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FIND THE WINNING MOVE GARY LANE

V Find the winning move from hundreds of chess positions. You must find the right way to deliver a winner in one two or more moves International Master Gary Lane uses his teaching skill and experience to present a fun but educational puz;le book that helps players develop recognition of tactical combinations. Over 400 puzzles are presented to allow players of all levels - from novices upwards - to improve their game You ll have houn ol entoyment and eniarlammeni trying to solve these ponies snd you ll end up a bettes chest player at the end of it '

'

Gary Lane is an International Chess Master and a popular coach for English Ijumorl and Australian teams He is the author of several chess books

.

including Find the Checkmate and Ideas Behind Modern Chess Openings.

www.chfysalisbooks.co.uk

Find the Winning Move

Gary Lane

First published in 2004 C Guy Lane 2004 ISBN 0 7 1 34 8871 9 British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, by any means, without prior pcnnission of the publisher. Printed in Great Britain by Creative Print and Design (Wales), Ebbw Vale for the publishers, B.T. B.tsfoul Lld, The Chrysalis Building Brandey Road, London, WIO 6SP

An imprint of

dlrysallBOOks Group

Distributed in the United States and Canada by Sterling Publishing Co., 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 1 00 1 6, USA

A BATSFORD CHESS BOOK

Contents Page Introduction Winning in Two Moves More Two Move Wins Winning Combinations in Three Moves or More

4 Hall of Fame White to Play and Lose Black

to Play aod Lose

17 25 37 43 53

Knight Moves

64

The Lady Vanishes

75

Smash the Defence

10 Essential Endings

84 95

11 Classic Games

106

12 Chaaing the King

121

13 Opening Surprises

132

14 Fantastic Moves

145

15 Tough Puzzles

155

16 The Top 30

165

For the GUlespie fam;!y - Marcel, Katrina, Lachlan and Scott With tlumks to Ashley Silson and Fran90ise Mertens

for their help in providing material for the book.

Introduction Looking at a wide variety of chess puzzles will greatly increase your knowledge of tactical tricks and traps which will then come naturally io you when playing your own games. It has been proved time and again that a heightened awareness of the possibility of a combination in any given position will make it far easier for you to identify and execute a winning idea. You will fmd plenty of fantastic and entertaining moves in this book but more importantly these are also practical stepping stones to victory.

The Homer-D.Howcll game shows a typical situation where Black is defending an awkward position and apparently just about holding his ground. However, White saw a tactic starting with 1 :e6 when 1 ......m l lbe8! 1IIJ:e8 3 .te6 suddenly forced Black to resign as he will end up losing a piece. Naturally a threat of checkmate may also be serious enough for a player to have to sUITeDder material and this area of the game is equally well covered in the book.

The success af my rnt quiz book has prompted me to write this companion volume with over 400 puzzles and enough hints to help those who cannot always spot the winning move. The basic difference is that here I also give positions where someone wins a piece or other material rather than just delivering checkmate:

Find the Checkmate

Brynell-Hebden Oslo 2004 Endings too can provide many SUIprising tactical opportunities. In this particular case, Black wins quickly by 1 ••.:B+ 1 IIr6 when to avert 3 . .. J:h6 mate he must play 3 �e4 allowing 3 ... :Jt6+ 4 lOt3+ and White's rook will have to leave the board.

Iilgs

Horner�D.Howell Blackpool 2003



6 Introduction Che.lonale

Blunders and Brllllancle. I have made an effort to provide rather different chapter headings from those used in traditional puzzle books which usually catalogue such standard themes as pins, skewers, forks. etc. However my approach required quite a bit of research as when I looked for enough positions to include in The Hall ofFame. On the other hand there was no shortage of embarrassing episodes to Cdl the White to Play and Lose chapter several times over. The following curious example caught my eye:

It is possible to hone your checkmating skills by looking at numerous examples and searching for an appropriate theme. A spectacular checkmate often has a simple key attacking idea which can be copied in your own games.

Tate-D.Colemao World Open. Philadelphia 1993 White spots a tactic to force mate: �J:f7+! and Black resigned rather than wilne8s •• .:.n 1 :ct8+ .tea

1

Emml-Ryao Isle of Man 2003 Black was happy to draw with a

:=:: 1.�:!i�th31:� J%bg3 Wh4+

. However, the audience watching on the Internet flooded the webmastcr with complaints that the position must be wrong because White is completely lost lohn Emms was so cool I saw him strolling around the tournament room to fool his opponent into thinking that repetition was the sensible choice. In fact. . .IU31 is a winner due to the threat ofl . .1t'b.4+ ll w hi allows

1. . � .� � f :l ��:Z;�!. . 4

1

AJ:e8+ :'111 4 A:dB mate.

3

This idea of rook and knight joining forces against a king stuck in the corner has been the inspiration for many a fine fmish.

Bauer-Kortschnol Enghien les Bains 2003

Introduction 7

Naturally, White was aware of the rook and knight mate so he was happy to force this position which allowed him to win in style with l h d Ih ac . I...fxc5 2 "f6 mate and 1 . . .llfB 2 "xc7 winning easily.

: � � � ���� r;sl�� r::. Advice for Chess Parents, Coaches and Improving Players

I have included a fun guide to test your playing strength. 10 points are awarded for each correct solution and you can add up your total at the end of each chapter. An hour should be enough to test your chess ability on the chapters with 25 puzzles and 15 minutes more for those contain­ ing a further 5 puzzles. Then you will discover whether you are a future champion or should give up chess! Probably the best results are 10 be gained by using: the book for entertainment while repeatedly going over the various puzzles and absorbing the attacking ideas.

Warning 5 points will be deducted if you

have to use the hints given in the Give Us A Clue pages.

Check Your Rating 2400 International Master 2300 FIDE Master 2200 US Master 2000 Internationally rated player 1800 Class A player! Good Club player

1600 Improving player 1400 A player with some potential. 1000 Still leaming so you need to

read the chapter again. This is the rating list that can be seen at the end of most chapters. The tigures are based on FIDE (World Chess Federation) ratings and are intended as a guide to your potential. In the tinal chapter you will be able to compare yourself with grandmasters and the world number onc Garry Kasparov.

J Winning in Two Moves It sounds so easy to win in two moves but I could show you many games where short combinations are overlooked by experienced players. Their usual excuse is that they were not looking for a combination or that these things are easier to see in a puzzle book when you know there is a trick ready and waiting. Though this is true, if you look at a large number of two move wins then some of them will surely turn up in your tournament games and you will be able to finish in style.

