Chapter XII: Part II: Illustrative Games From Master Tournaments (2)

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to prevent the sacrifice of a pawn by P-R5, which would bring the Black Rook into play.

27. ... R-Kt1
28. R-Q3 Q-Kt4
29. K-R2 Q-K2
30. P-B4 Q-B2
31. P-K6!!

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7 | | | #P | #P | | #Q | #P | #K |
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6 | | | #P | | ^P | | #P | #P |
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5 | #P | | ^Kt| | | | | |
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4 | ^P | | ^P | ^Q | | ^P | | |
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3 | | ^P | | ^R | | | | ^P |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 115

A beautiful move which robs Black of his last chance of freeing his Queen’s side, which he might have accomplished by the pawn sacrifice of P-Q3.

31. ... PxP
32. Q-K5 Q-K2
33. P-KKt4 R-Kt5
34. K-Kt3 R-Kt3
35. P-R4 Q-B1
36. P-R5 PxP
37. QxRP R-Kt1
38. Q-K5 R-Kt3
39. P-Kt5 P-R4
40. P-Kt6ch

The end is near. Black must take, as QxRP forces a speedy

40. ... KxP
41. Q-Kt5ch K-R2
42. QxRPch K-Kt1
43. Q-Kt5

threatening R-Q8

43. ... K-B2
44. R-Q8 Q-K2
45. Q-R5ch Resigns.

Loss of the Queen and mate in a few moves cannot be prevented. Black has played the whole game practically with two pieces less, and the mate was really only a matter of time.

GAME No. 12

White: Teichmann. Black: Rubinstein.

Ruy Lopez (see p. 37).

1. P-K4 P-K4
2. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3
3. B-Kt5 P-QR3
4. B-R4

By exchanging the Bishop White could not prove P-QR3 to be a lost move, for Black, by retaking with the QP, obtains open lines for Q and QB, and in addition to an easy development, retains two Bishops. This is a set-off against a certain weakness in Black’s game, which may be found in the fact that after P-Q4, PxP, White has four pawns to three on the King’s side, while his three pawns on the Queen’s side are able to hold the four opposing pawns, one of which is doubled. But this weakness can only tell in the end- game, which is too far ahead for practical purposes, and to which it may not come at all. An example of the usual line of play will be found in Game No. 18.

4. ... Kt-B3
5. Castles B-K2
6. R-K1 P-QKt4
7. B-Kt3 P-Q3
8. P-B3

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8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | | | #R |
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6 | #P | | #Kt| #P | | #Kt| | |
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5 | | #P | | | #P | | | |
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4 | | | | | ^P | | | |
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3 | | ^B | ^P | | | ^Kt| | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | | ^P | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 116

8. ... Castles

In Capablanca’s opinion Black should not castle before White’s intentions in the centre have been made clear. It makes a great difference whether White plays his QP to Q4 or to Q3 only.

If after 8. ... QKt-R4; 9. B-B2, P-B4 White plays: 10. P-Q4, his intention is to move his pawn further to Q5 as soon as Black has castled, and then to attack on the King’s wing with QKt-Q2-B1-K3, P-KKt4 and Kt-B5. For this reason Black should force White to disclose whether he intends to exchange his QP or to advance it to Q5. In the latter case Black can refrain from castling altogether and counter-attack on the King’s wing, e.g., 10. P-Q4, Q-B2; 11. P-KR3, B-Q2; 12. QKt-Q2, R-QB1; if now: 13. P-Q5 then P-R3 followed by P-Kt4-Kt5 gives Black many chances. If on the contrary 13. PxP, then Black need no longer fear an attack on the King’s side after he has castled, as his Rooks will have a favourable opportunity for operating on the open Queen’s file. However, there is still the disadvantage for Black of having advanced Queen’s side pawns, which are liable to attack (P-QR4).

The game takes a different course when Black exchanges the pawns in the centre. The continuation would then be: 11. ... Kt-B3; 12. Q Kt-Q2, B-Q2; 13. Kt-B1, PxP; 14. PxP, PxP; 15. B-Kt5, Q- Kt3. It is difficult to decide which side has the advantage. Black has an extra pawn, but White has the initiative.

If in Diag. 116, after 8. ... Castles White plays 9. P-Q4 at once, Black has an opportunity for the following interesting attack: 9. P-Q4, B-Kt5; 10. B-K3, KtxKP; 11. B-Q5, Q-Q2; 12. BxKKt, P-Q4; 13. B-B2, P-K5 14. P-KR3, B-R4; 15. Kt-K5, BxQ; 16. KtxQ, BxB; 17. KtxR, RxKt. White cannot take advantage of his Rooks, as there is no open file, whilst Black threatens to initiate a strong attack with P-B4.

Aljechin has analysed a variation of this line of play, which he thinks leads finally to White’s advantage: 12. PxP, Kt-Kt4; 13. BxKt, BxB; 14. P-KR3, BxKt; 15. QxB, KtxP; 16. RxKt, PxR; 17. BxR, B-B8; 18. Kt-R3, Q-Q7. I doubt that White can win this game.

9. P-Q3

In this less aggressive continuation, in which nothing is immediately attempted against Black’s centre, White prepares gradually for a King’s side attack, as in this game with Kt-Q2- B1-Kt3. But Black should obtain time for operations in the centre.

9. ... Kt-QR4
10. B-B2 P-B4
11. QKt-Q2 Kt-B3
12. P-QR4

In many variations of the Ruy Lopez, this advance is always good, if Black cannot avoid exchanging the pawn, because the White Queen’s Rook, which only gets into play with difficulty, can either be exchanged or hold the Rook’s file. In any case the Black Knight’s pawn is weak for the end-game. If, as in the present game. Black can play P-Kt5, P-R4 is useless and even doubtful, as the Rook’s pawn itself may become weak in the end- game.

12. ... B-Kt2

This causes the loss of the game. In the Ruy Lopez the Bishop is nearly always needed on the diagonal QB1-KR6, to prevent a Knight from settling at White’s KB5, which otherwise cannot be repelled except by P-KKt3, a most undesirable consummation. The proper continuation would have been P-Kt5, B-K3, Q-B2 and P-Q4, capturing the Queen’s file. Compare note to move 13 in the next game.

