Kmoch - Rubinstein's Chess Masterpieces
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You can learn from Rubinstein master games....
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Copyright All
rights
1941 by Horowitz and Harkness.
©
reserved under
Pan
American
and
International Copyright Conventions.
Published in Canada by General Publishing Com·
pany, Ltd., 30 Lesmill Road, Don Mills, Toronto,
Ontario.
Published in the United Kingdom by Constable and
Company,
we 2.
Ltd.,
10 Orange Street, London
This Dover edition, first published in 1960, is an
unabridged and unaltered republication of the work first published by the
Chess Review
in 1941.
Intenwtiona/ Standard Book X11111/Jer: O-.J86-20hli-3 60·2932
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number:
Manufactured in the United States of America Dover Publications, Inc.
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New York, N.Y. 10014
Biography of AKIBA RUBINSTEIN An Eventful and Tragic Life Deep out of the shadows, out of the Middle-Ages, came Akiba Rubin stein.
A dark squalid Ghetto of Russian-Poland was the Bethlehem in which
his spark of life was kindled.
Rubinstein was born on December 12, 1882,
1D Stawiski, of the Province of Lomza.
For generations his ancestors had
been rabbis and scholars of the Hebrew class1cs, equally inured to physical privation and the intensive cultivation of the mind. In the home of Rubinstein's parents both were to be found-keenness of intellect and stark poverty.
A few weeks before his birth, his father had
died, leaving behind a wife and twelve children.
Akiba went to the house
of his grandparents, who forthwith undertook his up-bringing. of this "up-bringing'' were marked out to a nicety.
The lines
The youngster would
become a teacher of the Talmud, a student of Hebrew, even as his father and his grandfather before him. His education was indeed received i n the "Cheder,'' the school of the Jewish
community,
instruction.
and
the
"Yeshiva,''
a
higher academy
of
religious
The prescribed language was Hebrew and Yiddish : Rubinstein
understood no other, and had no desire for any other.
He would become
an ornament of the Ghetto-nothing more. Then chess came into his life. the game in the "Yeshiva."
He chanced to see two children playing
He was
fascinated and from that moment
chess became the ruling passion of his life.
He was sixteen years of age
at the time, and immediately obtained the only chess book available i n Hebrew, "Chess, Checkmate," b y Sossnitz.
He absorbed its contents entire.
Study of the T()rah, the lore of the Talmud, became an evanescent dream; only chess remained. His grandparents noted, and mourned. They cursed the devilish alchemy in whose toils the boy had become enmeshed.
His mother prayed dally
that the Lord bring her erring son back to the well trodden paths.
But
Rubinstein was lost to God; he had succumbed to a demon, that was to embody his tragic fate, and from which his life could never more be sun dered.
From the petty glory of the Ghetto and a humdrum existence, his
way was to lead to world-wide renown and a soul racking ambition.
ill
At 19 Rubinstein learned that in the nearby town of Lodz there lived a real
chess master,
one
George Salwe-a champion, who,
crossed swords with the great Tschigorin.
indeed, had
Forthwith Rubinstein betook
himself to Lodz ; there he found in some way the means of subsistence, and thereafter was nowhere else to be found except in the sphere of chess.
He
played with those to whom Salwe gave the odds of a rook ; but even against these yokels the young man of Stawiski did not shine.
Clearly the lad of the
Ghetto was not cut out to be a chess player. No one had any confidence In his ability except Rubinstein.
He re
turned to his native village and for several months disappeared from view. Suddenly he was in Lodz once more.
He entered the chess club, then direct
to the table of master Sal we, and challenged him to battle. Salwe smiled indulgently ; those about the master mocked In derision. But Rubinstein seated himself, and played and won. into a huddle. arranged.
The whole club went
Without delay a match between Salwe and Rubinstein was
The result was
a
deadlock at 5 : 6.
and victory rested with Rubinstein 5 : 3.
A second match was played
The old champion was dethroned,
and the dreamy Y,Outh from the Polish village reigned in his stead. A year later he was sent to the Russian National Tourney at Kiev, where he obtained the 5th Prize.
In 1905 he entered the international arena,
and at Barmen won his spurs 1n the Hauptturnier A of the German Chess
Association, tying with Duras for third prize. master.
He became a recognized
From the odds of a rook, after less than four years, he bestrode
the realm of chess like a Colossus. Now began a breath-taking march from triumph to triumph. (1 905) he was third among 36 entrants.
At Ostend
Schlechter and Maroczy alone out
ranked him, with such prime figures as Bernstein, Teichmann, Marshall, Janowski and the whole array of Russian talent trailing behind. Shortly after the new year was ushered in he scaled the pinnacle in competition among the great.
At Ostend he shared first prize with Bern·
stein far in advance of 28 contenders.
At Karlsbad he won undisputed first
honors, and with this victory broke the supremacy of the so-called Lasker Pleiades, that is, the generation of grandmasters who were contemporaries ot Lasker, and who had set the standard In the world of chess since 1890. With this victory the standard was hauled down, and Rubinstein in turn became the standard bearer of his generation, which was to include Capa blanca, Niemzowitch, Spielmann, Tartakower, Vidmar and all others of the new epoch of chess. At
St.
Petersburg in
1909
the Polish master demonstrated
his full
equality with world champion Lasker, whom he defeated in their individual encounter. In fact it was not until the last round that Lasker's score matched his own, so that both shared the first prize.
iv
His great year of triumph, however, came three years later, in 1912.
In a period of twelve months, he scored no less than ftve ftrst prizes in in ternational competition, a record that in the whole gamut of chess history
has never been duplicated, either before or after.
San Sebastian, Pistyan,
Breslau, Warsaw, and Vilna.
But In this year also the shadows for the ftrst time flitted across the spirit of Rubinstein.
None the less his record blazoned forth, and it was
clear to the whole world that Rubinstein was to be the next champion.
Nor
was this conviction shaken by his astounding failure at St. Petersburg in 1914, the first signal rebu.tr in his career.
A great match for the world title
was scheduled to take place in the spring of 1914 between Lasker and Rubinstein.
The chess world waited expectantly.
Then came the War.
Among the millions who fell victims to the ravages of the Great War is to be numbered Rubinstein, chess genius.
The post-war Rubinstein Is a
far different master than the triumphant hero of 1914 who was to contest with Lasker for the Championship of the World.
The soul of the sensitive
Rubinstein had been most delicately poised even at the height of his career, and was most sorely tried by the ravages and hardships of the war years. Gone was that Inner harmony so essential for the complete fulfillment of the powers of a chess artist. It is true that even in the last fifteen years he has garnered a long list of tournament successes, and not a few first prizes, and has played games that take their place among the gems of chess literature.
But Rubinstein
has lost the supreme confidence in himself that is the necessary equipment of a champion.
He suffers in fact from an Inferiority complex, deeming
himself superfluous, no longer a necessary adjunct to every great tourney, nor Indeed welcome. Ever modest and retiring, his shyness has become an obsession to the point of a real mental aberration.
Yet we can be sure that were he to
overcome this fixation, and to find some degree of contentment, attaining that calm and clear vision that most distinguished his play in his earlier period, he would once more find his place in the fore-front of the masters in spite of his fifty years. There can be little doubt that Rubinstein has added more to the present status of chess theory and technique than any master since Steinltz.
More
innovations in the openings and more of the lines that are today recognized as the ultimate in correctness and strength can be traced to his genius and originality than can be ascribed to any other master. of the Ruy Lopez-B-K2, P-Q3, P-QKt4, P-QB4,
The standard defense
etc.-owes most to him.
In the Four Knights both Kt-Q6 (leading to a draw) and Q-K2 (followed by Kt-Q), were formulated by him, and so potently aided Black, that they have all but banished this opening from serious play.
In the Queen's Gambit
Declined, it was Rubinstein who perfected the Fianchetto of the King's Bishop against Tarrasch's defense of P-QB4, and sent that variation into
v
semi-retirement for many years. Indeed he most signally celebrated the triumph of th.ls variation by resounding victories over Lasker (1909) and Capablanca (1911). In recent years he has introduced new attacks and defenses 1n the most hyper-modern positions. Against Black's 3 . . . B-Kt5 In the Queen's Pawn Opening, his simple P-K3 followed by Kt-K2 Is especlally noteworthy. Less well known is his novel sacrificial line against the Blumenfeld Counter At tack, while his crushing treatment of the Queen's Fianchetto Defense by a solid phalanx of pawns that aimed at QB5, was classically 1llustrated in his game against Thomas. His 2 . . Kt-KB3 is in my judgment one of the best of Black's resources in the Sicilian. .
He is a pioneer and originator who hews out new paths In the domain of chess. He is not content merely to win games, to take advantage of some lapse on the part of his adversary, to entrap his opponent Into pitfalls that have been dug by others. He views himself as an artist and at each session he endeavors to add something worth while to the literature of chess and some new thought to its technique. As a result the record of his victories constitutes the most valuable compilation of games that has been brought together by any master. As we go over these one by one we are amazed at their superiority In depth and strategy over the masterpieces of those we have long honored with the label of champion. In the opinion of the writer only the games o f Capablanca reach a higher standard of perfection. B u t Capa built largely on the labors of others, adding merely the final mark of his own great talent. His is a great gift of selection. Rubinstein is the creator and h.1s moves bear the imprint of his own personality. Of Lasker It was indeed said that he played P-K4 with a view to the end game. But Lasker's chief forte was the complex struggle of the mid game, and he added little to our knowledge of the openings, being content to trod the best paths, and to leave the blazing of new trails to some more adventurous spirits. And be it said for Rubinstein that he stands as the greatest end-game player of all time, if not indeed, the most finished master we have known. In fact so profound an impression did his games make with the writer, that in a brief colloquy with Reuben Fine he ventured the thought that the Polish master ranked with Capablanca in the sheer artistry of his victories. Mr. Fine not only agreed with this appraisal, but indicated his belief that Rubinstein should be placed at the very head of the list. WhY then such disparity between his talent and his recent perform ances ? Dr. Hannak writes : Rubi nstein's character is too noble for the rough and tumble of l i fe.
vi
H is col leagues know best the spl e ndor of his personal ity,
!
his consideration for others.
So solicitous is he that his opponent
bo not d isturbed in his reflection, that as a matter of principle, he l eaves the board after each move, and only retu rns after his ad versary has completed his play. by, and
Naturally much time ia lost there
his own thinking suffers, and many a surprising loss of
R u b i n stei n c:an no doubt be attributed to this factor."
He is indeed the Spinoza of chess. More geometriw, with crystal clt.ar, mathematical detachment, he builds up his position-grace, ease and restraint most markedly apparent in the process.
Yet his game throbs
with the zeal of the artist, revealing the throes and pains of the creator, all of which are held in check by a judicial appraisal, a calm logic. games remind
us
His
of a great symphony that flows evenly and majestically, yet
contains within itself deep tones of approaching storms.
From time to time
the wild spirit breaks forth from the confines of its Olympian repose, giving us
games like his imperishable contest with RoUewi.
Yet even in his most
dashing attacks there is the supreme mastery of the elements-the sacrl1lce
of a queen (against Duras in 1908), not to overwhelm his adversary, but to win a pawn, and some twenty-five moves later, by the most refined tech nique, to translate the pawn advantage into victory. This is the great feature of his play-its great strategic depth.
He 1s
never superficial, never cheap or tawdry. He is never seeking merely to win,
but always to create a "Work of Art."
He never plays to the score or to the
weakness of his opponent, but ever to the board and to give us his best. B. F. WINKELMAN
Philadelphia, 1941 With acknowledgment to Dr. Hannak'I introduaion to "RubinJtein Gewinnt"
vii
CONTENTS BIOGRAPHY OF AKIBA RUBINSTEIN
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111
No. of Game
Page
CHAPTER I.
INTERNATIONAL
1907
Janowski-Rubinstein
2.
Duras-Rubinstein
3.
Salwe-Rubinstein -
4.
P. Johner-Rubinstein
5.
Rubinstein-Teichmann
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KARLSBAD,
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CHAPTER II.
AT
13
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1.
6.
TOURNAMENT
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19
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INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT AT LODZ,____ 1907
Rotleur-Rubinstein
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13
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16
21
23
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7.
Dos·Chotimirski-Rubinstein
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24
8.
Rubinstein-Salwe -----------------------------------------
26
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9.
Rubinstein-Salwe
27
10.
Salwe-Rubinstein
30
11.
Salwe-Rubinste!n
32
CHAPTER III.
INTERNATIONAL PRAGUE
1908 12
TOURNAMENTS
AND LODZ,
VIENNA,
--------------------- ---- - -- - ----- ---- ----- ----
Rubinstein-Duras
---- -
---
13.
Rubinstein-Teichmann ---
14.
Alapin-Rubinstein
15.
AT
MATCH AT VIENNA,
1908.
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-- --
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Dr. Vidmar-Rubinstein
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Rubinstein-Spielman
- --
Marshall-Rubinstein
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18.
Rubinstein-Marshall
---- ------ ----- -------- --- ---
19.
Rubinstein-Salwe
CHAPTER IV.
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16.
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45
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT AT ST. PETERSBURG,
1909 ----------------------------------------
20.
Rubinstein-Schlechter
21.
E.
22.
Rubinste!n-M!eses
23.
Rubinstein-Dr. Lasker
- ---- --
24.
Speyer-Rubinstein
---
Cohn-Rub!nstein
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-- ---- -- ----
--
- - -----
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-- --
-- --
-- -
Dr. Vidmar-Rubinstein Forgacs-Rub!nste!n
27.
Duras-Rubinstein -
28.
Spielmann-Rubinstein
29.
Rubinstein-Snosko-Borowski
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26.
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No. of Page
Game CHAPTER V.
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS AT SAN SEBASTIAN AND KARLSBAD, 1911 ------------------------
30. 31. 32. 33. 34.
Rubinstein--Capablanca Rubinstein-Duras
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-- -
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----------------------- --- -------- ----- --
---------------------------------------- - ---- ---- - Rubinstein-Alekhine - - -- --- - --- --- -AJapin-Rubinstein
Rubinstein-Lowenfisch
---
--
CHAPTER VI.
35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.
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INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS AT SAN SEBASTIAN, PISTYAN AND BR ESLAU, 1912 --------------
Schlechter-Rubinstein - -- - Spiehnann-Rubinsteln -----------------------------------Dr. Tarrasch-Rubinstein - -- Rubinstein-Duras - - - - --Rubinstein-Marshall - - ---- -- -
Rubinstein-schlechter
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CHAPTER VII.
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WARSAW AND LODZ, 1917.
MATCH AND QUAD
------Belltzmann-Rubinstein -----------------------------------Gottesduner-Rubinstein - - llegedzinsky-Rubinsteln ---------------------------------Rubinstein-schlechter ---------------------------------Rubinstein-Schlechter -----------------------------------Factor-Rubinstein
47. 48. 49. 50. 61. 52.
-------------
----- --
CHAPTER VIII.
75 75 76 78 79 81 82
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS AT LODZ, 191 6 ; RANGULAR TOURNEY AT BERLIN, 1918 ----------
41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46.
65 65 67 69 70 72
INTERNATIONAL
-- - ---- -
---- -------
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- -- -----
--
----
--
-
TOURNAMENTS
-- -
85 85 87 87 89 90 92
GOTE-
AT
BUIW, 1920, AND THE HAGUE, 1921 --------------
94 94 Reti-Rubinstein ---- -- 95 Rubinstein-Maroczy -------------------------------------- 97 Dr. Euwe-Rubinstein - --- ---- - 98 Rubinstein-Marco - - - - -- 99 Rubinstein-Maroczy -- - - -- - -----101 Rubinstein-Dr. Tarrasch ----------------------------------- --- - - -------
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CHAPTER IX.
INTERNATIONAL
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TOURNAMENTS
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SCHONAU AND VIENNA, 1922.
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AT
--
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---
TEPLITZ
SIX-MASTER TOUR
NEY AT HASTINGS, 1922 --------------------------- 103
53. 64.
56. 56. 67. 58. 59. ][
-- - - - H. Wolf-Rubinsteln -------------------------------------Rubinstein-Dr. Tarrasch ---- -- -- Yates-Rubinstein ----------------------------------------Thomas-Rubinstein - -- - - ---Rubinstein-Dr. AJekhine -- - -Rubinstein-Dr. Tarrasch
-- --------- -------- - --
Rubinstein-Teichmann --- --
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103 104 106 109 109 112 113
No. of Game
60.
RublDstein-Spielmann
61.
Reti-Rubinstein
62.
Rubinstein-Bogoljubow
CHAPTER X.
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INTERNATIONAL
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TOURNAMENTS
Page
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115
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116
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AT
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117
KARLSBAD
AND MAHRISCH-OSTRAU, 1923; MERAN AND BERLIN,
1924
----------------------- -- --- -------- ---- --
63.
Rubinstein-Dr. Tarrasch
64.
Rubinstein-Hromadka
65.
Dr.
----- ------ - ---- --------
---
Tarrasch-Rubinstein
66.
Grunfeld-RublDstein
67.
Mieses-Rubinstein
CHAPTER XI.
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124
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INTERNATIONAL
120 120
--- - ---------
TOURNAMENTS
AT
126 126
BADEN-
BADEN AND MARIENBAD, 1925 ----------------- 129
68.
Spielmann-Rubinstein
69.
Rubinstein-Carls
- --- --- ----------- ------------- ------ ----
130
70.
Yates-Rubinstein
·----- - ---- ------ -- -- -- - ---- - - - --- - - ------
131
71.
Mieses-Rubinstein
72.
Rubinstein-Samisch
---
----------- ------- ---- --- - - - -
-
Michell-Rubinstein
74.
Rubinstein-Dr.
------- ------------
------ --- -----
Tartakower
75.
Rubinstein-Janowski
76.
Yates-Rubinstein
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135
-- ------ -- ------------- -
139
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TOURNAMENT
AT
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SEMMER-
--------------------------------------- 142
77.
Kmoch-Rubinstein
78.
Dr.
79.
Rubinstein-Spielmann
------ --------------
80.
Rubinstein-Reti
-- -
81.
Yates-Rubinstein
82.
Rubinstein--Grunfeld
----
---------------------
Michel-RubinstelD
CHAPTER XIII.
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133 134 137
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1926
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INTERNATIONAL ING,
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73.
CHAPTER XII.
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148
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INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS AT DRESDEN, BUDAPEST AND HANOVER, 1926 ---------------- 153
83.
Yates-Rubinstein
84.
P. Jahner-Rubinstein
85.
Rubinstein-Takacs
86.
Rublnstein-Frh.
87.
Rubinstein-Mieses
CHAPTER XIV.
v.
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Holzhausen
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159
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153 154
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT AT KISSINGEN, AND TAGEBLATT TOURNEY AT BERLIN, 1928
88.
Rubinstein-Mieses
89.
Rubinstein-Dr.
------ - ------
Tartakower -
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161
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161
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162
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xi
No. of Game 90.
Page
Rubinstein-Dr. Tarrasch ---------------------------------- 163
91.
Rubinstein-Nimzowitch
92.
Rubinstein-Reti
93.
Rubinstein-Dr.
CHAPTER XV.
----------------------------------- 165
------------------------------------------ 166 Tartakower ------------------------------- 168
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS AT KARLSBAD AND ROHITSCH-SAUERBRUNN, 1929; SAN REMO, 1930; PRAGUE OLYMPICS, 1931 ------------------- 171
94.
Mattison-Rubinstein
95.
Canal-Rubinstein
96.
Rubinstein-Flohr
----------------------------------------- 175
97.
Rubinstein-Canal
----------------------------------------- 177
98.
Rubinstein-Dr.
99.
Rubinstein-Bogoljubow
100.
INDEX
Vidmar ----------------------------------- 179
Kashdan-Rubinsteln
INDEX OF OPENINGS
OF
----------------------------------- 180
-------------------------------------- 182
---------------------------------------------
OPPONENTS
RUBINSTEIN'S
xii
-------------------------------------- 171
----------------------------------------- 173
185
---------------------------------------- 188
TOURNAMENT
AND
MATCH
RECORD ---------- 190
Chapter I Intemational Townament at Xarlsbad. 1907 Game No. 1 FOU R K N I G H TS GAM E Karlsbad, 1907 Rubi nstein
Janowski 1 2 3 4
P-K4 Kt-KB3 Kt-B3 B-Kt5
P-K4 Kt-Q B3 Kt-B3 B-Kt5
Rubinstein had not as yet dis covered 4 . • • Kt-Q5! a well-known variation named after him. 5 6 7 8 9
0-0 P-Q3 Px B B-Kt5 Q-Q2
0-0 BxKt P-Q3 Q-K2
For 9 R-K1 compare the following game.
no satisfactory reply. Obviously, White obtains the superior game if his own Knight occupies KB5. But 1f 15 . • . PxKt; 16 QxKt, would follow thus: 16 .. . PxP; 17 P-Q4, etc. If 16 . . . P-KKt4; 17 BxP, PxB; 18 QxPch, K-R1; 19 PxP, KR-K1; 20 R-R5, with su perior prospects for White. 1 5 B-Kt3 ? 15 P-Q4 should have been played. After 15 . • . Kt-B5 (QR·Q1; 16 P Q5!) 16 PxP, PxP; 17 Kt-Q4, KR Q1; 18 Q-K3, PxKt; 19 QxKt, P KKt4; 20 BxP, etc. White attains an advantageous attack. But if 15 . . . P-KKt4; 16 B-Kt3, Kt-B5; then White continues 17 BxKt, KtPxB (KPxB; 18 P-K5!) 18 P Kt3, Kt-R4; 19 Q-K2 with advan tage. 15 1 6 P-Q4 •
9 1 0 B-QB4 1 1 B-Kt3 12 R Px B •
The which
•
•
•
Kt-Q1 B-K3 BxB Kt-K3
mobility of this Knight, in all variations aims to
occup y KB5, is one of the greatest obstacles which White must over come in this opening. 13 B-R4
P-KR3
If 13 . • . Kt-B5 White might sac rifice a Pawn for a strong attack thus: 14 Kt-Q4, PxKt; 15 QxKt, PxP; 16 QR-K1, threatening 17 Q K3, to be followed by 18 P-KB4! Black could maintain the Pawn at a grave disadvantage in position. 14 K R- K 1
P-R3
Kt-B5 would still have been bad, for after Kt-Q4, Black would have
•
•
•
Kt-R4
Now this move is inconsequent. 16 1 7 BxKt 18 P-Kt3 •
•
•
•
Kt(K3)-B5 KtxB Kt-Kt3
Black has indeed been compelled to vacate the excellent square of the Knight; but the "Moor has performed his duty:" The posi tion of the White King has been weakened (by P-Kt3) and attack by P-KB4 is threatened. 19 Q-Q3
20 Kt-Q2
21 P-Q5 22 PxP 23 Kt-K4
Q.K3 P-KB4 Q-Q2 RxP
The position of the Knight offers some compensation for the op ponent's possession of the KB file. In spite of this Black obtains the initiative, for the weakening 13
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
14
P-KKt3 cramps Whi te's preciably.
QR-K 81
23 24 R-K3 •
•
•
style ap
•
Preparing for P-KB3 in order to guard against the incidental at tack R-R4 followed by Q-R6.
24
•
•
•
Kt- K 2 !
•
fend himself against 25 . . . R-R4, etc. by 26 P-KB3 or Q-B1, as the Black Kt cannot gain access to Q5.
26 P-Q84
Kt-Kt1 !
If 26 . . . R-R4 White can pre vent the entrance of the K n ight Into Q5, thus: 27 Q-B1!, Kt-B4 ; 28 R-KB3, followed by 29 P-QB3.
27 P-K83 P-QB4 would only add to the force of Black's next move.
R u b l n•tei n
27
28 R-K81 •
•
•
•
29 QxKt
Kt-83 KtxKt
Apparently White has overcome the perils of the m id-game. What can now happen to him in a posi tion as simple as this? To this question the next two moves of Rubinstein offer a menacing answer.
29 Janowski Now the Knight threatens to enter decisively into the attack by Kt-B4 as circumstances may re quire: his task is also to render innocuous the coun ter-thrust P QB4-B5, as well as to dislodge his colleague on K4, - the best posted White piece.
25 R-Q1 The Pawn at Q5 m ust be pro tected in order to increase the mobility of the White Queen; but 25 P-QB4 would have been a de cisive m istake for: 25 .. . R-R4; 26 Q-B1, (or 26 P-B3, Kt-B4; 27 KR-K1, Kt-Q5; followed by Q-R6 and wins) Kt-B4; 27 R-QB3, Kt Q5; 28 P-B3, KR-B4; 29 K t-Q2, K txPch; 30 RxKt, RxR; 31 KtxR, P-K5; etc.should win.
25
•
•
•
•
K-R1
Now White could adequately de-
•
.
•
•
Q-Q1 ! !
A very strong and subtle m ove. Rubinstein recognizes that the Q can force entry only from the other wi ng.
30 Q-K Kt4 Comprehensibly he does not de sire to permit Q-Kt4. A better defense w as offered by 30 R-Q3 in order to answer Q-Kt4 by 31 Q-K3, which also threatens Q-R7 in some variations.
30
•
•
•
•
Q-Q Kt1!
Quite overwhelm ing! The Queen now takes up a strong position on the Queen's wing.
31 32 33 34
K-Kt2 R(81 ) -K1 Q-K4 R(K)-K2
Q-R2 Q-84 Q-Q Kt:J
Better to retain this Rook on the fi rst rank.
34
.
•
•
.
R(84)-83
K.ARLSBAD, 1907
35 Q-Q3 36 Q-Q83
K-Kt1 P-Q R4!
Ex ploiting the cramped position of the White Rooks: for after the exchange of Queens, R-QRl can not be readily played.
37 QxQ 38 P-Q 83 39 RxP
PxQ PxP
Actually 39 R-R2, P- B7 ; 40 RxP, R-Rl would have led to the same position.
39
•
•
•
R-R1
•
Rubinstein
16
(41 P-B5, R- Q8! ) R- Q8 an d K-Bl (42 P-B5, K-K2 ; 43 PxP, KxP.) with advantage for Black.
40
.
•
.
.
P-QKt3
Now P-QB5 would require longer preparation. Black gains t ime to strengthen his position decisively.
41 K-Kt4 The quiet retreat be relatively better.
41 42 R-QKt2 •
•
•
•
K-Kt2
would
R-RB
Now he i s on the right t rack, but it is much too late.
42 • • • • 43 P-Kt4 44 R ( Kt2)-Kt3
K-R2 K-Kt3
If P-B5, R-Q8 ; 45 PxKtP, PxP; 4 6 R-B6, P-Kt 4 ; followed by RxQP.
44.
Janowski 40 K-R3 7 The sole counter-play lay i n: 40 P-QB5 e. g. a)
40 . . . R-R4 ; 41 P-QKt4, R (R-Kt 4 ; 4 2 R-B4, ) 42 P-Kt5! with the t hreat 43 P-Kt6, BPxP ; 44 P-B6!
R5;
b) 40 . . . R-R6; 41 PxP, PxP ; 42 P-KB4, PxP ; 43 PxP, RxP ; 44 R-K7, R- R7ch; [44 . . . R- B2 ?] 45 R- B8ch, R-BI ; 46 R( B8 )-B7) ,-46 K-Kt3, R ( B 5 ) -B7 ; 46 R ( B3 ) - B7, R Kt7ch ; 47 K-B3, R(R7 ) -B7ch ; 48 K-K3, R-K7ch ; 49 K-Q3, RxR; 50 RxR, RxP ; 51 RxQKtP, with the threat of R- Q7, etc. Weaker than 40 P-B5 would have been the preparatory move of 40 P-QKt4 because of R-R8 ; 41 R-Kt2
.
•
.
R-84
With the idea of R-KR8 followed by R-Kt 4ch and R- R4ch or R- Q8 follow e d by R-Q5ch and R- R4ch, then R-Q7ch.
45 R ( 83)-82 46 P-84
R-KRB
There was no adequate defense: the King gets into a mating net, and at least a Pawn must be lost.
46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57
.
•
•
•
PxP K-Kt3 K-82 R-K83 RxR K-K3 K-Q3 K-Q4 R-82ch R-Kt2ch P-Kt5
PxP P-R4ch R-Kt8c h R-Kt5 R(Kt5 ) x P RxRch K-84 R-86ch R-QKt6 K-Kt3 K-R3 R-K 86
After 57 P-Kt5 the Pawn posi tion on the Queen's side has lost all aggressive possibilities, and Black can now devote himself
16
RU BINSTEIN' S CHESS MASTERPIECES
quietly to the exploitation of his Pawn plus.
58 59 60 61 62
K-K4 R-R2 R-R7 K-Q3 P-85
R-83 P-Kt4 R-B5ch R-82
Desperation!
62 63 P-Q6 •
•
•
QPxP R -Q2 1
•
Now it become s apparent how important it was to force the White King on t he Queen file by 60 . . . R-B5ch.
RxPch R -Q5ch
64 RxP 65 K-K4
Much st ronger than the worri some defense of t he Knight Pawn by R-KKt3, etc.
66 K-85 67 R- 88
P-R5
Or 67 R-B6ch, K-R4). 68 RxP, R-B5ch followed by R-B7 with an e asy win.
67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78
•
•
•
R-B5ch P-85 K-Kt2 K-Kt3 K-R4 P-BS K-Kt3 K-R3 K-Kt2 R-86 RxP R-K B6
•
K-K5 R-R8ch R-QB8 R-Kt8ch P-R3 R-R8ch R- Kt8ch R-R8ch R-QB8 R-86 RxP
Resigns.
4 5 6 7 8 9
B-Kt5 0-0 P-Q3 PxB B-Kt5 R-K1
B-Kt5 0-0 BxKt P-Q3 Q-K2
In the previous game White playe d 9 Q-Q2, attaining an ex cellent position.
9 1 0 P-Q4 1 1 B-QB1 1 2 B-81 •
•
•
•
Kt-Q1 Kt-K3 P-Q B3
The Bishop's moves lead to an attacking continuation that origi nated with Teichmann. From the viewpoint of development, not much is lost as Black, too, must regroup his pie ces.
12 1 3 Kt-R4 •
•
.
•
Q-82 R-K1
Four years later against Spiel mann in Karlsbad, Rubinstein played 13 . .. R- Q1 with disastrous results.
14 Q-Q3 This square should be le ft open for the Bishop. The proper con tinuation was P-Kt3 followe d by P-KB4 and Q-B3.
14 1 5 P-Kt3 1 6 B-Kt2 •
•
•
•
B-Q2 Q R-Q1
Here the Bishop has no offensive power.
16 17 P-KB4 •
•
•
•
B-81
Now that Black i s fully deve l op ed, t his attack is less effective.
Game No. 2
17 1 8 PxP 1 9 P-85 •
FOU R K N I GHTS G A M E Karlsbad, 1907
Duras 1 P-K4 2 Kt- K B3 3 Kt-83
Rub i n stein P-K4 Kt-QB3 Kt.. B3
•
•
•
Px B P Kt-81
A more aggressive continuation would be 19 P-QB4, for in that event, if 19 . . . Kt-Kt3 (not 20 Q-KKt 3, for KtxKt; 21 QxKt, P Q4; 2 2 P-K5, Kt-K5 ! ; 23 BxKt,
KARLS BAD, 1907 PxB ; 24 RxP, B-B4; etc. or 1f 23 RxKt, PxR; 24 BxP, P-KB4!) 20 KtxKt, RPxKt; 21 P-Q5 ! ( 21 B Kt2, P-Q4! followed by B- B4 gain ing the important square K5 ) fol lowed a fter adequate preparation by posting the Queen's Bishop on the long diagonal.
19
•
•
•
P-KR3
•
20 B-Q2
B-B4 is not possible because of Kt-R4. But i f the White queen were on B3 and the Bishop on Q3, 20 B-B4 could be played with an excellent game. This Is exemplified by the Spielmann-Rubinstein game above referred to.
Kt(B)-R2 R-K2 P-QB4
20 21 Kt-KB3 22 P-KR4 .
•
•
•
Threat ening P-QB5, which would be decisive as the Pawn at K4 would fall.
23 Kt-R2 24 R-K3
R (Q)-K1
P- QB5 was still threat ened .
24 25 B-83 •
•
•
P-QKt3 8-Kt2
•
Again t hreatening P-QB5.
Rubi nstein
17
Indeed anything to brag about, but a ft er 26 P-Q5, he could still put up a fight. If 26 . . . P-QB5 27 Q-Q4 should be play ed. F or 27 Q-K2 would lead to a loss, a fter 27 . . . Q-B4, with the double threat 28 . . . KtxKP and KtxQP. Duras was always notoriously weak ln games which r equire positional manoeuvring against Rubinstein. Such situations between masters of nearly equal strength are not uncommon in the records of chess. Medical psychology terms them "complexes. " Bogoljubow, In fact, included a whole country In his weak ness. He once said: "I can't play well in England:" and the facts so demonstrate!
26
•
•
•
P-Q85
•
Clinching the game.
27 Q-K2 2 8 Q-Kt2
8xKP P-Q4
Not 28 . . . BxP ; 29 RxR, RxR; 30 RxR, QxR; 31 BxRP, Q-K8ch ; 32 Kt-Bl.
29 8-81
8x8 RxR
30 Ktx 8 31 8xR
White ls lost: but RxR would have afforded a longer defense.
31 32 33 34 35 36 37
•
•
•
•
Q-R3 K-R1 Q-R2 8-Kt1 8xKt Kt-Kt1 Resigns
R-K5 R-Kt5ch R-Kt6 Kt-Kt5 KtxQ Q-85 Qx P
Game N o. 3 GiUOCO PIANO Karlsbad, 1907
Dur-aa 26 Q R-K1 ? An error, which leads to speedy collapse. White's position was not
Saiwe 1 2 3 4
P-K4 Kt-K83 8-84 Kt-Q83
Rubi nstein P-K4 Kt-Q83 8-84 Kt-83
18
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
5 P-Q3 6 8-K3
P-Q3
At Karlsbad in 1929 Canal has re-introduced the old variation 6 B-Kt5, P-KR3 ; 7 BxKt, QxB; 8 Kt-Q5 , Q-Q1 ; 9 P-B3 etc.: however, It enjoyed but a brief vogue as it is of little merit.
6 • • . • 7 Q-Q2
8-Kt3 B-KKt5
More enterprising than the usual 7 .. . B-K3 et c.
8 Kt-KKt5
B-KR4
Castling is dangerous because of 9 P-KB3, B-R4 ; 10 P-KKt4, B Kt 3 ; 11 P·KR4 etc.
9 P-K83 1 0 Kt-R3 1 1 Kt-82
P-K R 3 ! Q-Q2
P-KKt4 would now merely weak en White's position.
11
•
•
•
•
Kt-Q5
Threatening KtxBPch etc. The weakness of Q4 now becomes un pleasantly evident.
1 2 8xKt If 1 2 0-0-0, B-QR4 is quite dis concerting.
12 13 Q Kt-Q1 •
•
•
•
8x8
White An awkward move! should forthwith have prevented the advance which follows. With 1 3 Kt( B2)-Q1 and 1 4 Kt-K2, or i n case 13 . . . B-Kt3 is played, 14 Kt-K3 would have maintained the position.
13 • • • • 1 4 B-Kt3
P-Q4 0-0-0
With his two Bishops and the attack in the center, Black has the superior game. Rubinstein now translates hi s advantage into vic tory in exemplary style.
1 5 0-0 16 K-R1
P-KKt4 P-Q 83
In order after PxP not t o permit Kt-K4. If White now wishes to occupy K4 with PxP and P-QB4, he suffers decisive weaknesses on the Queen's file.