This idea of deflecting a piece can work wonders if you are always on the look out for it

Mordue-Rebden British Team Championship (4NCL) 2000

Black to move White has just played .i..d3 but before Black could reply he astonished all the spectators by is au sa n deflected from its defence of the 2 n s

�t�· �: �� �:= :

I.Jamleson-S.Peters Paignton 2003

Black to move

White offers an exchange of queens in order to obtain a good ending but thereby sets himself up for a powerful deflection. After 1 •••lld1+ WhIte resigned because 2

IlI:dl allows 1.__J:C3 winning the

queen.

.=: B��t � �e:��th a ��!� advantage.

So when you forcibly remove an enemy piece from its defence of another piece or even a critical square-this procedure is tcnned a deflection.

Winning in 1\vo Moves 9 The theme of deflection is not only insbUmcntal in winning material but can just as easily be exploited to deliver a spectacular checkmate:

Carr-Heal Boston 2001

White 10 move Cvit.n-Moser Obcrwart 2003

While 10 move

In an effort to dampen the attack Black offers to exchange bishops. Why is this a useless idea?

Here material is equal but the crucial difference is that the white queen is a monster in the attack. The idea of deflection prompted White to play l lle8+!

Vaa de OudeweeterlDg-Emlt Leeuwardcn 2004

Black 10 move when Black resigaed rather than

face 1 ...1IIxe8 2 11'xf6 mate or 1 . . • .Axe8 2 111g8 mate.

It should be clear by now that knowledge of various two move combinations can prove very useful.

White has just played 1110 pinning the rook. Though this looks good, Black gave his opponent cause to regret his choice by delivering a swift mating attack. How?

10 Winning in Two Moves

Canfell-Wohl Sydney 1990

HWarp Persson-Grosse FrlDtrop Recklinghausen 2001

White la move

White to move

The position looks very complicated and Black has just played , .. lOf6-e4 to increase his attack. How did White exploit this?

Tiger Hillarp Persson was once described in a newspaper as "The James Dean of Swedish chess" due to his maverick style on and off the board. Here he forces mate. How?

W.Taylor-SbeUey Wincanton 2004

YouDg-Burt British Team Champ (4NCL) 2004

White to move This middlegame position looks harmless and Black is offering a queen exchange to further reduce any attacking options. But how did White now punish his opponent?

White to move White's major pieces gathering like vultures in the vicinity of the black. king. How did he make the most of this?

Winning in Two Moves I J

Burmakln-Kessler Bad Wiessee 2003

Tregubov-LaHe Saint Vincent 2000

White to move

White to move

There are lots of checks available for White but which onc leads to the quickest checkmate?

There is no time for Black to count the pieces to see how much he is ahead because mate is inunincnt. How did White finish the job? 10

Albby-Meaadue Torbay 1983

Allea-Solomon Australian Open 1999

Jeremy Menadue is a respected chess coach who no doubt tells his pupils that an extra queen is enough 10 winl But lhere are exceptions as he knows from bitter experience. What happened next?

The black king's protective pawn barrier has been annihilated. How did the talented Australian deliver checkmate?

White to move

White to move

J 2 Winning in 1\vo Moves 1l

13

D.Gurevleb-S4:beffer Boston 1 988

Prasea-Aderito Bled Olympiad 2002

Black to move

White to move

The black knight has to retreat and it seems any square will do. In fact 1 ...�d7 was played but can you see White's winning tactic?

Black knows he is going to lose because he is a piece down. However being mated in only two more moves still came as quite a shock.

12

14

PallIser-Rety Newport 2001

Seuderi-Skembris Montccatini Termc 2004

Black is worried about the advance of the a-pawn so has just played ... fl.e7-a7 to attack it. Can you now see a decisive move for White?

White is faced with an anny of pieces hell bent on attacking so he tried 1 f3 to slow down the onslaught. What is Black's winning continuation?

White to move

White to move

Winning ill 'TWo Moves J 3

IS

17

Canguly-Ventkatesh Indian Championship 2003

N.Lane-Escrlbano Gosford 2001

White to move

White to move

Black's pieces arc disorganised and the position seems ripe for a decisive combioation. How did White force mate?

Black appears to have weathered the storm and still hopes for a swindle. How did White destroy such wishful thinking?

16

18

HempsoD-Ponter Paignton 200 I

Gonzalez Garcla-8vid1er Linarcs Open 1994

Black to move

Black to move

Black was not worried about the passed pawn and calmly played 1 ....*.gS. Why should he have been more frightened of White's response?

Black has been too busy punuing the attack to recapture the bishop on dS. How did he now win?

14 Winning in Two Moves 19

GIve U . A Clue 1 The black queen is defending the bishop so force it to move. 21t is mate in two. 3 A pawn move is the answer. 4 Exchange the queens and then win a piece. 5 Deflect the bishop on g7. 6 Check with the queen!

B

es1

�r:k�l�rO�

White to move

White has lots of good looking moves available but only one leads to mate in . What was it?

two

20

7 The fIrst check is with the bishop. 8 Black is threatening to take the rook on fl so stop that by retreating a piece. , A discovered check is needed. 10 Promote the pawn. 1 1 Think of a bishop move. 12 Move the rook 13 Sacrifice the rook. 14 Attack the h-pawn with the rook. IS It is time for an amazing queen move. 1 6 Time for deflection by advancing the h-pawn. 17 Move the queen.

Tukmakov-Hedmovie Pula 2000 Black to move White seems to be doing well but he has made the crucial mistake of underestimating his much lower rated opponent. How did Black cause an upset?

18 A rook check wi1l force mate.

., The first move is a knight check. 20 Attack with the knight.

Winning in Two Moves 15 Solutions

wins because if the queen 1 1 retreats then 2 .i.xc4. Black was so shocked he played 1 .....eS? and after 2 Lcs he resigned. 2 1.. .... 81+ and White resigned in view of2 Wd2 "'cl mate. 3 1 g4! (to deflcct the queen from its defence of the knight on d7) when Black struggled on in a lost ..o:�:'\ ��. 1...':xg4+ 2 hxg4 �2

4 1 "'xb4 �b4 2 lbxg6 wins because the (-pawn is pinned by the white bishop on c4. S I J:txh6+! and Black resigned due to 1.. ..b.h6 2 1fh7 mate or 1...Wg8 2 .f7rnate. 6 I 'W'h7+ Lh7 e Ilxh7 mate. 7 I .tf3+ and Black resigned because of 1...Wh3 2 lZ.h6 mate or 1...�gS 2 h4 mate. Deduct 5 points for I b3+ whS 2 .*13+ WgS 3 h4 mate because this chapter is about winning in two moves. 81 .i.cl ! and Black resigned due to the threat of 2 1Vh8 mate. 1 :ell fails to impress after 1...gxh6! 2 11'g6+ .tg7 and it will be White who resigns. 9 I lZkJ8+! (I �g5+ is good but there is no mate in two) and Black resigned in view of 1 . . whS 2 :f8 mate or even 1 .....c6 2 ::flI mate. 10 1 flI;1W+ (Curiously, promoting to a knight also wins but it takes a little longer: I f1:lfrt �g8 2 "'f7+

