Grandmaster of chess : the complete games of Paul Keres 9780668026451, 0668026456

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GRANDMASTER OF CHESS The Complete Games of Paul Keres A standard work on chess itself, as well as a collection of impeccable classic games by one of the greatest players of all time

by Paul Keres $ 3.95

Translated and Edited by Harry Golombek

ARCO

GRANDMASTER OF CHESS The Complete Games of Paul Keres by Paul Keres

Translated and Edited by Harry Golombek

AN

ARCO PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC. BOOK

219 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10003

S e c o n d P rin tin g,

1977

A n A R C Book P u b lish ed b y A r c o Publishing C o m p a n y , In c. P a rk A v e n u e So u th , N e w Y o rk , N . Y .

219

1972

C o p y r ig h t©

10003

1964, 1966,1969

b y P a u l K e re s and H a r r y G o lo m b ek A l l rights reserved L ib r a r y o f C o n g ress C a ta lo g C a rd N u m b e r IS B N -

0 688 02645-6

P rin ted in the U n ited States o f A m eric a

72-642

FOREWORD t is n o w n e a rly thirty y ea rs since I first en tered th e in te r­

I

n atio n a l chess arena, on the occasion w h en I took p a r t in the C h ess O ly m p ia d at W a r sa w as a m em b er o f the E sto n ia n te a m . D u r in g these years I h av e taken p a rt in m a n y d ifferen t to u rn a m en ts a n d played again st hundreds a n d h u n d red s o f p la ye rs. M a n y good, b u t also m a n y b a d , gam es h a v e been p la y e d an d successes and failures h ave often fo llow ed e a c h other. I n these yea rs I h ave often been able to rejo ice o v e r go o d results an d e q u a lly I have h a d the less p leasan t exp erien ces o f su fferin g fro m p o o r results. I n the m ore than i ,00 0 to u rn am en t g a m es th at w e re p layed b y m e in these years a*e best reflected b o th m y chess developm ent an d m y creative p eak a n d lo w points. T h is collection o f gam es furnishes the best th a t I h a v e so far b een able to ach ieve over the chess-board. O n th e basis o f these ga m es an e x p e rt could trace the vario u s chan ges th a t h a v e taken p la c e in m y chess characteristics d u rin g the resp ective p erio d s o f tim e co vered b y the book, w h ilst the y o u n g chess en th u siast m a y p erh a p s fin d useful indications as to h o w the d e ve lo p m e n t o f a chess-m aster is perfected. N o b o d y is born a m aster. T h e w a y to m a stery lead s to the desired-for go al o n ly afte r lo n g y e a rs o f le arn in g , o f struggle, o f rejo icin g an d o f d isa p p o in tm e n t. I t is in d eed not all that easy to choose the h u n d re d best fro m su ch a g re a t profusion o f gam es. In the first p la c e it d e p e n d s v e r y m u c h on the in d iv id u a l taste o f e a c h c h e ss-p la yer a n d in the second place the cho ice fro m am o n gst o n e ’s o w n g a m es suffers to a certain degree from v ario u s su b je ctive in fluences. I n m y selection I h av e been co n cern ed p a r tic u la r ly w ith tw o p o in ts: that th ey should e m b race a ll m y chess c a re e r u p to the present a n d should co n tain a ll th e gam es th a t h a v e fo u n d recognition fro m the w id e r chess p u b lic . T h at,

in cid e n ta lly , m y earlier gam es b ear n o artistic c o m ­

p ariso n w ith those o f later years, should, in m y o p in io n , p la y a n o t p a r tic u la r ly im portant role.

3

FOREWORD

4

O n e ra th e r su bstan tial p roblem d id in d eed a p p e a r — w h a t k in d o f annotations should be g ive n to the g a m e ? S h o u ld the co m m en ta ries o n the earlier gam es be re p ro d u ce d u n altered , o r sh o u ld th e y be re -e d ite d in acco rd an ce w ith m o d e rn th e o ry? S h o u ld the notes be b r ie f sum m aries o r should th e y elu cid ate th e co u rse o f the g a m e in exhaustive fashion, so th a t the gam es c o llectio n c o u ld also serve at the sam e tim e as a m a n u a l o f in stru ctio n to som e degree at a n y r a te ? A n d fin a lly the q u estio n also h a d to be an sw e re d : sh o u ld o n ly m y w o n gam es b e ta k e n in to a c c o u n t o r could n ot p erh ap s som e d r a w n an d lost g a m es be in tro d u ced into the w o rk ? A f t e r lo n g reflection I decided u p o n the fo llo w in g princip les. A s con cern s the gam es o f the earlier p erio d I h a v e tried to re ta in the gen eral c h a ra c te r o f the an n o tatio n s, b u t h a v e also m a d e a n exhau stive ch eck -u p o f the in d iv id u a l v ariatio n s an d o pin io n s passed in the course o f these an n o tatio n s a n d , w h en n ecessary, I h a v e altered them in ac c o rd an c e w ith p resen t-d ay id ea s. T h e notes on the various gam es sh o u ld be, I d e cid ed , as e x h a u stiv e ly done as possible so as to in crease the v a lu e o f the b o o k as a m a n u a l o f instruction. A n d fin ally I d e cid e d to take o n ly g a m es w o n b y m e, although here too o th er o pin io n s m igh t b e fu lly ju stified . T h e gam es are ran ged in their c h ro n o lo g ica l ord er. A s re g a rd s opponents, I h ave tried to in clu d e the w id e st possible selectio n , so th at in this collection o f gam es p r a c tic a lly a ll the le a d in g chess-m asters o f the w o rld are to be fo u n d . A list o f o p p o n en ts a n d a su m m a ry o f the o pen in gs e m p lo y e d w ill be fo u n d b y the read er a t the end o f this book. T h e r e too w ill be fo u n d a list o f m y tournam ent an d m a tc h results u p to the p resen t tim e. Before e a c h year, o r g ro u p o f y ea rs, a short essay a p p e a rs, sh o w in g in w h a t tournam ents I h a v e p la y e d d u rin g th e p erio d in question a n d w h at gam es deserve sp e cia l attention. T h e ga m es a re illu strated b y num erous d ia g ra m s so as to fa c ilita te the stu d y o f the variations a d d u c e d in th e notes. W it h this I h a n d m y w o rk over to the read e r. I h o p e it w ill fin d w e lco m e accep ta n ce not o n ly as re a d in g for to u rn am en t p la y e rs b u t also as a m a n u a l for the less a d v a n c e d p la y e r. Paul K erbs. T a llin n , Esto n ia.

CONTENTS Page F o r e w o r d ..........................................................................................

3

TH E EARLY G AM ES OF PAU L KERBS

9 1F irs t Steps, 1929-1935 ........................................... 11 2 F ir s t International A p p e a ra n c e s, 1935-1937 . 39 3O n the w a y to the G ran d m aste r title, 1937-1938 ............................................................... 123 L is t o f E v e n t s .................................................................................. 188 O p en in gs I n d e x ............................................................................. 190 L is t o f O p p o n e n t s ......................................................................... 192

T ra n s la to r’s P r e f a c e ...................................................................... C h a p te r

T H E M ID D L E Y E A R S O F P A U L K E R E S T ra n s la to r’s P r e f a c e ...................................................................... C h a p te r

1L a s t P re-W ar Y e a r s , 1939-1940 .......................... 2T o u rn am en ts o f the W a r Y e a r s , 1942-1944 . . 3B e fo re the W o rld C h am p io n sh ip T o u rn am en t, 1945-1947 ............................................................... 4T h e W o rld C h am p io n sh ip and other To u rn am en ts, 1948-1950 ................................. 5E v e n ts and T o u rn am en ts o f the years 1950-1952 ...............................................................

L is t o f E v e n t s ................................................................................ O p en in gs I n d e x .............................................................................. L is t o f O p p o n e n t s .........................................................................

195 197 266 277 295 350 392 394 396

TH E LATER YEARS OF PAUL KERES T r a n s la to r ’s P re fa c e C h a p te r

....................................................................

1B u d apest 1952— A great tournam ent . . . . . . . 2T o u rn am en ts and events o f the years 1952-1955 ............................................................... 3F resh attem pts at the W o rld C h am p io n sh ip , 1955-1956 ............................................................... 4T o u rn am en ts and events in the years 1957-1958 .............. 5T h e C a n d id a te s’ To u rn am en ts, 1959-1962 . . .

L is t o f E v e n t s ......................................................... O p en in gs I n d e x .............................................................................. L is t o f O p p o n e n t s ........................................................................

399 401 420 469 507 534 571 573 574

THE EARLY GAMES OF PAUL KERBS

TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE h e collection o f gam es o f w h ic h the present v o lu m e

is

the first p a rt is designed n ot o n ly to g iv e a selection o f the best gam es o f one o f the greatest p la y e rs o f a ll tim e b u t also to sh o w h ow the m in d o f a g re at ch e ss-p la yer w o rk s, th e d eep stra te g y that lies beh in d an d guides the tactics o f each g a m e , a n d the thoughts th at the p la y e r h a d w h e n p la y in g the gam es. F o r this purpose K ere s has d evo ted the utm ost care a n d attention to his annotations w h ich , in m y o pin io n , are the best th at h a v e ever been lavished o n a book o f this ty p e . I f to stu d y the gam es o f a g re at m aster an d to strive to u n d e r­ stan d them is one o f the best w a y s o f im p ro v in g o n e ’s o w n g a m e , as I firm ly believe, then this collection should ran k h igh as a m a n u a l o f the gam e. A s the read er w ill see, it w a s p a r tly th e a u th o r's intention io p ro vid e his lead ers w ith a m a n u a l o f in struction . I h a v e w ritte n partly, an d the other a im w a s q u ite ce rta in ly to d ive rt a n d to please. H o w , in fact, an yo n e c a n fa il to be e n terta in ed b y the rem arkable gam es th at K ere s has p la y e d is h a r d ly to be envisaged. H e re the read er w ill fin d d a z z lin g co m b in atio n s blended w ith a subtle artistry an d a refin em en t o f th o u gh t alm ost beyond p arallel in m o d e m chess. I n his fo rew o rd K e r e s m entions that it is n e arly th irty y e a rs since he m a d e his d e b u t in international chess, at the W a r s a w O ly m p ia d o f 1 9 3 5 . I t so happens th at this w a s m y first in tern atio n al to u rn a m e n t too a n d I w ell rem em b er w ith w h a t d e lig h t I w a tc h e d th e gam es played b y the y o u n g E sto n ian gen iu s. I n the present volum e the read er w ill find d isp la ye d the d e ve lo p m e n t o f the earlier p art o f K e re s’s ca re e r, fro m his b egin n in gs rig h t u p to the p eriod w h en he b e cam e reco gn ised as the righ tfu l challenger fo r the w o rld title, o n ly to h a v e this rig h t taken fro m him b y the o u tb reak o f the S e co n d W o rld

9

IO

t r a n s l a t o r

’s

p r e f a c e

W a r . I t is a p rivilege an d an h on o u r fo r m e to in tro d u ce this w o rk to a n E n glish -sp eakin g public a n d I c a n o n ly hope th ey d e rive as m u ch p leasure and in stru ction fro m it as I d id in tra n sla tin g the book. H.

G olombek

•k

I

k

F IR S T S T E P S , 19 2 9 -19 35

I

m ade m y acq u ain tan ce w ith the g a m e

o f chess v e ry early,

ro u n d a b o u t the age o f 4 to 5 yea rs, w h e n , togeth er w ith m y eld er b ro th er, I w atch ed the gam es m y fath er p la y e d w ith

his friends. I n this w a y w e learn ed the m oves an d the elem en­ ta ry rules o f chess, and then n a tu ra lly there fo llow ed the first tries one aga in st the other. H o w slo w ly, h o w eve r, one p en e­ trates in to the secrets o f the a rt o f chess in this w a y is show n b y the fa c t th a t fo r m an y a y e a r w e w e re q u ite u n a w a re th at gam es o f chess cou ld be w ritten d o w n . O n ly after w e d iscovered in the d a ily p ap ers some m ysterious inscriptions to geth er w ith d ia g ra m s d id w e eventually a rriv e at the kn o w led ge th at these im p o rted w ritte n gam es o f chess. I n the sm a ll to w n o f P a rn u there w e re n a tu ra lly great difficulties in the w a y o f w id e n in g a n d p erfectin g o n e ’s chess kn o w led ge. W e h a d no chess literatu re at o u r disposal a n d , in o rd e r to fill this w a n t, I w rote d o w n e v e ry possible g a m e I c o u ld g et m y h an d s on. In this w a y I soon h a d a collection o f alm ost 1,0 0 0 gam es. M y first co n ta c t w ith o p e n in g th eory o ccu rre d th ro u g h the sm all D u fresn e m a n u a l, w h ic h I su cceed ed in b o rro w in g fro m a chess-friend fo r som e d a y s. I t goes w ith o u t sa y in g th a t w e let no problem o r e n d -g am e stu d y th at h ad a p p e a re d in the newspapers pass u n n o ticed w ith o u t em b ark in g o n a n a tte m p t to solve it.

B u t m y c h ie f chess a c tiv ity still

consisted in the p ractice gam es w ith m y brother. M y chess w o rk o n ly becam e m o re v a rie d w h e n n e w “ riv a ls” ap p ea red in the shape o f school friends an d this also led to a g r a d u a l in crease in m y p la y in g stren gth . I h a d alrea d y a c h ie v e d v e r y go od results again st m y fath er a n d m y brother a n d n o w w a n te d to test m y stren gth again st other, so m ew h at

11

12

GRANDMASTER

stro n ger, p la ye rs.

OF

CHESS

T h e opportu n ity fo r this cam e q u ite u n ­

e x p e c te d ly . I n the y e a r 1 9 2 8 M iken as, a lr e a d y one o f E s to n ia ’s best p la y e rs, p a id a short visit to P a m u , a n d on this o ccasion h e g a v e a sim ultaneous display in the to w n ’s chess c lu b . I w e n t o f course, together w ith m y fath er, to the c lu b fo r the d isp la y, a n d I even m a n ag ed to take a w a y a w h o le p o in t fro m the m aster. T h is success n atu rally en d o w e d m e w ith fresh c o u r a g e a n d self-confidence an d sp u rred m e o n to fu rth er steps. I n the n ext y e a r a lightning ch am p io n sh ip o f the to w n took p la c e in P a rn u . T h e w in n er w as the p la y e r w h o am assed the m o st points fro m six successive tournam ents. H e re I su cceed ed in g a in in g the first p rize an d because o f this success I w a s selected to p la y in the team for the c ity -m a tc h again st W ilja n d i.

I h a d to p la y tw o gam es ag a in st the y o u n g U m a r

R a u d , w h o h a d b y then already m a d e a n am e fo r him self. T h e first g a m e en d ed in a d raw a n d in the secon d I cam e d o w n to a n en d in g w ith two p aw n s m o re. T h e n su d d en ly R a u d p u t a w h o le R o o k en prise! W ith o u t th in k in g fo r a single second I took the R o o k an d . . . in a few m o ves I w a s m a te d . T h e s e first hours o f instruction w e re p ain fu l, b u t also v e r y useful. M y first to u rn a m en t w a s in the y e a r 1 9 2 9 w h e n I took p a rt in the P a rn u C h am p io n sh ip . I p la y e d w ith g re a t a rd o u r an d su cceed ed in o c c u p y in g the second p la c e b e lo w W irk u s, w h o h a d been c ity ch a m p io n m a n y times. T h is d ecid ed m e to take p a r t in the sch o o lb o y cham pionship o f E sto n ia , a t th a t tim e a h ig h ly p o p u la r even t. M y first visit to T a llin n in 1 9 3 0 in this con n ectio n b ro u g h t w ith it an u n e x p e cte d success— I w o n the first p rize w ith ease. In the fo llo w in g y ea rs I w o n the E sto n ia n S c h o o lb o y C h am p io n sh ip a g a in in T a r t u in 1 9 3 2 an d P a rn u in 1 9 3 3 , m y p articipatio n in th e to u rn am en t at W ilja n d i in 1 9 3 1 h a v in g been prevented through illness. O n the g ro u n d o f g o o d results in the S c h o o lb o y s’ C h a m p io n ­ ships a n d also in lo c a l tournam ents I w a s chosen to b e a c a n ­ d id ate in the first-class p layers’ to u rn am en t. T h e w in n e r o f this to u rn a m en t w a s to h ave the rig h t to take p a rt in the next E sto n ia n C h a m p io n sh ip . T h e to u rn am en t took p la c e in 1 9 3 3 in T a llin n . I w a s able to keep the le a d righ t u p to the v e r y last

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OE

PAUL

KERES

13

ro u n d , b u t th en lost it th rou gh a thoughtless h a n d lin g o f the o p en in g ( I chose as B lack the defence i P--Q.4, P - K 4 ; 2 P x P , K t - Q B 3 ; 3 K t - K B 3 , Q .-K 2 ) a n d thus re m a in e d h a lf a p o in t b eh in d the jo in t w inners. T h is first attem p t h a d failed , b u t it w a s w ith a ll th e m ore ze al th at I storm ed th ro u gh to the cherish ed first p la ce in the n ext y e a r a t R a k w e re . B u t h ere too the o ld sto ry repeated itself. I n the last ro u n d I h a d the w eak est p la y e r in the to u rn am en t as m y o p p o n en t, b u t p la y e d so carelessly aga in st him th at I o n ly ju s t m a n a g e d to em e rg e w ith a d r a w a n d once again rem ain ed h a lf a p oin t b eh in d th e w in n e r. B u t sin ce w e h ad o b tain ed the first tw o p laces a g re a t d istan ce a w a y fro m the rest o f the field, bo th o f us w e re a d ­ m itted in to th e next national ch am p io n sh ip . T h u s th e w a y la y open to the highest p eak o f chess in E s to n ia ! L ife in the sm all tow n o f P a rn u u n fo rtu n ately d id n ot o ffer m u ch c h a n ce o f chess develo p m en t an d so I looked a ro u n d fo r o th er possibilities o f p ractice. T h is b ro u g h t m e to co rres­ p o n d en ce chess. M y first steps in this field w e re tak en as e a r ly as th e y e a r 1 9 3 1 . Sin ce I c o n tin u ally in creased m y a c tivities as co rresp o n d en ce chess-player, after som e y e a rs I fo u n d m y s e lf co n d u c tin g as m a n y as 1 5 0 gam es sim ultan eously. I utilised correspo n d en ce chess chiefly fo r the purpose o f tr y in g o u t va rio u s experim en ts, esp ecially in the sphere o f o p en in gs. M a n y ex tre m e ly risky open in g variatio n s on m y p a rt a re to be fo u n d a t this tim e, such as, fo r e xam p le, the g a m b it 1 P - K 4 , P - K 4 ; 2 P - K B 4 , P x P ; 3 K t - Q B 3 , Q - R 5 C I 1 ; 4 K - K 2 . F u r th e r ­ m o re, I so u gh t com plications in p ra c tic a lly e v e ry g a m e a t a n y p rice , in o rd e r to develop still further m y c o m b in atio n al p ow ers. T h e read er w ill fin d in this collection gam es N o . 1 a n d 2 d a tin g fro m this perio d . F r o m the chess p o in t o f v ie w th e y a re n o t o n a p a rticu la rly h igh level, b u t th ey a re m a rk e d o u t, nevertheless, b y a liv e ly a n d interesting course a n d are th o ro u g h ly ch a racteristic for m y style o f th at tim e. T h e r e m a y be o b served in these gam es the com p ellin g desire to co m b in e , th o u gh the so lvin g o f tech n ical problem s is acc o m p a n ie d b y v e r y g re a t in accu racies. A t th e tu rn o f the y e a r 1 9 3 4 - 3 5 there c am e at last the lo n g a w a ite d m o m en t— the ch am p io n sh ip o f E sto n ia b e g a n . I n the m e an tim e m y style h ad g ro w n so m ew hat m o re m a tu re , a n d

GRANDMASTER

‘4

OT

GUESS

this en abled m e to m eet on equ al term s even p laye rs w ith w ell-k n o w n nam es. I began the to u rn am en t in p rom isin g style w ith three successive wins. T h e n there fo llow ed once aga in a risky experim en t in the o pen in g, an d m y m eeting w ith R a u d resulted in m y h avin g a n o u gh t on the to u rn am en t table.

T h e ensuing w in against W illa r d w as su cceed ed b y a

fresh loss again st T u r n , an d this m ean t th at m y chan ces o f w in n in g the to u rn am en t h ad sunk to the low est possible p oin t. B u t then I m a n ag ed to w in two m ore gam es a n d w h en the last round com m en ced it turned out th at I w as stan d in g a t the h ea d o f the to u rn am en t together w ith G u n n a r F rie d e m an n . In the last round, h o w ever, w e w ere due to m eet each other. T h e struggle w as an unequal one— again st a y o u th w ith no to u rn am en t experience there w as p itted one o f the m ost noted p layers o f the co u n try. B u t yo u th fu l ard o u r e n ab led m e to finish

u p w ith

an

h on ourable

d raw

from

this en co u n ter,

alth o u gh for som e tim e m atters on the K in g ’s w in g looked v e r y b a d for m e. S o I sh ared first prize, a great success for m e. W ith this, h o w eve r, the struggle w a s not a t an en d , since e ve n tu a lly a m atch o f three gam es w a s due to be p la y e d o f f to settle the question o f the cham p ion ship . I h ad an u n h a p p y sta rt in this m a tch . I t is true I o btain ed rath e r the better position in the first g a m e , bu t I underestim ated a cle ve r ta ctica l continuation b y w h ich F rie d e m an n seized h o ld o f the in itiative an d forced b ack m y pieces in to defensive positions. S o o n I w a s m aterial to the bad an d h a d to resign. H o w e v e r , from the tw o gam es I h a d now p lay e d again st G . F rie d e m a n n I h a d d ra w n some useful indications as regard s m y o w n w e a k ­ nesses a n d the q u a lity o f m y o p p o n e n t’s p la y . M y selfco n fid cn ce g re w , esp ecially after I m a n ag ed to w in the second gam e in a style characterised b y re ally continuous pressure. E v e ry th in g n o w h u n g o n the third a n d decisive g am e. T h e read er w ill find this g a m e under N o . 4 , a n d I m ust confess th at a t the end o f this gam e I w a s rejoicing in the fa c t th at m y chess la b o u rs u p to this point h ad achieved su ch a p p a re n tly con crete results. I w a s n o w at the liighest point that co u ld be a tta in e d b y a ch ess-p la yer in Esto n ia, b u t I w a s fa r fro m satisfied w ith the artistic side o f m y achievem ents.

I often su ffered fro m la c k o f

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

15

experience in im p o rta n t g am es since I h a d p la y e d a ll too fe w aga in st g o o d opponents. I therefore decid ed after th e C h a m ­ p ionship to ta ke p a rt in as m a n y events as possible, I took p a rt in th e c ity cham p io n ship o f T a r t u , a n e ve n t w h ic h com p rised 2 5 p layers, and com p leted a p ractice m a tc h ag a in st K ib b e r m a n , on e o f the le a d in g m asters in T a r t u . I also p a rticip a te d in the Ju b ile e T o u rn a m e n t o f the G e r m a n C h essL e a g u e in T a llin n , in w h ich som e in tern atio n al m asters also p la y e d . I n this tournam ent I w o n a h ig h ly in terestin g g a m e again st D an ielsso n (G am e N o . 4 ) , an d after m a n a g in g to w in m y la st-ro u n d g a m e again st

Sam isch w ith a b it o f lu c k , I

g a in e d th e seco n d prize b e lo w P . S ch m id t. I h a d p la y e d w ithout a b re ak fo r h a lf a y e a r in v ario u s chess even ts a n d n o w I felt I w a s su fficiently p re p a re d to w it h ­ stan d the p r o o f o f m y first serious in tern atio n al to u rn a m e n t. In the a u tu m n o f th at y e a r the n ext Chess O ly m p ia d w a s d u e to ta k e p la c e in W a r sa w , a n d in this fo r the first tim e the E sto n ia n te a m w a s due to p articip ate. A s c h a m p io n o f E s to n ia I w o u ld therefore b e p la y in g in this to u rn a m e n t a g a in st m a n y o f the w o rld ’s le ad in g gran d m asters, am o n g st others w ith th e then w o rld ch a m p io n , D r . A lek h in e.

*

I

★

Game i

Q U E E N ’S G A M B I T , A L B I N

C O U N T E R -G A M B IT

P la y e d by correspondence, 1 9 3 1 - 3 2

A . K aru

P . K eres

1 2

P -Q 4 P -K 4

P -O 4 P -Q B 4

I p la ye d m a n y correspondence gam es again st K a r a in his tim e a n d often e m p lo yed A lb in ’s C o u n te r-G a m b it again st him . O n e m a y observe here the desire th at characterised m ost o f m y gam es o f th at p erio d to strive to atta in liv e ly piece p la y a n d com plication s a t a n early stage in the g am e. 3

K t-Q B 3

I n the other gam es K a r u in v a ria b ly c ap tu re d the K P .

The

text-m o ve is an exp erim en t that c an h a rd ly be m ore co m m en d ­ a b le fo r W h ite than the usual 3 P x K P . 3

. . .

K PxP

4

Q xP

K t-Q B 3

B lack c a n also get a really good g a m e here b y the sim ple 4 . . . P x P ; bu t a t th at tim e so e arly a Q u een exch an ge n ever entered m y head. I n a n y case the p a w n sacrifice o f the textm o ve provides B lack w ith adequate co u n te r-p lay . 5

Q xQ P

6

Q -Q K t5

T h e best re p ly.

B -K 3

A fte r 6 Q x Q c h , R x Q , B lack regains his

p a w n w ith a go od g a m e since, in ad d itio n to the th reat p f 7 . . . B x P , there are the unpleasant K t m oves 7 . . . K t - K t 5 and 7 . . . K t - Q s . 6

. . .

7 QP-4

P -Q R 3

l6

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

17

T o o d an gero u s, o f course, w o u ld be the c a p tu re o f the seco n d p a w n b y 7 Q x K t P , since after 7 . . . K t -Q^5; 8 Q _-K.4, K t - K B 3 B la c k w o u ld o b tain a strong atta ck . A fte r the te x t-m o v e B la c k w in s his p a w n back. 7

. . .

8

B -Q 2

B-QKt 5

H e re I cherished the ra th e r sligh t h op e th at W h ite w o u ld co m m it the b lu n d er o f 8 P - Q R 3 ? F o r then, in fa c t, w o u ld fo llo w 8 . . . P - Q K t 4 '! ; a n d i f then 9 P x P , K t - Q . 5 ! ; 1 0 P x P dis ch , P - B 3 ; an d W h ite has n o a d e q u ate d efen ce a g a in st the th reat o f 1 1 . . . B - K t 6 . T h e con tin u atio n selected b y K a r a likew ise fails to disem barrass h im o f all difficulties. I t w a s o n ly la ter on th at I le arn t th at the id en tica l position h ad a lre a d y occu rred in the g a m e M a r s h a ll-D u r a s , C a r lsb a d , 19 0 7 .

W h ite continued in th at g a m e w ith 8 P - K 3 ! a n d o b ­

tain ed a satisfactory position. In the ensuing p art o f the g am e W h ite keeps b a ck the P - K 3 m o v e fo r too long. 8

. . .

9

P -Q R 3

BxP P ~ Q K t4 !

W ith this m o ve B lack seizes the in itiative a n d forces his o p p o n en t to take up a lab o rio u s defensive position . W h ite can n o t n o w w e ll p la y 10 Q - Q i , since then I h a v e the re p ly 10 . . . K t - Q _ 5 ! w ith the th reat o f 1 1 . . . B - K t 6 . 10

Q .-B 2

K t-Q 5

11 12

Q .-K 4 c h K t-B 3?

B -K a

T h is w a s W h ite ’s last o p p o rtu n ity o f o cc u p y in g h im se lf w ith the d e ve lo p m e n t o f his K in g sid e b y 1 2 P - K 3 , since th en , after 1 2 . . . K t - K t 6 ; 1 3 R - Q i , B x B W h ite rescues his th reaten ed piece b y 1 4 B - B i ! B la c k w o u ld therefore re p ly to 1 2 P - K 3 , w ith 1 2 . . . B x B ; 1 3 P x K t , B - B 5 ; 1 4 Q _-B6ch, K - B i ; th e reb y re ta in in g the ra th e r b etter position. 12

. . .

P -O JB 4 !

N o w , it is a lre a d y too late for 1 3 P - K 3 , since after 1 3 . . . K t - K B 3 ; 1 4 Q _ -K t i, B x B ; 1 5 R x B , W h it e ’s Q R w o u ld be

8

GRANDMASTER

OF

CRESS

p la c e d to ta lly o u t o f p la y b y 1 5 . . . K t - K t 6 .

H e n ce K a r u

d evelo p s this R o o k im m ed iately, so as n ot to sh ut it in b y Q . - K t i , b u t n o w becom es hopelessly b a ck w a rd in d e ve lo p ­ m en t. W h ite is a lr e a d y in serious difficulties. 13

R -B i

14 QrKti

K t~ K B 3

QtQ.3

B la c k o n ce a g a in p reven ts 1 5 P - K 3 , since after th at m o ve 1 5 . . . K t x K t c h ; 1 6 P x K t , R - Q i ; w o u ld be decisive. 1 5 , . . R - Q i is, h o w e v e r, n o w a threat. W h ite therefore decides u p o n so m e e x ch a n g e s, b u t is still unable to relieve his position to a n y n o ta b le exten t. B la c k ’s ad van tag e in d evelo p m en t ensures h im a la stin g a tta ck in a n y case. 15 16

K tx K t K t-K 4

17

Q xK t

PxK t K tx K t

A p p a r e n tly W h ite h a s n o w got o v e r the w o rst o f it, sin ce the Q R is a tta ck ed a n d in addition he threatens the v e r y a w k w a rd 1 8 B - K t 4 > C a s tlin g a p p ea rs to be im possible on ac c o u n t o f 1 8 B ~ K t 4 , b u t in this respect W h ite is d u e fo r a d isagreeable su rprise. B la c k (K eres) to p la y

W h ite (K a r u )

17 . . . T h is m o v e com es a ll the sam e. 18 B -K t4 ?

O -O ! B u t w h a t h ap pen s after

D u r in g the g a m e I in ten d ed to re p ly to this m o v e

w ith th e co m b in a tio n 1 8 . . . Q x B c h ; 1 9 P x Q ,,B x P c h ; 2 0 K - Q i ,

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

19

B - R t 6 c h ; 2 1 R - B 2 , Q R - B i . H o w e v e r , in this v a ria tio n W h it e has the b etter 2 1 Q .-B 2, w ith a d ifficu lt b u t not en tirely h opeless defence. It w o u ld therefore be o b je c tive ly better to re p ly to 1 8 B - K t 4 , sim p ly w ith 1 8 . . . Q .- R 3 ! ; 1 9 B - Q a , B - K t 4 w h e n W h ite m u st lose on a cco u n t o f his u n d evelo p ed R in g sid e . 18 19 20

B -B 4 R -Q i Q -B 3

Q .-Q .I B -B 3

H e re , o r on the previous m o ve, P - R 3 is no go o d on a c c o u n t o f Q r R 4 c h , b u t how else is W h ite to develo p his R in g s id e ? 20

. . .

21

P -Q R t3

R -R i

W ith this W h ite hopes at least to relieve som e o f the pressure on R 2 . 2 1 P - R 3 still fails again st 2 1 . . . Q _-R 4 ch , a n d after 2 1 P - R 4 B la ck can sim ply p ock et a p a w n b y 2 1 . . . Q t Q.4A fte r the text-m ove Black has the go od an d strong co n tin u atio n 2 1 . . . B - Q 4 follow ed by R - Q B i . In stead , h o w ever, he d ecid es u p o n a sm all com bination. 21

. . .

P -Q 6 !

T h is p iece sacrifice is the quickest w a y o f re ve alin g the h e lp ­ less n atu re o f W h ite ’s u n d evelo p ed position. T h e o p e n in g o f the d ia g o n a l R B 3 - Q R 8 n o w sp eed ily decides the issue. 22

P -R 4

A c c e p ta n c e o f the piece b y 2 3 P x B is sim p ly answ ered w ith 2 3 . . . P x P ! T h e m ain line as intended in the g am e ru n s as fo llow s: 2 3 P - R 4 , B -B 6ch; 2 4 B --Q 2 , B x B c h ; 2 5 R x B , P - B 6 ! ; 2 6 R x P , P - B 7 ; 2 7 RxQ_, Q R x R an d B lack w ins.

P o ssibly n o t

the best, b u t in recom pense a m ost pleasin g v ariatio n . 22

. . .

B -B 6 c h

23

B -Q 2

Q t Q .5

N o w there is no longer a n y defence again st the th re a t o f R xPch.

W h ite resigns.

24

BxB

Q xB ch

25

R -Q 2

R xPch!

20

, GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

A f t e r 2 6 Q x R , Q - B 8 c h ; 2 7 R - Q i , th ere com es the m a te w ith a p a w n b y 2 7 . . . P - Q 7 . T h e g a m e is ch aracteristic o f m y style a t th e tim e. N o t the strongest b u t the m ost co m p li­ c a te d a n d strikin g continuation is the m o tto !

G am 2

FR EN CH D EFEN CE International Correspondence

Tournam ent o f the D eutscken Schach-

zeitrn g , 1 9 3 2 - 3 3

M . S ie b o ld

P . K ere s

1

P-K3

P-K4

I n the earliest y ea rs, w h e n I w a s takin g m y first essays in in te rn a tio n a l correspo n d en ce chess life, I p ra c tic a lly in v a r ia b ly p la y e d th e F r e n c h D efen ce against 1 P - K 4 . O n ly la te r w a s I to sp ecia lize in the o p e n developm ent system s arising o u t o f 1 . . . P -K 4 .

2 PQ.4 3

K t-Q B 3

4 B-Kt5

P-0.4 K t-K B 3

B-Kt5

I n th e F r e n c h D efen ce m y favourite system w a s the M a c C u tc h e o n v a ria tio n a n d I tried to use it a t e v e ry o p p o rtu n ity. H e r e , too, th e w ish to m ak e the g am e as vio len t as possible fro m th e v e r y first m oves w a s dom inant.

5

P-K 5

P-KR3

6 7

B -Q z BxB

B xK t

D u r in g th e y e a rs 1 9 3 2 - 3 6 Siebold an d I h a d the sam e v a r ia ­ tion in m a n y co rrespo n d en ce gam es, in w h ic h alm o st w ith o u t e x ce p tio n th e co n tin u atio n 7 P xB w a s e m p lo yed . T h e te x tm o v e is re g a rd e d as in ferio r b y th e o ry, b u t a p p a re n tly m y o p p o n e n t w a n te d to t r y som ething d ifferen t fo r on ce. 7

. . .

K t - K .5

8

QrKt4

K-Bi

I n su ch positions I a lw a y s preferred th e K in g m o ve a t th a t tim e to th e a lte rn ative 8 . . . P - K t 3 . W h ite can n o t e xp lo it

THE

EARLY

GAHES

OF

PAUL

SERES

21

th e position o f the K in g b y 9 B -K t4 c .i1, sin ce afte r 9 . . . P - B 4 ; 1 0 P x P , K t - Q B 3 Black h as a n excellen t g am e. 9 10

B -Q 3 PxK t

11

P -K R 4

K tx B P -Q B 4

A t th e tim e this gam e w a s p la y e d I d eem ed th e te x t-m o v e n o t g o o d a n d recom m ended as better fo r W h ite 1 1 Q . B 4 , Q .-R .4 ; 1 2 Q 7-Q 2, K t - B 3 ; 1 3 K t - B 3 , so as to k eep th e p a w n position in th e centre co m p ac t. T h is w o u ld , h o w e v e r, le a d to a q u ieter le v e l position, w h ereas after th e te x t-m o v e th e g a m e p ursues a n interesting a n d e xcitin g course. 11 12

. . . K -Q 2

Q .R 4 K t-B 3

D u r in g the g am e I thought th a t after 1 2 . . . P x P ; 1 3 Q x Q P , K t - B 3 ; 1 4 Q .-K .B 4, P - Q jj W h ite co u ld p la y w ith a d v a n t a g e 1 5 K t - K 2 , b u t in rep ly to this B la c k cou ld v e r y w e ll p la y 1 5 . . . P x P c h ; 1 6 K tx P , Q x K P . N everth eless, th e v a r ia t io n is g o o d fo r W h ite , only h e m u st g iv e u p the p a w n in a n o th e r w a y : 1 5 K t - B 3 !, Q x P c h ; 1 6 K - K 2 , etc. 1 3 K t-B 3. H e r e , too, there exists a d ifferen ce in the a p p re c ia tio n o f th e position, th en an d now. W h ilst I then th o u gh t th a t th e c a p tu r e 1 3 P x P w o u ld be bad fo r W h ite o n ac c o u n t o f 1 3 . . . P - Q j j ; 1 4 K t - K 2 , P x P c h ; 1 5 K t x P , Q x B P ; it n o w seem s to m e th a t W h it e ’s position is not b a d afte r 1 6 P - B 4 . I n a d d itio n , W h it e c a n also con tin u e after 1 3 . . . P - Q 5 (b u t n o t 1 3 . . . K t x P ; 1 4 Q r K t 4 ) ; 1 4 K t - B 3 , Q x P c h ; 1 5 K - K 2 , v e r y m u c h a s in th e p revio u s note. 13 14

. . . K tx P

PxP K tx P

15

Q rK t3

K tx B

H e re I refrain ed from p ro tectin g th e atta ck ed K n ig h t b y 1 5 . . . P - B 3 because o f 1 6 P - K B 4 . S till, the d o s in g o f th e d ia g o n a l Q K t 8 - K R 2 w o u ld n o t be u n fav o u rab le fo r B la c k a n d w o u ld h a v e vouchsafed h im an easier defence a fte r 1 6 . . . K t x B ; 1 7 P x K t , B - Q a . I n fa c t, h o w ev e r, p ro tectio n b y 1 5 . . . P - B 3 w o u ld be extrem ely d an gero u s for B la c k o w in g to the

22

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

r e p ly 1 6 Q R - K i ! threatening an e xch an ge sacrifice on K 5 . F u rth erm o re, B la ck cou ld not then p la y 1 6 . . . K t x B ; because o f 1 7 K t x P c h , B x K t ; 1 8 Q -Q tjc h , etc. A fte r the text-m o ve W h ite also retains a lastin g in itiative in return for the p a w n sacrifice. 16

Q .-Q 6 c h !

K -K i

B la c k wishes to ensure th a t his Bishop c a n be d evelo p ed v ia Q 2 , b u t in so d o ing his K in g rem ains in a m ost precario u s position. H e n ce 1 6 . . . K - K t i ; 1 7 P x K t , K - R 2 deserved serious consideration. 17

PxK t

18 K R -K i

B -Q 2

R-QBi

W h ite w a s, o f course, threatening 1 9 K t - B 5 - T h e text-m o ve g a in s an im p o rta n t tem po for the defence. 19

Q R -B i

0 ,- 8 4 !

O b vio u sly , B la c k can n o t afford the tim e to take the Q R P , b u t also 1 9 . . . Q 7 B 2 is b a d on acco u n t o f 2 0 K t - B s ! N o w W h ite can n o t m ake this m o ve as his K B P w o u ld be en p rise. 20

Q -K 5

21

J? -K t4

K -B i

T h e first storm is o ver an d the situation arisin g therefrom c a n n o w be ascertain ed. W h ite has u n d o u b ted ly go o d atta ck ­ in g chan ces in retu rn for the paw ns sacrificed , b u t the position h as co n cealed in it a n u m b er o f interesting an d c o m p lica te d possibilities, since the W h ite K in g is also not p a rtic u la rly safe. I n ad d itio n to the text-m o ve 2 1 R - K 3 also m erits consideration so as to be ab le to re p ly to 2 1 . . . P - Q K t 4 w ith 2 2 K t - K t 3 , fo llo w ed b y P - Q 4 . I t should, h o w ever, be observed th at at th at tim e in o u r correspo n d en ce gam es w e p a id less re g a rd to a carefu l defence th a n to d irect attacks o n the K in g . O n c e this is taken in to con sid eratio n the fo llow in g moves are easy to un d erstan d . 21 22

. . . P -K B 4

23

PxP

P -Q K t4 P -K ts

N a tu r a lly , 2 3 P - B 4 w a s m ore prudent an d w o u ld h a v e led to a n a p p ro x im a te eq u a l en d in g after 2 3 . . . P x P ; 2 4 R x P , Q x Q .;

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

23

2 5 R x R c h , B x R ; 2 6 R x Q . B u t o u r intentions w e re o b v io u s ly fa r a w a y fro m the endgam e. 23

. . .

24

K -K 3

Q xP ch

I t is tru e th a t after 2 4 K - K 2 , Q r K t 7 c h ; 2 5 K - B 3 B la c k can n o t w e ll p la y 2 5 . . . R x R because o f K t x P c h b u t 2 5 . . . K - K t i w o u ld yield him a go o d g am e. 24

. . .

P -B 3!

I t is e a sy to see that W h ite m ust n ot c a p tu re eith er o n B 8 o r K 6 . N o w , how ever, a position has arisen w h ic h offers excellent opportunities fo r vario u s com bin atio n s an d is th us v e r y m u c h to the taste o f both p layers. 25

Qt r 5

P -K 4

N o w a d a y s I w ould first h ave p rep ared this thrust w ith 2 5 . . . R - K i , b u t a t th at time I w a s esp ecially en tran ced b y the forced co n tin u atio n o f the text-m o ve w ith all its c o m b in a tio n a l possibilities. A n d indeed it m ust be g ran ted th a t the en su in g portion o f the gam e is n o t w a n tin g in com plication s. 26 27

PxP R -B i!

R -K 1

T h e o n ly counter, but a v e r y strong one, B la c k m u st n o t y e t im m ed ia tely continue 2 7 . . . K - K t i , since then 2 8 R x P ! le ad s to a m a tin g attack . So as to be able to re n ew th e th r e a t o f K - K t i , B la c k m ust first p ro te ct the p oin t B 3 once m o re. 27 28 29

. . . R -Q K t 1 K t-B 3

Q -K t3 ! Q -B 2 Q -B 4 C I1

S in c e W h ite has n o w ad e q u ately pro tected the K 5 sq u a re B la ck goes o v e r to another p la n o f atta ck . W ith the te x t-m o v e he m akes use o f the circu m stan ce th at W h ite c a n n o t w e ll escape w ith his K in g to Q 2 o n acco u n t o f 3 0 . . . K - K t i to force the a d v a n c e o f his Q P to Q 4 . W ith this a d v a n c e the d ia g o n a l Q K t i to K R 7 becom es o pen a n d B la c k c a n fo rg e p lan s to e n tra p the enem y Q u een . 30

P -Q 4

Q -B 7

N o w th e w in o f the Q u e e n is th reatened b y 3 1 . . . P - K t 3 a n d a p p a re n tly the gam e is a lre a d y d ecid ed in B la c k ’s fa v o u r.

GRANDMASTER

24

OF

CHESS

B u t Sieb o ld know s h o w to present his o p p o n en t w ith n e w a n d difficu lt problem s. 31

K t-K t5 !

T h re a te n in g a m a te on B 7 and thus en forcin g B la c k ’s re p ly since the con tin u atio n 3 1 . . . P x K t ; 3 2 Q _xRch, K - B 2 ; 3 3 R x P c h ! w o u ld affo rd W h ite an

atta ck go od en ou gh for at

least a d ra w . 31 32

. . . R xPch

P - K .t 3 K -K t2

A p p a r e n tly W h ite ’s cou n terplay is n o w o ver, since after 3 3 R - B y c h , K - K t i he has no m ore m ean s o f g ivin g ch eck an d m ust therefore con ced e the loss o f his Q u e e n . B u t even in this difficu lt position the resourceful co n d u cto r o f the w h ite pieces u nderstands h o w to set his opponent som e serious problem s. 33

R -K t7 !

I t is interesting to observe that W h ite still has an atta ck in g co n tin u atio n a t his disposal that even n o w puts the w in in d o u bt. I t is true th at in the ensuing p la y W h ite w ill o n ly h a v e a K n ig h t fo r the Q u een bu t his R o o k s d evelo p a re m a rk ab ly effective fire-p o w er on the seventh ran k . 33

. . .

PxQ

A g a in forced , since after 3 3 . . . R - K 2 ; 3 4 K t - K 6 c h w o u ld ensure W h ite a t least a d ra w . B la c k (K eres)

W h ite (Siebold) to p la y

34

R xB ch?

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

25

B u t this is a mistake w h ic h m akes things m u c h easier fo r B la c k . W h ite should continue here w ith 3 4 R -B 7 C I1, K - K t i ; 3 5 R ( B 7 ) x B ! threatening m ate in tw o . D u r in g the g a m e I h a d p re p a re d the follow ing v a r ia tio n : 3 5 . . . Q _ -K t3 (there seems n o th in g better since in re p ly to Q u e e n checks the W h ite K in g m oves u p and dow n the K 3 an d K 2 sq u a res); 3 6 P x P , Q r B 4 (or 3 6 . . . Q x P ; 3 7 R - K t 7 c h , K - B i ; 3 8 K t - R 7 c h , R x K t ; 3 9 R x R , e tc .); 3 7 R - K t 7 c h , K - B i ; 3 8 R ( K t 7 ) - B 7 c h , Q x R ; 3 9 K tx Q _ , R - R 2 ; 4 0 K t - Q 6 , th o u gh all the sam e a w in for B la c k here is not certain. I t is v e r y n a tu ra l that, in the case o f a y o u n g p la y e r, his con crete an alyses b etray m u c h fe w e r in accu ra cie s th a n his positional appraisem ents. T h is is a circu m stan ce th at w e c a n d isco ver in this case. W h ereas in this g am e I fo rm erly ju d g e d qu ite a n u m b er o f positions in a m a n n er either o pen to disp u te o r even in co rrect, the con crete an alysis rep ro d u ced ab o ve is in fa c t q uite go o d . O n ly the con clusion is open to d o u b t, since after 4 0 . . . R x R ; 4 1 K t x R ( K t 7 ) , K - K 2 B la c k retains excellen t w in n in g chan ces. B u t the an alysis also is itself n ot w h o lly accu rate.

A t the

tim e I h a d n o t a t all n o ticed th at instead o f 3 6 . . . Q 7-B 4 B la c k cou ld also try 36 . . . Q r K B 3 . A p p a r e n d y this m o v e w in s w ith o u t m u ch difficulty since bo th 3 7 K t - R 7 , R x K t ; 3 8 R x R , Q ,- B 4 ; as w ell as 3 7 R - K B 7 , R x P c h ; 3 8 P x R , Q x P c h ; 3 9 K -Q _ 3 , P x K t ; 40 R ( B 7 ) - K 7 , Q -Jk jc h follow ed b y 4 1 . . . Q - B i end in a clearly w o n position fo r B la c k . N everth eless W h ite disposes o f a most su rprisin g defensive resource h ere, to w it, 3 7 R - K B 7 , R x P c h ; 3 8 K - Q 2 ! I t becom es m an ifest th at B la c k ’s o w n R ook ren ders th e w in d ifficult. I f the R o o k on K 4 is rem o ved then sim p ly Q x P c h fo llow ed b y 3 9 . . . P x K t w in s.

N o w , h ow ever, i f B la c k w a n ts to p la y on for a w in ,

he h as n o th in g better than 3 8 . . . Q - Q i ; w h en there follow s 3 9 P x R , P x K t . A detailed an alysis o f this position w o u ld le a d us too fa r an d in a n y case does n ot p ertain to the a n n o ­ tations a lre a d y m a d e here, b u t it is cle ar th at B la c k retain s som e w in n in g prospects. I n a n y even t a m ost in terestin g va ria tio n . 34

. . .

K-Kti

35

R(B6)-B 7

Q -B 6 c h !

26

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

W h e n th e W h ite R o o k s stand, as in the g am e, on Q_y an d K B 7 this ch eck w in s m u ch more q u ic k ly th an 3 5 . . . Q _ - K t 3 ; 3 6 P x P , Q x R ; 3 7 K t x Q , R - R 2 . F o r then W h ite w o u ld o btain excellen t defensive ch a n ces b y 3 8 K t - Q 6 , R x P c h ; 3 9 P x R , R x R ; 40 K -Q 4 . 36

K -K 2

R xPch!

N o w it becom es cle a r w h y , on m o ve 3 4 , W h ite should h av e c a p tu re d w ith the o th er R o o k on Q j . W ith the R o ok s p lac e d o n K t 7 a n d Q 7 this sacrifice w o u ld be useless since a m ate w ith the R o o k o n Q 8 w o u ld be su bseq u en tly threatened. 37

PxR

38

K - Q .3

Q xP ch

A fte r 3 8 K - B i , P x K t ; 3 9 R - B 5 , B la c k w ins sim p ly b y 3 9 . . . Q -K t i,‘ 38

. . .

PxK t

M a k in g th e w in fo r B la c k quite c le a r since the W h ite R o o k s c a n n o lo n ger constitute a m atin g th reat.

39

R "B5

A fte r 3 9 R ( B 7 ) - K 7 , the follow ing w in n in g v ariatio n w a s p la n n e d : 3 9 . . . Q - K t 6 c h ; 40 K - K 2 (forced, since W h ite m u st n ot a llo w a ch eck o n the K B file because o f the possibility o f Q - K B i . A n d i f 4 0 R - K 3 , B lack w in s b y 4 0 . . . Q - K t i ; 4 1 R ( K 3 ) - K 7 , Q - K B i ; e tc .), 4 0 . . . Q x P c h ; 4 1 K - K i , Q x P c h ; 4 2 K - K 2 , Q .- K t 5 c h ; 4 3 K - K i , Q - K t 5 c h ; 4 4 K - K 2 , Q x R e h ; 4 5 R x Q , R - R 2 . A fte r the text-m ove the finish is sim pler. 39

. . .

Q .- K 5 c h

resigns. I dem o n strated the follow ing v a ria tio n to m y o p p o n e n t: 4 0 K - B 3 , Q - B 5 c h ; 4 1 K - Q 2 , Q - K t s c h ; 4 2 K - K 3 (or K - B i ) , R P x P ; 4 3 R xP ch , K - B i ; 44 R -Q 8 c h , K - K 2 ; 4 5 R x R , Q - B 6 c h fo llow ed b y 4 6 . . . Q x R . w h ereu p o n W h ite realised the hopeless n a tu re o f his position a n d desisted from fu rth er p la y . T h is g a m e is ty p ic a l for m y style o f th at p eriod — not p re ­ cisely blam eless fro m the positional p oin t o f v ie w , b u t in c o m ­ pensation fo r this ex tre m e ly com p licated an d full o f interesting m om ents.

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERBS

27

Gam e 3

Q U E E N ’S G A M B I T D E C L I N E D Cham pionship o f E ston ia, 1 9 3 5 .

3 rd M atch -G am e.

G . F ried em an n

P . K e re s

1 2

P -Q 4 P -Q B 4

K t-K B 3 P -K 3

3 4

K t-K B 3 K t-B s

P -Q 4 P -B 3

5

B -K t5

Q K t-Q 2

T h is w a s the deciding g am e o f the m a tch . T h e first tw o h a d given the result o f i - i , an d the w in n e r o f this g am e w a s to receive the title o f cham pion o f E sto n ia. I t is therefore u n d e r­ stan dable th a t B lack does not w a n t to con ten t h im se lf w ith relatively passive variations o f the Q u e e n ’s G a m b it D e c lin ed an d tries for the more vigorou s C a m b rid g e S p rin g s D e fe n ce . A t the tim e w h e n this gam e w a s p lay e d the c o u n te r-atta ck in g system startin g w ith 5 . . . P x P w as not y et kn o w n . B u t F rie d e m a n n ap p aren tly does not like a n y g re at c o m p li­ cations in so im portant a g a m e an d therefore pro ceed s to e xch an ge p a w n s, thereby assuring h im self o f a qu iet position w ith som e in itiative. N a tu ra lly , this choice w a s not p a rtic u la rly w elcom e to B lack . 6

PxP

K PxP

7

P -K 3 B -Q s

B -K 2

8

9 Q-B 2 10 0 -0

0 -0 R -K i

W h ite continues with his p la n o f g r a d u a lly o u tp la y in g his yo u th fu l o p p o n en t b y qu iet positional p la y .

O th e rw ise on e

m igh t h a v e expected that a tem p eram en tal p la y e r like F r ie d e ­ m an n w o u ld h a v e adopted the keen attack in g line 10 O - O - O . 10 11

K t-B i P -K R 3

W h ite w a n ts to continue w ith prevents B la c k ’s K t - K t 5 in re p ly .

12

K t - K .5

an d therefore

N o w a d a y s it is c o m m o n

28

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

k n o w le d ge th a t the m ost enduring atta ck in g m ethod o n the Q u een sid e lies in the m an oeuvre P -Q K .t4 .~ 5 a n d this w o u ld be best p re p a r e d here b y 1 1 Q _ R -K t i. 11

. . .

12

BxB

K t - K .5

H e r e 1 2 B - K B 4 o ffered W h ite b etter prospects o f o b ta in in g a n a d v a n ta g e . B la c k experiences n o difficulties after the e x ­ c h a n ge on K 7 . 12

. . .

13

B xK t

Q xB

W h ite gets n o w h ere w ith this exch an g e b u t p rep aratio n s for P - Q K t 4 no lo n ger y ie ld so good a resu lt as th ey w o u ld h a v e done a cou p le o f m oves earlier. I f n o w , for instance, 1 3 Q R K t i , th en 1 3 . . . P - Q R 4 ; 14 P - R 3 , K t - Q ,3 cou ld fo llo w a n d th en i f 1 5 P - Q K t 4 , P x P ; 1 6 P x P , P ~ Q K t 4 ! A ll the sam e this v a ria tio n affo rd e d W h ite better ch an ces th an the colourless e x ch a n g e on K 4 . 13 14

. . . K t-Q _ 2

PxB B -B 4

B e tter th an 1 4 . . . P - K B 4 ; since W h ite can n o t n o w p la y 1 5 P - B 3 , on a cco u n t o f 1 5 . . . Q - K t ^ . F u r th e r p rep aratio n is n ecessary for the a d v a n c e P - B 3 . 15

Q R -K i

Q .- K 3

A t th e tim e the g a m e w a s p laye d I th o u ght this m o v e w a s b a d a n d w a s co n v in ce d that I h a d a better con tin u atio n in 1 5 . . . Q r R s ; 1 6 P - B 3 , B x P ; 1 7 K t ( Q 2 ) x P , B - B 4 . B u t in this case, to o , W h ite w o u ld h ave g o t th e better o f the b a rg a in b y e x ch a n g in g his R P for a centre p a w n . H o w e v e r , B lack ap p e a rs to h a v e a go o d line h ere in 1 5 . . . P - B 4 .

T h en 16 K t-Q _ 5,

Q t Q .3 ; l 7 Q x B P , Q x Q .; 18 PxQ _ is n ot go o d b ecau se o f 1 8 . . . Q R - Q i ; a n d 1 6 K t - K t 3 c a n b e sim p ly m et b y 1 6 . . . P - Q K t 3 . A lso possible w a s 1 5 . . . B - K t 3 ; 1 6 Q ;- K t 3 , Q - K 3 ; w ith a n a p p ro x im a te ly eq u a l g am e. 16

P -B 3!

Q ,- K t 3 ?

,1

A f te r 1 6 . . . P x P ; 1 7 P - K 4 reckoned o n ly on the possible p iece sacrifice 1 7 . . . B x R P ; 1 8 P x B , Q j- K t 3 c h ; 1 9 K - B 2 ,

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

29

Q ^ K t y c h ; 2 0 K K 3 , and c am e to the con clusion th at this w a s go od fo r W h ite . B u t I overlooked the n o rm a l m o v e 1 7 . . . B - K t 3 ; w h ic h w o u ld g ive B la c k a re a lly g o o d g a m e a fte r 18 K tx P , Q R - Q i . 17

PxP

W h ite c o u ld h ave ensured h im se lf a rath er b etter p osition b y 1 7 K t ( Q 2 ) x P , B x P ; 1 8 Q - B 2 , b u t a n atta ck in g p la y e r lik e F rie d e m a n n can n o t resist the tem p tatio n to o p en u p th e K B file. T h e g a m e n o w becom es m ost interesting. 17 18 19

. . . K t-B 3 Q 7-B2?

BxR P B -K 3

I t is d ifficu lt to sa y w hether this w a s in ten tio n o r o v e r s ig h t; in a n y case, w ith this m ove W h ite trifles a w a y h is ch a n ce s fo r the in itia tive. H e should, o f course, h av e p la y e d 1 9 K t - K R 4 , Q - R 4 ; 2 0 K t - B 5 , followed b y R - B 3 w ith fa r from p o o r p ro s­ pects o n the R in g sid e . 19

. . .

20

KKKR4

B -B 5

P erh ap s F ried em an n h a d overlooked th at 2 0 K t - K s w o u ld not d o here because o f 20 . . . R x K t . In stead o f the te x t-m o v e w h ich gives u p the exchange the p ro tective m o ve 2 0 K t - K 2 deserved m o re attention. B la c k c o u ld n o t th en w in a n y m a terial im m ed iately since 2 0 . . . Q x P o r 2 0 . . . R x P w o u ld be m et b y 2 1 K t - K s . B u t i f B la c k first exch an ges b y 2 0 . . . B x K t ; 2 1 R x B , then capture on K 4 w o u ld a llo w W h ite to w in b a ck his p a w n a t once b y 2 2 K t - K t 5 a n d 2 2 K t - K s res­ p ective ly. B la ck w o u ld , how ever, h a v e o b tain ed ra th e r the b e tte r p osi­ tion after 2 0 K t - K 2 as w e ll since h e c o u ld h av e c o n tin u ed w ith 2 0 . . . P - B 3 ; 2 1 P - K 5 , K t - Q 2 . S till, W h ite w o u ld h a v e h a d m u ch better chances then after 2 2 P x P , Q x P ; 2 3 P - Q K t 3 , th a n he gets in the gam e after the e x ch an g e sacrifice. 20

. . .

Qt r 4

A fte r 2 0 . . . Q - K 3 W h ite cou ld a g a in p la y 2 1 K t - K 2 , a n d g e t re a l a tta ck in g chances in retu rn fo r the p a w n b y 2 1 . . . Q x P ; 2 2 P - Q K t 3 , B - K 3 ; 2 3 Q - K t 3 . N o w W h ite m u st

3°

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

su rren d er the exch a n g e , since 2 1 K t - K .2 , R x P w o u ld le av e B la ck w ith a m arked advan tage. 21 22

K t-B 5 R xB

BxR Q _-K t3

B la c k is the ex ch a n g e to the good b u t m ust h o w ev e r p la y m ost a c c u ra te ly in o rd er to w eaken the attack in g th reat o f 2 3 P - K 5 , fo llow ed b y 2 4 K t - K 4 . F o r this purpose it w o u ld h a v e been best to h a v e p layed 22 . . . P - B 3 ! D u rin g the g a m e I refrain ed fro m this m o ve because o f the possibility o f 2 3 Q ,- K t 3 , Q - K t 3 ; 2 4 Q - B 7 , but B lack c an p la y better. B y 2 3 . . . K t - K . 3 ! an d then i f 2 4 P -Q .5 , K t - K t 4 B lack w o u ld h ave e ve ry p ro sp ect o f e va lu atin g his m aterial ad v a n ta g e . A fte r the text-m o ve his task is more com p licated . 23

P -K 5

P -B 3!

B la c k m ust not rem ain passive an d allo w his o pp o n en t to build u p his atta ck w ith K t - K 4 , Q - R 4 , etc. 24

Q -R 4

Qr

Kt4

N a tu r a lly , n ot 2 4 . . . P xP , because o f 2 5 K t - K 7 c h ; n o r w o u ld the con tin u au o n s 2 4 . . . K - R i ; 2 5 K t - K .4 , P x P ; 2 6 K t ( K 4 ) - Q 6 , o r 2 4 . . . K t - K 3 ; 2 5 P -Q .5 , P x Q P ; 2 6 K t x Q P be go od for B la c k . W ith the text-m ove B la c k accepts a w o rsen ­ in g o f his p a w n posidon an d also gives u p the attack on W h it e ’s K 5 p a w n , bu t a t the sam e time the W h ite assault on the K in g ’ s w in g is b ro u gh t to a standstill. B la c k ’s a d v a n ta g e o f the exch an ge should even tu ally tell in the en d gam e. 25 Q.x Q . W h ite can n o t w ell a vo id the e xch an ge o f Q ueens since he w o u ld lose the v a lu a b le p aw n on K 5 after 2 5 Q - K 4 , P x P ; 26 PxP , P -K K t 3 . 25 26

. . . K t-K 4

PxQ K t-Q n !

B la ck can n o t afford the time to p ro tect his K K t

paw n

since after 2 6 . . . K t - K 3 ; 2 7 K t ( K 4 ) - Q 6 w o u ld w in b a ck the e x ch a n g e , a n d also 2 6 . . . P - K R 3 ; 2 7 K t ( K 4 ) - Q 6 , R - K 3 (or 2 7 . . . K R - K t i ; 2 8 P - K 4 , follow ed b y 2 9 P - Q 5 , e t c .) ; 2 8 K t x Q K t P , a n d 2 9 K t - B 5 is far from agreeable fo r B la c k . 27

K t(K 4 )x P

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

SERES

31

I f 2 7 K t ( K .4 ) - Q 6 , R - K 3 ; 2 8 K t x Q K t P , w h e n B lack sh o u ld n ot p la y ,

a c c o rd in g to m y

reco m m en d atio n

at th e

tim e,

2 8 . . . Q R - K t i ; 29 K t ( B 5 ) - Q 6 , K t x P ; 3 0 P x K t , R x P ; sin ce after the fu rth e r 3 1 R - B i he w o u ld h a rd ly retain a n y re a l w in n in g ch a n ces. B u t b y 2 8 . . . R - K B i he cou ld force a n e x ch an g e o f R o o k s an d so p reserve v e r y good w in n in g chan ces. 27

. . .

K tx P !

B y m ean s o f this K n ig h t sacrifice B la c k frees h im se lf o f a ll difficulties a n d sets his oppon en t som e g ra v e p ro blem s in the ensuing e n d ga m e , a correct h a n d lin g o f w h ic h d e m an d s g o o d techn iq u e. 28

K t-Q .6 ?

D espite th e m a n y d raw b ack s W h ite should h a v e go n e in for the e n d ga m e w ith 2 8 P x K t , R x P ; 2 9 P - K K t 4 . I t is tru e th at after 2 9 . . . P - K K t 3 W h ite w o u ld lose an o th er p a w n , b u t he w o u ld reta in go od prospects o f sa v in g the g a m e none the less. T h o u g h W h ite regains the e x ch an g e w ith the te x t-m o v e h e loses a lo t o f p a w n s and the resulting en d in g does n o t o ffe r too d ifficu lt a technical p ro b le m to B lack. Black (K eres) to p la y

W h ite (Fried em an n ) 28

. . .

K t-K t5!

29

K tx R

R xK t

N o w W h ite can no longer p ro tect his K P .

GRANDMASTER

32

A fte r 3 2

30 31

P -K 4 R -B 4

32

K t-B 3

OF

CHESS

P -K R 3 K t-B 3

K t - B 7 , B la c k has the p leasan t choice b etw een

3 2 . . . K tx P and 3 2 . . . K x K t ; 3 3 P - K 5 , R - K 3 ; 3 4 P x K t, RxP. 32

. . .

33

R xR

R xP

A v o id a n c e o f the R o o k exchange b y 3 3 R - B 5 loses still m o re q u ick ly after 3 3 . . . R - K 7 . 33

. . .

K tx R

T h e K n ig h t en d in g is w o n for B lack w ith o u t m u c h d ifficu lty, since in ad d itio n to the p aw n plus he also has the b etter p osi­ tion. W h ite puts u p a stubborn resistance b u t can n o t, h o w e v e r, alter the in evita b le result.

34 35 36 37 38

K t-K 5 K -B i

K -B i

K -K 2 K -K 3

k

P -Q K t3

K -K 2 - k 3

K t-Q s K -Q 4

B la ck prep ares the ad van ce P - B 4 , in o rd er to rem o ve W h it e ’s last centre p a w n an d thus deprive the en em y K n ig h t o f its su pport. A n im m ed iate 3 8 . . . P - B 4 w ill not do y e t becau se o f 3 9 K t-Q _ 3, K t - B 4 c h ; 4 0 K - K 4 .

39

K - Q .3

A fte r this, W h ite ’s pieces are fo rced in to to tally p assive positions. B etter, therefore, was 3 9 P - K K t 4 , P - B 4 ; 4 0 K t - B 3 , alth o u gh in th at even t the continuation I inten d ed d u rin g the gam e 4 0 . . . P - B 5 ; 4 1 K t - K 5 , P - B 6 ; 4 2 K - Q .3 , P - B 7 , e tc. w o u ld also retain B la c k ’s ad van tage. 39 40

. . . K t-B 3

K t-B 4

F o rc e d , since he loses another p a w n after 4 0 K t - K t 4 , P - K R 4 ; or 40 K t-B 4 , P -Q K t4 . 40

. .

P -K R 4 I

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERBS

33

N o w W h ite is still in zu g sw a n g an d has to su rren d er a second p a w n . W ith this the e n d ga m e is a lre a d y decid ed . 41 •42

P ~ Q K t4 P -R 3

43

K t-K 5

P -Q K t4 P -R 3

A fte r 4 3 K - B 3 , the sim plest w a y to w in is 4 3 . . . K t - K 6 .

43 44 45 46

. . .

K tx P

K t-K t6 K t-K y c h K t-K t6

K -Q P -B 4

K t-K 3

.3

N o w B la c k creates a passed p aw n on the Q u e e n ’s w in g a n d this w in s q u ick ly.

47

PxP ch K -B 3

K xP

48

49

P -K t3

50

PxP

51

K -K t2 K -K ti

P - K t 5 ch PxP ch K -K t4

52

P -R 4

It is n a tu ra lly not agreeable to h a v e to g ive u p the c h a n ce o f a ch a m p io n sh ip title bu t W h ite cou ld h ave resigned a lo n g tim e since.

52 53 54 55

• * .

56 58

K t-Q .4 PxP K t-B 3

59

K t-R 2

60 61

K t-K t4 K -R i

57

K -K t2 K t-K 5 K t-B 6

P -K t6 K -R 5 K t-B 4 P -K t4 P -R 5 PxP P -R 6 K -K t5 K t - R 3 ch P -R 7

T h is destroys W h ite ’s last slender h o p e : 6 1 . . . K - R 6 ; 6 2 K t - K 3 , P - R 7 ? 6 3 K t - B 2 c h , P x K t ; stalem ate. 62

K tx P resigns.

K -R 6

34

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

Game 4

A L E K H I N E ’S D E F E N C E International Tournament at Tallin n, 1 9 3 5

P . K e re s 1 P -K 4

G . D anielsson K t-K B 3

2

P -K 5

K t - Q .4

3

P -Q 4

P -Q B 4

T h is co n tin u atio n a p p are n tly constitutes the sort o f o p en in g experim en t th at m a n y practised p lay e rs a re w o n t to use again st yo u th fu l opponents in o rd er to g ive the g a m e a sh arp c h a ra c te r fro m the v e r y start. W h e n this g a m e w a s p la y e d D an ielsso n w a s a lre a d y a recogn ised international m aster, w h ereas I w a s m a k in g m y first steps in international chess. I n this g a m e , h o w ever, B la c k does n ot attain the h o p e d -fo r result as in the ensuing ta ctica l stru ggle h e turns o u t to be on the losin g side. 4

P -Q B 4

5 P-0.5 6

K t-B 2

P-0.3

PxP

W h ite contents h im se lf w ith the m in im a l o pen in g a d v a n ta g e th at flow s fro m the b a d position o f th e K n ig h t o n B 2 an d som e sligh t a d v a n ta g e in sp a ce . A n interestin g attem p t to refute B la c k ’s line o f p la y w a s here the p a w n sacrifice 6 P - K 6 ! , P x P ; 7 B - Q .3 , b y w h ic h W hite o b tain s excellent atta ck in g chan ces. 6

. . .

PxP

N o r is B la c k ’s task easier after 6 . . . Q x P ;

7

K t -Q J B 3 ,

P - K 3 ; 8 K t - B 3 , since W h ite is th reaten in g a n even tu al K t - K 4 a n d the fu rth er o p e n in g u p o f p la y c a n o n ly benefit W h ite in v ie w o f his better d evelopm ent. B u t n o w B la c k is h a n d ica p p e d b y the b a d position o f his K n ig h t on Q jB2. 7 8 9

B - Q .3 K t-K 2 P -B 4

B -K 2 K t-Q ? B -R 5 C I 1

B la c k aim s a t fu rth e r com plications a n d is soon h im se lf p unished as a result. B la c k m ust p la y h ere 9 . . . and

0 -0

THE

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35

then p rep are fo r the ad van ce P - Q K t 4 w h ic h constitutes the only ch a n ce o f co u n ter-p lay based on the position. W ith the text-m ove B la c k seeks to force the w eak en in g b u t som ething q uite different occurs. 10

K t-K t3

10 P - K K t 3 ,

Q -K a ch ?

W ith this m o ve B lack m ust h av e o n ly taken in to acco u n t the Q ueen e x ch a n g e b y 1 1 Q -K .2 , since, otherw ise, this ch eck is h ard to u n d erstan d . A s a m atter o f fact, h o w ev e r, this m o ve turns out to be a mistake th at results in a v e r y b a d position for B lack. G iv e n th at Black has a lre a d y p la y e d 9 . . . B -R 5 C I 1, then he should here continue lo g ica lly w ith 10 . . . B x K t c h ; 1 1 P x B , K t - B 3 so at least to obtain control o f the K K t 5 sq u are. 11

K -Q 2 !

T h is K in g m o ve undoubtedly w a s a com plete surprise for m y opponent. O n account o f the double th reat o f 1 2 R - K i and 12 K t - B 5 , B la ck must n o w e xch an ge on K t 3 an d after­ w ard s forgo the right to castle, all this le ad in g to a v e ry c o n ­ stricted position for him. I t should be observed th a t W h it e ’ s K in g m ust go to Q z since if, fo r in stan ce, 1 1 K - B 2 , B lack co u ld

0- 0 ;

avoid the w orst b y 1 1 . . . si

. . .

F o rc e d , as after n m aterial. 12 13

1 2 R - K 1, Q - Q i . BxK t

. . .

PxB R -K i

0- 0 ;

1 2 K t - B 5 , B la c k w o u ld lose K -Q i Q -B i

A fte r 1 3 . . . Q - B 3 ; 14 K t - B 3 , the th reat o f 1 5 K t - K 4 w o u ld be v e ry troublesom e. But after the text-m o ve it becom es c le a r to w h a t fatal consequences the thoughtless ch eck on the tenth m ove has led. W h ite is better developed, possesses m ore sp ace in ad d itio n to the tw o Bishops, an d fin ally is in a position to th w art a n y co u n te r-p la y w h atso ever on B la c k ’s p art. I t ap p ea rs th at e ven w ith the best p la y B lack can h a rd ly em erge w ith a satisfacto ry position. 14

p-K t

3

so as to re p ly to 1 4 . . . K t - B 3 w ith 1 5 B - K t 2 , an d thus to p reven t 1 5 . . . B ~ K t 5 . T h e text-m o ve is m o re e x a c t th an

GRANDMASTER

36

14

P - R 4 , fo r this reason.

OF

CHESS

C o u n te r-p la y b y 1 4 . . . P - Q K t 4 is

n ot im m e d ia te ly dan gero u s. 14

. . .

P -Q K t4

I t is a lre a d y difficu lt to recom m end an accep ta b le p la n o f p la y fo r B la c k . T h e text-m ove fo rm s the o n ly p ossib ility o f o b ta in in g som e co u n te r-p lay on the Q u e e n ’s w in g , b u t o n the o th er h a n d it m akes it easier fo r W h it e ’s attack to o p en u p lines. 15 16 17

B ~ K t2 PxP Q -K 2

PxP K t-K t3 P -B 3

W h ite w a s, o f course, threatening 1 8 B x K t P . I t w o u ld h a v e been b etter to h a v e p la y e d im m ed iately 1 7 . . . B - Q a to co u n ter this th reat, b u t on e c a n understand th at B la c k does n o t w a n t to h a v e his Q u e e n tied dow n fo r e v e r to th e defence o f th e K n ig h t p a w n . A fte r the te x t-m o ve a fresh w eakness ap p ears in B la c k ’s position, viz • his K 3 square. W h ite ’s p la y is aim ed ag a in st this p o in t in the ensuing phase; the pieces that p ro te ct this p oin t, the B ish o p on Q > and the K n ig h t on B 2 , m u st be ex ch a n g e d off. 18 19 20

K t-B 3 P -K t4 P --R 4

B -Q 2 K -B i P -Q R 4

P ra c tic a lly fo rced , since B lack c a n n o t allo w the fu rth e r a d v a n c e o f this p a w n . B u t now W h ite has affirm ed his co n tro l o f the sq uares K B 5 a n d

Q K t 5 , fro m w h ic h points h e c a n

p ro ceed to e x ch a n g e o f f the B la c k pieces p ro tectin g B la c k ’s

k

3. 21

B -B 5

BxB

22 23

PxB Q -Q 3

Q r Q .1 Q rQ ?

I f B la c k p la y s 2 3 . . . R - K i in o rd e r to relieve his p lig h t a little th en W h ite c a n m ak e the e x ch a n g e sacrifice 2 4 R —K 6 ! , K t x R ; 2 5 B P x K t . B la c k w ould then h a v e no c o u n te rp la y a n d w o u ld sc a rce ly be a b le to find an a d e q u ate defence to the a d v e r s a r y ’s n u m ero u s threats.

THE

EARLY

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OF

PAUL

KERES

37

B lack (D anielsson)

W h ite (K ere s) to p la y 24

K t-K t5!

K tx K t

A f te r 2 4 . . . R - K i the re p ly 2 5 R - K 6 ! w o u ld be e ven m o re effective. 25 26

R PxK t B -R 3

P -R 5

A useful m o v e th at prevents in a d v an ce the eve n tu a l p ossi­ b ility o f P - R 6 a n d also p rep ares a sacrifice on Q B 5 i f th e o cca sio n arises. 26

. . .

B la c k ’s position is hopeless.

P -K t3 T h e attem p t in itiated b y th e

te x t-m o ve , to con ju re up ta c tic a l com p licatio n s, lead s to a n u n h a p p y result fo r Black. 27

R -K 6

R -Q K ti

W h ite w a s a lre a d y th reaten in g, am o n gst oth er th in gs, 2 8 BxP. 28

Q R -K i

PxP

29

R - K .7

K tx P c h

A d esp erate la st throw , b u t also 2 9 . . . Q _ - Q i ; 3 0 Q x P c h , K t - Q a ; 3 1 R - B 7 is hopeless fo r B lack . 30 31

Q xK t Q -B 2

Q xP

I t goes w ith o u t sayin g th at 3 1 Q x Q , R x Q ; 3 2 R - R 7 w o u ld

3*

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

w in as w e ll, b u t the continuance o f the attack again st the K in g brin gs a b o u t a q u ick er decision. 31

. . .

M o r e stu bb orn w a s 3 1 . co u n te rp la y loses at on ce.

32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

K -Q t Q xP ch R -K 8 c h R xR ch

Q r R 4ch R -K t3 .

T h e ensuing active

R -K t6 K -K ti R xR K -R 2

Q r Q ,7 c h Q xQ P K -B 2

R -K t2 R -K t8 c h

BxR

resigns

R -K t7 c h

*

2

*

FIRST INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCE 1935-1937

I

w ith v e r y mixed feelings to m y first in tern atio n al to u r­ n am en t, the W a rsa w C h ess O ly m p ia d . A fte r the E sto n ia n

w e n t

C h a m p io n sh ip I had taken p art in a n u m b er o f even ts a n d atta in ed w h a t seem ed like go o d fo r m ; b u t it m u st be o b serv e d th a t these events bore a local c h a ra c te r an d it w a s also k n o w n th at a t th at tim e Estonian chess life w a s far fro m b e in g o n a n in tern atio n al level. H ence it m igh t p erh ap s be feared th a t m y first co n ta c t w ith the top class o f in tern atio n al m asters w o u ld result in a v eritab le catastrophe. T h e to u rn a m en t com m enced for m e w ith a n altern atio n o f successes a n d failures. A fter a w in in the first ro u n d I a t o n ce h a d to m eet the w o rld cham p io n , D r . A lek h in e. I m a n a g e d to keep o n level terms for a lo n g tim e, b u t in the en d the w o rld c h a m p io n ’s m ight p reva iled . I m a d e a sim ple m istak e, h a d to g iv e u p tw o pieces fo r a R o o k a n d then o f cou rse soon resigned. T h is g a m e was e n o u g h to sh o w th at I w a s la c k in g in the n ecessary chess m aturity, the techn iqu e an d the e x p erien ce to fit m e to m eet the world class typ e o f p la y e r. I t is th erefore n o coin cid en ce th at a t W a rsaw I su ccu m b ed to F lo h r, T a r ta k o w e r a n d L . S te in e r w itho u t being ab le to p u t u p a n y n o ticea b le resistance to m y experienced opponents. A m o n g s t these defeats there w e re also a n u m b er o f in terestin g w in s full o f in cid en t, o f w hich th e short sacrificial g a m e ag a in st th e E n g lis h m a ster W in ter (N o . 5 ) is u n d o u b ted ly th e m o st w e ll-k n o w n . I n the end I su cceed ed in am assin g a go o d to tal, 1 2 points o u t o f 1 9 gam es, an d thus attain ed fifth p lace o n first b o a rd . B u t the m ost im portant v ic to ry for m e in the to u rn a ­ m en t w a s the con viction th at a successful contest w ith le a d in g in tern atio n al p laye rs w as in d ee d possible fo r m e . 39

F o r this

4o

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

pu rpose I m u st, in th e first p lace, acq u ire m o re to u rn am en t experience a n d ten d to m y further chess d evelo p m en t, in p a rtic u la r as re g a rd s p u rely technical m atters. I n the a u tu m n o f the same y e a r I took p a rt in a sm all to u r­ n am en t in H elsin k i an d obtained second p lace after P . F r y d m a n . I lost rig h t in the first round again st F r y d m a n , an d the shortness o f the tournam ent rendered it im possible for m e to m ake go o d this loss in the subsequent course o f the even t. I n the last ro u n d I ach ieved a most im p o rta n t w in as B la c k aga in st S ta h lb e rg a n d th at in a com p licated g am e fu ll o f c o m ­ binations w h ere, too, for a long tim e I h ad to co n d u ct a difficu lt defence. T h e y e a r 1 9 3 6 w a s also characterised b y m a n y even ts in w h ic h I took p a rt. A t the beginning o f the y e a r I p la y e d in a train in g to u rn a m en t in T allin n and obtain ed first p lace w ith ­ o u t m u c h d ifficu lty. A fte r that I h a d to p la y a m a tc h ag a in st P . S c h m id t, w h o h a d challenged m e to a m a tch fo r the c h a m ­ p io n ship o f E sto n ia . T h is match tu rn ed out to be m ost ex citin g a n d w a s v e r y in stru ctive for me in m a n y respects. A fte r a c o m ­ p a ra tiv e ly easy w in in the first gam e I w o n a p iece in the secon d b y a sim ple com b in atio n . In consequence I re g ard e d th e issue as a lre a d y settled a n d started to p la y rath e r su p erficially. S c h m id t, on the other han d , utilised the chan ces offered to h im in e x e m p la ry fashion, com plicated m atters b y a surprise Q u e e n sacrifice, an d after som e further in accu racies o n m y p a r t h e e ven ach ieved a w in in the end. O n e m igh t h ave thou ght that after this d efeat I w o u ld h a v e p la y e d m ore cau tio u sly in the sequel, b u t n o th in g like this o ccu rre d . A fte r a q u ick d raw in the th ird g a m e I chose in the fo u rth an extrem ely risky, one m ight even term it w e ak , o p e n in g va ria tio n , a n d a go o d positional p erform an ce on m y o p p o n e n t’s p a rt b ro u gh t m e an o ther nought. I n the next a n d fifth g a m e S c h m id t w a s o b vio u sly p layin g for a d r a w fro m the v e r y start, since he chose the exchange va ria tio n ag a in st th e F r e n c h D efen ce. A n atte m p t to w in at all costs e ven tu ally resulted in a loss fo r m e in this g a m e. M y situation w a s in consequence h ig h ly critical, sin ce, w ith o n ly tw o m ore gam es to p lay, m y o pp o n en t w a s le a d in g b y tw o points. B u t n o w a p p a re n tly S c h m id t’s nerves g a v e w a y u n d e r

THE

EARLY

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OF

PAUL

KERES

41

the strain . A fte r he h ad reach ed a satisfacto ry p osition in the sixth g a m e he suddenly p u t a w h o le piece en prise a n d th ere­ after I h a d a co m p aratively easy task in the d e cid in g g a m e again st a n opponent w h o w a s a lre a d y m o ra lly b e aten . T h e g a m e (N o . 6) w a s most interesting an d u n d o u b ted ly m y best a ch ie vem en t in the m atch. T h is m a tch tau gh t m e a useful lesson: on e should never, even in c le a rly w o n positions, u n d e r­ estim ate the opponent a n d his possibilities. Im m e d ia te ly after the m a tch w ith S c h m id t I left for th e in tern atio n al tournam ent a t B a d N a u h e im , w h ere en co u n ters w ith A lek h in e, Bogoljuboff, S ta h lb e rg an d oth er c e le b ra te d ad versa ries aw aited me. I t w a s in this to u rn am en t th a t I o b ­ tain ed m y first real international success b y tieing w ith A le k h in e for the first prize. I h a d a v e r y interesting g a m e w ith the e x -w o rld ch am p io n , in w h ich I m a n ag ed to free m y ra th e r con stricted position by a n eat com bin atio n an d th us atta in e d a n h o n o u ra b le d raw . H e re , too, I m ad e m y first n o ticea b le a d v a n c e in defensive technique, as I w as ab le to sa ve a n u m b e r o f d ifficu lt positions and turn them into d raw s. I a c h ie v e d a go od positional gam e again st D r . V id m a r , b u t m y best p e r ­ fo rm a n ce w a s u ndoubtedly the w in in the last ro u n d ag a in st S ta h lb e rg . I n this I was ab le to cro w n m y positional p ressu rep la y w ith a p retty and decisive co m b in atio n (N o . 7 ). S o m e w eeks after the N a u h e im to u rn am en t a sim ila r e ve n t took p la c e a t Dresden. T h is tu rn ed o u t to be a serious reverse for m e a n d cle a rly revealed the m a n y defects in m y p la y . W e a k h a n d lin g o f the e n d gam e (A lek h in e ), in a d e q u a te d efen ­ sive p o w e rs (H ellin g, En gels) an d still a p red ilectio n fo r d u b io u s o pen in g experim ents (S ta h lb e rg ), all these c o m b in e d to le a v e m e alm o st in the last p lace at the en d o f the to u rn a m e n t. T h is reverse after the N a u h eim success w a s in d eed d ep ressin g, b u t it w a s also instructive fro m m a n y points o f v ie w . I w a s n o w co n v in ce d th at dubious m ethods o f p la y in strong to u rn a m e n ts held o u t n o hopes o f success an d th at it w a s m o re re aso n a b le to p la y c a lm ly and solidly. T h is n a tu ra lly does n o t m e a n th a t liv e ly c o m b in ative chess should be avo id ed b u t th at o n e sh o u ld n ot a tte m p t to brin g this ab o u t b y artificial m eans. T h e en su in g tournam ent in Z a n d v o o rt d id in d eed s h o w so m e im p ro ve m e n t in m y fo rm , b u t h ere also n o ticea b le d efects

42

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

a p p e a re d in this respect. M y p lay in g stren gth w a s n ot y e t o n a le v el w ith the best participan ts o f this to u rn am en t (E u w e , F in e ) a n d m y gam es a g a in st these tw o w ere lost. T h e g am e ag a in st the v e te ra n m aster M a r o c z y sh o w ed th at I still h a d m u c h to le a rn in q u iet positional p la y . I o b tain ed v e r y go od c o m b in a tio n a l results a g a in st B ecker a n d L a n d a u . A t Z a n d v o o rt, too, I w o n m y first tournam ent g a m e again st B o go lju b o ff. I n the C h ess O ly m p ia d a t M u n ich I o n ce a g a in allo w ed full re in to a n e a sy c o m b in atio n al style, h a v in g re g a rd to the good p ra c tic e o b tain ed in the preceding tou rn am en ts. T h e result w a s a n excellen t one, 1 5 points o u t o f 2 0 g am es. A really re m a rk a b le struggle developed in m y g a m e w ith R ic h te r (N o . 8 ) , b u t also, in a w h o le series o f other g am es, I su cceeded in o u tp la y in g m y o pponents in open c o m b in atio n al clashes. I m a d e a pau se o f h a lf a year in m y chess after the M u n ic h O ly m p ia d , o n ly to b egin again all the m o re en ergetically the n e x t y e a r, 1 9 3 7 . I h a d received a n in vitatio n to the W o r ld C h a m p io n sh ip C a n d id a te s T o u rn am en t, d u e to take p la ce in a u tu m n a t S e m m erin g , a n d n atu rally fo r this im p o rta n t even t it w a s essential fo r m e to elevate m y fo rm to the highest possible e x te n t. I n this to u rn a m en t I was destined to m eet su ch chess titan s as C a p a b la n c a , F in e , R esh evsk y, F lo h r an d others, ag a in st w h o m I h a d so f a r p layed o n ly a fe w isolated gam es. A go o d result in the Sem m erin g T o u rn a m e n t w o u ld m e an g en e ra l recogn ition in the chess w o rld , even , shorn d the best o c c u r , e ve n tu a lly the title o f grandm aster. I b e g a n this even tfu l y e a r w ith a train in g to u rn am en t at T a llin n , w h ere I atta in ed first p lace a h e a d o f S c h m id t. T h e n I le ft for the trad itio n al Easter to u rn am en t a t M a r g a te . I t tu rn ed o u t th at th e m a n y tournam ents I h a d a lre a d y p la y e d h a d im p ro ve d m y p la y to a v e ry con siderable d egree. I p lay e d e a sily , w ith o u t a n y strain ed effort a n d in ad d itio n p ro d u ced so m e re a lly go o d chess. U n d o u b ted ly the best g am e I p lay e d in this to u rn a m en t w a s th at against A lek h in e (N o . 1 1 ) , b u t also the encounters w ith S i r G eorge T h o m a s (N o . 1 0 ) , T y lo r a n d A le x a n d e r (N o . 9) a re good, artistic ach ievem en ts.

My

g a m e in the last ro u n d against F in e h a d a m ost in teresting a n d c h a n g e a b le cou rse, b u t once a g a in I p erce iv e d the in ­ a d e q u a c y here o f m y en d gam e techn ique.

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERBS

43

I n the to u rn a m en t at O ste n d that follow ed o n im m e d ia te ly after M a r g a te I h a d an excellen t start in th at I ac h ie v e d a fine w in aga in st m y ch ief r iv a l F in e in the first ro u n d (N o . 1 2 ) . B u t the en su in g losses again st, first, T a rta k o w e r a n d then G r o b , in w h ich la tter g a m e I fo rgo t to m ake m y last m o ve before the tim e-co n trol, a n d so lost o n tim e, co u p led w ith som e to u rn a ­ m ent lu ck , b ro u g h t me e ve n tu a lly to a tie fo r 1 - 3 p rizes, to­ geth er w ith F in e a n d G ro b . O n e o f the m ost o rig in a l g a m e s in m y to u rn a m e n t praxis h itherto w a s p lay e d again st D u n k e lb lu m (N o . 1 3 ) . F r o m O sten d I travelled d ire ctly to P ra g u e. T h e r e I c o n ­ tin ued p la y in g in the sam e ligh t, easy style an d ac h ie v e d a fresh success w ith it. In fa c t, I m a n ag ed to w in the first eigh t gam es one after the other an d after this the g a in o f the first prize w a s no lo n ger a difficult task. I n this to u rn am en t I a g a in h a d a series o f interesting gam es, am o ngst w h ich , in a d d itio n to th at aga in st Fo ltys (N o . 14 ) an d H ro m a d k a (N o . 1 5 ) , the encou n ter w ith Eliskases also deserves m en tio n . T h e m a rc h w ith the K in g fro m K K t i to Q K t 7 th at I u ndertook in this g a m e is p a rtic u la rly original. A fte r a sm all tournam ent in V ie n n a , in w h ich the m o ves 1 P -Q .4 , K t - K B 3 ; 2 K t - K B 3 , K t - K 5 w e re p rescrib ed in a d v a n ce a n d in w h ich I a g a in p ro ved successful, I w e n t o f f to the strongest tournam ent o f the y e a r, th at at K e m e ri. O n c e a g a in I h a d the o pportu n ity o f crossing sw ords w ith the w o r ld ’s lead in g m asters. I began the to u rn am en t in v e r y m e d io cre style b u t then g ra d u a lly c a m e into fo rm an d w a s alm o st ab le to ca tch u p w ith m y rivals. A d r a w in the last ro u n d ag a in st F e ig in left m e “ o n ly ” tieing w ith A lek h in e for the 4 th a n d 5 th prizes, A lek h in e also h av in g been u n ab le to w in his la st ro u n d * gam e again st B e rg . W e w e re , h o w ever, o n ly h a lf a p o in t b e ­ h ind the three first prize-w inners. F r o m this to u rn a m e n t th e read er w ill find a pretty b re v ity again st B ook (N o . 16 ) w h ic h has a fin al com bination o f a v e r y p leasin g ch a racte r. Before the O lym p ia d in Sto ck h o lm there w a s still tim e fo r a sm all to u rn a m en t at P a rn u , in w h ich , am o n gst others, F lo h r, Sta h lb e rg , T a rta k o w e r a n d O p o cen sk y took p art. H e re the surprise w in n e r w a s S ch m id t, again st w h o m I lost in the first round a n d th at through a careless h a n d lin g o f the o p e n in g .

44

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

I n this to u rn a m en t I h a d to sq u an d er m u c h e n e rg y on vario u s o rg an isa tio n a l questions as the e ve n t w a s on e o f m y id eas a t th e tim e fo r en liven in g th e chess life o f E sto n ia . A n alm ost c r a z y a n d in a n y case com p licated g a m e took p lace betw een F lo h r a n d m yself, the issue o f w h ich w a s a p eacefu l d ra w . A lso w o r th y o f notice is th e o rigin al c o m b in atio n in the g am e w ith R a u d (N o . 1 7 ) . I a g a in p la y e d re a lly w e ll at the S to ck h o lm Chess O ly m p ia d a n d o n first b o a rd I e ve n tu a lly obtained seco n d p lace . A m o n g st a n u m b er o f liv e ly g a m es the g o o d a tta ck in g ach ievem en t ag a in st R esh e v sk y (N o . 1 8 ) merits esp ecial m ention. T h is w a s, m o reo ver, m y first w in against the A m e r ic a n gran d m aster. W ith this even t w h a t m igh t b e term ed m y p rep aratio n for th e S em ffierin g T o u r n a m e n t term inated, since this last to u rn ey w a s n o w close a t h a n d . D u rin g the la st six m onths I h a d taken p a r t in seven in tern atio n al tournam ents. T h e se u n d o u b ted ly in tro d u ced m ore so lid ity in to m y p la y a n d allo w e d m e to am ass th e n ecessary experien ce fo r the fo rth co m in g g re a t event. T h e question h as often been p u t : h o w sh o u ld one b e h ave before a stro n g to u rn a m e n t? Sh ou ld on e take p a r t in as m a n y chess events as possible, o r should on e u n iq u e ly confine on eself to p rep a ra tio n a t h om e, o r finally, sh o u ld on e en tirely la y aside chess a n d sim p ly h a v e a go od re st? N a tu r a lly , it is difficu lt to fin d on e co m p le te ly rig h t answ er to this question since it d epen d s o n m a n y circum stances, su ch as, fo r exam p le, c h a r ­ a c te r, a g e , th e h ea lth o f th e p layer, etc. I t seem s to m e th at th e best fo rm o f p re p a ra tio n for a y o u n g p la y e r lies in as m a n y o th er to u rn am en ts as possible in w h ic h p refera b ly he should en co u n ter p la y e rs o f v a r y in g strengths. I n betw een th e tournam ents I o cc u p ie d m y se lf as fa r as it w a s possible, in p la y in g tennis, so as to be a t the p eak p h ysically. W h e n I n o w look b a c k a n d consider h o w easily I p la y e d in this v e r y stro n gly contested to u rn am en t, then I a m m o re a n d m o re im pressed w ith th e con viction th at th e p rim e cause w a s ju s t those seven to u rn am en ts w h ic h 1 h a d w orked th rou gh before th e co m m en cem en t o f this m ost strenuou s event.

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45

G am e 5

S IC IL IA N

D EFEN CE

Chess O lym p iad at W arsaw , 1 9 3 5

P . K eres

W . W in te r

1

P -K 4

P -Q B 4

2

K t-K B 3

K t-K B 3

W ith this lin e, in troduced b y N im zo w itsch , W in te r w a n ts to le a d h is y o u th fu l opponent to p a th s n o t so w e ll-m a p p e d o u t b y th eo ry a n d thus m ake use o f his g re a te r k n o w le d ge a n d experien ce. H e is p artially successful in th a t a t th e tim e I h a d a ra th e r v a g u e id e a o f the w h o le va ria tio n . T h e con sequ en ces, h o w ev e r, o f this tactical p la n tu rn o u t to be a little d iffe ren t fro m those B la c k m ight h a v e im ag in e d . 3

P -K 5

K t - Q .4

4

K t-B 3

P -K 3

T h e v a ria tio n 4 . . . K t x K t ; 5 Q P x K t is p la y a b le fo r B la c k , b u t it gives h is opponent a la stin g in itiative after 5 . . . P - Q 4 ; 6 P x P e .p .

I t w a s e x actly this, in fa c t, th at B la c k w a n te d to

a v o id w ith his second m ove. 5

K tx K t

PxK t

6

P-Q.4

P-Q.3

7

B -K t5 !

T h is position w a s at th a t tim e w ell-k n o w n th e o retically. W h ite u s u a lly continued w ith 7 B - K t j c h , o r also 7 K P x P , B x P ; 8 P x P , w ith p la y again st th e isolated Q u e e n ’s p a w n . T h e in terestin g id e a bound u p w ith the text-m o ve c a m e in to m y m in d d u rin g th e gam e a n d I d e cid e d to tr y it o ut. B la c k is n o w posed w ith some m ost d isagreeab le p ro blem s, so m u c h so th a t the w h o le variatio n h a s lost its p o p u la rity in m o d e m to u rn a m en t p raxis. 7

. . .

Q -IL p h

T h e m a in id e a o f the sortie 7 B - K t 5 lies in th at B la c k c a n n o t w ell r e p ly 7 . . . B - K a o n a c c o u n t o f 8 B x B , Q x B ; 9 P x P , w h e n W h ite w in s a p a w n . T h e te x t-m o ve is B la c k ’s lo g ic a l r e p ly

46

GRANDM ASTER

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CHESS

since the p a w n sacrifice 7 . . . Q - K t 3 ; 8 P x B P , P x B P ; 9 Q_xP sca rce ly affords h im sufficient com pensation. F o r exam p le after

0 0 0

9 . . . P - K R 3 ; 10 - ! W h ite obtain s a v e r y strong attack a n d also the co n tin u atio n 9 . . . B - K 3 ; 10 B - K t 5 c h , K t - B 3 ; 1 1 Q t Q .3 , F - K .R - 3 ; 1 2 B - Q 2 leaves W h ite the better g am e. W 'ith the text-m o ve B la c k wants to force 8 B -Q _2, an d then p la y 8 . . . Q .- K t 3 . 8

P -B 3

9

B -Q 3I

BPxP

A n o rigin al id ea th a t converts this S icilia n to a kind o f D a n ish G a m b it. A lth o u g h W hite cou ld also p la y here v e r y w ell 9 Q x P , K t - B 3 ; 10 Q .-K 3 , the g am e con tin uation m ust b e deem ed m ore en ergetic and it poses B la c k some difficult defensive p roblem s. 9

. . .

PxBP

A fte r the g a m e there w a s considerable discussion in chess literatu re as to w h e th er B la c k should a ccep t the p a w n sacrifice o r not. I t seems to m e th a t acceptance o f the p aw n sacrifice constitutes B la c k ’s o n ly lo gical con tin u ation here, i f he w an ts to h ave a n y com p en satio n for his o p p o n en t’s better d evelo p ­ m ent. T h u s , fo r exa m p le, W h ite could sim p ly p la y after 9 . . .

0 0

K t - B 3 ; 10 !, an d i f then 1 0 . . . P x K P ; 1 1 K t x K P , K t x K t ; 1 2 R - K i , w h en W h ite obtains a d an gero u s attack. In the g a m e E lisk a se s-F ry d m a n , L o d z, 1 9 3 8 , B la c k tried 9 . . . P x K P ; 1 0 K t x K P , Q _-B2, b u t here also W h ite h a d the better position afte r 1 1

0- 0,

B -Q _ 3; 12 PxP . 10

B u t the v a lid ity

0-0

P x K tP

o f this capture is v e r y d eb atab le, since n o w

W ’hite obtains fine a tta ck in g chances w h ich certain ly ou tw eigh the sacrificed m a te rial. M o r e prudent in a n y case w as 10 . . . K t - B 3 ; 1 1 R - K 1 , B - K 3 ; although also after this W h ite ca n w in b a ck one o f the p a w n s b y 1 2 P x B P and retain a lasting in itiative. A possible va ria tio n th ereafter, 12 . . . P x P ; 1 3 K t x P , K t x K t ; 1 4 R x K t , B -Q _ 3 ; 1 5 R x B c h , P x R ; 16 Q - R j c h gives W h ite excellen t atta ck in g ch a n ces in return fo r the exch an ge sacrifice. 11

R -K ti

PxP?

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47

I f the v a lid ity o f the p revio u s p a w n c a p tu re is u n c le a r, then this c a p tu re is certainly in co rre ct. B la c k n o w rem ain s so f a r beh in d in developm ent th at h e c an no lo n ger p a r r y the en su in g atta ck . H e re the continuation u . . . K t - B 3 ; 1 2 R - K i , B - K 3 w a s a lre a d y obligatory. A t the tim e I conducted a discussion w ith a G e r m a n co rres­ p o n d en ce chess friend ab o u t this position. H e th o u g h t th e position w a s better for B la c k an d ch allen ged m e to co n tin u e the g a m e fro m this point b y correspon d en ce. T h e g a m e took the fo llo w in g course: 1 3 R x P , Q - B 2 ; 1 4 Q - R 4 , P x P ; 1 5 K t x P , B - Q .3 ; 1 6 R ( K t 2 ) - K 2 , B x K t ; 1 7 R x B , Q - Q 2 ; 1 8 R ( K . 5 ) - K 3 , O - O ; 1 9 B x P c h !, K x B ; 2 0 Q - R 4 c h , K - K t i ; 2 1 B - B 6 , B - B 4 ; 2 2 P - K t 4 , a n d B lack resigned. O b v io u sly this gam e c a n n o t be a d d u c e d as p r o o f th a t W h ite has a n o verw helm in gly w o n g a m e after n . . . K t - B 3 . I t show s, h o w eve r, most c le a rly w ith w h a t difficulties B la c k has to stru ggle in the defence, e sp ecially w h e n on e con sid ers the lim ited tim e lim it in an o v e r-th e -b o a rd g a m e . 12

K tx P

B -Q .3

B la c k no lo n ger has a satisfacto ry defence. A f t e r 1 2 . . . B - K 3 W h ite c a n again p la y sim p ly 1 3 R x P , o r else co n tin u e w ith a decisive attack b y 1 3 R - K i , B - Q K t 5 ; 1 4 K t x P ! , B x R ; 15 K tx R . lapses.

A fte r the text-m o ve B la c k ’s position sp e e d ily co l­ B la c k (W in ter)

W h ite (K ere s) to p la y 13 T h is

K n ig h t

K tx P ! sacrifice is im m e d ia te ly

d ecisive sin ce

th e

48

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

deserted K in g c a n n o t resist the co n cen trated attack o f all the W h ite pieces.

A c c e p ta n c e o f the sacrifice is n atu rally fo rced . 13

. . .

K xK t

14

Q-R5CI1

P-Kt3

A fte r 1 4 . . . K - K 3 ; 1 5 B -B 5 c h w in s at once an d also the co n tin u atio n 1 4 . . . K - K t i ; 1 5 Q - K 8 c h , B - B i ;

16 B - K 7 ,

K t - Q 2 ; 1 7 B - K B 5 lead s to inevitable loss. If, h ow ever, B lack h a d p la y e d 1 4 . . . K - B i , then I h a d p re p a re d the fo llo w in g v a r ia tio n : 1 5 K R - K i , B - Q 2 ; 16 Q -B 3 C I 1 (also go o d is 1 6 R - K 3 ) , 1 6 . . . K - K t i ; 1 7 B - K 7 ! an d W h ite wins. 15 16

BxPch! Q xR

PxB B -K B 4

B la c k ’s position is hopeless.

A fte r

1 6 . . . K t -Q .2 there

c o u ld fo llo w 1 7 Q - R y c h , K - B i ; 18 B - R 6 c h , K - K i ; 19 Q x P c h , w h e n the B ishop on Q 3 w ould be lost. N o w W h ite w in s b y a m a tin g atta ck . 17 18

K R -K i R xB!

B -K 5

R e m o ve s the last defensive piece from the B lack K in g . 18 19

. . . Q -B 6 c h

PxR resigns

B la c k is soon m ated after 19 . . . K - K t i ; 20 Q x P c h , K - B i ; 2 1 Q xB ch .

Game 6

Q U E E N ’S P A W N , K I N G ’S I N D I A N

D EFEN CE

7 th game o f the match f o r the Estonian Championship, 19 3 6 P . S c h m id t

P . K ere s

1

P -Q 4

K t-K B 3

2

K t-K B s

P -K K t3

T h is w a s the last g a m e o f the m atch . S c h m id t w a s le ad in g b y 3 § - 2 | , a n d therefore it w as im p erative fo r m e to w in the

THE

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49

g a m e in o rd e r to retain the title o f ch a m p io n o f E sto n ia. T h is explain s m y ch o ice o f opening since I p la y e d the K i n g ’s I n d ia n D efen ce o n ly v e r y occasion ally in tournam ents. 3 4

P-B4. P -K K t3

5 6

B -K t2

0-0

B -K t2

0-0 P -O 3 Q K t-Q g

W h e n this g a m e was p lay e d system s su ch as 6 . . . K t - B 3 fo llow ed b y P - Q R 3 were n o t y e t kn o w n in the ch ess-w o rld . H o w e v e r , su ch a system w o u ld h a v e been v e r y useful fo r b r in g ­ in g a b o u t the desired com plications. 7 8

K t-B 3 P xP

P -K 4

S c h m id t is, o f course, con ten t w ith a d ra w . H e therefore chooses the e xch an ge variatio n b y w h ich the tension in th e cen tre is released an d a q u iet level g a m e obtain ed . 8 9

. . . P -K R 3

PxP O -K 2

10 11

B -K 3 Q .-K t3

P -B 3 K t-K i

In the g a m e Sp ielm an n -B o go lju b o ff, B a d K issin gen , 1 9 2 8 , B la c k co n tin u ed here 11 . . . P - K R 3 an d 1 2 . . . K - R 2 ; b u t w a s soon in g re a t difficulties. T h e r e is n a tu ra lly no p o in t in B la c k ’s v o lu n ta ry weakening o f his K in g ’s position an d in stead h e m ust strive fo r cou n ter-p lay as q u ic k ly as possible b y P - K B 4 . W ith the text-m o ve Black clears the w a y fo r his K B P to a d ­ v a n c e , b u t p erh ap s 1 1 . . . K t - R 4 w ith the sam e id e a w a s m o re energetic. 12

K t-K K t5 ?

W h ite su d d en ly conceives the am bitiou s p lan o f fo rc in g B la c k ’s P - K R 3 a n d thereafter e x p lo itin g this w eakness. B u t tw o lost tem p i fo r this weakness are too h ig h a p rice a n d fro m n o w o n B la c k seizes the in itiative. M u c h better w a s th e m o v e S c h m id t su ggested after the g a m e , 1 2 P - B 5 so as to e n gin eer pressure on th e Q u een ’s w in g . B la c k can n o t then w e ll r e p ly 1 2 . . . K t x P on account o f 1 3 Q - R 3 .

5°

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

B u t B la c k also has go o d chances o f a c tiv e c o u n te r-p la y after 1 2 P - B 5 . I n the va ria tio n recom m en ded b y S c h m id t 1 2 . . . K t ~ B 2 ; 1 3 Q ^ B 4 , K t - K . 3 ; 1 4 P - Q K t 4 , B la c k c a n con tin u e vig o ro u sly w ith 1 4 . . . P - B 4 after w h ic h a co m p lica te d position o ccu rs w ith ch a n ces fo r both sides. 12 13 14

. . . K t-B 3 Q R -Q i

P -K R 3 P -K B 4 K -R 1

B etter w a s 1 4 . . . K - R 2 . W h ite in ten d ed to re p ly to this m o ve w ith 1 5 Q - B 2 , b u t then 1 5 . . . P - K 5 fo llow ed b y 1 6 . . , K t - K 4 g ives B la c k a n excellent g am e. 15

K t-K R 4

R -B 3

T o 1 5 . . . Q ,-B 3 W h ite had p re p a re d th e su rprisin g re p ly 1 6 K t - K .4 , w h ic h after 1 6 . . . P x K t ; 1 7 B x K P , w ith a n e ve n ­ tu a l P - B 4 , w o u ld h a v e yielded him r e a lly g o o d atta ck in g p ros­ pects. T h e te x t-m o ve enables B lack to p ro te ct his K K t 3 sq u a re once a g a in b y K t - B i th ereb y repellin g h is o p p o n en t’s attem p ts a t atta ck . 16 P -K t4 K t-B i! A fte r this W h it e ’s attack is at a n e n d a n d he m ust o c c u p y h im se lf w ith the defence o f his o w n K in g -sid e w h e re B la c k n o w has atta in ed a d an gero u s initiative. 17 18 19

P -K t5 PxP K t-B 3

20

K t - Q R .4

R -B 2 B -B 3 P -K K t4

B la c k ’s p a w n m ass on the K in g-sid e is n o w v e r y th reaten in g a n d W h ite m ust therefore try for som e c o u n te r-p la y o n th e o th er w in g . B la c k co u ld sim ply th w a rt this attem p t b y 2 0 . . . P - K t 3 , b u t h e deem s it harmless a n d q u ie d y continues w ith his p lan s o n the K in g ’s w ing. 20 21

. . . B -B 5

22 23

Q .-B 3 B -Q 6

R -R 2 Q -K B 2 K t-K t3

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERBS

5'

Black (K eres) to p la y

W h ite (Schm id t)

T h e one point in the B lack cam p again st w h ic h W h it e c an d ire ct an atta ck is the p aw n on K 4 . W ith the te x t-m o v e W h ite attack s it once a g a in and hopes after the e x ch a n g e o n Q 6 to utilise his active R o o k for further threats. N evertheless, W h ite seems to h ave here a b e tte r c h a n c e o f stu bb orn defence, to w it, the ad van ce 2 3 P - K 4 ! A f te r 2 3 . . . P x P W h ite p lays 2 4 K t - R 2 , protecting h im self a g a in st a n atta ck on his K R p a w n b y K t - K t 4 an d fin ally w in n in g the sq u are K 4 for his pieces. Sh ou ld , h ow ever, B lack p ro ceed 2 3 . . .. P - B 5 then he deprives his K n ig h t o f a good sq u are o n K B 5 a n d W h ite c a n after 2 4 K t - R 2 , fo rm once a g a in a stro n g d efen sive position w ith K t - K t 4 .

It seems to m e th at i f W h it e w a s still

in possession o f adequate defensive ch an ces a t a ll th en these la y in the a d v a n c e 2 3 P - K 4 ! 23 24

. . . R xK t

K tx B P -K t5

B la c k is o ver-precipitate w ith this a d v an ce , w h ic h afte r the ensuing exch a n g e allows the o pposin g pieces to o c c u p y the g o o d post on K 4 . B lack should q u ie d y con tin u e here 2 4 . . . R x P , since he m ust in an y case m ake this m o ve so o n er o r la te r, an d thereafter h e c a n adjust his p lan o f c a m p a ig n in a c c o r d a n c e w ith w h atso ever W h ite p lays.

52

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

25

PxP

PxP

26 27

K t~ Q a R -K i

K t-B 5 R xP

D esp ite the in a c c u ra c y on his 2 4 th m ove B la c k has still a v e r y stro n g atta ck in g position an d W h ite is h a rd p u t to it to fin d a go o d defence. H o w e v er, in the ensuing phase o f the g a m e h e does find a go o d id ea for c o u n te r-p lay in the shape o f pressure again st the K 5 square. 28 29

K t-K q . K tx B

R -K 3

W h ite has no tim e to p la y here 2 9 K t ( R 4 ) - B 5 , o n acco u n t o f 2 9 . . . Q .- R 4 ; 30 Q _ -K K t3 , B - R 5 w ith a w in n in g atta ck for B la c k . B y th e exch an ge on K B 6 W h ite rem oves a strong a tta c k in g piece o f his oppon en t’s, deprives B la c k ’s K 4 o f a re lia b le defence an d a t the sam e tim e sim plifies the position, th e re b y im p ro vin g his chances o f a successful defence. 29 30

. . . K t-B 5

Q xK t R -K B i

T h r e a te n in g 3 1 . . . K t - R 6 c h a n d so fo rcin g his opponent to p ro te ct his K B 2 . A n im m ediate 3 0 . . . Q r ® - 5 n a tu ra lly fa ils here because o f 3 1 Q x P ch . 31

K t - K .4

W h ite q u ite unnecessarily rem oves his K n ig h t from -its strong p o st w h ere it w as attack in g the B la c k Bishop a n d m ark ed ly h in d e rin g the enem y attack. T r u e , 3 1 Q - K 3 w o u ld n ot do b e cau se o f 3 1 . . . K t x B ; 3 2 K x K t , P - K t 6 ! (this is e ven stronger th a n 3 2 . . . B - Q q c h ) , b u t m uch better w a s 3 1 Q - K K t 3 . A fte r this 3 1 . . . K t - R 6 c h ; 3 2 B x K t , R x B ; 3 3 Q r K t 2 , P - K t 6 leads to n o th in g because o f 3 4 Q x R c h ! a n d B la c k m u st therefore p la y 3 1 . . . Q - B 4 . I n th at event, h o w eve r, the fu rth e r e xch an ge 3 2 K t x B , K t x K t w o u ld som ew hat relieve W h ite ’s troubles. 31 32

. . . Q ,- K 3

0 ,- 6 4

A f t e r 3 2 Q r K K t 3 , B lack should n ot p la y 3 2 . . . R - R 6 ; 3 3 B x R , K t x B c h ; 3 4 K - R 2 , Q x K t because o f 3 5 P - B 3 , b y w h ic h W h ite w o u ld ensure at least a d ra w . B u t 3 2 ___R - K K t i ! w o u ld y ield h im a decisive attack. T h e n 3 3 P - K 3 fails again st

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53

3 3 . . . K t - R 6 c h ; and after 3 3 K - B i the fo llo w in g p retty v a ria tio n co u ld o cc u r: 3 3 . . . K t x B ; 3 4 Q x K t , P - K t 6 ! ; 3 5 K t x P , R x K t ! ; 3 6 Q x R , Q _ -R 6 ch ; 3 7 Q - K t 2 , R - K t 3 ! a n d B la c k w in s. O th e rw ise, how ever, B la c k w a s th reaten in g 3 3 . . . R - R 6 . 32 33

. . . Q -K K t3

Q -R 4 BxP

T h is m o ve w in s m aterial, since n o w W h ite c a n n o lo n ger p ro te ct his K.2 square. But W h ite still m a n ag es to fin d co u n ter­ ch a n ces. 34

R xR ch

35

P -K 3

Q xR

I n p ra ctice, the best ch a n ce , since, fo r e x am p le, after 3 5 Q - K 3 , B - Q 4 , W hite w o u ld be con d em n ed to passive p la y a n d sp eed y loss o f m aterial w o u ld be in evitab le. 35

. . .

K tx B ?

B o th p layers h ave alread y g o t into tim e trouble a n d co m m it som e in a ccu ra cie s in the final stages. B la c k hop es to explo it the p in o f the K n ig h t on K 4 , b u t this h op e p ro ves illu so ry. C o r r e c t here w a s 3 5 . . . K t - K y c h ; 3 6 R x K t , B x R ; 3 7 Q x P c h , K - K t i ; after w h ich the realisation o f the a d v a n ta g e o f the e x ch a n g e w o u ld o n ly d em an d carefu l te ch n ical h an d lin g . 36

K x K t!

A fte r 3 6 Q x K t , R - Q 4 ; W h ite w o u ld re a lly be lost o n acco u n t o f th e pin . 36

. . .

B -Q _4

37 P-B3 ? W ith this m istake W h ite m akes go od his o p p o n e n t’s erro r on the 3 5 t h m o v e an d now soon has a lost g a m e . S c h m id t w a s a p p a r e n d y o f the opinion th at here 3 7 Q x P c h , K - K t i ; 3 8 R - K R i w a s n ot p layable on acco u n t o f 3 8 . . . Q r K t 2 ( if 3 8 . . . Q r ® 3 > 3 9 Q x B c h !) ; but in his tim e trouble he o verloo k ed the p o ssib ility o f 3 9 R - R 5 ! B la c k co u ld then still tr y to explo it the p in o n the K n ig h t b u t should n ot be successful again st c o rrect c o u n te r-p la y . F o r e x a m p le : 3 9 . . . Q x Q ; 4 0 R x Q , R - B 4 ; 4 1 R - K 8 c h , K - B 2 ; 4 2 K - K 1 . 3 ! w h e n , w ith 42 . . . K x R ; 4 3 K t - Q 6 c h , K - Q 2 ; 4 4 K t x R , B x P , B la c k can o n ly o b tain rath e r the b etter e n d in g.

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T h ere fo re B la c k does better to p la y a t once 4 1 . . . K - K t 2 ! ; 4 2 K - K t 3 , B x P ; after w hich he w o u ld still retain concrete w in n in g chan ces. 37 38 39

. . . K -B 2 Q xP ch

P xP ch BxK t Q -K ta !

resigns A fte r 4 0 Q x B there com es, o f cou rse, 40 . . . Q - K t 7 m ate, a n d 4 0 R - R i c h , B - R 2 ; 4 1 R x B c h , K x R o b v io u sly is insufficient fo r p erp e tu a l check. Game 7

Q U E E N ’S P A W N , N I M Z O W I T S C H

D EFEN CE

International Tournament at B a d N auheim , 1 9 3 6

G . S ta h lb e rg

P . K ere s

1 2

P -K 3 B -K t5ch

P -Q 4 P -Q B 4

T h is p a rtic u la r sequence o f m oves w a s often e m p lo yed b y m e a t the tim e, even again st some o f the w o r ld ’s best p layers, a n d w ith q u ite go od results. T h e id e a o f the o rd e r o f m oves chosen consists in this, th at after 3 K t - B 3 , B la c k , in addition to the N im zo w itsch D efen ce 3 . . . K t - K B 3 , c a n also choose to transpose into the D u tc h Defence b y m ean s o f 3 . . . P - K B 4 , a d efen ce in w h ich the e a rly developm ent o f W h it e ’s Q K n ig h t is n ot h eld to be the best. B u t the c h ie f reason fo r m y cho ice o f m o ves lies in the fa ct th at quite often positions th at h a d been b u t little in vestigated b y theory tended to o c c u r a n d in con ­ seq u ence fro m the v e r y first moves p laye rs w o u ld be forced to th in k fo r them selves. 3

K t-B 3

I n m a n y g a m es m y opponents w o u ld p la y h ere 3 B - Q 2 , to w h ic h I u su a lly replied 3 . . . Q - K 2 , transposing in to positions sim ila r to the Q u e e n ’s In d ia n D efence. T h e te x t-m o ve is m ore en ergetic a n d lead s to m ore interesting positions. 3

4

. . .

P -Q B 4

P -K 3 I n the sam e to u rn a m en t Alekhine p la y e d ag a in st m e 4 P x P ,

THE

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55

g r e a t com p licatio n s resulting from 4 . , . B x K t c h ; 5 P x B , Q - R 4 ; 6 K t-B 3-

B la c k -could v e ry w ell an sw er the te x t-m o ve w ith

4 . . . P - B 4 b u t instead decides to transpose in to the N im z o w itsch D efen ce. 4

. . .

5

P -Q R 3

K t-K B s

T h e o r y recom m ends here 5 K t - K .2 . poses in to a Sa m isch system.

T h e te x t-m o ve trans­

5 6

. . . PxB

B x K tc h

7

b -Q.3

P-Q.4

0-0

N o w a d a y s this advance is seldom p la y e d , since n o w W h ite c a n select a system o f developm ent again st w h ich B la c k e x p e ri­ ences g re a t d ifficu lty in gain in g a n y activ e c o u n te r-p la y . M o re u su al are 7 . . . K t - B 3 or 7 . . . P -Q .3 aim in g at P - K 4 for B lack . 8

BPxP

9

K t-K 2

K PxP

T h is m eth o d o f developing the K n ig h t w h ic h in au g u rates a system evo lve d b y Botvinnik is held to be best for W h ite . W h it e ’s fu rth e r strategic p lan is as fo llo w s: first to com plete

0-0

his d evelo p m en t b y an d K t - K t 3 , an d then to p la y P - B 3 a n d c a r r y o u t the advance P - K 4 after due p rep aratio n . P r a c ­ tic a l experien ce shows that it is v e r y difficult fo r B la c k to o btain a c tiv e c o u n te r-p la y against this p lan , a n d therefore this v a r ia ­ tion is m et w ith bu t seldom in m o d ern to u rn am en t p raxis. A t the tim e th at this gam e w as p lay e d the B o tvin n ik system h a d not y e t been worked out an d so bo th p layers w e re faced b y n e w p roblem s over the b o ard . I t is not therefore to be w o n d e re d a t th at the p la y th at ensues is not carrie d o u t in a c c o rd a n c e w ith the last w o rd o f m odern theory. 9

. . .

P -Q K t3

T h e id ea th at begins w ith the text-m o ve, to exch an g e o ff W h it e ’s K Bishop, is one o f the best existin g in this position. 10

0-0

11

B -B 2 ?

