desirable for White, as it does not improve in any way the
mobility of his men. On the contrary, White loses a move, as the
result of the maneuver is only a change of location of the King's
Bishop who was already developed while the principle of speedy
development demands that no piece should be moved twice in the
opening until ALL pieces are developed.
Unless Black's move involves a threat which needs immediate
attention White should consider only such moves as will secure a
possibility of development for his Rooks, that is maneuvers which
are liable to produce an open file somewhere on the board.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | #Kt| #P | #B | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #B | | #P | | ^B | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | ^B | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^Kt| ^P | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | ^Q | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 43.
This can only be done by the exchange of a Pawn and as the only
Pawn within easy reach is the Pawn e5 the files which are liable
to be opened first are the d-file and the f-file. In the position
of the Diagram it is not easy to find a way of opening either
file mentioned without elaborate preparation. P-d4 cannot be
played before the square d4 is three times controlled by White
and if White tries to accomplish this by (8) Kt-e2, Black spoils
White's plan by Bxc4 without being bothered by the threat Kt-d5
which existed as long as the Knight was posted on c3. If, on the
other hand, White exchanges the Bishop first on e6 he helps
Black's development by opening the f-file for his Rook. To avoid
these alternatives White could withdraw the Bishop c4 to b3 and
then play Kt-e2 followed by P-c3 and P-d4. But this maneuver
involves two moves with pieces which are already developed and it
is therefore preferable to place the Rook a1, who has to be
developed, right away in the Queen's file and then to proceed as
suggested above. In other words, White does probably best to play
(8) Q-d2 and (9) Ra1-d1.
Black, in the meantime, will of course, also aim at the
development of his Rooks. In the position of the Diagram it is
even less troublesome for him than for White to prepare the
opening of the d-file, as there is no objection to his playing
immediately Kt-e7 with P-c6 and P-d5. The only reason which might
deter Black from playing Kt-e7 is the fear that White might
answer Bxf6 forcing Black to retake with the Pawn g7 and thereby
tearing a hole in the protecting chain of Pawns around the King.
However, as will be explained in the discussion of the middle
game, this maneuver need not be feared.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | #P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
---------------------------------------
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 44.
The advance of the d-Pawn, besides the possibility of opening the
d-file for the Rooks, has another very important purpose. It
invites, and often compels the opponent to take the Pawn with his
e-Pawn thereby losing control of "the center." What is meant by
center in King's Pawn openings will be understood from the
analysis of the Diagram 44 in which only the Pawn skeleton of a
King's Pawn game is given and in which it is assumed that Black
has exchanged the Pawn e5 for the Pawn d4. This Pawn formation
offers an advantage to White because the Pawn e4, White's center-
Pawn, controls the two squares d5 and f5 while the two
corresponding squares in White's camp, that is d4 and f4, are not
in the hands of Black and could be occupied by White men. It is
evident that it must be advantageous to have pieces placed in the
center of the board as there they have naturally more mobility
than towards the edge of the board where part of their radius of
action is cut off. A Knight, for instance, placed on d4 will
possibly have an opportunity later on to go to f5 from where he
helps an attack on g7. The square f4 may be useful for the Queen
in an attempt to reach the King's wing speedily, thus
accumulating on that part of the board superior forces. These and
other advantages connected with the control of the center will be
more readily understood after the discussion of the middle game
maneuvers of which the center squares form the basis. It is
necessary, however, to touch upon this matter at this time, as in
many openings the player is confronted after the very first moves
with questions in which the maintenance of the center-Pawn is the
point at issue.
Following are a few examples:
Supposing White, after (1) P-e4, P-e5, plays (2) P-d4. Then Black
is immediately threatened with the loss of his center-Pawn, which
he cannot defend with P-d6 as after (3) Pxe5, Pxe5 White would
exchange Queens and thereby deprive Black of the possibility of
bringing his Rooks quickly into cooperation through castling.
(2) ..., Kt-c6 is out of question too; not on account of (3) P-
d5, which merely helps Black in getting his Knight over to the
King's wing via e7 and allows him to maintain his center-Pawn,
but on account of (3) Pxe5, Ktxe5; (4) Pf4, which secures the
control of the center for White and does not leave Black a chance
to advance his Queen's Pawn to d5 with the view of depriving
White of his center-Pawn too.
For these reasons Black has no choice but has to play (2) ...,
Pxd4. True enough, Black gives up his center-Pawn with this
exchange, but White cannot prevent P-d5 in the long run, so that
he also loses his center-Pawn and has no advantage over Black in
that respect. The following variations are typical for the line
of play in cases of this kind. White tries to hold back Black's
Queen's Pawn as long as he can, but finally Black enforces the
advance.
I. (3) Qxd4 Kt-c6
(4) Q-e3
Now P-d5 is not possible because of Pxd5 check.
(4) ... Kt-f6
(5) Kt-c3 B-e7
(6) B-d2 P-d5
Threatening to win a piece by P-d4.
(7) Pxd5 Ktxd5
Now White has no center-Pawn either; Black has
a perfectly good game.
II. (3) Kt-f3 Kt-c6
Most players would be tempted to play P-c5 instead. But this
must be bad as it is a Pawn move which is not necessary. Black
does not need to defend the Pawn d4 as he is a Pawn ahead; and
the development of the pieces is much more valuable than the
advantage of a Pawn. White would obtain a far superior position
with (4) P-c3, Pxc3; (5) Ktxc3, after which Black cannot
hope ever to free his game by P-d5.
(4) Ktxd4 Kt-f6
It would be bad to exchange Knights on d4 because White's Queen
would be brought up into a dominating position from which she
could not easily be driven away.
(5) Kt-c3 B-b4
This attacks again the Pawn e4. Relieving the pin by (6) B-d2
would be no protection as Black could exchange on c3 and then
take the Pawn. Therefore, White must defend the Pawn with another
piece. The Bishop f1, which has to be developed in any case,
offers himself naturally for this purpose, but B-d3 is not
possible as long as the Knight d4 has to be kept protected by the
Queen. Hence, it is necessary first to exchange the Knight.
(6) Ktxc6 Pb7xc6
(7) B-d3 P-d5!
Again Black has succeeded in advancing his Queen's Pawn against
the opposing center-Pawn, and White cannot avoid the exchange. To
advance to e5 would be against the principle that no Pawn-move
should be made in the opening which is not absolutely necessary.
How easily (8) P-e5 could get White into trouble can be seen from
the following variation: (8) ..., Kt-g4; (9) o-o, o-o; (10) Pf4
??, B-c5+; (11) K-h1, Q-h4; (12) P-h3, Q-g3; (13) Pxg4, Q-h4
mate.
III. (3) P-c3
With this move White invites Black to lose time in winning a Pawn
or two while the White pieces are rapidly developed. If Black
accepts the Gambit [Footnote: A Gambit is an opening in which the
sacrifice of a Pawn is offered for the sake of a speedy
development of the pieces.] the continuation might be.
(3) ... Pxc3
(4) B-c4 Pxb2
(5) Bxb2
or
(4) ... Kt-c6
(5) Kt-f3 P-d6
(6) Ktxc3 or Q-b3 or o-o
In all of these cases White has by far the freer game and he
remains in the possession of his center-Pawn. For this reason it
is much more advisable for Black to decline the Gambit offered
and to hasten his development by immediately advancing his
Queen's Pawn, thus:
(3) P-c3 P-d5!
(4) Pxd5
The advance of the King's Pawn would be quite out of place, as it
would not add anything to White's development so that Black need
not mind the loss of the move either which he sustains from the
developing point of view in gaining a Pawn by Pxc3. The future
development of Black is not any longer endangered as he has a
Pawn in the center and an outlet for his Queen's Bishop.
(4) ... Qxd5
(5) Pxd4 Kt-c6
(6) Kt-f3 B-g4
(7) Kt-c3 Q-h5
and Black has, no doubt, the initiative.
If White, instead of playing (2) P-d4 as assumed in the above
examples, advances his f-Pawn against Black's center, Black has
ample time to make all preparations necessary to maintain his
center-Pawn, for White does not threaten Pxe5 as long as he is
not protected against Q-h4+, followed by Qxe4. Black's best move
is apparently B-c5, so that he may be able to reply P-d6 to (3)
Kt-f3 without blocking the way of the Bishop. On c5 Black's
Bishop is very disagreeable for White as he prevents his
castling. The natural development of this opening would be about
this:
(2) P-f4 B-c5
(3) Kt-f3 P-d6
(4) B-c4 Kt-f6
Although this move blocks the diagonal for Black's Queen, making
impossible a check on h4, it does not enable White to win a Pawn
on e5, because (5) Pxe5, Pxe5; (6) Ktxe5 would be answered by Q-
d4.
(5) P-d3 Kt-c6
(6) Kt-c3 B-g4
Black has one more piece developed than White on account of the
Pawn move P-f4 which is a wasted move from the point of view of
development, especially as White cannot very well castle on the
King's side and make use of the open f-file for his Rooks.
The two principles mentioned--namely the development of the
pieces without unnecessary Pawn moves or other loss of time and
the maintenance of a Pawn in the center--are a perfectly
sufficient guidance in all King's Pawn openings, as no particular
difficulty exists for any piece to be developed to a favorable
square. Even if Black tries to avoid the well-known openings
which result from the reply (1) ..., P-e5 by playing (1) ..., P-
e6 for instance, or (1) ..., P-c5;, or, in fact, any other of the
twenty possible first moves, White will find the right way to
mobilize his men if he strictly adheres to those two principles
and resists the temptation to institute an early attack. A few
examples will show how simple the application of the principle
is.
I. (1) P-e4 P-d5
This attacks White's Pawn and White has to decide whether to
protect, advance or exchange him. The advance P-e5 and the
protection P-f3 are out of question because these moves are Pawn
moves which do not contribute to the development and are,
therefore, to be classed as mere loss of time. The protection (2)
P-d3 is not sufficient either as Black, after exchanging on e4,
would hamper White's development by exchanging Queens so that
White would lose the right of castling. The protection (2) Kt-c3
cannot be recommended as Black could deprive White of his center-
Pawn and obtain one for himself by Pxe4, (3) Ktxe4; P-e5. For all
these reasons White cannot do better than exchanges on d5.
At first sight this might seem a violation of the principles, as
Pxd5 is a Pawn move which does not further the development of the
pieces while Black, in retaking the Pawn, develops his Queen.
However, as was already pointed out on several other occasions,
the early development of the Queen is not desirable as she is
sure to be exposed to the attack of minor pieces. Indeed, White
obtains the better game through (3) Kt-c3, Q-a5; (4) P-d4 or (4)
Kt-f3, followed by P-d4. Black cannot get his King's Pawn up to
the center [(4) P-d4, P-e5; (5) Q-h5] and in addition he is bound
to lose some more moves with his Queen as soon as White has
developed his Bishop to d2 threatening a discovered attack
through a move with the Knight c3.
II. (1) P-e4 P-e6
With this move Black switches the center from the e-file to the
d-file.
(2) P-d4 P-d5
Now White need not hesitate to protect his King's Pawn with Kt-
c3, for Black cannot, as shown in example 1, gain control of the
center by exchanging on e4 and playing P-e5.
The advance (3) P-e5 cannot be recommended for the reason
explained in example I. Of course, White, being a move ahead
anyhow, can afford to make a Pawn move which does not exactly
advance his own development, if that Pawn move hampers the
development of the opponent to some extent. This would be the
case after (3) P-e5, as Black could not develop his King's Knight
to the most natural square, namely, f6. However, the Pawns d4 and
e5, though forming a strong center, as long as they are both in
place, are liable to become subject to disagreeable attacks which
Black can institute with P-c5 and P-f6, and if White cannot
maintain his center, then the advance to e5 is mere waste of
time.