13. Kt-B1 Q-B2
14. Kt-Kt3 P-Kt3

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8 | #R | | | | | #R | #K | |
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7 | | #B | #Q | | #B | #P | | #P |
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6 | #P | | #Kt| #P | | #Kt| #P | |
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5 | | #P | #P | | #P | | | |
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4 | ^P | | | | ^P | | | |
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3 | | | ^P | ^P | | ^Kt| ^Kt| |
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2 | | ^P | ^B | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | ^B | ^Q | ^R | | ^K | |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 117

Here is the weakness. White first provides against Black’s P-Q4, and then starts a sharp attack on the King’s side.

15. B-Kt5 QR-Q1

P-Q4 at once is not feasible, because of BxKt.

16. PxP PxP
17. Q-B1

This brings the Q away from her file, which Black could now secure by P-Q4, followed by PxP.

17. ... KR-K1

The proper continuation is the one outlined in the note above.

18. P-R3

White has now ample leisure to prepare the advance of his KBP.

18. ... R-R1
19. RxR RxR
20. Kt-R2 B-QB1
21. P-KB4 Kt-K1
22. P-B5 BxB
23. QxB Q-K2

Black seeks salvation in exchanges, which White, of course, tries to avoid, having good prospects of driving home his attack. His pieces are concentrated on the King’s side, whilst the Black forces are scattered, and unable to get back in time for the defence. Moreover, it is likely that the weakness at Black’s KR3 and KB3 will prove fatal as the Black KB is exchanged.

24. Q-R6 Q-B1
25. Q-B1 Q-Kt2
26. R-B1 P-Kt4

White was threatening to play Kt-Kt4 with PxP and Kt-R6.

27. Kt-Kt4 Kt-B3
28. KtxKtch QxKt

One of the attacking Knights is eliminated. But there is another, which forces the entry at KB6 and KKt6.

29. P-R4

to gain access for the White Queen at KR6. If Black, captures there follows: 30. Kt-R5, Q-Q1; 31. Q-R6, Q-B1; 32. Kt-B6ch, an instructive example of the weakness created by P-KKt3.

29. ... P-R3
30. Kt-R5 Q-Q1
31. P-B6

All this is easy to understand.

31. ... K-R2
32. PxP B-Kt5
33. Kt-Kt7 K-Kt3
34. B-Q1 Q-Q2
35. Kt-B5 BxKt
36. PxBch Resigns.

The conclusion might be: K-R2; 37. B-R5, PxP; 38. QxP, R-KKt1; 39. B-Kt6ch, PxB; 40. Q-R4 mate.

GAME No. 13

White: Teichmann. Black: Schlechter.

Ruy Lopez (see p. 37).

Move 1-8 as in Game No. 12.

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6 | #P | | #Kt| #P | | #Kt| | |
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5 | | #P | | | #P | | | |
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4 | | | | | ^P | | | |
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3 | | ^B | ^P | | | ^Kt| | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | | ^P | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^R | | ^K | |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 118

9. P-Q3 Kt-QR4
10. B-B2 P-B4
11. QKt-Q2 Q-B2

Supporting, as it does, the KP, this is not a lost move, although White has not played P-Q4. It prepares Black’s P-Q4 (after Kt- B3), the KP being fully protected against White’s double attack by PxP.

12. Kt-B1 Kt-B3
13. Kt-K3 B-Kt2

The logical move would have been B-K3, to enforce P-Q4. Black is then very well developed, whilst White labours under a somewhat undeveloped Queen’s side. An attempt to exert pressure in the centre with P-Q4 in order to prevent Black’s P-Q4 would be belated. Black would gain the advantage by: l4. ... KPxP; 15. PxP, PxP; 16. KtxP, KtxKt; 17. QxKt, Kt-Kt5! Nor would B-Kt5 before Kt-K3 be more successful; after B-K3; 14. Kt-K3, QR-Q1; 15. P-Q4, BPxP; 16. PxP, PxP; 17. KtxP, KtxKt; 18. QxKt, Q-B4, Black has the better chances in the end-game. The move in the text is not good because, as we saw before, the Bishop is wanted on the other diagonal to cover the square at KB4.

14. Kt-B5 KR-K1
15. B-Kt5 Kt-Q2

Even now it was desirable to aim at P-Q4, therefore QR-Q1 was preferable.

16. B-Kt3

The position of the White pieces points to a dangerous menace to the opposing King’s side.

16. ... Kt-B1
17. B-Q5!!

The beginning of a brilliant combination. BxKt is threatened, and Black must first cover his B at K2.

17. ... Kt-Kt3
18. BxB KKtxB

QKtxB is not feasible, because of BxB and KtxQP.

19. BxPch!! KxB
20. Kt-Kt5ch

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6 | #P | | #Kt| #P | | | | |
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5 | | #P | #P | | #P | ^Kt| ^Kt| |
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2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 119

Quite a number of charming combinations are hidden in this position. If K-Kt3 or Kt1, then 21. KtxKtP! If K-B3 White can capture the RP first with check.

20. ... K-Kt1
21. Q-R5 KtxKt
22. QxRPch K-B1
23. QxKtch K-Kt1
24. Q-Kt6!!!

The point. This prevents P-Kt3, which would allow Black to bring up his Q for the defence at Kt2. Now nothing can be done against the threatening R-K3-B3 or R3.

24. ... Q-Q2
25. R-K 3 Resigns

A wonderful game in which Teichmann, the great judge of position, proves himself also a master in hand-to-hand fighting, in the wild chaos of sacrificial combinations.

GAME No. 14

White: Spielmann. Black: Tarrasch.

Ruy Lopez (see p. 41).

1. P-K4 P-K4
2. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3
3. B-KT5 P-QR3
4. B-R4 Kt-B3
5. Castles Kt-P
6. P-Q4

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8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | #B | | #R |
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7 | | #P | #P | #P | | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | #P | | #Kt| | | | | |
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5 | | | | | #P | | | |
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4 | ^B | | | ^P | #Kt| | | |
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3 | | | | | | ^Kt| | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | | ^R | ^K | |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 120

In a game between Riga and Berlin PxP was tried for the first time, a bold venture which anticipates White’s desire to open the King’s file. After 7. R-K1 Black can defend the Kt by P-Q4, but after 8. KtxP White threatens again to win the Kt by P-KB3, besides attacking the QKt a second time. However, Black has a surprising answer in readiness. He initiates a violent counter attack which keeps White busy until Black, by castling, escapes the dangers of the double pin. (Compare Game No. 17.)