B -R 3

T o d a y this m ove can be given a question m a rk since it is co m m o n know ledge that W h ite c a n here assure h im self a

56

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p ro m isin g position w ith the better ch an ces b y n P - B 3 , B x B ; 1 2 Q x B , R - K i ; 1 3 K t - K t 3 , K t - B 3 ; 1 4 B ~ K t 2 , fo llo w e d b y Q _ R ~ K i. W it h the text-m ove S ta h lb e rg w an ts to keep his B ish o p to stren gthen the square K 4 , b u t the B la c k B ish o p on R 3 is too w e ll p la ce d a n d n oticeably im p ed es W h ite in c a r r y in g o u t his p lan s. In addition W h ite loses a n im p o rta n t tem po so th a t B la ck obtain s an ad van tage in d evelo p m en t. 1111 12

. . . R -K i

K t-B 3

T h is m o ve, also, should be criticised since in the ensuing phase o f p la y the R o o k is b a d ly p lace d o n K i . B e tter, as re co m m en d ed b y S ta h lb e rg , w as 1 2 P - B 3 fo llo w ed b y R - B 2 .

TO

R -K i R -Q B i

B u t this an tip o sitio n al exchange results in a sp eed y d isa d v a n ­ ta ge for W h ite . I f the variation 1 4 K t - K t 3 , P x P ; 1 5 B P x P , K t x P ; 1 6 B x P c h , follow ed b y 1 7 Q x K t , does n o t a p p e a l to W h ite h ere then he should be content w ith the loss o f a co u p le o f tem pi a n d p la y b a ck w ith his Bishop, 1 4 B -Q _3, so as to c a r r y o u t the a d v a n c e P - K 4 i f possible. Perhaps S ta h lb e rg h a d n o t ta k e n in to con sid eratio n the possibility o f 1 6 B x P c h , an d therefore d eem ed a n exch a n g e o n B 5 as an indispensable p rep aratio n for K t - K t 3 . 14

. . .

PxP

15

K t - K , P - K t 3 ; 3 2 Q x R , Q .-Q .5; 3 3 K t - K t 3 o n ly results in an ap p ro xim ately eq u a l en d in g. B u t also in this lin e w ith the simple protection 2 6 . . . Q _ -K 6 ! B la c k ensures fo r h im self a decisive attack , since after 2 7 K t - B i , o r 2 7 K t - B 5 , B la c k ’s 2 7 . . . Q - K 7 has threats on K B 6 an d the b a ck ra n k th at cannot be p arried . A lso the attem pt 26 B - R 3 w o u ld h a v e afford ed W h ite n o salvatio n since after 26 . . . P - R 5 ; 2 7 K t - B i (or 2 7 K t - K .4 , B x K t ; 2 8 P x B , R x B ! , etc.) 2 7 . . . Q 7 -K 7 there com es a decisive sacrifice o n K B 6 . 26

. . .

BxK t

27

P xB resigns.

K t-B 6 !

A fte r 2 8 P x K t , R - Q j m ate on W h it e ’s R 2 is not to be p reven ted .

Gam - 8

Q..P. DUTCH DEFENCE Chess O lym piad at M unich, 1 9 3 6

P. K eres

K . R ic h te r

1

P -K B 4

K t-K B 3

M a s te r R ic h te r is w ell-k n ow n to us all as a vigorou s p la y e r w ith a w e a lth o f com binations, a p la y e r w h o does not hesitate to sacrifice p a w n s in the open in g, in the hope o f c o m p lica tin g the position an d rendering it u n p red ictab le.

S o the choice o f

o p en in g in this gam e bears witness to R ic h te r ’s aggressive in ­ tentions. T a k in g these circu m stan ces into con sid eration , I refrain ed here from p lay in g the interesting g a m b it v a ria tio n 2 P - K 4 , P x P ; 3 K t - K t 5 , an d chose a quiet, positional m eth o d o f p la y in the hope that this w o u ld not suit m y opponent. 2 3

P -Q .4 P -K K t3

K t-K B 3 P -Q K t3

6o

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T h e d evelo p m en t o f the Q B on K t a does n ot fit in w e ll w ith the D u tc h D efen ce, the reason b e in g th at th ereafter W h ite often has the o p p o rtu n ity o f obtain in g a p o sitio n al a d v a n ta g e b y the a d v a n c e P - Q 5 . B u t R ich te r in ten tio n ally em barks on this line in the hope o f rem ed yin g the position al in ad eq u acies o f the va ria tio n b y his ta ctica l skill. 4

B -K t2

B -K t2

5 0 -0

P-K.3

6

P -Q .4

P -B 4

B la ck certa in ly d id not m ake this m o ve w illin g ly , since in the first p lace it blocks up the fine d iag o n al fo r the B ish o p an d in the second it w eakens the B lack cen tral sq u ares. O n the oth er h a n d , B la c k no lo n ger has to reckon w ith W h ite ’s P - Q j j w h ich , for exa m p le, w o u ld h ave set him som e d ifficu lt pro blem s after 6 . . . B - K 2 ; 7 P - Q .5 , P x P ; 8 K t - Q j . 7 8

K t -K .5 B -B 4

B -Q 3

A n id ea w o rth considering here also w a s 8 B - K t 5 , b y w h ich pressure o n the cen tral Q 5 square is accen tu ated a n d the possible sortie K t - K . 5 is prevented. B u t in a n y case W h ite obtain s the better position in the ensuing phase o f the g a m e a lw a y s p ro vid in g he p a y s sufficient attention to the possibility o f B la c k p la y in g P - Q B 4 . 8

. . .

9

K t-B 3

0 -0 K t-K 5

I t is true th at w ith this sortie B lack relieves his situation in the cen tre b u t h e w ill n o w have difficulties in d e ve lo p in g his Q u een-sid e pieces. 9 . . . Q K t - Q 2 a t once w ill n o t d o b ecau se o f 10 P x P , P x P ; 1 1 Q - K t 3 , b u t 9 . . . P - B 3 , so as to d e ve lo p the Q K t b y Q - K 2 a n d Q K t - Q 2 , offered B la c k b etter ch a n ce s o f v a lid co u n te r-p la y . 10

PxP

PxP

11

Q -K t3

K -R i

I n ad d itio n to 1 2 K t x P , W h ite w a s also th reaten in g to w in a p a w n o n K 4 . W ith the text-m ove B lack w a rd s o f f bo th th reats (12 K tx P ? , K B x K t!). the th reat on Q 5 .

W h ite ’s next m o ve o n ce a g a in ren ew s

THE

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12

K R -Q i

13

K tx K t

OF

PAUL

KERBS

6

P -B 3

B y q u iet a n d m ethodical p la y W h ite has o b tain ed a cle ar o p e n in g a d v a n ta g e in that he possesses, togeth er w ith the better d evelo p m en t, objects o f attack in the cen tre an d on the Q u e e n ’s w in g . W ith the text-m ove he begins a m an o eu vre to o pen u p th e cen tre an d so give his tw o Bishops full scope, b u t does n ot in the en d o btain the desired result. A n d this is precisely becau se B la c k c a n utilise the tim e lost in the en em y cen tral operation to com p lete his d evelo p m en t. I n co n sequ en ce W h ite retains o n ly a m in im al a d v a n ta g e . T a k in g this into consideration a d ifferen t p la n o f p la y m ust be reco m m en d ed for W h ite consisting in the stren gthen in g o f the positional pressure b y 1 3 Q R - B i ! In th at case B la c k w o u ld still exp erien ce great d ifficu lty in d evelo p in g his Q u een-sid e pieces, a n d W h ite could also c a r r y o u t the m an o eu vre u n d er­ taken in the gam e— K t x K t fo llow ed b y P - B 3 — la te r on. BPxK t PxP T h is m eth o d o f capture also does not stan d the test o f criticism , since W h ite does not a rriv e at the in ten d ed P - K 4 in the en su in g phase o f the g a m e . S tro n g e r seems 1 5 P x P , w h ic h w o u ld open up the im p o rta n t K file for the R o o k . T h e B ish o p co u ld then be b ro u g h t in to p la y alo n g the d iag o n al K R 3 -Q B 8 .

B lack too w o u ld still h av e difficulties w ith his

Q u een -sid e a n d would n ot find it e asy to o b tain active co u n terp la y . Q -K 2 15 . . . 16

Q R -B i

P u rsu in g the struggle o ver the u n d evelo p ed Q K t . B ecau se o f the a tta ck on his Q B 3 B la c k c a n n o t n o w p la y 1 6 . . . K t - Q 2 a n d therefore the ensuing e x ch a n g e is p ra c tic a lly fo rced. A lth o u g h W h ite now obtain s th e a d v a n ta g e o f tw o Bishops a n d in ad d itio n exercises u n com fo rtab le pressure o n the Q u e e n side, B la c k does succeed in e ve n tu a lly d evelo p in g the pieces o n this w in g an d gains con tro l o f the im p o rta n t centre sq u are K 5 . T h e g a m e now enters a n e w p hase.

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U n fa v o u ra b le for W h ite , m oreover, is the “ lo g ic a l” con tin u ­ ation 1 6 P - K 4 , since after 1 6 . . . B x K t ; 1 7 P x B (or 1 7 B x B , P x P ; 1 8 B x P , K t - Q a ; e tc .), 17 . . . P - K K t 4 .! ; 1 8 B - Q 2 , P - Q 5 B la c k w o u ld g et a go o d gam e. 16 17

. . . BxB

BxK t K t-Q 2

18

B -B 4

K t-B 3

A fte r the g a m e R ic h te r thought this m o ve in e x a ct an d p ro ­ posed 1 8 . . . Q R - K i , so that the K n ig h t o n Q 2 can p rotect the Q u een -sid e. O n e can n o t, h ow ever, see w h a t ad v a n ta g e in contrast to the g a m e continuation B lack co u ld h a v e then ach ieved i f W h ite h a d , for instance, replied 1 9 P - Q R 4 o r 19 R - B 3 ; besides w h ich , the K n ig h t is needed on B 3 so as to con trol the K 5 sq u are. N o w , once the situation in the centre has becom e clarified , W h ite utilises his a d v a n ta g e in space to obtain a dan gerou s in itiative on the Q u e e n ’s w in g . 19

P -Q R 4 !

K t-K 5

20

P - R .5

Px P

P ra ctica lly fo rced , since after 20 . . . P - Q K t 4 ; 2 1 P - R 6 ! is decisive. 2 1 B x K t! A t first g la n ce this exch an ge seems so m ew h at surprising, since n o w w e g et th e notorious Bishops o f opposite colo u r w h ic h u su ally g iv e a m arked increase to the d efen d er’s chances o f a d ra w . O n the o th er h an d , it is also kn o w n th at Bishops o f opposite colo u r often afford excellent attack in g ch an ces since the one Bishop is u n a b le to protect points attack ed b y the other. T h is is, in fact, w h a t occu rs in the gam e. I n spite o f the follow in g Q u e e n exch a n g e B la c k even tu ally gets in to un su rm o u n table difficulties since h e is u n ab le to protect ad e q u a te ly the B lack sq uares in his position, ab o v e all the points Q B 2 an d K K t 2 . I t m ig h t a p p e a r th at W h ite could n o w g a in the u p p e r h an d im m ed iately, since after 2 1 . . . P x B ; 2 2 P - Q 5 B la c k can n o t cap tu re on Q 4 because o f 2 3 R - B 7 . B u t m atters are not all th at sim ple. B la ck has the resource o f a cu n n in g in te rm e d iary m o ve th at renders the developm ent initiated b y the text-m o ve m u c h m ore co m p lica te d .

THE

EARLY

21

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P -R 5 !

B la c k places all his hopes o n this in terven in g m o ve. A p p a r ­ e n tly a ll is w e ll n o w as 2 2 Q x R P can be m et b y 2 2 . . . Q x B , a n d the d iversio n a ry attem pt 2 2 B - Q 6 leads after 2 2 . . . Q x B ( K 5 ) ; 2 3 Q x B , Q - K 6 c h o n ly to p erp etu al ch eck . B u t n o w there com es a n asty surprise. 22

Q -K 3!

Q xB

A fte r lo n g thought B lack d ecid ed to ex ch an g e Q u e e n s a n d com e d o w n to an endgam e w ith Bishops o f opp osite c o lo u r. A s a m a tter o f fa ct it is difficu lt to suggest a n y th in g b e tte r fo r h im .

A fte r 2 2 . . . P x B ; 2 3 P - Q 5 he m ust not p la y 2 3 . . . P x P

b ecau se o f 2 4 R - B 7 , Q - K t 5 ; 2 5 B - K 5 , R - K K t i ; 2 6 Q - R 6 ! w h e n W h ite w ins. If, h o w ev e r, B lack tries 2 2 . . . Q R - K i , then, in ad d itio n to 2 3 B - K 5 , P x B ; 2 4 R - B 5 , W h ite c a n a tta in a v e r y fa v o u ra b le ending b y 2 3 B - Q 3 !, Q x Q c h ; 2 4 B x Q , R x B ; 25 R -R i. 23 24

QxQ .

PxQ

P -Q 5!

I n this a d v a n c e , w h ich also ap p ears in m a n y o f th e v a r ia ­ tions g iv e n ab o ve , lies the id e a o f the co m b in atio n b e g u n b y W h ite o n his 2 1 s t m ove. B la c k m ust not n o w re p ly 2 4 . . . P x P since then the planned atta ck b y Bishops o f opposite c o lo u r com es in to fu ll operation : 2 5 R - B 7 , B - R 3 ; 2 6 B - K 5 , R - K K t i ; 2 7 R x Q P , etc. an d B lack ’s position co m p letely collapses. T h e en su in g an sw e r is therefore p ra c tic a lly forced , b u t as a resu lt W h ite o b tain s a very stro n g passed p a w n in the cen tre w h ic h yield s h im excellent w in n in g chances. 24 25

. . . P -Q 6

Q R -Q i R -B 4

26

R -B 4

P -B 4

B la c k c a n n o t undertake a n y activ ity , since, fo r e x a m p le , 2 6 . . . P - K t 4 ; 2 7 B -K .3 , R - Q 4 w o u ld le ad to a r a p id loss after 2 8 R x R , P x R ; 2 9 R - B 7 . W ith the te x t-m o ve h e does a t least a v e rt d irect m aterial loss. 27

R xR P

P -Q R 3

28

R -R 5

P -K t3

D ire c te d again st the th re at o f 2 9 P ~ Q K t 4 , w h ic h w o u ld h a v e

64

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g iv e n W h ite tw o u n ited passed p aw n s. 2 8 . . . B - B i w o u ld h a v e been no better. W h ite could then re p ly 2 9 B - K 3 , a n d n o w 2 9 . . . P - B 5 fails aga in st 3 0 B - K t 6 , R x R ; 3 1 B x R ( Q 8 ) ! B la c k ’s p la y after the Q u een exch an g e c a n h a rd ly be criti­ cised. H e has m a d e the n orm al defensive m oves a n d o b tain ed the m a x im u m am o u n t o f activity fo r his pieces.

I f all this,

h o w e v e r, is insufficient to save the g a m e , then this o n ly show s a ll the m o re c le a rly the strength o f W h it e ’s a tta ck w h ich , des­ p ite the Q u een e x ch a n g e and the Bishops o f opposite colo u r, continues w ith un dim in ish ed force. B la c k (R ich ter)

.'ll H Si M

H A S S S Hi iM B m

ra ra

M

MkM

m : 11 r a

B B »ra

■ HUH m ■ ■ & 8H I& H i

W h ite (K eres) to p la y 29

P -Q K t4 !

T h is thrust is certa in ly one o f the greatest surprises B la c k experiences in the g a m e . W h ite n o w w in s p ra c tic a lly b y force a p iece for tw o p aw n s b y a v e r y p retty, i f far fro m c o m p lica te d , c o m b in atio n . B u t the en d in g that ensues still d em an d s e x a c t ca lc u la tio n before W h ite c a n evaluate his sm all m a te ria l a d ­ v a n ta g e . 29

. . .

PxP

T h is , an d the ensuing moves, are w ell-n ig h forced. 30

R xR

PxR

31 32

P -Q 7 R -Q B i!

B -B 3

T h e id e a o f W h ite ’s com bin atio n !

S in ce 3 2

. . . B -K t2

w o u ld lose a t once on a c c o u n t o f 3 3 R - B 7 , B la c k m ust c a p tu re

THE

on Q 2 file.

EARLY

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65

after w h ich there com es a decisive p in o n th e Q 32

. . .

BxP

33

R-Qi

P -K t6

T h e r e is n o longer a n y defence ag a in st the th reats o f 3 4 B - K t 5 , o r 3 4 B - B 7 . H o w e v e r , th o u gh W h ite n o w w in s the B ishop the B la c k passed p a w n s o n the Q u een -sid e a d v a n c e rig h t d o w n the files in the m ean tim e an d still m a k e W h it e ’s task re a lly difficult. 34 35

B -B 7 R xB

R -Q B i K -K ti

T h e last a n d m ost im p o rta n t p oin t o f W h ite ’s c o m b in a tio n consists o f the fact that 3 5 . . . P - K t 7 w o u ld fail h ere a g a in st 3 6 B -K 5C I1. B la ck .

B u t now this a d v a n c e even threatens to w in for 36

B -K 5

R -B 4

B la c k tries a t least to g et his R o o k beh in d the Q K t p a w n . T h e w in w o u ld be still sim pler after other m oves, e .g . 3 6 . . . R - B 7 ; 3 7 R - K t 7 , R x P ; 3 8 R x K t P , etc. o r 3 6 . . . P - Q R 4 ; 3 7 R -K t7 c h , K - B i ; 38 R - R 7 , R - B 7 ; 39 R x Q R P , P - K t 7 ; 40 B x P , R x B ; 4 1 R x P c h , K - K t 2 ; 4 2 K - B 2 , a n d w in s, since the K P w ill also fall. 37

R -K t7 c h !

P ro b a b ly go o d enough fo r a w in here w a s also 3 7 B - Q 4 , R - K t 4 ; 3 8 B - K t 2 , th ough th ereafter B lack w o u ld still h a v e som e troublesom e co u n te r-p lay. W ith the te x t-m o ve W h ite forces the exch a n g e o f R o o k s a n d reaches an e n d in g in w h ic h he has a B ish o p for two p aw n s. T h is still requires q u ite e x a c t c a lcu la tio n b u t it is com p letely w o n for W h ite a n d the seq u en ce o f m oves is p ractically fo rced. 37

. . .

K -B i

N a tu r a lly n ot 3 7 . . . K - R i ; 3 8 B - B 6 ! an d W h ite w in s. 38 39

B -Q 6 c h B xR

*

K xR K -B 2

T h e sam e them e reoccurs a second tim e; a g a in B la c k m ust n ot p la y 3 9 . . . P - K t 7 , because o f 40 B -Q u c h .

GRANDMASTER

66

40

B -R 3

OF

CHESS

K -K 3

I n this position the g a m e was ad jo u rn ed an d W h ite n o w h ad the o p p o rtu n ity o f checkin g his in ten d ed w in n in g id e a b y hom e an alysis. E v e r y th in g h o w ever w as in perfect order. 41

K -B 2

K -Q 4

42

K -K 3

K -B 5

43

K -Q 2

H e re 4 3 P - K t 4 l , P x P ; 4 4 K x P , also w o u ld h a v e w o n as 4 4 . . . K - B 6 ; 4 5 K - B 4 lead s into the actu a l g am e. 43

. . .

P -K 6 c h

T h e best cou n te r-ch a n ce . I n re p ly to o th er m oves W h ite w o u ld p la y 4 4 P - K 3 , d rive b ack the B lack K in g a n d then w in w ith o u t a n y d ifficu lty. 44

K xP

C le a r ly 4 4 K - B i , K - B 6 ; 4 5 B - K t 2 c h , w o u ld also w in b u t the text-m o ve is the m ost forcing an d allo w s the o p p o n en t n o possible loophole o f escap e. O n e should a lw a y s choose su ch variatio n s, in p a r tic u la r w hen one c a n , as in this case, ch eck th em e x a c tly in h om e analysis.

44

. . .

K-B6

45

K -B 4

P -Q R

4

I t is o f no im p o rta n ce w hether B la c k ad v an ce s a t o n ce w ith the Q R P o r w h e th er h e inserts the m oves 4 5 . . . P - K t 7 ; 4 6 B x P c h , K x B w h e n 4 7 P - K t 4 l transposes b a ck in to the g a m e . A n attem p t to p ursue the Bishop p erp e tu a lly w o u ld also be fru itless; e .g ., 4 5 . . . K - B 7 ; 4 6 P - K t 4 l , P x P ; 4 7 P - K 4 , K - K t 8 ; 4 8 P - K 5 , K - R 7 ; 49 B - B i , K - K t 8 ; 50 B - K 3 , K - B 7 ; 5 1 B -Q 4 , K . - Q 6 ; 5 2 B - R i , a n d w in s. 46

P -K t4 !

T h e last finesse. A fte r 4 6 K x P ? , P - K t 7 ; 4 7 B x P c h , K x B ; 4 8 P - K 4 , P - R 5 B la c k w o u ld queen his p a w n one m o ve q u ick er a n d W h ite w o u ld th en h a v e to finish o f f a toilsom e Q u e e n en d ­ in g . W h ite n o w w in s the ending b y ju s t one te m p o ! 46

. . .

PxP.

47 48

P -K 4 P -K 5

P -R 5 F -K 7

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

67

A t last B la c k m ust elim inate the Bishop.

49 50 5r 52

K xB

B x P ch

P-K6 P-K7 P-K8 = Q 53 Q-R8ch 5 4 QxQch 55 KxP 56 K-Kts 57 K-R.6 58 KxP 59 K-Kt6!

P-R6 P-R7 P-R8 = Q K-R7 KxQ K-Kt7 K-B6 K-Q5 K-K4 resigns

T h e B la ck K in g has failed to re ach its o b je c tive ; a v e r y in terest­ in g a n d o rigin a l fighting g am e.

Gam e 9

Q .P . Q U E E N ’S I N D I A N D E F E N C E International Tournament at M a rg a te,

P . K eres 1 2 3

1937 C . H . O ’D . A le x a n d e r

P -Q 4 P -Q B 4 K t-Q B 3

K t-K B 3 P -K 3 B -K t5

4

K t-B 3

P -Q K t3

5

P -K K t3

T h is m o ve, u su ally so go od in the Q u e e n ’s In d ia n , is h ere out o f p lace in v ie w o f the fa c t th at B la c k has pin n ed the Q K t . I n m a n y variatio n s, after the ex ch an g e on Q B 3 , the p a w n o n Q B 4 ca n becom e a n object o f atta ck , since the d evelo p m en t o f the Bishop robs it o f its n atu ral protection . B etter w a s the m o re u su al 5 B -K t5. 5 6

. . . B -K t2

B -K t2 Q -B i

N im zo w itsch usually con tin u ed in this position w ith 6 . . . B x K t c h ; 7 P x B , P - Q 3 ; 8 O - O , Q K t - Q 2 , so as to p la y an even tu al P - K 4 an d then take actio n again st the w eaknesses on the o p p o n en t’s Q ueen-side. B u t A lek h in e has a lre a d y sh o w n th at W h ite c a n successfully d efeat this intention b y p la y in g

GRANDMASTER

68

OF

CHESS

9

P - Q . 5 ! If, then, 9 . . . P x P , W h ite w in s b a c k the p a w n w ith a go o d g a m e b y 10 K t - R 4 . If, h o w ev e r, 9 . . . P - K 4 , then A lek h in e reco m m en d ed 10 K t—R 4 .! fo llow ed b y P - K 4 a n d P - B 4 w ith su ch a stro n g pressure on the K i n g ’s w in g th at B la c k w o u ld be a c co rd ed n o time to exp lo it the weakness o f W h ite ’s Q B 4 . M o re o v e r, W h ite c an also c a r r y out the P - Q .5 a d v a n c e a lre a d y on his eighth m o ve. W ith the text-m o ve A le x a n d e r follow s an o th er p lan . H e w a n ts to threaten the p a w n on Q B 4 in d irec tly b y p layin g h im se lf P -Q .B 4 a n d for this pu rpose he p rotects his Bishop so as to ren d er W h it e ’s I Q .5 innocuous. 7 A force.

0-0

P -B 4 ?

m istake th at gives B lack a lost position p ra c tic a lly b y I t w a s essential to p repare this m o ve b y the exch an g e

7 . . . B x K t; 8 PxB. A fte r the g a m e A le x a n d e r expressed the opinion th at B la c k cou ld v e r y w e ll h a v e p la y e d here 7 . . . K t - K 5 follow ed b y P -Q _3, K t - Q 2 a n d P - K B 4 . But this K n ig h t sa lly seems p re­ m a tu re a n d needs to be prep ared b y 7 . . . 0 - 0 , since in re p ly to an im m ed iate 7 . . . K t - K 5 W h ite c an o ffer a m ost p ro m isin g p a w n sacrifice b y 8 P - Q . 5 ! 8

K t-Q K t5!

T h e despised K n ig h t n o w takes a fearsom e reven ge.

On

a cco u n t o f the threats o f 9 K t - Q 6 c h an d 9 P - Q R 3 B la c k ’s re p ly is forced . 8 9 A fte r 9 . . .

. . . B -B 4

0- 0 ;

PxP K t - R .3

1 0 K t - B 7 , B lack does not o btain sufficient

com pen sation for the loss o f the exch an g e . B u t n o w , h o w e v e r, he does not even su cceed in getting castled. 10

B -Q 6 !

T h e fa c t th at W h ite m ust surrender a p a w n as a consequence o f this m o ve c le a rly is n ot w o rth con sid erin g in v ie w o f the circu m stan ces. H is first objective is to p rev e n t the o p p o n en t’s castlin g a n d the text-m o ve is the m ost effective m eans o f so d o in g. N o w , too, he threatens, am ongst oth er things, to w in a piece b y 1 1 B x B .

THE

EARLY

10

GAMES

OF

PAUL

. . .

KERES

69

Q xP

O n c e a g a in one can see n o th in g better fo r B la c k sin ce after 1 0 . . . K t - K . 5 ; 1 1 B xB , K t x B ; 1 2 K t - Q a ! w in s a p ie ce, as also does 10 . . . K t - B 4 ; 1 1 P - Q R 3 . A v e r y interesting a n d o rigin al position co u ld h a v e arisen here after 10 . . . B - B 4 .

T h e n W h ite cou ld h av e g o n e in for

the p ra c tic a lly forced v a ria tio n 1 1 P - Q K t 4 , K t x P ; 1 2 K t - K 5 , B x B ; 1 3 K x B (and not 1 3 K t - B y c h , Q x K t ; 1 4 B x Q , B x R ; w ith sufficient com pensation fo r the Q u e e n ), 1 3 . . . K t - R . 3 (after 1 3 . . . Q - K t 2 c h ; 1 4 P - B 3 , B la c k has no a d e q u a te m ean s o f p a r r y in g the threat o f 1 5 B x B ) ; 1 4 Q - Q 3 ! a n d B la c k no lo n ger has a n y reasonable m oves. W h ite , in fa c t, th reaten s to strengthen his position even m ore b y 1 5 Q - K B 3 ( 1 6 B x B ! ) . 11

Q -R 4

T h re a te n in g 1 2 K t - K .5 , Q - B i ; 1 3 B x K B , o r sim p ly 1 2 Q R - B i , o r else 1 2 P - K t 3 . I f B lack tries 1 1 . . . K t - B 4 , th en, in a d d itio n to 1 2 K t - B 7 c h , K - Q i ; 1 3 B x K t , W h ite ca n g et a w in n in g position b y 1 3 Q .- Q .1 11 12

. . . K t(B 3 )x P

13

Q x K t!

B -B 3 B x B (K t7 )

N o w he threatens to w in the Q u e e n b y 1 4 K t - B y c h , a n d , in ad d itio n the Bishop is eti p rise on W h ite ’s K t 2 . I t seem s th a t B la c k m u st resign, but A le x a n d e r still m an ages to fin d a w a y o f p u ttin g u p further resistance. 13

. . .

BxR

B la c k (A le x a n d e r)

1

«

m T m ? m* MiM M

im m m mm m m

AM

■

ah

1

W h ite (K eres) to p la y

7°

GRANDMASTER

14

GF

CHESS

R xB!

B la c k hopes th at after 1 4 K t - B y c h , he c a n still p u t u p a d o u r resistance b y 1 4 . . . Q x K t ; 1 5 B x Q , B - K R 6 . B u t the te x t-m o ve is m u c h stro n ger since, n o w , W h ite retains a n e n d u r­ in g a tta ck aga in st the e n e m y K in g in the centre.

14 • • •

QxKt(Q,5)

A le x a n d e r c a n find n othing better th an to su rren d er his Q u e e n in o rd er to p u t u p some resistance w ith R o o k , Bishop an d p a w n again st Q u e e n . M a te ria lly speaking, B la c k ’s position w o u ld n ot be so b a d , b u t in addition one m ust b ear in m in d th a t W h it e ’s a tta ck continues with u n ab ated force. I t is im possible to see, h ow ever, h o w B lack c a n successfully d efen d h im se lf again st th e num erous threats. A fte r 1 4 . . . Q - B i o r 1 4 . . . Q R - B i h e loses the B ishop an d has a hopeless position, as he w o u ld also d o after 1 4 . . . K - Q i ; 1 5 P - K t 3 . B u t i f B la c k p la y s 1 4 . . . K t - Q j , so as to g iv e u p the Q u een u n d e r m o re fa vo u ra b le circum stances th an in the g a m e b y 1 5 K t - B y c h , K t x K t ; 1 6 Q x Q , B x B , then W h ite has at his d isposal a m u c h stronger continuation in 1 5 P - K 4 ! 15

K tx Q

16

K t-K t5 !

BxB

B la c k does not stan d so b ad ly fro m the p oin t o f v ie w o f m a te ria l b u t the atta ck fanned into flam e b y the text-m o ve break s d o w n all resistance in a few m oves. A t the m o m en t his B ishop has no m o ve o f retreat. 16 17 A n d n ot 1 7 . .

. . . R -Q i

K -K a B -B 4

. K t - K i , because o f 1 8 K t x B , K t x K t ; 19

Q - R 3 , etc. T h e re is no o th er square for the Bishop, since after 1 7 . . . B - K 4 ; 1 8 P - B 4 , B x K t P ; 19 R - K t i , w in s a t once. 18

P -Q R 3

K t-K 5

T h e th reat w a s 1 9 P - Q K t 4 w inning a piece.

A fte r 1 8 . . .

K - B i ; 1 9 P - Q K t 4 , B - K a ; ao Q - K t 7 , B lack loses bo th Q u e e n side p a w n s, an d after 1 8 . . . P - Q 4 ; 1 9 P - Q K t 4 , B - Q 3 ; ao

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

SERES

71

Q _~K t7ch, K t - Q 2 ; W h ite has the decisive 2 1 K t x P , w ith the th reat o f 2 2 K t - B 6 c h . T h e text-m o ve allo w s o f a p re tty finish.

19

RxPch!

K-B3

B la ck loses both Rooks after 1 9 . . . K x R ; 2 0 Q _ -K t7 c h . 20

Q _-K t7

resigns.

I f 20 . . . K t - K t 4 ; 2 1 P - K R 4 , forces the w in .

Gam e

RUY

10

LO PEZ

In tern a tio n a l Tournam ent at M a r g a t e ,

S ir G . A . T h o m a s 1 2 3 4

P -K 4 K t-K B 3 B -K t5 B -R 4

5

K t-B 3

1937 P . K eres P -K 4 K t-Q fto P -Q .R 3 K t-B 3

T h is restrained method o f p la y is a favo u rite c o n tin u atio n o f S ir G e o rge T h o m a s’s in the R u y L o p e z , an d one w ith w h ic h he has o btain ed m any fine successes. T h e line is sim ilar to the F o u r K n ig h ts ’ , w ith the excep tio n o f the m oves P - Q R 3 a n d B - R 4 , a n d these basically alter the c h a racte r o f the position . F o r in stan ce, n ow , after 5 . . . B - K t 5 , w h ich is a n o rm a l m o ve in the F o u r K n ig h ts’, W h ite ca n re p ly v e r y stro n g ly 6 K t - Q j j . T h e m e ch a n ical reply 6 . . . K t x K t w o u ld , after 7 P x K t , P - K 5 ; 8 P x K t , P x K t ; 9 P x P c h , etc., sim p ly lose a p a w n . B la ck c a n , how ever, m ake use o f these e x tra m o ves to p ro te ct his K P q u ietly b y P - Q K t 4 . T h is sm all d ifferen tiatio n fro m the n o rm a l F o u r K n ig h ts’ is sufficient to dispel the d raw ish n atu re o f the opening in certain cases. 5

. . .

P -Q K t4

6

B ~ K t3

P -Q .3 !?

T h is seem in gly highly risky m o ve is p sy c h o lo g ica lly w e ll m o tivated . S ir G eorge T h o m a s is kn ow n to be a q u iet p ositio n al

72

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

p la y e r w h o u su ally a vo id s com plications an d feels m ost a t h o m e in p ea ce fu l positions w h ere he c an exert som e lig h t p o sitio n al pressure o n his o pp o n en t. H is in ten d ed “ m e th o d ic a l” c o n ­ tin u a tio n in this v a ria tio n w ould p ro b a b ly b e : 6 . . . B - K 2 ; 7 , P - Q . 3 ; 8 P - Q R 4 , P - K t 5 ; 9 K t - Q .5 , as, fo r in stan ce,

0 0

o cc u rre d in the g a m e S ir G eorge T h o m a s -A le k h in e , H astin g s, 1 9 2 2 . T h ere fo re , B la c k tries w ith the text-m o ve to g iv e the g a m e q u ite an o ther tu rn an d to this en d he is r e a d y to e m b a rk o n unforeseeable com plications. T h e seq u ence o f m oves chosen b y B la c k has the a d v a n ta g e th a t W h ite c a n no lo n g e r arrive at the u su al variatio n . A f te r 7 P - Q R 4 , P - K t 5 ; 8 K t - Q ,5 , Black c a n , in ad d itio n to 8 . . . K t x P , also v e r y w ell p la y 8 . . . K t - Q R .4 . O n the o th er h a n d W h ite c a n n o w p la y 7 K t - K t 5 , an d h o w then is B la c k to p ro te ct his K B 2 ? I t w o u ld appear th a t S ir G e o rg e T h o m a s c o u ld find no re p ly to this query d u rin g the g am e, a n d h e p lu n ges in to com p licatio n s in w hich even in su bsequent an a lysis it is p r a c tic a lly im possible to find absolutely the rig h t c o n tin u a­ tion. 7

K t-K t5

T h e r e are p ro b a b ly v e r y few p layers w h o w o u ld n o t h a v e e m b a rk ed o n this sa lly h ere. N o w B la c k is fo rced to m ak e the en su in g p a w n sacrifice, b u t he retains thereafter a n e n d u rin g in itiative a n d sets his opponent some difficult p ro b lem s. T h e system in itiated b y th e m oves 5 . . . P - Q K t 4 a n d 6 . . . P - Q .3 does, in a n y case, m e rit further notice a n d is p r o b a b ly a p la y a b le w a y o f a v o id in g the various unpleasantnesses th re at­ en ed b y 5 K t - B 3 .

7

• • •

P Q

4

T h is p a w n sacrifice is alread y kn ow n in positions w h e re W h ite c a n o n ly ca p tu re b y 8 P x P . I n the position in the g a m e , h o w e v e r, W h ite c a n also capture w ith the K n ig h t a n d this m akes m atters m u ch m o re com plicated. 8

K tx Q P

A fte r 8 P x P , there w o u ld equ ally fo llow 8 . . . K t - Q 5 a n d i f then W h ite b y 9 P - Q 6 , K t x B ; 10 P x P , Q x P ; 1 1 R P x K t w e n t in fo r w in n in g a p a w n then Black after 1 1 . . . B - K t 2 o btain s a fine position w ith excellen t attacking prospects.

EARLY

THE 8

GAMES

. . .

OF

PAUL

KERBS

73

K t - Q ,5 !

S u rp risin g ly enough, this K n ig h t attack pro ves to be stro n g e n o u gh in this position to ensure B la c k ad eq u ate c o u n te r-p la y . D esp ite m an ifold analyses a n d researches published in chess litera tu re after the gam e it is still n ot cle ar h o w W h ite c o u ld o b tain h ere con crete chances o f an o p en in g ad v a n ta g e . R a t h e r the opp osite is the case. W h ite m ust p la y m ost ca re fu lly in th e ensuing p h a se o f the gam e so as n ot to fall v ic tim to a w ith e rin g atta ck on th e p a rt o f his b etter-d evelo p ed opponent. B lack (K eres)

m m * m

V i

m

1

w im m

m

■

u mm a mm ■ ■ s b

I

&b M

m m

I

l

W h ite (Sir G e o rge T h o m a s) to p la y

9

K t-K 3

W h ite fails to obtain a satisfacto ry result w ith this re tre at, b u t w h a t should he p la y ? W e ap p en d som e o f the m a n y possibilities fro m w h ich W h ite c a n choose here. I.

9 K t x K t c h , Q x K t ; io P -Q ,3 (b ad , o f course, is io K t x B P ,

K t x B ; b u t also io B xP ch , K - K 2 ; 1 1 P -Q .3 , P - R 3 le ad s to loss o f m a te ria l since 1 2 P - K R 4 c an be m et b y 1 2 . . . P x K t ; 1 3 B x P , Q x B i ) ; 10 . . . P - R 3 (this is stronger th an 1 0 . . . K t x B ; 1 1 R P x K t , e tc .); 1 1 K t - R 3 ( 1 1 K t - B 3 w o u ld n a tu r a lly b e m e t b y 1 1 . . . B - K K t s ; a n d after 1 1 K t x P , K t x B ; 1 2 K t x R , K t x R ; 1 3 C ^ -R s c h , K - Q 2 ! W h ite has n ot en ou gh a tta c k fo r the p ie c e ) ; 1 1 . . . Q _~K K t3 ! (even stronger th an 1 1 . . . B x K t ; 1 2 P x B , K t~ B 6 c h , w hich w a s p la y e d in the g am e E s s e r -B a r to n , C o lo g n e , 1 9 1 1 , though this too led to a d v a n ta g e fo r B l a c k ) ; 1 2 K - B i , B - K K t 5 , w ith a w o n position for B lack .

74

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

I I . 9 P -Q .3 , K t x B ; io R P x K t (an d not io K t x K t c h , P x K t ! ) ; io . . . K t x K t ; 1 1 P x K t , Q x P ; an d B la c k has regain ed his p a w n w ith the better g am e. I I I . 9 K t - Q B g (perh aps this retreat offers W h ite re la tive ly the best chances) 9 . . . K t x B ; 1 o R P x K t , P - K t 5 ; 1 1 K t - R 4 , P - R 3 ; 1 2 K t - K B s , K t x P ; 1 3 Q 7 K 2 , B - K t 2 ; 1 4 P -Q .3 , K t ~ K t 4 ; a n d in retu rn for the p a w n B lack has a fine position w ith go od atta ck in g chances. 9

. . .

10 RPxKt

K tx B

P-R3

W ith his tw o Bishops and better d evelo p m en t B lack n a tu ra lly seeks to open u p the position an d therefore both the centre p a w n s are e xch an g ed . 11

K t-B 3

12

K tx P

K tx P

N a tu r a lly it w o u ld be. pleasant for W h ite first to force the K n ig h t to retire b y 1 2 P -Q .3, an d o n ly then to cap tu re on K 5 , b u t in re p ly to 1 2 P - Q 3 , there c an com e the v e r y a w k w a rd 1 2 . . . B - K t 5 c h ! I f W h ite now does not w a n t to lose the righ t to castle o r the p a w n he has w o n then he m u st p la y 1 3 P - Q B 3 , b u t this w o u ld a llo w B lack an excellent position after 1 3 . . . K t x B P ! ; 1 4 P x K t , B x P c h ; 1 5 B --Q 2 , B x R ; 1 6 Q x B , Q x P . A fte r the text-m o ve W h ite has g re at d ifficu lty in co m p letin g his d evelopm en t in a norm al fashion. 12 13

. . . K t-B 3

14

Q -K 2

15

0 -0

Q -B 3 B ~ K t2

0 - 0-0 B -Q 3

N o w w e c a n see the first fruits o f B la c k ’s p a w n sacrifice. H e has developed his pieces id ea lly an d th e y are a im in g at W h it e ’s K in g -sid e , w hereas the W h ite pieces are still la ck in g in co-o peration . I t is clear, beyon d all d o u b t, th at B la c k possesses here m o re th an adequate com p en satio n fo r the p a w n a n d th at the W h ite posidon is scarce ly to be d efen d ed even w ith the best p la y . N a tu r a lly w e ca n n o t m aintain th at the position arisin g after 9 K t - K 3 cou ld be a tta in e d by force. W h ite cou ld h a v e chosen

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

75

other w a y s o f developing his pieces at earlier stages in th e g am e.

I t m ust, how ever, c e rta in ly be con ced ed th at B la c k

a lw a y s retain s sufficient opening a d v a n ta g e to ju stify his sm a ll m a terial sacrifice. 16

K t-K t4

W h ite still can n o t proceed w ith the d evelo p m en t o f his Q u e e n ’s w in g , since after 1 6 P -Q .3 , there w o u ld com e th e v e r y a w k w a rd 1 6 . . . K t - K t 4 . H o w e v e r , W h ite has ju s t as p a in fu l a n experien ce w ith the text-m o ve. 16

. . .

Q -B 4

M o re e x a c t h ere w as 16 . . . Q .- K t 3 , so th at, after 1 7 P - Q .3 , K t - K t 4 ; 1 8 K t - R .4 , Black is able to re p ly w ith 1 8 . . . Q .- R 4 N everth eless, the text-m ove is also ad eq u ate.

17

P-

0.3

W h ite has n o th in g better, since 1 7 K t - R .4 , o r 17 K t - K 3 , w o u ld be m et b y 1 7 . . . Q - R 4 , w ith a decisive atta ck fo r B la c k . 17

. . .

K t-K t4

B la ck also w o u ld like to av o id sim plifyin g too m u ch a n d h e therefore refrains from 17 . . . Q x K t ( K t 5 ) ; 1 8 P x K t , K R - K i , th o u gh this w o u ld regain the p a w n w ith an excellen t positio n . W ith the te x t-m o ve he hopes to decid e the g am e in his fa v o u r b y a d ire ct R in g s id e attack, b u t W h ite still has som e stu b b o rn defensive ch a n ces.

18

Kt-R4

19

P -Q B 4 ?

Qt Q.4

A fte r this in a c c u ra c y B la c k ’s strategy is ju stified as n o w W h ite su ccu m b s to an irresistible R in g sid e attack . A m u c h better d efence here w as 1 9 P - K B 4 ! B la c k w o u ld then r e p ly 1 9 . . . K t - K 3 an d still retain som e v e r y d an gero u s th reats. 19 20

. . . K -R i

K t-R 6 c h ! Q .- R 4 !

T h is is im m ed ia tely decisive, since the K n ig h t o n R 4 c a n n o t n o w be p ro tected . T h e en su in g c o u n te r-p lay c a n a lr e a d y be classed as desperation. 21

P -B 5

22

Q -B 2

K R -K i

76

GRANDMASTER

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W h ite avoids the line 2 2 B - K 3 , Q x K t ( R 5 ) ; 2 3 P x B , B x P c h !; 2 4 K x B , K t - B s c h , w in n in g the Q u e e n . I n re p ly to the te x tm o v e B la ck cou ld sim p ly p la y 2 2 B x B P w ith a w o n p o sitio n ; instead he still persists in p layin g fo r m ate a n d th e reb y m akes his task m ore d ifficult. 22

. . .

23

PxB

Q x K t(R 5)

T h is is w h a t B la c k h a d expected. A lso hopeless w a s 2 3 P - B 6 , B x B P ; 2 4 Q x B , K t x P c h !; 2 5 K - K t i , K t x K t ; w ith a p iece m o re for B lack , b u t 2 3 P - B 3 ! w o u ld still h a v e m a d e fu rth e r resistance possible. B la c k w ould stan d m u ch better also after this an d he w o u ld h a v e a num ber o f go o d lines, am o n gst w h ich 2 3 . . . B x B P ; 2 4 Q x B , R - K 7 ! ap p ears one o f the sim plest, b y w h ic h he cou ld utilise his ad v a n ta g e in position. A fte r the text-m o ve W h ite is m a te d in three m oves. 23 24

. . . K xB

B xPch ! Q x K tc h

25

K -R i

Q - B 6 m ate

A n interesting g a m e that possesses som e th eoretical w o rth fro m the open in g p o in t o f view .

Gam e 1 1

R U Y LO PEZ International Tournam ent at M argate, 1 9 3 7

P . K e re s

A . A lek h in e

t 2

P -K 4 K t-K B 3

P -K 4 K t-Q B s

3 4

B -K t5 B -R 4

P -Q R 3 P -Q 3

5 P-B4 A lek h in e w a s fo n d o f using this v a ria tio n o f the Stein itz D efen ce an d e m p lo yed it in som e im p o rta n t to u rn a m e n t ga m es, a ch ie vin g a n u m b er o f fine successes w ith it. S o , since m y o pp o n en t w a s v e r y w ell a cq u ain te d w ith the o p e n in g , I d ecid ed to tr y this m o v e w h ich w as seld om p la y e d , b u t w h ic h ,

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

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77

from the p osition al aspect, sc a rce ly com p ares w ith the u su al

5P -B 3 -

5 6

• • • K t-B 3

B -Q .2 P -K K t3

A lth o u g h the m anoeuvre 6 . . . B - K t 5 fo llow ed b y K K t - B 3 Q 2 - B 4 is held b y m a n y to be b etter h ere, the Bishop d e ve lo p ­ m ent on K K t 2 also has its ad v an tag e s.

M o re o ve r, A lek h in e

h a d alm ost w ith o u t exception a lw a y s e m p lo yed this la st lin e. 7

P -Q .4

B -K t2

M a n y theoreticians regard this as in e x a ct an d reco m m en d here the im m ed iate exchange b y 7 . . . P x P . N a tu r a lly B la c k c a n also p la y this w a y , a lw a ys p ro vid in g th at after 8 K t x P , B - K t 2 ; 9 K t x K t , P x K t (also possible is 9 . . . B x K t ) ; 10 ,

0 0

he p lays w ith the utm ost a c c u r a c y . A m istake, fo r e x a m p le , is 1 0 . . . K t - K .2 because o f 1 1 P - B 5 ! , w h ich resulted in g re a t ad v a n ta g e fo r W h ite in the g a m e B o le sla v sk y -F in e , R a d io M a tc h , U . S . S . R . - U . S . A . , 1 9 4 5 . In ste a d B lack m ust c o n tin u e 1 0 . . . K t - B 3 w ith a satisfacto ry gam e (U n z ic k e r -K e r e s , H astin gs, 1 9 5 4 - 5 5 ) . 8

B -K 3

A fte r 8 B - K K t 5 , P - B 3 ; 9 B - K 3 , w h ich m a n y p eople h o ld to be the refu tatio n o f B la c k ’s last m o ve, B lack gets a satis­ fa c to ry position b y 9 . . . K t - R 3 ! T h is A lek h in e h im se lf h a d often sh o w n , am o ngst others also in a sim ilar position in his m a tch aga in st Bogoiju boff, 19 2 9 . 8

. . .

K t-B 3

B u t this is a n in a c cu ra cy th a t enables W h ite to g a in a firm hold o f the in itiative. Black should con tin u e here w ith 8 . . . K K t - K . 2 , o r else, before h e p lay s the text-m o ve, e x ch a n g e o n Q_5. 9

PxP

PxP

A n d here it w o u ld be b etter to p la y 9 . . . Q K t x P so as to o btain m ore sp a ce fo r his pieces th ro u gh som e e x ch an ges. W h it e w o u ld then also stan d som ew hat better, since after 10 K t x K t , P x K t; 11 - , in addition to the freer position he w o u ld c o n ­

0 0

trol the strong outpost on Q jj. 10

B -B 5 !

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W ith this strong m o v e W h ite p reven ts the en em y castlin g a n d poses h im som e difficult p roblem s. N o w B la c k finds it v e r y difficu lt to in au g u rate co u n te r-p lay th at prom ises to be successful. 10 11

. . . K t - Q .5

K t-K R 4

B la c k p lan s to o b ta in co u n terp lay b y o ccu p atio n o f the Q _5 sq u are, e .g. n

P - K K t 3 , P - K t 3 ! (b u t not n

. . . B -K *5?;

1 2 B x K tc h , P x B ; 1 3 C ^ R .4 !, e t c .) ; 1 2 B - R 3 , K t - Q j j , etc. T h e text-m o ve is a im e d against this p lan . I f n o w 1 1 . . . P - K t 3 ; 1 2 B - R 3 , K t-Q _ 5 , then there follow s the v e r y stro n g 1 3 K t x K t , P x K t ; 1 8 P - K K t 4 ! T h e text-m o ve also preven ts the m a n o eu vre K t - K R 4 - B 5 - K , 3 . 11 12

. . . K tx K t

K t-B 5 PxK t

B la c k (Alekhine)

EM

+ n

|

i m m b ib

B | | |

1 0 4 1 ^ 1 1 m m B -a s

m m mm m mm h i

W h ite (K eres) to p la y

13

P-K5!?

A fte r lo n g th o u ght I decided u p o n this p ro m isin g p a w n sacrifice, since I co u ld fin d nothing better again st the th reat o f 1 3 . . . Q 7-B 3 fo llow ed b y - . O n ly la te r w a s it dis­

0 0 0

co ve re d b y L . S tein e r th at W h ite cou ld assure his o p en in g a d v a n ta g e b y the sim ple m o ve 1 3 0 - 0 ! T h e c h ie f id e a o f this m ove becom es clear w h e n B la c k , as in ten d ed , continues w ith

13 . . . Q 7B 3.

T h e n follow s th e

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

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KERES

79

su rprisin g 1 4 B - Q 4 ! , K t x B ; 1 5 B x B c h , K x B (W h ite also h a s a n o v erw h e lm in g ad van tage after 1 5 . . . K - K 2 ; 1 6 P - K 5 , K tx K tc h ; 17 Q x K t); 16 P - K 5 , Q r K t3 ; 17 K tx K t, B x P (otherw ise B la c k has not e ven m aterial com p en satio n fo r his b a d p o sitio n ); 1 8 K t - B 3 dis c h , B - Q .3 ; a n d n o w 1 9 K t - K .5 c h , results in a c le a r ad van tage fo r W h it e ; fo r e x a m p le : 1 9 . . . K - K 2 ; 2 0 Q t Q .5 , o r 1 9 . . . K - B i ; 2 0 P - B 5 ! , B x P (o r 2 0 . . . Q x B P ; 2 1 K t x P , e tc .); 2 1 Q_~Q_7ch, K - K t i ; 2 2 Q t Q,5» K - B i ; 2 3 Q R - B i , a n d w h ite W in s. A lso w h e n B la c k abandons the id e a o f p la y in g 1 3 . . . Q 7-B 3, h e attains n o b etter result. T h u s , fo r exam p le, 1 3 . . . B x P ; 1 4 R - K t i , fo llow ed b y 1 5 R x P , lead s to a c le a r a d v a n ta g e fo r W h ite , as also does 1 3 . . . K t - K . 4 ; 1 4 K t x K t , B x K t ; 1 5 Q r Q .5 , B - K t 2 ; 1 6 B x B c h , and 1 7 Q x P . B u t i f B la c k tries 1 3 . . . K t - K . 2 , then there comes 1 4 P - K 5 , an d after 1 4 . . . B x B ; 1 5 Q x B c h , Q - Q 2 ; 1 6 Q - R 3 , B la c k has n ot been successful in relievin g his position to a n y n o ticeable exten t. T h e re fo re , re la tive ly best w a s perhaps 1 3 . . . P - K t 3 , so as to con tin u e w ith 1 4 . . . Q - B 3 (after W h ite ’s 1 4 B - R 3 ) , b u t even in this case his position does not look v e r y tru stw o rth y. T h e p a w n sacrifice offered b y the text-m o ve h as n ot a lto ­ geth er clear consequences b u t it ensures W h ite excellen t p r a c ­ tical ch a n ces. A n d this is p a rtic u la rly im p o rta n t in o v e r-th e bo ard p la y w h e re exact an alysis o f the v ariatio n s arisin g o u t o f the a ccep ta n ce o f the sacrifice is w ell-n igh im possible o w in g to a lim ited tim e for thought. 13

. . .

P -K K t4 ?

A lek h in e th o u ght a long tim e before m a k in g this m o v e a n d e ven tu a lly c a m e to the conclusion th at accep ta n ce o f the p a w n sacrifice w o u ld im peril his g a m e too m u ch . A fte r the g a m e a jo in t analysis led us to the fo llo w in g variatio n w h ic h w e d e em ed best fo r both sides: 1 3 . . . K t x P ; 1 4 Q - K 2 ( if im m e d ia te ly 1 4 K t x K t , B x K t ; then B lack , after 1 5 Q .-Q .5, has the d efen ce 1 5 . . . B -Q .3 , an d also 1 5 Q .- K 2 , P - K B 3 ; 1 6 O - O - O , g ive s B la ck a tenable gam e after 1 6 . . . P - B 3 , o r even 1 6 . . . B x B ) , 1 4 . . . P - K B 3 (the variatio n 1 4 . . . B x B ; 1 5 K t x K t , B x K t ;

00

1 6 Q x B c h , K - Q 2 ; 1 7 - , is c e rta in ly ad v an tag e o u s fo r W h i t e ) ; 15 - , P - B 3 ; 16 B - Q 6 , Q - R 4 ; 1 7 K t x K t , P x K t ; 1 8 B x K P ,

0 0 0

GRANDMASTER

8o

OF

CHESS

Q x B ( K 4 ) (after 1 8 . . . B x B ; 19 R - Q 5 !, P x R ; 2 0 Q x B c h , W h ite o btain s a m ost d an gero u s a tta c k ); 19 Q x Q c h , B x Q ; 2 0 K R - K i , a n d W h ite w in s b a c k M s piece w ith o n ly sligh tly th e b etter e n d ga m e . B u t it seems u n lik ely th at W M te can n o t e x tra ct m o re o u t o f this position th at a m in im ally better en d gam e. A n d a closer con sid eration o f th e position soon brin gs us to the id e a th at W M te should n ot h u r r y to w in b a ck the sacrificed p a w n . H e c a n , fo r exa m p le, in stead o f 1 6 B - Q 6 , continue stro n g ly w ith 1 6 Q - K 4 ! , th reaten in g to w in b a ck the p a w n b y 1 7 Q x P , w ith o u t h a v in g to sim p lify the position th ereb y. I f B la c k re ­ plies 1 6 . . . Q - R 4 ; then 1 7 K t x K t , P x K t ; 1 8 R x B , K x R ; 1 9 Q - Q j j c h , K - B i ; 2 0 B x P ! leads to a decisive a tta c k for W M te , so th at 1 6 . . . Q - B 2 m ust be re g ard e d as the n o rm a l con tin u atio n . B u t th e re p ly to this is 1 7 Q.-Q.4 -J p re v e n tin g O - O - O , a n d th re aten in g to increase W M te ’s pressure b y 1 8 K R - K i . I t is c le a r th a t Black w o u ld be in serious difficu lties after tM s, B u t on e c a n also look for better defensive possibilities fo r B la c k . A tte n tio n in the first p lace should be g iv e n to the Q u e e n sacrifice 1 5 . . . B x B (instead o f 1 5 . . . P - B 3 ; ) . A fte r 1 6 R x Q c h , R x R , B la c k has a R o o k , Bishop an d p a w n fo r th e Q u e e n th a t is alm ost m aterial e q u a lity. N everth eless, W M t e should also retain the b etter chances h ere, since he c a n co n tin u e w ith 1 7 B - Q 4 , 20 P -B 3.

0- 0 ;

1 8 B x K t , P x B ; 1 9 K t - K t 5 , fo llo w e d b y

T o su m m arize all tM s: it can be m ain tain ed th at 1 3

0 -0

is

p r o b a b ly W M t e ’s strongest continuation o b je ctive ly sp e ak in g . B u t th e g a m b it line em barked on in the g am e also offers o u t­ sta n d in g atta ck in g c h a n ces. B lack is faced w ith v e r y d ifficu lt defensive p roblem s, a n d in consequence W M te o btain s som e sm all a d v a n ta g e e ven again st the best co u n te r-p lay .

14

5

Q rQ . !

A le k M n e in ten d ed disquieting M s opp o n en t b y the th re a t o f 1 4 . . . P - K t 5 , b u t the text-m ove is a com plete an sw er. 14

. . .

B -K B i

B la c k observes th e d an ger threaten in g M m in tim e a n d rig h tly desists fro m the intended 1 4 . . . P - K t 5 -

F o r th en

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERBS

8l

w o u ld co m e 1 5 P - K 6 !, a n d W h it e w o u ld o b tain a w o n p o si­ tion after 1 5 . . . B x K P ( 1 5 . . . P x P ? ; 1 6 Q h R-5 m a t e ! ) ; 1 6 B x K t c h , P x B ; 1 7 Q x P ch , B - Q a ; 1 8 Q _-K.4ch, B - K 3 ; 1 9 R - Q i . W it h th e text-m o ve B lack su cceed s in relievin g his p osition to som e e xten t, b u t m aterial loss is still n ot to b e averted . 15

BxB

RxB

16

0- 0-0

Q_-K.2

B la c k finds it difficult to o b ta in a satisfacto ry d efen ce a g a in st the th re a t o f 1 7 K t x P . I n r e p ly to 1 6 . . . P - K t 5 , th ere a g a in com es 1 7 P - K 6 , and after 1 6 . . . P - R 3 W h ite c a n eith er fo rce the o p e n in g o f the K R file b y 1 7 P - R 4 ( 1 7 . . . P - K t s ; 1 8 P - K 6 ! ) , o r else continue 1 7 B x K t , B x B ; 1 8 Q ,-R 5> fo llo w e d b y 1 9 K t-Q _ 4 w ith m an y stro n g threats. W it h the text-m ove A lek hin e sets a cu n n in g tr a p a n d hop es thus to escap e fro m the noose him self. 17

B x K t!

W h ite h as, as the ch ief id e a o f his atta ck , the aim to keep the e n e m y K in g fixed in the cen tre. F o r this reason h e a v o id s p la y in g 1 7 K t x P , after w h ic h B la c k w o u ld a rriv e a t 1 7 . . . 0 -0 -0 !

a n d suddenly several d isagreeable

threats w o u ld

surge u p . 17

. . .

BxB

18

Q.-Q.3

B—Q2

I t is essential for Black to g et his K in g som e sort o f p ro te ctio n a n d so for a second time he offers u p a p a w n fo r the p u rp o se. T h e e n d ga m e after 18 . . . B x K t ; 1 9 Q x B , P - Q B 3 ; 2 0 R - Q 6 is c le a rly to W h ite ’s a d van tag e , a n d after a p re p a r a to ry 1 8 . . . P - R 3 , W h ite c a n com m ence an e n d u rin g atta ck b y th e p a w n sacrifice 1 9 P - K 6 ! , P x P ; 2 0 K t - K s , R - K K t i ; 2 1 Q - K R 3 , Q .- B 3 ; 2 2 K R - K i . 19 20

K tx P K t-B 3

0 - 0-0

T h e c a p tu re 20 K t x R P , co u ld h av e led to v e r y risk y c o m ­ p lica tio n s o n accou n t o f 2 0 . . . B - K t 5 ; e .g .: 2 1 Q - K 4 , B x R ; 2 2 K t x R , B - R 5 ! ; and i f then 2 3 K t - R 7 , Q .- Q 2 , w ith a n u m b e r o f th reats. W ith the te x t-m o v e , w h ich , m o reo ver, th reaten s

82

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2 1 Q x P , W h ite assures him self o f an e x tra p a w n w ith a go o d position. 20

. . .

P -K B 3 !

T h u s B la c k gets rid o f his d o ubled p aw n s, opens u p the position a n d p ro cu res m o re freedom o f actio n fo r his pieces. A lek h in e does his utm ost to get even a little c o u n te r-p lay . 21

PxP

R xP?

T h r o u g h this m istake Black surrenders his last c h a n ce o f sa v in g th e g a m e. 2 1 . . . Q x P ! w a s essential. W h ite c a n th en fo rce the tran sition to a go o d endgam e w ith a solid p a w n p lus b y 2 2 Q r Q .4 , Q x Q ; 2 3 K t x Q , o r else h e c an choose the vigo ro u s 2 2 Q x P . T h is last lin e is, how ever, v e r y risky a n d allo w s B la c k som e m ost d an gero u s co u n ter-p lay b y 2 2 . . . B - B 4 ; 2 3 Q - R 4 , R x R c h ; 2 4 R x R , Q - B 3 . O n e e xam p le is the fo llo w ­ in g in terestin g v a r ia tio n : 2 5 Q x P , Q - R 5 ; 2 6 K t - K i , Q x R c h (the attem p t a t a tta ck b y 2 6 . . . Q x P ; 2 7 K t - B 2 , Q - R 5 ; is repulsed b y 2 8 R - Q 2 ) ; 2 7 K x Q , B - B 7 c h ; 2 8 K x B , R x Q j 2 9 K t - Q 3 , R x Q B P c h ; 3 0 K - Q 2 , an d th e strong passed p a w n s o n the K in g -sid e assure W h ite som e w in n in g ch an ces. I t is in teresting to observe th at A lek h in e w a s a fr a id o f a possible 2 2 Q x P , as h e sa id after the g a m e . I , o n the o th er h a n d , w o u ld h a v e con ten ted m y se lf w ith 2 2 Q - Q 4 , h a v in g re g a rd to the fa c t th a t m y tim e o n the clock w as b y n o w ra th e r restricted . 22

K R -K i

Q -K t5 ?

A b a d m istake in a difficult position, b u t also after 2 2 . . . R - K 3 ; 2 3 Q - Q 4 , o r 2 2 . . . Q - K t 2 ; 2 3 Q - Q 4 , W h it e ’s w in w o u ld n ot be in d o u b t. W h ite alw a ys retains a g o o d e x tra p a w n w ith excellen t p la y for his pieces. 23

Q xB ch !

resigns

M a t e o r loss o f bo th R o o k s follows.

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERBS

83

Gam e 1 2

Q U E E N S G A M B IT , S E M I-T A R R A S C H

D EFEN CE

International Tournam ent at O s tend, 1 9 3 7

p . K eres I K t-K B 3 2

0.4

R . F in e P -Q 4 K t-K B s

3 4 5

PP -B 4

p

K t-B 3 BPxP

K tx P

6

P -K 4

-k 3 P -B 4

N o w a d a y s this ad van ce th at results in a sim p lificatio n o f the position is h eld to be less lastin g th an 6 P - K 3 . B u t bo th lines d isp la y b a sic differences. W ith 6 P - K 3 , W h it e m ain tain s the tension in th e centre a n d the g a m e takes on th e c h a ra c te r o f a Q u e e n ’s G a m b it A c c e p te d , w h ereas 6 P - K 4 , p erm its B lack to sim p lify the position to som e exten t b y a lo n g a n d fo rced va ria tio n . I n the latter case the position becom es c o m p a r a tiv e ly cle a r a n d con crete plans o f c a m p a ig n c a n be m a rk e d o u t fa r in a d v a n c e for bo th sides. 6 7

. . . PxK t

K tx K t PxP

8

PxP

B - K t 5 ch

I t is ad v a n ta g e o u s for B la c k to e x ch an g e o f f as m a n y pieces as possible, since in the first p lace , W h it e ’ s ch a n ce s o f a K in g side a tta ck are th ereb y lessened, a n d in the seco n d B la c k gets n earer to his even tu a l o b je ctive — the e n d gam e.

P r a x is show s

th at the Q u een -sid e p a w n m a jo rity affords B la c k h ere re a lly go o d ch a n ces in the end gam e, 9

B -Q 2

BxB ch

B la c k c o u ld b rin g a b o u t fu rth er sim plificatio n s h ere b y 9 . . . Q - R 4 ; b u t this w o u ld be at the expense o f h is d e ve lo p ­ m en t. A fte r 1 0 R - Q K t i , B x B c h ; 1 1 Q x B , Q x Q c h ; 1 2 K x Q , ; W h ite w o u ld obtain stro n g positional p ressure b y the m o v e

0 0

reco m m en d ed b y R u b in stein 1 3 B - K t 5 l , so th at B la c k w o u ld not b e a b le to think o f e va lu atin g his Q u een -sid e p a w n m a jo rity .

GRANDMASTER

84

10

Q xB

11

B -B 4

OF

CHESS

0-0

" T h i s position is ch a racteristic o f the o p en in g variatio n th at sta rts w ith 6 P - K 4 . W h ite possesses a strong p a w n centre an d e x ce lle n t p iece d evelo p m en t, b u t the B la c k position has no w eaknesses a n d contains g o o d chances o f c o u n te r-p la y once his d e ve lo p m e n t is com p lete. W ith m e ch a n ical p la y in the n ext p h a se o f the g a m e B la c k w ill, for e x am p le, atta in exch an g e o f th e m a jo r pieces a lo n g the Q B file a n d then re ac h an a d v a n ­ ta g eo u s en d in g. W h it e c a n d irect his ensuing p la y a c c o rd in g to tw o positiona lly b ased p lan s.

T h e first consists o f a n atte m p t to realise

h is p rep o n d eran ce in the centre an d fo rce th ro u gh P - Q 5 w ith th e resu ltin g strong passed p a w n a n d the second is a con cen ­ tra tio n o f all his pieces o n a K in g -sid e attack . I t is n atu rally h a r d to sa y w h ic h o f the tw o plans offers the best chan ces o f su ccess a n d therefore it is reasonable to keep b o th possibilities o p e n fo r the tim e bein g. Sin ce the m o v e 1 1 B - B 4 is o f use in b o th cases it a p p ea rs to m e to be m o re lo g ica l th an the other possible m oves th a t are p lay e d h ere, 1 1 B - K 2 , o r 1 1 B - Q 3 . 11

. . .

K t-Q g

B la c k , too, has to solve h ere the p ro b le m o f a p la n for fu rther p la y . W ith the text-m o ve he transfers his K n ig h t to the K in g sid e as protection again st a n even tu al attack . A n o th e r possi­ b ilit y here w a s 1 1 ___K t - B 3 ; so as to use the K n ig h t to prom ote a n a ctio n on the Q u een -sid e. T o u rn a m e n t p ra x is has sh o w n th a t this p lan , too, gives B la c k a reason able g a m e , fo r exam p le, 12 , P - Q K t 3 ; 1 3 K R - Q i , B - K t 2 ; 1 4 Q - B 4 , an d n o w sim p lest is 1 4 . . . Q - B 3 ! ; 1 5 Q - K 3 , K R - Q i ; 1 6 P - K 5 , Q - R 3 !

0 0

(R e s h e v s k y -F in e , H astin gs, 1 9 3 7 - 3 8 ) , w h e n W h it e ’s atta ck is q u ite held. W e re W h ite n o w to e x ch a n g e o n R 3 then the c o n tro l o f the cen tra l sq u are Q 5 ( 1 8 P - Q 5 ? , K t - R 4 ! ) w o u ld a m p l y com p en sate fo r the p aw n w eakness o n the K in g -sid e a n d e ven g ive B la c k the better e n d ga m e prospects. 12

0-0

13

Q .R - Q 1

P -Q K t3

A s w e h a v e a lre a d y noted , p lacin g a R o o k here o n the Q B file w o u ld serve no pu rpose and w o u ld le ad sooner o r later

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v to fu rth er e x ch an g es. W ith the text-m o ve W h it e is c a r r y in g o u t a sound p la n . H e places his R o o k s b eh in d th e tw o cen tre p a w n s a n d is a lw a y s th reaten in g either P - Q 5 o r P - K 5 , so th a t B la c k has to p a y g reat c a re to his defence. 13

. . .

B -K t2

14

K R -K i

R -B i

15

B -K t3

K t-B 3

M a n y com m entators h av e criticised this m o v e a n d re co m ­ m en d ed th a t B la c k should b rin g his K n ig h t to K B i to p ro te ct his K in g -sid e .

U n d o u b te d ly the K n ig h t is b e tte r p la c e d on

K B 1 fo r defensive purposes, b u t o n the o th er h a n d B la c k w o u ld then experien ce m u ch m o re d ifficu lty in g e ttin g a co u n ter­ a tta ck g o in g . B u t such p assive p la y is not to e v e ry o n e ’s taste a n d therefore F in e ’s choice is n ot to be cen su re d , e sp ecially since B la c k does arrive a t a ten ab le position w ith it. 16

Q 7B 4

17

Q -R 4

Q -B 2

O b v io u sly a Q u een exch an g e does n ot co m e in to con sid era­ tion fo r W h ite here. 17

. . .

K R -Q i

N o w b o th sides have com p leted th eir d e ve lo p m e n t a n d co n ­ crete p lan s m ust be devised fo r the m id d le g a m e . B y posting his K n ig h t on K B 3 B lack is a d e q u ately en sured ag a in st the th ru st o f P - Q .5 a n d is also re a d y , in even t o f P - K 5 , to o c c u p y a t o n ce the im p o rta n t cen tral sq u are, Q 4 , w it h his K n ig h t. I n r e p ly to 1 8 K t - K 5 , B la c k has the u n p leasan t a n sw e r 1 8 . . .

Q 7B6 ; w h e n 1 9 R - K 3 , w ill not d o b ecau se o f 1 9 . . . Q x P , W h ite m u st fin d a n active p la n since, o th erw ise, B la c k h im se lf w o u ld start g ettin g a w k w a rd w ith P - Q K t 4 fo llo w e d b y P - Q R 4 . A fte r lo n g th o u ght W h ite d e cid ed o n the fo llo w in g p la n . H e w o u ld like to m ake a p a w n sacrifice, b y P - Q 5 a n d i f th en P x P to con tin u e the attack b y P - K 5 . B u t this is n o t possible im m ed ia tely , since after 1 8 P -Q .5 , P x P ; 1 9 P - K 5 , B la c k answ ers 1 9 . . . K t - K 5 , and i f then W h ite tries the in te n d e d e x ch an g e sacrifice b y 2 0 R x K t , P x R , then his R o o k o n Q .I is en p rise a n d he ca n n o t continue w ith 2 1 K t - K t 5 .

T h e re fo re , in p re­

p a ra tio n o f this com bin ation , W h ite first re m o ves his R o o k fro m the Q ,file .

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I t turns o u t, h o w ev e r, th at the entire p la n scarce ly affords su ccess aga in st p ro p e r co u n te r-p lay, since the num erous p re ­ p a r a to r y m o ves req u ired fo r W h it e ’s co m b in atio n c an be th w a rte d b y o n ly on e p ro p h ylactic defensive m o ve on B la c k ’s p a r t , v iz . P - K R 3 , W h ite attains success in the ensuing p la y o n ly b ecau se B la c k is too la te in o b servin g the d a n g e r th reaten ­ in g h im a n d p la y s o v er-d o gm atically fo r the realisation o f h is Q u een -sid e p a w n m a jo rity. 18

R -K 3 ?

A s a lre a d y m en tio n ed , the plan com m en ced b y the text-m ove o ffers little ch a n ce o f success again st co rrect co u n ter-p lay. W h it e sh ou ld , therefore, a t once in itiate a n actio n again st the e n e m y K in g -sid e — a n d th at b y 1 8 P - K 5 !. I n so d o in g he w o u ld h a v e en sured fo r h im se lf a m ost prom ising position as the follow ­ in g b r ie f v a ria tio n s s h o w : I . 1 8 . . . K t - Q 4 ; 19 K t - K t s , P - K R 3 ; 20 K t - K 4 , K t~ B 6 (o th erw ise W h ite threatens 2 1 K t - Q 6 , o r 2 1 R - Q 3 ) ; 2 1 K t B 6 c h !, w ith a v e r y stro n g attack. I I . 1 8 . . . B x K t ? ; 19 P x K t, B x R ; 20 Q - K t 5 , K - B i ; 2 1 Q x P c h , K - K i ; 2 2 R x P c h ! , and B la c k w ill be m ated . I I I . 1 8 . . . K t - Q 2 ; 1 9 K t - K t 5 , K t - B i ; 2 0 K t - K 4 (or also first 2 0 R - K 3 ) , 2 0 . . . B x K t ; 2 1 Q x B , an d W h ite obtain s a p o sitio n al a d v a n ta g e . 18

. . .

P -Q K t4 !

A v e r y stro n g m o ve th at not o n ly p rep ares the a d v an ce o f th e p a w n s o n the Q u een -sid e b u t also gives the Q u een the im p o rta n t sq u a re Q K t 3 . 19

R (Q i) -K

i

P Q R 4

B la c k still discerns no d an ger a n d thinks h e w ill be able to c o n tin u e his a d v a n c e on the Q u een-sid e u n h in d ered . H e re h o w e v e r he should o f necessity have first in terp olated the defen­ sive m o v e 1 9 . . . P - K R 3 . I n th at even t W h ite w o u ld h ave e x p e rie n c e d g re a t d ifficu lty in fo rcin g th ro u gh his attack to a successful en d . T h e lo g ica l con tin u ation 2 0 P - K t 4 fails a g a in s t 2 0 . . . Q - K B 5 , a n d 2 0 P - Q 5 , P x P ; 2 1 P - K 5 , K t - K j yield s W h ite ab so lu tely n o thing. A p p a r e n tly W h ite m ust then re tu rn to his 2 0 P - K 5 , b u t now this ad v a n c e no longer has

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th e sam e force as before. A fte r 2 0 . . . K t - Q . 4 ; 2 1 R - K 4 , Q t-K.2 B la c k h as e v e r y prospect o f b e atin g b a ck the e n e m y a tta c k a n d re ta in in g his positional a d v a n ta g e . 20

P -R 4

P -K t5?

B u t this is a lrea d y a m istake after w h ich W h it e c a n su ccess­ fu lly c a r r y o u t his p lan .

H e re the possibility still existed o f

o b ta in in g the better gam e b y 2 0 . . . P x P ; 2 1 B x R P , P - K R 3 . B lack (Fin e)

W h ite (K eres) to p la y

21 B-Q.5 • A t last W h ite succeeds in c a rry in g out the th rust h e h as so lo n g an d assiduously p lan n ed . W ith the en su in g p a w n sacrifice W h ite d rives a w a y the last piece p ro tectin g th e e n e m y K in g a n d so o b tain s a p ow erfu l a tta ck th at c a n h a r d ly b e m et su ccessfu lly in over-th e-bo ard p la y . T h e fo llo w in g c o m p li­ catio n s a re v e r y interesting an d p ro vid e the an a lysts w ith a fruitful field for research. 21

. . .

PxP

A fte r 2 1 . . . P - K 4 ; 2 2 K t - K t s , R - Q , s ; 2 3 P - B 4 , o r also 2 2 Q r K t s , K t - Q g ; 2 3 K t - R 4 , W h ite w o u ld o b tain a stro n g a tta ck w ith o u t a n y sacrifice in m a te rial. 22

P -K 5

K t -Q .2

T " : Q - B 6 ; 2 8 B - B 2 c h , K - R 4 (or 2 8 . . . Q x B ; 2 9 R x P c h , K - R 4 ; 30 P - K t 4 c h , K - R 5 ; 3 1 Q 7 K 3 , e t c .) ; 2 9 B - Q i c h , K - R 3 ; 3 0 R ( K i ) - K 3 !, w in n in g the Q u een .

5

I I . 2 6 . . . K - K t i ; 2 7 Q _xP (K t5), (after 2 7 Q t R , B la c k h as th e g o o d defence o f 2 7 . . . Q r K B 5 l , an d 2 7 Q r Q | , is o f co u rse an sw ered b y 2 7 . . . Q - B 6 ) 2 7 . . . Q - B 6 ; 2 8 P - R 4 ! * (this seem s e ven stro n ger th an 2 8 B x P c h , B x B ; 2 9 Q x B c h , K — R i ; 3 0 Q ;- R 5 c h , w h ic h w o u ld also afford W h ite som e w in n in g c h a n c e s ), 2 8 . . . Q - K B 3 (one c a n see n o th in g b etter since 2 8 . . . K t - B 4 allo w s the re p ly 2 9 R ( K i ) - K 5 , a n d 2 8 . . . K t - B i ; 29 R ( K i ) - K 3, Q -R 8 ch ;

3 0 K - R 2 also leaves B la c k

h op elessly p la c e d ) ; 2 9 B x P c h , B x B ; 3 0 Q x B c h , K - R i ;

31

R x K t , a n d W h ite has som e w in n in g ch an ces o w in g to his o p p o n e n t’s w eak en ed K in g -sid e. P erh ap s in this variatio n

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2 8 P - R 3 is still stronger so that, in the last lin e, W h it e ’s K R P w ill n o t b e atta ck ed . T h e v a ria tio n s g ive n p ro vid e co n vin cin g p r o o f o f the diffi­ cu lties B la c k h as to contend w ith even in the best d efen ce. I t is therefore u n d erstan d ab le th at it is d ifficu lt to d e cid e , in v ie w o f th e tim e-lim it, w h ich o f the m a n y d an g e ro u s v ariatio n s o ffers h im the best chances o f sa v in g the g am e. 24

K tx R P !

T h is ty p ica l K n ig h t sacrifice is speedily d e cisive , sin ce the B la c k K in g -sid e , so bereft o f its o w n pieces, c a n n o t resist the en su in g atta ck . A cc e p ta n ce o f the sacrifice is p r a c tic a lly fo rced , sin ce 2 4 . . . K t - K t 3 ; 2 5 Q - R .5 , K t - B s ; 2 6 Q - B 5 w o u ld le a v e W h it e a p o w e rfu l attack w ith level m aterial. 24

. . .

K tx K t

25

R -R 3

Q .-B 8

B la c k p u ts his hopes in this co u n ter-attack , b u t th e y p ro ve illu so ry .

W h ite parries the in d iv id u a l en em y th reats w ith o u t

tro u b le , a n d th a t w ithout also w eak en in g his o w n atta ck . 26

Q x K tc h

K -B i

27

R -K 3

P -Q .5

A p p a r e n tly B la c k has n o w o b tain ed re a lly g o o d co u n te r­ p la y , b u t the o pen in g u p o f the d iag o n al fo r W h it e ’s B ish o p th a t results fro m the text-m ove is utilised to stren gth en the a tta c k d ecisively. 28 29

Q -R 8 c h Q xP

K -K 2 R -B i

M a t e is th reaten ed on B 2 , an d after 2 9 . . . B - Q 4 , W h ite w in s b y 3 0 Q _-B6ch, K - Q a ; 3 1 B x B , o r 3 0 . . . K - K i ; 3 1 P - K 6 ! , etc. 30

Q -B 6 ch

K -K

31

P -K 6 !

resigns.

i

A f t e r the fo rced continuation 3 1 . . . P x R ; 3 2 P x P c h , R x P (o r 3 2 . . . K - Q a ; 3 3 Q _-K 6 ch , K - B 2 ; 3 4 R x Q p h , e t c .) ; 3 3 B x R c h , K - Q 2 ; 3 4 Q _-K 6 ch , B la c k e ith er loses h is Q u e e n o r is m a ted .

9°

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

Gam e 1 3

Q U E E N ’S P A W N O P E N I N G International Tournam ent at Ostend, 1 9 3 7

A . D u n k elblu m

P , K e re s

1 2

K t-K B 3 P -B 4

P -Q 4 K t-K B 3

T h is g a m e w a s p la y e d a couple o f rou n d s befo re the end o f th e to u rn a m en t. T h r o u g h previous losses to G r o b a n d T a r ta k o w e r I h a d so m u ch w orsened m y to u rn am en t position th at it w a s im p era tiv e th at I should w in this g am e. F o r this reason I chose here an o pen in g variatio n w h ic h w a s little kn o w n at th e tim e a n d v irg in g ro u n d to th eory, an d I h o p e d th ereb y to lu re m y oppon en t, a p layer accu stom ed to p la y in a m ost restrain ed style, into a m id d le-gam e ric h in com b in atio n s. B u t D u n k e lb lu m does n ot tr y for a n o p en in g a d v a n ta g e . In stead o f the lo g ica l a d v a n c e 3 P - Q 5 , he selects a q u ie t m eth o d o f d e ve lo p m e n t a n d leaves it to his opp o n en t to d isco ve r n e w w a y s o f co m p lica tin g the gam e. 3

P -K 3

P -K K t3

4 5 6

B -K 2 0 -0 P -B 4

B -K ta 0 -0

A s a m a tter o f fa c t this ad van ce does n o t fit in w ith the q u ie t system o f d evelo p m en t chosen b y W h ite , sin ce n o w W h ite c a n crea te som e tension in the cen tre. T h is n a tu r a lly does not y e t le ad to a n y ta n gib le result, b u t som ethin g is a ll the sam e a tta in e d . N a m e ly , W h ite m ust ab an d o n his w a itin g strategy a n d a c c e p t the o ffer o f a h an d -to -h an d fight. 6

. . .

P -Q 4

T h e lin e 6 . . . P x P ; 7 P x P , P - Q 4 ; w o u ld le a d to a position in th e T a r r a s c h D efen ce w ith reverse colours a n d a n e x tra te m p o fo r W h ite . 7

BPxP

8

PxP

K tx P

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H e r e I com p reh end ed th at m y o pp o n en t w a s re m a in in g tru e to his ta ctics o f sim plifying th e position a n d i f possible o f re a c h in g a q u iet endgam e. A s a first step o n this w a y he n a tu ra lly p la n s to p la y P - K 4 a n d K t - B 3 afte r a n e ve n tu a l Q u e e n e x c h a n g e . B u t w h at th en c a n B lack d o a g a in st th is? W it h his en su in g m oves B lack entices his o p p o n en t to e x ch a n g e o f f o n Q R 3 , th ereb y w eak en in g the B la c k p a w n stru ctu re a n d a llo w in g W h ite the o p p o rtu n ity o f d efen d in g his e x tra paw n. 8 9

. . . B x K t?

K t -R .3 !

N o w a d a y s everyo n e knows th at su ch an e x ch a n g e is n ot to be re co m m e n d ed since B la c k then retains th e tw o Bishops, gets o pen lines for his pieces a n d fin ally o u tru n s his o p p o n en t in d e ve lo p m e n t. B lack n o w not o n ly obtain s a p o sitio n al b u t also a p sy ch o lo g ica l a d van tag e . H e gets w h a t h e h as striven for fro m the v e r y first m ove, v iz . a co m p licated m id d leg am e fu ll o f fig h tin g possibilities. In ste a d o f th e fa u lty text-m o ve W h ite m ust p la y 9 P - K 4 , K t ( Q 4 ) - K t 5 ; 10 K t - B 3 , a n d this, after 1 0 . . . K t x B P ; 1 1 B - K 3 , w o u ld assure h im a thoroughly accep ta b le position. 9 10

. . . K t-Q 4

PxB

M isfo rtu n es are rarely single. W h ite , in tryin g to defen d his e x tra p a w n , gets m ore an d m ore b eh in d in d e ve lo p m e n t. H e should a t least essay 10 Q K t - Q a , so as to d e ve lo p his Q u e e n side at lo n g last. 10

. . .

Q .-B 2

11

K t-K t3

R -Q .I

12

Q .-K 2

P -Q R 4 !

C o m m e n c in g a deeply c alcu la te d and h ig h ly co m p lica te d co m b in a tio n in w h ich W h ite does not feel a t h o m e a n d w h e re he e v e n tu a lly misses the righ t p ath . W h o co u ld h a v e su pposed in tliis position th at in this co m b in atio n the B la c k Q R p a w n w h ic h seem s for the m om ent to be so h u m b le w ill e v e n tu a lly p la y a d ecisive role!

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13 B-Q?

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P -r 5

T h is m o ve is ty p ica l o f m y style a t the tim e. T o d a y , instead o f th e follow in g h air-raisin g com p licatio n s I w o u ld p ro b a b ly h a v e chosen the q u ieter w a y 1 3 . . . K t - K t 5 , w h ic h e q u a lly le a d s to a n a d van tageo u s position for B la c k . B u t in th at case w e w o u ld h a v e m issed the follow ing ric h ly co m b in a tiv e m id d leg a m e , w h ic h fu lly justifies the inclusion o f this o th erw ise m ed i­ o cre g a m e in this collection. 14

B -R 5

15

BxR

Q .-B 3

F o rc e d , since after 1 5 K t-Q _4, B x K t ; 1 6 P x B , B lack can , in a d d itio n to 1 6 . . . K t - B s , p la y as w e ll 1 6 . . . B - Q .R 3 ; 1 7 Q .-Q .i> B x R ; 1 8 B x R , B xP , th e reb y o b ta in in g a decisive atta ck . 15

. . .

B -Q R 3!

B la c k lo g ica lly follow s u p the p la n c o m m e n ced b y his 1 3 t h m o v e . V e r y attra ctive here w as the e x ch a n g e sacrifice 1 5 . . . P x K t ; 1 6 P x P , B - K t 2 ; an d then i f 1 7 B - R 5 , K T - B 5 ; 1 8 Q .B 3 (or 1 8 Q r K t 4 , P - K R 4 ; ) , 1 8 . . . K t - K .7 c h ! w in n in g . B u t W h ite c a n p la y in this variatio n in stead o f 1 7

B - R 5 , the

stro n ger 1 7 P - K 4 ! , b y w h ich he w o u ld re ta in th e ad v a n ta g e o f the e xch an ge. 16

K t-R s

W h ite puts u p a n excellent defence. A fte r 1 6 Q - Q a , there w o u ld com e 1 6 . . . B x R w ith con sid erable a d v a n ta g e to B lack . 16

. . .

Q .-K 3 !

C o m in g d o w n to a n ending b y 1 6 . . . BxQ _; 1 7 K tx Q ., B x R yield s B la c k n oth ing since W h ite w o u ld liq u id a te the m ain d a n g e r b y 1 8 K t - B g ! A fte r the te x t-m o ve th e to rren t o f co m ­ b in ation s is a t full s p a te ; most o f the pieces are eith er d irectly a tta ck ed o r in d irectly threatened. I n o v e r-th e -b o a rd p la y it is n a tu ra lly v e r y difficult to find the rig h t w a y in this m aze a n d it is therefore u n derstandable th a t W h ite does not p la y the best defence in the ensuing m oves a n d soon gets into a lost position.

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Black (K eres)

■

i

S ill

a s W h ite (D unkelblum ) to p la y

i7

QrQ??

T h is m o v e is altogether w e a k an d gives B la c k n o d ifficu lty in e v a lu a tin g his ad va n ta g e . B u t the c h ie f question is w h eth er B la c k has a possibility o f stren gthen in g his atta ck d ecisively ag a in st th e best defence 1 7 K t - B 4 l , o r w h e th er w ith this m o ve W h ite c a n su cceed in d em onstrating the in a d e q u a c y o f the e n e m y actio n . I t is n o t so easy to answ er this question since the position is so co m p lica te d a n d contains so m a n y h idden possibilities th at even in su bsequ en t analysis it is sc arce ly p ra c tic a b le to fin d a c le a r w a y th ro u g h the ju n g le . A fte r 1 7 K t - B 4 , B la c k c a n fall b a c k o n tw o c h ie f possibilities w h ich both seem to le ad to a p ro m isin g position for him . L e t us n o w exam in e th em a little m o re e x h a u stively. I . 1 7 . . . K t - B 5 (whilst a w a itin g m y o p p o n en t’s 1 7th m o ve, this w a s the p rin cip a l possibility th at I h a d taken in to co n ­ sid e ra tio n ); 1 8 Q ,-B 3 , B x K t (here 1 8 . . . R x B also com es in to con sid eratio n after w h ich , b y 19 K t ( K t i ) - R 3 , W h ite cou ld transpose in to the line given in the next p a r a g r a p h ) ; 1 9 Q x R ,

4

B - Q . ! 2 0 Q ~ K t 8 , K t - K y c h (u n fo rtu n ately B la c k has no tim e fo r the p re tty 20 . . . Q ^ R f i ; since W h ite gets his m ate in first b y 2 1 B x P dis c h ) ; 2 1 K - R i , B x P c h ; 2 2 K x B , Q ,- K t 5 c h ; 2 3 Q ,- K t 3 , K tx Q ,; 2 4 R P x K t , B x P ; an d n o w w e h a v e a v e r y com p licated a n d u n cle ar position w h ic h is v e r y d ifficu lt to ju d g e .

Black w ill w in the exch an g e a n d rem ain

w ith Q u e e n aga in st en em y R o o k , Bishop an d K n ig h t.

The

94

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

W h ite pieces are v e r y p o o rly placed b u t his stro n g passed p aw n o n the Q B file gives h im ad equate defensive possibilities. 18

I I . 1 7 . . . R x B (this sim ple re ca p tu re is p ro b a b ly b e st); K t ( K t i ) - R . 3 , K t - B s ; 19 Q - B 3 (after 1 9 Q - B 2 , K t x P ;

B la ck gets a m ost d an gero u s attack in re tu rn fo r the ex ch an g e ), 1 9 . . . K t - Q 6 a n d B la c k wins b a ck his sacrificed m aterial w ith a go o d g am e. W h a te v e r result fu rth er investigation o f this position m igh t p ro d u ce one th in g is, in a n y case, c le ar— W h ite m ust try here 1 7 K t - B 4 ! w h ich is the o n ly line th at gu ara n te es h im prospects o f a successful defence. 17 18

. . . K t-B 3

BxR

T h is loses a t o n ce, b u t also after 1 8 K x B , R x B ; W h ite ’s position w ith its u n d evelo p ed Q u een-sid e w o u ld be hopeless. 18

. . .

BxP!

T h is Bishop sells its life as d early as possible. O n c e the W h ite K in g -sid e is so broken u p Black soon gets a decisive attack . 19

K xB

R xB

20

K -R i

P -R 6 !

T h is unobtrusive p a w n now p rovid es the finishing stroke. 21 22

R -Q i K tx K t

PxP R x K t!

resigns T h e r e cou ld follow 2 3 Q - B 2 , R x R c h ; 2 4 Q x R , Q -K 5 C I 1, a n d the K t p a w n q ueens. I t is in teresting to observe th at, in a position w h ere n e a rly all the pieces o n the b o a rd are attack ed , in the en d the little R P bro u gh t ab ou t the decision.

Game 1 4

FR EN CH D EFEN CE International Tournam ent at Prague, 1 9 3 7

J. 1 2

F o lty s P -Q 4 P -K 4

P . K ere s P -K 3

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

95

A f t e r 2 P - Q B 4 , I often used to p la y at th a t tim e 2 . . . B - K t 5 c h , a n d w ith results th at w ere n ot b a d .

A p p a r e n tly

this p ossib ility d id not attract F o lty s a n d he therefore decides to transpose the g am e to the F r e n c h D efen ce. 2 3

. . . K t-Q B 3

P -Q 4 K t-K B 3

T h e N im zo w itsch m ove, 3 . . . B - K t s ; w a s n ot then so p o p u la r as it is n o w ad ays. 4 5

B -K t5 BxK t

B -K 2

T h is e x ch a n g e w a s often em p lo yed in his tim e b y the w o rld ch a m p io n , A n d erssen , but has o f recen t yea rs ten ded to dis­ a p p e a r alm o st en tirely from to u rn am en t p la y . I n m y o pin ion there are tw o m a in reasons fo r this. F irstly, W h ite does n ot o b tain p a rtic u la rly good attack in g ch an ces w ith this e x ch an g e , a n d , seco n d ly, he attains go o d p la y w ith o u t m u c h trou b le b y the n o rm a l 5 P - K 5 . 5 6

. . . K t-B 3

BxB

W h ite m ixes u p two d ifferent system s an d so loses prospects o f gettin g a n y th in g out o f the o pen in g. O n c e h a v in g p lu m p e d for the e x ch a n g e o n B 6 W h ite m ust con tin u e here w ith 6 P - K 5 , B - K . 2 ; 7 Q _ -K t4 , w hich w o u ld a t least keep h im som e prospects o f atta ck . 6

. . .

0 -0

I t w o u ld h a v e p ro b ab ly been better to h a v e postponed castlin g here fo r a little an d to h av e first p la y e d 6 . . . P - B 4 , since, n o w , W h ite can engineer som e n asty th reats again st the en em y K in g -sid e . 7

B -Q .3

P -B 4

8 9

P -K 5 P xP

B -K 2

H e re F o lty s misses the strong co n tin u atio n 9 P - K R 4 ! w h ich threatens 10 B x P c h and sets B la c k som e re a lly d ifficu lt p ro b ­ lem s. I f B la c k then replies 9 . . . P x P , h e ca n g et in to g re at trouble after 10 B xP ch , K x B ; 1 1 K t - K t 5 c h . In illu stratio n o f this w e a p p en d the follow ing possible v a r ia t io n : 1 1 . . . K - R 3 ;

96

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

1 2 Q - Q 3 , P - K K t 3 ; 1 3 P - R 5 ! , B x K t ; 1 4 P x P dis c h , B - R 5 ; 1 5 Q - K t 3 l , P x P ; 1 6 R x B c h , K - K t a ; 1 7 R - K t 4 , an d W h ite h a s a r e a lly stro n g atta ck in g position in retu rn fo r the p iece sa crifice ( 1 7 . . . Q - K i ; 1 8 K t - K t s ! , etc.) A ls o after 9 . . . P - B 4 ; 10 P x P e .p ., P x B P , the sacrifice 1 1 K t - K K t 5 ! gives W h ite a dangerous atta ck . A lth o u g h the a p p e n d e d lines h a v e no claim to b e at all e xh au stive, th e y se rve to co n v in ce us th at W h ite c o u ld o n ly h a v e ju stified his p rev io u s p la y b y g P - K R 4 . 9 10

. . . P -K R 4 ?

K t-Q a !

T h e m o ve th a t w a s go o d a m o m en t ago is n o w b a d . S in ce B la c k c a n n o w easily defend h im self ag a in st the th reat o f 1 1 B x P c h , the te x t-m o ve proves to b e m e re ly a w eak en in g o f W h it e ’s o w n K in g -s id e . T h e atte m p t, too, to p ro tect the B P b y P - Q K t 4 w o u ld b e unsuccessful b ecau se o f 10 . . . P - Q K t 3 ; 1 1 P x P , B x P ; b u t b y 10 O - O , W h ite cou ld h a v e m ain tain ed a n a p p ro x im a te e q u a lity . 10

. . .

P -B 4

T h e sim plest w a y o f p arryin g W h it e ’s th reat. A fte r the p r a c tic a lly fo rced ex ch a n g e on K B 3 b o th B la c k Bishops o btain fu ll scope for actio n in the open cen tre. I n ad d itio n W h ite m u st aim o n ly a t castlin g Q ueen-side on acco u n t o f the w e a k ­ ness on his K R 4 . 11

P x P e .p .

12

QrQ?

B x P (B 3 )

N o w the sacrifice 1 2 B x P ch , K x B ; 1 3 K t - K t 5 c h no lo n ger com es into con sid eratio n since B la c k cou ld co m p letely repulse the a tta c k b y 1 3 . . . K - K t i ; 14 Q - R 5 , B x K t c h ; 1 5 P x B , K t - B 3 . 12

. . .

K tx P

13

0 -0 -0

Q -R 4

B la c k ’s a tta ck on the Q ueen-side n o w d evelo p s m a rk e d ly q u ick e r th an the W h ite cou n ter-actio n o n the K in g ’s w in g . H e is a lre a d y th reaten in g to w in a p a w n b y

1 4 . . . K tx B c h ,

fo llo w e d b y B x K t a n d Q x P , an d , in ad d itio n , W h ite has to reck o n w ith the possib ility o f P - K 4 . 14

P -R 3

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

97

S u c h a w eak en in g o f the castled position is c e rta in ly not p leasan t, b u t w h a t eke c a n W h ite do to p ro te ct his Q R P ? 1 4 K - K t i w ill not w o rk since B la c k c an then w in a p a w n b y 1 4 . . . B x K t ; 1 5 Q x B , Q x Q ,; 1 6 PxQ _, K t - R .5 . N o w , h o w eve r, B la c k threaten s to obtain a p o w erfu l atta ck ag a in st the K in g . 14 15

. . . Q R -K i

B -Q .2

W h ite still can n ot p la y 1 5 K - K t i becau se o f 1 5 . . . B x K t ; a n d 1 5 K t - K 2 could be m et b y 1 5 . . . Q _ -K t3 fo llo w ed b y P - K 4 . T h e text-m ove is aim ed again st P - K 4 , b u t n o w W h it e ’s Q B 3 turns o u t to be a fa ta l w eakness. Black (K eres) to p la y

W h ite (Fo ltys) 15

. . .

Q R -B i!

T h is sim ple m ove sets the ad v e rsa ry an insoluble p ro blem . N o w B la c k threatens n ot o n ly 16 . . . K t x B c h , fo llow ed b y 1 7 . . . B x K t , bu t also 1 6 . . . P--Q ,5, w h en W h ite can n o t m o ve the K n ig h t o n account o f K t - K t 6 c h . W h ite , therefore, decides to m ake a n exch an ge sacrifice in the hope th at h e w ill o btain som e c o u n te r-p la y on the W h ite squares. 16

K t-K s

U n d o u b te d ly the best p ra c tic a l ch a n ce .

B o th o f the en em y

th reats co u ld , indeed, be p reven ted b y 1 6 B - B i , b u t then B la c k w o u ld decisively strengthen his atta ck b y 1 6 . . . P - Q K t j .. 16

. . .

BxK t

98

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

A fte r 1 6 . . . P - Q 5 , W h ite has the resou rce 1 7 K t x B , P x K t ; 1 8 K t x B c h , alth o u gh B la c k w ould still o b tain m u c h the b etter e n d in g afte r 1 8 . . . R x K t . T h e text-m o ve w in s the e x ch a n g e . 17

R xB

P -Q .5 !

I f n o w 1 8 K t - K 4 , then 1 8 . . . K t x B c h w in s a w h o le R o o k . W h ite m u st therefore ca p tu re on Q B 5 . 18

R xK t

Q xR

T h e presence o f the Q u e e n increases B la c k ’s ch an ces since in the en su in g phase o f the gam e the W h ite K in g is su bjected to all possible kinds o f attack . W h ite n o w tries to con solid ate his ce n tra l position on the W h ite sq u ares, th e reb y ren d erin g his o p p o n e n t’s task as difficult as possible. 19

K t-K 4

20 21

K -K ti P -B 3

22

P -Q K t3

.4

Q rQ P -K 4

P -K R 3

T h is fresh w eak en in g o f W h ite K in g ’s position is in ev ita b le sooner o r la te r, since B la c k threatens to p en etrate to Q R 7 after B K 3.

N o w , h o w e v e r, B la c k has a c le a r p lan o f c a m p a ig n .

H e w ill t r y to fo rce th ro u gh his Q R P to R 5 an d i f W h ite p reven ts this b y P - R 4 then he w ill be able to b re ak u p his p a w n position b y P - Q K t 4 . 22

. . .

B -K 3

T h is m o ve is p la y a b le because 2 3 B - B 4 c a n be m et b y 2 3 . . . R x B ! ; 2 4 P x R , Q x P ; with a w in n in g atta ck fo r B la c k . 23 24

P -R 5 P -R 4

P -R 4 K -R i

B la c k is in no h u rry . Before he starts on the decisive actio n o n the Q u e e n ’ s w in g h e first removes his K in g fro m the d a n ­ gerou s d ia g o n a l K K t i - Q R . 7 . So as n o t to g o d o w n w ith o u t a fig h t W h ite n o w begins a desperate atta ck again st the B lack K in g , b u t h e o n ly accelerates his loss th ereb y. 25

R -K ti

R -Q B 3

S o as to strengthen the attack by b rin g in g his R o o k to K t 5 . 26

B -K t5

R -Q B 2

27

B -Q 3

B -Q 2

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

N o w all is prepared fo r the P - Q K t 4 thrust.

99

W h ite feels

b o u n d to accelerate his actio n o n the other w in g b u t in p ractice 2 8 K - K t 2 w o u ld have affo rd ed better ch an ces, since B la c k c a n n o t y e t p la y 2 8 . . . P - Q K t 4 b ecau se o f 2 9 Q x P . B u t this w o u ld h a rd ly h ave altered the result o f the g am e. 28

P -K K t4

K R xP

29

P -K t5

B -B 4 !

L iq u id a tin g the ch ief p oin t o f su pp o rt for the o p p o n en t on K 4 , w h ic h is equivalent to d e cid in g the fate o f the g a m e . T h e fo llo w in g desperation sacrifice m erely perm its o f a n u m b er o f checks. 30 31

PxP P xP ch

32

RxR

BxK t R xP

O r 3 2 C L-R fich , R - R 2 ; an d both the m a tin g squ ares on K B 3 a n d K B 1 are protected. 32

. . .

K xR

33

Q .-K t5 c h

K -B 2

resigns A fte r 3 4 B ~ B 4 , R x P c h ! w ins at once.

Gam e 1 5

Q U E E N ’S P A W N , K I N G ’S I N D I A N

D EFEN CE

International Tournam ent at Prague, 1 9 3 7

P . Keres 1 P -Q 4 2 P -Q B 4

K . H ro m a d k a K t-K B s P -B 4

3

P -K K t3

P - Q .5

T h e m eth o d o f p lay chosen b y B la c k here is n o w a d a y s one o f the w ell-k n o w n variations o f the K in g ’s In d ia n D e fe n ce an d h as been recognised as v a lid in in tern atio n al chess for som e tim e. B u t w h en this gam e w a s p la y e d the lin e w a s re g a rd e d as u n fa v o u ra b le fo r Black. D espite w h ich , M a ste r H r o m a d k a used

GRANDMASTER

IOO

OF

CHESS

it in a n u m b er o f ga m es an d so co n trib u ted m u c h to w ard s w o rk in g o u t a n d p o p u larisin g the w h o le m eth o d o f p la y .

.3

4 5

K t-Q B 3 P -K K t3

P -Q B -K t2

6

B -K t2

0 -0

7

P -K 4

N o w a d a y s 7 K t - B 3 is the recom m ended m o v e .

B u t, as w e

h a v e a lre a d y rem a rk ed , a t that tim e the d e ve lo p m e n t system fo r bo th sides h a d not y e t been w orked o u t an d it o c c u rre d b u t seld om in to u rn a m en t p la y .

7

• • •

P -Q R

3

B u t n o w the m a n o eu vre K t - R 3 ~ B 2 as p re p a r a tio n for P Q K t 4 w a s in ord er. 8

P~Q R4

R -K

9

K K t -K .2

P -K 3

i

B la c k ad o p ts the rig h t p la n . B y the ensuing e x c h a n g e in the cen tre he opens u p lines fo r his pieces a n d a t th e sam e tim e gets rid o f W h it e ’s Q B P after w hich it becom es easier to c a r r y o u t the a d v a n c e P - Q K t 4 . N o w ad ay s, h o w e v e r, this strateg y is a lre a d y co m m o n k n o w led ge and needs n o fu rth e r e x p la n a tio n .

0 -0

PxP

II

B PxP

Q K t-Q a

12

P -R 3

I

o

W h ite co u ld also p la y 1 2 P - K t 3 , since the c o m b in a tio n 1 2 . . . K t x K P ; 1 3 B x K t , R x B ; i 4 K t x R , B x R le av e s W h ite w ith a c le a rly o v erw h e lm in g gam e after 1 5 B - K t 5 o r 1 5 K t x Q P . B u t W h ite does not w an t to p la y a n e a r ly P - Q K T 3 as h e w ishes to a v o id g iv in g his opponent an o b je ct o f a tta ck on Q K t 3 after the Q K t file has been o pen ed . T h e te x t-m o v e is n ecessary as p rep a ra tio n fo r P - B 4 , o r fo r P - K K t 4 fo llow ed by K t-K t3. 12 13

. . . P -R 5

R -K ti K t-K /j

T h e K n ig h t sa lly turns o u t to be m e re ly a loss o f te m p o . H e should p la y a t o n ce 1 3 . . . P - Q K t 4 ; i 4 P x P e .p ., R x K t P ; after w h ic h B la c k w o u ld h a v e real c o u n te r-p la y o n th e Q _w in g in com p en satio n fo r W h ite ’s p repon deran ce in th e cen tre.

THE

EARLY 14

GAMES

P -B 4

OF

PAUL

KERES

101

K t(K 4 )-Q 2 ?

B la c k , in m a k in g this m o v e , m arks o u t his p revio u s o n e as a m istake, w h ic h costs him tw o v a lu a b le tem p i. B la c k ’s o rig in a l id e a w a s to p la y here 1 4 . . . K t - B 5 ; 1 5 Q .- R 4 , P - Q K t 4 ; b u t h e ren ou n ces it a t the last m o m en t since he is a fra id o f lo sin g his K n ig h t a fte r 1 6 Q 7-R 2 . I n a c tu a l fa c t, h o w e v e r, B la c k w o u ld th en o b tain an excellen t g am e b y 1 6 . . . K t ~ Q a !, sin ce 1 7 P - K t 3 is n o t to be feared because o f 1 7 . . . P - K t s ; a n d oth erw ise th ere is threatened the disagreeable P - K B 4 . T h e re fo re W h ite w o u ld p la y after 1 4 . . . K t - B s ; 1 5 Q ;- R 4 , P - Q K t 4 sim ply 1 6 P x P e .p ., K t x P ( K t 3 ) ; 1 7 Q h B2 , a fte r w h ic h the long K n ig h t m an o eu vre K t - Q 2 - K 4 - B 5 ~ K t 3 w o u ld p ro v e to be m ere loss o f tem pi. 15

P -K K t4 !

16

P x P e.p.

P ~ Q K t4

H r o m a d k a p lays most resourcefully. W h ite w a s th re aten in g 1 6 P - K t 5 , a n d a t the first g la n c e 1 6 P - K t 5 , K t - R 4 ; 1 7 B - B 3 still seem s v e r y stro n g. A n exch an g e b y 1 7 . . . B x K t ; 1 8 P x B , K t - K t 2 w o u ld then leave W h ite w ith a c le a r a d v a n ta g e a n d in a n y ca se there is the th re at o f 1 8 B x K t . I n fa c t this lin e w o u ld n o w le a d to m ost undesirable consequences fo r W h it e becau se o f th e variatio n 1 7 . . . P - K t 5 ! ; 1 8 K t - K t i , P - B 5 . T h e n , i f 1 9 B x K t , P x B , W h ite su d d en ly finds h im se lf a t a loss h o w to p ro te ct his K 4 sq u are. W h ite m ust, i f he w a n ts to re ta in his stro n g cen tre, ensure the position o f his K t o n Q B 3 a t all costs. 16

. . .

Q xP?

B la c k is a ll too optim istic in his ap p reciatio n o f the positio n . A f te r th e te x t-m o ve W h ite forces his o p p o n en t to d isp la ce his K n ig h t o n K R 4 , and, in o rd e r to b rin g b a c k this K n ig h t in to the g a m e a g a in , to e x ch an g e o f f his stro n g K B ish o p . B u t in so d o in g B la c k weakens his K in g -sid e to a m a rk e d d e gree a n d W h ite gets the o p p o rtu n ity o f in itiatin g a m ost p ro m isin g a tta ck . T h e n o rm a l continuation o f 1 6 . . . K t x K t P , w h ic h v a c a te s th e Q 2 sq u a re fo r the o th er K n ig h t, w a s a p p a re n tly a v o id e d b y B la c k becau se o f the possibility o f 1 7 P - K 5 , P x P ; 1 8 P x P . T h e n , in fa c t, 1 8 , . . R x P w o u ld n ot d o b ecau se o f 1 9 B - B 4

02

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

w in n in g the e xch an ge, b u t i 8 . . . K K t - Q a ! w o u ld h av e been p la y a b le . A lth o u g h after the further 1 9 P - K 6 , P x P ; 2 0 P x P , R x P B la c k ’s position looks to be in g re a t d a n g e r it is d ifficu lt to see h o w W h ite c a n a ch ie ve an y con crete ad v a n ta g e . N a tu r a lly , W h ite need not force m atters after 1 6 . . . K t x K t P b y 1 7 P - K 5 . H e cou ld , for exam ple, p la y either 1 7 Q - Q .3 o r 1 7 K t - K t 3 , an d retain a m arked ad v a n ta g e . 17 18

P -K t5 B -B 3

K t - R .4 B -Q _5ch

B la ck a p p a re n tly h a d counted on this m ove. I f n o w 19 K t x B , P x K t ; 2 0 K t - R .4 , then there follows 2 0 . . . Q _ -K t5 a n d after 2 1 B x K t , P x B W h ite has no time to utilise the w eaknesses on the en em y K in g -sid e on accou n t o f his o w n w eakness on K 4 . W h ite , h o w ev e r, has a t his disposal a cu n n in g m an o eu vre th at c o n v in cin g ly dem onstrates the in a d e q u a cy o f the en em y ’s p lan . 19 20

K -K t2 ! R -R 4 !

K t-K t2

I t is w ith this m o ve th at W h ite m akes his positional a d v a n ­ ta g e cle a r. B y his last m o ve Black h a d to block the o n ly field o f re tre a t for his Bishop a n d n o w , o n ac c o u n t o f the th reat o f 2 1 K t x B , he m ust h im se lf exch an ge the p iece ag a in st the e n e m y K n ig h t. W ith this W h ite h as attain ed his strategic o b je c tive a n d his position c an be re g ard e d as w o n fro m this p o in t o f v ie w . 20

. . .

BxK t

21

K tx B

P -B 4

B la ck m ust try som e sort o f c o u n te r-p lay , as otherw ise he soon gets in to a c le a rly lost position after W h ite ’s P - R 4 - 5 . W h ite co u ld also v e r y w e ll m eet the text-m o ve w ith 2 2 P x P e .p ., K t x P ; 2 3 R - K i , w ith the threat o f 2 4 P - K 5 , b u t he prefers to o perate a lo n g the K file instead. 22

R -K i

23

P -K tS

Q -Q i

I n this w a y W h ite afford s his o pp o n en t som e u nnecessary c o u n te r-p la y . Better w a s an im m ediate 2 3 P - R 4 follow ed b y a n eve n tu a l P - R 5 , since it is impossible to see w h a t B lack c an d o a g a in st it.

THE

EARLY

23

• ••

GAMES

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KERES

103

QrKt3

B la c k takes im m ediate a d v a n ta g e o f his o p p o rtu n ity .

A l­

th o u gh th e th re a t on the p a w n o n Q K t 6 is n o t p a r t ic u la r ly effective it still does n o ticeab ly im p ed e W h ite ’s atta ck . 24

PxP

R xR

A fte r 2 4 . . . P x P ; 2 5 R x R c h , K t x R ;

26 Q - K i , K t-K t2

w e h a v e th e position in th e g a m e , a n d 2 4 . . . Q x P ; 2 5 R x R c h , K t x R ; 2 6 Q - K t yields W h ite a decisive attack . 25

Q xR

PxP

H e re B la c k w a s faced w ith the difficu lt choice o f h o w he should re ca p tu re on K B 4 . I t is true th at w ith the te x t-m o v e B la c k d e p rive s W h ite ’s pieces o f the fine sq u are K 4 , b u t in so d o in g h e le a ve s his K n ig h t alm o st in a stalem ate p ositio n an d relinquishes h op e o f active c o u n te r-p la y . T h ere fo re th e r e c a p ­ ture b y 2 5 . . . K t x P also c a m e into con sid eratio n . A f t e r this d ire ct a ttem p ts at attack o n the B la c k K in g w o u ld be u n su c­ cessful, e . g . : 2 6 Q - K 8 c h , K t - B i ; 2 7 K t —K 4 , B —K 3 ! o r 2 6 Q —K 6 c h , K - B i ! (2 7 R - K 4 , Q r Q i ) an d B lack has a n a d e q u a te defence. I t c a n n o t, h o w ever, be m ain tain ed th at B la c k ’s p ositio n w o u ld h a v e b een n o ticea b ly relieved b y 2 5 . . . K t x P . W h it e w o u ld still re ta in a n excellent atta ck in g position th ereafter a n d he co u ld stren gth en this in v ario u s w a y s. T h u s h e c o u ld a t o n ce p ro te ct th e threatened p o in t Q K t 3 b y 2 6 B - Q i , o r also after 2 6 R - K 4 , K t - B i ; 2 7 B - Q i . B u t also possible is th e m o re en ergetic continuation 2 6 B - K t 4 , K t - B i ; 2 7 K t - K 4 , Q x P ; 2 8 K t - B 6 c h , followed b y 2 9 R - K 4 , w ith n u m ero u s th reats. 26

R -R 2

W h ite retires his R o ok to the second ran k in o rd e r to stre n g ­ then his pressure in the cen tre. T h e p a w n on Q K t 3 is o f no im p o rta n ce as after 26 . . . Q x P W h ite c a n e ven q u ie tly co n tin u e 2 7 P - R 4 , and the B lack pieces can n o t g e t b a c k in tim e to p ro te ct the K in g -sid e. E v e n m ore fo rcin g , h o w e v e r, w o u ld be a n im m ediate 2 6 P - R 4 , since the a d v a n c e o f this p a w n to R 5 w o u ld d eprive B la c k o f a n y possibility w h a tso e v e r o f c o u n te r-p la y o n that w in g .

10 4

GRANDMASTER 26

. . .

27

R -K 2

Of

CHESS

K t-B l

A lso here 2 7 P - R 4 . merits con sid eration . T h e o ccu p atio n o f the K file turns o u t to b e , b y itself, insufficient to b re ak d o w n en em y resistance. B la c k (H ro m ad ka) to p la y

W h ite (K eres)

a7

• • •

Q -Q i?

O n c e B la c k has, o f his own free w ill, p lace d his Q u een in a passive defensive position b y th e text-m o ve the fu rther stren gthen in g o f W h it e ’s attack m eets w ith no difficulties. T h ere fo re , here 2 7 . . . B - Q 2 m u st be tried. D u r in g the g a m e I h a d w o rk ed o u t the follow ing w in n in g variatio n again st this m o v e : 2 8 R - K 7 , R - K i ; 2 9 B - K t 2 , Q - Q i ; 3 0 R x K t c h , K x R ; 3 1 K t - K 4 dis ch , K - K t i ; 3 2 Q - B 3 , o r, in this line, 2 9 — Q x P ; 3 0 K t - Q i , R x R ; 3 1 Q x R , K t - K i ; a n d after 3 2 K - K t 3 l B la c k has no go o d m o ve. T h ere is, h o w e v e r, a sn a g : instead o f 2 8 . . . R - K i , B la c k c a n p la y the stron ger 2 8 . . . Q x P ! (2 9 K t - Q i , Q-B7CI1) a n d W h ite can n o t easily m an o eu vre his B ish o p to the Q R 1 - K R 8 diagonal. W h ite m ust therefore con d u ct his a tta ck in a m u c h m ore su b d e w a y . T h e m o ve th a t w ill serve v e r y w e ll to start o f f m atters is 2 8 K t - Q i !, since n o w 2 8 . . . Q x P fails again st 2 9 R - K t 2 . I f B la c k p la y s 2 8 . . . R - K i then follow s 2 9 B - K t 2 , after w h ich 2 9 . . . Q x P ; 3 0 R - K 7 w o u ld transpose in to the line g ive n ab o ve . O r i f 2 9 K t - K t 3 ; 3 0 Q - B 3 w in s fo r W h ite . B la c k w o u ld also h a v e an unsatisfactory en d to the attem p t

THE

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105

to use this m o v e after 2 8 . . . K t - K t 3 ; 2 9 P - R 4 , Q _ - K t 5 ; 3 0 Q _ -K t3, fo llow ed b y 3 1 P - R 5 .

I t w o u ld a p p e a r, th erefore,

th at th e con tin u atio n 2 8 K t - Q i ! w o u ld , ih the even t, to o , o f 2 7 . . . B - Q 2 , ensure W h ite co n tro l o f the lo n g d ia g o n a l a n d this, in tu rn , w o u ld m ean a decisive atta ck . 28

P -R 4 !

S u rp risin g ly enough, B lack is q uite helpless again st the fu r­ ther a d v a n c e o f this p aw n . T h e cap tu re on Q K T 3 n o w h a s a m u c h w e a k e r effect than in the v ariatio n s considered a b o v e , since the R o o k can n o t fulfil th e sam e fu n ctio n as the Q u e e n from th at sq u a re. 28

. . .

R xP

29 30

P -R 5 P -R 6

B -Q 2 K t-K i

B la c k c a n in d eed save the loss o f a p ie ce, b u t his position is hopelessly passive and m ust therefore collap se sooner o r la te r. 31 32

B -R 5 BxK t

K t-K t3 PxB

33

R -K 7

P -R 4

B la c k n o w h as h a rd ly a m o v e , an d W h ite needs o n ly to g et his B ishop o n the lo n g d ia g o n a l in o rd e r to b re ak d o w n the ultim ate resistance. N a tu ra lly , 3 3 . . . R x K t ? w o u ld fail ag a in st 3 4 P - R y c h , a n d after 3 3 . . . K t - B 2 th e sim plest w a y o f d ecid in g th e g a m e is b y 3 4 R - K t 7 c h a n d 3 5 R x P . 34

35

K t-Q i

K t-B 2

k2

Qt T h e sim plest w in here w a s b y 3 5 R - K t 7 c h , K - R i ; 3 6 Q - K 7 !, Q ? Q .; 3 7 R x Q _ , an d Black loses a t least a p iece. B u t, in v ie w o f the o p p o n e n t’s tim e trouble W h ite p la y s for m ate.

35

• • •

K tx P

W h ite w o u ld h ave gre ate r difficulties to su rm o u n t after 3 5 . . . K t - K t 4 . T h e n there co u ld fo llo w 3 6 R - K t 7 c h , K - R t (or 3 6 . . . K - B i ; 3 7 Q r K 7 c h ! , Q x Q .; 3 8 R x Q , e t c .) ; 3 7 B - K t 2 , K t - Q ^ ; an d now sim p ly 3 8 B x K t , P x B ; 3 9 R x P , w h e n the p a w n o n Q 6 can n ot be defen d ed . A fte r th e text-m o ve it is a ll o v er. 36

P -R 7C I1

resigns

io6

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

I t is in terestin g to observe th at th e W h ite Q , Bishop h as n ot m a d e a sin gle m o v e th ro u gho u t th e w h o le g a m e . N o w the in ten tio n is to p la y it to K t 2 a n d th is th re at is so stro n g th at it com p els B la c k to strike his flag a t o n ce.

Gam e 1 6

CATALAN SYSTEM International Tournam ent at.K em eri, 1 9 3 7

P.

K eres

E . Book

1 2

K t-K B ? P -B 4

P -O 4 P -K 3

3

K t-B 3

A m o re a c c u ra te sequence o f m oves w o u ld h ave been 3 P - Q 4 , K t - K B 3 ; 4 K t - B 3 , sin ce now B la c k , b y 3 . . . P - Q 5 ; 4 K t Q K t i , P - Q B 4 , c o u ld h ave transposed to a variatio n o f the K in g ’s In d ia n D efe n ce , w ith colours reversed.