17 18 19 20
Kt-83 P-QR4 P-R5 Kt-R4
8-K Kt3 K-Kt1 P-R3
Salwe has artfully created a slight weakness at Kt6, but it does not suffice to give him effective counter-play.
20
•
.
.
•
21 Q-Kt4 22 QxQch
Q-82 Q.Q3 RxQ
The exchange o f Queens has not changed the essence of the posi tion. Black retains the advantage.
23 P-QB3 Thereby the retreat of the Knight at R4 I s barred, compelling the further weakness of P-QKt4. However there was no satisfactory move.
23 24 25 26 27
•
•
.
•
8-82 Q R-K1 Kt.Q1 Kt-K3 28 P-QKt4?
8-R2 Kt-Q2 P-KR4 P-83 R-Q1
After 28 Kt-KB5, BxKt ; (Black cannot permit the Knight to re main at B5) 29 PxB, P·QB4. Black has the superior game, but far less so than after the move actually made.
28 29 Rx8 30 R-K 1 31 KtxP •
•
.
.
8xKt! P-Q5 PxP
The White Pawn structure now decisively weakened.
31
•
•
•
•
is
P-R5
To prevent a counter attack by P-R4 if Black repl·les (PxP; P KB4 ) .
KARLSBAD, 1907
Kt-81 Kt-K3 8-K1
32 K-Kt1 33 K-82 34 Kt-K2
34 . . . P-QB4 looks strong: but after 35 PxP, KtxP; 36 Kt-Bl, B K1; 37 R-Q1 , B-Kt4 ; 38 K-K3, White would hold the Pawn at Q3, and the exchange of the healthy BP for the weakling at Kt4, would prove pointless. Now, on the con trary, 35 . . . P-QB4 is threatened, with the win of a Pawn.
35 36 37 38 39
8-Kt3 8-84 R-Q 8 1 R-82 Px8
Kt-82 8-Q2 B-K3 8x8 Kt-K3
Black now controls the only open file, his Knight gains the formid able outpost of B5, or Q5, the end of the battle Impends.
40 R-Q Kt1 41 K R-Kt2
R-Q7 Rx R
By the exchange of one of his Rooks, the survivor secures great er chances of entry into the White position.
42 R x R
R-Q6 R u b i nste i n
19
wins. A nd if 46 R-QZ, Ktx KtPch; 47 K·Q3, Kt-K8ch; 48 K-B3, RxR; 49 KxR, Ktx BPch; followed b:y Ktx
RP
43
44 P-85 •
•
•
K-82 K-Q2
•
45 P-Kt3
Foreshadows the end. The break through by P-Kt5 was always in the offing.
45
•
•
•
PxPch
•
P-Kt5 !
46 PxP
If now 47 PxP, Kt-Kt4! ; or lC 47 P·B4, PxP ; 48 PxP, KtxP ; etc. 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
Kt-Kt1 K-K2 P-84 PxP K-81 K-Kt2 R-K82 54 K-R1 55 R-Q2ch
Kt-Kt4! R-R6 KtxP PxP KtxPch Kt-R4 Kt-85ch R-R8 K-K2
White resigned. The exchange of Rook and Knight cannot be avoided. For if 56 K-R2, P-Kt6ch! and Kt-R6 etc. Played by Rubinstein standing fashion.
in
out
Game No.4 R UY LOPEZ Karlsbad, 1907
P. Johnel'
Sal we 43 R-Kt2
R-Kt6 was threatened. If 4 3 R B3, R-Q7; and in the event of 44
K-K3, R- Kt7 ; 45 R-Q3, Kt-B5 ; and
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 For
R u b i nstein
P-K4 Kt-K83 8-Kt5 8-R4
P-K4 Kt-Q 83 P-Q R3 Kt-83 8-K2 P-Q Kt4 P-Q3 8-Kt5
0-0
R-K1 8-Kt3 P-83 P-Q4 9
P-KR3
etc.,
compare the
20
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
game against Spielmann, St. Pe tersburg, 1909. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
•
•
•
•
P-QR4 8-Q5 PxP PxKt KtxKt Q-Kt3
0-0 R-K1 Q-Q2 Ktx8 KtxP PxKt
It would be a serious mistake to play 15 P-B3, B-B4 ; 16 RxP??, because of B-B4ch etc. It is there fore apparent that the plan of development initiated by 11 B-Q5, was at fault. Black is now better developed, has his two Bishops and a mobile majority of Pawns on the King's side. 15 - • • 1 6 PxP
.
Played without tion. The Knight comes weak, and nearly loses all Proper was 16 . . . 17 QxQ, PxQ ; 18 Kt-R3, Black can tively with 19 QB4, P-Kt5). 17 R x R 1 8 Kt-R3
8-Q3 PxP
due considera Pawn now be Black thereby his advantage. QxP ! ; for after RxR, RxR; 19 continue effec B-Q 2 ; ( 20 P RxR R-R4
Now the difference is apparent : Black's Queen Bishop cannot de vote itself to the protection of the Queen's wing; and Black is driven -in the effort to preserve a modi cum of his advantage-to the un natural text-move. After 18 . . . R-Ktl there would follow 19 P QB4, P-Kt5 ; 20 Kt-Kt5, a move impossible with the Bishop on Q2. 19 P-Q84
This loses a Pawn, but the re sultant position is so favorable that we can hardly refer to the move as a mistake. 19
20 KtxP •
•
•
.
21 Ktx8
PxP RxP!
Not 2 1 Kt-Kt6 because Black would attain a clear advantage for the end-game by 21 . . . RrKt4 ; 22 KtxQ, RxQ ; 23 KtxP, B-K3 ; etc. 21
22 Q-Kt8ch •
•
•
•
23 QxQch
QxKt Q-Q1 RxQ
Black has indeed a Pawn ad vantage, but because of the separa tion of the Pawns, as well as the Bishops of opposite colors, White should have no difficulty in assur ing the draw. But Johner now plays weakly, and Rubinstein on the contrary, with am a z i n g strength. 24 P-83?
24 P-B4, would have brought either welcome simplification by . . . PxP; or the exchange of Rooks. a) 24 . . . P-K5 ? ; 25 RxP or b) 24 . .. P-KB3 ; 25 PxP, PxP; 2 6 B-Kt5, R-K1 ; 27 B-B4, or 26 . . . R-Q4 ; 27 RrQB1, P-B4 ; or 27 . . . P-B 4 ; . . . B-K 2 ; . . . R-Q2 ; then 28 R-K1, etc. Black would have to play R-Q8 to avoid loss of his Pawn advan tage, but after the exchange of Rooks, winning prospects would disappear. 24 . . . . 25 K-82 26 P-Q Kt4
B-K3 R-Q4
Taking from the Bishop the ex cellent post QB3. To be preferred was 26 R-K2 ( . . . R-Q8 ; 27 R-Q2.) 26 27 28 29 30 31
. • • P-Kt3 8-K3 R-Q 81 R-82 K-K2 •
P-R3 8-Q2 P-K84 P-83 K-82
Or 31 P-KB4 was playable. The reply 31 . . . P-K5 was less to be dreaded than the following move. 31 • • • • 32 8-85
P-Kt4 P-K85
Now Black has attained the ideal Pawn formation.
KARLSBAD, 1907
21
49 BxP
33 34 35 36 37 38 39
R-R2 PxP K-K1 R-R7ch R-K7 R-K6ch B-Q6?
B-84 B-Q6ch KtPxP K-Kt3 B-Kt4 K-Kt2
White game.
Ru b i nstei n
R- Kt7 ch
resigns:
An
instructive
Game No.5 QUEEN'S GAMBIT DECLINED
Karlsbad, 1907 Rubinstein
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Giving the opportunity for a problem-like final thrust. 39 R-Q6 was in order, not because of the exchange, but because-as Wag ner the Hamburg master expressed it-Black could do nothing at all thereafter. This threat was ac tually so strong that in all human probabllity the well-nigh helpless game of White would have been saved thereby. •
•
•
•
K-82
8 9 10 11
PxP B-Q3
0-0-0
0-0
P-Q Kt3
P-KR4
R-Q6 R-K6 R-K7ch B-85 ! B-Q4 BxP P-K5 R-Q71 P-K6 1
PxP B-Kt2 P-84 R-81
In reference to these opening moves we can compare his games against Dus-Chotimirski, Lodz, 1907, and against Teichmann in their match at Vienna in 1908. 12 K-Kt1
Teichmann
Now the White Rook is thrust to the wing, and the Black Rook en ters decisively into the thick of the fight. 40 R x R P 41 K-82 42 B-85 43 K-Kt1 44 RxP 45 R-Q6 46 P-R4 47 B-Q4 48 B-K5
P-Q4 P-K3 Kt-KB3 B-K2 Q Kt-Q2
7 . . . P-B4 forthwith is here recognized as the proper move.
P. Johner
39
Teichmann
P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-QB4 B-Kt5 Kt-Q B3 P-K3 Q-82
R ub i nstei n
R-K1
22
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES 1 3 PxP
RxP
It 13 . . . PxP there are some troublesome rejoinders: 14 B-Kt5 or 14 B·B5, the most pointed. In reply to 14 BxKt, KtxB ; 15 B·B5, threatening 16 KtxP and 17 P-K4. And not 13 . . . Ktx P ; 14 B-B5 followed by BxKt(B3) and BxPch. 14 Kt-Q4
Kt-K51
This opens the Queen file, where upon White repulses the attack 1n the center, and quickly secures a decisive advantage. P-QR3 fol lowed by P-QKt4 merited a trial. 1 5 BxKt 1 6 K Kt-Kt5
PxB
Threatening Kt-Q6. 16 17 Q-R4 1 8 KtxB 19 PxB •
•
•
•
B-R3 BxKt BxB
According to Marco, 19 Kt-Q6 with the continuation 19 . . . KR· K 4 ; 20 Kt-Kt7, P-Kt4 ; 21 Q-Q4 was even stronger. The situation, how ever, is not clear if Black replies 19 . . . P-Kt4 instead of 19 . . .
KR-K4. If 20 Q-Q4?, B-B3 ; might follow, and 20 Q-QKt4 would be followed by 20 . . . B-K2 ; 21 KtxR, R-B8ch; and BxQ. 19 20 R-Q4 21 P-QKt4 .
•
.
•
R-K2 Q-R1 R-B1
If 21 . . . RxP; the game would be decided by 22 Kt-B7, Q-B1 ; 23 KR-Q1, QxKt ; 24 RxKt, RxR; 25 RxR, Q-B1; 26 Q-Q1. 22 Kt.Q6
P-Q Kt4
22 . . . R-B2 would also lose quickly: e. g. 23 Kt-B5, R-K4 ; 24 RxKt, P-QKt4 ; 25 Q-Q1, etc. But 22 . . . R-Q1 would have offered some resistance, as after 23 Kt-B5, R-K4 ; 24 RxKt, RxKt might fol· low. The text-move loses immedi ately. 23 KtxRI
After 23 . . . PxQ ; 24 KtxRch, K-B1 ; 25 RxKt mate in a few moves or loss of the Queen follows. Resigns
Chapter
U
International Tournament at Lodz. 1907 Game N o . 6 Q U E E N'S GAM B I T DECLI N E D
Lodz, 1907 o r 1908* Rubi nstein
Rotlewi 1 2 3 4 5 6
P-Q4 Kt-K B3 P-K3 P-84 Kt-83 Q Px P
P-Q4 P-K3 P-QB4 Kt-QB3 Kt-83
6 B-Q3 is best. 6 7 8 9 10
.. . . P-QR3 P-QKt4 B-Kt2 Q-Q2?
BxP P-Q R3 B-Q3
0-0
An ugly and bad move. PxP, PxP; 11 B-K2 was playable, or also 11 B-Q3, whereupon in any event White would realize that his 6th move was weak . 10 • 1 1 B-Q3 •
.
Q-K2!
As long as the Black Queen re mained on Q square, the Pawn on Q4 clearly could not be taken. For eventually B-Kt5ch would win the Queen. But even now the Pawn is inviolate. 11 PxP, PxP; 1 2 KtxP, KtxKt; 13 QxKt, B-K3 ; 1 4 Q-Q1, ( 1 4 Q-Kt5, BxPch ! ) KtxP ! 11 • . . . 1 2 BxP 1 3 B-Q3 14 Q-K2
PxP
P-QKt4 R-Q1
Naturally the Queen must not remain on Q2. 14 1 5 0-0 •
•
•
•
B-Kt2 Kt-K4
White has wasted no less than three moves in the opening.
16 KtxKt 17 P-KB4
Bx Kt
KR-Q1 was better. If then 17 . . Q-B2; then 18 P-KB4, BxKt; 19 QR-Bl. 17 . . • . 1 8 P-K4
B-82
Entirely wrong. The rooks should be brought to bear upon the open lines. It is, however, quite doubt ful If equality could still be achieved. 18 1 9 P-K5 •
•
•
•
Thereupon follows. 19
20 K-R1 .
.
•
.
21 B-K4
QR-81
an elemental
storm
B-Kt3ch Kt-Kt5!
After 21 QxKt, RxB ; and Black wins easily. If 21 Kt-K4, would follow 21 . . . RxB ; 22 QxR, BxKt ; 23 QxB, Q-R5 ; 24 P-R3, Q-Kt 6 ; 25 PxKt, Q-R5 mate. 21 22 P-Kt3 •
•
•
•
Q-R5
If 22 P-R3, RxKt might follow. e.g. a) 23 QxKt, RxRPch ! ; 24 QxR, QxQch ; 25 PxQ, BxBch ; 26 K-R2, R-Q7ch ; 27 K-Kt3, R-Kt7ch ; and mate in two moves. b) 23 BxB, RxRPch; etc. c) 23 BxR, BxB ; 24 QxKt, ( 24 QxB, Q-Kt6 ! etc.) QxQ; 25 PxQ, R-Q6 ; followed by 26 . . . RxB for White must parry the threat 26 . . . RxRP mate. •several sources give the date as 1907, others as 1908. 23
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
24
Rubi nstein
Resigns
This is Rubinstein's "Im mortal
Game."
Game No. 7 Q U E EN'S PAWN
Lodz, 1907 Dus-Chot l m i rskl 1 2 3 4 5
Rotlewl
22
•
•
•
•
RxKt! l l
A wonderful combination ! 23 PxQ
Every other reply leads to speedy loss. a) 23 BxB, BxBch ; 24 QxB, QxP mate. b) 23 BxB, RxP ; 24 R-B3, (B-B3, KtxRP) RxR; 25 BxR, Kt-B7ch ; 26 K-Ktl, (26 K-Kt2, Q-R6ch; 25 K-Ktl, Kt-K5ch ; 28 K-R1, Kt-Kt6 mate.) Kt-K5ch ; 27 K-Bl, Kt-Q7ch ; 28 K-Kt2, KtxB ; 29 QxKt, R-Q7ch; etc. ( 29 KtxKt, Q-R5ch ; etc.) 23
R-Q7 ! I I
The enchanting beautiful point of the sacrifice of the Queen ! 24 QxR
Again there was no possibility of longer resistance. a) 24 QxKt, BxBch; 25 R-B3, RxR. b) 24 BxR, RxQ ; and the double threat of mate by RxP mate and BxB mate is decisive. c) 24 BxB, RxQ ; 25 B-Kt2, R R6! ! etc. 24 25 Q-Kt2 •
•
•
•
8x8ch R-R61!
Now mate follows in three moves at most. If 26 R-B3, (26 R-B2, BxR) BxR; 27 B-Q4, BxB ; and RxP mate.
P-Q4 Kt-K83 P-K3 8-Q3 8-K2
Rubinstein P-Q4 P-Q84 Kt.Q83 8-Kt5
Recognizing that the opening moves have not been well chosen. 3 P-B4 would have been stronger. If 5 P-B3 there might follow :5 . P-K4 ; 6 PxP, BxKt; 7 QxB, P·B5 ; 8 B-B2, Ktx:P ; 9 B-R4ch, K·K2 ! ; (Araiza vs. Dr. Alekhlne, Mexico City, 1932 ) . .
.
5 6 0-0 7 Q Kt-Q2 8 P-QKt3 •
•
•
•
P-K3 Kt-K83 Q-82
Since White has lost a tempo, we now have a normal Queen's gambit declined in which Black has the move. According to the principles of the orthodox defense 8 P-B4 was in order. 8 . . . . 9 KPxP 1 0 8-Kt2
PxP B-Q3
0-0-0
With colors reversed,-a well known position, which we shall en counter frequently in this volume. 11 P-84 12 R-81
P-KR4
Also after 12 P-B5, B-B5 ; 13 P·QR3, BxKt ; 14 KtxB, P-KKt4 ; Black's attack has more prospects than White's-which is just get ting started. 12 • 1 3 P-QR3 14 P-QKt4 •
•
•
K-Kt1 P-KKt4!
LODZ, 1907
White dare not play P-KR3 or KKt3, as these would simply fur nish additional targets for the hos tile attack. 14 15 Ktx8 16 Kt-K5 •
•
•
•
8xKt P-Kt5
26 35 36 37 38 39
8-Kt2 R-Kt4 R-Q4 P-84 P-Kt4
R-83 P-Kt4 R-84 R-KR4 R-R1
R ubi nstein
If 16 P-B5, 16 . . . B-B5 is de cisive. 16 • • • • 1 7 PxKt 18 PxP
KtxKt 8xKP
Naturally BxRPch would be a mistake. White has figured all this out to a nicety, - but the safety of his King costs a Pawn. 18 19 8x8 20 R-K1 2 1 Q-Kt3 •
•
•
•
Q-Q3 Qx8 Ktx P I Dus-Chotimi rskl
21 BxP is not playable because of Kt-K6 ! 21 22 B-81 23 R-85 24 P-Kt3 •
•
•
•
Q-Kt4 QR-81 P-R5
Apparently bold, but quite sound. B-Kt2 will protect everything. 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
. . . . R Px P Q-84 QxR Q-Q6ch Q-K5 RxQ
PxP Q-83 RxR Q-Q86 Q-82 QxQ
Having no prospects of winning by an attack, Black has forced the exchange of Queens. But the end ing is not easily won, for the Bishop is strong. 30 31 32 33 34
•
•
•
•
R-K4 RxP R-Kt8ch R-Kt7
R-Q81 R-86 RxP K-82 R-K86
If 34 . . . KtxP, 35 RxPch and the free Knight Pawn is very strong. Thanks to the strength of his Bish op, White would then have good prospects of maintaining equality.
40 P-857
This leads quickly and penitently to destruction. Correct was 40 BxKt, R-Ql ; 41 P-Kt5, PxB ; 42 K-B2, K-Kt3 ; 43 R-Ql, and White can obviously hold his own in the Rook ending. If Black plays 41 RxB, ( Instead of PxB) then would follow 42 RxR ! , PxR; 43 P-B5, K-Q3 ; 44 K-B2, K-K4 ; 45 P-Kt6, PxP ; 46 PxP, K-B 3 ; 47 K-K3, KxP ; 48 K Q4, K-B4 ; 49 KxP, K-B 5 ; 50 K-B5, K-K5 ; 51 KxP, K-Q5 ; 52 K-R6, K B5 ; 53 P-Kt5, K-Kt5 ; Drawn. 40 41 K-82 .
•
•
•
R-KKt1
Now BxKt is too late, for evi dently PxB would follow. If in stead 42 K-B2, K-Q3 ; 43 K-B3, K K4 ; 44 R-Ql, then R-QBl, and Black has a won game. Compare the ending arrived at in the previ ous note! 41 42 K-83 •
•
•
.
Kt-83
White cannot avoid the loss of a second Pawn : 42 PxP, KtxPch ; 43 K-B3, Kt-K5ch ; 44 K-K4, RxP ; etc.
26
RUBINSTEIN'S CHE S S MASTERPIECES 42
•
.
•
P-K4
.
With this move the game Is terminated. 43 R-Q2
RxP R-B5 PxR P-B6
44 R-B2ch
45 RxRch 46 B-B1 47 K-K3
If 47 B-Q3, P-K5ch! 47 . . . . 48 B-84
P-K5 K-Q3
The Bishop Pawn might be de fended by Kt-Kt5ch ; 49 K-K2, P B 3 ; (50 B-Q5, Kt-B7 ! ) , but this Is quite superfluous. 49 BxP 50 B-Kt3
K-K4
.
•
.
.
K-K2 K-Q1 K-B1 B-Q1 P-Kt5 Resigns
.
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Kt-Kt5ch KxP K-K4 K-Q5 Kt-B7 KtxB
Game No. 8 Q U E E N'S GA M BI T D E C LI N E D
P-Q4 P-QB4 Kt-Q B3 PxQP Kt-B3 B-Kt5
Sal we P-Q4 P�K3 P-QB4 K Px P Kt-Q B3
At a later period Rubinstein played P-KKt3 exclusively in this position. 6 • • • • 7 BxB 8 P-K3
King
BxKt
17 P-K Kt3
18 Bx B !
After 1 8 KtxB, KR-Ql, White will eventually have to play Kt-Q4 again to prevent the threatened advance of the Queen's Pawn. Rubinstein does not want to lose any time. •
•
•
•
KtxKt
Apparently securing an advan tage, for White also is now left with an isolated Queen's Pawn. Actually one of those positions has arisen, in which the Bishop l·a presently stronger than the K n i g ht.
Lodz, 1907 1 2 3 4 5 6
Q-R4 QxP B-B4 QR-Q1 Q-Kt3 B-K5 R-Q3 R-KKt3
The development of the Rook was indicated.
18
Rubi nste i n
PxP B-K2 0-0 R-B1 Kt-Q Kt5 Q-Q2 Q K t-Q4 R-B3
Here also KR-Q1 was more na tural.
Or 50 B-K6, Kt-Q4ch. 50 51 52 53 54 55
bad tourney of 1907 Rubinstein, playing Black against Marshall, moved 8 . . PxQP, and after 9 KtxP, 0-0 ; 10 B-K2, Q-Kt3 ; 11 Kt Kt3, ( better Q-Q2) P-Q5 ! ; 12 PxP, R-Q 1 ; etc. attained a good game.
B-K2 K KtxB
0-0 The whole game is well known from the match between Dr. Las ker and Marshall. In the Karls-
Such subtle, but surprising, rever sals frequently occur in Rubin stein's games, and indicate the great master. 1 9 PxKt
R-QB3
More natural was R-Ql. Q-Kt5 20 R-K1 20 . . . Q-Q1 is not satisfactory either. There might follow : 21 QR-K3, Kt-Kt3 ; ( R-QB2 ; 22 R-K5,) 22 B-Kt2 ! , (not 2 2 P-KR4 ? because of P-KB4 ! and P-B5 with a strong counter-attack), and Black has no good moves. Equally favorable for White are the continuations 20 . . . RxR; 21 PxR, or 20 . . . R-K3 ; 21 R-K5, etc.
27
LODZ, 1907 R-K3
21 R-K5
Black now loses a Pawn, but his game was already inferior. Ir 21 . . . R-Q1 ; 22 Q·K2 is very strong ; and after 21 . Q-Q3, a Pawn is lost thus : 22 R-K3, R QB2 ; 23 Q-K2, etc. 22 23 24 25
RxR KtxB QxP
BxP PxR QxKt R-87
•
•
•
P-QKt4
•
White has a clear win, with a Pawn plus and an overwhelming position. P-R3 P-Kt5 K-R1 Q-86
26 27 P-KR4 28 K-Kt2 29 R-Kt7 •
•
•
•
To prevent 30 Q-QB5. Q.K8
30 P-R5 31 R-K7
31 Q-B5 would have been weaker, for the Pawn at KR5 is unpro tected. 31 32 Q-83 •
.
•
Now an impressive finale ensues. QxRP P-Kt6
32 33 P-K6 •
•
•
RxQ would only postpone end.
•
Sal we
Rubi nstein
the
Q-K1
36 R-Kt7 37 Q-85 37 38 39 40 41 42
.
.
.
Q-R5 R-K1 K-R2 Q-83 RxR P-Kt7
•
Q-83 P-K7 Q-88 R-Kt8 QxR
A bold attempt to continue the fight. 43 QxP 44 Q-R3 45 Q-85 46 Q-K31 47 K-Kt2 48 Q-83 49 Q-QB6
Q-K7
•
Q-R1ch R-KKt1
34 Q x K B P 35 K-R2
Naturally 37 RxP would suffice.
Winning a Pawn. 25 26 RxR P
If 33 . . . P-B 3 ; the continuation might be : 34 Q-K4, P-Kt6 ; 35 Rr KB7, R-KKtl ; 36 P-K7, P-Kt7 ; 37 RxKtP ! and wins.
Q-K5 Q-K7 P-Kt3 QxRPch Q-Q4ch Q-Kt1 Resig n s
Game No. 9 K I NG'S GAM B I T D EC L I N E D
Lodz, 1907 Rubinstei n 1 2 3 4
P-K4 P-KB4 Kt-KB3 P-83
Sal we P-K4 8-84 P-Q3 Kt-QB3
Here 4 . . . P-KB4 has o ften been recommended and tried, but the analysis of this move has not yet been exhausted. In a match game - Stoltz-Spielmann, played late in 1932, - White after 4 . . . P-KB4, obtained the decisive ad vantage thu s : 5 BPxP, QPxP; 6 P-Q4, PxQP; 7 B-QB4, PxKP; 8 Kt-K5, Kt-KB3 ; 9 Kt-B7, Q-K2 ; 10 KtxR, P-Q 6 ; 11 B-KKt5, B-B7ch; 12 KxB, Q-B4ch ; 13 B-K3, QxB ; 14 B-K3 ; 15 Kt-Q2, Q-Q4 ; P-KR3,
28
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
16 P-KKt4 ! The onrushing Pawn threatens to free the imprisoned Knight, and Black has no means of thwarting this. Simple and good, however, is 4 . . . B-KKt5, for if 5 P-Q4, BxKt ; 6 PxB, Q·R5ch ; 7 K-K2, B-Kt3 ! ; 8 Kt-R3, P-KB4 ! ; 9 Kt-B4, BPxP; 10 BPxP(K5), QPxP; 11 KtxP, Kt QB3 ; 12 KtxKt, PxK t ; and Black's position is splendid (Dr. Lasker Janowsk.i Match 1910). After the last move White ob tains a favorable game in a simple manner. 5 6 7 8
8-Q Kt 5 ! P-Q4 P-Q5 8-Q3
8-Q2 8-Kt3 Kt-Kt1 PxP
He alms to gain K4 for his pieces, but in the ensuing play he has too little combinative scope to profit thereby. 9 10 11 12 13 14
8xP Q Kt-Q2 Kt-B4 Ktx8
0-0
P-QKt4
Kt-K83 8-Kt5 Q Kt-Q2 R Px Kt
0-0
In order to be able to play Q-B2 with no molestation by Kt-B4. 14 • 15 Q-82 •
•
•
Q-K2 BxKt
Here 15 . . . P-KR3, followed by Kt-K4 was to be considered. Not, however, Kt-K4 immediately be cause 16 KtxKt followed by B KKt5 would have been downright unpleasant. The importance of P QKt4 becomes apparent in this variation ; als o : The Black Queen cannot depart with check. Salwe, however, does not wish to sur render the opportunity of utilizing K4, and therefore gives up the second Bishop, The strengthening of the White center is frequently not of moment, as P·B4 and P-K5 are difficult to accomplish. 16 Px8 17 B-K2 18 B-Kt3
Kt-K4 Kt-Kt3 K R-K1
In this and the following moves Black lacks decision. It was ne cessary to forestall the hostile plan, and for this purpose P-R4 might have been tried. The advance of this Pawn to R5 could not have been prevented ( 19 P-R4?, Kt-Q2 etc.) and the threat Kt-B3-R4-B5 would have required the utmost care. In any event Black could not play Kt-R4 at a point where P-KB4 was possible in reply. But he could by P-QB3, even at the sac rifice of a Pawn, strive to open up the game,-which would be un favorable for White just at this moment because of his somewhat undeveloped King side. R-R6 QR-R1 Kt-R4?
19 Q R-K1
20 B-QB4
21 R-K2 22 P-84
After Black has four times passed up the opportunity of P-R4R5 etc., White advances against the ensuing weaknesses of the Black squares (K4, KB5) and soon attains the initiative. The ex change which follows is much more favorable for White than that on move 15. Ktx8 Kt-81 Q-83 R-K2
22 • • . • 23 PxKt 24 K R-K1 25 K-Kt2
Evidently the Black game be comes entirely hopeless if White proceeds with P-K5 without oppo sition. Inasmuch as this advance cannot be prevented directly, Black's sole and slim hope lies in bringing about complications by 25 . . . P-KKt4. After 26 P-K5, Q-KR3 ! ; 27 R·KR1, Q-Kt2 ; or 26 Q-Q2, Kt-Kt3 ! ; (27 PxP? Q-Kt2) the White King would have no reason to believe himself secure. Q R.K1
26 Q-Q2
Even now P-KKt4 was to be considered, though White could now force the exchange of Queens by 27 Q-Q4. For 27 Q-KR3? .
.
•
LODZ, 1907 falls because of 28 R-KR1, Q-Kt3 ? ; 2 9 P-KB5, followed by P-B6 win ning the Rook ; and 27 . . . Q-Kt3 ? is tactically circumvented by 28 P-B5, Q-R4 ; 29 R-KR1, Q-Kt5 ; 30 R-K3, with the threat of K-Ktl and B-K2. The ending arising after 27 . QxQ ; 28 PxQ, PxP; 29 PxP, R-R5 ; 30 R-QKtl, P-B3 ; would have been incomparably more favorable for Black than that which eventually arises in the actual game. Black, in the former case, would have obtained excellent mobility for his pieces, and thereby d r a w i n g chance s ; whereas in the variation chosen, he is entirely hemmed in. It is also to be noted that the acceptance of the Pawn sacrifice by 27 PxP would have been poor business, for thereby K5, the key square of the position would have passed Into the control of Black. ( 27 . . . Q-Kt2 threatening R-K4 etc. ) . .
27 Q-Q4 !
.
K-R1
The ending ansmg after 27 . QxQ differs markedly from that mentioned in the previous note (P-KKt4) ; by reason of the liquid ation through PxP and the dis placement of the Rook at R5. Nor does 27 . . . Q-KR3 relieve the situation, for P-KKt4 is no longer playable. 28 P-K5
The Rubicon is crossed. Natu rally 28 QxQ would be against the logic of the position, and would surrender the laboriously won con trol of the point K5. 28 • . . . 29 R-K R 1 30 PxP 31 Q-KB4?
Q-KR3 Px P Q-Kt4
A thoughtless move, by which White suddenly falls into danger of loss. The proper line was 31 R-K1 to be followed by Q-KB4. Should Black play 31 . . . Kt-Kt3 in order to prevent 32 Q-B4, there would follow 32 P-Q6, PxP ; (32
29
RxP ? 33 RxRch and 34 P-Q7, winning ) , 33 PxP, RxRch; 35 BxR, and White has a winning position. 31
•
.
•
•
QxQ !
Obviously not RxP ? ? 3 2 QxQ and wins. 32 PxQ
P-Kt3?
It is amazing that a keen tac tician like Salwe should overlook the favorable opportunity of 32 . . . P-Kt4 ! White would have been in a most difficult situation in any event, e.g. I 33 PxP? RxP; 34 RxR, RxR; and gains the Pawn at Kt5 (35 R-R5 ? P-B3) . I I 3 3 KR-K1, Kt-Kt3 ; 3 4 P-Q6, PxP ; 35 PxP, KtxPc h ; 36 K-B2, RxRch ; 37 BxR, K-Kt2, and Black threatens the double exchange of Rooks, to be followed by K-B3, the march of the King to Q2, and then the decisive advance of the 3 united Pawns. III 33 B-Q3, PxP ; 34 KR-Kl, Kt Q2 ; 35 P-K6, PxP ; 36 PxP, Kt-B l ; and releases the Pawn majority, since White must take time to pro tect the Pawn at K6. IV 33 B-Kt5, R-Q1 ; and wins a Pawn. From these examples, it is evi dent that after 33 . . . P-Kt4 White would have had a hard battle, a draw, at best. 33 K-83
Now all is well once more. If 33 . . . P-Kt4, clearly 34 P-Q6 follows, as the Rook at K2 is adequately defended. 33
•
•
.
34 P-QR4 •
K-Kt2 P-KB3
S alwe hopes to attain a favor able control of the Black squares. This dream is shattered by Rubin stein in masterly manner. 35 P-K6 36 R-Q 1 !
R-Q1
Important, as P-QB3 could be answered by P-Q4. The Pawn at K6 cannot be captured by the Knight because of 37 R-K1, not by
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
30
the Rook on account of 37 PxP, RxR ; 38 P-K7 ! 36 . D �K� 38 P-BS ! •
•
•
P-KR4 �KK�
Without the help of the pieces, Black's united passed Pawns are not to be feared. 38 39 P-B4 40 P- RS ! •
•
•
•
R-Q3 P-B4
An instructive example of the weakness of the doubled Pawns. W hite threatens by PxP etc., to drive the hostile Rook from the blockading square, Q3, after which P-Q6 would win forthwith ! If Black did not have the doubled Pawns,-if these stood at QR2 and QKt3 - this method of winning would not be possible. 40 41 K-B4 42 R-K3 •
•
•
•
P-KtSch Kt-Q2 BPxP
A sacrifice dictated by despair. If 42 . . . Kt-K4, there would fol· low, 43 RxKt, PxRch ; 44 KxP, and Black now loses one of his Rooks. However, if Black plays 42 . . . Kt-Ktl, in order to answer 43 PxP with Kt-R3, the decisive thrust occurs on the King's wing. 43 R KRI, K-R3 (44 RxP, followed by R-Kt3 with a m ating attack was threatened. ) , 44 B-Ql ! ! , and against the threat 45 RxPch (KxR, 46 R R3 mate) , there Is no defense. 43 PxKt
44 KxR
RxR Px P
O therwise 45 PxP and P-B5. 4S B-R4
45 P-B5, followed by P-B6 etc. was at least equally good. 4S 46 47 48 49 50 51
•
•
•
•
K-Q4 P-BS KxP BxR P-Q6 B-B6
Game No. 1 0 Q U E E N ' S GAM B I T ACC E P T E D
P-Kt3 K-R3 PxPch RxP P-K R 5 P-K Kt6 Resi g ns
Lodz, 1907 Rubi nstein
Sal we 1 P-Q4 2 P-Q B4 3 Kt-QB3
P-Q4 P-K3 Px P
Rubinstein is an outstanding ex pert at this method of play, which was also greatly favored by Steln itz. 4 5 6 7 8
Kt-KB3 P-K3 BxP
0-0
Kt-KB3 P-QB4 Kt-B3 PxP
PxP
Playing White, Rubinstein In such positions usually captured with the Knight. If Black there upon captures the Knight, he gives up one of the pieces needed to block the White center Pawn. White will thereupon soon be able to play P-Q5, and attain good play for his pieces. ( Compare the game Rubinstein vs. Dr. Tartakower, Marlenbad, 1925 ! ) 8 . . . . 9 B-B4
B-K2
The Bishop is better placed at K3 or Kt5. Nothing can now be accomplished by the break-through 9 P-Q5, for the presence of the Knights at KB3 and QB3 creates an unfavorable situation for Black : after 9 . . . PxP ; 10 KtxP, KtxKt ; 11 BxKt, the threat of BxQKtP is lacking, so that Black can continue his development undisturbed. 9 . . . . 1 0 Q-Q2 1 1 K R-Q1
�0
P-QKt3
With 1 1 P·Q5 White can attain complete equality. 11
•
•
•
•
Kt-Q Kt5
Now P-Q5 is unfavorable as Black would secure the two Bish ops.