6. ... P-QKt4
7. B-Kt3 P-Q4
8. P-QR4

This gives Black an opportunity of disposing of his QKt by exchanging it, thereby enabling him to round off his pawn position by P-QB4, at the same time threatening to cut off the Bishop by P-B5. 8. PxP followed by P-B3 is the natural continuation, as shown in the first part of this book, because the Bishop, retreating to B2, can operate on a useful diagonal.

8. ... QKtxP!

QR-Kt1 would not be so good, because White obtains an open file for his Rook. The move in the text is an absolutely valid defence, as was proved by Schlechter in his match against Lasker.

9. KtxKt PxKt
10. Kt-B3

PxP and P-B3 seems a more natural continuation.

10. ... KtxKt

Not PxKt, on account of BxP.

11. PxKt P-QB4
12. RPxP B-K2

in order to castle in reply to B-R4.

13. Q-B3

Here White should have got back his second pawn by PxQP. If then 13. ... P-B5; 14. B-R4, Castles; 15. PxP, BxP, White plays P-QB3, providing a retreat for his R or B. After the move in the text this manœuvre becomes impossible, because the B after P-B3 can be attacked twice but has lost the support of the Queen.

13. ... B-K3
14. RxP Castles
15. PxP P-B5
16. B-R2

Now the Bishop is hemmed in permanently; in other words, Black is a piece up and must win easily. Therefore 16. B-R4 was compulsory in order to get at any rate three pawns for the piece, thus: 16. ... B-Q2; 17. QxP, RxR; 18. PxR, BxB; 19. QxP.

16. ... RxR
17. PxR Q-R4
18. B-Kt1 P-B6
19. Q-Kt3

White tries to work up an attack on the King’s side while Black is still occupied on the other wing.

19. ... R-B1
20. P-B4 B-KB4
21. R-K1 B-B3
22. K-R1

In order to answer BxQP by 23. B-K3 and P-R7, 22. ... QxP is not feasible because of QxP.

22. ... P-R3
23. P-R3 R-Kt1
24. B-K3 QxP
25. R-Q1 Q-R8
26. Q-K1

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8 | | #R | | | | | #K | |
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7 | | | | | | #P | #P | |
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6 | | | | | | #B | | #P |
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5 | | | | #P | | #B | | |
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4 | | | | ^P | | ^P | | |
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3 | | | #P | | ^B | | | ^P |
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2 | | | ^P | | | | ^P | |
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1 | #Q | ^B | | ^R | ^Q | | | ^K |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 121

The sequel forms an instructive example of how superior development can afford winning chances even when there is no immediate prospect of material gain. The opposing pieces are gradually constricted until the defending lines are weakened by compulsory pawn moves. In the present position Black quietly sets to work to bring his Bishops to bear on the White King.

26. ... B-K5
27. K-R2 B-K2
28. Q-B1

to free his game somewhat with P-B5, which Black prevents at once.

28. ... P-B4
29. R-K1 B-R5

Being probably short of time, Black makes a few irrelevant moves. If his aim was not the opening of the KKt file but the subsequent sacrifice of the Queen, he might have played Q-Kt7 at once, followed by Q-Kt4.

30. P-Kt3 B-K2
31. B-B2 B-Q3
32. R-B1 K-R2
33. R-K1 R-Kt3
34. R-B1 B-R6
35. R-K1 Q-Kt7
36. Q-K2 R-Kt5
37. R-Kt1 R-Kt3

Otherwise White might embark upon a counter attack, beginning with P-Kt4. Now this is impossible on account of R-Kt3.

38. R-K1 Q-Kt4
39. Q-R5

After the exchange of Queens, Black would win easily by R-Kt7. 39. B-R2 also fails on account of QxQ; 40. RxQ, R-Kt7; 41. B-Kt3, B-Q6!; 42. R-K5, BxP, and the passed pawn costs a Rook. With the text move, White provokes the sacrifice of the Queen at Kt 8, apparently not seeing the fine continuation at Black’s disposal on the forty-first move.

39. ... QxB!
40. RxQ RxR
41. P-Kt4

Compulsory. B-Kt1 would be followed by R-QB8, etc.

41. ... B-B8!!
Resigns.

There might follow 42. K-Kt3, P-Kt3; 43. Q-R4, BxPch; 44. KxB, P- Kt4ch, and so on. 4l. ... B-Q3 would have given White a little respite, though his game would still have been hopeless after PxP and R-K8.

GAME No. 15

White: Aljechin. Black: Niemzowitsch.

Ruy Lopez (see p. 41).

1. P-K4 P-K4
2. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3
3. B-Kt5 P-QR3
4. B-R4 Kt-B3
5. Castles KtxP
6. P-Q4 P-QKt4
7. B-Kt3 P-Q4
8. PxP B-K3
9. P-B3 B-K2
10. R-K1

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8 | #R | | | #Q | #K | | | #R |
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7 | | | #P | | #B | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | #P | | #Kt| | #B | | | |
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5 | | #P | | #P | ^P | | | |
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4 | | | | | #Kt| | | |
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3 | | ^B | ^P | | | ^Kt| | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^R | | ^K | |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 122

This is one of the most important positions in the Ruy Lopez. Black has the better development, but his centre is less secure. Whilst White has a pawn secured in the centre, Black has a Knight there which will soon be driven away. White’s Q4, the basis of his centre, is entirely in his hands, while Black’s Q4 is exposed to a steady pressure by the White pieces. Finally Black’s Q Kt is unfavourably placed, obstructing as it does the QBP and preventing it from falling into line with its fellows. In Petrograd, 1909, Lasker tried the following new defence: Kt-B4 followed by B-Kt5, giving up the moves gained before in order to relieve the pressure on the Black QP and to exchange the same ultimately at Q5. The various possibilities of the position have been discussed in connection with Diag. 22. It may be added that after 10. ... Castles; QKt-Q2 is surely a better move than the usual Kt-Q4, as the Queen’s side should be developed before undertaking an attack (11. ... Q-Q2?; 12. KtxB, followed by RxKt). For a long time it was thought that after Kt-Q4 Black had to exchange Knights, which enables White to make the pawn at QB7 “backward” by B-K3. For Black must first play P-KR3 to guard his Kt against the threat of P-B3 and P-KR4. However, a sensational innovation which refutes the Kt’s move was introduced in Breslau in 1912. It is the following sacrifice: 10. ... Castles; 11. Kt- Q4, KtxKP!; 12. P-B3, B-Q3!!; 13. PxKt, B-Kt5!!; 14. Q-Q2, Q-R5 with an overpowering attack.

