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In my opinion the following are to be considered the
Each one of these elements will be as thoroughly explained as possible in what follows. We begin with the center, which we propose to treat at first with the less experienced player in mind. In the second part of the book, which is devoted to positional play, we will attempt to investigate the center trom the point of view of "higher learning."
As you know, the center was precisely the point around which in the years 1911-13 what amounted to a revolution in chess took place. I mean that the articles which I wrote, (Entspricht Dr. Tarrasch's "Modern Schachpartie wirklich moaerner Auffassung?") ran directly counter to the traditional conception and sounded the call to a revolt which was in fact to give birth to the neo-romantic school.
The two-fold treatment of the center, which we propose to undertake on instructional grounds, would therefore seem to be justified.
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Definition:
Definition:
The process is analogous to the advance on the outbreak of a war. Both armies seek to reach the frontier as quickly as possible in order to penetrate into enemy territory.
Development is a collective conception. To have developed one, two or three pieces does not mean that we are developed. On the contrary, the situation demands that all pieces be developed. If I may so put it, the period of development should be inspired by a democratic spirit. How undemocratic for instance, it would be to let one of your officers go for a long walking tour, whilst the others kicked their heels together at home and bored themselves horribly. No, let each officer make one move only, and...dig himself in.
An important postulate for the beginner is the following: if it were possible to develop the pieces without the aid of pawn moves, the pawnless advance would be the correct one, for, as suggested the pawn is not a fighting unit in the sense that his crossing of the frontier is to be feared by the enemy, since obviously the attacking force of the pawns is small compared with that of the pieces.
However, the pawnless advance is in reality impossible of execution; since the enemy pawn-center, thanks to its inherent aggressiveness, would drive back the pieces which we had developed. For this reason we should, in order to safeguard the development of our pieces, first build up a pawn-center.
]]>By center it is to be understood the four squares which enclose the mid-point, i.e., the squares e4, e5, d4, and d5.
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Since the pawn has not been moved to the center, we may still regard the advance as pawnless in our sense.
Now the faultiness of White's development may be seen; the black pawns have a demobilizing effect.
Bad at the outset, a piece moved twice.
And White is uncomfortably placed, at any rate from the point of view of the player with little fighting experience.
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Another example: White without queen rook; White's a-pawn is at a3.
1.e4
Black has now lost the center, and in addition, by neglecting to play
Black, who is completely wedged in by the pawn on d6 succumbs to the enemy assault in a few moves, in spite of the win of a rook.
Black resigned.
It follows from the rule given (
In the open game after 1.e4 e5, either d3 or d4 — now or later — is always a correct move. If then only the pawn moves designated above are allowable, it follows that move of the flank pawns must be regarded as loss of time — with this qualification, that in close games the rule applies to only a limited extent, since contact with the enemy is not complete, and development proceeds at a slower tempo.
To sum up:
Therefore, as Lasker truly observed:
If I were running a race with someone, it would be, to say the least, inopportune were I to throw away valuable time by say, rubbing dirt off of my nose, although must not be considered as blaming that operation in itself. If, however. I can induce my opponent to waste time by a similar action, I would then get an advantage in development over him.
Accordingly, we force our opponent to lose time if we make a developing move which at the same time attacks a piece which he has already moved.
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1.e4
The moves just given show in the most compact form a maneuver which we may call a compound one. For why do we take the d-pawn? The answer is to entice the piece which recaptures it on to a square exposed to attack. This — 2.exd5 — was the first part of the maneuver. The second — 3.Nc3 — consisted in the utilization of the queen's position which is in a certain sense compromised.
But perhaps the beginner may say in his heart: Why should Black recapture? Many a skillful businessman displays in chess an altogether unnatural delicacy of feeling and does not recapture. But the master unfortunately knows that he is under compulsion, there's no remedy for it, he must recapture, otherwise the material balance in the center would be disturbed. It follows from the fact that this is compulsory that the capture retards, for the moment at any rate, the enemy's development, except in the case when the recapture can be made with what is at the same time a developing move.
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1.e4
Forced, otherwise Black would be a pawn down with no equivalent for it.
To prevent ...Qh4.
The logical complement of the exchange
And now White has the opportunity of gaining more tempi by
The latter contingency must be carefully weighed. The exchange of the time devouring Ne4 for the newborn Nd2 means loss of tempo for Black, since with the disappearance of the knight there will vanish also the tempi consumed by him — there will be nothing on the board to show for them. When a farmer loses a sucking pig through illness, he mourns not only the little pig, but also the good food he has gambled on it.
After 1.e4 e5
However after
In reality, however, the check can only be regarded as an intermezzo. White simply plays
&emsp
Not
And White has five tempi to the good (both knights and a rook are developed, the pawn occupies the center, and the king is in safety), whereas Black can show but one visible tempo, namely the queen on e6. Even this tempo, too, will later on be doubly or even trebly lost, since the queen will have to shift her ground more than once (she will be chased away by Nf4, etc.), so that White's advantage is equivalent to at least five tempi.
Exchange, intermezzo, gain of tempo: The exchange and the gain of a tempo are related, the intermezzo alters nothing.
When a merchant sees that his business is not succeeding, he does well to liquidate it, so as to invest the proceeds in a more promising one. Translated into terms of chess, I mean by this that when one's development is threatened with being held up, one must adopt a radical cure, and on no account try to remedy matters by half-hearted measures. I will first illustrate this by an example.
1.e4 e5
Black's last move is questionable, for the second player should not at once copy such an enterprising move as 3.d4.
For the moment Black has been able to hold his ground, the queen has not had to move away, but after
The right course, therefore, is to exchange bishop for knight on c3.
And now with the same idea of liquidation in the center.
Anything but a protecting move, such as ...Bg4, or a flight move, such as ...e4, for in the development stage there is no time for this.
Black can now proceed with his development.
And he has relieved the tension in the center and is in no way behind in development. This relief of tension in the center, taken with the exchange is a main characteristic of complete liquidation.
After Black's third move White can also embarrass his opponent by
Undeveloped as he is, Black sees that he is seriously threatened by
For example
If
Best to do it while he can!
Relatively best for Black would have been immediately
The continuation might be
Black threatens to win a piece by 6...Nxe5.
Black has satisfactory development and does not stand badly.
Or, instead of 7.0-0,
After
1.e4 e5
An example of forced surrender of the center.
And now the black bishop is under the slight threat of 8.Bxf7† followed by 9.Qb3†. On the other hand, the white center pawns are very strong, and it is necessary to break them up.
However if done at once by
The correct play therefore is getting rid of the threat to his bishop.
Now follows the freeing move.
As we have seen, the exchange properly used furnishes an excellent weapon, and forms the basis of the typical maneuvers which we have analzed above:
(1) Exchange with consequent gain of tempo
(2) Liquidation followed by a developing or freeing move.
We must, however, give a most emphatic warning against exchanging blindly and without motive, for to move a piece several times in order to exchange it for an enemy piece which has not moved, would be a thoroughly typical beginner's mistake. Therefore only exchange in the two cases outlined above.
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1.e4 e5
White offers a gambit. Black may consider
Curious that this move, which must devour a tempo, should be the beginner's first or second thought.
The continuation, a sad one for Black, will be
Better than 4...Bb4† at any rate, which only leads to a disadvantageous exchange.
As we have already noticed, a free, mobile center is a deadly weapon of attack, since the advance of the center pawns threatens to drive back the enemy pieces. In every case the question is, whether the hunted knight, losing all control over himself, will have to flit aimlessly from pillar to post, or whether he will succeed in saving himself or the tempi for which he is responsible.
Example 1
1.e4 e5
The white e-pawn is ready to march and is only waiting for an enemy knight to show himself on f6 to put him speedily to flight.
Black lets what will happen, and this is what every beginner should do in order to gain the experience of the consequences of an advance in the center.
Variation
Not of course a further wandering by 5...Nc5? for after this move, 6.cxd4 Nxd3† 7.Qxd3 would yield an advantage of four tempi to White.
Variation
Not of course a further wandering by
On the other hand it would not be advantageous to move the knight to d5, for the poor beast would not find any rest here.
Not
White has here six tempi as against two or one and a half, for the knight is not better placed at b6 than at f6, and the move ...c6 was not really a whole tempo, since no move of a central pawn is here in question.
1.e4 e5
And now we have the same problem.
In general, the knight rarely seeks to establish himself on the side, rather in the center as in our earlier example:
Here is an exceptional case when the square h5 is a satisfying one — as a rule, border squares are not favorable for knights.
Or
1.e4 e5
A discomforting move which plans an assault on Black's center to disturb him in his mobilization.
Here
But now the knight can no longer maintain himself of his own strength so he calls in the aid of the d-pawn. Thus:
In the position which we have already examined, White can also play:
Variation
Not by the illogical 6...Bb4†? as White answers 7.Bd2 and Black is forced into a tempo losing exchange.
Variation
Not by the illogical
Which is, on principle, the right move for Black?
Is it
How is
Why is
It is nevertheless more prudent to hold the center intact. Even if we should succeed in breaking the shock of the advancing mass of pawns (by a proper withdrawal of the knight as outlined in the last example) the line of play is difficult, and what is more, the "pawn roller" need not advance at once, but may hold its advance as a continual threat over our heads.
Therefore, if it can be done without counterbalancing threat over disadvantages, we should hold the center.
Consider the moves: 1.e4
Quite playable, though
In order to maintain the center, support by a pawn is indicated since the pawn is a born defender. Of course not by
Black will do best to support his center and thus hold it intact by the d-pawn:
If a piece has to protect any attacked piece or pawn he feels himself under restraint whereas in similar circumstances a pawn would find himself perfectly at ease. In the case under consideration, protection by a piece, by 4...Bf6 would only support the e-pawn but not the center considered in the abstract.
For instance,
1.e4 e5
Variation
Uncomfortable for Black would be 3...d6 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8, otherwise the e-pawn falls, and Black has lost the right of castling, and with it a convenient means of connecting his rooks.
1.e4 e5
Variation
Uncomfortable for Black would be
In the position now arrived at Black can, after mature consideration, play
But with this black will have solved only a part of his problem, namely the little problem of how to develop his king knight, but not the larger problem of the center as such.