3

. . .

Kt-KT.3

4

P - Q .4

B -K 2

B o o k is a n e x p e rt in the L a sk er D e fe n ce to the Q .G .D . an d therefore a im s a t th e line 5 B - K t 5 , O - O ; 6 P - K 3 , P - K R 3 ; 7 B - R 4 , K t - K s . F o r this reason, too, h e refrains fro m co n tin u atio n reco m m en d ed b y th eo ry 4 . . . P - B 4 . 5

the

P -K K t3

A lth o u g h th e transposition to the C a t a la n in this position is -not as effective as w h e n W h ite h as n ot p la y e d K t - Q B 3 , it is p sy c h o lo g ica lly w e ll based . B lack is to b e confronted w ith q u ite o th er stra teg ical problem s th a n those for w h ich he h ad h o p e d w ith his last fe w moves. 5

. . .

0 -0

6

B -K t2

P -B 3

T h e c h o ice o f this constricted system o f d efence show s th at the o p e n in g v a ria tio n does n ot quite suit B la c k ’s taste. T h e sim plest co n tin u atio n

b y w h ic h

B lack o btain s re ally v a lid cou n ter­

p la y is here 6 . . . P x P ; but the e n ergetic thrust 6 . . . P - B 4 also ensures B la ck a m o re prom ising g a m e th an the text-m o ve. N o w the g a m e o n ce a g a in returns to n o rm a l theoretical path s.

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

7 8

0-0 P ~ K t3

Q K t-Q a P -Q K t3

9

B -K t2

P -Q R 4 ?

KERES

1 07

W ith this a d v a n c e Black loses an im p o rta n t tem p o a n d thus in curs a cle a r disad van tage. H e re essential w a s 9 . . . B - R 3 ; 10 K t - Q j2 , R - B i , w h ich w o u ld g iv e B la c k a satisfacto ry g a m e . I f W h ite then p la y e d as in th e g a m e 1 1 P - K 4 , there w o u ld follow 1 1 . . . P x B P w ith the en su in g p o ssib ilities: I. 12 P - K 5 , K t - K i

(there also com es in to con sid eratio n

1 2 . . . K t - Q _ 4 ; 1 3 P xP , K t x K t ; 1 4 B x K t , P - Q K t 4 ; th o u g h

then W h ite c a n em bark on a p ro m isin g e x ch an g e sa c r ific e : 1 5 P - B 5 ! , P - K t 5 ; 1 6 B x K tP , B x R ; 1 7 Q x B , e t c .) ; 1 3 K t x P (o r 1 3 P x P , P - Q B 4 ; a n d W h ite can n ot p la y 1 4 P - Q 5 , b ecau se o f 1 4 . . . K t x P ) , 1 3 . . . P - Q K t 4 ; 1 4 K t - K 3 , F - Q B 4 ; a n d B la c k has a good g a m e since 1 5 P - Q 5 a g a in fails ag a in st 1 5 . . . K t x P , I I . 1 2 P x P , P - K 4 ; 1 3 P -Q _5, P x P ; 1 4 K P x P , a n d n o w B la c k can n o t, it is tru e, p la y 14 . . . B x P b ecau se o f 1 5 K t x B , R x K t ; 16 P - Q 6 . B u t b y 1 4 , . . K t - B 4 o r 1 4 . . . K t - K i he w o u ld o btain a go od position. I I I . 1 2 K t x P , P - Q K t 4 (also 1 2 . . . B x K t ; 1 3 P x B , P - K 4 ; deserves co n sid era tio n ); * 3 K t - K 3 , P - B 4 ; 1 4 P -Q .5 (after 1 4 P - K 5 , K t - K i w e arrive at a position in V a r ia tio n I ) , 1 4 . . . P - K t 5 ; 1 5 K t - K 2 , K t - K t 3 ; an d B la c k has a th o ro u g h ly satisfactory position. B lack (Book)

W hite (K ere s) to p la y 10

K t-Q .2 !

108

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

N o w B la c k c a n n o longer p reve n t W h it e ’s P - K 4 b e cau se o f his o w n w eak n ess in the centre a n d h e h as the w orse g a m e . 10 ii

. . .

B -R 3

N a tu r a lly , h ere B la c k could q u ie tly con tin u e 1 0 . . . B - K t 2 ; P - K 4 , P x K P ; 12 K t(Q 2)x P , K t x K t ; 1 3 K tx K t, K t - B 3 ;

a fte r w h ic h a w ell-k n o w n position is re ach e d w ith a d v a n ta g e in b o th sp a ce a n d position fo r W h ite . I t is, h o w e v e r, e asy to co m p reh e n d th at n o p layer w o u ld choose su ch a m e th o d o f p la y in w h ic h he c a n hope o n ly fo r e q u a lity after a lab o rio u s d efen ce. I t is, therefore, quite n a tu ra l fo r B la c k to institute a c o u n te r-a tta ck w ith the text-m ove on the Q u een -sid e in the h o p e o f o b ta in in g a d eq u ate cou n ter-ch an ces w ith it. T h e fu rth e r cou rse o f the g am e show s, h o w ev e r, th at W h it e ’s a d v a n ta g e ensures h im the u p p er h a n d w h e rea s B la c k ’s c o u n ­ te r -p la y o n th e Q u e e n ’s w in g does n o t g e t into actio n a t all. 11

P -K 4

PxBP

T h e a tte m p t to crea te com plications b y 1 1 . . . P - B 4 gives W h ite a c le a r a d v a n ta g e after 1 2 K P x P , B P x P ; 1 3 K t - K t 5 !, e .g .: 1 3 . . . B x K t ; 1 4 P x P , o r 1 3 . . . P x P ; 1 4 K t x P , R - B i ; 1 5 R - K i , e tc . W it h the text-m ove B la c k p uts his o rigin al p la n in to a ctio n . 12

P -K 5!

T h is in te rv e n in g m o v e thw arts all B la c k ’s plans. H e w o u ld h a v e a sa tisfa cto ry g a m e after 1 2 P x P , P - K 4 ; an d also 1 2 K t x P , B x K t ; 1 3 P x B , P - K 4 w o u ld ensure h im the n ecessary sp a ce in th e cen tre fo r cou n ter-p lay. 12

. . .

K t - Q .4

N o w th ere is n o lo n g e r an y p oin t in retreatin g th e K n ig h t to K i sin ce then afte r 1 3 P x P , B la c k m u st still lose a tem p o in p re p a r in g fo r P - Q B 4 b y 1 3 . . . R - B i . 13 14 15 A

PxP BxK t R -K i!

K tx K t R -B i

g o o d p ro p h y la c tic m ove b y w h ic h W h ite p rep ares, in

re p ly to 1 5 . . . P - Q B 4 , the thrust 1 6 P - Q h , a n d at the sam e tim e m a kes it m o re difficult for B la c k to p la y P - B 3 . B la c k

THE

EARLY

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OF

PAUL

KERES

log

w o u ld n o w soon b e hopelessly p lace d i f h e w e re to p ro ce e d to p la y p assive ly . T h erefo re his en su in g atte m p t to o b ta in c o u n ­ te r -p la y c a n n o t b e criticised. B la c k still m a n ag es to c re a te v ario u s ta c tic a l threats and so com p els his o p p o n e n t to e x e rt the gre a te st c a r e in the further cou rse o f p la y . 15

. . .

P -Q K ta

16

P -B 5

P -B 3

B la c k pursues his plan lo g ica lly , b u t o n ly hastens th e loss b y o p e n in g u p th e position. W h ite w a s a lre a d y th re a te n in g 1 7 K t-K / }., a n d 1 8 K t - Q 6 . 17

PxP!

T h e possible w in o f a p a w n b y 1 7 B - R 3 , o r 1 7 Q - K t 3 , w o u ld y ie ld B la c k after 1 7 . . . P x P go o d p la y fo r h is p ieces an d som e ch a n ces o f cou n ter-attack . 17

. . .

BxP

B la c k c le v e rly creates co u n ter-ch an ces for him self. W h it e can n o t n o w con tin u e 1 8 R x P because o f 1 8 . . . K t x P ! sin ce the lin e 1 9 P x K t , B x B ; 2 0 R .-Q 6 (or also 2 0 Q ,- K t 3 ) , co m es to n o th in g afte r 2 0 . . . B x R . B u t W h ite need be in n o h u r r y w ith the c a p tu re on K 6 , since this p a w n is a p e rm a n e n t w e a k ­ ness a n d m u st fa ll sooner o r la te r in a n y case. 18

K t-K 4

P -K t5

19

B -K t2

F -K 4

O n a c c o u n t o f his m a n y weaknesses a n d the stro n g e n e m y th re a t o f 2 0 K t - Q 6 , Black is hopelessly p la c e d fro m th e p osi­ tio n al p o in t o f v ie w . S o his la st sa v in g c h a n ce lies in ta c tic a l co m p lica tio n s. W ith the text-m o ve B la c k offers a n e x c h a n g e sacrifice in o rd e r to destroy the en em y p a w n cen tre a n d in the h op e o f o b ta in in g one or tw o p a w n s fo r the e x c h a n g e . T h e r e n o w ensue som e interesting a n d tense m om ents. 20

K t-Q 6

PxP

A s is e a sy to see— forced. A fte r a R o o k m o v e 2 1 P x P w in s easily. 21

K tx R

K tx P

B la c k ’s id e a o f defence lies in this c a p tu re . N o w W h it e experien ces difficulties in sa v in g his K n ig h t o n Q B 8 , w h ilst,

I IO

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

m ean w h ile, B la ck has built u p a p o w e rfu l p a w n m ass in the centre w h ich threatens to advance a t th e first o p p o rtu n ity . A l l this, h o w eve r, constitutes no ad e q u ate co m p en satio n fo r the R o o k , in p a rtic u la r h a v in g regard to the fa c t th a t W h ite ca n institute a d an gero u s K in g -sid e atta ck at once w ith his w e lld evelo p ed pieces. 22

Q -R 5 !

H e re W h ite has u n d o u bted ly m o re than one w a y o f co n ­ so lid atin g his a d v a n ta g e . T h u s, for e x am p le, h e co u ld keep his e x tra R o o k b y 2 2 K t - R 7 , alth o u gh this w o u ld a llo w B la c k re a lly d an gero u s co u n ter-p lay after 2 2 . . . Q - K t 3 ; 2 3 K t x P , K t - Q 6 . W h ite cou ld also assure h im self o f a fa v o u ra b le en d ­ g a m e b y 2 2 K t - K y c h , B x K t ; 2 3 Q x P . H o w e v e r , W h ite decides up o n the th ird , b u t u n d o u bted ly strongest, possibility, v i z . : a d ire ct K in g -sid e a tta ck w hich brings ab o u t a sp eed y decision. 22

. . .

K t-R s

A m ore obstinate defence could h a v e been p u t u p b y 2 2 . . . K t - Q 6 , w h ic h w o u ld prevent a n y d ire ct m a te . W h ite w o u ld then continue on a p a r w ith the g a m e b y 2 3 B - K 4 , P - K t 3 ; 2 4 B x K tP , P x B ; 2 5 Q xP ch , K - R i ; 2 6 K t - K 7 , B x K t; 2 7 R x B , Q x R ; 2 8 B x P c h , K t - K 4 ; 2 9 Q -R 5 C I 1, K - K t i ; 3 0 B x K t , w h en , in ad d itio n to a m a terial ad van tage h e retains a decisive attack . A fte r the text-m o ve B lack is checkm ated in a n in trig u in g w a y . 23

B -K 4 !

P -K t3

O r 2 3 . . . P - R 3 ; 2 4 Q - K t 6 , th reaten in g m ate in tw o m oves. 24 25

B x K tP Q xP ch

26

K t-K 7!

PxB K -R i

T h e despised K n ig h t com es into p la y at la st a n d brin gs ab o u t the im m ed iate end. 26 27

2 7 Q - R 6 m ate is th reaten ed.

. . . R xB!

BxK t resigns

A fte r 2 7 . . . Q x R ; n atu rally 2 8 B x P c h is d ecisive.

THE

EARLY

GAMES

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PAUL

SERES

111

G am e 1 7

RU Y LO PEZ International Tournam ent at Parrot, 1 9 3 7

p . K ere s I P -K 4 2 K t-K B s

P -K 4 K t-Q B 3

I. R aud

3 4 5

B -K t5 B -R 4 0 -0

P -Q R K t-B s B K 2

6

R -K i

PQ

3

.3

B la c k p a y s little attention to the accu rate seq u en ce o f m o ves in the d e ve lo p m e n t o f the K ecsk em e t V a r ia tio n . A s h e p la y s, W h ite c o u ld n o w ad o p t the u n p leasan t line 7 B x K t c h , P x B ; 8 P - Q .4 , w h ic h w o u ld lead after 8 . . . P x P ; 9 K t x P , to a v a r ia ­ tion o f the S tein itz D efence fa v o u ra b le to W h it e . H o w e v e r , i f B la c k tries to p ro tect his cen tre b y 8 . . . K t - Q ? , th e n W h it e , w ith th e m a n o eu vre K t ( K t i) -Q s > ~ B 4 , o btain s stro n g pressu re

0 0

o n th e Q u e e n -sid e an d in th e c e n tre ; e .g .: 9 Q K t - Q 2 , ; 10 K t - B 4 , P x P ; 1 1 K K tx P , K t - K t i ; 12 Q - B 3 , B - B 3 ; 1 3 B - K 3 , w ith a c le a r opening a d v a n ta g e for W h ite (B o le sla v sk y K e r e s , M o s c o w , 1 9 5 2 ) . I f B la c k w ishes to e m p lo y th e K e c s k e ­ m et V a r ia tio n then he should d o it o n the p rev io u s m o v e b y p la y in g 5 . . . P - Q 3 . I n the presen t gam e the transposition o f m o ves is n ot d a m a g in g as w ith his next fe w m o ves W h ite gets b a c k in to th e n o rm a l va ria tio n . 7

P -B 3

0-0

8

P-Q.4

B-Q2

B la c k , too, does not seem to w a n t to m ak e use o f th e so m e­ w h a t p e c u lia r sequence o f m oves. H e re in fa c t 8 . . . P - Q K t 4 ; 9 B - B 2 , B - K t 5 com es in to con sid eration , a lin e in w h ic h B la c k c a n com m en ce an en d u rin g pressure o n th e W h it e cen tre sim ila r to th a t in some variatio n s o f the T s c h ig o r in D e fe n ce .

9 In

P -Q

.5

p r e -w a r d a y s the K ecsk em e t D efen ce

w as

g e n e r a lly

I 12

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

re g a rd e d as th o ro u gh ly correct. O n ly after su bseq u en t research a n d p ra c tic a l experien ce has it been sh o w n th a t B lack , after the q u iet d evelo p m en t m ove 9 Q K t - Q 2 , still h as a n u m b er o f h u rd les to su rm o u n t before he obtain s fu ll e q u a lity . T h e a ctio n b egu n w ith the text-m ove to o b tain som e in itiative on the Q u een -sid e offers poo r chan ces o f success, since after the re la x a tio n o f the tension in the cen tre B la c k finds sufficient opp o rtu n ities for cou n terp lay in P - Q B 3 o r P - K B 4 . K t-K ti p

-

b

3

I n this position B la c k must com e to a decision as regard s his fu tu re p lan o f p la y . I n several gam es the p in b y 1 0 . . . B - K t 5 h as been tried in sim ilar positions, b u t this does n o t a p p e a r to m e to be lo gical. U s u a lly B - K K t 5 is p la y e d in o rd e r to exert pressure o n W h ite ’s centre and so force h im e ith er to exch an ge o f f the K P o r to close the centre b y P - Q 5 . H e r e , w h ere W h ite h as a lre a d y decid ed upon P - Q 5 o f his o w n free w ill, the pin w ith the Bishop has in consequence little p o in t. A n d in fact afte r 1 1 P - K R 3 , B la c k is faced w ith the d isa gree ab le choice b e tw e en p la y in g his Bishop b ack to the in a c tiv e position on R 4 a n d e x ch a n g in g on K B S w hich, h o w eve r, w o u ld le ave W h ite the b etter gam e. T h e text-m o ve, on the other h an d , is q u ite lo g ica l. S in ce th e th rust o f P - K B 4 w o u ld be possible o n ly a fte r som e p re­ p a r a to r y m oves an d , in addition, W h ite w o u ld o b tain the stro n g sq u are K 4 fo r his K n ig h t after an e x c h a n g e o n K B 4 , B la c k aim s a t c o u n te r-p la y on the Q u een -sid e. A l l the p re­ requisites are at h an d fo r this, since, in the first p la c e , the p aw n s o n Q 5 a n d Q B 4 (after W h ite ’s P - Q B 4 ) are g o o d objects o f a tta ck an d , in the second, B lack is so m ew h at a h e a d o f his o p p o n e n t in d evelo p m en t. 10 . . . P - B 3 ! seem s to m e to be on e o f B la c k ’s best continuations in this position. F in a lly the m a n o eu vre 10 . . . P - Q R 4 , fo llo w e d b y K t - R 3 ~ B 4 , should also be m entioned, as b y this m ean s B la c k assures fo r h im se lf the strong K n ig h t post on Q B 4 o n a p a ra lle l w ith th e K i n g ’s In d ia n D efen ce. T h e w o rld c h a m p io n , A lek h in e, often em p lo yed this m eth o d o f p lay . 11

P -B 4

Q -B 2

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

113

W ith this B la c k in au gu rates a p la n o f pressure a lo n g the Q B file th a t is o b vio u sly insufficient b y itself for co m p le te ly w o rth ­ w h ile c o u n te r-p la y ; V e r y strong, o n the oth er h a n d , seem s a co n tin u atio n o f the attack b y 1 1 . . . P - Q K t 4 ! w h ic h w o u ld h a v e in e v ita b ly led to fu rther o p en in g u p o f lines o n the Q u e e n side. 12

K t-B 3

PxP

H e re , too, 1 2 . . . P - Q K t 4 c am e in to con sid eration , alth o u g h n o w B la c k after 1 3 Q P x P w o u ld h av e to re ca p tu re w ith the B ish o p in stea d o f the n o rm a l 1 3 . . . K t x P . 13

BPxP

R -B i

14

B -K 3

K t-K t5?

B la c k has em erged from the o pen in g w ith a satisfacto ry g a m e a n d should n o w continue w ith 1 4 . . . P - Q K t 4 so as to ensure his K n ig h t the strong post o f Q B 4 b y a n e ve n tu a l P ~ K t 5 . In ste a d o f this he undertakes w ith the text-m o ve a to tally u n su itab le m an oeu vre, solely in o rd er to ach ieve a v e r y d u b io u s w in o f a p a w n . A p a r t fro m the fa c t th at W h ite c a n p ro te ct the p a w n b y 1 5 B - B i , B la c k ’s schem e m ust also be cen su red since it leaves him behind in d evelo p m en t an d h an d s o v e r the in itia tiv e com p letely to his o ppon en t. 15

B -Q 2 !

T h is te m p o ra ry p aw n sacrifice is m u ch stro n ger th an 1 5 B -B i.

G iv e n th at B lack has a lre a d y p lay e d 1 4 . . . K t - K t 5 ,

th en , lo g ic a lly speaking, he m ust n o w con tin u e w ith 1 5 . . . Q -K t3. 15 16

• ■ • R -K 2

Q rK t3 Q xP

17 18

R -K ti R xP?

Q -R 6

W h ite intends to p la y -an en ticin g v a ria tio n in v o lv in g the sacrifice o f tw o pieces fo r the R o o k , bu t the con sequ en ces are fa r fro m cle a r. O n the o th er h an d the n o rm al m o v e 1 8 R - K t 3 ! w o u ld ensure W h ite a c le ar ad v a n ta g e . I n re p ly 1 8 . . . 0 ^ - 6 4 w o u ld n ot d o because o f 1 9 P - K R 3 , K t - K B 3 ; 2 0 B - K 3 ! w in n in g the Q u een, a n d B lack m u st con ten t h im se lf w ith 1 8 . . . Q - R 4 . O n ly then ca n W h ite p ro ceed w ith 1 9 R x P ( 1 9 . . . R x K t ? ; 2 0 R - K t 3 !) w ith a c le a r ad v an tag e .

GRANDMASTER

4

OF

CHESS

A fte r the text-m o ve a v e r y co m p licated position arises w ith possibilities fo r both sides, and in su ch positions it is difficult to fin d the rig h t line g ive n the lim ited am o u n t o f tim e for th o u ght. 18

. . .

R xK t

O b vio u sly , B la ck m ust accep t the sacrifice, since after 1 8 . . . Q - B 4 , W h ite w o u ld o b tain extrem ely strong pressure b y 19 B - R 4 ! , an d th at w ith o u t m akin g a sacrifice o f m aterial. 19 20

BxR Q -K ti!

Q xB

I t w a s this position a t w h ich W h ite w a s a im in g w ith his 1 8 th m o ve, an d then it seem ed to h im th at 2 0 . . . Q - B i w as B la c k ’s best rep ly. T o this I intended to re p ly 2 1 B -Q .3 , w ith th e th re a t o f 2 2 R ( K 2 ) - K t 2 , after w h ic h B la c k has h a rd ly a n y th in g better th an 2 1 . . . B - K B i . T h e n w o u ld fo llo w 2 2 R -B 2 ,

Q -Q i;

23

R (B 2 )-K t2 ,

B -K t4 ;

24

BxB,

PxB;

25

R ( K t 2 ) x P , K t - Q g ; 2 6 P - K R 3 , K K t - K B s ; 2 7 K t - Q .2 , an d W h it e is p ro b a b ly a little better on acco u n t o f his passed p a w n a n d his a c tiv e ly p la c e d pieces. T h is w a s, in fa ct, B la c k ’s best defence an d h e should h ave p la y e d it. In stead o f this B lack hopes b y the en su in g piece sacrifice to tu rn m atters in his fav o u r, b u t h e h as, h o w ever, o verloo k ed the h id d en possibility fo r h is o p p o n en t o n the 2 3 r d m o ve. 20

. . .

B -Q K t4 ?

I t w a s also here e x ce e d in g ly difficult to foresee th at a m ove so seem in gly strong should tu rn out to be the d ecisive m istake. B la c k m ust, as a lre a d y m entioned, p la y 2 0 . . . Q - B i . 21

R x B (K 7)

K -B

22

R -K t7

BxR

i

T h is w a s the position th at B lack h ad en visaged on his 20th m ove.

N o w he h a d o n ly reckoned w ith 2 3 R x K t c h , R x R ;

2 4 Q x R c h , K - K 2 ; w h e n the triple th re at o f 2 5 . . . Q x B , 2 5 . . . B x K t , an d 2 5 . . . Q - B 4 , w o u ld le av e h im w ith a cle ar a d v a n ta g e . W h ite h as, how ever, a cruel, surprise in store th at n ot o n ly saves the situation but also soon ensures a w o n position.

THE

EARLY 23

GAMES

OF

PAUL

SERES

115

Q -K t6 !

B la c k h a d com pletely overlooked this su rprisin g c o n tin u a­ tion. H o w e v e r he p lays n o w B lack can n o t a v o id a d ecisive d isa d va n ta g e . 23

. . .

K t-Q B 3

B lack cou ld find n othing better after d e ep con sid eratio n , b u t there is no longer a n y ad e q u ate defence ag a in st the vario u s threats. H e re are some sam p le lin es: I . 2 3 . . . P - K t 3 ; 2 4 Q_ Q 8 c h , K - K t 2 ; 2 5 R x P c h ! , K x R ; 2 6 K t - K t s c h , K - K t 2 ; 2 7 K t - K 6 c h an d m ates n e x t m o ve. I I . 2 3 . . . Q - B i ; 2 4 R - B 7 , Q - K i ; 2 5 K t - K t 5 (v e r y strong also is 2 5 Q r K t 7 ) , 2 5 . . . K t - R 3 ; 2 6 Q x P c h , K - K t x ; 2 7 Q x K P , a n d W h ite wins since 2 7 . . . Q K B i c a n , as B e la vie n etz has o bserved , be m et b y 2 8 K t - K 6 ! . III.

23

.

.

.

K t-Q 2;

24

Q xP ch ,

K -K ti;

25

Q x K t,

etc. w ith m a tin g threats. B lack (R a u d )

W h ite (K ere s) to p la y 24

Q -B 7 !

N a tu r a lly 2 4 Q x K t w o u ld also have w o n , b u t the text-m o ve is stron ger a n d m uch p rettier. 24 25

. . . Q xQ P ch

K t-R 3 K -K ti

A lso hopeless w as 2 5 . . . K t - K e ; 2G Q x K t c li , K - K t i ; 2 7 Q - B 7 , etc.

Il6

GRANDMASTER 26

P x K t!

OF

CHESS

K -R l

O n a c c o u n t o f the m a tin g threat on Q K t 8 B la c k h as n o tim e to c a p tu re the Bishop. A fte r the text-m o ve W h ite , w h o n o w h as a p a w n m ore, h as n a tu ra lly m a n y w a y s o f realisin g his a d v a n ta g e . T h e ensuing w a y is one o f the clearest a n d sim plest. 27

R -K t8 c h

R xR

28 29

Q xR ch P -B 7 !

K t-K ti B -K t4

A fte r 2 9 . . . Q x B , B la c k w ould in d eed th reaten m ate, bu t th en w o u ld follow 3 0 P - K R 4 ! an d B la c k w o u ld no lo n ger be ab le to co n tain the p a w n , e .g .: 3 0 . . . Q - B 8 c h ; 3 1 K - R 2 , Q ^ B s c h ; 3 2 P - K t 3 ! a n d n o w 3 2 . . . Q x K t is n ot possible becau se o f 3 3 Q x K t c h !. W it h the text-m o ve B la c k threatens m a te o n Q R 8 an d c o u ld , fo r in stan ce, h old b a ck the p a w n b y 3 0 . . . B - Q 2 . W h it e , h o w eve r, finds a w a y o f fo rcin g th ro u gh the p a w n .

30

Q r Q

31

K -R i

8!

Q xB

A lso 3 1 P - K R 4 , Q - B 8 c h ; 3 2 K - R 2 , Q -B 5 C I 1; 3 3 P - K t 3 , Q x K t ; 3 4 Q x K t c h w o n easily, bu t W h ite w a n ts to b rin g ab ou t a n a m u sin g a n a lo g y — h e protects h im se lf again st the th reat o f m a te in the sam e e x tra o rd in a ry w a y in w h ic h his oppon en t h a d don e o n m o ve 2 6 . S in c e B la c k no lo n ger has a n y ad eq u ate defence again st the th re a t o f 3 2 P - B 8 = Q , he could n o w q u ietly resign. 31

. . .

P -B 3

32 33

P B 8 = Q K t-K ti

Q -K t8 c h Q xR P

34

Q -K B 8

resigns

T h e g a m e is interesting on accou n t o f the ric h ly co m b in ative m id d le -g a m e an d the su rprising lines o f attack .

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

Gam e 1 8

R U Y LO PEZ Chess O lym piad in Stockholm , 1 9 3 7

p . K eres

S . R esh e vsk y

I

P -K 4 K t-K B 3

P -K 4 K t-Q B 3

B -K t5 B -R 4 0 -0

P -Q R K t-B 3 B -K 2

7

R -K i B -K t3

P -Q K t4 P -Q

8

P -B 3

K t-Q R 4

2

3 4 5 6

3

3

A m ore a ccu ra te sequence o f m oves here w o u ld be 8 . . . a n d then K t - Q R .4 after W h ite has p la y e d 9 P - K R 3 .

0- 0 ; B lack,

b y p la y in g K t-Q jR .4 at o n ce, leaves o pen too m a n y possibilities to his o pp o n en t, one o f w h ic h b ein g th at W h ite c a n m a n ag e w ith o u t p la y in g the m ove P - K R 3 . 9

B -B 2

P -B 4

10

P -Q 4

Q -B 2

11

P -Q R 4 !

I n this position, w here B la c k has not y e t castled , this thrust is a w k w a rd to meet an d forces a m arked w eakn ess o n the Q u een -sid e. B la ck can n ot n o w in fa c t con tin u e 1 1 . . . B - Q 2 , since this w o u ld cost a p iece after 1 2 P x P , P x P ? ; 1 3 P - Q K t 4 . 11

. . .

P -K ts

12 13

P x K tP P -R 3

P x K tP

T h is m o v e w a s not n ecessary as B lack w a s n ot im m ed iately th reaten in g B - K t 5 - Better, therefore, w a s 1 3 Q K t - Q 2 at once. 13

. . .

0 -0

14

Q K t-Q 2

B -K 3

T h is develo p m en t o f the B ishop is m ore to the p o in t th an 1 4 . . . B - Q 2 ; 1 5 K t - B i , K R - B i ; 1 6 K t - K 3 , w h ich resulted in a c le a r ad van tage to W h ite in the g a m e K e r e s -T y lo r ,

118

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CHESS

M a r g a te , 1 9 3 7 , after 1 6 . . . P x P ; 1 7 K t x P , K t ~ B 3 ; 1 8 K t ( K 3 ) B 5 ! . O n K 3 the B ishop protects the im p o rta n t Q 4 sq u are an d a llo w s th ereb y the en su in g co u n te r-p lay w ith K t - K J L } .. 15

K t-B i

K R -B i

16

K t-K 3

P -K t3

T h e passive defence 1 6 . . . K t - K i ; 1 7 P - Q K t 3 , P - B 3 ; 1 8 B - K t 2 , B - B i ; 19 B -Q _3, led, in the g am e K e r c s -B e r g , K e m e r i, 1 9 3 7 , to a d v a n ta g e for W h ite . W ith the text-m o ve B la c k p rotects the p o in t on K B 4 w h e re W h ite m ig h t try to b re a k th ro u g h a n d p rep ares to p la y K t - I L j.. F r o m there B lack c a n e ve n tu a lly p en etrate w ith his K n ig h t to K B 5 a n d in a d d i­ tion the go o d sq u a re K B 3 is m ade free fo r the B ishop a n d from this p oin t it ca n e xert pressure on the W h ite cen tre. stru ggle is co m in g to its clim ax. 17

P -Q K t3

K t-R 4

18

B -K t2

B -B 3

The

T h is d efence o f the K 4 point is m u ch m ore aggressive than the m eth o d chosen b y B e rg through P - B 3 . 19

R -Q B i

PxP

T h e crisis o f the m id d le-gam e is a p p ro ach in g , an d therefore bo th p la y e rs m ust m ake a concrete p la n o f p la y . I t is true th at this p a w n e x ch a n g e w a s criticised b y a n u m b er o f co m m e n ta­ tors, b u t w h a t should B la c k have p la y e d ? I n a n y case 1 9 . . . K t - K B 5 is in a d e q u a te since then W h ite cou ld present his o p p o ­ n en t w ith serious difficulties by c a rry in g o u t his m a in th reat 20 K t-Q .5 !. I n m y opinion the e x ch an g e in the cen tre is in no w a y b a d , since, in the first p la ce , B la c k thw arts fu rth er pressure again st his K 4 b y its m eans, in the second, h e sets his o p p o n en t a cu n n in g tr a p an d , in the th ird , he p rocures for h im self chan ces o f a c tiv e p la y fo r his pieces. N o w the position becom es h ig h ly in terestin g. 20 K tx P H a d W h ite here p la y e d 2 0 B x P ; so as to w eak en his o p p o ­ n e n t’s K in g -sid e b y a n e xch an ge o f Bishops, then he w o u ld h a v e fallen into the cu n n in g trap a lre a d y m entioned.

For

then w o u ld com e 2 0 . . . K t x P ! ; for e x a m p le : 2 1 B x K t , Q x R ;

THE

22 Q x Q ,

EARLY

GAMES

C) I

PAUL

KERES

11 g

R x Q ; 2 3 R x R , B x B ( K t 6 ) ; w h en the atte m p t to w in

a piece b y 2 4 P - K t 4 , fails again st 2 4 . . . K t - B 5 ! 20

. . .

Q .-Q 2

B lack co u ld , b y 20 . . . Q - R 2 , ren ew the th re at o f 21 . . . K t x P , b u t w o u ld then o n ly succeed in p u ttin g his Q u e e n in a poo r position. W h ite w o u ld re p ly 2 1 B ~ R i , a n d w o u ld then h im self be threatening 2 2 K t x B , or 2 2 K t - K t | . 21 22

R -K ti K t(Q 4 )-B 5 !

R -B 4

A p retty tactical stroke b y w h ich W h ite hopes to elim inate the c h ie f defence o f the en em y K in g -sid e , the K B . In ad d itio n , B la ck m ust take steps to defend his Q 3 . B o th p lay e rs h ave v e r y little tim e left on the clock for the w o rk in g o u t o f the ensuing com p licated possibilities. 22

. . .

B x K t?

A fte r the exchange o f both Bishops B lack rem ain s in a most dubious position, since bo th his K n ig h ts are b a d ly p lace d on the edge o f the board an d also h ave no p o in t o f su p p o rt in the centre. M u c h better chan ces are offered here b y the qu iet protection o f Q 3 b y 2 2 . . . B - K 4 ! , after w h ich W h ite w o u ld not find it easy to increase his in itiative. B la ck cou ld , how ever, h a rd ly h ave attain ed full e q u a lity w ith this continuation as w ell. W h ite cou ld then p la y , for in stan ce, 2 3 B - Q 4 ! and so force the e x ch an g e 2 3 . . . B x B , since retirin g the R o o k w ould, as ca n re a d ily be seen, lose the e x ­ ch a n ge . A fte r 2 4 Q x B , B x K t ; 2 5 P x B , K t - Q B 3 , B laek w o u ld in d eed w in a tem po in com parison w ith the g am e con tin u atio n , bu t W h ite ’s ad van tage in position w o u ld be q u ite clear. F o r the rest, Black can n o t w e ll a c c e p t the p iece sacrifice, since after 2 2 . . . P x K t ; 2 3 P x P ! (bu t not 2 3 Q x K t , P x P ; etc.) 2 3 . . . B x B P ; 24 BxQ B , R x B ; 2 5 Q -K t4 c h , K t - K t 2 ; 26 BxB, w o u ld w in . B u t i f Black p lays first 2 2 . . . B x B ; 2 3 R x B , an d o n ly then 2 3 . . . P x K t ; there cou ld follow 2 4 P x P , B x B P ; 2 5 K t x B , R x K t ; 2 6 Q - Q 3 , K t - K t 2 ; 2 7 P - K t 4 a n d w ins. 23 24

P xB R xB

BxB R -K i

B lack has n o w beaten b a ck the first w a v e o f atta ck , b u t his

120

GRANDMASTER

OF C H E S S

p o sitio n al weaknesses still rem ain .

The

K n ig h ts a re b a d ly

p la c e d , th e p a w n s o n the Q ueen-side an d in the cen tre are w e a k , a n d B la c k has no prospects o f active c o u n te r-p la y . W h ite , o n th e o th er h a n d , still possesses go od atta ck in g possibilities on b o th w in gs. M e a n tim e the fin ger o n the clock h a d so fa r a d v a n c e d th at fo r th e n e x t 2 6 m oves W h ite h ad 2 0 m inutes a n d B la c k o n ly 10 left. I t is, therefore, understan d ab le th at it is n ot so sim ple to fin d the co rrect m ethod o f p lay in su ch a co m p lica te d posi­ tion w ith p r a c tic a lly no tim e left for reflection. 25

B -Q 3

T h e first in a c c u ra c y , w h ic h allow s B lack the o p p o rtu n ity o f a c tiv a tin g his pieces. M u c h stronger h ere w a s 2 5 Q ^ K t 4 , w h ic h th reaten ed 2 6 P x P , as w ell as 2 6 Q x P .

A fte r 2 5 . . .

Q ~ K t 2 there cou ld fo llo w 2 6 Q - Q 4 ! an d B la c k w o u ld e x ­ p erien ce difficulties in pro tecting his Q P . 25 26

. . . Q -K t4

Q -B 3 Q -K t3 ?

B la c k (R eshevsky)

W h ite (K eres) to p la y T h is p assive defence b y w h ich B lack rem o ves his Q u e e n fa r fro m the K in g -sid e is hopeless. H e n ce B la c k m ust utilise the o p p o rtu n ity for co u n te r-a tta ck with 2 6 . . . R - B 6 !, w h ic h w o u ld h a v e set th e o p p o n en t a num ber o f ta ctica l trap s. e x a m in e som e o f the possibilities:

L e t us

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERBS

12 I

I . 2 7 Q x P , R x B ; 2 8 Q x K t , K t - B 5 ! an d B la c k h as e xce llen t c o u n te r-p la y fo r the p aw n w ith all his pieces ta k in g u p ac tiv e positions. I I . 2 7 R - Q i , R x K t !; 2 8 P x R , R x B ; 2 9 R x R , Q - B 8 c h ; 3 0 K - R 2 , Q x R ; an d Black, w ith tw o K n ig h ts ag a in st a R o o k , h a s a go o d g a m e . I I I . 2 7 R - B 2 , R x R ; 2 8 B x R , R - K t ; 29 R x R , Q x B ; 30 Q - Q 4 ! , w ith a v e r y strong attack in g position fo r W h it e . B la c k c a n , h o w e v e r, p la y better here 2 7 . . . Q - B 4 ! th reaten in g 28 . . . K tx P . W h ite c o u ld , nevertheless, retain the b etter p ositio n after 2 6 . . . R - B 6 i f h e replied 2 7 B - B i !. T h e n B la c k c a n n o t c a p tu re th e p a w n b y 2 7 . . . R x P becau se o f 2 8 R x R , K t x R ; 2 9 P x P , R P x P ; 3 0 B - B 4 ! etc. H e co u ld , it is tru e, fo rce th e W h ite Q u e e n to re tre a t b y 2 7 . . . R - K 5 ; 2 8 Q - Q i , b u t e ven th en his position w o u ld be worse o n acco u n t o f the n u m ero u s p a w n w eaknesses. A fte r the text-m ove W h ite ’s a d v a n ta g e takes o n a p a r tic u la r ly threatening ch a racte r. 27

R (K t2 ) - K 2

R (B 4) -K 4

P erh ap s B la c k hoped he h a d secured his position a d e q u a te ly w ith this m o v e , b u t W h ite dem onstrates th at th e o p p o site is the case w ith th e ensuing sacrifice. 28 29

PxP B x K tP !

R PxP

T h is sacrifice is u n d o u bted ly correct since b y its m ean s the re m a in in g p a w n s protecting the B lack K in g are d e stro ye d an d W h it e o b tain s a n o verw h elm in g attack. I n a d d itio n W h ite also gets sufficient c o m p e n sa tio n m a te ria l.

in

W h e n one also takes in to co n sid eratio n th e tim e-

trou b le fa c to r then it seem s m ost im p ro b ab le th a t B la c k c a n still su ccessfu lly defend him self. 29 30

. . . Q xP ch

PxB K -R i?

A m istake th a t leads to im m ed iate loss. 3 0 . . . K t - K t 2 also w o u ld n ot do because o f 3 1 K t - B s !, Q - B 2 ; 3 2 K t x K t , Q x K t ; 3 3 Q x R c h ! , etc., b u t b y 3 0 . . . K - B i J B la c k co u ld still h a v e p u t u p a stu bb orn resistance.

There

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fo llo w : 3 1 K t-Q _ 5 !, Q r Q i (an a p p ro x im a te ly sim ilar e n d gam e also results fro m 3 1 . . . Q - B 4 ; 3 2 R x R , P x R ; 3 3 Q - B 5 c h , fo llow ed b y 3 4 . . . Q x K t , or also 3 2 . . . R x R ; 3 3 R x R , P x R ; 3 4 Q -B 5 C I1, K - K t i ; 3 5 Q x P , e t c .) ; 3 2 R x R (after 3 2 Q x K t ,

33

R xQ ; R x R ch , Q x R ; 34 R xQ ch, K x R ; 3 5 K t-B 6 c h , K - Q i ; 3 6 K t x R , K t x P ; the B lack p aw n s on the Q u e e n -sid e cou ld still p ro ve d an gero u s), 3 2 . . . R x R (o r 3 2 . . . P x R ; 3 3 Q ^ B s c h , fo llo w ed b y 3 4 Q x K t ) ; 3 3 R x R , P x R ; 3 4 Q - B s c h , K - K t i ; 3 5 Q x P ! , an d W h ite should w in the e n d in g w ith o u t m u ch trou b le. 31

K t-B s!

R (K i)-K 3

B la c k no longer has an ythin g better, sin ce 3 2 fo llow ed b y m a te w a s finishes o f f the g a m e.

threatened.

32

Q x K tc h

K -K ti

33 34

Q -K tsc h Q -K t7ch

K -B i

35

K tx P c h

B la c k loses a w h o le R o o k .

Q x K tch ,

N o w , h o w e v e r, W h ite

K -K i resigns

3 *

* ON

TH E

W A Y TO

TH E

G R AN D M ASTER

T IT L E

1937-1933

I

w e n t to the Sem m erin g G ra n d m a ste r T o u rn a m e n t w ith o u t a n y sp ecial hopes o f a g re a t success, since w ith m y c o m p a r a ­

tiv e ly sm all tournam ent experien ce I h ad no reason to believe th a t I cou ld successfully com p ete w ith su ch n am es as C a p a b la n c a , R eshevsk y, F in e , F lo h r an d others. I took as m y o bjective sim p ly to p la y go od chess an d thus to o c c u p y a satis­ fa cto ry p la c e in the final ta b le . B u t a lre a d y in the first ro u n d I em erged b a d ly from a position in w h ich F lo h r h a d exerted positional pressure against m e a n d soon h ad to su rren d er tw o pieces fo r a R o o k . F o rtu n ately for m e the c o u n te r-p la y I o btain ed p ro ve d sufficient fo r a d r a w . I n the second ro u n d , too, I lost a p a w n against R a g o sin an d m a n ag ed o n ly w ith d ifficu lty to get a d ra w . T h e th ird g am e again st F in e p ro d u ce d a q u iet d r a w , w h ilst in the fo u rth I su cceed ed in o u tp la y in g P e tro v in a n erve-rack in g g a m e an d thus fo rcin g a w in . So fa r m y p la y w a s far fro m satisfacto ry an d I b e c a m e c o n ­ v in ced th a t m y chances w o u ld be v e r y slim i f I co n tin u ed to p la y in the sam e style. M y opponents w ere su perior to m e in qu iet position al p la y , and therefore I d ecid ed to strive fo r m u c h m ore com p licatio n s. I n the v e r y n ext gam e, again st Eliskases, I chose the notorious g a m b it a g a in st the S i c i I i a n -P -Q K t 4 . B lack , it is tru e, d id o btain a sa tisfacto ry m id d le-gam e in this en co u n ter, b u t in the su ccee d in g whirlpool o f com bin atio n s I w a s ab le to ach ie ve a decisive K in g -sid e attack (N o . 1 9 ) . T h e fo llo w in g g a m e , again st R esh e vsk y, w as a q u iet positional struggle, an d in this I o btain ed one o f the best o f m y e n d g a m e w ins o f m y p r e -w a r to u rn am en t p ra x is (N o. 2 0 ). T h is g a m e sh ow ed th a t I h ad 123

24

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also m ad e c le a r pro gress in strictly p o sitio n al p la y an d also th a t I w a s a lre a d y p la y in g the e n d g a m e better, alth o u gh I still felt v e r y u n certain in this field. T h is p a rtic u la rly c am e to lig h t in m y n e x t g a m e against the e x -w o r ld ch a m p io n , C a p a b la n c a . I su cceed ed in gain in g the a d v a n ta g e in a co m p licated m id d le-ga m e a n d th en w in n in g a p a w n , b u t in the ensuing e lem en tary e n d ga m e I p layed so u n c e rta in ly th at the g re at e n d ga m e p o w ers o f C a p a b la n c a en ab led h im in the en d to escap e w ith a d ra w . T h e first h a lf o f the tournam ent w a s o v e r. T o m y o w n not in co n sid erab le astonishm ent I su d d en ly fo u n d m y se lf in first p la ce , a h a lf a p o in t a h e ad o f F in e , w h ilst the other p laye rs w e re even fu rth er beh in d . T h is g a v e m e fresh co u rag e a n d en erg y, a n d in the n ext four rounds I p la y e d a series o f m y best gam es fro m the p re-w a r period. I n th e g a m e again st F lo h r (N o . 2 1) I g a in ed the ad van tage b y th e m ost o rigin al an d su rprisin g a tta ck in g m o ve o f m y to u rn am en t p raxis ( K t - R . 7 ! ) ; th en I w a s ab le to refute the o ver-o p tim istic p a w n sacrifice m a d e b y R a g o sin (N o . 2 2 } , an d w h e n , in the n ext ro u n d , P e tro v w a s u n ab le to fin d an y ad e q u ate cou n ter to W h ite ’s pressure I h a d a lre a d y the first p rize in m y p ock et p ra c tic a lly speak in g. T h r e e rou n d s before the en d o f th e to u rn am en t, after I h a d d r a w n y e t another ex tre m e ly co m p licated g am e a g a in st F in e , m y m a rg in o f ad van ce a b o v e the n e x t com petitors h a d a lre a d y g ro w n to tw o points. B u t even in this tournam ent a c ertain careless attitu d e to­ w a rd s the decisive gam es o n m y p a rt c o u ld n o t q u ite be avo id ed . N o w a d a y s I w o u ld h a v e p layed the th ree re m a in in g gam es, i f n ot q u ietly, a t least n o t for a w in a t a ll h a za rd s. B u t w h a t d id I do th e n ? I n the next g a m e E liskases w a s o bvio u sly p la y in g for the d r a w , b u t instead o f fa llin g in w ith this, I p la y e d in risky fash ion fo r the w in an d soon I h a d to su ffer m y first loss in the to u rn a m en t. A fte r lo sin g y e t a g a in in the n ext ro u n d , this tim e to R esh evsk y, I h a d to d r a w w ith C a p a b la n c a in the last ro u n d in o rd e r not to let the first p rize escape m y grasp . T h e S e m m e rin g tournam ent n o tic e a b ly strengthened m y position in the chess w o rld and p lace d m e am o n g st the le ad in g gran d m asters. A t last I h a d attain ed the d re a m o f all chess-

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m asters— I w a s n o w accepted as one o f the n u m ero u s fa m ily o f in tern atio n al grandm asters. T h is position n o w h a d to be d efen d ed . I t w a s necessary to sh o w th at I h a d n o t stray e d b y c h a n c e in to this select co m p an y. A f te r the to u rn am en t I stayed fo r a lo n g tim e in H o lla n d , w h e re I rem a in ed to w a tch the m a tc h b etw een A le k h in e an d E u w e . W h e n E u w e w on the title in the y e a r 1 9 3 5 h e w a n te d to h a n d o v er to F .I . D . E ., the In tern atio n al Ch ess O rg a n isa tio n , th e c o n d u c t o f a n y further w o rld cham p io n sh ip m a tch e s an d the c h o ice o f the suitable can d id ates fo r su ch m a tch e s. T h e resu lt o f these deliberations w a s the far-fam ed A V R O to u rn a ­ m e n t. A l l the lead in g gran d m asters o f the w o r ld a g re e d to p a rtic ip a te in this tournam ent, am ongst them A le k h in e , w h o h a d in th e m ean tim e regained the title. I n ad d itio n to the w o rld ch a m p io n , invitations w e n t to the g ran d m aste rs B o tv in n ik , C a p a b la n c a , E u w e , F in e , F lo h r, R e sh e v sk y a n d m yself. T h e w in n e r w o u ld have the rig h t to a m a tch w ith A lek h in e . P a rtic ip a tio n in such a to u rn am en t cou ld be re g a rd e d as th e d re a m o f e ve ry chess-player a n d , m o reo ver, in the even t o f a successful ap p earan ce in su ch a contest on e co u ld e ven a tta in a m a tc h fo r the w o rld cham p io n ship . S o , o n ce ag a in it w a s necessary to decide o n w h a t lines a p la n o f fu rth er even ts should be d raw n to form the best p re p a ra tio n fo r this g r e a t to u rn am en t. T h is tim e I decided u p o n a d ifferent m eth o d fro m th at w h ic h I h a d em ployed before the S e m m erin g to u rn am en t. S in c e I h a d taken p art in m a n y tournam ents in th e y e a r 1 9 3 7 a n d , in consequence, found m y self in satisfacto ry fo rm fro m th e sp o rtin g, com petitive p oin t o f v ie w , I d e cid e d n ot to p la y v e r y m u c h before the A V R O tou rn am en t. M y first a p p e a ra n c e a s a n e w ly-m in te d gran d m aster w a s not b a d , v i z . : th e sh arin g o f secon d an d th ird place w ith A le x a n d e r a t H a stin g s.

F irst

p riz e w a s w o n b y R eshevsky, b u t F in e , F lo h r a n d others w e re b e lo w us. T h e n I p layed a train in g m a tch w ith G ra n d m a s te r S t a h l b erg, w h ich , after a n interesting an d liv e ly cou rse, en d ed in a frie n d ly d r a w 4 - 4 . I n the fo u rth g a m e o f this m a tc h I su cceed ed in utilising a m in im al en d gam e a d v a n ta g e fo r w in ­ n in g purposes. T h is show ed th at I h a d once a g a in m a d e som e p ro gress in the technical aspect o f the g a m e . T h e last serious

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test before the g re a t tournam ent w a s the in tern atio n al to u rn a­ m e n t a t N o o rd w ijk . H e re I g ain ed second p la c e b e lo w Eliskases, w h o rescued a difficult R o o k en d in g in o u r g a m e b y an e n d g a m e stu d y continuation. In this to u rn a m e n t I w o n m y first to u rn am en t g a m e against E u w e (N o . 2 3 ) , a n d the co m ­ b in a tio n a l stru ggle w ith Sp ielm an n (N o . 24) cau sed a consider­ a b le stir a t the tim e in the chess w o rld . A t last cam e the lon g-aw aited m om ent w h en the eight best gran d m asters o f the w o rld assembled in H o lla n d in o rd er to p ic k o u t the ca n d id a te fo r the m atch for the w o rld ch a m p io n ­ sh ip again st A lek h in e. T h is tourn am en t n a tu ra lly aroused g r e a t interest th ro u gho u t the chess w o rld , in E sto n ia am ongst o th e r countries. F o r the first time in the chess h isto ry o f Esto n ia a sp ecia l repo rter w a s sent to the to u rn am en t to keep ou r b ig g e r d a ily p ap ers inform ed as to the progress o f the struggle. T h e to u rn a m en t b eg an with a g re at su rprise. F in e co m ­ m e n ced in so d ash in g a style that it seem ed q u ite hopeless for a n y o n e to overtake him . A fter the sixth ro u n d he h a d o btain ed five points, one p oin t a h e ad o f his nearest rivals, a n d this w ith o n ly eigh t gam es rem a in in g to be p lay e d .

I b e g a n this tour­

n a m en t, as I h a d a t Sem m erin g, in m ediocre style. A fte r I h a d sa v ed a half-p oin t in the first round in a d ifficu lt position a g a in s t E u w e b y an interesting tactical m a n o e u v re , I m ad e in th e n e x t tw o rounds q u ick draw s w ith B o tvin n ik a n d F lo h r. A f t e r this cam e a v ic to r y over R esh evsk y w h o fell in to a trap in the v e r y o pen in g an d lost a piece, an d then a d ifficu lt defen ­ sive g a m e again st A lek h in e. T h is g am e w a s a d jo u rn e d in a p osition w h ere A lek h in e could h ave w o n b y fo rce, p ro vid in g he h a d sealed the rig h t m ove. D espite lo n g con sid eration , h o w e v e r, A lek hin e d id n ot find the w in n in g lin e, sealed another m o v e a n d h ad , in the en d , to content h im self w ith a d ra w . I p la y e d one o f m y best gam es in this to u rn a m e n t again st C a p a b la n c a (N o . 2 5 ) , alth ough I com m itted som e in accu racies in th e realisation o f the positional ad v an tag e . A n d then there c a m e in the seventh ro u n d m y m eeting w ith the le a d e r o f the to u rn a m e n t, G ra n d m a ste r Fin e (N o . 2 6 ). T h is g am e turned out to be one o f the m ost in terestin g o f the to u rn a m e n t a n d p la ye d a fa r from u n im p o rtan t role in d eter­ m in in g the even tu a l p lacin gs o f the contest.

I defen d ed a

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R u y L o p e z a n d F in e chose a ra re ly used v ariatio n . I w a s a b le to e m p lo y a n interesting m ethod o f defence th at, h o w e v e r, as w a s la te r disco vered , h ad a lre a d y been p la y e d befo re. I t w a s a p p a re n tly a surprise for F in e since h e missed the rig h t p a th a n d allo w ed m e to reach a w o n en d in g b y a n e x c h a n g e sa c r i­ fice. T im e trou b le on both sides a n d a g re at n e rvo u s tension resulted in a n u m b er o f in accu ra cie s in this e n d in g , b u t w h e n the g a m e w a s a t last adjourned the w in no lo n g e r p ro v id e d a n y difficulties fo r Black. W it h this im p o rta n t v icto ry I c a m e u p to w ith in h a lf a p o in t o f F in e a n d n o w I decided to p la y m o re cau tio u sly in the seco n d h a l f o f th e to u rn am en t. I m a d e fo u r d raw s in su ccession a n d as, m ea n w h ile , F in e had lost to R esh e v sk y an d E u w e I fo u n d m yself, su rp risin g ly enough, a t the h ea d o f the ta b le . B o tv in n ik h a d g r e a d y b ettered his to u rn am en t position since h e h a d w o n a g a in st C a p a b la n c a and thus o verh au led F in e . re m a in e d o n ly three rounds to be p lay e d .

B u t there

T h e n e x t, a n d twelfth ro u n d , p ro ve d to be the d ecisive one. I n the first p la c e , B otvinnik co m m itted a gross b lu n d e r ag a in st E u w e , lost the g a m e and thus, fo r all p ractical p u rp oses, d is­ a p p e a re d fro m the struggle fo r first prize. F lo h r a n d F in e p ro d u ce d a q u ick d raw , w hilst I h a d to figh t o u t a d ifficu lt positioned stru ggle w ith A lek h in e. I n this g am e I chose to p la y in seem in gly risk y fashion fo r a w in in the m id d le -g a m e , a n d in fa c t I d id succeed in w in n in g tw o p aw n s an d a d jo u rn in g the g a m e in a w o n position. A p p a r e n tly w ith this th e stru ggle w a s o v er, since in the event o f a v ic to ry o ver A lek h in e I w o u ld h a v e h eld a le a d o f one full p o in t o v er F in e a n d w e h a d to p la y e ach o th er in one o f the tw o rem ain in g g a m e s. I n the o th er g a m e F in e h ad A lekhin e a n d I h a d C a p a b la n c a as an o p p o n en t. B u t n o w o n ce aga in , as so often before, I took th e task c o n ­ fro n tin g m e in u n fo rgiva b ly lig h t fashion. I w a s so c o n v in ce d o f a n easy w in th at I did not even bother to look a t m y a d ­ jo u r n e d position against A lek h in e. In con sequen ce, w ith A le k ­ h in e d e vo tin g all his great defensive p ow ers to th e e n d in g , o n ce I h a d lost the right w a y , then there h ap p e n e d w h a t often o ccu rs in su ch cases— the position g ra d u a lly e ve n e d o u t a n d th e g a m e en d ed in a d raw .

B u t this w a s not th e e n d o f m y

28

ill-fo rtu n e.

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I d re w m y next g a m e again st C a p a b la n c a , b u t

F in e d estroyed A lek h in e ’s position in u n e x p e cte d ly e asy style a n d thus, b y the tim e the last ro u n d c am e w e w e re once ag a in e q u a l in poin ts.' I n the event o f a tie fo r first p rize the So n n eb o m -B e rg e r system w a s due to be used an d this w a s in m y fa v o u r o w in g to m y w in s against m y c h ie f rivals. T h erefo re in the last ro u n d again st Fin e I m a d e a q u ick d ra w . So I sh ared first a n d second prizes w ith F in e , b u t obtained th e rig h t to ch a llen ge the w o rld -ch a m p io n , A lek h in e , to a m a tc h fo r the title. I h a d m ade a g ia n t step fo rw a rd o n the r o a d o f m y chess c a re er an d w a s n o w v e r y n e a r in d eed to the h igh est p oin t th a t a chess-m aster c a n re ach . A l l this h a d cost m e colossal e n erg y an d a great n ervo u s a n d p h y sic al strain. B u t there w a s n o question o f rest. T h e chess enthusiasts o f m y n ative lan d w e re u n d erstan d ab ly stirred b y the result, and o n e reception fo llow ed o n another. T h is , in tu rn , m ean t a p p ea ra n ces in va rio u s cities.

A n d so sped b y the cou ple o f

w eeks before the n ext even t, the T r a in in g to u rn am en t at L e n in g r a d -M o s c o w , w ith o u t m y being allo w ed the n ecessary repose, n o t to m ention a n y fresh p reparation fo r p la y .

Gam e 1 9 S IC IL IA N

D EFEN CE

International Tournam ent at Sem m ering, 1 9 3 7

P . K ere s 1 P -K 4

E . Eliskases P -Q B 4

2 3

P -Q .3

K t-K B 3 P -Q K t4

Eliskases is w ell-k n o w n as a go o d positional p la y e r w h o p refers qu iet positions in w h ich strategy d o m in ates o ver tactics. T h e re fo re in this g a m e I p layed fro m the v e r y b egin n in g for g r e a t ta ctica l com p licatio n s. O f course I w o u ld n ot claim that th e p a w n sacrifice offered b y the text-m o ve is w h o lly correct, b u t in this does not he, in m y opinion, the h ea rt o f the m atter. O n e c a n o n ly find a definitive conclusion ab o u t the correctness o f su ch a sacrifice b y exhaustive p riva te an alysis, w h ereas o ver

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the ch ess-b o a rd B lack has to defen d h im se lf in a co m p lica te d position w h ich does not re a lly suit his taste. 3

. . .

PxP

T h is g a m e su bsequen dy aro u sed con sid erable discussion am o n gst m a n y 'com m entators. T h e ch am p io n s o f the c o m ­ bin atio n a l style o f p la y w ere d eligh ted th at so vigo ro u s an d risky a ty p e o f p la y could also o c c u r in gam es b etw een g r a n d ­ m asters. O th ers, o n the c o n tra ry , m ain tain ed th a t W h it e ’s p la y w a s ch iefly based o n b lu ff a n d th at B la c k co u ld h a v e o b tain ed a cle a r ad va n tag e fo r p r a c tic a lly the w h o le g a m e . I n m y opin io n the truth lies som ew here in a com p rom ise solu­ tion. I t is n a tu ra lly difficult to dem onstrate the correctness o f the W h ite p a w n sacrifice in c le a r-cu t variatio n s, b u t on the other h a n d it is likewise n ot so easy to c o n d u ct the B la c k defence as the further course o f this g am e show s to p erfection . A fte rw a rd s, B la c k ’s m eth o d o f p la y th ro u gh o u t alm o st all the g a m e c a m e under criticism w h ic h b eg an a lre a d y w ith the text-m o ve in th at it w as held th a t 3 . . . K t - K B 3 w a s sim pler. I take, h o w ev e r, the lib e rty o f c la im in g th at the g a m b it c o n ­ tin u ation P - Q K t 4 w o u ld a p p e a r m u c h m ore often in to u rn a ­ m ents i f in re p ly 3 . . . K t - K B 3 w ere the best answ er. 4

P -Q .4

K t-K B 3

5

B -Q .3

P -Q

.4

I n la te r gam es w hen I tried this g a m b it line ag a in , B la c k u su ally defended him self w ith 5 . . . P - K K t 3 fo llo w ed b y 6 . . . B - K t 2 . Perhaps this system is m ore lo g ica l, since the o p en in g u p o f the centre w h ic h is b o u n d u p w ith the te x t-m o ve c a n o n ly be o f use to the better-d evelo p ed side— W h ite — b u t on the oth er h a n d b y its m ean s B lack dem olishes the o p p o n e n t’s p ow erfu l p a w n centre. 6 7

Q K t-Q a K tx P

PxP Q K t-Q ?

T h is n o rm a l developm ent m o ve w a s criticised b y m a n y people a n d instead 7 . . . K t x K t ; 8 B x K t , K t - Q g w a s re co m ­ m en d ed . I t goes w ithout sa y in g th at B la c k c a n also p la y this w a y , b u t w h e th er he w o u ld h a v e fa re d b etter is n ot so certain . W h ite co u ld , for exam ple, h a v e replied 9 P - B 4 ! , an d w o u ld

13°

GRANDMASTER

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h a v e reta in ed co n sid erable initiative after 9 . . . P x P e .p .; 10 Q _~K t3, o r after 9 . . . K t - B 3 ; 10 B - B 2 . 8

K t(K 4 )-K t5

W h ite continues p la y in the w a y th at prep ares the most

0 0

unpleasantness for his opponent. A fte r 8 - , K t x K t ; 9 B x K t, K t - B 3 ; 10 B -Q ^ 3, P - K 3 ; 1 1 K t - K s , W h ite w o u ld , too, h a v e a certain com p en satio n fo r the p a w n , b u t the position w o u ld le a d to a q u iet ty p e o f positional p la y th at w o u ld sp e cia lly suit Eliskases. I n ad d itio n to the text-m ove 8 P - B 4 , P x P e .p .; 9 Q r K t 3 also c a m e in to con sid eratio n and this likew ise w o u ld h av e led to a liv e ly a n d interestin g position. 8

. . .

Q 7-B2

T h e q uestion as to w h eth er, after 8 . . . P - K R 3 , the possible p iece sacrifice 9 K t x P , K x K t ; 1 0 K t - K j c h , K t x K t ; 1 1 P x K t is co rrect o r n o t, d id n o t p articu la rly co n cern m e d u rin g the cou rse o f the g a m e . I in ten ded, after 8 . . . P - K R 3 , to re p ly sim p ly 9 K t - K 6 , Q - K t 3 ; 1 0 K tx B , fo llow ed b y 1 1 - .

0 0

9

-®4

P T h u s W h ite o b tain s a strong p a w n cen tre, since he has utilised the ta ctica l possibility o f 9 . . . P x P e .p .; 10 Q _ -K t3, P - K 3 ; 1 1 K t x P ! B la c k ca n now m ake use o f the u n favo u rab le position o f the K n ig h t o n K t 5 to com p lete th e d evelopm en t o f his K in g ’s w in g w ith g ain o f tem po. 9 10

. . . K t-R 3

P -K R 3 P -K K t4

F o r this m o ve, too, Eliskases w a s criticised b y a n u m b er o f com m en tato rs, w h erea s others held this a d v an ce to be quite co rrect. N a tu r a lly in considering this m o ve each person’s taste p la y s a g re a t role. I t seems to m e th at 10 . . . P - K K t 4 is no b a d m o ve, a t a n y ra te not w eaker th an , for in stan ce, 1 0 . . . P - K 3 . B la c k n o w th reatens n . . . P - K t 5 ; forces his opponent in this w a y to lose m o re tim e, and c a n h im self in the m eantim e com p lete his d evelo p m en t. T h a t W h ite w ins the squ are K B 5 fo r his pieces in the ensuing p la y is the lesser evil, since, in o rd e r to o c c u p y it, W h ite must lose y e t m ore valu a b le tim e. 11

K t(R 3 )-K ti!

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131

O u t o f the eleven m oves, W h ite has m ad e no less th an five w ith this K n ig h t, and the result o f all this is th at th e p iece has m o ved fro m one origin al K n ig h t position to a n o t h e r ! B u t nevertheless W h ite has a m ore o r less satisfacto ry position , since B la c k , too, has been u n ab le to u n dertake a n y th in g in the m ean tim e to strengthen his position to a n y m a rk e d d egree. 11

. . .

B ~ K t2

12

K t-K a

P -K 4

B la ck m ust undertake this a d v an ce so as to b re ak u p the en em y cen tre, since otherwise his p reviou s p la y w o u ld be w ith ­ out a n y lo g ica l basis. B u t n o w , h o w ever, W h ite o b tain s c o u n ­ te r-p la y th ro u gh Black’s weakness o n K B 4 . 13

K t-K t3

W h it e ’s Q u e e n ’s K n ig h t displays quite astonishing a c tiv ity in this g a m e . I t n o w has to its acco u n t seven m oves o u t o f the thirteen m a d e. 13 14

. . .

0-0

0 -0 P -K 5 !

V e r y w ell p layed , fn the first p lace B lack liq u id ate s the o pp o sin g p a w n centre w ith this th ru st; in the second h e d iverts the K n ig h t fro m the K B 5 sq u are, an d in the third h e assures his pieces the strong su pporting sq u are on Q 4 . W e a k e r w o u ld h a v e been 1 4 . . . P x P ; w h en , in ad d itio n to 1 5 K t - B s , K t - K 4 ; 16 K t x B , e tc. W h ite cou ld also v e r y w ell p la y 1 5 P - K R 4 ! , P - K t 5 ; 16 K tx P . 15 16

K tx K P BxK t

0

B -Q 3

K tx K t Q xP

W h ite is still a paw n d o w n , b u t in com pen sation he possesses, in a d d itio n to the better d evelo p m en t, an a d v a n ta g e in the cen tre a n d on the K in g ’s w in g . W ith the text-m o ve h e b egin s a bo ld p la n to increase his attack in g chances b y sa crific in g th e cen tre p a w n on Q 4 . T h is id e a is ab so lu tely v a lid , since, for e x a m p le , after 17 B - K 3 , K t - B 3 , B la c k w o u ld a r r iv e at fu ll co n tro l o f the im portant cen tral squ are Q 4 , a n d this W h ite m ust p rev e n t a t all costs.

132

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17 • • •

QrQ,4

18

P -K t5

R -K i

Y e t another position in w h ich Eliskases h a d to in cu r criticism fro m m a n y q u arters. W ith the text-m o ve B la c k ’s K in g ’s posi­ tion is fu rther w eak en ed an d the W h ite K n ig h t reaches the im p o rta n t K B 5 sq u a re. H o w e v er, w ith th e th rust 1 8 . . . P - K t 5 n o t o n ly is the Q u e e n ’s p aw n attack ed b u t also the W h ite K n ig h t is tu rn ed a w a y fro m K 5 . F o r e x am p le, after 1 8 . . . K t - B 3 ; 19 K t - K s , or 1 8 . . . K t - K t 3 ; 19 P - K R 4 ! , P - K t 5 ; 2 0 K t - K s , e tc - B la c k ’s K in g w ould be in co n sid erable trou b le. A s c a n be seen, B la c k still does not find it e asy to solve the p ro b le m o f the d evelo p m en t o f his Q u e e n ’s w in g . 19

K t - R .4 !

N a tu r a lly n ot 1 9 K t - K s , K t x K t ; 2 0 P x K t , B - K 3 w h e n B la c k is e x cellen tly p la ce d . T h e p a w n sacrifice offered b y the text-m o ve calls u p n e w a n d great com p licatio n s. B la ck (Eliskases) to p la y

W h ite (K eres) 19

. . .

K t-K t3

A fte r lo n g reflection Eliskases declines to a c c e p t the p a w n sacrifice b y 1 9 . . . Q x Q P . W h ite w o u ld not then p la y to w in th e ex ch a n g e , since after 2 0 R - K t i , K t ~ B 4 ; 2 1 B - K 3 , Q x K B ; 2 2 B x K t , Q x Q (bu t n ot 2 2 . . . R - Q i ? ; 2 3 R - K 8 c h ! ) ; 2 3 Q R x Q , B la c k w o u ld o b tain an excellent position b y 2 3 . . . B - K 3 ! D u r in g the g a m e I had in m in d the keen attack in g lin e 2 0 K t - B s ! , Q x R ; 2 1 Q x P .

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133

T h is p osition becam e a rep eated a n d con tro versial su b je ct fo r a n a ly tic a l discussion am o n gst a n u m b er o f co m m en tato rs. F irs t o f a ll, E u w e claim ed th at W h ite o b tain ed a d ecisive a tta ck after 2 1 . . . K t - B 4 ; 2 2 K t x P c h , K - R i ; 2 3 Q - R 5 . I t w a s also p o in ted o u t that 2 1 . . . Q _ -B 3 ; 2 2 B x P , K t - K . 4 ; 2 3 K t - K .7 c h ! o r 2 1 . . . R - Q i ; 2 2 K t x P c h , K - B i ; 2 3 Q x P c h w o u ld n o t rescu e Black fro m a loss. T h e n R iu m in discovered th at B la c k h a d a better d efen ce in 2 1 . . . K - R i !, and th at in this w a y he cou ld o b ta in a n a d v a n ta g e . A s dem onstration o f his id e a R iu m in a d d u c e d the fo llo w in g com p licated m a in v a ria tio n : 2 2 K t x B , Q 7-B 6 ! (or

22 . . . Q xK t; 23 Qr R4!) 23K t-B 5, Q xRch; 24 B -B 1, R - K K t i (after 24 . . . Q,-K4; follows 25 BxP, R - K K t i ; 26 Q 7 R 5 ! etc.); 25 B-Kt2ch, K -R 2 (weaker would be 25 . . . K t-K 4 ; 26 Q -K B4, or 25 . . . P-B3; 26 Q -R 5! etc.); 26 Q.-R5, R -K t3 (26 . . . Q.-K-3 allows the reply 27 K txP !); 27 KtxP, K t-B 3 ; 28 BxKt, R xB ; 29 Kt-B5 dis ch, K - K t i ; 30 Q .Kt5ch, K - B i ; 31 Q- Kt7ch, K - K i ; 32 Q,-R8ch, K -Q ? ; 33 Q xR, Q -K 3 and Black retains some winning chances in the endgame. A c c e p t in g th at this analysis is w ith o u t fla w , then it p ro vid e s us w ith a characteristic p ictu re o f the dan gerou s n atu re o f W h ite ’s a tta ck . T herefore it is q u ite lo g ica l an d easy to u n d e r­ stan d th a t B la c k desists fro m this u n fatho m able an d u n c le a r turn o f even ts in favo u r o f a q u ieter m ethod o f p la y , a n d on e b y w h ic h h e obtains a th o ro u gh ly satisfacto ry position. H o w e v e r , tu rn in g once a g a in to R iu m in ’s analysis, w e fin d in it som e d e b a ta b le points. T h u s , fo r exam p le, the v e r y first m o ve p ro vo k es w ell grou n d ed d ou bts, since instead o f 2 2 K t x B , serious con sid eration should be g ive n to 2 2 K t x P ! B la c k c a n n o t w e ll take this K n ig h t since after 2 2 . . . B x K t ; 2 3 Q - R 4 , K K t i (or 2 3 . . . Q .- B 3 ; 2 4 B - K t 2 ! ) ; 2 4 Q x B , Q , - K t 2 ; 2 5 Q - R 4 ! yield s W h ite a n o verw h elm in g atta ck . F o r e x am p le, th ere cou ld fo llo w 2 5 . . . K t - B 4 ; 2 6 B - K t 2 l , P - B 3 ; 2 7 B - B 4 c h , B - K 3 ; 2 8 R x B , K t x R ; 2 9 B x K t c h , R - B 2 ; 3 0 B x P , a n d W h ite wins. A lso lines su ch as 2 2 . . . Q - B 3 ; 2 3 Q .- R 5 , o r 2 2 . . . K t - B 3 ;

.51

2 3 Q ,- R 4 , o r 2 2 . . . Q rQ 2 3 C L -R 3 , g ive W h ite a d e cisive atta ck . S o B la c k is left o n ly w ith the defence 2 2 . . . Q _-B 6, b u t then W h ite has a t least a d r a w . H e c a n continue w it h 2 3

134 K tx P c h

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

( 2 3 . . . R x K t ; 2 4 Q r R 4 c h ), o r w ith 2 3 K t - B s ! ,

Q x R c h ; 2 4 B - B i ( 2 4 . . . Q .- K 4 ; 2 5 B - K t 2 l ) , an d is sure o f a t least p erp etu a l check in both cases. 20 21

R -K ti R -K 4 ?

B -Q 2

I t is not c le a r to m e, to this very d a y , w h y I refrained here fro m the ca p tu re 2 1 R x P , b y w h ich W h ite w o u ld h av e restored the b a lan ce o f m a terial a n d w ould certain ly n ot h ave the worse position. T h e attem p t b e g u n b y the te x t-m o ve to b rin g ab o u t further com p licatio n s is v e r y risky a n d has little positional basis. 21

. . .

K R -K i

A t first g la n c e the incursion of the K n ig h t b y 2 1 . . . K t - R 5 ap p ea rs to be v e r y stro n g since after 2 2 B - Q 2 , K t - B 6 ; 2 3 B x K t , P x B B la c k cle a rly stands better. B u t in this case W h ite has a c o m b in atio n al resource in 2 2 R x K K t P !

I f then 2 2 . . .

B x R , W h ite , after 2 3 Q x B , has a fine atta ck in g position as com pen sation fo r the exch an ge. B u t i f B la c k p lay s 2 3 . . . K t - B 6 , there com es the surprise 2 3 B x P !, a n d after 2 3 . . . K t x Q ,; 2 4 R x B c h , W h ite has m ade su re o f p erp etu al check, 22

R -B 4

Q tQ

.3

B oth sides are b y n o w a little fatigu ed b y the tense m id d leg a m e an d fo r this reason a crop o f in accu ra cie s sp rin g u p in the ensuing p la y . W ith th e text-m ove B la c k has the intention o f gettin g his K n ig h t in to p la y w ith g a in o f tem p o v ia Q 4 , an d this, b y itself, is a v e r y good p lan . B u t he cou ld also set his o pp o n en t som e v e r y a w k w a rd pro blem s b y 2 2 . . . K t - R s ! , th reaten in g 2 3 K t - B 6 . I f n o w 2 3 R x Q K t P , th en 2 3 . . . K t - B 6 ; 2 4 Q _-B i (after 2 4 Q .-Q 2 , the reply 2 4 . . . Q R - B i !, th reatening 2 5 . . . K t - K 7 c h o r 2 5 . . . K tx P , is v e r y stro n g ), 2 4 . . . K t x P , a n d B lack obtain s a m ost dangerous a tta ck after 2 5 B - B 4 , K t x R ; 2 6 B x Q ., K t x B ; 2 7 R - B 5 , B - K t 4 l O r i f W h ite p lays in this va ria tio n 2 7 P - R 3 , then B la c k ’s a d v a n ta g e in m aterial after 2 7 . . . K t x R ; 2 8 B x K t should be e n o u g h fo r a w in despite his so m ew hat w eak en ed K i n g ’s position. B u t W h ite co u ld also initiate re ally d an gero u s co u n te r-p lay after 2 2 . . . K t - R s b y con tin u in g 2 3 B - Q 2 ! A fte r 2 3 . . . K t B 6 ; 2 4 B x K t , P x B , W h ite plays 2 5 B - B 2 ! , th e reb y o b tain in g

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

the threats o f 2 6 B - K t 3 , a n d 2 6 Q - Q 3 .

KERES

1 35

A lth o u g h B la c k n o w

has a p a w n m ore, he c an h a rd ly hope to m ak e use o f this a d v a n ta g e since the w eak en ed B la c k K in g ’s position affo rd s the opp o rtu n ities for the creatio n o f d an gero u s th reats.

23

B -Q 2

24

R xK K tP !

K t-Q .4.

O f course W h ite makes use o f the first o p p o rtu n ity to attack the en em y K in g . T h e e x ch an g e sacrifice is n a tu ra lly ab so lu tely co rrect, since after its accep ta n ce W h ite gain s the sq u a re K B 5 for his pieces an d obtains a w o n d erfu l atta ck in g p osition. 24

. . .

BxR ?

N o w it is B la c k ’s turn to m ake a m istake, an d this tim e one w ith the m ost serious consequences. B la c k should on n o a c c o u n t give u p his best defensive p iece, not even for a R o o k . H e should b y all m eans c a rry out the second h a lf o f his p la n a n d p la y 2 4 . . . K t - B 6 ! 2 5 B x K t , P x B (b u t not 2 5 . . . B x R ; 2 6 Q x B , P x B ; 2 7 Q x B c h !). I n this position W h ite ca n continue 2 6 K t - B 5 , B x K t ; 27 B x B , o r also 2 6 B - B 5 , Q R - B i ; 2 7 Q - B 2 , an d tr y to g a in con tro l o f the sq u a re K B 5 . T h e n W h it e ’s ta ctica l c h an ces, w h ic h are m a in ly b ased on the w eak ened en em y K in g ’s p osition, sh o u ld en able h im to neutralize the p o w er o f the en em y p assed p a w n on Q B 6 . 25 Q xB Q -K B 3 W h ite w a s threatening, in ad d itio n to 2 6 K t - B 5 , also 2 6 Q xB ch ! 26

K t-B s

K -B i

N o better w o u ld be 2 6 . . . K - R i ; 2 7 Q - R 5 , Q - K K t 3 ; 2 8 Q - R 3 , etc. 27

K tx B !

O n c e W h ite has elim inated the strong defensive B ish o p o f his o p p o n en t, he soon o btain s a decisive attack . 27

. . .

28

Q -R 5

Q xK t K t-B 3

29

Q -R 4

P -K R 4

29 . . . K t - K t i was no better. W h ite co u ld re p ly 3 0 B x P c h , K t - K 2 ; 3 1 B - K t 5 , w in n in g the e x ch an g e b a ck at o n ce.

136

GRANDMASTER

30

R xP

31

P -K R 3!

OF

CHESS

Q R -B l

W h ite need not be in a h urry, since his oppon en t can n o t do a n y th in g a n y w a y . W it h the text-m o ve he protects h im se lf ag a in st possible cou n ter-attack s such as R - B 8 c h o r Q - K t 5 an d h im se lf threatens sim p ly 3 2 R x P . 31 32

. . . R -K t5

R -B 2 R -K 3

P a r r y in g the threat o f 3 3 B-K.t4.ch, fo llow ed b y 3 4 R - K t 5 , b u t nevertheless a llo w in g quite another decisive line. 33

R xR P!

resigns

A fte r 3 3 . . . K t x R ; 3 4 Q ~ Q 8 c h , R - K i ; 3 5 B - K t 4 c h , m ate follow s in a fe w m oves.

Gam e 20

Q .P . Q U E E N ’S I N D I A N D E F E N C E International Tournam ent a t Sem m ering, 1 9 3 7

S . R esh evsk y

P . K ere s

1

K t-K B 3

2

P Q P -B 4

P -K 3 P -Q K t3

P -K K t3

B -K t2 B -K t5ch

3 4 5

4

B -K t2

K t-K B 3

U s u a lly 5 . . . B - K 2 is p layed here, since w ith the text-m o ve B la c k m akes his o pp o n en t a present o f a v a lu a b le tem po in d evelo p m en t. O n the o th er hand, th ro u g h the exch an ge o f Bishops, B la c k ’s situation, in w h ich he h as allo w ed his o pponent som e a d v a n ta g e in sp a ce, becom es so m ew h a t less difficult. P ro v id in g th a t B la ck is n ot pursuing too h ig h a n aim an d is o n ly strivin g fo r e q u a lity, then the te x t-v ariatio n offers h im v e r y go o d prospects o f ach ievin g this last g o al. 6

B -Q 2

B xB ch

N im zo w itsch often p la y e d 6 . . . Q - K 2 h ere, b u t this m o ve has n o in d iv id u a l im p o rtance. W h ite replies 7

0- 0 ,

upon

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137

w h ich B la c k m ust exchange o n Q p ju s t the sam e, sin ce after 7 . . . ; 8 B - B 4 , his B ish o p w o u ld be in a d an g e ro u s

0 0

p ligh t on Q K t s . 7

0-0

Q xB

H e re the in teresting possibility o f 7 . . . P - Q 3 ; 8 K t - B 3 , K t - K . 5 ? should be m entioned.

N o r m a lly this sa lly w ith the

K n ig h t is the best method o f m eetin g W h it e ’s K t-Q _ B 3 , b u t here it pro ves to be a mistake a n d yield s W h ite a c le a r o p e n in g a d v a n ta g e after 9 Q - B 4 ! (9 . . . K t x K t ? ; 10 K t - K t g ! ) ,

8 0 -0 A m o re a cc u ra te sequence o f m oves, so as to fo rce th ro u g h P - K 4 , is 8 K t - B 3 , w ith the fu rth e r intention o f g Q - B 2 . I f B la c k seeks to th w a rt this p la n b y p la y in g 8 . . . K t - K s , then h e is fo rced to concede W h ite the e x ch an g e after 9 Q _-B 2, K t x K t ; 10 K t - K t s ! : then com es 10 . . . K t - K s ;

1 1 B x K t,

B x B ; 1 2 Q x B , Q x K t ; 1 3 Q x R , K t - B 3 ; 1 4 Q - K t 7 , K t x P . T h is line o ccu rre d in the tenth g a m e o f the E u w e -C a p a b la n c a m a tc h , 1 9 3 1 . Subsequent an alysis sh ow ed th at b y the p a w n sacrifice 1 5

0 - 0 !, K t x P c h ;

1 6 K - K t 2 , W h ite retain s the better

ch a n ces h ere, since Black experiences difficulties in p ro te ctin g his Q u een -sid e.

8 • ••

P-Q.3

9 Q.-82 H a d W h ite p la y e d 9 K t - B 3 here then B la c k co u ld h av e q u ie tly replied 9 . . . K t - K 5 , since a co n tin u atio n an alo go u s to th a t in the p reced in g note 10 0 ^ 6 2 , K t x K t ; fails b ecau se o f 1 1 . . . K t x P c h !

9

•

• •

n

K t-K t5

Q K t-Q 2

B la c k fails to take ad van tage o f his o p p o n e n t’s in a c c u ra te 8 th m o v e . B y 9 . . . B - K 5 ; 10 Q - K t 3 , K t - B 3 ! h e c o u ld h av e su ccessfu lly d e a lt w ith the th reaten ed a d v a n c e o f P - K 4 an d re a c h e d a n ap p ro xim ately e q u a l position. A fte r the te x t-m o v e W h ite c a n force through his P - K 4 a n d then, b y reason o f his g re a te r con tro l o f space, o btain s ra th e r the b etter position. 10 11

K t-B 3 P -K 4

Q -K 2 Q R -B i!

.38

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

B la ck has fallen into a constricted position w ith o u t prospects o f a ctive c o u n te r-p la y . H e m ust, therefore, assu m e a kind o f w a itin g pose so as to w a it for a n y fu rther e n e m y p lan s. T h e R o o k m o ve is a go od p ro p h ylactic m easure. B la c k has in m in d to c a r r y o u t the central ad v a n c e P - K 4 , a n d th en, should W h ite re p ly P - Q 5 , o r also K t - Q i j , K t x K t ; B P x K t , the posting o f the R o o k on Q B i facilitates im m ed iate c o u n te r-p la y b y P -Q B 3 . 12

K R -K i

P -K 4

13 Q R -Q i T h e id ea b eh in d B la c k ’s 1 1 th m o ve ca n best be seen in the v a ria tio n 1 3 K t - Q .5 , K t x K t ; 1 4 B P x K t , P - Q B 3 ! w ith w h ich B la c k attain s g o o d co u n ter-p lay o n the Q B file. H e n ce , W h ite d o es n ot w a n t to m ake a definitive p la n o f c a m p a ig n as yet a n d first com pletes his developm ent, retain in g th e rath er better position o w in g to his ad van tag e in sp ace. T h is p la n is n atu rally v e r y go o d a n d suits the nature o f the position since, in the m ean tim e, B la ck ca n n o t in an y case u n dertake a n y th in g active. 13

. . .

14

Q -R 4

P -B 3

W h ite n a tu ra lly has the better position a n d he m ust at long last con stru ct a co n crete plan so as to realise his ad v a n ta g e in som e w a y . T h e m an oeuvre on the Q u e e n -sid e com m en ced b y the te xt-m o ve, h ow ever, pro ves to be u n fittin g for the p u rp ose a n d a t best im ports a loss in tim e fo r W h ite . I n fact, h e h as a t least three go o d plans w h ich w o u ld h av e posed B lack som e d ifficu lt pro blem s. F irs tly 1 4 P - Q K t 4 c a m e into con sid eration h ere. W h ite c o u ld then con tin u e w ith 1 5 Q - K t 3 , an d a p a w n a tta ck on th e Q u een -sid e, a n d against this B lack , w ith his passively p la c e d pieces, w o u ld experience d ifficu lty in fin d in g an ad e­ q u a te defence. S e co n d ly here 1 4 K t - K R 4 , P - K t 3 ; 1 5 Q - Q 2 ! w o u ld be v e r y strong, th re aten in g as it does to transfer the Q u e e n to th e K in g -s id e fo llow ed b y an even tu al P - B 4 .

A n d th ird ly,

sim p ly d o u b lin g the R o ok s on the Q file, e v e n tu a lly follow ed b y B - R 3 , d eserved earnest consideration. N a tu r a lly W h ite co u ld also retu tn la te r to on e o f these plans,

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139

since B la c k can h a rd ly make use o f the tim e he h a s g a in e d in the in terim to better his position to a n y m a rk e d exten t. 14

. . .

R -B 2

15 16

Q -R 3 P ~ K t3

R -K i P -K t3

17

PxP?

W h ite ca n find no suitable w a y to in crease his position al a d v a n ta g e a n d therefore decides to com e d o w n to an e n d in g in w h ic h h e hopes to make use o f his con tro l o f the o n ly o p en file. T h is p la n , how ever, turns o u t to be m istaken. F irs tly b ecau se e v e ry e xch an ge only helps the con stricted B lack p o si­ tion, a n d se co n d ly because the con tro l o f the Q file constitutes o n ly a th eoretical advan tage as B la c k c a n a d e q u a te ly p ro te ct a ll the sq u ares alo n g w hich the W h ite forces m ig h t try to pen etrate. T h e d isa d va n ta g e o f this exch an g e lies, h o w ev e r, not solely in the circu m stan ce that in so p la y in g W h ite surrenders b it b y b it his positional advan tage. M u c h m ore im p o rta n t is th e circu m stan ce th a t B lack in the ensuing phase o f the g a m e is ab le to m a k e his pieces fully activ e an d th at afte rw ard s h e o b ­ tains excellen t cou n ter-p lay on acco u n t o f W h it e ’s w eakn ess o n Q 4 . T h e fa c t th at W hite underestim ates this possibility fo r his o p p o n en t in the ensuing m oves a n d also continues to “ p la y fo r a w i n ” e ve n tu a lly proves fatal for h im in the en d in g th at ap p ro ach es. I t is c le a r th at W h ite , instead o f this e x ch an g e , should choose on e o f the p lan s th at w e have m en tion ed in th e note to m o v e 1 4 . I n th at case he would h av e h a d e v e ry p ro sp ect o f in cre as­ in g his sm all positional ad van tage b it b y bit. 17

. . .

PxP

18 19

Q xQ B -R 3

R xQ B -B i

20

P -Q K t4

W ith this m o v e W h ite shows th at h e still reckons his position to be better, w h erea s in actual fact B la c k ’s ch an ces are b y n o w not w orse th an W h ite ’s. T h e atta ck p lan n ed o n the Q u e e n side does not h old out an y p ro sp ect o f success for W h ite a n d m erely creates fresh weaknesses there an d these in turn beco m e

140

GRANDMASTER

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m ost a w k w a rd for W h ite later on.

CHESS

A b etter p la n , therefore,

w a s the q u iet co n tin u atio n 20 R - K 2 , w ith the id e a o f K t - K i , P - B 3 , K t - B 2 a n d R ( K .2 ) - Q 2 after w h ich the position w o u ld soon equ alise o ut. W h ite , b y con tin u in g to p lay o bstin ately fo r a w in , m e re ly seriously d isturbs his o w n position. 20

. . .

K t-B i

21 22

BxB R -Q 6

R xB

W h ite w a n ts to double' his R ooks o n the Q_ file b u t w ith the text-m o ve he m akes his opponent a p resen t o f a n im p o rta n t tem p o fo r the reg ro u p in g o f his forces. B e tter w a s 2 2 R - K 2 , a n d , as soon as possible, K t - K i - B 2 .

22 23 24 25

• • •

K t-K i

.3

R -Q R ( K i )-Q P -Q R

i

P-B3 K-B2

4

H e re w e c a n a lre a d y see clearly w h a t W h ite h as a tta in e d b y his descent into the endgam e o n his 1 7 t h m o ve.

H e does,

in d eed , control the Q, file, b u t his R o o k s c a n n o t p en etrate a n y w h e re fro m th at line. A n atta ck in g p la n h o ld in g o u t p ro s­ pects o f success is also difficult to find o n the Q, w in g . I n con trast, B la c k ’s p la n o f cam p aign is straig h tfo rw a rd a n d lo g ica l a n d , in ad d itio n , m ost effective. F irst o f all he w a n ts to e x ­ c h a n ge o f f a R o o k , so as to w eaken th e p ressure o n the Q_ file to som e exten t, a t a n y rate. N e x t, atten tio n is tu rn ed to the outpost on Q j , for w h ich purpose the K n ig h t is to b e b ro u g h t to K 3 . W e c a n a lre a d y incline to w ard s th e id e a th a t B la c k ’s ch a n ces are to be rated rather h ig h er th a n W h it e ’s. I t should n ot be thought, h o w ever, th a t W h ite is a lre a d y in real difficulties. T h e position is still le vel, a n d i f W h ite , in stead o f the “ a tta c k in g ” m ove 2 5 P - Q R 4 , h a d con tin u ed here, fo r exa m p le, w ith 2 5 K t - K i - B 2 fo llo w ed b y P - B 3 a n d K - B 2 - K 3 , then a d r a w w ould h av e b een th e p ro b a b le result. T h e reason for W h it e ’s subsequent difficulties lies in this; th at h e still believes h e stands better a n d m u st strive fo r atta ck in g ch a n ces on the Q , w in g , whereas in re a lity h e o u g h t to p a y m ore attention to the defence o f his o w n position.

THE

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25 • • •

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3

N o w W h ite c a n n o longer p reven t the exch an g e o f on e p a ir o f R o o k s. T h e en su in g m an oeuvre m erely p uts o f f this o p e ra ­ tion fo r a c o u p le o f moves. 26 27

R -Q 8 K -B i

R (K 2 )-Q B 2 K -K 2

28

R ( Q 8 ) -Q .3

R -Q 2

W ith this B la c k has obtained his first o bjective— one p a ir o f R o ok s are e x ch a n g e d . In the distance, h o w ever, w e c a n a lr e a d y p erceive the fu rth e r perspectives o f B lack ’s g a m e , ab o v e a ll, the p ositio n in g o f the K n igh ts o n K 3 - an d Q .3 .

O n e o f these

pieces aim s a t o ccu p yin g the im p o rta n t outpost on Q j , w h ilst the o th er w ill a tta ck the p aw n s on K 5 an d Q B 5 an d it sh o u ld b e o b served th a t it is v e ry difficult fo r W h ite to d efen d his Q B P sa tisfacto rily. From this it becom es ap p are n t th at the p rece d in g p a w n

advances on W h ite ’s Q . w in g h a v e

w eak en ed h im o n that side.

o n ly

A lr e a d y W h ite m ust c o n ten d

w ith difficulties fro m w hich he is n ever free righ t to the en d 01 the g a m e. 29

R xR ch

30

K -K 2

K tx R

In o rd e r to ach ieve positional e q u a lity W h ite m ust c a r r y o u t the p a w n a d v a n c e to Q K t 5 , an d so seize hold o f th e o u t­ post o n Q 5 fo r his o w n pieces as com pen sation for the o n e on B la c k ’s Q .5 . T h is ad van ce, h o w ever, can n o t b e carrie d o u t so q u ick ly in p ra c tic e , since after 3 0 P - K t 5 B la c k c an , in th e first p lace, g a in co n tro l o f the im p o rtan t Q B file b y the p a w n e x ch a n g e 3 0 . . . P x P , an d in the second he c an le a v e the situation as it stands and allo w W h ite to exch an g e o n QJB6 him self, w h e n th e p aw n on Q B 4 w ill becom e hopelessly w e a k . S in ce , too, 3 0 P - R 5 w ould lead to a clear a d v a n ta g e fo r B la c k after 3 0 . , . P x P ; 3 1 P xP , R - K t i follow ed b y K t - B 4 , W h ite is con d em n ed to p la y a w a itin g g am e. T h is , h o w eve r, show s th at the in itia tiv e has alread y passed in to B la c k ’s h an d s an d the la tte r system a tica lly strengthens his position w ith the en su ­ in g m oves. 30

. . .

31

K t-Q ?

.3

K t-Q K t-B i!

GRANDMASTER

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T h is K n ig h t is aim ed at K 3 w h ere it w ill assum e a d o m in at­ in g position. W h ite ’s attem pt to a rr iv e a t c o u n te r-p la y in the next phase o f the g a m e does not le ad to the w ished -for success. 32

R -Q R i

K t-K 3

33

P -R 5

P -Q K t4 >

O f course B la ck d o es not allo w the o p e n in g up o f the Q_R file, w h ich w o u ld h a v e afforded W h ite go o d co u n te r-p lay . A fte r the text-m o ve W h ite appears to atta in his lo n g -a w a ited g o a l— the o ccu p atio n o fQ _5 b y his K n ig h t. 34

PxP

K t -Q _ 5 c h !

T h is in terven in g ch eck destroys W h it e ’s hopes w h ich w ere bo u n d u p w ith the va riatio n 3 4 . . . P x P ; 3 5 K t - Q jjc h , K - B 2 ; 3 6 K - Q .3 , etc.

35

K-Q3

36

R -Q B i

PxP

N o w it su d d en ly becom es ap p aren t th at it w ill not be so easy for W h ite to g a in possession o f the outpost on Q 5 , since after 3 6 K t - Q jjc h , K - K 3 his K n ig h t is in secu rely p lace d o w in g to the threats o f R - B 7 an d R x K t c h a n d also o f P - K B 4 . W ith the text-m o ve W h ite threatens to sim plify the position still m ore, b u t this B la ck does not p erm it. I n fa c t he takes a d v a n ­ ta ge o f the pin on the Q B file to increase his positional a d v a n ­ tage. H o w e v e r, W h ite w a s alread y in a v e r y un com fo rtable posi­ tion, a n d one can n o t see how he co u ld p u t u p a n o ticeab ly better defence. A fte r 3 6 P -B 4 , h op in g fo r the v ariatio n 3 6 . . . K - K 3 ; 3 7 P x P , P x P ; 3 8 R - K B i , etc., B la c k has tw o possible w a y s o f in creasin g his ad van tage.

F ir s tly 3 6 . . . K - K 3 ; 3 7

P x P , K x P ! , or, secon d ly, 3 6 . . . K t - B 3 ; 3 7 K t-Q .5 c h , K - K 3 ; etc. 36 37

. . . K t-K 2

K -K 3 K t-B 3!

W ith this m o ve B la c k forces the en em y R o o k to o c c u p y a passive position on the Q K t file an d gain s still greater a c tiv ity for his o w n pieces. It is interesting to observe th at the position offers excellent K n ig h t outposts for both sides (for W h ite his Q B 5 a n d Q_5 an d for B lack his Q B 5 a n d Q .5 ). B u t the W h ite

THE

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143

K n ig h ts are n e ve r able to re ach these squares th ro u gho u t the w h o le e n d ga m e , whereas their B la c k cou n terparts take u p p ra c tic a lly id ea l positions. A sim ilar p ictu re prevails w ith regard to the R o o k s. W h ite ’s m u st con ten t itself w ith the protection o f the Q K t p aw n w h ilst B la c k ’s is in full con tro l o f both the o p en lines. H en ce it is no w o n d e r th at B la c k ’s posi­ tional pressure soon begins to m anifest itself in re ally con crete results. 38

R -Q K ti

R -Q .I !

D riv in g the W h ite K in g from the cen tre, since 3 9 K - K 3 , K t - B s c h ; 4 0 K t x K t , P x K t w o u ld le ad to an easily w o n en d in g for B lack. 39

K -B 3

P -B 4 !

W ith this the support p oin t o n K 4 is liq u id ated an d B la c k n o w obtain s the superiority in the centre as w ell. A n atte m p t to p ro tect this p o in t b y 40 P - B 3 w o u ld not succeed since after 4 0 . . . P x P ; 4 1 P x P (or 4 1 K t x P , K t x K t c h ; 4 2 P x K t , R - K B i , etc.), 4 1 . . . R - K B i the B la c k R o o k has a decisive e ffect on the K B file (4 2 R - K B i , K t x P c h l) . T h ere fo re the en su in g e xch an ge is p ra c tic a lly forced. 40 41

P xP ch P -B 3

PxP R -Q B i

T h e m a n oeu vres with the B la c k R o o k are v e ry interestin g a n d in stru ctive. N o w W h ite ’s K in g m ust ab an d o n the p ro te c ­ tion o f the Q K t P an d leave this task to the R o o k . 42

K -Q .3

K t-K i!

T h is K n ig h t n o w gets to Q 4 v ia B 3 , th ereb y attack in g the Q K t P once a g a in . W h ite ’s position is a lre a d y critical.

43

K t-B 3

A n attem p t to obtain n ew outposts in the centre b y 4 3 P - K t 4 leads to loss in m aterial after 4 3 . . . R - Q i c h ! ; 4 4 K - B 3 o r B 2 , P x P ; 4 5 P x P , K t - B 3 th reatening either K t x P o r K t - Q 4 .

43

• • •

K t-B 3!

A su rprisin g re p ly but one w h ic h is, h o w ev e r, based on go o d lo gica l gro u n d s.

A fter 4 4 K t x P , there w o u ld fo llow 4 4 . . .

K t - Q 4 w ith the threat o f 4 5 . . . K t ( B 3 ) x P c h ; 4 6 K - K 2 , P -

•44

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

Q R 3 ; a n d 4 7 . . . K t - B 6 c h , w in n in g the R o o k . W h ite has no go o d defence a g a in st this threat, e .g .: 4 5 R - K t 3 , P -Q _ R 3 ; 4 6 K t - R 3 , K t ( B 3 ) x P c h ; 4 7 K - K 2 , R - B 8 a n d B la c k ’s R o o k p en e­ trates in to the W h ite position w ith decisive effect. W h ite therefore refrains from p la y in g this variatio n a n d in ­ tends to w a it u n til B la c k has p la y e d his P - Q R 3 .

H e has

p rep a red a p a w n sacrifice for this eve n tu a lity th at affords h im go o d sa v in g chan ces. 44 45

R -K t2 P -K t4

P -Q R 3

W h it e ’s situation is grave. H e is co m p letely bereft o f activ e c o u n te r-p la y a n d m ust therefore w a it to see h o w B la c k intends to strengthen his position. B u t, in the position th at has n o w arisen, this is n o lo n g e r difficult. A g a in s t a passive resistance B la c k c a n , for e x a m p le, continue w ith P - R 4 - R 5 an d after th at pen etrate the K side w ith his R o o k , o r, a t the in d icated m om en t, he c a n execu te the ad van tageo u s exch an g e o f K t - Q .4 , K t x K t ; K x K t . I t is c le a r that passive tactics no lo n ger suffice to h old the position. S o as n ot to su rren d er w ithout a stru ggle W h ite m akes a p a w n sacrifice w ith the text-m ove. A fte r its accep ta n ce b y 4 5 . . . P x P ; 4 6 P x P , K t x P W h ite hopes to o b tain co u n te r-p lay b y 4 7 K t ( Q 2 ) - K 4 l , threatening 4 8 K t - B s c h . I t should be observed th at in this variatio n , too, B la c k w o u ld retain sufficient a d v a n ta g e fo r w in n in g purposes, for e x am p le, after 4 7 . . .

B la c k (K eres) to p la y

W h ite (R eshevsky)

THE

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145

R - Q .I ch fo llow ed b y 4 8 . . . K --B 4 an d a n e ve n tu a l 4 9 . . . R -Q _ 3 - B u t, in a n y case, this w o u ld a llo w W h ite ac tiv e cou n terp la y a n d this is exactly w h a t B la c k w a n ts to p reven t. 45

. . .

P - K 5 ch !

T h is con tin u ation is, in m y o p in io n , m ore co n v in cin g th an the w in o f a p a w n as given in the v a ria tio n ab o v e . B la c k n o w o btain s the p a w n m ajo rity o n the K in g ’s w in g b y fo rce, c o m ­ p letely block ad es the en em y p a w n o n K 4 an d keeps the en em y pieces in p assive positions ju s t as m u c h as before. T h e en su in g e n d in g is w o n w ithou t m u c h d ifficu lty. 46

P xP

F o rc e d , since 4 6 K - B 2 , K t-Q _ 5 c h loses a K n ig h t a n d the va ria tio n 4 6 K - K 2 , K t - Q ,5 c h ; 4 7 K - K 3 , R x K t c h ; 4 8 K x K t , R - Q 6 c h ; 4 9 K - B 5 , R - Q .3 ; 50 P x P c h , K - K 2 lead s to m ate. A fte r 4 6 K - K 3 , Black assures h im se lf o f a m arked a d v a n ta g e in e v e ry va ria tio n b y 4 6 . . . K t - K a . 46 47

. . . K -B 2

K t-K 4 c h P x K tP

N o w w e c a n see w h at e x a c tly B la c k has ach ie v ed b y the co m b in atio n b egu n on his 4 5 th m o ve. W h it e ’s pieces are posted in effectively on the Q_ w in g , w h ereas o n the oth er w in g B la c k threatens to procure a sp eed ily decisive passed p a w n b y P — R 4 - 5 . I n addition his K n ig h ts a n d K in g are v e r y a c tiv e ly stationed in the centre, w h ilst W h it e ’s pieces h a v e no ch a n ce o f sh o w in g a n y activity in the n e ar future. 48

K -K t3

K t-B 5 !

V a c a t in g th e strong post o f K 4 fo r B la c k ’s K in g an d so w in n in g , in p ra ctice, the p a w n o n the K file. F o r this reason the line chosen is sim pler th an 4 8 . . . P - R 4 ; 4 9 K t - K 2 . 49 K tx K t. O n c e a g a in , a forced m o ve, since after 4 9 R - B 2 , K t x K t c h ; 5 0 R x K t , B la c k w ins a t once b y 5 0 . . . R x K t c h ! ; 5 1 K x R , K t x P c h fo llow ed b y K t x R . 49

. . .

50

R -K 2

R xK t

W h ite is u n ab le to p enetrate the en em y c a m p a t all q u ick ly w ith his R o o k , since 50 R -Q .2 o r 5 0 R - K B 2 fail ag a in st 5 0 . . . R x K t c h . T h e ending is hopeless b y now .

146

GRANDMASTER

50 51

. . . R -K l

OF

CHESS

K -K 4 P -R 4 !

B la c k need n o t h u r r y to cap tu re the K P as it w ill not ru n a w a y . W ith th e te x t-m o v e he p rep ares to o btain a passed p a w n on the K w in g , a n d this w ill ra p id ly d ecid e the gam e. 52

R -Q i

P -R 5

53

R -Q 8

P -K t6 !

N a tu r a lly here there w e re m a n y w a y s o f w in n in g b u t the m eth o d chosen is one o f the prettiest. T h e r e fo llo w som e m ore co m b in atio n al touches. 54

PxP

55

R -Q

PxP

.3

A fte r 5 5 K t - K . 2 , B la c k c a n w in b y eith er 5 5 . . . P - K t 7 o r 5 5 . . . R x P , an d 5 5 R - Q i is n a tu ra lly hopeless because o f

55 • • • K t x P . 55

• • •

P -K t7 !

T h e id e a o f this m o ve becom es a p p a re n t in the variatio n 5 6 R - K t 3 , R x K t c h ! ; 5 7 K x R , K t x P c h . A fte r 5 6 R - Q i , B lack w o u ld w in b y 5 6 . . . K t x P . 56 57

K t-K 2 K t-K ti

R xP R -K 8 !

W h ite resigns A fte r 5 8 K t - B 3 c h , K - K 5 ; 5 9 K t x R , there com es, o f course, 5 9 . . . P - K t 8 = Q_. I n this gam e I p lay e d on e o f m y best en d ­ in gs fro m the p r e -w a r period.

Gam e 2 1

Q .P . G R U N F E L D D E F E N C E International Tournam ent at Sem m ering, 1 9 3 7

P . K e re s 1 2 3 4

0.4

PPQB4 K t-K B 3 P -K K t3

S . F lo h r K t-K B 3 P -K K t3 B -K t2 p

-

b

3

EARLY

THE

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

1 47

I f B la c k is seeking for sp eed y e q u a lity th en th e te x t-m o v e is a d m ira b ly designed fo r the pu rpose a n d u su a lly lead s to sy m m e trica l positions. B u t if, h o w eve r, B la c k h as aggressive intentions a n d intends in the e ve n t o f an e x ch a n g e o n Q 4 to reca p tu re w ith the K n ig h t, then the text-m o ve is su perflu ou s a n d a n im m ed iate 4 . . . P - Q 4 should be p la y e d . 5 6

B -K ta PxP

P -Q .4

W ith this e xch an ge W h ite goes in for a sy m m e tric a l position in w h ic h his e x tra tem po w ill be difficult to u tilise, b u t this w ill still yield h im some slight in itiative. 6

. . .

K tx P

P la y in g the G runfeld D efen ce w ith a tem p o less is a risk y experim en t th a t ca n scarcely be excused b y the desire to b rin g ab o u t g re a te r com plications th an su ch as o c c u r afte r the n o rm al 6 . , . P x P . N o w W hite o b tain s a lastin g in itiative.

7

0 -0

0 -0

8

K t-B 3

K tx K t

W h ite co u ld , o f course, h ave also v e r y w e ll p la y e d 8 P - K 4 here, a n d this w o u ld h ave led , after 8 . . . K t - K t 3 , to a w e llkn o w n line o f the G runfeld D efen ce. H o w e v e r, w ith the K n ig h t m o ve W h ite w a n te d to entice his o pp o n en t to m a k e th e e x ­ c h a n g e on Q B 3 — a procedu re F lo h r v e r y r e a d ily e m p lo ys in su ch positions. B u t, ca rry in g o u t the id e a o f the m a in v a ria tio n o f the G ru n fe ld Defence w ith a tem p o less is a d an g e ro u s u n d erta k in g, since with the fu rth er o pen in g u p o f th e position, W h it e ’s a d v a n ta g e in d evelo p m en t becom es m o re a n d m o re im p o rta n t. 9 PxK i P -Q B 4 10

B -O R 3

11

K tx P !

PxP

A n interestin g and rath e r su rprisin g id e a th a t, as fa r as I k n o w , w a s used for the first tim e in this g a m e . A fte r the “ n o r m a l” continuation 1 1 P x P , B la c k w o u ld r e p ly 1 1 . . . K t - B 3 a n d then develop his Q u een-sid e w ith o u t a n y trou b le. B u t pressure on the enem y Q u e e n ’s w in g is p recisely on e o f the m a in aim s o f the text-m ove. T h e W h ite K n ig h t h as n o w taken

148

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u p a d o m in atin g position in the cen tre, b o th Bishops h a v e b e a u tifu l d iago n als a t th eir disposal, a n d the w eakn ess on Q B 3 p la y s little role in the g a m e in v ie w o f W h ite ’ s excellen t d e ve l­ o p m e n t. I n the en su in g p h ase o f the g a m e B la c k has to con ten d w it h g re a t difficulties. 11

. . .

Q -B 2

12

Q ,- K t 3

B -B 3

B la c k w a n ts to c a r r y o u t the K n ig h t m an o eu vre K t - Q a K t 3 ~ B 5 , o r K t - Q 2 - B 4 , b u t must first p ro tect the p a w n o n K 2 . B u t this im p orts fresh loss o f tim e. T h e oth er possible co n tin u a­ tio n h ere, 1 2 . . . K t - B 3 , is, h ow ever, e q u a lly u n p leasan t fo r B la c k , A fte r 1 3 K t x K t , P x K t w e w o u ld once a g a in h a v e a p r a c tic a lly sym m etrical position in w h ic h W h ite , b y 1 4 Q - R 4 ! , c o u ld in itiate la stin g pressure on the Q B P . 13

K R -Q i

14

P --Q B 4 !

K t~ Q 2

B y m ean s o f this go o d m ove W h ite foils d ie en em y p la n sin ce n o w 1 4 . . . K t - K t 3 w o u ld m eet w ith the v e r y stro n g re p ly o f 1 5 P - B 5 . T h e sam e aim could b e o b tain ed b y 1 4 Q R - B i , w h e n 1 4 . . . K t - K t 3 c a n be m et b y 1 5 P - Q B 4 , a n d 1 4 . . . K t - B 4 w o u ld a llo w W h ite to re a c h a n ad van tag e o u s en d in g b y 1 5 Q -B 4 , K t - K 3 ; 16 Q x Q , K t x Q ; 1 7 Q R - K t i . 14 15

. . . Q rK t4

K t-B 4 K t-K 3 ?

T h is “ co n se q u e n t” m o ve must, h o w ev e r, b e re g ard e d as a m istak e since n o w B la c k is unable to ach ieve n o rm a l d evelo p ­ m en t o f his Q u e e n ’s w in g . A lth o u gh the m o v e 1 5 . . . K t - E . 3 lo o ked v e r y u g ly a n d d id n ot fit in w e ll w ith B la c k ’s p la n o f p la y it w a s, nevertheless, tbfe only ch a n ce o f o b tain in g a m o re o r less accep ta b le position.

T o this W h ite co u ld re p ly 1 6

Q - K t 5 , R - K t i ( 1 6 . . . R - Q i ; 1 7 P - K 3 , w o u ld n o t alter the p osition to a n y m a rk ed d e g ree ); 1 7 P - B 5 ! , R - Q i ; 1 8 P - K 3 , B - Q 2 ; 1 9 P - B 6 , a n d after the fu rther 1 9 . . . B x K t (or 1 9 . . . B - K i ; 20 Q R - B i ) ; 20 R x B , B xP ; 2 1 R x R c h , R x R ; 2 2 B xB , Q x B ; 2 3 Q x Q , P x Q ; 2 4 B x P , w ould retain the b etter e n d gam e. 16 17

K t-K t5 Q R -B i!

Q -K 4

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I n v ie w o f his excellent d evelo p m en t W h it e n e ed n o t fe a r th e c a p tu re o f his K P . W ith th e te x t-m o ve W h it e p ro tects h im se lf a g a in st the threat o f 1 7 . . . P - Q R 3 a n d th reaten s to p la y 1 8 K t - B 3 ~ Q 5 , once a g a in th reaten in g B la c k ’ s K 2 . 17

. . .

R~Q i

I n re p ly to 1 7 . . . Q x P W h ite in ten d ed to p la y 1 8 K t - B 3 . I f th en 1 8 . . . B x K t , then there threatens, after 1 9 Q x B , b o th 2 0 B - B 3 a n d 2 0 B x K P , o r 2 0 B - K t 2 . B u t i f B la c k replies 1 9 . . . Q - K 4 there follow s 2 0 K t - Q 5

a n d W h it e a t least

w in s the p a w n b a ck while re ta in in g a n e n d u rin g atta ck . 18

R -Q .5

V e r y stro n g also here w a s 1 8 R x R c h , K t x R ;

19 Q -B 5 !

w h e n B la c k w o u ld experience g re a t difficulties w ith h is Q u e e n side. H o w e v e r , the continuation o f the attack in te n d ed b y the te x t-m o v e is m ore energetic. 18

. . .

R xR

I t is d ifficu lt to find a n y b etter line fo r B la c k . A fte r the c a p tu re 1 8 . . . Q x K P W h ite h as a n u m b er o f w a y s to atta ck , o f w h ic h the sim plest is 1 9 K t - B 3 , B x K t (or 1 9 . . . Q - K t 5 ; 2 0 P - R 3 ) ; 2 0 Q x B , w ith vario u s th reats. B u t i f B la c k tries 1 8 . . . Q ; - K t i th en the reply 1 9 Q R - Q i is m ost u n p le asan t for h im . 19

PxR

P -Q R 3

B la c k (F lo h r)

W h ite (K e re s) to p la y

150

GRANDMASTER

OF

B la c k h a d relied u p o n this m ove.

CHESS

H e h a d h o p e d to p u t u p

a stu b b o rn resistance w ith his strong cen tral K n ig h t after 2 0 K t - B 3 , K t - Q ,5 , b u t suffers a cru el aw a k e n in g in the next m ove. 20

K t -R .7 !

O n e o f the m ost o rigin al moves o f attack th at has occu rred in m y to u rn a m en t ca re er. Su rp risin gly en o u gh , B la c k n o w loses a w h ole piece. 20

. . .

K .t-Q .5

A fte r 2 0 . . . R x K t ; 2 1 R x B c h , K t - B i , W h ite w in s a w h o le R o o k b y 2 2 Q _-K t6 , Q - Q 5 ; 2 3 B - B 5 , an d 2 0 . . . B - Q 2 ; 2 1 P x K t , o r 2 1 Q x P , is e q u a lly hopeless for B lack . W ith the textm o v e B la c k still hopes to conjure u p som e slight threats. 21

R xB ch

R xR

22

K tx R

Q xK P

N o d ifferent is 2 2 . . . K t x P c h ; 2 3 K - B i . 23 24

P -R 4 Q .- K 4

K t-B 4 resigns

Gam e 2 2

CATALAN SYSTEM International Tournam ent at Sem m tring, 1 9 3 7

P . K e re s

V . R ag o sin

1 2

P~Q 4 P -Q B 4

K t-K B 3 P -K 3

3

K t-Q B 3

P -Q .4

I t is w ell kn ow n th at G ran d m aster R a g o sin is no lo ver o f th e N im zo w itsch D efen ce a n d that he favo u rs positions in w h ich th e p a w n s in the centre com e into d ire ct c o n ta c t. W ith the te x t-m o v e B la c k tries to transpose the g a m e in to th e v ariatio n 4 K t - B 3 , B - K t 5 , a line exhaustively an alysed b y G ra n d m a ste r R a g o s in an d w h ich is ca lled after him . 4

P -K K t3

I f W h ite w a n ts to th w art his o p p o n e n t’s intentions then 4

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B - K t 5 w o u ld b e a better m eth o d fo r the p u rp o se.

T ra n sp o ­

sition in to the C a ta la n S y ste m after the K n ig h t h a s b e e n d evelo p ed o n Q B 3 is not p a rtic u la rly to b e re co m m e n d e d . 4

. . .

5

Q r R 4ch

PxP

A fte r 5 B - K t 2 , Black c an e m b a rk o n the atte m p t to retain his e x tra p a w n b y 5 . . . P--B3. 5

. . .

K t-B 3!

W ith this m o ve Black initiates an interesting p la n o f d e v e lo p ­ m en t b y w h ic h the d isad van tages o f a n e a rly d e v e lo p m e n t o f th e K n ig h t to Q B 3 are la id b a re . A n atte m p t to b r in g a b o u t sim plification s b y 5 . . . Q - Q 2 ; 6 Q x B P , Q - B 3 h ere w o u ld be in ferio r o n a cco u n t o f the r e p ly 7 P - K 4 .

B u t a tran sp o sitio n

in to m o re n o rm a l channels b y 5 . . . Q K t - Q a w a s o f course e q u a lly p la y a b le . G ra n d m a s te r R ago sin is, h o w eve r, fond o f e x tr a o r d in a r y m ethods o f p la y and the system begu n b y th e te x t-m o v e is v e r y m u c h to his taste. 6 7

A

B -K t2 Q xBP

B -Q 2 K t-Q K t5

lo g ica l dem onstration o f the d ra w b a c k o f h a v in g the

K n ig h t posted on Q B 3 . I n o rd e r to p ro tect his Q B 2 W h ite m u st n o w lose a m ove a n d B la c k ca n m ake use o f this to c a r r y o u t the a d v a n c e f )- B 4 , b y w h ic h he easily equ alises.

I n a d d i­

tion the o th er ad van ce in th e centre 7 . . . P - K 4 w a s also possible here, a n d this, too, w o u ld h a v e le d to sa tisfacto ry p la y fo r B la c k after 8 P - Q 5 , K t - Q K t 5 ; 9 Q - K t 3 , P - B 3 . 8

Q -K t3

P -B 4 !

O n c e this ad va n ce has been m ad e B lack c a n b e th o ro u g h ly satisfied w ith the result o f the o pen in g stru ggle. H e c a n finish his d evelo p m en t n o rm a lly ; he exerts a m arked p ressu re o n the en em y cen tre and in ad d itio n his pieces a re r a th e r m o re a c tiv e ly posted than his o p p o n en t’ s.

W h ite m u s t n o w p la y

v e r y ca re fu lly in order to avo id the d isa d va n ta g e . 9

K t-B .3

In o rd er to avo id all possible com p licatio n s W h it e c o u ld here co n tin u e w ith 9 P xP , B x P ;

10 K t - B 3 , O - O ;

ti

0- 0,

bu t

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GRANDMASTER

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this w o u ld a llo w his o p p o n en t a go o d p osition w ith o u t p u ttin g u p a figh t.

W ith the text-m o ve h e sets his o p p o n e n t a little

p o sitio n a l tra p th at, in the event o f its success, w ill assure W h it e a la stin g in itiative. B a d w a s n a tu ra lly th e capture 9 B x P ? since after 9 . . . R Q K t i W h ite can n o t retreat the B ishop b ecau se o f 1 0 . . . K t-Q 6 c h . 9

• • •

W h it e ’s tra p w o rk s!

R -B 3 ? W ith the text-m o ve

B la c k fu rther

stren gth en s his pressure o n the centre a n d hopes th e reb y to fo rc e the lin e m entioned in the previous note 1 0 P x P , B x P ; 1 1 , - , etc. W h ite h as, how ever, a stro n ger co n tin u atio n

0 0 0 0

a t h is disposal b y w h ic h he destroys the en em y p lan s. N a tu r ­ a lly , B la c k should here exch an ge p a w n s b y 9 . . . P x P ; 10 K t x P , an d n o w not 1 0 . . . B - B 4 b ecau se o f th e sim ple re p ly

0 0

11 , b u t 1 0 . . . P - K 4 ! W h ite w o u ld then h a v e n oth ing b e tte r th an the retreat 1 1 K t - B 3 (after 1 1 K t - B 2 , B la c k ca n , i f h e so pleases, force a repetition o f m oves b y 1 1 . . . B - K 3 ; 1 2 Q - R 4 C I 1 , B - Q 2 ) . 1 1 . . . B - K 3 ; 1 2 Q r R 4 c h , a n d n o w bo th 1 2 . . . B - Q 2 a n d 1 2 . . . Q r Q a w o u ld g iv e B la c k ab o u t a le v e l g a m e . 10

0 -0 !