10. ... Kt-B4
11. B-B2 B-Kt5
12. Q Kt-Q2 Castles
13. Kt-Kt3 Kt-K5

Here Lasker played Kt-K3 against Janowski (Paris, 1912), but it proved to be inferior, because 14. Q-Q3 disorganises Black’s King’s side forcibly.

The move in the text is not really a pawn sacrifice. After 14. BxKt, PxB; 15. QxQ, QRxQ; 16. KKt-Q4, KtxKt; 17. KtxKt, R-Q4, White cannot play 18. RxP, because of P-QB4; 19. Kt-B2, B-B4 or 19. Kt-B3, R-Q8ch; 20. Kt-K1, B-B4; 21. R-K2, B-Q6; 22. R-K3, B- Kt4.

14. B-B4 P-B4
15. PxP e.p. KtxP(B3)
16. Q-Q3 Kt-K5?

This loses the QBP, and weakens the QP. Black might have tried BxKt; 17. QxB, B-Q3. It would then have been possible to support the QP by P-B3 after moving the Kt away. If Black was anxious to preserve his two Bishops he would even have risked P-Kt3. After 17. B-R6, R-B2, the Bishop could have been driven away again by the KKt from Kt1 or Kt5. The open file offered some compensation and chances of counter attack.

17. BxP Q-Q2

Not QxB because of QxPch.

18. Kt-K5 KtxKt
19. BxKt B-R5

RxP is bad because of 20. RxKt, B-KB4; 21. Q-Kt3.

20. B-Kt3 BxB
21. RPxB B-B4

Now RxP! was feasible with a level game after: 22. RxKt, B-B4! 23. KxR, BxR; 24. Q any, Q-B4ch, followed by BxB. After missing this chance, Black soon loses the game.

22. Q-Q4 KR-Q1
23. QR-Q1 Q-QB2
24. Kt-Q2 KtxKBP

A last and desperate attempt. Black obtains Rook and pawn against two minor pieces, but has no time to initiate an attack with the Rooks. The wisest plan was to give up the P, with a view to effecting the exchange of the minor pieces, because an ending with Queen and Rooks generally produces a draw. Black could not play KtxKtP instead of the move in the text because of 25. B- Kt3!.

25. BxB KtxR
26. RxKt QxKtP
27. B-K6ch K-R1
28. BxP QR-B1
29. Kt-K4 Q-R5
30. P-QKt3 R-B3

White now obtains a passed pawn, and a speedy win.

31. Q-B2 Q-R4
32. Q-B3 QxQ
33. PxQ P-Kt3
34. R-Q2 R-Kt3
35. P-QB4 PxP
36. PxP R-Kt8ch
37. K-B2 P-QR4
38. P-B5 R-QB8
39. P-B6 K-Kt2
40. B-B4! RxB
41. RxR RxP
42. R-Q7ch K-R3
43. K-Kt3 R-B5
44. Kt-B2 K-Kt4

Mate was threatened by: 45. Kt-Kt4ch, K-R4; 46. R-Q5ch, P-Kt4; 47. R-Q6 and R-R6 mate (or if RxKtch, PxR mate).

45. R-Q5ch K-B3
46. RxP Resigns

GAME No. 16

White: Yates. Black: Gunsberg.

Ruy Lopez.

1. P-K4 P-K4
2. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3
3. B-Kt5 P-QR3
4. B-R4 Kt-B3
5. Castles KtxP
6. P-Q4 P-QKt4
7. B-Kt3 P-Q4
8. PxP B-K3
9. P-QB3 B-K2
10. B-K3

in order to exchange the Black Knight if played to B4.

10. ... Castles
11. QKt-Q2

If Q-Q3, then Kt-R4; 12. QKt-Q2, P-QB4.

11. ... KtxKt

This furthers White’s development, and should not be played unless there is no other move available. To be considered are P- B4 and B-KKt5. An argument against P-B4 is that White can deprive Black’s weak centre pawn of one protecting piece (12. PxP e.p., KtxP (B3); 13. Kt-Kt5), and experience has shown that White obtains the superior game.

12. QxKt Kt-R4
13. B-B2 Kt-B5

A very dangerous manœuvre, as White can evade the exchange of his Bishop and the Black Kt does not get back in time for the defence of the K side, where White’s attack becomes virulent. He should have played P-QB4 followed by Kt-B3.

14. Q-Q3 P-Kt3
15. B-R6 KtxKtP
16. Q-K2 R-K1
17. Kt-Q4

Black had probably anticipated that White would be content with regaining his pawn by BxP, but, with fine positional insight, he retains his Bishop for the coming onslaught and speedily concentrates his forces on the K side; whilst Black, who has won a pawn at the expense of several moves, cannot mobilise an equivalent number of pieces in time for the defence.

17. ... Kt-B5
18. P-B4 B-Q2

White was threatening 19. Kt-B6, 20. KtxB, 21. B-Kt5, 22. B-B6; 18. ... Q-Q2 is not sufficient, as 19. P-B5 would follow. Neither can 18. ... B-QB4 be played because of 19. B-Kt5, Q-B1; 20. B-B6. Preferable to the text move seems B-KB1 (19. B-Kt5, Q-B1; 20. B- B6, B-Kt2), as then the Black pieces have more freedom of action.

19. QR-K1 P-QB4
20. P-K6

A brilliant sacrifice to which no satisfactory reply can be found. For instance, 20. ... PxKt; 21. Q-Kt4, Kt-K6, 22. RxKt, PxR; 23. P-B5, BxP; 24. PxB, PxP, 25. BxP, etc.; or 24. ... R- KB1; 25. PxPch, RxP; 26. Q-K6, Q-K1; 27. BxP, etc.; or 23. ... P- Kt4; 24. PxPch, KxP; 25. Q-R5ch, K-Kt1; 26. P-B6, BxP; 27. BxP, etc.; or 21. ... B-B4; 22. PxPch, KxP; 23. BxPch, PxB; 24. P-B5, etc. There are many variations, all leading to a speedy end.