������!� 4 1iI'h7 mate)

11 After 1...tO:i7 White forced resignation by 2 .i.g4 since 2 ...• e4 or 2 . : "f7 is met by 3 .i.xd7 winning. 12 1 ':xc6! and Black resigned because 1.. ...xc6 allows 2 W'xa7+ winning. 13 1 Lh6+ and Black resigned due to 1 ...gxh6 2 "05 mate. 14 After I f3 Black played 1...':g3! and White resigned because there is no defence to 2 . : .xh3 mate. i +! nd ::th�r �: se: l. �J� � '1&� mate. I tOc7+ ':xc7 2 .xc7 f6 is also good for White but I wanted mate so no points awarded.. 16 After 1 ......gS White played 2 h7 forcing resignation as the rook needs to': cover the promotion square by 2... f8 or 2... lIh8, after which comes 3 .txg5 winning a piece. 17 1 "xh6+ and Black resigned due to 1...�g8 2 'W'b.7 mate. 18 1. ..:e2+ and White resigned because of2 �n "'xdl mate. 19 1 lOd4+ and Black resigned. as all is lost upon 1 . . �eS 2 :e6 mate or 1...�e4 2 ':e6 mate. 20 1...� 1 ! and White resigned because of the threat 2 ....xg2 mate. On 2 ':xel comes the deadly . 3.t.n "xn mate, while 2 .....xel+ 2 .i.d.3 allows 2 . ...xb2 winning easily.

16 Winning in Two Moves Check Your RaHng

points available for each puzzle. Take away S points if you read Give Us A Clue. 180-200 2400 International Master 160-180 2300 FIDE Master 140-160 2200 US Master 120-140 2000 Internationally rated player 90-120 1 800 Class A playerl Good Club player 60-90 16 00 Improving player 30-60 1000 Still learning so you need to read the chapter again. 0-30 If at first you don't succeed take the hint and give up chess! 10

2 More Two Move Wins

The chapter looks at two move wins in an effort to reinforce some ideas and themes. It will certainly pay off reminding yourself of those basic tactics that continue to catch people out. For instance: more

Crouch-Bulbeck 2002

Bmdfonl White played 1 1h:b4 and Black promptly resigned because 1...cxb4 2 :Xc7 leaves White a piece up. GeeDcn-Conan 2003

Drancy It seems that the attack on the h-file has come to halt because of the blockading black knight. However, I :xh4! wins because the rook cannot be taken due to the pin along the rank: l...gxh4 2 "'xaS would capture the queen. Zuniga-Walsb

Lindsborg 2002 I admit this is all fairly obvious but never forget that awareness of After I c5 Black sensed no danger such moves promotes quick and 1 easy decision-making during play. ��l�:! w�:��: ::;.:: Here are two more positions where because 2 . . exf4 3 :'xe7+ gains a White can make a snap judgement: winning advantage.

18 More Two Move Wins

BerptaDI-Praet

Manthe-Alexopoulos

Black to move

Blaclcto move

Belgian Team. Championship 2004

Philadelphia 1993

The white king"s journey was It has 10 be admitted that Black is intended 10 support the advance of spoilt for choice when it comes 10 the pawns, but it has backfued. How good continuations. Which move leads to mate in two? can Black mate?

MartlD del Campo-Garcla Correa

GoIOlhcbapov-Rarlch

White to move

White to move

Merida 2003

Le Touquet 2003

Black has no sense of danger and The black king looks rather misses a standard tactical trick. Can miserable being protected only by you do better and see what White the bishop. How can White wrap up played? the game?

More Two Moves Wins 19

Zlmina-Sbumialdna

S4:bwartzman-Komarov

White to move

White to move

GermaDn-Bere

Woodfruff'-FlnDegan

Black to move

White to move

R.

Classic Games 107

KulJpen-Boey Willemstad 1977

NUDD-Lematschko Lugano 1984

White to move

Black to move

The Belgian playing Black has just taken a pawn on c3 and must have thought be was doing well. How did White dramatically change his mind?

Or Nuon had cause to regret boasting in an interview that he bad never lost to a woman and giving the impression he never would. Step forward Tagana soon afterwards to restore women's pride on the chessboard. How did Black win?

KoIhnltsky-Crowl Brisbane 1928

Du Mont-Gosling Croydon 1 943

In this position gentleman Guy Kosbnitsky followed tradition by announcing to his opponent that it was mate in 3! Can you sec how?

Wbite has a very long pawn chain, filling practically a whole diagonal, but is it good? The answer is yes, but how can White win?

White to move

White to move

lOB Clcusic Games

Myen-Alvarez Correspondence 1988

White to move

An accurate finish by White who

notices a tactical opportunity and is rewarded with a victory. How?

Lawrence-Fox England-USA cable match 1 9 1 1

Fabris-Hard1esay Budapest 1 9 8 1

Black to move The white king is exposed which is enough to allow Black to move 8 clever combination. Can you see it?

Lopez-Velaseo Guderrez Mexico 1985

Black to move

White to move

In this era of the internet with the chance to play onlinc it is easy to forget the old days. In this example it is a cable match with moves transmitted by elecbic telegraph. Can you spot Black's winning combination?

In this position White struck gold with a clever sequence to force victory. Can you find the star move?

Classic Games 109 11

DepasquaJe.Jobanlen Melbourne 1991

Vukeev1cb-KaUIe Cleveland 1969

White to move

White to move

The opening has been a nightmare for Black who has had to endure a massive onslaught against his king. What is the best way for White to complete a dream game in style? 10

12

Halmldn-J.Walker Teignmoutb 1 976

COJ:-Ingram Correspondence 1972

Black to move The white queen has been busy taking pawns but rather neglected his king. How did Black make him pay?

Black to move

The remarkable Mrs. E. Ingram was known as the 'Star of Whitchurch' due to her success OD the English chess scene. Here she suffers a reverse. Can you sec how Black won?

llO Classic Games

13

15

Cafferty-Flrtb British Championship 1 963

Planlnc-Mestrovlc Banja Luka 1974

White to move

White to move

The lure of a drawing chances in an opposite-coloured bishop ending has prompted Black to move .. ':e8 to offer the exchange of rooks. Why did his cunning plan fail?

Black has just played ... e6 and is wondering where the white knight will go. But White had another idea. What did he play?

14

16

Wlnanu-De la Riva Barcelona 1991

VeUbekov-Ka.parov M....,. 1 976

White to move

White to move

The black king is stuck on the side of the board making it rather wlnerable. How can White win?