To this end the following postulates are necessary:
1. If one has allowed the enemy to establish a free, mobile center pawn, the latter must be regarded as a dangerous criminal. Against him all our chess fury must be directed, so that the second rule follows at once.
2. Such a pawn must either be executed (d5, ...dxe4 must be prepared for) or be put under restraint.
Accordingly, we condemn the criminal either to death or to imprisonment for life. Or we can pleasantly combine the two by first condemning him to death, then commuting his sentence to life imprisonment; or, what is the more common case, we keep him under restraint until he is quite impotent, and then show our manly courage by executing the death sentence (arriving at d5 and ...dxe4). Restraint would be begun by 4...d6 and perfected by ...Nf6, ...Be7, ...0-0, ...Re8, and ...Bf8 by which procedure any violent advance is kept under close observation.
White on his side will do all in his power to make the (criminal) e-pawn mobile, by, for example: f4, Re1, etc. as the occasion offers.
The game might run somewhat as follows: 1.e4 e5
Each side has completed it's mobilization. White will try to force e5, Black to prevent this advance. The situation in this position gives rise to most interesting struggles and we recommend that the student practice in games playing in turn for and against the center, as he will thus strengthen his positional insight.
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1.e4 e5
In order to be able to make the protecting move 7.Bd3.
And now Black need no longer lay siege to the e-pawn by ...d6 ...0-0 and ...Re8, since he can at once resort to advancing in the center:
A similar fate overtook the center-pawn in the following game.
1.d4 Nf6
And at a blow the proud e-pawn despite his freedom and mobility, vanishes, is pulverized!
If
After
Here is our exchange with consequent gain of tempo.
And now Black stands better because of White's weak d-pawn. For the continuation, see illustrative game no. 4.
1.e4
Variation
Or 3.e5 Nd5 4.c4 Nb6 5.d4 d6 and Black threatens to win back the 3 tempi he has sacrificed, though perhaps 6.e6 fxe6 might be played with attacking chances for White.
Variation
Or
White has established a free center pawn.
The alternative was to restrain the d-pawn by ...e6, ultimately seizing the d-file and keeping the d-pawn under observation.
Black has thus not played to restrain the d-pawn, but to kill it. There followed:
And Black recovered the pawn with a freer game.
Since the mobilization of the forces is by far the most important operation in the
opening stages, it strikes anyone who knows this as comic that the less experienced
player should so eagerly plunge into an utterly unimportant sideline, by which I mean
pawn hunting. This eagerness may be more readily explicable on psychological
grounds, for the young player wants to give rein to the energy which smolders in
him, which he can do by getting the scalps of perfectly harmless pawns, while the
older player is — well, the older player is not loath to show how young he really is. In the end both come to grief. What, therefore, the inexperienced player, young or old, must take to heart is the commandment:
To this there is but one exception, which we shall discuss later.
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Since the mobilization of the forces is by far the most important operation in the
opening stages, it strikes anyone who knows this as comic that the less experienced
player should so eagerly plunge into an utterly unimportant sideline, by which I mean
pawn hunting. This eagerness may be more readily explicable on psychological
grounds, for the young player wants to give rein to the energy which smolders in
him, which he can do by getting the scalps of perfectly harmless pawns, while the
older player is — well, the older player is not loath to show how young he really is. In the end both come to grief. What, therefore, the inexperienced player, young or old, must take to heart is the commandment:
To this there is but one exception, which we shall discuss later.
We begin by showing the best manner of declining a gambit, which we can do very briefly, since we have already considered some analogous cases.
In the Center Gambit, after 1.e4 e5
Variation
For instance, 3...Nc6 4.cxd4 d5, or even 3...c6 4.cxd4 d5 when it will now be noticed that the c-pawn stands in logical connection with the center.
If after 3...c6, White recaptures with the queen: 4.Qxd4 Black still plays 4...d5 5.exd5 cxd5, to be followed by ...Nc6.
Variation
For instance,
If after 3...c6, White recaptures with the queen:
1.e4 e5
We decline the gambit with
Black by playing 4...Bxb4 has by no means lost a tempo, since the move 4.b4, which White was able to throw in gratis without Black being able in the meanwhile to develop a piece, was, in the sense of development — unproductive.
Unproductive, as every pawn move must be in the nature of things, if it does not bear a logical connection with the center.
For suppose after
To make a virtue of necessity and attempt something of a demobilizing effect with our ill-motivated b-pawn move.
And now if
1.e4 e5
Or by the simple
If
Black has good development and two open files (the d and f files) for his rooks, and in spite of his doubled pawns, stands better.
The student should notice particularly that after 1.e4 e5
This is timely surrender of the center and a speedy recapture of the same.
Acceptance of the gambit is allowable: 1.e4 e5 2.f4
Not, however, with the idea of keeping the gambit pawn, but rather to subject the strength of White's center to a severe test by
Or after
1.e4 e5
For the ideal win of a center pawn, which the conquest of the center implies, is not high at the cost of a tempo. It is of less importance to keep the pawn. It is the ideal, not the material gain with which we are here concerned.
The win of a pawn anywhere on the side of the board brings no happiness in its train, but if you gain a pawn in the middle, then you really have something to brag about, for thus you will get the possibility of expansion at the very spot around which in the opening stages the fight usually sways, namely the center.
For example, after
The theory of open files, which was my discovery, must be regarded as one of the polishing stones of my system. I published the law of the establishment of outposts in open files about fourteen years ago in the Wiener Schachzeitung, but at that time I had not yet arrived at the perception that this maneuver must logically be subordinate to the main objective of any operation in a file, namely the eventual occupation of the 7th or 8th rank.
In other words, in order to breakdown the enemy's resistance in it, but without for a moment relaxing our aim at the 7th rank, whose occupation must be regarded as the ideal to be arrived at in such an operation. The establishment of an outpost is therefore merely a subsidiary maneuver.
A file is said to be open for the rook when no pawn of his is in it, or, if there is one, it is masked as, for example, it is in the h-file in the diagram.
This definition implies that in deciding whether a file is "open" or "closed," we are not concerned with the question whether that file gives an avenue of attack on unoccupied, peaceful points, or on living enemy pieces (as a rule pawns).
There is in fact no fundamental difference between play against a piece or against a point.
Let us, for example, imagine a white rook on h1, black king on g8 and a black pawn on h7. White is attacking the pawn on h7. Suppose that pawn were removed, White still attacks the point h7, which he wishes to conquer. In either case he will attempt, with the further material which he has at command, to establish a
preponderance at h7, to bring up more pieces to the attack of this point than the defense can command. Having succeeded in doing this, he will ultimately play either Rh7 or Rxh7, as the case may be.
That is to say our procedure is the same whether we are attacking the point h7 or a black pawn at that point, for the measure of the mobility of the pawn will be reduced to nothing, since every object of attack must be made as nearly immobile as possible.
From the definition of an open file, it follows that a file will be opened by the disappearance of one of our own pawns. This disappearance will be brought about peacefully if the enemy feels it incumbent on himself to exchange one of our well, (because centrally) posted pieces —
We must here stress the word "central," for it will be only seldom, and never in the opening, that you will be able to force your opponent to open a file by the exchange of a piece which you have posted on a flank. You will gain your object more quickly if it is centrally posted, for pieces thus established in the middle of the board, and exercising their influence in all directions, are those which will be exchanged.
Black's knights are centrally posted, and White finds himself forced to exchange them.
Opening of the c-file and after the further moves:
The significance of the c-file is considerable. There followed:
On c2 the pawn would have been untenable.
With play on both c- and d-files — see illustrative game no. 11. Therefore post your pieces centrally, as long as you can do so safely without inviting the advance of the "pawn-roller." Thus will your opponent be provoked into an exchange which will give you an open file.
Let us consider this position once again.
We then get a typical example of an effective opening of a file. Thanks to black's pawn on h6, white can now bring about the rapid disappearance of his g-pawn.
As an example for practice, let us consider a positions slightly altered from the last example. The objective in this position is now g6, and the h-file — always the one next to the objective — should be opened. The plan is h4, h5 and hxg6. But in this position after h4 we must, before going on, first give the Nf6 a dig in the ribs, since he is in the way, perhaps by Nd5, and this done the pawn can advance to h5 in all comfort and without any sacrifice. As a last resort the attacked party may attempt to give the pawn the slip, that is on white's h5 to play ...g5, which, however, here would hardly answer since the square g5 is unprotected.
]]>The ideal which lies at the root of every operation on a file is the ultimate penetration by way of this file into the enemy's game, that is to say to our own 7th or 8th rank.
A very important rule is the following: Suppose that by way operating on the d-file we reach the 7th rank by a roundabout way, by the maneuver Rd1-d4-a4-a7. This cannot be regarded as a direct exploitation of the d-file. A few elementary examples will now be given.
Here the line of operation is the h-file. This will be seized by
In this position our method would be
We may describe this triangular maneuver of the queen (h7, h8, g7) as an enveloping attack. Put briefly, we may say: Given deficient resistance to the attacker, after safeguarding the lines of invasion, raids the 7th and 8th ranks will not seldom be rewarded by the chance of a marauding expedition or an enveloping attack. So far the operation has been as readily intelligible as it is easily executed. Unfortunately in real life there are often great obstacles to overcome, as part 4 of this chapter will show.
We have seen how great may be the significance of a forced entry into the 7th and 8th ranks. This being the case, it is natural to presume that nature herself may have done something for the protection of this sensitive area, just as good wise mother nature has given the human heart a place magnificently protected behind the ribs.
The characteristic and natural defensive position is shown in this position. Here the pawn on g6 prevents White from invading the 7th rank. The road to the 7th or 8th rank leads only over my dead body, the valiant pawn seems to say. If, however, this enemy g-pawn were protected by another pawn, it would be futile to run one's head up against such a block of granite by, shall we say, tripling our forces in the file.
Rather would it not be the path of wisdom first to mine it by, for instance h4-h5, followed by hxg6, after which the granite block will have shriveled up to a defenseless pawnling?