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8 | #R | | | #Q | #R | | #K | |
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7 | | | | #B | #B | #P | | #P |
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6 | #P | | | | ^P | | #P | ^B |
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5 | | #P | #P | #P | | | | |
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4 | | | #Kt| ^Kt| | ^P | | |
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3 | | | ^P | | | | | |
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2 | ^P | | ^B | | ^Q | | ^P | ^P |
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1 | | | | | ^R | ^R | ^K | |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 123

20. ... B-KB3
21. P-Kt4 P-Kt
22. P-B5 P-Q6
23. BxP BxKP

If PxKP then 24. PxKtP, Kt-K4; 25. RxKt, BxR; 26. Q-R5, Q-B3; 27. RxQ, BxR; 28. PxPch, K-R1; 29. Q-B7, etc.; or 26. ... BxP; 27. B- B8, etc.

24. PxB Q-Kt3ch
25. K-R1 Resigns

GAME No. 17

White: Berlin. Black: Riga.

Ruy Lopez.

Move 1-6 as in Game No. 16.

Diag. 124

6. ... PxP

Compare note to move No. 6 in Game 14.

7. R-K1 P-Q4
8. KtxP B-Q3

This is the key to the variation. Black threatens to obtain a draw by perpetual check through BxPch, followed by Q-R5ch and QxPch. This is not good enough against a weaker opponent in a tournament, and a strong player cannot afford to play the Riga defence. But that is not a point against the variation. To prove it unsound, White has to find a win.

9. KtxKt BxPch
10. K-R1!

After 10. K-B1 Black has a tremendous attack, and drives it home before White can manage to bring his extra piece into play. A game Maroczy-Berger (Vienna, 1908) is an illustration of this. It continued in this way: 10. K-B1, Q-R5; 11. B-K3, Castles; 12. Kt- Q4, B-Kt5; 13. Kt-KB3, Q-R4. Now White has no satisfactory continuation. 14. Kt-Q2 obstructs the Queen, and it is difficult to bring the Rooks into concerted action. 14. Kt-B3, QR-Q1; 15. Q-Q3, BxKt; 16. PxB, QxP; 17. KtxKt, PxKt; 18. Q-B3, Q-R6ch; 19. K-K2, Q-Kt5ch; 20. K-B1, R-Q4; 21. B-Kt3, R-KR4; 22. P-B3, PxP; Resigns.

10. ... Q-R5

It now looks as if White were lost. But a fine sacrifice forces the exchange of all Black’s attacking pieces, and saves the situation.

11. RxKtch PxR
12. Q-Q8ch QxQ
13. KtxQch KxKt
14. KxB ...

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8 | #R | | #B | #K | | | | #R |
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7 | | #P | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | #P | | | | | | | |
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5 | | | | | | | | |
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4 | ^B | | | | #P | | | |
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3 | | | | | | | | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^K |
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1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | | | | | |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 125

After the terrible slaughter, the position is somewhat clearer. Black has a Rook and two pawns for two minor pieces, a slight advantage for the end-game, but as yet there is no thought of an end-game. White, in possession of two Bishops, with an open Queen’s file on which the Black King stands, has good attacking chances, and most masters would think the position favourable for White.

14. ... B-K3

P-KB4 is a plausible move, but is followed by a pretty mate by 15. B-Kt5. The move in the text threatens to eliminate the KB by P-QB4, P-QKt4.

15. B-K3 P-KB4
16. Kt-B3 K-K2
17. P-KKt4

Tarrasch recommends 17. R-Q1, threatening Kt-Q5ch. If P-B3, White could play 18. B-Kt6, thereby permanently preventing Black from contesting the Queen’s file, and then try to exchange Black’s B by Kt-K2-Q4. With two Bishops, White would then have winning chances.

A subtle idea underlies White’s move of P-KKt4. He wishes to take advantage of the fact that Black has exchanged the KB by playing P-Kt5, thus holding all the four pawns on the King’s side. But Black finds a surprising reply, which seems to refute White’s plan.

Capablanca played against Ed. Lasker (New York, 1915), 17. P- KKt4, P-KKt3; 18. K-Kt3, P-KR4; 19. PxBP, P-R5ch; 20. K-R2, PxP; 21. Kt-K2, P-Kt4; 22. B-Kt3, BxB; 23. RPxB, KR-KKt1; 24. R-Q1, QR-Q1; 25. RxR, KxR; 26. Kt-K4, winning a pawn.

17. ... P-KKt3
18. P-Kt5 QR-KKt1!!

Black offers the exchange in order to get rid of White’s QB. If White accepts the sacrifice, he loses his KKtP, and Black retains three passed pawns for the piece, at least an equivalent for the end-game. White should decline the doubtful gift and meet the threat of P-R3 and P-KKt4 with 19. R-KKt1.

19. B-Q4 P-R3
20. B-B6ch K-B2
21. BxR RxB
22. R-Q1

in order to play 23. B-Q7 in answer to P-B4. This explains White’s check at move 20.

22. ... PxPch
23. K-Kt2 K-B3!

If now 24. Kt-Q5ch, Black would assail the White King with K-K4; 25. KtxP, B-B5-K7-B6. The Black phalanx of pawns becomes menacing.

24. B-Kt3 BxB
25. RPxB K-K3
26. P-Kt4 R-R2

Black need no longer fear to exchange Rooks, for he would then threaten the Queen’s side pawns with his King whilst the passed pawns kept the White forces occupied.

27. Kt-K2 R-Q2
28. Kt-Q4ch K-B3
29. P-QB3 P-B3

The aim of this move is not clear. Black should adopt a forward policy with P-Kt5, P-B5, R-R2, etc.

30. R-KR1 P-Kt5
31. R-R8

Now none of the pawns can advance: P-B5 would be answered by 32. R-K8, R-K2; 33. RxR, KxR; 34. Kt-Kt3 and one of the pawns is lost.

31. ... R-K2
32. Kt-K2 R-Q2
33. Kt-Q4 R-K2
34. R-B8ch K-Kt2
35. R-Q8 P-B5
36. R-Q6 K-B2
37. Kt-B2 R-K3
38. R-Q7ch R-K2
39. R-Q6 R-K3
40. R-Q1

White tries to win at all costs--and loses. By a forcible advance on the Queen’s side, he creates new chances, but also new weaknesses.

40. ... K-B3
41. P-B4 R-K2
42. R-Q4 K-Kt4
43. R-Q6 P-K6!
44. P-B3

PxP fails on account of P-B6ch and R-R2.

