Comas Fabrego - True Lies in Chess

I.
TtV'l.lt. Por your JelP
written by
��e� '?�
Translated by
Manuel Perez Carballo
Quality Chess
www.qualitychessbooks.com
CO flTEflTJ
Bibliography 5
List of symbols 6
Foreword 7
True lieI if\. CtteII
CI-lr:tPTER I Do I\.ot Tru/t tJte Clallicl
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9
First English edition, 2007 by Quality Chess Europe AB
20 Balvie Road, Milngavie, Glasgow, G62 7TA, United Kingdom
The tip of the iceberg 9
Copyright © Lluis Comas Fabrego Dogmatic Limited
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15
Translation © 2007 Manuel Perez Carballo Some more rigour would not be amiss . . . 17
Applying what has been learnt 19
The right of Lluis Comas Fabrego to be identified as the author of this work has 20
been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents
Challenging the heavyweights
24
Act 1988. Nobody is without sin
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in CI-lr:tPTER II fT\!ddlesalT\.e rTlotiPI
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29
a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
electrostatic, magnetic tape, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without
1.The blockaded passed pawn 29
prior permission of the publisher.
Minority attack 30
All sales or enquiries should be directed to Quality Chess Europe AB, 32
An excellent example
20 Balvie Road, Milngavie, Glasgow, G62 7TA, United Kingdom
Reality is always more complex than theory 34
e-mail: info@qualitychessbooks.com
website: www.qualitychessbooks.com II. Jupiter and its satellites: the f-file versus the strong point on e4 39
Can you dance? 44
Distributed in US and Canada by SCB Distributors, Gardena California
What are you telling me? 45
www.scbdistributors.com 46
The thin (and subtle) line between prophylaxis and passivity
Translated by Manuel Perez Carballo from
"Mentiras Arriesgadas en Ajedrez" 51
Edited by John Shaw
Typeset by Jacob Aagaard
Neither so simple nor so dear 52
Cover DeSign by Carole Dunlop after an idea by Jacob Aagaard 57
Cover Photos by Ari Ziegler
The empire strikes back
Exchanging queens (the relation between the opening and the endgame) 60
Printed and bound in Estonia by Tallinna Raamatutrukikoja LLC
New ideas in the pipeline 66
ISBN - 91-976005-7-1
CI-lr:tPTER IV ·I-l0w are Ope'll"8 Qoveltiel Borl\.?

ISBN13 - 978-91-976005-7-6 69
Episode 1: The analysis of a model game as a source of inspiration 69

Episode II: First-hand impressions 73
Episode III: Preconceptions 74
Episode IV: The devastating influence of preconceptions 76
Bibliography
Episode V : Building new paths 77 Secrets ofModern Chess Strategy; John Watson; Gambit 1998
Episode VI and last: Applying the ideas so far discussed to modern positions 79 Secrets ofPractical Chess; John Nunn; Gambit 1998
The practical test 81 Lasker's Manual of Chess; Emmanuel Lasker; Dover 2003
Long-term structural and positional advantages versus time 82 Modern Chess Strategy; Ludek Pachman; Pitman 1968
Applying the new concepts to opening theory 85 El Mediofuego en Ajedrez; Euwe and Kramer; Ediciones Limitadas Catalan 1984
Time versus Material: positional pawn sacrifices in the opening 91 My System; A. Nimzowitsch; David McKay Company 1947
Thanks Mr Dvoretsky: Prophylaxis and logic in the opening 95 The Praxis ofMy System; A. Nimzowitsch; Dover 1962
I leave before I get kicked out 96 Tratado General de Ajedrez (4 Volumes); Roberto Grau; Editorial Sopena 1982
Is it possible to completely neutralize the opponent's initiative? 98 The Art ofSacrifice in Chess; Rudolf Spielmann; Dover 1995
A Guide to Chess Endings; Max Euwe and David Hooper; Dover 1976
CI1.r.tPTER V·TI'te Ope","S f:\.ccordi"8 to me . or WI'ty llil\e ...ct:Ja6 if\. tl'te 103 Grandmaster Preparation; Lev Polugaevsky; Pergamon 1981
�"8'1 If\.diaf\. Botv innik's Best Games (3 Volumes); Mikhail Botvinnik; Moravian Chess 2001
Ajedrez en la Cumbre; Tigran Petrosian; Ediciones Eseuve 1989
Creating something new 104 Smyslov's 125 Selected Games; Vasily Smyslov; Cadogan Books 1994
Line 1: Playing a la Petrosian 105 Endgame Strategy; Shereshevsky; Cadogan Chess 1994
Line 2: Other nuances of the move ig5 107 Paul Keres: The Road to the Top; Paul Keres; Batsford 1996
Line 3: Near the storm 110 Opening Preparation; Dvoretsky and Yusupov; Batsford 1994
Line 4: In the eye of the hurricane 114 The Application of Chess Theory; Y.P. Geller; Pergamon Press 1984
White gets rid of the black knights 115 Capablanca; Edward Winter; McFarland 1989
White only exchanges one enemy knight 118
Miscellany: Three stories 119
1. Evaluations change 119
2. Whatever happened to...? 119
3. A Chess Symphony 121
CI1.r.tPTER VI . TI'te Otl'terI 125

List of symbols
t Check Foreword
A strong move
!! A brilliant move
!? An interesting move
?! A dubious move
A mistake Deceived foUl '""0"8
A blunder
1-0 White won

1/2-1/2 The game was drawn I still remember how excited I felt as a child at the magic moment of opening any
0-1 Black won chess book. What was shown there represented for me the key to gaining access to
(ch) Championship the hidden secrets of the royal game: new positional concepts, interesting opening
(z) Zonal systems, wonderful tactical blows, beautiful endgames. I eagerly devoured all the
(izt) Interzonal treasures I could find. I blindly believed in what the books said.
(01) Olympiad Then, when I got to the playing hall and tried to apply the knowledge thus acquired
(n) nth match game to my own games, I usually found myself confronted with enormous difficulties: it
was not as easy as I had been led to believe.
At the beginning we only blame the deficiencies in our game on some vague flaw
of our own, when applying in practice what we learnt in theory. Given time, young
talents are expected to acquire greater ability and precision in this field, and therefore
improve their results. However, time itself turns from an ally into an enemy: in the
eyes of others, one is not making progress at the expected rate. People then talk about
the promising young player reaching the limit of his potential. These turn out to be
difficult years in no-man's land.
But life goes on and if one is really passionate about what one is doing, one keeps
playing and studying, with more or less intensity, the art of chess. Stages come and go:
the apprentice becomes a FIDE Master, then an International Master and eventually a
Grandmaster and surprisingly . . . one discovers that one has been deceived all along.
It turns out that from that entire array of books that captivated us in our childhood,
only a few were really worthwhile, and even these were full of lies and mistakes. The
latter are caused by several reasons: the authors' lack of chess strength, scant ability
to pass on their knowledge, superficial analysis, etc. This can have a damaging and
enduring impact on our development as chess players.
The present book has as its goal, first of all, to warn the reader about this aspect: if one
is not ready to confront the study of any material in a critical, deep and creative way,
to think and research for oneself, one is doomed to the most resounding failure.
8 True Lies in Chess
Secondly, in the present work I mount a staunch defence of chess ideas in the form
of strategic concepts, positional principles, philosophies of the game, etc. Of late
there has been a dangerous tendency to give clear precedence to concrete analysis Ci\apter I
over the written word. I would like to quote Lasker's opinion about this topic: "A
spirit with a large and roomy brain who without error could keep in mind millions
of variations would have no need of planning. Frail, weak man can clearly keep in
mind only half a dozen variations since he has but little time to spare for Chess. And
if he by chance had more time for it and in addition had genius for the game, to see
Do ttot TrU/t ttt,cr Ciailici
through hundreds of variations would turn his brain. His reason was not made to
be a substitute for a printed table. His mind has a marvellous faculty which enables
him to conceive deep and far-sighted plans without being subject to the necessity of
examining every possibility." [Lasker's Manual of Chess]
Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
The faculty to which Lasker refers is abstraction. We human beings have developed Do not believe in traditions simply because they have been handed down for many generations.
an exceptionally powerful technique to treat complexity: we ab�tract from it. Unable Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumoured by wany.
to control complex objects in their entirety, we ignore the non-essential details, dealing Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.
instead with the ideal model of the object and focussing on its essential aspects. Thus Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
But when, after observation and analysis, you find anything that agrees with reason, and is
language has been born, the concept and the principle is but a simplified view of
conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.
reality in such a way that we can interact with it. Abstraction is an essential tool to
handle the complex world of the 64 squares. The Buddha's Kalama Sutra
In my view a well-annotated game is one that encompasses the sum of, on the
one hand, rigorous analysis, and, on the other, a generous written expression of the Ttt,e tip oP ttt,e icebera
positional ideas underlying them. In this book I have tried to tackle the games with
"Scepticism is the highest of duties; blind faith, the one unpardonable sin." Thomas Henry HuxLey
the aforementioned criteria. (1825-1895) English biologist
Thirdly, and finally, this work is an appeal for the reader to be creative. The only
beautiful thing in chess - or in any other discipline for that matter - is that which In the games that appear in the classic manuals the analysis is usually too one-sided. History is always
contributes something fresh and original to the field. What is already known becomes written by the winners and often their research lacks objectivity. Later treatises blindly copy these
"exemplary games" thus reinforcing the transmission of the inaccurate, sometimes utterly false,
boring to us in the end.
knowledge they try to show.
Fortunately enough, chess is a tremendously complex and rich game. And I say It is mosrly young players and those who do not trust their own strength who are likely to be the
fortunately because it means that there are still new and surprising horizons to be victims of this partiality, this lack of honesty and rigorousness in the analysis. But because the proof is
discovered. In order to delve more deeply into the unknown one only needs to be in the pudding, I am going to show a series of examples for the readers to familiarize themselves with
brave and to believe in oneself. the substance of this problem.
The next game, analysis and notes are from the books My System and Chess Praxis by Aron
Therefore the reader will find interesting ideas and opinions that the author has
Nimzowitsch, and from Secrets ofModern Chess Strategy by John Watson. Naturally I have added my
been accumulating over years of experience. I hope that this introduction to the way own opinions and corrections.
a grandmaster thinks will be useful for all those who want to improve their chess.
W Janowski
Grandmaster LIuis Comas Fabrego • Nimzowitsch
St Petersburg 1 914, Nimzo-Indian [E43]
l.d4 ttJf6 2.c4 e6 3.lLlc3 .ib4 4.e3 b6 5 .id3 .ib7 6.lLlf3 .ixc3t 7.bxc3 d6 8.YNc2
.
10 True Lies i n Chess Do not Trust the Classics 11
The modern treatment of this variation starts 1 1..ig5 h6 12 .id2

.
idea being I S. . . ttl xd3, exploiting the c4-pawn's weakness of the f5-square and the development
with S.O-O 0-0 9. 4'ld2 4'lbd7 (9 ... 4'lc6 1 0.e4 White has provoked a slight weakening in the weakness - Comas) I S.cxd5 4'lxd3 1 9 . ttl xd3 of the queens ide, while increasing the pressure
e5 1 1 . 4'lb3) 1 0.e4 e5 1 1 .l"1el l"1eS 1 2.f3 4'lfS black kingside. If instead 1 2. ii,h4?! l"1eS followed l"1cS "The point of this line is that White can against White's d4 and e4 points in accord with
13. 4'lfl , when White is slightly better: the knight by the manoeuvre ... ttJd7-fS-g6 with a good liquidate his doubled c-pawns and still be left Black's main plan) I S. 4'lg2 White is slightly
can be transferred to the e3-square to target the game. with a seriously backward pawn on an open file, better according to Watson. I think that after
important central points f5 and d5 without 12... �e8 an idea which applies to many positions and was I S . . . 4'lh7!? (going after the weakness on d4:
getting in the way of the plan based on the f3-f4 If Black tries to achieve a general blockade of first enunciated by Nimzowitsch." (Watson) the idea is ... 4'lg5) Black has a very promising
push. the position with 1 2. . . c5 13.d5 g5, there would Nevertheless it is still necessary to note that position: for example if 1 9 .Wa4 l"16e7 20 .Wxa7
8 ...4Jbd7 9.e4 e5 follow the manoeuvre 1 4.h4! 4'l h7 1 5 .hxg5 the position is far from being clear due to then 20 . . . exd4!.
hxg5 1 6.g3! with the idea of �g2, l"1h l , ttl h2 White still having chances of counterplay on the a3) 1 4. 4'l h4 - Nimzowitsch (! Comas)
and ii,e2 with strong pressure against the enemy kingside, e.g. f2-f3, l"1g2 followed by g3-g4-g5.
kingside. Despite being on an open file, the c3-pawn is
13.�ael invulnerable.
a2) 1 4.l"1e2 - Nimzowitsch. And now:
a2 I ) 14 . . . WeS 1 5.d5!? - Comas ( I 5.l"1fe l
"White, with the utmost perseverance, continues
the policy of marking time. However, Black also
has a score to register; the chance for White
to play f4 has receded into the dim future." -
Nimzowitsch)
Exploiting the temporary weakness of the f5 -

"Now the posmon has taken on features square and planning the prophylactic move f2-
typical of a Nimzo-Indian Defence. Please note f3, firmly strengthening the e4-square: 14 . . . g6
the role of Black's c-pawn. If Black has to play 1 5 .g3! (Comas - with the idea of securing the
. . . c5 in order to force White to play d5, then centre once and for all with 1 6. f3; the only line
White's queens ide pawns will be hard to attack, 13 4Jh7?!
...
analysed by Nimzowitsch is 1 5 .f4, when he gives
e.g., Black won't be able to play . . . 4'la5, . . . ii,a6, In my opinion a dubious move. "The idea the following variations: 1 5 . . . exf4 1 6 . ii,xf4 WeS
and . . . Wd7-c6 to attack the forward c-pawn. On is still that Black would like White to play d5 [ 1 6. . . 4'l h5 17.Wf2 l"1f6 I S .g3 g5 1 9 .e5 4'lxf4
the other hand, if White plays d5 without being without ... c5 being in, since 13 . . . c5 1 4.d5 gives 20.gxf4 l"1xf4, winning; 1 6 . . . g5!?] 1 7.d5 l"1e7
provoked by . . . c5, Black gains two important White a free hand to prepare g4 and f4 with an I S . ii,xh6 ttJg4 1 9 . ii,g5 f6 20. ii,cl 4'lge5 Black has
advantages: a fine square c5 for his knights, and attack." (Watson) Time is a very important factor for carrying a good game) 1 5 ... WfS and now:
more importantly, the possibility of opening the Black had several interesting alternatives in out our plans. At this point the advance is very a3 I) 1 6.f3!? (following a constructive strategy
position against White's queenside by . . . c6. See order to try to provoke White's problematic d4- promising since White's attack on kingside without any hurry) 1 6 . . . l"1aeS 1 7.l"1e2 c6! The
the note to Black's 1 3th move." (Watson) d5 advance: succeeds before Black's possible counterplay on idea is to play ... d6-d5, exploiting the remote
10 .0-0 0-0 a) 1 3 ... l"1e6 - Nimzowitsch (?!Comas) This the queenside. For instance: 15 . . . l"1e7 1 6. 4'lh4 situation of the h4-knight, with a complex game.
As we will see, the b7-bishop is not best placed move tries to increase the pressure on the e4- ttJc5 ( I 6 ... WdS!? 1 7. 4'lf5 l"1eS I S .l"1e3!? with If Black plays passively White will have a strong
here in this system. On the one hand Black does point, while at the same time hindering the f2-f4 the alternative plan of bringing the rook to the attack after l"1g2 and g3-g4.
not have enough resources to force the advance break, one of the basic plans at the disposal of the g3-square to exploit the weakening that the a32) 1 6 . f4! (this attack is completely j ustified
d4-d5 that he so desires without having to resort first player in this kind of position with its goal move ... h6 caused on Black's kingside) 1 7. ttJ f5 in the given situation due to the poor location of
to the move ... c7-c5, and on the other, the being to activate White's rooks and the bishop l"1d7 I S . f4 exf4 1 9. ii,xf4 ( I 9. l"1xf4!?) 1 9 . . . 4'lg4 the black forces) 16 . . .Wg7 ( I 6 ...l"1e7 1 7.c5! exf4
absence of this bishop from its original diagonal pair. Now: 20.l"1f3 White is clearly better. [ 1 7 . . . bxc5 I S.Exe5 dxe5 1 9.Wb3 with a winning
will considerably weaken the f5-square, a typical a I ) 1 4.d5? l"1eS 1 5 .l"1e2 4'lc5 1 6. ttJ e l c6 17.g3 a22) 14 . . . WfS!? (Watson) 1 5 .l"1fe l l"1aeS advantage] I S.cxd6 cxd6 1 9 .9xf4 d5 20.e5 ttJe4
target in this kind of central pawn structure. cxd5 (I 7 ... ii, a6! and Black is clearly better, the 1 6 . 4'l h4 g6 1 7.g3 Wg7 (Quite a curious 2 1 . ii,xe4 dxe4 22.f5 White is clearly better)
method of solving several problems at once: the 1 7.c5!
12 True Lies in Chess Do not Trust the Classics 13
knight to f5 and the f2-f4 break. Now: o f carrying out manoeuvres such as � e I -b 1 , 1"lfl If the truth be told, this manoeuvre can be
bl) 1 4.h3 �g6 1 5 . tiJh2 dl and �d3-fl and i.d2-e3 with very promising carried out here because Black has good prospects
bl 1 ) 1 5 ... Ele7 16.f4 ( l 6. tLl g4 - Watson - is positions. on the kingside due to the not-very-fortunate
good: 1 6 . . . tLl xg4 1 7. hxg4 Wd7 I S.f3 and White Note that Black cannot use the d4-square as a sequence h3, tLlf3-h2 which consolidated the
is slightly better) 16 . . . exf4 1 7.i.xf4 WeS Is.ixh6 base of operations thanks to the doubled-pawn position of the black knight on f4. Now driving
tiJxe4 and Black is slightly better according to complex c4-c3. it away with g2-g3 is much more difficult to
Watson. c) 13 . . . c6!? - (Comas) accomplish and, furthermore, the exchange would
b 1 2) 15 . . . Wd7!? 16.f4 ( I 6.f3?! tLl h5 Black not be very advisable because of the weakness that
has the initiative due to the weakness of the would appear on the e5 -square right after this.
dark squares on the kingside) 1 6 ... exf4 1 7.ixf4 The possibility Watson recommends, 16 . . .Wf6!?,
lDxf4 I S.1"lxf4 and White's position has more was also interesting, and if 1 7. tLl g4, then ... Wh4
prospects. with the idea ... tLld7-f6, offering to exchange
In this sort of position sometimes one has to b 13) 1 5 . . . c5! 1 6.d5 i.cs Black's position is very a minor piece, which in theory would benefit
act very vigorously. The pawn is offered with the good. Black since he has less space to manoeuvre.
object of opening important lines for White's b2) 14. lD h4!? Again this seems to me the 17.d5 tiJf4 IS.te2 tiJf8
heavy pieces. The following variations show how most ambitious option. 1 4 ...c5!? (Exploiting the Better was IS ... tLl f6! with the idea ...i.cS.
dangerous White's attack is: weakness of the unprotected white knight. If 19.i.g4 ics
a32 1 ) 1 7 ... bxc5 I S.f5! with a decisive instead 1 4. . .tLlg6!? then White could either play This leads us to a different subject: good bishop
advantage ( I S .dxe5 dxe5 19. CiJxg6 and White is 1 5 . CiJf5 tLl e7 1 6.�g3 and be slightly better, or versus bad bishop.
clearly better). 1 5 . tLl xg6!? fx:g6 which leads to a pawn formation This is quite an original alternative, which no 2o.��M2 i.a6 21.g3 lLl4g6 22.ie2
a322) 17 ... exf4 I S.d5 and White is clearly that is very interesting: Black threatens to block other author has pointed out. Black prepares to
better. the kingside by means of the advance ... g6-g5 . answer White's plan (removing the knight from
a323) 1 7 ... exd4 I S.cxd4 CiJxe4 1 9.c6 tiJxd2 1 6.c5!? One always has to keep an eye on the f3 followed by the advance of the f-pawn) with a
20J'he6 tiJxfl 2 l .cxb7 �bS 22Jl:e7 tiJxg3 advance of the doubled pawns! [also interesting is break in the centre, leading to complex play.
23.hxg3 Wxd4t 24.@g2 tiJc5 25 .i.xg6 and 1 6. f4 with an initiative] 1 6 ...dxc5 17 .dxe5 �xe5 14.h3
White is winning. I S.f4 �e7 1 9.e5 �d7 2o.ic4t and White is clearly Watson recommends 14.g3 and I agree with
a324) 17 .. J'l:e7 I S.Wa4! ( I S.cxd6 cxd6 1 9.fx:e5 better.) After 1 4 . . . c5!? White has a choice: him that it is a better option. There could follow
dxe5 20.d5 and the position is unclear; IS.fx:e5 b2 1 ) 1 5.tLlf5 ( I 5.d5? tLl xd5) 1 5 ... cxd4 16.cxd4 14 . . . tLlg5 (l4 ... Wf6!? seems an annoying move,
dxe5 1 9.Wcl @h7) I S . . . bxc5 1 9.fx:e5 dxe5 20.d5 tLl e6 or 1 6 ... exd4 with very complex positions.
trying to prevent lD h4 by putting pressure on d4,
�ee8 (20 ... tiJb6 2 1 .Wa3) 2 l .c4 and White is b22) 1 5 .dxe5!? Carrying out a plan that was but 1 5 .tLlh4! exd4 [15 . . .tLlg5 1 6 . f4 exf4 1 7.i.xf4
clearly better. played for the first time by Botvinnik. 1 5 . . . dxe5
b) 13 . . . tiJfS Nimzowitsch (! Comas)
with some initiative] 1 6.e5 tLl g5 17.ixg5 Wxg5
1 6. tiJf5 tLl e6 1 7.f3 I S.f4 WdS 1 9.cxd4 and White is clearly better)
and now:
a) 1 5 .tLlh4 tLlf6 ( l 5 . . .tLl e6 16. tLl f5) 16.f3 and
White is slightly better (Watson) .
b) I prefer 1 5. tLlxg5 hxg5 1 6.Wdl and White The position is unclear. Apparently White has
is clearly better due to the weakness of the g5- achieved all that he initially wanted: Black has
pawn. only been able to force d4-d5 by ... c7-c5 (now
1 4 lLlhfB
•.. it becomes obvious how difficult it is to put
A prophylactic move trying to prevent White's pressure on the "weak" c4-pawn) and secondly,
f2-f4 break. ( l 4 .. .'IWf6 - Nimzowitsch) it looks as if the advance f2-f4 will come sooner
15.lLlh2 tiJe6 16.i.e3 c5!? or later.
"Nimzowitsch shows a typically modern But as the continuation of the game shows,
flexibility; if he can't force d5 without playing Black has enough resources to fight against the
I think this is the best move as Black prevents The idea is to transfer the knight to d5 . . . c5, well, he'll play . . . c5 anyway, but at a time aforementioned break. This is to a great extent
White's most effective plans: the transfer of the eventually, although there is also the possibility when he has kingside prospects!" (Watson) because of the bad situation of White's h-pawn,
which would be better off on its initial square. rigorous analysis, and in their notes everything - Th e total blockade o f the position to exploit "To d4-d5 and c4 the answer will be ... b6 and
Moreover, the weakness of the pawn structure goes the winner's, or alternatively the superior the superioriry of the knights in this sort of the further advance c5 we had planned is shown
on the queenside takes its toll at the end of the player's, way. When these games are subjected structure, by means of the move ... c7-c5. to be impossible of execution. If a white pawn
game. to serious investigation we can always find new had been at b2 instead of c2 the close advance
22 ... lLlh7 23.h4 lLlf6 24.i.d3 �bS 25.�e2 �b7 ideas, correct established evaluations and discover 2. A series of plans and rypical procedures that d4-d5 followed by c4, b4 and c5 would have
26..id �be7 mistakes that have passed unnoticed for several can be extrapolated to similar positions. been possible."
A prophylactic manoeuvre to hinder White's generations. It is precisely because of this that I
plans. would like to challenge the readers, daring them 3. I think it is interesting to highlight one of
27.'�hl .ics 2S.�gl @ffi 29.h5 lLlhS 30.g4 to play this sort of position with both colours. the differences, not very often understood,
After this move White can no longer achieve That's why I'm going to sum up the rypical between strategy and tactics. When speaking
the long desired £2-f4 under ideal conditions. plans for both sides from the main diagram after about strategy we ask ourselves, what and when;
3o ... lLlh7 31..ic2?! White's lyh move. when speaking about tactics, how. Let's see again
If 3 1 .g5!? hxg5 32 ..ixg5 lLlxg5 33.l"lxg5 the position of the main diagram after White's
f6 34.!'! g3 lLlf7 35 .l"legl lLlg5! 36.lLlf3, then White l 3th move: what does Black want? To provoke
36 ... lLlh3! and Black is dearly better. - The f2-f4 break to activate both the rooks White's undesirable advance d4-d5. How can
31...�b7 32.f4 f6 and the bishops (remember that when in this objective be pursued? In several ways: . . . c7-
Black's position is very solid. possession of the bishop pair one has to open up c5, . . . l"le8-e6, . . .lLl f6-h7-f8-e6 or with the move
33.fxe5?! dxe5 34.lLlf3 lLlf7 35.�ef1 @gS the position-always with caution, though) and ... lLld7 -f8-g6 in the long term.
36.lLlh4 lLld6 begin an attack on Black's king. And he cominues: "What we have just learnt
Black is now clearly better. - The transfer of the white knight to the outpost 4. There is no absolute truth and therefore no about the chief weakness of compact (easily
37.lLlfS i.xfs! on f5 followed by: principle is inviolable. I say this because of the defendable) double pawns (which we would
In this sort of blockade position a good bishop A piece attack on the kingside via l"le l-e3-g3. fact that Black's move ... c7-c5 almost always class as active, or dynamic, weaknesses) enable us
is usually as ineffective as a bad one. A pawn storm on that flank, going after the seemed unfortunate, as it left White with a free to formulate this rule, that it pays to incite the
3S.gxf5 lLlg5 39 ..ixg5 hxg5 40.i.a4 �f8 comact point on g5 with f2-f3, g2-g4 and l"le l hand to attack on the kingside. And I say "almost" possessor of a pawn-mass, whose attacking value
41 ..ic6 �bS 42.a4 @f7 43.@g2 �hS 44.�hl e2-g2. because I agree that this move is generally bad is lessened by the presence of doubled pawns, to
�h6 45.�al �c7 46.@fl �bhS 47.@e3 - The sacrifice c4-c5 to activate the bishop on except when, for instance, a white pawn arrives an advance."
@gS 4S.@d3 �f7 49.a5 �xh5 50.�xh5 c4 and disrupt Black's pawn structure. on h3 or Black has a good grip on the f4- Later on he adds: "We must differemiate an
�xh5 5 1.axb6 �h3t 52.@c2 axb6 53.�ast - A pawn storm with the pieces posted behind square. For White too, d4-d5 is almost always active and a passive (static) weakness. Let us
@h7 54.�dS fia7 55.�aS �f7 56. @b3 �h5 the pawns; for instance g2-g3, lLlh4 (e l)-g2 and bad if ... c7-c5 has not been played by Black, imagine in the previous diagram a white pawn on
57.�xh5t �xh5 5S ..ieS lLlxeS 59.�xeS �h2 f2-f4. except when the black pieces are unfortunately d5 instead of d3, a white king at gl and a rook at
60.�aS g4 61 .�a1 @h6 62.@a4 @g5 63.@b5 - In the event of Black playing ... c7-c5, the placed and this move is useful to stabilize the e2, and a black king at f8 and a rook at c8. Here
@f4 64.�gl @xe4 65.�xg4t @xf5 66.�xg7 possibiliry of taking dxe5(c5) and playing for the centre and quickly launch an attack on the the static weakness of the double pawn is great;
�b2t 67.@c6 e4 6S.d6 �d2 69.d7 e3 70.@xb6 central d5-square. kingside. for after 1 . ..c6 2.dxc6 l"lxc6 or 1 . ..c6 2.c4 cxd5
e2 7 1.�e7 �xd7 nJhe2 �d3 73.�c2 �dl And, if you do not believe what I said in my 3.cxd5 l"lc3 followed by ... l"la3, Black will in either
112-1f2 Black last point, consider the following investigations. case get the advamage. The rule is therefore: given
- To put pressure on White's centre with the a passive weakness in doubled pawns, an advance
What conclusions can be drawn and lessons aim of provoking the positional concession d4- against these pawns is indicated, whereby the
learnt after studying this game? In my opinion, d5, if possible without having to resort to the dissolution or undoubling of the enemy doubled
there are several: move ... c7-c5. "To think is to disobey already; to disobey pawns need cause us no fear. The evil is in fact
- To take prophylactic measures against White's is to think by oneself" Alexandre Dumas only half dissipated, a part of the weakness is got
1. Who among us, in our yourh, would dare aforementioned plans, of which the move lLl f3- ( 1 802-1 870) French novelist rid of; but for what remains behind, the player
challenge the great Nimzowitsch's authoriry and h4 is the common element. has to suffer the heavier penance."
defend White's cause? Let me tell you: very few. - The innovative plan of going for the central Thoughts culled from Nimzowitsch's My Doesn't this ring a bell? It is very similar to
Why? Because of what I told you before: classic break ... c6, ... d6-d5 while White is preparing his System. In his discussion on doubled pawns, what we have seen in the previous game.
games are usually annotated one-sidedly by the attack on the kingside: the only place where the about the position in the diagram Nimzowitsch Getting back to the point, from all this we can
winners or by authors hardly bent on serious and latter actually has any prospects. comments: conclude that nobody in his right mind should
16 True Lies i n Chess Do not Trust the Classics 17
dare play as White the manoeuvre d3-d4-dS We already know the drawbacks of White's 16.he4 he4 17.�d4! tt:le6 "The diagram shows a position in which White
since this would provoke Nimzowitsch's much situation. Let's have a look now at its merits: 1 7... 1"leS l S.CiJd2 has the little centre. In this position White must
trumpeted static and dynamic weaknesses. But 1) The dS-pawn greatly limits the black forces' 18.�xe4! tt:lxgS endeavour to use the open d-file by occupying the
let's see what happens in the following variation mobiliry between flanks, in particular that of the 1 8.. .l/Jxe4 19.ixe7 l/J6cS 20 .ixfS �xfS 2 1 .1"le3 square dS, while Black will seek in a similar way
of the Four Knights: dS-knight. would also lose. to draw advantage from the e-file by occupation
2) The pin against the knight on f6 is extremely 19.�xe7 tt:lxf3t 20.�f1 tt:lxel 21.1"lxel tt:lxdS of eS. As, however, a White piece on dS is in the
� Spassky unpleasant. 22.�xb7 tt:lf4 23J!e7 )"lab8 24.�xa7 gS opponent's half of the board, it will exert greater
* Gligoric 3) White threatens a pawn expansion on the 2S.V!!d4 pressure on the opponent's position than a Black
Sarajevo 1 9S6, Ruy Lopez [C49] kings ide with tLl f3-d4 and f2-f4-fS . White ended up winning easily. This was enough piece on eS; therefore the possession of the little
4) If Black tries to create a square on b7 for his for me to lose faith in the classics! centre gives a certain space advantage and so
l.e4 eS 2.li:lc3 li:lf6 3.ti.:lO li:lc6 4..tbS .tb4 5.0-0 badly placed knight on dS by b7-b6, in many allows greater freedom in the movement of one's
0-0 6.<13 d6 7..tgS hc3 8.bxc3 V!! e7 9J:lel lines White has the unpleasant manoeuvre tLl f3- Jot1'\.e t1'\.ore riaour would rtot be alTli"- pieces. The following game shows how this space
li:ld8 10.d4 d4-c6. advantage can be used to mount an attack on the
Curiously enough this is the position S) If Black, by means of an evasive manoeuvre "The louder he talked of his honor, the faster enemy position." (Pachman)
Nimzowitsch shows to demonstrate his precepts with his queen, allows his kingside pawns to be we counted our spoons." Ralph "Waldo Emerson "His idea was first to stop the e4-pawn with
in his famous book. doubled with ixf6 gxf6, he exposes himself to a (l S03-1 SS2) American philosopher ... 1"leS and ...ifS (restraint) in order to then
10 ....tg4 1 1 .h3 .thS 12.g4! .tgG tremendous kingside attack because of the ease bring his forces against this target, and finally
With the idea of ... tLle6. with which White can bring his pieces there, Another rypical problem we find in chess books either to force some concession by the opponent
13.dS! thanks to the space advantage that the move d4- is that the games are analysed very superficially, or to get rid of it with ... d6-dS. Nevertheless,
These Russians have no respect for the classics! dS has provided him with. using grandiloquent aphorisms and few variations Nimzowitsch's argument overlooks White's space
13...c6 lS... e4?! to prove what has been said, just in case what is advantage and the superior manoeuvrabiliry of
Following Nimzowitsch's famous rule Realizing how delicate his situation is, Gligoric stated doesn't fit what is happening on the board! his forces." (Watson)
Black opens the c-file to expose White's static tried to solve his problems by tactical means, but Let's see a game from Pachman's excellent Modern I think that the arguments advanced by
weaknesses, especially the doubled pawns. in general when a position is strategically bad Chess Strategy. There are some points in the game Pachman are too abstract and idealistic, and
14..td3 adS? these resources fail. Other possible options were: that need to be qualified, at the very least. therefore na'ive because, as we will see in the
1 4. . . 1"lcS l S.c4 was a better option although a) l S ... b6 16.tLld4 (the idea is to play f4-fS) continuation of the game, it is not so easy to
White's position is still slightly better. 1 6 . . . tLlb7 ( l 6... 'lWc7 1 7.ixf6 gxf6 l S.tLlfS ixfS 'it' Tarrasch occupy the dS-square with the knight in an
lS.exdS 1 9.ixfS and White is clearly better: he will follow * Schlechter effective way, and on the other hand Black never
with an offensive against the enemy kingside) Leipzig l S94, Ruy Lopez [C66] tries to occupy, in the long term, the eS-square. It
1 7.tLl c6 and White is clearly better. is true that under certain circumstances the ideas
b) l S ... 1"lcS 1 6.c4 e4 1 7.ixe4! ( l 7.ifl ?! tLle6 l.e4 eS 2.li:la tt:lc6 3.ibS d6 4.d4 .td7 S.tt:lc3 set out by Pachman are applicable, but to try and
favours Black) 17 ... ixe4 l S .tLld2 and White is tt:lfG 6.0-0 ie7 7J3e1 tt:lxd4 8.tt:lxd4 exd4 minimize all the richness of this position with
on top. 9.hd7t �xd7 10JWxd4 0-0 such narrow arguments doesn't do any favours to
chess or to his readers.
Regarding Watson's comments, based on
Nimzowitsch's ideas, they seem to indicate that in
this sort ofpositionWhite is better, whereas I don't
think it's so clear. I think it is Nimzowitsch, rather,
who has a more instructive view of the situation:
he doesn't try to give a definitive evaluation of
the position; instead he tries to show us a plan.
How good or bad it is depends very often on the
specific distribution of the forces on the board.
Let's analyse the posltlon. Despite White 1 1.b3
having carried out the stigmatized advance d4- "The bishop will work most effectively on
dS, he has a strategically winning position. Why? the diagonal a1-hS. Besides, White impedes the
f.tpplyi"8 wtt,at tt,ar bC!C!'lIC!ar'l,t

possible counter-manoeuvre by Black of ... Ele8, move ctla4 which laid the basis for the knight's I t is strange that Pachman does not even
... �f8, ... Ele6, . . .g6 and ... �g7, which would impending kingside excursion." (Pachman) mention this mistake. Maybe he did not see it
improve the coordination of Black's pieces and or he didn't want to see it. .. The offensive against "The best advice always comes from
turn the bad bishop on e7 into an active piece." the kingside begins now. The text is a double experience, but always comes too late."
(Pachman) edged move, for although it threatens to smother Ame/ot De La Houssaye ( 1 634- 1 706) French
This quote mentions an interesting manoeuvre Black's position, it also weakens the white king, writer
to improve the effectiveness of Black's forces. In and if Black manages to open up the game the
any case it is not clear whether the white bishop outcome would be quite unclear. 23.lLle2 would It is well known that those who forget the mistakes
is best placed on this diagonal since it remains not be advisable either because of 23 ... f5!. of the past are condemned to repeat them. The
obstructed by its own pieces. 23 ...'!Wa5? classics, if studied seriously, are a very important
An interesting alternative is 1 1 .�g5 although The situation would have completely changed point of reference for any player wishing to make
in this case one has to take into consideration the after 23 ...d5! 24.exd5 Elxe3 25.Elxe3 Elxe3 progress in the chess world. One has to make
possible simplifications that such a continuation 26.fXe3 �g3 when suddenly it is White who has the most of other players' previous experience
could lead to. problems. so that, as the quotation above says, the advice
l 1..J'l:feS 12.i.b2 i.f8 13J'l:ad1 '!We6! 24.l3:d1 �b6 doesn't come too late.
From here the black queen can always move Also interesting are the alternatives 24 ... �g5 !?
c:,t? Istratescu
to the b6-square, offering a queen exchange 25.ctle2 or 24 ... h5 25 .Elg1 hxg4 26.Elxg4 f5 and
that would nip in the bud White's possible 19 ... lLld7? the position is unclear; or maybe 24 ... a6 trying ,., Klinova
attack on the long diagonal. At the same time "Here Black had his first and last opportunity to create counterplay on the queenside with Wijk aan Zee 2002
it puts pressure on the white centre and hinders to play ... g6; the position of the bishop on g7 ... b7-b5. Yet again Black's play is too passive.
the manoeuvre ctlc3-d5 since the c2-pawn is would then, it is true, leave the pawn on d6 25.h4!
under surveillance. Worse was 13 ... �e6 14.ctlb5 weak, but this weakness would be offset by the But not 25.ctle2 because of ... ctlg5 (Pachman) .
followed by c2-c4, squeezing Black's position activity of the bishop. Instead, Black opts for 25 ...ltJe5?
even further. passive defence, allowing White to use his space Black has adopted a completely passive
14J'l:d3 l3:e6 1 5.l3:de3 advantage to storm the kingside." (Pachman) attitude and this move allows a restructuring
If l 5 .l3:g3 Elae8 ( l 5 . . . �b6!? 1 6.�xb6 [ l 6.�d3 It is not possible to exploit the weakness of that leaves him without the remotest chance of
Elae8] 16 . . .axb6 1 7.a4 d5 is equal) 1 6.ctld5 the d6-pawn due to the pressure the black pieces counterplay.
�xd5! winning. exert on the opponent's centre. The position 26.l3:g3 ttlf'7 27.8!
1 5 ...l3:aeS 1 6.h3 '!Wb6 would be extremely interesting. It would be very The position is already strategically decided.
"It is doubtful whether Black could have similar to many systems of the King's Indian, Black has no chance of activating his game while
improved the coordination of his pieces by when Black exchanges in the centre with ... exd4. White methodically concentrates his forces on
. . . g6, for White would then have been able to Therefore, the right continuation in the game the opponent's kings ide, against the g7-square to
occupy the outpost d5 with great effect; e.g. would have been 1 9 ...g6! 20.ttlc3 �g7 with a be more precise, since this is the point where his
16 ... g6 1 7.ctld5 ! �g7 1 8.c4 ctlh5 1 9.�d2, and dynamic balance, although if I had to choose I artillery can converge with most intensity.
White, in view of the weakness of f6, has a clear would rather be Black here. 27 ... ltJhS 2S.lLle2 '!Wc7 29.l3:dg1 Up to now all the moves have been identical
advantage." (Pachman) Extremely passive defence is, in certain Preparing the final breakthrough on the g-file. to the previous game.
1 7.'!Wd3 e6 (! Comas) positions, a very common trait in the games from It's important to notice that the eventual invasion 13.l3:e3!?
Now 17 . . . g6!? was a possibility. For instance the masters of the past, and this is one of the comes from the flank and not through the centre, Here the importance of time in chess is
1 8 .ctlb5 �g7 ( l 8 . . .�h6 1 9.El3e2 �g7 and reasons for the complexity of present-day play: as was to be expected. brought to the fore. With this move, instead
the position is unclear) 1 9 .�d4 c5 20.�xf6 modern players don't sit and wait, and if one is 29 ... �f'7 30.lLld4 l3:6e7 31.g5 fxg5 32.l3:xg5 g6 of 1 3 . Elad l which we saw in the game Tarrasch
�xf6 2 1 .ctlc3 �xc3 22.�xc3 �b4 with a level not careful nasty things can happen. 33.lLlf5 l3:e5 34.f4 l3:xf5 35.exf5 i.g7 36.fxg6 - Schlechter, Black has no time (precisely!) to
position. 20.@h1 f6 2 1 .'!We2 lLle5 22.lLlc3 lLlf'7 23.g4?! 1-0 carry out the effective plan of reorganization
lS.ltJa4 '!We7 19.e4 The strategic idea is not bad but the move is that was accomplished in that game.
"A very important manoeuvre, which prevents tactically inaccurate. White had to prevent the Let's see now how the analysis ofa classic game can 13 ... l3:e6?!
... d5 by Black and allows the white knight to go . . . d7-d5 break with, for instance, the prophylactic be very useful in providing an accurate evaluation Black didn't find the right move 1 3 . . . c6!. It
over to the kingside; rather strangely, it was the manoeuvre �d 1 , keeping the advantage. of the vicissitudes of a modern contest. is vital to control the ci5-square to prevent
White's ctJc3 and ib2 from becoming active. It <3J Botvinnik 1. To place the queen's rook o n the b l -square considered more accurate; later we will return to
is basically a blockading move. Moreover there ,., Geller and then try the expansion b2-b4, kicking Black's this position.) But I don't share his opinion that
is always in the air a possible central counter Budapest 1 952 cS-knight. l S .a3 was the main reason for White's subsequent
strike in response to any action by White on the 2. To place this rook on d1 in order to put defeat.
kingside. For instance if 1 4.�ae l V!1c7 ( I 4 ... V!1e6 pressure on the opponent's centre and kingside. Let's analyse Geller's arguments for
I S .h3 a6!? [ I S ... V!1eS 1 6.V!1d3l 16.�g3 dS I decided to start by examining the second condemning this move. According to him
1 7.ctJe2 id6 I S.f4 <fihS! and Black is clearly method of play to test the viability of the whole it weakens the b3-square. Well, this alleged
better) I S .�g3 (if I S .ctJe2 as in the game, then system beginning with the move �adl followed weakness could only be exploited by Black's cS
I S ... dS!) I S ... dS 1 6.eS �e6 1 7. �ge3 ctJd7 and eventually by a2-a3. Here White gives up any knight, but once it gets to b3 it would look nice
Black is clearly better. If the attacking ideas active play on the queenside in exchange, as but hardly do anything else. That is, it would not
�e3-g3 or ctJ c3-e2 don't work, it is not clear already mentioned, for more ambitious goals in have any bearing on the subsequent struggle (we
how White can prevent Schlechter's effective the two other sectors of the board. Many of these would have a case of an over-valued knight) .
regrouping. plans entail the withdrawal of the d4-knight from Regarding the assertion that after a2-a3 the
14Jl:ael a6 its apparently privileged position in order, firstly, cS-knight feels at home, it reminds me of the
14 ... �aeS doesn't work: l S .V!1xa7 cS ( I S ... dS to increase the pressure against the opponent's classic and somewhat naive saying "When a piece
1 6.exdS ctJxdS 1 7.V!1d4 and White is clearly d6-pawn, and, secondly, to transfer the knight to is badly placed the whole position is bad" only I
better) 16.V!1a4 V!1xa4 1 7 .ctJxa4 ctJxe4 l S .ctJb6 more active parts of the board. But in order to do would feel like phrasing it, "When a piece is well
with a clear advantage. this it is necessary to always take into consideration placed the whole position is good." Obviously
IS.lLle2! Game taken from Efim Geller's book The the typical counter . . . a4-a3 by Black, exploiting this is a somewhat limited statement.
This white manoeuvre nips Black's aspirations Application of Chess Theory. Position after the the weakness of White's c3-knight. That is why But any extensive explanation runs the risk
in the bud. Mter this the moves ... g7-g6 and move IS.a3? (The question mark belongs to the move a2-a3 does not seem bad to me and, to of falling on deaf ears and being worthless if it
... ifS-g7 will no longer be possible. Geller) . put it more positively, in some circumstances a2- isn't backed up by concrete analysis supporting
IS ...d5 a3 is necessary to stabilize this part of the board the validity of this or that assessment. Precisely
I S ... �aeS 1 6.ctJf4 �6e7 17.c4 and Black's This game is, without any doubt, one of Geller's and only then concentrate efforts on other areas. because of this I am going to show my conclusions
forces lack coordination. most famous because of who his adversary was. This is also in agreement with my assessment that about the following critical position.
16.eS cS 17.'1Wd3? Let's see Geller's notes about this game: " . . . the in positions with a space advantage, such as the
Much better was 1 7.V!1d 1 ! e.g. 1 7 ... ctJg4 only obvious slip was on White's 1 5'h move." present one, at first White goes through a stage King's Indian Fianchetto Variation [E69]
I S.�g3 ctJ xeS 1 9. ttJ f4 and White is clearly Later on he adds: "A self-blockading move, after of consolidation and stabilization of the position
better. which the black knight on cS feels very much at before the expansion that has to take place in the
17 ... lLlg4 18Jl:h3 �h6 19.�xh6 lLlxh6 home" and he ends: " ... White already has some future. This is due to the fact that for some time
White eventually won after several mistakes weaknesses (at b3, in particular)." Black's forces have a certain degree of superior
by both sides. I would like to make some remarks about this. dynamism, but this dwindles away as White
The systematic and rigorous study of the It might seem audacious to challenge Geller's finishes his mobilization.
classics provides us, as we have seen, with authority on a position from the King's Indian, Imagine then my surprise when the deeper
valuable knowledge that is very useful when which he mastered so wonderfully. I also run the I analysed the system the less I liked Black's
trying to understand the processes involved in risk of the reader thinking that my intention is position, and this despite Geller's evaluation
contemporary games. Precisely because of this all always to go against the assessments made by regarding the move a2-a3 and, therefore, the
grandmasters without exception have suggested other authors. It is not so: I feel deep respect whole system beginning with �ad 1 .
a serious study of the chess classics. and admiration for the way Russian players What was actually happening? Who was wrong
handle this defence (on the other hand, I have in their assessments? I think that the question
said many times that I have never liked the mark Geller bestows on this move is excessive; I
handling of the King's Indian by the Yugoslavian agree with him that this is not the most precise
"All progress is but an error constantly players). move in this position. (In fact it has been proved IS.£4
rectified." Hans Vaihinger ( 1 SS2 - 1 933) A while ago I began studying this variation in that, instead of I S .a3, if White plays l s.if4 he I S .tt:lde2 V!1aS! (Black's counterplay is based
German philosopher order to play it as Black. With the pawn on a2 has a good advantage. That is why 14 ... tt:l fd7, on the activity his minor pieces generate, and in
White has two main systems to consider: instead of 14 ... V!1dS-aS as played in the game, is certain tactical nuances present in the position)
1 6.l':1xd6 ctJe5 1 7.l':1ddl (17 .b3 axb3 1 8.axb3 b) 1 6 ... Wib4 c) 1 6 . . . ctJb6 17.a3
�xh3! is a winning combination. 1 9.�xh3 [ 1 9.b4 Premature was 1 7.4Jf3 a3 1 8.b3 4Jh5! 1 9.4Jd4
hg2! 20.l':1b l Wic7 2 1 . bxc5 �f3 and Black is ( 1 9 .4J b l f5 20.e5 dxe5 2 1 .4Jxe5 4Je4 22.�xe4
clearly better] 19 ... 4J f3t 20.�fl 4Jxe 1 2 1 .�xel fXe4 23.Wixe4 �xh3 24.c5 Wia6 with counterplay)
4Jxe4 22.gd3 Wial t 23.4Jdl ga2 24.Wicl 4Jxf2 19 ... �d7 20.ctJde2 f5 2 1 .gxd6 fXe4 and the
Black has a decisive advantage.) 1 7 ... ctJxc4 position is unclear.
1 8 .�d4 Wib4 1 9.�xg7 �xg7 20.g b l a3 2 1 .b3 But here it is also possible to play 17.g4!
4Jb2 22.4J f4 �e6 23.ge3 !'lad8 Black's position a3 ( l 7 . . .�d7 1 8 .e5 is decisive) 1 8.b3 �xg4
is clearly better. (a thematic sacrifice but one which, in my
15 .. :�a5 16 ..if2 tLlf6!? opinion, doesn't give Black enough compensation:
Other options are: the problem is that if Black tries to do without it
a) 1 6 ... h5!? his position quickly deteriorates) 1 9.hxg4 4Jxg4
20.l':1e2 4Je6 2 1 .4Jxe6 l':1xe6 22.gd3 and White is
The beginning of a manoeuvre aimed at cleady better.
1 7.�fl �d7 (l7 ...�e6 1 8.4Jb l !) 1 8.g4!
provokingtheweakeningmovea2-a3. 17.�fl ! (the 17 .ie6
(Kharitonov is on the right track: this is where a
..
goal of this move is to force Black to transfer his 1 7 ...�d7 1 8 .g4 and White has an edge.
top player's strength is shown) 1 8 ... gad8 (this is
knight to the unfavourable b6-square) 17 ... 4J b6 18.e5!? dxe5 19 . .!!xe5
a very interesting question: Black wants to draw
1 8 .a3 Wia5 1 9.94!! (preventing the ... f7-f5 break, White has begun a very quick action in the
the white bishop to the h4-d8 diagonal, which
making the g3- and h4-squares available for the centre of the board. Black is not well developed
could lead to interesting counterplay for the
dark-squared bishop, and preparing manoeuvres enough to counter it.
second player along the long diagonal) and now:
like ctJd4-f3, f4-f5 squeezing Black's position) 19 .if8
c l ) 1 9.b3?! (I think this move is inconsistent
..
19 . . .�d7 (If 19 ...�e6!? 20.ctJ b l ! [Accepting the If 1 9 ... 4J fd7 then 20.4Jxe6 (20.b4!? axb3
with the spirit of the manoeuvre begun with
pawn would lead to unclear positions: 20.4Jxe6 2 1 .4Jxb3 4Jxb3 22.gxa5 4Jxa5 23. ctJe4)
gad 1 : after the opening of the a-file Black's
gxe6 2 l .f5 gee8 22.l':1xd6 �e5 !? 23.!'lddl gad8, 20 ... fXe6 2 1 .gee 1 and White is clearly better.
space problems decrease) 1 9 ... Wib4 20.gbl ga8
Black curbs the expansion ofWhite's qualitative exchanging a pair of rooks seems a good idea, While 1 9 ...�xc4 20.4Jxc6 bxc6 2 1 .l':1xc5 wins.
(20 ... axb3 2 1 .axb3 l':1a8) 2 1 .�g2 ga6 22.gec l
pawn majority on the kingside, but this entails a 24.gxd8 gxd8 25 .gdl gxdl {25 ... l':1e8!? with 20.,ifl
axb3 23.axb3 l':1ea8 Black had counterplay in
serious weakening of his defensive capability in compensation} 26.4Jxdl ctJ bd7 again with Kharitonov - Grischuk, Moscow 1 995.
this sector. compensation] 20 ... gac8 [20 . . . d5 2 1 .4Jxc6! bxc6 c2) 1 9.�h4 l':1c8 with counterplay.
From now on the eventual advance f4-f5 will be 22.cxd5 4Jxe4 23.dxe6 ctJxf2 24.exf7t �xf7 c3) 1 9.a3! (stabilizing White's queens ide and
much more bothersome. 1 7.a3! (A prophylactic 25.Wixf2 !'lxel 26.l':1xel l':1d8 and White is clearly the c3-knight) 1 9 ... ctJe6 ( l 9 . . .�c8 20.�h4 gd7
move preparing the withdrawal of White's better] 2 1 .ctJd2! [2 l .f5 �d7 22.ctJf3 d5 with 2 1 .ctJf3 and White is slightly bener) 20.4Jxe6
d4-knight in order to attack the d6-pawn. compensation yet again] 2 1 .. .�d7 [2 1 .. .�h6 (20.Wid2 4Jxd4 2 1 .�xd4 hd4t 22.Wixd4 and
Premature would have been 1 7.4Jde2 4J b6 1 8.b3 22 .�g3 �d7 {22. . .gcd8 23.4J4f3 �c8 24.f5 White is slightly better again; 20.4Jce2 Wia6!)
Wib4 when Black is clearly better, and also 1 7.4Jf3 with the initiative 24 . . . �g7 25.�h l} 23.ctJ4f3!] 20 ...he6 2 1 .ctJ b l ! (As we have seen, this is a
ctJb6 1 8.�fl a3.) 1 7... 4J b6 (If 1 7 ... 4J f6 1 8.lI'\f3 22.ctJ4f3 d5 23.e5 with a strong initiative) standard manoeuvre here: Black has problems
�e6 1 9 Jlxd6 �xc4 20.4Jd2 �e6 [20 . . .�a6 2 1 .e5 20.4Jf3 �f8 (20 . . .�e6 2 1 .4J b l ! A key move in reorganizing his minor pieces on the queenside.)
4Jfd7 22.e6 with an attack] 2 1 .e5 �f5 22.Wicl this kind of position. It is important with a space 2 1 ...�c8 (2 1 .. .f5 22.exf5 gxf5 23.gxe6! ; 2l ...d5
4J fd7 23.4Jce4 4Jxe4 24.4Jxe4 and White's advantage not to exchange material, and in this 22.cxd5 cxd5 23.e5 with the initiative) 22.Wid2
central supremacy, together with the weakness specific case also to leave the opponent with his (22.ctJd2 ctJd7!) 22 ... Wixd2 23.gxd2 (White is on
of Black's kingside, proves decisive.) 1 8.�fl �d7 two worst minor pieces, the �e6 and the 4J b6. top) 23 ... c5 (23 ... 4Jd7 24.i.h4! �f6 [24 ... �h6
( 1 8 ...�e6 1 9.4Jxe6 l':1xe6 20.f5 with an arrack) Now Black doesn't have at his disposal the freeing 25 .�xd8 �xf4 26.�a5 and White is winning]
1 9 .4J f3 �e6 20.l':1xd6 �xc4 2 1 .e5! (White is now move ... f7-f5 and the pressure on c4 is not 25.�xf6 4Jxf6 26.4Jc3, and in the endgame White has the initiative and Black has no
clearly berrer) 2 1 .. .�b3 (2 1 . ..hfl 22.l':1xfl and enough, whereas White threatens to increase his Black's queenside weakness begins to tell: 26 ... h6 easy move. If instead 20.4Jxe6 l':1xe6 2 1 .gxe6
Black has big problems with the chain f7-g6-h5) advantage after the advance f4-f5. For instance, if 27.gddl g5 [27. . . �g7 28 .�d3 and White is ctJxe6, White would only be slightly berrer. Or
22.Wicl �f8 23.gd4 4Jd5 (23 ... 4Je6 24.l':1d2 ctJd5 2 1 . . .gad8 22.f5 �c8 23.�h4 and White is clearly slightly better1 28 .fXg5 hxg5 29.e5 with an attack) 20.b4 axb3 2 1 .4Jxb3 ctJxb3 22.l':1xa5 4Jxa5 with
25.4Je4) 24.f5!? White has a promising arrack. better.) 2 1 .f5 White's pressure is very strong. 24.�h4 l':1d7 25.4Jc3 White is clearly better. counterplay.
Well, it seems that the system beginning with l 1.ttJxe4?! a) 1 6. . . . liJd7 and the c5-square, but what compensation does
gad l , followed very oEren by a2-a3, not only is I l .fXe4! e5 1 2.liJf3! "and White has a clear White have for the weakness of the b2-pawn and
not bad bur is a very dangerous weapon against lead in development" (worse is 1 2.dxeS \Wxd2t the e3-square?" The vulnerability of the a4-pawn,
Black's defensive structure. 1 3 . .L:d2 liJg4). the better development and the space advantage
1 1 ...0-0 12.ttJe2 as!? come to mind. Well, I think that Botvinnik yet
Qobody il witltout IiI'\. again tackles the analysis of this complex situation
from too simplistic a point of view.
"No legacy is so rich as honesty" (All's Well 7hat 16.ttJxf6t .Lf6!
Ends Well III.v) William Shakespeare ( 1 564- "The remaining knight is needed on the
1 6 1 6) English playwright queenside." Taking into account the opponent's
plans as well as which squares are really imporranr
Mter analysing the previous system, the reader to keep under control, this move is without doubt
might think that the aurhor of this book is an a stroke of genius. Worse was 16 . . .liJ xf6 1 7.liJc3
unconditional fan of Botvinnik and of his work (exploiting the weakness of the a4-pawn; 1 7.if4
With the nasty manoeuvre . . . liJd7-b6-c4
and that therefore I might even try to justifY his gb6 1 8 .ie5 gives White a small advantage)
in mind. The vulnerability of the c4-square is
"mistakes". I am not going to question the chess 17 ... a3 ( l 7 ... Wa5! ?) 1 8.b3 lLld5 1 9 .ixd5! cxdS
a recurring motif in this sort of central pawn
strength of the Patriarch of Soviet Chess-in this 20.lLla4 and White is clearly better.
formation.
regard he was a genius. But I am very critical of his 17.ttJc3
b) 16 . . . cS!? 1 7.dxc5 ( l 7.d5 liJd7! and White is
work and in parricular of his Selected Games. If 1 7.�f4 e5! 1 8 . dxe5 lLlxeS and Black is
worse, since the only thing he can do with his
In that book the aurhor is rather deficient slightly better. Or 17.ih6 ge8! and White has
This move only earns the following brief proud centre is to limit the strength and mobility
when it comes to giving concrete analysis, often no time to increase the pressure on f7 because of
comment by Botvinnik: "Well played." A of his own forces, whereas Black has excellent
not telling the whole truth. But I also believe the imminent manoeuvre ... lLld7-b6.
stunning assessment for such an interesting move! diagonals, files and outposts for his army)
that his "exemplary conceptual comments" are 17... ttJb6
Black begins play on the queenside before having 17 ... \Wxd2 1 8.gxd2 ixb2 1 9 .ixa4 ixe2 20.gxe2
often lacking in depth. The next game is very This knight protects the a4-pawn in an active
finished development. gxa4 2 1 .gxb2 gxe4 and Black is slightly better.
interesting. way since it has clear attacking prospects on the
During the game Smyslov's idea was to start opponent's centre and queenside.
W Botvinnik putting pressure on White's a2- and b2-pawns 18.i.e2 .le6
.. Smyslov thus compensating for the weakness Black has on
Moscow (6) 1958, King's Indian [E80) the c-file.
I think that, although the move itself is right,
1.c4 g6 2.e4 .ig7 3.d4 d6 4.ttJc3 a6 S..ie3 the idea behind it is not: this pawn advance could
ttJf6 6.£3 c6 7 ..idJ bS 8.�d2 bxc4 9.hc4 dS have been the beginning of unpleasant pressure on
10..ib3 dxe4 White's centre by the black pieces from the flanks.
Hence the exclamation and question marks.
13.0-0 a4
Much better was 1 3. . . liJxe4! (the beginning of
a new plan aiming at putting pressure on White's
central pawns) 1 4.fXe4 ia6! (It is interesting to In the end Black's position is to be preferred
note that, despite his lack of development, Black's due to the greater potential of his knight, rooks
superior piece and pawn coordination manages and king, and given White's weak pawn structure
to subdue White's army, which is completely at this stage of the game. Botvinnik, of course,
paralysed by the pressure on d4. Chess is not a does nOt mention all these possibilities.
straightforward game, but an art full of nuances, 14 ..ic4 ttJbd7 IS.gael B:b8 19.9fdl?!
hence its beauty.) I S .gadl ( l S.gfdl a4 16.ic2 "Black's position is the more active. The I find this situation extremely interesting
a3 17.b3 cS! followed by ... liJc6, with a clear weakness of the d4-pawn and the d5-square are because both players' positions have weaknesses.
advantage) 1 5 ... a4 1 6.ic2 and now: balanced by the similar defects of the c6-pawn In such cases it is very important not to yield the
initiative to the opponent since that very often allows this dream to be realised! Incidentally, facing several unpleasant alternatives: on the able to cover his weaknesses on the e-file, but
entails giving up any possibility of exploiting the now the weakness of the c5-square will be more one hand, opening the h-file with catastrophic White too, true to his match tactics, does not
other's weak points. sensitive. consequences; but if the g-pawn advances Black avoid a favourable ending!
"Black has played very subtly, and now his It is curious that Smyslov made the same will find it extremely difficult to defend his h7- It was not so easy to decide on such tactics for
position is clearly preferable. The white knight mistake in a similar position in the 2nd game of pawn due to his very restricted position. This the match, since Smyslov is a supreme expert in
is tied to the defence of the a2-pawn, and a2- the return match." latent threat forces Smyslov to carry out the the field of the endgame . . .
"
a3 cannot be played, since this would weaken It is very instructive to see how the initiative following passive queen manoeuvre.
the light squares. There would follow ... .ie6-b3, now passes to White and how he, gradually and 23 ...Y;Vd7
when the d4-pawn would be in danger, to say inexorably, increases it. Bad would be, for instance, 23 . . .'�c7 24.h5
nothing about the possibility of continuing the 20.ih6 .ixh6 21.Y;Vxh6 �fd8 25 .�d3 with a strong attack.
manoeuvre with . . . ib3-c4, fixing the weakness White is able to neutralize the opponent's threats 24.a3!
of the light squares. and exploit the black position's weaknesses. "This move proves possible, since 24 . . . �c4
Therefore 1 9. . . Wd7! and 20. . . �fd8, intensifying 21. .. f6 22.�d2 .if7 25.Gtlxa4 he2 26.Gtlc5 '.Wd5 27.�xe2 '.Wxd4t
the pressure, suggests itself, after which White's If 22 . . . <8c4 then 23.�xc4! �xc4 24.a3 and 28.rJ1h l is clearly in White's favour. After all, the
position would have remained difficult." White is slightly better: he has brought about black pawns are fixed on light squares, the same
I think Botvinnik exaggerates a little bit a struggle of good knight versus bad bishop. colour as the bishop, which is a highly unpleasant
since White has an alternative to avoid the 22 . . . �c4 is met with 23.�d l ! ? or if 22. . . a3 then indication for the endgame.
aforementioned manoeuvre: 1 9.Gtle4 (a very 23.b3, when White would have solved all his As a result of 24.a3! the white knight is
important move, fighting for the initiative at the problems on the queenside and could calmly freed from having to defend the a2-pawn,
same time as preventing the opponent's plans) manoeuvre against the opponent's weak points. and the complex of weak squares (b4,c5) and
1 9 . . .�g7 ( l 9 . . .L.a2 20.Gtlxf6t exf6 2 1 .�xc6) 23.h4 pawns (a4,c6,e7) is in jeopardy. All this is the
20.a3 and now it is not so easy for the black direct consequence of the unfortunate move 28.Y;Vxf8t?!
forces to regroup in order to effectively put d4 1 9 . . . �g7." Why not 28.'.We3, probing Black's weaknesses?
under pressure. I would like to emphasize the weakness of Fine, perhaps the queen exchange was in
19 ...ig7? e7, which from a static point of view might not accordance with Botvinnik's match tactics but I
seem that obvious; but a more detailed analysis think that one should be honest and acknowledge
indicates that White can reorganize his army that it might not be, objectively speaking, the
to attack this point, whereas Black finds it very best possibility. Avoiding the exchange was a
difficult to arrange an effective defence, again due better move since the white queen is obviously
to his space problems. Instead, the direct attempt much more active than Black's.
24.h5 gxh5! 25 .�d3 iWxd4t 26.'�fl f5 27.�xf5 28 ... �xf8 29.lLla6!? �bc8 3o.lLlb4 iLb3?
iWg7, when Black is okay, was not good. "In this way Black prevents the doubling
24... �fd8 25.lLle4 Y;Ve8 26.Afl id5 of the white rooks on the c-file and exploits
If 26 .. J:l:d5 then 27.iWf4! (I think this is the the undefended rook at d2 to create tactical
best move, positionally speaking, as it prevents threats. Even so, this counterplay is insufficient
Black from regrouping his forces in an offensive compensation for the pawn that he sacrifices."
"Preventing . . . g6-g5, just in case." IfBotvinnik stance: it is instructive to emphasize that in Curiously enough in the same book Botvinnik
made this move thinking only of this black this case Black's most important weaknesses points our 30 ... !i:d6!: "Analysis showed the
manoeuvre, his perception of the position was are to be found in the b8-rook, the b6-knight possibility of a defence." 3 1 .�dc2 �e8 (3 l . ..�b8
really poor. To me the move seems very strong and the penetration point on c7, thus showing 32.'it>(2) 32.�b5 'it>d7 33.Gtlxd5 Gtlxd5 34.ha4
"It really would have been better to give the indeed since it makes apparent Black's Achilles that the vulnerable points are not only a direct ttJb6 35 .�b3 �xd4 and the position is unclear.
opponent the move with any non-committal Heel: his lack of space and the problems deriving consequence of the pawn structure but also of Well then, White must have done something
manoeuvre, than to retreat the bishop to g7 . from it, like for instance, the difficulty he will have the concrete situation of the pieces) 27 ... gbd8 wrong? Bur it is very difficult to find objective and
White, of course, could only dream of exchanging in regrouping and transferring his forces to the (27 ... �h5) 28.'.Wc7 and White is clearly better. honest answers if one is not ready to acknowledge
his passive bishop for the opponent's active dark several points his opponent will attack. Indeed, 27.Gtlc5 Y;Vf8 one's mistakes. And I think Botvinnik's book on
square bishop, and only this mistake by Black the text eventually threatens h4-h5 leaving Black "In the endgame, at least, Black will easily be occasion has this blemish.
useful. Haven't you ever had the feeling that after