It is good to know that even a genius makes mistakes. How did the 13 year old future world champion lose?

Classic Games 11 J 17

19

SuradiradJa-Le1n Brisbane 1979

Alekbine-Bruee Plymouth 1 938

White to move

White to move

The American is defending with Black and everything seems (me. However he missed a smart sequence of moves. How did White win?

It sounds like a hard day at the office when on the same day you have to play against both the men's and the women's world champions! This is the fate that befell Ron Bruce and he was duly walloped. Can you spot White's winning line?

18

20

HaII-umben Correspondence 1969

DB.mea-Murey Guernsey 1988

Richard Hall only has time to play correspondence chess because be is a District Judge. The verdict is that there is a mate in two, but how?

White's attack has forced Black to forfeit the right to castle. How can White exploit the weakness of the black king by administering mate?

White to move

White to move

112 Classic Games 21

23

D e Ven-Lawrence Westminster 1 869

MOIkalenko-Carller Groningen 1990

The book The English Morphy brought the genius of Cecil De Vere to a new generation of playen. He started this game without his queen's rook to give his opponent a chance but will still win nicely. What happened next?

The Ukrainian grandmaster was looking forward to the exchange of queens after which his extra pawn would tell. The only snag was that Black had other ideas and found a winning move. What was it?

22

24

Priby�Slkora Trinec 1 972

FuUer-BrlttoD London 1979

Many playen here would just carry on developing their pieces and thereby miss a straightforward win. However the grandmaster finished in just three more moves. How?

If you start counting the pieces you might not rate Black's chances too highly. The difference is that he has seen a mating combination. Can you do as well?

White to move

White to move

Black to move

Black to move

Classic Games 1 J 3 25

27

McMurray.Kuslman New York 1 937 Black t o move

Oltff-Bielby British Championship 1969

White has failed to develop his pieces on the: quccnsidc: but managed to fmd time to greedily pick up three extra pawns. How can Black justify the sacrifices by forcing mate?

The plan for White is to put a rook on the Cl-tile and exchange rooks. The question is which one should he move first. In the same White failed the test by playing ::el. How did Black now win?

26

28

Stone-Popovyeh Philadelphia 1989

Apot-Norwood London 1984

Black has just played . • ,:1,' to defend against threats on the seventh rank. The Canadian playing White now won with a simple idea. What was it?

White is stonning through on the quccnsidc but the problem is that his king is on the other side of the board. Black now found a clever combination to win. What was it?

White to move

White to move

1

Blaclcto move

114 Classic Games

29

31

W.DiI-T.b.lderalk Leicester 1961

BODDer-J,Liulewood Sunderland 1966

White to move

White to move

Black is trying to complicate matters with his hasty rook sacrifice. How can White ignore it and force mate in only 3 movcs:?

Black's rook is pinned but it is not obvious how it can be exploited. White the However seized opportunity to create a sneaky tactical ploy. How did he continue?

30

32

HartstoD-MeKay British Championship 1973

GUes-Browne National Open 1988

White to move

White seems to be in a dilemma: whether to enter the rook ending or keep the queens on and continue the attack. However the talented Englishman found a surprising 'third way' to win quickly. What did be play?

White to move In this position Black's best chance is to ask. if he can start the game again! How can White mate in three?

Classic Games 1 J 5 33

35

Doaaldlon-Pein Lloyds Bonk Open 1 979

SUma....Sbirazl Lone Pine 1 979

Black to move

B/aclto move

The American's king on g3 looks a bit vulnerable but in the ending people don't always have a sense of danger. Here we have an important lesson as Black quickly wins. How?

In the film Searching for Bobby Fischer Kamran Shirazi has a cameo rolc as a star chess player. In real life he is also a very good player. How does Black win?

34

36

Lawton-SuUy Bath 1963

Shabalov-Vyzmanavin Tashkent 1 987

Black to move

Black to move

The black knights loom ominously near the white king. How did Black force mate?

The future US champion playing White had a rather different lifestyle when he was playing in the Soviet Army Championship. And judging by this game it probably didn't agree with him. What happened?

1 1 6 Classic Games 37

39

EDdzeIln...Vtner Australian Championship 1960

Adrlan-Varberg Lyngby 1 989

Black to move

White to move

Black has been chasing the white king and now spotted a neat way to create a mating nel What happened?

The black bishops are well placed in the centre for positional duties but are useless to defend against an instant attack. How did White force a quick win?

38

40

Gtbbs--Lombardy LeniDgJ>d 1960

Pergerlcht-Boudre VaI Maubuee 1 988

Black to move

Black to move

White is waiting for the exchange of pieces on the f3 square bcfore trying to draw the rook ending. How did the American playing Black win promptly?

The opening has becn a disaster for the: Belgian playing White who after only 12 moves is facing ruin. Can you see how Black won?

Classic Games 1 1 7 2 0 Target the g7 pawn.

GIve Us A Clue

11 The first move is not check.

I Think about back rank mate.

12 It is mate in three.

2 Try a check with the queen. 3 Black would like to check with the queen on the g l -a7 diagonal so make sure it is safe to do so. 4 Deflect the bishop away from defending the c8 square. S It is mate in two.

8 A star knight move is required. .

25 A good opportunity to sacrifice the queen.

18 A check is needed to force mate.

is the right way to

10 The white queen is defending against mate 50 block it. 11 A fantastic queen move needed.

only

27 Think of Black playing a back rank mate.

7 Move the knight

on in

is

14 Black does not have many pieces so give another onc away.

26 The bishop on g7 is pinned.

6 Start with a sacrifice.

: � :eck

13 The white queen defended by the king.

is

12 The white queen is defending the vital f3 pawn so deflect it. 13 The black rook is only defended by tbe king. 14 The first move is not a check. 15 Attack the black queen. 16 A knight force is the key. 17 Sacrifice the rook.

19 The key idea is a double check.

30 Look for a clever queen move.

31 The black queen needs to be deflected for a back rank mate. 32 Time to move a knight. 33 A rook check. leads to mate. 34 It is mate in two. 3S The idea is to win the white queen. 36 Defend the e6 pawn and attack! 37 Advance a pawn to threaten mate. 38 Delay capturing on f3 instead push a pawn.

