issue 14

MODERN CHESS
MAGAZINE
Master the Grunfeld Structure Part 5

Endgame Series
Part 14
The Art
of Analysis

Crisis Along the Big Diagonal

Methods of Playing in Positions with
Carlsbad Structure Part 1
CONTENTS
Methods of Playing in Positions with Carlsbad Structure - Part 1 
3 (GM Grigor Grigorov)
3 Introduction
4 Matelin Pavel (2587) - Debashis Das(2400) / Commenwealth 2010 (4) 12.05.2010
12 Onischuk,Alexander (2667) - Dominguez Perez,Leinier (2757) / FIDE World Cup (2.2) 15.08.2013
16 Bagirov,Rufat (2487) - Novikov,Maxim (2519) / Tula Kotov Memorial (2) 01.07.2007
19 Arkell,Keith C (2474) - Croad,Nicholas (2288) / BCF-chT2 0910 (4NCL) (9) 01.05.2010
23 Tests 1 - 5

Master the Grunfeld Structure - Part 5 (GM Mihail Marin)

26
26 Martynov,Pavel - Ivanchuk,Vassily / SochiJ-A 1986
30 Kapnisis,Spyridon (2412) - Marin,Mihail (2556) / EU-ch 9th Plovdiv (3) 23.04.2008
32 Marin,Mihail (2525) - Navrotescu,Catalin (2370) / Buzias 1991
35 Test 1 - 5

The Art of Analysis (GM John van der Wiel)

38
38 Introduction, Theoretical Overview
39 Exercise 1 - 4 / Questions & Answers

Crisis Along the Big Diagonal (GM Nikolai Ninov)

49
49 Bukhovsky, Anatoly / examples / Belgrade 1963
50 Ljubojevic,Ljubomir - Gonda,Gentaro / Skopje ol (Men) qual-B (5) 23.09.1972
51 Damjanovic,Mato - Langeweg,Kick / Hoogovens 28th (1) 12.01.1966
53 Bryn,Askild (2019) - Kuipers,Stefan (2431) / Gibraltar Masters 11th (2)  23.01.2013
54 Georgiev,Krum (2430) - Heydarli,Kanan Beyukkishi Og (2213) Thessaloniki op (6) 09.04.2010
55 Georgiev,Krum (2530) - Ipsarides,Herodotos (2110) / Limassol 10.1997
57 Georgiev,Krum (2461) - Van Elst,Andreas / FRA-chT2C 0506 (1.1) 16.10.2005
60 Filipowicz,Andrzej (2375) - Adamski,Jan (2365) / POL-chT Mikolajki (7) 1991
62 Leveille,Francois (2360) - Saint Amand,Paul (2225) / Montreal op (5) 1995
63 Tkachiev,Vladislav (2455) - Watson,William N (2550) / Lloyds Bank op 17th (7) 1993
64 Yordanov,Nikolay (2146) - Petkov,Vladimir (2475) / BUL-chT Sunny Beach (4) 29.09.2005
66 Carmaciu,Lucian (2429) - Catalin Chircu,Vadim (2200) / Cap Aurora FISCA op (8) 27.06.2014
68 Tests

Endgame Series - Part 14 (GM Davorin Kuljasevic)

71
71 Shouldering 1 - 3
74 Cornering 1 - 2
77 Cutting off 1 - 2
78 Restricting rook's movement
79 Restricting bishop's movement
80 Restricting light pieces
83 Kuljasevic,Davorin (2591) - Weiss,C (2409) / TCh-AUT 1st Bundesliga 2013-14 (2.2)
84 Gulko,Boris F (2490) - Kremenietsky,Anatoly M (2395) Moscow-ch 61st
 Modern Chess Magazine 3