To play chess well is not the same as having read some of these game collections that
understanding what happens on the
board
you haven't learnt a single thing? Isn't it much
more pleasant and useful to read any of the books Cttapter 2
written by Dvoretsky or Nimzowitsch or Watson?
In the previous game there ate two very interesting These authors have deep theoretical knowledge
moments: I am referring to the assessments the and strong practical ability.
author makes regarding the moves 1 2... a5 and What's my complaint? Very few top players
23.h4. In the first one Borvinnik gives the right have written good theoretical books on our
evaluation of this move but he is unable to put game. I'm starting to surmise that in fact they
down in words why it is good; whereas in the play very well, but that's where their talent ends.
second one we are again confronted with the I hope I am wrong.
strongest alternative but this time its motivation Kasparov has been one of the few who has
is wrong. This raises the curious paradox that we made a considerable effort in this respect. I would
can have mistaken theoretical ideas, or none at like to reproduce his opinion about the task that puts pressure on the important e4-pawn. It is
Tttcr blocl\adcrd pallcrd paw'\.
all, about what we do, and yet do it well. famous chess players should tackle: "Because protected from the attack of the enemy forces
How is this possible? Human beings have two nothing is more important, there's no more and supporrs the central break ... f7-f5 , with the
The topic of passed pawns, closely related to the
types of knowledge: theoretical and practical. For beautiful goal for an eminent chess player than to subsequent weakening of the d5-pawn, and the
idea of the blockade, was studied in detail by
instance: it is almost certain that we can all ride a transmit his experience to others who will come expansion of the black queenside by means of an
Nimzowitsch. What he proved back then, that
bicycle-practical knowledge-without the need after him. Indeed, the main thing in chess (as in eventual . . . b6-b5.
passed pawns could be either strong or weak
to know Newton's laws of mechanics-theoretical any other human sphere, on the other hand) is to Another drawback in White's type of pawn
depending on the extent to which they could be
knowledge. In order to ride a bike only a good keep what has been accumulated, increase it, and position is that it is static and often ends up
controlled and blockaded, is still "rrue" to this
deal of patience and a lot of practice are required. pass it on to those who will come afterwards." simply obstructing his own forces (note the lack
day. Let's discuss the following position:
We can completely ignore the physical principles The problem is that if a player is unable to of activity of the c3-knight; just as a mental
that keep the bicycle balanced. put into words his practical knowledge, how exercise, let' s imagine eliminating the d5-pawn) .
On the other hand, the sort of practical is he going to be able to pass it on to future This is, more or less, the impression gathered
knowledge gained by years of experience in the generations? from the current middlegame strategy manuals
vicissitudes of our game has a rather unspoken In chess the only important thing is the search (John Watson's Secrets ofModern Chess Strategy or
character, and we have great difficulties when we for truth. I'm sorry, it's not enough that you tell his predecessor, Nimzowitsch's My System) : that
rry to express this experience in statements of me you play chess very well (or you ride a bicycle if one can firmly place a knight on the square in
theoretical knowledge. As Professor of Philosophy very well, for that matter). Show me that you front of the passed pawn the position is good and
Juan Antonio Rivera puts it, "When we attempt have a really interesting opinion on our game to without problems, even slightly better.
these transfers there are important spillages of share. That is, if you can, of course...
informative liquid, which have to do with the Such an assertion would be insufficient and
specific circumstances in which the practical superficial and because of this I would like
learning took place and with which ones were to qualify some of the points that have been
crucial for this to take place." mentioned before continuing.
There are many authors who have huge practical
knowledge but whose theoretical knowledge is Traditionally positions like this, with a passed 1. The central break ... f7 -f5 is not so easy to
fairly poor. Many of them shield their limitations pawn and without any weaknesses in White's carry out given that it entails in many cases the
by publishing collections of their own games. camp, were considered advantageous for the first weakening of several vital points in Black's camp,
Why? Firstly, because it is easier and secondly player. But nowadays it is well known that the among them the e5 -pawn, leaving it at the mercy
because very often they don't know what to tell ideal situation of the black knight can balance of the enemy attack, and the e6-square, which
us, or how. Many of these books, although they things out, and even give the advantage to Black. can become an excellent outpost for an enemy
usually have a high standard of analysis, tell us This is mainly because of the excellent blockading piece. Moreover the safety of Black's king is
very few things that are really interesting and position this knight occupies, from where it compromised.
30 True Lies in Chess Middlegame Motifs 31
2. The expansion of Black's queenside by means is a world full of nuances that can only be 2 1 ...tLlb7 (Korchnoi) seems better, preventing It is important to be aware of the fact that very
of . . . b6-b5 may also lead to difficulties. If Black acquired through continuous practice and study. the break a4-a5, although this would mean often one will have to play this kind of ending
blithely pushes his pawns in this part of the One cannot come to the game armed just with a removing the knight from the ideal d6-square and therefore one has to master the technique
board, they run a great risk of losing touch with handful of general principles and expect to play and leaving Black's a6-bishop out of play. White needed to conduct it properly.
the rest of Black's army. Why? It turns out that well. could then play something like :g n , tLlc3-d l -e3 , 29.c!tJxeS Y3b5 30.c!tJxd7 '%li'xd7
the "harmless" d5 -pawn is a difficult obstacle 1 am going to show a series of examples where 'lWb3-c3 and prepare the attack on the kingside Later White made some inaccuracies that
to avoid for the black pieces that have to move the blockaded passed pawn had great significance starring with f2-f4 or alternatively continue on nevertheless didn't change the evaluation of the
from the kingside to the queenside in order to in the outcome of the fight. the queenside with tLld2-b3 and a4-a5, whereas position .
effectively support an offensive there. In fact in Black has no useful counterplay. For instance, 31 .:!:kU!
many cases it is White who launches a minority rT\!t\.orit., attac,," against an eventual . . .g7-g6 and ... 0-f5 White Better was 3 1 .1!9c3 or 3 1 .�h3 (Korchnoi),
attack on this flank exploiting the control of the has the manoeuvre exf5 and f4 fixing Black's f5 - when White is clearly winning.
half-open c-file and Black, far from thinking of <;3? Korehnoi pawn as a weakness. 31. ,ie2 32.E:el ?
.•
attacking, has to deal with much less ambitious * M. Gurevich 22.a5 gb8 Again 32.�h3 (Korchnoi) : 32 . . . 'lWxh3
tasks. Antwerp 1 995 If 22 ...�b7 there follows 23.axb6 axb6 33. 'lWxd6 :gb2 34. � fl and the e5-pawn is beyond
24.tLl b5! exchanging the blockading knight: salvation, with Black having no compensation
3. Conversely, there are effective methods to 24 ... tLlxb5 25.'lWxb5 and White is clearly better: for it.
counter the blockade: a direct attack against the the weakness of the b6-pawn is very unpleasant. 32 ... ,ihS 33.h3 g5 34.gc1 i.g6
blockader, which very often comes in the form of 23.axb6 �hb6 24.'%li'a2 If 34 . . . E:b6 then 3 5.'lWal f6 36.Lt:lc4 �xc4
the f2-f4 break in order to give mobility to White's White is clearly better: Black's pawn structure 37.:gxc4.
e-pawn; an attack directed against anorher part has been compromised and the situation of the
of the board, forcing the blockader to leave its bishop on a6 is also unfortunate.
privileged position; and, finally, simply trying to 24. g6 25.gabl E:eb7 26.E:xb6 E:xb6 27.tLla4
..
exchange the blockader. The beginning of the offensive against the weak
pawns on the queenside.
4. It is important not to forget the pros and cons 27 ri:b4 28.'%li'a3! he4?
•..
of the passed pawn: it is very dangerous when it Other alternatives were:

can advance because it paralyses the enemy forces. a) 28 . . . tLlxc4? 29.tLlxc4 �xc4 (29 ... :gxc4 30 .�fl
Furrhermore, as has already been mentioned, its wins) 30.d6 'lWd8 3 1 .Lt:lxc5 :gb5 32.tLlxd7 'lWxd7
advanced position secures valuable space, which 33.�h3 winning (Korchnoi). The triumph of the
has great relevance when it comes to quickly 19.'%li'a4! c!tJb8 passed pawn!
coordinating actions on both flanks. One also If 19 ... �b7 then 20.�h3 :gc7 21 .�xd7 with b) 28 . . . :gb8 29.�fl (29.tLlxc5 tLlxc5 30.'lWxc5
has to bear in mind the possibility of sacrificing the idea of playing 'lWxa7, when White would be :gc8 with the idea of playing ... i.xc4) 29 ....ic8
it with the aim of exploiting the latent strength clearly better (Korchnoi). Why is White better? For several reasons:
30.l: h l a6 3 1 .tLlxc5 tLl xc4 32.tLlxc4 'lWxc5
of the pieces placed behind it. 20.'%li'b3 ge7 firstly, his king is safer and, secondly and more
33.'lWxc5 tLlxc5 34.f3 and White is clearly better
If20 ... f5 there could follow 2 1 .a4 f4 22.a5 and importantly, there is a huge difference between
(Korchnoi).
As has already been noted in other parts of this the pressure on the queenside is more effective, the two passed pawns. Whereas the d5-pawn
book, most treatises give superficial, and therefore in this case, than Black's counterplay on the is strong, Black's a7-pawn will always need
insufficient, analyses of the games shown, kings ide. the protection of its heavy pieces, which will
which might lead to mistaken conclusions and 2 1.a4 tie them down and force them to be passively
perceptions. Then when we try to apply the White starts one of the typical plans in this placed. The importance of the difference
knowledge thus acquired to our own games we sort of structure. I am, of course, referring to between active and passive heavy pieces is
are confronted with huge doubts and difficulties, a minority attack aimed at opening lines on well-known.
blaming it on some kind of shortcoming or lack the queenside for his forces, at the same time 35.E:e6 E:b6 36.'%li'c3
of ability of our own. Nothing could be further provoking the weakening of Black's pawn White's dominance prevents Black from
from the truth: chess is not as easy a game as structure on this flank. concocting a plan to push his a-pawn. Also good
some authors insist on saying, and each position 2 1 . .. tLld7?! was 36.l'�xb6 axb6 37.'lWb2. White is clearly
better.
36 ...�e7 20... lLld6 2 1 .a4 28 . . .CLlxc4 29.bxc4 .ic8 30.f5 with an obvious c) 33 . .. l"ld6 34.e5 fxe5 35 Jhe5 Wlxe5 36.Elxe5
The idea is to play . . . f6. White is already slightly better. Another space advantage. l"lxe5 37 ..ixhlt �g7 38.Wlb2 and White wins.
37.�cS �d8 38.lLlc4 ElM t possibility was 2 1 .ctJb5!? 29.Wlxf4 31. .. Eld6
If 38 . . . l"lxc6 then 39.dxc6 CLlxc4 40.Wlxc4 Wlc7 21...a6 29.gxf4! CLlc8!? with the idea of playing ... f7-f5 . One of the problems Black has to face is
4 1 .Wlb5 intending to play 'lMfb7, winning. Preventing a possible attempt to exchange the Even though Hort thought this was a dubious that in order to defend his weaknesses and at
39.�h2 lLlxe4 40J'hg6t hxg6 4 1.he4 Ele1 blockading knight with CLlc3-b5. Dubious was idea, I think that it deserves deeper analysis. the same time blockade the passed pawn he
42.i.g2 l'!el 43.d6 Elxc4 44.�xc4 �xd6 2 l . ..c4 22.bxc4 ctJxc4 23.CLlb5. 29 lLlxc4 30.bxc4 f6 3 1.l'!fl
••• has to condemn his heavy pieces to passive
4S.i.dS �e7 46.�g2 �g7 47.g4 as 48.�c6 22.i.d3! g6 According to my analysis, 3 1 .l"le2! was much positions.
�a7 49.�e8 YNc7 SO.�h2 �f6 S1 .�g3 �g7 22 ... c4 23.bxc4 ctJxc4 24.Wle2 with strong better. 32.!U2
S2.<j;>g2 <j;>f6 S3.YNh8t pressure on the queenside. 32.h4!?
1-0 23.Wle2 l'!a8 24.�e3! 32...i.c8
With the idea of playing a5. 32 ... g5
24 ...Eldc8 2S.lLlb1! 33.h4 Wld7
Again a5 is threatened. 33 . . . g5 34.hxg5 fXg5 35 .Wlf3 and White is
The next game we are going to analyse is an 2S ...aS 26.lLld2 l'!e8 27.f4!? clearly better.
excellent example of the subject we are studying, Better was 27.ctJc4 CLlxc4 28.bxc4! and White 34.Elcf1 <j;>g7
because of the simplicity of its form and, despite is practically a pawn up. 34 .. J�e5! was without any doubt the best
that, its rich content of strategic ideas. Also interesting was 27.l"le2!? with the idea of defence. Now White can create more weaknesses
playing f2-f3, l"lf2, l"lcfl , .ic2, Wlc3 and eventually in the enemy position.
r3J Hort f3-f4, building-up in a more slow rhythm,
* Larsen Karpov-style, since Black has no counterplay at
Montreal 1 979 all.
3 l . ...ic8 (if 3 l . ..l"ld6 then 32.e5 fxe5 33.l"lce 1
27 ... l'!ad8! and White is clearly better) 32.l"lce 1 g5 33.Wlf2
If27 ... exf4 then 28.Wlxf4 Wle5 (28 .. .f6 29.CLlc4 and now:
ctJ xc4 30.bxc4 l"lad8 transposing to the game) a) 33 . . . Wle5 34.l"lb l l"ld6 (34 . . . 'lMfc3 3 5.Wle3)
29.Wlxe5 l"lxe5 30.CLlc4! 4Jxc4 3 1 .bxc4. 35 .l"leb2 and White is clearly better.
b) 33 ... .ig4! 34.l"lb2 l"ld6 35J�eb l Wld8 36.l"lb3
�g7 37.Wlb2 .if3 38.l"lxb6 l"lxb6 39 .Wlxb6 Wlxb6
40.l'!xb6 he4 4 1 ..ifl ! and White's advantage is
clear.
In relation to this variation I would like to
clarifY one topic that is usually surrounded
by confusion: the good bishop against the bad
bishop. One of the most forgotten aspects in the
analysis of a situation is how each isolated element 3S.hS! gxhS
bears on the rest of the position. The possession If 35 . . . g5? then 36.h6t �xh6 37.Wlxd6 'lMfxd6
of the bad bishop in many occasions entails the 38.l"lxf6t and White has a decisive advantage.
19.e4 lLle8 20.i.fl presence of active rooks, and vice versa. 36.�h4 �f'7! 37.Wlf4 Wle7?
The beginning of an excellent strategic It is clear that the weakness of the b6-pawn It turns out that this "bad" bishop defends 37 ... 'lMfd7 38.ie2 l"le5 was better.
manoeuvre aimed at first restricting the mobility is much more substantial than that of its white important pawns depriving the enemy rooks of 38.i.e2! i.h3?!
of Black's queenside pawn majority and then, counterparts on e4 and a4, e.g. 3 1 .. ..ic8 32.l"lb l targets to attack, whereas the "good" bishop does 38 .. .'�e5 39 .ixh5 Wlxf4 40.l'hf4 Ele5 4 1 .ig4
after the transfer to the d3-square, also the break l"lb8 33.Ele2 f5 34.l"leb2 fxe4 35.i.e2! and White's not have the same defensive quality, therefore and White is clearly better.
... f7-f5 . Note how important this bishop will be bad bishop works very well as a blockading and increasing the attacking potential of the heavy 39.Elel! Wld7 40.i.xhS l'!eS 41.g4! Wlxa4
from now on, neutralizing Black's possible active defensive piece: 35 . . ..id7 36.l"lxb6 l"lxb6 37.l"lxb6 pieces. If you had to choose berween having a 42.�h2 h6
plans and, as a consequence of this, allowing and White is clearly better. bad bishop but active rooks or a good bishop but If 42 . . . 'lMfxc4 then 43.g5! winning.
White to implement effective attacking methods. 28.lLlc4 exf4 passive rooks, which would you choose? 43.�el ! bS 44.�xh3 Wlxc4
Middlegame Motifs 35
Better was 44 ... bxc4!? although White still 17.e4

b) 2o ...Wfd8 2 1 .4:lg4 b5 (2 l . . .h5 22.tLle3 ?!- Salov. Salov's evaluation of this move is
wins after 45.l''1 f5 l"Ib6 46.g5!. Salov thinks White is clearly better, but this is a
b5 23.axb5 axb5 24.El:a6! 4:lb8 25.l"Ixd6 Wfxd6 due, I think, not to it being weak but to the fact
45.WI'xc4 bxc4 46J�a2 �dxd5 47J��xa5 gd7 difficulr situation to evaluate. It seems as if Black
26.txb5 and White is clearly better) 22.axb5 that it might not be the best. Nonetheless it is
48.c;t>g3 c3 49.c;t>f4 c2 50. gel gd4 51.ga7t is doing fine, considering his nice blockade on
axb5 23.l"Ia6!? 4:lb8 24.l"Ixd6 Wfxd6 25 .txb5 a typical manoeuvre in the style of Karpov. It
c;t>g8 52.,tf7t c;t>h8 53 ..tgG the dark squares. This is far from reality: Black's
l"le7 26.f4! with a strong initiative. The poor is not yet clear what the best plan for White is,
1-0 situation is worse due to the fact that, on thewhole,
role played by the b4-bishop in this position is and therefore he gradually improves his position.
Undeniably, a very instructive game. if the position opens up the white pieces will be
noteworthy. From a2 the rook could effectively control the
more effective than their black counterparts, as
c) 2o ...Wfc7 2 1 .te2 4:lf6 22.tLlg4 tLl xg4 second rank if Black's tries a break with ... £7 -f5
we will see in the following analysis. Faced with
(22 . . .4J fxe4 23.td3 f5 24.4Jxe5 or 22 . . . 4Jdxe4 and it works along the a-file too if Black tries
this prospect the second player can only wait and
23.d6! 4Jxd6 24.txe5 are both better for White) to expand on the queenside with ... b7-b5.
"Life is so short and the craft so difficult see how White gradually increases his pressure.
23.txg4 l"lcd8 24.f4! and thanks to the b2-bishop Meanwhile it is not at all easy for the second
that by the time we start to learn it, we 17... a6 18 ..tg5
this break is very strong. player to find an effective plan.
already have to die." Ernesto Sabato ( 1 9 1 1 - ) This bishop reminds me of the one in the
18... gde8 I think that an alternative more in line with the
Argentinean novelist and essayist Petrosian Variation of the King's Indian, being a
The only move. I would like to point out the needs of the position was 20.4Jf3!?
persistent nuisance to Black.
excellent placement of the white knight on the
There is a well known scientific principle stating At any rate I think Karpov didn't adopt the best
h4-square: Black always has to be on the lookout
that any established theory is no longer valid if plan here, which was, in my opinion, to place the
for a possible invasion of the f5-square, and also
someone finds just a single case contradicting it. bishop on the long diagonal, e.g. 1 8 .tb2 l"Ife8
this steed makes the break . . . £7-f5 very difficult.
Similarly, whenever someone introduces a new 1 9 .4:lf3 l"lc8 20.4:lh2!'
A possible variation demonstrating this could be
kind of evaluation or guideline in chess, someone
18 ... l"lc8 1 9 .te7! l"Ife8 20 ..ixd6 Wfxd6 2 1 .4Jf5
else will immediately find examples that don't fit
Wff8 22.d6 and White has a decisive advantage.
and even challenge whatever it was that the "rule"
Also bad would be 1 8 ... f6? because of the
wanted to prove.
weakness that would be created on the e6-square,
The only categorical statement I would dare to
which could be exploited by the c4-bishop via
make about chess is that it is anything but easy.
e2-g4.
If you don't believe me, look at the following
19..te2
examples.
Threatening to probe the enemy camp via g4, The main idea behind this move is the transfer
W Karpov
and anticipating an eventual expansion by Black of the knight to the c4-square with the aim of
on the queenside. exchanging Black's solid d6-knight. If the knight
* Salov
19 ...WI'c7 is captured by the b4-bishop along the way, then
Linares 1991
Black's chances of counterplay will be seriously
The knight is transferred to the g4-square from limited as any opening of the position would give
where it puts e5 under pressure, facilitates the White's bishop pair dangerous activity.
break f2-f4 and eventually threatens to follow However, after the best continuation by Black:
the route 4J g4-e3 to c4 or f5, to be exchanged 20 ... h6 (20 . . .f5 2 1 .exf5 4Jxf5 22.td3 clearly
for Black's important d6-knight. favours White) 2 1 .i.e3 4Jf6 (2 1 . . .f5 22. exf5 4Jxf5
Tactically impossible was the idea 20.te2 Wfd8 23.i.d3 4Jxe3 24.fxe3 with a clear advantage
2 1 .4Jh2 (threatening i.e2-g4 or then again 4Jh2- due to the weakness of the light squares on the
g4) because after 2 1 ...4:lf6 22.f4 (22 .4:lg4 4Jxg4 kingside and also to the fact that the passed pawn
23.i.xg4 l"lc7 24.f4 l"lce7 25.fxe5 l"Ixe5 26.txe5 no longer has any major obstacles in its path to
l"Ixe5 with compensation: Black's position is promotion) 22.td3 l"le7 (22... 4Jxd5 23.exd5 e4
extremely solid) 22 ... c4! Black is clearly better 24.4Jel txe l 25 .l"lxel exd3 26.Wfxd3 and White
and the white king is in trouble. is slightly better) 23.4Jd2 l"Ic8 24.4Jc4 4:lxc4
After 20.4:lh2! there are several options: 25.bxc4 tLle8 Intending ...4:ld6, when Black's
a) 20 ... 4J f6 2 l .f4 4:lxc4 22.bxc4 exf4 23.e5 position is very solid but somewhat passive.
4J h5 24.4Jf3 and White is clearly on top. 20.ga2 20 ... 1L1b6?! (! Salov)
I don't like this move. This position is very White's e4-pawn is telling. A tactical mistake by White. Salov suggested � Botvinnik
interesting and we should ask ourselves why the b32) 23.gc1 gfe8 24.Wb l Wd8 2S.CLlf3 26.CLlh2, when there might follow: * Novotelnov
second player didn't implement more ambitious CLlxdS 26.exdS e4 27. ltJ e l ixe l 28.gxel exd3 a) 26 ... CLle7 27.CLlg4 and White is slightly Moscow 1 947
ideas such as mobilizing his pawn majority in 29.Wxd3 c4 30.bxc4 Eixc4 and the position is better (Salov) . If instead 27.ig4 fS 28.exfS
the queenside, since the break ... f?-fS is under level. ctJdxf5 (the d5-pawn becomes the target of
control. I think that the following analysis b33) 23.f4!? Black's attack) 29.ixc5 (29.We4 Wxd5 30.Wxd5
perfectly illustrates that this plan was not so easy ctJxd5 3 1 .ixcS ixcS 32.EixcS CLl b4 33.Eld2 CLl d4
to carry out but I also think that it was necessary and the position is unclear) 29 . . . ixc5 30.Wxc5
to shake off the pressure. Eic8 3 1 .Wa3 gxc1 t 32.Wxc1 WxdS, the position
a) 20 ... bS? 2 1 .axbS axbS 22.ga6! (exploiting is unclear.
the weakness of the c6-square thanks to the b) 26 .. .fS!? is in my opinion a very interesting
presence of the dS-pawn) 22 ... CLlb8 23.Eixd6! alternative. A sample variation could be: 27.exf5
'!Wxd6 24 . .lixbS and White is winning. CLlxf5 28.ig4 (28.ixcS Elc8 29.ixb4 Elxc2
b) 20 ... h6!? 2 1 .ie3 CLl f6 22.id3 30.Eiaxc2 CLl d4 3 1 .ixf8 CLlxc2 and the position is
roughly equal) 28 . . . e4!
Without doubt the critical variation: 23 . . . exf4 1 2... lLl c4!

24.ixf4 gfe8! 25 .eS c4 with dangerous "The correct plan. Black is aiming for an ideal
counterplay. Worse would be 23 ... c4 because of piece set-up: central pawn at eS and knight at
24.fxe5 (24.bxc4 i.c5 25 .i.xcS WxcSt 26.'itJh2 d6. Then he will prepare to attack White's centre
ltJd7 and the position is unclear) 24 . . .�cS with . . . f6-fS ." (Botvinnik)
2S .i.xcS WxcSt 26.<j;>h2 cxd3 27.WxcS gxcS 13 ..icl
28.exf6 and White is slightly better. Also interesting would be 13 .'lWe2!? applying a
21.gcl different strategy: to give up the bishop pair for a
Now the following alternatives are possible: A prophylactic measure against a possible better central position.
b l ) 22 ... Wd8 23.g3 (23.CLlf3 CLlxdS with an break ... cS-c4. Suddenly the white pieces are rather awkwardly 13 ... e5! 14.lLlb5!
unclear position) 23 . . . bS 24.axbS axbS 2S .Eia6! 2 1...lLlbc8 22.ie3 placed. Preventing the knight from getting to d6 by
(the idea is to sacrifice the exchange eventually; if The beginning of a regrouping that improves 26 ... lLl f4! threatening to exchange it. This continuation is
instead 2S .ixcs ixcs 26.WxcS CLldxe4 27.ixe4 the effectiveness of the white pieces. An excellent sacrifice that Karpov almost very vigorous since it implies the sacrifice of a
CLlxe4 and the position is unclear) 2S ... c4 26.bxc4 22 ... CLle7 23.lLl8! certainly overlooked. Now Black equalizes. pawn in some variations.
bxc4 27.ixc4 CLlfxe4 28.gb l ! (28 .ifl also gives Now the break . . .£7-fS is inappropriate because 27.gxf4 �g4t 28.@fl �h3t 29.@gl �g4t 14 ...id7
White a clear edge; 28 .Eic6!?) White's advantage of the weakness of the e6-square. Note the 30.@fl Let's see some alternatives to familiarize
is beyond dispute, given the weakness of Black's strength of the passed dS-pawn. If 30.<j;>h l ?! exf4 31 .i.xcS (3 1 .ttJh2? 'lWh4 ourselves with the typical fighting methods in
minor pieces and the fact that they don't have 23 ... lLlg6 24.h4?! and Black is clearly better) 3 1 ...i.xcS 32.WixcS this kind of structure.
any stable point of support. This is a dubious move as it weakens the Elc8! 33.Wa3 ctJxe4 34.Elfl Elc3! and there is a) 14 .. . fS l S .d6!? Sometimes this push is
b2) 22 . . . bS!? 23.axbS axbS 24.Elc1 Elc8 kingside. Again it seems better to play 24.CLld2! compensation, according to Salov. extremely dangerous. Now:
2S.CLlf3 We7 26.Wbl and Black's position is still when White is slightly better. If Black exchanges 30 ...�h3t a l ) l S ... li:l b6 16.i.gS Wie8 ( 1 6 ...i.f6 1 7.ih6
unpleasant. his bishop for this knight his queenside can run 1/2-1f2 Ele8 [ 1 7 ... Elf? I 8.Ele 1 ] 18. li:ld2 <j;>h8 1 9. a4)
b3) 22 ... gcS! and now: into trouble; otherwise the knight gets to the c4- If 30 . . .exf4? then Black needs to reckon with 17.CLlc3
b3 l) 23.CLlf3 EifeS 24.CLld2 bS!with counterplay square and exchanges itself for Black's important 3 1 . li:l g l ! Wh4 32.i.xcS li:lxe4 33.i.b6! CLld2t a2) l S . . . <j;>h8 1 6.exfS ! Anticipating that the
for Black. For instance, 2S .axbS axbS 26.Ela6 d6-knight. 34.'lWxd2 i.xd2 3 S.gxd2 Elxe2 36.gxe2 f3 37.ge3 hanging pawns will be weak. 1 6 ... gxfS 1 7.We2
ixd2! (26 ... c4 27.bxc4 ixd2 28.Eic6 Wd8 24. f6
.. and White wins (Salov). White is clearly better.
29.Elxd2 bxc4 3o.ixc4 CLl fxe4 3 1 .gdl and White The only move. b) 1 4 . . . CLld6 It is important to know how
is clearly better) 27.gxd2 c4 and the weakness of 25.g3 �d7 26.h5? Let's see one last example on the subject. to proceed if the game goes down this path:
1 5 .ctJxd6 'IWxd6 1 6.ctJd2! The knight is transferred (2 1 .b4 ttJ xb4 22.'lWa4 'lWd6 23 .'lWxa5 Cbc2 and 22.ctJc2 'lWb6!? (this is the move Botvinnik 21.i.f1
to the best square on the board, c4, from where the position is unclear) 2 1 . . . bxa6 (2 1 .. .'lWxa6 overlooked; 22 ... ctJxc2? 23.'lWxc2 and White's Botvinnik recommended 2 1 .axb5 axb5 22.'lWe2
with the help of the a-pawn it holds back Black's 22.id2 b6 23 ..ixa5 bxa5 24.ctJd2 and White is pressure on the queenside is evident: 23 ... b5 f5 (if 22 . . . )"Iab8 23.:gecl )"Ifc8 then 24.ctJc2! and
queenside (a common idea in many Benonis) clearly better) 22.ctJd2 :gab8 (22 ... 'lWb5 23.g4!? 24.axb5 axb5 25.gxf4!) 23.ctJxb4 cxb4 In my White is clearly better) 23.tiJxb5 'lWb6 24.ctJa3 f4
while supporting the central break fl-f4 that is is along the lines of the previous note) 23.ttJc4 opinion the position is unclear. After 22 . . .c!Llxc4 25.ctJdc4, but after 25 ... 'lWa7 I think Black stands
so typical of this configuration. 16 ...id7 1 7.ctJc4 ctJ xc4 24.bxc4 and White has a clear edge. 23.ctJxc4 !i:ae8 24.a5!? (24.ic3 and the knight on better.
'lWc7 1 8.a4 ctJb4 (if 18 . . . f5 then either 1 9.d6 or If instead 1 7 ... ctJc7 then 1 8.b4!. b4 is a big problem for Black and furthermore the 21 ...f5!
1 9 .f4! leave White clearly better) 1 9 .b3 ( l 9.'lWb3 18.c!Lla3 a6 19.Ae3? passed d5 -pawn threatens to advance) 24 ...ib5 "Now the initiative passes to Black."
r4ih8 20 ..id2 and White is slightly better; or This is an instructive mistake. 25 .ic3 White is clearly better. (Botvinnik)
19.f4!? and White's position is to be preferred) "This move does not threaten anything, since c) 20 . . ..ih6!? This possibility was not pointed 22.8 f4 23.An fxg3 24.hxg3 ih6
19 .. .f5 (l9 ... b6 20.ib2 a6 2 1 .a5 b5 22.ctJb6 the c5-pawn is easily defended. At e3 the bishop out by Botvinnik. It is a useful resource for Black. "With the extremely unpleasant threat of
)"Iad8 23 .'lWd2 and White is clearly better) 20.d6 merely comes under attack after . . . f6-f5-f4!. Now White will experience serious difficulties in 25 . . . ixd2. White has to go in for the exchange
(20.ib2 )"Iae8) 20. . .'lWc8 2 1 .ib2 and again Correct was 1 9.ctJd2!." (Botvinnik) implementing his positional plans. of dark-square bishops, which weakens his
White is clearly on top. Nonetheless after 2 1 . tiJ dc4 (2 U ' lb 1 )"Ifc8 king's position and strengthens the opponent's
c) 14 . . . ctJc7! is without any doubt the move 22.ttJc2 ctJa2! it is funny how in this kind of queenside." (Botvinnik)
the position demands, although after 1 5 .ctJxc7 position with a central preponderance the 2S.ie3 he3t 26.!i:xe3 �b6
'lWxc7 1 6.ctJd2 ctJd6 1 7.b3 White still has an problems come from wing actions like this one) Black is slightly better.
advantage. 2 l .. .ixcl 22.)"Ixc1 ctJxc4 23.tiJxc4 b5 24.Cbe3
15.a4 �b6 White's position is still slightly better. Jupiter al'\,d its satellites: ttte P·Pile versus
"After 1 5 ... ixb5 1 6.axb5 ctJc7, White had 19...�d6?! ttte strollS poil'\,t 01'\, e4
only one move but an adequate one, 1 7.b4!! 19 . . . f5! and Black will seize the initiative. For
(eliminating Black's main threat of . . . ctJxb5 and instance, if20.!i:c1 !i:ac8 2 1 .exf5 gxf5 22.ctJg5 e4, One of the most important qualities of any
. . . ttJd4) 1 7. . .cxb4 1 8 .'lWb3 ctJd6 1 9.b6! axb6 Black has an attack. good chess player is positional vision. We say a
( l 9. . .ctJa6!? 20.bxa7 ctJxe4 2 1 .d6t r4ih8 22.ctJxe5 20.c!Lldl bS player plays well because he sees a lot whereas
tiJxd6 23.ctJc6 bxc6 24.)"Ixa6 and White is slightly "With his last move Black has established another one does badly because he sees little. In
better - Comas) 20 .)"Ixa8 Cbxa8 (20 ... 'lWxa8 This is an excellent positional move. It prepares control over c4 and he has in reserve the threat fact, compared to other mortals, there are players
21 .'lWxb4 ctJcb5 22.ib2 'lWa2! [22 ... 'lWa5 23.'lWb3 the exchange of the knight on b4, a very valuable of . . . f6-f5-f4. However, even now his position who seem able to observe with more precision
and White is clearly better; 22 ... !i:c8 23.)"Ia1 'lWb8 piece because of the pressure it exerts on d5 (thus is less promising, since his queenside pawns are and clarity the infinite universe of chess nuances.
24.ifl )"Ic5 25. Cbd2 leaves White on top) 23.)"Ic1 strengthening the break . . . f6-f5) as well as on the weakened." (Botvinnik) Let's say that their positional telescope, if you
[the idea is to continue 23.ctJd2 'lWa5! when enemy position, making any possible regrouping I don't quite agree with this assessment, in will allow me the metaphor, not only lets them
Black is clearly better; or 23.:gal 'lWc4) 23 . . .ih6 manoeuvres by White very difficult. particular because of the variation pointed out see Jupiter but also all the satellites orbiting it,
- Comas) 2 1 .'lWxb4 White would have gained a After 19 ... 'lWc7 20.ifl ! there follows: next move. which are vital in explaining what's happening in
clear advantage." (Botvinnik) a) "20 . . .!i:ab8 2 1 .ib2 (2 1 .ctJc2! ctJxc2 22.'lWxc2 this planetary system.
16.b3 c!LlaS 17J�el! and White is clearly better - Comas) 21 ...b5 As one progresses through the chess ranks the
Indirectly protecting the knight on b5 and also (2 l . . .ih6 22.ctJac4 tiJxc4 23.ctJxc4 b5 24.axb5 perception and accurate evaluation of "minor"
preventing ... f6-f5 . axb5 - Comas) 22.axb5 axb5 23.ctJc2 tiJxc2 details in the position becomes increasingly
17... c!Llb4 24.'lWxc2 with an appreciable advantage to White important. Unfortunately, very often in chess
If 17 . . ..ixb5 1 8 .axb5 'IWxb5 19 .ifl 'IWb6 20.h4! due to the weakness of the enemy queenside." literature we find books on the middlegame
"would have left the black pieces unable to come (Botvinnik) that don't pay enough attention to these
to the aid of their king." (Botvinnik) b) 20 . . . f5 This move is not dangerous here details that are so important in playing chess
Exploiting one of the virtues of the passed pawn: since Black has no effective pressure on d5 and strongly.
the difficulty of the side lacking space to transfer furthermore his queenside is exposed: 2 1 .ib2 In the previous section we have already seen the
pieces quickly from one Rank to the other. The (2 1 .ctJc2 f4 22.ttJxb4 cxb4 23.ctJc4 tiJxc4 24.ixc4 importance of the perception of such elements.
threat is h5 and ctJh4 with a decisive advantage. 'lWc5 25.gxf4 exf4 26.e5 )"If5 with an attack) To close this chapter I would like to give another
20 . . . h5 is the only move (20 . . . ctJb4 2 1 .h5 g5 2 1 . . .f4 22. ttJ ac4 I think this a better alternative example of a subject studied in Roberto Grau's
22.ttJh2 and White is clearly better) 2 1 .ixa6 than the one recommended by Botvinnik: work Tratado General de Ajedrez.
Make no mistake: I would like to reiterate my idemified. Bur in the following examples it is 1 8 ... lLl c5! 19.1Llbxc5 bxc5 20 ..id3 .ih6 2 l .a5 23J:gel!
admiration for this author's great educational my intention to show that this central topic is V!ie7 22J:ga3 .ia6 Now the black queen stands on an
and literary skills. It is a pity that he did not have surrounded by a series of positional elements that I would like to carry our a deep analysis of uncomfortable position opposite the enemy
enough strength as a player to allow him to create are as important as the major themes. this situation. As has been said before, White's rook. Moreover this move prepares White's
a true work of art. As I was saying, this is just an The following game was played by one of the centralized knight is not, for the time being, following manoeuvre.
example of the obvious shortcomings that many most inexhaustible and versatile players of all exerting any unpleasant pressure on the enemy 23 ...V!if7 24 .ifl !
•
works in this style have. I should add that it is time: there are few people who can boast of the position because Black's central squares are Fantastic. The idea is �a3-h3 with an
tremendously complicated to strike the necessary professional record Korchnoi enjoys. perfectly defended. The passed pawn on a5 is unpleasant threat against Black's position: g2-
balance in writing a treatise on the middlegame effectively blockaded by the a6-bishop which g4, winning a piece. How to defend against
that is at the same time educational and � Korchnoi also attacks White's c4-square. It is clear that this? The manoeuvre ... Wf7-g7 doesn't work in
entertaining, as well as rigorous and thorough. • Geller the absence of this bishop from defensive tasks view of g2-g4-g5, whereas if ... ih6-g7 White
As pointed out in the title of this section, we Moscow ( 1 ) 1 97 1 on the kingside could have been made more plays lLle4-g5-e6 followed by f2-f4, with a
are going to consider the interesting struggle that significant had Black played ... h7-h6 instead decisive advantage. The white rook's manoeuvre
occurs in positions where one side controls the The situation i n the diagram is very imeresting: of ...ig7-h6 to defend a possible invasion connected with the advance of the kingside
f-file while the other side has an outpost on the White has an excellent outpost on the e4-square on e6 by the white knight via g5. But for the pawns shows the admirable depth and originality
e4-square. whereas Black, as compensation, controls the time being the formation h7-g6 effectively of Korchnoi's play.
Let's see some comments Grau makes in this half-open f-file. neutralizes the action of the d3-bishop on this 24 :Sab8
..•
respect: flank. Regarding the open files, White has no Black seeks counterplay against c4 on White's
"We note the combat berween the open invasion point on the b-file whereas Black, by queenside; if ib2-c3 the path of the a3-rook
bishop's file, the objective of countless games, and exchanging the b2-bishop, could use b4 to towards the kingside would be obstructed. But
the surrender of the e4-square to the opponent, control this important line and put pressure on this move also has certain drawbacks: it leads to
allowing him to put a knight there which will the opponent's centre. Therefore White must the rook exchange White desires and also, as a
control our own f2-square, where usually there is pay attention to this possibility. On the other consequence of this, makes possible the white
a pawn attacked by the rooks." hand, the half-open e-file doesn't offer White queen's unpleasant invasion via a4-c6.
any prospects, considering the strong blockade 25.:Sb3 :Sxb3 26.V!ixb3 lLl d4!?
Black exerts with his e5-pawn; the attempt to White was already threatening the
simultaneously revitalize this file and the a l -h8 aforementioned Wa4-c6, although Wb3-h3,
diagonal with f2-f4 is, from a tactical poim of with already familiar ideas, was possible too.
view, totally unfeasible. 27..ixd4 exd4
I should add that Black cannot carry out After this exchange the essential structure of
any useful operations on the f-file in the short the game has been modified. Black thus gets a
term. An important manoeuvre White always dangerous passed pawn and has revitalized the
But, unlike the examples shown in Grau's work, has to watch our for is the possibility ... lLl f5-d4; b- and f-files in his favour. White must proceed
this knight is not exerting, at first sight, any strong in this case the exchange ib2xctJ d4 is very carefully.
pressure on the opponent's position and plans, practically forced, leading to a very interesting 28.V!ib2!
for the points d6, f6, g5 and e6 are effectively position where the h6-bishop could become Preventing the manoeuvre . . .ih6-d2. If
"Bur this is not, in fact, the only compensation protected. Neither can the typical break c4-c5 be a rather useless piece, since Black's pawns are instead 28.Wa4?! id2! (an excellent move
for the open file, for this would not be very much. carried out. We will now see how White manages on squares of the same colour. Lastly, we have whose aim is to destabilize the position of
The true compensation lies in the extraordinary to seek new positional elements and, consequently, to take into consideration that exchanges, in White's knight on e4 and therefore of the white
action of a centralized knight, acting like an original plans to revitalize his position. general, favour White because of the presence kings ide as a whole) 29.Eldl ib4 30.Wc6 Wf4
umbrella over eight vital squares on the board and, 1 8.a4 of his distant passed pawn. The problem is (Black's counterplay is very dangerous) 3 1 .f3
by extension, indirectly over each of the squares Threatening a4-a5 with the object of blowing how to continue putting Black's position under (3 1 .id3 ixc4) 3 l . ..We3t 32. �hl Wb3 with
it could control from its furure location." up the solidity of the opponent's pawn formation; pressure, thus forcing him to take measures counterplay; and if 28.g3 Wf3! Black would be
Well, so far the main points have been stated; in particular, White tries either to weaken Black's that are positionally damaging. Korchnoi's slightly better, efficiently using the half-open
continuing our astronomical metaphor we could comrol over the c5-square or destabilize the conduct of the rest of this game is exceptionally file.
say that Jupiter has been spotted and perfectly d6-pawn. instructive. 28 V!if4!?
•••
rook would exert through f3 and, eventually, In the next game White's centralized knight was contribution to his posmon. White's victory
along the b-file. Furthermore White would have accompanied by a group of additional posirional is made possible thanks to all these additional
to take into consideration the possible exchange pluses that made the first player's task much advantages accompanying the main motif of the
sacrifice :1'1f3xd3 with the subsequent creation of easier. position.
two united central passed pawns. 25 ... ifS
'it' Hort The only move. Other options were not any
• Reshevsky better, e.g. 25 . . . i.f8 26.:1'1xd7 and White is
Petropolis (izt) 1973 winning; or 25 . . . :1'1c7 26.4:lxd6 i.f5 27.'&a2
'&xd6 28 J:l:xc7 �xc7 29.i.xf4! and White is
clearly better.
26.Wc4!
Nipping in the bud Black's possible counterplay
. . . c5-c4 or ... '&d8-h4.
26 .. J�cbS
Black cannot adopt a passive attitude for If 26 . . . i.xe4 then 27.'&xe4. Simplification
in that case White, after first consolidating, again favours the side with the distant passed
would develop an unpleasant initiative on the pawn, which becomes extremely dangerous. For
queenside. The text is very interesring: Black instance 27 ... '8c7 28.'8xc7 '&xc7 29.a5 (29.i.d2
wants to provoke the move g2-g3 at a time when '&f7 30.a5 '8f8 3 1. .ie 1 and White is clearly
his heavy pieces can invade the enemy position better) 29 .. J:ha5 30.:1'1xa5 '&xa5 3 1 .i.xf4 exf4
through f3 . 32.Wd2!! 32.'&e6t mf8 33.'&xd6 and White wins.
From there Geller could end up exerting This is a very strong move. White is now 27.�ab l !
annoying pressure on the blockading d3-square, clearly better, having made available again the One always has t o watch out for any possible
thus revitalizing his passed pawn on d4. manoeuvre 4:le4-g5 as well as . . . 25.ttJxe4 enemy co unte rplay. Much worse would be
Therefore the speculative 28 .. .'�g7 seems 32...Wg4 In this situation White's e4-knight does exert 27.l''lxb 8 '8xb8 (27 ... '&xb8!?) 28.i.d2 i.xe4
inferior: 29.i.d3 !"le8 30.'&e2, followed by '&d1 102 . . . :1'1f5 then 33.h4 and White calmly builds unpleasant pressure on the enemy position, in 29.'&xe4 '&h4 with a complex position.
with the idea of either h2-h4-h5 or g2-g3 and up an attacking position. particular on d6, on top of the latent threat that 27..J�xb7 2sJhb7 ics
f2-f4 or '&d 1-a4 with a dangerous initiative 33.4:lxc5! if4 the eventual manoeuvre 4:le4-g5-e6 represents. If28 . . . i.xe4 then 29 .'&xe4 '8b8 30.!"lxb8 '&xb8
in every case. Black can do little against this: Tactics didn't work either, e.g. 33 ... i.xg3 But unlike in the game Korchnoi - Geller and White is clearly on top.
for instance the manoeuvre . . . i.a6-c8-f5xe4 34.hxg3 dxc5 35 .:1'1e7 :1'10 36.:1'1e6 i.c8 37.:1'1e8t previously seen, White has a whole set of
would only increase the strength of White's !"lf8 38.�e1 and White is clearly better: the additional advantages tipping the balance in his
a-pawn. distant pawn together with Black's kingside favour: the possession of the open file along which
29.id3 weakness are just too much. his b7-rook has infiltrated creating dangerous
Korchnoi quietly consolidates his posirion, in 34.We2 Wxe2 35.:1'1xe2 dxc5 36.gxf4 threats, the distant passed a-pawn which in this
the knowledge that he has certain long-lasting 1-0 case cannot be efficiently blockaded by a minor
advantages, such as the distant passed pawn and piece and needs to be under constant supervision
a better pawn structure on the kingside, allowing The big difference between the passed pawns by a great part of Black's resources and, lastly,
his king to feel safer than Black's. of both sides is that whereas Black's d-pawn a better king-it is clear that the situation of
29 ...itg7 30.�e2 i.e5! can easily be controlled by the white monarch, the black monarch is not all that safe. Black's
Bad was 30 ...!"lb8? 3 1 .g3 '&f8 32.4:lg5 when White's counterpart needs constant supervision compensation is insufficient: he cannot organize
White is clearly better. by the black heavy pieces, and so their action will any counterplay on the half-open f-file; his
31.g3 We be missed in other vital parts of the board. It is f4-knight is not supported by the rest of his army, In this case Black's minor forces would end up
Arriving at a critical poSItIOn. Is it good to very important to add that White will be first tied up as they are in defence; the passed c-pawn completely cut off from the main focus of the
exchange queens? After that White would have to activate his rook: in situations like this where can be easily blockaded. Note too the poor role fight: the passed pawns. Meanwhile, the white
great difficulties in blocking Black's d4-pawn there are mutual weaknesses the iniriative usually his g7-bishop is playing, locked in his own camp bishops would actively cooperate in the task
adequately because of the pressure that the black has a decisive importance. and with few prospects of making any positive of lending support to the distant a-pawn and
Middlegame Motifs 45
simultaneously controlling the opponent's passed misguided example from a famous game between
22.he4!?
c-pawn. It is clear that White's victory would not Tarrasch and Lasker. Misguided inasmuch in
According to Grau the object of this move is
be very far away and its technical realization that game the centralized rook on e5 was fighting the preservation of the g3-knight in order to be
would be fairly simple. against an isolated white pawn on e4, a topic that able to ideally control the e4-square with this
29J3bl �a6 30.'lWc2 hf1 31.lfixfl would belong, at any rate, in other positional
piece in a near future, thus setting up one of the
sections but not the one under consideration.
most interesting strategic problems that chess
presents: knowing which piece to exchange and
which one to keep. Although this is partly true, it
is equally true that White, with this and his next
"The vulgar man, when beginning something, move, will fight to neutralize the annoying plan of
ruins it for rushing to finish it." Lao Tzu transferring a knight to the f4-square via h5 (hence
(sixth century B.c.) Chinese philosopher his willingness to keep the g3-knight on its current
position), from where, together with the half-open
The notion of prophylactic play has always been f-file, it would exert immediate and unpleasant
associated with Nimzowitsch's name. However, pressure on White's kingside. For instance if
this doesn't mean that previous grandmasters 22.tt'lxe4 ttJf6 23.c5 tt'lxe4 24.ixe4 tt'lh5! 25.cxd6
didn't apply prophylactic measures with the aim (25.tt'lxe5!?) cxd6 26.l3cl tt'l f4 27.Wc7 Wf6, Black Wtt,at are you telli"8 R\.e?
of preventing the opponent's counterplay. In would have dangerous counterplay. There might
fact I think that one of the more representative follow 2S.Wb6 if5 29.ixf5 gxf5 30 .Wxb7 l3abS I would like to repeat Grau's comments on this
characteristics of top players throughout chess
3 1 .Wxa6 e4 32.tt'lh2 l3gS and it is apparent that move: "This too is a chance to admire the simple
White's posItIon is, strategically speaking, history is the balance they have shown when it
Black's attack is much quicker than the initiative logic of Lasker's style. The queen must replace the
already winning. Black has managed to drive away comes to decisions between defence and attack. A the first player could generate after advancing his bishop that has been exchanged, as an old chess
the white rook from the strong b7-square but at chess game is like a dance with a partner: a little
queenside pawn majority. technical postulate says. Then again, another
too high a price: the definitive consolidation of step forward and a little step back. If one is not 22... ltJf6 principle says that the bishop must be placed on
the e4-knight on its post. I would like to add ready to take into account the rhythm of the other
There were a number of alternatives: that point of the board where it may be supported
that the d5-pawn, the target of Black's attack in then there is a risk of suffering a painful slip.
22,..tt'lf5 would be hasty in view of 23.ixf5 and moreover where it controls the most possible
similar situations, is in this case unassailable due Accordingly one should always be on the
gxf5 24.ttJxe5! dxe5 25.Wxe5t tt'lf6 26.d6 and squares. This point is the e3-square, which Lasker
to the weakness of the black king. lookout for the opponent's most dangerous
White has a strong attack. has now occupied with his queen. It controls I S
3 1 . .. �aS 32.lfigl �f8 plans, and act with them in mind. 22,..We7!? This is a very interesting prophylactic squares of the board, n o less."
32, ..Wa6 33.l3b5 and White is clearly better.
move, only understandable by analysing the Impressive! It is evident that this kind of
33.l3b7 l3a7 34.l3xa7 �xa7 3S.g3! � Lasker possible development of the present game. As we principle, so superficial and naIve (without taking
In the endgame Black's position is desperate. * Steinitz have previously seen, in many variations White into account the real struggle in the position) does
3S ... ltJhS 36.�c4 ltJg7 37.g4! St Petersburg ( 1 ) l S95
has a very important resource connected with a nothing for the understanding of complex chess
The situation of Black's minor pieces is pitiful
piece sacrifice on e5 in order to highlight the black processes. I would advise the readers not to try to
and his king is still a target of White's attack.
king's weakness and also to exploit his centralized apply such a principle to their games, unless they
Besides, who's going to stop the a-pawn?
pieces and better development. Black's intention want to be greatly surprised.
37 ... ltJe8 38.�bS �a8 39.�d7 �xdS 40.�xe8
with this move would be to prevent such a Many of the explanations we find in books
�xe4 41.�h6 �e1 t scenario. about the moves made by grandmasters are false,
1-0
On the other hand 22,..tt'lh5!? (now or after despite their logic. This is due to the fact there
22,. .We7!?) would be very interesting after all. is only one reality, whereas there will always be
In his book Grau defends tooth and nail the
This would be a very modern concept: Black several varied interpretations of it.
concept that the ideal piece to occupy e4 is the
would worsen his pawn structure in exchange Therefore I would like to add my opinion of the
knight. Later on the author holds that, in those
for opening important files on the kingside. For text move: I think it is, basically, an interesting
cases where it is not possible to place the knight
instance 23.ttJxh5 gxh5 eventually followed by prophylactic move. White prevents his opponent's
in that privileged situation, the most suitable
the plan 24,..We7, 25,..tt'lf6, 26,. .id7, 27, . .l''l gS attacking plans and at the same time gets ready to
piece to substitute it is the rook showing then a
with counterplay. exploit the force of his centralized pieces to launch
a quick attack against the enemy kingside through 24.lLlxe4 !'!f4? over the e4-square, based on simple arithmetic: Lasker was a player who took great care of
the dark-square complex that was somewhat Better was 24 . . . lLl f5 although after 25.Wc3 the latter has two minor pieces to fight for this the defensive aspects of his position. Premature
weakened after the exchange of the "bad" �d7 26.c5 White would take the initiative. point whereas the former only has one minor would have been 26.etJa5 Elaf8 27.etJxb7 :Bf3
g7-bishop. 2S.cS.ifS 26.lLlfgS! 'i;Yd7 27.'i;Yxf4! exf4 28.lLlf6 piece able to challenge this supremacy. Thus with dangerous counterplay.
As we shall see in the next game, Lasker attached lLle6 29.lLlxd7 lLlxgS 30J;e7 �g8 31 .lLlf6t after the simplistic continuation 22.etJfd2 etJ f6?? 26 �afB 27.Wie2
•••
great importance to the defensive aspects of his c,t>m 32.!'!xc7 23.lLlxf6 :Bxf6 24.�e4 Black's position would In order to eventually exchange queens and
positions. 1-0 probably be desperate. Why? What difference thus prevent the possible weakening manoeuvre
23 lLlxe4?
..•
is there between this hypothetical scenario . . . h7-h5-h4. If instead 27.etJa5 then 27. . . c6!
The start of a series of weak moves. It is odd that Ttt,cr t�rt COl\.d lubtlcr) rlf\cr bcrtwcrcrrt and the position in the diagram? Isn't White's (27 ... WcS 2S.c5 Elf5 29.Elc3 with the initiative)
Grau doesn't mention the natural 23 ... lLl f5!? proptt,yloKil Ortd pOllivity absolute control over the e4-square the same, 2S.Eld l (2S .Wa4 �g5!) 28 . . . cxd5 29.Elxd5 Elf5
regardless of whether this pair of knights has 30.Wdl b6 3 1 .lLlb3 Wc6 with counterplay.
Finding the balance between defence and attack been exchanged? Yes, but without the presence 27 .id8 28.�d1
•••
is the most important element in positional of the d7-knight Black's team would be much 2S.Wg4 Elf5; 2S.etJa5 c5 29.a3 i.b6 and Black
play. But, by definition, this is a very unstable more unbalanced. I will try to explain myself: is clearly better.
situation that may lead to two equally undesirable it turns out that the e7-bishop is not as bad as 28 lLle7 29.cS lLlfS 30.Elc3 'i;Ya4 3 1.Elc4 'i;Ye8
••.
scenarios: passiviry or haste. it seems. In fact it effectively neutralizes the 32.c6?!

