' ue en'ss Gambit Gamb it White: G.Rotevi Black: A.Rubinstein
Rd8 And14so,Qe2 a further loss of tempo.
The White queen has gone from d 1 to e in two moves mov es..
5th All Russi Russiaa Touae Touaent nt (Lod (L odzz 907)
14 ... Bb7 15 0 0
The diagram presents a clear picture. White has lost two
1 d4 d5 2 N3 e6 3 e3 c5 4 c4 Nc6 5 Nc3 N
116
Chesss Mdl Ches Mdlegm egmee Com Combina bination tions s
clear tempi.
15
•••
Ne5
exchange knigh , "Black which,will in the presentthe position, essential es sentially ly represent represents tthe he main ssupupport of the king's flank. At the same time, Back opens the long diagonal and both Black's bishops get the chance to open a hurricane of ire, along the ajacent diagonals, on White's castled position. Events are about to happen quickly and inevitaby. 16 Nxe5 Nxe5 Bx Bxe5 e5 1 7 £4 Bc Bc77 18 e4 Rac8 19 e5 Bb6+ 20 Khl Ng4! 21 Be4
At first sight the Black bishops seem to have been rendered harm-
knight).
Nevertheless, things are bad for White: the diagonal power of Back's bishops has reaced its culmination, the harmonious attack of the bishops with an irresistible and inevitable mate mate a punishme punishment nt for the tw twoo lost tempi hangs over the White king. 24 Qx Qxd2 d2
Or 24 Bxb7 Rxe2 25 Bg2 Rh3. Or 24 Bxc3, either ... Bxe4+ or simply ... Rxe2 mates. •••
24 Bxe4+ 25 Qg2 Rh3 White resigned.
Approximately a year and three months before this game, in the international tournament at Nrn-
less, but this is far frm being so. 21
•••
berg in 1906, was played the following game, which might have served as a warning for Rotlevi, if he had managed to get to know about it beforehand.
Qh4 22 g3
Also after 22 h3 would have followed the same move as in the game. 22
•••
Rxc3! 23 gxh4 ueen's ue en's Gambit
ee diaam next column
23
•••
White: F.MarshaU Black: H.Wo£
Rd2!!
With the exception of the bishop on b6, all Black's pieces are under attack; in addition to this hite is a queen ahead (for a
(Nrnber 906)
I d4 d5 2 c4 dxc4 3 Nf3 e6 4 Nc3 c5 5 e3 N 4 Bxc4 a6 7 0 0
117
Chesss Mle Ches Mlegame game Combina Combinations tions
Nc6 8 a3 Qc7 ? 9 Q Nc6 Qe2 e2 b5 0 Ba Ba22 B b 7 dx d xc5 B Bx xc 5 2 b b4 4 B d6 3 Bb22 0 0 14 Rac Bb
Both opponents' bishops are aimed at the enemy castled psition, but Black's queen is porly placed. pl aced. If it were on e 7, Black could have seized the initiative withh th wit th e move move . . . Ne5. 14 Rad8 Rad8
Necessa Neces sary ry wa wass . . . Qe 7
5 Bbl Ba8?
It is impossible t understand the aim of this move, though Black's position is already unsatisfactory since he cannot prevent the incursion of the White knight on e4. 16 Ne4! Nd5
If 16 16 . . . N e4, the then 1 7 Be Be44 and and the double attack on h 7 ( Bh 7 + ) and c6 (Bc6 followed by Nd4) cannot be parried. 17 Neg5 g6 8 Nxh7!
All these possibilities are opened, thanks to the pwerful attacking role f the the bishops. bis hops. 18 Kxh7 19 Ng5+ Kg8
On 1 9 . . . Kh6 Kh6 follo follows ws 20 Qg4. Qg4.
On 20 . . . g llws llws the the theatheatic mate mate Bh 7 .
20 6 6
The only mve, bt it als des nt save him. 2 Bx Bxg6 g6 Rd7 22 Nxe6 xe6 Rh7
If 22 .. Qc8, then 23 Qd5.
23 Bxh7+ Qxh7 24 Qxh7+ Kxh7 25 Nx8+ Bx 26 Rd} Nce7 27 e4 Back esigned
In the follwing game, the diagnal attack f the bshps was directed at the queen'sside castled positin. Cenre Opening
White: Consutans Black: Backbue (Bradfrd 90)
e4 e 5 2 d4 exd4 3 Qxd4 Nc6 4 Qe3 g6
ince, in the Centre Opening, White usually castles n the queen'sside, Black prepares the develpment f the bishop n g7, where it will cnveniently attack the queen'sside castled positin. As shwn by the future curse f events, Blackburne's calculation is
completely j ustif ustified. ied. 5 d2 Bg7 6 Nc3 Nc3 Nge Nge 7 7 00 0 0 0 8 4 d5! 9 exd5
There is apparently nothing better; on on 9 e5 e5 ffol ollo lows ws . . . d4 . 9 Nb4! 0 Bc4 Bf5
The second bishp occupies a thratening position, in relation to White's castling. 1 1 Bb3 Nex Nexd5 12 Nxd5 Nx Nxd5 13 Q3 Q6
20 Qh5!
The bishops reveal their fire
A decisive combinational blow. 118
Chess Che ss M Mleg legame ame Combin Combintions tions
ower. c Nb4
With the decis With decisive ive threat threat of . . . Nd3+. White can defend himself against this check only by playing the bishop to c4. And so he also lays.
White is mated on the following move. The concluding position, just as the whole attack, is of rare beauty. The finale deserves a diagram.
5 B4
White resigned 5 Qa6!!
This eective combinational ove is, at the same time, also the strongest. On 15 ... b5, White could still reply 16 g4. Now, however, White perishes swiftly. 6 g4
Black's queen, knight and bishop are under attack, but the
In all the three presented games, the combinational bishops operated harmoniously along alon g two two adjacent diagonals. In the following eample,, the scale of activity eample activi ty of the bi bishops shops goes far beyond the ounds of the two diagonals. They will operate both along the adjacent diagonals and along the parallel and intersecting intersecting lines, but let us go over to the game itself.
horrible state of the White king, falling under the diagonal inuence ue nce of the bisho b ishops, ps, makes White's position completely hopeless. Black finds an eective combinational decision which kills the oponent instantly.
icilian Defence
White: GRavinsky Black: VPanov (2st Moscow Championship 943)
1 e4 cS 2 N3 e6 3 d4 xd Nxd4 N6 5 Nc d6 6 g3 N6 7 Bg Bd7 8 0 0 a6 9 Be3 R8 1 0 Qe2 b5
6 Qx Qxa2 a2
Black could also win by 16 ... Qcc4 1 7 gf5 Qa2 1 8 Qe4 Q Qe4 Qa 1 + 19 Qb Nd3 + 20 Kc Kc2 Qa4 Qa4 + 2 1 Kd3 Rfe8 etc.
Black delays too much the mobilisation of the king's flank. The un castled king, you see, see , is also a lso a serious combinational motive. It is
7 Be3 Bx3!
119
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame C Comba ombations tions
enough to recall if only the game, teinitzBardeleben (see Chapter 7), and a few others. a3 Ne Ne5 1 2 Ra Rad l Nc4 1 3 B B l Nxa3
Black decides to take the pawn. The move 1 3 . . . Be 7 was was stil st illl possible. 1 4 e 5 dx e5 1 5 N c 6 Q c 7 1 6 Nxe5 Nc4 Nc 4 1 7 Nxd7 Nxd7 N Nxd7 xd7 1 8 Nd5 Qa7 Qa7 19 Nf4
With the unequivocal intention of sacriicing on e6. 19 Nce5
its very death.
2 1 e6 e6 22 Qxe Qxe6 + Be7
Leadingg to mate Leadin mate is 22 . . . Kd8 23 23 Bg5+ Kc7 24 Qc6+ Kb8 25 Bf4+ Rc7 26 Bxc7+ Qxc7 27 Qa8. 23 Re Qc5
On 23 23 . . . Nb6 follows ollows 24 Bg5 Bg5 Rc7 25 25 Bc6 Bc6 + Kf8 Kf8 ( 2 5 . . . Kd8 Kd8 2266 Rd + Nd 7 2 7 Bxe7 + Kc Kc88 28 Bxd7+ Rxd7 29 Rd6 and wins) 26 Re3 or 26 ReS. Black has no defence against R +. 2 6 . . . Rxc6 follow ol lowss 2 7 Bxe 7 + and Qxc6+. 24 Tryin Tr yingg to divert the the Black queen from the g5 square, on which the White bishop intends to swoop. 24
20 Rxd7 Rxd7 !
The theme of this attractive and surprising combination is the full
•
Nf8! 25 Qg4 Qc3
exposure of the exposure th e Black king and the freeing of space for an attack upon it with the two bishops. ix moves later, White carries out a further combination on the same theme, in which he sacrifices also a second exchange. 20
••
26 Rxe7+!
Now the bishops will be everywhere. 26 Kxe7 27 Bg5+ Kd6
No better better either either isis 2 7 . . . Ke8. Then 28 Qe Q e 2 + Kf7 29 Bd5 + Kg6 30 Qe4+ Kxg5 31 Q4+ Kh5 32 Bf7 + and Qh4 Q h4 mate.
Nxd7 21 Nxe6!
The logic lo gic al continua continuation tion of o f the the combination, which serves as an instructive punishment pu nishment for for the neglect to castle. The Black king is now doomed to cruel su su ering eri ng until unti l
2 8 Qd l +
This beautiful return of the queen to its original square opens 120
Chess Mdlegam Mdlegamee C Combinati ombinations ons
up broad broad possibi possi bililities ties fo for the combicomb ination of a thematic mate, problemlike in form, with the active participation participatio n of the bishops. 28 ... Kc
Or 28 . . . Ke6, Ke6, resultin resultingg in a pure pure mate in the spirit of Czech problem bl emis ists, ts, 29 Qd5 Qd5 mate mate,, or 28 . . . Ke5 29 Qd5 mate. 29 Bf4 Bf4 + Kb6 30 Q Qd d6+ Ka 3 1 +
And Black cannot avoid a rapid mate. For example, 31 ... Rc7 32 Be3+ Kb8 23 Qd8+ Rc8 34 Qb6 mate. The reader is probably noticing how ho w the harmonious harmonio us action acti on of piepi ecess helps ce he lps the th e development of combinational binat ional events. even ts. You see, combicombinationn i s a loft natio loftyy form form of harmony harmony in the chess struggle. One can say that combinations are the consequence of increasing harmony in the operation of chess forces. Let us recall the game, AdamsTorre (see Chapter 6), where the harmonious operation of rooks on
the seventh (second) rank is usually accompanied by many threats, at times irresistible and which all by themselves can serve as a theme for combinations. However, it can and always will be a combinational motive, leading to new combinations, and, finally, su ch a harmonious invasion creates a whole whirlwind of combinational ideas around itself. Thus the harmony of rooks on the seventh (second) ranks, as it were, embodiesFrom all thehere elements of combination. comes that power which cannot usually justify the opponent falling under such a combinational structure. Let us look at a few schemes.
the eile led to the creation of a wonderful combinational masterpiece. Not only this example but also a number of others show how the rooks can rage along a ile and pursue the enemy king, which is running runn ing around around in a panic. pani c. N ow we want to touch upon one further aspect of the harmonious har monious operation o peration of rooks. For White along the seventh seve nth rank: rank: ffor or Black Black the second. The operation of the rooks on
White forces mate: 1 Rd Rde + Kd8 2 Ra Ra Ke Ke8 8 3 Rh7
And there is no defence against the mate on h8. Before us is a position frm the game A.AekhineF.Yates (International touament, London 1922) after the 34th move. Not only the rooks, rooks, but also all of White's pieces operate harmoniously, including inclu ding even th e king. 121
Chess Mle Mlegame game Com Combination binations s
Chigorin (White), was this:
The rooks are on the seventh rank. ra nk. This culmination cul mination of harmony must lead to a combinational crisis in the truggle. 35 Nd7 Kh8 36 N! Rg 37 Rxg7!! This is the "point of White's combination. White could announce mate here in not later than seven moves. 37
Rx6 38 Ke5
Now on ... Raf8 or ... R8 White mates in two moves: 39 Rh7+ Kg8 40 Rcg7 mate. This mate also represents the theme of the combination, begun on White's 35th move. White now, without hindrance, takes the rook on
White is a piece ahead (an extra knight kni ghton for forthe a pawn) pawn ) , but bu t the thare e Blac rooks second rank very dangerous. The combination Bh5 Bh 5 + , and al also so . . h3 , is th threareatened. The right ctinuation f White was pointed out by Chigorin, 32 Rxb7, but here he would have to take into account the replie eplies:s: 32 32 . . . Rxd Rxd55 , 32 . . . Rxe6, Rxe6, 32 . . . h3 , 3 2 . . . B h 5 , 3 2 . . . Bf7 . If t he irst two are refuted comparatively easily, then on 32 ... h3 White would have only one winning movee , 33 Bg3, mov Bg3, on 32 . . . BhS only only 33 Rb3 Rb3 , and and on 32 32 . . . Bf Bf77 33 Nf4. Nf4.
f6. On 38 . . . Bd3 Bd3 or or 38 38 . . . f4 f4 follo ollows ws mate in four moves: 39 Rh7 Rh 7 + Kg8 40 Rcg7 + Kf8 4 1 Kxf6 Kxf6 Rh8 mate. mat e.
however there followed: 32 B? Rxh2 + and White resigned i n view vie w of of . . . Rd Rdg2 g2 mate. mate.
The dramatic finale to the second match between teinit and Chigorin, as is wellknown, was caused by Chigorin's surprising overlooking of a mate with the rooks on the second rank. In the th e 23 rd game game of the match, match, the last as it tued out, the position, before the fatal mistake of
The following game outlines for u the very process of the invasion of rooks. Petroff D efence
White: G.Marocy Black: F.MarshaU International Tournament (San (S an Sebast Sebastia ian n 9 ) 22
Chess Mlegame Mlegame C Combinat ombinations ions
e4 e5 2 NO Nf6 3 Nxe5 d6 4 O e4 5 4 Be7 6 Nc3 Nxc3
Qa4! Rxd3 20 Qa6+
Bd3 Nxe5 7xdxc3 e5 0N6 Q Q28Bg Bg5 5 Ne5 0 09Be Be6 6 2 e Bxc 1 3 R Rax axcc Qg Qg55
On 19veQa4, Black pro bably babl y have ha replied replied 1 9 . . would . Kb Kb8, 8, and, an d, if 20 Qb5 , then then 20 20 . . . b6 b6,, and White's attack is in a blind alley.
The game has proceeded very peacefully. A rather strict judge of positional niceties would prefer here Black's game, with reference to the pawn structure in which hite's queen'sside pawns do not form a chain such as that which characterises Black's pawns on the ing's ank. positional It is possible to give some more considerations, but all these cannot be deliberated upon because they are not very real. It is diicult diicult to anticipat ant icipatee most of the events in this position, however a combinational storm suddenly comes down upon White's position, which suddenly finds itself on the brink of destructio destruction. n. 4 Re3 Re 3 0 0 0 15 Re l f6 16 b4
Maroczy plays the game without inspiration. The move made by him cannot cannot be considerd consid erd as even a
1 9 xb7 +
19
Kb8
Now the question is whether Black is able to extract anything from the dile. 20 a4 Bd5 2 1 Rg3 Rg3 4 22 Bxh7
The attempt to penetrate with the queen to f5 f5 , and upo uponn this th is also capturingsince a pawn, be condemned, it is cannot very diicult to sugges sug gestt anything in return, return, without wi thout bending to the will of his oppo nent. ow, however, Black breaks through on the dile and the struggle at once enters into an area of combinational tension. 22
Bxb7 23 h3
Necessary to avoid threats of mate on the first rank. If, for example, at once 23 Qf5, then 23 . . . Rd 24 R Rgge3 (or 24 Kf Rxe Rxe + and wins) 24 . . . Qxe3! Qxe3 ! 25 fxe fxe33
Rxe + 26 Kf2 R and White's posi po sition tion becomes becomes critical critical .
hint of attack. Why does he not liven up the game by 16 Qa4 Kb8 1 7 B e4 ? 6
23
Rd2 24 Q5
Rd7! 17 5 Rhd8 18 6
This is already something, but Black has prepared for this prick and, togeher this, organises pressure on thewith dile. The atmosphere begins to thicken move by move, creating combinational motives. 1 8 Rd6! O course not 18 ... bxc6 19
123
Chesss M Ches Mleg legam amee Comb Combaons aons
24
Qxg3!
The moment for the combina-
tion requirement is ripe, and Black meet this of themust position. Aftter 24 . . . Rd (which look Af lookss hopeful), he would risk losing the game.. There might fol game follow low 25 Rxd Rxd + 26 Kh2 Qc Qc 2 7 Rxg7 etc. 25 g3 Rxg2 + 26 Kfl Rdd2 The harmony harmony of the rooks on the second rank represents the theme of Black's combination. He threatens to immediately decide the gam game in his hidoes s favou favour r te by byde playing playin g m... Rh2 e. How White Whi defe fend nd hi himself? sel f? If 27 Rc Rh2 28 Ke , then 28 ... Rde2+ 29 Kd (29 Kf Rg2) 29 ... Reg2 (or ... Re) 30 Qf Bf3+ 3 Ke Re2+ 32 Qxe2 Rxe2 + 33 Kf Rh2 and Black must win. The White queen cannot abandon the f5 square, in view of mate on . Nevertheless White finds a chance for a draw. 2 7 Re4! Re4!
3 Qx Qxe4 e4 Rh Rh e2. However, there is i s for White just j ust one, nevertheless neverth su ent, re-, tort, but 28 Q, Q , and, and,eless if 28suici . . .icient Rb2 Rb 2 (a2 (, a2 c 2 ) , then 29 Kg Kg Rhc2 30 Qf Qf (but not 30 Qd Rg2 + and Black B lack wins w ins back the queen, leaving himself with the better endgame) and Black might even lose.
28 Qxe4 Rdf2 + 29 Ke 1 Ra2 30 Kfl Ra+ 31 Kel Ra2 32 Kfl Rgf2 + 33 33 Kg l !
White must manoeuvre accurately, withstorm. the king coming would under the rook Mistaken have been 33 Ke Rb2, and, in order to defend himself against mate, White has to give up the queen for the rook. 33 Rfe2
3 3 . . . Rb2 would now be be parr parried ied by the move move 34 Qe 3 4 Qbl Rg2 + 3 5 Khl Khl
Only so! 35 Kf loses, in view of 35 ... Ra+ 36 Ke Rb2.
35 Rh2+ 36 Kgl Rag2+ 32 Kfl Rb2 38 Qe4 Dw
An interesting and instructive
example of the energy which is concealed in the horizontal harmony of the rooks; an example in which White, to the end, did not want to believe that the raging rooks could not achieve more. By sacriicing queen,upon Marshall, undoubtedly,the counted winning the game, but it was not possible to foresee everything. It is suicient to say that the world champion of that time, Emanuel Lasker, commenting upon this
27 Bxe4
Tempti Temp ting ng was 2 7 . . . Rh2, on which whi ch 28 Kg loses because of 28 . . . Rdg2 Rdg2 + 29 Kf Rb2 30 Kg Bxe4 Bxe4 24
Chess Mdle Mdlegame game Comb Combati ations ons
game, pointed out that, by continuin nu ingg 27 . . . Rh2 ( ins inst e ad of 2 7 . . .
Now it is clear who has lost a tempo! •
Bxe4 as played), Black would win.Marshall But he did not notice 28 Q , and analysed analysed in detail only 2 8 Kg . We look at one more game where the Back rooks secured themselves on the second rank. is time they were the rooks of the then world champion, os Raou Capablanca. Queen's Ga
White: A.Nimzovich Black: .R.Capabanca atch-turnament (New Yrk 927)
1 c4
Nominally, according to opening catechism, the opening in this game ought to be caled the t he Engl English ish Opening, but the name actually given to it is conditioned by the position after the 3rd move. 1 N 2 N e6 3 d4 d5 4 e3 Be7 5 Nb Nbd2 d2 0 0 6 B Bd3 d3 c5 7 dxc5
This exchange bears the character of a principal wish to force
9Bb7 2 b6 Nxc5 1 0 cxd5 xd 5 Nxd5 Nx13d5Qa4 11 N b3 Bxc5 Q 14 Ba6 Bxa6 15 Qxa6 Nb4 16 Qe2 Rfd8
At last one of the roks begins t stir; after a couple f moves, the other goes to c8. fter that, in turn, they invade n d2 and c2. 17 a 3 Nd3 Nd3 1 8 Ne Ne l
With astnishing persistence, Nimzovich strives fr exchanges f minor pieces, but thisexchange tactic is not justiied: afterhere each Black's position, and not White's, becomes better. 18 ... Nx Nxe l 19 R Rx xe l Rac8 20 Rbl Qe5 21 g3 Qd5 22 b4 B 23 Bb2
It seems that at last White has freed himself frm his cnstraint, but Black's Black's queen mano manoeu euvr vree . . . Qf6 Qf 6eS eSd dSS contains a concrete concrete idea which is revealed by his next move move.. 23
•
Qa2
Bravely placi pl acing ng itself it self at the head head of the attack in ft of its troops.
Black to lose a tempo, tempo , sinc s incee , after 7 . . . BxcS , it turns turns out out that th the Black Black bishop gets to cS, not in one, but two moves. In fact, however, after 7 dxcS, it is not Black, but White, who oses a tempo. If Nimzovich
The queen The qu een is menacingly mena cingly placed on a2, where it paralyses White's pieces; at the th e same time it prepare preparess an attack on the the queen's queen's an ankk by . . . a.
hadwould foreseen foresee n the opponent's reply, he have chosen rather 7reply 00., The variatio variationn 7 . . . cxd4 cxd4 8 Nxd4 eS 9 NfS NfS , as aso 8 exd4 dxc4 9 N xc4, does not lead to anything bad for White.
probably theWhite streng stre ngth th of of the underestimated th threa reatt . . . Rc2, but whether wheth er he could cou ld have have coped in general with his diiculties, the history of which take us back as far as the opening in this game, is a big question. On 25 Rad 1 foows,
7
••
24 Ral Qb3 25 Bd4
Na6!! 8 0 0 Nxc5 9 Be2 Na6 Be 2
125
Chess Ml Mlegame egame Com Combination binations s
for example, example, 2 5 . . . a 26 bxa5 bxa5 27 Rxd8 Rxd8 28 Ra Rc8 29 Rc Rc 1
30
Rb (or eve . s.. . ikewise, Rxc Rxc 1 + ) , 25 andRac th thee1 pawn on even a3 fall fnalls. does not solve his problems, in view of the same ... a5 or 25 ... Rxc1 26 Rxc1 a5. In all cases, the position of the pawn on a3 turns out to be bad. One can hardly severely criticise White for his last move; you see, it is directed precisely ise ly aga agains instt the the threat . . . a5 .
been eexpected by move, minut minute to minute.move The The king's posiposition is demolished demol ished and and soon soon all that remains for victory is to realise his technical resources.
25
•••
Rc2 26 Qa6 e5!
A little liofttleinvading combination, combination, havin g the the idea with havi the nother rook on the second rank, after which the combinational atmosphere becomes much more heated. 27 Bxe5 Rdd2 28 Qb7
It is not easy to defend defend the pawn. 28 Rf would provoke a combination:: 28 . . . Qxe3 tion Qxe3 ! 29 Bf Bf4 Rx, Rx, with wi th the well we llknown known mating mat ing theme which occurred in the game Chigorinteinitz (see page 122). The move 28 Qf however, brings White's position into a totally passive state. Nevertheless,
•••
Rxh2!