(3) Kt-c3 Kt-f6
Again White's King's Pawn is attacked. The first continuation for
White to think of would be (4) B-d3, developing another piece.
However, Black can then simply exchange twice on e4 and play P-
c5, so that White loses his Pawn center. P-e5 does not seem very
good either. It does not lose any time, as Black too has to lose
a move retreating with his Knight. But the latter is well posted
on d7 from where he assists the contemplated advance P-c5 against
White's center. The best continuation is apparently (4) B-g5,
which develops a piece and protects the Pawn e4 through pinning
the Knight f6. After
(4) B-g5 B-e7
White finally has to either advance the King's Pawn or exchange
him. The latter seems preferable. The drawbacks to the advance
have been discussed before. After the exchange White can develop
his King's Bishop to d3 where he is considerably better posted
than the corresponding Black Bishop.
QUEEN'S PAWN OPENINGS
The same two leading principles apply to Queen's Pawn openings
which were discussed in connection with the King's Pawn openings;
but there is one great difference between the two kinds of
openings which is not obvious to the beginner. This is the fact
that in Queen's Pawn openings, in most cases, neither player has
a chance to open a file in the center of the board through the
exchange of one of the center-Pawns, and that, therefore, an
additional Pawn move is necessary in the opening stage to provide
for an open file in which the Rooks later on may have an
opportunity of entering the battle.
In addition, it is in most variations not easy to find a good
place for the Queen's Bishop without further Pawn moves, and it
is here where the beginner is bound to err in the plan of his
mobilization unless he has adequate instruction.
In trying to open a file for the Rooks it will be advisable--just
as in the King's Pawn openings--to aim at the same time at the
clearing away of the opponent's center-Pawn, and this can only be
done by the advance of the c-Pawn. Therefore, it would mean loss
of time if the Queen's Knight were developed into the c-file
before the c-Pawn has moved; the Knight would have to be moved
away again in order to enable the opening of the c-file. This
consideration furnishes the key for the understanding of the most
popular Queen's Pawn opening, which is
(1) P-d4 P-d5
(2) Kt-f3 Kt-f6
(3) P-c4
White offers a Pawn to induce Black to give up his center-Pawn,
hence the name "Queen's Gambit." If Black could actually hold the
Pawn he would be justified in accepting the Gambit unless it can
be demonstrated that White's advantage in development yields a
winning attack. However, White can easily regain the Gambit-Pawn,
and so there is absolutely no reason why Black should give up his
Pawn-center.
The way in which White regains his Pawn in the accepted Gambit is
this: (3) ..., Pxc4; (4) P-e3, P-b5; (5) P-a4, P-c6 (if Black
takes the Pawn a4, White captures the Pawn c4 and then regains
the a-Pawn. (5) ..., P-a6, cannot be played on account of Pxb5,
opening the a-file for White's Rook so that Black cannot retake
the Pawn). (6) P-b3, Pxb3; (7) Pxb5, Pxb5; (8) Bxb5+ and Qxb3.
Now White is far ahead in the development and in addition he has
an open file for his Queen's Rook in which the black Pawn is
bound to be lost in the long run. Moreover, Black has no
compensation for White's strong Pawn-center.
For this reason the Queen's Gambit is hardly ever accepted and
the following defense played instead:
(1) P-d4 P-d5
(2) Kt-f3 Kt-f6
(3) P-c4 P-e6
(4) Kt-c3
Black has now the choice between either advancing his c-Pawn
right away or first developing the pieces of his Queen's wing. In
the latter case he cannot place the Queen's Knight on c6 as this
would block the way of the c-Pawn. He must develop him to d7.
This appears to be a bad move as it blocks the way of the Queen's
Bishop, but this Bishop will have to be developed in a different
diagonal anyway as the Pawn e6 cannot advance opening the
diagonal c8-h3.
I. (4) ... Ktb8-d7
(5) B-g5
The fact that White can develop his Queen's Bishop without
difficulty while Black cannot do so has made the Queen's Gambit
one of the most popular openings.
(5) ... B-e7
(6) P-e3 o-o
(7) B-d3 P-b6
(8) o-o B-b7
(9) Pxd5 Pxd5
(10) R-c1
White is two moves ahead in the development, as Black has still
to move his c-Pawn before he can get his Queen's Rook into play.
In the meantime White can mobilize his King's Rook with Q-e2 and
Rf1-d1, with a view to opening the Queen's file by Pd4xc5.
II. (4) ... P-c5
If White now Plays P-e3, holding his Pawn-center, a symmetrical
development follows on both sides. If, however, White takes his
opportunity to develop the Queen's Bishop, a game of entirely
different character ensues. The following variations show typical
examples of the way these two variations are liable to develop:
A. (5) P-e3 Kt-c6
(6) P-a3
If White played (6) P-b3 before castling he would get into
trouble because Black could pin his Queen's Knight with Pxd4 and
B-b4. For this reason the maneuver P-a3, Pxc5, P-b4 and B-b2 is
usually adopted to develop the Queen's Bishop. It is true that
this maneuver involves two Pawn moves, which mean a loss of time,
instead of only one, as for instance when playing (6) B-d3, (7)
o-o, (8) P-b3, (9) B-b2. But Black can hardly avoid a similar
loss of time. For if he plays (6) ..., B-d6, he loses two moves
with his Bishop through recapturing on c5 (after (7) Pxc5) and
going back to d6; and if he first exchanges on d4 and then
develops the Bishop to d6, White has an open diagonal for his
Queen's Bishop and need not make any more Pawn moves to develop
him while Black still must move his Queen's Knight's Pawn to get
his Queen's Bishop into play.
(6) ... P-a6
(7) Pxc5 Bxc5
(8) P-b4 B-d6
(9) B-b2 Pxc4
(10) Bxc4 P-b5
(11) B-d3 B-b7
B. (5) Pxd5 Pxd5
The idea of this exchange is to create a weak Pawn on d5 against
which later on an attack can be instituted. However, it is very
doubtful whether the Pawn on d5 is really weak. Experience has
shown that Black wins just as many games as White in this
opening; the reason is probably that White, in order to open the
Queen's file for attack on d5, has to give away his center-Pawn
so that Black has more freedom for his pieces in the center.
(6) P-g3 Kt-c6
(7) B-g2 B-e6
(8) B-g5 B-e7
(9) o-o o-o
(10) Pxc5 Bxc5
(11) R-c1 B-e7
(12) Kt-d4 or Q-a4 followed by
R-f1-d1.
Instead of developing the King's Bishop to g2 White can just as
well play (6) B-g5 or f4, (7) P-e3 and (8) B-d3. In either case
the success depends rather on clever maneuvering in the middle-
game than on an advantage inherent to the opening.
What has been said of irregular replies which Black may try in
King's Pawn openings holds good in Queen's Pawn openings too.
There is no series of opening moves which needs to be memorized.
The principles of speedy development and of the maintenance of a
Pawn center lead the right way in all novel openings which a
player might try to avoid the well-known paths which have been
studied out by the masters of many generations.
Following are again a few examples which show the application of
the principles:
I. (1) P-d4 P-c5
(2) P-e3
With Pxc5 White would give away his center-Pawn, and Black would
regain the Gambit-Pawn easily after (2) ..., P-e6. White could
play (2) P-d5, thereby depriving Black's Queen's Knight of his
best developing square. But in doing so he would lose time with a
Pawn move which does not improve the mobility of his own pieces,
and consequently (2) P-e3 is preferable.
II. (1) P-d4 Kt-f6
(2) Kt-f3
The advance P-c4, which, as explained, is customary in Queen's
Pawn openings, serves its original purpose only if Black has a
Pawn on d5 so that White can open the c-file. Therefore, it is
better for White to wait until Black shows what intentions he has
with his Queen's Pawn.
(2) ... P-d6
(3) Kt-c3
Black's last move clearly indicates that he intends playing P-e5
and not P-d5, and so White has no reason to expect that he will
be able to open the c-file for his Rooks. Consequently there is
no objection to his developing the Queen's Knight to c3, blocking
the c-Pawn.
(3) ... Ktb8-d7
(4) B-f4
This prevents P-e5 for the time being, and Black has to make
rather complicated preparations, such as P-c6 and Q-c7 before he
can advance the King's Pawn two squares. In other words, White
completes his development more quickly than Black and he has
consequently the better winning chances, provided, of course, he
knows how to maintain his advantage in the middle game and in the
end game.
THE MIDDLE GAME
It is not possible to draw a distinct dividing line between the
two stages of the game which are called the OPENING and the
MIDDLE GAME. Strictly speaking the opening comprises only such
moves as are NECESSARY for the development of the pieces, and any
move which a player--without being compelled--makes with a piece
that is already developed, ought to be regarded as a Middle-game
move. To give an example: If after (1) P-e4, P-e5; (2) Kt-f3, Kt-
c6; (3) Kt-c3, Kt-f6; (4) B-b5 Black plays Kt-d4, he deviates
from the Opening and embarks on a Middle-game maneuver; for the
Queen's Knight was already developed.
This does not mean that it is bad under all circumstances to make
a Middle-game move during the opening stage of a game. But only
such moves should be considered in cases of this kind as a player
is fairly sure to make at any rate within the further course of
the game with a view to increasing the mobility of the piece in
question.
This is the main point. A second move made with a piece must
improve its position, otherwise, common sense tells us, it is
surely bad. For instance: After (1) P-e4, P-e5; (2) Kt-f3, Kt-c6;
(3) B-b5, Kt-f6; (4) o-o, B-e7 there is no objection to White's
playing (5) R-e1 as the Rook will very likely want to get into
action in the e-file in any case, as soon as the development has
progressed with P-d4, Kt-c3, B-g5, etc.
But if in an opening like (1) P-e4, P-e5; (2) Kt-f3, Kt-c6; (3)
B-c4, Kt-f6 White plays (4) Kt-g5 for instance, or (4) B-d5, it
is evident that he merely wastes time, for in the first case he
places the Knight on a square from which he is sure to be driven
away again as soon as the direct attack involved in his move has
been warded off, and in the second case he moves the Bishop to a
square which does not afford him any more mobility than the one
on which he stood before.
As a rule only Rooks or Knights are in a position, during the
opening, to add to their mobility by a second move; the Rooks by
occupying a file which is liable to be opened by an exchange of
Pawns, and the Knights by occupying a square in the center of the
board.
The Knights are really more often under the necessity of making
several moves in succession than any other piece, because they
can never pass over more than one line at a time, and they may be
required to hasten from one wing of the board to the other just
as often as the other pieces. This is the reason why the most
favorable spot for a Knight is a square in the center of the
board; there he is always ready for an excursion to either wing.
The establishment of a Knight in the center can more readily be
effected in Queen's Pawn openings than in King's Pawn openings.
This will be evident from the following consideration:
In Queen's Pawn openings the squares e5 and e4 are the ones which
are aimed at by the respective Knights. If the opponent exchanges
the Knight with either his Queen's Knight or his King's Bishop,
the Pawn which takes the place of the Knight in recapturing,
gains control of two squares in the heart of the hostile camp. To
illustrate this by a case which often occurs: If after (1) P-d4,
P-d5; (2) Kt-f3, Kt-f6; (3) P-e3, P-c5; (4) B-d3, Kt-c6; (5) o-o,
P-e6; (6) P-b3, B-d6; (7) B-b2, o-o; (8) Ktb1-d2, P-b6; (9) Kt-e5
Black plays Bxe5, White in retaking drives Black's King's Knight
away depriving the King's wing of an important protection and
also creating a weakness on d6, where White might be able at some
later stage of the game to establish his Knight.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | | | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | #P | #Kt| #B | #P | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #P | #P | ^Kt| | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | ^P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^P | | ^B | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^B | ^P | ^Kt| | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | ^Q | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 45.