the beginning, I would like to provide you

Methods of Playing in with some basic considerations
Positions with Carlsbad concerning the structure. The most
Structure - Part 1 important positional factor in the position
is the absence of open files. As the
reader can see, there are two semi-open
files - "c" and "e". Usually, White
exercises pressure along the c-file, while
Black tries to make use of the e-file.
When analyzing the structure from a
"classical" perspective, we can say that
White's long-term is to play on the
kingside whereas Black should look for
counter-chances on the other side of the
board. At this point, I insist on the word
"classical" because, in the current series
of articles, we are going to see that in
many positions White plays in the center
Introduction and on the kingside while Black goes for
Dear Reader, active actions on the queenside. In the
We are about to start dealing with one of current article, I will focus on White's plan
the most popular and important pawn to play on the queenside and on Black's
structures -Carlsbad. Among the openings positional ways to fight against it. In this
out of which Carlsbad is likely to arise are structure, White playing on the queenside
Queen's Gambit, Nimzoindian Defence, by executing the so-called
Grunfeld Defence, Semi-Slav, Caro -Kann. "minority attack" (three white pawns
Before I start explaining the structure in attack four black pawns). The final
detail, I would like to give objective of the minority attack is to create
a weak pawn on "c6". To achieve this
the reader a visual example concerning the
goal, White plays b2-b4-b5 followed by
Carlsbad. A typical Carlsbad
bxc6. In such a case, White will put
position arises after the moves 1.d4 d5
strong pressure on the weaknesses on
2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 "a7" and "c6". To avoid such scenario,
c6 6.e3 This is the so-called Carlsbad Black usually meets the move b2-b4
variation of the Queen's Gambit through a7-a6. In this way, he forces
Declined (QGD). This variation became White to prepare b4-b5 with a2-a4. As a
popular during the strong tournament result, when White finally goes for the b4-
which was held in Carlsbad in 1929. Since b5 break, Black will get rid of his
then, theoreticians introduced the name potentially weak a-pawn by playing axb5.
"Carlsbad structure." For more than 80 In this case, only the c6-pawn will be
years, this structure has undergone serious weak. Now, we are going to take a look at
developments. Nevertheless, some general a game in which White managed to
positional concepts remain unchanged. In execute his plan flawlessly.
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 Modern Chess Magazine
Matelin Pavel 2587
Debashis Das 2400
Commenwealth 2010 (4) 12.05.2010
After the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3
Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.cxd5
exd5 7.e3 Be7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
8.Qc2 , the game reached the most
standard version of the Carlsbad
structure. It is important to understand
the point behind White's last move. In
Carlsbad structure, it is essential to take
the b1-h7 diagonal under control by
playing Qc2 and Bd3. In this way, White
connects his rooks and makes difficult
for Black to execute his typical idea to
play ...Ne4 in a suitable moment.
[ Much more popular is 8.Bd3
Nevertheless, this move gives Black
an additional option. Instead of the
normal 8...0-0, he can opt for Ne4
Of course, from a theoretical point of
view, White keeps a slight edge, but
sometimes it makes sense to reduce
the number of options for your
opponent. ]
8...Nf8 This move introduces one of
Black's most classical plans in Carlsbad
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4
positions. It is evident that the c8-bishop
is quite a problematic piece in this
structure. That is why Black is always
interested in exchanging the light-
squared bishops (as we are going to
see later, Black is also ready to
exchange that bishop for one of White's
knights). Since White will develop his
light-squared bishop on d3, Black's last
move prepares the exchange via the f5-
square. To achieve it, Black goes for the
maneuver Nf8-e6 followed by g7-g6, Ng7,
and Bf5. After the eventual exchange of
the bishops, Black's knight will occupy
the f5-square, from where it will go to
the ideal d6-square. At this point, we
should mention the d6 is the perfect
square for Black's knight in the Carlsbad
structure. From there, the knight now
only makes difficult for White to carry
out the thematic b4-b5 advance, but at
the same time, it can occupy the e4-
square at any moment. Despite it's
strategical soundness, however, Black's
plan is time-consuming. White has
enough time to realize all the desired
ideas in the position. 9.Bd3 Ne6
10.Bh4 In some cases, the exchange of
the dark-squared bishop for the f6-
knight makes sense because it deflects
Black's bishop from the important a3-f8
diagonal. Under such circumstances,
the advance b2-b4 becomes easier. On
the other hand, giving away the pair of
bishops implies a considerable
positional risk. If Black manages to open
the position using the advance c6-c5
executed in the suitable moment, the
pair of bishops might tell. g6 11.0-0 0-0
12.Rab1 This is the best way to prepare
the advance b2-b4-b5. After White
opens the b-file by means of b5xc6, the
 Modern Chess Magazine
b1-rook will be perfectly placed. Ng7
13.b4 a6 In the introduction, I have
already pointed out that Black should
play a7-a6 in response to b2-b4. In this
way, he prevents White from creating
more than one weakness on the
queenside. 14.a4 Bf5 15.b5
It is very important that White can
immediately carry out this advance. As
the reader already knows, before playing
b4-b5, we should make sure that Black
can not play c6-c5. It is evident that in
the particular position, the move c6-c5
doesn't work. For example, in a case of
15...axb5 16. axb5 c5, White can go for
17.dxc5 Bxc5 18.Bxf6 Qxf6 19.Nxd5,
winning a pawn. axb5 16.axb5 Bxd3
17.Qxd3 Nf5 18.Bxf6 Bxf6 19.bxc6
bxc6
a b c d e f g h vulnerable position of the c3-knight. That
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h 21.Rfc1 Nd6 22.Nd2! Another important
The moment has come to draw some
conclusions concerning the strategy of
both sides. Black has managed to
execute the favorable exchange of the
light-squared bishops, and now his
knight is about to occupy the desired d6-
square. Nevertheless, meanwhile, White
has achieved a lot on the queenside. As
a result of the typical minority attack,
Black has a weak pawn on c6. Now,
White will start putting pressure along
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5
the c-file. Of course, to transform his
positional advantage in something
significant, White has a lot of work to do.
It goes without saying that one weakness
is never enough to win the game. The
strong side needs two weaknesses as a
minimum. Even though Black can
objectively hold the position, a lot of
precision is required from him. When you
are the one who is pushing in such kind
of positions, your primary concern should
be to eliminate even the slightest hope for
counterplay. That is why we should
always pay attention to the resources of
our opponent. How can Black further
improve his position? The most obvious
way to generate some activity is to play
20...Ra3 followed by Qa5 and eventually
c6-c5, thus making use of the somewhat
is why GM Maletin went for 20.Ne2! With
this precise move, White not only
prevents Black from playing 20...Ra3, but
at the same time he clears the c-file for
the rook. It is clear that the pressure of
White's major pieces will not be enough
to capture the c-pawn. Somehow, White
should find a way to bring his knights into
the attack of the weak c6-pawn. There is
a typical maneuver allowing to achieve
this idea -Ne2-f4-d3-e5 (b4). Qd7
prophylactic move which shows that
Maletin always keeps an eye on the
resources of his opponent. By playing
21...Nd6, Black wanted to occupy the
weakened c4-square. Rab8?! I think that
this move is an inaccuracy. In general,
when your opponent has long-term
weaknesses, you should try to exchange
one pair of rooks. The justification of this
principle is quite simple. Let's take as an
example
 Modern Chess Magazine
the position on the diagram. Obviously,
one of the black rooks will be tied to the
defense of the c6-pawn. To create some
counterplay, Black will rely on his
remaining rook. That is why by
exchanging only a pair of rooks, White
manages to restrict his opponent's
counterplay. On the other hand, an
eventual exchange of all the rooks will
favor Black since White's remaining
forces will hardly be sufficient to put
significant pressure on the c6-pawn.
Instead of exchanging a pair of rooks,
Black should aim for the exchange of all
minor pieces. Without minor pieces,
White's pressure on c6 is almost never
enough (if there are no other
weaknesses in Black's camp).
[ Maybe Black should have activated
the bishop by playing 22...Be7
A possible line would be 23.Qc2 Ra6
24.Nf4 Rfa8 25.Nd3 Nb5 26.Nc5
Bxc5 27.Qxc5 White's position is still
a little bit more pleasant, but Black
managed to activate his pieces. As
the reader knows, if Black exchanges
the knights, he will be perfectly well
prepared for the endgame. I believe
that this position is objectively equal. ]
23.Rxb8 Rxb8 24.Qc2 White starts
putting pressure on the c6-pawn. Now,
he intends to follow with the maneuver
Ne2-f4-d3. Be7 25.Nf4 Rb6 26.Nd3
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a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
f6?! Another inaccuracy. When you are
in a difficult position, you should never
create additional weaknesses in your
camp. With his last move, Black starts
weakening his kingside and the seventh
rank. Also, the e6-square becomes
weak.
In the future, White can consider
invading the seventh rank or attacking
Black's kingside structure using h2-h4-
h5. Additionally, if White manages to
transfer a knight to c5, Black will have
problems to defend the e6-square.
[ Again, Black should have gone for an
active play through 26...Nb5
Maybe he was afraid of losing a pawn
after 27.Ne5 ( Instead of 27.Ne5
27.g3 is a better option. White will
continue gradually increasing the
pressure against c6. With a precise
defense, however, Black can still hold
the position. ) 27...Qb7 28.Nxc6?
but White's last move runs into Ba3
when Black wins an exchange. ]
27.Qa4 Nb5 28.Qa8+ Kg7 29.Nb3!
White activates his last passive piece.
Since Black's king is weakened, the idea
 Modern Chess Magazine
30.Nc5 becomes very powerful. That is
why Debashis goes for an exchange of
the queens. Qa7 30.Qxa7 Nxa7
31.Nbc5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
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a b c d e f g h
Kf7?! Is it possible that such a natural
move turns out to be a mistake? Of
course, it is! Let's try to figure out where
is the problem. I have already pointed
out that to win in a better position, we
need at least two weaknesses in the
opponent's camp. This is the so-called
"principle of two weaknesses." In this
position, Black's only weakness so far is
the c6-pawn. As we see, this pawn is
very well protected. That is why White
should create another weakness on the
other side of the board. If the distance
between the two weaknesses is big, the
defender will encounter problems to
defend them simultaneously. According
to these considerations, White's target
should be the h7-pawn. To prevent this
pawn from moving to h5 (where it will not
be a weakness) White should fix it by
means of g2-g4. In a case of ...h7-h5,
White will answer with gxh5 creating
another pawn island in Black's camp.
One would argue that White's h-pawn
becomes isolated too. Nevertheless,
this pawn couldn't be attacked since
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7
White will put it on h3. After fixing the
opponent's h7-pawn, White should start
a combined play against Black's two
weak pawns.
[ After the abovementioned
considerations, it becomes clear why
Black should have played 31...h5!
preventing the opponent from playing
g2-g4. Later on, Black could proceed
with 32...Kf7 followed by the
maneuver Na7-c8-d6. The positon
remains playable. ]
32.g4! Maletin immediately seizes the
opportunity. Now, he will combine his
play against his opponent's weaknesses.
Nc8 33.Ra1! It is time to invade Black's
camp. Nd6 34.Ra7 Nb5 35.Ra8 Nc3
36.Rc8 This is a very sound positional
move. In general, we should always try
to tie our opponent's pieces to the
defense of some weaknesses. With his
last move, White makes the b6-rook
very passive.
[ Nevertheless, it was possible to get a
slightly better version of the same idea
by playing 36.Rh8 Kg7 37.Rc8
Black's king is more passive on g7
than on f7. ]
36...Ne4 37.Kg2
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
Ng5? This is a tactical mistake which
allows White to win a pawn.
[ Black should have released the
tension by playing 37...Nxc5 38.Nxc5
A) I don't think that the rook
endgame arising after 38...Bxc5
39.dxc5 Ra6 is playable for Black.
Before starting active actions,
White should force Black's king into
passive position by means of
40.Rc7+
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Ke8! This is the most tenacious
defense. In the endgame, the
activity is everything! ( The position
after 40...Kg8? 41.h4! seems to be
hopeless for Black. White intends to
fix the h7-pawn by playing h4-h5-h6.
Black is too passive to survive. )
41.h4 Again, White goes for his
main idea - fixing the h7-pawn. In
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8
the endgame, it is very important to
have advanced pawns.
( In a case of 41.Rxh7? Ra5
Black manages to create
counterplay. ) 41...h5! Black can not
afford himself to allow the advance
h4-h5. 42.g5! Another very
instructive move. As I have already
pointed out, further advanced
pawns are a very important asset in
the endgame. That is why White
prefers to fix the g6-pawn instead
of creating a weakness on h5.
When the g6-pawn is lost, White's
passer will be very dangerous.
( After 42.gxh5 gxh5 43.Kg3
Black obtains a sufficient
counterplay in a very instructive
way: Kd8! The most important
principle in the rook endgames says
that we should activate our rook at
any price. With his last move, Black
unties his rook from the defense of
the c6-pawn. In the position arising
after 44.Rf7 Ra5 45.Rxf6 Rxc5
46.Rf5 Rc3 Black's counterplay
should be enough for a draw. Stil a
lot of precision is required though. )
A1) Another interesting
possibility is 42...Ra4
I have examined the following
interesting line: 43.Rxc6 Rxh4
44.Re6+! Important intermediate
move which allows White to
collect Black's f6-pawn with a
check. Kd7 45.Rd6+ Ke7
46.gxf6+ Kf7 47.f4! This move
allows White to isolate the h4-
rook. Now, Black should find a
way to deal with the dangerous
c5-pawn. Rg4+ 48.Kf1!
Fantastic prophylactic move. In
 Modern Chess Magazine
order to make it, White should
discover the counterplay of his
opponent. ( In a case of 48.Kf2
Black is just in time to survive. h4
49.c6 h3 50.Rxd5 Rg2+!
This is the point. Now the rook
goes behind the passed pawn.
51.Kf3 Rc2 Now, White should
pay attention to the idea 52...h3-
h2. 52.Rd7+ Kxf6 53.Rh7 Rxc6
54.Rxh3 Rc1 We have reached
a drawn position. The active
black rook can always bother
White's king with annoying
checks. Furthermore, in some
positions, Black can execute the
g6-g5 advance after which the
play becomes pointless.;
To the same leads 48.Kf3 Rg1!
49.Rxd5 h4 50.e4 h3 51.Rd2
Kxf6 52.Rh2 Rc1 53.Rxh3
Rxc5= )
A1a) A very tricky attempt to
save the game would be
48...Rg3 49.Kf2 Rh3 50.Rxd5
Kxf6 This is the most stubborn
defense. ( Worse is 50...Rh2+
when White is winning after
51.Kg3 Rc2 52.e4 Kxf6
53.Rd6+ Kf7 54.c6
with e4-e5 and Kg3-h4-g5 to
follow. ) 51.c6 Rh2+ 52.Kg3
Re2 53.Rd3! After this precise
move, Black runs out of
defensive resources. Besides
protecting the e3-pawn, the
rook is heading for the c3-
square. In rook endgames, our
rook is best placed behind the
passed pawns. No matter if
passed pawns belong to us or
our opponent. Ke7 ( After
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9
53...Rc2 54.Rd6+ Kf7 55.e4
White is winning. His plan is
the same - e4-e5 followed by
Kg3-h4-g5. ) 54.Rc3 Kd8
55.c7+ Kc8 56.Kf3+-
White is winning by using the
plan we are already familiar
with.;
A1b) 48...h4 49.Rxd5 h3
50.Rd2+- White is winning
since Black has no a reliable
way to deal with the c5-pawn.
Now, the reader can see the
point behind the prophylactic
48.Kf1!. Via the second rank.
the white rook not only
controls Black's h-pawn but
also can be transferred behind
the c-pawn.;
A2) 42...fxg5 43.hxg5 Ra4
44.f3! Excellent move which is
also very instructive. White's g5-
pawn advanced and will be a
valuable passed pawn, once the
g6-pawn is eliminated. That is
why we should protect it at any
price. Ra3 45.Rg7!
Another instructive move. The g6-
pawn is more important that the
one on c6. ( The move 45.Rxc6
would have allowed the
activation of Black's king by
means of Kf7 Of course. White
is still winning. ) 45...Rc3 46.f4
Rxc5 47.Rxg6 Now we have an
even number of pawns.
Nevertheless, it goes without
saying that the quality is more
important than the quantity.
White's passers are more
advanced, and they are moving
towards Black's monarch,
 Modern Chess Magazine
creating mating threats. Take a
look at the following illustrative
line: Rc3 48.Re6+ Kf8 49.g6
h4 50.f5 d4 51.f6! Rxe3
52.g7+ Kg8 53.Re7! White is
winning. His next move will be 54.
Rd7. I am aware of the fact that
this rook endgame is very
complex and my analysis are far
from being exhaustive. In any
case, they show an important
tendency. Carlsbad rook endings
with two weaknesses in Black's
camp are very difficult for Black.
Also, the abovementioned lines
show some important aspects of
the rook endgames, such as
activity, far advanced pawns,
fixing opponent's weaknesses,
and play with and against passed
pawns.;
B) 38...Bd6! Important move in
Black's strategy. The d6-bishop
prevents White's rook from
occupying the seventh rank and
takes the control over the important
f4-square. With a bishop on e7,
White would have played Rc7
followed by the maneuver Nc5-d3-
f4. In such position, Black will be
completely paralyzed. Later on,
White can further weaken Black's
position by playing h2-h4-h5, thus
provoking the weakening move g6-
g5 (this is what happened in the
game). 39.h4!
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a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
This is the typical way of playing the
position. After transferring his rook
to the seventh rank, White will fix
the h7-weakness by means of h4-
h5-h6. That is why Black should
play the energetic h5! 40.gxh5
( It is possible that in the concrete
position the move 40.g5
is objectively better. For example,
after fxg5 41.hxg5 White has the
possibility to further improve his
position by means of f2-f4, Kf3
followed by a rook transfer to the
seventh rank. In such a case,
knight's jump to e6 gives White
some mating ideas. On the other
hand, we know that the rook ending
arising after Bxc5 42.dxc5 Rb4
43.Rc7+ Kf8 is difficult for Black. I
have decided to make the move 40.
gxh5 main line because it is more
characteristic from a structural point
of view. The move 40.g5 is effective
when Black has a pawn on f6. In
most of the cases, however, you will
play this structure with a pawn on f7.
That is why it makes sense to
explain the most common case. )
40...gxh5 Now, Black's h5-pawn
 Modern Chess Magazine
becomes a serious weakness.
Black hopes that his bishop
controls all the squares from where
White's knight could attack the h5-
pawn. On the other hand, it is not
always easy to predict the
maneuvers of the knight. To get an
idea, we shall take a look at the
following line which is not forced.
41.Kf3 Kg6 42.Nd3 White wants to
transfer his rook to the seventh
rank. Before doing that, it is
important to prevent Black from
playing ...Bxc5 followed by ...Rb5.
Kf5 43.Rh8! Before playing Rd8,
White wants to force Black's king
into passive position. Kg6 44.Rd8
Bc7 45.Rd7 Bb8 46.Nc5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
This is something like a model
position for the Carlsbad structure.
Depending on the circumstances,
White could go after one of Black's
weak pawns. In order to put
pressure on the c6-pawn, White
could consider the maneuver Nc5-
e6-d8. It seems, however, that the
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11
idea to attack the h5-pawn is much
more dangerous. Such an attack
can be realized by means of Nc5-
e6-f8 followed by Rh7. It is
impossible for Black to be equally
well prepared for both White's plans.
A classical illustration of the
principle of two weaknesses! ]
38.Rc7?! Maletin misses a possibility to
win a pawn.
[ He should have played 38.Na4! Ra6
39.Ndc5 Bxc5 40.Nxc5 Rb6
41.Rc7+ With 42.Nd7 to follow. Black
will lose his f6-pawn. ]
38...Ne6 By exchanging a pair of knights,
Black wants to reduce the tension, but
White has a clear way of improvement.
39.Nxe6 Kxe6 40.Nf4+ Kf7
This move turns out to be quite passive.
[ More to the point was 40...Kd6
but White retains his advantage by
playing 41.Rc8 followed by Rh8 on
the next move. It becomes apparent
that the significant distance between
the weaknesses makes impossible
their effective defense. ]
41.h4 Again, this thematic advance. Ra6
42.h5 This is the point. White is
threatening to win a pawn with 43.hxg6
hxg6 44.Nxg6. Black is forced to create
new weaknesses in his position. g5
This move weakens the f5-square which
can be easily occupied by the knight.
[ Nevertheless, it is already difficult to
give Black a good advice in this
position. For example, after 42...f5
43.gxf5 gxf5 Black creates two new
weaknesses in his camp - e5-square
and f5-pawn (also, the weak h7-pawn
is still on the board). White will
further improve his position with
normal moves like Kf3, h5-h6 and Nf4-
 Modern Chess Magazine
d3-e5. ]
43.Ne2! The knight is heading for f5.
Ke6 44.Ng3 h6 45.Nf5 Bf8 46.Rc8
Kf7 47.Rc7+ Since Black is doomed to
passivity, White can afford himself to
repeat the position. Kg8 48.Kf3 Rb6
49.Rc8 Kf7 50.e4?! In general, when
there are a lot of weaknesses in the
camp of your opponent, you are advised
to open the position. In this way, your
pieces will easily attack the weak points.
Nevertheless, we shouldn't rush. It is
crucial to pay attention to the resources
of your opponent.
[ Much more precise would have been
to prepare the e3-e4 advance with
50.Kg3 White intends to follow with f2-
f3 and e3-e4. ]
50...Rb3+ 51.Ne3? This is already a
serious mistake which allows Black to
save the game.
[ After 51.Kg2 dxe4 52.Rc7+ Kg8
53.Rxc6 White's advantage is out of
question. ]
51...c5! It turns out that the pin along the
third rank is very dangerous. 52.Kg2
dxe4? Black misses his chance. Now,
White creates a dangerous passed pawn
on the c-file.
[ After 52...cxd4 53.Nxd5 Bd6
The position is equal. Black's
weakness on h6 is compensated by
the dangerous d4-pawn. ]
53.dxc5 Rc3 54.c6 Bc5 55.Nf5 Rc2
56.Nxh6+? Another mistake. To win a
pawn, Maletin allows his opponent to
centralize his king.
[ Instead, White should have improved
the position of his own king by playing
56.Kf1! Stockfish 7 gives the following
line: Rxf2+ 57.Ke1 Rc2 58.Kd1 Rc3
59.Kd2 Bb4 60.Rb8 Ba5 61.Ra8
www.modern-chess.com
12
e3+ 62.Nxe3 Rc5+ 63.Kd3+-
White should be winning. This
computer generated sequence
illustrates one fundamental
endgame principle - the activation of
the king is more important than
eventual material gains. ]
56...Kg7? This is the last mistake in the
game. Concerned about the opponent's
h-pawn, Black misses the opportunity to
centralize his king.
[ Of course, Black should have
preferred 56...Ke6! In this position,
his activity completely compensates
the missing pawn. ]
57.Nf5+ Kh7 58.Kf1 Rxf2+ 59.Ke1
Rc2 60.Rb8
1-0
Onischuk,Alexander 2667
Dominguez Perez,Leinier 2757
FIDE World Cup (2.2) 15.08.2013
Since you already know the way in
which Whtie conducts his majority attack,
I want to provide you with an example
which illustrates some of Black's best
positional ideas. This is the high-profile
game Alexander Onischuk - Lenier,
Dominguez played in 2013. The position
of interest arises after the moves 1.d4
Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2
Bxd2+ 5.Qxd2 d5 6.Nc3 0-0 7.e3
Qe7 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Bd3 Nbd7 10.0-0
c6 11.Qc2 Re8 12.Rab1
 Modern Chess Magazine
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
As always, by playing 12.Rab1, White
prepares his minority attack. At first
sight, White's positional advantage is
obvious. White's bishop completely
dominates his c8-collegue. Since dark-
squared bishops are already exchanged,
White's queenside play becomes much
easier (Black's dark-squared bishop
would have taken under control the
important squares b4 and c5. On the
other hand, after the exchange of the
dark-squared bishops, Black's queen
managed to occupy the ideal e7-square.
As I have pointed out in the introduction
to the current article, in this structure,
the importance of the e4-square is
crucial. By making use of his control
over this square, Dominguez introduces
a very strong positional plan. In this
position, he played Ne4! This is a typical
move for the Carlsbad structure. It is not
so easy for White to live with the strong
central knight of his opponent. Behind
this knight, Black can start regrouping
his pieces to prepare some active
actions on the kingside. As we are going
to see in my next article, the idea to
www.modern-chess.com
13
exchange the e4-knight (mostly by
playing Bxe4) implies considerable risks.
The e4-pawn would give Black a lot of
space. That is why Black would have
serious chances on the kingside. In the
game, White proceeds with his standard
plan. 13.b4 Ndf6 With this move, Black
opens the way of his bishop. One would
argue that the move 13...Ndf6 gives
White the important e5-square. As we
are going to see later, however, a knight
on e5 is not always an asset in this
structure. In some positions, such knight
could be hanging. In the game, White
decided to take advantage of the e5-
square and played 14.Ne5
[ it is very important to mention that
14.b5 is very well met by the thematic
c5 Remember this idea. As I
mentioned in the introduction, before
playing b4-b5, it is important to make
sure that Black can not answer it with
c6-c5. Let's see where exactly is the
problem. After 15.dxc5 Nxc5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
we have a very specific version of IQP.
With a pawn on b2 (instead of b5),
 Modern Chess Magazine
White's advantage would have been
out of the question since Black can
not generate a kingside activity. His
pieces would have been tied to the
defense of the d5-pawn. With a pawn
on b5, however, the situation is
completely different. Now, Black can
make use of the weak squares c5, c4,
and c3. White's most problematic
pieces are the c3-knight and the
bishop. Without the b2-pawn, the
knight is unstable, while the bishop
is restricted by the b5-pawn. Black
can put pressure on White's position
by making natural moves like Be6,
Rac8 followed by Qc7-a5. White
should try to activate or exchange
his passive pieces (c3-knight and
bishop). If he can exchange them for
Black's knights, he will have a
strong knight versus passive bishop.
In this case, however, these
exchanges are difficult. ]
[ Another option for White is 14.Na4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
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a b c d e f g h
In order explain the idea behind this
move. I should go ahead. As a rule,
www.modern-chess.com
14
besides the idea to exchange the
light-squared bishops, Black also
wants to exchange one pair of knights.
After exchanging all the bishops and
one pair of knights, he will transfer his
knight to d6 and play a7-a6, thus
making extremely difficult for White to
launch a minority attack. On the other
hand, Black has a clear action plan on
the kingside. After taking the control
over the e-file, he will start preparing
the f7-f5-f4 contact. The idea is to
create a weakness on e3. Maybe the
reader still tries to understand why it
is necessary to exchange one pair of
knights. In general, when the bishops
are exchanged, one of White's knights
should control the e5-square in order
to discourage the f7-f5 advance. At
the same time, the task of the other
knight is to prepare the b4-b5 advance.
For example, the knights will be well
placed on d3 and c3. With a pair of
knights being exchanged, however,
White's remaining knight will be tied to
the defense of the e5-square. It will
be impossible to prepare the minority
attack (that is why Black should try to
exchange the c3-knight which can
eventually support the b4-b5 break).
On the other hand, Black can still
gain space on the kingside without
weakening his positions - he will
gradually prepare the advance of his h
and g pawns. In such a case, White
will find himself in a very passive
position. By playing 14.Na4, White not
only tries to keep all the knights on
the board but at the same time he
takes under control the important c5-
square. That is why the advance b4-
b5 becomes a positional threat.
 Modern Chess Magazine
Nevertheless, Black has enough
resources to neutralize the ideas of
his opponent. Nd6 Black's knight has
occupied the ideal d6-square. Now,
Black threatens to exchange the light-
squared bishops through g7-g6
followed by Bf5. 15.Nc5 By activating
his knight White starts preparations
for his minority attack. He intends to
follow with Rfc1, a2-a4 and b4-b5. It
turns out, however, that Black is just
in time to meet this idea. ( In general,
the idea to carry out the thematic b4-
b5 at the price of giving the light-
squared bishop is not positionally
sound. For example, after 15.b5?!
cxb5 16.Bxb5 Nxb5 17.Rxb5
, Black can play b6 with Ba6 and
Rac8 to follow. The weak light-
squares and the lack of coordination
in White's camp are more than
enough compensation for the
slightly weakened d5-pawn. ) 15...Nfe4
Black centralizes his knight and puts
pressure on c5. Later on, he will
follow with Bf5. 16.a4 Bf5 17.Rfc1
After finishing the mobilization of his
forces, White could consider playing
b4-b5. I think that Black's best
reaction here is the subtle g6!
It is important to protect the bishop. In
a suitable moment, Black can
exchange the light-squared bishops
as well as one pair of knights by
playing ... .Ng5. Another possible idea
is to weaken White's kingside by
means of the advance h7-h5-h4-h3. It
seems that White runs out of
constructive ideas. The refutation of
18.b5?! is very instructive. b6 19.Na6
c5! This is the point. It turns out that
the c5-pawn is untouchable. For
www.modern-chess.com
15
example, 20.dxc5 bxc5 21.Nxc5?
runs into Rac8 when Black is
winning. ]
14...Nxc3! As the reader must have
learned by know, the exchange of one
pair of knights is a must in this structure.
15.Qxc3 Ne4 16.Qc2
[ I have already pointed out that the
move 16.Bxe4 implies a certain
positional risk. After dxe4
White's knight is far from being stable.
Moreover, Black has the perfect d5-
square at his disposal. Later on, he
can play f7-f6 followed by Be6-d5.
Since the center is blocked and the e4-
pawn gives Black a space advantage,
Black can start pushing his kingside
pawns in order to provoke
weaknesses on the kingside. ]
16...g6! Black's idea becomes clear. He
wants to exchange the bishops by
playing 17...Bf5 followed by Nd6.
17.Rfc1 Bf5 18.Rb3
[ Once again, the thematic 18.b5
does not work. Black is just in time to
meet it with c5! This was my point
when I affirmed that in some positions
the e5-knight could be unstable. Since
the c5-pawn is untouchable, Black is
ready to play c5-c4 on the next move.
The idea behind 18.Rb3 is to answer
18...c5 with 19.Bxe4 Bxe5 20.Qxc5 (in
this line, there will be no a hanging
rook on b1). ]
18...a6 19.a4 Nd6 20.Bxf5 Nxf5
The mission is completed. Black is one
tempo away from stopping White's
queenside play with Nd6. 21.h3
After playing this move. White offered a
draw which was accepted. At this point,
Black could have played
[ Note that 21.b5? would be a mistake
 Modern Chess Magazine
again because of the weakness of the
back-rank. Black should play axb5
22.axb5 c5! with a clear advantage.
The c5-pawn is untouchable:
23.Qxc5? Qxc5 Black is winning.
White can't capture with a rook
because the e5-knight will be lost. ]
21...Nd6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
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6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Remember this position. Black has
realized all his positional ideas. Now, it
is impossible for White to carry out the
b4-b5 advance. At the same time, Black
can gradually start making progress on
the kingside. I propose the following
plan in three steps: 1) kick the knight
back by means of Kg7 followed by f7-f6
2) double the rooks along the e-file after
putting the queen on f7 3) start
advancing h and g-pawns in order to
create a kingside weakness. It is very
important that one pair of knights are
already exchanged. With a white knight
on c3, Black should have reckoned with
the b4-b5 advance.
1/2
www.modern-chess.com
16
Bagirov,Rufat 2487
Novikov,Maxim 2519
Tula Kotov Memorial (2) 01.07.2007
Another positional method of fighting
against the minority attack is to radically
prevent the advance b4-b5 by playing b7-
b5. It goes without saying that such an
approach is very risky from a positional
point of view - Black voluntarily weakens
the c6-pawna and the c5-square. There
are three main factors to consider before
playing b7-b5:1) this idea is good when
the light-squared bishops are already
exchanged since White can not effectively
control the c4-square 2) Black should be
in time to close the c-file by transferring
his knight to c4 3) Black should be able to
prevent White from playing e3-e4
because we should avoid opening up the
position when we have weaknesses.
These principles are very well illustrated
in the game Rufat Bagirov - Maxim
Novikov, played in 2007. The critical
position was reached after the moves
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c6
5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 Be7
7.e3 Bf5 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3 Nbd7
10.0-0 0-0 11.Rab1 Ne4 12.Bxe7
Qxe7 13.b4 a6 14.a4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
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a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
So far, both sides were playing the most
natural moves. I leave these moves
without comments because the ideas
behind them were explained in the
previous two examples. Let's try to
evaluate this position. Obviously, both
sides have achieved some of their goals.
White has started his minority attack, and
now he is ready to proceed with the b4-b5
break. Given the fact that Black can not
meet b4-b5 by means of the thematic c6-
c5 (This is possible only after including of
the moves 15...axb5 16.axb5 Nxc3
17.Qxc3 and now c5. In this case,
however, White can go for IQP by playing
dxc5 since his problematic pieces (c3-
knight and d3-bishop) are exchanged),
White's threat seems to be quite
dangerous. On the other hand, Black
managed to exchange the light-squared
bishops and to establish a firm control
over the e4-square. Also, Black has the
possibility to easily transfer one of his
knights to the weak c4-square. That is
why he played b5! This move is played
following all the three above mentioned
conditions. 15.Rfc1 Nd6!This is the
point. White doesn't have time to put
pressure on c6 because Black is ready to
close the c-file by playing Nc4. Again, we
can see how useful is the d6-knight in the
Carlsbad structure! 16.Nd2 With this
move, White not only takes the c4-square
under control but at the same time he
wants to open the position with e3-e4.
That is why Black's next move is
practically forced.
www.modern-chess.com
17
f5! Of course! Now, White experiences
difficulties to build a plan. There is an
amazing synchrony in the actions of
Black's pieces. The d7-knight controls
the important squares e5 and c5 while
the other knight keeps an eye on c4 and
e4. Also, every black pawn does it's task
to prevent White's play. 17.Nb3
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
This knight is heading for the c5-square.
After the eventual exchange on c5,
White is going to take with the d-pawn,
thus freeing the d4-square for his other
knight. Nevertheless, with a white pawn
on c5, Black doesn't have to worry about
his weakness on c6 and can focus on
his kingside play. Despite the fact that
the position is objectively balanced,
Black's play is much easier. Nc4
When the e4-square is under control,
Black can afford himself to bring his
knight to c4. 18.Nc5 Nxc5 19.dxc5
 Modern Chess Magazine
Rae8
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
The queenside is stabilized, and Black
concentrates his pieces on the other side
of the board. The move 19...Rae8
prepares the thematic f5-f4. By
exchanging his f-pawn for the opponent's
e-pawn, Black creates a stong passed
central passed pawn on d5. Moreover,
his active pieces can create dangerous
threats on the kingside and along the e-
file. 20.axb5 axb5 21.Ne2 It seems
that White managed to prevent his
opponent's immediate threats and is
now ready to invade opponent's camp
via the open a-file. The maneuver
Ra1-a6 seems to be a decent idea.
Black, however, has something else in
mind. g5! Very strong move! Despite
White's prophylactic attempts, Black will
carry out the desired f5-f4 break. Given
the fact that the center is stable,
pushing the kingside pawns is not risky.
In order not to find himself in a very
difficult position, White starts a
counterplay against the c6-pawn. 22.Nd4
Qf6 23.Ra1 Ne5 Since the c-file is
www.modern-chess.com
18
already closed, Black's knight has no
more work on c4. From the e5-square
the knight protects the c6-pawn and can
easily participate in active actions on the
kingside. Important for the evaluation of
Black's plan is the position arising after
24.Qc2 f4 25.exf4 Qxf4 26.Rd1
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Both sides managed to realize their
ideas. White centralized his knight and
took the control over the a-file. In a long-
term, the c6-pawn will be a concern for
Black. On the other hand, Black
concentrated his pieces in the center
and on the kingside and is now ready to
start active actions. I am inclined to
think that the position remains balanced.
From a practical point of view, however,
it is more difficult to play with White
because Black's threats are directed
against the king. To provoke kingside
weaknesses he played Ng4 27.g3
[ The idea to remove the knight from
the center by playing 27.Nf3
doesn't seem attractive to me. A good
idea for Black would be to play Re4
attacking the b4-pawn and preparing
 Modern Chess Magazine
to double the rooks along the e-file. ]
27...Qf6 Black is threatening 28...Nxf2.
28.Qd2! This is the most precise
defense. White protects the d4-knight to
be able to meet 28...Nxf2 by means of
29.Rf1. Rf7 Black makes a useful move
which protects the seventh rank and
prepares to double the rooks along the
open e-file.
[ Wrong is 28...Nxf2? due to 29.Rf1
Ne4 30.Rxf6 Nxd2 31.Rxf8+ Kxf8
32.Rd1 Nc4 33.Nxc6 when White's
advantage is out of question. ]
29.f3 White this move White chases
away Black's knight but weakens the e3-
square.
[ Maybe White should have preferred
the solid 29.Rf1 This move is not as
passive as it might look at first sight.
For example, White is prepared to
meet 29...Ne5 by means of 30.f4. A
possible continuation would be h5
30.Ra6 Ne5 Black protects the c6-
pawn and threatens to fix White's
kingside structure by means of g5-g4.
31.f3 Qg6 32.Re1 Rfe7
With a position which is similar to the
game. ]
29...Ne5?! Black misses an interesting
opportunity.
[ He could have made use by the weak
c3-square by playing 29...Ne3 30.Re1
Rfe7 In this position, the e3-knight is
very powerful. Also, it worth
mentioning that after a possible
exchange of the knights via the f5-
square, major pieces endgames are
difficult for White because of Black's
dangerous passed pawn. The worst
scenario for White would be to enter a
queen endgame where the white
queen will be tied to Black's passed
www.modern-chess.com
19
pawn. ]
30.Re1 Rfe7 31.Kg2 Qg6?!
This move turns out to be an inaccuracy
because allows White to create a strong
outpost for the knight by playing 32. g3-
g4.
[ Black should have opted for 31...g4
when the game remains balanced. For
example, after 32.fxg4 Nc4 33.Rxe7
Nxd2 34.Rxe8+ Kf7 35.Rae1 Qxd4
36.R8e7+ Kf8 37.Re8+ Kf7=
the game ends with a draw by
perpetual. ]
32.Qc3? White misses his chance.
[ Of course, better was 32.g4
with the idea to install the knight on f5.
Already, White is the one who is on
the sunny side of the equality. ]
32...h5 33.Ra2 Nc4 34.Rxe7 Rxe7
35.Ra6?? This is a blunder which loses
immediately. Nevertheless, such
mistakes are likely to happen in this
position because White is always forced
to keep an eye on the security of his
own king.
[ A simple move like 35.Ra1
would have maintained the balance. ]
35...Ne3+ White resigned because he
will either lose the queen or receive
mate.
0-1
Arkell,Keith C 2474
Croad,Nicholas 2288
BCF-chT2 0910 (4NCL) (9) 01.05.2010
 Modern Chess Magazine
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
In the last game of the current article, I
would like to feature a case in which the
b7-b5 advance turns out to be dubious.
The diagram position was reached in the
game Keith Arkell - Nicholas Croad
played in 2010. Since GM Keith Arkell is
a big specialist in the Carlsbad type of
positions. I recommend you to check his
games in this structure - they are quite
instructive. The current game is not an
exception. Let's try to evaluate the
position on the diagram. It is obvious
that the exchange of the light-squared
bishops favor Black. On the other hand,
the exchange of White's dark-squared
bishop for one of Black's knights is
advantageous for White since Black
can't exercise effective control over the
important squares c4 and e4. Now,
White is threatening to follow with 14.b4-
b5 taking advantage of the fact that
Black can not answer this move with c6-
c5 since the d5-pawn is hanging. Black
decided to radically prevent White's idea
by playing 13...b5?! In this concrete
position, the b7-b5 advance is not a
www.modern-chess.com
20
good idea since Black can not easily
transfer his knight to c4. Generally
speaking, when our opponent has a pair
of knights at his disposal we should
avoid creating weak squares in our
camp.
[ Black should have played 13...Nf6
by protecting the d5-pawn, Black is
getting ready to answer b4-b5 with
the thematic c6-c5. After 14.0-0 0-0
, I think that 15.b5 is premature due
to ( An interesting idea would be
15.a5!? The advance a4-a5 makes a
lot of sense when Black had already
played a7-a6. White's pawns on a5,
b4, and d4 neutralize four black
pawns on the queenside. After
transferring his knight to c5, White
can consider gaining space in the
center by means of f2-f3 and e3-e4.
This structure will be dealt with in
detail in one of my next articles
dedicated to the e3-e4 break. )
15...axb5 16.axb5 Ra3 17.bxc6 bxc6
followed by ...Qa5 and c6-c5 in a
suitable moment. As we already know,
the c3-knight is quite a problematic
piece in such structures. ]
14.a5! This is a very important move in
White's strategy. It is necessary to
prevent Black from executing the
maneuver Nb6-c4. Also, I would like to
point out that in a number of endgame
positions the a6-pawn will be a concern
for Black. 0-0 15.0-0 Bd6 The bishop
is well placed on d6. Black intends to
follow with 16...Qe7, attacking the b4-
pawn and connecting the rooks. 16.Ne2!
GM Arkell demonstrates a
prophylactical thinking. With his last
move, he not only intends to put
pressure on c6 by playing Rfc1 but at
 Modern Chess Magazine 21