18 If you give up the rook the verdict will be victory.

39 Try a rook check.

19 A knight sacrifice is essential.

40 It is mate in two.

and

118 Classic Games Solutions 1 I .flI+ and Black resigned in view of 1 ...:'xfll 2 :'xfll mate. 1 1 1Vf7+ and Black resigned because of 1 ... �h7 2 .t.d3+ �h6 3 'IIg6 mate. 3 1 . ..:'xc4 and White resigned due to 2 .xc4 (2 bxc4 .d4+ wins) 2 ... tI'b6+ 3 �hl (3 � ..a mate) 5 �hl +

j:g?�; ���b �:�

4 I .ib5 wins due to 1.. . .txbS ( l . . ..tcS 2 .tc6 L7 3 d7 wino) 2 cS=" :.xcS 3 :'xcS+ J.eS 4 :'xeS mate. 5 1 �e6+ �e6 2 fIIxfl mate.

6 1 ...Lh2+ 2 Wxh2 Vb6+ 3 IllhS be2 4 "xe2 'IIx hS+ and White resign because 5 :.tu .xc2 is an easy wm.

e,ci

7 1 . . .illhs+ 2 'IIxhS (2 �g4 11f4+ 3

�J::+ �et �:;.a� ;J

fIIe l and White resigned due to 4 g3 1i'f2 mate.

�2 �g6 mate) L:t:"eS (�'IIt:::�) tZ;�;

8 I lllc5 ! ! (threateni

3 L7+ and Black resigned in view of 3 .. ..txr7 4 Lf7 _aring anolher deadly discovered check. 9 I �+! and Black resigned because he did not want to see 1 . . . � 2 VbS+ g6 3 fxg6 Wxe6 xhS wino) 4 1IIh3+ f5 5

lirls�;.!'

11 1 Vb7+! .t.xb7 2 axb7+ and Black resigned due to 2 ... Wb8 3 :'aS mate. 7

�a�·� �:� �� �.�t� mate.

13 1 g6+ and Black resigned since 1 . . .WXg6 allows 2 LcS winning. 14 1 .,tft) and Black resigned because of 1 ... lOe6 2 "'g5+ �5 3 hxg5 mate. 15 1 b4! and Black resigned because the black queen is trapped. No points for the obvious 1 �f6+ when after 1 .. .�dS White is better but certainly not clearly winning. 16 1 .xe5 and Black resigned because of 1 .... xc5 2 lOc6+ We8 3 :.dB mate. 17 1 Lf6! "xf6 2 J.h6+ �6 3 "xft) wins. No points for I .i.h6+ bee.... 1 . . .�xh6 2 1[xf6 IIf8 and Black is better. 18 I L8+! and Black resigned due to 1 . . .1llx.S 2 'lidS, 1 . . .Wx.S 2 'lidS and l . .....xeS 2 .i.c5 mate. 19 1 1llx f7! �xf7 2 'IIx.6+ and Black resigned in view of 2 ... �g7 3 'W'fl mate. g7

�a�) tr�:�g� 3't::: !t�

te

21 1 illee4 ! (threatening 2 Vb7 m.te) 1 ...fxe4 2 Vb7+ Wxgs 3 h4 mate. No points for I 1I'h7+ because the attack is not impressive after the simplc l .. .�.

.xb2+ when Black wins.

Z2 1 J.h6+ J.g7 2 '11f6+! and Bl.ck resigned due to 2 ... �gS 3 "'xg7 mate.

:'

:!a�� :� : �i of �� l L�6w��tt� ir:s��b� :':J

Cicusic Games 1 1 9 23 l . ..:'xh2+ and White resigned because of 2 �h2 "'xf3 or 2 Wg3 :'h3+! winning. 24 l . . .:'fl+ ! 2 �xf1 "gl mate. 25 1 . . ....xg3+! and White resigned due to 2 hxg3 .to followed by 3 ...lIhl mate. 16 I flxh6+ and Black resigned due to l . . .�g8 2 "xg7 mate. 27 After 1 :.cl Black played L.Am when White resigned because after 2 :'xe8+ J:xe8 he must lose a piece because of 3 .i.xfti J:e l + mate. 28 1 ... �g4+ and White resigned in view of2 �g4 "'c8+ 3 �fJ �h4+ 4 gxh4 -.03 mate. 19 I Ilxh6+ .txh6 2 1If7++ �h8 3 :'h7 or 3 'l'h7 matc. 30 I "xfB+! and Black resigned due to 1 ...*xfB 2 Ad8+ �g7 (2 ... �7 is also met by 3 Ad7+) 3 1!d7+ �g8 4 IIxh7 �xh7 S .7 and White wins. Instead 1 'l'xh7+ �xh7 2 e7 :'c8 3 Ad7 (3 Ad8? :'xc7 and Black is better) 3 ... a6 with good drawing chances. 31 I fibS! flb8 ( l ...flxbS 2 1le8+ I!t1! 3 Ilxfll mate) 2 flxb6 and Black resigned rather than be a piece down or else allow 2 ...'I'xb6 3 lIe8+ fld8 4 IIxd8+ IIfll S Ilxfll mate.

3 2 1 �c7+ "'xc7 2 'Wxf7+ and Black resigned due to 2 ... .*.xf7 3 X u transposing to the continuation in the game.

: �: ��� �.�.:.xg �II ��:

33 l . ..lIg8+ 2 �h2 (2 �h4 1il0+ 3

�hS Iilxf4+! 4 Iilxf4 IIgS+ S �h6 :� . mate) 2 ... 1il0+ 3 �hl 1ilf2 . 34 1 . ...e3+ 2 "e2 1O:d3 mate. :: li" ��;rut�itefuU:=: d:; L.:.hB winning the white queen because otherwise it will be mate. 36 1 ..... g4 and White resigned because of the threat 2 ..... xc4+ 3 �gl "'g2 mate. If 2 .i.xd5 then 2 ... .i.g2+! wins after 3 .i.xg2 "'dl + 4 .i.fl .xfl mate. 37 1 ... g5 and White resigned in view of 2 hxg5 b4+ 3 �f4 "e4 mate. Instead 1 . . . .i.xe5+ 2 dxeS g5 is also good. 38 1 ... d3 ! and White resigncd due to 2 1I'd l .till 3 flxO 1I'xO+ 4 �O d2 wins. Or 2 :'xm dxe2 followed by 3 ... ld l winning. 39 1 1d7+ and Black resigned rather than see 1 . . . .i.xd7 2 :'f7+ .i.g7 3 "xg7 mate. 40 1 ... .*.d3+ and White resigned because of 2 "xcl3 or 2 llle2 then 2 .....f2 mate.

120 Classic Games Check Your Rating 10 points available for each puzzle. Take away 5 points if you

read Give Us A Clue. 350-400

2400 International Mas..,

320-350

2300 FIDE Master

268-320

2200 US Master

200·260

2000 Internationally rated player

ISO-lOO

1 800 Class A playerl Good Club player

80-150

1600 Improving player

30-80

1000 Still learning so you need to read the chapter again.

0-30

Chess has been played for over 2000 ycan but you might need that sort oftime to become good at the gamc!