44. ... P-K7
45. Kt-K1 P-Kt6
46. P-Kt5

Too late.

46. ... R-R2
47. PxBP PxP
48. R-K6 R-R7ch
49. K-Kt1 R-B7
50. Kt-B2 RxP
51. RxKP R-Q6
52. Kt-K1 R-Kt6
53. R-Q2 P-B6
54. Kt-Q3 P-R4
Resigns

The RP cannot be prevented from pushing on to R6, after which a mate is threatened by the BlacKRon the eighth rank. R-Q1 would then be compulsory. But that lets the Black Rook in on the seventh (KR-R7, followed by P-B7ch).

GAME No. 18.

Emanuel Lasker. Capablanca.

Ruy Lopez (see p. 37)

1. P-K4 P-K4
2. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3
3. B-Kt5 P-QR3
4. BxKtQ PxB
5. P-Q4 PxP

Worthy of consideration is: 5. ... B-KKt5; 6PxP, QxQch; 7. KxQ, Castles ch; 8. K-K2, R-K1; 9. P-KR3, BxKtch; 10. KxB, P-B3; with a good game. In this opening Black is justified in assuming the initiative, as the exchange, which has opened a diagonal for his QB, has furthered his development. If he does not do so, and confines himself to defending tamely, the chances are that he will lose on account of White’s majority of pawns on the King’s side.

6. QxP QxQ

Compulsory. If B-K3 instead, 7. B-B4 attacks QB7. B-Q3 in reply to that would be inferior. By exchanging Bishops White would render the Black QP “backward,” and on the open file its capture would be inevitable.

7. KtxQ B-Q3
8. Kt-QB3 Kt-K2

Black prepares to castle on the King’s side. It is more usual, and probably stronger, to castle on the Queen’s side, as the King then protects the QBP, which in the present case would be weak if Black’s KB were to be exchanged.

9. Castles Castles.
10. P-B4 R-K1

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7 | | #P | #P | | #Kt| #P | #P | #P |
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6 | #P | | #P | #B | | | | |
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5 | | | | | | | | |
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4 | | | | ^Kt| ^P | ^P | | |
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3 | | | ^Kt| | | | | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | ^B | | | ^R | ^K | |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 126

Black allows his opponent too much latitude on the King’s wing. He should prevent White’s P-B5, which obstructs his QB, by P-KB4. After P-K5 the game would be equalised by B-B4, BxKt, and B-K3.

A draw would then be practically certain, with the Bishops of opposite colours. Black probably thought White would not risk weakening his KP by P-B5. But with unfailing judgment Lasker foresees that, in consequence of the greater mobility of his pieces, his attack will be successful before a counter attack on the weak KP can be instituted.

11. Kt-Kt3 P-B3

Even now P-KB4 was imperative, though it would keep the Bishop from that square. The continuation could have been 12. P-K5, B- Kt5; 13. Kt-K2 (or R4), Kt-Q4, and the Bishop is safe.

12. P-B5!!

This move has a twofold aim. It shuts in the Bishop, and allows B-B4, exchanging the Black QB.

12. ... P-QKt3

The diagonal QR1-KR8 is the only one in which the Bishop has any prospects of action. However, as soon as he relinquishes his present diagonal, a White Knight settles at K6 and the Black Rooks are very much hampered.

13. B-B4 B-Kt2

Black should have exchanged the Bishops. Now he gets a weak pawn at Q3. Before playing B-Kt2, P-B4 should be played to prevent the Knight getting from Kt3-Q4-K6.

14. BxB PxB
15. Kt-Q4 QR-Q1
16. Kt-K6 R-Q2
17. QR-Q1 Kt-B1
18. R-B2 P-QKt4
19. KR-Q2

This holds Black’s Kt at B1. White’s next move prevents the Bishop getting into action by P-B4. After depriving all the Black pieces of their mobility, White turns his attention to a determined assault on the Black King.

19. ... QR-K2
20. P-QKt4 K-B2
21. P-QR3 B-R1
22. K-B2 R-R2
23. P-Kt4 P-R3
24. R-Q3 P-QR4
25. P-KR4 PxP
26. PxP R(R2)-K2

There are no prospects on the Rook’s file, and Black is restricted to keeping his pieces mutually protected. He cannot prevent White from penetrating the King’s side.

27. K-B3 R-Kt1
28. K-B4 P-Kt3
29. R-Kt3 P-Kt4ch
30. K-B3

If Black captures the pawn, he would lose it again forthwith through White’s R-R3, and the pawn at R3 would also be captured.

30. ... Kt-Kt3
31. PxP RPxP
32. R-R3 R-Q2
33. K-Kt3

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8 | #B | | | | | | #R | |
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7 | | | | #R | | #K | | |
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6 | | #Kt| #P | #P | ^Kt| #P | | |
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5 | | #P | | | | ^P | #P | |
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4 | | ^P | | | ^P | | ^P | |
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3 | | | ^Kt| | | | ^K | ^R |
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2 | | | ^P | | | | | |
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1 | | | | ^R | | | | |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 127

The White King leaves the diagonal because Black’s P-B4 would interfere with the combination by which White intends to annihilate Black’s game in a few moves.

33. ... K-K1
34. QR-KR1 B-Kt2
35. P-K5!!

A beautiful final stroke.

35. ... QPxP
36. Kt-K4!! Kt-Q4
37. Kt(K6)-B5 B-B1

Black dares not move the Rook on account of KtxB and Kt-Q6ch.

38. KtxR BxKt
39. R-R7ch R-B1
40. R-R1 K-Q1
41. R-R8ch B-B1
42. Kt-B5 Resigns

Mate in two is threatened. Black’s only move is Kt-K2, after which he is helpless, and White can capture the pawns one by one at his leisure (R-B7, etc.). In this game, so beautifully engineered by White, we have a further example of Lasker’s remarkable grasp of position.

GAME No. 19

White: Eduard Lasker. Black: Janowski.

Four Knights’ Game.

1. P-K4 P-K4
2. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3
3. Kt-B3 Kt-B3
4. B-Kt5 B-Kt5

B-K2; 5 Castles, P-Q3; would lead into the Ruy Lopez.

5. Castles Castles
6. P-Q3 P-Q 3

It is, of course, better to castle before playing P-Q3, as the opponent could at once play Kt-Q5 and utilise the pin to initiate an immediate attack, e.g. 5. Castles, P-Q3; 6. Kt-Q5, B-B4; 7. P- Q4, PxP; 8. B-Kt5.

