[Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction"] [Black "MoveTrainer™ Version Important Information"] [Result "*"] { Dear student, Welcome to the MoveTrainer™ version of the famous Woodpecker Method. We are glad to have you here. Just a few quick words so that you make the most of this course. First of, if you don't want to read all these informational/read only pages, you can pause entire chapters from the course options in the chapter's variation view. We do recommend you read them though, or at least this first page. @@StartBlockQuote@@Now, there are two ways to learn the course, with 'Key Moves' or with 'All Moves'. You can change this in your course's options. This is found on the right-hand side of the chapter list view of the course @@StartBracket@@click on the course name from the homepage@@EndBracket@@. If you need help with this, please click on Tools > Help and search for 'course options'.@@EndBlockQuote@@The difference is that with Key Moves, the majority of the puzzles will stop at the 'checkmark' that was set by the grandmaster authors. This will help you move through the book quicker and finish it sooner. The reason the whole variation will not be looked at in this format is that often there are several winning continuations and the authors consider seeing up to the checkmark enough. If you set yourself for 'All Moves', you will see every single move given in the mainline by the authors, from start to finish. This will take longer and sometimes might mean you play several alternatives before you hit on the mainline. It's up to you in which way you want to study the course, but the default is set to 'Key Moves' (the checkmarks!) . The course uses the most up to date information we have from Quality Chess. We've fixed some small errors in the original print version. However, we have the benefit of being a platform of 'living products'; meaning that we can always update the course if something else is uncovered. We can always change it and improve it for the better. Therefore, we welcome all feedback, and you can leave it by clicking on a puzzle's title in the MoveTrainer and writing a comment. This helps us know what puzzle your comment pertains to. We then get an e-mail and will respond as soon as possible (see Tools > Help 'leave a comment') . Enjoy! PS.- As part of this course launch, we've promised a stretch goal, that if the course gets to 1,000 students, we will release a new feature that will make this course even better. So please tell your friends and share the page! Cheers. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction"] [Black "Quick Start Guide"] [Result "*"] { @@HeaderStart@@Quick Start Guide@@HeaderEnd@@ So, you want to dive in and start solving without reading any of the introductory text now or even at all? That’s the spirit – we encourage everyone to tackle the puzzles as soon as possible and read about the history and philosophy of the method when you wish to take a break. If you favour the Quick Start, you have two main methods of working with this book. Option 1 – General Solving If you bought this book to practise exercises in your regular fashion, then turn to this chapter and begin solving the 1128 exercises we have prepared for you. They are assembled in three general levels of toughness. Just a quick word of warning though: as per our personal preference, these are not all “play and win” combinations. The task is to find the best move (and supporting variations) and the best move could, for instance, be to force a draw, gain a slight advantage or even avoid falling for a counter-tactic in a seemingly obvious combination. Good luck and have fun! Quick Start 2 – The Woodpecker Method If you wish to train using the Woodpecker Method, as advocated in this book, there are a few things you need to know before starting: 1. The general idea of the Method is to develop intuitive/automatic pattern recognition through repetitive solving of the same exercises in a cyclical fashion. 2. As you may already know, or have guessed from the description above, the Woodpecker Method is quite gruelling and not for everyone. Although we believe that most players could benefit greatly from it, the question is whether the time and energy could be better spent on improving another part of your game. For me (Tikkanen) , using this method gave me a tremendous increase in stability in time trouble, improved my tactical vision quite a bit, and significantly reduced my blunder rate. I’m very happy I did it, but I will not repeat it in the foreseeable future – for now, I have done enough. If you decide this method might be for you and wish to give it a go, then we wish you the best – may your results reflect your effort! 3. To get the most out of your Woodpecker training, please take a quick look at the instructions on this page before you start. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction"] [Black "Woodpecker History"] [Result "*"] { @@HeaderStart@@Woodpecker History@@HeaderEnd@@– by Hans Tikkanen The name of the Woodpecker Method was not invented by me, but it was influenced by me and invented by my co-author, GM Axel Smith. It comes from a translation I’ve heard of my Finnish surname, Tikkanen, which is supposed to mean “little woodpecker”. Together with the repetitive nature of the method, it seems fitting, although credit for many of the ideas behind the method lies elsewhere. While developing and using the method, I did not remember where the basic ideas came from. When the method gained a slightly larger audience after I achieved three GM norms and could not resist questions about my training, I was made aware of the similarity to Michael de la Maza and his “Seven Circles” method from the book Rapid Chess Improvement – A Study Plan for Adult Players. I recognized the name and had indeed read it during my pre-professional time, when I spent several years reading whatever I could get my hands on about the interactions of the human consciousness, the brain and chess. This was done out of curiosity and also to figure out how it should influence my approach to chess playing and training. I think I forgot about that book due to its exclusive focus on adult players (basically adult beginners) , and what I considered to be its overly-certain claims and statements with little or doubtful supporting evidence, and other flaws (a Jeremy Silman review offered an even more harshly worded opinion) . While my fascination for the relatively unknown subject matter of the human consciousness and brain remains (and indeed was a major motivation for ending my intermezzo as a chess professional and starting my studies in psychology) , it seems to me to be beyond the scope of a chess tactics book, and highly speculative to boot. Regardless, one conclusion I drew from my reading was that a tremendous amount of activity happens unconsciously, below conscious effortful processing, and that this should reasonably be reflected in my approach to chess. I had previously (on a mostly unconscious level I’m sure!) been quite dismissive of these kinds of thoughts, and indeed my style at the chess board used to be effortful and concrete rather than intuitive. I would now say that I then unconsciously trusted my intuition to find the right moves to consider, but I only believed in the conscious verification process that seemed to me to be all there was. “Calculation, calculation, calculation!” was my motto. With my subsequent reading of psychological literature, I came to realize that there really is such a thing as intuition and I became much more aware of the unconscious parts of my approach. Putting it all together Armed with my new insights, I endeavoured to find or develop training and thinking methods for my personal use. The most successful of them was the Woodpecker Method (although I didn’t have a catchy name for it then) , which I used extensively during the spring of 2010. My own experience with the method might be of interest to some, so here it comes. First, I decided on the general rules of the method. I would solve a set of a thousand exercises (from various puzzle books) over whatever time period it took. Once I completed the set, I would take a break and then repeat the process again and again, getting faster each time. I checked my answers against the solutions given in the back of the book, and computer-checked in cases when I did not fully buy the solution provided by the author. The frustration I feel when an exercise does not make sense has served as a great motivator to make the solutions in this book as accurate as possible! Being a chess professional, I had very few commitments distracting me from working hard on the solving. Of course, solving exercises in this manner is really hard work, so most days I did not manage a full eight-hour workday; but sometimes I did. Once I reached the end of the set of 1000, I took a well-deserved break, ranging from a full day to over a week. I did no other work on chess during these rest periods, except some playing. With each cycle of solving, I aimed to halve the total solving time for the thousand exercises from that of the previous cycle. Eventually I was able to solve all of the puzzles within a single day – though not within eight hours. Initially I intended to repeat the whole process every six weeks. Later, however, I decided that “repeat one set of 1000 exercises before a serious tournament” was more realistic. I hardly need state that the process was a demanding one, but I had a lot of motivation – partly from pent-up frustration due to having blundered away important games, but also because I was trying out of my own method. While it was tough on me, one of the books took even more of a beating – completely falling apart from the repeated solving! Results of the Training As mentioned above, I trained with the Woodpecker Method in the spring of 2010. That summer, I achieved three GM norms and surpassed the 2500 barrier, all within a seven-week period. The positive effects did not stop there: the following year, my live rating briefly peaked at 2601. Such quick results from any type of chess training are rare in my experience, but for me the Woodpecker Method seemed to be just what the doctor ordered! The increased tactical acuity and consistency that came from working so hard with the method significantly decreased my blunders and made me more confident at the board. Would I have made the same improvement with some other type of training? It’s not impossible – but my playing strength had not taken any significant leap in years, so I had been at a loss as to what to do differently to succeed. Although the Woodpecker Method probably wasn’t the only way for me to raise my play, it certainly proved to be a way. The intersection of my interest in the human mind and my motivation to stop blundering surely helped me to devote more time and effort than I would have put into my usual training. After my extraordinary success with the Woodpecker Method, I tried going a step further and sometimes managed to trust in my intuition without the perfectionistic need to always verify it. Maybe someday I will be able to play the sort of beautiful, intuitive chess that some great players are known for – that would really be something... Sharing the Method with Others Around that time, there were several dedicated chess players in and around the southern part of Sweden, some of whom were working together, and all of us were naturally interested in each other’s improvements and methods. While training with my own method during the spring, I had been quite tight-lipped about what I was doing; not to keep it to myself, but rather to be able to evaluate my experience of it so I could have a more informed opinion to share. After that, for me, glorious summer, I was obviously asked by many people about what I had done to finally take the step from IM to GM. I described the method and my rationale for adopting it, and several others decided to give it a go. One Swedish trainer has apparently invited his students in the north of our country to work dedicatedly on the method for a while. It has also been mentioned in the Swedish Chess Advent Calendar. Most significantly, the method was given its name in Pump Up Your Rating by Axel, who incorporated it into his own training, which you can read about on the next page. From what I have heard, the results of players who trained using the Woodpecker Method have generally been positive, although I have yet to hear of anyone who put as much work into it as I did. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction"] [Black "A Final Session"] [Result "*"] { @@HeaderStart@@A Final Session@@HeaderEnd@@– by Axel Smith Whereas Hans arranged his sessions to resemble normal working days, mine were more chaotic. Once I was hiking in the mountains the week before the Swedish Championship. Seeing the photos afterwards, I realized that I was staring at the exercise book in most of them. At least the surroundings looked nice in the photos. Before I travelled to Hungary in December 2015 to chase my last GM norm, I solved the same broken book for the 11th and 12th times. I was determined to do something I had been dreaming of for years: completing a full set of exercises in less than 24 hours. I stayed in a basement room next to the block’s laundry and once every full hour I walked around the room. Twice my wife came with freshly-baked bread – and a chance to quit. I was close to quitting when I had a breakdown somewhere towards the end, but the 978th and last exercise finally arrived after 22 hours and 18 minutes. There are many possible ways to do the Woodpecker. All of them come down to the same thing: working on the exercises. However, it’s easier to keep on solving if you have a plan. Hans forbade me from recommending the set-up above, for humanitarian reasons. And indeed, my first thought afterwards was “never again”. With that being said, the last session was not only tactically beneficial – it also made it easy to stay focused during the games in Hungary. You are not locking yourself in for day and night only to ruin everything by walking around when you are supposed to think. Furthermore, for me, the many exercises are connected to the places where I have solved them: the underground in Berlin; a night train to Bucharest; the mountains where I hiked. So those 22 hours in the basement also contained a trip around Europe. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction"] [Black "General Introduction - Part 1"] [Result "*"] { @@HeaderStart@@General Introduction@@HeaderEnd@@ Tactics, Tactics, Tactics! Have you ever lost a chess game unnecessarily due to a tactical oversight? You are, to put it mildly, not alone. When we checked a randomized sample of games, we found that more than half of those with decisive results were decided by tactical mistakes. It’s not straightforward to describe exactly what constitutes a tactical mistake, or if the game holds a specific decisive moment, but we used the following criteria to define a decisive tactical mistake: a the position was not already lost or seriously worse b the move blundered material or allowed a winning combination c the opponent exploited the mistake to win the game In preparation for writing this book, we decided to check the games with decisive results which were contested between grandmasters at the 2016 Swedish Championship. With only 19 such games, it’s clearly not a big enough sample to draw major conclusions. Nevertheless, we were surprised to find that as many as 42% were decided by tactical mistakes. At lower levels, the frequency gets higher and higher, as the following table shows. Both players rated – Percentage of decisive games decided by tactical mistakes GMs 42% 2200-2400 44% 2000-2200 63% 1800-2000 72% The percentages in the three rating bands below GM level are based on 32 randomly chosen games in each category. This is by no means a comprehensive investigation and it doesn’t give the whole picture; time management is also of crucial importance. Another relevant point is that it is harder to avoid tactical mistakes in defensible but passive positions, where the opponent has various attacking ideas and there are fewer decent moves. Nevertheless, it is safe to conclude that tactics have a high priority if you want to score points. Assuming you have read Hans’ Woodpecker History on page 6, you already have a rough idea of the kind of training you will be doing with this book. Over the next few pages, we will say a bit more about how we have organized the training material and how to get the most out of it. We have assembled a total of 1128 exercises, divided into three difficulty levels. Easy (222 Exercises) If these exercises are challenging enough for you, then it would seem logical to use the end of this section as your cut-off point, after which you will go back to the beginning for your second cycle. If, on the other hand, you find these puzzles rather easy, then start your set with them anyway! We have deliberately chosen these exercises because they feature simpler tactics than you will find in most puzzle books. A partial benefit of this approach is that it makes the book accessible to a wider audience. However, even if we were designing a Woodpecker program exclusively for players striving for the GM title, we would have started with these puzzles anyway, because they reflect reality. These simple tactics are the kind of things you need to see automatically during your games, rather than having to spend time and energy actively looking for them. Intermediate (762 Exercises) To encourage speed, you will also find some relatively easy exercises in this section. There may also be some which you consider hard, but remember that the goal is not to score 100%, especially in early cycles. Even after working with all of the exercises, we each made quite a few errors when solving the draft. Another point worth keeping in mind is that many of the solutions were overlooked by a World Champion. Advanced (144 Exercises) We would advise the majority of readers not to use this final section for Woodpecker training. Several of the positions are really tricky and more suitable for developing your ability to calculate, which veers slightly away from the main purpose of the Woodpecker Method. That said, we can see this section being useful in a couple of scenarios: 1 For the majority of readers, the Easy and Intermediate sections will contain more than enough material to carry out an intensive Woodpecker training plan. But once you have reached the end of it (and hopefully noticed a significant leap in your tactical ability over the board) , you will, at some point, want to think about further training. The final section of more challenging exercises would suit this purpose. 2 For extremists who are already strong players, and who possess the time, energy and motivation to tackle this book in the most demanding way possible, this final section can be included in the main training plan. Try solving all 1128 exercises in cycles under the time constraints detailed in the Instructions section on page 26! To even consider taking on a challenge like this, you should probably be at a level where you are working towards the Grandmaster title. Speed When presenting the exercises, we have avoided giving away any prior information about the position’s evaluation or the nature of the tactical motif waiting to be found. Other puzzle books may have their own reasons for including this information, but we want to keep the training as close as possible to a real game. In some exercises, the task is to finish off a promising position which may be winning even without the tactic. In other cases, there are several winning moves. These are deliberate choices, to reflect different situations which occur during practical play. It’s important to be as accurate as possible and to practise decision-making in all scenarios. Tactical motifs usually appear effortlessly in our minds, but they don’t travel alone; we also need to think methodically and work out the variations with some accuracy. So the Woodpecker Method is not only developing pattern recognition but also calculation, focus, decision-making – and speed. Once you know certain patterns and motifs, speed is key. The fastest thoughts are those that come to us automatically and while negative automatic thoughts can be a huge problem in psychopathology, automaticity has great benefits as well. The more automatic the search for motifs is, the greater is the chance that you will see enough. We take the view that a good way to develop automaticity is to solve a set of exercises repeatedly, gradually reducing the need for conscious searching. If this sounds somewhat similar to learning to ride a bike, that is because it is. Other Points about the Exercises We have long held the view that virtually all books on chess combinations are missing something central to real-game tactics: red herrings. When using conventional puzzle books, solving exercises sometimes becomes like watching a certain type of movie – you just know that everything will work out in the end. From a movie, it can detract tension and excitement, while in tactics training it can detract uncertainty and exactness. We therefore decided it was important to include some red herrings, where the most obvious attempts backfire. By taking away the certainty that even seemingly easy tactical shots are fool-proof, we aim to bring the training experience one step closer to that of an actual game. While there could be an argument that this type of book is not necessarily the best forum for red herrings, we wanted to put our money where our mouths are. A common mistake is to stop too early in a variation, maybe only a single move before there’s a crucial tactic. However, narrowing your search down to the critical lines is an important skill for a human player (even computers have to do it!) and trusting your intuition is the best way of doing this. Therefore, after a training session, it might be a good idea to think about why you failed certain exercises to see where your intuition misled you. But don’t spend too much time dwelling on it – developing pattern recognition is best done on a mostly unconscious level. The good news is that training your tactical pattern recognition will increase the chance that the motif appears in your head while you visualize the position. A final point about the exercises is that we have not only computer-checked the solutions, but also humanly checked them (thanks to our test solvers, Martin Jogstad and Tom Rydström) . This brought to our attention some plausible attempts which the computer instantly dismisses, but which appear tempting to a human. This enabled us to improve the solutions by mentioning some of those variations that almost work. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction"] [Black "General Introduction - Part 2"] [Result "*"] { World Champions Although there was no special reason to set a theme for the exercises, we decided to take our test positions exclusively from games involving all World Champions, from Steinitz to Carlsen (including the FIDE KO World Champions) . The champions are on the losing side in about 25% of the games. So sometimes you will do better than them, while other times your task is to play as well – and that’s also a fair goal. The featured tactics are not necessarily flashy, and you have probably seen some of the examples before – but that’s part of the idea, as repeating the same motifs is an integral part of our method. As we will see in this book, it’s possible to find tactical resources even in worse positions. We were surprised at how many blunders we encountered the move before the combination. True, there are quite a few positions from simuls where the champion faced weaker opponents, but tactical mistakes are also far from unheard of in World Championship matches. As we have strived to check all the available games played by the World Champions, the selection is hopefully quite representative. In each of the three exercise sections (Easy, Intermediate and Advanced) you will find examples involving each champion. Throughout each section, the games of each champion appear in approximate chronological order. We were much more focused on the chess content than on perfect ordering of the games. At a FIDE Trainer seminar, a coach claimed that it was important for aspiring players to know the full list of World Champions in order. He was serious and Axel didn’t get it right when taking the exam. A few years later, neither of us could recall the list below in order; and trying to write down the years was not even close to possible. You’re welcome to improve on our efforts, but you’re also free to skip the list, finish the introductory section and start to find combinations like a World Champion. World Chess Champions Wilhelm Steinitz (1836-1900) Austria-Hungary/USA 1886-94 Emanuel Lasker (1868-1941) Germany 1894-1921 Jose Raul Capablanca (1888-1942) Cuba 1921-27 Alexander Alekhine (1892-1946) Russia/France 1927-35 & 37-46 Max Euwe (1901-81) Netherlands 1935-37 Mikhail Botvinnik (1911-95) Soviet Union 1948-57, 58-60 & 61-63 Vassily Smyslov (1921-2010) Soviet Union 1957-58 Mikhail Tal (1936-92) Soviet Union 1960-61 Tigran Petrosian (1929-84) Soviet Union 1963-69 Boris Spassky (1937-) Soviet Union 1969-72 Robert Fischer (1943-2008) USA 1972-75 Anatoly Karpov (1951-) Soviet Union/Russia 1975-85 & 93-99 Garry Kasparov (1963-) Soviet Union/Russia 1985-93 & 93-00 (PCA) Alexander Khalifman (1966-) Russia 1999-2000 Vladimir Kramnik (1975-) Russia 2000-06 (PCA) & 2006-07 Viswanathan Anand (1969-) India 2000-02 & 07-13 Ruslan Ponomariov (1983-) Ukraine 2002-04 Rustam Kasimdzhanov (1979-) Uzbekistan 2004-05 Veselin Topalov (1975-) Bulgaria 2005-06 Magnus Carlsen (1990-) Norway 2013- An Appeal for the Unconscious In 1957, the market researcher James Vicary surprised the world with an experiment showing the impact of subliminal advertising. When moviegoers were shown 1/3000-second advertisements for Coca-Cola and popcorn, the product sales increased without anyone being aware of the advert. Today, it is well researched that humans use subliminal perception to speed up the brain process. When it comes to chess, the reoccurrence of a certain configuration can prime your brain that there may be a combination, a piece manoeuvre or pawn lever. However, finding a move intuitively is sometimes seen as a negative habit: “You have not worked thoroughly enough to deserve credit for the solution.” Nothing could be more wrong, as seen from a scientific viewpoint. The Woodpecker Method is designed to develop that kind of intuition – so make use of it! Every combination you have ever seen has prepared your chess brain for giving such advice. And after you have followed the Woodpecker Method, it will be ready like never before. Finding the correct first move always gives one point, but don’t depend solely on your intuition. Every position is unique and requires some supporting calculation – trust the input from your intuition, but always verify it! A few decades after his study, Vicary revealed that it was all a gimmick. He did not have enough data to support his bold claim, and has failed to replicate it since. But there was a grain of truth in what he was saying, and he inspired Axel’s grandfather to do research where participants were shown subliminal images with scary faces. That made them interpret other images as being frightful as well. So, it might be possible to put a chess player in an aggressive mode by showing subliminal diagrams where one side has castled long and won with an attack on the king... Solving Sessions “Life puzzle” is a Swedish expression which originates from a political campaign and points out the difficulty of organizing work, social media, household work, “quality time” with the family, and “time-when-you-do-things-for-yourself” – another common expression which is shorter in Swedish (just seven letters) . The essence is the core of the Swedish mentality: life is a puzzle to be solved, rather than chaos to be endured. It is not up to us to advise you how much time to dedicate to chess. We can, however, say something about the desired quality of this study time. Find a quiet place and set a time limit so you are able to focus until the end. Start solving, and do it seriously – as in a tournament game. That means looking ahead to make sure that your solution really works, but still trying to work through the exercises as quickly as possible. Should a Real Board and Pieces be used? Whether or not one should solve using a real board is a contentious issue among trainers. Some, especially more old-school trainers, might argue that you always should. Artur Yusupov is one example of a renowned trainer who emphasizes the importance of using a board and pieces in his multi-volume training series (also published by Quality Chess) . Others don’t see it as being so important. You obviously have to choose for yourself, but we can give you our two cents: neither of us used a board and pieces for our Woodpecker training. There is most likely a generational divide: players of a certain age, who developed their chess skills before the computer era, are more likely to value a board and pieces; whereas those who have spent a significant portion of their formative years studying chess using computers tend not to be put off by the two-dimensional aspect of solving from diagrams in a book (or on a screen, for those who bought the Forward Chess edition) . Obviously you should do what feels right for you. A possible compromise is to take an initial glance at each exercise directly in the book. If you solve it within a few seconds, then move on to the next exercise. On those occasions when you have yet to find the solution within roughly one minute (or whatever timeframe you find most appropriate) , set the position up on a board if it helps you to think more clearly. One optional way to get some extra training out of this process is to set the position up from memory as far as possible – but don’t forget the main purpose of your training. Our general thinking is that with the huge amount of positions which we study nowadays from diagrams with computer databases, internet play and so on, solving from the book should mostly use the same neural configurations and thus be similar enough and good enough for these short exercises. True, classical tournament play still involves a physical board and pieces, so an argument could be made for replicating that in training. You may also wish to take into account the extra time invested in setting up the pieces, which adds up to quite a lot when you are dealing with anything up to a thousand exercises. From our point of view, this time could be better spent by solving more exercises (or with loved ones) . If we were solving harder exercises requiring ten or more minutes of effort, we would probably use a board, but that’s the kind of training used to develop deeper calculation rather than pattern recognition. There is one absolute advantage that we see in using a board and pieces (apart from the aesthetic/hedonistic one) : that is, the possibility of playing the moves out in order to see the final pattern take shape on the board, while possibly developing some muscle memory at the same time. For some players, the process of playing out the solution might negatively impact on their overall speed and ability to focus on the main task, while others might find it helpful having a microbreak for setting up the pieces before moving on to the next exercise. We will repeat our advice for a final time: think about the pros and cons of each approach; experiment with a mixed approach if you need to; and ultimately do what works best for you. How much do you need to see? “Enough” is the short answer, but the question is important and deserves further reflection, even though it’s seldom discussed in similar books. As we have already stated, we think that the task of solving should be quite similar to a real game. That’s why we have included certain exercises as red herrings and others which contain several winning moves. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction"] [Black "Smyslov, Vassily vs. Addison, William"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/2p3p1/1b1p4/4p3/1PQ1B2P/3P1P1K/1P3q1P/R7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Before you play a move in a game, you only need to make sure that it's the best. Later decisions can be taken later. Consider the following example: Vassily Smyslov - William Addison, Palma de Mallorca Interzonal 1970 Black is threatening to take on f3 and there are only two moves that defend. 35 Qc6 is not better for White. The two extra pawns don't matter much - not only because they are doubled and isolated, but also because of the presence of opposite-coloured bishops. } 1. Qf7 { White defends against the threat and creates two mating threats of his own. In a game, its enough to see that 35...Rxf7 36.Ra8+ Rf8 37.Rxf8# is mate. } 1... Qf1+ { Objectively, the best defence is 35...Qxh4+ 36.Kxh4 g5+ 37.Kxg5 Rxf7 when White has good winning chances according to the principle of two advantages. He will push the h-pawn and try to penetrate with the king to sacrifice the exchange for the c-pawn. } 2. Kg4 { A strong move, since 36.Rxf1 Rxf7 += looks like a fortress without a passed h-pawn. But you don't have to see this in advance, since this fortress is still a better option for White than any other 35th moves. However, we think that you should still notice that 35... Qf1+ exists - we are, after all, practising tactical motifs and this is a magnet (turn to this page for a dedicated example of this theme) . } 2... Qg2+ 3. Kh5 { There are no more checks. The rest is not important for our subject, but is a beautiful piece of chess. } 3... Rg8 4. f4 { Smyslov won after 38.Ra8 g6+ ?! 39.Bxg6 mating. The text move forces Black's queen to leave the g-file. } 4... Qe2+ 5. Kg5 Be3 6. h3 { Defending the g4-square. } 6... Bxf4+ 7. Kg6 { There is no defence against 42 Qxg8+ Kxg8 43 Ra8 mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction"] [Black "Spassky, Boris vs. Zinn, Lothar"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1nr1n1k1/1r2qppp/b1pRp3/ppP1N3/4P3/4B1PB/PQ3P1P/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { When looking ahead, it's sometimes difficult to decide when to stop and evaluate the position. It's always possible to calculate a move further... Oh, wait - no it's not. We are, after all, only human, so from time to time we need to make an evaluation before the tactical operation is over. There are the usual clues to help us: whose pieces are better placed ? Do more and more options appear when we calculate ? Which side needs to prove something ? The process of decisionmaking involves complex concepts such as reliability (how certain is the evaluation ?) , grading (how important is this decision ?) and the trade-off between maximizing our chances and the risks incurred in doing so (is there a safer alternative ?) . With hindsight, its easy to say when you should have continued calculating. Explanations like "you had not yet solved the problem with the back rank" sound sensible and almost obvious, but anyone can be wise after the event. Its the same with finding critical moments: they are easy to identify afterwards. It can be helpful to think about such things and identify useful clues for future reference, but excessive explanations carry a risk of suppressing your intuition and with it your human strength. The complex concepts mentioned above work best unconsciously. Your intuition may fail from time to time, but it improves with experience. Here is one example where the position can be evaluated even though there are more lines to calculate. Boris Spassky - Lothar Zinn, Marianske Lazne 1962 } 1. Nxf7 Kxf7 { 24...Nxd6 25.Nxd6 +- does not win back the exchange straight away (Black can pin the knight) , but Blacks position will soon collapse after 26 Qe5. } 2. Bxe6+ Qxe6 3. Rxe6 Kxe6 { Black has enough material for the queen, and he would be fine if he had time to return with the king to safety. There is a way to stop that. } 4. Qb3+ Ke7 5. Qg8 { 29 Bg5 is a threat. } 5... h6 { The game is not technically over, but its hard to imagine that Black will be able to free himself with all of his pieces stuck on the queenside. Its safe to trust the intuition that White is winning - and its fair to do so even before seeing 28 Qg8 ! The primary aim of this book is to provide you with the means to develop your pattern recognition and intuition. Trying to calculate every variation until the end with a bookkeepers mentality would be counterproductive. Trust your intuition, but with care ! } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction"] [Black "Vallejo Pons, Francisco vs. Kasparov, Garry"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/2N2ppp/4p3/R1b2q2/4b3/6Q1/5PPP/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Even though it should be similar, a solving session is not exactly a real game. We have extracted critical positions where there are tactical options. By working through them, you will be able to train your pattern recognition skills more efficiently than during a tournament. Knowing that the position is critical makes it possible to put slightly higher demands on your calculation. If the first move and the opponent's reply are obvious, you should look further. Francisco Vallejo Pons - Garry Kasparov, Linares 2005 Black is an exchange down, but the extra pawn and bishop pair appear to give him decent compensation. However, it's possible to win material with a simple discovered attack. } 1... Bxf2+ 2. Qxf2 Qxa5 { So far so good, but White has a counter-tactic. } 3. Nxe6 { The rook is threatened and Black is mated if it moves, so he could potentially have tricked himself. If you now note that 29...Bd3 30.Nxf8 Bxf1 31.Qxf1 Kxf8 reaches a queen ending with an extra pawn, you are ready to capture on f2. Even though a draw is likely, a risk-free endgame with slight winning chances is an improvement over the rather unclear-looking starting position. However, since you know that the diagram is a critical position, we expect you to look for alternatives and notice that there is a way to get an ending with not only one but two extra pawns. } 3... Bxg2 { Vallejo Pons resigned because 30.Kxg2 can be met either by Qa8+ or 30 Qd5+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction"] [Black "Moves With 'Tick' Signs"] [Result "*"] { Moves with ✔ Signs In the solutions, the moves marked with this ‘tick’ symbol are those which we think you ought to see before executing the combination in a game. In other words: the ticked move is what you would need to see to be sure that the first move is the best in the position – and sometimes a little more as with 29...Bxg2! above. When a move of the opponent is marked with a ✔, you score a point for having noticed it and determined that it’s no problem. @@StartBlockQuote@@Chessable note: On our MoveTrainer course, if you study with the 'Key Moves' option by default, most puzzles will stop at the checkmark sign ✔ If you'd like to be quizzed beyond this, please change your course options to 'All Moves'.@@EndBlockQuote@@It is not always easy to say which moves must be seen in advance to earn the ✔ – we debated this issue in many solutions. If you find yourself strongly disagreeing with our choice in a particular solution, then give yourself full points anyway. Trust your own judgement, but don’t fall into the trap of being too kind to yourself. We had a friend who always found an excuse when he didn’t see the whole solution: 'I knew I had a move there,' he said. 'During a game I would have found it.' But when he blundered during the games he wasn’t allowed to take his move back. So apply some common sense: don’t cheat against yourself, but don’t be too harsh either. If you have chosen another winning continuation marked in the solution (often with 'or') , you also earn full points. We have tried to note all relevant winning methods, but sometimes there are too many; or it may be that you chose to insert an intermediate check or something similar before executing the main combination. Again, use your common sense as to whether or not you found the right idea. If in doubt, you can always check your solution using an engine. In general, we give the critical moves as the main line. The game continuations are not always mentioned, but when it’s smooth we have given it for completeness (as in Smyslov – Addison above) . Since the timescale is a crucial element to the Woodpecker Method, you don’t have to check all the variations – especially when working on your second and subsequent cycles. If you are curious about some details, you can always check them some time in between training sessions when the clock isn’t ticking. Finally, let us remind you that your objective in each training session will be to solve as quickly and accurately as possible. Thus, please don’t take this book to bed and attempt to solve as you are falling asleep, or in the morning when you have barely woken up. We want to encourage good habits, not bad ones! } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Result "*"] { @@HeaderStart@@Summary of Tactical Motifs@@HeaderEnd@@ To calculate well, you need to be able to visualize positions in your head, and to know about methods such as blunder-checking, candidate moves, comparison and choosing which move to calculate first. However, you also need to recognize tactical motifs on a more or less unconscious level. That skill is improved by seeing a vast number of them – as will happen in this book. The human mind is good at decoding and organizing abstract concepts to be able to retrieve them when needed. When we consciously intervene in the process, we risk losing the automaticity. However, there are a few good books that give a theoretical foundation to tactical motifs, and it would do no harm to read one of those books before solving mixed exercises, as in this book. Since learning the different motifs is something that we recommend any serious player should do at least once in his or her career, it seems profitable to do so before training with the Woodpecker Method. Since this is a workbook and not a full tactical course, we will limit ourselves to a list of the main tactical motifs, with one basic example for each of them. Read carefully – the positions may turn up again. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Threats"] [Result "*"] { 1 Threats Here are eight of the most prevalent tactical themes which involve threats to the opponent's pieces or king. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Shutting In"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6r/1pp3k1/1b6/p2P1p2/P1N1pn2/2P2PP1/BP5P/4RR1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Shutting In: Carl Hamppe - Wilhelm Steinitz, Vienna 1860 } 1... Rxh2+ 2. Kxh2 Rh8# { Black would have been lost without this resource. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "The Magnet"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1n1k/3P3p/pp3q2/2pQp3/P1P3B1/3b2R1/1P5P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { The Magnet: Iivo Nei - Tigran Petrosian, Moscow 1960 } 1. Qg8+ Kxg8 2. Be6+ Kh8 3. Rg8# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Removing The Defender"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rrk1/pp2p3/2pqP1p1/4Rp1p/P2P1n1P/6Q1/1P3PP1/1N1R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Removing The Defender: Max Euwe - Nicolaas Cortlever, Amsterdam 1954 } 1... Qxe5 2. dxe5 Ne2+ 3. Kh2 Nxg3 { Black wins material. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Opening Files, Ranks Or Diagonals"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qkb1r/2p2pp1/p1npb2p/1p6/2P1P3/1BQ1B3/PP3PPP/RN2K2R b KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Opening Files, Ranks Or Diagonals: Josef Noa - Wilhelm Steinitz, London 1883 } 1... d5 { Opens up for the bishop to land on b4, and wins a pawn to start with. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Gain Of Tempo"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/4b1n1/1q3rP1/p2p1p2/1p3B2/5NN1/PPPQ1P2/1K5R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Gain Of Tempo: Mikhail Tal - Rico Mascarinas, Lvov 1981 } 1. Bc7 { The bishop moves with tempo and clears the way for the queen. This could also serve as an example of line-clearing, as featured in the previous example. } 1... Qxc7 2. Rh8+ { Another example of the magnet as shown earlier. Many tactical combinations feature more than one of the elements under discussion. } 2... Kxh8 3. Qh6+ Kg8 4. Qh7+ Kf8 5. Qh8# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Fork"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/p1ppbppp/1pn1q3/4P3/2BP2n1/5NB1/1PP1Q1PP/R4K1R b kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { The following three motifs all involve creating threats to more than one enemy piece. Fork: Wilhelm Steinitz - Johannes Minckwitz, Baden-Baden 1870 } 1... Qxc4 { White resigned, as 19.Qxc4 Ne3+ followed by 20... Nxc4 recaptures the queen, leaving Black a piece up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Discovered Attack"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3b1rk1/1b1q2pp/5pn1/1p2rN2/2p1p3/2P1B2Q/1PB2PPP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Discovered Attack: Joseph Blackburne - Wilhelm Steinitz, Vienna 1882 } 1. Nh6+ gxh6 2. Qxd7 { Black resigned a move later. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Pin"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/pppb1ppp/3b4/6P1/4Pp2/2N4P/PPPQBP2/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Pin: Wilhelm Steinitz - Serafino Dubois, London (2nd match, Game 6) 1862 } 1. e5 { White wins one of the bishops. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Defensive Tactics"] [Result "*"] { 2 Defensive Tactics Sometimes a tactical nuance can be used to refute an unsound combination or rescue an otherwise difficult situation. Two such motifs are shown below. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Counter-Threat"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2q4k/5Qp1/4B2p/p1p5/1P6/6PK/r4P1P/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Counter-Threat: Jose Raul Capablanca - Rasmussen, Copenhagen (simul) 1911 } 1... Rxf2 { And after } 2. Qxf2 Qxe6+ { Black reaches a queen ending with two extra pawns and a safe king. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Lifeline"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7r/pp1br2B/8/2k1Pp2/2p5/7R/PPP3P1/2K4R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Lifeline: Max Euwe - H.V. von Hartingsvelt, Amsterdam 1922 } 1. Bxf5 Rxh3 2. Bxh3 { White has won a pawn since the bishop is saved by a lifeline (the e5-pawn was lost anyway) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Others"] [Result "*"] { 3 Others Our remaining three motifs usually (though not always) arise in the endgame. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Stalemate"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7k/8/7P/6K1/6Q1/6P1/7q/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Stalemate: Zoltan Ribli - Boris Spassky, Montpellier 1985 } 1... Qxh6+ { Since } 2. Kxh6 { is stalemate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Pawn Promotion"] [Result "*"] [FEN "b5k1/p4p2/2P1nnp1/4N3/P2R3p/4N1P1/1r2PP1P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Pawn Promotion: Dmitry Gurevich - Alexander Khalifman, Moscow (rapid) 1992 } 1. Rd8+ Nxd8 2. c7 { And Black cannot protect both promotion squares. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Summary Of Tactical Motifs"] [Black "Zugzwang"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/8/5K1P/5Bn1/5k2/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Zugzwang: Robert Fischer - Mark Taimanov, Vancouver (2) 1971 } 1. Kg6 { Black is in zugzwang and has to allow the pawn to promote. For those who wish to learn more about the motifs, a good read is Chess Tactics from Scratch by Martin Weteschnik (Quality Chess, 2012) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Instructions"] [Black "The Woodpecker Method In Five Steps"] [Result "*"] { Woodpecker training is hard. To get the maximum benefit from it, we recommend that you follow the methodology described in this short section. First, a couple of definitions: Set: The exercises which you will solve before you start all over again. Cycle: One round of solving the set. Normally you will perform up to seven cycles with one set. The Woodpecker Method in Five Steps Step 1 Cycle 1: Solve as many exercises as you can manage in four weeks. These exercises are your set; and solving them brings you to the end of your first cycle. The exact time period can be adjusted according to your lifestyle and circumstances, but try not to spend much more than four weeks. If you find yourself taking much longer than four weeks, you have probably either not been putting in sufficient time, or have included too many exercises in your set. @@StartBlockQuote@@Chessable note: Chessable works on a different review schedule than the authors recommend here. You can simply ignore Chessable's Review button if you like, and review according to your own schedule or the one the authors recommend. We have set a stretch goal, in that if the course hits 1,000 students in a month, we will write code for a new custom feature, so that this course can work as per the author's recommendations by default. @@EndBlockQuote@@Step 2 Take a break from chess for at least a clear day, and up to a week if you need it. Step 3 Cycle 2: Solve the same set of exercises but faster: within two weeks is the target. Step 4 Repeat steps 2 and 3, and repeat again. Aim to complete each cycle in half the number of days as the previous cycle (rounded up, when dealing with an odd number of days) . Step 5 The Woodpecker Method has been completed when the full set of exercises has been solved entirely in one day – or after the 7th cycle, if you are unable to solve the full set in a day. In the final two cycles, you should focus more on spotting ideas, patterns and motifs at speed, and less on the finer details of calculation. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Instructions"] [Black "Customizing The Woodpecker Method"] [Result "*"] { Customizing The Woodpecker Method The five-step plan is straightforward enough, but a crucial variable is missing: how much time should you spend solving during the initial four weeks? Since the answer will depend on your level of ambition and life situation, it has to be your decision. Before you begin, we recommend that you set a target timetable with upper and lower limits. Between five and ten hours per week would seem realistic for an amateur player with work and/or family commitments. By setting a loose schedule, you ensure a certain amount of personal accountability for your training, while also having some leeway for unforeseen events. Life may have a tendency to get in the way; but if chess improvement is really important to you, we urge you to set an ambitious schedule and follow it ruthlessly (barring any life-changing events of course) . As an optional extra to setting a target number of hours per week, some players may find extra motivation by choosing the number of exercises beforehand. The appropriate number will depend on one’s playing strength, ambition and time available. A reasonable number for a working amateur might be 250. Ultra-ambitious players with significant time and energy to devote to training may go for around 1000 as we did; or even the mega-set of 1128 exercises in this book. Remember to take into account the difficulty level, and be ready to adjust your target as you go along. For instance, if you set a target of 800 positions, but have only solved half that number after four weeks, you probably set the initial target too high. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Instructions"] [Black "Other Guidelines"] [Result "*"] { Other Guidelines Solve the exercises in order. If you are stuck and unable to find a solution, then choose a move anyway, as you would have to do the same in a game. As time is an important factor, we recommend limiting the time you spend writing down and checking your solutions. Neither of us made any notes, and we only checked the solutions when we were uncertain. However, if you find it at all difficult to remember the lines you have calculated, feel free to write them down, especially for the first one or two cycles. Some players have told us they found it useful to alternate between solving a number of exercises (for example a page) and then checking the relevant solutions before moving on to the next page of exercises. Regardless of which way you prefer, just keep in mind that you should still try to maintain your pace. Compared to later cycles, the first cycle will likely use a larger portion checking the solutions, which is quite alright. Having to check solutions less in later cycles will help you finish the set in the allotted time. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Instructions"] [Black "Scoring"] [Result "*"] { Scoring After each session, note the time taken and the number of exercises. Counting the number of points you have scored is optional. We consider the score to be less important, and keeping count of it takes up some of your time and focus. We trusted our conscience; if we overlooked too many moves, we slowed down on the next session (or during the current one) . On the other hand, keeping a record of your scores also brings certain benefits. It may serve as a motivator when you know you will be competing with yourself and striving to score more points than in your previous cycle (s) . It also provides feedback as to whether you are seeing enough. This is especially important from the second cycle onward, to avoid being satisfied with remembering the first move of the solution. Unless otherwise specified in the solutions, this book uses the following scoring system: Finding the correct first move = 1 point Finding each move marked by a ✔ sign = 1 point } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Instructions"] [Black "Resources"] [Result "*"] { Resources Sample record sheets have been included at the end of the book on pages 390 and 391. In the first sheet, a couple of sample entries have been filled in for illustrative purposes, showing hypothetical dates, time spent solving, number of exercises, as well as the optional extra information of points scored and percentage score. The second sheet has been left blank. You may wish to photocopy it or use it as the basis for your own record sheets. Just fill in the ‘Woodpecker Cycle’ number at the top, and record the relevant data for each session. Then begin with a new sheet for your next cycle. For added convenience, a downloadable Excel record sheet has been made available at: http://www.qualitychess.co.uk/ebooks/woodpecker-recordsheet.xls The spreadsheet version has been programmed to keep track of total solving time, number of exercises, points and percentage score for a full cycle. This will make it easy to monitor your progress from one cycle to the next. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Instructions"] [Black "Motivation"] [Result "*"] { Motivation To push yourself, there are at least two types of goals you can set yourself in every training session. Pace: During your first cycle, aim to solve as least as many exercises as in your previous session (assuming the exercises are of the same difficulty level) in the same amount of time. Score: If you decide to keep track of your scoring, then aim to increase your percentage as you go along while maintaining your pace. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Instructions"] [Black "Beyond The First Cycle"] [Result "*"] { Beyond The First Cycle Once you have finished the full set and enjoyed/endured your break, it’s time to start again. Your main goal for the second cycle is to solve more quickly, ideally halving the overall time. With the next cycle, aim to halve your time again, and so on. With every additional cycle, your increased recognition should compensate for the decreasing deadlines. Although speed is key, do not satisfy yourself with spotting only the first move of the solution. Even if you are sure it’s the right move, be sure to calculate the follow-up. The only exception to this rule will come in the sixth and seventh cycles, by which time you should be striving to complete the full set within a single day, or at least get as close as possible. } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Instructions"] [Black "Reaching The End"] [Result "*"] { Reaching The End The Woodpecker Method has been completed when the full set of exercises has been solved in a single day (or after seven cycles, if one day proves unattainable) . Time to celebrate! But where should you go from here? First and foremost, the ideal next step will be able to play some tournaments and put your improved tactical ability to use. As far as subsequent training is concerned, this will depend on your playing strength and goals. Woodpecker training is hard, so you will probably want to take a break from it for a while, and perhaps train some other aspect of your game. When you are ready though, you may wish to consider one of the following approaches. If your first bout of Woodpecker training comprised a set of, say, the first 250 exercises from this book, the way to build upon your progress is obvious: after taking a suitable break, begin a new four-week cycle using further exercises from this book. You will now be at the intermediate difficulty level, but you should be well and truly ready for it by now. Readers who began their Woodpecker training with a high level of playing strength and ambition may have been able to take on a larger set, perhaps comprising the 984 exercises in the easy and intermediate sections, or even the difficult section as well, for a brutal total of 1128 exercises. If you were able to complete a set like this within a day (or over seven cycles) then your tactical ability should have taken a significant leap. To maintain and build upon the gains you have made, it is a good idea to redo the set approximately once every six weeks, or at least as a warm-up before an important tournament. For anyone keen/crazy enough to want to repeat the entire method, there are plenty of other exercise/puzzle books on the market... } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Instructions"] [Black "Summary Of Instructions"] [Result "*"] { Summary Of Instructions Step 1 Cycle 1: Solve a set of exercises over approximately four weeks Step 2 Take at least the next day off Step 3 Cycle 2: Solve the same set, but within two weeks Step 4 Repeat steps 2-3, completing each cycle in half the number of days (rounded up where necessary) Step 5 The method is complete when the set has been solved in one day (or after seven cycles) Now there’s no more text to delay the exercises. Good luck and may the unconscious be with you! (At least after a while...) Hans Tikkanen & Axel Smith Lund, June 2018 } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Easy Exercises"] [Result "*"] { @@HeaderStart@@Easy Exercises@@HeaderEnd@@ @@StartBlockQuote@@You must take your opponent into a deep dark forest where 2+2=5, and the path leading out is only wide enough for one. – Mikhail Tal@@EndBlockQuote@@ } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6r/1pp3k1/1b6/p2P1p2/P1N1pn2/2P2PP1/BP5P/4RR1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Wilhelm Steinitz @@StartBlockQuote@@A win by an unsound combination, however showy, fills me with artistic horror.@@EndBlockQuote@@1. Carl Hamppe - Wilhelm Steinitz, Vienna 1860 } 1... Rxh2+ 2. Kxh2 Rh8# { ✔ Black would have been lost without this resource. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 2"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnb3kr/ppp4p/3b3B/3Pp2n/2BP4/3K1Rp1/PPP3q1/RN1Q4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 2. Wilhelm Steinitz - J. Wilson, London 1862 } 1. Rf8+ Bxf8 2. d6+ Be6 3. Bxe6# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 3"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/pppb1ppp/3b4/4p1P1/4Pn2/2N1B2P/PPPQBP2/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 3. Wilhelm Steinitz - Serafino Dubois, London (6) 1862 The bishop on d6 is pinned and Steinitz took advantage of that with } 1. Bxf4 exf4 2. e5 { ✔ which won a piece. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 4"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr4/1pp4p/1p1r4/5Pp1/1P2q3/2P1R2P/P3KP2/1Q1R4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 4. Valentine Green - Wilhelm Steinitz, London 1864 } 1... Rd2+ { -+ ✔ The queen loses its defender. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 5"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn1qk2r/ppp2ppp/5n2/2b1p3/2B1P1b1/3P1N2/PPP3PP/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 5. Wilhelm Steinitz George Barry, Dublin (simul) 1865 } 1. Bxf7+ Kxf7 2. Nxe5+ { ✔ White has won two pawns after 9. Nxg4. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 6"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2k3r/pp1b3p/1qn1p1p1/1B1pPn2/Q7/P4N2/1P1BNPPP/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 6. George Fraser - Wilhelm Steinitz, Dundee 1867 } 1. Rxc6 bxc6 2. Ba5 { ✔ White emerges with a queen and a knight for two rooks. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 7"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k2r/1b1p2q1/p4p2/4p3/PpB1Pp1p/7P/1PPRQPP1/4R1K1 b k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 7. Wilhelm Steinitz - Jonathan Baker, London (simul) 1868 } 1... f3 { The queen is overloaded and White loses the bishop on c4: } 2. Qxf3 Rxc4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 8"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/p1ppbppp/1pn1q3/4P3/2BP2n1/5NB1/1PP1Q1PP/R4K1R b kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 8. Wilhelm Steinitz - Johannes Minckwitz, Baden-Baden 1870 } 1... Qxc4 { There is a fork on e3 coming up: } 2. Qxc4 Ne3+ 3. Ke2 Nxc4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 9"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1b6/3n1p2/r1k1p1pp/Pr2P3/1PK2P2/3R4/3B2PP/R7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 9. Wilhelm Steinitz - Maximilian Fleissig, Vienna 1873 } 1. Rxd7 { White wins back the piece with a winning advantage. } 1... Kxd7 { 39...Rxb4+ captures a pawn, but the a-pawn still decides after: 40.Bxb4 Kxd7 41.Kb5 +- ✔ } 2. Kxb5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 10"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b5/4Q1pp/pp3n1k/3p3q/P2P1P2/BP1B2P1/7P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 10. Wilhelm Steinitz Oscar Gelbfuhs, Vienna 1873 } 1. Qxf6+ { Black resigned due to: } 1... gxf6 2. Bf8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 11"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r2k/1b3Q1p/p1q3p1/1p4B1/2pb4/8/PPB3PP/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 11. George Mackenzie – Wilhelm Steinitz, Vienna 1882 } 1. Be4 { The only drawing move , and easy to find , as Black’s mate threat means White has no other sensible try. 1.Rg1?? loses to everything , but is mated most swiftly by 1...Qxg2+!. } 1... Qxe4 2. Bf6+ Bxf6 3. Qxf6+ { ✔ White has a perpetual on f6 and f7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 12"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1n5/pp2q1kp/2ppr1p1/4p1Q1/8/2N4R/PPP3PP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 12. Joseph Blackburne - Wilhelm Steinitz, London 1883 } 1. Qh6+ Kg8 2. Rf8+ Qxf8 3. Qxh7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 13"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rrk1/ppp3pp/3p2n1/3Ppqb1/nPP5/6P1/P1NBQP1P/2R1NRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 13. Isidor Gunsberg - Wilhelm Steinitz, New York (2) 1890 } 1... Nc3 { And } 2. Bxc3 Bxc1 { ✔ Lost an exchange. 01, 39 moves . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 14"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/p4pp1/2p4p/4p3/2n4q/1NPPnP1P/PP2Q2P/R1K2B1R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 14. Wilhelm Steinitz - Mikhail Chigorin, Havana (8) 1892 } 1... Rxd3 { Breaking open the kings position to close out the game. } 2. Bg2 { Or 21.Qxd3 Qe1+ ✔ with mate on the next move. } 2... Rhd8 { The game ended after: } 3. a4 Rd1+ 4. Rxd1 Rxd1+ 5. Qxd1 Nxd1 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 15"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/5pp1/p1n1r2p/2NQ4/1P1p4/P6P/1B1bqPP1/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 15. Wilhelm Steinitz - Dirk van Foreest, Haarlem (simul) 1896 } 1... Qxf1+ { ✔ Steinitz's previous move, 38. Qc4-d5, was a grave blunder. } 2. Kxf1 Re1# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 16"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqk1nr/pppp3p/2n2p2/b5p1/2BPPp1P/2P2N2/P5P1/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 16. Wilhelm Steinitz - Reyne, Haarlem (simul) 1896 } 1. Nxg5 { But Black is mated if he takes the knight: } 1... fxg5 { 9...Qe7 +- and White won after 26 moves. } 2. Qh5+ { ✔ } 2... Ke7 { The quickest mate is: } 3. Qf7+ Kd6 4. e5+ Nxe5 5. dxe5+ Kxe5 6. Qd5+ Kf6 7. Qxg5# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 17"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr1bnr/p1ppqp1p/bpn5/1N4p1/P2PPp2/5N2/1PP2KPP/R1BQ1B1R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 17. Wilhelm Steinitz - Falk, Moscow 1896 } 1. Nxa7+ { White wins an important pawn after: } 1... Nxa7 2. Bxa6+ { ✔ (10, 25 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 18"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn1qk1nr/ppp2ppp/8/2b1p3/2B1P1b1/5N2/PPPP2PP/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 18. Wilhelm Steinitz - T.J.D. Enderle, Haarlem (simul) 1896 } 1. Bxf7+ { White wins two pawns after: } 1... Kxf7 2. Nxe5+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 19"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k2r3/2p3p1/p4p2/1p3q1p/1n6/PQ2P3/1P2B2P/2KR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 19. Jackson Showalter - Wilhelm Steinitz, Vienna 1898 Black is two pawns up, but that doesn't stop him from being precise: } 1... Rxe3 2. Qxb4 { 28.Qxe3 Qc2# ✔ } 2... Rxe2 { ✔ White resigned five moves later. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 20"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqkbnr/pppp3p/2n2p2/6p1/2BPPp2/5N2/PPP3PP/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Emanuel Lasker @@StartBlockQuote@@The combination player thinks forward; he starts from the given position, and tries the forceful moves in his mind. - Lasker’s Manual of Chess @@StartBracket@@1927@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@20. Emanuel Lasker - C.R. McBride, USA (simul) 1902 } 1. Nxg5 { Black cannot take back: } 1... fxg5 { Black instead allowed a forced mate after 6...h6 } 2. Qh5+ { ✔ } 2... Ke7 3. Qf7+ Kd6 { And for instance: } 4. e5+ Nxe5 5. Qd5+ Ke7 6. Qxe5# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 21"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnbqkbnr/pppp3p/5p2/6p1/4Pp1P/5N2/PPPP2P1/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 21. Emanuel Lasker - E.W. Witchard, Gloucester (simul) 1908 } 1. Nxg5 fxg5 2. Qh5+ Ke7 3. Qxg5+ { ✔ } 3... Ke8 4. Qh5+ { Imprecise is 8.Qe5+ ?! Qe7 9.Qxh8 Qxe4+ +- with some slight counterplay. } 4... Ke7 5. Qe5+ { White picks up the rook on h8. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 22"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnbqkb1r/pp1p2pp/2p2p2/4p3/2B5/2P2N2/PPP2PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 22. Carl Hartlaub - Emanuel Lasker, Germany 1908 } 1. Nxe5 { A surprisingly common theme in Laskers games. } 1... d5 { 7...fxe5 8.Qh5+ g6 8...Ke7 9.Qxe5# 9.Qxe5+ Qe7 10.Qxh8 +- ✔ } 2. Qh5+ { Or just as good is: 8.Re1 fxe5 9.Rxe5+ Kd7 10.Bg5 ! +- } 2... g6 { One source gives this game as played in New York 1911, with 8...Ke7 9.Nf7 ? Qe8 ? 0-1 (??) as the final moves, none of which makes any sense. } 3. Nxg6 hxg6 4. Qxh8 { ✔ Or 10.Re1+ first. } 4... dxc4 { Easiest is: } 5. Re1+ Kf7 6. Bh6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 23"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/p3qppp/2pr4/Q2b4/1P2p3/4P3/P3BPPP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 23. Emanuel Lasker - Dawid Janowski, Berlin (1) 1910 } 1. Rxd5 Rxd5 2. Qxd5 { ✔ White has won a piece, since Black cannot recapture. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 24"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/2p3pp/q3pn2/1pp1p3/4P3/1P1P1P2/rNP2P1P/1Q3RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 24. Emanuel Lasker - Efim Bogoljubov, Atlantic Ocean 1924 } 1. Na4 { ✔ The rook is trapped and the c5-pawn is threatened. } 1... Ra3 2. Qb2 { Lasker played 20.Nxc5 ± and won after 22 moves, but the text is better. } 2... b4 3. Qxe5 { Black loses a second pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 25"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/1p3q1k/2p3pp/4P1r1/8/4Q3/PP5P/3R3K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 25. George Thomas - Emanuel Lasker, Nottingham 1936 } 1... Rxe5 2. Qxe5 Qf3+ 3. Kg1 Qxd1+ { ✔ } 4. Kf2 Qd7 { It is probably a theoretical draw, but that does not change the verdict during a game between humans (0-1, 55 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 26"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/1b1n2r1/p3n2q/1p1pPRN1/2pP3P/2P3P1/PPBQ4/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Jose Raul Capablanca @@StartBlockQuote@@Chess is a very logical game and it is the man who can reason most logically and profoundly in it that ought to win.@@EndBlockQuote@@26. Jose Raul Capablanca - C.E. Watson, Schenectady 1909 White has a minor piece less, but can more than make up for it with the following double threat: } 1. Rf6 Nxf6 2. Rxf6 { ✔ } 2... Qh5 3. Bd1 { Not necessary, but a luxury White can afford. 32. Nxe6 and 32. Rxe6 are also winning. } 3... Qe8 4. Rxe6 { Black is an exchange up, but since he has no chance against all the pawns and an invasion on the kingside, he resigned now. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 27"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/p2p1p2/2p5/1p2PPqn/1b1p2N1/1B1P3Q/PPP3PP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 27. Jose Raul Capablanca - E.B. Schrader, Saint Louis (simul) 1909 } 1. Qxh5 { The fork on f6 gains a piece. } 1... Qxh5 2. Nf6+ Kg7 3. Nxh5+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 28"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5r1/p1p1k3/3q3B/5p2/4p3/1P6/P1P1QPP1/R4RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 28. Jose Raul Capablanca - D.W. Pomeroy, Saint Louis (simul) 1909 } 1... Rxg2+ { White resigned, since he is mated after: } 2. Kxg2 Rg8+ { Or 22...Qg6+ } 3. Kh1 Qxh6+ 4. Qh5 Qxh5# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 29"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/p1q2p2/2p1rb1P/1p2pN2/4P1Q1/2PP4/PPB5/2K4R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 29. Jose Raul Capablanca - T.A. Carter, Saint Louis (simul) 1909 } 1. Qg7+ Rxg7 2. hxg7+ Kg8 3. Rh8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 30"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4q1k1/2r3pp/1p6/8/1b2N3/4R1P1/PP3P1P/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 30. Jose Raul Capablanca - Frank Marshall, New York 1910 } 1. Nf6+ { Black could have resigned here, but continued until move 43. } 1... gxf6 2. Rxe8+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 31"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4k3/1bp4r/p7/1p1P4/2P3pN/1P2r1P1/1BP2RPK/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 31. Jose Raul Capablanca - Luis Piazzini, Buenos Aires 1911 } 1... Rxh4+ { Black can also start by exchanging on c4. } 2. gxh4 g3+ 3. Kg1 gxf2+ { ✔ } 4. Kxf2 { Instead of being an exchange up, Black is a rook up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 32"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2q4k/5Qp1/4B2p/p1p5/1P6/6PK/r4P1P/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 32. Jose Raul Capablanca - Rasmussen, Copenhagen (simul) 1911 } 1... Rxf2 { Defending against the double threat and getting a queen ending with two healthy extra pawns and a safe king. } 2. Qxf2 Qxe6+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 33"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5Rnk/pp1q4/7p/3p2rN/3Pp1Q1/2P5/PP5P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 33. Jose Raul Capablanca - Will Randolph, New York 1912 } 1. Qxg5 { 31.Rxg8+ Rxg8 32.Qxg8+ is another way to do the same thing. } 1... hxg5 2. Rxg8+ { Black resigned since he will be a piece down: } 2... Kxg8 3. Nf6+ Kf7 4. Nxd7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 34"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq2k1/pp3rpp/2n2b2/3p1p2/3P4/BQPB1N2/P4PPP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 34. Jose Raul Capablanca - F.S. Dunkelsbuhler, London (simul) 1913 } 1. Qxd5 { Black resigned, as he is mated after: } 1... Qxd5 2. Re8+ Rf8 3. Rxf8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 35"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/pb2bp1p/1p2p1p1/8/q1NPP3/3B4/P3QPPP/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 35. Albert Beauregard Hodges - Jose Raul Capablanca, New York 1915 } 1... Bxe4 { And Black won a pawn after: } 2. Bxe4 Rxc4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 36"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6r1/2r1k3/R3p3/p4pPp/1pPK1P2/1P3B1P/P7/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 36. Jose Raul Capablanca - Einar Michelsen, New York (simul) 1915 } 1. Rxe6+ Kxe6 2. Bd5+ Kd6 3. Bxg8 { The final moves were: } 3... Re7 4. c5+ Kc6 5. Bd5+ Kb5 6. g6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 37"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r1k/pppqNppp/3p1B2/4p3/3nP3/3P1b2/PPPQ1PPP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 37. Jose Raul Capablanca - N.N., New York 1918 } 1. Bxg7+ Kxg7 2. Qg5+ Kh8 3. Qf6# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 38"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/2p2pp1/p1Q2n1p/7q/8/1P1N2P1/P1P2P2/R3K3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 38. Jose Raul Capablanca - J. Birch, Glasgow 1919 } 1... Rxd3 { The game move wins a piece after: } 2. cxd3 Qe5+ 3. Kd2 Qxa1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 39"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/pp3qpp/2p1p3/2Ppb1PP/5B2/3BP3/PP3Q2/2R1K2R w K - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 39. Jose Raul Capablanca - G.H. Hadland, Thornton Heath 1919 } 1. Bxh7+ Kh8 { 21...Kxh7 22.g6+ +- ✔ with a fork. } 2. Bg6 { And White won. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 40"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2rk1/pQ1n1pp1/1p2p2p/3p4/P2P4/4P2P/1qB2PP1/2R2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 40. Jose Raul Capablanca - Milan Vidmar, London 1922 } 1. Bh7+ { 22.Qxd7 Rxc2 is equal. } 1... Kxh7 2. Rxc8 Rxc8 3. Qxc8 { ✔ White is an exchange up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 41"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3k4/p1p2prr/1p5N/3PRPP1/b1P5/4B3/P4K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 41. Jose Raul Capablanca - W. Malowan, New York (simul) 1922 A good choice is } 1. f6 { 36.Nxf7+ ?! looks like a combination and was played in the game, but Black had Rxf7 37.g6 Rxf5+ ! 38.Rxf5 Rg7 when he collects the g-pawn with a draw. Instead normal moves give two points. } 1... Rg6 2. Bf4 { When Blacks rooks are trapped and he can't sacrifice the exchange in a good way. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 42"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/pbp2qb1/1pn1p2p/3nP1pQ/3PNp2/2PB4/PP1N1BPP/R4RK1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 42. Jose Raul Capablanca - N.N., Moscow (simul) 1925 } 1. Nd6+ { Black resigned due to: } 1... cxd6 2. Bg6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 43"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4k3/1r2r1pp/1nR2p2/pp1p4/1N1P2P1/1R2PP2/PP3K1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 43. Jose Raul Capablanca - Jacques Mieses, Bad Kissingen 1928 } 1. Rxb6 { Winning a second pawn. } 1... axb4 { Or 31...Rxb6 32.Nxd5 +- ✔ with a fork. } 2. Rxb7 Rxb7 3. Rxb4 { The endgame is hopeless for Black. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 44"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7r/1p3pp1/pn1kb2p/3p4/3N1P1P/PP1BP3/3K2P1/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 44. Jose Raul Capablanca - Arpad Vajda, Budapest 1929 } 1. Bxa6 { White wins a pawn due to: } 1... bxa6 2. Rc6+ Ke7 3. Rxb6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 45"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3nrk1/1bp2ppp/pp2p3/3q2N1/1b1PNP2/3B2P1/PP2QP1P/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 45. Jose Raul Capablanca - Albert Becker, Karlsbad 1929 } 1. Nxh7 f5 { Instead 17...Kxh7 18.Nf6+ +- ✔ with a discovered check, or 18. Nc3+ +-. } 2. Nhg5 { In the game, Black resigned due to: } 2... fxe4 3. Bxe4 { White could also go for the king with 19.Bc4 +- forcing Black to give up his queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 46"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1k2r/2qp1ppp/ppnbpn2/8/2PNP3/P1N1BP2/1P4PP/2RQKB1R w Kkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 46. Jose Raul Capablanca - Manuel Larrea, Mexico (simul) 1933 } 1. Ndb5 { 11.Ncb5 is the same. } 1... axb5 2. Nxb5 Bg3+ { Regaining the pawn does little to alleviate the real problems of the black position - his weaknesses on the dark squares (and the b6-pawn) and lack of development. } 3. hxg3 Qxg3+ 4. Bf2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 47"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/6qp/pp4p1/2pP4/4Pp2/1P6/P1R3PP/4Q2K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 47. Vera Menchik - Jose Raul Capablanca, Margate 1935 } 1... Rxe4 2. Qxe4 Qa1+ { ✔ With back-rank mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 48"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2bq1r2/4bpk1/4pp1N/7Q/1p1p4/3B4/PP3PPP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 48. Jose Raul Capablanca - Grigory Levenfish, Moscow 1935 } 1. Nxf7 Rxf7 2. Qh7+ Kf8 3. Qh8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 49"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/3b2pp/2p5/p1RpPp2/3Q1P2/1q2P1P1/6BP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 49. Jose Raul Capablanca - Mikhail Botvinnik, Moscow 1936 } 1. Rxd5 { Since } 1... cxd5 2. Bxd5+ { ✔ is a fork. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 50"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3br1k/pp5p/4B1p1/4NpP1/P2Pn3/q1PQ3R/7P/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 50. Jose Raul Capablanca - Guillermo Vassaux, Buenos Aires (ol) 1939 } 1. Rxh7+ Kxh7 2. Qh3+ Kg7 3. Qh6# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 51"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/ppp2ppp/6q1/2b1P3/3r4/2N1BQ1b/PP3PPP/R3R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Alexander Alekhine @@StartBlockQuote@@Combination is the soul of chess.@@EndBlockQuote@@51. Alexander Alekhine - Sergey Petrov, corr. 1902 } 1... Bxg2 { Highlighting the usefulness of the active d4-rook. } 2. Qg3 { 17.Qxg2 Rg4 -+ ✔ pins the queen. } 2... Rg4 { ✔ } 3. Bxc5 Rxg3 4. fxg3 Re8 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 52"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r2k/ppp3pp/8/1PPb1p2/3P1P1b/P1Q2p1P/7R/R4KBq b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 52. Apollon Viakhirev - Alexander Alekhine, corr. 1906 } 1... Qg2+ 2. Rxg2 fxg2# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 53"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1b1k/pp4p1/2p1Qp2/5N2/PP2Pp2/2Pq4/5PKP/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 53. Benjamin Blumenfeld - Alexander Alekhine, Moscow (2) 1908 } 1... f3+ 2. Kg1 Qxf1+ 3. Kxf1 Rd1# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 54"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/pp4pp/2pb4/3p1pq1/2PP4/1N1BPR2/PPQ3PP/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 54. J. Goldfarb - Alexander Alekhine, St Petersburg 1909 } 1... Bxh2+ 2. Kxh2 Qh4+ 3. Rh3 Qxe1 { ✔ Undefended pieces... } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 55"] [Result "*"] [FEN "q6r/1b4bp/4k1p1/1p2Pn2/2pPp1Q1/2P5/1P1N2PP/2B2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 55. Alexander Alekhine - B. Lyubimov, Moscow 1909 } 1. Rxf5 { White reduces the material deficit from a piece to an exchange starting with this move. } 1... gxf5 2. Qxg7 { ✔ Considering the weak dark squares and exposed king, his position is clearly superior. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 56"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1b1p1ppp/1qr1p3/p2pP3/P4P2/Q2B4/1PP3PP/R4R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 56. Alexander Alekhine - Stefan Izbinsky, St Petersburg 1909 } 1. Bxh7+ { Forcing the king to leave the defence of the rook. } 1... Kxh7 2. Qxf8 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 57"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/pp4pp/2p5/8/4n3/5NPQ/P3Bq1P/4R2K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 57. V. Rozanov/N. Tselikov - Alexander Alekhine, Moscow 1915 } 1... Qxe1+ { 27...Rxf3 28.Rf1 Qxf1+ 28...Qxe2 ?? 29.Qc8+ Rf8 30.Qxf8# 29.Bxf1 Nf2+ 30.Kg2 Nxh3 31.Kxf3 Ng5+ is also winning for Black, although it doesnt look so simple with White's king active after 32.Kf4 Nf7 33.Kf5 (One point) . } 2. Nxe1 Nf2+ 3. Kg2 Nxh3 4. Nf3 { 30.Kxh3 Re8 ! -+ ✔ } 4... Rxf3 { Black could also have achieved a winning position by going for the a-pawn, but this is simple. } 5. Bxf3 { 31.Kxf3 Ng1+ } 5... Ng5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 58"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/pp2bppp/1qp1p3/4Pb2/Q1P1nB2/2N5/PP1RBPPP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 58. Leifchild Leif-Jones - Alexander Alekhine, London (simul) 1923 } 1. Nxe4 Bxe4 2. c5 { A discovered attack, winning the bishop. } 2... Bxc5 3. Qxe4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 59"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/pp1bkp1Q/2nbpq2/3p1p2/3P1Pr1/2NBP1N1/PP4PP/2R2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 59. O. Friedmann - Alexander Alekhine, Czechoslovakia 1925 } 1. Nxf5+ { Not 18.Bxf5 ? Rh4 18...Rxg3 ∓ 19.Nh5 Qh8 and Black wins a piece. } 1... exf5 { Instead Alekhine tried 18...Kf8 but White has several ways to win, for instance 19.Nxd6 Rh4 trapping the queen, but to no avail. 20.Qxf7+ Qxf7 21.Nxf7 +- White has won three pawns (1-0, 42 moves) . } 2. Nxd5+ { ✔ It's a fork. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 60"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqr1k1/1p1nbpp1/p1p3p1/3p4/3P1B2/2NBP2P/PP3PP1/2RQ1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 60. Alexander Alekhine – Frederick Yates, Baden-Baden 1925 } 1. Nxd5 cxd5 { Yates avoided this with 15...Bd6 but after 16.Bxd6 ✔ (cxd5 +-) he had no compensation whatsoever for the lost pawn. } 2. Bc7 { ✔ The queen is trapped. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 61"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/q1p1nppp/p3n3/1pb1p3/4P2N/1PP3PP/PBB1QPK1/7R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 61. Arpad Vajda – Alexander Alekhine, Semmering 1926 } 1... Bxf2 { White can’t take back due to: } 2. Qxf2 Qxf2+ 3. Kxf2 Rd2+ 4. Ke3 Rxc2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 62"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1Q6/p4pkp/3p2p1/3P4/q7/P3rBbP/6P1/5R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 62. Roberto Grau – Alexander Alekhine, San Remo 1930 } 1... Rxf3 2. gxf3 { 2.Rxf3 Qd1+ 3.Rf1 Qxf1# ✔ Or 2.Qb2+ Be5-+ . } 2... Qc2 { ✔ There is no defence against the mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 63"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqk2r/p1pn1pp1/1p2pn1p/8/3P4/B1PB4/P1P1QPPP/R3K1NR w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 63. Alexander Alekhine – Vasic, Banja Luka (simul) 1931 } 1. Qxe6+ fxe6 2. Bg6# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 64"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qk2r/1p1b1pp1/p1pBpn1p/2P1N3/1n1P4/3B4/PPQ2PPP/2KR3R w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 64. Alexander Alekhine – Rumjancev, Sarajevo (simul) 1931 } 1. Bg6 fxg6 { 1...Qa5 avoids mate, but Black is completely lost after 2.Bxf7+ Kd8 followed by any decent queen move } 2. Qxg6# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 65"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2r1k1/p1pbqppp/Q2b1n2/3p4/P2P4/2P5/1P2BPPP/R1B1KN1R b KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 65. Adolf Fink – Alexander Alekhine, Pasadena 1932 } 1... Bb5 2. axb5 Qxe2# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 66"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/pqp2pbp/2Q2np1/1N2p3/8/1P5P/PBP2PP1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 66. Alexander Alekhine – Jobbahazai, Vienna (simul) 1936 } 1. Rd8+ { 1.Qxb7 Rxb7 2.Bxe5 is also good (White will soon be two pawns up) but only the game move forces resignation. Note that after 1.Qxb7 Rxb7 White should avoid pinning the bishop with 2.Rd8+ Bf8 3.Ba3 since Black can struggle on with: 3...Nd7 ! Nevertheless, White gets a rook ending a pawn up that looks winning. } 1... Bf8 { 1...Rxd8 2.Qxb7 +- ✔ } 2. Qxf6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 67"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn1qkb1r/pp3p1b/2p1pnpp/4N3/2B4P/6N1/PPPPQPP1/R1B1K2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 67. Alexander Alekhine – Rowena Bruce, Plymouth 1938 } 1. Nxf7 { Classical destruction of the f7-e6 formation. } 1... Kxf7 2. Qxe6+ { Black foresaw 2...Kg7 3.Qf7# ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 68"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3n4/2prR1pk/p2r1p1p/1p5P/5P1P/P1B2K2/1PP5/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 68. Alexander Alekhine – S. Lopo, Estoril (simul) 1940 } 1. Bxf6 { ± ✔ White wins a pawn since Black cannot take back on f6. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 69"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6r1/1p2R3/p5k1/2p5/4Nr1P/8/PP5P/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 69. Alexander Alekhine – A. Aragao, Estoril (simul) 1940 } 1... Rxe4 { Finishing off a winning position. } 2. Rxe4 Kf5+ 3. Kf2 Kxe4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 70"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/ppqnbppp/2p1pn2/3p2B1/2PP4/2NBPN2/PPQ2PPP/R3K2R w KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 70. Alexander Alekhine – Salvatierra, Madrid (simul) 1941 } 1. Bxh7+ Nxh7 2. Bxe7 { ✔ } 2... Re8 3. Bh4 dxc4 { Alekhine was not worried about giving back the pawn, since he gets a strong centre. If he was worried, he could have started with 1.cxd5±, which is equally strong. 1–0, 40 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 71"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1qrk1/pppp1ppp/1bn3n1/3Np1BQ/2B1P3/3P1N2/PPP2PPP/R3K2R w KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 71. Alexander Alekhine – J.M. De Cossio, San Sebastian (simul) 1944 } 1. Nf6+ gxf6 2. Bxf6 { ✔ There is no defence against the mate on g7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 72"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qrbk1/1bp2ppp/p2p1n2/2p2NB1/4P3/2N2Q2/PPP2PPP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 72. Alexander Alekhine – M. Ricondo, Santander (simul) 1945 } 1. Nh6+ gxh6 2. Bxf6 { ✔ White checkmates or wins the queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 73"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r1k/ppn1NBpp/4b3/4P3/3p1R2/1P6/P1P3PP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Max Euwe @@StartBlockQuote@@Strategy requires thought, tactics require observation@@EndBlockQuote@@73. Max Euwe – Eelke Wiersma, Amsterdam 1920 } 1. Ng6+ hxg6 2. Rh4# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 74"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2rk1/pp1bnp2/3q1n1Q/3p1P2/4p2N/1BPP4/P1P3PP/R4RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 74. Horace Bigelow – Max Euwe, Bromley 1920 } 1... Qxh2+ { Exchanging queens and consolidating the material advantage. } 2. Kxh2 Ng4+ 3. Kg3 Nxh6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 75"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/pbp2ppp/qr6/8/5Q2/1PP5/P4PP1/R1B2RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 75. Theodor Gruber – Max Euwe, Vienna 1921 } 1... Bxg2 2. Kxg2 Rg6+ { ✔ Black wins the queen or the rook on f1. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 76"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/pp1p1ppp/2n2n2/q7/2P5/P1N2NP1/3QPKBP/R1B4R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 76. Max Euwe – Efim Bogoljubov, Maehrisch Ostrau 1923 } 1... Qxc3 2. Qxc3 Ne4+ { Black wins back his sacrificed piece, leaving him a pawn up. } 3. Kf1 Nxc3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 77"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3Q4/p4pkp/1p3np1/2q5/4p3/4P1N1/PP3PPP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 77. Max Euwe – Jacques Davidson, Amsterdam (1) 1924 } 1. Qxf6+ Kxf6 2. Nxe4+ Ke5 3. Nxc5 bxc5 { And he doesn’t after: } 4. Kf1 { Or 4.f3 } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 78"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/p2q1pkp/1pn1bnp1/2p1p3/P1N1P3/1PP1Q1PP/5PK1/4RBN1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 78. Willem Schelfhout – Max Euwe, Utrecht 1926 } 1... Nxe4 2. Qxe4 { If White steps out of the pin with 2.Kh2 there are many moves that keep the pawn: 2...f5 2...Bd5 or even 2...Nf6 3.Nxe5 Nxe5 4.Qxe5 Bxb3 } 2... Bd5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 79"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr4/p1p2ppp/3rb3/8/2P5/1R1BR3/P4PPP/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 79. Birger Rasmusson – Max Euwe, London (ol) 1927 } 1... Rxd3 2. Rexd3 Rxd3 { Or 2...Bxc4 first makes no difference. } 3. Rxd3 Bxc4 4. Ke2 { ✔ An extra pawn in a pawn ending wins, unless there are some special circumstances. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 80"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/3q3p/p1p3pQ/1p1p4/3P2RP/1P3P2/r3r1P1/5R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 80. Albert Becker – Max Euwe, Hague 1928 } 1... Rxg2 2. Rxg2 Qh3+ 3. Kg1 Qxg2# { ✔ Or 3...Rxg2# } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 81"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/6pp/p1p3r1/3p4/P2P1Pq1/1R2PR2/2Q1K1P1/7r b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 81. B. Colin – Max Euwe, Bern 1932 } 1... Qxg2+ 2. Rf2 Qxf2+ 3. Kxf2 Rh2+ { And Black takes the queen: } 4. Kf3 Rxc2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 82"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2nrk1/p1p2pp1/4bb1p/3p4/q4B2/P1PB1Q1P/1P2NPP1/1R1R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 82. Dirk van Foreest – Max Euwe, Netherlands 1932 } 1... Rxb2 2. Rxb2 Qxd1+ { ✔ Black has won a pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 83"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/p4ppp/b3p3/2n1N3/Pp2P3/1P1r4/3N1PPP/R2R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 83. Alexander Alekhine – Max Euwe, Netherlands (23) 1935 } 1... Rxd2 2. Rxd2 { } 2... Nxb3 { ✔ The extra pawn is decisive. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 84"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1r2k/p4pp1/2pBnb1p/q1Pp4/3P4/P2R4/2Q1NPPP/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 84. Max Euwe – Efim Bogoljubov, Bad Nauheim/Stuttgart/Garmisch 1937 } 1... Nxd4 { 1...Bxd4 picks up the pawn, but not the exchange. Black is not clearly winning yet (zero points) . } 2. Rxd4 Bxd4 { White cannot take in any way due to mate on e1: } 3. Rxd4 Qe1# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 85"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bn1b1r/pp2k1pp/5p2/1B2p3/5B2/5N2/PPP2PPP/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 85. Nicolaas Cortlever – Max Euwe, Beverwijk 1941 } 1. Nxe5 Ne6 { 1...fxe5 2.Bg5+ +- ✔ } 2. Nd3 { +- ✔ White is not only a pawn up, Black is also far behind in development. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 86"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2rk1/5ppp/p1pp4/2p1n1q1/4P2b/1PN4P/PBPRQPP1/R5K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 86. Max Euwe – Henry Grob, Zurich 1947 } 1... Nf3+ { Black wins an exchange after: } 2. Qxf3 Qxd2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 87"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/2q3pk/1p2p2p/2n5/2B5/P3PQ2/5PKP/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 87. Theo van Scheltinga – Max Euwe, Amsterdam 1948 } 1. Bxe6 Nxe6 { Keeping the knight and setting up a blockade on the e-file was not realistic, since White has an f-pawn as well. } 2. Qf5+ { Or 2.Qe4+ } 2... Kh8 3. Qxe6 { ✔ White’s winning chances should be bigger than Black’s drawing chances, although the game ended in a draw. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 88"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r7/3k3p/6p1/N1P2p2/1p2p2P/3bPP2/5KP1/R7 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 88. Jan Visser – Max Euwe, Baarn 1949 } 1... Rxa5 2. Rxa5 b3 { ✔ White loses the rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 89"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rrk1/pp2p3/2pqP1p1/4Rp1p/P2P1n1P/6Q1/1P3PP1/1N1R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 89. Max Euwe – Nicolaas Cortlever, Amsterdam 1954 } 1... Qxe5 { Removing the defender of the e2-square. } 2. dxe5 Ne2+ 3. Kh2 Nxg3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 90"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/2q1b2p/ppnpPpp1/2pB4/2P2PPB/PP1R3P/3Q4/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 90. Max Euwe – Rafael Cintron, Munich (ol) 1958 } 1. Bxf6 Bxf6 2. e7+ Kg7 3. exd8=Q { ✔ Opposite-coloured bishops normally improve the drawing chances of the player who has sacrificed material, but Black did not sacrifice the exchange here – he lost it. And without active pieces, he cannot create anything on the dark squares. Instead White’s active pieces and advantage in terrain give him an even greater advantage. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 91"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/p1q2pbp/1pn1p1p1/2p5/4P3/4B1P1/PPP1RPBP/2Q4K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Mikhail Botvinnik @@StartBlockQuote@@Chess mastery essentially consists of analysing chess positions accurately@@EndBlockQuote@@91. C.H.O’D. Alexander – Mikhail Botvinnik, Nottingham 1936 } 1... Bxb2 2. Qxb2 Rd1+ 3. Bf1 Rxf1+ 4. Kg2 Rd1 { ✔ Black has won a pawn (0–1, 35 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 92"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k6/pp3pp1/rr6/3p2Np/2pPnP2/q1P1P2P/P1R3P1/K1QR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 92. Andor Lilienthal – Mikhail Botvinnik, Moscow 1945 } 1... Nxc3 2. Qxa3 { 2.Rxc3 Qxa2# ✔ } 2... Rxa3 { ✔ (0–1, 37 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 93"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/ppp2ppp/2nb1q2/6Rn/2BP4/P1NQBP1P/1P3P2/2KR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 93. Mikhail Botvinnik – Ludek Pachman, Moscow 1947 } 1... Rxe3 2. Qxe3 { Botvinnik played 2.Rxg7+ -+ and resigned after 45 moves. } 2... Bf4 { ✔ There is both a fork and a pin. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 94"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7k/p6p/6p1/2b2b2/2P5/2R1pBP1/P2rR1KP/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 94. Mikhail Botvinnik – Tigran Petrosian, Moscow 1966 } 1... Be4 { White resigned. } 2. Bxe4 { 2.Rxd2 exd2 -+ ✔ and the pawn queens. Or 2.Rcxe3 Bxe3 3.Rxd2 Bxf3+ 4.Kxf3 Bxd2 ✔ and Black is winning } 2... Rxe2+ { ✔ The bishop will have to sacrifice itself for the e-pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 95"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3q3k/1pp3pp/5p2/1P6/4PQ2/3B2P1/1r3b1P/R6K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 95. Bent Larsen – Mikhail Botvinnik, Leiden 1970 } 1. Qxc7 { +- ✔ White wins two pawns due to the back-rank mate (1–0, 47 moves) . 1.e5 also looks promising, as it opens up for an attack against h7, but 1...Rd2 ! 3.Qf5 g6 4.Qxf6+ Qxf6 5.exf6 +- limits White’s advantage to only a winning endgame. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 96"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/p3qpp1/2p2n2/3pb2p/3Q2B1/1PN1P3/PB3PPP/2R2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Vassily Smyslov @@StartBlockQuote@@We are delighted by great combinations and flaws are less important details. Shakhmatnaya Nedelia @@StartBracket@@2003@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@96. Vassily Smyslov – Mikhail Govbinder, Moscow 1967 } 1. Nxd5 { Threatening the queen with check. } 1... cxd5 2. Qxe5 Qxe5 3. Bxe5 { ✔ White has won a pawn with a dominant position (1–0, 24 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 97"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/pp1b3p/2p4q/3p1p2/3P2n1/2NBP1PR/PP3PK1/R2Q4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Mikhail Tal @@StartBlockQuote@@In my games I have sometimes found a combination intuitively, simply feeling that it must be there. Yet I was not able to translate my thought processes into normal human language.@@EndBlockQuote@@97. Shenreder – Mikhail Tal, Riga 1951 } 1... Qxh3+ 2. Kxh3 Nxf2+ 3. Kg2 Nxd1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 98"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3kr2/1p1b1pp1/p1n1p2p/8/4q3/1N6/PPP1BKPP/R2Q1R2 w q - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 98. Mikhail Tal – Georgi Tringov, Munich (ol) 1958 } 1. Qxd7+ Kxd7 2. Nc5+ Ke7 3. Nxe4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 99"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/5p1p/2Qb2p1/3P4/6Pn/2N1B2P/1P3P1q/3R1K2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 99. Hector Rossetto – Mikhail Tal, Portoroz 1958 } 1... Rxe3 2. fxe3 Qg2+ 3. Ke1 Nf3# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 100"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1k2r/1p3pp1/p3pn2/2p1q1N1/8/1B2P3/PPP1Q2P/2KR3R w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 100. Mikhail Tal – Pal Benko, Amsterdam 1964 } 1. Rd8+ Ke7 { The point is 1...Kxd8 2.Nxf7+ Ke7 3.Nxe5 +- ✔ } 2. Rxh8 { The game finished with: } 2... Qxg5 3. Qd2 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 101"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1pqrnp2/3p2p1/2pn2b1/P1Q3Pp/2B4P/1PP1RP2/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 101. Mikhail Tal – Naum Levin, Poti 1970 } 1. Qxd5 Nxd5 { The game move 1... Bf4 is of course hopeless as well (1–0, 41 moves) . } 2. Re8+ Kh7 3. Rh8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 102"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1p3pp1/p7/P2n1PQ1/8/8/1r3r1P/3R3K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 102. Anatoly Shmit – Mikhail Tal, Riga 1971 } 1... Rxh2+ 2. Kg1 Rbg2+ { Or 2...Rhg2+ } 3. Qxg2 { The game went 3.Kf1 Rxg5 0–1. } 3... Rxg2+ 4. Kxg2 Ne3+ 5. Kf3 Nxd1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 103"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/2qpn1pp/p1p1pr2/2b5/2P2P2/3B4/PP4PP/R1BQ1R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 103. Mikhail Tal – Nino Kirov, Novi Sad 1974 } 1. Bxh7+ { 1.Qh5 Nf5 2.g4 does not win a piece, and even loses after 2...Rh6 } 1... Kxh7 2. Qh5+ Rh6 3. Qxc5 { ✔ White has won a pawn, but it is only a flank pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 104"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rq1r2k/5Rbp/p2p1p1B/2p1p3/2P1P2Q/1P6/P5PP/3b2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 104. Mikhail Tal – Yrjo Rantanen, Tallinn 1979 } 1. Bxg7+ Kg8 2. Bh8 Kxf7 3. Qxf6+ Kg8 4. Qg7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 105"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5bk1/p2Q1p2/q4p2/4r2p/3pr3/8/PPRRNPPP/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 105. Mikhail Tal – Karen Grigorian, Yerevan 1980 } 1... Rxe2 2. Rxe2 d3 3. Rxe5 { White resigned after 3.Rc3 dxe2+ 4.Ke1 Bb4 } 3... dxc2+ { ✔ Black gets a second queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 106"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/q4pp1/4p2p/1p1r4/1PpPQ3/r1P1R1P1/4RP1P/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 106. Eduard Meduna – Mikhail Tal, Sochi 1986 } 1... Rxc3 2. Rxc3 Qa1+ 3. Kg2 Qxc3 { ✔ (0–1, 38 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 107"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qk2r/pp1n1ppb/2pbpn1p/4N3/2BP1P1P/6N1/PPP1Q1P1/R1B1K2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 107. Mikhail Tal – M. Conway, Boston (simul) 1988 } 1. Nxf7 Kxf7 { 2...Qe7 and White won after 30 moves } 2. Qxe6+ Kf8 3. Qf7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 108"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/5n1p/5qp1/1p6/3Q4/1P4PP/P3rPB1/R2R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 108. Soenke Maus – Mikhail Tal, Germany 1990 } 1... Re1+ { White resigned due to: } 2. Kh2 { 2.Rxe1 Qxd4 -+ ✔ } 2... Qxd4 3. Rxd4 Rxa1 { ✔ The game will appear again later in the book. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 109"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/1p5p/p1pqn1p1/3p1p2/PP1P1P2/1Q1RP3/4B1PP/1R4K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Tigran Petrosian @@StartBlockQuote@@In general I consider that in chess everything rests on tactics. If one thinks of strategy as a block of marble, then tactics are the chisel with which a master operates, in creating works of chess art.@@EndBlockQuote@@109. Tigran Petrosian – Alexander Konstantinopolsky, Moscow 1947 } 1... Nxf4 2. exf4 Rxe2 { ✔ Black is clearly better, but White managed to hold (41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 110"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/p2r1p2/4b1p1/qPp1R2p/P1p4P/8/5PP1/Q3RBK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 110. Tigran Petrosian – Genrikh Kasparian, Tbilisi 1949 } 1. Bxc4 { Black cannot take the bishop due to: } 1... Bxc4 { 1...Rd6 2.Bxe6 was just hopeless (1–0, 41 moves) . } 2. Re8+ Rxe8 3. Rxe8+ Kh7 4. Rh8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 111"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/5qpp/pp2r3/2p2b2/nPPp1PP1/P4Q2/3N3P/R3RBK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 111. Tigran Petrosian – Efim Geller, Moscow 1950 } 1... Bxg4 2. Qxg4 { Petrosian fought on with 2.Qg3 -+ but he regretted 1.g4? for sure (0–1, 38 moves) . } 2... Rg6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 112"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1q1rbpp1/7p/1p1p1P2/1P2p1P1/P1Q5/4B2P/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 112. Abram Poliak – Tigran Petrosian, Moscow 1951 } 1... d4 2. Rxd4 { 2.Qe1 d3 -+ and the pawn supported by pieces is too strong. } 2... Qb6 { ✔ Or 2...Qa7 -+ But not 2...Bf6? 3.Rxd7! =+ If you chose a slower way to advance the pawn on the 1st move, such as 1... Bf6 or 1... Qa7+, you also get full points. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 113"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1b1k1/r1N2p1p/1p2p1pn/p2pP3/1b1P2P1/1P3N1P/P1R2P2/2R2BK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 113. Tigran Petrosian – A. Koliakov, Moscow 1951 } 1. Nxd5 { 1.Ba6?! Rd8 += } 1... Rxc2 2. Nf6+ { Getting out of Dodge before recapturing the rook. } 2... Kf8 3. Rxc2 { ✔ In addition to an extra pawn, White’s pieces are much stronger, for instance the bishop on e8 is dominated (1–0, 33 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 114"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/2n1q2p/b1n1p1p1/pp1pPpN1/P1pP1N1P/2P3P1/1P3PB1/R2QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 114. Tigran Petrosian – Gedeon Barcza, Saltsjobaden 1952 } 1. Nfxe6 { +- There are a few alternatives with the same idea: 1.Ngxe6 +- Or 1.axb5 Bxb5 2.Ngxe6 +- } 1... Nxe6 2. Bxd5 { ✔ Since the c6-knight cannot retreat on account of the a8-rook, White is regaining at least the piece, with a winning position (1–0, 30 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 115"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1n1k/3P3p/pp3q2/2pQp3/P1P3B1/3b2R1/1P5P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 115. Iivo Nei – Tigran Petrosian, Moscow 1960 } 1. Qg8+ { Black resigned, rather than face: } 1... Kxg8 2. Be6+ Kh8 3. Rg8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 116"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/5r1p/p2N4/nppP2q1/2P5/1P2N3/PQ5P/7K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 116. Tigran Petrosian – Boris Spassky, Moscow (10) 1966 } 1. Qh8+ { In the game, Black resigned. He is a piece down after: } 1... Kxh8 2. Nxf7+ Kg7 3. Nxg5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 117"] [Result "*"] [FEN "Q7/2r2rpk/2p4p/7N/3PpN2/1p2P3/1K4R1/5q2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 117. Tigran Petrosian – Dragoslav Tomic, Vinkovci 1970 } 1. Rxg7+ { 1.Qe8 eyes the pawn on e4, but wins only because White has the same rook sacrifice later. But not: 1.Nf6+?? Rxf6 -+ } 1... Rxg7 2. Nf6# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 118"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/p3p2p/1p2Pp2/2p2P2/2P1nBr1/1P6/P6P/3R1R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 118. Dragoljub Janosevic – Tigran Petrosian, Lone Pine 1978 } 1... Rg1+ { White resigned due to: } 2. Rxg1 Nf2# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 119"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/pr1r3p/6p1/2p1pk2/3b2N1/1P4P1/P2R1PKP/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 119. Tigran Petrosian – Borislav Ivkov, Teslic 1979 } 1. Rxd4 { Black resigned as it’s mate: } 1... Rxd4 2. Rxe5+ Kxg4 3. f3# { ✔ Or 3.h3# } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 120"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/pp1b2pp/4q3/n7/3Rp3/P7/5QPP/2B2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 120. Tigran Petrosian – Ljubomir Ljubojevic, Niksic 1983 } 1. Rxe4 Qxe4 { 1...Qg6 +- is hopeless for Black when he has lost his only trump, the passed e-pawn (1–0, 28 moves) . } 2. Qf7+ Kh8 3. Qf8+ Rxf8 4. Rxf8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 121"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq1rk1/pp2ppbp/2n3p1/2pn4/3p1P2/NP2PN2/PBPPB1PP/3RQRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Boris Spassky @@StartBlockQuote@@I had a good feeling for the critical moments of the play. This undoubtedly compensated for my lack of opening preparation and, possibly, not altogether perfect play in the endgame.@@EndBlockQuote@@121. John Spencer Purdy – Boris Spassky, Antwerp 1955 } 1... d3 { And } 2. Bxg7 dxe2 { ✔ is an intermediate move that wins a piece. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 122"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/4r1k1/4qp2/1p6/3R4/P1N2QPp/1PP2K1P/4r3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 122. Yuri Averbakh – Boris Spassky, Moscow 1961 } 1... Rf1+ { Other moves are obviously also winning, but mate-in-two should be seen and played here. } 2. Kxf1 Qe1# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 123"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/pbpq4/1p5p/4PpP1/P2p4/2P2Q2/2P2P2/R1B1KB1R w KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 123. Boris Spassky – Mikhail Shofman, Leningrad 1962 } 1. Ba6 Bxa6 { Shofman played 2...c6 but was simply a piece down after 2.Bxb7+ } 2. Qa8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 124"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/4r1p1/p2k1p1p/1bNp3P/3P1K2/2P2P2/6P1/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 124. Boris Spassky – Alexander Korelov, Yerevan 1962 } 1. Nxa6 { Neatly picking up a pawn due to: } 1... Bxa6 2. Rb6+ Kd7 3. Rxa6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 125"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4kb1r/1br4p/p3p1p1/1p3R2/1n2p3/PNN1B3/1PP3PP/2R3K1 w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 125. Boris Spassky – Zvonko Vranesic, Amsterdam 1964 } 1. Rxf8+ Rxf8 2. axb4 { ✔ The two pieces easily outshine the rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 126"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/4k1p1/1p2pp1p/p6P/2n1PN2/4qPP1/1P4K1/3Q4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 126. Borislav Ivkov – Boris Spassky, Santa Monica 1966 } 1... Qxf4 { There is a fork on e3 coming up. } 2. gxf4 Ne3+ 3. Kg3 Nxd1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 127"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/5r1k/p3Npp1/4p3/3nP3/4QP2/PP2q1P1/1KR5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 127. Boris Spassky – Viktor Korchnoi, Kiev 1968 } 1. Qh6+ { Korchnoi did not let his opponent execute the mate: } 1... Kxh6 { Or 1...Kg8 2.Rc8+ Rf8 3.Rxf8# } 2. Rh1# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 128"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3Rb3/6kp/6p1/3P1p2/3q4/Q5PP/P1r1r1B1/6RK b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 128. Robert Hartoch – Boris Spassky, Amsterdam 1970 Black is winning with many moves, but only one is a forced mate: } 1... Qxg1+ 2. Kxg1 Rxg2+ 3. Kh1 Rh2+ 4. Kg1 Rcg2+ 5. Kf1 Bb5+ 6. Ke1 Rh1# { ✔ Or 6.Rg1# } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 129"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2nk1/p2q1pp1/1p2b2p/3p4/3P1P2/4R1P1/PP1Q3P/1B2R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 129. Boris Spassky – Lajos Portisch, Geneva 1977 } 1. f5 Bxf5 2. Re7 { ✔ The queen can no longer defend the bishop } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 130"] [Result "*"] [FEN "b2r4/p4Brk/1pqp1Qp1/2p2pPp/5P2/3P4/PP5P/2B1RRK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 130. Boris Spassky – A. Hoffmann, Lugano 1982 It’s mate in five moves: } 1. Bxg6+ { 1.Re2 is winning as well thanks to the continued threat of Bxg6+. } 1... Rxg6 2. Re7+ Kg8 3. Qxg6+ { Or 3.Qf7+ Kh8 3.Qh7# } 3... Kf8 4. Qg7# { ✔ Or 4.Qf7# } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 131"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kn3r/pp1b4/2n1p1p1/q2pP1P1/2pN1P2/P1P3K1/2PB4/R2Q3B b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 131. Boris Spassky – Andreas Dueckstein, Zurich 1984 } 1... Rxh1 { Black gets two pieces for the rook after: } 2. Qxh1 Nxd4 3. cxd4 Qxd2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 132"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7k/8/7P/6K1/6Q1/6P1/7q/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 132. Zoltan Ribli – Boris Spassky, Montpellier 1985 } 1... Qxh6+ { 1... Qd2+ is the complicated way to draw (zero points) . The queen endgame with g- and h-pawns is generally drawn with the defending king in front of the pawns. It surprised the whole Swedish team when we learned this at the 2016 Olympiad in Baku. However, 1...Qd2+ should lose in a practical game. First, Black has to find 2.Qf4 Qd8+ 3.Qf6+ Kh7! 4.Qxd8 with stalemate } 2. Kxh6 { ✔ Stalemate! 2.Kf5 keeps the game going, but it’s an easy draw anyway. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 133"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/pp5p/2pp4/2n3q1/2b2p1R/2N3P1/PP1QPPB1/2KR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 133. Boris Spassky – Marc Santo-Roman, Montpellier 1991 } 1... Bxa2 { White is lost due to: } 2. Nxa2 Nb3+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 134"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2q4k/p6p/6p1/5p2/5P1P/1Bb2QP1/Pr6/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Robert Fischer @@StartBlockQuote@@Tactics flow from a superior position. My 60 Memorable Games @@StartBracket@@1969@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@134. Robert Fischer – J.S. Bennett, USA 1957 } 1. Rd8+ { Deflection. But not 1.Rc1?? Bd4+–+ } 1... Qxd8 2. Qxc3+ Qf6 3. Qxf6# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 135"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/5rbp/pp3np1/3P4/1B1N1R2/8/P5PP/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 135. E. Buerger – Robert Fischer, Milwaukee 1957 } 1... Nxd5 2. Ne6 { 2.Rxf7 Bxd4+ 3.Kh1 Nxb4–+ ✔ } 2... Nxf4 { White resigned after: } 3. Rxf4 Rxf4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 136"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqr1k1/p1p2ppp/3b1n2/2P3B1/8/2NQ1N2/PP3PPP/R4RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 136. Theodor Ghitescu – Robert Fischer, Leipzig (ol) 1960 } 1... Bxh2+ { ✔ Discovered attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 137"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/2p3b1/3p2qp/p1PPp3/4Rn2/P5Q1/3B1NPP/2R3K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 137. Samuel Reshevsky – Robert Fischer, Los Angeles 1961 } 1... Qxe4 2. Nxe4 Ne2+ 3. Kh1 Nxg3+ { ✔ Black should be winning with the extra exchange, but failed to convert (½–½, 57 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 138"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1rk1/pp3pb1/3p2pB/n4P2/4pP2/1BNQ4/PKP3P1/3R3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 138. Robert Fischer – S. Purevzhav, Varna (ol) 1962 } 1. Bxg7 exd3 { The game ended after 1...Kxg7 2.Nxe4 when either White’s attack or his extra piece would have been enough on their own. } 2. f6 { Or 2.Bd4 +- } 2... dxc2 3. Rh8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 139"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rr4k1/1q3p2/4b2p/p2n2p1/2B5/Q3P3/PP1R1PPP/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 139. Mario Bertok – Robert Fischer, Stockholm 1962 } 1... Nxe3 { Black is a piece up, but there is still work to be done. Fischer decided the game on the spot. } 2. Qxe3 { 2.Bxe6 Qxg2# ✔ } 2... Bxc4 { ✔ (0–1, 31 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 140"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1rk1/ppp1qpp1/2p1b2p/4P3/3nNQ1P/5N2/PPP2PP1/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 140. Robert Fischer – John Fuller, Bay City 1963 White exploits Black’s last move ...Nd4 with a simple discovered attack. } 1. Nxd4 { 1.Nf6+? Qxf6 ! and White has to play 2.Qxd4 ∓ } 1... Rxd4 2. Nf6+ Qxf6 3. Qxd4 { White has a clear advantage and the game ended abruptly after a further blunder by Black: } 3... Rd8 4. Qe4 Bd5 5. Qxd5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 141"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2brrbk1/2q2p1p/p4np1/1ppPp3/4P3/BP2N1P1/P3QPBP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 141. Robert Fischer – J. Richburg, Detroit (simul) 1964 } 1. Bxc5 Bxc5 { The game saw 1...Qb8 +- } 2. b4 { ✔ } 2... Nd7 { But it is simply bad: } 3. bxc5 Nxc5 4. Qc2 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 142"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/ppp1bppp/2N2n2/7q/6b1/2P5/PP1NBPPP/R1B1QRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 142. Robert Fischer – Robert Byrne, New York 1965 } 1... Bd6 { Moving the threatened piece out of danger with a dangerous threat. Not 1...bxc6 2. Bxg4= Or 1...Bxe2? 2.Nxe7+± } 2. h3 Bxe2 3. Nd4 Bxf1 { ✔ (0–1, 36 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 143"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1nq1n2/3b2k1/p2p1p1R/Pp1Pp1p1/1Pp1P1P1/2P1BPN1/2BQ2K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 143. Robert Fischer – Svetozar Gligoric, Zagreb 1970 } 1. Rxf6 { Taking the rook loses the queen, so Black resigned. Instead if White had retreated the rook with, for example, 1. Rh3 then he would still have some work to do, although 1–0 does seem the most probable result (no points) . } 1... Qxf6 { 2...Kxf6 3.Bxg5+ +– ✔ } 2. Nh5+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 144"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rbk1/3Q1ppp/3p4/3P4/5q2/B7/P5PP/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 144. Samuel Reshevsky – Robert Fischer, Palma de Mallorca 1970 } 1... Qd4+ { 1...Qe3+ 2.Rf2 2.Kh1 Qf2–+ 2...Re7! 3.Qa4 Ra7! will also win. } 2. Kh1 { 2.Rf2 Re1# ✔ } 2... Qf2 { -+ ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 145"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b5/5pk1/1p1p3p/3Pq1p1/PQ2Pn2/5P2/5RPP/3R3K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 145. Svetozar Gligoric – Robert Fischer, Palma de Mallorca 1970 } 1... Nd3 { An unexpected fork after White’s last move 1. Rf1-f2?. } 2. Qxb6 { 2.Rxd3 Qa1+ ✔ mating. } 2... Nxf2+ 3. Qxf2 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 146"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/7p/p2Q4/1p2r3/8/4NP1q/PPP4P/5R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Anatoly Karpov @@StartBlockQuote@@Blunders rarely travel alone.@@EndBlockQuote@@146. Vladimir Peresipkin – Anatoly Karpov, Rostov on Don 1971 } 1... Qxh2+ { The only winning move. 0–1 } 2. Kxh2 Rh5# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 147"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2b1k1/R4nqp/4p3/1pR5/1P1P1r2/5N2/1Q2B1P1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 147. Anatoly Karpov – Michael Franklin, Hastings 1972 } 1. Rg5 { Using the fact that the knight on f7 is pinned. } 1... Qxg5 { 1...Nxg5 2.Rxg7+ Kxg7 3.Nxg5+– ✔ and White is up too much material. } 2. Nxg5 { ✔ } 2... Nxg5 3. d5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 148"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rb1qk1/1b4pp/3p4/1P2pr2/2n2PB1/2NQ2P1/P1N4P/R2R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 148. Ilkka Saren – Anatoly Karpov, Skopje (ol) 1972 } 1... Bb6+ { The move order 1...Rxf4 doesn’t work as well: 2.Be6+! Kh8 3.Nd5 ± Even worse is: 1...Nb2? 2.Qxf5 ± } 2. Kf1 Rxf4+ 3. gxf4 Qxf4+ { ✔ Black has a mating attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 149"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/2b2k1p/pp1P3r/2p3p1/6P1/1P2R2P/5P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 149. Anatoly Karpov – Viktor Kupreichik, Moscow 1976 } 1. Re7+ { The only way to promote the pawn. And not: 1.dxc7? Rc6 ∓ } 1... Kf8 { 1...Kf6 2.dxc7+– ✔ } 2. dxc7 Rc6 3. Rd7 { Karpov chose a slower way: 3.Rxh7 Ke8 4.h4+– } 3... Ke8 4. Rd8+ Ke7 5. c8=Q Rxc8 6. Rxc8 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 150"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3rnk1/1N3ppp/1p6/p1Pp2q1/8/6P1/PP2PPBP/2R1Q1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 150. Lajos Portisch – Anatoly Karpov, Moscow 1977 } 1... Rxe2 2. Qxe2 Qxc1+ { The game had a quick finish: } 3. Qf1 Qd2 4. cxb6 Rc8 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 151"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/6k1/1P1p2p1/3Ppn2/3q4/8/6PP/rR2QB1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 151. Anatoly Karpov – Mark Taimanov, Leningrad 1977 } 1... Ng3+ { White resigned in view of } 2. hxg3 Ra8 { ✔ with mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 152"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/7R/2r5/8/P3n3/8/3nk1PP/R5K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 152. Viktor Korchnoi – Anatoly Karpov, Baguio City (17) 1978 } 1... Nf3+ { Mate is coming up: } 2. gxf3 Rg6+ 3. Kh1 Nf2# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 153"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rrk2/R4ppB/7p/1p2N1q1/nPbP1p2/2PQ1P2/6PP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 153. Anatoly Karpov – Efim Geller, Moscow 1983 } 1. Qxc4 { Black resigned instead of permitting: } 1... bxc4 2. Rxf7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 154"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5kr1/5p2/8/1Q1bPp2/8/P5P1/q1rBBK1P/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 154. Anatoly Karpov – Simen Agdestein, Oslo 1984 } 1. Qxd5 { Move order is important here. 1.Bh6+ Ke7± 2.Rxd5? 2.Qb4+ Kd7 3.Rd2 Rxd2 3.Bxd2 Rg6± (2... Rxe2+!=) Or 1.Qb4+!? Kg7 2.Qh4 Re8!± still with great chances against Black’s exposed king. } 1... Qxd5 2. Bh6+ { 2.Bb4+? Qc5+ = } 2... Ke7 3. Rxd5 { ✔ (1–0, 38 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 155"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rrnk1/1bq2pp1/ppnppb1p/8/2P1PPQ1/1PN2N2/PB4PP/1B1R1R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 155. Anatoly Karpov – Anthony Miles, Brussels 1986 } 1. Nd5 { 1.Nb5 is a worse variant since the queen can escape to e7, but it still gives a winning advantage: 1...Qe7 2.Bxf6 Qxf6 3.Nxd6+– (full points) } 1... Bxb2 { 2...exd5 3.Bxf6 Ng6 3.Bxd8+– ✔ } 2. Nxc7 { ✔ (1–0, 40 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 156"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1n3rk1/p2pQpp1/4q2p/1r6/4B3/4P1P1/P4P1P/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 156. Anatoly Karpov – Viktor Gavrikov, Moscow 1988 } 1. Bh7+ { Deflection. } 1... Kxh7 2. Qxf8 { ✔ (1–0, 40 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 157"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4R3/p4pk1/5qpp/1PnP4/3Q3P/6P1/r1r1BPK1/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 157. Anatoly Karpov – Nigel Short, Linares (7) 1992 } 1. Rg8+ { Deflection. } 1... Kxg8 2. Qxf6 { ✔ (1–0, 45 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 158"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rrk1/1p1n1pb1/2ppq1p1/p3p1Bp/P1P1P2P/2NP2P1/1P2QPK1/3R1R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 158. Alexander Chernin – Anatoly Karpov, Tilburg 1992 } 1. Nd5 { Exploiting the claustrophobic queen on e6. } 1... Nc5 { Black’s alternatives are no better: 1...cxd5 2.cxd5+– ✔ 1...Rb8 2.Nc7+– ✔ Or 1...Rc8 2.Ne7+± ✔ } 2. Nc7 Qd7 3. Nxe8 { ✔ Karpov saved a draw (42 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 159"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3rbk1/1b3Npp/1q1p2n1/2pP4/5R2/1PN3Q1/4P1BP/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 159. Anatoly Karpov – Valery Salov, Linares 1993 } 1. Qxg6 { 1–0 White was winning anyway, but this is too nice to pass up. } 1... hxg6 2. Rh4 { And 3 Rh8 mate ✔ is unavoidable. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 160"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5nk1/1b1qQpp1/p3p3/3pP1N1/3P3P/1p1B4/1P3PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 160. Anatoly Karpov – Loek van Wely, Monte Carlo 1997 } 1. Bh7+ { Deflecting the knight or king. } 1... Nxh7 { 1...Kh8 2.Qxf8# ✔ } 2. Qxd7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 161"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r2k/3n2bB/2p1NqQ1/2Pp4/5B2/r6P/5PP1/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 161. Anatoly Karpov – Eric Lobron, Frankfurt 1997 } 1... Rxe6 { Clearing the back rank in order to force the king to h2, so the bishop falls with check. } 2. Rxe6 Ra1+ { 2...Qxf4?! 3.Re8+ Nf8 4.Qh5 ∓ } 3. Kh2 Qxf4+ { ✔ (0–1, 46 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 162"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b4k/p3q2p/2p1p3/2PpPpr1/3P3Q/4P2B/3b1B1P/R6K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 162. Anatoly Karpov – Mikhail Gurevich, Cap d’Agde 2000 } 1... Bxe3 { Using the fact that pins can sometimes become discovered attacks instead. } 2. Bxe3 { 2.Bg2 Bxf2 3.Qxf2 ∓ } 2... Rg1+ 3. Rxg1 Qxh4 4. Bg5 Qe4+ 5. Bg2 Qxd4 { After } 6. Bf6+ Kg8 { There is no good discovered check (0–1, 50 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 163"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7r/3b1pk1/2p2qp1/8/1P1bNP2/r2B4/3Q2PP/2R2R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 163. Anatoly Karpov – Alexei Shirov, Bastia (rapid) 2003 } 1... Rxh2+ { White resigned due to: } 2. Kxh2 Qh4# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 164"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r1r4/5ppk/1p5p/2b1Pp1Q/8/q7/3B1PPP/2RR2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 164. Andrei Istratescu – Anatoly Karpov, Bucharest (rapid) 2005 } 1... Rxd2 2. Rxd2 { After the game move 2.Qh4–+ Black has simply won a piece, so White resigned in a couple of moves. } 2... Qxc1+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 165"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4kr2/p1Bbpp2/1p4p1/n6p/2B1P2P/2K2P2/P2R2P1/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 165. Anatoly Karpov – Alexei Shirov, Tallinn (rapid) 2006 } 1. Bb5 { Black resigned instead of allowing: } 1... Bxb5 2. Rd8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 166"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2n2k2/2b2pp1/2p1pnp1/2Pp2N1/3P1PP1/3BP2P/3BK3/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 166. Anatoly Karpov – Evgenij Agrest, Tallinn (rapid) 2006 } 1. Bxg6 Bxf4 { 1...fxg6 2.Nxe6+ Ke7 3.Nxc7+– ✔ } 2. exf4 { Or 2.Nxf7+– Or 2.Nxe6+ fxe6 3.exf4+– } 2... fxg6 3. Nxe6+ { 1–0, 69 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 167"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/pb1p1Rpq/2n1p1Q1/1p2P3/3P2P1/P7/1P1K4/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 167. Anatoly Karpov – Ehsan Ghaem Maghami, Teheran 2009 } 1. Rf8+ { Deflection. Worse is 1.Qxh7+ Kxh7 2.Rxd7± } 1... Rxf8 2. Rxf8+ Kxf8 3. Qxh7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 168"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k1r1q1r/2p2ppp/Qp6/3b1N2/8/P5P1/1P3P1P/2R2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Garry Kasparov @@StartBlockQuote@@Tactics involve calculations that can tax the human brain, but when you boil them down, they are actually the simplest part of chess and are almost trivial compared to strategy. How Life Imitates Chess @@StartBracket@@2007@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@168. Garry Kasparov – Vladimir Antoshin, Baku 1980 } 1. Rxc7 { 1.Nd4 threatens 2. Nb5 with mate, but Black can defend after 1...Qe7 2.Nb5 c6± } 1... Kxc7 2. Qa7+ { ✔ With the rook coming to c1, the attack will be deadly. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 169"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/4qp2/1B4pp/2R1b3/P2Nb3/1P2Q3/r4PPP/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 169. Vladimir Tukmakov – Garry Kasparov, Frunze 1981 } 1... Qxc5 { ✔ The back-rank mate threat means Black has simply won a rook, leaving him easily winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 170"] [Result "*"] [FEN "R3n1k1/7p/3prppB/1p2p3/1P2P2Q/7P/5PPK/1q6 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 170. Garry Kasparov – Comp Mephisto 68000, Hamburg (simul) 1985 } 1. Rxe8+ Rxe8 { Instead Black soon lost after 1...Kf7 +- } 2. Qxf6 { ✔ White is winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 171"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rr4/pp4kp/6p1/3nNp2/2B5/2n3P1/P2R1PKP/R7 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 171. Lajos Portisch – Garry Kasparov, Linares 1990 } 1... Ne3+ { ✔ A discovered attack, which could also be executed with 1...Nf4+–+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 172"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/ppr2Npp/2q1Pp2/3n4/8/6Q1/P5PP/3R1R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 172. Garry Kasparov – Matthias Wahls, Baden-Baden 1992 } 1. Rxd5 Qxd5 2. Qxc7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 173"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r7/5kpp/2p1pq2/1bP2p2/p4Q2/5BP1/PP3P1P/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 173. Garry Kasparov – Jacek Dubiel, Katowice (simul) 1993 } 1. Bxc6 Bxc6 2. Qc7+ Qe7 3. Qxc6 { ✔ White is a pawn up with good winning chances. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 174"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/1p3pkp/pb2p1p1/8/4P2P/1N4P1/P1R1KP2/7r b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 174. Yannick Pelletier – Garry Kasparov, Zurich 2001 } 1... Bxf2 { Winning a second pawn due to: } 2. Kxf2 Rh2+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 175"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/pp1b4/4p3/3pPk2/5P2/8/1K6/3R2R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 175. Garry Kasparov – Alexei Shirov, Astana 2001 } 1. Rd4 { ✔ Mating. 1.Rg7 is a useless intermediate move that allows Black to defend with 1...Be8 2.Rd4 Bg6 ± } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 176"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2r2k1/1p1n1bpp/1pp1pp2/8/Pb1PP1P1/1BNRBP1P/1P3K2/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Alexander Khalifman @@StartBlockQuote@@Never play for the win, never play for the draw, just play chess!@@EndBlockQuote@@176. Ashot Anastasian – Alexander Khalifman, Minsk 1986 } 1... Nc5 { The pin allows this fork. } 2. dxc5 Rxd3 { ✔ (0–1, 36 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 177"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/1R3pbp/4p1k1/5p2/8/2N2P2/1P1r1P1P/4K3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 177. Jaan Ehlvest – Alexander Khalifman, Rakvere 1993 } 1... Rxb2 { Picking up a pawn with a small tactic gives Black a winning endgame. } 2. Rxb2 { Instead, White tried to fight with 2.Nb5–+ but in the end it proved fruitless (0–1, 53 moves) . } 2... Bxc3+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 178"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k1r/ppq3b1/8/3Pp2p/3n4/7Q/PP3PPP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 178. Alexander Khalifman – Nukhim Rashkovsky, Moscow 1995 White is obviously much better, but cleanest is: } 1. Rxd4 { Black resigned in view of: } 1... exd4 2. Qf5+ Qf7 3. Qc8+ Qe8 4. Qxe8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 179"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3qn1k/pp3pp1/2b1p2p/4P1BP/2B3Q1/8/PPP3P1/2K1R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 179. Alexander Khalifman – Gennadi Sosonko, St Petersburg 1997 } 1. Bf6 { The king is too exposed after: } 1... gxf6 2. exf6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 180"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/1b3p1p/pp4p1/4PqP1/3NpP2/1P2Q2P/P6K/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 180. Lenka Ptacnikova – Alexander Khalifman, Stockholm 1997 } 1... Rxd4 { -+ ✔ Black wins back the rook on c1, so he has just won a piece, and will break through easily. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 181"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1rk/p3q2p/3p1n1Q/3P4/Pp1n1P2/3BN2R/1PPK1P2/R7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 181. Alexander Khalifman – Viktor Kupreichik, Stockholm 1997 } 1. Qxf6+ { Other moves take longer to win. } 1... Qxf6 2. Rxh7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 182"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/1pq3p1/p1p3Qp/P1n1p3/8/RbN1P1P1/1P2P1BP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 182. Alexander Khalifman – Christian Gabriel, Bad Wiessee 1998 } 1. Rxb3 { Black resigned since } 1... Nxb3 2. Qe6+ Kb8 3. Qxb3 { ✔ is winning, although it wouldn’t have hurt to fight on. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 183"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1rk1/1p4bp/4p1p1/p2p1bP1/P2N4/2PnB3/QP4BP/R5RK b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 183. Roman Slobodjan – Alexander Khalifman, Germany 1999 } 1... Qxg5 { Picking up this pawn increases the advantage considerably. } 2. Bxg5 { White tried to fight on with 2.Rge1 but resigned a few moves later. } 2... Nf2# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 184"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k4r/pp3p2/1np3q1/2Q3p1/3R4/1P2P1P1/P4PB1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 184. Alexander Khalifman – Ivan Bukavshin, Moscow 2011 } 1. Bh3+ { ✔ If the king moves, 2 Qe5+ picks up the rook on h8 (and mates) . If the bishop is taken then 2 Qf8+ mates. And finally, anything put in the way will just be taken. Not 1.Rd6? Qb1+ 2.Bf1 Qh7 3.Bg2 Qb1+ = } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 185"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/p1q2n1p/6p1/2Ppp3/8/2Q2NPP/P4PB1/1R3RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Vladimir Kramnik @@StartBlockQuote@@Chess is like body-building. If you train every day, you stay in top shape. It is the same with your brain – chess is a matter of daily training@@EndBlockQuote@@185. Vladimir Kramnik – Dmitry Reinderman, Wijk aan Zee (blitz) 1999 } 1. Nxe5 Nxe5 2. Bxd5+ { ✔ Winning the rook on a8. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 186"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r6/RP5p/P1kp4/2n2p2/8/4PKP1/5P1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 186. Vladimir Kramnik – Etienne Bacrot, Moscow (blitz) 2007 } 1. Ra8 Kc7 { 1...Nxa6 2.Rxa6+ leaves White with an easily winning endgame. } 2. a7 Rxb7 3. Rc8+ { ✔ The pawn promotes. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 187"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qk2r/3bb1pp/5p2/1p1Q4/1pNP4/4P3/PB4PP/R4RK1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 187. Vladimir Kramnik – Levon Aronian, Moscow (blitz) 2009 The knight seems to be forced back, but can instead go forward to seemingly protected squares. } 1. Ne5 Rf8 { 1...fxe5? 2.Qf7# } 2. Nxd7 { +- ✔ Black can’t take back since it would leave the rook on a8 unprotected (1–0, 23 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 188"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k1r1/p4p1p/3bpBp1/3p1b2/5P2/3BP2P/PP4P1/1K1R3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 188. Vladimir Kramnik – Anish Giri, Leuven (blitz) 2016 } 1. e4 { The bishop on d6 becomes exposed. } 1... Bxe4 { 1...dxe4 2.Bb5+ Kf8 3.Rxd6+– ✔ } 2. Bxe4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 189"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r2k/6b1/8/p2R3p/1pP1p1Nq/8/PP3P1P/3Q3K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Viswanathan Anand @@StartBlockQuote@@In any match, there are few critical moments where there’s no second-best decision. The rest of the moves are intuitive.@@EndBlockQuote@@189. Viswanathan Anand – Eric Lobron, Dortmund 1996 } 1. Nf6 { 1–0 With winning threats on h5. But not 1.Ne3?! Be5± } 1... Qxf6 { 1...Bxf6 2.Rxh5+ +- } 2. Qxh5+ Kg8 3. Qxe8+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 190"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r4k/2q4p/p2bPp2/1p6/6QP/3B4/PPP5/1K4R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 190. Viswanathan Anand – Ruslan Ponomariov, Mainz 2002 } 1. e7 { ✔ 1-0 The only defence against 2. Qg7# leaves the rook on c8 undefended. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 191"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3n4/2p2pk1/3r2p1/6Np/1P1q3P/4QR2/5PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 191. Viswanathan Anand – Pascal Charbonneau, Calvia (ol) 2004 } 1. Rxf7+ { The variation goes: } 1... Nxf7 2. Ne6+ Rxe6 3. Qxd4+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 192"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1q2rk1/3bpp1p/3p2p1/3P4/Pnn1P3/2N2NP1/1R1Q1PB1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 192. Magnus Carlsen – Viswanathan Anand, Reykjavik (blitz) 2006 } 1. Qh6 { White removes the queen from danger with a mating threat, leaving the knight on b4 to face the gallows. } 1... f6 { 2...Nxb2 3.Ng5+– ✔ } 2. Rxb4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 193"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2rk1/p4ppp/1p6/2b5/5Pn1/1Q2PR1P/P5P1/R1B1qBK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 193. Roman Skomorokhin – Viswanathan Anand, Bastia 2014 } 1... Nxe3 { ✔ 1...Bxe3+? 2.Bxe3 wins for White. } 2. Rxe3 { Other moves are no better: 2.Bxe3 Qxa1–+ Or 2...Bxe3+ 3.Qxe3 Qxa1–+ White is so tied up that basically any move wins by eventually bringing one rook into the action. } 2... Rfe8 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 194"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/2p5/5qp1/1Pb1p2p/4B2P/3P2P1/4QPK1/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 194. Viswanathan Anand – Jon Ludvig Hammer, Stavanger 2015 } 1. Bxg6 { Winning two more pawns, bringing the total to an overwhelming three. } 1... Qxg6 2. Qxe5+ Kg8 3. Qxc5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 195"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kB2r1/p3R3/q1p3r1/bp2Qp2/2PP3p/1P4P1/P4P2/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Ruslan Ponomariov @@StartBlockQuote@@In general, I grew up as a chess player on books. My first computer appeared when I’d already become a grandmaster. Chess in Translation @@StartBracket@@2011@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@195. Ruslan Ponomariov – Stuart Conquest, Torshavn 2000 } 1. Rc7+ { 1.Qxf5+ Kb8 2.Bxa5 Ka8! ∞ } 1... Kb8 { 1...Kxd8 2.Qe7# ✔ Or 1...Bxc7 2.Qxc7# ✔ } 2. Rxc6+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 196"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3k2/2p3Rp/2b5/p1Pp2p1/P2B1pq1/2PB2P1/7P/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 196. Ruslan Ponomariov – Evgeny Bareev, Moscow (4) 2001 } 1. Rxf4+ { ✔ Winning the queen. 1.Bxh7 keeps the threat of Rxf4+, but Black can fight on with 1...Qh3± 1.Rxh7 allows 2...Rb2! = } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 197"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/5rpp/4Qn2/3p4/1q1P4/1p2P2P/6P1/3B1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 197. Boris Grachev – Ruslan Ponomariov, Moscow (blitz) 2010 } 1. Bh5 { Exploiting all the pins! 1.Rxf6!? gxf6 2.Bh5 Qb7 3.Bxf7+ Qxf7 4.Qb6± gives Black good drawing chances in a queen ending a pawn down. } 1... g6 { 1...Nxh5 2.Qxf7+ ✔ 2...Kh8 3.Qe8+ Qf8 4.Rxf8# Or 1...Qf8 2.Bxf7++– } 2. Rxf6 { In the game, Black resigned in a few moves: } 2... Qb7 3. Bd1 b2 4. Qe8+ Kg7 5. Qxf7+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 198"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/7p/8/1p3R2/pN6/P1n2B1P/4brPK/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 198. Ruslan Ponomariov – Vassily Ivanchuk, Khanty-Mansiysk (2) 2011 } 1... Bxf3 { Winning the g2-pawn and an exchange. 1...Rgxg2+ 2.Bxg2 Rxf5 is too kind: 3.Rc1 ∓ } 2. Rxf3 Rgxg2+ 3. Kh1 Rh2+ 4. Kg1 Ne2+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 199"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/p2b2pp/1pqr4/2p1R3/4P3/P1Q3PP/1P4BK/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 199. Ruslan Ponomariov – Sergei Rublevsky, Khanty-Mansiysk (blitz) 2013 } 1. Re7 { +- ✔ Threatening mate, and both defences end up losing the bishop. } 1... Rd4 { 2...Rg6 3.Rdxd7+– } 2. Rxd4 cxd4 3. Qxd4 { Double attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 200"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/p2q1pbp/6p1/3Q2B1/8/5P2/PP4PP/R2R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Rustam Kasimdzhanov @@StartBlockQuote@@Sometimes tactics are born out of need. The strategic character of this position is such that if you do not find something, then strategically you are lost. The Path to Tactical Strength @@StartBracket@@2011@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@200. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Dmitry Kaiumov, Tashkent 1993 } 1... Re1+ { Deflection. } 2. Rxe1 { 2.Kf2 Qxd5 3.Rxd5 Rxa1–+ ✔ } 2... Qxd5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 201"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/pp4qn/3p1ppQ/2pPp3/4P1N1/1P2P2R/1PP3PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 201. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Eduard Grinshpun, Tashkent 1993 } 1. Qxh7+ Qxh7 2. Nxf6+ { ✔ White wins a piece. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 202"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r2k/p4rp1/1pb3qp/3NB3/2P1Q2n/1P1R4/1P4PP/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 202. Andranik Matikozian – Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Szeged 1994 } 1... Rxe5 { The white queen is doubly pinned and is needed to protect g2. } 2. Qxh4 { 2.Qxe5 Qxg2# ✔ or 2...Qxd3–+ And 2.Qxg6 Rxe1# ✔ or 2...Nxg6–+ } 2... Rxe1+ { Or 2...Qxd3–+ } 3. Qxe1 Qxd3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 203"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b3k1/r2r1pp1/p3p2p/1pq1P3/4B2Q/2P5/P4PPP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 203. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Y.M.A. Kalandar Khaled, Macau 1996 } 1. Qd8+ { An X-ray/reloader theme supported by the strongly-placed bishop on e4. } 1... Rxd8 { 1...Qf8 2.Bh7+ +- ✔ } 2. Rxd8+ Qf8 3. Bh7+ { Or 3.Red1 Rc7 4.Bh7+ ± } 3... Kxh7 4. Rxf8 { ✔ (1–0, 30 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 204"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/R2b1pk1/3q1bpp/1p1Pp3/4P3/3P3P/1Q1NBPP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 204. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Mohamad Al Modiahki, Teheran 1998 } 1. Rxd7 { 1–0 Winning another pawn and exchanging some pieces. Too kind is 1.Bg4 Bxg4 2.hxg4 ± } 1... Qxd7 2. Bg4 Qd8 3. Bxc8 Qxc8 4. Qxb5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 205"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6k/7p/1Qp2rpq/p3p3/2B1P3/2B2P1n/P5PK/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 205. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Mikhail Golubev, Germany 2002 } 1. Qb8+ { The breathing hole on g7 is not enough, neither is either of the two possible blocks on f8. 1.Bxe5? Ng5+ 2.Kg1 2.Kg3 Nxe4+ 3.fxe4 Qg5+ –+ 2...Nxf3+ –+ } 1... Rxb8 2. Rxb8+ Kg7 { 2...Rf8 3.Bxe5+ 3.Rxf8+ Qxf8 4.Bxe5+ +– 3...Qg7 4.Rxf8# ✔ 2...Qf8 3.Rxf8+ Rxf8 4.Bxe5+ Rf6 5.Bxf6# ✔ } 3. Rg8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 206"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/p6n/3p4/2pPb2q/4N3/P2BQPp1/6K1/7R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 206. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Andrei Volokitin, Germany 2003 } 1... Qxh1+ { Forcing a winning endgame. Not 1...Qh2+ 2.Rxh2 gxh2+ 3.Kh1 Rg1+ 4.Qxg1 hxg1=Q+ 5.Kxg1 ∓ } 2. Kxh1 g2+ 3. Kg1 Bd4 { The game ended swiftly } 4. Qxd4+ cxd4 5. Nxd6 Ng5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 207"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/p4qp1/2p4p/1p2Pn2/2pP2Q1/2P4P/P2B3K/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 207. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Baku 2005 } 1... Ne3 { 1...b4?! ∓ } 2. Bxe3 { 2.Rxf7 Nxg4+ –+ ✔ } 2... Qxf1 { ✔ (0–1, 34 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 208"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3qbk/1p2rpp1/p1p2n1p/PnN1NP2/1P2PQ2/3P1B1P/7K/1R4R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 208. Sergey Karjakin – Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Tashkent 2014 } 1. Ne6 { +- White is clearly better after other moves, but this finishes the game. } 1... fxe6 { The game try 1...g5 is plain hopeless; the game continued 2.Nxf8 2.fxg6 and other moves are winning as well 2...gxf4 3.Nfg6+! fxg6 4.Nxg6+ and Black resigned. No better is 1...Qc8 2.Rxg7 ✔ with mate. } 2. Ng6+ Kh7 3. Nxf8+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 209"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/2BR3p/8/5Rp1/4n1K1/4P1P1/1P2P2P/5r2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Veselin Topalov @@StartBlockQuote@@I started to find things for him... London Chess Classic @@StartBracket@@2016@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@209. Jan Timman – Veselin Topalov, Sarajevo 1999 } 1... h5+ { Deflecting the king from the defence of the rook. 1...Nf6+? 2.Rxf6 Rxf6 and all the pawns make up for the exchange. } 2. Kxh5 Rxf5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 210"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rrk1/p2pB1pp/2p5/2P1R3/3QN3/Pq2n3/1P4PP/2KR4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 210. Veselin Topalov – Miguel Illescas Cordoba, Cala Galdana 1999 } 1. Nf6+ { ✔ Getting rid of the pesky knight on e3 with tempo, leaving White totally winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 211"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1n3q1k/r2r3p/p3Q3/1p6/8/2P3R1/P4PPP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 211. Veselin Topalov – Arkadij Naiditsch, Dortmund 2005 } 1. Qf6+ { Black resigned. } 1... Qxf6 2. Re8+ Qf8 3. Rxf8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 212"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1qr1r1k1/2b2ppp/Bpb1p3/4n3/P7/2N1BP2/1PP3PP/3RR1QK b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 212. Gata Kamsky – Veselin Topalov, Nice (blindfold) 2009 } 1... Nxf3 2. gxf3 Bxf3+ { ✔ Winning the queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 213"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rb2k1/5pp1/2p1pn1p/2P5/1N1Pp3/4P1BP/5PP1/1R4K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Magnus Carlsen @@StartBlockQuote@@Contrary to many young colleagues, I do believe that it makes sense to study the classics.@@EndBlockQuote@@213. Ivan Sokolov – Magnus Carlsen, Hoogeveen 2004 White wins a pawn by exploiting the potential pin on the eighth rank, either by: } 1. Nxc6 { Or the almost equally good 1.Ra1 threatening Ra1-a6, so 1...Nd5 2.Nxc6 with the same theme but having given away ...Nf6-d5. } 1... Rxc6 2. Rb8 Kh7 3. Rxd8 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 214"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/q3bQpp/2B5/1P2p3/4P3/p1P5/5PPP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 214. Gata Kamsky – Magnus Carlsen, Khanty-Mansiysk (2) 2005 } 1. b6 { The pawn queens after 1...Rxf7 2.bxa7+– ✔ And the threat on the rook leaves White a piece up after 1...Qxb6 2.Qxe7 ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 215"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/4bpp1/4pn1p/1p6/q1r5/2BR1BP1/PQ2PPKP/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 215. Hannes Stefansson – Magnus Carlsen, Reykjavik (blitz) 2006 } 1... Rxc3 { The rook on d3 is overloaded: 2.Rxc3 Rxc3 3.Qxc3 Qxd1–+ ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 216"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/5p2/p5pp/P1p2q2/3Nr3/3Q4/5PPP/1RR3K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 216. Sergey Erenburg – Magnus Carlsen, Reykjavik (blitz) 2006 } 1... Re1+ { A discovered attack. } 2. Rxe1 Rxe1+ 3. Rxe1 Qxd3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 217"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/5p2/p3bBp1/1p5p/4P3/1P4qP/P5P1/1B1RR2K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 217. Goran Todorovic - Magnus Carlsen, Internet 2006 } 1... Bxh3 { 0-1. Black is up too much material after } 2. gxh3 Qxh3+ 3. Kg1 Qg3+ 4. Kh1 Qf3+ 5. Kg1 Qxf6 { ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 218"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r5k/6pp/2p1r3/1R1p4/pn1P1q2/3Q1P2/PP3BPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 218. Magnus Carlsen – Laurent Fressinet, Cap d’Agde 2006 } 1. Qf5 { ✔ Black is back-rank mated or loses the rook on e6. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 219"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2r2k1/1bqp1ppp/ppnbpn2/8/2PNP3/P1N1BP2/1P2B1PP/2RQ1R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 219. Vassily Ivanchuk – Magnus Carlsen, Monte Carlo (blindfold) 2011 } 1. Ndb5 { ✔ Winning a pawn, with the bishop pair and d6-square, gives a decisive advantage. Somewhat weaker is winning the b6-pawn with: 1.Ncb5 Qb8 2.Nxd6 Qxd6 3.Nxc6 Qxc6 4.Qd4+– } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 220"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k1r3/p1pbbpp1/1p5p/2pNP3/2P3P1/1P3PBP/P5K1/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 220. Fabiano Caruana – Magnus Carlsen, Shamkir 2014 } 1. Nxc7 Kxc7 { Instead the game saw 1...Rd8 2.Nd5± when White had simply won a pawn, also stabilizing the knight on d5. } 2. e6+ { ✔ White’s rook will penetrate to the seventh rank with devastating effect. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 221"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1qk/2p4n/1b3pQB/p1p5/2P1P3/1P1R3P/P5P1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 221. Magnus Carlsen – Teimour Radjabov, Wijk aan Zee 2015 } 1. Bg7+ Qxg7 2. Qxe8+ { ✔ With a winning advantage due to the two pawns, Black’s exposed king and the pawn-like bishop on b6. You don’t have to see any further. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Easy Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 222"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2R5/4bppk/1p1p4/5R1P/4PQ2/5P2/r4q1P/7K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 222. Magnus Carlsen – Sergey Karjakin, New York (rapid 4) 2016 } 1. Qh6+ { ✔ What a way to finish a World Championship! It’s mate in one however Black takes back. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Intermediate Exercises"] [Result "*"] { @@HeaderStart@@Intermediate Exercises@@HeaderEnd@@ @@StartBlockQuote@@Chess is everything: art, science and sport. – Anatoly Karpov@@EndBlockQuote@@ } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 223"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k3rr/ppp1npb1/2Pp4/P7/1PBP4/2P2QBq/7P/R4RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Wilhelm Steinitz @@StartBlockQuote@@Only the player with the initiative has the right to attack.@@EndBlockQuote@@223. Carl Hamppe - Wilhelm Steinitz, Vienna 1859 } 1... Bxd4+ 2. Kh1 { 2.cxd4 Qxh2# ✔ Or 2.Rf2 Qxh2+ -+ when the crucial h2-pawn can be taken as both white pieces are pinned. } 2... Rxg3 { ✔ Black won a piece and soon the game. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 224"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5r1/pp2kpBQ/3pn3/6q1/8/8/P4PPP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 224. Wilhelm Steinitz - Strauss, Vienna 1860 } 1. Rxe6+ Kxe6 { 1...fxe6 2.Bh6+ +- ✔ wins the queen. } 2. Qe4+ { ✔ } 2... Kd7 { Steinitz played: } 3. Qxb7+ Ke6 4. Re1+ Kf5 5. Qxf7+ { 5.Qe4#! } 5... Kg4 6. Qf3+ Kh4 7. Qh3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 225"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/2R3pk/2N2r1p/1p3p2/1Pb1p2P/8/1r3PP1/R5K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 225. Wilhelm Steinitz - Adolf Anderssen, London 1862 } 1... e3 { Black had a dominant position and an extra pawn, so he could win slowly in many ways, but this is the quickest winner. } 2. f3 { Or 2.fxe3 Rg6 quickly forces mate. } 2... Rg6 { ✔ It's still a forced mate. } 3. g4 fxg4 4. f4 Bd5 5. Nd4 Ra6 { Pretty, but an even faster mate was possible with the prosaic 5...Rg2+. } 6. Rxa6 Rb1+ { White resigned, rather than allow a mate such as: 7.Kh2 Rh1+ 8.Kg3 Rg1+ 9.Kh2 Rg2+ 10.Kh1 Rg3+ 11.Kh2 Rh3+ 12.Kg1 Rh1#. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 226"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/ppp2p1p/2Bb1p2/3P4/6b1/5N2/PPP3PP/RNqQK2R b KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 226. Henry Bird - Wilhelm Steinitz, London (6) 1866 } 1... Rde8+ { 1...Rhe8+ ! comes to the same thing. } 2. Bxe8 Rxe8+ 3. Kf2 Qe3+ { Or 3...Bc5+ 4.Kg3 Qh6 ! with a winning attack against the stranded king on g3. } 4. Kf1 Bxf3 5. gxf3 Bc5 { ✔ The only move, with forced mate in two moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 227"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1kb1r/ppp2ppp/2n1p3/6B1/3P2q1/3B1N2/PPP2PPP/R2QK2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 227. Wilhelm Steinitz - Henry Bird, London (9) 1866 } 1. h3 Qxg2 { 1...Qh5 2.g4 +- ✔ also traps the queen. } 2. Rh2 { Bird resigned after: } 2... Qxh2 3. Nxh2 Nxd4 4. Bb5+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 228"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2r1/pbq1kp2/1n2pn1p/2b3p1/B1PN4/4B2P/P2QNPP1/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 228. Wilhelm Steinitz - Hieronim Czarnowski, Paris 1867 } 1. Nc6+ Qxc6 { 1...Bxc6 2.Bxc5+ ✔ Ke8 3.Bxc6+ Qxc6 4.Qxd8 mate. } 2. Bxc6 Bxe3 { 2...Rxd2 3.Bxc5+ +- ✔ comes with check and wins a rook. } 3. Qb4+ { Other moves were also winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 229"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1q1k2r/ppp2p2/1n3Ppp/3pN3/3Pn1Q1/B1P5/P1P3PP/R4RK1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 229. Wilhelm Steinitz - Szymon Winawer, Paris 1867 White has a winning position, but can push his advantage with } 1. Qxg6 { +- since Black cannot take back due to: } 1... fxg6 2. f7+ Kd8 3. f8=Q+ Rxf8 4. Rxf8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 230"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3k4/1b1nb2R/2p5/1p1Ppr2/p7/P1NP1N2/BPP3K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 230. Wilhelm Steinitz - Emile D'Andre, Paris 1867 } 1. d6 { White wins a piece after: } 1... Bxd6 2. Be6 { +- ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 231"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rbk1bnr/ppNpppp1/7p/1N6/4P3/3q4/P2B1PPP/1R1QK2R w K - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 231. Wilhelm Steinitz - Walsh, London (simul) 1870 } 1. Ne6+ { The knight cannot be taken due to the discovered attack. } 1... Ke8 { 1...fxe6 2.Ba5+ +- ✔ and 1...dxe6 2.Ba5+ ✔ wins the queen and the game. } 2. Nbc7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 232"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rnr/pp2kpp1/1b1p3p/nBpP2N1/4PN2/8/P4PPP/4RRK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 232. Wilhelm Steinitz - Henry Bird, London 1870 White is a pawn down, so has to create something. } 1. Nge6 fxe6 { It would have been better for Black to give up the exchange on f8 with 1...g6 +=. With a pawn and opposite-coloured bishops for the exchange , Black has some compensation. Note that the bishop on b5 is essential after 1...g5 2.Nxf8 gxf4 3.Nd7 ! ✔. Now , 3...Bd8 4.e5 ! is the only winning move , but that's not necessary to see before sacrificing the knight. The point is 4...a6 5.exd6+ Kxd6 6.Ne5 ! +- threatening a fork on f7. } 2. Ng6+ Kf7 { The knight would not escape from h8 after 2...Kf6 , but White has 3.Nxf8 +- ✔. } 3. Nxh8+ Kf6 { The knight looks trapped, but it has two ways to escape. } 4. f4 { 4.Re3 is also good: 4...g5 5.Rf3+ Kg7 6.Rxf8 Kxf8 7.dxe6 ± with a safe square on f7. } 4... Ne7 5. e5+ { ✔ } 5... Kf5 6. Bd3+ { Not only can the white knight escape, the black king is mated. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 233"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1k1nr/pp3ppp/2n5/1N6/8/8/qPPQ1PPP/2KR1B1R w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 233. Walter Grimshaw - Wilhelm Steinitz, Vienna 1872 } 1. Nc7+ Kf8 { 1...Ke7 2.Qd6#. ✔ } 2. Qd6+ { Forcing Black to set up a back-rank mate. } 2... Nge7 3. Qd8+ { Not 3.Nxa8 ? Qa1+ with some compensation for the exchange. } 3... Nxd8 4. Rxd8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 234"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/1p4pp/1qp2p2/p7/3nN3/P3Q3/1P3PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 234. C.E.A. Dupre - Wilhelm Steinitz, The Hague 1873 } 1. Nd6 c5 { 1...Rxd6 2.Qe8# ✔ is easy , but 1...Qxb2 ✔ is tricky. White's best plan is to defend against the back-rank mate and take on d4 with the rook on the next move. Instead , 2.Qxd4 ?! Qxd4 3.Rxd4 is probably winning , but not easily. } 2. Rxd4 { ✔ The check on e6 is decisive. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 235"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b3n1/ppp2qb1/2kp4/5PB1/3P2PQ/2PB4/PP3K2/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 235. Wilhelm Steinitz - Jean Dufresne, Liverpool 1874 If only Black had time for ...b6 and ...Kb7 - it's not going to happen. } 1. d5+ Kb6 { 1...Qxd5 2.Be4 ✔ wins the queen and 1...Kxd5 is not a nice move to play. There are many ways to stop the king from returning to 'safety' , and the fastest is 2.Qh1+ Kc5 3.Be3+ Bd4 4.Bxd4 mate. 1...Kd7 is not the direction the king wants to go. However , Black threatens to shut out White's rook with 2...Be5. Best is 2.Re6 ! +- when White continues with 3.f6 or 3.Bb5+. } 2. Be3+ { 2.Re4 also wins.Black's king cant go to c7 after 2...c5 3.Bd8+ +-. } 2... c5 3. Qd8+ { The only winning move. } 3... Qc7 4. Qxg8 { ✔ And White won. 4.Bg5 or 4.Qe8 should also win. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 236"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3kbnr/p1pp1p1p/1pn5/1P4pq/3PPp2/5N2/1PP2KPP/R1BQ1B1R b kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 236. Wilhelm Steinitz - Dion Martinez, Philadelphia (1) 1882 } 1... Nxd4 { ∓ White loses the queen no matter which way he recaptures. } 2. Bxf4 { Steinitz played the unchallenging 2.c3. Also no help is 2.Qxd4 Bc5-+ ✔ Or 2.Nxd4 Qxd1-+ ✔ } 2... gxf4 { 2...Nxf3?! 3. Qd5!=+ creates a pin along the fifth rank and wins back the piece. } 3. Nxd4 { Black did not win any material (he was a pawn up in the diagram) , but destroying White's centre is an achievement. } 3... Qh4+ { 3...Qxd1 4. Rxd1=+ is also good. However , due to White's exposed king and undeveloped rook onh1 , it's more logical to keep on the queens. } 4. Kg1 Bc5 { Black continues with ...Ne7 or ...Nf6 and ...O-O. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 237"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2nrbk1/ppp2pp1/6np/1P1B4/3P2N1/2P5/1P4PP/R1B2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 237. Wilhelm Steinitz - Joseph Blackburne, Vienna 1882 } 1. Bxh6 { White wins a pawn, since } 1... gxh6 2. Nf6+ Kh8 3. Nxe8 { ✔ picks up the rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 238"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3b1rk1/1bq3pp/5pn1/1p2rN2/2p1p3/2P1B2Q/1PB2PPP/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 238. Joseph Blackburne - Wilhelm Steinitz, Vienna 1882 } 1. Rd7 { Setting up a discovered attack. } 1... Qxd7 2. Nh6+ gxh6 3. Qxd7 { ✔ Black resigned a move later. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 239"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/pbB2ppp/4r3/1P6/3P4/5p1q/P1NQ3P/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 239. Wilhelm Steinitz - Samuel Rosenthal, London 1883 } 1... Rg6+ 2. Bg3 Rxg3+ 3. hxg3 f2+ 4. Kxf2 { 4.Qxf2 Qh1# ✔. } 4... Qg2+ 5. Ke3 Qf3# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 240"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qkb1r/2p2pp1/p1npb2p/1p6/2P1P3/1BQ1B3/PP3PPP/RN2K2R b KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 240. Josef Noa - Wilhelm Steinitz, London 1883 } 1... d5 { -+ ✔ Opening up for a pin on b4, winning a pawn to start with. 1...bxc4 ?! 2.Bxc4 or 2.Ba4 2...d5 3.Bb5 ! += is not the way to exploit the exposed queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 241"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/ppp2pbp/4r3/8/2P3QP/1qPR2B1/1P3RP1/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 241. G.H. Thornton - Wilhelm Steinitz, New York 1884 } 1. Rxf7 { White undermines the defence of the rook on e6 while simultaneously defending e1, and doesn't have to worry unduly about the check on f1. } 1... Rxf7 2. Qxe6 { ✔ 2.Rd8+ ± is about as strong. } 2... Rf1+ 3. Be1 Qb6 4. Qxb6 { ± On account of Black's open king , White should have kept the queens on the board with: 4.Qe2 +- } 4... axb6 5. Kd2 Kg8 6. Rd8+ Bf8 7. Rd7 { Better is 7.Bg3 with a winning position. } 7... Bd6 8. Ke2 Rg1 9. Kf2 Rh1 10. Ke2 Rg1 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 242"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/pp4pk/4R2p/5p2/3Pbq2/2Q5/P2R1PPP/1r1N2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 242. Johannes Zuckertort - Wilhelm Steinitz, USA (9) 1886 } 1... Rc8 { 1...Bxg2 ? 2.Kxg2 Rxd1 3.Rxd1 Qg4+ 4.Qg3 Qxd1 and Black is better , but not winning. However , White should not win back the pawn with 5.Rxh6+ ? Kxh6 6.Qh4+ Qh5 7.Qxd8 since the outside pawn majority decides after 7.Qg5+ 8.Qxg5 Kxg5. } 2. Rxe4 { 2.Qxc8 Qxd2 ✔ and the knight will fall , with mate following shortly. } 2... Qxe4 { ✔ Black will win even more material, so White resigned. 2...fxe4 ? 3.Qxc8 Qxd2 4.Qf5+ is a perpetual. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 243"] [Result "*"] [FEN "Q1bk1q1r/1pbp1ppp/2p1n3/4pN2/4P1B1/2P5/P4PPP/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 243. Isidor Gunsberg - Wilhelm Steinitz, New York (12) 1891 } 1. Rxd7+ { Black actually has no defence even after 1.Rd2 +- followed by 2.Rad1. } 1... Kxd7 2. Rd1+ Nd4 3. cxd4 { +- ✔ There follows one or two lethal discovered checks. But not 3.Nxd4+ ? Ke7 with an unclear position. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 244"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k1nr/pppq1ppp/2n5/1Bb1p3/4P1b1/2NP1N2/PPP3PP/R1BQK2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 244. Wilhelm Steinitz - Armand Blackmar, Skaneateles (blindfold simul) 1891 } 1. Nxe5 { 1.Bxc6 ?! Qxc6 2.Nxe5 Bxd1 3.Nxc6 Bxc2 = } 1... Bxd1 2. Nxd7 Kxd7 { Black has no time for 2...Bxc2 since the bishop on c5 is en prise: 3.Nxc5 +- ✔ } 3. Kxd1 { White is a pawn up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 245"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rr1k/1ppb3p/2q1n1p1/p7/3b4/1BP1B3/PP3PP1/2KR1Q1R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 245. Wilhelm Steinitz - Mikhail Chigorin, Havana (4) 1892 } 1. Rxd4 { ✔ Steinitz keeps the dark-squared bishop, and can always attack on the dark squares with Bxe6 and a few heavy pieces on the h-file. The position is winning, and the end came quickly in the game. Instead 1.Bxd4 ? Nxd4 2.Rxd4 is about even. } 1... Nxd4 2. Rxh7+ { Forcing mate, but not obligatory to see since the alternative is easy enough: 2.Bxd4+ Rf6 and White is winning if the queen hurries towards h6 with a threat along the way. There are three ways: A. 3.Qb5 B. 3.Qd3 and C. 3.Qd1 3...Ref8 4.Qg5 +- } 2... Kxh7 3. Qh1+ Kg7 4. Bh6+ { Or 4.Qh6+ Kf6 5.Qh4+ Kg7 6.Bh6+ Kh8 7.Bxf8#. or 7.Bg5+ Kg7 8.Qh6#. } 4... Kf6 5. Qh4+ Ke5 6. Qxd4+ { Or 6.Qg3+ Ke4 7.Qe3+ Kf5 8.Qf4#. When the queen took on d4 , Chigorin resigned instead of allowing 6...Kf5 7.g4#. or 7.Qf4#. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 246"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qb1k1/p1pr2bp/1pn2pN1/3NpPpQ/4P3/B7/PPP3PP/R4R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 246. City of Liverpool - Wilhelm Steinitz, corr. 1893 } 1... Rxd5 { 1...Nd4 ?! 2.Be7 ! is a nice resource , with the point that White can take back twice on e7 with check - thus not giving Black time to capture on h5. Black has to play 2...hxg6 3.fxg6 Qxe7 ! not 3...Bxg6 ?! 4.Qxg6 Rxe7 5.Nxf6+ +- or 3...Rxe7 ?! 4.Qh7+ Kf8 5.Nxf6+ +- 4.Nxe7+ Rxe7 Black is not losing , but probably worse and certainly not winning this game. } 2. exd5 Nd4 3. Ne7+ { There is no defence against 3...Nxf5 4.Rxf5 hxg6 ✔ winning material. } 3... Qxe7 { ✔ It's over, which White soon accepted. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 247"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3B2k1/6pp/p1p1q3/1pb5/4np2/1PPQ3P/P4PP1/3N2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 247. Carl Walbrodt - Wilhelm Steinitz, Hasting 1895 } 1... Nxf2 2. Nxf2 Qe1+ { Black has a mating attack. } 3. Kh2 { 3.Qf1 Bxf2+ -+ wins the queen and mates. } 3... Bxf2 { ✔ } 4. h4 h5 { Not the only way to mate, but the quickest. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 248"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/ppp3pp/3b3q/2pP4/2P3B1/2B3P1/PP3P2/2RQ1RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 248. Emanuel Schiffers - Wilhelm Steinitz, Hastings 1895 } 1... Bxg3 2. fxg3 Rxf1+ { Including 2...Qe3+ ruins nothing. } 3. Qxf1 { The point of the sacrifice is: 3.Kxf1 Bxg4 4.Qxg4 Qxc1+ -+ ✔ } 3... Bxg4 4. Qf4 Qxf4 5. gxf4 { Black is a pawn up, but the opposite-coloured bishops give White fair hopes of making a draw; Schiffers did not manage though. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 249"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/1p2bp1p/p1q1bp2/1Npp3Q/8/1P6/1PP2PPP/R1B1R1K1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 249. Dawid Janowski - Wilhelm Steinitz, Hastings 1895 } 1. Rxe6 Qxb5 { 1...Qxe6 2.Nc7+ +- ✔ forks king and queen. } 2. Bh6 { 2.Bd2 and 2.Bf4 are also winning. Black can't move the king without giving up the pawn on f7, and 3. Rae1 not only threatens the bishop on e7, but also the pawn on f6. } 2... Kd8 3. Qxf7 Re8 4. Rae1 Qd7 5. Bg7 { Black resigned three moves later. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 250"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/ppp2pp1/2n1b2p/3n4/2BP4/2P2N2/P1Q2PPP/R1B1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 250. Wilhelm Steinitz - Emanuel Schiffers, Rostov on Don (2) 1896 } 1. Bxh6 { +- Schiffers now accepted that he had lost a pawn. } 1... gxh6 { The game went 1...Qd7 +- and White won after 41 moves. } 2. Rxe6 { The point of the sacrifice. } 2... fxe6 3. Qg6+ Kh8 4. Qxh6+ Kg8 { White can choose between picking up the knight on d5 with } 5. Qxe6+ { ✔ or being more brilliant by continuing the attack with: 5.Qg6+ Kh8 6.Ng5 or 6.Qh5+ Kg8 7.Qg4+ Kh8 8.Ng5 +- 6...Qe7 7.Qh5+ Kg8 8.Nxe6 There are also other ways to win. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 251"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b3k1/ppp2pb1/6p1/8/3P2pQ/2PBq1N1/PP4P1/1K5R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 251. Bobrov - Wilhelm Steinitz, Moscow (simul) 1896 } 1. Qd8+ Bf8 2. Rh8+ Kxh8 3. Qxf8+ Kh7 4. Qxf7+ Kh8 5. Bxg6 { ✔ Black can only avoid the mate by giving up his queen. 5.Qxg6 +- also forces Black to give up the queen , but worse is 5.Qf6+ ?! Kg8 6.Qxg6+ when White captures the pawn with check , but Black can fight on after 6...Kf8 +-. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 252"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rrb1n2/3kn1p1/2pp4/1p4BP/3PN1p1/1N6/1P2RP2/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 252. Emanuel Lasker - Wilhelm Steinitz, Moscow (2) 1896 } 1. Nec5+ { 1.Nbc5+ is the same and 1.Nxd6 also wins , but only if White finds: 1...Kxd6 2.Bf4+ Kd5 2...Kd7 3.Nc5+ Ke8 4.Bd6 ! +- 3.Re5+ Kc4 4.Nc5 ! White threatens mate-in-three with 5. Rc1+ and the try 4...b4 5.b3+ Kb5 6.Rxe7 ! Bxe7 7.Rxe7 ! is hopeless (full points if you saw this far) . White wins back the exchange after 7...Rb6 7.Bc7. White also has a winning position after 1.Bf4 Nf5 2.Nbc5+ Kc7 3.Na6+ } 1... dxc5 2. Nxc5+ Kd6 3. Bf4+ { ✔ 3.Bxe7+ is also winning and good enough for full points. The text move forces mate in five moves: } 3... Kd5 4. Re5+ Kc4 5. Rc1+ Kxd4 6. Nb3+ Kd3 7. Rc3# { or 7.Re3 mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 253"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r5k/3q2pp/p1b2pn1/P3p3/1BBr4/2Q3P1/1P2RPP1/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 253. Wilhelm Steinitz - Emanuel Lasker, Moscow (17) 1897 } 1... Bxg2 2. Kxg2 Qc6+ { In the game, Steinitz tried to play on an exchange down with } 3. Re4 Rxe4 4. Rxe4 Qxe4+ 5. Kg1 { , but in vain (0-1, 59 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 254"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6r1/p1k3r1/2p4n/5p1p/2P1B2P/1P3RP1/P5K1/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 254. Wilhelm Steinitz - Joseph Blackburne, Vienna 1898 } 1. Bxc6 { There is a looming check on e6. } 1... f4 2. Rxf4 Rxg3+ 3. Kf2 { Or 3.Kf1 +- but not 3.Kh2 ? R3g4 =+ and Black wins the bishop thanks to the mate on h4 if the rook protects the bishop. } 3... Rh3 { There is no perpetual or anything else compensating for the pawns after: 3...Kxc6 4.Re6+ Kc5 5.Rxh6 ✔ Rg2+ 6.Ke3 +- } 4. Bd5 { With a lot of luck, Blackburne held half a point in a long endgame (1/2-1/2, 93 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 255"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rrb1k/1p1b1pp1/2pp2p1/pq5N/1P2P3/P4PQ1/1BP3PP/3RR2K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 255. Harry Pillsbury - Wilhelm Steinitz, Vienna 1898 } 1. Nf6 gxf6 2. Qh4+ { Or 2.Bxf6+ first. } 2... Kg8 3. Bxf6 { ✔ The double threat against h8 and d8 wins material. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 256"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qkb1r/2p2p1p/p2p4/1p2p1p1/3nP1b1/1BNP1N2/PPP2P1K/R1BQ1R2 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Emanuel Lasker @@StartBlockQuote@@When you see a good move, look for a better one.