Another advantage of the position for White is that he can get
his King's Rook into play by P-f4 and R-f3-h3, while Black's Rook
cannot get to f6 as long as White has his Pawn on e5.
In King's Pawn openings the situation is different. Here the
squares d5 and d4 respectively are the aim of the Knights which
normally are posted on c3 and c6. However, as long as the
opposing King's Knight can exchange himself for the advancing
Queen's Knight there is no advantage in occupying the center. The
position of Diagram 46 is a typical example. If White plays Kt-d5
he loses practically a move, as after Ktxd5, Pxd5 he has in no
way improved the mobility of his men while it is Black's turn to
move. In addition, White, by transferring his Pawn to d5, gives
up his Pawn-center and blocks a diagonal which his Bishop could
use, while Black, in retreating with his Knight to e7, gains a
move towards the efficient use of the Knight on the King's wing.
All the same, the advance of the Queen's Knight in the center is
one of the most important maneuvers in King's Pawn openings when
it is properly prepared, and its consequences need thorough
discussion.
The proper preparation consists in first fixing the object at
which the Knight aims. This--from White's, the attacker's point
of view--is the Knight f6. The developing move B-g5 serves this
purpose in the most natural way, and a position arises similar to
the one shown in Diagram 43 where Black prevented any further
accumulation of white forces on f6 by B-e6. In the present case
this move is of doubtful value as White, by P-d4, can force Black
to give up his center-Pawn.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | #Kt| #P | | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | ^B | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | #B | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^Kt| ^P | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | ^B | ^Q | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 46.
If Black is ready to admit that Kt-d5 is a disagreeable threat he
will either exchange the Knight for his Bishop b4 or he will play
Kt-e7 in order to take White's Knight should he go to d5.
Ordinarily Black plays first Bxc3 and then Kt-e7. The reason is
that this maneuver enables Black to get his Queen's Knight over
to the King's wing while White's Bishop b5 is rather out of
action, so that Black has a good chance to enter the battle on
the King's wing with one piece more than White. Of course, White
can get his Bishop into play again by placing him on c4. But he
has to spend a move in doing so, which does not add to the
completion of the development.
In the position of Diagram 46 Black would not take any steps to
prevent Kt-d5 unless a threat is involved in this move which
cannot be counteracted by the most natural continuation, which is
the development of the Bishop c8. Indeed, there seems to be no
reason why Black should not answer (1) B-g5 with B-g4 and (2) Kt-
d5 with Kt-d4; for the Knight f6, who after Kt-d5 is attacked
twice, is defended twice, and there is no possibility for White
to attack the Knight again. On the other hand, the attack on the
Bishop b4 is balanced by the attack on the Bishop b5, and if
White were to withdraw his Bishop to c4 Black could withdraw his
to c5.
However, in the position resulting after these moves (Diagram 47)
White gets the upper hand because he is one move ahead in the
attack on the opposing King's Knight. The danger of the
concentration of two pieces on this Knight lies in the fact that
Black is obliged to retake with the g-Pawn in case White
exchanges on f6 and that thereby the squares f6 and h6 lose their
natural protection.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | #P | | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #B | ^Kt| #P | | ^B | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | ^B | #Kt| ^P | | #B | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | ^P | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | ^Q | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 47.
Thus weak points are created of which White may find an
opportunity to make use in a manner similar to the one
illustrated by the discussion of Diagrams 26 and 29. On the other
hand, Black gains an open file for his Rooks as soon as the g-
Pawn is out of the way, and the exchange on f6 should therefore
not be made until preparations for the occupation of the
resulting weak spots are completed. The following variations will
throw some light on this rather complex problem.
Supposing White wants to try the immediate exchange on f6, hoping
that somehow or other he will be able to take advantage of the
weakness resulting on f6 and h6. In exchanging he can give up
either his Knight d5 or his Bishop g5. In both cases there are
promising possibilities for attack, but Black, with correct play,
can sufficiently defend himself and even get the better.
If White plays (1) Ktxf6 he has to lose a move before he can
bring up other pieces to help in the attack, for after Pxf6 he
must first move the Bishop g5. The only good square for the
Bishop is h4 from where he maintains the pin on f6 which would
become very dangerous for Black if he could not prevent White's
Queen from entering on h6 or render the double threat on f6
ineffective in some other way. The logical continuation for Black
is to answer (2) B-h4 with K-h8 in order to occupy the g-file
with his Rook as soon as possible. Indeed, this is at the same
time the best defense against White's threat, for if White now
plays (3) Q-d2; Black replies Ktxf3+; (4) Pxf3, Bxf3; and he is
the first to take advantage of the open g-file as his King has
already made room for the Rook.
It would be dangerous for Black to play (3) ..., Bxf3 instead of
Ktxf3. For White would continue (4) Q-h6 and the only way for
Black to prevent the disaster threatened on f6 is to give back
the piece he just won: (4) ..., Kt-e2+; (5) K-h1, Bxg2+; (6)
Kxg2, R4-g8+; (7) K-h1, R-g6; or (6) ..., Kt-f4+; (7) K- h1, Kt-
g6. In either case Black's defense is very difficult.
The play outlined in the last variation suggests a better method
for White to institute the attack in the position of Diagram 47.
This is the preparatory move (1) Q-d2. (1) Bxf6 is obviously not
as good, as Black can soon drive away the Knight d5 by P-c6,
relieving f6 of all pressure.
In answer to (1) Q-d2, which threatens (2) Bxf6, (3) Q-h6, (4)
Ktxf6 and (5) Qxh7 mate, Black has three replies, namely: Bxf3 or
Ktxf3 or P-c6.
That (1) ..., Bxf3 is not sufficient can easily be seen. White
continues (2) Bxf6, Q-d7; (3) Kt-e7+/-, and Black must give up the
Queen for the Knight as (3) ..., K-h8 would be followed by (4)
Bxg7+, (5) Q-g5+ and (6) Q-f6 mate. It is interesting to note
that it is just the one move which White is ahead in the
development that gives him the win. If he tried to checkmate
Black by (3) Q-g5, P-g6; (4) Q-h6 he would be checkmated himself
by (4) ..., Kt-e2+ followed by Bxg2+ and Q-g4+, etc.
(2) ..., Pxf6 would not be of avail either. The consequence would
be: (3) Q-h6, Kt-e2+; (4) K-h1, Bxg2+; (5) Kxg2, Kt-f4+; (6)
Ktxf4, Pxf4; (7) K-h1, K-h8; (8) R-g1, R-g8; (9) Rxg8+, Qxg8;
(10) R-g1 and the mate can only be averted by the sacrifice of
the Queen for the Rook.
The second defense which Black could try is (1) ..., Ktxf3+; (2)
Pxf3, Bxf3. Now (3) Bxf6, Pxf6; (4) Q-h6 would be fatal for White
as Black plays K-h8 and there is no protection against the threat
R-g8+. But White can again make a preparatory move which secures
for him the victory. This is (3) P-h3, with the view to make room
for the Rook by K-h2. The only way to counter White's threat is
now P-c6. However, after (4) Ktxf6+, Pxf6; (5) B-h4, K-h8; (6) K-
h2, R-g8; (7) R-g1, Q-e7; (8) R-g3 Black is unable to stave off
defeat any longer. Whatever he plays, White succeeds in attacking
f6 for the second time while Black has no second protection at
his disposal. For instance, (8) ..., B-h5; (9) Q-h6, B-g6; (10)
R-f3--or (8) ..., Rxg3; (9) Pxg3 and (10) Rf1.
The most interesting line of defense is the third one mentioned,
that is (1) ..., P-c6. After (2) Ktxf6+, Pxf6; (3) B-h4 a
situation arises similar to the one discussed in the line of play
commencing with (1) Ktxf6+, but with the big difference that
White is now one move ahead in the attack. This is the move Q-d2
in answer to which Black was forced to make the move P-c6 which
does not improve the constellation of the Black pieces in any
way.
This one move is sufficient to secure for White an easy victory.
After (3) ..., Bxf3; (4) Q-h6, Kt-e2+; (5) K-h1, Bxg2+; (6) Kxg2,
Kt-f4+; (7) K-h1, Kt-g6 the position of Diagram 48 is reached in
which White can force the mate, or win Black's Queen in a most
ingenious manner. If White tried to win by (8) R-g1, threatening
mate in four moves through Rxg6, Qxg6, Q-h6 and R-g1 Black could
sufficiently defend himself with (8) ..., P-d5, unpinning the
Pawn f7 and enabling B-e7, which would supply the much needed
protection for the square f6. However, White can frustrate
Black's intention by playing (8) P-d4!! If Black takes with the
Pawn, (9) P-e5 follows forcing Pd6xe5 after which Black cannot
any more intercept the diagonal of the Bishop c4 so that there
remains no defense against (10) R-g1.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | | | | #P | | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | #P | #P | | #P | #Kt| ^Q |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #B | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | ^B | | ^P | | | ^B |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | ^P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | | | ^R | | ^K |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 48.
If, on the other hand, Black takes the Pawn d4 with his Bishop,
White continues with (9) P-c3, B-c5; (10) Ra1- d1, again
preventing the interception of the Bishop c4 and threatening R-
g1. The consequence could then be: (10) ..., K-h8; (11) R-g1, Q-
e7; (12) R-d3, R-g8; (13) R-h3, Ktxh4; (14) Qxh7+ and (15) Rxh4
mate, or: (13) ..., R-g7; (14) R-f3, Ra8-g8; (15) Bxf6, Q-d7;
(16) R-h3 and the mate on h7 can only be avoided by the sacrifice
of the Queen for the Rook.
The foregoing variations show conclusively that the position of
Diagram 47 is lost for Black. The attack which White obtains
after creating a weakness on f6 by the removal of the Pawn g7
cannot be effectively countered. The question arises, whether
Black was at fault when disregarding White's threat to place his
Knight on d5 and developing his Queen's Bishop or whether he had
a chance to improve on one of the two following moves which led
to the position of Diagram 47. Indeed, it lies near to try the
same attack which White threatens to initiate by Q-d2 one move
earlier by playing Q-d7 instead of B-c5. The fact, however, that
this Bishop is not cooperating with the pieces on the King's wing
makes a big difference and the most Black can obtain is
apparently a draw. The continuation could be: (1) Ktxf6+, Pxf6;
(2) Bxf6, P-h6; (3) P-c3, Ktxf3+, (4) Pxf3, B-h5; (5) K-h1, K-h7;
(6) R-g1, R-g8; (7) R-g3. If Black's Bishop were on c5 instead of
b4, White could not play R-g3 on account of Bxf2. He would have
to make the preparatory move Q-e2 and he would be lost after R-
g6, just in the same manner which was demonstrated in one of the
above variations with attack and defense reversed. As it is Black
cannot enter on h3 with his Queen without exchanging Rooks and so
he is unable to take advantage of the weakness on f3. After (7)
..., R-g6, (8) B-h4, B-a5 or c5, (9) P-d4 and Q-d3 the game
probably ends in a draw as it is unlikely that White can realize
an advantage from the doubled Pawn which he is ahead.
To the beginner the lines of play discussed in connection with
Diagrams 47 and 48 will have appeared rather complicated. This
they are, indeed, even for the experienced player; but it is by
no means necessary to memorize any of the variations. The
important thing to realize is the fact that in a position where
both players have castled on the King's side, a dangerous
weakness is created if the g-Pawn is forced to move, and if
pressure can be brought to bear upon the two squares which
through the move of the g-Pawn have lost their protection;
moreover, that a method to create such a weakness is the pinning
of the hostile King's Knight and the advance of the Queen's
Knight in the center.