In this position,
The pawn, as we have before insisted, is to be regarded as a sure defender.
Protection by pieces may almost be called a confusion of terms. The pawn alone
will stand on guard solidly, patiently, without a grumble. Therefore a "protected
pawn" means a pawn protected by a fellow pawn. If our pawn has been enticed away
from the confederation of pawns he will be subject to attack by many pieces.
The obvious idea is then to win the pawn by piling up our attacks on it, first for the
sake of the gain in material, but secondly in order to break down the resistance in
the file. This will be technically managed by first bringing up our pieces into attacking
positions. A hot fight will then be waged around the pawn. As often as we attack,
Black covers, so we now seek to obtain the upper hand by thinning the ranks of the
defending forces, which can be done:
(a) by driving them away
(b) by exchange
(c) by shutting off one of the defending pieces.
I mean that we transfer our attack from our opponent to his defenders, a perfectly normal proceeding, often practiced at school (in rough-and-tumble, I mean).
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The following endgame will illustrate the method:
White can pile up the attack since the obstructing pawn at h6 is without pawn protection.
Attack and defense balance each other, but by White's next maneuver:
Had two black rooks stood on their 3rd rank, (a6, b6) the sacrifice of the exchange by ...Rxd6 would have been possible, but with the rooks so placed, such a move as
And now a waiting move, which after the preceding blows — one rook now holding the 7th, the other 8th rank — is really intelligible, i.e.,
Or take this position, play would go
The ranks of the defenders are thinned by exchanges. The maneuver against the
obstructing pawn so far considered is contained in the conception "evolutionary
attack." The whole manner of concentration against one point, in order eventually
to get superior forces to bear upon it, implies this. The goal, too, was symptomatic.
It was, in fact, partly material gain (the win of a pawn was welcome) which tempted
us, partly the ideal hovering before us of conquering the 7th rank. This mixture of motives was significant.
Quite another picture is revealed in the process employed in this position. Granted that play on the h-file by
How may White otherwise make use of the h-file? The answer is that he gives up all idea of material profit, and instead does everything, stops at no sacrifice, in order to get the offending pawn out of the way. Therefore:
Simple as this ending is, it seems to me to be of the greatest importance as it brings clearly before us the difference between the "evolutionary" and "revolutionary" forms of attack.
An evolutionary attack would, after
The revolutionary attack on the other hand would dispense with the winning of the black h-pawn as follows:
There can be no talk of having won the pawn here for White has given up a rook for it.
The idea of the revolutionary attack lies, as is here clearly shown, in opening by sheer force an entry to the 7th or 8th rank which had been barred to us. One rook sacrifices himself for his colleague, in order that the latter may reach the objective, the 8th rank. Yes, even on a chess board there is such a thing as true comradeship!
In what chronological order are these two methods of attack to be employed? The answer to this is: First try the converging attack. Attack the obstructing pawn with several pieces. By so doing opportunity may be found to force the defending pieces into uncomfortable positions where they will get into each other's way, for the defense will often be cramped for space. Afterwards see whether among other things there is a possibility of a breakthrough by force, in other words of a revolutionary attack.
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In the position in diagram, the direct exploitation of the f-file, with eventual Rxf7 (after first driving off the protecting rook), would be impossible with the scanty material available.
The simple
It is important that we examine this maneuver to see its logical meaning. Since
On the other hand, it would be pushing ingratitude to an extreme length if we went on to assert that the f-file had no bearing whatever on the b-pawn.
Where then does the truth lie? The answer is: The file was here used not directly, nor to its fullest extent, but indirectly, as a kind of jumping-off place.
See following example where another instance of the use of a file in this manner is given.
White can play
The maneuver
While
In diagram, White has the center and the d-file. In other respects the positions are equal. White with the move will now attempt some operation on the d-file. This presents some difficulties since the protected black pawn at d6 represents a "granite block." If White, in spite of the rules laid down in
Accordingly, let us give up the d-file as such, and content ourselves with an indirect exploitation of it by the restricted advance Rd4, to be followed later by Ra4. But this maneuver, too, is here somewhat weak, for Black's queenside is too compact. Note that if Black's a-pawn were isolated it would be totally in place to bring up by a similar process the king rook to the a-file via the d-file. Since all attempts have so far broken down we begin to look for some other base of operations, and we would be wrong in so doing, for the d-file can be exploited in this position.
The key move is
And therefore we may say:
(a) An advanced post forms a base for new attacks.
(b) An outpost provokes a weakening of the enemy's position in the file in question.
After
After
Moreover, there may come a time when Black will be forced to make the weakening move ...c6.
It is important for the student to know that the strength of an outpost lies in its strategic connection with its own hinterland. The outpost does not derive its strength from itself, but rather from this hinterland, namely from the open file and the protecting pawn, and if suddenly one or other of these points of contact failed, it would almost entirely lose its prestige and significance.
For instance, let us place a white pawn at d3, the d-file would in this case be closed, and then if
Contact with the pawn now fails, as is painfully evident after the moves
Therefore the file to its rear and the protecting pawn are essential accompaniments to an advanced outpost.
Both files at the moment "bite on granite" (on protected pawns). To sap this strength, White will direct his knight via e2 and g3 to f5. The obvious course for Black is to drive the knight away by g6, but by inducing this the strategic mission of White's outpost will have been accomplished, for Black's f-pawn becomes a weakness. It is important to notice that moving the knight to f5 was the starting point of a new attack, namely on g7.
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Very often the outpost will be exchanged at his station. If the attacking player has played correctly, the retaking piece or pawn will yield full compensation for the piece which has been taken. Here a conversion of advantages is the order of the day.
For instance, if after Nf5 a piece takes the knight, this will be recaptured by the e-pawn, and White now gets the point e4 for a rook or his other knight, and in addition some possibility (after g4-g5) of opening the g-file. Further the pawn now at f5 will effectively render immobile the black pawn at f6, which is the object of attack.
See following diagram, also game no. 5,
In this position a flank file is in question, and the occupation of an advanced post in it by a knight would have little effect, for the attacking range of a knight at g6 would be small — still smaller of course on a rook file.
Or,
It therefore remains for White to find a suitable point on which to double his rooks. It can be found if we seek it.
Otherwise 2.Rdg1 doubling the rooks.
With a giant of a passed pawn and the possibility (after the knight moves to f3) of the maneuver Rg1-g4-h4.
So though because of
Before
Development is a principle well worthy of attention right into the endgame. It is one, however, which is neglected by less experienced players, even in the opening.
For present purposes we would ask the reader to regard this move simply as the occupation of an advanced post, for of course it could also be regarded as an invasion of the 7th rank.
Conversion of the "file" into a "passed pawn."
Variation
4.Rxh7 Kf8 5.Nh5 with, at an opportune moment, sacrifice of the knight at f6, would also have been good.
Variation
And the passed pawn has become a protected passed pawn.
This "restricted" advance stops any attempt of Black to free himself by perhaps ...Ke5 or ...f5, giving access to white's g-pawn.
Still more paralyzing would be
Now White's plan for breaking through is revealed. By Zugzwang, exhausting Black's available moves, so that finally his king is forced to break contact with e5, White is able to play e5, whereupon the black f-pawn disappears, and the entry of the white rook at f7 will become possible.
Now it will be clear that the move
As we have seen in the second chapter the entry into enemy territory, in other words into the 7th and 8th ranks, forms the logical consequence of play in a file. I have sought to illustrate this entry by some particularly marked, because catastrophic, examples, but I must here, to offset this, emphasize the fact that, in the normal course of events, it will only be late, when we pass into the endgame stage, that the 7th rank will be seized, for catastrophes of whatever nature are, after all, only the result of serious mistakes of our opponent, and consequently cannot be regarded as the normal.
We are therefore disposed to regard the 7th and 8th ranks as endgame advantages, and this despite the fact that numerous games are decided by operations in these ranks in the middlegame. The student should, however, try to break into the enemy's base as early as possible, and if he at first finds that the invading rook can accomplish nothing or is even lost, he must not be discouraged. It is part of our
Accordingly, after treating of the "7th and 8th ranks," "Passed Pawns," and the technique of "Exchange," we will insert a chapter which, though properly coming under the heading "Positional play," must, for instructional purposes, find a place early. And after assimilating this, the 7th and 8th ranks will be to the student not merely a mating instrument, but much more, a keen-edged weapon for use in the endgame. As already remarked it is both, but its use as an endgame weapon predominates.
It is of the greatest importance to accustom ourselves to carry out operations in the 7th rank in such a manner that we have from the start some settled, definite objective. It is characteristic of the less practiced player that he chooses an opposite course, in fact he wanders about, looking first to the right, then to the left without any fixed plan. No —
Accordingly, let us suppose White to have a bishop at e1 and Black a knight at g6, we would then attain our end by
And if our bishop had been at f1 instead of e1, by
Accordingly, let us suppose White to have a bishop at e1 and Black a knight at g6, we would then attain our end by
And if our bishop had been at f1 instead of e1, by
The logical course would now be R1d4-c4, or perhaps
White has arrived on h7. The defender, the black rook had to flee. White wins the point h7 and gives mate.
The nature of a convergent attack on a chosen objective would seem to have been sufficiently illustrated by this example.
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For example, a rook on the 7th rank holds a black pawn at b7 under attack. If now
This rule finds its explanation in the following considerations:
(a) The 7th rank is to be held as long as possible, since it is here that the new objectives may present themselves.
(b) The enveloping attack is the strongest form of attack — ranged in ascending scale: frontal, flank, and enveloping.
(c) The enveloping attack often forces the enemy to undertake cramping defensive measures.
It should be noticed that in the case considered above that a flank attack on the b-pawn would be comfortably met by 2...Rb8.
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Or if
This example shows us the idea of a revolutionary attack applied to the 7th rank. One pawn is forcibly gotten out of the way in order that action on the seventh rank may be extended to that neighboring point which we had thought of as our objective.
Another example is shown in this position. Here the point g7 would be hard to attack successfully, though if the pawn on g4 were absent this would be easier: for instance by 1.Qg4 g6 2.Qh4 h5 3.Qxf6 etc.