7. B-Kt5

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8 | #R | | #B | #Q | | #R | #K | |
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7 | #P | #P | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | | | #Kt| #P | | #Kt| | |
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5 | | ^B | | | #P | | ^B | |
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4 | | #B | | | ^P | | | |
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3 | | | ^Kt| ^P | | ^Kt| | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | | ^Q | | ^R | ^K | |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 128.

The position is not unlike that in Diagram 90, and the same remarks apply to it. Here B-K3 is inadvisable, because P-Q4, threatening to fork two pieces, forces the exchange of Black’s centre pawn. After 7. ... B-Kt5; 8. Kt-Q5, Kt-Q5; 9. B-B4, B-B4, on the other hand, we get the position discussed on p. 115, in which White obtains the advantage by Q-Q2. Instead of 9. ... B- B4, Black should play Q-Q2 with a similar threat. But he has not the cooperation of his King’s Bishop for the attack, and White just manages to escape with a draw, e.g. 9. ... Q-Q2; 10. KtxKtch, PxKt; 11. BxP, P-KR3(BxKt; 12. PxB, Q-R6 fails on account of K-R1 and R-KKt1); 12. P-B3, KtxKtch; 13. PxKt, B-KR4; 14. K-R1, K-R2 (Diagram 129); 15. R-KKt1.

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8 | #R | | | | | #R | | |
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7 | #P | #P | #P | #Q | | #P | | #K |
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6 | | | | #P | | ^B | | #P |
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5 | | | | | #P | | | #B |
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4 | | #B | ^B | | ^P | | | |
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3 | | | ^P | ^P | | ^P | | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | | ^Q | | ^R | | ^K |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 129.

This is the saving clause. If now Black had his B at B4, as White has in the corresponding attack, White would first have to protect his BP with 15 Q-K2, and would be lost after R-KKt1; 16. R-KKt1, R-Kt3; as 17. B-R4 fails because of Q-R6; 18. B-KKt3, R- B3; and on the other hand, after 17. RxR, PxR Black plays R-KB1, attacking the BP a second time.

With the Black Bishop at Kt5, however, Black does not succeed. The continuation could be l5. ... R-KKt1; 16. R-Kt3, R-Kt3; 17. B-R4, with a probable draw.

This line of play is most difficult for both sides, and it has been avoided so far in tournaments.

In Diagram 128 the favourite continuation for many years was: 7. ... BxKt; 8. PxB, Kt-K2. The opening of the KKt file by 9. BxKKt is not to be feared, because of the reasons given when discussing Diagram 90. But White obtains the advantage with 9. Kt-R4, preparing the opening of the KB file by P-B4 and PxP. 9. ... Kt- Kt3, in order to retake with the BP after 10. KtxKt and to open the file for Black’s Rooks, is not a sufficient reply, because after 11. P-B4 and PxP White has a clear advantage, having an extra pawn in effect for the end-game. For the three Black pawns on the King’s side are held by the two adverse pawns, which they cannot pass.

The attempt to expel the troublesome Bishop after 9. ... Kt-K1 by P-KB3, and then play for a centre by P-B3, Kt-B2 and P-Q4 fails on account of the withering attack which White obtains on the KB file, e.g. 9. ... Kt-K1; 10. B-QB4, K-R1; 11. P-B4, P-KB3; 12. Q- R5, PxB; 13. PxP, etc.

In consequence the defence by 7. ... BxKt and Kt-K2 has been abandoned.

In the present game Black reverts to a very old defence, comprising the moves: BxKt, Q-K2, Kt-Q1-K3. It had been abandoned because White, by playing R-K1, P-Q4, and eventually B-B1 and B- R3, forces the exchange of Black’s centre pawn, and obtains an advantage, on well-known grounds. Here Black strengthens the defence by interpolating P-KR3!, after which White must come to a decision as to maintaining the pin. If he decides to do so the White Bishop will no longer be able to threaten the Black Queen from QR3.

7. ... BxKt
8. PxB P-KR3
9. B-KR4

If the B retreats to B1 or K3, Black can adopt the defence Kt-K2- Kt3. Then Kt-R4 would be inferior, because Black can simply play P-KKt4. In this case the advance of the pawns is justified, because Black can bring his QKt to KKt3 and have practically one piece more on the King’s side, and good prospects for the attack which he can open with K-R2, R-KKt1, Kt-Kt3-B5.

9. ... Q-K2

P-KKt4 would be premature. White would win at once by 10. KtxKtP, PxKt; 11. BxP, as he can attack the Knight a second time by P-KB4 and PxP before Black can either protect it sufficiently or relieve the “pin.”

10. Q-Q2 Kt-Q1
11. P-Q4 B-Kt5
12. Q-K3 BxKt
13. QxB Kt-K3

It would be wrong to play for the gain of a pawn with P-KKt4 and PxP, e.g. 13. ... P-KKt4; 14. B-Kt3, PxP; 15. R-K1!, PxP; 16. P- K5, etc.

14. BxKt

Black’s threat was to develop an attack, similar to that described at move 9, with P-KKt4 and Kt-B5.

14. ... QxB
15. QxQ PxQ
16. B-B4

in order to exchange the Knight, which is generally superior to a Bishop in an end-game, as mentioned before.

16. ... PxP
17. BxKt PxB
18. PxP

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8 | #R | | | | | #R | #K | |
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7 | #P | #P | #P | | | | | |
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6 | | | | #P | #P | #P | | #P |
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5 | | | | | | | | |
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4 | | | | ^P | ^P | | | |
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3 | | | | | | | | |
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2 | ^P | | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | | | | ^R | ^K | |
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A B C D E F G H

Diag. 130

In the end-game thus brought about the White Rooks have more freedom, as they can be mobilised easily on the third rank to act on either wing. Black’s pawns, however, are stronger, being easily protected by the King, whilst White’s weak pawns at QR2 and QB2 are at too great a distance from the King; therefore White must see to it that Black does not open files for his Rooks on the Queen’s side.

18. ... QR-B1
19. QR-Kt1 P-Kt3
20. KR-Q1 KR-Q1
21. R-Kt3

White must now allow Black to occupy the QB or Q file. After 21. P-Q5 Black would simply play PxP; 22. PxP, P-B3, with a certain draw.

21. ... P-Q4
22. R-Kt3ch

P-KB3 was the correct move here, in view of subsequent threats of mate.