Another important point that the variations discussed will bring
out to the observant reader is the order in which the different
pieces take their turn in the battle. First come the minor
pieces, then the Queen and then the Rooks. This, of course, is
not a rule that has to be adhered to under all circumstances, but
in most games it is a good rule to follow. The reason is obvious.
The Rooks have no opportunity of making themselves useful until a
file has been opened, while the Queen often finds an occasion to
enter the battlefield on a diagonal. Only in such games can the
Rooks be made to work at a comparatively early stage of the game,
in which the players have not castled on the same sides of the
board. For then the advance of the Pawns in front of the Rooks
does not create weakness which endangers their own King.
The following middle game from a match of two masters furnishes
an example. After White's seventh move the position of Diagram 49
was reached, in which Black continued with P-b5 with the view to
playing B-g4 and Kt-d4. White replied (8) B-b3, B-g4; (9) Kt-e2.
Better would surely have been B-e3, which develops a new piece.
To allow the exchange of f3 which forces the g-Pawn out is
dangerous because Black may castle on the Queen's side and storm
with the Pawns of his King's wing.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | #Kt| #P | | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #B | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | ^B | | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^Kt| ^P | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | ^B | ^Q | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 49.
From Black's next move, Q-d7, it is indeed apparent that he has
decided on a maneuver of this kind. The game continued: (10) P-
c3, Bxf3; (11) Pxf3, Q-h3; (12) Kt-g3, P-h5; (13) B-e3. He cannot
play R-e1 on account of Bxf2+ followed by Qxh2+ and Qxg3. (13)
..., P-h4; (14) Kt-h1, R-h6 and wins, for if White takes the
Rook, Pxh6 opens the g-file and the other Rook occupies it with
deadly effect.
In the last example it was easy for the Rooks to take an active
part in the battle because a file was open which enabled them to
bear down on the opposing King.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | | #P | #Kt| #P | #B | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | #Kt| | #P | | #P | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #P | | | | ^B | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | ^B | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^Kt| ^P | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | ^Q | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | ^K | ^R | | | | ^R |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 50.
In the majority of cases no open file is available on the wing
and the attack with the Rooks is then much more difficult. There
is little use in advancing the Pawns on the wing on which the
hostile King has castled unless one of them can be exchanged so
that a line is opened which the Rooks can occupy. As a rule such
an exchange is only possible in case one of the Pawns in front of
the King has moved. In the position of Diagram 50 for instance,
White is able to open the h-file by advancing the h-Pawn and
exchanging it against Black's g-Pawn, while Black, who would like
to use his Rooks in an attack on the Queen's wing, has little
hope to open a file on that side of the board. If Black's g-Pawn
were still on his original square, the advance of White's h-Pawn
would be of no avail. Black would simply wait until the Pawn has
advanced to h6 and then he would play P-g6 so that White's own
Pawn would block the h-file for the Rook. In the above position,
which occurred in one of six simultaneous games played by the
author in a blindfold-exhibition, the attack developed as
follows:
(1) P-h4 P-b5
(2) B-b3 Kt-a5
(3) P-h5 Ktxb3
(4) Pa2xb3 Q-a5
Black has succeeded in opening a line also, but he cannot get his
Rooks working in it. His last move threatens mate in two moves by
Q-a1; Kt-b1, Bxb2; but White simply defends himself first against
this threat and then proceeds with his attack on the King's wing
which is irresistible.
(5) K-b1 Kt-c6
(6) Pxg6 Pf7xg6
(7) B-h6 R-f7
(8) Bxg7 Rxg7
With this exchange White has weakened the defense around Black's
King who has now only the Rook and himself to rely on for
protection.
(9) Kt-g5 P-d5
Black opens the seventh rank in the hope that it will enable his
Queen's Rook or his Queen to come to assistance. But so great is
the advantage afforded White by the open h-file that he can
sacrifice his Knight to break through Black's chain of defense
and force the mate before Black has a chance to touch his Queen
or his Rook.
(10) Ktxh7 Rxh7
If Q-c7 or Ra8-a7, White continues (11) Q-h6! Rxh7?; (12) Qxg6+,
K-h8; (13) Q-e8+, K-g7; (14) Rxh7+, Kxh7; (15) R-h1+, etc.
(11) Rxh7 Kxh7
(12) R-h1+ K-g7
(13) Q-h6+ K-f7
(14) Q-h7+ K-f6
(15) Q-h8+ K-e7
(16) R-h7+ K-d6
(17) Q-f8+ K-e5
(18) P-f4+ K-d4
(19) Q-f6+ K-e3
(20) R-h3+ K-d2
(21) Q-h4
and Black resigns as there is no defense against Q-f2.
Diagram 51 shows a similar example, the only difference being
that it is not the advance of the Black Knight's Pawn but that of
the Rook's Pawn which gives White an opportunity of opening a
file for his Rooks. He will accomplish this by advancing his
Knight's Pawn to g5 and exchanging him against Black's Rook's
Pawn. If he does not want to play P-g4 on the first move, because
Black could take the Pawn with his Knight, he can prepare the
advance by R-g1. But he need not really fear the loss of the
Pawn, because in taking him Black would himself open the g-file
for White's Rook and White is sure to obtain an overwhelming
attack. It would, of course, be futile for Black to try and stop
the advance of White's g-Pawn by P-g5, as White would then simply
open the Rook's file by P-h4 and Pxg5, quite apart from the fact
that he could sacrifice his Bishop e3 for two Pawns, thereby
depriving Black's King of all protection.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | | #Kt| #B | #P | #P | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | #P | | | #Kt| | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | #P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | ^P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^Kt| ^B | ^B | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | ^Q | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | ^K | ^R | | | | ^R |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 51.
The play might proceed like this: (1) P-g4, P-g5; (2) Bxg5, Pxg5;
(3) Qxg5+, K-h8; (4) Q-h6+, K-g8; (5) P-g5, Kt-e4; (6) Ktxe4,
Pxe4; (7) P-g6, Pxg6; (8) Qxg6+, K-h8; (9) R-g1, etc.
Ordinarily both players castle on the same side of the board so
that neither of them can advance his Pawns in an attack against
the opposing King without weakening his own King's position. Only
if a player holds more territory and has a greater number of
pieces on the King's wing than the opponent he can embark on an
attack which involves an advance of the Pawns in front of his
King. Diagram 52 offers a typical example.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | | | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | #Q | #B | #B | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | | #P | | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | #Kt| | #P | ^P | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | #P | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^P | | ^B |^Kt | | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^B | | | ^P | ^P | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | ^Q | ^R | ^Kt| ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 52.
Black has a preponderance on the Queen's side, while White has
more mobility for his pieces on the King's side. Considering that
Black cannot easily throw his men over to the King's wing, White
can risk to loosen his Pawns on this wing without fearing that
Black will be able to obtain a foothold on the weak points which
are necessarily created by the advance of the Pawns in White's
camp.
White will start the attack with (1) P-g4 and (2) Kt-g3. Then he
threatens to occupy the dominating square f5 with his Knight, and
Black has hardly any other move than P-g6; for if he permits Kt-
f5 with the view to exchanging the Knight with his Bishop, he
opens the g-file for White's Rooks. P-g6 on the other hand
enables White to open the h-file by advancing the h-Pawn after
the necessary preparations such as K-g2, R-h1, P-g5, etc.
In the vast majority of games files for the Rooks are not opened
on the side but in the center of the board, as was explained in
the discussion of the openings. The many advantages arising from
the control of a center-file by the Rooks will be more fully
analyzed in the illustrative games. Generally speaking it is
easier to get the two Rooks into cooperation in the center than
on the side of the board. This cooperation--usually effected by
doubling in one file--is naturally very important and it is the
main reason why it is desirable to castle as early as possible.
Between the Rooks of a player who is prevented from castling
there are, so to speak, no natural lines of communication and it
takes so long to create artificial ones that in most cases the
opponent can, in the meantime, force a victory through the
combined efforts of his Rooks. Diagram 53 gives an example.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | #Q | | | #K | #B | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | | #B | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | #R | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^Q | | | ^B | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 53.
It is White's move, and he will naturally think of a Rook's move
as all the other pieces are already developed. The best move is
probably (1) Rf1-d1. Ra1-d1 comes also into consideration but
this Rook might be needed later on the c-file while the King's
Rook certainly will have no chance to be developed in any but the
d-file as long as the White e- and f-Pawns are still on the
board. Black, in the game from which the above position is taken,
replied B-c5, and White continued with (2) Q-c3, attacking the
Bishop c5 and the Pawn g7 at the same time.
Black has only the choice between returning with the Bishop to f8
or capturing on e3. Naturally, he chooses the latter move as he
cannot improve his position by a retrogressive play which still
further retards his development. After Bxe3,(3) Qxg7, Bxf2+;(4)
Kxf2, R-c2+; (5) K-g1, R-f8; there is not much hope for Black to
bring his King's Rook in contact with the other pieces, while
White may be able to double his Rooks in the Queen's file, which
would decide the victory as Black has no possibility to counter
the threat R-d8+ in the long run. White played (6) Kt-e5 with the
intention to sacrifice the Knight on f7 in case Black should move
his Bishop. Rxf7 would then be followed by Q-g8+ and Qxb8 or Qxe6
mate. Therefore, Black had to withdraw his Rook with (6) ..., R-
c7 and White simply played (7) R-d2 threatening to double. Black
prevented this by B-a4, at the same time threatening P-f6, but
after(8) Kt-g4, R-c2; (9) R-d4, Q-c8; (10) Kt-f6+, K-e7; (11) Q-
g5 he resigned as now the square c1 is sufficiently protected
while the threat Kt-g8++ cannot be parried.
The foregoing examples show that generally several moves are
necessary in the middle game for Knights and Rooks to reach
positions favorable for an active part in the attack. With the
Bishops it is different. They can usually be developed on their
first move to the square on which they are needed in the middle
game for either attack or defense.
In King's Pawn openings as well as in Queen's Pawn openings
White's Queen's Bishop is, in the majority of cases, used for
pinning Black's King's Knight on g5 and Black's King's Bishop is
placed on e7 to relieve the pin. The pinning of the King's
Knight, however, is not advisable in positions in which the
opponent has the option of castling to the Queen's side. After
(1) P-e4, P-e5; (2) Kt-f3, Kt-c6; (3) B-c4, Kt-f6; (4) Kt-c3, B-
c5; (5) P-d3, P-d6; for instance White should wait with B-g5
until Black has castled on the King's side. If he plays (6) B-g5,
Black will answer B-e6; (7) o-o, Q-d7; and now White would only
hurt his own game by exchanging on f6 as the open g-file is bound
to aid Black, who will castle on the Queen's side, in an attack
on the King's side.
In Queen's Pawn openings the move B-g5 is always good as Black
cannot very well castle on the Queen's side on account of the
open c-file in which White would soon obtain an overwhelming
attack. Another good square for the Queen's Bishop is in Queen's
Pawn openings b2 from where the Bishop supports the advance of
the King's Knight to e5. In this case the Queen's Knight should
be developed to d2 instead of c3 so as not to obstruct the line
of the Bishop. The same holds good for the development of Black's
Queen's Bishop.
In King's Pawn openings it is dangerous for the Queen's Bishop to
leave the long diagonal in which he is originally posted as the
opponent might threaten to gain a foothold in the f-line with a
Knight, provoking a weakening move with the g-Pawn. The position
of Diagram 54, which occurred in a game between Teichmann and
Rubinstein in the Karlsbad Tournament, 1911, furnishes an
instructive example. White played (1) P-a4, trying to make use of
the advanced position of Black's b-Pawn for opening the a-file
for his Rook, and Black replied B-b7. This crosses White's plan,
as after (2) Pxb5, Pxb5; it would not be White but Black who
would gain control of the a-line.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | #B | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | #Kt| #P | | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | #P | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^P | ^P | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^B | ^Kt| | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | ^B | ^Q | ^R | | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 54.