A su rprise, setting B la c k some seem ingly a w k w a rd p roblem s. W h it e n o w threatens sim p ly to continue 1 1 R - Q i , fu lly p ro ­ te c tin g his centre a n d o btain in g a positional pressure c h a r a c ­ teristic o f the C a ta la n . B la c k , therefore, has litd e choice. 10 11

. . . R -Q i

PxP Q .- R 4

R a g o s in decides to g iv e b ack the p a w n , since an attem p t to re ta in it b y 1 1 . . . B x K t ; 12 B x B , Q _ -K t3 w o u ld , in a n y c a se , p ro v e fruitless o n a cco u n t o f 1 3 K t - Q R 4 .

A lso pointless

w o u ld be 1 1 . . . B - B 4 since W h ite co u ld con tin u e w ith 1 2 K t x P , in a n y case. 12 13

K tx P K xB

BxB B -K 2

A s a consequence o f his in accu rate 9 th m o v e B la c k n o w exp e rie n ce s som e difficulties since, in the ensuing phase o f the

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g a m e , h e w ill h a v e difficulties w ith the defence o f the Q u e e n ’s w in g .

M o re o v e r, W h ite is so m ew h at ah ead in d e ve lo p m e n t,

a n d therefore B la c k must h u r r y u p an d castle. S in ce , h o w e v e r, W h it e , too, has n ot com pleted his developm en t, it w ill p ro ve d ifficu lt fo r M m to build u p still fu rth er his h a rd ly n o ticea b le a d v a n ta g e . 14

P -Q R 3

W h ite cou ld also try h ere

1 4 B - Q a , alth o u gh th en one

c a n n o t see h o w , after 14 . . . O - O , he c an explo it th e in secu re position o f the K n ig h t on Q K t 5 . If, fo r exam p le, 1 5 K t ( B 3 ) K t 5 , th en B la c k has a go od cou n ter b y 1 5 . . . P - Q R 3 ; 1 6 P -Q R etc.

3, P x K t ;

1 7 B x K t, B x B ; 1 8 Q x B , Q x Q ; 1 9 P x Q , R - R 5 ! 14

. . .

0 -0

15 B-Q ? A fte r 1 5 B - K 3 , 1 5 B - B 4 , o r 1 5 R - Q K t i B la c k gets rid o f all difficulties b y 1 5 . . . Q K t - Q 4 . T h e te x t-m o v e is aim e d at p rev e n tin g this counter. N o w 1 5 . . . Q K t - Q 4 w o u ld be sim p ly m et b y 1 6 Q x K t P , a n d i f then 1 6 . . . Q R - K t i , W h ite w o u ld ensure h im self o f a solid e x tra p a w n b y 1 7 K t x K t ! 15

. . .

K t-B 3 ?

B la c k h a d to calculate co m p licated possible v a ria tio n s the w h o le tim e. N o w he relaxes his attention for one m o m e n t an d a t o n ce falls in to great difficulties. H e re R a g o sin c o u ld h av e p la y e d the stro n g 1 5 . . . Q - K t 3 ! so as to m eet 1 6 P x K t , w ith 1 6 . . . Q x K t . I n re p ly W h ite w o u ld h a v e n oth ing b etter th an 1 6 B - K t 5 , b y w h ich , how ever, h e cou ld h av e re ach e d a n e n d in g w ith the b a rest possible a d v a n ta g e . F o r e x a m p le : 1 6 . . . K t - B 3 ; 17 Q x Q , P x Q ; 18 K t ( Q i ) - K t 5 , or 16 . . . K t ( K t s ) Q 4 ; 17

K t x K t , K t x K t ; 1 8 Q x Q , P x Q ; 19 B x B , K t x B ; 20

K t - K t 5 , etc. 16

K tx K t

P e rh a p s R a g o s in h ad o n ly reckoned on 1 6 Q x K t P , K t x K t ; 1 7 Q x B , w h ic h w o u ld h ave allo w ed M m strong c o u n te r-p la y after 1 7 . . . K t - K t 6 ; 18 Q R - K t i , K t - Q 4 ! T h e te x t-m o v e , h o w e v e r, is m u c h sim pler an d m a rk e d ly stronger. 16 17

. . . Q -B 4

PxK t

•5 4

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

B u t n o w it is W h ite ’s turn to be g u ilty o f a n in a c c u ra c y . H e w a n ts to fix the p a w n o n Q B 3 a n d th en ex ert stro n g positional pressure on the Q B file, b u t in so d o in g he overloo k s the m u ch stro n ger ta ctica l sa lly o f 1 7 Q _ -K t 7 ! I n re p ly B la c k cou ld not p la y 1 7 . . . Q - Q J8 4 on acco u n t o f 1 8 B - K 3 , a n d h e is therefore com p elled to su rrender the Q B P . M o re o v e r, on e can n o t see h o w he c a n atta in e ven c o m p arative co m p en satio n fo r his p a w n . T h u s , for e x a m p le, after 1 7 . . . K t - Q _ 4 ; there w o u ld fo llo w sim p ly 1 8 Q x B P , w hen B lack can n o t p la y 1 8 ___Q R - B i , b ecau se o f 1 9 K t x K t ! A fte r the text-m ove W h ite has o n ly a m in im a l positional a d v a n ta g e .

17

...

Q~Kt3

18

P -Q K t4

P -Q R 4 ?

B lack (R ago sin )

iEBi lflil g

a

■

a

m aa*sss

s■m m m

W h ite (K eres) to p la y

W h ite threatens to obtain definite possession o f the Q B 5 sq u a re b y 1 9 B - K 3 , o r 1 9 Q R - B i , an d this B la c k seeks to p rev e n t b y a co u n ter-attack on the Q K t P . B u t the text-m o ve im p o rts a p a w n sacrifice. A p p a r e n tly R a g o sin re g ard s the a ccep ta n ce o f su ch a sacrifice as n ot p a rtic u la rly dan gerou s fo r h im since n o w W h ite gets a d o u b led P a w n o n the Q_R file, a n d B la ck thinks he w ill soon re g ain his p a w n . B u t the further progress o f the g a m e sh ow s that the w in n in g b a c k o f the p aw n is not so sim ple a n d in fact e ve n tu a lly B la c k rem ains a p aw n down.

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B la ck m u st n a tu ra lly take the o p p o rtu n ity here o f c a r r y in g o u t the a d v a n c e 1 8 . . . P - B 4 . I n re p ly W h ite is p r a c tic a lly forced to p la y 1 9 P - K t 5 ( 1 9 K t - Q I L j.? , Q -B 3C I1). B u t th en follow s 1 9 . . . P - Q R 3 ; 2 0 P - Q R 4 , P x P ; an d th o u g h W h it e stands a litd e b etter after bo th 2 1 K t x P , an d 2 1 P x P , B la c k still retain s e v e ry opp o rtu n ity o f a successful defence. N o w there ensues a v e ry interestin g en d gam e. 19

K t-R 4 !

Q _-K t4

A fte r o th er Q u e e n m oves there follow s sim p ly 2 0 P x P . 20

Q xQ

PxQ

21 22

K t-K t6 PxP!

R -R 3

T h is is the tu rn in g p o in t; a lth o u gh his Q -sid e p a w n s are d o u bled W h ite has a clearly b etter e n d ga m e , this b e in g b e cau se o f the excellen t position o f his pieces. T h e W h ite B ish o p h as a fine post on Q K t 4 , the K n ig h t d eprives the o p p o n e n t o f the im p o rta n t sq u ares Q 4 and Q 2 , a n d fin ally B la c k ’s w eak n ess on Q K t 4 furnishes W h ite w ith a go o d object o f a tta c k . A l l this b rin gs on e to the con viction th at B lack no lo n ger possesses a n y a d e q u a te defence in this e n d in g. 22 23

. . . B ~ K t4

B -Q i

In stead o f this m ove W h ite co u ld also w in a p a w n b y 2 3 K R - Q K t i , B x K t ; 2 4 P x B , R x K t P ; 2 5 P - Q R 4 , sin ce afte r 2 5 . . . K R - K t i ; 2 6 R x P , B la c k can n o t cap tu re tw ice o n Q K t 4 because o f the m a tin g threat on the b a ck ran k . T h e te x t-m o v e , b y w h ich W h ite retains his outpost on Q K t 6 , is p e rh a p s even m ore co n v in cin g . 23

. . .

R -K i

24

R -Q 6

B -B 2

N a tu r a lly not 2 4 . . . B x K t ; 2 5 P x B , w h en the p assed Q K t P w in s, b u t there still cam e in to consideration 2 4 . . . B - K 2 ; 2 5 R - B 6 , B x B ; 2 6 P x B , K t - Q 4 . T h e n W h ite cou ld co n so lid ate his a d v a n ta g e in tw o w ays. F irst, sim ply b y 2 7 R - Q K t i , an d i f 2 7 . . . K t x K t , then 2 8 R - Q i follow ed by 2 9 R ( Q _ i ) - Q 6 , w ith an easy w in . S e co n d ly, h o w ever, W h ite ca n also p la y 2 7 P - K 4 ,

*56

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K t x P ; 2 8 R - B 5 , a n d after the Q K t P has fallen W h ite is a stro n g p a w n u p o n th e Q R file. 25

R -B 6

K .t-Q .4

N o w after 2 5 . . . B x K t ; 26 P x B , K t - Q 2 , there w o u ld follow 2 7 R - Q 6 , an d B la c k c a n n o t cap tu re on Q K t 3 b y 2 7 . . . K t x P , sin ce then 2 8 R - Q B i , follow ed b y 2 9 R - B 6 , w o u ld soon w in m a te rial. 26

P -K 4 !

T h is forces the e x ch a n g e on Q K t 4 , since after 2 6 . . . K t x K t W h ite c a n w in b y either 2 7 P x K t, B x Q K t P ; 2 8 B - B 5 , R - K t i ; 2 9 R - Q K t i , o r 2 7 R x B , K t - B s ; 2 8 P - Q R 4 ! , etc. B u t once his Q u een-sid e p a w n s are once a g a in u n ited the ensuing en d ­ g a m e offers no difficulties to W h ite. 26

. . .

K tx B

27

PxK t

B -K 4

N o w after 2 7 . . . B x K t the re p ly 2 8 R x B w in s a t on ce, sin ce then the p a w n sim p ly goes rig h t th ro u gh to Q u e e n b y 2 8 . . . R x R ; 2 9 P x R , follow ed b y 3 0 P - K t 7 . A fte r the textm o v e , h o w ever, the Q K t P is soon lost a n d this m ean s the en d . 28 29 30

R -Q i R -B 5 K t-Q 7

P -K t3 B -B 3

T h w a r tin g the la st theoretical c h a n ce o f resistan ce: 3 0 R x P , R - K t i follow ed b y a n even tu al B - Q i . B la c k cou ld a lre a d y h a v e q u ietly struck his fla g .

...

B -K 2

31 32

R xP

R (R 3) -R

R -K t7

33 34 35 36 37

K t-K t8 K t-B 6 P -K t5

R -R R -R i B -B i K R -B i

P -R 6

B -B 4

30

0 .7

38

R ( Q . -Q P -R 7

39

R -K t8

40

P -K t6

3

R -B i P -R 4 K -K t2 resigns

i

THE

EARLY

GAMES

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PAUL

KERBS

157

G am 23

R ETI SYSTEM International Tournam ent at N oordtw ijk, 1 9 3 8

P . K eres 1 K t-K B 3

M . Euw e P -0 .4

2

P -Q .5

P~B4

A fte r the retu rn m atch, A le k h in e -E u w e , 1 9 3 7 , this lin e o f p la y b e c a m e on e o f the to p ica l p ro blem s o f in te rn atio n al to u r­ n am en ts. N a tu r a lly , I knew th a t E u w e w a s one o f th e le a d in g experts in this variation . N everth eless, I d ecid ed to e m p lo y it in this g a m e, though this w a s a v e r y im p o rta n t on e fo r m e, w ith the id e a o f tryin g out a n e w line. 3

P -K 3

4

PxP

K t-Q B 3

I h ad h a d o n ly bad results w ith the m o ve 4 P - Q K t 4 , h a v in g g o t in to difficulties equ ally after 4 . . . K t x P ; 5 P x P , P - K 4 ! ; 6 P - Q R 3 , P - K 5 ; 7 P x K t, P x K t (K e r e s -F lo h r , P a r a u , 1 9 3 7 ) ; a n d after 4 . . . P x P ; 5 K P x P , K t x P ; 6 P -Q .4 , P - K 4 ! ( K e r e s S ta h lb e rg , 7 th m a tch -gam e, 1 9 3 8 ) . A fte r the exch an ge on Q 4 a n interesting position arises in w h ich W h ite , it is true, o b tain s a sligh t a d v a n ta g e in d e v e lo p ­ m en t, b u t B la c k is able to e x ert a certain p o sitio n al pressure on the b a c k w a rd Q P . T h e q uestion as to w h ich o f these a d v a n ­ tages w eigh s the heavier constitutes the c h ie f o p e n in g p ro b le m o f this g a m e. 4

. . .

K tx P

5 6

K tx K t K t-B 3

Q xK t B -K t5

W h it e ’s fu rther plan o f p la y is clear. H e w o u ld like to force th ro u gh P - Q .4 b y m eans o f 7 P - Q 3 an d 8 B - K 3 a n d thus o b tain a m arked prep o n d eran ce in the cen tre. S o , fo r e x a m p le , B la c k p la y e d passively in the 2 2 n d m a tc h -g a m e , A le k h in e E u w e , 1 9 3 7 : 6 . . . K t - B 3 ; 7 P -Q .3 , P - B 3 ; an d a llo w e d W h ite a sm all b u t cle a r opening a d v a n ta g e after 8 B - K 3 , Q 7 -Q 2 ;

•58

GRANDMASTER

OF

9 P -0 ,4 , P - K K t 3 ; io B -K a , B - K t a ; 0 - 0 , etc.

CHESS

n

P - K .R 3 , O - O ;

12

A tte m p ts h a v e b een m ad e in la te r gam es p lay e d w ith this va ria tio n to b etter B la c k ’ s gam e in v ario u s w a y s an d even tu ally the text-m o ve has been chosen, w h ic h seem s the sim plest m eth od o f equ a lisin g the position.

I n the g a m e F in e -F lo h r ,

H astin gs, 1 9 3 7 - 3 8 , B la c k d id in fa c t h a v e n o m ore difficulties to con ten d w ith after 7 B - K 2 , B x B ; 8 Q x B , B u t it w a s p re­ cisely a g a in st the sa lly 6 . . . B - K t 5 th at I w a n te d to tr y a n e w con tin u atio n a n d in this g am e, a t a n y rate, it pro ves to be v e r y successful. O b je c tiv e ly con sid ered B lack does n ot stan d worse at this p o in t o f course, an d the sim plest w a y to equalise seems to be th e a d v a n c e re co m m en d ed by A lek h in e 6 . . . P - K 4 . A fte r 7 P - Q .3 , B la c k c a n either p la y 7 . . . B - Q B 4 ; 8 B - K 3 , Q - Q 3 ; 9 K t - K t 5 , Q - K 2 ; 1 0 B x B , Q x B , w ith easy e q u a lity (Alekhine) o r h e m a y c a r r y o u t the schem e o f 7 . . . P - Q B 3 ; 8 B - K 3 , Q - Q 3 ; fo llow ed b y K t - R 3 - B 4 (F lo h r). 7

Q -R 4 c h !

T h is ch eck constitutes the in n ovation p lan n ed b y W h ite . B la c k m ust n o w m eet w ith m uch gre ate r difficulties th an w o u ld arise after 6 . . . P - K 4 , 7

. . .

W h ite stands a

P -B 3

little better after 7 . . . Q - Q 2 ; 8 Q x Q c h ,

fo llow ed b y 9 P - Q 4 , a n d also 7 . . . B - Q 2 ; 8 Q - K t 3 , gives W h ite the better prospects. I f B lack then protects his p a w n b y 8 . . . 0 - 0 - 0 , he w ill h a v e to u n d ergo a d an gero u s atta ck a g a in s t his K in g b y 9 P - Q 3 and xo B - K 3 ; w h ilst i f he p lays 8 . . . B - B 3 , th en, after 9 P-Q_3 , he m ust a lw a y s reckon w ith th e possibility o f R - K 3 follow ed b y P - Q 4 - 5 .

O n the basis o f

this g a m e the m o ve 6 . . . B - K t 5 m ust be regard ed as h a v in g m a rk e d d ra w b a ck s. 8

P -Q 3

K t-B 3

9

B -K 3

Q -Q 2

10

P -Q 4

W ith tltis a d v a n c e W h ite has attain ed his o b jective an d n o w c le a r ly stands better. In addition to bein g beh in d h an d w ith h is d evelo p m en t, B la ck w ill soon h av e troubles w ith his Q B .

THE

EARLY

10

. . . P -B 3

i

i

GAMES

12 0-6-0

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KERES

■ 59

P - K .3 B -K B 4

A little m ore accurate h ere w as 1 2 P - K K t 4 , B - K t 3 ; 1 3 P - R 4) since n o w B lack cou ld h a v e p reven ted this a d v a n c e b y 12 . . . P -K R 4 .

N a tu ra lly , B la c k w o u ld also n ot be p a r t ic u ­

la rly w e ll p la c e d thereafter, since the m o ve 1 2 . . . P - K R 4 n o ticea b ly w eakens the K w in g an d w o u ld d e p riv e B la c k o f the o p p o rtu n ity o f - . S in c e also can n o t b e c a rrie d out exce p t after lo n g p rep aratio n , B la c k w o u ld soon b e a t his

0 0

0 0-0

w its en d as to w h a t he sh o u ld d o w ith his K in g , tr a p p e d as it is in the cen tre. 12

. . .

B - Q .3 ?

R eg a rd le ss o f the weaknesses in vo lve d , B la c k m u st still try 1 2 . . , P - K R 4 here. A fte r the te x t-m o ve W h ite o b ta in s b y force a m a rk e d ad van tage. 13

P -K K t4 l

B -K t3

14

P -R 4

P -K R 4

B la c k has to choose b etw een tw o evils, a n d it is d ifficu lt to sa y w h ic h o f the tw o is the g re ate r. I t is tru e th a t a fte r 1 4 . . . P - K R 3 the ensuing co m bin atio n in th e g a m e w o u ld n o t be possible, b u t o n the other h a n d B la c k w o u ld th en b e in a hopelessly passive position. W h ite co u ld , fo r in stan ce, c o n tin u e w ith 1 5 B - R 3 a n d threaten e ve n tu a lly P - R 5 a n d P - K t 5 o r also P - Q j j , a n d Black w o u ld once a g a in b e face d b y th e in ­ soluble p ro b lem as to w here to h id e the K in g . W ith the text-m ove B la c k does in d eed ensure h im se lf o f the possibility o f C astlin g K in g -sid e , b u t h e also allo w s his o p p o ­ nent to m ake a tactical b re ak -th ro u g h in the cen tre w h ic h results in a decisive positional a d v a n ta g e fo r W h ite . 15 16

P ~ K t5 P -B 5 !

17

P -0 .5 !

K t-R 2 B -K 2

T h is thrust in the centre w h ich has its ta ctica l ju stifica tio n in the va ria tio n 1 7 . . . K P x P ; 1 8 K t x P ! , P x K t ; 1 9 B - K t 5 , assures

W h ite

an

im p o rtant

a d v a n ta g e .

B la c k ’s

r e p ly

is

i6o

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

p r a c tic a lly 'fo r c e d , since 1 8 P x B P is th reatened a n d 1 7 . . . Q 7-B 1 leads to loss o f a piece after 1 8 P - Q 6 . i? 18

• * • PxBP!

0 -0

I t m a y a p p e a r a t first glance too m odest fo r W h ite to ab an d o n a n y atte m p t to d estroy th e opponent’s position in the m id d leg& m e a n d to a im in stead for the en d in g w ith the te xt-m o ve. B u t as a m a tter o f fa c t this w a y is the sim plest m eth o d o f realisin g his positional ad van tage. A fte r th e Q u een e x ch an g e B la c k ’s pieces are v e r y aw k w ard ly p la c e d a n d W h ite soon w in s a t least a p a w n . M o re o v e r, attem pts to take the en em y position b y d ire ct storm yield no tan gib le result. T h u s , fo r exam p le, after 1 8 P - Q 6 , B - Q i B la c k is in d eed v e ry con stricted , b u t it w o u ld also be not so easy to su ggest a plan o f atta ck p rom isin g success fo r W h ite , since the position is re a lly closed. N o r w o u ld 1 8 B - R 3 furnish a better result, since this o n ly leads, after 1 8 . . . B - B 4 , to an e x ch a n g e o f the Bishops o n W h ite sq u ares. Q xP 20 21

R -Q ? B -R 6 !

PxQ , K R -K i

B la c k (Eu w e) to p la y

W h ite (K eres)

colo u red

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

l6l

N o w w e ca n see w h at W h ite has attain ed w ith his Q u e e n e x ch a n g e . H e has penetrated into the o p p o n e n t’ s position, w h e rea s B la c k m ust still lose m u ch tim e in b rin g in g in to p la y the pieces th at have a ccu m u late d u nused on th e K in g -sid e . I n con sequ en ce o f all this W h ite n o w w in s the Q B P b y fo rce, a n d a p a w n plus together w ith the better p ositio n signifies in p ra c tic e the decision in W h ite ’s fa v o u r. E u w e still defends h im se lf v e r y resourcefully in the re m a in d e r o f th e g a m e , b u t ca n , h o w ever, find no re a lly p rom isin g defensive p ossib ility. 21

. . .

P -K 4

D e p riv in g the W h ite B ishop o f the im p o rta n t sq u a re K B 4 a n d g iv in g his K n ig h t an outlet on K 3 . B etter, h o w e v e r, w a s first 2 1 . . . K t - B i ; 22 R - B 7 , an d o n ly then 2 2 . . . P - K 4 , w h e n W h ite w o u ld h ave less choice in the ensuing phase o f th e g a m e . 22

R -B 7

T h e text-m ove is, o f course, go od enough, b u t 2 2 B - K t 7 seems even m ore energetic. S in ce then 2 2 . . . K t - B i ; 2 3 B x R , K t x R ; 2 4 B x P , or 22 . . . Q R - Q i ; 2 3 B x P , R x R ; 2 4 B x R , w o u ld be bo th hopeless fo r B lack , the o n ly c o n tin u a tio n left h im w o u ld be 2 2 . . . Q R - K t i ; 2 3 B x P . I n the re su ltin g posi­ tion B la c k w o u ld indeed h a v e a w ealth o f ta ctical possibilities, b u t none o f these leads to the w ished for result. C o n sid e r, fo r e x a m p le : 2 3 . . . Q R - B i ; 2 4 R x B ! , R x R ; 2 5 K t - Q 5 , e tc ., o r 2 3 . . . B x B P ; 2 4 B x B , Q R - B i ; 2 5 R - Q 6 , R - K 3 ; a n d th en W h ite w in s easily b y 26 K R - Q i , o r 2 6 B - Q 5 . 22 23

. . . B -K t7

K t-B i

I n realisin g his ad van tage W h ite com m its a c e rta in n u m b e r o f in a ccu ra cie s an d allows his oppon en t to b rin g a b o u t som e ta ctica l com plications. S im p le r fro m the te ch n ical p o in t o f v ie w w a s undoubtedly 2 3 R x P , K t - K 3 ; 2 4 K t - Q 5 , e tc. 23 24

. . . BxP

Q R -K ti K t-K 3!

E u w e conducts a difficu lt defence w ith g re a t skill.

A fte r

2 4 . . . K R - Q B i W h ite w o u ld h ave w o n q u ick ly b y 2 5 R x R , R x R ; 2 6 K t - Q 5 l , B - Q i ; 2 7 B - K t 7 , follow ed b y 2 8 P - B 6 . 25

BxR

6a

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

W h ite rig h tly refrains fro m cap tu rin g the p a w n b y 2 5 R x P , as this w o u ld h ave open ed u p fresh ta ctica l possibilities for his o p p o n en t. F irstly, h e m u st then reckon w ith th e possible co u n te r-a tta ck 2 5 . . . K t x B P ; 2 6 B x R , K t - Q 6 c h ; o r also 2 5 . . . B x B P ; 2 6 B x B , K R - Q B i ; th ough this w o u ld e ven tu ally resu lt in W h ite ’s a d v a n ta g e : 2 7 B ~ Q 6 !, R - K t 3 ; 2 8 B - Q 7 , R x K tch ;

29

PxR ,

R -K t8 c h ;

30

K -Q 2 ,

R xR ;

31

B x K t,

fo llo w ed b y 3 2 B x P , etc. S e co n d ly , h o w ever, B la c k can continue m o re q u ie tly w ith 2 5 . . . K R - Q B i ! A fte r 2 6 R x B (2 6 B - Q 7 , B x B P !) , 2 6 . . . R x B he w o u ld attain q u ite good c o u n te r-p lay , since W h ite w o u ld h a v e to g ive b a ck one o f the p aw n s h e has w o n . I t c a n b e seen w ith w h a t skill E u w e knows h o w to m a n o e u v re even in hopeless positions so as to procure co u n ter-ch an ces. A n o th e r possibility for W h ite here w a s 2 5 R x B , R x R ; 2 6 K t - Q .5 , th ough this co u ld scarcely h av e been stro n ger than the g a m e continuation. 25 26

. . . B -Q 7

K tx R P -R 4

27

P -B 6

R -K t5

B la c k still provides his opponent w ith the greatest possible difficulties.

B u t W h ite ’s preponderance on th e Q u een -sid e is

to o g re a t for his o pp o n en t to hope fo r a n y successful attem p t in c o m b a tin g the first p la y e r. 28 29

P -K t3 K -K t2

P -B 3 PxP

30

PxP

R -B 2

W h ite w a s th reatening 3 1 P - R 3 , follow ed b y 3 2 B - R 7 , an d 3 3 B -K t6 . 31

R -Q i

R -K R 5

32

R -Q 2

R -R 8

T h e r e w a s no lo n ger a n y ad eq u ate d efence ag a in st the th reat o f 3 3 B - K t 6 . W ith the text-m ove B la c k inten d s to m eet 3 3 B - K t 6 b y 3 3 . . . B x P , but W h ite does n ot besto w on h im e ven this last chan ce. 33

P -B 4 !

T h is w in s y et an o ther p aw n as B la c k m a y n ot c a p tu re o n

THE

EARLY

GAMES

K B 5 on accou n t o f 34 B x P .

OF

PAUL

KERBS

163

T h e rest o f the g a m e n o lo n g e r

gives us a n y th in g interesting.

33 • . • 34 P xP 35 P - R 3 36 K x B 37 P - K 6

B -K t5 B -K t3 B x K tc h P -K R 5 R -K 8

A fte r 3 7 . . . P - R 6 there w o u ld , o f course, h a v e fo llo w e d 38 B -B 4 . 38 K -Q _4 K -B i 39 40

B -B 2 K -Q _5

K tx P c h K t-B 2 c h

41

K -B 5

resigns

T h is g a m e possesses a certain theoretical valu e .

G am s 2 4

FR EN CH

D EFEN CE

International Tournament at N o o rd w ijk , 1 9 3 8

R . Sp ielm an n

P . K ere s

1

P -K 3

P -K 4

A t the tim e this gam e w a s p laye d I u su ally replied to 1 P - K 4 w ith 1 . . . P - K 4 . I n this g a m e , h o w eve r, I chose th e F r e n c h D efence on psychological considerations. S p ie lm a n n h a d , in fact, p u blished shortly beforehand a co m m e n ta ry o n th e v a r ia ­ tion 1 P - K 4 , P - K 3 ; 2 P - Q 4 , P - Q .4 ; 3 K t - Q B 3 , K t - K B 3 ; 4 P - K 5 ; K K t - Q a ; 5 Q K t - K 2 , in w h ich he e stim ate d this m ethod o f p la y good for W h ite . M o re o v e r, S p ie lm a n n h a d m a d e go o d his claim in a n u m b er o f to u rn am en t g a m e s an d ach ieved beau tifu l victories w ith this variatio n a g a in st M iss M e n c h ik (H astin gs, 1 9 3 7 / 3 8 ) an d som e rounds e a rlie r in N o o rd w ijk again st S ch m id t.

I therefore assum ed th a t S p ie l­

m an n w o u ld also em ploy this m ethod o f p la y a g a in s t m e , esp ecially takin g into consideration th at his p lace in th e to u r­ n am en t w a s not am ongst the leaders. H o w e v e r , in the m eantim e ad eq u ate m ethods o f d e a lin g

164

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w ith the line reco m m en d ed by S p ie lm a n n h a d been fo u n d , a b o v e all, the P irc va ria tio n 5 . . . P - Q B 4 ; 6 P - Q B 3 , P - B 3 ; 7 P - K B 4 , K B P x P ; 8 B P x P , P x P ; 9 P x P , B - K t s c h ! after w h ich W h ite gets into difficulties because o f th e th re at o f 10 . . . Q - R j c h . I t is true th at la te r on it w a s d isco vered th at the P irc va ria tio n is n ot a ll th at terrible for W h ite , if, fo r e x am p le, he p la y s 8 Q P x P , in stead o f 8 B P x P , o r p erh ap s e ven better, in stea d o f 7 P - K B 4 p la y s 7 K t - B 4 . B u t a t the tim e this g am e w a s p la y e d the va ria tio n w a s thought v e r y stro n g an d there w a s e ven talk o f it as a refutation o f the 5 Q K t - K . 2 line. I t is, therefore, understandable th a t I w a n te d to c o m b a t this v a ria tio n in a serious tournam ent g a m e a n d therefore ad o p ted the F re n c h D efen ce, w h ic h very ra r e ly h ap p e n e d in m y to u r­ n am en t p raxis o f th at tim e.

2 P-Q4

P-Q.4

3

K t-Q B 3

K t-K B s

4 5

P -K 5 P -B 4

K K t-Q a

B u t Sp ielm a n n , too, h a d in the in terim a lre a d y h ea rd o f the w ick e d designs o f P irc again st his pet v a ria tio n an d therefore chose another con tin u atio n here. S o the g a m e n o w defin itely d eparts from all p re p a re d variations a n d pursues a n o rm al course.

5 ••• 6

P-QB4

PxP

A lo gica l re p ly. W h ere as W h ite, in the 5 Q K t - K .2 variatio n , aim s a t su p p o rtin g his p a w n centre b y P - Q B 3 an d P - K B 4 , here he w a n ts to o c c u p y the cen tral sq u are o f Q 4 w ith his pieces. B u t fo r this the Q P m ust b e e x ch an g e d for B la c k ’s Q B P an d this is best d one at once. G ra n d m a ste r B o leslavsky h as tried h ere in a n u m b er o f g am es 6 K t - B 3 , K t - Q B 3 ; 7 B - K 3 , b u t then ca n fo llo w 7 . . . P x P ; 8 K K t x P , B - B 4 ; 9 B -K t5, ! w ith a g o o d gam e fo r B la c k (B o le sla v sk y -G u im a rd , 1 9 5 4 ) .

0 0

6

• . .

K t~ Q B 3

O f course, B la c k cou ld also here re ca p tu re at once b y 6 . . . B x P , b u t there is no n eed to be in a h u r r y to d o so. Besides, in

THE

EARLY

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165

som e cases, fo r exam ple, afte r 7 B - Q 3 , B la c k c a n v e r y w e ll p la y 7 . . . K t x B P . 7

P -Q R 3

BxP

8

Q .-K t4

P ~ K K t3

T h is con tin u atio n is n e w an d this g am e show s it to be re a lly g o o d . U su a lly there is p la y e d here 8 . . .

0- 0 ; 9

K t-B 3,

K t - Q . 5 ; 1 0 B - Q .3 , P - B 4 ; 1 1 C I - R 3 , P - Q R 3 ; follow ed b y 1 2 . . . P - Q K t 4 , w h ic h also holds o u t prospects o f a go o d g a m e for B lack , b u t allo w s W h ite som e opportunities fo r a K in g -sid e atta ck .

B y the text-m ove B la c k avo id s this possib ility an d

p reven ts in p ra ctice the possible thrust o f P - B 5 . T h e w e a k e n ­ in g o f the b la c k squares does n ot m a tter at the m o m en t as W h ite is u n a b le to exploit it in a n y w a y . 9

K t-B a

P-Q R3

T h e co m m en cem en t o f a go od co u n te r-atta ck on the Q u e e n side b y P - Q K t 4 - 5 and the con sequ en t h in d erin g o f W h it e ’s Q u een -sid e castlin g. Sin ce W h ite can n o t at once castle B a n g side he m u st le ave his K in g in the cen tre an d this, in v ie w o f the eve n tu a l possibility o f a n atta ck o n the K in g , can p ro v e to be re a lly a w k w a rd . 10

B -Q q

11

P ~ K t4

P Q K t4

A lth o u g h fresh weaknesses a p p e a r in W h ite ’ s position (in p a rtic u la r o n Q B 4 ) , this a d v a n c e is p ra c tic a lly fo rced . W h ite can n o t a llo w B la c k ’s P - Q K t 5 . 11 12

. . . P -K R 4

B -R 2 P -K R 4

13

Q -K t3

Q 7 -K 2 ?

B u t this m o ve is im precise an d enables S p ielm an n to c o m ­ m ence a v e r y dangerous atta ck . S in ce 1 4 B x K K t P , does not constitute a threat on a cco u n t o f 1 4 . . . R - K K t i , B la c k should take the opp o rtu n ity o f p la y in g 1 3 . . . K t - Q 5 , w h ic h w o u ld h a v e g ive n him a n excellen t position. 1 3 . . . Q - B 2 w o u ld also h a v e been good, d e p riv in g W h ite o f a n y p ossib ility o f P - B 5 , th ro u gh the threat o n his K 5 . 14

P -B 5!

l66

A

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

brillian t ta ctica l stroke, as one m ig h t, o f course, h ave

e x p e cte d from su ch a m aster o f the atta ck as Sp ielm an n . W h ite n o w obtain s a p o w erfu l attack an d it is in d eed b y no m eans sure th a t B la c k should succeed in escap in g w ith a w h o le skin w ith co rrect fu rther p la y . T h is a d v a n c e d id not co m e as a surprise to B lack . B y m eans o f his co u n ter-m o ve he h o p e d to b e at o f f the attem p t at attack b y the en em y easily enough. B u t in so h op in g he u n d er­ estim ated the m a n y possibilities th at the position afforded to a resourceful atta ck in g p lay e r. 14

. . .

B -K ti!

I t is on this c o u n te r-a tta ck thq,t B lack has p lace d his hopes. W h ite ca n n o t n o w ad e q u ately defend the K 5 squ are an d B lack believes th a t w ith th e fall o f this im p o rta n t p a w n W h ite ’s a tta ck , too, w ill be q u en ch ed . I n a c tu a l fa c t m atters arc not so sim ple as the fo llo w in g analysis shows. T h e p oin t o f W h it e ’s attack lies in the fa c t th at 1 4 . . . K t P x P c a n be m et b y 1 5 B x B P ! since 1 5 . . . P x B ; 1 6 K t x Q P , w o u ld yield W h ite a decisive attack. I t is true th at 1 5 . . . B - K t t is then possible a n d we w ill e xam in e the possibilities th at arise after the B ish o p m ove in o u r n ext note. F in a lly , 1 4 . . . K t ( B 3 ) x K P ; 1 5 K t x K t , B - Q j j m erits consideration (a fte r 1 5 . . . B - K t i ; 1 6 B - K B 4 , a position arises w h ich w ill be exam in ed in the n e x t note). B u t then W h ite attains a stro n g a tta ck b y 1 6 K t - B 6 ! , B x K tc h ; 1 7 K - Q , i : for e x a m p le : 1 7 . . . Q .- B 3 ; 1 8 B - K t 5 , Q - K t 2 ; 19 Q .-Q 6 , o r 1 7 . . . Q - B i ; 1 8 Q .-B 7 , etc. T h e text-m ove is u n d o u b ted ly B la c k ’s best p ractical ch an ce. 15

P x K tP ?

T h e text-m o ve is the best p ro o f th at S p ielm an n w a s not in his best form a t N o o rd w ijk . H ere he ab an d o n s all possible ch a n ces o f d evelo p in g a h ig h ly d angerous atta ck in the position a n d instead chooses a ta m e continuation th at at best holds o u t prom ise o f a b a re e q u a lity . W h ite w o u ld also h ave obtain ed n o th ing b y 1 5 P x K P , K t ( Q 2 ) x P ; o r b y 1 5 P BG, Q x B P !, and also 1 5 B ~ K t 5 , cou ld h a v e been a n sw e re d b y 1 5 ___K t ( Q 2 ) x P ! , in e ve ry case w ith an ad van tageou s position for B lack. B u t

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

TAUL

KERES

16 7

w ith 1 5 B - K B 4 ! , W hite cou ld h av e successfully co n tin u ed his attack , a n d then it w ould not h ave been easy fo r B la c k to find an ad e q u a te defence. D u r in g the gam e I w as o f the opinion th at 1 5 B - K B 4 co u ld h ave b een m et b y 1 5 . . . K t P x P w ith a d v a n ta g e to B lack . A fte r 1 6 B x B P , P x B ; 1 7 K t x Q P , the Q B 2 sq u are is p ro tected an d B la c k c a n continue w ith 1 7 . . . Q - K 3 . B u t this is n ot the end o f the m a tter. I f w e consider the position m o re d e ep ly then w e soon observe that the fu rther 1 8 yield s W h ite an o verw h elm in g attack. C o n sid er, fo r in stan ce, 1 8 . . . K t - K .2

0 0-0

(after 1 8 . . . Q - K t 3 W h ite c an p la y , in ad d itio n to 1 9 Q - K i , 19 P - K 6 , w in n in g back the p iece sa cr ific e d ); 19 K t x K t (also 19 K t - K t 5 , Q x K t ; 20 R x Q , K t x R ; 2 1 R - K i , is v e r y stro n g ), 1 9 . . . Q x K t ; 2 0 K t - Q } ,! , K t x P ; 2 1 K R - K i , P - B 3 ; 2 2 K t B 6 !, w ith a decisive attack. W e are d riven to the con clu sion , th en, th at the a c c e p ta n ce o f the piece sacrifice in the g ive n circu m stan ces c a n sc a r c e ly be B la ck ’s best continuation. B u t h ow , th en, should B la c k p ro ceed after 1 5 B - K B 4 ? In the first instance 1 5 . . . K t P x P ; 16 B x B P , K t ( Q 2 ) x P ; 1 7 K t x K t , K t x K t ; leaps to m in d , so as to m eet 1 8 B x K t , w ith 1 8 . . . P x B . W h ite has, h o w eve r, the stronger co n tin u atio n

0 0 0

18 - !, obtaining a v e r y strong attack , w h e th e r B lack accep ts the piece sacrifice o r not. S e co n d ly, a n im m ediate 1 5 . . . K t ( Q 2 ) x P deserves c o n ­ sideration, w itho u t h avin g e x ch an g e d first o f all o n K B 4 . A fte r

1 6 KtxKt, KtxKt Black would be threatening to exchange on Q6 , and then 1 7 BxKt, KPxB would free him of all his troubles. But here, too, White would attain a strong attack by continuing 1 7 P x K t P (v e ry strong, too, is 1 7

0- 0- 0 ,

K tx B ch ; 18 R x K t,

B x B c h ; 1 9 Q x B , K t P x P ; 20 R - K i ) , 1 7 . . . K t x B c h ; 1 8 Q x K t ! T h e n , after 1 8 . . . B x B ; 1 9 P - K t 7 , R - K K t i ; 2 0 Q - R 7 , B lack , in o rd e r to a vo id worse, m u st give u p the e x ch an g e . T h e variatio n s assem bled here n a tu ra lly la y n o c la im

to

bein g exh a u stive, but, i f the possibility o f 1 5 . . . K P x P ; 1 6 B x B P , P - Q 5 ; 1 7 B - K 4 ! is ad d ed to th em , then th e y g iv e a ch a racteristic picture o f w h a t kind o f d an gero u s a tta c k in g chan ces W h ite possesses in this position. It is a g re a t p ity th at S p ielm a n n misses the strong attack in g co n tin u atio n 1 5 B - K B 4 !

168

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w h ic h co u ld h a v e resulted in m akin g this g am e one o f the b est in the w h o le tou rn am en t. 15

• • •

K t(Q ?)x P !

A fte r this re p ly , w ith th e deadly th reat o f 16 . . . K tx B c h , W h it e ’s a tta ck is in p ra c tic e at an end a n d it is o n ly a question as to w h e th er W h ite is in a position, in the rem ain in g phase o f th e g am e, to b e a t b a c k the enem y atta ck o r not.

17

16

P xP ch

17

K t-K t5

Q_xP

Q - B 2 fails a g a in st 1 7 . . . Q - K t 2 . 17

. . .

Q .-B 3 B la c k (K eres)

* w

u m

i j s i B B

4H

i B

i

* w

m

a i m

i $

mm

\m

m

B i

i

M m

m Ui2SH3gK ___________

H

W h ite (Spielm an n ) to p la y

18

R -B i?

I t is w ell kn o w n th at it is especially difficu lt for e v e ry chess­ p la y e r to a ccu sto m h im se lf to the defence after an atta ck th at has failed. P ra x is show s th at the defender in su ch cases ra re ly finds the best resource a n d often collapses q u ick ly . S u c h a p sych o lo gica l collapse does indeed take p lace here. S p ie lm a n n is co n cern ed o v er the failu re o f his a tta ck an d his n o rm a l resourcefulness is n o w w a n tin g in the defence. T h e te x t-m o ve is a g ra v e erro r th at lead s in su rprising fash ion to the loss o f a p iece, after w h ich the stru ggle is a t an en d to a ll intents a n d purposes.

D espite the seem in gly irre ­

sistible threats on his position S p ielm an n cou ld h ave still p u t

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

u p a stu b b o rn resistance here b y 1 8 B - Q 2 !

KERES

1 69

A lth o u g h at first

g la n c e it a p p e a rs th at B lack cou ld then realise his a d v a n ta g e in vario u s w a y s , m atters are n ot in re a lity so sim ple. L e t us n o w a d d u ce som e characteristic sam p le lines. I . 1 8 . . . K t x B c h ; 19 Q x K t , K t - K . 4 ; 2 0 Q _ -B i! an d a p p a r e n d y B la c k m ust content h im self w ith o n ly a better e n d in g. I I . 1 8 . . . K t~ Q _ 5 ; 1 9

0- 0 - 0 !, K t - B 5 .

(A fter 1 9 . . . K t - K t 5 ;

2 0 Q _ ~ K i, K t - B 7 there com es n a tu ra lly 2 1 R - B i , an d both 1 9 . . . K t ( K 4 ) - B 6 a n d 19 . . . K t ( Q ^ ) - B 6 are d e a lt w ith b y 2 0 Q .-B 2 .) 2 0 Q - K .I and i f 2 0 . . . K t x B then 2 1 K t x Q P ! an d a lre a d y B la c k m ust struggle for e q u a lity . I I I . 1 8 . . . K t - K t j ; 19 Q - B g , Q r K 4 c h ; 2 0 K - Q i !, R - B i ; 2 1 B - K t 6 c h , K - K 2 ; 2 2 K t - B 7 ! an d in this co m p lica te d posi­ tion it is n o t cle a r w h o will fin ally g a in the u p p e r h an d . F o r e x a m p le : 2 2 . . . Q - K t Q ; 2 3 K t x P c h ! o r 2 2 . . . Q - Q 5 ; 2 3 K - B i , etc. I V . 1 8 . . . K t - B s ; 19 Q 7-B 3, Q r K 4 c h ; 20 K - Q i , K t x B ; 2 1 Q -B 7 C I1, K - Q _ i ; 2 2 K x K t , an d W h ite has a re a lly go od position. T h e v aria tio n s g ive n show a d e q u ately th at after 1 8 B - Q 2 ! B la c k w o u ld h a r d ly be in a position to o btain con crete a d v a n ­ ta g e b y d ire ct atta ck . H e w o u ld rath e r h ave to retu rn to q u ie t p la y a n d to bu ild up his positional a d v a n ta g e still m ore. A go o d con tin u atio n , for exam p le, w o u ld be 1 8 . . . K t - B s ; 1 9 Q - B 3 , B - K 4 ! ; 20 Q x Q , B x Q . W h ite w o u ld then still h ave to con ten d w ith g re a t difficulties, b u t w o u ld , h o w ev e r, o b tain so m e ch a n ces o f sa vin g the g am e. 18

. . .

K t-K ts!

B y this su rprisin g m ove, w h ich is easily en ou gh o verlooked, B la c k w in s a t least a piece. 19

Q -B 3

Q x K tc h

20

K -Q i

Q r K t2

N a tu r a lly 2 0 . . . Q x R cou ld also h a v e been p la y e d since W h it e ’s a tta ck w o u ld be o bviou sly insufficient after 2 1 Q -B 7 C I1, K - Q i ; 22 K tx P ch , B x K t; 2 3 Q x B , K t - K 2 . h as en o u gh w ith his extra piece for the w in .

B u t B lack also

GRANDMASTER

*7°

OF

CHESS

21

Q 7K 2

R -B l

22 23 24

R xR ch K tx P c h Q xB

K xR B xK t K t-B y ch

25 26

K -K 1 P x K t,

K tx B c h

W h ite resigned w itho u t w aitin g fo r his o p p o n e n t’s re p ly . A v e r y in teresting struggle o f w h ich , u n fo rtu n a te ly, the g en e ra l im pression is d am aged b y som e m ark ed in accu ra cie s o n bo th sides.

Game 2 5 f r e n c h

De

f e n c e

A V R O W orld-cham pionship tournament in H ollan d, 1 9 3 8

P . K ere s

J . R . G a p a b la n c a

1

P -K 4

P -K 3

2

P-Q.4

P-Q.4

3

K t-Q a

P -Q B 4

C a p a b la n c a h a d little luck w ith the F re n c h D efen ce in the A V R O to u rn am en t. A lre a d y , in the first ro u n d , he g o t into g re a t difficulties w ith this defence again st F in e ; h e w a s also u n a b le to solve the o pen in g problem satisfacto rily in the present g a m e , a n d , fin a lly, he lost w ith it to A lek h in e, o n th e v e ry a n n iv e rsa ry o f his fiftieth birthd ay. 4 5

K PxP K K t-B 3

K PxP K t-Q B 3

T h is K n ig h t developm ent, a llo w in g the ensuing p in , m ust a lre a d y be d eem ed an error.

B etter is an im m ed iate 5 . . .

K t - K B 3 , so as to be ab le to m eet 6 B - K t 5 c h , w ith 6 . . . B - Q s . 6

B -K t5

Q r K 2ch

T h is ch eck is the equ ivalen t o f a ta cit o ffer o f a d r a w : 7 Q - K 2 , Q x Q c h ; etc. B u t W h ite is ag g ressively in clin ed in this ro u n d . B etter therefore w o u ld be 6 . . . B - Q 3 ; 7 O - O , K t - K 2 , w h e n W h ite at best could obtain an in sign ifican t in itiative. 7

R -K 2 !

PxP

THE

EARLY

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171

W h ite d id n o t lose a tem po b y the m an o eu vre B - K t 5 - K a , since the B la c k Q u een , too, is not at all w e ll p lac e d o n K.2 an d m ust soon le a v e this square. T h e exch an g e on W h it e ’s Q 4 o n ly aid s the o p p o n en t’ s develo p m en t a n d it w o u ld h a v e been b etter to h a v e substituted 7 . . . Q - B 2 ; 8 8

0-0

Q .-B 2

9

K t-K t3

B -Q 3

0- 0 ,

K t-B 3.

C a p a b la n c a w a n ts to post his pieces as a c tiv e ly as possible, b u t the te x t-m o v e costs him an o th er tem p o , since after c a p tu r­ in g o n Q 4 W h ite threatens K t - Q K t 5 a n d thus forces P - Q R 3 . A

q u ick er d evelo p m en t o f his forces b y 9 . . . K t - B 3 ;

K t ( K t 3 ) x P , B - K 2 followed b y p refera b le. 10 K t(K t3 )x P u

0-0

10

w o u ld therefore h a v e been P -Q R 3

P -Q K t3

A p la n w o rth y o f consideration here w a s x 1 P - B 4 ! so as to g iv e m ore w e ig h t to his a d v an tag e in d evelo p m en t b y o pen in g u p the p osition w ith 1 1 . . . P x P ; 1 2 B x P . T h e te xt-m o ve, b rin g in g the B ishop on the lo n g d ia g o n a l, is, h o w e v e r, v e r y v ery good. 11

. . .

12

B -K t2

K K t-K 2

S im p le r w a s a n im m ediate 1 2 K t x K t , P x K t ; 1 3 B - K t 2 so as to e lim in ate the possibility o f 1 2 . . . K t - K .4 . H o w e v e r, B la c k w o u ld h a r d ly have p ro cu re d fo r h im se lf a n y p a rtic u la r a d v a n ta g e b y this since W h ite cou ld h a v e con tin u ed w ith 1 3 Q r Q_2, ; 1 4 K t x K t , B x K t ; 1 5 B - Q 3 , still retain in g the

0 0

better g a m e . 12 13 A p p a r e n tly

. . . K tx K t!

illo gica l, since n o w

0 -0 B la c k is relieved o f his

iso lated p a w n , b u t in re a lity v e r y d isagreeab le for B lack . B la c k n o w gets n e w weaknesses on Q R 3 a n d Q B 3 , an d the d efen ce o f these entails ju st as m u ch trou b le as w o u ld th at o f the iso lated p a w n . 13

. . .

PxK t

14

P -B 4

B -K 3

172

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

B la c k m ust p ro tect the square Q 4 o n ce a g a in since h e is th reaten ed w ith the v e r y aw k w a rd 1 5 P x P , P x P ; 1 6 Q 15

Q -B 2

t Q.4-

PxP

A lth o u g h B la c k is n o w left w ith w e a k p a w n s on Q R 3 an d Q B 3 , this e x ch a n g e is p ractically fo rced . B la c k m ust reckon w ith , in a d d itio n to 1 6 Q - B 3 a n d 1 6 K t - K t 5 , the positional th re a t o f 16 P - B 5 , B - B 5 ; 1 7 P - K t 3 , B - R 3 ; 1 8 B - K 5 , fo llow ed b y 1 9 K t - Q .4 , w h ic h w o u ld ensure W h ite o f a co m p letely o v erw h e lm in g position. 16 17

BxBP Q xB

BxB K R -K ti

A n in terestin g id ea . C a p a b la n c a w a n ts to b rin g this R o o k in to p la y v ia Q K t 4 , fro m w here it c a n also p ro te ct the K in g side. T h e oth er R o o k m ust rem ain fo r the presen t at its post so as to p ro tect Q R 3 18

P -K R 3

W h ite has acq u ired a m arked positional a d v a n ta g e o u t o f the o p e n in g an d thinks th a t n o w the tim e h as co m e to relieve the u n com fo rta b le pressure against his K R 2 . B u t there w a s no necessity for this ju s t y e t, and the resu ltin g loss o f tim e gives B la c k the o p p o rtu n ity o f su itably re g ro u p in g his pieces. W h i te has h ere several v e ry strong con tin u atio n s a t his dis­ p osal. F irs tly , he cou ld here, b y 1 8 Q .-B 3 , en force the w eakness 1 8 . . . P - B 3 , since 1 8 . . . K t - B 4 loses m a te ria l b e cau se o f 19 P - K K t 4 l , B - K t 5 ; 2 0 Q - K 5 , Q x Q ,; 2 1 B x Q ., K t - Q . 3 ; 2 2 P Q R 3 , IT -B 4 ; 2 3 P - K t 4 . S eco n d ly, h ere 1 8 K R ~ Q _ i w o u ld be m ost effective, since it w o u ld result in v ario u s ta ctica l possi­ bilities. A n d fin ally, i f W h ite indeed w a n te d to free his K R 2 fro m a tta ck then he cou ld h ave done this b etter b y 1 8 P - K t 3 , w h ic h w o u ld also h a v e d eprived the o p p o sin g pieces o f the im p o rta n t K B 5 sq u are. 18

. . .

R -K t4

19

Q R -B i

R -Q B i

20

K R -Q i

K t-K t3

B la c k ’s position is v e r y difficult.

H e m ust tr y so m ethin g

aga in st the th reat o f 2 1 Q _ -K K t4 ( 2 1 . . . K t - K t 3 ; 2 2 R x B ! ) , a n d in a d d id o n he m ust also b e a r in m in d the possibilities o f

THE

EARLY

GAMES

OF

PAUL

KERES

1 73

Q .-B 3 o r Q - Q 4 . A n in terven in g 2 0 . . . B - B 5 ; 2 1 R - B 2 , w o u ld h a v e altered m atters v e ry little, since th en , too, W h ite co u ld h a v e replied to 2 1 — K t - K t 3 ; w ith 2 2 K t - Q 4 (2 2 . . . R - Q .4 ; 2 3 R - K i , e tc .). M o reo ver, the sim ple re p ly o f 2 2 Q - Q 4 w o u ld be also v e r y disagreeable fo r B la c k . W ith the text-m o ve B lack opens u p fo r his B ish o p a retreat to K B 1 , w h e n ce it can con ven ien tly p ro te ct the K K t 2 sq u are. I n a d d itio n h e sets his o pponent a p o sitio n al tr a p . I n fa ct, after 2 x K t - Q 4 , B la c k inten d s to o ffer his o p p o n en t a p ro m isin g p a w n sacrifice b y 2 1 . . . R - Q 4 , the ac c ep ta n ce o f w h ich w ith 2 2 c o u n te r-p la y . trap .

Q x R P , B - K 4 ! w o u ld a llo w B la c k excellent

U n fo rtu n a tely, h o w ev e r, th ere is a hole in the 21

K t-Q 4 !

R -K t3

O n ly n o w c o u ld C a p a b la n c a h a v e n o ticed th at th e intended 2 1 . . . R - Q . 4 w o u ld not w o rk . W h ite w o u ld th en continue 2 2 K t x P ! , R x R c h ; 2 3 R x R , Q x K t ; 2 4 R x B ! a n d retain a go od p a w n m o re w ith the better position. T h e te x t-m o v e is the o n ly w a y in w h ic h B la c k can a v o id m aterial loss, b u t n o w W h ite initiates a d an gero u s attack again st the e n e m y K in g . 22 A

K t-K 6 !

p re tty a n d exceed in gly stro n g atta ck in g con tin u atio n .

N a tu r a lly the K n ig h t can n ot be im m e d ia te ly c a p tu re d b ecau se o f 2 3 Q x P c h , follow ed b y R x B , b u t also after the in terven in g ch eck 2 2 . . . B - R y c h ; 2 3 K - R i , 2 3 . . . P x K t fails again st 2 4 Q x P c h , K - R i ; 2 5 R - Q 7 . B u t i f B la c k tries 2 3 . . . K t - K 4 then W h ite ga in s a m arked a d v a n ta g e b y 2 4 B x K t , Q x B ; 2 5 K t - B 5 , o r 2 5 R - K i . In ad d itio n the sim p lifyin g line 2 4 K t x Q , K t x Q ; 2 5 K x B , K t x B ; 26 R - Q 2 w ith th e th re at o f 2 7 K t - Q j ! is also v e r y stron g. 22

. . .

Q -K ti!

C a p a b la n c a m a d e this go o d defensive m o v e alm o st w ith o u t th inking a n d it w o u ld a p p ea r th at he h a d a lr e a d y p rep ared for it. T h e m a in id ea o f B la c k ’s d efence lies in th e variatio n 2 3 K t x P , B - K 4 ! after w h ich W h ite h as som e difficulties in con n ectio n w ith his K n ig h t o n K t 7 . A n atte m p t a t atta ck 2 4 R - Q .7 , R - B i ; 2 5 K t - B s , B x B ; 2 6 K t - R 6 c h , K - K t 2 ; 2 7 K t x P , w o u ld le a d to n o tangible success o n a c c o u n t o f the re p ly

>74 27

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

. . . R - K t 2 , a n d therefore W h ite is p ra c tic a lly fo rced to p la y

2 4 B x B . T h e e n d ga m e resulting after 2 4 . . . K t x B ! (2 4 . . . Q x B ; 2 5 Q - K K t 4 ! ) ; 2 5 Q - B 3 , K x K t ; 2 6 P - B 4 , w o u ld , h o w ­ e ve r, a ffo rd B la c k re a lly su bstantial ch an ces o f sa v in g th e g am e by 26 . . . R -K t4 . W h ite therefore rig h tly decides to p ro ceed w ith th e attack , w h ic h seem s to p rom ise better results. 23 24

K t-K t5 Q -K K t4

R -K t2 B -B 5

O n c e a g a in w e see h o w m u ch m o re ad v an tag e o u s it w ould h a v e been for W h ite to h ave p laye d P - K K t 3 instead o f P - K R 3 . 25

R -B 4

R -K t4 ?

C a p a b la n c a , h a v in g repulsed the first w a v e o f th e en em y a tta ck , becom es over-optim istic an d in consequence m u st now en d u re a fresh a n d p ow erfu l o n slau gh t. A lth o u g h B la c k ’s posi­ tion after 2 5 . . . B x K t ; 2 6 Q x B w o u ld not h a v e been e n viab le, h e should h a v e gone in for it, w illy -n illy . C a p a b la n c a m ust, in d eed , h a v e said to h im self that his position, after the exch an ge o n K K t 4 , w o u ld be lost, slow ly b u t su rely, a n d he therefore d e cid ed on fu rth er com p licatio n s in the h op e th at, in the en su in g c o m b in atio n al p lay , his y o u n g opp o n en t co u ld be led a w a y fro m the rig h t p ath . B lack (C a p a b la n c a )

■

IB

B *B |

gg S i f l l k gfj i ifli , f l * B a m h g

a

I

O

J

g u rS a

as

1

a s

JB U fl

W h ite (K eres) to p la y 26

K tx B P

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W ith b o th sides short o f tim e W h ite “ believes i n ” h is g r e a t opp o n en t a n d does not calcu late o u t the co m b in atio n 2 6 R x B ! to its en d . I n re p ly 2 6 . . . K t x R ; 2 7 K t x B P , is o f cou rse h o p e ­ less for B la c k a n d 2 6 . . . P - K R 4 fails ag a in st 2 7 Q .-Q .7, so th a t B la c k is re d u ce d to 2 6 . . . R x K t . B u t th en there fo llo w s 2 7 Q x R , Q x R (or 2 7 . . . P - R 3 ; 2 8 Q - K B 5 , K t x R ; 2 9 B - K 5 , e t c . ) ; 28 R -Q 8 c h , R x R ; 29 Q xR ch , K t - B i ; 30 B - R 3 , P -Q B 4 . T h u s fa r W h ite h a d calcu lated an d seen th at n o w 3 1 B x P w o u ld n ot do b ecau se o f 3 1 . . . Q -B 8 c h , a n d co n seq u en tly re je cted th e w h ole va ria tio n . H a d he o n ly d evo ted a co u p le o f m in u tes m ore to it, then it could sc a rce ly h ave e scap ed h im th a t B la c k , after 3 1 Q _ -B 8 !, possesses n o defence ag a in st the th re a t o f 3 2 B x P , since a n attem pt at p erp etu al ch eck w o u ld also b e fru it­ less. H o w e v e r, w ith the text-m ove W h ite also o btain s a n ex ce llen t position, a n d this w a s one o f the reasons w h y I d id n o t besto w a n y m ore exh au stive consideration o n the possibilities arisin g out o f 2 6 R x B ! 26

. . .

R -K i!

C a p a b la n c a ’s cool and resourceful d efence in this g a m e c e r ­ ta in ly deserved a better fate. C a p tu r in g b y 2 6 . . . K x K t w a s, o f course, u n a v a ilin g on ac c o u n t o f 2 7 R - Q j c h , a n d afte r 2 6 . . . R - B i W h ite can sim p ly continue w ith 2 7 K t - Q 6 . 27

P -K t3

S im p le r here w a s 2 7 K t-Q _ 8 !, R x K t ; 2 8 R x R c h , Q x R ; 2 9 R x B , etc. W ith the text-m ove W h ite gives his K in g a n e scap e squ are fro m the b a ck ran k , th ereb y th w a rtin g all possible threats on th at line. 27

. . .

Q -B i?

B e a rin g the tim e-trouble in m in d, C a p a b la n c a sh o u ld h a v e seized his last ch a n ce and p la y e d 2 7 . . . B x P . T h e r e w o u ld then h ave been several possible w a y s for W h ite to g o w r o n g . T h a t , h o w eve r, w ith correct p la y the issue o f the g a m e w o u ld not h a v e been ch a n ged b y this, is best show n b y the fo llo w in g v a ria tio n s: I . 2 8 Q x B , Q x Q c h ; 29 P x Q , K x K t ; 3 0 R x P , a n d W h ite has a good p a w n m ore with the better position in the e n d g a m e .

176

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CHESS

I I . 2 8 P x B , Q - R 2 c h (or 2 8 . . . K x K t ; 2 9 R - Q j c h , e t c .) ; 2 9 R ( B 4 ) - Q ,4 , Q x K t ; (2 9 . . . K x K t ; 3 0 K - K t 2 , is h a r d ly b e tte r ); 3 0 R - Q 7 , a n d there is n o satisfacto ry d efence here a g a in st W h it e ’s attack . 28

R xB

W h ite w a s so ab so rbed in c a lc u la tin g the consequences o f 2 7 . . . B x P th a t B la c k ’s reply took h im co m p letely b y surprise an d h e q u ite forgot his original p la n o f 2 8 R - Q . 7 ! H o w e v e r , the tran sitio n to a n en dgam e w ith tw o p a w n s m o re th at is fo rced b y the text-m o ve is e q u a lly satisfacto ry. T h e rest is n o lo n ger o f a n y interest. 28 29 30

. . . R xQ R -Q 7 c h

31

R xR ch

Q xQ K xK t R -K 2 K xR

T o save su ch a position not even the e n d gam e skill o f a C a p a b la n c a is sufficient. 32

BxP

33 34 35

P -Q R R -K t4

36

37 38

-4

R -Q R 4 R -Q B 4 K -K 3 P -K R 4

K -K t2 R -Q B 4 PxR

R xR K -Q 3

P -B 4

resigns

Game 2 6

RU Y LO PEZ AVRO

W o rld Championship Tournament in H ollan d 1 9 3 8

R . F in e 1

P . K ere s

P -K 4

U s u a lly F in e liked to start o f f w ith the m o ve 1 P - Q 4 . B u t he h a d expressly taken u p 1 P - K 4 fo r the A V R O to u rn am en t a n d th o ro u gh ly p rep ared him self for the open typ e o f g am e. W ith W h ite F in e started no less th an six o u t o f the seven gam es p la y e d w ith 1 P - K 4 , an d achieved sp len did success w ith th em .

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I 77

T h e present g a m e w as p la y e d in the last ro u n d o f th e first to u r a n d h a d a m ost im p o rta n t b e arin g o n the fu rth e r cou rse o f the to u rn a m en t. Fin e h a d started b rillian tly a n d w ith 5 } points o u t o f 6 gam es he h a d assured fo r h im se lf a n o ta b le m a rg in a b o v e his nearest rivals. I n the event o f his w in n in g the present g a m e n obod y co u ld h a rd ly h av e th re aten e d to o v e rh a u l h im , h avin g re g a rd to the short d u ra tio n o f the to u rn a m en t. 1A 2 3 4

.• • • K t-K B 3 B -K te B -R 4

P -K 4 K t-Q B 3

5

0 -0

B -K 2

6

Q -K 2

P-Q Rs K t-B 3

T h is Q u e e n m o ve w as q uite a surprise for B la c k , as a t th at tim e the u su a l continuation w a s 6 R - K i . S e e m in g ly F in e h a d also w o rk ed o u t some in n ovation here, since otherw ise h e w o u ld sc a rce ly h a v e chosen a con tin u atio n w h ich w as then still h a rd ly in vestigated a t all. P -Q K t4 P-

0.3

P erh ap s F in e h a d expected here the w ild g a m b it c o n tin u a ­ tion 7 . . . O - O ; 8 P - B 3 , P - Q 4 , takin g into ac c o u n t th a t B la c k h a d to p la y fo r a win at all costs. B lack , h o w ev e r, w a s n ot a im in g a t ach ie v in g an yth in g b y experim ents in th e o p en in g, bu t p la c e d all his hopes in the m id d le-gam e, a n d h a d as his g o al the atta in in g o f a position rich in figh tin g possibilities. I n this respect his o pponent com es to m eet h im h a lfw a y in the ensuing phase o f the gam e. 8

P -Q R 4

T h is a d v a n c e w as p ro b ab ly the con tin u ation on w h ic h F in e h a d set his hopes. A t th at tim e 8 . . . R - Q K t i w a s con sid ered the best re p ly , since the p a w n sacrifice th at occu rs in this g am e w a s h eld to be go od for W h ite . D espite all this I d e cid e d to go in fo r this com plicated co n tin u atio n , since the p osition th at arises after 8 . . . R - Q K t i ; 9 P x P , P x P ; 10 P - B 3 , ; 11

0 0

P - Q 4 in no w a y attracted m e.

1 78

G RA N D M AS TER

8

. . .

9

P-B 3

OF

CHESS

B -K t5

O f course not 9 P x P , K t - Q 5 , w ith a d v a n ta g e to B lack. 9

. . .

O -O !

I f B la c k does n ot w a n t to go in for this p a w n sacrifice then his o n ly altern ative is 9 . . . R - K t i . B u t in re p ly to this W h ite w o u ld seize the in itiative b y 10 P x P , P x P ; 1 1 P - R 3 . 10

PxP

N o w a d a y s everyon e know s that W h ite gets n o th ing w ith this e x ch a n g e , a n d instead th eory recom m ends 10 P - R 3 . I f then 1 0 . . . B - R 4 ; 1 1 P~Q_3, whilst i f 10 . . . B - Q a ; 1 1 P - Q 4 . 10 11

. . . R xR

12

Q xP

‘P x P Q xR

A t th at tim e this position w as re g ard e d as favo u rab le for W h ite , since a t first g la n c e one can n o t see h o w B lack c a n g et his p a w n b a ck . A n im m ediate 1 2 . . . K t x P ? n a tu ra lly fails b ecau se o f 1 3 B - Q j j , a n d after 12 . . . R - K t i , 1 3 Q - R 4 protects e ve ryth in g. M o re o v e r, th e attenlpt a t refutation 1 2 . . . K t - Q R .4 ; 1 3 B - B 2 , K t x P in the g a m e B o o k -A le x a n d e r, M a r g a te 1 9 3 8 , y ie ld e d W h ite a n a d v a n ta g e after 1 4 K t x P ! , e .g . 1 4 . . . R - K t i (or 1 4 . . . P x K t ; 1 5 Q x P , a n d W h ite w in s his piece b a c k ) ; 1 5 B x K t , RxQ_; 1 6 BxQ_, w h e n W h ite retains his ex tra p a w n . W h e n I w e n t in fo r this variatio n I w a s co n vin ced th at B la c k ’s a d v a n ta g e in developm ent w o u ld , nevertheless, ensure h im sufficient coun ter-chan ces. A fte r som e th o u ght, too, I su cceed ed in fin d ing a continuation th at d e p riv e d the m eth o d o f p la y chosen b y W h ite o f all its poison. 12

. . .

K t-R 2 !

I n this sim ple m o ve lies the key to the w h o le m ethod o f p la y . B la c k n o w w in s his p a w n back an d e ve n tu a lly even retain s som e slight a d v a n ta g e in developm ent, so th at W h ite m ust a lre a d y be thinking o f h o w he ca n equalise m atters. I t seem s to m e th at in the future h ard ly an yo n e w ill d isp la y an in clin a ­ tio n to g o in for c a p tu rin g the K t p a w n in this variatio n . D u r in g the g a m e I w a s convinced th at I h a d in tro d u ced an

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179

in n o vatio n w ith m y 1 2 . . . K t - R 2 , b u t soon the c o n tra ry a p p ea red to be the truth.

T h e w h o le va ria tio n h a d a lr e a d y

been p la y e d in the yea r 1 9 3 5 in a g am e R o g m a n n -R e lls t a b , w ith the continuation 1 3 Q - R 5 , Q x P ; 1 4 Q x K t , B x K t ; 1 5 P x B , Q _ -K t 3 c h ; 1 6 K - R i , Q x K t ; 1 7 Q x P , Q - Q 6 ; 1 8 K - K t i , K t - R 4 ; 19 Q -B 4 , Q x K B P ; 20 B - Q i , Q - B 5 ; 2 1 Q x Q , K t x Q an d a n e ve n tu a l d raw . B u t in this line B la c k , instead o f 1 8 . . . K t - R 4 , co u ld h ave tried the better 1 8 . . . B - Q i ; 19 Q - B 4 , Q x K B P , w h ic h w ould h a v e left h im still w ith som e prospects o f a tta ck a n d also with e q u a lity in m aterial. 13

Q -K 2

A fte r F in e h a d becom e co n vin ced th at the co n tin u atio n 1 3 Q - R 5 h eld o u t nothing o f a n y prom ise for h im , he w a n te d to le a d b a ck the gam e w ith the text-m o ve into q u iet path s. B u t B la c k ’s ad van tage in d evelo p m en t ensures him a lastin g initiative. 13

. . .

Q xP

A fte r 1 3 . . . K t x P W h ite ca n either continue 1 4 P - Q 4 , o r also 1 4 Q - K 3 . T h ete is no reason for B lack to av o id the ensuing e x ch a n g e o f Q ueens. 14

Q xQ

K tx Q

15 P-0.4 W h ite m ust allo w the w e ak e n in g o f his p a w n position o n the K in g ’s w in g a n d com plete his d evelo p m en t as soon as possible. F o r e x a m p le, after 1 5 B - Q i , K t - B 4 c o u ld be v e ry trou blesom e. 15

. . .

BxK t

16 17

P xB K -K t2

K t-K K t4

W h ite m ust choose betw een tw o u n p leasan t altern atives. W ith the text-m o ve he presents his o p p o n e n t w ith y e t an o th e r v a lu a b le tem p o for the a tta ck , b u t he retains his tw o B ish o ps an d go o d ch a n ces o f a Successful defence. O n the o th er h a n d , B la c k ’s position after 1 7 B x K t , B x B , despite the B ishops o f opposite colo u r, w ould be d ecisively ad van tag e o u s. In the first p lace he w o u ld be th reatening an a tta ck on the Q K t file, a n d in the secon d it is possible th at W h ite w o u ld later on e x p e rie n c e difficulties b y reason o f his w eak en ed K in g ’s w in g .

W h ic h

i8o

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

m eth o d o f p la y one recom m ends depen d s up o n the taste o f the in d ivid u a l m aster, since in bo th cases B la c k ’s ad v a n ta g e is unquestionable. 17 18 19

. . . B -Q B 4 PxP

20

P - Q .5

R -K ti PxP K t-K 3

F in e certa in ly d id n o t m ake this m o ve g la d ly , since n o w the B la c k K n ig h ts take u p d o m in atin g positions on the Q u e e n ’s w in g . B u t W h ite has n o choice. A fte r 2 0 B x K t , P x B the en din g is c le a rly better fo r B la c k , and also the tr y 2 0 R - K i , B - B 3 ; 2 1 B x K t , P x B ; 2 2 R x P , B x P carries in its train o n ly difficulties fo r W h ite. 20 21

. . . K t-B 3

K t-B 4 K t-B i

O n e c a n re a d ily com p reh end th at B la c k w o u ld like to b rin g those o f his pieces th at are placed o n the e d ge o f the b o ard into p la y as q u ick ly as possible. H ere, h o w ev e r, it w o u ld h a v e been m o re lo g ica l to c h a llen ge the en em y B ish o p im m ed iately b y 21 . . . R -K t5 . K - B i ; 23 B -B i

A fte r the p robable con tin u atio n 2 2 R - K i , (or 2 3 B - R 2 , K t - Q 6 e tc .), 2 3 . . . P - B 4 ,

follow ed b y 2 4 . . . B - B 3 , B lack w o u ld h av e an excellent position a n d w o u ld a llo w his o pp o n en t fe w e r opportunities th an in the gam e.

W ith

22

R -K i

23

R -K 2

this W h ite

K -B i

closes the d iag o n al Q R 6 - K B 1

fo r his

Bishop a n d thus increases his difficulties, b u t a satisfactory co n tin u atio n is h a rd to find. A fte r the g a m e 2 3 K t - K 4 , w a s reco m m en d ed here, b u t then there w o u ld fo llo w 2 3 . . . R - K t 5 ! a n d B la c k w o u ld be c le a rly in the a d v a n ta g e bo th after 2 4 K t x K t , R x K t , as after 2 4 B - B i , K t - R s . C o m p a ra tiv e ly best w a s p ro b ab ly still 2 3 K t - K t 5 , b u t then B la ck c a n , as in the g a m e, capture a p a w n b y 2 3 . . . K t - K t 3 ; 24 P -K t3 , K tx Q P ! 23

. .

P -B 4 ?

T H E

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OF

P A U L

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l8l

U p to here B la ck has p la y e d w e ll an d o b tain ed a c le a r a d ­ v a n ta g e in position, but w ith the fa u lty text-m o ve h e give s u p the g re a te r p a rt o f his a d v a n ta g e . W h ite can n o t n o w it is true get his K n ig h t to K 4 , b u t the u n p ro tected p a w n o n K B 4 enables h im to g ain an im p o rta n t tem p o , in con sequ en ce o f w h ich W h ite is in a position alm o st to e ven o u t the gam e. S o as to increase his a d v a n ta g e B la c k m ust n a tu ra lly c o n ­ tinue w ith 2 3 . . . R - K t 5 ! T h e lim ited scope o f a c tiv ity fo r the Bishop w o u ld h ave then set W h ite som e difficult p ro b lem s, e.g. 2 4 B - Q K t 5 (or 2 4 B - R 2 , K t - Q 6 w in n in g a p a w n ), 2 4 . . . K t - R 2 ; 2 5 B - B 6 , K t x B ; 2 6 P x K t , R - Q B 5 an d B la c k w o u ld w in the p a w n on Q B 3 w ith the b etter position. A fte r the im precise text-m o ve som e h ig h ly in terestin g c o m ­ plications arise. 24

K t-K t5

K t-K t3

25

P -K t3

K tx Q P !

A s a result o f his thoughtless 2 3 r d m o ve B la c k ’s a d v a n ta g e has p ra c tic a lly d isappeared, a n d he m ust look aro u n d fo r w a y s a n d m eans to retain the in itiative at a n y rate. W ith the te x tm o ve he com m en ces a d e ep ly c a lc u la te d co m b in atio n th a t, in its m a in va ria tio n , leads to a w in n in g position fo r B la c k in the end. O f course W h ite , in w h a t follow s, co u ld defend his position on a n u m b e r o f occasions q u ite d ifferen tly, b u t on e c a n also und erstan d h o w he rejects m a n y o f these possibilities, w h ic h w o u ld le a v e h im w ith the w o rse position, in fa v o u r o f th e g a m e con tin u ation in w h ich h e seem in gly obtain s m ost d an gero u s co u n te r-p la y. B la ck has no other possibility, in p lace o f the te x t-m o v e , o f b rin gin g a b o u t com plications th at fa v o u r h im . W h ite threaten s, in ad d itio n to 2 6 K tx B P , also 2 6 B - K 3 , a n d the tr y 2 5 . . . P - B 3 ? ; 2 6 P x P , P -Q .4 ; w o u ld , after 2 7 P - Q K t 4 l , K t x B ; 2 8 P - B 7 , fo llow ed b y P x K t, even w o rk to W h ite ’s a d v a n ta g e . 26

K t-Q _4

T h is w a s W h ite ’s first o p p o rtu n ity to d ive rg e fro m the m a in va ria tio n , w h ic h w as b y 2 6 K t x Q P .

A fte r the fu rth er m oves

2 6 . . . B x K t ; 2 7 B x K t, K t x P ; 2 8 R ~ K t 2 , B - R 6 ; 2 9 R x K t , R x R ; 3 0 B x R , B x B , an en d in g w o u ld result in w h ic h it w o u ld

8a

G R A N D M A S TE R

OR

CHESS

b e n ot a t all sure th at the Bishops o f opposite colou r w o u ld y ie ld W h ite a d r a w . A possible w in n in g p la n w o u ld be as fo llo w s: B la c k block ad es th e en em y B P b y P - B 5 , gets his B ish o p then to Q K t 3 , his K in g to Q 5 , an d then ad van ces his Q B P . O n c e this m a n o e u v re has been c a rrie d o u t then W h ite m u st soon g iv e u p his p a w n on K B 2 , after w h ich he w o u ld retain m e re ly e n d -g a m e stu d y type o f d ra w in g chances. I t is n a tu ra lly possible th at a p en etratin g analysis o f this en d in g w o u ld sh o w th a t W h ite cou ld m ake a d ra w , b u t one does not g o in fo r su ch a position o f o n e’s o w n free w ill. I n ad d itio n , in p ra ctice th e text-m o ve seems m u ch m o re p lau sible, since it threatens 2 7 B x K t , 2 7 K t x P , an d also 2 7 K t-B 6 . 26

. . .

K t-K t5

A fte r other K n ig h t m o ves, for instance after 2 6 . . . K t - K t 3 , there w o u ld n a tu ra lly fo llo w 2 7 R x B ! 27

B - Q .2 ?

I t is o n ly this m o ve, w ith its enticing th reat o f 2 8 B x K t , th at is the decisive m istake w h ic h allows the o pponent to execu te his in ten d ed c o m b in atio n . H ere W h ite should p la y sim p ly 2 7 K t x P , B - B 3 ; 2 8 B - B 4 , w ith go o d prospects o f e q u a lity, alth o u gh his a d v e rsa ry w o u ld still retain the in itiative after 2 8 . . . K t ( B 4 ) - Q 6 . A p p a re n tly W h ite w as co n vin ced th at afte r the text-m o ve B la c k w o u ld h av e n o th in g better th an to transpose in to this va ria tio n by 2 7 . . . B --B 3 ; 2 8 K t x P , bu t n o w com es a cru el surprise.

27

. . .

P-0.4*

B lack h a d p la c e d all his hopes on this thrust. T h e ensuing com p lica tio n s are m o re o r less forced a n d lead even tu ally to a position w h e re the B la c k passed p aw n s on the Q u e e n ’s w in g , w ith o u t p a y in g attention to the lost exch an g e , ensure h im an a d v a n ta g e sufficient for a w in . 28

BxK t

W h ite has no ch o ice, since 28 B - Q K t s fails on acco u n t o f 28 . . . K tx P !

TH E

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28 . . . 29 Kt-B6

OF

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18 3

R xB

T h e en d gam e after 2 9 R x B , K x R ; 30 K t - B 6 c h , K - Q . 3 ; 3 1 K t x R , P x B ; 3 2 P xP , K t-Q _ 2 , is w o n for B lack w ith o u t m u c h trouble. W ith the text-m ove W h ite w a s p erh ap s h o p in g for 2 9 . . . R - K t 3 , w hereupon 3 0 B x P , o r 3 0 K t x B , w o u ld h a v e ensured h im equality. B u t B lack has q uite oth er plan s. 29 30

. . . K tx R

PxB! PxP

T h is con cludes the first p a rt o f B la c k ’s c o m b in atio n .

The

tw o passed p aw ns on the Q u e e n ’s w in g n o w g iv e h im excellen t w in n in g chan ces. But he still has q uite a n u m b er o f te ch n ical problem s to solve, w h ich , in the ensuing phase o f th e g a m e , seem fa r fro m simple. F irstly B la c k m ust take go o d c a re th at his passed p a w n s are not block ed . S e co n d ly he m u st a d v a n c e his Q B P as soon as possible a n d unite the passed p a w n s, since the Q K t P can n o t bring ab o u t a decision b y itself. I n w h a t follow s B la ck m anages to solve these p roblem s in co m b in atio n al fashion. 31 K t-Q s Both p la ye rs h ad a lre a d y g o t in to som e tim e tro u b le , an d hence W h ite here makes the m ost p lausible m o ve, b u t one w h ic h is not p erh ap s the best. B la c k has g re ate r p ra c tic a l difficulties to su rm ou n t after 3 1 R - K t 2 , w h e n W h ite c an m eet 3 1 . . . B - B 3 ; 3 2 R - K t i , P - K t 7 with 3 3 K t -Q .5! B u t in this case also B la c k ’s passed p a w n s should e v e n tu a lly p ro ve the decisive factor. T h e r e cou ld fo llo w : 3 1 . . . K - B 2 ; 3 2 K - B i (after 3 2 K t - B 6 , B - B 3 fo llow ed b y 3 3 . . . K - K 3 , o r 3 2 K t - Q .5 , B -Q .3) B lack ’s task is an easier one) 5 3 2 . . . K - K 3 (after 3 2 . . . B - B 3 ; 3 3 R - K t i , B - B 6 ; so as to m eet 3 4 K t - Q s w ith 3 4 . . . B - K 4 ; 3 5 P - B 4 , K - K 3 ! W h ite has th e d efen ce 3 4 K t - Q 3 !, K t x K t ; 3 5 R x P , etc.) 3 3 K - K 2 ( 3 3 R - K 2 c h , K - Q 2 p ro vid e s W hite w ith no re lief), 3 3 . . . B - B 3 ; 3 4 R - K t i , P - K t 7 a n d B la c k ’s victo ry should be o n ly a q uestion o f tim e. W ith the text-m ove W h ite hopes to fo rce his o p p o n e n t to p la y 3 1 . . . B - Q 3 , w h ich w o u ld en able h im to m ak e a stu b b o rn resistance after 3 2 R - Q 2 . B u t B la c k has a su rprisin g a n d m u c h stronger continuation a t his disposal.

184

G R A N D M A S T E R

OF

CHESS

B la c k (K eres) to p la y

i ^

m

i i i

ill £&jf iss i 1 . 1 .®

a & M

»

SLBSi **L3i

2 O I O 2 I 2 I

1 1

9 5 7

«*±

6 IO

44

i*l 4i II

9

6* 6* «*

86

2

0 0 * 4

7

5

3

8

6* 23 5i 3 1 6* 2 9 5 6* 3 3 6* 7 *5i

0 3 0 3 2 2 0 2 1 1 2 7 I 3 2 4 2 6 O 5 O 5 O 11

>4 3 320 >99 35

3 4

1936 P. Schmidt *938 G. Stahlberg

6 6 22

5 19 11

Matches

*935 G. Friedemann *935 F* Kibbermann

13 7 9 II 5

2

3 3*

4

LIST

3. Other Events. 1929 Pamu-Wiljandi (Raud) 1930 Pamu-Wiljandi (Leoke) 1932 Parou-Moisakula (Peet) 1936 Pamu Team Matches ig37 Esthonia— Lithuania (Mikenas) 1938 Tallinn Tcam Matches 1938 Esthonia-Latvia (Petrov) 1938 Tartu Student-Matches 1938 Esthonia-Finland (Salo)

OF

EVENTS

189

2 2 2

3 2

6

2

o 0 2

1 1

4 o

1 O 0 1

i 2 o I

0 1 I o

2 I o o

O

I

2

2 2

24

12

4

8

Total 366 221

46

99

3

1

2 1h 2

2

O P E N IN G S IN D E X (T h e numbers are those of the games)

Alekhine’s Defence: 1 P-K4, Kt-KB3; 2 P-K5, Kt-Q4; 3 P-Q4>P-B4 CatalanSystem: 1 KI-KB3, P-Q4; 2 P-QB4, P-K3; 3 Kt-B3, Kt-KB3i 4P-Q*,B-K2; 5 P-KKt3, 0-0 1: P-04, Kt-KB3: 2P-QB4, p- k3: 3 Kt-QB3, P-Q4; 4 P-KKt3, PxP; 5 Q-R4ch FrenchDefence: i1 P-K4.P-K3; 3 Kt-QB3, Kt-KB3; 2 P-Q4, P-Q4; 4 S"ht5, B-Kt5 4 . . . B-Ka 4 P-K5, KKt-Qa 3 Kt-Q2, P~QB4; 4 KPxP, KPxP Queen’sGambit Declined Albin CounterGambit: i' p-Q4, P-Q4; 2 P-QB4, P-K4; 3Kt-QB3 Delayed Exchange 2 ... P-K3; 3 Kt-QB3, Kt-KB3; Variation: 4 B-Kt5, QKt-Qa; 5 Kt-B3, P-B3; 6 PxP, PxP SemiTarrasch Defence: 5 BPxP, KtxP 4 Kt-B3, P-B4; Queen’s Pawn, Benoni Defence ;1 P-Q4, Kt-KB3; 2 K.t-KB3, P-B4; 3 P-K3, P-KKt3 Deferred: 2 P-QB4, P-B4; 3 P~Q5. P-KKt3 Dutch Defence: 1 . . . P-KB4; 2 Kt-KB3, Kt-KB3; 3 P-KKtj, P-QKt3 King’s Indian 1 . . . Kt-KBa; 2 P-QBx, P-KKt3; 3 Kt-KB3, B-Kt2; Defence: 4 P-KKt3, 0-0 6 0-0, QKt-Q2 5 B-KE2, P-Q3; 5 B-Kta, P-Q4; 6 PxP, KtxP 4• *• P-»3; Nimzowitsch 1 . . . Kt-KB3; 2 P-QBt P-K3; 3 Kt-QB3, B-Kt5; Defence: 4 P-K3, P-B4; 3 P -Q R i, BxKtch 4 Kt-B3, P-QKt3; 5 P-KKt3, B-Kta Queen’s Indian 1 . . ■ Kt-KB3; 2 P-QB4, P-K3; 3 Kt-KB3, P-QKt3; Defence: 4 P-KKt3, B-Kta; 5 B~Kt2, B-Ktsch 190

4 16 22 2

*4

24 25

1

3 12

*3 >5 8 6 21

7 9 20

O P E N IN G S

IN D E X

Red Opening: i K.I-KB3, P-Q4; a P -B 4, P - O 5 ; 3 P - K 3, K t - Q B 3 Ruy Lopez: 1 P-K4, P-K4; 3 K t - K B 3, K t - Q B 3 ; 3 B - K t 5, P - Q R 3 (Morphy Defence) 5 Kt-B3, P - Q K h 4 B-R4, IO-B3; 5 0 - 0 , B -K a ; 6 R -K i,P - Q 3; 8 P-Q4, B— Qa 7 P-B3, O-O; 6 .. . P-QKt4; 7 B-Kt3>P-Q3; 8 P-B3, Kt-QR4 6 Q-Ka, P-QKt4 (Steinitz Defence Deferred) 5 P-B4, B-Q s 4 .. - P-Q3J Sicilian 1 P-K4, P-QB4; 3 K t - K B g , K t - K B j ; 3 P-Ks, K t - Q 4 Defence: 3 P-QRt4, PxP a . .. P - Q 3 ;

*9*

23 10 17 18

a6

11 5

*9

L IS T

OF O PPO NENTS

( T h e n u m b ers are those o f the gam es) A lek h in e A . . A le x a n d e r C . H . O ’D .

.

Book E . . . C a p a b la n c a J . R .

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

11 9

.

16 25

. .

. .

. .

. .

.

D an ielsson G . D u n k elb lu m A . Eliskases E . . Euwe M . F in e R .

.

.

4 13 19

. .

. .

.

. 2 3 . 12 , 26

.

F lo h r S .

.

.

.

.

21

F o lty s J. F rie d e m a n n G .

.

.

.

.

14 3

.

.

15 1

.

. 2

.

. 18 , 20 8 6

H ro m a d k a K . K aru A . .

. .

.

R a g o sin V . R a u d I.

.

R esh e vsk y S . R ic h te r K . . S c h m id t P . .

.

S ieb o ld M .

. .

. .

2 17

.

2

S p ie lm a n n R . . S ta h lb e rg G . . T h o m a s , S ir G . A . W in te r W .

.

.

. . .

.

. . .

. .

24 7 10 5

192

THE MIDDLE YEARS OF PAUL KERES

T R A N S L A T O R ’S P R E F A C E he

present volume traces the career and gives a selection

o f the gam es o f the m iddle y ea rs o f P a u l K e re s . I n the p rece d in g volum e, d evo ted to the e a rly y e a r s, w e sa w the fresh b rillian ce o f the y o u n g genius in flictin g c ru sh in g defeats on the w o rld ’s best p laye rs. H e re , in the y e a rs 1 9 3 9 to 1 9 5 2 , w e h a v e a m ore m atu re K e re s, a g ra n d m a ste r o f w o rld class, w h o , w ith o u t losing one w h it o f his p ristin e b rillian ce, has d evelo p ed a n d deepened his style o f p la y . W h ilst an e x a m in a tio n o f the gam es con tain ed in this book sh o w s th at the c a p a c it y fo r p roducin g a startlin g m o ve o r a n o rig in a l id e a is ju s t as g re a t as ever, we n o w observe a rath e r stern er, m o re responsible attitu de tow ards th e g am e. V io le n c e is used w h en n e ce ssa ry ; bu t, instead o f a careless rap tu re w e g e t a carefu l rap tu re. T w o m ost im portant attribu tes th at go to m ak e u p the skill a n d genius o f the really g re a t ch ess-p layer are to b e d iscern ed in K e r e s ’s gam es here. F irstiy w e begin to see a w o n d erfu l m a stery o f en d -gam e techn iqu e an d an u n d erstan d in g the subtleties o f th a t branch o f the g am e th a t p uts h im am o n gst the v e r y greatest o f end -gam e experts in the h isto ry o f chess. N e x t, signs develo p , more p a rtic u la rly to w ard s th e en d o f this v o lu m e , o f a m astery o f a fresh field in chess strategy'. A n a ck n o w led ged gran d m aster o f the atta ck , h e n o w sh ow s a co rrespo n d in g interest an d even d eligh t in th e a r t o f d efen ce. F r o m the m aterial point o f v ie w this p eriod is sig n ifica n t in th a t it contains a num ber o f g re a t to u rn am en t successes an d on e b itter disappointm ent. T o take this last first: it w ill p erh a p s be rem em bered th at, ju s t before the S e c o n d W o r ld W a r broke o ut, K eres h a d beco m e recognised as a n a tu ra l (a n d in d eed official) challen ger o f A lek h in e ’ s fo r th e W o r ld C h a m p io n sh ip tid e . T h e co m in g o f w a r d e p riv e d h im o f th e o p p o rtu n ity o f su ch a m atch an d , w h en he d id h a v e a ch a n ce o f g a in in g the tid e a few y ea rs after the en d o f th e w a r in the 95

196

t r a n s l a t o r

’s

p r e f a c e

m a tch -to u rn a m e n t at the H agu e an d M o sco w , 1 9 4 8 , 'it w as B o tv in n ik w h o w a s in form and w h o em erged victo r.

Thus

K e r e s jo in e d the ranks o f that v e ry sm all n u m b er o f g reat p la y e rs o f w h o m it can be said that though th e y p la y e d like a w o r ld ch a m p io n they n ever held the title. A s som e com p en sa­ tio n in this period K e re s w on a U .S . S . R . C h am p io n sh ip three tim es, w h ich feat m ust be round ab ou t as ard u ou s as w in n in g th e w o rld ch am p io n sh ip itself. A lso , at the b e g in n in g o f this p h a se in his c a re er he defeated D r. E u w e in a m a tch , in v e ry sim ila r fashion to the w a y both A lek hin e an d C a p a b la n c a w on m a tch es again st D r . E u w e , with the one d ifferen ce that, unlike th e m , he did not w in the w orld cham pion ship either before or after. H e re , as in the previous volum e, the read er w ill find the w e a lth o f K e re s’s chess m ind reprod u ced in an n otation s o f sim ila r calib re. I h ave num bered the gam es in succession to those in the first vo lu m e w hich w ill explain w h y the first gam e h ere starts o ff w ith n u m b er 27. H.

G olombek

★

I

★

T H E L A S T P R E -W A R Y E A R S (from the R ussian point o f v ie w — tran slato r’s note)

I

t

w a s often said in the earliest p art o f m y career th a t I

co n d u cted single, decisive gam es w ith a n insufficient sense o f respon sibility and earnestness. B u t m y p articip atio n in the train in g to u rn am en t at L e n in g ra d an d M o s c o w show ed th a t

such w a s also the case w ith m e in w h o le events. I t w a s n a tu ra lly m y desire to m a k e acq u ain tan ce w ith the chess-m asters o f the S o v ie t U n io n an d m easure m y stren gth w ith them o v e r th e b o ard an d , fin ally, to get to k n o w their m eth o d o f p la y a n d their vario u s researches into the g a m e o f chess. B u t I sh o u ld not in a n y w a y h ave undertaken tins in the sort o f form I fo u n d m y self after the A V R O T o u rn a m e n t. I should h ave c o p ie d the e xam p le o f Botvinnik w h o q uite rig h tly refrained fro m takin g p a rt in this training to u rn am en t. N a tu r a lly , the consequences o f this th oughdess b e h a v io u r on m y p a rt w ere not lo n g in co m in g, esp ecially w h e n o n e takes

in to

consideration

the

go o d

p la y in g

calib re

o f th e

to u rn am en t participants. I lost tw o gam es in the v e r y first rounds a n d h a d to m ake a v a s d y con cen trated effort in o rd e r not to collapse com pletely. I su cceed ed in w in n in g three g o o d gam es in the m iddle p a rt o f the to u rn am en t, these b e in g a h ig h ly co m p lica ted struggle again st T o lu sh (N o . 2 7 ) , on e w it h an interestin g exchange sacrifice again st Leven fish (N o . 2 8 ) a n d a w e ll carried o u t K in g -sid e atta ck again st S m y s lo v (N o . 2 9 ) . B u t in a w hole series o f gam es I co n d u cted p l a y in a style ben eath criticism, as fo r e xam p le in easily w o n en d in g s again st R esh e v sk y and R a b in o w itsc h , o r in the en co u n ter in the last ro u n d w ith A lato rz ev .

I sto'od w e ll for q u ite a lo n g

tim e, b u t in the end m y p h ysical reserves w e re exh au sted . I lost, bo th the last two gam es a n d finished u p in the lo w e r h a lf o f the table.

'97

198

G R A N D M AS TE R

OF

CHESS

T h e result o f this tournam ent w a s in d eed bitter for m e, b u t also extre m e ly in structive. S h o r tly after the L e n in g ra d M o s c o w T o u rn a m e n t I w a s in vited to take p art in a fine in tern atio n al to u rn am en t at K em eri, b u t this tim e I d id not rep eat m y m istake. I refrained fro m p a rticip a tin g an d o n ly took p a r t in n atio n al m atches again st L a t v ia an d L ith u a n ia . T h e n e x t to u rn a m en t in w h ich I took p a rt w a s som e m onths later, the E a ste r T o u rn a m e n t at M a r g a te . T h is tim e I w a s fresh o n ce a g a in , p la y e d v e ry go o d chess an d w o n the first prize, on e p o in t a h ead o f C a p a b la n c a an d F lo h r. M y best ach ievem en t in this tournam ent w a s again st N a jd o r f (N o . 30 ) w h ere I su cceed ed in refuting a little com bin ation o f m y o p p o n en t’s in interesting style. T h e n there ensued p articipatio n in the Chess O ly m p ia d w h ich this tim e w a s o rganised in Buenos A ire s. P ra c tic a lly all the E u ro p e a n team s m a d e the lo n g jo u r n e y o n the sam e ship, w h ich e n ab led one not o n ly to h a v e a fine rest b u t also to get go od chess train in g.

H e n ce I p layed in the O ly m p ia d easily,

w ith o u t a n y p a rtic u la r over-exertion, a n d o btain ed the secondbest result on top b o a rd . I achieved a v e r y g o o d g am e in the p relim in a ry g ro u p again st S tah lb e rg in w h ich I exploited the m ore a c tiv e position o f m y pieces in a n en d in g w ith all the m a jo r pieces o n the b o a rd , an d w ith m a te rial e q u a lity . T h is Chess O ly m p ia d w a s a triu m ph for the Esth o n ian team w h ich o btain ed a m ost cred itab le third p lace again st strong o pposi­ tion. E v e n a first p lace w a s v e ry possible, h ad not S c h m id t been q u ite o u t o f fo rm on third b o ard a n d o btain ed o n ly

33%

o f the to tal possible points. A fte r the O ly m p ia d I stayed for som e tim e in the A rge n tin e an d took p a r t in a tournam ent held b y on e o f the clubs there." I su cceed ed in sh arin g first prize w ith N a jd o rf, a n d w a s able to o b tain a reven ge this tim e in o u r in d iv id u al g am e fo r the d efeat I h a d suffered a t M a rg a te . Before I left fo r Buenos A ires, I h a d ag re e d in p rin cip le w ith D r. E u w e to p la y h im a friendly m a tc h . A lth o u g h it w a s a question o fficially o f a frien d ly m atch , the g en e ral opin io n in the ch ess-w o rld w a s th at the w in n er w o u ld h a v e the m o ral right o f ch a lle n g in g the w o rld ch a m p io n , A lek h in e. M y prospects o f b rin g in g ab o u t such a m a tc h th ro u gh the results o f the A V R O to u rn am en t, h ad not p ro ved realisable. I n re p ly

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

199

to the ch a llen ge th at w ent o u t to the w o rld ch a m p io n w h en this to u rn a m en t w a s at a n end A lek h in e an sw ered w ith c o n ­ ditions th a t w ere in accep tab le to the A V R O a n d so fu rth er negotiations w e re broken off. I h a d to look aro u n d for oth er w a y s to a rriv e a t this longed-for m a tc h . N o w , w h ilst I w a s in Buenos A ire s, I received a telegram fro m D r . E u w e sa y in g th at all p rep aratio n s fo r our frien d ly m a tc h h a d been m a d e a n d th at p la y w a s due to begin at the en d o f the y e a r. I therefore h u rried to return hom e an d b y the last d a y s o f D e c em b e r w e w ere sitting opposite e ach other at the chess-b oard in A m sterd am . T h e m a tc h b eg an quietly. B o th p layers w ere testing e ach other o u t, a n d the first tw o gam es en d ed in a d r a w . T h e th ird gam e w a s w o n b y D r. E u w e in g o o d style, a n d the D u tc h gran d m aster w a s also successful in the fourth g a m e , after I h ad d eclin ed a d r a w an d then p la y e d for a w in in a h ig h ly risky w a y . S o the m a tch stood at 3 - 1 in fav o u r o f E u w e , an d there rem ain ed o n ly ten m ore gam es to be p laye d . T h erefo re I w a s faced b y a difficult choice in the fifth g am e. I h a d o btain ed a slight a d v a n ta g e b y a ta ctical thrust in the o pen in g, a n d , at one m o m en t, I h a d to decide w h e th e r I w o u ld allo w exch an g e o f Q u eens a n d com e dow n to the rath e r better en d in g, o r else retain the Q ueens and su rren d er m y m in im a l ad v a n ta g e . F in a lly I d ecid ed in favo u r o f the e n d gam e a n d after E u w e h ad m issed the best defence, I o b tain ed a v a lu a b le v ic to ry in an en d in g w ith Bishops o f opposite colo u r (N o . 3 2 ) . T h e sixth g a m e w a s v e ry im p o rta n t for the fu rther course o f the m a tc h . I w a s able to em erge from the o pen in g w ith a sm all a d v a n ta g e in space a n d soon the g am e h a d reach ed an en d in g w ith the m ajor pieces. E u w e h ad a p assive position a n d he h a d to p la y a w aitin g g am e to see w h e th er his o pp o n en t w o u ld fin d a w a y o f ach ievin g a break -th ro u gh o n the K in g ’s w in g . T h e c ritica l m om ent c am e w h e n the g a m e w a s d u e to be a d jo u rn ed . I f E u w e h a d sealed the rig h t m o ve then he w o u ld h a v e been justified in h a v in g hopes o f sa v in g the g am e. B u t the e x -w o rld cham pion failed to seal the best m o ve an d , after a stu bb orn resistance, he h a d to ack n o w led ge h im self beaten (N o . 3 3 ) . T h e m a tch w a s once m o re e q u a l in score a n d the struggle cou ld start all o v er again . In the seventh gam e I h a d a depressing piece o f b a d lu ck . A

co m p lica ted

a n d unclear m id d le-ga m e

arose o u t o f a n

200

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

in teresting o p e n in g va riatio n , in w h ic h E u w e it is true w o n a p a w n , b u t in retu rn h a d to allo w m e q u ite go od ch an ces o f atta ck . B u t su d d en ly I p u t a piece en prise a n d once again E u w e w a s in the le a d w ith 4 - 3 . T h e fate, h o w eve r, o f the m a tch w a s sealed in the n ext three gam es. I n the eigh th g am e I su cceed ed in m a k in g a distinct im p ro vem en t in a va ria tio n w h ic h h a d been used in the m a tc h betw een A lek h in e an d E u w e . I o b tain ed a n o verw h elm in g position an d w o n , after E u w e h a d m issed a go o d opp o rtu n ity o f savin g the g am e. T h e course o f the nin th g a m e w a s the m ost interesting o f all. E u w e p la y e d the o p e n in g im p recisely an d lost a p a w n , w ith o n ly p ro b le m a tica l cou n ter-chan ces on the K in g ’s w in g . S o as to th w a rt even these chan ces I p layed a positional Q u een sacrifice, after w h ich the B la c k R o o k s and Bishop d evelo p ed fo rm id ab le fire-p o w er. B y m y w in in this g am e (N o . 3 4 ) I w a s ab le to take the lead for the first time. A p p a r e n tly E u w e p la y e d the tenth g a m e w h ilst still u n d er the im pression o f the p rece d in g loss. H e m a d e a terrible blunder in the m id d le-ga m e , lost tw o p a w n s an d also, after a lo n g resistance, the ensuing en d gam e. I n the fo llo w in g g a m e E u w e c o n v in cin g ly refuted m y o p en ­ in g experim en t a n d w o n in good style. T h is a d v a n ta g e , h o w ­ ever, he lost b a c k in the twelfth g am e w h ich , m o reo ver, w a s the w eakest o f the m a tc h on his p art. W ith a d ra w in the 1 3 t h g a m e I ensured for m yself the w in o f the m a tch . In the last g a m e E u w e w o n b y excellent p la y an d thus he co n trived to lose the m a tc h b y the smallest possible m a rg in . I h ad then w o n the m a tch b y 6 J —5 J an d thus g ain ed a w o rth w h ile v ic to ry on the ro a d to the w o rld cham pionship. B u t in the m ean tim e the possibilities o f a title m atch h ad sunk to a m in im u m in consequence o f the w a r th at had broken o u t in E u ro p e .

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERBS

201

Gam e 2 7

Q U E E N ’S

PAW N, N IM Z O W IT S C H

D EFEN CE

Train in g Tournament in Leningrad and M o sco w 1 9 3 9

A . T o lu sh 1 P -Q 4

P . K ere s K t-K B s

2 3

P -Q B 4 K t-Q B 3

P -K 3 B -K t5

4

Q -K t3

A t the tim e this gam e w a s p la y e d , n e x t to the te xt-m o ve, the most p o p u la r continuation w a s 4 Q - B 2 , w h ereas the m o v e th at is so p o p u la r n o w a d ays, 4 P - K 3 , w a s o n ly v e ry seldom seen. 4 5

. . . K t-B 3

6

P -K 3

K t-B 3

0-0

W h ite has better chances o f the in itiative here w ith 6 P - Q R 3 , B x K t c h : 7 Q x B , P - Q 3 ; 8 P - Q K t 4 , o r 8 B - K t 5 . A fte r th e text-m o ve B la c k has little d ifficu lty in su rm o u n tin g a ll the open in g hurdles. 6

. . .

7

B -Q 2

T h is d e ve lo p in g m ove is m o re

P -Q 4 useful for W h ite th a n

7

P - Q R 3 , after w h ich Black w o u ld also con tin u e w ith 7 . . . P x P ; 8 B x P , B - Q 3 etc. T h e m a n o e u v re c a n o n ly be a v e rte d b y 7 P x P , P x P , b u t in so d o in g W h ite c a n sc a rce ly hope fo r an opening a d v a n ta g e . 7

. . .

PxP!

T h e ca p tu re on Q B 5 ap p ea rs to be illo g ica l since it o n ly develops the W h ite pieces, b u t it is in fa c t b o u n d u p w ith a deep id ea. T h is becom es c le a r on the n ext m o ve. 8

BxP

B -Q 3

N o w w e ca n see w h at B la c k w a s a im in g at w ith his last m ove. H e w a n ts to force th ro u g h 9 . . . P - K 4 , an d W h ite can n o t w e ll p reven t it. I n a d d itio n to this positional th re at B la ck , h o w ev e r, possesses an o th er, v iz . to exch an g e o f f the

202

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

strong en em y B ish o p b y 9 . . . K t - Q R .4 . W h ite can n o t p reven t both. 9

K t-Q K t5

It seems a t first g la n ce that W h ite c an defeat the en em y plans b y 9 B - K t 5 , b u t in actual fact this is not the case. B lack c a n then o ffer a prom ising p aw n sacrifice b y 9 . . . P - K 4 ! In the g a m e C a p a b la n c a -R a g o s in , M o sc o w 1 9 3 6 , w h e n , for the rest, the m eth o d o f p la y used b y B la c k here w as in tro d u ced , B la ck o btain ed excellen t attacking ch an ces after 10 B x K t ,

2

P x P ; 1 1 K t x P , P x B ; 1 2 K tx P , Q rO _ ; 1 3 K t - Q 4 , Q . K-t.5 (in this g a m e, th o u gh , C a p a b la n c a h ad con tin u ed w ith 7 P - Q R 3 , instead o f 7 B - Q 2 ) . W h ite gets n o w h ere w ith the te xt-m o ve, since B lack need not p la y 9 . . . P - K 4 a t once. P erh ap s therefore it w o u ld h ave been better to h a v e p laye d 9 B - K 2 , P - K 4 ; 10 P x P , K t x P ; 1 1 K t - Q K t 5 , o r 1 1 R - Q i , by w h ich , at a n y rate, W h ite w o u ld a v o id gre ate r sim plification. 9 10

. . . K tx B

K t-K s PxK t

11

0-0

K t-K 2

B la ck is not too keen o n sim plifying the position, since 1 1 . , . K t x B , 1 2 K t x K t , K t - R .4 w ould p ro b a b ly lead to a sp eed y d ra w . I t is true th at w ith the text-m o ve he leaves W h ite w ith the tw o Bishops, b u t in return he prep ares co u n te r-p lay alo ng the lo n g d ia g o n a l b y P - Q K t 3 an d B - K t 2 . A v e ry interesting m id d le-ga m e n o w occu rs. 12

B -K i

P -Q K t3

13 14

K t-Q g BxK t

K tx K t B -K t2

T h e position has a ll the same sim plified o u t to some extent, a n d W h ite still has his tw o Bishops. T h e se are h ow ever cou n ter­ b a la n ce d b y the p o w e rfu l position o f the Bishop on Q K t 2 , so th at the chan ces o f bo th sides m ust be ap p raised as a p p ro x ­ im a te ly eq u a l. 15

K R -Q i

A fte r 1 5 P - Q R 4 , B la c k can continue 1 5 . . . B - Q 4 ; 16 B x B , K t x B ; w ith a go od g a m e , and this is o f course possible after the text-m o ve as w e ll.

In stead o f w h ich B la c k plunges b o ld ly into

M ID D LE

com p lica tio n s

th e

YEARS

outcom e

OF

P A U L

o f w h ic h

203

KERBS

can n o t

p o ssib ly

be

reckoned o u t beforehand. 15

. . .

16

P-Q.5

K t-B 4

B la ck h a d the disagreeable threats o f 1 6 . . . Q _ -K t 4 a n d 1 6 . . . K t - R . 5 . W ith the text-m o ve W h ite does in d e e d close the lo n g d ia g o n a l, but he also lim its th ereb y the sco p e o f his o w n B ish o p a n d allows his o p p o n en t su pp o rtin g posts in the cen tre. N o w the struggle takes on a sh arp er c h a racte r.

A

16

. . .

i? 18

Q tQ P -B 4 !

P -K 4

.3

K t - R .5

g o o d m o v e b y w hich W h ite p erm an en tly cu ts o u t the

possibility o f B la c k ’s Q _-Kt4 a n d also protects h im se lf a g a in st the th reat o f P—K B 4 , T h e h a r d ly n o ticeable w e ak e n in g o f his o w n K i n g ’s position that is bo u n d u p w ith the m o v e h a s no im p o rta n ce for the m om ent, since B lack has insufficient forces in p la y to in itiate a successful atta ck on the K in g . 18

. . .

R -B i

P re v e n tin g 1 9 P x P , after w h ich 1 9 . . . Q ^ K ^ ! w o u ld fo llo w w h e n W h ite cou ld not well p ro tect the K K t 2 sq u are. W h it e ’s best w a y o f re p ly in g to the text-m o ve is b y 1 9 Q R - B i , so as to con tin u e w ith B - R 6 as the occasion arises an d ensure h im se lf co n tro l o f the Q B 6 square. 19 20

B -K t3 B -B 3

R -K i P -B 3

B la c k w a n ts to m aintain his post on K 4 at all costs, b u t these tactics are v e r y dangerous a n d p erm it W h ite to d e v e lo p a th reaten in g in itiative.

A

better m eth od here w a s 2 0

. . .

Q - Q .2 , so as to m eet 2 1 P xP , b y Q _-K t5 an d e ve n tu a lly co n tin u e h im se lf w ith 2 1 . . . P x P ; 2 2 P x P , Q - B 4 . O n a c c o u n t o f his p o o r p la ce in the tournam ent B lack m ust, h o w ever, p la y fo r a w in a t a ll costs an d was therefore r e a d y to p lu n ge in to g re a t com p licatio n s. ai

B -R 4

22

P -B 5

R .-K .2

B la c k ’s situation seems h ig h ly precario u s, since su d d e n ly his K n ig h t is c u t o f f and W h ite a lre a d y threatens to w in it b y

204

G RA ND M ASTER

OF

CHESS

2 3 Q - K 4 . A n attem p t to help m atters b y 2 2 . . . P - K 5 fails again st 2 3 Q - B i , threatening 2 4 Q _ -K B 4 , o r 2 4 B - K i . W h ite h a d in fact p la y e d 2 1 B - R 4 , so that B lack , in the last m entioned va ria tio n , cou ld not continue w ith 2 3 . . . Q - Q 2 . A p p a r e n tly B la c k is n o w forced to accep t the fact th a t he m ust lose m aterial. B u t precisely in this difficult position he possesses a su rprising co n tin u atio n w h ich com pletely th w arts the opp o sin g p lan. W h e n this circu m stan ce is taken into consideration then p erh ap s one m ust acknow ledge E u w e to be righ t w h en he recom m ends here 2 2 P x P , B P x P ; 2 3 Q - K 4 , so as to open u p m o re lines for the Bishops. It is h a rd ly lik ely h o w ever that, after this, for instance after 2 3 . . . R - K B 2 , W h ite can hope for a n a d v a n ta g e , since B la c k ’s pieces are a c tiv e ly p laced an d can easily create vario u s tactical threats. B lack (Keres) to p la y S

a

l m

n

m m

i m

m m m

& Jl

m

*

1 1 4

19 M & M US m

m mm m W h ite (Tolush) 22

. . .

P ~ Q K t4 !

A successful ta ctica l stroke right on the oth er w in g ! A t first g la n ce one can n o t see w h a t Black is a im in g at w ith this p a w n sacrifice. A fte r 2 3 Q x P , Black can o f course continue 2 3 . . . K t x B P , bu t W h ite c a n also capture w ith 2 3 B x K t P , an d w h a t has B lack then a c h ie v e d ? A detailed analysis o f the position shows th at in this case too B la c k obtains excellent cou n ter-play, in asm u ch as he can m ake a com bin ed atta ck on Q K t 4 and K B 4 . H e c a n for exam p le p la y 2 3 . . . Q r K t 3 , w ith the threat o f 2 4 . . . K t x B P . A fte r the o n ly w a y o f p ro tectin g the p a w n 2 4 R - K B i , there com es 2 4 . . . R - B 4 ; 2 5 B - B 4 , P - K 5 ; (2 5 . . . B - B i w a s also good)

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

20 f.

2 6 Q .-K .2, (or 2 6 Q t Q.4) B - B i ;) 2 6 . . . B x P a n d B la c k has regain ed his p a w n w ith a go od gam e. B la ck c a n h o w ever continue d ifferen tly after 2 3 B x P , n am ely 2 3 . . . P - K 5 ; 2 4 Q - B i , R - B 4 . N o w there is th reaten ed 2 5 . . . K t x B P , a n d after 2 5 B - K t 4 , o r 2 5 B - Q 4 , there follow s 2 5 . . . R - B 7 . O r i f W h ite tries 2 5 B - B 4 , then B la c k w in s his p a w n b a c k b y 2 5 . . . Q _ -Q B i, an d also after 2 5 B - R 4 , Q - Q B i W h ite m ust g iv e b a ck the p a w n o n K B 5 , i f h e does n ot w a n t to g o in for the h ig h ly risky co n tin u atio n 2 6 P - K K t 4 , K t - B 6 c h , 23 T a k in g

the

B -K t3

foregoing

possibilities

in to

a c c o u n t,

T o lu sh

decides u p o n this sim ple retreat, b u t w ith this B la c k has atta in ed his a im . N o w the Bishop n o lo n ger a tta ck s the Q y sq u a re a n d B la c k can free his K n ig h t b y a c o r re c tly tim ed a tta ck on K B 4 . 23

. . .

P -K 5

24

Q ,-B i

Q .-Q 2

B la c k has solved the p ro b lem o f his K n ig h t sa d sfa cto rily, since W h ite c a n no longer p ro tect his K B 5 . A p p a r e n tly B la c k is n o w gettin g the ad van tage, b u t T o lu sh has p re p a re d a clever defence b y w h ic h he retains e q u ality. 25

Q -K B 4

K tx B P

26 R-KBi Se ttin g B la c k a disagreeable cho ice, since his K n ig h t has o n ce a g a in g o t in to difficulties. A fte r 2 6 . . . P - K t 3 ; 2 7 B x P , R - K B 2 ; 2 8 B - B 3 , the W h ite B ishop has too stro n g a position o n the lo n g d ia g o n a l Q _ R i - K R 8 , an d there rem ain s therefore o n ly 2 6 . . . K t - R 3 . T h e n there follow s, h o w e v e r, 2 7 B x P , R - K B 2 ; 2 8 Q - K t 5 , and after 2 8 . . . R ( B i ) - B i ; 2 9 B -Q .4 , R x R c h ; 3 0 R x R , R x R c h ; 3 1 K x R , P - R 4 the e n d g a m e should be d ra w n . S in ce it w a s im possible fo r B la c k to a ccep t su ch a result he d e cid ed o n the follow ing exch an g e sacrifice, so as to c o m p lica te the situation even more. 26

. . .

R xB!

T h is exch a n g e sacrifice has go o d positional gro u n d s. I n the first p la ce B la c k w ins a p a w n fo r the e x ch an g e , in the second he ensures for his pieces the cen tral p oin t on K 4 , a n d th ird ly

20fi

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

w eaknesses are c rea te d in the opposing cam p on Q B 3 , Q 5 an d K 3.

D espite this B la ck should not h a v e been able, to break

th ro u g h even w ith this sacrifice again st a correct defence. It w o u ld a p p e a r th at the problem s o f defence th at n o w ensue are co m p lica te d a n d offer m a n y possibilities for go in g astray. 27

PxR

28

P -Q R 4

R -K 4

W h ite has co n ceived the right id ea, w h ich is to obtain c o u n te r-p la y on the Q u e e n ’s w in g, since otherw ise he w o u ld soon g et into difficulties o w in g to his p aw n weaknesses. H ere, h o w e v e r, he should seize the o pp o rtu n ity o f elim in atin g his w eak n ess on Q B 3 b y 2 8 P - B 4 . B lack w o u ld then best continue 2 8 . . . P - K t 5 ; 2 9 P - Q R 3 , P x P ; 30 R x P , Q - Q B 2 an d thus assure fo r h im self the control o f the black squares on the Q u e e n ’s w in g. 28 29

. . . PxP

Q -Q B 2 !

W h ite m ust c a r r y out the plan conceived in lo g ica l fashion. A n atte m p t to protect the Q B P w o u ld result in a cle ar a d v a n ­ ta g e fo r B lack , both after 2 9 Q R - B i , P x P ; 30 B x P , B x P , an d 2 9 K R - B i , Q - B 4 etc. A fte r the text-m ove the com plications b eco m e even m ore u n clear. 29 30

. . . R xP

Q xP K tx P !

B la c k can n o t affo rd to lose time d efen din g his Bishop since, fo r e x a m p le, after 3 0 . . . Q - B 2 ; 3 1 R - R 4 , the a d v a n ta g e w o u ld g o o v e r to W h ite . N o w W h ite has to return the exch an ge, sin ce 3 1 R - K t i , Q Q 5 ! w o u ld soon lead to a catastrophe. 31

R xB

K tx R

31 . . . R - B 4 w o u ld lead to no better result, since after 3 2 R - K t 8 c h , K - B 2 ; 3 3 R - K t 7 c h , a d r a w is in evitab le. T h is c o u ld be reach ed im m ed iately b y 3 3 . . . K - K t 1 ; o r m ore c o m p lica te d ly b y 3 3 . . . K - K t 3 ; 3 4 Q x K P , K t x R ; (the p retty 3 4 . . . . Q - Q 5 w o u ld fail against the sim ple re p ly 3 5 B - B 2 !) 3 5 P - K t 4 , w hen 3 5 . . . Q -B 4 c h ; 36 K - R i , K t -K t 6 c h ; 3 7 P x K t , Q - B 8 c h ; leads to perpetual check. 32

Q x K t?

M ID D LE

YEARS

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207

T h e decisive m istake, w h ich is in fact difficu lt to explain . W h ite c o u ld here get an easy d ra w b y 3 2 Q _ -K t4 l since after 3 2 . . . P - K t 3 ; 3 3 R - K t 8 c h , the B lack K in g can n o t escape the checks as ca n re a d ily be seen. W h ite m ust o n ly a v o id tryin g to p la y fo r a w in b y 3 3 Q,~Q.7, since after 3 3 . . . Q - K 6 c h ; 3 4 K - R i , K t - K t 6 c h ; 3 5 P x K t , R -R 4 C I 1 ; this w o u ld end sad ly fo r him . B la c k (K eres)

W h ite (T o lu sh ) to p la y G o o d e n o u gh for a d raw w a s also the im m ed iate 3 2 R - K t 8 c h , K - B 2 ; 3 3 R -K t7 c h .