LODZ, 1907 12 Q-K2 1 3 Kt-K5
8-Kt2 Kt( Kt5)-Q4
See the note to 9 B-B4. 14 8-KKt3
B-KKt5 or B-K3 would be some what better. 14 . . . 1 5 Q R-81
R-81 KtxKt
Now begins a splendid counter play, based on the unfavorable post if White's Queen Bishop. 16 PxKt
White does not grasp his op ponent's plan, else he would have played 16 RxKt. It is true that Black could then have secured the two Bishops by 16 . . . Kt-K5 and 17 . . . KtxB. But relatively, White could have suffered the loss of the wayward son at Kt3 with few qualms. 16 - • . • 1 7 P-K847
Kt-Q4 !
White was in difficulties. On the one hand, . . . P-B4-B5 was threat ened, on the other . . . P-QKt4 etc. If he play 17 P-B3, after . . . B-Kt4 or . . . P-QKt4, he is committed to the exchange on Q5, although under somewhat more favorable circumstances, as the Bishop at Kt3 is not obstructed, and the Pawn at B3 is more effective and safer. Relatively best was how ever: 17 Q-Q3 ; if then 17 . . . P B4, then 18 P-B3 ( B-Kt4, 19 R-B2 ! ) and if 17 . . . B-Kt4 then 18 R-B2, Kt-B5 ; 19 BxKt, BxB ; 20 R-K1, and the hanging Pawns at B3 and Q4, as well as the two Bishops, justify Black in a favorable ap praisal of his position. Yet White would have had prospects of over coming all dangers. After 20 . . . Q-Kt4 ; 2 1 Q-KR3 might follow, and after 20 . . . Q-R5 ; 21 P-KR3, Q Kt4 ; 22 Q-KB1 would suffice. 17 • • • 1 8 8xKt •
P..QKt4! Qx8
31
Now Black has an overwhelming position : in addition to the Bish ops, and the attack upon the weak and blockaded Pawns, there is also the control of the White squares. Such advantages must be sufficient to win in the hands of a master. 19 8-K1
If only P-QB4 was possible ! But this unfortunately is refuted by . . . PxP and . . . B-R3. 19 • . • . 20 P-QR4
R-82
Not wishing to be throttled slowly, with one forceful stroke, he seeks to be rid of the pitiful con figuration of the blockaded, hang ing Pawns. 20
•
•
.
.
21 Kt-83 22 P-84 23 QxQ
P-8 3 ! PxP Q-K5
There was no chance of avoid ing the exchange of Queens, be cause after 23 Q-Q2 (KB4 must be protected) 23 . . . B-R3 would be decisive, since 24 P-B5 is refuted by B-K7. 23 24 25 26
. . . . P-Q 85 Kt-Q2 Kt-84
8xQ R-Kt2 8.Q4 P-Kt3 !
27 P-B5 was threatened, after which White would gain two united passed Pawns. 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
R-83 K R-Q81 K-82 P-Kt3 R-K3 RxR Kt-Kt2 34 R-Q R 1 35 K-K3
K R-QKt1 8-Q1 B-82 R-Kt6 K-82 PxR P-Q R4 K-K2
O bviously not 3 5 BxP, because of . . . R-R1 etc. 35
•
•
.
.
K-Q2
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIE CES
32
K-83 K-Kt4 P-Kt4
36 8-83 37 K-Q3 38 Kt-R4
The ending has indeed been won for Black for a long time. How ever, Rubinstein's well considered winning procedure is instructive. Precisely at the moment when the White Rook is taken up with the protection of the Knight, Black opens the file on the King's wing, and penetrates with his own Rook. 39 40 41 42 43
44
45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
PxP R-K 8 1 K-83 R-86ch R-88 KxKt R-KRB RxPch P-KR4 P-Kt5ch R-KKt7 8xP 8-87ch 8xP
PxP 8-Kt2 Kt-83ch R-K1 R-K3 Ktx8 K-K2 R x Kt P K-83 8-83 K-K3 8-K1 8xP K-84
Worthy of note : the hanging Pawns, notoriously weak, fall at last. We are reminded of the prophecy, "The last shall be first." �K� P-K4 KxP Px8 K-Q4 K-K5 R-K87 R-82
� �K� 54 8-Kt6 55 P-86 56 B x 8 57 KxP 58 K-Kt4 59 R-Kt8 60 KxP Resigns
G I U OC O PIANO
Lodz, 1907 1 P-K4 2 Kt-K83
8-84 Kt-83 P-Q3 8-K3 0-0
Rubi nstei n P-K4 Kt-Q83
8-84 Kt-83 P-Q3 8-Kt3
After this move Black obtains the freer game by the pin which follows. Castling was premature. Better was 7 Q-Q2 or even 7 p. KR3. 7 • • • • 8 Kt-Q5
8-KKt5 KtxKt
To prevent 9 BxB and 10 Kt-K3. 9 8xKt 1 0 P-KR3 11 P-K Kt4
0-0 8-KR4
11 Q·KZ was the proper line, in order to continue, 12 P-B3, and if necessary BxB and Q-K3. 11 • • • • 1 2 K-Kt2
8-Kt3
More exact was K-Rl. 12 . • • • 13 Q-K2
Q-K2
Neglecting the opportunity of initiating an advance on the King's wing by 13 B-Kt5, Q-Q 2 ; 14 Kt-R4 etc. 13 • • • • 1 4 P-QR4
K-R1
White has a difficult game. The position demands P-KB4, and the posting of a Knight on B5. But none of these objects is to be at tained without greater disadvan tages. Hence the nervous advance on the Queen's side. Preferable was however 14 P-B3. 14 • • • • 1 5 P-R5
Game No. 1 1
Salwe
3 4 5 6 7
Kt-Q1 8x8
If White believed that it was favorable for him to force this exchange, he was grievously mis· taken. There are indeed many cases in which the capture of the Bishop on K3 (or K6 ) is disad· vantageous (to the player making
LODZ, 19(}7 the capture ) , because the open Bishop file proves useful to his opponent. In the game before us the situation is quite different. Clearly White can put the open file to no practical use. Above all he is confined to defense measures, and because of the restricted po sition of his King, he can hope for no advantage from the opening of the game in the center.
16 Px8 17 B-Kt3
P-QB3
33
25 P-84 26 PxQ P
26 PxBP? fails because of . P-K6, etc.
26 27 28 29 30 31 32
•
•
•
•
•
•
P-86ch Q-R5 QxRP Px8 8-K5 R-83
•
K-R1 8-84 8xKt R-82 R-Q 8 1 Q-Kt4
17 B-R2, Kt-K3 ; 18 P-Kt4, QR Q1 ; 19 P-B4 would have served only for the moment, but on the contrary would have availed little against the permanent weakness. 17
P-85
R u b i nstein
Kt-K3
•
1 8 P-QB3? 18 BxKt would better resistance.
18 1 9 B-82 •
.
.
•
have
afforded
Kt-84 P-Q4
Forcing the exchange which fol lows, as 20 . . . PxP as well as 20 . . KtxQP etc. is threatened. •
20 PxP 21 Kt-R2?
PxP
•
•
•
•
P-K5
22 PxP would not have materi ally altered the situation.
22 . . . . 23 8-Kt3
Kt-Q6
Still worse would be 23 BxKt? PxB ; 24 Q-Q2, QR-K1 ; 25 QR-Kl , B-K5ch ; 26 Kt-B3, P-KB4 and resignation is in order.
23 . . . . 24 Q-Q2
Among other things 32 . . . R KR3 and . . • QxKtch, and . P-B7 mate was threatened. White prevents this by the counter-threat 33 Q-K7. .
Neither 21 P-K4 nor 21 P-Q4 was a satisfactory continuation, but either was far better than the text-move. Now the White King is con fronted by several mating attacks.
21 22 P-Q4
Sal we
Q R-Q1 P-K84
32 . . . .
•
P-Q7 !
Gaining a move ! If now 33 QxQP, R-KR3 ; 34 K-Ktl, Q-Kt6c h ; 35 K B1, QxP (35 Q-Kt4 ? B-Q6ch) etc.
33 R-Q1 Not wishing to abandon the threat of Q-K7. But the Queen is needed for the defense, and ln its absence an even more br1lllant finale takes place.
33
34 Q-K7 •
•
•
•
35 K RxQP
Q-Kt6 R-Q 81
Now the Pawn ha d to be cap. tured, because after 35 QR-KB1
34
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
clearly QxR or . . . Q-Kt7ch would follow. And if 35 QRxP, R-B8ch ; leads to a speedy mate ; e. g. 36 R-Bl, P-B7ch ; 37 QxB, Q Kt8ch ; 38 RxQ, RxR mate. 35
•
•
•
•
Very pretty. 36 RxQ
Q.KSch
Or 36 Kt-Bl, R-R3ch ; 37 R-R2, Q-B7 ! ! or 37 K-Ktl, P-B7ch ; 38 RxP, R-RS mate. It is remarkable how it all clicks. 36 37 Qx B 38 K-Kt2 •
•
•
•
Resigns
P-B7ch PxR ( Q ) c h QxRch
Chapter m International Tournaments at Vienna, Prague and Lodz, 1 908. Match at Vienna. 1908. Game No. 1 2
12 KtxKt !
Q U E EN'S PAW N Vienna, 1908 Duraa
R ubinstein 1 2 3 4
P-Q4 P-Q84 Kt-K83 Q-R4c h ?
P-Q4 Kt-K83 P-K3 PxP
4 . . . P-K3 was i n order ( 5 P QKt4 ? P-QR4 ; 6 P-B3, PxP ; 7 PxP, P-QKt3 etc.). 5 Q Kt-Q2 6 P-Q R3 7 P-84 7
.
•
.
Qx 8 P Q-82 PxP
P-K3 was to be preferred.
8 KtxP 9 P-Kt4 10 8-Kt2
8-Kt5 Kt-83 P-Q Kt4 ? ?
It was high time t o develop the King's wing by 10 . . . P-K3 ; or • . . R-Q1 followed by . . . P-K3. Possibly the game might still have been saved. With the text-move Black commits harakiri. Duraa
Very pretty, even though quite obvious. It is surprising that the genial Duras failed to perceive this combination in time. By the sac rifice of the Queen White captures a Pawn, and, in fact, quite prop erly the unfortunate Pawn at QKt4. 12 . .
.
8xQ
•
To decline be worse.
the
sacrifice
13 8xPch
Kt-Q2
Or 13 . . . K-Q 1 ? 14 RxBch and White wins in a walk, most ele gantly as follows : 14 . . . K-B1 ; 15 B-R6ch, K-Ktl ; 16 Kt-B6ch, QxKt ; 17 B-K5ch, Q-Q3 ; 18 R QB1 ! ! and R-B8 mate. 14 8xKtch 14 RxB would have had the same result. After 14 . . . R-Q1 ; 15 KtxKt, RxKt (P-K3 ? 16 Kt-K5 dis. ch., Kt-B6ch etc.) ; 16 BxRch, Black must not play K-Q1 ?, because of 17 B-Kt5ch and B-R6ch, followed by QR-B1, but instead 16 . . . QxB, though this too gives White a Pawn. 14
•
•
•
•
Not K-Q1 ; 15 RxB wins immediately. 15 16 17 18
KtxQ Kt-K5 P-Kt4 Ktx8
Qx8 and
White
B-R4 R-Q 8 1 8-Kt3 R PxKt
The slight weakening of the White King's side is of little mo ment. The superiority on the Queen's wing decides the issue.
R u b i nstein 1 1 K t ( 84)-K5
would
KtxKt
19 B-Q4 2 0 K-Q2
P-QR 3 P-83 35
36
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES RxR P-K4
21 Q R-QB1 !
22 RxR
Or 22 . . . RxP ; 23 R-B8ch, K-B 2 ; 2 4 K-K2 etc. 23 24 25 26
RxRP KxB P-K5
B-85 BxB K-K2 R-86
White now obtains united passed Pawns and wins easily. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
•
•
•
•
RxRP R-R7 P-Kt5 P-R4 R-QKt7 P-Kt6! R-R7 P-Kt7 R-R8ch P-Kt8 (Q) RxR R-K8ch K-81
R-Kt7 RxKtP R-Kt8 R-Kt8 P-Kt4 R-Q R8 RxP R-Kt5 P-Kt5 K-82 RxQ K-K3 K-84 Resigns
9 B-Q3 10 0-0-0 Also played Karsbad (1907) opponent.
B-Kt2 successfully at against the same P-84 P-85
10 1 1 P-KR4 •
•
•
•
11 . . . PxP, followed by . . . R-BI, . . . P-QR3 and . . . P-QKt4 appears to hold out better prospects. R-K1
12 B-85
Here also . . . P-QR3 and . P-QKt4 was better. 13 14 15 16
White's ible. 16
KtxB B-Q3 Kt-K5
Bx K Kt P-K Kt4 P-Kt5 P-R5
•
•
attack
•
is
now
•
irresist Q-K2
Or 16 . . . KtxKtP; 17 KtxKt, QxKt; 18 BxPch, K·Bl ; 19 P-R6, PxP; 20 QR-Ktl etc. 1 7 Q R-Kt1
P-Q R3
Much too late !
G a m e No. 1 3 Q U E E N 'S GAM B I T DEC L I N E D
Teichma n n
Match at Vienna, 1908 Rubin·stein 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P-Q4 P-QB4 Kt-Q B3 B-Kt5 P-K3 Kt-83 Q-82
Teichmann P-Q4 P-K3 Kt-KB3 Q Kt-Q2 B-K2
0-0
P-QKt3
As is well known P-QB4 ! is here correct. After the text-move, which, among other things, blocks the path of the Queen to R4, White can castle on the Queen's side with impunity and initiate a strong attack. 8 PxP
PxP
R u b i n stein 1 8 BxPc h ! ! Now the Black position is ripped open with a Morphy-like assault.
VIENNA, 1908 18 1 9 P-Kt6ch •
•
•
•
KxB K-Kt1
After 19 . . . PxP; 20 KtxKt, PxKt ; 21 Kt-Kt5ch, K-R3 ( K-Ktl ; 22 QxPch) ; 22 PxPch, KxP; 23 KtxP dis. ch. K-B2 ; 24 QxPch, and wins.
20 KtxKt
PxKt
37
26 RxQ If now 26 . . . BxR; 27 Q-K6ch, etc. Or if 26 . . . RxR; 27 QxP ( B 6 ) , R- Q 1 ( o r . . . B-Kt5) 28 R-R1 and mates in a few moves. Resigns A dashing victory in the grand manner.
. . . QxKt i s refuted by 21 PxP ch, KxP ; 22 Kt-Kt5ch. 21 P-R 6 ! !
P-837
The Knight could not be cap ture d : 21 . . . PxKt; 22 PxPch, QxP; 23 PxP with the double threat of mate on R7 and R8, which is decisive. Much weaker was 23 RxPch. But Black has in deed a better defense, to wit, 21 . . . BPxP. Then 22 RxP was not sufficient on account of 22 . . . PxKt ! ; 23 RxPch, QxR; 24 PxQ, B-K5 ! ; 25 QxPch, KxP; 26 R Ktlch, K-B3 ; etc. Nor was 23 QxP ch (instead of RxPch), K-R2 ! ; 24 RxPch, K-Rl ! ; 25 RxQ, RxR ! any better. Black in this variation, with Rook and two Bishops against the Queen, has in fact winning prospects, as the co-operation of the two White pieces has been dis turbed. Hence White would have had to play 22 Kt-R4. After 22 . . . PxP, Black's game collapses because of 23 KtxP or RxPch. Or if 22 . . . P-KKt4, there follows 23 Kt-Kt6, Q-B3 ; 24 P-R7ch, K-B2 ; 25 P-R8 ( Q ) , RxQ ; 26 KtxRch, and White wins, but by no means as easily as in the actual game.
22 PxP I
PxKt
All moves lead to the same con clusion. 23 R-R8ch 24 R-R7ch 25 Q-85 1
KxP K-Kt1
Threatening P-Kt7 as well as Q
R5, to say nothing of RxQ. 25
•
•
•
•
P-86
Game No. 14 K I N G'S G A M B I T DECLI N E D Prague, 1908 Rubinstein
Alapin 1 2 3 4 5
P-K4 P-KB4 Kt.. K B3 Kt-83 B-Kt5
P-K4 B-84 P-Q3 Kt..Q B3 B-KKt5
In conjunction with the next move, a noteworthy setup, distinct ly superior to Kt-B3 etc. 6 P-Q3 7 P-KR3 8 QxB
Kt-K2 1 BxKt 0-0
Black now has a favorable posi tion because of his control of Q6. Perhaps White should have played 5 BxKtch. But one does not readily decide on such moves. 9 P-85 Inferior. But 9 B-K3 quite satisfactory either. 9 1 0 Q-Kt3 1 1 KtxKt •
•
•
•
was not Kt-Q5 KtxB
Or 1 1 P-B6, Kt-Kt3 ; 1 2 PxP, KxP ; 13 KtxKt, P-QB3 ; 14 Kt-B3, P-B4 with the better development for Black, and in fact an incipient attack. 11 1 2 B-K3 13 QxB •
•
•
•
P-K B3 BxB P-Q4!
38
RUBINSTEIN'S CHl!IBS MASTERPIECES
Tbls Important move could not
be prevented. 14 0-0 1 5 Kt-R3
P-Q B3 Q-Kt3 !
Simple and yet powerful ! The two fold threat (KG and Kt7) forces the exchange. Black ob tains thereby a superior ending. 16 QxQ 17 P-83
PxQ
Weakens Q3, so that Black gradually secures a decisive ad vantage upon the Queen's file. The attempt to develop by 17 Kt-Ktl and 18 Kt-B3 or Kt-QZ w ould be met by 17 . . . P-Q5, preparing for . . . P-B4 and the break-through by P-B5. 17 1 8 R-82 19 Kt-82 20 QR-K1 •
•
•
•
K R-Q1 R-Q2 QR-Q1 PxP
Counter-play by P-Q4 was threat ened. 21 PxP
22 R ( B2)-K2
23 Kt-R1 24 Kt-Kt3 25 K-82 26 R-82 27 PxP 28 Kt-81
Kt-81 1 P-QKt4 Kt-Kt3 Kt- R 5 ! P-84 P-KKt3 PxP P-85
While Black strengthens his po. sltlon at every step, White Is con demned to Inactivity. Tbe con trol of the Queen's file Is decisive ; its effects are noticeable over the entire board. 29 K-K3 30 R-81
RxR K-K2 K-K3 P-QKt3
35 Px P 36 R-Kt2 37 R-Kt6ch
PxP R-Q8
37 R-QBZ, R-K8ch ; 38 Kt-K2, Kt· QG followed by P-B4 etc. was hope less also. K.Q2! K-821
37 38 Kt-K2 •
•
•
•
For 39 RxBP Is refuted by 39 . R-Q6ch; 40 K-B2, KtxPch. 39 40 41 42
R-Kt4 K-82 K-K1 R-R4 43 R-RS 44 P-K R4 45 R-KBS
R-Q6ch KtxPch Kt.Q3 K-83 K-Q4 Kt-84 Kt.K6 1
I t 4 6 RxP??, R·Q8ch; Kt-Kt5ch etc.
4 7 K-BZ,
46 R-KKt87 In any event the game was lost.
46
•
•
•
KtxPch KtxP K-K5 K-85 K-Kt5 R-B6ch
•
47 K-82 48 R-Q8ch 49 Kt-Kt3ch 50 Kt-K2ch 51 R-QB8 Resigns
K-82 R-Q8
By the exchange of a pair of Rooks, the superiority of the Black position Is increased, inasmuch as White now haa to guard three critical points-Q3, Q2 and Ql. 31 32 33 34
Now the Black King enters mightily into the tray. Would 1t have been better to permit 27 P:xP supporting the Pawn at B5 by P KKt4 ? No: In such event there was great danger that Black would open a file on the King's wing, and there gain decisive entrance into the position.
RxR R-Q2 Kt-84 K-K3
Game No. 15 Q U E E N'S GA M B I T D EC L I N E D Prague, 1908 Dr. Vidmar 1 P-Q4
Rubinstein P.Q4
PRAGUE, 1908 2 P-K3
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Kt-K83 P-QB4 Kt-83 Px8P P-Q R3 QxQch 8xP 8-K2 P-QKt4 0-0
Kt-K83 P-QB4 P-K3 P-Q R3 8xP PxP KxQ P-QKt4 8-Kt2 8.Q3 Q Kt-Q2
The game appears very drawish, but contains certain fine points. Carefully considered, It becomes apparent that Black's minor pieces are better posted, for the Queen's Knight does not obstruct the ftan· chettoed Bishop, and the King's Bishop is more effectively placed than his White colleague. The King In the middle of the board is advantageously mobilized, pro tecting the Bishop, while the White King must be brought to the scene of action at the expense of several Nevertheless the game tempi. should have ended In a draw, but Vidmar does not seem to have had the remotest idea of the dan· ger lurking, and plays too care lessly. 13 B-Kt2 14 K R-Q1 15 R-Q2
K-K2 K R-Q1
•
•
•
•
Kt-Kt3 R-Q2
Kt-B5 would be premature. 1 7 K-81 1 8 P-KR3
19 R-Q4 ?
19 Kt-Q4 should be played. With the text move White has an in ferior game. 19
•
Q R.Q1 P-KR3
.
•
•
R-Q 8 1 l
Threatening to attack on the llishop file, e.g. . . . BxKt, followed by . . . B-K4. Hence White takes back his last move. 20 R ( Q4)-Q2 20 Kt-Q2, though a daring move, afforded better chances. After the text-move White gets into per manent difficulties. 20
•
•
.
.
21 Px8
8xKt
Forced. After 21 BxB, Kt·B5 ! winning the exchange. 21
•
.
•
•
22 Kt-R4?
8-K41
Preferable was 22 RxRch, Kt (B3)xR; 23 R-BI, Kt-B5 ; 24 BxKt, RxB ; 25 Kt-Ql etc. 22 . .
.
23 R x R
.
RxR
If 23 KtxKt, there would follow: RxRch; 24 BxR, BxB ; 25 KtxRch, K-Q2 and Black wins. 23 24 KtxB 25 R-Q1 •
Had Black's manoeuvre Kt-Kt3B5, occurred to Vidmar, he would no d oubt have played 15 QR-Bl, with safety. W,i th this move he would not only have obviated the posting of the hostile Knight at B5 with the threat of his Rook, but,-what is of greater Impor tance, he would have reserved to himself the opportunity of counter play by Kt·Q2, Kt-Kt3 and Kt-B5 or R5. 15 1 6 QR-Q1
39
•
•
.
8x8 R-88ch
Or 25 K-Kt2, R-QRS ; 26 R-Q3, R-R7 ; 27 R-Kt3, Kt-R6 ! and wins. White is lost. 25 26 Kt.Q3 27 Kt-K5 •
•
.
.
R-87 R-R7 Kt( 83).Q4!
In order not to have to retreat to KBl, after Kt-B6ch. White can only protect the Pawn at QR3 for a single move. 28 R-Q3 29 K-Kt2
R-R8ch Kt-85!
A little combination : if 30 KtxKt, PxKt ; 31 R-Ql, Black should not play 31 . . . RxP; 32 BxP, KtxP;
40
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
nor even 31 . . . RxR ; 32 BxR, Kt-B 6 ; 33 B-B2, Kt-Kt4 ; 34 K-B1, Ktx P ; 35 B-K4, inasmuch as in either case White could offer further resistance. But with 31 . . . R-R7 ! ! Black wins quickly as 32 BxP is refuted by KtxPch. Hence White must protect the Bishop, whereupon 32 . . . P-B6 wins quickly. 30 Kt-86ch 31 Kt-Kt8 32 KtxP Threatening not but Kt-K8ch also. 33 34 35 36
R-Q2 K-81 8-Q1 R-Q3
K-83 Ktx R P Kt-87 only
KtxKtP,
Kt-K8ch Kt-86 1 KtxP Ktx8
After 37 K-K2, Kt-Kt8c h ; 38 K Q2 (on any other move 39 . . . Kt-Kt7ch) , KtxBP; 39 R-Q6, Kt K5ch.
Now P-Q5 is threatened, shatter ing the Black formation in the center. 13
.
.
•
R-82
.
The only resistance. Now if 14 P-Q5, P-K4 ! ; and if 15 QxP, KtxP; and the Queen can no longer check. 13 . . . K-R1, with the same idea was not feasible be cause of 14 Kt-B4. 14 P-84! Again P-Q5 is threatened; now there is no reply. 14 15 P-Q5 16 PxP .
•
White sition.
•
and
Q-Kt2 PxP
.
now
has
a
winning
po-
P-Kt3 PxP KtxP
16 . • . . 17 P-K4! 1 8 KtxP Spielmann
Resigns
Game No. 1 6 DUTCH D E F E N S E Prague, 1908 R u b i nstein 1 2 3 4 5 6
P-Q4 Kt- K 83 P-Q 84 Kt-83 P-K Kta 8-Kt2
Spielmann P-K3 P-K84 Kt-K83 P-QKt3 8-Kt2 8-K27
In this variation this is weak, the Bishop merely hampering Black's game. Correct was B-Kt5 ! 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
0-0
8-84 Q-82 Q R-Q1 Kt- K 1 Ktx8 8-81 !
0-0
P-K R3 P�3 Q Kt-Q2 8x8 Q-81
R u b i nstein 1 9 Kt-83 ! This is sacrifice. 19 20 21 22 23 24
.
•
the
.
.
Q x Pc h Q-K6ch PxKt Q-85ch Q-R5
po i nt of the Pawn KtxKt R-Kt2 K-R2 Kt-84 K-Kt1
The principal threat is now 25 P-B5 ! Hence the reply.
PRAGUE, 1908 24 25 26 27 28
29
30 31 32 33
34
35
•
•
•
Kt-K5 Kt-83 R-R2 P-Q4 K-R1 R-K81 8-84ch K R-82 K-Kt2 RxKt P-83
•
P-85 QxP Q-K3 Q-K6ch 8-Kt5 Kt-R4 R-Q41 Kt-Kt6ch KtxR R-841 8xKtch
In order to follow 35 . . . RxB w.lth 36 R-Kt4ch. Resigns The above game should be com pared with Rubinstein vs. Samisch, M arienbad, 1926!
PAW N
GAM E
Lodz, 1908 Marshall 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P..Q4 8-84 Kt- K 83 P-K3 P-83 8-Q3 Q-81
Rubi nstei n P-Q4 Kt-K83 P-K3 P-QB4 Kt-83 Q-Kt3
Forced, for 7 Q-K2 as well as 7 Q-Kt3 would be disadvantageous. 7 - • • • 8 0-0 9 QKt-Q2 10 R-Kt1
B-Q2 R-81 B-K2
10 P-KR3, to be followed by Q Ktl, aiming at PxP, and P-K4, seems to be better. 10 • • • • 1 1 Q-Q1
11 • • • • 12 Kt-K5 13 PxKt 1 4 Q-R5
0-0
Stopping 11 KKt-R4 ; because thereafter 12 Kt-K5 would be very strong, e. g. 12 . . . KtxB ? 13 KtxB, Q-B2; 14 KtxP, BxKt;
K R-Q1 KtxKt Kt-K1 P-K84
Not 14 . . . P-Kt3 because of 16 Q-R6, B-Kt4 ; 16 BxB, QxB ; 17 Kt B3, and White has a strong attack. 1 5 R-K 1 7 This method of avoiding the threatened exchange of Bishops (by B-QKt4) is entirely erroneous. The correct procedure was : 16 PxP, e.p. KtxP ; 16 Q-K2, followed by P-K4, with about an even game. 15 16 17 18
Game No. 17 Q U E E N 'S
15 KPxB, with advantage : or 1Z . . . KtxKt?, BxPch; etc. Hence Black would have to play 1Z . Kt-KB3, losing two tempi
. . . . 8-82 R-R1 8-Q1 7
8-QKt4 Q-R3 ! 8-Q6
By the effort to retain his King's Bishop, White falls into a woeful position. 18 BxB, QxB; 19 Kt-B3 was essential, with only the slight est positional inferiority. 18 • • • • 19 Kt-Kt3
Q-Kt31
If 19 P-QKt3, Q-R4 ! follows. 19
•
•
.
•
P..QR41
Stronger than 19 . . . P-B5 ; 20 Kt-Q4, QxKtP; 21 B-B3 and White has some play for the Pawn. 20 8-83 In order to answer 20 . . . P-R6, with 21 Kt-Bl.
20 .
•
•
•
21 R-K2
8-K5
All his elforts to avoid the ex change were fruitless,-the Bishop cannot escape its fate. But Rubin stein waits for the right moment. 21 • • • • 22 R-Q2 23 Kt-81 24 Q-R3
Kt-82 P-R 5 P-Kt3 K-R 1 1
42
RUBINSTEIN'S CHD38 MASTERPIECES
Threatening destruction by 25 . . . P-Kt4 ! ( 26 BxB, QPxB ; 27 RxRch, RxR ; 28 B·Kt3, QxKtP ; ) . White is now gravely beset in the center as well as on both wings, the collapse is inevitable. 25 Q..R6
26 Px8
27 8-Kt3
e.g. 38 R-QB2 ;
P-B4, Q-K5ch ; 39 K-Ktl, 40 Q-R6, Kt-K6 ! etc . R u b i nste i n
8x8 P-Kt41 P-Q5
Threatening 28 . . . PxKP; 29 RxRch, RxR; 30 PxP, QxKtP ; etc., with decisive result on the Queen's side. 28 KPxP Relatively the best. With two Paw ns for the piece, White can still put up a battle for some time. 28 . . . . 29 Kt.Q2
37
29 BxP, PxB ; 30 QxP?, would be very bad because of B-Kt4 ! (if 31 QxB, R-KKt) .
29 . . . .
30 R PxP 31 Q-R5
PxB Q-83
If 31 K-Kt2, P-Kt5 ! 31 32 K-Kt2 33 Q-Kt4 34 R-KR1 •
•
•
•
R-K81 Q.K1 Q-Kt3 P-851
Making Q4 secure for his Kt. 35 Q-K4!
K-Kt2! I
Marshall's move was very good ; Rubinstein's answer still better. After 35 • . . QxQ; 36 PxQ, with P·B4 etc. as soon as possible, the White Pawns could still have proven very formidable.
36 QxKtP
Kt..Q4
Now White has three Pawns for the piece, but his Queen is cut oft, and Black has the attack. In such cases the extra piece is always decisive. 37 P-KKM
37
•
Marshall
P-K85
. . P-KKt5 was threatened :
•
•
•
RxK 8P I !
•
A bold and beautiful combina tion ! By the preparatory move 37 . . . P-R6 ! it would have been aWl more forcible : R-QKtl follow ed by PxP would have been threat ened, and inasmuch as 38 P-Kt3, R-QKtl followed by PxP would have given Black a passed Pawn, White had to choose between 38 P-Kt4 or PxP, whereupon 38 . . . RxKBP ! ! etc. would follow with a vengeance. The difference be tween this and the actual move made will soon be apparent. 38 Qx R 7 38 KxR would have offered much more resistance. It is true that after 38 . . . R-B1ch ; 39 K·Kt3 would lose quickly ( . . . Q-K5 ; 40 R-KB1, P-R4 ! ! ; 41 P-B3, P-R5ch ; 42 K-R2, RxP ! ; or 40 . . . R-B6ch ; 41 K-R2, QxKt P ; 42 Kt-Kt3, P·R4 ! ; etc . ) . But 39 K-Kt2 would still put up a battle. Q-K5ch ; 40 K-Ktl, QxKtPch ; 41 Kt-Kt3 ! R-B 6 ; 42 P-R3 ! , P-R4 ; 43 RxP, RxKtch; 44 PxR, QxR; 45 Q-Q7 ! , Q-Kt5 ; 46 R-Kt2, and Black will have diffi culty winning. Hence instead of 41 . . . R-B6, 41 . P-R6 should have been played, in order to give .
•
LODZ, 1908 the Rook at B6 new attacking pos sibilities by weakening the Pawn at QB3. The attack would have proceeded with more precision and simplicity If the sapping move P R6 had been made before the sac rifice of the previous note. Q-KS
38 . . . .
Now the combination succeeds without difficulty, since the White Queen can offer no assistance, tied down by the two minor pieces. Kt-K61
39 K-Kt1
Threatening R-Kt6ch etc. If 40 R-R2, Q-Kt8ch; follows. There is no salvation.
40 Kt-Kt3
41 PxR 42 K-82
•
•
•
so 7 • . . B-R4 or 7 . • • Kt-K2. Marshall, however, prefers ener- getic variations, though they be double-edged. 8 8-K3 8 P-B3 Is preferable, e.g. 8 . B-R4 ; 9 Kt-Kt3, (bold would be 9 BxKt, followed by Q·R4, etc.) Kt-R4 ; 10 KtxKt, BxKt; 11 P-KR3 1 and White has a good game. 8
•
•
•
•
KtxPch Q-KSch
Kt-R4?
Weak ! Black could obtain a good game by 8 . . . BxKt; 9 PxB, P-Q4 ! The advance in the center disrupts White's plans on tbe King's side. 9 8xKt 1 0 Kt-K1 I
R x Ktch Q-KtBch
If 42 K-R2, KtxPch ; 43 K-R3, (43 K-Kt2, Q-K5ch, etc.) QxRch ; 44 KxKt, P-R4 ; mate. 42 . 43 K-K2 Resigns
43
PxB
Here again 10 P-B3, B-R4 ; 11 Q-R4, B-Kt3 ; 12 QxBP, (or flrst 12 BxB) would be of little value, and In fact dangerous, for by BxKt and P-KB4, Black would obtain the attack. 10
•
•
•
•
P-Q4
White Is now wen prepared for this : his attack on the flank gets into full play. 1 1 P-K83 12 P-KKt4! 13 Kt-Kt3 !
Game N o. 1 8 F O U R K N I G H TS G A M E Lodz, 1908 R ubi nstein 1 2 3 4
P-K4 Kt-K83 Kt-83 B-Kt5
M a rshall P-K4 Kt-Q 83 Kt-83
Rarely played by Rubinstein later in his career. On the in frequent occasions he did essay 1 P-K4, he usually continued after 1 . . . P-K4 ; 2 P-KB4. 4 5 0-0 6 P-Q3 7 Kt-K2 •
•
•
•
B-Kt5 0-0 P-Q3 B-Kt5
Recognized continuations
are
al·
8-K3 Kt-83
Not 13 P-KR3 (in order to an swer PxKP by 14 BPxP) because P-KR4 might follow. Nor is Kt Kt2 in order because of QPxP! 14 QPxP, B-B5 ! ; 15 QxQ, KRxQ; 16 K-B2, R-Q2 ; and White has the Queen's file to worry over. 13
•
•
•
•
P-Q S ?