The discharge which could have
3 1 Qf3
A painful necessity: 31 Bxh2? Qxg4+ 32 Kh Qh3 forces mate. 31
•••
Rhg2 + 32 Qxg2 Qxg2
Otherwise he is mated: 32 Kh Qh6+ or 32 Kf Qc4+. •••
3 2TheRxg2+ open position of the White
king will wi ll continue to remain a real real combinational motive, and this deprives White of the possibility of successfully organising a defence. 33 Kxg2 Qxg4 34 Radl h5 35 Rd4 Qg5 36 Kh2 a5 37 Re2 axb4 38 axb4 Be7 Be 7 39 Re4 Bf6 Bf6 40 Rf2 Qd5
And, after giving check on e8, White resigned, though he might have still resisted for some time. With the followng game, on a great plan, we intend to finish ou
talk about the harmony of rooks 0 thee penult th penultimate imate rank ranks.s. However, it is necessary to forewarn the reader that, in the presented game, the question of the harmony of rooks will have for us even wider an
upon this defence, White still has chances of putting up resistance. 28
•••
Rxf2 29 g4 Qe6 30 Bg3
greater scope than case this. The question in i n the present ca se wi will ll not be be so much about the joint action of the rooks on the rank, the combinational attack of the rooks on the le, however, the seventh ran for Black is, as it were, a territorial 126
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Comb Combnati nations ons
threat, thr eat , which wil w il l hinder h inder neces necessar saryy measures to oppose the storming
to deny him this possibility, Back also makes his own preventive
pressure on the However, th e ile. game itself, itself, spea speaks ks more than these few introductory words.
move. Of course, also had other plans at hisBlack disposal, but whether thay are better or worse than "Teichmann's "Teichmann's plan is a matter for debate.
Spanish Game
9 d4 Bd7
hite: .Duras Black: R. Teichman Teichmann n Inteational Tournament (stende 1905)
Indirectly defending the e5 pawn, since, after 10 Bxc6 Bxc6, the Whte pawn on e4 inds itself under attack
e4 e5 2 NfJ N6 3 Bb5 a6 4
10 Nb Nbd2 Re8 Re8 1 Nf Nf B B 2 N Ngg3
Ba4 Ba Nf 6 5h6 0 00 0 e7 6 Re d6 7 c 0 -04 8Nf6 h3
g6Now White's knights come up
If White's White' s 8th 8 th move mo ve was to some extent understandable as a desire desi re to secure secu re,, by preventing the pin of the knight, the advance in the centre d4 under the best conditions, then Black's analogous move with the hpawn could provoke even bewilderment You see, such pawn moves invariably lead to a weakening of the king's king's positio posit ion, n, and, consequently se quently , they should not be made without extreme necessity.
against a pawn "fence; Black's pieces, however, are excellently developed and and occupy good, good, active activ e posi posi tions. This is fraught with the possibility that Black will seize the initiative. 13 Bb3 Qe7 14 Be3 Bg7
Black loses a knight if he chases a f te r t h e p aw n 1 4 . . . ex e x d 4? 1 5 cxdd 4 Nxe4 cx Nxe4 ? 16 B B . 5 d5
A great deal has been said about
All th s s so, but the fact fact of the matter is i s that t hat T eichmann's eichmann' s move is a link in the whole plan and, to a certain extent, expedient Black has in view the transfer of the bishop from e7 to g7, where it will be deployed much more actively
such a crucial blocking of the cen tre in Middlegame Panning. Here we can only say that if White decides on this step, then he will make it in good time immediately rendering harmless all Black's play on the efile and the ah8 dia-
and inn any improve Black's posit po sitio ion in thecase centre. To accomplish this tran transf sfer, er, the moves moves . . Re8 Re8 , Bf8, ... g6 and ... Bg7 are planned plann ed However, af aftter . . . Bf8 , hite could immediately pin the knight with with the move Bg5 . In order
gonal. The struggle will now be transferred to the flanks, and, to prepare for that, both opponents obviously have to resort to new piece manoeuvres 15 ... Nd Nd8 8 6 4 b6 7 B B22 aa55 18
127
Chess Mle Mlegame game Comba Combations tions
Nh2 Kh7 19 Rl Ng8 20 f4
But this this adv advan ance ce is a double double-edged weapon. Black's pieces come to life and cramped sensitive weaknesses are a re forme formedd fo for White Wh ite in the centre. For example, the e4 pawn, or the eS and cS points which can become excellent bases for the Black pieces. What does White obtain in return? The file, and this, it seems, is all. N everthel evertheless, ess, matters matters are not no t so simple. White's pawn formation is such thespace White haveinga great that d eal of deal for for rooks manoeuvr mano euvring and organising joint operations. For the present, the position of the Black rooks is worse. Even if Black' Bla ck'ss queen's rook rook manages ttoo get out of the corner, the territory for its operations will rather restricted, without even mentioning joint operations with its friend on the king's flank. The easier to achieve harmonious operation of thee rooks th rooks this is the the main mai n trump trump in White's hands. The question cons-
of the g6 square.
22 Bxe5 Qxe5 23 Ngfl Qg7 2
N N7 were to succeed in conIf Black
solidating his knight on eS, his gamee would gam wou ld even be pref preferable erable,, but there is no way to do this. It goes without saying that the knight will be excellently deploy deployed ed on eS , but, you see, the matter does nnot ot lie l ie in one single position of the knight. Black's main problem problem is the rook rooks.s. The solving of this problem depends pen ds largely la rgely uponstruggle. the character the forthcoming 25 Ng3 Nc5 26 Qd2 Re7 27 2
Whi te exerts hidden White h idden pressure pressure m f and threatens, in reply t 2 7 . . . bS , a beautiful beautiful combination: 28 2 8 eS ! dxeS 29 Nh NhSS Qh8 Qh8 3300 RxeS RxeS 3 NgS+ hxgS 32 Qxf+ Kh6 33 Qxg6 mate. 27
Rae8
Black anticipates the combination. After 28 eS dxeS 29 NhS he can retreat the queen to f8. 28 Re2 Kh8 29 3 Nf6 30 Rbe
ists only of the reali real i ty of this trump. tr ump. The struggle is now quickly sharpened and this means that it must inevitably enter into a phase of combinational tension, with possibilities for both sides.
Nh77 3 1 B l Nh
20
31
White was probably in timepressure pres sure , therefore therefore there is no app appaarent motive for this move. The continuation 3 1 Kh2 might hav havee been useful.
exff4 ! 2 1 Bxf ex Bxf4 Be5 !
Ng5 32 Nxg5 hxg5 33 Q
Probably preve t3he g4.Proba Becaus Becbly auseeto prevent of of hisnt the 1 stmove move, mov. e,. . White has lost the initiative and must defend himself.
Afterto long deliberation, comes the conclusion thatBlack this blockading of the e4 pawn is absoutely necessary. White threatens to carry out eS, after Nf3. The movee . . . f6, howeve mov however,r, w ill not do in view vie w of the catastrophic catastrophi c weakeni weakeninng
33 Qd4+ 34 Kh2 Kg7 35 Rf2 Qe5 36 Refl Rh8 37 Kgl Rh
With the the threat threat of 38 . . g4. 128
Chesss Mdlegam Ches Mdlegamee Comb Combations ations
3 Qe3! Rh6
f6! (a move which Em. Lasker pointed out, out , in his day) , and Back,
Nf NfS + BxfS Bxf S 40 RxfS gxfS gxfS 4 1 QgS + or Seven simper 39 Rf4!
ridding hisef the extra piece. ofIf,danger, in this retains variation, White gives a check with the queen on d2 on the 46th move Middlegam gamee Planning Planning ( indicat indicated ed in Middle as a winning wi nning continuation continu ation)) , then foo oows 46 . . . Kg7 Kg 7 ! (but not 46 . . . K h 7 ? which was was anay anayse sedd in Midd lega legame me Planni Planning ng 4 7 Rf RfS Qa , and Back, successfuy defending himseff, threa se threaten tenss to to pay . . . ReS . If, If, hoever, RhS, thenn simpy the simpyfor48 exampe . . . Nxe4 49 448 9 Qh6 Qh 6+
On 38 . . . g4 cou coud d foow 3399
39 a3 g4 40 hxg4 Bx Bxg4 g4 4 R4 Bd7 42 Q2 Be
43 R!?
A storm storm begins begins , there there i s n o other way out fo for White Whi te but bu t a risky comco mbinationa attack, it is even worse to surrender the initiative to the opponent. However, Back does nott have a great no great choi choice ce he must either take the rook or move the queen away to c3. It woud hardy be reasonabe to pace the queen on
Kg8, and again everything is in order for for Back Back.. From From th thisis it fo foows ows that the position in the diagram is unsatisfactory for White, and huring i ng himsef hi msef into a sea of combinationa compications was probaby the best psychoogica decision. In fact, what other continuation bes ides the t he rook sacrifice sacrifice on ffSS can ca n be recommended for White? You see, 43 b4 woud ony weaken his queen's fank sti further. rue, it
was possibe to pay in a passve defensive spirit, 43 Bc2, but, after 43 . . . Qb Qb22 , fr from j ust the psych psychoooogica point of view, White woud fee bad. It is interesting that Duras' consideration j ustiies ustiies itsef i tsef,, and he now gets the chance to reay
a, where it is under potentia threat of the White rook. 43
•••
Qc3?
What hed Back back from 43 . . . gxfS ? Most prob probaby aby,, trust in the the cacution of the opponent or, principay, prin cipay, distrust distrust in the th e pos possibi sibi--
demonstrate overwheming combinationa the strength of the harmonious action of the rooks.
ity defending exposed Butofmeanwhie mean whie heanshoud shou d takeking. the rook and thereby immediatey cut the Gordian knot of the position. he foowing variation points to this:: 43 . . . gxfS 44 NxfS this NxfS + Kh7 4S Nxh6 Kxh6 46 Qh4+ Kg7 47 R
44 e5!
It is surprising sur prising that that eichmann reconcied himsef to this obvious continuation of of the attack, cutting cutt ing 129
Chess Che ss Mleg Mlegame ame Com Combina binatio tions ns
o the queen from the king's ank which is subject to a strong attack,
47 Qx Qxf5 + Rg6!
and bringingbishop. bringing into battle batt le the inactive White Now already, taking the rook is strictly prohibited for Black.
would develop by 48 Kh22 Kg7 Kh Kg 7 ( if 49 . . . Rh5 e4, Qe3 then then+ 49 50 Qf6+ Kh7 51 Rf5 Rd7 52 Rg5) 50 R Qd2 (or 50 50 . . . 7 5 1 Q Qh7 h7 + ! ) 5 1 Rh3 ! Rx Rxh5 h5 ( also also no now not not 5 0 . . . Bd7 , in vview iew of 5 1 Rg5 + 8 52 Rxh6!) 52 Qxh5 Qf4+
44 dxe5
On 44 . . . N xb3, ther theree w wer eree several combinational refutations. One of these is 44 R5 Qxc4 45 Rxb3! Qxb3 46 Qf6+ Kh7 47 Nf5 gxf5 48 Bxf5 + Kg8 49 Qx Qxhh 6. 45 Rg5 Kh7
In reply reply to 4 7 . . . Kh Kh88 , the attac attac
48 Q6!
With the threat of mate in two moves mov es,, and and also a lso Bx Bxg6 g6 + and and Qxe Qx e 7 . Thiss double Thi double threat threat is one of the the themes of the combination, begun with hite's 46th move. Blac finds the only way to save himself from immediate ruin. 48 Qd4 Qd4 + 49 ff2 Qd l + 50 Kh2 e4 5 Qxe7 Qxe7 Rh6+ 52 Kg3 Kg3 Qel 53 Qxe8 Qe3+ 54 Kg4
46 Nf5!
Combination follows combination, and White, of course, had
Not only Black's ing, but also White's shifts to find a cosy place. There are motives which also give Black the chance to think about combinations. Aganst 54 Rh4+ there is only one, but sufficient, defence: 55 Kxh4 Qx+ 56
foreseen it earlier. You see, only in this way can he prevent the threats 46 . . . e 4 or 46 . . . Qd4.
KhS Qe2+ 57 Rg4, but not 57 g4 Qh2 mate. Black finds another combination, which allow al lowss him to co continue ntinue resistance for still some time.
46 gxf5
Obviously the sacrifice must be accepted. How quickly an surprisingly the conditions change in a
54 f5+ 55 Rgxf5!
O n 55 Kxf5 Kxf5,, Black mates mates in two two moves. If, however, 55 by Rfxf5, then Black achieves a draw perpetual check: che ck: 55 . . . Qe2 + 56 K4 Qf2 Qf2 + 57 Ke5 Qb2+. However, now an interesting possibility of a check on g6 is also opened for Black.
combi combination struggl struggle. e. Onlybishop a few few movesnational ago, al the White might have been christened "the living dead, but now this same bishop plays virtually the leading roe in Duras' brilliant combinational idea. 130
Chess Mle Mlegame game Com Combinatio binations ns
55 Rg6+
several important questions, purely of a creative creat ive order, and therefor thereforee it it
it is mated. new combination comes to his A assistance.
seems to sLetthat afterword is necessary. us an recall how the struggle proceeded. The first important moment, after a theoretically played p layed opening, came on on the 1 5 th move move , when when White decided decided to lock the centre by the the move d5 . As a resu resultlt of this cruci crucial al advance advance,, the game entered into an area of manoeuvring, where White had some territorial territor ial advantage and, as a consequence of which, Black's position was rather cramped. A very serious, principal moment, again again on on White's initiative i nitiative , came on the 20th move when he very quickly prepared and carried out f4, obviously seeing a way o attack.. However, attack However, afte afterr 20 . . . exf exf44 ! all the windows and doors opened for Black. He began to play again on the long long a h8 diagonal and and the central ele. After obtaining a piece base on e5, Blac Blackk blockad blockaded ed the White Whi te e4
Wherever the the white wh ite king moves,
56 Qxg6+! Kxg6
A very beautiful inal combination, leading to mate, where the harmony of the rooks on the ffile even exceeds in strength and eect eect a similar interaction of rooks on the seventh rank rank.. The end, end, despite despi te its absolute clarity, is original and colourful. 57 6+ Kg7 58 R+ Kg8
If 58 . . . Kg6 Kg6 , then then 59 59 R2f6 R2f6 mate. The irst theme.
pawn and put out of action the bishop on c2. Then Black set up the knight on the weak cS square and the balance gradually tilted to his side. Thus, White's 20th move turned out to be not particularly successful successf ul . However, we w e should not
59 R+ Kg7 60 R2+
A hurricane! 60 Kg6 61 6+ Kg7 62 R8 + Kg8 63 Kh5
Now 64 Rf8+ and R6f7 mate is threatened. The second echotheme.
con confin e ourselves to this state It isfine highly important if statement. only ment. to try to repl replyy to the the question question what thoughts and state of mind did Duras (he was then 24 years old) have when he deliberated over f4 and then nevertheless decided to
63 Qe2 Back + 64 signed since, eveng4at and the cost of
the queen, he cannot stop mate in 23 moves (64 ... Qh2+ 65 Kg6 Qd6 66 Rg7+ Kh8 67 Rxd6 cxd6 68 Rc7). This great game touches upon
131
Chesss Mdlegam Ches Mdlegamee Comb Combat ations ions
play it. i t. The height heig ht of of Duras' combi combi national creativity, its culmina-
quic kly as possib quickly possible le to open open the position. tio n. The question arises why then then
tion, in the 1 9 1 2 , came after which he he bega bperiod egann to to 1908 withdraw dr aw from the th e chess che ss scene. scene. But in the first first period per iod of his creativ creativee work (19041907), Duras' play was marked by brilliant combinational thoughts and at the same time, an above average understanding of positional principles. He, so to speak, did not draw upon this side, whereas, in every tournament, his victories were distinguished by subtle, elegant combinations. In short, Duras won fame with a deeply pronounced "combinational style. In the very first chapter we have already indicated not only the deterioration of this concept in our time, but also to to the artiicialility artiicia ty of i t even fo for the epoch epo ch of Anderssen and tthe he I talian chess school. However, there is nothing bad or artiicial in calling Duras or some other chessplayer combinacombin ational. Any chessplayer can be
did the movehe15lock dS? Ithimself cannot inbe with doubted that, in making the move, Duras already foresaw the plan with the move mo ve f4. f4. Why not? not ? Duras achieved his objective and the position became combinationally combination ally strained. T eichmann, eichmann, in the meanwhile, meanwhile, played excellently. After the exchange of knights and finally gag he eS square (the manoeuvre ... Nh7gS), Black's pieces took up dominating positions on the board. Duras "builtup on th ffile, but the point turned out o ut to be firmly defende defendedd by 42 . . . Be Be88 , and and invulne invulnera rable, ble, while while White got into an original blin alley with numerous weaknesses in his posi tion and an already not particul tic ularly arly safe king. king . It w was as then that also followed followed 43 Rf RfSS ? as the only only and natural way to justi j usti the move move 20 f4, and all hopes and expectations (very great) connected with
called this, who strives, as quickly and forcibly forcibly as possibl possi ble, e, to provok provokee combinational tension in the position. uch a player often plays riskily, while at other times also breaks or bypasses the most elementary rules of positional play.
it. There, this sacrifice should not be censured, censured , even though upon upon the the correct reply it should also have le ledd to a loss for White. It was not possible, with limited time, to calculate at the board all the consequences of the sacriice. On the
toatthe move f4, onReturning one e could cou ld say say that th in th this is way20 Duras expressed not so much some sort of style, as an individual individual creative creative "I. He did not no t like, like , one one could even even say say submit to, lengthy processes of manoeuvring, and strived as
other declining of the hand, rook would havetheleftsacrifice White without any prospects for the ture,, with ture wi th several weaknesses weaknesses in his own camp camp and and . . . more or less less prob prob-able defeat as well. e add, as a further reason for RfS, Duras' 132
Chess Mdl Mdlegam egamee Com Comba bation tions s
creative tendency, and we come to the conclusion that Duras did what
g7 square is clearly carried out by White, but cannot Black realise, in
heThad to do. did not accept the eichmann sacr sa crif ifice, ice, replyin replyingg 43 . . . Qc3 ? and and this amounted not only to a combinational mistake, but mainly a positiona "bunder. Over the course of 23 moves, Teichmann rightly rig htly blockaded blockaded the e4 e 4 pawn and kept the White bishop ocked up, and then suddenly voluntarily set the bird free. This sharply increased the combinational potential. Duras, of course, immediately played 44 e5 , including including the bishop bishop in the attack on the king's ank and excluding the opponent's queen frm the defence of this flank. Combinations, which up to this point could not exist, now completed comple ted the rout. rout . The final final combination, where the main element was the harmony of the rooks on the ffile and the accompaniment of the king, completed a beautiful thematic mate.
alogous corresponding situation, an anacombinat combination ion with wi th a rook sacrifice on the g2 square? Both yes and no, I would reply to this question. Yes, because every position and situation in the chess chess game can be imagined with colours reversed. And yet, more than likely "no. We do not intend to give special consideration considera tion to the th e question questi on of the sacrifice of the Blac rook on g2. The fact of the matter is that practice hardy produces any examples with the t he rook sacrif sacrifice ice on on g2 , while the rook is sacrif sacrificed on g7 in many games. For us, however, the criterion for the choice and examination of this, above all and exclusively, is practical play. Even if we succeeded in inding two or three combinat comb inations ions wi w i th the sacriice of a rook on g2, then we would hardly need to examine these specially. But the main thing thing is that th at our our methodicall resum, in respect thodica respect of of a sa-
Amongst combinational ideas in which whi ch a rok is sacrificed, sacrificed, practice practice advanc adv ances es the combination combinati on with the sacrifice sacrif ice of a rook on the t he g7 square (i n the kin king's g's side side castled castled position position)) . uch u ch a sacrifice sacrifice sti s tillll cannot be considered theoretical, as is the sa-
crifice on crifice on g7, can always always be util ised for the rare combination with a rook sacrifice by Black on the g2 square. One cannot ignore the combinations of the brilliant Mor phy, where, playing Black in two games with LPausen, in both
crifice of6),a but bishop on h7 pos(see Chapter it is already sible to foresee a certain parallel. The question will be gone into further after an examination and analysis of a number of ilustrations.. The sacrifice of tions of a rook on the th e
cases sacrificed a rook on the g2 square.heHere is how t happened. ee diagram top nex ge The first diagram a position
from a blindfold game played in New York in 1853. Morphy announced mate in 5 moves: 133
Chess Ml Mlegame egame Combi Combination nations s
ing the game, but, after conducting the inal part of the game inaccu-
23
•••
Rxg2+ 24 Kxg2 Rg+ (or
24 . . . Qh3+ 25 Kf Kf2 Qh2 + 26 K Rf8+ and Rxf7 mate) 25 K Qh5 + 26 2 Qh2 + and and . . . Qg2 Qg2 or ... Rg3 mate.
This diagram is from the game
rately, he had to be satisfied with a draw. Both these historical examples portray port ray for us motives moti ves for sacrifices, sacrifices, their basis, etc. It is important that the square, on which the rook was sacrificed, was defended only by the king. The aim of the sacrifice is to demolish and expose the position of the king, but in order to exploit its open position after that, it is necessary to have reserves which will be ready to immediately complete the combination. In the first example, such reserves were the bishop on e6, queen on h5 and the rook on a8; in the second, the queen, two bishops, but also the rook which, in both branches of the combination, made the concluding (demonstrating the theme) m o v e (2 5 . . . Rx Rx aannd 25 25 . . . R Rff2 ) . An so the sacrifice sacrifice of of the roo roo on g7! Above, we have already twice come across such a sacrifice
in the game ChigorinBird (Chapter 7), but the· sacrifice is only a fellowtraveller for other ideas which was was ilillustrat lustrated ed by this game. In the followin examples, this sacrifice will be the centre of our attentin
LPausenMorphy LPausen Morphy , from the in-
ternational congress in New York 1857, after White's 21st move (Ng5e4). There followed:
2
•••
Rxg2 Rx g2 + ! 22 Kx Kxg2 g2 £5 23
And here Morphy made a mistake, by playing 2 3 Qg6+ A •••
Here He re we game have aBery psitio psi tion n fr from om the the exhibitin Psbury, played in Bostn (UA) in 900.
ffxe4 orced24win wifxe4 n was was(also achieved after te ... bad isaf 24r 23 Rxe4 Qg6 + 25 Kh Rx Rx ) 24 . . . Qg Qg6 + 25 Kh Rf2. After Af ter 23 . . . Qg6 + , Pa Paul ulse sen, n, naturally, replied 24 Ng5 and obtained tai ned good chances chances even eve n of winn winn
ee diagam t ofnet page
White is the exchange up for a pawn.. In addi pawn additio tionn to this thi s , Black Bla ck has has two excellently deployed bishops 134
Ches Mlegame Mlegame C Combinat ombinations ions
(Petersburg 1909)
and a strong strong , mobile mobi le pawn group in thee centre. th centre . It would wou ld seem that the opponents have in prospect still a rolon ro longed ged struggle, struggle , but the the decis decisive ive factor in assessing the present position is a combinational motive. he g7 point is defended only by the king, White's rook has penetrated to the seventh rank and its activity is successfully directed at recisely this point. The reserves are also in i n a state of readiness: these are a strongly deployed queen, quee n, and
Now we can sum up. White has two pawns for the exchange,
a rook on e,There and potentially the bishop. followed also the combination:
Black's kingweaknesses is halfexposed, there are some around it, White's queen and rook, together
24 Rx Rxg7 g7 + ! Kxg7 Kxg7 25 d5 + f6 26 Rxe6 Ng8 27 Q5 R 28 Bd
The position is threatening; all White's pieces enter into the attack.
28
Kh8 29 d6!