22. ... K-B2
23. PxP RxP
24. R-QR3 P-QR4
25. P-KB4?

A mistake under time pressure, costing a pawn. QR-Q3 was the move.

25. ... P-QB4
26. R-QB3 QR-Q1
27. R-Kt1 RxP
28. RxKtP RxP
29. P-KR3 R-Q7
30. R-Kt5

Not RxP, on account of R-B7, and the KKtP cannot be saved.

30. ... R-(B5)B7
31. R-KKt3 P-B4
32. P-B4 P-B5
33. R-KKt4 P-R4
34. R-Kt5 RxP
35. P-R4

Mate was threatened in a few moves through R-QB7-B8 and R(R7)-R8.

35. ... R-(B7)Kt7

If now R-B7, White would win the KBP or obtain a perpetual check (36. R-QKt7ch, followed by R-QKt8-KB8). After the move in the text, White can still draw, as he wins back his pawn.

36. RxR RxR
37. RxRP?

This careless move now loses the game. Of course White should have taken the BP. If then P-R5, R-R5 held the pawn from behind, also after 37. ... K-B3; 38. RxQRP, P-K4, a draw would have been the result, as the White BP would soon have become threatening, e.g. 39. R-R8, K-B4; 40. P-B5, P-K5; 41. P-B6, R-QB7; 42. R-QB8, K-Kt5; 43. P-B7, KxP; 44. K-R2, P-K6; 45. R-B8, RxP; 46. RxPch, K-Kt4; 47. R-K4, R-B6; 48. K-Kt3, etc.; or 44. R-K8, RxP; 45. RxP, K-Kt6; 46. R-K1, R-B7; 47. K-R1, RxP; 48. R-K3ch, and so on.

37. ... P-R5
38. RxP P-R6
Resigns.

After R-R5 there follows P-R7 and R-Kt8ch, or (if 40. K-R 2) P- B6.

GAME No. 20

White: Eduard Lasker. Black: Englund.

Four Knights’ Game.

1. P-K4 P-K4
2. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3
3. Kt-B3 Kt-B3
4. B-Kt5 Kt-Q5
5. KtxP

Black can now get White’s KP by playing Q-K2, and moreover exchange White’s valuable Bishop. Instead of the move in the text it is advisable to retire the Bishop to R4 or B4, or else to play 5. KtxKt, PxKt; 6. P-K5, PxKt; 7. PxKt. Black would then play QxP and not PxQPch, as the latter move allows White to develop quickly, and Black has no time to castle--e.g. 8. BxP, QxP; 9. Castles, B-K2; 10. B-B3, followed by R-K1.

5. ... Q-K2
6. Kt-B3 KtxP?

---------------------------------------
8 | #R | | #B | | #K | #B | | #R |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P | #P | #Q | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | ^B | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | #Kt| #Kt| | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^Kt| | | ^Kt| | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | ^P | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R | | ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R |
---------------------------------------
A B C D E F G H

Diag. 131.

Here KtxB was essential, followed by QxP, freeing the Bishop. After 7. KtxKt, QxPch; 8. Q-K2, QxQch; 9. KxQ, Kt-Q4 (10. P-B4, P-QR3), Black completes his development a little later (10. R-K1, P-KB3; 11. K-B1ch, K-B2), but after the exchange of Queens there is not much to fear from an immediate attack, and the value of the two Bishops soon asserts itself. In a match game Ed. Lasker- Cole (London, 1913) the continuation was 12. P-Q4, P-QR3; 13. Kt- B3, KtxKt; 14. PxKt, P-Q4. Here the doubled pawn is a disadvantage, in that the pawn at B2 is immobile, and constantly liable to be attacked by B-B4. P-Q3 was the better move.

7. Castles KtxKt

Now KtxB was no longer possible. After KtxQKt there would be threats of KtxBP as well as of R-K1 and P-Q3. The game is almost lost for Black at this stage, as the King cannot escape the impending attack on the K file by castling.

8. QPxKt KtxKtch
9. QxKt Q-B4
10. R-K1ch B-K2
11. B-Q3

prevents castling, as Q-K4 would win a piece.

11. ... P-Q4
12. B-K3

White has the development of the B gratis, as Black must lose time with the Queen.

12. ... Q-Q3
13. B-KB4 Q-KB3
14. QxP!!

Black being behind with his development is already threatened by sacrificial combinations. If he takes the Bishop he loses by 15. B-Kt5ch, K-B1; 16. Q-Q8ch!, BxQ; 17. R-K8 mate, or l5. ... P-B3; 16. BxPch, and so on.

14. ... P-B3
15. Q-K4 B-K3
16. R-K3 B-QB4

Here Black might have castled on the Queen’s side, but R-Q1 would have had much the same sequel as in the actual game.

17. B-K5 Q-R3
18. R-Kt3 B-KB1

A sorry retreat. But after Q-Q7, which may have been Black’s original intention, White plays R-KB1, threatening B-KB4.

19. R-Q1

This move completes White’s development, and only seems to give Black a chance of castling. However, Black has no satisfactory continuation.

19. ... Castles?
20. QxPch PxQ
21. B-R6 Mate

GAME No. 21

White: Eduard Lasker. Black: Aljechin.

Three Knights’ Defence.

1. P-K4 P-K4
2. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3
3. Kt-B3 B-Kt5
4. Kt-Q5

Developing another piece by B-Kt5 or B4 would be more in accordance with principle.

4. ... B-K2

There was a threat of KtxB and KtxP. If Black plays P-Q3, the B must retire all the same after 5. B-Kt5. It seems best to retire the B to K2 rather than to B4 or R4, because there remains the threat of a pin subsequently by B-KKt5, which might become serious with the Knight at Q5.

5. B-B4 Kt-B3
6. P-Q3 P-Q3
7. KtxB QxKt
8. P-B3 P-KR3

The KKt is to support the advance of P-Q4 subsequently, and that is why Black does not want to allow it to be pinned. This is sound strategy, since White has exchanged his QKt, which from B3 prevents P-Q4 in the ordinary way.

9. B-K3 Castles
10. Q-Q2 B-K3
11. B-Kt3

The first mistake. B-QKt5 should be played to retard P-Q4.

11. ... BxB
12. PxB P-Q4

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Chess StrategyChapter XII: Part II: Illustrative Games From Master Tournaments (2)

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