With the pawn there, however, matters are not so easy.
For if
Or if
The right play is
Another example is shown in this position. Here the point g7 would be hard to attack successfully, though if the pawn on g4 were absent this would be easier: for instance by 1.Qg4 g6 2.Qh4 h5 3.Qxf6 etc.
]]>Another example is shown in this position. Here the point g7 would be hard to attack successfully, though if the pawn on g4 were absent this would be easier: for instance by 1.Qg4 g6 2.Qh4 h5 3.Qxf6 etc.
With the pawn there, however, matters are not so easy.
For if
Or if
The right play is
Since h7 is our objective, this capture extended the range of action in the seventh rank to h7.
If
If instead of 2...Kh8, Black plays
Still more precise, however, would be the employment of the queen with gain of tempo, thus:
This last maneuver deserves comment. It is typical, since by its means any approach of the enemy reserves can be prevented.
This he does by
We drive the king to the desired side of the board without losing contact with the piece or point we wish to win.
Either 1.Qh4 or 1.Qf2† would fail miserably because of ...e3† and ...Ra1#, for instance:
The right move here is
We could also state the problem as follows: White to take the point b5 with check. After
1. "7th rank absolute" with passed pawns.
2. Doubled rooks give perpetual check.
3. The drawing apparatus rook plus knight.
4. The marauding raid in the 7th rank.
5. Combined play in the 7th and 8th ranks — enveloping maneuver in the comer of the board.
By "7th rank absolute," we mean that our control is such that the enemy king is shut in behind it as shown here.
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White plays
Lasker in a note points out a win by
Variation
If White's g-pawn had been on g2 in the same position, the idea of Kg1-Kh2 might still have given a drawing chance, e.g., 1...Ra2† Kg1 2.a5 3.Rxg7 a4 4.Rg6 a3 5.Rxf6 Rb2 6.Kh2 a2 7.Ra6 because here Black's control is not absolute.
As it is, however, the rank is "absolute."
Variation
If White's g-pawn had been on g2 in the same position, the idea of Kg1-Kh2 might still have given a drawing chance, e.g.,
As it is, however, the rank is "absolute."
Interesting on the other hand would have been, after
In this position, White, a player of little experience, sees the desperate position of his king and plays for a draw by
For example:
Not
Now he looks his opponent in the eye: Does he really think he can escape? He repeats the checks as above a few times, and then just for variety's sake gives check with the other rook:
After which his game is lost, since the king reaches sanctuary at b8.
The solution is found in
In this case 1.Rd7 would not suffice, but would also be unnecessary, for the rook on c8 stops the black king's flight and makes a sentinel at d7 superfluous, so in this case
The black king was a clever fellow. He committed suicide in the middle of the board, when a less talented sovereign would have been satisfied with the corner for this purpose.
A necessary condition for success was the protected position of the Rh7. Had it been otherwise, 3...Kg8 would have prevented the capture of the bishop. In this 4th case the capacity of the combined rooks to drive the king from his corner to c8 or f8 must be noted. This capacity provides the basis of the 5th case.
The position arrived at after the two checks at h7 and g7 is the typical starting point of all enveloping maneuvers in the 7th and 8th ranks.
The analysis of this position shows us two rooks each ready for a turning movement but also a resourceful king, whose contact with the rook at g7 protects him from the worst (mate at h8). As long as this contact is maintained mate cannot be given. The king's case is somewhat like that of a pedestrian who is set upon by a mugger. The latter raises his weapon to strike, but the former seizes his arm and keeps fast hold of it, knowing that so long as contact is kept up the robber cannot use his arm for the decisive blow.
And so the first rule runs:
The second rule follows:
This has already been considered earlier. If an enemy queen stands anywhere in her first rank there will result
Contact can be broken either through the protection of the Rg7 or by driving away the king by a check from another quarter.
Here follows
Instead of a bishop at e1 we may imagine a pawn at e6, and the continuation would be
The enveloping operation has been made possible, but the black king now has a flight square which before was closed to him.
A line which, while better, does not suffice:
With
However appearances are deceitful. There follows
He has no time for the move a1=Q. If our opponent has no time for something which otherwise would be most advantageous to him because he is forced to make some positional move irrelevant to his purpose, while we advance our project, then we have gained a tempo.
White now plays
Here
We may sum this up thus, that in (c) we have the case that White gathers new strength by touching the typical starting position, or more simply, by bringing about this position he creates a new mating threat and so a free tempo for gathering loot.
We have now sufficiently illustrated the five special cases, and have made it clear that the first thing to do is to bring about the "starting point position."
We will close with two more endgames.
My opponent here played
I answered calmly
The continuation was
Forced.
The passed pawn.
The 7th rank absolute! The extra enemy piece is an illusion.
White avoided
Black resigned.
White gave the odds of the queen knight. In the position there first occurred
In this difficult situation White saved himself by the following "subtle trap," as the Dunazietung called it, or by a combination based on a thorough knowledge of the terrain — 7th rank! — as we would call it.
Better to be sure would have been
Now followed the queen sacrifice
And the rook gives perpetual check on h7 and h8.
a)
b) Or
If
As an introduction to the following analysis I would like to try to present an idea for the operation which is to be considered. I picture the course of a maneuvering action somewhat as follows: An enemy weakness can be attacked in at least two ways. Each of these attempts at attack would be met by an adequate defense. In order that we might in the end conquer the enemy weakness in spite of this, we take advantage of the greater freedom of movement which belongs to our pieces, due to certain conditions of the terrain, so as to attack it in turn by different ways (maneuvering action), and thus oblige the enemy pieces to take up uncomfortable positions for its defense. Eventually an obstruction to the defense or something of the kind will intervene, and the "weakness" will prove untenable.
As we can see from this scheme, it would be quite a mistake to label this type of maneuvering as mere purposeless moving back and forth. On the contrary every move has set before it a clearly prescribed end with the conquest of a quite definite weakness in view. The ways which lead to this conquest are of a complicated nature.
]]>The terrain over which any maneuvering action takes place must, if our plan is to succeed, be strongly built up. A characteristic of such action is that the different troop movements always cross a quite definite square or line of demarcation. See following example.
Here, it is the point d5 which the White pieces will wish to occupy, making it a base for further maneuvering. Accordingly the point d5 might be described as a fortified post in the lines of communication, and it is therefore right and proper to regard it as the pivot around which the whole maneuvering action turns. It is in virtue of this fortified post —
There occurred
The game continued
Now some magnificent maneuvering begins against the h7-pawn.
Black now threatens to make a passed pawn by ...b4, so Rubinstein attacks the weakness (the h7-pawn) from the other side.
The "weakness" has fallen.
Black resigns, 1-0.
The following case is much more complicated. Black played:
If White would only do nothing, Black would get the advantage by a direct attack with ...Kf7-g6 followed by ...f5. White would then have to defend with f3, and would thereby give his opponent the handle to clutch which he has long wanted, namely, the posting of his bishop at g3 — after of course moving the Nf4 out of the way — when the threat to White's entire line of defense could not be parried.
But White did not sit still. Instead he did his best to hinder his opponent in the execution of this plan.
With this he hopes to bring about a general exchange which would lead to a clear draw.
The idea is
The pivotal point f4 could now not be held were it not for the maneuvering chance on the other side of the board. There followed:
The relief expedition carried out by Black with his 37th and 38th moves has succeeded, for now with the rook at a2 White's intended exchange would lead to his own disadvantage.
Variation
For example 39.Bxf4 Bxf4! 40.Rd1 Bd2 41.Ne2 Nf4! and after the further moves 42.Ngxf4 gxf4 43.Kg2 Rc2 Black develops a remarkable appetite.
Variation
For example
Black has gained a tempo! Now the game starts anew.
This weakening move could not have been permanently avoided, otherwise ...f5 would follow, and if gxf5, ...Kxf5 followed by ...g4 creating a passed pawn.
It is accomplished! The end is peaceful.
Making room for the knight.
After a heroic defense the fortress (h3) falls.
And White gave up since ...Rf1 will win another pawn.
In this very piquant position there occurred first:
Better than 1.Bc2.
The reply to
We will use the position now reached as a touchstone of the correctness of our thesis. We explained in its place that a maneuvering action is only possible if certain conditions are fulfilled. These were:
(a) the presence of a pivot
(b) a diversity of threats which might be directed against the weakness.
The test turns out in our favor. Although this time the weakness is an ideal one, with no concrete pawn weakness, the circumstances — favoring a maneuvering action — are identical with those which we have laid down as typical. The variety of threats leaves nothing to be desired, for White plans by their means not only to force the king to the edge of the board, but determines also to arrange, when opportunity serves, a pretty king hunt, which drives him into the middle of the board. The requisite pivot is the f-file — line of demarcation which the king cannot pass.
The game proceeded:
The border mating position now reached cannot be taken advantage of. For on
And as 10.Rh6 is not possible, he maneuvers further with
Perhaps
Now the black king has to face the choice. He may return to the edge of the board, where his position will now be untenable, or he must go out into the open, where fate in another form will overtake him. For example:
There followed
A logical analysis of the position reveals the following data. White's pawn on c5 is, in view of the insecure position of the Bf2, to be regarded as a pawn weakness. On the other hand I cannot agree under any circumstances in branding the pawn mass g3, h3, as a "weakness," and this for the reason that here, on the kingside, "terrain" is lacking.
Black chose the following maneuver which at first sight looks most unintelligible.
The explanation of this combination which sacrifices a tempo lies in the following: With these moves a position is reached where White is in Zugzwang.
Variation
a) For 41.Rd4† fails against 41...Kxc5 42.Rxa4†? Rxf2†, etc.
b) While 41.h4, as we will see, provides just that "terrain" which before was so sadly missed.
c) On 41.Rb6 h4 42.gxh4 gxh4 43.Bxh4 comes the intermezzo 43...Kxc5 threatening the rook.
Variation
a) For
b) While 41.h4, as we will see, provides just that "terrain" which before was so sadly missed.
c) On 41.Rb6 h4 42.gxh4 gxh4 43.Bxh4 comes the intermezzo 43...Kxc5 threatening the rook.