Very good! good ! After After 25 Bxf6 Bxf6 + , White's attack is weakened. 29
Qd8 0 c5 Rg7 xf4
with the two harmoniously operating bishops, attack the shattered Black castled position, and this is still not all. Located in the centre on on the sixth sixt h rank, rank, White has a stronglydefended passed pawn, which severely cramps the opponent's pieces, pieces , and and , though though its pres-
2 Rx Rx g 7 + ! K Kx xg7 Re7 + Kg8
If 33 . . . Kf6 Kf6 , then then 34 34 Qh4 + Kg6 Kg6 35 Qg3+ Kh5 36 Rg7 with the threats of Rg5 + and Q + 4 Qxh6 Bgl + 5 Khl Bd4 The only move! 6 cxd4 cxd4 Qxd4 Qxd4 7 Qg5 + Kh8 8 8 Qh4+ Kg8 9 Qg+ Kh8 40
ence, hang over Black'seternal position.threats All this is more than suic suicient ient to j ustify ustify the combicomb ination. Black's position is hopeless, nevertheless the game, thanks to the ingenious defence, defence, stil st illl presents certain interest.
Bc Backinresigned Heand is mated 4 moves.
Thus in the diagram position, hite could coul d have announ announced ced mate in 13 moves. The next position is taken from the game Foacs FoacsBestein 135
Chess Mle Mlegame game Co Combinati mbinations ons
3 R 32 3 2 b4 a6 3 3 Bf5 Bf5 a 334 4 a3 axb4 axb4 3355 b6 36 3 6 Bd4 bxc5 bxc5
tement apr tement aprp ps s this this:: "White "White writes in the turnament bo
37 Th bxc5 Qa8quee The e Black q ueenn breaks brea ks awa awayy fr fr
turns the ut stunning t be thepssibilities master, ev with
•••
some space.
42
38 h4 Qa4 39 Re8
The preliminar preliminaryy 42 42 . . . Rx Rxgg3 des nt change matters.
Many threats crop up. The main onee mate on mate in 3 mve mvess after Qxh6+. 39
•••
Qd l + 40 Kh Kh22
•• ••• •
Qxd4
43 d7! Qd5+ 44 Kh2 Rxg3 5 Kxg3 Qxf5
Black has wn the queen a bth bishps, but this prves t insuicient t withstand hite passed pawn gain the incnspi cuus pawn plays a decisive rle!
46 d8(Q) Kh7 47 Qc7+
40
•• ••• •
Rxg2+!
An excellent cmbinatinal chance, nt quite crwned with success. Everything is ready fr Black's combinati combinatin: n: the weak weaknes nesss
White has already suered a great deal frm the clever cunte blws f the ppnent, and pla "safely. It was pssible t take th knight: 47 Rxg8 Qe5+ 48 g Qe4+ 49 Kh2! Qxh4+ 50 Kg, 49 . . . Q Q4 + 50 Kg Q Qcc + 5 g g r 49 ... Qe5+ 50 Rg3. 47 Kh8 48 Qd8 Kh Kh77 49 Qc7+ Qc7 + Kh8 Kh 8 50 Q Qe7 e7 Qd3 Qd3 + 5 Kg Kg22 Q Q 52 Qxh7+ Kxh7 53 Rc8 Bac •••
of the g2 square and the psit ps itin in f the sacricing rk, but there are insuicient reserves t cmplete the attack. In addition to this, the White Whi te pawn n d6 turns tu rns out to be a real, dangerous combinational motive.
resigned
In this same turnament, in t last rund game, m ske Teichmann, Black resigned in a psition where he was convinced that he culd nt prevent the winning cmbinatin by Lasker of a rook sacrifice n g7.
41 Kxg2 Rg7+ 42 Qg3!
ee diaam ofnext ge the Black has a t queen defending
were notto for queenion, sa-, crifIficeit in crifice reply the this combination combinat White wuld have lost the game. Nevertheless the possibility of White's queen sacrifice should be considered a natural phenomenon. Interesting is Emanuel Lasker's sta
g7 square (besides the king) an consequently suitable condition do not not exi e xist st fo for a combin com binat ation ion with wi th a rook sacrifice on g7. White endeavours to drive the 36
Chess Mlegame Mlegame Com Combatio bations ns
has to take into account very many andd various consid an consider eration ationss it isis
queen away away from from th thee criti cr itical cal po point int.. If Black Black now plays plays 2 2 . . . Qf6, the thenn follows ollows 28 QxdS + Qf7 29 Rxg7 + ! Kxg7 30 30 Rg Rg + Kh8 3 1 BeS + Bf6 3 2 Bxf Bxf66 + Qxf6 Qxf6 3 3 QhS + and and mate on the next move. Teichmann played 2 7 Qe6 but resigned immediately without waiting for Lasker to carry out the cmbination: 28 Rxg7 + Kxg7 29 Rg + Kh8 30 QhS+ and Qxh6 mate. Thee combinationa Th combi nationall moment proved to be very instructive in the
MahaU Kupchik, game played in theMahaU tournament at Chicago in 1926. Marshall did not secure a
possible to list tens of them. bably, White's position shouldProbe somewhat preferred and not because of the weakness of the g6 square, which, however, can also, uon certain conditions, play its ownn role ow role,, but mainly ma inly because of of the cfile where White might organise pressure on the c6 pawn. White has also made some progress in the territorial respect. It i interesting interesti ng that the shar sharpp combinationa sight of Marshall was attracted to two combinational motives. The undefended state of the queen and the weakness of the g7 square, which is defended only by the king. Probably these two moments played no little role in Marshall's choice of continuation. 23 Nf4!
A craf crafty ty move move, , the th eofai aim m which , apparently, consists theoftransfer Qc2 and in the organisation after
that of systematic pressure on the c6 pawn. However, the cunning of the move lies in the fact that, at the same time, it conceals a combinational idea, constructed on the abovementioned combinational mtives.
tangible advantage until the 22nd move, as we see by the following doubleedged and tense position.
23
cS?
Generally a pardonable oversight.speaking, Black is anxious, as it were, not to be late with this move. White threatens to play b4 and Qc2. Neverteless, Blac should first first move away the queen to d 7 , and then already already set about
In evaluating the position, one 137
Chess Mle Mlegame game Com Combination binations s
solving the strategical questions.
24 Rxg7!
Kupchik, probably, was shocked by this surprising revelation. It turns out that taking the rook is goo oodd for White: 2 4 . . . Kxg7 25 Qg3 + and wherever the king moves or if it is covered against the check, White wins the queen by a knight check. After the loss of the g7 pawn, Black cannot resist for long. 24
Qd8 25 Rg3
the e6 and g6 squares compels Black to give up a great part of the energy of his pieces to their defence. Meanwhile, White has available also a concrete plan of a combinational combina tional attack, attack , consisti consisting ng of the further wrecking of the Black king's position by the advance of the hpawn, the opening of the gfile and including the roos on this line in the attac. It is difficult fr Blac to counteract this plan 36 Q4
Rg6simple looks more eenerg nergeti eticc , but also25 the retreat, chosen by Marshall, is good enough.
oncce 36 h5 , then on then 36 . . . g5 36I f Rab
On 36 . . . Qe7 , so as, oonn 3 7 h5 ,
to still rep reply ly 3 7 . . . g5 , pos ossibl siblee alalready is the combination: 37 Nxg6 fxg6 38 Rxe6.
25 cxd4 26 Ng6+ Bxg6 27 g6 Rxe3 28 Rexe3 dxe3 29 g7 + Kg8 3 0 Q5 Back rres es igned Aekhine (White), in the tour
37 h5 gxh5 38 Khl R7 39 Rgl
Everything has been prepared fo the sacifice of the ro
nament at Kecskemet 927, was awarded a special prize for beauty for a rook sacrifice on g7 in his
39 Qe7 40 Rxg7+! Kxg7 4 1 Rgl + Kh7 42 Nx! Bac
resigned since on Q or Bxf7 follows Bd3+
game In the the diagramagainst is the Astaos position after 35th move. Black's king's position is shaky, and, though the sacrifice of the knight on g6 is not a threat at the moment,, the moment the potential potenti al weakness weakness of of
The two concluding examples, we present in the form of whole games played in oiet competitions, one of these being from 38
Chess Mle Mlegame game Comb Combinatio inations ns
960. These bear witness to the fact that the theme "Rxg7 is stil st illl
on f6.
far from exhausted.
On 7situation, ... Nxc3,would White, the present takein with the bishop.
imzich Defence
White: A.Toush Black: A.okosky 8th USSR Cham Champi pion onshi ship p (Moscow 950)
d4 e6 2 4 4 N 3 N3 Bb4 4 e3 00 5 Bd3 d5 6 Nf3 5 7 00 x xd4 d4 8 exd4 dx4 9 Bx4 N6
Black transfers the game to the channels of the Queen's Gambit Accepted, but with the ishop on b4 and not no t e 7 . ince i nce he retreats the bishop to e7 on the next moe, it turns out that he has lost a tempo.
6 Bd R8 7 Radl N6
8 Bl Nxc3
This exchange would hae been acceptable for Blac f, on the following moe, he had also exchanged on e5. Black would also maintain a good position afte afterr 8 . . . Bf6 (suggested by A.Tolush). 9 bx bxc3 c3 b5 2 0 Rd3 Rd3 Qd5 Qd5
Also now 20 ... Nxe5 2 dxe5 Qb6 would gie gi e B Blac lac a sati satisf sfactory actory game. 2 Ng4 Ng4 Rfd8 Rfd8 22 Rg3 ?
This leads to an exchange of the whitesquared bishops, which is ourable for Black, who obtains the possibil possib ility ity of a more rmly con-
Black does not notice the sacrifice crif ice of the rook on g7 . If White did not hae this possibility, his centre would be quickly smashed. Of cour course se,, Blac should should play 2222 . . .
solidatedofd5thissquare. Asaairs, a consequence state of the isolated White pawn is weakened.
g6, but already aft after er 23 obtains Nh6+ Nh 6+ Kg7 24 Rh3 Rh3 , White an attac.
0 Bg5 Be Be77 1 Qd3
23 Nh6+ K
It would probably be useful to first of al alll pl play ay 1 1 a3 , not only only to secure the bishop, in case of need, a retreat on a2, but also preparing b4 and closing down the b4 square agai ag ains nstt the mano manoeu eure re . . . Nb4d5 . Also wort worthh consid consideri ering ng is 1 1 Re , increasing pressure on the e5 and e6 squares. ... Na Na55 12 Bb5 Bd7 3 Ne Ne55 Bxb5 14 Qxb5 a6 15 Qe2 Nd5 24 Rxg7
Not good Not good is 5 . . . Qxd4 Qxd4 16 Rad Qa7 1 7 Nd7 , and and White White obta obtains ins an attack by exposing the position of the Black king with an exchange
The position of the ing is wrecked and it comes under a mating attack, where Blac's pieces are 39
Chess Mdle Mdlegame game Com Combati bations ons
bunched in the centre and on the queen's ank and unable to give it speedy assistance. 2 4 Kxg7 25 Qg4+ Bg5 The best bes t chance in the search sear ch fo for chances chan ces of resistance. resistance. On 25 . . . Kf6 could follow 26 Qf4+ Kg7 27 Qg33 + Kf6 2 8 Ng4 + Kg7 29 Ne5 + Qg with a quick mate. •••
26 c4
Also the simple simple 26 2 6 Bxg5 leads to a quick victory. 26 Qxd4 27 Qxg5 + K 2 •••
Be3
This upsets the logical course of the combination, and Black surprisingly begins to put up resistance. Black would have had to capitulate after 28 Qg8+ Ke7 29 Qxf7 Qx f7+ + Kd6 30 Bf Bf4 + Ne5 3 1 Ng N g4 Rf8 32 Bxe5+ Qxe5 33 Rd +. 2 Qh Qh 229 9 Bc5 + Ke 30 3 0 Ng Ng4 4 •••
h4 Qal + 39 Kh 40 Nf4 Threatening Qf8 mate. If . . .
Kg7, th en 4 1 Qe Qe77 + Nf7 Nf7 4 2 Nxe6+ Nxe6+ or 42 the h5. Back resigned.
The fact that the rook sacrifice on g7 continues to find a place f itself i tournament and match mat ch enencounters, in games between highly rated players, indicates the continuing nu ing underestimation underestim ation of combinational motives which stimulate these combinations. We conclude with the illustrative material of a game between two inteational grandmaters. icilian Defence
White: A.Kotov Black: .Bondarevsky USSR Team Championship (Moscow 1960)
Kd7 31 Bb6
I d3 c5 c 5 2 g3 g6 3 Bg2 Bg7 4 e4
gives the back the material andWhite maintains initiative which is suicient for a favourable com-
ow we Variation have have the th e clear ou of heNClosed he Varia tion of the thoutline e ici itline cilian lian Defence.
plet ion of the struggle. V. Panov pletion pointed point ed out a more energetic energetic conti conti-nuation 3 1 Qf4 Rc 7 32 Bb6 Rb 7 33 Qxf7 Qx f7 + , and White achieves a material advantage.
4
•••
d6 5 f4 Nf6 6 Nd2 Nd2 0 0 7 N3 N3
Every move has its own idea, its own plan; there is also one in the move Nh3 , for example, exampl e, to support support the advance of the gpawn after N, and yet White's move is artificial. A simpler, and possibly the best, reply to it was ... Ng4.
31 Rb 32 Rdl Rd l + Ke 3333 Bxd Rxd 34 Rxd+ Nxd 35 N+ K •••
•• •
Also Ke7 36! Nd5 + Khopeless d6 37 Qe7 Qe7is+ 35 K e5... 38 Qc5 Qc5 The threat f4+ is deadly, while on 3 8 . . . exd5 follows follows 39 39 Qxd5 + and Black either loses the queen or is mated.
7 N c6 N3 c 4 9 N cxd3 0 Qxd3 Qx d3 Ng4 Ng4 I I 0 0 Qc7
Undoubtedly, Black thought abou ab outt th thee move move 1 1 . . . Qb6, but but f some reason rejected it. Wrongly, it se seem emss to us. Possible sible was was 1 . . . Qb66 1 2 c3 f5 Qb f5 the the gam gamee is shar sharp,
36 Qc Qc55 + Kg7 37 N Nh5 h5 + Kh6 Kh6 3
140
Ches Mle Mlegame game Com Combinati binations ons
but also not without prospects for Black. 2 c3 Rb 3 Ndl bS 4 h3 Nf6 I S Ne Ne33 6 Bd2 R Rd d 7 N Nd4 d4
A very unpleasant move for Black. Both Nxb5 and Nxc6 are threatened. Black decides to go in fr a type of position in which White has a strong piece base on d4, but Black also has his chances. 7 dS Nxc6 Qxc6 9 eS Nd77 20 Nc2 NcS 2 1 Nd4 Qb6 Nd 22 Qe3 Bb7 23 Be B e Ne4 Ne 4 24 g4 fS 2S gxfS gxfS
Carele Care less ssne ness, ss, but 2 5 . . . exf5 would not be in the spirit of the game at all.
2 9 Rxg 7 + !
29 Bh4 would would not be so so decis decisive ive.. After 29 ... Rb7 Rb7 Black could still defend himself. 29 Kx Kxg7 g7 30 Bh4 K 3 Qe2 Rg 32 QhS +
The attack develops "by itsel'. 32
Rg6
If 3 2 . . . K Kff , the then 33 33 Qh6 Qh6 + Ke 34 Qxh7 33 Rgl K 34 Rxg6 hxg6 3S Qh+ K 36 Bf6 QcS
Or 36 ... Rb7 37 Qg7+ Ke 3 Qg+ Kd7 39 Qf7 mate.
3 7 7 + Ke 3 Qxg6+ g6 + K 3 9 Back resigned. resigned.
He should take measures to de-
Afterr 39 . . . Qc7 40 Qh6+ Afte Qh6 + Black is mated. The picture portrayed and conditioned by the combination with the rook sacrifice on g7 is absolutely clear. In the illustrative examples even its details are clearly clearly
fend 26 . . . the Rd 7g7or orsquare, 26 . . . Bfor c aexample nd t h e n by ... Rb7.
reected intion the isnotes. The why a situa s ituation suitable su itable for forreason carrycarrying out a sacrifice, the process of
26 Kh2
Hoping to transfer the rook to the gile. 26
Re
prepar ation for the sacrifice and the preparation attack after the sacriice, already amounts to a deinite pattern of operation which soon allows us to place this sacriice on a theoretical foundation. I t remains rema ins fo for us to t o further further note the following. One might think that the process process of sacricing sacri cing a rook rook on g7 does not require strenuous eor e ort,t, if the rooks j ust go on to the gile and if the g7 square is only defended by the king. We want to take the opportunity to wa against such a casual approach to
27 Rg l
Black is too Black too late. On 2 7 . . . Re 7 fol ollows lows Bxe4, Bxe4 , followed ol lowed by Bh4f6 Bh4f6 . 27
Bc 2 Bx Bxe4 e4 dxe dxe4 4
141
Chesss Mle Ches Mlegame game Combina Combinations tions
any sacrifice, including also the rook sacrifice sacrifice on g 7. Even the theoretical combination with the sacrifice of the bishop b ishop on h 7 requires requ ires clear calculation, and practice knows quite a few cases where the sacrifice of a bishop proves to be incorrect, despite the bad position of the king and the presence of reserve forces for the attack. Everything that has been said must relate even more to the sacrificee of the rook on g7. crific g 7. The fina finall variations completing the attack must be calculated concretely and accurately (of course, within the bounds of possibility). In the process of preparation, i.e. the presacrifice play, one should take into account, when transfering the
rooks ttoo the g rooks gle le,, the useful usefulness ness of of such a transfer not just for the sacrifice, but its purposefulness in the oerall positional planning. When the opponent, with a view to defending against a sacrifice, is forced to make moves which worsen worsen his position position in other sectors of of the struggle, struggle, then, it goes goes withut saying, one should bear this in mind when attacking the g7 point with the rook. One should not forget that not only the combination itself is dangerous, but also the threat to carry it out. Both one and the other serve as good guarantees in the matter of struggle for the initiative or in the development of the initiative.
142
Chapte Chap terr El Eleven even Harony of Rooks Harony Rooks and Bish Bishop ops. s. The Th e Them Theme e of Lock Locked ed"i "in n Pi Piece eces. s. When th question is about the harmonious har monious operation of rooks and bishops, then we have in mind, mainly, the mating which are characteristic forthemes the attack of rooks and bishops on the opponent's king's positi position. on. At least half a dozen thematic mates can be portrayed in combinations of this type. We illustrate these schemes in the diagrams:
143
Chesss Mdleg Ches Mdlegame ame Comba Combations tions
example, in Chapter 5, the finale of the game game,, KolischLoy Kolisch Loydd ( scheme scheme 3), or, in Chapter 6, the game, TorreLasker, in which White carried out a combination, dubbed "the mill (scheme 5). This is a very striking illustration of the combinational harmony of roo and bishop. The concluding part of the game Chon Beste ( 3 rd All Al lRussian Russian touament, touament, Kie 1903) represents an interesting example. Already in the opening, Black (Bernstein) got into a diicult positi pos ition on and was forced forced to giv up the queen for roo and bishop. However, later Chigorin did not play in the best way and not bad chances arose for Black. After White's 26th move, the following position was reached
We omit two or three themes. The task does not consis consistt of of listin li stingg all possible varieties of mates of bishop and rook, therefore it remains to give mainly the themes which are most common in chess practice. In other words we stick to the true slogan: "Closer to ife! Above,, we have already encounAbove encountered several of the given themes in in the pages of this book. ee, for
The continuation was: 26 ... c5!
Beautiful! On 27 Nxd8 follows ... Bd4+. 2 7 Qe7
White maintains good chances, not only of a draw, by playing 2 Qxh7. 2 7 . .. Bx Bxd4+ d4+ 28 K Kffl
144
Chess Mdlegam Mdlegamee Com Combati bations ons
Aso this move is not good. Better Bet ter is Kh 1 . 28
•••
Rh8 29 Qxg5 Be5 30 h3
This ast move before the timecontro acceerates his downfa, whi ch wa s aso inevitab inevi tabee afte afterr 30 30 Nxc5 Rf+ 31 Ke2 Re. 3 0 Re8! Re 8! 3 1 Nf4 Bxf Bxf4 4 3322 Qx Qxd5 d5 Bg3 and White resigned. •••
In the game Duras and (Carsbad 1907), White overooked hea coud mate have in three which givenmoves if he had more deepy deepy estima es timated ted the harmonious interaction of rooks and bishops. This happened in the fofolowing position.
Back resigned.
owever, in the diagram position, there is a quicker and more eective decisive combination, which forces mate in three moves: 25 B+ Bh5 26 Qxh5+! gxh5 2 7 Rh6 Rh6 mat mate. e.
It is interesting to note that this is not an isoated iso ated case of "overlook"overlooking such a mate. In the touament at verdovsk 1943, in the Boesavsky Botvinnik, bya game similar Boesavsky mate was overlooked both partners. As a result of an extraordinarily sharp and tense strugge, from the opening itsef, after White's 5th move the game reached the following extremely unusua and sharp position.
Back is th e excha exchange nge aahe head, ad, but his position is hopeess in view of thee irre th irresist sistibe ibe attack a ttack of of the White W hite pieces on the exposed Back king. Back' Ba ck'ss last last mov movee was was 24 . . . Bg4, in order to save himself from the threatened Bf mate, White repied:
The original and tense tense situation s ituation which developed in this game seems to have tired t ired out both opponents. Black has five pawns for two bishops, but his king finds itsef under attack. Black's chances lie in the fact fact tthat hat his hi s pawns on d2 and and c3 rivet the White White bishop bishop to the d a4 diago di agonal nal and the rook rook to the dil dile. e. In the game there folowed:
25 Nf4
And after 25 Rh8 26 Nxd5 Qxd6 27 exd6 ex d6 Bh5 2 8 Be3 Ra Rad8 d8 29 2 9 Qg Qg55 •••
145
Chess Che ss Mlegame Mlegame Combint Combintions ions
58 ReI
Black now threatens a continuous attack on the bishops, by manoeuvring along the first rank. 59 Rd6+ Kg7?
This should have led to an immediate media te loss. loss. Corre orrect ct was was 59 . . . Kh7. 6 0 Bx Bxh6+ h6+ Kh7 6 Bg5? Bg5?
One good turn deserves another! One another ! Instead of completing the combination with 61 Bf8, and mate is irresistible irr esistible White step stepss ba back ck with hiss bishop and misses hi m isses the chance to exploit the ideal harmony in the action of rooks and bishops. 6 Rb 62 B B2 R Rcc 63 Bx Bxf5 + Kg77 64 Rd7 + Kf8 Kg Kf8 65 Bx Bxd2 d2 xd2 66 Rxd2 b3 and the gme ended in a draw
on the 89th move. Mieses (Black) conducted the attack with rooks and bishops in
beautiful style position against Uand in the following from the
tio n, But, tion, But , furthermo furthermore, re, Black holds a convincing initiative, the main object of which is the tattered surroundings of the White king. In order or der to clear the atmosphe atmosphere, re, White is prepared to also give up the exchange, since, on 18 Re, could follow if only 18 ... Be4, without even mentioning 18 ... Rhe8 Rh e8 with the the thre threat at . . . Bb Bb55 c c6. 6. Events developed like this: 18 Qc Bb6 9 Qg5 Bxfl 20 Rxfl Nd3 Nd3 ! 2 Qxg7 h5 h5 ! 2222 Qx Qx h4 23 gxh4
Of course he cannot allow the advance of the pawn to h3. 23 Nf2 + 24 Rxf Rxf22
Othe Ot herw rwis isee mate! mate!