1 2 Chasing the King The king chase is traditionally thought of as one of the most thrilling aspects of attacking chess. A typical scenario is that someone sacrifices some pieces in order to start chocking the king and then forcing it out in the open to deliver a spectacular mate.

Smeets-Vao Tellingen Leeuwarden 2004 White continued 1 "gH '*fS 2 .i.b3 and Black resigned because after 2 ... WxeS 3 'iVd4 or 3 "gS is mate. Karpov-Malanluk USSR Championship 1988 This position has all the ingredients of a king chase because White has sacrificed material to ki + of 1 . . . cxdS 2 "'xdS+ 8 3 "'06+ 'Wc7 4 "xc7 mate.

;Xr:; � ����; = 1:

Here is another example ofWhitc investing material in an attack and concluding with deadly accuracy:

It is important to remember that not every king hunt will cnd in mate so one has to be careful before sacrificing material. The various puzzles will hopefully point readers in the right direction when it comes to making a decision on how best to attack. If mate is not possible then it is equally important to watch out continually for the possibility of winning material:

122 Chasing the King

Baron-Kaean Victoria Championship 1 998

Banlkas-Chilov Ano Liosia 2001

After careful consideration White concluded there was no forced mate but he could win material after 1 "11+ We6 1 'l'xd6+! when Black resigned because of 2 ... �6 3 �+ Wc6 4 lOxh4 with an easy win.

A good tip for Black in such a position is to start planning what to do after the game because it is ot going to last very much longer! How did White win?

Ronchetti-Plseopo Reggio Emilia 2003

Sandstrom-Jepson Swedish Team Championship 2004

This position would put a broad grin on Black's face but I can't comment on how White's would look! Can you see the mate in three moves?

There arc times when you really need to prove you arc on top before the opponent will resign. Here Black is obliged to demonstrate a mate in two. Can you see how?

White 10 move

Black 10 move

White to move

Black to move

Chasing the King 123

Robovic-Ady Manhattan 1 998

Graf-Slebreeht German Team Championship 2003

White to move

White to move

The Englishman Jon Ady now lives in the USA but it is never easy to conquer such an impressive chess nation. How can White defeat the invader?

White has been rewarded for his swashbuckling play with the black king being forced to a silly looking square. Can you see the mate in two?

T.Hay-J.Walker Teignmouth 1 984

Laogrock-Buckao German Team Championship 2003

Black to move

W1!ite lo move

White has a delightful position and the former Devon county captain spotted a forced mate. Can you do as well?

The key to the defence is Black's well placed bishop which is the sign for an impending combination. How does White continue?

124 Chasing the King 10

Specll:-8teckDer Zurich 2003

BltJCk to move

are

The black pieces swarming around the white king and it is only a matter of time before White is mated. Actually, 3 moves to be precise. What did Black play?

Huba-Harvey London 2000

White to move Mark Huba is famous throughout the cbess world for his classy chess photos. He can play a bit too, as in this position where Black is on the brink of defeat. How did White win? 11

Sturua-Xu Jua Istanbul Olympiad 2000

Henrls-Vaadevoort Belgian Team Championship 2004

Black has an extra piece but at the cost of a silly-looking king. It is now up to White to deliver mate. How did he do it?

The endgame provides no hiding place for the white king, which looks forlorn in the middle of the board. Can you see how Black will mate in two?

White to move

Black to move

Chasing the King 125 12

14

ArkeU-Berry Edinburgh 1997

Lumley-Baxter Correspondence 1998

White to move In such positions fortune favours

White tomo\le

Here Black is waiting for the

the one who moves first Well, it

opportunity to force pmpetual check but crucially it is not his move. Can you see White's three move mate?

13

15

Smirln-Avrukh Israel Championship 2002

Rall-WeIIs British Championship 1981

might not be the most eloquent saying but it is true. How can White force mate in two?

White to move

Black to move

The black king is being hounded and it is just a matter of time before he gives up. White speeded up the process with a smart combination. What was it?

!an Wells was one of England's great hopes but died tragically young. Here is a glimpse of his brilliance. Black to move and win.

J 26 Chasing the King

16

18

Motwanl·Wortel Dutch Team Championship 2000

Moyla ....C.Up Gold Coast Zonal 1 999

It makes sense for Black to try and exchange queens in a bid 10 ease the defence. But White is too good for that and finds a winning combination. What happened?

Black has played the Dragon opening but has been unable 10 resist a strong attack. Can you spot the mate in three?

17

19

Resebun·StubUk Austrian Team Championship 2003

SbumlaIdDa·Sebaa: Rethymnon 2003

Here Black was alert to an opportunity 10 mate in two. What did he play?

The honourable thing to do when two pawns down is to resign and congratulate your opponent. However, the French women's international hadn', read the script and forced checkmate. How?

White to move

Black to move

White to move

Black to move

Chasing the King 127

20

22

Tisslr-Jlmenez Algor. Seville 2004

Goodbue-L.Jones Auckland 2003

White to move If you invest a knight and rook for an attack you had better makes sure it works. How can White have the last laugh by forcing mate?

White to move This is the perfect position for Black who can choose various ways to win. Only onc move leads to male in three but which onc?

21

23

Ham.arat-Flrnbaber Correspondence 1 9 8 1

Walden Jones-NoRkes British Team Champ (4NCL) 1 999

White to move

White to move

Tunc Hamarat became world correspondence champion in 2004 after four years play! Here the black king is on the edge of the board and his defenders are far away. so all the danger signs are present. How can White win?

Black is two pieces up hut he is at the mercy of White's onslaught Can you sce the mate in two?

128 Chasing the King

24

GIve U. A Clue 1 Start with

III

knight check.

2 Advance a pawn to force mate.

3 It is mate in two.

4 Look for III startling sacrifice. S Push the h-pawn to start a mating sequence. 6 The first check is from a pawn. Tarakanov-Stuhllk Italian Team Championship 1 998

White to move The black bishop on g7 seems to hold the position together for Black. The truth is that appearances can be deceptive becausc White quickly fon;:cd mate. How? 25

7 Take the bishop! 8 The first move is a knight check. 9 The bishops are vital for this combination so immediately make use of one of them to check. 10 A queen check leads to the quickest win. 11 A rook check is needed. 12 You only need to use the rook. 13 A queen check is required to start the combination. 14 Start with a bishop check. 15 A rook sacrifice is needed. 16 Do not exchange queens but advance the b-pawn. 17 Look for a knight check to begin the combination.

DUDwortb-Player British Team Champ (4NCL) 1998

White to move

Chris Dunworth hclped to create

the British Team Championship and

despite doubts by critics it has been a roaring success. How does he win in this position?