Variation
a) For 41.Rd4† fails against 41...Kxc5 42.Rxa4†? Rxf2†, etc.
b) While
c) On 41.Rb6 h4 42.gxh4 gxh4 43.Bxh4 comes the intermezzo 43...Kxc5 threatening the rook.
Variation
a) For 41.Rd4† fails against 41...Kxc5 42.Rxa4†? Rxf2†, etc.
b) While 41.h4, as we will see, provides just that "terrain" which before was so sadly missed.
c) On
and now Black began systematically to maneuver against the h4-pawn, with the square g4 as his pivot, and in fact by way of this point succeeded in breaking into his opponent's game.
The meaning of the strategy employed here appears out of the following scheme which is applicable to all analogous cases. We maneuvered first against the obvious weakness, the c5-pawn. By means of Zugzwang, with a slight mixture of threats, we succeeded in inducing our opponent to make a deployment — moving the pawn to h4. This, however, led to a weakness, which before h4 was played was merely latent, but afterwards became manifest and easily assailable.
To recapitulate, play on two wings is usually based on the following idea: We engage one wing, or the obvious weaknesses in it, and thus draw the other enemy wing out of its reserve, when new weaknesses will be created on that reserve wing, and so the signal is given for systematic maneuvering against two weaknesses, as in the game
As an interesting exception to the rule, I may call attention to the case where we may act as though the exposure of the weakness on the other wing had already taken place. The following is an example of such an exposure.
Black here hastened to bring about the exposure and played
True, the real fight was on the queenside (...b5), but I knew that after I had succeeded in opening up the game with ...b5 the advanced position of White's kingside pawns could only serve my ends.
There followed:
The weakness h3 along with the chance of getting the e4-pawn unblocked made Black decisive in his demand for "terrain" with the pivot to go with it. It was for this that Black was fighting with his last moves.
Threatening 40...axb3 followed by ...bxc4 followed by an invasion by the rooks via the now opened queenside files.
The desired terrain is now won; it consists of the a, b, and d files. The pivot will be the point d4.
Not
Better was 46.Kc3.
The pivot!
The proper use made of the "terrain" has not failed to yield fruit, as the "weakness" has fallen.
Black won on the 71st move.
Variation
Black is threatening 32...Rxh2† 33.Nxh2 Rxh2† 34.Kxh2 Qf2† 35.Kh3 Bf4! and wins.
Variation
Black is threatening
If instead
And Black won after a hard struggle, see game no. 40.
From a simultaneous display against 25 opponents,
Great astonishment among the spectators! On the queenside Black surely has no troops for the attack.
The game continued
Now we have daylight. The advance on the queenside was conceived as a diversion against the kingside.
The game proceeded
My opponent parried with
Variation
His right course would have been 4.Bf1 axb4 5.Rb2 c5 with a drawn position.
For further games illustrating this chapter, see games 40-45.
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Variation
His right course would have been
In conclusion we will give a game inspired with the true spirit of this form of maneuvering. Black's cramped king position is here a glaring weakness, along with the weak d6-pawn. But his own weakness at e4 forces a certain reserve on White. The terrain bearing on the weak d6-pawn has little elasticity. This pawn can only be attacked by the rook from d1 and from the diagonal. Somewhat more varied seem the possibilities of an advance on the kingside, for queen and rook can at any time change places on the g- and h-files.
To make these not precisely impressive possibilities the basis of an effective operation demands the highest skill of a master. Lasker displayed it as follows in his game against Salwe, 1909.
From the diagrammed position the game continued
If
By watching d6, she stops ...Nh6.
If
Because the pressure has been removed from e4.
With this the black queen eventually gets into wrong paths.
Decidedly better was
Now this old position taken up anew is stronger than ever.
On
To be rid of the weakness at f6.
Black is forced to move his king off the h-file as White threatens
The way in which Dr. Lasker conducts this game is impressive. How he manages, despite the small variety of threats at his disposal, to dominate the whole board, while nearly eliminating his own weakness, is worthy of admiration.
The student may learn from this game that the presence of a variety of objects of attack (enemy weaknesses), can compensate up to a certain point for a lack of variety in threat bearing lines of play.
With this magnificent example of master play we take leave of our readers.
Surrender of the center.
To "kill" the pawn (see Chapter 1, on surrender of the center). "Restraint" might have been effected by ...Be7, ...0-0, ...b6, and ...Bb7.
It was to be able to make this move, which combines development and attack — the threat is 8.dxc5 winning a pawn — that White exchanged knights.
Disappearance of tempo spells a loss of time.
Stealing a pawn. The consequences are disastrous.
The crisis. Black wants to be rid of the unpleasant knight so that he may catch up in development.
White's advantage in development is now too great.
Travels by express. Any other bishop move could have been answered by a developing move. Now there is no time for this; Black must take.
Play in the d and e files at the same time. The danger of a breakthrough is great.
If
Also leading to mate is
The Hanham variation. Development is more difficult, but it holds the center. To call the move "ugly" would be a question of aberration of taste. See game no. 40 between the same opponents.
Black at least establishes a sort of pawn majority in the center, though it is true that White for the time being, calls the shots. The closed character of the game allows pawn moves in the opening.
In order to be able to eventually advance the c-pawn and not worry about Nb5.
Giving up the center must not here be regarded as illogical. Was happiness not happiness because it endured for just a short time? One cannot always be happy.
Restraint strategy, directed against the e-pawn.
The attentive student will here have expected Black to take possession of an advanced post at e5, but he wishes first to exchange. This is a commendable strategy in cramped positions.
Now having harmoniously completed his development – though for harmony there was in truth not much room to spare in his cramped quarters – Black occupies the advanced post next move.
Controls the field with a large radius of attack. Any attempt to drive him away by f4 would weaken the e-pawn.
Observe the gradual paralyzing of the e-pawn.
Now ...f5 has been prepared. The student will perhaps ask what the Ne5 has accomplished. Quite enough, since White could undertake nothing.
Killing the paralyzed e-pawn.
Too hasty.
Variation
26...Rde8 should have been played. For example, 27.exf5 Bxf5 28.Nxf5 Qxf5 29.Bg3 Rxe1 30.Rxe1 Rxe1 31.Qxe1 Qxc2 is winning.
Variation
After
Black has equalized.
Weak was
This good move puts Black's pawn majority under restraint. Black should now have contented himself with a draw; he wished to get more and lost the game as follows.
Here
Variation
Not 45.Nxe4 dxe4† 46.Kxe4 because of 46...Bd5† and ...Bxg2.
Variation
Not
It's no use, Black is in effect a pawn down; his majority is paralyzed, White's is mobile.
It would have been much better to keep the bishop at home with 47...Bd7.
Ingeniously turns his majority to account.
If
Black resigns, 1-0.
The Stonewall, a very close opening.
Overlooks Black's threat involved in
Positionally the right move here would usually be 8.exd4, giving White the e-file with an outpost station at e5, while the pawn at c3 closes the c-file, preventing its use by Black. Here, however it would lose a pawn. Nevertheless it was preferable to the text move.
Variation
For example: 8.exd4 Qxf4 9.Nc4 (9...Qg4 10.Ne3!) 9...Qc7 10.Nce5 Bd6 11.Qe2, and White has a fairly protected outpost in the e-file, which Black cannot disturb even by 11...Bxe5 12.dxe5 Nd7 13.Bf4 f6?, for then comes 14.exf6 Qxf4 15.fxg7 Rg8 16.Qxe6†, and White wins.
Variation
For example:
It is only by this subtle rook move that the somewhat beginner-like knight maneuver gets a meaning.
Black has obtained the 7th rank, the diagonal f1-a6 for his bishop, and the e4 square for his knight.
No outpost in our sense, as the open file behind is lacking, but yet a good substitute.
Here
The decisive breakthrough. The position of Black's rook, holding the White e-pawn under continual threat, was also too strong to be withstood. The rest is easily understandable.
White resigns, 0-1.
Quietly building up the position. The d-pawn cannot move, so why get excited?
His work done – the knight HAS been working – a change of air is good. The knight is aiming for f5.
Black now invades the enemy position via the d-file.
Now play on the 7th rank begins.
Allowing bishops of opposite colors.
All according to my system. Black seeks an object of attack on the 7th rank. Nothing can be done against the a-pawn, so the second player intends to lay bare White's h-pawn. This will be done by an advance on the kingside.
White stood very badly. The threat was 44...g4, followed by ...g3†.
White's first rank is weak (...g3 is threatened when the opportunity arises), and White has not a plethora of moves at his command.
Riga 1913
In the exchange variation of the French Defense with the knights developed on f3 and f6 respectively, the pinning moves by the bishops Bg5 and ...Bg4 furnish for both sides one of the leading motives. Here, however, this motif is ruled out by the movement to h3 and h6 of the h-pawns. Except for a moment, we see and hear of, nothing but the e-file.
The outpost.
All pieces are directed towards the strategic point. This is also called emphasizing one's strength. Here we refer to the knight on e4.
The pressure in the file grows more acute move by move.
The place of the outpost knight is now worthily taken by a "half-passed" pawn.
In order to be able to play ...Kh7 and ...e3. A timely advance against the pawn h3 is also threatened by ...h5 followed by ...g4.
Variation
If 29.Rad1, then 29...e3 30.Bxg6 exf2† 31.Kxf2 Qc5† 32.Kf1 Qxc4† 33.Kf2 Qc5† 34.Kf1 Qb5† 35.Kf2 Qxb2† 36.Kf1 Qb5† 37.Kf2 Qb6† 38.Kf1 Qa6† 39.Kf2 Qxa2† 40.Kf1 Qa6† 41.Kf2 Qb6† 42.Kf1 followed by the double exchange on e1 and capture of the Bg6: 42...Rxe1† 43.Rxe1 Rxe1† 44.Kxe1 Qxg6.
A fine example of the theme of winning a pawn with check.
Variation
If
A fine example of the theme of winning a pawn with check.
The above game provides a transparent, therefore a good illustration to the outpost theme.