24 Bxf2 25 h5 Rhg8
Now Black's two rooks and bishops operate together together like l ike clock work. 26 Qe6+ Kb8 27 h4 B5
of 28 ... RdWith 1 + 29the Kh Kh2plain 2 Bd6 Bd6 threat +.
Carlsbad tournament 1907.
2 8 f4
Black announced mate in five moves by eans of the following combination 28 Rdl + 29 Kh2
Black has three minor mino r pieces and a pawn for the queen, which, even from a purely material point of vi view, ew, obliges obl iges one to prefer prefer his posi posi
Bg I + 30 Khl Be3 + 3 K Kh h2 Bxf4+ 32 Kh3 Rh mate
146
Chess Mle Mlegame game Combinat Combinations ions
An incredible case of more than once disregarding a mate with rook and bishop occurred in the game, totz Pinik (Inteational tournament in tokholm 1952). Black had conducted the attack excellently and, af afte terr 30 Kh4, Kh4 , toltz was already prepared to reconcile himself to the inevitable. The position looked like this:
Black had to make his 36th move. It is quite clear that the attenti te ntion ongrandmaste of of the par partne rs not intern internaational grandmasters rstners did focus
mate in three moves by means of the simple combination 41 ... Rh3+ 42 Kf4 R+ and ... Qe5 We think that such istakes happen not because of time trouble (or because of smoke in the playinghall!), but because there are even grandmasters who underestimate the specifi sp ecificc gravity gravi ty of combinat combi nations ions in the creative process of the chess struggle. Italian In one Game, of the well variations known to of the majority major ity of chessp layers , and folol lowing the game Knorre Knorre Chigorin, the strength of the harmony of bishops and rooks is demonstrated demons trated in very ve ry expressive expressive fashion. The variation develops inthis way. I e4 e5 2 NO Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 4 d3 d6 5 00 Nf6 5 . . . Bg Bg44 , White should should reply reply 6 c3.
on the mate by Rh3, which is prevented by the White queen on c3. Thee idea of the mate simply Th si mply juts j uts out from all positions. Nevertheless, instead of 36 ... Qc4+ 37 Qxc4 Rh33 mate, Rh mate, or 36 . . . Qc4+ 37 Rg4 Rg4 Rxc3 38 Rxc4 Rh3 mate, Pilnik played:
6 Bg5 h6 7 Bh4 Bh4
Best here is 7 Be3 or 7 Bxf6 7
•••
g5 8 Bg3 h5!
Th is bol This boldd attack at once once transfers transfers thee game to the channels th chan nels of combicomb inational ideas. Also good fr Black is 8 ... Bg4. 9 Nxg5
Te right reaction here to the storm is Dubois' move 9 h4.
36 Re4+ 37 Kg3 Re3+ 38 Kh4 Re4+ •• •
till not noticing what is staring him in the face.
9 h4! 0 Nx Nx hxg hxg33 I I Nxd8 Nxd8 Bg4 2 Qd2 Nd4! •••
This move contains irresistible combinational threats, in which is concealed the thematic mate of bishop and rook, and rook and
39 Kg3 Rg4+ 40 Kh Rh4+ 4 Kg3
Timetrouble is over and Black agreed a draw, instead of giving 1 47
Chess Mdle Mdlegame game Co Combiatio mbiations ns
knight and others.
With the threat of mate . Rh6+ and ... B£+. 3 3 Bxe Bxe4
Useess is 33 Kg Useess Kg , Bf2 + and mate with the rook on h6. White probably thought, by taking the knight, that at least he would rid hi mself of mate mate . 33
000
B!
A very beautiful conclusion with two thematic mates at once Rh6 mate or after 34 g3 Be4, 1 3 N N 3 Nf3 + 4 ggx xf3 Bx Bxff3
And White is lost as he has no defence against the main theme mate of the rook on h, after 15 hxg33 or 1 5 h3 hxg h 3 Rxh3 Rxh3 . Also mate mate by by 15 ... gxh2 is threatened. With a small, but original and elegant combination, combination, Capabana (Black) finished his game with Nim%ovich in the inteational tou to uame at an an e eba basti stian an 1 9it 1 1is. In ament the ntdiagram position
Next the elegant conclusion of White's attack i the game Dus piemann (International tournament in Pistyan 1912). 1912 ). The diagram position is after Black's 44th 44 th move move . . . Qd6.
Black's 32nd move. Though Black has a clear advantage, the denouement followed sooner than might have been expected.
32
00 000 0
Black pins the rook, parrying the main threat of Re8 mate. The sharpness sh arpness of the created situa si tuatio tionn is characterised not only by the dangerous position of the Black king, but also the completely exposed position of the White king, which allows Black to create various counterthreats. Thus, for example, White not able to unpin the rook by the natural moves
R
148
Chesss Mdl Ches Mdlegam egamee Com Comba batio tions ns
45 Qf Qf4 or 45 Kh K h . In both cases he is mated mated after 45 45 . . . Qxh6 Qxh6 + . On the other hand, White can continue the attack ony by unpinning the rook, since there is no time for him to busy himsef with preparatory manoeuvres. Back threatens to pay ... Kg8 and ... Bf, which eads to him seizing the initiative. The soution to the question is a combination whic which, h, as itit tus out, out , was foreseen by Duras earier. 45Th Qg3!! Ther eree isQxh6+ nothin nothingg ese. On 45 . . .
Rxg3 woud obviousy foow 46 Rxe8 mate. 46 Qh3 Qd6
Aso after the exchange of queens, Back woud ose the bishop at east. 47 Kh l ! Kg 4 Rx Rxe+ e+ K 49 Rh Back resigned.
of thi thiss whoe variation vari ation of the the King's Indian Defence. 9 Bd3 Ng4 0 NJ This forced, though undoubt-
edy White had previousy panne pannedd to deveop the knight on e2. However, thanks to the fact that White's king kin g is detained in the centre, aready combinationa couds begin to gather. Here, for example, is one of the possibiities pointed out by Boesa Boesavsky vsky:: 10 000 000 f5 1 1 exf55 Nb4 exf Nnumerous b4 1 2 Be Be44 Rxf R xf55 1 3 Bxf Bxf5 Bxf5 Bxf5 with threats. If, 5 however, 1 0 Nge2, Nge2, t h e n 10 1 0 . . . Nc Ncee5 1 1 000 Nxh2 1 2 Kxh 0 K xh22 Qh Qh4 + 1 3 K Kg g Ng4 14 Qf4 Be5. 10 Nge5 Be Be2 Nxf3 + 1 2 Bxf3 Nd4 13 Bdl
White patienty fals fals back back , waitwait in his hi s tu t u fo for when wh en hhee wi w i fina finay y set foot on the d5 square. 13
furtherationa two games iustrate theAcombinatio combin na consequences conseque nces of
f5 4 exf5
He must notfpawn. aow the further advance of the
a harmonious harmo nious operation of rook and bishop.
14 Bxf5 15 Ne2 Nxe2 16 Bxe2 Bxb2 7 Qxb2 Qg5
The introduction to the creation of a harmonious attack on the White king, with the joint operation of the bishop and rook. The further course of events is quite a bi t reminiscent remini scent of of ack's attack in the game, Maroczyarsha (see Chapter 10).
King's ndian Defence
White: V.Aatortsev Back: .Boesavsky (18th USSR Championship 1950)
1 d4 N 2 c4 d6 3 Nc3 e5 4 e4 exd4 5 Qxd4 Nc6 6 Qd2 g6 7 b3 Bg77 Bb2 0 0 Bg
White ags behind in deveopment and does not succeed in expoiting expo iting the d5 square ffoor his piep iecess in the firs ce firstt pac pacee the knig knight, ht, and this paces under doubt the corectness, cor ectness , from from his point of view vi ew,,
g3 Rae Rae
Forcing White to caste on the king's side, where his king wi find no peace. Back now threatens the moves ... Bg4 or ... Bd3. 1 9 0 0 Bh BhJJ 20 f4
149
Chess Mle Mlegame game Combi Combintions ntions
On a move of the rook would follow a combin combinati ation on with . . . R2 R2 . For eample: 20 Rfc Rf2! 21 Kf2 Qe3+ 22 Ke Qg + 23 Kd2 Re2 R e2 + 24 Ke2 Ke2 Qh2 + and and . . . Qb2.
n this game, Black's bishop and rook solved the problem of harmony in the best way. English Opening
White: .akharov Black: .Levitsky 29th Ukraine Championship (Kiev 960)
c4 N 2 Nc3 d5 3 cxd5 Nxd5 4 g3 g6
t is possible , imitating im itating the oppo-
20 ... x xf ! !
The harmonious harm onious play of the rook and bishop in the net stage of the attack revals fully the essence of the combinational idea, with even a queen sacrifice. 2 1 g5 Rxe2 Rxe2 22 Qc3 Qc3 g g22 23 Qd3
nent,way, to develop forceshave alsofelt in this but Blackhiswould more conident in the opening by cont co nti iui uinng cl clas assi sica callllyy . . . cS or even ev en . . . e5 . On th thee other other hand, hand, one cannot approve appr ove of the natural 4 . . . b6 he here, re, in view of 5 Bg2 Bg2 Bb7 6 Qa44 + , and Qa and Black must make make th thee clumsy move 6 . . . Bc6. Bc6. 5 g2 Nxc3
This echange is poor for many reaso reasons and, and, in general gener al,, diicu di lt to give ns a reason for. Did heicult really
make it only to remove the attacked knight with wi th tempo tempo ? Any retreat of the knight, without even mentioning the mo move ve 5 . . . c6, might mi ght have become a us usef eful ul link lin k in Blak's opening plan of development.
On 23 Re 1 would have fol fol lowed 23 ... Bh3. 23 ... 24 Rf
Terrible unpleasantness is threatened ten ed af after . . . Rg2 + , but ther theree is no defence. 24 ... Rg2+ 25 Khl c6!
Obtaining the "mill formation with the rook threatening threatening to jump j ump away. This is deadly. 2 6 + Kx The echange of rooks does not improve White's position. To save thee king th king he has has to to give give up the the queen. 27 Qf Rf2 + White resigned.
6 bxc3 g7 7 h4
Before the mobilisation of forces, such an impetuous attack on the flank cannot be recommended. Above all and most of all it weakens his own own posi positio tion. n. This kind of pawn "shot testiies testiies more to daring than a serious plan of play. t should at the same time be noted 150
Chesss Mdlegam Ches Mdlegamee Co Combinations mbinations
that the combinational tension, upon such a rather lighthearted attitude to the future, sometimes increases at a very quick rate. A normal plan for White would be a concentration of pressure on the bf bfile ile (Qb3 , Rb 1 ) , plus plus a firm firm pawn outpost ou tpost on on d4 with the development of the knight on e2. ust such a plan would have forced Black Bla ck to regret the exchange on c3 . 7
•••
00
O course, Black has nothing to fear.
8 h5 Qd6
Black has many good plans. Possibly this is not bad, though an early development of the queen is usually usual ly associated associated with wi th some some inconvenien veni ence. ce. Good Good was 8 . . . Nc6, and then . . . Bf5 or . . . Bg4. 9 hx hxg6 hx hxg6 1 0 Rb Rd8 1 1 Qc2 c5
Black should hurry with his
. . . Qd5. Wort Worthh cons conside iderin ringg is 9 B . The plan of of attack, pursued by by White, is ery clever and ought to have led to victory. 19 ... c4! 20 Bh6
The tension has reached its height heig ht it is clear clear that that a crisis crisis is looming, which must break out into a combina combination. tion. On 20 . . . Bh Bh88 would have probably followed 21 Bf8 wth the threat of Rxh8+. White's attack can hardly be parrie ried. ex ple, Bfh6 the Bh3d. Bh 3 orFor 2 1 exam . . ample, . Be Be5 5 222 B1 e.7. .with wit th22e threat g4, and also Qh6. 20 ... cxd3
development, by continuing now . . . N d7 or or . . . Nc6. Nc 6. 12 Nf3 Nc6 13 Ng5 b6 14 Qb3 e6 15 Ne4 Qe5 16 d3
21 Bxg7
A move which, though linked to a beautifu beaut ifull combi combinati national onal idea idea with a mating theme conditioned by the harmonious operation of the rooks and bishops, is nevertheless mistaken and justifies itself only after a mistaken reply by the opponent. The correct and, apparently, decisive continuation of the attack was 2 exd3 exd3 Rxd3 Rxd3 22 Bxg7 Bxe4 Bxe4 23 Qh6 f6, and now now not 24 Qh7 + K and White does not achieve much, butt 24 Bf8 bu Bf8 This quiet move move leads leads
The try 16 Nxc5 Qxc5 17 Ba3 Qg5 1 8 Bxc6 Qxd2 + would end end in Black's favour. 16 ... Na5 17 Qc2 Bb7 18 Bf4 5
Despite the fact that Black has played in i n far from the best way , he has not bad counterchances, mainly because the position of White's king leaves much to be desired. 19 Qcl
On 1 9 Bh3 Bh3 , Black Black would reply reply 9 15
Chess Mlegame Mlegame C Comba ombatns tns
to mate, since on the only defence agai ag ains nstt the thre threat at on g7 24 . . . Rd7, follows mate in three moves by 25 Qh8 + etc. 2 1 . . . d2 + ?
Losing the game. Losing game. H e should play 2 1 . . . Bxe4 Bxe4 an and there there is no not the the move mo ve 22 Qh6 Qh6 in vi view ew of . . . d2 + . If If,, how ho wever, now 2 2 exd3 exd3 , then 22 . . . Bxg2 23 Qh6 f6, and, after 24 Qh7+ K, White cannot do anything against the Black king. The move is 5now simp si mple le Bf8 . . . Qe5 Qe + . refuted by the 22 Qxd2!
Black had reckoned only on 22 Nxd2. 22
•••
Rxd2 23 Bf6!
pin or double attack, but but about the attack on a piece which cannot retreat, ei either ther because because all squares squares of retreat are are occupied by its i ts own own piepie ces or pawns or because some squares of retreat find themselves thems elves under attack by pawns or pieces of the opponent. Here is a schematic picture of such themes. themes.
23 Qxf6 24 Nx+ Kg7 25 Bxb7 Rad8 26 Ne4 •••
And White is a piece up. Back resigned.
To conclude this chapter we want to touch upon one small but original combinational theme. Figuratively speaking, this theme could be called "mate of a piece. The question here is not about the catching of a piece by means of a 52
Chess Che ss Md Mdleg legame ame Com Comb bat atns ns
It shoud be mentioned that a simiar sim iar combinationa combinationa theme is encountered aso in severa other variations (panish Game) as for exampe the foowing: 1 e4 e5 2 NO NO Nc6 Nc6 3 Bb Bb55 a6 a6 4 Ba4 Nf6 5 d4 exd4 6 e5 Ne4 7 Nxd4 Nxf2! 8 Kxf2 Qh4+ 9 Ke33 Q Ke Qx xd4+ 0 Qxd4 Nxd4 xd4 Kxd4 b5 b5 2 Bb3 Bb3 c5 +
And Back locking in the bishop wins back the piece
We begin with a itte opening exampe. In the panish Game we known is the variation into which sometimes fa inexpe-
remaining with the better game. In the inteationa touament at an an eb ebas asti tian an 1 9 1 1 , in the the game game Nimzovich Leonhardt, occurred Nimzovich a curious case of cooperative ockingin of the Back queen. Afte Af terr Back's Back's 26th mov move . . . Qc6 Qc6 this game reached the following position.
rienced chess amateurs: e4 e5 2
Nf3 Nc6 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Ba4 d6 5 d4 b5 6 Bb3 Nxd4 7 Nxd4 exd4 8 Qxd4 (He should play 8 Bd5) 8 c5 9 Qd5 Be6 0 Qc6 + Bd7 Qd5 c4 and the White bishop is
ocked in.
Pondering the opponent's pan N imzovich imzo vich came to the concusion concus ion and as it tus out a correct one that Back wants nothing more than to penetrate with the queen on d4. Taking into account that the position has assumed a ocked character and that it is therefore 153
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Com Combatio bations ns
going nowhere fast, he decides, in any case, to concoct a trap for the Black queen on the d4 square. Events develop quickly.
Qc2 c4 34 Qf5 Qxf5 35 gxf5 R 36 Rg4 b5 37 a4 Rgl and Back soon resigned.
The aim The a im of this th is move mo ve is i s to defend defend the pawn: for the cncoction of the trap, this has important signiicance.
In 1914, at the inteational grandmaster touament at Petersburg, the game Aekhine Aekhine Backbue developed in the following way. way .
27
e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 Nd4
27 Rlg2
Qd6
Heading for its downfall. 28 Qc
move White the. d4 With squarethis under strict l ockkeeps lock and key. key 28
Qd4?
traight into the trap! The astute Nimzovich should be given hiss due. Leonhardt hi Leonhardt probably prob ably consi consi-dered de red that th at,, though though the invasion on d4 is not dangerous for White, he would take the opportunity "to make some noise.
Blackburne repeatedly employed this active defence in the Petersburg steadfastlyoflinking ittouament, to the development the king's bishop on g7. 4 Nxd4 Nxd4 exd4 exd4 5 00 g 6 6 d3 B g7 7 f4
Capablanca, in a game against Blackburne, played firstly 7 Nbd2 and only only on on 7 . . . Ne Ne77 8 f4 f4 . 7 c6 8 Bc4 d5 9 exd5 cxd5 1 0 Bb5 + ? K!
A combinational move, which sharpens the position. The fact of
the matter that White's bishop on b5 now looks like a hermit and White must be worried about its isolation. In order not to pay the price fo this, simplest simplest was was to to play play 1 1 Ba4. Alsoo pos Als possible sible w waas 1 1 Qe 1 o 1 Re 1 , and and inally inally Bd2 and even b4. White Whi te carelessly bypasses bypasses all al l these possibilities.
29 Nd5!
The queen is trapped, all that remains is to sell its life dearly.
N d2 ?
Afte this mistake, the bishop gets locked in and perishes.
29 Rxd5 30 c3 Qxd3 3 exd5!
ee diagm op ne page
Afterr 3 1 Rxd3 Afte Rxd3 Rxd3 , the the advantage would pass to Black. 3
Qa5 2 a4 a4 a6 3 Nb3 Q8 Q8
The bishop is trapped, Whites taskk is to obtain something fo it. tas
Qxc4 32 dxe6 Qxe6 33
154
Chess Mle Mlegame game C Combinati ombinations ons
There followed: 8 e5 Nh5
4 Bd2 axb5 15 axb5 Rxal 6 Bb4+ Ne7 7 Qxal Bf6 8 Qa7 b6Threatening 9 Re Nxd4. 9 Be6 20 20 Kh l h5? 2 Bx Bxe7 e7 + Qxe7 22 Qxb6 Qb4 23 Q5 + Qx5 24 Nx5 Bd8 25 Nxe6+ e6 26 Rxe6 27 Rd6 Be7 28 Rxd5 R8 29 4 dx3 30 bxc3 Rxc3
Despite the fact that Blacks chances are still preferable, White succeeded in achieving the
Black probably supposed that the knight would be relatively safe here. On 19 g4, Black has the reply . . . Bb 7 with the the threa threatt of of . . . Bx andd . . . Qg an Qg55 . On the the othe otherr hand, hand, after 18 ... Ne8, Blacks position would be hopelessly cramped. A very simple method of realisation would consist of 19 Qd8 Qxd8 20 Rxd8 Bb7 21 Rxa8 Bxa8 22 Nd4. Als Also o goo goodd is 19 Qa4 pointe pointedd out by Levensh. 9 g4!
And none the less the knight is won. 9 Bb7 20 Qe3 BxO 2 Qxf3 Qg5 22 h4 4 23 Kg
23 Rc3 leads to the same result, but not 23 Qe2 in view of . . . Ng Ng33 with defensive resources. 23 Qxe5 24 gxh5
a piece a pawn, andWhite and the the initia inihas tiativ tive e the thefor outcom outcome e of the struggle is clear. In the 6th game of the return match between Aekhine and Euwe, Black (Euwe), apparently shaken by the stormy course of the opening, overlooked a piece sacrifice introducing a simple combination on the theme of a lockedin rook.
exchange of the last Black pawn and on the 45th move the opponents agreed to a draw The following position occurred in the game Levensh LevenshDus Cho timirsky in the Leningrad masters touament 1934
I d4 d5 2 4 4 6 3 Nc Nc33 dx4 dx4 4 e4 e4 e5 5 Bx4 exd4 6 N
This position has already become part of history. Numerous analyses, with which Alekhine himself agreed, proved that Black should accept the knight sacrifice, 55
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Co Combiati mbiations ons
6 . . . dxc3 7 Bxf7 Bxf7 + Ke7 8 Qb3 cxb2 9 Bxb2 Qb6 etc. etc. , in the final analysis favouring Black. Euwe, however, was planning first and foremost to drive the White bishop back to b3, so as to remove this square from from the orbi t of the queen's q ueen's activity. This positionally tactical cnsideration in a tense combinational atmosphere turns out to be totally misplaced. 6
5
•
A move which does not take into account the opponent's strong reply; it was apparently dictated by a desire to develop the bishop on fS, which is hampered by th White queen on b3. Black's task however, in this diicult opening variation is the preparation of th adva ad vanc ncee . . . cS , otherwis otherwisee it will wil l not be easy for Black to justi j usti the devlopment lopm ent of the b ishop on g7 g 7 . To initiate this plan it necessary to consolidate achieved achiev ed bythe themove mosquare, ve 7 . .which . e6. is 8 Qa3! e6
He should sho uld return with the queen queen to d8. 9 cxd5 exd5
7 Nx5!
This makes possible the carrying out of a highly original combination, but the capture with the cpawn also does not promise Blac any jo after 0 Re I Nc Nc66 Na Na
Qd8 2 BbS Qd8 BbS B Bd7 d7 3 NcS , and Whi te's position is overwhelming.
o if now 7 . . . cxbS , then then 8 BdS and the lockedin rook on a8 erishes. 7
•• •
0 Na4 Qd8
uspecting nothing.
Ba6 8 Q3.
A very eective, because of its surprise surpr ise and great great originality, combination binat ion on the theme of a lockedin rook, rook, was carried carried out in the game .Freyman-.Rainovich (9th UR Championship, Leningrad 1 93 4 ) . It is app appar aren entt th that at the opening was played strictly classicall classi callyy by both sides and nothing foreshadowed the combinational outburst. Here is how it i t happened happened::
Nb 6 ! !
1 N N d5 2 d4 N 3 c4 c6 4 e3 g6 5 Nc3 Bg7 Bg 7 6 Q Q3 3 0-0 7 Bd2 Q6
A combination with two themes of lockin lockingin gin the the roo rookk aand nd th th 56
Chess Mdlegame Combations Combations
queeen after 1 1 . . . Qxb qu xb66 1 2 Ba5 Ba5 . 1 1 ... aax xb6
He has to!
12 Qxa8 Nbd7 13 Be2 Ne4 14 Rdl
Beginning with this move, White plays indierently and in the end has to be satisfied with a draw. O course, being the exchange ahead, White must win the game and several plans lead to this. One of them: 10 00 Ndf6 Ndf6 1 1 Rf Rfc c 1 , then Be queen's 1 with wi th aank. future futureItpawn pgoes awn attack on the without saying that if Black, on 14 00, excha exchang nges es o n d 2 , i t can can only make White happy. The theme of lockedin pieces occurs virtually throughout the whole process of the following l ively and sharp game. game. As the concluding and most interesting illustration, we present it in full.