In a chess game it is essential to know which opponent's powerful e4-knight, but its action is A positional inaccuracy: this move releases the
rhythm of play is required for every position. Not limited to a mere defensive role. Therefore this central p ressure and allows the second player
taking the adequate measures (both offensive and piece must be accompanied by attacking units to manoeuvre more freely with his attacking
defensive) at the right time can lead, in the short in order for Black to avoid falling into absolute pieces.
or long term, to undesirable consequences. passiviry. White's structure on the kingside is too 32 bS 33.!'!c3 b6 34.!'!cd3 lLle7
••.
solid for the black rooks and queen to be able to Also very interesting was 34 . . . g5!? 35.Elal
This is the other big mistake many authors !2J Lasker accomplish this role successfully without help. (35 .Wh5 etJe3t 36.Elxe3 Elxf2t 37.etJxf2 Wxh5)
make: when something doesn't fit with the topic " Janowski The black knight on d7 is the key piece providing 35 . . . Elg7 36.a4 h5 37.axb5 axb5 3S.Ela5 Wg6
they are presenting they don't even mention it. This Paris 1 909 the balance needed for the whole of Black's army 39.Elxb5 g4 40.hxg4 (40.h4 �xh4 4 1 .gxh4
move could call into question White's supposed to act harmoniously. With the presence of this etJxh4t with an attack) 40 ...hxg4 4 1 .Eld l Elh7
(according to Grau) advantage. However, I knight the struggle will be very hard, while 42.Elhl :Bxh l 43.�xh l lLl d4 44.lLl xd4 exd4
think that Lasker had prepared against such its absence would mean the game would be with counterplay.
a contingency the spectacular 24.�xf5 gxf5 one-sided. 3SJHd2?!
25.lLlxe5! dxe5 26.Wxe5. Mter this the material 22.lLlfd2 lLlf8! As we will see later, the rook was needed on the
compensation, together with the black king's Of course! first rank in order to defend the all-important
bad situation and the difficulties Black would 23.g3 knight on e4.
experience in order to complete his development, If White tries to start his attack quickly by 3S ElfS 36.lLla1!?
•.•
would give the first player an extremely dangerous 23.etJb3 tLl g6 24.etJa5 there could follow the An interesting manoeuvre combining defence
attack. For instance if 26 ... Wd6, then 27.Wc3 strong 24 ... lLl h4! (too passive would be 24. . . ElbS and attack: the knight is heading for the c2-
b6 28.:Be5 �d7 29.:Bde 1 �gS 30.etJxf5 �xf5 25.g3 ElO 26.We2 Wd7 [26 ... WfS 27.�g2 �dS square fro m where it controls d4 but can also
3 1 .:Bxf5 and White is clearly better. 2S.Elad l and White is clearly better] 27.Wg4 go to the e3, causing some inconvenience to the
And what would happen if Black tried to carry Wa4 [27 ... Wxg4 28.hxg4 and again White is opponent. Moreover, the third rank is cleared
out his plan of transferring a knight to f4 with clearly better] 2S.a3 and White is slightly better; for the rook to attack the a6-pawn eventually.
the manoeuvre 23 . . . lLlgh5? In this case also there imprecise would be 24. . .Wd7 25.�xb7 ElafS 36 JWgG 37.lLlc2?
•.
would be an adequate reply: 24.lLlxh5 lLlxh5 Compared to the previous game we could [25 ... etJ h4 26.etJa5 ElafS 27.etJc6 and White The strategic idea is good but the tactical
25.Wh6! (exploiting the weakness of the dark hastily conclude that the present situation is much better] 26.lLla5 :Bh4 27.�c6 lLl f4 execution is not. Better was 37.Eld l ! (the idea
squares) 25 ...�f5 (if 25 ... Wf6 then 26.i.xg6!; if is much better for the first player. The main 2S.Ele3 and White is much better) 25.lLlxb7 being 37 . . . Elf4 3S.:Be l lLl f5 39.�h 1 when
25 . . . etJf4 then 26.etJg5 We7 27.etJxh7) 26.lLlg5 argument put forward in support of this We8 26.Wb3 Wg6 27.lLlg3 :BafS when Black's White is clearly better) although after 37 . . . �h8!
We7 27.g3 with the initiative. Nevertheless, I evaluation would be the presence of Black's initiative provides good compensation. 3S.lLlc2 etJg8 39.:Ba3 lLl f6 40.lLlxf6 ixf6 4 1 .lLle3
think that the alternative 23. . .�f5 equalized. "bad" bishop, giving White absolute control 23 !'!f7 24.c,t>g2 lLlgG 2s.lLlb3 'i;Yd7 26J!e3!
••• :Bf4 Black's initiative persists.
To close the chapter I would like to show a squares along this line, thus making the action 28 . . . !1f3!?) 28 . . . !1a2 29."lMfb l ! !12a3 (29 . . . !1xb2
brilliant example where a bishop placed on the of the black rooks futile. If instead 23 . . . �a2, then 30."lMfxb2 and the simplification clearly favours
famous e4-square doesn't look such a bad piece, 24.�b2. White) 30.h5 gxh5 3 1 ."lMfd l ! !1a2 32.!1d2!!
despite what Grau might say. 24.h4!
With the knight on e4 White had the typical
W Ivanchuk break c4-c5 putting pressure on d6, but in the
* Timman present position this manoeuvre would not be
Linares 1 989 dangerous. What is going to be very unpleasant,
from a positional point of view, is the planned
advance h4-h5 seriously weakening the enemy
kingside.
24... <j;>h8
If 24 . . . �fa8 then 25.h5 gxh5 26.i.xh7t @h8
27.i,g6 and White is clearly better.
37 .. JU4! 25.�b2!!
This is the move White overlooked. Now he is
forced to create a very serious weakness on the The key defensive move: Black's attack dies of
kingside which will give better prospects to the starvation. For instance, 32 ... !1xd2 33.i,xd2 !1a2
second player from this moment on. 34.!1xh5 h6 35.i.e3 and White is clearly better.
38.6 26.i,g5 'lWf7 27J'!hl h6 28.h5!
White is now clearly better. If 38.�e3 then Without doubt the most precise blow.
38 . . . lLlf5 . 28 ... gxh5 29.\'9dl �a3
38...�4f7 39.@hl lLlf5 40.Wfg2 h5 41.h4 'lWh6 29 ...hxg5 30."lMfxa4
42.�dl g5 21 .g3! 30.\'9xh5 @g8
42 ...i.xh4!? is met with 43.gxh4 lLlxh4 44.�g5! Preventing the possible counterplay . . . "lMfd8- If 30 . . . "lMfxh5 then 3 1 .�xh5 @g8 32.i.c l lLld4
and White is slightly better. But the sequence 42 ... h4: from there the queen would exert unpleasant 33.i,xh6 and White is clearly better. The following
g6 43 ... �g7 44 ... g5 , when Black is clearly better, pressure along the opponent's 4th rank and on the manoeuvre can only be described as brilliant and
was very appealing. f2-square; on top of that Black could also offer to shows the Ukrainian's immense talene. It is a
43.hxg5 .Lgs 44.f4! AfG 45.'lWh3 'lWgG 46.tLJe3 trade the dark-squared bishops with . . .i,g7-h6. shame that his nerves have prevented him from
tLJd4 47.f5 'lWh6!? 48.tLJg4 2 1 . 'lWfG 22.'lWd3 tLJd4
.•
achieving even greater success in his chess career,
Or 48.g4 "lMff4. In this position the centralized knight's as he certainly deserves it.
Without any doubt this is the best move of
48...'lWh7 49.tLJgxf6t ihfG 50.tLJxf6t gxf6 supposed advantage is more of an optical illusion, 31 .'lWxf7t �xf7 32.Ad2 gfG 33J'lbbl !!
the game. With the text White makes the plan
Black has full compensation. The queen and rather than a real one, because it will never be !1fl-h1 followed by h4-h5 feasible, thanks to the
knight tandem against a weak king is very strong. able to work effectively with the rest of Black's overprotection of the f2-square; but at the same
Furthermore, the position has a closed character, uncoordinated army. It is very instructive to see rime the move manages to neutralize, once and
and therefore the white rooks lack any good how Ivanchuk, through a careful combination of for all, the enemy actions along the a-file. It is
prospects. prophylactic play and attacking actions, creates very important to note that the possible pressure
51 .gfl 'lWf7 52.'lWg2 gxf5 53.gxf5 'lWxf5 54J��e3 many problems for the opponent. Better was Black could exert along the 3'd rank after, say,
'lWbl t 55.@h2 'lWxb4 56.g4 h4! 57.@h3 'lWc4 22 . . ...th6! fighting for equality. ... !1f8-a8 and ... !1a4-a3 is totally ineffectual as on
58.'lWe4 @g7 59.@xh4 'lWfl 60.a3 as 6I.<j;lg3 23.@g2! this part of the board White has no weakness.
'lWgl t 62.@h3 'lWf2 63.g5 b4 64.axb4 axb4 If 23.i,b2? then 23 . . . !1a2 24.i,xd4 exd4 25.f4 Moreover, the potential invasion of White's f3-
65.@g4 'lWgl t 66. <j;>h5 'lWh2t 67.@g4 b3 68.ge1 !1fa8 and White's position is very unpleasant. square by the d4-knight would have no bearing
Wfc2! 69.@h5 'lWxe4 70.�xe4 tLJc2 71.gxe5 23 ... ga4!? on the play.
b2 72.ge7t @f8 73.gxc7 bl'IW 74.gc8t @e7 With this manoeuvre Black gains control 25 ...tLJf5
75.gc7t @d8 76.gd7t @e8 77.gxd6 tLJd4 of the a-file; bur as we are about to see, White If 25 . . . !1fa8 then 26.i,g5 "IMf£7 27.!1h 1 !1a3
0-1 has enough resources to control the invasion 28."lMfd l ! (the idea is h4-h5; if 28."lMfb l then
so True Lies in Chess
This is the key. White will gain control of the

a-file, along which he will threaten to develop
very unpleasant pressure. It is symptomatic that
Black's a3-rook is ineffective, cut off from the Cttapter �
rest of the army.
33 .!!a2 34.�hdl! lLld4 35.�al �xal
••
3S . . .!:1b2 36J 1a7 and White wins.

36.�xal lLlb3 37.�a8t �f8 38.�xf8t hf8
39 .ie3 lLld4 40.b5!
•
Neutralizing any kind of counterplay that the

second player might initiate after ... b7-bS. White
wins now thanks to the weakness of both the
h6-pawn and the hS-square, which he so cleverly
provoked in the middlegame.
40 ... lLlb3 41.'ifih3 lLlc5 42.J.f5 ttla4 43.'ifig4 The phase of the game that has evolved least In line with this, the relaxation in the study and
1-0 during the last 90 years is undoubtedly the investigation of the endgame is also influenced by
If 43 . . .ttl b2 then 44.�hS ttl xc4 4S ..txh6 with endgame. I would even say that recently there has the presence ofa wide range ofclassic books, wrinen
an easy win. By any standards, an impressive been a regression in the quality of play during this by renowned authors who enjoy excellent reviews,
game by Ivanchuk, one of the great geniuses of phase of the game, and I'm not talking only at the as well as the general and implicit impression that
our time. amateur level but also among grandmasters and on this subject everything has already been said.
even in the world elite. In fact, we might think that due to the limited
What factors have influenced this deterioration? number of pieces at this stage that it is fairly easy
I don't believe we can blame it on one particular to discover a mathematically correct solurion to
cause, but rather on a group of them: the ever the diverse scenarios we might face. It is true that
quicker time controls, the disappearance of nowadays there are tablebases containing perfect
adjournments, the explosion of chess information analyses for every kind of ending with up to six
through the Internet that in general only favours pieces on the board. Bur let the reader make no
the study of the openings, and lastly, the rise of a mistake: most of the positions we find in practical
certain type of chess player, characterized by his play belong to the so-called complex endgames,
pragmatism and, very often, his lack of interest in that is, those characterized by the presence of a
the search for truth. great number of pieces and pawns on the board,
The chess player confronted with an endgame and it is precisely in these where it is extremely
is like a traveller faced by a desert: a vast expanse complicated to extract the truth, all the trurh and
ahead, stretching beyond what the eyes can nothing but the truth.
see, and many paths to choose leading only to Why is it so important to carry out a rigorous
disaster. How important it is to make the right and thorough investigation of endgames? Let's see
choices from the very first moment, to know how what Smyslov has to say: "My father instilled in me
to read the subtle signals of the path, and to be the pleasure of the analysis of the so-called 'simple'
aware of where one is heading! In comparison, the positions, those in which few pieces participate...
middlegame is more like a jungle: this landscape For a novel player, to remember the value and the
determines, to a certain extent, your next steps. movement of the pieces is not difficult. But to feel
The ending is the paradigm of strategic play; it is their peculiarities, to know the type of positions
because of this that the final stage of the contest is where they can develop all their potential and
the worse-handled one by the current programs, those where they are ineffective, what they like
characterized by their more or less acute short and dislike, to understand and feel all this is much
sightedness. more difficult bur also much more important."
52 True Lies in Chess Final Conclusions? 53
The problem is that most treatises are not as by restricting the white knight on f3 and then 41.axb4 cxb4 42.cxb4 axb4 43.tlJe4 @d5 making the e3-square available for the king with
rigorous as they should be and therefore one is exchanging it." 44.tlJd6 hd6 45.exd6 c3 46.bxc3 h3 the idea of containing the advance of the enemy
given a distorted picture of the position under I totally disagree with the evaluation given in 0-1 monarch. For instance, if 2S . . ..ib 1 then 29.a3
study, which may lead to subsequent problems these two manuals; if Black achieved victory, it �b5 30.liJf3 h3 3 1 .g4.
when it comes to correctly understanding the was because of White's weak play and not for Let's see a very similar example annotated by the 28 ...ibl 29.a3 Ad3t
situation we face at the board. any other reason. I think that both authors were authors of another celebrated book.
I am now going to show a series of examples strong enough to understand this and either they
where analyses and the alleged, and universally analysed the position superficially or, what is � Taubenhaus
accepted, superiority of the bishop pair are called worse, they chose the example knowing that the • Tarrasch
into question. Please don't misunderstand me: I suggested conclusions were false. Monte Carlo 1 903
would be the first to defend the effectiveness of 29.tlJg3?!
the bishops. I am simply telling you that nothing Interesting was 29 ..ig3!? When one has a
is as easy as some would have you believe ... space advantage it is generally good to avoid
exchanging pieces. This was one of those cases,
l'\.C!ittter 10 li"lP1C! 'lor 10 clear because Black is unable to continue making
progress. Another option to secure the draw was
This position, taken from Nimzowitsch's My to exploit the possibility of reaching an endgame
System, was included subsequently in Watson's with opposite-coloured bishops. Based on this
Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy. It is shown as idea it was entirely feasible to play 29.liJd6 .ixd6
an example of the bishop pair's superiority in (29 . . ..ixf3 30.f5t; 29 ... f5 30.liJcS) 30.exd6 f5
positions where the pawn structures are not (30 . . .�xf3 3 l .f5t) 31 .liJe5 and the position is 30.@el
optimal. balanced; if 3 l . . .liJ fS then 32.d7. 30. �d2 was better. The white king has to
29... tlJh4 30.tlJxh4 hh4 3 1 .tlJe4 be near e3. After 30 ....ifl 3 1. .�f2 (3 1 .g4 hxg3
� Harmonist Why not 3 1 .liJh5 �f5 (3 l . ...ig2 32.liJg7t 32.hxg3) 3 l ....ixg2 32.liJxh4 .ie4 33.�e3 �d5
* Tarrasch �d7 33.liJf5 .idS 34.liJxh6) 32 .�g3 �dS 34.liJf3 I don't see why White should lose this
Breslau l SS9 (32 ... .ie7 33.liJg7t �g6 34.f5t �xg7 35.f6t This ending is included in A Guide to Chess position.
.ixf6 36.exf6t and the position is equal) 33.liJf6 Endings by Max Euwe and David Hooper. It 30 ....ie4 31 .@e2 il.d3t 32.@el ie4 33.@e2
.ig2 34.h4, when the black king has no way to is interesting to read what they write because I id3t 34.@el @d5 35.il.fl h3 36.g3 b6
penetrate? Remember that without the king you think this book is a valuable guide for this rype 37.tlJgl
can hardly win any ending. of ending. White could at least try! 37.liJg5 .ixg5 3S.fxg5
31 ...il.e7 32..igl il.c6 33.il.fl il.d7 34.Ag3 "When there are no passed pawns, the bishops and Black is better, but is he winning? It is difficult
What was wrong with 34.liJf6? can still win if there is no central outpost for to answer this question without deep analysis but
34 ... @d5 35.tlJfl the knight and the king can penetrate. Here I think that this option should at least have been
35.liJf6t ixf6 36.exf6 .ixh3 and now it is not Black invades through d5-e4-d3, due mainly to mentioned.
so clear because Black can combine threats on the slight weakening of White's pawn structure 37 ... .ifS 38.tlJf.3 �e4
both sides. derived from the middlegame; but very often the Please make yourself comfortable!
35 ... h5 36.�f.3 .ifS 37.@e3 bishops by themselves have the ability to provoke 39.tlJdlt @d3 40.tiJfl il.e4 41.tlJe3 il.e7 42.g4
37.liJdl was still interesting, the idea being such weaknesses to create access routes for their h5 43.g5 a5 44. �dl b4 45.cxb4 cxb4 46.axb4
37 ....ixh3 38.liJe3t �e6 39. �e4 h4 40.�h2 with king." axb4 47.tlJc2 c3 48.bxc3 b3
compensation. The white army's centralization is All very well, but this is in contrast with the 0-1
an element to take into account. authors' slackness in the search for truth, in It is undeniable that White played horribly in
Let's see what Watson has to say: "Black has 37 ... b5 38.@f.3 a5 39.@e3 b4 40.@f.3 @c6! the form of a better defence for White in this this game. I'm not sure this was the best example
two bishops, but his majority is crippled (from The black king is heading for the a4-square position. for an endgame manual . . .
an earlier ... dxc6 in the Ruy Lopez), and White's with devastating consequences; the pressure he 28.tlJf.3?!
knights are reasonably centralized. Nevertheless, will exert from there will force White to improve In view of what has been said in the above I now want t o study what is undoubtedly the
Black has excellent winning chances. He begins Black's weakened queenside pawn structure. note, undoubtedly much better was 2S . .if2! most celebrated fight between two bishops and
two knights. The conclusions reached so far are in what one says, because it is useful to encourage 22.hxg6 tLJxg6 23.d5! and White i s clearly better) the board without finding any effective post.
anything but clear. the readers to take a critical view of every work, 2 1 .h5 (2 1 .i.cl ga6 22.a3 E1a5 is just in time) b2) 20.gg5!? gc6 2 1 .ga5 a6 (2 l . ..gb6 22.gxa7
no matter how famous its author might be. By 2 1 . . .ga6 22.hxg6 gxa2 with counterplay. You gb2 23.<;!;>dl with the subsequent expulsion of
'it' Lasker the way, let's not forget that chess is a game that the black rook) 22.gb 1 (22.e4 gb6!) 22 ... gf5
will say: of course this is the result of violating
* Chigorin teaches us to think for ourselves - leave automatic a strategic principle. I would like you to notice 23.ge5! Were it not for this square, Black would
Hastings 1 895 reactions fo r Fritz and company. Lastly, I would the radical change that the evaluation of this have a satisfactory position; as it is, he is clearly
like to attack the study of this interesting position variation would suffer if the little pawn on a2 worse.
from a new point of view: most books talk about were instead on a3 (even better if the id2 were b3) 20.gb 1 ! A prophylactic move whose aim
the tremendous battle of the bishops against the on c l , of course) : Black would then not have is to neutralize the action of Black's rooks while
knights that took place in it; for me the main enough time to neutralize the advance h4-h5 and keeping White's active. 20 ... gc6 (20 ... gf5 A
actors in this game were the rooks, and their fierce therefore he would face unpleasant problems. natural move to activate the black rook along
fight to reach favourable positions and neutralize Overblown strategic principles usually crumble the 5th rank, but 2 1 .gg5! and Black has no time
the action of the enemy heavy pieces, and it is because of such trivial details. to drive the rook away from this position with
from this new perspective that I would like the b) 1 9 ... fxg6!? . .. h7-h6 or ... tLJd8-f7: after e3-e4 his position
reader to confront the analysis of this game. is worse) 2 1 .gb4 ga6 22.a4! followed by e3-e4
18.!!agl?! with advantage.
Better was 1 8.f5, a move suggested by 19 £5 20.�c1?!
...
Shereshevsky. With the bishop pair it is almost White's play seems inconsistent to me. 20.e4?!
always necessary to open up the position ... But is an attempt to open lines and activate the white
what I'm most interested in now is what Lasker rooks and bishops, even at the cost of weakening
might have been thinking to prefer the text move the pawn structure. There might follow 20 ... gc7!,
This is one of the most famous endings, and to this sound alternative. I suspect that one of using the weakness of the f4-pawn in order to
is often reproduced in chess manuals. I would the problems he faced when trying to reach a stabilize the position. 2 1 .exf5 exf5 22.E1g5 E1cf7!
like to share my opinion regarding the quality decision was that he thought that perhaps there But why not 20.h4? This is a very natural
of the analyses in a couple of them. The first was a direct solution in the form of an attack move which none of the aforementioned authors
one, Roberto Grau's Tratado General de Ajedrez: along the g-file. That is, he overestimated White's has suggested. 20. . J"lf7 2 1 .h5 tLJe7 (2 l . ..tLJf8
Estrategia Superior, is a book which, as already advantage. And very possibly he only realized too At first sight this looks like a strange decision: seriously weakens the control of f5 against an
noted in this work, has a high quality in the late that things were not going to be that easy. eventual e3-e4) 22.f3 followed by e3-e4 with a
White can now create an impressive centre after
way the different topics are presented but not so Well, I also think that the situation arising after firm grip on the position. Black's play would be
e3-e4 and, more importantly, has the possibility
much in the content itself. 1 8 .!!ag1 is still better for White but to a lesser very constrained: the black knights lack effective
of obtaining a better king in the future, thanks
In this game, for instance, the author is unable extent than after 1 8.f5 . and stable outposts. A possible variation could be
to that very centre. But if we analyse the position
to identify any of the several mistakes that I say this because if one looks a t the analysis dynamically we will realize that this centre will 22 ... b6 (22 . . . E1c6 23.ia4 wins for White) 23.e4
exist and to propose alternatives accordingly, Shereshevsky made of the position, one reaches essentially lack mobility. What is the key to tLJb7 24.ic1 <;!;>h8 25.ia3 when White is slightly
supporting them with notes and above all with the conclusion that after the best moves for this position? The rooks. When they are still on better. It is possible that Lasker was afraid that
adequate analysis. Moreover the evaluation he both sides Black could end up reaching a better the board in the endgame the activity they can in variations of this nature he might have some
makes of the position is also mistaken. I am sorry position at one point: or at least he doesn't suggest achieve usually ends up being very important for problem in the future with the defence of his
to say that these mistakes are repeated throughout anything better for White. the outcome of the game. I will try and show this h-pawn against an eventual manoeuvre like
the treatise rather too often. The second book I 18 ... c4 19 .ic2
•
with the analysis of the following variations. ... tLJe7 -g8-f6. Statically the reasoning is sound but
will mention is much better: it is the celebrated It is very interesting to analyse the alternative b I ) 20.e4?! A natural and bad move. 20 ... gc6! such a manoeuvre also entails a destabilization of
work by Mikhail Shereshevsky Endgame Strategy 19 . .L:g6!? It is very likely that this move takes the 21 .gb 1 ga6 22.gb2 (22.gb4 gxa2 23.gxc4 gxf4) important central points, d5 and f5 , as well as
but even here I think there are plenty of mistakes. reader aback: why exchange one of the bishops, 22 ... tLJ f7! (Preventing the possible activation of dangerously removing the black king from the
It is obviously very difficult to unravel the truth and the good one at that? The aim of the move the E1g3 through g5 and b5.) 23.f3 b6 with the centre of the board. Put in another way: I think
in chess, but I think that authors should make is either to try and activate the white rooks or, that the white pieces' activity would prevent
idea . . . gc8, .. .';!;>f8-e7 and ... ga6-a5 and this rook
every possible effort to reach it, that is, to get failing that, to cripple Black's pawn structure. will be tremendously effective along the yh rank Black from carrying out such active plans. For
deeper in the analysis, and secondly they should There are two main variations: due mainly to the vulnerability of the a2- and h2- instance 25 ... tLJg8 26.exf5 exf5 27.<;!;>d2 tLJe7
acknowledge that one can be completely wrong a) 1 9 ... hxg6 20.h4 gc6! (20 ... tLJc6 2 1 .h5 tLJe7 pawns, while the white rooks would drift across 28.gel and White is clearly better.
20 ... !H7 2 1 ..ia3 I understand this move but I don't like it. Black 34.fXg5 lLlxg5 35.i.b2 liJe4t! 36.ixe4 fXe4 and 47 tlJe6 48.�b5
..•
Very interesting was 2 1 .i.a4!? to prevent Black's tries to stabilize f5 once and for all against an White ends up with the bad bishop. The rook on 4S.Elxc4 lLld6 (if 4S . . . lLlxd4t? 49.�dxd4 and
following manoeuvre; it also secured White the eventual e3-e4. But why not carry out a similar a6 has annoying pressure on the a4-pawn and an White wins) didn't work. This was the move
advantage. For instance, 2 1 . ..'tk6 22 . .ia3 with rook manoeuvre on the kingside? 29 . . .1'H7! 30.�b5 excellent path to move along the 5rh rank. That's Lasker overlooked.
the initiative. �f6! followed by ... �h6 with a very good position: why I said at the beginning of the game that it 48.. J��xa4 49.dxe5 tlJfxe5
21 ...!k6!! 31 .�xa5 liJxa5 3U'lb5 �h6 33.i.xf5 lLlc7 was almost always good to open up the position The game is already decided.
If this game is exemplary for any reason in 30.�b5 �a6 with the bishop pair. 50.i.h4 �g7 51. <j;lfl �g6 52.gdd5 gal 53.i.d8
particular, it is because of the ability Chigorin Shereshevsky considers 30 ... Elxb5!? to be 34.£3 tlJf7?! tlJdJt 54.hdJ cxdJ 55.�xdJ �ag1 56.�f5t
showed in handling the rooks, compared to dubious because it opens the a-file to White's Shereshevsky recommends 34 . . . Elf7, but <j;le8 57 .ig5 �6xg5
•
his opponent. The rook is heading for a6 and, advantage. obviously it is not as strong as on move 29. 0-1
thanks to the pressure this piece will exert, any My question is: what benefit can White gain If instead 34 . . .Elg7 (with the idea of playing
active operations by the opponent in the centre from opening this file? I think that it is a lack . . . g6-g5) 35 ..ia3 lLl f7 36.e4! lLlxf4 37.�b4, White
and queens ide will be hindered. of understanding of the real value of open files is clearly better.
22..ie5 �a6! and the activity of the rooks. The defence of the 35.�a3! g5?? I wouldn't want to give the reader the impression
If 22 ... a6? then 23.Elb l ! (23 ..ia4 b5 24.ic2 b5-pawn is more problematic than that of the a7- Now this move is a decisive mistake! that I underestimate the strength of the two
is the variation Shereshevsky suggests, with the and c4-pawns. Why? Because Black can defend 36.<j;le2! bishops. They are certainly a fearsome pair in
idea a2-a4 and opening lines on the queenside these pawns while maintaining the flexibility of Bad was 36.fXg5 lLlxg5 37.lite2 �g7 3S.e4 the endgame. The well known saying "the worst
for the heavy pieces, although the position is far his pieces. White cannot do likewise: he has to fXe4 39.fXe4 lLlf6 according to Shereshevsky. For bishop is better than the best of knights" can
from clear after, for instance, 24 ... lLl b7 25 .ia3 invest the activity of his pieces on the defence of example: 40.i.xg5 Elxg5 4 1 .�f1 �g2t 42.�f2 be better applied to the final stage of the game.
[25.i.b4 a5 26.ia3 liJe7] 25 ... l2Je7 26.he7 his advanced pawn. �xf2t 43.'it>xf2 Ela5! What a rook! r simply criticize the fact that the examples
Elxe7 27.Elb l lLld6) Now there might follow 31..ic1? 36...gxf4 37.e4 tlJf6 38 ..ixf4 tlJh5 39..ie3? appearing in the theory manuals are very
23 ... lLl fS (23 ... Eld7 24 ..ib6!; 23 . . .lLl e7 24.i.b6!) White knows there is little to do on the I agree with Shereshevsky's suggestion 39.�gl t superficially analysed and that we always find the
24.i.b6 �cS 25 . .ixdS! ElxdS 26.Elb6 and White queenside and tries to revitalize the manoeuvre IitfS 40.i.cl and White has everything: centre, same ones time and again.
is clearly better. e3-e4. The idea is good but the tactical execution better king and now better rooks. In this respect Shereshevsky's Endgame Strategy,
23.a4 tlJe6 24J�b 1 �d7 25.�ggl tlJge7 is clearly inaccurate. Much better was 3 1 .Ela I ! 39 ...£4 40.i.fl �a5 which I've mentioned before, is a wonderful oasis
26.�b2 lLldS 32.�bb l lLl f7 33.�g l ! (White has ro prevent Shereshevsky recommends 40 . . . e5! (the idea from the repetitiveness of many other endgame
I do not understand why the reasonable ...g6-g5!) followed by .icl , Ela3, f2-[3, 'it>e2 and being 4 1 .Elgl t 'it>fS 42.dxe5 lLlxe5 43.�g5 �d2t!) works.
possibility 26.i.xe7!? was not even considered by e4. but after 4 1 .a5 White manages to weaken Black's
the commentators. 31...tlJd8 32.�a1 tlJf7 33.�bb1 tlJd6 structure on the queens ide and gets a big plus. W Alterman
26 ... tlJd5 27.<j;ldl �a5 28.�gb1 b6 29 ..ia3 Here Shereshevsky's 33 ... g5! was much better. 41 .�glt <j;lfS 42.gaa1? • Psakhis
I think Lasker got almost no moves right with Tel Aviv 1 994
his rooks. Much better was 42.e5 (Shereshevsky)
42 . . . b5 43.�gal and White is clearly better
(43.�aal favours White too).
42 e5
•..
Now Black manages to block the posmon

again!
43.�ab1 tlJg7 44.�b4 ge7 45 . .ib1 tlJe6
46.�dl?!
Shereshevsky suggests an unclear manoeuvre
46.�a2 lLld6 47. dxe5 �xe5 4S ..id4, but now after
4S ... Elh5 the complications would continue.
A beautiful manoeuvre exploiting one of the 46 tlJed8 47.�dl?
•..
drawbacks of the bishop pair: their inability Vasyukov suggests 47.dxe5! lLlc6 4S.e6 lLlfe5
to concentrate their efforts on controlling the 49.i.c2 lLld3 (49 ... �g7!? and there is still some
29 ...g6? squares of one colour. fight) 50.�b5 and White is slightly better.
Final Conclusions? 59
This is a different example from the ones face the very unpleasant manoeuvre .tf2-g3 More precise was 32.j.g4! showing two of an excellent outpost and, more importantly, it
shown in the endgame books with two bishops and �c4-a6 and eventually ib7. Lastly, if he the virtues of the bishops: their swiftness in complements the action of the id5: this is what I
against bishop and knight. On the one hand attempts to make do with a defence along the transferring from one sector of the board to call coordination. It was necessary to play 33.�g4!
Black has an excellent outpost for his knight third rank with . . . l'lf6, then after �f2-g3-e5 another, and their ease in attacking weak points preventing the aforementioned manoeuvre:
on d5 from where it puts pressure on the weak followed by ic4-e2, it is evident that his rooks in the enemy position. 33 . . . @g6 34.a4 a6 (34 ... b4 35 .id6 and the
e3-pawn; on the other hand, he has more space are going to suffer unpleasant harassment from An instructive variation could be the following: queenside pawns are easy prey for the white forces)
and better control of the light-squares complex. the bishop pair. These strategies highlight several 32. . . mg8 (32 .. JUB 33.�f5 and White is clearly 35.axb5 axb5 36.!"la7, and White's advantage is
All these virtues would have, in theory, to advantages of its possession: the greater ease of better) 33.j.h5 !"le6 (33 . . . mh7 34.�d6) 34.ib8 quite clear. We see that the white rooks which
counterbalance the action of the two bishops even the bishops to attack the opponent's knight, and a6 35.ia7 (Black is virtually in zugzwang thanks before occupied modest positions have been the
in the long-term, as Watson defends in his book not the opposite, with the subsequent possibility to the domination exerted by the bishops) first ones to invade the enemy position, and all
Secrets ofModern Chess Strategy. Nevertheless the of transposing into another type of favourable 35 . . . a5 36.ic5 a4 37. !"lf5 because of the dominating bishops.
strength of the bishops is such that it is very likely ending; and the one already mentioned about the 33... lLlf5! 34..ifl a6 35.axb5 axb5 36.h4
that, despite all this, Black has a strategically lost domination the bishop pair exerts on the enemy 36.E1a7 !"le7
position. tooks' play. 36 ... ge7 37.h5 lLld6 38.�a6 lLlc4 39.b4
24JUel! 25 . J'!f6 26 ..ig3! lLle7
.
gO 4o.ig4 g6 41 .ga8 �g7 42.hxg6 �xg6
One of the great virtues of the two bishops is 26. . .E1g6 27.@h2 !"lf8 28.!"lc2 and White is 43J�g8t �h7 44.ge8 �g6!
their ability to control the opponent's rooks both clearly better. Even despite the serious mistake made by
from a defensive (control of invasion squares, 27..ie2 .idS White, Black has to be extremely careful. If for
effective defence of vulnerable points ... ) and an Black has chosen a fourth defensive system: instance 44 . . . tLld6 45.E1d8 tLlc4 46.ih5, then
attacking point of view. This means not only using his bishop and the d5-square to secure the White is clearly better.
the possibility of harassing the rooks with their weakness of the c6- and e4-pawns. Nonetheless 45.l3a8
aggressive acrion but also nullifYing the rooks' this strategy also suffers from a fundamental
effective defensive capability over their own drawback, namely that not all of his pieces can
vulnerable points. Because of this White can occupy this ideal central square: we have a clear There follows the transfer of the white king to
momentarily surrender control of the f-file since case of a superfluous piece. It is odd how in chess the queenside via f2-e2-d2-c3-b4-a5-b6-c7 with
there is no invasion point along it thanks to the many of the classic rules find their exact modern devastating consequences.
action of the f2-bishop. opposite. In this case the illustrious predecessor 32...lLl e7
24...i.e6 25J�acl would be the very well known idea advanced by
The defence of Black's c6- and e4-pawns Nimwwitsch of overprotection of the strategically
presents many obstacles. important points. It is very illuminating how
Let's imagine all the possible defensive from now on the black knight begins to wander
scenarios that the second player can come up across the board like a lost soul in search of a
with from the diagram. If Black keeps his bishop quiet outpost where he can find shelter from the
to protect the c6-pawn from, say, d7 it has to bishops' aggression.
face several unpleasant ideas: how would he then 28.ie5 gO 29.gfl gxf1 t
solve the problem of the defence of the e4-pawn One alternative was 29 . . .E1ef8 but if Black
after the manoeuvre �f2-g3-e5 and �c4-a2-b l ? exchanges all the rooks his queens ide is going to White's biggest problem is that he cannot
White would also have an additional possibility suffer considerably: the attack ie5-b8 forcing bring his king to the fight, and without the king
in the exchange �xd5 reaching an ending with Black to place his pawns on light squares will pracrically no ending can be won.
opposite-coloured bishops where there is a give the white king an easy path into that sector. 45 .. J3f6 46.gd8 .ie6 47..ie2 .idS 48..ih4?!
huge difference in the activity of the opposing Another option would be 29 . . . tLlf5 30.g4 tLlxe3 Or 48.ig4 and White is slightly better.
sides (imagine the bishop on e5 and a rook on 3 1 .!"lxf7 ixf7 32.!"lxc6 and White is clearly 48 ... gd6! 49.gxd6t lLlxd6
c7 for instance) ; or he could try the possible 33.a4? Once the rooks are exchanged White's chances
better. If in these positions we add a more active
break b4-b5 aimed at the proud knight on d5. White's only mistake in this fine game, spoiling vanish.
rook to the intrinsic plus of the bishop pair, then
If, on the other hand, he decides to defend the it's terminal. all the previous work. It turns out that after the 50.i.g3 lLlf5 51.�f2 h5 52.if4 .i0
c6-pawn with his rook from c8, then he has to manoeuvre ... tLlf5-d6-c4 the knight occupies 1/2-1f2
30.gxf1 lLlg6 31..ig3 b5 32.gal!?
EHctt,a"8i� queerv Cttt,e relatiot\. betweet\. 2 1 .LcS iWxcst 22.<±>h l ctJbxd5 23.ctJxdS ixdS the endgame, forcing the opponent t o adopt a Again c2-c4 is threatened.
ttt,e opet\!"8 at\.d ttt,e et\.daaR\.e) 24.c3 e4 25.vtigl Y2-Y2 Schmid - Ghitescu, permanently passive stance. For instance 1 8.l"1fc l 16 ...fixd3 17.cxd3
Lugano 1 965. l"1ac8 ( 1 8 . . .ctJd7 1 9.d6! I t i s important t o open
In modern times players attach great importance 1 3 ...i.xd5 14.exd5 fib5 the game so that the bishops can display their
to their theoretical preparation, as far as Much worse was 14 ... vtic4 1 5 .ctJd2 vtih4 full potential. 19 ...ixd6 20.i.xb7 l"1a7 2 1 .id5
openings are concerned, very often neglecting ( 1 S . . . vtibS 1 6.vtib l ! followed by c2-c4 with a The endgame is extremely unpleasant for Black.)
their technical preparation in the study of the clear advantage) 1 6.g3 vtih3 1 7.l"1a4. But now 1 9.d6 ixd6 20.ixb7 White is clearly better.
endgame. Their naIve line of argument for such a very interesting situation arises: how is White b) IS ... vtixd3 1 6.cxd3 l'1fb8!? (Black tries to get
behaviour would be something like "Why should going to force the desired push c2-c4? more space for his army after the break ... b7-b6;
I study endings in depth? I have enough work but this manoeuvre has the drawback ofweakening
managing the opening and the middlegame." the c6-square, which will eventually be occupied
The problems these two initial stages of the game by the white knight or rooks with unpleasant
present are so vast that, very often, the study of consequences for Black) 1 7.l'1fc l b6 1 8 .axb6
the last stage of the game is all but ignored. ctJxb6 (Black tries to exploit the vulnerability of
I would like to warn the reader that the the dS-pawn. However, we should be aware that
soundness of many opening systems depends this pawn also has the potential to become very
on the correct evaluation of the possible endings strong: firstly, in some variations it can become
arising from them. As a result we have the paradox a dangerous passed pawn; secondly, it controls This position contains a series of very interesting
that in order to master a specific opening one space severely limiting the black pieces' mobility: nuances. As has already been said, White has
needs to have good endgame technique. Forget note the poor role the bishop on e7 is playing; doubled and isolated pawns on the d-file and a
about becoming a "grandmaster of the opening" thirdly, it generates an excellent outpost on the very advanced pawn on as, but are they weak?
if you have serious deficiencies in your endgame c6-square; and lastly, and most importantly, it From a static point of view they are, but one has to
technique! can be defended by its own pieces in an active emphasize their dynamic potential: they provide
I will show some examples to better explain way. With the following manoeuvre White heads excellent outposts for their pieces on c3, c4 and
what I want to prove. 1 5.fid3! for the strong point.) 1 9 .ctJaS! ifS ( 1 9 . . .ctJbxd5 c6; they also control space limiting the mobility
There is simply no way to achieve the desired 20.ctJc6 l'1b7 2 1 .ctJxe7t l'1xe7 22.ig5 and White of the enemy forces and as a consequence of this
'it' Smyslov objective. Moreover, White's only alternative in is on top, exploiting the tactical strength of the Black is unable to reorganize his forces to carry
* Tal order to fight for the advantage lies in this queen bishops in the form of the pin) 20.ctJc6 l'1b7 out an effective attack on those "vulnerable"
Candidates Tournament, Yugoslavia 1 959 exchange. It is obvious that if a player lacked 2 1 .l"1aS! and White is clearly better. points. As always, it is only a weakness if the
Sicilian Najdorf [B92] solid foundations in the endgame then this whole opponent can exploit it.
opening system would be worthless. No, don't 17 ...g6!?
l.e4 e5 2.tLlf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 tLlfG 5.tLlc3 look for alternatives earlier in the game: no matter A move whose object is to improve the
a6 6.i.e2 e5 7.tLlb3 i.e7 B.O-O 0-0 9.i.e3 fie7 where you hide, you cannot escape the endings! position of the black king, but which has certain
10.a4 i.e6 1 1.a5 fie6!? Let's see what Smyslov said about the text move: drawbacks, including White's possible expansion
This is a very interesting idea. Black wants to "The correct way of handling the position. The on the kingside with g2-g4-g5. There were several
prepare the freeing move ... d6-d5, but he is also exchange of queens at d3 favours White, as he alternatives:
trying to hinder White's typical plan ctJc3-d5 gains the possibility of rook operations on the c a) 1 7. . .h6 An interesting move: on the one
followed by a pawn expansion on the queenside file. With the advantage of the two bishops and hand Black adopts some prophylactic measures
beginning with c2-c4. A model game in this strong queens ide pressure, he can be hopeful of giving his king a luft and preventing the possible
respect is Geller - Fischer, Curacao 1 962. success in the endgame." pin ie3-gS; on the other hand, it is also a
12.i.f3 tLlbd7 13.tLld5! 1 5 .l:UeB
..
constructive move since, eventually, Black can
White must act quickly, otherwise it will be Other possibilities were: As I have said before, White is not limited to a offer a bishop exchange on gS, at the same time
very difficult to make progress. For example a) I S ...vtixd3 1 6.cxd3 ctJcS 1 7.ctJxcS dxcS A passive defence! 2 1 ...ctJc8 22.b4 The white pieces giving more freedom of action to his d7-knight
1 3 .l"1e1 l"1fcS (stopping the manoeuvre ctJc3- typical situation with mutual weaknesses, where and pawns cooperate perfectly, transforming his and e7-bishop. Now:
d5) 14.l"1e2 b5 I S .axb6 ctJxb6 1 6.ctJaS vtic7 the time factor is paramount since whoever position into an impregnable fortress. a l ) I S .ctJd2!? (the white knight is heading
1 7.l"1d2 h6 1 8.ie2 l"1cb8 1 9 .f3 dS 20.exdS ic5 gets the initiative usually doesn't let it go until 16J3fc1 to the outpost on c4 from where it will exert
a strong influence on the enemy position) unpleasant threat g4-g5 followed by i.f3-g4) 18.E:c3!? role models for anyone wishing to improve their
1 8 ... ltlc5 ( l S .. Jlxe l t 19 .�xcl i.dS 20.ltlc4) 21 ... lLle8 22.i.g2 (22.g5 lLlg7 23.i.g4 tLl f5) 1 8.l''k 4 !? was another interesting option, the technique in this extremely subtle stage of the
1 9.�c3! (with the unpleasant threat of doubling 22 . . . lLlg7 23.f4! idea being 18 ... E:xc4 1 9.dxc4 e4 20.ie2 lLle5 game.
on the c-file; also possible was 1 9 .i.xc5 �xc5 2 1 .lLld2 and White is slightly better.
20.E:xc5 dxc5 2 1 .ltlc4, when White is slightly Of course, also possible was 18.lLld2, King's Indian Classical Variation
better) 19 . . . E:c7 20.E:ael E:acS 2 1 .d4 exd4 transposing into previously analysed variations. ... ltla6 System [E94J
22.i.xd4 i.dS 23.bc5 E:xc5 24.�xc5 E:xc5 18... E:xc3
25.E:xc5 dxc5 26.ltlc4 ltld7 27.d6 b5 28.axb6 1 8 ... idS 1 9.E:ael !"lcb8 20.g4! and White is l.d4 llJf6 2.c4 g6 3.t!ll c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 s.llJa
�xb6 29.ltla5 White has a huge advantage. clearly better. 0-0 6 ..ie2 eS 7.0-0 llJa6 8J�el c6 9 ..ifl exd4
a2) 1 8.�c3!? with variations similar to the 19.hxc3 E:c8 20.c4 e4 10.llJxd4 llJg4 1 1.h3 Wh6 12.hxg4 Wxd4 13.gS
continuation of the game. "The only possibility of activating his game. Wxdl 14.E:xdl ieS!?
a3) 1 S.E:c4!? i.d8 19.i.d2 (l 9.E:acl E:cb8!) Otherwise White continues 2 1 .�b l , with A move invented by Huzman.
1 9 ... �xc4 20.dxc4 E:cS 2 1 .i.e2 ltl e4 22.i.b4 f5 pressure on the b7-pawn." (Smyslov) But the lS ..ie3
and White is slightly better: he has the classic price for this tenuous activity is the improvement
bishop pair ending. of the white pawns and the opening of lines for
b) 17 ... �xc 1 t (I think this is one of the essential the white army.
This break is very strong with the knight on c4:
positions to analyse in this situation: after 21 .dxe4 E:xc4 22.llJd2 E:c2?!
23 ... exf4 24.M4 and White is clearly better.
1 7 ... h6 or 17 ... g6, if White so wishes, then The action of the black rook is not backed
b2) 19 ... h6 20.tLl c4 !"lcS and White is slightly
1 8.ltld2 practically forces Black to exchange up by the minor pieces and this makes it totally
better: in this case his basic plan is also to force
one rook due to the fact that he cannot allow harmless. From now on White will manage to
the f2-f4 break after i>g1 -fl-e2 and if3-e4.
the manoeuvre ltld2-c4 and �a3-c3, because regroup his army and drive away the invader.
b3) 1 9 . . . b6 20.E'k6! bxa5 2 1 .lLlc4 !"lb3
White's pressure would be extremely unpleasant.) Alternatively, if22 . . . E:b4! then 23.E:el and White
(2 l . . .E:b5 22.!"lxa6 lLl xd5 23.lLla3 and White has
1 8 .�xel �bS!? (Threatening an eventual ... b7-b6 is slightly better.
a huge advantage) 22.ie4! White is now clearly
to exploit the instability of White's a-file. Another 23 ..idl E:c3 24. <j;lfl
better: 22 . . . E:b4 23.f3 and White completely
possibility is 18 ... i.dS!? Black is again trying "White aims to strengthen his posmon by
stabilizes his position.
for the break ... b7-b6 while also stopping the transferring his king to e2, and his bishop to d4."
c) 17 ... i.d8!? Undoubtedly this is another
manoeuvre lLl b3-d2-c4. There follows 1 9 .i.d2! (Smyslov)
essential position to evaluate: Black prevents the
and White is slightly better since now this bishop 24 ... llJcS 2S ..td4 E:d3 26.,hcS! dxcS
manoeuvre tLl b3-d2-c4. 1 8 .id2! But now this
is heading for the b4-square from where it will 26 . . . !"lxd2!? 27.ie3 E:b2 28.E:c1 lLl xe4 29.!"lc8t A balanced position has been reached, where
move is annoying (with the intention of putting
exert unpleasant pressure: 19 ... b6 20.i.b4 lLlc5 i>g7 30.i.d4t - Smyslov. White faces many obstacles in organizing an
pressure on d6 while defending a5 again to free
2 1 .axb6! and White is clearly better.) 1 9.1Lld2: 27.<j;le2 E:xd2t?! effective attack against the d6-pawn due to
the b3-knight) . 1 8 . . . b6 ( l 8 ... g6 1 9.ib4 lLl e8
20.E:c4 and White is slightly better) 1 9.�c6 !"lcb8 If 27 ... E:d4 then 2S.f3. "White's central pawns the activity of Black's minor pieces. It is well
20.�xd6 bxa5 2 1 .lLlxa5 �xb2 (2 l . . .ixa5 22.ixa5 may become very dangerous. The a5-pawn known that whoever refrains from occupying the
�xb2 23.E:c6 and White is clearly better) 22.lLlc4 restricts two black pawns, and 28 . . . c4 is not centre with pawns gets in return open lines as
E1b5 23J::'1c6 with a clear advantage for White. possible due to 29.!"la4. well as active outposts for their knights. Surely
By sacrificing the exchange and thus winning this would be the standard comment we would
the important e4-pawn, Tal hopes to create a find in any book with didactic aspirations. But
fortress on the black squares." (Smyslov) the aim of this treatise is to go beyond, getting
As the subsequent course of the game showed, deeper into the positional details of the present
that was not possible. situation. Therefore I think it is essential to
28.<j;lxd2 ltlxe4t 29.<j;lc2 llJd6 answer two basic questions. On what methods
29 ... lLlxf2 30.i.f3 f5 3 1 .E:b1 and White wins. does Black base his defence of the d6-pawn?
30 ..ie2 What are the future plans for both sides? Black's
b I ) 19 ...g6!? 20.lLlc4 �c8 (20 ... tLleS 2 1 .d4!) With a clear advantage for White which method of defence is very simple but effective:
2 1 .g4! (highlighting one of the problems of the Smyslov subsequently realized with great skill. counterattack. The only option at White's
move ... g7-g6: now Black has to confront the Without any doubt Smyslov is one of the best disposal to overcome the wall erected by his
opponent entails driving away the e5-bishop 2 l .. .ie5 22.cj;>f2 Ele7 23.ig2 id7 24.ctJe2 advantage enough to achieve victory?
with f2-f4; but this move has the drawback of
weakening his own e4-pawn, turning it into an
easy target for Black's c5-knight. Therefore, what
are White's main ideas for the future? I will try to
summarize them:
1) To evacuate the hS-a l diagonal and, more
precisely, improve the somewhat exposed situation
of his c3-knight with ctJc3-e2 and maybe d4;
in this case Black will always have to be on the
lookout for the advance f3-f4 and e4-e5 trying to
exploit the instability of the c5-knight.
2) To try the direct advances f3-f4 and b2-b4 After much thought, Eljanov found this
despite everything, counting on the possibility novelty at the board. White prepares, eventually,
I think that White's position is preferable, as he The truth is that after analysing the option
of opening the position in a situation where the the manoeuvre ctJc3-e2-d4 to counteract Black's
can calmly prepare effective pressure against d6 20 ... ElfdS! I have not been able to reach a
white rooks are better placed (which they probably counterplay on the long diagonal. From now on
combined with the central push f3-f4, eventually definitive conclusion. I challenge the reader to
would be, due to White's space advantage) . Black will also have to reckon with the possible
followed by either e4-e5 or the expansion on analyse this interesting ending in detail.
3) To speculate on a possible exchange sacrifice advance f3-f4.
the queenside with b2-b3-b4 according to the On the other hand, if 1 7 ... ElfdS I S.Eld2 a5
on d6. With this White gets the bishop pair and Previously 17.Elac l ?! had been played, but
circumstances. Even so, White has to be careful 19 .Elbd l , the black rook is now not well-placed
excellent control. the main drawback of this move is that it is too
because the black pieces have great aggressive on dS.
On what is Black's counterplay based? Basically, slow: 17 ... EleS I S.Elc2 a4!? 1 9 .ctJe2 a3 20.b4 ctJa6
potential. For example, my game continued 18.�d2 as 19.�c2
on the pressure his pieces exert on the opponent's 2 1 .b5 ctJb4 with counterplay.
24 ... El£7 (very interesting is 24 ... ElaeS) 25.f4 Another alternative worth considering is
centre and queenside, in the latter case usually Or l 7. . .EleS!? (another important option is
EleS 26.ixc5 dxc5 27.Elxd7 Elxd7 2S .fxe5 Eld2 19 .Elbdl a4 20.Elxd6 ixd6 2 1 .Elxd6 ctJd7 and
supported by pushing the a-pawn to create new 1 7 ...ie6 I S.f4! ixc3 1 9.ixc5! dxc5 20. bxc3
with counterplay for Black, although after severe the position is unclear.
targets in this sector. transposing into an ending which we will consider
time-trouble White ended up winning, Eljanov
Let's see some variations. If White tries, for later) I S.ctJe2 (After this move Black always has
- Comas Fabrego, Ubeda 200 1 .
instance, a direct attack, he finds out that after 1 5 .f4 to keep an eye on the advance f3-f4 and e4-e5
ixc3! 16 .bxc3 ctJc5 (with the usual counterattack
17J�abl!
exploiting the instability of the c5-knight. Again,
Undoubtedly the move that presents Black
against the e4-pawn) 17.ia3?! (if 1 7.l'hd6 ctJxe4, premature was I S.f4 ixc3 1 9.ixc5 ib4! when
with the greatest difficulties. The aforementioned
the position is equal; or 1 7.e5 dxe5 I S.ia3 b6 Black easily holds the balance with this resource:
knight manoeuvre is threatened and in some
and Black is slightly better) 17 ... ctJxe4 I S .Ele l EleS 20 .ixb4 axb4 2 1 .Elxd6 ig4 22.id3 Elxa2 and
variations the reactions f3-f4 and b2-b4 are also
19 .id3 ( l 9.Ele3?! id7 20.Elael? ctJxc3!) 19 . . . d5 Black has good counterplay.) I S ... a4 1 9.ctJd4
possible. Less precise is 1 7.Elacl a5 I S .Elc2 a4
20.cxd5 cxd5 2 1 .c4 (2 1 .ib5 Ele6 22.c4 d4 and (The attempt at a direct attack against d6 was
19.ctJe2 a3! 20.b3 (20.b4 ctJa4) 20 ... ctJxb3! with
Black is clearly better) 2 1 . ..ie6 22.ixe4 dxe4 still doomed to failute. For instance 1 9 .f4 ig7
dangerous counterplay.
23.Elxe4 and Black was slightly better, Ivanov 20 .ixc5 [20.e5 if5 ! A thematic attack against the
- Glek, St Petersburg 1995.
17.. JHb8!?
b l -rook. 2 1 .Elbcl ctJd3 22.Elc3 ctJxb2) 20 ... dxc5
IS ... liJcs 16.8 .ie6! A move that is prophylactic and constructive at
2 1 .e5 h6! Black is slightly better since the white
the same time. Black anticipates the manoeuvre
The best option at this point in my opinion. centre is unstable. But 1 9 .ctJf4!? followed by ctJd3
The basic idea of this move is to present White b2-b4 and f3-f4 eventually preparing the active This is an interesting and typical exchange
was interesting.) 19 ... f6 This is the only viable
with the utmost difficulties in carrying out the move ... b7-b5. Instead, after l 7... a5 I S.f4! ixc3 sacrifice in this variation: in return for the
plan at Black's disposal since his counterplay on
useful manoeuvre ctJc3-e2-d4. Other alternatives 1 9 .ixc5 dxc5 20.bxc3 we reach a situation material deficit White gets the two bishops, an
the queenside has been temporarily neutralized.
were: where White's position seems at first sight clearly extra pawn and a better king than the opponent's.
20.gxf6 ixf6 2 1 .g3! (another possibility was
preferable due to the weakness of the b 7 -pawn, Without doubt, another ending that is worthy of
a) 1 6 . . . EleS 1 7.Elab l ! ie6 1 S.b4! ixc3 1 9 .bxc5 2 1 .ctJe2 ie5 22.f4 ig7 23.e5 [23.ixc5 dxc5
his majority of mobile pawns on the kingside, consideration.
dxc5 20.Elxb7 and White is clearly better. 24.e5 g5 25 .g3 ig4 with counterplay) 23 . . .if5!;
control of the open file and, potentially, better 19...a4
b) 1 6 ... a5 (this was played in Eljanov - Comas or 2 1 .ctJc2 ie5 22.f4 ig7 23.e5 if5! 24.Elbcl
Fabrego, Ubeda 200 1 ) 1 7.Elab l ! king. However, if one is not playing at the top Worse is 1 9 .. .f5 20.gxf6 ixf6 2 1 .ctJe2 a4
ctJe4 25.exd6 ixb2 and Black is clearly better)
level, the question to ask should be: Is White's 22.Eldl l"1dS 23.l"1cd2 and White is clearly better.
Final Conclusions? 67
But 19 ... b5!? 20.cxb5 cxb5 2 1 .ctJxb5 ixa2 Queen's Gambit Accepted [020] 15.f4! This is the new idea: the queen exchange
22.Elal ib3 23.Eld2 ie6 was very interesting, 3.e4 e5 Gaining enough compensation by starting an is virtually forced. Instead, after 1 4.if6 hf6
with an extremely complex position. 1 5 .exf6 �f5 master practice has shown that the
offensive on the kingside exploiting his mobile
20.ctJe2 a3 2 1.b3 l .d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 e5 4.lLlf3 exd4 5.hc4 majority in this part of the board. position is balanced.
If 2 1 .b4 then 2 1 . ..ctJa4. The infiltration of this lLlc6 6.0-0 i.e6 7.i.b5 i.c5 8.lLlbdl lLlge7 After 1 4.�e l ! there follows 14 ... Wxe 1 1 5.Elfxe1
15 Y;Yc8
•..
knight is tremendously annoying, and it forces 9. .!iJg5 Y;Yd6 10 . .!iJxe6 �xe6 1 1 ..!iJb3 �d6 IfI5 ... ElabS 1 6.1'!f3 , with the initiative: the black CUxe5 1 6. ctJd4 transposing to the main line of
White to take many precautions in order to avoid 12.i.f4 YNxf4 13.lLlxc5 0-0 14.'1Wc1!?N queen begins to experience some inconvenience. the game, where White is slightly better. The fact
this sort of thing.
16.Y;Yel! that the white rook would later move to cl from
21 ...lLld3 22JM2 lLlb4 23.lLld4 Ele8 The best square for the white queen, threatening e l instead of d l has no relevance at all.
a transfer to the kingside and defending the 14.gfxdl lLlxe5 15.lLld4 i.d7 16J!abl b6
important central pawn on e4 against Black's 17.gdc1
eventual manoeuvre ... b7-b6 followed by .. :&cS In the variation arising from the novelty, the
e6. Worse was 1 6.�d2 ( l 6.f5!?) 16 . . . a6 ( I 6. . . b6 move would be 17 .Elec 1 . Sometimes things really
17.CUd3 �e6) 17.ia4 b6 I S.ctJd3 �e6. are this easy.
16 ...a6 17.i.a4 b6 17 ... gfc8 18.i.a6 gc5! 19.1Llb3 gxc1 t
Or 17 ... EldS I S.f5!? ctJe5 1 9.�g3 ctJ7c6 20.gxc1 i.e6 21.'it>f1 lLlg4 22.'it>e2 lLlf6 23.f3
20.txc6 ctJxc6 2 1 .ctJd3 1'!eS 22.e5 with a strong lLld5 24.i.el f5 25.i.dl
attack.
18.lLld3 gd8 19.9c1 b5 20.i.b3 a5 21 .gc5!? a4
22..ic2
And White's position offers many prospects.
This is an interesting novelty that has gone