After the opening moves:
Tarrasch gave Black double pawns as follows:
The game proceeded:
This move would today be considered bad. The weakness of the doubled pawn appears when Black advances, while an advance by White in the center would not reveal it. On the contrary, after d4, ...exd4 the pawn on c6 would attack White's outpost station on the d-file! One can see how much easier thinking is made by the system.
Correct, therefore, was
To be able at any cost to play d4 as quickly as possible. We know today that the central attack is by no means the only one to bring happiness. The right course was Nd2-c4, followed after due preparation by b4 or f4, leaving the center passive.
If this knight is driven away, Black's c-pawn may become weak.
White has the d-file with a point at d5. The e-fife is of no value to Black, partly because of White's protected e-pawn, partly, however because his rooks have been instructed to stop the move b4.
The idea of this subtle move is to use the center as a weapon of attack. The threat now is
Of positive value, however, there is little in this king move, for in any case Black would have to play ...Rb7 even if only to double rooks. We see that Black operates in the b-file against the thrust b4.
Not good, for White suddenly becomes strong on the d-file, as the outpost station at d5 will now be occupied with an attack on the Rb6.
Better would have been 23...Rb7 (given by Steinitz) or some passive move like 23...h6.
Variation
For instance: 23...h6 24.e5 dxe5 25.Qxc5 exd4 26.Rxd4 a4 (the b-file is telling) 27.Rb4 Qd6, equalizing comfortably.
Or 23...Rb7 24.Ne2 Rab8 25.Nc3 and now 25...a4 and the b-file makes itself felt.
Variation
For instance:
Or
Variation
For instance:
Or
It is easy to understand that Berger should regard Nd5 as not conducive to his comfort. Nevertheless, it would have been better to retreat in good order with
White's maneuver (Qa4, Rbc1) is as clear as daylight. White wishes to control the c-file, which is still in dispute, in order at the proper moment to play his trump card, Qc6.
Puts c7 out of danger, but now the pawn on d6 has become a delicate child. Black, however, already stood unfavorably. He had in fact neglected the b-file.
White wishes to exchange the knight by the maneuver Nc3-e2 in order then to be able to attack the d-pawn to his heart's content. This attack must succeed, for the protecting pieces can easily get into uncomfortable positions (e.g. Black: Rd7, Qe7; White: Rd5, Qd3) in which the e-pawn will attack for the 3rd time and the Black d-pawn will be won.
From our point of view it is of interest to notice how the White pieces have their eyes fixed on the point d5. What happens is that if one is in possession of such a point as d5 is in this case, one embarks on protracted maneuvering with the point in question as base. That is to say one's own pieces come and go over the point d5.
The poor black d-pawn is attacked first in one way, now in another, and at last Black loses his wind, cannot keep pace with this tacking to and fro, which is intelligible enough since he not only has no base on which to pivot, but is in addition cramped for space (see Chapter 2, on maneuvering against enemy weakness). True, in this game it does not come to the sort of struggle we have sketched, for Black makes an error which takes the game out of the path of its logical development.
Variation
Not 34.Qxc8? Qxc8 35.Ne7†, as the d-pawn would queen: 35.Ne7† Kf8 36.Nxc8 d3 37.Nxd6 d2.
Variation
Not
White won the pawn ending by means of the outside passed pawn.
Black has a solid but cramped game; such a game can as a rule only be slowly opened up.
Slower, therefore more true to type would be
Not
White with his d-file and knight outpost at d5 will be able to force ...c6, that is already clear. True the Black d-pawn will not be difficult to defend, for it stands on a square of the same color of the bishop, but what is going to happen on the g-file? This we shall soon see.
No outpost, yet strong. The student should learn by careful practice how to establish knights so that they cannot be driven away.
This, in any event, would be forced by Qc2.
The situation in the g-file may now be regarded as so far cleared up. It is evident that the threat consists in a sacrifice at g6 the ("revolutionary" type attack). A slow, undermining operation by h4 and h5, on the other hand, would be difficult to carry through.
Variation
Instead, he could have tried the "combination" 23.Nh5 Qxb2 24.Rxg6 fxg6 25.Qxg6, but the attack would hardly have succeeded.
Variation
Instead, he could have tried the "combination"
In order to bring the knight to d4. White's dilemma consists in having two
files, the d-file and the g-file. He cannot quite decide which one to use, and on this indecision his game goes to pieces.
Not merely to make ...Bh6 possible, but also because the h-pawn has a great role to play.
Gets rid of the weakness at d6 and soon commands the d-file.
Variation
If 32.Nd4, then 32...Bf4 33.exf4 Qxd4 34.f5 h4! 35.Rg4 Qc3 and now the f3 pawn is difficult to defend.
Variation
If
I did not like
The decision to abandon the diagonal c1-h6, a difficult one to have to make is here comparatively easy to one who knows that there will be impediments (perhaps a knight at d4) to be bombarded.
Variation
I had expected here, at last!, the sacrifice at g6 and had prepared a real problem in reply: 33.Bxg6 h4! 34.Rg4 fxg6 35.Rxg6 Qf5! 36.Rxg7 Qe4† 37.Qg2 (forced) 37...Rd1† 38.Ng1 — and now the point: 38...h3 39.Qxe4 Nxe4 threatening mate at f2.
Variation
I had expected here, at last!, the sacrifice at g6 and had prepared a real problem in reply:
The exploitation of the d-file which now follows is all according to book (I mean my book), but is here embellished by a pretty feature.
I was glad to be rid of the knight and played:
This knight maneuver makes possible the invasion of the enemy's base (here, his 1st and 2nd ranks). If
Here I had the unpleasant feeling that I had let the bishop escape, or at least allowed him elbow room.
My first thought was: What a pity! Now the queen will also find her way into the open, but then I saw the mating specter loom up, the same one which I had known well since the 33rd move.
Here I rejoiced over the queen's involuntary return home.
And 0-1, for the turning move 45...Rb2 will be in deadly effect. The impression we get from this game is that the system supports combinative play most effectively.
Safeguards the position.
To protect the outpost station c4, by this move and ...b5.
The ghost! With noiseless steps, he presses on to c4.
Sämisch sacrifices two tempi – exchange of the tempo-eating Ne5 for the Nc6 which is almost undeveloped – merely to be rid of the ghost.
I could have supplied him with yet a second ghost by
This sacrifice, which has a quite surprising effect, is based upon the following sober calculation: Two pawns and the 7th rank, plus an enemy queenside which cannot be untangled – all this for only one piece!
A brilliant move which announces the Zugzwang. White has not a move left. Black can now make waiting moves with his king, and White must eventually throw himself upon the sword.
If
In order by Bh6 to exchange the Bg7.
The plan chosen by White is seductive in the simplicity of the means to be employed. He intends after allowing the exchange of queens, to get some advantage on the d-file.
Moves which weaken such important points such as d6 should be avoided if in any way possible, and in fact a piece soon settles itself on this square. The important point to be observed by the student is that before Black's ...c6 the d-file was only under pressure, whereas after this move it is clearly weakened.
It would have been better to forgo 9...c6 and to instead have played
Nevertheless, 9...Nc6 was the correct move, but after 10.h3, Black must continue with
Black has two courses open for consideration:
(a) To play at once ...Rfd8, with the idea of the double exchange on d8 followed by ...Nxe5 and ...Nxe4 though this variation must be prepared for by ...Kh7 or ...g5 in order to safeguard the h-pawn against the Be3.
(b) The slow maneuver ...Rfc8, followed by ...Kf8-e8, and finally the challenge of the rooks by ...Rd8. The fact that this last line of play is possible is significant proof of the small amount of activity of White on the d-file.
Apparently compromising but in reality, well thought out, for first b5, which would be an indirect and therefore unwelcome attack on the pawn at e4, must be prevented, and second, Black's queenside is to be besieged. We feel ourselves justified in pursuing this ambitious plan since now that 9...c6 has been played our positional advantage in the center is unquestionable and should have a real effect even on the wings; a proposition which may be thus formulated: A superior position in the center justifies a thrust on an extreme flank.
In unusual situations ordinary moves are, it would seem, seldom suitable. The proper system of development here was
It is now clear that the suggested development by 12...Na6 would have wasted less time than that in the text (Nd7-b6-c8). White now has a strong position on the queenside and threatens to get a grip on the enemy with Nc5. We see that 10.a4! was valuable as an attacking move.
An excellent parry.
If
Bad. The right move was
The a-pawn won't run away.
One knight makes room for the other.
Now at last, the point seized which Black weakened by his 9th move; but its occupation had always been in the air.
In the notes to this game we have become acquainted with the resources at the disposal of the defender of a file. Since a knowledge of these is of the greatest practical value in the conduct of a game, we give another game which will be found instructive in the same sense.
Playable, but 3...e6 seems better or even 3...Nc6.
Variation
a) For example: 3...e6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4.
b) Or 3...Nc6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 g6, and now White could, it is true, by means of 6.e4, slowly try to tie up his opponent, but this attempt could be adequately parried by 6...Bg7 7.Be3 Ng4! (Breyer) 8.Qxg4 Nxd4 9.Qd1! Ne6! (Nimzowitsch).
The position reached after 9...Ne6! is fairly rich in resources for Black. Development might continue with ...Qa5, ...0-0 followed by ...b6, ...Bb7 and ...f5. The student should examine for himself these lines of play.
Variation
a) For example:
b) Or 3...Nc6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 g6, and now White could, it is true, by means of 6.e4, slowly try to tie up his opponent, but this attempt could be adequately parried by 6...Bg7 7.Be3 Ng4! (Breyer) 8.Qxg4 Nxd4 9.Qd1! Ne6! (Nimzowitsch).
The position reached after 9...Ne6! is fairly rich in resources for Black. Development might continue with ...Qa5, ...0-0 followed by ...b6, ...Bb7 and ...f5. The student should examine for himself these lines of play.
Variation
a) For example: 3...e6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4.
b) Or
The position reached after 9...Ne6! is fairly rich in resources for Black. Development might continue with ...Qa5, ...0-0 followed by ...b6, ...Bb7 and ...f5. The student should examine for himself these lines of play.