This retreat is by no means forced, but, obviously, by resorting to it, Black already has in view his combinational counterattack on the 12th move. No worse, if not better,r, for Black bette Black here here was 8 . . . Bxd4 9 Qxd4 d6 d6 , with wi th the threat to win the bish bishop ( . . . c5) . 9 dxe5
On 9 f4, as is usuall usua llyy pl played ayed in an an analogous variation of the Four Knights Opening, could follow 9 . . . Ng N g6 10 5 c5 c5without or or 10 advanta . . . 0 00tage 11 exd exd6 6 Re8 + , enot advan ge for Black. 9 Bx Bxe5 e5 0 f4 Bxc3 Bxc3 + 1 bxc3 bxc3 0 0 •••
Alekhine indicated that this was for orce cedd since since on on 1 1 . . . N xe4 follows ollows 1 2 Qd5. Meanw Meanwhile hile the posit positio ionn is so sharp and sated with combinations, that it should be looked at in more detail, how the struggle
would turn out in this variation. After 1 2 . . . 00 13 Q Qxa8 xa8 c6 ! 14 Be3 (not good isis 1 4 00 00 Qb6 + 1 5 Kh Kh Bb7 16 Be Be3 c5) 14 . . . Q h4 + 1 5 Kd Q6! Black ought not lose.
panish Game
White: A.Aekhine Black: R.Reti nteational Touament nteational Touamen t (Vienna 1922)
1 2 e5
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Ba4 Nf6 5 Nc3 b5 6 Bb3 Bc5
As a result of this, the course of the struggle is sated with combinational content; content; the storm begins begins to die down only on the 30th move, when the endgame becomes clearly deined. 7 Nxe5
A wellknown opening combination on the th e theme of o f fork. 7
•
2
Nxe5 8 d4 Bd6
••
c5!
157
Chess Mle Mlegame game Combi Combinations nations
A combinational decision decisi on to the proble pr oblem m begin beginnin ningg play play again against st the lockedin White bishop on b3. Black could also retreat the knight to e8 e8. Aft After 1 2 . . . Ne8 1 3 00 00 Qe 7, despite the cramped position, Black could defend himself, the more so that Whites position is also not without wi thout weakne weaknesses. sses. 3 Ba3 Qa Qa55 ! 4 0 0 Qx Qxa3 a3
This temporary removal of the opponents queen from the central zone the developing tionalofbattle entered intocombinaAlekhines calculation, but none the less he does does not achieve anything decisdeci sive by this. 15 exf6 c4
And so the theme is realised, the bishop is locked in. 16 Qd5 Qa5!
Now, on 1 7 Qxa8, Qxa8, foll folloows . . . Qb66 + and Qb and the thenn . . . Bb7, lockin lockingg in
a successful resistance. 20 Qe5 6 2 Bd3 2 2 Qh5 +
22 Qxf6+ Kxf6 23 Bxh7 would have ha ve been been mistake mistaken. n. Then Then 23 . . . Re2 24 Rg1 Rh8 25 Bd3 Re3 with the irresistible threat of Reh3. From Fr om this thi s varia var iatition on we can can see see what ric possibilities are concealed inthe powerful powerful positi posi tion on of the bishop bi shop on b7. 22
00 0
h6 23 Qg4+ Kh8 24
Qxd7 White wins another pawn and,
besides, "with tempo, since he attacks the bishop. n addition to this, White also threatens the exchange of queens after Qd4. t would seem that the scales scales are ti lting clearly to his side. 2 4 Re7 2 5 Qd4 Qd4 Qxd4 Qxd4 26 cxd4 Rd8 27 £5 28 Rael Rg7 29 Be4 Rxd4 Rxd4 30 Bxb7 Rx Rxb7 b7 3 Re6 00 0
and winning winning the queen queen.. The threat 1 7 Qg5 is also parried parried by means means of the same check on b6.
Kg7 32 Rxa6 Rc4 33 R Rxc2 and the game ended in a draw on
the 60th move. s some sort of generalisation necessary necess ary in i n respect of the theme of lockedin loc kedin pieces pieces ( mat matee of of a piece ! ) , on the basis of the illustrative materiall ? t seems to us it is not necessteria necessary. The theme, you see, is very clear in itself, and the methods of realising it are so simple that we would risk lapsing into unnecessary repetition and detail. It is perhaps only of some use to mention, in respect of the theme of the lockedin rook, that this theme, 80% of the time, appears as an opening theme and the lockedin rook is
17 g7 Qb6+ 8 Khl Kxg7
Here, 18 ... Rd8 is already bad, in view of 19 Bxc4 bxc4 20 Qxa8 Bb7 21 Rab1, and White remains the exchange ahead. 9 B Bxc xc4! 4! Bb7! Bb7 ! O course, not 19 ... bxc4, on
which would follow the variation pointed out in the previous note and so White brings the bishop out of imprisonment and also captures a pawn. Nevertheless this is far from being the whole story. The excellent position of the Black bishop guarantees him resources for 158
Chesss Md Ches Mdleg legme me Comb Combinat inations ions
subject to attack usually on its ori ginal square. Referring to the queen, then it finds it itse self lf in danger mo most st fre fre quen qu entl tlyy on th thee quee ueen's l lan ankk in
those cases when it penetrates deep into in to the the ter territ ritor oryy of th thee ene enemy my for for ces.. Such ces Such a quee queenn inva invasi sion on must must therefor ther eforee be calcu calculated lated particu particularly larly accurately and concretely.
159
Chapter Cha pter Tw Twel elve ve Methods Metho ds of Inte Interc rcep epo on n and and Vari Va riou ouss Combin Combinao aonal nal Ideas.
The method of decoying a piece to a desired desi red square and the method m ethod of diverting a piece from defence of a square the method of restricting a piece by means of a pin and many other dierent methods usually attend the carrying out of combinational ideas. Amongst all these methods we pick out the t he method of interception on its own though essentiallyy it fulf essentiall fulfils ils the same role as the method of diversion from defe de fenc ncee of a square. squar e. The The same sam e rol rolee in fa fact but but by another means. The The method of interception consists of the fact that by placing one's
queen was cut o from the critical g7 point. Here is a simple and altogether striking example of the surprising and convincing role which is often played by the method of interception. Before us is a position frm the game Reggio Mieses, Mieses, Monte Carlo touament 1901.
piece or pawn square interesting youbetween and thethelocation of the opponent's piece you as it were cut or intercept the line of operation of the enemy pieces and thereby weaken the square on which your combinational attack is directed. The method of interception is very diicult invariably l inked to a sacrifice sacrifice which is highly eective cti ve both superfic superficia ially lly and also
I f the White queen were not on h3 defending the critical e3 square Black would have mated in two move mo vess 22 . . Qe3 + 23 Be2 Qxe2 Qxe2 mate. Black cannot divert the queen from defence of the e3 squaree by simple means. squar means. On 22 22 . . .
in its of creative element surprisecontent. further The increases its e eectiveness cti veness here. We recall in the immortal game AnderssenKieseritsky the intercepting mve of Andersen 19 e5 with which the communication communication fr from a g7 was broken and thereby the Black
Bh4 + Whi White does not take and the bishop but tereplies 23 Ke2 everything is in order with the e3 square. Therefore White was utterly surprised by the manoeuvre to which Mieses resorted in order to intercept the connection of the queen with the e3 square and 160
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Co Combiat mbiations ions
which came ike a bot from the
do, then this move ooks forced.
2bue. 2 g3!
However, the o bishop and for anow is cut fromonce the queen's ank, which is subjected at once to a crushing attack.
•
and 23 hxg3 is not possibe because becau se of . . . Qe3. He has to take the rook with the queen, but after 23 Qxg3 Bh4! White oses the queen and, naturay, aso the game. In the foowing miniature game, the method of interception was appied aready in the opening stage. Queen's Gambit White: D.anows Black: E.chaUopp (Internationa tournament, Nrnberg 896) I d d5 2 c dxc 3 N c5 e3 cxd 5 exd Bg
Perhaps the root of the calamity soon befaing Black lies in just
7 Qa Nc6
Better, but bad enough, is 7 . . . Better, Nd7 8 Ne5 Nf6 9 Bg5 a6! Back is eft at east two pawns down with a shaky king's position. Ne5 Qxd
Come what may! Objectivey speaking, is a bad ounseor. It was,despair of course, necessary to play 8 .. . Bf5, and, if 9 Nxc6, then 9 .. . Qd7 0 Bb5 a6. True, aso here, her e, by contin continuin uingg 1 d5 d 5 exd5 worse isis ...Qx ...Qx d 5 1 2 Nc Nc33 2 Nd4, White woud maintain a materia advantage, but the game woud nevertheess have con tinued and, in troubed combinationa compications,
much coud stil happen.
this brisk deveopment of the bishop. Black's queen's ank is exposed to attack and moreover the departure from there of the bishop deprives it of imprtant defensive resources. The most reiabe was 5 .. . e6, e6 , striv ing for a future blockade of the d5 square.
9 Nx Nxcc6 Qe Qe 0 Be 3 bxc6 bxc6 Nc3 Qxg2 2 Bd5!
6 Bxc
White not only recovers the gambit pawn, but combination withaso thethreatens move 7a Bxf7 or Ne5. The undefended bishop on g4 becomes an object of attack.
Intercepting the connection of the queen with the critica c6 point and also attacking the queen. A combinational catas
6 ...e ... e 6
If he does not go back with the bishop, which he possiby shoud 6
Chess Che ss Ml Mlegam egamee Comb Combinat ination ion
trophe! He could have laid down
castled
his ams challopp a passionate chessbutamateur quite often played on until mate. The end is clear and and i llustrates llustrates excellently the beauty beau ty and power of the method m ethod of interception.
weaknesses embodying tional motives this combinantatve threatens to discharge with combinations. nati ons. The critical criti cal point point in White's position osition is the g2 squa square re.. A sharp initiative is directed there while the White knight on e is riveted to the defence of this square. The White king finds itself locked in. White's irst rank is defend fe nded ed by by the rook rook but aalso lso here its influence extends only to the e square. Finally Final ly the the advanci advancing ng palanx of Black's epawn and fpawn occupies threatening positions. The combinational events unfolded like this:
12 exd5 13 Qxc6+ Kd 4 Qxa+ Qx a+ K7 1 5 Qb7 + Ke6 1 6 Qc6+ Bd6 17 Bf4! •••
Workin orkingg out that that after 7 . . . Qxhh + 8 Kd2 Qx Kd2 Q Qxa xa he is mate matedd res in three moves chaUopp res ined without waiting in the even ev entt of 7 . . . f6 for for the prosa prosaic ic 8 Qxd6+ Kf7(fS) 9 QxdS+. A combination with wi th the method of interception was carried out very elegantly in the game yin Genevsky A.Kubbe played in the Leningrad Championship 925. In the diagram position
33
•••
poston
of
numerous
e3!
This is more energetic than 33 . . . Bf Bf on which would would follo ollow w 34 Qh3. One of the tasks of Blacks move is to bar the way of the queen
to the king's flank.
Black is about to make his 33rd move.
34 e3
Not possible is 34 Qd3 on which Black wins at once with t doublee attac doubl attackk . . . ex exff2 . 34 is als also refuted by means of the simple 34 ... Bf 3S Qc2 QgS and it is not possible to prevent the interception of the queen's connection wit w it the g2 point point by the the mo move . . . e2 •• •
3 4NowRxe3 there is a new there new threat threat of . . . Rxe + follow ollowed ed by . . . Qxg2 mate. mate. 35 Qb2
Despite the fact that White has an extra pawn his position is far from easy since Black has full possession of the initiative while upon the presence in the White
White defends te g2 square once more and intends to play Nxd3 at the same time having in mind mi nd al also so som somee "t "trappy rappy comb comb in 62
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Co Combinati mbinations ons
ations. Thus on the intercepting
defence or at least in the transfer to
mo move ve 37 35 .Ne7+ . . Re2 ?and follo follows ws 36 Qxe2 Bxe2 White wins. However Black makes another threatening blow which immediately decides the struggle.
the ending stage of the chess game. n the diagram is the position after the 36th move in the game Levensh Kan (9th UR Championship Leningrad 934)
35 ... B2!!
This time the interception decides immediately. The move is surprising beautiful and strongest in the pres presen entt position. position. On 3355 . . . Bf White has at Bf at his disposal disposal the
White's poston is better mainly due to the lockedin position of the Black Black bishop. To a considerable extent this circumstance has an an influence influence on White's ini i nititiatat-
ive. The white squares in Black's castled position are really weak and as a combinational motive it prompts one to sear search ch fo for combi combinanations. The Black king is halfopen and might find itself an object of direct di rect attack attack the the more more so so that all al l of of White's pieces are deployed ery harmoniously. Together with this it is not possible to ignore seeral
only but stron only strong g reply reply 36 Kg . But what does White do now? Black thre th reat aten enss . . . Rxe + which follows ollows also on 36 Qxc2. f 36 g3 then 36 ... Qe4+. There is no defence. White resigned.
t remains to note that in variations getting up tions up an an idea (a ttack on the g2 pawn) we came across not
counterthreats possibly also cropwhich up for arise Black or in connection connec tion with wi th the open fffile and strong osition of the Black queen and knight Whte eplits the combinational tes n Black's a er elegatl. hee olloe
only thethe method but also methodofofinterception diversion of the rook from the first rank and decoy of the queen to c2 in order to then win it by ... Rxe +. Let us look at another example where the method of interception in combinaitons was applied to
37 d6! xh3+
63
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Co Combati mbations ons
Black, naturally, strives quickly
41 ... Nh7 42 Be6+ leads to a
to exploit hi s count counterch erchances. If at onc once e 37 37 . . his . Ba8, Ba 8, then then 38 ances. Qe Qe 7, with the threat Qxf8 Qxf8 + ! and White holds a dangerous initiative. For example, exa mple, 38 . . . Ng6 39 Qe6 Qe6 + Kh7 40 Ne8 with a very strong attack. Also 38 . . . Qf6 would would lead lead to to a diicultt endgame for diicul for Black aft after er 39 Qxf6 Rxf6 40 Re8+ Rf8 41 Re7, and, if 41 . . . N x h 3 + , t he n 42 K Kh2 h2 Ng5 43 Be2 with wi th a great advanta advantage, ge,
quick end, but now he can apply the method of interception.
sinc since x8 +is, and no not White, pos possible sible in viewe of. . .44RRe8 Re Whit e, besides Bxa6, threatens the convincing move f4. 38 Kh NgS
Black exploits his hi s combinational possibilities. ossibilities. If now now 39 N xb7 ? the thenn 39 . . . Rx Rx and and the chance chancess pass pass over to Black. 39 Bg4 Bg 4 Qx QxeS eS 40 RxeS Ba
An endgame approaches, or at
42 BfS
With this move, intercepting the fle, the Black rook is cut o fr from om the the king's k ing's posi pos i tition on and cannot take part in the defence against te move Re8+. 42 fS?
Prematu Prem ature re capitulation. capitulatio n. 43 NxS NxS K 44 Nd6 Nd6+ + and Bac resigned bishop. since he loses also a
Though Black made a fatal mistake on the 42nd move, could e have counted on saving himself uponn the upo the best reply reply 42 . . . g6 ? A Ass a detailed analysis shows, even in this case Black would have to suer defeat def eat.. After After 42 . . . g6 43 Re8 Re8 + Kg7 44 Rxa8 gxf5 45 Rxa6 te White pawn on a4 quickly and for-
least the threshold of an endgame, in which White, at prese present, nt, is eve evenn a pawn down. However the game continuation con tinuation makes makes it clear c lear wh whyy he is striving for this position.
cibly proceeds to a8. For example 45 ... c5 46 a5 Ne4 47 Ra7+ 6 (orr 47 . . . Kg6 Ne8 c4 49 bxc4 b3 (o 50 Rb7 Nc5 51 Rg7+ and mate in two moves) moves ) 48 N e8 + Ke6 49 a6 Rf (Black does not hurry with the counterat coun terattack tack 49 . . . Rh4 Rh4 + 50 Kg Kg f4 5 1 Rg7 N Ngg3 5 2 K K Rh Rh 53 K K 5 4 Kx Kxff4 ) 50 Rh7 Ra (a lso nnoow he does not save hi mself by 50 . . . f4 5 1 a7Kf5 N N52552 g4! g4!7 +or Kg5 5 1 . .5. 4Ng Ng3 Kh3 Kf 3 Rf7 Rf Rg7 R 3g752 + Kf5 55 Nd6+) 51 a7 and Black is helpless against this pawn. We present in full the following game, in which the inal combination was both conceived and carried out by means of an inter
41 f4! f4 O course, 41 ... Nf7 42 Be6 or
164
Chesss M Ches Mlega legame me Combiat Combiations ions
ception of the communication of
naments.
pieces, 8th rank. n it, the defending concludingthecombinational idea is, as it were were , the logical consequence of the initiative which White takes almost at once, once, j st as the opening stage is completed. This game was awarded the first special prize prize for beauty of combinacombina tion and deservedly became world famous.
4 Bg2Nbd7 Bd6 5 0 0 0 0 6 b3 Re 7 Bb2 4
Here, this advance was perhaps an innovation and surprised Black. n other games of this same touament, as also in earlier games, Reti continued 8 d3 now, allowing Black the future prospect of sett se tting ing up, without hindrance, a pawn formation with ... eS etc. . c6
Reti pening
White: R.Re Black: E.Bogobov nteational Touament New York 924)
1 NJ Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 d5
The quiet, talented Hungarian grandmater di directed rected the idea of his sharp opening opening against Black' Black'ss pawn outpost on dS. The prototype of this opening
apparent strength of theDespite pawn the triangle in the centre, c6dSe6, White sets out to prove that this super supe rfic icia iall impression does not represent the true state of affairs. 9 Nbd2
White now threatens to play Qc2 and then e4. e4 . The opening has has j ust finished ( though though things things are are stil st illl far from being in order for Black on
looked like this: 1 N dS 2 c4 (Carlsbad 1923). However,, if However if,, i n reply to 1 Nf N f3 , Black chooses a system of developmentt without an early men early . . . dS (for (for example, a foation in the spirit of the King's ndian Defence or with the development of both bishops on the flanks, accompanied by the move ... cS), then,
the queen's ank), while the struggle is already entering a phase of cri critic tical al tension. tensi on. Befo Before re Black are important questions which really have to be sorted out. The first question is whether to to take the iniin itiativ tia tivee by immediately pushing pushing the epawn, and, if not, then how to prevent White's abovementioned plan.
sooner later, White has one t o resort rescan ort to the or classical d4. What say about Black's last move is that, quite qui te apart from rom its i ts posit positional ional side si de,, it goes halfway to meeting Reti's innovative idea which at this time had already had quite a few experimental trials in inteational inteational tour
The idea idea of. . . bneral, 6,ral, ffoll ollo by . s.. Bb7 , arises. In gene ge itowiseneces nd ecessary to see to what extent the move e4 could be unpleasant, unpleasant, i . e . what it brings in its wake, and many other things. Black thought for a long time over the arising problems, but the decision he makes tus out to 165
Chess Ml Mlegam egamee Combintions
be far from the bes, to say the
exf3 3 Bxf3
least.
already Whitebattle in a serious in theengaging centre, whle Black has still not mobilised hs queen's flank. This, of course, is one of the results of his 9th move.
3
•
Qc7
A natural attempt to force White himself to exchange on d7, bu t this gives gi ves White an extra temp tempoo in ini i nitia tiative tive and an inviolable phalanx of pawns in the centre. Blac 9
•• ••• •
Ne4
t is possible to censure this thrust, giving giv ing various vari ous kinds of posiposi tional considerations (which, as is wellknown, can always be called into question), but its inferiority is best shown by the concrete continuation occu occurrin rringg in the game. game. t is diicult to establish, but highly possi pos sible ble,, that Black went in for this
would have set 3 up ...a defencehave in easily he variation NxeS 4 dxeS dxeS BcS BcS + S Kg Kg22 B Bd7 d7 6 e4 g6, but even here, after 7 exfS gxfS B, White has a strongl pronounced initiative. 4 Nxd7 Nxd7 Bxd7 5 e4 e5
Otherwise the advance eS, and then also dS, crushes Black. 6 c5 B 7 Qc2
White now threatens both dxeS
and exfS.
move without wi thout a deep calculation of its consequences, and partly also because the variations examined, or other continuations, did not satisfy him. Actually the variation 9 . . . eS 0 cxdS cxdS cxdS cxdS dxeS dxeS NxeS 1 2 N xeS xeS BxeS 3 BxeS RxeS RxeS 4 N Re S Qd3 or S Qd4 wo would uld leave Black in a poor state around the dS pawn. Probably he also
7 ex exd4 d4 8 ex exf5 f5 Rad Rad8 8 9 BS BS Re5 20 Bxd4 Rxf5 • •
Black has recovered the pawn and achieved exchanges. t seems the main main dange dangers rs are are over over but in in fact fa ct a combinat combi nation ion,, as surprising surpri sing as as it is brilliant, awaits him. 2 Rxf5 xf5 Bxf5 Bxf5 22 2 2 Qxf Qxf5 Rxd4 23 Rfl Rd8
There is 23 nowhere move the bishop bishop. . On . . . Be 7 to fol follow lows s mate ma te in thre threee moves. moves. f, f, hhow owever, ever, 23 . . . Qe7, then 24 Bf7+ Kh 2S BdS intercepting the line of retreat of thee rook th rook to d d.. On 22SS . . . Qf Qf66 folol lows 26 Qc. 24 B + K8 25 Be8!! Bac
lo look ed at or the the 0 continua conQc2. tinuation tion . . b6 0oked NeS Also9 .upon these, the se, White White maintains the initiatinitia tive. Other possible continuations were 9 ... Qe7 or 9 ... a. A tho rough investigation investiga tion of all these would require too much time. 0 Nx Nxe4 dxe4 dxe4 1 1 Ne5 f5 2 !
66
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame C Combiat ombiations ions
8
Ng4
Lasker this in the 7th game game of his hi splayed match with w ith chlecht ch lechter. er.
Black has no defence against the double attack of the queen and rook on f8. The strength of this attack also "raises to a second power the bishop, intercepting the 8th rank. A brilliant example of the triumph of superior harmony. The reader will have probably noted the fac factt that tha t in i n nearly all the illustrations we have given, with
9 e6!
The pawn intercepts the connection of the bishop with the g4 square; squa re; 9 . . . fxe fxe6 or 9 . . . Bxe6 leads leads to the lloss oss of the knight. knight. On 9 . . . N h6 follow followss 0 Bxh6 Bxh6 and and exf exf7 + . 9
•••
£5 0 0 0
Now the White pawn on e6 is
very cramping for Black, which determines a positional advantage for White. One more small example. In a game from the Leningrad Championship 930, Romanovsky Romanovsky Koyaovich after the 36th move a sharp struggle brought the opponents to this osition.
the exception of the combination in the game, ReggioMieses, the intercepting piece was the bishop, which cannot be considered accidental. Undoubtedly, also the knight proves useful for this role, but in practice such a role falls on the knight comparatively rarely. An interception can also be made by the pawn. In the icilian Defence, there is this variation: e4 c5N£6 2 NO Nc6d63 6d4c4 cxd4 Nxd4 5 Nc3 g6 47 Nxc6 bxc6 8 e5
Here already there is a combination. If 8 . . . dxe5 dxe5 ? then 9 Bxf7 Bxf7 + Black obtains a diicult game also after 8 . . . Nd7 9 eexd xd66 exd exd66 0 00 00 etc.