N eith er 3 3 . . . K - K t 3 ; 3 4 Q r K t4 c h ,

R - K t 4 ; 3 5 Q x K P c h , nor 3 3 . . . R - K 2 ; 3 4 R x R c h , K x R ; 3 5 Q x K P c h , w o u ld then y ie ld B lack w in n in g chan ces. A fte r 3 3 . . . K - K i ; 3 4 R - K t 8 c h , K - K 2 ; h o w ev e r, there c a n follow 3 5 Q - K t 4 ! w h ereu p on it is B lack w h o has to bethink h im self h o w he c a n g et a d raw . P e rh ap s T o lu s h cherished here the illu so ry h op e o f bein g a b le to utilise the position o f his R o o k o n the seventh ran k for a m a tin g atta ck . Th is p lan is h o w ever baseless an d it soon becom es a p p a re n t that the position o f the W h ite K in g is in m u c h m o re d an ger. N o w B lack gets an attack a n d conducts it, w ith the h elp o f his strong passed p a w n , to a sp e ed y victo ry. 32

. . .

Q xB

33

O r®1 P -R 4

P -R 4 P -K 6 !

34

B la c k has here n atu rally a nu m b er o f g o o d con tin u ation s to p u t a h alt to the enem y attack , bu t the text-m o ve is the most effective. A fte r a n im m ediate 3 5 Q - B 7 , B la c k n o w w in s easily by

35 • • • Q r Q S c h ;

3 6 K - R 2 , Q .- K t 5 etc.

2 08

GRANDMASTER

35

K - R .2

36

Q .-B 7

OF p

CHESS

-

k

7

W h ite ’s last hope. B lack can now no longer p ro tect his K t« d ire ctly, bu t the p ro blem allows o f a c o m b in atio n al solution. 36 37

. . . K xQ .

Q -K tG ch ! P - K 8 = Q ch

resigns

Game 28

R U Y LO PEZ T rain in g Tournament in Leningrad and M oscow 1 9 3 9

G . Leven fish 1 P -K 4 K t-K B 3 2

P . K eres P -K 4

B -K t5 B -R 4

P-QR3

6

0 -0 R -K i

B -K 2 P -Q K t4

3

4 5

K t-Q B 3 K t-B 3

7

B -K ts

P-0.3

8

P -B 3

0 -0

9

P-Q.r 4

T h is m o ve h a d been p layed b y R a g o sin again st m e a few rounds earlier. H e o b tain ed the better position in the m id d leg a m e , a n d e ven tu a lly w o n the gam e. A p p a r e n tly Leven fish w a s influenced b y this g am e w h en he used this con tin u atio n here aga in an d he hoped it w ould once m ore su cceed. I n actu a l fa ct, the thrust 9 P - Q R 4 is not p a rtic u la rly d an gero u s for B la c k , at a n y rate not in the form in w h ic h it w a s used in both these gam es. T h e usual con tin u ation here is 9 P - K R 3 , a n d p raxis shows th at W h ite obtains better prospects o f the in itiative w ith it th an w ith the rath er nervous text-m ove. 9 • • • P -K t5 T h is a d v a n c e is held to be one o f the best w a y s o f m eetin g the line for B lack. 10

P -Q .4

K PxP

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERBS

209

I t is w e ll kn o w n th at after 9 P - Q 4 , the best re p ly is 9 . . . B - K t 5 , p in n in g the K n ig h t. T h e in terp olatio n o f the m oves 9 P - Q .R 4 , P - K t 5 has h ow ever so m ew h at altered the situation, a n d n o w 10 . . . B - K t 5 w o u ld be a p a w n sacrifice o f do u b tfu l v a lid ity . W h ite w o u ld then continue w ith 10 P -Q .5 , follow ed b y 1 1 P x K t P , an d it is d o u b tfu l i f B la c k cou ld then o b tain sufficient com pensation fo r the p aw n . In stead o f the text-m ove 10 . . . K t P x P also m erits con sid era­ tion, so as to re p ly to 1 1 K t P x P , w ith 1 1 . . . P x P ; 1 2 P x P , P - Q 4 ; 1 3 P - K 5 , K t - K s , o r also sim p ly 1 1 . . . B - K t 5 .

T h ere­

fore, after 1 0 . . . K tP x P , W h ite w o u ld do better to p la y 1 1 Q jP x P !, fo r e x a m p le : 1 1 . . . Q K t x P ; 1 2 K t x K t , P x K t ; 1 3 K t x P , an d W h ite ’s position m ust be regard ed as so m ew hat m o re p ro m isin g (K e r e s -S m y s lo v , X X I I U . S . S . R . C h am p io n sh ip , 1 9 5 5 ) . 11

PxQ P

A fte r 1 1 K t x P , Black has a th o ro u gh ly satisfactory re p ly in 1 1 . . . B - Q 2 , since 1 2 K t x K t , B x K t ; 1 3 P x P , w o u ld be sim p ly m et b y 1 3 . . . B x K P . 11

. . .

12

B -K 3

B -K t5

T h is m o v e w a s also em ployed b y R a g o sin in the g am e a lre a d y m entioned. In that gam e B lack con tin u ed 1 2 . . . P -Q 4 .; 1 3 P - K 5 , K t - K s ; 1 4 P - R 5 , K t - R 2 ; 1 5 Q K t - Q g , K - R i ; an d after 1 6 B - K B 4 , he tried the p a w n sacrifice 1 6 . . . P - K B 4 ; 1 7 P x P e .p ., B x P ; bu t later g o t the w o rse o f it. T h is h o w ever w a s not b ecau se o f the o pen in g variatio n b u t w a s d u e to the la ter planless p la y on the p a rt o f B lack . W ith 1 4 . . . P - B 4 ; 1 5 P x P e .p ., R x P , or also w ith 1 4 . . . K - R i , B la c k co u ld h ave o btain ed a th o ro u ghly satisfactory g am e.

In this g am e B lack

finds an even m ore con vin cin g re p ly, w h ic h should stam p the id e a b egu n b y W h ite w ith 1 2 B - K 3 as sc arce ly accep tab le. If, h o w ev e r, W h ite w a n te d to arriv e at the position in the g a m e R a g o s in -K e r e s so m u ch , then he cou ld h a v e attain ed it h a d he first p la y e d 1 2 P - R 5 . Sin ce th ereu p o n 1 2 . . . B x K t ; 1 3 P x B , w o u ld be h ard ly the best fo r B lack , then it seems he m ust con tin u e 1 2 . . . P - Q 4 ; 1 3 P - K 5 , K t - K 5 , a n d then 1 4 B - K 3 yield s the desired position. W h ite gets n o w h ere w ith 1 2 Q .-Q .3.

B la c k c a n then continue w ith 1 2 . . . P - Q 4 ; 1 3

210

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

P - K 5 , ( 1 3 P x P , K t - Q R .4 ) 1 3 . . . K t - K .5 , o r also w ith 1 2 . . . K t - Q R .4 ; 1 3 B - B 2 , P - B 4 ; 14 Q K t - Q 2 , K t - Q p , in b o th cases w ith a go od g am e.

12

. . .

Kt-QR 4 !

T h is m o ve, u n iversally know n in the position w ith o u t the m oves 9 P - Q R 4 , P - K t 5 , is also v e r y stro n g here an d ensures B la c k an excellen t g a m e.

N a tu ra lly , 1 2 . . . K t x K P ? fails

aga in st 1 3 B - Q 5 . 13

B -B 2

P -B 4

T h e a tta ck again st the cen tral p oin t Q 4 is m ost u n com fo rt­ a b le for W h ite a n d disturbs the n o rm a l d evelo p m en t o f his pieces. M o re o v e r, W h ite m ust a lw a y s reckon w ith the pos­ sib ility o f P - Q B 5 , b y w h ich B la c k o btain s a th reaten in g p rep o n d eran ce o n the Q u een ’s w in g . O n these gro u n d s W h ite ’s ensuing m o ve is re ad ily understood. the Q R 1 - K R 8

B u t th ro u g h it

d ia g o n al is w eak en ed a n d n a tu ra lly B lack

takes the first o p p o rtu n ity o f o c c u p y in g this line w ith his Bishop. 14 P -Q K t3 K t-Q p 15 16

Q K t-Q ? Q r K ti

B -B 3

A lth o u g h so fa r W h ite has m a d e a series o f n o rm al d e ve lo p in g m oves, his position is a lre a d y a little u n co m fo rtab le, this b ein g ch ie fly due to the pinned n atu re o f his K n ig h t an d to th e en em y pressure on the cen tral sq u are Q 4 . W ith the text-m o ve W h ite strengthens his Q 4 a n d threatens a n eve n tu a l P - K 5 fo llow ed b y B x P c h , but n a tu ra lly the Q u e e n is not p a rtic u la rly w e ll p la c e d o n Q K t i .

I t is c le a r th at B la c k has

em erged from the o pen in g w ith the in itiative in his o w n h ands. 16 17

. . . R -R 2

P -R 3 K t-B 3

F o rce s a clarificatio n o f the centre since W h ite c a n no lo n ger p ro tect his Q 4 . 18

B -B 4 ?

I t goes w ith o u t sa yin g th at the a d v a n c e 1 8 P - Q 5 , is n ot to W h it e ’s taste. B la c k w o u ld th ereb y c o m m a n d the b eau tifu l lo n g d iag o n a l w ith his Bishop a n d w o u ld g a in the K 4 sq u are

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

2J

fo r his pieces. F o r exam ple, after 1 8 . . . K t-R .4 .; 1 9 B - Q 3 , R - K i , fo llow ed eventually b y B - B 6 B la c k w o u ld h av e a lastin g hold on the in itiative. N everth eless, this w a s the o n ly c o n ­ tin uation w h ich w ould allo w W h ite a hope o f ach ievin g eq u a lity. W ith the text-m o ve W h ite seeks to solve the p ro b le m o f the position b y com bin ation al m eans, b u t in so d o in g overlooks a ta ctica l finesse an d then soon declines into a lost position. 18

. . .

B x K t!

T h e righ t sequence o f m o ves!

A fte r a n im m ed iate 1 8 . . .

K t x P , W h ite c a n prevent the w orst b y 19 B x Q P . 19

K tx B

20

B xQ P

K tx P

O n ly n o w does W hite observe th at the in ten d ed 2 1 K t x K t , B x K t ; 2 1 B x Q P , w ould lead to the loss o f a p a w n b y 2 1 . . . B x P c h ! H e m ust therefore allo w his K in g -sid e to be broken u p . B u t w ith this Black gain s the o p p o rtu n ity o f in itiatin g a p ow erfu l K in g -sid e attack in co m b in atio n al fashion, again st this atta ck there is no satisfacto ry defence. 20

. . .

K tx K tc h

21

PxK t

B --K 4 !

an d

B la c k (K eres)

W hite (Leven fish ) to p la y L even fish p ro b a b ly thought his position stro n g en ou gh at a n y rate to w a rd o ff d irect threats.

T h u s , for ex am p le, the

W h ite Bishop w o u ld ensure h im sufficient c o u n te r-p la y after

212

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

2 1 . . . R - K i ; 2 2 P - B 4 , an d also 2 1 . . . K t - f L j., w h ic h seems su ch a stro n g co n tin u atio n , is not en tirely co n v in cin g . I n the first p la c e W h ite c a n th en , b y 2 2 B x R , K t x P c h ; 2 3 K ~ K t 2 , K t x R c h ; 2 4 Q x K t , b rin g ab ou t a position in w h ic h the opposite co lo u red Bish o ps le a v e o pen for h im ch an ces for e q u a lity , an d in th e seco n d p la c e the p aw n sacrifice b y 2 2 R - Q i , K t x P c h ; 2 3 K - K t 2 , K t - R j c h ; 2 4 K - R i , deserves notice since b y these m ean s th e W h ite pieces su ddenly b ecom e m ost active. W it h the su rprisin g text-m o ve, h o w eve r, B lack m akes his o p p o n e n t’s calcu la tio n s quite false. W h ite is faced b y a dis­ a g re e a b le ch o ice. E ith e r he accepts the exch an g e sacrifice an d then tries to fin d a d efence again st his o p p o n en t’s p o w e rfu l a tta ck , o r h e exch an ges the Bishops a n d then, in v ie w o f his weaknesses on the b la ck squares stands p o sitio n ally hopeless. 22

BxR

W h ite prefers the first possibility, since n o w he has at least a m a te ria l e q u iv a len t fo r his bad position.

I f instead 2 2 B x B ,

K t x B ; 2 3 Q .-Q .I, (or 2 3 B -Q .I , K t - Q 6 , fo llow ed b y 2 4 . . . K t - B 5 , e tc .), 2 3 . . . Q .-B 3 , follow ed b y Q R - Q i , w h e n B lack w o u ld co n tro l the w h o le bo ard an d w o u ld soon attain a decisive a tta ck as w e ll. 22

. . .

Qtr 5 !

B la c k need not be in a h u rry to recap tu re the B ish o p, since there is tim e en o u gh fo r this. F o r exam p le, after 2 3 B - K 7 , in a d d itio n to 2 3 . . . Q x B , there is also the v e r y stro n g 2 3 . . . Q .- R 6 !, w h ic h w o u ld h a v e posed the ad v e rsa ry insoluble p ro blem s. A fte r 2 4 P - B 4 , B x P ; 2 5 P - B 3 , B la c k w in s q u ick ly b y 2 5 . . . Q x P c h ; 2 6 K - B i , Q .-R 6 c h , an d also after 2 4 B - Q 3 , B x P c h ; 2 5 K - R t , B - B 5 dis c h ; 2 6 K - K t i , K t - K 4 ; fo llow ed b y 2 7 . . . R - K i , B la c k ’s w in is assured.

W o rse th an useless

too fo r W h ite w o u ld be the possible w in o f a p a w n b y 2 3 B x K t P , since th en, after 2 3 . . . K x B , B la c k co u ld utilise the o p en K K t file fo r atta ck . I n con sid eratio n o f all this W h ite tries in his next few m oves to elim in ate the th reat o f 2 3 . . . Q - R 6 at least, b u t his w e a k ­ nesses on the B la c k sq u ares render all defence hopeless in the ensuing phase o f the g am e. 23 24

B -Q .3 K -B i

Q xR Pch K tx B

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

213

T h is K n ig h t n o w com es d ecisively in to p la y v ia K 3 o r K t 3 . W h ite ’s position is hopeless. 25 26

K -K 2 B -B 4

K t-K 3 K t-B sc h

27

K -Q i

R -Q ic h

28 B-Qis W h ite has n othing better, since 2 8 R - Q 2 , R x R c h ; 2 9 K x R , B - B 6 c h ; o r 2 8 K - B i , K t - K t 7 ! ; 2 9 K - B 2 (or 2 9 R ( K i ) - K 2 , B - B 6 e tc .), 2 9 . . . B - B 6 ! ; 3 0 R - K 2 , K t - K 6 c h ! ; 3 1 P x K t , R Q .7 ch , etc. le a d to an im m ed iate loss. B u t the te x t-m o ve is also no g re a t help. 28

. . .

Q rK t7

O n c e B la c k has attained a c le a rly w o n position he relaxes here a b it a n d allows his o p p o n en t to p u t u p a stu bb orn resistance. A n im m ediate w in w a s to b e g o t h ere b y 2 8 . . . B ~ B 6 ; 2 9 R - B i , Q _ -K t7; 3 0 K - B 2 , K t x B ; 3 1 P x K t , Q r K t 3 c h , o r also b y 2 8 . . . K t x B ; 2 9 P x K t , R x P c h ; 3 0 K - K 2 , B - B 6 etc. 29

R -Q 2

Q_xPch

30

K -B 2

K tx B

31

PxK t

A fte r 3 1 R x K t , R x R ; 3 2 P x R , Q x B P c h , W h ite w o u ld also lose the Q P . 31 32

. . . R -K 3

B -B 6

O th erw ise W h ite has to g iv e b a ck th e e x ch an g e . 32

. . .

33

R (Q K -Q i

34

Q_-B4c.l1

2)-03

35 Q-Bi 36

Q xP ch P -B 4

P-B5

R -K 7

A fte r 3 6 R - B 3 , there c o u ld fo llow 3 6 . . . Q - K 8 c h ; 3 7 K - B 2 , Q d Q c h ; 3 8 K K t 1, R x P etc. N o w B la c k o n ce a g a in o btain s a m a tin g attack . 36 37

. . . R -K 6

R -Q

3

214

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

T h e r e w a s no lo n ger a n y defence again st the th reat o f 37 . . . R -K K t3.

37

...

RxR

38

PxR

Q -B 8 c h

K-B2

Q.-K.7ch

39

resigns

G am e

29

Q U E E N ’S G A M B I T D E C L I N E D T ra in in g Tournament at Leningrad and M oscow 1 9 3 9

P . K ere s

V . Sm yslo v

t

K t-K B 3

2 3

P -Q 4 P -Q B 4 K t-Q B 3

P -K 3 P -Q 4

T h e O rth o d o x Q u e e n ’s G am b it is a rare b ird in m odern to u rn a m en t p ra x is w ith all its In d ian systems. T h e then still y o u n g M a s te r S m y s lo v w an ted to use the classical set-up ag a in st his m o re experien ced opponent, so as to c u t o u t, at a n y rate, a ll possible com plications from the o pening. 4 5

B -K ts P -K 3

0-0

B -K 2

6

K t-B 3

P -Q K t3

B la ck chooses a q uite old defence, w h ich places h im in a c o m p a ra tiv e ly passive position an d allow s the a d v e rsa ry a sim ple in itiative. N o w a d a y s the continuation P - Q K t 3 is used in co n ju n ctio n w ith the defence 6 . . . P - K R 3 ; 7 B - R 4 , P - Q K t 3 ; so as to continue after 8 P x P , w ith 8 . . . K t x P , an d th ereb y fo rcin g a freeing exchange. T h is m eth od o f p la y , e la b o ra te d b y the gran dm asters T a rta k o w e r an d B o n d arevsk y, is q uite g o o d a n d has p ro ved itself in a n u m b er o f to u rn am en t gam es. 7

PxP

PxP

W ith o u t the m o ve P - K R 3 7 . . . K t x P is less fa v o u ra b le , since in m a n y cases W h ite gains a v a lu a b le tem p o in d e ve lo p ­ m en t b y an even tu a l atta ck on K R 7 .

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

8 B-Q_3

KERBS

215

B-Kt2

T h e m ost n atu ral, bu t n ot the best, c o n tin u atio n , since the Bishop is too passively p la c e d o n K t 2 . B e tter is T a r ta k o w e r ’s reco m m en d atio n 8 . . . B - K 3 , so as to c a r r y o u t P - Q B 4 w h en th e o ccasion arises. T h e n , after 9 K t - K .5 , B la c k gets a satis­ fa cto ry g a m e b y 9 . . . K K t - Q _ 2 ! 9

Q 7B 2

P illsb u ry, one o f the greatest experts in this o ld variatio n , w a s a ccu sto m ed to p lay here 9 K t - K 5 , a n d th en to p ro te ct his K n ig h t b y P - B 4 .

L a te r o n he castled K a n d c o m m e n ced an

a tta ck on the K an g’s w in g . I n so d o ing h e w a s w o n t to allo w c o u n te r-p la y o n the other w in g b y P - Q B 4 a n d P - B 5 . W ith this p lan P illsb u ry w on m a n y beau tifu l g am es, a n d even to d a y 9 K t - K s is still deem ed one o f the best m eth od s o f m eeting the system chosen b y B lack. W ith the text-m ove W h ite im m ed iately threaten s the p a w n on K R 7 a n d in the second p lace he leaves h im se lf the option o f castlin g either side, so as to m ake his decision o n ly after seeing his o p p o n en t’s further p lan o f c a m p a ig n . 9

• • •

Q K t-Q g

10 0-0 A sh arp e r line here w a s 10

0 - 0 - 0 , w ith

a K in g -sid e attack

to fo llow . W ith this system G ra n d m a ste r R u b in stein w o n m a n y a beau tifu l gam e in his tim e, am o n gst oth ers, again st Z n o sk o -B o ro vsk y at the S t. Petersbu rg T o u r n a m e n t o f 19 0 9 . B u t the text-m o ve is e q u ally go od an d ensures W h it e excellent p lay. 10

. . .

P -K R 3

B lack w a n ts to ca rry o u t the sally, K t - K 5 , b u t this w o u ld n o t be p a rticu la rly good a t once on a c c o u n t o f 1 1 B - K B 4 . I f then 10 . . . P - K B 4 ; 1 1 K t - Q K t s ! w o u ld b e d isagreeab le for B la c k , since 1 1 . . . P - B 3 ; cou ld be m et b y 1 2 K t - B 7 , th reaten in g 1 3 K t x R , a n d 1 3 K t - K 6 . H en ce B la c k w o u ld like to d rive b a ck the W h ite Bishop to K R 4 w ith the te x t-m o v e , a n d o n ly then to p ro ceed w ith 1 1 . . . K t - K 5 » 11

B -K B 4

T h e question is, w hether the in ten d ed 1 1 . . . K t - K 5 w a s in a n y case go o d an d w hether W h ite co u ld n ot h a v e set a cu n n in g

GRANDMASTER

2 I6

tr a p here b y 1 1 B - R 4 ?

OF

CHESS

H o w ever, the position arisin g from

1 1 . . . K t - K 5 ; 1 2 B x B , Q x B ; 1 3 K t x K t ! ? , P x K t ; 1 4 .Q xP , is v e r y c o m p lica te d an d h a rd to see th ro u gh. A t first glan ce, th o u gh , one can n o t see h o w Black c a n o b tain a d e q u a te co m ­ p en satio n for his p a w n . T h u s, for exam p le, 1 4 . . . B - Q 4 , or 1 4 . . . Q R - K t i w o u ld be m et b y 1 5 K t - K .5 , an d 1 4 , . . B - B i allo w s W h ite the defence 1 5 Q - B 6 ! 11

. . .

P -R 3

B la ck loses too m u ch tim e w ith all these p r e p a r a to ry m oves a n d th e reb y gets into a v e r y constricted position. B e tter is the im m ed iate 1 1 . . . P - B 4 , since B lack certain ly need n ot fear the sa lly w ith the K t to Q K t 5 . 12

K R - Q .I

K t-K i

B u t n o w 1 2 . . . P - Q B 4 w ould be m et b y 1 3 P x P , P x P ; 14 B - B 5 , after w h ich W h ite w o u ld exert p o w e rfu l pressure in the cen tre. W ith the text-m o ve Black seeks to relieve his position b y a B ishop exch an ge on Q j , b u t this is o b vio u sly insufficient to n eutralise W h ite ’s positional ad van tag e . 13 14 15

Q R '- B i K t - K .2 BxB

.3

B -Q Q .-K 2 Q xB

B la c k cou ld also recaptu re here w ith 1 5 . . . K t x B , sin ce then 16 Q x P ? w o u ld be o f course impossible on acco u n t o f the loss o f the Q u e e n through 16 . . . Q R - B i . A fte r 1 6 K t - B 4 , th o u gh, B la c k ’s situation w o u ld not be easier th an in the g a m e . 16 T h is

K t-K t3

P -K t3

signifies a fresh w eakening o f B la c k ’s K in g -sid e , but

oth erw ise th e K n ig h t’s penetration to K B 5 w o u ld b e b u rd en ­ so m e. T h u s , fo r e xam p le, after 16 . . . P - Q B 4 ; 1 7 P x P , P x P ; 1 8 P - K 4 , P - Q .5 ; the ad van ce 19 K t - B 5 , w o u ld cau se B lack m u c h an x ie ty . N o w , h ow ever, W h ite initiates a d ire ct attack aga in st the en em y K in g . 17 18

P -K R 4 ! K t-K t5

P -K R 4

H e re W h ite has y et another good p lan b y w h ic h he cou ld h a v e assured him self o f an excellent position, to w it 1 8 P - K 4 ,

MIDDLE

PxP;

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

217

1 9 B x K P , B x B ; 20 K t x B , fo llow ed b y 2 1 Q .-B 6 , etc.

O n e c a n h o w e v e r understand th at W h ite w o u ld like to exploit the w eakness o f the enem y K in g -sid e a n d therefore p lay s for a d irect atta ck . I t should, be said, too, th at this co n tin u atio n is no less e n d u rin g than 1 8 P - K 4 . 18

. . .

P -Q B 4

A t last B la ck decides upon this thrust, w h ic h is the o n ly line h o ld in g out a n y co u n ter-p lay for h im , b u t n o w he loses m a te rial. I t is, h o w ev e r, n ot easy to fin d a satisfacto ry con tin u atio n for h im . If, fo r exam p le, 18 . . . P --K B 4 , then W h ite c a n a lre a d y m a k e a m ost prom ising Bishop sacrifice b y 19 B x B P !, P x B ; 2 0 K t x B P , since after 20 . . . Q .- K B 3 ; 2 1 K t - Q 6 ! w o u ld w in b a ck the p iece w ith a w on position. 19

B -B 5

W ith this m o ve W hite com m ences a fine c o m b in atio n , w h ich h o w e v e r e ve n tu a lly reveals fresh defensive possibilities for B la c k a n d therefore does n ot turn o u t to be the strongest con tin u atio n o f the attack. T h e sim plest w a y to ensure an a d v a n ta g e here for W h ite w a s the sacrifice 1 9 K t x R P ! A fte r 1 9 . . . P x K t , he would w in his p iece b a ck b y 2 0 B x P , an d 19 . . . P - B 5 w o u ld be sim p ly m et b y 2 0 B - K 2 . A lso 1 9 . . . P x P ; 2 0 P x P , R - B i ; 2 1 Q ^ -K ti, in no w a y alters the situation. T h e en su in g m ethod o f attack is h o w ev e r so o rigin al an d in teresting th a t it seemed a p ity to m e to reject it in fa v o u r o f a sim ple w in o f a paw n. 19

. . .

PxP

B la c k m ust n ot accept the sacrifice, since after 1 9 . . . P x B ; 2 0 K t x P ( B 5 ) , he could scarcely w a r d o f f the atta ck a n y m ore, for e x a m p le : 2 0 . . . Q_ B 2 (2 0 . . . Q - K B 3 ; 2 1 K t - K y c h , leads to m a te ) ; 2 1 K t - K 7 c h , K - K t 2 ; 2 2 Q 7 R 7 C I1, K - B 3 ; 2 3 K t K t 8 c h , R x K t ; 2 4 Q x P m ate. T h e te x t-m o ve is fo rced , since W h ite w a s also threatening 2 0 B x K t , a n d 2 1 P x P , w in n in g a paw n. 20

B -K 6 !

T h e p oin t o f W h ite ’s p lan o f a tta c k ! B la c k m ust n ot o f course ca p tu re the Bishop, and otherw ise on e can n o t see a n y go od defence again st the threat o f 2 1 Q x P c h . A fte r 2 0 . . . K t - K 4 W h ite w ins easily b y 2 1 P x P , P x B ; 2 2 P x K t .

In this d ifficu lt

2 l8

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

situation S m yslo v finds an excellent defence th at occasions his opp o n en t the greatest difficulties. 20

. . .

P -Q 6 !

B la c k gain s an im p o rtant tem po for the defence w ith this m o ve as after 2 1 Q x P , there com es the re p ly 2 1 . . . K t -K .4 , a tta ck in g the W h ite Q ueen. A n o th e r interesting possibility here la y in 20 . . . K - K t 2 ; 2 1 K t x P c h , K - R 3 . I f then 2 2 K t - B 4 , P - Q 6 , an d i f 2 2 B xB P , there, w ith o u t a n y qualm s, 2 2 . . . K x K t . W h ite ca n how ever utilise the exposed position o f the en em y K in g all the same b y sim p ly co n tin u in g 2 2 P x P !, w ith the th reat o f 2 3 Q - Q 2 . I n the m ain variatio n that can then arise 2 2 . . . P x B (2 2 . . . K x K t ; 2 3 Q - Q 2 ! threaten in g 2 4 P - K t 4 c h , o r 2 4 K t x P ) ; 2 3 Q - Q 2 , K x K t ; 2 4 K t - B y ! Black is ch eck m a ted , and the Q ueen sacrifice b y 2 3 . . . P x K t ; 2 4 K t - B 7 c h , follow ed b y 2 5 K t x Q , an d 2 6 R - B 7 , in no w a y alters the end result. 21

Q xP

A fte r 2 1 R x P , P x B ; 2 2 R x P ? , P x R ; W h ite is p ro tectin g his K K t3 ! 21 22

. . . Q -K ti

K t-K 4 PxB

B la ck has no alternative, since in ad d itio n to 2 3 P - B 4 , he is th reatened w ith 2 3 B x P , and 2 4 P - K 4 . A fte r 2 2 . . . K t - B 2 W h ite c a n force a decision in the follow in g com b in atio n al w a y : 2 3 K t - B j ! , Q Q i (after 2 3 . . . P x K t ; 2 4 Q x P , K - K t 2 ; W h ite w in s easily b y 2 5 B x B P !) ; 2 4 K t - R 6 c h , K - K t 2 ; 2 5 K t ( R 6 ) x P ! , K t x K t ; 2 6 B x K t, R x B ; 2 7 R x K t ! an d w in s. 23

P -B 4 !

B la ck m ust n o w return the piece an d at the sam e time p ro tect his K K t P w h ere, after the cap tu re on K 4 , an im m ed iate cata stro p h e is threatened. 23 24

. . . PxK t

K -K t2 Q xP

B y his resourceful defence B lack has beaten b a ck the first w a v e o f the attack an d now looks hop efu lly to the future, esp ecially h a v in g in m in d the possibility o f 2 5 K t x P c h , K - R 3 ! w h e n the W h ite K n ig h t has no sq u are o f retreat. B u t W h ite still possesses a ch a n ce o f instilling n e w life into his attack .

MIDDLE

25

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

219

R -B i!

T h is g a m e is p articu la rly ch aracterised b y the g re at n u m b e r o f different sacrificial lines.

W ith the text-m o ve W h ite seeks

to elim inate the strong defensive p iece on K B i , so as th en to be able to a tta ck the isolated K in g w ith success. I t is cle ar, m oreover, th a t B lack m ust n ot a ccep t the o ffer o f the p iece, since after 2 5 . . . Q x K t ( K t 6 ) ; 2 6 K t x P c h , o r 2 5 . . . R x R c h ; 2 6 R x R , Q x K t ( K t 6 ) ; 2 7 R -B 7 C I 1, all is o ver. 25

. . .

R xR ch

A g a in the best defence. T h e seem in gly g o o d co n tin u atio n 2 5 . . . K t - B 3 , w o u ld lose a t o n ce on ac c o u n t o f 2 6 R - B 7 c h , K - R 3 ; 2 7 R x K t , since m ate is threaten ed o n K R 7 . W e a k also is 2 5 . . . Q x P c h ; 26 K - R 2 , R x R ; 2 7 R x R , w h e n B la c k no lo n ger has a defence, for e x a m p le : 2 7 . . . K t - B 3 (after 2 7 . . . K t - Q . 3 ; 2 8 R - K i , followed b y R x P is d e cisiv e ); 2 8 R x K t , K x R ; 2 9 Q ,- B ic h , K - K 4 (2 9 . . . K - K 2 ; 3 0 Q - B 7 c h , fo llo w ed b y Q x B is hopeless for B la c k ); 3 0 Q - B 7 , B - B i ; 3 1 Q -B 7 C I1, K - Q . 5 ; 3 2 K t - B g c h , and W h ite w ins. 26

R xR

K t-Q _ 3 ?

A fte r a care fu l an d successful defence B la c k m akes a b lu n d e r a t the decisive m om ent and n o w loses q u ick ly . I t w a s ab so lu tely essential for h im to p la y h ere 2 6 . . . K t - B 3 ! T h e se e m in g ly v e r y d an gero u s sacrificial con tin u atio n 2 7 R x K t ! , K x R (after 2 7 . . . Q x R W h ite wins b y 2 8 K t x R P c h ! , P x K t ; 2 9 Q - R 7 c h , K - B i ; 3 0 Q x B , w ith the d o u b le th reat o f 3 1 K t - R 7 c h , an d 3 1 Q x R c h ) ; 2 8 Q - B i c h , K - K 2 ; 2 9 Q -B 7 C I1, K - Q 3 ; 3 0 Q x B , is still in no w a y decisive. W h ite is u n lu c k y in th a t B la c k , in his otherw ise hopeless position, has the resou rce o f 3 0 . . . Q x K t ( K t 6 ) !, a n d after the fu rth er 3 1 Q x R , Q x K P c h ; 3 2 K - B i , Q ~ B 8 c h ; ca n bring ab o u t p erp e tu a l check. W h it e c a n in d eed u n d ertake further w in n in g attem p ts b y 3 1 Q x K t P c h , K - Q 2 ; 3 2 Q x P c h , K - B 2 ; 3 3 Q--B7CI1, b u t it is n o t a t all certain th at this w o u ld lead to success after a care fu l d efen ce on B la c k ’s p art. In stead o f 3 0 Q x B , W h ite co u ld also tr y an d w in b y 3 0 K t ( K t 3 ) - K 4 c h , an d only after 3 0 . . . P x K t ; p la y 3 1 Q x B . T h e n 3 1 . . . Q - Q 4 ; 3 2 K t - B 7 c h , K - B 4 ; 3 3 Q -B 7 C I1, K - K t 5 ! w o u ld lead to an unclear position in w h ic h W h ite w o u ld not be w ith o u t w in n in g chances. B u t here too B la c k c a n p la y

220

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

better b y not ca p tu rin g the K n ig h t at all an d b y co n tin u in g w ith 3 0 . . . K - B 3 ! A fte r 3 1 K t x P , P -Q K t ,}.!, the B lack K in g ca n escape v ia Q K t 3 , a n d one can n ot see h o w W h ite ca n c o n ­ tinue the atta ck successfully. W e see from these variations w h a t d an gers the B lack K in g m ust su rm ou n t a n d h o w n arro w is its escape fro m des­ truction .

It is therefore not to be w o n d ered at that S m yslo v ,

after a lo n g a n d tirin g defence an d w ith a lim ited am o u n t o f tim e a t his disposal, co u ld not a c c u ra te ly reckon th ro u gh all these co m p lica ted variatio n s, and decid ed upon another m ethod o f defence. W ith this Black does indeed protect h im se lf again st all im m ed iate threats, bu t in the lo n g run he can n o t su cceed in w a rd in g o f f the enem y attack . B lack (Sm yslo v)

W h ite (Keres) to p la y

O nce

a g a in

27

K tx R P ch !

K -R 3

28

K t-B 6

Q xP ch

the

o n ly

defence, since

29

K t-K t4 c h

w as

th reaten ed, a n d after 2 8 . . . K - K t 2 ; 2 9 K t - K t 4 , Q - K K t 6 ; 3 0 R - B 6 ! , K t - K 5 ; 3 1 R -B y c h , leads to m ate. 29

K -R i

Q -Q s

H e re too the B la ck K in g w ould fall into a m atin g net after 2 9 . . . K - K t 2 ; 3 0 K t - K t 4 , Q - K 7 ; 3 1 R - B 6 ! , etc. 30

K tx K P

Q xP ch

31

K -K ti

P -Q 5

B la c k no lo n ger has a n y satisfactory defence again st the m a n y threats. If, for exam p le, 3 1 . . . R - Q B i , in o rd e r to p reven t the check on Q B i , then W h ite w in s at once b y 3 2

MIDDLE

YEARS

R -B 4 , Q - K t 6 ; 3 3 R -B 3 .

OF

PAUL

KERBS

22

N o w , h o w ev e r, an e q u a lly sp eed y

finish com es abou t. 32

Q -B ic h

P -K t4

33

Qtb 7 !

resigns

A v e r y interesting and c o m b in atio n al g am e in w h ic h the m istake com m itted b y B lack on his 2 6 th m o ve sh o u ld not p a rtic u la rly affect the logical n atu re o f p lay .

Gam e 30

Q U E E N ’S G A M B I T

D E C L IN E D

International 'Tournament at M argate, 19 3 9

P. Keres

M . N a jd o r f

1

P -Q 4

K t-K B s

2

P -Q B 4

P -K 3

3

K t-Q B 3

P -Q

.4

U s u a lly N a jd o r f favours sh arp er system s o f d evelo p m en t, such as o ccu r in the K in g ’s In d ia n o r the N im z o w itsch D efences. T h e O rth o d o x Defence to the Q u e e n ’s G a m b it is in a n y case ra rely fou n d in his opening repertoire. 4

B -K t5

B -K 2

5 6

P -K 3 K t-B 3

0 -0 Q K t-Q 2

7

P xP

B la c k a p p a re n tly desired, i f his choice o f o p e n in g be a n y gu id e, to p la y a quiet positional g am e, an d W h ite declares w ith this th at he accepts the offer. I h a d a v e r y g o o d position in the to u rn am en t table an d therefore the e x ch a n g e variatio n su ited m e v e r y w ell, since in this line W h ite , w ith a secure position, retains the initiative for a lo n g tim e. 7 8 9 10

. . . B -Q 3 Q -B 2

PxP P -B 3 R -K i

P -K R 3

T h is m o ve, w h ich com es in useful for W h ite in m a n y cases, w a s not e x a c tly necessary at the m om en t, since B la c k w a s not

222

GRANDMASTER

y e t th reaten in g an y th in g on K t 5 .

OF

CHESS

H en ce better w as a n im ­

m ed iate io o - o , K t - B i ; x i Q R - K t i , fo llow ed b y P - Q K t ^ b y w h ic h a w o rth w h ile tem po could h ave been saved. 10

. . .

11

o -o

K t-B r

T h is q u iet con tin u ation appears to m e to be better based p ositio n ally than sh arp p la y for attack b y 1 1 o -o -o . B la c k ’s K i n g ’s position contains no weaknesses and it is w ell supported b y its o w n pieces, so that a direct attack affords little prospects o f success. A t the sam e tim e, too, B lack can undertake a dis­ a g re e a b le m a n o eu vre designed to b reak open the Q ueen-side b y B -K 3 , R - B i and P -B 4 .

11

...

Kt - R4

S o o n er o r la ter B lack must clear u p the situation on the K i n g ’s w in g , even though this costs him a couple o f tem pi. W ith the text-m o ve he puts his K n ig h t into an u n favo u rab le position on the edge o f the board, b u t the other possibility 1 1 . . . K t - K s also has its dark sides. W h ite w o u ld then re p ly 1 2 B - K B 4 , w h ereu p o n B lack m ust, i f he does not w a n t to resign h im self to 1 2 . . . P - K B 4 , an d y et still wishes to exch an ge o f f the b lack colo u red Bishops, decide upon the exch an ge 1 2 . . . K t x K t ; 1 3 Q x K t , and o n ly then p la y 1 3 . . . B - Q 3 . I n r e p ly to this, h o w eve r, 1 4 B x B , Q x B ; 1 5 P - Q K t 4 , w o u ld le a d to a position w h ere Black, in com parison to the g am e c o n tin u atio n , w o u ld h a v e m ade no g re a t progress. 12

BxB

13

Q R -K ti

Q xB

W ith this m o ve W h ite prepares the a d v an ce on the Q u e e n ’s w in g b y P - Q K t 4 - 5 th at is characteristic o f the w h ole variatio n . A fte r this m a n o eu vre B lack w ould be faced b y a d isagreeable c h o ice . E ith e r he perm its the exch an ge on his Q B 3 an d takes o n the w eakness o n Q B 3 , o r he h im self exch an ges on Q K t 4 , w h e reu p o n the p a w n s on Q K t 2 an d Q 4 becom e objects o f a tta ck . P ra xis show s us th at Black finds it difficult to m ake a g o o d defence again st this plan, since a co u n ter-attack o n the o th er w in g is not easy to c a r r y out an d , furtherm ore, offers little p ro sp ect o f success. In this present g am e too N a jd o r f does not su ccee d in so lvin g the open in g p ro blem satisfactorily. 13

. . .

K t-B 3

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

223

M a n y experts w ould certain ly criticise N a jd o r f fo r n o t tryin g a n y th in g again st his oppon en t’s plans, 'and w o u ld h ere a d v o c a te 1 3 . . . P - Q R 4 . In fact, h o w eve r, w ith this m o ve B la c k w o u ld ach ieve o n ly w h a t he a ctu a lly obtains later w ith h is P - Q R 3 , this b e in g the exchange o f a couple o f p aw n s, b y w h ic h , too, the Q R file is opened u p . T h e question w h e th er this c ir ­ cu m stan ce relieves B lack’s defence, is h o w ever a rg u a b le , a n d is in d eed a question o f taste for each p layer.

A fte r 1 3 . . .

P - Q R 4 W h ite cou ld continue w ith an im m ed iate 1 4 P - R 3 , o r else first 1 4 K t - Q R .4 , and w o u ld then pursue his a tta c k as in the g am e. 14

P -Q K t4

15

K t - Q R .4

B -K 3

N a tu r a lly , not im m ediately 1 5 P - K t 5 , w h en B la c k , b y 1 5 . . . P - B 4 w o u ld obtain a co m p arative ly satisfacto ry position. A fte r the text-m o ve Black, b y a skilful tactical m a n o e u v re , gets his K n ig h t to the strong sq u are, Q 3 . W h ite c o u ld h o w e v e r h a rd ly p reve n t this, since after 1 5 K R - B i , there c o u ld fo llo w 1 5 . . . K R - B 1, an d K t ( B 3 ) - K i - Q 3 c a n no longer be p rev e n te d . 15

. . .

K t-K 5 !

B la c k m akes use o f the circu m stan ce th at, afte r 1 6 B x K t , P x B ; 1 7 Q x K P , W h ite’s Q R P w o u ld be u n p ro tected . B la c k cou ld th en p la y at once 1 7 . . . B x Q R P , w ith the co n tin u atio n 1 8 Q x Q , R x Q ; 19 R - R i , B - B 5 ; 20 K R - B i , B - R 3 ; 2 1 K t - B s , B - K t 4 , etc. b u t stronger still w o u ld be 1 7 . . . Q - B 3 ! w ith a v e r y go od position for B lack . W h ite n atu rally refuses to g o in for this a n d q u ietly continues w ith his o w n plans. 16

K t-B 5

■ K t-Q 3

H e re the K n ig h t is b eau tifu lly p laced , since it assum es co n tro l o f a w h ole row o f im p o rtan t cen tral sq u ares. W h ite m ust n o w also alw ays reckon w ith the possibility o f P - Q K t 4 fo llow ed b y K t - B 5 , by w h ich pressure on the Q B file w o u ld be neutralised. 17

P -Q R 4

P -B 3

18

K R -B 1

B -B 2

19

K t-Q 2

P -K K t3

B la ck a lre a d y has to decide here w h a t p la n o f p la y he intends to select in the even t o f W h ite execu tin g his th reaten ed

224

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

P - Q K t 5 . I f he w a n ts to allow his o p p o n en t to exch an g e p a w n s on Q B 3 , then 19 . . . B - K t 3 com es in to con sid eration h ere, so as to g et rid o f the passive Bishop. B u t should he w a n t h im se lf to ca p tu re on Q K 4 4 , then the B ishop m ust rem ain w h e re it is as a protection o f Q 4 . N a jd o r f has p lu m p e d for the la tte r p lan a n d w ith his last m ove he has m uffled the th reat on his K R 2 so as to be ab le to m ove his other K n ig h t. 20

P -K t5

PxP

W ith this d irect exch an ge, h o w ever, B la c k m eets his o p ­ p o n e n t’s plan s m ore th an h alf-w a y. B etter, a t a n y rate, w o u ld h a v e been 20 . . . K R - B i , so as to m eet 2 1 P x P , w ith 2 1 . . . R x P . T h e r e b y B la ck w o u ld have g ain ed tim e an d n ot assisted a W h ite p a w n to establish itself on Q K t 5 , as h ap pen s in the g a m e . N o w in d eed B la ck gets into serious difficulties. 21

PxP!

S tro n g e r th an 2 1 B x Q K t P , K R - B i w h ic h w o u ld h av e p er­ m itted B la ck prospects o f cou n ter-p lay on the Q B file. W h ite n o w threatens, as the occasion arises, to a d v a n c e w ith his p a w n to K t 6 w h ich , in the event o f P - Q R 3 , w o u ld le ave him w ith a strong p oin t o f support on Q B 7 , or, after an exch an ge o n Q K t 6 , w o u ld create a good object o f atta ck on Q K t 7 . 21

. . .

K R -B i

22

Q ,- K t 3

K t-Q .'2

2 2 . . . K t - K 5 w o u ld be worse th an useless, as after 2 3 K t ( Q .2 ) x K t , P x K t ; 2 4 B - B 4 , B x B ; 2 5 Q x B c h , fo llow ed b y 2 6 Q_ Q_5, B lack w o u ld experience g re at d ifficu lty in p ro tectin g his p aw ns. W ith the text-m ove B la c k parries the th reat o f 2 3 P - K t 6 , an d intends him self to p la y 2 3 . . . K t - K t 3 , so as to g a in control o f the Q B 5 square. 23

Q -K t4 !

K t-K 5 ?

W h ite has p reven ted 2 3 . . . K t - K t 3 b y m ean s o f the th reat o f 2 4 K t x P . B a d also w o u ld be 2 3 . . . K - B i ; on acco u n t o f the an sw er 2 4 P - K 4 , an d after 2 3 . . . R - K i there cou ld follow sim p ly 2 4 K t x K t , Q x K t ; 2 5 P - K t 6 , etc. H e n c e B lack should h a v e tried here 2 3 . . . K t - K i , alth o u gh then W h ite w o u ld h a v e a clear su perio rity after 24 R - B 2 . W ith the text-m o ve B la c k em barks on an atte m p t to solve th e p roblem o f the position in c o m b in atio n al fashion. H e is

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

225

co u n tin g u p o n the fact th at after the d o u b le c a p tu re on K 5 the re p ly P - K t 3 w o u ld attack a n u m b er o f en em y pieces. T h e r e is, h o w ev e r, a hole in this co m b in atio n w h ic h enables W h ite to atta in a w o n position im m ed iately. B la c k (N a jd o rf)

iL flm n + B m

■

u

m

s

i

b

i

i i l l

i b

m

■

m

I MAM m

m

m

m

W h ite (K ere s) to p la y

24

K t(Q a )x K t

PxK t

25

BxP!

P -K t3

I t w a s on this m ove th at B la c k h a d based his hopes. A fte r 2 6 K t x K t , there w ould n o w com e 2 6 . . . R x R c h ; 2 7 K - R 2 , Q x Q ; fo llow ed b y Q R - Q B i , a n d o th er K n ig h t m oves w o u ld n a tu ra lly be answered b y 2 6 . . . Q x B . A fte r 2 6 B x R , P x K t ; W h ite a p p a re n tly also loses his B ishop b u t n o w B lack is face d b y a cru el surprise. 26 27

BxR RxP!

PxK t

W ith this the enem y co m b in atio n is u tterly refuted, sin ce n o w W h ite obtains an easily w o n e n d gam e w ith tw o p lu s p aw n s. A lso here W hite has the possible line 2 7 P x P , R x B ; 2 8 P - K t 6 ! , w ith go od w inning chan ces.

B u t in this case B la c k

co u ld still p u t u p a tough resistance w ith 2 8 . . . K t - K 4 l , fo r in sta n ce: 2 9 P - K t 7 , R - K t i ; 3 0 P - B 6 , Q - B 2 , o r also 29 Q - K 4 , R - Q i ; 3 0 P - K t 7 , Q --B 2, etc. T h e g a m e con tin u ation is m o re fo rcin g a n d certain ly prettier. 27

. . .

K tx R

A fte r 2 7 . . . R x B ; W h ite w in s the Q u e e n b y 2 8 R - B 8 c h ! 28

B -B 6 !

GRANDMASTER

226

OF

CHESS

N o w the K n ig h t o n Q B 4 is pin n ed a n d m ust be lost, after w h ich W h ite has a n easily w on en d gam e. 28

. . .

P -Q R 3

T h e last h o p e : 2 9 Q x K t ? , Q x Q ; 3 0 P x Q , P x P ; a n d W h ite loses his Q B P . 29 30

PxK t Q xP

PxP resigns

P erh ap s a little p rem atu rely, bu t the e n d gam e after 3 0 . . . Q - B 2 ; 3 1 B - Q 7 , fo llow ed b y 3 2 P - B 6 , w o u ld certain ly affo rd B lack no satisfaction.

G am CARO

KANN

31

D EFEN CE

International Tournament at Buenos A ires 1 9 3 9

P . K e re s

M . C z e m ia k

1

P -O B 3

P -K 4

2

P -Q

3

PxP

.4

P -Q

.4

T h is g a m e w a s p la y e d in the last ro u n d , w h e n N a jd o r f w a s h a lf a p oin t ab o v e m e. I therefore h a d to p la y for a w in at all costs. T h e e x ch a n g e o n Q _5 seemed to m e to be m u ch in fa v o u r o f this aim , since u su ally one gets a full m id d le-ga m e there­ fro m , w ith o u t h a v in g to fe ar an y im m ed iate an d con siderable exch an ges. 3 4

. . . P -Q B 4

PxP K t-K B 3

5

K t-Q B 3

K t-B 3

N o w a d a y s 5 . . . P - K 3 is usually p la y e d h ere, after w h ic h the g a m e takes on sim ilar characteristics to those o f the Q u e e n ’s G a m b it.

C ze rn ia k h a d , how ever, p rep ared a n in n o vatio n for

the present g a m e , w ith w h ich he w ish ed to surprise his o p ­ ponent. 6

B -K t5

Q -R 4

T h is is the in n ovation alread y m entioned.

I t is n a tu ra lly

v e r y un pleasan t to m eet w ith a p rep ared in n o vatio n o ver the

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

22“

b o ard , esp ecially w hen one is so p la c e d th at one m ust strive for an a d v a n ta g e a t all costs.

7

Q rO ?

U n d o u b te d ly one o f the best w a y s o f m eetin g the system chosen b y B lack . T h e other con tin u atio n th at d eserved con ­ sideration here, 7 B x K t, K P x B ; 8 P x P , d id not e x a c tly ap p eal to m e because o f 8 . . . B - Q K t 5 , w h e n , after 9 P x K t , B x K t c h ; 10 P x B , Q _xPch; 1 1 K - K 2 , B lack , b y n . . . 0 - 0 ! , obtain s an o verw h elm in g attack in return for the p iece. W h ite cou ld p la y better here o f course, the right line b ein g 9 Q .-Q 2 , B x K t ; 10 P x B , Q x Q P ; 1 1 K t - B 3 , w ith p erh ap s a m in im al su periority, th ough the reverse o f the m ed al bein g the sim plified position. 7

. . .

PxP

N o w , h ow ever, Black should h ave u n d ertaken som ethin g for the defence o f Q 4 . A p a r t from the te x t-m o ve the sh arp thrust 7 . . . P - K 4 advocated b y P a ch m a n deserves consideration, since it leads to v e ry com p licated positions th at h a v e been but little studied in practice. I t is h o w ev e r d o u b tfu l i f B lack w ould h ave h a d m o re success w ith it than w ith the text-m o ve. F o r exam p le, in the m ain variatio n g ive n b y P a ch m a n 8 B x K t, K t P x B ; 9 K t x P , Q x Q c h ; 10 K xQ _, B - R 3 C I 1 ; 1 1 K - B 3 , P x P c h ; 1 2 K - K t 3 , 0 - 0 W h ite need not in d eed cap tu re o n B 6 , b u t can try 1 3 B - Q j , in order to m ake cle ar W h ite ’s a d v a n ta g e on the w h ite squares. T h e m o ve recom m ended b y C ze rn ia k , 7 . . . B - B 4 , w h ich leads to e q u a lly com plicated variatio n s, is also not co n vin cin g. W ith o u t g o in g in for a th orou gh an alysis, I should like to question the v a lid ity o f the fo llo w in g va ria tio n g ive n b y C z e rn ia k : 8 P x P , K K t x P ; 9 B - Q B 4 , K t x K t ; 10 P x K t , B - K 5 ; 1 1 K t - B 3 , B x K t ; 1 2 P xB , P - K 4 . A fte r this B la c k w o u ld h ave to struggle against great difficulties i f W h ite p la y e d 1 3 0 - 0 ! 8

BxP

P -K 4

T h e execu tion o f this ad v a n c e w a s on e o f the ad van tag e s o f the m o ve 6 . . . Q - R 4 . B la c k c a n n o w c o m p le te ly free his position, b u t this in turn w ill open it u p , w h en W h ite ’s better d evelo p m en t w ill ensure h im the in itiative. 9

P -Q .5

10

P -B 4 !

K .t-Q .5

2 28

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

B y an en ergetic atta ck against the Q .5 an d K 5 squ ares W h ite forces the en em y pieces to adopt defensive positions. B la c k has n o w little cho ice, since coun ter-attack b y 10 . . . B - K B 4 w o u ld p erm it W h ite to m ake a most prom ising exch an g e sa crifice: 1 1 P x P !, K t - B 7 c h ; 1 2 K - B i , K t x R ; 1 3 P x K t , etc. 10

. . .

B -Q .3

11

K K t - K .2

K t-B 4

T h e oth er possible m ethod o f p la y here, n . . . K t x K t ; 1 2 Q x K t , 0 - 0 ( 1 2 . . . B - K K t s ; 1 3 B - K t g c h ! ) ; also yield s W h ite the better g a m e. H e should not then p la y for the tr a p 1 3 P x P , B x P ? ; 1 4 Q x B , R - K i ; 1 5 B x K t , R x Q c h ; 1 6 B x R , w ith a d v a n ta g e to W h ite , since this w o u ld be th w arte d b y the in terven in g m o ve o f 1 3 . . . B - K K t s ! an d then 1 4 . . . B x P . T h e sim ple con tin u ation 1 3 B x K t , P x B ; 1 4 0 - 0 ! w o u ld also ensure h im here o f a clear positional ad van tag e . T h e te x t-m o ve leads to no better result, a n d in ad d itio n B la c k n o w loses the righ t to castle. 12 13

B -K t5ch B xK t

B—Q 2 PxB

T h e con tin u atio n 1 3 . . . B x B ; 1 4 B x K P , w o u ld lose a p a w n w ith o u t a d e q u a te com pensation. N o w W h ite obtain s a clear p rep o n d eran ce on the w h ite squares. 14

B xB ch

15

0 -0

K xB

A n in ex a ctitu d e , after w h ich B lack is ab le to b rin g his K n ig h t into p la y w ith the w in o f a tem po an d can then set u p som e w o rry in g threats. Better w as 1 5 Q .-Q .3, o r also im ­ m e d ia tely 1 5 P x P , B x P , an d only then 16 0 -0 15 16

. . . R -B 3

K t-K 6 !

A lso w o r th y o f consideration w a s the exch an g e sacrifice b y 1 6 P x P , K t x R (or 1 6 . . . B - B 4 ; 1 7 K - R i , K t x R ; 1 8 R x K t , e t c .) ; 1 7 P - K 6 c h ! an d then R x K t w ith a v e r y strong atta ck . 16

. . .

17

QrO.3!

K t-K t5

T h e threats o f 1 7 . . . Q - K t g c h , o r 1 7 . . . B -B 4C I1 cou ld also h ave been p arried b y 1 7 Q j R - K B i , bu t the te x t-m o ve is

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

229

stron ger. B la c k m ust not n o w accep t the exch an g e sa crific e , since after 1 7 . . . Q - K t 3 c h ; 1 8 K - R i , K t - B 7 c h ; 1 9 R x K t , Q x R ; 2 0 Q _ -K t5c h , K - B 2 ; W h ite w in s b y 2 1 K t - I L } .! A f t e r 1 7 . . . B - B 4 c h ; 18 K - R i , K t - B 7 c h ; 1 9 R x K t , B x R ; h o w e v e r, 2 0 P x P , th reaten in g 2 1 Q -B 5 C I1, is decisive. 17 18

. . . K -R i

Q R -K K ti Q _-K t3

19

Q R -K B i

K -B i

A t lo n g last B la ck gets his K in g in to safety. B lack w o u ld n o w h a v e a v e r y go o d position i f it w e re not for the fact th at W h ite has reta in ed his absolute p rep o n d eran ce on the w h ite sq u ares. T h is circu m stan ce prevents the co-o peration th at is essential for the B la c k pieces in the ensuing phase o f the gam e. 20

P -K R 3

P -K R 4

B la c k does not w ant to p u t this piece entirely out o f p la y b y 20 . . . K t - R 3 , but the te x t-m o ve signifies m erely a te m p o r a r y pro tection o f the piece. 21 22

K t-K 4 Q .- K t 3 !

K -K ti

W ith this strong m ove W h ite forces the en em y Q u e e n to ab a n d o n the Q R 2 - K K t 8 d iag o n al, since he threatens n o w 2 3 Q x Q . fo llow ed b y 2 4 K t x B , a n d the Q u een exch an g e 2 2 . . . Q x Q ; 2 3 R x Q , would, su rprisin gly en ou gh , cost B la c k a p iece. 22 23

. . . K t(K 2)-K t3

Q -R 3 PxP

W h ite w a s threatening a decisive strengthening o f his p ositio n by 24 K t-K B 5 .

I t is in stru ctive to observe h o w C z e r n ia k , in

a situation th a t is so difficult fo r h im , a lw a y s finds fresh d efen sive resources a n d thereby forces his opp o n en t rig h t to the en d to p la y the m ost exact and a c c u ra te m oves. 24

K t-K B s

A t first g la n ce Black’s position n o w ap p ears q uite hopeless. H is Bishop is attacked, a n d i f 2 4 . . . B - B i ; then 2 5 P - Q 6 , o r also 2 5 R x P , w ith a w on g a m e for W h ite . A fte r 2 4 . . . B - K 4 , h o w ev e r, W h ite even w in s the Q u een b y 2 5 K t - B 5 . 24

• • .

K t-K 6 !

2 3°

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

A clever d e fe n c e ! A superficial consideration w o u ld at once reject this m o ve, since after 2 5 K t ( B 5 ) x B , K t x R ; 26 K t - Q B s , the B la ck Q u een is tra p p e d . But it is p recisely in this v ariatio n th at there lies the cu n n in g trap devised b y C ze rn iak . B lack w o u ld , after 2 6 K t - Q B 5 , p la y the u n expected 2 6 . . . K t - K t 6 c h ! I f then 2 7 R x K t , B la ck w in s by 2 7 . . . Q - B 8 c h , an d after 2 7 K - K t i , Q - K t 3 ! the W h ite K n ig h t w o u ld be pin n ed . H e n ce W h ite m ust continue w ith 2 7 K - R 2 , w h ereu p o n there w o u ld com e 2 7 . . . K t - B 8 c h . N o w W hite w o u ld h av e to be content w ith a d ra w , since the attem pts to w in b y 2 8 R x K t , R x P c h !; 2 9 K x R , Q-K7CI1; o r b y 2 8 K - K t i , R x P c h !; 2 9 K x R , Q-K7CI1, w o u ld in both cases le a d to mate. A v e r y p retty v a r ia tio n ! I t is a p ity th at this resourceful defence b y B la c k is o f little use, since W h ite is not in d eed forced to p la y for the w in o f the Q u een . In stead o f this he c an reach a favo u rab le m ajo r piece en d in g w ith a go o d p a w n m ore. B la c k (Czerniak) »

'


W h ite n o w m akes use o f the fact th at 28 . . . B x R ; 2 9 K x B , R - K y c h ? ; 3 0 Q x R , R x Q c h ; 3 1 K x R , B x K t , fail again st 3 2 P - B 7 , to lure the B la ck K t P to B 3. A fte r th at, in the v ariatio n m entioned ab o ve, B la ck w ould no longer h av e at his disposal the m o ve P - K K t 4 . In a n y case, W h ite has nothing better, since after 2 8 R - B 4 , R - K 7 w ins at once. 28 29

. . . R -Q .2

PxP

N o w this m o ve is possible, and after 2 9 . . . B - K 5 ; 30 Q _ -K t3, R -B 4 C I1; 3 1 K t - B 4 , W h ite w o u ld h ave av o id ed the w orst d an gers. B u t a n ew trouble has ap p ea red , to w it, the strong d iago n al on Q B 1 - K R 6 for the Q u e e n ’s Bishop, w h ich lends B la c k ’s atta ck decisive power. I t should also be p oin ted out th at 2 9 R x P , fails here because o f 2 9 . . . B x K t c h ; 3 0 K x B , R -K 7 C I1, follow ed b y 3 1 . . . B x R . 29

. . .

B -B i!

30

K t-B 4

R -K 6

H e re B lack has m a n y w ays o f e va lu atin g his a d v a n ta g e . F o r exam p le, he co u ld h av e p layed 3 0 . . . R - K 8 c h ; 3 1 K - K t 2 , R ( K i ) - K 6 ; 3 2 Q - B 2 , B - K t 5 ; etc. H o w e v e r, the com bin atio n b eginn in g w ith the text-m ove is the m ost effective. 31

Q -K ti

R ~B 6ch

32

K -K t2

R x K t!

T h is e xch an ge sacrifice shows in the clearest possible fo rm the im m ense p ow er o f tw o Bishops in a n open position.

MIDDLE

33 34

YEARS

OF

PxR K -B 3 resigns

PAUL

KERES

a-,;')

R -K tic h B -K tsc h

A fte r 3 5 K - K 4 , R - K i c h , there follow s m ate in tw o m o ves, a n d 3 5 K - K t 3 , B - B 4 dis ch , w o u ld lose the Q u een .

Gam e 3 5

Q U E E N ’S P A W N , N I M Z O W I T S C H

D EFEN CE

Team M a tch at T a llin n , 19 4 0

G . F ried em an n 1 P -Q 4

P . K eres K t-K B 3

2

P -Q B 4

P -K 3

3 4

K t-Q B 3 Q .-B2

B -K t5 K t-B 3

5

Kt

-fi3

T h is g a m e w a s p layed sh o rd y after the E u w e - K e r e s m a tc h in w h ich this opening system w a s tried out in a n u m b e r o f gam es a n d w h ich I therefore k n ew v e r y w ell ind eed . O n the basis o f these m atch gam es I c am e to the conclusion th a t the K n ig h t d evelopm en t is p rem atu re here an d th at W h it e w o u ld do better to p la y 5 P - K 3 . I t m ust h o w eve r be o b serve d th at the preference for one or an o th er m o ve at such a n e a r ly stage in the g a m e is m ore or less a m a tter o f taste.

5•

• •

P-

0.3

T h is is m ore e x a ct than 5 . . . O - O , w h en W h ite co u ld continue w ith 6 B - K t 5 , to g re at effect. N o w , h o w e v e r, 6 B - K t 5 , P - K R 3 ; 7 B - R 4 w o u ld en tail a p a w n sacrifice, since it is w ell kn ow n that after 7 . . . P - K K t 4 ; 8 B - K t 3 , P - K t 5 , B lack c a n q u ie d y capture o n Q_y w ith 9 . . . K t x P . 6

B -Q 2

I f W h ite w an ts an y o p e n in g ad v a n ta g e then he m u st tr y here the sh arp er continuation 6 P - Q R 3 , B x K t c h ; 7 Q x B , etc. A fte r the text-m o ve Black o btain s easy equ ality. 6

. . .

7

P -Q R 3

P -K 4

GRANDMASTER

2 ->6

OF

CHESS

U s u a lly p a w n s are exch an ged first here b y 7 P x P , P x P , b u t the text-m o ve too is q u ite p layab le an d even tu ally transposes to the sam e position. 7 8

. . . BxB

BxK t Q .-K 2

A fte r 8 . . . P - K 5 the reply 9 P - Q .5 w o u ld be troublesom e. T h e text-m o ve p ro vid es W h ite w ith the o p p o rtu n ity o f g ivin g the open in g an o rigin al cast b y con tin u in g 9 P - K 3 . In stead o f this W h ite decides to transpose to cu stom ary variatio n s, an d he exchanges o f f on K 5 after w h ich , h o w ever, B lack has no m ore problem s to solve. 9 Io

PxP

PxP

P -K 3

P -Q R 4

B lack m ust p reve n t W h ite ’s p a w n ad van ce

11

P -Q K t4 ,

since otherw ise he m ig h t experience difficulty in p ro tectin g his K 4 . I n the g a m e F lo h r-K e re s, L e n in g ra d , 1 9 4 7 , B lack

0 0

carelessly con tin u ed 1 0 . . . ; an d after 1 1 P - Q K t 4 , B - K t 5 ; 1 2 B - K 2 , P - K 5 ; 13 P - K t 5 l , P x K t ; 1 4 P x P , he w as in distinct difficulties. II 12 A

0-0

B -K 2

0 -0

P -R 5

d o u b le-ed ged m o ve.

W ith it B lack does indeed g ain

con trol o f Q K t 6 , b u t on the other h an d the im p o rtant Q K t 4 sq u a re is y ield ed to the enem y pieces. A lso the p a w n on R5 cou ld becom e w eak la te r on, esp ecially in the event o f both R o o k s bein g ex ch a n g e d on the only open file. A n atu ral and better co n tin u atio n here w as 13

12 . . .

B ~ K t5.

P -R 3 !

A good m o ve w h ich deprives the en em y Bishop o f a fine sq u are o f d evelo p m en t on KT5. B lack in fact has troubles in d evelo p in g his B ishop m easures. 13

an d is forced

. . .

to grasp

at artificial

K t-Q ?

I t is true th at the K n ig h t is w ell posted on Q B 4 , bu t such m an oeu vres

can

b ecom e

most dan gerou s

in

un d evelop ed

positions. H o w e v e r , B la c k has no altern ative i f he w an ts to d evelo p his Bishop. 14

Q R -Q .I

MIDDLE

YE AR S

OF

P A U L

KERES

257

M e c h a n ic a lly played— a n d the result is th at B la c k c a n o n ce a g a in set his position rig h t a n d th a t he ends u p b y sta n d in g v e r y w e ll in d eed . H ere W h ite cou ld h av e u tilised th e c ir c u m ­ stan ce th a t the enem y K n ig h t has q u itted K B 3 to p la y the a c tiv e 1 4 B - Q 3 ! and after 1 4 . . . P - K K t 3 o r 1 4 . . . P - R 3 h e . co u ld h a v e continued 1 5 B - K 4 . T h e B ish o p w o u ld be b e a u tifu lly posted there a n d co u ld e ve n tu a lly o c c u p y th e stro n g sq u a re Q 5 , an d could also h elp in a n atta ck o n th e p o in t K 5 . I t seems th a t 1 4 B - Q 3 ! w o u ld h a v e best d e m o n strated the d ra w b a ck s o f B la ck ’s rath er su perficial 12 th m o ve. 14

. . .

K t-B 4

15

B -K t4 l

P -B 3

B la ck m ust in the first instan ce p ro tect the K 4 p o in t since, for exa m p le, after 1 5 . . . K t x B ; 16 P x K t , K t - R . 3 ; 1 7 Q x P , he w o u ld sim p ly lose a p a w n . B a d too w o u ld be 1 5 . . . B - K 3 becau se o f the possibility o f 1 6 B x K t , Q x B ; 1 7 K t - K t 5 ! etc.

16

R-Q .5

W ith this m anoeuvre W h ite e ve n tu a lly o b tain s o n ly an a p p ro x im a te ly equal endgam e. H e n ce stronger w a s 1 6 B x K t , Q x B ; 1 7 R -Q .5 , Q - K 2 ;

1 8 K t-Q _ 2 , so as to m e e t 1 8 . . .

B - K 3 sim p ly b y 19 R - K t 5 an d e ve n tu a lly to co n tin u e w ith P - B 5 . B y p la y in g this w a y W h ite cou ld still h a v e a tta in e d som e slight positional ad van tag e . 16

. . .

K tx B

17

PxK t

K t-R 3

A fte r the gam e the criticism w a s vo ice d in v a rio u s q u arters th a t W h ite should have con tin u ed 1 4 K R ~ Q i in stead o f 1 4 Q R - Q i , since in the ensuing p h ase W h ite r e a lly n eeds the R o o k o n Q R i . H ow ever, this reco m m en d atio n is a c c o m p a n ie d b y a n u m b er o f “ b u ts” . I n the first p lace B la c k w o u ld be in no w a y fo rced to choose this con tin u atio n , a n d se c o n d ly he co u ld v e r y w e ll p la y 1 7 . . . K t - K t 6 in the p o sitio n n o w re a ch e d , th ereb y attacking the R o o k on R i an d in co n seq u en ce w in n in g the p a w n on Q K t 4 . 18

Q xP

Q xP

H e re B la c k could try to harass the en em y R o o k

before

m a k in g this cap tu re, but this w o u ld h av e led to u n n e ce ssary com p licatio n s. 1 8 . . . B - K 3 w o u ld n a tu ra lly be u n sa tisfacto ry

258

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

becau se o f 19 R - R 5 ! , b u t also after 18 . . . P - B 3 * 1 9 R - R 5 , c o u ld lead to g re a t com plications. A n exam p le is the variatio n 1 9 . . . P Q K t 3 ; 20 Q x P , B - Q .2 ; 2 1 Q x K t P , K R - K t i ; 2 2 R x K t , R x Q ; 2 3 R x R c h , K - B 2 ; 2 4 P - K t 5 , w h e n W h ite w o u ld possess m ore th an en ou gh com pensation for his Q u een . F u rth erm o re, the line 20 . . . B - K t 2 (instead o f 20 . . . B - Q 2 ) 2 1 Q x K t P , K R - K t i w o u ld not be at all clear. W h ite cou ld fo r e xam p le con tin u e 2 2 Q - K t 5 , B x K t ; 2 3 B x B , R x Q ; 2 4 P x R , P - K 5 ; 2 5 R x K t ! an d again he w o u ld o btain sufficient m a te ria l for his Q u een , since the try 2 5 . . . R x R ; 2 6 P x R , P x B w o u ld h a v e seem in gly sad consequences for B la c k after 2 7 R - R i , Q - R 2 ; 28 P -K t5 . 19 A

R -R i?

m o ve ch a racteristic o f F ried em an n ’s style.

T h e young

m a ster a lw a y s strives for com plications at e ve ry o p p o rtu n ity. T h e p a w n sacrifice offered by the text-m o ve is, h o w eve r, all th e m ore w elco m e to B lack in that after, for exam p le, 19 , Q x Q K t x Q ; 2 0 R - K t 5 , K t - B 3 ; 2 1 P - B 5 , he w o u ld be left w ith r a th e r the w orse en d in g.

A t a n y rate, in the g re at co m p li­

catio n s th at n o w ensue W h ite is u n ab le to d em onstrate the correctness o f his p a w n sacrifice. 19 20

. . . P -B 5 !

Q x K tP

W h ite takes a d v a n ta g e o f the fact th at B lack can n o t p la y 2 0 . . . Q x B on a cco u n t o f 2 1 R - Q 2 , w in n in g at least the e x ch a n g e , to open u p the strong d iago n al Q R 2 - K K t 8 for his B ish o p . I n a n y case W h ite has no choice since there is th reatened sim p ly 2 0 . . . Q ^ -K ts, an d 20 R - K t 5 c a n n o w be an sw ered b y 20 . . . Q xB .

N o w there is threatened, am o ngst o th er things,

21 R -Q 2 . 20

. . .

K t-K t5 !

M u c h stronger th an 2 0 . . . B - K 3 ; 2 1 R - Q 2 , Q r K t 5 ; w h ich , afte r 2 2 Q x Q ., K t x Q ; 2 3 R - K t i , w o u ld h av e led o n ly to an a p p ro x im a te ly eq u a l position since the p a w n on K t 7 falls. 21

B -B 4

I t is up o n this v e r y p retty m ove, teem ing w ith possibilities, th a t it a p p ea rs W h ite has set his hopes.

I t is easy to see th at

B la c k can n o t ca p tu re either the Q u een b y 2 1

. . .

R x Q .;.

MIDDLE

22

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

2.')9

R - Q 8 dis ch , o r the R o o k b y 2 1 . . . K t x R ; 2 2 B x K t c h ,

fo llow ed b y 2 3 Q x R .

F in a lly , W h ite w o u ld also h a v e som e

prospects o f equalizing m atters after 2 1 . . . Q x R c h ; 2 2 R - Q i dis ch , K - R i ; 2 3 R x Q , R x Q ; 24. R x R on a c c o u n t o f the a c tiv e position o f his pieces. A s , h o w eve r, his opponent’s re p ly shows, this p r e tty c o n tin u ­ ation is not the strongest.

B etter chances w o u ld h a v e been

B la c k (K eres)

W hite (F ried em an n ) to p lay affo rd ed here b y the prosaic line 2 1 Q x R , K t x R ; 2 2 B - B 4 , B - K 3 ; 2 3 Q - R 5 , when his w ell p lace d pieces w o u ld c o m p e n ­ sate to som e exten t for the lost p a w n . 21

. . .

B -K 3!

T h is sim ple m ove thw arts a ll W h ite ’s attem pts a t a tta c k a n d in a d d itio n forces the exch an ge o f Bishops, after w h ic h B la c k is left a solid p a w n to the g o o d . T h e ensuing m oves a re fo rced . 22

Q xR

BxR

N a tu r a lly , n ot 2 2 . . . R x Q ? ; 2 3 R x R c h , K - B 2 ; 2 4 R -Q _ 7 c h , fo llow ed b y 2 5 B xB etc. W e a k e r, too, is 2 2 . . . K t x R ; 2 3 Q - R 5 , as has a lrea d y been m entioned earlier. 23

B xB ch

24

Q -R 7

K tx B

T h e a tta c k on Q K t 7 in n o w a y hinders B la c k ’s en su in g m an oeu vres. M o re to the p oin t therefore w as 2 4 Q - R 5 , w ith w h ic h W h ite w o u ld have b ro u g h t his Q u een in to m o re ac tiv e p la y .

26o

G R A N D M AS TE R

OF

CHESS

24

. . .

K t-B 6

25

R -K i

Q -K t5 !

N o w B la ck controls the whole b o ard an d th reatens, after due p re p a ra tio n , to la u n ch a decisive atta ck on the weakness on Q B 5 . I n this difficult situation F ried em an n em barks on a last a tte m p t to free his position but succeeds o n ly in h asten in g the in ev ita b le loss. 26

P -B 6

PxP

27

Q xP

P -K 5!

W in n in g a p iece, since after 2 8 K t-Q _ 2 , or a n y oth er K n ig h t m o v e , there follow s the decisive 2 8 . . . K t - Q ,4 .

A fte r the loss

o f th e piece fu rther resistance is n atu rally hopeless. 28 29

Q xP Q x P (B 3)

PxK t P -B 4

30 31

q

R -R 1 -r 5

p- b

32

PxP

Q -K 5 5

T h is allow s a p leasan t little finishing touch. 32 33

. . . K -R i

K t~ K 7ch Q xP ch

34 35

K xQ K -K t3

K tx P c h K tx Q c h

T h e follow ing m oves, as far as the tim e con tro l, occu rred m e re ly because W h ite cou ld find no tim e to resign. 36

37 38 39

K -K t4 R -R 7 K -R 4 R -R 8 c h

40

R -R 4

41

R xR W h ite resigns.

P -K t3 R xP P -R 3 R -B

i

R -B 5 C I1 K tx R

V IE N N A

GAM E

X I I U . S . S . R . Championship, M o sco w , 19 4 0

A . K onstantinopolsky 1

P -K 4

2

K t-Q B 3

P . K e re s P -K 4

T h e V ie n n a is a rare b ird in m o d e m to u rn am en t p ra x is. R o u n d a b o u t h a lf a cen tu ry ago it w a s extrem ely p o p u la r, b u t n o w it has lost m ost o f its bite. I n m y opinion, one o f th e m ain reasons fo r this lies in the fa c t th at B lack , b y a tim ely P - K B 3 o r P - K B 4 , attain s easy e q u a lity in the p rin cip al v a ria tio n s a n d in a d d id o n he simplifies the position to a m a rk e d d egree . H e n ce the V ie n n a G am e has been em p lo yed bu t r a r e ly in recent tim es an d then o n ly w ith the m ain aim o f p o sin g the opp o n en t som e unexpected problem s. I t is w ith this la st aim th at W h ite p ro b a b ly plays it in the present gam e. 2

. . .

K t-K B 3

3 4 5

P -B 4 PxK P K t-B 3

P - Q .4 K tx P B -K 2

T h is q u iet developm ent, w h ich prep ares

0-0

fo llo w e d b y

P - K B 3 , is h eld n ow adays to be B la c k ’s sim plest rep ly. 6

P -Q .4

0-0

H e re the p ara d o x ical m o ve 6 . . . B - Q K t 5 so as to m eet

7

Q t Q.3) w ith 7 . . . P - Q B 4 , leads to interesting c o m p lica tio n s. H e n ce W h ite should p la y sim p ly 7 B - Q 2 , an d i f then 7 . . . P - Q B 4 ; 8 P - Q R 3 with a go o d gam e. 7

B - Q .3

P -K B 4

W ith this B la ck has carrie d out his o pen in g id e a a n d n o w he has a th o ro u gh ly satisfactory position. W h ite is p r a c tic a lly forced to e xch an ge paw ns on K B 6 since otherw ise th e B la c k K n ig h t w o u ld be too strong on K 5 . B u t after the c a p tu re on K B 6 th e position simplifies o u t an d soon takes o n a d ra w ish ap p ea ra n ce. 8

P x P e.p.

BxP

262

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

W e re B la ck here forced to recapture w ith the K n ig h t then W h ite w o u ld indeed stan d rather better after 9 - , o w in g

0 0

to his su perior develop m en t. But the cap tu re b y 8 . . . B x P ! is d istin ctly better an d is facilitated b y the fact th at W h ite can n o t cap tu re tw ice on K 4 ow in g to the ensuing pin. 9 Io

0 -0

K t-B 3

K tx K t

A fte r this cap tu re the position becom es even m ore sim plified a n d the d r a w is alm ost ta n gib ly im m in en t. B u t W h ite has no reason for av o id in g com plete equality, since, for exam p le, after 10 K t - K .2 , B la ck can attain an excellent position b y 10 . . . K t - K t 5 ; x i B - Q K t 5 , B - Q a ; 12 B x B , Q x B . io II 12

. . . BxP K t-K t5

PxK t K tx P B -B 4 !

W ith this strong m o ve, w h ich w as first used in the g am e S p ie lm a n n -R e ti, V ie n n a 1 9 2 2 , Black th w arts all en em y attem pts at a tta ck a n d forces com p lete equality. I n the g am e m entioned ab o v e W h ite w a s soon con vin ced th at he no lo n ger h ad a n y prospects o f o b tain in g a n ad van tage a n d hen ce he forced an e q u a l en d ga m e b y 1 3 P - B 3 , B x K t ; 1 4 B x K B , Q x B ; 1 5 Q x K t , B x B ; 1 6 Q x B , etc. K on stan tin o po lsky is ap p are n tly o f the o pin ion th at the position still allows o f som e attem pts to procu re an a d v a n ta g e , b u t in the end he has, h o w eve r, to p a y d ear for his experim ents. 13

BxB

14

K t-K 6 ?

K tx B

C u rio u sly en ough this incursion w ith the K n ig h t turns out to be a decisive m istake after w hich it is in d eed difficult to find a satisfactory continuation for W h ite. T o o g re at strictures should not, h o w ever, be passed o n W h ite since in su ch a q u iet position B la c k ’s su rprising 15 t h m o ve w as most difficult to foresee. W h ite cou ld still h ave ensured h im self an equ al gam e b y the Q u e e n exch a n g e , 1 4 Q x Q t o w hich B la c k w o u ld re p ly 1 4 . . . Q R x Q ; 1 5 K t - K 6 , B - Q s c h ; 16 K tx B , K tx K t; 1 7 B -K t 5 , R x R c h ; 1 8 R x R , R - Q 4 ; leading to an ap p ro x im ately equ al en d gam e. 14

. . .

15 RxQ

Q xQ K R -K i

M IDDLE

YE AR S

OF

PA U L

KERBS

263

A t first g la n ce this m ove seems q uite p a ra d o x ic a l, o r e ven senseless, since n o w W h ite not o n ly loses his p a w n on Q B 2 b u t even allo w s his tw o Rooks to be forked. W h e n , h o w ev e r, one looks m o re d e ep ly into the position then the secret o f B la c k ’s p la n is revealed . A fter 16 K t x B P , Q R - Q i B la c k in th e first p la ce saves the exch an ge an d in the second o b tain s, b y m ean s o f his fine d evelopm ent, a v e r y strong positional in itiative th at leads a t the v e r y least to the reco very o f the p a w n sacrificed . F u rth erm o re, the W h ite p aw n s on the Q u e e n ’s w in g are w eak en ed , since after the loss o f the Q K t P th e others are isolated a n d constitute a v a lid object o f atta ck for B la c k . I n th e sequel W h ite is forced to bu sy him self w ith th e com p letio n o f his Q u een -sid e developm ent an d thus does n o t attain in tim e th e requisite cou n ter-p lay. H en ce he m ust a llo w h im se lf to be led into a difficult endgam e. N a tu r a lly , the simple 1 5 . . . R - B 2 w as also possible. B u t in re p ly to this W h ite could com plete his d evelo p m en t b y 1 6 B - B 4 , an d it is ju s t this that B lack seeks to prevent. B lack (K eres)

W h ite (K onstantinopolsky) to p la y 16 17

K tx B P B~B4

Q R -Q i

N e ith er 1 7 K t x R , R x R c h ; 1 8 K - B 2 , B - K t 4 ; n o r 1 7 K t - Q 5 , B - Q 5 c h w ill do , whilst 1 7 R x R , R x R ; 1 8 B - B 4 , B x P w o u ld n o t b rin g a b o u t a n y substantial alteration in the position. 17

• • •

R -K 7

17 . . . R x R c h ; 1 8 R x R , R —K 7 w o u ld also le ad to the position in the g am e.

264

GRANDMASTER

18

R xR ch

19

R -Q t

OF

CHESS

BxR

A f t e r 1 9 K t-Q _ 5 B lack does not p la y at once 1 9 . . . R x P on a c c o u n t o f 20 R - Q B i !, b u t he first p lays 1 9 . . . P - K K t 4 .! . A n o th e r g o o d continuation too w as 19 . . . K t - R .5 w ith w h ich B lack w ould re g a in his p a w n an d h ave the m ore activ e piece position. 19

. . .

B -B 3

N a tu r a lly not 19 . . . B x K t ; 2 0 B x B , R x P ; 2 1 B --K 5 , w h en W h ite certa in ly has not the worse gam e. 20

R - Q .2

R -K 5

N o w the w a y b ack to Q B i for the W h ite B ish o p is cu t o ff a n d W h ite loses his Q K t P , an d w ith this B lack attains his o b je ctive . T h e realisation o f the positional a d v a n ta g e thus a c q u ire d affords B lack surprisingly few techn ical problem s in the ensuing phase o f the gam e. 21

K t-Q .5

22

R -Q .3

BxP

N o t o n ly p rep a rin g for co u n ter-p lay b y 2 3 R - Q K t 3 , but also p ro tectin g h im self against the th reat o f 2 2 . . . B - B 8 . B u t B la c k gains further g ro u n d by attack in g the Q R P . 22

. . .

23

P -K t4

R -R 5 !

B la c k ’s K n ig h t is too strong on K B 4 an d m ust be d riven a w a y , b u t this is done a t the cost o f n e w w eaknesses on the K in g ’ s w in g . In a d e q u a te , how ever, w a s the cou n ter-attack b y 2 3 R ~ Q K t 3 , R x P ; 2 4 R x P , since afte r 2 4 . . . B - Q ^ c h ; 2 5 K » B i , R x P B lack, in addition to a solid p a w n m ore, retains a n en d u rin g attack. 23

. . .

K t-Q 5

24

R -K 3

K t~ B 3!

T h e 7 th ran k m ust be m ade safe again st possible attack b y the en em y R o o k . T h u s , for exam p le, after 2 4 . . . R x P ; 2 5 R - K 8 c h , K - B 2 ; 2 6 R - K y c h , W h ite obtain s e n o u gh counter­ p la y to save the g am e. N o w the nu m erou s threats, such as, for exa m p le, 2 5 . . . B - Q 5 , 2 5 . . . R x P o r 2 5 . . . P - K K t 4 ( 2 6 B x P , B ~ B 8 ) leave W h ite little cho ice. 25 26

R -Q K t3 K -K t2

B - Q .5 c h

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

265

A little better here w as 2 6 B - K 3 , so as to g et h is p ieces in to a c tiv e positions after 26 . . . R x P ; 2 7 R x P , R x P ; 2 8 R - Q B 7 ! . W ith this W h ite w o u ld h ave h a d g o o d prospects o f h o ld in g the position. B la c k w o u ld therefore sim p ly re p ly to 2 6 B - K 3 , w ith 2 6 . . . P - Q K t 3 . A fte r 2 7 B x B , R x B ; ( 2 7 . . . K t x B ; 2 8 R - K t 4 ! ) 2 8 K t - K 3 , R - R 5 ! w ould le ave B la c k w ith the m a rk e d ly better e n d ga m e. A lso 2 6 . . . K t - R 4 ; 2 7 R - Q . 3 , B -K 4. w o u ld h av e been a go o d continuation a n d w o u ld h av e ensured B la c k the u p p e r h an d . A fte r the text-m o ve B la c k ’s task is lighter since n o w W h ite loses a p a w n a t once. 26

. . .

P -Q K t3

27

P -Q R 3

B -B 4 !

N o w W h ite m ust surrender either the Q R P o r else the K K t P , an d w ith this the gam e is p ra c tic a lly o ver. 28

B -B i

R xPch

29

R -K t3

R xR ch

W ith b o th p layers pressed for tim e B lack chooses the sim plest con tin u atio n . T h e rest is easily understood. 30 31

PxR P -B 4

K .t-Q .5

L o s in g y e t an o ther p aw n , b u t the co n tin u atio n 3 1

P -B 3,

K t - K t 6 ; 3 2 B - K t 2 , K - B 2 follow ed b y the a d v a n c e o f the B la c k K in g w a s e q u a lly hopeless for W h ite .

31 . . . 32 B - B 4 33 P - R 4 34 B - K t 8 35 B - B 7 36

K -B 3

37

K t-B s B~Q 8

38

39 40

B -K t5 B -B i

4i 42

K t-K t5 P -K t4

K t-K t6 K t-R 4 K tx P P -Q .R 4 K -B 2 K -K 3

.3

B -Q k - q 2 k - b 3 B -K 4 K -B 4

A n d W h ite resigned w ithou t w a itin g for the r e p ly 4 2 . . . K -K t5 .

*

TO URNAM ENTS

I

n

2

*

OF TH E W AR

YEAR S,

19 4 2 -4 4

spite o f the lim itations enforced b y the W a r international

chess life w e n t on in this period too. A lth o u g h , o f course, m a rk e d ly few er events than usual took p lace, still some

in tern atio n al to urnam ents were held in vario u s countries. M y chess a c tiv ity in this period com m en ced w ith a p articipatio n in the E sto n ian C h am p io n sh ip at T a llin n in 1 9 4 2 w here I su cceed ed in w in n in g all 1 5 gam es.

T h e n there follow ed the

in tern atio n al to u rn a m en t at S a lz b u r g in w h ich , loo, the W o rld C h a m p io n , A lek h in e , took p art. I lost bo th the gam es w e p la y e d again st e ach other and in the second o f these used an interesting in n o vatio n in the K in g ’s G a m b it, w itho u t, h ow ever, h a v in g th o ro u gh ly p rep ared it beforehand . I o b tain ed second p la ce after A lek h in e.

In the tournam ent

In the au tu m n o f this year I p lay e d in the tournam ent at M u n ic h w h ere I once again ended u p second to A lek hin e an d also a g a in lost m y in d ivid u al g am e w ith h im . I t w as obvious th a t the difficult w a r years had a b a d effect on m y p la y . T h e g a m es I p la y e d la ck ed both ideas a n d freshness w hilst several gross in accu ra cies cro p p ed up on the tech n ical side. N o r d id the b egin n in g o f the y e a r 1 9 4 3 h old out prom ise o f a n y th in g better. In the C h am p io n sh ip o f E sto n ia I m an aged to o cc u p y first p la ce o n ly after great efforts. I lost one gam e and m a d e fou r d ra w s a n d , in addition, in som e others I got into positions w ith genuine losing chan ces. T h e ensuing tournam ent in P ra g u e also h ad a far from satisfactory course. I t is true th a t I p la y e d m u c h b etter than in the p reviou s tournam ents, b u t I w a s still u n ab le to produce a n y signs o f re a lly satisfactory p la y . A lek h in e p ro ve d to be in g re a t form since he finished u p in the to u rn a m en t w ith 1 7 points o u t o f 1 9 gam es an d passed m e b y no less th an 2 J points. I d id in deed w in the sm all event

266

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERBS

26 7

a t P o zn a n fo llow in g on the P ra g u e to u rn am en t w ith a 10 0 p er cen t score, b u t there w as no real opposition there. O n ly b y the m iddle o f 1 9 4 3 h a d I m o re o r less re g a in e d m y sureness o f p la y a n d perform ed in tw o tournam ents r e a lly go o d ach ievem en ts. I t w as in S a lz b u r g th at I p lay e d som e o f m y best ga m es fro m this period. A s exam p les I h a v e g iv e n tw o gam es in this book, against B o g o lju b o ff (N o . 3 7 ) a n d F o lty s (N o . 3 8 ) , w h ere I succeeded in b reak in g d o w n en em y resistan ce as e a rly as sh o rtly after the o p en in g stages. T h is tim e there w e re tw o d ra w s against A lek h in e, bo th after a h a rd stru ggle. I n the en d I sh ared first an d second places w ith h im , w ith a m a rg in o f a full three points o v er the th ird p laced p la y e r. W ith o n ly ten gam es p la y e d this represented a really solid a d v a n t a g e ! I p la y e d re a lly good chess, too, a t the end o f the y e a r in the in tern atio n al tournam ent a t M a d r id w h ere I w o n first p rize w ith 1 2 w in s a n d only 2 d raw s. I n ad d itio n , I tw ice visited F in la n d , in the years 19 4 3 an d 1 9 4 4 , p la y e d a n u m b e r o f in d iv id u a l gam es an d gave a series o f sim ultaneous d isp la ys. A fte r the Fin n ish trip in 1 9 4 4 I travelled to S to ck h o lm a t the in vita tio n o f the present F .I .D .E . P resident, Fo lke R o g a r d . I p la y e d hors concours in the S w ed ish C h am p io n sh ip a t L id ko p in g, b u t, h ow ever, lost as m a n y as 2 gam es o u t o f th e 7 p la y e d , a n d in the end had to con ten t m y self w ith secon d p lace . I n the en su in g m a tch against E k stro m , h ow ever, I o n ce a g a in p la y e d d istin ctly better and, after the first tw o d ra w s, I w o n the n ext fo u r gam es and thus w o n the even t b y the score o f 5 - 1 . M y ach ievem en ts in the w a r years can n o t be r e g a rd e d as satisfacto ry either from the sp o rtin g o r fro m the artistic p o in t o f v ie w . T h e s e tournam ents, h o w eve r, served the p u rp o se o f keepin g m y fo rm , to some extent at a n y rate, u p to a g o o d level a n d p rev e n te d m e from quite fo rgettin g h o w to p la y chess.

Gam e 3 7

S IC IL IA N

D EFEN CE

International Tournament at Salzburg, 1 9 4 3

P . K eres 1 P -K 4 2

K t-K .2

E . D . B o g o lju b o ff

P-QB4

a68

I

G R A N D M AS TE R

OF

CHESS

h ave e m p lo yed this peculiar m o ve in several to u rn am en t

gam es w ith

very

go od

success.

T h is

d evelo p m en t o f the

K n ig h t is not in ten d ed to inau gu rate a n ew system o f d evelo p ­ m en t, b u t sets itself m u ch more m odest aim s. W h ite intends, after 2 . . . P - Q .3 , to p la y the close system 3 P - K K t 3 , w h ich w o u ld h a rd ly be in p lace at once because o f 2 . . . P - Q 4 . A fte r 2 . . . P -Q _ 3 B lack can, h ow ever, c a r r y o u t this ad v a n c e o n ly after the loss o f tem po in vo lved in P - Q 3 - Q 4 . B u t i f B la c k chooses the usual developm ent 2 . . . P - Q 3 ; 3 P - K K t 3 , K t - K B 3 then W h ite need not p la y the m o ve K t - Q B 3 an d instead p lays 4 B - K t 2 , so as to continue, in certain c ircu m ­ stances, w ith P - B 3 a n d P -Q .4 . In cid e n ta lly , this id ea w as also em p lo yed b y C a p a b la n c a in some o f his gam es. A l l the sam e, the text-m ove has little intrinsic im p o rtan ce, since u su ally the g a m e soon transposes into n o rm a l paths. 2

. . .

P -K 3

Sim p le r here is 2 . . . K t - K B 3 o r 2 . . . K t - Q B 3 , to w h ich W h ite replies 3 Q K t - B 3 , and later transposes to the usual v a riatio n b y P - Q 4 . W ith the text-m ove B o g o lju b o ff is a im in g a t a S ch e ven in g en variation . 3 4

P - Q .4 K tx P

PxP K t-K B 3

T h e p resen t-d a y fashionable 4 . . . P - Q R 3 w as not then, o f course, p ractised.

5 6

K t-Q B 3 P -K K t4 !

P-Q .3

T h is interesting id ea cam e into m y m ind d u rin g the course o f the gam e. In this position the con tin u atio n 6 P - K K t 3 , follow ed b y B - K t 2 w as often em p lo yed a n d a n atta ck on the K in g ’s w in g w a s begu n only later b y P - K B 4 an d P - K K t 4 * T h e th ou ght cam e into m y h ead , h o w eve r, w h y not save a tem po a n d begin im m ediately w ith P - K K t 4 ? I n o rd er to ap p raise the w orth o f 6 P - K K t 4 w e m ust first o f all consider the possible replies 6 . . . P - K 4 , 6 . . . P - Q .4 , an d 6 . . . P - K R 4 . Sin ce 6 . . . P - K R 4 is useless because o f 7 P ~ K t 5 , an d also 6 . . . P - Q 4 ; 7 P x P , K t x Q P ; 8 B - K t 5 c h , B - Q 2 ; 9 K t x K t , P x K t ; 10 Q -K .2 c h , w o u ld leave W h ite w ith a m ost agreeab le position, then o n ly -6 . . . P - K 4 com es into serious consideration.

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

269

I c a m e to the conclusion th at this ad v a n c e seem ed h ig h ly du biou s for B la c k w ithout a most e x a c t p re p a r a to r y an alysis, since after 7 B - K t 5 c h , B - Q a W h ite gains the stro n g sq u a re K B 5 fo r his K n ig h t. In fact the position is c ritica l fo r B la c k after 8 B x B c h , Q x B ; 9 K t - B 5 . A fte r 9 . . . P - K R 4 W h ite need

n ot con tin u e w ith

10

P -K t5,

K tx P ;

11

K tx K tP ch ,

B x K t ; 1 2 K t x K t , P - Q 4 w ith a d o u ble-ed ged g a m e ( O ’ K e l l y C h risto ffel, G ro n in gen , 19 4 6 ) b u t he has at his d isposal a m u c h m o re e n d u rin g continuation in 10 B - K t 5 l . A f t e r 1 0 . . . K t x K t P ; 1 1 P - K R 3 , W h ite then w ins at least his p a w n b a c k w ith a n excellen t position. B lack (B o golju bo ff) to p la y

W h ite (K eres) 6

. . .

K t-B 3

B o g o lju b o ff w a n ts to avoid all these u n clear possibilities a n d decides u p o n a qu iet developing con tin uation . S u c h tactics are, h o w eve r, n ot w ithout certain d an gers, as the g a m e c o n ­ tin u ation shows. M o re prudent, at all events, w a s 6 . . . P - K R 3 w h ic h does a t least safeguard the position o f the K n ig h t o n K B 3 . 7

P -K t5

K tx K t?

T h is e x ch a n g e w h ich m erely facilitates en em y d e ve lo p m e n t ca n n o t o f course be satisfactory an d it soon gets B la c k in to difficulties. H e re 7 . . . K t - Q g should h a v e been p la y e d , alth o u gh then 8 K t ( Q 4 ) - K t 5 cou ld pose B lack se v eral dis­ ag reeab le p roblem s. A fter 8 . . . K t ( Q g ) - K 4 ; 9 P - B 4 , o r 8 . . . K t - B 4 ; 9 B - K B 4 , K t - K 4 ; 10 P - K t 4 , o r fin ally 8 . . . K t - K t 3 ; 9 B - K B 4 , K t - K 4 ; (9 . . . P - K 4 ; 10 B - K 3 ) 10 P - Q R 4 , P - Q R 3 ;

2-JO

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

1 1 K t - R .3 , positions arise th at are h a rd ly acc e p ta b le for B lack w ith o u t m u ch further consideration. B u t u n fo rtu n ately p ra c tic a l d a ta is la ck in g in each case. 8

Q xK t

9

B -K 3

K t -Q .2

T h is m o ve is d irected against 9 . . . Q - K t 3 after w h ich there w o u ld n o w follow sim ply 10 QxQ _ (10 . . . K t x Q ; 1 1 K t - K t 5 ) .

0 0-0 is p rep ared 0 0-0 is set up.

A t the sam e tim e K t -K t 5 , K t - K 4 ; 11 -

9 10

• • • B -K 2

an d the th reat o f 10

P -Q R

3

U s u a lly the Bishop is developed on K t 2 in this v ariatio n bu t h ere W h ite has other plans. Sin ce B lack can n o t a rriv e at the d evelo p m en t o f his K in g ’s w in g all th at q u ick ly on acco u n t o f th e d o m in atin g position o f the Q u een on Q 4 , W h ite m ust d evo te his attention to the Q ueen-side an d th a t m ore p articu ­ la r ly to the a d va n ce P - Q K t 4 . In o rd er to be ab le to m eet this as p o w erfu lly as possible w ith P - Q R 4 W h ite leaves his Bishop o n the d iago n al K B 1 - Q R 6 and for the sam e reason he refrains fro m an e a rly 0 - 0 - 0 . 10 11

. . . P -B 4

Q ,-B 2 P -Q K t-3

A s a lrea d y m entioned, 1 1 . . . P - Q K t 4 does not seem re ally go o d on acco u n t o f 1 2 P - Q R 4 , and another m eth o d o f d evelo p ­ in g his pieces is not so easily discernible for B lack .

W ith the

text-m o ve B la ck plans to p lay 1 2 . . . B - K t 2 follow ed b y an e ven tu a l - - , bu t w ith his next m o ve W h ite opposes this p la n too.

0 0 0 12

P -B 5!

K t-K 4

W h ite w a s th reatening 1 3 P x P , P x P ;

1 4 B - R j c h , w h en

B la c k m ust ab an d o n the right to castle. B la c k has n o w , it is tru e, a n id eal post for his K n ig h t on the cen tre, b u t a t the sam e tim e W h ite has assured him self a n u m b er o f d istin ct ad v an tag e s. H e is better d eveloped, exerts a lastin g pressure o n the w e ak points Q K t 6 , Q 6 a n d K 6 , and soon is in con tro l as w e ll o f the o p en K B file. In p articu lar, the defence o f Q K tfi w ill cause B la c k m u ch trouble. t

MIDDLE

13

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PxP

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271

PxP

A fte r 1 3 . . . B x P ; am ongst other lines, 1 4 Q .-R 4 C I1, R - Q 2 ; 1 5 K t - Q _ 5 ! w o u ld be v e ry a w k w a rd for B lack. N o w , h o w e v e r, B la ck w ill h a v e further troubles w ith his Q K t p a w n . 14

P -Q R 4

F ix in g the weakness on Q K t 6 an d n o w ac tu a lly th reaten in g 1 5 Q x K t P , w h ich , p layed at on ce, w o u ld lead to n o th in g after 1 4 . . . Q x Q ,; 1 5 B xQ ., R - Q K t i follow ed b y 16 . . . R x P . 14 15 16

. . . F -R 4

B -K .2 0 .- 6 4

Q x K t P w a s once again threatened an d 1 5 . . . B - Q i fails

again st 1 6 O - O - O . But i f B lack p lay s 1 5 . . . R - Q K t i , then there com es 1 6 R - K B i an d the B la c k K in g w o u ld b e fo rced to rem a in in the centre, casd in g on either side b e in g p reve n te d . T h e te x t-m o ve , how ever, provides o n ly a te m p o rary re lie f for B lack. 16

Q .-Q 2

Q .-B 2

H e re 1 6 . . . Q _ -K t5 only a p p e a re d to be m ore ac tiv e . W h ite m ust not in d eed reply 1 7 R - Q R 3 , because o f 1 7 . . . K t - B j !

04

0 0

( 1 8 Q ,?> K t x R ! ) , bu t after 1 7 !, B la c k ’s situ atio n becom es c ritica l. T h e n 1 7 . . . K t - B 5 fails because o f 1 8 Q .-Q .4 , a n d after 1 7 . . . B - K t 2 ; 1 8 R - Q R 3 ! is v e ry strong.

17 R-KBi Before W h ite proceeds w ith the decisive attack he p reven ts - , th e re b y keeping the en em y K in g fast in the cen tre.

0 0

A fte r 1 8 . . .

17

. . .

B -K t2

18

B -O 4 !

R -K B i

0 - 0-0 W h ite w ins a p a w n

b y 19 Q .- K 3 , B la c k

seeks to ligh ten his heavy7 task b u t in so d o ing his K i n g ’s w in g is further w eak en ed . 19

•

0- 0-0

R xR

A little b etter w a s an im m ed iate 1 9 . . . B ~ O i sin ce n o w a cata stro p h e befalls him on the K B file. 20 20

R xR

B -O t

. . . 0 - 0 - 0 still will n ot do becau se o f 2 1 Q .- K 3 , a n d after

20 . . . K t - B 5 ; 2 1

Q -B 4 ,

0 - 0- 0 ;

2 2 Q _-K t4 w in s easily

GRANDMASTER

272

en ou gh .

OF

CHESS

W ith the text-m o ve B lack p rep ares to defend his

K in g -sid e b y 2 1

. . . Q -K 2 .

21

Q -B 4

K t-K t3

A fte r 2 1 . . . Q - K 2 W h ite need n ot co n ten t h im self w ith the m ere w in o f a p a w n b y 2 2 B x K t, P x B ; 2 3 Q x P , b u t he ca n continue his a tta ck en ergetically b y 2 2 K t - K t j ! , P x K t ; 2 3 B x K t . T h e te xt-m o ve, how ever, loses a v a lu a b le p aw n . 22

Q _ -K t4 !

W e a k e r w a s 2 2 B - R 5 because o f 2 2 . . . Q - K 2 . N o w B lack n o lo n ger has a n y d efence against the d o u b le th reat o f 2 3 Q x P c h , an d 2 3 Q - R 5 . 22

. . .

Q -K 2

A prettier finish to the gam e w o u ld be 2 2 . . . K - Q 2 ; 2 3 K t - Q s , Q - B 3 ; 2 4 Q x P c h !, K x Q ; 2 5 B - K t 4 m a te !

23 Q-Rfi! N o w the K R P falls a n d w ith this the g am e is d ecided. W ith the ensuing d esp airin g defence B lack c an n a tu ra lly no longer hope for a n y success. 23 . . . 24 B -K 3 25 Q xP

P -K 4 B -B 2 K t-B s

A lso 2 5 . . . K t - B i ; 2 6 B -R 5 C I1 etc. is no better.

B la c k ’s

plight is hopeless. 26

BxK t

PxB

27 28

B -R 5 C I 1 B -K t4 c h

K -Q 2 K -B 3

I f the K in g returns to the back ran k then W h ite wins sim ply b y 29 R x P . 29

Q -B 5

P -K t4

3°

Q -Q -fic h

31

Q - Q ch K t-Q _ 5

32

4

K -K t3 K -B 3 resigns

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KERBS

273

G a m 38

S IC IL IA N

D EFEN CE

International Tournament at Sa lzb u rg , 1 9 4 3

P . K eres

J . Fo lty s

1

P -K 4

P -O B 4

2

K t - K .2

A s a lre a d y m entioned in the notes to the p revio u s g am e, this m o v e u su ally possesses n o in d iv id u a l im p o rtan ce, b u t leads to kn o w n variation s. I n the present g am e, h o w eve r, F o lty s chooses a p la n w hich con cen trates o n the c a rry in g o u t o f P -Q _ 4 a n d w ith this the w h o le system acq u ires q u ite an o th er look. 2 3

. . . Q K t-B 3

K t-K B 3 K t-B 3

S e v e ra l gam es h ave d em onstrated th at an im m ed iate a d v a n c e o f 3 . . . P - Q .4 is not w h o lly w ith o u t objections h ere. W h ite continues sim p ly w ith 4 P x P , K t x P ; 5 K t x K t , Q x K t ; 6 P - Q .4 , an d i f 6 . . . P x P ; then 7 Q x P ! , en surin g W h ite a sm all b u t lasting a d v a n ta g e . A s regard s the en ergetic thrust 6 . . . P - K .4 it m ust b e observed that too little p ra c tic a l d a ta exists to en able one to o ffer a n opinion on e w a y o r the other. 4

P -K K t3

T h e close system is b o u n d u p here w ith a certain risk since in the sequel B lack can la u n ch a re a lly fo rm id ab le atta ck again st the K B 3 square. S im p le r, a t all events, w a s 4 P - Q 4 , transposing to the norm al variatio n . 4

. . .

P -Q 4

T h is en ergetic thrust is stro n ger th an the usu al 4 P -K K t3. 5

PxP

. . .

K tx P

A m u c h b ig g e r head ache w o u ld h a v e been inflicted o n W h ite b y the p a w n sacrifice 5 . . . K t - Q s , an d after its a c c e p ta n ce b y 6 K t x K t , P x K t ; 7 K t - K t 5 , a v e r y obscu re an d c o m p lica te d position w o u ld arise. B lack should, h o w e v e r, o b tain a re a lly d an gero u s in itiative by 7 . . . P - K 4 .

O n the o th er h an d , i f

274

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W h ite p la y s 6 B - K t 2 , then 6 . . . B - K t 5 ; 7 O - O , K t x P gives B la ck a go od g am e. A fte r the text-m o ve W h ite gets an excellen t g am e w ith the better develo p m en t. 6

B -K ta

K tx K t

B la ck w ished to p la y P - K 3 a little la te r on but it w o u ld h a v e been better to h a v e done it at once.

T h e exch an ge on

Q B 3 enlarges the scope o f the Bishop on K t 2 and opens up th e Q K t file for the R o o k . 7

K tP x K t!

T h is w a y o f re ca p tu rin g is certain ly stron ger than 7 K t x K t , w h ich w o u ld g iv e the im p o rtan t squ are Q 4 to the ad versary. T h e pressure o n Q K 4 7 is n o w v e ry d isagreeable for B lack.

7

• • •

P -K 3

S in ce W h ite w ill soon develop his Bishop on the d iago n al Q R 1 - K R 8 , 7 . . . P - K K t 3 follow ed b y B - K t 2 cam e into consideration here a n d this w ould h av e been m ore in keeping w ith the n a tu re o f the position. 8 9 10 f

0 -0 R -K ti

B -K 2

0-0

P -Q B 4 !

T h is a d v a n c e is positionally m ore lo gical than 10 P - Q 4 , w h ich w o u ld w eak en the Q B 4 square an d leave B lack w ith a go o d g a m e after 10 . . . K t - R 4 . A t the sam e time a fine d ia g o n a l is open ed u p fo r the Q u een ’s B ishop b y the text-m ove. O n the oth er h a n d , h o w ever, the sq u are on Q 4 is left free for B la c k ’s o ccu p atio n a n d this m ay enable h im to obtain cou n ter­ p la y in the centre. 10 . . .

Q .-Q 2

B lack wishes to con tin u e w ith 1 1

. . . P - Q K t 3 an d then

1 2 . . . B - K t 2 b u t for this purpose the Q u e e n is un fortun ately p la ce d on Q 2 . B etter, therefore, w as 10 . . . Q - B 2 follow ed by 11 . . . position.

P - Q K t 3 and 1 2 . . . 11

B -K t2

B - K t 2 w ith a satisfactory P -Q K t3 ?

T h is n a tu ra l looking m o ve is, su rprisin gly enough, a mistake th at gets B la ck into g re ^ t difficulties. A n e ss e n tia l prep aratio n

MIDDLE

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for this m o ve w a s 1 1 . . . R - Q i re p ly in g 1 2 K t-B ,}.!.

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275

to w h ic h W h ite in ten d ed

I f then 1 2 . . . Q x P ; 1 3 K t - Q . 5 ! gives

W h ite the ad va n ta g e , e .g .: 1 3 . . . Q x Q ; 1 4 K t x B c h , K t x K t ; 1 5 K R x Q , R - K i ; 16 B - Q R 3 , w h en W h ite w in s b a c k his p a w n w ith the clearly better position.

S o then B la c k m ust

p la y 1 2 . . . K t - Q ,5 , b u t after 1 3 R - K i , he w o u ld still be confronted w ith the problem o f d evelo p in g his Q u e e n ’s w in g . Possible also o f course w as an im m ed iate 1 1 . . . K t - Q 5 , w h ich , h o w ever, after 1 2 K t - B 4 , leads to a sim ilar position to th at m entioned above. B lack (Foltys)

m m mas mam m i

t

iiitiig W h ite (K eres) to p la y 12

P -Q .4

T h e ta ctica l justification for this thrust lies in the fa c t th at after 1 2 . . . P x P ; 1 3 K tx P , B - K t 2 ; 1 4 K t x K t , B x K t ; 1 5 Q x Q , B la ck w o u ld lose the exch an ge. B lack is n o w set som e v e r y difficult problem s. 12

. . .

B -K t2

B lack hopes to em erge in to safety a t the cost o f a p a w n : 1 3 P x P , R - Q i ! (but not 1 3 . . . Q x Q ; 1 4 K R x Q , B x P ; 1 5 R - Q 7 » etc.) 1 4 P x P , P x P a n d the w eakness on W h it e ’s Q u e e n ’s w in g gives his opponent go o d co u n te r-p lay . B u t W h ite has a m u ch m ore en d u rin g continuation a t his disposal. 13

P -Q 5!

K t-R 4

B lack m ust keep his Bishop o n K t 2 p ro tected on a c c o u n t o f the possibility o f P - Q 6 , w h ilst after the exch an g e 1 3 . . . P x P ; 1 4 P x P , W h ite w ould o bviou sly stan d better. W ith th e te xt-

GRANDMASTER

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OF

CHESS

m o ve B la c k hopes to o b tain equal chances th ro u gh the cou n ter­ atta ck o n Q B 5 . 14

K t-B 4

K tx P

I t w a s o n this cap tu re th at Black h a d p laced all his hopes. B u t b y this tim e he h ad nothing better, since 1 4 . . . P x P ; 1 5 P x P , w o u ld be c le a rly ad vantageous for W h ite an d other­ w ise 1 5 Q - K t 4 w a s threatened. C o m p a ra tiv e ly best w as p ro b a b ly 1 4 . . . P - K 4 ; 1 5 B xP , K t x P etc. 15

BxP!

B y m eans o f this tem p o rary piece sacrifice W h ite destroys the en em y K i n g ’s position and obtains a decisive attack . B lack has n o w litd e choice, 15 16

. . . Q .-K t 4 c h

K xB K -R i

E q u a lly u n a v a ilin g w a s 1 6 . . . K - R 3 ; 1 7 P x P , Q - B 2 (or 1 7 . . . P x P ; 1 8 B xB , Q x B ; 19 Q x P c h , follow ed b y 20 Q x K t , e tc .), 1 8 Q - R 3 C I 1 !, K - K t 2 ; 19 K t - R s c h , K - R i ; (or 19 . . . K - R 3 ; 2 0 K t - B 6 dis ch , K - K t 2 ; 2 1 Q x P c h , K x K t ; 2 2 Q - R 6 c h , etc.) 20 B x B , Q x B ; 2 1

Q :-K t4 , follow ed b y 2 2 Q x K t , an d

W h ite w ins. 17

PxP!

B u t n ot im m ed ia tely 1 7 K t - R s , R - K K t i ; 18 Q x K t , w h ich w o u ld a llo w B la ck good p la y after 1 8 . . . P x P . 17

. . .

R -K K ti?

I n a d ifficu lt situation Black makes a mistake th at leads at once to a loss. H e no longer has, h o w eve r, a n y ad eq u ate defence. T h e m a in variatio n as p lan n ed b y W h ite runs as fo llow s: 1 7 . . . P x P ; 1 8 K tx P , R - K K t i ; 1 9 Q x K t , B - B 3 ; 2 0 Q R - Q i , w ith a h ea lth y p aw n m ore an d a m arked positional a d v a n ta g e for W h ite . 1 7 . . . P -B 4 fails again st 1 8 . . . K t - K t 6 c h a n d also the co n tin u atio n 17 . . . Q - B 2 ; 1 8 B x B , Q x B (or 1 8 . . . K t - K 4 ; 19 Q - R 5 , e tc .); 19 K t - R 5 , R - K K t i ; 20 Q x K t , does not a lte r the position to an y extent. 18

Q xR ch

A fte r 1 8 . . . K x Q ;

resigns

1 9 P x Q , B x B W h ite w ins b y either

2 0 K R - K i , o r else b y 20 K x B , K t - Q 7 ; 2 1 Q R - K i , K t x R ; 2 2 R x B , K - B i ; 2 3 R - K 2 , etc.

*

3 *

B E F O R E T H E W O R L D C H A M P IO N S H IP T O U R N A M E N T , 19 4 5-19 4 7 the tu rn o f the y e a r 1 9 4 4 - 4 5 the L a t v ia n ch ess-p layers d ecid ed to organize a B a ltic T o u rn a m e n t in R ig a . In this, how ever, o n ly chess-players fro m L a t v i a an d E sto n ia took p art. I ag a in p la y e d p retty w ell in this to u rn a­ m en t, w in n in g all m y gam es w ith the excep tio n o f on e d ra w . I n ad d itio n to this to u rn am en t I also p la y e d in som e c lu b m atches in R ig a and in the m a tch b etw een the cities o f T a llin n a n d R ig a . M y most im p o rta n t to u rn am en t in th e y e a r, h o w eve r, w a s a t T a llin n in the au tu m n , this b e in g th e c h a m ­ pionship o f Esto n ia in w h ich som e p layers fro m a b r o a d w ere p a rtic ip a tin g hors concours. T h e to u rn a m e n t h a d a most e xcitin g course an d was a p a rtic u la rly h a rd test fo r m e since I h ad been absent from serious to u rn am en t chess for q u ite a tim e. I h a d , how ever, in this to u rn am en t a n a d v a n ta g e th at should n ot be underestim ated, in th at I k n ew th e h om e p laye rs b etter an d so acquired m o re points again st th e m th an m y c h ie f rivals. B u t in a n y case all w e n t w ell fo r m e a n d I atta in e d first p la ce , con ced in g only four d raw s. R o u n d a b o u t this tim e I w a s v e r y bu sily engaged w ith chess m atters, less in serious to u rn a m en t gam es and m ore w ith lite ra ry a n d p ed a g o g ic w o rk , a circum stance th a t h a d a positive in flu en ce on m y o w n p la y . I n the follow ing spring I w e n t on a to u r in the fa r south to gether w ith M aster M ik e n as an d there w e took p a rt, hors con co u rs, in the G eorgian C h am p io n sh ip .

I w o n this to u rn a­

m en t w ith a fine total o f 1 7 w in s an d 2 d ra w s, b u t th e task o f a c h ie v in g this w as not so easy as it m igh t seem . T h u s , for exa m p le, I h a d to defend for a lo n g tim e a re a lly d ifficu lt en d in g in m y gam e against E b ra lid z e an d it w a s o n ly afte r som e

277

278

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

in a ccu ra cie s on m y o p p o n en t’s p art th at I m an ag ed to obtain the d r a w

th ro u gh som e variations resem bling a n en d gam e

stu d y. T h e other d r a w I m ad e against a you n gster o f 16 years o f a g e w hose n am e w a s— Petrosian! C u rio u sly en ou gh , the d ecisive g a m e o f this tournam ent w as alrea d y p lay e d b y R o u n d 3 w h e n I o btain ed a w in against M iken as. A fte r this, h o w ever, M ik e n a s w o n 1 4 gam es in succession! F r o m these tw o to u rn a­ m ents I give m y g a m e against T o lu sh in the T a llin n event (N o . 3 9 ) . In the y e a r

19 4 6 I m a d e m y first re ap p e aran ce on the

in te rn a tio n a l scene since the end o f the w a r. I n th e su m m er a m a tc h b y rad io took p lace between team s represen tin g the U . S . S . R . a n d G r e a t B rita in and I h a d to p la y tw o gam es ag a in st M a ste r K le in . T h e first g am e ended in a d r a w after a n interestin g course an d in the second I su cceeded in o b tain in g a positional a d v a n ta g e a n d then in w in n in g the e n d in g. A fte r this a team cam e to M o s c o w from the U . S . A . to p la y a m atch v . th e U . S . S . R . In this after a lo n g in te rv al I m e t m y old o p p o n en t, G ra n d m a ste r F in e . O f ou r gam es the first one w as th e m o re interesting. A fte r I had obtain ed a slight positional a d v a n ta g e I w a s ab le to w in m aterial b y a sm all b u t v e ry p le a sin g com bin atio n a n d then con verted this a d v a n ta g e to a w in (N o . 4 0 ). T h e other g am e resulted in an e a rly d ra w . T h e y e a r 1 9 4 7 b ro u g h t w ith it fresh chess a c tiv ity for m e a n d th e old question o f the w orld cham p io n ship w a s once a g a in raised. T h e w o rld cham pion, A lek h in e, h a d d ied the p revio u s y e a r a n d taken his tide w ith h im to the g r a v e .

The

chess w o rld w a s con fron ted w ith the p ro b lem as to h o w the qu estio n o f the n ew w o rld cham pionship w as to be settled. A fte r le n g th y discussion a n d m uch con troversy it w as e ve n tu a lly a g re e d th a t the n e w w o rld cham pion should em erge from a to u rn a m e n t w ith m a n y rounds in w h ich B otvin n ik, E u w e , F in e , R esh e v sk y , S m y s lo v a n d I should take p art.