Best for Black would appear to be
A very cautious move, on which I decided because I recognized the more enterprising continuations: (a) 7.e4 and (b) 7.Nxd5 exd5 8.e4 as leading to little for White.
Variation
(a) For instance:
Variation
(b) Or
Variation
(a) For instance:
Variation
(b) Or
Variation
(a) For instance:
Variation
(b) Or
Variation
(b) Or
The student who is interested in problems of development should test the following variation:
The position here shown is for all its harmless appearance full of poison. White threatens to take possession of the c-file, moreover he has at his disposal a convenient square for his king – e2. Black on the other hand enjoys this last advantage in only a restricted fashion – see note to move 17. In such positions the defense must be very carefully played.
In order to drive the knight away from the center, but as the knight moves to b3 in order to promote c5 into an outpost station. This move proves to be pleasant for White. Best appears to be 13...Be7 intending ...Bf6.
Variation
For example:
His Black majesty however, can in this case give up all thought of development since the Be7 is a crafty minister, who likes to keep the reins of government in his own hands. For instance:
Variation
For example:
His Black majesty however, can in this case give up all thought of development since the Be7 is a crafty minister, who likes to keep the reins of government in his own hands. For instance:
Either 14...Bb6 or 14...Be7 would have been decidedly better.
For instance
Black has cleared a square for himself, but at what a cost of valuable time (...Bc5-b4).
An unpleasant retreat.
If instead
Black's position still makes an impression which inspires confidence in it, and this at a moment when it carries the seeds of death in itself. The next two moves of White reduce Black's d-file to passivity.
The more energetic
Even the full advance of a pawn can imply a waiting policy. White does not fear
Now, however this move (b4) threatens to confine Black within still narrower limits.
In a cramped position the attempt to strike out is explicable on psychological grounds, even if it is not always equally justified if viewed dispassionately. So too, here. It is true that in any case Black stands badly.
One of those unpretentious moves which are more disagreeable to a cramped opponent who is threatened on all sides than the worst direct attack. The move is a defending and a waiting move, and moreover involves a threat, though this from the nature of things is but a small one, and is in fact of but secondary importance. The slight threat is 27.Ng5† and Ne4 followed by b5, driving the black knight back to b8.
As a result of
If
If
The possession of the points c6 and g6 insures the complete investment of the enemy king. Observe how the c-file has been used as a jumping off place to get into the g-file.
Variation
On 31...Kd5 there would have followed a pretty little catastrophe: 32.Rcxd6† Rxd6 33.e4† Kc6 34.b5† and the knight, who had felt so thoroughly safe at a6, to his intense surprise meets his doom!
Variation
On
White is winning. To make effective use of a superiority in material is one of the most important things which a student has to learn. He cannot practice himself enough in it. White has now won two pawns.
A glance at the position shows that (1) White commands the 7th rank; that (2) White's e-pawn is isolated and his g-pawn is backward. The policy, therefore, is, taking full advantage of the 7th rank, to unite our isolated or badly placed detachments. To this end the knight will be brought, with gain of tempo, to f5.
The knight at f5 has the effect planned for him, he protects the e-pawn, attacks the h-pawn, and makes Kf3 possible.
In order, if 41.Rh7, to protect the h-pawn by 41...Ne5† 42.Kf4 and 42...Nf7.
One always returns to his first love! – the 7th rank. If
According to the motto, the line will advance!
1.e4 Nf6
The position of this knight is all White has as poor compensation for the lack of harmony in his position — the Be2 is clearly limited in scope. Black stands much better. White on his 5th move or even sooner should have played c4.
Outpost on the d-file.
White has eased his position by the exchanges, but the open c-file forces the next disorganizing move.
We have now arrived at a well-known position in the Queen's Pawn opening but with colors reversed.
Compare the opening to the following consultation game:
1.d4 d5
And now we have the same pawn configuration – with colors reversed – as in the game Thomas–Alekhine. The game went:
The well-known theme of isolated pawns now comes up for discussion.
Clearly, White has a marked advantage in position.
The "restricted advance," or else the c-file used as a jumping off place for the a-file. Observe the similarity of the maneuver in this game and the consultation game quoted above.
The d-file is also used as a jumping off place!
Very fine! The regrouping ...Qc4, ...Ra4, and ...Rca6 is planned.
White dare not weaken his own base by
The exchange is grist to Black's mill, for now White's a-pawn has become very weak. The student should notice that the exchange is the direct, almost automatic result of the quiet seizing of strategically important points. The beginner seeks to bring about an exchange in other ways; he pursues the piece, which tempts him, with offers to exchange only to have them refused. The master occupies the strong points and the exchange which seems desirable to him falls like ripe fruit into his lap.
Bringing the king to the center.
Centralization is now complete.
A new attack and yet the logical consequence of the play on the queenside, for the white rooks are chained to the a-pawn, and even if we assumed the black rooks to suffer from a like immobility, which is not the case since they can be brought into play via c4 against the white c-pawn, there remains to Black an indisputable advantage in the more enterprising position of his king.
That this advantage should weigh in the balance at all, we have once more only to thank the fact that as a consequence of Black's diversion the white rooks have lost their wind. If they were mobile, White's advantage derived from his king position would be illusory. Thus the attack on the extreme flank has not immaterially increased the importance of the mobility of Black's king.
The strategic contact between the two seemingly separated theatres of war is now made clear. And now on the kingside Black's ...h5 is intended to provoke h4, in order that, with White's g3 exposed, ...e5 may exercise its full effect. A very instructive case which is recommended for study.
The breakthrough which sets the seal on White's downfall.
As obvious as this move is, it must yet delight every connoisseur, that the sole purpose of the breakthrough was to get the disturbing white c-pawn out of the way.
The restricted advance was in this game carried out with great virtuosity.
1.e4 e5
Surrender of the center. Black will seek to keep White's e-pawn under restraint. See game no. 2.
This exchange creates advantages for both sides. Black gets a more compact pawn formation in the center, safeguards for instance, d5 against its possible occupation as an advanced post by a white knight, but his a-pawn is isolated, moreover, as in the game continuation, c5 may become a weak point.
Very playable here would also have been ...Re8 and ...Bf8, directed at the restraint of the white e-pawn.
Otherwise 12.f5 with a strong attack.
In order to follow up with ...Rd8 as soon as possible.
Combines continued pressure on c5 — see note to move 8 — with play against the weak, isolated black a-pawn.
A positional mistake. White should seek to keep the knight as a potential blockader, or at any rate only exchange him for a knight. The situation is this: the two knights are here the chief actors because they are most effective in blockade and whoever gives up his proud horseman for a bishop gets in this case the worst of the bargain.
The a-pawn is poisoned. For instance
Black plans ...g5, and in this the blockading knight at e6 would render priceless service. A comparison between the two blockading pieces, the black knight at e6, and the white bishop at c5, is here all in favor of the knight. The bishop does his work as a blockader pure and simple enough, but his effective range of action is very limited.
The advance which we have so often discussed! The bishop's diagonal is opened by the pawn sacrifice. It may be objected that the c-pawn is here neither a passed pawn or even a candidate, yet logically he must be filled with that ambition to expand, for otherwise White would not have kept him under blockade for so long. Now he takes vengeance for the restraint he has had to suffer.
Variation
Best, as given by Schlechter would have been 29.bxc5 d4 30.Rxd4 Nxd4 31.Bxd4 Bxf3 32.Bxf3 with two bishops and two pawns in exchange for two rooks.
Variation
Best, as given by Schlechter would have been
Now the bishop runs amok! The death of the knight makes him utterly reckless.
But behold he still lives! White is unable to take the impudent bishop without paying a steep price. Indeed after
He who would regard 32...Bxg2†! as a bolt from a clear sky, shows that he has not fully grasped the logic which lay in this sudden irruption of the bishop, which had been kept under restraint for such ages.
1.Nf3
He should have played
In order to play ...e5 opening up the game. To prevent this, White counterattacks:
Variation
If 8...e5, the continuation would be 9.c5 (9...e4 10.cxd6 Qxd6 11.Ba3) 9...Be7 10.dxe5 Ng4 11.b4 Ndxe5 12.Nxe5 Nxe5 13.f4 Nxd3 14.Qxd3 and White commands the diagonal a1-h8.
Variation
If
Opening up all the lines.
The two bishops now have a clear line of fire to the enemy kingside. Impressed by this Black underestimates the fact that the d-pawn is now passed, in fact he overlooks it altogether. And indeed what possible role could this most carefully blockaded passed pawn play? In fact a reserve blockader is already stationed at d7! But things turn out quite otherwise.
The attack leads to the instructive result that the blockading pieces, the Bd6 and Nd7 are either cut off or killed.
Here
And here too,
Black is about to try to show the weakness of White's d-pawn, when he is awakened from his dream by the flash of a sacrifice.
Accepting the sacrifice means losing the exchange for Black:
In order not to lose a pawn Black had to submit to this indirect exchange of his bishop.
What a change! The bishop on d6 has disappeared and the reserve blockader, the Nd7, will soon be landed at g6 leaving the White d-pawn free!
To allow the rook to go to e1. The d-pawn is indirectly protected.
Not the capture of the White d-pawn by the rook or bishop because of Re1 followed by Ne7†.
Variation
If 26...Qg8, the passed pawn would have come into his own in a most interesting way: 27.Ne7 Nxe7 28.Rxe7 (7th rank) 28...Qxg3† 29.Kxg3 Rg8† 30.Kf2 Rg7.
Apparently the 7th rank is now neutralized, but the passed pawn has something to say about that.
31.d6 Rxe7 32.dxe7 Bc6 33.Be4 Be8 34.f5! Kg7 35.Bd5 and e7 is unassailable. After 35...Kh6 36.Kf3 Kg5 37.Ke4, Black cannot stop the threat of Bb7 followed by Kd5 and Bc6. The blockading bishop must die.
Variation
If
Apparently the 7th rank is now neutralized, but the passed pawn has something to say about that.