the same time he is prepared to meet Another subtle positional decision by GM

Black's 16...Qe7 by 17.Qb3. Qe7
17.Qb3 Nf6 18.Rfc1 Rac8 19.Rc2!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
A beautiful positional idea. White is
planning to defend the weak b4-pawn
through the maneuver Nc1-d3. Later on,
he can increase the pressure against c6
by doubling the rooks along the c-file.
Note that white knights will be ready to
attack Black's weaknesses via the
squares c5 and e5. On the other hand, it
is difficult to find a clear plan for Black.
Next few moves seem to be pretty
logical. Rc7 20.Nc1 Ne4 21.Nd3 f6
22.Rbc1 Qe6 23.Nd2!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
Arkell. His idea is to exchange Black's
most active piece. At the same time,
Black already has some problems
connected with the defense of the c6-
pawn. In this position, Black goes wrong
by playing f5? Black runs into a
positional trap. The move f7-f5 weakens
the e5-square and Black's position
becomes extremely difficult.
[ Black should have accepted the
passive position arising after
23...Nxd2 24.Rxd2 f5 25.Rdc2
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
We have reached a typical position in
which White go for the following
typical plan: 1) exchange the knight
for the bishop by playing Nc5 2) triple
the major pieces along the c-file in

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1
a b c d e f g h

www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine
order to force Black's pieces into a
passive position 3) evacuate the
king towards the queenside (a3 would
be a good square) 4) try to open the
center by means of e3-e4 or start
playing on the kingside through f2-f3
followed by h2-h3 and g2-g4 ]
24.Nf3! White immediately opts for the
occupation of the e5-square. In order not
to find himself in a completely cramped
position, Black undertakes drastic
actions on the kingside. f4 25.exf4
Bxf4 26.Nxf4 Rxf4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
27.Ne5?! So far, White was playing
perfectly. His last move, however, turns
out to be an inaccuracy. Feeling the
overwhelming positional advantages,
GM Arkell tries to immediately collect
the fruits of his work. This is a very
instructive mistake when it comes to a
realization of an advantage. Until the
very end, we should pay attention to the
resources of our opponent.
[ After the precise 27.Qe3! Rf8
28.Ne5 Black is doomed to passivity. ]
27...Nd6! This is the point! Black will
www.modern-chess.com
22
manage to transfer his knight to the
perfect c4-square. It turns out that
taking the c6-pawn is not a very good
idea. 28.Nxc6?! Taking the pawn at the
price of the activation of the opponent's
pieces is hardly a good idea. From a
psychological point of view, however, it
is hard to stop when you had already
taken the wrong way.
[ Even worse is 28.Rxc6? Rxc6
29.Rxc6 Rxd4 30.Nf3 Rc4
when Black has the advantage. ]
[ The best option was to focus on the e-
file by going for 28.Qd3 Nc4 29.Re2
followed by Rce1. Black is still far
away from the equality. ]
28...Nc4! After this move, Black has
enough compensation for the missing
pawn. 29.Qg3 Qf5 30.Nb8?
White continues to follow the same
wrong strategy. Of course, the activation
of the pieces is much more important
than the pawns. Re7! The last passive
piece comes into play. Despite the fact
that computer evaluates the position as
equal, I am sure that every strong player
would prefer to be Black here. 31.h3?!
This move allows Black to isolate the
knight by playing 31...Re6.
[ It seems that White still holds the
draw after 31.Nxa6 Qxc2 32.Qxf4
Nd2! 33.Qb8+ ( 33.Ra1 Qa4! )
33...Kf7 34.Qf4+ Kg8= ]
31...Re6 32.f3?! Another inaccuracy in
a very difficult position. Of course, from
a human point of view, it is almost
impossible to play precisely when the
pieces of your opponent are so close to
your king.
[ It seems that White can still bring his
knight into play by 32.Nd7 Rg6
33.Qh2 h6 34.Re2 followed by Ne5.
 Modern Chess Magazine
Black position is still preferable
though. ]
32...Rg6 33.Qh2 h6?! Black doesn't
need this prophylactic move.
[ Maybe he rejected the obvious
33...Rxf3 in view of 34.Nc6
threatening 35.Ne7 and 35.Qb8.
Nevertheless, after the precise, Qe4!
it turns out that these ideas are not
possible. 35.Qb8 is simply met by 35...
Rf8. Obviously, for a human is very
difficult to spot all the tactical details.
If I am currently pointing out the
mistakes of the opponents, I am doing
it for the sake of the objective
evaluation. ]
34.Nd7! The knight grabs the chance to
enter the game. Rxf3?! This move
allows White to bring the knight to the
center.
[ Now, it was the right moment for the
prophylactic 34...Kh7 when White has
problems to defend the d4-pawn. ]
35.Qb8+? This move leads to a lost
position. Surprisingly, in the game, it
worked our quite well since White sets
up a trap.
[ The natural 35.Ne5 already leads to
equality. ]
35...Kh7 36.Ne5 Qf4?? Black makes
the only losing move in a winning
position.
[ 36...Nxe5 37.Qxe5 Qxh3-+
Black's attack is decisive. ]
37.Qh8+! After this move, Black
resigned. GM Arkell is the one who
finally managed to win this highly
dramatic and exciting encounter.
1-0
www.modern-chess.com
23
Test 1
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
This position was reached in the game
Alexander Kotov - Ludek Pachman,
played in 1950. What is Black's best
move? 42...h5! Very important positional
move. White was threatening to play g3-
g4, fixing the h7-pawn. In such case,
there will be two weaknesses in Black's
camp - pawns on c6 and h7. After 42...
h5, the most probable outcome is a draw.
In general, one weakness is not enough
to win the game.
Test 2
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
This position was reached in the game
Bartolomiej Macieja - Hrair Simonian
played in 2011. Can you find the most
efficient way to proceed with the minority
attack? 18.Bf5! Very precise move. It is
impossible to immediately play 18.b5
because of 18...cxb5. Also, White is
planning to meet 18...Nxa4 by means of
19.Qc2. Rd8 19.b5!
Of course! White shouldn't be afraid of
losing the a4-pawn since 19...Nxc4 runs
into 20.b6! axb5 20.axb5
White completed the minority attack.
Now, he is planning to create a
queenside weakness by playing bxc6.
Test 3
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
This position was reached in the game
Teimour Radjabov - Alexander
Morozevich, played in 2012. With his last
move 15.Bg3, White offers an exchange
of the bishop. What is the best way for
Black to execute this exchange?
16...Ne4! Very precise move. In the
www.modern-chess.com
24
Carlsbad structure, Black always try to
transfer a knight to the ideal d6-square.
17.Bxd6 Nxd6 Being on d6, Black's
knight makes difficult for White to carry
out his minority attack and controls the
important c4 and e4 squares. 18.Nf4
Ng6! As a rule, after exchanging the
light-squared bishops and transferring a
knight to d6, Black is advised to
exchange a pair of knights. In the
concrete position, after exchanging a
pair of knights, White's remaining f3-
knight will not be able to support the
minority attack on the queenside. On
the other hand, Black has room for
improvement on the kingside.
Test 4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
This position was reached in my game
against Elitsa Raeva played in 2005 (I
play with Black). Black has achieved a
lot. After exchanging the light-squared
bishop he managed to transfer his knight
to d6 and exchange a pair of knights.
Now, it is time to undertake concrete
 Modern Chess Magazine 25

actions on the kingside. How exactly

should Black proceed here? 23...f5!This
is a typical move in such positions. The
idea is to follow with f5-f4. In this way,
Black creates a weakness on e3 or d4.
24.Nc5 Qf6 This is the move which was
played in the game. Black is ready to
play f5-f4.
[ Another possibility was 24...Qf7 ]