Griinfeld Defence
unnoticed until now. I guess this has a lot to do
5.i.g5 Variation [D9 1 ]
And Black has counterplay in the form of the with the fact that when material down it is highly
potential of his a3-pawn and the tactical motifs unusual to offer a transition into the ending
W Beliavsky
arising from it, as well as possible breaks in the in order to win the game! But it turns out that
• Kamsky
centre with ... d6-d5. without queens Black finds it very difficult to
Linares 1991
defend both his queenside and his over-extended
I would like to emphasize the fact that if you d-pawn.
l .d4 .!iJf6 2.c4 g6 3. .!iJc3 d5 4. .!iJf3 iLg7 5.i.g5
are reluctant to play and study the endgame in Moreover, White has valuable long-term
lLle4 6.i.h4 lLlxc3 7.bxc3 c5 8.cxd5 Y;Yxd5
detail, then you will have to avoid many opening advantages such as having the bishop in an
9.e3 lLlc6 10 ..ie2 cxd4 1 l.cxd4 0-0 12.0-0 e5
systems that are extremely interesting: in the unbalanced position, as far as the pawn structure is
13.dxe5 Y;Yxdl The resulting endgame is tremendously
present case, for Black, the system beginning concerned, and a potentially better king. If Black,
If l3 ... �a5 then l 4.�e l !N unpleasant for Black: most of White's forces
with 7 ... CUa6; and, for White, the important on the other hand, declines the transition into
have more attacking potential than their black
alternative S.Ele l . A player with such important this complex ending then he has to withdraw the counterparts, his king is better, and his pawn
limitations could never achieve true mastery in queen from the dominant position she currently majority is mobile. After a long and exhausting
opening play. occupies, and also give up the nice outpost on h6 effort Kamsky was unable to defend his
where the queen usually goes ro in this variation. position.
I'\.ew ideal if\. ttt,e pipelil\,e I challenge the reader to study this interesting
endgame. Below I am only going to show the
To end the chapter I will show a couple of new outline of what happens if Black refuses to
ideas where the most important thing is the exchange.
correct evaluation of the endings ensuing from 14...Y;Yg4
them. If 1 4 ... �xc l 1 5 .Elaxcl and White is slightly
better.
Cttapter II
f-low are OperV"8 Qoveltiel Bor",?
"He who gets lost finds new paths." The first novelty we are going to study emerged
Hans Vaihinger ( 1 852-1 933) German after a series of events that I will explain.
philosopher.
Epirode I: lite Of\.allJrir oP a ntodcrl sante ar
Generally the image of an opening expert is a a rource oP i'l!piratiol\.
person surrounded by monographs and thick
volumes of encyclopaedias. Nothing could be � Keres
further from the truth. ,., Fine
This might seem strange to the reader. I will go Ostend 1 937, Queen's Gambit [04 1 ]
further: I am going to assert that the real opening
specialist is that player who has a perfect mastery l . lLl f3 d S 2.d4 lLlf6 3.c4 e 6 4.lLlc3 c S S.cxdS
of the middlegame and the ending. Why? It lLlxdS 6.e4 lLlxc3 7.bxc3 cxd4 8.cxd4 i.b4t
turns out that all the stages are intimately related 9 ..id2 .L:d2t 10.Wixd2 0-0 1 1..ic4
and one cannot master one of them without
having a deep understanding of the others. The
aforementioned encyclopaedias are the clearest
example of that famous statement "information
is not the same as knowledge".
Think about it: What use is standing in front
of something valuable when one does not have
the ability to appreciate its worth? And this
ability, make no mistake, is only acquired after
a deep and thorough study of all the nuances of
our game.
In the next pages I want to introduce the
reader to the complex process involved in the
birth of opening novelties. You will see that it is
not a question of, to put it bluntly, trying out all
the possible alternatives in a given situation, but "This position is characteristic of the opening
rather a subtle process of association ofa complex variation starting with 6.e4. White possesses
of ideas suggested by practice and the general a strong pawn centre and excellent piece
study and research of specialized literature. development, but the black position has no
70 True Lies in Chess How are Opening Novelties Born? 71
weaknesses and contains good prospects for and the possibility o f invading the opponent's 7'h unlikely to work against proper counterplay,
counterplay once his development is complete. rank, thus putting pressure on f7. since the numerous preparatory moves necessary
Mechanical play by White would allow Black to 16 .. .'I�·c7 17.Wfh4 for White's combination can be thwarted by only
exchange major pieces along the c-file and then "Obviously a queen exchange is out of the one prophylactic defensive move on Black's part,
reach an advantageous ending. question for White." (Keres) viz. . . . h6. In the game White attains success only
White can now adopt two possible plans. In the ending White's central pawns lose their because Black is too late in observing the danger
The first consists of an attempt to realize his offensive effectiveness and become clear targets threatening him and plays too dogmatically for
preponderance in the centre and create a passed of attack for the second player. the realisation of his queenside pawn majority."
pawn by d5, and the second is a concentration of 17.. JUd8 One of the characteristics I appreciate most
all his pieces on a kingside attack. It is naturally in Keres' notes to his games is his sincerity, his
hard to say which of the two plans offers the relentless search for the truth and an admirable
better chances of success and therefore it is For instance 1 S.l"lacl ll.acS 1 9.ib3 tLl b4 and self-critical aspect that is difficult to find in
reasonable to keep both possibilities open for Black is clearly better. the annotations of other great players, such as
the time being. Since the move 1 1 .ic4 is of use 12.0-0 b6 13J�adl Botvinnik for instance. One would think that
in both cases it appears to me to be more logical ''fu we have already noted, placing a rook on the latter does everything well.
than the other possible moves that are played the c-file would serve no purpose and would John Nunn pointed out a flaw in the above
here, 1 1 .ie2 and 1 1 .id3." (Keres) lead sooner or later to further exchanges. The analysis: after I S . . .Wc3 1 9.f1e3 Wxd4
Only a couple of things: firstly, it is not at all text move initiates a sound plan. He places his
clear whether the mentioned endgame with the rooks behind the two centre pawns and is always
white pawn centre against a queenside majority threatening d5 or e5, so that Black has to pay
is better for Black. It has been shown in modern great care to his defence." (Keres)
games that it all depends on the position and 1 3.a4!? is the start of the plan preferred by
activity of the opposing armies. Petrosian and which subsequently would also
Secondly, White has an additional plan based be adopted by players such as Yusupov and
on a minority attack on the queenside, a plan Beliavsky. More dubious would be 1 3.d5?! tLlc5! "Now both sides have completed their
first carried out by the ex-World Champion and Black has an excellent position thanks to the development and must devise concrete plans for
Tigran Petrosian. strong situation of his knight. the middlegame. By posting his knight on f6
1 1 . tLJd7
.•
13 ....ib7 14.:gfel :gc8 1 5.,ib3 tLJf6 Black is adequately protected against the threat
"Black, too, has to solve the problem of creating " Many commentators have criticised this move of d5 and is also ready, in the event of e5, to
a plan. With the text move he transfers his knight and recommended that Black should bring his play . . . ttJd5. In reply to I S .ttJe5 , Black has the White has 20.f1ed3 winning the queen. So
to the kingside as protection against an eventual knight to fS to protect his kingside. Undoubtedly unpleasant answer 1 S . . . Wc3, when 19.1l.e3 will Nunn recommends meeting I S.ltJe5 with
attack. Another possibility was 1 1 . . .tLlc6 so as to the knight is bener placed on fS for defensive not do due to 1 9 ... Wxd4. I S . . . b5. Of course no analysis, however
use the knight to generate play on the queenside. purposes, but on the other hand Black would White must find an active plan because rigorous, will ever be perfect. It would be very
Tournament practice has shown thatthis plan, too, then experience much more difficulty in getting othetwise Black would start to create awkward useful for all of us to learn to acknowledge our
gives Black a reasonable game." (Keres) 12.0-0 a counterattack going. Such passive play is not to counterplay with . . . b5 followed by . . . a5. own mistakes.
b6 1 3 .l"lfd 1 ib7 1 4.Wf4 Wf6! 1 5.We3 l"lfdS everyone's taste and therefore Fine's choice is not After long thought White decided on the 18J�e3?
1 6.e5 Wh6! Reshevsky - Fine, Hastings to be censured, especially since Black arrives at a following plan. He would like to make a pawn "As already mentioned, White's plan offers
1 937. tenable position with it." (Keres) sacrifice, by d5 and if then . . . exd5 to continue the little chance of success against correct play.
I mention this game because of its original 16.Wff4 attack by e5. But this is not possible immediately, White should, therefore, immediately begin
manoeuvre exchanging the black queen. If now 1 6.d5!? This was the alternative I came up since after I S .d5 exd5 1 9 .e5, Black replies kingside action by I S.e5!." (Keres)
1 7.Wxh6? then after 1 7 . . . gxh6: with during the analysis of the game; later on I 1 9 ... lbe4 and ifWhite tries the intended exchange I S.e5 (If this is White's best continuation in
Black's positional advantage would be beyond found in my database that this was the option sacrifice by 20.l"lxe4 dxe4 then his rook on dl is this position then I think I can say that Black is
dispute because of the pressure he can exert chosen by Olafsson in a more recent game). en prise and he cannot continue with 21 .ltJg5. already better from the start. Curiously enough
on the opponent's centre and queenside. The 1 6 ...exd5 1 7.exd5 l"lc5 ( 1 7 ... Wd6!? I S.ttJd4 Therefore, in preparation of this combination, the Encyclopaedia evaluated the variation as
weakness of the black pawns on the kingside tLlg4!) 1 S .d6!? ixf3 1 9.9xf3 White's position is White first removes his rook from the d-file. better for White at the time; trust no one!)
cannot be exploited. clearly to be preferred due to his passed pawn It turns out, however, that the entire plan is IS ... tt:ld5 ( 1 S ... ixf3 ? 1 9.exf6 ixd l 20.Wg5 @fS
2 1 .�xg7t @e8 22.!"lxe6t!; 18 ... ctJd7 1 9.ctJg5 �f7t and �xb7, or the simple 28.hc8, when try; if 30.i.f5 liJf6 3 1 .!"lxb7 !"le8 32.!"lfl and the
ctJf8 20.ctJe4 he4 2 1 .�xe4 and White is slightly he would regain the attack with an enduring position is unclear. For this reason John Nunn
better) 1 9.ctJg5 h6 20.ctJe4 ctJc3 2 1 .ctJ f6t attack." suggested 27.�h3! instead of 27.�d4 and wrote
John Nunn disagreed: "Black can meet both "when Black cannot meet the threats based
threats by 27 .. J"1b8 when proving an advantage on iWd3t and l"1 1 e6t, for example 27 ... l"1f8
for White is not at all easy." The truth is often 28.i.d l !''') 30.!"l 1 e3 and White is clearly
elusive. better.
(White's alternatives on move 27: 27.�f4t 24.c!Llxh7! c!Llxh7
@e7 28.�f7t @d6; or 27.liJxh7t @e8 28.�h5t 24 . . . lLlg6 25.'�'h5 lLlf4 26.�f5 with a clear
@e7 29.�f7t @d6, in both cases the position is advantage for White.
unclear) . 25J'�h3 YlYcl 26.YlYxh7t @f8 27J3he3 d4
23.c!Llg5 c!Llf8? 28.YlYh8t �e7 29.YlYxg7 l:'!:f8 30.YlYf6t �e8
"Black has every prospect of beating back
Better was 23 ... h6! when "Black could have 3 1.e6!
the enemy attack and retaining his positional
resisted": 24.e6! hxg5 25.exf7t @xf7 26. !"le7t 1 -0
advantage." (Keres)
@g6. I f 26 ... @g8 then 27.�xg5 �c3
20.a4 b4?
Episod¢ II: Firsti·ttat\.d i"lPrcusiof\.S
"With a very strong attack." (Keres) I don't 20 . . . bxa4 21. .�xa4 h6 and Black is slightly
<;t> Comas Fabrego
agree with this evaluation; I think that Black's better.
defensive possibilities are greater than White's 2 1.d5!
* Dorfman
attacking resources, as the following variations "At last White succeeds in carrying out the
Mondariz (z) 2000, Nimw-Indian [E55]
show: 2 l . . .@h8! 22.E1d3 �c6! 23.d5 (23 .!"lg3 thrust he has so long and assiduously planned.
ctJe2t! and Black wins) 23 . . . exd5 24.h3 (24.@hl With the ensuing pawn sacrifice White drives
l.d4 c!Llf6 2.c4 e6 3.c!Llc3 i.b4 4.c!Llf3 c5 5.e3
d4 25.!"lg3 ctJe2 26.!"lxg7 @xg7 27.�g4t @h8 away the last piece protecting the enemy king
0-0 6.i.d3 d5 7.0-0 dxc4 8.hc4 c!Llbd7 9.YlYe2
and Black wins again) 24. . .i.a6! (24 ... d4 25.!"lg3 and so obtains a powerful attack that can hardly
b6 1O.l:'!:dl cxd4 I l .exd4 hc3 1 2.bxc3 YlYc7
d3 26.�g4 with an attack) 25 .!"lg3 ctJe2t 26.!"lxe2 be met successfully in over-the-board play. The
13.i.d2 i.b7 1 4.i.d3 l:'!:fe8 1 5.l:'!:el l:'!:ac8
.txe2 and Black is clearly better. following complications are very interesting and
1 6.l:'!:acl
IB b5!
.•• provide the analysts with a very fruitful field of
If 1 6.lLle5?! then 16 ... lLl xe5 1 7.dxe5 �c6!
"A very strong move that not only prepares the research." ( Keres)
28.h4! (or also 28 .hd5t i.xd5 29.�xd5t
advance of the queenside pawns but also gives 2 1 . .. exd5
@h8 30.�h5t with an attack) 28 ... �f6
the queen the important square b6." (Keres) If 2 l ...e5 then 22.�g5 (22.lLlg5 !"ld6 23.f4
29.i.xd5t i.xd5 30:�xd5t @h8 3 1 .!"lxd7 "and
19JMei with the initiative) 22 ... lLld7 23.lLlh4, with
White has some winning chances owing to his
If 1 9 .1iJe5 �b6 20.!"lg3 liJxe4 Black easily an attack ( Keres) . White gets a strong attack
opponent's weakened kingside. Perhaps in this
neutralizes White's wing attack by striking back without having to sacrifice any material.
variation 28.h3 is still stronger so that, in the
in the centre. 22.e5 c!Lld7
last line, White's h-pawn will not be attacked.
19 ... a5 22. . . lLle4 would be met by 23.e6! fxe6
The variations given provide convincing
We are now at one of the critical moments 24.!"lxe4 dxe4 25.lLlg5 �c3! (25 . . . h6 26.�xe6
proof of the difficulties with which Black has
of this interesting contest. Let's see what Keres �c3 27.liJxd8t @h7 28. !"lfl and White is clearly
to contend even if he finds the best defence. It
thinks about it: better) 26.i.xe6t (26.�xh7t @ f8 27.lLlxe6t
is therefore understandable that, in the given
"Black still discerns no danger and imagines @e7 28.�h4t �f6 and Black is slightly better)
time-limit, it is difficult to decide which of the
he will be able to continue his queenside advance 26 . . . @f8.
many dangerous variations offers him the besr
unhindered." Then Keres rightly recommends the " However, it seems unlikely that Black, in An important in-between move preventing
chances of saving the game." (Keres)
following continuation as a better option than the view of his broken kingside, can put up so the transfer of White's pieces ro the kingside.
After 26... @g6 there follows 27.�d4 �c3
one that happened in the game: 19 ... h6! 20.e5 successful a defence. And a closer analysis shows 1 8.f3 � d7 1 9 .@h1 a6!? and Black is fine.
28.i.c2t @h5 (28 . . . Wxc2 29.!"lxg7t @h5
(20.g4 �f4 and Black is clearly better; 20.d5 that White has a more enduring continuation of 1 6.c4!? is met by 16 . . . Wd6! (threatening
30.g4t @h4 3 1 .�e3; 28 ... @h6 29. !"l l e6t ctJ f6
exd5 2 1 .e5 liJe4 and again Black is clearly better) the attack. He must play 26.i.xe6t @f8 27.!"lfl ! . ... i.xf3 ; worse was 16 ... i.xf3 1 7.iWxf3 e5 1 8.d5
30. !"lxf6t) 29.�dl t @h6 (29 ... g4!?, suggested
20 ... ctJd5 2 1 .!"le4 �e7 and Black is slightly better. With this White threatens 28.�f4t, followed by e4 19 ..txe4 �xc4 20 . .tf5 !"lxel t 2 1 .!"lxe 1 with
by Deep Junior, is a very interesting defensive
the initiative) 1 7.i.c3 0 7.i.e3 e5 1 8 .dxe5 liJxe5
1 9 .'Llxe5 "Wxe5 and Black's position is excellent) 1 6 ...§'d6! This kind o f comment has been reproduced with his pieces happily placed, completely
17 ... "Wf4! with counterplay. Preventing the mobilization ofWhite's centre, in some famous books on the middlegame. turned all that beauty of the white position into
During the game I considered 1 6.a4!? for a for if 1 7.c4 then 1 7 . . .ixf3 . What is the image that is being etched in the nothing."
long time. The minority attack thus initiated 1 7..ia6 §'d5 18 ..ib5 subconscious of the chess player who, with the Before carrying on I think it is necessary to
by White tries to get rid of the weakness of 1/2-1f2 best of intentions, tries to absorb the knowledge make clear a series of extremely important points.
the isolated a-pawn. Now Black has several imparted by the classical authors? More or less it In Spanish-speaking literature the work Tratado
alternatives: Epi/od� III: Prcrcof\.c�pti0'l! is the following: General de Ajedrez by the author Roberto Grau
a) 1 6 . . . id5 1 7.ltJe5! White must avoid is very popular. In it he puts special emphasis on
the exchange of the light-squared bishops. � Portisch Undesirable positions Philidor's aphorism "The pawns are the soul of
17 . . . ltJ xe5 l S.dxe5 ltJd7 1 9."Wh5 and White .., Petrosian chess"; based on this the author classifies pawn
gets promising prospects of attacking the enemy Lone Pine 1 978, Nimzo-Indian [E52J structures into good, not desirable, bad ... in the
kingside because of the chance of transferring style of the previous diagrams.
his major pieces to that sector. For instance: l .d4 ct:lf6 2.c4 e6 3.ct:lc3 .ib4 4.e3 b6 5 ..id3 Current chess has superseded, fortunately, most
a l ) 1 9 . . . 'LlfS!? 20.l'!e3 l'!edS and the position .ib7 6.ll:lf3 0-0 7.0-0 d5 8.a3 .id6 9.h4 dxc4 of the simple principles handed down by classical
is unclear (if 20 . . .i.c4 2 1 .i.xh7t ct:l xh7 22.l'!h3, lO.hc4 ct:lbd7 1 1..ib2 a5 chess authors, and this one is no exception. Such
White is clearly better) . In his excellent book Ajedrez en fa Cumbre a static view of the position amounts to a very
a2) 1 9 . . . g6 20."Wh4 i.c4 2 1 .i.c2 "WbS 22.�g5 Petrosian comments on this move: "An essential poor perception of what is actually happening
i.d5 23.l'!e3, Hillarp Persson - Ionescu, Batumi part of Black's plan, linked to the preparation and nowadays, as Petrosian points out, piece
1 999. of the . . . e6-e5 advance. Since neither 1 1 .:gbl play is a factor highly valued by contemporary
But what I was really afraid of was... nor 1 1 .bxa5 promises White anything, he grandmasters.
b) 16 . . . a5! gladly pushes the pawn to b5, where he can Secondly, I would like to give my opinion on
blockade the two black pawns on the b- and one of the most important and controversial
c-files. topics in modern chess. In his excellent book
Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy John Watson
holds that current chess has favoured a more
analytical approach to the game, analysis being
understood as the concrete investigation of all
the possible situations from a given position, to
the detriment of a more conceptual view based
on strategic rules and principles.
It is true that modern chess is much more
specialized and that very often the analysis of
certain variations extend to the 35'h move or
I remember that when I told Dorfman about beyond. But I don't think that this process of
this move he was perplexed at first. In fact it Petrosian was an independent thinker who was investigation is solely based on such a method of
seems illogical to weaken both the b5-square not easily influenced by general considerations. brute-force analysis of all the imaginable logical
and the b6-pawn at the same time "for nothing", That's why he doesn't stop there in his notes on this possibilities, worthy of a computer but not of a
although it is clear that White also has his share position, but adds: "Some years ago I examined person.
of weaknesses in the form of his hanging pawns If Black tries to get rid of it with ... c7-c6 this position, realizing that in the games played We humans have developed an exceptionally
on the c- and d-files. White, by playing a3-a4, substitutes the function White was not successful. Without trusting the powerful technique to deal with complexity: we
But what is more important is that suddenly of the b5-pawn with the a4-pawn, which is going normal continuations I tried to improve White's abstract from it. Being unable to grasp complex
the first player doesn't have a clear plan to to restrain another pair of black pawns, the ones play, and the strange thing was. . . objects in their entirety, we ignore the non
improve his position. If 1 7.c4 then 1 7. . ."Wd6 on a5 and b6. If one adds the fact that White Generally, i n the course o f the analysis White essential details, dealing instead with the ideal
( 1 7 . . . h6!?) 1 S .i.e3 ( I S .i.c3 "Wf4) 1 S . . . e5 has one more pawn in the centre, then one can looks beautiful and the positional advantage was model of the object and focussing on its essential
(I S . . . ct:l g4) 1 9 .dxe5 ct:l xe5 20.ct:lxe5 l'!xe5 with a conclude from a general reasoning that he has a apparent. But only when I reached the method aspects. Thus is born language, the concept and
complex position. clear advantage." move by move, it became apparent that Black, the principle that is no more than a simplified
view of reality in such a way that one can interact 17.axb6 axb6 1 8J�ac1 VNb8 19.E:h1 VNa8 conclusions that were firmly established in the
with it. Abstraction is essential to understand this 20.E:al VNb8 21 .eS! subconscious of the author.
complex world. Transformation of the elements: from
Therefore I think that, when possible, concrete domination of the centre into control of the The novelty
analysis has to go hand in hand with a clear important outpost on d6 where a white knight Queen's Gambit [D41J
explanation of the ideas accompanying this or is heading.
that continuation, since the concept is flexible 21...lLld5 22.lLlg5 h6 23.lLle4 VNc7 24.lLld6 l.lLlf3 c5 2.c4 lLlf6 3.lLlc3 d5 4.cxd5 lLlxd5
and can be used in a multitude of similar positions S.d4 e6 6.e4 lLlxc3 7.bxc3 cxd4 8.cxd4 i.b4t
and therefore the study of a game becomes 9.i.d2 .L:d2t 10.VNxd2 0-0 1 1.i.c4 b6 12.0-0
instructive. And if the concept to explain a given .ib7 13.�fel lLl d7 14.a4 �c8 15.i.d3 a5!?N
positional phenomenon does not exist, one has
to be brave and formulate it.
However, one has to be extremely careful With this minority attack White begins an
because the blind application of a principle only interesting plan whose aim is on the one hand
leads to a mere limitation of our intellectual to weaken the enemy queenside and on the
and creative capacity and therefore to an other to get rid of the weakness of the isolated
impoverishment of our level of play. One more a-pawn. In the following game Black's resistance
reason for analysis and positional evaluation to was minimal despite him being an ex-World
go hand in hand in the search for truth. Champion. The game continued 13 ...ii.b7
1 4.Elfel ElcS 1 5 .�d3 lLl bS ?! 1 6.a5 lLlc6 1 7.axb6
Epi/ode IV: Ttte deva/tati� H\Pluef\ce of! lLlxd4? ( 1 7 . . . axb6 I S .�b2 and White is clearly
precofl,Ceptiorv better: the b6-pawn is much more vulnerable
than the white centre) l S.lLlxd4 '&xd4 19.bxa7 From now on Black's position is torture.
Under the effects of these disparate impressions ElfdS 20.Ela3 (20.Eled l ! was winning) 20 ...ii.aS 24 ... �a8 25J�abl E:ad8 26J!ec1 VNe7 27.8
I started studying the main variation of the 2 1 .h3 h6 22.Elcl '&b6 23.ElxcS ElxcS 24.Ela2 Elc7 .ia8
Semi-Tarrasch because I was so impressed by 25.'&e3 '&b3 26.Elal Eld7 27.�fl White had a If 27. . .l'hd6 then 28.exd6 '&xd6 29.�e4 This is a conceptual novelty. It is not clear
the strength of this kind of structure for Black, decisive plus in Petrosian - Tal, Moscow 1 972. and although still not easy, White's position is whether the b6-pawn is more vulnerable than
keeping potential counterplay and therefore 13.�fel b6 14.a4 strategically winning. the a4-pawn. Against the eventual exchanging
winning chances. The same plan as in the Petrosian - Tal game. 28.i.c4 gb8 29.E:b2 gfd8 30.E:bc2 lLlc7 manoeuvre ii.d3-b5 there might follow ... liJd7-f6
The first line I chose for my investigations 14....ib7 IS.�d3 31 .i.d3 lLle8 32.lLlb5 VNd7 33.VNb4 harassing the enemy centre. In some variations the
was the minority attack plan in which I felt The placement of Black's f6-knight offers some White's advantage is evident. b4-square could become an excellent outpost for
an incisive idea trying to emerge. In the games attacking prospects for White in the centre and the black queen, creating interesting counterplay
played to date with this plan Black had not been the kingside in connection with the eventual Epi/ode V: 8uildi� f\ew pattv on the queenside or in many cases a favourable
able to overcome the positional preconceptions manoeuvre e4-e5 and lLl f3-g5, targeting the d6- queen exchange. It is important to leave the
in vogue. I think the next game is tremendously square at the same time. "The great are great because we are on our black knight on its current square from where
illustrative of what I am saying. 15 ... :Sc8 16.a5 VNc7 knees. Let's rise up!" Max Stirner ( 1 S06- it defends the b6-pawn and prevents the plans
If 16 ... h6!?, preventing the manoeuvre lLl f3- I S 56) German philosopher connected with the advance e4-e5, like the ones
� Yusupov g5 for good, then 1 7.axb6 axb6 I S.Elab 1 '&c7 seen in Yusupov - Eslon, and also making very
* Eslon 1 9.Elb3! ElfdS 20.h3: And now the time has come to introduce the idea difficult the possible advance d4-d5 because of
Can Picafort 1 9S 1 , Queen's Gambit [D4 1 ] With the possible plans '&d2-b2 putting that for so long has been trying to come to the an eventual ... lLld7-c5. In this case we are talking
pressure on the weak pawn on b6 or also ii.d3- fore. It's not simply a novelty, in the sense of a about dynamism because Black's defensive
l .d4 lLlf6 2.c4 e6 3.lLl8 dS 4.lLlc3 cS S.cxdS b l followed by e4-e5, lLlf3-h2 and Elb3-g3, new move, but an original way of understanding mechanism is counterplay against the enemy
lLlxdS 6.e4 lLlxc3 7.bxc3 cxd4 8.cxd4 i.b4t when White's pressure would be particularly the position as a whole, hence its complexity but centre and queenside. Thanks to the pressure
9 ..id2 .L:d2 1O.VNxd2 0-0 1 1 .i.c4 lLl d7 12.0-0 unpleasant. In any case White's prospects seem also its great beauty. exerted on these parts of the board White cannot
lLlf6 clearly better thanks to the fact that there doesn't I hope the reader can appreciate the audacity freely manoeuvre to effectively attack Black's b6-
1 2 ... b6 1 3.a4!? seem to be any clear counterplay for Black. it required at the time to overcome a series of pawn.
7S True Lies in Chess How are Opening Novelties Born? 79
16.�adl! c) 1 9 .1Lld4!? (a tremendously interesting move: The passed pawn succumbs without enough l.d4 lbf6 2.c4 e6 3.tLlf3 d5 4.tLlc3 c5 5.cxd5
With the clear intention of creating a passed Black cannot prevent the invasion of the white compensation in return. tLlxd5 6.e4 tLlxc3 7.bxc3 cxd4 8.cxd4 J.b4t
pawn in the centre. Other possibilities are: knight) 1 9 . . .g6 ( l 9 . . .�xdS 20.�e4 �xe4 2 1 .E:xe4 17...�c7! 9.J.d2 hd2 10.�xd2 0-0 1 1 .J.c4 b6
a) 1 6.i.b l ? (a hasty attempt) 16 . . .�e7 1 7.eS �xe4 and White is slightly better) 20.�h6 lLl f6 Interesting are both 17 . . . �c6!? and 17 ... E1c3!? 12.0-0 J.b7 13J3fel tLld7 14J'�adl �c8 15.i.b3
(l 7.�d3 �b4 l S.eS g6 and Black is clearly better) 2 1 .lLlbS �xdS 22.i..e4 0 xe4 23.E:xdS i..xdS and (starting typical counterplay on the c-file) �f6!?
17 . . .i.xf3 l S.�d3 �h4! and Black is on top. White is clearly better. l S.�bS lbf6!?
b) 1 6.E:a3 �e7 1 7.l"lb3 i.c6! (using the weakness 17.�f4 18.�xc7
of the a4-pawn) lS.i.bS i.xbS 1 9.E:xbS E:c4 and If 1 7.�b 1 then 1 7 ... E:c4! (again exploiting the l S.�h4 lLlf6 1 9 .eS (l 9.E:b l E1fd8) 1 9 ... i.xf3
Black is slightly better. weakness of the a4-pawn) l S .dS lLlcS 1 9.dxe6 ( 1 9 . . . lLldS!?) 20.gxf3 0dS 2 1 .�e4 g6 and Black
c) 1 6.l"lab l And then: lLlxe6! and Black is slightly better. is slightly better.
el) 16 ... �c7 1 7.E:eel (1 7.dS lLlcS) 17 ... �bS After 1 8 . . . E:xc7 Black's position is much more
Simplification reduces the strength of White's comfortable.
centre and increases Black's prospects of
counterplay on the queenside.
el l) l S .h3 h6!? ( 1 S ... �aS 1 9.�e2 E:xel t
20.l='lxel lLl f6 2 1 .0d2 and the position is
unclear)
e l 2) I S .�gS h6 1 9.�h4 ( 1 9.�e7 lLl f6)
1 9 . . . E1xel t 20.E:xel E1cS with counterplay.
c2) 1 6 ... h6!?
A very interesting idea. Black intends to finish
his development with either ...E:fdS or . . .E1fe8.
If 1 7.h3 then 17 ... �c7 1 8 .d5 exd5 1 9 .exd5 From f6 the queen can eventually go to the g6- or
i.xdS! 20.i..f5 (20.E1e7 E:cdS 2 1 .�fS i.x8 22.gxf3 h6-squares offering an exchange similar to the one
0eS! and Black is clearly better) 20 ...�xf3 After such an extensive account the reader seen in the game Reshevsky - Fine. In any case,
2 1 .gxf3 lLl cS!? and Black is clearly on top. may be thinking "So much work to discover one the most important fact is that for the time being
Or 1 7.dS ?! (Black has his pieces well placed to new idea!" Make no mistake, the account has White does not have the natural advance d4-d5 at
fight against this advance) 1 7. . .exdS 1 8 .exdS E:cS been long but in my brain the ideas arose and his disposal due to the perfect counter ... lLld7-cS.
1 9 .i.bS ( l 9.d6 Lf3 20.gxf3 �h4! with a strong connected at lightning speed. This is the true Another idea that would be very interesting to
initiative on the kingside; the a4-pawn is also miracle of the human mind. carry out in practice is I S ... b5. Black starts a
"hit") 19 ... lLl f6 20.d6 E1dS (20 ... i.xf3 2 1 .gxf3 demonstration on the queenside as in the game
E:gst 22. Wfl E1dS 23.�xdS lLlxdS 24.E:xd5 and Epi/ode VI al\,d la/t: r:tPPlyi"S ttt,e ideal 10 Keres - Fine. We would have to evaluate the
A typical move to consolidate the kingside. The White is clearly better) 2 1 .�f4 gS! 22:�g3 lLle4 Par di/(ulled to "loderl\, pO/ltiol\,l slight weakening of the pawn itself and of the
black queen is very well placed on the dS-square: and Black is slightly better. dark squares that this advance provokes.
it is not at all easy for White to make progress. "Insist on your mistakes because that is your Another important option is l S ... E:eS 1 6.'lWf4
After 1 7.�e2 E:c3! Black is slightly better. true personality." Julio Cortazar ( 1 9 1 4- 1 984) and now:
16 ... h6! Argentinean writer a) 1 6 ...�f6 l7:�d6 E:ed8 l 8.�a3 and:
An extremely important prophylactic move a l ) 1 8 ... aS? 1 9 .�a4 �f4 20.�e7 with a further
improving the position of the kingside. If When one has carried out a thorough analysis split:
16 . . .�c7 then 1 7.dS! exdS l S .exdS �d6 (it is of a series of games in a specific variation it is a l l ) 20 ... �f6 2 1 .�d6 lLl c5 22.�xb6
necessary to block the passed pawn; if l s ... lLlcS much easier to find new ideas in other lines of the (22.dxc5!? E1xd6 23.cxd6 with compensation)
then 1 9 .d6 with an attack) and now: same system. This phenomenon, which bears the 22 ... lLl xa4 23 .�xb7 and White is clearly better.
a) 1 9 .1Llh4!? g6 20.�gS !? with the initiative. technical name of synergy, is mentioned in John a 1 2) 20 ... �c7 2 1 .d5 with an attack in Van
b) 1 9.1LlgS lLlf6! ( l 9 ... h6 20.i.h7t!! @hS Nunn's excellent book Secrets of Practical Chess. Wely - Cu. Hansen, Ter Apel 1 993.
2 1 .lLle4 and White is clearly better) 20.lLle4 Reading it is highly recommended: it is an ode to a2) 18 ... a6 19.�b4 as 20.�bS i..c6 2 1 .'lWe2
lbxe4 2 1 .i..xe4 and the position is even. common sense. Although White is slightly better, I think that
Black should survive: 2 1 . . . .ib7 22.d5 tLl c5. Black mobilizes his maJonty to harass, counterplay) 20 ..ia2 !'lc2 2 1 ..ib l !'lc4 again With this manoeuvre the assault on the e5-pawn
b) 1 6 ...'iWc7!? eventually, the enemy bishop. If White answers with counterplay. begins. Black has a very promising position. For
with a2-a4 this pawn and the bishop could c4c) 1 8.e5!? A typical pawn sacrifice. l S ... ttJeS instance 20 ..ia4 ttJxe5; or if 20.\t>hI �c5 when
become targets for Black's attack. 19.ttJ d4 ttJc7 20.ttJf5 ttJe6 2 1 .'iWg4 the position is unclear; or 20.1Wg5 .ixf3 2 1 .'iWxg6
a) l 6.a4 tLl f6 ( l 6 ...'iWf6!?) I 7.d5 exd5 1 8.exd5 hxg6 22.gxf3 �c5 23.f4 g5 24.f5! (24.fxg5
�c5 1 9.d6 .id5 20 ..ixd5 �xd5 2 1 .'iWf4 tLl h5 and ttJxe5 25.�e3 tLl g6 and Black is slightly better)
the position is level. 24 ... exf5 25 .e6 fxe6 26.�xe6 �h7 27.�e7 and
b) l 6.d5 tLlc5 I 7.'iWb2 'iWf6 (most of the endings the position is even.
are good for Black) 1 8 .'iWxf6 gxf6 1 9 .ttJd4 tLlxb3!
20.axb3 �fd8 Black is slightly better thanks to Tt\.e practical tcut
the superiority of the bishop over the knight.
c) 1 6.'iWf4! with four possibilities: To close this section I would like to show a game
that brought two of the world's leading experts
in this system face to face. I am referring to
Black persists in his attempt to exchange queens Beliavsky and my friend Jordi Magem to whom
to limit the strength of a potential white passed some months earlier I had mentioned the novelty
pawn in the ending, because then the black king we are examining. He didn't know in depth the
White's initiative is fairly unpleasant.
could enter the scene. conclusions I had reached, but nevertheless he
1 6.�e3
b I ) I 7.'iWh4 h6! (a standard move against has a good knowledge of the nuances of this kind
If I 6.d5 then 16 ... ttJc5 (again the key square)
White's attack; if instead I7 ...tLl f6 I 8.d5 exd5 of structure.
1 7.e5 ttJxb3! and Black is clearly better; and
1 9.e5! tLle4 20.�xe4 dxe4 2 1 .tLlg5, White 1 6.'iWb4 is met by l6 ... 'iWf4! I 7.'iWe7 �c7 with a
is clearly better) I 8.d5 exd5 1 9.exd5 !'lxe l t complex position.
W Beliavsky
20.�xe l (20.CtJxeI 'iWd6 and Black i s slightly ,., Magem Badals
16 .. J��fd8!?
better) 20 ... ttJf6 Black has an excellent position. Linares open 2002, Queen's Gambit [D4 l l
The beginning of a plan whose aim is to
b2) 1 7.'iWxc7 !'lxc7 I 8.d5 ( l 8 ..ia4 !'ld8 1 9 .d5 c l ) 16 . . .'iWf6 l 7.'iWd6! �fd8 IS ..ta4 .ic6 provoke the advance of the white pawns in order
ttJc5 20.d6 �cc8 2 1. .�c2 f6 and Black is slightly 19 ..ixc6 tLlbS 20 ..id7 ttJ xd7 2 1 .�cl and White l.e4 e5 2.lLlc3 lLlf6 3.lLla d5 4.cxd5 lLlxd5
to weaken them. Also interesting is I 6. . .l"1c7!?
better: in many endings the d6-pawn is a huge is clearly better. 5.d4 e6 6.e4 tLlxc3 7.bxc3 cxd4 8.cxd4 .ib4t
l 7.d5 !'ld I S .'iWd2 �xf3 1 9.dxe6 fxe6 20.'iWxd7
liability) 1 8 ... exd5 I 9.exd5 ( l 9 . .ixd5 tLlc5) c2) I6 . . . b5 l7.d5! e5 07 ... exd5 I 8 . .ixd5 with 9 .id2 h:d2t 10.�xd2 0-0 1 l ..ie4 tLld7
•
�xf2 21 .'iWxe6t 'iWxe6 22 ..ixe6t �hS 23 ..id5
19 . . .�xe I t 20.!'lxe1 tLl f6 2 1 .d6 �d7 22.ttJe5 an attack) 1 8.'iWd2 and White is slightly better. 12.0-0 b6 13.a4 .ib7 14JUel rle8 15.i.d3
with equality.
(22.�e7 .ixf3 23.gxf3 �f8 24.�xd7 ttJxd7 and d) 16 ...�c7!? I think this is the best option: 17.d5 lLlc5 18.e5 �g6 19.d6
a5!N
Black is clearly better) 22 ... �xd6 23.ttJxfl l"1d2 c3a) I 7.Wfh4 �fe8! (anticipating the threat d4- 1 9.dxe6 fxe6 20.�d6 �fS with counterplay.
Black runs no risk. d5) l S ..ia4 ( I S.d5 exd5 I 9.exd5 !'lxe l t 20.�xeI 19... lLld7!?
There is still another possibility to analyse: ttJ f6 and Black is slightly better) I8 ... h6 1 9. tLl e5
I 5 ... a5!? ttJxe5 and Black is on top.
db) I 7.'iWxc7 Elxc7 1 8 .d5 tLlc5 1 9.d6 ( l 9.tLle5
f6 20.d6 Elcc8 2 1 .ttJd3 ttJxb3 22.axb3 e5)
I9 ... �cc8 20 ..tc2 f6 with counterplay.
c4) I 6 ... tLl f6 1 7.d5 exd5
c4a) I 8.,ixd5 .ixd5 1 9.exd5 tLl xd5 20.'iWf5
�c5 2 1 .tLlg5 ttJ f6 22.tLl xfl �xf5 23. tLl xd8 l"1d5
and the position is level.
c4b) I S.exd5 b5! (Black's counterplay begins)
I 9.a3 (l 9.a4 �c3 20.ttJd4 bxa4 2 1 . tLl c6 .ixc6
22.dxc6 axb3 23.l"1xdS �xd8 and Black is
clearly better) I9 ...a4 ( l 9 ... �c3 20.�e3 �xe3
2 1 .fxe3 'iWb6 22.d6 .ixf3 23.'iWxf3 �e8 with 16.h3?!
How are Opening Novelties Born? 83
Confronted with the novelty Beliavsky reacts 26 .. J3cxd4 27.lLlc6 gxe4 28.gal �a8 29.gbS progress, for they provide a more manageable to achieve strategic goals [in the long-term, for
in a very neutral way. This move doesn't add lLldS 30.6 gf4 view of the complex reality. The million-dollar example, the two bishops, better pawn structure,
material advantage, better minor pieces ... ]".
anything special to the position and Black soon Black could have gained a bigger advantage
question is: where is the point when that which is
takes over the initiative. with the more natural 30 ... !'le2!,
useful in principle for Out development as chess Then Watson shows us a fantastic example
16...�e7
players can suddenly turn into a liability for which I can't help reproducing.
1 6 . . . "@c7!?
our progress? The answer: The moment we stop
17J3abl �fd8 18.i.bS lLlf6 19.�d3 �c7
searching, investigating, doubting, enquiring; Scotch Opening [C4S]
19 . . .h6!?
in short, the moment we stop thinking for
20.gb3
ourselves. l.e4 eS 2.lLla lLlc6 3.d4 exd4 4.tLlxd4
If 20.e5 then 20 . . .4:ld5 2 1 .4:lg5 "@c2! so that
When we mechanically apply positional I would like to remind you that this opening
if 22.�xc2 !'lxc2 23 ..id3 !'lal! 24.�xh7t )i:;f8,
principles we are not so different from chess was almost forgotten in grandmaster practice
Black has no problems at all.
programs playing according to the algorithms until Kasparov rescued it in the 90's. I guess
20...h6
built into them by their creators. The big that this is partly due to the fact that, as we will
A typical defensive move preventing a possible
difference between human beings and electronic now see, many of the variations in this system
4:lg5. However, it was better to play 20 . . . "@f4!,
devices is creativity. When what we have learned hardly fit classical positional principles, and for
becomes a stimulus to search for new appraisals uncreative players this was an insurmountable
the idea being 3 1 .!'lxa5 l"lxa5 32.4:lxa5 ltJ f4 and points of view in established analysis and obstacle.
and Black is clearly better. evaluations, we are on the right course. When 4... lLlfG S.lLlxc6 bxc6 G.eS
31 .E:a3 ga6 32.lLlxaS lLlb6 33.<;!?h2 �ha4 we believe that thanks to them we already know Seizing important central space.
34.�xb6 g6xaS 3S.gxa4 gxa4 everything and can stop thinking, we are dead. 6 ...�e7 7.�e2 tLldS 8.c4
Despite the extra pawn, a draw is the correct In his excellent book Secrets of Modern Chess Attacking yet another important square in the
result. Strategy Watson introduces new and very centre of the board.
36.E:b8t <;!?h7 37.�b7 <;!?g6 38.<;!?g3 <;!?f6 interesting concepts that open unexpected paths 8...ia6
39.h4 eS 40.�b6t <;!?f5 41.E:b7 <;!?g6 42.E:bS f6 in the field of opening theory investigation: Black defends the position of his knight by
43.�b7 hS 44.�c7 gd4 4SJ�b7 <;!?hG 46.E:c7 structural advantages and repeatedly moving a developing pieces, as the norms require.
�b4 47.�e7 <;!?g6 48.�c7 �b8 49J�a7 E:e8 single piece with the aim of winning positional 9.b3
SO.E:b7 <;!?h6 S 1 .E:f7 <;!?g6 S2.E:a7 E:f8 S3.E:e7 advantages in the long-term. Traditionally one Another pawn move.
increasing the pressure on the enemy centre E:f7 S4.E:e8 <;!?f5 S5.E:h8 g6 S6J�a8 E:b7 of the positional principles most respected by 9 ... g6 1 0.f4
and the kingside. For instance: 21 .g3 'Wh6 S7.E:aG ge7 S8.<;!?h3 e4 S9.fxe4t gxe4 Go.E:a3 classical literature and players is the one stating And another one. Who is this tyro playing
22.)i:;h2 (22.h4 !'lel and Black is clearly better; 1/2-1/2
that in the opening quick development of the White?
22.)i:;g2 �g6 with an attack) 22 . . .l::k l and Black's forces, and therefore the optimization of the time 10...ig7
initiative is very unpleasant. It is very significant that a player as experienced in element, is the main priority. From this principle Black is playing very well: he finishes his
21.�bl i.cG!? this opening as Beliavsky had so many problems stems others such as: develop another piece on mobilization and prepares to castle.
In the ending White's central pawns are from the very start of the contest, which shows each move, don't make pawn-moves on the flank 1 1 .�f2
permanent targets of attack. Also interesting was the strength of the new idea. Undoubtedly future in the opening, don't bring the queen out too And now White moves the queen to boot. All
2 l . .."@f4!? 22 ..id3 4:ld7. games will show whether this plan is viable or early, don't move the same piece more than once, of this in order ro win a knight, how naive ...
22.hc6 �xc6 23.�bS not. Although my hunch is ... it is! etc. 1 1...lLlfG
23.!'lxb6 "@xa4 is about equal. In his book Watson comments: "The modern After 1 1 . . .4:lb6 this knight and the a6-bishop
23...�c2 lo�ternt rtructural a'ld poritio'lal view of these matters is quite different, of course. would be badly restricted by the pawn chain a2-
The weakness of the a4-pawn gives Black more advCV\.tase r verrur tinte Whether in closed, semi-open, or open positions, b3-c4.
than enough counterplay. flank pawn moves are regularly employed for a 12.ie2 dG B.i6 0-0 14.0-0
24.�xc2 gxc2 2S.gxb6 gc4 26.lLleS?! As I have noted before, our "horizon" is very often variety of reasons, e.g., the establishment of space, But not 14 ..ixc6? ltJg4 1 5 ."@e2 4:lxe5! when
A basic calculation error, although after 26.e5 limited by patterns, principles and methods we the discouragement of castling by the opponent, Black is clearly better.
4:ld5 27.!'ld6 !'ldc8 28.!'lal !'lel t 29.!'lxel l"lxcl t have acquired during our learning process. But or the launching of a minority attack [all of these 14...ib7
30.)i:;h2 l"lc4 Black is slightly better; White would at the same time, and although it might seem would be structural advantages - Comas] . Pieces Something is wrong: if 14 ... dxe5 then
still have to suffer. a contradiction, these are essential to make any are moved any number of times, if necessary, 1 5 ..ia3.
IS.i.a3 �d7 16.�d2 I think that in the first place, Kasparov was 2. The strength of certain pawn structures. play. I think I can show you some lines that fit
after the effect of the novelty, for he was in a Pawns have a privilege that people very often quite well with what I have just explained.
transitional opening phase, from queen's pawn forget about: the ability to establish, at once, a
to king's pawn openings, and it is very difficult mined zone where the enemy pieces cannot be Scotch Game [C4S]
all of a sudden to master the complex Ruy Lopez, placed, and also the possibility of building up
but later on he understood that the principles walls that are difficult to bring down, except 1.e4 eS 2.�f3 � c6 3.d4 exd4 4.�xd4 �f6
regulating the sort of positions deriving from the perhaps by other pawns, and all this is possible S.�xc6 bxc6 6.eS �e7 7.�e2 �dS 8.c4 .ia6
Scotch had little to do with the classical rules of thanks to their low value! What happens if the 9.b3 0-0-0 10.g3 f6 1 1 ..ig2 fxeS 1 2.0-0 e4
development. So I repeat, on which principles, better developed side has no adequate pawn This is an interesting idea of Colombian
ideas or concepts did Kasparov base his search? breaks to blow up those formations? That very GM Gildardo Garcia. The aim is basically
often the barricade thus built is too solid for twofold: to hinder White's development on the
1 . The importance ofmaterial and the willingness the enemy army, which is superior in terms of queenside and, more importantly, to achieve a
to adopt a defensive attitude in the opening developed pieces but badly organized. queen exchange. After opening up lines; this
phase, despite being White, for the purpose of would alleviate Black's problems. Why? Black's
gaining advantages in the long-term. 3. A lead in development is an ephemeral position has serious drawbacks: the pawn cover
In variations such as the Scotch White lags advantage; it cannot grow indefinitely. of his king is broken up and furthermore the
And it turns out that after his dreadful behind in development for a while and his The proper technique to exploit a superior a6-bishop could end up out of play due to the
opening play White has a virtually winning king occupies a not very pleasant position. mobilization of forces is to transform it into a chain a2-b3-c4. After the queen exchange the
position! After �ae l and 'tJ e4 the pressure will We already know that exploiting a superior more lasting sort of advantage. But what happens potential danger of an attack on the king is
be extremely unpleasant. mobilization of forces requires opening up the if this is not possible? Then the opponent carries reduced to nought and the possible break ... d7-
Suddenly the ground disappears from under position and one of the most effective means out important moves for his own developing d5, trying to free the aforementioned bishop,
our feet. The beginner feels unsure and wonders at one's disposal for this is sacrificing material. plan while the "better-developed" player has becomes feasible. We will look at some variations
"What should I do? Whom should I believe?" In fact in the previous game White always had no equivalent moves, and therefore the m uch showing this.
No one, think for yourself! Welcome to the to look out for a possible piece sacrifice in trumpeted superior mobilization of forces 13.�d2!
Creative Club. order to topple the wall of the e5-pawn. We vanishes like a puff of smoke.
What is going on? Many attributed Kasparov's all remember hundreds of examples of brilliant
success in the opening field to having an games where the more "daring" side, that is, the You will be wondering whether it is possible to
excellent team of seconds and to a working one sacrificing pawns and pieces, was rewarded define when a lead in development will lead to a
directive based on an unrelenting search for new with spectacular victories. It is enough to recall more lasting advantage. I'm sorry, it is impossible
and unexpected paths. Anderssen's Immortal and Evergreen games. to say: only concrete analysis ultimately decides
This is obviously true in part but this But try to remember a single game where one whether a system is viable or not. But the
team, under the guide of Kasparov himself, side captured everything that was thrown at concept, the idea, the principle, is the compass
always seemed to work in the right direction. him and after a good defence ended up winning guiding us in the infinite ocean of possibilities
I remember that Kasparov once commented convincingly. Defensive ability, for reasons that is chess.
that, most of the time, novelties were born I don't entirely understand, has always been
not after a brute-force search of all the possible considered as less honourable and worthy than f.lpp1yitl8 ttt,e 'lew cO'lceptl to opel\!tl8
continuations from a given position, as the best good attacking play. ttt.eory
computers would do, but rather most of them Nowadays, in many modern systems White
had a strong conceptual background, even a willingly gives up the initiative to the opponent It is evident that all this would be pointless if we
philosophical one. Therefore I think that in in return for long-term advantages. It is enough could not identifY those positions where these Back in the year 2000, when I started studying
this situation the right question would be: what to recall the 4.�c2 System in the Nimzo ideas may apply. After reading Watson's book I this position, I came up with this novelty. White
principles or concepts or ideas or whatever we Indian, where White relinquishes the race for became interested in looking for positions where momentarily delays finishing his development
want to call them, have motivated a deeper development and the initiative in return for the repeated moves by pawns and major pieces in favour of keeping his queen and transferring
search in the Scotch Opening, which looked advantage of the bishop pair and a sound pawn (queen and rooks) , with the object of gaining her to the attacking a5-square, thus making the
suspect until the time Kasparov stepped in with structure, with the aim of exploiting them in the advantages in the long-term as well as structural black king's situation very precarious. I would
his investigation? endgame! ones, were the focal point of the right course of like to emphasize that in this case the aim of the
S6 True Lies in Chess How are Opening Novelties Born? S7
repeated moves of the white queen is not to get a Bad was 13 ... li:lb4 14.a3 CU d3 1 5 .'lWa5 .ib7 If 17 ... B:deS then I S .E:ae l ! ; it is always this Now the dance of the white heavy pieces
long-lasting advantage but to keep the chance of ( l 5 ... lbc5 1 6.b4) 1 6 .�g5. rook, so that the other may defend f2. If I S.E:fe l begins.
exploiting the aforementioned black weaknesses. 1 3 . . . e3? wouldn't work either: 14.'lWa5 i>b7 'lWe5 19.'lWb4t i>aS 20.lLlxe4 lbxe4 2 1 .�xe4 S ...O-O 9 ..ie2 CLlc6 10.dS tlJeS 1 1 .�xe5 heS
This is not a new manoeuvre since it had already 1 5 . cxd5 .ixfl 16 .�xe3! .ia6 I 7 ..ifl and White 'lWd4, then Black is clearly better. After I S .E:ae l ! 12.�d2!
been employed by Kasparov in a game from his was winning in Motylev - Naes, Ubeda 2000. �e5 (if 1 8 . . .d 5 then 1 9.1Lla4!; i n many cases Both 1 2.c4 and 12.�d2 represent important
World Championship contest against Karpov. A 14.�aS i>b7 this move signals the beginning of the end: the central concessions. In the first case the d4-
few months later I found out that the Russian If 14 ... .ib7 then 1 5.�a3 'IWe6 1 6.'lWxa7 with an invasion of the knight is decisive; 1 9 ... lLld7 square; in the second one the instability of the
Champion Motylev had already reached the attack. 20.B:dl and now everything falls apart 20 . . . 'lWf5 d5-pawn and insufficient control of the bS-h2
same conclusion I had. I S ..ia3 �e6 [20 ... e3 2 1 .cxd5 exf2t 22.i>h l is decisive tool diagonal.
Other alternatives are worse. For instance: This seems the best alternative since from e6 2 1 .cxd5 c5 [2 l .. .�xfl 22.dxc6t i>xc6 23.E:el t 12 ...b6 1 3.0-0 e6 14.f4 .ig7 IS.dxe6 fxe6
a) 1 3.'lWxe4 'lWxe4! This is the real problem of not only does the black queen defend the e4-pawn i>d6 24.'lWxclt i>e7 25.B:xfl and White is clearly 1 5 ... �xe6 16.f5! with an attack.
this variation. If instead l3 ... 'lWf6!? then 1 4.cxd5! but it also covers the h3-cS diagonal and makes betterl 22.d6 .ixfl 23 .'lWxclt i>aS 24.'lWc6t i>bS 16 ..ic4 �e7
.ixfl 1 5 ..ixfl 'lWxal ( 1 5 ... .ic5 l 6.'lWc2! �d4 the it possible to play . . . d7-d5. If instead 1 5 .. .'11fif7, 25.B:xfl and White is on top) 1 9.'lWb4t i>a8 After 1 6 ... 'lWxd2 1 7 ..ixd2 Black would have
only move 1 7.lLlc3 .ixc3 l S . .ig5! 'lWxg5 19.i.a6t then 1 6.�xfS E:hxfS 1 7.lLlc3 B:feS ( l 7 . . . d5 20.lLlxe4 and White's advantage is clear. trouble defending his e6-pawn.
i>bS 20.'lWxc3 with an attack) 1 6.dxc6 dxc6 I S.lLla4 lLld7 19.ih3 and White is clearly better) Or 1 7 ... h5 I S .B:fe l d5 ( l S ... h4 19.1Llxe4
17 . .ia6t i>d7 I S . .ie2 h5 1 9.'lWf5t i>eS 20.'lWg6t I S.B:ae1 (the other rook remains on fl to protect lLlxe4 20.B:xe4 'lWf6 2 1 .B:fl and White has the
and the position is level. After 13 ... 'lWxe4! 14 . .ixe4 f2 from a possible attack) I S ... 'lWg6 19.B:e3! B:e6 advantage) 19.1Lla4 lLld7 20.B:adl 'lWf5 2 1 .cxd5
li:l f6 l 5 .�g2 d5! Black is slightly better. ( 1 9 ... 'lWh6 20.h3 d5 2 1 .li:la4 lbd7 22.E:d l and 'lWxf2t 22.i>h l and White is better.
White is clearly better) 20.E:el ! IS.�a4
As already said, after this move Black's position
is untenable.
IS ... � d7 19J3adl �fS
Other possibilities are no better. For instance
19 ... E:f5 20.i.h3 or 19 . . . 'lWf7 20..ixe4 and White
wins in both cases.
20.cxdS! cS
20 ...�xf1 2 1 . dxc6t i>bS 22.'lWxf5 B:xf5
23.Lfl also wins for White.
2 1.d6 cxd6 22.E:xd6 .L:fl 23.ixe4t �xe4
24.E:xd7t E:xd7 2S.�xcSt �aS 26.CLlxe4 E:dl 17.�d3!?N
Black manages to break free and, given his lead 27.CLlc3 This is a new idea. It is odd that no one has
in development, he gets an excellent position. Preparing the brutally simple manoeuvre White's advantage is decisive. played this and I suspect that the reason for this
b) 1 3.ia3 would be met by 1 3 ... 'lWg5! ( 1 3 ...'lWf6 lb a4, b4-b5 destroying the queenside. That's temporary blindness is the simplistic argument
14 . .ib2) 1 4.h4 ( 1 4.'lWxe4 'lWf6! exploiting the why it is essential to defend the c4-pawn. White One can also find more examples in systems that on this square the queen is exposed to an
weakness of the white rooks, 1 5 .cxd5 i.xfl is also using the weakness of the c7-pawn, completely different from the Scotch. This is the attack along the d-file.
1 6 . .ixfl .ixa3 and Black is clearly better) e.g. 20. . . 'lWh6 (20 ... CUg4 2 1 .CUxe4! d6 22.B:ee l great advantage of the positional concept or idea: But it turns out that keeping White's central
14 . . . 'lWh6 15 . .iel e3! l6.'lWb2 ic5! 1 7.cxd5 E:deS 23.h3 wins for White) 2 1 .h3 B:deS (2 1 . . .d6 it can be applied to countless varied contexts. supremacy, which is the aim of this move, is a
.ixfl l S .�xfl cxd5 Black's iniriarive became very 22.CUb5! .ixb5 [22 ... E:cS 23.lbd4 E:e5 24.'lWb4t l more important factor than the potential loss of
dangerous in Zapata G. Garcia, Bogota 1 992.
- 23.cxb5 c5 24.b4 CU dS 25.bxc5 and White is Griinfeld Defence [DSS] a tempo. Let's see some of the alternatives that
c) Against the quiet continuation 1 3.i.b2 there winning) 22.CUa4 d6 23.b4! �xc4 (23 ... B:e5 have been tried:
would follow 1 3 ... e3 1 4.lbc3 exf2t 1 5 .�xf2 24.b5 �xb5 25 .cxb5 is also decisive) 24. l'!xc4 l .d4 CLlf6 2.c4 g6 3.CLlc3 dS 4.cxdS CLlxdS 5.e4 a) 1 7.f5?! (this is a hasty break: Black's army
lLle3!. An excellent manoeuvre to swap queens. B:e5 25.CUc5t dxc5 26. bxc5 and White CLlxc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.�f3 cS S.E:bl is better developed for the time being) 17 . . . i>hS
1 6 .E:ae 1 lLl g4 17 .'lWd4 �c5 with the initiative, wins. In this system White subordinates all his 1 8.fXg6 l'!xflt 19 ..ixfl .ib7! 20 ..id3 hxg6
e.g. I S .lLle4 �xd4t 1 9.�xd4 .ib4 20.E:dl d5 16 ..ixfs E:bxf8 acrions to keeping his structural advantage in the 2 1 .'lWe3 E:dS 22.'lWh3t i>gS 23.if4 g5! Black
with a very good position. 1 6 ... B:dxfS leads to very similar variations. centre, with the confident expectation that this had the initiative in Wells - Ftacnik, Wijk aan
13... �f6 17.�c3 dS will turn out well in the coming middlegame. Zee 1 995.
b) 1 7.'lWe3 (this is the usual continuation) The position of the pawns is very similar to the White is in a position to complete the Semi-Slav Defence [047]
1 7 .. .' it>h8 1 8.es ( l 8.!1b2?! es! this break calls previous diagram but the big difference lies in the development of his pieces to squares from where
into question White's central superiority) more favourable placement of the white forces, they are going to display tremendous pressure, l.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.e3 tLlf6 4.tLlc3 e6 5.tLlf3
1 8 . . .il.b7 1 9.'lWh3 il.ds 20.�d3 (if 20.�xds exds making his possibilities of a kingside attack while Black's mobilized army attacks unimportant tLlbd7 6.id3 dxc4 7 ..ixc4 b5 S.i.d3 ib7 9.e4
2 1 .�e3 gs ! Black has counterplay Najer - Stohl, more realistic (White threatens for instance points. Instead wrong would be 1 9.'lWe3? gxf5 b4 10.ltJa4 c5 I l .e5 ltJd5 12.0-0 cxd4 13J:1el
Pardubice 1 996) 20 ... 'lWfl 2 1 .c4 �b7 22.�e3 the manoeuvre �c l -d2-e l -h4). There might 20.exfs �ds! (after this move Black gets a better g6 14 ..ig5 Wfa5 1 5.tLld2 �a6 16.tLlc4 .ixc4
!lad8 follow 2 l . . .�d7 (2 l .. .a6 22.il.d2 bs 23.�d3 position) 2 1 .�xds !lxd5 22.'lWxe6t 'lWxe6 23.fxe6 17.ixc4 ig7 Is.Wfxd4!
i>g8 24.�e l c4 25 .il.c2 'lWa3 26.�h4 with the !1xfl t 24.i>xfl l"Idl t 2s .\tle2 l"Id6 and Black's
initiative) 22.�e3 b5 23.�d3 \tlg8 24.�e4 and plus in the endgame is clear.
after the advances ... b6-b5 and . . . c5-c4 Black's 19....ixe4
centre is very weak. If 1 9 . . .\tlh8 then 20.il.g5 if6 2 1 .�f6t 'lWxf6
b) 19 ... es (now this break has lost most its 22.fxe6 is winning.
strength) 20.fs (this annoying pawn push is 20.�g5 .if6 21 .�bel! id5
possible due to the absence of the black bishop Alternatives were: 21 ...�xgs 22.l"Ixe4 !1d6
from the c8-h3 diagonal) 20 ... gxf5 (20 ... 'lWh4 23.l"Ifel \tlg7 24.fxg6 hxg6 2s.l"Ig4 l"Ifs 26.h4
2 1 .!le3 with an attack) 2 1 .exfs 'lWh4 (2 1 ...e4 and White is clearly better; or 21 ...�d3 22. l"Ixe6
22.'lWh3 'lWes 23.!1e3 !lf6 24.!lg3 with an attack; winning.
if now 24 .. .1'hf8 then 2s .'?tfg4 is winning) 22 ..ixd5 B:xd5
22.!1e3! with an attack; if now 22 ... e4 (22 ... !lad8 22 ... il.xgs 23.l"Ixe6
23.'lWe2), then 23.'lWd7 and White is clearly 23.�h6!
With obvious counterplay along the d- and f
better. Again the strongest continuation. If 23.l"Ixe6
files. It's not easy for White to make any progress
In all these variations one can see how the then 23 ... l"Ixfs! 24.l"Ixf6 !1sxf6 2s .l"Ixf6 l'!xf6
from the situation in the diagram (Iskusnyh
repeated moves of the white major pieces are not 26.'lWh4 \tlg7 27.'lWh6t \tlfl 28.'lWxh7t with a This variation entails a piece sacrifice in return
- P.H. Nielsen, Kemerovo 1 995) .
only an important bur an also an essential part in balanced position. for two pawns with the object of preventing
17...i.b7
developing White's plan. 23 ...�g7 Black from castling, leaving his king exposed ro a
An anempt to avoid White's following
IS.5! 23 ... l"Ifd8 24.fxg6 and White is clearly better. persistent attack and the h8-rook out of play for
regrouping.
But now this attack does work! Worse was 24..ixg7 '?tfxg7 a long time.
The other important alternative is: 17 ... i>h8
1 8.!1b2 l'!ad8 1 9.'?tfh3 il.xe4 20.!1e2 �d5 2 1 .�xds 24 ... \tlxg7 2s.l"Ixe6 'lWd8 26.f6t i>h8 and again IS .. .'!&xa4 19 ..ixd5 exd5 2o.Wfxd5 tLlb6
1 8.!1b2! (the dance of the heavy pieces continues!)
!1xd5 22.!lxe6 'lWd7 and Black is slightly better. White is clearly better. 21 .Wfd6
18 ... �b7 ( l 8 ... es 1 9.�ds !lb8 [now Black didn't
IS .. J;adS 25.fxe6 gxf1 t 26.gxf1 '?tfe7 27.gel Worse is 2 1 .'lWcs?! �f8 22.'lWe3 'lWd7! when
have the annoying 19 . . .�a6] 20. !lbf2 with the
initiative) 1 9.!le2 and now: Black is clearly better.
a) 19 ... !lad8 20.'lWh3 il.c8 (20 ... es 2 l .fs gxfs 2 1 ...Wfd7
[2 1 . ..�c8 22.g4 with an attack] 22.exfs with an 2 l . ..il.f8 22.'lWf6
unpleasant initiative) 2 1 .e5 with an initiative. 22.'?tfxb4
Clearly inferior is 22.l"Iad l ?! 'lWxd6 23.exd6t
\tld7 (the only move) 24.l"Ie7t \tlc6 2s.l"Icl t
i>bs 26.!1xfl �b2 27.d7 l"Ihd8 28.il.xd8 l"Ixd8
29.l"Ixh7 as! and Black is clearly better.
22 ... i.f8
If 22 ... ttJds ?! then 23.'lWa3!? (in a previous
game 23.'lWe4 had been played but I think
this continuation is better) 23 ... �f8 (23 ... l"Ib8
24.�f6 [if the white bishop manages to occupy
this position without the black king having
castled, it can be said that, in general, things
In the endgame White is close to victory. are going well for the first player] 24 ... �f8
[24 . . . Ei:gB 2S .Ei:adl Ei:bS 26.Ei:d4 Lf6 27.exf6t ig7 and the position is equal according to ECO; 2S...W1e6! king will remain in a very precarious position for
@dB 2B .Wd3 l"leB 29.l"ldl Ei:cS and White is 2S .l"lacl We6 26.Wa3 �8 27.Wa6 �e7) 2S . . . 0-0 If 2S ...i.g7 then 26.W1a3!! �fS 27.Wf3!! a long time and his gB-rook is also out of play.
clearly better] 2S.Wf3 l"lgB 26.Ei:adl :B:bS 2n�d3 (the only move; 25 . . . fxe6 - Chekhov - 26.Ei:acl (Completing the queen circuit! This is one of Furthermore White has two pawns for the piece.
and White is clearly on top) 24.Wf3 �e7 2S.Ei:adl ! Wd7 27.Ei:cdl Wf7? 2B.Wxa8t and wins) 26.�e7 the most critical positions of the middlegame.) Black's position is tremendously difficult and
This tactical manoeuvre is decisive. 2S . . .�xgS fxe6! 27.�xfB WxfS 2B.Wb3! Wf7 29.Ei:xe6 �xb2! 27 ...�e7 2B.e6 fxe6 29. l'::lad l I urge the reader to analyse the rich possibilities
(2S . . . Ei:dB 26.�xe7 @xe7 27.Ei:d4 WfS 2B.Wa3t and the position was equal in L.B. Hansen - ensuing from the situation of the diagram.
@e6 29.WcS Ei:heB 30.Ei:xd5 l"lxdS 3 1 .Wc6t @e7 Ribli, Polanica Zdroj 1993.
32.WxdS winning) 26.e6!! fxe6 27.Ei:xdS Wf7 24 ...W1d7 TInte verlUI material: pO/itiortal pawrt
2S.Wxf7t @xf7 29.Ei:xgS Ei:hdS 30.l"lgeS Ei:d2 If 24 ... �g7 then 25.Wd6 We6 26.Ei:adl Wxd6 lacriPicel irt ttte opel'\!"8
3 1 .Ei:Se2, winning. Of course if you don't know (26 ... ttJd7 27.Wc7 and White is clearly better)
how to win endings then forget about getting 27.exd6t @d7 2B.Ei:e7t @c6 29.Ei:xf7 �eS All grandmasters worthy of their name must be
any advantage in the opening! 30.l"lc7t @bS 3 l .f4 i.xb2 32.Ei:b l . able to master both sides of the coin.
23.W1c3 O r i f 24 . . .We6?! then 2S.�f6 l"lg8 26.:B:ed l ! In the previous chapter we have talked about
23.We4 WdS 24.Wf4 i.g7 i.e7 27.l"lac l ! how important it is to know how to handle
23 ...W1c8! situations where structure, material and long
Losing is 23 ...We6 24.�f6 (24.Ei:adl �e7 term positional advantages have prioricy over
2S.:B:d6 and White is clearly better) 24 ... Ei:gB development and, therefore, over time. But one
2S .Ei:adl i.e7 26.Ei:d6 Wc8 (26 ...Wc4 27.\Wf3 cannot understand what is really happening in
winning) 27.Ei:c6 Wd8 2S.Ei:c7 ttJ dS 29.Wc6t 29 . . . Wc8 (if 29 ... WbS then 30.i.xe7! @xe7
the position until one is able to sit at the other
@fB 30.Ei:d7 WeS 3 1 .WxdS �xf6 32.Ei:xf7t 1 -0 3 1 .Wb7t @f6 32.Ei:xe6t!! - Junior - 32 ... @xe6
side of the board, metaphorically speaking.
Yusupov - Dominguez, Yerevan 200 1 ; 23 ... Ei:cB? 33. l'::l e l t @fS [33 ... @d6 34.We7t @d5 3S.Ei:dl t
Everyone knows games where, for example,
- Chekhov - 24.e6 and wins; 23 ... �e7 24.e6 @c4 36.Wc7t wins for White] 34.We4t @gS
Kasparov fought in a certain kind of position
wins too. 35 .h4t @h5 36.Wf3t @h6 37.Wf4t @hS
both as White and as Black. How is this possible?
24.W1d2!!N 3B .g4t @xh4 39.l'::le4 winning) 30.�h6! (Black's
Isn't that against a purist's view of chess? The
position is extremely unpleasant) 30 ... l'::l b S
truth is that it is extremely difficult to unravel
(30. . . ttJdS 3 1 .l'::lx dS!; 30 ... Wc4 31 .b3; finally,
the absolute truth of any system of play and this
30 ... l'::lg S 3 1 . Ei:cl Wd7 32.Ei:c6 l'::ldS 33. l'::l cxe6 and
The white pieces occupy positions o fmaximum margin of unavoidable uncertainty is what allows
in all cases White is clearly better) 3 1 .Ei:c l Wd7
activicy. For instance: players to face both sides of the struggle.
32.Ei:c6 eS 33.l"lxeS and White is on top.
a) 27. . . Ei:c8 28.Ei:c7!! �xf6 29.exf6 Wxf6 I would like to remind you once more that
26 ..if6 :g g8 27.:gad!
30.Ei:xcBt and White is clearly better. knowing only half the truth is not to understand it
b) 27. . . ttJ d7 2B.�xe7 Wxe7 (2S ... @xe7 at all. Accordingly it is very important to design a
29.Wb4t @eB 30.Wa4 Ei:dS 3 1 .Ei:c7 and White is repertoire that is balanced, that makes it possible
much better) 29.Ei:c7 and White is again on top. to fight with the most diverse, even contrasting,
c) 27... g5 2B.:B:c7 ixf6 29.exf6 Wxf6 30.Wb4 positional resources. Try not to always play the
Ei:g6 31 .Ei:el t @d8 32.l'::lcc l !! winning. same type of positions, be a complete player: it
d) 27 ...�xf6 2B.exf6 Wxf6 29 .Wb4 Ei:cB (the will be very good for you. I am now going to
only move) 30.Ei:xcBt!! ttJxcB 3 1 .Wb7 and once show some variations in which time, as well as
again White has a clear advantage. other advantages, is more important than the
2s.W1e3! accumulated material.
The beginning of a very interesting manoeuvre The triangulation process continues. The These lines stem from the same system against
whose aim is to create havoc among the black alternatives were not so effective, for instance: the QGA chosen by Black.
forces. 25.Wf4 WfS; or 2S .\We2 �g7 26.Ei:adl (26.e6
Worse is the usual 24.Wf3 �g7 (24 ...We6 fxe6 27.l"ladl Wf7 2B.Wxe6t Wxe6 29.:gxe6t and L Ej>ueC!�I Ganl,bit f\ccepted
2S.if6 Ei:gB 26.Ei:ad 1 with compensation; the position is unclear) 26 ... Wc6 27.Ei:c l WdS 3.e4 ttJ f6 Variation [020]
24 ... WfS 2S .Wc6t Wd7 26.Wf6 and wins; 2B. Ei:cdl Wc4 and Black is clearly better; after Or, perhaps 27.Ei:ac l !? Undoubtedly this is the
24 ... �cS 2S .Wf6!) 2S .e6!? (2S .Wa3 �f8 26.Wf3 25.Wc3 the position is equal. type of position White was aiming for: the black l.d4 dS 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 ttJf6 4.eS lildS S.,ixc4
�h6 6.Ad3 lt:lc6 7.�e2 i.g4 8.8 J.e6 9.�hc3 actually decreases the number of forces which he After this move the black queen starts having 1 6 ... �d6 1 7.iWe4 .ig7 l s.iWxb7 and White is
ic4?! has actively participating in the struggle." serious trouble. clearly better) 1 7.iWe4 0-0-0 l S.�bS, and White's
This manoeuvre won some popularity in the I think this last point is very important: unlike Also interesting is the alternative 16. �b3! ? attack is very dangerous) 1 5 .iWxdlt <j{xd7 1 6.dS
90's. If White doesn't play energetically the with the development sacrifice, the obstructive �xd4 ( l 6 ...� d5 1 7.�c5 � a5 [ 1 7 ... b6 �b4 1 7.Eldl ig7? This is probably the decisive
second player gets a very comfortable position. runs at a different speed. As we will see in the I S.tLlcxe6] I S.�bS tLl xf4 1 9 .iWxa5 a6 20.ixf4 mistake; Black should have tried to get rid of the
10.Lc4 lt:lxc4 1 1.e6 analysis of this position, White's subsequent iWxf4 2 1 .Elad i with an attack) 1 7.J.xd4 Elxd4 strong d5-pawn by means of an eventual ... e7-e6
play is very often unhurried, full of manoeuvres. I S.iWxe6t �xe6 1 9 .�xe6 with compensation. with chances of equalizing the game. I S.a3 �a6
This is due to a great extent to the fact that these Going back to the diagram: 16 . . . iWf7 1 7.iWb3!!
sacrifices usually carry with them other positional (the key move: White gives up another pawn to
pluses. In the present case Black's extra pawn is speed up his attack on the black king; instead after
doubled and isolated, thus creating a constellation 1 7.�gS �gS [ 1 7 ...iWf6 l S.tLlgxe6 Eld6) I S .�e l
of weaknesses that are hard to defend, in the h6 19.�gxe6 Eld6 the situation is complex)
short-term, for the second player. The mistakes 1 7... �dS ( l 7. . . �xd4?! l s.ixd4 �xf4 [ l S ... Elxd4
the White players made in the aforementioned 1 9.�xe6! EldS 20.�4c5 h5 2 1 .a4 hxg4 {2 l . . .aS
games were in essence all the same: they rushed 22.Elad l Eld6 23.�xb7 wins} 22.fxg4 �g6
to recover the sacrificed material. 23.iWf3 and the weakness of the fS-bishop proves
1 1 ...fxe6 12.0-0!N decisive!} 19.�xe6t <j{bS 20 . .ie5 iWe3t 2 1 .<j{hl
Strictly speaking this is the novelty I contributed and the black kingside is no more) l S.�cS! � a5
to the system. White finishes his development ( I S . . . b6 1 9.tLlcxe6 Eld6 20.tLlg5 iWgS 2 1 .�e4
quietly and in many lines he doesn't even try to EldS 22.�xd 5 �xd5 23.iWxd5 Elxd5 24.�c3 Eld7 19.ie3! The beginning of a manoeuvre that
recover any material. Objectively worse is 1 2.iWb3 25.d5 and White is clearly better) 1 9.iWbS! (this earns a significant advantage; White exchanges
This interesting obstructive sacrifice was used ttJb6 1 3.ie3?! 03.iWxe6? - Volkov - 13 ... iWd7! piece attack against the enemy king is extremely his opponent's only active piece: the g7-bishop.
for the first time by Volkov in 1 999. The idea is and with the unavoidable arrival of a black pawn dangerous) 1 9 ... tLl xe3 09 ... tLlxf4 20.iWxa5 a6 19 ... Elad8 20.id4 .ixd4t 2 Ulxd4 tLlc5 (2 l . . .e6
very good but the subsequent play of the Russian on e6 the second player overcomes all his opening 2 1 .iWb4 b6 22.tLlxa6 tLldS 23.Elac l ! and White is 22.dxe6t <j{xe6 23.Elad l Elxd4 24.tLlxd4t <j{e7
GM was very similar to a previous game of Van difficulties) 13 ...iWd7 14.tLlf4? (better is 1 4.0-0) clearly better) 20.iWxa5, winning. 25.Elel t <j{d7 26.tLle4 and I think it is hardly
der Wiel against Van Wely in 1993 where White 14 . . . tLld5! Black's position was better in Van der b) 12 ... g6 1 3.iWb3 � b6 1 4.Eld l ! necessary to mention the difference that exists
didn't play the strongest continuation (in that Wiel - Van Wely, Brussels 1 993.
berween the two sides' knights) 22.Elad l <j{cS
game 1 1 .�b3 � b6 was played first, and only then 12 .'IWd7
23.b4 ttJ cd7 24.a4 <j{bS 25'tLlf4 The advantage
.•
12.e6). What are the most salient characteristics a) 1 2 . . .� b6!? (a logical alternative: the c4-
is now huge. 25 ... tLl f6 26.�e6 l"lcS 27.a5 �bd7
of this kind of sacrifice? knight occupies an unfavourable position in some
2S.b5 tLl eS 29.a6 bxa6 30.Ela4!, winning Comas
I will take this opportunity to urge the reader variations; from its new location it controls the
Fabrego - Markowski, Istanbul 2003.
to study a brilliant book by one of the great important central square dS) 1 3 .�e4! (this is the
After the diagram one option is 14 ... i.g7
tacticians, Rudolf Spielmann: I am referring to most incisive continuation; instead 1 3 .ie3 would
I S .�xe6. Recovering the pawn is now good
his work The Art of Sacrifice in Chess. There the be too slow) 13 ... �dS ( 1 3 . . . e5 14.dxeS iWxdl
enough, e.g. 1 5 ...�d6 ( I 5 ... iWd7 1 6.iWe4
author says: "This sacrifice is akin to the sacrifice 1 5 .Elxdl e6 16.�f4 EldS 1 7.id2 and White is
[ l 6.�xdlt <j{xd7 1 7.d5!?) 16 ... 0-0 [ 1 6. . . �f5
for development. At any rate, both have the same clearly better) 14.ie3 0-0-0 I S .tLlf4 �f5 16.g4!
1 7.dS �xe4 l S.fxe4 tLle5 1 9.�d4 and White is
object: to get ahead in development. But the
clearly better) 1 7.d5 and White is clearly on rap;
respective ways and means are different. With
. ��
, '% , $!
��)��"�?�
f}% ��fJ
"'
�� ' % ,
. and if 1 5 ... �xd4 16.�xd4 ixd4t 1 7.<j{h l cS
the obstructive sacrifice the attacker attempts to
.�� i I� � �
...
� This i s clearly the strongest continuation. I S.�b5, White's advantage is obvious) 1 6.iWe4
hold up the enemy's development. This course
; �
White threatens to open up the position with 0-0 1 7.d5 ttJe5 I S.tLld4 and White emerges on
�% �%0'� �% "/ .�� t.