67
Chess Mdle Mdlegame game Comb Combiatio iations ns
There followed: 3 And the pawn fulfilled a double
role, by intercepting the connection of the Black queen queen with w ith the t he g8 square and also increasing the harmony in i n the operation of the Black rooks. Neither of the rooks can take the pawn, p awn, in v iew of Qg8 + follo ollowed by f + . If, howev however er,, 3 7 . . . Qxf7, then 38 Rxd7 Qxd7 39 Qg8+ and 40 f mate. Bck resned
Chapter 12, which we end with this little example, concludes, in its tu, also all our o ur investigatio investigations ns into methods of combinational operations operatio ns and and the role and significance of of combinat combi nation ional al ideas in the creative processes of the chess struggle.
creatvty is infinite! We see our own task as something andalli seems to us, mainly andelse, above to set up, where possible, theore titical cal landmarks on ways ways to develo develo combinations, furtermore to bring out the role of combinations as an inevitable companion of every creative process, and inally o present combinations to the reader as the original source of aesthetic in chess art, as a basic element in chess But beauty. both in Middlegame Comi nations and Middlegame Plannin
the question is not touched upon how ho w th thee thin th inking king of a chessplayer chessplaye r i conducted during the chess game, which of its elements, conse qences, basic directions, and many other things, the chessplayer thinks about, when bending over
the board. To this question, which bot parts of Middlegame touch upon we devote the following chapter.
O course, it is impossible, in
deed there is also no need, to include in the book all pos possibl siblee cases cases of combinations. Combinational
18
Chapter Chap ter Th Thir irtee teen n Abou Ab outt the the Thin Think king ing of a Chess Chesspl play ayer er Duri Du ring ng the the Game. Game.
In M ile ilega game me Planni Planning ng and Com binations the reader is given giv en a great great deal of varied material for study, but, naturally, the author is inte-
greater methodical experien greater experience ce,, observation and study of the thin t hinking king of umerous pupils and companions nio ns highly rat rated ed ce cess ssplay player ers,s,
res rested ted indoes the the an que quest stion ion to what whaoft extent examination book illustrations, games, examples, schemes and other things, even the accompanying comments of the author, help a chessplayer improve his play. It is one thing to study theoretical and creative questions in a book, another to apply the knowledge in practice.
points atoplayer the fact that,thinks duringin te game, often an undisciplined way, if not to say higgledypiggledy. It is precisely this circumstance which gives rise to the "sickness of timetrouble, an intrusion intrusion of a not no t quite natural natural psychological factor in the process of play, and some other harmful phenomena. Meanwhile disciplined thoughts, plus knowledge
isObservations a basic basic gua guaran rante teee ofthat success. succplayers ess. show sometimes come to quick, premature decisions in positions which require deep reections, and, on the other hand, engage in much and also stubborn thought where there is no reason. ometimes, in positions where a player is presented with two equivalent continuations, instead of choosing one of these and then conforming to the deci decision sion already already made made , he stubboly bo ly tries tries to disco discover ver which of the two continuations is nevertheless better, and spends a great deal of eort and time on this, and, after af ter establi estab lishi shing ng nothing, is fforced orced to pick up a motive in favour of
the gamesolve it is great necessary to During independently and small creative problems and to do this mentally only, without moving the pieces on the board. Thee strict Th strict rule rule "touchmov "touchmove e is inexorable. Besides this, thinking time is regulated by special chess clocks. Exceeding the timelimit entails enta ils def defeat also an inexora inexorable ble rule. Under Und er such su ch conditions conditions,, a player must, if he is sitting at the board with the intention of gaining victory, mobilise to the utmost his thoughts, his memory, his imagination. The author's author 's gr great eat playing p laying experience, while, possibly, even 169
Chess Mdle Mdlegme gme C Combat ombations ions
one of these. Wishing to make a
fi firs rstt attempt at tempt to establi estab lish sh at least le ast the
move based realisation, he begins to on look100% for an artiicial reason, farfetched, so to speak, in order to reassure himself and set aside doubts and hesitation. With satisfaaction, satisf ctio n, he will wil l come to a deci deci-sion based upon some small motive, not having a direct regard to the position, and essentially deceive himself. The question as to which rook, from f or a, should go to d , is at times a matter of conce for a player, who, after lengthy thought thought,, fails ai ls to find a solusolu tion; what w hat then? then? ometimes, after an hourlong deliberation, a player makes a bad move as a consequence of uncertain thoughts, skipping from one theme to another in pursui pu rsuitt of artificial reaso reasons, ns, etc. et c. Final Finally, ly, we come come
main at the of board,a attractobjects the which, thoughts chessplayer during the game, and to systematis systemat ise, e, with wi thin in the the boun bounds ds of possibililitity, possib y, the continuous continuous link lin k of of a chessplayer with positions and variations. And so, how do the thoughts of rated chessplayers proceed, at the board, during the game? It is comparatively easy to give, in general, the features over which the thoughts of a player exert themselves in the process of play. We call the basic obj ects of the eor eortt of of thinking, thin king, the elements of thinking. Observing the consecutive nature of the process of thinking, one can be convinced of the fact that there are three elements of thinki thi nking. ng. Th Th fi firs rstt is the pos pos itition ion which whic h is bef befor oree
across also such phenomena as confusion of of thoughts, demoralisatio demoralisa tion, n, etc. It is possible to give thousands of examples of thoughts which have lost their t heir zest and much other evidence of the collapse of thinking thin king right up to real chaos. All this points to the great importance of the question of the thinking of a chessplayer playe r during dur ing the the game. O course, with reference to
the eyes of the player, i.e. the actual arrangement of pieces and pawns on the board at the present moment. mom ent. The The seco second nd is the calculation of variations to which this position directs the attention, and thee third th third the the position position which appears mentally to the chessplayer upon the completion of the variation, we call the postvariation position.
creative imagination, it is possible to construct a stereotype. In art, each person creates his own forms within the limits of his own imagination, his own ingenuity, knowledge, experience, inspiration, etc. Therefore we shall make onlyy an onl an attemp attemptt appa appare rently ntly the
three the effrt of These thinking (theobjects three ofelements of thinking) are characteristic for positions of approximate equality, and also al so for for the t he thinking think ing of that tha t of the opponents who at the present moment of the struggle has the iniin itiative. 70
Chess Che ss Ml Mlega egame me Combin Combintion tions s
The abovementioned three elements thinking thi nking as basic, basi c,s bec becaus auseeofthe will wi ll ofwe theclass player play plays a decisive role in them. Other elements of thinking assume a dependent character and are the consequence of a certain submission to the will wil l of the the opponent opponent.. uch eleele ments of thinking thi nking are characteristic for a chessplayer, struggling against the initiative of the opponent and forced to defend defend hi h i mself with wi th onlyo nlymoves. t is not worth touching upon questions of thinking (elementss of thinking) on obvious conment continuations. For example, in the variation of the panish Game, 1 e4 e5 2 N Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Bxc6, it is obvious that tha t Black can only reply 4 . . . bxc6 bxc6 or 4 . . . dxc6, dxc6, and and tha thatt he will not play, instead of this, 4 ... Bc5 ? Upon obvious, compulsor compulsoryy
consideration
which
prompted
them to chooseWith namely given continuation. thethe play of rated chessplayers, moves are not made so simply, but on the basis of considerations revolving around two interrelated and interacting phenomena which determine the process of the chess game, around the position posit ion and around around variations. The opponents go into the character of the position and into vriations also to justi the decision they have made. Thoughts begin to exert themselves more strongly when there is a choice of several continuations and there is not suiciently clear information to make an objective decision. n these cases, besides experience, acquired earlier, which is transformed into intuition, on the
moves, the of thinking minimal and eort consequently the ele-is ments of thinking are hardly touched touc hed upon, upon, Finally, Finall y, we will wi ll also not refer to the question of thinking in the opening, partly because, to a significant extent, the thinking here is a consequence of knowledgee obtained knowledg obta ined fro from m the ttheoheory of opening openi ngss or is a result resul t of specspec ial preparation for for the game, partly partl y
scene and also attitude appears the taste of subjective a player, reflecting his nature and personal pointt of view. t is wel poin welllknow knownn that apropos this or that move, and sometimes even a whole plan, discord occurs even between grandmasters. That which pleases one, does do es not quit qu itee pl please ease the other, oth er, and and vice versa. A dispute arising at the end of
also because ouropening, book is but in no devoted to the to way the middlegame. It is perfect perfectly ly clear cle ar that, th at, for for every move made on the board, there ought to be a reason. Even beginnerss , if they are ginner are asked why they ade one or other move, give some some
the chess l ast century last centu ry between two giants of thought, W.teinitz and M.Chigorin, about creative methods of play is a good example of this statement. They debated the permissible degree of risk in creative experiments , the principles of of evaluating evalu ating 171
Chess M dle dlegam gamee Combiations Combiations
a poton, the specific gravity of
reect, as it were, the essence, the
combinations in the of the chess struggle, andprocesses many other things. Just as in any art, in chess there is argument argument.. One cannot call cal l for un unif iform ormitityy fro from m the th e think t hinking ing of chessplayers during a game, and it would be useless to search for it in the numerous creative forms even of classical chess thought. However there are quite a few criteria for an objective evaluation of a position, i.e. weak and strong squares,s, open l ines, invasion of square of piepi eces, exposed king's position, pawn centre and other pawn formations, etc. uite enough has been said iddlg gam am Plann about them them in M iddl i and quite a bit also in Middl gam ga m Combinaions Al these these po posisiional and combinational factors are equally respected by
basicmight point say. of the theUsually position posi tion, , ititss core cor e, we there will not be more than two or three factors, and, compared with other elements of evaluation, they look signiicant and rivet the attention of a player. In analysis, in commentaries to games, and even in verbal discussions of this or that move, we constantly come across the expression "played "pl ayed not in i n the spirit spi rit of the position or "in the spirit of the position would would be he here . . . etc. What, however, is meant by this mysterious spir sp irit, it, about which we fin findd so so frquent mention i chess literature? It is precisely the spirit of a position which makes up its meaning its core, the "main thing which
he chessplayers questionofleads all creative mostly shades. to the estabishment of the signicance for the present position of any of the abovementioned factors. It is precisely here that most frequently arise contradictions, errors in the thinking of a chessplayer, such as underesimation or overestimation of individual factors. However, a player's experience and taent play pl ayss
deliberation over a move or variation should base itself upon. To understan under standd the spirit spi rit of a positio positionn this means, more or less objectively, to comprehend its conditions, to find a just reason for a move and present it as a general aim, bringing it to the fore. Hence it is not diicult to conclude that the spirit of of a position position is an understanding of strategical ideas by
a great here. henrole deiberating upon a move it is useful to take into account all factors which hep one to draw closer to an obj obj ective evaluation ev aluation of the positon, but the most important thing is to be abe to grasp, amongst many factors, those which
chessplayer, whereas aa variation, fo for r example examp le,, represents reection of tactical ones. To play not in the spirit spi rit of of the position position this this mean meanss making a strategical mistake, and a strategical mistake will usually be fraught with serious consequences. Finally Final ly,, the the spirit spi rit of a posit position ion is 172
Ches Ch esss M le lega game me Comb Combi iat atio ions ns
a landmark which guides the
the game, which is not assessed on
thoughts a player pl ayerof essential essentia l po positional sitionalofqualities oto f the ththe e situation. In playing a move, a chessplayer always endeavours to make it in i n the spirit of the position and ought to be convinced after making it that this is in i n fact the case. One should not think that there might be only one single move which represents a continuation in the spirit of the osi o sitio tion. n. It can can be that this thi s is precisely so, but many situations allow onee , two, at other times on ti mes even more continuations which are in full accord with the spirit of the positon. In such cases, the thinking of a player, on the one hand, is even simpliied, in that there is a choice available, av ailable, but i t is also comp compll icated icated since the choice wi ll at other times be a diicult one, and, thinking
thee pawn th basis ofweaknesses, general general principles, princip les, lines, such as open better development, etc, since the equilibrium is upset in many sectors, and there cannot be a precise balance. An attempt to calculate cula te variations variations is also not always successf succes sfuu l . Let us say that there are six or seven diere dierent nt contin continuat uations ions for White, and Black has, on each move, five or six in reply. It is not hard to see that not even a genius can get up u p even to the fourth fourth move in the calculation calc ulation of of variations. It is is then that comes to his aid, intuition, imagin imaginatio ationn a force orce which gives chess art ar t very beautiful beautiful combinations and allows chessplayers to experience the true joy of creativity. Intuitive thinkin thinkingg th is is a basic basic
"Prerequisites for chess creativity are usually considered to be logi, accurate calculation of variations and technique, including, in the
question whic requires requir es special elutocidation, which and hwe do not intendeludwell on it in the present chapter. We gave the statement of D. Bron Bronstein stei n as extra and authoratautho rative evidence of the fact that positions occur, where, even for a grandmaster, an objective evaluation, as wellll as finding a logical move, preswe ents great diiculti diiculties es,, and and that the only way out of this "blind alley,
latter, an ofunderstanding and knowledge theory. However, there is also a fourth component, possibly the most attractive, though one whic wh ichh is frequently requently forgotten. I have in mind intuition, or, if you like, chess imagination. At times a position is obtained in
Bronstein, for solution example,toconsiders, is an intuitive the problem. Howe Howeve verr intuition is not not an element of thinking, and we must searchh for another searc another solution. solut ion. We must be guided by the spirit of the posi position, tion, i . e. ind ind a starting starting point for a move or variation. Per
over a move move, , a playerand begin begihesitation. ns to bury himself in doubts Aprop Ap ropos os of of this, thi s, we think i t is useuse ful to quote a statement of grandmaster D. Bronste Bronstein in from his book nttional toument ofG masters. Here is what he writes:
173
Chesss Mle Ches Mlegame game Combin Combintions tions
haps it is better to interpret a posi-
mended in the opening reference
tion tiiton wro rongly, ngly, than not no t to interpre interprett at w all. O cour course se the th e question about the spirit of a posi positio tion, n, is not solved solved as simply as it i t looks on paper, and not infrequently even chess masters lose their way here. It is possible to show sh ow that the spi s piri ritt of a position posit ion is a highly variable value and that it is necessary to interpret it after almost every every move. This Th is is clearly an error. You see, by alienating yourself from the spirit of the position, you usually already intend an approximate plan of action, which guides guid es you until unti l some extraordinary extraordinary incidents, which abruptly change the conditions of the struggle, occur in the game. It goes without saying, we have to include such extraordinary extraor dinary incidents in the work
books, can ... 6Nd7, whicn White caisn 5play play h4 h4 aonvariation variatio wellknown in opening theory under the name of Chatard Chat ard Attack. Attack . 6 Nxe4 BxgS 7 NxgS QxgS 8 g3 cS 9 c3 Nc6 Nc6 0 f4 Qe7 1 1 NO Bd7 2 Qd2 0-0 3 Bd3
The opening stage can be considered to be over. True, White has still not castled, but it will ob-
of our them, thoughtsrenew and, i nthe accordance accordance with starting point of our future operations; in other words, to plan the game all over again, or to some extent all over again The fol following lowing game might mig ht serve as a good example of all that we have said about the spirit of the position.
viously Itfollow the asvery move. is clearonthat soonnext as White castles, he wil willl begin to prepare an attack on the king's flank, where conditions are quite favourable for a display of the initiative. At the present moment, it is Black's move, and, in deliberating upon up on iit,t, he must about all solve the the question of how to counter the events about to happen on the
French Defence
king's tsank. chance consis consists of of play pl ayBlack's on the basic queen's ank and partly partly in the centre, in connecconnection with the not unfavourable for him pawn tension "cSd4. Possible, for example, was even an immediate 13 ... cxd4 and, on 1 4 Nx Nxdd4 14 . . . ff6, 6, brea reaking ing up
White: L.Foacs Black: .Tartakover nteational Conress in memory of M.Chiorin (Petersbur 1909)
1 e4 e6 2 d4 dS 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 BgS Be7 S eS Ne4
The usual continuation, recom 174
Chess Mdlegam Mdlegamee Comb Combatio ations ns
White's awn wedge on e5. In the
Ne6+.
event of 14 an cxd4, Blacke of already evoke exchang exc hange ocould f queens by continuin continuingg . . . Qb4. Qb4. Also good good was to make the preparatory move 13 ... Rac8, having in mind, after 1 4 00, 00, to und under erta take ke play play by 1 4 . . . cxd4 15 cxd4 Nb4. In short, the spirit of the position must be prompted mpt ed by the Black Black move movess . . . cxd4, . . . Rc8, Rc8, . . . f6 f6 (an (and e v e n . . . f5) f5) , in a certain order, which would have secured him a firm posit posi t ion and not bad prospects in the future play. But how did Tartakov artakover er play ? Alas, Alas , not at all in the spirit of the pposiosition, and to be be exact
22 Nd8 23 e6 Ra6 24 Qe5 Kh6 25 Rlf5 e6 26 N + Qx 27 Rh5 + Kg7 28 Rxg6 mate.
3
• •
4?
Black, without taking into account White's territorial advantage on the queen's flank, flank, raises the
••
By sacriicing the pawns on the 17th and 18th moves, White clearly foresaw, by calculating variations, the irresistibility of the attack he obtains, either on the square, along the ffile, or on the h6 point point,, in the the eve event nt of 19 . . . h6 20 Nh 7 etc et c . The pawn sacrifice sacrifice was confirmed by concrete variations, but Forgacs' idea was aimed at this sacrifice, in the spirit of the position, tio n, which whi ch was easily prompt prompted ed by the vulnerability of a badly defended king's position. The move 1 3 . . . c4 oobvi bvious ously ly tue tuedd out out not not to be in the spirit of the position,
siege on the d4 pawn, closes the
which was confirmed by the further
cfile and for in this wayattack gives on White full scope a direct the king's ank. Forgacs mercilessly punishes his h is opponent oppo nent fo for not playing in the spirit of the position.
course of the game. We mention further that the further the spis pirit of a position and the requirement of a posi position, tion, as people sometimes like to express it, are not quite identical concepts. The requirement of a position is a loud voice, allowing no objections, which indicates a single possible correct continuation continuati on or the need to transfer play to a combinational
4 B2 B 2 b5 5 0 0 a5 6 Ra Raee l 1 7 £5 !
The spirit of the position for White clear. I t calls fo for a direct, energetic ener getic attack on the th e Black king's k ing's position. •••
Ofncou course, apath. posito positon also a lsorse, reflect reflthe ectsrequirement s the spirit spiri t ofofa position, but a reverse dependence between the spirit and the requirement of a position does not exist. The concept of the spirit of a position is far broader, it continues to servee as a sett serv se ttingo ingo base base for chess chess
1 7 Al f5 . .8 g4!do Ng5 g6. Also soex19 . h6 dog4 es no not9sav save e him. him
Then 20 N h 7 Rf Rfd8 d8 2 1 Nf6 Nf6 + gxf6 gxf6 22 Qxh6 f5 23 Bxf5 Bxf5 24 Rxf5 f6 25 Rxf6 Qh7 26 Qg5+ Kh8 27 Rh6. 20 R Kg7 2 Re Refl fl Be8 22 4
This is more energetic than 22 175
Chess Che ss d dleg legame ame Combi Combitio tions ns
pyrs v wh th pto
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 N6 3 Bb5 a6 4
os t .ot iict y ruirmt W hv hv ry mtio mtio tht it is ot wys sy to ptrt ito th spirit of th posi positio tio. . Thr r so chsspyrs who v cosciousy igor it. uch chsspyrs i fct isrgr objctiv vutio v utio of th th po posi sitio tio , pyig ot i th spirit of th positio but i th th spirit spiri t of thir ow moo tst, wi, s ru, b cruy puish by oppot, for whom th t h spirit of th po positio sitio rprsts th bsic bs ic sourc of crtcr tiv pths. Th mi m i pyig p yig strgth strgth of th ub chsspyr, pbc, cosist of th fct tht h was wys gui by th spirit of th
Bx6 Hr, s is wkow, th r-
trt of th bishop to 4 is aso possib. Both this rtrt th cotiutio chos by pabac fu fuy y mts th spirit of th posiposi to, to , owig Whit to choos choos o o of th ps. 1 ) to bs bs his play pla y o th th mor mor fuvu, mor compact paw chi, or 2) to prpr for a attck o Bck's's kig Bck k ig'ssi 'ssi cast positio positio, , o th th bsis b sis of a frsight frsight coccoctrtio of forcs o appropriat squars a igoas. I his practic, apbaca ary aways chos my th sco sco pa, pa , a th cptur o c6 was of cours a surpris for th tmprmta
Jowski.
positio. Noboy cou compr
•••
withfutssy him i th biity toth quicky urst cor of positio, positio , i ts spiri spi rit.t. pb pbca ca cou mk mistk i ccuatio, ot choos choos th bst vritio, but h i ot mk mistk i th ssssmt of posi positio tio wh wh it ws ustio of its spirit, its mai poit, th importt sstia i it. W xmi th foowig is-
4 Th dx6 B5 6 cotiuad3 most5 Nc3 cosistt
tio, upo which Back, for a o tim, has to rcko with th "isoatio of his outpost o 5.
6 ... Bg4 7 Be3 Bxe3
This improvs Whit's gam, as h obt ob tis is th op f fii a a firm paw supriority i th ctr. I itio to this, aftr castig, Whit without iicuty upis th kight attack a obtis clar prosp prospcts cts of of a o th Back kig i th vt of its castig o th qu'ssi. qu'ssi . Itrstig, howvr, is what coul hav prompt aowski to mk this xchag. It is car tht his hrt os ot
tructiv gm i th ight of this sttmt. panish Game
Whit: .R.Capabana Bck: D.anowski nteational Touament Petersbur 1914)
176
Ches Ch esss M le lega game me Comb Comb t t
ie in such moves as 7 . . . Bb4 or or 7 . . . Bd6 Bd6 , since this wou woudd be an admission of the unsatisfactory nature, or at east the insuicienty satisfactory nature, of his 5th move. Why, however, he refrained from 7 . . . Qe 7 remains remains uncear. uncear. Concretee variations do not cear up Concret this question suicienty. For exampe, examp e, 8 Na4 Bxe3 9 fxe3 Qb4 + ( Pre Precisey this, wherea whereass af after 9 . . . Bx 1 0 Qx Qb4+ 1 1 Nc3 Qxb Qxb22 12 Kd2! White, threatening both Rhb 1 and Qg3 with an attack on the g7 and e5 pawns, woud have thee better th better position) position) 10 c3 Bx Bx 1 gx ( 1 1 cxb cxb 4 Bxd Bxd 1 2 R x d Nf6, Nf6, and Back's position is preferabe because of his better pawn forma ti tion on)) 1 1 . . . Qe 7 , and Ba Back ck,, thr threa ea tening ... b5 and ... Qh4+, could
queen's ank. Aso, the queen move forces Back into a sow and uncomfortabe uncomf ortabe deveopment of the knight via the the ank ank the h6 squasquare. In the third situation, obtained after ive moves, Back has to nevertheess exchange on f3 in order to deprive White's king's knigh� of the possibiity of taking part in the attack. Thus anowski anowski made a serious serio us error in assessing the position which is obtained after casting queen'sside. In the spirit spir it of the position now now was the continuation continuation 8 . . . f6 , and and then th en 9 0 00 Ne 7 1 0 Qe 00 00 1 Qg3 Qg3 Be66 1 2 N h4 Qd7 3 R Kh8 1 4 Be Raf c5 15 Nf5 Ng8, and Black's defensive ine is quite soid. After . . . Ra Rad8 d8 Bac Backk himsef hi msef coud disdis -
obtain the initiative.
pay activity by ... c4.