However, Black should not have withdrawn the Bishop from the
King's wing, for White can now play his Queen's Knight via f1 and
g3 or e3 to f5 unless Black weakens his Pawn position by P-g6.
The proper way to answer White's first move would have been
either B-e6 or P-b4. The latter is a Pawn move, but in the
present case it cannot be considered a loss of time as White,
too, has made a Pawn move which does not further his development.
The game went on as follows: (2) Kt-f1, Q-c7; (3) Kt-g3, P-g6;
White's aim is accomplished. He has provoked a weakness which
furnishes a mark for his attack. The way to conduct the attack--
after completing the development by B-g5, will be to open the f-
file for the Rook by advancing the f-Pawn. This advance can be
prepared by P-h3 and Kt-h2. Of course, White would prefer to do
without the move of the h-Pawn; but h2 is the only favorable
square for the Knight f3, as neither from d2 nor from h4 he has
an opportunity to help the attack while from h2 he may go to g4,
bearing on both of the weak squares f6 and h6.
Black has little chance for counterattack. The only thing he can
do is occupy the Queen's file with his Rooks and opening it by P-
d5 and Pxe4. His Queen's Bishop, however, is badly placed in any
case as he has no open diagonal to work in, and he will have to
get back into play via his original square c8.
White's King's Bishop is not well placed either and is
practically condemned to play the role of a Pawn by protecting
the square d3 without, at the same time, attacking anything.
There is, of course, a chance for him to be useful in the
diagonal a2-g8. It may be said that in King's Pawn openings
White's King's Bishop comparatively seldom has an opportunity to
take an active part in the battle. He is mostly exchanged at an
early stage of the game for Black's Queen's Knight or Queen's
Bishop. In Queen's Pawn openings, however, he finds a great field
of action in the unobstructed diagonal b1-h7. In this diagonal he
can also be used in all openings starting with P-e4 in which
Black does not advance his King's pawn to e5, as White can open
the diagonal at any time by playing P-e5.
Generally speaking, Bishops should not be placed in diagonals
which are obstructed by Pawns of their own army, and Pawns moves
should be avoided which close a diagonal formerly open to a
kindred Bishop. A striking illustration of the importance of this
rule will be found in the play which developed in the position of
Diagram 55 in a game between Teichmann and Dus Chotimirski in the
Prague Tournament 1908. Black, on the move, played (1)..., Kt-e5,
disturbing the symmetry of the position to his advantage by
opening the diagonal of his Queen's Bishop without allowing White
to make a similar maneuver. After (2) Ktxe5, Bxe5; (3) Q-e2, o-o;
(4) Ra1-d1, Q-e7; White yielded the temptation to drive away the
disagreeable Bishop e5 by (5) P-f4, a move which had to be
followed up with the advance of the e-Pawn who otherwise would
have remained very weak, not being protected by another Pawn.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | | #Q | #K | | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #B | | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | #Kt| #B | #P | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | ^P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | ^P | | ^Kt| ^B | ^P | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | ^B | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | ^Q | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 55.
The game went on as follows: (5) ..., B-c7; (6) P-e4, B-b6+; (7)
K-h1, Rf8-d8; (8) B-b1, Ra8-c8; (9) Rxd8+, Qxd8; (10) R-d1, Q-e7;
(11) P-e5. This opens again the diagonal of the King's Bishop,
but it closes that of the Queen's Bishop, and it is the advantage
of the work done by his Queen's Bishop in the unobstructed
diagonal which secures Black the victory, (11) ..., Kt-d5; (12)
Ktxd5, Bxd5; (13) Q-g4, Q-b7; (14) P-f5, R-c4; (15) Q-g3, R-f4!.
White cannot capture the Rook on account of Bxg2 mate. (16) P-f6,
P-g6. There is now no defense against R-f2 which attacks g2 and
b2 at the same time. (17) B-a2, R-f2; (18) Bxd5, Qxd5! and White
resigns as he loses his Bishop on account of the mating threat.
It remains to examine typical middle-game maneuvers with the
Queen and with the Pawns. Little is to be said about the Queen.
On account of her tremendous mobility she is liable at any time
to initiate a dangerous attack in conjunction with one or more of
the other pieces, and most of the examples given for the typical
Rook's, Bishop's and Knight's maneuvers have also shown the
methods by which the cooperation with the Queen can be effected.
The main field of action for the Queen is the side on which the
opponent has castled. In games, in which both players have
castled on the same side of the board, and which, as stated
previously, constitute the vast majority of cases it is dangerous
to make excursions with the Queen to distant regions away from
the King, as her retreat might be cut off, making impossible an
adequate defense against an attack which the opponent might be
able to initiate on the King's side with the help of his own
Queen.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | #R | | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | | #B | #B | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #P | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | ^Q | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | | ^R | | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 56.
In the position of Diagram 56 for instance, it would be very
risky for White to take the Pawn a6. Black would play P-c4,
cutting off the retreat of White's Queen, and then start a
violent attack with his Queen in conjunction with the two
Bishops. Another example is the position of Diagram 57 which
occurred in a game between Capablanca and Bernstein in the San
Sebastian Tournament 1911. White played (1) Kt-e2 and Black, in
view of the threatening accumulation of white pieces on the
King's wing, should not have risked to capture the Pawn a2,
getting his Queen quite out of play.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | #R | #R | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | | #P | #B | | #P | #P | #K |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | #P | #P | #Kt| | | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | #Q | | | | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | ^Kt| ^P | | ^P | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^P | | | ^Q | ^P | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | | ^P | | | | | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | ^R | ^R | | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 57
He underestimated the danger and lost the game very quickly. The
attack developed as follows: (1) ..., Qxa2; (2) Kte2-g3, Qxc2. In
taking the second Pawn Black loses another move. He might have
tried Q-a5, threatening to exchange Queens with Q-b6. But it is
doubtful whether he would have been able to save the game. White
would, of course, have avoided the exchange by playing his King
into the corner. (3) R-c1, Q-b2; (4) Kt-h5; this prevents the
Queen from getting back into play via f6. The threat is now R-c3,
cutting Black's Queen off from g7, and then Kth5xg7 and Qxh6.
Black defends himself against this threat by (4) ..., R-h8 with
the intention to answer R-c3 with K-g8; but White's position
involves so many threats that Black cannot provide a satisfactory
protection. (5) R-e2, Q-e5; (6) P-f4, Q-b5; (7) Ktf5xg7 ! and
wins, as Ktxg7 is followed by (8) Kt-f6+, (9) Ktxd7 and (10) P-f5
or P-e5 with overwhelming attack.
The most difficult problem in the conduct of the middle-game is
the timely maneuvering with the Pawns. Although it is impossible
to give a general rule which will apply to all cases it is a good
principle to avoid Pawn moves in the middle- game just as
carefully as in the opening, at least in the early stages of the
middle-game. In the opening the argument against Pawn moves was
the time loss connected with them from the point of view of
development. In the middle-game it is mainly the weakness created
by the Pawn move on the squares which were protected by the Pawn
before he advanced. A square may be termed "weak" if it can be
safely occupied by men which help the opponent in his attack, and
this is generally possible if the square in question cannot any
longer be defended by a Pawn. The great danger involved in the
occupation by hostile pieces of such weak squares is evident if
they are situated near the King, and examples of how the attack
develops in cases of this kind have been discussed in connection
with Diagrams 48, 49, 50 and 52. It is less apparent why a Pawn
move should create a weakness if a center-Pawn or a Pawn on the
Queen's wing is concerned. In the latter case, the possibility of
deriving an advantage during the middle-game is rare, indeed; but
the weakness produced by the Pawn moves invariably shows itself
in the ending. In the position of Diagram 58 for instance, White
wins on account of the weakness of the squares a6, c6, d5 and b5
from which his King can attack the Black Pawns as soon as the
Queen and the Rook are exchanged. The following play may ensue:
(1) R-e8, Rxe8; (2) Qxe8, Q-f8; (3) Qxf8 , Kxf8; (4) K-d3, K-e7;
(5) K-c4, K-d7; (6) K-b5, K-c7; (7) K-a6, K-b8; (8) P-a4, K-a8;
(9) P-a5, Pxa5; (10) Kxa5 and wins the c-Pawn. Or: (5) ..., P-a6;
(6) K-d5, K-d7.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | #R | | | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | | | | | #P | #Q | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | #P | | | | | #P | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #P | | ^R | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | ^P | | | | ^Q | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | ^P | ^P | | ^K | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 58.
For the time being Black has the opposition so that White's King
cannot advance any further; but White has so many more Pawn moves
at his disposal than Black that the latter is soon forced to move
his King allowing White to break in with his King at one or the
other side. For instance: (7) P-a4, P-a5; (8) P-f4, P-f6; (9) P-
g4, P-h6; (10) P-h3, P-g5; (11) P-f5; King moves, and White wins
either the f-Pawn or the b-Pawn.
This example brings out another reason why it is advantageous to
keep the Pawns of the wings back. In the ending positions
frequently arise in which it is important to have some moves to
spare in order to be able to maintain the opposition of Kings;
and the player whose Pawns are farther back naturally has more
spare moves.
A disadvantage which is liable to make itself felt in the middle
game as well as in Rooks' endings as a consequence of Pawn moves
on the wing is the opening of an adjoining file for a hostile
Rook, as illustrated by the play in the positions of Diagrams 50,
51 and 54. In the middle-game this is also true of certain Pawns,
as for instance in the following position which arises after the
opening moves (1) P-e4, P-e5; (2) Kt-f3, Kt-c6; (3) P-d4, Pxd4;
(4) B-c4, Kt-f6; (5) o-o, B-e7. The proper continuation is (6) R-
e1, protecting the center-Pawn. The advance of this Pawn is
entirely uncalled for. Not only does it enable Black to open the
f-file for his Rook by advancing his f-Pawn, but it gives up the
greatest advantage connected with the possession of a center-
Pawn, that is the control of two center-squares. As long as White
has his Pawn on e4, the two squares f5 and d5 are inaccessible to
black pieces; as soon as the Pawn advances, however, he does not
do Black any further harm, as the two squares which he controls
after the advance are firmly in Black's hands on account of the
two Pawns f7 and d7.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P | #P | #B | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | #Kt| | | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | ^B | #P | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 59.
A game played with this opening proceeded as follows: (6) P-e5,
Kt-e4; (7) B-d5, Kt-c5; (8) Ktxd4, Ktxd4; (9) Qxd4, o-o; (10) Kt-
c3, P-d6; (11) B-e3, P-c6; (12) B-b3, P-d5; (13) Ra1-d1, K-h8;
(14) Q-f4, P-f6. This decides the middle-game in Black's favor.
Not only will he have superior mobility with his Rooks, but his
two Bishops are much stronger than White's two minor pieces,
especially as White's Bishop is shut in.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | #B | #Kt| #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P | #P | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | ^Q | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | | ^K | ^B | | ^R |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 60.
Moreover, Black has the better chances even in the ending, as he
has a majority of Pawns on the Queen's wing. After all pieces
have been exchanged, these Pawns would finally result in a passed
Pawn, which White would have to stop with his King while Black
can leisurely attack the Pawns of the King's side.
A disadvantage due to Pawn moves which up to now has not yet been
discussed is the weakness of so-called "backward Pawns." A
backward Pawn is one whose adjoining kindred Pawns have advanced
while he is unable himself to advance far enough to obtain their
protection from a frontal or diagonal attack. In the position of
Diagram 60, for instance, Black would make his Queen's Pawn
backward if he played P-c5; for if White handles the game right
Black will never be able to advance the Queen's Pawn beyond d6,
making him an easy mark for an attack in the d-file or in the
diagonal h2-b8, and also hampering the mobility of Black's pieces
in the center. The correct way for White to arrange his men would
be to play P-c4 and after the development of the minor pieces to
double the Rooks in the d-file. White's Queen's Bishop will be
placed best on f4 from where he helps pressing on d6.