A grave error ! After the need less removal of the pressure In the center, White can comfortably give attention to the attack on the King's wing. It Is true that 13 . . . PxP; 14 QPxP, B-B5 ; (or QxQ followed by B-B5) would be weak, for evidently there would follow: 15 Kt-Q3. But 13 . . . Kt-Q3, in order to play B-B4 would have
44
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
If White plays 14 P been good. KB4, KPxP; and if 15 BxP, Q-R5 ! And if 15 RxP, B-Q3 ! In addition 13 . . . B-Q3 was also far superior to the move actually made. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
A spirited effort counter-attack.
to
obtain
If 30 . . . PxKP; 31 QxKPch, and Q-B7 wins. And if 30 . . . QxBP, evidently 31 PxBPch, K-Rl ; 32 Kt-B4, KtxP; 33 KtxKtPch, etc. is overwhelming.
a
In the correct appraisal that the counter-attack on the Queen's side must come too late. 23 QPxP, B B4 ; 24 Q-Q3, would also have suf ficed, but Rubinstein did not wish to disturb his position In the cen ter without absolute necessity. •
•
•
R-Kt8eh RxRch R-Kt7
•
31 Kt-K1 ! 32 PxPch 33 Kt-83 !
RxQ R P KxP
It Is now evident that 31 Kt-Kl won an important tempo.
23 KtPxP
23 24 RxR 25 R-81
Rx8P
30 P-K 6 !
8-K2 R-Kt1 P-84 8xKt R-Kt3 Q-Q2 K R-QKt1 PxP P-85
8-Q2 Kt-Kt2 P-Kt3 Kt-85 KtPx8 R-82 Q-K2 P-K 84 8xP
the principal threat 31 Q-Q7 a.nd P-K6 ! (which is even stronger than QxKt ) . Upon 30 . . . Q-R5, 31 P-K6, KtxP; 32 PxPch, K-R1 ; 33 Q-R4 ! is decisive.
33
•
•
•
KtxP
•
The double threat of Kt-K5ch and Kt-Kt5ch could not be parried.
34 Kt-Kt5ch
K-Kt2
Marshall
After 25 . RxRch ; 26 QxR, White would win the ending with out d.lffi.culty. 26 P-K5 Beginning a.n attack that carries through.
26
•
•
•
Kt-K1 Q-R5
•
27 B-Kt3
Possibly better.
B-Kt4
28 P-86!
was
somewhat B-81
After 28 . . . PxP ; 29 B-R4, was very strong. If 28 . . • RxBP; 29 Q-B3, PxP; 30 B-R4, or 29 Q-K4, B-B1 ; 30 P-K6, etc.
29 Q-Kt4 If 29
.
.
•
P-KKt3
QxBP; 30 Kt-B4, with
R u b instein 35 RxKtl 36 Q-84ch
KxR K-K2
If . . . K-Kt2 ; 37 Kt-K6ch, mat ing the following move. 37 Q-87ch K-Q1 38 Kt-K6ch Resigns Mate on the following could not be avoided.
move
LODZ, 1908 Game No. 1 9 Q U E E N'S GAM B I T D EC L I N E D Lodz, 1908 Salwe
R u b i nste i n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P-Q4 P-K3 P-QB4 KPxP Kt-KB3 Kt-83 PxP
P-Q4 P-QB4 Kt-QB3 PxQP Kt-KB3 P-KKt3 B-Kt2
Not good. necessary. 8 KtxP
B-K2
and
0-0 are Q-Kt3
As to 8 . . . B-QB4, compare the game against Marshall at Breslau, 1912.
I t was diffi cult t o control the square Q4. Hence Rubinstein gracefully revamps his plan of ac tion. His principal aim is now, not to direct an attack against Q5, but to blockade the square Q4 and principally B5. .
.
•
•
13 R-B1, Kt-Q2 ; 14 Q-B2, R-B1 ; (15 BxRP ?, R-R1 ) . 1 3 R-Q B1
14 P-KB3 The "weakening" proves of value later. 14 15 16 17 18
•
•
•
B-K3 KR-K1 Kt-Q2 RxB KR-K1
•
B-85 R-KB2! BxB Q-Q4 1
If 18 because play by brutally
. . . R-QB1, not 19 QxRP Black could obtain some 19 • . . P-QB4, but more 20 Kt-B5. K R-QB1 Q-Kt2
PxKt B-K2?
20 P-K3
If 20 . . . P-B4 ;
Q-Kt4
0-0
Even here B-K3 was better: e.g.
21 RxP!
21 Kt-85 22 RxKt 23 K R-QB2
KtxKt R-82 Q-Kt3
P-QR4 was another type of move. Now Black becomes completely tied up. 24 P-QKt4!
Thereafter it is no longer pos sible to avert the entry into B5. The Pawn at Q4 should have been "over-protected" by B-K3 at once, Jn order to threaten P-B4. There after if 11 Kt-R4, Q-Kt4 ; 12 B-K3, P-B4 ; 13 B-Kt5, B-K2 ; ( R-Q1 is also to be considered) 14 BxKt, BxB ; 15 BxP, R-Q1 ; 16 P-K4, 0-0 ; Black would have some counter play and prospects of winning back the Pawn. Of course White would not have to proceed so obviously and could obtain an excellent game. But he could not force the kind of tle-up that occurred in the actual game. 1 1 Kt-R4 12 B-K3
B-KKt5
B-K3 immediately was now no better. 14 B-B5 would follow, and the blockade begins.
1 9 B-81
9 Ktx Kt !
9 1 0 0-0
45
Sal we
Rubinstein 24 .
P-Q R3
P-Kt5 was threatened. Apart from this, P-QR4 ? was refuted by RxP!
46
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES 25 R-QR5
Q R-Kt1
QxQ would also be hopeless : e.g. 26 PxQ, B-QBl ; 27 RxQP. 26 P-QR3
R ( 82 ) -R2
Loss of a pawn was already un avoidable. 27 RxBP ! 28 QxR 29 Q-85 30 K-82
QxR R-R1 Q-Kt2
First to secure the King's wing: then to the final attack. 30 . . . . 31 B-K2
P-KR4 P-Kt3
32 33 34 35 36 37 38
Q-Q6 R-85 P-KR4 R-87 P-Kt5 P-Kt6 P-Kt7 !
Q-81 Q.Kt2 P-R4 Q.Kt1 P-R5 R-R4
Threatening 39 R-B8ch. If the King moves to the 2nd rank, 39 RxPch wins. Resigns An instructive blockading game. Rubinstein even at that date was an excellent master of the prin ciples of the " blockade,'' to be later popularized by Nimzowitsch.
Chapter IV Intemational Toumament at SL Petenburg. 1909 Game No. 20
Threatening 18 Q-R5. R-B2 P-BS
17 • • • • 18 Kt-B4
Q U E E N'S G A M B I T D EC L I N E D
St. Petersburg, 1909 1 2 3 4 5 6
P•Q4 P-K3 Kt-KB3 B-K2 Q Kt-Q2 P-B3
P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-QB4 B-Kt5 Kt-QB3 P-K3
More exact is 6 . 7 8 9 10 11
B-Q3 BxP BxB
o.o
QR-B1
.
. 0-0. Px P Kt-Q4 QxB 0-0 R-Q1
Here Black can free his game by 11 KtxKt ; 12 RxKt, P-K4 ; as is well known. In that case, he still has to contend with diverse tactical difficulties, which, however, can be overcome by exact play. After the move made he obtains a cramped game. .
.
Schlechter
Schlechter
Rubi nstein
Rubinstein
•
12 Q-B2
Kt-B1
Before the Queen's Bishop is developed, it is almost invariably bad to remove the Knight at Q2, from its fine post. The text is indeed in harmony with the pre vious move, merely indicating that the method of development chosen by Black, Is faulty. 13 P-K4
Kt-Kt3
Thereby Black alms to play B-B2, and when possible R(B2)-Q2, with a counter pressure on the Queen's flle There is, however, a resul tant weakness on K3, which Rubin stein exploits decisively in amazing fashion. -
.
19 Q-R 5 1 1
Now the Rook Pawn is attacked. If Bl ac k plays 19 Kt B1, tbere fol lows 20 KtxKP ! the Rook at B2 being flnally without protection. -
19
•
•
•
•
P-K Kt4
Black is compelled to make this further weakness If he wishes to save the Pawn. For if 19 . R QR1 ; 20 P-Q5, KPxP ; 21 PxP, PxP ; 22 KtxP ! , with decisive ef· fe et •
The Knight Is now favorably posted. But If 13 . . . KtxKt ; 14 QxKt, White's superiority is evident. 14 15 16 17
B-Kt3 Kt-K2 K R-Q1 Q-B3
B-Q2 B-K1 Q R-B1
•
.
20 Kt-K2 21 P.Q 5 1
Kt-B1
This onslaught is overwhelming. 21
•
•
•
•
R ( 82)-Q2
48
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
After 21 . . . P-Kt3 ; Dr. Lasker gives the following : 22 Q-B3, KPxP ; 23 PxP, QxKt; 24 P-Q6ch, R-B 2 ; 25 QxKBP, R-Q 2 ; 26 R-K1, Q-Kt4 ; 27 RxB, ( . . . QxB ; 28 QxP ch,) and White wins. 22 Q Kt-Q4! 23 PxP
8PxP RxP
Loss of m aterial was unavoid able : 23 . . . PxP ; 24 B-R4, P-Kt3 ; 25 Q-R6, and if the Rook moves 26 Kt-B5 etc. Rx8
24 8xR 25 Q-K1
Rubinstein now marshalls his relatively slight advantage in mar terlal with machine-like precision to victory. 25 26 Kt.K2 •
•
•
•
Kt-Q3 8-83
Schlechter defends himself as well as Is possible. After 26 . R-Kt4 (27 Q-Q2, Kt-K5 ; 28 Q-K3,) White wins more easily through his control of both open lines. 27 RxR 28 K Kt-Q4
Or 28 . . . BxP; QxRP. 29 30 31 32 33
Kt-Q 83 ! Ktx8 Kt-Kt3 R-Q1 Q-83
8xR P-K4
29 Q-R5, and
Or 39 . . . P-R5 ; 40 PxP, PxKt ; 41 PxP and wins. 40 Ktx 8 P !
4 0 KtxRP seems stronger. But thereafter 40 . . . Kt-K3 would follow,-and, if White tries to hold the Pawn, K-Q3 etc. with some counter-play. 40
•
•
•
.
41 R-R7ch 42 K-82 43 R x R P 44 K-K3 45 K-K4 46 R-R6 47 P-Kt4! 48 PxP 49 R-R7 50 Kt-Kt7 51 Kt-Q6 52 R-Q87 53 Kt-85 54 PxKtch 55 K-83 56 K- Kt4 57 R-K7 58 RxP 59 R-K7ch
KtxP K-K1 Kt-Kt5 K-82 P-R4 Kt-83 Kt-K2 PxP K-Kt3 K-82 K-Kt3 Kt-83 Kt-Q5 KtxKt (forced ) K-R3 Kt-R2 P-K5 P-K6 K-Kt2
If now 59 . K-R3 ; then 60 R-KB7, and If 59 . . . K-Ktl ; 60 K-R5 etc. Resigns
Q-K 82 QxKt P-Kt3 Q-83
In the tourney at St. Petersburg, Rubinstein, in my opinion, reached the zenith of his artistry.
Forcing the exchange of Queens. If 33 Q-Q2? 34 Q-Q3. .
33
•
.
•
•
34 PxQ •
•
QxQ
Now the winning procedure is easy. 34 35 36 37 38 39
. . . . P-Q84 R.QS R-RS P-83 P-85
Kt-K5 K-82 K-K2 P-QR4 Kt-86 PxP
Game No. 21 Q U E E N'S PAW N GAM E
St. Petersburg, 1909 E. Cohn 1 2 3 4
P-Q4 Kt-K83 P-Q84 PxP
Rubi nstein P-Q4 P-Q84 Px8P
ST. PETERSBURG, 1909 Petty. The natural continuation was 4 P·K3 : or 4 P-Q5 or 4 P-K4 was playable. QxQch Kt-Q83 8-Kt5 P-K3 8xP B-Q3 Kt-83 K-K2
4 5 KxQ 6 P-K3 7 8xP 8 P-Q R3 9 P-Kt4 10 8-Kt2 1 1 Kt-Q2 .
.
.
•
For the ending, Black does well to centralize his K. 11 . . . 0-0, would be theoretically incorrect. 12 K-K2
12 P-KR3 played first. 12
•
•
•
should
have
49
19 K-K1
8xKt Kt-Q3
20 Px8
21 B-K27
21 B-Q3 should have been play ed. If 21 . . . R-QB1 ; 22 P-B4 ! , was playable (22 . R-B6 ; 23 K-Q2, R-Kt6 ? ? ; 24 K-B2) .
.
.
21
R-Q81
22 K-Q2 .
.
•
•
If 22 P-B4, R-B6 ! could now be played (23 K-Q2, Kt-K5ch ) . 22
.
•
•
Kt-85ch
. Rubinste i n
been
8-K4!
•
After the exchange of the Bish op at Kt2 White's Queen side is somewhat weak. Ktx8
13 8x 8 14 KR-QB1
Had White played P-KR3 ( B-R4) , he could now move P-Kt4 without difficulty. QR-Q81
14 1 5 8-Kt3 .
.
•
•
Avoids the doubling of the K Bishop's Pawns. K R-Q1
15 1 6 Kt-84 •
•
•
•
Now 16 . P-KR3 was not ent irely satisfactory. Black would have had the choice of the follow ing excellent continuations : 16 . . . B-R4 ; 17 P-Kt4, KtxKt ; 18 KtxKt, B-Kt3. Or 16 . . . BxKtch ; 17 KtxB, (17 PxB, P-KKt4) KtxKt ; 18 KxKt, ( 1 8 PxKt, P-KKt4) RxR ; 19 RxR, R·Q3. 16
.
•
.
.
1 7 RxKt 18 8xR
KtxKt ( 84) RxR Kt-K5 !
Threatening R-Q7ch.
Cohn
Psychologically played ! Since White is merely trying to draw, Rubinstein properly reasoned that his opponent would now grasp the opportunity to exchange both the remaining pieces. But actually 22 . . . P-K4 was correct ( Dr. Lasker) . That would have maintained the small advantage. 23 8xKt 24 R-Q 8 1 7
Rx8
Now P-B 4 ! had to be played. If then 24 . . . K-B 3 ; 25 K-Q3, (not 25 R-QB1 ? RxR etc.) P-QKt4 ; 26 R-KKtl, and White can hold the game. 24 . . . . 25 Kx R
RxR ! K-83
Now follows an mstructive con tribution to the chapter " Pawn Endings."
50
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES 26 K-Q2 27 K-K2
K-Kt4
With his march to QB7, White would be left too far behind : 27 K-Q3, K-R5 ; 28 K-Q4, K-R6 ; 29 K-B5, KxP ; 30 K·Q6, K-Kt7 ; 31 K-B7, P·QKt4 ! etc. 27 28 K-81 29 K-Kt1 30 K-R1 •
•
•
30 31 K-Kt1 32 K-R1 33 K-Kt1 34 K-R1 .
.
Resigns
follow: P-KR4 ; P-Kt5 ; P-R6ch
P-QKt4 P-84 P-Kt4 P-KR4
.
Game N o. 22 Q U E E N 'S PAW N GA M E
St. Petersburg, 1909 M ieses
Rubi nstein 1 2 3 4 5 6
Rubi nstein
P-R5 P-Kt6 PxP
If 39 P-B4, then follows : 39 . . . PxP ; 40 P-K5, P-Kt7 ; 41 P-K6, K-Kt6 ; 42 P-K7, P-B6 ; and P-B7 mate.
K-R5 K-R6 P-K4
•
If 30 P-K4, there would 30 . . . P-KKt4 ; 31 K-R1, 32 K-Ktl , P-R5 ; 33 K-R1, 34 PxP, KxP; 35 K-Kt2, and K-B6. •
36 . . . . 37 K-Kt1 38 RPxP
P-Q4 Kt-K83 P-84 PxQP KtxP P-K4
P-Q4 P-Q84 Kt-K83 PxP KtxP Kt-K83
6 . . . Kt-Kt5, threatening QxKt is also playable. P-K4
7 Kt-Q 83
7 . . . P-K3 was preferable. 8 8-Kt5ch
If 8 KKt-Kt5, not 8 . . which is weak, but 8 which i s strong. •
Cohn 34 . . . . 35 P-K4
P-Kt5
The main variation was : 35 PxP, RPxP ; 36 K-Ktl, P-B5 ; 37 PxP, PxP ; 38 K-R1, P-Kt6 ; 39 BPxP, PxP; 40 PxP, KxP; with decisive superiority of the Queen side Pawns. 35 36 PxKP •
•
•
•
8PxP
Or 3 6 PxKtP, PxP; 37 K·Ktl, P-K6 ; 38 PxP, P-K5 ; 39 K-Rl, P Kt6 ; etc.
8 9 10 11 12 13
•
•
•
•
Kt-85 ! Kt-Q6ch Qx 8 QxQch 8-K3 !
.
. .
QxQch, P-QR3 ! ,
8-Q2 Kt-83 8xKt Q-K2 KtxQ
White now has an overwhelming end-game. 13 14 15 16 17
•
•
•
•
8x8ch K-K2 K R-Q1 8xKt
P-Q R3 Ktx8 QR-81 Kt-84
61
ST. PETERSBURG, 1909 It Is astonishing that Rubinstein trades off this strong Bishop. More consequent appears to be 17 QR-B1. 17 . . . . 1 8 QR-81 ! !
Rx8 Kt-83
M leeea
24 K-K4 25 R-K 8 1 26 R-87
27 K-Q3 28 R x K KtP
K-QS R-QB 1 R-85 R-Kt5
This Is simpler than the attempt to win a Pawn by 28 P-QKt3, which would be met by Kt-Kt4. Rubin stein seeks victory by attack ra ther than by gain of material. 28 29 R x R P 3 0 R-R6ch •
•
.
.
RxP RxKtP K-Q2
The King must retreat : 30 . K-B 4 ; 31 Kt-K4ch, and If KxP, 32 R-Q6ch mate; and upon any other moves the advance of the Queen's Pawn wins. 31 R-R7ch 32 R-R6ch
Rubi nstein
. . . Castles would be In sufficient because of 19 Kt-Q5, but the text-move is also inferior. Relatively best appears to be 18 . . . R-B2, since 19 . 0-0; is now threatened. White, however, replies with 19 Kt-R4 ! and retains the advantage, e.g. 19 . . . Kt-B 3 ; 2 0 K-K3, 0-0 ; 2 1 Kt-B5, Kt-Q5 ; 22 Kt-Q3, etc. The excha nge-8xKt 18
.
-was
thel'efol'e
19 R-Q5!
well
.
considered. RxR
If 19 . . . R-B5, the following continuation Is given in the book of the tourney : 20 P-QKt3, R-Q5 ; 21 K-K3, (threatening RxPch) P B3 ; 22 Kt-R4, K-K 2 ; 23 Kt-B5, RxR ; 24 PxR, Kt-Kt5 ; 25 P-Q6ch with advantage. 20 PxR 21 K-Q3 22 P-84 !
Kt-Q5ch K-K2
22
.
.
23 PxP .
.
In order to gain tlme on the clock, White repeats his checks. 33 Kt-K4! 34 R-R7ch 35 P-Q6
P-83 PxP
RxQ R P K-Q1
The threat Is 36 Kt-B6, and mate cannot be parried. 35 . • • • 36 K-84 37 RxP
Kt-Kt4 R-R4
Making QB6 available for hls King: e.g. 35 K-Q5, Kt-B2ch; 311 K-B6. 37 . . • • 38 K-Kt4!
Kt-R6ch
How superbly simple Is the game of chess, If one has a superb mas tery of it. 38 39 R x R 40 K-85 41 K-Q5 42 Kt-85ch 43 KxP 44 Kt-Kt7 ! •
Opening the Bishop file for the White Rook, and at the same time attaining an object of attack on K5.
K.Q3 K-Q2
•
.
•
R-Kt4eh KtxR K-Q2 P-R4 K-K1 K-82
Threatening 45 P-Q7 and forces
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
52
K-K1, thereby winning the Rook Pawn. Resigns An elegant example of the power of centralization, by virtue of
which, White obtains an irresist ible attack even in the ending.
Game N o. 23 QU E E N'S G A M B I T D EC L I N ED
St. Petersburg, 1909 Rubi nstein 1 2 3 4
P.Q4 Kt-KB3 P-B4 B-Kt5
Dr. Lasker P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-K3 P-84
In this position P-B4 is unfavor able. Entirely adequate are : 4 . . . QKt-Q2 or 4 . . . B-K2 : very worthy of note is 4 . . . B-Kt5ch; 5 Kt-B3, PxP ; 6 P-K4, P-B4 etc. ("The Vienna Defense") . 5 PxQP 6 Kt-B3 7 K KtxP
K Px P Px P Kt-83
If 7 B-K2, it is clear that 8 P-KKt3 follows with advantage. Rightly sensing that no quiet con tinuation would be satisfactory, Lasker seeks complications. .
.
•
The double threat against Q5 and Kt2 forces the exchange which follows, and Black obtains a su perb development. It is easy to see that Kt-B7ch would be of no avail either at this point or on move 15. 8xB 0-0-0
13 BxKt 14 Kt-K3
This appears to be very strong, but proves to be insufficient. Pos sibly Dr. Lasker over-valued his position to some extent. Better would have been : 14 . . . BxP with the following continuations : 1) 15 KtxB, QxKt ; 16 Q-K2ch, K-Q1 ! ; 17 0-0-0, R-K1 ; and Black has some counter-play, his King is protected by the Pawn at Q4. 2) 15 R-KKtl, Q-R4ch ; 16 Q-Q2, QxQch; 17 KxQ, B-K5 ; 18 R-Kt4, B-Kt3 ; 19 R-B1, R-Q1 ; and Black can defend himself. Perhaps Rubinstein would have done better to have avoided the Pawn sacrifice by 10 0-0 : in that manner he would have had the preferable game in any event. K R-K1
1 5 0-0
The position becomes more beau tiful : now RxKt is threatened. 16 R-81 !
8 P-K3
But Rubinstein does not conform to the plan of his opponent. 8 BxKt, QxB ; 9 KtxP?, QxKt; 10 Kt-B7ch, K-Q1 ; 11 KtxR, would mean immediate loss on account of 11 . . . B-Kt5ch. But if 8 BxKt, QxB ; 9 KKt-Kt5, B-QKt5 (there is nothing better) 10 Kt-B7ch, K B1 ; 11 KKtxP, it would be doubt ful if Black had sufficient com pensation for his Pawn. 8 . . . .
Bx8 BxKt Q-Kt41
10 B x K Kt 1 1 KtxP 12 Px8
Lasker
B-K2
B·QKt5 was somewhat better. 9 B-Kt5
A spirited defense.
8-Q2 Rubi nste i n
ST. PETERSBURG, 1909 An extraordinarily subtle de fense, which even Lasker does not fathom. 16
•
.
•
RxKt?
•
This is refuted. 16 . . . K-Ktl was necessary, but thereafter White had two favorable defenses : I 17 R-B2, threatening 18 R-Q2, with the capitalization of his Pawn superiority. II 17 R-B5, Q-B 5 ; (. . . Q-K2 ; 18 P-QKt4) P-Q5, and now both 18 . Q-Q3 and 18 . . . RxKt would be refuted by 19 Q-B1 ! .
•
17 Rx8ch 18 Q-81 ! !
PxR
This is the surprise! After 18 PxR, QxPch; 19 K-R1, QxP ; Black eventually obtains the advantage. 18 , . . .
RxP
19 Px R !
R-Q2
Or 18 . . . R-K4 ; 19 QxPch, K Ktl ; 20 PxR, QxP ; 21 R-B1, with the superior game. After 19 R-Q3, 20 RxBP etc. Black's game would be still more precarious. 20 QxPch 21 R-84! I
K-Q1
Splendid-and by no means ob vious. White threatens 22 Q-R8ch, K·K2 ; 2.3 R-K4ch, etc. and the counter-attack 21 . . . R-Q8ch ; 22 K-B2, R-Q7ch ; 23 K-K1, would only lead to a critical loss of time. The Black rook dare not leave the Queen file since 23 R-Q4 would decide the issue. 23 . . . QxKtP? does not avail because of 24 R· Q4ch followed by win of the Queen or mate. And the retreat of 22 R-Q2 would enable White to carry out his threat of Q-R8ch etc. .
•
.
21
•
•
.
•
22 Q-851
Threatens ginning with ter-attack 22 &Q7ch ; 24
P-K84
a mating attack be Q·KB8ch. The coun . . . R-Q8ch ; 23 K-B2, K-Kl, QxP; is once
53
more insufficient Q-R5ch and QxR.
because
22 . . . .
of
25
Q.K2
Black must bring himself to the exchange of Queens. As Dr. Tar rasch made clear 22 Q-B3 would lose immediately since 23 R-Q4 ! forces the exchange of both Rooks and Queens. .
23 QxQch
.
•
KxQ
Or 23 . . . RxQ ; 24 RxP, RxP; 25 R-B7, and wins quickly. 24 RxP 25 K-821
R-Q8ch
Not 25 R-B1? because of R-Q7 (26 R-Ktl, R-K7 or if 26 R-B1, K-Q 2 ) and Black has drawing chances. 25 26 K-83 2:7 R-Q R 5 1 28 R-R6! 29 P-K4 •
•
•
•
R-Q7ch RxQKtP R-Kt2 K-81
After his opponent has been thrust back, White's extra Pawn moves irresistibly to a decision. 29 30 31 32 33
•
•
•
•
P-KR4 P-Kt4 K-84 P-R5
R-Q82 K-82 K-81 K-K2 P-R3
Played in order to prevent P· Kt5 (followed by K-B5, P-K5 etc. ) : however, it creates a weakness at Kt6. The game cannot be held In any event. 34 K-85 35 36 37 38
P-K5 R-Q& R-R& R-Q&
K-82 R-Kt2 K-K2 K-82
Such repetition of moves to gain time is often found in Rubinstein's games. He avails himself of this expedient even when not in time difficulty. sa . . . .
39 R-Q86
K-81 K-82
54
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
40 P-R 3 ! Zugzwang ! I 40 . . . K-K1 ; 41 K-Kt6 and wins, since the only useful answer 41 . . . R-Kt5 is prevented. Evident ly K-R7 and P-K6 and R-Q7, or similarly in any event the capture of the King's wing. II 40 . . . R-K 2 ; 41 P-K6ch, K-Ktl ; 42 K-Kt6 ! R-K1 ; 43 P-K6 followed by R-Q6 and R-Q8. Resigns
A very beautiful and difficult game, played masterfully by Rubin stein in nearly every phase.
1 0 8-Q2
The attempt to obtain a space controlling development for the Queen's Bishop is at the least, premature. 10 R-Q1 should have been played. 10 1 1 Q R-81 1 2 8-Q3 •
Game N o. 24
St. Petersburg, 1909 Rubinstein
P-Q4 P-Q84 Kt-Q83 Kt-83
P-Q4 P-K3 PxP
According to our latest experi ences 4 P-K3 is the best continu ation. The move is also logical, inasmuch as the answer 4 . . . P-K4 is not playable, as the Black King's Pawn has already moved. 4 . .
•
•
P-Q R 3 1
Compelling White's next move, which, however, weakens his Queen's wing. 5 P-QR4 6 P-K3 7 8xP 8 0-0
P-QB4 Kt-K83 Kt-83 Q-82
In order not to be compelled to trade the Queen after PxBP. 9 Q-K2
12 13 PxP •
0-0 R-Q1
•
•
•
PxP
13 KKtxP was better. If then 13 . . . KtxKt, the Black Queen 1s imperiled. •
•
.
•
14 Kt-K4 15 Kt-K57
B-Q2
B-K2
QR-B1
Very pretty, but incorrect. 15 P-QKt4 was also unsatisfactory, since Black answers 15 . . . Q-Kt3. Therefore, 15 B-KKt5 was proper, with the threat of a dangerous attack. 15 . . . .
8-K1 1
If 15 . . . Ktx P ? ; 16 KtxKtch, BxKt; 17 Q-K4, QxKt; 18 QxPch, K-B1 ; 19 B-Kt4ch etc., or 17 Kt-K7ch; 18 K-R1, KtxR ; 1 9 QxP ch, and 20 B-Kt4ch White wins in every variation. But now on the contrary the Pawn at Q4 has be come very weak. •
.
•
16 KtxKtch
White rightly seeks salvation in complications. For after 16 Kt KB3, (16 B-K3, KtxP ! 17 BxKt. QxR; etc.) Q-Ktl ; 17 B·K3, QKt Kt5 ; etc. or 16 KtxKt, BxKt ; etc. Black would soon attain decisive advantage. 16 1 7 8-83 •
P-Q5 was worthy of considera tion. • . . . .
•
13 . . . KtxP ? ; 14 KtxKt, RxKt; 15 Kt-Kt5, and wins.
Q U E E N'S GAM BIT ACC E PT E D
1 2 3 4
•
QPxP was preferable.
13
Speyer
•
•
•
•
BxKt KtxP!
Rubinstein has calculated keenly and deeply. He repulses the at-
ST. PETERSBURG, 1909 tack and obtains a decisive superi ority in the ending. 18 Q-K4
18 BxKt would be quite hope less, because of 18 . . . QxR. 18 . . • 19 P-K Kt4 •
Kt-84
Rubinstein
• • • .t••• ••• •••• •• ••• • • .-a · • � · ·'W'· � · . . .� • • . a • a a • II • • m 19
•
•
•
•
8xKt !
With the following considera tions : I 20 PxB, BxPch; followed by B-B3 and wins. II 2 0 BxB, QxR; 21 RxQ, RxR ch ; 22 K-Kt2, B-B3; and wins or 22 B-B1, R ( Q ) -Q 8 ; and wins. Or 21 PxKt, Q-Kt4ch ; 22 B-Kt3, B-B3 ; winning. ro Qx8 21 QxQ
Rx8
Or 21 PxKt, QxQ ; 2 2 BxQ, RxR; 23 RxR, P-B3 ; 24 R-B8, K-B1 ; 25 B-B3, PxP; etc. 21
•
•
•
•
22 PxKt
RxQ Px P
22 . BxRP ; 23 P-B6, PxP; 24 BxP, RxR; 25 RxR, R-Q8ch; was also very good, as Black obtains the majority on both wings. .
.
23 P-R5 24 K R.Q1 25 R x R 28 R-K1
27 R-K3 28 R-K1 29 P-84 30 K-82 31 R-K2 32 R-Q2
P-83 Q R-Q2 RxR 8-83
R-Q8ch R-Q2 K-82 8-K5 P-K Kt4 8-Q4
"And would not and said naught." The exchange of Rooks would make the win more difficult. 33 K-Kt3 34 R-K2ch 35 R-Q2
K-K3 8-K5 R-Kt2 !
Now the Rook enters the game, and the game moves fast. 36 37 38 39
40
41 42 43
44
Speye·r
55
45 46
PxP K-84 K-K3 R-K82 8-Q4 K-Q3 P-Kt4 K-83 8-85 K-Q2 K-83
RxPch R-Kt5ch R-R5 8-Q4 R-K5ch 8-83 8-Kt4ch P-85 K-84 P-KR4 B-K7
Threatening P-B6. Therefore the White Rook takes flight, but there by gives the hostile Pawn a free road to her Queen ambitions. 47 R-K Kt2 48 R-Kt7
P-86 8-Kt4
With the threat 49 . . . R-B5ch followed by RxB and P-B7. Against this there is no adequate defense. 49 R-Kt3 50 K-Q2
R-85ch K-K5
Again threatening RxB etc. 51 B-Kt&
Or 61 K·K1, R·B8ch; R-B8 mate. 51
•
•
•
•
52 R-KR3 53 K-83 54 R-K3ch 55 R-K& Resigns
52 K·B2,
RxP R-Kt7ch P-87 K-85 K-84
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
56
Game No. 25 Q U E E N'S GA M B IT ACC E PT E D
St. Petersburg, 1909 Dr. Vidmar 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Rubinstei n
P-Q4 P-QB4 Kt-QB3 P-K3 BxP Kt-83 0-0 PxP QxQch
P.Q4 P-K3 PxP Kt-KB3 P-Q R3 P-QB4 Kt-83 BxP
9 P-QR3 was stronger. The Black King from his central post co operates with his R's, and asserts himself In the end-game. In fact it Is therefore an advantage to forego castling in such positions. 9 10 11 12
KxQ K-K2 B-Q3
. . . . P-QR3 P-QKt4 P-Kt5
21 KR-B1ch, K-Kt3 ; 22 P-R5ch! with advantage) 21 Kt-B3ch, K-K5 ; (K-B4, 22 Kt-Q4ch) 22 KR-Q1, Black falls into a mating net e.g. 22 . . . PxP ? ; 23 R-Q4ch, K-B4 ; 24 P-Kt4ch, K-Kt3 ( KtxP, 25 R· B4ch) 25 Kt-K5ch, with a winning attack. 19 Q R-Kt1 20 KtxKt 21 8-Q4
Threatening 22 RxB ! 21
•
.
12 13 14 15 16 17
•
•
•
•
8-R2 P-QR4 8-Kt2 BxKt Kt-Q2
.
Kt-QR4 8-Q2 K R.QB 1 Kt-85 RxB R-82
Now B-Kt5 is threatened. (If 1 8 B·R3, BxB ; 19 RxB, PxP). 1 8 QKt-K41
Very proper! He must combi ne: otherwise Black gets an advantage -because of the Bishop. 18
•
•
•
S.Kt5
•
After 1 8 . . PxP ; 19 KtxB, K.x:Kt; 20 B-R3ch, K·K4 ; (K·B3 ? .
•
•
•
22 P-837
P.QR4
As Dr. Lasker points out, White could force a draw by 22 RxB ! ! If 22 . . . PxR (RxR; 23 B-B5ch; K-Q1 ; 24 BxR, PxB ; 25 Kt-B5 ! ) 23 B·B5ch, K-Q1 ; 24 B-Kt6ch, and White obtains the draw by per petual check, as the Black King must gravitate between Q1 and K2. 22 23 K R-Q1 7 •
A nervous attack, which causes no damage. After 12 . PxP ; 1 3 KtxP, the Knight would b e well placed on Kt5. In Prague 1902 (c.f. Game No. 15) Dr. Vidmar played practically the same vari ation against the same opponent, and lost by lack of initiative. This time he does not want to make the same mistake.
KtxKt R-85
•
•
•
P-83
Even here the tactical saving manoeuvre 23 RxB! etc. was sUll possible. 23
•
•
•
•
QR-81
With this move Black overcomes the critical phase, and the advan tages of his position - (the two Bishops, the open Bishop tile and the attack against the Rook Pawn) quickly brings about a decision. 24 25 26 27 28
R-Kt3 8-Kt6 R-Q3 RxR P-R4 29 R-R 1 30 P-Kt4
P-K4 R-88 RxRch B-K3 S.Kt6 R-87
A desperate effort to gain some counter-play. White's game ts clearly lost. 30 . . . . 31 P-Kt5 32 Kt-86
P-Kt3 P-84 P-R4
57
ST. PETERSBURG, 1909 8-85
33 R-Kt1
If 33 . . . BxP ; 34 Kt-Q5ch etc. 34 35 36 37 38 39
R-Q1 P-K4 Kt-Q5ch Px8 K-81 8xP
B-Q7 P-85 8xKt K-Q3 8-K6 1 8-Q5 !
B-Kt4ch was threatened. 40 41 42 43
R-Q2 K-K2 8-Kt4ch P-R5
R-88ch P-Kt3 KxP PxP
Not . . . R-QKt8 ; because of 44 P-R6 ! ( RxB ? 45 R-R2 ! ) . 44 P-Kt6 This swindle also goes astray. Naturally not ( 44 . . PxB ? 45 P-Kt7 } . 44 . . . .
45 46 47 48 49 50
8xP R-R2 PxPch R-R4 K-81 8-K1
R-QKtB R-Kt4 P-K5 KxP P-86ch R-KtBch P-87 !