Why not 27...Bc8? Would not this have led to the winning of the passed pawn? The answer is no, for the continuation would have been 28.Ne7 — by playing the pawn to d6 White has provided the knight an outpost at e7 — 28...Qh6† Best 29.Kg1 Nxf4, and now 30.Nxc8 Rxc8 31.d7 wins.
Threatening 29.Re8! Qxe8 30.Qxf6† Kg8 31.Nh6 mate. Accordingly, the 8th rank must be safeguarded by the retreat 28...Rd8, but in this case the 7th rank will be left without protection and White will win by playing the rook to e7. Note that the winning moves Re7 or Ne7 (as in the last note) must be regarded as a direct consequence of the advance of the d-pawn.
If
A desperate gasp.
And White went on to win as follows:
1.e4 e5
According to C. Behting's view, which I am inclined to share, this move is quite playable. At any rate I do not know a refutation to it.
This move speak against (1) tradition, which demands 6.Nc3; (2) the principle of economic development, moving each piece only once in the opening; (3) the apparently small threat effect of the blockader.
And yet 6.Ne3, taken with White's seventh move is in every respect a master move. Even if all the rest of the world would play here 6.Nc3, I yet hold my move 6.Ne3 to be more correct, and this for reasons based on the "system."
The point. In order to be able to castle Black must now play 7...d5, but this move will hold out another field for the knight after Bb3 and c4.
Or
Not
White wants to bring the maximum pressure to bear on d5. If we look at the blockading Ne3 more closely, do we find that it meets the requirements asked of a blockader? Yes, for (1) he establishes a strong blockade, hindering the approach of enemy pieces to g4; (2) exercises threats from where he is stationed; (3) is very elastic, as we shall see later.
In short, the Ne3 is an ideal blockader.
Threatening f5, winning the d-pawn.
Black seeks to maintain the point d5.
Hardly has the Ne3 disappeared then a new one stands in his place. Against such "elasticity" not even "death" can prevail.
The threat effect of the blockader from his post culminates in this decisive sacrifice.
The point of the combination and at the same time a further illustration of the pawn's lust to expand, as the f-pawn was a "candidate."
Variation
If 21...Nc6 22.f7† (22...Kh8 23.Bxd5 Qxd5? 24.f8=Q† Rxf8, followed by 25.Qxd5) 22...Kf8 23.Bxd5 Qxd5 24.Qxh7 and wins.
Variation
If
If
1.e4 e6
4...Qb6 seems to be better.
Not quite sound but leading to interesting play.
If
The pretty point of the attack started by 8...g5.
The answer to
This knight proposes to make his way to f4 after the black knight on f5 is exchanged off.
This knight is to be regarded as primarily the blockader of f5 and its adherent mass of pawns; but in addition he acts as an "anti-blockader" for his pawn at e5.
The necessary prelude to Nd3.
If at once
More interesting would have been 23...hxg4; the result would have been a triumphant march of the e-pawn.
Variation
For instance 23...hxg4 24.e6 with attack on the queen 24...Qxd5 25.e7† Ke8 26.Nxd5 followed by check at c7. The "unexpected advance of the unstopped pawn."
Variation
For instance
Winning the c-pawn and after twenty more moves, the game. What interests us in the above game is primarily the role which the Nf4 has played. As a blockader he was strongly posted and excellently supported by the Bh2. Again, he had a crippling effect on Black's Bg7 and Rh6. Further, his "threat effect" was considerable, particularly on the points d5 and e6.
The mobility of White's e-pawn affords a piquant antithesis to the immobility of Black's f5-pawn. Lastly, the knight's elasticity was striking, for he could composedly go on his travels, leaving the bishop to take his place.
1.e4 e5
White now has a solid position, since the enemy d-file "bites on granite" (the protected d-pawn). This solidity, however, also finds expression in the fact that White's e-pawn can never be troubled by an advance of the black d-pawn. In other words the center cannot be opened.
The pin.
Here
The "question" is here indicated, since the bishop will be driven into a desert which, because of the impossibility of ...d5, can never be transformed into a "flowering garden." Observe how the white h- and g-pawns slowly develop into storm-troopers.
Otherwise Nd1-e3-f5 would have followed.
White now intends to bring his knight to f5 via c4 and e3. He also proposes to
prevent the embarrassing move ...c4 for as long as possible without having to play c4, as this move would leave an outpost at d4 unguarded.
In order to free the bishop. This move however, invites g5 when the opportune moment comes.
Black has succeeded in provoking c4. In the meantime, however, White has beautifully arranged the kingside to suit his purposes.
White quietly makes his last preparations for a worthy reception of the enemy queen at d4, for which she is striving. Observe how White has succeeded in combining the defense of the center with his plans for an attack on the kingside.
Winning the queen, or as in the game, sufficient material for victory. This "trap" was everywhere applauded. That it was subordinate to those strategic ends I had set myself in this game was taken into consideration by nobody. The aim of my strategy was to prevent a breakthrough or any maneuvering in the center and to make possible the ultimate advance g5 with the attack.
There followed:
Here
The student may see from the laborious and tedious defense which White adopted; see moves 21, 22, 25, 28 that he fully recognized the fact that the disposition of his kingside pawns on h3 and g4 demanded a closed center. This game elucidates the problem of the "question" in an instructive manner.
1.e4 e5
7.Be3 was of course also playable.
Here
White here ought to have given more attention to the problem of the center. For instance
And here Black by
a) The centralizing
b) The sacrificial combination:
A disconcerting evasion. White gives up the bishop, but leaves Black with a knight in the air, and a king in much the same state.
If
On the surface White's position is by no means enviable, for the Nd4 exerts pressure and the g-pawn seems doomed.
The saving move.
The point. White isn't afraid of Black's attack ...Nxc2†, which is only a flash in the pan.
Black is busted in all lines, so he resigned.
For if
On
1.d4 Nf6
The line of play chosen by White is certainly not to be blamed. He holds the d-file with the outpost station at d5, whereas Black's majority in the center — the c, d, and e pawns against White's c and e pawns — gives evidence of but slight mobility.
Each side castles now with a clear conscience, for not even the most hyper-modern pair of masters can produce more than four fianchettoed bishops!
A normal move which has a deeper meaning. The knight is better placed at c6 than at b6 (Nd7-b6), for White is clearly planning the configuration Nc3, Qc2, followed by e4. Black therefore relies on the counter configuration ...Nc6, ...d6, ...a5, followed by ...Nd4 and when the opportunity presents itself, ...a4, thus sheltering his d-pawn behind the Nd4.
The start of a tiring journey: Ne1-c2-e3-d5.
Variation
More natural would have been 12.Nd5. For instance, 12...Nxd5 13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.cxd5.
Variation
More natural would have been
Taking with the knight would mean straying off the road to the goal of the journey, d5.
If
A pin of the harmless order, since obviously this last move creates a serious weakening of the Black kingside.
Variation
Now the threat is
Variation
Now the threat is
This purely defensive move against the previously mentioned threat of Bxf6 is surprising, since after the energetic thrust at move 17, which had been so eagerly looked forward to for so long, anything but a defensive move was to be expected. This amalgamation of attack and defense stamps the combination as a truly original one.
Now White plans to break the pin by f4, after which he would be in a position to take possession of the d5 point once and for all.
Revealing Black's plan.
Variation
He threatens 21...f4 22.gxf4 Bxf4 with an enduring pin on the one hand, and 21...Bg7 followed by ...Bd4 with an equally chronic pin on the other. White is defenseless.
Variation
He threatens
Threatening 23...Nd3† followed by ...Qxb1.
Variation
In reply to 23.Rb3, Black, with 23...Re6 24.Qf4 Qe7 threatening 25...Nc2 25.Kg2 Rae8 would have pushed forward the siege in the most energetic way.
Variation
In reply to
The poor knights! At the 17th move they had to break their journey, and now they actually both have to die before reaching their journey's end.
Now it is White's turn to pin.
Forced, for
The "immediate unpinning" by 27...Qe7 is avoided, as White can get no profit out of the pin.
If
Also
So
Now he goes back home, tired but happy.
Unpinning.
A last pin.
And a last unpinning.
And White resigned on the 38th move.
1.e4 e6
Forced, for otherwise the d-pawn falls.
In order to keep up the pressure on the d-pawn, but Black should have played
In order to exploit the new "weakness" at b3. The only pity is that this point is no weakness; he should have gone for the weakened white king's position.
The square b5 now becomes a good pivot for White's pieces.
Quite wrong.
Variation
With 15.Nc3 — see next game — White could have overcome all difficulties. For instance,
Variation
With 15.Nc3 — see next game — White could have overcome all difficulties. For instance,
Never in this life should White have relinquished his Nb5.
Instead
Now we shall see how a weakened "base" becomes a weakness in the endgame.
Now White is happily rid of his weakness at b3 on an open file!, but the pawns on a4 and d4 are hard to defend.
Not
But now the answer to
There is no harm in this; Black's position can stand this little weakness. The pawn on h6 is now a possible objective.
Finally!
A last desperate attempt to continue the attack begun by 36.g5.
We recommend to the student to study this well-played ending by Dr. Tarrasch.
1.e4 e6
For
White has now overcome the difficulties of development, the base d4 is now thoroughly protected. The game can now take another course. White opens an attack against the Black kingside
which is cramped by the pawn at e5.
To make castling appear unhealthy. The maneuver Rc3-e3 was perhaps even better here.
The courage required to deliberately let oneself be kept under pressure for hours, simply for the sake of a remote chance of attack, now has its reward. White gets a direct attack. Note the dark-squared bishop which has been roused to activity.
Both 37.Qxg7 and 37.Bg5 were threatened.
Despair!
Amos Burn remarks on this game:
Flattering as this praise is, I must, nevertheless, remark that it is probably not so very difficult to maneuver well if one has a complete system to fall back on. A pawn on e5, as I even then knew, seriously cramps Black's kingside, and if White succeeds in holding d4 without any counterbalancing disadvantage elsewhere, a moment must sometime come when fortune will smile on him, in the form, that is, of an attack with his pieces on the black king's cramped position, or else a vigorous onslaught on the chain by f4-f5 followed by fxe6.
Today all of this seems plausible. At the time this game was played it seemed nothing short of revolutionary.
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