Diagram 61 shows a position which occurred in one of the match
games played between Emanuel Lasker and S. Tarrasch for the
World's Championship in 1908, and which furnishes a good
illustration of the difficulties arising from a backward Pawn.
The game proceeded as follows: (1) Ktxd6, Pxd6; (2) Ra1-d1, Q-f6;
(3) P-c4, Rf8-e8; (4) Q-g4 (threatening Q-d7) B-c6; (5) R-e2; R-
e4; (6) Q-g3, Q-e6 (threatening R-g4); (7) P-h3, R-d8. Black
cannot protect the Pawn d6 as many times as White can attack him.
It looks as if he could have taken the Pawn c4 with his Queen,
but he was probably afraid of the weakness White would have
provoked with B-h6, (8) Re2-d2, Re4-e5; (9) B-h6 ! Black cannot
take the Bishop on account of Qxe5. (9) ..., Q-g6; (10) B-f4 and
wins, as the Pawn d6 as well as the Pawn c5 are doomed.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | | #Q | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #B | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | #B | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #P | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | ^Kt| | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | ^B | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | ^Q | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | | ^R | | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 61.
In a position like that of Diagram 45 on White could play P-f4
without making his King's Pawn backward, as neither a frontal nor
a diagonal attack on e3 is possible. Of course, he would have to
see that the possibility of such an attack does not arise later
on. For instance, he would not be in a position to take the Pawn
c5 with the Pawn d4, as this would enable Black to use the
diagonal a7-g1 for operations against e3.
The player who endeavors to adhere in all positions to the
principles of Chess Strategy outlined in this chapter will
rapidly improve his strength and acquire within a short time a
much more intimate grasp of the game than others who have had
years of practice without making clear to themselves the general
laws which govern the outcome of every combination on the
Chessboard.
The illustrative games analyzed in the following chapter do not
teach anything new. They are merely examples of the application
of the general principles to the continuous series of
combinations which constitute a game of Chess. The author has
chosen games from his own tournament practice as this naturally
enabled a more thorough annotation than would have been possible
to offer for games of other players.
IV ILLUSTRATIVE GAMES
GAME NO. 1
Played in the Championship Tournament of the Western States,
1917, at Lexington, Ky.
White Black
Jackson Showalter. Edward Lasker
(1) P-e4 P-e5
(2) Kt-f3 Kt-c6
(3) B-b5 P-a6
As explained previously this move cannot be regarded as loss of
time as White has to either retreat with the Bishop, adding
nothing to his development, or exchange on c6, helping Black's
development by opening a line for the Bishop c8.
(4) B-a4 Kt-f6
The move B-c5 which Black might consider instead of Kt-f6 is not
to be recommended as White would reply P-c3 and then force the
exchange of Black's center-Pawn by P-d4. The complete control of
the center which White would gain in the further course of the
game would soon give him an overwhelming attack. For instance:
(4) ..., B-c5; (5) P-c3, Kt-f6; (6) o-o, o-o;
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | #B | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | #P | #P | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | #Kt| | | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | ^B | | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | ^P | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 62.
(7) P-d4, Pxd4; (8) Pxd4, B-b6; (9) P-e5, Kt-e8; (10) P-d5, Kt-
e7; (11) P-d6, Pxd6; (12) Pxd6, Kt-g6; (13) B-g5, etc.
(5) P-d3
It is customary for White to castle at this point. P-d3 is
certainly a good move as it enables the development of the
Queen's Bishop, but o-o is very likely better as it reserves the
option of advancing the Queen's Pawn either one or two squares.
When advancing the Pawn two squares White has to avoid the
following trap: (5) o-o, B-e7; (6) P-d4, P-b5; (7) B-b3, Pxd4
(not Ktxd4 on account of (8) Bxf7 and (9) Ktxe5 +); (8) Ktxd4
??, Ktxd4; (9) Qxd4, P-c5 followed by P-c4 winning the Bishop.
What White can try in this variation is the Pawn sacrifice (8) P-
c3, Pxc3, through which he obtains a considerable advantage in
the development of the pieces.
After (5) o-o White threatens to win the Pawn e5 by (6) Bxc6 and
(7) Ktxe5, as now Q-d4; (8) Kt-f3, Qxe4 is not possible on
account of (9) R-e1. Black has various ways to counter this
threat. He can either defend the Pawn by P-d6 or play B-e7 with
the view to capture the Pawn e4 in case White should take the
Pawn e5, or, finally, he can capture the Pawn e4 at once.
All of these three variations are playable for Black although it
appears that White obtains a slight advantage however Black
continues. This opening is consequently a great favorite in
modern Tournament play.
[Footnote: Following are the two main variations which have been
adopted in the practice of the Masters:
A. (5) o-o, B-e7; (6) R-e1 (protecting the Pawn e4 so that
Black has to defend himself against Bxc6 and Ktxe5), P-b5; (7) B-
b3, P-d6; (8) P-c3 (preserving the Bishop against the exchange
threatened with Kt-a5), Kt-a5; (9) B-c2, P-c5; (10) P-d4, Q-c7.
Now the Pawn e5 is sufficiently protected and Black threatens to
exert pressure on d4 by playing B-g4 and Kt-c6. It might seem
that White can ignore this threat and as soon as d4 attacked
either exchange the Pawn on e5 or advance him to d5. However, the
former maneuver would open the d-file for Black's Rooks and the
latter would not be very good either before Black has castled;
for the advance of the d-pawn closes the center-files permanently
for the Rooks so that Black's King is safe in the center while
White may have to face an attack on the King's wing which Black
might initiate by storming with the h and g Pawns.
For all these reasons White is justified in making the waiting
move (11) P-h3, which safeguards the square d4 against the
indirect attack B-g4 and at the same time prepares an attack
along the lines of the one discussed in connection with Diagram
52. After (11) ..., Kt-c6; (12) B-e3, o-o; White can safely
advance the Queen's Pawn and then launch the attack referred to
above.
B. The second variation arising from the position of Diagram 62
is (5) o-o, Ktxe4. It seems rather dangerous for Black to take
the Pawn as long as his King is in the e-file which White can
occupy with his Rook; but after (6) R-e1, Kt-c5; (7) Ktxe5,
Ktxe5; (8) Rxe5 +, Kt-e6, White has not much attack and for this
reason the opening is generally treated in a different way. As
the strongest move is considered (6) P-d4. Black can hardly take
this Pawn as R-e1 and Ktxd4 would follow threatening to win a
piece; but he may try to maintain his Knight on the dominating
square e4 by (6) ..., P-b5; (7) B-b3, P-d5. After (8) Pxe5, B-e6;
(9) P-c3 (again providing a retreat for the Bishop), B-e7; (10)
Ktb1-d2, Black's best continuation is probably Ktxd2; (11) Qxd2
(not Bxd2 on account of B-g4); Kt-a5 or o-o. The maneuver (10)
..., Kt-c5; (11) B-c2, P-d4, which was tried in several recent
tournaments, is of doubtful value as Black loses control of the
important center-square e4. White can use this square for an
attack on the weak point c6 as follows: (12) Kt-e4, Pxc3; (13)
Ktxc5, Bxc5; (14) B-e4, Q-d7; (15) Q-c2, B-d5 (in order to answer
R-d1 with Bxe4); (16) B-g5, and Black does not seem to have a
satisfactory defense. For instance (16) ..., B-b6; (17) Ra1-d1,
Bxe4; (18) Qxe4, Q-e6; (19) R-d6 or (16) ..., Bxe4; (17) Qxe4,
Pxb2; (18) Ra1-d1, P-b1 (Q); (19) Rxb1 followed by R-c1.]
(5) ... P-b5
The simplest and probably best way to defend the Pawn e5 against
the threat Bxc6 and Ktxe5 is P-d6 without P-b5.
(6) B-b3 P-d6
The alternative was B-c5. White could then not have captured the
Pawn e5 by (7) B-d5, o-o; (8) Bxc6, Pxc6; (9) Ktxe5 on account of
Q-d4, threatening mate on f2 and attacking the Knight.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | #B | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | #Kt| #P | | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^B | | ^P | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 63.
(7) Kt-g5
This attack with two pieces in the early stage of the opening is
contrary to the general principles of strategy. White wins a Pawn
but this cannot be considered an adequate equivalent for the time
he loses in doing so. He neglects his development and he is bound
to suffer for that sooner than he can make the weight of his
extra-Pawn felt.
(7) ... P-d5
(8) Pxd5
Black cannot recapture the Pawn as this would give White an
occasion to initiate a violent attack starting with the sacrifice
of the Knight on f7, thus: (8) ..., Ktxd5; (9) Ktxf7, Kxf7; (10)
Q-f3+, K-e6 (the Knight d5 has to be protected); (11) Kt-c3,
Ktc6-e7; (12) o-o, followed by R-e1, P-d4, etc. The exposed
position of Black's King is well worth the piece which White has
sacrificed.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | #B | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | #Kt| | | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | | ^P | #P | | ^Kt| |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^B | | ^P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 64.
(8) ... Kt-d4
With this move Black crosses White's plans by exchanging the
Bishop who was to play the main part in the attack, and, as a
consequence, the Knight g5 does not have a chance to do any
useful work either.
(9) P-d6
Opening again the diagonal of the Bishop and getting rid of the
advanced Pawn by exchange before Black has an occasion to capture
him.
(9) ... Ktxb3
(10) Pxc7 Qxc7
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | | #K | #B | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | #Q | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | | | | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | | | #P | | ^Kt| |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | #Kt| | ^P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 65.
Black could regain his Pawn by Q-d5; (11) Pa2xb3, Qxg2; (12) Q-
f3, Qxf3; (13) Ktxf3, B-b7; (14) K-e2, B-d6 and Bxc7; but in
doing so he would give up his advantage in development, which, as
the further course of the game proves, is much more valuable.
(11) Pa2xb3 B-b7
(12) o-o P-h6!
If Black proceeded to develop his pieces indiscriminately, his
advantage would soon vanish. White needs only two moves--R-e1 and
Kt-e4--to paralyze the effect of Black's powerful Queen's Bishop
and to regain control of the center where at present Black has
the upper hand on account of his center-Pawn.
(13) Kt-f3 B-d6
(14) R-e1 o-o
(15) Ktb1-d2 Ra8-d8
(16) P-c3
White does not risk Kt-e4 as Black, after Ktxe4; (17) Pxe4, can
uncover the Rook by B-b4 attacking White's Queen and Rook at the
same time. White's only defense would be (18) B-d2 or Kt-d2, but
he would pin himself badly in either case and Black would obtain
an overwhelming attack by P-f5, which enables his King's Rook to
join the fray.
With P-c3 White protects himself against B-b4 and now actually
threatens to interrupt the diagonal of Black's Queen's Bishop.
Black will naturally try to prevent this and the first move which
presents itself for the purpose is P-e4, opening a line for the
Bishop d6 and the Queen at the same time. At first sight the move
does not seem playable as on e4 the Pawn is three times attacked
and only twice defended; but White cannot withdraw both the
Knight d2 and the Pawn d3 from the Queen's file on account of the
threat Bxh2+ winning the Queen for Rook and Bishop. Black can,
therefore, safely advance the Pawn.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | #R | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #B | #Q | | | #P | #P | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | | #B | | #Kt| | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^P | ^P | ^P | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | ^P | | ^Kt| | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | ^B | ^Q | ^R | | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 66.