Test 5
a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

This position was reached in the game

Karpov - Spassky played in 1974.
Spassky tried to radically prevent White
from executing his minority attack by
putting his pawn on b5. Do you think
that his decision is correct? How should
White proceed here? 19.a5! Excellent
move. White chases away the b6-knight
and fixes the weaknesses of his
opponent. Bc7 20.g3 Nc4 21.e4!
As a rule, when there are a lot of
weaknesses in the camp of your
opponent, you are advised to open the
position. Now, White intends to proceed
with 22. exd5 followed by Bf3.
www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine
Master the Grunfeld
Structure - Part 5
Dear Readers,
In the previous articles dedicated to the
typical Grunfeld structures we have
focused on Black's most popular plan
against White's massive centre,
namely ...c7-c5. We will now deal with
the main alternative, breaking the centre
with ... e7-e5. ***Sometimes choosing
between the two options is a matter of
taste, implying an early choice of
variation, but on other occasions using
the e-pawn may be simply better. I will
illustrate the main differences between
the possible plans in the comments to
the next game.
Martynov,Pavel
Ivanchuk,Vassily 2390
SochiJ-A 1986
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5
Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4
0-0 8.Be3 Nc6
www.modern-chess.com
26
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
This more or less implies that Black had
made up his mind for playing ... e7-e5
already. 9.Ne2 b6 10.0-0 Bb7 11.Qd2
Qd6
[ Black could switch to the standard
plan with 11...Na5 12.Bd3 c5
but this could transpose to the
dangerous scenario examined in the
first article dedicated to the Grunfeld
structures, see Carlsen-Ivanchuk. ]
12.Bd3 Rad8 13.Rad1
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
Black is fully mobilized and there is
nothing more natural than breaking the
centre with+++ e6!? Tending a small
psychological trap into which White will
fall blindly.
[ 13...e5 The thematic continuation is
14.d5 ( Defending the d4 pawn implies
abandoning with the bishop the best
square. For instance 14.Bc2 allows
Ba6 putting the e2-knight in an
uncomfortable position and indirectly
increasing the pressure on d4.; 14.Bb5
abandons the defence of the e4-pawn
and could be met with exd4 15.cxd4
Qe7 threatening both ...Qxe4 and ...
Nxc4 followed by ...c7-c5. It is worth
mentioning that in the positions
arising after ... c7-c5 instead of ...e7-
e5 Black does not have the plan
based on putting pressure on e4 along
the e-file. 16.Bxc6 The only way of
keeping the integrity of the centre, but
a positional concession at the same
time. Bxc6 17.f3 Bb5 18.Rfe1 Qa3=
White cannot enjoy his massive centre
as Black's pieces are very active.;
The attempt of reducing the pressure
with 14.Bg5 can be answered in
several ways, the most resolute being
exd4 15.Bxd8 Rxd8 16.Nxd4 Nxd4
17.cxd4 Bxd4 18.Qe2 c5
with perfect compensation for the
exchange. ) 14...Nb8!? ( The typical
reaction is 14...Na5 , as we will see
more than once throughout the article,
but with the bishop on b7 Black would
need some time recycling the knight to
d6. After the recommended move the
knight is heading for c5. ) 15.c4 Na6
possibly followed by ...c7-c6 and .. .f7-
f5. ]
www.modern-chess.com
27
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
14.Bh6?!
[ After the f6-square has been
weakened, this looks like the normal
plan, but White obviously overlooked
the next move. Before thinking of
exchanging bishops White should
have blocked the centre with 14.e5
, yielding him attacking chances. ]
14...e5!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Only apparently a loss of time. The
blocked central structure arising after
this delayed break tends to favour Black
after the bishop exchange as the black
squares are all Black's. 15.d5 Na5
[ The familiar 15...Nb8 was also
possible, but things are much calmer
now and the knight jump to the edge
is entirely viable. ]
 Modern Chess Magazine
16.c4
[ One of the merits of placing the
knight on a5 is keeping the c4-square
under observation. This invites White
to prudence when thinking of f2-f4.
For instance: 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.f4 c6
18.c4 Nxc4 ( This leads to interesting
complications but the simple 18...Ba6
would also have maintained the
dynamic balance even. ) 19.Bxc4
Qc5+ 20.Kh1 Qxc4 21.fxe5 Qxe4
22.Nc3 ( 22.d6 c5 23.Ng3 Qxe5
offers White no compensation at all,
as the b7-bishop is a monster. )
22...Qxe5 23.Rde1 Qc7 24.Ne4
White's only chance is focusing on the
f6-square. Rxd5 25.Qb2+ Qe5
26.Nc3 Qd4 27.Re4!? ( Trying to
keep the game going. 27.Rd1
would force a draw by repetition. )
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
27...Qd2 28.Qa1 Kg8 If White simply
takes the rook Black gets three pawns
for the exchange, with better chances
already. 29.Re7 Rg5 30.Rg1 White
threatens Rxb7 and Ne4 at the same
time but Black is active enough to force
a draw: Rh5 31.Ne4
( 31.Rxb7? Qh6 offers Black a decisive
attack. ) 31...Rxh2+ 32.Kxh2 Qh6+
33.Kg3 Qe3+ with a draw by perpetual. ]
www.modern-chess.com
28
16...Bxh6 17.Qxh6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
We have reached a typical structure for
the plan examined in this article. It may
seem that White has some kingside
attacking chances since Black's minor
pieces are stuck on the opposite wing.
But White's regrouping is not perfect
either since his knight not only stays in
the rooks' way but also fails to take part
to any constructive plan. It does not
contribute to the defence of the
relatively weak c4-pawn and it cannot
put pressure on e5 easily. This is one of
the reasons why the plan with ...e7-e5
mainly works against the exchange
variation with Bc4 and Ne2 and not
against the systems based on Nf3.
***The regrouping carried out by
Ivanchuk is a typical remedy for his
temporary problems. Bc8 Clearing the
b7-square for the knight and activating
the bishop at the same time.
[ Black had an alternative in 17...Ba6
18.Rc1 ( 18.c5 bxc5 19.Bxa6 Qxa6
is interesting but should not offer
more than adequate compensation for
the pawn. ) 18...Nb7 followed by ...
Nc5. ]
 Modern Chess Magazine
18.Nc1 Nb7 19.Nb3 Bd7 20.Rc1
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
White has taken measures against what
seems to be Black's main plan, ...Nc5,
threatening c4-c5 followed by Qe3 at
the same time. Even his knight suddenly
looks active, but with his next move
Ivanchuk completely changes the
picture. c5!? Since the exchange on c6
does not favour White, Black ensures
the d6-square for his knight. Suddenly,
White's knight is stuck on the queenside
and needs returning to the other wing.
[ If 20...Nc5 21.Qe3 White may retain
a symbolic advantage. ]
21.Nd2 The knight has finally emerged
on a flexible route, but it will be soon
confined to the passive task of defending
e4. Qe7 Black plans ...Nd6 followed by
... f7-f5 so White decides striking first.
22.f4 f6
[ A solid move, but 22...exf4 23.Qxf4
f6 was entirely playable, with a
possible transposition to the game
after having avoided f4-f5. 24.Qc7
is not dangerous due to the calm Rb8
planning ...Qd6, which would reach a
similar ending as in the game. ]
www.modern-chess.com
29
23.Qh4
[ 23.f5 is more ambitious, even though
after Qg7 24.Qh4 Nd6 possibly
followed by ...g6-f5 Black's position
remains solid. ]
23...Rde8 24.Rf2 exf4!
Finally transposing to the structure
indicated above. 25.Qxf4 Nd6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Even though the position remains
basically equal, Black's play is easier
due to his absolute control on dark
squares. White cannot undertake
anything active. 26.Rcf1 Kg7 27.h3
Qe5 28.g4?! White hopes undermining
Black's central stability with h3-h4 and
g4-g5, but this only creates him new
weaknesses. Qxf4 29.Rxf4 h6
The start of an interesting series of
pawn moves on both wings. 30.Kg2 a6
31.R4f2
[ White cannot prevent ...b6-b5 since
a2-a4 is denied by the bishop and
after 31.Rc1 Re7 32.Kg3
(or any other neutral move) Rc8
33.Nb3? loses a pawn to g5 34.Rf2
Nxe4+ ]
 Modern Chess Magazine
31...g5 Blocking the white kingside
pawns on light squares. 32.Kg3 b5
Since ...h7-h5 also is a possibility, White
is under pressure on practically the
whole board. 33.Re1 Re7 34.Rfe2
Rfe8 35.Kg2 Kg8 36.Rc1 b4 37.Rce1
a5 38.Nf3
[ 38.Nb3 is parried with Nb7
followed by ...a5-a4. ]
38...Nf7!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
White's position is unpleasant but the
next move looks like premature
panicking. 39.a3? b3 40.a4
in vain hoping to win the b3-pawn. Rb8
41.Rb2 Rb4 42.Nd2 Bxa4 43.Re3
Reb7 44.Be2 Nd6 One of the key
elements in Black's play in this game
was using the d6-square for his knight.
But this is an issue which needs careful
treating, as we can infer from the next
example.
0-1
www.modern-chess.com
30
Kapnisis,Spyridon 2412
Marin,Mihail 2556
EU-ch 9th Plovdiv (3) 23.04.2008
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5
Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4
0-0 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.h4 This is supposed
to be the best reaction to moves such as
8...b6 or 8...Qd7, which do not put
immediate pressure on the d4-square.
However, this is not the case with 8...
Nc6, which casts some doubt about the
viability of White's last move. e5!
Of course, the best reaction against an
attack on the wing is a counter-blow in
the centre. 10.Be3 Qe7 11.d5 Na5
12.Bd3 f5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
With his king in the centre yet and the
attack not really going, White faces
some problems despite his advantage in
space. 13.Qa4 b6 14.h5 f4 15.Bc1
Bd7 16.Bb5 Bxb5 17.Qxb5
White has managed to provoke the
generally favorable exchange of the
 Modern Chess Magazine
light-squared bishops, but with his poor
development, this is a questionable
achievement. Among other things, the
c4-square is vulnerable and the e2-
knight rather passive. c6! 18.Qd3
[ White tries keeping his centre
together as after 18.dxc6 retrieving
the c6-pawn would be just a matter of
time for Black, when the weakness of
the c-pawn and the c4-square would
offer him a consistent advantage. ]
18...g5! Ultimately removing the
possibility of an attack along the h-file.
19.a4 g4 20.Ba3 c5 White has
managed to block the centre, but this
does not affect Black, whose knight
controls the c4-square. 21.f3 Bf6 22.c4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Planning Nc3 with reasonable
coordination. Rad8! A strong move
preventing White's regrouping by
threatening to transfer the knight to d4
with ...Nc6. White's knight is awfully
passive now. 23.Qc2 Now, White
cannot play Nc3 anymore. Kh8 24.0-0-0
Rg8 White has evacuated the king from
the centre but the queenside is not an
www.modern-chess.com
31
entirely safe residence either. 25.Ng1
Planning to meet gxf3 with Nxf3, getting
some stability. Qd7 Slihghtly hesitating.
[ 25...Qb7 followed by ...a7-a6 gains
a tempo over the recommended line
below. ]
26.h6 Qb7
[ In principle a good move, but I had
designed it in combination with a
wrong plan. ***Transferring the knight
to d6 is too slow: 26...Nb7 27.Bb2
Nd6 28.Kb1 a6 The only active
possibility, I the spirit of the
improvement suggested below.
29.Ne2! Suddenly White threatens
Nxf4, which cannot be parried so
easily: Qe7 30.Nxf4 exf4 31.Rh5
Black's king is vulnerable and the d6-
knight has turned unstable. ]
27.Rd3
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Qa6? The turning point of the game as
the plan of increasing the pressure on
c4 followed by the knight's transfer top
d6 does not bother White, allowing him
consolidating statically.
[ It is easy to notice even without a
 Modern Chess Magazine
deep analysis that 27...a6!
followed by ...b6-b5 would have
offered a winning attack. One
important element is the absence of
White's king's bishop, leaving the
light squares vulnerable. ]
28.Rc3 g3 29.Ne2 Rg6?!
[ 29...Rg5= would have prevented the
later Rh5, leading to a static balance. ]
30.Kb1 Nb7 31.Qb3 Nd6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Black has reached the standard
regrouping, but since c4 and e4 are
safely defended the knight is not doing
much on d6. Little by little it will become
clear that Black has a bad bishop and a
chronical weakness on e5. 32.Rcc1
Qb7 33.Bb2 Qe7 34.Rh5 Nf7
35.Rch1 Kg8 36.Nc1! Suddenly it is
White who plays on both wings. The
knight is heading for d3, increasing the
pressure on e5. Rd6 37.Nd3 Rd8
38.Bc3 Re8 39.Qb2 Bg5 40.Kc2 Qd6
41.a5 White has strong pressure all over
the board and went winning in style.
***The knights' fate is not always
decided by static maneuvers. Things
www.modern-chess.com
32
can sometimes become dynamical both
sides display kingside ambitions at the
same time.
1-0
Marin,Mihail 2525
Navrotescu,Catalin 2370
Buzias 1991
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5
Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4
0-0 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 e5 10.0-0 Na5
11.Bd3 b6 12.Rc1 Bb7 13.Qd2 Qd7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
14.Bh6
[ Even without knowing... my much
later game against Kapnisis examined
above, I was not interested in offering
Black kingside play after 14.d5?! f5
When playing my last move I was also
aware that I need avoiding the
scenario from the first game above. ]
14...c5
[ To my taste Black should play more
 Modern Chess Magazine
flexibly, avoiding early queenside
commitments. I would prefer
14...Rae8 increasing the pressure on
e4 and aiming to induce either d4-d5
when the c5-square would be
available to Black's pieces or the
passive f2-f3 when White would have
little to hope for on the kingside. ]
15.Bxg7 Kxg7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
16.f4!? Trying to open the kingside in
order to generate attacking chances.
This is the only consequent follow-up of
the bishops' exchange. Apparently,
White has promising initiative as the a5-
knight is far from the main theater of
events, but the next move shows that
White's bishop will not be able to defend
e4 and keep the enemy knight passive
for long.
[ 16.d5 could become similar to
Ivanchuk's game, but could also
transpose to the main line after f5
17.f4 ]
16...f5
[ Pawn grabbing would clear the path
for White's pieces: 16...exd4?
www.modern-chess.com
33
17.cxd4 cxd4 18.f5 f6 19.Nf4
Threateniong not only Ne6+ but also
Rc7. Rae8 20.fxg6 ( Winning an
exchange with 20.Ne6+ Rxe6
21.fxe6 Qxe6 is too modest. )
20...hxg6 21.Nxg6! Kxg6 22.e5+ f5
23.Qf4 Followed by Qg3+ (or Qg4+)
and Rf3-g3 with a winning attack. ]
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
17.d5 After this move the structure
acquires familiar contours with the
difference that the kingside is under
tension.
[ 17.exf5 e4 followed by ...Nc4 is
simply bad for White. ]
[ 17.fxe5 fxe4 18.Bc2 completely
changes the structure, but in
principle activates Black's minor
pieces. ]
17...fxe4 18.Bxe4 Nc4 The knight
finally joins the battle, leveling the
chances. 19.Qd3 Nd6
[ This is good enough, but 19...Nb2
would have more or less forced a
draw. If 20.Qd2/c2/b1 Black would
play 20...Nc4, more or less forcing a
 Modern Chess Magazine
move repetition. During the game,
post-mortem analysis and comments
for the Chess Informant I was
convinced that 20.Qg3 is strongest,
due to Bxd5 21.Rcd1? Nxd1
22.Rxd1 failing to notice the simple
Qa4!-+ with a double attack. ]
20.c4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
The position is intriguing as Black has
many thematic moves available but not
all of them are adequate. Black is quite
stable on dark squares but the main
thing is avoiding Ne2-f4-e6. b5?!
This looks perfectly logical as it
activates the minor pieces, but the long
term consequences are not that
favourable.
[ The developing 20...Rae8
may also cause some problems:
21.fxe5 Rxe5 22.Qc3 Rfe8 23.Bd3
followed by Nf4-e6. ]
[ The best would have been 20...Qe7!
taking the dark squares under control
even though this looks like wasting a
tempo. I initially evaluated the
position resulting after 21.f5
www.modern-chess.com
34
as favourable for White, but after Qh4
22.Ng3 Ba6 Black's pressure on
both wings is unpleasant. ]
21.cxb5 c4 22.Qe3 Qxb5 23.Rb1
Qe8 This looks a bit strange but is
logical as Black defends the e5-pawn.
But after the queenside operation the
bishop is hanging slightly. 24.Nc3
In this phase of the game both players
erred in the same way, by treating the
position too statically. The knight stands
well on c3, of course, but dealing with
the pawn tension was a higher
emergency.
[ 24.Bf3 (or 24.Bc2!?) would have
offered White the initiative. e4
( 24...exf4 25.Qd4+ Kg8 26.Nxf4
is simply bad for Black. ) 25.Bg4 Bc8
26.h3 followed by Qc5 and Nd4
soon. ]
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
24...exf4? Practically the decisive
mistake.
[ As pointed out by my opponent right
after the game it was essential to
exchange rooks with 24...Rxf4
 Modern Chess Magazine
25.Rxf4 exf4 26.Qd4+ Kh6!
In the game this resource will not be
available due to Rf3-h3. 27.Rf1 Qh8!=
solving all Black's problems. ]
25.Qd4+
[ My opponent in vain hoped for
25.Rxf4 Qe5 with perfect play on
dark squares. ]
25...Kg8
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Things may look fine for Black at a first
glance, but White has a simple way of
demolishing the blockade on dark
squares. 26.Rxb7!+- Nxb7 27.d6
It's all over now. The pawn clears the
path for the minor pieces which will join
the attack with decisive effect. Rf7
28.Bd5 Rd8 29.Ne4 Rxd6 30.Bxf7+
1-0
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35
Test 1
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
White's last move was 16.Bb3-c4. His
main idea was to fight against the threat
of 16...Ba6 followed by a5-a4. Do you
agree with that? Enter Black's strongest
move. 16...Qa4! This strong move
shatters White's stability on light
squares. 17.Bd3 Nxd3 18.Qxd3 Ba6
19.Qd2 f6 20.Be3 f5 There is no
satisfactory way of defending e4 so
White has to give up the centre. 21.exf5
gxf5 22.f4 A desperate move making
things only worse. Rae8
Black's pressure along the e-file soon
got him an exchange.
 Modern Chess Magazine
Test 2
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
By centralizing his queen, White is
attacking the knight. How should Black
proceed here? 15...b5! The is the right
reaction. It is very important to keep the
control over the c4-square. Weaker is
15...Nd6 16.c4 b6 17.Be3 when White
has the initiative. 16.Qb1 Qd7 17.Rd1
Bf8! This exchange leaves White with a
potentially bad bishop, while the knight
remains the dominating minor piece.
18.Bxf8 Rxf8 19.0-0 c5 With obvious
advantage for Black.
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36
Test 3
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
White has just met the move 24...g3 by
means of 25.h3. Which is the best way
to proceed with the attack? 25...Nf7!
The knight was not doing much on d6
anymore. Black plans ...Qh4 followed by
...Ng5 and ...Bxh3.
[ 25...Qh4!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
followed by ...Nf7 would have been
the same. ]
[ But 25...Bxh3?! is premature:
26.gxh3 g2 27.Qxg2! ( 27.Rf2?! Qg3
Threatening ...Qh2!+ 28.Rxg2 Qxe1+
 Modern Chess Magazine 37

29.Kh2 Rxg2+ 30.Kxg2 Kf7) Test 5

27...Qf6 28.Kh2 Rxg2+ 29.Rxg2 The
attack came to an end and White has a b c d e f g h
enough compensation for the queen. ] 8 8
26.a5 Qh4 27.axb6 Ng5 28.b7 Bxb7
7 7
29.Ba5 Bc8 30.Re1 Bxh3 31.Kf1
[ 31.gxh3 Nxh3+ 32.Kf1 Nf2 6 6
followed by ...g3-g2 wins. ]
5 5
31...Bd7-+
4 4

3 3
Test 4
2 2

1 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8

7 7 White plans Qb1 followed by Rc1 with

6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
string queenside pressure and an
absolutely safe king. Can you find a way
of putting the pawns into motion?
22...Rfb8! Since things are calm on the
kingside Black affords concentrating his
rooks on the queenside for the sake of
reaching ...b6-b5. 23.Qb1 b5 24.axb5
axb5 25.Nxb5 Now Bxb5 26.Bxb5 c4
27.Rb2 Qb7 would have offered
excellent compensation for the pawn.