Vidmar has no luck : 50 . RxP ? ; 51 RxBch, KxR ; 52 B-B2ch, would certainly have pleased him much. 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63
Rx8ch KxP K-83 8-Kt3 8-84 K-Kt3 8-KtB K-Kt2 8-Kt3 K-R3 K-Kt2 8-K1 8-82
KxR RxP R-Kt4 R-84c h K-Q6 K-K5 R-86ch R-Kt6 K-84 R-Q6 K-Kt5 R-QB
If 63 B-Kt3, R-Kt8ch etc. 63 64 K-Kt1 •
•
.
•
After 64 . .
R-Q7 K-86
RxB, White would
evidently ately.
have
resigned
65 8-Kt6 66 K-R1
Immedi
R-Kt7ch
If 66 K-B1, R-QKt7 ! 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78
•
•
-
.
8-Kt1 8-R2 8-KtB K-R2 K-R3 8-87 K-R2 8-KtB 8-Kt3 K-Kt1 K-81 K-K1
R-Kt5 RxPch R-K Kt5 RxP R-Kt7ch P-Kt4 R-KtB R-QB P-Kt5 R-Q7ch Kx8 K-86 R-Q1
And mates on the next move. Apparently Rubinstein desired to mate without an added Queen, and Vidmar was obviously eager to Jearn if this was possible.
Game No. 26 FRENCH DEFENSE
St. Petersburg, 1909 Forgacs 1 P-K4 2 P-Q4 3 Px P
Rubi nstein P-K3 P-Q4
If White wants to play for a draw, he can attain his goal much more easily with other variations. 3 . . . . 4 Kt-K83
PxP Kt- K 83
4 . . . B-Q3 ; 5 QKt-B3, B-KKt5 ; 6 B-K2, Q-Q 2 ; and if possible 0-0-0 gives much more play than mere symmetry. 5 8-Q3 6 0-0 7 Q 8-Kt5 8 Q Kt-Q2 9 P-83
8-Q3
0-0
Q8-Kt5 QKt-Q2 P-83
58
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTElRPIECES 10 11 12 13 14 15
Q-82 K R-K1 P-KR3 RxRch R-K1 KtxR
Q-82 K R- K 1 8-R4 RxR Rx Rch 8-Kt3
The real battle now with reduced forces.
begins R Px 8
16 8x8
An important advantage for Black : he has retained the good Bishop, White has the inferior one. 17 K Kt-83 18 8 x Kt
Kt-81 Px8
Apparently, White wanted to move the Queen or the Queen's Knight, but did not fancy Kt (B3) K5. Hence the exchange. All in all-White has no Bishop at all now, and his disadvantage has be come clearer. 1 9 Q-R4
White is working without a plan. He might have brought his Queen's Knight by way of Kt3-B1·Q3, there by parrying his opponent's threat of Kt-K3-B5. Besides 19 P-QB4 was worth considering. 19
.
20 Kt-81 ,
•
•
P-Q R3
Here the Knight has no function. 20 21 P-KKt3? •
•
•
•
Kt-K3
After this weakening m ove, Black gets his attack. The en suing greater disadvantage might have been avoided by 21 Q-B2, in order to answer Kt-B5 by 22 Kt-K1 and Kt-Q3. 21 22 K-Kt2 23 P-K Kt4 •
•
.
•
P-K841 P-85 ! P-Q 84!
Three Pawn moves-three fate ful moves ! Now the various small oversights of White bring their revenge. Rubinstein understands how to inaugurate a strong attack, in spite of the diversity of his
materials,-and to carry it to a decisive conclusion. 24 Q-K8ch 25 P-Kt5
K-Kt2
The last two moves of White have ruined his game irretrievably. At K8, the Queen accomplishes nothing, the Pawn at KKt5 is weakened and is soon lost, and the White King gets into a sorrowful plight. 24 Q-Q1 or even 24 PxBP, KtxP; 25 Q-Q1 would have offered much better resistance. 25 . . . . 26 PxP 27 Q-Q88
PxQP Q-K2
Or 27 QxQ, BxQ ; 28 P-KR4, P B3 ! and Black wins a Pawn ( KtP or QP) just the same. 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
. . . Kt ( 8 ) -Q2 P-K R4 Kt-81 Q-Kt4 P-R5 PxP P-R3 Kt ( 8 ) -Q2 Q-Kt5 K-Kt1 K-R2 KtxKt
KtxKtP 8-Kt5 Kt-K5 Kt.Q3 Q-K5 Kt-84 PxP 8-Q3 Q-K7 Kt-K6ch Q-Q8ch Kt-88ch QxKt( 83)
Amusing is the plight of the Kt at B1 which has scurried aimlessly from Q2 to B1 several times. Such a clown deserves to live a little longer. 40 K-Kt1
Q-R6 !
(See Diagram o n Page 59) Threatening 41 . . . P-B6 ! where after White would quickly come to grief as the result of the Zug Zwang : e.g. 41 QxQP, P-B6 ; 42 Q·Kt5, K-R2 ; 4 3 P-Q5, P-Kt4. As soon as White uses up his Pawn moves, he will be mated. Hence he must now excbange Queens. 41 Q-Kt2
QxQch
ST. PETERSBURG, 1909 Position after 40
•
•
•
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Q-R6
Rubi nstein
.
0
59 0
•
P.Q4 KtxP KtxKt 0-0 Kt-Q 83 P-K83
P-KKt3 Px P I 8-Q2 8xKt 8-Kt2 0-0
12 BxB, PxB ; 13 B-Kt5, was bet· ter. H then P-RS, White plays 14 B-KS and Q-Q2. 12 1 3 8-K3 14 8-Kt3 0
0
0
Kt-Q2 Kt-K4
0
14 P-B5 ? would lose a Pawn as tollows : 14 . . Kt-B5 ; 15 Q-K2, KtxB ; 16 QxKt, BxB ; 17 KtxB, PxP; (18 QxP??, B-Q5ch) . .
Forgaca 8-821
42 KxQ
14 15 16 17 18 19
With the threat of B-Kt3. The attack is ended successfully, Black wins easily. B-Kt3 K-83 P-K Kt4 K-84 P-Kt5 KxP 8xKt P-Q5 P-Q6 P-86
43 Kt-Q2
44 Kt-Kt3
45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
P-83 K-82 K-81 PxPch Kt-85 Px8 P-Kt4 P-R4 Reai•gna
•
0
0
0
P-84 8-Q4 8x8 8-82 Q-Kt4?
Q·Q4ch was correct. Arter 19 Q-B 3 ; 20 QxQch, the ending was quite even. If Black tries to avoid the exchange of Queens, be gets into difficulty. •
.
•
19
0
0
0
0
21 Q-83 22 8xP 23 Qx8 24 R-82
Game N o. 27
St. Petersburg, 1909 D u ras 1 2 3 4 5 6
P-K4 Kt. K 83 8-Kt5 B-R4 P-Q3 P-84
Rubi nstein P-K4 Kt.Q83 P-Q R3 Kt-83 P-Q3
A favorite variation of the Czechoslovak master. With it he has won many successes.
Ktx K P I
Thereby throttling a n incipient attack against his King. 20 KtxKt
R U V LOPEZ
P-Kt3 Kt-Q2 Kt-84 Kx8 P-QR4
P-K B4 PxKt 8x8 Q-83
Thereafter Black secures the King's file, and obtains a clearly superior game. But if 24 Q-Kt7, Black's attack would not have pro ceeded so smoothly to its con clusion. 24 25 Q-Q5 0
0
0
0
QR-K1 Q-84!
Capturing the vital square K5. 26 Q R.Q1 27 P-KKt3 28 K-Kt2
R-K5 K R- K 1 P-K R41
60
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTER.PIECEl:! 29 P-Kt3 30 R-Q4 31 P-KR3
R-K6 K-83
Now i n addition t o the superior position, Black has a Pawn plus, -the rest is a matter of the adroit technique of Rubinstein.
R u b i n ste i n
37 R-K Kt2 3 8 K-83 39 R-Q3 40 KxR 41 K-Q4 42 K-Q5 43 K-86 44 R-K82 45 K-Q5
R ( K)-KR1 R-R6ch RxRch R-R6ch R-K 86 Rx8P R-Kt5! R-Kt2
K-K4 and R-B2 was threatened.
Duras
Understandable nervousness, as the threatened attack P-KR5 could not properly be avoided and had to give Black finally a decisive ad vantage. Dr. Lasker furnishes the followjng variatio n : 31 QR-Q2, P KR5 ; 32 QxQch, PxQ ; 33 R-B3, PxP ; 34 PxP, R-K7ch ; 35 R-B2, RxR (Q2 ) ; 36 RxR, R-K6 ; to be followed by P-QR4-5-6, and the fl.nal posting of the Rook at Kt7 ! 31
.
.
.
P-K R 5
•
Now this thrust Is even stronger. Perhaps White overlooked that he could not play 32 P-KKt4. For there upon would follow : 32 . . R-Kt6ch ; 33 K-R2, Q-Kt8 ; 34 R-Ql, ( 34 R Kt2, RxPch ! ) Q-K5 ; 35 QxQ (the threat was Q-K6 and if 35 Q-Q4, then Q-K8) RxQ ; 36 R-KKtl, R ( K ) K6 and wins, as White dare not exchange Rooks on Kt3. .
32 QxQch 33 PxR P
Loss of avoided. 33 . • • . 34 K-81 35 K-K2 3 6 K-Q2
a
PxQ
Pawn
cannot
45 • . . • 46 R-81 47 R-Kt1ch 48 P-R3 49 R-8 1 c h 5 0 R-Kt1 ch 51 R-K 81 52 K-86 53 R-84 54 R-81 55 K-Kt7 56 R-Q 8 1
R"K2 K-Kt4 K-85 K-86 K-Kt5 K-R6 R-K4ch K-Kt7 K-Kt6 R-84ch P-85 P-Q4!
P-Kt4 was threatened. 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65
R-Kt1ch R-QKt1 R-Q81 P-Kt4 PxP R-82 Px R R-83ch PxP Resi g n s
K-87 P-Q5 P-Q6 R PxP P-Q7 K-K6 P-QB(Q) K-Q5 KxR
A very good game !
G a m e N o. 28
be
R U Y LOPEZ
St. Petersburg, 1909 R-Kt1ch RxRP R-K1 c h RxRP
Spielmann 1 P-K4 2 Kt-K 83
R u b i nste i n P-K4 Kt..Q 83
ST. PETERSBURG, 1909 3 4 5 6 7 8
B-Kt5 B-R4 0-0 R-K1 B-Kt3 P-83
P-Q R3 Kt-83 B-K2 P-Q Kt4 P-Q3 B-Kt5
Formerly this move was played fre quently, but It is not quite satisfactory. 8 . . . QKt-R4 or 8 . . . 0-0 would appear to be better. 9 10 11 12 13
P-KR3 P-Q3 Q Kt-Q2 PxP Kt-81
61
should lead to a decisive disadvantage. 27 Q-Q3 was better. 28 R x P ! 29 30 31 32 33
QxQ B P KtxKt R-Q5 R-Q85 Q-K Kt3
Px 8P Kt-K5 RxKt Q-K2 R-K7
R u b i nste i n
B-R4 0-0 P-Q4 KtxQP
It 13 P-Kt4, there would follow . . . B-Kt3 ; 14 KtxP, KtxKt ; 15 RxKt, Kt-B5 ; with a strong attack. 13 • 14 P-Kt4 15 P-Kt5 •
•
•
8-83 B-Kt3
Well calculated. The idea is by no means the permanent win of a Pawn. 15 16 17 18 19
•
•
•
•
KtxP RxKt P-Q4 R-K1 20 BxB 21 Q-Kt4
8-K2 KtxKt Kt-Kt3 Kt-Q2 8xP Qx8ch
Now if Black exchanges Queens, he has an unfavorable ending : the White majority on the Queen's side would be brought quickly to ef fectiveness. Hence the Queen must retreat, and White wins time to obtain a fine development. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
•
•
•
•
Kt-Kt3 Q-83 K-R2 P-Q R3 R-K5 R-K Kt1
Q-Q1 Kt-83 Q-Q2 P-QR4 Q R-Kt1 K R- K 1
27 QR-K1 was still better. White has a fine position. 27 . . . .
P-QKt5
This attack is not timely and
Spielmann
33 RxBP could also have been played to advantage. Dr. Lasker gives the following continuation : 33 . . . RxKBPch; 34 K-Kt3, Q Kt4ch ; 35 KxR, Q-B5ch; 36 K-K1, R-K1ch ; 37 K-Q1, B-R4ch ; 38 K-B2, Q-B7ch ; 39 K-Ktl, QxRch ; 40 K-R2. The White King is now safe and the Queen's Pawn is a potent fac tor. 33
•
•
•
•
Q-Q3
A move which contains numer ous threats, e.g. 34 RxBP? RxPch ; 35 R-Kt2, RxRch ; 36 KxR, QxQch; 37 KxQ and wins. However, there is no satisfactory defense. 34 QxQ ? As Dr. Lasker indicates in the book of the tourney, White has a pretty win here by 34 BxPch &S follows : a) 34 . . . BxB ; 35 R-K5 ! ! and the double threat of 36 QxKtP mate and 36 RxR is decisive. b) 34 . . . KxB ; 35 RxBPch,
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
62
K-K3 ; 36 P-Q5ch ! , QxP; 37 Q-Kt4 ch, and wins. Furthermore if Black rejects the sacrifice by 34 . . . K-Bl, White secures a clear advantage with 35 BxB. 34 35 36 37 38 39
. . • R-87 R ( Kt)-Q81 8-82 8x8 R ( 8 )-82 •
PxQ RxQKtP K-81 R-R7 R Px8 RxR
If 3 9 . . . RxRP; 40 R-Q7 would follow with the threat of 41 R(B2) B7. 40 RxR
The position has been severely simplified : a Rook ending has been b rought about, In which Black has Indeed the better position Inas much as his Pawns are divided only in two groups, whereas White's on the contrary are sep arated into four parts. But one would believe that in spite of this White could secure the draw. Should he succeed-for example In exchanging his Pawns at QR3 and Q4 for Black's Pawn at Q3, the half-point would be certain. But Rubinstein clearly demon strates in the following moves that Wh� Is lost. It is instructive and recommended for every player, to study the ending which ensues in all its details. R u b i nste i n
40 41 R-83 42 R-Q3 43 K-Kt3 •
•
•
.
R-R1 R-R5 K-K2
Even 43 P-Q5 was not sufficient, though the advance of the Black King is thereby stopped for the time being: 43 . . . K-B 3 ; 44 R B3ch. And If 43 . . . P-B4 ; 44 R-K3ch, and 45 R-K6. Black can, however, force the advance of his King after the necessary prepara tion : 43 . . . P-Kt4 ; 44 K-Kt2, K-B 3 ; 45 R-B3ch, K-Kt3 ; 46 R-Q3, ( otherwise 46 . . . R-Q5) P-B 3 ! and now t h e King comes t o K4 by way of B4, since the White King Js always rooted by the threat of R-Q5. 43
44 K-83 .
.
.
.
45 K·K2
K-K3 K-Q4
The Pawn at Q4 must fall sooner or later : hence White surrenders immediately in order to get some freedom of action. Black, how ever, takes his own time in making the capture, and first takes other precautions. In such endings if one aims to win, it is quite right not to consummate one's advan tage too early. 45 46 R-QKt3 47 K-K3 •
•
•
•
P-Kt4 1 P-831
Or 47 R-Kt7, RxQRP ; 48 RxKtP, RxRP ; 49 R-Kt6, K-K3 ; etc. 47 48 R-Q3 •
•
•
•
K-85
Forced: 48 R-Kt7, RxRPch ; K-K4, P-Q4ch; 50 K-B5, RxP; RxP, R-B3ch ; and wins. 48 49 K-Q2 50 K-82 •
•
•
•
P-Q4 R-R1 R-R2
To gain time. Spielmann
51 K-Q2 52 R-83ch
R-K21
49 51
ST. PETERSBURG, 1909 Or 52 R·K3, �Kt2 ; 53 R-Q3, R-Kt7ch; 54 K-K3, RxBP ; 55 R-Q1, R·QB7 ; etc. 52 53 54 55 56
•
•
•
•
P-Q R4 R-QR3 R-R1 K-K3
KxP R-QR2 R-R4 K-85
Or 56 R·QB1ch, K-Kt3 ; 57 R-B7, RxP ; 58 RxKtP, R-B5 ; 59 K-K3, K-B 6 ; etc. 56 • • • • 57 K-Q2 58 K-K1 59 K-K2 60 R-R3 61 R-R2 62 K-Q3
P-Q5ch R-K B4 K-Kt5 K-R4 R-85 R-K R 5
62 • • • . 63 KxP 64 K-Q3 65 R-K2
RxPch R-R5ch RxP
If 62 R-R3, K-Kt5 ! would follow and the Rook must leave the vital square.
The last point of the winning procedure rests upon the fact that the White Rook cannot reach the seventh rank successfully. If 65 R-B2 there would follow R-B5, 66 K-K3, K-Kt3 ; 67 R-B8, R-QR5 ; ( 68 R-Kt8ch, K-B3 ! ) etc. 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
•
.
.
.
K-K3 R-QB2 R-81 R-K R 1 R-R7 K-K4 K-85 Kx KtP KxR K-Kt6 Resigns
R-KB5 K-Kt3 K-Kt2 R-Q R5 K-83 R-R2 K-Q3 P-Kt3ch ! RxR K-K4 P-Kt5
Rubinstein should demonstrably have lost this game. But he play ed the second part of It so superbly that the partie should not fail to be Included in our collection. From the 40th move the ending is a single profound study: "Black to play and win."
63 Game No. 29
Q U E E N 'S
GAMBIT
DECLI N E D
St. Petersburg, 1909 Rubi nstein
Znosko-Borowsky
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P-Q4 P-K3 Kt- K B3 B-K2 QKt-Q2 0-0 P-Q Kt37
P-Q4 P-QB4 Kt-QB3 B-Kt5 P-K3 Kt.. B3 Q-82
. . . P-B4, is correct. 8 PxP 9 B-Q3 10 0-0-0
PxP B-Kt2 Kt-K5
The manoeuvre which Is hereby initiated is as unsatisfactory as 10 . . . P-B4 etc. Comparison should be made also with the games against Teichmann, Karlsbad 1907, Dus-Chotlmirski, Lodz 1907 and Teichmann, Match at Vienna 1908. 1 1 P-KR4 12 K-Kt1 !
P-KB4 P-84
Dr. Lasker recommends 12 . R-QB1 : Nimzowitch considers 1 2 . . . P-KR3 ; 13 B-B4, B-Q3 ; 14 BxB, PxB ; would not have been bad. However, that White in both cases would have the better posi tion is not to be denied. PxP7
1 3 PxP
Z nosko-Borowsky
R u b i n stei n
64
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
This m ove is basically refuted : Black would also get a decisive in feriority after 13 . . . QKtxP, e.g. 1 4 KtxP, BxKt, B-QB4, etc. But with 13 . . . R-QD1 the Pawn sacrifice recommended by Nimzowitch, Black can convert the game, which has been conducted along strategic lines, into a bold tactical fight: 14 PxP, KtxP ; (to give one vari ation ) . Or 14 Kt-Q4 (obviously the best) 14 . . QKtxP etc. 14 15 16 17
KtxKt l ! BxP Q-Kt3ch QxB
BPxKt PxB K-R1
Rubinstein now wins a piece since BxB is refuted by KtxB. The whole combination had to be very exactly calculated. 17 1 8 RxKt •
•
•
•
PxKt Q-K1
If 18 . . . PxP, White might play 19 R-Ktl. But 19 RxQ is still clearer and more forceful. 19 . . . PxR ( Q ) ch ; 20 QxQ and White wins the Bishop. 19 RxB
ro � R 1
21 Q-K4
Q-Kt3ch Q �Q K �
Forcing a decisive liquidation of the position. 21
•
•
•
•
QxQ
The only course which still offers some resistance. If 21 . . . Q-QKt3, 22 Q-K5 ! ; followed by 23 PxP and Black may resign. But if 21 . . . PxP; then 22 QxP, P-KR3 ; 23 Q Kt3 ! (. . . PxB ; 24 PxPch, and Q R3 ) . Or if 22 . . . Q-QB7 ; (instead of P-KR3) the reply of B-B 6 ! is decisive. 22 RxQ 23 R-KKt1
Px P RxBP
This seems very threatening, but the following move destroys every possibility on Black's part. 24 R-KB41
Now the KB square is doubly protected. And if one of the Rooks captures the QKt Pawn, there is an adequate defense, (and an easy win) as follows : 25 R-B8ch, RxR; 26 KxR, R-B7ch ; 27 K-Kt3, P-B5ch; 28 KxP, RxRP ; 29 K-Q4 and K-K4 and K-B3 ( Or if 24 . . . QR-KB1 ; 25 RxRch, RxR ; 26 B-B4 ! ) . 24 25 P-Kt3 26 B-K7 27 K-Kt1 ! •
•
•
•
R-QB7 P-K R3 R- K1 R-K7
Or . . . R-B6 ; 28 R-B8ch, RxR; 29 BxR, and RxP. 28 BxP 29 B-Q4 30 R ( B4) -Kt4
R-Q1 R-Q B1 Resi g n &
Chapter V
International Tournaments at San Sebastian and Karlsbad, 191 1 Capablanca
Game N o. 30 Q U E E N 'S
GAMBIT
D EC L I N E D
S a n Sebastian, 1 9 1 1 R u b i nste i n 1 2 3 4 5 6
Capablanca
P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-QB4 PxQ P Kt-QB3 P-K Kt3
P-Q4 P-QB4 P-K3 K Px P Kt-Q B3 B-K3
Preferable is the quick develop ment of the King's wing : . . . Kt KB3 ; B-K2 ; 0-0 etc. B-K2 R-8 1
7 B-Kt2
8 0-0
Compare the previous note ! Dr. Lasker recommends 8 P·KR3. .
9 10 11 12
PxBP Kt-KKt5! KtxB B-R3
•
.
BxP Kt-83 PxKt
White already initiates an im mediate attack in the center : his opponent, however has not yet castled. Such situations are al ways fraught with grave danger for the defense. 12 1 3 B-Kt5 •
•
•
•
Too l ate.
Q-K2
0-0
Now the storm breaks.
14 B x Kt
QxB
( ( See Diagram in Next Column) 15 Ktx P ! !
An extraordinarily profound and beautiful combination. 15
.
.
•
.
Q-R3
It is clear that 1 5 . . . PxKt; 16 QxPch, followed by BxR etc., as
R u b i nste i n
well a s 1 5 . . . BxPch; 16 K-Kt2, Q-R3 ; 17 Kt-B4, etc. would lead to speedy loss. After the text move the real combination begins. 16 K-Kt2
One piece is now protected other indirectly, directly; the But . . . 16 . .
Q R-Q1
What now ? Does it not seem that Black must win ? 1 7 Q-81 ! ! !
This is the magnificent key-move. No matter how Black plays he loses a Pawn at the very least. It is a peculiar coincidence that two years before Rubinstein won against the world champion also by a very beautiful combination devilishly barbed with Q-B1 and that both astonishing moves oc curred almost at the same point, -here on the 17th, and in the other on the 18th move, (c.f. Ru binstein-Dr. Lasker, St. Petersburg, 1909 ! ) . 17 . .
Not 17
PxKt
. RxKt? because of 65
66
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
18 QxQ. PxQ ; 19 BxPch, and wins forthwith. 18 19 20 21
QxB Q-Kt5 ! Q-Q3 ! PxQ 22 B-Kt4
Q-Q7 Kt-Q5 QxQ K R-K1
White has a won game, but the technical conclusion is by no means easy, as Black is currently much better developed. If 22 KR K1 the continuation might be . . . Kt-B7 ; 23 RxRch, RxR; and the White Rook has no clear future : if 24 R-QB1 either Kt-K8ch and Ktx QP, or 24 . . . Kt-Kt5 might occur. And 24 R-Ql leads to too defensive a position. 22 23 K R-K1 24 RxR •
•
•
R-Q 3 ! RxR R-Q Kt3 !
Forceful counter-play ! The Pawn at Kt2 cannot be protected with advantage, for after 25 P-QKt3, R-QR3 ; follows and 25 R-QKtl would be deplorable. In such events only counter-attack is of value. 25 R-K5 ! 26 RxP
RxP Kt-B3
The Knight must return to defend. 27 B-K6ch 28 R-B5ch
K-B1
It 28 R-Q7, Kt-K4 would be unpleasant. 28
.
.
.
•
K-K1
After 28 . . . K-K2 ; 29 B-B 4 ; with the immediate threat o f R B7ch. 29 B-B7ch
K-Q2
Now he must enter the second rank perforce, in order to secure some counter-play. 30 B-B4
P-Q R3
Black wishes to avoid the ex change of Rooks, which after 30
. . . K-Q3 would be forced by 31 R-QKt5. In any event White would still have had difficulty in winning. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
R-B7ch R x K KtP B-Kt8 RxP P.K R4 R.R6ch R-R5ch B-Q 5 ?
K-Q3 P.Kt4 P-QR4 P-R5 P-Kt5 K-B4 K.Kt3
A nervous move which should presently have rendered lt ex ceedingly difficult to win the bit terly contested battle, with victory almost in White's grasp. Correct was 38 B·B 4 ! If then P-Kt6, then 39 R-Kt5ch, K-B 2 ; 40 BxP, PxB ; 41 PxP, and the White Pawns will race to victory without difficulty. 38
•
,
•
•
P.Kt6?
Capablanca, who has conducted the counter-attack in magnificent style up to this point, now over looks the strong move 38 . . . RxRP. Thereupon White would not dare to capture the Rook, since after 39 BxR, P-Kt6 ; 40 BxP, PxB; the last of the Mohicans would crash through. White would have had to play 39 B-B4, and there m ight follow 39 . . . R-QB7 ; (threat ening RxB ! ) 40 R-QKt5ch, K-B 2 ; 41 B-Kt8. Victory then would not have been attainable for White without a further battle. But after the text-move, the matter ls quite easy. 39 PxP !
Calculated with precision. If necessary 39 BxP was also avail able and sufficient. 39
•
•
•
•
P-R6
39 . . . PxP; 4 0 R-KR6, etc. 40 BxKt!
So that he may clinch the game, after 40 . . . P-R7 by 41 R-Kt5ch, K-R3 ; 42 R-Kt8. 40 . . . .
R x KtP
KARLSBAD, 1911 P-R7
41 8-QS 42 R-R6ch
If now 42 . K-R4 or K-Q2, R-R8 and 43 R-QR8 ; and if 42 . . . K-Kt4 ; 43 B-B4ch followed by R QR6. Resi g n s
One of the most famous accom plishments of the Polish Grand master.
Game No. 31 ENGLISH OPE N I N G
Karlsbad, 1911 R u b i n stein 1 2 3 4
P-Q84 Kt.QB3 P-KKt3 B-Kt2 5 Kt-83 6 0-0
Duras P-K4 Kt-K B3 B-Kt5 0-0 R-K1 Kt-83
6 . . . BxKt would indeed have prevented the following manoeuvre, but was hardly satisfactory as White obtains the mastery of the center and two Bishops. 7 8 9 10
Kt-Q5 P-Q3 P-Kt3 B-Kt2
8-81 P-K R3 P-Q3 KtxKt
Black seeks a speedy liquidation of the position in the center. He might also have played P-KKt3 and B-Kt2 and awaited develop ments. In any event his position remained somewhat cramped. 1 1 PxKt 1 2 P-K4
Kt-K2 P-QB4
In order to forestall P-Q4 : be sides Pawn weaknes s on the Queen Bishop file must be avoided. 12 . . P-KB4 would be insufficient because of the position of the King's Rook and King's Bishop ; •
67
White would obtain a powerfUl attack by 13 Kt-Q2 and P-KB4. 13 PxPe.p.
KtxP
If 1 3 . . . PxP ; the following move Is even more potent. 14 P-Q4 1 5 P-Q5
B-Kt5 Kt-K2?
Without doubt Black has the in ferior game, but this ill-considered move Is the source of serious dif ficulties. 15 . . . Kt·Ktl was ne cessary in order to bring the Knight via Q2 or even R3 Into the game without interfering with the other pieces. 1 6 Q-Q3
Q.Q2
H 16 . . . P-KB4 ; 17 Kt-R4, fol lows with great effect. 17 Kt-Q2
B-R6
Considering the position of the center Pawns, which obviously constitute the key to the position, the Queen's Bishops on each side are destined for an attacking role, and the King's Bishops a defensive role. Therefore, It Is apparent that the exchange Inaugurated by the text-move, increases the offensive power of White's game. 1 8 P-Q R4 !
To secure the square at B4 for the Knight. 18 . . . . 1 9 KxB 20 Kt-84
8xB K R-Kt1 P-QKt4
The hostile Knight cannot be successfully driven away by . P-QKt3 ; . . . P-QR3 ; and . . . P QKt4 ; e.g. 20 . . . P-QKt3 ; 21 P QKt4, (threatening P-QKt5) P· QR3 ; 22 P-QR5, and White gains the important support-post Kt6. The counter-demonstration init!· ated by the move actually made, merely reveals a new weakness in the Black camp, namely QR2. Consequently White will have to concern himself simply with the
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
68
protection of the Pawn at QKt3, but Black on the other hand, will have to worry about his Q3 as well as his QR2. If in addition we take in consideration the poor position of Black's minor pieces, it is evident that White has a sub stantial advantage. QxP Kt-KKt3
21 PxP
22 R-R3
Duras has had poor luck with this Knight. Now he is placed quite out of the game, instead of being brought to the protection of the weak points QR2 and QBl by Kt-Bl. Certainly a plan of attack is bound up with Kt-Kt3, namely B-K2 to be followed by Kt-QB1-Q2QB4. But this plan cannot be carried out. 23 K R-Q R 1 24 B-81
P-QR3 R-Kt2
Acknowledging that his plan can not be consummated. White threat ens a regrouping by Q-Bl, B-K3 and Kt·Q2, and against this there is no reply. 25 8-K3 26 P-K83 27 Q-81 !
P-K83 Kt-K2 Kt-81 Duras
Loss of avoided.
a
Pawn
cannot
be
29 Q-84!
The Pawn will not run away. By the exchange of Queens the win ning procedure is appreciably facil itated. 29 30 KtxQ 31 Kt-Q2 •
•
•
•
QxQ R (at R ) -Kt1
An invaluable Knight ! 31 32 R x P •
.
•
•
R-Q 82
Finally the pay-off arrives. The rest is accomplished by Rubinstein with his wonted technical pre cision. 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
•
•
•
•
R ( R6)-R2 Rx R K-82 K-K2 K-Q3 K-83 Kt-84
R-87 RxR 8-K2 K-82 K-K1 K-Q2 8-Q1 8-82
40 P-K Kt4
Now follows a complete tie-up of the Black King's wing. 40 41 42 43
44
45 46 47 48 49
. . . . R-R6 P-R4 P-R5 P-Kt4 R-R8 K-Kt3 RxR P-QKt5 P-Kt6
8-Q1 8-82 8-Q1 8-82 R-Kt2 K-Q1 R-Kt1 8xR Kt-K2 P-84
Black wants to obtain a passed Pawn. 50 KtPxP 51 8-821
Repulsing the last effort of h1s opponent to free his game.
Rubi nstein
28 Kt-Q2 1
Kt-Kt1
51 52 8-R4 •
Q-Kt5
•
•
•
K-81 Resigns
69
KARLSBAD, 1911 Game No. S2 Q U E EN'S PAWN GA M E
Karlsbad, 1911 Ala p i n
R u b i nstein
1 P-Q4 2 8-84 3 P-K3
P.Q4 Kt-K83 B-Kt5
Rubinstein, too, can play psycho logical chess : to the great theorist he presents something entirely new ! In recent times, moreover, the opinion prevails that in this opening it is necessary for Black to hem in his Queen's Bishop. B-B4 is recommended.
An error! It is true White gets rid of his weak Bishop, but this would have been warranted only by the exchange of the Bishop for a Bishop. Compare the note to 4 . . . BxB ! In the after-play the Bishop exhibits all the advantages of a far-reaching piece, and Js thereby superior to the Knight. The slight positional advantage which Black obtained on the 4th move, has now taken substance. But the Black advantage cannot be translated into victory, since Ru binstein must make long prepara tion to break through at some poJnt. 16 1 7 Q R-Q1 18 P-K R3 •
4 8-K2
If 4 P-KB3, B-B4 ; and White could hardly avoid the exchange of his King's Bishop on Q3. 4 . . . .
8x8
Usually it is more than a moral victory for Black in a Queen's Pawn opening, to be able to ex change his Queen's Bishop for the White King Bishop at an early stage. In view of the Pawn for mation, the Black King Bishop in such an event has attacking pros pects, while the opposing Bishop has only slight value for attack and is committed to defense. 5 6 7 8
Qx8 Kt-Q2 P-Q 83 P-K4
P-83 P-K3 Q Kt-Q2
8 KKt-B3 was preferable, in order to plant a Knight at K6 as soon as possible. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
•
•
.
•
KtxKt QxP Kt-83 0-0 Q-82 K R-K1 8-Kt5 8xKt?
KtxP Px Kt 8-K2 0-0 Kt-83 Q-Kt3 Q R-Q1 K R-K1
•
•
.
8x8 R-Q4
If P-QB4, the Pawn at Q4 becomes perceptibly weak. 18 19 R-Q2 20 K R-Q1 21 R-Q3 22 Kt-R2 •
•
•
.
K R-Q1 P-KKtS 8-Kt2 Q-82
White tries to understand what his opponent is aiming at. Hence his nervousnes s : with the follow ing moves of his Knight he dam ages his position. The Knight stood best at KB3. 22 23 Kt-81 24 Kt-Kt3 25 Kt-K4 •
•
•
•
P-QKt4 P-KR4 Q-Q2 P-K41
Now Black assumes the attack. 26 27 28 29
Kt-85 Q-K2 Kt-Kt7 Px P
Q-K2 Q-81 R-K1 R ( K1)xPI
I f 29 . . . R(Q4)xP, White aisa gets an open file for his Rooks. 30 Q-83 31 R x R 32 Kt-R5
Q-K2 PxR
32 RxP ? would lead to Immediate loss, as follows : 32 . . . RxR; 33
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
70
QxR, Q-K8ch ; 34 K-R2, B-K4ch ; 35 P-Kt3, Q-B7ch ; 36 Q-Kt2, BxPch ; etc. But even after the move ac tually made, Black obtains a deci sive advantage in fine style. 32 33 RxR •
•
•
R-KSch
•
Not 33 K-R2? because of RxR, 34 QxR, Q-B2ch etc. QxRch P-Q5
33 34 K-R2 •
•
.
•
With this move the power of the Bishop makes itself felt In decisive fashion. PxP 8xP
35 Kt-86 36 PxP 37 P-Kt3
If 37 KtxRP, B-Q5 ! ; wins as follows : 38 P-Kt3, (38 KtxP, BxP; etc.) BxBP ! ; (. . . BxKt ? ; 39 Q· R8ch etc. ! ) 39 Q-Kt2, P-R5 ! ! ; 40 PxP, Q-K4ch ; 41 K-Rl , BxKt; 42 Q-R8ch, Q-Ktl. It is to be noted that the advantage of Black in all these variations, rests upon the Bishop. P-R4 K-Kt2
37 38 K-Kt2 39 Q-Q3 •
•
•
•
pared a winning worthy of study. 39 40 QxQKtP 41 K-Kt1 •
•
•
•
continuation P-Q R S ! Q-K5ch
Or 41 K-R2, Q-B S ; etc. precisely analogous to the moves actually made. P-R6 8-83
41 42 Q-85 43 Kt-Kt4 •
•
.