8 Bxc5 Qxc5 d4The asocontinuation does not promise White9 anything. Back coud pay both, simply 9 ... Bx, and 9 ... Qb4, when wh en 1 0 dxe5 Qxb2 woud tu out in Back's favour.
is perfecty cear that sonIt for the mistaken, notthe in reathe spirit of the position, chosen pan, is an insuicienty deep penetration into the position posit ion reached aft after er the 7th move and a superficia ook at it without an examination of concrete variations. It is i s a danger dangerous ous mistake to think th ink that calcuation is possibe only on forcing variations. This is far from being so. so. In calcua calc uating ting variat var iations ions we have in mind that repy of the opponent which, in our view, meets the spirit spir it of of the the position posit ion,, and and represents, if not the best, then a good, natural move. It goes without saying that there are positions where it is very diicut to embark
e3 Qe7
Back does not want to exchange bishop for knight, but the latter "weighs heavy on the e5 pawn and, naturaly, Back takes measures for its defence. At the same time Black opens up for himsef hi msef the possibility of casting on the queen'sside. The decision made by Black Bla ck contradicts the spirit of the position which has emerged. The Back king wil wi l not be safey safey paced on the 1 7 7
Chess Che ss M Mlegame legame Com Comba bation tions s
on vaatons due to the various possibilities the neverth side. I t is diicul difrom icult,t, but nopponents evertheles elesss possibl po ssible. e. However, such positions are a minority. Apparently, anowski did not delve particularly deeply into the position, in any case he did not foresee even Whites 1 th move, move, and with it Capablancas Capa blancas whole plan p lan of attack.
knight, via the f6 and d7 squares, to b8, reinforces a6 and c6 where pawns itagainst whichthe Whites attack will be directed.
9 0-0 --?
Not played at all in the spirit of the positon! positon ! You see, when there there is castling on opposite sides, one of the best and right ways of securing the initiative is a pawn attack (storm (stor m ! ) on the the king kingss position. It is possibe to see with the naked eye that White has at his disposal all thee pr th pre ere requ quisisites ites for for such an attack on the queens flank, while Black
1 1 Rb l ! !
The White a and b pawns will begin a storm of the weakly defended Black kings position. The diiculty of the defence is redoubled by the advanced posit posi t ion ion
has no chances at all for such an
of the pawns on a6 and c6. The
attack onconsiderably the kings ank. controls more White space here. Therefore, even now, Black should have still stuck to the plan pointed out abov abovee , and played played 9 . . . f6 followe ollowedd by . . . Nh6 and and . . .
White afterctthree moves, bpawn, wi ll enteralready into into contact conta with wit h them. 11
The last preparatory move. In unpinning unpinn ing the knight, knight, the queen is also deployed on a square from
3 a4 Bx
Now Black will be subjected to the will ofpursuing the opponent; exchange, the aim thi of diverting the White rook from the ueens ank, is hardly necessary On 3 . . . Be6 , White, White, after 4 bbSS cxbS 1 5 axbS a a 6 b6, succe succeeds eds in openin ope ningg th the bfile bfile ( 6 . . . c6 N a and then QxaS).
where itank might be transferred to ei either ther fl flan k. •••
£6 2 b4 b 4 f
He should play 2 ... Be6, in order to secure himself against the invasion of the dS square by the White knight; soon afterwards the c6 pawn will be eliminated.
0 Qel !
0
•••
h6?
Black does not see the danger, butt meanwhil bu meanwhilee he probably already already cannot save the game. Blacks defence would have been strengthened by the transfer of the 78
Chesss Mdlegam Ches Mdlegamee Combi Combiations ations
4 Rx3 b4 15 b5 cxb5 6 axb5 a5
Black has succeeded in avoiding the opening of lines by means of a blockade of the bpawn but the initiative remains in the hands of White who obtains an excellent base on the dS square for his knight. Under the cover of his base White also carries out a decisive advance of the d and c pawns. 7 Nd Nd55 Qc5
Black tries to prevent the advance of the dpawn but these attempts are frui uitless tless he is only able able to delay for a short while the advance of the White centre. While White has still not consolidated the positio posi tionn of of his knight by c4 c4 the best chance would be to sacrifice
Black eliminates the terrible knight kni ght but . . . at the the cost cost of a ro rook. ok.
26 exd5 xd5 27 c6+ Kb 28 cxd7 Qxd7 29 d5 Re8 30 d6 cxd6 cx d6 3 Qc6 Back Back signe signed d
n this game Capablanca's thoughts had to pass through the first element of thinking i.e. o deliberate over the spirit of the position only once after Black's 9th move 000. n the course of the remaining part of the game his thoughts were mainly taken up by the second element of thinking variations. variations. The The thirdd eleme thir element nt the the evaluatio evaluationn of of the ppost ostvari variation ation position position ococcupied his thoughts probably before th thee calculation calculat ion of the move 5 bS sinc since after 6 . . . a i was important for him to foreee a way
thee exch th exchaange: 7 . . . RxdS exdS exdS
of de deve velo lopi ping ng th thee attac attackk ( 7 NdS )
e4. 8 c4 Ng5 9 2 Ne6 20 Qc3
so the irtduring line of forAnd a chessplayer thethought game when deliberating upon a move is thee "main thing in the th the positi posi tion on its core co re its pirit this isis the starting poin for the move or variation. ometimes in clearer positions penetration into the spirit of te positon occurs quickly wihou much inner hesiaion. Often owever ow ever this or that poition poit ion paricularly wen there arises the probe of composing a plan of play requires a dynaic evaluation i.e. a more more o r less less deep peneration ino ariations as i were arising fro the pirit of the present position and ogether with tis correcting te original copreension of the
Rd7 2 Rdl Kb7
Black cannot delay the advance of the White pawns pawns and this poin to the irreparable irreparable nature of his posiposi tion. tio n. Neverthel Nevertheless ess the king volunvoluntarily walks into a pawn fork (cSc6+). However also after 2 ... Re White carries out a beautiful winning combination: 22 d4 exd4 2 exd4 Qd6 24 cS bxcS 25 QxaS b 7 26 Ra2 Rb8 27 Qa7+ c 27 Rda with the the deadly threat of of Qxb + . f ... RxbS then 29 Qa+ Rb8 0 Rb or 0 Rb2 Rb2 22 d4 Qd6 23 Rc2 exd4 24 exd N4 25 c5 Nxd5
79
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Comb Combatns atns
position. A variation often requires very great eort of thought, even when it embodies a combination. At otherr times there arises a conf othe conflict lict in a position, when an examination of of variations leads to the conclusion that there is a mistake m istake in the static evaluation, in an incoect perception of of the heart heart of the positi position on its spt. However, far from all chessplayer chesspl ayerss will wi ll be b e prepared prepared to rrececognise this, and prefer to play sometimes not in the spirit of the position po sition than retu once again to the process of trying to find the essence of it. The presence of such conflicts comes to light nearly always after the game, during analysis of it. Usually, however, a concrete plan,
chess thought, for chessplayers of such outstanding creative plans as Alekhine, Chigorin, Botvinnik, Bronstein, Keres, Tal, myslo and others, is made up precisely of variations, thought out at the board during the process of the chess game. Bishop's Opening
White: P.Keres Black: D.Bronstein (Candidates touament 956)
I e4 e5 2 B4 Nf6 3 Nc3 N6 4 f4 B5
and on its base a concrete variation, arises the spirit of the position andfrom represents a way, or part pa rt of a way, way, whic whichh doe doess th thee thinking for a chessplayer in order to help find find a solution, soluti on, coming out of the spirit of the position, to the problem, as we saw in the game, CapablancaJ anowski. How does the work of thinking over a variation variati on take pl place ace ? To develop a variation, as it were, attracts ideas. The eort of thinking weakens weak ens if the variation variat ion leads it to a satisfac satisf acto tory ry result, result , i . e . if a pos positon, iton, created as a result of a variation, pleases a player, satisies him. A variation variatio n is a dynamic creati creative ve thoughtt of a player, it is created by though imagination. The basic content of
In this position, positi on, the question question arises: whether White should change the course of the struggle into the channels of the Kings Gambit, by playing now now 5 N , or, by eliminateli minating the eS pawn, to create the threat of form orming ing a powerful centre cen tre after d4. White chooses the second way, and possibly did not look through, suciently concretely, the variations arising as a result of this decision. And so: 5 e5 Nxe5
Now approaches the most tense moment of the struggle, since it is 180
Chess Mdleg Mdlegame ame Combia Combiations tions
ony possibe to find the correct decision here by means of a deep, dynami dyn amicc evauation, evauation, i . e . an examinationn of a number natio num ber of variations. 6 Bb3
An opinion exists that, by paying 6 Be2 with the threat of d4, White obtains the better position, but do you think one can agree with such an evauation without a dynamic eucidation of this extremey shar situation? In fact, White pays correcty in so far as the contination, 6 d4 N xc4 7 dxc5 00, on purey positiona grounds was not very acceptabe. acceptabe . N evertheess it was quieter, but the search for quietness in such positions far from satisfies everyone. On 6 Be2, Back Ba ck woud have repied repied 6 . . . Bd4 Bd4 ! and Keres undoubtedy, saw the
White agrees, more accuratey is forced, to aow a draw, which is obtained obtain ed at ater er 9 . . . Qf2 + 10 Be2 Qe3 + 1 1 Ke 1 Qf2 +. Howeve However,r, Back, taking into account the difficut position of the White king, consid con siders ers that the t he spirit spir it of the posi posi-tion demands more from him. 9
•••
11
Nc6 0 Qf Qf3 N 1 1 Kd3
•••
b6?
variation: 7 N Nxf3 + 8 Bx d5 9
Aready in timepressure, it was
exd exd5 Now oows 1 0 .5. . 00. Re R e 8,Now, an and, ion f 1 11 0c3 c 3N, eth2,enfoow 1 1 . . s. N e 4 ! 1 2 c x d 4 Q h4 + 1 3 g3 N xg xg3 1 4 hxg3 Qxg3 + 1 5 Kf Qxf3 Qxf3 + and wins. If,, on 1 1 . . . Ne4, Whit If Whitee repie pies 12 Bxe4, then 12 ... Qh4+. A this,s, Kere thi Keress had to thi think nk out h hen en deiberating over his 6th move. It woud have been better if he had occupied himsef with a dynamic investigati inves tigation on of the position posi tion befo before re his 5th move: he then, most ikey, woud not have made it.
not possibe thee tens th thumany ens of variat var iatio ions ns to af aftecacuate r 11 ... Nb4+ 12 Kc4. Nevertheess it is cear that it is not quiet deveopment which is in the spirit of the positi po sition, on, but an immediate immediate expoiexpoitati ta tion on of the th e dang dangerou erouss position posit ion of the Whi White te king king by me mean anss of of 1 1 . . . Nb4+. cour course, se, i t was was possibe to to make a mistake in conducting the attack, particuary in timetroube, and ose. However, such considerations ought not intrude upon chess thought and inuence it.
6
•••
Bxg 7 Rxgl Nfg4 8 d4
This move is made in accordance with the requirements of the position, but reuctanty. 8
. . .
2 Be3
Of cour course se,, White's posi position tion now is consideraby better.
Qh4+ 9 Kd2
2
•••
Bb7 3 Qf4?
8
Chess Mle Mlegame game Com Combinatio binations ns
After this Black obtains good chances of a draw. He should play 3 Rae Rae , and and not ter terri ribl blee is 3 . . . Nb4+ Nb4 + 1 4 Kd2 Bxe Bxe44 5 Bf Bf4 d5 , and White wins by continuing now eithe eit herr 1 6 Nxd5 or or 6 Nxe4 dxe4 7 Rxe4+. 3 Ba6+ 4 Kd2 f4 5 Bxf4 Nxd4 Nxd4 6 Bxc7 Nx Nxb3 b3 + 7 axb3 Bb7 and the game, in the end, finished in a draw
A few more words about the birth of of a variation. variatio n. It is born born with wit h its first move, but, if it is limited to just this move, it is to a certain extent discredited. There ought not be onemove variations. ome reply for the opponent can be foreseen, on the basis of the spirit of the position,
you come across a position which you assess ass ess as favou favourable rable for yourself yourse lf,, then this also clearly serves as a basis to begin carrying out at the board a variation, thought out mentally, and making an end of any further calculation of it. We examine the following short game, which is instructive instruc tive fro from m the point of view of the consequences arising as a result resu lt of a mistake mis take in the calculation of a variation. Kings ndian Defence
White: MFp Black: Lzabo (Amsterdam 1956)
I c4 Nf6 2 Nc3 g6 3 e4 d6 4 d4 Bg7 5 f4 c5 6 d5
Practice and contemporary contemporary theothe ory, in this old variation, recom-
but, if that' that'ss the way you will have have
mends 9 N here. Whether this
it, then it istopossible to plana twoone more move al already ready obtain move variation. If, however, a player succeeds, with a certain degree of of probabi probabilility ty,, in ffooreseeing reseeing a reply to his second move move,, then we are already talking about a threemove variation. In this way, sometimes are are created created mult mu ltiimove move variations which, at the same time, are not combinations. Usually the calculation of a variation ceases, ceases, when, even with a smalll degre smal degreee of probabilit probabil ity, y, it is not possible to foresee the opponent's reply, or when when too many many variations variat ions appear, which are simply too diicult to cope with mentally. If If,, in the th e proce process ss of deliberation,
continuation is better it is for the present toothan soonothers, to say. 6 0 0 7 N e6 8 Be2 exd5 9 exd5 ex d5 Re8 Re8 0 00 00 Ng4 Ng4 •••
ensing the weakness of the black squares, d4, e3 (the spirit of the position), zabo wants "to take the bull by the hos hos and, without wi thout completing his development, begins a headlong attack on White's darksquared territory in the centre. However, it is to Black's misfortune, that his calculation f the variation proves to be inaccurate. Black should increase his pressure in the the centr centree by mea means ns of 0 . . . a6 1 a4 b6 b6 an and th then . . . Ra7e7. Ra7e7. Re
It is clear that White sees the 82
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Comb Combnat nations ions
bishop check on d4, and, obviously, has carefully looked at its consequences. Black should take into account this side of the question and not hope, without any basis, that White has "missed his 3th move.
1 1 . . . Bd B d4 + ?
A serious mistake mistake i n calculation. calculation .
Back resigned. f 9 . . . Qh + then 20 Kf2 Qxa
2 B.
The variation finds its reection at the board during the course of the game game , whereas "the spirit spir it of the position is reflected only in the thoughts of a player. The chess game,, from game from beginn begi nning ing to end, consc onsists of variations, consequently the creative thought of a chessplayer is mainly concentrated upon variationns it crea tio create tess them them and and puts puts them into practice at the board. Unfortunately, we see, in all the games which we have looked at, that variations, making up the practical process of the struggle, illustrate only the lesser part of the
By c onti ontinui nuinng . . . Nh6, Nh6, with with the the intention of making his way to d4
creativity of the player. A signifi cant part of the variatio variations, ns, which
with alright. the knight, still feel On Black 2 Bd3,might a good r ep ly w o u l d be 2 . . . BfS , or 2 . . . a6 3 Ne4 NfS. Now, however, Black quickly loses.
have beenofthought out,if remains the secret its author, it does not find its reflection later on in analytical investigations and commentaries. However, even in print, prin t, it is diicult to reflect the full content of creative thought. thought. f a player sets himself this aim, then fr each game he would have to write a whole book. Variaions require very great effort of thought and 80 90% of the time, allocated to the players, is spent on them. There are chessplayers who do not like li ke to go deep deeply ly into variations variat ions in which they content themselves mainly with onemove, in the last case twomove, variations. With such an approach to the process of
2 Nxd4 cxd4 3 Qxd4
This calm capture of the sacrificed pawn probably surprised or confused zabo. Most likely, he assumed that Filip would go in for 3 NbS Ne3 4 Bxe3 dxe3. 3 ... Qh4 Qh4
3 . . . Nxh2 would be re reffuted by the reply 4 fS. 4 Bd2 Qxh2+
Black has not lost anything, but 6 Bxg4 is threatened ( af afte terr Kf 5 Kfl Na6 6 Bxg4 Bxg4 7 e4 e 4R Rxe xe4 4 8 Rxe Rxe4 4 Nc5 Nc5 9 R Re3 e3 !
83
Chess Mdle Mdlegame game Combi Combiatio ations ns
play, the thoughts of a chessplayer inevitably pass by many creative values and possibilities, concealed in various middlegame positions. The creativity of a chessplayer, with this sort of tendency, will never be fullvalue and will never attract the attention of the m milillions lions of chess amateurs. A variation, or variations, sometitimes mes leads the thoughts of a player
The simplest example of dierent evaluations is served by the many games in which one of the opponents sacrifices material ( usually oone ne or or two pawns see the the above game Forgac ForgacsT sTartakover) , considering that the positional advantage, obtained after the sacrifice, fully compensates for the material loss. The other side accepts the sacrifice, considering the
a long way. A new position, positio n, arising from a variation, is sometimes many moves away from the position standing at the board. There are certain cases when combinations separate the two positions by 1 5 or more more mov moves. es. It is obvious that the new position, which presents itself
reverse,not namely thatdue the positional opponent does obtain compensation fo for the lo loss ss incurred. incur red. It will often be the case that both partners are in error and only the further process of the struggle or a deep analysis of its critical moments can reeal if one of the oppoo pponents is right.
mentally, also requires a certain evaluation. The variation begin beginss to
The position, which is obtained upon the completion of the varia-
be out on the board when thiscarried evaluation satisfies, relatively, both oppon opponents. ents. This will happen, when the new position subjectively pleasess them both or when please wh en one of the players players makes a mistake in i n evaluation by overestimating or underestimating its individual factors, or finally, when the assessment is very complicated and contains quite a few pluses and minuses for both sides. There will also be cases when a decisive role in an evaluation is played by the creative style of the player. player. Upon a combination, combinatio n, the suborsubordinate side willynilly has to go in for a position which is unsatisfactory for him.
tion, we The call question the postvariation position. arises what connection there is between the spirit of a position and the postariation ealuation. On the face of it, both concepts are absolutely identical, in fact this is not quite so. The evaluation of the postvariation position will usually be wider in i n scope, scope, but more superf superfici icial al in the inherent comprehension of it . The spirit of of a posi position tion this is its core, "the main thing". A number of secondary characteristics of the position are not taken into account when determining the spirit of it. The spirit of a position directs thoughts to the creatie path of producing variations. The 184
Chess Mlega Mlegame me Combat Combatns ns
postvaaton poston, on the other hand, completes the variation and, at times, also the game. Figuratively speaking it is possible to say that if the spiri s piritt of the positition on serves, serves, as i t were, were, as the th e source source of the variation, then the postvari va riat atio ionn positio positionn is its its lowe lowerr reach. It is not the spirit of the posi po sition, tion, but the evaluation evalu ation of of the postvariation po stvariation position which helps
and long, merge in the thoughts of a chessplayer, or at least ought to merge int a single stream, logically developing and presenting itself as the realisation of a single plan, or several plans, logically connected and merging with each other. We define this statement more preciely with a few illustrations.
to make pu pos u l . The spirit of avariations of post postio ionn pur thisrposef is efu a settingo point, the postvariation position this isis the co concl clus usio ion, n, the result of great eort of thought. The postvariation position ceases to be such when it has been achieved. Then already, deliberating on the future future,, the player pl ayer endea-
talian White: Game A.Aekhine
Black:
.Taasch
(Mannheim 1914)
1 e4 eS 2 NO Nc6 3 Bc4 BcS 4 c3 Qe7 S d4 Bb6 Bb 6 6 0 0 d6 7 a4 The aim (technical) to evoke,
on Black's side, the advance of the apawn, which virtuall vir tuallyy forces orces him hi m
vours to determine its signiicance, thee main th mai n thin thingg in in it i t . Thus Thus any any posiposi -
to exchange exchange on e3 afte afterr Be3. Be3 . White Wh ite is now threatening threatening to win a pie piece: ce: 8
tion, it thoughts were, passes twice throughas the of a player: once as the creative sum of thinking out, the second time as a startingpoint. The number of evaluated postvariation positions in the course of a game will be dierent. Usually postvariation positions are connected to one another with a logical thread (mainly serving as the spirit of the position), consequently the thoughts of a player pass through a number of positions posi tions , not by fits and starts, each time revealing completely new positions, but consecutively, fluently. All positions and threadvariations, great and small, short
dBxa 5 Na Na5 B9d3Rxa or5 8Bxa5 a a 5Nxa5 N1 xa5 (8 Bxa5 5 95d59 )Bd3 Rxa5 Bxa 0 Qa Qa4 4 +. . .. 7
•••
a6
In accordance with the spirit of the Italian Game, both opponents have solved the opening problem well. The development for both White and Black is quite satisfactory, the centre is firm. This position represents the first postvariation position in the present game. Admittedly, the opponents arrived at it not by means of of imagiimag ination and calculation, but on the basis of familiarity with the theory of the Italian Game. n this quiet opening, White cannot lay claim to much, and Black usually manages to retain equality. 185
Chess Mle Mlegame game Comb Combinations inations
Here is an example of how both sides strive for a definite position (in the present case theoretical), going for one and the same variation.
Be3
On th the one one hhan andd this this ccom om-pletes the mobilisation, on the other, however, it is a concrete
into White's calculation. Here we havee a diverg hav dive rgence ence in te evalua eva luation tion of the posi positition on.. Black fforces orces a move which White considers useful for himself. Tarrasch possibly should also be censured for the fact that, resting on his 40 years experience experience,, he limited himself to pure statics, without taking some pains to expose the position to a dynamic interpretation. But the same charge could hardly levelled against Alekhine. Thebe variation, begun with the move 8 Be3, should be continued further ou see, Alekhine must have expected the reply 8 . . . Nf Nf6, 6, in so so fa farr as he censur censured ed the move move 8 . . . Bg4 Bg4 . We continue continue thee variati th variation: on: 8 . . . Nf6 Nf6 9 Nbd2 00 0 d5 Nd8 Nd8 a Bxe3 Bxe3 2 fxe3 fxe3 Ng4 Ng4
plan, pursuing the improvement of conditions on the king's ank.
3 Qe f5, and Black's position is qite promising.
White d5 Nd8has 0 inamind Bxe3the (orvariation 0 ... Ba79 1 Bxa7 Rxa Rxa 7, and the the lack lack roo rookk is in a poor poor position) 1 fxe3 xe3.. The The present postvaaton position might win White's fa favour, vour, but thi thiss calculation does not include Black's 8th move, and this circumstance, as will be seen later, has a certain significance.
Wewhich give this position, didpostvariation not occur due t Tarrasch's mistake
••
Bg4
Alekhine censured this move, but the motive of his criticism ( weakening of of the b7 pawn) is unfounded ounded.. t is possible possib le that Tarrasch considered considered the locking lo cking of the centre favourable for himself and therefore forces the move d5, which, even without this, entered
The game might ave The a ve continued continu ed something like this: 3 exf5 Bxf5 4 Nh4 Bd7 5 Rxf8+ Qxf8 6 Qg3 and, thoug ite's iece are rather actively paced, e ha 86
Chess Mle Mlegame game C Combinati ombination on
more vulnerable points in his positionn than tio than Black. One might conjecture that, if Tarra arrasc schh had play p layed ed 8 . . . Nf6, Nf6, then,, afte then afterr 9 N bd2 0 0 1 0 d5 Nd8, Nd8 , Alekhine would have preferred simpl simplyy 1 1 h3 to the mo move 1 1 a . 9 d5 Nb
The naturl retreat, but strange as it may seem, the Black knight does not find itself a suitable position the future. t in would have been more farsighte sigh tedd ttoo play play 9 . . . Nd8, Nd8 , not fear fear-ing the attack on the b6 pawn, pawn , after after 1 0 Bx Bxb6 cx cxb6 it isis easily easily de de-fended. 10 a5 Bxe3
A lso not so bad bad for Black was was 1 0 ... Ba7 11 Bxa7 Rxa7. uper-
2 N Nb bd2 Nb Nbd7 3 l
Black has a diicult position. However if if he determined the the spirit spir it of the position and was able to subordinate his future play to it, then th en he could sti stillll have contended contended with the diiculties. Thee weak point in Th i n White's position is the e4 pawn. t is precisely here that Black's minor pieces ought to direct their blows. On the other hand, Black guardof the f5 square against themust invasion White Wh ite knight. The The mov movee . . . g6 was unsuitable for this, since then the f6 square would be dangerously weakened. Exploiting the open fle, White could deliver blows from all his heavy pieces on this square.
fici ficial ally ly,, the position posit ion of the rook on a 7 is not very aesthetic aesthet ic , and it has
All these considerations, taken together, also characterise the spi-
to (in due course)forto this returnloseto time a8, but in retu tempoo , Black does not allow White temp play on the ffile and obtains an objj ect ffoor attack, on this same line ob lin e , in the shape of the f4 square.
rit of to thelead present They ought Black position. to the conclusion that it is necessary to transfer the bisop to g6. Consequently, correct, and in the spirit of the position, would be to play now 3 . . . Bh5
I I e e33 Nf6
N atural, atural , but not meeting the spirit of the position. The locked structue in the centre, which Black himself has provoked, provoked, requiress dynamic re dynamic play pl ay fr from him hi m with wi th the movee . . . f5 mov f5 . t was possible possible to to begi beginn this, both both immediately immediately and and afte afterr 1 1 ... Nh6. Black is simply making a move which completes his development. uch onemove variation play must, sooner or later, be punished.