E a c h p la y e r w as

to p la y 5 gam es again st each other an d the to u rn am en t w a s to be held in tw o cities, in the H ag u e an d in M o sco w . I t w as to b egin e a rly in the y e a r 19 4 8 . I w a s faced w ith th e prospect o f som e h a rd exhau stin g w o rk so as to p rep are for an im p o rta n t to u rn a m e n t o f fa r-re a ch in g consequences. B e a rin g in m in d th at I h ad not taken p a rt m u c h in b ig to u rn a m en ts in the yea rs p recedin g this even t I c a m e to the

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con clu sion th at the best w a y o f p rep arin g for m y p a rtic ip a tio n in it la y in p la y in g in as m a n y stron gly contested to u rn am en ts as possible. I began w ith the X V U . S . S . R . C h a m p io n sh ip w h ic h took p lace a t L e n in g ra d . T h is to u rn am en t w a s v e r y stro n g ly constituted and con tain ed, w ith th e e x ce p tio n o f B o tvin n ik , all the chess elite o f the So v ie t U n io n . F r o m the v e r y first ro u n d there began for m e a stiff stru ggle w ith S m y s lo v w h o m a d e an excellent start an d w as in the le ad a t th e en d o f th e nin th ro u n d w ith 7 points. I also co m m en ced th e to u rn a­ m e n t in v e r y good style a n d w o n m y first three g am es. T h e n , h o w e v e r, I lost to K la m a n an d , despite g re a t efforts, I w a s u n a b le to o verh au l Sm yslo v. U p to o u r decisive en co u n ter in the tenth ro u n d I was still h a lf a p oin t b e h in d h im . I n this d e cid in g g am e Sm yslov com m itted a h a rd ly p ercep tib le m istake in the open in g. H e lost a v a lu a b le tem po a n d I w a s ab le to utilize this facto r to gain a decisive attack in the cen tre. T h is v a lu a b le v ic to ry (N o . 4 1 ) p u t m e in first p la c e alone. T h e to u rn a m en t continued w ith its ups an d dow ns, b u t I su cceed ed in av o id in g a n y further losses an d held m y le a d in g position till the v e r y end. A n d so I w o n , for the first tim e, th e title o f ch a m p io n o f the Soviet U n io n . I p lay e d really go o d chess o n ce a g a in in this tournam ent and w o n several w e ll-p la y e d gam es. A fte r the U . S . S . R . C h am p io nsh ip I p la y e d in a m a tc h again st L a t v i a an d then I busied m y self w ith the o rgan isatio n o f a m a sters’ to u rn am en t at P arn u in w h ich the best p lay e rs o f the U . S . S . R . w ere due to com pete. I t exacted a g re a t d eal o f w o rk , b u t in the end the tournam ent a ctu a lly d id take p la c e a n d , in o rd e r to g ive them p ractice, tw o o f the hom e m asters, R a n d v iir a n d R e n te r, w ere allow ed to take p art. D espite the exh au stin g n a tu re o f the p la y , this to u rn am en t constituted a n ag reeab le re la x a tio n for the participan ts, thanks to th e p re v a ilin g sp len d id su m m er w eather. I p lay e d w ell in this to u rn am en t to o an d p ro d u ced some interesting gam es, a lth o u gh life in a s p a d id not e x a ctly provide the right atm osphere fo r to u rn a ­ m en t p la y . T h e rivalry for first p lace w en t on till the v e r y last ro u n d . O n ly then, w hen K o t o v failed to realise a m ark ed a d v a n ta g e again st Lilien th al, d id I succeed in p assin g h im b y h a l f a point. T h u s in the p eriod o f som e six m on ths I h a d a tta in e d a second fine result an d this allo w ed m e to en tertain

280

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hopes o f a go od result in the to u rn am en t for the W o rld C h a m p io n sh ip w h ich w a s due to start shortly.

1

A fte r the tournam ent a t Parnu w en t to L o n d o n as a m em b er o f a team representing the U .S .S .R . to p la y a m a tc h against G r e a t B ritain . I p la y e d against A le x a n d e r, w ith w h o m I had a lre a d y p la y e d a n u m b er o f gam es before the W a r .

W e alw ays

h ad liv e ly an d interesting encounters an d these tw o also w ere no excep tio n . A fte r a com plicated struggle rife in com bin atio n s I w a s ab le to obtain v icto ry in the one g am e, w h ilst the other en d ed in a d ra w . T o w a r d s the end o f the y e a r an in tern atio n al to u rn a m e n t in m e m o ry o f M . I. T sch igo rin was held in M o sco w . I started o ff the to u rn a m en t in excellent style and did in fact o b tain , i f one considers the m ere points, a really fine success, b u t som ehow o r o th er m y p la y w a s not quite con vin cin g. I t is q u ite certain th a t the o rganisation o f the tournam ent bore som e responsibility for this, since it w as not, unfortunately, o f the usu al h ig h q u a lity this tim e. W ith tw o rounds to go I seem ed to b e v e r y n ear u ltim ate v icto ry , b u t a t this point the to u rn am en t, to all intents a n d purposes, finished for me. M y p la y in th e last tw o gam es w a s to tally la ck in g in en ergy; I suffered defeats in both a n d in the end a ch ieved o n ly a sh arin g o f sixth a n d seventh p laces. T h is w a s o bviou sly a re ally bitter blow , o n ly a few m onths before the W o r ld C h am p io n sh ip to u rn am en t. I t w a s n ot the sixth a n d seventh p laces th at caused m e an x ie ty b u t the in ­ d ifferen t chess that I p la y e d in this to u rn am en t. M y gam es ag a in st B o n d arevsk y, Boleslavsky an d P later w e re “ ach ie ve ­ m e n ts ” th at I h ad n o w ish to repeat in the n e x t to u rn am en t. S o m e sm all consolation w a s the good en d in g ag a in st Sokolsky. I n this th eoretically d ra w n endgam e w ith R o o k a n d tw o p aw n s ag a in st R o o k I su cceeded in discovering a n o rig in a l w in n in g id e a a n d ^jbo in fo rcin g the w in after som e in a c cu ra cie s on the p a r t o f m y opponent. I assum ed th at m y failu re in this to u rn a m e n t w a s to be ascrib ed rath er to circum stances b eyo n d m y c o n tro l an d then p lu n g e d hop efu lly in to m y next task— p re p a ra tio n for the d ecisive struggle for the W o rld C h am p io n sh ip .

Q U E E N ’S P A W N , N I M Z O W I T S C H P la y e d in the E s to n ia n C h a m p io n sh ip ,

D EFEN CE

1945

A . T o lu sh 1 P - Q .4

P . K ere s K t-K B 3

2

P -Q B 4

P -K 3

3

K t-Q B 3

B -K t5

4 P-K3 I n the yea rs follow ing the w a r this qu iet m o ve has b ecom e the m ost freq u en tly used continuation in the N im z o -in d ia n a n d it has p u t e ve ry other line on one side, am o n gst th em too the once alm ost inevitable 4 Q - B 2 .

T h e m ain reason for the

g re a t p o p u la rity o f the text-m o ve resides in the fa c t th at it retain s the tension in the position for a lo n g tim e a n d does not a llo w B la ck to obtain the m ore o r less clear positions th at o cc u r after m ost o th er continuations.

4 . . • 5 K t-B s 6 B-Q3 7 0 -0 8 P-QR-3 A fte r

m any

y ea rs’ p ra c tic a l

P-Q 4 0 -0 P -B 4 K t-B 3 experience

an d

th eoretical

research it has eventually becom e established th a t it is w ith this thrust, w h ic h forces the en em y Bishop to d e clare its in ten ­ tions at on ce, th at W h ite retains best prospects o f k e e p in g the in itiative. 8

. . .

BxK t

9

P xB

P -Q K t3

I n recen t yea rs 9 . . . Q P x P ; 10 B x P , Q - B 2 has beco m e th e m ost fash ion able variatio n . T h e p roblem s arisin g th ere­ fro m h a v e not been defin itely solved, despite in n u m e rab le p ra c tic a l essays.

T h e text-m o ve is g en e rally re g a rd e d as u n ­

fa v o u ra b le fo r Black. 10

BPxP

P ra c tic a lly forced, since B la c k w a s th reaten in g to e x c h a n g e o f f the p o w erfu l Bishop on Q 3 b y 1 0 . . . B - R 3 .

282

GRANDMASTER

10

. . .

11

P -Q R 4

OF

CHESS

K PxP

A go od m ove w h ich threatens 1 2 P x P , fo llow ed b y 1 3 B - R 3 a n d w h ich induces the opponent to release the pressure on W h it e ’s centre b y 1 1 . . . P -B 5 . 11 1q

. . . B B 2

P -B 5 B ~ K t5

A fte r 1 2 . . . K t - K 5 W h ite has the v e r y strong continuation 1 3 B x K t , P x B ; 1 4 K t - Q a , even tu ally gain in g the in itiative after 1 4 . . . P - B 4 ; I 5 B - R 3 , R - B 3 ; i 6 P - B 3 . T h e te x t-m o ve is stronger. 13

Q rK i

A n o th e r go od m o ve w ith w h ich W h ite takes his first step a lo n g the p ath o f the execution o f his m ain p la n , the carryin g o u t o f the cen tral thrust P - K 4 . W h ite now threatens to seize the initiative in the centre by 14 K t - R 4 , or 1 4 K t - Q a , followed b y P - B 3 an d P - K 4 . Sin ce n o w the exch an g e 1 3 . . . B x K t ; 1 4 P x B , follow ed b y 1 5 K - R i , w o u ld scarcely be v e ry satis­ fa cto ry for B la c k the second p la y e r has his fill o f difficult strategical problem s to solve in the ensuing phase o f the gam e. 13

. . .

R -K i ?

T h is n a tu ra l re p ly does nothing to refute the en em y p lan and hen ce B la ck n o w gets into real difficulties. 1 3 . . . B - R 4 was also n ot altogether satisfactory, since the in ten d ed 1 4 . . . B - K t 3 w o u ld be th w arted b y 1 4 K t - R 4 ! B u t b y 1 3 . . . K t - K 5 , p reven tin g 1 4 K t - R 4 , Black could h ave o b tain ed adequate co u n te rp la y. 14

K t-Q .2

S tro n g e r still here w as the K n ig h t leap 1 4 K t - R 4 ! w h ich ensured W h ite a clear positional a d v a n ta g e in a m a tch -gam e T a im a n o v -B o tv in n ik , 1 9 5 3 after 1 4 . . . B - R 4 ; 1 5 P - B 3 , B - K t 3 ; 1 6 K t x B , R P x K t ; 1 7 P - K 4 . A fter the text-m o ve B la c k ’s task is a little easier. 14

. . .

K t - K .2

B la c k ’s o rigin al intention here w as 1 4 . . . B - R 4 so as to m eet 1 5 P - B 3 , w ith 1 5 . . . B - K t 3 etc. O n ly n o w d id I notice th at then, instead o f 1 5 P - B 3 , there cou ld fo llo w the very u n p leasan t 1 5 P - B 4 !, after w h ich B lack co u ld g e t into diffi­ culties w ith his Bishop.

M ID D LE

15

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

283

p - B3

H e re W h ite fails to utilise the strong possibility 1 5 B - R 3 ! w h ic h p reven ts 1 5 . . . B - B 4 an d once again threatens 1 6 P - B 3 . I f then 1 5 . . . Q _ -Q 2 ; 16 P - B 3 , B - B 4 an d W h ite can in the first p la c e choose the gam e co n tin u atio n 1 7 P - K 4 , B - K t 3 , w ith B la ck h a v in g m ade the passive m o ve Q ,-Q .2. B u t stronger still seems 1 7 B x B , K t x B ; 1 8 P - K 4 ! w ith w h ich W h ite w o u ld h a v e been ab le to carry out his thrust as p lan n ed w ith the b etter g am e. 15 16

. . . P -K 4

B -B 4

N o w 1 6 B x B , K t x B ; 1 7 P - K 4 , w o u ld fail again st 1 7 . . . P x P ; 1 8 P x P , K t x Q P !. 16 17

. . . B -R 3

B -K t3

N o w , once the B lack Bishop has becom e ensconced o n K t 3 , this m o ve loses its point.

I n o rd e r to th w art B la c k ’s ensuing

ta ctica l cou n ter-chan ces it w o u ld h ave been b etter to h av e p ro tected once aga in the cen tral points o f Q B 3 a n d Q .4 b y 17 B -K t2 . 17

. . .

PxP

18

PxP

K t( K 2 ) -Q .4 !

B la c k utilises the circum stances th at the K P is d o u b ly pin n ed so as to g ain con trol o f the im p o rta n t cen tral sq u are Q ,4 an d a t the sam e tim e to threaten the p a w n o n B 6 . T h e position th at has n o w arisen is full o f tension an d rich in ta ctica l possibilities so th a t even the slightest in a c c u ra c y c a n g ive the o p p o n en t the opportu n ity o f fo rcin g a decisive a d v a n ta g e for him self. care.

H e n c e bo th sides m ust n o w p roceed w ith the utm ost

T h e positional problem is n ot in trin sically co m p lica te d . B la c k w ill atta in a com pletely satisfactory position o n ce he succeeds either in establishing h im self on Q 4 o r e x ch a n g in g o f f one o f the centre paw ns. B u t should W h ite m a n ag e to frustrate the ta ctica l threats o f his oppon en t a n d force his pieces to retreat, then, w ith his strong p a w n cen tre a n d his tw o Bishops, he has every likelihood o f gettin g a decisive a d v a n ta g e . I t is clear th at a sh arp a n d e xcitin g stru ggle is ab o u t to take p lace.

284

G R A N D M AS TE R

19

OF

CHESS

R -B 3

N o better defence o f the Q B P c an b e seen, since 19 B - K t 2 m akes possible a fresh attack on the K P b y 1 9 . . . Q - K 2 . A fte r the text-m o ve 1 9 . . . K t x B P ; 2 0 R x K t ( B 3 ) , Q x P c h fails aga in st 2 1 Q - K 3 . 19

. . .

R -Q B i

P ro tectin g the B P an d threatening to strengthen the pressure aga in st K 5 b y R - B 3 - K 3 should W h ite fail to u n dertake a n y ­ th in g in the m ean tim e so as to un pin his p a w n . 20 K - R i W h it e ’s best ch a n ce to free him self fro m the burdensom e pin is u n d o u b ted ly Q - K t i . T h is, h o w ever, w a s not possible at o n ce because o f 20 . . . K t x B P ; 2 1 R x K t , Q x P c h , etc. H en ce W h ite m oves his K in g a w a y so as to m ake this line a v a lid one. O n e can n o t see h o w W h ite cou ld p ro cu re for him self a positional a d v a n ta g e in a n y other w a y since he has to take into a c c o u n t a w h ole host o f tactical coun ter-thrusts. If, for e x a m p le, 2 0 Q - R 4 , then Black can m ake the cap tu re 20 . . . K t x K P a n d 2 0 B - K t 2 w o u ld be m et b y 2 0 . . . Q - K 2 . Also 2 0 Q - B 2 , so as to regain with ad v a n ta g e the p a w n on K B 7 afte r the d ouble exch a n g e on K 4 , w ill n ot do o n accou n t o f 2 0 . . . K t x B P ! ; 2 1 R x K t ( B 3 ) , K t - K t 5 , etc. 20

. . .

R -B 3

N o w B lack is in d eed threatening 2 1 . . . K t x K P , so as to re g a in his sacrificed p iece afterw ards b y R ( B 3 ) - K 3 . W h ite is Black (K eres)

W h ite (Tolush) to p la y

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERBS

285

therefore forced to free him self fro m the p in som ehow o r other. T h e g a m e is n earin g its critical m om ent. 21

Q -Q K ti?

A t last, so W h ite believes, the tim e has co m e to c a r r y o u t this m o ve th at has been in ten d ed so lo n g, b u t it becom es ap p a re n t th a t this Q u een m o ve is still n ot su fficiently p rep ared . N o w in fa c t 2 1 Q - R 4 cam e into consideration, since once one o f the R o ok s has left the b a ck ran k B la c k c a n no lo n ger re p ly 2 1 . . . K t x K P . H e has, h o w eve r, an o th er con tin u atio n an d th a t is the sacrifice 2 1 . . . K t x B P ! 2 2 R x K t ( B 3 ) , Q x P . T h e n W h ite has n o th in g better th an 2 3 K t - K t i , b u t then follows 2 3 . . . B x P , w ith a decisive attack . In this va ria tio n W h ite, instead o f 2 2 R x K t ( B 3 ) , c a n p la y stronger 2 2 P - Q 5 , bu t then cou ld fo llow 2 2 . . . K t ( B 6 ) x Q P ; 2 3 P x K t , Q x P ; 2 4 B xB , R P x B ; a n d w ith three p a w n s fo r the p iece to geth er w ith a more active position B la c k ’s prospects m ust be deem ed superior. T h e best continuation fo r W h ite w as, h ow ever, 2 1 0 7 K B ! ! S in ce then 2 1 . . . K t x B P ; 2 2 R x K t ( B 3 ) , Q x P ; w ill n o t do o n acco u n t o f 2 3 R x P , Black, in v ie w o f the th reat o f 2 2 P x K t has n o th ing better than 2 1 . . . K t x K P . A fte r 2 2 K t x K t , he c a n , h o w ever, choose betw een tw o continuations. F irs tly the p a w n sacrifice 2 2 . . . B x K t ; 2 3 B x B , R x B ; 2 4 R x P , R - B 3 ; 2 5 R x R , K t x R ; 2 6 Q x P c h , Q - Q 4 ; w h e n h e should h ave sufficient recom pense for the p a w n in the activ e position o f his pieces a n d in his control o f the w h ite squares. B u t still m ore interesting is the second possibility, th at o f the exch an g e sacrifice b y 2 2 . . . R x K t ; 2 3 B x R , B x B . A fte r 2 4 R - K t 3 , P - B 4 B la ck has certa in ly adequate com pensation for the exch an g e , an d therefore 2 4 R x P must be in vestigated . T h e n , h o w eve r, follows 2 4 . . . B x P c h ; an d after 2 5 Q x B (or 2 5 K x B , K t - K 6 c h , etc.) 2 5 . . . K x R B la ck keeps his e x tra p a w n w ith a go o d position. A lth o u g h the couple o f e x e m p la ry lines g ive n ab o v e can n o t o f course b rin g out all the h idden possibilities o f the position, th e y g ive an app roxim ate p ictu re o f w h a t p roblem s b o th sides m ust solve in this position. H e re too, h o w ever, one gain s the im pression that B la c k ’s m iddle g am e strateg y is w e ll b ased an d th at there exists no clear w a y open to W h ite b y w h ich he can repulse the en em y pieces.

286

G R A N D M A S TE R

21

OF

. . .

CHESS

K tx B P !

T h is th reat, w h ich w a s alw ays in the offing, n o w decides the fate o f the g am e. W h ite can no longer av o id loss o f m aterial. 22

R x K t(B 3)

Q xP

W ith his 2 r s t m o ve W h ite has taken a w a y the Q K t i square fro m his K n ig h t, so th at now protection b y 2 3 K t - K t i has becom e im possible. N o w Black wins his p iece b ack an d has tw o ex tra p aw n s in to the bargain. 23

B -K t4

N o better too w a s 2 3 R x P , R x R ; 2 4 K t x R , Q x K t w h en W h ite w ill also lose his p a w n on K 4 . 23

. . .

24

P -R 5

Q xK t

T o lu sh , w h en m a kin g his 2 1s t m o ve, h a d thou ght in his calcu latio n s th at he cou ld n o w cap tu re first the p aw n a n d then the R o o k b y 2 4 R x P . B u t in m aking these calcu latio n s he o ver­ looked the sim ple protection by 2 4 . . . Q_-Q_2. T h e text-m o ve is a desperate attem p t to gain som ething y e t b y the th reat o f 2 5 B - R 4 , b u t this c a n no longer lead to a n y possible success. 24

. . .

BxP

W h ite resigns. A fte r 2 5 B x B , K t x B ; 2 6 R x P B lack c an p la y 2 6 . . . Q .-K 6 a n d i f then 2 7 R x R , sim p ly 2 7 . . . K t - B 7 c h ; 2 8 K - K t i , K t - Q 8 dis ch follow ed b y m ate in tw o m oves.

Game 40

E N G L IS H

O P E N IN G

P la y e d in the match between the U .S .S .R . and U . S . A . in M o sco w , 19 4 6

P . K e re s 1 P -Q B 4

R . F in e P -Q B 4

2

K t-K B 3

K t-K B 3

3 4

K t-B 3 PxP

P -Q K tx P

5

P-K3

.4

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERBS

287

T h is seem in gly restrained m ethod o f p la y constitutes in fact on e o f the best continuations for W h ite in this position. I n the en su in g phase o f the gam e B la c k w ill h av e som e little troubles in con n ectio n w ith a co m p arative weakness on th e d iag o n al K 1 - Q R 5 . T h u s for exam ple 5 . . . K t - Q B g ; 6 B - K t 5 w o u ld le a d to a N im zo in d ian w ith colours reversed a n d w ith a n e xtra tem p o for W h ite . P ra xis has show n that after 5 P - K 4 , b o th 5 . . . K t x K t ; 6 K t P x K t , P - K K t 3 ; transposing to the G ru n fe ld D efe n ce an d 5 . . . K t - K t 5 ; 6 B - B 4 , B - K 3 ! , w h ich w o u ld e xp lo it W h it e ’s w eakness o n Q 3 , are thoroughly satisfactory for B la c k . A lso the con tin u ation 5 P - K K t 3 , K t - Q B 3 ; 6 B - K t a , K t - B a has in p ra c tic e p ro d u ce d very go od results fo r B lack . 5

. . .

K tx K t

B la c k w o u ld like to lead the g am e alo n g the p ath s o f the G ru n fe ld D efen ce, bu t he can n o t, h o w eve r, p la y 5 . . . P - K K t 3 a t once because o f 6 Q r R 4 c h , K t - B 3 ; (or 6 . . . B - Q 2 ; 7

4

Q r B , etc.) 7 B - K t 5 , with a n e n d u rin g p in . B u t the exch an g e o n B 3 strengthens W h ite’s cen tre an d gives h im a n e a sy gam e. H e n c e here 5 . . . P - K 3 seems best for B lack , afte r w h ich , b y 6 P -Q .4 , a position in the Q u e e n ’s G a 'n b it cou ld be reach ed . 6 7

K tP x K t Q -lQ c h

P -K K t3

W ith this m o ve W h ite h a d in m in d a c o m b in atio n that, h o w eve r, after a further check, turned o u t to be in co rrect. T h e r e c a m e therefore in to consideration the id e a o f takin g a d v a n ta g e o f the absence o f a K n ig h t on B la c k ’s K in g -sid e to e m b a rk on an attack b y 7 P - K R 4 . I f then 7 . . . P - K R 4 ; W h ite obtains lasting pressure on B la c k ’s K in g ’s position b y 8 B - B 4 , B - K t 2 ; 9 K t - K t 5 , O - O ; 10 Q - B 2 . A fte r the text-m ove B lack attains a satisfactory position. 7 8

. . . B -R 3

K t-Q 2

W h ite o rigin ally had in m in d the fo llow in g co m b in atio n after 7 . . . K t - Q 2 ; 8 B -B 4 , B - K t 2 ; 9 B x P c h , K x B ; 10 K t - K t 5 c h , b u t n o w notices ju st in tim e th at there is a hole in it. A fte r 10 . . . K - K i ;

11 K t-K 6 , Q - K t 3 ;

12

K tx B c h , K - B 2 the

K n ig h t has no square to retreat a n d is lost. N evertheless it w ould h ave been lo gical for W h ite , either

GRANDMASTER

288

OF

CHESS

here, o r in the course o f the next few m oves, to h ave interposed the m oves 8 P - K R 4 , P - K R 4 ; so as to h ave called in to b ein g a c erta in weakness in B la c k ’s K in g ’s position. 8

. . .

9

B -K 2

Q -B 2 B -K t2

Io

0-0

0-0

II

P - Q .4

P -Q R

3

T h is m erely signifies a w eakening o f the Q u e e n ’s w in g since an a d v a n c e b y P - Q K t 4 proves to be im p ra c tic a b le here. S im p le r therefore w as 1 1

. . . P - Q K t 3 follow ed b y 1 2 . . .

B - K t 2 a n d then P - K 4 . 12

P -B 4

P -K 4

A go o d re p ly th at m akes use o f the fact th at W h ite can n o t p la y 1 3 P - Q 5 , because o f 1 3 . . . P - K 5 . A n im m ed iate 1 2 . . . P - K t 3 yields W h ite an excellent g am e after 1 3 Q R - Q i , th reaten in g the v e ry a w k w ard 14 P - Q 5 , 13 14

Q R -Q i PxP

K PxP P -K t3

T h e possibility o f w in n in g the Q u een b y 1 4 . . . P - Q K t 4 ; 1 5 B P x P , R P x P ; 16 Q x R , B - K t 2 ; 1 7 Q - R 7 , R - R i ; does not a p p ea l to B lack since after 18 Q x R c h , B x Q ; 19 P x P , B lack c le a rly stands better. N o w W h ite gets his P - Q 5 in a n d obtains som e sm all p rep o n d eran ce in the centre. 15 16

P-Q.5

B -K t2

Q -K t3

1 6 . . . P - Q K t 4 w a s o f course threatened an d B la c k tries to execute this thrust in the next few m oves at all costs. 16 17

. . . B -B i

Q R -K ti

W h ite p lays the m iddlegam e a n y h o w an d w ith o u t a w ellth o u ght out p la n , th ereb y eventually allo w in g his opp o n en t to free his Q u een-sid e. V e r y strong here w o u ld h av e been 1 7 B - K t 2 , e x ch a n g in g o ff the pow erful en em y B ish o p. A fte r 1 7 . . . B x B ; 18 Q x B , P - Q K t 4 ; 19 P x P , P x P ; 20 B x P , B - R 3 ; 2 1 P - Q R 4 , B x B ; 2 2 P x B , Q - K t 2 B lack does, it is tru e, w in b ack the p a w n , bu t he rem ains, on accou n t o f the stro n g en em y passed p aw n s a n d his w eakened K in g ’s position, in a seem in gly difficu lt p ligh t.

MIDDLE

17

YEARS

• • •

OF

PAUL

KERES

289

P -Q K t4 !

A fte r the c a rry in g out o f this essential thrust, w h ic h , m o re­ o v er, m u st be done a t once on acco u n t o f the th re a t o f 1 8 P - Q R 4 , B la c k is rid o f his greatest trouble, the w e ak e n e d Q u e e n ’s w in g . N o w the position becom es sim plified a n d W h it e ’s position al a d v a n ta g e is really dubious. 18

PxP

19

BxP

PxP

In te rp o la tin g 1 9 P - Q 6 , Q - K t 3 w o u ld m e re ly resu lt in W h it e ’s n o lo n ger being ab le to p la y 2 0 B x P , o n a c c o u n t o f 20 , . . B x K t. 19 20

. . . P -Q R 4

B -Q R 3 B xB

21

PxB

Q -K t2

B la c k co u ld here have m ad e use o f the circu m stan ce th at W h it e ’s B ish o p m akes it im possible to p ro tect th e K t P

by

R - K t i a n d p la y e d the stronger 2 1 . . . Q - R 4 . I f W h it e then continues as in the gam e w ith 2 2 K t - K t 5 , then th ere com es 2 2 . . . R x P ; 2 3 Q - K R 3 , K t - B 3 w h en W h ite lacks the possi­ b ility o f the im p o rta n t tem po w in b y 2 4 B--B4. 22

K t-K t f,!

W ith this W h ite utilises the fact th at B lack K in g ’s position is c o m p a ra tiv e ly insecure to initiate a d irect attack th at w ill g ive his o p p o n en t m a n y a h eadache in the ensuing p h a se o f the g am e. 22 23 The

. . . Q -K R 3

Q x K tP K t-B 3

o th er possibility th at c am e into con sid eratio n here,

2 3 . . . P - R 3 , w o u ld set B lack som e difficult p ro b lem s after 2 4 K t - K 4 . T h e threat is 2 5 B x P , an d even after 2 4 . . . K - R 2 th ere co u ld fo llow 2 5 B x P !, B x B ; 2 6 Q x K t , etc. T h e defence 2 4 . . . P - B 4 ; 2 5 K t - K t 3 , w o u ld , h o w ever, seriou sly w eak en B la c k ’s K i n g ’s position an d a llo w W h ite to stren gthen his position n o ticea b ly b y K R - K i o r K t - K 2 - B 4 . F in a lly , the co n tin u taio n 2 4 . . . Q - R 5 ; 2 5 Q R - K i ! is also d isagreeab le for B la c k since 2 6 B x P is still threatened a n d after 2 5 . . . K R - K i ; 2 6 K t - B 3 ! B la c k m ust give u p his strong Bishop. 24

B -B 4

Q R -B i?

290

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

B la ck has n ot seen the ensuing little co m b in atio n a n d in con sequ en ce loses a p a w n w ithou t a n y com p en satio n w h a t­ so ever. N e cessa ry w a s 2 4 . . . R - K t 2 , so as to be ab le to m eet 2 5 B - K 5 , w ith 2 5 . . . Q - Q 2 . B u t even in this case W h ite w o u ld stan d better after 2 6 Q - Q B 3 !, e .g. 2 6 . . . Q - B 4 ; 2 7 P -B 4 , or 26 . . . K tx P ; 2 7 R x K t !, Q x R ; 28 B xB , Q x K t; 2 9 B x R , K x B ; 3 0 Q ^ S c h , K - K 2 ; a n d it is d o u b tfu l w h eth er th e B la c k K in g ca n em erge safe an d sound. N o t p a rtic u la rly go o d for B lack too w a s the defence 2 4 . . . Q R - Q i to w h ich W h ite c an rep ly 2 5 B - B 7 , R - B i ; 2 6 B - K 5 , Q - Q 2 ; 2 7 Q - Q B 3 , Q 7-B 4; 2 8 P - B 4 , w h e n a sim ilar position to th a t in the p reviou s va riatio n w o u ld arise. H e re B la c k can n o t p la y 2 7 . . . K t x P because o f 2 8 B x B ! (b u t not 2 8 R x K t , Q x R ; 29 B x B , Q x K t ; etc.) 2 8 . . . K t x Q ; 2 9 R x Q , K x B ; 3 0 K t - K 6 c h , etc. P erh ap s B la ck , after 2 4 . . . R - K t 2 , co u ld h a v e e ven tu ally eq u alised the position b y a careful defence, b u t in a n y case he w o u ld h a v e h a d to p la y with the utm ost circu m sp ectio n for q u ite a w hile. Black (Fin e)

W h ite (K eres) to p la y 25

K tx B P !

I t is cle a r th at B lack cannot c a p tu re the K n ig h t in either w a y a n d m ust a ccep t the loss o f a p a w n . I n ad d itio n , the en su in g Q u een exch an ge is p ra c tic a lly fo rced , after w h ich , h o w ev e r, the en d in g is also lost for B lack.

25

• • •

26

Q xQ

Qt Q.2 K tx Q

27

K t-Q 6

Q R -Q i

28

B -K 3!

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29 1

B y a tta ck in g the Q B P W h ite deprives his o p p o n en t o f a good o p p o rtu n ity fo r co u n ter-p lay b y 2 8 . . . K t - K t 3 , w h ich , for e x a m p le, w o u ld h ave given B la c k go od d ra w in g prospects after 28 B -K t 3 . 28 . . . K t-K t3 B la c k nevertheless decides u p o n this co u n te r-atta ck , alth o u gh it n o w costs h im a second p a w n . H e is co n vin ced th at passive d efence w o u ld be hopeless, e.g. 2 8 . . . K t - B 3 ; 2 9 B x P , R - Q 2 ; 3 0 K R - K i , K R - Q i ; 3 1 R - K 6 etc. N o better also w a s 2 8 . . . B - Q _ 5 ; 2 9 B x B , P x B ; 3 0 K t - K . 4 ! w h en B la c k a g a in loses a seco n d p a w n . 29 30

BxP B -R 3!

K t-R 5

B u t n ot 3 0 K t - K t 7 , K t x B ; 3 1 K t x K t , R - B 4 ! w h e n the Q P is lost. 30 . . . K t-B 6 31

K t-K t7 !

B reak in g d o w n all further possible resistance. 31

. . .

K tx R

32

K tx R

resigns

Gam e 4 1

E N G L IS H

O P E N IN G

From the X V U .S .S .R . Cham pionship at Len in grad, 1 9 4 7 .

P. K eres

V . Sm vslo v

1 2

P -Q B 4 K t-Q B 3

K t-K B s P -B 4

3

K t-B 3

P -K 3

B la c k m a y h ave w an ted to p la y P - Q 4 later a n d then to re ca p tu re w ith the K t on Q_4 after the p a w n ex ch an g e , b u t all the sam e he should have p la y e d the Q P ad v a n c e at once. A fte r P - K 3 B la c k loses a valu a b le tem po in m a n y variatio n s in v o lv in g the ad va n ce o f the Q P an d thus brings up o n h im self u n n ecessary difficulties. s

292

GRANDMASTER

4 5

P -K K t3 PxP

OF

CHESS

0.4

PK tx P

A fte r 5 . . . P x P ; 6 P - Q .4 , we get the n o rm al position arising o u t o f a T a r r a s c h D efen ce, w h ich is not, h o w ev e r, to e veryo n e’s taste. W ith the text-m o ve B lack transposes to the n orm al v a riatio n o f the E n g lish O p en in g, b u t w ith the n ot p articu la rly useful m o ve P - K 3 . 6 7

B -K t2

0-0

K t-Q B 3 K t-B 2

W ith this m o ve B la c k chooses an am bitiou s id e a designed to g a in con trol o f the im p o rtan t C) 5 sq u are b y c a rry in g out the a d v a n c e P - K 4 . T h is id ea is, h ow ever, v e r y risky, as it is bound u p w ith the loss o f tem p i b y P - K 3 - K 4 . B e tter therefore w as the qu iet 7 . . . B - K 2 , after w h ich W h ite w o u ld b rin g ab ou t a va ria tio n o f the C a ta la n b y 8 P -Q _4. 8

P -K t3

B -K 2

9

B -K t2

P -K 4

S m y s lo v pursues his id ea lo gically. T h e th rust P - K 4 m ust be m a d e im m ed iately since, for ex am p le, afte r 9 . . . 0 - 0 ; 10 R - B i , B la ck is a lre a d y too late w ith the m ove as now 10 . . . P - K 4 w o u ld cost a p aw n on a cco u n t o f 1 1 K t - Q R 4 . S e ein g th at in the ensuing phase o f the g am e B lack m ust lose m u c h tim e in protection o f K 4 an d Q B 4 , he rem ains d an g e r­ o u sly b eh in d h an d in his developm ent. to 11

R -B i K t - Q R .4

P -B 3 P -Q K t3 ?

B u t this m o ve is a lre a d y a direct m istake w h ich gets B lack in to g re a t difficulties. T h e w eak enin g o f the d iag o n al Q R i K R 8 allow s W h ite to o pen up the cen tre in the ensuing phase o f the g am e, after w h ich through his better d evelo p m en t W h ite attain s som e d an gero u s threats. F o r g o o d o r ill, B lack m ust con tin u e here 1 1 . . . K t - K 3 w h en W h ite retain s the better ch a n ces b y 1 2 K t - R 4 follow ed b y P - B 4 . 12

K t-R 4

B -Q 2

W ith 1 2 . . . B - K t 2 B la c k w ould in th e first p la c e w eaken the im p o rta n t K B 4 sq u are a n d in the second a llo w o f the strong a d v a n c e 1 3 P - Q K t 4 l A fte r the text-m o ve this thrust w o u ld no lo n ger possess the force W h ite w o u ld w ish as IJlack ‘c ou ld give

MIDDLE

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293

u p th e exch a n g e w ith good c o u n te r-p la y b y 1 3 . . . K t x P ! ; 14 B x R , Q xB . B lack (Sm yslo v)

W h ite (K eres) to p la y 13

P -K 3 !

C u rio u sly enough, this seem in gly so q u iet m o ve sets B la c k p ra c tic a lly insoluble problem s. T h e p oin t o f course does not reside in the th reat to w in the exch an g e b y 1 4 Q ^ R s c h , as this c a n be p a rrie d easily en ou gh . M u c h m o re serious, h o w ­ eve r, is the positional threat o f 1 4 P - Q 4 ! W ith this th ru st, th at com prises a v a rie ty o f threats, W h ite w o u ld force th e o p en in g u p o f the cen tre a n d this, in v ie w o f B la c k ’s re ta rd ed d evelo p ­ m en t, co u ld le a d easily to a catastro ph e. In a sm u c h as B lack possesses n o satisfacto ry d efence again st the last-m en tion ed threat, his o p en in g strategy c a n be classed as a failu re. W h ite now has a c le a r ad v a n ta g e .

13 . . .

0-0

14

K P xP

P - Q .4

P—Q _ 5 -6 , w in n in g a piece, w a s th reaten ed , a n d in ad d itio n the sim ple w in o f a p aw n b y 1 5 P x B P . W ith th e te x t-m o ve B la c k does a t least w a rd o f f the first th reat since h e frees the sq u a re Q 5 for his K n ig h t. 15

PxP

R -B i

B la c k n o w intends to m eet 1 6 P - Q .5 sim p ly w ith th e re p ly 1 6 . . . K t - Q . 5 a n d then after 1 7 B x K t , P x B ; 1 8 Q x P , to b u ild u p a n a p p a re n tly ad equate defensive position b y 1 8 . . . K t-K t

4 follbW ed

b y 19 . . . K t - Q ^ .

W h ite therefore chooses

294

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CHESS

an o th er con tin u ation w h ich opens u p the position still m ore a n d enables h im to w in a p a w n u n d er m ore favo u rab le circum stan ces. 16

PxP

P -Q K t4

17

K t-Q B 3

P -B 4

B a d o f course w a s 1 7 . . . B x P because o f 1 8 K t x P . 18

R -B 2 !

T h is R o o k m o ve, w h ic h threatens i g R - Q 2 , a m o ve that c a n n o t be p reven ted , is m u ch stron ger th an sim p ly go in g back w ith the K n ig h t b y 1 8 K t - B 3 , B - B 3 etc. N o w B la c k ’s position falls to pieces q u ick ly. 18 19

. . . R -Q 2

BxK t R -B 2

B la c k has n o th in g better, since after 1 9 . . . K t - K t i ; 20 P - B 6 is d ecisive, w h ilst i f 19 . . . K t - K 4 ; 2 0 P x B . 20

PxB!

T h is sim ple re ca p tu re is m u ch stro n ger th an w in n in g the Q u e e n b y 2 0 B x K t , B x B ; 2 t R x Q c h , R x R , w h ic h w o u ld still le a v e B la ck w ith co m p arative ly reason able defensive chances. N o w B la c k ca n n o t d o an yth in g again st the th re at o f 2 1 B x K t. 20

. . .

K t-K 3

21

K tx P

K tx P

O th erw ise, w ith tw o p aw ns less in a hopeless position B lack c o u ld a lre a d y h a v e resigned w ith a go o d conscience.

22 Kt-Q 6 23 KtxR 24 B-QR3 25 B x K t 26 B x R 27

R xB

R-K2 QxKt Kt-K5 PxB

KtxB resigns

* TH E

W O RLD

4

*

C H A M P IO N S H IP A N D

TO U R N AM EN TS,

I

O TH ER

19 4 8 -19 5 0

the S p r in g o f 19 4 8 I w e n t to H o lla n d in o rd e r to contest, a t lo n g last, the highest chess title in the w o rld . F o r vario u s

n

reasons F in e declined to p articip a te an d so this left five o f us to e m b a rk o n this m om entous conflict. F r o m th e v e r y first rou n d s a fierce struggle d evelo p ed an d this con tin u ed rig h t to the v e r y last gam es. I b eg an the to u rn am en t w ith tw o w ins, aga in st E u w e an d Sm yslov, b u t then lost in the en su in g rounds a g a in st R esh e vsk y and B o tvin n ik a n d a t the en d o f the first to u r I stood equ a l w ith S m y s lo v in th ird an d fourth p laces. T h u s fa r m y p la y w a s unsatisfactory since, a p a r t fro m the tw o lost gam es I also com m itted u n fo rgiveab le in accu ra cie s in the tw o w o n ones. T h e re w as w a n tin g in m y p la y the ease w ith w h ic h I h a d disposed o f several to urnam ents in the y e a r 1 9 4 7 a n d this n a tu ra lly h ad a n e ga tive influence o n m y results. B o tvin n ik b eg an w ith great e clat, p ro d u ced a v e r y c ertain an d assured style o f p la y and at the end o f the first to u r w a s secu rely in the le a d w ith 3 J points. I

cherished the hope th at m y p la y w o u ld im p ro ve as the

to u rn a m e n t progressed, b u t this alas w a s n ot th e case. I t is tru e th at in the n ext tour I w o n m y g a m e again st S m y slo v (N o . 4 2 ) , b u t then I lost a m ost w e a k ly p lay e d g a m e again st B o tvin n ik an d the draw s too w ith E u w e an d R e sh e v sk y w ere full o f sm all m istakes. It w as c le a r th at I fou n d m y se lf in fa r fro m m y best sporting form a n d w h en in ad d itio n one takes into consideration that b y the en d o f the second to u r B o tvin n ik h a d a lre a d y obtain ed a tw o p o in t lead o v er m e, then m y prospects for first place had a lre a d y p ra c tic a lly d isap p eared . I t w a s in the third tour th at I u ndertook m y last atte m p t to

295

296

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

stru ggle to the top a n d I initiated this b y a th eoretically in terestin g ligh tn in g v ic to ry over E u w e (N o . 4 3 ) . A fte r a fig h tin g d r a w w ith S m y s lo v I then p lay e d m y m ost u p an d d o w n g am e o f the w h o le tourney again st R esh e vsk y. I got in to difficulties in the o p en in g and lost a p a w n , b u t then I w as a b le to o btain m a rk ed cou n ter-p lay before the ad jou rn m en t a n d the g a m e w a s in fa ct adjourned in a position w h e re I h ad go o d d ra w in g chances. H o w ever, on resum ption o f p la y there c a m e a g re a t surprise. R eshevsky fell into a cu n n in g trap , lost the exch a n g e an d , after a long an d vicissitudinous ending, e v e n tu a lly the g a m e as w ell. W ith this w in I c a m e to w ithin 1 \ points o f B o tvin n ik a n d now everyth in g h u n g o n ou r in d i­ v id u a l en counter. I n even t o f a w in I w o u ld co m e to w ithin h a lf a p oin t o f the le a d e r and the issue o f the to u rn am en t w o u ld be once a g a in w id e open. T h is d e cid in g en co u n ter h ad a most co m p licated an d excitin g course a n d constituted a stiff test for the n erves o f bo th players. O u t o f a co m p lica ted m id d le-gam e I su cceed ed in e vo lvin g a position o f the m ost prom ising kind. T h e n , h o w ev e r, I failed to utilise m y opportunities to the best a d v a n ta g e a n d the scales tip p ed o ver in B o tv in n ik ’s favour. T h e n there ensued a w h o le series o f in accu ra cies com m itted by both sides a n d w hen the g a m e w a s e ve n tu a lly adjourned a double R o o k e n d gam e w ith an e x tra p a w n for B o tvin n ik had arisen. W h e n p la y w a s resum ed Botvinnik d id not find the best line a n d a R o o k en d in g resulted th at should h av e been easily d r a w n . B u t the vicissitudes o f this g a m e w e re b y no m eans en d ed . Both sides co n d u cted the en d in g im p recisely an d it w a s I w h o m ad e th e last mistake. B y the tim e the second a d jo u rn m en t cam e B o tvin n ik had an easily w o n position and I su ffered a bitter d efeat. W ith this w in B o tv in n ik h ad in p ra c tic e ensured for h im self victory in the to u rn am en t since w ith o n ly eight m ore gam es rem aining to be p la y e d he alread y h ad a lead o f 2 ! points. I n spite o f this loss I still stood v e ry w ell in the to u rn am en t, e sp ecially after w in n in g th e gam e in the n ext ro u n d against Euw e.

B y this tim e I enjoyed a lead o f i j points o ver both

S m y s lo v an d R esh e vsk y an d seem ed to h av e seco n d p lace firm ly in m y g rasp. T h e n , h ow ever, I com m itted a great ta ctica l b lu n d er.

In ste ad o f resigning m y s e lf to th e hopeless

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n a tu re o f the struggle for th e W o r ld C h am p io n sh ip title an d con ten tin g m y s e lf w ith the assu ran ce o f second p la c e , I c o n ­ cen tra ted m y efforts on tryin g to o v erh au l B o tv in n ik in a d esp erately fo rced style o f p la y . T h e consequences o f su ch thoughtless tactics soon m anifested them selves. I lost in succession to Sm yslo v , R eshevsk y a n d B o tvin n ik a n d , w h e n the fo u rth to u r w a s a t an end, I w a s in m ere fo u rth p lace , a w h o le p o in t beh in d R eshevsk y an d S m yslo v . T h u s, th ro u gh th o u g h t­ less p la y in a few rounds I spoilt the w h o le to u rn am en t. I n the fifth tour there w as n o th in g left for m e b u t to tr y an d so m eh o w o r oth er im prove m y position in the to u rn a m e n t an d this I m o re o r less succeeded in a ch ie v in g after th e utm ost exp en d itu re o f effort. I w o n a g am e full o f co m p licatio n s an d blu n d ers aga in st E u w e, then m a d e d ra w s again st R esh e v sk y a n d Sm yslo v , a n d in the fin al ro u n d I su cceed ed in ad m in ister­ in g a d efeat to the n ew ly fled ged W o rld C h a m p io n in a n in teresting g a m e th at w a s rich in com bin atio n s (N o . 4 4 ) . T h r o u g h this go od result in the last to u r I o verh au led R e sh e v sk y a n d e ve n tu a lly attained the sh arin g o f th ird an d fourth p laces, a h a lf a p o in t belo w Sm yslo v.

T h e n e w W o r ld C h a m p io n ,

B o tvin n ik , u n doubtedly p la y e d the best chess o f all, an d I am o f the o pin ion th at this to u rn am en t is q u a lita tiv e ly the best result in his chess career. A d isagreeable surprise w a s E u w e ’s b a d form in consequence o f w h ich the to u rn am en t p r a c tic a lly b e ca m e a four m a n contest. N o r w a s I at all satisfied w ith m y o w n p la y . I n the first p lace m a n y u n called fo r in accu ra cie s o cc u rre d in m y gam es and in the second the ta ctica l sch em e I e m p lo yed in the w hole to u rn am en t w a s n ot right. E v e r y p la y e r has in the course o f his c a re er periods in w h ich he a t tim es p la y s v e r y w ell an d a t o th er tim es p la y s in q u ite m ed io cre fashion, an d this is in d eed o n ly n atu ral. I t seem s to m e th at in m y case a depression in m y form h a d a lre a d y b e g u n w ith the T sch igo rin tournam ent and th at this co n tin u ed in en su in g tournam ents. T h u s for e xam p le in the X V I U . S . S . R . C h a m p io n sh ip nothing seem ed to go rig h t for m e. T h e ill lu c k began a lre a d y in the first ro u n d w h e n , ag a in st C h o lm o v in a v e r y p rom isin g Q ueen e n d in g I overlooked a resourceful stalem ate com bin atio n b y m y oppon en t. I d re w m y first five g a m es, then c a m e a loss to F u r m a n , a d r a w in a n e n d g a m e w ith a p lu s p a w n again st T a im a n o v , a n d then an o th er loss, ag a in st

298 K o to v.

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M y w retch ed position w as then so m ew h at bettered b y

w in n in g a g a m e fu ll o f u ps and d ow n s again st Le v en fish , a g a m e th a t w a s ch a racterised b y a most in teresting R o o k ending. T h e n , h o w eve r, there c a m e yet another loss again st K o n sta n tinopo lsky, a n d I w a s ju s t as bad ly p lace d as before. O n ly b y exertin g the utm ost efforts tow ards the en d o f the to u rn am en t d id I m a n a g e to im p ro ve m y tournam ent position a little an d in the process I d id p la y a few re ally go o d gam es. T h e m ost interestin g o f these w a s u n doubtedly m y m eetin g w ith Bronstein (N o . 4 5 ) , the jo in t w in n e r o f the to u rn am en t, in a g am e o f o rigin a l c a st a n d a pendulum -like struggle th a t e ve n tu a lly y ield ed m e a v a lu a b le p o in t in the en d in g. T h is en d sp u rt o f m in e g o t m e as fa r as to a sharing o f 6th to 9 th places. I p la y e d rath er b etter in the next X V I I C h am p io n sh ip w h ere I g a in ed a v a lu a b le v ic to ry over G eller (N o . 4 6 ) after a co m ­ p lica te d a n d in vo lve d gam e. D espite co m m ittin g som e in a ccu ra cie s in the d ra w s w ith C h o lm o v an d A r o n in , I resum ed m y w in n in g vein in the ensuing rounds. T h e victories o ver M ik e n a s a n d Petrosian (N o . 47) w ere go od ach ievem en ts from th e artistic p oin t o f v ie w . H a v in g o btain ed 5 J points o u t o f the first seven rounds a n d p lay e d really go od chess in so d o in g, I h a d reason to hope th at I had o verco m e the crisis in m y cre a tiv e perio d . T h e further course o f the to u rn am en t show ed, h o w e v e r, th at this w a s n ot quite yet the case. O n c e ag a in m y p la y w a s exce e d in g ly variab le, wins altern atin g w ith losses. I n a h ig h ly c o m p lica te d an d indeed obscure position again st B ron stein I m a d e a terrible blunder in g re at tim e trouble and w a s ch eck m a ted . A g a in s t T a im a n o v I lost a re aso n a b ly good position p ra c tic a lly w ith one m ove, w hilst again st L u b lin sk y, w ish in g to w in a t a ll costs in an even position, I o n ce ag a in h ad to a d d y e t an o ther n o u gh t to m y to u rn am en t tab le. T h u s, th o u gh I d id also w in som e really go od gam es, as for exam p le aga in st L even fish , a n u m b er o f losses cu t m e o f f fro m com p etin g for first p lace. E v e n tu a lly , despite an excellen t start, I h a d to con ten t m y s e lf w ith the 8th place only. M y n ext g re a t to u rn am en t was the C a n d id a te s’ T o u rn a m e n t a t B u d a p est in the S p rin g o f 19 5 0 . N o w once a g a in I h ad th o ro u g h ly p rep ared for the event an d I felt I w a s in good fo rm . T h e to u rn a m en t too started o ff m ost au sp icio u sly for me. I w o n in the first ro u n d against S ta h lb e rg an d also o b tain ed a

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KERBS

299

c le a r a d v a n ta g e in m y n ext g am e again st B o leslavsk y, th o u gh this g a m e d id only end in a d r a w . I n the fu rth e r cou rse o f the first to u r I succeeded in w in n in g a n interesting sa crificial g a m e a g a in st K o t o v (N o . 4 8 ), a n d , since I d re w the o th er gam es, I stood in second place at the en d o f the to u r w ith th e go o d resu lt o f 5 4 points out o f 9 gam es. O n ly B o leslavsk y h a d a h a lf a p o in t m ore. W ith the com m encem ent o f the second to u r th e e x citin g stru g g le continued. A lth o u g h Bo leslavsk y scored a v ic to r y o v e r F lo h r , I once again reduced the d ifferen ce b e tw e en us to h a lf a p o in t b y w in n in g against S z a b o . T h e n , h o w e v e r, I su ffered a loss in a n extrem ely co m p lica te d gam e ag a in st K o t o v a n d afte r I h a d failed to make p ro p e r use o f m y w in n in g ch an ces in a n interesting sacrificial g a m e again st F lo h r it b e cam e a p p a re n t th a t I could no lo n ger o verh au l Bo leslavsk y. H e n c e I p la y e d in the final rounds w ith o u t a n y real d ash , an d , after losin g the last gam e against Bronstein I finished u p e ve n tu a lly in fo u rth p lace. H o w e v e r , in this to u rn am en t I w a s a lr e a d y p la y in g in m a rk e d ly b etter form th an in the p reced in g to u rn am en ts o f this p erio d a n d it w as to be h o p ed th at I should soon re g ain m y g o o d fo rm . T h e first five p laye rs in this to u rn a m e n t o b tain ed th e rig h t to participate in th e n e x t C a n d id a te s’ T o u rn a m e n t. T h u s m y fo u rth place assured m y p articip atio n in a to u rn a m e n t o f the sam e n atu re after an in te rv a l o f three years.

Gam e 4 2

CATALAN

SYSTEM

F ro m the W o rld Cham pionship Tournam ent at the H ague and M o sco w ,

19 4 8 V.

Sm yslo v

P . K ere s

1 2

P -Q .4 P -O B 4

K t-K B 3 P -K 3

3

P -K K t3

P - Q .4

O n e o f the best and m ost used replies for B la c k in this o p e n in g .

O f recent years the system 3 . . . P - B 4 ; 4 P - Q .5 ,

P x P ; 5 P x P , P - Q .3 has also been often e m p lo yed , w h e n the

3OO

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

d evelo p m en t o f the Bishop on K K t 2 is reckoned as not p a r­ tic u la rly a d van tageo u s for W hite. 4

B -K t2

PxP

In m y v ie w this exch a n g e gives B lack art easier g am e than the system o f d evelo p m en t b y 4 . . . B - K 2 ; 5 K t - K B g , 6 - , Q K t - Q g ; follow ed b y P - B 3 an d P - Q K t 3 .

0 0

0- 0 ; Now

W h ite m ust lose tim e in regaining his p a w n a n d B lack can utilise this circu m stan ce to develop his pieces. 5

Q .-R 4 C I1

A fte r 5 K t - K B 3 , B la ck could try to retain the p a w n b y 5 . . . P - Q R 3 ; 6 Q .-B 2 , P - Q K t 4 ; 7 K t - K .5 , R - R 2 ; o r 7 . . . K t - Q _ 4 etc. U n fo rtu n a te ly this con tin u ation has not as yet been tried out in p ractice. 5

. . .

B -Q »

T h e usual con tin u ation here is 5 . . . Q K t - Q g . T h e text-m ove lead s to a type o f m id d le-gam e postulating a d ifficu lt positional stru ggle. 6

Q xBP

7

K t-K B 3

B -B 3

N a tu r a lly , W h ite does not w ant to e xch an ge o ff Bishops and afte r 7 P - B 3 , B la ck w o u ld get a good g am e b y 7 . . . Q K t - Q .2 . N o w , h o w ever, B lack obtains cou n ter-p lay on the w h ite centre squ ares. 7

. . .

Q K t-Q g

7 . . . B -Q ^ 4 cam e into consideration here in o rd er to gain sp e ed y e q u a lity. A fte r 8 Q .-B 2, K t - B 3 o r 8 . . . B - K 5 w o u ld be trou blesom e, an d 8 Q ,-R 4 c h , B - B 3 ; 9 Q -Q jr , P - K 4 ! also gives B la c k a good g am e too.

T h e text-m o ve is, h o w ev e r, equ ally

g o o d a n d avoids a n y q u ick sim plification. 8

K t-B 3

K t-K t3

B la c k m ust take go od care in this variatio n to see th at his o p p o n en t does not a rriv e at the a d v an ce P - K 4 . T h e m ain stru ggle in the present gam e is precisely co n cern ed w ith this a d v a n c e w h ich form s the ch ief target for W h it e ’s aim s in the cou rse o f the next tw e n ty moves. I t is for this reason th at one c a n n o t reco m m en d for B lack a qu iet piece d evelo p m en t b y 8 . . . B -K 2 ;

0 - 0 , 0 - 0 ; 10 Q ~ 0, 3, K t - Q ,4

( K o t o v -R o m a n o v -

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

301

sky, M o s c o w , 19 4 4 ) . W h ite co u ld then get a clear a d v a n ta g e b y the p a w n sacrifice 11 P - K 4 ! , K t x K t ; 1 2 P x K t , K t - B 4 ; 13 Qt k

3» K t x P ; 9

14 K t-K .5 !

Qt Q.3

»-K.t5

C o n tin u in g the struggle for the w h ite cen tral squares,

By 11

10

0 -0

11

R -Q i

B ~ K t5, P -K R 3 ;

0 -0 1 2 B x K t , Q x B ; 1 3 P - K 4 , W h ite

cou ld enforce the K P a d van ce, b u t it w o u ld be at too h ig h a p rice. A fte r 1 3 . . . K R - Q i ; B lack w o u ld possess su fficien t com pen sation in his two Bishops for the o pp o n en t’s a d v a n ta g e in space. 11

. . .

P -K R 3

B la ck d id n ot like the possible p in after 1 1 . . . Q - K a ; 1 2 B - K t 5 , b u t this w as not to be feared. A fte r 1 2 . . . P - K R 3 ; 1 3 B x K t , Q x B ; 1 4 P - K 4 , K R - Q i ; the tem po plus o f W h it e ’s K R - Q i w o u ld h ave no re a l significance. 12

B -Q 2

S im p le r w a s an im m ediate 1 2 P - Q R 3 , K B x K t ;

13 Q xB,

since as the gam e goes W h ite does not recap tu re w ith th e Bishop o n B 3 in an y case. 12 13

. . . P -Q R 3

14

Q xB

Q -K .2 K BxK t

A fte r 1 4 B x B , B - K 5 ; fo llow ed b y 1 5 . . . K R - Q i o r 1 5 . . . K t - Q 4 w o u ld give Black a n excellent gam e. B u t n o w , h o w ­ ever, th e cen tra l white squ ares are firm ly in B la c k ’s h a n d , te m p o ra rily a t a n y rate.

14

. . .

K R -Q i

H e re 1 4 . . . K t - K s w as also possible since after 1 5 Q - K t 4 , Q - K i ; the th reat o f 16 . . . P - Q R 4 is v e r y trou b leso m e. If, h o w ever, W h ite should continue w ith 1 5 Q B 2 , th en th ere follows 1 5 . . . K t x B ; 1 6 R x K t , P - B 4 w ith com p lete c o n tro l of K 5. 15

B -K i

Q R -B i

B la ck has em erged fro m the open in g w ith a go o d g a m e a n d is for the m om en t to be reckoned as victo r in the stru g g le f o r ,

302

GRANDMASTER

the w h ite squares in the centre.

OF

CHESS

I n the ensuing m id d le-gam e,

h o w ever, h e does n o t a t first find the rig h t p la n o f p la y a n d so soon gets into p ro n o u n ced difficulties. T h e a d v an ce o f P - Q B 4 p lan n ed even tu a lly b y the text-m o ve is easily p arried an d hence here 1 5 . . . P - Q R 4 was to be reco m m en d ed . W ith this B lack w o u ld th w a rt a ll active p la y on his o p p o n en t’s p a rt on the Q u e e n ’s w in g a n d w o u ld him self threaten to fix the weaknesses on the w h ite squares b y a n eventual P - R 5 . 16

B -B i!

A n excellent id ea.

W h ite now p lan s to force P - K 4 after

P - B 3 , th ereb y reta in in g his two Bishops. S in ce B lack in the m eantim e enjoys no opportunity o f a c tiv e p la y he is forced to o cc u p y h im self w ith defending this th reat. B u t this m eans th at W h ite, as a result o f B la c k ’s inaccu rate 1 5 th m ove has b y n o w obtain ed the initiative. 16 17

. . . P -Q K t4

B -Q 4

N a tu ra lly , W h ite is n ot going to allo w the a d v an ce 1 7 . . . P - B 4 . A lr e a d y he is threatening 18 K t - K .5 , follow ed b y 19 P - B 3 an d 2 0 P - K 4 ,

17 • • ■

• Kt(Kt3)-Qa

D e p rivin g the en em y K n ig h t o f its K 5 sq u are an d p lan n in g to m eet 1 8 K t - Q z , w ith 1 8 . . . P - K 4 . T h ere fo re W h ite p lays his K n ig h t to R 4 so as in the event o f 1 8 . . . P - K 4 , to h av e at his disposal the strong re p ly o f 19 K t - B 5 18

K t-R 4

K t-K s

19 20

Q -B 2 P -B 3

K t-Q 3 P -K K t4

A n im m ediate 2 0 . . . P - K B 4 w o u ld be m et b y 2 1 K t - K t 6 , follow ed b y 2 2 K t - B 4 , w h en W h ite w o u ld q u ick ly atta in the strong square o f Q 3 for his K n igh t. T h r o u g h the text-m o ve B la c k does indeed p rev e n t this, but he has, h o w ever, to w eaken his K in g -sid e, a circu m stan ce th at later on p leasan tly ap p aren t. 21

K t-K t2

becom es u n ­

P -K B 4

B lack has been able to prevent the ad v a n c e o f P - K 4 o n ly b y the greatest efforts, a n d has h ad to create in consequence

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

som e m a rk ed weaknesses in his position.

KERBS

3°3

M o re o ve r, W h ite is

in a position to concentrate the fire o f his K n ig h t, Bishop a n d R o o k on the K 4 square and thus c a n even tu ally force th ro u gh his P - K 4 . F o r these reasons B la c k m ust seek c o u n te r-p la y as q u ick ly as possible and best prospects o f this are affo rd ed b y the Q u een-sid e since fewer W h ite pieces are present there. S o , in the ensuing phase o f the g am e, W h ite m ust d evo te his attention to the possibility o f B la c k p la y in g P - K t 3 an d P - B 4 an d it is w ith this in m ind th at he p lays his next m ove. A t the sam e tim e he opens up the w a y to the strong post on Q 3 for his K n ig h t, a n d will then p ro ceed w ith B - K t 2 an d R - K i as a p rep aratio n for the P --K 4 a d v an ce . It is n a tu ra lly h ard to sa y w h eth er the p lan d evised b y W h ite is the best, b u t in an y case it is in keeping w ith the d em an d s o f the position a n d is characterised b y a strictly lo gical a p p ro a c h , A ltern atives su ch as 2 2 B - B 3 , P - K t 3 , w ith the even tu al th reat o f P - B 4 , o r 2 2 K t - K 3 , Q - K t 2 , p erm ittin g B lack in som e variatio n s to p la y P - K B 5 , are a n y w a y not stronger th an the text-m o ve. 22 23

B -B 2 K t-K i

K t-B 3 P -Q R 4

B lack (K eres)

W hite (Sm yslo v) to p la y H ere B lack could perm an en tly dispose o f the d an ger o f an a d v a n ce b y P - K 4 i f he w ere to continue 2 3 . . . P - K t 5 . B u t w ith this he w o u ld create hopeless weaknesses on the b la c k squares o f his position an d w o u ld g ive his opponent a m u c h su perior gam e after 24 B - K t 2 , follow ed b y 2 5 K t - Q 3 . T h e

3°4

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

diversion begu n b y the text-m ove on the Q u e e n ’s w in g is unpleasan t enough for W h ite and at least forces him to ab an d o n his m ain p lan , the P - K 4 ad van ce, for the tim e being. 24

K t-Q 3

In stead o f this m o ve it w ould h ave been sim pler to h ave p la y e d 2 4 P x P , so as to m anoeuvre his Bishop to the strong post o f Q K t 4 after 2 4 . . . R - R i ; 25 K t - Q 3 , R x P ; 2 6 B - K i . A fte r the text-m o ve B la ck should im m ediately open u p the Q R file b y 2 4 . . . P x P ; 2 5 P x P , R - R i so as to w o rry his ad v e rsa ry on the Q u e e n ’s w in g. B u t for some tim e n o w both p layers h ave been in tim e trouble an d this circu m stan ce stro n gly affects the ensuing p a rt o f the g am e. 24

. . .

R -R i

25

B -K t2

R -R 2

B lack does not w a n t a t all to elim inate the possibility o f P x P but w o u ld like to double his Rooks before the exch an ge on Q K t 4 26

R -K i

Q -R 2 !

A good m ove b y w h ic h Black increases his control o f W h ite ’s K 4 an d , in the even t o f W h ite con tin u in g w ith K t - B 5 follow ed b y P - K 4 , w ill h a v e a troublesome p in on th at square after a p a w n exch an ge. N o w there has arisen a critical situation in w h ich W h ite has to show how w ell based w as his previous strategy o f execu tin g the P - K 4 ad van ce. 27

P -K t j?

B y m eans o f this p a w n sacrifice W h ite at last carries out his id ea a n d arrives a t P - K 4 , but he has, how ever, to p a y too h ig h ly for it all. In the first place B lack w ill n o w h ave a p aw n m ore an d in the second this ad van ce no longer possesses the force it w as once su pposed to have. H e n ce it seems to me th at it w o u ld be best for W h ite here to renounce the d irect c a rry in g o u t o f his p lan bu t th a t he should also try to seize the in itiative on the Q u e e n ’s w in g b y continuing 2 7 P x P , R x P ; 2 8 K R - Q B i , follow ed b y B- K t - K t q . I believe th at W h ite cou ld h ave obtain ed real prospects o f a positional ad v a n ta g e w ith this p lan , w hereas n o w B la ck easily frees h im self from all difficulties. 27 28

. . . Q -B 5

K tx P P -B 3

29

P - -Q R 4

K t-Q 2 !

M IDDLE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

305

P erh ap s S m yslo v , in his tim e trou b le, h a d o verloo k ed this sim p le defence, one b y w h ich B lack m akes certain o f a solid p a w n m ore. 30

Q -B 2

31

K t-K 5 ?

K t-Q .3

T h is m o ve proves to be m erely a loss o f tim e.

B y 3 1 K t-B 5

W h ite cou ld here force the lo n g p rep ared th rust o f P - K 4 since B la c k can n o t w e ll p la y 3 1 . . . P - B 5 b ecau se o f 3 2 Q x Q c h , K x Q ; 3 3 P x P , an d i f then 3 3 . . . P x P ; 3 4 B - R 4 , w in n in g the e x ch a n g e . S o , after 3 1 K t - B 5 , B la c k w o u ld h a v e to p la y 3 1 . . . K t - B 3 w h en there w o u ld fo llow 3 2 P - K 4 , P x P ; 3 3 P x P , P - K t 3 w ith a tense position th at w o u ld , h o w eve r, rath er fa v o u r B la ck . A n instance w o u ld be the fo llo w in g possible v a ria tio n : 3 4 Q R - B r , P x K t ; 3 5 P x B , Q x O ; 3 6 R x Q , K P x P ;

39

3 7 R x P , R - Q B i ; 38 R -K 6 , K t(B 3 ) - K 5 ; B x K t, K tx B ; 4 0 K R x B P , R x R ; 4 1 R x R , R - Q K t 2 an d B la c k stands a little b etter in the end gam e ow in g to his strong K n ig h t. 31

. . .

K t-B 3!

A n d so B la ck gains sufficient control o f the K 5 sq u are. W h ite m ust n o w , i f he w ants to force through P - K 4 , retreat w ith his K n ig h t soon a n d w ith this the purposeless n atu re o f his 3 1 s t m o ve is dem onstrated. 32

Q R -B i

Q R -R i

33

K t - Q .3

Q R -K ti

P erh ap s it w o u ld have been better here not to a llo w the K n ig h t to get to B 5 and to p la y 3 3 . . . P - K t 3 . B u t B lack regard s the ensuing co m p licatio n as n ot d an gero u s, for h im a t a n y rate. 34

K t-B s

35

P -K 4 i

P -K t3

S m y s lo v m akes excellent use o f the o p p o rtu n ity affo rd e d him a n d obtains attack in g chances w ith the te xt-m o ve. A fte r 3 5 K t - K t 3 , w ith the intention o f 3 6 K t - Q 2 fo llow ed b y P - K 4 B la c k ’s 3 5 . . . P - B 5 can be troublesom e a n d w ith 3 5 K t - Q 3 W h ite w o u ld fin ally abandon his p la n o f fo rcin g th ro u gh P - K 4 . A fte r the text-m o ve great com plications su d d en ly arise.

35 36

. • • K tx P (K 4 )

PxP

306

G R A N D M AS TE R

OF

CHESS

I n v ie w o f the tim e trouble this cap tu re is far m ore d an gero u s fo r B la c k th an go in g o ver to the e n d gam e b y 3 6 P x P , P x K t ; 3 7 P x B , Q x Q ; 3 8 R x Q , K P x P ; 3 9 R x P , w h ic h w o u ld o ffer B la c k the better prospects after 3 9 . . . K t ( Q .3 ) - K .5 ; 4 0 R x B P , R ( Q i ) - Q B l . In the sh arp position th at has n o w arisen it is n o t easy, even in la ter analysis, to find the best m oves for bo th sides. A n d certa in ly n ot during the g am e w h en u n d e r tim e pressure. 36

.

37 38 39

Q .- K 2 K t-B 3

Q rK t3 R -K t2 b- b 5

Q -K t2

P -K t4

.

.

I t is n o t easy for B lack to make use o f his e x tra p a w n . H is pieces possess no firm outposts in the cen tre a n d th e open position enables W h ite to set u p dan gerou s ta ctica l threats. W it h the text-m o ve B la ck seeks to exploit his Q u een -sid e p aw n p rep o n d e ra n ce, b u t in so doing he has to allo w his o pp o n en t d an gero u s cou n ter-chan ces. Perhaps, therefore, it w o u ld h ave b een better to p rep are this ad van ce b y p la y in g 3 9 . . . R - K B i , so as to m eet 4 0 K t - K 4 , w ith 40 . . . K t ( B 3 ) x K t ; 4 1 P x K t , R - K B 2 etc. 40

PxP

41

K 1-K 4 !

PxP

T h is stro n g m ove w a s W h ite ’s sealed m o ve. N o w he th reatens to w in a p iece b y 4 2 K t x K t , followed b y 4 3 R x B , w h ic h w o u ld also fo llow for exam p le after 4 1 . . . R - K B 2 . In ad d itio n W h ite threatens in m a n y variatio n s 42 K t - B 5 , 4 2 Q - R 3 , a n d even 4 2 P - Q 5 , a n d hence the follow ing exch an g e is p ra c tic a lly forced . I t should be observed th at 4 1 P - B 4 , w as m u c h w e a k e r as then B la ck w o u ld re p ly 4 1 . . . R - K B 2 a n d o b tain co n tro l o ver th e im p o rta n t squares K 5 an d K K t 5 . 41

. . .

K t ( Q ,3 ) x K t

42

PxK t

K t-K t5 !

A fte r a d etailed analysis d urin g the ad jo u rn m en t I c a m e to the con clusion th at the surprising sacrificial co m b in atio n begu n b y B la ck w ith the text-m ove offers the best w in n in g ch an ces in p ra c tic e . T h e p oin t is th at W hite n o w not o n ly threatens 4 3 R x B , b u t also the v e ry strong 4 3 P - Q 5 !, w h en , at the cost

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

307

o f a second p a w n , all kinds o f lines .o f actio n w o u ld be open ed u p for his B ish o p an d Rooks. S u c h a n even t would, h o w ever, be v e r y d an gero u s fo r B la c k in v ie w o f th e open position o f his K in g . T h u s for e x am p le after 4 2 . . . R - K B a W hite w o u ld con tin u e 4 3 P -Q L 5 !, P x P ; 4 4 P x P , so as to attain after 4 4 . . . K t x P ; 4 5 Q R - Q i , a position in w h ic h B la c k ’s extra p aw ns are p r a c tic a lly worthless. A fte r the g a m e m a n y people th o u ght th at 4 2 . . . R ( K t 2 ) - Q g m ig h t h a v e been stronger, b u t I h a d d iscard ed this m o ve on a c c o u n t o f 4 3 P - Q j j ! T h e n , after 4 3 . . . P x P ; 4 4 B - K t 6 , the W h ite pieces su d d en ly becom e ex tre m e ly ac tiv e a n d I a m not a t all co n v in ce d that B lack’s e x tra p a w n s w o u ld ensure him a n a d v a n ta g e . 43

R xB

QtR

4!

I t is in this m ove that the p o in t o f B la c k ’s p iece sacrifice lies. A p p a r e n tly B lack g ave u p his B ish o p here so as to reco ver the p iece n o w b y 4 3 . . . K t x B since bo th 4 4 Q x K t , P x R an d 4 4 K x K t , R - B 2 c h followed b y 4 5 . . . P x R w o u ld le a d to loss o f the e x ch a n g e . B u t after 4 3 . . . K t x B W h ite w o u ld continue 4 4 R - B 3 , K t - K t s ; 4 5 P - R 3 a n d w o u ld su d d en ly a rriv e at an excellen t position. I t w o u ld a p p e a r that W h ite w a s far fro m e x p e ctin g the textm o ve since h e n o w used u p the g re ate r p a r t o f his tim e on the clo ck w ith o u t succeeding in fin d in g th e rig h t con tin u atio n . B la c k (K eres)

W hite (Sm yslo v) to p la y 44

R -B 2 ?

R e ta in in g the piece allows his o pp o n en t a decisive atta ck an d sp eed ily brin gs W h ite to a lost position. B a d too w a s 4 4 P - R 3

3°8

G RA N D M AS TER

OF

CHESS

b ecau se o f 4 4 . . . K t x B w ith the th reat o f 4 5 . . . K t - Q 6 or else o f 4 5 . . . K tx P c h . B u t 44 P - R 4 ! w a s essential a n d offered W h ite a d e q u a te defensive chances. B la c k w o u ld th en h a v e to r e p ly 4 4 . . . K t x B an d w e w ould like to in vestigate a little m ore e x h a u stive ly som e o f the possible con tin u ation s here. 1 . 4 5 Q _ -K t3 (A fter a R ook m ove there w o u ld co m e a fork w ith the K n ig h t, e .g. 4 5 R - B 3 , K t - Q 8 , o r 4 5 R - B 6 K t - Q 6 etc.) 4 5 . . . P x R ! (better than 4 5 . . . K t - Q 6 ; 4 6 R - K B i , w h ich w o u ld transpose into the variation g ive n b elo w ) 4 6 Q x R , P x P w ith go o d prospects for Black since an a c c ep ta n ce o f th e p iece sacrifice b y 4 7 K x K t , w o u ld give B lack a w in n in g a tta ck after 4 7 . . . R -B ic h . 2 . 4 5 R - K B i ! (U n d o u b ted ly the best defence) 4 5 . . . K t - Q 8 ; (after 4 5 . . . K t - Q 6 ; 4 6 Q _ -K t3, R - K B 2 ; W h ite even gets the a d v a n ta g e b y 4 7 R - B 6 !) 4 6 Q _ -K t3, P x R ! ; (4 6 . . . K t - K 6 allo w s W h ite the saving clause o f 4 7 R - B 8 ! etc.) 4 7 Q x R , K t - K 6 an d , though Black has retain ed his e x tra p a w n , th e open n a tu re o f B la c k ’s K in g affords him go o d prosp ects o f equ a lisin g the position. W ith S m y s lo v h a v in g left these variatio n s u n n o ticed in his a d jo u rn m en t analysis, one can h a r d ly b lam e h im for not d isco verin g the o n ly w a y of savin g the g a m e on co m in g so u n e x p e cte d ly to these com plications o ver the b o ard . 44

. . .

Q xP ch

45

K -B i

R -K B 2

46

R (K i)-K a

F o rc e d , since B la ck w a s threatening to cap tu re tw ice on K B 7 w ith R - K B i to follow . 46

. . .

47

Q .-B 3

Q xP

T h is loses q u ick ly, b u t there w as no lo n ger a n y sa v in g m o ve. A f te r 4 7 R - B 3 for e xam p le, Black w in s b y 4 7 . . . Q .-Q .3 w ith the th reat o f 4 8 . . . R ( Q i ) - K B i , o r 4 8 . . . Q x P , an d 4 7 P - K 5 w o u ld not a v a il W h ite either. B lack ca n sim p ly p la y 4 7 . . . P - R 5 , w ith the th reat o f 48 . . . P - R 6 a n d w o u ld w in v e r y m u c h as in the gam e. 47

. . .

Q xQ .

y

B la ck co u ld also w in w ith 4 7 . . . K t x B ; 4 8 Q x Q ,, K t x P dis

M IDD LE

YEARS

OF

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PAUL

309

c h ; 4 9 Q .- B 3 , R x Q c h ; 50 B x R , K t - K t 6 c h fo llow ed b y 5 1 . . . K t x R a n d 5 2 . . . R x P . B u t the text-m o ve is sim pler. 48

R xQ

49

R (B 3)-B 2

R (Q l)-K B l K tx B

B u t n ot a t o n ce 4 9 . . . P - R 5 becau se o f th e in te rven in g 5 0 B - R 3 . T h e ensuing gen eral e xch an ge leads the q u ick est to the desired end. 50 51

RxK t R xR

52

K xR

R xR ch R xR ch P -R 5 !

W h ite c a n n o longer stem the ad v a n c e o f this p a w n . rest needs n o com m en tary. -

53 b~r 3 54 P - 0.5

The

K -B 2 PxP

S im p le r still w a s 5 4 . . . P - R 6 ; 5 5 B x P c h , K - B 3 a n d the Q R P w ill Q u e e n . B u t the text-m o ve is also c o n v in cin g en ou gh . 55 56 57

B -Q 7 B -B 6 B x K tP

k

-

b

3

PxP P -R 6

W h ite R esigns

Gam e 4 3

RUY

L O P E Z , S T E IN IT Z

D EFEN CE

D EFER R ED

From the W o rld Cham pionship Tournam ent at the H ague an d M o sco w ,

19 4 8 M . Euw e 1 P -K 4

P . K ere s P -K 4

2

K t-Q B 3

3 4 5

K t-K B 3 B -K t5 B - R i| p

-

b

3

3 .3

P -Q R P -Q P -B 4

T h is in terestin g variatio n w as in tro d u ced in to to u rn a m en t p ra x is b y C a p a b la n c a in the B u d apest T o u rn a m e n t, 1 9 2 9 . I n the en su in g y e a rs it w as su bjected to nu m erou s an alyses an d in vestigatio n s a n d the gen eral conclusion re ach e d w a s th at

3 IQ

G R A N D M AS TE R

OF

CHESS

W h ite , w ith correct p la y , should g et the a d v a n ta g e . B u t the lines reco m m en d ed are n ot altogether c o n v in cin g a n d allo w a resourceful m aster full opp o rtu n ity o f a d d u c in g im p ro vem en ts to the m a in variation s. O w in g to m y position in the to u rn am en t I w a s com p elled to p la y for a w in in this gam e at all costs, so as to retain a n y c h a n ce w h atso ever o f the first p lace. F o r this reason the o p en in g v a riatio n suited m y purposes a d m ira b ly . 6

PxP

7

P-

BxP

0.4 5

O f recen t yea rs the variatio n 7 O - O , B - Q J ; 8 R - K i , P - K 5 ; 9 R - K 3 , follow ed b y 10 K t - K i has b ecom e h ig h ly fash ion ab le. W ith it W h ite either forces the B ish o p to retreat o r else w in s a p a w n . T h o u g h it is g en e rally assu m ed th a t it is w ith this va ria tio n th at W h ite gain s the a d v a n ta g e in sim plest style, y e t this v ie w m ust b e regarded w ith certain reservations. T h e possibilities th a t are at B la c k ’s disposal h ere h a v e been b y n o m eans exhau sted in the in vestigation s m a d e u p to now. A t the tim e this g a m e w as p lay e d , h o w eve r, 7 P - Q .4 , w as h eld to be best for W h ite and in w h a t follow s E u w e continues w ith

the p la n held to be best b y th eory.

7 8

• • • K t-K ts

P -K 5

0 0

V e r y interesting here w a s the p iece sacrifice 8 , P x K t; 9 Q x P . W ith it W h ite w o u ld retain a lastin g in itiative w ith g o o d a tta ck in g prospects, but it goes w ith o u t sa y in g th at such a m eth o d o f p la y in g is n ot to e veryo n e’s taste. 8

. . .

P - Q .4

U n d o u b te d ly one o f th e best replies for B la c k .

A fte r 8 . . .

P - R 3 o r 8 . . . K t - B 3 ; 9 Q _-K t3 is v e r y troublesom e, b u t after th e te x t-m o ve 9 . . . P - R 3 becom es a real th reat. 9

P -B 3

P -K 6 !

T h is p a w n sacrifice is not n e w b u t in this g a m e B la c k essays th e a tte m p t to rehabilitate its dubious rep u tatio n .

A n d since

h e succeeds in this it is in cu m ben t o n W h ite to g iv e p r o o f in o th er gam es th at he cou ld p la y stro n ger som ew here o r other. I n p ra ctice 9 . . . P - K 6 is u n d o u b ted ly B la c k ’s best ch a n ce since

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

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KERBS

3 11

both 9 . . . P xP ; io 0 - 0 ! and 9 . . . P - R 3 ; 10 PxP, P xK t; 11 PxB, give White the better game. 10

P -K B 4

Black gets an excellent position after 10 BxP, P - R 3 ; 11 K t -R 3 , B x K t; 12 PxB, B -O s* W ith the text-move White makes certain o f winning a pawn, since the far advanced K P is o f course beyond protection. In compensation, however, Black gets very fine play for his pieces and an advance in development that render highly problematic any realisation of White’s small material advantage.

10 . . .

B -Q .3 Black (K eres)

W h ite (E u w e ) to p la y

11 Q t b 3 W ith this m o ve, w hich deprives the W h ite K n ig h t o f the im p o rta n t sq u a re o f K B 3 (on its w a y to K 5 ) , W h ite can n o t, at all events, e x p e c t to obtain a n a d v a n ta g e . N o r is it altogether cle a r w h e th er the other possible continuations here are calc u ­ la ted so to do . Better, h o w eve r, th an the te x t-m o ve w a s 1 1 Q _ -R 5 ch , so as to continue as in the g a m e after 1 1 . . . P - K t 3 ;

3

0 0

1 2 Q ,-B 3 , Q r B ! ! 3 Q x P c h , K t - K 2 ; 1 4 - , e tc., since this w o u ld blo ck o f f the im p o rtant squ are K K t 3 fro m the B lack

0 3

3 *3

pieces. A n d after 1 1 . . . B - K t 3 ; 1 2 ~ ® >O r® > Q.x B c B > K t - K 2 ; W h ite w o u ld have th e possibility o f th e d isagreeable 1 4 Q ,~ R 6 - B u t these variations too are n ot co m p le te ly con ­ v in cin g since B la ck alw ays obtains a d an gero u s in itiative in retu rn for his p a w n .

312

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

T h a t i r O - O , B x P ; 12 R x B , Q x K t ; 1 3 B x P , K t - K 2 ; is not p a rtic u la rly hopeful for W h ite on acco u n t o f his o p p o n e n t’s excellen t d evelo p m en t is obvious en ou gh . H e n ce the cap tu re 1 1 B x P , m ust be regard ed as the other m ain variatio n , bu t after this too the situation is far from clear. W e ap p en d a possible co n tin u a tio n : 1 1 . . . Q - K 2 ; 1 2 Q - K 2 , K t - B 3 ; (the co m b i­ n ation 1 2 . . . B - Q 6 ; 1 3 Q x B , B x P ; gives W h ite a cle ar a d v a n t­ age after the su rprising reply 1 4 K t - B y ! as also does 1 2 . . . B - K K t j ; 1 3 Q x B , Q x B c h ; 14 Q - K 2 , etc.) 1 3 K t - B 3 , B K K t j ; 1 4 P - K R 3 , K t - R 4 ; 1 5 K - B 2 , ( 1 5 P x B , fails again st 1 5 . . . K t - K t 6 ) an d n o w B lack has the follow ing c h o ice : i f he does not w a n t to c a r r y o n p la y with Q u een again st three m inor pieces b y 1 5 . . . B x B P ; 16 P xB , K t - K t 6 ; 1 7 R - K i , K t x Q ; 1 8 R x K t , etc., then he c an p lay sim ply 1 5 . . . K t x P : 16 B x K t , Q x Q c h ; 1 7 K x Q , B x K t c h ; 18 K x B , ; 19 P - K K t 3 ,

0 0

P - K K t 4 ; w ith an ap p ro xim ately level gam e. N a tu r a lly , the variation s given here can n o t take into acco u n t all the h id d en possibilities o f the position. B u t they n everth e­ less furnish a ch a racteristic picture o f the sort o f d angerous in itiative th at B lack can attain in return for the p aw n sacrifice. T h ere fo re one m ust treat w ith certain reservations the opinion cast b y th eo ry on the p a w n sacrifice 9 . . . P - K 6 and at the very least w a it un til it has been tried in more gam es o ver the bo ard . 11

. . .

12

Q xP ch

Q -B 3

T o o dan gerou s w as natu rally 12 Q x P , because o f 1 2 . . . B x P , a n d after 1 2 B x P , W h ite is in difficulties on acco u n t o f 1 2 . . . P - R 3 . B u t the position is not n o ticeab ly ch a n ge d b y 12 - , K t - K .2 , since on account o f the th reat o f 1 3 . . . P - R 3 W h ite m ust then continue 1 3 Q x K P in a n y case.

0 0

12

. . .

K t - K .2

In this position B lack, with his excellent develo p m en t an d ta k in g into a cco u n t the m an y weaknesses in his o p p o n e n t’s position, has attain ed full com pensation for his p aw n . W h ite m ust n o w p la y v e r y carefu lly if he does not w ish to get the dis­ a d v a n ta g e . 13 B x K tc h ? T h is exch a n g e is u n d o u bted ly a m istake since in the first p la c e W h ite strengthens the enem y centre w ith it, in the second

M ID D LE

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he w eakens the w hite squares in his o w n c a m p a n d in the third h e gives his a d v e rsa ry the a d v a n ta g e o f tw o Bishops. I n m y o pin ion in this position there exists o n ly one satisfacto ry p lan o f p la y fo r W h ite — to w it, the transfer o f the K n ig h t to K 5 .

0-0

I n p rep a ra tio n o f this plan 1 3 m u st be p la y e d . I t should be observed th at an im m ediate 1 3 K t - B 3 , 0 - 0 does n ot alter the situation since then 14. K t - K 5 w o u ld n ot be go o d because o f 1 4 . . . B x K t ; 1 5 Q P x B , Q _ -K t3, w h ilst after 1 4 Q K t-Q _ 2 , B - K t 3 c a n be v e r y troublesom e. A fte r 1 3

0 - 0 , 0-0

W h ite can n o t w e ll p la y

1 4 K t-Q _ 2 ,

because o f 1 4 . . . K t - K t s ! ; 1 5 P - K K t 3 , P - R 3 ; 16 K t ( K t 5 )~ B 3 , B - K R 6 w ith a decisive a tta c k ; b u t he c an con tin u e 14 K t - B 3 ! N o w a t long last the K n ig h t does th reaten to attain the K 5 sq u a re. I n reply B lack m igh t tr y 1 4 . . . R - K 5 ; so that i f 1 5 K 4 - K 5 ? , he can win m aterial b y 1 5 . . . B x K t ; 1 6 Q P x B , Q ,- K t 3 - B u t W h ite has the stron ger con tin u atio n 1 5 K t - K t 5 , w h ereu p o n B la c k has nothing better th a n to retu rn to the old position b y m eans o f 1 5 . . . B - K B 4 ; 1 6 K t - B 3 , etc. N evertheless, B lack can still tr y a n d p la y for a n ad v a n ta g e

0 0 0 0

after 1 3 , ; 14 K t ~ B 3 , b y co n tin u in g 1 4 . . . B x K t ; 1 5 R x B , Q - K t 3 ; 16 B - Q 2 , R x P , T h e n B lack w ill h ave re­ g a in ed his p a w n , cau ght u p w ith his o p p o n e n t’s d evelopm en t a n d atta in ed a position in w h ich W h ite m ust be thinking o f tryin g fo r eq u a lity. 13

. . .

14

0 -0

PxB

14 K t - B 3 , 0 - 0 w ould le ad to the position in the g am e since n o w 1 5 K t - K j w o u ld not be good becau se o f 1 5 . . . B x K t ( K t S ) ; 1 6 R x B , B x K t ; followed b y 1 7 . . . Q _ -K t3 etc. 14

. . .

15

K t-Q a ?

0 -0

T h e decisive mistake after w h ich B lack obtains an irresistible atta ck aga in st his o pp o n en t’s u n d evelo p ed position. H ere W h ite m ust tr y , w illy-n illy, 1 5 K t - B 3 , alth o u gh this m o ve w o u ld n ot n o w be so effective'as it w a s before the exch an g e on Q B 6 . B la c k c a n then re p ly, for e x a m p le , 1 5 . . . B x K t (after 1 5 . . ; B - K 5 ; W h ite returns w ith his K n ig h t b y 1 6 K t - K t 5 ) 1 6 R x B , Q p K t 3 ; 1 7 B - Q 2 , R x P a n d w o u ld then stan d rath e r b etter on a cco u n t o f his con tro l o f the w h ite squares.

GRANDMASTER

3*4

15 16

. . . P -K K t3

OF

CHESS

K t-K t3 Q R -K i!

T h is co n tin u atio n is n o w stronger th an 1 6 . . . P - R 3 ; 1 7 K K t - B 3 , B - K R 6 , since W h ite can n o t p la y 1 7 Q - B 3 , becau se o f 1 7 . . . P - R 3 , w in n in g a p iece. I t is cle ar th at W h it e ’s u n d evelo p ed position m ust sooner o r la te r collapse. 17

Q -B 2

B -Q 6

G o o d en o u gh too for w in n in g purposes w as the p iece sacrifice 17 . . . P -R 3 ; sim pler. 18 19

1 8 K K t - B 3 , B x P ! etc. b u t the te x t-m o ve is R -K i Q xR

'

R xR ch BxP!

W ith this sacrifice B la ck destroys the en em y K in g ’s position a n d n o w o b tain s a n a tta ck that is speedily decisive. H e re , h o w e v e r, B la c k m ust av o id the o th er en ticin g sacrificial o p p o rtu n ity 1 9 . . . K t x P ; 20 P x K t , Q x P , since then W h ite co u ld force a n exch a n g e o f Q ueens b y 2 1 Q - K 6 c h , K - R i ; 22 Q K t-B 3. 20

PxB

W h ite ca n n o t offer to exchange Q u eens b y 20 Q - K 6 c h , since then, after 2 0 . . . Q x Q ; 2 1 K t x Q , B lack w ins at o n ce b y 2 t . . . B ~ K 6 c h ; 2 2 K - R i , R - B 8 c h ! ; 2 3 K - K t 2 , R - B 7 c h , etc. 20

21

. . .

K tx P

QKt-B 3

A fte r 2 1 K K t - B 3 , Q - K t 3 c h is decisive, w hilst i f 2 1 Q - R 4 , K t - K 7 c h ; 2 2 K - K t 2 , B -K 5 C I 1, etc. N o r does the interposition o f 2 1 P - K R 4 , P - R 3 help W h ite ’s plight. 21

. . .

K t-K 7c h

22

K -K t2

P -R 3 !

W in n in g b a ck the piece an d retain in g an irresistible attack .

0.2

23 24

Qr Q -K 3

Q -B 4 PxK t

25

B -Q 2 W h ite resigns.

R -K 5

A n interesting g a m e not w ithout theoretical valu e.

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

315

G am e 4 4

FREN CH

D EFEN CE

From the W orld. Cham pionship Tournam ent at the H ague an d M o sco w ,

19 4 8 P. K eres 1 P -K 4

M . B o tvin n ik P K 3

2 3

P - Q .4

P -Q 4 K t-Q B 3

T h is g a m e w a s played in the last ro u n d w h e n B o tvin n ik w as a lre a d y assured o f the W o r ld C h am p io n sh ip title. I n c o n tra ­ distinction W h ite had to g o all o u t for the w in i f he w ish e d to retain ch a n ces for third p lace . T h is is w h y he chooses a v e r y sh arp o pen in g variation so as to b rin g ab o u t co m p licatio n s from the v e r y first moves o n w ard s. 3

. . .

4

B -Q a

B -K t5

T h is m o ve obtained w id e r reco gn itio n after th e g a m e A le k h in e -F lo h r , N o ttin gh am , 1 9 3 6 , w h ich en d ed in a b rillia n t w in for W h ite . I n a n y case, W h it e ’s p a w n s sacrifices a re h ig h ly p rom isin g a n d their accep tan ce ensures h im a lastin g in itia tiv e . 4

.. . .

5

Q rK t 4

PxP

I n the g a m e m entioned a b o v e , A le k h in e -F lo h r , W h it e c a p tu re d th e p a w n a t once w ith 5 K t x P , an d after 5 . . . Q x P w a s fo rced to offer up an o th er p a w n b y 6 B - Q 3 , B x B c h ; 7 Q x B . F lo h r refrained fro m tak in g the second p a w n b u t la te r an alyses h a v e show n that in this case W h ite w o u ld sc a r c e ly h a v e sufficient atta ck in g possibilities to com pensate for The loss in m a terial. T h e text-m ove, g ive n b y A lek h in e h im self as b e tte r after the g a m e , is certainly m u c h stronger. 5

. . .

K t~ K B 3

B o tvin n ik refuses the second p a w n . A fte r 5 . . . Q x P ; 6 O - O - O , P - K B 4 ; 7 Q - K t 3 , B - Q 3 ; 8 B - K B 4 , W h ite , to geth er w ith his excellen t d evelopm ent, w o u ld o b tain a n e n d u rin g atta ck in retu rn for his p aw n s, as w as show n in th e g a m e

3 16

GRANDMASTER

K e r e s -L e v e n fis h , M o s c o w , 19 4 8 .

OF

CHESS

W ith the text-m o ve B lack

even gives the p a w n b a ck in the hope o f g a in in g a h arm onious co o p eratio n for his pieces. 6

Q x K tP

R -K ti

7

Q -R 6

K t-B 3

A n o th e r possibility here w as " j . . . Q x P , w h ich , h o w ever, after 8 O - O - O , cou ld le a d to in calcu lable com p lication s. T h ese are best sh o w n b y the possible variation 8 . . . R - K t 3 ; 9 Q - R 4 , R - K t 5 ; 10 Q - R 3 , Q x P ; 1 1 B - K 2 ! , R - R 5 ; 1 2 Q x R ! , Q x Q ; 1 3 P - K K t 3 , w h en B la c k loses b ack the Q u een an d rem ains the e x ch a n g e d o w n . I t is easy to und erstan d w h y B o tvin n ik , h a v in g re g a rd to his tournam ent position, wishes to avo id com p licatio n s o f this n atu re and selects a con tin u ation that w ill g u ara n tee h im a n a ccep ta b le position. 8

0- 0- 0 !

R -K t3

N o w a ca p tu re o n Q 5 b y 8 . . . K t x P , w o u ld be re ally h aza rd ou s since then W h ite could sim p ly reco ver his p a w n b y 9 K t x P , o r else p la y for further com plications b y 9 K t - K t 5 . 9 10

Q -R 4 BxB

BxK t Q -Q 4

A go o d m a n o eu vre b y w hich B lack once m ore protects his K P an d a t the sam e tim e gains a tem po in d evelopm ent. 11 12

P -Q K t3 P -B 3!

K t-K a

W h ite has fallen a little behind with his develo p m en t in the o pen in g a n d , too, the enem y K n ig h ts dispose o f excellen t outposts in the cen tre. B u t in com pensation W h ite possesses tw o p o w erfu l Bishops.

I n order to p ro cu re w id e r scope for

these the position m u st be opened up still further an d the first im m ed iate task is the su bjugation o f the strong p a w n on B la c k ’s K 5 w h ich hinders a n o rm al developm ent o f W h ite ’s K i n g ’s w in g . T h e g a m e n o w assumes a v e r y sharp ch a ra c te r an d exacts resourceful p la y from both sides in its further course. T h e other possible continuation here, 1 2 K t - K 2 , w o u ld be less to the purp ose. B la ck could then con tin u e, for exam p le, w ith 1 2 . . . K t - B 4 ; 1 3 Q - B 4 , B - Q 2 ; p re p a rin g for 1 4 . . .

0- 0- 0 .

I f then 1 4 Q x B P , R - B i ; 1 5 Q - K 5 , Q x Q ; 1 6 P x K t ,

MIDDLE

YEARS

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PAUL

KERES

3 17

K t - K t 5 , w h e n B lack wins b ack his p a w n w ith a n e xce llen t g am e. 12

. . .

B -Q 2

N o w 1 2 . . . K t - B 4 w ould be useless since W h it e ’s Q u e e n has a go o d retreat on K i . In this position B o tvin n ik o ffered m e a d r a w . S u c h a result could not, o f course, satisfy m e, e sp ec ially in so sh arp a n d com plicated a position. 13

B -K t2

A n u n n ecessary loss o f tim e as a result o f w h ich B la c k is g ive n the o pp o rtu n ity o f stren gthen in g his cen tral positio n . H e re an im m ed iate 1 3 P x P , should h av e been p la y e d .

A fte r

either 1 3 . . . K t x P ; 1 4 B - K t 2 , follow ed b y 1 5 K t - B 3 , o r 1 3 . . . Q x K P ; 1 4 K t - B 3 , W h ite w o u ld h a v e re ta in e d a fine g a m e, despite the possible Q u e e n exch an g e in the secon d v ariatio n . 13 14

. . . P -Q B 4

B -B 3

N o w a n exch an ge o f p aw n s b y 1 4 P x P , w a s no lo n ger g o o d since after 1 4 . . . Q x K P , B la c k controls all the cen tre sq u ares an d exerts troublesom e pressure on K K t 7 - T h u s , for e x a m p le , after 1 5 Q x Q , B x Q , as w e ll as after 1 6 K t - B 3 , K t - K t 5 , o r also 1 6 R - Q 2 , K t - B 4 , B la c k w o u ld h av e som e u n p le asan t threats, a n d after 1 5 K t - B 3 , K t - B 4 ; 16 Q x Q , K t x Q , w o u ld be v e r y strong for Black. W h ite is therefore fo rced to o p e n u p his K i n g ’s position with the text-m o ve a n d strive after e ven gre ate r com plications. 14

. . .

Q -K B 4 !

B o tvin n ik finds the best re p ly. A n u m b er o f an n o tato rs reco m m en d ed here the p iece sacrifice b y 1 4 . . . Q 7 Q R 4 ; 1 5 P - Q 5 , P x Q P ; 16 B x K t , K t - B 4 , w h ic h w o u ld , a p p a re n tly h a v e open ed u p the w a y for a fierce a tta ck b y B la c k , for e x a m p le : 1 7 Q x P , R x B ; 18 Q - R 8 c h , K - K 2 ; 1 9 Q x R , K t - K 6 , o r 1 7 Q - B 4 , R x B ; 18 Q -K 5 C I 1 , R - K 3 ; 1 9 Q x K t , Q x P e tc. A lth o u g h in this last va ria tio n W h ite w o u ld still h a v e so m e resources after 20 P x Q P . I n a c tu a l fact, how ever, this co n tin u atio n is c o n sid e ra b ly w e a k e r for B lack , since there exists the possibility fo r W h it e o f sim p lifyin g th e position b y 1 7 Q - K i ! : 1 7 . . . Q x Q ; iB R x Q ,

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

R x B ; 1 9 P x Q P , B x P ; 2 0 P xP , R - K 3 ; 2 1 K t - B 3 ! A fte r the fu rth er 2 1 . . . R x P ; (bu t not 2 1 . . . B x K P ; 2 2 K t - K t 5 ) 2 2 B - Q 3 , R x R ; 2 3 R x R c h , K t - K 2 ; 2 4 B x P , w e g et a n en d in g in w h ich W h ite stands better in v ie w o f his passed p a w n o n the R o o k file. B lack (Botvinnik)

W h ite (K eres) to p la y

15 P-Q 5I A positional p a w n sacrifice in order to obtain the in itiative. I n com p en satio n for the sacrificed p a w n W h ite n o w opens u p lines fo r his Bishops a n d for the R o o k , w h ilst at the sam e tim e k eepin g the en em y K in g fixed in the centre.

T h e r e b y he

o btain s the o p p o rtu n ity o f initiating a dan gerou s attack . 15 16

. . . PxK P

PxQ P PxK P

H e r e it is n ot easy for Black to decid e h o w best he should re ca p tu re . S in ce there are no positive threats the choice m ust be m a d e o n the gro u n d s o f general positional considerations. 1 6 . . . Q x P b e in g v e r y b a d because o f 1 7 B x K t , Q - K 6 c h ; 1 8 K - K t i , K t - B 4 ; 1 9 R - K i !, only 16 . . . K t x P re a lly com es in to con sid eration as an alternative. W h ite in ten d ed then to p ro ceed w ith 1 7 K t - B 3 , an d this after 1 7 . . . R - K t 5 ; 1 8 Q - K i , O - O - O ; w o u ld le a d to a position qu ite d ifferen t fro m th a t in the g a m e . T h e r e w o u ld arise a sharp b attle w ith the m in o r pieces, to geth er w ith a sp eed y opening u p o f the cen tre, a n d in this, after, for in stan ce, 19 K t - Q 4 , W h ite ’s ch an ces should not b e und erestim ated .

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

319

I t is d ifficu lt to say, even after subsequent analyses, w h ic h o f these tw o variatio n s would p ro vid e B lack w ith the b etter prospects, since in both cases there is no forced co n tin u atio n . A t a n y ra te , the line chosen b y B lack in the g am e also has its a d v a n ta g e s a n d the strong p a w n on K 5 n o ticea b ly hinders the n o rm a l d evelo p m en t o f W h ite ’s K i n g ’s w in g in the ensuing phase o f the g am e. 17

K t-R .3

K t-K ts

B la ck m ust m ake haste w ith his cou n ter-actio n on the K i n g ’s w in g , since otherw ise W hite threatens to start a decisive a tta ck b y 1 8 B - K 2 , follow ed by 19 K R - B i . A lr e a d y it is ap p are n t th at the g a m e is nearing its decisive crisis. 18

Q -K t3

T h u s W h ite w ins back his p a w n , since protection o f the B P b y 1 8 . . . R - B i w ould allo w W h ite a fierce atta ck after 1 9 B - K 2 . H o w e v e r , Black does m a n ag e to attain som e sim plifi­ cation s a n d so averts the w o rst d an gers. H e re , therefore, the sharp atta ck in g continuation 1 8 B - K 2 , K t - K 6 ; 1 9 P - K K t 4 , cam e in to consideration.

I no ticed the possibility d u rin g th e

gam e b u t even tu a lly rejected it because o f the re p ly 1 9 . . .

Q-QR4! In fa c t, a satisfactory con tin u ation for W h ite is not then to be seen. I n re p ly to 20 R - Q 2 , there com es 2 0 . . .Q x P , w ith th e v e ry troublesom e threat o f 2 1 . . . Q x P (3.1 K t - B 4 , R - Q 3 ) W h ite co u ld tr y an exchange sacrifice b y 20 P - R 3 , b u t in this case too B la c k stands v e ry satisfacto rily after, for e x a m p le , 20 . . . K t x R ; 2 1 P - K t 4 , Q - R 5 ; 2 2 B x K t , Q - R 3 ; 2 3 P - K t 5 , B x P ; 2 4 P x B , Q x K t P ; o r also in this line 2 1 . . . Q - R 3 ; 2 2 R x K t , (2 2 P - K t 5 , Q - K t 3 ;) 2 2 . . . P - K t 4 , etc. T a k in g these circum stances in to con sideration , the te x tm o ve, b y w h ich , m oreover, W h ite ensures h im self again st a n y d a n g e r o f losing, must be regard ed as v e r y go od . In ad d itio n , b y this tim e bo th adversaries w e re p lagu ed b y acu te tim e trou b le, an d this rendered the calcu latio n o f the vario u s c o m p li­ ca te d lines still more difficult. 18

. . .

Q -B 4 !

T h re a te n in g 1 9 . . . Q - K 6 c h , a n d thus p ra c tic a lly fo rc in g W h ite to go in for the ensuing sim plification.

32 0

G RA ND M ASTER

19

Q xP

OF

CHESS

R -B l

W e a k e r here w a s 1 9 . . . K t - K 6 ; 2 0 R - Q 2 , K t x B ; 2 1 R x K t , P -K 6 ; 22 R -K 2 , R - B

i

; 2 3 Q - B 4 , w h e n B la c k can n o t cap tu re

on K t 7 because o f the th reat o f 2 4 Q x P c h , etc. 20

Q -B 4

Q -K 6 ch

21

R Q .2

Q

xQ

?

I t is difficult to und erstan d w h y B lack d id n o t choose to g iv e check here b y 2 1 . . . Q - K 8 . H e cou ld at least h av e tried to see w h eth er W h ite w a s satisfied with a d r a w b y 2 2 R - Q i , Q ~ K 6 c h ; 2 3 R - Q 2 , Q - K 8 c h etc. A n attem pt to w in b y 2 2 K - B 2 ? w o u ld in a n y case fail, since B lack cou ld then w in the Q u e e n b y 2 2 . . . K t - K 6 c h ; 2 3 K - B 3 , K t ( K .2 ) - Q 4 c h . G o o d too for B lack w o u ld be the co n tin u atio n 2 3 Q x Q , K t x Q , follow ed b y 2 4 . . . K t x B w h en W h ite loses his K K t P . I f W h ite still w a n te d to p lay for a w in in re p ly to this line then he w o u ld h a v e to try 2 3 K - K t i . T h e n , h o w ever, there cou ld follow 2 3 . . . Q x Q ; 2 4 K t x Q , K t - B 7 ; 2 5 K t x R , K t x K t ; 2 6 B - K 2 , K t x R ( R 8 ) ; 2 7 R x K t , P - B 4 , w ith a v e r y go o d en d ­ g a m e for B la ck in w h ich the W hite Bishops co u ld scarcely com e into real action. 22 23

K tx Q R -Q B 2 !

P -K 6

It w o u ld seem th at Botvinnik, w h en e x ch a n g in g Q u eens, h ad u nderestim ated this good m ove an d , in all p ro b ab ility , h ad an ticip ated o n ly 2 3 R - K 2 , R - Q 3 , w ith c o u n te r-p la y on the Q u een file. W ith the text-m ove W h ite leaves the sq uare K 2 free for his Bishop an d th ereb y arrives at a sp eed y develo p m en t o f his k in g ’s w in g. 23

. . .

R -K t4

L a te r on this proves to be a poor post for the R o o k , bu t B la c k ’s position is a lrea d y difficult. If, for e x am p le, 2 3 . . . R - Q 3 , then there follows 2 4 B - K 2 , K t - B 7 ; 2 5 R - B i , th reaten ­ ing 2 6 R - B 3 . A possible coun ter-attack b y 2 5 . . . B - K 5 ; 26 R - B 3 , R - Q 7 , w o u ld , h ow ever, yield W h ite a clear a d v a n ta g e after 2 7 B - B 3 ! . N o t n o ticea b ly better, too, was 2 3 . . . R - R 3 , w h ereu p o n W h ite aga in continues w ith 2 4 B - K 2 . A fte r 2 4 . . . R x P ; 2 5 R x R , K t x R ; 2 6 R - B 3 , B lack loses his im p o rta n t p a w n on

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

321

K 6 a n d W h ite gets a clear a d v a n ta g e b y th e co n tin u atio n 2 4 . . . K t x P ; 2 5 R - K i , in co n ju n ctio n w ith the threats o f 2 6 B - K t 7 , o r 2 6 R - B 3 . F in a lly , 2 4 . . . K t - B y ; 2 5 R - K i , R x P ; 2 6 R - B 3 , is the reverse o f p leasan t for B lack . 24 25 N a tu r a lly B la c k

B--K.2 R -K i

K t-B 7 R -Q i

m ust n ot here cap tu re the p a w n

w ith

2 5 . . . B x P , becau se o f 2 6 R - K t i , an d also an atte m p t to d efen d the K P b y 2 5 . . . B - K 5 ; 2 6 R - B 3 , K t - B 4 , w o u ld not be g o o d because o f 2 7 P - K K t 4 l , K t x P ; 2 8 R - K t i , etc. W ith the te x tm o ve B la ck still furnishes his o p p o n en t w ith the m ost tech n ical difficulties. 26

P -K t3 ?

W ith tim e trouble on both sides W h ite fails to utilise his a d v a n ta g e in the best possible w a y an d allow s his oppon en t still to pu t u p a stubborn defence. H e re he should certain ly h a v e p la y e d 2 6 B - B i !, preventing b o th 2 6 . . . B - K 5 , an d 2 6 . . . K t - B 4 , becau se o f the reply 2 7 R x K t . W h ite w o u ld then h im self be threaten in g 27 B - B 6 , fo llow ed b y 2 8 B x K t , an d 2 9 R x P c h , w ith a quick win. 26

. . .

R -K B 4 ?

W ith this B la ck makes go od his a d v e rsa ry ’s previous in ­ a c c u r a c y an d the g am e resumes its n o rm al course. M u c h b etter defensive possibilities were afford ed here b y 2 6 . . . B - K 5 ; 2 7 R - B 3 , K t - B 4 , b y w hich B lack protects his v ita l K P a t least tem p o rarily.

A fte r that W h ite w o u ld still h av e to o verco m e Black (Botvinnik)

W hite (K eres) to p la y

322

G R A N D M AS TE R

OF

CHESS

som e tech n ical difficulties, but, w ith c o rrect p la y , should in the end atta in a decisive ad van tage. H e co u ld , for e x a m p le , continue w ith 2 8 B - B i , an d i f then 2 8 . . . R - Q 7 ; 2 9 K t - Q . 5 !, B x K t ; 3 0 R ( B 3 ) x P c h , K t x R ; 3 1 R x K t c h , etc. w ith o bvio u s a d v a n ta g e .

P ro b a b ly too the sh arp co n tin u atio n 2 8 P - K K t 4 ,

cou ld be p la y e d , since after 2 8 . . . K t x P ; 2 9 R - K t i , K t - Q ^ ; 3 0 B x K t , P - B 4 , there w ould com e 3 1 R x P , an d also th e tr y 2 9 . . . R - Q . 7 , w o u ld seem to be insufficient b ecau se o f 3 0 P - K R 3 !( 3 0 B x K t , R - B 7 !). A fte r the text-m o ve W h ite ’s task is co n sid erab ly sim p ler, since n o w the im p o rta n t K P falls a n d the W h ite K in g escapes from all d an ger. 27

B -B i

R xK t

D esperation , b u t it in no w a y alters the situation.

W h ite

w a s threaten in g 2 8 B - Q R 3 and 2 7 . . . B - K 5 fails o n a c c o u n t o f 28 R x K t. 28 29 30

PxR B xK t R -B 3!

K t-Q 6 c h R xB

W ith this the c h ie f p ro p o f B la c k ’s position, the p a w n on K 6 , falls a n d this in tu rn signifies the en d o f the gam e. 30

• • •

31 32 33 34 35

BxR

36

K-Q.3

37

B -R 4 R -K 7 c h

38 39

B -Q 2 ! BxP B -B 2 K -Q 2

P -K R 3

R xR ch K t-B 4 K -Q 2 P -K t3 P -B 3 P -K R 4 K t-R 3 P -B 4

K-Q.3 resigns.

T h is sharp g a m e, rich in vicissitudes, w a s m y first w in o v er B o tvin nik.

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

323

G am e 4 5

RUY

L O P E Z , S T E IN IT Z

D EFEN CE

D EFERRED

X V I U .S .S .R . Cham pionship at M o sco w , 19 4 8

D . Bronstein 2

P -K 4 K t-K B 3

P . K ere s P -K 4 K t-Q B 3

3 4

B -K t5 B -R 4

P -Q R P -Q

1

3 .3

T h e Stein itz Defence, w ith o r 'w ith o u t th e m o ve 3

. . .

P - Q R 3 , gives B la ck a firm, i f so m ew h at constricted, p osition. In the present gam e I w anted to in tro d u ce a litd e im p ro ve m e n t on the g a m e E u w e -K e r e s, H a g u e -M o s c o w , 19 4 8 . 5

P -B 3

6

P-

7 8 9

B -K t3! Q K t-Q .2 K t-B 4

10

0.4

B -O 2 K K t-K a P -R 3 K t-K t3 B -K a

K t-K 3

E u w e con tin u ed here w ith 10 O - O , to w h ich B lack c o u ld re p ly w ith the m ove recom m en ded b y B o n d arevsk y 10 . . . B - K t 4 . T h is m o ve is also possible, h o w eve r, after th e te x tm ove, since th e continuation 1 1 K t x B , P x K t ; 1 2 Q .-B 3 , is n ot dangerous o n acco u n t o f 1 2 . . . K t - B 5 .

B lack has, h o w e v e r,

other intentions. 10 11

. . .

0-0

0 -0 R -K i!

T h is is the im provem en t th a t B lack w ish ed to try o ut.

In

tw o gam es o f the W o rld C h am p io n sh ip at the H a g u e -M o s c o w , 19 4 8 , B lack p layed here 1 1 . . . B - B 3 ( E u w e -K e r e s an d S m y s lo v -R e sh e v sk y ), but after 1 2 K t-Q _ 5 , h e h a d sc a rce ly an yth in g better th an to su rrender the centre w ith 1 2 . . . P x P , w h ich also in fa ct occurred in th e g am e earlier m entioned. W ith the text-m o ve Black intends to retire his B ishop to K B 1 an d thus to exert noticeable pressure on the K 5 sq u are, bu t here too his position rem ain s rath er cram p e d . W h ite , at

3«4

G R A N D M A S T E R

OF

CHESS

all events, retains a free g am e with go o d prospects in the centre an d on the K in g ’s w in g . 12

R -K i

B etter here w as an im m ediate 1 2 B - B 2 , le avin g the R o o k on K B 1 to su pport the e ve n tu a l thrust o f P - K B 4 . 12

. . .

B -K B i

13

B -B 2

K t-R 5

I n o rd er to free his position a little, B lack exch an ges o f f his K n ig h t for the K n ig h t th a t is block ad in g the K B P an d th ereb y m akes it easier for W h ite to execute the ad v a n c e o f P - K B 4 . H e n ce , fu rther passive defence b y 1 3 . . . Q K t - K 2 c a m e into consideration so as to o b tain cou n terplay b y P - Q B 4 , o r else to con tin u e w ith his d evelopm en t b y P - Q B 3 , Q .-B 2 an d Q R - Q . 1 . 14

K tx K t

15

K t-Q .5

Q xK t

T h e d ra w b a ck s o f B la c k ’s 13 t h m o ve are best re ve aled b y the line 1 5 P - K K t 3 , Q - Q . I ; 16 P - K B 4 , w ith w h ich W h ite w o u ld exert strong pressure on B la c k ’s centre. T o this B la c k co u ld not v e r y w ell re p ly 1 5 . . . Q _-R 6 , because o f 16 B -Q _ 3. W ith the text-m o ve W h ite com plicates his task u nnecessarily. 15

. . .

Q R -B i

In re p ly to the re tre a t 1 5 . . . Q _ -Q i, W h ite cou ld a t o n ce p la y 1 6 P - K B 4 , an d retain a fine position w ith go od atta ck in g possibilities after 1 6 . . . P x B P ; 1 7 B x P , K t - K 2 ; 1 8 K t - K 3 . A fte r the text-m o ve it is m o re difficult for W h ite to force th ro u gh the P - K B 4 a d v a n c e , since an im m ed iate 1 6 P - K B 4 , P x Q P ; 1 7 P x P , fails again st 1 7 . . . B - K t 5 , follow ed b y 1 8 . . . K t x P , a n d also the con tin u atio n 1 7 P - K K t 3 , Q _ -K t 5 ; 1 8 P x P , Q x Q .; 19 R x Q , B - K t s ; 20 R - Q 2 , B - B 6 ; 2 1 K t - B 3 , P - Q 4 ! , is v e r y satisfacto ry for B lack. S in c e also a p rep a ra tio n o f P - K B 4 b y 1 6 P - K K t 3 , Q ^ K t s ; 1 7 P - B 3 , Q ; R 4 , does n o t look v e r y g o o d , Bronstein d ecid es to take b a ck his 1 2 t h m o v e an d return his R o o k to K B i . 16 17

R -B i K t-K 3

K t-K 2

W h ite cou ld assure him self o f som e slight positional a d ­ v a n ta g e here b y 1 7 K t x K t c h , fo llow ed b y 1 8 P - K B 4 , b u t it

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

3a5

w o u ld seem th a t Bronstein does n ot w a n t to sim p lify th e position a n d hopes for m ore in the sequel. H o w e v e r , o n ce B la c k has m a n o eu vred his K n ig h t to its go od sq u are o n K K t 3 he possesses ad eq u ate defensive resources to repulse e n e m y aggression. 17 18

. . . P -K K t3

K t-K t3

N o w W h ite has no other w a y o f fo rcin g th ro u gh the th ru st P -K B 4 .

T h e g a m e develops in to som e v e r y in teresting a n d

en tan gled com plications. 18 19

. . . P KB4

Q _-R 6 PxBP

20

PxP

P -K B 4 !

T h is te m p o ra ry paw n sacrifice is forced i f B lack is n ot to su ccu m b to a fierce K in g-sid e attack . W h ite m ust n o w n ot o n ly give u p his plans o f atta ck b u t m ust also b re ak u p his fine p a w n centre, after w hich his e x tra p a w n possesses n o p a rtic u la r va lu e . Q u ie d y one must a ccep t the fact th at w ith this th rust B la ck has satisfactorily solved the p ro b lem o f the position. 21

R -B 3

I t is c le a r th a t he must n ot im m ed iately cap tu re the p a w n B la c k offers h im since both 2 1 P x P ? , R x K t , a n d 2 1 K t x P , B x K t ; 2 2 P x B , K t - R 5 w ould assure B lack a m arked a d v a n ta g e . A p a r t from the text-m ove o n ly the p a w n ad v a n c e 2 1 P - K 5 c a m e into consideration, b u t this w o u ld be most h aza rd o u s for W h ite . B lack w o u ld continue w ith 2 1 . . . P x P ; 2 2 B P x P , K t - R 5 , th reaten in g even tu ally to com m en ce a fierce K in g -sid e atta ck , once h e has brought his B ishop on to the d ia g o n a l Q R 1-K R 8 . 21

. . .

Qt r 4

B u t n ot 2 1 . . . Q - R 5 ; 2 2 P x P , K t x P ? becau se o f 2 3 Q ^ B i ! w ith a d v a n ta g e to W h ite. N o w exch an ges are forced.

B o th

22

PxP

23

R -B i

Q xQ ,

24

RxQ _

P -B 4

ad versaries have

K t-R 5

used

up

so

m uch

tim e

in

th e

e xcitin g o pen in g variations th at th e y are a lre a d y p e rtu rb e d b y signs o f im m in en t tim e-trouble. In stead o f the te x t-m o v e

32 6 24

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

. . . P - B 3 w a s m u ch more to the purpose as it sim ply

threatens to regain the paw n b y 2 5 . . . B - K 2 , follow ed b y 2 6 . . . R - B 1, W ith this B lack w ould h av e o btain ed a th o ro u gh ly satisfacto ry g am e, w h ereas after the im precise text-m o ve the positional a d v a n ta g e cle arly sw ings o v e r to W h ite ’s side. 25

K --B 2

B -K 2 !

S u d d e n ly B la ck has becom e assailed b y various difficulties. A fte r 2 5 . . . P x P ; 2 6 R x P , he could, it is true, attack the p a w n on B 4 for the third tim e b y 26 . . . R - B 4 , b u t he still does not th reaten to cap tu re it. W h ite can sim p ly p la y 2 7 B - Q 2 , a n d i f then 2 7 . . . K t x P ; 2 8 B x K t , B x B ; 2 9 P - K t 4 , w h en B la c k loses a t least the exch an ge.