•
An amazing Zug-Zwang position has arisen. Black threatens 43 Q-Kt8ch, followed by QxRP. If 43 K-R2 ; 43 . . . Q·K7 ; 44 Kt-Kt4, Q-QKt7 ; might follow, after which the threat of B·Q5 is decisive. If 43 Q-QBl, obviously 43 . . . B-Kt7 ; wins. 43
.
.
.
.
•
•
44 Q-81
B-Q5
Forced. 44
•
•
Q-86!
BxPch etc. would be petty. Now the Bishop's Pawn and Knight's Pawn are attacked simultaneously and there is no defense. BxPch Q-K7 1
45 Q-K84 46 K-R2
Forces mate or wins the Queen. Rubi nstein
Resigns
"A logical game ! " as Rubinstein used to express It, when he was satisfied with his work.
Game No. 33 FRENCH DEFENSE Alapin
With this move White regains the Pawn. But Rubinstein has pre-
Karlsbad, 1911 R u b i nstein 1 P-Q4 2 P-K4
Lowenflsch P-K3
KARLSBAD, 1911
71 Position after 1 6 PxP ! !
An unusual case! In this posi tion Rubinstein had always played 2 Kt-KB3 or 2 P-QB4. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
.
•
•
.
Kt-Q 83 8-Kt5 P-K5 8x8 Q-Q2 P-84 Kt- K 83 Px P ( 86) I
P-Q4 Kt-K83 8-K2 K Kt-Q2 Qx8 0-0 P-Q84 P-83
Rubinstein wishes to attack the banging Pawns at K3 and Q4. Sharply, spiritedly and with iron precision, he carries through his plan. 10 .
•
•
•
QxP ?
The previous move was indeed a little premature : Kt-QB3 should have been played. The text-move, however, is a mistake : Black cap tures with the Queen, since he desires at the least to control the squares Q5 and K4. As it turns however, he accomplishes out, nothing thereby, and by 10 . . . KtxP! followed by Kt-QB3 and B-Q2 he could not attain an ideal but an essentially playable game. It Is to be noted that the attempt to strengthen the center by 1 0 . . . PxP would be refuted by 1 1 P-B5! (if . . . PxP; 12 B-K2). 11 P-KKt3 12 0-0-0 1 3 8-Kt2
Kt-Q83 P-Q R 3 Kt-Kt3
Why not 13 P-QKt4 ; which appears even stronger? Because thereafter a neat combination would be decisive : 14 PxP, KtxP; 15 KtxQP, PxKt ; 16 QxPch, Q-K3 ; 17 Kt-Kt5 ! etc. 14 K R-K1 ! 1 5 Q-K82 16 PxP ! I
Kt-85 P-QKt4
(See Diagram in Next Column ) The courage o f a grandmaster! 16 . . . .
KtxKtP
Lowenfisch
• • .o. • ••• • • • ••
·····:-: ··:-;L
••a•• ,
-0 • B aaa• 1 • II III • R u b i nstein 17 KxKt 1 8 Kt-Q4 1 1 9 K-R 1 !
P-Kt5 PxKtch
With this move the enemy at tack on the wing is repulsed, while the White attack In the center moves on relentlessly. 19
.
.
•
•
KtxKt
If 19 . . . B-Q2 ? ; 20 KtxKP ! , would follow. (BxKt; 2 1 RxB, QxR; 22 BxP). 20 QxKt
QR-Kt1
20 . . . B-Q2 was somewhat bet ter. Whereupon 21 R-K3 follows strongly. But not 21 QxQ, RxQ ; 22 RxP?, on account of B-B 3 ! 21 R-K3 22 R x P !
P-K Kt4
22 . . . . 23 PxP 24 P-86
PxP B-Q2 QxQ
Naturally h e does not play 22 PxP, permitting Q-B7! Now Black cannot capture the Pawn at B4, because the fatal check at KKt3 would ensue.
Black is lost in any event. 25 26 27 28
RxQ 8-R3 P-87 RxPI
B-K1 R-83 R-Q 81
It is to be observed that the
72
RUBINSTEIN'S CHmS MASTERPIECES
original weakness of Black's game (PK3 and PQ4) finally comes into view. The exploitation of the dis advantage of such structures is much more important, and Rubin stein has no equal in this art. Unusually instructive in this ob servation are those games in which he had to meet the Tarrasch De fense of the Queen's Gambit. 28 . . . . 2 9 BxPch
RxQBP Resi g n s
Nimzowitch has treated this in his "System" under the caption : "First to restrain, then to block ade, and finally to destroy."
GA M B I T
D EC L I N E D
Karlsbad, 1911 R u bi nstein 1 2 3 4 5 6
P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-84 Kt-83 Q-82 B-Kt5
Alekhlne P-Q4 Kt- K B3 P-83 Q-Kt3 B-Kt5
In the same tournament Schlech ter played 6 P-B5 against Suchting, but obtained an inferior position. 6
•
•
•
•
Q Kt-Q2
Black cannot win a Pawn. If 6 . . . PxP ; it Is obvious that 7 P-K3, etc. would follow. And if 6 . . BxKt; 7 KtPxB, QxP ; 8 BxKt, and 9 PxP, and eventually R·Q1, with a favorable recapture of the Pawn. Even more decisive is 7 KPxB, QxP ; 8 BxKt, KPxB ; (if • . . KtP x B ; 9 PxP, PxP ; 10 KtxP, QxKt! 11 Q·B8ch, Q-Q 1 ; 12 B-Kt5ch, and wins) 9 PxP, PxP ; 10 B-Kt5ch, Kt B3 ; 11 0-0, and White has a prom ising attack. •
7 P-K3
8 9 10 11 12 13
P-K3 Q-R4 KtxKt BxKt PxP Kt-Kt3
B-84 B-Q3 0-0 PxKt PxB BxBP
Now it is apparent that Black has been following a definite ob jective during the unsound de velopment of the last few moves : e.g. 14 B-Q3, Kt-Q4 ! and White would be faced by the unpleasant choice of sacrificing the Queen Bishop's Pawn or of submitting to a triple Pawn on the King Bish op's file. This neat plan, however, is refuted by a simple counter-stroke. QR-Q1
14 Q-Kt3 1
Game N o. 34 Q U E E N 'S
Threatening to win a piece. But the simple 7 . . . P-K3 was to be preferred.
Kt.K5
If 14 . . . KtxB ; 1 5 QxKtP, would lead to an uncertain result be cause of 15 . . . Kt-Kt3 ; 16 B-B7 ( 1 6 QxPch, K-K 2 ; 17 B-Q6ch, K B 3 ) 16 R-Q1 etc. But with 15 QxKt, White would remain at a clear advantage by reason of his strong centre. B-Q3
15 B-K2 Not 15 . . . 16 QxKtP.
Kt-Q4 ? because of
16 17 18 19 20 21
B-Kt3 R Px B P-KB4 B-83 P-QR4! K R-QB1 22 Q-Kt5! 23 PxQ The ending is White. 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
•
•
•
•
B Px P R-84 R-86 BxKt Q R-Q B 1 K-81 K-K2
BxB 0-0 P-QB4 R-Q2 Kt-Q4 P-K Kt3 QxQ clearly won PxP P-QKt3 P-84 K-82 PxB K R-Q1 K-K2 R-Q3
for
KARLSBAD, 1911 31 32 33 34
R ( 86)-83 K-Q3 R-86 K-K2
R ( Q3 ) -Q2 R.QR1 R-Q3
73 Position after 48 K-Kt3 Alekhine
White marks time a little In or der to formulate the winning plan at his leisure. 34 35 RxR 36 P-K B3 1 •
•
•
•
RxR K-Q2
Well calculate d ! If 36 . . . R QBl ; there would follow 37 RxR, KxR; 38 P-K4 ! , BPxP; 39 P:xP, P:xP; 40 P-KKt4, and White wins. 36 . . • 37 K-Q3 38 P-K Kt4 39 R-81 •
R-K1 R-K2 R-K3
Now 39 RxR would be insum clent because after 39 KxR; 40 P K4, Black plays QPxPch ; 41 PxP, PxKtP ; etc. However, if White continues 41 P-KKt5, his King can no longer break through as the position is too bottled up, e.g. 40 . . . K-Q3 ; 41 P-K4, K-K3 ; 4 Z PxPch, KxP; 43 K-B3, K-K 3 ; 4 4 K-B4, K·Q3 ; 45 P-Q4, K-K 2 ; 46 KQ3, K-Q2! etc. 39
•
•
•
•
40 R-K R 1 41 R-Q81 42 R-K1 43 R .Q R 1 44 R-Q81
R-K2 K-K3 K-Q2 R-K82 K-Q3 K-Q2
If 44 . . . R-B 2 ; 45 RxR, KxR; 46 KtPxP, KtPxP ; 47 P-K4, and wins. 45 46 47 48
R-86 K-K2 K-82 K-Kt3
R-K 8 1 R-82 R-81
(See Diagram in Next Column) Finally the right idea : the King should cross over via KKt5.
48
•
•
•
•
49 R-83 50 K-R4
R-K1 R-K2
P-KRS
Rubi nstein O r 50 • . . R-B 2 ; 51 K-Kt5, R KBl ; 52 R-KBl, R-Kl ; 53 R-Kl, R-KBl ; 54 P-K4, etc. 51 K-Kt3 The King has performed his ser vice! A bad weakening of the 6tb row was brought about, and there by R-B6 has become a permanent grave threat, e.g. 51 . . . R-Kl ; 52 K-B2, R-K2 ; 53 K-K2, R-Kl ; 54 K-Q3, R-K2 ; 55 R-B6, R-K3 ; 56 PxP ! ! This is the point ! Now that the Pawn at Kt3 is not prl)o tected by the Pawn at R2, Black cannot reply 56 . . . RxR. Com pare the note to the 36th move ! After 56 . . . PxP; 57 RxR, KxR; 58 P-K4, wins as Black cannot ex change on K4. But If he permits P-K5, the White King goes to KR4, and after the exchange of the King Pawn for the Rook Pawn that follows, forces his way into the game with decisive effect. 51 52 K-R4 53 K-Kt5 •
•
•
•
54 PxP
P-R4 R-KR2
8PxP
Naturally not KxP? ? because ot 54 . . . P-Kt6 ; 55 KxP, P-Kt7 ; 68 R-Bl, P-R5 ; and Black wins.
54 . . . .
55 KxP ( Kt4) 56 K-Kt5
PxP
R-R8 R..QKt8
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
74 57 58 59 60 61
R-QR3 R x Pch KxP P-BS P-86
RxP K-Q3 R-Kt6 RxP
White has gained n o material, but the better position which he attained at the beginning of the game and held tightly in the depths of the end-game, brings the decision. Against the KBP there Is no resource. 61 • • • • 62 K-R7 63 P-87 64 K-Kt7 65 K-86
R-Kt6ch R-KB6 R-BS R-Kt5ch
Ever cautiou s ! First the Rook is forced away from the Pawn at Q4. 65
•
•
•
•
K R-KB5ch
66 K-Kt5 67 K-Kt6 If . . . R-B5 ; follow. 68 K-86 69 K-Kt7 70 K-88
R-88 R-Kt8ch 68 R-QRS, would R-BSch R-Kt8ch R.QS
Or . . . R-KS ; 71 R-QKt7, (. K-B 3 ; 72 R-K7 ) . 71 72 73 74 75 76
K-KS K-QS R-Q7ch K-KS R-K7 R-QB71
R-KSch R-KBS K-83 R-BS K-Kt4
Now if checked the King cap tures the Pawn at Q5 and then the Rook.
Realgne
Chapter
VI
International Tournaments at San Sebastian. Pistyan and Breslau. 1912 Game No. 35
Positi o n after 12
.
.
•
0-0.
Schlechter
Q U E E N'S GAM B I T D E C L I N E D San Sebastian, 1912 R u b i nste i n 1 2 3 4 5
P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-QB4 Kt-QB3 PxQP
Schlechter P-Q4 Kt- K B3 P-KS P-QB4 KtxP
With 5 . . . KPxP; Black would lead into the Tarrasch Defense. 6 7 8 9
P-K4 PxKt PxP B-Q2
KtxKt PxP B-Kt5c h Q-R4
Leading Into an ending that Is favorable to White. Correct Is 9 BxBch; 10 QxB, 0-0; 11 B-K2, (11 B-Q3, Kt-B3 ! ) Kt-Q 2 ; 12 0-0, Kt-B 3 ; 13 Q·B4, RrK1 ; and if now 14 B-Q3, then 14 P-K4 ! with e quality. •
.
.
1 0 R-QKt1 !
BxBch
Not 10 . . . Kt-B 3 ? ? because of 1 1 RxB ! , KtxR; 12 Q-Ktl, QxRP; 13 QxQ, KtxQ ; 1 4 B-B4, and White wins. 1 1 QxB 12 KxQ !
QxQch 0-0
(See Diagram in Next Column) K-K2 was Indeed to be preferred. 1 3 B-Kt5 ! ! An exceptionally deep move ! Now Black can develop none of his minor pieces without disadvan tage. If he chases the Bishop he weakens the Queen's wing. 13
•
•
•
,
P-Q R3
Rubi nstein Not to be avoided. 14 B-Q3 15 K R-Q B 1
R-Q1 P-QKt4
If 15 . . . Kt-B3 ; 16 K·K3, and Black has no adequate contlnu. tion. 16 17 18 19
R-87 K-K3 Kt-K5 P-Kt4 !
Kt-Q2 Kt-83 B-Q2
Excellent! White now obtains a strong bind on the King side. 19
•
.
•
•
P-R3
If 19 . . . B-K1, then 20 P-Kt6, Kt-R4 ; ( . . . Kt-Q2 ? ? ; 21 Kt-B6 ! ) 21 B-K2, P-B3 ; 2 2 PxP, KtxP; ( . . . PxP ? ; BxKt, PxKt; 24 BxB, PxPch ; 25 K·Q3, RxB ; 26 R-Ktch, K-Rl ; 27 KxP, etc.) 23 R·KKtl, P KKt6 ; 24 P·KR4, and White has not only a positional superiority but a strong attack. The book of the tourney marks the text-move with a question mark, and avers that the proper continuation was 19 . . . P-Kt4 ; 20 P-KR4, P-R3 ; 21 PxP, PxP; 22 P·
76
76
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
KB4, PxPch ; -and that Schlechter was the unfortunate victim of a transposition of moves. Against this it must be noted that White would still threaten P-Kt5, and that Black would have no adequate de fense.
20 P-K84
8-K1 PxP K�R2
21 P-Kt5 � PxP
Forced. I f . . . Kt-Q 2 ; 23 Kt-B6 ! , and i f 2 2 . . . Kt-R4 ; 2 3 B-K2, gives a decisive advantage. 23 24 25 26
K R-Q81 RxR R.Q1 P-K83
P-KR4 Q R-Q81 RxR R-R7
This could have been played on the previous move (Capablanca) . 27 28 29 30 31
PxP B-R4 K-R1 8-K1
PxP Kt-Kt4 Kt-R6ch 8-K2! RxRP
Game N o. 36 FR E N C H D E F E N S E San Sebastian, 1912 Schlechter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
P-K4 P-Q4 Kt-Q 83 B-Kt5 KtxP Kt-K83 KtxKtch B-Q3
9 Kt-K5 If B-Kt5ch, 9 . . . B-Q 2 : if 9 BxKt, BxB ; 10 B-K4, R-QKtl ; 1 1 Kt-K5, BxKt ; a n d Queens are ex changed. In both cases White at tains no advantage. 9 • • . • 1 0 8-Kt5ch
B-Kt2 P-83
R u b i nstei n
K-Kt2 P-84 K-R1
31 • 32 Kt-Kt4 33 R-R7ch •
P-K3 P-Q4 Kt-K83 PxP Q K�Q2 8-K2 KtxKt P-Q Kt3
Daring, but well calculated.
At last the first tangible result. Now the game proceeds apace. •
Rubinstein
•
I f 33 . . . K-Kt3 ; 34 P-R5ch, K-Kt4 ; 35 R-Kt7ch, K-R5 ; 36 PxP, PxP ; 37 Kt-R6, Kt-B l ; 38 KtxPch, K-R6 ; 39 B-Elch, K-R7 ; 40 R-KU.ch, ( K-Rl ; 41 Kt-Kt3 mate ) .
34 Kt-K5
35 36 37 38 39
PxP K�83 Rx8 K-Kt1 R-K 8 1
8xP I 8x8 K-84 K-Kt5 K-Kt&
Threatening 41 Kt-B7ch.
40
R-Kt7ch,
K-Rl ;
Resigns A game marked by wonderful depth of conception and sureness of execution.
Schlechter
11 8xPch Thereafter Black obtains a slight superiority. If 11 KtxP or 11 Q-B3, Q-Q4 ! Best was probably 11 B-KZ.
11 12 Ktx8 •
•
•
•
8xB
Q.Q41
SAN SEBASTIAN, 1912 Now two pieces are loose, and in addition KKt2 is attacked. Black regains his Pawn with an excellent game. 13 Kt-K5 14 Q-83 1 5 KtxQ
QxKtP QxQ
White's Pawns are weaker, be ing divided Into three groups against two Black groups. Still this Is not critical. 15 1 6 o.o.o ? •
•
.
•
R-Q81
This increases his disadvantage. White is weaker on the King's wing, but has a slight superiority on the Queen's side. He must therefore prepare to attack on the Queen's side. 16 P-QB3 with the Intent of P-QR4-R5 was indicated. After the text White's attack can not be started without danger to the King. 16
•
•
.
•
Kt-Q4 !
Quite correct ! Rubinstein does not wish to castle for his King will best operate in the center. 17 8 x 8 1 8 K-Kt1 19 K R-Kt1 20 Kt-K5 21 P-Q83 22 KtxKtc h ?
Kx8 K R-Q1 P-Kt3 Kt-Kt5! Kt-83
Schlechter apparently does not sense the danger, while his op ponent hopes to exploit his ad vantage in a simple Rook-endlng : This i s evident from the previous manoeuvre of his Knight. 22 Kt Kt4, and Kt-K3 was preferable. 22 . . 23 R-Q3 .
•
RxKt R-Q4
Now the scope of the plan by Rubinstein becomes clear : the Black Rooks threaten to go by the fifth rank to the attack of the White King wing. This is difficult to parry.
77
24 R-K R3 To
KR4.
prevent
24 25 R-K83 •
•
.
.
the
attack
by
R
P-KR4
V a r I o u s commentators have noted this move as an error and have recommended R-K1 and R K3 as preventing P-K4. This view is not convincing as it overlooks the fact that Black's chief threat is 24 . . . R-B 4 ! e.g. (24 R-K3 ) , R-B4 ; 25 R-K2, R-Q3 ; 2 6 R-Q1, (threatening P-B4 ) R-B5 ! ; 27 R(Kl ) -Q2, R-Q4 ; 28 P-B4, R(Q1) B4 ; etc. with practically a winning game. Hence Schlechter's move is not to be censured. That it offers no salvation is due to the position. 25 . . . . 26 Px P 27 R-K3
P-K4! RxKP
27 R-QBl in order to continue with P-QB4 was possibly somewhat better. 27
28 PxR .
•
•
•
RxR
Now the defense of the White Pawns has become even more diffi cult. 28 29 30 31 32
•
.
.
.
R-K1 R-K2 K-82 P-Q84
R-K3 R-K83 K-K3 K-K4
Now the counter-attack on the Queen's side comes much too late. 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
. . . . P-Kt4 K-83 P-85 R-K Kt2 K-84 R Px P K-Kt5 40 PxP 41 R-Kt1 Resigns
K-K5 P-K Kt4 P-Kt5 P-RS R-K Kt3 P-Kt6 R PxP PxP K-86 P-R3ch
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
78
Game No. 37 F O U R K N I G H TS GA M E San Sebastian, 1912 R u b i nste i n
S p i e l mann 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P-K4 Kt-K83 Kt-83 8-Kt5 8-84 KtxP Kt-83
P-K4 Kt-Q83 Kt-83 Kt-Q5 8-84 Q-K2
As to 7 Kt-Q3 compare the game against Belitzmann, Warsaw, 1917. It is clear that White cannot cap ture the KBP, e.g. 7 BxPch, K-Q1 ; or 7 KtxP, P-Q4 ! etc. 7
•
•
•
P-Q4
•
With 7 . . approximate ever, is not he wishes to
. KtxP ; Black secures equality. Such, how Rubinstein's purpose : attack.
8 KtxKt Apparently 8 BxP, KtxB ; 9 Ktx Kt ! , etc. refutes Black's play. Such would be the case only if Black replies 8 . . . KtxB ? After 8 . . . B-KKt5 ! ; however, Black would have attained his primary purpose, to wit ; a. strong attack. If White plays 9 BxKtP, then 9 . . . QR-Ktl : or if 9 P-KR3, then . . . BxKt; 10 PxB, 0-0-0 ; in each case with an excellent game for Black. 8 . • . . 9 Kt-83 10 0-0
Px 8 KtxP 0-0
This defense has again proved Its worth: Black has two Bishops and a good position. 11 12 13 14 15
P-Q4 PxP PxKt P-Q4 Q-Q3
PxP e.p. KtxKt Q 8-Kt5 8-Q3 Q R-K1
Thereafter White cannot pre vent the hostlle entry into the K file.
16 17 18 19
20
21 22 23 24
P-KR3 P-QR4 Q-84 QxQ 8-R3! 8x8 K R-K 1 1 R-K7 P-R 5 ?
B-R4 B-Kt3 Q-K7 RxQ R-87 Px8 RxQ8P R-Kt1
With his last moves White ha.s obtained excellent counter-pla.y, by eliminating one of the hostile Bishops, as well as by the control of the King's file and the 7th rank. As a result the loss of a Pawn is of practically no importance. With the correct continuation 24 QR-Kl ! White had good prospects of hold Ing the game. A probable con tinuation would have been : 24 . . . K-B1 ; 25 R-Q7, B-B4 ; 26 RxQP, B· K3 ; 27 P-Q5, K-K2 ; 28 PxB, KxR; 29 PxP, threatening Kt-Kt5 to KG or simply 30 Kt-K5 and P-KB4. 24 • • • • 25 R-Q7?
K-81
This leads to material loss. In addition, White has no com pensation for his lost Pawn. If 25 QR-K1, then B-B 4 ! with the threat of B-K3. White must with draw his beleagured Rook, and Black thanks to his extra Pawn, -as well as to ths Bishop, which is here clearly superior to the Knlght,-must gradually win. 25 • • 26 RxQP •
•
8-841 8-K31
The Rook is now hemmed in, and the threat K-K2 cannot be parried. 27 R-Kt1 (See
R-82
Diagram on Page 79)
27 . . . K-K2 ? would be pre mature on account of 28 R·R6. 28 R-R6 If 28 Kt-K5 Black cannot reply 28 . . . K-K2 but 28 . . . QR-B l ! and the Rook Is still held.
SAN SEBASTIAN, 1912 Position after 27
•
•
•
R-82.
R u binstein
79
At that time Rubinstein had just introduced his defense ( 4 . . Kt· Q 5 ) , and did not yet understand it thoroughly. Hence the trans position of moves which might have resulted in favor of White. The proper order is 4 . . . Kt-Q5, and if 5 KtxP, then Q-K2, etc. Compare the game against Spiel mann at Baden-Baden 1925. .
6 8-R4?
Thereafter everything c 1 1 c k s merrily again. To-day it is ac· cepted theory that White gets the advantage by 6 B-K2! 6 . . . .
Spielmann 28
29 Rx8 .
•
•
R-R1 Px R
•
The rest requ i res no comment. 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
Kt.Kt5 R-K1 P-K84 KtxPch Kt-Kt5 R-K5 P-Q5 RxPch R-QKt5 R-Kt4 R-84ch Kt-K4 R-QR4 P-Kt4 44 R-Q4ch 45 Kt-83 Resigns
K-K2 K-83! R-83 K-K2 K-Q2 R-K81 PxP R-Q3 K-83 R-84 K-Q2 1 R-Q83 R-QR3 R ( B4) x R P K-82 R-Q3
San Sebastian, 1912 P-K4 Kt-K83 Kt-83 B-Kt5 KtxP
With 7 Kt·Q3, B·Kt3 ; 8 P-K6, Kt-K1 ; Black obtains an attack by the immediate P-KB3, and hence compensation for the Pawn. The outcome of this variation is not clear, but offers many chances. 7 8 QB-Kt5 9 Q-Q2 •
•
•
•
P-Q4 P-83
White has a Pawn plus but the position is difficult. If 9 Kt-KB3, then follows B-Kt5 : if 9 0-0, R K1 ; 10 Kt-KB3, B-Kt5. And finally if 9 P-KR3, Black gets the better of it with 9 . . . R-K1 ; 10 Kt-B3, KtxKP! ! 9 10 P-84 •
10
FOU R K N I G HTS GAM E
1 2 3 4 5
�0
•
•
•
R-K1
If 10 Kt-B3, P-Kt4 ; 11 B-Kt3, PxP; 12 KtxP, (PxP, P-Kt5 ! ) Ktx Kt ! with advantage for Black.
Game N o . 38
Dr. Tarrasch
7 P-Q3
R ubinstein P-K4 Kt-Q 83 Kt-83 8-84 Kt-Q5
•
•
•
•
P-Kt4 1
This is directed against possible castling ( Q ) , as well as to drive the Knight from B3. 1 1 8-Kt3 12 B-KR4
P-K R3
If 12 BxKt, Q.xB ; 13 PxP, B l ack obtains a clear-cut attack by the well initiated sacrifice of RxKtch. However, if White plays 13 ().().(),
80
RUBINSTEIN'S C HES S MASTERPIECES
then P-QR4 ; and 14 PxP is refuted by . . . P-R5 ; 15 Kt-K4, Q-K2 ; 16 P-Q6, PxB ! ! etc. Apart from 12 . . . QxB ; Black has the powerful continuation of 12 . . . PxB ; 13 Kt-B3, PxP ; 14 PxP, P-Kt5 etc. Thereafter the move actually made was forced. R u b i nstein
If 19 P-QB4.
Kt-B3,
19 20 Kt-82 21 8-Q1 1 •
•
•
•
B-K6 ;
20
P-KKt3,
P-KR4 B-K6
Since the weakening P-KKt3 is not to be avoided, the Bishop must p r o t e c t the vulnerable White squares. White defends himself spiritedly. 21
•
•
•
•
22 P-KKt3
23 8-83
P-K R 5 P-R4 P-Kt5
Opening the lines in order to bring the Bishops to full force. 24 25 26 27
28
Tarrasch Ktx K P I 12 , Black recovers his Pawn and secures the superior position. •
•
•
13 8xQ
KtxQ
Several commentators have in dicated that 13 . . . P-QKt4 was essential so that White could not trap the Knight by 14 B-KR4. This is an error. Black would win by Kt ( Q 7 ) -B6ch. 14 KxKt 1 5 Kt-K2
RxB
P-QR4 was threatened. 15 1 6 KxKt 17 K-81 •
•
•
•
KtxKt R-K1
K-Q2 was more economical. Possibly White feared 17 . . . P-B3 ; 18 KtxP, B-K6ch, whereupon, how ever, 19 K-K2 ! could be played. 17 1 8 P.Q 83 1 9 Kt-Kt4 •
•
•
•
B-Kt2 P-K83
29 30 31 32 33
K-Kt2 Px 8 P P-84! 8 PxP K R-Q1 Kt-Kt4 PxP QR-81 R-82 Kt-82
PxB P 8-R3 QR-Q1 8PxP R-K2 PxP 8-Q5 R-Kt2 K-82 R-Kt7!
Five moves later Black effects the exchange of the other Rook. This is done in order to increase the scope of the King. 34 RxR 35 R-Q2 36 Kt.R3
8xR 8-Q5
White wishes to bring his Knight via B4 to K6. However, it was difficult to find a good plan, the opposing Bishops are too powerful and hamper the White game, while the Black King comes quickly to the scene of action. 36 37 R-Q82 38 P-85 39 8-Q1 40 8xR 41 P-KKt4 •
•
•
•
K-K3 K-Q3 R-Q 81 1 RxRch K-K4 8-K6
With this move the game is won.
PISTYAN, 1912 K-Q5 B-Kt2 8-QR3
42 K-83 43 B-Kt3 44 K-K2 45 8-82
If 45 BxP, BxPc h ; 4 6 K-B3, B-B 8 ! wins. 45 46 P-QR4 •
•
•
•
8-QKt4
To prevent P-R5, which force White to play B-Ktl. 46 .
•
.
would
8-Q2!
•
The finale ! Now P-KKt3 is threatened, hence White must move his King. 47 K-83 48 Kx8 49 K-K2
K-86 P-Q5ch l
81
An unusual move which is not good. To be sure after 6 . . . PxP; 7 KtxP, White stands bet ter. But at that Black would have fared better than with the dis advantage he now obtains. 7 P-Q5 8 KtxKt 9 Kt-Kt5
Or 9 . . . P-QR3 ; 10 KtxP, KtxP ; 11 Kt-Kt3, Kt-B3 (Q-Kt5ch ? ; 12 B-Q2, QxP; 13 R-QB1, Q-Kt4 ; 14 R-B5, and wins ) , 12 P·B 5 ! with advantage. 10 0.0
If .
P-Q R3
. Kt-K1 ;
.
•
•
.
KtxP Duras
Kx8 8xR P 8-Kt6! K-Kt7 P-R5 P-R6 KxKt K-Kt5!
•
Kt-84 Kt-K6 KtxPch Kt-Kt5 54 K-K3 55 KtxP 56 K-Q4 Resigns
11 P-K3 plus.
11 KtxP
I f 4 9 K-K4, B-B3ch; etc. 49 50 51 52 53
Kt-Q5 PxKt 0-0
One of Rubinstein's grand end ings.
R u b i nstein Game N o. 39 ENGLISH OPEN I N G Pistyan, 1912 R u b i n·stein 1 P-Q84 2 Kt-Q83 3 P-KKt3
Duraa Kt- K 83 P-84 Kt-83
Preferable is 3 . . . P-Q 4 ; 4 PxP, Ktx P ; 5 B-Kt2, KtxKt; 6 KtPxKt, P-KKt3 ; etc. This de fense has often proved its value.
12 P-85 1 1 Forced. Kt3 wins.
13 P-K3 14 8-Q2 1 5 8-Q83
P-KKt3 8-Kt2 Q-Kt3
Q-K83 QxP; 13 KtKt-Kt5 Kt-83
Now White has far the better game. The Bishop Pawn exercises a cramping effect on the Black position. 15 1 6 Kt-82 17 Q-Q5 1 8 Kt- R 3 ! .
4 8-Kt2 5 Kt-83 6 P-Q4
After
•
•
•
P-K4 Q-K2 R-Kt1 P-Kt3
82
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
Otherwise Kt-B4 Unavoidable. follows, and Black is completely tied up. 19 20 21 22
PxP Kt-84 Q-Q6 K R-Q1
RxP R-Kt4 R-K1 P-K5
Loss of a Pawn is no longer to be avoided, as BxKt was threat ened and the Knight can neither move nor be protected. 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
BxB QxQ Kt-Q6 BxP P-Kt3 B-Kt2 RxKt
KxB RxQ R-Kt1 Kt-P2 Kt-Kt4 KtxKt R-K3
Black has lost a Pawn and has had a bad position. Rubinstein handles the ending with his ac customed care. 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
R-Q4 R-Q B1 R-87 B-Q5 K-B1 R-85 K-K2 BxB RxR R-88 40 K-Q3
K-81 K-K2 R-Q3 P-84 K-Q1 K-K2 B-Kt2 RxB KxR R-Kt3 K-Q4
Except for his poor opening, Black has played in exemplary fashion. His handicap, however, is too great. The Pawn plus wins. 41 P-K R4 42 R-84 43 PxP 44 P-KKt4!
P-R3 P-Kt4 PxP
44
R-Kt4
Capturing another Pawn. •
•
•
.
Or : I 44 . . . PxP ; 45 RxP, R-Kt3 ; 46 P-B4. II 44 • . . K-K4 ; 45 R-B5ch, P Q4 ; 4 6 PxP. III 44 . . . R-KB3 ; 45 PxP, RxP ? ? ; 46 P-K4ch.
45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54
PxP R-QR4 K-84 P-83 ! P-K4 K-Q3 R-Q4 PxP R-QS P-86
K-K4 P-R4 R-Q4 P-Q3 R-B4eh P-Q4 PxPeh P-Kt5 K-85 R-88
Of no further moment. 55 R-Q5 56 R-B5ch
R-KB8 Resigns
Game N o. 40 Q U E E N 'S
GAMBIT
D EC L I N ED
Breslau, 1 9 1 2 Rubi nstein 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-84 PxQP Kt-83 P-K Kt3 B-Kt2
M a rshall P-Q4 P-QB4 P-K3 K PxP Kt-QB3 Kt-83 PxP
Not to be recommended B-K2 is correct. 8 K KtxP 9 Kt-Kt3
.
B-QB4 B-Q Kt5
9 . . . B-Kt3 has also been tried. If then 10 KtxP, KtxKt ; 11 QxKt, QxQ ; 12 BxQ, Black gets an at tack by 12 . • . B-R6. However, White need not go into this, but can play simply 10 Castles, and thereafter Black's Queen Pawn re mains quite weak. 10 11 12 13 14
0-0 PxB B-Kt5 Kt-85 KtxB
BxKt 0-0 B-K3 Q-K2 PxKt
BRESLAU, 1912
83
21 P-K4!
Mara hal l
Q-K R4
22 P-84!
After 22 QxBP, R-R3 ; KR4, Q-Kt5, White could avoid the draw. 22 . . . . 23 P-K5
23
P
hardly
Q-R4 R-R3
Not an attacking move, but a forced displacement of the rook! 24 R-Q82 25 K-Kt2 26 KR-82 27 K R-Q2 28 R-Q6
R u b i nstein 15 P-Q84! 16 K 8xKt !
PxP
Rubinstein Is never petty. He has emerged from the opening with two Bishops and a fine position. Yet he suddenly gives up his fian chettoed Bishop for an innocuous Knight, and to this end, he even sacrifices if only momentarily, a Pawn. This conception, which would have occurred to but a few masters, is-as the sequel attests, Indeed a brilliant one. The shat tered Pawn position proves a source of endless worry for Black. 16 • • • • 1 7 Q-Q4
Px8 Q-Q1
The Queen aims at Q4-a worthy idea. 18 8xKt! 19 QxBP
Rx8
The Knight might have support ed an attack upon the White King. The weaknesses of the Black po sition can be exploited most easily by the heavy pieces. Rubinstein handles such positions in a manner unsurpassed. 19
•
•
•
•
20 QR-Q81
Q-Q4 Q R- K 8 1
I f 20 . . . QxQ, Black could hardly maintain his hold on his isolated Pawns.