White decided to prevent ...e7-e5 with 12.

e5 aiming to gain a tempo for his
kingside attack. Was this a good idea?
12...Nxe5! Not really a good idea! Black
simply wins a pawn as 13.dxe5 Qc6
attacking g2 and c4 only makes things
worse.

www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine
The Art of Analysis
Introduction
Theoretical Overview
The art of analysis! You don't know? So
dig deeper! by GM John van der Wiel
Sometimes you notice an unusual,
fascinating move. But you know it will take 10.Bf6 g6 11.Qg5 Qc7
at least 20 minutes to start understanding
whether it is playable or not. If not, you
will severely miss the invested time later
on in the game. So usually the wiser/more
practical course is to select a move you
know to be healthy and play it more
quickly. Back in the old days, we started
off with 2, 5 hours for the first 40 moves.
Then it was possible to examine the 'crazy
moves' in greater depth and sometimes
they led to wonderful games. With a
slower rate of play, you need adjourning
games, though, that have become
completely undesirable. So nowadays we
have to speed it up. Understandably, but
then we see less of these great,
imaginative
risky games. Unless....well, either we
come better prepared (which is usually
not possible), or we manage to make
www.modern-chess.com
38
our calculations much faster and more
exact! Shall we try and exercise that in a
few articles, then? Maybe you remember
if you read my previous article (almost
two months ago), a crazy alternative I
mentioned in my game vs. Hübner from
1988? Let's start with that. I became
curious, found only one game with it in
my database and then decided to try and
analyze the complications onto a more or
less firm conclusion. Without the help of
any computer program. Yep, the same
as I always ask from you. Here
we go: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4
4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7
7.Qg4 0-0 8.Bd3 c4?! Here most other
people and I played 9. Bh6 But this time
we are looking at: 9.Bg5!? cxd3
[ 9...Qa5 10.Bxh7+ and 11. Qh3+
would be a bad idea. ]
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
What should White play? 12.g4!
[ 12.Kd2 Nf5 13.g4 h6 14.Qf4 Nd7!
15.gxf5 Nxf6 does not work for White.
The text steals the f5 square and
provides a route for White's king. ]
 Modern Chess Magazine 39

12...Qxc3+ 13.Kf1 Qxa1+ 14.Kg2 Exercise 1 - Answer 17.Nh4

Qxd4 15.Nf3 Question: let's assume
your rating is 2278. Can you defend a b c d e f g h

this? Qxg4+
[ 15...h6? 16.Qxh6 Qxg4+ 17.Kf1
there is a double threat on g7 and h8 ]
[ 15...Qa4?? 16.h3! Nd7 17.Qh6
1-0 was the only game in my
database: Roganovic - Mitrovic,
Serbia 2013. White was the favorite
anyway, with his Elo of 2497, but can
Black with 2278 produce 15... Qa4 ?
Remarkable. ]
[ 15...Qe4 16.cxd3 ]
16.Qxg4 Nf5 The normal defense. Now,
reader, I first ask you to watch and
consider this position. Even without a
queen, Black is okay in a material sense.
His king is far from safe, however. What
are, in general, the different ways for
White to conduct the attack? We are
starting our investigation from this
position. Please enjoy the exercises!
[ 16...Nbc6 2 See exercise ]
17.cxd3
[ 17.Nh4 1 See exercise ]
17...b6 4 See exercises 3 and
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Solution: 17...h5!
[ 17...Nd7 18.Nxf5 exf5 19.Qg5 Nxf6
20.exf6 Kh8 may just be playable, too,
but ]
[ 17...Nxh4+?! 18.Qxh4 h5 19.Qf4
Kh7 20.Be7!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7

Exercise 1 - Question 6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7

6 6 3 3

5 5 2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2

1 1 is bad news for Black. He had better

a b c d e f g h keep the f-file closed. ]
Find the main line and the correct
judgment after 17. Nh4?
www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine 40

18.Qf4 Kh7 19.cxd3 Nc6 20.Nxf5 a b c d e f g h

[ 20.Nf3!? ]
8 8
20...exf5 21.Rg1
[ If 21.d4 , intending Rh1-c1-c3-h3 7 7
Nd8!
6 6

5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4
8 8
3 3
7 7
2 2
6 6
1 1
5 5
a b c d e f g h
4 4

3 3
is indeed a draw

2 2
Exercise 2 - Question
1 1

a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h

8 8
is a good reply ]
7 7
[ on 21.Rc1 Black may consider d4!? ]
Now Black has to be careful. If he thinks 6 6
it's a draw, he will be disappointed
5 5
21...Be6?
[ 21...Nd8! With a knight on e6, Black 4 4
has much more of a defence. Play
3 3
might continue 22.Be7 Ne6 23.Qh4
Rg8 which we shall call 'unclear/ 2 2
equallish'. ]
1 1
22.Kf1 Rg8 23.Rg5?! Rac8 24.Qh4
a b c d e f g h
Kh6 25.Qf4 With 26. Rxh5+! Kh7
You might wonder if Black should
expose his knight on f5 immediately. Can
he wait, by means of 16...Nbc6 ? What
is your verdict: yes, possibly or no?

www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine 41

Exercise 2 - Answer deadly threat 19. Rxc6 to lure away

the Ne7. Now 18...Bb7.19. Rxc6 Nxc6.
20. Qf4/Qg5 and 18.. .h5.19. Qg5 are
a b c d e f g h
quite hopeless. If h6 , White has
8 8 several wins. A nice one is 19.Rxc6
7 7
Nxc6 20.Qf4 Kh7 21.Ng5+! Kg8
22.Qh4 h5 23.Nh3
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3

The answer is NO. I will give you this 2 2

variation: 17.cxd3 Diagram Black must
1 1
play Nf5
[ Question: is anything wrong with a b c d e f g h

17...b6? preparing a sacrifice on h5. ]

a b c d e f g h 18.Rg1
[ 18.h4 h6!? ]
8 8
18...b6 19.Qh3 Ba6 20.Kh1 Nce7
7 7 [ 20...Rfe8 21.Ng5 h6 ( 21...h5 )
6 6
22.Nxe6!
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1

a b c d e f g h 4 4

3 3

Yes, White plays 18.Rc1 with the 2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine 42

and next move White takes on g6 or f5, 24.Qh3 Be4

tearing down Black's defences, fxe6
23.Rxg6+ Kh7 24.Rxh6+! Nxh6
25.Bg5 ]
[ 20...Bxd3?! 21.Ng5 Be4+ 22.f3 ]
21.Ng5 h5
[ 21...h6 22.Bxe7 ]
22.Nf3!
[ 22.Ne4 and ]
[ 22.Nxe6 are not convincing. ]
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
[ 24...Bf5 25.Qh6 White is winning. ]
[ 24...Nef5 25.Ng5 win for White. ]
25.Bxe7 Rfc8 26.Bf6 Rc3 27.Rg3
Rxf3
[ 27...Nh5 28.Qxh5! Bxf3+ 29.Qxf3
Rxf3 30.Rxf3 is curtains. ]
28.Rxf3 Rc8
[ 28...Nh5 29.Kg1 ]
29.Qh6!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3

3 3 2 2

2 2 1 1
a b c d e f g h
1 1

a b c d e f g h
and Black must resign.
Exercise 3 - Question
22...Bxd3 23.Qxh5 Ng7 a b c d e f g h

8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2 a b c d e f g h

1 1 Knowing it is almost impossible to defend

a b c d e f g h
Black's position with the knight on c6, how
would you prefer to develop?
www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine 43

Exercise 3 - Answer 20.Kh1 Rfc8 21.Nh4

[ 21.Ng5 Nf8!
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
8 8
7 7
7 7
6 6
6 6
5 5
5 5
4 4
4 4
3 3
3 3
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h

Answer: The knight does a better job on and White is not making progress ]
d7. At some point, it may be essential to [ 21.Rg5 Rc1+ 22.Ng1 Nxf6 23.exf6
have Nd7xf6. Then Bc8 has to be d4! ( not 23...Kh8?? 24.Qh6
developed via b7-b6 and usually Bc8-a6. eyeing g7 and c1 )
Furthermore, keeping the c-file open
a b c d e f g h
improves Black's chances for
counterplay. Let's see about the 'real 8 8
difference' after 17...b6 18.Rg1 Ba6 7 7
19.Qh3 Nd7
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3

2 2 with enough play for Black. ]

1 1

a b c d e f g h

www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine
21...Ng7!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Black's defensive resources are
adequate, hence his counter-activities
may trouble White.
Exercise 4 - Question
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
So, after 17...b6 it is time for White to
reconsider. Question: do you see a
healthier attacking plan for White? Go to
the next game for the answer.
www.modern-chess.com
44
Exercise 4 Answer 20...Ba6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Answer: 18.h4 is a good idea. Naturally,
Black can block White's h-pawn, but h7-
h5, a good move in itself, also gives
White a target. The bonus of 18. h4 is a
better square for White's king (h2).
Exercise 3: Analyse this option as deeply
as possible. What will be the final
assessment? This is by far the most
difficult exercise, so start the digging! h5
[ 18...h6 19.h5 g5 20.Bxg5
is already promising for White and
even a move like 20. Nh4!? can be
very dangerous. ]
19.Qf4 Nd7
[ 19...Ba6 20.Nd4! After Kh7
is a little more unpleasant for Black.
Other white ideas usually transpose to
the text. ]
20.Kh2
[ Here it is easier to parry 20.Nd4 Kh7
21.Nxf5 exf5 and in most cases Nd7-
c5-e6 ]
 Modern Chess Magazine
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
We split up the analysis: A) 20...Ba6 and
B) 20. ..Kh7. 20...Ba6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2 25.Rxh5+ gxh5 26.Qxf5+ Kh6
1 1
a b c d e f g h
21.Nd4
[ 21.Rg1 Bxd3 22.Rg5 Kh7?
( 22...Ng7!
www.modern-chess.com
45
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Good defense. Now White can choose
between 23. Rg3/Rg1, aiming for a
move repetition, and the more
ambitious 23. Nd4(!) The
complications still look somewhat
dangerous for Black; ) 23.Rxh5+ gxh5
24.Qg5 Nxf6 25.exf6 Rg8 26.Qxh5+
Nh6 27.Ng5+ Rxg5 28.hxg5 Rh8
29.Kg3! Kg8 30.gxh6 Bg6 31.h7+!
Rxh7 32.Qe5 and Black cannot avoid
defeat; ]
21...Kh7 22.Nxf5
[ 22.Rg1 Bxd3 23.Rg5 ]
22...exf5 23.Rg1 Nc5 24.Rg5 Ne6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine 46

White has a perpetual check, but Exercise 4 - Answer

normally not more than that between 20...Kh7 Conclusion
23. Rg3/Rg1, aiming for a move a b c d e f g h
repetition, and the more ambitious 23.
8 8
Nd4(!) The complications still look
somewhat dangerous for Black; ) 7 7
23.Rxh5+ gxh5 24.Qg5 Nxf6 25.exf6
6 6
Rg8 26.Qxh5+ Nh6 27.Ng5+ Rxg5
28.hxg5 Rh8 29.Kg3! Kg8 30.gxh6 5 5
Bg6 31.h7+! Rxh7 32.Qe5 and Black
4 4
cannot avoid defeat; ]
3 3
21...Kh7 22.Nxf5
[ 22.Rg1 Bxd3 23.Rg5 ] 2 2

22...exf5 23.Rg1 Nc5 24.Rg5 Ne6 1 1

25.Rxh5+ gxh5 26.Qxf5+ Kh6 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
20...Kh7 21.Ng5+
8 8 [ 21.Rg1 Ba6 22.Rg5
7 7
A) 22...Nh6!
a b c d e f g h
6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
White has a perpetual check, but 1 1
normally not more than that.
a b c d e f g h

This effectively stops White's attack.

He may still play for a draw (23.
Rg3), but the intended 23.Rxh5
gxh5 24.Ng5+ ( 24.Qg5 Rg8
25.Qxh5 Rg6! ) 24...Kg6 25.Nxe6
Rg8 when the almost mating
26.Qg5+ Kh7 27.Bg7 is refuted by
Ng4+!
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 Modern Chess Magazine
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
and then 28...fe6;;
B) 22...Nxf6?! 23.exf6 The attack
Nh6 24.Ne5 doesn't quite work.
Now Black has to worry about
Ne5xg6.] ( 24.Rxh5 gxh5 25.Ng5+
Kg6 26.Nxe6 Rg8! doesn't quite
work. ) 24...Rg8 25.Qa4! Bc8
( 25...Bb7 26.Qd7 Qd7 pawn f7 is
too weak. ) 26.d4 White intends to
continue with 27. Qc2, creating new
threats (Rxh5). Black has a difficult
life here; ]
21...Kg8 22.Rg1 Not accepting a draw
yet. Ba6
[ after 22...Nxf6 White usually has the
strong maneuver Ng5-f3-e5. ]
23.Nxe6 fxe6 24.Qg5
[ 24.Rxg6+ Kf7 25.Qg5 Rg8
26.Rxg8 Rxg8 27.Qxh5+ Kf8
28.Qh7
) 29.exf6 Bxd3 30.Qd7 with 31. Qxe6
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47
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Nxf6 ( However, 28...Bb5! changes
the issue. White's king and queen are
more or less stuck, Black's ideas are
to walk forward with his queenside
pawns or to play Nxf6 at a better
moment.] 28...Bb5!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
or 31. f7 could be very dangerous for
Black. ]
 Modern Chess Magazine
24...Rxf6 25.exf6 Nf8 26.Qxh5 Bxd3
27.Rxg6+ Nxg6 28.Qxg6+ Kh8 29.f7
Rf8
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
However, White can start with 30.h5!
[ 30.Qxe6 d4 ( 30...Kh7! with an idea
Nh6 31.Qxd5 Bb1 hoping to reach a
position with rook and bishop vs.
queen, which might be close to a
fortress. ) 31.h5 White will win, the
main threat being 32. h6 and 33.
Qe8. ]
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
www.modern-chess.com
48
even more exact and in this case I
believe Black won't be able to save
himself. 30...Ng7 31.Qf6!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
certainly doesn't help.
Conclusions:
This turned out to be complicated, and
probably we haven't even covered ALL
the possibilities. But if the findings in
variation B are correct, we can make the
following statements: A) 9. Bg5 is a good
alternative to 9. Bh6 (which scores quite
well). Perhaps not objectively better, but
Black's practical task is tough; B) White's
best way to conduct the attack appears to
be 17. cd3 and 18. h4, with 17...b6 being
Black's best start; C) Variation A, with
20. ..Ba6 (and possibly 21...Bxd3) may be
necessary in order not to lose, even
though some of the resulting positions are
far from easy. Finally, if White searches to
improve his attack even further by playing
15. h3
(instead of Nf3), not allowing the queen
sacrifice, Black will be at least OK
according to my analyses, starting with
15...Nd7.16. Nf3 Qc3! (17. cd3 Nc6 or 17.
Bxe7 f6.) To be continued next month
 Modern Chess Magazine
Crisis Along the Big
Diagonal
In my previous article the emphasis was
put on the tactical possibilities after our
dark-squared bishop has been sacrificed
on h6. Here we are going to examine
another sort of attack against the short-
castled king and the vulnerable g7-pawn
in particular - with the same bishop
fianchettoed on b2 in connection with a
powerful knight sacrifice. Very often Nc3-
d5 is just a temporary piece sacrifice,
aimed at positional achievements like
obtaining a pair of bishops. Here are two
short examples from games by Anatoly
Bykhovsky, both played in 1963:
Bykhovsky,Anatoly A
examples
Belgrade 1963
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4
Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 6.g3 Nc6 7.Bg2 Nxd4
8.Qxd4 Be7 9.0-0 0-0 10.b3 Qa5
[ 10...Bd7 11.Bb2 Qc7 12.Rac1 a6
13.Nd1 Bc6 14.c4 Rfd8 15.Nc3 Ne8
www.modern-chess.com
49
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
was reached by small transposition in
Bykhovsky - Cobo Arteaga, where the
thematic jump 16.Nd5 exd5 17.cxd5
should have been answered by 17....
Bf6 ( instead of 17...Qa5?! ) 18.Qd2
Bxb2 19.Qxb2 Nf6 20.dxc6 bxc6
with acceptable position ]
11.Bb2 Rd8 12.Nd1 Bd7 13.c4 Bc6
14.Nc3 a6 15.Rfe1 b5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
16.Nd5 Bxd5 17.cxd5 e5 (closing both
long diagonals) 18.Qe3 Rdc8 19.Bh3
Rc2 20.Re2 Rxe2 21.Qxe2 Ra7
 Modern Chess Magazine
and Black forced more exchanges along
the open file and drew in Bykhovsky -
Estrin, Moscow, 1963. This strategical
ground will most probably be a subject of
a separate article. We are now going to
investigate much more dynamic
approach, in which the leading idea is to
create threats towards the short-castled
enemy king. Then the jump Nc3-d5 turns
into a real sac. By opening the big
diagonal and the e-file White usually
targets also the closest defenders - Be7
and Nf6.
Ljubojevic,Ljubomir
Gonda,Gentaro
Skopje ol (Men) qual-B (5) 23.09.1972
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Here is a typical Sicilian position, in
which a correct positional idea became
a prelude to a forced sequence. As a
result, the shelter of the king was
destroyed. Black has just played 15...b5
After 16.Rac1 Qa5 17.Bb2 b4
18.Nd5! exd5 19.exd5 Bd7?!
[ In a case of 19...Bxd5 20.cxd5 Nxd5
21.Qe4 Bf6 22.Bd3 g6 23.Nc4 Qc5
24.Bxf6 Nxf6 25.Qh4 White keeps
the initiative, but there is nothing
decisive. ]
www.modern-chess.com
50
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
2550
From now on we are often going to be in
similar situations when Black would
better decline the sacrifice or return the
piece. 20.Qxe7 Re8 21.Qxd6 Rxe2
22.Bxf6 gxf6 23.Qxd7 Rxd2 24.Qg4+
Kh8
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
25.Qf4! The point of the whole operation!
25... Rxa2 26.Qxf6+ Kg8 27.Rfe1!
Qd8 28.Re7 Qf8 29.Re3! h6 30.Rg3+
Kh7
 Modern Chess Magazine 51

a b c d e f g h
Damjanovic,Mato
8 8 Langeweg,Kick
Hoogovens 28th (1) 12.01.1966
7 7

6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
8 8
4 4
7 7
3 3
6 6
2 2
5 5
1 1
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3

31.Re1!+- Yet another brilliant move -
Black is helpless in the view of the
coming 32.Re7! 31... Nb5 (a sad end for
the extra piece) 32.cxb5 axb5 33.h4
R8a6 34.Re6
[ As usual, the engines have
something attractive to suggest -
34.Qf5+ Kh8 35.Re7! , but this
cannot spoil the impression from the
impeccable attack by the former world-
class player. ]
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Here is a pure piece sacrifice for
cleaning the key diagonal. 18...b5
19.Nd5!? exd5 20.cxd5 Bd7 21.e5
Ng4 22.h3 Nh6?!
[ Once again returning of the material
by 22...Nxe5 had to be preferred -
after 23.Bxe5 Bf8 ( 23...dxe5?!
24.d6 Qb8 25.Bxa8 Qxa8 26.dxe7
Bxh3 27.f4 ) 24.Bd4 Rxe1+
25.Rxe1 Re8 Black is close to full
equality. ]
23.e6 Bc8

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

1-0
www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
24.exf7+! A surprising, but very concrete
improvement.
[ The game saw hunting for the extra
knight with 24.g4 Qb8 25.g5 Nf5
26.Be4 fxe6 27.Bxf5 e5 28.Qd3
( 28.Be4 ) 28...Bxf5 29.Qxf5 Qd8
and Black managed to survive. ]
24...Kxf7
[ The tactical justification of White's
last move is 24...Nxf7? 25.Qd4 Ne5
26.Rxe5 Bd7 27.Rg5 ]
25.Re6!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
www.modern-chess.com
52
Cutting enemy's position into two parts.
Note the enormous difference between
any of the White's pieces and their
counterparts! 25... Ng8
[ Perhaps 25...Kg8 is the lesser evil,
even though after 26.Rxh6 Bf5!
( 26...gxh6? 27.Qd4 is as disastrous
as in the previous note ) 27.Re6 Rac8
28.Ree1 White is enjoying a healthy
pawn up and a pleasant edge. ]
26.Qd3
[ Equally strong is 26.Qc2 Nf6
27.Bxf6 Kg8 28.Bxe7 Bxe6 29.dxe6
Qxe7 30.Bxa8 Rxa8 31.Qc6 Rf8
32.Re1 with large advantage. ]
26...Bf6 27.Qxh7 Rd8
[ 27...Bd7 allows some exciting
fireworks like 28.Ba3! b4 ( 28...Rac8
29.Qh5+ Kf8 30.Bxd6+ Be7 31.Qf3+
Nf6 32.Rxe7 Rxc1+ 33.Re1+ Kg8
34.Rxc1+- ) 29.Rc4!! Qb8 ( 29...Qa7
30.Bxb4! Bxe6 31.dxe6+ Rxe6
32.Bd5! Rae8 33.Qh5+! g6 34.Qh7+
Bg7 35.Rf4+ Nf6 36.Bc3+-; 29...bxa3
30.Rg4+- Bb2 31.Qf5+ Bf6
32.Qg6+ Kf8 33.Rxf6+ Ke7 34.Re4+
Kd8 35.Rxe8+ Bxe8 36.Rxd6+ Bd7
37.Qxg7 ) 30.Rxb4 Qc8 31.Qh5+ Kf8
32.Rf4! Bxe6 33.Bxd6+ Re7 34.dxe6
Qe8 35.Bxe7+ Nxe7 36.Qh8+ Ng8
37.e7+! Qxe7 38.Bxa8+- ]
 Modern Chess Magazine 53

a b c d e f g h Bryn,Askild 2019
8 8 Kuipers,Stefan 2431
Gibraltar Masters 11th (2) 23.01.2013
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2