@@EndBlockQuote@@256. Rudolf Loman - Emanuel Lasker, Amsterdam 1889 } 1. Nxe5 { Loman played 1.Bxf7+ ?! Kxf7 2.Nxg5+ ? , 2.Nxe5+ dxe5 3.Qxg4 =+ but he must have overlooked 2...Qxg5 ! 3.Bxg5 Bxd1 -+ with a fork on f3 (0-1, 22 moves) (.) } 1... Bxd1 { 1...dxe5 2.Qxg4 +- ✔ doesn't help. Instead , Black's best try is 1...Nxb3 2.Qxg4 ✔ Nxc1 2...Nxa1 3.Bxg5 ! Qc8 4.Qf4 or 4.Qg3 4...dxe5 5.Qxe5+ Qe6 6.Qxh8 with an almost winning advantage for White White has a great initiative after 3.Nxf7 ±. or he can win material with 3.Nf3 ± } 2. Bxf7+ Ke7 3. Nd5# { ✔ Or 3.Bxg5#. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 257"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2r2k1/2p2pp1/6q1/1pp5/5P2/N1Pb1Q2/PP4PP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 257. Emanuel Lasker - Theodor von Scheve, Berlin 1890 } 1. Rxd3 Qxd3 { 1...Rxd3 2.Qxa8+ +- ✔ } 2. Re8+ { Black resigned , due to 2...Rxe8 3.Qxd3 +- ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 258"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/8/2b1pq1p/1p3pNQ/p1pPpP2/P1P1P2P/1P6/6RK w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 258. Emanuel Lasker - Gustavus Reichhelm, Philadelphia (simul) 1892 } 1. Nxe6 Be8 { 1...Qxe6 2.Rg6 +- ✔ } 2. Rg6 { The only move. } 2... Qxg6 { 2...Bxg6 3.Qxh6+ Kg8 4.Nxf8 ! Qxf8 5.Qxg6+ +- ✔ } 3. Qxg6 Bxg6 4. Nxf8 { White is a pawn up and Black's bishop is a horrible piece, but it is not clear there is a way to force a win, although putting the king on h4 and then pushing the d-pawn seems very promising (1-0, 50 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 259"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq2k1/ppp1b2p/3pp1p1/8/3P1r2/2PB1N2/PPQ2PPP/4RRK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 259. Emanuel Lasker - Franklin Elson, Wakefield (simul) 1892 } 1. Bxg6 { +- } 1... hxg6 { After 1...Qf8 2.Bxh7+ +- Black later turned the game around (0-1, 62 moves) (but that had more to do with the nature of a simul than his actual chances in this position.) } 2. Qxg6+ Kh8 3. Qh6+ Kg8 4. Qxf4 { ✔ White picks up the rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 260"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/5pp1/1bQp3p/1p2qP2/1Pp5/2r5/5PPP/1B3RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 260. John Ryan - Emanuel Lasker, USA (simul) 1893 } 1... Bxf2+ 2. Kh1 { Black soon won. Capturing the bishop leads to mate: 2.Rxf2 or 2.Kxf2 Qe3#✔ 2...Rc1+ 3.Rf1 Qe3+ 4.Kh1 Rxf1#✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 261"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rqk2r/pp1bppb1/2np2p1/7n/3NPP2/2N1B3/PPPQB2P/2KR3R b k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 261. Ostalaza - Emanuel Lasker, Havana 1893 } 1... Nxf4 2. Bxf4 { The game saw 2.Bb5 ∓ (0-1, 35 moves) (.) It's important that 2.Nxc6 Nxe2+ ∓ ✔ comes with check. } 2... Nxd4 { ✔ By opening the c-file, Black creates play against c3 and threatens to win the bishop pair. 2...Bxd4 ? 3.Nd5 =+ is not correct - one pawn is not so much in this type of position; active pieces and attacking chances carry more weight. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 262"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1k2r/1p2qppp/p4n2/3Pp3/4P3/P2B4/2P3PP/R1BQK2R b KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 262. Emanuel Lasker - Celsito, Havana (simul) 1893 } 1... Nxe4 2. Bxe4 { 2.O-O Qc5+ ! is important , as otherwise White would have great compensation for the missing pawn. 3.Kh1 Nf2+ 4.Rxf2 Qxf2 ∓ ✔ 2.Qf3 !? =+ is a way to play on a pawn down. Another way is the game move 2.Be3 ∓ (1-0, 34 moves) (.) } 2... Qh4+ 3. Kf1 Qxe4 { ✔ Now all talk of compensation can be dismissed. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 263"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2krr3/1pp1qpp1/p1pb2np/8/3NP3/4B1PP/bPPNQP2/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 263. Alfred Ettlinger - Emanuel Lasker, New York (1) 1893 } 1. Nxc6 bxc6 2. Qxa6+ Kd7 3. Qxa2 { ✔ Instead of being a pawn down, White is a pawn up. Therefore, he can bear placing the queen on b1 after: } 3... Ra8 4. Qb1 { ± 4.Qc4 ?! Ra1+ 5.Nb1 f6 += } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 264"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k1r2r/1pp2ppp/p2p2q1/8/1PPbP3/N4n2/P1QBRPPP/1R5K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 264. Emanuel Lasker - Joseph Blackburne, Hastings 1895 } 1... Nxh2 { 1...Qh5 ! works as well: 2.h3 Ng1 ! and White has to give up the exchange since 3.Ree1 Nxh3 -+ is Game Over. } 2. Kxh2 { 2.Qd3 Ng4 -+ ✔ protects the bishop thanks to the mate threat. Or 2...Qh5 -+ } 2... Qh5+ 3. Kg1 Qxe2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 265"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/pp4pk/4Qb1p/3p4/2qP4/K7/P2R2PP/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 265. Harry Pillsbury - Emanuel Lasker, St Petersburg 1896 } 1... Qc3+ 2. Ka4 b5+ 3. Kxb5 Qc4+ 4. Ka5 Bd8+ 5. Qb6 { So far, there was no other way to do it, but now Black has two moves. } 5... Bxb6# { ✔ Or 5...axb6# } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 266"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2r1k1/pb3ppp/7P/q1p1RN2/1nQ3P1/7B/1P6/1K3R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 266. Emanuel Lasker - N.N., Berlin (simul) 1897 } 1. Qxf7+ { 1.hxg7 Qa2+ 2.Qxa2 Nxa2 and White is only probably winning. } 1... Kxf7 2. Ne7+ Bf3 3. Rxf3# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 267"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqk1nr/pp1p1pp1/2n4p/2b1p3/2B1P3/5N2/PPP2PPP/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 267. Emanuel Lasker - Anderson, London (simul) 1898 } 1. Bxf7+ { 1.Qd5 ? is a double threat , but 1...Qe7 = defends. } 1... Kxf7 2. Qd5+ Ke8 3. Qxc5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 268"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k2r/5p2/3pb3/pPnNp1q1/P3Pbn1/5PB1/2B3P1/1R1QRNK1 b k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 268. Emanuel Lasker - Joseph Blackburne, London 1899 } 1... Rh1+ { 1...Bxg3 ? 2.Nxg3 Qh4 3.fxg4 Qxg3 threatens 4...Rh2 5.Qe2 Qh4 with mate , but 4.Re3 =+ keeps the disadvantage to a minimum as does 4.Qf3 =+ } 2. Kxh1 Bxg3 3. Nxg3 { 3.Re2 and Black has two ways: A. 3...Qh4+ B. 3...Nf2+ 4.Kg1 4.Rxf2 Qh4+ 5.Kg1 Bxf2# 4...Nxd1 with an easily winning position. 4.Kg1 Bh2+ or 4...Nf2 -+ 5.Kh1 Nf2+ 6.Rxf2 Bg3+ 7.Kg1 Bxf2# ✔ } 3... Nf2+ 4. Kg1 Nxd1 { ✔ White only gets a rook for the queen; there is no way to catch the knight on d1 without losing another piece. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 269"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k2r/1p3p2/1n1p1p1b/p1pPqN2/4P1Q1/1P1P2P1/P5B1/2R2RK1 w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 269. Emanuel Lasker - N.N., Great Britain (simul) 1900 } 1. d4 { The queen has no squares and } 1... cxd4 2. Rxc8+ Nxc8 3. Nxh6 { ✔ wins a piece. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 270"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6b1/1p4k1/p2p1p2/3P4/PP1K4/8/4B3/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 270. Emanuel Lasker - R. Lee, Hereford (simul) 1900 } 1. Bxa6 bxa6 2. b5 axb5 3. axb5 { ✔ White queens. But not 3.a5 ?? b4 -+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 271"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/1ppq1pbp/p1N1bnp1/3pQ3/B2P1P2/8/PPP3PP/RNB1K2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 271. Emanuel Lasker - Manuel Marquez Sterling, Paris 1900 } 1. f5 { The pawn sacrifice is good enough even on just positional grounds, but there is also a tactical follow-up. } 1... gxf5 2. Bh6 { 2.Ne7 Qxa4 3.Nxf5 Rg8 ! 4.Nxg7+ Rxg7 5.Qxf6 Qxc2 gives some counterplay , although Black should not have enough for the piece after 6.Nc3 Qxg2 7.Rf1 ±. } 2... O-O { 2...Bxh6 3.Qxf6 ✔ is a winning double attack and 2...bxc6 3.Bxg7 +- was the game (1-0, 28 moves) (.) } 3. Qg3 { Other moves are interesting as well, so full points if you have seen any of the other lines instead: 3.Bg5 Ne4 4.Ne7+ is winning , as is 3.Bxg7 Kxg7 4.g4 !. Even the immediate 3.g4 seems to give White a winning position. } 3... Ne8 4. Ne7+ Qxe7 5. Bxe8 { ✔ } 5... f6 { White exchanged the 'dead' knight on c6 for Black's knight and is a piece up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 272"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3k3r/1pp2p2/p1q1bN1p/4P3/2P4n/1P1r1pP1/PQ5P/R1B2RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 272. Emanuel Lasker - E.M. Sala, USA (simul) 1901 } 1... f2+ 2. Rxf2 { 2.Qxf2 Nf3+ 3.Kh1 Nd2+ 4.Kg1 Nxf1 ∓ ✔ wins an exchange. } 2... Rd1+ { Or 2...Qh1+ 3.Kxh1 Rd1+ with mate next move. } 3. Rf1 Qh1+ { Or 3...Rxf1+ 4.Kxf1 Qh1+ -+ } 4. Kf2 { 4.Kxh1 Rxf1# ✔ } 4... Qxf1+ 5. Ke3 Qf3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 273"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k4rr/ppp2p2/5q2/4p3/1PPpPn2/P2P1Q2/R5NP/5R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 273. M.R. Quinault - Emanuel Lasker, USA (simul) 1903 } 1... Rxh2+ 2. Kxh2 Qh6+ { 2...Rh8+ ? 3.Kg1 Qg6 allows White to almost escape: 4.Kf2 Rh2 5.Ke1 Nxg2+ 6.Rxg2 Rxg2 7.Rf2 ∓ } 3. Kg1 Nh3+ { White must give up his queen, with a losing position. } 4. Kh2 { Black soon won after 4.Qxh3 Qxh3 ✔. } 4... Ng5+ { -+ ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 274"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/1p4pP/p7/1p1p2K1/2r5/8/6PP/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 274. Emanuel Lasker - Rudolf Loman, USA (simul) 1903 } 1... Rh4 { A beautiful and classic motif. } 2. Kxh4 g5+ 3. Kxg5 Kg7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 275"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1kb1r/pp2q2p/2p2p2/1B2p3/3PQ3/8/PPP3PP/R1B1K2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 275. Emanuel Lasker - Ferenc Chalupetzky, corr. 1903 The best move is: } 1. Be2 { To avoid the check on h5, Black should exchange queens with } 1... exd4 2. Qxd4 Qb4+ 3. Qxb4 Bxb4+ 4. c3 { when White has a slight advantage with fewer pawn islands. Other non-blundering 1st moves also give full points. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 276"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/6p1/3p2rp/pp5r/4Pp2/1PP2PqP/1BP1R1P1/3Q3K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 276. Edward Hymes - Emanuel Lasker, USA (simul 1905) } 1... Rxh3+ { Decisively opening up the king's position. } 2. gxh3 Qxf3+ { ✔ } 3. Kh2 Qg3+ { Or 3...Rg3 with mate in a few moves. } 4. Kh1 f3 { White resigned , as mate is on the way after 5.Rh2 f2. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 277"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rk5r/2p5/p2pP1qp/1p1QnNB1/4P2P/8/PPP3P1/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 277. E. Tarnowski - Emanuel Lasker, corr. 1908 } 1. Nxd6 { 1.Bf4 would not spoil things enough to throw away the win , and 1.Rf1 hxg5 2.Nxd6 still gives White a winning attack. } 1... cxd6 2. Qxd6+ Kb7 { 2...Kc8 3.Qc5+ transposes. } 3. Qd5+ { ✔ Black cannot allow Be3+, Qxe5+ or Qxa8+. So the only option was to resign. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 278"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k5/5ppp/1PpPb3/2P5/2BP4/p7/5KPP/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 278. Emanuel Lasker - Womersley, England (simul) 1908 } 1. d5 { Another move that also works: 1.Ba6+ Kb8 2.d5 ! Bd7 3.Bc4 +- or 3.dxc6 Bxc6 4.Bc4 +- } 1... cxd5 { 1...Bxd5 2.Ba6+ and one of the pawns will queen with check. or 2.Bxd5 +- } 2. Ba6+ { 2.c6 dxc4 3.b7+ Kb8 4.d7 +- or 2.Bb3 +- or 2.Ba2 +- all also win. } 2... Kb8 3. c6 { ✔ White is mating. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 279"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1k1r/2N1bppp/8/8/2B1Pp2/8/1Pn3PP/3R1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 279. Emanuel Lasker - N.N., Netherlands (simul) 1908 } 1. Ne6+ fxe6 2. Rxf4+ Kg8 { 2...Ke8 3.Bb5+ +- ✔ and 2...Bf6 3.Rxd8+ +- ✔ both fail to save Black. } 3. Bxe6# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 280"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/3b1pp1/p1rp2qp/1p6/7R/P4N2/1PPQ1PP1/1K1R4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 280. Emanuel Lasker - N.B. Holmes, England (simul) 1908 } 1... Rxc2 2. Qxd6 { After the game move, there are many ways to win. The strongest is: } 2... Rc1+ { White loses the queen after: } 3. Kxc1 Rc8+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 281"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1qk1/5ppp/1p1P4/nPn2N2/R3Q3/7P/5PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 281. Emanuel Lasker - H.P. Fortuin Harreman, Netherlands (simul) 1908 } 1. Ne7+ Kh8 2. Qxh7+ Kxh7 3. Rh4# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 282"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2nr2k1/p5pp/2Q5/5b2/8/8/Pq3PPP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 282. Emanuel Lasker - Joseph Blake, England (simul) 1908 White can exploit Black's back-rank problems. } 1. Rad1 Rf8 2. Qd5+ { 2.Re8 eventually wins a piece , but the variations are complicated after 2...Qxa2. If you saw a full line of the following you get full points: A. 3.h4 B. 3.h3 3.f3 is similar 3...h6 3...h5 4.Rdd8 ! Rxe8 5.Qxe8+ Kh7 6.Qxh5# 4.g4 ! +- 3...h6 4.Rdd8 ! Rxe8 5.Qxe8+ Kh7 6.h5 ! +- } 2... Kh8 3. Qxf5 { +- ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 283"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7k/p1p3pp/1bB2q2/8/2Q2nb1/1PP5/P5PP/R6K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 283. Coates/ Wallwork - Emanuel Lasker, Manchester (simul) 1908 } 1... Nh3 2. gxh3 { Allowing the check on f2 is no alternative. } 2... Bf3+ { Or with more flair: 2...Qf3+ 3.Bxf3 Bxf3# } 3. Bxf3 Qxf3# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 284"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rr1k1/p1pqbppp/2pp4/8/4P1n1/1P4N1/PBP2PPP/R2QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 284. Siegbert Tarrasch - Emanuel Lasker, Germany (2) 1908 } 1. Bxg7 { 1.Nh5 ?! ± } 1... Nxf2 { 1...Kxg7 2.Nf5+ Kh8 3.Qxg4 +- ✔ } 2. Qd4 { +- Retaining the bishop for the black knight leaves Black with a weaker king to take care of. The game instead continued 2.Kxf2 Kxg7 3.Nf5+ Kh8 4.Qd4+ ! f6 ± , when White can take on a7. However , the pawn is not the main thing he has achieved , but instead the tremendous difference between the minor pieces. However , Black managed to turn the game aroung and win , Which would have been less likely if White had found the strongest 2nd move. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 285"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr4/pp3ppp/2b5/6q1/3P4/4r3/PP3PPP/2RQ1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 285. Akiba Rubinstein - Emanuel Lasker, St Petersburg 1909 } 1. Rxc6+ bxc6 2. Qc1 { In the game, White wins the whole rook and is a pawn up after: } 2... Rxd4 3. fxe3 Rd6 4. Rxf7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 286"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2k3/2p2ppp/3pn3/3R4/P3PP2/4R3/Pr2NP1P/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 286. Julio Lynch - Emanuel Lasker, Buenos Aires (simul) 1910 } 1... Rxe2 2. Rxe2 Rb1+ { Precise. 2...Nxf4 3.Re1 Nxd5 4.exd5+ does not win a pawn , even though Black is better due to the pawn structure. } 3. Kg2 Nxf4+ 4. Kf3 Nxe2 5. Kxe2 Rb2+ 6. Kf3 Rxa2 { ✔ White has decent drawing chances and managed to save himself in the game. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 287"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4nk1/1b2qrp1/2n4R/3pP3/2pP4/4B3/P5RP/1B1Q1N1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 287. J. Bar - Emanuel Lasker, Germany (simul) 1913 } 1... Nxe5 { Black wins back his pawn, as } 2. dxe5 { The game continued 2.Ng3 (1-0, 58 moves) (.) } 2... d4 { ✔ threatens to win not one but both rooks, as well as the bishop. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 288"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qr1k1/pb1nbppp/4p3/2p5/2P5/2NBB3/PP2QPPP/3R1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 288. Vilhelm Nielsen - Emanuel Lasker, Copenhagen (simul) 1919 White can convert his positional advantage into a material advantage: } 1. Bxh7+ Kxh7 2. Qd3+ Kg8 3. Qxd7 { ✔ (1-0, 41 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 289"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq1r2/ppp1npk1/1b4pp/3P4/2Q1N1P1/P3BN1P/1P3P2/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 289. Prusa - Emanuel Lasker, Prague (simul) 1924 White is much better here, and can tactically increase his advantage. } 1. Qc3+ f6 2. Nxf6 Rxf6 3. Bxh6+ Kxh6 { 3...Kf7 4.Ng5+ +- ✔ } 4. Qxf6 { There are many ways to win, among them the moves in the game: } 4... Bd7 5. Qf7 Qg8 6. g5+ { The game ended here, and since it is mate-in-three it seems likely the supposed '0-1' result is a mistake. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 290"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/1pK1Pk1p/6pP/P5P1/4b3/B7/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 290. Emanuel Lasker - Vrbasic, Yugoslavia (simul) 1924 } 1. a6 bxa6 2. Kd7 { ✔ Black cannot stop the pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 291"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k1nr/pppq1ppp/8/1Nb1P3/2Bp1P2/3P4/PPP4P/R2Q1RK1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 291. A.Arnold - Emanuel Lasker, Prague (simul) 1924 } 1. e6 fxe6 2. Qh5+ g6 3. Qxc5 { Black is lost and walked into another tactic: } 3... O-O-O 4. Bxe6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 292"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/p1b2bpn/2pq1p2/3p1P1p/3P2P1/3B1N1P/P4PN1/2Q1R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 292. Alexander Alekhine - Emanuel Lasker, New York 1924 } 1... Ng5 2. Nxg5 { Alekhine's 2.Ne5 fxe5 3.Qxg5 e4 -+ ✔ lost a piece. } 2... Qh2+ 3. Kf1 fxg5 { -+ The double threat of 4...Qxh3 and 4...Qh1+ 5. Ke2 Qxg2 decides. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 293"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/1pqbbp2/p1npp1p1/5P1n/3NP2p/2N2B2/PPP1Q1PP/3R1RBK b kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 293. Emanuel Lasker - Kenneth Smith, USA (simul) 1926 White will soon regret putting baby in a (tight) corner! } 1... Ng3+ 2. hxg3 hxg3+ { ✔ The king is trapped, so White has to give back the bishop, when he will fall apart on the dark squares and the h-file. } 3. Bh2 Rxh2+ 4. Kg1 { Black has already won a pawn and wins by moving the next rook to h8, or using the b6-g1 diagonal (01, 27 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 294"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/2pb1rb1/2pp1p1p/1q3Pp1/2N1P3/1PP3B1/r5PP/3QRR1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 294. Muehrenberg - Emanuel Lasker, Copenhagen (simul) 1927 } 1. Bxd6 cxd6 { 1...Bc8 was played in the game (1-0, 42 moves) (.) } 2. Nxd6 { ✔ Black's queen cannot defend the bishop on d7 or the rook on f7, so he loses an exchange. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 295"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rb3kr/pppp1qp1/4pQ2/3nP2p/7P/2PB2R1/P4PP1/R1B1K3 w Q - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 295. Emanuel Lasker - Buchholtz, Copenhagen (simul) 1927 } 1. Qd8+ Qf8 2. Rxg7+ Kxg7 3. Qg5+ Kf7 4. Qg6+ Ke7 5. Bg5+ { The game concluded: } 5... Nf6 6. Bxf6+ Qxf6 7. Qxf6+ Ke8 8. Bg6# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 296"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rq1k/pp1b1rp1/3p1bQp/2pP1P2/3p4/3B3R/P1PB2PP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 296. Bruno Hartmann - Emanuel Lasker, Copenhagen (simul) 1927 } 1. Re6 { +- ✔ There is no defence against 2.Bxh6; taking on e6 opens up for mate on h7. Instead after 1.Bxh6 ? Rxe1+ 2.Kf2 Kg8 ! 3.Bf4 Rfe7 White only has a perpetual: 4.Qh7+ Kf7 5.Qg6+ Kg8 =. 1.Rxe8 ? Qxe8 2.Bxh6 is actually losing after: 2...Qe1+ 3.Bf1 Kg8 4.Bf4 Bh4 ! -+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 297"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2r1k/ppp4p/3p1p1q/2b1n1p1/4P3/P2N2BP/1P2QPP1/R2B1R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Jose Raul Capablanca @@StartBlockQuote@@I think an important lesson from the game is that once you have made a move, you cannot take it back. You really have to measure your decisions.@@EndBlockQuote@@297. A. Gavilan - Jose Raul Capablanca, Havana 1901 } 1... Bxh3 2. gxh3 Qxh3+ 3. Kg1 Qxg3+ { ✔ The f2-pawn is pinned and White loses his knight on d3 (0-1, 39 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 298"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/6p1/4K3/5P2/4k3/8/7P/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 298. Jose Raul Capablanca - Juan Antonio Blanco Jimenez, Havana 1901 } 1. h4 { The only winning move. } 1... Kf4 2. h5 Kg5 3. Kf7 { ✔ Black is not in time to capture both pawns. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 299"] [Result "*"] [FEN "kr2r3/pRp3pp/Q1P5/5R2/Pp1q4/3pp2P/6PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 299. Jose Raul Capablanca - Rudolf Raubitschek, New York 1906 } 1. Rxa7+ Qxa7 2. Ra5 { The game ended: } 2... Qxa6 3. Rxa6# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 300"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k3r1/ppp1qp2/4bQ2/8/3P2r1/N1P5/PP3RP1/R1B3K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 300. Rudolf Raubitschek - Jose Raul Capablanca, New York 1906 } 1... Rxg2+ 2. Kf1 { 2.Rxg2 Rxg2+ 3.Kxg2 Qxf6 -+ ✔ wins the queen. } 2... Bc4+ { 2...Rxf2+ 3.Qxf2 Bh3+ is also mating , as is 2...Rg1+ 3.Ke2 Bc4+. } 3. Nxc4 Rg1# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 301"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/ppp2ppp/5n2/2b1P1B1/Q3P1b1/2P5/PP4PP/RN2KB1R b KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 301. Albert Pulvermacher - Jose Raul Capablanca, New York 1907 } 1... Nxe4 { Black wins a piece, due to: } 2. Bxd8 Bf2# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 302"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7k/5pp1/8/8/p6P/P1b1N1P1/3p1PK1/3Rr3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 302. Jose Raul Capablanca - Edward Adams, Washington DC 1907 } 1... Bb4 { The sacrifice could be postponed a move, but no longer - White's king was on the way to defend with Kg2-f3-e4-d3. } 2. axb4 Rxd1 3. Nxd1 a3 { ✔ One of the pawns will queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 303"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k3nr/ppp2Npp/2p5/2b5/8/2Pr4/PP1P2PP/RNB4K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 303. Jose Raul Capablanca - William Pratt, Troy (simul) 1909 } 1... Rd7 { 1...Rd5 ? 2.g4 ! and White is only slightly worse. } 2. Nxh8 Re7 { Black wins the bishop on c1, with a devastating pin along the first rank. } 3. g3 Re1+ 4. Kg2 Rxc1 { The game continued } 5. d4 Bd6 6. Nf7 h6 7. Nxd6+ cxd6 8. Kf2 { and Pratt won by collecting the kingside pawns while Capablanca released his knight (0-1, 43 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 304"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qk2r/ppp1nppp/3p4/b2Nn3/2B1P1b1/5N2/PPP2PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 304. Juan Corzo y Prinzipe - Jose Raul Capablanca, Havana 1909 } 1. Nxe5 { 1.Nf6+ is a move order that also works. } 1... Bxd1 2. Nf6+ Kf8 { Or 2...gxf6 3.Bxf7+ Kf8 4.Bh6# ✔ } 3. Ned7+ { 3.Nfd7+ also forces Black to give back the queen. } 3... Qxd7 4. Nxd7+ Ke8 5. Rxd1 Kxd7 6. Bxf7 { ✔ White's queen sacrifice won a pawn in the end (1/2-1/2, 76 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 305"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b3r1/pp1k3q/2n2pN1/3p1N2/3P4/5Q2/5PPP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 305. Jose Raul Capablanca - Einar Michelsen, New York 1910 } 1. Qxd5+ Kc7 { 1...Ke8 2.Re1+ is Game Over and 2.Nd6+ also leads to mate. } 2. Qd6+ { ✔ White is mating. } 2... Kb6 3. Rb1+ { 2.Nfe7 and 2.Nge7 are also winning. } 3... Ka6 4. Qa3+ { Other moves are mating as well. } 4... Na5 5. Qd3+ { The only winning move, before Black creates an escape-square on b7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 306"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k5r/1p1Qnp2/p3p3/2b5/4pq2/P7/1PPNBPP1/1K1R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 306. O. Tuka - Jose Raul Capablanca, Prague (simul) 1911 } 1. Nxe4 { In the game, Black can't take back due to } 1... Qxe4 2. Bf3 { ✔ and if he doesn't take, then he loses the bishop on c5 or the knight on e7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 307"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/pb1p2p1/1p1pp2p/6r1/2PPp2q/P3P1N1/1P2BP2/R3QRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 307. Jan Podhajsky - Jose Raul Capablanca, Prague (simul) 1911 } 1... Qh3 { -+ ✔ There is no defence against 2... Rxf2. Capablanca played 1...Rf3 ?! 2.Kg2 Qg4 and won after 3.Rh1 However , 3.Rg1 ! h5 4.Kh2 would have held an equal position. (h5 ! -+) (0-1, 31 moves) (.) 1...Rxf2 ? 2.Rxf2 Qxg3+ 3.Kh1 Qxe3 4.Rg2 Qxd4 5.Rxg5 hxg5 ∞ leads to a highly unusual position with five pawns for a rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 308"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qrnk1/1b2bppp/pp6/2ppN1B1/3PnP2/2PB1N1Q/PP4PP/4RRK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 308. Jose Raul Capablanca - Edward Tennenwurzel, New York 1911 } 1. Nxf7 Kxf7 2. Rxe4 dxe4 { Tennenwurzel played 2...Bc8 ✔ and Capablanca had several ways to win. The easiest is 3.f5 , when Black still can't take on g5 or e4 , and other moves are just losing. 3...dxe4 3...Bxg5 4.Qh5+ +- and White picks up almost everything. 4.Bc4+ Be6 5.Qxh7 ! Not the only winning move , but the prettiest and strongest. 5...Nxh7 6.Ne5+ Kg8 7.Bxe6+ Kh8 8.Ng6# } 3. Bc4+ Bd5 4. Qf5+ Kg8 5. Bxd5+ { Or 5.Qxd5+ +-. } 5... Kh8 { Now, White wins with } 6. Ne5 { ✔ either immediately, or after capturing on a8, e7 or e4. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 309"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3rk/3q1p1p/5p2/1p1p1b2/2pN3R/P1P1R3/1P3PPP/3Q2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 309. Jose Raul Capablanca - William Morris, New York 1911 } 1. Re7 Qxe7 2. Nxf5 { ✔ White not only threatens the queen, but also 3. Rxh7+ Kxh7 4. Qh5#. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 310"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/ppp2ppp/2b5/2b2P2/3r4/3B3P/PPPB2P1/R2R3K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 310. Jose Raul Capablanca - J. Koksal, Prague (simul) 1911 } 1... Rxd3 2. cxd3 Re2 { The raking bishops together with the active rook give Black a winning attack. } 3. d4 Bxg2+ { 3...Bxd4 4.Bc3 gives some back-rank problems , but Black wins all the same after 4...Bxg2+ ! 5.Kh2 Bc6+ ! 6.Kg3 Bf2+ ! 7.Kg4 h5+ 8.Kxh5 Bf3+ 9.Kg5 Be3+ 10.Kh4 Rg2 with ...Bg5# coming. } 4. Kh2 Bc6+ 5. Kg1 { 5.Kg3 is forced mate: 5...Bd6+ 6.Kh4 Re4+ 7.Kh5 g6+ 8.fxg6 hxg6+ 9.Kg5 Be7+ 10.Kh6 Rh4#. } 5... Bxd4+ 6. Kf1 Bb5 7. Bc3 Rxb2+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 311"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7k/ppq1b1pp/8/2P5/1P2R1Q1/2P5/P4rPp/2B4K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 311. Jose Raul Capablanca - Rudolf Spielmann, San Sebastian 1911 } 1. Bf4 { Developing with tempo and defending against the mate. } 1... Qd8 2. Rxe7 { Black is mated, even after } 2... Qf8 3. Qxg7+ { as in the game (mate in 15) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 312"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r1k/ppp2Bpp/5q2/4NQ2/8/8/PP3PPP/n4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 312. Wilhelm Kluxen - Jose Raul Capablanca, Hamburg (simul) 1911 } 1. Ng6+ Qxg6 { 1...hxg6 2.Qh3+ Qh4 3.Qxh4# ✔ } 2. Bxg6 Rxf5 3. Bxf5 { ✔ The knight is trapped, so White wins a piece. } 3... g6 4. Be4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 313"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r3/pp3kpR/1qpp1rp1/8/2P1P3/2P4Q/P1P3PP/1R5K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 313. Jose Raul Capablanca - Rolando Illa, Buenos Aires 1911 } 1. Qd7+ Re7 2. Rxg7+ Kxg7 3. Qxe7+ Kh6 { 3...Rf7 4.Qxf7+ ! Kxf7 5.Rxb6 axb6 ✔ White's c-pawns are not impressive , but the outside passed pawn on the h-file secures the win. } 4. Rg1 { ✔ White has collected a second pawn and has good winning chances (1-0, 38 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 314"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qk2r/pp3ppp/1npbp1b1/8/3P1Pn1/1B2B1N1/PPPQN1PP/R4RK1 b kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 314. Leopold Carranza - Jose Raul Capablanca, Buenos Aires 1911 } 1... Bxc2 { Capturing a pawn that's defended twice. } 2. Bxc2 Nc4 { ✔ Black wins back the piece with an extra pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 315"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn2r1k1/pp3ppp/5n2/q2p4/1bpP4/2N1BP1P/PPPQBP2/2K3RR w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 315. E. Weiss - Jose Raul Capablanca, Hamburg (simul) 1911 } 1. Rxg7+ Kxg7 2. Bh6+ Kh8 3. Qg5 Nh5 4. Rg1 { +- ✔ There is no defence against 5.Bg7+ followed by 6.Bf6+. Instead , 4.Qxh5 is not easily winning due to 4...Nd7 !. Even though White gets two pieces for a rook after 5.Qxf7 Rg8 6.Qxd7 Bxc3 7.bxc3 Qxc3 8.Qxd5 ± , Black has counterplay against the weak white king. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 316"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqr1k1/pp1nbppp/2pp1n2/4p1B1/3PP3/2PQ1N2/PP2BPPP/R3KN1R b KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 316. Charles Jaffe - Jose Raul Capablanca, New York 1912 } 1... exd4 { By opening the e-file, Black prepares 2...Nxe4. } 2. cxd4 { 2.Bxf6 Nc5 ! 2...Bxf6 ∓ The knight move threatens to capture the queen with check , and Black wins the e-pawn after 3.Qxd4 Bxf6 -+ ✔ } 2... Nxe4 { ✔ White has no compensation for the pawn (0-1, 31 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 317"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k3/pppq1pp1/4p1b1/bN2N2r/1n1P3P/8/P2BQPB1/R3K2R b KQq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 316. Jose Raul Capablanca - N.N., Louisville (simul) 1912 } 1... Rxe5 2. dxe5 { 2.Qxe5 Nd3+ -+ ✔ forks queen and king. } 2... Bd3 { ✔ Black wins the knight and, with the extra pawns and a strong continued attack, he has a winning position. The game continued 2...Nd3+ ? 3.Kf1 Qxb5 4.Bxa5 Qxa5 ∓ when Black is better , with two pawns and a better king for the exchange , but Capablanca later turned the game around (1-0, 42 moves) (.) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 318"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/2pqb2p/4p1p1/3p3Q/1Pn5/2P5/2B2PPP/2B1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 318. Jose Raul Capablanca - Juan Corzo y Prinzipe, Havana 1913 } 1. Bxg6 hxg6 { Black should have accepted the loss of a pawn after 1...Bf6 but any bishop-retreat (b1, c2 or d3) gives White a huge advantage. For example 2.Bb1 Bxc3? 3.Rxe6! and White is winning even more material. } 2. Qxg6+ Kh8 3. Rxe6 { ✔ Black has to give up a piece to prevent the heavy piece onslaught (1-0, 32 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 319"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/1p6/2p4p/4pk2/Pp5r/1P1P1K2/1P1R3P/6R1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 319. R. Portela - Jose Raul Capablanca, Havana 1913 } 1... Rxd3+ 2. Rxd3 e4+ 3. Ke3 { 3.Kg3 Rg4+ ! is important: 4.Kf2 exd3 ✔ with a winning rook or pawn ending. } 3... Rh3+ { 3...exd3 ? 4.Kxd3 Rxh2 =+ allows counterplay on the queenside. } 4. Rg3 { 4.Kd4 Rxd3+ ✔ 5.Kc4 -+ and the e-pawn queens if Black keeps the rook on the d-file. } 4... Rxg3+ 5. hxg3 exd3 6. Kxd3 Kg4 { ✔ The endgame can be evaluated as won without much calculation. The rest is given anyway, just in case. } 7. Kc4 Kxg3 { 7...b6 is easier. } 8. Kc5 h5 9. Kb6 h4 10. Kxb7 h3 11. a5 h2 12. a6 h1=Q 13. a7 c5+ 14. Kb8 Qh8+ 15. Kb7 { The remaining moves are strange in ChessBase. There are two ways to win: A. 15...Qg7+ 16.Kb8 Qf8+ 17.Kb7 Qe7+ 18.Kb8 Qe8+ 19.Kb7 Qb5+ 20.Kc7 Qa6 21.Kb8 Qb6+ 22.Ka8 c4 ! 23.bxc4 Qc7 when White is not stalemated. 24.c5 Qc8# B. 15...Qxb2 16.a8=Q Qg2+ 17.Ka7 Qxa8+ 18.Kxa8 Kf4 ! -+ but not 18...c4 ?? 19.bxc4 b3 20.c5 b2 21.c6 b1=Q 22.c7 with a draw. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 320"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1q2bp1p/3pP1p1/1p1P4/nP1p4/3B1QNP/5PP1/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 320. Jose Raul Capablanca - Fedor Duz-Khotimirsky, St Petersburg, 1913 } 1. Nf5 fxe6 { 1...gxf5 2.Qxf5 ✔ with unavoidable mate. Instead , the best defensive try is 1...Kh8 2.Qe4 ! (several other moves provide a clear advantage) 2...fxe6 3.Nxe7 Qxe7 4.dxe6 Nc3 5.Qxd4+ Qg7 , but White is winning all the same. } 2. dxe6 Qc7 { 2...Qxf3 3.Nxe7+ ✔ wins a piece , but there is no tactical way to finish the game after 2...Rb8. However , there is no need for it; White is winning if he avoids the queen exchange. } 3. Qc6 { ✔ Not obligatory, but a precise move that wins the b-pawn (1-0, 47 moves) . 3.Qg4 , 3.Qg3 and 3.Nxe7+ are also decent enough. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 321"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/5pp1/pP1p3p/3b4/r7/4BP2/6PP/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 321. Jose Raul Capablanca - Richard Reti, Vienna 1914 } 1. Rc8+ Ke7 2. b7 Bxb7 3. Rc7+ Ke6 4. Rxb7 { ✔ White won easily. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 322"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/2pq2pp/pbn1b3/1p1p2B1/4n3/1NPQ1N2/PPB2PPP/3R1RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 322. Jose Raul Capablanca - U. Kalske, Helsinki 1914 } 1... Rxf3 { The two pieces are winning against the rook after whatever way White takes on f3. } 2. gxf3 Nxg5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 323"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnbq1n1r/pp3QpB/2pkpb2/3pN3/3P4/2N5/PPP3PP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 323. Jose Raul Capablanca - Masyutin, Kiev 1914 } 1. Nc4+ { 1.Rxf6 ! gxf6 2.Nc4+ dxc4 3.Ne4+ Kd5 4.Nxf6+ Kxd4 4...Kd6 5.Ne4+ Kd5 6.Qh5+ with mate 5.Rd1+ winning the queen. } 1... dxc4 2. Ne4+ { ✔ With a mating attack. } 2... Kd5 3. Rf5+ { 3.Rxf6 +- reaches the line above , and 3.Qh5+ wins as well. } 3... Kxe4 { 3...Kxd4 4.c3+ Kd3 5.Rf3+ Kc2 6.Rf2+ Kd3 7.Nc5+ Ke3 8.Re1# } 4. Re1+ Kxd4 5. c3+ Kd3 6. Rd5# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 324"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rq1n2k1/6b1/p5R1/1p1pP2r/2pP1P2/2P4P/P1QB3K/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 324. Jose Raul Capablanca - Joseph Blackburne, St Petersburg 1914 White is winning after most moves, but can decide the game directly in a few moves. } 1. Rxg7+ Kxg7 2. Rg1+ Kf8 3. Qg6 { ✔ White threatens both a mating attack and the rook (which cannot escape or be protected anyway) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 325"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/2NPk3/p5pp/P7/1P3p2/3b3P/6P1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 325. Jose Raul Capablanca - Lynch/ Villegas, Buenos Aires 1914 } 1. Ne6 Kxd7 2. Nc5+ Kc6 3. Nxd3 { ✔ And White won. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 326"] [Result "*"] [FEN "Qnk5/p2q2pp/3p4/p1pB4/2P5/K1P1r3/4r2P/1R2B3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 326. Jose Raul Capablanca - M. Wolfson, New York (simul) 1915 } 1... Ra2+ 2. Kxa2 Qa4+ { White resigned, as it's mate: } 3. Kb2 Re2+ 4. Kc1 Qc2# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 327"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6r1/p1bR3p/4pkr1/5q2/B1p5/5Q2/1P3PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 327. Jose Raul Capablanca - J.M. Stahr, Chicago 1915 } 1. Rxe6+ { ✔ 1.Qxf5+ exf5 2.Rxc7 Rxg2+ is probably winning for White , but he only keeps one of his pawns. Better is giving up a rook for the most important defender of the black position. } 1... Kxe6 { 1...Kg5 2.Rd5 +- pins the queen. } 2. Qc6+ { 2.Qe2+ Qe5 3.Qxc4+ Kf6 4.Qf7+ Kg5 5.Rxc7 also wins. } 2... Ke5 3. Rd5+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 328"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/p1p1qp2/1rp1r1pp/2Rp2b1/3P4/1PN1P1QP/P4PP1/2R3K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 328. Jose Raul Capablanca - Christoph Wolff, New York 1915 } 1... Rxe3 2. fxe3 Bxe3+ { If Black does not keep on the queens , White can safely continue with the counterplay on the queenside without fearing an attack: 2...Qxe3+ 3.Qxe3 Bxe3+ 4.Kf1 Bxc1 5.Na4 Ba3 6.Ra5 And White's active pieces compensate for the material deficit. } 3. Kh1 Bxc1 { Black has won two pawns, but Capablanca could have taken one back with } 4. Nxd5 cxd5 5. Rxc1 { ✔ when White has drawing chances. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 329"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k1r4/1p5p/5p2/4n1p1/3q4/8/3r1PPP/R1QB1RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 329. Walter Shipley - Jose Raul Capablanca, Philadelphia (simul) 1915 } 1... Rxf2 2. Rxf2 Nd3 { The queen can't defend both f2 and a1. But not 2...Qxf2+ ?? 3.Kxf2 Nd3+ 4.Ke3 Nxc1 5.Rxc1 +-. } 3. Qd2 Qxa1 { ✔ } 4. Re2 Qd4+ { White resigned, as he is two pawns down. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 330"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1r1k1/p1q2pp1/2pb3p/n7/2PP2n1/2NQ1N2/PP2B1PP/R1B1K2R b KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 330. Manfred Schroeder - Jose Raul Capablanca, New York 1916 } 1... Bg3+ 2. hxg3 { 2.Kf1 Nf2 -+ ✔ with a fork. } 2... Qxg3+ 3. Kd2 Nf2 { ✔ The queen can't defend the rook, and that's only one of White's problems. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 331"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/ppq2ppp/2p5/4bN2/4P3/6Q1/PPP2PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 331. Jose Raul Capablanca - Marc Fonaroff, New York 1918 } 1. Nh6+ Kh8 2. Qxe5 Qxe5 3. Nxf7+ { +- ✔ Black is mated or loses a piece. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 332"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k5r/pp2b3/2p2p1N/qr3p1P/2nP4/PRN5/1PP5/1KQ4R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 332. Jose Raul Capablanca - Walter Shipley, Philadelphia (simul) 1918 } 1... Nxa3+ 2. Rxa3 { 2.bxa3 Qxc3 ! ✔ and White dearly misses his b-pawn. } 2... Rxb2+ { The game continued: 2...Bxa3 ? 3.Nxb5 ! Qxb5 += when Black was a pawn up , but Capablanca showed that the h-pawn is worth more than that. } 3. Qxb2 Bxa3 4. Qb3 Rxh6 { However, note that he can't play: } 5. Qg8+ Kc7 6. Qg7+ Kb6 7. Qxh6 Qb4+ 8. Ka2 Qb2# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 333"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b1r1k1/p1p2pp1/2pp4/2n1qPB1/4P3/1PN2Q2/P5RP/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 333. Harold Cole - Jose Raul Capablanca, Hastings 1919 } 1... Bxf5 { 1...Nxe4 2.Nxe4 Qxe4 3.Qxe4 Rxe4 4.Bh6 leaves White with some hope. } 2. Qxf5 { 2.exf5 Qe1+ 3.Qf1 Qxc3 -+ ✔ also gives a position with two pawns extra. } 2... Qxc3 { ✔ There is nothing dangerous happening on g7 due to the exposed white king, so the material advantage is decisive. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 334"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/p2q2p1/2n5/3r3p/1bQ2B2/1P3P2/P3R1PP/4RN1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 334. Jose Raul Capablanca - Boris Kostic, Havana (3) 1919 White already has two pawns, but Black threatens 1...Bxe1 and 1...Rd4. There is a solution to both of these threats: } 1. Re8 Rd4 { 1...Rxe8 2.Rxe8+ Qxe8 3.Qxd5 ✔ wins , since Black can't exploit the first rank. } 2. Rxf8+ { Or 2.Qe6. } 2... Bxf8 3. Qe6 { ✔ White keeps both pawns with a serious advantage. 3.Qc1 is equally strong. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 335"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rrbk1/pp1q1ppp/2pp2n1/5N2/3QnP2/1PN5/PBP3PP/3R1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 335. Jose Raul Capablanca - Edward Tinsley, London (simul) 1919 } 1. Nh6+ gxh6 { 1...Kh8 2.Nxe4 +- ✔ leaves White a piece up. } 2. Nxe4 { The only defence is taking it, but after } 2... Rxe4 3. Qxe4 { ✔ the compensation is clearly insufficient. The black king is open, his pawns are weak, and f4-f5 can be annoying at some point if Black does not further weaken himself with ...f7-f5. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 336"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qr1k1/pbpnbppp/1p2pn2/6N1/3P4/3B1N2/PPP1QPPP/R1B1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 336. Jose Raul Capablanca - T. Bray, Birmingham (simul) 1919 } 1. Nxf7 { 1.Ne5 ! Nxe5 2.dxe5 winning a piece , also gives full points , but only if you saw: 2...Qd5 3.Qf1 ! The knight cannot move due to 4.Be4 winning the b7-bishop. } 1... Bxf3 { 1...Kxf7 2.Ng5+ Kf8 2...Kg8 3.Qxe6+ Kh8 4.Nf7+ Kg8 5.Nh6+ Kh8 6.Qg8+ Rxg8 7.Nf7# ✔ 3.Nxe6+ +- ✔ A fork on the king and the queen. } 2. gxf3 { Also strong is 2.Qxe6 threatening mate , and 2...Bd5 3.Nxd8+ Bxe6 4.Nxe6 leaves White two pawns up with a positional advantage to boot. } 2... Kxf7 3. Qxe6+ Kf8 4. Bc4 { ✔ There is no defence. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 337"] [Result "*"] [FEN "q5k1/2p2ppp/rr6/3p4/1p1P3P/1Q2PP2/PP1B1P2/K3R3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 337. Jose Raul Capablanca - Valentin Marin y Llovet, Barcelona (simul) 1920 White has a pawn for the exchange, and with the king on b1 there would be hope. But } 1... Rxa2+ 2. Qxa2 Ra6 { The game ended: } 3. Qxa6 Qxa6+ { ✔ } 4. Kb1 Qd3+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 338"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qr1k1/pp1nbpp1/2p1pn1p/6N1/3P1P2/2PB4/PP1BQ1PP/4RRK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 338. Jose Raul Capablanca - M. Coll, Barcelona (simul) 1920 } 1. Nxf7 Kxf7 { The game continuation was 1...Qc7 2.Qxe6 Bf8 3.Nxh6+ Kh8 4.Qg8+ Nxg8 5.Nf7#. } 2. Qxe6+ Kf8 3. Bg6 { ✔ Mate is unavoidable. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 339"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr4/ppnq1p2/5r1p/N1pbp2P/P3NB2/1PPP1Q2/2K1B3/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 339. Jose Raul Capablanca - E.S. Maddock, New York (simul) 1922 } 1. Nxf6 Bxf3 2. Bxf3 { 2.Nxd7 Bxe2 3.Nxe5 Bxd1+ 4.Kxd1 f6 is only slightly better for White , as the pawn on d3 falls. } 2... Qd6 3. Bxe5 { ✔ White can also start with 3.Bxb7+. } 3... Qb6 { The point is 3...Qxe5 4.Bxb7+ Kb8 5.Nc6+ +- ✔ with a fork. } 4. Nxb7 { Easier was 4.Bxb7+ Kb8 5.Nc6+ Kxb7 6.Nxd8+ with too many pieces for the queen , and a decisive attack. } 4... c4 { Black threatens both 5...Qxb3+ and 5...Qf2+, but Capablanca would still have been close to winning if he had played: } 5. d4 { Instead , the game continued: 5.Nxd8 (1-0, 37 moves) but here Black could have drawn with 5...Qf2+ 6.Rd2 cxd3+ 7.Kc1 Qe1+ 8.Rd1 Qe3+ 9.Rd2 Qe1+. } 5... Qxb3+ 6. Kd2 Qb2+ 7. Ke3 Qxc3+ 8. Kf2 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 340"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/1pp1b3/p1n1b3/4pp2/6p1/P1NPB1P1/1PPNKP2/R6R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 340. Jose Raul Capablanca - Perkins, New York (simul) 1924 } 1... f4 2. Rxh8 { 2.gxf4 exf4 3.Bxf4 Nd4+ 4.Ke3 and Black picks up an exchange with a winning position after 4...Nxc2+ ✔. } 2... Rxh8 3. gxf4 { 3.Nce4 fxe3 -+ was the hopeless game continuation (0-1, 27 moves) (.) } 3... exf4 4. Bxf4 Nd4+ { ✔ White loses the rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 341"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/q4ppp/p3p3/pnNp4/2rP4/2P2P2/4R1PP/2R1Q1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 341. Efim Bogoljubov - Jose Raul Capablanca, New York 1924 Black has two not-so-strong extra pawns, but he can increase his lead with: } 1... Nxd4 2. cxd4 R8xc5 { 3.Rxc4 Rxc4 -+ ✔ moves the rook away from the threat , and White loses the rook on c1 after 3.dxc5 Qxc5+ 4.Kf1 Rxc1 -+ ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 342"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k6/pp4p1/2nb1p2/4r3/P7/2PQ4/1P4PP/4rR1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 342. Frank Marshall - Jose Raul Capablanca, New York 1927 } 1... Rd5 2. Qf3 { 2.Qc4 Ne5 and the queen can no longer defend the rook on f1. } 2... Ne5 { The black pieces swarming around the white king will win the queen in one of several ways, for instance: } 3. Qf2 Rxf1+ { 3...Nd3 4.Qf3 Rxf1+ 5.Qxf1 Nxb2 was another way to win. } 4. Qxf1 Ng4 { -+ Black threatens 5...Ne3 and 5...Rd1 6.Qxd1 Nf2+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 343"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r3k/pb1p1rp1/1pn2pp1/2qNp1B1/2B1P3/3R4/PPP2PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 343. Jose Raul Capablanca - A. Souza Campos, Sao Paulo 1927 } 1. Rh3+ Kg8 2. Nxf6+ Kf8 { 2...gxf6 3.Bxf6 ✔ with mate on h8. } 3. Rh8+ { ✔ } 3... Ke7 { There are now several ways to mate. } 4. Re8+ { 4.Ng8+ Ke8 5.Nh6+ followed by 6.B (x) f7# (is equally fast.) } 4... Rxe8 5. Rxd7+ Kf8 6. Rxf7# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 344"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k4r/pppqb3/2n2p2/3bp2p/Q4PrN/P2PB1P1/1P2P1BK/2R2R2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 344. Jose Raul Capablanca - C.H. Reid, London 1928 } 1... Rxh4+ { The move order 1...Bxg2 works as well , as 2.Nxg2 loses to 2...h4. But 1...Rhg8 2.Bh3 ! is not as clear , although probably still winning after 2...f5. } 2. gxh4 Bxg2 3. Kxg2 { 3.fxe5 was the hopeless game continuation: 3...Qh3+ 4.Kg1 Bxf1 and White resigned. } 3... Qg4+ 4. Kf2 Qxh4+ { ✔ 4...Nd4 5.Bxd4 Qxf4+ also wins. } 5. Kf3 { White has to give up several pieces to avoid mate after for example: } 5... Nd4+ 6. Ke4 f5+ 7. Kd5 Qf6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 345"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r2/6k1/p1r3p1/5PQ1/2q1PN2/1p6/P6P/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 345. Jose Raul Capablanca - Gracie Square Pharmacy Chess Club, New York (simul) 1931 } 1. f6+ { Black has to take on f6 to defend the g6-pawn. } 1... Rfxf6 2. Nh5+ Kh7 { No better is 2...Kh8 3.Qh6+ Kg8 4.Qg7# ✔ Black had to play 2...Kf7 3.Rxf6+ Rxf6 4.Qxf6+ Ke8. Without rooks , he threatens both 5...bxa2 and a lot of checks. The trick is to take on g6 , defend the f1-square and the e4-pawn with check , and then take on b3: 5.Qxg6+ ✔ Kd8 6.Qf6+ Kc7 7.Qf4+ Kb7 8.axb3 +- } 3. Nxf6+ { White can take care of the black counter-threats in more than one way, for instance: } 3... Kg7 4. Nh5+ Kh7 5. Qe7+ Kh6 6. Ng3 { The knight moves back to g3. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 346"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1br1qk1/pp1n1p2/2p2npp/4pN2/2BPP3/5N2/PP3PPP/2RQR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 346. Jose Raul Capablanca - Glicco, Mexico 1933 } 1. Bxf7+ Kh7 { 1...Qxf7 2.Nxh6+ +- ✔ A fork. 1...Kxf7 2.Qb3+ Ke8 or 2...Nd5 3.exd5 gxf5 4.dxc6+ ✔ Kg7 5.cxd7 Bxd7 6.Nxe5 +- with two pawns more 3.Qe6+ Qe7 4.Qxe7# ✔ } 2. Bxg6+ Kxg6 3. dxe5 { 4.e6 and 5.e7 or 5.Ne5 wins material wherever Black moves the knight. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 347"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rr1nk1/pbq2ppp/8/1Bp1P3/4p3/P7/QP1N1PPP/3RR1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 347. Jose Raul Capablanca - George Thomas, Hastings 1934 } 1... Qa5 { Perhaps he feared the knight coming to d6, but apart from giving up the exchange when that happens, he could also win with: } 2. Nc4 Rxd1 3. Rxd1 { 3.Nxa5 Rxe1+ 4.Bf1 Ba6 -+ } 3... Qxb5 4. Nd6 Qd7 { When all is well and safe. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 348"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/pp1n2pp/4p3/6q1/2NPQn2/3B4/PP4PP/2R2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 348. Jose Raul Capablanca - Llusa, Barcelona (simul) 1935 } 1. Qxh7+ { 1.Rxf4 ? Rxf4 -+ } 1... Kf7 2. Rxf4+ Qxf4 3. Rf1 Qxf1+ 4. Bxf1 { ✔ Black has no chance of survivng, with his poor development and weak king. Or 4.Kxf1 +-. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 349"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4k3/rp3ppb/1np1p2p/N7/1PP5/6P1/4PPBP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 349. Jose Raul Capablanca - Andor Lilienthal, Moscow 1936 } 1. Nxb7 Rxb7 { 1...Nxc4 ! is the best defence. White is a pawn up after 2.Bxc6+ ± but there is work left to do to convert. } 2. Bxc6+ Rd7 { Best is the game move: } 3. c5 { 1-0, 54 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 350"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1r1k/1p2pp1p/p4n2/2pp2Q1/4p3/2NP2P1/PPP2PK1/R6R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 350. Jose Raul Capablanca - J.C. Rather, New York (simul) 1936 } 1. Nxd5 Qxd5 { No better are 1...Nxd5 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 3.Rh1# ✔ or 1...Rg8 2.Nxf6 ! Rxg5 3.Rxh7# ✔ } 2. Rxh7+ Nxh7 { 2...Kxh7 3.Rh1+ ✔ with mate. } 3. Qxd5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 351"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rbq1r2/4bpk1/p3p1p1/1p2P1P1/2pPBP2/2P5/PP2Q1P1/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Alexander Alekhine @@StartBlockQuote@@When asked “How is it that you pick better moves than your opponents?” I responded: “I’m very glad you asked me that, because, as it happens, there is a very simple answer. I think up my own moves, and I make my opponent think up his.”@@EndBlockQuote@@351. V. Malkov – Alexander Alekhine, corr. 1902 } 1. Rh7+ Kxh7 2. Qh5+ Kg8 { 2...Kg7 3.Qh6+ ✔ Kg8 4.Rh1 with mate. } 3. Bxg6 { There are other ways to win, but this is the cleanest. } 3... fxg6 4. Qxg6+ Kh8 5. Rh1# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 352"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3qr1k1/pp3ppp/3b4/8/1nrN3P/P1N1P3/1P1K1PP1/1Q3R1R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 352. Alexander Alekhine - Nikolay Zubakin, corr. 1902 White's king seems reasonably safe in the centre, but with } 1... Rxd4+ { Black exposes it to the deadly onslaught of his entire army. } 2. exd4 Bf4+ 3. Kd1 Qxd4+ 4. Qd3 Qxd3# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 353"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qk2r/2p2p2/p1np3p/1pb1p1pb/4P3/1B1P1NPP/PPP3P1/RN1Q1R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 353. Alexander Alekhine - S. Antushev, corr. 1903 } 1. Nxe5 Bxd1 { The game went 1...Nxe5 2.Qxh5 +- ✔. } 2. Bxf7+ Kf8 3. Nxc6 { This wins back the queen. Also good is the long but forcing variation: 3.Bd5+ Ke8 4.Bxc6+ Ke7 5.Ng6+ Ke6 6.Bd5+ Kd7 7.Rf7+ Kc8 8.Ne7+ Qxe7 9.Rxe7 ±. } 3... Qd7 4. Be6+ { ✔ White is two pawns up and has good winning chances. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 354"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k1r3/ppp2p1p/8/7q/5Bn1/Q1P3pN/PP4P1/R4K2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 354. Alexander Alekhine - V. Zhukovsky, corr. 1905 } 1... Nf2 { Zhukovsky played 1...Qb5+ ? when strongest is 2.c4 ! ∞ to open the third rank for the queen. 1...Nh2+ ? 2.Kg1 Nf3+ also fails to win after. 3.Kh1 Rg8 ! threatening 4...Qxh3+ 5.gxh3 g2# 4.Bxg3 ! Rxg3 5.Qf8+ = It's almost perpetual , and if not then White can defend the knight on h3. } 2. Kg1 { 2.Bxg3 Nxh3 ! 3.gxh3 Qf3+ ✔ leads to mate , as does 2.Nxf2 Qe2+ 3.Kg1 Qe1+ 4.Rxe1 Rxe1# ✔. } 2... Nxh3+ 3. gxh3 Qxh3 { ✔ White will be mated. 3...Qe2 4.Bxg3 Qe3+ 5.Kh2 Qf3 ! 6.Re1 Rd8 ! is also mating. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 355"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rb1q2k/ppp1r2p/4p1p1/4PpN1/P6R/2Q5/5PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 355. V.M. Manko - Alexander Alekhine, corr. 1906 } 1. Nxh7 { 1.Rxh7+ ! gives the same result. } 1... Rxh7 2. Rxh7+ Kxh7 3. Qxc7+ Kh6 4. Rd8 { ✔ Or 4.Qxb8 +- , or even 4.h4 +-. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 356"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3rnk1/1pqnb3/p3p1p1/3p2P1/7B/2NB4/PPP1Q2P/5RRK w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 356. Alexander Alekhine - Otto Kunze, Düsseldorf 1908 } 1. Bxg6 Nxg6 2. Qxe6+ Kh8 3. Qxg6 { The game ended with: } 3... Qc6 4. Qh5+ Kg8 5. Qf7+ Kh8 6. g6 d4+ 7. Nd5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 357"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2r1k/ppp3pp/3b4/4Npq1/2B5/8/PPP2PPP/R2QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 357. Alexander Alekhine - H. Koehnlein, Düsseldorf 1908 } 1. Qxd6 { 1.Nf7+ Rxf7 2.Bxf7 Bd7 +- is not quite as good. } 1... cxd6 2. Nf7+ Rxf7 3. Re8+ Rf8 4. Rxf8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 358"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r2/2p3k1/1p1p1rBp/p1nPpP2/6q1/2P1R1Pp/P1P4K/4QR2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 358. Alexander Alekhine - Dawid Daniuszewski, St Petersburg 1909 Black is positionally winning and after } 1... Qxg6 { 1.Qc4 picks up a pawn , and if you are 100% sure you would win this , you can give yourself full points (hand on your heart!) } 2. fxg6 Rxf1 { ✔ he also wins material. White's queen cannot escape. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 359"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r2/p1ppk1r1/1pn1p2p/8/2PP1N2/2P5/P2K2PP/R4R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 359. Alexander Alekhine - Savielly Tartakower, Hamburg 1910 } 1. Nd5+ Ke8 { 1...exd5 2.Rae1+ +- ✔ followed by 3.Rxf8. } 2. Nxc7+ Ke7 3. Nd5+ Ke8 { ✔ The knight retreats to e3, with or without the exchange on f8. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 360"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/pppq1p2/3p4/3Nb1p1/2B1P1nP/2P3P1/PP2Q1K1/R4R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 360. Alexander Alekhine - Krotky, Tula (simul) 1910 } 1. Rxf7 Qxf7 2. Nb6+ axb6 3. Bxf7 { But there is no hope after: } 3... Nf6 4. hxg5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 361"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/pp1nbppp/2pnb3/3p2BN/3P1Q1P/2NB4/PPP2PP1/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 361. Alexander Alekhine - Gutkevitsch, Moscow (simul) 1910 } 1. Bh6 { 1.Nxg7 ? Kxg7 2.Bh6+ Kh8 is not mating. } 1... Ne8 { 1...gxh6 2.Qxh6 ± ✔ threatens mate both on g7 and h7. The best defence was 1...g6 , since Black gets the bishop pair if White takes the exchange. But 2.Ng7 ! puts an end to that dream. } 2. Bxg7 { An important move - otherwise 1.Bh6 makes no sense. } 2... Nxg7 3. Qh6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 362"] [Result "*"] [FEN "br1q1rk1/p3p1bp/6p1/1p1n2B1/2pPB3/P1P4P/2Q2PP1/1R1R1NK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 362. Ossip Bernstein - Alexander Alekhine, Vilnius 1912 } 1... Nxc3 2. Bxg6 { After the game move, there are many ways to win: capturing a rook or creating a double threat against g2 and g5. Alekhine chose: } 2... Qd5 3. Bxh7+ Kh8 4. f4 Nxb1 5. Rxb1 Qxd4+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 363"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k1r/p2p4/bpqP2p1/5p2/2P1rP2/2QR1B2/P4b2/5KR1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 363. Alexander Alekhine - Boris Koyalovich, St Petersburg 1912 } 1... Bd4 { Black defends against 2.Qf6+ or 2.Qxh8+. } 2. Rxd4 Bxc4+ 3. Kf2 { No salvation is offered by 3.Rxc4 Qxc4+ -+ ✔ or 3.Kg2 Bf1+ -+. } 3... Rh2+ { The king will be forced to a light square, allowing the bishop to move with check. } 4. Kg3 { 4.Rg2 Re2+ or 4...Rxg2+ 5.Kxg2 Bf1+ 6.Kxf1 Qxc3 -+ 5.Bxe2 Qxg2+ 6.Ke3 Qxe2# ✔ } 4... Rh3+ { The only winning move. } 5. Kxh3 Bf1+ 6. Rxf1 Qxc3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 364"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k2r/p2nbppp/q3pn2/1Np5/PpNP1P2/4P3/1P1BQ1PP/R4RK1 w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 364. Dawid Janowski - Alexander Alekhine, Scheveningen 1913 } 1. Ncd6+ { White wins the exchange or the queen with a discovered attack. } 1... Bxd6 2. Nc7+ Rxc7 3. Qxa6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 365"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/1pp2ppp/p1b5/6Q1/5q1P/1BN5/PP1r1PP1/5RKR b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 365. Alexander Alekhine - Efim Bogoljubov, St Petersburg 1913 } 1... Rxf2 2. Bxf7+ { The two captures hit hard: 2.Rxf2 Re1+ 3.Rf1 Rxf1# ✔ and 2.Qxf4 Rxg2# ✔. } 2... Kh8 { White is still mated if he captures the rook or the queen, and } 3. Rd1 Qxf7 { also gave no hope (0-1, 27 moves) . or 3...Rxg2+ -+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 366"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1kr4r/pb1q2pp/1p6/4bp2/1Q3N1P/3pPP2/PP1N1P2/1KR4R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 366. Sergey Lebedev - Alexander Alekhine, St Petersburg 1914 } 1... Rc2 { White has three ways to defend against 2...Rxb2, but none helps. } 2. Rxc2 { A. 2.Nc4 Bxf4 3.exf4 Qd4 ! -+ ✔ Black does not have to exploit the pin. Next is 4...Bxf3. B. 2.Nxd3 Rxc1+ 2...Bd6 -+ also wins a piece 3.Nxc1 a5 ! -+ ✔ The knight on d2 is lost. } 2... dxc2+ { ✔ } 3. Kxc2 { Black is not in a hurry, but there is a way to end the game that's easier than others: } 3... Rc8+ 4. Kb1 { Or 4.Kd1 Bxf3+ mating. } 4... a5 { -+ The next move is 5...Qxd2. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 367"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2r1k/6R1/p2b3p/3P3q/1pPppB2/1P1Q1P1P/P6K/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 367. Dawid Janowski - Alexander Alekhine, Mannheim 1914 } 1. Rg8+ { The rook sacrifice ensures that the next moves come with check. 1.Rh7+ ? Kxh7 2.Qxe4+ Rf5 3.Bxd6 Qxf3 += gives counterplay with the d4-pawn alive. } 1... Rxg8 2. Qxd4+ Kh7 3. Qxe4+ Rg6 { 3...Kh8 and White wins by taking on d6 now or after a few checks. } 4. Bxd6 { ✔ Exchanging first was also winning. The rook is no match for the connected passed pawns supported by the bishop. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 368"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rr/1b1k1p2/p3p2b/1pQpP3/5P1q/3B4/PP4N1/2R1R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 368. Nikolay Tselikov - Alexander Alekhine, Moscow 1915 } 1... Rxg2+ 2. Kxg2 d4+ { ✔ 2...Rg8+ is also mating in various ways , and 2...Qg4+ as well as 2...Bg5 are also winning. } 3. Be4 { The point of 2...d4 is shown after } 3... Rg8+ 4. Kf1 Qxf4+ { One way to end the game is: } 5. Ke2 Qxe4+ 6. Kd1 Qd3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 369"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qr1k1/pb1nb1pp/1p2pn2/2p1Np2/2PP1B2/3B1N2/PP2QPPP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 369. Alexander Alekhine - Feldt, Tarnopol (blindfold simul) 1916 } 1. Nf7 { 1.Nc6 Bxc6 2.Qxe6+ Kh8 3.Qxc6 +- wins a pawn (one point) (.) } 1... Kxf7 2. Qxe6+ Kg6 { 2...Kxe6 3.Ng5# ✔ is over , and Black has to give up too much to avoid mate after 2...Kf8 3.Ng5 +- ✔ } 3. g4 { 4.Bxf5# and 4.Nh4# are two threats Black can't defend against. Also mating are 3.Bxf5+ Kh5 4.g4+ Nxg4 5.Bxg4# and 3.Nh4+ Kh5 4.Qxf5+ , with mate on the next move. } 3... Be4 4. Nh4# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 370"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rk2r/pbqnbppp/1pp1pn2/4N3/3P4/3B2N1/PPPBQPPP/4RRK1 w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 370. Alexander Alekhine - Vasiutinsky, Odessa (simul) 1918 } 1. Nxf7 { Black castled here (1-0, 28 moves) . } 1... Kxf7 2. Qxe6+ Kf8 3. Qxe7+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 371"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/p1p2rp1/2p2n2/5PBq/4p1P1/4Q3/PPP4R/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 371. Nikolay Pavlov-Pianov - Alexander Alekhine, Moscow 1919 } 1... Qxh2+ { 1...Qxg4+ 2.Rg2 Qxf5 ∓ leaves White fighting. } 2. Kxh2 Nxg4+ 3. Kg3 Nxe3 { ✔ Black takes on f5 and wins two pawns and an exchange with no counterplay left for White. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 372"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k1r/pp2nppp/2p1b3/4N3/3r1P2/1B2R3/PP4PP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 372. Alexander Alekhine - Nikolay Grigoriev, Moscow 1919 } 1. Nxf7 { ✔ } 1... Kxf7 { White also wins a pawn after 1...Bxf7 2.Bxf7 ±. 2.Rxe7 ± } 2. Rxe6 { 2.Bxe6+ ± is good enough , but the text move is stronger. } 2... Nd5 3. Re7+ { 1-0, 36 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 373"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/p1pp2pp/1p2p3/n6q/Q1PPR3/2P2P2/P2B2PP/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 373. Ilya Rabinovich - Alexander Alekhine, Moscow 1920 } 1... Nxc4 { Black wins a pawn due to: } 2. Qxc4 d5 3. Qb5 a6 { -+ ✔ The only good move. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 374"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/4kp2/1RQ4p/p2rP1p1/P7/3q3P/5BP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 374. Alexander Alekhine - G. Resser, The Hague (simul) 1921 } 1. Qf6+ Ke8 2. e6 { White doesn't have to move with check - Black's counterplay is too slow. } 2... Qf5 { A strong defence, forcing White to find the only way to win. 2...Qg6 3.exf7+ or 3.Qh8+ Ke7 4.Bc5+ ! +- 3...Qxf7 4.Re6+ Kf8 5.Qxh6+ +- And Black must give up up the queen for the rook. 5.Qh8+ +- } 3. exf7+ Kf8 4. Bc5+ Rxc5 5. Qxd8+ Kxf7 6. Rb7+ { ✔ Black will be mated. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 375"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1r1k/1b4p1/pb5p/4Pp1q/2pBnP2/5N1N/PPQ3PP/3R1R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 375. Joaquin Torres Caravaca - Alexander Alekhine, Spain (simul) 1922 } 1... Bxd4 { 1...Rxd4 gives the same outcome: 2.Rxd4 2.Nxd4 Qxh3 -+ 2...Bxd4 3.Nxd4 Qxh3 -+ } 2. Rxd4 { 2.Nxd4 Qxh3 ! 3.gxh3 Nf2+ 4.Kg1 Nxh3# ✔ } 2... Rxd4 3. Nxd4 Qxh3 4. gxh3 Nf2+ 5. Kg1 Nxh3# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 376"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k3/p4R1Q/1p4Bp/3pP3/6P1/P4K2/1P4P1/2r1q3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 376. Alexander Alekhine - Frederick Yates. Hastings 1922 Black is almost getting mated, and he can take a perpetual check, but more can be achieved: } 1... R8c3+ { 1...R1c3+ makes no difference. } 2. bxc3 Rxc3+ 3. Bd3 Qf1+ 4. Ke3 Rxd3+ 5. Qxd3 Qxd3+ 6. Kxd3 Kxf7 { ✔ White's ruined pawn structure makes him a hopeless victim. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 377"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1bk1/3b1ppp/p1p5/3p4/3Nr3/1P2PQ2/PB3PPP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 377. Alexander Alekhine - N.N., Berlin 1922 } 1. Nxc6 { White won a pawn due to: } 1... Bxc6 2. Rxc6 Rxc6 3. Qxe4 dxe4 4. Rxd8 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 378"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/3nrppp/2B5/p1b2P2/5Q2/1P5P/Pr6/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 378. Alexander Alekhine - Manuel Golmayo de la Torriente, Spain 1922 } 1. f6 { 1.Bxd7 ? Rxd7 2.Qe5 is a triple threat 3.Qxb2 , 3.Qxc5 and 3.Qe8+ Bf8 4.Qxd7 , but 2...Rdd2 ! = defends , because 3.Qxc5 ?? Rh2+ 4.Kg1 Rbg2# } 1... gxf6 { After the game move, the open g-file can be exploited in several ways. Alekhine chose: } 2. Bxd7 Rxd7 3. Qg4+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 379"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1r1k/pb4pp/3b4/1Pp2nq1/2Q1p3/1P1pP2P/PB3PPN/R2NR2K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 379. Siegbert Tarrasch - Alexander Alekhine, Bad Pistyan 1922 } 1... Ng3+ 2. Kg1 { After the king move, White is still not threatening to take on g3, and there are many ways to add fuel to the attack: A. 2...Bc8 -+ followed by 3.Bxh3; B. 2...d2 -+ wins an exchange , to start with. Alekhine started with } 2... Bd5 { and won convincingly (0-1, 38 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 380"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3q1kr1/3npp1p/1p1Pn1p1/1p6/rP1Q4/P4N2/3N1PPP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 380. Alexander Alekhine - Heinrich Wolf, Bad Pistyan 1922 White has a winning position, and can finish the game forcefully: } 1. Rxe6 fxe6 2. Ng5 { ✔ The threats are too numerous. } 2... Nc5 { This defends e6 for the moment, but Black loses the knight when White moves the queen. After 2...Qc8 or 2...Qb8 (White has a winning attack with a combination of Ng5xe6, Re1 and d6xe7. There is no need to calculate a concrete variation.) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 381"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3qr1k1/p4rpp/1pRbp3/1Q1p4/1P1Bn3/4P1PB/P4P1P/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 381. Alexander Alekhine - Frederick Yates, Portsmouth 1923 } 1. f3 { Wherever the knight moves, White takes on d6 and e8. The game continuation was: } 1... Nd2 2. Rxd6 Qxd6 3. Qxe8+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 382"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k1r3r/pp1q2p1/4pp2/1P6/2RP1P2/1Q2P2p/6PP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 382. Alexander Alekhine - Lester Samuels, New York (simul) 1923 } 1. Rxa7 Qd5 { 1...Kxa7 2.Qa3+ or 2.b6+ Ka6 3.Rc5 ! with a mate after 3...Ra8 4.Qb4 ! 2...Kb6 3.Qc5+ ✔ with mate in a few moves. } 2. Qa2 { Alekhine played 2.Ra2 ? Rc8 ! ±. } 2... Qxg2+ { 2...Qxc4 3.Ra8+ Kc7 4.Qxc4+ +- ✔ } 3. Qxg2 hxg2 4. b6 Rc8 { The only defence against 5.Rc7. } 5. Rca4 { ✔ To avoid mate, Black has to part with a rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 383"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qnrk1/2p2ppp/p1QN4/4p3/8/8/PPP2PPP/R1BR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 383. Alexander Alekhine - Reib, Prague (simul) 1923 } 1. Bg5 { ✔ Black has to take, as otherwise he is a piece down. } 1... Qxg5 2. Ne4 { 2.Qxa8 +- wins and 2.Nxf7 ! +- gains an extra pawn. } 2... Qf4 3. Qxa8 Nd6 { The knight is lost here, but White is still winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 384"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1Qn3pp/1B2pr2/1q1nNp2/3P4/1P6/5PPP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 384. Alexander Alekhine - Menzel, Boston (simul) 1923 } 1. Ra8+ Nxa8 { After 1...Ne8 White has two immediate ways to exploit the eight rank: A. 2.Bc5 Or B. 2.Nd7 with a double threat. 2...Qxb7 3.Rxe8+ Rf8 4.Rxf8# Or 1...Rf8 2.Rxf8+ Kxf8 3.Qb8+ picks up a piece on c7 , as 3...Ne8 4.Bc5+ +- wins the queen. } 2. Qc8+ { Black resigned due to: } 2... Rf8 3. Qxe6+ Kh8 4. Nf7+ Kg8 { 4...Rxf7 loses to 5.Qc8+ ✔ with back-rank mate. } 5. Nh6+ { Or 5.Nd6+ +- winning the queen. } 5... Kh8 6. Qg8+ Rxg8 7. Nf7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 385"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/pp2qppp/2b1p3/3p4/5P2/b2BPR2/1B1N2PP/3Q2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 385. Alexander Alekhine - John Drewitt, Portsmouth 1923 } 1. Bxh7+ Kxh7 2. Rh3+ Kg8 3. Qh5 { Simplest and best. The game continued: 3.Bxg7 ?! f6 4.Bh6 , which is a more complicated way to win. 4...Qh7 5.Qh5 Bf8 6.Qg4+ Kf7 7.Bxf8 +- wins back the sacrificed piece , keeping the g- and h-pawns. } 3... f6 4. Bxa3 Qxa3 5. Qh8+ Kf7 6. Qxd8 Qc1+ 7. Nf1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 386"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4Q3/3N1pkp/3q2pb/p7/Pp1p2P1/1P6/2r2P1P/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 386. Siegbert Tarrasch - Alexander Alekhine, Karlsbad 1923 Black has a good position, but faces the threat of 2.Rxd4 Qxd4 3.Qf8#. } 1... Be3 2. fxe3 { Tarrsch played 2.Rf1 but when White was forced into passivity , Black can do whatever he wishes with a winning position (0-1, 54 moves) (.) } 2... Qxh2+ 3. Kf1 Qh1# { ✔ Or 3...Qf2# } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 387"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1p5p/4p1p1/1P1pn2r/1P1R1P2/6P1/6KP/4RB2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 387. Alexander Alekhine - Herman Steiner, New York (simul) 1924 } 1... Rxh2+ 2. Kxh2 Nf3+ 3. Kg2 Nxd4 { ✔ Black lost despite his extra pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 388"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rkb1r/pp3p1p/1q4p1/4nN2/4N3/8/PP2QPPP/R4RK1 w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 388. Alexander Alekhine - Leon Kussman, New York (simul) 1924 } 1. Qb5+ Nd7 { 1...Qxb5 2.Nf6# ✔ } 2. Rfe1 { +- ✔ There is no defence against the discovered attack. 2.Nf6+ Qxf6 3.Rae1+ Be7 4.Rxe7+ Kf8 5.Qb4 ! is also winning , as is 2.Rae1 !. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 389"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3nr1k/pppq1ppp/3p1R2/3Nn1BQ/2B1P3/3P3P/PPP3P1/7K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 389. Alexander Alekhine - J.Y. Downman, USA (simul) 1924 } 1. Rh6 gxh6 2. Bf6+ { White can also play 2.Nf6 +- or 2.Qxh6 Rg8 3.Nf6 Rg7 4.Nxd7 +-. } 2... Nxf6 { 2...Kg8 3.Ne7+ +- wins the queen. } 3. Nxf6 Qe7 4. Qxh6 Qxf6 5. Qxf6+ Kg8 { ✔ Black has two rooks for the queen but his king has no hope against h3-h4-h5-h6, and he soon resigned. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 390"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k1r2r/pp1n1q2/2pb3p/3pnB1Q/5B2/2N5/PPP3PP/4RRK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 390. Alexander Alekhine - F. Casciato, USA (simul) 1924 } 1. Rxe5 { 1.Bxd7+ Kxd7 2.Rxe5 transposes. } 1... Qxh5 2. Bxd7+ Kxd7 3. Rxh5 { ✔ The rook survived with the help of a lifeline - after the exchange on h5 it moves away from the threat. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 391"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r2/pb2qp1k/1pnr2pp/7Q/4B3/4P1N1/P4PPP/2R2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 391. Walter Michel - Alexander Alekhine, Basel (simul) 1925 } 1. Nf5 gxh5 { 1...gxf5 2.Qxf5+ Rg6 3.Bxc6 Bxc6 4.Rxc6 ± ✔ gives White an extra pawn , but was Black's only hope. } 2. Nxe7+ f5 3. Bxc6 { ✔ White wins a piece, and he could also have gone for an exchange with 3.Nxf5 Re6 4.Nd6+ Rxe4 5.Nxe4 +-. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 392"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/p3Qpp1/Pp5p/4P3/4q3/5N1P/5nPK/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 392. Alexander Alekhine - H.A. Woher, Amsterdam (simul) 1925 } 1... Qf4+ 2. Kg1 Nxh3+ 3. gxh3 Qg3+ { 3...Qxf3 4.Qxa7 = is only a draw. } 4. Kh1 Qxf3+ { ✔ After one or two more checks, Black takes on a6. If White then captures on f7, Black picks up the e5-pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 393"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b3k1/pp3p1p/1qp3p1/8/3rPP2/PP6/1BQ2PBP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 393. Alexander Alekhine - A.H.M. Wap, Rotterdam (simul) 1925 } 1. Qc3 { 1.Bxd4 ? Qxd4 2.Rd1 Qf6 ! ∞ } 1... c5 2. b4 { Black's rook is undermined, and he has no time for } 2... f6 3. bxc5 { ✔ comes with a double threat. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 394"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/pp4pp/8/3Pqp2/2B1nN2/5R2/PP1Q2PP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 394. Alexander Alekhine - Anna Stephan, Czechoslovakia (simul) 1925 } 1. d6+ Kh8 { 1...Be6 2.Bxe6+ Qxe6 3.Nxe6 ✔ Nxd2 4.Rd3 +- wins an exchange. } 2. Ng6+ hxg6 3. Rh3# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 395"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4n1k1/pbrq2p1/4rB1Q/4P3/4p3/6RP/PP4P1/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 395. Alexander Alekhine - Harold Lommer, Geneva (simul) 1925 } 1. Bxg7 Nxg7 { 1...Rxh6 2.Rf8+ Kh7 3.Rh8# ✔ } 2. Rf8+ { Alekhine played 2.Rxg7+ ? Qxg7 3.Qxe6+ =. White is a piece down , but the open black king is enough to draw the game. } 2... Kxf8 3. Qh8+ Ke7 4. Rxg7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 396"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/2Bn1ppp/2p1pb2/2Pp4/3P1P2/r1NqP3/3Q2PP/2R1K2R b K - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 396. Alexander Alekhine - Walter Henneberger, Basel (simul) 1925 } 1... Nxc5 2. dxc5 { Alekhine tried to keep the loss to a pawn with 2.Bd6 but to no avail: 2...Rxc3 2...Bh4+ 3.g3 Bd8 is also winning , while 2...Qxd2+ 3.Kxd2 Nb3+ 4.Kc2 Nxc1 5.Bxa3 Rxa3 6.Rxc1 ∓ might be what many would settle for 3.Rxc3 3.Qxc3 Ra2 ! -+ 3...Ra1+ -+ Black has a winning attack. However , you do not have to see all that to take on c5. } 2... Bxc3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 397"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/pppqnppp/2n3b1/3p3N/3P4/2PB2Q1/P1PB1PPP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 397. Alexander Alekhine - Moriz Henneberger, Basel (simul) 1925 } 1. Bh6 Nf5 { 1...gxh6 2.Nf6+ +- ✔ with a fork. } 2. Bxf5 Rxe1+ 3. Rxe1 Qxf5 4. Nxg7 Qxc2 { ✔ Black won his pawn back, but his king position is in ruins. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 398"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/Q5pp/p1p2r2/1p1p1PN1/6P1/4n2P/PPP2K2/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 398. Alexander Alekhine - Karl Gilg, Czechoslovakia (simul) 1925 } 1... Nxf5 { The only move that gives Black an advantage. } 2. Nxh7 { 2.gxf5 Rxf5+ 3.Nf3 Ref8 -+ ✔ } 2... Rf7 { -+ Precise, but it was also good enough to take back on h7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 399"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/p2r1pp1/1pQ3p1/3P2q1/P7/6P1/5P1P/2R1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 399. Alexander Alekhine - Edgard Colle, Paris 1925 } 1. Qxd7 Rxd7 2. Re8+ { Not 2.Rc8+ ?? Rd8 -+. } 2... Kh7 3. Rcc8 { ✔ There is no defence since the queen cannot safely move with check. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 400"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r3r/p1p2kpp/1pn1pp2/1Q1q1n2/2NP4/4PN2/PP3PPP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 400. Alexander Alekhine - Saint Germain, Paris (simul) 1925 } 1. Qxc6 Qxc6 { Black made things worse with 1...Rd7 ? 2.Qxd7 +-. } 2. Nce5+ fxe5 3. Nxe5+ Kf6 4. Rxc6 { ✔ White wins a second pawn on c7. 4.Nxc6 is equally strong. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 401"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/p2q1ppp/R3b3/1ppN4/8/1P6/1PP2PPP/3QR1K1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 401. Alexander Alekhine - Peter Potemkin, Paris (simul) 1925 } 1. Rexe6+ { Or 1.Raxe6+ ! but not 1.Qf3 ?! O-O 2.Nb6 Qd6 3.Rd1 Qxb6 4.Rxb6 axb6 when Black is fighting. 1.Nb6 ?! Qxd1 2.Rxd1 Rd8 ! 3.Rxd8 Kxd8 4.Rxa7 Re8 when White's knight is in trouble. } 1... fxe6 2. Rxe6+ Kf7 { 2...Qxe6 3.Nc7+ ✔ is similar. } 3. Re7+ Qxe7 4. Nxe7 Kxe7 { ✔ Black's two rooks are still on their initial squares and White's queen has time to collect a second pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 402"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2r2/pp2nq1k/6pp/2pp4/4BPPN/2P5/P1Q3KP/4RR2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 402. Alexander Alekhine - N. Schwartz, London (simul) 1926 } 1. Bxg6+ { 1.Nxg6 ?! dxe4 ! 2.Nxe7 is not as good after 2...Bxg4 3.Qxe4+ Bf5 4.Nxf5 Qxf5 5.Qxb7+ Kh8 ± , even though the extra pawn and the active rooks might be enough. } 1... Nxg6 2. Nxg6 Kg8 { 2...Qxg6 3.Re7+ +- ✔ wins the queen. } 3. Nxf8 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 403"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/p4pp1/3p4/6P1/q1p5/2Qn1N2/PP1R1PP1/1K6 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 403. Alexander Alekhine - Raul Molina, Buenos Aires 1926 } 1... Rxb2+ 2. Qxb2 { 2.Rxb2 Qd1+ 3.Qc1 Qxc1# ✔ } 2... Nxb2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 404"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2q1r1k1/5p1p/1p1P2p1/2p5/PpNbr2P/1P1Q2P1/3R4/5R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 404. Alexander Alekhine - Julio Menendez, Buenos Aires 1926 } 1... Re2 2. Rxe2 Rxe2 3. Qxe2 { Alekhine gave up a rook with 3.Rf5 -+ (0-1, 37 moves) (.) } 3... Qh3+ 4. Qh2 Qxf1+ 5. Qg1 Qxg1# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 405"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qkb1r/1b3ppp/pn2p3/4N3/2pP4/2N1B3/PP3PPP/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 405. Alexander Alekhine - Colman Lernen, Buenos Aires 1926 } 1. d5 { +- ✔ There is no defence against 2.Bxb6 Qxb6 3.Qa4+, with a winning attack. Alekhine won a pawn with 1.Nxc4 Nxc4 2.Qa4+ Qd7 3.Qxc4 += but the bishop pair and the long diagonal gave some compensation. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 406"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2r2/p1q1bpk1/1np1pn1p/1p6/3P3P/3B1N2/PPPBQPP1/2KRR3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 406. Alexander Alekhine - Carmichael, Newcastle upon Tyne (simul) 1926 } 1. Bxh6+ Kg8 { 1...Kxh6 2.Qe3+ Kg7 3.Qg5+ Kh8 4.Qh6+ Kg8 5.Re5 ! ✔ with mate. } 2. Ne5 { +- ✔ Black can't defend against the attack, even though it takes a few moves before it is over. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 407"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2rk1/1p4p1/pq2pnQp/3p4/4P3/2N4P/PP1R1PP1/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 407. Alexander Alekhine - Rudolf Spielmann, Semmering 1926 } 1... Rxc3 2. bxc3 Nxe4 { ✔ } 3. Rd4 { 3.Rc2 Nxf2 4.Rd4 tries to hold onto the exchange , but Black has a winning attack after 4...Qb1+ ✔ the positional 4...Ne4 is also winning 5.Kh2 Qh1+ 6.Kg3 Qe1 7.Kh2 Ne4 and 8.Rf1. } 3... Rxf2 { -+ White cannot defend c3 in a good way. Spielmann played 3...Nxc3 ?! ∓ which wins back the exchange or the pawn on f2. Surprisingly , he agreed to a draw a few moves later. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 408"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4k2/pb3rpp/1p3p2/1Bn1pq2/3R2NP/6Q1/P1P2PP1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 408. Frederick Yates - Alexander Alekhine, Kecskemet 1927 } 1. Rd8+ { Yates started with 1.Nh6 ? but it allowed 1...Qc8 !. Best now is 2.Rg4 ! ± with an initiative. About equal is 2.Nxf7 while the game continuation was 2.Rd8+ Qxd8 3.Rxd8+ Rxd8 4.Nxf7 Kxf7 ∞ (0-1, 75 moves) (.) 2...exd4 = } 1... Rxd8 2. Rxd8+ Ke7 3. Nh6 gxh6 { 3...Qxc2 4.Re8+ ! Kd6 5.Nxf7+ +- ✔ } 4. Qg8 { ✔ Black's king cannot escape, so he must give up lots of material to avoid mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 409"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k1r3/p2nrp2/1pb1q1pp/2p1p2n/2P5/2QNPPB1/PPBR2PP/2KR4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 409. Alexander Alekhine - Aron Nimzowitsch, New York 1927 } 1. Nxc5 { It doesn't matter how Black takes back. } 1... Nxc5 2. Rd6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 410"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/pp3ppp/1q2pn2/1Nb1n3/2P5/1P1BB3/P4PPP/R2QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 410. Alexander Alekhine - Carbonell, Barcelona (simul) 1928 } 1. Bxc5 Qxc5 2. b4 { The queen cannot keep defending the knight on e5. } 2... Qxb4 3. Rxe5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 411"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2bk1/1p3pp1/7p/1P1Pp3/B7/P2q4/Q4PPP/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 411. Alexander Alekhine - Efim Bogoljubov, Berlin (13) 1929 } 1... Qe4 { -+ A double threat against e1 and a4. } 2. Rxe4 Rc1+ 3. Re1 Rxe1# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 412"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/1kbQ4/1q2p3/3p4/3P2p1/pP1N4/P6P/1KR5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 412. Efim Bogoljubov - Alexander Alekhine, The Hague (18) 1929 } 1. Rxc7+ { 1.Qxe6 Bxh2 2.Qxg4 also wins a pawn and should be winning , but Black still has hope. } 1... Qxc7 2. Nc5+ Kb6 3. Qxc7+ Kxc7 4. Nxe6+ Kc8 5. Nxd8 Kxd8 { ✔ It's an easily winning endgame. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 413"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1rk1/p5b1/4p2p/1pN1Pn2/2pP2pp/2P5/PPB4Q/4RRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 413. Alexander Alekhine - Mayerhofer, Regensburg 1930 } 1... Nxd4 2. cxd4 { Alekhine's 2.Nb7 should not help , but he held a draw. } 2... Qxd4+ { ✔ Black takes back the piece and has several extra pawns and the safer king. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 414"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/7p/bq2ppp1/p1R5/Pp2P2P/4QB2/1P3PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 414. Alexander Alekhine - Salo Flohr, Bled 1931 } 1. e5 { 1.Rc8 Qd6 2.e5 ! also wins , but requires some variations: A. 2...Qf8 3. Rc7; B. 2...Qd7 3. Rc6; C. 2...Qe7 3.exf6 Qxf6 4.Rxd8+ Qxd8 5.Qxe6+ Kg7 6.Qxa6 } 1... f5 { 1...fxe5 2.Rc8 ! Qd6 3.Rc6 +- ✔ and the pawn sacrifice opened up lines for the f3-bishop. } 2. Rc8 { The d6-square is no longer available for the queen. } 2... Qxe3 3. Rxd8+ Kf7 4. fxe3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 415"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/pb1q2p1/1p1np1Qp/5p2/1BP2P2/3BR3/P5PP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 415. Alexander Alekhine - Edgard Colle, Bled 1931 } 1. Bxd6 Qxd6 2. Bxf5 { +- ✔ Black cannot take back on f5, nor can he allow White to penetrate on h7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 416"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k1r1/1b2bp1p/4pn2/p2q4/Pp6/1P1NQPB1/N1P3PP/2R2R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 416. Alexander Alekhine - Nate Grossman, New York (simul) 1932 } 1... Rxg3 2. hxg3 Ng4 3. Nf4 { There is no miraculous rescue after 3.fxg4 Qxg2# ✔ or 3.Qf4 Qh5+ 4.Kg1 Qh2# ✔ } 3... Nxe3 { ✔ Black gets two bishops for a rook and is winning no matter how he takes back on d5. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 417"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/p1p2ppp/2Q1pq2/3P4/3Pn1b1/2P1PP2/P5PP/R1B1KB1R b KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 417. Alexander Alekhine - L. Castaneda, Guadalajara (simul) 1932 } 1... Bxf3 { 1...Qh4+ 2.Ke2 Bh5 ! also wins due to the threat of 3.Ng3+. } 2. gxf3 Qxf3 3. Rg1 { 3.dxe6 fxe6 gives no counterplay. } 3... Qf2+ 4. Kd1 Qxg1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 418"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k1r4/1pp1q1n1/p2p4/3BnP1p/4PB1b/2PPQ3/PP1K2bP/R5R1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 418. Schut Bueters - Alexander Alekhine, Surabaya (simul) 1933 } 1... Nxf5 { The e4-pawn is pinned. Not 1...Nf3+ 2.Kc2 Nxg1 3.Rxg1 Nxf5 4.Qe2 += and the bishop on g2 is trapped. } 2. exf5 Bxd5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 419"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2br2k/pbqn2p1/1p2Qn1p/2p5/3P1P1N/P1PB4/1P1B2PP/3R1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 419. Alexander Alekhine - Lista, Bratislava (simul) 1933 } 1. Ng6+ { The knight checks its way to h6. } 1... Kh7 2. Ne5+ Kh8 { 2...Be4 3.Bxe4+ ✔ Nxe4 4.Qxe8 +- } 3. Nf7+ Kg8 4. Nxh6+ Kh8 5. Qg8+ Nxg8 6. Nf7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 420"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/ppqnbppp/2p1pnb1/4N3/2BP1PP1/2N4P/PPPBQ3/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 420. Alexander Alekhine - W.J. Haeften, Jakarta (simul) 1933 } 1. f5 { Opening the e-file. } 1... exf5 2. Nxg6 fxg6 3. Qxe7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 421"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rqkb1r/1b1n1pp1/p1p1pn1p/1p2N3/P2P4/3BPN2/1PQB1PPP/R3K2R w KQk - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 421. Alexander Alekhine - Fricis Apsenieks, Folkestone (ol) 1933 } 1. Bg6 fxg6 { 1...Nxe5 2.Nxe5 does not change anything since the game move 2...Rc7 could be met by 3.Ba5 ! ✔ with a winning attack (1-0, 23 moves) (.) 3.Bxf7+ , before or after a4xb5 (, might be winning too.) } 2. Qxg6+ Ke7 { White has many ways to win. } 3. Bb4+ { The simplest to calculate might be 3.Nf7 Qe8 4.Nxh8 +-. } 3... c5 4. dxc5 { Black is busted, for example: } 4... Nxc5 5. Qf7+ Kd6 6. Qxb7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 422"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/ppp3p1/2bpq3/5pPR/3Qn3/5N2/PPP2PP1/2K4R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 422. Alexander Alekhine - Hoelsder, Amsterdam (simul) 1933 } 1. Ne5 { 1.g6 Qxg6 2.Ne5 is almost winning , but Black has 2...Qxh5 ! 