Q-Kt3ch R-Q1 R-Q81 K-R1
White's attack has now reached Its goal, and its objectives must fall. Now begins the winning pro cedure. 28
Q.Kt8 R-KKt1
29 Rx8P •
•
•
•
After . . . RxR; 30 QxR, Black would be mated shortly. 30 R-88 31 K-Kt1 I
Q-Kt2ch
31 Q·B6, RxR; 32 QxQ, RxRch ; 33 K·B3 would obviously have won also, but not as easily. Q-Kt3ch
31 • • • • 32 Q-85
Now RxR fails. 32
•
•
•
QxQ
•
Everything else loses even more quickly. 33 34 35 36 37
R ( 82 ) xQ RxRch PxP P-R4 PxP
Black signed.
might
38 R-88ch 39 R-87ch 40 RxP
P-Kt4 KxR R-R4 P-R3 RxP ( R3)
have
quietly K-Kt2 K-Kt3 K-84
re
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
84
White might have prevented this by 38 R-B7. But what does one not do out of sheer boredonL 41 R-R5 42 K-Kt2 43 K-R3 44 R-R3 45 K-Kt2 46 R-83ch 47 R-82 48 P-R5 49 P-R6
R-R1 R-QKt1 R-Kt8 R-KR8ch R-QR8 KxP K-Q5 R-Q88 P-K4
50 51 52 53
P-Kt4 P-R7 P-Kt5 P-Kt6
P-K5 R-81 P-K6
A cynicism-which, however, his opponent does not take to heart. He plays on. 53
.
•
•
•
54 P-Kt7
55 P-Kt8(Q) !16 Q-K6ch
PxR K-K6 K-K7 Resigns
Chapter VU
International Tournaments at Lodz, 1916; Warsaw and Lodz, 1917. Match and Quadrangular Tourney at Berlin, 1918. 17 Q R-K1 1 8 P-KR4
Game No. 41 RUY LOPEZ
Lodz, 1916 Factor
R u b i nstein
1 2 3 4
P-K4 Kt-Q83 P-QR3
P-K4 Kt-K 83 8-Kt5 8xKt
In the Exchange Variation, White obtains the better Pawn position. Against this Black gets the two Bishops. In order to utilize the latter, one must attack. Since Rubinstein, in addition to being an excellent player, is also an out standing artist in his handling of the two Bishops, this variation is a. useless weapon against him. 4 5 P-Q4 6 QxP 7 KtxQ 8 P-KB4 9 8-K3 10 Kt-Q2 1 1 P-KKt3 •
•
.
.
Q Px8 PxP QxQ 8-Q3 P-83 Kt-K2 Kt-Kt3
A pointless weakening of the position : 0-0 immediately was in order. 11 12 13 14 15
•
•
-
-
K t ( Q4)-83 0-0 K R-K1 8-82
P-Q84 P-Kt3 B-Kt2 0-0-0
He would like to play Kt-B4, but does n ot succeed in so doing as his King's Pawn would be vulner able. 15 • • • • 1 6 R-K2
K R-K1 R-Q2
R ( Q2)-K2
A further weakening. Now after P-R4 a hole is created, and besides the White Bishop is condemned to complete uselessness by reason of the Pawn position. 18 • • • • 1 9 P-84 20 P-R4 21 K-81 22 P-Kt3 23 R-K3 24 K-Kt2 25 Q Kt-Kt1 26 Kt-83
P-K R41 P-R4 K-Q2 8-83 K-81 8-Q2 P-83 8-82 Kt-R1
Rubinstein gradually improves his position : he prepares the break-through. 27 R-Q3 28 R ( K1 )-Q1 29 R (Q 1 ) -Q2 30 8-Kt1
Kt-82 8-Kt5 Kt-R3
If 30 P-B5 the break-through be comes possible at once by 30 . . . P-Kt3 ! followed by doubling R's on the KKt file striking at KKt6. 30 31 32 33
. . . . 8-82 R-Q1 8-Kt1
8-Kt1 8-K3 B-K82
White can do nothing. He can merely look on as his opponent prepares his threats. 33
.
.
.
.
34 Kt-Q2
35 36 37 38
R-K1 K-83 8-82 8-Kt1
8-KtS Kt-82 8-R2 Kt-RS Kt-Kt5
85
86
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES Rubinste i n
Having secured the attack, Ru binstein conducts the game vigor ously to the end. 43 PxP The threat was 43 . . . PxP with the same continuation as in the game. If 43 P-K5, then BxKP ! ; and now if 44 PxB, then KtxPch ; 45 K-K3, P-B5ch ! ; etc. and White's game collapses. •
43
44 Kt-K4 Factor 38
.
•
•
P-KKt4!
•
This brea�·through had to come sooner or later. At this moment 1t Is made more effective by the position of the King at B3 and the Rook at Q3. 39 R-K2
The double exchange on Kt5 is out-of-question because of Kt-K5ch etc. Also 39 RPxP, PxP ; 40 P-B5, is Insufficient as Black gets the exchange with Kt-K5ch, then cap tures the Pawn at Kt3, and wins easily. He can also win another way. 39
•
•
•
Px 8 P
•
The opening of this file is also decisive. 40 PxP 41 R-K1 42 Kt-K2
R-KKt1 R ( K2)-KKt2 P-84!
R u b i nstein
•
•
•
.
•
B ( R2)xP
Or 44 R-B3, R-Kl ; followed by . . . R(Kt2 ) -K 2 ; etc. with a de vastating attack. 44
.
.
•
BxKtch
.
A surprise, but very good ! Black
gets the Pawn at B4. R-K1ch R-KB2
45 KxB 46 K-83
The subtle point! BxP is threat ened. The Pawn cannot be held. R ( K ) ·B1 BxP
47 R (Q3)-Q1 48 R-K 81 49 Ktx8
In order to repulse the attack, White has to permit the exchange of Rooks. R x Ktch RxR RxR Kt-R3!
49 50 K-Kt2 51 RxR 52 Kx R •
•
•
•
The final thrust ! the Pawn at Kt3. 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Black fllches
K-K2 8-82 K-Q3 8-K3 K-83 BxKt KxP K-Q3
More exact than 60
61 K-B3, P-Kt4 ; etc. 61 Factor
•
K-83 Resigns
Kt-84 Kt-Q5ch KtxP K-Q2 Kt-Q5 PxBch K-Q3 K-K4! .
.
•
K-B4 ;
P-QB4
WARSAW, 1917 Game No. 42
87 Position after 14 P-QB3. R ubinstein
FOU R K N I GHT'S GAM E
Warsaw, 1917 Belitzmann 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P-K4 Kt-KB3 Kt-83 B-Kt5 B-84 KtxP Kt-Q3
Rubinstein P-K4 Kt-QB3 Kt-83 Kt-Q5 B-84 Q-K2
For 7 Kt-B3, which is better, compare the game against Spiel mann at San Sebastian in 1912. 7 . . 8 KtxP •
•
P-Q4
Belitzmann
It is clear that other moves are just as useless. White is lost.
8 BxP is preferable.
15 16 Q-K2 •
8 . 9 Kt-K3 •
•
•
If 9 K-B1, B-R6 ! powerful answer.
QxPch
would
be
a
•
•
•
•
•
B-Q3
P-R5
•
There is no practical defense against the mating threat. 16 . . 1 7 KxQ 18 K-Kt1 •
9 10 0-0
•
•
QxRPc h PxP Obi. ch. R-R8 mate
Bold ln the extreme ! But at all events Black gets a strong attack. 10 11 12 13
. B-Kt3 Kt-K1 P-Kt3 •
•
•
P-Q Kt4 1 B-Kt2 Q-KR5
If 13 P-KR3, Black might con tinue the attack with P-Kt4 and P·KR4 ; if 13 P-B4, KBxP; 14 P Kt3, BxP ; 15 PxB, QxPch ; is n ot clear inasmuch as 16 Kt-Kt2 fol lows with the threat of BxBP, since later Kt-Kt2 could be an swered with . . . Kt-Kt5 ! 13 1 4 P-QB3 •
•
•
•
Q-R6
If 14 P-Q3, Black replies as in the actual game. (See Diagram in Next Column) 14
•
•
•
•
1!1 PxKt
P-K R4 1
Game No. 43 Q U EEN'S GAM B I T D EC L I N E D
Lodz, 1917 Gottesduner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-QB4 B-Kt5 Kt-BS P-KS R-81 PxP B-QS BxKt
Rubi nstein P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-K3 B-K2 Q Kt-Q2
0-0
P-83 K PxP Kt-K5
Better is 1 0 BxB, QxB ; 11 BxKt, PxB ; 12 Kt-Q2, and White has an excellent position. 10 . . . . 11 B-Kt1
BxB
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
88
Inconsequent. The Bishop :Is better placed at Q3 : QKtl should be reserved for a Rook for the eventual attack P-QKt4 and QKt5 which is in order. 11 12 0- 0 •
•
•
•
R-K1
12 KtxB was more prudent so as not to give Black the two Bish ops. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
-
•
•
•
Kt-K2 Kt-Kt3 Kt-Q2 R-K1 P-K B4 Kt-Kt3 Q-B3 P-K R3
B-K2 B-Q3 Kt-B3 B-B2 Q-Q3 B-Q2 Kt-Kt5 Q-R3
This allows a pretty combina tion. 20 Kt-Bl should be played. Black would then have a slight edge. R u b i nstein
25 KtxQ
Now the combination can be ap praised: Black has Rook and two Pawns for two pieces. This alone would not be sufficient, but here it is important to note that a pair of Rooks has been exchanged, so that White has at his disposal only minor pieces. In such cases the advantage of the Rook is almost always sufficient. 25 26 Kt-Q3 27 Kt-K5 28 K-B2 29 Kt-K2 30 Kt-Q3 31 Kt-B3 32 Kt-R4 33 B-B2 34 P-R3 35 P-Q Kt4? •
•
•
•
P-KKt3 P-Kt3 B-K1 P-Q R4 P-KB3 K-B2 K-K2 R-Kt1 K-Q3 B-Q2
Greatly facilitating Black's task. Now he can count upon an en· trance by way of the Rook's file. Besides the Pawn at Kt4 can more readily prove a s ource of weakness than at Kt2. 35 . . . . 36 PxP 37 K-K3
The threat was 37 (38 KtxP ?, R-R7) . 37 38 K-Q2 •
•
•
•
PxP B-B4
. . R-QRl R-K 1ch R-K5
A surprise ! White has no good defense against this attack. 39 P-Kt4
Gottesduner
20
21 22 23 24
•
•
•
•
RxKt QxR Q-QB3 QxB
Ktx K P RxR BxBP BxR
If 24 KtxB Black gets an o� portunity for a King's side attack by R-Kl. 24
•
•
•
•
QxQ
39 KtxP, RxP :Is also unfavorable as the White defense has been de prived of the best supporting Pawns. If 39 K-B3, R-K7 and the game 1s decided on the King's wing. 39
•
•
•
•
40 Kt-B3
4 1 Kt-K2
B-K3 RxQ P I
If 41 K-K3 then might follow : R-QB5, 42 K-Q2, P-R4.
LODZ, 1917 41 42 Kt-83 •
•
.
•
R-K5
Now White's plan is apparent : the hostile Rook is caught. But Black already has three Pawns and that is too much for the defense. 42 43 Kt-K2 •
•
•
•
R-Q5 R-K5
Rubinstein is evidently ponder ing whether to sacrifice the Rook on K5 or QB5 : hence the repeti tion of moves.
44 Kt-83
45 46 47 48
PxP KtxR Kt-82 PxPch
P-KB4 Px P B PxKt P-84 Px P
These three passed Pawns are irresistible. White's only chance lies in the return of a piece as soon as possible. 49 K-K3 50 BxP
Or 50 KtxP, PxKt; B4 ! etc. 50 5 1 KtxP 52 P-R4 53 Kt-Kt3 •
•
•
.
K-K4
51 BxP, BPxB P-85 P-R3
In order to prevent the opposing King from approaching the Rook Pawn by way of B5, e.g. 53 Kt-B3, K-B 4 ; 54 K-B3, B-Bl, or B-B2, fol lowed by check with the Bishop, and the Black King penetrates either by Kt5 or K5 and Q5 with effect. 53 54 Kt-K2 55 Kt-Kt3 56 Kt-R1 •
.
•
.
B-84 B-R2 B-Kt3
Or 56 Kt-K2, K-B4 ; 57 K-B3, B-R4 ch ; etc.: and if 57 K-Q4, B B 2 ; etc. 56 57 Kt-Kt3 58 P-R5 •
.
.
•
P-86 K-Q4 B-R2
89 59 Kt-K2 60 K-84
K-85 P-87
The threat was KtxP and K-K5. 61 K-K3 62 K-Q4
K-Kt6
Or 62 Kt-Q4ch, K-Kt7 ; 63 KtxP, BxKt ; 64 K-B4, B-Q8 ; etc. 62 . . . . 63 K-K3 64 K-84 Resigns
K-Kt7 B-84 B-Q6
Game No. 44 Q U E EN'S GA M B I T DECLI N E D
Lodz, 1917 Regedzinsk;y 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-QB4 B-Kt5 Kt-83 P-K3 B-Q3
R u b i nstein P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-K3 Q Kt-Q2 B-K2 0-0
As long as the QB Pawn remains at B7, this move is weaker than 7 R-QBL 7
.
.
.
8 BxP
9 10 11 12 13
•
0-0 B-Q3 Q-K2 QR-Q1 PxP
PxP P-Q R3 ! P-QKt4 B-Kt2 P-84 PxP
More or less required by the previous moves. Had White de sired to play KtxP, he would pre ferably have posted his Rooks on the QB and Q squares. 13 1 4 Kt-K4? •
.
.
.
Kt-Kt3
The isolated center Pawn only offers certain advantages if it can be employed as the base for an
90
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
attack. In a quiet positional game it usually becomes a source of weakness. Therefore White should not simplify but should play 14 Kt-K5. 14 15 16 17 18
•
•
•
KtxKt QxB K R-Q1 BxB Q R-81
•
BxB BxKt R-Q3 QxB
As a result of the simplification White has now no prospects for an attack. The disadvantages of his isolated Pawn gradually make themselves felt. Black's position is superior. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
K R-Q1 R ( Q3)-Q2 Q-K3 P- K R 3 R-K2 P-QKt3 R-QB1 Q-Q2
Kt-Q4 Kt-83 Q-Kt2 P-R3 Q-Q4 Q-Q3 Kt-Q4 Q-85
R u b i nstei n
28 R ( K2)xQ
29 30 31 32
RxR Kt-Kt5 R-QB1 R-BBeh
RxR R-Kt2 K-81 K-K2
Or 32 Kt-K1, RxKtch ! Kt-Q6ch; etc.
R-QR8 RxP KtxR Kt-Kt5 P-83 K-82
32 • • • • 33 K-Q2 34 RxR 35 Kt-K5 36 Kt-Q7 37 P-Kt3 38 Kt-Kt6
Hastening the end. should go to B5.
The Knight K-K2 P-QR4
38 39 K-83 •
•
•
33 KxR,
•
Now there is no defense to the threat of K-Ql and K-B2 : the White Knight is lost. Resig n·s
A game without any unusual combinative brilliance. Yet it is notable as furnishing a simple ex ample of the exploitation of the various weaknesses of the isolated Queen's Pawn.
Game N o. 45 Q U E EN'S G A M B I T D E C L I N E D
Match: Berlin, 1918 Rubi nstein
1 P-Q4
Regedzinsky
Decisive ! White cannot play 27 QxQ because he would lose the ex change after 27 . . . KtxQ. If 27 R-Ql then 27 . . . Kt-B6 ; 28 R ( K2 ) -Kl ( 28 QxQ ? ? KtxRch ) , QxQ o r even 2 7 . . . QxQ at once, and the ending is very unfavor able for White. 27 R-82
QxQ
2 3 4 5
Kt- K B3 P-QB4 Kt-83 P-K3
Schlechter P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-83 PxP B-Kt5
At a later period Alekhine has pointed out that here 5 . . . P QKt4 ; 6 P-QR4, P-Kt5 ; etc. affords a suitable defense. 6 BxP 7 0-0
P-K3 Q Kt-Q2
BERLIN, 1918 8 P-KR3
8xKt
. . . B-R4 was preferable. But even then Black's position would not be good as White's center is too strong. 9 10 11 12
Qx8 R-Q1 P-K4 8-84
8-K2 0-0 R-K1 Kt-81
White certainly has the superior position, by reason of his strong center and his two Bishops. Nev ertheless It is amazing how quickly Rubinstein annihilates the oppos ing army. 14 P-Q5 ! ! Schlechter
91
against the same opponent in 1909 seems convincing ( see Game No. 20) . 13 . • • 14 PxP
•
K PxP Q-Kt3
If 14 . . . PxP, Black loses the QKtP to say the least : 15 KtxP, KtxKt ; 16 BxKt, Q-Kt3 ; 17 BxKtP, R-Q1 ; 18 B-Q5, and now 18 . . . QxKtP is refuted by 19 BxPch, KxB ; 20 B-K5ch. 15 P-Q6 16 P-KKt4!
8-Q1
Threatening 17 P-Kt5, Kt(B3) If Q2, 1 8 BxPch, and B-K3ch. Black plays 1 6 . . . QxKtP, there would follow 17 P-Kt5, Kt-Q4 (Kt ( B3)-Q 2 ; 18 BxPch ) , 18 KtxKt, PxKt; 19 BxP, and no less than four terrible threats impend. 20 B·B1 ; 20 B-K5, 20 BxPch, and 20 BxKtP, followed by P-Q7. 16 • • • • 1 7 P-Q7!
Kt-K3
Winning a piece. 17
•
•
•
•
R-K2
With 17 . . . R-KB1 ; 18 B-Q6, KtxP, Black might have put up a better fight. Rubinste i n
Simple, yet White obtains an Irresistible attack. It is interesting to note that Rubinstein plays for ideas that are psychologically ab horrent to his particular opponent. Aside from the consideration as to the chess merit of the move which more often than not is good -such strategy is an Important weapon to the master tournament player. There has been much speculation about what Grandmas ter Rubinstein used to think about In the first 10 or 15 minutes that he used at the beginning of each game. That this time was em ployed in remembering his game
1 8 8-Q6 1 9 8xKt 20 P-Kt5!
RxP Px8
Now the Knight cannot move because of Q-B8 mate. If 20 . . . QxKtP, then 21 QR-Ktl, followed by PxKt. 20
•
•
•
•
21 RxR
Rx8 Q-84
Losing a piece. But 21 . . . B-B2, 22 RxKP, etc. was also hopeless. 22 23 24 25 26 27
Rx8ch PxKt Q-Kt4 R-K1 Q-Kt3 Kt-K4
RxR Q-Kt4ch QxP P-K4 R-K 1 Q-K2
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECE
92 28 29 30 31 32 33
R-Q1 R-Q6 Q-Kt4 R-K6 Q-Kt5 K-R2 34 R-K7
R-K 81 K-R1 R-Q1 Q-Kt5 Q-K8ch R-K81 Resigns
For after 34 . . . RxPch ; 36 KtxR, QxKtch ; 36 Q-Kt2, Q-B5ch ; 37 K-R1, Q-QB8ch ; 38 Q-Ktl, and there are no more checks.
I N D I A N D E F E N S E ( O L D STY L E )
Quadrangular Tourney, Berlin, 1918 1 2 3 4 5
P-Q4 Kt-K83 P-QB4 Kt-83 P-KR3
Schlechter Kt-K83 P-Q3 8-Kt5 Q Kt-Q2
5 P-K4 would be more natural, followed by B-K2. But Rubinstein has an unusual predilection for his two Bishops, and hence forces the following exchange, although a slight weakening of his Pawns is involved therein. 5 • • • . 6 K Px 8 7 B-K3
8xKt P-K4 P-83
Slightly weakening the position. B-K2 and 0-0 were to be preferred. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
8-K2 0-0 Q-82 QR-Q1 8xP P-84 R-Q2 K R-Q1 8-K3
8-K2 0-0 Q-82 PxP KR-K1 QR-Q1 P-Q R3 Kt-81 Kt-K3
Black wishes to continue with P-QKt4 but his opponent demurs. 17 P-Q R4
P-Q R4
Kt-84 8-81 Kt( 83)-Q2!
Half-famished S chlechter - what a great contestant he was ! He stands confined and senses the highly dangerous attack of the White King Knight Pawn. Hence he resolves upon the spirited sac rifice of a Pawn, which even at White's best play, offers far better drawing chances than a passive defense. 21 8xQP 22 Rx8 23 RxR 24 PxKt
Game No. 46
Rubi nstein
18 P-K85 19 8-84 20 8-83
8x8 Kt-K41 Ktx8ch RxR
Now the value of the sacrlflce becomes apparent : White has lost his Bishop, and at the same time has a tripled pawn. Obviously the material advantage of White has become almost worthless. 25 Kt-K4 ! But now it is apparent that Rubin stein has detected a slight weak ness in his opponent's combina tion : with the Pawn at B2 pro tecting his King, and the Pawn at B5 as the spear-head of his future attack ( P-B6 ) . the Pawn at B3 serves as a valuable sup. port in the center. White, there fore, still has a slight superiority. 25 .
•
.
•
RxRch
Schlechter yields. He should play P-QKt3 and possibly P-KB3 later, although thereafter White would control the key-square K6. But in no event should Black con cede the Queen's file. 26 QxR
P-QKt3
(See Diagram on Page 93) 27 Q-Q4!
Attack is the soul of the game. White sacrifices an important Pawn in order to make a breech 1n the enemy's King position.
BERLIN, 1918 Position after 27 Q-Q4! Schlechter
31 32 33 34 35 36
93 Q-Kt3! Q-KS P-R4 K-Kt2 K-Kt3 K-Kt2
Q-Q1 P-R5 P-R3 Q-K 81 Q-Q1
QxQBP must be played. Hence the King retreats so that Black will not be able to counter it wJth Q-QKtlch. 36 37 38 39 Rubinstein 27
•
•
.
KtxP
•
Other continuations are equally unsatisfactory. I 27 KtxKt ; 28 PxKt, P KB3 ; 29 P-QB5, with advantage. II 27 Q-Q 2 ; 28 Q-K5 ! III 27 Kt-Q2 ; 28 P-B6, KtxP ; 29 KtxKtch, PxKt ; 30 QxBP, Q-Q2 ; 31 K-Kt2, with the threat of P KR4, R5 and R6 with advantage. •
.
•
.
.
.
28 P-86!
Kt-84
Forced. The threat is obviously 29 PxP followed by 30 Kt-B6ch. 28 . . . PxP is naturally not play able, and if 28 . . . P-Kt3 ; 29 Q K3, Q-B1 or Q-Q1 ; 30 Kt-Kt5, Q· KB1 ; 31 Q-K7 ! P-KR3 ; 32 Kt-R7, is quickly decisive. 29 KtxKt 30 Q-Kt4
PxKt P-Kt3
The ending must lose for Black step by step as his King is caught permanently in a mating net.
. . . . QxP Q-K7 P-85
Q-Q 81 Q-K3 Q-81 P-Kt4
Black falls Jnto Zug-Zwang. If 39 . . . Q-QKtl, then 40 Q-Q7 ! , Q-QR1 ; 4 1 P-R5, P-Kt4 ; 4 2 P-KB4 ! etc. And i f 3 9 . . . Q-QR1 ; the decisive continuation is 40 P-R5, P-Kt4 ; 41 Q-Q7, K-B 1 ; 42 K-Ktl ; The White Q will 43 P-KB4 ! penetrate on the KKt file. ·
40 PxP
41 Q-K3 42 QxPch 43 Q-Kt7ch 44 Q-Kt8ch 45 Q-Kt4
PxP Q-K3 K-81 K-K1 K-Q2
Refuting the final effort to free the position. 45 46 47 48 49
•
•
•
•
QxQch K-Kt3 K-84 K-K4
K-K1 PxQ K-82 KxP
Now the liquidation {undoubltng) of the doubled Pawn cannot be prevented. Realgn1
Chapter VID International Tournaments at Gotebrug. 1920 and The Hague. 1921 Game N o. 47 DUTCH D E F E N S E
Goteborg, 1920 R u b i nstein 1 2 3 4 5 6
Dr. Tarrasch
P-Q4 P-Q84 Kt-Q83 B-Q2 P-K3 P-K83
P-K3 P-K84 8-Kt5 P-QKt3 8-Kt2
Page Stelnitz! 6
•
•
•
8-Q3
•
Kt-KB3 was preferable. Perhaps Dr. Tarrasch was thinking of the game Rubinstein-Lowitzky, Bres lau, 1912, where Black chose a quite similar set-up and won quickly. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Kt-R3 8-Q3 Q-K2 Q R-Q1 0-0 P-R3 P-Q Kt4
15 16 17 18 19
8-84 8-81 KtPxP 8-R2 PxP
Now the variation i n note on Black's 13th move has actually occurred. Black should have played 19 . . . QxP with a playable game. 20 21 22 23 24 25
Threatening 26 Kt-B4, Q-R3 ; 27 Kt-K6 etc.
8-K2
94
•
•
Q-Kt3 Q-83
25 . . . . 26 Kt-84 Tarrasch
Kt-K83 Kt-83 0-0 P-Q R3 Q-K1 Q-R4 P-K Kt4
It would be a m istake to con tinue 14 BxRPch ? ; 15 KxB, P-Kt5; 16 KBPxP, BPxP; because of 17 K-Ktl ! ! and White gets a decisive advantage as 17 . . . PxKt ; would be answered by 18 RxKt ! , QxQ ; 1 9 RxRch and KtxQ, or BxQ. •
8-K83 PxP Q R-K1 8-Kt2 8xKt
P-K4! PxP Kt-Q5 Q-83 Q-Kt3 8x8
Logical, but the attack does not make much headway. It will be a question as to which side suc ceeds in attacking in the center. With this in view, White has the better chances, and should be suc cessful, thereby exposing the weak ness of P-Kt4. 14 P-85
K-R1 PxP Kt-R4 P-Kt5 Ktx P 7
R u b i n stei n 27 Kt-R5
Carefully calculated ! If 27 . QxPch? which Black possibly In tended, then 28 RxQ, BxRch; 29 K-Rl, Kt-B7ch; 30 QxKt! and wins, as 30 . . . BxQ is refuted by 31 B-Kt2ch. 27 . . . .
Q-Kt3
GOTEBURG, 1920 28 29 30 31
QxKt Kt-Q83 Px8
Ktx8 QxP 8x Kt QxP
White has a winning game both in material and in position. Rubin stein plays strongly until the end. 31 32 8-84 •
•
•
R-K7 R-KKt1
•
The threat was 33 P-KR3, Kt-B 3 ; 34 B-K5, against which there was no good defense. Hence Black at tempts a " swindle" of which Rubin stein takes nc cognizance. 33 Q-83
There was also a win by 33 P KR3, Kt-B3 ; 34 B-K5, for if 34 . . . RxB ; 35 PxR, Kt-K5 ; 36 P KKt4 ! , PxP ; 37 QxKt, PxPch; 38 K-R1, Q-Kt7ch ; 39 QxQ, PxQch; 40 K-R2, PxR ( Kt) ch ; 41 RxKt, etc. Black could indeed play 34 . . . RxKtPch ( instead of 34 . . . RxB) 35 K-R1, R-Kt3 with better pros pects. The simple move actually is much more efl'ective. 33 . .
•
Q-K2
•
Another "swindle" if 34 B-K5ch, then 34 . . . RxB ; 35 PxR, QxKP. In that case White would win also, e.g. 36 Q-R3 QxPch ; 37 K-R1, Kt B7ch ; 38 RxKt, QxR; 39 Q-QB3ch, and mate the next move. 34 35 36 37
Q-K3 Q-K1 R-K6
8-Q 6 ! P-Q 5 ! 8-Kt3 K R-K1
Thereby "swindles."
banning
all
further
2 3 4 5
95 Kt-K 83 P-K5 Kt-Q83 P-KKt3
This set-up is not justified here. Better i s 5 KtxKt and 6 P-Q4. Compare the opening with the game against Dr. Euwe at the Hague, 1921. 5 6 7 8 9 10
•
.
•
•
8-Kt2 KtPxKt PxP 0-0 P-Q3
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
8-K3 Q.Q2 K R-K1 8-84 8x8 Q-K3 Kt-Q2 Kt-84 Q-K5
S I C I LIAN DEFENSE
Goteborg, 1920 Reti 1 P-K4
Rubi nstein P-Q84
8-Q2 Q-82 Q R-Q1 8-Q3 Qx8 P-Q Kt3 Kt-K2 Q-82
White has no compensation for his inferior Pawn PQSition. He should try 19 P-QR4. The ending is unfavorable for him. 19
•
•
•
•
20 KtxQ
QxQ 8-R5 1
From now o n the weakness of QB2 cripples White's game. Kt-Q41
The following move is now forced, as 22 P-QB4 is refuted by 22 . . . Kt-QKt5 ! 22 8xKt
Game No. 48
Kt-Q83 KtxKt P-Q3 8xP 0-0 8-K2
In order to play B-B3 if the op posing Queen's Bishop occupies the long diagonal.
21 R-K2 Resigns
Kt-K83 Kt-Q4 P-K3
Px8
Now another ending occurs In which the Bishop is superior to the Knight. 23 Q R-K1
24 P-K84
K R-K1
96
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIEC:E::3
If White plays P-Q4, now or later, he is met by the blockading move P-QB5. 24 25 26 27 28 29
.
•
.
.
Kt-83 K-82 RxR RxR Kt-K1
40
•
•
•
8-83
•
41 K-K2 Rubinstein
P-K83 K-82 RxRch R-K1 KxR K-K2
The exchange of Rooks has In creased the effectiveness of the King and Bishop. 30 K-K3 31 P-Kt4
K-K3
Weakens the King's wing, but could not be avoided. The threat was 31 . . . K-B4. If then 32 P KR3, P-KR4 ; would follow, and White runs out of moves and must finally play K-Q2, after whlch P· KR5 is decisive. 31 32 P-KR3 33 K-Q2 34 Kt-83 •
.
•
•
K-Q3 P-KKt3 B-Q 2 ! K-K2!
Directed against P-KKt5. 35 K-K3
If 35 P-Kt5, BxRP ; 36 PxPch, KxP ; 37 Kt-Kt5, B-Q2 ! ; 38 Ktx RPch, K-B4 ; 39 K-K3, B·R5 ; etc. 35 • • • • 36 Kt-R2
Or 36 PxP, PxP; K3 ; and K-B4 wins. 36 • . . • 37 K-K2
P-KR4
Or 41 P-QB3, PxPch ; 42 KxP, B-Kt7 ; and White loses because of Zug-Zwang, for his Knight Is hemmed in and cannot be freed in time even by the march of the King to KB2 : 43 K-Q4, P-QKt4 ; 44 P-QR3 (44 K-K3? P-Kt5 ! and B-Q4) P-R4 ; 45 K-K3, P-R5 ; and 46 K-B2 falls because of P-Kt5 ! 41 . . . • 42 P-R3 43 Kt-81
44 Kt-Q2 45 Kt-K4ch
8-Q4 P-QKt4 P-R4 P-R5
Or 45 K-Ql, P-Kt4 ! etc. 37 P-KR4, K K-Q3 P-Q5 1
Rubinstein conducts the ending brilliantly. White's possible moves are reduced step by step. 38 8PxP 39 K-Q2 40 PxP
Retl
8PxP PxP
After 40 KtxP, BxKt ; 41 PxB, P-Kt4 ; Black wins the Pawn end ing.
45 • • . • 46 Px8 47 K-Q2 48 K-81
8xKt P-QKt5 PxRP P-Kt4!
The continuation m ight be : 49 PxP (49 P-K5ch, PxP ; 50 PxKtP, P-K4 ; etc.) PxKtP ; 50 K-Ktl, K K5 ; 51 K-R2, KxP ; 52 KxP, P-Q6 ; 5 3 PxPch, KxP ; 5 4 KxP, K-K5, etc. Resigns
Another very fine and tive ending.
Instruc
GOTEBURG, 1920 Game N o. 49 Q U E E N 'S GAM BIT DEC L I N E D
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
P-Q4 Kt-KB3 P-QB4 B-Kt5 P-K3 Kt-B3 R-B1 Q-B2
M a roczy Kt- K B3 P-Q4 P-K3 B-K2 Q Kt-Q2 0-0 R-K1 PxP
Not customary and weaker than 8 . . P-B3. Generally the cap ture of the Pawn Is In order only after White's King Bishop has moved. •
9 BxP 1 0 0-0 1 1 KtxP
P-84 PxP
Rubinstein avoids the Isolated Queen's Pawn. Hence he rejects 11 PxP. 11
•
P-Q R3
. . . Kt-K4 ; followed by B-Q2 ; and eventually Kt-QB3 ; was indicated. 1 2 K R-Q1 1 3 B-R4 14 B-K2
Q-R4 Kt-K4 Kt-Kt3?
Here the Knight is misplaced : it belongs on the Queen's side-pos sibly on QB3, in order to assure QB2 for the Queen-at the very least. 15 B-Kt3
P-K4
Releasing the Queen's Bishop, It is true, but at the same time Jlelding the square Q4. However, Black's game is unfavorable in any event. 1 6 Kt-Kt3 17 Q-Kt1
Now Kt·Kt5 was threatened. the advantage of having the Black Knight on QB3 Is apparent. Q-R2
18 B-B3
Goteborg, 1920 R u b i nstein
97
Q-B2 Q-Kt1
The Queen's Rook needs an out· let, and besides the Queen cannot remain In the path of the hostlle Bishop. 19 Kt-R5 !
20 Kt-B4
21 22 23 24
Kt-Q5 BxKt Q-K4! RxB
B-QKt5 B-Q2 KtxKt B-K3 BxB
Because of the threat on the King's Pawn, White obtains the Queen's file and this is decisive. 24 25 Q R.Q1 •
•
•
•
Q R-B1 B-B1
Not 25 . . . P-B4 ? because of QxP ! , RxKt ; 27 R-Q7, Kt-R1 ; 28 BxKP, B·Bl ; ( . . . B-K2 ; 29 RxB ! ) 2 9 BxKtP ! , BxB ; 30 RxBch, KxR ; 31 R·Q7ch, etc. Now there Is In· deed the threat of P-B4 as Black would have time, after 27 QxP to bring the Rook at B5 to safety. 26 P-QKt3 27 Kt.Q6 28 RxB 29 P-KR4!
P-QKt4 BxKt R-B2
White dominates the board and now Initiates the final attack. 29
•
•
•
•
30 Q.Q5ch
P-KB3 K-R1
Or 30 . . . R-B2 ; 31 P-KR5, Kt· Bl ; 32 P-R6, etc. And if 30 . . . K-B l ; 31 Q-K4, with the threat of 32 P-KR5, etc. The text-Tllove loses even quicker. 31 P-R5 32 P-R6 33 Q-K61
Kt-B1 Kt-Kt3
The point! The White Queen enters the game decisively. 33 34 R-Q7 •
•
•
•
R-KB1 PxP
98
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES M aToczy
then it should occur on the fourth move. Now he must reckon with a forced retreat of the Queen. This was best covered by 6 B-QB4, so that after 6 . . . Kt-QB3 ; 7 Q-K4, and the further threat of 7 . . . P-KB4 either at once, or after 8 PxP e.p., Ktx P ; he could retreat the Queen to K2 w ithout shutting in the King's Bishop. 6
•
•
•
•
7 Q-Q1
7 Q-K4 was preferable. If then 7 . . P-KB4 ; 8 PxP e.p., KtxP; 9 Q-B2.
R u b i nstein
7
35 8-R4 ! !
Now KB6 cannot be protected. If Black plays 35 KtxB ; 36 Q-K7 ! is deadly. Resi g n s
•
•
•
•
9 Q-K2
Game N o. 50
Hague, 1921 Euwe
Rubi nstein P-Q84 Kt-K83
An old variation which has been revived. Kt-Q4
3 P-K5 4 P-Q4
Holding no terrors for Black. But 4 Kt-B3 ! , and if 4 . . . KtxKt, then 5 QPxKt! gives White the initiative and an effective co ordination of his pieces. 4 5 QxP 6 P-Q847 .