28.Bxf6 Nxf6 29.Rxf6+ Kxf6 30.Qh4+ 1 1

g5 31.Qh6+ Kf7 32.Rc7+ Qxc7 a b c d e f g h
33.Qh7+ Kf6 34.Qxc7 Bf5 35.Qc3+ Before analyzing more examples of a
Kf7 36.g4 long-term attack let us see what can
happen when White has direct access to
a b c d e f g h
the vulnerable g7-pawn in front of the
8 8 king. 15.Qg3 a6?
7 7 a b c d e f g h

6 6 8 8

5 5 7 7

4 4 6 6

3 3 5 5

2 2 4 4

1 1 3 3

a b c d e f g h 2 2

1 1
and the kingside pawn majority should a b c d e f g h
quickly decide the game, for instance
36... Bg6 37.Qe3 Kf6 38.Qe6+ Kg7 A serious tactical oversight with heavy
39.Qe7+ Kh6 40.h4+- consequences. Did Black underestimate
his lower-rated (with a difference of 412
ELO points!) opponent? 16.Nd5! exd5
17.Nf5 Bf8 18.Bxf6 g6 19.Qh4 h5
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 Modern Chess Magazine
20.Rxd5
[ 20.Bd4! would have created
inevitable mating threats along the
big diagonal. ]
20...Qc7 21.Ne7+
[ Instead, 21.Nd4! Bg7 22.Rxh5
Bxf6 23.Qxf6 gxh5 24.Nf5
would have been the natural flourish
finish of the attack. ]
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Going for more material. The game
continued with 21...Bxe7 22.Bxe7 Bc6
23.Rxh5 Qxe7 24.Rh8+ Kg7 25.Rh7+
Kf8 26.Rh8+ Kg7 27.Qxe7 Rxh8
28.f3 Rcd8 29.Rd1 and White
converted his advantage.
1-0
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54
Georgiev,Krum 2430
Heydarli,Kanan Beyukkishi Og 2213
Thessaloniki op (6) 09.04.2010
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
When a mating idea is in question the
price of each move increases. Black has
just played 14...Nd7 , but after 15.Qg3
continued with the careless Bb7??
[ 15...Bf6 would have been the
logical idea behind his previous
move. The punishment came
instantly. ]
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine 55

16.Nd5 Forcing resignation. One can
judge for himself how many knight jumps
are winning here.
[ 16.Nxe6+- ]
[ 16.Nf5+- ]
[ 16.Ncb5+- ]
1-0
Georgiev,Krum
Ipsarides,Herodotos
Limassol 10.1997 very simple - to deliver a mate on the
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Of course, in practice the circumstances
are much more complicated. My fellow-
citizen GM Krum Georgiev is well known
as a very gifted tactical player. In 1980
he became the first Bulgarian who
defeated Garry Kasparov after
spectacularly sacrificing both his knights.
The future Word Champion (notably that
once again vs. the Soviet team (the
reigning champion Tseshkovsky was his
victim then) and against the Romanian
Ionescu in the penultimate round. The
latter, which is my favourite, was also
decisive for his final GM-norm. Being a
devoted KID player, Krum has the
passion for fianchettoing his dark-
2530 squared bishop when facing the Sicilian
2110 as well. He uses to say that the plan is
g7-square. In the abovementioned
game, Ionescu barely escaped that fate,
albeit at the cost of big material losses.
No matter whether Krum has been
joking, many of his games ended exactly
in this uncompromising manner. Here
are two more of them. The rook had
arrived at the desired location, and Black
had to be on alert.
However, the natural developing move
16...Rad8?! turned out not to be very
successful. 17.Nd5! exd5
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2

was his only loss for the whole year!) 1 1

could resign with a clear conscience
straight after the opening stage had it
not been a team event. 6 years later, at
one of his next Olympiads (Dubai), Krum
created two more masterpieces -
a b c d e f g h
18.Rxg7+!? An amazing and very brave
decision! Such a rook sacrifice seems to
be unique to its character, and we can
just admire Krum's deep intuition and
determination! The less obliging

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 Modern Chess Magazine
[ 18.Nf5 g6 19.Qf3 is fully playable
either, and Black has a difficult
defensive task, e.g. 19.... Rc8
( it is better to confess at once the
inaccuracy on move 16 than entering
19...dxe4 20.Qf4 Bf8 21.Bxf6 Re6
22.Bxd8 Qxd8 23.Nh6+ Bxh6
24.Qxh6 ) 20.Nh6+ ( or 20.Nxe7+
Qxe7 21.Bxf6 dxe4 22.Qf4 Qe6
23.Rd1 ) 20...Kg7 21.Qf4 dxc4
22.bxc4 Qd8 23.Nf5+ Kg8 24.Nxe7+
Qxe7 25.Bxf6 Qf8 ( 25...Qe6?
26.Rf3 ) 26.Rc3 b5 27.cxb5 axb5
28.Rxc8 Rxc8 29.h4
with a perminent pressure on dark
squares. ]
18...Kxg7 19.Nf5+
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Kh8? The worst of all the possible
replies, but this illustrates well the
problems in front of Black.
[ 19...Kg8 20.Qf3 h5 21.Qf4! Ng4
22.Nh6+ ( 22.h3!? ) 22...Nxh6
23.Qxh6
A) 23...f6 24.Qg6+ Kh8
( 24...Kf8?? 25.Bc1 ) 25.exd5 Bf8
( 25...Bc8? 26.Qxh5+ Kg7
www.modern-chess.com
56
27.Re3+- ) 26.Rxe8 Rxe8 27.Bxf6+
Bg7 28.Qxh5+ Kg8 29.Qxe8+
Kh7 30.Bd8 Qc5 31.h4 Bc8
( 31...Qd4 32.Qd7 ) 32.Bxb6 Qxb6
33.Qxc8 and 5(!) pawns should
dominate the bishop;
B) 23...d4 24.Bxd4 f6 25.Qg6+
Kh8 26.Qxh5+ Kg7 27.Re3 Rg8
28.Rg3+ Kf8 29.Qh6+ Kf7
30.Qh7+ Ke6 31.Rxg8 Rxg8
32.Qxg8+ Kd7 The forced play has
come to an end, and it is time to
draw some conclusions. With three
pawns for a piece, White will rely on
his passed h-pawn. Here is a
sample line: 33.Qh7 Kd8 34.h4
b5 35.h5 Qa5 36.h6 Qe1+
37.Kh2 Qxe4 38.Qg8+ Kc7 39.h7
Qf4+ 40.Kh3 Bc8+ 41.Qxc8+
Kxc8 42.h8Q+ Kd7 43.Qh4 ]
[ 19...Kg6 (as far as I remember from
the conversation with Krum, he was
not entirely certain about the
assessment of this retreat only;
indeed, White has a perpetual, but
can he try for more?) 20.Nh4+ Kg7
( 20...Kh6? 21.Qe3+ Kh5 22.Qh3 )
21.Qg4+! And the answer is positive!
A) 21...Kf8?! 22.Qg5
A1) 22...Qc5 23.Qh6+ Kg8
24.Re3! ( 24.Nf5? Qxf2+ )
24...Qxe3 25.fxe3 Bc8
26.exd5!+-;
A2) 22...Bc8 23.Qh6+ Kg8
24.Re3+- Qd7 ( 24...d4 25.Bxd4
d5 26.f4! ) 25.Qg5+ Kf8 26.Nf5;
B) 21...Kh8 22.exd5! Strong and
very aesthetic! In spite of his big
material advantage Black is in
serious trouble: relatively the best is
 Modern Chess Magazine
B1) 22...Bxd5?! 23.Nf5 Rg8
24.Qh4! Rxg2+ 25.Kf1 Rg6
26.Rxe7 ( 26.Nxe7? Bg2+
27.Kg1 Qxe7 28.Rxe7 Bh3+= )
26...Qc8 ( 26...Qc5 27.Bxf6+
Kg8 28.cxd5 Qb5+ 29.Re2+-
Re8 30.Ne7+ Rxe7 31.Bxe7
Qxd5 32.Qe4 ) 27.Bxf6+ Kg8
28.Nh6+ Kf8 29.cxd5+- Qc1+
30.Re1;
B2) 22...Bc8?! 23.Qg5 Rg8
24.Bxf6+ Bxf6 25.Qxf6+ Rg7
26.Re7 Qxe7 27.Qxe7+-;
B3) 22...h6 23.Nf5 Bf8
24.Bxf6+ Kh7 25.Ne7 Rxe7
26.Rxe7 Qxe7 27.Bxe7 Re8!
(only due to this clever resource
Black is able to stay in the game)
( 27...Bxe7? 28.Qe4+ ) 28.Qd4
Rxe7 29.Kf1 and still, after
winning the b6-pawn, White has
every chance to convert his
queenside majority. ]
[ 19...Kf8?! 20.Qe3! Ng4 21.Qh3
with irresistable threats - 21..... d4
( 21...h6 22.Qxg4 Bg5 23.Bg7+ Kg8
24.Bxh6 f6 25.Bxg5 fxg5 26.Qxg5+
Kh8 27.Re3+- ) 22.Bxd4 ( even
22.Bc1!? seems to be winning - the
computer line goes on with 22.... Bh4
23.Qxg4 Bxf2+ 24.Kxf2 Re5
25.Qg7+ Ke8 26.Bg5 Bxe4
27.Qg8+ Kd7 28.Qxf7+ Kc6
29.Qxc7+ Kxc7 30.Bxd8+ Kxd8
31.Nxd6+- ) 22...Bf6 23.Bxf6 Rxe4
24.Rxe4 Bxe4 25.Qxg4 Bxf5
26.Qg7+ Ke8 27.Qg8+ Kd7 28.Bxd8
Qxd8 ( 28...Qc5 29.Bxb6! )
29.Qxf7+ Qe7 30.Qxf5+ Kc7
31.g3+- ]
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57
20.exd5+- Bc8?!
[ 20...h6 21.Nxe7 is hopeless as
well. ]
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Leads to mate in 3, but the position is
already beyond salvation. 21.Bxf6+
So, we have now enough evidence that
the rook sacrifice is not only correct, but
also objectively stronger than the safer
alternative 18.Nf5.
1-0
Georgiev,Krum 2461
Van Elst,Andreas 2282
FRA-chT2C 0506 (1.1) 16.10.2005
1.e4 c5 2.b3 Krum's pet line, which
served him well throughout many years.
[ Just like him, in 2005 I was able to
implement the thematic sacrifice.
Curiously enough, only one month
later and against the same opponent!
Since this game is wrongly presented
 Modern Chess Magazine 58

in the databases, here is a realistic Here is the moment, when in every

review: 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4
4.Nxd4 a6 5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 d6
7.Be2 Bd7 8.0-0 Nc6 9.Nc2
Qc7 10.f4 Be7 11.Qd3 0-0
12.b3 Rac8 13.Bb2 Rfd8
14.Rad1 Nb8 15.Qg3 b5
16.Ne3 Qb6?!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
available source the text is interrupted
and the game Ninov - Van Elst is given
as finished in a draw. Actually, after
19.... Kf8 20.Nxe7 Kxe7
21.Qxg7 Black found himself in a
desperate situation against the
marching f-pawn and resigned in few
moves. ]
2...d6 3.Bb2 e6 4.Nf3 Nd7 5.d4 cxd4
6.Nxd4 Ngf6 7.Bd3 Be7 8.c4 Nc5
9.Nc3 Nxd3+ 10.Qxd3 0-0 11.0-0 a6
12.f4 Qc7 13.Kh1 b6 14.Rae1 Bb7
15.Qg3
a b c d e f g h

4 4 8 8

3 3 7 7

2 2 6 6

1 1 5 5

a b c d e f g h 4 4

17.Ncd5! exd5 18.Bd4! Qb7 3 3

19.Nxd5
2 2

1 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 8
Rad8? A familiar mistake. Compared
7 7
with the previous game here it is almost
6 6 decisive. 16.Nd5! exd5 17.Nf5 Nh5
[ It is notable that after 17...g6
5 5
18.exd5 the attacked bishop cannot
4 4 retreat to d8! ]
18.Qg4 Bc8 19.Nh6+
3 3
[ Good is also 19.Qxh5 Bxf5 20.exf5
2 2 dxc4 21.Rf3 , but why should not
White continue his assault with
1 1
material up? ]
a b c d e f g h
19...Kh8 20.Qxh5 Rde8 21.Nxf7+
[ An attractive alternative lay in

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 Modern Chess Magazine
21.exd5 Qd7 22.Nxf7+ Kg8 23.Nh6+
gxh6 24.Re6 and, to avoid the mate,
Black must give the piece back by
24... Bf6 ]
21...Kg8 22.Nh6+ gxh6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
23.Qxh6?!
[ Correct was 23.Rf3! Bg5 24.fxg5
Rxf3 25.Qxf3 with even a better
version of the line in the previous note.
The attack in both of them only gains
in power due to the opposite-coloured
bishops. ]
23...Rf7 24.exd5 Ref8 25.Rf3 Bf6
26.Bxf6 Rxf6 27.Rg3+ Rg6
[ 27...Kh8? 28.Qxf6+ Rxf6 29.Re8+
Rf8 30.Rxf8# ]
28.Rxg6+ hxg6 29.Qxg6+ Qg7
30.Qxd6 Bf5 31.Qxb6 With plenty of
pawns for the piece White should win. I
will give the text till the end because of
some tricky moments in the ensuing
ending. 31... Qc3 32.Qf2 Bg6 33.Qg3
Qc2 34.h3 Rf6 35.Kh2 Qf5 36.Re5
Qxf4 37.Qxf4 Rxf4
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59
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
38.Re6?!
[ Black regained one of the pawns, but
at the cost of exchanging the queens.
38.c5 , just advancing the connected
passed pawns, would have been the
simplest way to win. ]
38...Bb1 39.Kg3 Rd4 40.Rxa6 Rd2
41.a4 Ba2 42.a5! Bxb3 43.Rc6 Rc2
44.a6 Bxc4 45.a7 Rxg2+ 46.Kh4 Ra2
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
47.Rc8+
[ 47.Rxc4 Rxa7 48.d6!
, demonstrating that this pawn is
unstoppable, would have
significantly shortened the game. ]
47...Kh7 48.a8Q Rxa8 49.Rxa8 Bxd5
Here is the intriguing endgame. White
must win, though precision is required.
50.Ra7+ Kh8 51.Kg5 Bb3 52.Kh6
Bc4 53.Re7 Bb3 54.Rh7+ Kg8
55.Ra7 Bc2 56.Ra8+ Kf7 57.Ra2 Bd3
58.Rg2 Bc4 59.Rg5 Going for the
winning (this is why for the last pawn is
important to remain in its half) king
maneuver.
[ White could reach his purpose at
once through 59.Rg7+! Kf8 ( 59...Kf6
60.Rg4 Bd3 61.Rf4+ cuts forever the
king from the corner ) 60.Kg6 Bd3+
61.Kf6 and nothing can block the
march of the pawn. ]
59...Bd3 60.Kh5 Be2+ 61.Kh4 Kf6
62.Rg1 Kf7 63.Kg3! Bd3 64.Kf4+-
Bg6 65.h4 Kf6 66.Rg5 Bd3 67.h5
Bc2 68.h6 Bg6 69.Rg1 Kf7 70.Ke5
Bc2 71.Rg7+ Kf8 72.Kf6
1-0
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60
Filipowicz,Andrzej 2375
Adamski,Jan 2365
POL-chT Mikolajki (7) 1991
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
As a rule, White is obtaining good
prospects after the thematic jump. The
featured impressive games of GM Krum
Georgiev have just come as a
confirmation, but this does not at all
mean that the sacrifice is automatically
leading to a mating attack. Let us see
what Black can do even in an alarming
situation, in which the second enemy
knight is established at the weakened
(after accepting the sacrifice) f5-square.
17.Ncd5!? exd5 18.Nf5 Qd8 19.Qg3
Nh5 20.Qg4
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
Bd7 Black immediately targets the
annoying knight. A solid choice, but two
other opportunities should be noted:
[ one option is the somewhat passive
20...f6 , based on restoring the
material balance after 21.exd5 Bd7
22.Qxh5 bxc4 White can try 23.Bd4
cxb3 24.axb3 Rxb3 25.Re1
with compensation for the pawn. ]
[ The most natural way to neutralize
the most dangerous enemy piece is
20...Bf6! and it seems to be the best,
e.g. 21.Bxf6 ( an interesting, but
insufficient try is 21.e5!? dxe5
22.fxe5 Bg5! 23.h4 Bd7! , forcing
the opponent to an unfavorable
ending after 24.hxg5 bxc4 25.Nh6+
gxh6 26.Qxh5 Qxg5 27.Qxg5+ hxg5
28.Rxd5 Be6 ) 21...Qxf6 22.cxd5
Bxd5 23.exd5 g6 24.Ng3 Nxg3
( also promising, but much more
complicated is 24...Nxf4!? 25.Rf1
Qd4+ 26.Kh1 Ne6 27.Qe4 Qxe4
28.Nxe4 Nc5 29.Nxd6 Rbd8 30.Rfc1
Nxb3 31.axb3 Rxd6 ) 25.Qxg3 Rfe8
and it is already much easier to be
behind the black pieces. ]
21.Nh6+ Kh8 22.Qxh5 Bf6! 23.e5 g6!
24.Qe2 Bg7 The point of the previous
two moves. It is important that the c4-
pawn is still hanging. 25.Ng4
[ 25.cxd5 Bxh6 26.e6+ Bg7
27.Bxg7+ Kxg7 28.exd7 Qxd7
29.Rac1 ]
[ 25.Nxf7+ Rxf7 26.e6 Rxf4
27.Bxg7+ Kxg7 28.exd7 Qxd7
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61
29.Rxd5 bxc4 ]
[ A quick draw would have been the
likely outcome in both of them. Here is
how White could find himself in
trouble: 25.Rxd5?! bxc4 26.Rxd6
Qc8! 27.Qd2 Be6 28.f5 gxf5
( 28...c3!? 29.Qxc3 Qxc3 30.Bxc3
gxf5 31.Bd2 Bxe5 ) 29.Rc1 Qb7
30.Rc3 Qe4! ]
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
White had two safer continuations to
simplify the position: 25...Bxg4 26.Qxg4
bxc4 27.Rxd5 cxb3 28.axb3
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
Rxb3
[ Perhaps Black was happy with the
way he had parried the attack and
was not looking for more. Besides his
draw offer on the next move, here he
could go for 28...Qb6+ 29.Bd4 Qc6
30.Qf3 ( 30.Rxd6? Qxd6 ) 30...dxe5
31.Bxe5 Bxe5 32.fxe5 Qb6+ 33.Qf2
Qxb3 , albeit White should draw
without too much difficulty after
34.Rda5 Qb1+ 35.Qf1 Qxf1+
36.Kxf1 Rb5 37.Rxa6 Rxe5 38.Ra8 ]
29.Rxd6 Qb8
1/2
Leveille,Francois
Saint Amand,Paul
Montreal op (5)
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4 4
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1 1
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62
We are now going to examine examples,
in which another pair (in the last several
games a knight was traded for our light-
squared bishop) of minor pieces has
been exchanged. Their absence is in
general considered to bring relief to the
player with less space, but, as we will
see, these positions are not without
venom. By playing 18...Rb8
Black declared his intention to go for the
typical thrust b7-b5. We had already
seen how often it was met by our
thematic sacrifice. It was, therefore,
worth to increase its effect by 19.Qe2,
but White was tempted by the immediate
19.Nd5!? exd5 20.exd5 Rc7 21.Rde1
Bf8?
2360 [ It was essential to keep the pawn
2225 shelter intact by the seemingly
1995 passive 21...Kf8 22.Qe2 ( 22.Bxf6
Bxf6 23.Qxh7 g6 ) 22...Ng8! ]
22.Bc3!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
A clever insertion before spoiling the
structure. 22.... Qxa2
[ 22...Qb6 23.Bxf6 gxf6 24.Qc3!
(here is one of the advantages of the
strong intermediate move 22) 24.... h6
( 24...Bg7 25.Re8+ ) 25.Rg3+ Kh7
26.Qxf6 Qb4 27.Qf5+ Kh8 28.Qg4!
Qxe1+ 29.Kh2 with mate to follow. ]
23.Bxf6 gxf6 24.Qc3 Be7
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
25.Ra1
[ Good enough, but more in the spirit of
the position was 25.Rg3+! Kf8
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
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63
26.Qe3! with numerous threats, e.g.
26... Qa5 ( 26...Rd8 27.Qh6+ Ke8
28.Qxf6; 26...Qb2 27.Qh6+ Ke8
28.Rg8+ Kd7 29.Rxb8 ) 27.Qh6+
Ke8 28.Rg8+ Kd7 29.Rxe7+ Kxe7
30.Rxb8 Qe1+ 31.Kh2 Kd7 32.Qxh7
Qe5+ 33.g3 Ke7 34.Qh8
, completing the mating set. ]
25...Qxa1+ 26.Qxa1 Kh8? 27.Rxe7
1-0
Tkachiev,Vladislav 2455
Watson,William N 2550
Lloyds Bank op 17th (7) 1993
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Let us now enjoy what is, in my humble
opinion, the most picturesque, if not the
best, execution of the featured Nc3-d5
sacrifice! 19.Re3 Bf6?
[ The vulnerable g7-pawn had to be
defended with 19...Bf8 ]
 Modern Chess Magazine 64