(16) ... P-e4
(17) Pxe4 Ktxe4
(18) Q-c2
Now that the Queen has left the d-file, unpinning the Knight,
something must be done for the Knight e4 who is twice attacked
and only once protected. Two moves come into consideration. One
is P-f5 which maintains the Knight in the dominating center-
position, as White cannot take him without opening the f-file for
Black's Rook and losing the Pawn h2 who needs the protection of
the Knight f3. The other is Ktxd2, winning the Pawn h2 right away
no matter whether White retakes with the Bishop or with the
Knight. Which of the two moves is the better is difficult to say
and is more or less a matter of temperament. A player who prefers
a slow and sure advance will choose P-f5. A player who likes a
faster pace will start the hand-to-hand fight without delay by
Ktxd2. It is the latter move on which Black decides.
(18) ... Ktxd2
White now faces the dilemma whether to recapture with the Bishop
or with the Knight. If he takes with the Bishop Black exchanges
on f3, breaking up White's chain of Pawns, and he regains his
Pawn by Bxh2. If he takes with the Knight, Black also wins the
Pawn h2, but the other Pawns in front of the King remain intact.
The drawback to the latter continuation is, however, that White's
development is delayed for another two moves, as the Queen's
Bishop is shut in. For this reason White decides on Bxd2,
probably also hoping that he will be compensated for the broken
Pawn position by an attack in the g- or h-file which Black's
maneuver opens.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | #R | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #B | #Q | | | #P | #P | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | | #B | | | | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^P | ^P | | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | ^P | ^Q | #Kt| | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | ^B | | ^R | | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 67.
(19) Bxd2 Bxf3
The fact that Black has to exchange his well placed Queen's
Bishop in order to win the Pawn h2 was very likely another reason
which induced White to retake with the Bishop.
(20) Pxf3 Bxh2+
(21) K-g2
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | #R | | #R | #K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | #Q | | | #P | #P | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | | | | | | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | ^P | ^Q | ^B | | ^P | ^K | ^B |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | | ^R | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 68.
A general survey of the position shows clearly that Black has the
advantage. His Rook d8 is ready to take part in the battle while
White has to make several preparatory moves with his Rooks before
he can make use of them on the King's wing, the only part of the
board where they have a chance to be effective. In the e-line
which White's Rook controls at present, there is no tangible
object for an attack.
Moreover, White's King is rather exposed while Black's King is
safely entrenched behind his Pawns.
A good continuation for Black, which presents itself at first
thought, is R-d6, enabling the doubling of the Rooks in the d-
line or the participation of the Rook d6 in a fight on the King's
wing.
(21) ... R-d6
(22) R-e4
White cannot take the Bishop h2 as Rxd2 would win the Queen. (22)
P-f4 would not be good either as Black would reply Q-d7,
threatening Rxd2 as well as Q-g4+; Kxh2, R-g6 and mate in two
moves.
With R-e4 White attempts to protect his King by R-g4 against
attacks in the g-file, and Black naturally tries to foil this
attempt.
(22) ... P-f5
(23) R-h4
Black has now to decide whether he should withdraw his Bishop to
e5 or counterattack White's Bishop by Q-d7 or Q-d8 or Rf8-d8. The
counterattack looks better as it threatens to force an entrance
for the Rooks in the second rank, displacing White's Queen and
attacking the King from the flank. The withdrawal of the Bishop
would give White time to play his Queen's Rook over to the King's
wing.
The most forcible of the three moves available for the
counterattack is Q-d8, which attacks the Rook h4 too, thereby
depriving White of the possibility to save his Bishop by flight.
(23) ... Q-d8
(24) Rxh2 Rxd2
(25) Q-c1
White's Queen has now hardly any mobility and in addition she
shuts off the Queen's Rook from the King's wing. Black, on the
other hand, can easily get his Rooks to cooperate by doubling
them either in the d-file or in the second rank. He decides on
the former alternative because the control of the Queen's file
keeps White's troops separated in two parts which have little or
no communication with each other, while Black's pieces are ready
for concentration on the King's wing at any moment.
(25) ... Q-g5+
(26) K-h1 Rf8-d8
(27) Q-e1
With the intention to play Q-e6+, thereby gaining time to swing
over the Queen's Rook to the King's wing.
(27) ... K-h7
(28) Q-c1
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | #R | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | | | #P | #K |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | | | | | | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | | | | #P | #Q | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | ^P | | #R | | ^P | | ^R |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | ^Q | | | | | ^K |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 69.
The Queen cannot leave the first rank on account of the threat R-
d1+. It lies near for Black to try to force her out by attacking
the square d1 once more with the Queen, thereby threatening to
win the Queen for a Rook by the check on d1. He can accomplish
this by playing the Queen into the d-file behind the Rooks.
(28) ... R-d6
(29) P-c4
Apparently White does not recognize Black's intention, or he
would have played (29) Q-f1 in order to answer Q-d8 with (30) R-
e1, R-dl; (31) K-g2. But Black would then also have had an easy
win by playing (29) ..., Rxb2 and doubling the Rooks in the
second rank.
(29) ... Q-d8
(30) Q-c3
The only alternative to save the Queen was K-g2, but then R-d1
would have won a clear Rook.
Black now enforces a mate in ten moves: R-d1+; (31) Rxd1, Rxd1+;
(32) K-g2, Q-g5+; (33) K-h3, R-g1; (34) Q-d4, Q-h5+; (35) Q-h4,
Qxf3+; (36) Q-g3, Rxg3+; (37) Pxg3, P-f4; (38) K-h4, Qxg3+; (39)
K-h5, Q-g5 mate. This instructive game was not lost through a
faulty combination but on account of loss of time in the opening
which could not be regained.
GAME NO. 2
Played in the New York Masters' Tournament 1915
White Black
Edward Lasker Jose Raoul Capablanca
(1) P-d4 P-d5
(2) Kt-f3 Kt-f6
(3) P-c4 P-e6
(4) Kt-c3 Ktb8-d7
(5) B-g5 B-b4
Ordinarily the Bishop is developed to e7 as on b4 he is out of
place as soon as White has castled.
(6) P-e3 P-c5
With this move Black threatens Q-a5, attacking the Knight c3 for
the second time and unpinning the Knight f6 who is then free to
cooperate with the Bishop b4 and the Queen by advancing to e4. In
trying to counter Black's threat White will seek to do as much as
he can for the development of his pieces so as to combine the
attack with defense. The King's Bishop is not yet developed, and
his most natural developing move happens to cover the square at
which Black is aiming with his Knight.
(7) B-d3 Q-a5
(8) Q-b3
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | | #K | | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | | #Kt| | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | #P | #Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | #Q | | #P | #P | | | ^B | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | #B | ^P | ^P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^Q | ^Kt| ^B | ^P | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | | ^K | | | ^R |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 70.
White has to be very careful on account of the various exchanges
possible in the center. Black threatens for instance to exchange
first on d4 and then to play Kt-e4 so that the Bishop g5 is
attacked by the Queen in case White takes the Knight with his
Bishop, allowing the Pawn d5 to clear the fifth rank. Or he might
play Kt-e4 first and then exchange on d4. Considering that all
these threats are based on the fact that the Knight c3 is pinned
as long as White has not yet castled it lies near for White to
try (8) o-o. It is true that Black can then win a Pawn by taking
twice on c3; however, in doing so he would retard his development
and White is bound to obtain a strong attack by getting all of
his pieces quickly into action, while Black's Queen is separated
from the rest of her troops.
White's eighth move, Q-b3, has several drawbacks. First of all
Black could play P-b5! winning a piece for three Pawns as White
cannot do better than play (9) Pxb5 or Pxd5 allowing P-C4.
Secondly, Black can make the combination indicated above which
tends to open the fifth rank so that the Queen attacks g5. The
same combination would be possible if White played (8) Q-C2.
(8) ... Kt-e4
(9) o-o
Offering the Pawn sacrifice Ktxc3; (10) Pxc3, Bxc3 with the view
to attacking by (11) R-c1, etc., as previously indicated. Black
prefers to direct his attack against g5.
(9) ... Ktxg5
(10) Ktxg5 Pxd4
(11) Kt-b5
(11) Pxd4 would lose a piece on account of Pxc4, attacking the
Bishop on d3 and the Knight on g5. Black could now win a Pawn by
taking on d3, but this would be very dangerous as it would open
the f-file for White's Rook.
(11) ... Kt-c5
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | | #K | | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | #Q | ^Kt| #Kt| #P | | | ^Kt| |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | #B | ^P | #P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^Q | | ^B | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 71.
The position is getting very complicated indeed. The first
possibility which White will consider is (12) Kt-d6+; but after
K-e7 there seems to be no satisfactory continuation. For
instance: (13) Q-C2, Ktxd3; (14) Ktd6xf7, R-f8 winning two
Knights for the Rook. Or: (14) Ktxc8+ ?, Ra8xc8; (15) Qxd3, Pxc4
winning a piece. Therefore, White has no alternative but to
retire the Queen.
(12) Q-c2 Ktxd3
(13) Qxd3 P-a6
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | | #K | | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | #Q | ^Kt| | #P | | | ^Kt| |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | #B | ^P | #P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | ^Q | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | | | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 72.
It is not easy for Black to retain tide Pawn which he has won. If
he plays (13) ..., B-e7; (14) Kt-f3, Pxe3; White can continue
(15) Pxd5 with good attacking chances on account of the open
files in the center of the board, of which Black cannot yet make
any use as he has not yet castled.
By P-a6 Black opens again the fifth rank in order to operate
against the Knight g5.
(14) Ktxd4 Pxc4
(15) Qxc4 B-d7
(16) Kt-b3
A very bad move, as it violates the general principles of
strategy. In withdrawing the Knight from the dominating center
square White decreases his mobility instead of increasing it.
The logical continuation would have been Rf1-d1 or Ra1-c1,
developing one of the Rooks.
(16) ... Qxg5
(17) Qxb4 B-c6
Black would not have been able to occupy this favorable square
with his Bishop, had not White withdrawn his Knight from d4.
(18) P-e4 P-a5
This forces the Queen out of the diagonal a3-f8 as the Pawn e4
has to be kept protected.
(19) Q-d2 Qxd2
Black demonstrates in a very simple manner that the exchange of
Queens is disadvantageous for White, a fact that White should
have foreseen as the unprotected Knight on d2 enables Black to
gain control of the d-file by castling on the Queen's side.
(20) Ktxd2 o-o-o
(21) Kt-c4
White cannot play R-d1 on account of R-d4, threatening Rh8-d8.
(21) ... Bxe4
(22) Rf1-c1
This merely drives the Black King to a safe place. Ktxa5 was
indicated. R-d2 could then have been answered by (23) R-c1+ and
(24) R-C4.
(22) ... K-b8
(23) P-f3
Again a move which helps the opponent as it drives the Bishop
where he wants to go.
(23)... B-d5
(24) Ktxa5 R-c8
(25) P-b3
This situation furnishes an instructive example of the importance
of the rules governing Pawn formations as previously discussed.
By attacking the Knight with the King Black can force the
exchange of the Bishop for the Knight on c4.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | #K | #R | | | | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | ^Kt| | | #B | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^P | | | | ^P | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | | | | | | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | ^R | | | | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 73.
This leaves White with a Pawn on c4 who is weak on account of his
advanced position. Black can attack him with the King and White's
King is consequently compelled to stay on the Queen's wing
guarding the Pawn, while Black is at leisure to secure a passed
Pawn on the King's wing. These maneuvers are, of course, possible
only with the Rooks off the board. That is why Black tries to
force their exchange and why White should endeavor to prevent it.
(25) ... Rxc1+
(26) Rxc1 R-c8
(27) Rxc8+
In view of the hopeless Pawn ending it would have been best to
give up a Pawn by (27) R-d1, P-b6; (28) Kt-c4, Bxc4; (29) Pxc4,
Rxc4; (30) R-d2 in order to keep a Rook on the board, thus
obtaining a drawing chance.