definitely demands more action than does the
unpleasant consequences. top.
simple sacrifice for development." And later on: "It
'
/ ..
�� t.�lLJm
...%�t.f'A" �
P-
is otherwise in the case ofthe obstructive sacrifice. � fj � �. In a recent game I played 1 4.iWxe6, which is Another option is 14 ... iWd7 I S .d5 exd5
interesting although probably nor the best move. 16.ttJxdS �xd5 1 7.l"lxdS with a strong attack.
Here the attacker gives up not only material
�� /��
fj t�. • • tfj
3
�
There followed 1 4 ... iWd7! ( I 4 ... �xd4? l S .ttJ xd4 13.lt:le4! 0-0-0
%_ "'%�i� im'"
but time as well. His own development derives
[ 1 5 .iWe5 tLlxe2t 1 6.�xe2 ElgS) 1 5 ...iWxd4t If 13 ... b6!? 14.iWb3 tLld6 ( l 4 ...tLl4a5 1 5.iWc3
no immediate benefit from the sacrifice, which
1 6.ie3 iWf6 [ 1 6... iWd7 1 7.�eS ElgS l S.�bS; with an attack) 1 5 .lt:lg5 tLlfS 16.tLlxe6 tLla5
( l 6 . . .liJcxd4 1 7.liJ 2xd4 liJxd4 1 8.liJxd4 �xd4t II. fi>ucrcr�r GOR\.bit f.\.cccrptcrd 10 ...i.xf3 1 1 .gxf3 and it is extremely difficult for to carry out the manoeuvre ... liJg6-f4 because of
19.i.e3, winning) 1 7.�b5!!. After this blow 3.e4 4:lc6 Variation [020] Black to complete his development) 1 1 .0-0-0!? the problems he would have in controlling his
White's advantage is beyond dispute. (This was undoubtedly the most incisive move: e5-square.
14.liJg5! I.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 liJc6 4.liJO .ig4 5.d5 the white king is perfectly safe on the queenside. 10...i.d7
A very usual manoeuvre in this variation: liJe5 6 ..if4 liJ g6 7.i.e3 e5 However, also interesting is 1 1 .0-0 i.xf3 1 2.gxf3 1 O ... ixf3 1 1 .�xf3 tiJ h4 1 2.�g3 and White is
after Black castles queenside the weakness of f7 7 ... liJf6 is met with 8.i.xc4!? b5 [ l 2 . . . �d7 1 3.l'l:fd l �h3 1 4.i.fl �h5, or slightly better.
becomes apparent. 14 ... �xf3 1 5 .dxc6, 1 5 .dxc6 bxc6 1 6.�a4 1 1 .0-0 .id6 1 2 ..idJ 0-0 13.liJc4
14... liJxd4 liJe5 1 7.�h l with the initiative] 1 3 .i.b3 cxd5 White's advantage is very comfortable.
14 . . . liJd6 1 5.liJf4 e5 1 6.liJfe6 exd4 17. liJxd8 14.liJxd5 e6 1 5 .liJxf6t gxf6 1 6.�e4 with an
mxd8 1 8.l'l:e 1 e5 1 9.f4! In this open position attack) 1 1 . . . .ixf3 (if 1 1 ...b5 there might follow Tttof\.1v ntr Dvorcrtrl\�: Proptt�loKil of\.d loaie
Black's lack of development together with the 1 2 .i.e2 ixf3 1 3 .i.xf3 cxd5 14.liJxd5 liJxd5 if\. tttcr Opcrtl!"8
delicate situation of his king must tell. 1 5 .i.xd5 l'l:c8t 1 6.�b l e6 1 7.i.c6t winning)
15.'11;l[xd4 'lWxd4t 16.liJxd4 lhd4 17.b3 liJb6 12 .gxf3 �c7 ( l 2 . . . b5 1 3.liJxb5 cxb5 14.ixb5 t Mark Ovoretsky has written many of the most
If 17 ... liJd6 1 8 .liJxe6 l'l:d5 19 . .tb2 c6 20.Elae 1 liJd7 1 5.mbl and White i s clearly better) 1 3 .mbl brilliant chapters in modern chess literature,
md7 2 1 .l'l:f2, White gradually increases his and Black is hanging on the verge of the cliff. and if any reader does not yet have the privilege
positional advantage. 8..ixc4 a6 of owning any of his books, then I strongly
18.liJxe6 To avoid the aforementioned exchanging recommend them to you now. They made a
manoeuvre i.c4-b5. strong impression on me, particularly because of
This is a very interesting pawn sacrifice with 9.liJbd2!? a couple of concepts that are deeply researched
the aim of obtaining a clear lead in development in his work, which have tremendous potential
as well as open files or, if Black turns it down, regarding the thorough development of a chess
importam positional concessions. player: prophylaxis and logic in the opening.
I would like to repeat Rudolf Spielmann's The idea of prophylaxis comes originally
thoughts on the essence of true sacrifices: "The from Nimzowitsch. It essentially means "taking
faculty, upon occasion, of converting energy into measures with the aim of preventing certain
matter and matter imo energy, constitutes one phenomena that would be undesirable from a
of the most wonderful characteristics of chess, positional point ofview". This playing philosophy
and reveals, perhaps, the innermost secret of its can be applied to many situations in a game.
fascination." Ovoretsky's great virtue has been to rescue from
If now 8 ... liJxe4 (If 8 ... e5 9.i.b5t and White is oblivion such a cherished treasure, adapt it to
slightly better; this is another of the main ideas modern times, and show some excellent examples
of the variation: exchanging the light-squared on the topic.
This is White's main idea. Once his knight bishops favours the first player, as practice has Regarding the application of logic to the
gets to e6 Black's development is tremendously shown. Instead 8 ... a6 9.h3 i.xf3 1 0.gxf3 also opening, this is a more complex element to
compromised even in this endgame-like favours White slightly. Finally, 8 . . . e6 9.ib5t A clear improvement in this system. Previously master but at the same time, and because of this,
position. liJd7 1 0.dxe6 i.xe6 I l .liJd4 and White also has this knight was developed via c3 but it had no much more beautiful.
18 .. J;d6 19.�el g6 an advantage.) 9.�d4 liJ f6 (9 ... ixf3 1 0 .gxf3 good prospects of active play there, whereas from Let's see what Ovoretsky says about it: "Clearly,
1 9 ... �d7 20.lbxf8t �xf8 2 1 .i.a3 and White is liJd6 1 1 .i.b3 c6 1 2.liJc3 with compensation, e.g. d2 it has two excellent routes to access attacking logic does not function in a vacuum. It operates
clearly better. 12 ... liJf5 [ l 2 . . .cxd5 1 3 .i.a4t and White wins] positions: liJd2-c4 (with pressure on d6 and e5) on our specific knowledge of chess openings
20.i.f4 1 3 .�e4 lbxe3 14.dxc6 and White is clearly better) and eventually liJc4-a5; or if Black plays the and also on the typical precepts and judgements
2o.ib2 l'l:g8 2 1 .ia3 l'l:d7 22.lbxf8 l'l:xf8 1 0 .4:lc3 (this is probably a more accurate move thematic . . . b7-b5 then liJd2-b3-c5. which we have acquired; it helps us to relate these
23 .i.xe7 and White is slightly better. than 10.0-0 as it leaves open the option of castling 9 liJf6 10.h3
..• factors to a particular chess position and hence
20.. .l;d7 21 ..ie5 �g8 22.g4 queenside later on, followed by the manoeuvre Another importam step in White's plan. With to work out the correct decision. The more ideas
With compensation because of the persistent l'l:h l -e l with obvious pressure on the centre of the text move he gains permanent comrol of the we possess, the greater will be the scope for logic;
positional pressure. the board) 10 . . . c6 ( l O ... e6 1 1 ..tb5t winning; f4-square. On the other hand the presence of the and the deeper and more accurate our reasoning
knight on f3 makes it extremely difficult for Black will become." (Opening Preparation, page 35)
No idea is useful unless one is able to assimilate 12.'it>bl at his disposal, with the eventual idea lLl a4- I S .g5 is not convmcmg either: 1 5 . . .i.b7!?
it and apply it to one's own games, creating in the Or 1 2 .1Wf2 d6 1 3.g4 0-0 1 4.1'!gl ttl fd7 1 5.f4 b6, establishing an unpleasant blockade on the ( l S . . . b4! ? 1 6.ttle2 [ 1 6.ttla4 1'!bS 1 7. f4 ttl g6 I S.f5
process something new. lLlc4 1 6.gS b4 1 7.i.xc4 i'9xc4 I S.f5 bxc3 1 9.f6 queens ide. i'9c6 and Black is clearly better] 1 6... a5 1 7. f4
I can show the reader two interesting opening i.dS 20.beg7 1'!eS 0- 1 Motylev - Alekseev, Tomsk The move 14 ... ttlfd7 answers perfectly the a4 I S.ttld2 ttlc6 1 9.i.e3 i.b7 with counterplay)
plans that have their origin in the aforementioned 200 1 . needs of the position: Black anticipates the 1 6.f4 b4! and Black is clearly better.
concepts. The first one comes from one of the 12...d6 13.Wff2 0-0 14.g4 advance g4-g5 which sooner or later White has lS ....ib7
many aspects ofprophylaxis; the second one is an to carry out; at the same time it makes the two Jesus de la Villa's recommendation is also
ode to logic in the opening. aforementioned plans of counterplay available. interesting: 15 ... b4 16.ttla4 i'9c6!? 1 7.ttlb6 ttlxb6
In order to carry them out good control of the I S.hb6 as! with the idea that if 1 9.i.xa5?
I leave! be!Pore I Bet Iticlte!d out b6-square is essential. For instance the immediate i'9a4 2o.1Wb6 i.dS and Black wins. (Editor's
14 ... b4 I S .ttla4 ( I S.ttle2? as and Black is slightly Note: Topalov's second Cheparinov recently
Knowing the right time to withdraw from a better) 1 5 ... i.b7 ( l 5 . . .i.d7 1 6.ttlb6 1'!abS 1 7.g5 demonstrated a flaw in this idea: instead of
position without being kicked out is one of the with the initiative; 1 5 ... ttl fd7) 1 6.1'!g l ! ? ttlfd7! I S.i.xb6 he has twice played l S.ttla5! and only
most interesting and subtle prophylactic aspects ( l 6 ... ttlc6 1 7.i.b6 i'9cs l S .i.e3 ttld7 1 9. f4; or captured on b6 after the queen moves. This way
that chess teaches us. 1 6. . . 1'!fcS 1 7.g5 ttlfd7 l S . ttl b6; in both cases Black's pawn remains blocked on a6.)
White is slightly better) 17.ttlb6 with slight but 16.gS �fc8 17.a3
Sicilian Defence annoying pressure in the game Leko - Lutz, When one has to make this move in this kind of
Taimanov Variation (English Attack) [B4S] Essen 2002. set-up, it's because something has gone wrong.
lSJ:&gl 17 ... lLIc4 1 8.ixc4 Wfxc4
l.e4 cS 2.lLIO lLlc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLIxd4 e6 S.lLIc3 This is Kasparov's contribution to the variation. Worse is 1 8 . . . bxc4? which featured in the
Vfic7 6 ..ie3 a6 7.Vfid2 lLlf6 8.0-0-0 .ib4 9.0 1 5 .f4? b4! didn't work. game Kasparov - Ye Jiangchuan, Bled (01) 2002.
A key position has been reached. In this case Black's attack along the b-file will be
14... lLlfd7! easy to neutralize, and carrying out any central
This was an important theoretical novelty at counterplay would be very complex. Now instead
the time. As Dvoretsky points out: "The deepest the idea . . . a6-a5 and ... b5-b4 is very annoying
moves, the best positional solutions are the ones indeed.
that combine the development of one's own plan 19.1LlaS Wfc7 20.lLIxb7 Wfxb7
with preventing the opponent from carrying out
his."
How did Black come up with this idea? First
one has to understand the basic plans for both
players. It is obvious that White's attacking plan
includes the move g4-gS followed by the typical
pawn storm on the kingside h2-h4-hS , g5-g6 to
open lines on this flank. Black must neutralize 1 6.tDa4? (with the b6-square well defended
this action either with counterplay on the this knight can end up in much trouble, but
A fashionable variation against the Taimanov. queenside with ... b5-b4 followed by ... as-a4 or 1 6.ttle2 was not good either: 16 ... lLlxg4 1 7.i'9g3
9 ... lLleS 1O.lLlb3 bS with a central counter whose essential idea is the [ 1 7.i'9g2 ttl gf6 I S.e5 i.b7 and Black has a
1 0 ... d5 1 1 .i.d4 and White is slightly better; if manoeuvre ... i.cS-b7 putting pressure on e4 and decisive advantage] 1 7... ttlgf6 1 8.1'!gl g6 1 9.e5
now 1 1 .. .dxe4?? 12.i.xe5 and White wins. making possible an eventual . . . d6-d5. Analysing dxe5 20.bee5 ttld5 and Black is clearly better)
Another option is 10 ...i.xc3 I l . bxc3 d5 a previous game between Leko and Lutz, I 1 6... lLlxg4 17.1Wg2 ttlgf6 l S.i.d3 e5 1 9.1'!dgl
12 .i.d4 0-0 1 3.i'9g5! with some initiative. reached two important conclusions: against the ttle8! and Black was winning in the game
1 1..id4 .ie7 immediate 1 4 ...i.b7 the positional treatment Vallejo - Comas Fabrego, Ayamonte 2002. Black has an excellent game. [Typesetter's
1 1 ...0-0 1 2.i'9g5 tDg6 ( l 2 ... d6 1 3 .a3 i.xc3 l S.i.b6 i'9bS 1 6.ttla5 was unpleasant; while the The loss of the a4-knight cannot be prevented, note: from analysing this position extensively
14.i.xc3 and White is clearly better) 1 3 .i.xf6 plan beginning with ... b5-b4 loses a great deal and all thanks to the prophylactic move myself, I would like to add that it is actually very
gxf6 14.i'9xf6 and White is slightly better. of its effectiveness if White has the reply ttlc3-a4 . . . tDfd7!. uncomfortabLefor White... ]
II it pOllible to cO"lPletely rteutrarlZe tlte � Shirov the manoeuvre i.e2-f3 as we will see in the 16.�d3 e5! 17.fxe5 tLlh5!
opporte'l,t'l ir¥tiiative? .. Movsesian following model game. This is the key to Black's reaction.
Sarajevo 200 1 18.VNh3 dxe5
As has been said before, the appropriate use of <;2] Tal The counterplay against the d4-bishop makes
logic when studying openings, with the purpose • Andersson possible this central reaction by the second
of finding strong novelties, presupposes a deep Stockholm 1 976 player.
knowledge of their typical plans. 19.�e3
I would like to emphasize the fact that 19.Wxh5 exd4 20.tt:!d5 i.xd5 2 1 .exd5 g6 and
opening logic doesn't work in purely abstract the position is level.
terms. A common dream among players is that 19 ... tLl f4 20.hf4 exf4
if one could have a perfect method of evaluation Black is OK.
and reasoning, we would be able to solve any
situation we came across and therefore find the C. Black's reaction ... e6-e5 has intrinsic value.
best move. This advance is very typical in the Sicilian and
But such a method would have a big problem: carrying it out means, in this case, that the
it omits an investigation of the future positions offensive actions of the first player on the kings ide
that could arise from the present situation. come to a standstill.
It is not possible to find the best move in a
given position without knowing the future Mter his aggression with . . . b5-b4 Black has D. Mter the advance e4-e5 there are two very
consequences of it and these can only be reached only managed to bring the white knight closer important defensive mechanisms at Black's
through profound analysis and great experience to the kingside. I was also unconvinced by the disposal: simplification and the ... £7 -f5 break to
in the nuances of the system. I hope that the pawn structure the second player ended up with. 13.�f3 VNc7 14.e5 dxe5 1 5.fxe5 tLl d7 16.hb7 win important space on the kingside.
next example will illustrate what I have j ust All right, the position is far from being clear and VNxb7 17.tLle4 �ad8 1 8.�d3 VNc6 19.�g3 VNxc2
explained: probably it is j ust a question of playing style, but 20.VNe3! � Spasov
what I knew for sure was that I was not going to White has a very strong attack. * Abramovic
Sicilian Defence Scheveningen Variation get myself into this mess. FYROM 1 997
Classical Attack with �e l -g3 [B85] Then I decided to look in a different direction. B. Against the manoeuvre i.e2-d3 there is a
I must explain that such a search didn't consist typical counterattack beginning with . . .e6-e5
l .e4 c5 2.tLla e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 tLlc6 of an indiscriminate investigation of all the leaving Black with an excellent position.
5.tLlc3 �c7 6.�e2 a6 7.0-0 tLlfG 8.i.e3 i.e7 possible options from the situation of the main
9.f4 d6 1O.�el 0-0 1 1.�g3 tLlxd4 12.hd4 diagram. Such a course of action would only W Kotsur
b5 13.a3 �b7 14J'l:ael lead to a dead end: we would still be far from * Kobalija
Without any doubt this is one of the most understanding all the nuances of the system Novgorod 1 999
important posItIons of the Scheveningen under study.
Variation. The most popular plan from the If one wants to achieve the aim of creating
diagram is ...�c6 with the idea of playing ... W1c7- something new and better, it is very important
b7 and . . . b5-b4 putting the enemy centre and to take advantage of the experience of other
queenside under pressure. players in the position, that is, to know the
When I started analysing the system I took typical plans and evaluations. These are the
into consideration two model games by one of conclusions I reached:
the greatest specialists in the variation: Alexei
Shirov. In both of them a position of the type A. White has a position with many attacking 19 ...he4
shown in the next diagram was reached: prospects if he is able to carry out the advance Of course it is necessary to exchange the
e4-e5 and subsequently place the knight on e4 dangerous knight.
without Black being able to exchange it for his 20.he4 f5!? 21 .exfG VNxg3 22.hxg3 hf6
b7-bishop. This is achieved very often through 23.c3
1 00 True Lies in Chess How are Opening Novelties Born? 101
23.i.xf6? ttlxf6 24.i.b7 ElbS 2S.�c6 Elb6 queen can look for counterplay along it. White's of the 1 993 Spanish Team Championship I
26.Elxe6 ElcS and Black is winning; or 23.i.g1 ? position cannot keep growing as I will try to didn't play the text move. This is easy to explain:
�xb2 24.�c6 Elxfl 2S.Elxfl ElfS 26.Elb 1 ttleS and show in the following variations. Premature was I simply didn't remember what I had studied.
Black is clearly better. instead l S . . . �d8 1 6.eS! with a strong initiative. This is one of the drawbacks of being away from
23 ...hd4 24.ElxfSt And also worse is the usual I S ... i.c6 1 6.i.f3 competition for too long.
24.cxd4 Elxfl t 2S.Elxfl ttl f6 26.i.b7 ElbS when White continues his attack. In that game Black played the interesting, but
(26 . . . aS!?) 27.i.xa6 :Sb6 2S .i.c8 :Sc6 29.i.b7 Elc2 16.i.f3 inferior, 1 6. . . lt>h8.
with counterplay. Now there were other possibilities: 17.:Sdl l3d8!
24 ttlxfS 25.cxd4 l3d8
..• a) 1 6.�d3 eS! (beginning the typical The black rook moves to the same file
With equality. counterplay against the manoeuvre �e2-d3) as its white counterpart to facilitate future
1 7.fxeS ttlhS 1 8.�f3 (had the black queen's rook simplifications that will minimize the dangers of
E. There is another attacking possibility for been on dS White would have the perfect answer: White's eventual attack on the kingside.
White: to carry out the advance e4-eS and after 1 8 .�e3!) 1 8 . . .dxe5 19.ttldS LdS 20.exdS exd4 18.gfe!!? @h8!
the capture of the pawn to retake with the bishop, 2 1 .�xhS g6 Black's position is completely A typical manoeuvre when the white bishop
that is, i.xeS. In this case White increases his satisfactory. has occupied the f3-square. The objective is to
pressure with the advance f4-fS or the eventual b) 16 .eS dxe5 17.LeS ( l 7.fxeS ttl e4 - prevent possible problems with the black king
manoeuvre �e2-d3 followed by �g3-h4. In both simplifications almost always favour the second as a consequence of an eventual ttlc3-e4-f6 after
cases it is very important for Black to have his player - l S .ttl xe4 i.xe4 1 9.�xbS i.xg2t 20.�xg2 e4-eS .
e7-bishop sufficiently defended. axbS 2 1 .:Sg1 g6 is about equal) 1 7 ...�c8! 19.b3 '!We8
(preventing f4-fS) 1 8 .�f3 ( l 8 .i.d3 ttlhS 1 9 .�h3 Also interesting was 1 9 ... �c7 20.e5 dxeS
From the early conclusions I started working to g6 After this manoeuvre Black's kingside is very 2 1 .LeS �a7!? 22.i.xa8 �xa8 23.Elxd8 :Sxd8
find an effective plan. I think I can show you strong: 20.fS exfS 2 1 .i.xfS �c5) 1 S ... g6 1 9.La8 24.ttle4 ttle8 2S .i.b2 WdS with equality.
an interesting defensive system based on the �xa8 20.f5 exfS 2 1 .:SxfS �c6! equalizing. 20.eS dxeS 2 1.fx.e5 lLld7
aforementioned evaluations and methods. c) 1 6.:Sd1 :Sd8 1 7.�e3 ttld7! Preparing the 2 l . ..ttldS!?
14 ...l3ae8! advance . . . e6-eS. 22.ha8 '!Wxa8
This move has several objectives: it adequately 16 . .'!We4!
.
For instance 23.ttle4 Wc6 with counterplay:
defends the e7-bishop and supports the advances Black's position is excellent.
. . . e6-eS and the eventual . . . £7-fS .
15.'it>hl ia8!?N
This is the key to Black's prophylactic play.