a b c d e f g h Yordanov,Nikolay 2146
8 8 Petkov,Vladimir 2475
BUL-chT Sunny Beach (4) 29.09.2005
7 7
a b c d e f g h
6 6
8 8
5 5
7 7
4 4
6 6
3 3
5 5
2 2
4 4
1 1
3 3
a b c d e f g h
2 2
This naturally looking move appeared to 1 1
have a hidden tactical drawback.
a b c d e f g h
20.Nd5!! exd5 21.exd5 Qd7 22.Bxf6
gxf6 23.Rg3+ Kh8 The next example is also of big
[ For our delight this retreat has theoretical importance. 16...Rfc8?
allowed a fantastic finish. True, appeared to be an instructive mistake.
23...Kf8 24.Qxh7 was completely 17.Nd5!! exd5 18.exd5 R6c7 19.Bxf6!
hopeless. ] gxf6
[ 19...Bxf6?? 20.Qe8+ Rxe8
a b c d e f g h
21.Rxe8# ]
8 8 20.Qg4+ Kf8
7 7
[ 20...Kh8? 21.Rxe7+- ]
21.Re3!
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5 8 8

4 4 7 7

3 3 6 6

2 2 5 5

1 1 4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3

24.Qxh7+!! Kxh7 25.Rd4 2 2

1-0 1 1

a b c d e f g h

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 Modern Chess Magazine
f5
[ 21...Qxa2?! took place in the
predecessor of the whole operation
Belic - Kondou, 1990, the only
difference being the location of the
pawn on h2 in that game. After the
precise moves 22.Rg3! Ke8 23.Qe4!
Kf8 24.Qxh7 Ke8 White, instead of
forcing mate by 25.Rg8+ Bf8
26.Re1+ Re7 27.Rxf8+! , at first
repeated (Qe4-h7) once and only
then finished the game with 27.
Re1+- ]
22.Qxf5 h6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
23.Qh7
[ Slightly premature, as Black
succeeded in activating his bishop.
Stronger was 23.Rde1! Qc5
and now the stunning 24.Re4!
( once again there is no need to go for
24.Qh7 Bf6 25.Rg3 Be5 26.Qxh6+
Ke7; worth of attention is the
preparation for f2-f4 by means of
24.Kf1!? b5 25.Qh7! Qd4
26.Qxh6+ Qg7 27.Qxg7+ Kxg7
28.Rxe7 bxc4 29.Rxc7 Rxc7
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65
30.Rc1+- ) 24...a5 ( 24...b5 25.b4
Qxb4 26.Rxe7+- ) 25.h4 Rd8
(Black is almost in zugzwang!)
26.Qf4!+- The surprising point of the
last two moves! ]
23...Bf6 24.Qxh6+ Bg7 25.Qxd6+ Kg8
26.Rg3 Kh8
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
27.Rd4?! A tempting move, but in fact it
allows the queen to enter the game,
thus giving up a large part of the
advantage.
[ 27.Qf4 is better, but still not entirely
convincing ]
[ The engines have something special
to prevent that penetration - 27.Rxg7!!
Kxg7 28.Qg3+ Kf8 29.Qe5!!
A spectacular idea - from the center
queen controls many squares,
including that possible check from e1.
Despite the extra rook Black is utterly
helpless: Here is a very entertaining
computer line -
A) 29...Kg8 30.Rd4+-;
B) 29...Qc5 30.b4! Qxc4 31.Qh8+
Ke7 32.d6+ Ke6 33.Qh6+ f6
 Modern Chess Magazine
34.Re1+ Kf7 35.d7! ( or 35.dxc7 )
35...Rxd7 36.Qh7+ Kf8 37.Qxd7
Qc6 38.Qe7+ Kg8 39.Re3 Kh8
40.Rf3!+-;
C) 29...Rc6!? 30.Qh8+ ( 30.b4+- )
30...Ke7 31.Qh4+ Rf6 32.d6+
Ke6 33.Qe4+ Qe5 34.Qxb7 Re8
35.Qb6 Qe2 36.d7+ Kf5
37.dxe8Q!? Qxd1+ 38.Kh2 Rxb6
(Black will be happy with his extra
rook for a few moves only)
39.Qxf7+ Kg5 40.Qg7+ Kf5
41.g4+ Kf4 42.Qf7+ Ke5 43.Qe7+
Re6 - the rook is alive, but after
44.Qg5+ Black must part with his
queen or be nicely mated - 44....
Ke4 45.Qe3# ]
27...Qe1+ 28.Kh2 Qe7 29.Qf4 Rd7?
[ 29...Qf6 would force an exchange of
the queens and Black could then hope
for a positive result. ]
30.Qf5!+- Rg8?? and Black resigned,
not waiting to be mated in 2.
1-0
Carmaciu,Lucian Catalin 2429
Chircu,Vadim 2200
Cap Aurora FISCA op (8) 27.06.2014
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66
Black had probably decided to free the
c5-square for his knight by retreating
19...Qc6?! We have already seen what
this plan led to in the brilliant miniature
Tkachiev - Watson. Even here the
queen appeared to be exposed on c6 to
an unexpected tactical resource of
exceptional beauty. 20.Nd5! Bf8
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
21.Rg3
[ Missing the moment for immortality -
21.Bxg7!!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine 67

Kxg7 ( 21...exd5?! 22.Rg3 Bxg7 a b c d e f g h

23.Qg4 Kf8 24.exd5 Qc5 25.Qxg7+ 8 8

Ke8 26.Re1+ Ne5 27.fxe5+- )
22.Qh5!! and White is breaking
through, as shown by:
A) 22...exd5 23.Rh3!! ( not
23.Rg3+? Kh8 24.Qg5 Bh6
25.Qxh6 Rg8 ) 23...Nf6 24.Qg5+
Kh8 25.Rg3!! , mating.;
B) 22...Kh8 23.Rh3 h6 24.Ne7!
Qxe4 25.Qxf7 Bg7 26.Rg3! Rg8
27.Nxc8 Qe2 28.Rg1 Nf6
29.Rxg7 Rxg7 30.Qxf6+- ]
21...g6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Black kept the extra piece and
developed a severe counterattack after
27.g4 Qd8 28.g5 b5! 29.axb5 axb5
30.cxb5 Rc2 31.Bd4 Qd7 32.f6 Qxb5
33.Qe4 Re2 34.Re3 Rxe3 35.Bxe3
Ng4 In the second part of this article we
are going to deal with positions, in which
the light-squared bishop is on the board.
0-1

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

22.Qh5?? A good example of how easy

is to lose one's head in the process of a
promising attack.
[ White had to switch to 22.Nf6+ Nxf6
23.Bxf6 Rd7 24.Rgd3 with lasting
pressure. ]
22...exd5 23.exd5 Qc7 24.f5 Ne5
25.Qh4 Re8 26.Rh3 h5-+

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 Modern Chess Magazine
Alavkin,Arseny 2491
Sidorov,Anatoly 2416
Privolzhskogo FO-ch (3) 24.03.2007 RUS Cup Qualifier 3 blitz
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
White met 14...Qb6 with the vigorous
15.Nd5!? exd5 16.Nf5
Assess the consequences of 16.... Nxe4
[ ANSWER:
The text is a grave mistake. Black is
not only exposing the vulnerable g7-
square to the enemy fire, but is
parting with his only piece, which is
able (in case of Qd2-g5) to defend it.
The game did not last for long -
16...Nxe4?? (16.... d:c4 with mutual
chances) 17.Rxe4 Rfe8 ( 17...dxe4
18.Qh6! was most probably
overlooked by Black before the fatal
capture ) 18.Rg4 and 1-0. ]
1-0
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68
Pugachov,Alexey 2499
Grebionkin,Vladimir 2462
21.10.2004
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
In a blitz game Black replied to 21.Rg3
with 21... Ne8?
[ He had many acceptable possibilities,
21...Rc5 being one of them. Find the
drawback of the textmove. ]
[ ANSWER:
Black lost material by force after
21...Ne8? 22.Nf5! Bf6 23.Nd5 exd5
24.Bxf6 Bxf5 ( 24...Nxf6? 25.Qh6!
with mate to follow ) 25.Qxf5
( White decided to remain a pawn up
than taking the exchange by 25.Bxd8
Qxd8 26.Qxf5 dxc4 27.Rc3
, but to continue his attack ) 25...Nxf6
26.Qxf6 g6 27.Rxd5 Re8 28.Re3
Qb4 29.h4 and Black could not resist
its new wave. ]
 Modern Chess Magazine 69

Genova,Liubka 2231 Zatulovskaya,Tatiana 2214

Vladimirova,Maria 2062 Grinfeld,Alla B 2234
BUL-ch (Women) (2) 14.02.2009 Sochi (Woman) 16th 1981

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

8 8 8 8

7 7 7 7

6 6 6 6

5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

17...Qe7 After our thematic sacrifice 20.Nd5!?

[ ANSWER:
The text only optically defended the
bishop. 17...Qe7 was refuted
convincingly by 18.Nd5! exd5 19.Nc6
Qe8 20.Bxf6 Nxe4 21.Rxe4! Qxe4
22.Ne7+ Kh8 23.Bxg7+! and mate in
2. Black resigned. ]
1-0
exd5 21.exd5 Black defended the
attacked bishop with 21... Rfe8
Would you accept her decision?
[ ANSWER:
The text allowed a beautiful small
combination. Correct was 21...Nxd5!
22.cxd5 Bf6 ]
[ The game saw 21...Rfe8? 22.Rxe7!
( 22.Nf5 Bf8 23.Bxf6 gxf6 24.Qg3+
Kh8 25.Qh4 ) 22...Rxe7 23.Nf5 Kf8
( 23...Rde8 24.Bxf6 Re1 runs into
25.Nh6+ Kf8 26.Bxg7+ Kxg7
27.Qg3+ Kf8 28.Qg8+ Ke7
29.Rxe1+ ) 24.Bxf6 gxf6 25.Nxe7
Kxe7 26.Re1+ Kf8 27.Qxh7
, forcing resignation. ]
1-0

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 Modern Chess Magazine 70

Pribyl,Martin 2355
Wolf,Ulrich Martin 2200
Holger Blomstrand's op (2) 10.08.1997

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

The thematic jump 19.Nd5! Bd8

turned into a real sacrifice after 20.Qh5
exd5 21.exd5 Ba8 Finish the attack.
[ ANSWER:
21...Ba8 22.Bxg7! Kxg7 23.Qh6+
Kg8 24.Be4 f5 25.g6 Nf6 26.Bxf5
Re8 27.Rde1! The last finesse, aimed
at eliminating the best defender of the
king. The mate is inevitable, so
Black resigned. ]
1-0