18 Start with the queen and finish with III knight check. 19 Advance the b-pawn. 20 This is easy if you begin with a rook check.

:zt The second move is III rook check so make sure that is possible.

Chasing the King 129 11 Start by taking a pawn. 23 It is important to start with a pawn check.

14 A great needed.

queen

sacrifice

25 Look for a queen check.

is

130 Chasing the King Solutions 1 1 ...lOe3+ 2 fxe3 "fS+! 3 J.xfS exfS mate. 1 1 b4+ axb3 2 axb3+ �b4 3 .c l + and Black resigned because mate d 3 ...:d2 4 s .

��l...:; ';:�frr!� 3 t ... :hS 2 Wf4 gS male.

• I .xh6 xh6 2 IIhl+ "'gS l .te3+ Wg4 4 :f4+ WgS S :04+ and Black resigned rather than scc S ...WfS 6 g4 mate. S 1 b4+ "'f4 ( l . . ."'h6 2 1i'h7 ma'. or l . ..Wxh4 2 'lrh7+ WgS 3 'lfhS+ "'f4 4 Ii'h4 mate) 2 1If6+ M l "xfS mate. 6 1 h3+ �fS 2 "it) mate although 2 g4 is also mate. 7 t Lc6+ Le6 2 'If'xfS mate. ..

:� �� ��:o � �ma�;

u 2 Wfl L:D+ and White resigned because of3 gxf3 "'e2 mate. 9 I .i.fti+ and Black resigned in view of t ...Wf7 2 .tg8+! (well done if you saw this) 2 .. .'�xg8 3 Whs+ t7 4 1i'h7+ il.g7 S .xg7 mate.

10 1 .el+ Iilf4 2 .xf4+ gS l "xgS male. Also full marks for the clever-looking 1 :CCs although Black lasts longer after 1 ... fS 2 IIxIS II'xIS l IIxfS il.d6 which is a hopeless position but mate takes longer. 11 l . ..:c4+ 2 WfS (2 We5 is also met by 3 AdS mate) 2 ...AdS mate.

U 1 IIgl+ "'f4 2 11g4 male.

13 1 W'h7+ :h6 (t ... Wg4 2 h3+ Wg3 3 :'xg5+ :'xg5 4 :.t3 mate) 2

g4+! and Black resigned because 2 ... Wxg4 3 "'xh6 leaves Black in a terriblc position. 14 1 .i. fS + and Black resigned due 2

;c�+':� �I.j��;. d6 mate)

1 5 1 ...Axh2+ ( 1 . . ...c2 is also good but mate is delayed upon 2 00 lI6xb2 l .xb2 IIxb2) 2 �h2

��; ��b�f2;?� :�! �:!;II;

h winning for Whitc so deduct S points if you chose 2 . . :ltf2+) 3 IIxgl (l "'hl llh6 mate) l ... lIh6+ 4 mu Lh3+ S �gl :hI mate.

16 1 b4 and Black resigned because l ... 1ibS allows 2 a4 'lrxa4 (otherwise the queen is lost) 3 .cS mate. 1 7 l ...lilb 1+ 2 "'b4 (2 ""4 li'hs mate) 2 ... 1ib5 mate. Instead 1 . . .�bS+ allows White to delay defeat for a while � 2 �a4 .c5 3 "f4+ WaS 4 Wb4 �c3+ although Black is still on top. 18 1 1i'h8+ "'fI 2 11h7+ e6 l lild4 mate. 19 1 .. .h5+! 2 WxhS 'ltf5+ 3 Wh6 (3 .gS .xg5 male) l ...1i'h7 mate. 20 1 11.1+ "'d7 ( I ...lilo4 2 .xo4+ wit) 3 .fS mate or 2 ... Wd7 3 .i.f5 mate) 2 .i.fS mate. n

I

c

�e Iu:.� �� ��r:s� i�

mate can only be avoided by giving up the queen and rook to gain time.

22 I ...IIxh2+ 2 "'gS 11'd2+ (2 .... c l + amounts to the same thing) 3 :'f4 Ri mate. 13 1 g4+ Wh4 2 'lrh6 mate. Instead 1 :04 deserves no points because

Chasing the King 131 1 . . .� 2 �h l � h4 is b._ for Black.

24 1 'Wb8+ and Black resigned because of 1 . . . ,j, xh8 2 :g8 mate.

Check Your Raling 10 points available for each puzzle. Take away 5 points if you read Give Us A Clue.

220-250 2400 International Master 100-110 2300 FIDE Ma..... 180-200 2200 US Master 140-180 2000 Internationally rated player 100-140 l S00 Class A player/ Good Club player 70-100

1600 Improving player

40-70

1400 A player with some potential

20-40

1000 Still leaming so you hav� to read the chapter agam

0-20

Perhaps you should give up chess and play gameboy in your spare time.

1 3 Opening Surprises For those who are tactically aware the opening phase of the game can be a good opportunity to win quickly. There are some standard book tricks to win pieces but more usual is somebody going wrong in a regular opening. The problem then is that most opening books do not cover poor moves which lead to dubious positions. This is where an awareness of tricks and traps can make a major differenciC. The Scottish player Robcrt Forbcs Combe was initially refused entry to the British Championship in 1946 on the basis that "he wasn't really " strong enough to enter. It is hardly surprising after he bad claimed the dubious record of being the fastest loser at the Chess Olympiad:

I should point out that even strong players make silly mistakes because there is a happy ending to the story. In 1946 Mr Comhc was allowed to enter the prestigious British Champ· ionship and against all the odds he won the title. This idea of losing a knight to a crafty queen check continues to catch people out mainly because I think people tend to be complacent in the opening. After cS 1 �f3 d6 3 c3 �f6 4 J.el the following position occurs :

1 e4

Otten·Boszhard Lccuwardcn 2004

Combe-HazenfuSI Folkestone Olympiad 1 933

After 1

d4 cS 2 c4 nd4 3 1llfJ eS White decided to get his pawn back with 4 �lIeS but after 4.......S+ he noticed to his horror the knight is lost and he promptly resigned.

The pawn on c4 can be taken and n ti so l the smart reply Black loses a piece. quick look at computer database has 50 games where Black has taken the pawn and even a couple where White has failed to spot that a piece could be

::� : ;�;� 1���� A:: 2 '1'114+ A my

Opening Surprises 133

Here is another cautionary tale told to me by the amiable Oreg Wilson. He bad to play against a junior when the game started with the continuation: 1 e4 d6 1 d4 .!Om 3 lOc3 c6 4 ..le3 �6 !!i a3 and was then faced with a dilemma.

De JODge-G.Lee Ghent 200l

B/ack lo move

Wel-WUaoD Sydney 2002

White is relying on the pinned king's knight to allow him to wrestle an advantage out of the opening. How did Black surprise him with a winning combination?