White isn't given the necessary space required
to adequately prepare his offensive. Curiously
This waiting move is a very strong novelty. It is enough, the first time I tested this system in
essential to keep the c-file clear so that the black practice in the game Lacasa - Comas Fabrego
Cttapter 5
Ttt,e Ope'lJ'l8 �ccordi� to file · or Wtt,y l lilt,e ...� a6

it\. ttt,e t\!t\8'/ It\.diat\.
In Ajedrez en fa Cumbre Petrosian dedicates constantly escape theory, as might be concluded

a chapter to explaining the reasons he liked to from Petrosian's article, hoping that the opponent
employ the unusual move ig5 against some of will not know how to solve the problems over
the defensive systems used by Black at the time. the board. It is instead something deeper, with its
In this regard it is worth mentioning his valuable own value and justification.
contribution to a well known variation which Is every player ready for such excursions into
was invented to fight against the King's Indian the world of the unknown? In my view the
Defence. Of course the line I am referring to is answer is no. For that, one must understand
the one which bears Petrosian's name. the game, master the positional and tactical
The main argument he presents in favour procedures and know how to apply them to all
of adopting almost forgotten lines or, with a sorts of situations.
similar philosophy, using systems where there But I would like to warn the reader that
is no theory as they are in the early stages of becoming obsessed with such a philosophy,
investigation, is the following: " .. .in a struggle that is, exclusively using little-known opening
with a more experienced master - one who systems, can also become seriously detrimental:
not only knows published theory bur who has such a player runs the risk of becoming isolated
the variations etched into his hide - my lack of from the creative and evolutionary currents of the
experience put me at a disadvantage." game, as well as losing touch with the way top
When one is younger one often confronts this players understand the variations they employ.
dilemma: To play the main lines or to go for For in the main variations we can see how the top
secondary systems? grandmasters think, how their understanding of
Beyond their practical value, the use ofvariations the fashionable lines progresses.
"seldom visited by eminent grandmasters" Obviously studying these main opening
may have instructional value if their use comes systems should also have a clear creative
after serious and creative analysis. One ends component: try to provide something new, look
up identifYing oneself with the variation thus for improvements, engage in the discussion of
created. I can explain from my own experience the variation. To find ideas that nobody had seen
the pride one feels if one is fortunate enough before in well-trodden paths also produces great
that "his variation" is later accepted and used by pleasure. It also enormously increases one's self
players of international renown. confidence.
I would like to stress that the purpose of such That is why I recommend that an ambitious
systems is not j ust as surprise weapons nor is it to player combines the two approaches in his
1 04 True Lies in Chess 105
The Opening According (0 Me - or Why I Like . . .ltla6 in the King's Indian
opening preparation: try (0 create new systems, the efforts and courage of a group of talented that is, the bad placement of the knight, is only 12.lLlh2
create your own identity; but at the same time players: primarily Glek, Yurtaev, Kovalev and of a temporary nature. It has already been said in The other main alternative is 1 2.lLld2!?
don't lose (Ouch with the main variations in your Asanov. Firstly, this provided space to develop the previous paragraph that practice has shown
theoretical discussion. my creativity when investigating the new system, that White, in many variations when confronted
Regarding the working methodology when as I was basically in unexplored territory. by Black's pressure, cannot do without the moves
facing the analysis and investigation of new lines Secondly and no less importantly, with this dxe5 or d4-d5. It can also happen that Black is
of play I would like (0 strongly recommend move I avoided the most favourable versions of the one who decides to exchange with ... exd4
the book Grandmaster Preparation by Lev two White systems, as we will see below, that are with active piece play. In any of these cases it
Polugaevsky. There the author makes a thorough very unpleasant for Black if he wants to fight for turns out that the knight is perfectly poised on
examination of the process that led (0 the birth a win: the Exchange Variation and the Petrosian a6, controlling the enemy pawn expansion on
and subsequent evolution of what later on, and Variation (yes, the Petrosian Variation, what a the queenside and just one move away from its
well deservedly, would become known as the coincidence!) . ideal c5 -square.
Polugaevsky Variation. And finally, the alternative to this system But since a picture (and perhaps a diagram) is
was the Yugoslav Variation arising after 6 ... e5 worth a thousand words we will now go on to
7.0-0 lLlc6 8.d5 (Black's pressure on d4 forces study concrete variations. I must warn the reader
this advance) 8 . . . lLle7. This line usually leads Undoubtedly this is a very interesting option.
that this chapter is not intended as a practical
But now I would like (0 introduce the reader (0 to variations that have been copiously analysed Again we can make comparisons to understand
guide of how to play against all of White's
the finer points of a system that has been one until move 30 or beyond, and where one slip can the reasons behind this: with a knight on d7
possibilities. I am just going (0 show those
of my greatest pleasures for a long time. It is a mean defeat. I just want to say that I don't like Black would have the strong continuation 1 2 ... f5
lines where I have something interesting to say,
line characterized by the move . . . lLla6 against the these kind of lines at all: if you have a bad day or 1 3.exf5 lLl df6! with excellent play. Now
contributing something new to the theory of the
Classical Variation of the King's Indian. Let's see your memory fails then anyone can beat you. instead new forms of counterplay must be
system in the process.
the basic position: But all this would not be enough if the knight found.
lil\« I: PloyillS a 10 P«tro/iol\

manoeuvre didn't have a strategic foundation. Its For example:
l .d4 lLlf6 2.c4 g6 3.lLlc3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.lLlO detractors will say that the a6-knight occupies a 12 ... lLlxg3 1 3. fxg3 h5 14.0-0 c6 1 5 .�h l
� Gomez Jurado
0-0 6.i.e2 lLla6 (Basic Position) poor position on the edge of the board. That it ( l 5 .�h2 �h6 with the idea of . . .�f4) 1 5 ...�h6
doesn't put any immediate pressure on the enemy with counterplay. Among others, one possible
• Comas Fabrego
centre is quite evident. What then are the virtues plan for Black could be . . . lLl a6-c7-e8-g7 followed
Foment 1 995
of this mysterious move? by ... £7-f5 . For instance 1 6.lLlb3 ( l 6.i.d3 �b6)
The argument that after this move Black's 16 ... lLlb4 1 7.a3 �f4 with an attack.
(Starting from the Basic Position)
pressure on the enemy centre decreases is 1 2 ... f5!? 1 3 .exf5 lLlc5!? This is an interesting
7.i.g5 h6 8.i.h4 e5 9.d5
false: it's just that the mechanisms to carry out alternative worthy of deeper analysis.
White transposes into the Petrosian Variation.
this pressure change. Indeed after the typical 12 ...lLlxg3 1 3.fxg3 h5 14.0-0 '\We7!?
The main difference with the usual lines, where
manoeuvres ... e7-e5, ... �d8-e8 and eventually the black knight is on d7 instead of a6, is that in
... �c8-g4 it is very difficult for White to keep his the latter case the direct control that Black exerts
central pawns intact. (This is the main difference over the key f5-square gives him good prospects
compared to the passive system . . . e7-e5 followed of active counterplay in the near future.
by ... lLlb8-d7; in this case Black's central pressure 9 .. g5 10 ..ig3 lLlh5 I l .h4 g4
.
is insufficient) . A couple of details: I would like One of several possible options. Also very
to warn the reader that the queen manoeuvre to interesting is l l .. .ttJxg3 1 2.fxg3 gxh4 13.ttJxh4
e8 and the subsequent aggressive move of the ( I 3.E1xh4 f5) 13 . . .�g5. If the black knight were
Why does Black choose this strange move, bishop to g4 can be carried out thanks to the on d7 the first player could try the theoretical
delaying the advance . . . e7-e5? What is its strategic placement of the a6-knight since from this square 1 4.�g4, although even in that case Black has a
foundation? it defends the vital c7-pawn against the possible very interesting alternative which has not been
I took the decision (0 include this then litde attack lLlc3-d5 and it doesn't obstruct the line of employed in practice yet, 1 4 .. .f5!. Now instead
known option into my repertoire in 1 989. The development of the light-squared bishop. it is obvious that White is hard pressed to defend
variation had just been born in 1 988 thanks to The other reason put forward by its detractors, against Black's initiative.
1 06 True Lies in Chess The Opening According to Me - or Why I Like ... ctJa6 in the King's Indian 1 07
At the time this move was a theoretical novelty. Before proceeding with the study of the ctJa6 This is the option I suggest. Black deviates from
Black makes a useful move for his plan of securing system I would like to clarifY a couple of details. the more usual variation 9 ... "lWeS 1 0.ixf6 .ixf6
conuol of the very important e4-square. White, Why doesn't Black play the move ...ctJa6 more 1 1 .cS.
as we will now see, has no equivalent move. Worse often in reply to the Petrosian Variation? It's
than the text move was the immediate 14 ... fS simply a nuance with the move-order leading to
because of I S.exfS .ixfS 1 6 . .id3 "lWd7 1 7.ctJe4 the main position.
with some positional advantage for White.
15.'I1*fc2 l.d4 lLlfG 2.c4 g6 3.lLlc3 Ag7 4.e4 d6 5.lLlf3
Other possibilities were: 0-0 6.Ae2 e5 7.d5 lLla6
a) I S ..id3 ctJcS 1 6 ..ic2 ( l 6.b4 ctJxd3 I7."lWxd3 It turns out that after this sequence, first
fS I S.exfS e4 and Black is slightly better) ... e7-eS and then . . .ctJ bS-a6, White has a very
I6 . . . fS ! 1 7.exfS ( l 7.b4 ttJa6! - what a bad knight! unpleasant reply.
- I S.a3 [ I S .exfS is answered with I S . . . e4!) 8.lLld2!
I S. . . f4 with an attack) 17 ... e4! and Black has a
clearly better position. In this case after 7 ... cS! S.dS e6 9.0-0 Black,
b) I S."lWd2 fS 1 6.exfS .ixfS 17 ..id3 e4 l S .1'lae1 without exchanging on dS to prevent White from
ltJcS 19 . .ic2 1'laeS and Black is clearly better. This line leads to deeply analysed positions
landing the d2-knight on c4 and thus completing
1 5 ... lLlb4 16.'I1*fb3 where White has an unpleasant initiative.
the development of his queenside, has a series of
If 1 6."lWb l as 1 7.a3 ttJa6 l S .b4 fS! and Black 10.dxe5
constructive moves like ... 1'leS, . . . 1'lbS, ... b6, ... a6
is slightly better. This is probably the most critical variation.
which have no equivalents in White's crowded
16 ... a5 17.a3 lLla6 18.'I1*fc2 lLlc5 1 9.1'lae1 Another main option is 10 ..ig3 ctJhS I I .dxeS
position.
19 .b4 axb4 20.axb4 1'lxal 2 1. 1'lxa 1 ctJa6 ctJxg3 1 2 .hxg3 dxeS!?
22.1'lb 1 fS , when Black is slightly better, was not
enough either.
Another attacking line worth serious analysis is
the one arising from the position of the bishop
on the gS-square.
Mter this prophylactic move Black faces (Starting from the Basic Position)
enormous difficulties in finding active 7 ..tg5 h6 8 ..th4 e5 9.0-0
counterplay. White has prevented the standard
manoeuvre S . . . ctJa6-cS, as now that the e4-
pawn is overprotected he has the counter b2-b4,
chasing away the knight.
On the other hand S ... ttJf6-eS with the idea of (l2 ... .ixeS!? with the idea of getting rid of
... £7 -fS is not advisable either since after the break the potentially bad bishop undoubtedly deserves
h2-h4-hS White's position is clearly preferable. deeper analysis.)
And if Black awaits developments, White can Why is Black content with being left with the
calmly prepare an unpleasant pawn storm on the g7-bishop shut in by its own pawns? For several
19 ...a4 queenside. reasons: this bishop defends the king's position,
Thanks to the strong position of his cS-knight Practice has seen the following very interesting makes possible ambitious plans (the transfer of
Black can calmly continue preparing the break continuation with the idea of reaching this kind the a6-knight to d4 or the expansion ... £7-fS)
. . . £7-fS . of position . and, finally, in an eventual endgame common
20.Adl .th6 2 1.1'lf2 .td7 22.@hl f6 23.lLlfl knowledge holds, rightly so in my opinion, that
'I1*fh7 24.'%'fbl 5 25.Ac2 f4 l.d4 lLlfG 2.c4 g6 3.lLlc3 Ag7 4.e4 d6 5.lLlf3 the worst bishop is usually better than the best
And Black wins 0-0 6.Ae2 lLla6 7.lLld2!? 9... g5!? knight. Now there are several possibilities:
I DS True Lies in Chess The Opening According to Me - or Why I Like . . . CLl a6 in the King's Indian 1 09
a) 1 3 .CLlh2!? (an interesting idea: White directly To exchange the light-squared bishops, thus making possible the simplifications we will see Going deeper into the critical line of this
targets the weakness on fS) 13 ... c6 1 4.i.g4 (This gaining control of fS. Now Black has several in the following variations. Another option was variation. Although also very viable is 14 ... Wf6!?;
move leads to an ending where I think Black options: 1 3 . . . c6!? e.g. I S.CLlf3 c6 1 6.lLlxeS dxeS 1 7.i.fl (l7.Wb3
shouldn't have any problems if he plays carefully. a) 1 4 ... lLlcS!? 14J�el!? CLJcS I S .Wc2 2:fds 1 9.2:cd1 [ 1 9.CLJdS cxdS
Instead 1 4.CLlg4? Wxdl I S.2:fXdl i.xg4! 1 6.i.xg4 b) 14 ... �gS I S .i.g4 i.xg4 1 6.hxg4 �h7 Another possibility to bear in mind is 14.CLlfS!? 20.cxdS 2:acS 2 1 .dxe6 �xe6 22.i.c4 CLlcd3!
2:fdS was worse in Piket - Comas Fabrego, ( 1 6 ... i.xd4 1 7.�xd4 �xg4 I S.CLldS Wg7 i.xfS IS .exfS 2:eS!? winning] 1 9 ... aS 20.i.fl 2:d4 2 l .f3 l'!adS 22.$..£2
Istanbul (01) 2000) 1 4. . .Wxd l l S .2:fXdl i.xg4 1 9 .�xg7t �xg7 20.lLlxf4 2:aeS 2 1 .lLlhSt �g6 CLlcd3 23.i.xd3 CLlxd3 24.i.xd4 lLlxe l 2S .i.xeS
1 6.CLlxg4 :1'lfdS 1 7.CLle3 hS! (a very important 22.lLlg3 and White is slightly better) 1 7.lLlfS l'!gS lLlxB and Black is clearly better) 1 7 ... 2:fdS with
move: Black has to stop White from fixing this I S.f3 hS 1 9 . �f2! and White is clearly better. counterplay.
pawn on h6 where it could become a permanent c) 1 4 . . . �h7!? (Black's counterplay should 15.h4
weakness in the ensuing endings) l S .CLlfS develop along the g-file) I S.i.g4 2:gS 1 6.i.fSt! IS .i.fl as and the position is unclear.
i.fS 1 9 .f3 (a necessary move against Black's (better than 1 6.i.xcS which gives Black more 15 ...'I&f6!
eventual manoeuvre ... �gS-h7-g6 and ... CLla6- options) 1 6. . .i.xfS 1 7.CLlxfS CLlcS (This seems the
cS, threatening . . . CLlxe4) 1 9 ... �h7! 20.�f2 best option. If instead 1 7 ... l'!g6, with the idea
�g6 2 1 .�e2 CLlcS The position is completely of playing . . . WgS and ... 2:gS, I S .�f3 CLlcS [the
balanced. black knight goes to e6 from where it defends the
b) 1 3 .Wcl c6 1 4.2:dl ( 14.CLlh2 �cS I S .2:dl f4-pawn and threatens to occupy the gS-square]
Wb6 1 6.i.g4 Wb4 1 7.b3 fS with some initiative) 19 .CLldS! [the white knight exertS very unpleasant
14 ... We7 l S .a3 ( l S.lLlh2 i.e6 1 6.b3 2:adS 1 7.We3 pressure from this position] 1 9 . . . CLle6 20.2:ad l ! Not IS ... i.xc3?!: this exchange is dubious
WcS I S.WxcS CLlxcS 19.i.g4 .ixg4 20.CLlxg4 2:d4 [White's initiative i s becoming very dangerous] because Black is unable to organize, at this
2 1 .CLle3 2:fdS 22.f3 l'!d3 23.lLlfS i.fS 24.�f2 20 ... lLlgS 2 1 .WhS CLl xe4 [2 1 . ..B 22.g3 and point, effective central counterplay that would
CLle6 2S.2:xd3 l'!xd3 with counterplay) l S ... lLlcS White is clearly better) 22.CLlde7 and White is counteract White's possible attack against his
16.Wc2 CLle6 1 7.g4 and Black is clearly better: clearly better) I S.�f3 c6!? (As is obvious from weakened kingside. For instance: 1 6.2:xc3 �xe2t
Paszek - Petkevich, Germany 1 999. the previous variation, it is very important to 1 7.�xe2 Wf6 I S.f4! (opening the position at
10... CLlh5 I l.CLld4 CLlf4 12.i.g3 he5 13.l'!cl!? stop White's c3-knight from gaining access to once) I S ... 2:aeS 19.�h5 WxfS 20.fXgS WxgS
Defending the c3-knight against the eventual the dS-square. The weakness of the d6-pawn is 2 1 .�h3 with an attack.
positional threat ...i.eSxc3. difficult to exploit and even its possible capture Another possibility that is not quite good
Another option to consider is 1 3.i.xf4 gxf4! is unimportant in the game as a whole.) 1 9 .2:adl enough to equalize is: I S . . . CLJcS 1 6.b4 i.xc3 16.l"ildh5
(Reaching a very interesting position with the Wf6 20.lLle2 tt.!e6 2 1 .h4 2:g6,and if 22.lLlxd6 1 7.2:xc3 CLJe4 I S.2:e3 lLlxe2t 19.�xe2 CLlxg3 There are many alternatives, all of them
classic struggle of better pawn structure versus (22.hS l'!gS 23.CLlxd6 l'!xg2t! 24. �xg2 CLl gS with 20.hxg3 2:eS 2 1 .2:xeSt �xeS 22.�hS and White characterized by a fierce exchange of blows.
Black's greater activity. As always the question an attack) 22 . . . 2:agS Black has an unpleasant is slightly better. a) 1 6. bxcS ixd4 1 7.lLlbS i.xcS I S.CLlxc7
in such situations is how this activity is going attack. After I S ... 2:eS!? there are the following 2:acS 19.1Ll d5 i.xdS 20.cxdS i.b4 2 1 .2:xcS
to evolve: will it increase or will it come to a d) 1 4 ... lLlb4!? (this is a typical manoeuvre in this possibilities: 2:xcS 22.i.g4 2:c4 23.2:e3 (23.Wa4 Wd4 with
standstill? Worse was 1 3 ....ixf4 1 4 ..ig4 and system: before carrying out any active operations a) 1 6.l'!el i.xc3 1 7.2:xc3 2:xe2 I S.2:xe2 CLJxe2t counterplay) 23 ... hS 24.id7 Wb2 and Black is
White is clearly better.) 1 4.h3. on the g-file, Black improves the position of his 1 9 .Wxe2 Wf6 After exchanging a couple of rooks, clearly better.
a6-knight by moving it closer to the vital central White's attacking chances have considerably b) 1 6.CLlcbS CLla6 ( l 6. . . lLlxe4 1 7.iJ3 CLlxg3
squares) I S .a3 (if instead I S .2:cl �h7 1 6.i.g4 decreased; White's g3-bishop runs into the d6- I S .fXg3! l"ilg6 1 9.CLlxe6 fXe6 20.CLlxc7 2:acS
2:gS 1 7. .ifSt i.xfS I S .lLlxfS WgS 1 9.WB tt.!d3! pawn; Black's position is good. 2 1 .lLlxe6! is decisive) 1 7.CLJf3 (1 7.Wd2 c6
Black wins a very important tempo for the attack) b) 1 6.iJ3 To avoid exchanges, but this is I S.lLlxe6 fXe6! 1 9.�xd6 i.xd6 20.�xd6 2:adS
I S ... CLlc6! 16.CLlxc6 bxc6 and Black's position has not the best place for the white bishop. 1 6 ... c6 2 1 .i.xf4 gxf4 22.eS Wf7 and Black is clearly
many prospects. 17.CLJe4 ( l 7.2:el CLJcS 1 8.i.xf4 i.xf4 1 9.2:xe8t better; 1 7.CLlxe6 fXe6) 17 . . . CLlxb4 I s .lLlxc7 CLlxa2
13 ...i.e6!? WxeS is about equal) 1 7 ... CLlcS! I S .CLJxcS dxcS 1 9.i.xf4 i.xf4 20.2:c2 CLJ b4 and Black is slightly
In some variations it might be in Black's and the position is balanced. better.
interest to keep his pawn on c7 so that he c) 1 6.i.g4!? With similar intentions to the c) 16.CLlxe6 fXe6!
might, eventually, neutralize the enemy action previous variation. 16 ... c6 1 7.CLle4 CLlcS! d) 1 6.i.xf4 i.xd4 and Black is much better.
along the d-file and the h2-bS diagonal, thus 14... CLlc5! 16 a6
..•
1 10 True Lies in Chess The Opening According [ 0 Me - or Why I Like ... liJa6 in the King's Indian III
16 ... c6 1 7. bxcS and White has an obvious lif\e 3: flear tlte Itorl1\. 1 1 .. .CZlb4 was later played by Topalov, bur it's 12 ..ixa6?!
advantage. weaker. There might follow 1 2.i.e2 cs 13.i.e3 A very instructive error. The weakness of Black's
Classical Variation with 8.!'!el :8e8 14.h3! hf3 I S .i.xf3 and the presence of the queenside pawns is deceptive and the possible
f3-bishop favours White, as his centre is much transfer of a white knight [0 the "ideal" c6-square
Now let's analyse the more usual lines of the more stable. will remove a very important piece from the main
system. After 1 1 .. .:8e8! there follows 12.h3 iLxf3 theatre ofoperations, the kingside. Other options
1 3 .'iWxf3 CZlb4! 14.E!acl cS I S .ie3 CZlc6! (this were 1 2.h3 id7 ( I 2 ... ic8!? in some variations it
(Starting from the Basic Position) is the basic middlegame position) 1 6.E!cd 1 (if is better that this bishop is on c8, increasing the
7.0-0 eS 8':!'!el c6 9.,if1 1 6.:8ed l !? 'iWe7! the weakness of the e4-square safety of the b7- and d6-pawns) 13.liJd2 ( I 3.iLe3
becomes apparent: 17 .iLgS 'iWe6 1 8 .Lf6 [ 1 8 .:8el f5 ; instead, 13 .a4!?, suggested by the Israeli
CZld4] 18 ...'iWxf6 1 9.'iWxf6 ixf6 20.:8xd6 iLxc3 player Greenfeld, is extremely interesting) 13 ... fS
2 1 .:8xc3 :8xe4 and the position is equal) 1 6 . . .'iWaS! 1 4.tDc4 bS I S .liJa3 b4 with counterplay.
(exploiting the vulnerability of the e l -rook) 12 ... bxa6 1 3.�d3 i.c8!
1 7.if4 (if 1 7.:8d2 :8e6!, beginning an excellent Black keeps his valuable light-squared bishop
regrouping aimed at controlling once and for and prepares the expansion on the kingside with
all the d4-square and stabilizing the d6-pawn: . . . 0-fS.
1 8.:8edl CZle8) 17 ... CZld4 1 8.'iWd3 :8ad8 19.id2 14.llJd2 fS IS.llJc4 f4 16.a4 �h4 17.i.d2
17.tiJxc7 'iWb6 (Black's plan consists of constanrly harassing 1 7.CZla5 liJ f6 with an attack.
Other possibilities don't seem to cause Black the enemy queenside) 20.igS :8c8 2 1 .icl CZld7 17 ...gS
any trouble. For instance: 22.f4 a6 23.g3 liJb8 24.ig2 liJbc6 2S .liJdS 'iWaS 17 . . .f3 was another very valid option.
a) 1 7.bxcS axbS 1 8.CZldS iLxdS 1 9 .cxdS dxcS 26.a3 b5, Garcia Luque - Magem Badals, Spain 18.f3
20J''lx cS :8xa2 and Black is slightly better. 1 990: Black has excellent counterplay. 1 8.liJa5 :8f6 with a useful initiative.
b) 1 7.liJdS iLxdS 1 8.liJxc7 �xe4 1 9.1iJxa8 10...adS!? 18 ... g4 19.fxg4 .ixg4 20J�f1 �f6 21.ie1 �h5
CZlxg2 20.liJb6 CZlxe l 2 1 .'iWxe l liJd3 22.iLxd3 This is an interesting idea. Black prepares 22.h3 Ad7 23.�f3 �h6
i.xd3 23.liJd7 'iWf3 24.i.xeS Wg4t 2s.iLg3 'iWxd7 Now Black has at his disposal two main his kingside counterplay without giving up the
and Black is slightly better. options. possibility of activating his a6-knight through
c) 1 7.ixf4 Wxf4 1 8 .g3 'iWf6 19 .1iJxc7 ixc3 c5. Worse is instead 1 0 ... liJe8 I l .h3 id7 1 2.cS!
20.bxcS hel 2 1 .Wxe l :8ad8 and Black is clearly A. Black increases the central tension. (I don't understand why so far no-one has played
better. 9 ...i.g4 10.dS this strong move) 1 2 ... tDxcS 13 .b4 and White is
17 ....ixc3 18Jhc3 Another highly rated possibility is 10.ie3!? clearly better.
If 1 8.bxcS Lel 1 9.CZlxa8 i.xf2t 20 .iLxf2 dxcS although I think that in this case after 10 ... exd4! l 1.adS llJe8
2 1 .liJc7 CZlxe2t 22.'iWxe2 Wf4 23.�b2 �xc7 Black gets a very sound position. With this move
24.�f6 @h7 and Black is slightly better. Black begins a plan whose aim is to put pressure
18 ... llJxe2t 19.!'he2 �xc3 20.bxcS dxcS on the central dark squares and the enemy
20 ... E!ac8 2 1 .ixd6 and White is clearly better. queenside. For instance 1 1 .iLxd4 E!e8!.
21.llJxa8 :8xa8
The position is unclear.
All these continuations are only approximations

of the numerous possibilities the position offers. And Black continued building up his attacking
Bur I think that the reader can appreciate the position on the kingside in Candela Perez -
richness of ideas this line contains. Comas Fabrego, Burgos 2003.
Now we are gradually going [0 delve deeper in As we have seen, this line usually leads to positions
the more critical variations of this system. with a blocked pawn centre, giving the struggle a
rather slow character.
1 12 True Lies in Chess
The Opening According to Me - or Why I Like . . . l2la6 in the King's Indian 1 13
In complete contrast, we are now going to study 1 7.Eledl �e5 I S.iWe2 iWa5 1 9 .�d2 iWc7 20.f4
Mter I s.iWxd6 l2lxal 1 9.12lxa2 iWxa2 the such a case? Do you decide to change your line
what is in my view the main variation of the �d4t 2 1 .<i±lh2 l:!eS with annoying pressure
position is unclear. or do you defend your cause come what may? I
system beginning with S.�el c6 9.�fl . In this against the centre. 18 ...dS! think that your answer lies in the attitude you
line Black doesn't shy away from hand-to-hand 14 ...i.eS l s.Af4 hf4 It is essential to control the e4-square to normally show at the board: there are pragmatic
combat. Worth considering is 1 5 ... l:!eS! ?
prevent the white knight from transferring to chess players and there are those who search for
the kingside. Worse was I S ... dxe5 1 9.iWh6! (now the truth of the position.
B. Black gives up the central tension in order to
Black has many problems defending his king) I belong to the second group. I have never
achieve active play with his minor pieces.
19 ...f6 20.l2le4 �xg4 (20 ... l2lxa2 2 1 .Elbi iWa3 considered myself a player: rather I am an analyst
9 ... exd4 10.tLlxd4 tLlg4 1 1 .h3 'lWb6 12.hxg4
22.c5 and White is clearly better) 2 1 .Elb i iWa3 of the game. But I wouldn't like the reader to
'lWxd4 13.'lWf3 'lWb6!?
22.l:!e3 iWa5 23.a3 ctJa6 24.l:!xb7 with an attack. interpret my words as boasting. No. In fact,
19.cxdS tLlxdS 20.tLlxdS cxdS I think that it is necessary to be able to adopt
Black has no problems at all. both philosophies of play depending on the
circumstances of the tournament and on the
To end this section, I would like to share with the opponent you are facing. But when it comes to
reader a game I played against one of the greatest my favourite system ...
specialists in this system, with both colours. I should add that I was quite curious to see
whether Huzman would repeat the set-up chosen
This i s another attractive continuation. For 'it' Huzman by Eljanov against me some years earlier (a game
instance: 1 6.l:!ab l ( I 6 .b3 iWa5 1 7.1�hcl l2lc5) * Comas Fabrego which the reader will find analysed elsewhere in
16 ...iWc5 1 7.a3 ( I 7.Eled l �xf4 [17 ...�e6 I S.a3 Istanbul 2003 this book). I was curious because despite having
�xf4 19 .'lWxf4 iWe5 20.iWxe5 dxe5 is equal] lost that game and although other grandmasters,
I s .iWxf4 iWe5 1 9.iWxe5 dxe5 20.�e2 �e6 and 9 .... exd4 10.tLlxd4 tLlg4 1 l .h3 'lWb6 12.hxg4 among them Alexei Shirov, preferred White's
the position is balanced) 1 7 ... g5 I S.�xe5 iWxe5 'lWxd4 13.gS 'lWxdl 14.�xdl ieS lS.tLla4!? position, I firmly believed in Black's cause and
1 9 .iWxeS dxe5 20.f3 �e6 2 1 .b4 EladS with I wished to know whether Huzman was of the
equality. same opinion. Well, it turned out that the Israeli
This is an interesting idea. Black tries to hamper
16.'lWxf4 'lWxb2 17.:Sac1 tLlb4! player agreed with me since he deviated here
the development of the enemy queenside and, at
from the main theoretical continuation 1 5 .�e3.
the same time, consolidate control of the cS- and
It should be noted that although the idea
eS-squares with his minor pieces.
1 5 .l2la4 had been played before, I didn't know it
Worse is 13 ...iWeS 1 4.gS iWe7 I S .iWg3 l2lcS
at all and therefore I was in uncharted territory.
16.�f4 �eS 1 7.Eladl and White has a persistent
Undoubtedly the thorough analysis I carried out
initiative, Gelfand - Markowski, Polanica Zdroj
in the aforementioned game against Eljanov and
1 995.
the knowledge, even unconscious at that time, of
14.'lWg3!?
the ideas developed in the game Garcia Luque
White gives up his b2-pawn in order to
- Magem Badals, analysed above in this same
exchange the g7-bishop, thus obtaining attacking
section, were very useful in reaching the correct
prospects against the enemy kingside.
conclusion.
Other options didn't yield any advantage. For
15 ... tLlb4!N
instance:
In this contest an interesting psychological Black's correct strategy is to initiate a very
a) 1 4.�b l �xg4! I S .iWxg4 hc3 and Black is
situation occurred, one which every player has active piece struggle for control of the crucial
slightly better.
to face at some point in his career: you must d4-square. Worse were both 1 5 ... l2lc5?! 1 6.l2lxc5
b) 14.gS ctJcS I S .Elb l as 1 6.�e3 ( 1 6 .�f4 Black wants to exchange the potentially most
play a creative opponent, who is an opening dxc5 1 7.�e3 �xb2 I S.Elab l �e5 1 9.�xc5, when
�eS 1 7.iWg3 iWc7 followed by ... l2le6 and dangerous enemy piece: the c3-knight. Bad is expert and great analyst, and you know that if White is slightly better, and 1 5 ... EleS 1 6.�e3
Black's position is excellent) 16 ... a4 ( l 6 . . . iWdS!? 17 ... f6?! 1 8 .c5! dxc5 1 9 .�c4t <i±lg7 20.e5 1 -0
you choose your usual variations sooner or later b6 17. Eld2 �b7 I S.l:!adl c5 1 9.f3 l2lc7 20.ctJc3
1 7.Elbd l iWe7 I s .iJ4 �eS 1 9.iWg3 f6 20.gxf6 Savchenko - Amonatov, Elista (01) 1 995.
you will have to face an unpleasant surprise in (Khenkin - Glek, Porro San Giorgio 1 995) with
Elxf6 2 1 .i.xe5 dxe5 and Black is slightly better) 18.e5
the form of a new idea. What should you do in an unpleasant plus for White.
The Opening According to Me - or Why I Like . . . ltJa6 in the King's Indian
16.a3 provide an adequate defence of the important I f 1 7.exf5 gxf5 l s .1c4 1e6 with very good accurate was lS ... tLl e6 19.CLlb2 'iflhS 20. tLl d3
If 16.f4 then 1 6 ...i.g4!; and if 1 6.i.d2 c5 central squares d6 and d5, which is an essential play. tLleg5 2 1 .tLlxg5 CLlxg5 22.i.c3 when the position
17.i.c3 ( l 7.i.xb4 cxb4 and Black is slightly condition for beginning an effective pawn storm 17 ...f4! is unclear.
better) 17 . . .b6 I S .i.xe5 dxe5, Black has the against the enemy king. It is well known that 19.�b2 h5!
better minor pieces. an attack on the flank can only be successful if The kingside pawn storm should almost always
16 ... �c2 17.�a2 �d4 IS.b4 b6 19 ..te3 the centre is blocked or if one has good control be starred with this advance. In many variations
llz-lj2 over it. the g5-square can be used as an excellent outpost
There might follow 1 9... c5 20.lLlc3 i.b7 The first game where I put this new system for the black army.
2 1 .lLld5 i.xd5 22.cxd5 a5! with excellent play. to the test was in the penultimate round of the 20.ie2
prestigious New York Open against the Turkish If 20.i.xe6 'fixe6 2 1 .ltJc4 (2 1 .1Wc4 Vf1e7
GM Atalik. We both were fighting for the top 22.lLld3 g5 23.1c3 'iflh7 followed by the eventual
places. advance ... g5-g4 with an attack) 2 1 ...iJ6 22.1'ldl
Classical Variation with S..te3 g5, Black has the initiative. And if 20.lLld3 then
W Atalik 20 ... 1'ld8!.
I am very proud to proclaim that the system we * Comas Fabrego 20 .. J'!:d8 2 1.�c4
are going to analyse next is of my own invention. New York 1 995 21 . a4 g5
Proud because it's given me very good results 2 1 ... �b5 22.a4
against tough opponents, but even prouder 12 ..td2 � h6 13.'!Wc1 �f7 14.c5!? c6 22.i.c3 tLl xc3 23.1Wxc3 g5 was better.
because it has been adopted by several world Even back then I discovered the line After this move Black's kingside plans are clearly 22 ... � d4 23.�xd4 l'!xd4 24.'!Wc2 '!We7
class grandmasters. Call it vanity, but that is what 14 ... tLl xc5 1 5. tLld5 tLle6 16. tLlxc7 (1 6.i.b4 c6 defined: either a pawn attack with moves such as Black's position is overwhelming. The threats
I feel. The variation in question is the following: with compensation) 16 ... tLlxc7 1 7Y.f1xc7 tLldS! . . . h7-h5 and . . . g6-g5-g4 or a piece anack after include 25 . . .f3, 25 .. J'!fd8, 25 . . . tLl g5 or 25 ... 1Wh4
I S.i.c4t i.e6 1 9.Elfc l but I thought that White's ... 'iflhS, .. Y.f1e7 and ... CLlc7-e6-g5 (eventually this (g5). Also very interesting was 24 ... f3!? 25 .gxf3
(Starting from the Basic Position) position was slightly better. In any case, recent knight can also move to d4) with piece sacrifices 1WdS 26.i.e3 tLl g5 with an attack.
7.0-0 e5 S..te3 �g4 9.ig5 '!WeS 10.dxe5 dxe5 experience shows that Black has a solid defensive hanging in the air. Black's only weak square is 25.�d6
1 l.h3 f6!? formation. perfectly covered by the f7-knight. Black's position 25 .l"1ad 1 f3!
15.�a4!? is now very flexible, a characteristic proving its 25... �xd6 26.cxd6 '!Wg5
I remember that at first I didn't understand potential. Instead I had to be careful to avoid the 26. . . 1'lxd6 27.b5 1Wg5 28 .E!a3 and Black is
this move at all. A more detailed analysis showed, natural 1 7 ... CLle6? I S.exf5! It turns out that the clearly better; but not 26 ... 1Wxd6? 27.i.c3.
however, that the bad placement of this knight "fearsome pawn centre" that is formed after this 27.l'!a3 l'!dS 2S.b5 gSxd6
would only be temporary, as it formed part of move is not as fearsome as it's made out to be; an White has no compensation for the sacrificed
a plan to exert unpleasant pressure against the idea that has been exploited in subsequent games pawn and Black's offensive continues.
important squares d6 and e5 after the regrouping and which has become White's main strategy to Later on, after acute time (fouble, I wasn't able
b2-b4 followed by CLla4-b2-c4 or d3. fight against Black's system. l S ... gxf5 19.1c3 to realize my advantage but it was obvious that
But White's idea didn't turn out well because e4 20.i.xg7 lLlxg7 (20 ... 'iflxg7 2 1 .1Wc3t 'iflgS the system had survived its first baptism of fire.
Atalik didn't take into consideration Black's 22. tLle5 and White is clearly better) 2 1 . tLlg5 and
counterplay: indeed, after the imminent .. .f6- White's position is much better.
f5 White has to take prophylactic measures to IS.b4
save his unstable centre, which allowed me to I f l S.ltJg5 tLl e6 ( l S . . .i.e6!? - Huzman) 19.CLlxf7 In the next game in which the system was tested
seize the initiative for the rest of the game. On 0 9 .tLlxe6 1xe6 20.f3 g5 2 1 .b4 h5 22. tLl b2 g4 I had to face an unpleasant novelty.
the other hand, 1 5 .i.xa6 bxa6 was worse: Black and Black's attacking) 1 9 . . . 1Wx£7 20.f3 'iflhS
Previously the usual move had been 1 1 ...h6 would prepare his pawn storm on the kingside 2 1 .b4 'fie7 22.1c3 (22. tLl b2 lLld4) 22 ... lLlg5, and W Van Wely
and after 12.i.cl tLl f6 13 .ie3 there followed an without any hindrance. Black has a dangerous attack on the kingside. * Comas Fabrego
eventual ... tLl h5-f4 thus starting a piece offensive 15 ... lLlc7 16.gel IS...1e6 Escaldes (z) 1 995
against the enemy king. After the text move the To defend the e4-pawn and put pressure on A move made with the aim, yet again, of
essence of Black's plan lies in the manoeuvre the e-file. stabilizing Black's central zone as a prelude to (Starting from the Basic Position)
... tLlg4-h6-f7 combined with ... c7-c6. This will 16. f5 17 ..tc4
..
a strong attack on the enemy kingside. Less 7.0-0 e5 8 ..ie3 �g4 9 ..tg5 '!WeS 10.dxe5 dxe5
1 16 True Lies in Chess The Opening According to Me - or Why I Like ... ctJa6 in the King's Indian 1 17
1 1.h3 f6 12.id2 lLlh6 13.c5! a l ) 20.�e2 a5 2 1 .a3 �a6!? (yet again going In the endgame White's initiative gradually
for simplifications; also possible was 2 1 . . .axb4 fades away, whereas the power of the bishops
22.axb4 �xal 23.�xal �b8 24. �bl �b7 with increases proportionally.
counterplay) 22.�xa6 (22.�b2 �b7 with 20 ... �xc7 2 1.�adl @f7 22.ctJa4 ie7
the initiative) 22 . . . �xa6 23.�dc l (23.�ab l
axb4 24.axb4 �a3) 23 ... �d7 with obvious
counterplay.
a2) 20.�a5 �c7 2 1 .�xc7 The queen exchange
almost always favours Black in this situation.
2 1 . ..�xc7 22.a3 a5 and the position is unclear.
a3) 20.�fl !? The queen is transferred to a
square where she is protected) 20 . . . a5 2 1 .ctJa4
�a6 22.ctJb6 �xfl t 23.@xfl �a6! 24.a3 �fa7
25 .�abl axb4 26.axb4 �a2 with compensation
for the sacrificed material.
18.'I1Na5 b) 1 9.ctJd2 �b8! (the start of a prophylactic
Undoubtedly a clear improvement on Atalik's manoeuvre aimed at preventing the move ctJb3)
During the post-mortem we considered
move 1 3 .�c l . It is now considered the main 20.�ab l (if 20.ctJb3 �xb3 2 1 .axb3 �e6 22.�d3
that 1 8.b4!? was White's best alternative. After
line. Van Wely prepared to steer the game [22.ctJa2 f5J 22 ... a5!) 20 ... �c8! 2 1 .a3 (if 2 1 . ctJb3
thorough analysis I reached the conclusion
towards positions characterized by a better pawn then 2 1 . .. �xh3! - perhaps one of the only 23.�8d3?!
that Black had enough defensive resources in
structure and the knights' struggle against the moments when this sacrifice is valid - 22.gxh3 Better was 23.�h8 @g7 24.�e8 @f7 and White
connection with an eventual break ... a6-a5 - this
two bishops. �xh3 23.ctJe2 f5 or 23 ...�g4t 24.ctJg3 h5, with has to be content with a draw.
is the main drawback of the advance b2-b4.
13 ...c6 an attack in both cases) 2 1 .. .�b7!! 23 ...ie6 24.b3 �cc8! 25. <i>f1 �d8
Let's have a look at some illustrative variations.
Other options were worse. For instance Limiting the opponent's counterplay.
(I would like to point out that as I write these lines
13 ... ctJf7 1 4.�xa6 bxa6 1 5 .ctJd5 and White's 26.@e2 �xd3 27.�xd3 �d8 28.�c3?
this very move has been successfully employed in
activity is very dangerous; or 1 3 ...ctJxc5 1 4.�cl 28.�xd8 and Black is only slightly better.
some games. But I think that in none of them
ctJ f7 1 5.ctJd5 ctJe6 transposing into a line already 28 ... ic8 29.lLlb2 a5! 3o.lLld2 ia6t 31 .<i>dl
did Black find the right plan.) 18 ... �e6!
seen in my game against Atalik. �d4 32.@c2 @e6 33.lLlbc4 a4
14.ha6 bxa6 15 ..ixh6!? Or 3 3 ... �d8.
At the time I considered that if Black could 34.bxa4 hc4
carry out the manoeuvre . . . ctJh6-f7 he was even 34 .. .f5 ! It's a shame I didn't play this move.
slightly better. In the next game we will see that Once again time trouble prevented me from
things are not that clear at all. realizing my clear positional plus.
1 5 ....ixh6 1 6.'I1Na4 35.�xc4 �xc4t 36.lLlxc4 hc5 37.£3 @d7
The white queen is a very valuable piece, as 38.'it>d3 in 39.lLla5 ib6 4o.lLlb3 @d6
she is destined to put pressure on Black's weak This kind of move can only be discovered 41 .@c4 in 42.lLlc1 ie3 43.lLld3
pawns. I would like to repeat the idea that it is when one has a clear grasp of the difference 1f2_1/2
not a weakness if the opponent lacks effective between the ephemeral and what really matters. I Some of the ideas seen in this game are, even
mechanisms to exploit it. What defensive repeat: it is essential to prevent ctJd2-b3. 22.ctJb3 today, very important for the correct handling of
resources does Black have in this position? (22.�a5 �d7) 22 ... �xb3 23.�xb3 �xc5 and the the system under study.
Basically, two: the power of his two bishops to This is the right idea. Black sacrifices a pawn pin saves Black. Now we will see the next stage in the logical
dominate the enemy rooks and knights and, on to simplify the position and at the same time 1 8...'I1Ne7! evolution of the variation, in which Black faces
the other hand, simplification. hinders the annoying manoeuvre of the white This queen manoeuvre, solving the problems of increasing difficulties.
The closer Black gets to an endgame the more knight ctJf3-b3 (c4)-a5 with pressure. Now there coordination among the black forces, guarantees
dangerous his bishops will become. are two main alternatives: equality.
16 ... l:H'7 17.�fdl if8 a) 1 9.�xa6 �c8: 19.�d8 'I1Nc7 20.'I1Nxc7
l IS True Lies in Chess
The Opening According to Me - or Why I Like ... lLl a6 in the King's Indian 119
19 ...�b7!
If 1 9 . . . 'We7 (if 19 ... e4 20.lLld4 lLl e5 2 1 .l"1e3!?,
The next alternative we will study sees White
the white rook occupies a very good position on
capturing only the a6-knight and placing his
this square, ready to eventually move to g3 with
pieces so as to make it as difficult as possible for
unpleasant pressure against the black monarch;
Black to carry out the break . . . f6-f5 , while White
at the same time the first player prepares the
also prepares the manoeuvre lLl f3-d2-c4-d6 (a5).
manoeuvre lLl c3-e2-f4) 20.'Wxc6 �b7 2 1 .Wffd7
l"1b7 22.lLlce2 l"1d7 (22 . . . Wfff7 23.lLlf4 'Wc4
(Starting from the Basic Position)
24.'Wxc4t lLlxc4 25 .l"1g3 with an attack) 23.lLlf4
7.0-0 e5 8.ie3 lLlg4 9.ig5 '?Ne8 10.dxe5 dxe5
and White is clearly better.
1 1 .h3 f6 12.id2 lLlh6 13.c5! c6 14.ha6 bxa6
20.'?Nxa6
15.'?Na4 lLlf7
If 20.lLlg5 then 20 ... lLlxg5 2 1 .�xg5 l"1xb2. Or
The key manoeuvre in this posmon. The
if 20.'Wh4!? then 20 ... 'We7! Again going for the
black knight is heading for the very strong e6-
desired endgame; instead 20 ... a5!? is a typical
square: 24.exf5 gxf5! It is important to open the
and very interesting move: Black intends to As I have already said, I employed this move
g-file along which Black will develop a strong
bring his b7-rook into the attack or, failing that, against Mikhalevsky in Linares 1 997 and against
attack. 25.ttJe2! lLl e6 26.Wffxc6 lLlxd4 27.lLlfxd4
to provoke an important positional concession Van Wely in Mondariz 2000. In the first game
(27.lLl exd4 �xd4t 2S.l"1xd4 l"1bg7 with some
on the queenside that would ensue after White's I obtained a superior position and therefore
initiative, whereas 28 ... Wffg7 29.lLle5 l"1e7 30.'Wd5
a2-a3. 2 1 .Wffxe7 l"1xe7 22.lLlg5 l"1dS! with I had no qualms about repeating my choice
�b7 3 1 .c6 �xc6 32.'Wxc6 l"1xe5 33.l"1xe5 'Wxe5
equality. against the Dutch GM. He came well prepared
is about equal) 27 ...l"1e7 2S.'Wd6 (2S.ct:lf3 �b7;
20... �xb2 with an interesting novelty, although after a
2S.'Wf3 l"1e4 with compensation) 2S ... �e5
The capture of this pawn is very important as series of accurate moves I managed to level the
29.'Wd5 Wffg7 with a clear initiative.
now the entire queenside is very unstable. position. However, the analysis of later games has
c) 1 6 ... f5 ? 1 7.exf5 gxf5 l S .ttJg5! and after the
2 1.'?Nxa7 �b7 22.'?Na4 e4 23.lLld4 lLle5 24.�e3 convinced me that the move 12 ... lLlh6, with the
exchange of the important f7-knight White's
id7 idea ... ttJa6-c5-e6, instead of 12 ... h5 is preferable.
attack quickly penetrates through the invasion
The initiative and dynamism of Black's White's bishop is not well placed on h4 and Black
square d6.
position are very dangerous. has recently achieved good results with this line.
16.�adl �b8 17.ic1 f5 1 8.exfS gxf5 19.�fel
I would like once again to state the importance
There are other possibilities:
of not blindly believing in the information we
a) 16 ...�b7?! (preparing the manoeuvre ... 'We7
are provided with, even when it is from a reliable
and ... f6-f5; the drawback of this move is that
source. One should be aware that many times the
it is rather slow and the b7-bishop is not well
handling of a specific system is just a matter of
placed) 1 7.�cl ( 1 7.�e3 'We7 1 8 .lLld2 f5 with
When a player has expertise in a particular taste and that therefore the choice by one player
counterplay) 17 ... 'We7 l s .lLld2! A typical pawn
variation those chess players who want to of a particular variation may not mean that it is
sacrifice to seize a lasting initiative. 1 8 ... 'Wxc5
learn that system usually study the expert's the best continuation, objectively speaking.
1 9.1Llb3 Wffe7 20.�e3 with the initiative.
games. Nevertheless, I would like to warn the
b) 16 . . . �h8 17.l"1fe1 l"1gS 1 8 .�e3 l"1b8 1 9.b3
unsuspecting reader that in those games we can
l"1b7 20.lLld2 f5 2 1 .£4 (2 1 .exf5 gxf5 22.lLlc4 l"1e7
also find inaccuracies and evaluation errors.
23.lLld6 lLlxd6 24.cxd6 l"1e6!? with immediate
Accordingly I would like to point out a variation Other times we see a particular line succeed
counterplay against the enemy kingside)
I have successfully used on two occasions but against a difficult opponent, only for the line to
2 1 ...exf4!? (undoubtedly the best option in this
which I honestly think is not the best. I am lapse into suspicious silence without ever being
situation; clearly worse is 2 1 .. .g5 22.exf5 gxf4
referring to the following line: played again. What really happens in such cases?
23.�xf4 �xf5 24.�e3 and White was clearly
In general these are artificial lines, with some
better in Shabalov - Volokitin, Bermuda 2003) Undoubtedly one of the critical positions of
(Starting from the Basic Position) strategic defect that is difficult to detect over the
22.�d4 WfffS!? 23.lLlf3 (23.lLle2 l"1d7 24.exf5 this system. In the following analysis I intend to
7.0-0 e5 8.ie3 liJg4 9.ig5 '?Ne8 1 0.dxe5 dxe5 board, but which cannot stand up to more rigorous
gxf5) 23 ... lLldS! prove that Black's options are fairly promising.
l 1 .liJd2 f6 12.ih4 h5?! analysis. They are single-bullet weapons ...
The Opening According to Me - or Why I Like ...liJ a6 in the King's Indian
W Lautier details and because of these the evaluation of the never a player. He could spend hours analysing
,., Comas Fabrego position changes completely. the simplest of endings or the most complicated
Spain (Team Ch) 1 999, King's Indian [E94] 13 ...c6 14.b4 �h8! middlegame, no matter what: it was chess. His
passion for the classics, whose wisdom he avidly
l.d4 liJf6 2.c4 g6 3.lZlc3 ig7 4.e4 d6 5.lZlf3 acquired, was also well known.
0-0 6 ..ie2 e5 7.i.e3 lZla6 S.O-O lZlg4 9./Lg5 f6 Why then didn't he reach higher in the chess
10 ..id WleS 1 l .h3 rankings? I think that two completely different
The text move is necessary as Black was aspects had an influence on this: the first one is
threatening ... f6-f5. the laziness with which the leaders of Spanish
1 1...lZlh6 12.dxe5 chess have always treated its most outstanding
1 2 .gb l ! was the right move. players; secondly, his great handicap was the
same as many analysts: when he sat at the board
at a chess tournament he always had to face two
rivals: one, his opponent, and the other one, and
Instead 2 5.i.e3 f5 would give Black the by the way, a much tougher one, himself. Playing
initiative. After 25.tiJc3 the excellent manoeuvre in those circumstances it is easy to understand
25 . . . tLl d8! guarantees more comfortable play fo r how difficult it is to raise your rating.
Black. In the near future he has two significant As the reader will have noticed, I have labelled
The start of a regrouping manoeuvre that plans: the transfer of his d8-knight to d4 through this game a chess symphony. This is due to my
creates an impenetrable fortress. e6 and also the break . . . f6-f5. belief that the dance that takes place among the
15.b5 c!Llc7 16.bxc6 bxc6 17.Wa4 c!Llfl IS.i.a3 On the other hand, there seems to be no way pieces in the first stage of this game is extremely
�gS for White to improve his position. For instance: beautiful and original: Black moves his knights
And now what? White can find no targets 26.Wd 1 liJe6 27.Wxd7 !xd7 28.l"1xg8t Wxg8 repeatedly, even to the point of provocation, I
White keeps the central tension and therefore worth mentioning, whereas Black is already and Black enj oys a slight plus in the endgame. would say; whereas White is not far behind: up
his positional plus. In any case Lautier's preparing the traditional break ... f6-f5. to four times in the first 2 1 moves three different
decision in this game was very understandable, 19J�b2!? pieces return to their original squares, and such
psychologically speaking: he was facing an White's plan of doubling rooks on the b-file harmony turns out to be the overture to a fierce
unknown situation and wanted to clarify the in order to infiltrate later seemed at first sight to I am now going to show one ofmy favourite games fight between the two armies that lasts beyond
position as soon as possible. But that was precisely be very strong. It turns out, however, that this against one of the most talented and charismatic the middlegame.
the wrong solution. invasion is totally harmless as it lacks adequate players Spanish chess has ever produced: I am
Now there are several possibilities but Black support from the rest of the white army. referring to my friend David Garcia Ilundain. I Garda Ilundain
doesn't get a totally satisfactory position after any 19 .!Lle6!
..•
know many will disagree with this appreciation W Comas Fabrego
of them: If 1 9 ...f5 then 20.id3!, a prophylactic move because he never had a huge rating (he always * Spain (Team Ch), King's Indian [E94]
a) 12 ... Wh8 1 3 .b4! exd4 1 4.liJxd4 and White against the manoeuvre tLl c7-e6. If 20.gfb 1 tLl e6 fluctuated around 2500) ; but I can say, from
is slightly better. 2 1 .gb8 l"lxb8 22.gxb8 Wd7 and Black is slightly my own experience, that there are many players l.d4 .!Llf6 2 . .!Llf3 g6 3.c4 i.g7 4 . .!Llc3 0-0 S.e4
b) 1 2 . . . exd4 1 3.liJxd4 liJc5 14.ge l ! and White bener. whose strength is not reflected in that little d6 6 ..ie2 eS 7.0-0 .!Lla6 S.i.e3 .!Llg4
has an edge. 20.�fbl .!Lld4 number which always accompanies your name. The dance begins.
c) 12 ... c6 1 3.b4 (jj c7 14.b5 (l4.c5!?) Also interesting was 20 ... f5!? 2 1 .i.d3 Wd7 I have spoken with several 2600 players who 9..igS �eS 10.dxeS dxeS I l.h3 h6 12 .id •
d) 12 ... liJ f7 1 3 .dxe5! Only now! 13 ... dxe5 when the position is unclear. have nothing interesting to say about chess. In One . . .
1 4.b4 and Black is not in time to reorganize 21.gbS gxbS 22.gxb8 .!Llxe2t contrast what a pleasure it was to analyse and 12....!Ll f6 13.i.e3 .!Llh5
himself on the a3-f8 diagonal. 22 ... Wd7!? deserves serious consideration. talk about our game with David! From his words These restless little knights won't stop
12 ...dxe5 13J!bl 23 . .!Llxe2 Wd7 24./LcS a6! 2S . .!Llc3 one could sense his deep love and understanding moving!
Carrying our a famous plan that had been 11z-l/2 of what was happening on the 64 squares. His 14.�el
played in an equally well known game by unbelievable originality was clear proof of his Nowadays it is known that 1 4.c5 is more
Benjamin. Unfortunately for White, in the playing potential. I said before that in chess incisive. But back then the system was still in
current situation there are a couple of different there are players and there are analysts; he was its infancy.
1 22 True Lies in Chess 1 23
The Opening According to Me - or Why I Like ... ctJa6 in the King's Indian
14... tLl f4 15.ifl pawn structures. White eyes his opponent's and Black has an edge) 2S . . .Wf6 when Black is posltlon is unclear) 29 ... Wc6 30.,if3! (30.,ih5
Two ... vulnerable (rather than weak) f5-square. If slightly better: in all the endings Black's passed rj;JhS 3 1 .,ixe8 Elxe8 32.�f3 �aS!) 30 ... 'if;; h S
15... tLle6 16.a3 tLlb8 instead 20.§ad l ctJcd4 2 1 .ixd4 exd4 22.e5 c6 pawn gives him the edge. 3 1 .Wbl Wa6 32.Elae2 c6 33.Wg6 with an attack.
The other knight also wants to join the fun! 23.ctJf6t ,ixf6 24.exf6 Wxf6 Black has a very 24 §ffi 25.ig4 Wid6 26J�a2!
... Undoubtedly an extremely difficult series of
17.b4 tLlc6 sound position because his minor pieces have The white rook escapes the influence of the g7- moves to find.
excellent outposts on f4 and e6, protected by bishop and gets ready to transfer to the centre. c) 27. . . 'if;;h8 2S.,ixe6 EleS 29.c5 (29 .Wf3 i.xe6
pawns, while White's forces don't. For example, 26.Wd3 was another interesting option. In this 30.Elae2 ,id7 3 1 .c5 Elxe2 32.Elxe2 Wc6 and
25.ctJxd4 (25 .c5 a5 26.ic4 axb4 27.axb4 rj;Jg7 case the best continuation seems to be 26 ... ,td7!? the white knight still has problems) 29 ... Wc6
2S.ctJ xd4 �xd4 29.Wxd4t ctJxd4 30.Elxd4 Ela4 (26 . . . c6 27.Wg6 cxd5 28 .ixe6t ixe6 29. Elxe6 30.,txcS! (a brilliant queen sacrifice giving White
3 1 .ib3 Ela3 is equal) 25 . . .ctJ xd4 (or 25 ... Eld8) Wd7 30.cxd5 Wf7 [30 . . . Wxd5 3 1 .ib2 with a dangerous attack against the enemy king; worse
26.Wxd4 Wxd4 27.Elxd4 ie6 with equality. an attack] 3 1 .Wxf7t Elxf7 32.h4! and White's was the tempting 30.4Jxc7 Wxc7 3 1 .Wf3 ,ixe6
20 ... tLlcd4 2 1 ..ic1!! pressure is unpleasant: he will soon provide the 32.Elxe6 Elxe6 33 .WxaSt rj;Jh7 when the black
cl -bishop with a good square) 27.Wg6 ElaeS forces display great activity) 30 ... Elxe2 3 1 .Elaxe2
28.,ib2! (2s.if5 Elxf5 29.Wxf5 ElfS 30.Wd3 b5 Wxd5 32.EleSt 'if;; h7 33.El l e7 with an attack.
3 1 .,ib2 bxc4 32.Wxc4 Elf5 and Black is slightly Obviously White cannot be reproached for
better) 2S . . . b5 29.ctJxc7 Wxc7 30.ixe6t ,ixe6 failing to see all these continuations. Furthermore,
3 1 .Elxe6 Wf7 32. Wxf7t rj;Jxf7 33.Eld6 (33.Elxe8 in this game the Spanish Championship was at
§xeS 34.cxb5 Ele2 3 5.§b l \tle6 36. rj;Jfl Elc2 stake, which added more pressure to the contest.
37.a4 rj;Jd5 and the activity of the black pieces 27 ... c6 2S.c5 Wixd5 29.VlYxd5 cxd5 30.Le6t
is enough ro balance the position) 33 . . . bxc4 he6 3 IJ;xe6 d3!
All these manoeuvres are motivated by the 34.,ixd4 'if;;e7 35 .,ixg7 (35.Eld5 'if;;e6) 35 ... 'if;;xd6
desire to control the important central square d4. 36.Eld l t 'if;;c6 37.,ixfS Elxf8 with compensation:
Black has rejected the move ... c7-c6 in order to Black's passed pawn and his active king offer him
avoid giving White a clear target on d6. good prospects.
18.tLld5 26...b5 27.VlYb3?!
If 1 8 .Ela2 f5 ! Black's position is very flexible. 27.We2!
The break ... f7 -f5 is always a possibility to
bear in mind, depending on the disposition of Four! Highly original! White evacuates the e3-
forces that White chooses. Now both ... f5-f4, square for his knight.
eventually followed by ... ctJcd4, and ... ctJc6-dS 21. ..f5?!
f7 are threatened. This move, which objectively speaking may
18 .. .'tYdS be okay, marks the beginning of a remarkable
The black queen doesn't have any objection to tactical hell where positional considerations
returning to her initial square. There is no place are secondary. All of Black's play is based on
like home, is there? I S ...f5 could be met by 1 9 .c5 an attack against White's "strong" d5-knight,
with a complex game. whereas White tries ro exploit the somewhat This was the move David overlooked. White's
19.Wid2 g5! weakened position of Black's kingside. I had a pieces are disorganized and he is not in time to
Another bold move. It entails a certain simpler option that would have given excellent control the important e-file.
weakening of the kingside in return for activating play: 2 l ...ctJ xf3t 22.Wxf3 ctJd4 23.Wd l c6 This was the best continuation and probably 32.�e3
the rest of the black army. Now the f4-square (23 ... f5!?) 24.ctJe3 Wf6 25.,ib2 ,te6 26.Wh5 gives White the advantage. For instance: If 32.gd2 (32.Eld6!? is equal) 32 ... Elae8 33.Ele3
is once again under control, so the d5 -knight ElfdS 27.Eladl Wg6 2S.Wxg6 fxg6 and Black has a) 27 ... c6 28.,ixe6t ixe6 29.Wxe6t Wxe6 ,id4 34.Elxe8 Elxe8 35.Elxd3 Elel t 36. 'if;; h2 ,ie5t
doesn't have an easy time. a fine position. 30.l'he6 cxd5 3 1 .cxb5! (3 1 .c5 would transpose 37.f4 ic7 3S.,id2 Eld l Black has counterplay.
2o.Widl!! 22.exfS �xfS 23.tLlxd4 exd4 24..ie2 ro the game) 3 1 . ..ElacS 32.Elc6 32 .. ':!!ae8 33J!d2 .id4 34.�dxd3!?
Three ... A manoeuvre very much in David's Very interesting was 24.Wg4 §f7 25.§xe6 b) 27... EleS 28 .We4 (2S.Wf3 ,id7 29.ctJf6t White gets rid of Black's annoying passed pawn
style; he was a tremendous positional player and c6 26.i.d3 ,ixe6! (26 ... cxd5 27.cxd5 with the ,ixf6 30.Wxf6 ctJc5!) 2S . . .,id7 (2S ... bxc4 29.ctJf6t and sacrifices the exchange in return for a better
he believed above all in the strength of sounder initiative) 27.Wxe6 cxd5 2S .,ig6 (2S.cxd5 Wf6 ,ixf6 30.Wg6t wins) 29.c5 (29.cxb5 'if;;h S and the structure in the endgame. I should mention
that we were both in severe time trouble, and