O n the oth er h an d , B lack can n o t

sim p ly stan d b y d o in g nothing since 2 6 P - B 6 is a lre a d y th reaten ed a n d i f then 2 6 . . . P x B P ; 2 7 K - K t 3 , w in n in g the ex ch a n g e . I n this difficu lt situation Black com es to a decision o f c o n ­ sid erab le g ra v ity . H e allows W h ite to get rid o f his d o u b led p a w n s o n the K B file an d to create a strong passed p a w n on K 6 in o rd er to o b tain cou n ter-p lay b y m eans o f his su perior d evelo p m en t a n d b y reason o f the m a n y weaknesses in his o p p o n e n t’s position. I t is clear th at su ch tactics are b o u n d u p w ith g re a t d an gers, b u t Black has b y n o w no altern ative. 26

B -K t3c h

K -R i

I t w o u ld h a v e been better to h ave p u t the K in g on R 2 , fro m w h en ce it cou ld be b ro u g h t more sp eed ily into p la y . 27 28

B -K 6 PxB

29

PxP

BxB PxP

O n e c a n re a d ily com prehend w h y W h ite recap tu res here w ith the p a w n in the hope o f bein g able soon to p ro te ct his passed p a w n b y P - Q .5 , In fact, p ro b a b ly m ost p layers as W h ite w o u ld h ave chosen this m ove. Su rp risin gly en ou gh , h o w eve r, the n a tu ra l m oves proves n ot to be the best. I n the first p lace, o f course, B lack does not allo w the P - Q .5 m o ve, a n d in the second, the open Q B file n o w becom es a basis from w h ich the B la ck R o ok s threaten to p enetrate the W h ite position w ith decisive effect. A n o th e r exam ple o f the fact th at “ n a tu ra l ’ * m oves are not a lw a y s the best.

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERBS

3»7

I f W h ite h a d h a d more tim e in w h ich to look into the position, th en he w ould h ave co n tin u atio n 2 9 R x P .

h a r d ly

missed the stron ger

A lth o u g h after th at W h ite w o u ld n ot h ave disposed o f su ch a fine d efence as P - Q j j , on the o th er h an d B lack too w o u ld h a v e fou n d it n ot so easy to g et a co u n ter-attack go in g. I f B la c k tries 2 9 . . . B - Q i , then W h ite w o u ld p la y , not 3 0 R x P , B - B 2 etc. b u t the stro n ger 3 0 R - K 4 !, fu lly p ro tectin g his K P . A fte r 2 9 R x P , B lack appears to h a v e one an d one o n ly m o re o r less reaso n a b le continuation, an d th a t is the p a w n sacrifice 2 9 . . . P - Q _ 4 !. O therw ise W h ite threatens to p la y 3 0 P - B 4 , assuring h im se lf m astery o f the w h ite squares a n d d e p riv in g his o p p o n en t o f all chances o f c o u n te r-p la y . A fte r 2 9 . . . P - Q 4 ; 3 0 R x P , R - B 3 ; 3 1 P--B5, P - K K t 3 l , h o w ever, B lack has go o d prospects o f v a lid cou n ter-p lay since he is m ak in g use o f his su perio r d evelo p m en t and the so m ew h at u n certain position o f the en em y K in g . A l l the sam e, W h ite should h ave chosen this con tin u atio n , since after the te x t-m o ve B lack em erges fro m all his difficulties in the most su rprisin g fashion. Black (K eres) to p la y

W h ite (Bronstein) 29

. . .

4

P -Q . !

A p a w n sacrifice that is v ita lly n ecessary as otherw ise W h ite w o u ld continue w ith 30 P - Q ,5 , w ith m u ch the better o f it. A p a r t fro m this, how ever, the sacrifice is v e ry strong, since n o w the B la ck pieces attain active positions an d W h ite m u st p la y w ith g re a t ca re if, h av in g re g a rd to his o w n u n d evelo p ed position, he does not wish to g et into difficulties him self.

328

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

A lth o u g h n o w W h ite is tem porarily tw o p aw n s to the g o o d , B la c k ’s c o u n te r-p la y becomes so effective th a t it is im possible to see h ow , in the ensuing phase o f the g am e, W h ite cou ld h av e e xtra cted a n y con crete ad van tage o u t o f the position. 30

K tx P

31

B -Q a

B - Q .3

A n attem pt to p ro tect the K P b y 3 1 R - K i , can n o t m eet w ith success, since after 3 1 . . . R -B y c h , W h ite is p ra c tic a lly forced to p la y 3 2 R - K 2 . A fte r 3 2 . . . R x R c h ; 3 3 K x R , R x P c h ; 3 4 K - B 2 , K t - B 4 , B la ck wins back, h o w ever, the second p a w n as w ell. 31 32

. . . Q R -B i

R xP R -B i

I t n o w becom es cle a r that W h ite m ust soon g iv e b a ck his oth er ex tra p a w n . P erh ap s it w o u ld h ave been p ru d en t for h im to h ave chosen the sim plifying m ethod o f p la y m en tion ed in the previous note. B u t who w o u ld go in for an e q u a lizin g v a riatio n in a position w ith two ex tra p a w n s ! 33

R -K i

R -K t3

34

R -K K ti

R -B 4 I

W ith this the K B P falls and thus m aterial e q u a lity is once a g a in restored. W h ite , ap p aren tly so m ew hat upset at h a v in g so speedily lost b a ck his ad van tage in m aterial, p lays the ensuing p a rt o f the gam e uncertainly. So he even gets into difficulties even tu a lly. 35 36

R xR K t-B 3?

K tx R

I f W h ite re a lly w ished to bring b a ck his K t to B 3 then it w a s essential for h im first to get his R o o k b a c k in to p la y b y 3 6 R - B 8 c h . B u t p ro b a b ly still better w as 3 6 K t - K . 3 ! , R x P c h ; 3 7 K - K . 2 . I f B la c k then captures the p a w n b y 3 7 . . . R x P , a position arises after 3 8 K t - B 5 , follow ed b y exch an ges o n Q 6 , in w h ic h W h ite should obtain a d r a w despite his p a w n less, o w in g to the a ctiv e n atu re o f his pieces. A lso after 3 7 . . . R - R 5 ; 3 8 R - B 8 c h , K - R 2 ; 39 K t - B s , R x P c h ; 4 0 K - Q 3 , th e W h ite pieces are so w e ll p laced that B la c k w ill h av e h a r d ly a n y real prospects o f utilising his extra p a w n .

M ID D LE

Y E A R S

OF

P A U L

KERES

32 9

A fte r the text-m ove, o n the oth er h an d , W h ite ’s p osition is critica l. 36

. . .

37

K-K3

K tx P

T h e en d in g after 3 7 B x K t , B x B ; 3 8 R - Q i , B x P dis c h ; 3 9 K - K 3 , K - K t i , is ex tre m e ly difficu lt fo r W h it e . T h e Bishop is m u c h superior to the K n ig h t a n d in ad d itio n B la c k still possesses tw o united passed p a w n s on th e K i n g ’s w in g . B etter th a n the text-m ove, h o w ev e r, w a s the c a lm a d v a n c e 3 7 K - B 3 ! since B lack has no effective d iscovered ch eck . A fte r the text-m ove B la c k w ins a p a w n a n d com es d o w n to an en d in g in w h ich he retain s go od w in n in g p ro sp ects. 37

. . .

K t-K t7c h

38 K-Q.3 B etter w a s 3 8 K - K 4 , R - B 7 ; 3 9 R - Q i , B x P ; 4 0

P -Q 5 ,

fo rcin g the actu a l continuation in th e g am e. 38

. . .

39

P-

BxP

0.5

R -B 6 c h

In tim e-tro u ble Black u nnecessarily m akes his o p p o n e n t a present o f a v a lu a b le tem p o . C o rre c t w a s a t o n ce 3 9 . . . K ~ K t i ; o r also 3 9 . . . P - K R 4 , so as to a d v a n c e a t o n ce w ith his passed p a w n s o n the K i n g ’s w in g . 40

K -K 4

41

R -Q i

R -B 7

H e re th e gam e w as a d jo u rn e d an d B lack sealed h is 4 1 s t m ove. D espite B la c k ’s p a w n m o re a n d the tw o u n ite d passed p a w n s o n the K in g ’s w in g, it is n ot e asy to force the w in , since W h ite ’s pieces are v e ry a c tiv e ly p lace d . T h e passed p a w n on the Q u een file w ill p rove v e r y troublesom e fo r B la c k a n d the W h ite K in g , too, is v e ry w e ll p lac e d . B la c k ’s pieces, in p a rti­ c u la r the K n ig h t, are fa r re m o v ed fro m the c en tral field o f action, a n d B la ck must e x p e n d v a lu a b le tim e in o rd e r to b rin g th em b a ck in to p la y .

A l l these factors taken to g e th er g iv e

W h ite th e ch a n ce o f p u ttin g u p a stem an d fa r fro m hopeless resistance. 41

. . .

K -K ti

B e tter w a s a n im m ediate 4 1 . . . K t - R s so as to b r in g the

33 °

G R A N D M A S T E R

OF

CHESS

u n em p lo yed K n ig h t once a g a in into p la y . T h e text-m o ve allow s his o p p o n en t dan gerou s cou n ter-p lay. 42

K t - R .4

D u r in g the g a m e the m o ve 4 2 B - K 3 , struck m e as v e r y stro n g, since in r e p ly B la c k must n ot c a p tu re the p a w n b y 4 2 . . . R x P b ecau se o f 4 3 P - Q 6 . B u t a sim ple exch an ge b y 4 2 . . . K t x B ; 4 3 K x K t , R - B a w o u ld y ie ld B lack a h ig h ly p ro m isin g en d ga m e. T h e good B ishop a n d the tw o united passed p a w n s should p ro vid e him w ith a ll the possibilities o f c ro w n in g the en d in g w ith a victory. W ith the text-m o ve W h ite aims at g ettin g his K n ig h t to the stro n g Q B 5 sq u are, th e reb y supporting a n ad v a n c e o f his o w n passed p a w n . 42

. . .

K t-R s

43 & k 3 I f im m ed iately 4 3 K t - B s , then the ch eck 4 3 . . . R - K 7 is v e ry troublesom e. A fte r 4 4 K - Q 3 , R - K 4 the passed p a w n falls an d 4 4 B - K 3 w o u ld be m et b y 4 4 . . . K t - K t 7 ; 4 5 K - B 3 , K t x B , etc. 43

. . .

R -K t7

B y m eans o f the a tta ck on the en em y p a w n s on the Q u e e n ’s w in g B la ck seeks to m ake the K t - B 5 m o ve m ore difficult for W h ite to execu te, a n d a t the same tim e h e threatens 4 4 . . . R ~ K t 5 c h . D espite all these ad vantages it w o u ld h ave been m o re p ru d ent to h ave p la y e d 4 3 . . . R - B 2 , block ad in g the passed p a w n . H o w p la y a b le the m ove is still, is show n b y the fa c t th at W h ite can n o t w ell rep ly 4 4 P - Q 6 , b ecau se o f the sim ple reto rt 4 4 . . . B x P ; 4 5 R x B , R - K 2 c h ; 4 6 K - Q 3 , R x B c h etc. T h u s , h ow ever, B la ck gain s time for the m an o eu vre 4 4 . . . R - K 2 c h follow ed b y 4 5 . . . K t - B 4 . T h e re a fte r it cou ld be said th a t the w in for B lack w o u ld be m erely a m a tte r o f technique. A fte r the text-m o ve, o n the other h an d , Bronstein is ab le to co n ju re u p fresh com p licatio n s an d so lvin g the problem s set b y these is not so sim ple o v er the bo ard .

44 Kt-Bs! V e r y w e ll p la ye d . B y g ivin g u p a second p a w n W h ite gets his pieces into v e r y a c tiv e positions a n d converts his passed p a w n into a m ost p o w erfu l force. 44

. . .

R xP

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

33

So m e notion o f the g re a t tech n ical difficulties co n fro n tin g B la ck is g ive n b y the fo llo w in g variatio n s. A p p a r e n tly B la c k ca n w in here without a n y trou b le b y co n tin u in g w ith 4 4 . . . P - Q K t 3 ; 4 5 K t x P , R - K t 5 c h ; 4 6 K - Q 3 , R - R 5 . T h e W h ite K n ig h t has n o retreating sq u are a n d co u n te r-a tta ck b y 4 7 R - K R i , B - K t 6 ; 4 8 R - R 3 , K t - B 4 seem s likew ise w ith o u t success. B u t it is precisely in this last va ria tio n th a t w e see best w h y B la ck must, a b o v e e ve ry th in g else, ren d er th e e n e m y passed p a w n innocuous. F o r W h ite continues w ith 4 9 R x B ! , K t x R ; 5 0 P -Q .6 , and n o w B la c k has no g o o d re p ly . I f 5 0 . . . R x K t ; then 5 1 P - Q j , R - R i ; 5 2 B x K t P , w h ilst a fte r 5 0 , . . K - B 2 ; 5 1 P - Q .7 , K - K 2 ; W h ite has the resource o f 5 2 B x K t P ! , K x P ; 5 3 K t - B 5 c h , etc. B la c k cou ld still tr y 50 . . . R - R 4 , b u t then too after 5 1 K t - K t 4 , R - R 2 ; 5 2 B - B 4 , W h ite w o u ld h a v e excellen t d ra w in g chances, ch iefly b ecau se o f the g r e a t a c tiv ity o f his pieces. W ith the text-m ove B lack does in d eed w in a second p a w n , b u t here too the w inning process is still b o u n d u p w ith g re a t difficulties. T h e W h ite K in g is b e au tifu lly p la c e d a n d , in con ju n ctio n w ith the passed p a w n , it causes the o p p o n e n t m a n y a h ea d ach e. 45

R -Q 2 !

Bronstein defends him self in e x e m p la ry style in his d ifficu lt situation. B la ck cannot w e ll n o w e x ch an g e R o o k s sin ce this w o u ld m e a n he w ould h a v e to g iv e b a ck one o f his p a w n s a n d , takin g in to accou n t the ac tiv e position o f the W h ite p ieces, he co u ld then h a rd ly be said to h a v e a n y w in n in g ch a n ce s. In cid e n ta lly , a mistake h ere w o u ld h av e been 4 5 P - Q 6 ? , because o f 4 5 . . . R - K t 5 c h ; 4 6 K - Q 5 , B x P , w h en B la c k w in s. 45

. . .

R -K ts c h

46 47

R - Q .4 K t-K 6

R -K t3

B -Q .3 ?

A loss o f tim e that gives W h ite re al d ra w in g ch a n ce s.

He

should u n d o u b ted ly have p la y e d a t o n ce 4 7 . . . K - B 2 , o r else 4 7 . . . K t - K t 3 , avoiding a n e x ch an g e o f Bishops. 48

B -B 4 !

O n ce a g a in , m u ch the best m o ve.

I t is c le a r th a t th e p iece

th a t holds u p the progress o f the passed p a w n m ust be re m o v ed ,

332

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

a n d in ad d itio n a B ish o p exchange opens u p fresh squares for the W h ite K in g . A w in fo r Black a lre a d y ap p ears dubious. O n the oth er h a n d , a n attem pt b y 4 8 R - B 4 , R - K t 8 ; 4 9 R ~ B 8 c h , K - B 2 ; 5 0 R - Q 8 , to u p root the block ad er yield s W h ite n oth ing since B la c k can sim ply re p ly 5 0 . . . R - K 8 ! etc. 48

. . .

K t-K t3

I t w a s h igh tim e th at this K n igh t w a s a t last bro u gh t b ack in to p la y . 49 B xB R xB 50

K -B 5 ?

A fte r a lo n g an d outstandingly good defence Bronstein, no d o u bt v e r y tired b y the h a rd struggle, su d d en ly makes a w eak m o v e after w h ich B la ck c a n realise his ad v a n ta g e w ith o u t a n y sp ecial trou b le. B la c k ’s task w o u ld h ave been m u ch m ore co m p lica te d after the correct continuation 50 R - B 4 !, th reaten ­ in g 5 1 R - B y . I f then 5 0 . . . K t - K 2 ; 5 1 R - B 7 , K t x P (or 5 1 . . . K - B 2 ; 5 2 K t x P , etc.) 5 2 R x P c h , K - R i ; 5 3 R - K t 6 , w h e n W h ite should h a v e a sure d raw . H e n ce B lack is p ra c ti­ c a lly forced to p la y 5 0 . . . R - Q 2 , after w h ich there follow s 5 1 K t-B s. N o w a g a in B la c k has h ard ly an ythin g better than 5 1 . . . R ~ K 2 c h ; 5 2 K - Q 4 , (w eak er is 5 2 K t - K 6 , K - B 2 ; follow ed b y 5 3 . . . R - Q 2 ) an d n o w 5 2 . . . K t - B i . A fte r 5 3 P - Q 6 , B lack c a n p la y 5 3 . . . R - K B 2 , or, still more ac tiv e ly , 5 3 . . . R - K 7 . N a tu r a lly , w ith his tw o ex tra paw ns B lack should e ven tu ally w in , b u t a t all events his task w ould h ave been m u ch m ore B la ck (Keres) to p la y

White (Bronstein)

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

333

co m p lica ted an d a n u m b er o f opportunities for m a k in g a m istake w o u ld h ave been left open. A fte r the fa u lty te x t-m o v e , o n the o th er han d , the stru ggle is p ra c tic a lly o ver. 50 51 52

. . . K t-B 5 K -K 4

K -B 2 R -B 3 C I1 P -K t3!

53

K tx P

K -K 2

B y retu rn in g one o f his e x tra p a w n s B la c k has g a in e d a n u m b er o f advantages. F irstly , the d an gero u s Q P is d efin i­ tiv e ly b lo c k a d e d ; secondly, B la c k ’s pieces are m o re a c tiv e ly p la c e d th an his ad versary’s, and th ird ly , n o w a t lo n g la st B la c k threatens to ad van ce one o f his passed p a w n s o n th e K in g ’s w in g .

I n fact, the issue o f the g am e is a lr e a d y d e cid e d . 54

K t-B y

K t-B i

N a tu r a lly , there is no p oin t for B la c k in e x ch a n g in g R o o k s. T h is w o u ld increase the a c tiv ity o f W h it e ’s K in g a n d o n ce a g a in th e Q P could becom e d an gerous. 55 56

K t-K t5 P -Q 6 c h

P -K t4 K -Q 2

57 58

K ~K 3 R -Q K t4

K t-K 3

A fte r 5 8 R - Q R 4 , there com es, o f course, 5 8 . . . K - B 3 . 58

. . .

K t-K t2 !

A t last the Q P , w hich h a d cau sed B la c k so m u c h tro u b le , falls. 59

K t-Q 4

R xP

60 61

R -R 4 R -R 6

K -K 2

O r 6 1 R - R 7 C I 1 , K - B 3 ; 6 2 R x K t , R x K t ; etc. 61 62 63

. . . P -R 4

K -B 3 K t - B 4 ch

K tx K t

K xK t

resigns. A fte r 6 4 P - R 5 , there n a tu ra lly follow s 6 4 . . . R - K 3 c h . A v e r y e xcitin g struggle, the g en e ral p ictu re o f w h ich sh o u ld n o t be m arred b y some in accu rate m oves.

GRANDMASTER

334

OF

CHESS

Gam e 46

RUY

LO PEZ, M O RPH Y D EFEN CE

X V I I U .S .S .R . Cham pionship in M oscow , 1 9 4 9

E . G eller

P . K e re s P -K 4 K t-Q B 3

1 2

P -K 4 K t-K B 3

3 4 5

B -K ts B —R 4 0 -0

P -Q K 3 K t-B 3

6

B -K t3

P -Q

P -Q K t4

.3

A n open in g system w o rk ed out b y M a ste r R a b in o v itc h ab o u t 2 0 y ea rs ago , b u t one w h ic h usually leads b a c k to n o rm al lines. In d iv id u a l im p o rta n ce pertains o n ly to the line co m m en cin g w ith the p rem atu re 7 K t - K t 5 w h ich , in a c c o rd a n c e w ith the experien ce o f the gam es a lrea d y tried o u t on these lines, leaves B la c k w ith a satisfacto ry position. 7

P -B 3

B -K .2

B la c k h a rd ly has a n y th in g better th an to a im at a tran s­ position into n o rm a l lines. Should he continue here w ith 7 . . . K t - Q R 4 ; 8 B - B 2 , P - B 4 ; 9 P - Q 4 , Q - B 2 , so as to m eet 10 Q K t - Q a , w ith 10 . . . P - K t 3 , then W h ite obtain s a strong in itiative w ith the line recom m ended b y M a ste r S u e tin 1 1 P -Q K t 4 !, P x K tP ; 12 P x K tP , K t-B 3 ; 13 B - K t 2 ! N o t p a rtic u la rly go o d too is the p in 7 . . . B - K K t 5 , since W h ite has not y e t p la y e d P -Q .4 an d so c an stam p the sa lly as loss o f tim e b y 8 P - Q .3 , a n d Q K t-Q .2 . 8

P - Q .4

A fte r 8 R - K i , o r 8 Q ^ K a , known positions in the m ain lines w o u ld arise, b u t W h ite need not as y e t bother ab o u t the p ro ­ tection o f his K 4 . In stead of the text-m o ve 8 P - K R 3 also deserved consideration. W ith this W h ite w o u ld p rev e n t the ensuing p in an d he co u ld then c a r r y out P -Q .4 w ith o u t the p re p a ra to ry m o ve R - K i , w hich, as contrasted w ith the m ain v ariatio n , represents the w in of a tem po.

MIDDLE

8 9

YE AR S

. . . P -K R 3!

OF

P A U L

KERES

335

B -K t5 B -R 4

A s w a s sh o w n in the g am e T a l-T e s c h n e r , V ie n n a

19 57,

B la c k o btain s a fierce attack after the accep tan ce o f th e p a w n sacrifice b y 9 . . . B x K t ; 10 Q x B , P x P ; w ith n Q - K t 3 ! T h e text-m o ve is B la c k ’s only accep tab le continuation, e ve n th o u g h his B ishop is n o t p articu larly w e ll-p laced on R 4 . 10

P - Q .5

A n a d v a n c e th at is usually held to be not re ally a d v a n ta g e o u s a n d w ith go o d reason, b u t in the present circu m stan ces W h ite has, nevertheless, some prospects o f obtain in g an a d v a n ta g e o w in g to the un favourable position o f the B ishop o n R 4 . In stead o f the text-m ove 10 B - K 3 also cam e into co n sid eratio n , p ro tectin g the p a w n on Q 4 an d m ain tain in g the tension in the centre. 10 11

. . . B -B 2

K t-R 4 P -B 3

12

P xP

Q -B 2

13

P -Q R 4 ?

A n atte m p t a t attack w h ich leads to no positive results an d o n ly m akes unnecessary weaknesses on the Q u e e n ’s w in g , w h ich the opponent can exp lo it later on so as to g iv e h im co u n te rp la y . C a lm continuation o f his d evelo p m en t b y 1 3 Q K t - Q g , O - O ; 1 4 R - K i , follow ed b y K t - B i an d K t - K . 3 o r K t - K t 3 yield ed , on the o th er h an d , a v e ry prom ising a tta c k in g position fo r W h ite as was later show n in a gam e fro m th e sam e to u rn am en t betw een B oleslavsky an d K eres. In this la tte r case B la c k experienced difficulties w ith the p ro tection o f his Q 4 a n d K B 4 o w in g to the b a d position o f his Bishop o n R 4 . 13

. . .

P -K t5 !

W ith his thrust Black th w arts his o p p o n en t’s plan s.

A fte r

1 4 P x P , there w o u ld now fo llow 1 4 . . . K t x B P ; 1 5 B - Q 2 , B x K t ; 1 6 P x B , P - Q 4 ! w h en B lack has a fine position in re tu rn for the p a w n . P robably W h ite should h ave fallen b a c k o n this v ariatio n , on ly, instead o f 1 5 B - Q 2 , he should p la y 1 5 K t - B 3 , K tx K tP ; 16 B -K t 3 ,

0- 0 ;

even g am e.

14 QrQ.3

1 7 B - K 3 , w ith an a p p ro x im a te ly

336

G R A N D M AS TE R

OF

CHESS

W h ite w a n ts to rid him self o f the troublesom e pin , an d hence m akes a careless m ove w h ich , how ever, as a result o f B lack not u n d ertakin g ad e q u a tely active counter-m easures, turns out to be r e a lly successful. B etter w a s, as already rem arked , sim p ly 1 4 P x P .

14

...

0-0

H e re B la ck misses a n excellent o p p o rtu n ity o f siezing the in itiative b y 1 4 . . . P—Q _4!. W h ite can n o t then w ell p la y 1 5 P x Q P , since after 1 5 . . . P - K 5 ; 16 Q ,-Q ,4, R - Q i the ad v an tag e sw ings over to B lack. I n addition B lack ca n also sim ply p la y 1 6 . . . P x K t ; 1 7 P x P , K t x B P , etc. W h ilst i f W h ite protects his K 4 b y 1 5 Q K t-Q _ 2 , then there cou ld fo llow 1 5 . . . w ith a fine position for B lack .

0-0

A fte r the “ n a t u r a l” text-m ove, h o w ever, W h ite obtains the in itiative a n d sets his ad versary some disagreeable problem s. 15

K t-R .4 !

K R -B i

T h e attem pt to retain the two Bishops is here not really ju stified an d allow s W h ite to get his pieces in to active positions w ith a gain o f tem po, w h ilst at the sam e tim e B lack has to retreat w ith his o w n pieces. Furtherm ore, W h ite also e ven tu ­ a lly gains control o f the im portant cen tral sq uare Q 5 . C o rre ct therefore w a s 1 5 . . . K tx B P , so as to m eet 1 6 K t - B 5 w ith 16 . . . B - K t 3 , th reatening an even tu al B x K t follow ed by P - Q 4 . In th at event B lack , w ith a n o rm a l d evelopm ent, w o u ld h ave obtain ed ab o u t an even position, w hereas W h ite n o w clearly gains the ad van tage. 16

K t-B 5

B -B i

1 6 . . . B - K t 3 w as still the better con tin uation . 17

B -K t5

18

K t-K 3

K t-K i

A fte r W h ite has o b tain ed a clear su perio rity in position, he here com m its a sm all in a c cu ra cy an d allow s his oppon en t to o b ta in troublesom e co u n ter-p lay on tjie Q u e e n ’s w in g . M u c h stronger w a s first 1 8 P - K t 4 , B - K t 3 ; an d o n ly then 19 K t - K 3 . T h u s W h ite w o u ld control the im portant sq u are Q 5 an d assure h im self o f an a d v a n ta g e after, for in stan ce, 1 9 . . . K t x P ; 2 0 K t - Q s , Q - K t a ; 2 1 P - R 5 . B lack w o u ld therefore h ave to tr y for cou n ter-chan ces in this line b y 1 9 . . . P - K t 6 ; 20 B - Q i , Q x P , but after 2 1 K 1 - Q 2 , W h ite w ould stand better.

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

337

A fte r the text-m o ve Black succeeds in exch an gin g o f f the w h ite-sq u ared Bishops and thus con sid erably lightens his task 18 19 20

. . . B -Q i RxiB

P -K t6 ! BxB Q xP

N o w w e ca n see th at B lack, b y b lo ck ad in g the Q u e e n -sid e , has p ro cu red fo r h im self a g o o d ta rg et fo r atta ck in the p a w n on W h ite ’s Q R 4 , a n d it is therefore n ot an easy task fo r W h ite to exploit the d o m in atin g position o f his K n ig h t on Q 5 so as to obtain a con crete ad van tage. T h e n too, W h ite m ust co n cern him self in the ensuing p art o f the gam e w ith seeing th a t his p a w n on Q K t 2 does not fall v ic tim to the en em y K n ig h t. 21 22

K t — Qs> B -R 4

K t-B 2

O b vio u sly, G e lle r does n o t relish the id ea o f allo w in g his strong p oin t in the centre to b ecom e b lock ad ed b y 2 2 K t ~ Q 5 , K t x K t , b u t all the sam e this co n tin u atio n deserved c o n sid era­ tion. A fte r 2 3 P x K t , W hite w o u ld u n d o u b ted ly stan d so m e­ w h a t better, alth o u gh Black, too, w o u ld not be w ithout co u n te r­ chances. W ith the text-m o ve G eller chooses a dou ble-ed ged p lan . H e aim s a t w in n in g b y a d irect atta ck on the K in g an d leaves his Q ueen-side to take care o f itself. H o w e v er, should the attack fail, then su ch tactics w o u ld signify a sure loss.

I t seems

to m e th at W h ite , in view o f his go od position, is in no w a y bo u n d to go in for such a risky m ethod o f p la y an d th at th ere­ for 2 2 K t - Q 5 w a s to be preferred. A fte r 2 2 . . . K t - K 3 , W h ite w o u ld continue 2 3 B - K 3 . 22 23

. . . K t-Q s

K t-K 3 K t-B 4

B lack p roceeds w ith his a tta ck on the Q u e e n ’s w in g in lo gica l fashion, b u t the taking o f su ch a strong defensive p iece a w a y from the K in g ’s w ing is b o u n d u p w ith con siderable risks. M o re p ru d en t an d bettc^, therefore, w as first 2 3 . . . R - R .2 , h elpin g in the defence o f the K in g -sid e a n d also p rep arin g fo r 24 . . . K t-B 5 . 24

11

Q -B 3!

is clear th at W h ite can no lon ger d irectly protect the p a w n

338

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

on Q R 4 . I t is all the m ore interesting to observe h ow skilfully, in the ensuing phase o f the gam e, G e lle r com bines an in direct protection o f this p a w n w ith attack on the K in g ’s w in g . I f n o w , for instance, B la c k w ere to cap tu re it carelessly b y 2 4 . . . K t x R P ? , then W h ite w o u ld obtain a decisive attack after 2 5 K t - B 6 c h ! , K - R i (or 2 5 . . . P x K t; 2 6 Q _-K t4ch , etc.) 2 6 Q r R 5 , P x K t ; 2 7 B x P c h , B - K t 2 ; 2 8 Q x P , follow ed b y K t - B g . B la ck therefore -keeps in reserve the defensive possibility o f K t - K 3 a n d brings y e t another piece to p ro tect his K in g ’s w in g. 24 25

. . . K t-B i

R -R 2 K t-B j

N o w the cap tu re 2 5 . . . K t x R P ? w o u ld be at once disastrous, since W h ite w o u ld re p ly 2 6 R x K t ! , Q x R ; 2 7 K t -B 6 c h , K - R i ; 2 8 Q .-B 5 , w ith sim ultaneous attack on R 7 an d B 8 . W ith the text-m o ve B la ck rem inds his opponent for the first time th at he has a p a w n on Q K t 2 . Black (K eres)

W h ite (Geller) to p la y ■ 26

K t(B i)-K 3 ?

O n ce W h ite , w ith his 22n d m ove, has alrea d y chosen a risky atta ck in g co n tin u atio n and b u rn t his bridges behind h im , then he m ust con tin u e to p lay in the sam e style and m ove here 2 6 K t - K t 3 l B la ck co u ld scarcely then risk 2 6 . . . K t x K t P , in re p ly to w h ich there could follow either 2 7 K t - B 5 , or 2 7 K t - B 6 c h , K - R t ; 2 8 Q_-R*j, P - R 3 ; 2 9 B - K t 5 , w ith the c h ie f th reat o f 3 0 B x P , P x B ; 3 1 Q .-B 5, etc. I t is h a rd to believe th at Black cou ld h av e saved his K in g from the m assed atta ck o f all the W h ite pieces.

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

339

H en ce, after 2 6 K t - K t 3 !> B la c k w o u ld h a v e been fo rced to g ive u p the id e a o f winning a p a w n an d w o u ld h av e to p ro vid e a satisfactory defence for his K in g ’s w in g , fo r in stan ce, b y 2 6 . . . P - B 3 . B u t after this too, B la c k w o u ld h a v e to reck on w ith a strong atta ck and it is n ot at all c le a r as to w h ic h side the p en d u lu m w o u ld have e ve n tu a lly sw u n g. W ith the text-m o ve W h ite plan s a sim ilar con tin u atio n , b u t n o w o f course B lack no lo n ger cap tu res o n Q K t 7 , a n d instead takes the opportunity o f e x ch a n g in g o f f one o f his opp o n en t’s strong attacking pieces.

A fte r this B la c k ’s K i n g ’s

position is ren d ered p ractically safe again st a n y attack a n d h e c a n then tr y to slow ly exploit his a d v a n ta g e on the Q u e e n ’s w in g. 26

. . .

K tx K t!

27

Q xK t

P -Q R 4

28

P -K B 4 ?

I t is w ith this thrust, w h ich is o bvio u sly still bound u p w ith his d ream o f a K in g-sid e attack, th a t G e lle r fin ally com prom ises his position. H e w ill now h av e to defend a weakness on K 4 in addition to th at on Q R 4 , a n d , th ro u gh the o pen in g u p o f lines in the centre, the Black pieces w ill acq u ire gre ate r a c tiv ity . H e should h ave tried here 2 8 Q - K 2 , so as to be able to p ro ­ tect, i f n ecessary, the paw n on Q R 4 b y Q _-B4. B lack can n o t then p la y 2 8 . . . K t x R P ? b ecau se o f the co n tin u atio n 2 9 R x K t ! , Q x R ; 3 0 K t - B 6 c h , K - R i ; 3 1 Q - R 5 , P x K t ; (or 3 1 . . . P - R 3 ; 3 2 Q - B 5 etc.). 3 2 Q r K t 4 ! w h en W h ite w in s his R o o k b a ck an d has a decisive attack . I n this w a y W h ite w o u ld h ave satisfactorily protected his Q u e e n ’s w in g an d o b tain ed e ve ry p rospect o f evening o u t the struggle. 28 29

. . , Q xP

PxP R -K i!

A t once atta ck in g the fresh w eakness. W h ite m ust n o w protect his p a w n since an atte m p t at attack b y 3 0 K t - B 6 c h , P x K t ; 3 1 Q - K t 3 c h , B - K t 2 ; 3 2 B x P , K t - K 3 w o u ld cost h im a piece w ith o u t sufficient com pensation. 30

R -K i

R -K 3

C o m p le te ly protecting his K in g ’s w in g an d threaten in g bo th 3 1 . . . K t x R P a n d 3 1 . . . K t x K P . B a d o f course w as 3 0 . . . K t - Q 6 , because o f 3 1 K t - B 6 c h ! etc.

34°

G R A N D M A S TE R

31

OF

CHESS

B~B2

T h is loses ra p id ly , b u t b y now it is difficult to reco m m en d a satisfacto ry co n tin u atio n for W h ite . A fte r 3 1 R - K 3 , there w o u ld fo llo w 3 1 . . . K t x K P a n d i f then 3 2 R - Q , i , R - K 4 ! N everth eless, W h ite should h ave gone in for this line o f p la y , since he w o u ld h a v e obtained som e co u n te r-p lay in retu rn for the p a w n , w h ereas n o w Black cle arly gains the ad van tage. 31 32

. . . Q .-Q 2

K t-Q 6

A fte r 3 2 Q _ -K t3 , K t x R ; 3 3 B x R , B lack wins b y 3 3

. . .

K t x P ! etc. 32 33 Now

the K P

. . . BxR

K tx R K t-B 7

falls a n d w ith it the W h ite position, too,

collapses. 34

R -K B 1

35 r ~b3

R xP R -K 4

O n c e the d o m in a tin g W h ite K n ig h t is d riven a w a y , the realisation o f B la c k ’s ad van tage causes no difficulties.

H e n ce

G e lle r essays a desperation-sacrifice w h ich , how ever, c a n no lo n ger le a d to a n y th in g fo r him . 36

K t-B 6 c h

PxK t

37

R -K t3 c h

K -R i

N a tu r a lly n ot 3 7 . . . R - K t 4 because o f 3 8 R x R c h , P x R ; 9 Q x P c h , w ith a d r a w b y perp etu al check. A n o th e r w a y o f w in n in g w a s 3 7 . . . B - K t 2 ; 3 8 Q - R 6 , R - K K t 4 , etc. 38

Q -B 4

P - Q .4

In this hopeless position W hite exceed ed the tim e-lim it.

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

SERES

341

Gam e 4 7

Q U E E N ’ S P A W N , K I N G ’S

IN D IA N

D EFEN CE

X V I I U .S .S .R . Cham pionship in M o sco w , 19 4 9

P . K eres

.4

1 2

P -Q K t-0 3

3 4

P -B 4 K t-B 3

5

B -B 4

T . Petrosian K t-K B 3 P -K K t3 B -K t2 P-

0.3

T h e usu al m oves here are either 5 P - K 4 , o r 5 P - K K t 3 . W ith the text-m o ve W hite aim s at a q u iet g am e b u t B la c k allo w s h im no opportunity for this a n d w ith his n ext few m o ves creates som e ta ctica l com plications. 5

. . .

K t - R .4

T h is K n ig h t sortie does, it is tru e, le ad at once a w a y fro m th e th eoretical p ath , b u t it looks a little p rem atu re. I n a n y case, a better result w o u ld have been ach ieved b y B lack w ith the q u iet m o ve 5 . . . O - O , either co n tin u in g w ith P - Q B 4 fo llow ed b y K t - B 3 o r else preparing for the ad v a n c e P - K 4 . 6

B -K t5

7

B -K 3

P -K R 3

W h ite is n ot w illin g to allow his go od Bishop to be e x ch a n g e d , as w o u ld o c c u r after 7 B - R 4 , P - K K t 4 etc. P ro v o k in g B la c k to p la y 6 . . . P - K R 3 was a useful m an o eu vre since i f n o w th e second p la y e r w ere to continue carelessly w ith 7 . . . 0 - 0 , th en he cou ld easily fall victim to a strong atta ck after 8 Q - Q 2 , K -R 2 ; 9 P -K R 3 .

7 8

• • • P -K K t3

P -Q B 3

In stead o f this q u iet d evelopm en t there also c a m e in to c o n ­ sideration a t o n ce 8 P - K R 3 fo llow ed b y P - K K t 4 , w in n in g a v a lu a b le tem p o in com parison w ith the g am e c o n tin u a tio n . 8 Q r Q ? , w h ich , fo r the m om ent, preven ts en em y c astlin g, also has its go o d points.

342

G R A N D M AS TE R

8

. . .

9

B -K t2

OF

CHESS

K t-Q ? K K t-B 3

S h o w in g B la ck has com prehended the fact th at his p lan co m m e n cin g w ith the 5 th m ove has p ro ve d a v a in one. I n the m ean tim e W h ite has made n o rm al d evelo p in g m oves an d atta in ed an excellent position. T h e text-m o ve serves as p re p a r a ­ tion for P - K 4 , w h ich w ould not be go o d at once b ecau se o f to K t - K 4 . 10 P -K R 3

0-0

11

0-0

K -R 2

T h is K in g m o ve w a s not as y e t n ecessary, an d therefore an im m ed iate 1 1 . . . P - K 4 w as preferable. 12

P -K K t4

A go o d m o ve, lim itin g the actio n o f the en em y pieces an d setting u p a n eve n tu a l threat o f P - K t 5 . 12 13

. . . Q .- K t 3

P -K 4

T h e Q u een is b a d ly placed on Q K t 3 , since it d eprives the P a w n o n Q B 4 o f its natu ral protection b y P - K t 3 a n d is itself a p oin t o f atta ck for a Black K n ig h t. B etter, therefore, w a s 1 3 Q r B 2 , p la n n in g to exert further pressure alo n g the Q u een file. 13

. . .

PxP!

Petrosian m akes excellent use o f his a d v e rsa ry ’s in ex a ct m oves, ensuring w ith the text-m ove a go o d sq u are fo r the K n ig h t on K 4 a n d a t the same tim e p in n in g d o w n the en em y Q u een to the pro tection o f the p a w n on Q B 4 . P erh ap s, th ere­ fore, it w o u ld h a v e been better for W h ite to re ca p tu re w ith 1 4 B x Q P , th ereb y g a in in g the tim e to p la y Q - B 2 . 14

K tx P

K t-K 4

N o w B la ck has the positional th reat o f 1 5 . . . K K t - Q g follow ed b y K t - B 4 o r K t - K t 3 , a n d it is n ot all th a t easy to find a go od defence again st it. A t all events, 1 5 P - B 4 w ill not serve the p urpose, as then the sacrifice 1 5 . . . K t ( K 4 ) x K t P ! ; 1 6 P x K t , K t x P w o u ld allow B lack a fierce attack.

15

Q R -Q i

Q rK 2

A n im m ed iate 1 5 . . . K K t - Q p allo w s o f the re p ly 1 6 . . .

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERBS

343

K t - K 4 , b u t n o w B lack really has taken all p re p a ra to ry steps for this m o ve. 16

B -B 4

16 P - K t 5 ca m e into consideration in o rd er to th w a rt th e e n e m y p la n , alth o u gh in so doing W h ite w o u ld h av e w eak en ed his K in g ’s position. 16

. . .

P -K R 4 ?

Petrosian w a n ts to force the W h ite p a w n to a d v a n c e to K t 5 before he executes his plan, in the hope th at th e reb y th e W h it e K in g ’s position w ill be w eakened. I t turns o u t later, h o w e v e r, th a t this m a n o eu vre is in fact fa ta l for B lack , since it is p re c ise ly becau se o f the p a w n on K t 5 th a t W h ite is e ve n tu a lly a b le to b rin g o f f a co m bin atio n th at ensures h im a c le a r a d v a n ta g e . C o rre ct w a s an im m ediate 1 6 . . . K K t - Q 2 , w ith the stro n g threats o f 1 7 . . . K t - K t 3 and 1 7 . . . K t - B 4 - S h o u ld W h ite w ish to a vo id g re a t com plications then he cou ld re p ly 1 7 K t - R .4 , w ith an a p p ro x im a tely even position. 17

P -K ts

K K t-Q 2

18

K t-K 4

K t-K t3?

B u t n o w , su rprisingly en ou gh , this m o ve proves to b e a decisive m istake, allow ing the oppon en t a d eep ly c a lc u la te d w in n in g com bin atio n . H ere 1 8 . . . K t - B 4 ; 19 Q - B a , B - Q 2 should h ave been p layed , w ith o n ly an insignificant p o sitio n al ad v a n ta g e for W h ite . 19

Q ,- K t 3 !

N o w this lo n g Q ueen m ove is extrem ely p o w erfu l. W h it e threatens n ot o n ly 2 0 P - K t 3 , w ith a c le a r positional a d v a n ta g e b u t also 2 0 P - B 5 ! , P x P ; 2 1 K t - B 6 c h , B x K t ; 2 2 P x B etc. B la c k is therefore p ra c tic a lly forced to cap tu re on Q B 5 . 19

. . .

K t ( K 4 )x P

1 9 . . . K t ( K t 3 ) x P ; 20 P - K t 3 , K t - K t 3 w o u ld h ave also led to the g a m e position. 20

P -K t3

P ro b a b ly here Petrosian h ad o n ly reckoned w ith the c a p tu re 20 K t x Q P , w h ich w o u ld h ave given h im a go od g a m e a fte r 20 . . . K tx P , 20 . . . K tx Q P !

K t-K 4

344

G R A N D M AS TE R

OF

CHESS

T h is is the p oin t o f the com bination foresh ad ow ed b y W h it e ’s 19 th m ove. H o w e v e r B lack n o w defends him self, W h ite a t least w in s b a ck his sacrificed piece togeth er w ith the b etter position. In w h a t follow s Black in n o w a y succeeds in takin g a d v a n ta g e o f the W h ite K n ig h t’s position, c u t o f f fro m its o w n pieces on K K t 7 , w h ilst in fact it d isp lays a n aston ish ingly energetic a c tiv ity on th at square. 21

. . .

Q xK t

P ra c tic a lly forced, since, for e x am p le, after 2 1 . . . K t - Q _ 4 ; 2 2 K t x B , Q R x K t ; 2 3 B - B i , W h ite, w ith his tw o Bishops a n d prospects o f atta ck bo th in the centre a n d on the Q u e e n ’s w in g , is o b vio u sly in a fa r su perior position. 22

K t-B s

Q -R 6

B lack (Petrosian)

W h ite (K eres) to p la y B lack has here a w hole assortm ent o f d ifferen t defensive possibilities, b u t none o f these w o u ld le ad to a satisfacto ry result. L e t us look a t them a little m ore c lo se ly : 1 . 2 2 . . . Q x R ; 2 3 R x Q , B x K t ; 2 4 B x K t , an d B lack has insufficient com pen sation for his Q u een . 2. 2 2 . . . Q - B 2 ; 2 3 K tx B , K t ( K t 3 ) - Q 2 ; 2 4 R x K t , Q x R ; 2 5 B x K t , an d W h ite is a piece up. 3 . 2 2 . . . Q - B 4 (com paratively the best re p ly a n d one b y w h ich B lack a t least avoids m aterial loss) 2 3 K t x B , K t ( K t 3 ) Q 2 ; (after 2 3 . . . P - R 5 ; 2 4 Q x P c h , K x K t ; W h ite w in s b y 2 5 R - Q 5 ! , K t x R ; 2 6 Q - R 6 c h , K - K t i ; 2 7 Q B x K t etc.) 2 4 B - K 3 (n atu rally he ca n also p la y 2 4 R X K t , K t x R ; 2 5 B - Q 6 ,

M IDDLE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

345

Q - R 4 ; 2 6 B x R , K t x B ; 2 7 K t ~ K 8 e tc .), 2 4 . . . Q - K 2 ; 2 5 P - B 4 , K x K t ; 2 6 P x K t , w ith great a d v a n ta g e to W h ite sin ce 2 6 . . . K t - B 4 w o u ld be m et by the strong re p ly 2 7 P - K 6 ! . W ith th e text-m o ve B lack n ot o n ly returns the p ie ce h e has c a p tu re d b u t also eventually loses the exch an g e . 23

K tx B

K t(K 4 )-Q 2

T h e r e is no w a y for B lack to p ro tect his K n ig h t on K 4 . 2 4 B -Q 6

Q -R 4

B la c k can n o t capture the Q R P b y 2 4 . . . Q x R P , sin ce then after 2 5 B x R , K t x B ; 26 K t - K 8 , he has no defence ag a in st the threefold th reat o f 2 7 Q --K 5 , 2 7 Q - Q B 3 , an d 2 7 K t - B 7 . A little better, h ow ever, w as 2 4 . . . Q - K t 7 since n o w , before c a p tu rin g on K B S , W hite co u ld interpose the m o ve 2 5 P - K t 4 , a n d thus ensure the Q ueen either the squ are Q B 3 o r K 5 . 25

BxR

26

K t-K 8 !

K tx B

F re e in g the K n ig h t and d e cid in g the issue since, in ad d itio n to bein g the exch an ge to the g o o d , W h ite still possesses a p o w e r­ fu l atta ck . N o t altogether co n v in cin g on the other h a n d w as the p a w n sacrifice 26 P - K t 4 , Q x K t P ; 2 7 K t - K 8 , since after 2 7 . . . B - K 3 !; 2 8 K t - B 6 c h , K - R i ; 2 9 Q - K 5 , B lack still has at his disposal the defence 2 9 . . . K t - B 5 ! 26

*

•

«

b

-

k

3

27 28

K t-B 6 ch

K -R

Q -B 4

29

30

QtQ.4 Q x K tc h

K t-R 2 K tx K t

31

P -K 4

i

K -R 2

A n o th e r easy w a y o f w in n in g here w a s b y 3 1 R - Q 6 , a n d i f then 3 1 . . . K t - Q 4 ; 3 2 B x K t , B x B ; 3 3 P - K 4 , o r i f in this line 3 2 . . . P x B ; 3 3 R x B , P x R ; 3 4 Q - B y c h , K - R i ; 3 5 R - B i , etc. W ith the text-m o ve, how ever, W h ite aim s at en d in g th e g a m e b y a m a tin g a tta ck and for this purpose he sacrifices a ll the Q u e e n ’s w in g p aw ns. 31 32

. . . P -B 4

Q xR P B x K tP

33

R -Q 6

R -K K ti

346

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

T h e r e w a s n o lo n ger a n y defence again st th e th reat o f 3 4 P -B 5. 34

P -B 5

R -K t2

35 R - Q 8 w a s th reaten ed an d i f then 3 5 . . . R x R ; 3 6 P x P c h , P x P ; 3 7 Q - K y c h , etc. A n o th e r stro n g th reat w a s sim p ly 3 5 P -K 5 -6 .

35 R - Q 8 36 QrQ6 37 Q .-B 8

Q .- R 4 -b3 K tP x P p

B - K t i ; 3 8 P x B P , etc. Q .- R 8 c h K -K ts 38 resigns Q -R 6 C I1

39

Game 4 8

S IC IL IA N

D EFEN G E

F .I .D .E . Candidates’ Tournam ent at B udapest, 19 5 0

p. 1 2

K ere s P -K 4 K t-K B 3

3 P-0.4 4 K tx P 5 K t-Q B 3 6 B -K 2

A.

K o to v P -Q B 4

P-0.3 PxP K t-K B 3

P-QR3

T h e usual con tin u ation here is 6 B ~ K t 5 , an d this, a cco rd in g to the m ost recen t results, holds o u t better prospects o f the in itiative than the q u iet text-m ove. I h a d definite reasons, h o w ever, for choosing the m ove in this g am e. K o t o v a lw a ys em p lo yed in this v a riatio n a developm ent system akin to the Sch even in gen w ith the m oves Q_-Ba, P - K 3 a n d B - K 2 , an d I h a d p rep ared a n e w typ e o f attack in g con tin u atio n precisely again st this. F o r the n ext few m om ents e ve ryth in g w en t acco rd in g to m y p reco n ceived plan. 6

. . .

Q .-B 2

7 8

B -K K t5

Q K t-Q a P -K 3

9

0-0

B -R fi • T h e c h ie f idea o f W h it e ’s system o f p la y centres ro u n d this o rigin al Bishop m o ve w h ich is designed to p reven t B la c k ’s

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m ethod o f developm ent b y B - K .2 follow ed b y O - O . On a cco u n t o f the th reat o f i o K t x P , B la c k m ust n o w choose o th er paths fa r rem o ved from the S ch even in g en line. A fte r th e g a m e there arose a h ot discussion am o ngst v ario u s co m m en ta to rs ab ou t the w h o le variatio n , a discussion w ith w h ich I do n o t intend to con cern m y se lf here. W ith the te xtm o ve W h ite has achieved a p sych o lo g ica l v ic to ry in th a t he has d ive rted his opponent fro m the p rep ared open in g v a ria tio n . A n d in su ch cases it is n ot easy to find the righ t m o ve a t once o v e r th e b o a rd .

9 • ••

QtB5?

I t is in teresting to note th a t in m y o w n p re p a r a to ry stu d y o f the line I h a d not a t all taken into acco u n t this n a tu ra l m o ve. I ch iefly exam in ed the possibilities arisin g o u t o f 9 . . . K t - K . 4 ; 10 B x K t , P x B ; 1 1 K - R i , w ith an even tu al P - K B 4 to fo llow , a n d also those com ing fro m 9 . , . K t x B ; 10 Q x K t , P - K K t 3 ; I I Q - R 4 , B - K t 2 ; 1 2 Q R - Q i , b o th o f w h ich yield W h ite the m ore p ro m isin g gam e. O n the oth er h an d , to a n alm o st u n ­ p red icta b le future leads 9 . . . P - K K t 3 ; 10 B - K 2 , B - K t 2 , b y w h ich , it is tru e, Black has w o n a cou p le o f tem pi, b u t o n ly a t the cost o f crea tin g a cruel weakness on Q 3 . B la c k (K o to v )

W h ite (K eres) to p la y 1 0 ' K tx P ! M y first im pression w as th at W h ite , on acco u n t o f the th reat o f 10 . . . K t x B , followed b y 1 1 . . . Q x K t , h ad n o th in g better th an the retreat 10 B - K 2 , w h ich , h ow ever, after 10 . . . Q - B 2 , w o u ld h a v e led to a repetition o f m oves. A fte r an exh au stive

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exam in atio n o f the position, h ow ever, the interesting id ea o ccu rre d to m e o f in itiatin g a sharp atta ck w ith this K n ig h t sacrifice aim ed a t the en em y K in g w h ic h has been left too lo n g in the centre. T h e sacrifice in question is not based o n e x a c tly calcu lated variatio n s b u t m ore on gen eral considerations. I th o u ght th at after a ccep tin g the sacrifice B lack w o u ld h a v e g re at difficulties w ith the defence, since W h ite is con sid erably a h e ad in d evelo p ­ m en t an d w ill soon be in a position to set u p some harassing threats.

T h e g am e shows th at in the end the supposition is a

co rrect one. 10

. . .

Q _x K t(K 3)

A c c e p ta n ce o f the sacrifice is forced since the cap tu re 10 . . . K t x B w o u ld lead to W h ite ’s w inning the exch an g e w ith a better position after 1 1 Q - Q 5 ! , K t - K t j j ( 1 1 . . . Q x Q ? ; 1 2 K t - B y m a te !) 1 2 Q x Q , K t x Q ; 1 3 K t -B y c h . 11

K t-Q s!

In this K n ig h t m o ve lies the point o f the K n ig h t sacrifice. B la ck can n o w o n ly p a r r y the threat o f 1 2 K t - B y c h b y an exch a n g e on Q 5 o r b y a K i n g ’s move to Q i . Both m oves h ave, h o w ever, g ra v e positional d raw backs. 11

. . .

K -Q i

K o to v decides u p o n a laboriou sly passive defence. I t is, h o w ever, clear th at the B la c k K in g is most in securely p laced on Q i

an d th at his undeveloped pieces can n o t assure him

ad e q u ate p rotection. M o re o ve r, W h ite c a n also co n tin u ally set fresh threats to his opponent. H e n ce 1 1 . . . K t x K t ; 1 2 P x K t, Q - B 4 deserved consideration h ere. C lo ser an alysis show s us, h o w ever, th a t W h ite w o u ld also h ave a v e ry strong a tta ck in this line. T h e variatio n w h ich is m ore o r less forced is 1 3 Q - K i c h , K t - K } . ; (or 1 3 . . . Q - K 4 ; 1 4 P - K B 4 etc.) 1 4 P - K B 4 , P - K R 3 ; (after 1 4 . . . B - K 2 W h ite w in s b y 1 5 P x K t , Q x B ; 1 6 P x P , an d also 1 4 . . . P - K K t 3 ; 1 5 P x K t , Q x B ; 16 P x P dis ch leads to n o better result) 1 5 P x K t , Q x B ; 16 P x P dis ch a n d W h ite has a m a tin g attack . 12

B -K t4

Q -K 4

A fte r 1 2 . . . Q - K i W h it e ’s strongest co n tin u atio n is 1 3 Q - Q 2 ! w ith the m a in threats o f 1 4 B x K t , an d 1 4 Q - B 3 ,

MIDDLE

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P -K B 4

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34 9

Q xK P

N o b etter for Black is the c a p tu re b y 1 3 . . . Q x K t P ; 1 4 R - K t i , w h e n , after 14 . . . Q _-R 6 , W h ite c a n w in b y 1 5 B x K t , B x B ; 1 6 K t x K t , or, in this line, 1 5 . . . K x B ; 1 6 B x K t , P x B ; 17 K t-K t6 c h . 14

BxK t

BxB

A fte r 1 4 . . . K x B ; 15 B x K t , B lack ach ieves n o th in g b y 1 5 . . . K - B 3 since, in addition to 1 6 R - B 3 , W h ite c a n g a in a decisive a d v a n ta g e b y 1 6 P -B 4 , P x B ; 1 7 Q r R 4 c h . 15

K tx K t

PxK t

4

N a tu r a lly 1 5 . . . Q .- K t 3 ; 1 6 Q t Q . » o r 1 5 . . . 0 , - 6 3 ; 1 6 K t—Q dis c h , P - B 3 ; 1 7 K t x P etc. w e re no lo n ger a d e q u a te defences, b u t this last v a ria tio n w o u ld still h av e g iv e n B la c k

.5

som e possibilities o f p lay in g on fu rther. A fte r the te x t-m o v e , h o w ever, w e g e t a speedy en d to the g am e. 16 17

B x P ch BxR

K -B 2 B -B 3

A t last B la c k has succeeded in b e a tin g o f f the atta ck — b u t at too g re a t a cost in m aterial.

W ith th e e xch an ge a n d a p a w n

to the go o d W h ite has a c le a rly w o n gam e. 18 19

0 -0 .2 Q R -K i

B -R 3

20

R -K 7 C I 1

K -O i P -R 4

21

K R -K i

22 23

B O -B 2

-04

Q rK t3

r-r 3 B -B

i

A tte m p ts a t attack, su ch as 2 3 . . . B x B P , n o w co m e too la te , since W h ite c a n then r e p ly 2 4 B - K t 6 c h , K - B i ; 2 5 R -B 7 C I 1, K - K t i ; 2 6 R x B , P x R ; 2 7 R - K 8 c h , K - K t 2 ; 2 8 R - K 7 C I 1 , an d w in s : e .g . 2 8 . . . K - K t i ; 2 9 B -B 7C I1, follow ed b y 3 0 . . . Q xR >

0

3 0 04

53

7

or 28 . . . K - B i ; 29 *R> R x B ; « “ >R ~O r 1 R-R > o r fin a lly 2 8 . . . K - R i ; 2 9 B - O 4 ! w h en the threats o f 3 0 . . . Q x B , o r 3 0 . . . Q - K 2 , are d ecisive. 24

B -K t6 c h

25 26

R -K 8 c h R xBch

27

RxB

K -B i BxR K -O 2 resigns.

*

EVEN TS AND

5

*

TO U RNAM ENTS OF TH E

YEARS

19 5 0 -5 2

ter the B u d a p est T o u rn am en t I w a s given little tim e to rest since sh o rtly afterw ards there com m en ced at B a d S a lz b r u n n (S c z a w n o -Z d ro j) a g re at in tern ation al tou rn a­ m en t d ed icated to the m em o ry o f the w ell-k n ow n Polish m aster P rzep iork a. I w e n t to this tournam ent w ith m ixed feelings, since the second h a lf o f the Budapest to u rn am en t h ad show n th at I h a d n ot y e t surm ounted a crisis in a p eriod o f m y crea tive evolu tion. T h e first gam es in the to u rn am en t show ed, h o w ever, th at things h a d developed v e ry m u ch for the better in this respect. O n c e a g a in , after a lo n g in terval o f tim e, I w as p la y in g in an easy, care-free style, an d for this reason m y results w ere co rresp o n d in gly better. I m ain tain ed m y position in the lead in g g ro u p the w hole o f the tim e an d o f this gro u p the m ost dan gero u s r iv a l w a s the H u n garian m aster, B a rcz a. A n d un til ou r in d iv id u a l m eetin g (N o. 4 9 ) it w a s not clear w h ich w o u ld su cceed in b re a k in g aw a y from the other in the race for first p lace. I su cceed ed in w inning this vital g am e in good posi­ tio n al style an d th ereafter the w a y to first p lace la y w ide open. T h u s it w a s th a t I w e n t to the X V I I I U .S . S . R . C h a m p io n ­ ship w h ich w a s h eld a t M o sco w tow ards the end o f the y e a r in a m u ch m ore con fid en t fram e o f m in d. B u t the b eginin g o f the to u rn am en t w as fa r fro m prom ising. A fte r three u n certain ly p la y e d d ra w s I m a n a g e d to obtain a vic to ry o ver G eller, after the latter h a d m issed the best continuation in a com p licated position an d lost m a te rial through a b a d blunder. T h e n I lost a v e ry w e a k ly p la y e d g a m e against A la to rtz e v , salvaged a d ra w o u t o f a lost position again st Su etin an d reached the sam e result out o f a position w ith a good p a w n m ore again st T o lu sh . F r o m the first eigh t rou n d s I had obtain ed only fou r points, 35°

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w a s tw o points beh in d the leaders an d n o w h a d o n ly nine m ore rounds to p la y . M y position w a s not e x a c tly rosy, b u t n o w co m m en ced a series o f successes. T h e re w a s repeated , m ore o r less, the experience I h a d in the S e m m erin g to u rn am en t w h e re e ve ry p lan I d evised w a s crow n ed w ith success. B y the fourteenth round I h a d overhauled the leaders a n d after the fifteenth round I w a s in the sole lead , a h a lf a p oin t ah ead o f m y nearest rivals. F r o m the last seven gam es I h ad acq u ired no less than six an d a h a lf points. It is difficult for m e n o w to e x p lain the reason for su ch a long series o f successes (or failures for th at m a tter). B u t th e y do seem to o ccu r q uite freq u en tly in to u rn a­ m ents, even in those in w h ic h the opposition is v e r y strong. W ith this series o f successes, h ow ever, the to u rn am en t w as far from b ein g decided, even though o n ly tw o gam es rem ain ed to be p la y e d . I n the next ro u n d I obtain ed a cle ar a d v a n ta g e w ith W h ite against Petrosian, b u t then allo w ed m y se lf to be d ra w n in to g re a t com plications qu ite unnecessarily, lost m y w a y in these an d eventually h ad to ad m it defeat. N o w there arose a strange position in w h ich three p layers w e re eq u a l w hen the last round com m enced an d in w h ich therefore the decision h u n g on one single last gam e. I h a d to p la y w ith Black again st A v e r b a c h an d m y d isap p o in t­ m ent c a n be im agined w h e n m y oppon en t co m m e n ced w ith the F o u r K n ig h ts G a m e (N o . 50 ). H o w e v e r, A v e r b a c h ’s cho ice o f o p en in g was n ot p ro m p ted b y a desire fo r a bo rin g d raw ish va ria tio n and hen ce there soon arose a n interesting m id d le-ga m e. E v e n tu ally I succeeded in o b tain in g a sm all positional a d v a n ta g e and the g am e w as ad jou rn ed in a n en d in g th at w a s ra th e r in m y favo u r. O f m y other rivals, T o lu sh h ad a lre a d y d ra w n w ith Boleslavsky, whilst A ro n in also possessed so m ew hat better chances again st Borisenko. W h e n p la y w a s re­ sum ed I m a n a g ed to break th rou gh A v e r b a c h ’s position an d w in an en d ga m e th at was full o f com binations, alth o u gh the nervous tension w a s n ot w ithout influence on the p la y o f b o th sides. A r o n in tried for a long tim e to break d o w n Bo risen ko ’s stu bb orn defence, b u t w itho u t success. A fte r a th ree-year p au se I h ad once a g a in cap tu red the title o f cham pion o f the U . S . S . R . N o less excitin g was the course o f the next, the X I X t h C h am p io n sh ip , w hich w a s also held in M o sc o w . I n this

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tournament I played more consistently than in the previous year, but here too the question of the winner was only decided in the last round. I began well with three wins and a loss, amongst these games an interesting sacrificial victory over Geller (No. 51). Thereafter the struggle evened out, and, after I had let escape an excellent winning chance against Botvinnik, the following intriguing tournament position was reached at the end of the thirteenth round. Botvinnik, Geller, Smyslov and I led with 8| points and only half a point behind us came Averbach and Petrosian. It was clear that in such a position every single game was of outstanding importance. In the following round there came my decisive meeting with Smyslov (No. 52). I was able to seize the initiative in an exciting middle-game and, once my opponent had missed a favourable opportunity of transposing to an equal endgame, I obtained a strong attack despite the few remaining pieces. The game then transposed to a Bishop ending that was to my advantage and in this I was able to score the point that was so vital for me. In the same round, too, Geller beat Botvinnik, Petrosian, Simagin and Taimanov Averbach, so that the question of the lead was still open. We had only three more rounds to play. The next round, too, brought no final solution as both Geller and myself won, whilst Petrosian and Smyslov also obtained a full point. The games of the next round had a vital bearing on the first place. As in the previous Championship, I was playing against Petrosian in the penultimate round. Perhaps owing to my evil memory of the game of the previous year, or perhaps the tension of the tournament was to blame, but my position worsened from move to move. Soon I had lost two pawns and in addition to this was afflicted by acute time-trouble. But then apparently Petrosian did not make the best of his chances. I managed to extract a Rook ending from the game in which I was only a pawn down and on the next day I did in fact obtain a draw. Things did not go so well with my chief rival Geller, who was beaten by Bronstein. Since Smyslov also won his game I had, by the time the last round was reached, a lead of only half a point above my three rivals, Geller, Petrosian and Smyslov. Botvinnik, after his loss to Geller, was practically cut off from any competition for the first prize.

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So, for the second time in succession, I had to play a game in the last round that was to be decisive as regards the first prize. This time I had grandmaster Taimanov as my opponent, and against him I played one of the most hair-raising games of the tournament (No. 53). I obtained an overwhelming attack against the enemy King position, and, although I did not execute it quite precisely, this attack still was enough to win the game. The audience was so carried away by this vital game that play in its last few minutes had to be transferred to another, quieter, room. This valuable victory assured for me the championship of the U .S.S.R. for the third time, but at the same time also demonstrated that I had made good progress in the matter of conducting single, deciding games to their successful conclusion. This capacity is indeed of the utmost importance for every tournament player.

Gam e

49

R U Y LO PEZ 1950 P. Keres G. Barcza 1 P-K4 P -K 4 2 K t-K B 3 K t-Q B 3 3 B-Kt5 P-Q R3 4 B-R 4 K K t-K 2 It is well-known that Grandmaster Barcza does not feel particularly at home in positions that contain many tactical possibilities and require exact and concrete calculation. He prefers methods of play of a positional character in which his excellent powers of strategic manoeuvring can be brought into full force. Hence Barcza is not especially happy when defend­ ing against 1 P-K4. The text-move is characteristic of h is style. He tries to get the game off theoretical paths in the hop e that thereby he may confuse his adversary. International Tournament at S cz a w n o -£ d ro j,

5 B-Kt3 Theory recommends here either 5 P-Q,4 or 5 K t-B 3, fo r both of which moves, however, Black must have been fully

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prepared. At the time the game was played the text-move seemed very good to me and at least in this present game the experiment turns out to be very well grounded. 5

•••

P-B 3

One does not make a move like this very readily, but White had the unpleasant threat of 6 . . . Kt-Kt5* Should Black play 5 . . . P -R 3 then 6 P-Q.4 would certainly be more effective than it might have been a move earlier, whilst after 5 . . . K t-K t3 White’s attack by 6 P -K R 4 could become most troublesome. With the text-move Black hopes eventually to be in a position to drive off the White Bishop from the diagonal QjR.2-KK.t8, but this is not so easily accomplished.

6 7

P-Q.4

P-B3

P -0.3

Kt-QR.4

In order to complete his development Black is reduced to snatching at artificial aids. But the Bishop was indeed much too strong along the QR.2-KKt8 diagonal. Bad, for example, would be 7 . . . B-K t5, when 8 KtxP!, K txK t; 9 P-B3, could occur, with advantage to White. 8 B-B2 P -K K t3 There is no time for Black to occupy the critical diagonal by 8 . . . B -K 3, since then, after 9 P-QKt4, K t-B 5; 10 B - K 13, he would be held in the grip of an uncomfortable pin. It turns out that Black has procured a temporary alleviation only of his troubles by 7 . . . Kt -QR4. 9 Q Kt-Q g B-Kt2 Once Black has managed to castle then his position will be most satisfactory. With the ensuing exchange White works against this plan and the measures he now takes are designed to prevent enemy castling. In fact, the struggle over Black’s castling has now become the strategic core of the game. 1o

PxP

QPxP

Bad is naturally 10 . . . BPxP, since after 11 P-Q Kt4, Q K t-B g; 12 B-Kt3, Black must reckon with the threats of 13 K t-K t5 and 13 P -K R 4. 11 P Q K t 4 Q K t-B3 B-Q.2 12 B -K t3

MIDDLE

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Black’s idea is to challenge the diagonal by 13 . . . Q -B i and 14 . . . B -K 3 and thus at last get himself castled. For this pur­ pose t a . . . Q -O 3 also came into question but then 13 P -Q R 4, B - K 3 ; 14 P -K t5, followed by 15 B -R 3, could be very awkward for Black. White could also of course simply play 13 Q -B s, B -K 3 ; 14 Kt-B4, Q -Q 2; 15 O-O, with the better game. 13

K t-Bi

Here White could have obtained a fine game by the normal continuation 13 0 - 0 , Q_-B 1; 14 Kt-B4, B -K 3 ; 15 K t-K 3 , or also in this line 15 K t-K i, followed by 16 Kt~Q_3, but in so playing he would allow Black to castle. In order to prevent this White, already with his 10th move, had conceived a firm plan and now he pursues its logical course. I f Black now continues with his original plan by 13 ... . Q -B 1; 14 Kt-K.3, B -K 3, then there comes 15 Kt-Q_5! when Black still cannot castle because of 16 KtxBP etc. Hence in the next phase of the game Black tries to carry out his plan in a somewhat different form. Naturally, White is not prepared to allow this. 13 . . . B-K t5 14 Q-B2 QrQ? 15 K t-K 3 B -K 3 O f course not 1 5 . . . B xK t; 16 PxB, when the strong Bishop on Ktg cripples Black’s entire position. With the manoeuvre 13 . . . B -K t5 followed by 14 . . . QrQ? Black has at any rate managed to prevent White from piaving an immediate 16

Kt-0,5. 16 0 - 0 K t-Q i At last Black has got so far as to be in a position to castle, but suddenly he desists of his own free will. And with good reason, since after 16 . . . 0 - 0 ; 17 R -Q i, Q_-Bi; 18 Kt-Q ,5, White would have the advantage in every respect and his opponent would be without counter-play. With the text-move Black tries to regroup his pieces and in particular to manoeuvre the Knight to a better square from its poor position on QB3. 17

R -Q .I

BxB

The continuation 17 . . . Q -B3; 18 Kt-Q .5, would naturally have been worse for Black.

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18 QxB Q-B3 19 Kt-Q.5 K t-B 2 20 P-B4 K t-Q 3? Up to here Black has defended his difficult position extremely well. Now, however, he Fails to take into consideration the strong threat that follows and falls into a game that positionally is hopelessly lost. Here it was essential for him to get rid of the strong central Knight by 20 . . . K txK t; 21 K PxK t, Q -Q 2; although even then White would clearly have much the better game after 22 P-B5. Black (Barcza)

White (Keres) to play 21 P -K ts! With this thrust he breaks up his opponent’s defence, whilst keeping the enemy King fixed in the centre. 21 . . . PxP 22 PxP Q rQ .2 It almost goes without saying that if 22 . . . K txK tP ; White wins by 23 QxKt. 23 B -R 3 Very strong here too was 23 P~Kt6, forcing the reply 23 . . . K txK t. White would, however, scarcely have achieved a quicker win with this since both 24 R xK t, P -B 3; 25 R-Q .3, and 24 Q xKt, would allow Black to put up a stubborn resist­ ance by Q -B 2! With the text-move White threatens in the first place 24 KtxQBPch and thus forces an exchange on Q 5. 23 . . . K txK t 24 R xK t P~Kt3

MIDDLE

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Again practically forced since if he tries 24 . . . B -B i White would have a decisive attack after 25 P-Kt6, P -B 3; 26 K txP ! (26 R-Q .3, Q -B 2!) 26 . . . PxK t; 27 RxPch, K - Q i ; 28 R -Q i etc. Now, by leaving his opponent with a bad Bishop and gaining absolute control of the white squares. White attains a positionally won game. 25 BxKt PxB 26 Kt-Qg In bringing his Knight to QB4, from which point it attacks the weaknesses on Q_6 and QKt6, White once again underlines the superiority of this piece over his opponent’s Bishop. Another good continuation was 26 R -Q B i followed by 27 R-B6. 26

. . .

Q -Q B 2

27

Kt-B4

B-Bi

28 29

R (R i)-Q i R (Q ,5 ) - Q ?

R -Q i

Once White has attained a winning position he proceeds to play imprecisely, under the influence of approaching time trouble, and so allows Black to get some counter-play. The simplest way to win was undoubtedly 29 P-Q R4, B -K 2 ; 30 P -R 5 ! and this, after 30 . . . PxP; 31 P-Kt6 would have soon convinced Black of the uselessness of further resistance. 29 . . . P - 0 .4 ! White was intending, after 30 K t-K 3, to manoeuvre his Knight to a dominating position on Q 5 and then to occupy the QB file with his Rooks. The pawn sacrifice comprised by the text-move is therefore practically forced. Black now arrives at a good development for his Bishop and is in a position, in the ensuing phase of the game, to put up quite a stubborn resistance. 30 RxP R xR 31 PxR Here too 31 R xR , B-B4; 32 P-Q R4, with the threat of 3 3 P -R 5 . was simpler. But White pursues another plan. 31 . . . B-B4 32 P-Q6 Qt Q.2 33 P-Q.R4

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CHESS

A logical continuation of White’s plan, but one which, on closer examination, proves to be faulty. Much stronger here was immediately 33 Q--KB3, which would have prevented the enemy King from escaping to the comparatively safe square of KKt2. 33 • • • K -B i 34 Q.-KB3 White notices only just in time that his intended continuation 34 P -R 5, PxP; 35 Q.-KB3, K -K t2; 36 Q.-B6, will not work on account of 36 . . . Q_-Kt5! Black now at last manages to get his Rook into play, but White’s plus pawn, in conjunction with the active position of his pieces, still assures him a winning position. 34 . . . K -K t2 35 p- R 3 R -Q B i 36 QrQ.5 B-Q.5 Taken together with the threat of 37 . . . R -B4, this represents Black’s only chance of active counter-play. Now, however, White has the opportunity of finishing off the game by a pretty combination, easy enough to find it should be said. 37 R xB ! R-B4 Equally hopeless is the endgame after 37 . . . P xR ; 38 KtxKtP, R-B8ch; 39 K -R 2, followed by 40 P-Q.7 etc. 38 K txK tP RxQ. 39 R xR Q.-B4 After 39 . . . Qj -Q i ; 40 P-Q.7, the advance of the Q RP wins quickly. 40 P-Q_7 resigns.

Game FO U R

50

K N IG H T S ’ G A M E

X V I I I U .S .S .R . Cham pionship at M oscow , J . A ve rb a ch

1950

P . K eres

1

P -K 4

P -K 4

2

K t-K B 3

Kt-Q B3

3

K 4 -B 3

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

35 9

This game was played in the last round and its result had a decisive bearing on the question of the first place, since before the last round three players were in the lead—Aronin, Tolush and I. So, who would win the tournament depended upon the results of these three players in the last round. In view of the circumstances White’s choice of opening was most unwelcome to Black. It is known that the Four Knights’ Game is one of the best proved systems of avoiding all compli­ cations in the opening, and it is therefore regarded by masters as a drawish opening. However, there are qertain lines in which Black can aim at a fighting middle-game. In the first place, however, he refrains here from making dubious opening experiments whilst endeavouring to. discover his opponent’s actual intentions.

3

• • •

K t-B 3

4 B~Kt5 5 0 -0

B-Kt5 0 -0

6 P-Q.3

P-Q.3

7 K t-K a After 7 B -K t5, Black would have been faced by a difficult choice as the main variation 7 . . . BxK t; 8 PxB, Q -K 2 would allow White if he so wished to bring about a dead drawn position by 9 KBxKt. Probably in that case I would have chosen a continuation not particularly recommended by theory, but in compensation a complicated one, such as for example 7 . . . K t-K a. With the text-move, however, Averbach shows that his choice of the Four Knights’ Game is not connected with designs on a draw. The game now moves towards an interesting middle-game. K t-K a 7 • • • 8 P-B3 B-R4 Kt-Ktg P-B3 9 K t-K t3 10 B-R4 b- k 3 11 P - 0 . 4 A symmetrical position has arisen in which, as a rule, the first player’s possession of an extra tempo ensures him a lasting initiative. Hence here White has been able to carry out the thrust P-Q.4 first, thereby driving his opponent on the

360

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

defensive. Black could indeed have continued in symmetrical style 11 . . . P-Q.4, but thereafter, too, White would have obtained the initiative by 12 B-KKt5In order to reach a feasible middle-game full of fighting possibilities Black must seek other methods of developing his pieces. In the game Alekhine-Euwe, Amsterdam, 1936, Black tried here 11 . . . R - K t ; 12 B-K t3, PxP with the idea of exerting pressure on K 5. But after 13 PxP, it turned out that Black could not well play 13 .. . KtxP on account of 14 KtxKt, R xK t; 15 K t-K tj, or 15 BxPch, and therefore he had to continue with 13 . . . B -K 3. After 14 K t-K t5, BxB; 15 QxB, Q -Q 2; 16 P-B3, White, however, obtained rather the better position. With the text-move Black embarks on an attempt to improve Euwe’s method of play. He wants, after 12 B-K t3, to play 12 . . . R - K i without exchanging on White’s Q.4- After that, at all events, 13 K t-K t5 would be purposeless and White would have to seek out other ways of assuring himself an initiative. 12

B-B2

White should have, as mentioned earlier, continued with 12 B-Kt3_ After the text-move Black gets a good game without any trouble. 12 . . . R -K i 13 R - K i Through this careless move, which puts the Rook on the same diagonal as the enemy KB, Black gets the opportunity of gaining the initiative in quite a surprising manner. After 13 B -K 3, on the other hand, White would have stood rather better, chiefly because of his advantage in space. 13

. . .

■

B -K K t5 !

An unexpected counter, which poses White some awkward defensive problems and gives Black the initiauve. Now the chief threats are 14 . . . PxP and 14 . . . K t-R 5 with a worsening of White’s pawn position from which he would not be saved by 14 PxP, KtxP(K4). Since also 14 R -K 3 , P-Q.4! or 14 B -K 3, PxP; 15 BxP, K t-R 5 are unsatisfactory lines for White, Black’s position must already be regarded as preferable. 14

K t-B 5 ?

M IDDLE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

36 ‘

White, apparently realising that he does indeed stand worse, here chooses a continuation that ensures Black a small but clear advantage. Instead of this, however, he could have brought about complications by the interesting pawn sacrifice 14 P -K R 3 !, B xK t; 15 QxB, PxP; 16 P-Kt4, B -K t3 ; 17 B -K t5, and such complications are not so easily dealt with in practice. Thus for example the natural continuation 17 . . . Kt-EL}.; 18 Q.-B5, K t(K 4)-Q 2; would allow White a really dangerous attack after 19 P -K 5 !, PxP(K4); 2 0 Kt-R.5, and after 17 . . . R -K 4 White need not immediately exchange on KB6, but can further increase his pressure by 1 8 K t-B j. Naturally, Black need not allow his opponent’s attack in this variation and can for instance simplify the position by 17 . . . K t-K 4 ; 18 Q,-B5, P -K R 3 ; 19 BxKt, Q xB; 20 Q *Q , P xQ , whilst at the same time retaining his extra pawn. All the same, White should have launched out on this sharp variation as here it would have been much more difficult for Black to find the correct defence than in the game. Black (Keres) to play

W h ite (A v e rb a c h ) 14

• • •

P-

04 !

O p e n in g u p the centre an d th e reb y g ivin g B la c k ’s a d v a n ta g e a concrete fo rm . T h e ensuing m oves are p ra c tic a lly forced . 15 16

P -K R 3 Q xB

B x K t(B 6 ) K tx P

After 16 . . . KPxP White could gain an enduring initiative by 17 B-K t5, and the bold recapture by 17 KtxO P would also come into consideration. The text-move is much simpler.

362

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

17

BxK t

PxP

18

K tx Q P

B -K t3!

W ith this m o ve B la c k reveals his tru m p card s. H e w ill in fa c t sim p lify the position b y the en su in g e x ch a n g e ; b u t he saddles his o p p o n en t w ith a n isolated p a w n on Q 4 w h ilst he still has a B ish o p o n b la c k coloured squares o n th e b o ard . M e a n w h ile B la ck h im se lf retains the go o d K n ig h t. W h ite c a n d o n o th in g aga in st a ll this since after a K n ig h t m o ve there w o u ld fo llow a d o u b le e xch an ge o n K 4 an d then a ch eck on W h it e ’s Q i . A tte m p ts to e x tra ct m o re than a favo u rab le en d gam e o u t o f the position are d o o m ed to failure. A f t e r 1 8 . . . Q - K 2 W h ite has the defensive resou rce o f 1 9 K t - B 5 follow ed b y 2 0 K t - K t 3 , a n d 1 8 . . . Q - R 5 co u ld e ven have a tr a g ic outcom e fo r B lack after 1 9 Q - B 5 ! e .g ., 1 9 . . . R x B ; 2 0 B - K t 5 , R x R c h ; 2 1 R x R , Q - R 4 ; 2 2 P ~ K K t 4 a n d W h ite w in s! A fte r 1 8 . . . P - Q B 4 , h o w ev e r, W h ite c a n either p lay 1 9 K t - K t 3 , or else choose the c o m b in a tiv e co n tin u atio n 19 B - K t j , Q x B ; 20 B x P , etc. 19

B -Q 2

20 RxP 21 QxR 22 PxB

PxB

RxR BxKt

T h is w a s the position a t w h ich B lack w a s aim in g. W h ite has a w e a k isolated p a w n on Q 4 , and B la c k ’s Q 4 sq u are in front o f it form s an id eal p oin t o f support for B la c k ’s pieces. W h it e ’s Bishop has no prospects since its o w n p aw n s are on the sam e colo u red squares. B la c k ’s n ext task lies in the accom p lish m en t o f the ex ch a n g e o f Q u een s, thereby d e p riv in g his o pp o n en t o f the ch a n ce o f an eve n tu a l K in g -sid e attack .

22 . . . 23 Q-Kt4 24 R~Ki

Q-K2 Q -Q 3

A fte r this m e ch a n ica l m o v e B lack takes a b ig step fo rw a rd in the execu tio n o f his p la n a n d forces the exch an ge o f Q u eens. T h e en d in g arisin g after the Q ueen exch an g e is v e r y favo u rab le for B la c k , p r o b a b ly even w o n for h im , since it is not easy to find a defensive p la n h o ld in g o u t an y prospects o f success to W h ite in the ensuing p a rt o f the gam e.

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

363

W h ite should undoubtedly h a v e seized the o p p o rtu n ity here o f h arassing his opponent on the K i n g ’s w in g b y 2 4 P - K R 4 ! A fte r this B la c k ’s task w o u ld h av e been m u ch m ore d ifficult. T h e possible w in o f a p aw n b y 2 4 . . . P - K R 4 ; 2 5 Q x P , Q x P ; 2 6 B - B 3 ! , Q x P ; 2 7 Q x Q , K t x Q offers B la c k no re al w in n in g chances after 2 8 R - Q i . H e w o u ld , therefore, h a v e h a d to continue w ith 2 4 . . . K t - B t ; 2 5 P - R 5 , K t - K 3 ; th e reb y once a ga in asserting his positional ad v a n ta g e . 24

. . .

Q -Q 4 !

N o w he threatens not o n ly 2 5 . . . Q x R P b u t also 2 5 . . . P - K R 4 , after w h ich W h ite w o u ld h ave to e x ch an g e Q u eens. W h ite can n o t p a rry both threats sim ultaneously. 25

P -Q K t3

26

Q -K 4

P -K R 4

O th erw ise he loses the Q P w ith o u t a n y com pen sation . 26

. . .

Q xQ

27

R xQ

P -B 3

N o w B la c k ’s plan is to b rin g his K in g n e are r to the cen tre an d e ven tu a lly to threaten to g et it as far as Q 4 w h ere it w ill constitute a real threat to the p a w n on Q 5 . W h ite can n o t u n dertake an yth in g active in the ensuing phase o f the g am e a n d m ust sim p ly w ait to see h o w his o p p o n en t proposes to strengthen his position.

28 29 30 31 32

K-Bi B-R5 b ~b3 B-Kt2 P-KKt4

K-B2 P-Kts

R -Q t R -Q s

A useful a d v a n ce for W h ite as it deprives his o p p o n en t o f the possibility o f d ra w in g a w a y the R o o k from its pro tection o f the Q P by P -K B 4 .

A n d an y e x ch an g e o f p aw n s o n ly helps W h ite . 32

. . .

PxP

33

PxP

R-K3

T h is attem p t to free a w a y for his K in g to Q 4 b y a R o o k exch a n g e is not the happiest o f plans. I n the first p la c e he can n o t sw eep the w a y clear fo r his K in g to re a c h the desirable post on Q 4 an d in the second p lace a n y fu rther exch an g e m erely alleviates W h ite’s position.

D espite the fa c t th a t the

364

GRANDMASTER

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CHESS

e n d in g, for e x a m p le, after 3 4 R x R , K x R ; 3 5 K - K 2 , K - Q 4 ; 3 6 K - Q 3 , is v e r y fa v o u ra b le for B lack , W h ite , in v ie w o f the red u ctio n in m a terial, still has very go o d chan ces o f p u ttin g u p a resistance. H e n ce , an d m ore p a rticu la rly w hen one takes in to ac c o u n t th at th e g a m e w a s sh o rtly due to be ad jou rn ed , it w o u ld h av e been b etter here to h a v e continued at once 3 3 . . . K t - B i fo llow ed b y 3 4 . . . K t - K . 3 and 3 5 . . . R - Q 4 , an d w ith this in fact w e w o u ld h a v e atta in ed a position reached at a later stage in the g a m e.

34

P -B

3

A v e r b a c h also is seem in gly convinced that the en d in g w o u ld be lost for him after a R o o k exchange, an d avoids this possibility b o th n o w a n d later. 34 35

. . . B -B t

K t -K .2 K t-Q a

36

B -Q 2

R -Q .3

B la c k , p erce ivin g th at the ad van ce o f his K in g can n o t be fo rced , proceeds to re g ro u p his forces. A t the sam e tim e he avo id s a transition in to a n ending w ith K n ig h t again st Bishop as after this B la c k no lo n ger offers an exch an ge o f R ook s. 37 38

K -K 2 K -B 2

39

P

R -Q i K t-B 2

-®-4

A w e a k e n in g o f the Q u e e n ’s w in g th at is p ra c tic a lly forced since 3 9 . . . K t - K t jj. w a s threatened. A fte r the K n ig h t m o ve, p ro tection o f the Q P b y 4 0 B - K 3 , K t - B 6 or 4 0 K - K 3 , K t - Q 3 w o u ld le a d to the loss o f the exchange.

39 40

• • • B -K 3

K t-K 3 R -Q

4

I n this position the g a m e w as ad jou rn ed a n d W h ite sealed his m o v e . B la c k ’s positional superiority is b eyo n d d o u b t, an d th e o n ly question is, c a n this be con verted into a m aterial a d v a n ta g e .

A re p ly to this dem ands a n arro w er e x am in atio n

o f th e state o f affairs. W h it e ’s pieces are tethered to the protection o f the Q P an d h en ce W h ite is in a p assive w aitin g position, since in p ractice h e c a n o n ly m o ve his K in g . S o B lack has tim e e n o u g h in w h ic h

MIDDLE

YEARS

O F'PA U L

KERES

36 5

to p rep a re for a decisive b reak -th ro u gh , a n d this lies in th e a d v a n c e P - Q K t 4 . Im m ed iately p lay e d , this m o ve, fo r e x a m p le afte r 4 1 K - K 2 , w o u ld be p rem atu re since after 4 1 . . . P - Q K t 4 ; 4 2 P -R 5 , P - K t 5 (a litde b etter is 4 2 . . . P - R 3 ) ; 4 3 P -R 6 , W h ite gain s som e cou n ter-p lay, bo th after 4 3 . . . K t - B 2 ; 4 4 K - Q . 3 , K t x P ; 4 5 K - B 4 , a n d also after 4 3 . . . R - Q R 4 ;

44 P - 0 .5. P x P ; 45 R x p , etc. T h ere fo re B lack conceives th e p la n o f fu rth er stren gth en in g his position, p ro vid in g th at W h ite p uts u p a n e n tire ly p assive d efen ce, b y b rin gin g his K in g to Q 2 a n d p la y in g P - K t 3 , w ith a n e ve n tu a l P - Q R 3 .

O n ly a t the rig h t m o m en t w ill P - Q K t 4

be p la y e d . I t seems unlikely th a t W h ite cou ld h a v e su ccessftdly d efen d ed h im self against this p la n , even i f h e h a d re m a in e d en tirely on the passive defence. 41

K -K t3

K -K 2

A fte r a n im m ediate 4 1 . . . P - Q K t 4 B lack d id n ot q u ite like the look o f the possible p a w n sacrifice b y 4 2 K - B 2 , P x P ; 4 3 P x P , R - Q R 4 ; 4 4 P -Q .5 , P x P ; 4 5 R - K t 4 . W ith this lin e W h ite w o u ld h a v e activated his pieces a n d o b tain ed som e co u n te rp la y . H e n c e B la ck intends first o f all to b rin g his K in g to Q 2 . 42

P ~ K t5 ?

W h ite , no longer able to en d u re this passive w a itin g , d ecid es to force som e cou n ter-p lay o n th e K in g ’s w in g b y his p a w n sacrifice. B u t this action m erely lightens B la c k ’s task a n d a c c e l­ erates the collapse o f W h ite ’s position.

A fte r 4 2 K - B 2 , B la c k ’s

task w o u ld u ndoubtedly h a v e been m ore co m p lica te d , alth o u g h in this case, too, the plan outlined in the p revio u s an n o ta tio n w o u ld h a v e even tu ally secu red h im a decisive a d v a n ta g e . 42

. . .

P -K B 4 !

N a tu r a lly B la ck does n o t take the p a w n , since a fte r 4 2 . . . P x P ; 4 3 K - K t 4 , W h ite ’s pieces w o u ld b ecom e a c tiv e . 43 44

R -K 5 R xR ch

45

P -K t6 !

K -Q .3 K xR

I t seems th at it was o n this c le v e r a d v a n c e th a t W h ite , in p la y in g 4 2 P - K t 5 , had set his hopes. A p p a r e n tly B la c k c a n n o w ca p tu re the p aw n b y 4 5 . . . K t x P w ith o u t a n y risk sin ce 4 6 K - B 4 is n o t to be feared b ecau se o f 4 6 . . . P - B 4 . m atters are n ot so sim ple.

But

366

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

B la ck (Keres) to p la y

W h ite (A ve rb ach ) 45

• • •

P -Q R 4 !

W h it e ’s cu n n in g tra p reveals itself in the en d in g th a t arises afte r 4 5 . . . K t x P ; 4 6 B x K t, K x B ; 4 7 K - B 4 , w h ich a t first g la n ce seems hopeless for W h ite.

B la c k ’s best co n tin u atio n

4 7 . . . P - K t 4 l ; 4 8 P x P , P x P ; creates a difficu lt position for W h ite , b u t all the sam e there is a w a y o ut. B y 4 9 P - K t 4 l , K - B 5 ; 5 0 K x P , K x P W h ite can b rin g ab ou t a position in w h ich h e has som e su rprisin g resources. T h e re a re a p p a re n tly e ven tw o w a y s W h ite c a n save the position. T h e e n d in g is v e r y in terestin g a n d consideration.

in stru ctive

an d

it

therefore

m erits closer

I n the first p la ce 5 1 K - K 6 comes into question w ith the id e a o f en su rin g the d r a w after a K in g m o ve b y K - B 7 , x P , - B 6 , fo llow ed b y the a d v a n c e o f the K t p a w n . B la c k , h o w e v e r, has th e stro n ger 5 1 . . . P - R 4 ! after w h ich W h ite ’s situation becom es c ritica l. F o r e xam p le, he cannot p la y 5 2 P - B 4 , P - R 5 ; 5 3 P - B 5 P - R 6 ; 5 4 P -B 6 , P x P ; 5 5 P -K t7 , P - R 7 ; 56 P - K t S = Q , P - R 8 = Q ; 5 7 Q - B 8 c h , K - K t 6 , w h en B lack w in s easily. A n d also the co n tin u atio n 5 2 K - B 7 , P - R 5 ; 5 3 K x P , P - R 6 , bodes n o th in g go od fo r W h ite , since after a K in g m o ve B la c k forces th e exch a n g e o f Q u e e n s: 5 4 K - B 7 , P - R 7 ; 5 5 P - K t 7 , P - R 8 = Q ; 5 6 P - K t B = Q , Q r R 7 c h etc. W o u ld it not be h igh tim e to resign in this position after 5 7 K - B 8 , Q x Q c h ; 5 8 K x Q , K - B 5 ? A n d y e t, in p recisely this a p p a re n tly hopelessly lost position, there turns o u t to be a sa v in g clau se for W h ite . V i z . he plays 5 9 P- B 4, K - Q 4 ; 6 0 K - B 7 ! . I f then 6 0 . . . K - K 5 ; 6 1 K - K 6 ! , K x P ; 6 2 K - Q 5 , w ith a

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

367

KERES

d ra w n position, an d after 6 0 •. . . P - K t 5

W h ite likew ise

reaches a th eoretically d ra w n position b y 6 1 P - B 5 , P - K t 6 ; 62 P -B 6 , P - K t 7 ; 6 3 astonishing reso u rce!

K -K ty ,

P -K t8 = Q ;

64

P -B 7 .

An

P erh ap s B la c k m igh t still retain som e w in n in g ch an ces in th e va ria tio n g ive n ab o ve i f h e refrains from e x ch a n g in g Q u e e n s an d in stead continues 5 7 . . . Q - R i c h ; 5 8 K - K t 7 , Q x P .

The

en d in g th a t th en arises, h o w eve r, is one o f th e m ost d ifficu lt kn o w n to chess th eory and u p to this v e ry d a y it has n o t b een possible to d eterm ine with a n y certain ty w h eth er it is w o n o r n o t. A n d so W h it e ’s other defensive possibilities, v iz . 5 1 P - B 4 ! m ust be re g a rd e d as the stronger. N o w neither 5 1 . . . K - B 4 ; 5 2 K - K 6 ! , P - K t 5 ; 5 3 P - B 5 , P - K t 6 ; 5 4 P - B 6 , w h e n the p a w n threatens to Q u e e n with check, n o r 5 1 . . . K - B 6 ; 5 2 K - K t 5 l , P - K t 5 ; 5 3 P -B 5 , P -K t6 ; 5 4 P -B 6 , P xP ch ; 5 5 K x P , P - K t 7 ; 5 6 P - K t 7 , P - K t 8 = Q ; 5 7 P - K t 8 = Q , gives W h ite a n y d iffi­ culties since the last-m entioned en d in g yield s p r a c tic a lly n o w in n in g ch a n ces. B u t after 5 1 . . . P - R 4 ! the situation seem s critica l for W h ite as then 5 2 K - K 6 , P - R 5 ; 5 3 P - B 5 , P - R 6 ; 5 4 P - B 6 , P x P etc. leads to a position th at is, as w e h av e a lr e a d y seen, w o n fo r B lack. N evertheless, W h ite still has a sa v in g resource, to w it 5 2 K - K 4 ! , P - R 5 ; 5 3 K - Q 3 , an d su d d en ly the W h ite K in g com es in tim e to stop the p a w n . In fact, n o w B la ck c o u ld h a v e trouble in gettin g the d ra w . N a tu r a lly , B la c k w as u n ab le to calcu la te o u t a ll these finesses d u rin g the g a m e . Nevertheless, he co rrectly a p p raise d th e position after 4 5 . . . K tx P a n d refrain ed from tak in g the p a w n . A fte r the text-m o ve Black is in fact th reatening 4 6 . . . K t x P as his e x tra tem p o with P - R 4 w o u ld m ake the p a w n e n d in g easily w o n for B lack. 46

K -R 4

K tx P

A lth o u g h this capture w as n o w possible it w as not in a c tu a l fa c t lo g ica l since it rem oved a p a w n th at h em m ed in the a c tiv ity o f the W h ite Bishop.

S im p le r here w as 4 6 . . . P - K t 4

so as to g et his p a w n to K t 5 before cap tu rin g on Q 5 .

Now

W h ite gets som e counter-play. 47

B -R 6 !

K t-K 3

I t goes alm ost without sa y in g th at B lack can n o t c a p tu re the Bishop because o f 4 8 P - K t 7 , w hilst

after

4 7 . . . K tx P c h ;

368

48

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

K - R 5 , K t - K 4 ; 49 BxP, K tx P ; 50 K x K t , P -B .

W h ite

retains ad eq u ate defensive chances b y 5 1 B - B 6 . 48

B -K 3

P -B 4

A lso possible w a s 4 8 . . . P - K t 4 ; 4 9 B - K t 6 , P - K t 5 ; 50 B x P , P - B 4 ; etc., b u t the text-m ove is ju s t as good.

49

K .-R 5

A fte r 4 9 B - B i , B la c k w ins b y the m an o eu vre 4 9 . . . P - Q B 5 ; 50 P xP ch , K x P ; 5 1 B - K t 2 , P - K t 4 ; 5 2 P xP , K x P ; 5 3 B xP , (W h ite ’s sole cou n ter-chan ce) 5 3 . . . K t x B ; 5 4 K - K t 5 , P - R 5 ; 5 5 K - B 6 , P - R 6 ; etc. I n reply to the text-m o ve B la c k cou ld also p la y 4 9 . . . P - Q B 5 ; 50 P x P c h , K x P ; 5 1 B x P , K - K t 5 fo llow ed b y 5 2 . . . K x P , w hen the passed Q R P should q u ick ly d ecid e the gam e. 49

. . .

K -K 4

Instead of the simple and clear winning method outlined in the previous note Black commences to manoeuvre about whilst his opponent is in time trouble in the hope of attaining a still easier win. Such tactics are not, however, in place here and merely lead eventually to Black’s overlooking a hidden defensive resource of his adversary’s, thereby imperilling his won position. 50 B-Bi Kt-Q,5 Once he has lost the clear winning path Black commences to complicate the position unnecessarily. It is true that 30 . . . K -Q 5; 51 B-Kt2ch, K-K6? would be a blunder since after 52 BxP, KtxBch; 53 K-Kt5, no win can be discerned any longer for Black, e.g. 53 . . . KxP; 54 K-B6, Kt-R4ch; 55 KxP, K-K6; 56 K-K5, K-Q6; 57 K-B5! and White threatens a perpetual attack on the Knight. Nor would the attempt 53 . . . Kt-Kx; 54 KxP, KxP; 55 K-K6, K -K 5; 56 K-Q.7, suffice for a win. With 50 . . . P-KB5 Black could indeed try to win a second pawn, but this continuation too would yield White really good counter-play after 51 K-Kt4, K-B3; 52 B-Kt2ch, KxP; 53 B-K5! in conjunction w'ith the possibility of B-Kt8-R7- With the text-move Black also gets nowhere since in order to win in the simplest way the Knight must go back to K3. Black’s clearest winning method lay in the setting up of a

MIDDLE

passed p a w n o n

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

369

the Q u e e n ’s w in g , a n d for this p u rpose

5 0 . . . K - Q 4 should a g a in h a v e been p la y e d . I f then 5 1 B ~ K t 2 , B la ck w ins as fo llow s: 5 1 . . . P - Q B 5 ; 5 2 P x P c h , K x P ; 5 3 B x P , (otherwise there com es 5 3 . . . P - K t 4 ) 5 3 . . . K t x B c h ; 5 4 K - K t 5 , K t - K i ; 5 5 K x P , K - Q 4 a n d W h ite n o longer has a n y defence again st the th reat o f 5 6 . . . P - K t 4 . F r o m this va ria tio n w e can see th a t the w in for B la c k has b ecom e m u ch m o re com plicated th an it w a s on m o ve 4 9 . 51

B -R 6

B a d o f course w as 5 1 B - K t 2 , because o f the re p ly 5 1 . . . K - B 5 . A fte r th e text-m ove 5 1 . . . K t - K 3 w a s sim plest, tran s­ posing to a position w e h av e a lre a d y seen in o u r notes.

B la c k

is, h o w ever, p u rsu in g quite an o th er p lan . 51

. . .

K -B 3

52

B -K tsc h

K -K 3

53

B -R 6 ?

A terrible b lu n d er in tim e trou b le. W h ite fails to utilise an excellen t sa v in g resource in 5 3 B - Q 8 ! D u r in g the gam e B la c k thou ght this w a s bad because o f 5 3 . . . K t x K t P ; 5 4 . B x P , P - Q B 5 , after w h ich W h ite w ill even lose his Bishop. H o w e v e r, instead o f 5 4 B x P , W h ite has the m u ch stronger con tin u ation 5 4 K - K t 5 ! setting up the troublesom e th reat o f 5 5 B - B 6 ! B lack w o u ld h a v e nothing better then th an 5 4 . . . K t - Q 5 ; 5 5 B x P , K t x P c h ; 5 6 K - B 4 , o r 5 6 K - R 5 , w ith excellen t d ra w in g prospects for W h ite .

5 4 . . . P - K B 5 leads to no better resu lt

because o f the sim ple rep ly 5 5 K x P etc. A l l the sam e, Black c an still force a w in after 5 3 B - Q 8 , a lw a y s p ro vid in g that he p lay s 5 3 . . . K - Q 2 ! instead o f 5 3 . . . K tx P ?.

I f then 5 4 B x P the B ishop is in fact lost b y 5 4 . . .

K t x K t P ; 5 5 K - K t 5 , P - Q B 5 ; w hilst i f W h ite tries 5 4 B - B 6 , K t - K 3 ; 5 5 B - K 5 , then B lack w ins b y the fo llo w in g m a n o e u v re : 5 5 . . . K - B 3 ; 5 6 B xP , (forced on acco u n t o f the threats o f 56 . . . P - K t 4 and 56 . . . K - Q 4 ) 5 6 . . . K tx B c h ; 5 7 K - K t 5 , K t - K i l ; 5 8 K x P , K - Q 3 a n d B la c k ’s K n ig h t proves stro n ger th an W h ite ’s passed p a w n s.

I f n o w , for exam p le, 5 9 P - B 4 ,

then 5 9 . . . K - Q 4 ; 60 K - K t 5 , K - K 3 ; 6 1 P -B 5C I1, K - K 4 etc. an d after 5 9 K - B 4 , K - K 3 ; 6 0 K - K 4 , B lack w in s b y 6 0 . . . K t -Q s c h ;' 61 K -B 4 , K -B 3 ; 62 P -K t 7 , K x P ; 6 3 K - K 5 , P -B 5 . I t is clear th a t after 5 3 B - Q 8 , the g am e cou ld still h ave been

GRANDMASTER

37 °

OF

CHESS

m ost interesting, w h ereas the fau lty text-m o ve leads to a sp e ed y end.

53 54

• • • K xP

PxB K t-B 3!

A v e r b a c h h a d a p p a r e n d y overlooked this sim ple m ove. N o w the W h ite p a w n is stopped and B lack w in s easily.

55 56 57 58.

P -K t7 K -R 7 K -R 6

K t-K 2 K -B a K -K ti

P-B4

K -B a

W h ite resigns Game

51

RUY LOPEZ, MORPHY DEFENCE 1951 P. Keres E. Geller 1 P-K4 P-K4 Kt-QB3 a Kt-KB3 P-QR 3 3 B-Kt5 Kt-B3 4 B-R4 B-Ka 5 0 -0 This close method of development with its ensuing moves, a system introduced by Tschigorin into tournament praxis, is nowadays one of the most popular continuations in the Ruy Lopez. One of the reasons for this is undoubtedly the fact that the Tschigorin development system usually leads to very lively and eventful positions in which the imagination of both players is allowed full scope. A characteristic picture of the compli­ cated nature of the system is furnished by the fact that, despite numerous analyses and practical experience in the course of more than half a century no positive decision has been made to this very day as to which plan of play can give White best chances of retaining an initiative. 6 R -K i P QKt 1 7 B-Kt3 P-Q.3 8 P-B3 0 -0 9 P-KR3 • Kt-QjR.4 X I X U .S .S .R . Cham pionship, M oscow,

MIDDLE YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

371

H e re , one o f the most in terestin g o f the less usu al c o n tin u a­ tions is the o rigin al p aw n thrust 9 . . . P - Q R 4 w ith w h ic h I h a v e o b ta in ed v e r y satisfactory results in a n u m b er o f gam es, 10

B -B 2

11

P - Q .4

P -B 4 Q -B 2

12

Q K t-Q a

BPxP

A m o n g st the various possible con tin u ation s tried in th ousands o f gam es a t this point, as fo r e x a m p le 1 2 . . . B - Q 2 , 1 2 . . . B - K t 2 , 1 2 . . . K t - B 3 , 1 2 . . . R - K i etc., this exch an g e , w ith P - Q 4 to fo llow , w as very fash io n ab le a t the tim e, G e lle r h a d p rep ared a n innovation again st the p lan an d uses it in this g a m e . 13 14

P xP K t-B i

B -K t2

O f recen t y ea rs it has been h eld th at the closing o f the cen tre b y 1 4 P - Q .5 is the most lik ely co n tin u atio n to yield an a d v a n t­ age again st B la c k ’s m ethod o f d evelo p m en t. A fte r 1 4 . B - B i Bronstein discovered the in teresd n g m o ve 1 5 R - K chiefly d irected against the m an o eu vre K t - K t 2 - B 4 . A fte r 1 5 K t - K t 2 there w o u ld in fact fo llow 1 6 P - Q K t 4 ! , since then 1 6

. . ti, ___ ...

P - Q R 4 cou ld be v e ry w ell m et b y 1 7 P - R 3 . T h e K n ig h t on K t 2 w o u ld , h ow ever, rem ain b a d ly p laced fo r a long tim e. B u t on th e other hand, w ith th e 1 4 P - Q .5 ad v a n c e W h ite surrenders all his chances in th e cen tre an d bases his hopes on the Q u e e n ’s w in g , w here, h o w ev e r, success is not to be ach ie v ed easily.

T h ere fo re , in m y o p in io n , the question as to w h ic h

m ethod o f p la y affords W h ite best prospects still rem ain s q u ite open an d the choice depends u p o n each p la y e r ’s o w n taste. 14 15

. . . B -K ti

Q R -B i

T h is is G e lle r ’s prepared va ria tio n . T h e usual con tin u ation s here are 1 5 B - Q 3 , or 1 5 R - K 2 , w h ereu p o n B lack m akes his p a w n sacrifice as planned b y 1 5 . . . P - Q 4 ; 1 6 K P x P , P - K 5 , an d w h en it is accepted he u su ally acquires a lasting in itiative. A m istake, on the other h an d , is 1 5 K t - K 3 , w h ich , in the g am e B o le sla v sk y -K e re s, Budapest 1 9 5 0 , led to

an o v erw h e lm in g

gam e for B la c k after 1 5 . . . K t x P ! ; 1 6 K t - B 5 , Q x B ; 1 7 K t x B c h , K -R i. 15

. . .

P-Q 4

16

K PxP

P x P !?

372

G R A N D M A S TE R

OF

CHESS

T h e id ea o f G e lle r ’s innovation ap p ears in the other possible va ria tio n , viz. 1 6 . . . P - K 5 . W h ite then intended to con tin u e w ith 1 7 K t - K t 5 , th e reb y m aking use o f the circu m stan ce th at his B ishop is no lo n ger vulnerable to attack on Q 3 . Su b se q u e n t an alysis has show n th at Black in th at even t w o u ld also o btain strong c o u n te r-p la y in return for his p a w n sacrifice b y 1 7 . . . K R - Q _ i ! ; 1 8 K t x K P , K t x P ; bu t it w ill be self-evident th at I d id not w a n t to go in for a variation th at h ad been th o ro u g h ly p rep a red b y m y opponent. T h e id ea bo u n d u p w ith the te x t-m o ve — liq u id atio n o f the w h o le p a w n cen tre — is v e r y risky, as la te r analyses h ave d em o n ­ strated. T h e h ig h ly involved possibilities explored in su b ­ sequent analyses w ere not, how ever, so easy to foresee an d w o rk o u t o ver the b o a rd . T h e position in the g am e n o w becom es extrem ely com p lica ted . 17

B -K ts!

P -R 3?

T h o u g h this m o ve pertains to the m eth o d o f d evelo p m en t chosen b y B lack , it is tactically in co rrect, since n o w W h ite cou ld h ave in itiated a n irresistible K in g -sid e attack b y an interesting B ishop sacrifice. A n im m ed iate 1 7 . . . K t x P w o u ld n ot do because o f 1 8 B x P c h , w h ich w o u ld h a v e en abled W h ite to g ain a decisive a tta ck after 18 . . . K x B ; 19 B x B , K t x B ; ao K t - K t 5 c h , K - K t 3 ; 2 1 K t - K t 3 l H o w e v e r, in p rep aratio n for this cap tu re 1 7 . . . K R - K i w as n ecessary, an d w ith this m o ve B la ck cou ld h a v e obtained a v e r y satisfactory position. 18

B -R 4 ? B lack (Keres) to p la y

mm—

g »

im

m

mm m m

m

m

11

m m

t m

m m m m W h ite (G eller)

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

373

A fte r this retreat the gam e returns to its n o rm al cou rse, one in w h ich B la ck obtains a go od , p erh ap s even so m ew h a t better g am e. L a te r analysis has sh o w n th at W h ite c o u ld h av e o btain ed a n o verw h elm in g attack here b y the su rprisin g Bishop sacrifice 1 8 B x P , P x B ; 19 Q - Q 2 . consider the follow in g v a riatio n s:

A s evid en ce o f this

1. 19 . . . B x P ; 2 0 Q x R P , B x K t ; 2 1 K t - K t 3 ! an d the th reat o f 2 2 K t - B 5 ! ensures W h ite a decisive ad v an tag e . 2 . 19 . . . K R - Q i ; 20 Q x R P , R x P ; 2 1 R - K 4 !

(after 2 1

K t - K t 3 , B —B i !; 2 2 Q x K t, B - K t 2 ; 2 3 Q - R 4 , P - Q 6 ; B la c k has a good gam e) 2 1 . . . R - R 4 ; 2 2 R - K t 4 c h , K t x R ; 2 3 Q x R , K t - K B 3 ; 2 4 Q -K t5c h , K - B i ; 2 5 Q -R 6 ch , K - K i ; 26 B -B 5 , w ith a w in n in g attack. 3 . 19 . . . K - K t 2 ; 20 K t - K t 3 , K t - K t i ; 2 1 K t - B s c h , K - R i ; 2 2 R x B ! an d W h ite wins. F r o m this it m a y be seen th at after 1 8 B x P , B lack c a n sc a rce ly cap tu re the B ishop and m ust seek a defence in 18 . . . K R - Q i . B u t this w o u ld h a rd ly suffice for full eq u ality. W h ite co u ld then p la y , for exam p le, 19 B - K t 5 , R x P ; 20 Q - Q 3 , P - K t 3 ; 2 1 P - K R 4 ! retain in g excellent attack in g prospects. 18

. . .

K tx P

19 QtQ.3 A fte r som e inaccuracies in the open in g, an in terestin g m id d leg a m e has n o w been reached. W h ite still thinks he stan d s b etter an d continues his efforts to attack on the K in g -sid e . W it h the text-m o ve he does, it is true, force the w eak en in g m o v e 1 9 . . . P - K t 3 , b u t he c a n make no use o f this weakness o w in g to his o p p o n en t’s excellent developm ent.

I t w o u ld h ave b een better,

therefore, to h a v e given u p all id ea o f g a in in g an a d v a n ta g e o u t o f the o pen in g and to h a v e aim ed a t e q u a lity b y 1 9 B x B , K t x B ; 2 0 K t x P , K R - Q i ; 2 1 Q - K t 4 , etc. 19 20

. . . B -K t3

P -K t3

W h ite in fa c t experiences som e difficulties in g e ttin g b a c k his p a w n . A fte r 2 0 B x B , K t x B ; B la c k has rath e r the b e tte r g a m e after bo th 21 Q x Q P , B x K t ; an d 21 K t x P , K R - Q i ; 22 Q - K 3 , K t - Q B 5 ; 23 Q x K t , R x K t .

374 ,

G R A N D M AS TE R

20 21

. . . BxB

OF

CHESS

B— 0 .3

A n attem p t a t atta ck b y 2 1 K t - K .5 , is repulsed b y 2 1 . . . K t - Q B j !, since after 2 2 K t x K t P , P x K t , B lack possesses ad e ­

24

q u a te defensive resources: e.g. 2 3 Q x P c h , Q - K t 2 ; Q ~K 6ch, K - R i ; 2 5 B x B , K t - B ^ l o r 2 3 R -K .6 , R - B 3 ; 2 4 R x R , K t x R ; 2 5 Q x P c h , 0 - K - t 2 etc. 21

. . .

22

Q -Q 2 ?

Q xB

W ith the text-m o ve G eller hopes to cap tu re the K R P an d th e reb y still to o btain som e attack in g chan ces, bu t su ch tactics a re v e r y risky in a n undeveloped position. H e re he should h ave u n d o u b ted ly restored m aterial equ ality b y 2 2 Q x Q P , a ftcr w h ic h B la c k ’s sligh tly better developm ent w o u ld scarce ly h ave been sufficient to establish a real ad van tag e . 22

. . .

K t-K B s!

W ith this un expected piece sacrifice B lack seizes the in itiative a n d he obtains a decisive K in g-sid e attack after accep ta n ce o f th e sacrifice.

W h it e ’s pieces are p oo rly p la c e d on the O ueen>s

w in g , the Q u een is q u ite out o f p la y on Q R 5 an d the R o o k an d K n ig h ts are u n ab le b y themselves to p ro vid e an ad eq u ate shield for the K in g . fo r the piece. 23

Fu rth erm o re, B lack also gets tw o p aw ns

Q x K t(R 5)

G e lle r loves sh arp a n d com plicated positions an d hence he a ccep ts his o p p o n en t’s piece sacrifice w ith o u t fu rther ad o. O b je c tiv e ly better, h ow ever, w as 2 3 B - K 4 ! b y w h ich W h ite co u ld a t last b rin g in to p lay his stalem ated pieces on the Q u e e n ’s w in g . B la ck can then m aintain his e x tra p a w n b y 2 3 . . . K t - B 3 , b u t m ust concede his ad v e rsa ry som e cou n ter­ p la y b y 2 4 K t - K 5 , K t x K t ; 2 5 Q x K t , P - K t 4 , in v ie w o f his so m ew h a t w eak ened K in g-sid e. H o w e v e r, after 2 3 B - K 4 , B lack cou ld also return his e x tra p a w n , for exam ple b y 2 3 . . . K t - B 5 ; 2 4 Q x P , B x B ; 2 5 R x B , K t - K 3 ; o r also b y 2 3 . . . K R - K i ; 2 4 B x B , K t x B ; 2 5 K t x P , R x R ; 2 6 R x R , K t - B 4 ; in both cases w ith som e slight positional

M ID D LE

a d v a n ta g e .

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

375

A t a n y rate, it is q uite cle ar th at w ith 2 3 B - K 4 I

in stea d o f a c c e p ta n ce o f the sacrifice W h ite cou ld h a v e retained m u c h better prospects in p ractice o f a successful defence. 23 24

. . . PxB

BxK t K tx P c h

A f te r 2 4 . . . Q - Q 2 ; 2 5 Q - Q 2 , P - K t 4 W h ite has an ad e q u ate d efen ce in 2 6 R - K 4 . B lack (K eres)

W h ite (G eller) to p la y 25

K -K t2

W e a k e r here w a s 2 5 K - R i , since after 2 5 . . . Q 7 B 5 ! W h ite has no sa tisfacto ry defence, e .g .: 1 . 2 6 K - K t 2 , Q - R 5 ; 2 7 Q - Q 2 , (after 2 7 K t - R .2 , K t - B s c h ; 2 8 K - R i , Q x P w in s, as also does 2 7 R - K 4 , Q x P c h follow ed b y 2 8 . . . Q x K t c h etc.) 2 7 . . . K t - B s c h ; 2 8 K - K t i , Q r K t 4 c h ; 2 9 K t - K t 3 , K t - R 6 c h , w in n in g the Q u een. 2 . 26 B - K 4 , K tx P ch ; 2 7

K -K ti,

(or 2 7 K - K t 2 ,

K tx B ;

fo llow ed b y 2 8 . . . R - B 7 c h ) 2 7 . . . K t x B ; 2 8 R x K t , Q x P ; w ith a w o n position for B lack. 3 . 2 6 K t - R 2 , K t x P c h ; 2 7 K -- K t 2 , R - B 4 ! w ith a w in n in g atta ck .

In ad d itio n , an im m ed iate 2 6 . . . R - B 4 w o u ld be v e ry

stron g. 25 26

. . . K -K ti

K t-B sc h K t-R 6 c h

27

K -K t2

K t - B 5 ch

B la c k repeats a couple o f m oves in v ie w o f the ap p ro a c h in g tim e trou b le. 28 29

K -K ti K t-K t3

Qt Q

.4

G R A N D M A S TE R

376

OF

CHESS

Sim p lest after 2 9 B - K 4 , is 2 9 . . . Q r K .4 ! w h e n W h ite no lo n ger has a n y defence against the th reat o f 3 0 . . . Q _-R 6 (30 Q - Q g , Q ,- K t 4 c h !) . N o r can he try 2 9 R - K 4 , o n acco u n t o f 2 9 . . . Q _ -K t4 c h ; 3 0 K t - K t 3 , R - B 8 c h . 29

. . .

P -Q 6 !

W h ite w a s h op in g to p u t up fu rther resistance after 2 9 . . . Q x B P ; 3 0 B - K 4 , b u t the text-m ove is m u ch stron ger. N o w all W h it e ’s Q u e e n ’s w in g is c u t o ff from the cen tre o f c o m b a t an d tw o pieces alone are c le a rly insufficient to defend th e K in g -sid e. T h e im m ed iate th reat is 3 0 . . . Q x B P fo llow ed b y m ate.

A

30

K t-K 4

31

Q rK t4

Qt KB4

to u gh er resistance could h a v e been p u t u p here b y 3 1

Q _ -Q 2 .

B lack w o u ld then have replied 3 1 . . . R - B 5 w ith the

th re a t o f 3 2 . . . R x K t , w h ereu p on the fo llo w in g possibilities c o u ld h ave o cc u rre d : 1 . 3 2 B x P , R - Q i ! (N o t, how ever, 3 2 . . . R x K t ; 3 3 R x R , Q r K t 4 c h ; 3 4 K - B i , d - K t 7 c h ; 3 5 K - K i , w h en W h ite has the resou rce o f 3 6 B - B i ! ) 3 3 R - K 3 , R x K t ; 3 4 P x R , Q - K t 4 c h ; 3 5 R - K t 3 , K t - R 6 c h w in n in g the Q u e e n . 2. 3 2 Q 7 K 3 , R x K t ! ; 3 3 P x R , Q - K t 5 c h ; 3 4 Q - K t 3 , P - Q 7 ! ; 35 B -B 2, P x R = Q c h ; 36 R x Q , K t-K y e h ; 37 R x K t, Q xR , w in n in g the e xch an ge a n d w ith an easily w o n g a m e . 3 . 3 2 R - K 3 , Q - R 6 ; follow ed b y m ate in a few m oves. 31

. . .

K R -K i!

W h ite resigns. T h e th reat is 3 2 . . . R x K t ag a in st w h ich there is no defence. I f 3 2 B x P , there cou ld fo llow 3 2 . . . R x K t ! 3 3 R x R , Q - K t 4 c h ; 3 4 K - B i , Q - K t 7 c h ; w ith 3 5 . . . K t x B c h ; w h ilst after 3 2 K t - K t 3 , Q - R 6 leads to m ate.