www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine
Endgame Series - Part 14
Hello Dear chess friends,
In the previous thirteen issues of
Endgame series we have covered a
broad range of basic endgame topics.
From the square rule to protected
passed pawns, zugzwang and
correspondent squares, you will find
most endgame fundamentals on the
pages of the preceding issues.
From now on, however, we will move
onto the more advanced topics and
endgame strategies. A solid knowledge
of previously discussed themes is
necessary to absorb the upcoming
material. We will start with a topic that is
not related to the endgame exclusively,
but becomes increasingly significant as
fewer and fewer pieces are left on the
board. When material is reduced,
limiting mobility of opponent's piece(s)
can be a decisive factor in a game.
Restriction of opponent's pieces can
come in many forms, some of which we
will discuss in this issue. The strongest
form of limited mobility is trapping or
entrapment - it is when opponent's piece
is completely immobile.
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71
However, in this issue we will not talk
about trapping, but rather focus on other
ways we can restrict opponent's pieces to
obtain an edge in the endgame. I suggest
we begin with the ways we reduce king's
mobility. This is a reasonable approach
because king is an important piece in
pretty much every type of endgame,
while other pieces may or may not play a
notable role. We will look at three
different ways to limit king's movement:
shouldering, cornering, and cutting off.
Then we will move on to instructive
examples of limiting mobility of other
pieces.
Shouldering 1
The term "shouldering" is borrowed from
other sports, such as football, where two
players are running after a ball shoulder
to shoulder. Usually the player who wins
the shouldering battle gets to the ball
first. So the analogy holds when we have
two kings battling to get to a certain pawn
or square and one of them
"shoulders" the other one, winning
important space.
Let us see how this concept works in the
first example:
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
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a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
1.Ke6 We already explained the
advantages of king's diagonal movement
in issue #5.
[ 1.Ke7? is worse. Kc3 2.Kd7 Kd4
3.Kc7 Kd5 4.Kb7 Kd6 5.Kxa7 Kc7=
and black achieves a draw by
cornering white king (a limitation
strategy we will talk about later). ]
1...Kc3 2.Kd5!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
The key move that takes the d4 square
away from black king, while
simultaneously getting closer to the a-
pawn. Kb4
[ The cornering strategy doesn't work
any more: 2...Kd3 3.Kc6 Kd4 4.Kb7
Kd5 5.Kxa7 Kc6 black is one tempo
too short, his king needsto be on c7.
6.Kb8+- ]
3.Kc6 Ka5 4.Kb7 Black king has been
boxed out. He also can not reach c7 in
time. Kb5 5.Kxa7 Kc6 6.Kb8+-
Shouldering 2
In the next study by M. Zinar we see an
impressive example of shouldering.
Sometimes taking a patient step back to
restrict your opponent is better than
going forward.
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72
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
What is the most natural plan here?
Surely, to go for the b-pawn. But, white
wins only with the paradoxical: 1.Ke2!!
[ instead of the more natural 1.Kc4
The problem is that black king can
also move towards white pawn: Kf2
2.Kb5 Ke3 3.Kb6 ( Nothing is
changed by 3.a4 Kd4 4.a5
because black can still get to the a-
pawn with Kc3! 5.Kb6 Kb4 ) 3...Kd4
4.Kxb7 Kc4 5.Kb6 Kb4 and despite
winning the pawn, white will not win
the game because he will lose his a-
pawn. ]
1...Kg2
[ If black pushes the pawn forward
1...b6 white can go for it: 2.Kd3! Kf2
3.Kc4 Ke3 4.Kb5 Kd4 5.Kxb6 Kc4
The difference here is that white king
is close enough (on b6, not b7) to
support the a-pawn. 6.a4 Kb4
7.a5+- ]
2.a4 This is why white "wasted" a move
on 1.Ke2. Black king can not get closer
to the a-pawn, so white has just enough
time to move it down the board where it
will be out of king's reach. Kg3
 Modern Chess Magazine
[ 2...Kg1!?
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
is cunning, hoping to get behind
white's back if he moves his king up,
but white wins with 3.a5! ( 3.Kd3?
Kf2 4.a5 Ke1! 5.Kc4 Kd2 6.Kb5
Kc3 7.Kb6 Kb4= ) 3...Kg2 4.Kd3 Kf3
5.Kc4 Ke4 6.Kb5 Kd4 7.Kb6 Kc4
8.Kxb7 Kb5 9.a6+- ]
3.Ke3 White continues to shoulder black
king. Kg4
[ In the event of 3...b6 white wins with
4.Ke4 when black is defenseless from
king's invasion to c6: Kg4 ( or 4...Kf2
5.Kd5 Ke3 6.Kc6 Kd4 7.Kxb6 Kc4
8.a5+- ) 5.Kd5 Kf5 6.Kc6 Ke6
7.Kxb6 Kd7 8.Kb7 and white is just in
time to block black king from reaching
c8 square. ]
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73
4.Kd4!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
No need for shouldering any more.
White is ready for the winning king
march. Kf5 5.Kc5 Ke4
[ 5...Ke6 6.Kb6 Kd7 7.Kxb7+- ]
6.Kb6 Kd5 7.Kxb7 Kc5 8.a5 Kb5
9.a6+-
Shouldering 3
As I said earlier, reducing king's mobility
can be essential in different types of
endgames, not only pawn endgames.
Here we have a study by Amellung,
1901. , which is an example of
shouldering in rook vs. pawn endgame.
This is a textbook maneuver worth
remembering.
 Modern Chess Magazine
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Black to move draws only with: 1...Kc5!
One thing that you absolutely must
remember about rook vs. pawn
endgames is that rook alone can not hold
off the pawn and king in most situations.
Therefore, the position of white king
usually determines the outcome of the
game. If it manages to
fight its way to the pawn, the game is
usually won; if not, it's a draw.
[ In that sense, the natural-looking
1...Kc4? is a mistake as it allows
2.Kb6 b3 3.Ka5 Kc3 4.Ka4 b2
5.Ka3+- and white king has reached
the pawn just in time. ]
[ The same goes for 1...Ka4? 2.Kc6
b3 3.Kc5 Ka3 4.Kc4 b2 5.Kc3+- ]
2.Kb7
[ If white would give check 2.Rc1+
then black can move forward with his
king Kd4 because after 3.Kb6 b3
4.Kb5 b2 5.Rb1 Kc3 6.Ka4 Kc2=
he is one move faster than white
king. ]
2...Kb5! 3.Ka7 Ka5!
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74
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
1.Kf1! Only like this.
[ 1.Kf2? would be a wrong choice
because black can put us in
zugzwang: Nd6 2.Kf1 Ne4
that a bit later): b2 6.Rh1 Kb4 7.Kb6
Ka3 8.Kb5 Ka2= ]
4...Kb5 5.Rb1
[ 5.Kb7 b3= ]
5...Ka5=
Cornering 1
Cornering can be a very effective way of
limiting king's mobility. It is usually used
to force the king in front of his own pawn,
so that neither the king nor the pawn can
move. Here is a classic example:
 Modern Chess Magazine
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
White has an opportunity to corner black
king, but which square he should go to?
1.Kf1! Only like this.
[ 1.Kf2? would be a wrong choice
because black can put us in
zugzwang: Nd6 2.Kf1 Ne4
and white king can not stay on the f-
file any more, so 3.Ke2 Kg2-+ wins. ]
1...Nd6 2.Kf2 Ne4+ 3.Kf1= and in the
same position with black to move, it's a
draw because the knight is known to be
the only piece that can not "lose" a
tempo. For example: Nd2+ 4.Kf2 Ne4+
5.Kf1 Ng5 6.Kf2 Nh3+ 7.Kf1 Ng1
8.Kf2 Black king will remain cornered
"forever".
Cornering 2
Not only the king gets cornered - other
pieces can be as well. The knight is
particularly awkwardly placed in the
corner, which is illustrated perfectly in
the following example:
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75
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
White to move wins with 1.a8Q+!
[ 1.Kc5 is not sufficient. Black just has
to find a way to sacrifice his knight for
the g-pawn. Nc8! 2.Kd5 Nxa7 3.Ke6
Nb5 4.Kf7 Nd4 5.Kxg6 Nf3=
followed by Nxg5. ]
1...Nxa8 2.Nd5!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
A beautiful idea. White knight on d5
dominates black knight in the corner
and black can not get it out because the
pawn endgame is lost. Kb8
[ 2...Nc7+ 3.Nxc7 Kxc7 4.Kc5+-
white wins thanks to the opposition. ]
 Modern Chess Magazine
3.Kc6 Kc8 4.Kd6 white still needs to
win the g-pawn to win the game, so he
sends his king to do the job.
[ It would be a big mistake to use the
knight for the same purpose 4.Ne7+?
Kd8 5.Nxg6 because it would allow
the poor black knight to get out of the
corner just in time: Nc7 6.Nf4 Ne8= ]
4...Kb7 5.Ke6 Kc6 6.Ne7+ It was not
possible to keep the knight on d5 any
more. But now white pieces are placed
much better for the pawn promotion. Kc7
[ 6...Kc5 is another possibility. 7.Nxg6
Nc7+ 8.Ke5!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
This is the best way to limit mobility of
black pieces. White king holds black
king in short opposition and the knight
in the diagonal opposition! Kc6 9.Nf8!
Not allowing Kd7. Ne8 10.g6 Kc7
11.Ke6 Ng7+ 12.Kf6 Nh5+ 13.Ke7!
Again, not allowing black king to come
any closer. Kc6 14.Ne6+- and black
can not avoid 15.Nf4! with a winning
deflection. ]
7.Nxg6 Kd8 8.Kf7!
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76
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Shouldering black king. Nb6 9.Ne5
and black knight is too far to stop the g-
pawn. For example: Nc8 10.g6 Nd6+
11.Ke6 Ne8 12.Nf7+ Kc7 13.Nd6!
Ng7+ 14.Kf7 Nh5 15.Ne8+ Kc6
16.Nf6 Ng3 17.Ke6!+-
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
[ 17.g7?? Nf5 18.g8Q Nh6+= ]
The final precision.
 Modern Chess Magazine
Cutting off 1
Cutting off Cutting off is a very important
tool in endgames. Inexperienced players
often forget about it as they focus on
other "priorities", such as winning
opponent's pawn or pushing their own
passed pawn. However, there are
positions when it is essential to limit the
mobility of opponent's piece (especially
the king), by cutting it off from a file,
rank, or diagonal. Let us see a simple
example where white secured victory by
cutting of opponent's king from his pawn:
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
In the game Konstantinopolsky -
Friedman, 1940. white played 1.Rc2!
[ Instead 1.f7? Rxf7 2.Kxf7
would allow Kc4 with a drawn rook vs.
pawn endgame. 3.Ke6 a3 4.Rb8 a2
5.Ra8 Kb3 6.Kd5 Kb2= ]
1...Ke6
[ 1...a3 loses after 2.f7 Rxf7 3.Kxf7+-
exactly because black king is cut off
the c-file. ]
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77
[ Perhaps the best chance was
1...Ra6!? 2.Kg7 Ra7+ 3.f7 Ke6
4.Rf2 Kd5! threatening to bring his
king to the c-file. The only winning
move is 5.Rf4!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
which cuts the king along the 4th rank!
a3 ( 5...Kc5 6.Rxa4! Rxa4
7.f8Q++- ) 6.Kg8 a2!? leads to a fun
position ( 6...Ra8+ 7.f8Q Rxf8+
8.Kxf8 is also lost for black beacuse
his king is cut off. ) 7.f8Q a1Q
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
but white is the first one to move and
can force checkmate with 8.Qd8+!+-
etc. ]
2.Rc3! The winning move. Black is
actually in zugzwang.
[ 2.f7? would be wrong just as in the
starting position: Rxf7 3.Re2+ Kd5
4.Kxf7 Kc4= ]
2...a3 3.f7 Now this move wins. Rxf7
[ 3...Ra8 4.Rxa3! Rxa3 5.f8Q+- ]
4.Re3+ Kd5 5.Kxf7 The only difference
compared to 2.f7 variation is that here
the a-pawn is hanging, so Black has no
time to bring his king closer. a2 6.Ra3+-
Cutting off 2
In the following situation, typical for rook
vs. pawn endgames, black has to be
extremely careful not to let his king get
cut off along the fifth rank:
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
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78
1...b4? would be a beginner's mistake,
[ Instead, black has 1...Ka5
which loses because it doesn't
shoulder white king. 2.Kg7 b4 3.Kf6
b3 4.Rb8 Ka4 5.Ke5 Ka3 6.Kd4
White king has a free pass to the
pawn. b2 7.Kc3+- ]
[ and 1...Kc5! which is the only way to
draw. 2.Kg7 b4 3.Kf6 b3 4.Ke5 Kc4
5.Ke4 Kc3 6.Ke3 b2 7.Rc8+ Kb3= ]
due to 2.Rg5! The rule is: If the rook
can cut the king along (at least) the fifth
rank, he wins. If black pushes the pawn
b3 he loses it after 3.Rg3 b2 4.Rb3+
+-
Restricting rook's movement
Reducing mobility of other pieces We
shall now look at positions where
reducing mobility of opponent's pieces is
the winning endgame strategy. The
failure to do so would allow the
defending side to escape with a draw or
achieve counter-play by activating its
pieces. We start with the rook!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
 Modern Chess Magazine
Rook is usually the most mobile piece in
endgames. However, sometimes things
like this happen. Black has, therefore,
played Nd6 with the idea to free his rook
by taking on c8. If white moves the
bishop away, the b7-pawn falls. What
should white do? 1.Rb6
[ 1.Rc3 Nxb7= ]
[ 1.Bd7 Rxb7= ]
[ 1.Kf3 Nxc8 2.bxc8Q Rxc8= ]
[ 1.Rf3+ Kg5= ]
1...Ke7 2.Rxd6! An excellent solution.
White eliminates opponent's strongest
piece (the knight) , highlighting
helplesness of his worst piece (the rook).
Kxd6 3.Kg3
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
What we basically have here is a simple
www.modern-chess.com
79
pawn and king vs. king endgame since
the rook is completely trapped on b8.
Ke7 4.Kh4 Kf6 5.Kh5 Kg7 6.Kg5+-
white has achieved opposition and wins
easily even without the help of his
bishop.
Restricting bishop's movement
In endgames where defending side has
a bishop, very often the right strategy is
to limit bishop's movement by forcing it
onto a "short" diagonal. The next
example illustrates this strategy very
well:
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
White's winning plan is to capture the a6
pawn (without a-pawns the position is a
draw). On first inspection, this is not so
easy to do as it is on the same color as
black bishop. But, 1.Re6! is a good start
because we force the bishop to return to
b7.
[ Something like 1.Re7? on the other
hand, would allow black bishop to
 Modern Chess Magazine
reach the "long" f1-a6 diagonal. Bc6
2.Rc7 Bb5 3.Ra7 Bd3 4.Ke3 Bf1
5.Kf2 Bb5= and black draws
comfortably as he has a lot of safe
squares on this diagonal. ]
1...Bb7 2.Rd6!
[ White would be going nowhere by
just attacking the bishop: 2.Rb6 Bc8
3.Rc6 Bb7 4.Rb6 Bc8 5.Rb8? Bd7
6.Rb6 Bb5= ]
2...Bc8 3.Rb6!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Now black is in zugzwang as he can not
move his bishop along the "short"
diagonal any more. g3!? The only move
to keep the game going.
[ The key point is that after 3...Kf7
white has 4.Rc6 and black can not
return to b7 due to the double attack
on c7. Be6 5.Rxa6+- ]
[ 3...Kh6 4.Rxf6++- ]
4.Kxg3 Kf5 Now black king has access
to the fifth rank, but white performs a
very similar rook maneuver, regardless:
5.Rc6 Bb7 6.Rd6!
[ White would make his life more
difficult with 6.Rc5+?! Kg6 7.Kf4
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80
Bg2! ]
6...Bc8
[ 6...Ke5 is merely a transposition,
after: 7.Rb6 Bc8 8.Rc6+- ]
7.Rb6!
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Black is in zugzwang once again! Ke5
[ If he returns to 7...Kg6
then we would be back to the previous
position after 8.Kf4+- ]
[ 7...Ke4 8.Rxf6+- ]
8.Rc6 Bb7 9.Rc5+ The h5 pawn is
without protection and the game is over.
Bd5
[ or 9...Ke6 10.Rxh5+- ]
10.Ra5+-
Restricting light pieces
Now we move on to somewhat more
complex practical examples. In a very
recently played game, Hungarian star
Richard Rapport showed an excellent
endgame technique in knight and bishop
vs. knight and bishop endgame. The key
 Modern Chess Magazine
to his victory was reducing mobility of
opponent's light pieces, especially the
knight.
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
In the important last round game from
Zalakaros open 2017., Rapport - Banusz,
black was fighting for draw in a difficult
endgame: 1...Nd2 2.Bd5! White bishop
assumes commanding position in the
center, dominating not only black knight,
but also the bishop on c8.
[ 2.Be2?! would allow black to activate
with Bb7 3.Kb6 Bxf3 4.Bxf3 Nxf3
5.Kxa6 g5!= ]
2...Bd7 Black gets his bishop out before
it is too late.
[ 2...Nf1 looks principled considering
white did not put his bishop on e2, but
white has a strong answer: 3.Kc6!
Nxg3 4.Bc4! Diagram ( 4.Kc7? Ke5 )
www.modern-chess.com
81
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
and black bishop is trapped! Black can
try 4...g5 5.Kc7 gxf4 6.Kxc8
but it would not help because of limited
mobility of his knight. Next
move is Bxa6, followed by b5-b6,
etc. ]
3.Ne2 g5 4.f4 Rapport does not allow
black king to get into the game.
[ Wrong continuations are: 4.Kb6 Bb5
5.Nd4 f4!= ]
[ and 4.hxg5+ Kxg5 5.Kb6 Bb5
6.Nd4 f4! 7.Ne6+ Kf5 8.Nxf4 h4= ]
4...g4 5.Bg2! Again, limiting the mobility
of black knight. Now f1 square is under
control. Bb5
[ Black can try to activate the knight
with 5...Nb3+ but that would just help
white achieve his goal: 6.Kb6 Bb5
7.Nc3 Bd3 8.Bb7 and the a6 pawn
falls without black creating any
counterplay. ]
6.Nc3 Bd3 7.Kd4! The king takes away
squares, too.
[ Nothing is achieved by 7.Kb6 Ke6
8.Bb7 Nf1 9.Bxa6 Bxa6 10.Kxa6
Nxg3 11.b5 Ne4! 12.b6 g3= ]
 Modern Chess Magazine 82

7...Bf1 8.Bd5! we get a funny position that is

completely lost for black, of course. ]
a b c d e f g h
9.Ke3 Nc4+ This move loses without a
8 8 fight.
7 7
[ 9...Nf3! was the last chance. White
has to find 10.Bb3! ( Strangely, it is
6 6 wrong to take the pawn: 10.Bxf3 gxf3
5 5
11.Kxf3 Kd6 12.Ke3 Bc4 13.Kd4
Bb3 Diagram
4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3
8 8
2 2
7 7
1 1
6 6
a b c d e f g h
5 5
An impressive display of domination.
4 4
Both black pieces are practically
immobile. Out of eleven legal squares I 3 3
found only one that is safe. The worst
2 2
thing for black is that his own bishop
takes away an important square for the 1 1
knight (f1). Ke7 a b c d e f g h
[ 8...Bh3 This is the only "safe" square.
But after 9.Ke3! Nf1+ 10.Kf2+-
and apparently white is somehow
a b c d e f g h
unable to make progress with best
play by black. ) 10...Kf6 11.Nd5+ Ke6
8 8
12.Nc7+ Kf6 13.Be6+- followed by
7 7 Bc8 and white gets a passed pawn. ]
10.Bxc4 Bxc4 11.Kd4 Bb3 12.Ke5+-
6 6
The f5 pawn is lost. Bc2 13.Nd5+
5 5 and black resigned.
4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

www.modern-chess.com
 Modern Chess Magazine
Kuljasevic,Davorin 2591
Weiss,C 2409 30...Rxb7 31.Rxb7 Bxf4
TCh-AUT 1st Bundesliga 2013-14 (2.2)
The next example comes from my own
practice. In the position below, I found a
forced winning sequence that was
largely based on limiting mobility of
opponent's pieces. Diagram
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
In a very cramped position black
attempted to create counterplay with
29...Rab8
[ 29...Bxf4 would only help white open
up the position to his satisfaction:
30.Bxc5 and if Bxg5 then 31.Rg7+
Kh8 32.Bd4+- ]
30.Rfb1! A very strong move. White is
ready to give up all his kingside pawns
just to keep black pieces on the eight
rank.
[ Black would get some form of
counterplay after 30.Rg7+ Kh8
31.Bxa6 Rb2 ]
[ or 30.Bxa6 Rxb7 31.Bxb7 Nd7
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83
32.Bc6 Re7 ]
[ Black can save the a-pawn 31...a5
, but then white is in time to protect
his kingside with 32.Kf3 and black is
busted. ]
32.Bxa6 Bxg5 33.Bb5! An important
intermezzo, forcing black rook to an
extremely passive position. Ra8
[ Other responses, such as 33...Re7
allow white to push his a-pawn, which
decides the outcome. 34.Rxe7 Bxe7
35.a5 Bd8 36.a6 Bb6 37.Bg3+- ]
34.Bg3! Black can not protect his d-
pawn. Bxh6 35.Bxd6
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
At the end of the combination, black is a
pawn up, but his pieces are terribly
placed, while white pieces are in perfect
harmony. White also obtained two
dangerous passed pawns in the process.
Be3
[ In case of 35...c4 36.Be5 Rc8
37.d6+- ]
[ or 35...Bg7 36.Bxc5 g5 37.d6+-
march of the d-pawn decides the
issue quickly. ]
 Modern Chess Magazine
36.Be5 Bd4 37.Rg7+
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
and black resigned as he would lose his
rook to Ra7+ discovered check.
1-0
Gulko,Boris F 2490 continued: 33.g4! Ke8 Passive.
Kremenietsky,Anatoly M 2395
Moscow-ch 61st
Finally, I really like how grandmaster
Boris Gulko used the "limitation" strategy
on opponent's knight in the following
game. You don't see very often a piece
on a central file being immobilized as it
was in this instance.
www.modern-chess.com
84
a b c d e f g h
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
We have a typical "strangling" endgame
with two bishops versus bishop and
knight. Pawn on a6 is the main
weakness (as it incidentally was in the
previous several examples as well!), but
it is customary to create the "second
weakness" in such positions, to make
defender's job more difficult. Gulko
[ On the other hand, trying to oppose
white's kingside expansion with 33...f5
is also not ideal as after 34.g5
he would succeed in creating the
second weakness (h7 pawn). ]
[ A great thing about having bishop
pair in such endgames is that your
opponent's chances of playing actively
with his pieces are very small. For
example, the active attempt 33...Nc5
34.Bb4 Kd6 35.Kd4 Kc7 still fails to
36.Bd5 Ne6+ 37.Ke5 and white king
invades via f6, g7 etc. ]
[ Perhaps the most stubborn defense
was 33...Kd6 ]
 Modern Chess Magazine 85

34.Kd4 Be2 35.g5 The a6 pawn has been fixed, but what
next? From where is white king going to
a b c d e f g h break into black's position? We get the
8 8 answer after a few preparatory moves:
Be2 39.Bc6 Kd8 40.Bd5 Ke8 41.Bc6
7 7
Kd8 42.Bd6 Ke8 43.Bd5!
6 6 a b c d e f g h

5 5 8 8

4 4 7 7

3 3 6 6

2 2 5 5

1 1 4 4
a b c d e f g h
3 3

White fixed black pawns on f7 and h7 2 2

squares, but he also took the f6 square
1 1
away from black knight. Ke7 36.Bb4+
Ke8 How to improve white's position? a b c d e f g h

Black stopped the immediate king's

invasion by keeping some sort of a Now white's idea becomes clear. He will
fortress (virtually all squares on the fifth swap the light-squared bishops and
rank are under his control). It would infiltrate via d5 and c6. f6
seem logical for white to try to reach the [ 43...Bf1 44.Bc4 Bxc4 45.Kxc4
a5 square with his king. However, Gulko Kd8 46.Kd5 Kc8 47.Kc6+-
comes up with a fantastic idea: a b c d e f g h
37.a4! Bd1 38.a5
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
puts black into zugzwang! ]
a b c d e f g h
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 Modern Chess Magazine 86

44.Bc4 Bxc4 45.Kxc4 fxg5 46.fxg5

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

Black resigned because he hasn't got a

single safe square for his knight (if we
rule out f8, which leads to a lost pawn
endgame). Pawns on g5 and a5 play a
key role in this entrapment. It is a
strategy well worth remembering.
1-0

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