3.Rxh5 dxe5 ∓. } 1... dxe5 2. g6 { 2.Qc4 ? would have been a blunder , for example: 2...Qxc4 3.g6 Qf1+ 4.Rxf1 Be8 -+. } 2... Qxg6 3. Qc4+ Rf7 4. Rh8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 423"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1p3pp1/p3p3/1b4Pp/3P4/5P2/q1r1N2P/2NQK2R b K - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 423. Hermann Joss - Alexander Alekhine, Zurich 1934 } 1... Rxc1 { 1...Qb2 -+ is also winning , but Black has to calculate or find a lot more moves. For instance , all Black's moves in the following line are the only winning ones: 2.Nd3 Qb3 3.Ndf4 e5 ! 4.dxe5 Qb4+ 5.Kf2 Rd2 ! 6.Qxd2 Qxd2 -+ } 2. Nxc1 { 2.Qxc1 Qxe2# ✔ } 2... Qg2 { -+ ✔ The rook has no square. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 424"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/rb4pp/pN6/P3rp2/1pRp4/3B2qP/1P2Q1P1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 424. Alexander Alekhine - Efim Bogoljubov, Germany (2) 1934 White is a piece up, but must solve the threats against e2, e1 and g2. } 1. Rc8+ Kf7 { 1...Bxc8 2.Qxe5 +- ✔ } 2. Qh5+ { ✔ White's attack is mating, and there are so many ways that it does not make sense to give every line. Two other moves would also have forced resignation: 2.Rc7+ Kg6 3.Rxg7+ Kxg7 4.Qxe5+ +- and 2.Rf8+ Kxf8 3.Nd7+ +-. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 425"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k3r1/3r2N1/ppp4p/3bPN2/P1p1n3/6P1/1PP4K/3R1R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 425. Alexander Alekhine - Efim Bogoljubov, Germany (16) 1934 } 1. e6 Rdxg7 2. Nxg7 Rxg7 3. Rxd5 { Or 32.Rf8+ first. } 3... cxd5 4. Rf8+ Kc7 5. Rf7+ { Black must give up a rook as } 5... Rxf7 6. exf7 { queens. ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 426"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/pp3bpp/1qp5/3n1p2/P1PPpP2/B3P1P1/2Q1BKP1/R6R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 426. Alexander Alekhine - Rafael Llorens, Barcelona (simul) 1935 } 1... Nxe3 2. Qc3 { 2.Kxe3 Qxd4# ✔ } 2... Ng4+ { Or 2...Nxc4 3.Bxc4 Bxc4 Instead Llorens played: 3...Rxd4 ? 4.Be2 ± Black has no good discovered check and Alekhine won after: 4...Bc4 ? 5.a5 +- (1-0, 25 moves) 4.Qxc4 Rxd4 ∞ with about enough pawns for the piece. } 3. Bxg4 fxg4 { ✔ Black keeps the pawn, although the opposite-coloured bishops give White fair compensation. However, Black’s best was clearly to take on e3, since it would be so passive to retreat with the knight, when White would have enjoyed a clear advantage. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 427"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1r3k1/pp3p2/4pp1p/2q5/b1nN4/3BP3/P3QPPP/1R3RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 427. Alexander Alekhine – Jan Foltys, Podebrady 1936 } 1. Nxe6 { 1.Rxb7± is strong enough for half a point. } 1... fxe6 2. Qg4+ Kh8 3. Rxb7 { Black has to give up the knight on c4 to defend against the mate, so White wins a pawn. } 3... Rc7 4. Rxc7 { ✔ } 4... Qxc7 5. Bxc4 { +– Keeping the queens on with the weak black king in mind. However, since the alternative is also good, you do not need to make that decision before playing 1 Nxe6. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 428"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k1q3/ppp1r3/3brpp1/n2p1n2/3P1PNp/1PP2Q1P/P2BN1P1/3KRR2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 428. William Winter – Alexander Alekhine, Nottingham 1936 } 1... Nc4 { Black gets access to the e3-square with a winning position if White does not take. } 2. bxc4 Qa4+ { ✔ 2...dxc4 and only then ...Qa4+ also gives a winning attack. The text move is strongest though. } 3. Kc1 Ba3+ 4. Kb1 Rb6+ { It will soon be mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 429"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3rk1/pbpn2qp/1p1p1np1/3P1p2/1P5N/5PPB/PB5P/2QR1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 429. Alexander Alekhine – C.H.O’D. Alexander, Nottingham 1936 } 1. Bxf5 gxf5 { The game saw 1...Kh8+– (1–0, 27 moves) (.) } 2. Nxf5 Qh8 { The only square that doesn’t move into a fork. } 3. Nh6+ { Other moves are also winning, thanks to this weak square. } 3... Kg7 4. Qg5# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 430"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/p6p/2p5/6pq/2P2rn1/2B5/PP4Q1/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 430. Savielly Tartakower – Alexander Alekhine, Nottingham 1936 } 1... Nh2 { The knight continues to f3 if White does not take. } 2. Qxh2 Rg4+ { Or 2...Qf3 followed by 3...Rg4+. } 3. Kh1 Rh4 { ✔ Black wins the queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 431"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnb2rk1/2qpbpp1/p6p/2pPp3/Q3P3/2P1NN2/1P3PPP/3RKB1R w K - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 431. Alexander Alekhine – Endre Steiner, Kemeri 1937 } 1. d6 Bxd6 2. Nf5 { +– ✔ The bishop is trapped. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 432"] [Result "*"] [FEN "Rnk5/1p4pp/1Pp2pq1/2B1r3/1P6/7P/3r2PQ/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 432. Alexander Alekhine – Samuel Reshevsky, Kemeri 1937 } 1. Rxb8+ Kxb8 2. Qxe5+ { ✔ Black resigned, as he will be mated. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 433"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3Rnrk1/6pp/2r5/pR3p2/2q1pP2/Q1P3P1/P3P1BP/7K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 433. Alexander Alekhine – Max Euwe, Netherlands (14) 1937 } 1. Rxf5 Rxf5 { Euwe played 1...Rcf6+– (1–0, 52 moves) (.) } 2. Rxe8+ { After } 2... Kf7 { The easiest win is: } 3. Qe7+ Kg6 4. Bxe4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 434"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/p2q2pp/3p2r1/1ppPp3/2n1P3/P1P2P2/6PP/1QBRR2K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 434. Eliashoff/Kahn/Ros – Alexander Alekhine, Nice 1938 } 1... Rxf3 { –+ Deflecting the important defender on g2. } 2. gxf3 Qh3 3. Rg1 Qxf3+ 4. Rg2 Qxg2# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 435"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1n5r/R5pp/2rNpp2/2k5/8/4P3/1P2P1KP/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 435. Vladimirs Petrovs – Alexander Alekhine, Margate 1938 } 1. b4+ Kxb4 2. Rb7+ { ✔ After two precise moves, there are several ways that lead to mate or a decisive material gain. } 2... Kc3 { 2...Kc5 3.Rb5# } 3. Ne4+ Kc2 4. Rbb1 { 5 Rdc1# is inevitable. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 436"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2r1k1/ppp2ppp/8/q1PP3b/5P2/4R1P1/P1Q3BP/1R4K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 436. Alexander Alekhine – Olivera, Montevideo 1939 } 1. Rxb7 { ± ✔ White wins a pawn, since Black cannot take a rook without getting checkmated. 1.Rxe8+ Rxe8 2.Rxb7 would allow sufficient counterplay after , for instance , 2...g6 with the idea ...Re2. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 437"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qkb1r/1pp1npp1/p1np3p/4p2b/4P3/1BNP1N1P/PPP2PP1/R1BQK2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 437. Alexander Alekhine – Arrais, Lisbon (simul) 1940 } 1. Nxe5 Nxe5 { 1...Bxd1 2.Bxf7# ✔ } 2. Qxh5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 438"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/pp1q2pp/1np5/5pQ1/3P4/1P1N2RP/1P3PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 438. Alexander Alekhine – A. Amores, Lisbon (simul) 1940 } 1. Nc5 Qf7 { 1...Qxd4 2.Ne6+– ✔ gives no salvation. } 2. Ne6 { +– ✔ A double attack on f8 and g7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 439"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/pp3pp1/2p3p1/5p1q/3P4/2PRNnPP/PP3PQ1/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 439. Max Bluemich – Alexander Alekhine, Krakow/Warsaw 1941 } 1... f4 { Opening the fifth rank for the queen. } 2. gxf4 { 2.Nc2 Nh4! 2...Nh2+ is also strong: 3.Kg1 Qf5–+ picking up the rook Or 2...Qe2–+ Or even 2...Qb5–+ 3.gxh4 Qe2+! 4.Kg1 Qxd3–+ ✔ } 2... Qb5 3. c4 { 3.Ke2 Qxd3+ Or 3...Ne1! 4.Kxe1 Qxd3 4.Kxd3 Ne1+ 5.Kd2 Nxg2–+ ✔ } 3... Qxc4 { –+ ✔ The knight is pinned. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 440"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/p3p1kp/q1n2pp1/8/1p6/1P2PP2/PN4PP/Q3K2R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 440. Herbert Weil – Alexander Alekhine, Lublin/Warsaw/Krakow 1942 } 1... Nd4 { Opening up for the rook to enter on the second rank. } 2. exd4 { 2.Qd1 loses to 3...Rc1 and other moves. } 2... Rc2 3. Nc4 { 3.Qd1 Rxb2–+ ✔ Or 3...Qe6+ 4.Kf1 Rxb2–+ } 3... Rxa2 { Or 3...Qe6+ 4.Ne5 Rxg2–+ when Black wins back the piece and White’s king cannot escape. Alekhine’s 4...fxe5 was even stronger , but only since White couldn’t castle – he had already moved his king. } 4. Qd1 Ra1 { ✔ Or 4...Qe6+ 5.Kf1 Qa6–+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 441"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/pb4pp/1pnrp3/1Q3pq1/8/P1N2B2/1P3PPP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 441. Alexander Alekhine – Kurt Paul Richter, Munich 1942 } 1. Ne4 { A simple fork, but Black has some counterplay. } 1... Qg6 { 1...Qe7 defends the b7-bishop , but 2.Nxd6 Nd4 3.Qe5 wins – Black needed the queen on the g-file. } 2. Nxd6 { ✔ 2.Bh5? Rd5! 3.Qxd5 exd5 4.Bxg6 fxe4 += with some compensation. } 2... Nd4 { Time for another exercise: } 3. Bxb7 { Also possible is: 3.Nf7+?! Qxf7 3...Kg8 4.Ne5!± 4.Qe5 Nxf3+ 5.gxf3 += } 3... Nxb5 4. Nxb5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 442"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1rk1/2q2p1p/1n5Q/1pp1pp2/8/1BP4P/1P3PP1/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 442. Alexander Alekhine – Klaus Junge, Lublin/Warsaw/Krakow 1942 } 1. Bxf7+ { Or 1.Qg5+ Kh8 2.Qf6+ Kg8 3.Rxd8 Rxd8 4.Bxf7++– } 1... Qxf7 { 1...Rxf7 2.Qg5++– ✔ with a fork. While 1...Kxf7 2.Qxh7+ ✔ wins the queen. } 2. Rxd8 Rxd8 { Instead the game ended: 2...Na4 3.b3 1–0 } 3. Qg5+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 443"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b3k1/pp2q1pp/1b3p2/3rp3/3N4/4P1P1/PP3P1P/R1BQ1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 443. Alexander Alekhine – Efim Bogoljubov, Salzburg 1943 } 1. Nf5 Bxf5 { 1...Rxd1 2.Nxe7+ Kf7 3.Rxd1 Kxe7 ✔ wins White an exchange. As does 1...Qf7 2.Qxd5± ✔ Or 2.Ne7+± } 2. Qxd5+ { ✔ (½–½, 44 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 444"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2brq1k1/1pRn1r1p/p3p1p1/3nP1P1/4NP2/BP2Q1P1/P2R2B1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 444. Alexander Alekhine – Ruzena Sucha, Prague 1943 } 1. Rxd5 { ✔ } 1... exd5 2. Nd6 { The threats against c8, e8, f7 and d5 are too much for Black. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 445"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3rk1/p1p3b1/2Pp2Qp/2pP2pP/5q2/2N5/PP1RR1P1/2K5 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 445. Jaromir Florian – Alexander Alekhine, Prague 1943 } 1... Rxb2 2. Kxb2 { Florian played on a pawn down: 2.Qe4–+ (0–1, 43 moves) (.) } 2... Qb4+ 3. Kc1 Qxc3+ 4. Qc2 Qa1+ { Or 4...Rf1+ first. } 5. Qb1 Rf1+ { ✔ Black wins the queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 446"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/6k1/1N2p3/p2b1p2/3P3p/2BK1P2/6P1/6b1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 446. Francesco Lupi – Alexander Alekhine, Sabadell 1945 } 1... Bxf3 2. Be1 { The h-pawn is unstoppable after 2.gxf3 h3–+. } 2... Bxg2 3. Bxh4 { Black wins not only a second pawn, but also a third, after (for example) Alekhine’s } 3... e5 { Which was enough to make White resign. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 447"] [Result "*"] [FEN "Q7/ppp2kpp/8/2b5/4RP1q/7b/PPP3PP/3R3K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Max Euwe @@StartBlockQuote@@Let us repeat once more the methods by which we can increase our combinative skill: @@StartBracket@@1@@EndBracket@@ by careful examination of the different types and by a clear understanding of their motives and their premises, @@StartBracket@@2@@EndBracket@@ By memorising a number of outstanding as well as of common examples and solutions, @@StartBracket@@3@@EndBracket@@ Frequent repetition @@StartBracket@@in thought, if possible@@EndBracket@@ of important combinations, so as to develop the imagination. Strategy & Tactics in Chess @@StartBracket@@1937@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@447. Max Euwe – Richard Reti, Amsterdam (1) 1920 } 1... Bxg2+ 2. Kxg2 Qg4+ { Or 2...Qf2+ 3.Kh3 Qf3+ 4.Kh4 Bf2+ 4...g5+ also mates. with a mating attack. } 3. Kf1 Qf3+ { 3...Qxd1+ is also good enough. } 4. Ke1 Qf2# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 448"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/ppp2qpp/2r5/3N1P2/4p2n/1Q6/PPP3PP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 448. Max Euwe – Henri Weenink, Amsterdam 1920 } 1. Ne7+ Rxe7 { Weenink gave up the exchange with: 2...Kf8 3.Qxf7+ Or 3.Nxc6+– 3...Kxf7 4.Nxc6+– ✔ } 2. Rd8+ Re8 3. Rxe8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 449"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/p2b3p/2pb2p1/7R/2P5/1P4P1/PB6/6KB w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 449. Max Euwe – Ernst Grünfeld, Gothenburg 1920 } 1. Bd5+ cxd5 2. Rxd5 { White enjoys an extra passed pawn, but with opposite-coloured bishops, he needs to use his king to break the blockade; Black has decent drawing chances. } 2... Bf5 { In the game , a draw was prematurely agreed after 2...Kf7 3.Rxd6 } 3. Rxd6 { ✔ } 3... Bb1 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 450"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/ppp1qpb1/2n1b2p/3p1p2/3P3N/2N1Q1PB/PPP2P1P/2KR3R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 450. Max Euwe – Adolf Olland, Amsterdam (match) 1921 } 1... f4 { Black wins a piece. } 2. gxf4 { 2.Qxf4 Bxh3–+ ✔ } 2... Qxh4 { ✔ } 3. f5 { White has some counterplay, but Black is still clearly better. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 451"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r3/pp3k2/q3bppB/2pQ4/1b1p2PP/8/1PP1N3/1NKR1R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 451. Max Euwe – Adolf Olland, Amsterdam (match) 1921 } 1. Rxf6+ { Opening up the king’s position. } 1... Kxf6 2. Rf1+ { Or 2.Qg5+ Kf7 3.Qf4+ Ke7 4.Qc7+ Bd7 5.Bg5++– } 2... Bf5 { 2...Ke7 3.Bg5# } 3. Qd7 { ✔ White has two threats: 4 Bg7# and 4 Bg5+ Ke5 5 Bf4+ Kf6 5...Ke4 6 Ng3# 6 g5#. It’s not possible to defend against both. Instead , Euwe drew after 3.gxf5? Qxe2 4.Qd6+ Kf7 5.Qd5+ Kf6= } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 452"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7r/pp1br2B/8/2k1Pp2/2p5/7R/PPP3P1/2K4R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 452. Max Euwe – H.V. von Hartingsvelt, Amsterdam 1922 } 1. Bxf5 Rxh3 2. Bxh3 { ✔ The bishop is saved by a lifeline, and White won a pawn (the e5-pawn was lost anyway) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 453"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4kb1Q/1p3p2/2n1q3/5p2/3prBp1/3R2K1/PP4PP/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 453. Max Euwe – Rudolf Spielmann, Bad Pistyan 1922 } 1... Rxf4 2. Kxf4 { 2.Rxf4 Qe1+ 3.Rf2 f4+–+ ✔ followed by 4...Qxf2. Or 3...Ne5 with a winning attack. } 2... Ne5 { ✔ A double threat: 3...Nxd3 and 3...Ng6+. There is also nothing wrong with 2...Qe4+ 3.Kg5 Qxd3–+ Or 2...Qd6+ 3.Kg5 f6+!–+ winning a rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 454"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b3k1/2p2rbp/1p1p2p1/p2Pq3/P1PNpr2/1P4PP/2BQRP2/1K1R4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 454. Sturm – Max Euwe, Amsterdam 1923 } 1... Rxf2 2. Rxf2 { Sturm gave up a piece with: 2.Bxe4 Qxd4–+ (0–1, 39 moves) (.) } 2... e3 3. Re2 exd2 4. Rxe5 { ✔ Black has good winning chances after either recapture. White’s kingside pawns have no defenders. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 455"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3rbk1/pbq2ppp/1p3n2/2pPN3/5P2/1P4P1/PB4BP/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 455. Max Euwe – Jacques Davidson, Amsterdam (9) 1924 } 1. d6 Qb8 { 1...Bxd6 2.Bxb7 Qxb7 3.Qxd6+– ✔ } 2. d7 Rd8 3. Nc6 { +– ✔ White wins an exchange. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 456"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/pppqp1bp/6p1/n4p2/1P1PpP2/4P2P/P1PN2P1/R1BQ1RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 456. Willem Schelfhout – Max Euwe, Amsterdam 1927 } 1... Bxd4 2. exd4 Qxd4+ 3. Kh1 Qxa1 { And White does not win a piece with } 4. bxa5 { Due to: } 4... e3 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 457"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3kb1r/ppp2ppp/2nqb3/3n2N1/2Bp4/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQR1K1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 457. Max Euwe – Sonnenburg, Amsterdam 1927 } 1. Nxf7 Kxf7 2. Qf3+ { The king does not want to go to the e-file, but the alternatives are even worse. } 2... Ke7 { A 2...Kg6 3.Bd3+ Bf5 4.Qxf5# B 2...Kg8 3.Rxe6! Qxe6 4.Qxd5 ✔ (mating) (.) Or 4.Bxd5 (winning) (.) } 3. Bxd5 { The best line for both seems to be } 3... Ne5 4. Qh5 Qxd5 5. Rxe5 Qc6 { When White should develop a piece and then adjust his attacking ideas depending on Black’s reply. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 458"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/qpBnrkpb/p2Qpp2/3p3p/6nN/1P1P2P1/P3PPBP/2R2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 458. Max Euwe – Valentin Marin y Llovet, London (ol) 1927 } 1. Bxd5 exd5 2. Qxd5+ Kf8 { 2...Ke8 3.Qxh5++– ✔ wins a piece. } 3. Qxh5 { ✔ There is only one way to defend both the bishop on h7 and the knight on g4. } 3... Nh6 4. Bd6 { +– Black has two pieces for a rook, but fighting against three pawns with a weak king is far too much. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 459"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/ppQ2ppp/6q1/3rP3/3p1R2/P7/1P4PP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 459. Edgard Colle – Max Euwe, Amsterdam (1) 1928 } 1. Rxf7 Re8 { White is satisfied to restore material equality. Both players have passed pawns, but only White has active heavy pieces, attacking the queenside pawns. White should not trade off his active rook as he did in the game (0–1, 35 moves) (and instead either push the e-pawn) (best) or take the b-pawn either immediately or after the intermediate 2.Qe7. Instead 1...Rxf7 2.Qc8+ ✔ is mate. White also wins after: 1...Qxf7 2.Rxf7 Rxf7 3.Qc8+! Rf8 4.Qe6++– ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 460"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/5pb1/1p1N3p/p5p1/5q2/Q6P/PPr5/3RR2K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 460. Milan Vidmar Sr. – Max Euwe, Karlsbad 1929 } 1. Re8+ Bf8 { 1...Kh7 2.Qd3++– ✔ wins the rook. } 2. Rxf8+ Kxf8 3. Nf5+ { Euwe resigned here. } 3... Kg8 4. Qf8+ { 4.Rd8+? Kh7 5.Rh8+ Kg6! and White has to fight for a draw after exchanging queens , for example: 6.Nh4+ Kh5 7.Qf3+ Qxf3+ 8.Nxf3 Rxb2 =+ } 4... Kxf8 5. Rd8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 461"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k6/1p5p/p2b4/3p1p2/P1pP1P1q/2PrB1rP/1P2RQP1/4R2K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 461. Frederick Yates – Max Euwe, Hastings 1930 } 1... Rdxe3 2. Rxe3 Rxh3+ { The queen is suddenly undefended. } 3. Rxh3 Qxf2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 462"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/1p2Qb1p/1q3pp1/pP1p4/P2N3P/2P5/5PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 462. Max Euwe – A.A. Abdul Satar, Indonesia (simul) 1930 } 1. Re6 Bxe6 2. Nxe6 { ✔ Black must give up the queen to avoid mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 463"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3qrk1/2R1b1pp/1p2p3/3b1p2/1P1Nn3/P3B1P1/5PBP/1Q1R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 463. Max Euwe – Salo Landau, Amsterdam (4) 1931 } 1. Nxf5 { White wins a pawn. } 1... exf5 { 1...Rxf5 2.Bxe4+– ✔ } 2. Rxd5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 464"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1Q3pp1/1N1Bp2p/p2p4/3P4/2nqP3/P2b1PPP/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 464. Max Euwe – Eduard Spanjaard, The Hague 1932 } 1... Ne2+ 2. Kh1 Ng3+ 3. hxg3 Qxf1+ { ✔ } 4. Kh2 Qxf2 { Or 4...Be1 5.Bxf8 Bxf2–+ with the same idea as the game continuation. 4...Rd8 5.Qe7 Rxd6 6.Qxd6 Qxf2 is also winning , but not as convincingly. } 5. Bxf8 Bxe3 { The capture on e3 forces checkmate, for example: } 6. Qb8 Qg1+ 7. Kh3 Qh1+ 8. Kg4 Qd1+ 9. Kh4 g5+ 10. Kh3 Qh5# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 465"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1rk1/pp3ppp/2p5/8/4qP2/2RBP2b/PP2Q1PP/5R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 465. Max Euwe – G. Boersma, Rotterdam (simul) 1933 } 1... Rxd3 2. Rxd3 { 2.Qxd3 Qxg2# ✔ } 2... Bxg2+ 3. Kg1 { 3.Qxg2 Qxd3–+ ✔ Black is a pawn up , and with White’s open king , it is a decisive advantage. } 3... Bxf1 { ✔ } 4. Qxf1 { White kept control over the d-file, however he can do nothing active since he must defend his e-pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 466"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2kb1r/p2n1ppp/2Q1pn2/8/3R4/2B5/qPP1NPPP/2KR4 b k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 466. William Felderhof – Max Euwe, The Hague/Leiden/Scheveningen 1933 White has dangerous threats against the uncastled black king, so Black gives up a piece to get to safety, and then continue with his own attack. } 1... Ba3 2. bxa3 { The best move. In the game , White was too kind with 2.Qa4? , as there was no reason to allow Black to keep the piece with 2...Bxb2 -+. Also bad is 2.Rxd7? Bxb2+! 3.Bxb2 Qxb2+–+ ✔ when White does not win anything on d7 , since his king will obstruct the d-file. } 2... O-O { ∓ ✔ Black has a promising attack with threats such as ...Rfc8 and ...Qxa3+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 467"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2nq2k1/2r3pp/p1p1rp2/PpQ1N3/1P1PR3/8/5PPP/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 467. Max Euwe – Alexander Alekhine, Zurich 1934 } 1. Nf7 Qe8 { 1...Kxf7 2.Qh5+! Ke7 3.Rxe6+ Kxe6 4.Re1+! with forced mate: 4...Kd6 5.Qc5+ Kd7 6.Qf5+ Kd6 7.Qe6# ✔ } 2. Rxe6 Qxe6 3. Nd8 { ✔ White wins the pawn on c6 with good winning chances. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 468"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnbq1rk1/pp2p1bp/2p2pp1/3p4/2PP4/2NBP1P1/PP3PP1/R2QK1NR w KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 468. Max Euwe – Alexander Alekhine, Netherlands (14) 1935 } 1. Rxh7 Kxh7 { Alekhine played the unchallenging 1...f5+–. } 2. Qh5+ Kg8 3. Bxg6 { ✔ The only defence against mate is to give up a whole rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 469"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/q5pp/4bp2/prb1p3/8/3P2P1/n1RNPPBP/B2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 469. Efim Bogoljubov – Max Euwe, Zandvoort 1936 } 1. Rxa2 Bxa2 2. Qa4 { ✔ A double threat, and the pieces cannot defend each other. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 470"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn1r2k1/1b2bppp/p7/2pp2B1/4q3/1B2PN2/PP2QPPP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 470. Max Euwe – Theodore Tylor, Nottingham 1936 } 1. Rxc5 { White won smoothly after: 1...Bxc5 2.Bxd8± ✔ (1–0, 25 moves) (.) } 1... Bxg5 2. Nxg5 { ✔ 2.Rc7± is also a pawn up. } 2... Qe7 { A double threat, but there are many remedies. We will give the easiest solution for a human as the main line and three alternatives. } 3. Bxd5 { A 3.Qh5 h6 4.Qxf7+ Qxf7 5.Nxf7 Kxf7 6.Rc7+ Rd7 7.Rxb7 Rxb7 8.Bxd5+ Kf6 9.Bxb7+– with three extra pawns. B 3.Qc2 Qxg5 4.Bxd5 Bxd5 5.Rcxd5+– and Black loses due to the back-rank problems. C 3.Nxf7 and White continues with a capture on d5 , after which the rook on a8 is in trouble. 3...Kxf7 3...Qxf7 4.Rdxd5! Bxd5 5.Bxd5 Rxd5 6.Rc8++– 4.Rcxd5 Rxd5 5.Bxd5+ Bxd5 6.Qh5+! Kf8 7.Qxd5 Ra7 8.Qf5+ But not 8.Qd8+? Qe8 += 8...Kg8 9.Qc8++– } 3... Bxd5 4. Rcxd5 { The knight on g5 is defended. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 471"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1p3p2/5Qp1/2q1p1p1/P3P1P1/1r5P/3R2K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 471. Fritz Sämisch – Max Euwe, Bad Nauheim 1937 } 1... Rg3+ { 1...Rd3 also defends against the mate , but is a tempo and thus a pawn worse. 2.Rxd3 Qc2+ 3.Kg1 Qxd3 4.Qxe5 ∓ } 2. Kxg3 Qe3+ { Or 2...Qc3+ } 3. Qf3 Qxd2 { ✔ Black exchanges queens or wins the e4-pawn with check. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 472"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnbqkbnr/p4ppp/2p5/1p6/2BpP3/2N2N2/PP3PPP/R1BQK2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 472. Alexander Alekhine – Max Euwe, Netherlands (6) 1937 } 1. Nxb5 Ba6 { 1...cxb5 2.Bd5+– ✔ } 2. Qb3 { +– 2.Qxd4 Qxd4 3.Nfxd4 is also good enough – Black can’t take on b5 due to the same reason as before. But White should avoid 2.Na3? Bxa3 3.Bxa6 Bb4+-+. In the game , he is ready to rescue the knight. } 2... Bxb5 { Euwe played: 2...Qe7 3.0–0 (1–0, 23 moves) (.) } 3. Bxf7+ Kd7 { ✔ The black king is a decisive factor – no more moves are needed. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 473"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r2/n1q1k1pb/1p2P2p/p1p1P3/P4QP1/B1P5/B6P/2R2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 473. Max Euwe – Siegfried van Mindeno, Amsterdam 1938 White has a winning advantage after any queen retreat, but can decide the game in a few moves by going the other way. } 1. Qf7+ Rxf7 2. Rxf7+ Kd8 3. Rd1+ Kc8 4. Rxc7+ Kxc7 5. Rd7+ { ✔ The active rook together with the light-squared bishop and passed pawns spells the end. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 474"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/1p3Qpk/3q1n1p/2p1N3/1n6/6P1/5PBP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 474. Max Euwe – Salo Flohr, Netherlands 1938 } 1. Be4+ Kh8 { 1...Nxe4 unblocks the route to the f5-square: 2.Qf5+ Kg8 3.Qxc8++– ✔ } 2. Ng6+ { 2.Qxb7 is also winning. } 2... Kh7 3. Ne7+ { ✔ White takes on c8. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 475"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq1rk1/ppp1b1pp/8/3nnp2/8/4P1PN/PP1N1PBP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 475. Max Euwe – Nicolaas Cortlever, Beverwijk 1940 } 1. Nc4 { +– Both black knights are hanging and 1...Nxc4 2.Bxd5+ ✔ Or 1.Qxd5+ comes with check and picks up the second knight. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 476"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/2q2p1p/p5pB/1pb2PPn/3Q4/1B5P/PP3P2/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 476. Max Euwe – Haije Kramer, Netherlands (3) 1941 } 1. Bxf7+ { 1.Rc1 would be winning , if it were not for: 1...Qg3+! 1...Rc8 2.Bxf7+! Or 1...Re5 2.Bd5! 2.fxg3 Bxd4+ 3.Kg2 Re2+ 4.Kf3 Re3+ With perpetual check. } 1... Qxf7 { 1...Kxf7 2.Qd5+ ✔ with mate. } 2. Qxc5 { ✔ The point behind White’s little combination was to exchange bishops to keep his king safe. He is still a pawn up when Black captures on f5, although the isolated bishop on h6 gives Black compensation. If you evaluated this position as dangerous for White and deliberately allowed the draw, you also get full points. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 477"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/6pp/p1p5/1p1pP3/3P2b1/1B2BPp1/PPR3Pq/3QRK2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 477. Efim Bogoljubov – Max Euwe, Karlsbad (5) 1941 } 1... Rxf3+ 2. Qxf3 { 2.gxf3 Bh3+ 3.Rg2 Qxg2# ✔ } 2... Qh1+ { Not 2...Bxf3? 3.gxf3÷ and Black is happy if the g- and h-pawns hold the balance , since White has rook and two bishops for the queen. } 3. Ke2 Qxg2+ { That’s it – Black keeps his bishop. } 4. Kd3 Qxf3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 478"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr4/ppbr1ppp/2p1p3/2P2nP1/3PBP2/P1P4P/4N3/2KR3R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 478. Efim Bogoljubov – Max Euwe, Karlsbad (1) 1941 } 1... Ng3 2. Nxg3 Bxf4+ 3. Kc2 Bxg3 { And White cannot take it back, since } 4. Bxh7 g6 { ✔ loses the bishop. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 479"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/pp2qppp/2pb1n2/5PQ1/6P1/8/PB1r1PBP/1R3RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 479. Arnoldus van den Hoek – Max Euwe, The Hague 1942 } 1... Rxb2 2. Rxb2 Qe5 { A double threat. } 3. Rfb1 Qxh2+ 4. Kf1 Bf4 { –+ ✔ The queen is trapped. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 480"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/pb3k2/1p6/2ppqBQ1/8/2P5/P5PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 480. Max Euwe – George Thomas, Zaandam 1946 } 1. Bg6+ Ke6 2. Bf7+ Kd6 3. Qd8+ { Black resigned due to } 3... Kc6 4. Be8+ { ✔ and he has to part with his queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 481"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/B4kpp/2pp4/P7/4P3/8/1Pb3PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 481. Max Euwe – Daniel Yanofsky, Groningen 1946 } 1. Bc5 { 1.Bb8? allows 1...Ke6 since 2.a6 Bxe4 3.a7 c5= defends. } 1... Bd3 { The a-pawn is unstoppable after 1...dxc5 2.a6+–. } 2. Bxd6 { ✔ Black should be able to draw this. 1 Bc5 is nevertheless the best move since it is the only one that has any chance of winning, and in the game it gave Euwe the full point (1–0, 46 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 482"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r3k/pp3rp1/1bp4p/4Q3/4PqP1/2PP1N2/P4PP1/R3R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 482. Henry Grob – Max Euwe, Zurich (2) 1947 } 1... Bxf2+ { 1...Qxe5 2.Nxe5 and White is clearly better , no matter how Black takes on f2. He has no time for 2...Bxf2+ 3.Kh2 Bxe1? due to 4.Nxf7++–. } 2. Kf1 { 2.Kxf2 Qxe5–+ ✔ wins the queen. } 2... Bxe1 3. Qxf4 Rxf4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 483"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/6pk/7p/2r2p2/5Pqn/1P6/P2Q2PP/2B2RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 483. Max Euwe – Paul Keres, The Hague/Moscow (1) 1948 } 1... Rxc1 2. h3 { 2.Rxc1? Nf3+–+ ✔ wins the queen. So the only move was 2.Qf2 ∓ ✔ , to defend the f3-square. The queenside pawns give some hope of survival , even though Black is a piece up. } 2... Nf3+ { ✔ For some reason , Keres didn’t execute the fork but he was still winning after 2...Qg3. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 484"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qkb1r/1p3ppp/p7/3npP2/3n4/2N1B3/PP3PPP/R2QKB1R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 484. Esteban Canal – Max Euwe, Dubrovnik (ol) 1950 } 1. Bxd4 exd4 2. Qa4+ b5 { 2...Ke7 3.Qxd4± } 3. Bxb5+ axb5 4. Qxb5+ Qd7 { It’s possible to be exact here, but you don’t have to see the move in advance. } 5. Nxd5 { He can, for instance, take on d4 after: } 5... Qxb5 6. Nc7+ Kd7 7. Nxb5 Re8+ 8. Kd2 Re5 9. Nxd4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 485"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/6pp/3n4/1n1p1P2/p1pP1NP1/PpP1K3/1B5P/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 485. Max Euwe – Yuri Averbakh, Zurich 1953 } 1... Nxa3 { 1...Nc7 ∓ } 2. Bxa3 Nb5 3. Bc1 Nxc3 { ✔ White has to sacrifice the bishop for the a-pawn , and the knight for the b-pawn. 3...a3? 4. Kd2= } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 486"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/q3pp2/3nb1p1/1pbN2p1/8/3Q2P1/P4PBP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 486. Max Euwe – Daniel Yanofsky, Munich (ol) 1958 } 1. Rxe6 fxe6 2. Qxg6+ { Euwe won after: } 2... Kf8 3. Rd3 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 487"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/pp2p1bp/2bpPpp1/q7/6Q1/P1PB4/1P4PP/R1B2R1K w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 487. Enrico Paoli – Max Euwe, Chaumont Neuchatel 1958 } 1. Bxg6+ hxg6 2. Qxg6+ Kd8 { 2...Kf8 3.Qf7# ✔ } 3. Qxg7 { Instead of being a pawn down, White is a pawn up. The opposite-coloured bishops give Black full compensation, but that’s better than the alternative – to have a position that is clearly worse. } 3... Qh5 4. Bf4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 488"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b4k/4q1pp/p1r5/2Np1p2/Pp1Pp3/4P1P1/1PR1QP1P/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Mikhail Botvinnik @@StartBlockQuote@@Chess cannot be taught. Chess can only be learned.@@EndBlockQuote@@488. Mikhail Botvinnik – Moisey Kagan, Leningrad 1926 } 1. Nxe4 Rxc2 2. Qxc2 { White has won a pawn, since } 2... fxe4 { is met by } 3. Qxc8+ Rxc8 4. Rxc8+ { ✔ with back-rank mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 489"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/pp1b2pp/2p3q1/3pP3/1bP1pB1P/1PN2PP1/P1Q1P3/3R1K1R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 489. Ilya Rabinovich – Mikhail Botvinnik, Moscow 1927 } 1... Rxf4 { Not as good is 1...exf3 2.Qxg6 hxg6 3.Rc1 fxe2+ 4.Nxe2 when the bishop pair gives a clear advantage. } 2. gxf4 Qg3 { ✔ Black’s position is simply winning, with 3...Bc5, 3...e3, 3...Rf8 and 3...Bh3 all being strong moves. } 3. Nxe4 { 3.fxe4 and among others 3...Bh3+ 4.Rxh3 Qxh3+ 5.Kf2 Bxc3–+. } 3... dxe4 { Easy is 3...Bh3+ 4.Rxh3 Qxh3+ 5.Kg1 dxe4–+ with an extra piece. } 4. Rxd7 Bc5 { –+ Black checkmates or wins the rook on h1 (0–1, 42 moves) . But not 4...e3?? 5.Rxg7+!+–. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 490"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/2qbbp1p/p2p1np1/1pnPp1B1/2p1P2N/2P3NP/PPB1QPP1/R3R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 490. Nil Panchenko – Mikhail Botvinnik, Leningrad 1927 } 1... Nxd5 { The knight is saved with a lifeline after: } 2. Bxe7 Nxe7 { ✔ (½–½, 48 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 491"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4qr1k/2Rr1npp/p3b3/1p2Pp2/1Q3B2/P4N2/5PPP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 491. Mikhail Botvinnik – Nikolay Pavlov-Pianov, Moscow 1927 } 1. Rxd7 Bxd7 { 1...Qxd7 2.Qxf8# ✔ } 2. e6 { White wins a piece, due to: } 2... Bxe6 3. Rxe6 Qxe6 4. Qxf8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 492"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/1n2qpbp/2bp1npB/1p2p2P/1P2P1P1/2N2PN1/P2Q2B1/2R1K2R w K - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 492. Mikhail Botvinnik – V. Breitman, Leningrad 1931 } 1. Nf5 { A few other moves also promise White good winning chances. The main point of the text move is that 1...gxf5 2.Qg5+– ✔ forces Black to give up the unprotected queen to avoid mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 493"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/p1pqn1b1/1p1p2p1/3Pp1Pn/2P1P1bR/1P2B1N1/P2QN1B1/2K4R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 493. Mikhail Botvinnik – Vladimir Alatortsev, Moscow 1931 White obviously has a much better position, but he also has the opportunity to immediately capitalize on Black’s set-up. } 1. Rxg4 Qxg4 2. Bh3 Qf3 { 2...Qh4 3.Be6++– } 3. Rf1 { The queen is trapped. } 3... Nxg3 4. Rxf3 Rxf3 { Black gained two rooks in return, but the variation is not over yet. } 5. Nxg3 Rxg3 6. Be6+ { ✔ 7 Qf2+ or 7 Qh2+ picks up the rook (or leads to mate) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 494"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn1qr3/1b1n2kp/ppp3p1/3pNp2/N2P4/1Q2P2B/PP3PPP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 494. Mikhail Botvinnik – Vladimir Alatortsev, Leningrad 1932 } 1. e4 { White breaks through, as Black cannot allow the check on f7. } 1... Nxe5 { A 1...dxe4 2.Qf7+ Kh8 2...Kh6 3.Bxf5+– followed by a check on g4 or a rook lift to h3. 3.Nxg6+ 3.Nxb6 Nxb6 4.Qxb7+– 3...hxg6 4.Qxg6+– Black’s extra piece , which is hiding on the queenside , can’t protect the king. A direct threat is 5 Bxf5 followed by 6 Rc3. B 1...fxe4 2.Nxd7 Or 2.Bxd7 Nxd7 3.Nxd7 Qxd7 4.Nxb6+– 2...Nxd7 3.Bxd7 Qxd7 4.Nxb6 ✔ and 5 Nxa8+– } 2. dxe5 fxe4 3. Nxb6 Ra7 { More moves are not needed, but one way to win is } 4. Qe3 { Planning a discovered attack against the a7-rook. White chose another good move with 4.e6 (1–0, 31 moves) (.) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 495"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2r2/1p1nq1bk/1np1p1pp/p7/3PN2N/1P2B3/2Q1BPPP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 495. Mikhail Botvinnik – Mikhail Yudovich, Leningrad 1933 } 1. Nxg6 { There is a second solution: 1.Ng5+! hxg5 2.Nxg6 Qe8 3.Nxf8++– } 1... Kxg6 2. Bh5+ { Black resigned due to } 2... Kxh5 3. Ng3+ { ✔ } 3... Kh4 4. Qe4+ Rf4 5. Qxf4# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 496"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1r2bk1/5p1p/pn4p1/N2b4/3Pp3/B3P3/2q1BPPP/RQ3RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 496. Victor Goglidze – Mikhail Botvinnik, Moscow 1935 } 1... Bxa3 { 1...Qxe2 2.Bxf8 Kxf8 3. Qxb6= } 2. Rxa3 Qxe2 3. Qxb6 Rab8 4. Qd6 Qxf1+ { The point of the exchange on a3 was to force White’s a-rook to leave the first rank. } 5. Kxf1 Rb1+ { Black resigned due to 6.Ke2 Rc2# ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 497"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1q1r1nk1/rb2b1p1/pp3nP1/5B2/2PP4/7Q/PB4PP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 497. Mikhail Botvinnik – Vitaly Chekhover, Moscow 1935 } 1. Be6+ Nxe6 2. Qxe6+ Kh8 3. Qh3+ { White can also start with 3.Rxf6. } 3... Kg8 4. Rxf6 Bxf6 5. Qh7+ { Or immediately 5.Re1!+–. } 5... Kf8 6. Re1 { +– ✔ Black must give up almost everything to avoid mate (1–0, 43 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 498"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1b3pbp/1p2p1pq/8/PNB3QP/1P4P1/3r1P2/2R2RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 498. Viacheslav Ragozin – Mikhail Botvinnik, Moscow 1938 } 1... Rxf2 2. Rxf2 { 2.Kxf2 Qd2+! 3.Be2 and Black wins after 3...Bd4+. Or 3...f5 4.Qf4 Bd4+ ✔ } 2... Qxc1+ { ✔ Black has won a pawn and more will come (0–1, 31 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 499"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r3/1p4pk/2b2pq1/7p/3B1P2/7P/4RQP1/7K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 499. Alexander Kotov – Mikhail Botvinnik, Leningrad 1939 } 1... Qxg2+ 2. Qxg2 Rxe2 { ✔ Black has won an exchange and a pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 500"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3R1nk1/p4qpp/8/4QP2/2rB4/P7/3r3P/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 500. Vladimir Makogonov – Mikhail Botvinnik, Moscow 1940 } 1. Rxf8+ Qxf8 { 1...Kxf8 2.Qb8+ Qe8 3.Qxe8# ✔ } 2. Qd5+ Kh8 { 2...Qf7 3.Re8# ✔ } 3. Qxc4 { ✔ Black resigned a move later. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 501"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/5pkp/4pbp1/3q4/3p1P2/1P1B2PK/4Q2P/3R2r1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 501. Andor Lilienthal – Mikhail Botvinnik, Leningrad/Moscow 1941 } 1... Rg2 2. Qe4 { 2.Qxg2 Qh5# ✔ is clear. And 2.Qf1 can be met with 2...Rb2–+ ✔. Or 2...Ra2–+. White has problems with his king and Black wins the pawn on b3, or plays for more. } 2... Rxh2+ { 2...Qxb3–+ also wins a second pawn (and full points) (.) } 3. Kxh2 Qh5+ 4. Kg2 Qxd1 { ✔ (0–1, 55 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 502"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2rk1/pQ2bppp/2n1pn2/1B1p4/q2P1B2/P3PP2/1P2KP1P/2R4R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 502. Mikhail Botvinnik – Viacheslav Ragozin, Moscow 1945 Black cannot keep his extra piece, but he can lose it in a clever way. } 1... Nxd4+ 2. exd4 Rc2+ { Ragozin played 2...Qxd4? 3.Rxc8 Qxf4 4.Rhc1± (1–0, 40 moves) (.) } 3. Bd2 { 3.Rxc2 Qxc2+ 4.Bd2 Qxb2–+ ✔ } 3... Rxb2 { 3...Rxd2+?! 4.Kxd2 Qxd4+ wins another pawn for the exchange and secures a small advantage as well after 5.Kc2! Qxf2+ 6.Kb1. } 4. Bxa4 Rxb7 { ✔ Black is a pawn up and the bishop pair is more than compensated for by the difference in pawn islands. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 503"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/pb1n1p2/3qpP2/2b3B1/PpB2Q2/3p1PN1/1P4PP/R4R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 503. Arnold Denker – Mikhail Botvinnik, Radio Match 1945 } 1... Rxh2+ 2. Kxh2 Rh8+ { ✔ White loses the queen (0–1, 25 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 504"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/p2b1p2/1p1q1n1p/3p2p1/P1pP2P1/2P1rPNP/3Q1K2/R3RB2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 504. Mikhail Botvinnik – Alexander Kotov, Groningen 1946 } 1... Qxg3+ 2. Kxg3 Ne4+ { ✔ A fork and a pin (0–1, 45 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 505"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/pp1qrp1p/3Nn1p1/3pP3/3P3Q/2R5/PP4PP/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 505. Mikhail Botvinnik – Paul Keres, Moscow 1952 } 1. Nf5 Ree8 { 1...gxf5 2.Rg3+ Ng7 3.Qf6 ✔ is followed by 4 Qxg7#. The game saw 1...Rfe8+– (1–0, 37 moves) (.) } 2. Nh6+ Kh8 { 2...Kg7 3.Qf6+ Kxh6 4.Rh3# ✔ } 3. Qf6+ { ✔ } 3... Ng7 4. Nxf7+ { Or anything else. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 506"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r3k/r1pn1ppp/1n2p3/pB2P3/Pp2PP1q/1Q6/1P1B1P1P/2R1K2R b K - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Vassily Smyslov @@StartBlockQuote@@Chess as an art has a divine origin, while chess as a sport @@StartBracket@@when victory counts at all costs, sacrificing the beauty of the game@@EndBracket@@ springs from the Devil. There is striking evidence of this now. After all, a computer is nothing if not the Devil because it does not create anything... It now appears that the brilliant combinations of Alekhine, Tal and other outstanding players were flawed. Shakhmatnaya Nedelia @@StartBracket@@2003@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@506. Mikhail Botvinnik – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow (10) 1954 } 1... Nxe5 { Black wins a pawn, since } 2. fxe5 Qxe4+ { ✔ picks up the rook on h1. Botvinnik postponed resignation with 2 Qe3 (0–1, 37 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 507"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/pp1r2p1/2q2P2/3p1PQ1/P3n3/8/BP5P/6RK w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 507. Mikhail Botvinnik – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow (12) 1954 } 1. f7+ Rxf7 2. Qd8+ Kh7 { 2...Rf8 3.Bxd5++– ✔ } 3. Bxd5 { Forking three pieces! } 3... Nf2+ 4. Kg2 Qf6 { Saving the rook, but not the knight. } 5. Qxf6 Rxf6 6. Kxf2 Rxf5+ 7. Bf3 { +– ✔ } 7... Rf4 8. Rg4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 508"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3kbnr/ppp2ppp/8/n2qp3/2BP4/1QP2b2/PP1N1PPP/R1B1K2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 508. Paul Keres – Mikhail Botvinnik, Moscow 1955 } 1. Qa4+ { 1.Bxd5 Nxb3 2.Bxb3 Bxg2= } 1... Qd7 { 1...b5 2.Bxd5 ✔ bxa4 3.Bxf3+– and White has three threats: 4 Bxa8 , 4 dxe5 and 4 b4. } 2. Bxf7+ Kd8 { 2...Kxf7 3.Qxd7++– ✔ } 3. Qxd7+ Kxd7 4. Nxf3 { ✔ White is a pawn up and has the bishop pair and safer king to boot (1–0, 27 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 509"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/p1n1q1kp/1p3pp1/2p5/4N2P/1P4P1/PQ2PPK1/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 509. Mikhail Botvinnik – Nikola Padevsky, Moscow (ol) 1956 } 1. Nxf6 Kf7 { 1...Rxd1 2.Nd5+!+– ✔ wins the queen. And 1...Rd4 is not a safe stopper: 2.e3+– Or 2.Ng4+– 1...Qxf6 2.Qxf6+ Kxf6 3.Rxd8+– ✔ } 2. Rxd8 Qxd8 3. Nxh7 { ✔ White has won two pawns (1–0, 32 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 510"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/k2r4/pq4pp/3B2b1/8/1N1R1Q2/PP4PP/1K6 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 510. Vassily Smyslov – Mikhail Botvinnik Moscow (4) 1957 } 1... Rxd5 { 1...Qg1+ 2.Rd1 Qe3! 3.Qxe3+ Bxe3 4.Re1! Rxd5 5.Rxe3–+ is the slow way to (probably) (win.) } 2. Rxd5 Qg1+ 3. Kc2 { 3.Qd1 Qxd1+ 4.Rxd1 Rxd1+–+ ✔ } 3... Rc8+ 4. Kd3 Qb1+ 5. Kd4 Qxb2+ { ✔ White will soon have to give up his queen to avoid mate (0–1, 41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 511"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/kp1r1pp1/pR2pnp1/2Pq4/3P4/1Q6/4N1PP/1R4K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Mikhail Tal @@StartBlockQuote@@Some sacrifices are sound; the rest are mine.@@EndBlockQuote@@511. Mikhail Tal – Mikhail Botvinnik, Moscow (17) 1960 } 1. Rxa6+ bxa6 2. Qb6+ Ka8 3. Qxa6+ Ra7 4. Qxc8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 512"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/1q2bpk1/r3p1p1/3pNn2/ppPP1P1p/3Q3P/PP2R1P1/2R1B1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 512. Anatoly Karpov – Mikhail Botvinnik, Moscow (simul) 1964 } 1... Nxd4 2. Qxd4 { Karpov played the better 2.Rd2–+ and managed to draw after 42 moves. } 2... Bc5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 513"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/p3N1bp/6p1/pR6/2P1R3/3p2q1/8/4Q2K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 513. Yoel Aloni – Mikhail Botvinnik, Tel Aviv (ol) 1964 } 1... Qh3+ 2. Kg1 d2 3. Nxg6+ { 3.Qxd2 Rf1# ✔ } 3... hxg6 4. Qh4+ Kg8 { 4...Qxh4? 5.Rxh4+ Kg8 6.Rd5 Bc3 =+ White resigned , since 5.Qxh3 d1=Q+ ✔ wins the queen or mates. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 514"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn1qrbk1/2R2ppp/2p5/p3p3/Q7/P2PBNP1/1P2PPBP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 514. Mikhail Botvinnik – Lajos Portisch, Monte Carlo 1968 } 1. Rxf7 Kxf7 { The game continued: 1...h6 (1–0, 26 moves) (.) } 2. Qc4+ { ✔ 2.Ng5+ is also winning , but it is more difficult since White has to make a non-checking move after 2... Ke7: A 3.Bxc6+– B 3.Qh4+– C Or 3.Qb3+– } 2... Kg6 { The alternatives lose material on the spot. } 3. Qg4+ { Several other moves win as well. } 3... Kf7 4. Ng5+ { Black is mated in four moves if he doesn’t give up his queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 515"] [Result "*"] [FEN "b2r2k1/p4ppn/2qN2np/1p2P3/2p2PP1/1P2Q2P/PB5K/4RB2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 515. Vassily Smyslov – Viacheslav Ragozin, Leningrad/Moscow 1939 } 1... Nxf4 { –+ The knight takes a pawn and threatens to continue to d3, where it cannot be taken due to the mate on g2. } 2. Qxf4 { 2.bxc4 Nd3! wins for Black. As does the game move 2.Kg3 (0–1, 35 moves) (.) } 2... Qh1+ 3. Kg3 Qg1+ 4. Kh4 g5+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 516"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3kb1r/3n1ppp/p1ppq3/1p4B1/4P3/1PN5/1PQ2PPP/R4RK1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 516. Vassily Smyslov – Kirilov, Moscow 1940 } 1. Rxa6 Rxa6 { Kirilov played 1...Rc8+– (1–0, 23 moves) . 2.Nxb5 In a way it is a double threat with 3 Nc7 , since it is both mate and a (triple) (fork.) } 2. Nxb5 cxb5 3. Qc8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 517"] [Result "*"] [FEN "q4rk1/2r2ppp/1p2p3/3n4/2BP1b2/1Q4P1/PB3P1P/1R1R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 517. Georgy Lisitsin – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow 1944 } 1... Rxc4 2. Qxc4 Ne3 { A double threat: mate and the queen } 3. Qf1 { 3.fxe3 Bxe3+ 4.Kf1 Qf3+ 5.Ke1 Qf2# ✔ } 3... Nxf1 { 0–1, 40 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 518"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/p4pp1/1q2pn1p/1Pb5/4P3/PQ3NPP/3pRP2/5BK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 518. Grigory Ravinsky – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow 1944 } 1... Bxf2+ { 1...Nxe4? 2.Rxe4 Bxf2+ 3.Kg2 Rc3 3...Be1 4.Rxe1 ∓ is a creative try to promote the pawn , but White can put the queen on d1 or take the bait: 4.Qxc3 d1=Q 5.Rg4 g6 6.Rc4 with counterplay. } 2. Rxf2 { Ravinsky played 2.Kg2–+ (0–1, 41 moves) (when White at least loses the e4-pawn if he takes the pawn on d2.) } 2... Nxe4 { ✔ Black will pick up material/promote and then mate. 2...Rd8 is also winning. As is 2...Rc3 3.Qxc3 d1=Q–+. But not 3...Qxf2+? 4.Kxf2 d1=N+ 5.Ke1 Nxc3=. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 519"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/1p1b3p/4npp1/PPPk1p2/5P2/3BB1P1/7P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 519. Vassily Smyslov – Vladimir Alatortsev, Moscow 1945 } 1. c6 bxc6 2. b6 Bc8 3. a6 { ✔ Black has to give up the bishop and the knight. } 3... Nd8 { But even stronger is a move such as } 4. Bf1 { When White is ready to meet 4...c5 with 5.Bg2+. Black basically has no moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 520"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3rk1/1PQ3pp/p3pn2/1p2p3/4P3/5N1P/1b3PP1/q1B1RNK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 520. Isaak Boleslavsky – Vassily Smyslov, Groningen 1946 } 1... Bxc1 2. Rxc1 { White did not have to take immediately. The only threatening move was 2.Ng5 when 2...Qd4! is best. 3.Nxe6 3.Rxc1 Qa7–+ 3...Qd7 ✔ Or 3...Ne8–+ with a threat against f2 4.Qxd7 Nxd7 5.Nxf8 Kxf8 6.Rxc1 Rxb7–+ The two connected passed pawns , supported by the rook and knight , should decide. } 2... Rxb7 { –+ ✔ Black enjoys the extra exchange without the compensating passed pawn on b7 (0–1, 34 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 521"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1q2kb1r/1r1n1ppp/2Qpp3/8/N7/8/1PP2PPP/R1BR2K1 w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 521. Vassily Smyslov – Cenek Kottnauer, Groningen 1946 } 1. Nc5 dxc5 { 1...Rc7 2.Nxd7! Rxd7 3.Ra8+– ✔ } 2. Bf4 { The queen has no squares to keep the rook on b7 defended. Worse is 2.Ra8? Qxa8 3.Rxd7 Rxd7! 4.Qxa8+ Ke7! and White can only defend both the king and the bishop with 5. Qf3= (or give up the bishop and make a draw by perpetual check) . } 2... Qxf4 { Instead Black tried: 2...Bd6 3.Bxd6 Rb6 4.Qxd7+! 1–0 } 3. Qxb7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 522"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1r1kb/1pqn1p1p/2pp1npB/8/2PNP3/1PN3PP/3Q1PB1/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 522. Vassily Smyslov – Kazimierz Plater, Moscow 1947 } 1. Nf5 { Or: } 1... gxf5 2. Qg5+ Bg7 3. Qxg7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 523"] [Result "*"] [FEN "R6r/4kpp1/1q1bp2p/3n4/1p5P/6Q1/PP1B1PP1/1K2R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 523. Vassily Smyslov – Genrikh Kasparian, Leningrad 1947 Black has a double threat against the queen and the rook on a8. } 1. Rxe6+ Kxe6 { 1...fxe6 2.Qxg7 mate ✔ } 2. Qg4+ { ✔ White can play for mate, but he can also take on h8 now when the queen has moved away from the threat (1–0, 39 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 524"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/pp1n1pp1/2p4p/q2p1P2/3b2n1/1PNP2PP/PB1Q1PB1/3R1RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 524. Gedeon Barcza – Vassily Smyslov, Budapest 1949 } 1... Ne3 2. fxe3 { The game continued: 2.Rc1 Nxf1–+ (0–1, 40 moves) (.) } 2... Bxe3+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 525"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/p7/4Nnp1/3q4/8/4Q2R/PP2KP1P/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 525. Grigory Levenfish – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow 1949 } 1. Rh8+ Kf7 { 1...Kxh8 2.Qh6+ Kg8 3.Qg7# ✔ } 2. Ng5+ { There is no way to force resignation after 2.Rxa8?! Qxa8 3.Ng5+ Kf8!+–. } 2... Kg7 3. Rxa8 { Black resigned , as 3...Qxa8 4.Qe7++– ✔ wins the knight. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 526"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r2k/p5qp/bp2B1p1/3P1p2/2n2N2/2R5/PQ3PPP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 526. Semen Furman – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow 1949 } 1. Nxg6+ Qxg6 { 1...hxg6 2.Rh3# ✔ } 2. Rxc4+ { ✔ } 2... Qg7 3. Qxg7+ Kxg7 { White wins a second pawn with } 4. Rc7+ { 1–0, 53 moves or 4.Ra4+–. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 527"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2rk1/1p3pp1/4n3/1P1Rn1q1/4P2p/7P/2P2QN1/R4BK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 527. Enrico Paoli – Vassily Smyslov, Venice 1950 } 1... Rxc2 2. Qxc2 { 2.Rxe5 defends against the check on f3, but the problem is the undefended rook on a1: 2...Qxe5 3.Qxc2 Qxa1–+ ✔ } 2... Nf3+ 3. Kf2 { 3.Kh1 Qg3 ✔ and 4...Qh2/Qg1#. } 3... Qg3+ 4. Ke2 Nfd4+ { Or 4...Ned4 -+ } 5. Kd1 Nxc2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 528"] [Result "*"] [FEN "bq3rk1/2pnnppp/3p1b2/1p1Pp3/4P3/NBP2N1P/1P3PP1/2BQR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 528. Isaak Boleslavsky – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow 1950 } 1. Nxb5 Qxb5 { Black played: 2...c6+– (1–0, 83 moves) (.) } 2. Ba4 { ✔ There would follow 3.Bxd7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 529"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/1q4kp/2np1p2/4p3/2PpP2P/6P1/r1PQ2BK/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 529. Vassily Smyslov – Efim Geller, Moscow 1951 } 1. Rxf6 Kxf6 { 1...Qe7 +- was played in the game (1–0, 48 moves) (.) } 2. Qh6+ Kf7 3. Qxh7+ Kf6 4. Qxb7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 530"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/pR6/4p1k1/2p1P1rn/P3R3/4N1P1/4r2P/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 530. Gideon Stahlberg – Vassily Smyslov, Stockholm 1954 } 1... Nxg3 2. hxg3 { 2.Rg4 does not keep the material balance , for example: 2...Ne4 3.Rxg5+ Nxg5 4.Nc4 Re4 5.Nd6 Rxa4 =+ } 2... Rxg3+ 3. Kf1 Rexe3 4. Rxe3 Rxe3 5. Rxa7 { ✔ White should draw, but Black is pressing. That is quite a difference from the starting position, where White was a pawn up. } 5... Kf5 { 0–1, 64 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 531"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/pppqrpb1/3n1npp/3Pp3/P3P3/BP3NP1/2R1QPBP/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 531. Vassily Smyslov – Wolfgang Unzicker, Hastings 1954 } 1. Bh3 Qxh3 2. Bxd6 { ✔ White chooses between the c7- and e5-pawns. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 532"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3n4/pp3p2/4k2p/1PP1p3/4NP2/Pb2K3/6BP/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 532. Vassily Smyslov – Laszlo Szabo, Hastings 1954 } 1. c6 { Clearing c5 for the knight. } 1... exf4+ 2. Kxf4 bxc6 { The only way to stop 3 c7. } 3. Nc5+ Kd6 4. Nxb3 { ✔ (1–0, 43 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 533"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/2R2pp1/7B/p3p3/qb4Q1/7P/1P3PPK/2r5 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 533. Paul Keres – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow 1955 } 1... Rh1+ { Magnet sacrifice. } 2. Kxh1 { Keres played 2.Kg3. Without the rook hanging on c1 , Black can play 3...g6–+ with an extra rook. Or go for a winning attack with 3...Rd3+. } 2... Qd1+ 3. Kh2 Qxg4 4. hxg4 gxh6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 534"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/p1r1qp1p/1p3np1/nP2p1N1/7Q/3N2P1/P3PPKP/2RR4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 534. Vassily Smyslov – Miguel Najdorf, Moscow 1956 } 1. Nxh7 { White won a pawn, since } 1... Nxh7 { isn’t possible: } 2. Qxe7 Rxe7 3. Rxc8+ { ✔ Najdorf fought on with 1...Kg7 and made a draw. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 535"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bb1r1k/p4ppp/2p2n1N/7Q/2p5/2B2N2/qPP2PPP/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 535. Mikhail Tal – Vassily Smyslov, Bled/Zagreb/Belgrade 1959 } 1. Qxf7 { 1.Nxf7+? Kg8 2.Nh6+ gxh6 3. Qxh6= and White holds the balance after some accuracy. The game move highlights the awkward placement of the black bishops. } 1... Qa1+ { 1...Rxf7 2.Rxd8+ Rf8 3.Rxf8+ mate ✔ } 2. Kd2 Rxf7 { 2...Qxd1+ 3.Rxd1 Or 3.Kxd1 Rxf7 4.Nxf7+ Kg8 3.Nxd8+– 3...Rxf7 4.Nxf7+ Kg8 5.Nxd8+– ✔ } 3. Nxf7+ Kg8 4. Rxa1 { ✔ (1–0, 26 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 536"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/3q1p2/p4P1p/2r1p1bQ/4p3/2P3R1/P5PP/5R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 536. Robert Fischer – Vassily Smyslov, Bled/Zagreb/Belgrade 1959 Black has a large material advantage, but is under attack. } 1... Qf5 2. Kg1 { 2.Qd1 Qxf1+ 3.Qxf1 Rcb5 ✔ regains the queen with a winning material advantage. And 2.Qe2 can be met in the same way , or with 2...Rb2 3.Qe1 Qg6 4.h4 e3–+. } 2... Qg6 { –+ ✔ Black managed to defend his king, retaining a winning material advantage. } 3. Qe2 Rc6 { Even better is: 3...Rcb5! 4.h4 Rb2 5.Qe1 5.Qd1 e3–+ 5...e3 6.hxg5 e2–+. } 4. h4 Rxf6 { Still, Black had enough pawns to win (48 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 537"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/1q5k/p3p1pp/2p1Rp1n/2P2P2/P4b1P/1PB4K/2B3Q1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 537. Nikolac Bakulin – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow 1961 } 1... Qxb2 2. Bxb2 Rd2+ { ✔ Black wins back the queen, and then both bishops. In the game, 2 Re2–+ limited the loss to a second pawn, but even that was too much (0–1, 41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 538"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4b3/r4kp1/4Rn1p/p4p2/P4N2/6P1/P1r3BP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 538. Vassily Smyslov – Ratmir Kholmov, Baku 1961 } 1. Rxf6+ Kxf6 { 1...gxf6 shows why the knight had to go: 2.Bd5+! Kf8 3.Ne6+ with beautiful coordination of the white pieces. 3...Kf7 3...Ke7 going for the d5-bishop does not help because of the bishop on e8: 4.Nd4+ Kd6 5.Nxc2 Kxd5 6.Rxe8+– ✔ 4.Nd4+! Kf8 5.Nxc2+– ✔ } 2. Rxe8 { ✔ By keeping the rooks on the board, White can play for an attack (1–0, 43 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 539"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7k/p6p/2P1nNp1/4rbP1/3p3P/P3P3/3KB3/7R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 539. Vassily Smyslov – Hector Rossetto, Mar del Plata 1962 } 1. e4 { 1.exd4 Nxd4= is a double threat. } 1... Bxe4 2. Nxe4 Rxe4 { Most moves win, among them Smyslov’s: } 3. Rb1 Re3 4. Rb8+ Kg7 5. Bc4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 540"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/5pk1/4pqp1/p4p2/5P2/QPr3PP/P2R3K/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 540. Georgi Tringov – Vassily Smyslov, Havana 1965 } 1... Rxg3 2. Kxg3 { 1.Qxa5 Qh4 ✔ 0–1 was the game , with mate. } 2... Qc3+ 3. Kf2 Qxd2+ { ✔ Black either picks up the f4-pawn with check or forces mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 541"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1rk1/1p4p1/p1p1qpQ1/8/1P3Pp1/P2R2Pn/1B2P2P/3R1K2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 541. Vassily Smyslov – Eleazar Jimenez Zerquera, Havana 1965 } 1... Qe3 2. Ke1 { The only defence against mate. 2.Rxe3 Rxd1+ 3.Kg2 Rg1# ✔ } 2... Qg1+ 3. Kd2 Rxd3+ 4. exd3 { 4.Qxd3 Qxd1+! 5.Kxd1 Nf2+–+ ✔ } 4... Qxh2+ 5. Kc3 Qxg3 { It’s too many pawns (0–1, 59 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 542"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/p3q3/1pn1b1pB/2p1PpN1/5P1Q/7R/P1p3PP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 542. Efim Geller – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow 1965 } 1. Bf8 { White could maybe have postponed the sacrifice for one move, although that would be somewhat weaker – Black had no sufficient defence. } 1... Kxf8 { 1...Qxf8 2.Qh7# ✔ Or 2.Qh8# } 2. Qh8+ Bg8 3. Rh7 { +– ✔ Taking the queen with the rook is stronger, since there is more to come with e5-e6 and Qf6+. Geller played 3.Nh7+?! Kf7 4.e6+ Qxe6 5.Ng5+ Ke7 6.Nxe6 Bxe6 7.Qg7+ Kd6+– when White is probably winning , but not easily (1–0, 60 moves) (.) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 543"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5n2/3bp1r1/1r1p3k/p1p2pNp/1nP2P1P/1PN1PB1K/P5R1/6R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 543. Vassily Smyslov – Antonio Magrin, Lugano (ol) 1968 } 1. Nf7+ Rxf7 2. Rg5 { ✔ The only defence against 36.Rxh5 mate is to give back the piece, when White still has a winning attack (1–0, 41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 544"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1br4k/pp4pp/8/2n1q2b/P7/6PP/1P1NnPBK/R1B1NQ2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 544. Donald Byrne – Vassily Smyslov, Lugano (ol) 1968 } 1... Nxg3 2. fxg3 Qxg3+ 3. Kg1 Qh2+ { ✔ Black has a winning attack. } 4. Kf2 Bg3+ { There are other moves as well. } 5. Ke3 Bxe1 { It will soon be mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 545"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/R5pp/4p1q1/1p2Q3/2p2nN1/2Pr3P/1P3PP1/R5K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 545. Mikhail Tal – Vassily Smyslov, Herceg Novi (blitz) 1970 } 1... Nxh3+ 2. gxh3 Rxh3 { It is not possible to save the knight on g4. } 3. Qd4 Rd3 { 0–1, 39 moves Or 3...h5–+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 546"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4k1r1/pQ1n1p1R/1pq5/5P2/2r5/P7/5PB1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 546. Leonid Stein – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow 1972 } 1. Rh8 { The g2-bishop is unpinned and White wins material. Stein executed the same motif with: 1.Qxc6 Rxc6 2.Rh8!+– (1–0, 35 moves) (.) } 1... Qxb7 2. Rxg8+ Ke7 3. Bxb7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 547"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rqr3k1/1b1nbppp/ppnpp3/8/N1PNP3/1P4P1/PB2QPBP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 547. Vassily Smyslov – Roman Dzindzichashvili, Moscow 1972 } 1. Nxe6 fxe6 2. Qg4 { A double threat against g7 and e6. } 2... Nf6 { 2...Nde5 3.Qxe6+ Kh8 4.Nxb6 is similar to the game. And 2...Nce5? 3.Qxe6+ Kf8 4.f4+– ✔ wins back the piece. } 3. Qxe6+ Kh8 4. Nxb6 { ✔ White gets more than enough for the knights: a rook and three pawns (1–0, 26 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 548"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rbq1rk1/4ppbp/3pn1p1/1p1Nn3/1P6/2N3P1/P2BPPBP/2RQ1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 548. Vassily Smyslov – Walter Browne, Hastings 1972 } 1. Nxb5 Rxb5 { Browne fought on with 1...Ba6± (0–1, 33 moves) (.) } 2. Rxc8 Qxc8 3. Nxe7+ Kh8 4. Nxc8 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 549"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7k/6p1/5p2/2B4p/5P2/Q4K1P/6P1/4q1b1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 549. Gerardo Lebredo Zarragoitia – Vassily Smyslov, Cienfuegos 1973 } 1... Qf1+ 2. Kg3 h4+ 3. Kg4 { 3.Kxh4 Qxf4+ 4.g4 ✔ Black wins the bishop in several ways , for instance 4...Qg5+–+. } 3... Qxg2+ { And after } 4. Kxh4 { Easiest is: } 4... g5+ 5. Kh5 gxf4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 550"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r1k/1p5p/1bp2N2/2n1p1B1/p3P3/2P5/PPB2PP1/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 550. Vassily Smyslov – Boris Spassky, Moscow 1973 } 1... h6 { 1...Bd8? 2.Be3 =+ does not win material. } 2. Bh4 Bd8 { ✔ Smyslov gave up a second exchange and continued for just a few moves (0–1, 33 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 551"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q2k1/p2rppbp/1pp3p1/4B3/NPPP2b1/P3Q3/5PPP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 551. Vassily Smyslov – Istvan Bilek, Venice 1974 } 1. Bxg7 { A magnet exchange followed by a clearance sacrifice. } 1... Kxg7 2. d5 { White threatens 3 dxc6 as well as 3 Qd4+ Kg8 4 Qxg4. } 2... Kg8 3. dxc6 { ✔ (1–0, 30 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 552"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r4k/1p3pbp/p1b2N2/4r1q1/2pN1R2/7P/PPP2QP1/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 552. Garry Kasparov – Vassily Smyslov, Leningrad 1975 } 1... Bxf6 { 1...Bxg2? does not work immediately: 2.h4! and the queen cannot keep a connection to both f4 and g2: 2...Qh6 2...Qg6 3.Qxg2+– 3.Kxg2+– } 2. Rxf6 Bxg2 { Black wins an important pawn. } 3. h4 { The game continued: 3.Kh2? Re3–+. 3...Bxh3 is also winning. Instead , White should settle for 3.Rf5 Rxf5 4.Qxf5 Qxf5 5.Nxf5 Bxh3 ∓. } 3... Qg4 { ✔ There is a threat against d1. Also winning is 3...Qh5. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 553"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rqr1k1/1b1n1ppp/p1n1pbP1/3p3P/3N1PQ1/2PN4/1P3BB1/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 553. Vassily Smyslov – Lothar Vogt, Leningrad 1977 White efficiently removes the black pawns on d5, e6 and f7: } 1. gxf7+ Kxf7 2. Nxe6 Rxe6 3. Bxd5 { ✔ White wins the whole rook on e6 with a huge material surplus (1–0, 40 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 554"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/3qbp1p/p1r5/1p2Np2/8/1P2Q1P1/P3PP1P/R5K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 554. Vassily Smyslov – Jingxuan Qi, Buenos Aires 1978 Black is a rook up, but is about to lose it. However, there is a way to keep the bishop. } 1... f4 2. Qxf4 { 2.gxf4?! Rg6+!–+ ✔ } 2... Qc7 3. Nxc6 Qxc6 { ✔ The queen cannot take on e7 anymore. White later managed to outplay his much lower-rated opponent though (1–0, 74 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 555"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r7/1p2q1k1/5pp1/nPr4p/3RP3/3B3P/5QP1/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 555. Vassily Smyslov – Wlodzimierz Schmidt, Moscow 1980 } 1. Qxf6+ Qxf6 2. Rd7+ Kh6 3. Rxf6 { ✔ A pawn and an ongoing attack should be enough to win (1–0, 38 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 556"] [Result "*"] [FEN "q4rbk/p1r4p/6B1/4b3/Ppp2N2/1n2B1PQ/1P5P/4RRK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 556. Vassily Smyslov – Robert Hübner, Velden 1983 } 1. Bxh7 Rxh7 { 2...Bxh7 3.Ng6++– ✔ winning the rook on f8. } 2. Ng6+ { White has a decisive attack. } 2... Kg7 3. Qd7+ { 3.Qg4! also wins. But 3.Rxf8 Rxh3 4.Rxa8 is less clear , even though it should be winning eventually. } 3... Rf7 4. Rxf7+ Bxf7 5. Nxe5 { ✔ (1–0, 48 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 557"] [Result "*"] [FEN "R4bk1/5pp1/5n1p/4Q3/3B4/1qprPBP1/5P1P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 557. Vassily Smyslov – Gennadi Sosonko, Tilburg 1984 } 1. Rxf8+ Kxf8 2. Qc5+ { Black resigned, as White picks up the rook on d3 after } 2... Kg8 3. Qc8+ Kh7 4. Qf5+ Kg8 5. Qxd3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 558"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqr1k1/1p3ppp/2pp1n2/p1b1n3/2PNP3/2NBB2P/PPQ2PP1/4RRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 558. Kevin Spraggett – Vassily Smyslov, Montpellier 1985 } 1... Bxh3 { White resigned (prematurely) . The point is: 2.gxh3 Bxd4 3.Bxd4 Nf3+ 4.Kg2 Nxd4 ∓ ✔ White is a pawn down and is weak on the dark squares. But it would not hurt to play on with , for instance , 2.Be2 ∓. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 559"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k1r4/pp2n1pp/3r1pb1/2Np4/8/1P4PP/P1R1PPB1/2R1K3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 559. Vassily Smyslov – Helgi Olafsson, Copenhagen 1985 } 1. Nxb7 Bxc2 { 1...Kxb7 2.Rc7+ Kb6 3.Rxe7± ✔ } 2. Nxd6 { The knight is trapped after 2.Nxd8? Bg6–+. } 2... Bxb3 3. Nf7 Rf8 4. axb3 Rxf7 5. Rc5 { ± ✔ White wins a pawn (1–0, 53 moves) . 5.Rd1 is also good enough. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 560"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1r1k1/q2bb2p/p2p1pp1/1p1P4/8/1P5P/PQ3PP1/BB1RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 560. Petar Popovic – Vassily Smyslov, Ljubljana 1985 } 1. Rxe7 Rxe7 2. Qxf6 { The game finished: } 2... Re5 { 2...Rce8 3.Qh8+ Kf7 4.Qg7# } 3. Qxd6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 561"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/4npbp/b1p1pnp1/p3N3/2BP2P1/B4N2/PP3P1P/2RQR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 561. Ilya Smirin – Vassily Smyslov, Moscow 1988 } 1. Nxf7 Rxf7 { 1...Kxf7 could be met with , among others , 2.Ng5+ Kg8 3.Nxe6 and White wins back the piece (at least) (and keeps the pawns.) } 2. Bxe6 { ✔ Black is unable to deal with 3 Ng5 and 3 Ne5 (1–0, 28 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 562"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2r2k1/p3pp1p/2p2npQ/6N1/2b3P1/2P2R1P/Pq3P2/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 562. Vassily Smyslov – Jan Timman, Moscow (blitz) 1993 } 1. Rxf6 exf6 2. Qxh7+ Kf8 { Timman may have thought that the king was escaping. } 3. Re1 Be6 4. Rxe6 { ✔ It is mate on f7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 563"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r3/pp1nr3/2p4p/4pkb1/4RP2/1PBN2P1/P1P1K3/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 563. Vassily Smyslov – Lembit Oll, Rostov on Don 1993 } 1. g4+ Kxe4 { 1...Kxg4 2.fxg5++– } 2. Nf2+ Kxf4 3. Rg1 { The threat is 4 Bd2#. } 3... e4 4. Nh3# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 564"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/6p1/4p2p/4N3/3P2Pq/4PP2/n6P/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 564. Susan Polgar – Vassily Smyslov, Vienna 1993 Loose pieces, even queens, are in danger of dropping off. } 1. Rc8+ Kh7 2. Rh8+ Kxh8 3. Ng6+ Kh7 4. Nxh4 { ✔ (1–0, 63 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 565"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3qrk1/2p2pb1/p6p/1p2pb2/5p2/1BP2N2/PP3PPP/R2QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 565. Vassily Smyslov – Johan Ingbrandt, Stockholm 1996 } 1. Nxe5 Bxe5 2. Qh5 { ✔ The pin along the fifth rank wins back the piece, with numerous threats against the remaining bishop, the queen, the king and the weak pawns – something will drop off. But instead 2.Qd5?! Rd8 3.Qxe5 Qxe5 4.Rxe5 Bg6 is not so much better for White. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 566"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/p5p1/7p/Q2N1b2/8/1P3q1P/2P1rP2/2KR2R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 566. Ketevan Arakhamia-Grant – Vassily Smyslov, London 1996 } 1. Nf6+ { 1.Rxg7+? Kxg7 2.Rg1+ Bg6 and White’s best is a repetition with: 3.Qc7+ Qf7 4.Qc3+ Kh7 5.Nf6+ Kh8 6.Nh5+ Kh7 7.Nf6+ } 1... Kf7 { 1...Kf8 2.Qc5+! ✔ transposes , as 2...Re7+– moves into a deadly pin. And 1...Kh8 is met by: 2.Rd8+ Rxd8 3.Qxd8+ Re8 4.Qxe8# ✔ } 2. Qc7+ Re7 { 2...Kxf6 and Black is mated after 3.Qxg7+. ✔ Or 3.Rd6+. } 3. Rxg7+ Kxg7 4. Qxe7+ { Black resigned after: } 4... Kh8 5. Rg1 { 5.Rd7 is also good enough. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 567"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3bqk1/1p2rppn/p3p2p/3pP2Q/3P1RN1/2PB3P/PP4P1/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Mikhail Tal @@StartBlockQuote@@To play for a draw, at any rate with White, is to some degree a crime against chess.@@EndBlockQuote@@567. Mikhail Tal – A. Leonov, Vilnius 1949 } 1. Nf6+ { 1.Rf6!? gxf6? 23.Nxh6++– And 1.Qh4 both retain a huge advantage. } 1... Nxf6 { After 1...gxf6 , White can transpose or use one of the extra options: 2.Bxh7+ and 2 Rg4+ are both winning. } 2. exf6 gxf6 { 2...Rc7 3.fxg7 was the game , and Black resigned on the next move. } 3. Rxf6 Qg7 4. Rxh6 f5 5. Qh4 { ✔ White is a pawn up and can manoeuvre the other rook into the attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 568"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnb3k1/pp4pp/3p3r/2p1p1qn/P1PPPpP1/2PB1P2/3QNB1P/R5RK b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 568. Marks Pasman – Mikhail Tal, Riga 1952 } 1... Ng3+ 2. Kg2 { 2.Nxg3 fxg3 Or 2...Rxh2+ 3.Kxh2 fxg3+–+ , winning the queen 3.Qxg5 Rxh2# ✔ } 2... Qh4 { There are threats against h3 and h2. Not 2...Bxg4? 3.Bxg3! and White holds on. } 3. Bxg3 fxg3 4. hxg3 { 4.Nxg3 Qxh2+ 5.Kf1 Qxd2–+ ✔ } 4... Qh2+ 5. Kf1 Rf6 { ✔ The only way to win after 1...Ng3+. Black threatens 6...Rxf3+ and 6...Bxg4 (0–1, 35 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 569"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/p1qn1pbp/2p2np1/1p6/2BPp3/BPN1P2P/P3QPP1/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 569. Mikhail Tal – Artur Darznieks, Riga 1953 } 1. Nxb5 Qa5 { White loses a piece on the queenside , but is compensated on f7 and e8. 1...cxb5? loses straight away: 2.Bxf7+ Kxf7 3.Rxc7+– ✔ } 2. Nd6 { Or 2.Bxf7+ Kxf7 3.Rxc6+– Or 2.b4+–. } 2... Qxa3 3. Bxf7+ Kh8 4. Nxe8 Nxe8 5. Bxe8 Rxe8 6. Rxc6 { White has too many pawns. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 570"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qr1k1/ppp2ppp/3p1b2/1B1P1b2/5P2/2P1B1P1/PP1Q3P/R3K2R b KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 570. Mikhail Tal – Vladimir Saigin, Riga 1954 } 1... c6 { White has to retreat, since } 2. dxc6 Qb6 { ✔ is a double threat. Tal managed to draw after 2 Bc4 ∓. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 571"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/6pp/p7/1pnP3q/2p1P3/2P4b/PPB4Q/4R1NK b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 571. A. Ostrauskas – Mikhail Tal, Vilnius 1955 } 1... Bg2+ 2. Kxg2 Rf2+ 3. Kxf2 Qxh2+ { ✔ } 4. Kf3 Qxc2 { 0–1, 39 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 572"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/4qRpp/p2p4/1p2r3/8/2Pn1Q2/PP4PP/5R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 572. Abram Khasin – Mikhail Tal, Leningrad 1956 } 1... Re1 { 1...Ne1? 2.Rxe7 Nxf3 3.Rxe8+ Rxe8 4.gxf3 Re2 ∓ } 2. Qd5 { 2.Rxe7 Rxf1+ 2...R8xe7?? 3.Qf8# 3.Qxf1 Rxe7–+ ✔ and the queen cannot be saved. } 2... Qxf7 { 2...Qe6 and 2...Kh8 also win. } 3. Qxf7+ Kh8 4. Kg1 Rxf1+ 5. Qxf1 { 5.Kxf1 Re1# ✔ } 5... Re1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 573"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqr1k1/p1n2pbp/1p1p2p1/2pP4/P3P1n1/2N4P/1PQNBPP1/R1B1R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 573. Bukhuti Gurgenidze – Mikhail Tal, Moscow 1957 } 1... Nxf2 2. Kxf2 { White should prefer 2.Nf3 Bxc3 3.bxc3 Nxe4 =+ ✔ , although he does not have full compensation for the two pawns. } 2... Qh4+ { 2...Bd4+ is pointless after 3.Kg3 even though 3...Be5+ 4.Kf2 Qh4+ 5.Kf1 Bd4 transposes to the game. } 3. Kf1 Bd4 4. Nd1 { The only defence against the mate on f2. } 4... Qxh3 { ✔ 4...Bxh3?! 5.Ra3! ∓ is slower but also gives full points. } 5. Bf3 Qh2 { White is defenceless against ...f7-f5, ...Ba6 and ...Nxd5, although that is not so easy to see (0–1, 27 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 574"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r1r2k1/1p3p2/p1p2bp1/7p/2Pn3P/2B1q1P1/PP1RPQB1/2R3K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 574. Anatolij Bannik – Mikhail Tal, Moscow 1957 } 1... Nxe2+ 2. Rxe2 Qxc1+ { Black has won an exchange, but he needs something against the following double threat. } 3. Re1 Bxc3 4. Rxc1 Bd4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 575"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r1nkn1r/4bp1p/p1p4B/1pqpPQ2/8/1B5P/PP1N2P1/R4R1K w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 575. Mikhail Tal – Rudolf Teschner, Vienna 1957 } 1. Ne4 { ✔ 1.Bg7?! Rg8 2.Ne4 is worse, since the knight has to check on f6 instead of d6: 2...Qd4 3.Nf6+ Bxf6 4.exf6 Rxg7 5.fxg7 Qxg7 and Black is worse but not lost. } 1... dxe4 { Otherwise the knight continues to d6 , opening up the e-file with devastating effect. I will give one sample line to see some attacking ideas for White: 2...Qd4 3.Nd6+ Bxd6 4.exd6 Nfe6 5.Rad1 Qa7 6.Rde1 Kd7 7.Rxe6 fxe6 8.Qf6 Winning the rook with a continuing attack. } 2. Rad1 { 2.Bxf7+ is also winning , as well as many other moves. 2.Rac1 Qb6 3.Rcd1 mating , was the game finish. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 576"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qr1k1/pp2bppp/2b1p3/3nN1B1/3P4/1BPR4/P3QPPP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 576. Mikhail Tal – N.N., Riga (simul) 1958 } 1. Nxf7 Kxf7 2. Qxe6+ Kf8 3. Bc1 { +– ✔ Black has no defence against 4 Rf3+ Bf6 5 Ba3+ (1–0, 27 moves) . 3.Rf3+? is a mistake: 3...Bf6 4.Rxf6+ Qxf6!–+ But 3 Bf4 gives White a winning advantage , as does 3.Bxe7+. But to get full points for the last one you have to see all of the following moves: 3...Rxe7 4.Rf3+ Ke8 5.Qf7+! The only move. 5...Kd7 6.Rxe7+ Qxe7 6...Nxe7 7.Qe6+ (Or 7 d5+–) 7...Kc7 8.Rf7+– winning the knight. 7.Bxd5+– } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 577"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r7/2k1Pp1p/p1n2p2/P1b1r3/2p5/2P3P1/5P1P/1R1Q2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 577. Mikhail Tal – Dieter Keller, Zurich 1959 } 1. Rb7+ Kxb7 2. Qd7+ Kb8 3. e8=Q+ Rxe8 4. Qxe8+ Kb7 5. Qd7+ Kb8 6. Qxc6 { ✔ It was all forced. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 578"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/1q1nbppp/p1b5/4pP2/NpP1Nn2/1B3Q2/PP3BPP/R3R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 578. Robert Fischer – Mikhail Tal, Bled 1959 } 1... g6 { Spotting the trouble on the a8-h1 diagonal. } 2. fxg6 { 2.g4 is not a move White wants to play. One way to punish it is 3...gxf5 4.gxf5 Kh8–+. } 2... f5 { –+ ✔ Or 2...hxg6!–+ which might be even stronger as White cannot save the knight anyway because of the weakness on g2. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 579"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rr1k1/3nbppp/p1R2n2/q2Bp3/1p2P3/5N1P/PP1B1PP1/2RQ2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 579. Mikhail Tal – Wolfgang Unzicker, Stockholm 1960 } 1. Bxf7+ Kxf7 2. Qb3+ { White can also start with 2.Ng5+. } 2... Kf8 { 2...Kg6 and for example 3.Nh4+ Kh5 4.Qf3+ Kxh4 5.Qg3+ Kh5 6.Qg5#. } 3. Ng5 { ✔ The threat of 4 Qf7# is decisive. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 580"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4k1r/1q2bp1p/p3pp2/3p3Q/1p1N1P2/4R3/PPP3PP/1K1R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 580. Mikhail Tal – Martin Johansson Sr., Stockholm 1961 Thanks to the weak kingside, White is winning after normal moves, but can decide matters right now. } 1. Rxe6 fxe6 2. Nxe6+ Kg8 3. Rd3 { ✔ To avoid mate, Black must give up the bishop and the queen – without getting anything in return. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 581"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/6pp/p4p2/2pN3b/2P1r3/1P6/P5PP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 581. Mikhail Tal – Eero Böök, Stockholm 1961 } 1. Rxf6 { ± } 1... gxf6 { 1...Re1+ 2.Rf1± ✔ is Black’s best , accepting the loss of a pawn (1–0, 48 moves) (.) } 2. Nxf6+ Kf7 3. Nxe4 { White wins a second and a third pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 582"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1r1k1/2q1bppp/p2p1n2/1p2p3/3PP3/1B1n1N1P/PB1N1PP1/R2QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 582. Mikhail Tal – Bukhuti Gurgenidze, Baku 1961 } 1. Bxf7+ Kf8 { Black has two other moves: A 1...Kxf7 2.Qb3+ Kf8 3. Qxd3±; ✔ B 1...Kh8 2.Bxe8 Nxe8 2...Nxb2 can be met with either 3.Qb3+– or 3.Qb1+– 3.Qb3 Nxe1 4.Rxe1± } 2. Bxe8 Nxb2 3. Qb1 { 3.Qb3? Nc4 and White cannot save the e8-bishop since 4.Nxc4 bxc4 threatens the queen. } 3... Na4 { 3...Nc4 4.Nxc4 and the bishop escapes after 4...bxc4 Or 4...Qxc4 5.Rc1 Qa4 6.Bc6+– ✔ 5.Ba4+– ✔ } 4. Rc1 { ✔ The bishop escapes to c6 (1–0, 35 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 583"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq1rk1/5ppp/p1Np1b2/1p6/4P3/P4Q1P/1PBB1nP1/R3R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 583. Mikhail Tal – Paul Keres, Curacao 1962 } 1... Nxh3+ { 1...Qb6? 2.e5! 2.Qxf2 Qxc6 3. e5!= is also not convincing for Black. 2...Ng4+ 2...Nd3+? 3.Be3+– 3.Kh1 Nxe5 4.Rxe5! 4.Nxe5 Bxe5 5.Qxa8 Bb7 6. Ba5!= 4...dxe5 5.Rf1± and White threatens 6 Qe4. There is no good defence as the f6-bishop has no square , so Black loses a piece. } 2. Kh2 { 2.gxh3 Qb6+–+ ✔ is a double attack. As is 2.Qxh3 Qb6+ 3.Qe3 Qxc6 ∓ ✔. } 2... Be5+ { Weaker is 2...Qc7 3.e5! Bxe5+ 4.Rxe5 4.Nxe5 Qxc2 ∓ 4...dxe5 5.Ba5 e4+ 6.Bxc7 exf3 7.Ne7+ =+ when Black has a lot of pawns , but his rooks are not very active. } 3. Nxe5 dxe5 { ✔ The bishop on d2 is en prise, and Black keeps the two pawns (0–1, 41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 584"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/1nqbrp2/p5pp/1p1Pp1N1/8/1P5P/P1B2PP1/2RQR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 584. Mikhail Tal – Aleksandar Matanovic, Moscow 1963 } 1. Nxf7 Rxf7 { 1...Kxf7 2.Bxg6++– ✔ wins the queen. } 2. Bxg6 { ✔ } 2... Qd6 { 2...Qxc1 3.Bxf7+ Kxf7 4.Qh5+ wins the queen. } 3. Bxf7+ Kxf7 4. Rxc8 Bxc8 5. Qc2 { A double attack against the bishop and the h7-square. The attack is decisive (1–0, 30 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 585"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r1qrbk1/1p3p1p/p2p2p1/P2NpBn1/4P3/2P3P1/1P3P1P/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 585. Mikhail Tal – Robert Wade, Reykjavik 1964 } 1. Bd7 { The rook is trapped. } 1... Re6 { 1...Qxd7 2.Nf6+ Kg7 3.Nxd7+– ✔ } 2. Bxe6 { ✔ (1–0, 26 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 586"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/7p/pqb1Ppp1/1p3p2/7R/2N5/PPPQ2PP/7K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 586. Mikhail Tal – Vladimir Ljavdansky, Kiev 1964 } 1. e7 { 1.Nd5!? almost works: 1...Bxd5 2.Qxd5 White can try the same idea as in the main line: 2.e7!? Bxg2+! 3.Qxg2 3.Kxg2? Qb7+ 4.Kg1 Qxe7–+ 3...Re8 with the same type of play. However , with the open white king , Black has perpetual checks: 4.Qd5+ Kg7 5.Rxh7+ Kxh7 6.Qf7+ Kh6 7.Qxe8 Qf2!= 2...Qd8! and Black defends. } 1... Re8 2. Nd5 { The queen cannot defend f6, so Black must take. } 2... Bxd5 3. Qxd5+ Kg7 4. Rxh7+ { The queen needs to penetrate to f7. } 4... Kxh7 5. Qf7+ Kh6 6. Qxe8 { White creates luft for the king with check, and queens. } 6... Qf2 7. Qh8+ Kg5 8. h4+ Kg4 9. e8=Q { ✔ Black has only a few checks since e1 is covered by the new queen (1–0, 41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 587"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1rbk1/2q3pp/p1b2p2/1p1pnN2/4P1Q1/1P5P/PB3PP1/1B1RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 587. Mikhail Tal – Svetozar Gligoric, Reykjavik 1964 } 1. Bxe5 { It is also possible to start with 1.Nh6+. } 1... Rxe5 { 1...fxe5 keeps the rook on c8 defended , but Black loses the d-pawn after 2.exd5 ✔ 3 d6 and 4 Nh6 wins. } 2. Nh6+ Kh8 3. Nf7+ Qxf7 4. Qxc8 { ✔ (1–0, 40 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 588"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/3nbp1k/ppR4p/5P1N/P3P2P/1r3B2/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 588. Anatoly Bykhovsky – Mikhail Tal, Kislovodsk 1964 } 1... Rxf3 2. Rc7 { A double attack , but the pieces can defend each other. 2.Kxf3 loses to: 2...Ne5+ 3.Kf4 Nxc6–+ ✔ } 2... Rd3 { –+ ✔ Not the other way around: 2...Ne5?? 3.Rxe7+– } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 589"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1k1nr/1p1n1pbp/p1pQ2p1/4p3/2B1PB2/2q2N2/P1P2PPP/1R1R2K1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 589. Mikhail Tal – Georgi Tringov, Amsterdam 1964 } 1. Bxf7+ { 1.Rxb7?! is the start of a long forced line: 1...Qxc4 2.Rxd7 Bxd7 3.Qxd7+ Kf8 4.Qd6+! Ke8 5.Bxe5 Bxe5 6.Qxe5+ Kf8 7.Qxh8 Qxc2± White has attacking chances with Ng5 or e4-e5-e6. } 1... Kxf7 2. Ng5+ Ke8 3. Qe6+ { ✔ Black resigned due to: 3...Kd8 4.Nf7+ Kc7 5.Qd6# } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 590"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rrb1k1/p4ppp/4pn2/1p2N3/3P4/qBPQ3R/P4PPP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 590. Mikhail Tal – Wladyslaw Schinzel, Warsaw (simul) 1966 } 1. Ng4 Nxg4 2. Qxh7+ { ✔ } 2... Kf8 { White has several ways to continue his winning attack; the famous attacker Tal unsurprisingly chose the strongest one: } 3. Qh8+ Ke7 4. Qxg7 { White has threats against e6 and g4 (1–0, 29 moves) . 4.Bxe6 fxe6 5.Qxg7+ is also winning for White , but not as clearly. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 591"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b4r/1p2kp2/pqp1pp2/7p/4P3/3R4/P1PQBPPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 591. Mikhail Tal – Svend Hamann, Kislovodsk 1966 } 1. e5 { +– ✔ White lands first, before Black can put a pawn on e5. It’s over – the dark squares are too weak. No variations needed. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 592"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1k2/5p2/r1p2p1p/1p6/n1bP1NP1/R1P2P2/2BK3P/R7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 592. Mikhail Tal – Mato Damjanovic, Sarajevo 1966 } 1. Bxa4 Rda8 2. Bxb5 { Only like so – otherwise the first move would have been a mistake. } 2... Bxb5 { 2...Rxa3 3.Rxa3 Rxa3 4.Bxc4+– ✔ } 3. Rxa6 { ✔ } 3... Rxa6 4. Rxa6 Bxa6 { The endgame should be easily winning, at least for a world-class player (1–0, 35 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 593"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3qr1k1/1b1n1p1p/p2Pp1p1/2p1PP2/r1Bp4/6QP/4NRP1/2R3K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 593. Erling Kristiansen – Mikhail Tal, Havana (ol) 1966 } 1... Rxc4 { 1...exf5? 2.Bxf7+! Kxf7 3.Qb3+ Kf8 4.Qxa4 ∓ is also strong , but losing the f-pawn is totally unnecessary. } 2. Rxc4 exf5 { ✔ Black wins the pawns on e5 and d6 (0–1, 35 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 594"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4bk1/2pQ2p1/p6B/2n1qp2/p7/2P3RP/5PP1/1R4K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 594. Mikhail Tal – Svetozar Gligoric, Budva 1967 White is an exchange up for a pawn, but if he has to start retreating his pieces, Black will have sufficient counterplay. For that reason, forceful action is called for, taking advantage of the unprotected rook on a8. } 1. Bxg7 Bxg7 2. Rxg7+ Qxg7 3. Qd5+ { 3.Qxf5 is also winning , as the knight will have to be sacrificed to avoid losing the rook anyway. } 3... Kh7 4. Qxa8 { ✔ White is clearly winning, but fell for a drawing trick in the end (½-½, 53 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 595"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/1p3pbp/p2p2p1/nPpPp2n/4P3/3Q2P1/PPNB1PBP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 595. Lajos Portisch – Mikhail Tal, Moscow 1967 } 1. b6 { +– ✔ The knight on a5 is trapped and is lost after 2 Qc3 (1–0, 24 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 596"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1k2/p5pp/2P5/1R4p1/2n5/1Bb4P/P4PP1/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 596. Mikhail Tal – Evgeni Vasiukov, Kharkov 1967 } 1. c7 { 1.Bxc4± } 1... Re8 { 1...Rc8 2.Rb8 Nb6 3.Be6+– ✔ } 2. Rb8 Nb6 3. Ba4 Rc8 4. Bd7 { ✔ 1 c7 would have been bad if this 37th move did not exist (1–0, 40 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 597"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/2q1bppp/2n1b3/1ppPp3/8/2P2N1P/1PB2PP1/2BQR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 597. Mikhail Tal – Alexander Cherepkov, Alma-Ata 1968 } 1. Bxh7+ Kxh7 { The game was 1...Kf8 2.Be4± (1–0, 32 moves) (.) } 2. Qc2+ Kg8 3. dxe6 { ✔ } 3... fxe6 { It is only a positional advantage, but it’s a great one. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 598"] [Result "*"] [FEN "N5k1/pp2r1bp/3p4/3P4/7q/4Q2b/PP3N1P/2R1K1R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 598. Bent Larsen – Mikhail Tal, Eersel (5) 1969 } 1. Rxg7+ Kxg7 { 1...Rxg7?? 2.Qe8# ✔ } 2. Rc7 Bd7 { 2...Rxc7? 3.Nxc7+– ✔ } 3. Rxd7 { The queen on e3 survives – the point of White’s double-rook sacrifice. } 3... Rxd7 { ✔ White should exchange queens to safeguard his king , with an okay position despite the knight in the corner. In the game , White instead went for the greedy 4.Qxa7? and lost (0–1, 40 moves) (.) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 599"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/3b1q1p/pr1p1np1/2pP4/2Bb2P1/1PN2P2/Q2B2KP/1RR5 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 599. Vladimir Tukmakov – Mikhail Tal, Moscow 1969 } 1... Nxg4 2. fxg4 { White instead resigned after 2.Ne4 Ne5. } 2... Qf2+ 3. Kh3 { 3.Kh1 Qf3# ✔ } 3... Qf3+ 4. Kh4 Qxg4# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 600"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/2q1np1p/p2pP1p1/1p2n2Q/8/2PBB3/P1PR2PP/5RK1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 600. Mikhail Tal – Alexey Suetin, Tbilisi 1969 } 1. Qxe5 dxe5 2. exf7+ Kd7 { 2...Kf8 3.Bh6# ✔ is short. And 2...Kd8 leaves White to choose his preferred route to victory , one being: 3.f8=Q+ Rxf8 4.Rxf8+ Kd7 5.Rxa8+– } 3. Bf5+ { A double check; Black has to give up too much material. } 3... Kc6 4. Be4+ { ✔ } 4... Nd5 5. Rxd5 { White wins the queen with a decisive material advantage. 5.Bxd5+ Kd7 6.Bxa8++– is also good enough. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 601"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b2r1k/r5pp/p1B2p2/2q5/Pp6/1Pp5/2P1QPPP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 601. Mikhail Tal – Viktor Korchnoi, Herceg Novi (blitz) 1970 } 1. Qe8 { White threatens 2 Rd8. } 1... Rf7 { 1...Kg8 prepares to escape via f7 , but that dream comes to an end after 2.Bd5+! Kh8 3.Bc4+– ✔ } 2. Rd8 { ✔ It is not possible to defend against both 3 Rxc8 and 3 Qxf7. Also good enough is 2.Rd5 Qb6 3.Qxf7+–. And 2.Qxf7 Rxf7 3.Rd8+ Rf8 4.Ree8 g6 5.Rxf8+ Kg7 6.Rxc8 wins as well , but is slightly unnecessary. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 602"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq1rk1/ppp1npbp/3p2p1/4p3/3nP3/3PBNP1/PPPQNPBP/R3K2R b KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 602. Gedeon Barcza – Mikhail Tal, Tallinn 1971 } 1... Bh3 2. Nfxd4 { 2.0–0 allows the most resistance: 2...Nxf3+ 3.Bxf3 Bxf1 ∓ But 2.Bxh3 Nxf3+ 3.Kf1 Nxd2+–+ ✔ offers no resistance. } 2... Bxg2 3. Rg1 exd4 { ✔ Black has won a piece (0–1, 23 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 603"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bk1bQ1/1p1pRr2/p2n1P2/5P2/3p1N2/8/qPP3PP/4R2K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 603. Mikhail Tal – Andres Vooremaa, Tallinn 1971 } 1. Ne6+ { The black queen is shut out from the defence of the rook on f7. } 1... dxe6 { The game ended: 1...Qxe6 2.fxe6 Rxf6 3.Rf7 1–0 } 2. Rxf7 Nxf7 3. Qxf8+ Kc7 4. Qxf7+ { ✔ The f-pawn queens. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 604"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1r3k1/5p1p/3b2p1/3Pp3/4B1P1/1PR5/qPK1Q2P/2BR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 604. Karoly Honfi – Mikhail Tal, Sukhumi 1972 } 1... Rxc3+ 2. Kxc3 Bb4+ { 2...Rc8+ 3.Kd2+– and the king escapes. } 3. Kxb4 { 3.Kc4 Qa6+ 4.Kxb4 Qxe2–+ ✔ Or 4...Rb8 mating. } 3... Qa5+ 4. Kc4 Qa6+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 605"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2r1k/1pq2p1p/p3pp2/4b3/6Q1/1N1B4/PPP3PP/1K1R1R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 605. Mikhail Tal – Leonid Shamkovich, Baku 1972 } 1. Bxh7 Kxh7 { 1...f5 2.Qh4 ✔ was quite hopeless (1–0, 26 moves) (. Both 2 Qh5 and 2 Qh3 also win, but the latter makes little sense.) } 2. Rf3 { ✔ Mate is on the way. 2.Rd3 also wins. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 606"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3qnrk1/r3bppp/p2p3B/2p1pN2/P3P2N/1b1P1Q2/1P3PPP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 606. Mikhail Tal – Valeri Korensky, Sochi 1973 } 1. Nxg7 Nxg7 2. Qg3 { 2.Qg4? Bf6 3.Nf5 Be6–+ pins the knight. } 2... Bg5 { 3...Bf6 4.Nf5+– ✔ } 3. Bxg5 f6 4. Bh6 { White has won a pawn and weakened the enemy’s king’s position (1–0, 41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 607"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2q2rk1/3rbpn1/pB2p1pQ/1p2P2p/4B3/8/PPP3PP/4RR1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 607. Mikhail Tal – William Hartston, Hastings 1973 } 1. Rxf7 Rxf7 { 1...Kxf7 2.Bxg6+ Kg8 3.Qh7# ✔ } 2. Bxg6 Nf5 { The best try. } 3. Bxf7+ Kxf7 4. Qh7+ { ✔ Black loses the queen if he goes to the eighth rank , and is mated after: 4...Ng7 4...Ke8 5.Qxh5+ Kf8 6.Qh8++– 5.Rf1+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 608"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3rk1/2Q2p1p/4q1p1/1b6/8/p1BnP1P1/PP4BP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 608. Michael Basman – Mikhail Tal, Hastings 1973 } 1. Rxf7 Rxf7 { 1...Qxf7 2.Bd5! Qxd5 3.Qg7# ✔ 1...Qxe3+ 2.Kh1 Rxf7 3.Qxb8+ Be8 3...Qe8 4.Qxe8+ Bxe8 5.Bd5 ✔ should be winning as well. 4.Bd5+– ✔ The king gets a square and the black rook is pinned. White must still take some care , but he is winning. } 2. Qxb8+ { ✔ } 2... Be8 { 2...Rf8 3.Qa7 is important , defending the e3-pawn. } 3. Bd4 { Defending against 3...Qxe3+ 4 Kh1 Nf2+. } 3... axb2 { White is close to winning if he plays accurately , but it’s difficult in practical play. Still it’s a good outcome from the diagram position. Basman played 4.Rd1 , and 4.Rf1 was also a reasonable alternative. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 609"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1r1k1/1ppb1pp1/p1np2np/3Np3/3PP3/2P2qP1/PP1Q1P1P/R2BR1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 609. Mikhail Tal – Paul Keres, Tallinn 1973 } 1... Nh4 { The only move that saves the trapped queen. } 2. gxh4 { 2.Bxf3? Nxf3+ 3.Kg2 Nxd2–+ ✔ wins a piece. } 2... Qh3 3. Nf6+ { White had to do something before Black took on h4. } 3... gxf6 { 3...Kh8?! 4.Nxe8± was the game (1–0, 45 moves) (.) } 4. Qxh6 exd4 { Stopping 5 Re3. } 5. Kh1 { 5.cxd4 Nxd4 6.Re3 Nf5! 7.exf5 Rxe3 ∓ } 5... Ne5 6. Rg1+ Bg4 { 6...Ng4? 7.Bxg4 Bxg4 8.Rg3!+– } 7. Rg3 { A White has a narrow way to draw with: 7.cxd4 Nf3! 8.Rg2 Rxe4 9.Bb3! Nxh4 10.Rg3 Rce8 11.Rag1! Re1 12.Bxf7+! Kxf7 13.Qh7+ Kf8 14.Qh8+ Kf7= B 7.Bxg4?! Nxg4 8.Rxg4+ 8.Rg3?? Qxh2# – this is the reason why White should start with Rg3 on the 7th move 8...Qxg4 9.Rg1 Qxg1+ =+ } 7... Qf1+ 8. Rg1 Qh3 { Black should have seen about this far before getting his queen trapped on f3, but from the diagram position, Black has no choice but to go for 1...Nh4 and make it up along the way. So you don’t need to see anything of this to get full points. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 610"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1bk1/pp1b1pp1/5n1p/n2BrN2/8/2N1B1PP/PPQ1PP2/3R1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 610. Mikhail Tal – Michael Stean, Moscow 1975 } 1. Nxh6+ gxh6 2. Qg6+ Kh8 { 2...Bg7 3.Bxf7+ ✔ Kf8 4.Bxh6! 4.Bf4 seems almost as strong and simpler: 4...Re7 5.Bd6± 4...Bxh6 5.Bd5! Qe7 6.Qxh6+ Qg7± With Black’s king in mind , White should keep the queens on. } 3. Bxf7 { If } 3... Rh5 { Then White wins by challenging the knight on f6 in some fashion. In the game , Black tried 3...Rc6 and was immediately rewarded: 4.Rd5? Rxe3! (which he didn’t play) 5.fxe3 Bg7!÷ Instead , 4 Bf4! , 4 Bxh6 and 4 Nd5 are all winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 611"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6r1/pp2Q1pk/7p/2p2N2/1qP1P3/1P3rP1/P4P1P/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 611. Oleg Romanishin – Mikhail Tal, Tallinn 1977 } 1. Nxh6 { Since } 1... Kxh6 2. Qh4+ { Wins the rook: } 2... Kg6 3. Qg4+ Kh6 4. Qxf3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 612"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6R1/1p4p1/1N6/p3r2p/Pb4kP/5rP1/1PRn1PK1/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 612. Mikhail Tal – Tamaz Giorgadze, Minsk 1979 } 1... Rxg3+ { Opening up the second rank to take advantage of the unprotected rook on c2. } 2. fxg3 Re2+ 3. Kh1 { 3.Kg1 Nf3+–+ ✔ There are several ways to clinch the attack. The fastest is 3...Kh3 with mate coming. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 613"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4qr2/1b1n2k1/r2P1p2/1p2pR1p/2p5/2P4P/1PBQ2P1/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 613. Mikhail Tal – Boris Spassky, Tilburg 1980 } 1. Rg5+ Kf7 { 1...fxg5 2.Qxg5+ Kh8 3.Qh6+ Kg8 4.Qh7# ✔ } 2. Bg6+ { ✔ Tal won the queen (1–0, 46 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 614"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/4b1n1/1q3rP1/p2p1p2/1p3B2/5NN1/PPPQ1P2/1K5R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 614. Mikhail Tal – Rico Mascarinas, Lvov 1981 } 1. Bc7 { The bishop moves with tempo to clear the way for the queen. } 1... Qxc7 2. Rh8+ { Or 2.Qh6+–. } 2... Kxh8 3. Qh6+ Kg8 4. Qh7+ Kf8 5. Qh8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 615"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rbk1/1q3ppp/3pp3/2n5/3NP3/BP2Q3/5PPP/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 615. Jan Ambroz – Mikhail Tal, Riga 1981 } 1... Nxe4 2. Qxe4 { 2.f3–+ was played in the game (0–1, 40 moves) (.) } 2... d5 { ✔ A double attack regaining the piece with an extra pawn and bishop versus knight. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 616"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b2k2/2p2r1p/p2pR3/1p3PQ1/3q3N/1P6/2P3PP/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 616. Mikhail Tal – David Bronstein, Tbilisi (simul match) 1982 } 1. Ng6+ { Preparing a square for the rook. } 1... hxg6 2. Qd8+ Kg7 3. Rxg6+ Kh7 4. Qg8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 617"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/ppp3p1/2npbn1p/3N4/2PP4/3Q2P1/PP4BP/R1B2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 617. Mikhail Tal – Jim Plaskett, Sochi 1984 } 1. Bxh6 Bxd5 { 1...gxh6 2.Qg6+ ✔ Kh8 3.Rxf6+– } 2. cxd5 Nb4 3. Qg6 { +– ✔ White has won a pawn and has the bishop pair and more active position (1–0, 24 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 618"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rn1k1/1pr1bpp1/pn2p1p1/q3P3/3N2P1/P3B2P/1P1R1PB1/R2Q2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 618. Mikhail Tal – Alexander Shabalov, Jurmala 1985 } 1. Nxe6 fxe6 { 1...Rxd2 2.Bxd2+– ✔ with threats against the queen and rook. } 2. Rxd8 Bxd8 3. Qxd8 { ✔ With a clearly winning position for White (1–0, 39 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 619"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/7p/1npq2pQ/pp2pp2/4P2P/1PPr1BP1/P2N2K1/2BR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 619. Zoltan Ribli – Mikhail Tal, Montpellier 1985 } 1... Rxf3 2. Nxf3 { 2.Kxf3 Qd3+!–+ ✔ wins the rook on d1. } 2... Qxd1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 620"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bk1b1r/pp1np1p1/1q3nBp/4p3/2PN4/8/PP1B1PPP/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 620. Mikhail Tal – Lembit Oll, Riga 1986 } 1. c5 { The move Ne6 would be mate if it were not for the queen, so White starts harassing Her Majesty. } 1... Nxc5 { The alternatives lead to mate: 1...Qxc5 2.Ne6# ✔ Or 1...Qa6 2.Ba5+ Qxa5 3.Ne6# ✔ } 2. Ba5 { ✔ Only like so. } 2... exd4 { Or 2...Qxa5 3.Ne6#. In the game , Black had three pieces for the queen , but no development and the king in the centre (1–0, 22 moves) (.) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 621"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/1b2bppp/p2ppn2/8/1BR1P3/1PN3P1/P2Q1PBP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 621. Mikhail Tal – Ovidiu Foisor, Tbilisi 1986 } 1. e5 Nd5 { 1...Bxg2 2.exf6+– ✔ with a double threat. 2.Kxg2 also wins material – either a pawn or an exchange: 2...Nd7 3.exd6 Bg5± } 2. Nxd5 { Tal played the weaker 2.Bxd5 exd5 3.Nxd5 Bg5± (1–0, 27 moves) (.) } 2... exd5 3. Bxd5 { ✔ White won a pawn and will win a second one on d6, or an exchange. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 622"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3rk1/p3pp1p/1q1p1npQ/3P1nN1/1pp5/2N4P/PPP1B1P1/R4R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 622. Mikhail Tal – Miguel Quinteros, Santiago del Estero (blitz) 1987 } 1. Rxf5 gxf5 2. Nce4 { After } 2... fxe4 3. Rf1 { ✔ there is no defence against 4 Rxf6 exf6 5 Qxh7#. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 623"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rR6/2nb2kp/2Np2p1/3Pp2n/1P2Pp2/3q1N1P/1Q3PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 623. Mikhail Tal – Johann Hjartarson, Reykjavik 1987 } 1. Ncxe5 { 1.Rxa8 Nxa8 2.Ncxe5! avoids the counterplay Black tried in the game , but it is not so easy to evaluate the position after 2...dxe5 3.Qxe5+ Kf8 4.d6. However , White is winning here too. } 1... Qd1+ { 1...dxe5 2.Qxe5+ Nf6 2...Kf7 3.Ng5# 3.Qe7++– ✔ } 2. Kh2 Ra1 3. Ng4+ Kf7 4. Nh6+ Ke7 5. Ng8+ { For aesthetic reasons , Tal could have given up his queen: 5.Qg7+ Nxg7 6.Ng8+ Kf7 7.Ng5# } 5... Kf7 6. Ng5# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 624"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1k2r/pp1nbppp/1q2pn2/6N1/2Bp4/5N2/PPP2PPP/R1BQR1K1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 624. Mikhail Tal – Eduard Meduna, Germany 1989 } 1. Nxf7 { 1.Bxe6 fxe6 2.Nxe6 is also a serious advantage for White. } 1... Kxf7 { The game went: 1...Qc7 2.Bxe6 (1–0, 20 moves) (.) } 2. Rxe6 { ✔ 2.Ng5+ Ke8 3.Nxe6+– is also strong enough , even though White has to play some more good moves. } 2... Qb4 { But White has many winning moves, among them } 3. Rxf6+ Kxf6 4. Qxd4+ { With mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 625"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2r1k1/3b1n1p/1q2pbp1/1p1p4/1N3N2/1P4PP/P2Q1PB1/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 625. Soenke Maus – Mikhail Tal, Germany 1990 } 1. Nbxd5 { Taking advantage of the unprotected bishops and exposed queen. 1.Nfxd5 leads to the same. } 1... exd5 2. Nxd5 Qd6 3. Nxf6+ Qxf6 4. Qxd7 { ✔ White is winning, but blundered on the next move (0–1, 28 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 626"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r4k/5p1p/2bQP3/5pr1/1PpR1P2/2q5/P4K1P/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 626. Mikhail Tal – Vladimir Akopian, Barcelona 1992 } 1. Qe5+ { White wins with a discovered check on the next move. } 1... Rg7 2. Rd8+ Rxd8 3. Qxc3 { ✔ (1–0, 38 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 627"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/pp2ppbp/3p2p1/5P2/3BP1n1/2N5/PqP1Q2P/3R1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Tigran Petrosian @@StartBlockQuote@@Strategy is a piece of stone you are working on, and tactics is basically the instrument you use to cut the stone. So we should see tactics as an instrument to help us to achieve what we want to achieve.@@EndBlockQuote@@627. Malashkhia – Tigran Petrosian, Tbilisi 1944 } 1. f6 Bxf6 { 1...Nxf6 is a better try , but White is much better after 2.Nd5! Qxa2 3.Nxe7+ Kh8 4.Bxf6± ✔ Or 4.Rxf6±. } 2. Rxf6 Nxf6 3. Nd5 { ✔ Black resigned due to 3...Qxa2 4.Nxe7+ Kg7 5.Nd5 with a deadly attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 628"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/pp2ppbp/6p1/n2p4/3P2b1/PP2PNP1/R4PKP/B1rB1R2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 628. Agamalian – Tigran Petrosian, Tbilisi 1944 } 1... Nxb3 2. Bb2 { 2.Bxb3 Bxf3+ ✔ 2...Rxf1?! 3.Kxf1 Bxf3 ∓ is also good , but it is better to keep control over the c-file. 3.Kg1–+ Black is a healthy pawn up with a positional advantage to boot. } 2... Rb1 { Black has to stay on the first rank. It seems unnecessary to give away the bishop with: 2...Bxf3+ 3.Kxf3 Rb1 ∓ } 3. Bxb3 Bxf3+ { 3...Rxf1 is a tempo worse , but also good enough. } 4. Kg1 Rxf1+ 5. Kxf1 { ✔ Black is a healthy pawn up (0–1, 56 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 629"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4N1r1/p3n1pQ/1p2p2P/1P2kp2/r5P1/8/5P1K/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 629. Yury Vasilchuk – Tigran Petrosian, Leningrad 1945 } 1. Qxg8 { Black resigned due to 1...Nxg8 2.h7+– ✔ and the h-pawn queens. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 630"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/p4ppp/1pn1pn2/3q4/3P4/2PBBP2/P1Q2P1P/2KR3R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 630. Palavandishvili – Tigran Petrosian, Tbilisi 1945 Black is clearly better, but can push his advantage further with: } 1... Nb4 2. Qb3 { 2.cxb4? allows 2...Rac8–+ ✔ or 2...Rfc8–+. } 2... Nxd3+ { Trading off White’s bishop pair, which was his only compensation for his many pawn weaknesses. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 631"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/3q1ppp/5n2/2Rp4/p4P2/P2QPNPP/P3K3/7R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 631. Nersesov – Tigran Petrosian, Tbilisi 1945 Black is clearly better with , for example , 1...Rab8 ∓ , but he has a way to gain a winning position. } 1... Ne4 { All the exposed white pieces make lovely targets for a centralized knight. } 2. Rxd5 { 2.Rc2 Nxg3+–+ ✔ } 2... Qxd5 { Or 2...Nxg3+–+. White resigned as 3.Qxd5 Nc3+ gives Black an extra rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 632"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/p4ppp/4p3/1r2P3/3p1q1P/1r1P4/QP2KNP1/1R5R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 632. Nikolay Grigoriev – Tigran Petrosian, Tbilisi 1945 } 1... Rxe5+ { Abandoning the bind on the queenside to go for the kill. 1...g6?! ∓ is not killing. } 2. Kf1 { 2.Kd1 Qxf2! 3.Qxb3 Qe2+ 4.Kc1 Rc5+ 5.Qc4 Rxc4+–+ ✔ 6.dxc4 d3 7.b4 Qc2# } 2... Rf5 { ✔ Mating. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 633"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2bk1/8/4p1p1/4PpP1/1pqBpP2/r1P1R3/PQR3K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 633. Kristaps Smilga – Tigran Petrosian, Leningrad 1946 Black is already winning, but has a chance to finish the game quickly. } 1... Rxa2 2. Qxa2 b3 3. Qb2 bxc2 4. Qxc2 { 4.Kg1 can be met in many ways , including 4...Qxd4 5.cxd4 c1=Q+–+. And 4.Re1 also allows many wins , including 4...Qd3–+. The queen infiltration is lethal. } 4... Qxd4 { –+ ✔ 0–1 (44 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 634"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1r1k/3b1pp1/p3pb1p/1p6/1PN1B3/4PN2/2Q2PPP/3R1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 634. Tigran Petrosian – Yuri Kotkov, Leningrad 1946 White is a piece up, but it looks like he will lose the knight on c4. } 1. Rxd7 { 1.Nfe5 Bxe5 2.Nxe5 Rxc2 3.Bxc2 is clearly better for White , since he holds onto the minor pieces after: 3...Qc7 4.Nxd7 Rd8 5.Nc5! However , the game continuation is much clearer. } 1... Qxd7 2. Nb6 { 2.Nce5± only gives two pieces for a rook and pawn. } 2... Rxc2 { 2...Qc7 3.Nxc8+– ✔ } 3. Nxd7 { ✔ } 3... Rc4 4. Nd2 { +– The last difficult move , keeping the b-pawn on the board. 4.Nxf8?! Rxe4 allows Black to win the b-pawn , although White is winning anyway. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 635"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr3r/pp3pp1/2pPp1p1/4P3/3Q1P2/P1n4P/2qB2PK/RR6 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 635. Tigran Petrosian – Genrikh Kasparian, Yerevan (1) 1946 } 1... Rxh3+ { 1...Nxb1 2.Qxa7 and Black cannot defend against White’s attack , but he has 2...Rxh3+ Either now or after 2...Qb2 / Qb3 3.Bb4. 3.Kxh3 Rh8+ 4.Kg3 Qb3+ 5.Kg4 Qd1+ 5...Nxd2 6.Qa5 Kb8! 7.Qc7+ is also a draw. 6.Kg3 with a draw. } 2. gxh3 { 2.Kxh3 Qf5+!–+ ✔ and the knight fork on e2 is unavoidable. } 2... Nxb1 3. Rxb1 { 3.Qxa7 Qxd2+–+ ✔ comes with check , and Black gets the tempo he needs to check the queen to b5 and win. } 3... Qxb1 4. Qxa7 Qb5 5. Ba5 Re8 { –+ ✔ The only winning move, since Black has to be able to protect the rook after Qa8+ (0–1, 39 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 636"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6r/1q5k/p5pn/3pQ1P1/1P4P1/2P4R/2P4P/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 636. Tigran Petrosian – Manoian, Yerevan 1948 } 1... Kg8 { –+ ✔ is the solution, and a type of move that’s often overlooked, simply moving the king out of the way in anticipation of a check. The game continued: 1...Qg7?? The idea is to be able to play ...Kg8 , but the attack is irresistible with the white rook on h6. 2.Rxh6+ Kg8 3.Qe6++– } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 637"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnbqk2r/pp2bppp/2p5/3p2B1/3Pn3/2N1P3/PPQ2PPP/R3KBNR w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 637. Alexander Kotov – Tigran Petrosian, Moscow 1949 } 1. Bxe7 Qxe7 { 1...Kxe7 2.Nxe4 dxe4 3.Qxe4+± ✔ } 2. Nxd5 { Taking full advantage of Black’s premature knight jump to e4. } 2... cxd5 3. Qxc8+ { ✔ White is winning; Black resigned in a few moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 638"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rb1qrnk1/p4ppp/1ppP1p2/2P5/8/1B1bB2P/PP1N1PP1/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 638. Tigran Petrosian – Alexey Sokolsky, Moscow 1949 } 1. Bxf7+ Kxf7 2. Qb3+ Re6 3. Qxd3 { ✔ White has won a pawn (½–½, 51 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 639"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1rk1/1p4bp/1qp3p1/p1n5/2PR2P1/1PB4P/PQ3PB1/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 639. Boris Ratner – Tigran Petrosian, Gorky 1950 } 1... Na4 { 1...Bxd4 2.Bxd4 =+ } 2. bxa4 Qxb2 3. Bxb2 Bxd4 { ✔ After a series of forced moves, Black is an exchange up for a pawn, but also has much more active play and fewer weaknesses. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 640"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/R4pp1/7p/p2r4/4Q3/3n3P/1q2BPP1/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 640. Tigran Petrosian – Ratmir Kholmov, Vilnius 1951 } 1... Nxf2 2. Rb7 { A 2.Kxf2 Rxd1–+ and the pin along the second rank makes Black’s day. B 2.Qxd5 Nxd1–+ ✔ and the knight cannot be taken due to 3...Qb6+ picking up the rook , so Black has two extra pawns and an initiative. C 2.Rb1! was the only move. 2...Nxe4 3.Rxb2 ∓ With the rook on a7 , White has hopes of attacking a5 or f7. } 2... Rxd1+ { ✔ Or 2...Nxe4–+. } 3. Bxd1 Qd2 { 0–1, 43 moves 3...Nxe4–+ was also winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 641"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2k2/8/p1pP1r2/2P2p2/B4ppp/7P/PP3PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 641. Herman Pilnik – Tigran Petrosian, Budapest 1952 } 1. Bxc6 { 1.hxg4!? fxg4 2.Bxc6! could be a slight improvement , as White has less to worry about on the first rank. But the game move is good enough. } 1... Kg7 { 1...Rxc6 2.d7+– ✔ queens. After having moved the king , Black threatens 2...Rxc6 3.d7 Rfd6 4.cxd6 Rxd6 with drawing chances. } 2. Re7+ { The two pawns, supported by bishop and rook, are strong enough to gain a winning rook endgame, for instance: } 2... Kf8 3. Re5 Rxc6 4. d7 Rfd6 5. Rxf5+ Kg7 6. Rg5+ Kh6 7. cxd6 g3 8. Kf1 Rxd6 9. Rg4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 642"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn4k1/ppb2qp1/2p3r1/4PN2/5PQ1/5R2/PP4PP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 642. Tigran Petrosian – Ludek Pachman, Saltsjobaden 1952 } 1. Qxg6 { 1.Ne7+?! Qxe7 2.Qxg6± is not as good. With queens on the board , Black has some chances to get his pieces working properly. } 1... Qxg6 2. Ne7+ Kf7 3. Nxg6 Kxg6 { ✔ The minor pieces are no match for so many pawns on the kingside (1–0, 36 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 643"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/p4p1p/q2p2p1/3P4/Pp1QnP2/6P1/1P5P/RN2R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 643. Zdravko Milev – Tigran Petrosian, Bucharest 1953 } 1... Nxg3 { Using the back-rank weakness to create a winning attack. 1...Ng5? does not work due to the defence 2.Nd2!+– and the knight is trapped on g5. } 2. Rxe8+ { Instead the game went: 2.Nc3 bxc3 3.hxg3 c2–+. } 2... Rxe8 3. hxg3 Re1+ 4. Kh2 Qe2+ 5. Kh3 Rh1# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 644"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1n1k1/2q1bpp1/p1r4p/8/N1NRP3/8/P3QPPP/2R3K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 644. Laszlo Szabo – Tigran Petrosian, Zurich 1953 } 1... Bf6 { Trying to chase away a defender of c4. } 2. e5 { The only serious move, which White had surely planned in advance. } 2... Bxe5 { ✔ But the pinned knight is not an effective defender, as it cannot move! } 3. Re4 Nf6 { And } 4. Rxe5 Rxc4 5. Rxc4 Qxc4 6. Qxc4 Rxc4 { is a decisive double threat. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 645"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/1ppb1pb1/3p1qp1/2nPp2p/p1P1P2P/P1N3PB/1P3P1K/1R1QNR2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 645. Gideon Stahlberg – Tigran Petrosian, Zurich 1953 } 1... Bxh3 2. Kxh3 Nxe4 { Simply winning a central pawn; Black is much better. } 3. Nxe4 Qf5+ 4. Kh2 Qxe4 { ✔ (0–1, 64 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 646"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1n1q1k1/5rpp/4b3/p2pPp2/2pP1P1Q/B1P2R2/2B3PP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 646. Mark Taimanov – Tigran Petrosian, Zurich 1953 } 1. Ba4 { Since the queen needs to remain in control of d8 , White wins material. After 1.g4?! g6± White is still clearly better , but Black has hope. } 1... Bd7 { Black played 1...Rd7+– (1–0, 40 moves) (.) } 2. e6 { Now the queen has to allow the decisive Qd8+. Instead 2.Rh3!? h6 2...g6 3.e6 Qxe6 4.Re1+– 3.Bd1 , infiltrating the light squares , is also good. } 2... Qxe6 3. Qd8+ { Or 3.Re1+–. } 3... Qe8 4. Qxe8+ Bxe8 5. Bxe8 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 647"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1n3rk1/7q/p1P2p2/1n1P1Rpp/1Q6/3N4/4r1PP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 647. Svetozar Gligoric – Tigran Petrosian, Belgrade 1954 } 1. Rxg5+ { 1. Rxf6?!= } 1... Kf7 { 1...fxg5 2.Qxf8# ✔ } 2. Rxf6+ { Forcing mate , while several other moves also win. The best alternative is 2.Ne5++–. } 2... Kxf6 3. Qxf8+ Kxg5 4. h4+ { It’s mate: 4...Kxh4 5.Qf4# ✔ Or 4...Kg6 5.Nf4# ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 648"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k4r/p3qp2/bp1r1npp/n1pPp3/2P1P2B/P1PB1N2/6PP/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 648. Tigran Petrosian – Pal Benko, Budapest 1955 } 1. Nxe5 { Black is surely missing his dark-squared bishop now! } 1... Qxe5 2. Bg3 Qe7 3. e5 Rd7 4. Rxf6 { ✔ White is clearly winning – the central pawns and bishop pair reign supreme (1–0, 27 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 649"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/p1r2qpp/8/2p1Rp2/1n2n2P/1P2P1P1/PB3PB1/2RQ2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 649. Tigran Petrosian – Alexander Tolush, Riga 1958 } 1. Bf1 { The bishop manoeuvre to the a2-g8 diagonal wins at least the f5-pawn , with a completely winning position. 1.Bh3 tries to provoke ...g6 before manoeuvring the bishop to c4 , but Black has 1...Rd7 in between , when the queen has no good square. 2.Qf1 g6 3.Rxe4 fxe4 4.Bxd7 Qxd7 5.Qc4+ Qf7 6.Qxf7+ Kxf7 7.Rxc5 wins a pawn , but it’s not over yet. } 1... Kh8 2. Bc4 { Here are some sample lines: } 2... Qf6 { 2...Qd7 3.Be6 Qxd1+ 4.Rxd1+– 2...Qg6 3.Re6 Nf6 4.Qd6+– and Black has lost all active counterplay while White’s pieces have gained in strength. } 3. Re8 Rxe8 4. Bxf6 { 1–0, 37 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 650"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn2brk1/5ppp/1q2p3/p2p4/3P4/P1NBQ3/1P3PPP/2R1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 650. Tigran Petrosian – Eduard Gufeld, Tbilisi 1959 } 1. Nxd5 exd5 2. Qxe8 { ✔ The queen cannot be taken, so White has gained a winning advantage with his extra pawn and better pieces (1–0, 30 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 651"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3qk3/pr3ppr/4p1n1/1p1pP3/b1pP2B1/2P3P1/2P2RP1/2BQ1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 651. Leonid Stein – Tigran Petrosian, Moscow 1961 } 1. Bxe6 { Black resigned. 1.Rxf7? Rxf7 2.Bxe6 leads nowhere after: 2...Rxf1+ 3.Qxf1 Qe7 ∓ And 1.Bh5 Nh8!= is equal. } 1... fxe6 { Or 1...Nh8 when White , among others , has 2.Qg4!+–. } 2. Qg4 { +– ✔ The knight cannot move because of Rf8+, so Black is totally lost. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 652"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/p1n1B1pp/bp1p4/2p1pP2/2PnP1PQ/Pq1B3N/1P5P/3R1RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 652. Tigran Petrosian – Paul Keres, Zurich 1961 } 1... Qxd1 { 1...Nf3+? 2.Rxf3 Qxd1+ 3.Kg2± is a lot worse , since White retains attacking chances with the queens still on and has a double attack with the bishop. } 2. Rxd1 Nf3+ 3. Kg2 Nxh4+ 4. Bxh4 { ✔ Black’s pieces are not impressive, and the d6-pawn is quite useless, so it is not over yet, but winning an exchange is of course a good start (0–1, 50 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 653"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rr3/5pkp/p1b3p1/4p3/p2nPn2/N6P/2P2PP1/R1N1RBK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 653. Semen Furman – Tigran Petrosian, Moscow 1961 } 1... Nxh3+ 2. gxh3 { 2.Kh2 Nxf2–+ was hopeless in the game (0–1, 41 moves) (.) } 2... Nf3+ 3. Kh1 Nxe1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 654"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rr1nk1/pp3ppp/4qn2/3p1N2/6P1/2BQP2P/PP3P2/1K1R3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 654. Tigran Petrosian – Georgi Ilivitzki, Moscow 1964 White has a clear positional advantage after most moves, but can use his superiority to gain a decisive material advantage. } 1. Nxg7 Kxg7 2. g5 { ✔ White wins an important pawn, or more. The opening of the g-file secures the pawn that will arrive on f6. } 2... Nd7 3. Qxd5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 655"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/1ppb4/n2p1npb/3Ppp1q/1PP1P3/2N2NP1/2Q1BB2/1R1R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 655. Tigran Petrosian – Leonid Stein, Moscow 1967 } 1. Nxe5 { Sometimes the best you can do is make a draw. 1.Nh2 Ng4 ∓ } 1... Qh3 { 1...Ng4? 2.Bxg4 fxg4 3.Nxd7 ✔ Rf7 4.e5!± (The knight gets out with an extra piece, or White gets a very strong passed e6-pawn.) 1...Qg5 should be met with 2. Nf3= , as White is worse after other moves. The challenge with this exercise is to realize that White is satisfied with a draw. } 2. Bf1 { 2.Nxd7? Be3!! ∓ } 2... Qh5 3. Be2 { White can also play on with 3.Nxd7 Nxd7 4. exf5= but should probably try the same repetition soon. } 3... Qh3 4. Bf1 Qh5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 656"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/p4pk1/1p4pp/4P2n/6R1/5Q2/PPBr3q/1K1R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 656. Tigran Petrosian – Aron Reshko, Leningrad 1967 } 1. Rxg6+ { The only move that is not worse for White. 1.Rxd2? Qxd2 2.Rxg6+ ∓ allows Black to move the king , as the pawn on h6 is defended. It is also a huge difference that Black threatens to check (and mate) (.) } 1... fxg6 { 1...Kf8? 2.Rxh6± Or 2.Rg8+ Kxg8 3.Qg4+ Kf8 4.Qxc8+ Ke7± Or 2.Rf1± } 2. Qb7+ Kh8 { ChessBase gives 2...Kg8? but it seems unlikely , as it allows 3.Bb3+ with mate. } 3. Qxc8+ { ✔ The game should end in a draw, but Black made a mistake and lost (1–0, 40 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 657"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/7p/3q2k1/p2Np1p1/Pp1bPpP1/1P3P2/4Q2P/3R3K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 657. Tigran Petrosian – Jonathan Penrose, Palma de Mallorca 1969 } 1. Ne7+ { 1.Qb5+– is a positional win – White still has the same threat. } 1... Qxe7 2. Qa6+ Kg7 3. Qxc8 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 658"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/pp3pp1/5q1p/P1Rp4/3P1nP1/1P3PN1/3Q1K1P/1b3B2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 658. Tigran Petrosian – Boris Spassky, Moscow (4) 1969 } 1... Bd3 { The queen is obstructed from the defence of the d-pawn. } 2. Nf5 { 2.Qc3 Qh4 3.Kg1 Bxf1! Black wins. 4.Rc8 No better are 4.Kxf1 Qh3+ 5.Kf2 Qg2# Or 4.Nxf1 Ne2+–+ 4...Bb5!–+ ✔ The light-squared bishop does a good job. } 2... Qg5 { The threats are 3...Nh3+ and 3...Bxf5 followed by 4...Qh4+. 2...Bxf5 3.Qxf4 g5 also wins – White has to give up the d- or the g-pawns (also full points) (.) } 3. Ne3 Qh4+ 4. Kg1 Bxf1 { ✔ White resigned due to 5.Nxf1 Re2 6.Qxf4 Qf2+ 7.Kh1 Qxf1# And 5.Kxf1 Qh3+ 6.Kg1 Qxf3 with mate coming soon. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 659"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r2/1p2pkbQ/5qp1/8/p3P3/4B2R/P4PP1/2R2K2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 659. Tigran Petrosian – Vladimir Savon, Moscow 1969 } 1. e5 { ✔ Preparing a check on f3. But not 1.Rf3? Qxf3! 2.gxf3 Rh8=. } 1... Qxe5 2. Bh6 { There is no defence against 3. Rf3+. Petrosian’s 2.Rf3+ Ke6 3.Qxg6+ Bf6 was also winning , but required some more moves (1–0, 37 moves) (.) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 660"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1r1k1/p1qn1p1p/1p3n2/2p2P2/2PpP2P/1P2b1P1/PB1NQ1NK/R4R2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 660. Lev Polugaevsky – Tigran Petrosian, Soviet Union 1970 } 1... Bxd2 2. Qxd2 Qxg3+ { 2...Rxe4 ∓ If you saw the queen sacrifice , winning a pawn , but still decided to keep the queens on the board , you get full points. } 3. Kxg3 Nxe4+ 4. Kf4 Nxd2 { After } 5. Rfe1 { Black played } 5... Nf6 { to get the knight out in a good way. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 661"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/1brnrpb1/p1pR1np1/Pp2p1N1/4P3/1BN1B2P/1PP2P2/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 661. Rudolf Maric – Tigran Petrosian, Vinkovci 1970 } 1. Bxf7 { White is better after other moves, but this wins. } 1... Rxf7 2. Ne6+ Kg8 3. Nxc7 { The final moves were: } 3... Bf8 4. Ne8 Kh7 5. Rxd7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 662"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/pb2bpp1/1pn1p2p/8/1P2q3/PQ2PN1P/1B2BPP1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 662. Tigran Petrosian – Anthony Saidy, San Antonio 1972 Black is trying to equalize by trading rooks, but he forgot about his queen. } 1. Bd3 Qd5 2. Bh7+ Kxh7 3. Rxd5 { ✔ (1–0, 56 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 663"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2k2/5p2/2pp1q1p/2n1bPp1/2P5/B3Q1PP/5PB1/3R3K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 663. Tigran Petrosian – Miguel Quinteros, Manila 1974 } 1. f4 { Driving away the best defender of d6. } 1... gxf4 2. gxf4 Bb2 3. Rxd6 { 3.Bxb2 Qxb2 4.Rxd6 Qb1+ 5.Kh2 Qxf5 6.Rxh6+– should also win , but it’s only a pawn. } 3... Re8 { 3...Qxd6 4.Bxc5+– ✔ } 4. Rxf6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 664"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/p5k1/1pp2bn1/4p3/2P1N1q1/1PB1Q1P1/P5K1/7R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 664. Tigran Petrosian – Radolfo Cardoso, Manila 1974 } 1. Rh7+ { 1.Qh6+? Kf7 2.Qh7+? Ke6–+ } 1... Kxh7 2. Nxf6+ Kg7 3. Nxg4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 665"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/pp2n1b1/3p2pp/1b1Pp1B1/1P2N3/1Q4PP/P4PB1/R1R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 665. Tigran Petrosian – Bukhuti Gurgenidze, Riga 1975 } 1. Nxd6 { White did not have to respond to the threat to the bishop by moving it. } 1... hxg5 { 1...Qxd6? 2.Bxe7 Qxe7 3.d6+ Qf7 4.Bd5+– ✔ } 2. Nxb5 { 1–0, 31 moves 2.Nxb7+– also wins if White follows up with 3 d6+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 666"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/pq2n1b1/4prN1/1pPbN1p1/3P2P1/8/P6Q/1B2RRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 666. Tigran Petrosian – Nigel Short, London (simul) 1978 } 1... Rxg6 { In order to exploit White’s weak king , Black needs to get at the d4-pawn with the bishop. So 1...Nxg6 2.Rxf6 Bxf6 3.Bxg6÷ is not enough. } 2. Qh5 { Three alternatives: A 2.Bxg6 Nxg6 3.Nxg6 Bxd4+–+ ✔ B 2.Nxg6 Bxd4+–+ ✔ C 2.Rf7 Rh6! 3.Qxh6 Bxh6 4.Bh7+ Kh8 5.Rxe7 Qxe7 6.Ng6+ Kxh7 7.Nxe7–+ ✔ is just a piece up for Black (and there were no good alternatives on the way) (.) } 2... Rh6 { 2...Bxe5?! 3.Rxe5± } 3. Qf7+ Kh8 { ✔ White is a piece down. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 667"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/p5p1/1p3n1p/1Pp5/2RPp3/P3P2P/2Q3PK/2N1q3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 667. Gerardo Lebredo Zarragoitia – Tigran Petrosian, Vilnius 1978 Black can win with many moves, but a mate-in-four should not be missed: } 1... Ng4+ 2. hxg4 Rf1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 668"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2brrbk1/3n3p/pp1Pp1p1/5p2/PqP2P2/2N2B2/1B2Q1PP/3R1R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 668. Lev Polugaevsky – Tigran Petrosian, Kislovodsk 1982 } 1. Nd5 exd5 { A 1...Qxd6 2.Nf6++– ✔ wins the queen. B Black tried to fight on with 1...Qc5 but did not last long: 2.Nc7+– Or 2.Ne7+ Bxe7 3.Qxe6++– Or even 2.Qc2+– } 2. Bxd5+ { ✔ It is mate on the next move. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 669"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r5k/6p1/p1pQ1p1p/1q6/1n2N3/1P6/1KP2PPP/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Boris Spassky @@StartBlockQuote@@The best indicator of a chess player’s form is his ability to sense the climax of the game.@@EndBlockQuote@@669. Boris Spassky – Vladlen Zurakhov, Leningrad 1954 } 1. Nxf6 { Black can’t take back, as } 1... gxf6 2. Qxf6+ { ✔ } 2... Kg8 3. Rd7 { Leads to mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 670"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/pQ4pp/2r5/1bq2p1n/2p1P3/P1P2P2/3BB1PP/R3R2K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 670. Semen Furman – Boris Spassky, Moscow 1955 Black is threatening 1...f4 followed by 2...Ng3+ 3.hxg3 Rh6#. 1.Rab1 is better for White , but allows Black to complicate things with: 1...Rb6 2.Qxa7 Ng3+ 3.hxg3 Rh6+ 4.Bxh6 Qxa7 5.Rxb5 gxh6± So the solution is another move: } 1. Be3 { 1.exf5? threatens Bxc4+ but runs into 1...Rc7! when White must give up a piece with 2.Bxc4+ to avoid losing his queen. } 1... Qe5 { 1...Qxe3 2.Bxc4++– ✔ is a discovered attack. And 1...Rc7 2.Bxc5 Rxb7 3.Rab1 wins a second pawn with a capture on b5 next. } 2. f4 { White threatens not only the queen, but also the knight on h5. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 671"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3kb1r/1bp1n2p/p3qp2/1p2p1p1/4P2N/1PN1BQ2/1PP2PPP/R2R2K1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 671. Boris Spassky – Mark Taimanov, Moscow 1955 } 1. Nxb5 axb5 2. Qh5+ { Or 2.Rxa8+ first. } 2... Qf7 3. Rxa8+ Bxa8 4. Rd8+ Kxd8 5. Qxf7 gxh4 { ✔ Black has a rook, a bishop and a knight for the queen, but his pieces are passive and his pawns are falling. White is clearly winning. Spassky took the pawns on f6, e5, b5 and c7, and continued with b3-b4-b5-b6-b7-b8=Q (1–0, 39 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 672"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4N2k/4B3/6pp/pp3p2/2bb1PP1/P1n2K2/2B4P/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 672. Nikolai Krogius – Boris Spassky, Leningrad 1957 } 1... Bd5+ 2. Kg3 Ne2+ 3. Kh3 Nxf4+ { An even faster move is 3...Bf2 when White cannot defend against both 4...Nxf4# and 4...Ng1#. } 4. Kg3 Ne2+ { ✔ } 5. Kh3 Ng1+ 6. Kg3 f4+ 7. Kxf4 Ne2# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 673"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r1k/pb2Nppp/1p3n2/q3n3/N3p2R/1B2P3/PP3PPP/R3Q1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 673. David Bronstein – Boris Spassky, Riga 1958 } 1... Nf3+ { Black could also start with 1...Qb5–+ and execute the winning combination on the next move. } 2. gxf3 Qg5+ { ✔ } 3. Kh1 { 3.Rg4 Nxg4 4.fxg4 Qxe7–+ leaves Black an exchange up , with the safer king. } 3... Qxh4 { Spassky easily converted his material advantage (0–1, 30 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 674"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rr1k/5p2/p2p3q/1p1n1PRP/2p1pQ2/2P5/PPB2PR1/7K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 674. Boris Spassky – Fridrik Olafsson, Moscow 1959 } 1. Rg8+ Kh7 { 1...Rxg8 2.Qxh6# ✔ } 2. R2g7+ { Or 2.R8g7+. } 2... Qxg7 3. Rxg7+ Kxg7 4. f6+ { 4.Qg5+ gives the same result. } 4... Nxf6 5. Qg5+ Kh7 6. Qxf6 { White is winning and Black resigned after: } 6... Re5 7. Bxe4+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 675"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1n3r2/r4p1k/p2R2p1/2p5/1p2q3/1QB1P3/PP3P2/2K3R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 675. Igor Zaitsev – Boris Spassky, Rostov on Don 1960 } 1. Qc4 { The black queen is overloaded and cannot defend both h1 and h4. } 1... Qxc4 2. Rh1+ Kg8 3. Rh8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 676"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k1r4/2q2p2/Q3pPP1/8/Pb1pP3/1p1P4/8/1KBR4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 676. Boris Spassky – Vladimir Shishkin, Rostov on Don 1960 White’s pawns on the kingside are decisive, but first he must defend against the mate. } 1. Bf4 Qxf4 2. Qb6+ { 2.Qb5+ Ka7 should be winning , but is less clear. } 2... Kc8 { 2...Ka8 drops the rook with check: 3.Qxd8++– ✔ } 3. Qxb4 { ✔ Now it is the black king that is exposed; there is no defence against 4 Rc1+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 677"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1n3N1k/r4p2/2pR2pp/1pq1p3/6QP/8/PPp2PP1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 677. Boris Spassky – Alberto Foguelman, Mar del Plata 1960 } 1. Nxg6+ { 1.Rc1 loses to 2...Qxd6 , but there is a way to move the rook from d6 with check. } 1... fxg6 2. Rd8+ { 2.Qxg6? cxd1=Q+ 3.Rxd1 is not winning after 3... Qf8!=. } 2... Kg7 { 2...Kh7 3.Rc1!+– ✔ } 3. Rg8+ { 3.Rc1 also wins. } 3... Kxg8 4. Qxg6+ Rg7 { Or 4...Kf8 5.Qf6+ with mate. And 5.Rd8+ also wins. } 5. Rd8+ { The game finished: } 5... Qf8 6. Rxf8+ Kxf8 7. Qxc2 Kg8 8. Qc5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 678"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1r1k1/pp3ppp/3b1q2/3Q2N1/2B5/6K1/PPP3PP/R1B2R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 678. Boris Spassky – Dragoljub Ciric, Marianske Lazne 1962 } 1. Rf4 { ✔ There are no other moves that do not lose , so you do not need to see further to get the full score. However , there is a little twist later. Instead 1.Bf4? Re3+ wins for Black. } 1... Be6 2. Nxe6 Rxe6 { But } 3. Qxd6 Qg6+ 4. Rg4 { Or with } 4... Re3+ 5. Bxe3 Qxd6+ { And White has one piece too many for the queen (1–0, 29 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 679"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/pb1q1r1p/2np2p1/2pN1pB1/2P1nP2/P1P2B2/6PP/1R1QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 679. Boris Spassky – Valery Bykov Leningrad 1963 } 1. Rxe4 Rxe4 { 1...fxe4? 2.Bg4 ✔ traps the queen. Or 1...Re6 2.Rxb7!+– when Black will be a piece down. } 2. Bxe4 fxe4 3. Nf6+ Rxf6 4. Bxf6 { ✔ Black has lost an exchange (1–0, 40 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 680"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn3rk1/pb3ppp/1p2qb2/3p4/3p4/2NN2P1/PP2PPBP/2RQ1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 680. Boris Spassky – Viktor Korchnoi, Moscow 1964 } 1. Nxd5 { White threatens 2 Nc7 and 2 Nxf6+ Qxf6 3 Bxb7. } 1... Bxd5 { 1...Bd8 2.Nf6+ wins an exchange. But 2.Nc7 shows even less mercy; Black loses a piece. } 2. Nf4 Qd6 { ✔ White wins an exchange and the game after either capture on d5. But not 2...Bxg2? 3.Nxe6 ✔ Bxf1 4.Nxf8 Bh3 when Black temporarily gets three pieces for the queen , but his luck is short-lived after (among others) 5.Qd3 Kxf8 6.Qe4+– trapping the rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 681"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2kr1bnr/pppq1ppp/2n5/4P3/2Pp4/1Q3NPb/PP2PPBP/RNB2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 681. Boris Spassky – Gyozo Forintos, Sochi 1964 } 1. e6 Bxe6 { 1...Qxe6 2.Ng5+– ✔ forks the queen and bishop. } 2. Ne5 Qd6 { 2...Nxe5 3.Qxb7# ✔ } 3. Nxc6 { 3.Bf4 is also winning. } 3... bxc6 { ✔ White gains a winning attack after developing the pieces in almost any way. It would not even help Black if it was his move. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 682"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1r2bk1/p4ppp/1pq5/3R1N2/n1P5/4R3/PB2QPPP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 682. Boris Spassky – Kick Langeweg, Sochi 1967 } 1. Bxg7 Qxd5 { 1...Bxg7 2.Ne7++– ✔ forks king and queen. } 2. Nh6+ { 2.cxd5?! Rc1+ 3.Qf1 Rxf1+ 4.Kxf1 Bxg7 5.Rg3 should also win in the end , but can be messed up by White for sure (so not full points) (.) But 6.Be5 forces Black to part with the queen and is good enough to win. } 2... Kxg7 3. Qg4+ { Black is mated in two moves. 3.Rg3+ is a longer route to mate. } 3... Kf6 4. Ng8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 683"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rr1k1/p4pb1/1p4p1/3p1nq1/3P1NPp/1QR1P2P/PP1B1K2/6R1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 683. Shimon Kagan – Boris Spassky, Winnipeg 1967 This exercise was in the book that Hans Tikkanen used the first time he tried the Woodpecker Method. } 1... Nxe3 2. Bxe3 { 2.Rxe3 Qxf4+ ✔ 3.Ke2 Qh2+ wins a piece. } 2... Rxe3 3. Rxe3 { 3.Kxe3 Bxd4+! 4.Kxd4 Qxf4+–+ ✔ and Black picks up the rook on g1. } 3... Qxf4+ 4. Ke2 { Black wins back the exchange with interest after: } 4... Qh2+ 5. Kf1 Bxd4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 684"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1prnqpp1/p3p2p/P2nN3/3P4/1B5P/1P2QPP1/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 684. Boris Spassky – Klaus Darga, Beverwijk 1967 } 1. Ng6 fxg6 2. Bxd5 { ✔ } 2... Rf6 { Spassky continued with } 3. Rac1 { And had a clear advantage (1–0, 33 moves) . A combination doesn’t have to win material. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 685"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/p3r1p1/5p2/3P2p1/1P6/8/p4PPP/2R2K2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 685. Istvan Csom – Boris Spassky, Amsterdam 1970 } 1... Rc7 { The rook is on the way to b1. } 2. Rd1 { 2.Ra1 Rc2 ✔ 3.g3 Kf7 wins , as the king picks up the d-pawn and continues to b3. } 2... Rc2 3. d6 Rd2 { ✔ Only this move stops White’s d-pawn in time. } 4. Rc1 Kf7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 686"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1rk1/1R3pp1/4q2p/8/8/2pBPRP1/1bQ1P2P/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 686. Mark Taimanov – Boris Spassky Rostov on Don 1971 } 1... Rxd3 { Setting up a double attack by deflecting the defender of the f3-rook. } 2. exd3 { 2.Qxd3 loses after 2...Qc8!–+ ✔ followed by 3...c2 3...Qc6? allows 4 Rbxf7! Rxf7 5 Qd8+ Kh7 6 Qd3+ Qg6 7 Rxf7 c2 8 Rc7 c1=Q+ 9 Rxc1 Bxc1 10 Kf2 and we will not debate whether this is won or not. } 2... Qd5 { The rooks cannot defend each other , and the b-pawn stays alive after the forced capture on b2. But not 2...Qc6? 3. Rxb2=. } 3. Rxb2 cxb2 { Black has good winning chances and the game only lasted seven more moves: } 4. Rf1 Qe5 5. e4 Ra8 6. Qb3 Ra1 7. Kg2 Rc1 8. Qxf7+ Kh7 9. Rf5 Qd6 10. e5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 687"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5nr1/pp3k2/4ppq1/2B1b3/P5Pp/1B6/1P4P1/2RQ2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 687. Boris Spassky – Derek Banks, Vancouver 1971 } 1. Bxe6+ { 1...Nxe6 2.Qd7# ✔ } 1... Kxe6 2. Qb3+ { ✔ White has a tremendous attack that wins in several ways. } 2... Kd7 3. Qxb7+ { 3.Ba3 and 3 Qb5+ are also winning. } 3... Ke6 4. Rd1 Qxg4 5. Qd5+ { Black resigned with 5...Kf5 6.Rf1+ Kg6 7.Qxg8++– in mind. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 688"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6r/1p1qkp2/p2p1pb1/b1pP3p/4N3/P3P1N1/1P3PPP/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 688. Boris Spassky – Walter Dobrich, Vancouver 1971 } 1. b4 { ✔ Black’s pawn structure is undermined. The queen gets access to d4 if he captures, and ...d6xc5 would fatally open his king. } 1... h4 { Black is not lost yet , but is in grave danger after 1...Bb6 2.bxc5 Bxc5 3.Qf3 f5 4.Nxc5 dxc5± and d5-d6 now or later. } 2. bxa5 hxg3 3. Nxg3 { White has won a pawn and Black’s counterplay is not impressive at all (1–0, 28 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 689"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7k/1b4q1/pp4r1/2p1p3/P1Q1N3/6R1/1P4PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 689. Boris Spassky – Robert Zuk, Vancouver 1971 } 1. Ng5 Bc8 { Strongest is } 2. Qe4 { Threatening 3 Ne6 as a decisive discovered attack. Black will have to give up material to survive. 2.a5 is also definitely winning. But not the game move 2.Nf7+?! as it allows 2...Kg8! (which was not played) 3.Nxe5+ Be6± and Black has fighting chances only a pawn down. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 690"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/pp4p1/4pp2/1P6/7p/P3P1P1/4KP1b/2B5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 690. Boris Spassky – Robert Fischer, Reykjavik (1) 1972 I expect that you recognized the first move, but it would have been a mistake were it not for a critical move later in the variation. } 1. Kf3 { Putting Black under pressure. Instead 1.gxh4 should be a draw. } 1... Ke7 { The critical position arises after 1...h3 2.Kg4 Bg1 3.Kxh3 Bxf2 when Fischer may have missed that the bishop is trapped after: 4.Bd2!+– ✔ Zero points if you didn’t see this move! (Harsh – but on the other hand 1 gxh4 is worth one point.) } 2. Kg2 hxg3 3. fxg3 Bxg3 4. Kxg3 Kd6 5. a4 Kd5 6. Ba3 Ke4 { Fischer lost this famous game. 6...a6! has been analysed to a draw. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 690a"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/pp4p1/4pp2/1P6/7p/P3P1P1/4KP1b/2B5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 690. Boris Spassky – Robert Fischer, Reykjavik (1) 1972 } 1. Kf3 h3 2. Kg4 Bg1 3. Kxh3 Bxf2 4. Bd2 { Fischer may have missed that the bishop is trapped after: 4. ♗d2!+– ✔ Zero points if you didn’t see this move! } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 691"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/3b2p1/1p4qp/p1pPp1p1/P1P1Pn2/2P5/2Q3PP/3BB1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 691. Boris Spassky – Robert Fischer, Reykjavik (5) 1972 } 1... Bxa4 { White resigned , since he is mated after 2.Qxa4 Qxe4 ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 692"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2k2r/2pq2p1/b2p4/pNpQP1Pp/3p1P2/6P1/PPP5/2KR3R w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 692. Boris Spassky – Heikki Westerinen, Dortmund 1973 } 1. Rxh5 Rf8 { White can continue forcefully by using the e-file, but Spassky’s } 2. a4 { is also good enough for a win. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 693"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4k2/ppr2p1p/4PQ2/2bp4/7P/8/qPP3P1/2KR1R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 693. Boris Spassky – Valeri Korensky, Sochi 1973 } 1. e7+ { Black is mated in one move if he captures the pawn, and loses the f7-pawn with check if he does not. 1.Qh8+ Ke7 2.Rxf7+? 2.Qf6+ Ke8= 2...Kd6–+ is not the way – White’s attack is over. } 1... Kg8 { 1...Rxe7 2.Qh8# ✔ } 2. Qxf7+ Kh8 3. e8=Q+ Rxe8 4. Qxe8+ { ✔ } 4... Kg7 5. Qe5+ Kg8 6. Qg5+ { It’s mate in seven moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 694"] [Result "*"] [FEN "br1qr1k1/3n1p1p/3p2p1/1pnPp1b1/4P3/R1P1B2P/2BNQPP1/R4NK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 694. Boris Spassky – Ratmir Kholmov, Sochi 1973 } 1. Rxa8 { The queen is removed from the defence of the g5-bishop. } 1... Rxa8 2. Rxa8 Qxa8 3. Bxg5 { ✔ (1–0, 41 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 695"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rbq1rk1/p3ppbp/1p1p1np1/8/2PQP3/2N3P1/PP3PBP/1RB2RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 695. Boris Rytov – Boris Spassky, Tallinn 1973 } 1... Nxe4 2. Qxe4 Bxc3 3. Bg5 { 3.bxc3 Bf5 and the queen can’t defend the rook on b1. It is not over yet though: 4.Qe2 Bxb1 ✔ 5.g4! =+ and Black has to sacrifice a pawn to get the bishop out. } 3... Be5 { Black is a healthy pawn up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 696"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/4bppp/1r2p3/qb6/5B2/2N3R1/PP4PP/2R1Q2K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 696. Boris Spassky – Orest Averkin, Moscow 1973 } 1. Bc7 Rxc7 2. Qe5 { The double threat against c7 and g7 picks up an exchange. } 2... Kf8 3. Qxc7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 697"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4k3/1p3p2/p2pbp2/4p1b1/1P2Pr2/8/1PP2PB1/3RKR2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 697. Bojan Kurajica – Boris Spassky, Solingen 1974 } 1... Bh3 2. Bh1 { ∓ Despite being a pawn down, White has decent chances to hold with the opposite-coloured bishops, and Kurajica managed to do so. 2.Bxh3 is met by 2...Rxe4# ✔ And 2.Rg1 Bxg2 3.Rxg2 Rxe4+ wins not only one but two pawns: 4.Kf1 Rxb4 5.Rxd6 Rxb2 ∓ ✔ Black is much better , although the immobile pawns still give White drawing chances. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 698"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/1Q3p2/r2p4/P1pP1qpp/2N2b2/2PP4/5R1P/6RK w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 698. Efim Geller – Boris Spassky, Moscow 1975 } 1. Nxd6 { But he is simply lost after: } 1... Rxd6 2. Qxa8+ { ✔ (1–0, 39 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 699"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3q2kr/n1pbR1b1/p6p/P2P4/2P2p2/2NB1N2/2K2P2/Q7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 699. Boris Spassky – Francisco Sanz Alonso, Montilla 1978 } 1. Rxg7+ Kxg7 2. Ne4+ { ✔ Black resigned , as forks or discovered attacks are unavoidable , for example: 2...Kf7 3.Ne5+ Ke8 4.Nc6+– } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 700"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/2qrbbk1/5p1p/pp1P1Pp1/6P1/P1BR3P/1P2R1B1/3Q3K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 700. Anatoly Karpov – Boris Spassky, Montreal 1979 } 1. Rxe7 { White is much better anyway, but this is directly winning. } 1... Rxe7 2. d6 Qc4 3. b3 { +– ✔ Driving away the counterattack against d3 , and ending up plenty of material ahead. 3.Bxa5 Red7 4.Bxd8 Rxd8 should also win. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 701"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4bk1/2Rnrppp/2p5/2qpP3/5B2/2N1P2P/2Q2PP1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 701. Bent Larsen – Boris Spassky, Montreal 1979 } 1. Rxd5 cxd5 2. Rxc5 Nxc5 3. Nxd5 { Larsen won after: } 3... Rea7 4. Bg5 Ra1+ 5. Kh2 R8a2 6. Qf5 Ne6 7. Bh4 Rf1 8. f4 Rc1 9. Qg4 Rc4 10. Nf6+ Kh8 11. Qh5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 702"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1bk1/1pq2p1p/6p1/3nN3/1P6/2P2QPP/5PB1/1R4K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 702. Boris Spassky – Otto Borik, Germany 1982 } 1. Nxf7 { Spassky played 1.Qxf7+ Qxf7 2.Nxf7 when 2...Nxc3! += would have limited the material loss to a pawn. } 1... Qxf7 2. Rd1 { ✔ Exchanging on f7 would have helped the black king to e6, and forced c3-c4 to win back the piece. And that would have left the b4-pawn en prise. The opposite-coloured bishops give Black drawing chances, but fortunately White can keep the rooks on in order to make better use of his advantage. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 703"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3qr2k/1b4pp/p3Qp2/1p4b1/2pPn3/P5B1/NP3PPP/3R1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 703. Lajos Portisch – Boris Spassky, London 1982 If the queen moves, Black wins back the exchange with ...Bc8 and/or ...Nd2. } 1. Bc7 { ✔ } 1... Qa8 { The only try. } 2. Qh3 { 2.Qd7 is also clearly better. } 2... Re7 { 2...Bc8 3.Qf3± is no longer a problem, since the knight on e4 is semi-pinned. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 704"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1kb/1b1p1p1p/3Pr1pB/ppqnP2P/2p5/P4N2/1P3PP1/1BQRR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 704. Jan Timman – Boris Spassky, Hilversum (1) 1983 } 1. Bf5 { Black loses an exchange after } 1... gxf5 2. Qg5+ Rg6 3. hxg6 { ✔ when 4 Nh4 is the most efficient follow-up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 705"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1bk1/1b2qp2/4n1p1/2r1P2p/N2p4/Q4NP1/1R3PBP/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 705. Jan Timman – Boris Spassky, Hilversum (3) 1983 } 1... Rc1 2. Qd3 { 2.Qb3 Bd5–+ ✔ only postpones the end. And 2.Qxe7 Rxd1+–+ ✔ is no better. } 2... Qa3 { The threat is to capture the queen. } 3. Qf1 Rxd1 { Also winning is 3...Bxf3 4.Rxc1 Bxg2 5.Qxg2 Qxa4 with two pieces for a rook. } 4. Qxd1 Bc6 { –+ ✔ White loses the knight or the rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 706"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1r2/3n1pk1/p2Pp2p/1p4p1/2p3P1/2N1PP2/PPQ2P2/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 706. Aldo Haik – Boris Spassky, Paris (3) 1983 } 1. Rxh6 { Black can’t take the rook: } 1... Kxh6 { 1...Rh8 2.Rxh8 was the game (1–0, 44 moves) (.) } 2. Rh1+ Kg7 3. Qh7+ { With a mating attack. } 3... Kf6 4. f4 { The quickest way to mate , but it is also possible to mate with only checks: 4.Qh6+ Ke5 5.Qh2+ Kf6 6.Ne4+ Kg7 7.Qh7# } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 707"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/p4pp1/bp5p/3p4/3N4/4PPPq/PP1Q3P/4K1R1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 707. Eugenio Torre – Boris Spassky, Bugojno 1984 } 1... Rc1+ 2. Qxc1 Qxh2 { White can’t save the rook. } 3. Rf1 { 3.g4 is best , but Black is clearly better with his extra pawn. } 3... Qxg3+ { The rook has to go anyway. } 4. Rf2 { 4.Kd2 Qg2+ ✔ 5.Kc3 Qxf1–+ } 4... Qg1+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 708"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1r1k1/1p3pp1/2p4p/3p4/1R5Q/4B1P1/PPq2PP1/R5K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 708. Jonathan Ady – Boris Spassky, London 1984 } 1... Rxa2 { Black wins a second pawn after } 2. Rxa2 Qb1+ 3. Kh2 Qxa2 { And } 4. Bxh6 { Black could play either } 4... Qb1 { 0–1, 37 moves or 4...gxh6 5.Qxh6 Bf5 6.Qf6 Be4! ∓ , stopping Rh4. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 709"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r4k/p2b1R1p/1p2p3/2qpP3/3N4/P5Q1/6rP/K4R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 709. Kevin Spraggett – Boris Spassky, Montpellier 1985 } 1. Rxh7+ { ✔ 1.Qxg2?! Qxd4+ 2.Qb2 Rc3! and White is not better , for example: 3.R7f3 Rxf3! 4.Qxd4 Rxf1+= } 1... Kxh7 2. Rf7+ { 2.Qh3+ is also mating. } 2... Kh6 3. Rf6+ { The fastest mate is: 3.Qh4+ Kg6 4.Qf6+ Kh5 5.Rh7+ Kg4 6.Qh4# } 3... Kh7 4. Qh3+ Kg7 5. Qxg2+ Kh7 6. Qg6+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 710"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/2p3bp/4n1p1/1Ppq1p2/4p3/1N2P2P/2Q2PPB/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 710. Lajos Portisch – Boris Spassky, Montpellier 1985 } 1... Ra2 { Black is a pawn up but cannot allow 1...Qb7? 2.Qc4 with a decisive pin. } 2. Rxd5 Rxc2 { ✔ The c-pawn should perhaps be decisive, but Portisch held a draw after 64 moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 711"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2n1rk1/pq2n1pp/1p2p3/3pPpN1/1B1P4/P5Q1/2P2PPP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 711. Boris Spassky – Lucas Brunner, Solingen 1986 } 1. Nxh7 Kxh7 2. Qh4+ Kg8 3. Bxe7 { ± ✔ White should keep the queens on the board, partly to attack Black’s king and partly to avoid a light-square blockade (1–0, 36 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 712"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r7/p3N1pk/7p/1p1pN2P/1P2r3/P2K3b/6R1/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 712. Boris Spassky – Artur Yusupov, Belfort 1988 } 1. Rxg7+ Kxg7 { 1...Kh8 2.Rh7+ postpones the mate by one move. } 2. Rf7+ Kh8 3. N5g6# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 713"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/1b1r4/p4p1p/1p2q1p1/1B1nP3/R2PN2P/1RP2QP1/7K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 713. Boris Spassky – Jan Timman, Cannes 1990 } 1... Nf3 { A double threat: 2...Qxb2 and 2...Qh2#. } 2. Qxf3 Qxb2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 714"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/1bp1q1pp/p2p4/1p2n3/5B2/1P3P2/1PP2P1P/R2QR1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 714. Boris Spassky – Artur Yusupov, Linares 1990 } 1... Nxf3+ { 1...Bxf3?? 2.Rxe5! dxe5 3.Qxf3+– } 2. Qxf3 Qxe1+ { An intermediate move with check. } 3. Rxe1 Bxf3 { ✔ Black has won a pawn, but must keep the rook on the board to have reasonable chances of winning the game. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 715"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3qQ3/p5pk/b4rNp/2p5/5P1P/P5R1/3r2P1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 715. Alexander Beliavsky – Boris Spassky, Linares 1990 } 1. Nf8+ { 1.f5 and 1 h5 should also be winning , thanks to the continuing threat of Nf8+. } 1... Kg8 { 1...Rxf8 2.Qg6+ Kh8 3.Qxg7# ✔ } 2. Nd7+ { White is a rook up after: } 2... Qxe8 3. Nxf6+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 716"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rr2b1k/1q1b1pp1/4p2p/3pP3/p2N1B2/1PP3R1/4QPPP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 716. Boris Spassky – Eric Prie, Montpellier 1991 } 1. Bxh6 gxh6 { Prie made a desperate attempt with 1...Rxc3+–. } 2. Qg4 { ✔ Mate follows on g7 or g8. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 717"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3b2nr/6pp/ppk1bp2/2p1P3/4N3/1N2BP2/1PP3PP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 717. Robert Fischer – Boris Spassky, Belgrade (9) 1992 } 1. Nbxc5 { 1.Nexc5 does not work: 1...bxc5 2.Rxa6+ Bb6 3.Bxc5 Bxb3÷ and Black wins a piece. } 1... bxc5 { Spassky played 1...Bc8+– and resigned two moves later. } 2. Rxa6+ Kd7 3. Nxc5+ { ✔ White wins back the piece with three pawns as interest. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 718"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6n1/p1q2k2/1r1p2p1/2pPbp1p/Q1P2B1P/3P2PK/P3R1B1/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 718. Robert Fischer – Boris Spassky, Belgrade (19) 1992 } 1. Rxe5 { 1.Bxe5?! dxe5 2.Rxe5 += is too soft – Black has more counterplay with the rooks on the board and it’s easier to control a passed d-pawn than an a-pawn. } 1... dxe5 2. Bxe5 Qe7 { 2...Qxe5 3.Qxa7++– ✔ and the rook on b6 is lost. } 3. d6 { And after the only move } 3... Rxd6 { White will emerge with an extra passed pawn: } 4. Bxd6 Qxd6 5. Qxa7+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 719"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/5p2/2qP3p/4n1pN/2pb4/1p3P2/1P2Q1PP/2R4K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 719. Nana Ioseliani – Boris Spassky, Copenhagen 1997 Black would have had compensation for the exchange if he was allowed to pick up the d-pawn for free. } 1. d7 { Counterattacking with 1.Ra1 is an interesting option. With the knight on h5 , Black should probably seek safety for his king in the centre with 1...Kf8!±. } 1... Qd6 { 1...Nxd7 2.Qe8+ ✔ and Black loses the f-pawn. While 1...Qxd7 2.Nf6+ ✔ forks the queen. } 2. Rxc4 { Black loses one of his pieces due to the pin on the d-file after: } 2... Nxd7 { 2...Nxc4 3.Qe8++– and White queens. } 3. Qd1 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 720"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1pp3bp/3p2p1/3Pp3/1PP1N1q1/6Pn/2QN1PKP/R7 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 720. Boris Spassky – Viktor Korchnoi, St Petersburg (5) 1999 } 1... Nxf2 2. Rf1 { 1.Nxf2 Qe2! 2...Rxf2+?! 3.Kxf2 Qd4+ 4.Kg2 Qxa1 5.Ne4 and White has compensation , with firm control over the light squares. 2.Rf1 Bh6–+ ✔ Black wins back the piece with an extra pawn and an attack. } 2... Qh3+ { 2...Nxe4 is also a reasonable advantage for Black. } 3. Kg1 Ng4 { ✔ White’s knights are stepping on each other, and Black uses his solo knight for offensive purposes. Black has a clear advantage, but Spassky managed to draw. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 721"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bB2r1/pp3pnp/2p5/4k3/4P3/2N2P2/PPP1B2P/2KR4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 721. Boris Spassky – Nicolas Eliet, France 2002 } 1. f4+ { The only winning move. 1.Be7 traps the king , but there is no mate after 1...Ne8±. } 1... Kxf4 2. Bc7+ { Spassky’s 2.Rf1+ induced resignation , as 2...Ke5 3.Bc7+ Ke6 4.Bc4+ Ke7 5.Rxf7+ Ke8 6.Bd6 creates the decisive threat of 7.Re7+ followed by 8 Bxg8 (you need to see this far if you chose 2 Rf1) (.) } 2... Kg5 { 2...Ke3 3.Bg3 with mate on d3. } 3. Rg1+ Kf6 4. e5+ { Or White can start with 4.Bd6+– although that gives Black some better options than transposing with 4...Ke6. } 4... Ke7 5. Bd6+ Kd8 6. Ne4 { ✔ The knight on g7 drops after 6 Nf6. And it’s equally good to win the knight with 6.Bd3+–. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 722"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2r2/p3q1p1/1pn1ppk1/2npP1N1/5PQ1/2N5/PPP3PP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 722. Boris Spassky – Scott Coleman, Reno (simul) 2004 } 1. Nxd5 { A second and more complicated solution is: 1.exf6 Rxf6 1...gxf6 2.Nxe6+ Kf7 3.Qh5+ Kxe6 4.Qxd5# 2.Qh4 Or 2.Qh3 2...Rf5 3.Qh7+ You need to see this far. 3...Kf6 4.g4 Rxg5 5.fxg5+ Ke5 Black is one move from escaping , but does not get enough time: 5.Qg6! Ba6 (defending against Nb5) 6.Rf7 Qe8 7.Rd1!+– White has a crushing attack; ...Kd6 is not possible right now , and all White’s pieces are homing in on the black king. At the start , 1.Nxe6+ is a good try but doesn’t seem to win straight away. 1...Kf7 Preventing White from capturing on f8 with check. 2.exf6 Qxe6 2...Qxf6 3.f5+– 3.Qxg7+ Ke8 4.Rfe1 Ne4 5.Nxd5! White sacrifices a third piece! 5...Qxd5 6.Rad1 Qf5 7.Rd4! The rook is immune and White wins back at least a piece and a rook. One line given by the engine is: 7...Rxf6 8.Rdxe4+ Be6 9.Qg8+ Rf8 10.Qxe6+ Qxe6 11.Rxe6+ Kd7 12.g3± } 1... exd5 2. f5+ Bxf5 3. Qxf5+ Kh5 4. Qh7+ { 4.Rf3 is also quite strong , with mate in one , and there are other ways. } 4... Kg4 5. h3+ Kxg5 6. Rf5# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 723"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1kb/q1r1pp1p/p2p2p1/1p1n2B1/1P6/2P2RPP/1P2QPB1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 723. Boris Spassky – Craig Christensen, Reno (simul) 2004 } 1. Rxf7 { ✔ } 1... Nxc3 { 1...Kxf7 2.Qe6+ 2.Bxd5+ also wins. 2...Kg7 3.Bxd5 Threatening mate on f7. After 3...Rf8 , White is winning after any move that defends the pawn on f2. One efficient way is 4.Be3 followed by 5 Bd4+. 1...e6!? 2.Rxc7 Nxc7 and at least one of Black’s weak centre pawns will lost , for instance: 3.Bf4 d5 4.Bxc7 Qxc7 5.Bxd5+– } 2. Qe6 { Mate is coming. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 724"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1r1k1/pp2p3/3p2p1/5P2/1q2P1p1/2N5/1PPQ4/1K5R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Robert Fischer @@StartBlockQuote@@All that matters on the chessboard is good moves.@@EndBlockQuote@@724. Robert Fischer – Heinz Matthai, Montreal 1956 } 1... Rxc3 { The only way to avoid defeat. } 2. fxg6 { White has other moves that lead to a draw , among them 2.Rh8+. But not 2.Qxc3? Qxc3 3.bxc3–+ Or 2.Qh6 Qd4 , when Black may have a tiny plus. } 2... Rh3 { Also the only move; the threat was 3 Rh8+ with mate. } 3. Qxb4 Rxh1+ { ✔ (½–½, 108 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 725"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3q2k1/1r1P1pp1/8/1p2B1p1/2pQ2P1/3nR2P/1P3PK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 725. Robert Fischer – Attilio Di Camillo, Washington DC 1956 } 1. Bc7 { Blocking the black rook while unblocking the white one! } 1... Nf4+ 2. Kf1 { 2.Qxf4? Qxd7! =+ The game move forced resignation due to: 2...Rxc7 3.Re8++– ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 726"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1rk1/p2bppbp/2n3p1/1nB5/3P4/2P3P1/PQ1N2BP/R3NRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 726. George Kramer – Robert Fischer, New York 1957 } 1... Nxc3 { Totally destroying the seemingly strong dark-square fortification. } 2. Qxc3 Nxd4 { ✔ White has three loose pieces: a1-rook, queen on c3, and c5-bishop. } 3. Qb4 Ne2+ { Stronger is 3...a5! 4.Qa3 Nb5–+ and Black picks up the rook without having to sacrifice on c5. } 4. Kh1 Rxc5 5. Qxc5 Bxa1 { Black is probably still winning, and that was the result nine moves later. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 727"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/5ppp/3p4/3B2q1/R3P1n1/2r5/P3Q1PP/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 727. Robert Fischer – James Sherwin, New York 1957 } 1. Rxf7 { The best move. Although it does not lead to a decisive advantage against correct defence , it is best both objectively and practically , as Black can easily go wrong. After 1.Bxf7+?! Kh8 =+ , Black might take over. } 1... Rc1+ { Natural but losing. Black had to find: 1...h5! 2.Rc4 2.Rf5+?? Kh7–+ and White is back-rank mated if he takes the queen. 2...Rxc4 3.Rxf8+ Kxf8 4.Qxc4 += } 2. Qf1 { Everything checks out for White. But not 2.Rf1+? Kh8–+. } 2... h5 { Three alternatives: A 2...Rxf1+ 3.Rxf1+ Qxd5 4.Rxf8+ Kxf8 5.exd5+–✔ B 2...Rxf7 3.Ra8+ ✔ mating. C 2...Nf2+ 3.Rxf2++– ✔ } 3. Qxc1 Qxc1+ 4. Rf1+ Kh7 5. Rxc1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 728"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq1rk1/pp1pppbp/5np1/n7/3NP3/1BN1B3/PPP2PPP/R2QK2R w KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 728. Robert Fischer – Samuel Reshevsky, New York 1958 } 1. e5 Ne8 { 1...Nh5 2.g4+– ✔ traps the knight. And 1...Nxb3 is met by: 2.exf6! Nxa1 3.fxg7± ✔ } 2. Bxf7+ { This is now a well-known trick in this line. } 2... Kxf7 { 2...Rxf7 3.Ne6+– } 3. Ne6 dxe6 { 3...Kxe6 4.Qd5+ ✔ Kf5 and Black is mated in several ways. } 4. Qxd8 { ✔ (1–0, 42 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 729"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2n2/1RP3kp/p5p1/4pp2/B7/5P2/P5PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 729. Robert Fischer – Hector Rossetto, Mar del Plata 1959 } 1. Bb3 { Black is in zugzwang. Moving the king or the rook allows 2 Rb8, moving the knight allows 2 Be6. All that remains are a few pawn moves. } 1... a5 2. a4 h6 3. h3 g5 4. g4 fxg4 5. hxg4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises II"] [Black "Exercise 730"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/q4pp1/3p3p/1p1QpPb1/r3P3/1NP3PP/1P4K1/R3R3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 730. Wolfgang Unzicker – Robert Fischer, Varna (ol) 1962 } 1... Ra2 { Going for the b2-pawn and the vulnerable second rank. } 2. Kf1 { 2.Rxa2 Qxa2 3.Re2 Rxc3! ✔ And 1.Kh1 Qf2! ✔ wins (or exchanging on a1 first) (.) } 2... Rxc3 { With an attack and a material advantage, it’s all over. } 3. Rxa2 { 3.bxc3? Qf2# ✔ } 3... Rf3+ 4. Ke2 Rf2+ { ✔ } 5. Kd3 Qxa2 { Or 5...Qc7–+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 731"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1r3k1/2pbbpp1/p2p1qnp/np1Pp3/4P2P/2P2NP1/PP2QP2/RNBBK2R w KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 731. Robert Fischer – Victor Ciocaltea, Varna (ol) 1962 } 1. Bg5 { Trapping the queen. } 1... hxg5 2. hxg5 Qxg5 { 2...Nf4 is a nice try , but after 3.gxf6 Nxe2 4.fxe7+– ✔ the knight is trapped , leaving White a piece up. } 3. Nxg5 { ✔ (1–0, 26 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 732"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2k2r/p5bp/4p1p1/q2pn3/1p2N1P1/6QP/PPP5/1KBR3R w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 732. Robert Fischer – L.W. Beach, Poughkeepsie 1963 } 1. Bh6 { Undermining the centralized knight. 21.Nd6+?! Kd7 21...Ke7? 22.Bh6+– 22.Bh6? 22.Bf4 Kxd6 23.Rhe1 += This does not work due to: 23...Bxh6 24.Qxe5 Qc7 ∓ } 1... Qc7 { A. 21...O-O 22.Bxg7 Kxg7 23.Qxe5+ +- ✔ B. 21...Bxh6 22.Nf6+ 22.Qxe5 O-O 23.Nf6+ Rxf6 24.Qxb8+ +- should also be good enough - full point. 22...Kf7 23.Qxe5 +- ✔ With a killing attack on the exposed king. } 2. Nd6+ { ✔ There are options. 22.Nc5 +- and 22.Bxg7 Qxg7 23.Nc5 also give full points. } 2... Kd8 { 22...Qxd6 23.Bxg7 +- } 3. Bxg7 { 23.Rhe1 +- } 3... Qxd6 { 23...Qxg7 24.Qxe5 +- } 4. Qxe5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 733"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2b1nk1/p4p2/2pN2p1/1p1pPP2/1P4P1/2P3B1/P5K1/7R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 733. Robert Fischer – Arthur Bisguier, New York 1963 } 1. e6 { A full-blown attack with only a few pieces and a couple of pawns! White evacuated the e5-square for the bishop. } 1... f6 { Also losing is 1...fxe6 2.Be5! Nh7 3.fxg6+– ✔ And 1...gxf5 2.exf7+ ✔ when White’s attack will win material , for instance: 2...Kg7 3.Be5+ Bf6 4.Ne8++– } 2. Nf7 { With the bishop coming to d6 and the rook to h8, White is winning but other moves were also sufficient (1–0, 36 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 734"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3qr1k/pp3pbp/2pn4/7Q/3pP3/2NB3P/PPP3P1/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 734. Robert Fischer – Pal Benko, New York 1963 } 1. Rf6 { Blocking the defensive move ...f7 - f5 by drastic means. 1.e5 allows 1...f5! ∞. } 1... Kg8 { 1...h6 2.e5 transposes and there are also other winning moves. While 1...Bxf6 2.e5 Qxe5 3.Qxh7# ✔ is obviously over. } 2. e5 { ✔ } 2... h6 3. Ne2 { With a winning attack. 3.Ne4+– or anything else reasonable also wins; Black is quite helpless against White’s attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 735"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rk2/3Rb1p1/1B2Qp1p/pp2p3/4q3/7P/5PPK/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 735. Robert Fischer – Kevin Walters, San Francisco (simul) 1964 } 1. Bc5 { Simply winning everything on e7. But not: 1.Rxe7?? Rxe7 2.Bc5 Qf4+ 2...Qb7–+ 3.g3 Qxf2+!–+ } 1... Qf4+ { 1...Bxc5 2.Qf7# ✔ } 2. g3 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 736"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2b1k/1p1n1Qpp/p1n1B3/q3P1B1/8/1RN5/P1P3PP/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 736. Georgi Tringov – Robert Fischer, Havana 1965 } 1... Qc5+ { Black has just enough resources to defend , leaving him with a winning material advantage. 1...Nf6? 2.Qxf8+ Ng8 3.Qxg8# And 1...Ne7 2.Bxe7+– do not work. } 2. Kh1 Nf6 3. Bxf6 { The game ended: 3.Bxc8 Nxe5 4.Qe6 Neg4 0–1 And 3.exf6 Bxe6 4.Qxe6 Qxg5–+ ✔ also loses. Or 4...Nd4–+ } 3... Bxe6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 737"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/p4k1P/1p2rp2/3Qp2r/P7/1P3P2/1KP2P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 737. Robert Fischer – Istvan Bilek, Havana 1965 } 1. f4 { Exploiting the pins to win the central pawns. } 1... f5 { The game concluded: } 2. fxe5 Rxh7 3. Qd7+ Re7 4. Qxf5+ Ke8 5. f4 Kd8 6. e6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 738"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r3r/kpp3pp/p1pqbpn1/2N5/Q2PP3/5NPP/PP4P1/2R2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 738. Robert Fischer – Svetozar Gligoric, Havana (ol) 1966 } 1. Nxa6 Bxh3 { Or 1...bxa6 2.Rxc6+– ✔ with a winning attack. For example: 2...Qd7 3.Rxa6+ Kb7 4.Ra7+ Kc8 5.Ra8+ Kb7 6.Qa6#. } 2. e5 { Or simply 2.Nc5+ Kb8 3.Rc3+–. } 2... Nxe5 { 2...fxe5 3.Nc5+ Kb8 4.Rc3!+– } 3. dxe5 { The game concluded: } 3... fxe5 4. Nc5+ Kb8 5. gxh3 e4 6. Nxe4 Qe7 7. Rc3 b5 8. Qc2 { Black had had enough. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 739"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2nrkb2/5p2/1pr1p1pp/p1p1P3/P1N1NPP1/1RP4R/1P2K2P/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 739. Robert Fischer – Joaquim Durao, Havana (ol) 1966 } 1. Nxa5 { 1.Nf6+ Ke7 2.Nxa5!+– is also good. } 1... Rc7 { 1...bxa5? 2.Nf6+ Ke7 3.Rb7+ Rd7 4.Rxd7# ✔ } 2. Nc4 { White wins a second pawn with a decisive advantage since } 2... Rc6 3. a5 bxa5 4. Nf6+ { Again gives mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 740"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1rk1/pb2npp1/1p1p1b1p/2p1pP1Q/2B1P2P/P1NP4/1PP3P1/R1B1K2R w KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 740. Robert Fischer – Renato Naranja, Manila 1967 This exercise is about making a decision, and avoiding a tempting sacrifice. } 1. Bg5 { Bringing the bishop into the attack in the most effective way. Two alternatives: A 1.g4 looks winning and is winning , even though Black gets some counterplay with 1...d5. White chooses between 2.Ba2 And 2.g5 g6 3.fxg6 fxg6 4.Qg4+– dxe4 3.dxe4 Qd4 4.g5 Bxe4 5.Ne2!+– full points for both choices on move 2. B 1.Bxh6?! gxh6 2.Qxh6 Bg7 3.Qg5 Nc6! The only way to defend against 4 f6 , but now White’s best is to exchange queens. That’s disappointing , even though White still has a strong attack after 4.Nd5! Qxg5 5.hxg5±. } 1... d5 { 1...hxg5? 2.hxg5 ✔ with mate next move. 1...Nc6 defends the bishop but Black’s pawn structure will nevertheless suffer after: 2.Bxf6 Qxf6 3.Nd5 Qd8 4.f6+– } 2. Bxf6 dxc4 { 2...gxf6 3.Qxh6 dxc4 4.Rh3+– } 3. Qg4 { White is totally dominating and will win enough material (1–0, 32 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 741"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1q1k1/r4p1p/b3pBp1/n3P1QP/p2p3R/P5P1/2p2PB1/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 741. Robert Fischer – Lhamsuren Myagmarsuren, Sousse 1967 } 1. Qh6 { 1.hxg6? fxg6 2.Rxh7 Rxh7 loses for White , but 3.Be4!? prevents the defensive move ...Bd3 and also seems winning for White (full points if you were clear on why it wins) (.) } 1... Qf8 2. Qxh7+ { Black resigned due to: 2...Kxh7 3.hxg6+ Kxg6 3...Kg8 4.Rh8# ✔ 4.Be4# ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 742"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2n2nk1/4qp1p/4p1pQ/pb1pP1NP/1p1PB1P1/1P4N1/P4P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 742. Robert Fischer – Oscar Panno, Buenos Aires 1970 } 1. Nxh7 { 1.Nf5! might be even prettier and full points if you saw the following lines: 1...exf5 2.gxf5 gxf5 2...f6 3.Bxd5++– 3.Bxf5 f6 4.Be6+! Blocking the e-file. Not 4.exf6 Qe1+ 5.Kg2 Qf1+! with a perpetual. 4...Nxe6 5.exf6 Qd7 6.Nxe6+– Or 6.f7++– But 1.Bxd5? exd5 2.Nf5 gxf5 3.gxf5 which does not work , as 3...Nd6 4.f6 Nf5 defends and wins. } 1... Nxh7 2. hxg6 fxg6 { 2...dxe4 3.Qxh7+ Kf8 4.Qh8# ✔ } 3. Bxg6 { Now Nh5-f6 or Bxh7 followed by Qxe6+ are on the agenda. } 3... Ng5 { 3...Qg7 4.Bxh7+ Qxh7 5.Qxe6++– ✔ and the knight on c8 is en prise. As it also is after 3...Be8 4.Bxh7+ Qxh7 5.Qxe6++– ✔. } 4. Nh5 { White has enough attacking pieces to finish Black off , but first some checks must be parried. 4.Kg2+– is another way to do that. } 4... Nf3+ 5. Kg2 { +– ✔ 5.Kh1? Qh4+–+ } 5... Nh4+ 6. Kg3 Nxg6 7. Nf6+ Kf7 8. Qh7+ { The end was not far away: 8...Kf8 9.Qg8# } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 743"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/8/5K2/4n3/4k1B1/7P/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 743. Robert Fischer – Mark Taimanov, Vancouver (2) 1971 } 1. Bc8 { 1.Bf5+ Kf4 2.h4 Ng4+! is a draw , since the king must keep the bishop protected. 1.Be6 Nf3 and the pawn can’t advance. } 1... Kf4 2. h4 { ✔ } 2... Nf3 { 2...Ng4+ 3.Kg7 and the pawn will soon advance. } 3. h5 Ng5 4. Bf5 { It is also possible to start with 4.h6. } 4... Nf3 5. h6 Ng5 6. Kg6 { Zugzwang; the pawn promotes. } 6... Nf3 7. h7 Ne5+ 8. Kf6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 744"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/pp2pp1p/2bp1npQ/q2N4/4PN2/5P2/PPP5/2K4R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Anatoly Karpov @@StartBlockQuote@@Style? I have no style.@@EndBlockQuote@@744. Anatoly Karpov – Viktor Korchnoi, Moscow (2) 1974 } 1. e5 { Cutting off the black queen from the kingside. 1.Ne6? fxe6 2.Nxf6+ exf6 3.Qxh7+ leads nowhere: 3...Kf8 4.Qh8+? 4.b3! still draws by threatening Rh6. 4...Ke7 5.Rh7+ Kd8–+ While 1.Nxf6+? exf6 2.Nh5 2.Qxh7+ Kf8 =+ (runs into 2... Qg5+!