(27) ... Kxc8
(28) K-f2 K-c7
(29) K-e3 K-b6
(30) Kt-c4+ Bxc4
(31) Pxc4 K-c5
(32) K-d3 P-e5
Black's strategy in this ending is clearly indicated. He will
play P-f5 and advance the e-Pawn as soon as White plays K-c3.
Instead of the latter move White could play P-a3 which would also
keep Black's King from b4; but he would soon run out of spare
moves with his Pawns necessitating a King's move. For instance,
(32) P-a3, P-f5; (33) P-g4, P-g6; (34) P-h3, P-h6; (35) P-h4, P-
h5; (36) P-g5, P-b6!; (37) K-c3, P-e4; (38) P-f4, P-e3; (39) K-
d3, P-e2; (40) Kxe2, Kxc4; (41) K-e3, P-b5.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #K | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | ^P | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | ^K | | ^P | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | | | | | | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 74.
Black needs now only six moves to queen the Pawn b5 while White
in the meantime cannot do more than capture the g- and h-Pawns,
and Black's Queen can naturally stop the White passed Pawns
without difficulty. The game proceeded as follows:
(33) P-g4 P-f6
(34) P-h4 P-g6
(35) K-e4 K-d6
Black could just as well have captured the Pawn c4 and permitted
(36) P-g5, Pxg5; (37) Pxg5.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | | | | | | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | #K | | #P | #P | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | ^P | | ^K | | ^P |^P |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | ^P | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 75.
He would then have had a Queen in another eight moves while White
could not get farther with his Pawn than to g7, so that Black
easily wins.
To march against the Pawn b7 instead of the Pawns on the
King's side would not help White either, as he does not get back
to the King's wing in time to protect his f- and g-Pawn.
(36) P-f4 Pxf4
(37) Kxf4 K-c5
(38) P-h5 Kxc4
(39) K-e4 P-b5
(40) P-a3 K-c5
(41) Resigns.
V
PROBLEMS
To offer an exhaustive treatise on the manifold varieties of
Chess problems is not within the scope of this book. The
intention of the author is merely to make it quite clear to the
reader that the Chess problem, apart from the moves of the men,
has no relation to the game and to illustrate the vast difference
between PROBLEM combinations and positions and GAME combinations
and positions by a few typical examples from the works of master
composers.
The mating methods and mating positions in the actual game very
rarely embody an element of surprise. They are all known from
previous experience and the question is merely whether the player
concerned is familiar with them. With the problem it is
altogether different. Here the mate must be accomplished in a
certain number of moves from a given position in some ingenious
way which is not known from game practice, or, if the mating
METHOD is not extraordinary, the mating POSITION must be
surprising and unlooked for.
Moreover, a number of laws must be obeyed in problem composition,
which by the general consent of problemists, or rather by natural
evolution of a more refined taste, have become the standards by
which the merits of a problem are judged.
There is first of all the law of economy in material which
demands that the idea of the problem should be expressed with the
least possible number of men, and that no pieces should be added
for the mere sake of increasing the number of variations. Then,
of course, a problem should have only one solution. A position
which has more than one key move is not considered a problem,
because the main point at issue in a problem is not the NUMBER of
moves in which the mate is accomplished but the METHOD in which
it is accomplished, and of two possible solutions one will always
be prettier so that the existence of the other must necessarily
appear a blemish.
A very important law is that the first move of White (who by
general consent has always the attack) must not deprive the black
King of a flight square, as this would be too brutal, too obvious
a procedure. The more possibilities of defense are left to Black
the more surprising is the solution and the finer is the problem.
Many problem solvers are under the false impression that the
first move in a problem must not be a check. This argument is
valid only when by the check the number of defensive moves is
limited, but this is not necessarily the case, as can be seen for
instance in problem No. 2, in which Black has to move his King
anyway, there being no other black piece on the board.
The position of Diagram 76 is an example of how a problem should
NOT be constructed. There is a tremendous number of pieces on the
board which have nothing to do with the idea of the problem. The
latter is one of the most primitive ideas used in problem
composition and has been expressed by many composers in charming
forms, so that there was no need for the above monstrous addition
to the problem literature. The key move is Q-h7 so as to pin the
Rook f5 in case Black plays K-d3 and to enable the mate (2) Rxf3.
However, if Black replies (1) ..., P-d3 or Bxe1, neither the
Queen nor the Rook f4 are necessary, but the mate is accomplished
by some of the other white pieces which are lavishly distributed
over the board.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | ^Q |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | ^Kt| | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | ^P | | ^P | #R | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | ^B | | #P | #P | | ^R | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | #P | | #K | | | #P | ^Kt| |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | | | #B | | ^P | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^K | #Kt| | ^R | ^B | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 76.--Mate in Two Moves
A striking contrast will be found in the following problem which
is based on the same idea but in which all unnecessary material
is dispensed with.
The key move is B-c1, in order to mate with the Queen on b3 in
case Black takes the Rook a3. If Black moves the Rook, White
mates by Qxb6, and if the Pawn b6 advances (2) Qxe7 is mate.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | ^K | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | #P | ^B | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | #P | | | #Q | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | #K | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | ^R | | | | ^B | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | #R | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 77.--Problem No. 1.
Mate In Two Moves.
In problem No. 2 the mating maneuver does not involve a special
trick; the idea of the composer was merely to arrive at an
extraordinary mating position, and he added considerably to the
value of the problem by producing the same mating position in
several variations. The key move is B-b3+. Black has three moves
in reply. If K-e4, White mates by (2) Q-f2, K-d3; (3) Q-f3. If K-
c6, the mate is accomplished by (2) B-b4, K-b5; (3) Q-b7; and if
K-d6, White answers (2) B-c4, K-c6; (3) Q-c7 mate.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | ^K | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | ^Q | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | #K | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^B | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | ^B | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 78.--Problem No. 2.
Mate In Three Moves.
A favorite trick with composers is to provide a stalemate which
they relieve by obstructing the way of one of the pieces involved
in the stalemate. The move which is thereby allowed Black's King
exposes him to a discovered mate. The key move of problem No.3 is
P-g8 (becomes Knight). After P-b5 Black is stalemate, but White
relieves the stalemate by (2) Kt-e7, allowing Black to take the
Knight on b4, and then mates by Kt-c6.
In trying to solve a problem it is a good method to examine
Black's moves first. Often it will be found that whatever Black
moves White can mate in reply so that all that is necessary is to
find a first move for White, which leaves the position unchanged
as far as the different mating threats are concerned. If Black
has one or more moves at his disposal in reply to which there is
no mate, the way is indicated in which to provide for these
defenses.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | ^B | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | | | ^P | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | #P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | ^Kt| | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | #K | ^P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | ^K | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 79.--Problem No. 3.
Mate In Three Moves.
In problem No. 4 for instance, it is evident that Black has to
keep the two squares b8 and b4 guarded on which the Knight a6
threatens mate. Of course, Black can take the Bishop f5,
relieving the mating threat but White can move the Bishop to some
other square in the diagonal h3-c8. Still, Black would have the
defense Q-f8. This suggests as White's first move B-c8,
interrupting the line from f8 to b8.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | ^K | ^Kt| | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | ^Kt| ^P | #K | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | | #P | | ^B | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | #P | | | | #Q | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 80.--Problem No. 4.
Mate In Two Moves
The only square for Black's Queen from which to guard both b4 and
b8 is then d6; but there the Queen blocks a flight square of the
King, freeing the Knight b7 and enabling the mate Kt-a5.
The most difficult problems, of course, are those in which no
mate is threatened in the initial position and in which Black can
apparently foil all attempts to build a mating net. An example is
the following position which illustrates the so-called "Roman
idea."
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | ^Kt| | | #B | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | ^B | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | ^K | | | ^P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | #K | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | | ^Q | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 81.--Problem No. 5.
Mate In Four Moves.
Black's King is stalemate so that any check with the Knight would
settle him. However, Black's Bishop guards the squares c5 and d6
from which the Knight could threaten a mate, and if White makes a
waiting move with the Queen in the second rank to force Black's
Bishop from his defensive position, Black replies B-g5 and takes
the Pawn e3 on the following move, relieving the stalemate. The
same maneuver would foil White's attempt to checkmate by (1) Q-
e2, (2) B-d3 and (3) Q-c2, and the position really does not
betray any other mating possibility.
The key of this exceptionally fine and difficult problem is (1)
Kt-d6, forcing Bxd6. The idea of this sacrifice is to change the
line of defense of the black Bishop from the diagonal h4-d8 to
the diagonal h2-b8, so that he is compelled to defend the threat
Q-e2, etc., indicated above by moving to f4, that is to a square
on which he can be taken. After (2) Q-e2, B-f4; (3) Pxf4 the
stalemate is relieved and Black can take the Pawn d4. But a most
surprising mate is now possible, which could not possibly have
been foreseen in the original position, namely: (4) Q-e5.
Problems in which no definite number of moves are stipulated for
the mate are usually called STUDIES or ENDINGS. They are nothing
but game positions in which a maneuver forces the win that is so
well hidden that it would probably not be found by a player in an
actual game. The following two positions are examples of this
class of compositions.
The first move is evident. White must play (1) P-c7, as otherwise
Black retreats with the Rook in the d-file and occupies the c-
file so that he can be sacrificed at any time for White's
dangerous Pawn.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | ^K | ^P | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | #R | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | #K | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 82.--WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN.
After (1) ..., R-d6+ White can neither go to b7 on account of R-
d7 nor can he play K-c6 or c5 on account of R-d1 followed by R-c1
whereby Black would draw. The only way to win is: (2) K-b5, R-
d5+; (3) K-b4, R-d4+; (4) K-b3, R-d3+; (5) K-c2. At last White
has succeeded in guarding his rear, and it seems as if Black
could not any longer prevent the Pawn from Queening. However,
Black plays (5) ..., R-d4 and if White queens the Pawn he gives
check on C4 forcing Qxc4 which would stalemate the King.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | ^K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | | | ^P | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | #B | ^B | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | ^Kt| | | #P | | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | #K | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 83.--White to Move and Draw.
This is the point where the problem-trick enters the game. White
does not promote the Pawn to a Queen but to a Rook, avoiding the
stalemate and threatening mate on a8. Black's only defense is R-
a4 and now White wins by (7) K-b3 attacking the Rook and
threatening mate on c1 at the same time.
In the position of Diagram 83 Black threatens to queen either of
his Pawns. White can play (1) Kt-e3+ K-e2; (2) Bxh2, but after
Kxe3 there seems to be no way of stopping the Pawn f2.
+---------------------------------------+
8 | #K | #B | | ^Q | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | ^P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | ^P | | ^Kt| | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | ^P | | ^Kt| | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | #K | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h
DIAGRAM 84.--Sui-Mate in Six Moves
Again an ingenious trick is available which leads to an
unexpected finish. White plays (3) K-h8 threatening to Queen his
Pawn and forcing B-d5. Then he gives up his Pawn by (4) P-g8
(Queen) and after Bxg8 he saves the game by (5) B-g1 !! If Black
takes the Bishop promoting the Pawn to a Queen or a Rook White is
stalemate. Otherwise the draw is forced by either Kxg8 or Bxf2.
It remains to explain the meaning of the so- called sui-mates. A
sui-mate is a problem in which White has to play so as to force
Black to checkmate him (White) in a certain number of moves. One
of the most beautiful examples in the literature is the above six
mover, the solution of which runs as follows: (1) Kt-b5, Pxb5;
(2) Kt-a6, Pxa6. One should not think that White can force Black
to checkmate in four more moves; but: (3) K-d4, K-b7; (4) Q-d5+,
K-c8; (5) P-b7+, K-c7; (6) K-c5 and Black has no other move
except B-a7, checkmating White.