therefore this was a very logical decision. 34J�ixe8
Eixe8 35. �f1 i.c3 36.Eidl Eie2 37.c6 Eic2 38.i.e3
d4 39.c7 i.b2 40.i.xd4 i.xd4 4 1 .Eixd3 Eixf2t Cttapter 6
42.�gl Eic2t 43.Eixd4 Eixc7 also equalized.
34 ...he3 35.he3 EifS
We will stop at this position, which is slightly
better for Black, but trust nobody... David ended
up winning! Well, the continuation was rather
long and has no relevance to the opening.
Ttt,e Ottt,erI
I hope you enjoyed the game. As I said before, I
loved it and this was one of the main reasons why
more than ten years later I am still investigating
the nuances of this interesting system.
Thank you, David, for having shared with me
I would like to dedicate this last chapter to the memory of a series of exceptional classical chess players
such unforgettable moments at the chessboard.
from the old Soviet Union who have been unfairly underrated by Western literature. I am referring
to players such as Chigorin, Rauzer, Bogoljubow, Boleslavsky, Bondarevsky, Levenfish, Ragozin,
Kholmov, Furman, Averbakh, Simagin, Tolush, Lilienthal... We can still learn many things from them
today, rescue old and interesting opening systems, revitalize ideas and strategies now forgotten, and
understand modern chess through their efforts.
These great players' passion for chess can be felt in their titanic duels. To some it might seem
pointless to investigate the distant past. But as Oscar Wilde wrote "The only excuse for making a
useless thing is that one admires it intensely" and my admiration for them is enormous.
'it' Tarrasch
* Chigorin
St Petersburg 1 893 ( 1 1 ) , Ruy Lopez [C77]
I found the following game in the excellent book Mikhail Chigorin: The Creative Chess Genius by
Jimmy Adams. It contains an interesting biography of Chigorin and his times. In addition, the games
are very well analysed by esteemed players such as Vasyukov, Nikitin, Levenfish, Averbakh ... The
present game, for instance, was annotated by Vasyukov and Nikitin (the reader will see that many
times I use the initials Y.N. to refer to them) . Despite their good work I think that there is still a lot
to be said about the game. I hope the reader enjoys this investigation.
1.e4 e5 vliJf3 lLlc6 3.ib5 a6 4.ia4 lLlf6 5.lLlc3 d6 6.hc6t bxc6 7.d4 lLld7
This was one of Chigorin's favourite manoeuvres in Ruy Lopez set-ups: he believed in the structural
strength of the central pawn on e5, and accordingly he tried to support it at all costs.
8.dxe5 dxe5
I would like to reproduce what Tarrasch thought about this position: "Now Black has a completely
shattered pawn formation on the queen's flank, and in this respect is doubtless at a disadvantage. Thus
far I can agree with all the commentators of this game. But these gentlemen have forgotten only to
take into account the benefits which Black obtains through the exchange on c6:
1 . The open b-file
2. The possession of the two bishops
3. The immunity of Black's position from attack
1 26 True Lies in Chess The Others 1 27
For these reasons I prefer Black's game." As you can see, one little nuance completely together, very effectively consolidating Black's 14.c4 i!bd8?
I also think that Black's posicion is absolutely changes the evaluation of a situation: that is the wrecked pawn structure on the queenside. Chigorin wastes another valuable tempo in
reasonable. However, I would ask the reader to beauty of chess! (I would go even further: this In practice there are many standard situations carrying out his main counterplay, and so loses
pay anention to the following theoretical position type of position can be reached with a black that have this characteristic: remember the the initiative. According to VN. 14 ... fS!? was
reached after: pawn on a7 instead of on a6 and this again has famous structure discovered by Borvinnik better, but after I 5 .cS!? (dangerous was I 5 .exf5
favourable repercussions for Black as the eventual (White: e4, c4, c3, CLldS or i.d5 or :1'\dS; Black: :1'\xfS 1 6.tt:lc3 e4 1 7.i.gS Wl'e8 1 8 .:1'\fe l :1'\xf3!
l.e4 e5 2.<!iJa lLlc6 3.i.b5 a6 4.L4 d6 5.0-0 manoeuvre i.c8-a6 makes White's intended plans eS , c5, b7, tt:lc6), or the famous game Keres 19.9xf3 CLle5 with a strong attack) 15 ... tt:lxc5
lLlf6 6.L.c6t bxc6 7.d4 i.e7 8J'�el lLld7 9.dxe5 difficult to achieve) . We will see how this static - Flohr, Semmering 1 937 (White: isolated c3- 1 6.i.xc5 i.xcs 1 7.CLlxcS '&xcS 1 8.:1'\ac l !
dxe5 and narrow view often had a negative influence pawn and CLld4). Basically we are talking about
on Tarrasch's decision-making throughout a form of cooperation or collaboration between
this contest. In contrast, Chigorin was a more pieces and pawns which may be more or less
complete player: in fact in his moves one can see subtle but which is easy to visualize for those
elements belonging to both philosophies of play, players who are not stifled by orthodoxy. In the
dynamic and static. present game the reader will be able to enjoy
9.i.e3 i.d6 some more fillings...
10.0-0 0-0 1 l.fid2?!
A typical move in the style ofTarrasch; its aim is
to anack the opponent's weak pawns and squares
with manoeuvres such as CLlc3-a4 and '&d2-c3
(or a5) . According to VN. I 1 .CLla4 was better.
I would only like to add that this position has I think White has the better prospects. For
appeared in practice with White to move (Black instance: 18 ... '&d6 ( l 8 ... WI'e7 1 9.'&c3 :1'\be8
having lost one tempo because of the manoeuvre 20.'&c4t! The black king is pushed to an
i.e7-d6) and yet the evaluation is still unclear. If unfavourable position. 20 ... �h8 2 1 .'&c5 It is
In order to evaluate this position, couldn' t we instead I 1 .CLl d2, then 1 l ...a5! 1 2 .CLlc4 ( l 2.CLlb3 in the ending that the structural weaknesses of a
use the same words Tarrasch used to evaluate the a4) 1 2 ...i.a6. position generally become apparent. 2 1 . . .WI'xcS
previous one? Of course we could. But make H ... fie7 12.lLla4 i!b8! 13.b3 .ibn! [2 l . . .fxe4 22.0d2 :1'\f4 23.:1'\fe 1 and White is
no mistake, after 1 O.tt:lbd2! (Leko's idea 1 0.b3 As Chigorin himself pointed out, it was bener slightly better] 22.:1'\xcS fxe4 23.CLld2! and this
intending 1 1 .i.a3 is also interesting) with the to play 13 ... CLl b6! 1 4.CLlb2 ( l 4.CLlxb6 cxb6 and position is much more pleasant for White, despite
idea CLlc4 (probing e5) and eventually CLla5 , Black is slightly bener) 14 . . .c5 1 S .c4 ( l 5 J�fel being a pawn down, because his knight is better
White effectively gets t o anack the weak points Regarding this move, with your permission, i.b7 after this move it is apparent that the than the enemy bishop) 19 .WI'c3 It's important to
in the black structure, in this case as and c6, with I would like to introduce an ugly new concept concept of "weakness" is somewhat more subtle prevent the b7-bishop from getting free with the
tremendously unpleasant pressure. into chess terminology: the filling. Surely we all than classical manuals have told us; ask the e4- manoeuvre ... c6-cS . 1 9 . . . cS ( l 9 ...fxe4 20.CLlxeS
So where is the mistake in Dr Tarrasch's have had the unpleasant experience of going to a pawn if you don't believe me) 1 5 . . .f5! and the [20.WI'c4t!? �h8 2 1 .CLlgS Wl'g6 22.CLlxe4 and
comment? Undoubtedly it is in having too static dentist. We have a bad tooth, full of cavities and initiative is in Black's hands. This line illustrates White is slightly better] 20 ...:1'\f5 2 1 .'&c4t Wl'd5
a view of the position. The disposition of the rest decay, and suddenly the dentist, as though we another important element in chess: the need to 22.CLld7 [22.0xc6!? reaching a superior rook
of the pieces and the time factor, both dynamic were his worst enemy, stares drilling the tooth. consider the different areas of the board as related ending] 22 ... l"le8 23.0c5 i.c8 24.1"lfel and again
aspects, play a decisive role in making an accurate When he finishes he adds a bit of amalgam here parts of the same unit. In the current position the White has a more pleasant posicion) 20.:1'\fd 1 Wl'f6
evaluation of the possibility of exploiting the and there and. .. oh, miracle! What was very voluntary weakening of Black's queens ide, and as 2 1 .CLlxeS and White is clearly better; e.g. 2 1 . . .fxe4
opponent's weaknesses. Tarrasch only evaluates fragile and useless has regained its strength and a consequence White's subsequent attempt to 22.WI'xc5 i.c8 23. l"ld7! and the complications
the pawn structure and factors arising from it effectiveness. Something similar happens in many exploit these weaknesses, has given the second favour White. For example, 23 ... e3 24.'&c4t cj;Jh8
(open files, weak pawns, bishop pair...). In the kinds of broken pawn formations: by themselves player the chance of winning the upper hand on 25 .CLlOt �g8 26.CLlgSt cj;Jh8 27.l"l0 winning.
game we are studying the fact that the white they are extremely weak but, with a piece in the other parts of the board, in this case the enemy However, instead of 14 . . . fS the continuation
knight being on c3, as we will see below, greatly right place, what at first sight was vulnerable centre and kingside. Very similar ideas can be 14 ... cS! l S .CLlc3 f5 1 6.CLldS '&e8, with counterplay
limits the possibilities of the first player to exploit becomes a powerful force of nature. In the found, for instance, in the Sveshnikov Variation in the centre and the kingside, seems more
the weaknesses in the opponent's queenside. current position the d6-bishop holds everything of the Sicilian. consistent with 13 . . . i.b7.
1 2S True Lies in Chess The Others 1 29
IS.�aS of understanding of dynamic factors such as time 27..!Llfl This is the decisive mistake although White's
1 5.c5?! But now this move, without Black is apparent once more. After 27.Elfl f5 2S.exf5 We2 (2S ... Wxf5 position was extremely difficult to play. More
having played the weakening expansion . . . £7 -f5, 23 ... .!LlhS! 24 . .!Lldl 29.�c3 followed by 0c3-d5) 29.�c3 Wxc4 the resilient was 3 1 .Elce2 although Black has already
would be dubious since the f3-knight is somewhat position is still unclear. taken control of the game.
passive, the e4-pawn can become vulnerable and 27...�h6 3 1...hf3 32.Wixf3 !!xd2 33 . .!Llxd2 !!xd2
Black has at his disposal the excellent filling The beginning of an excellent queen 34.�f1 h6 3s.Wixf4 AgS 36.Wif3 i.e7 37.�hl
square d6 for his rooks. manoeuvre with the aim of testing not only the !!xa2
IS ... cS 16.b4! Wie6 17.bxeS .ie7 18 . .!Lld2 defensive ability of the position, bur also of the "And so Black has restored material
This shows Tarrasch's marked inclination player with the white pieces. Undoubtedly this equilibrium, retaIning a tangible positional
towards static elements such as material and is a very modern concept which Karpov would advantage. He has an active rook, a distant
pawn structure to the detriment of dynamic love. passed pawn on a6, the e7-bishop will attack
factors. Better was l S.�c3! c6 ( 1 S . . .f5 1 9 .�d5! 28.�e2 the weak white pawns in the centre, and White's
fxe4 20.�g5 �xg5 2 1 .hg5 or lS ... Wxc4 1 9.Elfc l The threat was . . .�xf2t. pieces are tied to the defence of the g2-square."
and White i s clearly better in both cases) , as 28 ...Wig6! The position is desperate for White.
c7-c6 is an important positional concession. "The threat is 29 ... �xe4 30.Elxe4 Elxdl t!" 38 . .!Lld3 .igS 39 . .!Llb4 !!b2 40.liJdS e6 41 .liJc3
18 ... .!Llf6 19.f3 (VN.) !!b3 42.!!dl �h7
Also interesting was 1 9.�c3 �g4 20.�d5 29.Wic3 42 ... Wc2! wins at once. (VN.)
�xe3 2 1 .fxe3 with the initiative according to 29 .Eld2 Elxd2 30.�xd2 Wf6with compensation: 43.h3 .ie7 44.!!d3 heS 4S . .!Ll e4 !!bl t
VN, although after 2 1 . . . c6 Black has counterplay. 24... �f4 e.g. 3 1 .!'le2 We5 with counterplay. 46.<j;Ih2 .igl t 47.<j;Ihl J.d4t 48.<j;Ih2 Lest
The other option, 1 9.'lWxc7 �g4! ( l 9 ... �xe4 This is not the most accurate attacking 29 ...WihS! 49.g3
20.�xe4 � xe4 2 1 .�b6 �c3 22.Elfel and White continuation: the h5-knight is a very valuable Can B lack lose such a position? You ain't seen
is slightly better; 1 9 ... Eld7 20.Wb6 �c6 2 1 .�c3 piece in this kind of fixed pawn structure. I find nothin' yet . . .
�g4 22.�d5 with yet another filling) 20 .Wxb7 it strange that VN. overlooked this. Better was 49 ... !!b2t SO.<j;Igl f5 S 1 ..!LleS as S2 . .!Lld7
�xe3 2 1 .fxe3 Elxd2, gives Black counterplay. 24 . . . Wg6 25.�b3 (25.�fl �h4 26.�f2 and the
19 .. J�d3 20.Elfel Elfd8 21 .�abl?! white knight gets further away from the excellent
White makes an important inaccuracy. Mter d5-square) 25 ...�g5 26.�xg5 Wxg5 27.�e3 �f4
2 1 .Elad l !? the possible capture of the c7-pawn Now this knight is an attacking piece creating
and the manoeuvre �a4-c3-d5 are on the cards, dangerous threats. 2S.Elc2 (2S.Wxa6 �xg2
and there's no way for Black to exploit his pressure 29.�xg2 !'laS!) 2S ... �d3 29J�ee2 � f4 with
on the d-file. For instance: 2 1 ...�c6 (2 1 . ..El3d7 equality.
22.�c3 c6 23.l"1b l �cS 24.�d5 cxd5 [24 ... EleS Bur perhaps the move with the best prospects
25.�b6 l"1d3 26.l"1b3 EledS 27.�d5 and White is 24 ... �h4!? 25.Elfl (if 25.�f2 Black manages
is clearly better] 25 .Elb6! and White is clearly to stop the annoying �dl -c3-d5 for good
on top) 22.Elb l �cS 23.�b3 El3d7 (23 ...�h5 and can calmly prepare his attacking options)
24.� c3 �h4 25.� d5 �xe l 26. Elxe l and White 25 . . .Wg6 26.�b3 �g5 27.�xg5 (27.@h l � g3t)
is clearly better) 24.�c3 and White's advantage 27 . . .Wxg5 2S.�c3 � f4 Again the black knight 29 ... f5 was the logical continuation of
is obvious. is very dangerous. 29.g3 (29.Elc2 Eld2 winning) the attack, to clear the as-h 1 diagonal and
21. ...ie6 22 . .!Llb2 �3d7 23.�bcl? 29 . . .f5 (29 . . . h5!? 30.Wxa6 h4 31 .g4 Wh6 with bring the c6-bishop into the attack with very
This mistake hands the initiative to Black. the initiative, e.g. 32.�a5 � d3) 30.Wxa6 good prospects. But Black is still putting his S2 ....ie7??
Much better was the immediate 23.�dl h6!? Wh6 3 1 .gxf4 O l .Wa3 � d3 winning) 3 l ...!'laS opponent's nervous system to the test. Surely the reader will remember Chigorin's
(23 ... �h5 24.�c3 Elxd2 25.�xd2 �xd2 26.0d5 32.WxaSt �xaS, and the attack against the white 30.eS? famous error in the last game of his match against
wins for White) 24.Elb2 �h5 25.�c3 0f4 king persists despite the simplifications. And it works. This move, activating Black's Steinitz. You can see that it was not an isolated
26.Eleb l ! (26.�xf4 exf4 27.�d5 �xd5 2S.cxd5 2S ..hf4 exf4 26 . .!Ll b3 i.h4 bishop, is an important concession. Also bad instance! Of course 52 ... �d6 wins.
Elxd5) 26 ...� d3 27.ElbS �xc5 2S .hc5 0xc5 "Now, on 27.Elfl , would follow 27 . . . f5! . He was 30.Eld2? !'lxd2 3 l .�xd2 �xf2t and Black S3 . .!LlfBt
29.Wxc5 l"1xd2 30.ElxdSt ElxdS 3 1 .�d5 and has to drive the knight away from the c3-square, is clearly better. 1-0
White is clearly better. In this line Tarrasch's lack from where it could get to d5." (VN.) 30 ...�g6! 3 1.!!d2? I have shown this game for several reasons:
The Others 131
Firstly, I think that Black's play was extremely White's control. Also, and for the same reason,
But this "bad" pawn, i f defended by a "bad At this point I would like to consider an
original and Chigorin showed he was also very Black cannot continue the mobilization of his
bishop" , accomplishes very important tasks: it interesting question: who holds the copyright of
good at playing with the bishop pair. We all have queenside with ... b7-b6.
controls the half-open c-file, defends the bS chess plans? I say this because when studying this
the image of this player in his favourite defence 1 1 ..J�e8
square from invasion and, on the attacking manoeuvre I instantly thought about the next
against the queen's pawn, fighting with his knights The game Rauzer - Verlinsky from the same
side, contributes to establishing a good outpost game between Botvinnik and Alekhine, AVRO
and better pawn structure against the enemy championship continued 1 1 ...lLJ Sb6 1 2.�b3 eS
for a black knight on dS from where it can be Holland 1 935:
bishop pair. This game proves that he was above 13.a4 exd4 14.'tJxd4 as l S J 3:fd 1 �b4 1 6.'tJe4
transferred to b4, fighting against a possible
all a universal player. and White enjoyed a comfortable plus.
doubling of the white rooks on the c-file.
Secondly, consider Lasker's opinion: "Anderssen 12. !3fd 1
Furthermore Black could at some point have the
and Chigorin acted according to the events at Once again preventing Black's simplifYing
break ... c6-cS at his disposal, winning more space
hand, but Capablanca acts in accordance with the manoeuvre due to the weakness of the back rank.
for his pieces.
logic of the position's permanent character. He 12 ...lilsb6 13.�b3 eS
More resilient was l S ... 'tJxc3!? 1 9.�xc3 id7
calculates only that which is durable, for example
when White is only slightly better.
the strength of his position, the pressure on a
For example: 20.'tJc4 !lacS (20... 'tJdS 2 1 .�a3
weak point, and mistrusts incidental events such
�xa3 22.bxa3! f6 23.'tJd6 !le6 24. 'tJ b7 followed
as a problem mate ... but he has the ability to make
by a3-a4-a5 with unpleasant pressure on the
fine, sharp combinations which take advantage of
queenside) 2 1 .�a3 c5 22.'tJe5 !ledS (22 ... cxd4?
the particular moment."
23.�xe7 !lxe7 24. 'tJxd7 l"1xcl t 25 .l"1xcl 'tJxd7
If we substituted Tarrasch for Capablanca the
26.!lc7 d3 27.�d1 and White is winning; or It's almost certain that everybody knows the
idea would basically be as valid (maybe the former
22 ... .ie6?! 23.�b5 l"1fS 24.'tJc6 �d7 25.�a4 broad outline of the plan that was carried out
was weaker in the field of combination) .
.id5 26.lLJb4 �e7 27.'tJxd5 'tJxd5 2S.dxc5 l"1xc5 in it: 1 1 .'tJxdS! exdS 1 2.�b5 .id7 1 3.�a4 'tJbS
But I would like to warn the reader that the days
29.l"1xc5 �xc5 30.l"1d l , when White is slightly 14.if4 �xb5 1 5 .�xb5 a6 1 6.�a4 .id6 1 7.,ixd6
of simple and logical chess are gone. As one gets
better) 23.'tJxd7 'tJxd7 24.l"1c2 and White has an �xd6 l S .l"1ac1 l"1a7 1 9.�c2! and thanks to the
better one discovers the growing importance of
edge. control of the c-file (aided by the weakness of the
mastering unclear positions. That is why Chigorin
Also very interesting was l S . . ..id7!? when c6-square) White achieved a memorable victory.
was a player ahead of his time.
White still only has a small advantage. All the commentators praised Botvinnik's play.
� Rauzer
19.1ilxdS! But make no mistake: the original idea was not
14.a4!
his. Look at the continuation of Rauzer's game,
* Yudovich A typical reaction against the b6-knight with
which rook place seven years before the famous
Moscow 1 93 1 , Queen's Gambit [060] the aim of creating a lack of coordination among
battle berween the rwo Russian superstars. Let's
the opponent's forces or alternatively weakening
give credit where it's due.
l.d4 lilf6 2.c4 e6 3.lilc3 dS 4.igS c6 S.lilB Black's pawn structure. From this moment on
19 ... cxdS 20 ..ibS i.d7
lilbd7 6.�b3!? White's initiative keeps growing slowly but
Other options were not any better, for instance
A very interesting alternative with the aim of inexorably.
20 ... !ledS 2 1 ..ic6 !lacS (2 l . ..!''!a bS An attempt
preventing both the Cambridge Springs Variation 14...e4
to keep the rooks on, planning to carry out
and the more usual lines of the Orthodox If 1 4 ... exd4 1 5 .'tJ xd4 'tJcS 1 6.�b4, the idea
a kingside attack with ... l"1dS-d6, . . .'tJf6-g4,
Variation. being 1 7.aS with very unpleasant pressure.
planning some sort of sacrifice on this sector. In
6...ie7 ls.lild2 lilf6 16.aS lilbdS any case this plan is doomed to failure mainly due
If 6 ... �aS there would follow 7.id2! with Bad was 1 6 ... i.e6 due to 1 7.�a3 �xa3 l S.l"1xa3
to White's pressure against the d5-pawn, the open
advantage to White. 'tJbd5 1 9.'tJdxe4 and White is clearly better.
c-file and the solidity of the sector where his king
7.e3 0-0 8.i.e2 dxc4 9.�xc4 lildS 10.he7 17.a6 b6 lSJ3dc1 .ifS?
is sheltered. 22.l'k2! Defending the second rank
�xe7 1 1.0-0 This is probably the decisive mistake. What was
and the f2-pawn in particular. 22... !ld6 23.Elac1
Due to the presence of the queen on c4 the its origin? It is once again a case of stigmatising a
This move transforms the advantage: White l"1bdS [23 ... 'tJ g4 24 ..ixd51 24 ..ib7 'tJ g4 25.'tJfl
typical simplifYing and freeing manoeuvre vulnerable pawn, in this case the one on c6, on an
willingly eliminates Black's backward c6-pawn [25.h3 CLlxf2 26/Jtxf2 .ixh3 27.'tJfl!1 25 ... �h4
1 1 ... 'tJxc3 and 1 2 ... eS cannot be carried out half-open file. Back then such weaknesses had a
but in exchange he gains control of the c-file, with 26.h3 CLl f6 27.'tJg3 White is clearly better.)
because after 1 2.�xc3 the eS-square is under very bad press.
unpleasant pressure against the new d5-pawn. 22.ib7 l"1c7 23.�a3! Mter the queen exchange
The Others
Black loses control of the open file) 23 ... Wxa3 counterplay with ...We7-b4, whereas with the has no reliable points of reference to hold on 35.�bl �h7 36.We2 Wb7 37.l"lc l �g7 3S.Wb5!
24.bxa3! This pawn is a new battering-ram to rook on c6 there is none at all. to. Attempting to find a logical solution to the WaS 39.f4 cj;lh7 40.We2 Wb7 4 1 .g4! hxg4
attack the enemy queenside by means of an We must be aware that it is very difficult to problems of a position starting from scratch is 42.Wxg4 We7 43.h5 Wf6 44.�a2 �g7 45.hxg6
eventual advance a3-a4-a5. 24 ... l"lxcl t (24 ... lLleS establish the absolute truth when comparing two immensely difficult for players of any category. Wxg6 46.Wh4 fie7 47.Wf2 �fS 4s.lLld2 l"lb7
25.l"lxc7 lLlxc7 26.l"lcl lLl e6 27. lLl b l and the alternatives in a competitive game. Therefore, It's also important to say that such memories 49.lLlb3 l"la7 50.Wh2! fif6 5 UkS! !"lad7 52.lLlc5!
weakness of the d5-pawn is decisive) 25 .l"lxcl which one to choose? It is a matter of taste: players have no concrete and precise shape. Rather one b3t 53. �xb3 l"ld6 54.f5! l"lb6t 55. �a2 1 -0
and here White has a very promising plan: lLld2- like Karpov or Petrosian, both of whom attached remembers general ideas. For instance, for the The other game was Psakhis - Hebden,
b l -c3 with unpleasant pressure against d5 and great importance to prophylactic measures situation in the above diagram characterized Chicago 1 9S3:
the eventual threat lLlc3-b5. (preventing any enemy counterplay), would be by the absolute lack of any enemy counterplay,
2 1..ic6! strongly inclined towards 23.l"lac l ; whereas more the white forces' virtually optimal placement
A simple tactical blow by means of which incisive players like Tal or Kasparov would be (except for the knight) and the presence of only
White wins control of the crucial c-file. more likely to choose 23.Wc3. But do barh moves one weakness in the black camp (the c-file), I
21. ..,hc6 22.�xc6 have equal value? immediately recalled the outline of two model
23.%Vc3! games: one by Petrosian, but for the other one
I think Rauzer took the right decision although I couldn't remember the player. In the first case
I cannot be 1 00% sure. Perhaps the arher move is the basic plan was to transfer the king to the
equally correct! Counterplay based on the invasion queenside before opening a second front on the
by the black queen via b4 has few prospects of kingside, applying the well known stratagem of
creating real trouble given that the queen is acting "you need two weaknesses to win". In the second
on her own and is unable to attack anything vital. one, the transfer of the king to the queenside was
In contrast, the penetration of the white queen the prelude to simplifications and a transition to
is generally connected with the capture of the The continuation was 43.�fl fia7 44.�e2
the endgame to exploit the greater activity of the
a7-pawn and therefore the creation of a very fib6 45.�d3 fia7 46.�c4 Wclt 47.�b3 We7
white monarch. It didn't take me long to find
dangerous passed pawn, only two squares away 4S.g4 .ib6 49.�c4 ia7 50.�b5 WeSt 5 1 .fic6
these two games because I knew exactly where to
from promotion. WdS 52.�c4 We7 53.Wd7 We6t 54.Wxe6 fxe6
look for them.
Anyway, it is very interesting to analyse the 5 5 .l"lxfS �xfS 56.�b5 �e7 57. �a6 ixf2 5S.c4
In Petrosian - Unzicker, Hamburg 1 960, the
other option. Mter 23.l"lacl l"lxc6 24.l"lxc6 cj;ldS 59.�b7 fie l 60.b5 fif2 6 1 .b6 .id4 62.fia4
following situation was reached:
Wd7 25.Wc2 lLle8 26.h3 l"ldS Black has built a d5 63.cxd5 exd5 64.exd5 e4 65.�c6 �cS 66.d6
22 ...�ec8 kind of fortress, although it is obvious that he e3 67.fib5 fif6 68.fia6t �b8 69.�d7 1 -0
Worse was 22 .. J''lacS 23J�lacl l"lxc6 24.l"lxc6 as has no counterplay at all, but can White make Therefore, was it possible to do something
after 25 .Wc3 Black cannot prevent a devastating any progress to reach a winning position? (It is similar from the position in the analysis diagram?
invasion of the 7th or Sth rank. curious and confusing that my heart tells me he I'm not so sure about this. First of all, the reader
We now reach a crucial moment, psychologically can, but analysis tell me he cannot. Which one has to consider that the peculiarities of a given
speaking, where the style of a chess player usually to believe?) Before continuing my investigation situation may make it necessary to adapt the ideas
tells. I tried to discover what the basic strategies are in seen in the model games. If the two positions are
The dilemma is: which piece should defend this kind of dominating situation. And where is not exactly the same, then maybe there should
the c6-rook? Or, asking the same question in a one to look first? In one's own mind, of course. not be identical procedures either.
different form, which piece should try to invade One of the most important differences between a For instance, the plan of transferring the king
on c6, the queen or the rook? On the one hand, grandmaster and an amateur is the much higher to the queenside in order to then create a second
the attacking pressure a white queen would exert number of positions, combinations, structures front by means of the break f2-f3 is a double
from c6 would undoubtedly be superior to that and typical plans the former has etched into his "White has an advantage on the queenside, edged weapon. Indeed, the white king is not so
of a rook. Besides the threat of invading the c-file long-term memory. This allows him to make but a close examination will show that there is no safe (it is obvious that if White wants to play for
via c7 or cS there is the attack on the d5-pawn a much quicker and more accurate evaluation clear way to make progress" (Watson). The plan a win he must penetrate with his pieces into the
and the possible and unpleasant manoeuvre and plan for the situation at hand. What for the carried out by Petrosian still draws admiration enemy position, but then his own rearguard is
Wc6-b7. But from a defensive point of view it master is immediate and clear, for the amateur today because of its simplicity. somewhat neglected, giving chances of perpetual
is also true that with a queen on c6 Black has is difficult and ambiguous because the latter There followed 29. �fl �gS 30.h4 h5 3 1 .l"l l c2 check to the second player; meanwhile the black
�h7 32.�el �gS 33.�dl �h7 34.�cl �gS king is absolutely safe on his flank).
The Others
On the other hand, it is interesting to try to 23 ...'lWd7 3 3. . J'�c7 34.gh8 h 6 35.b5 gel t 36. 'ittg2 'itt e6 the edge of the board.
open a new front on the kingside while keeping If 23 ... Elxc6 then 24.'&xc6 ElfS (after 24. . .EldS 36 ... Elbl 37.ElaS Elxb5 3S.Elxa7 and White 9.0-0 \We8 10.\We2 d5?!
the white monarch there where, in this particular the rook would occupy a much more vulnerable wins thanks to his a6-pawn and Black's weak I think that this move is the cause of all the
case, he is better protected. For instance: square) 25.Elcl '&b4 26.Elc2! (the key move, which pawns on the 6th and, especially, 7th ranks. difficulties Black faces for the rest of the game.
27.'&cl This seems the best place for the white had to be anticipated when playing 23.'&c3!) 37J3a8 ge7 38.@g3 g6 In any case it weakens the position without
queen if White wants to carry out the break 26 . . .'&a5 The queen can choose between many 3S . . . g5 39.ElhS winning. providing anything positive in return.
f2-f3: from here she protects the important e3- squares but she cannot create serious threats from 39.h4 @f6 40.gd8 �e6 41.g5 The e5-square will become an excellent outpost
pawn, supports the c6-rook, can be transferred any of them. 27.'&b7 Wib5 2S.tLlfl '&b3 29.ElcS Securing the invasion of the king. for the f3-knight and the h2-b8 diagonal remains
to the f-file via fl , and finally is kept away from and White has a decisive advantage. The position 41. .. hxg5 42.hxg5 ge2 43.ga8 ge7 44.gb8 open for good. Better was 1 O ... '&b7 I l .a4!
the eventual attacks of the enemy knight. (Also of White's kingside after h2-h3 is impregnable Ele2 following a plan very similar to the game.
interesting is 27.b3!? g6 2S.'itt h l 'itt g7 29.f3 exf3 and after the fall of the a7-pawn the a6-pawn If 44. . . 'itt d6 then 45 .Elb7 (45.'ittg4! is the Dubious would be I l .e4?! cxd4 1 2.cxd4. A
30.tLlxf3 .) 27 ... g6 (27 ... h6?! 2S.f3 exf3 29.tLlxf3 decides the game. most accurate technical procedure; any move pawn centre is useful when its advance threatens
f6 [29 ... '&e7 30.tLle5 f6 3 1 .tLlg6 '&e4 32.tLlf4 24.Elel Elxc6 25J��xe6 'lWxe6 26.Elxc6 ttJe8 Black makes considerably worsens his position: to create difficulties for the enemy. This would
tLld6 33j'k7 tLlf5 34.Elxa7 and White is clearly 27.ttJbl! �f8 28.tLlc3 gd8 29.1t1b5 gd7 45 ... Elc2 [45 . . . 'itte6 46.Elb7 @d6 47.@f4, now not be the case here since neither e4-e5 nor d4-
better) 30.tLlh4 with some initiative) 2S.f3 47. . . Elc2 transposes to the main line, whereas d5 seems to trouble Black. Instead White would
'&e7! (2S ... exf3 29.tLl xf3 '&e7 30.tLle5 with the 47 .. .!hb7 reaches the pawn endgame with an have committed himself to defending his central
initiative) 29.fXe4 dxe4 This position is difficult extra tempo, making White's victory even easier) pawns, which would severely limit his attacking
to evaluate. 46.Elb7 Elxf2 47. Elxa7 Ele2 [47. . . Elf3 4S. Eld7t) chances. 12 . . . Elac8 1 3.Elac l Elxcl 14.E!xcl ElcS
Another interesting option, although it doesn't 4S. Elb7 Elxe3 49.Elxb6t and the united passed and the simplifications would help to relieve
seem quite enough, is the attempt to reach an pawns win easily, while the black e-pawn Black's position.
endgame by sacrificing some of the white forces. can be comfortably controlled by the white 1 l .h3
Let's suppose for instance that the following monarch) 45 ... Elxb7 46.axb7 'ittc7 47. 'ittf4 'ittx b7 A prophylactic move that also prepares the
position is reached: (47 ... a5 48.bxa6 b5 49.f3!! This is the key move, occupation of the outpost on e5. I l .lLJe5 tLlh5
the idea being 49 ... b4 50.fXe4 b3 5 1 .exd5 b2 would be too hasty.
52.d6t 'itt b S 53.d7.) 4S.'itte 5 and wins. 1 1. .. \Wb7 12.ttJe5 Elae8
45.Elb7 gb2 46.Elxa7 Elxb5 47.gb7 Elbl 48.a7 Another option is 1 2... lLJe4 1 3.tLlxe4 dxe4:
Elal 49J�xb6t @f5 50.gf6t @xg5 5 1.Elxf7
Elglt 52.@h2 Elal 53.@g2
1-0
30.g4!!
No endgame is won without the king! (Or 'i!7 Bondarevsky
almost none . . . ) This is one of the more subtle * Aronin
moves in the game. White ensures that his king Moscow 1 9 5 1 , London System [A48)
will play an active part in the struggle via gl -g2-
g3-f4 for if Black tries to prevent this plan with I.d4 ttJf6 2.ttJf3 g6 3.if4 i.g7 4.e3 0-0 5.ttJ bd2
l . ..'itt h7 ( l . . .'ittg S?! 2.tLlxa7! '&xa7 3.ElcS '&d7 . . . g7-g5 he would create a fatal weakness on the c5 6.c3
4.ElxdS '&xdS 5 .'&c6; the a6-pawn is very strong sixth rank. 30.g4 also fixes Black's kingside pawns The main idea of this central pawn formation
and therefore Black's position is difficult) 2. 'itta4 so that they cannot form a chain, and therefore is to restrict to the utmost the activity of the
'ittg7! (2 ... 'itt h S? 3.Elc7 tLl xc7 4.'&xc7 Wixc7 the rook will attack them easily. g7-bishop. White has the better posmon. What is the
5.tLlxc7 'ittg7 6.tLlb5 Eld7 7.tLlxa7 and White 30 ... @e7 31.ge8 6...b6 nature of his positional plus? On the one hand
wins) 3.Elc7 CiJxc7 4.'&xc7 '&xc7 5.tLlxc7 'ittf6 Or 3 1 .'ittg2 'itt dS 32.@g3 lLJc7 33.tLlxa7 tLlxa6 Bad would be 6... CiJh5 7.ie5 f6 S.g4!. therets a group of factors already mentioned: a
6.lLJb5 (6.'itt b 5 Eld6!) 6 ... 'itte7! (6. . . Eld7 7.CiJxa7!! 34.lLJb5, when White is clearly better. 7..id3 strong centralized knight and better bishop;
winning) 7.tLlxa7 'itt d6 S.'itt b 5 'ittc7 The black 31. .. 1t1d6 32.ttJxd6 @xd6 33.b4! 7.h3!? or 7.ie2!? furthermore in the opponent's position there
king arrives in time to defend the queenside. This pawn advances to sacrifice itself for the 7 ...i.a6 8 ..L:a6 ttJxa6 can be seen certain drawbacks: the a6-knight,
Therefore one might conclude that White sake of its colleague on a6, which is the really White has achieved a small victory thanks to the e4-pawn, which is too far advanced, and
chose the best option. important one in this position! the unfortunate placement of this knight on the weakened light squares on the queenside,
especially c6 which is attacked by the white strong attack) 1 8.i.xe5 f6 1 9.i.g3 and again the centre with the aim of activating the passive g7- hand White always has at his disposal the advance
knight on e5. black king will be in danger for the rest of the bishop. 2 l . ..�d7 22.�xd7 E:xd7 23.l"lbal and c3-c4 getting rid of the so-called "weakness".
According to Steinitz's theory White must game. White is clearly better. c) 1 4 ... CDe8! I think this is the best plan for
attack if he doesn't want to lose the advantage. 13.a4! Black, demanding very accurate play from
What points should he attack? Of course the Without the participation of the heavy pieces White to keep his positional plus. Black's idea
most vulnerable ones. How to do this? With (the rooks and the queen) it is impossible to carry is . . . ltJd6 strengthening the vulnerable light
1 4J'hd 1, improving the position of his heavy out any destructive action on the opponent's squares on the queenside, following Steinitz
forces and threatening at the same time 1 5 .d5, position. The text move is the beginning of a well known law stating that one has to reinforce
fixing the weakness on c6 and highlighting the manoeuvre to open lines for the rooks on the the most sensitive points of one's position when
vulnerability of the e4-pawn. And now: queenside. At the same time, and depending on defending. Furthermore the move prepares an
a) 1 4 .. J:�ad8 1 5 .�b5! Attacking the weakness the opponent's reaction, this advance could mean eventual ... i.g7xe5 or . . . £7-f6 getting rid of the
on c6. 1 5 ... cxd4 (if instead 1 5 ... e6 1 6.�c6 �xc6 the beginning of a new pawn offensive to restrict annoying e5-knight and preparing a subsequent
1 7.ltJxc6, White is clearly better: he occupies a the action of the enemy forces. This latter plan central expansion.
very dangerous outpost; or 1 5 ... .ixe5 16 ..ixe5, is reminiscent of the playing style advocated by 1 5.b4! ( I 5.a5? b5 and White wouldn't
when the safety of the black king is compromised Steinitz. achieve his objective of opening lines on the
for the rest of the game) 1 6.exd4 ltJb8 1 7.iHe l ! 13 .. JUd8 14JUbl!! queens ide) 1 5 ... cxb4 16.cxb4 ltJd6 ( l 6. . . E1c2
Switching targets. 1 7 . . . a6 1 8.�e2 f5 1 9.f3 exf3 White controls the only open file. Let's not
1 7.b5 CD b8 1 8.�d l E1dcS 1 9.E1cl [ 1 9.CDc6
20.CDxf3 and White is clearly better. Note how by forget that in rook endgames greater activity is
CDxc6 20.�xc2 CDxd4 2 1 .�d3 CDe6 22.E1a2
attacking the opponent's weak points White has usually a decisive factor.
CDc5 with compensation) 19 ... E1xcl 20.E:xcl
been able to transform his advantages into more b) 14 ...c4 1 5 .b3! cxb3 16.E1xb3
with an unpleasant space advantage) 1 7.b5 CDbS
significant and lasting ones. There's nothing left I S.CDd3!!
of the weak pawn on e4 or the attack on c6 but
now the weak points e5 and e6 and the backward
e7-pawn, all of them on an open file, are very
serious.
b) 14 ... e6 1 5 .CDc4 �c6 1 6.ltJd6 CDc7 1 7.dxc5
bxc5 1 8.�c4 and White is clearly better.
c) 14 . . . E:fd8 1 5 .i.g3! White, taking advantage
of the dominant position of his e5-knight,
completely changes the setting of the action.
What does the superiority of a piece placed
on a dominant position bring? Among other A mysterious rook manoeuvre, as Nimzowitsch
things the possibility of transferring the focus of would phrase it. It finalizes the preparations And with the minority attack a4-a5 and axb6
the fight to other pans of the board where our for the plans outlined in the above note. The one can only wonder, which "weakness" will be An excellent manoeuvre with the idea of
opponent is not in a position to fight effectively. accumulation of small advantages continues more important, b6 or c3? exchanging the opponent's most active minor
At the same time the flexibility of the position while keeping the flexibility of the position. The concept of weakness cannot be covered piece, the d6-knight. ( l S.E1cl a6 with pressure
is increased in the sense that White is laying the 1 4...ltJb8 only from a static point of view, as for instance against b5) I S ... e6 1 9.i.xd6 E:xd6 20J=lcl E:ddS
foundations to carry out new plans, depending There were several interesting alternatives: in the misguided statement, "a backward pawn 2 1 .CD f3 a6 (2 l .. .CDd7 22.ttJb4) 22.CDfe5 with
on the set-up the opponent adopts. 15 ... E:ac8 (if a) 14 ... CD d7 with the intention of exchanging on an open file is always weak". One also has to strong pressure.
15 ... e6 1 6.CDc4 i.f8 17 . .ih4, White continues the the powerful e5 -knight; there might follow ask how strong the opponent's attack against that White wants to play h3-h4-h5; if Black pushes
offensive against the opponent's new weaknesses) 1 5 .CDxd7 E:xd7 1 6.�b5! ( l 6.a5? b5 and Black weakness is, and what one's defensive capabilities
back the knight with ... £7-f6 he will seriously
1 6.f3! The start of action in the centre and would keep the queenside closed) 1 6... E1dd8 1 7.a5 are.
weaken his kingside and lose some coordination
kingside exploiting the unfortunate situation (breaking up the enemy front) 17 ... ttJc7 ( l 7 ... E1a8 From this point of view it is easy to establish among his forces.
of the opponent's forces on the other wing. 1 8 .axb6 axb6 1 9.E:a3 CDc7 20.E:xa8 E1xa8 2 1 .�d7 that the b6-pawn is much more vulnerable
1 6 ... exf3 1 7.l"lxf3 i.xe5 ( 1 7 ...f5 1 8.d5! ttJc7 1 9 .e4 Invasion!) 1 8.i.xc7 �xc7 1 9 .axb6 axb6 20.l"la6 than its counterpart on c3 thanks in part to the After the text move the game continued:
fxe4 20.�xe4 E1xd5 2 1 .E1dfl �a8 22 .E1£7 with a E1b8 2 1 . CD f3 Preventing any counterplay in the powerful action of the f4-bishop. On the other 15.a5!
138 True Lies in Chess 139
The Others
19.1Lld4 lLlc5 but because of the original and energetic play precisely this advance, which forms White's chief
19 ... l"!c5 20.b4! l"!xc3 2 1 . 1JMxb 5 Wxb5 displayed by both sides. aim in the course of the next twenty moves."
22.'Llxb5 is again winning. 9.�d3 .ib4
20.�xb5 �xb5 2 1.lLlxb5 a6 22.lLla7! I have to confess that Keres is one of my favourite "Continuing the struggle for the central light
At last cG falls! authors. In fact this game and part of its notes squares."
22 .. J'ga8 23.lLlac6 ge8 24J�a5 are extracted from the book Paul Keres: The Road 10.0-0 0-0 1 1.E:dl
Concentrating all his forces against the weakest to the Top. Keres is above all an analyst and in his If 1 1 ..ig5 hG 1 2 ..ixfG Wxf6 1 3.e4 "White
point of the enemy position: aG. books one can feel an uncompromising search could enforce the e-pawn's advance, but it would
24 ... lDb7 25.E:aJ lDe4 26J�bal Le5 for truth, even when that means acknowledging be at too high a price. After 13 ... l"!fd8 Black's two
If instead 26 ...f6 27.lDd3 e5 28 ..ih2 'Ll bc5 weaknesses and mistakes he himself committed bishops would provide sufficient compensation
29.'Llxc5 �xc5 30.'Llb4 l"!eb8 3 l .l"! 1 a2! and in his games. In this respect Keres set an for White's space advantage." Black's plan is
White is clearly better. example to follow. We all know the works of . . ..ie8, ....if8 preparing . . . c7-c5.
his contemporaries: take Botvinnik for instance, 1 1...h6 12 ..id2
who never seems to have gone wrong in his According to Keres, 1 2.a3 .ixc3 1 3.Wxc3 was
We enter a new phase of concrete calculation of games. It looks as if the notes have been written better.
variations and transformation of some positional by Mr Perfect. I can't stand this style and I think 12 ... �e7 l3.aJ hc3
advantages into different ones. White's energetic it is harmful for a player's progress, as they are
play is impressive. full of half-truths.
15 ...b5 16.dxc5! Don't get me wrong. I am not criticising
The key. White exchanges his strong centre for Botvinnik as a player and an anist (in fact I
the centralization of his minor pieces. believe that Botvinnik understood chess at a
16 .. Jhc5 17.lLlb3 lkc8 18.a6!! higher strategic level than Keres) but only as
an author. And what can I say about Smyslov,
whose games are full of harmony and purity. He
Either d5 or a6 would fall. is another player everyone should study.
27.Le5 f6 28.i.h2 lDbc5 29.lDb4 ged8 Let's see a Smyslov game. Remember that the
30.lDxa6 lDd3 3 1 .f3 lDd6 32.lDb4!! notes in inverted commas are Keres'.
Another tremendous blow!
32.. J!xaJ 33.bxaJ lDc5 'it' Smyslov
33 ... �xb4 34.cxb4 wins. * Keres
34.lDc6 �d7 35.lDxe7t �f7 36.lDxd5 World Championship Tournament (7)
White is winning. Undoubtedly this has been The Hague/Moscow 1 948 14.�xc3!
an excellent game. Catalan Opening [E02] The beginning of an excellent strategic plan,
36 ... lDc4 37.e4 gb7 38.lDb4 gd7 39 ..ig3 gd2 whose first aim is to carry out the advance e2-
40..if2 lDb3 41.gbl lDba5 42.a4 f5 43..iel l.d4 lDf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.ig2 dxc4 5.�a4t e4 while keeping, if possible, the two bishops.
gb2 44.gxb2 lDxb2 45.<i!?f2 fxe4 46.fxe4 lDxa4 id7 6.�xc4 ic6 7.lDf3 lDbd7 At the same time White tries to prevent the
47.�e3 lDc5 48.lDd3 lLle6 49.lDe5t �f6 50.c4 7 ....id5!? 8.Wc2 (8.1JMa4t .icG 9.Wd1 e5!) opponent's freeing move ... c7-c5. For these
The whole idea of the continuation beginning lDb7 51.lDd3 lDed8 52.i.c3t �e6 53.lDf4t 8 ... 'LlcG (8 ... .ie4!?) was interesting according to operations to be feasible it is essential that the
with 1 5.a5 culminates in this beautiful move. �d6 54.ib4t �d7 55.lDd5 lDc6 56.Ac3 Keres. white queen occupies the 3,d rank and also that
Now Black's queenside pawns end up isolated �e6 57.lDf4t �d7 58.lDd3 lDd6 59.c5 lDc4t 8.lDc3! the c-file remains open. If instead 14. bxc3 .ie4,
and thus become a target for White's attack. 60.<i!?f4 �e6 61 .�g5 lLle3 62.lDf4t �f7 63.e5 White had to stop the freeing sequence . . ..ic6- Black would quickly carry out the break . . . c7-c5
But not 1 8. 'Ll d4?? a6 when Black is even slightly lDd8 64.ia5 lLlc6 d5, . . . c7-c5 with excellent play for Black. and so gain good piece play.
better. 1-0 8... lDb6 14... E:fd8
18 ... lLlxa6 "Black must take good care in this variation to If14 ... lDe4 1 5 .Wc2 'Llxd2 1 6.l"!xd2 (threatening
If 1 8 ...1JMb6 then 1 9 .1"!a5 b4 20.l"!b5 1JMxa6 In my view this game is a work of art not because see that White is unable to play e2-e4. The main e2-e4) 1 G... f5, White is slightly better.
2 1 .l"!a1 1JMe6 22.'Lld4 wins. there aren't any mistakes in it, which there are, struggle in the present game is concerned with 15.iel! gac8
140 True Lies in Chess 141
The Others
"Black has emerged from the opening with Exchange Variation of the Ruy Lopez Black often would quickly reach the strong d3-square with
a good game and can be reckoned as victor in modestly develops his bishop to d7 to protect his knight. Through the text-move Black does
the Struggle for the light squares in the centre. it from a possible exchange. These "passive" indeed prevent this, but he has, however, to
In the resulting middlegame, however, he does pieces are often devastating after the position weaken his kingside, a circumstance that later
not at first find the right plan and soon gets simplifies. on becomes unpleasantly apparent."
into pronounced difficulties. The advance . . . c5 16 ...i.d5 17.h4 I don't quite see that the pawn structure Black
planned by the text-move is easily parried and " Naturally, White is not going to allow adopts in the kingside is a weakening and not an
so 1 5 . . . a5 was to be recommended. With this the advance . . . c5. Already he is threatening aggressive set-up occupying important space. I
Black would thwart all White's active play on the l S.tLle5." guess it all depends on your point of view.
queenside and would himself threaten to fix the The opening of lines would favour Black in 2 1 .� g2 f5
weaknesses on the light squares by an eventual this case thanks to his better development. "Black has been able to prevent the advance
. . . a4." 17 ... �hd7 18.�h4! e2-e4 only by the greatest efforts, which have
The strategic idea is good, but is it feasible? b) l S . . . e5 19 .dxe5! Keres also suggested
created some marked weaknesses in his position.
I think that after i 5 . . . a5 1 6.ifl ! a4 1 7.tLle5 1 9.tLlf5 when after 1 9 ...1Mfe6 20.tLle3 (20.ih3
Moreover, White is in a position to concentrate
i.b5 ( l 7 ...i.d5 l S .:1'ldcl :1'ldcS 1 9.f3 and White tLle4! is better than 20 ... @hS 2 1 .dxe5 tLlxe5
the fire of his knight, bishop and rook on the
is clearly better) White's position would still be when the position is unclear) 20 ... e4 there
e4-square and thus can eventually force e2-e4.
clearly preferable. is counterplay. After 1 9.dxe5! there follows
For these reasons, Black must seek coumerplay
16.i.fl! 1 9 ... 1Mfxe5 ( 1 9 ... tLlxe5 20.i.h3! and White is
as quickly as possible and the best prospects of
clearly better. This position is worth analysing.
this are afforded by the queenside, since fewer
Black's centralized pieces don't threaten anything
white pieces are present there. So, in the next
since they are effectively neutralized by White's
phase of the game, White must devote his
pawn structure; moreover, they are targets for the
attention to the possibility of Black playing . . .
enemy army. Meanwhile White's scattered forces
b6 and . . . c 5 and it is with this i n mind that he
will develop lethal activity. As Petrosian pointed
plays his next move. At the same time, he opens
out, pieces should be valued not according to
up the way for his knight to reach the strong
their beautiful appearance but according to their
post on d3, and will then proceed with ig2 and
effectiveness.) 20.1Mfxe5 tLlxe5 2 1 ..ic3!
l'l:el to prepare the e4 advance.
Both White's strategy and his tactical realization It is naturally hard to say whether the plan
are to be admired. His last moves have been to devised by White is the best, but in any case it is
place his bishops on rather modest squares and his in keeping with the demands of the position and
knight on the edge of the board! From an aesthetic is characterized by a strictly logical approach.
point of view White's position looks terrible: Alternatives such as 22.ic3 b6, with the eventual
his army seems to be scattered all over the place threat of...c5, or 22.tLl e3 1Mfg7, permitting Black
" An excellent idea. White now plans to force e4 without any connection between its parts. Is the in some variations to play . . . f4, are anyway not
after f3, thereby retaining his two bishops. Since e2-e4 advance valuable enough to be worth this stronger than the text-move."
Black in the meantime enjoys no opportunity of price? And when is it possible to take the liberty I think that Black has an alternative plan in
active play he is forced to occupy himself with of carrying out such "suspicious" moves without connection with his kingside space advantage. It
meeting this threat. This means that White, as anything unpleasant happening, and when is it would involve placing the queenside pawns on
a result of Black's inaccurate 1 5th move, has not? It is difficult to answer these questions. As b6 and c6 (preventing the knight from coming
obtained the initiative." almost always, the variations and logical reasoning White's bishop pair and central superiority to c5), the queen on h7 and the knight on f6
Moreover it was necessary to take measures decide the right of an idea to exist. give him a clear positional edge in the endgame. (controlling once and for all the break e2-e4),
against Black's idea ... i.c6-b5 and ... c7-c5 with 18 ... �e4 But not 2 1 .iLh3?! ie6! 22.i.xe6 fXe6 when Black bringing the rook from dS to g7 and carrying
counterplay. This kind of manoeuvre, with the Other possibilities were: would have good outposts for his knights. out a pawn offensive on the kingside with
object of keeping the bishops by moving them a) I S . . .b6 1 9 .f3 c5 20.dxc5 bxc5 2 1 .if2! (2 1 .e4 19.�c2 �d6 20.£3 g5 . . . h6-h5-h4, the idea being to open lines in this
for the time being to rather passive squares, is ib7 22.i.f2 g5!! 23.tLlg2 g4!) and, given the "An immediate 20 . . . f5 would be met by sector.
standard in many openings: for instance in the weakness of the a-pawn, White is better. 2 1 .lLlg6 followed by 22.tLlf4, when White 22 .ifl � f6 23.�el
.
1 42 True Lies in Chess The Others 143
27.lLle5! It is interesting to keep the dark this positional threat: 29 .. J'la2! (29 ... b6 30.e4! 36Jhc2 exd5 37.l"lxc5 l"lc8 38.l"le6 lLl fe4 39.i.xe4
squared bishop flexibly placed: it has the option fxe4 3 1 .fxe4 �h7 32.�b l ! .ta2 33.�b2! bxc5 lLlxe4 40.l"lcxc6 :B:xc6 4 1 .:B:xc6 l"lb7 "and Black
of going either to b4 to eventually exchange it for 34.bxc5 lLlc8 35.l"lal and White is clearly better) stands a little better in the endgame owing to his
an enemy knight, or to f2 to defend important 30.�b l �f8! with counterplay. strong knight."
squares in the centre and the kingside. (Instead b) 33.ltJxe4! Keres doesn't mention this move
27.!ldcl ltJb5 28 ..tb4 �g7 29.�b2; 27 ..tb4 in his analysis, bur I think it is a clearly better
�g7 28.lLle5 f4!? 29.gxf4 gxf4t 30.�g6 lLl f5 and option. It turns our that the knight on e4 is very
Black has counterplay) The game might continue strong and at the same time untouchable.
27. . . �g7 28.!ldcl c6 29 ..tb4! 31. .. tLlf6!
"Thus Black gains sufficient control of the e4-
square. White must now, if he wants to force
through e4, retreat with his e5 -knight and with
this the purposeless nature of his 3 1 st move is
demonstrated."
32J::gac1 !laa8 33.tLld3 gab8
23...a5
33 . . . b6! (Keres), preventing lLlc5.
"Here Black could permanently dispose of
34.c!tk5 b6 35.e4!
the danger posed by the advance e4 if he were The key to Black's defence lies in this
"Smyslov makes excellent use ofthe opportunity
to continue 23 . . . g4, but with this he would prophylactic move, targeting White's weakness
afforded him and obtains attacking chances with
disastrously weaken his dark squares and would on f2 (although 30 ... �f7!? is also an option) .
the text-move. After 3 5.lLlb3, with the intention
give his opponent a much superior game after 27.b5?
of 36.�d2 followed by e4, Black's 35 . . . f4 can
24. .tg2 followed by 25.lLld3. The queens ide "By means of this pawn sacrifice White at last
be troublesome and with 35.lLld3 White would
diversion begun by the text-move is unpleasant I think that this swap favours White as he gets carries out his idea and forces e4, but he has,
finally abandon his plan of forcing through e4.
enough for White and at least forces him to rid of one of his opponent's very active pieces however, to pay too highly for it all. In the first
In the sharp position that has now arisen it is
abandon his main plan, the e4 advance, for the in exchange for a bishop that is potentially place Black will now have a pawn more and in
not easy, even in later analysis, to find the best
time being." passive because of the pawn formation. If now the second White's advance no longer possesses
moves for both sides; and certainly nor during
The alternatives were: 29 . . . f4 30.J.xd6! l"lxd6 3 1 .gxf4 gxf4t 32.cJ:lhl the force it would once have had. Hence it seems
the game itself while under time pressure."
a) 23 ...c6!? 24.lLld3 b6 Trying to implement lLl h7 33 . .tg2 lLl g5 34.l"lgl �f6 35.h4 lLl f7 to me that it would be best for White to renounce
35 ...fxe4 36.tLlxe4!
the aforementioned plan. But it seems that now 3 6. .th3t White has a huge advantage. the direct implementation of his plan and instead
White can prevent it with 25 ..tg2 �h7 26.lLle5! 24 Jl:a8
.• try to seize the initiative on the queenside by
hindering the rransfer of the black rook to the Better was 24 ... axb4! . 1t was important to carry continuing 27.bxa5 l"lxa5 28 .l"lecl followed by
kingside. If instead 26.l"lacl l"ld7 27.lLle5 l"lg7 out this exchange now to limit the prospects of .te I -b4. I believe that White could have obtained
28 .�d2 h5 29 ..te3 f4 30.gxf4 g4 Black has the enemy bishop on f2; for example, 25 .axb4 real prospects of a positional advantage with this
counterplay. :B:a8. plan, whereas now Black easily frees himself from
b) 23 ...�h7! This is the best tactical sequence "Black should immediately open the a-file so as all difficulties."
to implement the plan we are discussing. For to worry his adversary on the queenside. But for The struggle that follows is still extremely
instance 24.ltJd3 l"ld7! and Black is ready to some time now both players have been in time interesting.
transfer the rook to the critical sector. It is trouble and this strongly affects the next part of 27 ... ltJxb5 28.W1c5 c6 29.a4 ltJd7
important to highlight that although the knight the game." "Perhaps Smyslov, in his time-trouble, had
on e5 is prettily placed, its action is fairly pointless. 25.i.g2 !la7 26.:B:e1 overlooked this simple defence, by which Black
It is slightly reminiscent of the overvalued knight 26.bxa5! makes certain of a solid pawn more."
which can be found on d5 in some variations of 26 ...W1h7!? 3o.W1c2 tLld6 31.tLle5?
the English and the Sveshnikov. Again stronger was 26 ... axb4! 27.axb4 !lda8 "This moves proves to be merely a loss of time."
24.tLld3 28.lha7 :B:xa7 29.lLlc5. At first sight it looks as if After 3 1 .lLlc5 White could forced the advance
I think that 24.bxa5!?, trying to activate the the position is difficult for Black since apparently e2-e4 he had prepared for so long. For example, 36.fxe4 bxc5 37.exd5 �xc2 38.!lxc2 exd5
f2-bishop immediately, was more accurate. For there isn't an easy way to prevent the advance e2- 3 1 ...lLl f6 32.e4 fxe4 and now: 39.!lxc5 tLl de4 40.!lxc6 l"lbc8 and Black is slightly
example: 24 . . . l"la8 25.ltJd3 l"lxa5 26 ..te 1 !laa8 e4. But he has enough resources to fight against a) 33.fxe4 b6 34.l"lacl bxc5 35.exd5 �xc2 better according to Keres.
The Others 14S
36 .. .'I1lltg6 37.1.1llfe2 �b7 38.�c3 .ic4 39.1.1llf b2 In fact, White threatened not only 43.l"1xc4,
43.�xc4 1.1llfh 5! 47...1.1llfxc3 48.�xc3 �df8 49.�cc2 �xf2
b5 but also very strongly 43.dS!, opening all the
50.�xf2 �xf2t 51 .�xf2 �xf2t 52.@xf2 a4!
"It is not easy for Black to make use of his extra lines for his bishops and rooks at the cost of a
53 . .ih3 @f7 54.d5 exd5
pawn. His pieces possess no firm outposts in the pawn. This would have entailed serious dangers
S4 ... a3 SS . .ixe6t �f6 is also decisive.
centre and the open position enables White for Black, in view of the exposed situation of his
55 ..id7 @f6 56..ic6 dxe4 57.hb5 a3
to set up dangerous tactical threats. With the king.
0-1
text-move Black seeks to exploit his queenside If instead of the text Black had played 42 ... l"1fl
� Boleslavsky
pawn preponderance, but in so doing he has ro 43.dS! (Keres) 43 ... exdS (43 ... ttJ g4 44. .ib6 l"1df8
allow his opponent dangerous counter-chances. 4S .d6! with counterplay) 44.exdS ttJxdS 4S.l"1cd 1 ,
• Lisitsin
Perhaps, therefore, it would have been better ro we would reach a position where Black's extra
Leningrad 1 9S6, Sicilian Dragon [B76]
prepare this advance by playing 39 ... l"1f8 so as to pawns would be basically worthless.
meet 40.�e4 with 40 ... ttJ fxe4 41 .fxe4 l"1bfl." Now after 4S ... l"1fd7 there might follow:
l.e4 c5 2.�8 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.�xd4 �f6 5.�c3
40.axb5 cxb5
g6 6..ie3 .ig7 7.8 0-0 8.'11ld lt 2 �c6 9.0-0-0
�xd4 1O.hd4 1.1llfa5 1 1 .@bl e5 12 ..ie3 .ie6
13.a3 �fd8 14.�b5 1.1llfa4 15.c4 hc4 16.�c3
"It would appear that White was far from 1.1llfb3 17.hc4 1.1llfxc4 18 ..ig5 1.1llfe6 19 ..ixf6
expecting the text-move, since he now used the 1.1llfxf6 20.�d5
greater part of his time on the clock without
finding the right continuation."
If instead 43 . . .ttJxf2 then 44.l"1c3! ttJg4 4S .h3.
44Jl:c2?
A move that, curiously enough, Deep Junior
endorses. Keres knew better:
" Retaining the piece allows his opponent
a) 46.'lMleS And now:
a decisive attack and speedily results in a lost
al) 46. . . a4!? 47. .icS! An excellent move
position." The alternatives were:
avoiding the queen exchange. (If 47 ..id4 ttJf6
a) 44.h3 ttJxf2 wins for Black.
Black wins. Or 47. .ie4 'IMId6 48 ..ifS 'IMIxeS
b) 44.h4! (Keres) 44 ... ttJxf2 4S .l"1fl ! (4S.l"1c6
41.�e4! 49 .l"1xeS l"1d6 SO ..ics l"1c6 S l ..ie6t �h7 S2 ..ia3
ttJd3; 4S.l"1c3 ttJ d 1 ; 4S.'lMlb3 bxc4! [Keres]
"White sealed this strong move. Now he and even without the queens White has some
46.'lMlxb7 gxh4 47.�xf2 [47.'lMlb6! and the position
threatens to win a piece by 42.ttJxd6 followed by compensation, but obviously this cannot be the
is unclear according to Deep Junior] 47 ... l"1f8t)
43.l"1xc4, which would also follow, for example, best solution to the current situation.) 47... ttJc7
4S ... ttJd1 (4S ... ttJd3 46.'lMlb3 l"1fl 47.l"1c6 or
after 42 ... l"1fl. 48.l"1xd7 l"1xd7 49 ..id4 l"1xd4 SO.'lMlxd4 with a
47.l"1c3 and White is clearly better in both cases) In exchange for a pawn White has a strong
In addition White has various possible threats, strong attack.
46.'lMlb3 bxc4 (46 ... ttJe3 47.l"1c8!) 47.'lMlxb7 ttJe3 centralized knight, which cannot be driven away,
for example 42.ttJcS, 42.'lMla3, and even 42.dS, so a2) 46 .. .1.Wd6 47 ..ih3 'IMIxeS 48.l"1xeS l"1d6
"and, though Black has retained his extra pawn, placed in front of the opponent's backward
the following exchange is practically forced. 49 . .icS l"1c6 SO ..ie6t @h7 S l ..if2 l"1xe6
the open nature of Black's king affords White pawn. From now on we will see that thanks to
It should be observed that 4 1 .f4 was much (S 1 . ..l"1cd6 S2 ..icS) S2.l"1xe6 and the position is
good prospects of equalising the position. this knight, and the gradual incorporation of
weaker as then Black would reply 4 1 .. .l"1fl and unclear.
With Smyslov having left these variations the rest of the white army into the fight, Black's
obtain control over the important squares e4 and b) 46. .ie4!? (Deep Junior) 46. . .'lMlfl 47.'lMleS
unnoticed in his adjournment analysis, one can position becomes untenable.
g4." ttJ f6 48.l"1xd7 ttJ xd7 49.'lMld6 l"1f8 SO ..id4 ttJ f6
hardly blame him for not discovering the only way 20 ...1.1llfh4 2 1.1.1llfe2 .if8
41. .. �dxe4 42.fxe4 � g4! S 1 ..ig2 with counterplay.
of saving the game on coming so unexpectedly to What's the purpose of this move? On the one
"After a detailed analysis during the Another variation was of course 42 ... l"1bd7
these complications over the board." hand Black wants to look for counterplay on the
adjournment, I came to the conclusion that the 43.dS exdS 44 ..ib6 when "the white pieces
44...1.1llfxh2t 45.@f1 �f7 46.�ee2 1.1llfxg3 c-file beginning with ... l"1dc8 and on the other he
surprising sacrificial combination begun by the suddenly become extremely active and I am not
47.1.1llfc3 wants to prevent White from opening lines on the
text-mo:e offers Black the best practical winning at all convinced that Black's extra pawns would
If 47.l"1c3 'IMId6 48.dS l"1df8, Black wins; 47.eS kingside with the advance h4-hS which would
chances. ensure him an advantage."
a4 also wins. leave the black king in a very delicate situation.
The Others 1 47
If White wants to implement this plan he must the diagram position it is unlikely that Black will A different tactical execution of the same plan If 5 ... dxe5 then 6.ctJxe5 ctJd7 7.ctJf3!. More
drive the black queen away from the h-file. With lose despite his bad bishop, among other things dynamism! Moving the same piece to obtain a
would take place after, for example, 2S .Wh3 f6
these considerations in mind it would be worse because he srill retains his extra pawn and the central advantage. If 7 ...ctJf6 S.d4 and White is
29.�hl h6! and now both 30.ctJe3 with the idea
to play 2 l ...�dcS 22.g3! WdS 23.h4! followed by position is very simplified. of 3 1 .ctJf5 and the more forceful and possibly slightly better.
24.h5. Now instead if White answers the game In choosing the second option a possible and better 30.g5! fxg5 3 1 .ctJe7! (diversion) 3 l . ..he7 If 5 ... CLl d7 then 6.e6!? fxe6 7.d4!. It's that d
move directly with 22.g3 there would follow logical scenario is the following: 32.�xh6 lead to a decisive attack. word again. Giving up a pawn in exchange
22 ... Wh3! hindering his plans.
28 ... h6 29J'�xh6 �xg5 30J'!h5 �g6 31.�hl for a strong initiative. Black will have great
50 how should White proceed? One of the difficulty finishing his development while
1-0
most common yet difficult problems a chess defending both the e6-pawn and his weakened
player faces is increasing an advantage he has W Bogol;ubow kingside at the same time. More accurate is
acquired and convening it into a win. How • Nenarokov 5 ... g6!. This seems the right way to solve Black's
many times have we heard complaints like " How opening problems.
Leningrad 1 925, Alekhine's Defence [B02l
could it have slipped away!" This is one of those
6.d4 dxe5 7.d5! e4 8.CLlg5 c!Lle5 9.'%!fd4!
positions in which a bad plan could spoil all the In his book Masters of the Chess Board, Reti
advantage.
defined Bogoljubow's style as highly dynamic. By
Let's analyse in more detail the current
dynamism it is understood, on the one hand, a
situation: there are three plans that seem profound redefinition of the positional concepts
completely logical:
advocated by 5teinitz and, on the other hand,
I) Try to occupy the open c-file to infiltrate the
Here ir is obvious that White will get back the the inclusion of the tactical elements, such as
enemy rearguard.
d6-pawn but at the cost of exchanging his good posirional sacrifices, and the evaluation of the
2) Regroup to attack the backward d6-pawn.
knight after, for instance, 1 .c!Ll xd6 hd6 2.:1'lxd6 most diverse situations, even chose where these
3) Open lines on the kingside to begin a strong
�xd6 3 .�xd6 reaching a completely balanced resources seem to be absent because of their
offensive there.
position. Again the advantage has slipped away. apparent simplicity.
If we were White, which of the three plans
Well, you will say, the third option is the right The game I'm going to show now is not without
would we follow?
one, and you will be right, but even here our errors - don't forget that this way of tackling the
In order to solve this question we must try and
troubles aren't over. Every good plan needs an game was in its infancy - but I think its analysis is
visualize the likely future stemming from each
accurate execution, chat is, good tactics, and one very interesting because it will help us understand
possible scenario and decide whether we have the
has to be ready to make moves as peculiar as the many of the processes involved in modern chess,
advantage in any of them. White has spoiled his pawn structure, has
following one: not all of us would be up to the characterized basically by its complexity and
If we chose the first option rhe most likely moved the d-pawn and his king's knight twice,
job. dynamism.
scenario would be che following one:
22.�fl ! l.e4 c!Llf6 2.e5 c!Lld5 3.c!Llc3 and has already developed his queen ... and despite
This move is necessary if White wants to One of the advantages of studying the classics is these repeated violations of classical opening
prevent Black from playing ... Wh4-h3 after g2- the possibility of discovering interesting opening principles, he has a significant advantage. How
g3. Mter the text move events unfold at great systems, of finding a fresh perspective on familiar is that possible? I will try to explain: one of the
speed and without any major setbacks. settings. The text move is seldom used nowadays most effective methods in chess is considering the
22 ... :1'la<:8 23.g3 �g5 24.h4! �h6 but even so it is extremely ingenious. effect our acrions have on the enemy position.
If instead 24 ... Wxg3 25.�d2 and 26.�g2 3...c!Llxc3 4.bxc3 d6 5.c!Llf3 This sounds obvious and yet many players
capturing the black queen. This opening breaks many of the classic rules of play a unilateral sort of chess: they only see rhe
25.g4 this phase of the game: "don't move the same piece chessboard from a single perspective, either their
Threatening 26.g5 27.ctJf6 and 28.h5 with a twice", "don't bring out your queen early in the own one or rheir opponent's, and many rimes
decisive attack on the h7-square. game", "keep a sound pawn structure", and even from a positive or negative point of view. This
25 ... g5 26.hxg5 �xg5 27J�h5 �g6 28.g5! so, it looks as White is crushing his opponent. kind of reasoning could be for example: "If I
White plans to carry out a decisive offensive 5 ... c!Ll<:6?! follow this continuation I am going to end up
Is this supposition sensible? It seems logical to against the isolated pawn on h7 and so he fixes If 5 ...i.g4 then 6.h3! i.h5 7.�b 1 ! ? Dynamism! with a bad bishop, therefore this line is not good
suppose that Black will occupy the c-file with his this pawn on its original square and sets up a new Exploiting the tactical weakness of the a4-eS for me." And that's the end of their inadequate
rooks and then exchanges will be unavoidable. In outpost closer to the black king on the f6-square. diagonal. search for the truth. A better approach would be
The Others
to ask oneself: "Okay, I have a bad bishop but more flexible piece, since this creates more ( 1 2. . . f6 1 3.c4 fxg5 1 4.cxd5 with an attack) still contains some very interesting moments
how does this fact affect the opponeOl's position?" uncertainty for the opponent. There might follow 13.Wc5 with a useful attack. with great strategic content.
Many times it is necessary to "saddle" oneself 1 0. . . CLlf6 (if 1O . . . c6 then I l .dxc6 bxc6 1 2.�c4 If instead I l .CLlxf6t exf6 and Black would 16 eS 1 7.'%Ve3 .!ild7 18.f4 e4
•..
with a weakness or violate this or that principle and White has a huge advantage) l I .ic4 �f5!? be in a very good position to blockade White's
(that's what they're for) in exchange for leaving queenside pawn majority.
the opponent with a positional liability of greater 1 1 .c4 e6 12 .igS '%Vd7 13Jl:dl
.
importance. To look at only one side's options Curiously enough, despite his great dynamic
guarantees failure in the attempt to understand perception of the position, Bogoljubow lacked
what is happening on the board. deep combinational vision. Otherwise it is difficult
Let's go back to the position we are discussing: to understand how he missed a continuation that
all right, White has violated several principles was immediately decisive: 1 3.�f6!! In dynamic
but what has he got in return? How has his chess "forbidden" squares are also among the
"bad play" affected the opponent's position elements to bear in mind when evaluating a
and plans? White has achieved a valuable space position. 1 3 .. .:!:l:g8 1 4.l"!dl and Black can hardly
advantage thanks to his d5-pawn and the very move, e.g. 14 ... c5 1 5 .We5 .
active queen on d4 and knight on g5, Strongly 13 ... 5 14 ..!ilcS
limiting Black's development plans. On the The big problem for White in this posmon Why not 14.�e2! fxe4 ( 1 4 ...�b4t 1 5 .c3)
other hand while White was flouting those other is the number of tempting alternatives at his 1 5 .�h5t g6 1 6.Wxh8 gxh5 1 7.dxe6, winning?
positional principles he was also forcing his disposal. For instance: 14...hcS lS.'%VxcS '%Vd6 19.94!?
opponent to make concessions: Black has been a) 1 2.f3 follows the classical principle according This is a typical move of a sound positional A dynamically correct plan carried out weakly
forced to waste several tempi with the pieces to which the side who has the advantage must player who has serious deficiencies in the tactical from a tactical point of view, as I will try to show
he had already developed, that is, he hasn't had open up the position even at the cost of material: combinational aspect of the game. Black offers with some variations explaining the ideas behind
a chance to improve the activity of his other 1 2 ...exf3 1 3.0-0-0 fxg2 1 4.l"!hel h6! and it's to exchange queens to relieve the enemy pressure the text move. White understands, on the one
pieces. not clear whether White's lead in development and expose the weakness of the pawn structure hand, that he needs to open up the position
9....!ild7 compensates for the material deficit. in an endgame. All this would be correct were it especially to activate his two bishops, and on
If 9 ... CLlg6 10.Wxe4 and Black's development b) 1 2.We5 g6 (if I2 ... Wd7 then 1 3.CLle6 not for... the other hand, that a stable and static pawn
comes to a standstill. fxe6 14.dxe6 �xe6 I 5 .�xe6) 1 3 .l"!b l ( l 3.d6 16.'%Vd4? formation doesn't suit him in the long-term
10. .!ilxe4 cxd6 I4.Wb5t Wd7 I 5.Lf7t �d8 and the No, not that one. Again Bogoljubow's because of the weakness of his queenside pawns
The continuation 1 0.�f4!? was very interesting. position is unclear) 13 ...�g7 1 4.l"!xb7 tLlh5! with combinational problems are evident. Much and squares.
It is founded on the concept ofquick development counterplay. better was 1 6.dxe6! ( 1 6.Wxd6? cxd6 1 7.dxe6 h6 So far so good. The question is, what is the most
and on another no-less-important but perhaps c) 1 2.d6?! e6 1 3.dxc7 Wxd4 14.cxd4 �b4t 1 8 .�f4 he6 with equality) 16 . . . Wxe6t 1 7.�e2 accurate move to execute the break? Perhaps this
more obscure idea which I will call the "potential 1 5. @e2 h6! and in the coming ending White's and Black's position is terrible. was not the best situation to carry out the text
elasticity" of the position. White leaves the g5- c7-pawn and knight are weak. One may ask, seeing this succession of move and in order to better understand this it
knight on its aggressive location, clears the d) I2 .l"lb 1! looks like the most unpleasant mistakes, what is the point of including an will be helpful for the reader to follow the way
dl -square for the rook and at the same time move, quickly attacking the opponent's "incorrect" game in a manual attempting to be events unfold.
keeps his options open regarding the possible vulnerable points: 12 ... h6 13.�b5t �d7 I 4.ttJxe4 perfectionist in its approach? I think, firstly, that 19...h6
development of his fl -bishop since it, according �xb5 1 5 .l"!xb5 c6 (the annoying pawn has to be it would be very difficult to find a perfect game Very interesting was I9 ... Wc5 with the idea
to the circumstances, could be better placed on eliminated) 1 6 .CLlxf6t gxf6 ( 1 6 . . .exf6 1 7.l"!xb7 between very strong players of similar playing of reaching some sort of ending where Black
d3, c4 or b5. The fact that this bishop has several Wxd5 18 .0-0 with an attack) 1 7.l"!xb7 Wxd5 strength. Even the games of Kasparov, Karpov or can exploit his structural superiority: 20.@d2!
formidable options greatly limits the opponent's 1 8.0-0 e5 1 9.Wa4! and the superior activity of Kramnik are full of decisions that are at the very (20.Wc3 0-0 2 1 .gxf5 ttJf6 22 .�h3 b5! and the
range of alternatives, thus making his play more White's pieces gives him a positional plus. For least questionable, if not just wrong. position is unclear; 20.@f2 fxg4) and now after
difficult. example, I 9 ...�c5 20.�e3 �xe3 21 .fxe3 and Secondly, errors sometimes brings us pleasant the queen exchange the ending is not so good
In situations where there is a choice between White is clearly better. surprises. Who hasn't played a fine strategic idea for Black due to the excellent position the white
several developing moves, it is often best to start 10... .!ilb6 or incredible combination in a position arising king would occupy in the centre of the board:
by moving the piece which has the fewest options, After 10 . . . ttJf6 I l .�g5! White's initiative is from a mistaken decision taken in a previous 20. . .Wa5t 2 1 .@cl Wxa2 22.gxf5 0-0 23.Wc3
leaving for later the development ofthe potentially persistent. For example, 1 1 . . .ttJxd5 1 2.0-0-0 �e6 phase of the game? We shall see that this position with compensation.
The Others
But I think that the critical continuation was any fear, in order to undertake more ambitious But what happens when the best alternative lies also to extract all that is good and useful from a
1 9... 4Jc5 20.gxf5 �xf5 2 1 .�e2. tasks. How should Black proceed? We will find precisely in one of these complex variations? A contest between two exceptional players, such as
the solution if we analyse the position again chess player must strive for a universal style: the ones we are now going to watch.
from a dynamic point of view. confining oneself to a specific playing style limits
Let's ask ourselves: what does Black intend? the potential development of any player. � Lilienthal
For instance, if 2 1 . . .0-0 22.0-0 there will follow 2 1 .gS! ,., Ragozin
@ h 1 , !!g1 , �g5-h4-e l -c3 planning to use the With this move White wins important space Moscow 1 944, French Defence [C 1 9)
weakness of the e5-square and building strong to deprive the black bishop of the f5-square,
pressure on the black king's position. And here which would be at its disposal after the possible l.e4 e6 2.d4 dS 3.lLlc3 .tb4 4.eS cS S.a3 hc3t
is the key: White's pressure on the kingside is pawn exchange ... f5xg4. Now the black king 6.hxc3 lLJe7 7.lLJO �a5 8.i.d2 c4
really annoying because the black king is there. will not find a safe haven on either flank. This manoeuvre was fashionable for a time
We have thus reached the correct conclusion: the 2 1...hS? due to the efforts of, among others, Borvinnik,
right move is 2 1 . . .@d7! when Black is slightly 2 l . ..hxg5 22.hg5 �d7 23.�e2 and White is Boleslavsky and Ragozin himself, who was also
better. The black king heads for the queenside slightly bener. the coach of the Patriarch of Russian chess.
This position is very interesting to discuss. Here where he finds a safe refuge, and minimizes 9.a4!
some of the dynamic features I have mentioned the consequences of the aforementioned white
before are clearly shown and clarified. attack.
One of the characteristics of dynamic chess is Bur this is not all. The reader will remember
the accurate evaluation of the real worth of the that in the position of the main diagram after
"strong" and "weak" points, both of one's own Black's 1 8th move we pointed out that 1 9.94
position and of the opponent's. Let's look at was probably the right strategic idea carried
the c5-knight. From the classical/static point of out at the wrong time. Why? Because, as we
view it occupies a fantastic position: it's placed now know, this plan loses a great deal of its
on a central square and cannot be attacked by effectiveness when the black king is not on the
any of the opponent's pawns. kingside. Therefore, White should first force the
All this is true, but let's talk about its attacking monarch to occupy this inauspicious flank and I
potential: it is not exerting any important think this could be achieved with 1 9.�e2! since
pressure on the enemy position and is effectively the threat �e2-h 5t would provoke unpleasant
neutralized by the "weak" c2-pawn. Furthermore weaknesses in the opponent's dark squares. And
its contribution to the defence of the kingside after the logical 20 ... 0-0 20. 0-0 with the idea 22.g6!
against a possible enemy attack is nonexistent. �g5-h4-e 1 -c3 and g2-g4 White would have a Now Black's position falls apart. An excellent move which has several strategic
Now let's talk about the queen on e3. According strong attack. 22 ... b6 23.gg1 gh6 24..ig5 gh8 aspects worth mentioning. White prevents the
to classical canons this is the worst piece to 20 ..th4 lLJcS 24. . . !!xg6 2 5.�e2 manoeuvre . . .�a5-a4 leading to a complete
blockade a passed pawn since, as following a 20 ... fXg4 was the other critical continuation, 2S.�d4 <tt> f8 26.i.f6! gg8 27.i.eS �d7 blockade on the queenside which, most
literal interpretation (and therefore an absurd and is difficult to evaluate: 2 1 .�xe4t @f7 28.gg5 e3 29 .ih3 e2 30.gd2 lLl e4 3 1.'§'xe4
• importantly, would rule out a later switch of the
one) a pawn neutralizes the opponent's entire 22.�e6t �xe6t 23.dxe6t @xe6 24.c5!? fxe4 32 ..bd7 hd7 33.hc7 gc8 34.d6 ge8 bishop with �d2-c l -a3 creating strong pressure
queen. reaching a position where White's piece activity 3S.gddS ge6 36.£5 ge8 37.gxh5 i.c6 38.d7 on the dark squares. The constant threat of this
But, as it turns Out, if this pawn could together with the weakness of the enemy king 1 -0 manoeuvre greatly limits the possible defensive
advance it would unleash all the potential of are balanced against the material deficit and set-ups that are available to Black in this position.
the black position, because it would activate Black's solid structure. Who has the advantage The next game is very interesting from several I should add that from a4 the black queen
Black's knight, bishop, and rooks, followed in such a situation? Only deep analysis could points of view, as we will see. We will also find would exert unpleasant pressure on the c2-pawn
by the queen. The white queen being on e3 tell. some inaccuracies by both players, although which would make it very difficult for White to
provides White with something precious: time But I think that what is most important these are of a different kind. reorganize his army for attacking purposes.
to organize his position. Once it is organized in this game is to highlight its psychological As I have said before, in general every game But on the other hand, and here lies the
the queen will be able to leave the wonderful background: whereas White was ready to go for contains mistakes. However, we must be clever difficulty of the idea, the a4-pawn is doomed to
defensive square she is now occupying without complications, Black always tried to avoid them. enough not only to identify these mistakes, but perish. Furthermore Black can choose between
several manoeuvres to accomplish its capture. White's pressure became very unpleasant in If 10 ... �xa4 then 1 1 .h4! tLlbc6 1 2.h5 h6 on the queenside, and all due to the difficulty the
For example, .. .ttJ bS-d7 -b6-a4 or ... �cS-d7-a4 the game Bronstein - Saigin, Moscow 1 945. (Black cannot allow h5-h6, fatally weakening the second player experiences in transferring pieces
and he can even allow himself to either go for If 9 ... tLlbc6 then: dark squares) 1 3.tLlh4 followed by �h3, 0-0 and from one flank to the other because of his lack
it immediately or defer its capture until later in a) 1 0.tLlg5 h6 I l .tLlh3 tLlg6 1 2.'Wf3?! ( l 2.ie2 f4-f5 with a tremendous attack for White. of space.
the game. i.d7 13.i.h5 tLl ce7 and the position is unclear) 1 l .i.h3 1 5... exf5
So what is the crux of the matter? It turns out 1 2 ...�d7 1 3.'t:lf4 4Jxf4 1 4.'Wxf4 4Je7! 1 1 .h4!? was, of course, a possible option. Other options were not any better, for
that any black manoeuvres to collect the pawn 1l ... lLld7 12.0-0 lLlb6 example:
would remove an important piece from the If Black tried to take prophylactic measures a) 1 5 ... tLlxf5 1 6. lD xf5 gxf5 1 7.g4! fxg4
defence of the kingside, White's logical target against White's attacking plans on the kingside by l S.i.xg4! (The more pieces White keeps on
given the space advantage he enjoys there. This means of 1 2 ... h6 there could follow 1 3.tLlh4 g6 the board the more difficult Black's task is. If
attack can come in rwo different ways, depending 1 4.f4 h5 To prevent the eventual pawn sacrifice l S.'lWxg4 0-0-0 1 9.1"1xf7 l"1hgS 20.l"1g7 l"1xg7
on the defensive formation Black sets up: a piece f4-f5 , opening up lines. 1 5.lLlf3 with unpleasant 2 1 .'Wxg7 i.d7 22.'lWxh7 'Wb6 23.l"1fl 'Wb2 Black
attack, starting with the move tLlf3-g5, aiming at pressure on the dark squares. has counterplay) 1 8 . . . 0-0-0 1 9.1"1xf7 i.d7 20.'Wf3
provoking a weakness in Black's pawn structure; 13.lLlh4 White's pressure is very unpleasant.
or the typical pawn storm against the base of It would also have been interesting to initiate b) 1 5 ...gxf5 1 6.g4!? tLlg6 ( l 6... l"1gS 1 7.�h1
Black's pawn chain, e6, with the advance f2-f4-f5. a piece attack on the kingside. For example, tLlg6 l S.gxf5 tLlxh4 1 9. fxe6 is winning) 1 7.gxf5
In addition, the piece that ends up on the a4- 1 3.'t:lg5!? h6 1 4.'Wh5 g6 1 5.'Wh4 with the tLl xh4 l S.fxe6 fxe6 1 9.ixe6 tLlg6 ( 1 9 ... 'Wc7
square after the capture of this pawn is an unpleasant threat 1 6.tLlxf7. 20.�f7t!) 20.�g5! (also interesting was 20.'Wf3!?
unpleasant source ofinstability in Black's position 13 ... lLlxa4 14.f4 g6 1 5.£5! �dS 2 1 .'Wf7 l"1eS 22.�g5t tLle7 23.'Wxh7 with
"The outcome of the opening can be
due to the pin exerted by the aI -rook. But let's an attack) Now White's attack becomes very
summarized as not favourable to White. He
see some variations illustrating the previous dangerous. For example, 20 ...'Wxc3 2 1 .'Wg4 E1fS
must lose his a-pawn. True, he can launch a pawn
considerations. 22.l"1xfSt lDxfS 23. E1fl and wins.
attack on the kingside, but Black has sufficient
9 ...i.d7 1 6.g4! 0-0-0
defensive resources." (Botvinnik).
If 9 ... tLld7 1 O.tLlg5! ( l 0.g3 tLlb6 1 1. .�h3 i.d7 16 .. .f4 1 7.g5 h6 l S.'Wg4 and White is clearly
"The potential success of Black's defence is
12.0-0 tLl xa4 and Black would win an important better.
based on the disappearance of the dangerous
tempo compared with the game. Also the d7- 17.gxf5 gxf5 18.lLlxf5 lLlxf5 19.i.xf5t 'i!?b8
white knight from the board." From a game
bishop occupies an excellent position keeping
Smyslov - Botvinnik, Moscow 1 944.
the f5-square under control.) 10 . . . h6 1 1 .tLlh3
b) 1 0.h4! i.d7 1 1 .h5 h6 1 2.g3 In those cases
tLlb6 ( l l ...tLlg6 1 2.i.e2 with the idea i.e2-h5
where Black declines the capture of White's
challenging the stability of the g6-knight. Since
a4-pawn, the first player can calmly prepare
Black hasn't developed the other knight on c6 he
aggressive actions on both flanks: he clearly has
doesn't have the usual defensive move ... tLlc6-e7.)
the initiative.
1 2.tLlf4 g6 (preventing the unpleasant tLlf4-h5)
1O.g3!
1 3 .h4 �d7 1 4.h5 g5 1 5 . tLle2 0-0-0 1 6.g4! l"1dgS
Another possibility was 1 O.h4!. This is a
1 7.i.h3 tLlxa4 I S.f4 gxf4 1 9 .0-0! This is a very vigorous attacking continuation:
more modern and perhaps better treatment
of the position. The advance of White's flank White sacrifices yet another pawn with the aim of
pawn makes it easier to prepare his subsequent opening lines thus exploiting his greater capacity
expansion with f2-f4-f5 , as the reader will be to concentrate pieces on the kingside.
able to see in later variations. If instead 1 0.tLlg5 Also possible was the slower offensive starting
h6 I l .tLlh3 lLlg6 1 2.�e2 tLlc6 1 3 .i.h5 tLlce7 with 1 5 .g4!? h5 1 6.f5! hxg4 1 7. fxe6! The key to
and Black achieves a solid defensive formation the variation: thanks to the piece sacrifice White
gets a dangerous attack. 1 7... l"1xh4 ( 1 7... fxe6 20.i.h3
without renouncing the possibility of capturing
I S.'Wxg4 with a decisive advantage) I S.exf7t Black's big problem in this position is that were
the a4-pawn . The h3-knight now occupies an
�f8 1 9.Lg4 with an attack. his f7-pawn to fall, the subsequent invasion of
inferior position and its exchange by 4Jh3-f4
Note in this line the poor role played in the the white army together with the passed e-pawn
would make Black's defence even easier.
defence of their king by the black forces stationed would make Black's position a lost cause. And he
1 O...i.c6
The Others
does not have enough space to set up an effective 23.1'!f3! lLJb6 (23 ... id7 24.if4! winning) It is especially significant, in my view, to
3 l . 'it>h4 The attack is over. 3 1 ...ixf3 32.1'!xf3
defence against White's aggression. 24.1'!afl with an easily won position. But now highlight this last point as it shows a deep
�e7t 33.1g5 �xc5 3Hlxf8t �xf8 35.�xh7 and
20 ...E:dfS the game has an unpleasant surprise in store for understanding of a very important aspect of
White wins.
2o ...id7!? 2 l .,Ld7 1'!xd7 22.�h5 with the White. our game: the importance of harmony and
The text move seems logical to prevent the
initiative. coordination among one's own forces in any
opening of the f-file but. ..
21.�hl E:hg8 22.�h5 Yflc7 23J;f6? given posicion.
26... �e5!
I want to study the origins of this mistake,
After this incredible move White has no But I would also like to add that this central
which I would categorize as psychological: strategy generally has other pluses: the strength
effective defence.
from the very start of the game White has been of the pawn chain (which in many cases allows
27.i.g4 f5 28.i.h3 Yfle2 29.i.f4t �a8 30J;af1
thinking about attacking and at no point has interesting positional sacrifices), central flexibility
E:g4!!
he had to consider any serious counterattack by (a very important aspect of modern play
0- 1
Black. As a consequence of this he may have been characterized by its dynamism) and, finally, safety
A beautiful finish.
in an over-confident frame of mind which caused on the central files.
W Dzindzichashvili
him to overlook a tactical blow by his opponent, Let's see how understanding the essence of the
which he could have prevented with more care. ideas implicit in these two philosophies can have a
* Furman
In general, such a blow can lead to two similar very positive influence when it comes to correctly
Baku 1 972, Reti Opening [A 1 2]
situations, psychologically speaking: the overall analysing a game.
evaluation of the position may change or it may
In the next game a titanic battle took place
lead to greater resistance in the realization of the 1.lL"lf3 lL"lf6 2.g3 d5 3.i.g2 if5 4.0-0 e6 5.d3
between two very different philosophies of
advantage for the side who has it. What should 23 ... lL"lc5!! i.e7 6.lL"lbd2 h6 7.c4
understanding chess: classicism versus hyper
we do when in such a situation? Above all it is This was the resource White overlooked. Black
modernism. In the present case the discussion
very important not to lose our nerve and not to seizes the initiative and, in a situation where
was on the effectiveness of the occupation of the
become disheartened because this can spoil the time trouble was more than likely, this is a very
centre with pawns against strong piece pressure.
fruit of our previous work and, more importantly, important factor.
We are, in essence, considering one of the
even reduce our performance in later games (it 24.dxc5 d4t 25J;f3 f6! 26.e6?
schisms which has caused most controversy in the
is well known that there is nothing worse for a White defended the position intuitively, but
chess world. The topic is extremely interesting
player's confidence than to lose a won game.) only calculating variations could have led him to
since it shouldn't be forgotten that most opening
One must be able to analyse with a cool mind the right solution.
systems are, basically, a struggle between these
the extent of the changes in the situation and a) 26.1'!g l ? �xe5! 27.�xe5t fXe5 28.1'!xg8
two philosophies.
consequently adopt adequate measures. This ixf3t 29.ig2 1'!xg8 3o.ixf3 d3 3 l .cxd3 cxd3
It is very likely that the reader is already familiar
requires a very strong mind, which not all players 32.ie4 h5 In the endgame Black has too many
with the advantages a pawn centre offers: space,
can boast of. The psychological situation of the pawns.
greater mobility to transfer forces from one side of
other player is totally the reverse: in difficult b} 26.ig2! This seems to be the best move, after
the board to the other, excluding the enemy forces
positions he looks for all kinds of defensive which the only question is whether White wins
from important squares and at the same time rhe
resources no matter how strange these might or Black manages to draw the game in extremis:
availability of outposts for one's own pieces, the
seem and if given the chance of using one, his 26. . .Elxg2 (26 ... fXe5 27.cxd4! 1xf3 28 .ixf3 The Reri Opening. Let's see what the man
trouble an eventual pawn advance causes ... Bur
confidence grows as much as his opponent's exd4 29.Elb 1 wins for White) 27. 'k!ixg2 fXe5 himself says about it:
what are the main advantages of renouncing the
decreases. 28.Elafl d3 (Black tries to create a passed pawn "In the beginning of 1 923, two Indian attacking
occupation of the centre with pawns in exchange
This was precisely what happened in the that would become another point of instability systems of this kind were introduced into master
for exerting pressure with the pieces?
present game. This careless move allowed Black in White's position but it is not enough due to play. One of them, deriving from Nimzowitsch,
Let's see what Reti says in his excellent manual
to slip away with a surprising move which, the good blockade that the white bishop exerts. is intended to continue the pressure against
Masters of the Chess Board: "A centre pawn
although it didn 't change the overall evaluation If instead 28 ... �g7t 29.'it>h3 �d7t 30.'it>h4 or the weakened point e5 after 1 . 4:l f3, by 2.b3,
advanced to the fourth [and the fifth, I would
of the position, added tremendous obstacles to 28 ... a5 29.cxd4 exd4 30.�h6 and White wins in combined with ib2. Nimzowitsch, who is to
add - Comas] square and blocked there can have
the realization of White' s advantage. We will both cases.) 29.cxd3 cxd3 30.'k!ih3! White's main be credited with working out the best method
still another disadvantage than the fact that it
see how White was unable to adapt to this turn problem is finding a good shelter for his king and of the Indian Defence, has, as we see, applied
is an object for hostile attack. It can also be an
of events. Of course it was much better to play that's precisely where he is heading. 30 ... �d7t the methods of this defence to the attack. But
obstruction to its own pieces."
what is good for the defence, what is good for 7... c6 8.b3 liJbd7 9.ib2 0-0 10.�cl ih7 kept the status quo in the centre, White could
obtaining equalization, is not suited to winning 1 1.�c2 id6 12:�al do little.
an advantage. The tendency, expressed in this Another manoeuvre stamped "made by Reti" , That is precisely the psychological difficulty
system, to attack the opponent's weak points in increasing the pressure on the long diagonal. mentioned before: it turns out that the first player
order to establish strong posts there oneself as 12... �e8 13.�fcm is at the mercy of his opponent. If one doesn't
advance guards, and on the other hand to leave This is the main difference between Reti's clearly understand this situation it is very likely
the opponent's strong points untouched, leads and Nimzowitsch's play. Undoubtedly the latter that one will misplay the present position, and
to mutual blocking and a completely closed would have preferred 1 3.lLle5 here (an option in this game White didn't rise to the occasion
position, in which the advantage of the opening also chosen later by Capablanca in his game despite Furman also making some inaccuracies.
move hardly counts any longer. That is the real against Lilienthal in Moscow 1 936) restricting I hope the variations analysed next will clarifY all
reason why this system is especially desirable for the mobility of Black's pawn centre. the assertions outlined so far.
the second player, as we have explained elsewhere, It's worth mentioning, nevertheless, that after lS.liJel
but as an attacking system it would hardly become 13 . . .i.fS! Black has a very sound position (Lobron The alternative 1 5 .lLlfl seems more ambitious:
standard. - Karpov, Lucerne 19S5). Regarding the text a) 1 5 . . . e4?! This was one of the hasty breaks I This is another critical posltlon for the
In order to derive an advantage from the move, the reader may find a very similar precedent referred to in the introduction to this game. There evaluation of the whole system. Now it seems
opening move, one must play with a system which in the game Reti - Yates, New York 1924, and might follow 1 6.dxe4 dxe4 17.lLld4 e3 IS. lLlxe3! that Black has the situation under control and
does not allow the second player to bring about a Reti - Lasker from the same tournament. An excellent exchange sacrifice. IS ... i.xc2 will be able to prepare an effective regrouping
closed position without disadvantage in space, nor All these games are analysed in Kasparov's ( l S ... Elxe3 19.hce3 V!1e7 20.ElcSt is decisive for along the lines of ... EladS, ...i.d6-bS and ... lLld7-
to place irremovable bulwarks in the centre. Not excellent series On my Great Predecessors. White) 1 9.Elxc2 and White's central domination, b6 preparing to push ... d5-d4 or eventually the
the weak points, therefore, as in the defence, but 13 ...eS 14.cxdS cxdS together with the pressure on the b 7- and f5- manoeuvre ... lLld7 -bS-c6 to improve the situation
the strong points, that are to become bulwarks, squares, is very strong. of this knight and block once and for all the open
must be brought under fire. It is upon this idea b) 1 5 ... d4!? This advance, opening up the h I -aS c-file. But as we will now see this is not easy.
that the opening system introduced by the author diagonal, is very interesting. 1 6.Eldl! White must c1) 1 7.h3!? EladS and the position is unclear
of this book is based. After White directs the attempt to open the position since he has a better ( l 7. . . lLlbS? I S.i.xe5 he5 19.1Llxe5 �xe5
attack not against the weak point e5, but against attacking formation of the heavy pieces. Worse 20 .�xe5 Elxe5 2 1 . Elcst wins for White) .
d5, continuing with 2.c4, g3 and i.g2." is 1 6.lLl 3d2 ElbS 1 7.lLlc4 i.fS ( l 7... i.c7? I S.i.a3 c2) 1 7.�fl !? Another speculative manoeuvre:
That is why systems of play for White based putting pressure on the weakness on d6). White intends to provoke more weaknesses in
on reversed openings very often show their b I ) IS.lLlxe5!? This piece sacrifice is based on the enemy position that would make it difficult
ineffectiveness! It turns out that the structure White's pawn structure fortress embarrassing to realize his space advantage. 17 ... EladS I s.lLlgl
is stronger than the extra tempo obtained with Black's h7-bishop. IS . . . lLlxe5 ( l S . . . Elxe5 1 9.i.xd4 g5 (lS . . . a5 1 9 .i.h3 �e7 2o.lLlf3) 1 9.1Llf3 with a
them. Ela5 20.lLle3 with counterplay) 1 9.i.xd4 lLlc6 complex position.
Black's main opening catastrophes arise when 20.i.xc6 bxc6 2 l .hf6 V!1xf6 22.V!1xf6 gxf6 c3) 17.lLld2 a5 (this move is necessary sooner
he is hasty in his actions, trying to punish White's 23.lLle3 and it is not clear how Black's light or later to prevent White's plan of expansion
boldness immediately or allowing the premature squared bishop can join the fight. on the queenside by means of the manoeuvres
opening of lines into his position. Surely at some b2) I S.f4!? Attacking Black's central pawns at a2-a3, b3-b4 and lLl d2-b3(c4)-c5(a5) with
point playing White you have come across a Black We are now at the critical posltlon of the their base. I S . . . exf4 1 9.i.xd4 hcg3 20.hxg3 i.c5 some initiative) I S. a3 lLlbS ( l S . . . EladS 19.�a2
set-up and haven't been able to work out what to middlegame. I must confess that when I started and the position is unclear lLlbS 2o.b4 with unpleasant pressure on d5)
do with your "precious" extra tempo. analysing it I was under the impression that After 1 6.Eld l ! one possible line is 16 . . . ElcS 19.1Llf3!? This move shows the attitude White
Besides, in this kind of situation there is Black, with adequate caution, could play the 17.ElxcS �xcS I S .e3 dxe3 1 9.1Llxe3 with the must adopt in this kind of situation: to await the
an implicit psychological aspect that is very position with pleasure. initiative. opponent's aggressive plans. Obviously taking
important and difficult to handle: the enduring It is true there are no active pawn breaks to be c) 1 5 . . . �e7 This seems the most natural this approach is not easy when playing as White
feeling that you have wasted your turn as White! seen for the first player and his pieces run into the option. Black keeps his pawn centre intact and and most of the problems in reversed set-ups arise
It's because of this that anyone who wants to play wall of Black's central pawns. But when trying at the same time avoids any simplifications in a from having the wrong psychological attitude.
such set-ups must clearly understand the obstacles to find ways for Black to make progress, I found situation where White lacks space. 1 6.lLle3 (with (Worse was 1 9.Elc5?! d4 2o.lLld5 hc5 2 l .Elxc5
he will face and the attitude with which he must serious difficulties! Indeed the analysis showed the positional threat i.g2-h3 followed by lLle3-f5) lLlxd5 22.hd5 V!1b6 23.�c l CLla6 and Black is
confront the coming fight. that if Black didn't do anything special and just 16 . . . �e6 clearly better. However, 19.h3!? is interesting.)
1 5S True Lies in Chess The Others 1 59
19 ... liJc6 20.�xc6! Yet another positional to be preferred. Better is 1 6 ... �adS 1 7.CiJe3 'lWe6 The beginning of an excellent regrouping
exchange sacrifice! All of them are possible, transposing to variations we have seen before manoeuvre: Black improves the position of his
as has already been said, thanks to the security with the inclusion of the move liJf3-el which h7-bishop and obtains control of the important
and strength of White's pawn structure giving doesn't seem to bring anything special to White's outpost on d5 for his knight, from where it
the position a rather closed character. 20 ... bxc6 position. targets the invasion squares b4 and c3.
2 1 .�xc6 'lWd7 22.�xd6! And another! 22 ...'lWxd6 17.�e3 d4 20.�f3 .ie6 21 .�4c2 �d5 22.a3 �ad8 23.�d2
23.ixe5 with compensation. White was threatening ig2-h3. If 17 . . .'lWe6 .ib8 24.�e4 b6?!
there would follow l S .a4! (a stereotypical Rank The weakening of c6 makes Black's subsequent
reaction against the presence of an enemy regrouping manoeuvres difficult. That is why it
knight on b6) l S ... a5 ( l S . . .d4 1 9.1iJc4 liJxc4 was better to play 24 .. .f5 (24 . . . liJb6 should not
[ 1 9 ... ttJbd5 20.liJxd6 'lWxd6 2 1 .'lWa3!] 20.bxc4 be met with 25 .liJc5 , when 25 ... id5 with the
with an initiative: the temporary weakness of b 7 obvious objective of exchanging White's better
prevents the blockading move ... id6-c5) 1 9 .1iJf3 piece, both in the attacking and the defensive Putting pressure on d4 and e5 and preparing
d4 ( 1 9 .. .ihdS 2o .ic3) 20.CiJxd4! exd4 2 1 .ixd4 aspects is good. Instead 25.a4! and an eventual the eventual manoeuvre CiJ f3-h4 and ig2-h3
ib2-a3 would be very unpleasant) 25.CiJc5 with unpleasant pressure on the f5 -pawn.
if7 a) 27 .. .'i!7h7 2S.�e 1 ! �cS 29.�xcS �xcS 30.e3
dxe3 3 1 .fxe3 and a subsequent e3-e4 with a clear
initiative.
b) 27 . . . CiJf6 2S.liJh4! (if 2S.�e1 then 2s ...ib3
2 9 .�ccl id5! 30. e3 'lWb7) and due to the weakness
Note yet again the poor role played by the
of the c6-square Black has trouble defending the
h7-bishop, effectively blocked by White's
f5-pawn. Moreover the move ...g7-g6 would be a
compact structure.
very important concession on the a1 -h8 diagonal
15 Wie7
which would multiply the strength of the break
..•
1 5 ... e4? As has been seen previously this break