=.) } 1... Bxd5 { After 1...dxe5 2.Nxf6+ exf6 3.Nh5! there is no queen check on g5 so Black loses: 3...gxh5 4.Rg1+ Kh8 5.Qg7# ✔. Or 5.Qxf6# } 2. exf6 exf6 3. Qxh7+ Kf8 4. Qh8+ { Black resigned due to 4...Ke7 5.Nxd5+ Qxd5 6.Re1++– ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 745"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r1q1rk1/pb1pbp1p/1pn3p1/2pB2N1/2P5/6P1/PP1QPP1P/R1B1K2R w KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 745. Viktor Korchnoi – Anatoly Karpov, Moscow (21) 1974 } 1. Nxh7 Re8 { 1...Kxh7 2.Qh6+ Kg8 3.Qxg6+ Kh8 4.Qh5+ 4.Qh6+ mates in a slower way. But White should avoid 4.Bxf7? Rxf7 5.Qxf7 Qe8 =+ 4...Kg8 5.Be4! ✔ with mate. 1...Nd4 2.Nxf8+– ✔ Or 2.Bxb7 Rxb7 3.Nxf8+– } 2. Qh6 { 2.Qf4+– is also winning. } 2... Ne5 3. Ng5 { Black had to give up the queen to fend off the attack, leaving White with a winning position (1–0, 19 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 746"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2Q5/p3q1k1/Pp1p2P1/2pPr2p/2Pnpr2/2N1R3/1P3PP1/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 746. Anatoly Karpov – Dirk Suling, Bremen (simul) 1977 } 1... Nf3+ 2. Rxf3 { 2.Kh1 Rh4+–+ ✔ wins the queen And 1.gxf3 is met by: 1...Qg5+ Or 1...Rg5+ 2.Kh1 Rh4+ 3.Qh3 Rxh3# ✔ } 2... exf3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 747"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rnr1k1/1q2p1bp/3p1pp1/1p1N1P2/p1n1P1NB/P1P5/1P2Q1PP/3R1R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 747. Anatoly Karpov – Angel Martin Gonzalez, Las Palmas 1977 } 1. Bxf6 { For no material investment , White opens up the black king for a deadly assault. 1.e5 Nxe5 2.Bxf6+– also works. As does 1.fxg6 hxg6 2.Bxf6+–. } 1... exf6 2. Ngxf6+ Bxf6 3. Nxf6+ { ✔ } 3... Kf8 { Other moves also retain a winning advantage. } 4. fxg6 { The game concluded with: } 4... hxg6 5. Qg4 { Bringing in the queen to finish the job. } 5... Nf7 6. Qxg6 Nce5 7. Nh7+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 748"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rkr1/2p2p1p/pq2b3/1p3N2/8/2PR1Q2/PP4PP/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 748. Anatoly Karpov – Viktor Korchnoi, Baguio City (8) 1978 } 1. Nh6 { Setting up a mating pattern on f7. } 1... Rg7 2. Rd7 { The bishop is tied to the defence, and Black cannot protect f7 with any more pieces. } 2... Rb8 { The alternatives also lose: 2...Bxd7 3.Qxf7+ Rxf7 4.Rxf7# ✔ And 1...Re7 2.Rxe7 Or 2.Rd8+ Re8 3.Qa8 Bd7 4.Re1+– 2...Kxe7 3.Qf6++– ✔. } 3. Nxf7 Bxd7 4. Nd8+ { ✔ White wins material and gives mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 749"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r5r/4Pkb1/q2pR3/6Pp/1p5P/4Q3/PPP5/1NK5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 749. Anatoly Karpov– John van der Wiel, Amsterdam 1980 } 1. e8=Q+ { Not allowing the king to get to relative safety on e8. White needed to avoid 1.Qe4? Qf1+–+ and with the help of some checks , Black manages to trade queens , with a winning material advantage. } 1... Rbxe8 { 1...Rhxe8 does not help either: 2.g6+ Kf8 3.Qf4+ Or similarly 3.Qf3+ or 3 Qf2+. 3...Kg8 4.Qf7+ Kh8 5.Rxe8+ Rxe8 6.Qxe8+ Bf8 7.Qxf8# ✔ } 2. g6+ Kg8 3. Rxe8+ { ✔ The attack decides. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 750"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r4r/4qkbR/bp2p1p1/3pP3/p2P1PB1/P5Q1/1n2NBK1/7R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 750. Anatoly Karpov – Miguel Quinteros, Buenos Aires 1980 } 1. f5 { The g-file is where the weaknesses are , so White forcefully attacks them. Not 1.Bh5? Bd3–+ and Black defends. } 1... Rxh7 { 1...exf5 2.Bxf5+– ✔ Or 2.Bf3+– } 2. fxg6+ { 2.Rxh7 exf5 3.Bxf5+– is just as strong. } 2... Kg8 { 2...Kxg6 3.Bxe6+ Qg5 4.Nf4# And 2...Ke8 3.gxh7+– lose as well. } 3. gxh7+ Kh8 4. Nf4 { The g-file is still the target. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 751"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1q4r1/1p1k1p2/2p1p3/2P4p/1R1P1p2/3Q1P2/PPK1R1P1/6r1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 751. Anatoly Karpov – Bent Larsen, Amsterdam 1980 } 1. d5 { Opening up the black king. } 1... cxd5 { 1...exd5 2.Qf5++– ✔ with a winning attack. } 2. c6+ Kxc6 { 2...bxc6 3.Rxb8+– ✔ } 3. Qb5+ { White picks up the rook on g1: 3...Kd6 4.Qb6+ Ke7 5.Qxg1+– ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 752"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3rk1/p1pqn1bp/2npb1p1/3N1p2/1PP1pP2/4P1PP/P2QN1BK/1RB2R2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 752. Zoltan Ribli – Anatoly Karpov, Tilburg 1980 } 1... Na5 { Exploiting the pin to get at the weak c4-pawn. Black will win this pawn with a serious advantage. } 2. Nd4 { 2.Nxe7+ Qxe7–+ ✔ and the pawn is still doomed. 2.Qc2 Nxc4! ✔ 3.Qxc4 Nxd5–+ Or 3...Bxd5–+ 2.bxa5 Rxb1–+ ✔ } 2... Nxc4 { ✔ (0–1, 25 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 753"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r6/5pk1/2q3pp/2B1R3/3P3P/4QP2/b5PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 753. Anatoly Karpov – Anthony Miles, Amsterdam 1981 } 1. d5 Bxd5 { 1...Qf6 2.Rh5!+– and White soon won. Other moves are also good enough. 1...Qc8 and other passive queen moves allow White to attack on the long diagonal. Even stronger is starting with 2.h5. } 2. Qd4 { ✔ A double threat, winning the bishop. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 754"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3q2k1/1R3p2/1p2p1pp/3nP3/4Q3/P2B1PP1/1P3PK1/r7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 754. Anatoly Karpov – Efim Geller, Moscow 1981 } 1. Rxf7 { Queen and knight is the usual combo , but here a queen with a bishop wreaks havoc when the king’s defending pawns are gone. The fact that the knight on d5 only protects dark squares plays a large part in giving such a free rein to the bishop. Good enough only for a clear advantage are 1.Qa4 and 1 Qc4. } 1... Kxf7 2. Qxg6+ Kf8 { 2...Ke7 3.Qg7+ Ke8 4.Bg6# ✔ } 3. Qxh6+ { Black resigned due to 3...Ke8 4.Bb5++– ✔ And 3...Kg8 4.Bh7+ Kf7 5.Bg6+ Kg8 6.Qh7+ Kf8 7.Qf7#. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 755"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/3rQ1bp/6p1/1p3bN1/2pP4/2P2B2/5PPP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 755. Anatoly Karpov – Gian Carlo Angioni, Turin (simul) 1982 } 1. Bd5+ { White is much better after retreating the queen, but winning outright is the way to go. } 1... Rxd5 { 1...Kh8 2.Nf7+ Kg8 3.Nd8+ Or 3.Ne5++– 3...Rxd5 4.Qf7+ Kh8 5.Qe8+ Bf8 6.Qxf8# ✔ } 2. Qf7+ Kh8 3. Qxd5 { White is clearly winning and the game ended immediately: } 3... Re8 { Mate is coming. } 4. Nf7+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 756"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2r1k/1pq3pp/p1n1p3/3p4/3PnN2/3B1NP1/PP3P1P/R2QR1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 756. Anatoly Karpov – De Chen, Hannover 1983 } 1... g5 { White is slightly better after } 2. Bxe4 gxf4 { ✔ } 3. Bd3 fxg3 4. fxg3 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 757"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1br3k1/p4p2/2p1r3/3p1b2/3Bn1p1/1P2P1Pq/P3Q1BP/2R1NRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 757. Anatoly Karpov – Murray Chandler, Bath 1983 Black missed a great opportunity for a serious upset against the reigning world champion. } 1... Qxh2+ { Instead the game went 1...Nxg3? 2.hxg3 Qxg3 3.Rxf5+– (1–0, 36 moves) (.) } 2. Kxh2 Nxg3 { 2...Bxg3+? 3.Kg1+– } 3. Qb5 { There is no rescue after 3.Qa6 Ne2+ ✔ , mating on the h-file. } 3... Ne2+ { ✔ White is forced to give back the queen , leaving Black with a winning position. 3...Rh6+ 4.Kg1 cxb5 also wins. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 758"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/pb1r1pp1/1pn2q1p/3B4/6Q1/P4NP1/1P3PP1/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 758. Garry Kasparov – Anatoly Karpov, Moscow (11) 1985 } 1. Qxd7 Rxd7 2. Re8+ Kh7 3. Be4+ { ✔ White picks up a lot of material for the queen, gaining a winning material advantage. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 759"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/3nqp2/b5pN/3P4/5Q2/1r1p2RP/5PPK/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 759. Garry Kasparov – Anatoly Karpov, Leningrad (16) 1986 } 1. Rxg6 { Threatening mate. } 1... Qe5 2. Rg8+ { 2.Qxe5? Nxe5 3.Rxa6 d2 gives Black serious counterplay with the d-pawn. } 2... Ke7 3. d6+ { The game finished: } 3... Ke6 { 3...Qxd6 4.Nf5+ is mating. } 4. Re8+ Kd5 5. Rxe5+ Nxe5 6. d7 Rb8 7. Nxf7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 760"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rnk2/1R3p1p/2P3p1/r1b2N2/1p6/6PB/5P1P/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 760. Alexander Beliavsky – Anatoly Karpov, Brussels 1988 } 1. Nh6 { 1.c7? Rc8 2.Nd4 Rxc7 3.Rxc7 Nxc7 4.Nb3 and Black has some drawing chances after 4...Bxf2+±. } 1... Nd6 { No salvation is offered by 1...Kg7 2.Nxf7+– ✔ or 1...Be7 2.c7+–. } 2. Nxf7 { 2...Nxb7 3.Nxd8 Nxd8 3...Nd6 4.Ne6++– ✔ 4.c7+– ✔ White has a new queen on the way. } 2... Nxf7 3. c7 { ✔ } 3... Re8 4. Bd7 { Winning the most material. 4.Rb8! is also good: 4...Ra8 5.Rxa8 Rxa8 6.Rxc5+– The game continuation of 4.c8=Q?! Rxc8 5.Bxc8 is probably winning , but also not totally clear (1–0, 60 moves) (.) } 4... Nd6 5. Rb8 { +- } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 761"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q2k1/1b3ppp/pp2pn2/4N3/4PQ2/1P4P1/P4PBP/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 761. Anatoly Karpov Lars Bo Hansen, Thessaloniki (ol) 1988 } 1. Nxf7 { Picking up a pawn. 1.g4 is also quite strong and if you evaluated 1...Qe7 2.Nxf7 as winning , you get full points. } 1... Kxf7 { 1...Qd4 2.Qd6 ! Clearly best, but not necessary to see before taking on f7. White tries to get the knight out with tempo, and trade off Black/s active queen, but he also attacks the weak pawns. Qb2 3.Rf1 +- The game ended in a few moves: 3.Rd1 +- is also good enough. Keeping everything protected is best tactically here. 3...Re8 4.Qc7 Ba8 5.Ng5 h6 6.Qf7+ Kh8 7.e5 1-0 } 2. Rc7+ Kf8 3. Rxb7 { ✔ The check on d1 is not dangerous. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 762"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/p4pp1/Qp3q2/3b3p/3N4/P3PPP1/1P3K2/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 762. Yasser Seirawan – Anatoly Karpov, Rotterdam 1989 } 1... Bxf3 { 1...h4?! 2.Rc8! hxg3+ 3. Kxg3= } 2. Nxf3 { 2.Qf1–+ is the best defence , but Black is winning with an extra pawn and an ongoing attack. After the game move 2.Qxa7–+ , Black’s position is totally winning due to the weak white king (0–1, 42 moves) (.) } 2... Qxb2+ { ✔ Winning the rook. But not 2...Rd2+? 3.Ke1±. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 763"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2k3r/pppb1p2/3p4/3P2q1/3P4/1B1Q2Pp/PP6/4RRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 763. Jonathan Speelman – Anatoly Karpov, Roquebrune (blitz) 1992 } 1... Bb5 { Using the fact that the queen is bound to the defence of g3. } 2. Qf3 { A 2.Rf5!? Bxd3 3.Rxg5 h2+ 4.Kh1 f5! ✔ and ...Be4+ will decide the game. B Even quicker is 2.Qxb5 Qxg3+ 3.Kh1 Qg2# ✔. } 2... Bxf1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 764"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/p2q1pbp/1p2p1p1/7P/2nPBB2/2PR2Q1/r4PP1/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 764. Alexander Morozevich – Anatoly Karpov, Moscow (rapid) 1992 } 1... f5 { Surprisingly counterattacking the cluster of white pieces in the centre. } 2. Bf3 e5 3. dxe5 { Alternatives are easy to dismiss: 3.hxg6 exf4–+ ✔ And 3.Bc1 e4–+ ✔. } 3... Qxd3 { ✔ (0–1, 30 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 765 "] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/p6p/1pbp2p1/2p2pbq/1PP2P2/PBP3P1/2QRrRNP/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 765. Ljubomir Ljubojevic – Anatoly Karpov, Linares 1993 } 1... Re1+ 2. Nxe1 { Instead , Black gained a winning attack after: 2.Rf1 Rxf1+ 3.Kxf1 Qxh2–+ ✔ Moves that carry a threat , so that taking on h2 can be played soon , are also winning. 4.Rd5 Bxd5 5.cxd5 Qxg3 6.fxg5 Qf3+ 0–1 } 2... Rxe1+ 3. Rf1 Qf3 { All-out attack with the pieces! } 4. Rxe1 Qh1+ 5. Kf2 Qg2+ 6. Ke3 Qf3# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 766"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r2/p1p3qk/1pPpR1pp/3P1n2/7P/2PQ2P1/P5B1/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 766. Anatoly Karpov – Judit Polgar, Las Palmas 1994 } 1. h5 { Undermining the knight on f5, which could end up pinned. } 1... Ne7 { 1...gxh5 2.Be4+– ✔ } 2. Rae1 { ✔ The pressure on e7 and g6 are too much and Black resigned. } 2... Rf7 { 2...Rae8 3.hxg6+ Kh8 4.Qe4+– } 3. hxg6+ Nxg6 4. Rxg6 Qxg6 5. Be4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 767"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1b2r1k1/4rpp1/p2q1n2/2Rp1BB1/Np1P4/nP4P1/5PK1/3Q3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 767. Anatoly Karpov – Ivan Morovic Fernandez, Las Palmas 1994 } 1. Rh8+ { White is winning anyway, but this is the fastest way to end the game. } 1... Kxh8 2. Qh1+ Kg8 3. Bxf6 Qxg3+ { 3...Qxf6 4.Qh7+ Kf8 5.Qh8# ✔ } 4. fxg3 Re2+ 5. Kh3 { 5.Kf3 R2e3+ 6.Kg4 Rxg3+ 7.Kh4 and White is still winning , but the game line is a much better choice. } 5... gxf6 6. Kg4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 768"] [Result "*"] [FEN "bq3rk1/3n1rb1/1p1P2p1/2p3N1/P7/1Q4P1/4RP1P/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 768. Anatoly Karpov – Kiril Georgiev, Tilburg 1994 } 1. Re8 { 1.Nxf7?! Qb7 2.Nd8+ Qd5 += } 1... Qxd6 { 1...Rxe8 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Rxe8+ ✔ wins. As do 1...c4 2.Qxc4 Ne5 3.R1xe5 ✔. And 1...Qb7 2.Qxf7+ ✔. The last variation could continue with 2...Kh8 3.Rxa8 Qxa8 4.Qxg6 Nf6 5.Re7 , mating. } 2. Qxf7+ Kh8 3. Ne6 { ✔ A winning fork. 3.Rxa8 Rxa8 4.Re8+ Rxe8 5.Qxe8+ is also winning due to the fork on f7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 769"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/1b2bppp/p3pn2/1p4B1/1n1P4/1BN2N2/PP2QPPP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 769. Ulf Andersson – Anatoly Karpov, Nykoping (rapid 2) 1995 } 1. d5 { A well-known tactical theme in this type of position, using rook against queen. } 1... Nfxd5 { 1...Nbxd5 2.Nxd5 2.Bxd5? Nxd5 ∓ 2...Bxd5 3.Bxd5 Nxd5 4.Bxe7 Qxe7 5.Rxd5+– } 2. Nxd5 { Or 2.Bxe7. But not 2.Bxd5? Nxd5 3.Bxe7 Nxc3 ∓. } 2... Bxg5 3. Nxb4 { The game ended after the further: } 3... Qe7 4. Nd5 Bxd5 5. Bxd5 { White is simply a piece up for a pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 770"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rrbk1/3Rn3/p1p1R1p1/6Np/1Pp5/2B4P/1PK2P2/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 770. Judit Polgar– Anatoly Karpov, Monte Carlo (rapid) 1996 } 1. Rdxe7 { 1.Rexe7?? Bxe7 And 1.Ne4?? Rxd7 2.Nf6+ Kf7 3.Nxd7 Kxe6 loses for White. But 1.Ra7± is good enough for an advantage. } 1... Rxe7 { 1...Bxe7 2.Rxg6+ Kf8 3.Bg7+ Kg8 4.Bh6+ Kh8 5.Nf7+ Kh7 6.Rg7# ✔ } 2. Rxg6+ Bg7 3. Bxg7 Rxg7 { The game ended after 3...Re2+ 4.Kc3+– and two more moves. The king could also have moved to b1. } 4. Rxg7+ Kxg7 5. Ne6+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 771"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2b1k/5Q1p/p3R1p1/1pP5/8/Pq2P3/3n2PP/R5K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 771. Alexander Onischuk – Anatoly Karpov, Biel 1996 } 1... Ne4 { Threatening a fork on g5 while simultaneously cutting off the rook from the defence of the e3-pawn. 1...Bxc5?! allows enough counterplay for a draw: 2.Re8+ Rxe8 3.Qxe8+ Qg8 3...Kg7? 4.Qe5+ Kh6 5.Qxc5+– 4.Qe5+ Qg7 5. Qe8+= Also equal is: 1...Nb1?! 2.h3. } 2. h4 { 2.Re1 Ng5–+ ✔ } 2... Qxe3+ { ✔ } 3. Kh1 Qd4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 772"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/1pp1p2p/pn2P1qb/6N1/3Pb3/Q7/PP1KB3/6RR w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 772. Anatoly Karpov – Peter Leko, Tilburg 1996 } 1. Rxh6 { 1.Qxe7 Bxh1 ∓ } 1... Qxh6 2. Qe3 { 2.Qxe7!?+– doesn’t win a piece , but is still good enough. In the game , Black resigned due to 2...Qf6 3.Qxe4+– ✔ And 2...Nc4+ 3.Bxc4 Qh2+ 4.Ke1+– ✔. Or 4.Be2+– } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 773"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1bp1r1pp/1p1p2q1/pN3p1n/1nPP4/P4PPP/1P3QBK/2BR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 773. Anatoly Karpov – Marcin Szymanski, Koszalin (simul) 1997 } 1... Nd3 { Pulling the rook to a dangerous square. 1...f4?! 2. g4= } 2. Rxd3 f4 { A double threat against d3 and g3. } 3. g4 Qxd3 4. gxh5 { White has enough material, but the pin on the second rank decides. } 4... Re2 5. Qh4 Rxg2+ { 5...h6 creates luft and soon wins on g3/f3. } 6. Kxg2 Qxf3+ 7. Kh2 Qg2# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 774"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4k2r/1r3ppp/Qnq1p3/4p3/1P6/R5P1/3N1P1P/R5K1 w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 774. Valery Salov – Anatoly Karpov, Wijk aan Zee 1998 } 1. Nc4 { Black is too late with his development. The white knight uses the immobility of the black queen and knight to head for a5, b6 or d6, whichever has the deadliest effect. } 1... Rb8 { Three alternatives: A 1...Qc7 2.Qxb7 Or 2.Nd6++– 2...Qxb7 3.Nd6++– ✔ B 1...Qxc4 2.Qxb7+– ✔ C 1...O-O 2.Na5+– ✔ } 2. Nxb6 O-O { Black also has options here: 2...Qxb6 3.Qxb6 Rxb6 4.Ra8++– ✔ And 2...Rxb6 3.Qa8++– ✔. } 3. Nc4 { ✔ (1–0, 32 moves) 3.Na8+– is more convoluted , but should work as well. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 775"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1k1r/1b2qppp/p3p3/3nB3/B1nN4/2P5/P4PPP/R2QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 775. Vladimir Kramnik – Anatoly Karpov, Frankfurt 1999 } 1. Bxg7+ { 1.Nf5! transposes or wins material straight away. } 1... Kxg7 2. Nf5+ exf5 3. Rxe7 Nxe7 4. Qe2 { +– ✔ The double attack wins a piece. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 776"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/2R3p1/1Q2ppkr/3pP2p/3P3n/5P1P/5P1K/2Bq4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 776. Alexei Shirov – Anatoly Karpov, Monte Carlo (blindfold) 2001 } 1. Qb1+ { 1.exf6 is equal , for example 1...Nxf3+ 2.Kg2 Nh4+= And 1.Rxg7+? Kxg7 2.Bxh6+ Kxh6 simply loses for White. } 1... Nf5 { 1...f5 is met by the same theme as in the game. } 2. Rxg7+ { Black foresaw 2...Kxg7 3.Bxh6+ Kxh6 4.Qxd1+– ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 777"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rrk1/p1pb1ppp/1p6/n1qPB3/8/2PBR3/5PPP/3QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 777. Judit Polgar – Anatoly Karpov, Hoogeveen 2003 All White’s pieces are aimed at a very lonely black king. } 1. Bxh7+ { 1.Qh5?! f5± } 1... Kxh7 2. Qh5+ { Karpov didn’t want to see 2...Kg8 3.Bxg7! with the classic double-bishop sacrifice and a neat finish: 3...Kxg7 After 3...f5 many moves lead to mate , for instance 4.Qg6+–. 4.Rg3+ Kf6 5.Qg5# ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 778"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5bk1/ppp3pR/7R/3prq2/4r3/2P1B3/1PP2PQ1/1K6 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 778. Andrei Istratescu – Anatoly Karpov Bucharest (3) 2005 } 1. Bc5 { Attacking the defending bishop. 1.Rh8+ Kf7 only gives a clear advantage. And 1.Bd4? Re1+ 2.Ka2 Qxc2–+ is even weaker. } 1... Re7 { A desperate attempt to prolong the game , but the outcome should not be in question. But it still offers more hope than 1...Bxc5 2.Qxg7# ✔. Or 1...Re1+ 2.Ka2 Qxc2 3.Rh8+ Kf7 4.Rxf8# ✔. } 2. Bxe7 { 1–0, 74 moves Other moves are winning too. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 779"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/B4pp1/5n1p/bNpp4/4n3/1P2RNPP/P4P2/5K2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 779. Judit Polgar – Anatoly Karpov, Moscow (blitz) 2009 } 1... Nxg3+ 2. Kg2 { 2.fxg3? Rxe3–+ ✔ } 2... Nge4 { ✔ Instead , Black let White into the game with 2...Rxe3? 3.fxe3 Nge4 =+ and lost in 47 moves. Trading rooks reduces the impact of the previously free d-pawn and gives the white pieces more active possibilities. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 780"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r1qr1k1/6bp/3p2p1/1N1P1p1n/1p6/3Q2PP/3BPPB1/1R4K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 780. Anatoly Karpov – Arkadij Naiditsch, Kiev (rapid) 2013 } 1... Nxg3 { 1...Qb6 2.Rxb4 =+ } 2. fxg3 { 2.e3–+ basically admitted defeat (0–1, 46 moves) (.) 2.Qxg3 Rxb5 ✔ also loses. } 2... Qb6+ 3. Kf1 Qxb5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 781"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/1pp3bp/n2p4/p2P1b2/1PPN4/P1NpB2P/5P2/R2QK1R1 w Q - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 781. Anatoly Karpov – Olav Sepp, Puhajarve (rapid) 2013 } 1. Nxf5 { Or 1.Rxg7+ Kxg7 2.Nxf5+ transposing. } 1... Rxf5 2. Rxg7+ Kxg7 3. Qg4+ { ✔ White wins back the rook, with an extra piece. } 3... Kf6 4. Ne4+ { Best, but there are other winning continuations as well. } 4... Ke5 5. Ng3 { Or 5.Qg3+ Kxe4 6.Qg4+ Ke5 7.Qd4#. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 782"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r1q2k1/R4p2/3Pb2p/4Q1p1/1p2B3/2p3PP/1P3P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Garry Kasparov @@StartBlockQuote@@The biggest problem I see among people who want to excel in chess – and in business and in life in general – is not trusting their instincts enough.@@EndBlockQuote@@782. Garry Kasparov – Walter Browne, Banja Luka 1979 } 1. Bh7+ Kxh7 { 1...Kf8 2.Qh8# ✔ } 2. Qxe6 { ✔ White wins f7 with a killing attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 783"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/p4p2/3qbPp1/3pR2p/1r1P4/2N1Q3/1P5P/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 783. Garry Kasparov – Leonid Yurtaev, Moscow 1981 } 1. Rxe6 { 1.Qh6? Qf8 ∓ } 1... fxe6 2. Qh6 { ✔ After 2...Qf8 simplest is 3.Qxg6+ Kh8 4.Qxh5+ Kg8 5.Rg1+ mating. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 784"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rrk1/pb3ppp/1p6/n2p1N2/6Q1/P2B4/3B1PPP/b5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 784. Garry Kasparov – Miguel Najdorf, Bugojno 1982 } 1. Nxg7 { 1.Qh4?! g6 2.Ne7+± and White only wins an exchange. While 1.Bh6?? even loses: 1...Re1+ 2.Bf1 Ba6–+ Instead 1.Nh6+ Kh8 2.Qf5 g6 3.Nxf7+? Kg7 4.Qd7 looks clever , but Black has 4...Bc8–+. } 1... Bxg7 { 1...Bc8 2.Ne6+ Kh8 3.Qf5 also leads to mate. } 2. Bh6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 785"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7r/ppR2nbp/4k1p1/3Nn3/3P1B2/3q1P2/PP2Q2P/7K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 785. Matthias Wahls – Garry Kasparov, Hamburg (simul) 1985 } 1. Bxe5 { 1.Re7+? Kxd5–+ } 1... Qxe2 { The critical test. The game instead saw 1...Qb1+ 2.Kg2+– ✔ when White has a winning attack. Black resigned after 2...Bxe5 3.Nc3. } 2. Nf4+ Kf5 3. Rxf7+ Kg5 4. Nxe2 { ✔ White is simply a piece up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 786"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rb3rk1/1b1q1ppp/1pn1p3/p1p1P2Q/2PpNP2/3P2PP/PP4B1/R1B1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 786. Garry Kasparov – Comp Meph Exclusive S, Hamburg (simul) 1985 } 1. Nf6+ gxf6 2. exf6 Kh8 { Moving the king is the only way to avoid the mate on g7, but Black is mated all the same after: } 3. Be4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 787"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2br2k1/1r3pPp/p3p3/q1bp2P1/3R3P/2N1Q3/PPP1B3/2KR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 787. Nigel Short – Garry Kasparov, Belfort 1988 } 1... Qb4 { 1...Rxb2? 2.Kxb2 e5 3.Qxe5 Ba3+ wins the knight on c3 , but doesn’t mate on b2: 4.Kb1 Qxc3 5.Rxd5+– However , 1...Rb4?! is better for Black. Without the second pair of rooks , White will not have enough compensation for the exchange. } 2. b3 { Giving up the b2-pawn with , for instance , 2.R1d3 might be a better idea , but Black is much better. And he wins after 2.Rxb4? Bxe3+ 3.Kb1 Rxb4. ✔ } 2... e5 { Overloading the queen. } 3. Qxe5 Qxc3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 788"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/5p1p/p3b1p1/6P1/2p4P/PpP5/1P1qB3/K3RQ2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 788. Ljubomir Ljubojevic – Garry Kasparov, Belfort 1988 } 1... Bh3 2. Qg1 { 2.Qxh3 Qxe1+ ✔ is mating. } 2... Re8 { ✔ Winning the bishop, and thus the game. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 789"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/p4k2/1p2p1q1/1b1pPr2/6pp/PN2Q3/1P3PPP/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 789. Gata Kamsky – Garry Kasparov, New York 1989 } 1... Rf3 2. Qc1 { 2.gxf3? gxf3+ 3.Kh1 Qg2# ✔ } 2... Rxb3 { ✔ Black is a piece up, and winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 790"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/6b1/p7/3P1Nq1/P3P2p/4Qp2/1P1r1RP1/R5K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 790. Alexei Shirov – Garry Kasparov, Manila (ol) 1992 } 1... Bd4 { The white queen is in the crosshairs of the black queen and bishop. The rook cannot be taken due to the further pin by the bishop , and the knight cannot take the bishop since the queen would drop. And finally a queen trade would allow the intermediate ...Bxf2+ winning a rook. Instead the game continued 1...Qxe3 2.Nxe3 Bd4 3.Rxd2 Bxe3+ 4.Kh2 Bxd2 5.gxf3 Rg3! ∓ and Black managed to convert his advantage , although things are far from over. } 2. Qxg5 { Other moves also lose immediately: 2.Qxd4+ Rxd4–+ ✔ 2.Nxd4 Qxe3–+ ✔ And 2.Qxd2 Qxg2# ✔ } 2... Bxf2+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 791"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rr4k/4bppp/p7/3PpP2/1q6/2NR1Q2/P5PP/4R2K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 791. Nigel Short – Garry Kasparov, London (rapid 2) 1993 } 1... e4 2. Qxe4 { 2.Rxe4 Qxc3 ✔ and the back-rank mate decides. } 2... Rxc3 3. Qxb4 { Instead White resigned after 3.Rd4 Qd6 4.f6 Bxf6 since 5.Qe8+ does not mate. } 3... Bxb4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 792"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1rk1/pp1b1pp1/2n1p2p/3pPPb1/3P2P1/2N1B3/PP1QB2P/R4R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 792. Garry Kasparov – Krystian Klimczok, Katowice (simul) 1993 } 1. f6 gxf6 { 1...Bxe3 2.Qxe3+– ✔ Black cannot resist the white attack since he has no defenders against so many attackers. } 2. Bxg5 { 2.exf6?! Bxf6 3.Bxh6 Bxd4! is rather unclear. } 2... fxg5 3. Rf6 { ✔ The weak f6-square is Black’s downfall. There are several ways to win from here by playing stuff like Raf1 and Rxh6, as in the game, or simply opening up the kingside with h4. } 3... Kg7 4. Raf1 { White threatens, among others, 5 Rxh6 Kxh6 6 Rf6+ Qxf6 7 exf6 Rg8 8 Qe3 followed by Bd3 and Qh3. } 4... Ne7 5. h4 { Black cannot resist the attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 793"] [Result "*"] [FEN "kb5r/1b1r1p2/1Q5q/PNpp4/2p5/6P1/1P3PB1/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 793. Garry Kasparov – Vassily Ivanchuk, Linares 1994 } 1. Re8 { Threatening mate on a7. The idea is to force Black’s queen to h2 , so he can’t take on b6 in case of a5-a6. 1.Kf1 gives a clear advantage. And 1.Re5 Qc6 2.Bf3+– is a complicated win – due to zugzwang! } 1... Qh2+ { 1...Rxe8 2.Qxh6+– ✔ } 2. Kf1 Rxe8 { 2...Qxg2+ 3.Kxg2 d4+ 4.Qxb7+! 4.f3 Rxe8 5.a6 also wins. As does 4.Re4 Bxe4+ 5.f3 And 4.Kf1 Rxe8 5.a6. 4...Rxb7 5.Rxh8+– } 3. a6 { ✔ White’s point, mating. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 794"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/4ppk1/1N1pb1p1/1p5p/1Pr1P2P/5P2/1KPR2P1/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 794. Viswanathan Anand – Garry Kasparov, New York (11) 1995 } 1... Rxb4+ 2. Ka3 { 2.Kc1 ∓ After the game move , the rook looks trapped , but Kasparov had seen further. } 2... Rxc2 { Anand resigned due to: 3.Rxc2 Rb3+ 4.Ka2 Re3+ 5.Kb2 Rxe1–+ ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 795"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3kn2/5q2/r3p2p/4Pp2/1Q3N1B/5P1P/1P6/6RK w q - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 795. Garry Kasparov – Yasser Seirawan, Amsterdam 1996 } 1. Nh5 { 1.Rg8 prepares to send the knight to g6 , but Black has 1...R6a7! when best is: 2.Nh5 Qxg8 3.Nf6+ Kf7 4.Nxg8 Kxg8= } 1... Qc7 { 1...Qxh5? 2.Qe7# ✔ } 2. Rg7 { Or 2.Rg8 Qc1+ 3.Kh2+–. } 2... Ra1+ 3. Kg2 Qc2+ 4. Bf2 { Black resigned due to 4...R1a7 5.Nf6+ Kd8 6.Qxf8#. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 796"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b1rnkb/1q3p1p/pBrp1PpQ/1p1Np1P1/1P2P3/P2PR3/4N2P/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 796. Garry Kasparov – Viswanathan Anand, Moscow (rapid) 1996 } 1. Bd8 { +– ✔ Turning the coming Ne7+ into a deadly threat. The immediate 1.Ne7+? is met by 2...Rxe7 3.fxe7 Qxe7 ∓. } 1... Ne6 { 1...Rxd8 2.Ne7++– } 2. Ne7+ Rxe7 3. fxe7 Qd7 4. Rh3 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 797"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rb1k3/5p1p/3qpP2/p2p1Pr1/1p1Q2p1/8/PPP3BP/1K1R3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 797. Garry Kasparov – Zbynek Hracek, Yerevan (ol) 1996 } 1. Bxd5 Bd7 { A 1...Qxd5 2.Qf4+– ✔ with a double threat against two undefended rooks. B 1...exd5 2.Qe3+ Kd7 3.Qxg5+– ✔ C 1...Rxf5 2.Bc6+ Qxc6 3.Qd8# ✔ } 2. Rhe1 { ✔ Also effective is moving this rook to another square, or Qe3/g1. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 798"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/p2n1p1p/1p2pp2/3b3N/8/P1P5/5PPP/3RK2R w K - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 798. Garry Kasparov – Jan Timman, Prague 1998 } 1. c4 Bc6 2. Rxd7 Bxd7 3. Nxf6+ Kg7 4. Nxd7 { ✔ Black resigned three moves later. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 799"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1n2/8/pNpNb3/P1P1Rpk1/3P4/8/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 799. Garry Kasparov – Vladimir Kramnik, Moscow (blitz 1) 1998 } 1. d5 { Kasparov played 1.Rxf5+ Bxf5 2.Nf7+ Kf4 3. Nxd8= and Black held a draw after 3...Ke4 4.Nxc6 Ne6. A critical , but not forced , variation is 5.Nc8 Nxd4 6.Nd6+ Kd5 7.Nxd4 Kxd4 8.Nxf5+ Kxc5 when White can’t keep the last pawn. } 1... cxd5 2. Nb7 Re8 3. c6 { For example, } 3... Kf6 4. Re1 Re7 5. Nc5 { Followed by Nxe6 and Nxd5. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 800"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4r1/1p6/p2kb1Nn/5pR1/3P4/P2B2P1/1P1K4/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 800. Garry Kasparov – Vladimir Kramnik Moscow (blitz 18) 1998 } 1. Nf4 Bd7 { 1...Bf7 2.Rxg8 Rxg8 3.Rh1+– also wins the f-pawn And 1...Rxg5 2.Rxe6++– ✔ picks up two pieces for a rook. } 2. Rh5 Ng4 3. Bxf5 Nf6 4. Rh6 { +– A last finesse, leaving White with two healthy extra pawns. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 801"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/p1Q2pk1/4p3/P2rP1p1/3b1PP1/5K2/8/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 801. Vladimir Kramnik – Garry Kasparov, Moscow (blitz 19) 1998 } 1. f5 { The only way to keep material on the board. } 1... Bxe5 { The same ending is reached after: 1...Rxe5 2.Qe7! 2.Qd8? is a double threat against the bishop and g5-pawn , but 2...Re3+ 3.Kg2 Bf6= defends 2...Re3+ 3.Kg2 Bf6 4.Qxa7 Re4 5.fxe6 Rxe6. } 2. Qb7 { Keeping the g-pawn. 2.Qxa7?! exf5 and Black will be able to reach an ending with rook and f-pawn versus queen. } 2... Rd6 3. fxe6 Rxe6 4. Qxa7 { Black has to give up the bishop for the a-pawn. With the help of zugzwang, White is probably able to win the g-pawn. But it doesn’t matter – it’s a fortress anyway. If Black’s king stays on g7, White can never sacrifice the queen to get a winning pawn ending. So 1. f5 is only a draw , but it’s a good try that was rewarded in this blitz game after 1... exf5 2. e6 1–0. The exercise is about decision-making. Calculating all the variations above is not necessary before playing the first move. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 802"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4kr2/2qr1p2/p3p1p1/3b3p/5Q1P/1P3P2/1KP1N1P1/3RR3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 802. Garry Kasparov – Vladimir Kramnik, Frankfurt 1999 } 1. Rxd5 exd5 { 1...Qxf4 2.Nxf4 Rxd5 3.Nxd5+– ✔ } 2. Nd4+ { Black resigned, since he is mated after: } 2... Kd8 3. Ne6+ fxe6 4. Qxf8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 803"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/5p1p/2R5/1P1r1kp1/2K5/3p4/P4PPP/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 803. Garry Kasparov – Jan Timman, Wijk aan Zee 2000 } 1. Kxd5 { 1.g4+ is not a good move order: 1...Ke5 2.b6 d2 3.b7 d1=Q 4.b8=Q+ Ke4= When there is no mate. } 1... d2 2. g4+ { The rook stops the pawn after: 2...Kxg4 3.Rc4+ Kf5 4.Rd4+– ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 804"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/pp1R1pp1/7p/4r3/6P1/P3PQ2/1P2KPq1/2R5 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 804. Thien Hai Dao – Garry Kasparov, Batumi (rapid) 2001 } 1... Rxe3+ 2. Qxe3 { 2.Kxe3 Re8+ 3.Kf4 g5+ 4.Kf5 Qxf3# ✔ } 2... Qxg4+ 3. Kf1 Qxd7 { ✔ Black has won two pawns. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 805"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7r/2r1k2p/3Rbq1Q/2p2p1B/4p3/2P5/1P3P1P/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 805. Garry Kasparov– Ruslan Ponomariov, Linares 2002 } 1. Rxe6+ { It’s over: 1...Kxe6 1...Qxe6 2.Qg7+ Qf7 3.Qxf7# ✔ 2.Rd6+ Kxd6 3.Qxf6++– ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 806"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq1rk1/2b2ppp/p4n2/3p1N2/1Pp5/2Q1PN2/P3BPPP/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 806. Alexander Huzman – Garry Kasparov, Rethymnon 2003 } 1. Rxd5 Qe8 { No better are 1...Qxd5 2.Ne7++– ✔ Or 1...Nxd5 2.Qxg7# ✔ } 2. Bxc4 { Any other reasonable 22nd move also wins. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 807"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2B4k/6pp/pnq3b1/3p2P1/1p1r4/6Q1/PPP4P/2KRR3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Alexander Khalifman (on blitz chess) @@StartBlockQuote@@It is not my cup of tea, playing with hands. I prefer using my head. Interview on pogonina.com @@StartBracket@@2010@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@807. Alexander Khalifman – Jaan Ehlvest, Lvov 1985 } 1. Bf5 { But not 1.Rxd4? Qxc2#. White should first defend by blocking and deflecting the bishop. } 1... Bxf5 2. Qc7 { Then an X-ray defence, deflecting the queen and threatening the knight! } 2... Rxd1+ 3. Kxd1 { ✔ Black loses a piece. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 808"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4n3/1b2nk2/1p1p1p1p/pP1p1PpN/P2PN1P1/1B2P2P/5K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 808. Yuri Balashov – Alexander Khalifman, Minsk 1985 } 1. Nhxf6 { Deflecting the defence of d6, winning two pawns. White would be better anyway, but this is the win. } 1... Nxf6 2. Nxd6+ Kf8 3. Nxb7 { ✔ (1–0, 49 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 809"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/3b2pp/1p1r1p2/1Rbp4/P7/6PP/1P3PB1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 809. Alexander Khalifman – Vladimir Dimitrov, Groningen 1985 } 1. b4 { 1.Bxd5 Bxb5 2.axb5 is nothing. } 1... Bxb5 2. bxc5 Bxa4 { A better defence is 2...Be2 3.Re1 Or 3.Rd2 3...bxc5 4.Rxe2 ✔ d4± which is not as clear , but still very promising for White. } 3. Ra1 { Or 3.Rd4. } 3... bxc5 4. Rxa4 { ✔ White should win, and did so after 49 moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 810"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rrk/1bq1n2p/p2pPpp1/1p2pN1N/2p1P1Q1/2P4R/PP3PPP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 810. Alexander Khalifman – Adrian Mikhalchishin, Kuibyshev 1986 } 1. Nxf6 { Clearing the h-file. } 1... Nxf5 { 1...Rxf6 2.Rxh7+ Kxh7 3.Qh4# ✔ Or 3.Qh3# } 2. Rxh7+ { ✔ Or 2.Nxh7 Kg7+– , as in the game. Instead , 2.Nxg8? Kxg8 3.exf5 Rxf5± gives Black hope. } 2... Qxh7 3. Nxh7 Kxh7 4. exf5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 811"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1r1k/p3bp1p/1pp2p2/5P1Q/3q1P2/1PN2RRP/1P4P1/7K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 811. Alexander Khalifman – Alexander Huzman, Tashkent 1987 Black is threatening to protect himself with ...Rg8 and start some counterplay with ...Bc5, so White must be quick with his attack } 1. Rg4 { The slightly odd 1.b4 also wins quickly since after 1...Rg8 2.Qxf7 the counterattack with ...Bc5 is prevented (full points) (.) } 1... Bc5 { 1...Rg8 2.Rfg3 Rxg4 2...Bc5 3.Qxh7+ Kxh7 4.Rh4# ✔ 3.Qxg4 ✔ and mates. } 2. Qxh7+ { ✔ Mating in two moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 812"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/p2n1qpp/p2Pp3/2p2pP1/N1p2N2/8/PP3PP1/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 812. Alexander Khalifman – Mikhail Ulibin, Sochi 1989 } 1. Nxe6 { Removing all the defenders against Qd5+, picking up the unprotected rook on a8. } 1... Qxe6 2. Re1 Qxe1+ { 2...Qf7 3.Re7 Qg6 4.Qd5++– ✔ } 3. Qxe1 { ✔ (1–0, 24 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 813"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5rk/1p2q2p/p1ppnp1B/P1b1p2B/4P3/2P2QP1/1P3P1P/3R1R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 813. Alexander Khalifman – Ventzislav Inkiov, Moscow 1989 } 1. b4 Ba7 2. Rxd6 Qxd6 { Instead the game continued 2...Rad8 3.Rfd1 and White won. } 3. Qxf6+ Rg7 4. Bxg7+ Nxg7 5. Qxd6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 814"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/5pp1/p1p3p1/P3Pq2/2Q3P1/3nB2P/1r3P2/2R1R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 814. Ljubomir Ljubojevic – Alexander Khalifman, Reykjavik 1991 } 1... Qf3 { Since everything else loses the knight, the winning idea is not so hard to spot here, but it could easily be missed when calculating this line earlier in the game. } 2. Qxd3 Rxf2 3. Bxf2 Qxd3 { ✔ (0–1, 40 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 815"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/R2n3p/3Pnbk1/4pN2/2p5/2N1B3/6PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 815. Alexander Khalifman – Bent Larsen, London 1991 } 1. Ne7+ { Starting a merry hunt for loose black pieces. } 1... Kf7 { 1...Kh5 avoids the capture on d7 coming with check , but the king is too exposed; White wins with 2.Ne4 or 2 h3. } 2. Nc6 { Forcing away the defender is better than 2.Ne4±. } 2... Rc8 3. Rxd7+ Ke8 { ✔ A counter-trick! } 4. Nxe5 { Moving one threatened piece to defend the other by overloading the bishop. 4.Rc7? Nxc7 5.dxc7 Rxc7 is not better for White. But 4.Rxh7?! Rxc6± has won a pawn compared to the starting position. } 4... Bxe5 5. Re7+ Kd8 { After 5...Kf8 White has a number of ways to win , for instance: 6.Bh6+ Kg8 7.Rxe6 Bxc3 8.d7+– } 6. Bb6+ { Black loses several pieces. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 816"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1kb/p4p2/1p3Pb1/4B3/2p4R/2Pr1BR1/6PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 816. Alexander Khalifman – Ivan Sokolov, Wijk aan Zee 1991 } 1. Rxg6+ { +– 1.Rgh3? Bg7! 2.fxg7? 2.Rxc4 Bf8 3.Rch4 Bg7= 2...Rxe5–+ } 1... fxg6 2. Rxh8+ { 2.f7+? Kxf7 3.Bxh8± is not over yet. Black can try 3...Rxh8!? 4.Rxh8 Rxc3. } 2... Kf7 { 2...Kxh8 3.f7+ Rxe5 4.f8=Q++– ✔ } 3. Rh7+ { ✔ The bishops and the dangerous f-pawn decide the game. Black resigned in a few moves. 3.Rxe8+– also gets the job done. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 817"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3rbk1/pp3ppp/5p2/q1pP1N1Q/2P2P2/1P6/PB4PP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 817. Alexander Khalifman– Yasser Seirawan, Wijk aan Zee 1991 } 1. Nh6+ gxh6 { 1...Kh8 2.Qxf7! 2.Nxf7+? Kg8 3.Nh6+? gxh6–+ 2...gxh6 If 2...Bd6 then 3.Qg8+! is not the only move , but it’s not acceptable to overlook such a chance... 3...Rxg8 4.Nf7# ✔ 3.Bxf6+ Bg7 4.Qxg7# ✔ } 2. Qg4+ { Black resigned in view of 2...Bg7 3.Bxf6 ✔ mating. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 818"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/p2qBp1p/3P2p1/2n5/1p1N3Q/2bb2NP/P4PP1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 818. Alexander Khalifman – Soenke Maus, Hamburg 1991 } 1. Nh5 { 1.Rxd3 Nxd3 2.Nh5 is a worse move order since it allows: 2...Bxd4 3.Qxd4 gxh5 4.Qxd3 Rxe7 = } 1... Bxd4 { 1...gxh5 2.Rxd3! 2.Nb3 and 2 Qg5+ is probably also winning , but less clear. 2...Nxd3 3.Qg5+ Kh8 4.Bf6# ✔ } 2. Qxd4 gxh5 3. Qxc5 { ✔ The passed pawn and dark-square domination provide a decisive advantage (1–0, 34 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 819"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1r1k1/1p3ppp/p1p4q/3p4/N2P3n/3BP2P/PP2QPP1/2R2RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 819. Gerald Hertneck – Alexander Khalifman, Germany 1992 } 1... Nxg2 { 1...Bxh3? 2.gxh3 Qg5+ 3.Qg4+– } 2. Kxg2 Bxh3+ 3. Kg3 { 3.Kg1 Qg5+ 4.Kh2 Qg2# ✔ } 3... Re6 { Opening the files will soon decide the game after: } 4. f4 g5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 820"] [Result "*"] [FEN "br4k1/p1q2p2/4nnp1/2P1N3/P2R3p/4N1P1/QB2PP1P/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 820. Dmitry Gurevich – Alexander Khalifman, Moscow (rapid) 1992 Stronger was } 1... Nxd4 { ✔ 1...Qb7? Easily winning , right? 2.c6! Don’t underestimate a passed pawn! 2...Qxb2 3.Qxb2 Or 3.Rd8+ Nxd8 4.Qxb2 3...Rxb2 4.Rd8+! A standard motif with a pawn on the sixth rank versus a knight. 4...Nxd8 4...Kh7 5.Rxa8+– 5.c7+– Both promotion squares cannot be protected. 5...Rb1+ 6.Nf1 Rd1 7.c8=Q Bb7 8.Qc2 Rd5 9.Nxg6 1–0 So Black should have avoided the tempting mating threat. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 821"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rn2k1/3b1p1N/3p1Qp1/3Pp3/1q2P3/2p1R1NP/5PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 821. Alexander Khalifman – Oswald Gschnitzer, Germany 1993 } 1. Nh5 { Some other moves also win, but the winning idea is still this move. } 1... gxh5 2. Qh6 { ✔ Preparing 3 Nf6#. 2.Rg3+ Bg4 3.Qh6 also works. } 2... f6 3. Qg6+ Kh8 4. Nxf6 { Black is mated, as he also would be after other moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 822"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1k1rq3/pppb4/7r/1BRPnp1p/Q1N3pP/4P1P1/PR4PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 822. Alexander Khalifman – Grigory Serper, St Petersburg 1994 } 1. Bxd7 { 1.Nxe5 Qxe5 += counterattacking the b2-rook. There is no way to win after 1.d6 cxd6. } 1... Nxd7 { 1...Rxd7 can be met by , among others , 2.Nxe5 Qxe5 2.Qxd7+– ✔ And if Black tries to save the knight with the lifeline 1...Qxd7 , White threatens b7 and then picks up the knight on e5. It can be done in three ways: 2.Rcb5+– ✔ , 2 Qb4+– or 2 Qb3+–. } 2. Rxb7+ { 2.Rxc7!? Kxc7 3.Qxa7 Rb8 4.d6+ also wins after 4...Rxd6 5.Rxb7+ Rxb7 6.Qxb7+ Kxb7 7.Nxd6+ Kc6 8.Nxe8. But 2.Rcb5?! Nb6 is only an advantage. } 2... Kxb7 3. Rxc7+ Kxc7 4. Qxa7+ Kc8 5. d6 { ✔ Mating next move. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 823"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1r1k1/1p2qppp/p1p5/3p4/PP1P3n/3BP3/3QNPPP/1R3RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 823. Dirk Fehmer – Alexander Khalifman, Eupen 1994 } 1... Bh3 { The fork on f3 decides. } 2. Qc2 { 2.gxh3 Nf3+–+ ✔ 2.Nf4 Bxg2! 3.Nxg2 Nf3+–+ ✔ } 2... Bxg2 { ✔ (0–1, 27 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 824"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/5Rp1/p1r4k/1p5n/4p1KP/4N3/PP2PP2/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 824. Alexander Khalifman – Norbert Sehner, Germany 1994 Several lines might win slowly, but the easiest is... } 1. Nf5+ Kg6 2. Rxg7+ { +– ✔ and the fork on e7 leaves White two pawns up in an endgame. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 825"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6r/pp3kpp/n1p1bqn1/4pp2/2P5/B4PP1/PP1QBN1P/2KR1R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 825. Alexander Khalifman – Valerij Filippov, Kazan 1995 } 1. Ne4 { ✔ 1.Ng4 Qd8 2.Qc3 ± } 1... fxe4 { 1...Qd8 2.Ng5 ! with a winning attack (or various other moves with a winning position anyway) (.) } 2. fxe4 Nf4 3. gxf4 { Or first 3.Bd6 +-. } 3... Rhd8 4. Bd6 { White is dominating and won the game. Weaker is 4.fxe5 ?! Rxd2 ±. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 826"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn3rk1/1q2ppbp/p3b1p1/1pPN4/4P3/4PN2/PPQ1B1PP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 826. Alexander Khalifman – Evgeny Bareev, Moscow 1995 } 1. c6 { The fork on e7 wins a piece or allows the pawn to queen. } 1... Qa7 { 1...Nxc6 runs into: 2.Qxc6 ! Qxc6 2...Bxd5 3.exd5 +- ✔ or 3.Qxd5 +- 3.Nxe7+ Kh8 4.Nxc6 +- ✔ } 2. c7 Bxd5 { 2...Nd7 3.Nxe7+ Kh8 4.c8=Q +- ✔ } 3. c8=Q { ✔ (1–0, 36 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 827"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1r2bk1/1p1q3p/1P2p1p1/2P1p3/pB1p4/Qn1P2PP/2R2PB1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 827. Helmut Pfleger, – Alexander Khalifman Germany 1996 } 1. c6 bxc6 { 1...Bxb4 2.cxd7 ! +- ✔ also winning is 2.Qxb4 Rxc6 3.Bxc6 +- } 2. Bxf8 Rxf8 3. Bxc6 Qd8 4. Bxa8 { ✔ (1–0, 42 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 828"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/1p6/3Nb2b/1P5p/7q/4P2P/1R2QP2/rB2K2R b K - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 828. Valery Loginov – Alexander Khalifman, St Petersburg 1996 Black has a great position, but there is only one crushing continuation. } 1... Ba2 2. O-O { 2.Rxa2 Rxb1+ -+ ✔ } 2... Bd5 { Or the computer preference 2...Qxh3 -+ or something else. } 3. Bg6 Qg5+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 829"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3n1k1/pR4p1/3p4/1NpPp1Qp/2P1q2P/P7/6PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 829. Alexander Khalifman – Thomas Casper, Germany 1997 } 1. Nxd6 Qf4+ { White delivers mate after 1...Nxd6 2.Qxg7# ✔ and 1...Qd4 2.Nxe8 Rxe8 3.Qxg7# ✔. } 2. Qxf4 exf4 { White has a dominating endgame (1–0, 48 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 830"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn3Bk1/pp5p/2p3p1/8/6NP/2P5/P2br1P1/3R1R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 830. Alexander Khalifman – Alexander Fishbein, New York 1998 } 1. Rxd2 Rxd2 2. Nh6+ { Black resigned due to 2...Kh8 3.Rf7 Rd7 4.Bg7# ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 831"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r1k/pR3pp1/3p3p/8/3bQR2/6P1/P2BqP1P/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 831. Michael Unger – Alexander Khalifman, Bad Wiessee 1998 } 1... Bxf2+ 2. Kg2 { 2.Kh1 Qf1# and 2.Rxf2 Qxe4 wins the queen. } 2... Be3+ { ✔ Black takes the bishop on the next move (0–1, 44 moves) . But 2...Qxe4+ 3.Rxe4 Bc5 ∓ is not over yet. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 832"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r2r3/3b3k/2p1ppnp/p2p3B/3P1P1P/P3RN2/1P3P2/1K2R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 832. Alexander Huzman – Alexander Khalifman, Bugojno 1999 } 1. f5 { Opening an additional file for the decisive breakthrough. } 1... exf5 2. Rg1 Nf4 { 2...Rg8 3.Bxg6+ Rxg6 4.Re7+ +- ✔ was the point of opening the e-file before playing Rg1. 2...Rxe3 3.Bxg6+ wins for White. ✔ } 3. Bxe8 { ✔ With such a useless bishop as the one on d7, Black really cannot claim compensation (1–0, 72 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 833"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4k3/p4p2/1P2p2p/8/2pq3P/2Nr2r1/1P1nQPP1/R2R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 833. Alexander Khalifman – Peter Acs, Hoogeveen 2002 } 1... Rxg2+ { 1...axb6 2.Nb5 ! and the queen can’t keep the pin on the f-pawn while defending the knight on d2. However , Black is clearly better after 2...Qg4 3.Qxg4 Rxg4 but unlike the game , White can fight on. And if 1...Nf3+ ? 2.Kf1 Rxg2 he has an equal position after 3.Qxf3 ! Rxf3 4.Rxd4 } 2. Kxg2 Qg7+ 3. Kh2 { 3.Kh1 Rh3# ✔ } 3... Nf3+ 4. Qxf3 { 4.Kh1 Qg4 ! ✔ mating. } 4... Rxf3 { ✔ White resigned in two more moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 834"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rr3/5pk1/p2q2p1/PbnNp3/8/1B3Q1P/5PP1/2R1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 834. Alexander Khalifman – Gabriel Sargissian, Internet 2004 } 1. Rxc5 { 1.Nc7 ?? Qxc7 2.Rxc5 Qxc5 3.Qxf7+ Kh6 -+ } 1... Qxc5 2. Qf6+ Kg8 { 2...Kh6 3.Re4 +- ✔ or 3.Ne3 +- } 3. Ne3 { +- ✔ Black cannot defend against the onslaught without taking heavy casualties. 3.Nf4 ! +- is even cleaner , and 3.Nb6 wins as well even though it sends the knight in the wrong direction. Instead the game went 3.Ne7+ ?? Rxe7 4.Qxg6+ when White had nothing better than a perpetual , since the rook on d8 defends against rook lifts. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 835"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/3b1q2/1pNpNnnb/3Pp3/4P3/r4BB1/P1R3K1/7Q b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 835. Alexander Khalifman – Ernesto Inarkiev, Khanty-Mansiysk (3) 2005 } 1... Nxd5 { White collapses on the light squares, incurring heavy material losses. 1...Rxf3 2.Kxf3 Nxd5+ 3.Ke2 Qxe6 4.exd5 ∓ is also a good try , but not clearly winning. } 2. Rf2 { 2.exd5 Qxf3+ -+ ✔ } 2... Bxc6 { Not the easiest win. 2...Ndf4+ -+ is one good move , 2...Ne3+ another. } 3. Qxh6 { 3.exd5 requires Black to find 3...Rxf3 ! 4.dxc6 4.Rxf3 Qxf3+ or 4...Bxd5 -+ 5.Kxf3 Bxd5+ 6.Kg4 Bxh1 -+ 4...Rxf2+ ! 5.Bxf2 Qxe6 This is winning , since 6.Qxh6 ? runs into 6...Nf4+ -+. } 3... Qxe6 { Now Black starts to drift. Better is 3...Ne3+ 4.Kh2 Qxe6 winning. } 4. exd5 Bxd5 5. Bxd5 Qxd5+ 6. Kh2 { Black should still win, but there are difficulties, and in the game he did not play accurately enough (½–½, 62 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 836"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/pp1q1pp1/5n1p/b2pn3/3Nb3/PP2B1PP/2P1NPBK/R2Q1R2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 836. Valerij Popov – Alexander Khalifman, Aix les Bains 2011 } 1... Neg4+ { 1...Nfg4+ 2.Kg1 Nxe3 3.fxe3 ∓ is less convincing, as here the knight would be better on f6 because of the control over e4 and pressure on e3. } 2. hxg4 { 2.Kg1 Nxe3 3.fxe3 ✔ The e3-pawn can be taken at will, so Black is much better. } 2... Nxg4+ 3. Kg1 Bxg2 4. Kxg2 Rxe3 { White collapsed quickly: } 5. Nf4 Rd8 6. Rh1 Re4 7. Rc1 Nxf2 { Another tactic against the white king and queen finished the game. 8.Kxf2 is met by 8...Rxd4 9.Qxd4 Bb6 winning the queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 837"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3q1rk1/4pp2/p2bb1p1/1pBN1n1p/1P6/4P1PP/P3QPB1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 837. Alexander Khalifman – Ilya Duzhakov, St Petersburg 2012 } 1. e4 { Driving away the defender of the bishop on d6. 1.g4 ? hxg4 2.hxg4 Bxd5 3.Rxd5 Nh4 is not winning - White needs e4-e5. } 1... Ng7 { 1...Bxc5 2.exf5 +- wins a piece , which is preferable to 2.bxc5 Ng7 3.Nf6+ +- winning the queen } 2. Nxe7+ Bxe7 { 2...Qxe7 3.Bxd6 +- ✔ } 3. Rxd8 { ✔ (1-0, 29 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 838"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k1r3/pp3pp1/2p3b1/6P1/P1QRPq2/2N2p2/1P6/3K1RBr b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 838. Alexander Khalifman – Konstantin Kostin, Voronezh 2014 } 1... f2 { Clearing the way for the queen to do serious damage. 1...Qxg5 2.Bf2 is equal. } 2. Bxf2 Qxf2 3. Rxh1 Qf3+ 4. Kc2 Qxh1 { ✔ Black has a healthy pawn extra, and won after 41 moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 839"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1q2rk1/1p2n1pb/1ppp3p/2n5/P1PNp1Q1/1P2P1PP/1B3PB1/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 839. Alexander Khalifman – Sergey Grishchenko, Sochi 2014 } 1. Nxc6 { There are three tempting options that don’t work: A. 1.Ne6 ?? B. 1.Nf5 ?? Nxf5 -+ C. 1.Qxg7+ ? Kxg7 2.Nf5+ Kg8 2...Kg6 3.Nxe7+ is also good for White , but 2...Kf7 3.Nxd6+ Ke6 leaves Black a piece up. 3.Nxh6# is nice , but the opponent is seldom so helpful. 1...Nxe6 -+ } 1... Qxg4 { 1...Rf7 ± and White has won an important pawn. } 2. Nxe7+ Kf7 3. hxg4 Kxe7 { Instead Black tried 3...Nd3 but his position was hopeless after 4.Nf5 (1-0, 26 moves.) } 4. Bxg7 { ✔ With so many extra pawns, White is winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 840"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k3/5pbp/p3P1p1/1pB5/1K6/1N1B2n1/PqP5/R3Q3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Vladimir Kramnik @@StartBlockQuote@@Objectivity consists in understanding that the only one who never makes a mistake is the one who never does anything.@@EndBlockQuote@@840. Veselin Topalov – Vladimir Kramnik, Belgrade 1995 } 1... Bc3+ { There is no follow-up after 1...a5+ ? 2.Kxb5 +-. } 2. Qxc3 a5+ { The king can no longer protect the queen. } 3. Kxb5 Qxc3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 841"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4q2k/5p1p/p4p2/1p2bN2/2p1P3/P5P1/1P1Q1P1P/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 841. Jeroen Piket – Vladimir Kramnik, Monte Carlo (rapid) 1999 } 1. Qh6 Qg8 2. f4 Bxb2 3. e5 { Cutting off the defence. } 3... Qg6 4. Qf8+ Qg8 5. Qe7 { Or 5.Qd6. } 5... Qg6 6. Qd8+ { Black resigned due to 6...Qg8 7.Qxf6+ Qg7 8.Qxg7# ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 842"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r7/4B1bk/2qP1np1/5b1p/2p2P2/2P1R2P/P2Q2P1/4R2K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 842. Vladimir Kramnik – Ljubomir Ljubojevic, Monaco (rapid) 2000 } 1. Bxf6 Bxf6 2. Re7+ { Sacrificing an exchange to win on the dark squares. } 2... Kh6 { 2...Bxe7 3.Rxe7+ Kh6 4.Qd4 Rg8 5.Qf6 ✔ delivers mate , while the d-pawn decides after 2...Kg8 3.Rc7 ✔ 3.d7 is also winning } 3. Rf7 { Still going for the dark squares. } 3... Bh4 4. Qd4 { ✔ } 4... Rg8 5. Qa7 { Strongest, but by now other moves also win. } 5... Rh8 6. Ree7 { White is mating. } 6... g5 7. Rf6+ Bg6 8. Rxg6+ Kxg6 9. Re6+ Kf5 10. Qf7# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 843"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rr3/pkp3pp/1pb2P2/3N4/2P1N3/bP6/P2R1PPP/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 843. Peter Leko – Vladimir Kramnik, Budapest (4) 2001 } 1... Bb4 { Bad are 1...gxf6 2.Rde2 ± and 1...Bxd5 2.Rxd5 +-. } 2. f7 { 2.Nxb4 Rxd2 3.Nxd2 Rxe1+ -+ ✔ } 2... Rxe4 { 2...Bxd2 3.fxe8=Q Rxe8 4.Re2 ± } 3. Rxe4 Bxd2 4. Re7 { A nice last trick, but it doesn't save the position. } 4... Bxd5 5. Re8 Bxf7 6. Rxd8 { ✔ The bishop pair is usually much stronger than a rook and pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 844"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/1pq2ppp/p1n5/3RbbNQ/P1B1p3/1P2P3/1B3PP1/R6K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 844. Vladimir Kramnik – Darmen Sadvakasov, Astana 2001 } 1. Nxf7 { 1.Bxe5 Nxe5 2.Nxh7 Bxh7 3.Qxe5 Qxe5 4.Rxe5 ± only wins a pawn. } 1... Rxf7 2. Qxf5 Rxf5 { The game ended after 2...g6 3.Bxe5. 2...Bxb2 3.Rd7 ! ✔ is also all over. } 3. Rd8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 845"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/p1r1np2/1qp1p1p1/p1R1P1Pp/3PP2P/P3B3/1PQ5/1K1R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 845. Vladimir Kramnik – Sergey Volkov, Moscow 2005 } 1. d5 { Opening the diagonal for a winning discovered attack on the queen. } 1... exd5 { 1...Rb7 2.d6 is plainly winning for White. } 2. Rcxd5 Qxe3 3. Rxd8+ { ✔ } 3... Kg7 4. Qd3 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 846"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1r1k1/1pBn1pp1/2p3np/2q5/p2NP3/2P5/B2Q1PPP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 846. Vladimir Kramnik – Lazaro Bruzon, Turin (ol) 2006 } 1. Bxf7+ Kxf7 2. Qa2+ Kf8 { 2...Ke7 3.Nf5+ Kf8 4.Bd6+ +- 2...Kf6 can only be refuted in one way: 3.Bd8+ ! Rxd8 4.Qe6+ Kg5 5.Nf3+ Kf4 And now there are several ways to mate in three moves. } 3. Ne6+ { ✔ Also strong is preparing Bd6+ with 3.Nf5 +- } 3... Rxe6 4. Qxe6 Ne7 { 4...Qg5 5.Rxd7 Bxd7 6.Bd6+ ! Ne7 7.Qxd7 +- } 5. Re3 { White is clearly winning and the game ended quickly: } 5... Ke8 6. Rf3 Qh5 7. Bd6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 847"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rk3/p5p1/2pqP3/1pbr1pB1/6pP/n1PB2R1/P3Q1K1/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 847. Veselin Topalov – Vladimir Kramnik, Elista (3) 2006 } 1. Bxf5 { 1.e7 Rb8 = } 1... Rxd1 { 1...Rxf5 2.Rxd6 ✔ Rxd6 +- and the check on f2 isn't dangerous after 3.Qxg4 or 3.Rd3 } 2. Bg6+ Kf8 3. e7+ Qxe7 4. Bxe7+ Bxe7 5. Bd3 { +- ✔ This is the only winning move, preventing the black counterplay connected with ...Rd2, while keeping a rook that it is needed in the attack (1–0, 45 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 848"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k1r1/pq3pP1/3Rp3/1Pn4Q/2p5/2P3P1/5P1P/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 848. Vladimir Kramnik – Magnus Carlsen, Monte Carlo (rapid) 2007 } 1. Rc6 { Somewhat weaker is: 1.Qh7 Ke7 2.Rc6 ! Rxc6 2...Nd7 3.Qh4+ ! +- 3.Qxg8 Rc8 4.Qh8 +- and 1.Raa6 Ke7 1...Nxa6 ? 2.Rxe6+ +- 2.Rac6 Rxc6 3.Rxc6 Qxb5 4.Rxc5 +- } 1... Rxc6 { Instead the game ended after 1...Nd3 2.Rxc8+ Qxc8 3.Rxa7 1-0 } 2. bxc6 Qxc6 3. Qh8 { Black doesn’t have a second rook on the back rank any more. Also 3.Qh7 +- is good enough. } 3... Rxh8 4. gxh8=Q+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 849"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1q1k1/5pp1/1bN1p2p/1p3n2/2n5/5QP1/P4PBP/B2R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 849. Boris Gelfand – Vladimir Kramnik, Moscow 2008 } 1... Qf8 { ✔ is best, but anything other than the main line that does not seem bad gives full points. Two more alternatives are: 1...Bxf2+ 2.Qxf2 Rxc6 3.Bxc6 Qxc6 =+ And 1...Nfd6 =+ 1...Nce3? A tempting but bad try that Kramnik fell for. 2.fxe3 Nxe3 3.Bd4! 3.Rd2 Nd5+ 4.Kh1 Qxc6 with a winning position , was Black’s idea. 3...Bxd4 4.Rxd4 4.Nxd4? Nxd1 5.Qxd1 is winning for Black due to the two pawns and White’s unstable knight. 4...Nxg2 5.Nb4! = The knight on g2 is trapped , so Black will have to show some care to draw this with some pawns for a knight. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 850"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/pp4pp/6q1/2pp4/2bbNPn1/5BP1/PPQB2KP/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 850. Vladimir Kramnik – Peter Svidler, Moscow (blitz) 2008 } 1... Nf2 { Black’s tactical threat is 2...dxe4, but the knight might also just continue to d3. Not 1...dxe4 ? 2.Qxc4+ ±. } 2. Be3 { A smart try, but not good enough. } 2... Nd3 { ✔ Black threatens the rook but also 3...Ba6 followed by 4...dxe4. White’s knight can’t move due to a discovered attack. Worse is: 3...Bxe3 ?! 4.Rxe3 Nd3 5.Rxd3 Bxd3 6.Qxd3 dxe4 7.Bxe4 ∓ } 3. Re2 Nb4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 851"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/1b1nkp1p/4pq2/1B6/PP1p1pQ1/2r2N2/5PPP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 851. Vladimir Kramnik – Viswanathan Anand, Bonn (5) 2008 } 1. Nd2 { Take a full point for any non-blundering move , but best seems either 1 Nd2 or 1.Bxd7 ∞. 1.Nxd4?? Qxd4 2.Rd1 Nf6! 3.Rxd4 Nxg4 4.Rd7+ Kf6 5.Rxb7 Rc1+ 6.Bf1 Maybe White had seen this far and counted on his queenside pawns to decide the game , but it was already time to resign two moves later: 6...Ne3! 7.fxe3 fxe3 0–1 } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 852"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/pp1q1pp1/2p2n1p/2P4r/1PB1pB2/7b/P1Q1N1P1/R3R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 852. Arkadij Naiditsch – Vladimir Kramnik, Dortmund 2009 } 1... Bxg2 { 1...Qg4 ? 2.Ng3 = } 2. Ng3 { 2.Kxg2 Qh3+ ✔ is mating. For example: 3.Kg1 Qh1+ 4.Kf2 Qf3+ 5.Kg1 Rh1# } 2... Bf3 { ✔ Black has plenty of pawns for the piece, and a winning attack. Or 2...Rh4 !? 3.Qxg2 Rxf4 -+. } 3. Qb3 { After 3.Nxh5 Nxh5 -+ White's king is naked and Black’s troops are incoming. Or 3...Qg4+ } 3... Rh4 4. Bd6 Qh3 5. Bxf7+ Kh7 6. Qb2 Ng4 { Mate is coming. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 853"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/1Q4p1/p2B3p/3pP3/2q2pPP/P2n1N2/1P3PK1/7R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 853. Alexander Morozevich – Vladimir Kramnik, Moscow 2009 Black is clearly better, but has a way to break through right now. } 1... Nxf2 2. Kxf2 Qc2+ 3. Kg1 { 3.Kf1 Qd3+ 4.Kf2 Qe3+ does not help White. } 3... Qd1+ 4. Kf2 { 4.Kg2 Qe2+ 5.Kg1 Qxf3 -+ ✔ } 4... Qxh1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 854"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rq2r1k1/2p2ppp/b1R5/P2Qp3/4P3/3pB2P/1P1NnPP1/R6K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 854. Viswanathan Anand – Vladimir Kramnik, Zurich 2013 } 1. Rxa6 Rxa6 2. Qxd3 { A double threat. } 2... Qxb2 { 2...Qa8 3.Qxe2 +- ✔ } 3. Rb1 Rd6 4. Qxe2 { The game ended swiftly: } 4... Qa2 { 4...Rxd2 5.Rxb2 Rxe2 6.Rxe2 +- } 5. Qb5 c6 6. Qb2 { White’s two pieces and the passed a-pawn are much stronger than a rook and c-pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 855"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2rkq2/3n1p2/pp1npp1p/2p4N/2P2QPP/P1NPP3/1B6/5RK1 w q - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 855. Vladimir Kramnik – Daniel Fridman, Dortmund 2013 } 1. Nd5 { Opening up the way to the king. } 1... exd5 2. Bxf6 { ✔ Threatening Ng7+, and the bishop cannot be taken due to mate. Black chose to resign since trying to create an escape square does not help: 2...Nb8 3.Bg7 Qe7 4.Nf6+ White wins the queen and the game. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 856"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1R3b2/2q1pp2/3n3p/7p/8/3B1PP1/1Q4K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 856. Vladimir Kramnik – Anton Korobov, Tromsø 2013 } 1. Bh6 { Threatening 38.Rb8+ Be8 39.Qg6+. Other moves are better for White, but this is the only winning move. 1.Rb8+ Kg7 2.Bh6+ ? even loses: 2...Kxh6 3.Rh8+ Kg5 -+ } 1... Nc7 { 1...f5 2.Qa1 ! ✔ Qc3 2...e5 3.Qxe5 Qxh6 4.Rb8+ +- 3.Qa8+ ! This is the difference between placing the queen on a1 and b2. White wins after 3...Kh7 4.Qf8 !. } 2. Qb4 { The game continued 2.Ra7 which is also winning: 2...Nb5 3.Qb4 Nd6 4.Qb8+ Ne8 5.Re7 +- (1-0, 51 moves) } 2... Kh7 3. Qf8 { Black has to give up the bishop on f7 to avoid mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 857"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rb2/5p1k/7B/1p1b1P2/6Q1/1P6/2r1p1PP/3R1R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 857. Vladimir Kramnik – Levon Aronian, Khanty-Mansiysk (2) 2014 } 1. Rg1 { Instead , the game continued 1.Bxf8 ?! exf1=Q+ 2.Rxf1 Rxg2 3.Qxg2 Bxg2+ 4.Kxg2 Rxf8 += (½–½, 60 moves) (.) White is also slightly better after 1.Bg5 exf1=Q+ 2.Rxf1 Rxg2 3.Qxg2 Bxg2+ 4.Kxg2 Bh6. } 1... Bxh6 { Black loses after 1...exd1=Q 2.Qxd1 ! ✔ with a double threat and 1...e1=Q 2.Rdxe1 Rxg2 3.Qxg2 3.Rxg2 ?? Rxe1# 3...Bxg2+ 4.Kxg2 ✔ } 2. Rde1 { ✔ The material advantage is large enough to win. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 858"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r1r2k1/pp2ppb1/1n4pp/3bP3/2qNR2N/B5P1/P4QBP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 858. Vladimir Kramnik – Peter Svidler, Sochi 2015 } 1. Ne6 { A nice discovery/closing tactic. Either the king is mated or the queen is lost. 1.e6 is not the way to go: 1...Bxe4 2.Qxf7+ ? 2.exf7+ Kh7 3.Bxe4 Bxd4 4.Bxg6+ Kh8 5.Bb2 e5 = 2...Kh8 -+ But 1.Rg4 !? Qxa2 2.Bb2 +- is also quite strong. } 1... Bxe6 { 1...Bxe4 2.Qxf7+ Kh7 3.Qxg7# ✔ } 2. Rxc4 { ✔ (1–0, 30 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 859"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r1k/ppb1q1pp/4b3/2p1p3/4Qn2/2P1NN1P/PP3PPK/3RRB2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 859. Laurent Fressinet – Vladimir Kramnik, Paris (rapid) 2016 } 1... Nxh3 { The bishop on c7 has a nice line of sight to the white king, so Black just needs some smart sacrifices to make full use of it. } 2. gxh3 Rxf3 { White can’t take back: } 3. Qxf3 e4+ { ✔ And the queen has to go. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 860"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/1p1nppbR/3p2p1/3P4/2P3P1/1P2BB1R/q3QPK1/r7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 860. Vassily Ivanchuk – Viswanathan Anand, Buenos Aires 1994 } 1. Rxg7+ Kxg7 2. Bd4+ f6 { 2...Ne5 3.Qe3 +- is similar. } 3. Qe3 { +- ✔ The queen penetrating to h6 decides the game; Black tried to prevent the immediate threats, but to no avail. 3.Bxa1 Qxa1 4.Qe3 should also win , but much more slowly and with some work still to be done. } 3... Nf8 4. Be4 Kf7 { 4...g5 is not a defence with the bishop on d4 , due to 5.Qxg5+. } 5. Rh8 { Black resigned in view of Qh6 with mate following. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 861"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/2p2ppp/8/1pn1P3/8/5Q2/1P3PPP/R1B2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 861. Veselin Topalov – Viswanathan Anand, Dos Hermanas 1996 } 1. Bg5 Rxa1 { 1...Qe8 2.Rxa8 Qxa8 3.Be7 ! ✔ and White wins an exchange: 3...Qxf3 4.gxf3 Nd3 5.Bxf8 ± } 2. Bxd8 Rxf1+ 3. Kxf1 { ✔ I believe White should win with correct play, but maybe Black can find a fortress. Topalov did not manage to crack Anand’s defence. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 862"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2Q5/5pbk/3p1qp1/3P4/4PP1p/3nB1PP/3N2K1/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 862. Viswanathan Anand – Miguel Illescas, Leon (3) 1997 White is a pawn up, but Black has some counterplay against the pawns on g3 and f4. } 1. e5 { 1.Nf3 ? Qb2+ = 1.Qc4 ?! Ne1+ 2.Kf2 hxg3+ !? 3.Kxe1 Qa1+ 4.Ke2 g2 5.Qc7 ! g1=Q 6.Bxg1 Qxg1 ± } 1... dxe5 { 1...Qf5 loses to 2.Qxf5 gxf5 3.exd6 +- and a passive move is hopeless: 1...Qe7 2.Ne4 +- or 2.Nf3 Bh6 3.e6 +- or even 2.e6 +- } 2. Ne4 Qf5 3. Ng5+ Kh6 4. Qg8 { ✔ 4.Qxf5 gxf5 5.Nxf7+ Kg6 6.Nxe5+ Nxe5 7.fxe5 Bxe5 8.gxh4 also wins. } 4... Nxf4+ 5. gxf4 Qc2+ 6. Bf2 { Black is out of constructive ways to protect against the mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 863"] [Result "*"] [FEN "qr4k1/2p2pp1/3p2p1/2n1p1P1/1nB1P3/2QPP2P/1P6/2B1R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 863. Aleksandar Kovacevic – Viswanathan Anand, Belgrade 1997 } 1... Nbxd3 2. Bxd3 { Instead the game ended: 2.Rf1 Qxe4 0-1 } 2... Rb3 3. Qc2 Rxd3 { 3...Nxd3 ? 4.Qxb3 Nxe1 5.Qd1 += } 4. b4 Qa4 { ✔By trading queens, Black saves both the knight and the rook, leaving him with a winning position. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 864"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rr2k1/5pp1/p2p3p/qp1Pp1bP/8/5P2/PPP3P1/1K1QRB1R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 864. Vassily Ivanchuk – Viswanathan Anand, Linares 1998 } 1... Rxc2 2. Kxc2 Qxa2 { The game came to a logical conclusion with: } 3. f4 Rc8+ 4. Kd2 Bxf4+ 5. Ke2 Qxb2+ 6. Kf3 Rc1 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 865"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/p2qbp1p/1p2p1pB/4r3/4N3/P4Q1P/1P3PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 865. Julen Arizmendi Martinez – Viswanathan Anand, Villarrobledo (rapid) 1998 } 1. Rd1 { When } 1... Qc8 2. Nf6+ Kh8 3. Nxe8 Qxe8 { Especially after } 4. Qc3 f6 5. Qc7 { With a double threat 5.Rd7 and 5 Qxa7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 866"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/p1R3pp/4pn2/8/3pP3/5P2/2R3PP/r1B3K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 866. Loek van Wely – Viswanathan Anand, Monte Carlo (rapid) 1999 } 1... d3 { 1...Ne8 2.Rc8 d3 transposes to 2...Ne8 in the main line. } 2. Rc8+ { 2.Rd2 Rbb1 -+ } 2... Kf7 { Full points also for 2...Ne8 3.Rxb8 dxc2 4.Rxe8+ Kf7 5.Rc8 Rxc1+ 6.Kf2 when White’s king is close enough to stop the c-pawn , but Black gets a winning pawn or rook ending after 6...a5 7.Ke3 Re1+ ! 8.Kd2 Rg1. But 2...Rxc8 ? 3.Rxc8+ Kf7 4.Kf2 is only equal. } 3. R2c7+ Kg6 4. Kf2 { 4.Rxb8 d2 -+ ✔ } 4... Rxc1 { After 5.Rxc1 d2 ! -+ ✔ Black wins a piece , remaining a piece up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 867"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rr4k/2qb1pp1/2nppb2/7P/4PP2/PpNBB3/1P4Q1/1K4RR w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 867. Viswanathan Anand – Ljubomir Ljubojevic, Monaco (blindfold) 2000 } 1. e5 dxe5 2. Qe4 { ✔ Also full points if your idea was 2.Ne4 Qd8 3.Nd6 +-. } 2... Kg8 { 2...g6 3.hxg6+ Kg7 4.gxf7+ Kf8 5.Bc5+ Ne7 6.Rg8+ Kxf7 7.Qh7+ Bg7 8.Qxg7# } 3. Bc5 { The black king cannot escape. Or 3.Qh7+ mating. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 868"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3nk1/3b1p2/1rpq1n2/R2p2p1/P2Pp2p/1P2P3/2QNNPPP/2R2BK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 868. Sinisa Drazic – Viswanathan Anand, Bastia 2000 } 1... Ng4 { Black wins by attacking the weak spots h2 and f2. } 2. g3 { 2.f4 exf3 Even stronger - full points and almost a bonus point - is attacking f4 with 2...Ne6 -+ 3.Nxf3 Nxe3 or 3...Rxb3 first 4.Qd2 Rxb3 ∓ ✔ } 2... Qf6 { -+ ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 869"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b2b1k/2r2ppp/n2p1N2/3Pr1P1/3NPQ2/2p3RP/1q3PK1/1B1R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 869. Viswanathan Anand – Victor Bologan, New Delhi (2) 2000 } 1. g6 { Not 1.Nxh7 ? Kh7 2.g6+ Kg8 ! 3.Rf3 Rh5 ! ∓ } 1... fxg6 { 1...hxg6 2.Qh4+ Rh5 3.Nxh5 +- ✔ } 2. Nd7 { ✔ White crashes through. Also full points for 2.Nxh7 Be7 3.Nf8 ! +- } 2... Be7 { 2...Re8 3.Nxf8 +- } 3. Nxe5 dxe5 4. Qf7 h6 5. Qe8+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 870"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/pp3rk1/1q1PQnp1/2p5/2P4r/3R1R2/PP3PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 870. Viswanathan Anand – Elizbar Ubilava, Villarrobledo (rapid) 2001 } 1. Rxf6 Rxf6 2. Qe7+ Rf7 3. Qxh4 { ✔ The d-pawn and Black’s weak king are sufficient to warrant resignation. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 871"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rr3k/pp3pp1/4p2p/2P1Bq1n/8/2P2PQ1/PP4P1/K2R3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 871. Viswanathan Anand – Alexey Dreev, Moscow (2) 2001 } 1. Rxd8+ { 1.Bxg7+ ? Kh7 -+ White can no longer take on d8 with check. } 1... Rxd8 2. Bxg7+ Kh7 { 2...Nxg7 3.Qh4 ! +- ✔ wins the rook thanks to the threats along the h-file. } 3. Qc7 { ✔ Anand managed to convert his advantage. 3.Qh4 Rd2 4.Bxh6 Kxh6 5.g4 Qg5 6.Qxh5+ Qxh5 7.Rxh5+ also scores full points. } 3... Rg8 4. Bd4 Rxg2 5. Qxb7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 872"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1r1k1/1p2ppbp/p1np1np1/P2N4/R3PPq1/1N1QB3/1PP3PP/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 872. Nigel Short – Viswanathan Anand, Dubai 2002 } 1... Nxd5 2. exd5 { 2.Qxd5 Bxb2 ∓ } 2... Ne5 { Short had no good moves: A. 2.Qd2 B. 2.fxe5 Qxa4 -+ ✔ C. 2.Qd1 Qxd1 3.Rxd1 Ng4 also take a point for 3...Nc4 ∓ 4.Bd4 Rxc2 ∓ ✔ 2...Nc4 -+ ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 873"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1r3k1/2qn1ppp/p3p3/2bb4/1p1N2PP/4BP2/PPPRBQ2/1K5R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 873. Viswanathan Anand – Judit Polgar, Cap d’Agde 2003 } 1... Bxd4 2. Bxd4 Bxa2+ 3. Kxa2 { After the game move 3.Kc1 many moves are winning. } 3... Qa5+ { Or first 3...b3+. } 4. Kb1 { 4.Kb3 and , among others , 4...Nb6 with mate to follow: 5.Bxb6 Rc3+ ! 6.bxc3 Qa3+ 7.Kc4 Qxc3# } 4... b3 5. cxb3 Qxd2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 874"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rnk1/pb3ppp/1p6/3r2q1/1Bp5/P4B2/1PQ2PP1/1K1R3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 874. Miso Cebalo – Viswanathan Anand, Bastia 2003 Best is... } 1. Rde1 { But any move that does not exchange too many pieces earns a full point. 1.Rxd5? A red herring – White should not bite into the bait. 1.Bxf8? is also bad: 1...Rxd1+ 2.Bxd1 2.Rxd1 Bxf3 3.gxf3 Rxf8–+ 2...Be4–+ 1...Bxd5 2.Rh5? White can win the h-pawn with 2.Bxf8 Kxf8 3.Qxh7 but Black’s king is safe enough after 3...f6 ∓. 2.Bxd5 Qxd5 ∓ also leads nowhere. 2...Qxh5 0–1 3.Bxh5 is met by 3...Be4–+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 875"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1rk1/p5pp/2b5/4qp1n/1pP1P3/1P2QRPP/P2NR1B1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 875. Evgeny Miroshnichenko Viswanathan Anand, Porz 2004 } 1... Nxg3 { 1...f4 ?! 2.gxf4 Nxf4 3.Ref2 ∞ Rd3 ? 4.Qxd3 Nxd3 5.Rxf8# The main point is: } 2. Rxg3 { 2.Ref2 Not a critical move, as there is now more than one way to win. Nxe4 Or 2...f4 -+ with the point 3.Rxf4 Rxf4 4.Rxf4 Qxf4 5.Qxf4 Ne2+ 3.Nxe4 Bxe4 Black should be winning and White soon resigned. But not 3...fxe4 ? 4.Rxf8+ Rxf8 5.Rxf8+ Kxf8 6.Qxa7 = 4.Rf4 ? g5 5.Qg3 Qg7 } 2... f4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 876"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/7p/p2R2p1/P1pPp3/q1N1Qr1b/2P4P/5PPK/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 876. Viswanathan Anand – Johann Hjartarson, Reykjavik (blitz) 2006 } 1. Rxg6+ { 1.Qxe5 ?! Qxc4 2.Rd7 Bf6 3.Qe6+ Kh8 4.Qd6 = } 1... hxg6 2. Qxg6+ Kh8 3. Rxe5 { The game finished: } 3... R4f5 4. Qh6+ Kg8 5. Qxh4 Rxe5 6. Qg3+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 877"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1kb1r/1p1n1pp1/p1n1p2p/4P3/q2NN2B/8/P1PQB1PP/1R2K2R w Kkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 877. Teimour Radjabov – Viswanathan Anand, Rishon Le Zion (blitz) 2006 } 1. Nxe6 g5 { 1...fxe6 2.Bh5+ g6 3.Bxg6# ✔; 1...Be7 2.Nc7+ +- } 2. Nf6+ { Anand did not want to see 2...Nxf6 3.Nc7+ Ke7 4.Qd6# ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 878"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/pp3pp1/8/2P1n1qp/1P6/P1Q2P2/5PBP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 878. Vassily Ivanchuk – Viswanathan Anand, Monte Carlo (blindfold) 2007 } 1. f4 { 1.Re4 Ng6 ± } 1... Qxf4 2. Re4 { White wins the knight by doubling his rooks on the e-file: } 2... Qf6 3. Rae1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 879"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3B2k1/6p1/3b4/1p1p3q/3P1p2/2PQ1NPb/1P2rP1P/R5K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 879. Viswanathan Anand – Levon Aronian, Morelia/Linares 2008 } 1... Re3 { 1...fxg3 2.hxg3 Bxg3 3.Qxe2 Bh2+ ! 4.Kxh2 Bf1+ 5.Kg1 Bxe2 ∓ and White has good chances to achieve a fortress. } 2. fxe3 Qxf3 { With a winning attack which concluded: } 3. Qc2 fxg3 { Or 3...fxe3 4.Bg5 e2 5.Ra8+ Bf8 with mate. } 4. hxg3 Qxg3+ 5. Kh1 Bf5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 880"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1p3ppp/1b1p1q2/r2P4/4B1b1/P3P1P1/4NP1P/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 880. Magnus Carlsen – Viswanathan Anand, Nice (rapid) 2008 } 1. Bxh7+ { While not winning any material permanently, the trades that result from this combination release the pressure on White, leaving him a pawn up. } 1... Kxh7 2. Qb1+ g6 3. Qxb6 { ± ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 881"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r2/1p1r2p1/p1p2bk1/8/1PPPR1P1/3KB3/1P6/5R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 881. Viswanathan Anand – Loek van Wely, Wijk aan Zee 2013 } 1. g5 Bxd4 { 1...Be7 2.Rxe7 +- ✔ } 2. Re6+ { ✔ Not 2.Rxf8 ? Bc5+ =+ In the game , Black resigned in view of lines such as: 2...Bf6+ 3.Kc2 Kf7 4.Re4 +- } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 882"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3q2k1/R4p2/2pr2pp/1pQ4n/1P1pP3/3P3P/2N2PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 882. Viswanathan Anand – Wei Yi, Leon 2016 } 1. e5 { Winning the c6- or d4-pawns. Anand didn’t win the pawn: 1.Ra8 ?! Qxa8 2.Qxd6 Qa2 3.Nxd4 Qb1+ 4.Kh2 Qxd3 = However , he did win the game (1–0, 50 moves) (.) } 1... Rd5 { 1...Rd7 2.Rxd7 Qxd7 3.Nxd4 +- } 2. Qxc6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 883"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1b3r1p/4p1pb/pp1q4/2pP4/2P2PB1/P1N1Q1PP/3R1R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Ruslan Ponomariov @@StartBlockQuote@@I’ve had situations where I seemed to be studying chess a lot, but without seeing any results. Then at a certain moment something clicks, and the quantity is transformed into quality. Chess in Translation @@StartBracket@@2011@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@883. Ruslan Ponomariov – Sergey Vokarev, Briansk 1995 } 1... Rxf3 2. gxf3 Rxf3 3. Rxf3 { 3.Kg1 -+ Rxc3 (0-1, 34 moves) Or 3...Re3 ! -+ with the point 4.Nxe3 Bxe3+ 5.Qxe3 Qg2# } 3... Qxf3+ 4. Qxf3 Bxf3+ 5. Kg1 Bxd1 { ✔ with an easily winning endgame. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 884"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b3k1/p1q2pp1/2p4p/4b3/4r3/1P5P/PNP1BPP1/1R1Q1R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 884. Ruslan Ponomariov – Boris Ponomariov, Alicante 1997 } 1... Be6 { Give yourself full points for every other normal move, for example 1...Be6. It is unclear whether the compensation is 100% there, but it is at least partial compensation. 1...Bxb2?! The start of an incorrect combination. 2.Rxb2 Bxh3? The immediate double threat 2...Qe5 loses to 3.Qd8+. 3.gxh3 Qe5 Apparently a double attack. 4.c3!+– But it could be parried! White is winning , and did indeed win in 33 moves. 4.Bf3? is not good enough: 4...Rh4–+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 885"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2r1nk1/ppq1bppp/2p1pn2/5N2/2PP4/3B1Q2/PP3PPP/2BRR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 885. Ruslan Ponomariov – Vepa Malikgulyew, Zagan 1997 } 1. Qg3 { 1.Nxe7+ is better for White , but does not win material , as is also the case with 16.Bf4 (±.) } 1... Qxg3 2. Nxe7+ Kh8 3. hxg3 Re8 4. Nxc6 { ✔ (1–0, 34 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 886"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1k2r/pp3ppp/2nBpn2/2P4Q/4P3/P2Bq3/2P1N1PP/R3KR2 w Qkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 886. Sergei Azarov Ruslan Ponomariov, Artek 1999 } 1. Rxf6 gxf6 { 1...g6 2.Qh4 +- } 2. Bf4 { ✔ traps the queen. In the game, Black fought on for a few more moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 887"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1r1k/1q3p1p/pp6/1p2ppQ1/4Nn2/2PP4/PP3PPP/R3R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 887. Sergei Tiviakov – Ruslan Ponomariov Moscow (4) 2001 } 1... Nh3+ { 1...Rg8 ? 2.Qf6+ Rg7 3.Qxd8+ +- } 2. gxh3 Rg8 { ✔ Winning the queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 888"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/p4Bb1/2p3Qp/1pB1p1p1/1P2P1n1/6P1/P1nq1N1P/1R4K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 888. Ruslan Ponomariov – Teimour Radjabov, Wijk aan Zee 2003 } 1... Nce3 { Blocking the bishop on c5 while stopping Nxg4. Three alternatives: A. 1...Nxf2 B. 1...Ne1 2.Kf1 ! ∓ C. 1...Nd4 ? 2.Nxg4 +- 2.Bxf8 Nh3+ 3.Kh1 Nf2+ 4.Kg1 = 2 } 2. Bxe3 Nxe3 { The game ended after just two more moves: } 3. h4 Qe2 4. Qh5 g4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 889"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/2r2pkp/p3p1p1/1pNbR3/5P1q/P3Q2P/1P4PK/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 889. Ruslan Ponomariov – Tihomir Dovramadjiev, Internet 2004 } 1. Rexd5 Rxd5 { Instead Black tried 1...Rdc8 +- but could not turn the game around (1–0, 42 moves) (.) } 2. Rxd5 exd5 3. Qe5+ { ✔ Picking up the rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 890"] [Result "*"] [FEN "k4b1r/5p1p/2bPpqp1/p1Bp4/2pP4/2P3Q1/P4PPP/1R4K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 890. Comp Hydra – Ruslan Ponomariov, Bilbao 2005 } 1. d7 { Opening up for the queen to join the attack. } 1... Bxc5 2. Qc7 { The game ended after the next move. } 2... e5 3. dxc5 { White is mating. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 891"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq1rk1/p2n1pp1/1p5p/b1pp4/3P4/P2BPNB1/1P2KPPP/R2Q3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 891. Levon Aronian – Ruslan Ponomariov, Khanty-Mansiysk (3) 2005 } 1. b4 { 1.Bd6 ?! Re8 2.b4 cxb4 3.axb4 allows 3...Nf6 =. } 1... cxb4 2. Qb3 { White will win back a pawn on either b4 or d5, and retain material-winning threats. } 2... Nc5 { 2...bxa3 3.Qxd5 +- ✔ and the rook cannot be saved. 2...Qe7 3.Qxd5 3.Rhc1 is also quite strong 3...Nf6 4.Qxa8 Bb7 5.Bd6 !! ✔ saves the queen , keeping a winning material advantage. } 3. dxc5 { ✔ (1–0, 73 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 892 "] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/3R1ppp/1qb1p3/1Pb1Q3/2P2P2/4p3/2N1B2P/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 892. Ruslan Ponomariov – Alexander Grischuk, Sochi 2006 } 1. Rc7 { Winning one of the bishops. Not 1.bxc6 ?? Qb1#. } 1... Bf3 2. Bxf3 { 2.Qxc5 Qxc5 3.Rxc5 Bxe2 4.Nxe3 ± probably also offers decent winning chances. } 2... Bd6 3. Rc6 { Black resigned , since White is winning on the queenside after 3...Bxe5 4.Rxb6 Rxb6 5.fxe5 ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 893"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/2p4p/p4p1B/2b4Q/Ppq5/1n3N1P/1P4P1/4R2K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 893. Krishnan Sasikiran – Ruslan Ponomariov, Zafra 2007 } 1. Ne5 { ✔ Finding the soft target on f7; Black has no defence. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 894"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rr3k1/1b2qpp1/pp1bpn1p/4n3/P1BNP3/2N1BP1P/QP4P1/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 894. Ruslan Ponomariov – Peter Leko, Moscow (blitz) 2007 } 1. Bxe6 Rd8 { 1...fxe6 ? 2.Nf5 +- ✔ wins the bishop and the e6-pawn. } 2. Nf5 { White has won an important pawn. 2.f4 is also good , as is the passive 2.Bb3. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 895"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r2r/5p2/1kp4p/p3RQp1/3R4/P5P1/qP3PP1/2K5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 895. Pavel Tregubov – Ruslan Ponomariov, Odessa 2008 } 1. Rb5+ { White gains a mating attack. } 1... Ka6 { 1...cxb5 2.Rd6+ ✔ Ka7 and there is more than one way to mate , for instance 3.Qd7+ Ka8 4.Ra6+ Kb8 5.Rb6+ Ka8 6.Qb7# } 2. Rxa5+ { 2.Kd2 and 2.Kc2 are also winning. } 2... Kb6 3. Qc5+ { Mate is nigh. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 896"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1r1k1/ppb2pp1/2nq3p/3p4/3P4/3BBN1P/PP3PP1/R2QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 896. Vladislav Tkachiev – Ruslan Ponomariov, Moscow (blitz) 2008 } 1. Bf4 { ✔ Mating on e8 or winning a bishop on c7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 897"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2qk1/6r1/2Ppp1pQ/p1n2pP1/1p1B4/1P5P/P1P3B1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 897. Magnus Carlsen – Ruslan Ponomariov, Moscow (blitz) 2008 } 1. Rxe6 { 1.Bxc5 runs into 1...Qf7 ! ∓ , but White doesn’t have to exchange on c5 before capturing the e6-pawn. } 1... Nxe6 2. Bd5 Re8 { 2...Kf7 3.Bxg7 ! and White is winning because the rook will be hanging after 3...Qxg7 4.Bxe6+ ✔. } 3. c7 Kf7 4. Bxg7 Qg8 { 4...Qxg7 5.Bxe6+ or 5.Qxg7+ Kxg7 6.Bxe6 +- 5...Rxe6 6.Qxg7+ Kxg7 7.c8=Q +- ✔ } 5. Bf6 { +- Black is quite tied up and will end up losing a lot of material. 5.h4 is also winning. Instead the game continued 5.Bd4 ?! Ke7 6.Bb6 when Black could have played 6...Rf8 ±. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 898"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/p4p1p/Pr2p3/1nRr1p2/1R6/3N1PP1/4P1KP/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 898. Boris Gelfand – Ruslan Ponomariov, Khanty-Mansiysk (6) 2009 } 1. Rxd5 exd5 2. Nf4 { In order to exploit the pin, the knight needs to attack the b6-rook from d5. 2.Nb2 ? Ke7 += 3.Na4 ?! Rxa6 = } 2... Nc7 { 2...d4 3.Nd5 Rb8 4.Nc7 +- } 3. Rxb6 axb6 4. a7 { ✔ The principles of knight endgames are often the same as in pawn endgames, and here the advanced and distant passer on a7, and all the weak black pawns, give White a winning endgame (1–0, 52 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 899"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k1r/p1nbq2r/1p1p1pp1/1PpPp1b1/2P1P1P1/P2Q1P1n/2KNN2R/3BB2R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 899. Ruslan Ponomariov – Baadur Jobava, Kharkov 2010 } 1... Nf2 { Discovered attack. 1...Nf4 ? has the same idea but runs into: 2.Nxf4 Rxh2 ? 