Black is attacking the b2 pawn and expected it to be defended by the rook. Therefore, the silly looking a-pawn advance seems to be ignoring the threat. Black briefly looked al the various possibilities before plunging into oblivion with 5 .....xbl and resigned after the simple 6 ll).4 trapping the black queen. Then again, I would add that sometimes you have to be practical and Black really shou1d have found out that his opponent is in reality a strong player with a much higher rating!

Aklmov-PrldorozhDI St Petersburg 2000

The puzzles in this chapter all occur within the first 20 moves and are linked to popular openings. An innovation is that I have added the complete game score in the 'Solutions' to give you too a chance to win quickly.

The attacker seems to have a number of trumps such as denying White the right to castle kingside and an active queen. The saving grace for White is a surprising trick, which brought the game to an abrupt cnd. What happened?

White to move

134 Opening Surprises

TImoreev-petzold Rethymnon 2003

Novlkov-Flnegold New York 1993

White to move

White to move

Black is behind in development on the qucenside which is a handicap. White now finds a simple but effective way to exploit it How?

The opening was a Chigorin defence and Black has just castled in order to try and exert pressure on the d-file. What did White do to make Black resign after 10 moves?

DeIbllere-Schuurmans Belgian Team championship 2004 Black to move

Cooper-Stead Mingara 1999 Black to move

White decides to play it safe and offer the exchange of queens. How did Black now demonstrate his tactical talent?

White knew his kingside pawns could be mangled but he could sce nothing immediate to be worried about. He was totally wrong. Why'?

Opening Surprises 135

Lane-AleJandro Mount Pritchard 2003

CardIJan-Sule Bimvac2004

White to move

White to move The check. has to be blocked and 1 �ec3 is the sensible reply. However, White suddenly realised he could win a piece with .i.d2 due to the double attack on the queen and knight Why was it a disaster?

1

I noticed that Black was bying to play the opening like a blitz game by moving instantly in the opening. Consequently, I set a trap and he fell for it. How can White win?

10

Martln-Farrell Scottish Championship 1991

I,Smith-Norman British Team Champ (4NCL) 2004

White to move

White to move

Black is waiting for White to defend his a-pawn so was surprised to see his opponent's reply. How did White win?

Black has just played ... �gS to add weight to the pin on the king's knight. Why did it go lenibly wrong allowing White to win?

/36 Opening Surprises

11

13

Hodgson-Delgado New York 1 995

Popovte-GoossebS Belgian Team Championship 2004

After nine moves Black must have felt he had survived the opening against a top class English player. But how did the grandmaster spoil his day?

A few moves ago the black queen swooped to take a pawn on b2. After White carried on developing Black failed to lake defensive measures and paid the price. What did White play?

12

14

Geleta-BonOl Senta 2002

Browne-Asbley Philadelphia 1991

White to move

White to move

White to move

Black to move

The opening has been terrible for Black but surely it can't get any worse. Of course, the answer is oh yes it can because it is mate in two.

Black has dared to take a pawn in the opening and should now play defensively with 1 .. .d5. Instead, he tried •••�c3 and resigned a couple of moves later. What did White do?

1

Opening Surprises 137 15

17

Frolov-Kyprljaaov St Petersburg 2000

De Vreugt-Wuu Rotterdam 2002

White to move

Black to move

The black king is marooned in the middle of the board, which is enough incentive for White to launch a crushing attack. Can you spot a quick win for White?

Black saw that l . . . �h8 allows 2 "'xe7 so actually played l ...�n to protect the pawn and hold out longer. However White saw further and was soon packing away the pieces. How did White win?

16

18

Tldmaa-Koltjukovicb Mureck 1998

McSbane-CoIItagUola London 1997

White to move

White to move

Black judged that the knight on dS was too strong and decided to oust it with ... e6. She was right about the knight but wrong with her chosen move. How did White win?

It is a bad sign for Black that he has been obliged to give up the right to castle. The situation is even worse after White's next move. What did he play?

138 Opening Surprises

19

21

Sbort-Abels Ajelat simultaneous 2003

Men:ter-Shcbekachev L'Estuaire 2002

The former world title contender playing White has to be careful in a simul because any quick loss to a promising junior is embamssing. Still, at least Short 'kncw' that the game would never be published ... ! Black to play and win.

White is understandably nervous playing against a top Russian grandmaster and played. 1 40dl to offer an exchange of queens and obtain a dull ending. However he found himself resigning next move! How did Black win?

20

22

Watanabe-De Wachter Rotterdam 1998

Name-Paragoa New York 2000

Black to move

White to move

White to move

White to move

Matthias de Wachtcr has played many fine games while representing Belgium but this example is not one of them! What is the best continuation for White?

The central knight on e4 looks ominous but so ear Black has covered all the possible checking squares. That was not good enough so how did White win?

Opening Surprise, 139 23

25

Lld. Garda-ShulmaD 2003 Black to move

CI."ltte....Van Meter 2003

Los Angeles

Buenos Aires

White to move

The sleeping pieces on White's It is worth being extra careful ere a kingside means that the lack of development is the key to his ::0 ���� ��'c� c!== problems. How did Black win hoping for 1 S allowing mate on gl. How did White continue? quickly? 24

GIve Us A Clue

Give up the queen. 2 Find an amazing way 10 castle qucenside. 3 Move the queen. 4 The key idea involves a knight fork. 5 Attack the black queen. 6 Exchange pieces on f3 and then look for mate. 7 Look for mate after White's mistake. S Threaten a mating combination. ' Move the queen's knight. 1 0 Allow the white queen 10 be taken. 1 1 Trap the black queen. 12 Start with a check. 1

COItagllola·RJehardson London 1997 Black to move

John Richardson is renowned for being a tricky player. Here he seems to be under some pressure but soon turns the tables with a clever combination. Can you sce how Black won?

140 Opening Surprises

13 Stop the black queen escaping along the b-file. 14 The queen is a strong piece - use it! 15 Threaten checkmate with a pawn. 16 Move the knight on d4 50 the bishop on e3 can attack the black queen. k for a i Ae �y ! �i�th� :��;��O 18 Attack the knight with the white queen.

19 Move a knight and attack the whitequcen. 20 Exchange the defender of the h7 pawn and then threaten mate. 21 After the white knight moves fmd a knight fork for Black. 22 Take the bishop and then threaten mate. 23 Sacrifice the queen. 24 Black can win material but starts by exchanging bishops. 25 It is a knight fork on move two.

Opening Surprises J 41 Solutions 1 l . . .illx04! 2 hd8 J.b4+ 3 c3 (3 J.xd2+ 4 111xd2 S *'