e2-e3.
has more cons than pros. 1 6.dxe4 dxe4 1 7.e3!
c) 27 . . .'lWd7 2S.e3! A break carried out at the
(The e4-pawn strongly limits the mobility of
right time. 2S ... dxe3 29.liJxe5 ixe5 30.ixe5
Black's h7-bishop and f6-knight. Furthermore Again the fortress of White's pawn structure
exf2t 3 1 . �xf2 and White is clearly better.
the d4- and c4-squares have been weakened allows this interesting sacrifice. As we have seen,
27...Wid7 28.bS
and the a 1 -hS diagonal has been opened. The this kind of sacrifice is a recurring theme and the The white army remains isolated on the 28.�6c2: it was much better to admit the error
momentarily badly placed e 1 -knight defends the reader must bear it in mind when evaluating this queenside without creating much trouble for the and go back with the rook, but pride makes us do
potential invasion squares d3 and f3 and has an interesting opening system. second player. Black could now prepare decisive many foolish things.
obvious long-term prospect via c2-d4.) 17 ... liJe5 18.�c4 �xc4 19J�xc4 .if5! action on the kingside with, for example, 28 ... �e7 29.a4 �xc6 30.,ixc6 Wie6 31..txe8
( 1 7 ... ie5 to neutralize the pressure on the a 1 - ... h6-h5-h4 . Wixe8 32.�c2 .idS
h S diagonal: l S.liJc4 Lb2 1 9 .'lWxb2 and Black 2S.b4 f5 26.liJd2 .if7 27.�c6??
now has problems in defending his weaknesses White loses patience, attacks at the wrong
due to his overextended centre) l S.liJc4 ttJd3 time, and also shows that he hasn't understood at
( l S ... liJxc4 1 9.�xc4 and White is clearly better) all the basic ideas behind positions of this kind.
1 9 .ixf6 gxf6 20.liJxd6 'lWxd6 2 1 .liJxd3 exd3 As Reti said in the introduction to this
22.�d2 Black's pawn structure is deplorable. variation, it's not the weak points that have to
1 6.�fl �b6 be put under attack but the opponent's strong
16 ... CiJbS 1 7.f4!? liJc6 ( 1 7 ... exf4 l s.ixf6 gxf6 ones (the enemy pawn chain). Indeed, the
[ l S ... 'lWxf6? obviously any endgame is horrible] structure e5-d4 virtually freezes the whole of the
1 9 .ixd5 liJa6 [ 1 9 ...ie5 20.'lWbl id4t 2 1 .'i!7g2 enemy queenside and it is essential to undermine
and White is clearly better] and the position it in order to avoid ending up in an inferior
is unclear) l S.fxe5 liJxe5 ( l S ...ixe5 1 9.txe5 position. That is why 27.CiJf3! was a much better
liJxe5 20.�c7) 1 9.1iJf3! and White's position is move:
White has a completely lost position: he has

no counterplay at all and can only wait for his Index of games and fragments Page
opponent's decisive offensive on the kingside.
33.'\Mfcl @h7 34.0 .ib7 3S ..ia3 YNe6 36 ..ib4
Janowski - Nimzowitsch, St Petersburg 1914 9
E:g8 37.YNa3 E:e8
37 ... g5 38.�f8! Spassky - Gligoric, Sarajevo 1986 16
38.YNcl YNg6 39.aS e4 Tarrasch - Schlechter, Leipzig 1894 17
A break with devastating effects. Istratescu - Klinova, Wijk aan Zee 2002 19
40.YNfl exd3 41.exd3 E:e3 42.a6 .idS 43.E:c8 Botvinnik - Geller, Budapest 1952 20
YNe6 44.E:cl YNe8
0-1 Botvinnik - Smyslov, Moscow (6) 1958 24
This game is significant because it shows Korchnoi - M. Gurevich, Antwerp 1995 30
the potential of using ideas (rather than j ust Hort - Larsen, Montreal 1979 32
calculating moves) to analyse a position. Karpov - Salov, Linares 1991 34
Botvinnik - Novotelnov, Moscow 1947 37
Korchnoi - Geller, Moscow ( I ) 1971 40
Hort - Reshevsky, Petropolis (izt) 1973 43
Lasker - Steinitz, St Petersburg (1) 1895 44
Lasker - Janowski, Paris 1909 46
Ivanchuk - Timman, Linares 1989 48
Harmonist - Tarrasch, Breslau 1889 52
Taubenhaus - Tarrasch, Monte Carlo 1903 53
Lasker - Chigorin, Hastings 1895 54
Alterman - Psakhis, Tel Aviv 1994 57
Smyslov - Tal, Candidates Tournament, Yugoslavia 1959 60
Beliavsky - Kamsky, Linares 1991 67
Keres - Fine, Ostend 1937 69
Reshevsky - Fine, Hastings 1937 70
Comas Fabrego - Dorfman, Mondariz (z) 2000 73
Portisch - Petrosian, Lone Pine 1978 74
Yusupov - Eslon, Can Picafort 1981 76
Van Wely - Cu. Hansen, Ter Apel 1 993 79
Beliavsky - Magem Badals, Linares open 2002 81
Zapata - G. Garcia, Bogota 1992 86
Motylev - Naes, Ubeda 2000 86
Wells - Ftacnik, Wijk aan Zee 1995 87
Najer - Stohl, Pardubice 1996 88
L.B. Hansen - Ribli, Polanica Zdroj 1993 90
Van der Wiel - Van Wely, Brussels 1993 92
Motylev - Alekseev, Tomsk 2001 96
Leko - Lutz, Essen 2002 97
Games and fragments Page Index of Names
Vallejo - Comas Fabrego, Ayamonte 2002 97

A F
Kasparov - Ye Jiangchuan, Bled (01) 2002 97
Shirov - Movsesian, Sarajevo 2001 98 Abramovic 99 Fine 69, 70, 79
A1ekhine 1 3 1 Ftacnik 87
Ta1 - Andersson, Stockholm 1976 99
A1ekseev 96 Furman 1 25, 1 55, 1 5 7
Kotsur - Kobalija, Novgorod 1999 99 Alterman 57
Spasov - Abramovic, FYROM 1997 99 Amonatov 1 1 2 G
Lacasa - Comas Fabrego, Spanish Team Championship 1993 100 Andersson 99
G. Garcia 86
Gomez Jurado - Comas Fabrego, Foment 1995 105 Aronin 1 35
Garcia I1undain 1 2 1
Atalik 1 1 4, 1 1 6
Piket - Comas Fabrego, Istanbul (01) 2000 108 Garcia Luque 1 1 1 , 1 1 3
Averbakh 1 25
Paszek - Petkevich, Germany 1999 108 Gelfand 1 1 2
B Geller 20, 2 1 , 40, 42, 43, 60
Garcia Luque - Magem Badals, Spain 1990 111
Glek 64, 1 04, 1 1 3
Candela Perez - Comas Fabrego, Burgos 2003 111 Beliavsky 67, 70, 8 1 , 82 Gligoric 1 6
Gelfand - Markowski, Polanica Zdroj 1998 112 Bogolj ubow 1 2 5 , 147, 149 Gomez Jurado 1 0 5
Savchenko - Amonatov, Elista (01) 1998 112 Boleslavsky 1 25, 145, 1 5 1 Grau 39, 40, 44, 45, 46, 48, 54, 75
Huzman - Comas Fabrego, Istanbul 2003 113 Bondarevsky 1 25, 1 3 5 Gurevich 30
Botvinnik 1 2 , 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 37, 38,
Khenkin - Glek, Porto San Giorgio 1998 113 H
39, 7 1 , 1 27, 1 3 1 , 1 39, 1 5 1 , 1 52
Atalik - Comas Fabrego, New York 1998 115 Bronstein 1 52
Hansen, Cu. 79
Van Wely - Comas Fabrego, Escaldes (z) 1998 115 Buddha 9
Hansen, L.B. 90
Lautier - Comas Fabrego, Spain (Team Ch) 120
c Harmonist 52
Garcia I1undain - Comas Fabrego, Spain (Team Ch) 121 Hebden 1 3 3
Tarrasch - Chigorin, St Petersburg 1893 125 Candela Perez 1 1 1 Hooper 5 3
Rauzer - Yudovich, Moscow 1931 130 Capablanca 1 30, 1 56 Hort 3 2 , 3 3 , 43
Chigorin 54, 56, 1 25, 1 26, 1 27, 1 29 , 1 30 Huxley 9
Botvinnik and Alekhine, Holland 1938 131
Comas Fabrego 8, 64, 65, 73, 93, 97, 1 00, Huzman 63, 1 1 3, 1 1 5
Petrosian - Unzicker, Hamburg 1960 133 1 1 1 , 1 1 3, 1 1 4, 1 1 5, 1 20, 1 2 1
Psakhis - Hebden, Chicago 1983 133 Cortazar 79 I
Bondarevsky - Aronin, Moscow 1951 135 Isrratescu 1 9
D
Smyslov - Keres, World Ch., The Hague/Moscow 1948 139 Ivanchuk 48, 50
Boleslavsky - Lisitsin, Leningrad 1956 145 De La Houssaye 1 9
Bogoljubow - Nenarokov, Leningrad 1925 147 Dorfman 73, 74 J
Dumas I S
Lilienthal - Ragozin, Moscow 1944 151 Janowski 9, 46
Dvoretsky 28, 95, 96
Bronstein - Saigin, Moscow 1945 152 Dzindzichashvili 1 5 5 K
Dzindzichashvili - Furman, Baku 1972 155
E Kamsky 67
Capablanca - Lilienthal, Moscow 1936 156
Karpov 32, 34, 35, 37, 86, 129, 1 32, 1 49, 1 56
Lobron - Karpov, Lucerne 1985 156 Emerson 1 7
Kasparov 28, 83, 84, 86, 9 1 , 97, 1 3 2, 1 49, 1 5 6
Red - Yates, New York 1924 156 Eslon 76, 77
Keres 69, 70, 7 1 , 72, 73, 79, 1 27, 1 39, 1 4 1 ,
Reti - Lasker, New York 1924 156 Euwe 53
1 43 , 1 44, 1 45
Index of Names Index of Names
Khenkin 1 1 3 Psakhis 57, 1 33 Van Wely 79, 92, 1 1 5, 1 1 6, 1 1 9

Kholmov 1 25
Klinova 1 9 R w
Kobalija 99
Ragozin 1 25, 1 5 1 Watson 9, 10, 1 1 , 1 2 , 1 3, 1 7, 28, 29, 52, 58,
Korchnoi 30, 3 1 , 40, 4 1 , 42, 43
Rauzer 1 25, 1 30, 1 3 1 , 1 32 75, 83, 85, 1 33
Kotsur 99
Reshevsky 43, 70, 79 Wells 87
Reti 1 47, 1 55 , 1 56, 1 59
y
L
Ribli 90
Lacasa 100
s
Yates 1 56
Larsen 32
Ye Jiangchuan 97
Lasker 8, 44, 45, 46, 47, 54, 55, 57, 1 30, 1 56
Sabato 34 Yudovich 1 30
Lautier 1 20
Saigin 1 52 Yusupov 70, 76, 77, 90
Leko 96, 97, 1 26
Levenfish 125 Salov 34, 35, 37
z
Lilienthal 1 25, 1 5 1 , 1 56 Savchenko 1 1 2
Lisitsin 145 Schlechter 17, 1 9, 20 Zapata 86
Lobron 1 5 6 Shakespeare 24
Lutz 96, 97 Shereshevsky 54, 56, 57
Shirov 98, 1 1 3
M Simagin 1 2 5
Smyslov 24, 26, 27, 5 1 , 60, 63, 1 39, 1 43, 145,
Magem Badals 8 1 , 1 1 1 , 1 1 3 1 52
Markowski 93, 1 1 2 Spasov 99
Motylev 96 Spassky 1 6
Movsesian 98 Spielmann 9 2 , 94
Stohl 88
N
T
Najer 88
Nenarokov 1 47 Tal 60, 63, 76, 99, 1 32
Nimwwitsch 9, 1 0 , 1 1 , 1 2, 1 3, 1 4, 1 5 , 1 6, 1 7, Tarrasch 17, 19, 44, 52, 53, 76, 1 2 5 , 1 26, 1 27,
28, 29, 44, 52, 58, 95, 1 36, 1 5 5, 1 5 6 1 28, 1 30
Novotelnov 3 7 Taubenhaus 53
Timman 48
p
Tolush 1 25
Pachman 1 7, 1 8, 1 9
u
Paszek 1 08
Petkevich 1 08 Unzicker 133
Petrosian 34, 70, 74, 75, 76, 1 03, 1 04, 1 05 ,
1 06, 132, 1 33, 141 v
Piket 1 08
Polugaevsky 1 04 Vaihinger 20, 69
Portisch 74 Van der Wiel 92

Comas Fabrego - True Lies in Chess

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I.

TtV'l.lt. Por your JelP

CI-lr:tPTER IV ·I-l0w are Ope'll"8 Qoveltiel Borl\.?

Episode 1: The analysis of a model game as a source of inspiration 69

CI1.r.tPTER VI . TI'te Otl'terI 125

1-0 White won

The modern treatment of this variation starts 1 1..ig5 h6 12 .id2

Exploiting the temporary weakness of the f5 -

f.tpplyi"8 wtt,at tt,ar bC!C!'lIC!ar'l,t

useful. Haven't you ever had the feeling that after

of the passed pawn: it is very dangerous when it Other alternatives were:

Better was 44 ... bxc4!? although White still 17.e4

Without doubt the critical variation: 23 . . . exf4 1 2... lLl c4!

scenarios: passiviry or haste. it seems. In fact it effectively neutralizes the 32.c6?!

This is the key. White will gain control of the

3S . . .!:1b2 36J 1a7 and White wins.

Neutralizing any kind of counterplay that the

Now Black manages to block the posmon

This is an interesting novelty that has gone

f-low are OperV"8 Qoveltiel Bor",?

�% �%0'� �% "/ .�� t.

This is the key to Black's prophylactic play.

Ttt,e Ope'lJ'l8 �ccordi� to file · or Wtt,y l lilt,e ...� a6

In Ajedrez en fa Cumbre Petrosian dedicates constantly escape theory, as might be concluded

lil\« I: PloyillS a 10 P«tro/iol\

All these continuations are only approximations

that we were both in severe time trouble, and

1 5 ... e4? As has been seen previously this break

White has a completely lost position: he has

Vallejo - Comas Fabrego, Ayamonte 2002 97

Khenkin 1 1 3 Psakhis 57, 1 33 Van Wely 79, 92, 1 1 5, 1 1 6, 1 1 9

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