•
•
.
Kt-Kt3
A sorry move !
S I C I L I AN D E FE N S E
1 P-K4 2 Kt-K83
K Kt-K2!
Threatening on the one hand 8 . . . KtxKP ! and Q-R4ch etc. and on the other hand 8 . . . Kt-Kt3 etc. White is already in difficul· ties, for his concern over the Pawn at K5 hampers his sound development. 8 8-Q2
Dr.
Kt-Q83
PxP P-K3
After this White's game i s in ferior. If P-QB4 is to be played,
9 1 0 8-83 1 1 P-KR4 •
.
•
.
There is nothing P-KKt3, B-Kt2 ; 1 2 QKtxP was Jn order. 11 1 2 PxP 13 Q Kt-Q2 .
•
•
•
Q-82 P-QKt3
else. If 11 B-Kt2, then P-Q3 ! 8xP
13 BxKtP would be bad : R KKtl ; 14 B-B3, Kt-B5 ! ; etc. White has gotten rid of his problem child ( PK5 ) , but has further weak ened his position by P-KR4. 13 1 4 Q-K3 •
•
•
.
Kt-85
Q-Ql was a little better. 14 - • • • 1 5 Q-K4 16 Q-82
8-84 P-K84
THE HAGUE, 1921 The sixth move of the Queen which can bode no good. 16 17 P-KKt3
0-0
Kt-Kt3
18 P- K R 5
18 B-Kt2 was preferable. How ever, White wishes to drive the Bishop from B4 with the gain of a move. K Kt-K4 KtxKt
18 1 9 KtxKt 20 P-Q Kt4 •
•
•
•
This is the point ! Now if the Bishop retires White relieves the pressure somewhat by 2 1 B-KKt2.
27 28 29 30 31
99 P-Q B5 K-K1 R-R4 Q-KR3 BxKt
Forced, as B threatened.
Q-R3 P-K5 Q-Kt4 Kt-K6 ! !
and R are both
31 • 32 B-B4ch •
•
•
PxB
Or 32 Kt·Kt3, RxBch ; 33 KxR, B-R3ch and mate follows. The same occurs after 32 KtxP. 32 33 Kt-81 Resigns •
•
•
•
K-R1 Q-83 1
Rubi nstein
Game No. 51 KI NG'S G A M B I T D E C L I N E D
Hague, 1921 Rubi nstein
1 P-K4
2 3 4 5 Euwe 20
•
•
•
•
BxKBPc h ! I
This sacrifice would have fol lowed 20 B-KKt2 also. Black gets two united passed Pawns and the attack, as compensation for the piece. In view of the poorly de veloped position of White this Is decisive. 21
KxB
22 K-K2
Kt-Kt5ch
P-KB4 Kt-KB3 B-84 Kt-83
6 P-Q3
•
•
•
•
B-Q4 R-R3 Q-83 B-Kt1
QxKtP B-Kt2 Q-Q3 P-K4 P-85
Q Kt-Q2
A kind of Hanham Defense of the King's Gambit, as it were. 7 P-85 This move is usually very strong when Black has castled early. 7 . . . .
P-83 P-QKt4
8 . . P-Q4 could have been played, for 9 PxP was refuted by 9 . . . Kt-Kt3 ! But White might an swer simply 9 B-R2 and the ad vanced Pawn at Q4 would be hard to maintain. .
22 23 24 25 26
0-0
5 . . . Kt-B3 ; 6 P-Q3, B-K3! is better. Black is setting up a spe cial formation which is too passive.
8 P-Q R3
Forced.
M a rco P-K4 B-84 P-Q3 Kt-KB3
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
100
P-QR4 Q-Kt3
9 8-R2 1 0 Q-K2 11 Kt-Kt5
Here the Knight Is a constant threat. Nor can it be driven away as P-KR3 would be met by P-KR4. 11
•
•
•
P-R5
•
Loss of time. 1 1 B·Kt2 and P-Q4 would have been better. •
.
12 Kt-Q1 13 P-83 14 Q-83
•
P-Q4 8-R3 PxP 7
Black should not open the dia gonal of the opposing Bishop. 14 . . . QR-Ql was playable, for 15 PxP, PxP ; 16 BxP, KtxB ; 17 QxKt, was refuted by B-Kt2 etc. Obvi ously White would have continued 15 P-KKt4 but then 15 . . . B-Kt2 followed by . . . B-Q3 ; . . . PxP and P-B4 was playable. 1 5 PxP 1 6 P-K Kt4
QR-Q1 Q-82
Now the result of the premature exchange on K4 Is clear : Black has no defense against the threat of 17 KtxKBP and 18 P-Kt5. M a rco
19 PxKt
20 P-Q6
21 P-Kt6 !
Kt-Kt3 QxP
It 2 1 Q-rui, then might follow QxKtch ; 22 QxQ, RxQch ; 23 KxR, Kt-Q4 ; 24 R-BI, B-Bl ; and In spite of the loss of the exchange, Black has a fair game. By the sacrlfl.ce of the Pawn, White drives the op posing King into the open. 21 22 8xRch 23 PxPch •
•
•
•
PxP Kx8 KxP
Obviously forced, for it 23 . K-Ktl ?, Q-rui etc. follows. 24 25 26 27
8-K3! Ktx 8 ! K-81 K-Kt1
8x8 Q-Q7ch P-Kt5ch
Now mate in two is threatened. ( 28 Q-B5ch and Kt-Kt4ch) And 28 R-Q1 also! 27
•
•
•
•
8-K7
The only defense. 28 Q-85ch 29 Q-R3ch 30 Q-85ch
K-R3 K-Kt3
To gain time. 30 31 QxP ! •
•
•
•
K-R3
Threatening Kt-B5ch, etc. 31 32 P-R4 •
•
•
•
R-Q2
The chief threat Is R-KR2. 32 33 QR-K1 .
.
•
.
QxKtP
Threatening 34 RxB, as well as 34 R-R2 and 34 Kt-B5ch. R u b i nste i n
33 34 Kt-Kt4ch •
1 7 Ktx K 8 P ! 1 8 P-Kt5 !
R x Kt Kt-Q4
Other moves would be still worse. Loss of material Is unavoidable.
•
•
•
8-Q6 K-Kt3
If . . . K-R2 ; 35 Q-R5ch, K-Ktl ; 36 R-K8 mate. 35 Q-Kt5ch
THE HAGUE, 1921
If 3 5 . . . K-B2 mate follows in a few moves by 36 R-KR2 o r 36 Kt-K5ch. Resigns
A very characteristic game of Rubinstein. The King's side at tack beginning with move 17 re qcired very cool calculation, as the White King was also in a pre carious position for a time.
Game No. 52
1 2 3 4
P-Q4 Kt-K83 P-84 Kt-83
M aroczy Kt-K83 P-K3 8-Kt5ch
At this time the Indian defenses were still quite new, and it was not clear whether the doubled Pawns arising from 4 . . . BxKtch was a permanent disadvantage or not. Rubinstein as a noted ad vocate of the "two Bishops" in clined at first to the view that White, because of the two Bishops, had the better game. More re cently the general opinion is that White's game is inferior due to the doubled Pawns. 4
•
.
•
•
P-84
Simplest and best was 4 . BxKtch ; 5 PxB, P-Q3 ; followed by QKt-Q2, and P-K4. 5 6 7 8 9 10
P-KKt3 8-Q2 QxKt 8-Kt2 0-0 KtxP
1 1 K R-81
Kt-K5 Ktx8 Q-R4 0-0 PxP Kt-83
Now BxKt would be very ques tionable. If 11 PxB, 12 Kt-Kt5 is a threat : and if 11 . . . P-QR3, then 12 Kt-Kt3 and 13 P-QB5 ! with advan tage to White.
Q-Q84
Here B-K2 was also to be con sidered. 1 2 KtxKt
KtPxKt
12 . . . QPxKt would have been simpler, as Black could then have played P-K4 and B-K3. Obviously Maroczy feared that White in such a case would control the Queen's file. That, however, would hardly have occurred. 13 P-QR3 14 Rx8 1 5 P-Kt3
N I MZOWITSCH D E F E N S E R u b i nste i n
101
8xKt P-Q R4
. . P-R5 must be stopped. 15
•
•
•
•
P-K84
It was more advisable to play P-Q3, and perhaps even better, to first make the preparatory move 16 . . . R-R2. Black must give thought chieflly to placing his Pawns on Black squares, for only in this way can the Bishop be brought into full play. 1 6 P-K4
R-Kt1
. . R-R2 was better. 1 7 P-Q R4
Freeing both Rooks. Otherwise the constant menace . . . P-R5 bad to be guarded against. 17 1 8 8xP 1 9 R-K1 20 K-Kt2 21 P-83 •
•
•
•
PxP R-82 B-Kt2 Q R-K 81 P-Kt3
. . . P-Q3 was In order: the text move should not have been made until actually forced. 22 R-Q1
8-R1
Suddenly Black finds himself without effective moves. The Queen bas long been stranded on B4, because of the terrible block ading move P-QB5.
102
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES M aroczy
order to be able to P-KB4 by P-K4. 26 P-84
answer
26
Q-Kt5
If 26 . . . P-K4 ? ; 27 P-KB5 ! would follow (KtPxP? 26 Q-Kt5 ch). However, R (B2) -Q2 was to be preferred to the text. In any event White has the superior game. 27 R-K3 1
Q-Kt3
The ending after QxQch would have offered better chances. 28 8-83 R u b i nstein 23 P-R4 24 R (Q 1 ) -Q81
Losing at once. ferable. 8-Kt2
In order to play R-Q3 without giving Black the opportunity to answer P-Q4 ! 24 - - - -
At last!
P-Q3
But it is now very late.
25 R-Q1
R-Q2 was
R-Q1
a trifle superior In
P-841
R-K2 was pre-
Qx8ch 8x8 Q-K2 K-R2 R-83 R (at Q)-K1 R (at Q ) - K 81 Qx R P P-R3 Q.Q2 K-R2 34 R (at K)-K2 35 Q-Q5 1 Resigns
29 30 31 32 33
White Is only a Pawn up, but has clearly a winning position. If 35 . . . R-Kl ; 36 P-KR5 can follow very effectively.
Chapter
IX
International Tournaments at Teplitz-Schonau and Vienna. 1922.
Six-Master Toumey at Hastings. 1922
Game N o. 53 Q U E E N'S G A M B I T D EC L I N E D
manner. For example, here he translates the weakness of Black's isolated Pawn into another form.
Teplitz-Schonau, 1922 R u b i nstein 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
P-Q4 P-QB4 Kt-QB3 PxQP Kt-83 P-K Kt3 B-Kt2
o.o
P-Q R3
•
•
•
.
•
•
•
.
o.o
.
.
P-84
16 Q-82 Dr. Tarraseh
B-K3 BxP
R u b i nste i n
.
B-K2 Kt-KS
This turns out badly. 12 . R·QB1 was preferable, but in any event White gets the better game. 1 3 P-Kt5 ! 14 Ktx Kt!
•
-
Now that White is ready with P-QKt4, the gambit move 1 0 P-Q5 etc. is unsatisfactory. 1 1 P-QKt4 1 2 B-Kt2
PxKt Q.Q4
•
This Is not good, but Black was in terrible straits : e.g. : 15 B-Q4 ? ; 1 6 Kt-B5 ! or 15 . . . Kt-B5; 16 KtxB, KtxB ; 17 QxQ wins. Or In this variation 16 . . . QxQ; 17 QRxQ, KtxB ; 1 8 R-Q7 with a superior endgame. Or again 16 . . PxKt ; 17 B Q4 retains the advantage of the Bishops.
P-Q4 P-K3 P-QB4 K PxP Kt.QB3 K.t-83 B-K2
At that time, the variation in troduced by Reti, 9 PxP, BxP; 1 0 Kt-QR4 was considered the strong est line. Since then, however, it has been shown that Black could obtain forceful counter-play. Shall we conclude that Rubinstein, the greatest exponent of the system. initiated by 6 P-KKt3, avoided the gambit variation with the correct judgment, because he at that time clearly understood, what others were only to discern years later. 9 1 0 Px P
14 1 5 Kt-Q4
Dr. Tarraseh
Kt-R4
This is to be observed in many of Rubinstein's games : he never clings to an advantage in a routine
1 7 Q-83!
Decisive. 17
.
.
.
•
Kt-85
There is nothing else. The at tempt 17 . . . B-B 3 ? would Jose the Queen after 18 QxKt, BxKt; 1 9 QR-Q1, B-Kt3 ; 20 Q-B3 ! 1 8 Ktx P ! 1 9 QxB
B-83
103
104
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
White might have ended the game more speedily by 19 Kt-K7ch, K-Rl ; 20 KtxQ, BxQ ; 21 KtxB, KtxB ; 22 BxP, winning another Pawn. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
.
•
•
•
Kt-K7ch KtxQ K R-Q1 8-Q83 R-Q4 P-Kt4! Q R-Q1
PxQ K-82 8xKt K-K3 K R.Q1 P-84 Kt-Q3 KtxP
Here the Book of the Tourney notes the following sparkling vari ation : 26 . . . B-Kt6 ; 27 PxPch, KxP ; 28 RxKt ! , BxR; 29 B-R3ch, K-B5 (or K-Kt4 ; 30 B-Q2ch etc. ) ; 30 P-K3ch, K-B6 ; ( K-Kt4 ; 31 B· B6ch ; etc.) ; 31 R-B6ch, K-K7 ; 32 B-B1 mate. 27 28 29 30
K-82 RxR Ktx8
PxPch Rx8 RxR R-85
Better than 31 RxP, KxP. 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41
•
•
.
30 R-Q7ch, K-B3 ; Or 30 R-Q2, R·Kl. KtxPch Kt-85 R-Q1 K-83 R-K 1 Kt-Q4 Kt-86 Kt-Q4 R-K2 Kt-Kt3 R-Q82
•
K-81 8xP R-87ch K-K1 P-83 RxKtP R-Kt4! R-R4 K-82 R-R5 K-Kt3
White has snared another Pawn, and has made his advantage se cure by careful play. Now the King gets into the game and the win is quite easy. Kt-Q2 K-Kt2
41 • • • • 42 R-R6ch
Tbe King must go back. If 42 K-Kt4 ? ? ; then 43 P-B4ch, K-R4 ; 44 B-B3 mate. Or 42 . . . K-K4 ; 43 R-K6ch, K-Q5 ; 44 R-K7, and if 42 Kt-Kt3 ; 43 P-QR4 ! •
.
.
•
.
•
Kt-Kt3 R-K82
43 K-84 44 P-KR4 45 K-Kt5
Threatening 46 P-B6ch ! 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
•
•
•
.
K-84 P-R4 P-Q R5 P-86! R-86! R-88ch K-K5 8-85
P-R3ch K-81 R-Q82 Kt-85 R-Q2 KtxP K-82 Kt-Kt2 Res i g n s
Rubinstein was awarded the 7th Brilliancy Prize for this game.
Game No. 54 N I MZOW ITSCH D E F E N S E
Teplitz-Schonau, 1922 Rubi nstein 1 2 3 4
P-Q4 P-Q84 Kt-Q83 Q-Kt3
Teichmann Kt-K83 P-K3 8-Kt5
We still do not know which Is the best move in this position. The text still has many adherents : 4 Q-B2 is played frequently and was long preferred by Rubinstein. 4 P-QR3, which seems contrary to all theory, has proven effective in practice : and 4 P-K3, also b rought to the front by Rubinstein, has been played. 4 . . . .
P-84
Nlmzowitch and Dr. Alekhlne have at times tried 4 . . . Q-K2 and 4 . . . Kt-B3. 5 PxP
8xP
5 . : . Kt-QB3 Is now recognized as best. 6 Kt-83 7 P-K3
0-0
In later games 7 B-Kt5 proved more satisfactory.
has
TEPLITZ-SCHONAU, 1922 7
•
•
•
P.Q4
•
25
This leads to an uncomfortable position. It is better to develop the Queen's Bishop at Kt2. PxP
8 PxP 9 B-K21 9 B-Q3 would block portant Queen's file. 9 . . . .
the
im·
�KU
Apart from the Queen's Pawn, which needs protection, Black also has difficulties in development. The text aims to make possible B-K3. 10 11 12 13 14
o.o
R-Q1 Q-R4 P-QKt3 8.RS
a.Ks Q.K2 Kt.83 K R-Q1 Q-K1
14 , , . B-QB4 ; 15 BxB, QxB ; 1 6 QR-B1, would also be favorable for White. 15 16 17 18
Q-R4 Q R-81 8-Q3 Kt-R4!
8-82 P-Q R3 P-R3
M obilization is complete ; White now moves to attack, and in a few moves obtains an overwhelming position. 18 19 20 21 22
•
•
.
•
8xB Kt-B5 Kt-Q4 Q-B4
•
•
106
•
Kt-Kt5
•
25 . . . Kt-Q2 would have brought about wholesale exchanges : but the chief weakness of his game, the uselessness of his Bishop, would have been even more clearly apparent. e.g., 26 KtxKt, QxKt ; 27 R-B7, RxR; 28 QxR! ( 28 RxR, R· QB 1 ! ) ; R-QB1 ( QxQ ; 29 RxQ, R· QB 1 ? ? ; 30 KtxB ! ) ; 29 QxRch, QxQ ; 30 RxQch, BxR ; 31 K·B1, K-B 1 ; 32 K-K2, K-K2 ; 33 K-Q3, K-Q3 ; 34 P-QKt4 ! and P-KB4. Thereafter, would follow a liberat ing move of the Knight, to be followed by K-Q4, and with the Knight free to attack, White's superiority wi11 gradually be brought to account. 26 Q-84
The continuation 26 Kt-B5 is too uncertain. White needs a freeing move for his King, before ventur ing on any combination. 26 27 P-K R3 ! .
.
•
.
Kt-83 R-82
Losing a Pawn. But Black has no satisfactory continuation. Teichma n n
B-Q3 RxB Q-K2 Kt-K4
There would be no point in re taining the Bishop. White is much more concerned in the retention of Black's Bishop, as it is the weakest of the six minor pieces now on the board, in view of its passive role. 22 23 24 25
. . . . R x Kt R-( Q3)-B3 Q-K5
KtxB R-Q81 R (Q3)-Q1
25 P-KR3 would have lead im mediately to the position White attains two moves later.
R u b i nste i n
28 QxR
29 Ktx8
QxQ QxR
Forced : otherwise White gets two Rooks and a Knight for the Queen.
RUBINSTEIN'S CH�S MASTERPIECES
106
PxKt
30 RxQ 31 KtxP
After the foregoing exchanges, a won ending.
57 KxP Is more exact: as It Is, White first captures the Knight's Pawn.
White has
31 32 P-83 33 Kt.Q4 34 K-82 35 R-88 36 K-K2 37 K-Q3 38 R-85 39 P-QR4 40 P-R4 41 Kt-K2 42 Kt-84 43 R-81 44 P-K Kt4 45 PxP •
•
•
57 58 59 60 61 62 63
R-Q2 K-82 P-KKt3 K-K2 Kt-K1 K-82 Kt.Q3 Kt-K1 K-K2 P-KR4 Kt-82 K-Q3 R-K Kt2 PxP P-R4
•
•
P-K Kt4 RxP K-K4
Against any other King move, 49 R-R7 ! followed by RxKt and Kt-K6ch will win. 49 Kt-Kt6ch
K-83 K-82
50 . . . K-K4 Is refuted by 51 Kt-Q7 �ate and 50 . . . K-Ktz; 51 R-R7ch, leads to a Rook ending that is hopeless for Black. 51 52 53 54 55
R-R7ch R x R ch Kt-Q7 K-Q4 Kt-85 56 Kt-Q7 57 K-Q3
R-Kt2 KxR Kt-R3 Kt-Kt5 P-Kt3 Kt-87ch
Kt-Kt5ch K-Kt3 K-Kt4 Kt-87ch KtxPch KtxP Resigns
TepUtz-Schonau, 1922
1 2 3 4
Rubi nstein
P-K4 Kt-K83 Kt-83 B-Kt5
P-K4 Kt-Q 83 Kt-83 8-Kt5
Since it was found that after 4 . . Kt-Q5, White could bring about a drawlsh position by 5 KtxKt, PxKt; 6 P-K5, Rubinstein seldom essayed his own particular defense of 4 . . . Kt-Q5. For In spite of his apparently quiet style, he Is usually a fighter. .
Driving the King back and foro lng the exchange of Rook and Knight, after which the winning procedure becomes obvious. 49 . . . . 50 Kt-88ch
-
H. Wolf
The threat i s 4 7 P-R5. •
•
FOU R K N I G H TS G A M E
46 R-K R 1
•
•
K-83 KtxP K-Q4 KxP K-85 Kt-84
Game No. 55
If 45 . . . P-KKt4 ; 46 PxP, and 46 . . . RxP Is not playable be cause of 47 RxKt! etc.
. 46 47 Px P 48 R-R6ct;
•
5 6 7 8 9
0-0
P-Q3 B-Kt5 Px8 R-K1
0-0
P-Q3 8xKt Q-K2
Here White can also simplify the game by 9 BxKt (at Q B6 ) , but Wolf Is playing for a win.
9
•
•
•
•
10 P-Q4
Kt-Q1 8-Kt5
Recently this move has been adopted again by Capablanca. For 10 . Kt-K3 etc., compare the game against Duras at Karlsbad, 1907 (No. 2 ) . .
•
1 1 P-K R 3 1 2 P-Kt4
B-R4 B-Ktl
TEPLITZ.SCHONAU, 1922 13 Kt-R4!
As to 13 P-Q5, compare the game against Dr. Tarrasch at Mahrlsch Ostrau, 1923 (No. 65). P-K R3 !
13 1 4 Ktx 8 7 •
•
•
•
•
•
.
.
.
That would have given him a play able game, as most of his Pawns rest on the White squares and the Black-squared Bishop would have Integrated the position nicely. 18
White gets the worst o f i t now. The better continuation 14 BxKt, QxB ; 15 Kt-B5, etc. or 14 B-QB4 (Drewitt-Rublnstein, H a s t I n g s , 1922) ; . . . B-R2 ! (not 14 Kt-K3 ? as Rubinstein played, be cause of 15 KtxB, PxKt ; 16 P KB4 ! ! with advantage) , is not in my opinion satisfactory, as there Is no adequate defense against the entrance of the Black Knight at B5. However, White's moves up to this point are quite correct, and logically there must be a good continuation. This no doubt is 1 4 Kt-B5 ! ! Black must remove the Knight as after 14 Q·K3 ? ? and 15 P-Q5 the Queen is lost. After 14 BxKt; 15 BxKt, QxB ; 1 6 KPxB (or even KtPxB-which, however, is open to question, owing to 16 . . . P-KKt3) ; Kt-K3 is pre vented. Then In view of his free development as well as his effec tive Bishops, White has a good game. •
•
107
•
•
•
Q R-K1
•
The threat was 1 9 BxKt, RxB ; 20 PxP, and Q-B5ch, followed by QxKP. 19 Q-K3
P-QKt3
Not 19 . . . PxP ? ; 20 PxP, Ktx KP??, because of 21 QxKt, QxQ ; 22 RxQ, RxR ; 23 B-Q3, followed by 24 P-KB3 and White wins a piece. 20 8-Kt57
Missing the lost opportunity of playing 20 BxKt! Now the White game collapses quickly. 20 . . . .
R-Q1
.
R u b i nste i n
•
14 1 5 8-84ch 1 6 8-R4 •
•
•
.
PxKt K-R2
The Bishop could retreat to Q2. Black could not win a Pawn, e.g. 1 6 . . . PxP ; 17 PxP (the Pawn sacrifice by 17 P-B4 is also very promising \ , 17 . . . KtxKP ? ; 1 8 B-Q5, Q-R5 ; 19 BxKt, RxP (QxPch is even weaker) ; 20 R-K3, threat ening B-K1, and the attack is re pulsed with advantage. 16 • • • • 1 7 8-Kt3 1 8 Q-83
P-K Kt4 Kt-82
White should not retain his Bishops, but should proceed : 18 BxKt, and 19 P-KB3, and R-KBI.
Wolf
Kt-R1
21 P-QR4 22 P-R5
The opening of the lines on the Queen's side later proves disas trous to White. It is true that other continuations were equally unsat isfactory. 22 . . . • 23 P-83
Now this
Kt-Kt3 Kt-85
Knight
can only be
108
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
removed by the "good" Bishop, and the White game will grow sick with the incurable weakness ()f the Black squares. 24 B-81 25 8xKt
K-R1
Now we have it! White wants to plug B4 at the very least. Black sets about a regrouping of his pieces, Kt-R2, R-B2, Kt-B1 etc., and if BxKt had been delayed, White would have recaptured with a piece. 25 26 Q-82 27 P-Q5 •
•
•
•
KtPx8 P-K Kt4
The blockade merely furthers Black's plans on the King's side. 27 B-Kt5, 27 B-B4, or even 27 P KR4 would have been better. 27 28 8-Kt2 29 Q-K2 30 K-82 •
•
•
•
P-R4 K-Kt2 R-K R 1
3 0 Q·QR6 would have threatened nothing Inasmuch as 31 QxRP would have been answered by R QR1, 32 Q-Kt7, KR-QKtl ; 33 Q-B6, PxRP, with advantage to Black. 30
•
•
•
•
R-Q R 1 !
Preparing an attack on the other wing also. 31 32 33 34 35
K R-QKt1 Q-Kt5 K R Px P R-R1 RxR
Kt-Q2 R Px P Kt-84 R-R 5 ! PxR
The threat is P-R6 ! 36 8-R3
38 . . . Q-Q1, followed by R·QKtl. 37 38 R-QKt1 39 R-Kt4 40 K-K2 41 Q-R1 42 K-Q2 43 R-Kt1 •
Px P !
37 QxP
Or 37 RxP, P-R3 ; and If the Queen retires on the Knight tlle,
•
•
Q-Q1 R-Kt1 P-R3 R-Kt3 K-Kt3 K-Kt4
Resistance on the Knight tile cannot be maintained. Black threat ens Q·QKtl-R2, and P·R4. If White seeks to prevent the last by Q· R5, . . . Kt-Kt2 follows. 43
,
•
•
44 R-R1
,
Q.QKt1
If 44 K-B1, then RxRch ; 45 QxR, QxQch; 46 KxQ, Kt-R5 ; 47 P-B4, Kt-B6ch; 48 K·Bl, Kt·K7ch ; 49 K Q2, Kt-Kt8 ; 50 B-Kt2, P-R6 ; 61 B-R1, P-R4 ! and White must resign. 44
•
•
•
•
P-R4
A pretty Pawn sacrifice which cannot be accepted because of 45 . . . R-Kt7 ; 46 Q·R3, Kt-Kt6ch ; 47 K·Q3, Q-Kt4ch ; 48 P-B4, Q-Kt3! etc. 45 46 47 48 49
8-Kt2 Q-K1 Q-Q81 8-81 8-84 50 B-R2
P-R5 Q-K R 1 R-R3 R-R1 P-Q R6
Now White has blockaded both passed Pawns. But Rubinstein works out the decisive plan, and now makes a few routine moves In order to gain time. 50 51 R-R3 52 Q-K81 53 R-R 1 54 Q-81 •
Black Is practically a Pawn ahead. Besides he threatens to enter the White position by the Queen's Knight file.
•
•
•
•
Q-R2 Kt-Q2 Q.R1 Kt-84 R-QKt1 1 1
The plan Is now ready : with two merry Pawn sacrifices, Black obtains a decisive attack. 55 QxP Otherwise R-Kt7 ensues.
HASTINGS, 1922 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Rubinstein
109 KtxP 8-Kt2 0-0 P-K3 Kt-Q83 P-Q R3 P-QKt4 8-Kt2
Kt-K83 Kt-83 8-84 0-0 P-Q R3 Q-82 8-K2 Kt-K4
Apparently very strong, but it has a serious flaw. 1 2 P-Q3 was better. •
1 3 P-85
•
•
•
.
Kt-85
Dr. Tarrasch
Wolf
55 56 57 58 59 60
.
R-Q R 1 P-R 6 ! Q-R5 Q-87! I Q-K6ch Kt-R5
•
Q.Kt2 8-84 8-K2 RxP K-K1
Forcing mate in a few moves. Resigns
For this game Rubinstein re ceived the 6th Brilliancy Prize. R u b i nstein 1 4 Ktx 8 P l ! Game No. 56 DUTC H D E F E N S E
Hastings, The Six-Master Tourney, 1922 R u binstein 1 P-Q4
P-KS
usually to the
P-K84 P-84
Producing weaknesses in the center, particularly on the Queen's file. Kt-KB3 and B-Kt5ch would be more normal. 4 Kt-K83
14 . 15 Px8 .
Dr. Tarrasch
French-Indian, leading either to the Dutch or French. 2 P-QB4 3 P-KKt3
Splendid ! The point of this move does not lie In the prosaic continuation 14 . . . PxKt ? ; 15 Q·Kt3 ! but i n the strong attack which White gets In the actual game-at the cost of a Pawn.
PxP
•
•
8xP Qx8P
Now Black recovers the piece, but . . . 1 6 Kt-R6ch
PxKt
. . . at the price of a disorgan Ized King position. 17 8-81
Q-K47
Black neglects his development. 17 . . P-Q3 was natural and necessary. .
18 Q-Q3 !
Q-QB4
RUBINSTEIN'S CHESS MASTERPIECES
110
If the Knight moves, 19 B-Kt2 follows, and if 18 . . . P-Q4, 19 P-K4 Is quite devastating. P-Q3
1 9 P-Q R4 1
20 P-K4
33 B-R6ch
Winning a Rook : 33 . . . Kt-Kt2 ; 34 BxKtch, RxB ; 35 QxQPch and QxR. R esig n s
Now that P-QKt4 is no longer possible, this move Is in order. 20
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K-Kt2
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21 Kt-Q1 ! Game N o. 57
Next the Simple and strong! Knight at QB5 must be dislodged. 8-Q2 P-Kt4 Px Kt Kt-K1
21 22 Kt-K3 23 Ktx K t ! 24 Q-Q2 •
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'l'he primary threat was 25 B QR3. 25 P-K5 !
Disorganizing the hostile center also, as 25 . . . P-Q4? falls be cause of 26 QxRPch, and B-QR3. Obviously Black is beyond all help. It Is to be observed that White has conducted the whole game without the active cooperation of his Rooks, which almost seem to play a decisive role by their sim ple presence! But above all Ru binstein is very much present! Q R-Kt1 K-Kt1 K-82
25 . . . . 26 QxPch 27 Q-Kt5ch
If 27 . decisive!
.
.
K-R1 ;
28 Q-K7, is
28 8-83 !
Or 28 . . . Kt-Kt2 ; etc ! 29 Q-R5c h ! 30 8-K41
R-Kt1
29 B·QR3, K-Kt2 QxKP
Or 30 . . . R-KR1 ; 31 B-R6ch, K-Ktl ; 32 Q-Kt5ch, K-B 2 ; 33 Q B4ch, etc. 31 QxPch
K-81
If 31 . . . K-B3 ; 32 QxR, QxB ; 33 B-Kt5ch, K-B 4 ; 34 Q·R7ch, etc. 32 Qx8
QxB
R UY LOPEZ
Hastings, The Six-Master Tourney, 1922 Rubi nstein
Yates 1 2 3 4
P-K4 Kt-K83 B-Kt5 8-R4
5 0-0
6 R-K1 7 B-Kt3 8 P-83
P-K4 Kt-Q83 P-QR3 Kt-83 B-K2 P-Q Kt4 P-Q3 0-0
This continuation instead of Tschigorin's variation Kt-R4 and P-B4 has frequently been played by Rubinstein with success. 9 P-Q4
9 P-KR3 is more prudent, where upon Black has nothing better than Kt-R4 and P-B4 etc. 9
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. .
B-Kt5 !
And not first 9 . . . PxP, because after 10 PxP, B-KKt5 ; White does not have to fear the disruption of his King's side, and can simply continue 11 Kt-QB3. 10 P-Q5
Not a good move, but other moves also, like 10 B-K3 or 10 Q·Q3 (Leonhardt) were not entirely satisfactory. For 10 B-K3, compare the game against Yates at Marien· bad, 1925 ( No. 7 6 ) . 10 1 1 B-82 1 2 P-KR3 •
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Q Kt-R4 P-83!
HASTINGS, 1922
The s imple 12 PxP was better. 12 1 3 QxB 14 PxP •
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BxKt! PxP Kt-85
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Black has now the majority on the King's side, and also good pros pects of a minority attack (P QKt5) on the Queen's side. As the center is locked and P-Q5 is es sential for the defense, the White Bishops have little scope. How ever, White's game is still play able. 1 5 Kt-Q2 1 6 Kt-81 1
R-81
Whither goes the Knight? Q5 is occupied and B5 is not a good square in this position. With the Pawn at K4 gone, there is danger that the opposition will attain a pov;erful game by P-KB4. Should he force . . . P-KKt3 in such cases, he brings about no weakness in Black's ranks, but merely makes the second player's task easier. Therefore in the actual game KtxKt was in order. If in reply Black plays PxKt, then 17 B-R4 and if . . . RxKt; 17 P-QR4. P-Kt3 Kt-K1
16 . . . . 1 7 Kt-Kt3
Here Is the point of the previous note ! P-KB4 is the threat, with a splendid game. R u b instein
111
18 Kt-85
Pretty, but weak. 18
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1 9 Q.Kt4 20 QRxB
BxB
Threatening Kt-K7ch. 20 . . . . 21 KtxKt
Kt-Kt2
If 21 Kt-R6ch ?, K-R1, followed by . . . P-KB4, and the Knight cannot return. 21 22 R-Kt1 •
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KxKt
P-QKt3 was somewhat better, but the superiority of the Black posi tion is no longer in doubt. 22 23 24 25 26 27
. . . . Q-K2 P-Q R4 Px P R-R1 K-R1
P-84 Q-Kt4 P-KS Px P R-82
In order to avoid the check or the Knight at B3, e.g. 27 P-QKt3?, Kt-K4 ! ; or 27 B-Kt3?, Kt-Q7 ! ; etc. 27 . . . . 28 K R-Q1
QR-84
Grounded in desperation. If 28 B-Kt3, Kt-K4, follows and then Kt-Q6. 28 . . . .
29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 Yates
B-Kt4
Naturally not 18 . PxKt ? ; 19 QxP, Kt-B 3 ; 20 B-R6 ! , K-R1 ; 21 B-Kt5, and wins.
R ( Q ) -QKt1 R-R6 R-Q1 B-Kt3 BxKt R-Q6 Q-Q2 Q-K2 KtPx P Resigns
KtxKtP Kt-85 RxP R-K4 P-Q4 KtPx8 P-BS P-K& P-86 ! Q- 84
RUBINSTEIN' S CHESS MASTERPIECES
112
It was absolutely necessary to ad vance the Queen's Pawn.
Game No. 58 R U Y LOPEZ
17 1 8 P-QR4? •
Hastings, The Six-Master Tourney, 1922 Thomas
Rubinste i n
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
P-K4 Kt-Q83 P-Q R3 Kt-83 P-QKt4 8-84 0-0 P-Q3 Kt-K2?
P-K4 Kt-K83 8-Kt5 8-R4 Q-K2 8-Kt3 P-83 0-0 P-Q3
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11 .
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Kt-Kt3
QKt-Q2 was better, and P·KR3, then 12 B-K3. 11 1 2 8xKt •
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if
Ktxl
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