The variation arises, 3 ... B5 87
Chess Che ss M Mleg legame ame Com Comba bation tions s
14 Nh4 Bg6 15 Nf5 (15 Nxg6 hxg6 hx g6 or . . . fxg6 were, were, of course, course, favoura avourable ble only for Black) 15 . . . Bxf5 1 6 Rxf5 Ng4 Ng4 1 7 Qg Qg33 g6 g6 1 8 R h5 19 h3 Nh6, and Black's position is quite solid. If, howeve however,r, White does not play 14 Nh4, Black, all the same, transfers the bishop to g6 and White has to worry about the defence of the e4 pawn.
variation) position? Alekhine was pleased with this posi position tion ffoor sure. 1 6 Nh4 Nh4
ee the annotation to the 21st move. 1 6 g6 7 Q Qee l 6 1 Nh NhfJ x xd5 1 9 exd5 exd5
1 9 Bxd Bxd55 woul wouldd look attractive, attractiv e, if it we were re not not for for 1 9 . . . Nxd5 20 exd5 exd5 f5, and Black increases his influence in the centre.
In addition this, the to bishop gives excellent toprotection the king's position. 13
N5?
A momentary attack. A move ater, the knight will be ignominiously driven d riven back. back. 14 Qb ?
It is clear that, also now, he
1 9Otherwise e4 it is not possible to
bring the queen'sside pieces out of imprisonment. 20 Ng5 h6 h6 2 1 Nh3 Qe Qe5 ?
Tarrasch Incomprehensible does not exploit the last chance to bring the queen's flank into play. The roo rook, k, bish bishop op and knight and and
shouldd play shoul play . . . Bh5. The bishop bishop goes into voluntary imprisonment,
this is a great great force now now remain, remai n, to the end of the game, game, apathetic witwit -
from it isend destined not emergewhich until the of the togame. At the same same time ti me it also locks in the rook.
nesses of did theTcatastrophe. What variations variati ons arrasch arrasch calculate calcu late in making his queen move? Probably none whatsoever. whatsoever. It was enough enough to see the thremove variation which occurs in the game and he would have avoided the position promised him, "where his eyes are looking. Meanwhile, after 21 ... Ne5, the struggle might still have assumed a rather stubbo character. Alekhinee giv hin gives es thi thiss vari variat atio ion: n: 2 . . . Ne5 Ne5 22 Nf4 Nf4 Bf Bf5 2233 h3 h5 24 Bb3 Rc8 25 c4, followed by Ne2d4, with the better position for White, but, as Alekhine wrote, without obvious possibilities of quickly exploiting it. This is not quite so simple. For
15 Nd7
Is it possible that Tarrasc, in makingg his 1 3 th move, had chosen makin this postvariation (a threemove 188
Chess Che ss M leg legam amee Co Combi mbia atio tions ns
exampe, Back, on 25 c4, coud repy h4, and, if 26 Ne2, then 26 . . . Nd3 Nd3 27 Qb1 Qb1 NhS , deve deveo opi ping ng an initiative. It seems that, even earier, Aekhine payed insuicienty concretey, not foreseeing the und under ermi mini ning ng 1 7 . . . c6. Was it not better, instead of 16 Nh4, which aready ooks too direct, to pay p ay 16 B Bdd3 , so as, as, on 1 6 . . . c6, to continue 17 c4, not etting out Back's Back 's piec pNg4 ieces es on the th e queen's ank. ank . 22 R Aso this is a onemove variation. 23 Nf4 g5
Now White aso expoits the f5 square. interest interesting ing idea i dea 2 3 . . . Ndff6, and if 24 h3 , then Nd then 24 . . . g5 25 hxg4 Nxg4.
One more short game. Budapest Gambit
White: A.Rubinstein Back: .Tartakover (Bad issinen 1928)
1 d4 N N 2 c4 c4 e5 3 dxe5 Ng4 Ng4 4 Bf4
Rubinstein iked this move, whereas Aekhine conducted his attack by 4 e4 N xe5 5 f4 f4 . However, White's pawnanenergy, ene rgy, in thisoss variavariof ation, suers appreciable power if Back arms himself with the foowin oowingg continua continuation: tion: 5 . . . N5 c6 6 Be3 Be3 N a6! 7 Nc3 Bc Bc55 8 Qd2 d6 9 N 00 1 0 Bd3 Bd3 Bx Bxe3 e3 1 1 Qxe3 Nc5 with good pay for Back. The game, RudakovskyRatner (14th UR Championship, Mo-
scow 1945), continued further: 12 Bc2 Nb4 13 000 Nxc2 14 Kxc2 Re88 1 5 Rhe1 Re Rhe1 Bd Bd77 16 e5 b6 1 7 Kc dxe5 18 fxe5 Qc8 19 Qg5 h6 20 Qg3 Qa6 21 Rd4 Bf5 and Back obtains a very dangerous attack.
24 h3 Ng
Aso now, now, he shou shoud d con contin tinue ue . . . Ndf6. Paying for the win of the pawn is so ir ireparabe, eparabe, j ust as as many other thoughts of Tarrasch arrasch in this game. 25 Ne2 Nxd5 26 Bxd5 Qxd5 27 Nd4 Qe5
4
•••
Bb4+ 5 Nd2 Nc6 6 Nf3
This is undoubtedy more in the spirit of the position than winning back ba ck the pawn pawn:: 6 . . . Qe 7 7 e3 Ngxe5 Ng xe5 8 Be2 Be2 00 9 00, 00, and, if 9 . . . d6, then 1 0 Nb3 with w ith a3 to foow. Proba robab byy 9 . . . Bxd2 Bxd2 1 0 Qxd Qxd22 d6 d6 is more acceptabe for Back here. Aso after this, Rubinstein preferred White's game, but it seems the main reason fo for this assessment was White's "two bishops.
Back does not have the move 27 . . . Ne5 , bec bec ause ause of of the the rep repyy 2 8 c 4 in this ies his misf misfortun ortune. e. On 2 7 . . . Nf8, Aekhine had intended to pay 28 Qe2, with the threat of Nc4. Back must ose. 28 Nc4 Qd5 29 Nf5! K 30 Nd6 N d6 Rh7 3 1 Rdl Qc6 32 Rd Rd4 4 b5 33 axb6 Bb7 34 Na5 Back resigned.
A stormy finae for such an unpretentious opening as the Itaian Game.
7 exf6 Qxf6 8 g3 Qxb2 9 Bg2 d6 10 0 0
189
Chesss Mdleg Ches Mdlegame ame Combin Combinations ations
moves as 10 . . . h6, h6, 10 . . . B, or 10 . . . Bf5 ( as occu occurred, rred, and led to to a successful result, in one of the games of the "side touament at Bad Kissingen). II Nb3
0 ... 00
o as to towith final finally lythe "get "get busy, busy , in real eaest, middlegame, which was not to be particularly recommended with wi th the king in i n the centre. None the less Black is rushing. The struggle has already a lready assumed a character of such a kind that not
Rubinstein immediately exploits Rubinstein the opponent's too "reflex move and places Black's bishop on b4 in an uncomfortable position. Now, for example, it is already not pofossi ssibl e to t1o. pl play 1 1 . . . B , in view view 1 2ble & I I ... 6 6 2 N Ngg5 h6 h6
1 2 . . . B iiss not pos possibl sible, e, in view view of 13 Ne4; but it is hardly advisable to thrust back the knight to a square where it is heading for itself and where its position, in fact, is not
only allows, but also demands a deep penetration into the position and its spirit. Black's bishop is isolated on b4, andd there comes a moment when an wh en it it is necessary to decide the question of its futur futuree participati pa rticipation. on. If White succeeds in playing Nb3, its position could become precarious. Therefore Black should think out several continuations, with which he might improve impro ve the general general positons of his pieces on the queen's ank. The queen also also has, perhaps, travelled too far away. Black's castling is objectively objectively a us usef eful ul mov movee , but is, as it were, outside the requirements of the position and does not take into account the concrete "main thing at the present moment of the struggle. It would be better to cast his attention attent ion on such such
very pleasant for Black. It was necessary to consider the move 1 2 . . . Bf Bf5 , ssoo as, on 13 e4, e4, to examine exam ine the the continuat continuation ion 13 . . . h6 ( 1 3 . . . Bd Bd77 is dang danger erou ouss , beca becaus usee of the reply 14 e5! and, whichever of Black's knights takes the pawn, White obtains, in the inal account, a material advantage. For example: 1 ) 14 . . . Ng Ngxe5 xe5 15 a3 a 3 Bc5 Bc 5 16 Nxc5 Nxc5 dxc5 dx c5 1 7 Bd Bd55 + K Khh8 18 Nxh 7 ! 2) 14 . . . Ncx Ncx e 5 1 5 h3 N Nh6 h6 16 a3 a3 Bc55 1 7 N xc Bc xc55 dxc dxc5 1 8 Ne4 ! winnwinning either the knight e5 or the bishop d7). After 1 3 . . . h6 1 4 exf5 hxg hxg55 1 5 Qxg44 gxf Qxg gxf4 1 6 Bd5 + Kh8 1 7 Qxf Qxf4 Qxf5 18 Qh4+ Qh7 19 Qxh7+ Kxh 7 , would b e obtained a postvariation position, which is not easy to evaluate. 190
Chess Mdlegame Mdlegame Comba Combations tions
We can only say that the present position would be more acceptable for Black than that which actually occu oc currs in the the game game after 1 2 . . . h6. 13 Ne4 Q 4 a3 Ba5 15 Nxa5 Nxa5 6 h3! Ne5 O co cour ursse not 1 6 . . . Nf Nf66 1 7
the whole board cannot resist for long. 9
hxg5 20 Bxa5 Bxa5 Be6 2 Bc3 Bc3
The blacksquared a1h8 diagonal is fatal. It now expresses the spirit of the po positi sition. on. 2 Nc6 22 2 2 Qd2 Q d2 5 2 3 g4 g 4 4 4 24 Bxd Bxd55 ! Bxd5 Bxd5 25 2 5 Qxd5 Qxd5 + Kh7
Nxf6+ Qxf6 18 Qd5+xa5. In considering his 12th move Tartakover should shou ld have hav e foreseen and evaluated the position which
Of cou courrse als alsoo 25 . . . Rf7 26 e3 Q3 27 Qxg5 + leads to Blacks quick downfall.
occurs He foresee should have but probablynow. did not it.
26 3 27 Qxg5 Qxh3 28 Qg7e3mate.
Black was careless twic twicee on the the 10th and 12th moves. This was enough to be mated on the 28th move. This happened because Black made a mistake in the first element
of thinking not understanding that the spirit of the position was determined by the unfortunate position of had the bishop on b4. If T artakover correctl correctly y understood the essence of the position after the 10th and 12th moves he would undoubtedly have directed his thoughts along the variations given in the annotations to these moves. Hence one can draw the conclusion that ignoring the spirit of the position or misreading the essence of it involves a "fall into the second element of thinking thee ev th evalu aluation ation of the the postv postvaria ariation tion position. positio n. You see to play not in the spirit of of the the position position this mean meanss going along a not exactly logical path. However upon considering an incorrect variation variat ion a player sil s illl has the possibility extending into
17 c5! g5 8 Bd2 d5
Tartakover h imself imse lf pointed out the continuation 18 ... Nb3 19 B ! Nxa N xa 1 2 0 cxd6 cxd6 as favo avoura urabl blee for White. Indeed Black would have ha ve lost lost quickly quickly both both af after 20 . . . cxd6 cx d6 2 1 N xd6 and and also also in the event event of 20 ... Nd7 21 Bxa1 with the threats of Nxg5 and Qd4. However also the continuation chosen by Black finds a dangerous retort. 9 Nxg5!
The king's position is exposed and Black even without this preoccupied with wi th he unsatisfac unsat isfactory tory st stat atee of his his forces orces scattered over 191
Chess Mdle Mdlegame game C Combat ombatns ns
the postvariation evaluation i.e. glancing ignomin ignominiousl iouslyy into the future of sensing his ture hi s for tthe he presen presentt only mental mistake in the first element of thinking. Indeed Indee d this is so but only only upon upon the condition that in the variation he foresees strong replies by the opponent. If Tartakover Tartakover had forese oreseen en Rubinstein's 1 1 th move Nb3 he would not have played 10
the position. Thus at times the variation varia tion acts as material helping to determine the spirit of the position and this means that the second element of thinking should sometimes occupy in a player's thoughts a place before the irst. In conclusion we examine one more game. This time we tr to give our annotations an educa-
. . . 00. i s possibl osBlack's siblee to 1say s2th ayhexa emove. xact ctly ly the sameItabout 2t m ove. If Tartakover in considering the variation had seen White's 1 7th move c5 he would have rejected 1 2 . . . h6. h6. From From thi thiss ffollow ollowss a highly important conclusion the main point of which is that the spir spiritit of
tional chuparacter in has this been way to sumcharacter a little soallasthat said. Ki's ndian Defence
White: M.Taimanov Black: ABannik 25th USSR Championship
the position (the first element of thinking) and the variation (the second element of thinking) mutually mutu ally control control one another and in this mutualcontrol preeminence belongs to the variation. Where the essence of the position is more or less clear thought easily finds moves and variations ensuing from it. When however diicultie dii cultiess arise in determining the main thing in the position and a period of doubt and hesitation approaches then a variation and variations must as it were go to the assistance of the player's thoughts. In such cases the variation supplements your search for thee "core of the th the posit pos ition ion with wi th new material possibly playing a decisive role in the preliminary evaluation i . e . in maste masteri ring ng the spirit spirit of of
(Ria 1958
1 c 4 Nf Nf6 2 d4 g 6 3 Nc3 Bg7 4 e4 d6 S f3 eS 6 Nge2 Nc6 7 dS Ne7 8 Be3 cS 9 g4
With the aim of opening the gilile e aft after er Black Black plays . . . f5 a move move without which Black suocates in the "ing's Indian middlegame.
9
S
uch a "rapidire tactical attack a type of intermediate play 192
Chess Mlegam Mlegamee Combat Combatns ns
might also be permissible be permissible, , but when it produces, if only anonly insignificant, but nevertheless positive result, and when it does not contradict the spirit of the position. We have already mentioned, in the previous note, that the main task for Black is to oppose the White wedge, c4d5e4, by ... f5. In this also lies l ies the spirit spir it of examinexami n-
actually diicultno to sense do this. Now, there is already in Black playin pla yingg 1 1 . . . f6. Both oth after 1 2 h4 h4 and also also 1 2 gx gxff6 , follow ol lowed ed by an an attack on the g6 square. White, amongs amo ngstt all the the other things, would also obtain a position position which is ful fulll of initiative on the king's flank. Black's last move is nevertheless not bad, and the positive side to it lilies es in tthe he fact that he takes under under
ing the...position. move f5 and, Byin rejecting addition,thea quick execution execution of itit this mean meanss not understanding the spirit of the position, letting White dominate the centre without a struggle, and also the queen's ank, where White has the possibility of an at-
control the possible b5 square andthreat eliminates the White of Nb5. As soon becomes clear, Black Bla ck mak makes es the the move . . . a6 as prep pr epar aratio ationn for . . . b5 , i . e. an impracticable measure. This, of course, is also an incorrect appreciation of the spirit spir it of the position. positi on.
tack (b4). Not understanding all thisis,, Blac th Bl ackk embarked on a confus confused ed variation without a startingpoint and, as a result, quite soon went downhill. Meanwhile Black's play would have been clear if he had penetrated penetrat ed the essence of the the postpost opening situation situa tion and proceeded in this th is way way : 9 . . . 00 0 0 1 0 Ng3 Ng3 Ne8! Ne 8! Rg f5 f5 1 2 gxf5 gx gxf5 1 3 NhS f4 f4 1 4 Bf2 Ng6, and, though Black is cramped, he has prospects of developing active play on the queen's ank by ... b5. White, however, despite the open gle, does not have a particularly great amount of space.
Black should resort to complicated manoeuvres,, the aim of manoeuvres of which must be to to meet White's attack, b4, b4 , with all his weapons; furthermore, o a4, he should have th the mov move . . . a . On bxc5 he should have ready not onll y . . . bx on bxcc 5 , but but als alsoo . . . d x c 5 ( ! ) and finally, as a blow on the other ank, an k, he should should prepar preparee . . . f6 f6 . n concrete terms, these manoeuvres might take the form of the moves . . . Bd 7 , . . . Nc N c 8, . . . b6, b6, . . . Bf8, aannd . . . Be 7 . 2 Qd2 R8
till, come what may. You see, afte af terr . . . b6, this pa pawn might nee needd defence.
1 0 g5 Nh Nh7 I I Nc1 a6
3 R R l !
As also might be expected, expected, Black begins to hurl himself from one thought to another and cannot work out a purposeful plan. It is
White makes a correct appreciation of the position, its spirit, and launches launc hes a quick and very very ene enegeti geticc attack on the the queen's ank, against agains t 93
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Comba Combatns tns
which Black is defenceless. If anything can come to his rescue now then th en it is i s only a decisiv deci sivee counterattack ta ck on the the king's king's flank flank after 3 . . . 00 and and . . . f6. Instea Insteadd of of this he makes a hopeless attempt to parry the onslaught of White's superior forces on the queen's flank. In the present game the first element of thinking was for Black in full disarray. •••
3Obviously b6 4 b4 in Rb7 order to defend himse him self lf agai agains nstt 5 bxc5. bxc5. 4 . . . Bd 7
leads to the same aim but this does not change matters very much. 5 a4 Nf8
After 1 5 . . . 6 bxa5 bxa5 bxa5 bxa5 the the a pawn would be doomed to die.
with wi th on onee of the the fforts orts the the b6 pawn pawn.. White's thoughts now are fully occupied with variations. There remains only for him to carefully and accurately calculate them which in the present positio posit ion n is nnot ot partipart icularly diicult to do. 6 ... cxb4 7 Rx4 xa5 8 Rx7 Bxb7 9 c5 bxc5 20 N3 Nd7 2 Na4 Na4 00 22 Nxa5 Nxa5
White's four minor pieces ogether with queen sma smash sh up the the opponent's oppone nt's literally que en's flank. This part of the game makes a big impression. 22 ... Ba8 23 Bxa6
Now this move which was the breath of life for Black after 9 g4 only redoubles his misfortune in-
deed even the aim of it is not apparent. The open ffile equally gives Black nothi nothing ng this is very very easy to see while even he undermining of White's powerful wedge is practically impossible and ought not even to have found itself included in Black's range of vision. visi on. Interesting is T aianov's reaction to this move in his annotaio annotaionn . He writes "The pr prove overb rb beer beer late than than never never is not applicable applicable in the present case. Black is 2 moves late with the move ... f5 and now this counterchance does not achieve its objective. Thus writes Taimanov but generally speaking what objective we repeat can we talk about and wha exactly (what thought) indued Black to decide upon the advance of this pawn? But meanwhile is
Black endeavours to transfer the king's knight to the queen's flank. Now of course it is not a matter for the spirit spir it of the position positi on since since to a large extent he is subjected to thee w th wililll of of the the opponent opponent who who seizes seize s the initiative.
6 a! O course he goes for a storm-
ing purposeful attack on the cS square. To this end he does away 94
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Co Combinatio mbinations ns
pearance negative role of dangerous is striking."holes The apon e6 and g6 when there is a direct road fo for the Whi W hite te knight knigh t to the e6 square. uch statements of critics and commentators and, now and then, even the author himself, sometimes graphic graphically ally bring to light causes which are desperate, etc. uch reasons might serve as more than sufficient evidence that disorder in thinking whichof sets in for chessplayers during the game and about which whi ch we speak furt further her at the beginningg of beginnin of the chapter. chapter . It further further interprets patently bad moves as those which are "just as bad as anything else. This also is not serious serious..
qu quit theeiteemove th mo tove the the 23 point poin. . t. tof5 f5 say s, ayit"better "bette would r late b than never. 26 ... N8 27 Nb3
The knight knigh t heads heads for e6, e6 , and it is not possible to prevent this. 27 ... .. . 4 28 Nb Nb5 5 Nx5 Nx5 29 2 9 Nx5 Nx5 Qe8 Qe 8 30 Ral Ra l Nd6 Nd6 3 Ne6 Ne6 B Bb7 b7 32 32 Qb4 B 33 B5 Rxe6
Otherwise there is no saving the piece. pie ce. If 33 . . . Qd7, then then 34 34 Ra 7 34Black dxe6continued Q6 35 R the game up to
the 44th move. We would like to furthermore turn our attention attentio n to the following ol lowing:: Whereas Bannik began to lose conf co nfid iden ence ce afte afterr the the move move 9 . . . h5 , his thoughts parting with logic and
If the fact of the matter is that "once a wedge, always a wedge then one should simply stop the gamee . Black also had available here gam thee mov th movee 23 . . . Qb8 Qb8 , whic whichh is unundoubte dou btedly dly better better than than 23 . . . f5 . Worth con consid sideri ering ng is als alsoo 23 23 . . . Nc8.
inally becoming confused, Taimanov's thinking thinkin g was was distinguished disti nguished by harmony, clarity and logic. This indicates not the personal qualities of the opponents, but the character of the proceeding struggle. Throughout the whole game, Taimanov held the initiative and he had freewill, whereas the will of Bannik found itself, to a greater or lesser extent, subordinate to the continuous threats and attacks of the opponent. Thinking frequently loses its harmony, systematic character and logic for that opponent who falls under the initiative or attack. This explains why approximately 80% of oversights, miscalculations cula tions and "blunders "blunders fal falll to the lot of the defender. defender. During Dur ing the opponent's ntate, particularly when it bears a protracted cha
24 6 Rx Rx6 2 5 Be2
And that's all! The ffile is rendered harmless, White's wedge is immovable, while Black's whole position, together with the two lockedin bishops, represents allround weakness. Generally speaking, if we compare the roles of White's minor pieces and Black's (and you see these are the water of life in an attack), then commentary becomes unneccessary. 25 . . . Q 26 0 0
But here here , unlike unl ike the the comment to to 95
Chess Mleg Mlegame ame Com Comb bat ato o
racter, the defending side finds himself hims elf under under pressure of the threat t hreat of loss loss this this also a lso weaken weakenss discipline discipl ine of thought and prevents due presence of mind to counter and overcome the diiculties arising. To conclude, conc lude, let us sum up all that has been said about the thinking of a chessplayer during the process of play: A variation arises from a posi
tion, a position arises from a variation and it is necessary to see this interdependency in its logical, meaningful sense. elffdiscipline el discipline of th thou ough ghtt ! this is the slog s logan an which we place alongside the slogan slogan Desi Desirre for the the iniini tiative! which we proclaimed in Middlegame Planning.
It is not diicult to see how both slogans are organically connected.
196
View more...
Comments