3.Nxg6+ +- } 2. Bxf2 { One point is 2.Rxh7 Rxh7 3.Rxh7 Nxd3 4.Rxe7 Nxe1+ -+ ✔ when Black has an extra piece. } 2... Rxh2 3. Rxh2 Rxh2 { ✔ (0–1, 79 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 900"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/6pp/2N5/Q2p4/4q1n1/6P1/5P1P/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 900. Francisco Vallejo Pons – Ruslan Ponomariov, Spain 2011 } 1... Ne3 { The threat of ...Qg2 mate cannot be stopped except by capturing the knight – a move that decisively opens up the king’s position. 1...Rxf2 allows White to draw with 2.Qxd5+ or 2.Qd8+ } 2. fxe3 Qxe3+ { ✔ } 3. Kg2 Rf2+ { Mating is best, but other moves are winning as well. } 4. Kh3 Qh6+ 5. Kg4 Qg6+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 901"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r2/1p3pk1/p1rpbn1p/b1q1p3/P3P3/1PNR1Q2/2P2PPP/R1B3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 901. Sergey Fedorchuk – Ruslan Ponomariov, Spain 2011 } 1. Bxh6+ Kg6 { 1...Kxh6 2.Qxf6+ Kh7 2...Kh5 also runs into a mate in several ways. Most direct is 3.Rg3. 3.Qh4+ Kg8 4.Rg3+ Bg4 5.Rxg4# ✔ } 2. Nd5 { In the game, White had a winning attack. The knight cannot be taken and the game ended in mate in a few moves. } 2... Nh7 { Both 2...Bxd5 3.Qf5+ Kxh6 4.Qxf6+ and 2...Nxd5 3.Qg3+ will end up with mate. } 3. Qg3+ Kh5 4. Nf6+ Nxf6 5. Qg5# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 902"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/pR3b2/5Ppp/6P1/4B1n1/7r/P3R1N1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 902. Peter Svidler – Ruslan Ponomariov, Eilat (1) 2012 } 1. Bd5 { Two tries that don’t really work are 1.Bxg6 ? Bxg6 2.Rg7+ Kf8 ∓ and 1.Rxf7 ?! Kxf7 2.Bxg6+ Kxg6 3.Nf4+ Kf7 4.g6+ Kxf6 5.Rxe8 =. } 1... Rxe2 { 1...Bxd5 2.Rxe8# ✔ } 2. Bxf7+ Kf8 { 2...Kh8 3.Rb8+ Kh7 4.Bg8+ Kh8 5.Be6+ Picking up the knight spells the end of the game. } 3. Bxg6 { Black tried to fight on for a few moves, but it proved futile. } 3... Re8 4. Rf7+ Kg8 5. Rg7+ Kf8 6. Rh7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 903"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rqr1k1/R3bp1p/1n4p1/3P1b1N/3P1B2/6QP/6B1/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 903. Ruslan Ponomariov – Leinier Dominguez Perez, Tashkent 2012 } 1. Rxe7 { Eliminating the defence of the dark squares. 1.Bc7 ?! Rxc7 2.Qxc7 Qxc7 3.Rxc7 Nc8 wins an exchange , but White is only slightly better. } 1... Qxe7 { 1...Rxe7 2.Nf6+ +- ✔ and as there are many ways to conclude the attack , it's enough to see this far. a few lines: 2...Kh8 2...Kg7 3.Qg5 +- and the queen is coming to h6 with devastating effect 3.Qh4 h5 4.Qg5 Qf8 5.Bd6 The defence is collapsing , since both e7 and f5 are hanging. It's over after 5...Rcc7 6.Rxf5 +-. } 2. Bg5 { ✔ 2.Be5 !? or 2.d6 !? and some other moves are good but not best or most natural. } 2... Qe2 3. Nf6+ Kg7 4. Nxe8+ Rxe8 5. Rxf5 { Black has to give up the queen to delay mate after 5... gxf5 6. Be7+ ! ✔. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 904"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1B6/p4k1p/1p3pp1/2pN4/2P1K1PP/PP1R4/3r1r2/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 904. Deshun Xiu – Ruslan Ponomariov, Danzhou 2014 Despite the centralized position, the king is somewhat short of squares and must keep the rook protected. } 1... f5+ 2. gxf5 gxf5+ 3. Ke5 { 3.Ke3 Rde2# ✔ } 3... Rxd3 { ✔ (0–1, 50 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 905"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3q4/k1p2br1/1pQ5/p2pR3/P2P4/1P1B4/K1P5/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 905. Fabiano Caruana – Ruslan Ponomariov, Dortmund 2014 How can White exploit the weak light squares around the king? } 1. Re7 { First, we must deflect the queen by attacking c7. } 1... Qxe7 { 1...Kb8 2.Ba6 ✔ is mating. } 2. Ba6 { And then the king is deflected! White mates. } 2... Kxa6 3. Qa8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 906"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1n1r1k2/p1rbbppp/1p1Npn2/2P5/8/BN4P1/P3PPBP/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 906. Ivan Cheparinov – Ruslan Ponomariov, Tromsø (ol) 2014 } 1. Nb5 { Pin, discovered check and pawn promotion are on the agenda. } 1... Rcc8 { The main point is 1...Bxb5 2.Rxd8+ Bxd8 3.cxb6+ Re7 4.bxa7 +- ✔ and promotion. } 2. Nxa7 Rc7 3. cxb6 { White is winning (1–0, 37 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 907"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1r1kb/1b2qp1p/1np2npB/1p2p3/4P3/1PP2NNP/5PP1/2QRRBK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 907. Ruslan Ponomariov – Jure Borisek, Berlin (blitz) 2015 } 1. Nf5 { Using the cramped king to bring the knight to the lovely d6-square, winning an exchange. } 1... Qe6 { 1...gxf5 2.Qg5+ Bg7 3.Qxg7# ✔ } 2. Nd6 { ✔ (1-0, 55 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 908"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/1b3pb1/1n3npp/pBp1p1B1/P3P3/2P2NNP/5PP1/1R4K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 908. Ruslan Ponomariov – Axel Bachmann, Berlin (blitz) 2015 } 1. Bxf6 Bxf6 2. Ba6 { Taking advantage of all the unprotected minor pieces. } 2... Nxa4 { 2...Bxa6 2.Rxb6 +- ✔ wins a piece. } 3. Rxb7 { White is a piece up (1–0, 55 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 909"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/p4kpp/b7/1p1qP3/2r5/1Q4P1/PPRbPP1P/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 909. Ruslan Ponomariov – Francisco Vallejo Pons, Madrid 2016 } 1. e4 { 1.e6+ Kxe6 2.e4 is similar , but 1.Rd1 ? runs into 1...Bb7 ! -+. } 1... Qd4 { 1...Qxe4 drops the bishop: 2.Rxd2 +- ✔ } 2. Rd1 { ✔ Now there is no counterplay, so the pins win the bishop. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 910"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r2/pR2Npbk/3p2pp/2pP4/P4QP1/2q1P3/5PK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Rustam Kasimdzhanov (on Anand) @@StartBlockQuote@@He sees a lot more than all the others, but that isn’t necessarily a strength. In the games he loses he has also seen more than his opponent. Playing chess isn’t about what you see. Playing chess is about what you can seize from that. It can also sometimes be a burden when you see so many variations that you can no longer maintain control. Chess24 @@StartBracket@@2013@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@910. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Patrice Verdier, Corsica (rapid) 1997 } 1. Nxg6 Qd3 { No better are 1...fxg6 2.Qxf8 +- ✔ or 1...Kxg6 2.Qf5# ✔ } 2. Nxf8+ { ✔ Mate is on the way. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 911"] [Result "*"] [FEN "b1r2k2/R1Nr1p2/7p/N6n/2B1PnR1/5P2/6PK/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 911. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Giorgi Bakhtadze, Yerevan 1999 } 1. Ne6+ { A discovered attack with an added threat to the f4-knight. Black has a fork, but White emerges with a winning position. } 1... Ke7 { 1...Nxe6 2.Rxd7 Nf6 2...Rxc4 3.Nxc4 Nf6 4.Ne5 +- ✔ or 4.Ra7 Nxg4+ 5.Kg3 ! +- 3.Bxe6 ! 3.Rf4 +- is also good enough 3...fxe6 4.Rf4 ! +- ✔ } 2. Rxd7+ Kxd7 3. Nxf4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 912"] [Result "*"] [FEN "k7/p1r1qpnp/B2rb1p1/2ppN3/Q5P1/1R2P2P/PP3P2/1KR5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 912. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Gerald Hertneck Germany 2001 } 1. Rxc5 { Distracting the crucial defender of b7 to a vulnerable square. Worse are 1.Qb5 Rb6 = and 1.Nc6 ? Rdxc6 2.Bb7+ Rxb7 3.Qxc6 c4 ∓. } 1... Rxc5 2. Bb7+ Qxb7 3. Rxb7 Kxb7 4. Qb4+ { +- ✔ White wins a rook, with a winning material advantage. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 913"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/pp4bp/1q1p2p1/3Ppb2/1P2Nr2/1Q1B1P2/P5KP/R1BR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 913. Etienne Bacrot – Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Moscow 2002 } 1... Rxf3 { 1...Bxe4 ?! 2.Bxe4 Rxe4 3.fxe4 Qf2+ 4.Kh1 Qe2 5.Bg5 ± is bad for Black and 1...Bh3+ ? 2.Kxh3 Rxf3+ 3.Kg2 Rf2+ 4.Kh1 ! loses for him. } 2. Kxf3 { White tried the non-critical 2.Qc4 when 2...Bg4 ! is precise , but other moves win too. } 2... Bxe4+ 3. Kg3 { 3.Kxe4 Qd4# ✔ } 3... Qf2+ { ✔ Mate is coming. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 914"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/1b3pp1/p2p4/1p4qp/1P1p1n2/P2P1PN1/B1P2RPP/R2Q2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 914. Thomas Luther – Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Mainz 2003 } 1... h4 { Chasing away the blocking knight prepares a fork. } 2. Ne4 Bxe4 3. dxe4 Nh3+ 4. Kf1 Nxf2 { ✔ (0–1, 34 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 915"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4Q3/p5pk/p1pP3p/3bN3/3Pqp2/P6P/5PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 915. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Mark Bluvshtein, Khanty-Mansiysk (ol) 2010 } 1. Qg6+ { Trading the attack for a win by promotion. } 1... Qxg6 2. Nxg6 { The pawn queens after 2...Kxg6 3.d7 ✔ and 2...Be6 3.Nf8+ is a fork. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 916"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3b2R/7R/r1pkn1p1/4Np2/1PPp1P2/3P1BP1/p1K5/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 916. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Mohammad Miran Khademi, Mashhad 2011 } 1. Rxe8 { 1.c5+ ? Nxc5 2.Nc4+ Ke6 -+ } 1... R8a7 { 1...a1=N+ leads nowhere and 1...Rxe8 is met by 2.Rd7# ✔ } 2. c5+ { The end was close: 2...Nxc5 3.Nc4# ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 917"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r4k/qp5p/3p2p1/3Ppb2/NPB2p1b/1R3Pn1/5RPP/2BQ2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 917. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Liviu Dieter Nisipeanu, Rogaska Slatina 2011 } 1. Nc5 { ✔ The only way to get out of the dangerous pin, while only losing one of the hanging pieces. White retains an exchange – a winning material advantage (1–0, 40 moves) . No good is: 1.hxg3 fxg3 2.Nc5 gxf2+ =+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 918"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/ppP4p/6p1/5bN1/3qp3/1P2n1P1/P4QBP/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 918. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Marat Dzhumaev, Tashkent 2011 } 1. g4 Nc2 { 1...Bxg4 2.Qf7+ Kh8 3.Qxh7# ✔ } 2. gxf5 { ✔ (Kasimdzhanov played another winning move) (also full points) : 2.Qxd4 Nxd4 3.Rd1 e3 4.Rxd4 Rxc7 5.Bd5+ 1-0 } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 919"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r1Nbk2/2n4p/5P1p/1p6/p7/8/P2R1KPP/2rBR3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 919. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Henrik Teske, Germany 2011 } 1. f7 Bxf7 { The game continued 1...Bc6 +- when White has several winning options. For example: 2.Rd6 another is 2.Bf3 Rxe1 3.Nxc6 +- attacking both rooks 2...Bd5 2...Ba8 3.Rd7 +- 3.Rxd5 ! Black resigned in view of 3...Nxd5 4.Re8+ mating. } 2. Nxf7 Kxf7 3. Bh5+ { ✔ Winning the rook. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 920"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rrk1/1bpn2pp/p2bp3/1p1p1n1q/3P2N1/2P2N1P/PPB2PP1/R1BQR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Veselin Topalov @@StartBlockQuote@@I think the solution is to shorten the time control in order to provide more margin for error, since memory would then be less of a factor than now and it would be more important to calculate faster. Página/12 @@StartBracket@@2015@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@920. Dimitar Donchev – Veselin Topalov, Sofia 1989 } 1. Nfe5 { Threatening the d7-knight and preparing a discovered attack on the queen. } 1... Bxe5 2. Nh6+ { ✔ 2.Nf6+ ?? Nxf6 -+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 921"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4k2/2p1n1bQ/bp2B1p1/p1q5/P2p1P1P/2p1B3/1P4P1/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 921. Eran Liss – Veselin Topalov, Singapore 1990 } 1. f5 { White wants to force away the g7-bishop that is blocking the mate on f7. } 1... dxe3 { The game continued: 1...Nxf5 2.Qg8+ other moves also win , but not 2.Bxf5 dxe3 += 2...Ke7 3.Qf7+ Kd6 4.Qd7+ and Black resigned , as he was facing mate in a few moves. After 1...gxf5 White wins with , among others , 2.Bh6. } 2. f6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 922"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r4r/1b1nqkpp/p3pb2/4p2P/2pN1PQ1/P1N1B2R/1PP5/2KR4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 922. Vasilios Kotronias – Veselin Topalov, Kavala 1990 } 1. Nxe6 { +- Winning an important pawn and gaining a superb knight on e6. } 1... Bc6 { 1...Qxe6 fails to 2.Rxd7+ +- ✔ when the rook is indirectly protected by the queen. } 2. f5 e4 3. Bd4 Rhg8 4. Nxe4 Bxe4 5. Qxe4 c3 6. b4 { White has a crushing position. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 923"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5kr1/1p3p1p/2pqB3/4R1rn/p2P4/2P2Q2/PP3P2/3R3K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 923. Veselin Topalov – Jacob Bjerre Jensen, Copenhagen 1991 } 1... Nf4 { What a multipurpose move! Black cuts off the queen from the mate threat, threatens the bishop, opens the h-file for either the queen on h6 or a rook on h5. White is utterly defenceless against so many threats. The game ended the other way after: 1...Qe7 ?! 2.Bh3 Rxe5 3.dxe5 Qxe5 ?? 3...Qg5 = 4.Rd8+ 1-0 } 2. Qxf4 Rh5+ 3. Rxh5 Qxf4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 924"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3rbk1/1p1q2pp/5p2/pNpnP3/P2p1PP1/1P3Q1P/1P1B4/R3R2K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 924. Veselin Topalov – Juan Mellado Trivino, Terrassa 1992 } 1. Nd6 { Cutting off the defence of d5. } 1... Nb4 { 1...Bxd6 2.Qxd5+ +- ✔ } 2. Nxe8 { ✔ White has won an exchange and will gain control of the soon-to-be-open e-file. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 925"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k1r2r/pp6/2p2np1/4p3/2P3P1/1P1R1P1p/PB2N2b/1K2R3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 925. Mikhail Nedobora – Veselin Topalov, Candas 1992 } 1... e4 { Breaking up White’s pawn structure and giving the bishop on h2 a retreat square. } 2. Re3 { 2.fxe4 Be5 -+ ✔ and Black will win on the kingside. } 2... exf3 { The white kingside is collapsing. The game gives some indication of White’s troubles here. However 2...Be5 -+ is also winning. } 3. Rxf3 Ne4 { 3...Be5 is still a winning idea. } 4. Kc2 Ng5 5. Rf2 Be5 6. Bxe5 Rxe5 7. Rh1 Re4 8. Rg1 Nf3 9. Rh1 Ne5 10. Kd2 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 926"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1q3p1p/p2p2p1/4r1PP/4nQ2/2P2N2/P7/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 926. Jesus Maria Iruzubieta Villaluenga – Veselin Topalov, Elgoibar 1992 } 1... Nxg5 { ✔ 1...Qb6+ ?! allows 2.Qe3 ! = when 2...Qxe3+ 3.Rxe3 Nxg5 ? 4.Nxe5 even wins for White. In the game , White resigned in view of the heavy material losses: 2.Rxe5 Nxf3+ or 2...Nh3+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 927"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/p2bppb1/3p2p1/1pq2PBn/4P1Q1/1B6/P1P5/1K1R3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 927. Veselin Topalov – Alfonso Romero Holmes, Leon 1993 } 1. Bh6 { Neutralizing all counterplay and getting rid of the supreme defender by exploiting the multiple pins created by White’s pieces aimed against the black king. } 1... Qc3 { 1...Bxh6 2.Qxg6+ Bg7 3.Qxh5 +- ✔ or 3.Rxh5 +- } 2. Bxg7 { ✔ White has a winning attack. } 2... Qxg7 3. Rdg1 { After 3...Nf6 4.Qxg6 +- it's hopeless. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 928"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1B/p3kB1R/1b4p1/4pbN1/5n2/1P3K2/P7/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 928. Jesus Maria De la Villa – Veselin Topalov, Pamplona 1994 } 1... Rxh8 2. Rxh8 Kf6 { -+ ✔ Gaining a second piece for the rook gives Black a likely winning endgame (0–1, 49 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 929"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k1r1/q4p2/pR2p3/Pb2P2p/3Pp3/7Q/2N3PP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 929. Veselin Topalov – Judit Polgar, Novgorod 1996 } 1. Rxe6+ { 1.d5 ? is too slow after 1...Rxc2 -+ , but 1.Na3 preserves an advantage (but is weak compared to the game) (.) } 1... Kf8 { 1...fxe6 2.Qxe6+ +- ✔ and one of the rooks drop. The game move is clever , and gives Black a double threat against c2 and e6 , so one has to see further. } 2. Qa3+ { 2.Rg6 !? is the only other move that wins. The point is still the check on a3 : 2...Rxc2 3.Qa3+ } 2... Kg7 3. Re7 Rc7 4. Rxc7 Qxc7 5. Ne3 { ✔ The position has stabilized with White a pawn up, with the safer king, better minor piece and more dangerous pawns (1–0, 60 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 930"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r4k/N6p/3p2p1/1Q1Pb3/Pq2Pr1P/R1p2P2/1P6/1KR5 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 930. Loek van Wely – Veselin Topalov, Antwerp 1997 } 1... c2+ 2. Ka2 { 2.Rxc2 Qe1+ -+ ✔ wins the rook. 2.Ka1 Qxa3# ✔ } 2... Qd2 3. Qf1 Qd4 { There is a double threat against a7 and b2. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 931"] [Result "*"] [FEN "R6r/1p1rn1kp/2pN1pp1/2P1p3/4P3/2K4P/5PP1/1R6 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 931. Loek van Wely – Veselin Topalov, Monte Carlo (blindfold) 1997 } 1. Ne8+ { 1.Rxh8 ?! Kxh8 2.Ne8 Ng8 and Black defends. } 1... Kf7 2. Nxf6 { ± ✔ (1–0, 39 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 932"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1q3k1/2n1pp1p/3p2p1/2pP4/1r1bPPn1/1PN2QPP/PB4N1/1R3R1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 932. Predrag Nikolic – Veselin Topalov, Linares 1997 } 1... Ne5 { 1...Nf2+ ? 2.Rxf2 Qxh3+ 3.Kg1 ± The knight sacrifice opens up for a discovered attack on the pawn on h3: 2.fxe5 Qxh3# ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 933"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/p4p1n/1pqB1bp1/2pR3p/2P4P/1P4Q1/P2N1PPK/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 933. Veselin Topalov – Jan Timman, Elista (ol) 1998 } 1... Bxh4 { The queen now tried to do too much. } 2. Qd3 { 2.Qxh4 Rxd6 3.Rxd6 ? 3.Ne4 ∓ 3...Qxd6+ -+ picks up the d2-knight. } 2... Nf6 { -+ ✔ White can’t retain the strong bishop on d6 and faces huge material losses. } 3. Be7 Qc7+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 934"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1r1k/1b1PNpbp/p2Q4/2p3N1/1pP1p2P/5P1R/PP2nP2/1K1R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 934. Alexei Shirov – Veselin Topalov, Sarajevo 2000 } 1. Qxc5 { Targeting the soft spot on h7 by getting the queen to f5. 1.h5 ? h6 2.Nxe4 is somewhat better for White , but nowhere near as convincing as the game continuation. } 1... Nf4 { 1...f5 is met by 2.Ne6 +- ✔ or 2.Nxf5 +-. } 2. Qf5 { ✔ } 2... Ng6 { It is now enough to take the exchange, but Shirov was more direct. } 3. h5 Qxe7 4. hxg6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 935"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/pp3p2/3p1b1R/2pPnBpQ/4P3/5q2/PP2N3/1K4R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 935. Francisco Vallejo Pons – Veselin Topalov, Barcelona 2000 } 1. Rxg5+ { 1.Qxf3 ? Nxf3 2.Rxf6 2.Rg3 Bg7 ∓ 2...Nxg1 3.Nxg1 is unclear. } 1... Kf8 { 1...Bxg5 2.Qxg5+ ✔ is a key move , after which White’s attack is winning in many ways; an evaluation that can be made without calculating further. But here we can afford some supporting variations. 2.Rh8+ ? Kg7 3.Rh7+ 3.Qh7+ ? Kf6 -+ and the attack is over 3...Kf6 4.Rxf7+ ! Nxf7 5.Qxf3 Ne5 And White is better , but not winning. 2...Ng6 2...Kf8 3.Rh8# 3.Bxg6 fxg6 3...Qd3+ 4.Ka1 Qd1+ 5.Nc1 changes nothing 4.Rxg6+ Kf7 5.Rg7+ Kf8 6.Rg8+ Kf7 7.Qg7# } 2. Rxf6 { The only thing that might be useful to see is that Black runs out of checks after: } 2... Qd3+ 3. Kc1 Qe3+ 4. Kd1 Qd3+ 5. Ke1 Qb1+ 6. Kf2 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 936"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/8/b2pRqp1/p1pP1p2/P1P2P2/2p2Q2/5PB1/6K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 936. Rafael Vaganian – Veselin Topalov, Istanbul (ol) 2000 } 1... Qxe6 { -+ Giving up the queen to gain the time needed to promote the c-pawn. Worse are 1...Qg7 ?! 2.Qd3 ∓ and 1...c2 ? 2.Rxf6 c1=Q+ 3.Kh2 ± and 1...Rb1+ ?! 2.Bf1 Qh4 =+. } 2. dxe6 c2 3. Qe3 Rb1+ 4. Kh2 c1=Q { ✔ (0–1, 36 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 937"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r4k1/RB2rpp1/8/1R4p1/8/1PPn3P/5P2/7K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 937. Veselin Topalov – Alexander Morozevich, Cannes 2002 } 1. Be4 { Double discovery with a threat on the knight and taking away the h7-square! Black resigned, since he is mated whichever rook he captures. } 1... Nxf2+ { 1...Rxb5 2.Ra8+ ✔ with mate. } 2. Kg2 Ree8 3. Rxb8 Rxb8 4. Kxf2 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 938"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/pp1nb1pq/2p1p1Rp/5r1P/3PN3/2PQ4/PP3P2/1KBR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 938. Veselin Topalov – Peter Leko, Dubai 2002 } 1... Ne5 2. Qg3 { 2.Qe2 Nxg6 3.hxg6 Qxg6 -+ } 2... Rxh5 { -+ ✔ Something along the h7-b1 diagonal, or the d1-rook, will drop off (0–1, 27 moves) . But not 2...Nxg6 ? 3.hxg6 Qh8 4.Qc7 +- } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 939"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5n2/5kpp/3P1p2/4pN2/2b3P1/6PP/3B1K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 939. Alexei Shirov – Veselin Topalov, Prague 2002 } 1. d7 { Clearing a square for a fork while threating to queen the pawn. } 1... Nxd7 2. Nd6+ Kg6 3. Nxc4 { ✔ (1–0, 52 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 940"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6r/k4pp1/pq2p2p/1p1n4/3N3P/1R6/PPP1QPP1/2KR4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 940. Veselin Topalov – Evgeny Bareev, Dortmund (2) 2002 } 1. Nxb5+ { Exposing Black’s king to the white artillery. 1.c4 ? Rac8 ∓ is bad , but there are some decent alternatives: 1.Qe5 !? ± and 1.a4 !? b4 ± } 1... axb5 2. Rxb5 { The move order is important. 2.Rxd5 ? exd5 3.Rxb5 ? Rhe8 ! wins for Black. } 2... Qc6 { 2...Qa6 3.Rdxd5 ! or the nice-looking 3.Qe3+ Nxe3 4.Rd7+ +- 3...exd5 4.Qe7+ ✔ mating. 2...Qc7 defends against the check on e7. A rook lift is winning , as well as 3.Rdxd5 exd5 4.Qe3+ Ka6 5.Rb4 Qa5 6.Qe2+ Ka7 7.Qe7+ Ka6 8.Qb7#. } 3. Rdxd5 { 3.Rd4 +- should also be good enough; as is 3.Qd3 +-. } 3... exd5 4. Qe7+ Ka6 5. Rb3 { ✔ The threat of 6.Qa3 is decisive. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 941"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k3/3n1p2/p5B1/3PpQ2/P4P2/6Pp/2pq1B1P/2b1R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 941. Veselin Topalov – Francisco Vallejo Pons, Morelia/Linares 2006 } 1... Qxe1+ { 1...Qxd5 ? 2.Rxe5+ ! wins for White and 1...fxg6 2.Qe6+ leads to a perpetual after the best moves. } 2. Bxe1 Be3+ 3. Kf1 c1=Q 4. Qxf7+ Kd8 { ✔ Because the e1-bishop is pinned, White does not have compensation (0–1, 56 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 942"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/2r2pp1/3q3p/p6P/1n1pR3/1P1N1QP1/P1R2PK1/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 942. Veselin Topalov – Gata Kamsky, Sofia 2009 } 1. Nxb4 { 1.Rxd4 ? Qxd4 2.Rxc7 Nxd3 and the pawn on g7 is defended after 3.Qxf7+ Kh8 ∓. } 1... axb4 2. Rxd4 Qf8 { 2...Qxd4 3.Rxc7 ± ✔ is not winning , but this is clearly the best White could force from the diagram position. } 3. Rxd8 Qxd8 4. Rxc7 Qxc7 5. Qa8+ Kh7 6. Qe4+ Kg8 7. Qxb4 { ✔ (1-0, 55 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 943"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3q4/2RnN1bk/4p1pp/1p2P3/4NP2/8/1P2QKP1/r7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 943. Magnus Carlsen – Veselin Topalov, Sofia 2009 } 1. Qd3 { 1.Qg4 ? Qxe7 and 1.Ng6 ? Qxc7 both win for Black. } 1... Qxe7 { 1...Qxc7 2.Ng5+ ! 2.Nf6+ ?? Nxf6 3.Qxg6 Kh8 -+ 2...hxg5 3.Qxg6+ Kh8 4.Qh5+ Bh6 5.Qxh6# ✔ } 2. Rxd7 { Or 2.Nf6+ +-. } 2... Qh4+ 3. Kf3 Qh5+ 4. Kg3 { ✔ Black has run out of counterplay, so White is simply mating. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 944"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/1R1Q3p/3pNb2/p1pP2pq/2P1P3/6P1/6KP/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 944. Vladimir Georgiev – Veselin Topalov, Novi Sad 2009 } 1. Nf4 { Clearing e6 for the queen while simultaneously threatening the black queen and protecting e2. } 1... Qh6 { 1...gxf4 2.Qe6+ ✔ is mating. } 2. Qe6+ Kh8 3. Nh5 Rf8 4. Qxd6 { ✔ White just needs to take care of some counterplay in order to win quickly. Instead the game went 4.Rf7 ? Bg7 5.Rxg7 ? 5.Qxh6 Bxh6 6.Rd7 seems to be a slow win 5...Qxh5 and White had only a perpetual after 6.Rg8+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 945"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rr1k1/p7/nq1p2pp/2p1bb2/2P1Np2/1N3B1P/PP1RQPP1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 945. Mark Bluvshtein – Veselin Topalov, Khanty-Mansiysk (ol) 2010 } 1. Nxd6 { 1.Rxd6 ? Bxd6 2.Nf6+ Kf7 -+ } 1... Bxd6 2. Rxd6 Rxe2 { 2...Rxd6 3.Qxe8+ Kg7 4.Qe7+ ✔ wins the rook on d6. } 3. Rxd8+ Kf7 4. Bxe2 { ✔ White should win and did indeed manage to convert (1–0, 42 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 946"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/2qr1pk1/1p4p1/p1pnR3/3P3p/P4QNP/1P3PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 946. Veselin Topalov – Magnus Carlsen, Astana (rapid) 2012 } 1. Nh5+ gxh5 { 1...Kf8 2.Nf6 +- ✔ or 2.dxc5 bxc5 3.Nf6 +- A sample line is: 2...Nxf6 3.Qxf6 Kg8 4.Re8+ Kh7 5.Qh8# } 2. Rg5+ { The game move 2.Qxh5 ? = gives Black the opportunity to bring the knight to g6 , with sufficient defensive resources. } 2... Kf8 3. Qxh5 { ✔ Now Black cannot parry the mating attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 947"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1r1k1/1p1n1pbp/1qpR2p1/p1n3B1/P1P1P3/1PN3PP/2Q1NPB1/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 947. Wang Hao – Veselin Topalov, Stavanger (blitz) 2013 } 1. Nd5 Qxb3 { 1...Qa7 2.Ne7+ or 2.Nc7 +- } 2. Qxb3 Nxb3 3. Nc7 { ✔ White wins an exchange with a much more active position. } 3... Re5 4. Nxa8 Rxg5 5. Rxd7 Bxd7 6. Rxd7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 948"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/pp1b1p2/2q2Qp1/4P2P/6p1/4NP2/P7/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Magnus Carlsen @@StartBlockQuote@@Self-confidence is very important... I have always believed in what I do on the chessboard, even when I had no objective reason to. It is better to overestimate your prospects than underestimate them.@@EndBlockQuote@@948. Sarunas Sulskis – Magnus Carlsen, Moscow 2004 } 1. Nd5 Kh7 { 1...Qxd5 ?? 2.h6 +- ✔ mating , is the main idea. Black's best is 1...Qxf6 2.Nxf6+ Kg7 3.Nxd7 ✔ Rd8 ± with some drawing chances. } 2. hxg6+ fxg6 3. Qe7+ { If 3...Kg8 then 4.Nf6+ wins everything. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 949"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1kb1r3/1pp2pp1/p1n5/2bNP1Bp/5P2/2P4P/PK2B1P1/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 949. Magnus Carlsen – Kjetil Lie, Trondheim 2004 } 1... Nxe5 2. fxe5 { 2.Bh4 ∓ } 2... Rxe5 { A double threat, winning back the piece while keeping the pawn. } 3. Bf4 { 3.Nxc7 Rxg5 -+ ✔ and the knight is trapped on c7. } 3... Rxd5 { ✔ (0–1, 44 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 950"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qr1k1/pb1p1pp1/1pnR1n1p/4pQN1/2P4P/1P2P3/PB3PP1/2K2B1R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 950. Magnus Carlsen – Nurlan Ibrayev, Calvia (ol) 2004 } 1. Rxf6 { The king cannot escape without heavy casualties. } 1... Qxf6 { After 1...hxg5 the most direct is 2.hxg5 gxf6 3.gxf6 mating. 1...gxf6 allows mate in two: 2.Qh7+ Kf8 3.Qxf7# ✔ } 2. Qh7+ Kf8 3. Ne4 { 3.Ba3+ is less precise , but sufficient for a winning position: 3...Nb4 4.Bxb4+ d6 +- And with the e4-square covered , White can’t play Ng5-e4. } 3... Qe6 4. Ba3+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 951"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7r/r3kp2/2bp1p2/p1q1pP1N/1pB1P2P/4b3/PPP1Q1P1/1K1R1R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 951. Magnus Carlsen – Vasilios Kotronias, Calvia (ol) 2004 } 1. Nxf6 { White is better after other moves, but this is clearly the strongest continuation. } 1... Kxf6 2. Rxd6+ Ke7 { 2...Qxd6 3.Qxe3 with a double threat against a7 and g5: 3...Rxh4 or 3...Rd7 4.Qg5# ✔ 4.Qxa7 +- ✔ } 3. Rxc6 Qxc6 4. Qxe3 { ✔ With three pawns and Black’s exposed king for an exchange, White is at least clearly better, although the game was eventually drawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 952"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b3k1/5ppp/4rn2/2p5/2P5/4N1P1/5PBP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 952. Alexander Graf – Magnus Carlsen, Sanxenxo 2004 } 1. Bc6 { ✔ Black cannot protect both the bishop and the king against 2.Rd8+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 953"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r2r/ppq2kpp/1b2bp2/nP1p4/R7/B2B1N2/2P2PPP/3QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 953. Magnus Carlsen – Predrag Nikolic, Wijk aan Zee 2005 } 1. Ng5+ fxg5 2. Qf3+ Kg8 3. Rxe6 { ✔ Winning the bishop with 3.Bf5 +- is also good enough. The game move gives a winning attack: 3...Rxe6 4.Qf8#. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 954"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/4bppp/bqn1p2B/p2nP3/Pp1N2Q1/1N6/1P3PPP/1B2R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 954. Magnus Carlsen – Oystein Hole, Gausdal 2005 } 1. Bxh7 Kxh7 { 1...Nxd4 2.Bxg8 2.Nxd4 ? Kxh7 3.Be3 Rh8 ! and Black is winning because the queen is protecting e6 and can come to g6 after 4.Nf5 exf5 5.Qxf5+ Qg6 -+ 2...Nf5 3.Bxf7 Nxh6 4.Qxe6 Qxe6 5.Bxe6 +- ✔ White has too many pawns to go with the rook against the two minor pieces. } 2. Be3 { White threatens mate on h5 as well as a discovered attack with the knight. } 2... Rh8 { 2...g6 3.Qh3+ or 3.Nxe6 +- 3...Kg7 4.Qh6# } 3. Nxe6 { ✔ White wins the queen. Also good is: 3.Nf5 exf5 4.Qxf5+ +- } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 955"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/1b4b1/1k1pR3/1P1P2pp/2P5/6P1/5P2/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 955. Magnus Carlsen – Gata Kamsky, Khanty-Mansiysk (1) 2005 } 1. c5+ Kxc5 { 1...Kxb5 2.Re7 should also be winning for White and 1...Ka7 2. is just too passive; White’s pawns and active rooks are decisive in many different ways. } 2. Re7 Bd4 { 2...Bc3 3.Rc7+ or 3.Rc1 3...Kb6 3...Kd4 4.Rd1+ +- ✔ 4.Rxc3 +- ✔ } 3. Rxb7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 956"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3b1r1k/5q2/3p2p1/p2Np3/2P5/1P3rP1/1RQ1RPK1/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 956. Jan Smeets – Magnus Carlsen, Wijk aan Zee 2006 } 1... Rxg3+ 2. Kxg3 { After the game move 2.Kf1 many moves win. Strongest is 2...Qh7 -+ when the queen penetrates with deadly effect. 2.fxg3 Qf1 + ! or 2...Qf3+ 3.Kh2 Kg7 This wins similarly to the main line , although here White is closer to having a defence: 4.Re4 Rh8+ 5.Rh4 Bxh4 -+ ✔ } 2... Qf3+ 3. Kh2 Kg7 { ✔ Bringing the rook to the h-file with a devastating attack. 3...Rf7 ? 4.Qxg6 Rh7+ 5.Qxh7+ Kxh7 ∞ is not good enough. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 957"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2rk1/pb4pp/4pb2/1p6/2pPqP2/P1B5/1PN2QPP/4RRK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 957. Simon Williams – Magnus Carlsen, Reykjavik (blitz) 2006 } 1... Bh4 { Winning an exchange by exploiting the mating threats on g2 and h1. } 2. Rxe4 { The alternatives do not require long calculation: 2.g3 Qh1# ✔ and 2.Qxh4 Qxg2# ✔. } 2... Bxf2+ 3. Rxf2 Bxe4 { ✔ Black should be winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 958"] [Result "*"] [FEN "q1r2rk1/5pp1/6p1/4Rn2/3pN3/5QP1/2P1RPKP/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 958. Magnus Carlsen – Sergei Shipov, Tromsø 2006 } 1... d3 { Clearing d4 for a fork. } 2. Re1 { The fork is executed after 2.cxd3 Nd4 -+ ✔ and 2.Qxd3 Rfd8 ! 3.Qf3 Nd4 -+ ✔. The queen had no safe squares. } 2... dxc2 { White saved the exchange, but at too high a price – the c2-pawn supported by Black’s entire army is too much to handle. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 959"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1r1k1/pp3p1p/5Rp1/3N2n1/4P3/1B4Bq/PPP2Q2/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 959. Magnus Carlsen – Kjetil Lie, Moss 2006 } 1. Rxf7 Nxf7 { The game ended 1...Rxc2 2.Ne7+ Kh8 3.Be5#. } 2. Nf6+ Kf8 3. Nxe8 { ✔ White will win even more material. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 960"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7k/6r1/2pN2pp/3n4/5Q2/7P/3R1PPK/4q3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 960. Magnus Carlsen – Alexander Morozevich, Biel 2006 } 1. Rxd5 cxd5 2. Qf8+ Kh7 3. Ne8 { WIth a decisive attack. 3...Qe5+ can be met by 4.f4 ! ✔ followed by Nf6+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 961"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/3Q3p/5pq1/8/1p1P4/6Pn/5PKN/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 961. Artur Yusupov – Magnus Carlsen, Amsterdam 2006 } 1... Nxf2 2. Kxf2 { The game went 2.Nf1 -+. } 2... Qxg3+ 3. Ke2 Qxh2+ { Or 3...Ra8 -+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 962"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/4rp1p/p7/1p2nPp1/2b2N2/2PB4/PKP2PPP/4R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 962. Magnus Carlsen – Dmitry Gurevich, Rishon Le Zion (blitz) 2006 } 1. Ne6+ { The only move that doesn’t lose material. } 1... Bxe6 { 1...fxe6 2.Rxe5 ✔ with a winning endgame. } 2. Rxe5 { ✔ The endgame is winning for White. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 963"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qkbnr/2pb1p1p/p1n3p1/1p2p3/4P3/1BP2N2/PP3PPP/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 963. Magnus Carlsen – Simen Agdestein, Oslo 2006 } 1. Qd5 Qf6 { 1...Qe7 2.Nxe5 +- } 2. Nxe5 { ✔ 2.Bg5 is good , but not as good: 2...Qe6 3.Nxe5 Qxd5 4.Bxd5 Nxe5 5.Bxa8 Nd3+ +- With work still to be done. } 2... Nxe5 3. Qxa8+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 964"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r3/pp2nkp1/2p1bp2/2Pp3p/2PB4/1B2RPPq/PP2Q2P/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 964. Alexander Motylev – Magnus Carlsen, Wijk aan Zee 2007 } 1. Re1 { 1.g4 ? Ng6 led to a draw in 44 moves , and 1...hxg4 ! 2.Rxe6 ? Nf5 would be embarrassing for White , as suddenly Black is winning: 3.Rxe8 Rxe8 4.Qd2 Nxd4 5.Qxd4 Re2 -+ } 1... Nf5 { After 1...Ng6 the pin on the e6-bishop is decisive. For example: 2.cxd5 cxd5 3.Bxd5 +- } 2. cxd5 { 2.Rxe6 Nxd4 3.Re7+ Rxe7 4.Qxe7+ = } 2... Nxd4 { 2...cxd5 3.Rxe6 Nxd4 4.Re7+ Rxe7 5.Qxe7+ Kg6 is now winning for White due to 6.Bxd5. } 3. dxe6+ { ✔ White has won a pawn and has a strong attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 965"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/p1qb1pb1/1pn1pB1p/1B2P1pP/3P4/8/P3NPP1/2Q3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 965. Magnus Carlsen – Vassily Ivanchuk, Morelia/Linares 2007 } 1. d5 { A pawn weaker is 1.Bxg7 Kxg7 2.d5 exd5 3.Nd4 Qxe5 , but it's still probably winning. } 1... exd5 2. Nd4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 966"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5b1r/1pk2ppp/pNp1p3/4Pb2/4q3/4P3/PP2K2P/R1B1QB1R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 966. Peter Leko – Magnus Carlsen, Monte Carlo (rapid) 2007 } 1... Qg4+ { The game continued 1...Qxh1 ? 2.Qa5 with a draw later on. Black should not be satisfied with 1...Kxb6 -+ , however 1...Be7 -+ is strong enough (full points) (.) } 2. Kf2 { 2.Kd2 Bb4# ✔ } 2... Qh4+ 3. Ke2 Bg4+ 4. Kd2 Bb4+ { ✔ Winning the queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 967"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4k3/1R1p2pp/3P1p2/2P1p3/2b5/Br3P2/1P4PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 967. Emil Sutovsky – Magnus Carlsen, Kemer 2007 } 1. c6 dxc6 2. Bb4 { +- ✔ The threat of 3.d7+ Kd8 4. Ba5+ is lethal. The game continuation: 2.d7+ Kd8 3.Bb4 ! Rxb4 4.Rxb4 +- is also sufficient. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 968"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/p2r1pp1/b4q2/P1pB4/2P1P1p1/5p1P/Q4P1K/1R4R1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 968. Dmitri Jakovenko – Magnus Carlsen, Moscow 2007 } 1... Bxc4 { 1...Qf4+ 2.Kh1 Bxc4 3.Bxc4 Rd2 also works , but only because 4.Rb2 Rd1 5.Rb1 is met by 5...Qh6 -+ when the pinned rook on g1 can't defend from g3. } 2. Qxc4 { 2.Bxc4 Rd2 ! ✔ with a winning attack. } 2... Qf4+ 3. Rg3 { 3.Kh1 Rxd5 -+ ✔ } 3... Rxd5 { Black is winning, for instance: } 4. Qxd5 { 4.Qc1 Rd2 -+ } 4... Rxd5 5. exd5 c4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 969"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/pb3ppp/1pn1p3/4P3/1b6/2BB1N2/PP2QPPP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 969. Vassily Ivanchuk – Magnus Carlsen, Nice (rapid) 2008 } 1. Bxh7+ { 1.Qe4 g6 2.Bxb4 Nxb4 3.Qxb7 Qxd3 ∞ } 1... Kxh7 2. Qe4+ Kg8 3. Bxb4 Nxb4 4. Qxb7 { ± ✔ White has won a pawn, but it didn’t stop Carlsen from making a draw. He would have made more after 4.Qxb4 ? Bxf3 ∓. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 970"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7r/p4p2/PpB1pk1p/1Pn2p2/7R/2P1KPP1/4P2P/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 970. Magnus Carlsen – David Anton Guijarro, Madrid (simul) 2008 } 1. Rc4 { Because of the control of a8, White breaks through on the queenside. } 1... Rb8 { 1...Nb3 2.Bd7 +- or 2.Bb7 +- and the rook penetrates on c7. } 2. Rxc5 bxc5 3. Bb7 { ✔ The next move is 4.b6 } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 971"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1r1k/6bp/6p1/1R2p3/q4p2/2Bb1N1P/1Q3PP1/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 971. Magnus Carlsen – Leinier Dominguez Perez, Wijk aan Zee 2009 } 1. Rb7 { Avoiding 1.Bxe5 ? Qxb5 2.Bxg7+ Kg8 ∓ and 1.Rb4 Qc2 2.Qxc2 Bxc2 3.Bxe5 =. } 1... Qc2 { 1...Bxf1 2.Bxe5 +- ✔ } 2. Qb4 { The game concluded: } 2... Rfe8 3. Re1 Be2 4. Nxe5 Bxe5 5. Bxe5+ Rxe5 6. Qxf4 Qf5 7. Qh6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 972"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/1pp3kp/p2b2B1/3P3r/5q2/5P2/PPQ3RP/7K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 972. Sergey Karjakin – Magnus Carlsen, Nice (blindfold) 2010 } 1... Rxh2+ 2. Rxh2 Qxf3+ 3. Kg1 { Best. White loses immediately after 3.Qg2 Qd1+ 4.Qg1 Qxg1+ 5.Kxg1 Bxh2+ -+ ✔ and 3.Rg2 Qf1+ 3.Rg1 Qh3+ 4.Qh2 Qxh2# ✔. } 3... Bxh2+ 4. Kxh2 Qf4+ { Protecting c7. } 5. Kg2 hxg6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 973"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2bqr1k1/1p3pbp/1n4p1/3P2N1/4p3/2P3P1/3Q1PBP/2BR2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 973. Magnus Carlsen – Anish Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2011 } 1... e3 2. Qb2 { 2.fxe3 Qxg5 -+ } 2... Qxg5 { Or 2...Na4 3.Qc2 Nxc3 -+. } 3. Qxb6 { The game ended: 3.Bxe3 Qg4 0-1 } 3... e2 4. Re1 Qxc1 5. Rxc1 e1=Q+ 6. Rxe1 Rxe1+ 7. Bf1 Bh3 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 974"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/p7/2p3pP/3nqpN1/Q5P1/8/PP2r3/1KB2R1R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 974. Magnus Carlsen – Hikaru Nakamura, Medias 2011 Black is a piece down, so he has to find something. } 1... Nc3+ 2. bxc3 Rb8+ 3. Qb4 Rxb4+ 4. cxb4 Qd5 5. h7+ Kh8 6. Bb2+ Rxb2+ { ✔ } 7. Kxb2 Qd2+ { With a perpetual. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 975"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/5ppp/1qp1pP2/1bRpP3/4P3/1p6/P2Q1PBP/2R3K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 975. Levon Aronian – Magnus Carlsen, Moscow 2011 } 1... Qxc5 { 1...gxf6 2.R5c3 Rxa2 3.Qf4 += } 2. a4 { 2.Rxc5 bxa2 3.Qg5 a1=Q+ 4.Rc1 Qxc1+ 5.Qxc1 h6 ! -+ ✔ or 5...gxf6 ∓ } 2... Qxc1+ { 2...Qa3 3.Qg5 Qxc1+ transposes. } 3. Qxc1 b2 { ✔ Black forces the queen away from the attack on the kingside, with a clear advantage. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 976"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rr2k1/q4pbn/2p3p1/N2nP2p/1p1P1N2/1P4PP/P2B2Q1/3R1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 976. Magnus Carlsen – Levon Aronian, Wijk aan Zee 2012 } 1. Nxc6 Rxc6 2. Nxd5 Qxd4+ { After the game move 2...Rc2 White gains a large advantage after several moves: 3.Kh1 +- , 3.Qe4 +- and 3.Rf2 ! +-. } 3. Be3 Qxe5 4. Ne7+ { Or 4.Bf4 first. } 4... Qxe7 5. Rxd8+ Qxd8 6. Qxc6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 977"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqk3/p2pppbn/1pn3p1/3N2B1/2P5/1N4P1/PP2PP2/R2QK2B w Qq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 977. Evgeny Tomashevsky – Magnus Carlsen, Moscow (blitz) 2012 } 1. Bxe7 { Not 1.Nxe7 ? Nxg5 -+ or 1.Bf4 e5 +=. } 1... Nxe7 2. Nxe7 { ✔ } 2... Bxb2 { After the game move, White has a positional advantage if he takes on a8, but there are two stronger continuations. } 3. Rb1 { 3.Nxg6 fxg6 4.Bxa8 Bxa1 5.Qxa1 +- } 3... Bc3+ { Black is also lost after 3...Rb8 4.Qd6 and 3...Qxe7 4.Bxa8 +- ✔. } 4. Kf1 { White is winning, but Carlsen turned the game around (0–1, 26 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 978"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/2p1qr1p/3b1p1B/2p1p1p1/P1Q1P1P1/1P5P/2P1R1P1/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 978. Magnus Carlsen – Teimour Radjabov, Astana (blitz) 2012 } 1. h4 { The only way not to lose the bishop. It also makes use of the bishop’s active position and the pinned f6-pawn. } 1... gxh4 2. g5 { ✔ Black is defenceless against the a-pawn and White’s pressure on the kingside. } 2... Rg6 3. Ref2 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 979"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2r3k/1p4b1/3p1n1p/3PpPp1/1Q2Pn1q/1P2BP2/P2N4/1KR2BR1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 979. Magnus Carlsen – Judit Polgar, Mexico City 2012 } 1... N4xd5 { Using the pinned e-pawn to win a piece, as the queen cannot protect the bishop. } 2. Bxg5 { 2.exd5 Qxb4 -+ } 2... Qxg5 { 2...hxg5 3.Qxb7 Nf4 4.Bc4 = and the threat of Rh1 saves White. } 3. Rxg5 Nxb4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 980"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/p1p2rb1/1pbp3p/4nqp1/2P5/1P3PB1/P1NQP2P/2RR1BK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 980. Jon Ludvig Hammer – Magnus Carlsen, Stavanger (blitz) 2013 } 1... Qxf3 { The only move that decides the game on the spot. A clear advantage is offered by three other moves: A. 1...Nxf3+?! 2.exf3 Qxf3 3.Bg2 Qxg2+ 4.Qxg2 Bxg2 5.Kxg2 Re2+ 31.Kg1 Bb2 and Black’s rook is stronger than White’s two pieces. B. 1...h5 ∓ C. 1...Bxf3 ?! 2.Nd4 ! Qg4 3.Nxf3 Rxf3 4.Bg2 ∓ Black has won a pawn. } 2. exf3 Nxf3+ 3. Kh1 Nxd2+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 981"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1r3k1/pq1n1ppp/1p2p3/1Nb5/2Q2B2/4P3/PP3PPP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 981. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov – Magnus Carlsen, Moscow (blitz) 2013 } 1. Nc7 { Using the fact that the c7-square is indirectly under attack along the c-file. } 1... Rxc7 2. Bxc7 Qxc7 3. b4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 982"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1b1r2p1/p4n1p/Ppq1pP2/2p1P2N/2P3PP/2Q3BK/3R4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 982. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov – Magnus Carlsen, Shamkir 2014 } 1... Bxe4 2. Bxe4 Rxd1 3. Qxd1 Nxe4 { leaves Black a pawn up and much more active, since White's counterattack fails: } 4. Qd8+ Kh7 5. Ng6 Qf2+ { ✔ } 6. Kh1 Nxg3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 983"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1r2/p3npk1/1q1p2p1/1b4P1/1p1PPN2/5R1B/PP3Q2/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 983. Magnus Carlsen - Radoslaw Wojtaszek, Tromsø (ol) 2014 } 1. Be6 { +- ✔ White’s attack is now winning in many ways. The threat is to sacrifice the knight and take on f7. 1.Bg4 , and others , still leave White much better , but secure no points. } 1... Be8 { 1...fxe6 2.Nxe6+ with mate. } 2. Nd5 { 2.Rh3 +- and other moves are also winning. Black has lost connection between his rooks. 2.Bb3 is also a good move , with the threat of checking on e6. } 2... Nxd5 3. Bxd5 { Rf3-h3 followed by Qf2-f6+ is one decisive idea. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Intermediate Exercises III"] [Black "Exercise 984"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1b5p/1q2p1p1/1p2P3/3RPn2/5N1P/1P3QP1/5BK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 984. Magnus Carlsen - Carlos Antonio Hevia, Internet (2) 2016 } 1... Nxh3+ 2. gxh3 Rxf3 3. Qxf3 Qxd4+ { ✔ Black wins a pawn and has the safer king. His advantage is at least bordering on winning (1/2-1/2, 41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Advanced Exercises"] [Result "*"] { @@HeaderStart@@Advanced Exercises@@HeaderEnd@@ @@StartBlockQuote@@Attackers may sometimes regret bad moves, but it is much worse to forever regret an opportunity you allowed to pass you by. – Garry Kasparov@@EndBlockQuote@@ } 1. -- * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 985"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1k1r1/ppppnpq1/8/n3P2p/2B4N/5QB1/P4PP1/3RR1K1 w q - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Wilhelm Steinitz @@StartBlockQuote@@A sacrifice is best refuted by accepting it.@@EndBlockQuote@@985. Wilhelm Steinitz – Philipp Meitner, Vienna 1859 } 1. e6 dxe6 { ✔ 1...fxe6 2.Qxh5++– ✔ and White picks up the knight on a5. 1...Nxc4 ✔ and White wins with three moves, of which you should have seen one: () A. 2.Nf5 and if the queen moves, White takes on f7/d7 and e7. B. 2.exd7+ C. Easiest is 2.exf7 Qxf7 3.Nf5 +– when Black can’t defend e7. Bxd7 3.Qxb7 +- is complicated and 2... Nxf5 3. exd7+ is a double check+- . } 2. Bb5+ { The move order 2.Qd3 Nac6 3.Bxc7 transposes. Full points also for 2.Bxc7 Nac6 3.Qd3 f6 when White has a winning position due to the black king, even though it’s not over yet. } 2... c6 { 2...Nac6 3.Nf5!+– and as the e7-knight is overloaded, White will soon win the knight on c6 (or the rook on a8) . } 3. Bc7 { Another winning line is 3.Bd6 cxb5 4.Bxe7 Kxe7 5.Nf5+ taking the queen. } 3... Bd7 4. Bxa5 Qg4 { Material is equal after 4...cxb5 but White wins with the double threat 5.Qxb7 Or 5.Rxd7 Kxd7 6.Qxb7+ } 5. Qd3 { The only winning move; Black doesn’t get time to take on h4 for free. } 5... Nd5 6. Re4 { +- White is a piece up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 986"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q2k1/pp1b1rpp/1b1Q1p2/4N1B1/4R3/8/PP3PPP/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 986. Johannes Zukertort – Wilhelm Steinitz, London (1) 1872 } 1... Bxf2+ 2. Kh1 { 2.Kxf2 fxe5+ comes with check, followed by: 3.Kg1 Qxg5–+ ✔ } 2... Be8 { Winning a second pawn. Steinitz played: 2...Bxe1?! 3.Nxf7 Kxf7 4.Qd5+ White can keep the queens on after 4. Rxe1?! Bc6 5. Qe6+ Kg6 6. Be3 □ but it would have been a dubious decision. With an extra pawn defending his king, it’s Black who may look forward to an attack on the enemy king. 4...Kg6 5.Rxe1 Bc6 It is not possible to hang on to the bishop after 5...fxg5 6.Rd1 6.Qxd8 Rxd8 7.Be3 ∓ White has decent drawing chances, but the same can be said about Black’s winning chances (0–1, 54 moves) . 2...Bc6 3.Nxf7 Qxd6 4.Nxd6 Bxe1 5.Rxe1 fxg5 ∓ is also a pawn up, and also not full points. } 3. Nxf7 Bxf7 4. Qxd8+ Rxd8 { Because of the back-rank weakness, White has to move the bishop, after which Black takes on e1 and a2. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 987"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1r5/pp1qnkpp/4Np2/3p4/8/8/PP2QPPP/2R1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 987. Wilhelm Steinitz – Curt von Bardeleben, Hastings 1895 } 1. Qg4 { Threatening the pawn on g7, but also a discovered attack. } 1... g6 2. Ng5+ Ke8 { 2...fxg5 3.Qxd7+– ✔ } 3. Rxe7+ Kf8 { Black tries to use the twin threats of mate on c1 and ...Qxg4 to get out of his troubles. 3...Qxe7 4.Rxc8++– ✔ wins a piece. And 3...Kxe7 4.Qb4+ Or 4.Re1+ first 4...Ke8 5.Re1+ Kd8 6.Ne6++– ✔ wins the queen. } 4. Rf7+ { 4.Qxd7?? Rxc1+ and it’s White that gets mated. } 4... Kg8 5. Rg7+ Kh8 { 5...Kf8 6.Nxh7++– ✔ and the queen is captured with check. } 6. Rxh7+ { He is lost after: } 6... Kg8 7. Rg7+ Kh8 8. Qh4+ Kxg7 9. Qh7+ Kf8 10. Qh8+ { ✔ } 10... Ke7 11. Qg7+ { 11. Re1 is also winning. } 11... Ke8 12. Qg8+ Ke7 13. Qf7+ Kd8 14. Qf8+ Qe8 15. Nf7+ Kd7 16. Qd6# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 988"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r3/1kp5/1pb5/p2q1PB1/P1pP3p/2P4P/3Q3K/5R2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 988. Wilhelm Steinitz – Emanuel Lasker, Moscow (3) 1896 } 1... Rg8 { ✔ Black has no threats, but White is in a decisive zugzwang! His pieces are all busy protecting the g2-, g5- and h1-squares. } 2. Re1 Qxf5 3. Re5 Qf3 4. d5 Qg3+ 5. Kh1 Qxe5 6. dxc6+ Kxc6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 989"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq1k2/ppp2rbp/2np1pp1/3N4/2Q1P3/5NB1/PPP2PPP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 989. Paul Lipke – Wilhelm Steinitz, Vienna 1898 } 1. Nxc7 Rxc7 { 1...Qxc7 2.Bxd6++– ✔ wins the queen. } 2. Bxd6+ Re7 { ✔ With rook and two pawns for two pieces, White may be better due to the exposed black king, but there is a way to make use of that straight away to gain a winning advantage. } 3. e5 { The only move that is clearly winning. However, in a game you don’t need to see that before taking on c7, since it was the best move anyway. Lipke played 3.Ba3?! Qe8 4.e5 but now there was 4...fxe5! 5.Ng5 Bh6± without mate on f7; Steinitz won the game in the end. } 3... fxe5 { 3...Qe8 defends the f7-square in advance, and prepares to offer the exchange of queens one day. 4.Bxe7+! Qxe7 4...Nxe7 and White wins after various moves, for instance 5.Rd6! 5.exf6! Qxf6 6.h4! h6 6...Bh6 7.Qc5+ Kg7 8.Re8 with a winning attack Including the moves with the h-pawns avoids ...Bh6 and ...Kg7. There are many ways to continue, among them 7.Qc5+ Kg8 8.Re8+ Kh7 9.Qc4 Bf8 10.h5+– } 4. Ng5 Bh6 { 4...Qe8 5.Nxh7# } 5. Qf7# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 990"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/1b2bppp/ppq1p3/2ppB2n/5P2/1P1BP3/P1PPQ1PP/R4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Emanuel Lasker @@StartBlockQuote@@Without error there can be no brilliancy.@@EndBlockQuote@@990. Emanuel Lasker – Johann Bauer, Amsterdam 1889 } 1. Bxh7+ Kxh7 2. Qxh5+ Kg8 3. Bxg7 { The classic double-bishop sacrifice! } 3... Kxg7 { 3...f6 is easy to handle: 4.Bh6 with mate or 4.Rf3. But 3...f5!? is trickier. White has three options: () A. 4.Bh6? does not work. B. 4.Be5! Rf6 5.Rf3! ✔ The only move that wins, but now it will soon be mate. C. 4.Rf3 also wins, but only if White finds all the following moves: 5...Kxg7 6.Rg3+ Bg5 7.Rxg5+! Kf6 8.Qh4! Kf7 9.Qh7+! Ke8 10.Rg7! Rb8 11.Rc7! Qd6 12.Rxb7+– White needs the check on g4 after 4...Qe8–+ } 4. Qg4+ Kh7 5. Rf3 e5 6. Rh3+ Qh6 7. Rxh6+ Kxh6 { Black has enough pieces, but a double threat settles matters: } 8. Qd7 { +– ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 991"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/6np/p2q2pB/1ppr4/3p1PP1/3P3P/PP4Q1/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 991. Emanuel Lasker – Joseph Blackburne, London 1892 } 1. Re7 Ne6 { 1...Qxe7 2.Qxd5++– ✔ wins the other rook as well. } 2. Re1 { If the knight moves, there follows 3.Re8. 2.f5+– pushing the f-pawn immediately, is even stronger. } 2... Qxe7 3. Qxd5 Re8 4. f5 { ✔ (1–0, 39 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 992"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rb3k1/5rpp/p3p3/3pP2P/5PQ1/qPpB1N2/PbP4R/1K4R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 992. Emanuel Lasker – Hasselblatt, Riga (simul) 1909 Lasker played 1.Bxh7+? With the idea 1...Kxh7 2.h6 +–. But after 1...Kf8! he only had one way to avoid being mated after ...Bc1/a1 or ...Rb5-a5. 2.Qh4! After 2.Ne1 Lasker’s opponent missed the mate starting with 2...Rb5 2...Ke8! 3.Bg6! Bc1 4.Bxf7+ Kd7 5.Bxe6+! Ke8 5...Kc7? 6.Rxg7+ Kb6 7.Qd8++– (6. Bf7+!=) It’s a draw, even though not necessarily an immediate repetition. } 1. Bg6 { The correct move, but be aware of long lines. } 1... Re7 { A. 1...hxg6 2.hxg6 ✔ with mate. B. 1...Rbb7 2.Bxf7+ Rxf7 3.Rhg2 is also a winning attack: 3...Kh8 4.Qxg7+ Rxg7 5.Rxg7 Qf8 6.h6+– and 7. Ng5. C. 1...Ba1 Or 1...Bc1 2.Bxf7+ Kxf7 3.Qxg7+ gives White a winning attack. } 2. h6 { 2.Bxh7+? Kf8 3.h6! This is a possibility now, as Black’s rook takes the e7-square for the queen. 3...g5! 4.Qxg5 Ke8 and White has only a draw. } 2... Bc1 3. Bxh7+ Kf8 4. hxg7+ Ke8 5. g8=Q+ Kd7 6. Q4xe6+ Rxe6 7. Rg7+ Kc6 8. Nd4+ Kc5 9. Nxe6+ Bxe6 10. Rc7+ Kd4 11. Qg1+ { Until this point, it was only only-moves from White! } 11... Be3 12. Rd2+ { Or 12.Qd1+ Bd2 13.Rxd2+ cxd2 14.Qxd2# } 12... cxd2 13. c3# { ✔ Piece of cake! } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 993"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1P2qpp1/2p4p/2n1p3/2B1P3/2PP1Q1P/3K2P1/7R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 993. Emanuel Lasker – L. Molina, Buenos Aires (simul) 1910 } 1. Qxf7+ { 1.Bxf7+? Kh8–+ } 1... Qxf7 { A much tougher defence is: 1...Rxf7 2.b8=Q+ Kh7 3.Bxf7 Qxf7 4.Rd1!! The only way to defend against the perpetual, but you don’t need to see that in advance – since every alternative to taking on f7 leads to a worse position. 4...Qa2+ 5.Ke3 5.Ke1 is more passive, but also better for White 5...Qc2 6.Rd2! Qc1 7.Qxe5! Qe1+ 8.Re2 8.Kf3 Qxd2 9.Qxc5 is not as good. 8...Qc1+ 9.Kd4 Nb3+ 10.Kc4± White is finally out of danger of a perpetual, but it is not clear that he is winning after 10...Qa3! } 2. Bxf7+ Kh8 { 2...Kxf7 3.Rf1+ Ke7 4.Rxf8 Kxf8 5.b8=Q++– ✔ } 3. Rb1 { White is winning in several ways, but the most efficient is the game continuation. } 3... Rb8 4. Be8 Rxb7 5. Rxb7 Nxb7 6. Bxc6 { Black is simply two pawns down. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 994"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r1k1/ppp2ppp/6q1/3P1b2/2P1B3/5P2/P1Q2P1P/R3BR1K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 994. Emanuel Lasker – Gyula Breyer, Budapest 1911 } 1... Rxe4 2. Qc3 { 2.fxe4 Bxe4+–+ ✔ 2.Rg1 Rxe1 Or 2...Qxg1+ 3.Kxg1 Rxe1+ 4.Rxe1 Bxc2–+ ✔ 3.Raxe1 Bxc2–+ Lasker’s move is not threatening, and thus not necessary to consider before taking on e4. } 2... Rh4 { 2...Rxc4? 3.Qxc4 Bd3 4.Qg4 =+ with a probable draw. The game move threatens to win on the kingside with 3...Bh5, 4...Rh3 and 5...Rxf3 } 3. Rg1 { Trying to create a counter-threat. } 3... Rxh2+ 4. Kxh2 Qh5+ { Or 4...Qh6+ } 5. Kg3 Qg5+ 6. Kh2 Qh4+ 7. Kg2 Qh3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 995"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/2q2ppp/p1pb4/3p4/1P6/1NP2PPb/P2Q1R1P/4N1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 995. Emanuel Lasker – Efim Bogoljubov, Zurich 1934 } 1... Bxg3 2. Re2 { 2.hxg3 Qxg3+ and Black needs to play some only-moves in the following lines, but it is all straightforward: 3.Kh1 3.Ng2 Bxg2! 4.Rxg2 Re1+ 5.Qxe1 Qxe1+–+ ✔ 3...Rxe1+! 4.Qxe1 Bg2+! 5.Kg1 Bxf3+! 6.Kf1 Qh3+! 7.Kg1 Qh1# ✔ } 2... Bxh2+ { 2...Rxe2? 3.Qxe2 Bd6 ∓ is a pawn worse. } 3. Kh1 Rxe2 4. Qxe2 Bd6 { There were additional ways to protect against the mate threat without losing a piece (0–1, 39 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 996"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6r/1b4p1/p1p4p/1p1nq3/1b6/kPP2Q2/2KB1PPP/3R3R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Jose Raul Capablanca @@StartBlockQuote@@In chess, as played by a good player, logic and imagination must go hand in hand, compensating each other.@@EndBlockQuote@@996. Jose Raul Capablanca – Pagliano/Elias, Buenos Aires 1911 Black’s king seems to be in serious danger, but with accurate play it can be saved, with a winning material advantage. } 1... Bxc3 2. Bxc3 Nb4+ { The game continued 2...Nxc3? after which 3.Qxc3! would have given White a mating attack. Instead it took additional mutual mistakes before White won (1–0, 51 moves) . } 3. Kb1 { 3.Bxb4+ Kxb4–+ ✔ } 3... c5 { ✔ With the last black minor piece joining in, White is lost. 3...Rhf8?! 4.Bxe5 Rxf3 5.gxf3 and Black has more than enough for the exchange. It’s far weaker than the main line, but still gives full points. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 997"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1br2k1/ppp2pp1/5q1p/4p3/2N1Pn2/2PB4/P1PQ1PPP/R4RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 997. Valentin Fernandez Coria – Jose Raul Capablanca, Buenos Aires 1914 } 1... Bh3 { 1...Nxg2 2.Kxg2 Bh3+ looks strong, but there is no win after 3.Kg3 ∓ } 2. Ne3 { 2.g3 loses an exchange. And even worse is: 2.gxh3 Qg5+ 3.Kh1 Qg2# ✔ } 2... Bxg2 { 2...Nxg2 3.Nxg2 Qf3 is also good: 4.Ne3 Rd6 with mate. } 3. Nf5 { The point is 3.Nxg2 Qg5 4.f3 Nh3+–+ ✔ picking up the queen on d2. } 3... Bxe4 4. Ng3 Nh3# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 998"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/4bp2/pp1p2np/2pPp1pn/2P1P3/P1NBBPPq/1P3Q1P/4NR1K b kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Alexander Alekhine @@StartBlockQuote@@Playing for complications is an extreme measure that a player should adopt only when he cannot find a clear and logical plan.@@EndBlockQuote@@998. Nikolay Tereshchenko – Alexander Alekhine, St Petersburg 1909 } 1... Ngf4 2. gxf4 { Black does not win material after 2.Kg1 Nxd3 3.Nxd3 but exchanging the light-squared bishop allows him to open files for the rooks with 3...f5 4.exf5 Qxf5 ∓ 2.Bc2 is more critical. If White gets time for 22.Rg1, Black would have nothing better than retreating with the knight. Fortunately, Black can use the momentum: 2...Nxg3+ 3.Qxg3 Qxf1+–+ ✔ } 2... gxf4 3. Bd2 Rg8 { Threatening 4...Ng3+ and then taking the rook with a discovered check. Both 3...Bh4 4.Qg2 Ng3+ 5.Kg1 Qxg2+ 6.Nxg2 Nxf1 7.Kxf1 and 7...Ng3+ 8.Kg1 Nxf1 9.Bxf1 give unusual piece configurations, with three minor pieces against two rooks. It looks unclear in both cases. } 4. Ng2 { 4.Rg1 was the only move. 4...Ng3+! 5.Rxg3 fxg3 6.Qg2 Qxh2+ 7.Qxh2 gxh2 8.Kxh2 ∓ And compared to the previous lines, Black has “exchanged” his pawn on f4 for White’s h2-pawn. That gives a passed pawn, and the possibility of exchanging bishops with ...Bg5. } 4... Bh4 { Or 4...Ng3+ 5.Kg1 Bh4–+ } 5. Nd1 { 5.Nxh4 Ng3+ 6.Kg1 Nxf1+–+ ✔ } 5... Bxf2 6. Rxf2 { Three pieces for a queen and a rook is a different story! (0–1, 30 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 999"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/1q1nbppp/p1b1pn2/1p6/1P5Q/2N1BNP1/P3PPBP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 999. Alexander Alekhine – Max Euwe, Netherlands (16) 1937 Finding the tactical theme is not difficult, however it’s not easy to decide when to stop calculating and instead evaluate the position. } 1. Rxd7 Bxd7 { Other recaptures give away a second minor piece. } 2. Ng5 Qb8 { Not 2...Bc6? 3.Bxc6 Qxc6 4.Nce4 ✔ hitting the queen and threatening mate on h7. } 3. Nxh7 { The reason it is stronger to delay the capture on a8 is: } 3... Rc8 { Or 3...Nxh7 4.Qxe7 wins the exchange back with an extra pawn. } 4. Ng5 { Black cannot play 4...e5 (planning ...Bf5) due to 5.Nd5 – a move that would not be possible after the capture on a8. } 4... Bc6 { Now follows: } 5. Nce4 Bxe4 6. Rxc8+ Qxc8 7. Bxe4 Rb8 8. Bd4 { Black's best defense is: } 8... Qc1+ 9. Kg2 Rd8 10. Bh7+ Kf8 11. Bg6 Rxd4 { The forced moves end after: } 12. Qh8+ Ng8 13. Nh7+ Ke8 14. Qxg8+ Kd7 15. Qxf7 { Two pawns, an ongoing attack and opposite-coloured bishops give White a clear advantage. But seeing this far is neither realistic, nor woodpecking. Full points for 3 Nxh7!. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1000"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1br2rk1/1b2qpp1/p5n1/1p1pP1QN/3p1P1N/1B5P/PP4PK/3RR3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1000. Joel Fridlizius – Alexander Alekhine, Stockholm 1912 } 1. Nf6+ gxf6 2. exf6 { White captures on g6 if the queen moves, so Black’s moves are forced: } 2... Bxf4+ 3. Qxf4 Qxe1 { 3...Nxf4+– and White wins the d4-pawn after capturing on e7. } 4. Nxg6 { Not 4.Qh6? Qe5+ 5.Kh1 Qxf6–+ } 4... Qe4 5. Ne7+ { ✔ Setting up a mating attack, and White could also get a winning position by regaining the exchange at some point. } 5... Kh8 6. Rxd4 { The game finished: } 6... Qh7 7. Qh4 Rc4 8. Bxc4 dxc4 9. Qxh7+ Kxh7 10. Rh4# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1001"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r1k/pp4pp/2pp1q2/8/3P1nb1/4RN2/PPB2PPP/3QR1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1001. P. Fleissig – Alexander Alekhine, Bern (simul) 1922 } 1... Nh3+ 2. Kf1 { 2.gxh3 Bxf3–+ ✔ forces White to take on f3 to avoid being mated. } 2... Qh4 { 2...Qh6–+ defends the h-pawn and prepares to make use of the pin with ...Ng5. It is also winning, but not as forcing as the text move. However, Black should avoid: 2...Ng5? 3.Qd3! Bxf3? 4.Rxf3!± } 3. Qe2 { 3.Nxh4 Rxf2# ✔ } 3... Qh5 { ✔ There is no defence against 4...Ng5 or 4...Nf4 followed by 5...Nxg2. Also strong is 3...Bxf3 4.Rxf3 Nf4!–+ picking up the h2-pawn with a continuing attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1002"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2q3k1/5pb1/p5pp/1p6/3rP3/P2nP3/NP2Q1PP/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1002. Ernst Grünfeld – Alexander Alekhine, Karlsbad 1923 } 1... Nf4 2. exf4 Qc4 { The threat against the knight on a2 decides, since White cannot take the queen. } 3. Qxc4 Rxd1+ 4. Qf1 { 4.Kf2 bxc4–+ ✔ } 4... Bd4+ 5. Kh1 Rxf1# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1003"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5k2/p5p1/6p1/5p2/P1N5/2PpKP2/r3b1PP/4R3 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1003. Alexander Alekhine – M. Scholtz, Los Angeles (simul) 1932 } 1... f4+ { Other moves could also be winning, but are less clear. } 2. Kf2 { 2.Kd4 Rxa4–+ ✔ followed by 3...Rxc4+ 4 Kxc4 d2+. } 2... Bd1+ { Scholtz played 2...Rxa4 which was good enough to win, but more slowly. } 3. Kf1 Bb3 { The d-pawn will soon queen, but note that Black needs to start with a prophylactic move. } 4. Nd6 Kg8 { 4...d2?? 5.Re8# would be a bad surprise. But 4...Bxa4 is another winning move. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1004"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5q1k/pp2rpp1/2pN1n1p/3nN3/3P3R/P2Q3P/1P3PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1004. Alexander Alekhine – A. Correia Neves, Estoril (simul) 1940 } 1. Ndxf7+ Kg8 { 1...Rxf7 2.Ng6+ ✔ with a winning fork. } 2. Nh8 { It is also important that } 2... Rxe5 3. dxe5 { ✔ arrives with a threat on the f6-knight. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1005"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2kB1/pp2q3/2pp1bpp/8/P3P3/1QN5/1PP3PP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1005. Alexander Alekhine – Mollinedo, Madrid (simul) 1941 } 1. e5 { Evacuating the e4-square. } 1... dxe5 2. Ne4 Bf5 3. Nxf6 Qxf6 { 3...Kg7 4.g4 Qxf6 transposes. And 4...Bxg4 was hopeless in the game (1–0, 28 moves) . } 4. g4 Kg7 { Black threatens the bishop and prepares ...Qg5 if the bishop moves. } 5. Qxb7+ { ✔ The fork decides. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1006"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1r2/pq2b1pk/4p3/1Pp2p2/4PN2/P4KP1/2Q2P1P/R2R4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Max Euwe @@StartBlockQuote@@Alekhine’s real genius is in the preparation and construction of a position, long before combinations or mating attacks come into consideration at all.@@EndBlockQuote@@1006. Max Euwe – William Felderhof, Netherlands 1931 } 1... g5 2. Nxe6 { 2.Rxd8 Rxd8 3.Nxe6 Rd2! is an important move, with () A. 4.Qxd2 B. 4.Qb1 Rd1! 5.Qxd1 Qxe4# ✔ C. 4.Qc4 Rd4! 5.Nxd4 Qxe4# ✔ (Qxe4# ✔) Relatively best is 2.Ng2 when Black can take back the pawn with 2...Rd3+ Or win a pawn with 2...fxe4+ 3.Ke2 Qxb5+ ∓ 3.Ke2 Qxe4+ 4.Kf1 c4 ∓ } 2... Rd3+ 3. Kg2 { 3.Qxd3 fxe4+–+ ✔ wins the queen. } 3... Qxe4+ 4. Kf1 Rxd1+ 5. Qxd1 Qxe6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1007"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rq1rk1/pb2nppp/1p2pn2/4N3/3P4/1BN2P2/PP2Q1PP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Mikhail Botvinnik @@StartBlockQuote@@Yes, I have played a blitz game once. It was on a train, in 1929.@@EndBlockQuote@@1007. Mikhail Botvinnik – Andrey Batuyev, Leningrad 1930 } 1. Nxf7 Rxf7 { 1...Kxf7 2.Bxe6+ 2.Qxe6+?! Kg6± looks good, but there is no straightforward line. 2...Ke8 3.d5 And there is only one way to stop d5-d6: 3...Rxc3 4.Qb5+! Nd7 5.Rxc3+– Now there is none. } 2. Qxe6 Qf8 { Black has two alternatives: A. 2...Ned5 3.Nxd5 Nxd5 3...Rxc1 4.Nxf6++– ✔ is an intermediate capture with check. 4.Rxc8+– ✔ Or 4.Bxd5+– first. B. 2...Qe8 3.Ne4! The only winning move, but not something you have to see in advance, since the sacrifice would have been promising anyway. The idea is to send the knight to d6. 3...Bxe4 4.fxe4+– simply gives White pawns that are too strong. } 3. Re1 { Less precise is the game move 3.Ne4?! because 3...Rd8± Or 3...Ned5! would have put up quite some resistance: 4.Nd6?! Re8! ± } 3... Ng6 { 3...Re8 4.Qxf7+ Qxf7 5.Bxf7+ Kxf7 6.Nb5!+– } 4. Ne4 { White jumps in with the knight only when Black no longer has the same defence. In order not to lose the full rook on f7, Black will have to give back a piece on d5, leaving White two pawns up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1008"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bqrnk1/p3bppn/2p4p/1p1p4/3P1BP1/2NBP2P/PPQ1NP2/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Vassily Smyslov @@StartBlockQuote@@My fascination for studies proved highly beneficial, it assisted the development of my aesthetic understanding of chess, and improved my endgame play.@@EndBlockQuote@@1008. Andor Lilienthal – Vassily Smyslov, Leningrad/Moscow 1939 } 1. Nxb5 cxb5 2. Bc7 Qd7 3. Bf5 Nf6 { The game continued: 3...Ne6?! 4.Bxh7+ ± ✔ (½–½, 42 moves) } 4. Bxd7 Bxd7 { Here is one: } 5. Ba5 Rac8 6. Nc3 b4 7. f3 bxc3 8. Bxc3 { ∞ You have to decide if you prefer this position to a normal first move. The computer claims a small advantage to White, but it often overvalues the queen. Any non-losing first move gives 1 point, and anticipating that Black gets a third piece for the queen is enough for full points, regardless of whether you decided to take on b5 or not. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1009"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnb4r/p3kppp/1p2pn2/b1p5/2P2N2/P1N1P3/1P1B1PPP/R3KB1R w KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1009. Vassily Smyslov – Goesta Stoltz, Bucharest 1953 } 1. b4 cxb4 2. axb4 Bxb4 3. Ncd5+ Nxd5 4. Nxd5+ exd5 5. Bxb4+ { ✔ } 5... Kf6 { Defending the pawn is suicidal: 5...Ke6? 6.cxd5+ Kxd5 7.g3 Bf5 8.Bg2+ Be4 9.Rd1+ Ke5 10.f4+ Kf5 11.g4++– } 6. cxd5 { White’s initial sacrifice secured the bishop pair in an open, unbalanced position. Also, Black’s king would rather have been behind the pawns than in front of them (1–0, 46 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1010"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq2k1/pp3pbp/1np3p1/8/PPBNr3/4P3/3B1PPP/2RQ1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1010. Vassily Smyslov – Leonid Stein, Moscow 1969 } 1. Bxf7+ Kxf7 { The game went 1...Kh8+– (1–0, 51 moves) (.) } 2. Qf3+ Bf5 3. Nxf5 gxf5 4. Qxf5+ Kg8 5. Qxe4 Qxd2 { White has much better chances, for instance: } 6. Qe6+ Kh8 7. a5 Nd5 8. a6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1011"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3r2k/6qp/8/pP1nN3/4p1P1/7P/2R5/Q4RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1011. Vassily Smyslov – Dragoljub Minic, Kapfenberg 1970 } 1. Rf7 { 1.b6! is easily winning and also a practical choice, since it’s hard to calculate the variations in the main line. 1...Rxe5 1...Nxb6 2.Rc7+– with mate 2.b7 Rae8 3.Rc8+– } 1... Qxe5 2. Rf8+ Kg7 { 2...Rxf8 37.Qxe5++– ✔ } 3. Qxe5+ Rxe5 4. Rxa8 { Black’s passed pawn looks dangerous, but it is possible to neutralize it. However, to steer for this position, you need to see further; note that Smyslov only drew. } 4... e3 { The slow 4...Re7 allows White to defend with 5.Kf2 e3+ 6.Ke1 Nf4 7.Rc4!+– and the knight has only one check. } 5. b6 { Easiest. 5.Kf1? Nf4 6.b6 Rb5 7.Re2 was the game, with a draw. White can play for checkmate with 5.Ra7+ It wins, but requires deep calculation. 5...Kg6 6.Rc6+ Kg5 6...Nf6 7.Kf1+– 7.Rxh7! White threatens to exchange rooks. If you saw this far, you score full points. 7...Kf4 8.Rh5! One of several winning moves. Black is busted: 8...Re8 9.Rxd5 e2 10.Rc4+ Ke3 11.Rc1+– } 5... e2 6. Rxe2 Rxe2 7. b7 Rb2 8. b8=Q Rxb8 9. Rxb8 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1012"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r1k/2p3p1/1b1p4/4p3/1PQ1B2P/3P1P1K/1P3q1P/R7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1012. Vassily Smyslov – William Addison, Palma de Mallorca 1970 } 1. Qf7 { Defending against 1...Rxf3+ and threatening 2. Qh5+ with a mating attack. } 1... Qf1+ { ✔ 1...Rxf7? 2.Ra8+ Rf8 3.Rxf8# ✔ is easy. 1...Qxh4+!? was a way to force a queen exchange. However, exchanging one of White’s doubled h-pawns for the g-pawn is a positional concession. 2.Kxh4 g5+! 3.Kxg5 Rxf7 and White has good winning chances after 4.Kg6± or 4 Bd5±. One plan is walking the king to the queenside and sacrificing the exchange, because Black is busy taking care of the h-pawn as well. } 2. Kg4 { 2.Rxf1 Rxf7 ± looks like a fortress. } 2... Qg2+ 3. Kh5 { There are no more checks. } 3... Rg8 { 3...Rb8 4.Qf5 forces Black to give up a pawn to exchange queens with 4...g6+ 5.Qxg6 Qxg6+ 6.Kxg6+– And 3...g6+ is a worse variant of 1...Qxh4+. } 4. f4 { The queen cannot stay on the g-file. Smyslov won after 4.Ra8 g6+?! 5.Bxg6 mating. 4.Bd5 Rd8 5.Ra8 is the same. } 4... Qe2+ 5. Kg5 Be3 6. h3 { Only like so. } 6... Bxf4+ 7. Kg6 { With the g4-square defended, there is no defence against 8 Qxg8+ Kxg8 9. Ra8#. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1013"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2rk1/1p1qbppp/p3pn2/8/1P1Nn3/P3P3/BB3PPP/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Mikhail Tal @@StartBlockQuote@@Quiet moves often make a stronger impression than a wild combination with heavy sacrifices. Learn from Grandmasters @@StartBracket@@1974@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@1013. Georgy Borisenko – Mikhail Tal, Leningrad 1956 } 1. Nxe6 Qxd1 { 1...fxe6 2.Qxd7 Nxd7 3.Bxe6++– ✔ wins back the piece, with two pawns more. } 2. Rfxd1 Rc2 { ✔ 2...fxe6 3.Bxe6+ Kh8 4.Bxc8± ✔ White has a rook and two pawns for two knights. In this type of open position, especially with no outposts for them, the knights are much inferior to the rook and pawns. Additionally, White will penetrate with a rook on the c-file: 4...Rxc8 5.Rac1 Rxc1 6.Rxc1 Black would be okay with the king on d7, but as it is, White penetrates with the rook. } 3. Bxf6 { A reasonable choice is 3.Nxf8 Rxb2 4.Nd7 Nc3! 5.Nxf6+ Bxf6± when White has to give back the exchange. He will be a pawn up in an ending with rooks and opposite-coloured bishops. } 3... Bxf6 4. Nxf8 { Tal gained a blockade after: 4.Bb1?! Nxf2 5.Bxc2 fxe6 6.Bb3 Nxd1 7.Bxe6+ Kh8 8.Rxd1 += } 4... Bxa1 5. Rxa1 Kxf8 6. Bd5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1014"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq2k1/pp3pbp/2P2np1/8/3N4/1QN1rP2/PP3KPP/3R1B1R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1014. Janusz Szukszta – Mikhail Tal, Uppsala (blitz) 1956 } 1... Ng4+ 2. fxg4 Bxd4 { The king cannot escape from the discovered check. } 3. Qd5 { The best try. The game went 3.Rxd4 Qxd4 4.Qd5 Re2+ (0–1, 20 moves) . } 3... Qf6+ { ✔ 3...Qh4+ 4.g3 Rxg3+! 5.Rxd4 Rxc3+ 6.Kg1 Be6! gives Black a winning position, with some work left (full points) . } 4. Kg1 Rd3+ 5. Qxd4 Qxd4# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1015"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b2knQ/r1qr2pR/2N1p3/1p3pB1/3p2P1/2b5/PPP5/2K4R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1015. Mikhail Tal – Aleksandrs Koblencs, Riga 1957 } 1. R1h6 { The only move to continue the attack. The threat is 2 Rf6+ gxf6 3 Bh6+. } 1... d3 { 1...gxh6? 2.Bxh6+ Ke8 3.Qxg8# ✔ Instead, Black should have played 1...Qxc6! straight away, or after taking on b2. 2.Rf6+ gxf6 3.Bh6+ Rg7 4.Bxg7+ ✔ 4...Ke7 White has a few ways to make a draw from here. One is: 5.Bxf6+ Kd6 6.Be5+ Kd5 7.Rxa7 Bxb2+ 8.Kb1 8.Kxb2 is a draw by a small margin: 8...Qc3+ 9.Kc1 Qe1+ 10.Kb2 Black can play for more than a repetition with 10...Qxe5! but after 11.Qxg8 d3+ 12.Kb3! d2 13.Qxc8! Qe3+ 14.Qc3 Qxa7 15. Qxd2+= it is a draw nevertheless. 8...Qc3 9.Bb8 Not 9.Qh1+? Kxe5–+ Or 9.Qxg8? Ba1–+ Moving the bishop threatens to check on e5. 9...Qe1+ 10.Kxb2 Qc3+ 11. Kb1= 1. R1h6 was the only move to draw. } 2. bxc3 { 2.Rf6+?? Bxf6–+ } 2... d2+ 3. Kd1 Qxc6 4. Rf6+ Rf7 { 4...gxf6 5.Bh6+ Rg7 6.Bxg7+ Ke7 7.Bxf6+ Kd6 8.Be5+ ✔ White’s moves so far have been the only way to win. 8...Kd5 9.Rxa7+– } 5. Qxg7+ { +- } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1016"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1kr2/p1qbbp1Q/3p4/5p2/1p1N1P2/6P1/PPP4P/K2RR3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1016. Mikhail Tal – Konstantin Klaman, Moscow 1957 } 1. Rxe7+ Kxe7 2. Re1+ Kd8 { 2...Be6 3.Nxe6!+– ✔ and White can at least pick up a free rook on f8. But 3.Rxe6+? Kd7= is not good enough. } 3. Qh4+ { 3.Qg7?! Qa5!± } 3... f6 4. Qh6 Qa5 5. Nb3 { The difference compared to 3 Qg7?! is that White wins the pawn on f6 as well. 5.Qxf8+?! Kc7 6.Qxf6? b3!–+ and the rook on e1 is hanging. } 5... Qd5 6. Qxf8+ Kc7 7. Qxf6 { 1–0, 34 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1017"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn3k1r/pp2bppp/2pN1n2/8/5B2/7P/PqP1QP2/3RKB1R w K - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1017. Mikhail Tal – Aleksandrs Koblencs, Moscow 1960 } 1. Qxe7+ { 1.Be5 gives full points if you evaluated this position as at least equal (the engines think that it’s fair compensation) . } 1... Kxe7 2. Nf5+ Ke8 { 2...Ke6? 3.Nxg7+ Ke7 4.Bd6+ winning the queen. } 3. Nxg7+ Kf8 4. Bd6+ Kxg7 { 4...Kg8 5.Rg1 Qc3+ 6.Rd2 Qa1+ 7.Rd1 is a draw. } 5. Rg1+ Ng4 { 5...Kh6? 6.Bf4+ Kh5 7.Be2+ with a mating net whatever Black plays: 7...Ng4 Or 7...Kh4 8.Bg5+ Kxh3 9.Kf1. 8.Rxg4 } 6. Rxg4+ Kf6 7. Rf4+ { ✔ } 7... Kg7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1018"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6r/3qP1k1/p3RnBp/3p1P2/8/1Pp3B1/P1P3PP/2KR4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1018. Mikhail Tal – Aleksandrs Koblencs, Riga 1961 White has a promising position after a slow move, but can force matters: } 1. Be5 Qxe6 { The only try. } 2. fxe6 Kxg6 3. Rf1 Nh7 { 3...Rhe8 4.Rxf6++– is hopeless. } 4. Bxh8 Rxh8 5. Rf8 { A move White must see before playing 1 Be5. } 5... Rxf8 { 5...Nxf8 6.e8=Q++– ✔ } 6. exf8=Q Nxf8 7. e7 Kf7 8. exf8=Q+ Kxf8 { ✔ } 9. Kd1 { White has an easily winning endgame. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1019"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/pp6/2p1q3/8/1PPbNpP1/P7/4Q1B1/2B2K2 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1019. Jan Hein Donner – Mikhail Tal, Bled 1961 } 1... f3 2. Bxf3 Qxg4 { White cannot defend the bishop and the mate on g1, so his only chance is a counterattack. } 3. Nf6+ { ✔ A move that could be an unpleasant surprise if you haven’t seen it in advance. } 3... Rxf6 4. Qe8+ Kh7 { 4...Kg7? 5.Bh6+! Kxh6 6.Qh8+ Kg5 7.Qg7+ Rg6 8.Qxg6+ leads to a draw. } 5. Qe7+ Qg7 6. Qxg7+ { The checks are soon over after 6.Qe4+ Kh8 leaving Black with good winning chances. The same evaluation is valid after the game continuation (0–1, 56 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1020"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1R2r1k1/5ppp/p2Q4/1p1P2P1/6KP/P3q3/1P6/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1020. Larry Evans – Mikhail Tal, Amsterdam 1964 } 1... f5+ { 1...h5+? 2.gxh6 f5+ 3.Kxf5 Qf3+ 4.Kg5 Qf6+ uses the same motif as in the game, but White can use the extra h-pawn and draw after 5.Qxf6 gxf6+ 6.Kxf6 Rxb8 7.h7+ Kxh7 8.d6 Now Black has only one move that draws: 8...Rf8+! 9.Ke7 Rf1 10.d7 Re1+= } 2. gxf6 h5+ 3. Kxh5 Qf3+ 4. Kg5 Qxf6+ { The lines are shorter after 4...Qg2+! 5.Kf5 5.Kh5 Kh7 or 5...Rxb8–+ 6.fxg7 Re5+ 7.Qxe5 Qg6# 5...g6+ 6.Kf4 Qh2+–+ winning the queen. } 5. Qxf6 gxf6+ 6. Kxf6 Rxb8 7. Ke7 Rb7+ 8. Ke8 Rh7 9. d6 Rxh4 10. d7 Re4+ { The rook can reach the e-file in several ways and all are equally good. } 11. Kd8 Kf7 12. Kc7 Rc4+ 13. Kb6 Ke7 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1021"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r2k1/R5pp/1p3pn1/3b2q1/3P4/P4QP1/BP3P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1021. Mikhail Tal – Bjorn Brinck Claussen, Havana (ol) 1966 } 1. Ra8 Bxa2 { Two alternatives: A 1...Rxa8! 2.Bxd5+ Or 2.Qxd5+± which is good, even though White has to worry about a dark-square blockade. 2...Kf8 3.Bxa8± ✔ Black should try to use the h-pawn to open White’s king position, but first he must worry about his own. B If Black starts with 1...Qc1+ 2.Kg2 there is no check on c7 after 2...Bxa2 3.Rxd8+ Kf7 White’s best is 4.b3! threatening a check on d5. After 4...Qe1! 5.Rd7+! Ne7 6.d5! Ke8! 7.Rd6! White threatens 8 Rxb6 and 8. Re6 followed by 9. d6. He should be winning. } 2. Rxd8+ Kf7 3. Qc6 Ne7 { The only defence against the mate on e8. } 4. Qe8+ Ke6 5. Rc8 { 5.Qd7+ Kf7 6.Rc8 Qd2 7.Qe8+ transposes. } 5... Qd5 { 5...Qd2 6.Rc6+! Kf5 7.g4+! Kxg4 8.Qxe7+– The point of sacrificing the g-pawn is that Black does not have a check on h5 after 8...Qd1+ 9.Kh2! } 6. Rc3 { Or 6 Rc7+–. Black is occupied trying (and eventually failing) to defend, and cannot create any counterplay (1–0, 45 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1022"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3rbk1/2q2p1p/2p1p1p1/pp1nP1B1/6Q1/P2B2P1/1PP2PK1/R6R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1022. Mikhail Tal – Bukhuti Gurgenidze, Alma-Ata 1968 } 1. Rxh7 Qxe5 { The best defence is 1...Bg7! 2.Bf6! Bxf6! 2...Nxf6 3.exf6 Kxh7 4.Rh1+ Kg8 5.Qh4 with mate. 3.exf6 Nxf6 since White does not get time to sacrifice the bishop on g6. 4.Qxg6+ fxg6 5.Rxc7± ✔ White wins a pawn on c6 or g6 with good winning chances. } 2. Rxf7 Kxf7 { Black’s king does at least escape after 2...Bh6! 3.Bxh6 Kxf7 4.Bxg6+ Ke7 5.Bxe8 Rxe8+– but again at the cost of a pawn and a positional minus. } 3. Bxg6+ Kg8 { 3...Kxg6 4.Bf4++– ✔ wins the queen. } 4. Bxe8 { ✔ Black cannot take back, since White still threatens a discovered check (1–0, 34 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1023"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnq1brk1/ppp2pb1/6p1/6N1/2B5/8/PPPQ1PPP/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1023. Mikhail Tal – Tigran Petrosian, Moscow 1974 } 1. Qf4 { On the way to h4, but also pressuring f7. The alternative 1.Qd3!? threatens the pawn on g6. After 1...Qf5 2.Qxf5 gxf5 3.Rxe8 Rxe8 4.Bxf7+ Kf8 5.Bxe8 Kxe8 6.Ne6! Be5 7.Re1! White is winning. Full points if you saw this far. } 1... Nd7 2. Rxd7 { Capturing the knight that was supposed to defend against the mate on h7. } 2... Bxd7 { 2...Qxd7 3.Qh4 ✔ with mate. } 3. Bxf7+ { Black resigned due to 3...Rxf7 4.Qxf7+ Kh8 5.Qxg6 Bf5 6.Nf7+ Kg8 7.Nh6+ Kh8 8.Nxf5 with a mating attack. Also winning was: 3.Qh4 Re8 4.Bxf7++– } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1024"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/7p/p1pp1k2/P5p1/1PP5/6PP/6K1/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1024. Mikhail Tal – Krunoslav Hulak, Novi Sad 1974 } 1... d5 { 1...Ke6? 2.b5+– was played in the game. } 2. cxd5 { 2.b5 dxc4 3.bxa6 c3 4.a7 c2 5.a8=Q c1=Q± ✔ and the a-pawn is far advanced, but Black should have sufficient counterplay. } 2... Ke5 { Or 2...Ke7 } 3. dxc6 Kd6 4. Kf3 Kxc6 5. Kg4 Kb5 6. Kxg5 Kxb4 7. Kh6 Kxa5 8. Kxh7 Kb4 9. g4 a5 10. g5 a4 11. g6 a3 12. g7 a2 13. g8=Q a1=Q { ✔ A theoretical draw. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1025"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b2rk1/1pq1bppp/p3p3/2n1n1B1/3N4/3B1N2/PPP1Q1PP/R4R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1025. Mikhail Tal – N.N., East Berlin (simul) 1975 } 1. Bxe7 { It is possible to start with 1.Bxh7+ But 1.Bf4 Ncxd3 2.cxd3 f6 3.Nxe5 fxe5 4.Bxe5± only gives a positional advantage. } 1... Nxf3 2. Rxf3 Qxe7 3. Bxh7+ Kxh7 4. Rh3+ { 4.Nf5 transposes or wins the queen after: 4...Qg5 5.Rh3+ Kg6 6.Rg3+– } 4... Kg8 { 4...Kg6 is obviously suicidal: 5.Qh5+ Kf6 6.Rf1# } 5. Nf5 Qg5 6. Qh5 { The end could have been: 6...Qxh5 7.Ne7+ Kh7 8.Rxh5# ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1026"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1rk1/pp3pp1/2p1p2P/q3n1p1/2P5/6N1/PP1RQPP1/1K5R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1026. Alexander Beliavsky – Mikhail Tal, Moscow 1981 } 1. Rd5 { 1.Rc2 g6! =+ and White has to fight to show his compensation. Even worse is 1.hxg7? Rxd2 2.Rh8+ Kxg7 3.Rh7+ when Black can run to e7 or sacrifice the queen: 3...Kxh7 4.Qh5+ Kg8 5.Qxg5+ Ng6 6.Qxa5 Rxf2–+ } 1... Rxd5 { 1...cxd5? 2.Qxe5 gxh6 2...f6 3.Qxe6+ Rf7 and White has many winning moves. One that requires little calculation is 4.h7+ Kh8 5.Qxf7+– 3.Rxh6 Or 3.Nh5 mating. 3...f6 4.Qxe6+ Rf7 5.Nh5!+– The pawn on f6 falls and it’s Game Over. } 2. cxd5 Qxd5 { 2...Ng6 does not really defend the king after: 3.hxg7 Kxg7 4.Nh5+ Kg8 5.Qf3! f5 6.Qe3+– } 3. hxg7 Kxg7 { The game was agreed drawn here. } 4. Nh5+ Kg6 5. Nf4+ gxf4 6. Qh5+ Kf6 7. Qh4+ Kf5 8. Qh5+ Ke4 { 8...Kf6 9. Qh4+= } 9. Qe2+ { ✔ It’s a perpetual, since Black cannot allow Rd1+ winning the queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1027"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r2/3bqpk1/2n1p1pr/1p1pP1N1/p1nP1NQp/P4R1P/1P2RPP1/1B4K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1027. Mikhail Tal – Bodo Schmidt, Porz 1982 } 1. Nxf7 { 1.Bxg6? fxg6 2.Nfxe6+ looks tempting, but Black has 2...Kg8 3.Rxf8+ Qxf8 and the knight is pinned, forcing White to find the clever 4.Nh7! Rxh7 5.Qxg6+ Rg7 6.Nxf8 Rxg6 7.Nxg6 to be only clearly worse. } 1... Rxf7 { 1...Qxf7 2.Nh5++– ✔ White takes the queen and then crashes through on g6. } 2. Nxg6 Rxg6 3. Qxg6+ { ✔ White picks up the h4-pawn and will be at least clearly better, although that evaluation is not so easy to make. } 3... Kf8 4. Rxf7+ Qxf7 5. Qh6+ Qg7 { 5...Ke7 loses to 6.Bg6+– and 7. Qxh4+. 5...Kg8! is best, since the king keeps control over the h8-square. White is winning on the kingside after 6.Qxh4 but Black has some hope to get the d4-pawn. 6...Qe7!± tries to exchange the defender. } 6. Qxh4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1028"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qr1k1/pp1b1pp1/3n3p/3p1P1N/3P1R2/P1PB4/5QPP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1028. Garry Kasparov – Mikhail Tal, Brussels 1987 } 1. Nxg7 { There are a lot of alternatives, but none are as strong: A 1.Qg3?! Qg5! 2.Rg4 Qe3+ += B 1.Rg4 g5! 2.fxg6 Bxg4 3.gxf7+ Nxf7 4.Nf6+ Kg7 5.Nxg4± C 1.f6?! g6 += } 1... Ne4 { The main point is 1...Kxg7 2.f6+ Kh8 3.Qh4 ✔ with a winning attack. } 2. Bxe4 { 2.Rxe4 Rxe4!± and White is a pawn up, but has less of an attack than in the main line. } 2... Rxe4 3. f6 { White has won a pawn and Black’s king is quite exposed. It should be enough to win. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1029"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5b1Q/2q1kp1r/p1P2n2/1p2p3/1P3p2/P2R1Bp1/2P3P1/1K2R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1029. Boris Spassky – Tigran Petrosian, Moscow 1955 White is an exchange up and will win back the trapped queen by a rook check on d7. } 1. Rd7+ { The game was agreed drawn after 1.Qxh7? Nxh7 2.Rd7+ Qxd7 3.cxd7 Opposite-coloured bishops favour the player with an active position, which is Black in this case. He will use his kingside majority and has full compensation after 3...Bg7 } 1... Qxd7 { 1...Nxd7 2.Qxh7+– ✔ and the pawn on e5 drops. } 2. Rxe5+ { If the king moves, White takes on f8 with check, so the following moves are forced. } 2... Qe6 3. Rxe6+ fxe6 { The queen is still trapped on h8, but will be resurrected by pawn promotion. } 4. c7 Rxh8 5. c8=Q { ✔ White picks up the queenside pawns and should be winning. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1030"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2qk2r/1p1n1ppp/2pbp3/p3Nb2/3P4/1B6/PPPBQPPP/R3K2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1030. Svetozar Gligoric – Tigran Petrosian, Leningrad 1957 } 1. Nxf7 { 1.g4?! Bg6 2.h4 Bxe5 3.dxe5 a4 4.Bc4 Nb6 =+ and the pawn on c2 is en prise. } 1... Kxf7 2. g4 { White didn’t win any material, but he did open the light squares around Black’s king. } 2... Qf6 { Black can’t move the bishop: 2...Bg6? 3.Qxe6++– ✔ And 2...a4 leads to the same fate: 3.gxf5 axb3 4.Qxe6+ Kf8 5.Qxd6+± ✔ } 3. gxf5 { ✔ White’s advantage with his light-squared bishop and safer king is significant (1–0, 72 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1031"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/1r2n1k1/2p2pp1/1q1pN3/3P2P1/4PQ2/5PK1/2R5 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1031. Tigran Petrosian – Hector Rossetto, Portoroz 1958 } 1. g5 Nf5 { A 1...fxe5 2.Qf6+ ✔ Kg8 3.Rh1 is mating. B 1...f5 2.Qh3+– and the h-file decides (other moves also win, but more slowly) . C 1...Ng8 2.gxf6+ Nxf6 3.Rxc6+– with a winning attack. D 1...fxg5 2.Qf7+ Kh8 3.Rh1# ✔ } 2. gxf6+ { ✔ 2.Qf4+– is also strong enough. The game move gives a decisive attack. } 2... Kxf6 3. Rxc6+ Ke7 4. Qf4 { The attack will yield further dividends. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1032"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5r2/r2P1p1k/p3p1p1/1p4Qp/2pP3P/R1nq1b2/5PP1/2B1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1032. Tigran Petrosian – Felix Ignatiev, Moscow 1958 } 1. Qh6+ { A 1.d8=Q? Rxd8 2.Qxd8 and White is lost on the queenside, but seems able to fight well enough on the dark squares for a draw. Black can play: 2...Ne2+ 3.Rxe2 Qd1+ 4.Kh2 Bxg2! 5.Kxg2 Qxe2= B 1.Qe7? Raa8–+ C 1.gxf3? Rxd7–+ D It is possible to start with 1.Rxc3 and follow up in the same way, but it allows 1...Qxd4 when the h8-square is defended, although White is still winning. } 1... Kg8 2. Qxf8+ { 2.Bg5? Qxd4 =+ } 2... Kxf8 3. d8=Q+ { ✔ } 3... Kg7 4. Bh6+ { There are other winning moves. } 4... Kh7 { 4...Kxh6 5.Qh8# } 5. Qf6 { Mate is coming. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1033"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1bq1rk1/6bp/p1Rp1n2/3Pp3/2p1P3/2N1B3/PP1Q3P/1K4NR b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1033. Borge Andersen – Tigran Petrosian, Copenhagen 1960 } 1... Nxe4 { Using the back rank and the light squares weakened due to White missing his light-squared bishop. } 2. Nxe4 Bf5 { White would likely have resigned here. Instead 2...Rf1+ was played and brought a swift victory; it should be winning, even against a tougher defence than was played, but the main line is stronger. 3.Kc2 Bf5 4.Qg2 A better defence is 4.Rxc4 Rc8 5.Qd3 although White is in trouble after 5...Ra1!–+ 4...Qh4 Or 4...Qa5–+ 5.Rxc4 Qe1!–+ Black has a winning attack (0–1, 29 moves) . } 3. Qc2 Qh4 4. Rxc4 Rac8 { White is overloaded. } 5. Nf3 Rxc4 6. Nxh4 Bxe4 { ✔ Black is a rook up. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1034"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rk1n1/5p2/p3pPp1/1pq5/5Q1P/1B2P3/PP2KP2/3R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1034. Tigran Petrosian – Lev Polugaevsky, Moscow 1963 White is clearly better anyway, but also has the chance to force a direct win. } 1. Rxd8+ Kxd8 2. Qb8+ { 2.Bxe6 Qc2+ 3.Kf3 Qc6+ and White has to exchange queens and give up the f-pawn. Black can fight for a while after 4.Qe4 Qxe4+ 5.Kxe4 Nxf6+ 6.Ke5 Ke7 7.Bh3 } 2... Qc8 { 2...Kd7 3.Qxg8+– ✔ } 3. Qxc8+ Kxc8 4. Bxe6+ { +- The bishop will take all three pawns, since it cannot be taken due to f6-f7-f8=Q. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1035"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/1pk5/2p1P3/3r4/6Q1/1p1q4/PP3P2/K5R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1035. Tigran Petrosian – Borislav Ivkov, Hamburg 1965 White can force the pawn through with some accurate moves. } 1. e7 { 1.Qf4+?! Kc8 1...Kb6 += 2.Rg8+ Rd8 += } 1... Re5 { 1...Ra5 2.Qf4+! Kd7 2...Kb6 3.Qb4+ Ka6 4.Qxa5++– ✔ 3.e8=Q+ Kxe8 4.Rg8+ ✔ The king is checked upwards and Black has to give up the queen to avoid mate. } 2. Qg7 { +– Two threats: against the rook, and to queen with a discovered check. Not 2.Qf4? Qd6= } 2... Kd6 3. Qxe5+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1036"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r1k/p1pb4/1p1p3p/3Pq2P/2P1pp2/3BB3/PPQN1P1P/6RK w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1036. Tigran Petrosian – Boris Spassky, Moscow (12) 1966 Black has put his faith in the rolling e- and f-pawns winning the dark-squared bishop to keep his king out of danger. } 1. Nf3 { Making room for the crucial minor piece to get out of danger and onto the a1-h8 diagonal. Not 1.Bxe4 fxe3 2.Nf3 Rxf3 and Black is not much worse. } 1... exd3 { White also wins after other moves: 1...exf3 2.Bd2! ✔ followed by 3 Bc3. 1...fxe3 2.Nxe5 ✔ And 1...Qf6 2.Bd4 ✔ } 2. Qxd3 { ✔ Instead White went for 2.Nxe5? dxc2 3.Bd4! dxe5 4.Bxe5+ Kh7 5.Rg7+ Kh8 but Black had too much counterplay with the pawn on c2, so White had to make a draw: 6.Rf7+ Kg8 7.Rg7+ Kh8 8.Rg6+ Kh7 9.Rg7+ ½–½ } 2... Bf5 3. Qe2 { 3.Nxe5 3.Bd4 Bxd3 4.Nxe5 transposes. 3...Bxd3 4.Bd4! also wins: 4...dxe5 4...Be4+ 5.Nf3+!+– 5.Bxe5+ Kh7 6.Rg7+ Kh8 7.Rxc7+ Kg8 8.Rg7+ Kh8 9.Rxa7+ Kg8 10.Rg7+ Kh8 11.Rg3+ Kh7 12.Rxd3+– All the pawns for the exchange will decide. } 3... fxe3 4. Nxe5 exf2 5. Rg2 { 5.Rf1 is also good. } 5... Be4 6. Ng6+ Bxg6 7. Rxf2 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1037"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2q1rk1/pp2pp2/3pnbp1/3R4/2P3BQ/4BR2/PP4PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1037. Bent Larsen – Tigran Petrosian, Santa Monica 1966 } 1. Qh6 { Threatening 2 Bxe6 or 2 Rh3. 1.Rxf6? exf6 ∓ gets White nowhere. } 1... Bg7 2. Qxg6 { 2.Qh4? is not even a repetition: 2...f5 ∓ } 2... Nf4 { A 2...Nc7 is a double threat, but Black gets no time to execute it: 3.Qxg7+! Kxg7 4.Rg5+ Kh6 5.Rh3# ✔ B 2...fxg6 3.Bxe6+ Kh7 3...Rf7 and White can transpose to the main line with 4 Rxf7 or get a winning attack after 4.Bxf7+ Kf8 5.Bxg6+ Bf6 6.Rh5 4.Rh3+ Bh6 5.Bxh6 Rf5 6.Rxf5! gxf5 7.Bf7!+– ✔ The threat of 8 Bf8 mate is hard to defend against. White could have captured the f5-pawn first, but there’s no point. } 3. Rxf4 fxg6 4. Be6+ { ✔ } 4... Rf7 { 4...Kh7 5.Rh4+ is the same as 2...fxg6 3 Bxe6 Bh6. The only difference is that Black can try 6...Bh6 7.Bxh6! g5 when both moves win: 8 Bxg5++– and 8.Rxg5 Qb6+ 9.c5!+– } 5. Rxf7 { It’s over. Also strong is: 5.Bxf7+ Kf8 6.Bxg6+ Bf6 7.Rh5+– } 5... Kh8 { 6...Be5 7.Rf5+ Kh8 8.Rfxe5+– } 6. Rg5 b5 7. Rg3 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1038"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/5pb1/r1p1bnpp/6B1/5P2/qP3B2/P2QR1PP/2NR3K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1038. Tigran Petrosian – Heikki Westerinen, Palma de Mallorca 1968 } 1. f5 hxg5 { A 1...Bxf5? 2.Bxf6! Rxe2 3.Qd8+ Or 3.Bxe2+– 3...Qf8 4.Qxf8+ Kxf8 5.Bxg7+ White has two other winning moves: 5 Bxe2 and 5.Rd8+ Re8 6.Bxg7+ Kxg7 7.Rxe8+– 5...Kxg7 6.Bxe2+– B 1...gxf5 2.Bxh6+– ✔ and White is a pawn up, while Black’s structure and king’s position are in ruins. } 2. fxe6 Rxe6 3. Rxe6 { ✔ } 3... fxe6 4. Qxg5 { White is winning, being a pawn up while Black has many weaknesses and no counterplay (1–0, 41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1039"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2Rr1rk1/pn1P1pp1/1q5p/1p3Q2/3N4/8/5PPP/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1039. Boris Spassky – Tigran Petrosian, Moscow (5) 1969 } 1. Nc6 { 1.Qe5!? maintains a serious advantage. 1...Qd6 2.Qxd6 Nxd6 3.Rc7! and White is probably winning. But 1.Re8? Qxd4–+ should be avoided. } 1... Nd6 2. Nxd8 { A Just as good is: 2.Ne7+! Kh8 3.Ng6+! Kg8 3...fxg6 4.Qxf8+ Rxf8 5.Rxf8+ Kh7 6.d8=Q+– 4.Nxf8 Nxf5 5.Rxd8 Qxd8 6.Re8+– White enjoys an extra rook after spending a tempo to create luft for the king. B 2.Rxd8 Rxd8 3.Nxd8 Nxf5 and White only wins an exchange. However, that’s enough after the precise 4.Nb7! Kh7 5.d8=Q Qxb7 6.g4!+– when the knight is caught. } 2... Nxf5 3. Nc6 { ✔ White queens with an extra rook left on the board. 3 Nb7 would have been similar. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1040"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/5p1p/5qp1/1P6/p2Nn3/2rNP2P/5PP1/Q2R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1040. Tigran Petrosian – Boris Spassky, Moscow (8) 1969 } 1... Rxd3 { Black is clearly better and probably winning after simple moves, such as 1...a3 or 1...R3c4, but no points for such cowardice this time! } 2. Rxd3 Qxf2+ 3. Kh2 { 3.Kh1 Ng3+ 4.Kh2 Nf1+ 5.Kh1 Nxe3 is straightforward. } 3... Qg3+ 4. Kg1 { Material is now equal, but Black wins with a fork on f2. } 4... Nf2 { -+ ✔ Black captures the pawn on h3, with an ongoing attack. The game continued: 4...Qf2+ Spassky starts with a repetition. 5.Kh2 Qg3+ 6.Kg1 Nf2! } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1041"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2br1r1k/p5b1/np1P2q1/1Np2pNn/2P1p2B/P6P/1P2R1BK/4Q1R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1041. Drazen Marovic – Tigran Petrosian, Amsterdam 1973 } 1. Nxe4 { 1.Bf3 Be5+! 1...exf3? 2.Nxf3 creates a double threat of Rxg6 and Bxd8. Black is still fine materially, but White’s initiative is winning. 2.Kh1 Qh6= } 1... fxe4 2. Bxe4 Qe6 { A 2...Be5+ 3.Kh1 Qe6 threatens mate, so White has to postpone taking on d8. 4.Re3!+– Black can’t defend against 5. Rg6 Or 4.Rg4+– B 2...Qh6 3.Bg5! allows the queen to reach h4. After 3...Qe6 4.Qh4! ✔ Be5+ 5.Kg2! Black must give back the piece: 5...Qxh3+ 6.Qxh3 Bxh3+ 7.Kxh3+– Black is lacking coordination: the knights are on the edge, the rook on d8 is threatened and the king can come under attack. And White is also a pawn up. C 2...Qf7 3.Bxd8 Rxd8 and White has a winning attack; strongest seems 4.Rxg7! Kxg7 5.Rf2 Qe6 6.Qc3+ Nf6 7.Qg3+ Ng4+ 8.Qxg4+ Qxg4 9.hxg4 with a winning endgame. } 3. Rxg7 { The only winning move in a complicated position. The game continuation 3.Re3? was considered strong by Petrosian in his commentary on the game, but with a computer we can see that it is not the strongest continuation: 3...Rde8 4.Be7 Qe5+! (to prevent Qc3+ after ...Bh6) 5.Kh1 Bh6 and things are not so clear. } 3... Kxg7 { ✔ 3...Nxg7 4.Bxd8 Rxd8 5.Qh4++– ✔ After the king captures on g7, there are different ways to continue the attack, usually leading to a won endgame. However, it’s enough if your intuition evaluated this position as winning. } 4. Bxd8 { A 4.Rg2+ Kh8 5.Qc3+ Rf6 5...Nf6 6.Rg6 Qxh3+ 7.Qxh3 Bxh3 8.Bxf6+ Rxf6 9.Rxf6+– 6.Bxf6+ Qxf6 7.Rg5+– B Or first 4.Qc3+ Rf6 5.Rg2+ Kh8 6.Bxf6+ Qxf6 7.Rg5+– } 4... Rxd8 5. Rg2+ Kh8 { 5...Kf8 6.Bd5! Qxe1 7.Rg8# } 6. Qc3+ Qf6 { 6...Nf6 7.Rg6 Rf8 7...Qxh3+ 8.Qxh3+ Bxh3 9.Rxf6!+– 8.Rh6+ Kg7 9.Rh7+ Kg8 10.Qg3+ Ng4+ 11.Qxg4+ Qxg4 12.hxg4+– } 7. Rg5 Qxc3 8. Rxh5+ Kg7 9. bxc3 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1042"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1r1k1/pbq1bp2/1pn3p1/6Bp/7Q/PB3N2/1P3PPP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1042. Tigran Petrosian – Yuri Balashov, Soviet Union 1974 } 1. Qe4 { Bringing the queen into the centre to attack the light squares (g6 and e6) . Not 1.Bxf7+? Kxf7 2.Qc4+ Kg7 ∓ } 1... Kg7 { 1...Bxg5 2.Qxg6+ Kf8 3.Qxg5+– ✔ } 2. Bxf7 Kxf7 3. Bh6 { Cutting off the king’s retreat, threatening Qe6/c4/d5+ with a devastating attack. } 3... Qd6 { A 1...Nd4 defends against queen checks, but White is easily winning after 2.Qxd4 B 1...Bf6 2.Qc4+ Re6 3.Qxe6# ✔ C 1...Nd8 2.Ne5+ with mate. } 4. Qc4+ Kf6 { ✔ White’s attack is so strong that several moves win. } 5. Rad1 { 5.Ng5!+– with threats against f7 and h7. } 5... Nd4 6. Qxd4+ Qxd4 7. Rxd4 Rc5 8. h4 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1043"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rr2k1/pb2qpbp/2n3p1/2RpP3/6N1/1B4NP/PP3PP1/2Q1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1043. Robert Hübner – Tigran Petrosian, Biel 1976 } 1. Nf6+ { Bad are 1.Bxd5? Rxd5 2.Rxd5 Nb4–+ and White cannot play 3.Rc5 And 1.Rxd5?! Rxd5 2.Bxd5 Nb4 3.Bc4 Nd3 ∓ } 1... Kh8 { 1...Bxf6? 2.exf6 Qxf6 2...Qf8 3.Rxd5 Rxd5 4.Bxd5 Nb4 and the difference compared to the immediate capture on d5 is that the bishop on b7 is undefended: 5.Bxb7! Rxc1 6.Rxc1+– ✔ White will win the queen back, with an extra piece. 3.Bxd5 Rxd5 4.Rxd5 Nb4 5.Rc5 ✔ With the queen no longer on e7 this defence is possible, with a winning material advantage. } 2. Nxd5 { ✔ White is clearly better, although Black won the game (0–1, 41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1044"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1q1kr2/1b2bn1Q/3pp1p1/1N4P1/4n3/P1N1B3/1PP4P/2KR1R2 w q - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1044. John Fedorowicz – Tigran Petrosian, Hastings 1977 } 1. Rxf7 { Thanks to some nice geometry, White picks up some material and a good position. 1.Qxg6 Nxc3 2.Nxd6+ Bxd6 3.Rxd6 Ne2+ 4.Kd1 Ra6 is unclear. } 1... Rxf7 2. Qg8+ Rf8 { 2...Bf8? 3.Nxe4 Bxe4 4.Nxd6++– ✔ } 3. Qxg6+ Kd7 4. Nxe4 Bxe4 5. Qxe4 { ✔ White has three pawns for the exchange and a safer king (1–0, 38 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1045"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4n1k1/rp2r2p/2p1pnpQ/6N1/3P4/5R2/q4PPP/2R2BK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1045. Borislav Ivkov – Tigran Petrosian, Teslic 1979 } 1. Ne4 { Attacking the blocker on f6. Not 1.Nxe6? Qxe6 2.Bc4 Qxc4 3.Rxc4 Re1# } 1... Nd7 { White is certainly happy after this retreat, so you don’t have to see further. After 1...Rf7 the way for White to break through is to win the e6-pawn with the bishop. 2.Bc4 Or similarly 2.Nxf6+ Nxf6 3.Bc4 2...Ng4 2...Qb2 3.Nxf6+! 3.Bxe6? Ra1 4.Nxf6+ Kh8! 5. Rf1!= with a perpetual 6...Nxf6 7.Bxe6 Ra1 and White has enough resources to win material and defend against the perpetual: 8.Bxf7+ Kxf7 9.Qxh7+! Ke8 9...Ke6 10.Re3+ Kd5 11.Qf7+ Kd6 12.Qe7+ Kd5 13.Qe5# ✔ 10.Qxg6+ Kd7 11.Rf1 The queen can come back to c2 to defend against checks. 3.Qg5! ✔ White has too many threats for Black to parry. 3.Qh4?? Qxc4! ∓ turns the game around. But 3.Bxa2 Nxh6 4.Bxe6+– is good enough. 1...Nxe4 2.Rf8# ✔ } 2. Qg5 { Many moves are winning, for instance 2 Bc4 first or 2 Nc5 going for the f8-square. Ivkov played the slightly cautious 2 h3?! but perhaps it was time trouble, and the win was spoiled a few moves later. } 2... Rf7 3. Bc4 Qb2 4. Bxe6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1046"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r2k/1pp3pp/pn1b1r1q/3P2R1/1P2pP1P/P1N1n3/1B2BQ2/6RK w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Boris Spassky @@StartBlockQuote@@A man who is willing to commit suicide has the initiative.@@EndBlockQuote@@1046. Mikhail Vvedensky – Boris Spassky, Leningrad 1952 } 1. Nxe4 { Not 1.Qxe3? Qxh4+ 2.Kg2 Bxf4–+ Nor 1.Rxg7? Rxf4–+ } 1... Rg6 { The point of the knight sacrifice is that White threatens mate after 1...Rxe4 2.Rxg7 Black can try 2...Qxg7 3.Rxg7 Kxg7 but is mated after: 4.Qg1+! 4.Qg3+ also wins, but allows 4...Kf7 5.Bxf6 Nf5 4...Kf7 5.Bxf6 5.Bh5++– is not as strong, but still good. 5...Kxf6 6.Qg5+ Kf7 7.Bh5+! Kf8 8.Qf6+! Kg8 9.Bf7+ ✔ Kf8 10.Bg6+ Kg8 11.Qf7+ Kh8 12.Qxh7# 1...Rxf4 is met most easily by 2.Qxf4 Bxf4 3.Bxg7+ Qxg7 4.Rxg7 since Black can’t take on e4. } 2. Nxd6 { Vvedensky lost after 2.Rh5? Qxf4! because 3.Qxf4 Rxg1+ ∓ comes with check. } 2... cxd6 3. Rh5 { The queen is trapped and cannot escape after trading on g1 due to Qxg7 mate. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1047"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/1q3ppp/p3p3/2b1P3/p2N1Q2/P7/1PP3PP/3R1R1K w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1047. Boris Spassky – Klaus Darga, Varna (ol) 1962 } 1. Nxe6 fxe6 { You can actually choose between three winning moves. } 2. Qg4 { I think this is most clear-cut, but other moves are also winning. A 2.Qc4 Qb6 3.Qxa4+ transposes to 2 Qxa4+. B Spassky played 2.Qxa4+ when 2...Qb5 If Black had defended with 2...Ke7 the best way is 3.Qh4+ Ke8 4.Qg4+– with the same position as 2 Qg4, but without the pawn on a4. It is a little greedy to spend energy on that, but still full points, of course. 3.Qg4 was similar to 2 Qg4. } 2... Qc6 { Black has two other ways to try to defend. A 2...Qe7 deprives the king of its only square: 3.Qxa4+ is mating. B 2...Rf8 3.Qxe6+ Be7 4.Rxf8+ Kxf8 ✔ 5.Rd7 wins the queen with a winning material advantage. Or 5.Rf1+ with a winning attack: 5...Ke8 6.Qf7+ Kd7 7.Rd1+ Kc6 8.Qe6+ Kc5 9.Rd7+– } 3. Qxg7 Rf8 4. Rxf8+ Bxf8 5. Qxh7 { ✔ Black has no active moves, and no defence against 6 Qg6+ Ke7 7 Rd6 Qc8 8 Qf6+ Ke8 9 Rxe6+. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1048"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1nr1n1k1/1r2qppp/b1pRp3/ppP1N3/4P3/4B1PB/PQ3P1P/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1048. Boris Spassky – Lothar Zinn, Marianske Lazne 1962 } 1. Nxf7 Kxf7 { 1...Nxd6 ✔ 2.Nxd6+– does not win back the exchange straight away (Black can pin the knight) , but with 3 Qe5 to come, Black collapses. } 2. Bxe6+ { Or 2.Rxe6 } 2... Qxe6 3. Rxe6 Kxe6 { ✔ Black has enough material for the queen, and he would be fine if he had time to return his king to safety. But that dream will not come true. It’s fine to evaluate this position intuitively. } 4. Qb3+ Ke7 { 4...Kf6 5.e5+!+– } 5. Qg8 { 6 Bg5+ is a threat. } 5... h6 6. Rd6 { Precise, but other moves were also winning. } 6... Nxd6 7. cxd6+ Kd7 8. Qf7+ { It is also possible to start with 8.Qxg7++– } 8... Kxd6 9. Bf4+ Kc5 10. Qf5+ { The rook on c8 is collected. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1049"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rr4k1/p3npb1/2pq2p1/2Np3p/1P2p1bP/Q2PP1P1/P2B1PB1/2R2RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1049. Bent Larsen – Boris Spassky, Malmo 1968 } 1... a5 { Not a beautiful combination, but that doesn’t make it any less strong! } 2. dxe4 { Black’s idea is: 2.bxa5 Bb2 3.Qa4 Be2! =+ ✔ Only like so. Black has serious threats against both d3 and f1. And not 3...Bxc1?! 4.Rxc1 with compensation for the exchange. } 2... Be2 { ∓ A precise move, winning an exchange since the bishop coming to c4 spells trouble for the c5-knight due to the undermining of b4 that was commenced by 1...a5!. 2...axb4 3.Qb3 Ra3! 4.Qb1 Bc3 is also advantageous for Black. } 3. Qb3 { Tougher is giving up the exchange with: 3.bxa5 Bxf1 4.Rxf1 Bb2 5.e5! Bxa3 6.exd6 Bxc5 7.dxe7 ∓ } 3... Bc4 4. Qb1 axb4 5. Bxb4 Bxa2 { Weaker is 5...Bxf1 6.Bxf1 ∓ } 6. Nd3 Bxb1 7. Bxd6 Bxd3 { 0–1, 48 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1050"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r1r4/2p1n3/2P2kp1/1RRPp2p/1B2p3/4P3/5PPP/5K2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1050. Boris Spassky – Robert Hübner, Solingen (4) 1977 } 1. d6 { There is still some work left after 1.Rxb8 Rxb8 2.Ba5 Rd8! 3.Bxc7 Rxd5± } 1... Ra8 { 1...Rxb5 fails to 2.dxe7 Rxc5 3.exd8=Q++– ✔ And 1...cxd6 2.c7 Rxb5 3.cxd8=Q+– ✔ is another route to a new queen. } 2. dxe7 Ra1+ 3. Be1 { ✔ 3.Ke2 Ra2+ makes no progress. } 3... Rdd1 4. g3 { The threat of promoting to a queen instead of a knight prevents the ...g6-g5-g4 idea, leaving White with a winning endgame. Instead Spassky won after the spectacular but weaker 4.e8=N+?! Kf7! 5.g4± 5.g3 g5! forces White to give a perpetual due to the dangerous attack on his king. } 4... Rxe1+ 5. Kg2 Kxe7 6. Rxe5+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1051"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/pp1q2p1/3p1nnp/2pPpr2/P1P1N3/3Q1PP1/2P4P/R1B2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1051. Julian Hodgson – Boris Spassky, Brussels 1985 } 1. Nxd6 { Judging this as too dangerous to play and instead going for a normal move would be a reasonable practical decision (1 point) . } 1... e4 { 1...Qxd6 2.Qxf5+– ✔ is simple. } 2. Nxe4 Ne5 3. Nxc5 { 3.Qe2? Nxe4 4.Qxe4 Nxf3+ and Black wins. } 3... Qc8 { 3...Nxd3 4.Nxd7+– ✔ White will retain two extra pawns. } 4. Qd4 { Hodgson played 4.Qe3? and resigned after 4...Nfg4 5.Qd4 Nxh2! White is mated after 6.Kxh2 Rh5+ 7.Kg1 Qh3 } 4... Nxf3+ 5. Rxf3 Rxf3 6. Ne6 { += ✔ The knight stops Black’s queen from joining the attack. It is so strong that Black most likely should give up an exchange for it, simultaneously destroying White’s central domination. White should remain slightly better. Other moves than 31.Ne6 would make the whole combination unsound, since it would allow Black to attack. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1052"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6r1/1r5p/b2pk3/2p2pn1/p1P3nN/P3P1PB/1PR3KP/3RB3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1052. Pia Cramling – Boris Spassky, London 1996 Black seems to have the superior position with his active and useful pieces, but White has a trick up her sleeve. } 1. Nxf5 { Capturing a pawn while defending e3. Not 1.Bxg4 fxg4 ∓ } 1... Nxh3 { 1...Kxf5 and either rook check will force Black’s king to leave the knight on g4 en prise: 2.Rf2++– ✔ Or 2.Rd5++– } 2. e4 { White threatens 3 Rxd6 and 3 Kxh3, but Black has a trick of his own that he unfortunately seems to have missed as the game ended here. } 2... Nf4+ 3. Kh1 { = ✔ With accurate play, Black can regain one of the pawns and retain an active position. Not 3.gxf4? Ne3+–+ } 3... Rb6 4. gxf4 Bb7 5. Re2 Bxe4+ { Black seems to have full compensation, but is no longer better. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1053"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2r4/pp3pkp/4pnp1/3N2q1/2P3P1/PP3P2/1Q4KP/R4R2 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Robert Fischer @@StartBlockQuote@@Chess demands total concentration and a love for the game.@@EndBlockQuote@@1053. Robert Sobel – Robert Fischer, Montreal 1956 } 1. h4 { Giving away a pawn to get at the vulnerable black configuration. } 1... Qxh4 2. Rh1 Qg5 3. Rxh7+ { Deflecting the king from the defence of the knight. Not 3.Nxf6?? Rd2+–+ } 3... Kf8 { 3...Kxh7 4.Nxf6+ Kg7 5.Ne4++– ✔ } 4. Qxf6 { ✔ White has won a piece for nothing. Again 4.Nxf6?? loses to 4...Rd2+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1054"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/ppq2p2/4b2p/3P4/2pnQ1p1/8/P2N1PPP/2R2RK1 b kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1054. Osvaldo Bazan – Robert Fischer, Mar del Plata 1960 Black is a piece up, but two pieces are hanging. } 1... Qf4 2. Rxc4 { 2.Qxf4 Ne2+ 3.Kh1 Nxf4 ✔ 4.dxe6 b5! ∓ and Black retains a material advantage. While he is winning after: 2.dxe6 Qxe4 3.Nxe4 Ne2+ 4.Kh1 Nxc1 ✔ } 2... Qxe4 3. Nxe4 Ne2+ 4. Kh1 f5 { Instead the game went 4...Bd7 5.Re1 =+ but Black managed to win anyway (33 moves) . 4...Bxd5? 5.Nf6+ Kf8 6.Nxd5 is equal. } 5. dxe6 fxe4 6. Rxe4 Nc3 { ∓ The knight is alive. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1055"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1q1r2k1/r3bp1p/p3b1pB/1pp5/2n3N1/1BP4P/PP2QPP1/3RR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1055. Robert Fischer – Paul Keres, Curacao 1962 White wins a pawn by exploiting the weak black king. } 1. Rxd8+ { 1.Bxc4 bxc4 transposes to the main line 1...Rxd1 2.Bxe6+– } 1... Bxd8 { 1...Qxd8? gives up the e5-square to the white queen: 2.Bxc4! Bxc4 2...bxc4 3.Qe5+– ✔ 3.Nf6+! 3.Qe5? is now met by (3... f6=) 3...Kh8 3...Bxf6 4.Qe8+ Qxe8 5.Rxe8# ✔ 4.Qe5+– ✔ The most dangerous threat is 5 Bg7+ and the knight is still poisoned. } 2. Bxc4 bxc4 3. Qxc4 { +– ✔ The pawn plus all the weaknesses are enough for a decisive advantage (1–0, 41 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1056"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4r2/ppQbkp1p/3Nq1p1/1p6/4P1n1/2P5/P4PPP/3R1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1056. Robert Fischer – O. Celle, Davis (simul) 1964 } 1. Nf5+ { The sacrifice opens the e-file, but it is not as easy as it may look. } 1... gxf5 { 1...Ke8 2.Ng7++– ✔ And 1...Kf6 2.Rd6 gxf5 3.Qxd7!+– wins the queen. But 3.Rxe6+?! Bxe6 is not so clear. } 2. exf5 Rac8 { 2...Qxf5 3.Qd6+ Kd8 3...Ke8 4.Rfe1+ Be6 5.Qd7# ✔ 4.Qxf8+ Kc7 5.Qxa8+– ✔ } 3. Rxd7+ Qxd7 { 3...Kf6 4.fxe6 Or 4.Qxc8 Rxc8 5.fxe6+– 4...Rxc7 5.Rxc7+– } 4. f6+ { 4.Re1+ Ne5! 5.Rxe5+ Kf6 6.Qxd7 Kxe5+– is not as good, but should still be winning (full points) . } 4... Nxf6 { 4...Ke8 5.Re1+ ✔ mates. And 4...Kxf6 5.Qxd7 ✔ is over. } 5. Re1+ Ne4 6. Rxe4+ Kf6 7. Qxd7 { ✔ White is easily winning and Black resigned on the next move. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1057"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4k2r/5p1P/4p3/4P1N1/1PRn1PP1/8/p4K2/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1057. Robert Fischer – Marcos Haskins, Denver (simul) 1964 } 1. Rc8+ { 1.Rc1? Nc2! 2.Rxc2 a1=Q 3.Rc8+ Kd7 4.Rxh8 Qd4+! and with the queen close enough to give checks on e1 or g1, it’s a perpetual. 5.Kg3 5.Kg2 Qd2+ 6.Kh3 6.Kg3 Qe1+!= (6... Qe3+=) (5... Qg1+!=) } 1... Kd7 { 1...Ke7? 2.Rxh8 with the same play as in the game. Or simply 2.Rc7+ Ke8 3.Ra7+– } 2. Rxh8 a1=Q 3. Rd8+ Kxd8 4. h8=Q+ Kd7 { 4...Kc7 is met in the same way. } 5. Nxf7 { Being a simultaneous game, it is excusable for Fischer to miss the win. The game continued 5.Ne4? Qb2+ 6.Kg3 Qb3+ 7.Kh4 which is equal after 7...Nf3+ 8.Kh5 Qc2= } 5... Qb2+ 6. Kg3 { ✔ The king escapes and the endgame should be winning. } 6... Qc3+ 7. Kh4 Qe1+ 8. Kg5 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1058"] [Result "*"] [FEN "7r/1pq1prk1/2b1Rpp1/8/3B3p/7P/PQP3P1/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1058. Robert Fischer – Eldis Cobo Arteaga, Havana 1965 } 1. Rxe7 Qg3 { A 1...Rxe7 2.Bxf6++– ✔ B 1...Qf4 2.Rxf7+ Kxf7 3.Qb3+ with a mating attack. C After 1...Qd6 the most direct win is 2.R1e6 } 2. Bxf6+ { +– White is a pawn up and Black should lose more material fending off the attack on his weak king. } 2... Kh6 3. R1e4 { ✔ Or 3.R7e4+– or even simply 3 R1e2+–. Weaker is the game continuation 3.Qc1+ g5 4.Qxg5+ 4.Bxg5+! Kh5 5.R1e2± is not too bad either. 4...Qxg5 5.Bxg5+ Kg7± (1–0, 39 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1059"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/2k1nB2/Kp4p1/p1p2p1p/P4P1P/2P3P1/1P6/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1059. Robert Fischer – Mark Taimanov, Vancouver (4) 1971 } 1. Be8 { Black is in zugzwang. } 1... Kd8 2. Bxg6 { 2.Kxb6?! Kxe8 3.Kxc5 Kd7 and Black will be able to stop the pawns. For example: 4.b4 axb4 5.cxb4 Nc6 6.a5 Kc7 7.a6 Na7 8.b5 Nc8= } 2... Nxg6 3. Kxb6 { White picks up the c5-pawn with a winning position, because Black is unable to create counterplay. The game ended after eight more moves. } 3... Kd7 4. Kxc5 { ✔ } 4... Ne7 5. b4 axb4 6. cxb4 Nc8 7. a5 Nd6 8. b5 Ne4+ 9. Kb6 Kc8 10. Kc6 Kb8 11. b6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1060"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1rb1r1k1/p1p1qppp/2pb4/8/2P3n1/4P1P1/PB2BP1P/R1QN1RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Anatoly Karpov @@StartBlockQuote@@The first great chess players, including the world champion, got by perfectly well without constant coaches.@@EndBlockQuote@@1060. Jan Timman – Anatoly Karpov, Montreal 1979 } 1... Nxh2 2. c5 { ✔ A move you should see in advance and make sure you have something against. 2.Kxh2? Qh4+ 3.Kg2 Qh3+ ✔ 3...Bh3+ 4.Kh1 Qe4+! 5.f3 Qg6! is also winning. 4.Kg1 Bxg3 Best, but other moves win too by now. 5.fxg3 Qxg3+ 6.Kh1 Re4 7.Rf4 Bh3–+ The attack is overwhelming. } 2... Nxf1 { Less clear are: A 2...Be5?! 3.Bxe5 Nxf1 4.Bd4 =+ B 2...Bf4!? 3.Qc3 3.gxf4 Qh4–+ 3...Rxb2! 4.Nxb2 Be5! ∓ C 2...Bxg3 3.fxg3 Nxf1 ∓ } 3. cxd6 Nxg3 { It’s easy to overlook such a move; the fork trick on e2 gives Black a winning advantage with so many pawns and continuing activity. } 4. fxg3 { 4.dxe7 Nxe2+ 5.Kf1 Nxc1–+ } 4... Qxd6 { 0–1, 31 moves } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1061"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2k2r2/2q2p2/p2r2pp/8/B5PP/2P2Q2/PP3P2/2K1R3 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1061. Anatoly Karpov – Gyula Sax, Linares 1983 } 1. Re7 { Deflecting the queen from her consort’s defence. 1.Qa8+ Qb8 gets White nowhere but 35.Re4 gives a clear advantage. } 1... Rd1+ { 1...Qxe7? 2.Qa8+ Kc7 3.Qa7+ Kd8 3...Kc8 4.Qxe7+– ✔ 4.Qb8# ✔ } 2. Kxd1 Qxe7 { 2...Rd8+ 3.Rd7 Or 3 Bd7+, but not 3.Kc1?! Qxe7± and Black’s king has the d6-square. 3...Rxd7+ 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7++– ✔ And two pawns up is enough to win. After the game move, you must make sure that you are satisfied with one continuation. } 3. Qa8+ Kc7 4. Qa7+ Kd6 5. Qb6+ { ✔ White mates after 5...Ke5 6.Qd4+ Ke6 7.Bb3# } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1062"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r4k/2nnqpb1/4pN1p/p2pP3/3P3P/1P2Q1R1/1B1N1P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1062. Luc Winants – Anatoly Karpov, Brussels 1988 The seemingly bad bishop on b2 can become a key attacker. } 1. Nc4 { Clearing the c1-h6 diagonal. Also full points for similar solutions: 1.Rxg7! Kxg7 2.Nde4! Again, clearing c1-h6. With this move, White protects the f6-knight, rather than preparing a killing Ba3. 1.Nde4! is similar to 1 Nc4 and 1 Rxg7. But do not play like in the game: 1.Ba3? Qxa3 2.Nxd7 Nb5= 3.Nf6? Qa1+–+ Good for a clear advantage is 1.Nh5 } 1... Nxf6 { 1...dxc4 2.Rxg7! Kxg7 3.Bc1 Nxf6 3...Rh8 4.Qg3+ Kf8 5.Bxh6+! Rxh6 6.Qg8# 4.Qxh6+ Kg8 5.exf6 Qf8 6.Qg5+ Kh8 7.Qh5+ Kg8 8.Bh6!+– ✔ And the bishop manoeuvre to g7 decides the game – a much better use than sacrificing itself for a mere knight. } 2. Ba3 { ✔ } 2... Qd7 3. exf6 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1063"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1r1k/bp4pp/p2np3/3pn3/8/PQ2PPPq/1P2BR1P/1NBR2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1063. Anatoly Karpov – Vladimir Kramnik, Monaco (blindfold) 1997 } 1... Ne4 { 1...Ng4 2.Rg2 and the knight has to retreat. } 2. fxe4 { 2.Rg2–+ drops the f3-pawn. } 2... Rxf2 3. Kxf2 Qxh2+ { ✔ The position can be evaluated as generally winning, due to White’s horrible coordination, so you don’t need to see further. } 4. Ke1 { 4.Kf1 Qh1+ 5.Kf2 Rf8+ mates. } 4... Rf8 { There is no way out, as } 5. Kd2 Nc4+ 6. Kd3 dxe4+ { Picks up the bishop on e2 with a winning advantage. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1064"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnq1r1k1/5pp1/p2Bpn1p/2p1N3/2P5/8/PPQR1PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1064. Levon Aronian – Anatoly Karpov, Hoogeveen 2003 } 1. Be7 Qc7 { The bishop can’t be taken: 1...Rxe7 2.Rd8++– ✔ And 1...Nc6 2.Bxf6 gxf6 3.Nd7+– ✔ sets up forks and a dangerous attack. And 3.Nxc6 is also good enough for a winning advantage. } 2. Bxf6 gxf6 3. Qe4 { Black cannot defend against the attack without heavy material losses. 3.Ng4+– is also good for White (full points for this too) . } 3... Ra7 { 3...Qxe5 4.Qxa8+– ✔ } 4. Ng4 { ✔ } 4... Kg7 5. Qe3 { There are other ways to win as well. } 5... Rh8 6. Rd8 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1065"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1nq1rb1k/prp3pp/1pN1p3/5p1N/2PP2Q1/6R1/PP3PPP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1065. Anatoly Karpov – Mihajlo Stojanovic, Valjevo 2007 } 1. Qh4 Nxc6 { 1...h6 2.Nf6! 2.Rg6 Nxc6 3.Rxh6+ is also quite strong, but not clearly winning after 3...Kg8± 2...Be7 The only move that defends against the immediate mate. There are now three ways to win and you have to have seen one of them to get full points. A 3.Rxg7 B 3.Nxe7 Rxe7 4.Rxg7 transposing to 4 Rxg7. Or 4.Ng8 Qxg8 5.Qxe7+– C 3.Ne5! Bxf6 4.Nf7+ Kh7 5.Qh5 with a winning attack. 3...Kxg7 4.Nxe7 Rxe7 5.Nh5+ Kf7 6.Qf6+ Ke8 7.Qh8+ Kd7 8.Nf6+ Kd6 9.Qxc8+– } 2. Nf6 h6 { 2...gxf6 3.Qxf6+ Bg7 4.Qxg7# ✔ } 3. Qxh6+ gxh6 4. Rg8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1066"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6r/2k1bpp1/pp5p/2pR4/5q2/P1P2N2/2Q2PPP/R5K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Garry Kasparov @@StartBlockQuote@@This is the essential element that cannot be measured by any analysis or device, and I believe it’s at the heart of success in all things: the power of intuition and the ability to harness and use it like a master.@@EndBlockQuote@@1066. Garry Kasparov – Florin Gheorghiu, Moscow 1982 } 1. Re1 Bd6 { 1...Bf6 2.Re4+– ✔ and the queen is trapped. 1...Rhe8 2.Rde5 Or 2.Rf5 winning the pawn on f7 as in the main line. 2...Qf6 loses to 3.Qe4+– ✔ and other moves, as the bishop will soon be lost regardless. } 2. Rf5 Qc4 3. Re4 { 3.Nd2? Rhe8! =+ } 3... Qb5 4. Rxf7+ { ✔ This position was also reached in Yakovich – Åkesson 16 years later! } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1067"] [Result "*"] [FEN "8/4k3/1p2p1pp/rBn2p2/P2R4/2P3P1/3r1PKP/R7 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1067. Garry Kasparov – Viktor Korchnoi, London (1) 1983 } 1... Rxd4 2. cxd4 Nxa4 3. Rxa4 { 3.Bxa4 b5–+ } 3... Rxb5 4. Ra7+ Kd6 { ∓ ✔ Black has good winning chances and won the game. Less strong is the passive 4...Kf6?! =+. Endgames are generally more about activity than protecting some irrelevant pawn on the wing. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1068"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r3r/p4pp1/2p3b1/N1n2kPp/PnN4P/4RP2/1P2K3/5B1R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1068. Garry Kasparov – Stuart Conquest, London/New York (simul) 1984 } 1. Nb7 { White diverts the black knight from its control over the e4-square. A 1.Nb3? has the same idea, but allows Black a few checks with the knights: 1...Nxb3 2.Re4 Nc1+ 3.Ke3 Nc2+ 4.Kf2 Nd3+ 5.Kg3 Bh7 And now Black is better, since he protects the e5-square. B 1.f4!? threatens mate, but after 2...Kxf4 3.Rf3+ Ke4 there is nothing killing, though White has strong compensation. C 1.Re5+? Kf4 2.Rxc5 Nd3! =+ and Black threatens both rooks – the one on h1 with 3...Rhe8+ 4 Kd2 Nf2+. } 1... Rd4 { 1...Nxb7 2.Re4! ✔ and mating after 2...Bh7 3.Bh3+ Kg6 4.Ne5# } 2. Kf2 { Or 2.f4 Kxf4 3.Rf3+ Ke4 4.Nxc5+ Kd5 when White doesn’t win a piece, but gets an exchange with 5.Na5 Kxc5 6.Nb3+ Kd5 7.Nxd4+– 2.Nxc5?! Rxc4 3.Kf2 Rxc5 4.Re4 threatens mate, but White only has a positional edge after 4...Bh7 5.Rxb4± } 2... Rxc4 { 2...Nxb7 3.Kg3! ✔ 3...Bh7 4.Bh3+ Kg6 5.Ne5# is mate. Also fine is 3.Kg3+– as, to start with, Black must give up a rook to protect against mate. 3.Nd6+ Kf4 4.Nxc4± is not as strong. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1069"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r2r2k1/1p1bppbp/6p1/p1Pnq3/N1B1P3/P4P2/1PQ3PP/R1B1K2R b KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1069. Hannu Wegner – Garry Kasparov, Hamburg (simul) 1987 } 1... Bxa4 2. Qxa4 Nc3 { The double threat of ...Nxa4 and ...Rd1+ picking up the h1-rook forces White to give up the a1-rook } 3. bxc3 Qxc3+ 4. Ke2 Qxa1 { ✔ With the king on e2, it is Black who would have the initiative even if he had given up the exchange. But being material up, Black is totally winning and the game ended after only two more moves. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1070"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3qrk1/p3R1bp/6p1/1pp1P3/1n5Q/5N2/PP3PPP/2KR4 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1070. Alexander Beliavsky – Garry Kasparov, Belfort 1988 Black must defend against a rook invasion on d7. } 1... Bh6+ { 1...Qc8? 2.Rdd7+– is a complete failure. But 1...g5!? also protects against the attack while maintaining an advantage: 2.Qxg5 2.Nxg5 Qg6–+ 2...Qg6 3.Qxg6 hxg6 ∓ White may get three pawns for the piece, but still has a long fight ahead (full points) . } 2. Kb1 { 2.Qxh6? Qxe7–+ ✔ } 2... Rd8 { Continuing the counterattacking type of defence. 2...Qc6!? is also winning (full points) due to 3.Qxh6 Qe4+ with smothered mate: 4.Ka1 Nc2+ 5.Kb1 Na3+ 6.Ka1 Qb1+ 7.Rxb1 Nc2# But not 2...g5? 3.Rxe8 gxh4 4.Rxa8 Rxa8 5.a3 Nc6 6.Rd6 and White wins back the piece with equality. } 3. Rd6 { 3.Rxe8 Rxd1# ✔ The game move seems to trap the queen, but it escapes due to the back-rank mate. } 3... Qc6 4. a3 { 4.Qxh6 Qe4+ ✔ with mate. } 4... Rxd6 5. exd6 Qxd6 { Moving the threatened piece with 5...Nd5 ∓ is less good, but worth full points if you saw it from the starting position. } 6. axb4 cxb4 { ✔ Black is a pawn up, and has the much safer king – so it’s winning. The game finished soon. } 7. Qe4 b3 { Showing the weakness of the white king. } 8. Nd4 Rf4 9. Qa8+ Bf8 { White’s attack is over, and several pieces are hanging. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1071"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2n3k1/6b1/1p1pR2p/1q1Pp3/2r1P3/6PB/8/5QK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1071. Garry Kasparov – Ilya Smirin, Moscow 1988 } 1. Rxh6 { 1.Rg6? Qc5+ 2.Kh2 Rc2+ 3.Bg2 Rf2–+ } 1... Bxh6 { 1...Qc5+ 2.Kh1! Rc1 3.Be6# ✔ } 2. Be6+ Kh8 3. Qf6+ { Black is mated: 3...Kh7 4.Qf7+ Bg7 5.Bf5+ Kh8 6.Qh5+ Kg8 7.Be6+ Kf8 8.Qf7# ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1072"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3rk2r/1bq1b2p/pN1pQ1p1/2P5/8/1P4P1/P4P1P/R3R1K1 w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1072. Garry Kasparov – Valery Salov, Barcelona 1989 } 1. c6 { 1.Qf6!? Rf8 2.Qg7 is almost winning, with the plan of doubling on the e-file. However: 2...dxc5 3.Re3 Rd3! is an important defensive idea that is easy to miss. 4.Rxd3 Qxb6 5.Re1 Qf6 6.Rxe7+ Qxe7 7.Re3 Be4! 8.Qxe7+ Kxe7 9.Rxe4+± White may look winning, but rook endings are tricky. } 1... Bxc6 { 1...Bc8 2.Qf6+– and the pressure on e7 lets White pick up the kingside pawns to start with. Other moves should also win, for instance 2.Nd5 Bxe6 3.Nxc7+ Kf7 4.Nxe6+– } 2. Rac1 { ✔ The pressure on the black bishops forces Black to give back some material, leaving White with a winning attack for little investment. } 2... Rd7 3. Nxd7 { Or 3.Qe3+– } 3... Qxd7 4. Qc4 { White’s attack is too much for Black to handle. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1073"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3R4/5p2/1p2pkp1/1P2b2p/2BnP3/4B1PP/5PK1/3r4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1073. Garry Kasparov – Vassily Ivanchuk, Manila (ol) 1992 1.f4?! Ke7! And 1.Be2?! Ke7! do not win. } 1. Rd7 { Preventing ...Ke7 which would break the pin that is supposed to win a piece. White is threatening f2-f4. } 1... g5 { 1...Kg7 2.Bxe6!+– ✔ But not 2.f4? Nc2!= which is a beautiful trick. } 2. Be2 Nxe2 { 2...Re1 3.Bxh5+– ✔ Threatening mate and the knight. } 3. Rxd1 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1074"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/1p1r1pp1/5qp1/p1pB4/Pb2Pn2/1Q1RB2P/1P3PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1074. Garry Kasparov – Viswanathan Anand, Linares 1993 } 1. e5 { 1.Bxf4 Qxf4 gives White a dominant position, but not a winning one. } 1... Qf5 { A 1...Qxe5 loses the rook: 2.Bxf7+ Rxf7 3.Rd8+ Kh7 4.Qxf7+– ✔ B 1...Rxd5 2.exf6 Rxd3 3.Qc2 and White wins the knight or exchange and thus gains a decisive material advantage. C 1...Ne2+ 2.Kh1! Qe7 2...Qh4 3.e6!+– ✔ 3.Bxf7+ 3.e6 should be good enough as well. 3...Qxf7 4.e6+– ✔ } 2. Bxf4 Qxf4 3. e6 { ✔ White’s initiative is crushing. Weaker is: 3.Rf3?! Qxe5 4.Bxf7+ Kh7± } 3... Rd8 { 3...Re7 4.exf7++– and White has several ways to defend against the back-rank mate. } 4. e7 Re8 5. g3 { 5.Rf3 as in the game, is also good. } 5... Qf6 6. Rf3 { If this position had been reached, Black could have resigned in good conscience. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1075"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rn1/2pq1p1k/3p3p/1p3P1Q/1P1b4/1B2N1P1/5P2/4R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1075. Garry Kasparov – Nigel Short, London (7) 1993 } 1. Ng4 { 1.f6 Nxf6 2.Bc2+ Kg8 3.Qxh6 Re8= The game move prepares: 2 f6 (the threat of 3 Bc2+ forces Black to take) 2...Bxf6 3 Qxh6+ Nxh6 4 Nxf6+ Kg7 5 Nxd7 Rd8 6 Re7!+–. } 1... Kg7 { A 1...Qd8 2.f6! ✔ 2.Bxf7?! Qg5 += 2...Bxf6 2...Nxf6 3.Bc2+ Or 3.Qxh6+ Kg8 4.Bc2+– 3.Bxf7+– Or the flashy 3.Bc2+ Kg7 4.Re6!+– B 1...Bf6 runs immediately into: 2.Qxh6+! ✔ } 2. Nxh6 { ✔ } 2... Bf6 { 2...Nxh6 3.Qg5+ Kh7 4.Bc2! Less strong is 4.f6 Bxf2+! 5.Kxf2 Qf5+ 6.Qxf5+ Nxf5 7.Bc2 Kg6 8.g4± 4...Bf6 4...f6 5.Qg6+ drops the knight. 5.Qxf6 Re8 6.Re6!! The only move that’s clearly winning. 6...fxe6 7.fxe6++– } 3. Bxf7 { 3. Ng4 is also good enough. The game move provoked resignation, as Black is mated after 3...Rxf7 4.Qg6+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1076"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r4/p1qn1pk1/1p1R3p/2P1pQpP/8/4B3/5PP1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1076. Garry Kasparov – Evgeny Bareev, Novgorod 1994 } 1. Bxg5 { A 1.Rg6+ fxg6 2.Qxg6+ Kf8 3.Qxh6+ is only a draw as long as Black doesn’t voluntarily step into a check from the bishop: 3...Kf7 4.Qg6+ Kf8 5.Bxg5 Nxc5= B The straightforward 1.Rxh6 Kxh6 2.Bxg5+ Kg7 3.h6+ Kf8 3...Kg8? 4.Bxd8 Qxd8 5.Qg4++– and White queens. 4.Qh7 does not win: 4... Ke8!= 5.Qg8+? Nf8 6.h7 Rd1+ 7.Kh2 e4+ 8.g3 Qxc5 Defending the knight on f8 and creating a counter-threat against f2. It is Black who wins. White can improve in this variation with 4 Bh4!, which should win, however it’s very difficult to see and calculate. The idea is to attack g7 and e7 with the queen and promote the h-pawn. Congrats if you saw this! C White’s position is very good, so even passing over the move wins! Let’s try 1.g3 and the logical answer 1...bxc5 2.Rxh6! Kxh6 3.Bxg5+ Kg7 4.h6+ Kf8 5.Qh7 Ke8 6.Qg8+ Nf8 7.h7 Rd1+ 8.Kh2+– And compared to the previous variation, Black’s queen doesn’t have the c5-square. D But nevertheless, White needs a forceful move to break through: 1 Bxg5! } 1... hxg5 2. Qxg5+ Kf8 3. h6 { ✔ Or 3.c6 Qxd6 4.Qxd8+ Kg7 5.Qxd7+– } 3... bxc5 4. h7 { White queens and mates. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1077"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b3rk/4np1p/p6P/2r1qpQR/1pP1p3/4N3/PPB2PP1/1K1R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1077. Garry Kasparov – Joel Lautier, Moscow (ol) 1994 } 1. Ng4 Qe6 { 1...fxg4 2.Qxe5+ Rxe5 3.Rxe5+– ✔ And 1... Rxg5 2. Nxe5 2.Rxg5?? Qc7–+ 3... Rxe5 3...Rxh5 4.Rd8+ Ng8 5.Nxf7# ✔ 4. Rxg5+– ✔ both give White an extra exchange. } 2. Rd8 { ✔ White threatens mate on g7. 2.Qf6+?! Qxf6 3.Nxf6 Rf8 4.Nxe4± } 2... Ng6 { 2...Qg6 3.Qxe7 fxg4 4.Rxg8+ with mate in two. } 3. Rxg8+ Kxg8 4. Qd8+ Nf8 5. Rg5+ { Or also fine are other moves such as 5.Nf6++– } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1078"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/p5r1/1p1p1R1b/1P1P4/1P2p1qB/6Pp/2Q5/7K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1078. Jeroen Piket – Garry Kasparov, Linares 1997 } 1... e3 { 1...Bg5 2.Bxg5 Rxg5 3.Rf4 Qxg3 4.Rf8+! leads to stalemate. } 2. Re6 { The e-pawn decides after 2.Rxh6 e2–+ And 2.Rxd6 e2! Or 2...Bg5 3.Bxg5 Qf3+! 4.Kh2 Qf2+ 5.Qxf2 exf2 6.Rf6 Rf7–+ 4.Rd8+ Kf7 5.Qc7+ Kg6 ✔ when White has only a few more checks. } 2... Rc7 { E } 3. Rg6+ { The move that makes it easy to avoid calculating the rook sacrifice on c7. } 3... Bg7 { 3...Kf8 4.Rf6+ Rf7! also wins and gives full points. 5.Rxf7+ 5.Rxh6 Qf3+ Or 5...Rf1+ 6.Kh2 Rf2+–+ 6.Kh2 Qf2+ 7.Qxf2 exf2–+ 5...Kxf7 6.Qc7+ Kg8 7.Qd8+ Bf8 8.Qg5+ Qxg5 9.Bxg5 e2–+ } 4. Rxg4 Rxc2 { ✔ White can win the bishop on g7, but it doesn’t help when he has to give up the rook for the e-pawn. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1079"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/2r2pp1/PQ1p4/3Bp2p/1N2P2b/7q/5P1P/RR4K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1079. Garry Kasparov – Vladimir Kramnik, Frankfurt 2000 1...Qg4+ is an immediate repetition if Black wants. White can’t run with the king, for example: 2.Kf1 Qh3+ 3.Ke2 Rc2+–+ Kramnik started with 1...Bg5 but soon repeated moves. Note that 2.Nd3 Qxd3? is losing for Black. The attack has slowed down and White has time for 3.a7 But Black should not be satisfied with a draw. } 1... Rc5 { ✔ Preventing the queen from coming home to defend the kingside, and threatening to attack f2 with the queen, or take the pawn straight away. Black can also start with a queen check before the rook move. } 2. Nd3 { 2.Qxc5 dxc5 3.Nc2 Qg4+ 4.Kf1 Qf3–+ and White’s king can’t escape from mate. } 2... Qxd3 3. Qxc5 Rxc5 { Black is material up and just needs to keep enough pressure on the white king to prevent the promotion of the a-pawn. } 4. Rb2 { 4.a7 Bxf2+ and Black wins. } 4... Bxf2+ 5. Rxf2 Qd4 6. Ra3 { 6.Raa2 Rc1+ 7.Kg2 Qd1–+ } 6... Rc2 { 6...Rc7 should also be winning. } 7. Rf3 Qa1+ { Or 7...Rxf2 first. } 8. Kg2 Rxf2+ 9. Rxf2 Qxa6 { Black should be able to convert. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1080"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3r2/1b1qbpk1/p2p2p1/n1pBp1Np/Pp2P2P/3PQ3/1PPB1PP1/R3R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1080. Garry Kasparov – Yevgeniy Vladimirov, Batumi (rapid) 2001 } 1. Nh7 { Not 1.Nxf7? Bxd5! ∓ Or 1.Ne6+? fxe6 2.Qh6+ Kf7 3.Qh7+ Ke8 4.Qxg6+ Kd8 5.Bxe6 Qe8–+ } 1... Bxd5 { 2...Kxh7 3.Qh6+ Kg8 4.Qxg6+ Kh8 5.Qxh5+ Kg8 6.Re3+– ✔ The rook lift can also be delayed with 6.Bh6+– } 2. Qh6+ Kg8 3. Bg5 { After 3.exd5+– (full points) , Black must part with an exchange, since 3...Rfd8 4.Bg5 leaves him too exposed. } 3... Bxg5 { Black resigned after playing 3...Bxe4 } 4. hxg5 { ✔ } 4... f5 { White captures on f8 now or after the check on g6. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1081"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/2N2ppp/4p3/R1b2q2/4b3/6Q1/5PPP/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1081. Francisco Vallejo Pons – Garry Kasparov, Linares 2005 } 1... Bxf2+ { A discovered attack, but it’s not that simple. } 2. Qxf2 { 2.Rxf2 Qxa5–+ } 2... Qxa5 3. Nxe6 Bxg2 { 3...Bd3?! 4.Nxf8 Bxf1 5.Qxf1 ∓ } 4. Kxg2 { 4.Nxf8 Bxf1 ✔ And 4.Qxg2 Qb6+ ✔ both win for Black. Or 4...fxe6 } 4... Qa8+ { Or 4...Qd5+ } 5. Kg1 fxe6 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1082"] [Result "*"] [FEN "br3r2/5ppk/p2pp3/2q1b1BP/N3P3/n4P2/KP1QB3/6RR b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1082. Michael Adams – Garry Kasparov, Linares 2005 } 1... Nc2 { 1...Qc2 2.Qxc2 Nxc2–+ is also good, but not immediately winning (1 point) . } 2. Kb1 { The other point is allowing the queen to come closer to the attack: } 2... Qa3 { White had had enough, since there is no defence to Black’s threats: 3.Qxc2 Rfc8 4.Qd2 Qxa4 and the b2-pawn will fall with devastating consequences. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1083"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3q2k1/1b2rpp1/1n5p/pP2p3/2B1P3/1Q3NP1/5PP1/2R3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Alexander Khalifman @@StartBlockQuote@@To make any move in a position, merely so as not to spoil anything – such a purely practical approach is not for me!@@EndBlockQuote@@1083. Alexander Khalifman – Elizbar Ubilava, Kuibyshev 1986 } 1. Bxf7+ Kh7 { 1...Rxf7 2.Nxe5 Qf6 3.Qxf7+ Or 3.Nxf7+– 3...Qxf7 4.Nxf7 Kxf7 5.Rc7++– ✔ } 2. Rd1 { 1–0, 40 moves Slightly stronger than the game continuation is 2.g4!+– keeping up the attack; a pawn is only a pawn, but a strong attack can end the game. White is threatening 34.Ng5, thus forcing Black to further weaken his king position by moving the g-pawn. 2...Bxe4 3.Ng5+ hxg5 4.Qh3# is one important point. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1084"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r4k/6p1/1p2P2p/p2p4/3P2RP/KP1bP3/P1r2P2/6RB b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1084. Alexander Khalifman – Sergey Dolmatov, Minsk 1987 } 1... b5 { Weaving a mating net, starting with a threat of 2...b4+ 3 Ka4 Rxa2#. } 2. Ra1 { 2.b4 R8c3# ✔ } 2... Bf5 { The bishop needs to be rerouted to the e8-a4 diagonal. To do so with a threat on the rook is of course nice. } 3. Rg2 Bxe6 { Protecting the d5-pawn on the way! } 4. f4 { White tries to exchange the rook on c2. 4.Rg6 is met by: 4...Bd7–+ ✔ } 4... b4+ { 4...Rc1 5.Rxc1 Rxc1 is much better for Black, but mate is even better. } 5. Ka4 R2c5 { ✔ The threat of ...Bd7 mate is decisive. Or similarly 5...R8c5–+ or 5...Ra8–+, but not 5...Bd7+ 6.Kxa5 when White picks up the pawn on b4 and Black only has a perpetual. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1085"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4rr1k/pp4p1/2b2pQp/q1n2P2/2PB3R/1BP1p3/P3R1PP/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1085. Alexander Khalifman – Michele Godena, Vienna 1996 } 1. Rxh6+ gxh6 { 1...Kg8 loses to many things, for instance 2.Rh7 Rf7 3.Bxf6 Qc7 4.Qh5 } 2. Qxh6+ Kg8 3. Qg6+ Kh8 4. Bxf6+ Rxf6 5. Qxf6+ Kg8 6. Qg6+ Kf8 { 6...Kh8 7.f6+– ✔ Qc7 8.f7 Or 8.Bc2+– 8...Rf8 9.Qh6# } 7. f6 { The game concluded: } 7... Qc7 8. Qh6+ Kg8 9. Qg5+ Kh7 10. Qxc5 { 10.Bc2+ is better. } 10... Re5 { 10...Qe5! would have given Black hope. } 11. Qf8 Rh5 12. Bc2+ { Mate will be delivered. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1086"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r6r/4kp2/3p1n2/1N1P1Q2/2p1P3/7P/1qB3P1/5R1K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Vladimir Kramnik @@StartBlockQuote@@Chess is so deep, I simply feel lost. Spiegel Online @@StartBracket@@2004@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@1086. Vladimir Kramnik – Joerg Schneider, Mainz (simul) 2001 } 1. Qf4 { Black can’t defend d6 in a good way. The game instead went 1.e5? Qxe5 2.Qxe5+ dxe5 3.d6+ Ke6 4.Nc7+ Kxd6 5.Nxa8 It’s a forcing line, winning material, but Black can get counterplay with the c-pawn after: 5...Nd5! (which was not played) 6.Ra1© } 1... Qe5 { 2...Rad8 does not help: 3.Nxd6 Rxd6 4.e5+– ✔ } 2. Qxe5+ dxe5 3. d6+ Ke6 { 3...Kd7! is a better defence, but 4.Rxf6± ✔ still gives White winning chances. } 4. Nc7+ Kxd6 5. Nxa8 { ✔ The pawn on e4 makes a great difference compared to the game. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1087"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2b2rk1/r5p1/pq2ppQp/1p1pPP2/3N4/3R4/PPP3PP/1K1R4 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1087. Vladimir Kramnik – Teimour Radjabov, Linares 2003 } 1. Rh3 { 1.fxe6?! fxe5= } 1... fxe5 2. Rxh6 Rf6 { 2...exd4 is critical, but Black is busted after: 3.Qh7+ Or 3.Rd3 Qa5 4.a3+– 3...Kf7 4.f6!+– ✔ } 3. Qe8+ { Or 3.Qh7+ Kf7 4.fxe6+ Bxe6 5.Rxf6+ Kxf6 6.Rf1++– } 3... Rf8 4. Rh8+ Kxh8 5. Qxf8+ { Black resigned in view of 5...Kh7 6.Rd3 when he would be hopelessly lost. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1088"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r5k1/1pr1pbb1/p4p2/5Np1/1Pn1B3/P1Q2P2/qBP3P1/2KR3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1088. Vladimir Akopian – Vladimir Kramnik, Wijk aan Zee 2004 } 1. Rh7 Qxb2+ { White’s main point is 1...Kxh7 2.Nxe7+ Kh6 3.Rh1+ Bh5 4.g4 ✔ mating. 4.Nf5+ and 4 f4 are also winning. And 1...Nxb2 allows White to collect a piece: 2.Rxg7+ Kf8 3.Qxb2+– ✔ } 2. Qxb2 Nxb2 3. Rxg7+ Kf8 4. Rh1 { Or 4.Kxb2 e6 and Black gets his piece back, but a pawn and an attack would still be good enough for White to win the game here. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1089"] [Result "*"] [FEN "R7/1r2ppk1/3p2p1/1pqN4/4r2p/2P4K/1P1Q3P/R7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1089. Vladimir Kramnik – Loek van Wely, Wijk aan Zee 2004 } 1. Rh8 f6 { 1...Re3+! ✔ 2.Qxe3 2.Nxe3 seems to be less practical since White's attack is not dangerous. 2...Kxh8 3.Ra8+?! Kg7 4.Ng4 is met by 4...g5 += 2...Qxe3+ 3.Nxe3 Kxh8 4.Kxh4+– This is the toughest defence. White still has difficulties to overcome in order to get the full point. Easier is 1...Kxh8 2.Qh6+ Kg8 3.Ra8+ ✔ with mate. } 2. Qh6+ { ✔ Instead the game continued 2.Rxh4? Rxh4+ 3.Kxh4 when 3...b4! += would have activated the rook and given Black good chances to hold. } 2... Kf7 3. Rh7+ { Or 3.Qh7+! Ke6 4.Qxg6+– Or 3.Rf1!?+– } 3... Ke6 { 3...Ke8 4.Qxg6++– } 4. Qxg6 { The knight is indirectly protected so White is a piece up, and has very dangerous threats. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1090"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6rk/3R2bp/6q1/1p2r3/5p2/2P1pP1Q/1P2B1PP/3R2K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1090. Peter Leko – Vladimir Kramnik, Linares 2004 } 1... Rh5 { 1...Qc2 2. Kf1= } 2. R7d6 { 2.Qg4 Rg5 ✔ 3.Qh3 and Black wins by moving the bishop. Also not saving White is: 2.R1d6 Qxd6! 3.Qxh5 Qxd7–+ ✔ } 2... Bf6 { 2...Rxh3 3.Rxg6 hxg6 4. gxh3= } 3. Rxf6 Qc2 { 3...Rxh3?! 4.Rxg6 Rxg6 5.Rd8+ Kg7 6.Rd7+ Kf8 7.Rd4 and White will make a draw. } 4. Qxh5 Qxe2 { ✔ A winning double attack. } 5. g4 Qf2+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1091"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3rk1/5ppp/2N1p3/1Bb1p1q1/4n3/P6P/4QPP1/2R2RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1091. Vladimir Kramnik – Peter Svidler, Monte Carlo (blindfold) 2004 } 1. Qxe4 { Not 1.Nxb8? Bxf2+ 2.Rxf2 Qxc1+–+ Or 1.Rxc5 Nxc5 2.Nxb8 Rxb8 =+ } 1... Rxb5 2. Qc4 { Kramnik included 2.h4 Qd2 but it made no difference after 3.Qc4!± (1–0, 43 moves) . 2.a4? wins a piece but 2...Bxf2+ 3.Kxf2 Rb2+ 4.Kg1 f5! =+ forces White to give it back. } 2... Bxa3 3. Qxb5 Bxc1 4. Qc5 { ± White has a double threat. } 4... Bb2 5. Ne7+ Kh8 6. Ng6+ hxg6 7. Qxf8+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1092"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/5p1p/P1pb1n2/6p1/3P4/1BPq1PP1/1P1NbK1P/R1B5 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1092. Vladimir Kramnik – Peter Leko, Brissago (8) 2004 This game features perhaps the best-known example of opening preparation that turned out to be directly losing. } 1... Bxf3 2. Nxf3 Ne4+ { 2...Ng4+ is also winning. } 3. Ke1 Nxc3 4. bxc3 Qxc3+ { ✔ (0–1, 32 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1093"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/3rppbp/pRN2np1/8/4P3/6PP/q4PB1/2Q1R1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1093. Vladimir Kramnik – Teimour Radjabov, London 2013 Black is a pawn up, but his pieces are uncoordinated at the moment, so it is time to strike. } 1. e5 { 1.Rb2?! Qa3 2.e5 Bh6! += } 1... Nd5 { 1...Nh5 2.g4+– traps the knight. } 2. Rb2 Qa4 { 2...Qa3 3.Rb8 and the rook on e8 is unprotected since the knight has been forced to move from f6: 3...Qxc1 4.Rxe8+ Bf8 5.Rxc1+– ✔ } 3. Bxd5 Rxd5 4. Rb4 { 4.Nxe7+?? Rxe7 5.Qc8+ Re8–+ } 4... Qa2 5. Nxe7+ Kh8 { 5...Rxe7 6.Qc8+ Bf8 7.Rb8+– ✔ } 6. Nxd5 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1094"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3k2r/2Rb1p2/p3p1pp/1pBnP3/4q2P/5N2/2P2PP1/1R1Q2K1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1094. Viswanathan Anand – Predrag Nikolic, Groningen (2) 1997 } 1. Rxd7 { 1.Rb4?! Qxb4 2.Bxb4 Nxc7 3.Nd2!± } 1... Kxd7 2. Rb4 { Winning the queen. } 2... Qxb4 { After 2...Qf5 3.g4+– the queen is trapped. } 3. Bxb4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1095"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rr2k1/pp1bbpp1/4pn2/q3P1P1/8/2N1Q3/PPP1B1P1/1K1R3R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Viswanathan Anand (on Kasparov’s 1996 match victory over Deep Blue) @@StartBlockQuote@@I’ll take my five positions per second any day, thank you.@@EndBlockQuote@@1095. Friso Nijboer – Viswanathan Anand, Wijk aan Zee 1998 } 1... Rxc3 2. Bd3 { A 2.bxc3 Nd5 3.Rxd5 3.Qh3 Nxc3+–+ 3...exd5!–+ ✔ The bishop protects h3. 3...Qxd5?? 3.Qh3 is mating. B 2.Qxc3 Qxc3 3.bxc3 is simply winning for Black, since White no longer has any threats on the h-file. } 2... Rxd3 { Or 2...Ba4–+ } 3. cxd3 Ng4 4. Qh3 Nh6 { Black defends and wins, since he can afford to give back one piece. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1096"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1br1qppp/p3p3/1pnpPP2/3N3P/1PbBB3/P1P1Q1P1/1K1R3R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1096. Viswanathan Anand – Alexei Shirov, Monaco (rapid) 2000 } 1. f6 { 1.Qg4 f6 += } 1... gxf6 2. Bxh7+ { Also full points for the following line: 2.Qg4+ Kh8 3.Bxh7 fxe5 4.Qh5! f6 5.Bg6+ Or similarly 5.Bf5+ 5...Qh7 5...Kg8 6.Rh3!+– 6.Bxh7+– } 2... Kxh7 3. Qh5+ Kg8 4. Qg4+ { 4.Rh3 Ne4 leads nowhere. } 4... Kh7 5. Bg5 { ✔ 5.Rhf1! fxe5 6.Nf5!+– is also enough for full points. } 5... Rh8 6. Bxf6 Qf8 7. Nf3 { Bringing the knight into the attack decides the game. Instead, the game went 7.Qh5+?! Qh6 8.Qxh6+ Kxh6 9.Bxh8 Ne4± giving Shirov the opportunity to eventually turn things around, and win. } 7... Kh6 8. Ng5 Rg8 9. Qf4 { +- } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1097"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3brnk1/1b1q3p/pprPp1pQ/3N1p2/2PB1P2/3B2R1/PP4PP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1097. Viswanathan Anand – Judit Polgar, Leon (advanced 1) 2000 } 1. Re1 { Other moves are good enough for an advantage, but pinning the e-pawn steps up the pressure and wins. The threat is to take on f5. Not 1.Nf6+? Bxf6 2.Bxf6 Rxd6± } 1... Rxd6 { 1...Qf7 2.Bxf5 Rxd6 transposes. And 1...exd5? runs into: 2.Rxe8 Qxe8 3.Qg7# ✔ } 2. Bxf5 { White threatens to take on g6 and Black can’t defend. } 2... Qf7 3. Bxg6 Nxg6 { 3...hxg6 27.Qh8# } 4. f5 { ✔ } 4... e5 5. Bxe5 { Better would have been 5.Rxe5! Rxe5 6.Bxe5 Bxd5 7.cxd5 Rxd5 8.Rxg6+ and wins. } 5... Bxd5 6. cxd5 Rxe5 7. Rxe5 { White failed to convert his winning advantage. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1098"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r5/p2r3p/4k3/2PN1p2/1PKRpP2/8/P5PP/8 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1098. Viswanathan Anand – Evgeny Bareev, Shenyang (2) 2000 } 1. g4 { Preparing to dislodge the king from e6, giving White the needed time to get the pawns sufficiently advanced. 1.b5? Rcd8 2.c6 looks like a tactical solution, but it fails: 2...Rxd5 3.Rxd5 Rxd5 4.c7 Kd7 5.Kxd5 e3!–+ Another inferior option is: 1.Ne3 Rxd4+ 2.Kxd4 Rd8+ 3.Kc4 Rd3 ∓ } 1... Rg7 { 1...Rf7 2.b5+– } 2. Ne3 { ✔ A possible way, but not as good, is 2.h3 h5 3.g5 The idea is that 3...Rd7 4.Rd1 Rcd8 5.c6!± works for White when there is a second passed pawn; White gets a good queen ending. But 2.g5? Rd7! still gives White problems. } 2... fxg4 3. Rd6+ { 3.Rxe4+ also wins. } 3... Kf7 4. Nf5 { The game ended quickly: } 4... e3 5. Nxg7 Re8 6. Nxe8 e2 7. Rf6+ * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1099"] [Result "*"] [FEN "q4rk1/2Q1bppp/3p4/r3nPP1/4P2P/Np2B3/1P4B1/1K1R3R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1099. Sergey Karjakin – Viswanathan Anand, Wijk aan Zee 2006 } 1... Rc8 2. Qxe7 Nc4 { 2...Rxa3? 3.bxa3 Qxa3 3...Nc4 4.Qa7+– 4.Qa7!+– After the knight move, an intuitive evaluation that Black’s attack is promising seems reasonable, however there is also counterplay to take care of. } 3. g6 { 3.Bc5 Rxa3! 4.Bxa3 4.bxa3 Rxc5! with a winning attack. But not 4...Nxa3+? 5.Kc1! Rxc5+ 6.Kd2 Rc2+ 7.Ke3± 4...Nxa3+ 5.bxa3 Qxa3 Black’s attack is decisive. 6.Rd2 b2 Or 6...Ra8–+ 7.Rxb2 Qd3+ 8.Ka1 Ra8+ 9.Ra2 Qc3+ 10.Kb1 Rb8+ With mate. } 3... hxg6 { ✔ Black loses after 3...fxg6? 4.f6 And 3...Rxa3? 4.gxf7+ Kh8 5.f8=Q+ Rxf8 6.bxa3 Without the rook on c8, White can defend. } 4. fxg6 Nxa3+ { Also winning is: 4...Rxa3 5.Qxf7+ 5.gxf7+ Kh7!–+ 5...Kh8 6.bxa3 Nxa3+–+ } 5. bxa3 Rxa3 6. gxf7+ Kh7 { –+ The point behind exchanging on g6. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1100"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r2rk1/pbq3pp/3bp1n1/4Np2/Pp1PpP2/1P5R/1BPNQ1PP/5RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1100. Lazaro Bruzon – Viswanathan Anand, Leon 2006 } 1. Qh5 Bxe5 { 1...Nxe5 2.Qxh7+ Or 2.fxe5 h6 3.exd6+– 2...Kf7 3.fxe5 Rh8 4.exd6 Rxh7 4...Qd7 5.Qxh8 Rxh8 6.Rxh8+– 5.dxc7+– } 2. fxe5 { Not 2.Qxh7+? Kf7 3.fxe5 Rh8–+ Or 2.dxe5?! Qb6+! 3.Kh1 Kf7= when Black is ready to capture the knight if it goes to c4. } 2... Qxc2 { 2...Kf7 3.Nc4! ✔ The only winning move, protecting against ...Qxc2 and threatening Nd6+ followed by taking on c8. 3.Qxh7? Rh8–+ 3...Rcd8 4.g4+– } 3. Qxh7+ { ✔ } 3... Kf7 4. Rg3 { 4.Nc4!? Rxc4 is not as clear, and White still needs to find 5.Rg3!± And 4.Rh6?! Ne7 5.Rf6+ Ke8 6.Qxg7 Rg8! += also fails to win. } 4... Qxd2 { 4...Qxb2 5.Qxg6+ 5.Rxg6? Qxd4+ 6.Kh1 Qxe5–+ 5...Ke7 6.Qg5+! Ke8 7.Qh5+! Kd8 8.Rxg7 Qxd4+ 9.Kh1 Rc7 10.Qh4+ 10.Qg5+ is the same. 10...Kc8 11.Rxc7+ Kxc7 12.Qe7++– Yes, you need to find all these moves to get a winning position (but not before playing the first move) . It’s easier after: 4...Rg8 5.Qxg6+ Ke7 6.Bc1+– } 5. Rxg6 { In the game White concluded his attack in the most efficient way: } 5... Rg8 6. Rxe6 Kxe6 7. Qxf5+ Ke7 8. Qf7+ Kd8 9. e6 { It’s mate on d7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1101"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/2q1bppp/p2p1nP1/1p1Qp3/8/3BBP2/PPP4P/2KR2R1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1101. Viswanathan Anand – Loek van Wely, Monte Carlo (blindfold) 2007 } 1. gxf7+ Kh8 { 1...Rxf7 2.Qxa8++– ✔ } 2. Rxg7 { 2.Qe6± } 2... Kxg7 { 2...Nxd5 3.Rxh7# ✔ } 3. Rg1+ Kh8 4. Bh6 { Black cannot protect himself without massive material losses. } 4... Ng4 { 4...Rg8 fails to 5.fxg8=Q+ Rxg8 6.Qxg8+! Nxg8 7.Bg7# ✔ And 4...Rxf7 5.Qxf7 ✔ is also plain lost. } 5. Rxg4 Rxf7 6. Qxa8+ { Not 6.Qxf7?? Bg5+–+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1102"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/rnP2pp1/1pp2np1/8/1PP1p3/2N3P1/P3BP1P/2RR2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1102. Viswanathan Anand – Magnus Carlsen, Nice (blindfold) 2008 The pawn on c7 seems lost, but through powerful play it becomes the star. } 1. c5 { 1.f3 Rxc7 2.fxe4± } 1... bxc5 { 2...b5?! is simply bad, for instance: 3.a4 bxa4 4.b5+– } 2. b5 cxb5 { 2...Rxc7 3.b6+– ✔ } 3. Nxb5 { ✔ The powerhouse on c7 gives White a winning advantage. After 3...Rxa2 strongest is rerouting the bishop to h3 with 4.Bf1 } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1103"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r3rbk1/2qn1ppp/p1b5/1p2p1B1/1P3nN1/2P3NP/P1B2PP1/R2QR1K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1103. Viswanathan Anand – Alexander Morozevich, Mainz (rapid) 2008 } 1. Bxf4 { 1.Nh6+ gxh6 2.Bxf4± when Black is not forced to take on f4. } 1... exf4 2. Nh6+ Kh8 { 2...gxh6 3.Qg4+ Kh8 3...Bg7 4.Nh5 with mate. 4.Qf5! ✔ To avoid mate, Black must give back the material. 4...Nf6 5.Qxf6+ Kg8 6.Qf5 f6 7.Nh5+– White still has a crushing attack. } 3. Nxf7+ { ✔ } 3... Kg8 4. Bxh7+ { The game move 4.Ne4± led to victory later, but it is not sufficient for a clear win. However, 4.Rxe8 Rxe8 5.Bxh7+ And 4.Qd3 g6 5.Bb3 both win. } 4... Kxh7 5. Ng5+ Kg8 6. Qb3+ { Or 6.Rxe8 Rxe8 7.Qb3+ } 6... Kh8 7. Qf7 { Black cannot put up a satisfactory defence. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1104"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r3k/1p3r1p/pn1q1p2/2p5/3nR3/1PN4P/P4QP1/3R1BK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1104. Viswanathan Anand – Peter Svidler, Moscow 2009 } 1. b4 f5 { A 1...Rc8 2.bxc5 Qxc5 and one clear-cut way to win is: 3.Rexd4 Qxc3 4.Rd8+ Rxd8 5.Rxd8+ Kg7 6.Qxb6+– B 1...Rfd7 2.bxc5 Qxc5 3.Qxf6+ ✔ is mating. Or 3.Rexd4 Rxd4 4.Ne2+– } 2. bxc5 { 2.Rh4 Rfd7 += } 2... fxe4 3. Qxf7 Qxc5 { Instead the game ended after: 3...Nf3+ 4.Qxf3 1–0 } 4. Qf6+ Kg8 5. Qxd8+ { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1105"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn2kb1r/pp1n1pp1/4p3/5q2/2PpNB1p/5Q1P/PP2BPP1/R4RK1 w kq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1105. Luke McShane – Viswanathan Anand, London 2013 } 1. Bd3 Qh5 { Two alternatives: A 1...Ne5 2.Bxe5 Qxe5 3.Ng5! Not 3.Nf6+?! gxf6 4.Qxb7 Bd6± with some counterplay. 3...Qc7 3...Qxg5 4.Qxb7+– and since Black’s queen had to move, his counterplay is slower. 4.Bg6! fxg6 5.Nxe6+– White has a winning attack with Rfe1 and Qd5/g4. B 1...Qa5 2.Ng5!+– Double threat against b7 and f7. Instead 2.Nf6+? gxf6 3.Qxb7 e5! gives Black a double threat: to capture the bishop and to defend the rook from b6, as the other knight on b8 isn’t hanging anymore. 4.Qxa8 exf4 ∞ } 2. Nf6+ gxf6 3. Qxb7 { ✔ White is at least clearly better with the bishops and an extra exchange, although Black managed to turn around this rapid game. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1106"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r2k/1p4pp/2p2n2/p6q/PbQB1P2/1N4P1/1P5P/5RK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1106. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov – Viswanathan Anand, Khanty-Mansiysk 2014 } 1... Ng4 { 1...Re2 2.h3 =+ and Black can’t take on h3. } 2. Qc2 { 2.h4 Ne3 3.Bxe3 Rxe3–+ ✔ White’s kingside is falling apart. } 2... c5 { Driving away one defender or another. } 3. Nxc5 { 3.Bc3 is met by 3...Ne3–+ ✔ Or 3...Bxc3 4.bxc3 Ne3–+ Nor does 3.Be5 save White: 3...c4! 4.Nd4 Bc5–+ } 3... Rc8 { ✔ Black wins a piece on c5. Also working is 3...Bxc5 4.Bxc5 Rc8 followed by ...Rxc5. But note that after 5.Rd1 Black has to start by defending against the back-rank mate: 5...Nf6–+ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1107"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/ppq3Np/1bp3nB/3p4/3Pn1P1/3Q1N1P/PP3P2/4R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1107. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave – Viswanathan Anand, Leuven (rapid) 2016 } 1... Nxf2 { 1...Rxf3 brings Black nothing: 2.Qxf3 Nh4 8.Qb3± Or 3.Qa3± } 2. Kxf2 Qh2+ 3. Ke3 Qg2 { Keeping control over the second rank. Not 3...Rxf3+ 4.Kxf3 Qxh3+ 5.Ke2 Qxh6 6.Nf5!+– Or 3...Qxh3 4.Nf5+– } 4. Qe2 { With the queen on g2, White can’t save himself with 4.Nf5 due to: 4...Re8+–+ ✔ 5.Rf1 Ne5! 6.Qe2 6.Nxe5 Rxf1 is simply crushing. 6...Rxf3+ Or 6...Bxd4+ 7.Nxd4 Qxh3+ 8.Kd2 Qxh6+ 9.Kc2 Rxf1 10.Qxf1 Qxg7 with a winning endgame advantage. 7.Rxf3 Bxd4+ 8.Kd2 Nxf3+ 9.Kd1 Qxe2+ Black has a winning endgame. } 4... Rxf3+ { 4...Qxh3 is the only other decent move, but it offers merely a clear advantage. } 5. Qxf3 Bxd4+ 6. Kxd4 Qxf3 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1108"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r1k2r/pp3p1p/4p3/3pPb2/1npP1P2/q1N2Q1P/2PKNB2/3R3R w k - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Ruslan Ponomariov (on how to concentrate) @@StartBlockQuote@@Drinking some water at a critical moment, when your lips are drying out from the tension, can really help. Chess in Translation @@StartBracket@@2011@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@1108. Ruslan Ponomariov – Jop Delemarre, Siofok 1996 } 1. Ra1 { White instead gained a winning position after mutual mistakes: 1.Rc1!? Qb2? 2.Nd1 2.Na4!+– 2...Be4 3.Qe3 c3+ 3...Nxc2 4.Nxb2 Nxe3 5.Kxe3 Bxh1± 4.Nexc3 Qxc1+?! 5.Kxc1+– And he won some moves later. } 1... Qb2 2. Rhc1 { White threatens 3 Na4. Not 2.Rhb1? Qxc2+ ∓ } 2... Nxc2 { A 2...Bxc2 3.Ra2 Qb3 3...Nxa2 4.Rxc2+– ✔ and White takes the knight as well. 4.Rcxc2 Nxc2 5.Rxc2+– ✔ B Black can save his queen with 2...Nc6 but making a passive move when a piece down makes it a hopeless position. } 3. Ra2 { Or 3.Rab1 or 3 Rcb1 } 3... Nxd4+ 4. Rxb2 Nxf3+ 5. Ke3 { ✔ White is much better. Black will have to give up a pawn immediately to avoid losing the knight, and the queenside pawns cannot all be saved. } 5... d4+ 6. Kxf3 dxc3 7. Nxc3 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1109"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1r1k/4bp1p/p4p2/qnpp3Q/4NB2/3P3P/BP4PK/R7 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1109. Veselin Topalov – Ruslan Ponomariov, Sofia 2006 } 1. Nxf6 { 1.Bxd5? Rxd5–+ 1...Qxa1? loses to both 2.Nxf6 And 2.Ng5 fxg5 3.Be5+ f6 4.Be4 2...Bxf6 3.Be4 } 1... Bxf6 2. d4 Qxa2 { There is no other choice against the threat of 3 Bb1. } 3. Rxa2 { ✔ (1–0, 65 moves) } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1110"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5nk1/2Q5/p1N2q1p/1p4p1/1P2p1b1/P5P1/2PKN2P/8 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1110. Ruslan Ponomariov – Pavel Ponkratov, Berlin (blitz) 2015 } 1... e3+ { 1...Bxe2 2.Kxe2 Qf3+= } 2. Kd3 Bxe2+ { Instead the game continued 2...Qf5+? 3.Kxe3? However, 3.Kc3! holds for White, due to the threat of Ne7+. 3...Qf3+ 4.Kd2 Qxe2+ (0–1, 64 moves) } 3. Kxe2 { Not taking the knight leaves Black a piece up. } 3... Qf2+ 4. Kd3 Qd2+ 5. Ke4 e2 { White will run out of checks. } 6. Ne7+ Kh8 7. Qe5+ Kh7 { ✔ } 8. Qf5+ Kg7 9. Qe5+ Kf7 * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1111"] [Result "*"] [FEN "4r1k1/pb1q3p/1p1p1QpB/n1pPp3/2P3R1/2P3P1/6BP/7K w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1111. Ruslan Ponomariov – Nigel Short, Madrid 2016 } 1. Rxg6+ { All Black’s minor pieces are on the queenside, so an all-out attack should be considered. Not 1.Bh3? Qf7–+ } 1... hxg6 2. Qxg6+ Kh8 { White just needs one more piece in the attack, or to get the bishop to f6. } 3. Bh3 { 3.Bg5 Rf8= } 3... Qh7 { 3...Qe7 4.Bg5!+– ✔ 4.Be6 Nxc4 5.Bf7 is also winning. } 4. Qf6+ { 4.Qxe8+ is also mating, but not as quickly (full points) . } 4... Kg8 5. Be6+ Rxe6 6. Qf8# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1112"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rnb1kb1r/1pqn1ppp/p3p3/4P3/2BN4/2N5/PP2QPPP/R1B1K2R w KQkq - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Rustam Kasimdzhanov @@StartBlockQuote@@There can also be tactics that do not work, or tactics which are refuted by other tactics. The Path to Tactical Strength @@StartBracket@@2007@@EndBracket@@@@EndBlockQuote@@1112. Rustam Kasimdzhanov – Josep Lopez Martinez, Yerevan 1999 } 1. Bxe6 fxe6 { 1...Bb4 2.0–0! gives White a winning position (1–0, 41 moves) . And the tempting 2.Bxf7+?! Kxf7 3.e6+± is also quite good. } 2. Nxe6 Qxe5 { 2...Qc6 3.Nd5!+– ✔ White’s attack is winning. } 3. Nc7+ { ✔ Picking up the rook (or White could do the same thing after first exchanging queens) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1113"] [Result "*"] [FEN "1r3rk1/5p1p/p2p1qp1/n1pP3n/2P2P2/3bPR2/P2N2BP/2QNR1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1113. Valeriy Neverov – Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Hoogeveen 1999 } 1... Nxc4 2. e4 { 2.Nxc4 Rb1 3.Qd2 Bxc4 ∓ ✔ White has accepted the loss of a pawn, so it’s not a critical variation – but it’s still possible to be accurate. } 2... Nxf4 { 2...Nxd2 and 2...Qd4+ are clearly better for Black. } 3. Nxc4 Qd4+ 4. Nf2 { After 4.Nce3 one winning line is 4...Nxg2 5.Kxg2 Bxe4 Black has many pawns and White’s king is open } 4... Rb1 { -+ White’s position is falling apart (0–1, 40 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1114"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2rr2k1/1p3p2/p3bn1p/q2p4/3P4/b1N2B2/1P1Q1PPP/R3R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1114. Igor Khenkin – Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Moscow (4) 2001 } 1... Bxb2 { Giving up the queen for plenty of other stuff. The alternatives are worse for Black. } 2. Rxa5 Bxc3 { Both rooks cannot be protected, and White’s counterplay is tamed by Black’s continuing threats. } 3. Qxh6 Bxe1 { 3...Bxa5? 4.Re5+– 4.Rxe6 Bd2 4...fxe6 5.Qg6++– 5.Qxd2 fxe6± } 4. Ra3 { 4.Qxf6? Bxa5–+ ✔ is easy. But 4.Rc5 is trickier. Black should play 4...Ne8! ∓ to protect the king. } 4... Bb4 { ✔ } 5. Rb3 Bf8 { –+ 5...Be7 ∓ } 6. Qxf6 Rc1+ { Mate is coming. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1115"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r4rk1/2p1bppp/p7/n2qp3/PP6/2pn1N1P/2R2PP1/2BQRNK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1115. Alexander Berelowitsch – Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Germany 2005 } 1. Rxe5 { Winning a centre pawn with tempo is often a good idea. 1.bxa5 Rad8 gives Black compensation due to the threats ...Nxe1 , ...e5-e4 and ...Bb4 (keeping the pawn) (.) } 1... Qd8 { 1...Nxe5? 2.Qxd5+– ✔ 1...Qd6 2.Rxa5± ✔ } 2. Rxe7 { 2.Rxa5 Bxb4± is good enough for full points. } 2... Qxe7 3. Qxd3 { ✔ White’s activity and Black’s misplaced knight on a5 actually gives White a winning advantage. The game nicely illustrates the hopelessness of Black’s position. } 3... Qxb4 4. Ng5 g6 5. Rxc3 Qxa4 6. Ba3 Rfe8 7. Qf3 { The knight on a5 falls if the queen retreats to protect f7. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1116"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1b1qrk1/p2p2b1/1pp2np1/2P1np2/5N2/2N3P1/PP2PPB1/R1BQK2R w KQ - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Veselin Topalov @@StartBlockQuote@@There was a moment at the beginning when the machines were a positive, but lately we’ve being passing to the other extreme. Now it seems that a move isn’t good unless the machine says so.@@EndBlockQuote@@1116. Elizbar Ubilava – Veselin Topalov, Ponferrada 1992 } 1. Nb5 { White does not win any material immediately, but Nd6 followed by Qb3+ is a winning threat. } 1... bxc5 { 1...cxb5? 2.Bxa8+– ✔ 1...Qe7 2.Nd6+– ✔ and such a strong knight will cost an exchange at the very least. } 2. Nd6 { Or 2.Nc7+– } 2... Qe7 3. Be3 { +- Instead the game continued 3.Qb3+? Rf7 (3... c4!=) 4.Nxf7± and White won eventually. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1117"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/6rp/p1npb2b/1p1Npp2/5P1q/2P1N1P1/PPB4P/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1117. Veselin Topalov – Miguel Illescas Cordoba, Linares 1995 } 1. Nc7 { White creates threats against d6 and e6, and the black bishop can’t hold both d5 and f5. } 1... exf4 { White is not afraid of a sacrifice: 1...Rxg3+ 2.hxg3 Qxg3+ 3.Ng2+– ✔ A better try is 1...Bc4!? 2.Nxf5 2.Nxc4? exf4! with an initiative. 2...Rxf5 , but White seems to be winning after 3.Bxf5. } 2. Ng2 Qh3 { 2...Qe7 3.Nxe6 Qxe6 4.Bb3+– ✔ } 3. Rxf4 { A necessary move to make the combination sound. Instead 3.Nxe6? fxg3 4.hxg3 Be3+! completely turns the tables: 5.Rf2 5.Nxe3 Qxg3+ 6.Kh1 Qh3# 5...Bxf2+–+ Also misguided is: 3.Nxf4? Bxf4 4.Rxf4 Rxg3+ 5.hxg3 Qxg3+ 6.Kh1 Qh3+ 7.Kg1 Rf6 ∓ } 3... Bxf4 { 3...Rxc7 23.Rh4+– } 4. Nxf4 Rxg3+ { ✔ } 5. Kh1 { +– Wherever the black queen moves, White can play 6 Ncxe6 with a winning position (and there are also other good moves) . 5.hxg3?! may be slightly better for White after 5...Qxg3+ 6.Ng2 Ne5! 7.Nxe6 Nf3+ 8.Qxf3! Qxf3 } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1118"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/5pp1/1pq5/p2R2P1/n2BP3/4QP2/1Pr5/1K5R w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { Magnus Carlsen @@StartBlockQuote@@Of course, analysis can sometimes give more accurate results than intuition but usually it’s just a lot of work. I normally do what my intuition tells me to do. Most of the time spent thinking is just to double-check.@@EndBlockQuote@@1118. Magnus Carlsen – Peter Heine Nielsen, Malmo/Copenhagen 2004 } 1. g6 { Opening up for the rook on d5 and queen on e3. } 1... fxg6 { A 1...Rxb2+ 2.Ka1 ✔ 2.Bxb2?? Qc2+ 3.Ka1 Qxb2# 2...Qxg6 3.Rdh5+– Or 3.Rg5+– or a couple of other moves. B After the game move 1...f6 White can win in many ways , for instance 2.Rdh5 Kf8 3.Rh8+ Ke7 4.Rxc8 Qxc8 5.Qa3++– , picking up a piece to start with. C 1...Qxg6 2.Rg5!+– ✔ and the attack crashes through on g7 , while Black’s attack stalled by bringing the queen to g6. Or 2.Bxg7+– also works. } 2. Rh8+ Kxh8 { 2...Kf7 3.Qf4+ ✔ with an attack that mates in several ways. } 3. Qh6+ Kg8 4. Qxg7# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1119"] [Result "*"] [FEN "r1q1r1k1/1bp1bppp/p2p4/1p1n3Q/3P3n/1BP1B1NP/PP3PPN/R3R1K1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1119. Magnus Carlsen – Kateryna Lagno, Lausanne 2004 } 1... g6 { Removing the threat on d5. } 2. Qh6 { 2.Qg4 Nxg2–+ Or 2...Nxe3–+ Or 2...Qxg4 3.hxg4 Nxg2–+ } 2... Nxg2 { ✔ Winning a pawn due to the discovered check. } 3. Kxg2 Nf4+ { The game continuation 3...Bf8 4.Qh4 Nxe3+ is also winning (0–1, 53 moves) (.) But 3...Nxe3+ 4.Kg1 Bf8 5.Bxf7+! ∓ is not so clear. } 4. Kg1 { 4.Kf1 Bg5!! 5.Qxg5 Qxh3+ 6.Kg1 Qg2# } 4... Bg5 5. Bxf7+ Kh8 { Black wins the queen. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1120"] [Result "*"] [FEN "6k1/Q3ppbp/1p4p1/3qN3/1P1n4/P1r2N1P/5PP1/4R2K b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1120. Kjetil Stokke – Magnus Carlsen, Oslo 2006 } 1... Bxe5 2. Nxe5 { 2.Rxe5 Nxf3!–+ ✔ The mating threat makes the queen untouchable , leaving Black a piece up. But not 2...Rc1+ 3.Re1 ∓ } 2... Rxh3+ 3. Kg1 Ne2+ { ✔ Black’s attack is devastating , and 3...Rh5 also gives Black a winning attack. } 4. Kf1 Nf4 5. Qb8+ Kg7 6. Nf3 Rh1+ 7. Ng1 Rxg1+ 8. Kxg1 Qxg2# * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1121"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/p2bq2p/1p6/2pPp2p/2P1B3/4Q1P1/PP3R2/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1121. Peter Heine Nielsen – Magnus Carlsen, Faaborg (blindfold) 2007 } 1. d6 Qg7 { 1...Qxd6 2.Bd5+! 2.Qg5+? Kh8 3.Rd2 Qe6= 2...Kh8 2...Be6 and White wins a piece after 3.Qg5+ 3.Rxf8+ Qxf8 4.Qxe5+ Qg7 5.Qb8+ ✔ with mate. } 2. Bd5+ Kh8 3. Rxf8+ Qxf8 4. Qxe5+ { 4.Qg5? h6= was the game. } 4... Qg7 5. Qf4 { ✔ Keeping everything protected and the black queen passive, as it can’t go to f6 (without this move, it would not have been good to push the d-pawn) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1122"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/6pp/1pqNp3/3b1p2/pP1P2n1/P5P1/3nQPBP/R1B3K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1122. Magnus Carlsen – Michal Krasenkow, Gausdal 2007 } 1. Qxe6+ Bxe6 2. Bxc6 Nb3 { 2...Rd8 3.Bxd2 Rxd6 4.Bxa4 Rxd4 and the bishop pair and an extra pawn gives White at least a clear advantage. } 3. d5 { Saving the d-pawn. } 3... Ne5 { 3...Nxa1 30.dxe6+– ✔ } 4. Rb1 { White is a pawn up and has the bonus of a positional advantage. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1123"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r3r/p1kn1b1p/2Bb1pp1/1p6/3P1NP1/2P2Q2/qP2NP2/2KR3R b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1123. Magnus Carlsen – Teimour Radjabov, Porto Vecchio (5 Armageddon) 2007 } 1... Bxf4+ { 1...Qa1+ led to a win after 2.Kc2? But 2.Kd2! Qxb2+ 3.Ke1 Bxf4 4.Bxd7! Rxd7 5.Qxf4+ ∓ would have left White still fighting. 2...Bb3+ 3.Kd2 Qxb2+–+ (0–1, 34 moves) . } 2. Nxf4 { 2.Qxf4+ Kxc6–+ } 2... Ne5 { Also winning is: 2...Qa1+ 3.Kd2 Qxb2+ 4.Ke1 Ne5 5.dxe5 Rxd1+ 6.Qxd1 Qxc3+ 7.Kf1 Qxc6–+ } 3. dxe5 { Moving the queen would have lost the bishop. } 3... Qa1+ 4. Kc2 Bb3+ 5. Kxb3 Qa4# { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1124"] [Result "*"] [FEN "3r1rk1/1p4p1/1qp1p2p/3nP3/pPR5/3Q2PP/P2R1PB1/6K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1124. Peter Svidler – Magnus Carlsen, Moscow (blitz) 2008 } 1. Qg6 { A multipurpose move preparing 2 Rg4, 2 Qxe6+ and 2 Be4. However, it’s important to keep control over Black’s tactical tricks. } 1... Nf4 { A 1...Rfe8 2.Rg4 Qc7 3.Be4 ✔ with a winning attack. After 3...Qxe5 strongest is bringing the last piece into the attack with: 4.Rd3+– B After 1...Nc3 2.Qxe6+ 2.Rg4 += 2...Kh7 it is important to kill Black’s counterplay with the accurate 3.Rg4! leaving White with a winning position due to: 3...Rxd2 4.Qg6+ Kh8 5.Qxg7# ✔ } 2. Rxf4 Rxf4 { 2...Rxd2 3.Qxe6++– ✔ } 3. Rxd8+ { Or even stronger is: 3.gxf4 Rxd2 4.Qe8+ Kh7 5.Be4+ g6 6.Qxg6+ Kh8 7.Qh7# } 3... Qxd8 4. gxf4 { ✔ } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1125"] [Result "*"] [FEN "2r3k1/p2b3p/1q2p1pQ/4R3/1p1P2PP/1N3r2/PP2R3/1K6 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1125. Leinier Dominguez Perez – Magnus Carlsen, Linares 2009 } 1... Bb5 { 1...Qa6 2. Qd2= } 2. R2e3 { 2.Re1 Rxb3! 3.axb3 Bd3+–+ ✔ } 2... Rf2 { ✔ The threats of ...Qc6, ...Bd3+ and ...Rcc2 are too much to handle for White in conjunction with the resource ...Rf1+ in some situations. 2...Rf1+? 3.Re1 is only unclear. The game move is also acceptable: 2...Bd3+ 3.Ka1 Qxd4?! Stronger is 3...Rf2! 2.Re1 Rxb2! 3.Kxb2 Rc2+ 4.Ka1 Qc6!–+ with a double threat: ...Qc3 and ...Qg2. 4.Rxe6 Rf1+ 5.Re1 Black has a large advantage (0–1, 54 moves) . } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1126"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rq2r1k1/3nPppp/1p2p3/p7/P1PNbP2/4B1P1/1P2Q2P/R2R2K1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1126. Anish Giri – Magnus Carlsen, Paris (blitz) 2016 } 1. Nxe6 Rxe7 { 1...fxe6 2.Rxd7± ✔ } 2. Nxg7 Qb7 { A double threat against f3 and g7 (since the knight on d7 is protected) . 2...Kxg7 3.Rxd7! The move order 3.Qg4+ Bg6 4.Rxd7 runs into 4...Rxe3 or 4...Qc8. 3...Rxd7 4.Qg4+ Kh8 5.Qxd7 ✔ Regaining the rook, when the two healthy pawns extra and his safer king leaves White winning. } 3. Bd4 { ✔ Pinning the e4-bishop so that ...Bf3 is not possible while simultaneously protecting the g7-knight. Here too, White is two pawns up for no compensation. 3.Qg4 Bf3 4.Qh4 Rxe3 5.Nf5 is a good try, but Black can defend with 5...Re6 6.Qg5+ Rg6÷ and things are not so clear. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1127"] [Result "*"] [FEN "5rk1/1p5p/3p1q2/1PpPpbb1/2P2np1/R5P1/3N1P1P/3QNBK1 b - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1127. Gadir Guseinov – Magnus Carlsen, Internet (blitz 1.3) 2017 } 1... Bc2 { –+ Clearing a path to f2 with tempo. Since the c2-square is defended twice, considering 27...Bc2 as a candidate is the difficult part; after that, the variations are not so difficult to calculate. A 1...Bg6 is slow by comparison, but still gains an advantage. For example: 2.gxf4 Qxf4 3.Qe2 Qxd2 4.Qxd2 Bxd2 ∓ B 1...Nh3+ 2.Bxh3 gxh3 ∓ was the game, when White is not yet dead. } 2. Nxc2 { 2.Qxc2 is mated most quickly by 2...Ne2+ Though 2...Nh3+ would get there two moves more slowly. 2.Qxg4 must be met by: 2...Nh3+!–+ ✔ Otherwise White is better. 3.Qxh3 Qxf2+ 4.Kh1 Qxe1 White will lose masses of material, then get mated. For example: 5.Rf3 Be4 6.Nxe4 Rxf3 } 2... Nh3+ 3. Bxh3 { Of course 3.Kh1 Nxf2+ is a winning fork. } 3... Qxf2+ 4. Kh1 gxh3 { –+ ✔ When playing 1...Bc2, it was essential to realize this position is winning. The threat of mate on g2 leaves White no time to save the d2-knight. } 5. Qg1 Qxd2 { For example: } 6. Ra2 Qe2 { Threatening checks on f3 or e4. } * [Event "?"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Advanced Exercises"] [Black "Exercise 1128"] [Result "*"] [FEN "rn2rk2/5pp1/p7/2pb1qN1/7Q/2P5/5PPP/1R3RK1 w - - 0 1"] [SetUp "1"] { 1128. Magnus Carlsen – Wesley So, Internet (blitz 3.32) 2017 } 1. Rbe1 { +– Preparing the queen check on h8 by covering the black king’s escape route. For White, 1 Rbe1 is the right square and the right rook, though you need to see a few key lines to understand why. In the game Carlsen tried to do it all with checks: 1.Qh8+? Ke7 2.Rfe1+ Be6 The position was messy, but had he played 3.Qh4!? += then White would still be a touch better. Instead, the “wrong rook” move 1.Rfe1? allows 1...Be6 += when, unlike the main line, White cannot lift the e1-rook, as it would leave its colleague on b1 hanging. } 1... Rxe1 { 1...Be6 is refuted most simply by 2.Re3!+– ✔ with the idea Nxe6+ ...fxe6, Rf3 skewering the queen. Also winning, but in messier style, is 2.g4+– with the ideas 2...Qxg4+ And 2...Qg6 3.f4! threatening f4-f5. 3.Qxg4 Bxg4 4.Nh7+! } 2. Rxe1 Be6 3. Qh8+ { ✔ Creating an annoying pin on the b8-knight. The second-best 3.f4± secures an advantage, but is too much weaker than the text move to be worthy of any credit. } 3... Ke7 4. h4 { +– Finding this slow move, defending the knight and creating luft, would be a brilliant achievement for a non-computer. 4.Qxg7 is not such a bad move, but Black can fight on after: 4...Kd6! 5.h4± The obvious 4.Nxe6? throws away all White’s advantage after: 4...fxe6 5.Qxg7+ Kd6= } 4... Qd5 { 5.c4+– also works. For example: 6...Qd4 7.Qh5 Qf6 8.Nxe6 fxe6 9.Qd5 is decisive. } 5. Qxg7 Kd8 { Or 5...Kd6 can be killed most swiftly by: 6.Nxe6! The obvious 6.h5 should win, just not at once. 6...fxe6 7.c4!+– For example: 7...Qxc4 8.Qg3+ Ke7 9.Rd1 And the attack wins far too much material. } 6. h5 { The h-pawn is going all the way. } *