Game 5 2

R E T I O P E N IN G X I X U .S .S .R . Championship in M oscow , 1 9 5 1

V . S m y slo v

P . K ere s

1

K t-K B 3

P -Q B 4

M ID D LE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

377

T h e system o f developm ent w ith the fian chetto o f bo th Bishops in tro d u ced b y gran d m aster R e ti w as v e r y p o p u la r a b o u t 3 0 y ea rs ago. W ith this system W h ite often o btain ed , alm o st w ith o u t its being n o ticed , strong pressure o n th e en em y cen tre a n d this resulted in a positional ad v a n ta g e . H e n ce a n u m b er o f m asters applied them selves to the task o f fin d in g a th o ro u gh ly satisfactory set-up again st the system .

T h is w as

a ch ieved first b y D r. L a sk er in his celeb rated g a m e again st R e ti a t the 1 9 2 4 N e w Y o rk T o u rn a m e n t. I n the present g am e B la ck em p lo ys the same system an d dem onstrates th at it is still a g o o d w e a p o n , even today, again st the once so d re ad e d R e ti O p e n in g .

3

K t-K B 3

4

P -K t3

5 6

B -Q K t2 B -K t2

p

7

0 -0

8

P -Q .3

P -K R 3 B -B 4

0.4

PB -B 4 -

k

3

Q K t-Q a

In this position Black has at his disposal a w h o le series o f d ifferen t plans o f developm ent an d it is not easy to sa y w h ic h o f these is the best. In the g a m e again st R e t i alrea d y m entioned D r . L a sk er refrained from P - K R 3 , d evelo p ed his B ish o p on Q_3 an d aim ed a t carryin g out the cen tral thrust P - K 4 . O thers, a g a in , h old th at the d evelopm en t o f the B ishop on K.2 is better, so as to be a b le to attack the K P b y K t - B 4 in the even t o f W h it e ’s p la y in g P - K 4 . A n d fin ally the te xt-m o ve, a t first g la n ce so m ew h a t strange lookin g, is also e m p lo yed , after a P - K 4 b y W h ite , so as to use th e B ishop alo n g th e d ia g o n a l Q R .2 -K K t 8 .

In so p layin g B lack does not fear the possible

g a in o f a tem p o b y W h ite w ith P - Q .4 since this w o u ld yield his pieces the im p o rtant sq u are K 5 . W h ite therefore rig h tly refrains fro m this possibility a n d p rep ares for P -K .4 . 9 10

K t-B 3 Q .-B 2

0-0 B -R 2 !

A useful retreat in anticipation o f W h it e ’s even tu al P - K 4 . H o w e v e r, it w a s already essential to p ro ceed w ith th e utm ost ca re so as to p reven t his o p p o n en t fro m o b tain in g a lastin g in itiative. T h u s , for exam p le, after th e n a tu ra l m o v e 1 0 . . . Q - K .2 th ere co u ld follow 1 1

P - K 4 , P x K P ; 12 P x P , B - R 2 ;

378

G R A N D M A S T E R

OF

CHESS

1 3 Q - K 2 ! a n d W h ite w o u ld gain an a d v a n ta g e b y reason o f the possibility o f P - K 5 follow ed b y K t - K .4 . 11

P -K 4

12

K tx P

PxK P

N o w 1 2 P x P w o u ld be met b y th e d isagreeable 1 2 . . . P - Q K t 4 l w ith troublesom e pressure o n W h ite ’s K P . A fte r the text-m o ve B la c k is p ra c tic a lly forced to ex ch an g e o n K 5 , since afte r 1 2 ___B - K 2 ; 1 3 Q _ -K 2 , W h ite threatens to g a in a n a d v a n t­ ag e in sp ace in the cen tre b y 1 4 K t x K t c h , fo llow ed b y 1 5 P - Q 4 . 12 13

. . . PxK t

K tx K t K t-B 3

14

K t-K 5

Q .- K t 3

B la ck has em erged fro m the o p en in g w ith a satisfactory g a m e a n d n o w threatens to bring ab o u t fu rther sim plifications b y 1 5 . . . B - Q 5 . N o r w o u ld 1 5 Q R - Q i , Q R - Q r ch a n ge the situation in a n y w a y .

Th erefo re S m y slo v decides u p o n a

tem p o rary p a w n sacrifice so as to liven u p the position a litde.

15 Kt-Q.3 A t first g la n c e W h ite seems to o b tain a cle ar a d v a n ta g e b y this interesting p a w n sacrifice, since n o w B la c k is p ra c tic a lly fo rced to e x ch a n g e o l f on e o f his tw o Bishops. B u t B la c k ’s pieces n o w take u p v e r y a c tiv e positions so th a t the a d v a n ta g e o f tw o Bishops is m o re th an outw eighed. A l l the sam e, n o blam e attach es to W h ite for his p la n o f c am p aign , since in the first place it seems m ost en ticin g a n d in the second W h ite c an still m ain tain e q u a lity b y carefu l p la y in the ensuing phase o f the g am e. 15

. . .

K tx P !

D espite its a p p a re n tly hazardous n atu re, this is the right re p ly. A fte r 1 5 . . . B - Q . 5 ; 1 6 P - B 5 , Q - Q i ; 1 7 K R - K i , follow ed b y 1 8 Q R - Q i , the W h ite K n ig h t w ill sooner o r later atta in the sq u a re Q_6, w h ich w ould sign ify a n a d v a n ta g e that should not be u n derestim ated. 16

K tx B

K tx K t

17 18

Q .-B 3 Q .-K 3 !

P -B 3

N o w the id e a b eh in d the p aw n sacrifice becom es ap p aren t. T h e tw o threats o f 1 9 B - Q .4 and 19 B - Q R 3 c a n n o lo n ger be bo th th w arted a n d hence Black m ust g iv e b ack the p a w n . If,

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

379

h o w ev e r, W h ite was expectin g to obtain a n a d v a n ta g e then a bitter d isappointm en t now aw aits him . 18

. . .

K t-Q 6 !

N a tu r a lly n ot 18 . . . K t - K . 5 ? ; 19 B x K t , Q xQ _; because o f the in terven in g 20 B xB ch . W ith the text-m o ve a n im m ed iate c a p tu re on B la c k ’s K 3 is fo rced , since 1 9 B -Q .4

is m et b y

19 . . . P - Q B 4 . 19

Q xP ch

K -R i

20

B -Q B 3

K R -K i

21

Q .-K t4

Q R -Q .I

N o w w e c a n sum up the results o btain ed b y the com bin atio n th a t started w ith B lack’s 15 t h m ove. W e see th at B la c k ’s pieces are excellen tly developed an d th at th ey con tro l a la rg e p a rt o f the b o ard , w h ilst W h ite ’s tw o Bishops possess a p u re ly ac ad e m ic v a lu e . T h e even balance o f the position is, h o w ev e r, n ot yet sign ifica n tly disturbed. B u t it is W h ite w h o , in the ensuing p a rt o f the g am e, must p la y m ost a c c u ra te ly in o rd e r n ot to g et the w orse o f it. 22

Q .-R 5

In stead o f this 22 Q R - Q i w as sim pler so as to m eet 2 2 . . . K .t-K .4 w ith 2 3 Q .-B 4. T h e th reat o f 2 3 B --R 5 is easily p arrie d . 22

. . .

K t-K 4

23

Q R -Q i

B -K t3

24

Q .-R 4

R xR

Before he brings his K n ig h t b a ck to Q 6 B lack tries to w eak en W h it e ’s hold o n the back ran k a n d com bines this aim w ith a sim ultaneous attack on K B 7 .

I f at once 2 4 . . . K t ~ Q 6 then

W h ite has an adequate defence in 2 5 R - Q 2 . 25

R xR

K t-Q 6 !

T h e K n ig h t returns w ith g a in o f tem po to its d o m in atin g sq u are on Q 6 a n d at the sam e tim e it ensures co n tro l o f the K in g file for the Black R o o k . W h it e ’s situation is n o w precario u s indeed. 26

B -Q .4 ?

T h is m ove, w ith w hich W h ite hoped to gain tim e for further defensive m easures through the threat o f 2 7 B x K B P , m ust in fa ct be regard ed as a decisive error. H a d S m y s lo v realised in

380

G R A N D M A S T E R

OF

CHESS

tim e the p erils th a t w e re threatening then he w o u ld certain ly h a v e a im e d a t fu rth e r sim plification b y 2 6 Q - Q 4 . T h e n B lack w o u ld h a v e a v o id ed the Q u een exch an g e h im self a n d the en d ­ in g should in a ll p ro b a b ility be d ra w n . 26

. . .

Q -R 4 !

P r o b a b ly here W h ite h a d hoped for 2 6 . . . P - Q B 4 ; 2 7 B - K 3 , w h ic h w o u ld h a v e m ean t a valu able g a in o f tim e because o f the th re at o f 2 8 B x R P . T h e reply th at B lack selects is, how ever, m u c h stro n ger since in the first p lace 2 7 . . . R - K 8 c h is n o w th reaten ed an d in the second B lack c a n n o w in m a n y v a ria ­ tions sim p ly c a p tu re on Q R 7 , for e xam p le, after 2 7 B - K 3 . W h ite c a n no lo n ger fend o f f this threat. I n m a k in g this m o ve B la c k has o n ly to w o rk out e x a c tly the con sequ en ces o f the sacrifice 2 7 B x K B P .

T h e y a re , in fact,

in n ocu o u s for B la c k . A fte r 2 7 . . . R - K 8 c h ; 2 8 B - B i , K - R 2 ! ; 2 9 R x R , K t x R ; W h ite w o u ld lose a p iece because o f the threat o f 30 . . . K t-B 6 c h .

T h e couple o f p aw n s he gets in return

sh o u ld sc a rce ly save h im from defeat in the en d in g. 27*

P -K R 3

W h ite , c o n vin ce d th at he can no longer avo id loss o f m aterial, em p lo ys the te x t-m o ve in order to g iv e his K in g a necessary fligh t sq u a re. H e hopes after 2 7 . . . Q x P to o b tain some c o u n te r-p la y b y 2 8 Q - K t 4 , and after 2 8 . . . Q x P he can even m a k e the exch a n g e sacrifice 29 Q x B . B lack therefore decides to stren gthen his position still further, bein g assured th at his o p p o n e n t ca n un d ertake nothing active in the m ean w h ile. 27 28

. . . B -K B 3

K -R 2 K t-K 8 !

H e re too the ca p tu re 2 8 . . . Q x P w a s not ad visab le as W h ite w o u ld g e t d an gero u s co u n ter-p lay b y 2 9 B - R 5 ! W ith the textm o ve B la ck m akes use o f the fact th at his Q u e e n is attack in g th e K R 4 sq u a re in o rd er to force the en em y B ish o p into a c o rn er. T h e co n tin u atio n 2 9 C K B 4, K t x B c h ; 3 0 Q x K t , R - K 8 ch; 3 1 K -R 2 , B -K 5 ; 32 im m ed ia te loss for W h ite . 29

B -K R i

Q - K t 4 , P - R 4 w o u ld le ad to an K t-B 7

N a tu r a lly B la c k does not waste his tim e w o rk in g o u t the possible com p licatio n s after 2 9 . . . Q x P ; 30 B x K B P .

W ith the

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

P A U L

KERES

381

te x t-m o ve 3 0 B x K B P is a g a in p reven ted b e cau se o f 3 0 . . . R -K 8 c h , 30

B -K B 3 ?

B o th p laye rs w ere a lread y in tim e tro u b le a n d th e y n o w c o m m it som e inaccuracies.

W h ite should h a v e tried

here

3 0 Q - B 4 , in o rd er to bring his Q u e e n in to p la y . B la c k w o u ld th en re p ly n either 3 0 . . . R - Q i ; 3 1 B - K 4 , n o r 3 0 . . . P - Q B 4 ; 3 1 B - Q K t 2 , Q x P ; 3 2 B x K B P ! w h en W h ite has g o o d d efen sive ch a n ces, b u t he should con ten t h im self w ith the assu ran ce o f a solid plus p a w n b y 30 . . . K t x B ; 3 1 Q x K t , Q x P .

A f te r the

text-m o ve W h it e ’s position should ra p id ly collapse. Black (K eres) to p la y

ma B

6.

-

mm mmn mm m m m

m

,

m

W h ite (Sm yslo v) 30

. . .

H e re he co u ld h ave w on b y 3 0

R -K 8 c h P - Q B 4 ! w ith the fo llo w in g

possible lin es: 1. 3 1 B x B P , R - K 8 c h ; 3 2 K .- R 2 , (o r 3 2 K - K t 2 , K t - K 6 c h ! ) 3 2 . . . R x R ; 3 3 B x R (after 3 3 B x K K t P , B la c k wins b y 3 3 . . .

Q -Q 7!) 33 •••Q -Q 7 and wins. 2 . 3 1 B - Q K t 2 , R - K 8 c h ; 3 2 R x R , (o r 3 2 K - K t 2 , R x R ; 3 3 B x R , K t -K 6 c h ; 34 P x K t, Q -Q 7 c h ) 3 2 . . . Q x R c h ; 3 3 K - K t 2 , an d n o w the sim plest m ethod o f w in n in g is b y 3 3 . . . B -Q 6 ; 34 P - K K t 4, K t-K 6 c h ; 3 5 K -R 2 , P - K K t 4 . 3 . 3 1 B - K 3 , K t x B ; 3 2 P x K t , R x P w ith a w o n p osition for B la ck . B u t the text-m ove is also n ot b a d a n d sh o u ld w in easily en ou gh . 31

R xR

382

GRANDMASTER

OP

CHESS

A fte r either 3 1 K - K t 2 , o r 3 1 K - R 2 , B lack ca n transpose into the w in n in g lin e g ive n in the previous note b y 3 1 . . . P - Q B 4 .

31

...

32

K -R 2

QxRch

W h ite loses a piece after 3 2 K - K t 2 , Q - Q 7 ! o w in g to the d o u b le th re a t o f 3 3 . . . K t ~ K 8 c h an d 3 3 . . . K t x B . 32

. . .

P -K t3?

B la c k , in tim e trouble, considers o n ly co m in g d o w n to a Bishop e n d in g fa v o u ra b le for him and overlooks the im m ed iate w in b y 3 2 . . . P - Q B 4 !; 3 3 B x B P , P - K t 3 ; 3 4 B - Q 4 , Q - Q .7 , w h e n W h ite m ust g iv e u p a t least a piece. W ith the text-m o ve he follows the sam e id e a ( 3 3 B x Q B P ? , Q Q 7 !) b u t in a m u ch w e ak e r form.

33

Q .-B 4 !

N a tu r a lly W h ite takes ad van tage o f the ch an ce o f b rin gin g his Q u e e n in to p la y . N o w B lack has n oth ing better th an the transition

to

the

ensuing

Bishop

ending.

T h is ,

h o w ever,

con tain s a n u m b er o f instructive m om ents.

33 34

• • • B -K 3

35 QxKt 36

P -Q B 4 K tx B

QxQ

PxQ

B la c k , despite his tim e trouble, h ad aim ed at this position an d a d ju d g e d the en d in g to be v e ry favo u rab le for h im — an d w ith go od reason. B la ck possesses here a n u m b er o f ad v an tag e s w h ich , taken together, render the en d in g hopeless for W h ite . I n the first p lace, W h ite ’s paw ns on the Q u e e n ’s w in g are on the sam e co lo u r squares as his Bishop an d in con sequ en ce o f this W h ite m ust either soon surrender one o f the p aw ns or else place his B ish o p in a to tally passive defensive position. I n the second p la c e . B la c k has the strong central sq u are e f K 4 fo r his K in g , fro m w h ic h point, after h avin g p lay e d P - B 4 - B 5 , it threatens to p en etra te into W h ite ’s cam p th ro u gh either Q 5 or K B 5 . A n d , fin a lly, B la c k ’s K in g gets to the centre m ore q u ick ly than W h it e ’s, th ereb y en ablin g him to c a rry o u t his plans u n d istu rb ed .

T h e ensuing part o f the gam e gives a qu ite

in stru ctive exam p le o f h o w such endings should be co n d u cted .

36

. . .

37 p- R3

B -K t8

P-QR 4 !

MIDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

38 3

P re v e n tin g th e possibility o f P - Q K t 4 an d h en ce fix in g th e w eaknesses o n Q K t 6 and Q B 5 w h ich req u ire c o n tin u a l p ro ­ tection b y the Bishop. N o w the c h ie f th reat is 3 7 . . . B - B 7 . 38

B -Q s

K -K t3

39 40

K -K ta K -B 3

K -B 4 K -K 4

I n this position the gam e w a s ad jou rn ed a n d W h it e sealed his m o ve. A d jou rn m en t analysis show ed v e r y c le a rly the hopelessness o f Iiis position. M o re o ve r, B la c k ’s w in n in g id e a is q u ite sim ple a n d is based ch iefly o n z u g z w a n g .

O b v io u sly

W h ite ca n n o t m o ve his B ishop because o f the loss o f a p a w n afte r B - B 7 a n d hence he c a n m ake o n ly K in g m o ves. H o w e v e r , a g a in st to ta lly passive p la y B lack proceeds w ith P - K K t q fo llow ed b y P - B 4 and P - B 5 . A n d then W h ite is fo rced eith er to g ive u p a p a w n or else to allo w the en em y K in g to p en etrate his position v ia Q_5 or K B 4 w h ich in turn w o u ld le a d to in ev ita b le loss o f m aterial. O n c e w e are aw a re of the w in n in g p lan the rest o f the g am e presents no difficulties. 41

P -Q R 4

P re v e n tin g B - Q 6 followed b y P - R 5 , b u t this has no p a rti­ c u la r affect on the course o f the gam e. 41

. . .

P ~ K K t4

42

K -K 2

B -B 4

B la c k co u ld also o f course h av e continued w ith 4 2 . . . P - B 4 in a c c o rd a n c e w ith his origin al p lan , b u t he takes a d v a n ta g e o f th e o p p o rtu n ity o f forcing the en em y p a w n s o n th e K i n g ’s w in g onto the colour o f the Bishop. T h e e n d g a m e after 4 3 P - R 4 , B - K t 5 c h w ould n atu rally be hopeless. 43 44

P -K K t4 K -B 3

B -K t8 P -B 4

45 PxP O m ittin g to m ake this exch an ge w o u ld result in an even sp eedier loss; e.g. 4 5 K - K 2 , P - B 5 ; 4 6 K - B 3 , P x P ; 4 7 K x P , B - K 5 an d W h ite is in com plete zu g zw an g . 45 46 46

. . . K -B 2

K xP B -K 5

. . . K - K 5 leads to n othing because o f the re p ly 4 7 B - R 5 .

384

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

With the text-move Black deprives his opponent’s King of the KB3 square and prepares to play 47 . . . K-Kt3 and 4 8 . . . P-R4. 47 K-Kt3 K-Kt3 48 K-B2 After 49 P-R4, P-R4!; 50 K-R3, B-Q6; 51 K-Kt3, B-B4! White would again be in zugzwang and would have to exchange on KKt5, after which, however, the passed pawn on the KR file ensures Black an easy win. But now that a fresh weakness is fixed on White’s KR3 the win becomes very easy. 48 . . . P-R4 49 K-Kt3 P-R5ch 50 K-B2 B-B4 51 K-Kt2 K-B3 Now, sooner or later, the break-through by the King in the centre will be decisive since White’s King is tethered to the protection of KR3. 52 K-R2 K -K 3 ! The last finesse. After the forced line 53 K-Kt2, K -K 4; 54 K-R2, there would follow 54 . . . B~Kt8!; 55 K-Kt2, K -K 5; 56 K-B2; K-Q6, winning off-hand. So White resigns. Game

53

QUEEN'S PAWN O PENING

,

X IX U.S.S.R. Championship Moscow, 1 951 M. Taimanov P. Keres Kt-KB3 1 P-QB4

2 Kt-KB3 P-K3 KtB3 P- Q .4 P-K3 This game was played in the last round. In order to win first prize I had to go all out for a victory as my nearest rivals were only half a point behind me. The somewhat peculiar choice of opening is due to the fact that I wanted to avoid the Nimzoindian and Queen’s Indian Defences which Taimanov likes to play and in the systems of which he is a known expert. 3 4

M IDD LE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

4

. . .

B -K 2

5 6

P -Q K t3 B -K t2

0-0

KERBS

385

P -Q K t3

A fte r a n im m ed iate 6 . . . P - B 4 W h ite cou ld also con tin u e w ith 7 P - Q .4 , since B lack ca n in n o w a y utilise W h it e ’s d e la y in d evelo p m en t on the K in g ’s w in g for a co u n ter-attack on th at side o f the b o ard . 7 8

P - Q .4 B -O 3

B -K t2 PxP

In m a k in g this exchange B lack aim s at g ivin g his o p p o n en t h an g in g p a w n s on Q 4 and Q B 4 so as to m ake use o f th em as objects o f atta ck . P ra xis has, h o w ever, show n th at su ch p a w n s ca n v e r y often b ecom e really strong, especially in co n ju n ctio n w ith the th reat o f P - Q 5 . S o it has a lre a d y b ecom e ap p are n t th at in all p ro b a b ility a tense m id d le-gam e w ill arise, an d this in fa ct is v e r y m u c h w h at I desired in such a vital g am e. 9

PxP

P -B 4

Io

0-0

PxP

B la ck m ust m ake this exchange at once, since, for exam p le, after 10 . . . K t - B 3 , W h ite can g ain the ad v an tag e b y 1 1 P - Q .5 , K t - Q K t s ; 12 P - K 4 . II

PxP

12

Q -K 2

K t-B 3

W ith this m o ve w h ite sets his opponent an in terestin g trap . I f n o w 1 2 . . . K t x P ? then 1 3 K t x K t , Q x K t ; 1 4 K t - Q s ! an d W h ite w ins a piece, e.g. 1 4 . . . Q - B 4 ; 1 5 B x K t , P x B ; (or 1 5 . . . B x B ; 1 6 Q - K 4 ) 1 6 Q - K t 4 c h , K - R i ; 1 7 Q - R 4 etc. A l l the sam e, th e m ove 1 2 Q - K 2 , can n o t here be re g ard e d as best since it allo w s Black a m ost troublesom e a tta ck on W h ite ’s centre. B etter in a n y case w as 1 2 R - B i , so as to an ticip ate the th re a t o f K t - Q K t 5 12

. . .

R -K i

B la ck m akes this preventive m o ve so as to ren der a n e ven tu al P - Q 5 innocuous. B u t in so d o ing he gives his o p p o n en t tim e to get his R o ok s into p la y , after w h ich the m id d le-ga m e is c le a rly better for W h ite . H ence B la c k should a t o n ce e m b a rk on an action again st the enem y centre an d for this pu rpose 1 2 . . .

K t ~ Q K t 5 w a s in order.

386

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

I n a tu ra lly took this possibility in to con sid eratio n d u rin g the g a m e a n d in ten d ed rep lyin g 1 3 B - K t i . M y fu rth e r calcu latio n o f this va ria tio n ra n as follow s: 1 3 . . . B x K t ; 1 4 Q x B , Q x P ; 1 5 P - Q R 3 , K t - R . 3 ; 1 6 Q _-K t7, a n d B la c k loses a piece. A p p a r e n tly e ve ryth in g is in app le-p ie o rd e r b u t u n fo rtu n ately th ere is a hole in the analysis.

I t tu rn s o u t th at B lack c an

q u ie tly give u p a p iece b y 16 . . . R - Q 3 , sin ce after 1 7 Q x K t , B x P c h he obtains a n a tta ck at least g o o d e n o u g h for a d ra w . W h ite m ust therefore find another re p ly to i a . . . K t - Q K t 5 . O n e possibility is 1 3 B - K t i , B x K t ; 1 4 P x B , Q x P ; 1 5 K t - K j , w ith v e r y good atta ck in g chances in retu rn for the p a w n he has lost.

A n d secon dly W h ite c a n sim p ly con tin u e w ith 1 3

K R - Q i , K t x B ; 1 4 R x K t , w h en it is tru e W h ite has g ive n u p his strong Bishop, b u t in return for this he is a h e a d in develo p ­ m en t a n d is threaten in g such atta ck in g m oves as P - Q 5 o r K t-K 5 . 13 K R -Q i R -Q B i 14

Q R -B i

Q -Q 3

N o w that W h ite has com pleted his d evelo p m en t B lack experiences difficulties in finding ac tiv e c o u n te r-p lay . W ith th e text-m o ve he aim s at getting his Q u e e n to K B 5 so as to th reaten later on K t - K K t 5 an d K t - Q K t 5 , b u t this p lan is n e ve r realised. N o t p a rticu la rly b etter is the id e a o f 1 4 . . . B - Q 3 , since W h ite cou ld then r e p ly 1 5 K t - K 4 , K t x K t ; 16 B x K t , w h en , a p a rt from an yth in g else, B lack m ust reck on w ith W h it e ’s even tu al K in g -sid e attack. V e r y interesting com plications arise from 1 4 . . . K t - Q K t 5 ; 1 5 B - K t i , B x K t . N a tu ra lly , W h ite c a n sim p ly re ca p tu re w ith 1 6 P x K t , b u t v e r y interesting also is the p a w n sacrifice 16 Q x B , R x P ; 1 7 P - Q 5 ! . A fter 1 7 . . . K P x P ; 1 8 P - Q R 3 , K t - B 3 ; 1 9 B - R 2 , follow ed b y 20 K tx P , W h ite gets a n excellen t atta ck ­ in g position. W e see then th at B lack has n ot been ab le to o btain full e q u a lity out o f the o pening. T h is m ean s th at W h ite ’s h an g in g p a w n s are not a weakness, but, on th e c o n tra ry , constitute a p o ten tial atta ck in g force w h ich B la c k m ust a lw a y s keep in m in d . 15

B -K ti

Q -B 5

1 W ith this- B lack has 'carried o u t his p la n b u t W h ite too has

M IDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

been a llo w e d tim e in w hich to initiate a decisive actio n .

387

The

position n o w becom es very co m p licated . 16

P - Q .5 !

A b reak -th ro u gh typ ical o f su ch positions w h ich is c a rrie d o u t here despite the hidden th reat on th e W h ite Q u e e n b y the B la c k R o o k , I t is on this b reak -th ro u gh th at the w h o le p ro b le m o f the position u su ally turns a n d w h e n W h ite succeeds in exe­ c u tin g it h e u su ally obtains the u p p e r h an d . 16

. . .

PxP

B lack (T a im a n o v )

W h ite (K eres) to p la y 17

PxP

W h ite used u p a considerable am o u n t o f tim e o n the clo ck here in w o rk in g o u t the possible consequences o f 1 7 K t x P . S in ce 1 7 . . . Q - R 3 ; 1 8 R - K i , w o u ld ensure W h ite the better position even w ith o u t an y sacrifice then the re p ly 1 7 . . . K t x K t ; 1 8 P x K t , B - B 3 is p ra c tic a lly forced. D u r in g the g a m e I cam e to the conclusion th at a n attem p t at atta ck b y 1 9 Q - B 2 , B x B ; 2 0 P x K t , w o u ld be un satisfactory. B la ck c a n then c a lm ly rep ly 20 . . . B x R ! ; 2 1 Q x P c h , K - B i , after w h ich there is no go od con tin u atio n , e .g .: 2 2 P x B , Q R - Q i ; o r 2 2 R - Q 7 , Q - R 3 ; o r, fin ally, 2 2 Q - R 8 c h , K - K 2 ; 2 3 R - Q 7 c h , (also 2 3 Q x P , R x P ; o r 2 3 R - K i c h , K - Q 3 lead to n othing) 2 3 . . . K - B 3 ; 2 4 Q - R 5 , P - K t 3 an d in e ve ry case B la ck beats b a c k the enem y attack. I also considered for a lo n g tim e the Q u een sacrifice 19 P x K t!, R x Q ; 20 PxB.

B u t I cou ld n ot w o rk o u t to the en d

GRANDMASTER

388

OF

CHESS

the extrem ely c o m p lica te d variations possible a n d so I eve n tu ­ a lly p lu m p e d fo r the sim ple text-m ove. A n d th at all the m o re becau se W h ite n o w obtains m uch the b etter g a m e . N e v e rth e ­ less, it is still in teresting to investigate the e ve n tu a l results o f the Q u een sacrifice. W e w o u ld like therefore to a n a lyse the position a little m ore closely an d look at th e v ario u s possible lines for B la c k one b y o n e : 1 . 20 . . . R x R ; 2 1 R x R , B - Q i ; (or 2 1 . . . R - K i ; 2 2 R - B 8 , Q - Q R 5 ; 2 3 P - K T 3 , Q - Q 2 ; 2 5 B - B 5 a n d W h ite w ins) 2 2 R - B 8 , Q - Q 3 ; 2 3 P - K t 3 , R x B ; 2 4 B - K 4 , an d W h ite w in s. 2 . 2 0 . . . R (B i )-K i ; 2 1 B x B , (b u t n ot 2 1 . . . R - B 8 ? , B x B ; 2 2 R ( Q i ) - Q 8 , w h en B lack has the sa v in g resource o f 2 2 . . . Q - B 8 c h ; 2 3 R x Q , R x R ; 2 4 R - B 8 , R ( K .7 ) - K i ) 2 1 . . . P x B ; (after 2 1 . . . Q x B W h ite w in s b y 2 2 R - B 8 , Q r K g ; 2 3 R(Q i )-Q B i , a n d 2 1 . . . Q - K t i allo w s the stro n g re p ly 2 2 K T -Q 4 !)

22 R -B 8 , K -K t 2 ;

2 3 P - K t 8 = Q , (b u t n o t 2 3

R ( Q i ) - K B i , because o f the re p ly 2 3 . . . Q - Q 5 !) 2 3 . . . Q x Q ; 2 4 R x Q , R x R ; 2 5 P -K T 3 , a n d the e n d ga m e is w o n for W h ite . 3. 20 . . . R - Q K t i ; 2 1 B - K 5 ! , R x B ; 2 2 K tx R , P - K t 3 ; (n o r w o u ld 2 2 . . . Q x K t be o f a n y use b ecau se o f 2 3 R - B 8 c h , Q ^ - K i ; 2 4 R(Q i )-Q B i , w hen 2 4 . . . B - K 4 ; 2 5 R x Q c h , R x R ; 2 6 R - K i , leads to a lost en d gam e for B lack ) 2 3 K t - Q y , (B la ck w o u ld h ave dangerous c o u n te r-p la y after 2 3 R - B 8 c h , K - K t 2 ; 2 4 R x R , B x K t ) ; 2 3 . . . R x P ; 2 4 P - K t 3 l , a n d B lack m ust give u p his Bishop (2 4 . . . Q - B 6 ; 2 5 B - K 4 ! ) . 4 . 2 0 . . . R - B i ; 2 1 B - R 3 , (n atu rally n ot 2 1 R - B 8 ?, becau se o f 2 1 . . . R x B ! an d also after 2 1 B x B , Q x B ; 2 2 R - B 8 , R ( K .7 ) - K i ; 2 3 P - K t 8 = Q , R x R ; 2 4 Q x R P , Q - K t 7 , o r 23

R ( Q i ) - Q B i , Q - K 3 , B lack w o u ld still h a v e v e r y good

ch a n ces o f sa v in g the gam e) 2 1 . . . B - K 2 ; 2 2 B x B , (after 2 2 R - B 8 , B x B ; 2 3 R ( Q i ) - Q 8 , th ere w o u ld a g a in com e 2 3 . . . Q - B 8 c h ! ) 2 3 . . . R x B ; 2 4 R - B 8 , P - K t 3 ; (or 2 4 . . . R x P ; 25 R (Q i)-Q 8 ) 24 P - K t 8 = Q , Q x Q ; 25 R x Q , R x R , w h e n W h it e ’s a d v a n ta g e in the e n d ga m e is n o t necessarily sufficient fo r the w in . S u m m in g a ll this u p then w e c a n c la im th a t after 1 7 K t x P , too, W h ite co u ld assure h im self a con sid erable a d v a n ta g e , th o u gh n ot a d irect w in . T a k in g also in to ac c o u n t th a t in the 1 w o rk in g d u t o f these com p licated v a ria tio n s1 o v e r th e b o a rd

M IDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

389

KERBS

m istakes m a y 'b e v e r y easily m a d e , then on e m ust re g a rd the cap tu re 1 7 P x P , as being the m ost lo gical in p ractice. 17

. . .

K t-K ti

3

A fte r 1 7 . . . K t - Q R .4 ; 1 8 R - Q .4 , Q .-Q .3 ; 1 9 Q - Q . > the K n ig h t w o u ld b e b a d ly p la c e d on Q R 4 . 18 19

R -Q 4 R (B i ) - Q

i

Q t Q .3 B -B i ?

I n a difficu lt position B lack m akes a m istake th at allo w s his o p p o n en t a decisive K in g -sid e attack . H e re he should h a v e b ro u gh t his Q K t into p la y as q u ick ly as possible b y 1 9 . . . Q K t - Q a , a lth o u gh even then W h ite w o u ld h a v e retain ed som e m ost d an gero u s threats as, for exam p le, after 2 0 K t - K K t 5 * 20

K t-K 4 !

T a im a n o v h a d ap p aren tly u n derestim ated the force o f this K n ig h t m o ve. A fte r the e x ch an g e o f the K K t the B lack K in g has no pieces to protect it a n d falls v ictim to a con cen trated atta ck b y en em y forces again st w h ich no ad eq u ate defence c a n be found. 20

. . .

K tx K t

2 0 . . . Q - Q i ; 2 1 K t x K t c h , Q x K t ; 2 2 R - K 4 , also leads to a position resem bling th a t in the gam e. 21 22

R xK t Q xR

R xR C I-R 3

R a th e r b etter defensive ch an ces w e re afford ed here b y 2 2 . . . P - K t 3 * A f te r 2 3 * 0 7 0 . 4 , P - B 3 ; 2 4 K t - K t s ? , B lack w o u ld h a v e the sa v in g tactical resource o f 2 3 . . . Q x P ! B u t b y 2 4 P - K R 4 , K t - Q 2 ; 2 5 P - R 5 , W h ite w o u ld o b tain here too a stro n g atta ck . A n o th e r stro n g attack in g line for W h ite after 2 2 . . . P - K t 3 is 2 3 K t - K t 5 , B - K t 2 ; 2 4 Q - K R 4 .

N o w 2 4 . . . P - K R 3 fajls

again st 2 5 B x B , K x B ; 26 O x P ° h ! , a n d after 2 4 . . . P - K R 4 ; 25 K t-K 4 , Q r O 1 ! K t - B 6 c h , K - R i , the atta ck w o u ld becom e re a lly pow erful w ith 2 7 B - B 5 ! , R - B 4 ; 2 8 Q - K t 5 , th reaten in g 2 9 B x P . 23

K t-K t5 !

B

-03

N a tu r a lly n o t 2 3 . . . P - K t 3 because o f 2 4 K t x B P . W it h the text-m o ve B la c k o ffers up his K R P so as to b re ak the fo rc e o f

39°

GRANDM ASTER

OF

CHESS

th e en em y attack , b u t o f course W h ite is not satisfied w ith so little a n d m u ch prefers to proceed w ith his attack. 24

P -K R 4 !

K t -Q .2

25

Qt b 5

K t-B3

26

B xK t

B o th p layers are n o w rath er tired b y the tension o f this v ital encou n ter an d also b y the difficult m id d le-ga m e , so th at n o w th at th e y are gettin g in to tim e trouble th e y p la y a litd e im precisely. In stead o f g ivin g u p his strong Bishop an d yield in g his o pp o n en t cou n ter-ch an ces on the eighth ran k , W h ite cou ld h a v e w o n m o re q u ick ly a n d su rely b y 2 6 K t x B P !, K x K t ; 2 7 Q - K 6 c h , K - B i ; 2 8 Q x B c h , K - K t i ; 29 Q - K 6 c h , K - R i ; 3 0 P - Q 6 , etc. 26

. . .

PxB

A fte r 2 6 . . . Q x B ; 2 7 Q x P c h , K - B i ; I intended co n tin u in g th e a tta ck as fo llow s: 2 8 R - K i ! (after 2 8 K t - K .4 , B la c k c an still defend h im self b y 2 8 . . . Q - Q 5 !) 2 8 . . . P - K t 3 ; (also 2 8 . . . B - K 4 ; 2 9 K t - B g , o r 28 . . . Q - R 3 ; 2 9 Q t b 5> w o u ld lose im m ed iately) 2 9 K t x P ! , (or 29 B x P , B x P ; 3 0 K t x P ! , a n d wins) w h en W h ite ’s a tta ck is a w inning one. F o r exam p le, after 2 9 . . . Q x K t W h ite w ins b y 3 0 Q - R 8 c h , Q - K t i ; 3 1 Q - B 6 c h , Q - B 2 ; 3 2 Q x B c h , w hilst 2 9 . . . R - B 2 allo w s, in ad d itio n to 3 0 B xP , the com b in atio n al solution o f 3 0 R - K 8 c h ! , K x R ; 3 1 K tx B c h , Q x K t ; ( 3 1 . . . K - Q i ; 3 2 Q x R c h ! ) 3 2 B x P c h , w h e n , in o rd er to avo id m ate, B la c k m ust su rrender his Q u een . 27

K tx B P

Q -B 8

B u t n o w B lack fails to see the m u c h better defensive ch an ce o f 2 7 . . . K x K t ! , w h ich , especially in v ie w o f the tim e pressure, w o u ld h a v e posed his opponent som e re a lly aw k w a rd problem s. W h ite cou ld still then force the w in as follow s: 2 8 Q - Q 7 C I 1 , K - K t i ; (or 2 8 . . . B - K 2 ; 29 P - Q 6 , R - B 8 ; 3 0 Q x B c h , K - K t i ; 3 1 Q x P c h !) 2 9 Q x K B , R - B 8 ; 3 0 Q - K t 8 c h , B - B i ; 3 1 R x R , Q x R c h ; 3 2 K - R 2 , Q x B ; 3 3 Q x B c h , K - B 2 ; 3 4 P - Q 6 , an d B la ck can n o t stop the further progress o f the p a w n . 28

Q xP ch

I w a s d e ep ly en ga g ed in an alysin g the variatio n s arisin g out o f 2 7 . . . K x K t w h e n T a im a n o v su d d en ly m a d e the m ove 2 7 . . . Q -B 8 .

T im e pressure d id n ot allo w m e to spen d m u ch

M IDDLE

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

391

tim e con sid erin g the fresh position since otherw ise I co u ld scarcely h a v e failed to see the sim ple w in b y 2 8 K t x B ! , Q x R c h ; 2 9 K - R 2 . B la c k w o u ld then lose q u ick ly, bo th after 2 9 . . . Q x P ; 3 0 Q x Q , B x Q ; 3 1 K t x R , an d after 2 9 . . . R - B 2 ; 3 0 Q t-K 6 c h , etc. T h e ensuing m oves w ere m a d e b y bo th sides a t lig h tn in g speed. 28 29

. . . K tx B

K -B i

A fte r 2 9 Q - R 5 , Black co u ld tr y 2 9 . . . B - B 5 , th reatn in g sim plification b y 3 0 . . . Q x R c h . A n d then he cou ld still h a v e p u t u p a stu b b o rn resistance. 29 30 31

. . . K -R 2 K tx B

Q xR ch Q xP

Sim p ler th an 3 1 Q - R 8 c h , K - K 2 ; 3 2 K t x R c h , K - Q 2 ; w h en B lack w ins the K n ig h t. A fte r the text-m o ve B la c k ’s threats are insufficient to p ro vid e him w ith ad eq u ate co u n te r-p lay.

31

...

Q-K4ch

32

P -K t3

R -B 2

T h e co u n ter-atta ck 3 2 . . . Q ^ K 8 , w o u ld be best m et b y

33 Q t b 5> R - B 8 ;

3 4 B - K 4 , b u t also 3 3 Q ~ R 8 c h , K - K 2 ; 3 4 Q x R , is n a tu ra lly enough to w in . 33 34

Q -R 8 ch P --R 5

K -B 2 R xK t

B la ck no lo n ger has an y defence again st the th reat o f 3 5 B -K t6 c h , 35 Q -R 7c h K -K 3 36 Q xR Q xR P ch 37

K -K t2

resigns.

LIST OF EW N T S Below we list every event in which Keres took part in the middle years of his career. The reader will find the year, the place, the result, the number of games played, howmany werewon, howmanylost and howmany drawnand thenumber of points obtained (in that order across the page). Tournaments

1939 Leningrad-Moscow 1939 Margate 1939 Buenos Aires 1939 Buenos Aires 1940 Moscow 1941 Leningrad-Moscow 1942 Tallinn 1942 Salzburg 1942 Munich 1943 Tallinn 1943 Prague 1943 Poznan 1943 Salzburg 1943 Madrid 1944 Lidkoping

XII-XIII I II I-II IV II I II II I

11

I I-II I II I I I I I VI-VII III-IV VI-IX VIII IV I I

1945 R iga

1945 Tallinn 1946 Tiflis 1947 Leningrad 1947 Pamu 1947 Moscow 1948 Hague-Moscow 1948 Moscow 1949 Moscow 1950 Budapest 1950 Sczawno Zdroj 1950 Moscow 1951 Moscow

1

n 9 >9 II

20 '5 IO

II II

9 •7 >9 IO >3 7 15 6

20

18 19 18

8

5 7

3 11 ■7 8

19

»7 49 '46 20

392

7

9 6 >5 4

IO 5 H 12 7 4 II 10 ■5 II

Matches

1944 F. Ekstrom

3 6 12

9

22 3

6

4 IO

4

0 2 1 4 4 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1

3 7

4 4 2

I 2

10 8 3 7* 5 P -Q 4 4 Q -B2, 0 - 0 ; 5 B -K t5 . P -K R 3 4 . . . K t- B 3 ; 5 K t~ B 3, 0 - 0 5 • • • P -Q 3 4 P - K 3> P -Q 4 ; 5 K t-B 3 , 0 - 0

Queen’s Indian Defence: 1 . . . K t- K B 3 ; 2 P-QB4, P - K 3 ; 4 P -K K t3 , B -K t2 ; 5 B -K t2, B -K a Queen’s Pawn Opening:

Reti Opening: R u y Lopez:

3 K t~ Q B 33 K t - K B 3 ; 6 k £ b 3 , P -Q K t3 6 . . . Q K t-Q a

33 35 39

3 K t- K B 3 , P -Q K t3 ; 34

1 P -Q B 4, K t- K B 3 ;

3 K t- K B 3 , P -Q 4

53

a K t-K B 3, K f-Q B 3 ; 3 B -K 15 , P -Q R 3 ; 394

47

27 32

3 K t-B 3> P - Q 4 ; 6 B -K ta , P -Q K t3 ;

2 P -K K t3 , P -B 3 ;

29 30

3 K t- Q B 3, B~Kt3 ;

1 P -Q B 4s K t~ K B 3 ; 2 K t-K B 3, P - K 3 ; 4 P -K 3 , B - K a ; 5 P -Q K t3, 0 - 0 ; 7 P -Q 4 , B -K t2 ; 8 B - Q 3 , PxP

i P -K 4 , P -K 4 ;

4«

52

OPENINGS

(M o rp h y Defence) 4 B -R 4 , K t -B 3 ; 7 B -K t 3, P - Q 3 ; 7 P -B 3, B -K a ; (Irre g ula r)

4 . . . K K t -K 2 ;

Defence Deferred)

(Steinitz

4 . . .

P-Q.3;

INDEX

395

5 O - O , B -K 2 ; 8 P -B 3 , 5 . . . P -Q K t 4 ; 8 P -Q 4 , B - K t 5

6 R - K i , P -Q K t 4 ;

5 B - K t 3> P -B 3 ;

6 P -Q .4 , P -Q .3

0-0

28, 51 6 B - K t 3, P - Q 3 ; 46

5 P -B 3> P -B 4 5

* • •

B -Q 2

49

43 45

Sicilian Defence: 1 P -K 4 , P -Q B 4 ; 4 K txP , K t -K B 3 ;

2 K t -K a , P -K 3 ; 3 P -Q 4 , P xP; 5 K t - Q B 3, P - Q 3 ; 6 P - K K t 4> K t - B 3 2 . . . K t - K B 3; 3 Q K t ~ B 3, K t - B 3 ; 4 P - K K t 3, P - Q 4 ; 5 PxP, K tx P ; 6 B -K t a , K t x K t 2 K t - K B 3, P - Q 3 ; 3 P - Q 4 , P xP; 4 KtxP , K t -K B 3 ; 5 K t - Q B 3, P -Q R 3 ; 6 B -K 2 , Q -B 2

Vienna G a m e:

1 P -K 4 , P -K 4 ;

2 K t - Q B 3, K t - K B 3 ; 3 P -B 4 , P - Q 4

37 38 48 36

LIST OF OPPONENTS (T h e num bers are those o f the gam es) A verb ach J . . B a rcz a G . . B o g o lju b o ff E .

.

Botvinnik M . Bronstein D . C ze rn ia k M . Euw e M . . Fin e R . . F o lty sJ.

.

.

. D.

.

. .

. . .

.50 .

49 .3 7

. .

. .

44 45

.

.

. . 31 32 , 3 3 , 34, 4 3 . . 40

.

.

.

.

.

. . .. .

.

.

38

-3 5

F ried em an n G . . G e lle r E .......................................................46 , 5 1 K on stan tin o po lsky A . . 3 6 K o to v A . Leven fish G . N a jd o r f M . . Petrosian T . . Sm yslo v V . . T a im a n o v M .

.

. .

.

. .

. 4 . .

8 28 30

.

.

.

. .

. .

. . 47 2 9 ,4 1 , 4 2 , 5 2 53

T o lu sh , A ....................................................2 7 , 39

396

THE LATER YEARS OF PAUL KERES

TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE n this, th e last volum e o f K e re s’s gam es, w e g et the fin al m a tu rity o f his style. H e re w e h ave the g ra n d m a ste r in the com p lete a n d absolute form . T h e d epth o f stra te g y evid en t in his m id d le yea rs is even m o re p ro fo u n d an d the en d -gam es are o f the finest su btlety. But, a n d this is w h a t is so strikin g ab o u t the la ter gam es o f Keres, th e brillian ce o f the e a rly y ea rs is not lost; it is still there and is m erely refined to the pu rest g o ld . H is to u rn a m en t career continues to be successful, th o u g h n ot p erh ap s q u ite so consistently as in his m id d le yea rs, w ith the im p o rta n t exception o f the C a n d id a te s’ T o u rn a m e n t in w h ich , tim e a n d a g a in , he seems o n the p oin t o f q u alify in g to becom e the c h a lle n g er for the w o rld ch am p io n sh ip , o n ly to h a v e the cu p d ashed fro m his lips at the last m o m en t. P ossibly a t this stage in his c a re er he does n ot possess q uite sufficient stam in a for the task o r else it m ay be th at the full am bitio n is not w h o lly there. A g a in , as in the previous volu m es, his re m a rk ab ly d eep an d exh au stive analyses gives one an insight into the w a y a real g ra n d m a ste r’s m ind works. N o th in g is m ore re ve alin g o f the g a p th at exists betw een the gen u in e g ran d m aste r a n d those w h o h a v e a c q u ire d the title b y th e ap p licatio n o f fortuitou s a n d a rb itra r y rules th an the gam es an d the com m ents to th em th at a p p ea r in this volum e. T h e se gam es are on the sam e level as those o f the best o f the g re a t p layers o f the p ast, as those o f L a sk er, A lek h in e, C a p a b la n c a , R u b in stein an d N im zo w itsch . T h e gam es in this vo lu m e are n u m b ered in succession to those o f v o lu m e tw o and hence start w ith n u m b er 5 4 .

I

H . G o lo m bek

399

★

I

★

B U D A P E S T 19 5 2 — A GREAT TO U RN AM EN T

I

n the S p r in g o f 1 9 5 2 I took p a r t in the M a r o c z y M e m o ria l

T o u rn a m e n t, a n event w h ich com p rised a re m a rk ab ly strong en try. I n addition to the W o r ld C h a m p io n , B o tvin n ik , there w ere also p la y in g , G eller, Petrosian, S m yslo v , S ta h lb e rg , S z a b o , an d Pilnik, am ongst others. T h is to u rn am en t turned o u t to be a successful one for m e, an d th at not o n ly in the p u re ly sportin g aspect. I w a s also ab le to p ro d u ce there a series o f excellen t artistic achievem en ts, as fo r e xam p le the gam es again st Sm yslo v (No. 1 ) , G e lle r (N o . 2 ) , B a rc z a (N o . 3) a n d Pilnik. G e lle r, too, was in fine form . H e b eg an w ith a run o f fine victories a n d after the thirteenth ro u n d he w as in the le a d w ith 10 points. Close after him there fo llow ed the Sw ed ish g ran d m aster, Stah lb e rg , w ho w a s also in excellen t form , w ith 9 2 points. I c a m e next w ith g a n d B o tvin n ik h a d 81 points. T h e decision w a s to be worked o u t in the last four rounds. N o clear p ictu re o f the w in n e r w a s p ro d u ce d b y the next three rounds. G e lle r m ade three q u iet d ra w s; B o tvin n ik did likew ise a n d S ta h lb e rg too o b tain ed o n ly 1 % points, losing, in cid e n ta lly , to S za b o . M y final sp u rt w a s h ap p ie r. I w o n ag a in st O ’K e l ly a n d T ro ian escu an d d re w w ith B o tvin n ik , an d so I su cceeded in o verhauling G eller. H a l f a p o in t b eh in d w as S ta h lb e rg a n d a w h o le point b e lo w h im , B o tvin n ik an d S m yslo v. O n c e a g a in I h a d to p la y the d e cid in g g a m e in the last ro u n d , a n d here there cam e to m y m in d the go o d lessons th at I h a d learn t in this respect in the last tw o U . S . S . R . C h a m p io n ­ ships. I p la y e d m y gam e again st B a rc z a in qu iet style an d , m a n a g in g to seize the initiative d u rin g the o pen in g phase, I w a s ab le to con vert this into a w in b y lo gical p la y . G e lle r c o u ld o n ly d r a w w ith O ’K e lly , w h ilst S ta h lb e rg even suffered a d efeat at B en ko ’s hands. T h u s I c am e first alone, cro w n in g 401

403

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

the fine ach ievem en t o f w inning first p rize in fo u r great an d strong in tern atio n al tournam ents in a cou p le o f years.

Game 5 4

QUEEN’S GAMBIT ACCEPTED M a ro cz y M em o ria l Tournament in Budapest, 1 9 5 2

P . K e re s

V . S m yslo v

1

P-Q 4

P-Q 4

2

P -Q B 4

PxP

U s u a lly S m y s lo v favou rs various bran ch es o f the S la v and G ru n fe ld D efen ces a n d one v e ry seldom sees h im p la y the Q . G . A . I n the present gam e he a p p a re n tly wishes to rep eat the sh a rp v a ria tio n th at he em ployed in his g am e again st Petrosian in th e X V I I I t h U . S . S . R . C h am p io n sh ip a n d in w h ich he p r o b a b ly h a d found som e im p o rtan t im p ro vem en ts. H e n ce W h ite , w ith his v e r y n ext m ove, tries to steer the g a m e along n e w lines. 3

P -K 3

K t-K B 3

A c c o r d in g to th eory, the simplest re p ly here is 3 . . . P - K 4 . B u t, as a lre a d y m entioned, Sm yslov is a im in g at on e p articu la r va ria tio n a n d therefore avoids all b y -w a y s.

4 5

BxP K t-K B 3

P -K 3 P -B 4

6

7

0 -0 Q -K 2

P -Q R P -Q K t4

8

B -Q

3

3

A t the tim e this g a m e was p laye d the v ariatio n in fashion w a s 8 B - K t 3 , B - K t 2 ; 9 P - Q R 4 , Q K t - Q a , fo llow ed b y the risky p a w n sacrifice 1 o P - K 4 . In the g a m e p revio u sly m entioned b etw een P etrosian a n d Sm yslo v there n o w fo llow ed 10 . . . B P x P ; 1 1 P - K 5 (after 1 1 P xP , K T -B 4 ; 1 2 B - Q B 4 , P - Q 6 ; 1 3 Q - K 3 , w h ic h o ccu rre d in the g am e K o t o v - F lo h r , Bud apest 1 9 5 0 , B la c k co u ld h ave obtained an excellent g a m e w ith 1 3 . . . P - Q R 4 ! ) 1 1 . . . K t - K t y 1 2 P x P , B - B 4 ? ; 1 3 P x P , an d W h ite h a d the a d v a n ta g e . H o w e v e r, su bsequ en t analysis

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAU L

KERES

4°5

c o n vin ce d Sm yslo v that B lack ’s p la y co u ld be b ettered . T h u s , for in stan ce, 1 1 . . . K t - Q .4 ; 1 2 P x P , P - Q ; 13 Q xP , K t-B 4 ,

61

w h en B lack stands v e r y well arid possib ly even ra th e r better than W h ite . W h ite , takin g this factor into co n sid eratio n , selects w ith his te x t-m o ve an o ther m ethod o f p la y in o rd e r to d iv e rt his o p p o n en t fro m p rep ared variatio n s. A s the sequel show s, W h it e soon ach ieves some success w ith these tactics. 8

...

K t-B 3

T h is m o v e does not fit in w e ll w ith th e system o f d evelo p ­ m en t chosen b y B lack and it sow s the seeds o f his la te r diffi­ culties. B etter here w as 8 . . . P x P ; 9 P x P , B ~ K t 2 , so as to d evelo p the Q K t eventually on Q 2 as o ccu rre d in the g am e B a r c z a -K e r e s (N o . 3 ) in the final ro u n d o f the sam e to u rn am en t. 9

P -Q R 4

A n o th e r g o o d continuation here w a s 9 P x P , B x P ; 1 0 P - Q R 3 , w h ich w o u ld h ave led to a sy m m e tric a l position , b u t w ith W h ite h a v in g a n e xtra tem po. H o w e v e r , the text-m o ve also poses the o pp o n en t an a w k w ard p ro b le m .

9

...

P -K ts

P ra xis has show n that the Q u e e n -sid e a d v a n c e b y 9 . . . P - B 5 ; yields W h ite the better position after 10 B - B 2 , B - K t 2 ; 1 1 K t - B 3 . I n addition to the th reats on th e Q u een -sid e B la c k m ust in this case also reckon w ith the thrust, sooner o r la te r, o f P - K 4 . N o t altogether sa tisfacto ry, too, is the c a p tu re 9 . . . K t P , after w h ich , in ad d itio n to 10 K t - B 3 , W h ite has the u n p leasan t re p ly o f 10 B - B 2 . B u t after the te x t-m o ve th e Q B 5 squ are is m a rk ed ly w eak, o f w h ic h circu m stan ce W h ite c a n la te r m a k e use for an attack on the Q u e e n ’s w in g . 10

PxP

I n this position W h ite has to d e cid e at once w h ich fu rth er p la n o f p la y he is goin g to choose. W ith the con tin u ation o f the g a m e he is tryin g for P - K 4 a n d h en ce he leaves his K R w h ere it is so as to p rotect the sq u ares K B i

an d K B 2 .

A n o th e r

a ttra ctiv e possibility here w a s 1 0 R - Q i , o m ittin g th e c a p tu re on Q B 5 a n d b earin g in m in d the m a n o e u v re K t ( K t i )-Q _2 B 4 . F in a lly , there also c a m e in to con sid eratio n th e p a w n

404

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

sacrifice 10 Q K t - Q g , accep tan ce o f w h ich b y 10 . . . P x P ; 1 1 P x P , K t x P ; 1 2 K t x K t , Q x K t w o u ld le ave W h ite w ith a m ost d an gero u s in itia tiv e after 1 3 R - Q i , o r 1 3 K t - B 4 . C le a r ly W h ite has e m erged fro m the o pen in g w ith th e b etter g a m e . 10 11

... P -K 4

BxP P -K 4

O b v io u sly , B la c k d a re not allo w the thrust 1 2 P - K 5 . O n c e the p a w n position in the centre is fixed, W h ite focuses the stru ggle on th e Q u e e n ’s w in g an d tries to exp lo it the w e a k ­ nesses there. F irs t o f all, the black sq u ared Bishops m u st be e x ch a n g e d in o rd e r to obtain control o f the Q B 5 sq u are. 12

B -K 3!

BxB

O c c u p a tio n o f Q , 5 b y 1 2 . . . K t - Q 5 ; 1 3 K t x K t , B x K t , does n o t y ie ld th e desired result. W h ite sim ply continues w ith 1 4 K t - Q g ! a n d after 1 4 . . . B x P ; 1 5 Q _ R -K t i, B - B 6 ; 1 6 K t - B 4 , h e gets a d an gero u s a tta ck in return for his p a w n sacrifice. 13

Q xB

0-0

14

Q K t-Q 2

K t-K R 4

T h e atte m p t a t co u n ter-p lay on the K i n g ’s w in g brin gs B la c k no n o ticea b le re lie f and leads o n ly to fu rther e xch an ges a t th e cost o f som e loss o f tempi. B u t it is difficu lt to fin d a n y su itable p la n fo r B la ck . A fte r 14 . . . Q K 2 ; 1 5 Q R - B 1 , B - K t 2 ; 1 6 K t - K t 3 , W h ite w o u ld also retain the better g a m e th ro u gh his pressure on the Q u e e n ’s wing. I t is not easy fo r B la c k to rid h im se lf o f the consequences of his inferior o pen in g variatio n . 15

K t-B q .

N a tu r a lly also possible was an im m ed iate 1 5 K R - Q q , so as to re ta in the B ish o p after 1 5 . . . K t - B 5 ; 16 B - B i . B u t W h ite does n ot in fact w ish to prevent the ensuing exch an g e , since this m e re ly increases the scope for action o f his pieces. 15

. . .

16

K R -Q .I !

K t-B 5

O f course n o t 1 6 K t (B q )xP ?, K t x K t ; 1 7 K t x K t , Q _ -K t4 , w h en B la ck w in s a p iece. A fte r the text-m o ve B lack is p r a c tic a lly fo rced to e x ch a n g e o f f on Q 6 , since after 16 . . . Q .- B 3 ; 1 7

LATER

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PAU L

KERES

405

B - B i , B la c k ’s “ a tta ck ” w o u ld be a t a n end a n d h e w o u ld h a v e to fen d o f f the troublesom e th re at o f 1 8 R - Q 6 . 16

. . .

K tx B

A fte r 1 6 . . . B - K t 5 , W h ite co u ld alread y p ock et the p a w n b y 1 7 K t (B 4 ) x P !, K t x K t ; 1 8 Q x K t , B x K t ; 1 9 B - K 2 ! etc. 17 18

R xK t K t-K t6

Q t K-2 R -K ti

19

R -Q B i

Q _-K t2

N a tu r a lly n ot 1 9 . . . B - K t 2 because o f 2 0 K t - Q .7 , b u t w ith the text-m o ve too B lack can n o t assure a h arm onious d e ve lo p ­ m en t fo r his pieces. 20

K t - Q .5

B -Q 2

W h ite w a s threatening 2 1 R x K t . 21

K t-Q g !

W ith this W h ite transfers his last rem ain in g p iece fro m the edge o f the b o a rd to the c h ie f cen tre o f c o m b a t an d a lre a d y h e threatens to p la y K t - B 6 c h . 21 ... K -R i A fte r 2 1 . . . P - B 3 the co n tin u atio n 2 2 K t - B 4 is v e r y stro n g. 22 K t-K t3 H ere too 2 2 K t - B 4 w ould h av e been v e r y troublesom e for B lack an d , setting u p the th re at o f 2 3 K t - B j , it is p erh ap s even stronger th an the text-m ove. I f for exam p le 2 2 . . . B - K 3 , th en 2 3 K t - Q 6 , Q r Q 2 ; 2 4 K t - K t 6 ! , Q .-B 2 ; 2 5 P - R 5 a n d w in s since B la ck has no ad eq u ate defence again st the th re at o f 2 6 Q .-B 5- H o w e v e r , the text-m o ve also suffices to ensure W h it e a clear a d v a n ta g e . 22 23

. . . K t-K t6 !

K R -B i!

W ith his last m o ve Black h a d set a little trap for his o pp o n en t. I f W h ite h a d n o w carelessly con tin u ed 2 3 K t - B s , then B la c k w o u ld h a v e o b tain ed a th o ro u gh ly satisfactory position b y th e sortie 2 4 . . . K t - Q . 5 ! W ith the text-m o ve W h ite forces fu rth e r sim plifications a n d transposes to a n en d gam e in w h ich B la c k possesses p u re ly m inim al ch an ces o f savin g the g am e. 23

. . .

Q xK t

4 06

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

A fte r the altern ative 2 3 . . . R —Q i W h ite can choose from am o ngst a n u m b er o f favourable continuations. F irstly he c an con tin u e 2 4 R x B , R x R ; 2 5 K t - B 5 , R --Q 8 c h ! (after 2 5 . . . Q x K t ; 2 6 K t x R , Q x Q ; 2 7 P x Q , B lack loses m aterial) 2 6 R x R , Q x K t ; 2 7 R - Q 6 , w ith considerable pressure, an d seco n d ly the sim ple con tin u ation 2 4 R x B , R x R ; 2 5 K t —B 5 , R x R ; 2 6 Q x R , w in s a t least another p a w n . F in ally 2 4 R - R 5 is also v e r y strong, since B lack has no g o o d defence again st the th reat o f 2 5 K t - B j . 24

Q xQ .

R xQ

25

R xB "”

R ( K t 3 )-K ti!

I n his difficu lt situation B lack defends h im self v e r y w ell indeed. W h ite m ust not now p la y 2 6 R x P , on acco u n t o f 2 6 . . . K t - Q j ! w h e reu p o n , on acco u n t o f the m atin g th reat on the first ran k B la ck even gains the u p p er h an d . 26

P -K t3

A slight in a c c u ra c y w h ich renders m ore difficult realisation o f the ad v a n ta g e a lre a d y achieved. B etter w a s 2 6 K - B i , so as to b rin g the K in g v ia K i to the pro tection o f the Q B file. I f B la ck replies 2 6 . . . K t - Q s , then 2 7 R x R c h , R x R ; 2 8 K t x K t , P x K t ; 2 9 R x Q P , P - Q R 4 ; 30 K - K 2 , results in an easily w o n R o o k en d in g for W h ite . B la ck (Sm yslov) to p la y

W h ite (K eres) 26

. . .

P -R 3?

A fte r the su rrender o f the B P th e en d in g soon becom es hopeless fo r B la ck , since W h ite c a n even tu ally o b tain tw o

LATER

YEARS

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PA U L

KERES

407

united passed p a w n s in the cen tre. H e n ce 2 6 . . . P - B 3 w a s ab so lu tely essential here, after w h ich W h ite w o u ld still h a v e som e tech n ical difficulties to o v erco m e. I f, fo r e x am p le, d irectly 2 7 R - Q 6 , then there follow s 2 7 . . . K t - Q j j ! ; 2 8 R x R c h , R x R ; 2 9 K t x K t , P x K t ; and th e R o o k en d in g is not so e asy to w in . A s exam p les w e ad d u ce th e possible lines 3 0 R x R P , P - R 3 ; 3 1 R - Q 6 , R - B 7 ; 3 2 R x Q P , R x K t P ; or 30 R x Q P , P -Q R 4 ; 3 1 K B i, K -K t i; 32 K -K 2 , P -K t6 ; 3 3 K - K 3 , R - B 7 ; 3 4 R - Q 2 , R - B 5 ; 3 5 R - Q 3 , R x P a n d in bo th cases B la ck still has v e r y good defensive possibilities. H o w e v e r, 2 6 . . . P - B 3 w o u ld still h a v e been insufficient to h old the position. W h ite need n o t h u rry w ith th e fo rcin g con tin u ation 2 7 R - Q 6 , b u t c a n , as in th e previous no te, continue w ith 2 7 K - B i , w ith th e intention o f 2 8 K - K i . I n this case on e c a n h a rd ly believe th a t B lack , w ith his p assively p laced pieces, co u ld have p rev e n te d further loss in m a te rial. 27

R xP

K t-C > 5

T h e o n ly possibility o f o b tain in g a n y co u n te r-p lay. 28

R xR ch

R xR

29

K tx K t

PxK t

30

R -Q .7 !

N o w W h ite needs only to liq u id ate the en em y Q P a n d exch an ge o f f a couple o f p a w n s on the Q u e e n ’s w in g so as to transpose into a very easily w o n R o o k ending. B lack can n o t u n dertake an yth in g against this p lan . 30 31 32

. . . RxQ P K --K t2

R -B 7 R xK tP

A step from the right p ath here w o u ld h ave been 3 2 R - Q 6 . B lack cou ld then reply 3 2 . . . R - K 7 ! an d i f then 3 3 P - B 3 ? , P - K t 6 etc. W h ite does not w a n t the en em y Q R P since in a n y case it p lays no role in the fin al p h ase o f the gam e. 32 33

. . . R -K t4

34

K .-B 3

P -K t6 K -R 2

A g a in it w o u ld have been useless to h ave tried 3 4 R - K t 6 , R ~ K t 8 ; 3 5 R x P , R - K 8 ! etc. B u t n o w W h ite is th reaten in g

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

to cap tu re the Q R P w ith 3 5 R - K t 6 an d hence the follow ing m an oeu vre is as go od as forced. 34

. . .

R -K t8

35 36

R -K t6 R -K tj

P -Q R 4 P -K t7

T h e o n ly w a y o f defending the p aw ns. T h e en din g after 3 6 . . . R - Q R 8 ; 3 7 R x K t P , R x P ; 3 8 P - R 4 , w o u ld h ave been eq u a lly hopeless for B lack.

37 38 39

K -B 4 P rfQ

K -K t3 k

40

P -R 5 R -K t6 c h

41

K -B 5

I t w o u ld h ave

k

-

b k

3 3

K -K 2 R -Q R 8

been equally hopeless to h ave rem ain ed

passive since then W h ite could either h ave a d v an c e d his K P or else la u n ch ed an a tta ck o n the K K t P . 42

R -K ty c h

resigns.

(

A fter 4 2 . . . ' K - B i ; 4 3 R x Q K t P , R x P c h ; 4 4 K ~ K 6 , or 4 2 . . .

43

K -a S i P - K 5 ch , K - Q 4 ; 4 4 R x Q K t P , R x P c h ; 4 5 K - K t 6 , R - K t 4 c h ; 4 6 K - B y , etc. further resistance w o u ld h av e been useless. Game 5 5

R U Y LO PEZ, M O RPH Y D EFEN CE M araczji M em orial Tournament in Budapest, 1 9 5 2

P. K e r e s 1 P -K 4 K t-K B 3 2

E . G e lle r P -K 4

3 4 5

B -K t5 B -R 4

P -Q R K t-B 3 B -K 2

6

Q -K 2

0 -0

K t-Q B 3

3

I h a v e em ployed this Queen m o ve a n u m b er o f tim es in im p o rta n t gam es o f recen t years, an d not w ith o u t success. I t is o f course h ard to sa y w h eth er here the text-m o ve o r the usual

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAU L

4 °9

KERBS

con tin u ation 6 R - K i offers the better chan ces, a n d in the en d the choice m ust be m ade acco rd in g to the taste o f e ac h in d iv i­ d u a l p la y e r. O n e o f the c h ie f reasons w h y I h av e often p referred 6 Q .- K 2 lies in the fact that it is m u ch m o re seldom p la y e d a n d hence not so w ell-know n as 6 R - K i . 6

7 B-Kt3

. . .

0-0

P -Q K t4

8

P -B 3

P -0 ,4

T h e p a w n sacrifice is m u ch m ore p ro m isin g in this v a ria tio n than after 6 R - K i , since after 9 P x P , K t x P ; 10 K t x P , K t - B s ; 1 1 Q 7-K 4 , K t x K t ; 1 2 P -Q .4 , B - K t 2 etc. B la c k w o u ld o b tain ad eq u ate co u n te r-p la y in return for the p a w n . A n d a lte rn a tiv e ly B lack c a n , after 9 P x P , also continue e n erg etically w ith 9 . . . B - K K t 5 , w h ich w o u ld yield h im excellent atta ck in g possibilities in retu rn fo r the p aw n sacrifice after 10 P x K t , P - K 5 ; P -Q 4 , P x K t; 12 PxP, B -R 4 .

9

P-

11

0.3

In m y opinion this restrained defensive m o v e constitutes W h ite ’s best ch an ce o f m ain tain in g the tension in th e g am e. B lack m ust n o w take care th at in the ensuing p h a se o f th e g a m e his cen tral p a w n s do not becom e objects o f atta ck , 9

. . .

R -K i

A n in n o vatio n . U su a lly B lack continues here w ith 9 . . . B K K t 5 ; 10 P - K R 3 , B - R 4 , allo w in g W h ite to e x e rt re a lly strong pressure on Q jj; o r else he m a y p la y 9 . . . P - Q 5 . A fte r this last m o ve p raxis shows th at b y 10 P x P , K t x Q P ; 1 1 K t x K t , Q _xK t, a position arises in w h ich B lack has n ot h a d b a d results. S till, it seems to m e that W h ite has a p ro m isin g m id d le-ga m e here p ro vid in g he exerts pressure on the en em y w eaknesses on the Q B lin e b y 1 2 B - K 3 , Q - Q . 3 ; 1 3 R - B i . H e n c e , G e lle r’s a tte m p t

to

im p ro ve B la c k ’s d efence

here

m erits

especial

attention. 10

R -K i

H e re , too, w in n in g the p a w n b y 10 P x P , w a s n o t p a rtic u la rly en ticin g fo r W h ite . Black cou ld then re p ly either 1 0 . . . K t x P ; 1 1 K t x P , K t x K t ; 1 2 Q x K t , B - K t 2 , o r else 10 . . . K t - Q R 4 , in bo th cases w ith a strong in itiative in retu rn for th e p a w n . B u t

4

«o

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

i f W h ite p la y s io B - K t 5 , then B lack c a n defend h im self b y i o . . . B - K 3 . I n ad d itio n to the text-m o ve 1 0 R - Q i deserves con sid eratio n in o rd er to c a rry o u t the thrust P ~Q ,4 as the o c ­ casio n arises. 10

. . .

B -K ta

W it h his n in th m o ve, R - K i , B lack w eak en ed h im self o n the d ia g o n a l K K t 1 - Q R 7 , especially on the K B a sq u are, an d hence 1 0 . . . B - K 3 c a m e into consideration h ere. A p p a r e n tly G e lle r d id n o t like th e possible reply 1 1 K t - K t 5 . B lack m ust then e ith er g iv e u p the tw o Bishops o r shut o f f his Bishop fro m the cen tre o f the c o m b a t b y 1 1 . . . B - K K t 5 ; 1 2 P - B 3 , B - R 4 . 11 12

Q K t-Q a K t-B i

13

B -K t5

Q rQ s Q R -Q i

V e r y go o d here too w a s 1 3 K t - K t 3 , co n tro llin g the im p o rtan t K B 5 sq u are. B u t the text-m o ve also has its ad van tag e s since n o w B la c k m ust a t once c la rify matters in the centre. 13

. . .

K t - Q R .4

In ste a d o f this m a n y m asters h ave reco m m en d ed 1 3 . . . P Q . 5 fo r B la c k , in o rd er to ex ert troublesom e pressure on the Q P afte r 1 4 P x P , K t x P ; 1 5 K t x K t , Q x K t . H o w e v e r, it is d oubtful i f B la c k cou ld h a v e o b tain ed a satisfactory position w ith it, sin ce instead o f the exch an ge, W h ite has the better continuation 4 4 Q R - Q i . B la c k w o u ld th en not find it easy to form ulate a su itab le p la n o f p la y , w hereas W h ite cou ld strengthen his p osition fu rther b y K t - K t 3 , opening u p the g a m e at the rig h t m o m en t b y e x ch a n g in g o f f on Q 4 . W it h the text-m o ve B lack forces the en em y Bishop to q u it the stro n g d ia g o n a l Q R .2 -K .K t 8 , since after 1 4 K t x P , Q - K 3 ; 1 5 P x P , K t x P W h ite ’s pieces w o u ld be u n co m fo rtab ly pinned. 14 15

B -B 2 PxP

PxP K t-B 5

G e lle r a g a in chooses a com bin atio n al m eth o d o f p ro tectin g his K P . I f n o w 16 P - Q K t 3 , K t - R 6 ; 1 7 K t x P , Q - K 3 ; an d B la c k w in s b a ck his p a w n w ith a go od g am e. B u t also v e ry w ell p la y a b le w a s the sim ple 1 5 . . . Q - K 3 . 16

K t-K 3

K tx K tP ?

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

41

B la ck should not take this p a w n since n o w at last W h ite is g ive n the opp o rtu n ity o f cap tu rin g the K P u n d e r fa v o u ra b le circum stan ces. H ere, quite certain ly, h e o u gh t to h a v e p la y e d 16 . . . K t x K t w h ich w ould h ave led to fu rther sim p lificatio n after 1 7 Q x K t , K t - K t 5 , a n d afford ed B lack w ell-ju stified hopes o f establishing com plete e q u a lity. T h e r e co u ld , fo r e x am p le, h ave follow ed: 1 8 Q - K 2 , B x B ; ig K t x B , P - R 3 ; 2 0 Q R - Q i , Q ^ B i ; 2 1 K t - B 3 , K t - B 3 ; etc. 17

K tx P

Q -K 3

F o rce d , since 1 7 . . . Q - Q 7 ; 18 B - K t 3 , o r 1 7 . . . Q - Q 3 ; 18 B - B 4 w o u ld lead to m arked ad v a n ta g e for W h ite . 18

K tx P !

B y this tem p o rary piece sacrifice full use is m a d e o f B la c k ’s weakness on the diagonal K K t i - Q R . 7 . T h e result o f th e ensuing co m b in atio n al com plications is th at W h ite e v e n tu a lly arrives a t an en d -g a m e w ith a p a w n m ore, after w h ic h th e w in o n ly requires go o d technique. 18

. . .

Q xK t

A c c e p ta n c e o f the sacrifice in con ju n ctio n w ith th e defensive m oves th at follow are forced i f B la c k wishes to a v o id even b igger m a terial loss.

19 B-Ktg KtxKt BxP BxB

20 21 22

Kt-B 5 PxKt Kt-Q 4 QxB

A fte r 2 2 . . . R x B W h ite c an p la y either 2 3 Q r Q 2 , o r 2 3 Q - K t 2 , w h ereu p on he even tu ally rem ains a p a w n to th e go o d as w ell. H o w e v e r Black tries to defend h im se lf h e c a n n o t do better th an em erge into an en din g w ith a p a w n less.

23 24 25 26

PxKt RxQ BxR P-QR4!

Q *Q RxR BxP

N o w w e can enum erate the results o f the co m b in atio n begu n b y W h ite on his 18th m o ve. A R o o k an d B ish o p e n d in g has arisen in w h ich W h ite possesses a solid p a w n m o re o n the K in g ’s w in g . T h e positional ad v a n ta g e too is o n W h it e ’s side,

1

412

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

B lack (G eller) m

a

m

m

i i

m s i,

a * ■■

'

■ mm m

jk m mm Li ,5:! M H m

m

x

: m

% mmm W h ite (K eres) to p la y sin ce in the first p lace his opponent’s Q R P is an o bject o f a tta ck a n d in the second Black m ust p ro tect h im self again st troublesom e pins both on the Q, file a n d alo n g the Q R .7 -K K .t 1 d ia g o n a l. B u t before W h ite goes o v er to the decisive attack the p r e p a r a ­ to ry text-m o ve m ust be m ad e. I f at once 2 6 B x P , then B lack w o u ld still retain good chances o f sa v in g the g am e in the R o o k en d in g after 2 6 . . . R - R i ; 2 7 P - B 4 , B x K t P ; 2 8 K x B , R x B o r also after 2 7 . . . R x B ; 28 P x B , R - R 4 ; 2 9 P - Q R 4 , K - B i . T h e im m ed iate pin , too, b y 2 6 R - Q i , w o u ld be useless because o f 26 . . . R - K i ! N o w , h o w ever, B lack m ust seriously reckon w ith these tw o possibilities. 26

. . .

R -Q .3

B la c k can n o t p la y here 2 6 . . . P - Q R 4 , since after 2 7 R - Q i , R - K i ; 2 8 R x B , R x B ; 2 9 P - K t 3 , R - B 7 ; 30 R - Q B 5 he w o u ld lose y e t another p aw n . 27

R -Q i

K -B 2

B la c k defends h im self m ost resourcefully again st the th reat o f 2 8 R x B . I f W h ite n o w em barks on the p a w n en d in g w ith 2 8 R x B , R x R ; 2 9 B - B 4 , then there follows 2 9 . . . K - K 3 ; 3 0 K B i, K - Q 3 ; 31 B xR , K xB ; 32 K -K 2 , K -B 5 ; 33 K -Q 2 , K t-K 6 a n d B la c k gets ad eq u ate cou n terplay w ith his ac tiv e K in g . O n th e o th er h a n d the end g a m e after 2 7 . . . B - K t 2 ; 2 8 R x R ,

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

413

P x R ; 2 9 P - R 5 w o u ld be e q u a lly hopeless for B la c k becau se o f th e w eakness th at has been fixed on his Q R 3 . 28

P -R 5 !

T h u s the weakness on Q R 3 is definitely fixed a n d w ith it all possible B ish o p end-gam es are p ra c tic a lly hopeless for B la c k . In a d d itio n th ere n o w threatens 2 9 B x P , w in n in g a seco n d p a w n . 28

. . .

R -K 3

S o m e tim e o r other B la c k m ust free h im self fro m th e p in on th e Q ,file . A fte r 2 8 . . . K - K 3 , for exam p le, W h ite c a n con tin u e w ith 2 9 . . . P - B 5 and thus d ep rive his oppon en t o f th e ch a n ce o f a co u n te r-a tta ck because o f 3 0 B - K t 4 c h , 29

B-Bi

A g a in 2 9 B x P was n o t go o d because o f the r e p ly 2 9 . . . B - K t 6 a n d the R o o k en d in g after 2 9 R x B , R x B ; 3 0 K - B t , R R 7; 31

R -B 5 , K -B i

still offers B lack defensive possibilities.

A fte r th e text-m o ve B lack m ust su rrender y et an o th e r p a w n , b u t all th e sam e h e knows h o w to present his o p p o n e n t w ith the m a x im u m difficulties. 29 30

. . . R -Q ^ c h

B -K t6 K -B i

31

R xBP

R -K 4

O b v io u sly in vain is 3 1

. . . R -K 8 ; 32 P -B 3, R -R 8 ; 33

R - B 5 . N o w B la ck does a t least w in the d an gero u s Q R P . 32

R -B 6

33

R -Q K t6 !

R xP

T h e last finesse. A fte r 3 3 R x P , R - Q B 4 W h ite c o u ld lose his Q B P , w h e n a w in w o u ld indeed be v e r y d u b io u s. I n th e en su in g en d in g w ith tw o p aw n s less B lack n a tu ra lly n o lo n ger h a s a n y c h a n ce and h e m erely m akes the en su in g m oves in o rd e r to reach the time control.

33 , . . 34 R x P 35 R - R 3 36 p - b 3 37 K - B 2

B -B 7 R -Q B 4

.4

R -Q R -Q 8 R -B 8

414

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

38

P -R 4

B -K tg

39

K -K .2

40

B -B 4 P -K t4

4i

B -Q

.5

p-R 3 resigns.

Game 5 6

Q U E E N S G A M B IT A C C E P T E D M a ro cz y M em orial Tournament in Budapest, 1 9 5 2

G . B a rc z a 1 K t-K B s 2

P . K e re s P -Q

4

P -Q 4

U s u a lly B a rc z a p la y s here 2 P - K K t 3 a n d then la te r on transposes in to the system o f develo p m en t stem m in g from W h it e ’s P - Q B 4 . A s this g a m e was p la y e d in the last ro u n d an d h a d a v ita l bearin g on the destination o f th e first p rize, B lack w e lc o m e d th e o p p o rtu n ity o f transposing the o p en in g in to a Q u e e n ’s G a m b it A c c e p te d , thereby o b tain in g a position full o f fig h tin g possibilities. 2

. . .

K t-K B 3

3 4

-b4 P -K 3 BxP

PxP

6

0 -0

7

QtK 2

P -Q R s P -Q K t4

8

B -Q

5

p

- k 3 P -B 4 p

.3

A s in an earlier gam e p laye d in this to u rn am en t betw een K e r e s a n d S m yslo v (N o . 5 4 ) , B a rcz a also chooses the rarely seen B ishop retreat to Q 3 instead o f the usual 8 B - K t 3 . H o w ­ e ve r, in the present gam e B la c k adopts a m u ch better system o f d efen ce th an Sm yslo v d id in th e gam e m entioned. 8 9

. . . PxP

10

P -Q R 4

PxP B -K t2

I t is because o f this thrust that th eory holds th e w h o le v a ria tio n to be favo u rab le for W h ite, the basis b e in g the g am e L a n d a u -R e s h e v s k y , K e m e ri, 1 9 3 7 . I n th at g a m e R eshevsk y

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

415

co n tin u ed w ith i o . . . P - K t j ; w h ereu p o n W h ite , a fte r i t Q K t-Q .2 , B - K 2 ; 12 K t-B 4 , P - Q R 4 ; 1 3 B -B 4 , O - O ; 1 4 K R Q i , o b ta in ed the better position o n acco u n t o f th e stro n g post fo r his K t o n Q B 4 . T h e present g a m e shows, h o w e v e r, th at B la c k ’s p la y c a n be n o ticeably im p ro ve d in this v a r ia tio n a n d causes o n e to d o u b t w h eth er, w ith 8 B - Q j , W h it e re a lly o btain s b etter prospects th a n w ith the cu sto m ary 8 B - K t 3 . 10

. . .

PxP!

T h is sim ple cap tu re is m u c h stronger th an 10 . . . B - K t 5 ^ w a s th e u su al m o v e up to this g am e. I n the first p la c e W h ite m ust n o w lose tim e in o rd er to w ir. b ack the p a w n , a n d in the second the c o m p a ra tive w eakness o f the Q R p a w n is o u tw eig h ed b y c o u n te r-p la y on the Q K t file w h ere there is in a d d itio n a stro n g sq u a re for the K t o n Q B 5 . E x p e rie n c e a c q u ir e d in a c tu a l p ra x is shows that it is v e r y difficult fo r W h ite to e x tra ct a n a d v a n ta g e o u t o f the open in g. 11

R xP

W ith this im m ediate re ca p tu re W h ite presents his o p p o n e n t w ith n o o p e n in g problem s. In no cu o u s too is 1 1 K t - B 3 , w h e re ­ up o n th ere c a n follow 1 1

. . . K t - B 3 , g a in in g a n im p o rta n t

tem p o th ro u g h the attack on Q jj. B u t the most u n p le asan t m o ve for B la c k seem s to be 1 1 B - B 2 , th reatening to o b ta in lastin g pressure o n the diago n al Q R 4 - K 8 , ’ e.g. after 1 1

. . . B -K 2 ;

1 2 B x P c h , Q K t - Q 2 ; 1 3 K t - K 5 etc. H o w e v e r, in this case too, B la c k c a n solve the opening p ro b le m in a satisfacto ry m a n n er b y p la y in g , instead o f 1 2 . . . Q K t - Q .2 , 1 2 . . . K K t - Q 2 : fo llow ed b y 1 3 . . . 0 - 0 . F in a lly , w e should also m ention the g am e, F u r m a n —K e re s, X X I V t h U . S . S . R . C h am p io n sh ip in M o sco w , 1 9 5 7 . In this W h ite tried 1 1 B ~ K t 5 , b u t after 1 1 . . . B - K 2 ; 1 2 K t - B 3 , ; 1 3 K t x P , K t - B 3 ; 1 4 K R - Q i , K t - Q K t 5 h e also cou ld

0 0

o b ta in n o ad van tage. P ra ctica l experience so fa r th o ro u g h ly ju stifies the cap tu re 10 . . . P x P . 11

. . .

12

Q K t-Q ?

B -K 2

W ith this B a rc z a begins a disad van tageou s K n ig h t m a n o ­ e u vre, not o n ly losing th ereb y all prospects o f a n o p en in g a d v a n ta g e b u t even gettin g into a defensive p osition. T h e

416

GRANDMASTER

OF C H E S S

0 0

n o rm a l con tin u ation here is 12 K t ~ B 3 , ; 13 B -K K t5, w h e reu p o n B la c k c a n re p ly 1 3 . . . P - Q R 4 o r even w ith an im m ed ia te 1 3 . . . K t - B 3 . 12 13

. . . K t-K t3

0 -0

H e r e the K n ig h t is b a d ly p laced a n d constitutes the reason fo r W h it e ’s further difficulties. Better w a s 1 3 K t - B 4 , alth o u gh B la c k cou ld utilise the b reak in g o ff o f th e atta ck on his Q R 3 to d e v e lo p his K n ig h t b y 1 3 . . . K t - B 3 , w ith a n even tu al K t Q K t 5 to follow . I t c a n be seen th at B la c k has em erged from th e o p en in g w ith a go o d g am e. 13

. . .

B -B 3

14

R -R i

0 ^ 13 !

E lim in a tin g , once a n d for all, the th re at on his Q R P , since n o w W h ite has n o th in g b etter than 1 5 K t - R 5 . Fu rth erm o re, B la c k w ill n o w m a n o e u v re his Q B to a n activ e position on Q K t 4 from w h en ce it also contributes to the h in d erin g o f a n y e ve n tu a l K in g -sid e attack . 15 16

K t-R s K t-B 4

B -K t4

I t is w ell-k n ow n th at in the Q u e e n ’s G a m b it A c c e p te d W h it e m ust a im at a ctive p la y on the K i n g ’s w in g , otherw ise B la c k , esp ecially after som e sim plifying exch an ges, gets the b e tte r position o n a cco u n t o f the weakness o f W h ite ’s Q 4 . H e n c e one can re ad ily u nderstand w h y B a rc z a refrains from the possible sim plification here o f 1 6 B xB , Q x B ; 1 7 Q xQ _, P x Q ; 18 B - K t 5 . F o r then all he w o u ld have w o u ld be prospects o f a h a r d -w o n equality. 16 17 W ith

. . . K K t-K 5

Q r K t2

this m o ve W h ite m erely helps on

his o p p o n en t’s

d eve lo p m e n t, since he w ill be forced in the sequel to exch an ge o f f K n ig h ts . B etter therefore w as an im m ed iate 1 7 B - K 3 , alth o u g h in this case too after 1 7 . . . K t - B 3 ; 1 8 Q R - B i , K t Q K t 5 ; 1 9 B - K t i , P - Q R 4 one must prefer B la c k ’s position.

17

...

18

B -K 3 ?

Kt-B3

LATER

An

in ca u tio u s

YEARS

m o ve in

OF

PAUL

KERES

con sequ en ce

o f w h ic h

41 7 W h it e ’s

p ieces a re d riv e n b a ck to u n fav o u rab le positions a n d his ch a n ce s o f a c tiv e p la y on the K in g ’s w in g d isap p ear. N e cessa ry w a s first th e e x ch a n g e 18 K t x K t , Q x K t a n d o n ly th en 1 9 B - K 3 , b y w h ic h a t least th e co -o p eratio n b e tw e en W h ite ’s p ieces co u ld b e m ain tain ed. 18

. . .

19 20

B -K ti R -B i

K t-Q K t5 ! Q R -B i K R -Q i

B la c k ’s su p erio rity is n o w p aten t. H is pieces a re excellen tly p la c e d , th e p in s o n the Q R 3 - -K B 8 d iag o n al a n d o n th e Q B file a re v e r y a w k w a r d for W h ite , a n d in ad d itio n B la c k , in face o f his o p p o n en t’s weakness o n Q 4 , possesses absolute con tro l o f h is o w n im p o rta n t Q.4 square. A lth o u g h B la c k does n ot y e t th reaten a n y th in g directly, h e has e ve ry ch a n ce o f fu rther stren gthen in g his positional pressure, w h ereas W 'hite m ust p assively a w a it future events. E x p e rie n c e shows, h o w ev e r, th at in su ch positions the defending side sooner o r la te r allo w s h im se lf to co m m it som e in accu racies, an d this fact too w ill be o n ce a g a in d em onstrated in the present gam e. Black (K eres)

W h ite (B arcza ) to p la y 21

P -Q K t3

P -K t3

B la c k w o u ld like to continue w ith 2 2 . . . K K t - Q .4 . F o r this, h o w e v e r, he m u st first m ake secure the position o f his K in g ,

418

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

since a n im m ed iate 2 1 . . . K K t - Q j . w o u ld be a n o utright m istake becau se o f 2 2 B x P ch . 22

P -B 3

T h is fresh weakness renders W h it e ’s position

still m ore

difficult. B etter w a s 2 2 K t-Q _ 3, so as to relieve his position so m ew h a t b y further exchanges. 22

. . .

23

B -K 4 ?

K K t -C h j.

A m istake th at costs at least a p a w n . B la c k w a s th reatening 2 3 . . . K t x B ; 2 4 Q x K t , R x P , a n d i f W h ite p arries this w ith 2 3 B - K B 2 then the re p ly 2 3 . . . B - K t 4 w o u ld be v e r y trouble­ som e. I n v ie w o f his difficult posidon W h ite m ust tr y an d build u p a to u gh defence, for instance b y 2 3 K - R i . E v e n th o u gh in th at even t, too, B la c k w o u ld u n d o u bted ly stan d better, still, an e xplo itatio n o f his a d v a n ta g e w ould be fa r fro m easy a n d w o u ld req u ire carefu l a n d consistent p lay. 23

. . .

P -B 4 !

W ith this the. issue o f the gam e is d e cid ed . A fte r the retreat 2 4 B - K t i , B la ck cou ld im plem ent his th re at w ith 2 4 . . . K t x B ; 2 5 Q x K t , R x P , w in n in g a p aw n w ith a n o v erw h e lm in g position. H e n c e in the n ext phase o f the g a m e W h ite tries to rescue h im self b y c o m b in a d o n al com plications, b u t m e re ly succeeds in h asten in g the loss. 24

B xK t

PxB

25

K t-R 5

R x R c l i!

T h is ex ch a n g e is m a d e ju st at the rig h t m o m en t since now W h ite can n o t p la y 2 6 R x R , because o f 2 6 . . . Q - K t 3 w in n in g a p iece. N o w W h ite m ust soon su rrender m aterial on acco u n t o f the u n h a p p y position o f his pieces, in p a rtic u la r o f the K t on R 5 . 26

BxR

Q -K t3

27

Q -Q 1

R -Q B i

I t w a s o f course also possible to w in a p a w n here b y 2 7 . . . K t B 7 . B u t B la ck is in no h u rry and intends first o f a ll to activate his pieces to their m a x im u m extent. W ith the text-m o ve he threatens am ongst o th er things 2 8 . . . R x B , w in n in g tw o pieces for the R o o k .

LATER

YEARS

OF P A U L

28

K -R i

29

K t ( R 5 )-B 6

KERBS

419

K t-B 7

A desp erate attem p t th at does n o t, h o w ev e r, alter the situ ation . A fte r 2 9 R - R 2 , B la c k w in s sim p ly b y 2 9 . . . Q x P ; 3 0 Q x Q , K t x Q a n d 2 9 K t ( R 5 ) - B 4 , w o u ld a llo w , in ad d itio n to 2 9 . . . Q x P , th e decisive 2 9 . . . P x K t ; 3 0 Q x K t , Q x P ; 3 1 B - K t 2 , P - B 6 etc. 29 30

. . . K tx R

R xK t Q xK t

W ith tw o pieces for the R o o k a n d th e better position B lack has o f course n o difficulty in fo rcin g th e w in . 31

R -R 2

I n the h op e, after 3 1 . . . K t x P , o f m a k in g his pieces a little m o re a c tiv e b y 3 2 B - K 3 , so a rr iv in g at som e c o u n te r-p la y . B u t B la c k refuses to allo w his o p p o n en t a n y su ch chan ces. 31

. . .

K t-K ts!

32 33

R -K B 2 B ~ K t2

Q -B 6 K t-Q 6

B re a k in g d o w n

the last lin e o f resistance.

a lre a d y h a v e q u ie tly struck his flag. 34

R -B 2

K tx B

35 36

Q -Q B i R xK t

Q x K tP Q -B 5

37 R -Q B 2 W h ite resigns.

Q - B 8 ch

W h ite

cou ld

*

2

TO U R N A M E N TS AND YEARS

I

*

EVENTS OF TH E

19 5 2 -19 5 5

I h a d o btain ed in the last co u p le o f yea rs sh o w ed I w as in go o d fo rm I w e n t in high

nasmuch as the excellent results

hopes to the H elsinki O lym p ia d in 1 9 5 2 . O n first b o a r d there I w a s d u e to con ten d w ith h eavy opposition. A la s , it m ust be c o n ­ fessed th at I -was in m y w o rst form here o f recen t y ea rs. N o th in g w o u ld g o righ t a n d in the final gro u p I m a n a g e d to o b tain 5 0 % w ith the greatest d ifficu lty. T h is lo w e b b o f m y fo rm also lasted righ t to the en d o f the y e a r w hen the X X t h C h am p io n sh ip o f th e U . S . S . R . w a s held. F o r almost the w h o le to u rn am en t m y score w a s a b o u t 5 0 % a n d it w as o n ly sh o rtly before the end th at I w a s ab le to better m y position so m ew h at. A n d then, four rounds before the en d o f the tou rn am en t, I lost tw o gam es in succession a n d o n ly b y m y victo ry o v e r K o r c h n o i (N o . 5 7 ) did I once a g a in re a ch the 5 0 % level. I fin ally en d ed u p e q u a l 10 th a n d n t h w ith M a ste r Su etin . T h is w a s m y w o rst result, not o n ly in U . S . S . R . Ch am p io nsh ip s b u t also in tou rn am en ts o f the last d eca d e. F u rth erm o re, the q u a lity o f m y g am es in this to u rn a m en t w a s the low est that I h a d d isp layed d u rin g recent years. C le a r ly I w a s once a g a in u n dergoing a p eriod o f depression as far as m y crea tive w o rk was con cern ed . I t w a s essential, h o w eve r, to em erge from it as speed ily as possible since in the a u tu m n o f the fo llow in g yea r a to u rn am en t o f the utm ost im p o rta n ce w a s d u e to take p lace— in fact, the C a n d id a te s’ T o u rn a m e n t fo r the W o r ld C h am p io n sh ip in Z u r ic h . A n d in this to u rn a m en t it w a s im perative for m e to p la y w e ll once again . S o as to tighten u p m y fo rm I felt I m ust p la y in som e to u rn a­ m ents in the in terim an d hence I d ecid ed to take p a rt once a g a in in th e E sto n ia n C h am p io n sh ip , th e first tim e after a lo n g in te rval. T h is tournam ent took p lace in the S p r in g o f 1 9 5 3 420

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

421

a t T a r t u . N a tu r a lly , I could not test m y re al fo rm in this to u rn a m e n t since the general level o f the p a rtic ip a n ts w a s n o t o f th e n ecessary height, but the to u rn am en t c e rta in ly perform ed its fu n ctio n as regards good train in g. A tra in in g to u rn am en t w ith the p articip a tio n o f the m em bers o f the n atio n a l te am o f the U . S . S . R . th a t w as held a t G a g r y in su m m er sh o w ed m e th a t I w a s still fa r from bein g in m y best fo rm , b u t b y th en I w a s in fa ct p la y in g reasonably w ell. I therefore w a s re d u ce d to h o p in g th at the len gth o f the Z u r ic h T o u rn a m e n t, 2 8 g am es in all (for e ach com petitor), w o u ld be sufficient to e n ab le m e to a tta in m y best fo rm once ag a in . T h e co m m en cem en t o f the to u rn am en t in Z u r ic h d em o n ­ strated so m ethin g that I had in fact b o th feared a n d e xp ected . I h a d clearly n o t y e t surm ounted the crisis in m y fo rm a n d m y results in the first h a lf o f the to u rn am en t, seven poin ts o u t o f 1 4 gam es, w ere fa r from satisfactory. I sh ared the 8th a n d 9th p lace s a n d w a s in no w a y satisfied w ith the q u a lity o f m y p la y . P la y in g th ro u gh m y three w in s in the first h a lf o f th e to u rn a ­ m e n t reveals th at in them S z a b o m a d e m e th e presen t o f a p a w n in the first few m oves, B oleslavsky w a s u n lu c k y en ou gh to go in for a n incorrect sacrificial line a n d S ta h lb e rg allo w ed h im se lf to b e o u tp la yed in a c le a rly d ra w n position. A s regard s the lost gam es, I chose an o pen in g v a ria tio n again st S m y slo v th a t h a d been refuted, against Bronstein I p la y e d the o p en in g w e a k ly an d again st A v e rb a c h I p u t a n im p o rta n t cen tre p a w n en prise. I n ad d itio n I w a s u n ab le to secu re the v ic to r y in a c le a rly

won

position

again st

R e sh e v sk y ;

e q u a lly

again st

P etro sian I failed to m ake use o f a n e x tra p a w n to w in a n d ag a in st N a jd o r f I escaped a loss o n ly th ro u gh a n in a c c u r a c y b y m y opp o n en t on the last m o v e before ad jo rn m en t. T h is result th en w a s sim p ly bad and I h ad to p u t all m y hopes in the secon d h a lf o f the tournam ent. I n fact th e first few gam es o f the second h a lf o f the to u rn a ­ m e n t d id sh o w th at m y p la y w as o n the w a y to im p ro vem en t. A f te r m u ch m an oeu vrin g I w o n b y a d ire ct K in g -sid e atta ck ag a in st Petrosian , then d re w w ith A v e r b a c h , S z a b o a n d E u w e , a n d , su cceed in g in w in n in g again st S ta h lb e rg , I w a s stan d in g in fo u rth p la c e , o n ly tw o points b eh in d the le ad e r, S m yslo v . W h e n , in the n ext round, I m an ag ed to d efeat B o leslavsk y b y

422

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

m eans o f a n interesting theoretical in n ovation , w hilst at the sam e tim e S m y s lo v suffered a d efeat a t K o t o v ’s h an d s, I w as in d eed stan d in g v e ry w ell. I w as o n ly a p oin t b eh in d Sm yslo v , an d o n ly h a lf a point behind Bronstein. B u t there w e re still no less than eight m ore gam es to p la y a n d hence e ve ry possibility w a s still open. I n the next ro u n d I w o n the exch an ge again st K o t o v b y an in teresting com bin atio n , bu t then p la y e d w e a k ly a n d even tu ally h a d to con ten t m y self w ith a d raw . H o w e v e r, then I o btain ed a n im p o rta n t p oin t again st G eller. B y n o w I h a d o verh au led Bron stein a n d w a s o n ly h a lf a p oin t b eh in d R esh e v sk y an d S m y s lo v , w ith the latter h avin g p la y e d one g am e less. I still h a d , h o w ev e r, to p la y the decisive g a m e again st Sm yslo v . S h o u ld I su cceed in w in n in g this then I w o u ld be a t the head o f the to u rn a m en t w ith every ch an ce o f em ergin g w ith final v ic to ry . B u t a d r a w too w o u ld not h av e extin gu ished m y hopes, a n d therefore I should n ot have p la y e d in too risky a style in this g a m e. H o w e v e r, I once again rep eated a m istake I h ad m a d e so often before a n d pu t e ve ryth in g o n on e c a rd . I o ffered m y oppon en t a n extrem ely c o m p lica te d p ie ce sacrifice, a c c e p ta n ce o f w h ich w o u ld have su bm itted S m y s lo v ’s K in g to a fierce atta ck . B u t, after long reflection, S m y slo v d isco vered a n excellen t d efence an d once I h a d g ive n u p the ch a n ce o f se cu rin g e q u a lity thereafter in favo u r o f a n ill-con sid ered p lan , th e consequences w ere soon apparent. I suffered a n ignom inious d efea t a n d in so d o in g I h ad not o n ly th ro w n a w a y all chances o f first p la c e b u t w a s o n ce again b ack in fourth p la c e . T h e stiff stru ggle fo r a n u p w a rd s clim b h ad to be started a ll o v e r again . C u rio u sly en ou gh , I w a s best helped in this e n d ea vo u r b y the events o f the n ext round— w hen I h ad the b y e ! T h e p o in t w as th at m y nearest rivals suffered defeat, R esh evsk y again st S m y s lo v a n d Bronstein against G eller. S o I stood b e lo w them , a h a lf a p oin t in one case and a full p oin t in th e o th er, b u t I still h a d on e m o re g a m e to p lay th an th ey h ad. O n the other h a n d n e w d an gers h ad sprung u p from b e lo w since b o th K o to v a n d N a jd o r f h ad progressed to w ithin h a lf a p oin t o f m e. D u r in g the n ext tw o rounds the situation rem a in e d th e sam e, since after d ra w s w ith R eshevsky a n d Bronstein I w a s still ly in g in fo u rth p lace. H o w ever, then I ach ieved a w in o ver

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G lig o r ic a n d thus, w ith two rounds to go , I w a s in th ird p la c e . I h a d o n ly h a lf a p o in t less th an Bronstein, b u t w ith on e m o re g a m e to p la y , an d w a s h a lf a point ab o v e R esh e v sk y w h o h ad lost in this ro u n d again st Bronstein. I n the p en u ltim ate ro u n d , h o w e v e r,

m atters

w ere

evened

up,

since

R esh e v sk y

won

ag a in st G lig o ric, a n d so all three o f us re ach e d the last ro u n d w ith the sam e score. In the last ro u n d w e a ll d re w o u r gam es a n d th e fin al result w as that I sh ared seco n d to fo u rth prizes w ith Bron stein a n d R eshevsky. A lth o u g h I h a d p la y e d re a lly w e ll in the second h a lf o f th e to u rn am en t a n d w ith 9 points o u t o f 1 4 h a d obtain ed the best result, this w a s insufficient to m a k e go o d the lapses in th e first h alf. T h e to tal result w a s, h o w e v e r, th o ro u gh ly satisfactory a n d g a v e m e th e rig h t to take p a r t in the n ext Interzonal w ith o u t h a v in g to q u a lify for it. T h e ensuing y e a r, 19 5 4 , w a s ch aracterised b y excep tio n al chess a c tiv ity o n m y part; a n d this n o t so m u c h in great to u rn am en ts as rath er in m a n y n atio n al m atch es a n d in lo n g jo u rn e y s. A t the beginning o f the y e a r I m e t T a l fo r th e first tim e in th e m a tch between E sto n ia a n d L a t v ia . I n on e g a m e I su cceed ed in fo rcin g the w in , after an in teresting m id d le-ga m e (G a m e N o . 5 9 ) , w hilst the oth er one resulted in a d r a w . T h e n I m a d e the lo n g v o y a g e to the A rge n tin e as a m e m b er o f the U . S . S . R . te a m a n d crossed sw ords w ith J u l i o B o lb o ch an in fo u r gam es, w in n in g one, losing one a n d d r a w in g tw o gam es. C n the w a y b a ck w e played a m atch again st a te am represen tin g F r a n c e . I encountered th e v eteran D r . T a r ta k o w e r an d su cceed ed in w in n in g both gam es. H a r d ly w a s this jo u rn e y o v e r th an y e t another was in b ein g, this tim e to th e U . S . A . I n th e figh t a g a in st this team I p la y e d fou r gam es, again st P a v e y a n d K e v itz , a n d obtained three points th erefrom . O n th e w a y b a c k I w o n bo th m y gam es again st W a d e in a m a tc h versus E n g la n d a n d then h ad the sam e result in b o th m y gam es w ith S to ltz in Sto ck h o lm . I t w o u ld seem that these n atio n al m atch es exercised a fa v o u ra b le in fluen ce on m y p la y , since at the b e g in n in g o f the C h e ss O ly m p ia d in A m sterd am I o n ce a g a in fo u n d m y se lf in g o o d form . I n this event I p lay e d w ith o u t a n y sort o f tension a n d w ith o u t gettin g into time trouble, in a style th at w a s at once sim p le a n d cle a r. E v e ry th in g w o rk ed to geth er w o n d e rfu lly,

424

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one w in cam e after another an d the en d result w a s that, w ith 1 3 } points out o f 1 4 , 1 achieved the ab so lu tely best total o f the O ly m p ia d . I also p layed really w ell in the to u rn a m e n t th at took p lace soon after in H astings an d , despite a loss to F u d ere r, I co n trived even tu ally to share first prize w ith S m y slo v . I n these tou rn am en ts I p la y e d a num ber o f go o d gam es fro m w h ich I h a v e selected for this book m y w ins again st S a jta r (N o . 60) at A m ste r d a m an d against A lexan d er (N o . 6 1 ) an d S z a b o (N o . 6 2) at H astin gs. M y next tournam ent, the X X I I n d U .S . S . R . C h am p io n sh ip , p ro ve d o n ce a g a in a disappointm ent for m e. T h e reason for this w a s n ot th at I p la y e d bad ly in this to u rn am en t. N o t at all, in fact, ra th e r the co n trary was the case. I p la y e d in this event a n u m b er o f go od gam es o f w hich p erh ap s the best w a s the one aga in st T a im a n o v (N o . 6 3 ) . W h at, h o w eve r, p reve n te d m e this tim e fro m o cc u p y in g a higher p lace w as, i f one m a y b e allo w ed to sa y so, sim p ly bad luck. T h e ill fortune b eg an a lre a d y in the first ro u n d w h en I gain ed a h ealth y passed p a w n again st Sp a ssk y, o n ly, h ow ever, to allow m y o pp o n en t to e scap e w ith a d r a w . A fte r a d ra w w ith A v e rb a ch an d a w in ag a in st S im a g in there c a m e m y encounter with S m yslo v . I

g o t in to some

difficulties b u t w a s nevertheless able to e x tricate m y se lf b y a ta ctica l finesse an d then, once the position w a s e q u a l ag a in , I p u t a p iece en prise! B u t pieces o f b a d lu ck seld om com e sin gly. I n the next ro u n d in the deepest tim e tro u b le I lost to F u r m a n , then d re w w ith Fiohr, an d again st Iliv itz k y o btain ed a R o o k en d in g w ith som e w inning chan ces. I t w a s th en th at th ere o ccu rre d m y second piece o f re ally b a d lu ck . I literally p u t en prise a w h o le R o o k and thus, after the seven th ro u n d I fo u n d m y s e lf in one o f the lowest places in the to u rn am en t table w ith 2 ^ points. I w o n m y n ext tw o gam es an d so m a n a g e d to im p ro ve m y position so m ew h at, b u t then, in an easily w o n position again st K o r c h n o i I p ro ve d u n ab le to utilise the fact th a t I w a s the e x ch a n g e u p to force the win. T h e n , h o w eve r, tw o w in s in succession b ro u gh t a further ad van ce so th at, w ith 7 points out o f 1 2 ga m es, I w a s o n ly i j points b eh in d the le a d e r. A t this p oin t, h o w e v e r, c a m e m y loss against M ik e n as a n d a ll hopes for first p rize w ere a t an end. T h e rem ain in g p a rt o f th e to u m a -

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m e n t I p la y e d rather lisdessly a n d so I h a d to con ten t m y s e lf w ith sh a rin g 7th an d 8th p laces, o n ly h a lf a p o in t b e lo w th e p la y e rs w h o tied for 3 r d to 6 th p laces. I n the la st ro u n d I su cceed ed in w in n in g a b rie f g a m e again st B o tvin n ik w h o fell v ic tim to a n in correct opening v ariatio n . I n the S p rin g I took p a r t in the m a tc h U .S .S .R .- H u n g a r y at B u d a p e st an d then the U . S . A . te am p a id its re tu rn visit to .M oscow . I n this m atch I p la y e d fo u r gam es ag a in st R o b e r t B y rn e o u t o f w h ich I m an aged to e x tra ct 3 ! points. I n the first g a m e I w a s able to save m y se lf in a lost position b y g ettin g in to a n o rigin a l kind o f ending, a n d in o u r th ird en co u n ter w e h a d a n in teresting a n d u p an d d o w n stru ggle th at resulted fro m a m ost ven e ra b le variatio n o f th e K i n g ’s G a m b it A c c e p te d ra re ly seen n o w ad ays (N o . 6 4 ). I n ad d itio n I p la y e d in a to u rn a m en t a t P a m u that w a s design ed to serve as train in g fo r the In te rzo n a l T o u rn am en t w h ich w a s d u e to b e g in sh o rd y at G o th e n b u rg . A num ber o f the le ad in g gran d m asters o f th e U . S . S . R . took p a rt and I w o n this to u rn am en t w ith a n excellen t score. I w a s n o w read y fo r the n e x t im p o rta n t even t, th e In te rzo n a l tournam ent at G o th en b u rg . Gam e 5 7

Q U E E N ’S P A W N , D U T C H

D EFEN CE

T h e X X t h U .S .S .R . Championship in M o sco w , 1 9 5 2

P . K eres

V . K orch n oi

1

P -K B 4

P -Q B 4

G ra n d m a s te r K o rch n o i is no g re at believer in lo n g th eoretical o p e n in g variatio n s, but instead favo u rs o rigin al system s o f d evelo p m en t th at have been little an a lyse d . T h e D u tc h D e fe n ce is w e ll designed for such purposes a n d thus the g a m e soon takes o n a q u ite origin al character. 2

K t-K B 3

K t-K B g

3

P -K K t3

P -K K t3

A n o ld continuation in the D u tc h D efen ce th a t has b e e n b ro u g h t in to action once a g a in b y th e L e n in g r a d 'school o f m asters. T h is school has e x h a u stive ly an a ly se d it a n d w o rk e d it

GRANDMASTER

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OF

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u p in to a n e w system o f defence. G ran d m aste r K o r c h n o i is one o f the co -au th o rs o f this system an d hence he is th o ro u g h ly a u fait w ith a ll the finesses o f this m ethod o f p la y .

4 5

B -K t2 K t-B q

6

P0 -0

7

0.4

B -K t2

0.3

P0 -0 K t-B 3

T h e K n ig h t d evelo p m en t is characteristic o f th e L e n in g ra d S y ste m . W ith it B la ck prepares for P - K 4 a n d so p ra c tic a lly forces his o p p o n en t to m ake the ensuing p a w n a d v a n c e . T h e position is v e r y sim ilar to a type o f p la y in th e K i n g ’s In d ia n D efe n ce , b u t w ith the on e difference th at B la c k has p la y e d P - K B 4 . W h e th e r this circum stance is o f a n y g re a t use for B la c k is d o u btfu l since in m an y variation s the w eakness o f the K 3 sq u are becom es unpleasantly noticeable. 8

P -Q .5

K t-Q R 4

A n in n ovation w h ich , it seems, K o rch n o i h a d p re p a re d for this g a m e. T h e u su al continuation here is 8 . . . K t - K 4 a n d i f 9 K t x K t , P x K t ; 10 P - K 4 , then 10 . . . P - K 3 . P a c h m a n claim s th a t W h ite gets a n a d van tag e b y the sim ple e x ch an ges 1 1 Q P x P , B x P ; 1 2 P x P , b u t this needs to be p ro v e d in p ra c tic e . T h e text-m o ve is p la y e d in sim ilar positions in the K i n g ’s In d ia n D efen ce b u t it is doubtful here, p recisely becau se o f the w eak en in g o f B la c k ’s p a w n position due to his P - K B 4 . 9 10

Q .- R 4 P x P e . p ,!

PB4

I n this position a n exch an ge o n Q B 6 is v e r y p ro m isin g for W h ite in co n trad istin ctio n to kindred positions in the K i n g ’s In d ia n D efen ce. B la c k is now left w ith vario u s positional w eaknesses in the cen tre an d he w ill soon h a v e som e real difficulties to o verco m e. 10

. . .

K t x P (B 3)

B la c k can n o t p la y 1 0 . . . P xP , since this w o u ld le a d sim p ly to the loss o f a p a w n after 1 1 K t - Q 4 , e.g. 1 1 . . . B - Q a ; 1 2 K t x B P , o r 1 1 . . . K t - K 5 ; 1 2 K tx Q B P , Q K t x K t ; 1 3 K t x K t ! etc. H o w e v e r , it becom es a p p are n t in the position arisin g fro m the te x t-m o v e th a t the P - K B 4 ad van ce does n o t fit in w ith the

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develo p m en t system chosen b y B lack . O n e ca n c la im , w ith q u iet confidence, that W h ite has em erged from the o p e n in g w ith the b etter gam e. 11

R -Q i

K t - Q R .4 ?

T h e p la y in g to and fro o f this K t is altogether too o rig in a l a n d soon gets Black into g re at difficulties. I n a c e rta in sense therefore this m a y be regarded as the decisive m istake. A lth o u g h B la ck ’s position w ould not h a v e been p a rtic u la rly ag re e ab le still he should h ave tried here . . . B - Q a , follow ed e ve n tu a lly b y R - Q B i , so as to get some c o u n te rp lay on the Q u een -sid e.

12

P-B5!

I t seems th at K orch n o i h a d underestim ated the stren gth o f this p a w n thrust b y w h ich W h ite initiates a decisive atta ck again st the en em y position in the centre.

12

...

B-Q2

N a tu r a lly B la ck does n o t w a n t to m ake a m o ve like 1 2 . . . P - Q 4 , w h ich , after 1 3 B - B 4 , w o u ld leave him p o sitio n ally lost o w in g to the weakness o f the B lack cen tral squares. H e n c e he tries to solve the positional p ro b lem in a ta ctical w a y — to no a va il.

13 Q.-R3! N o w B la c k can n ot cap tu re the p a w n b y 1 3 . . . P x P since then, after 1 4 K t - K 5 , loss o f m aterial w o u ld be in evitab le. H o w e v e r, the protection o f his Q 3 provides h im w ith u n su rm o u n table difficulties. Black (K o rc h n o i) to p la y

W h ite (K eres) 13 . . .

K t-K i?

428

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B la ck , h a v in g g o t h im self into a difficult situation, should h a v e tried to fin d th e relatively best w a y o ut, an d this u n ­ d o u b ted ly la y in th e su rrender o f the w e ak p o in t on Q 3 . I f fo r exam p le h e w e re to continue w ith 1 3 . . . Q .-B 2 ; 1 4 P x P , P x P ; 1 5 Q x P , Q x Q .; 1 6 R x Q , B - B 3 ; then, b y reason o f his w elld evelo p ed pieces he co u ld have caused his opponent noticeable difficulties, despite the e x tra p aw n . 14

B -K tj!

T h is m o ve v ir tu a lly decides the fate o f the gam e since B lack n o lo n ger has a n a d e q u ate defence again st 1 5 P x P . 14

. . .

B -K 3

A little better here w a s 1 4 . . . B - K B 3 (bu t not 1 4 . . . P - K R 3 ; 1 5 P x P ! e tc.), b u t in this case too B la c k ’s position, for exam p le after 1 5 B x B , R x B ; 1 6 K t - Q 5 , R - K B i ; 1 7 K t - B 4 ! etc. w o u ld h a rd ly be a g re e a b le. I f then 1 7 . . . P - K 4 ; there could fo llow 1 8 K t x K P , P x K t ; 1 9 K t - K 6 , an d W h ite wins. A fte r the text-m o ve B lack loses tw o pieces for the R o o k , after w h ich further resistance is hopeless. 15

PxP

K tx P

A lso hopeless is o f course 1 5 . . . K t - B 5 ; 16 P x P , Q x R c h ; 17 R x Q , K txQ _; 18 P x R - Q c h , K x Q ; 19 K t - Q ^ , B x K t ; 20 R x B , etc. since B lack loses a t least another pawm. 16

R x K t!

Q xR

17

Q xK t

P -K t3

N ow ' W h ite has tw o K n ig h ts fo r the R o o k , together w ith a go o d position, and this is o f course sufficient for the w in. 18

Q -R 4

B -Q a

19

Q -R 4

B xK t

W h ite w a s th reaten in g, n o t only 20 B x P , b u t also 20 R - Q i , a n d hence B la ck ca n n o t protect his K 2 b y 19 . . . Q R - K t . In ste a d o f the text-m o ve B la c k cou ld ju s t as w ell h ave resigned here. 20 21 22

BxP PxB K t - Q .4 !

Q .- K 3 K R -K i resigns.

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G am e 5 8

R U Y LO PEZ, M O R PH Y D EFEN C E F . I . D . E . Candidates' Tournament in Z u rich , 1 9 5 3

I . Boleslavskv

P . K ere s

I 0

K 1-Q B 3

P -K 4 K t-K B 3

3

B -K t5

4

B -R 4 0 -0

6

R -K i B -K t3 p -b3

5 7

8

9 10 11 12

P -K R 3 B -B 2

0.4

PQ K t Q.2

P -K 4 P -C )R 3 K t-B 3 B -K .2 P -Q K t4 0 -0

0.3

PK t-Q R 4 P -B 4 Q .-B 2

T h u s fa r the gam e has fo llow ed the w e ll-k n o w n p ath s o f the T sch ig o rin D efen ce to th e R u y L o p e z , a n d the p osition n o w o btain ed has ap p eared thousands o f tim es in m a ster gam es. D espite this im m ense to tal o f p ra c tic a l p la y a n d research es into this va ria tio n that h a v e o n som e occasions go n e v e r y d eep in d eed , it has not y et been d ecid ed to this v e r y d a y w h a t is B la c k ’s best continuation. H e re m oves like 1 2 . . . K t - B 3 , 12 . . . B P xP , 12 . . . B -Q 2 , 12 . . . B - K t 2 , 12 . . . R - K i , and others, h a v e been tried, b u t nevertheless all the p ro b le m s in the position h a v e n ot y et been solved. I

h a d the sam e position a few rounds earlier ag a in st A v e r ­

b a ch . T h e n I continued w ith 1 2 . . . B - K t 2 ; a n d th en , a fte r 1 3 K t - B i , w e n t in for the g a m b it variatio n 1 3 . . . B P x P ; 1 4 P x P , Q R - B i , fo llow ed b y P - Q 4 etc. D u r in g the g a m e a n e w id ea c a m e in to m y h ead. I f one intends to c a r r y o u t the th ru st P - Q 4 , w h y should one necessarily p rep are it b y 1 2 . . . B - K t 2 ; ra th e r th a n , fo r in stan ce, 1 2 . . . R - Q .I ? N a tu r a lly d u rin g th e g a m e I w a s u n ab le to study this id e a e x h au stively, a n d h a d to la y it on one side as bein g too tim e-co n su m in g. B u t after so m e b r ie f p rep aratio n s a t hom e the id e a w a s r e a d y fo r th e p resen t g a m e

43 °

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OF CHESS

as fa r as the gen eral g u id in g lines w ere con cern ed an d this w a s a g o o d o p p o rtu n ity to tr y it out in p ractice. 12

. . .

R -Q i!

T h e e x clam a tio n m a rk to this m o ve does n ot o f course m ean th a t it is stron ger th an the other continuations th at h a v e b een used here hitherto. I n certain con crete cases, h o w ev e r, this m o v e is th e m ost effective, that is to sa y , the m ost troublesom e for th e oppon en t. I t is m anifest to W h ite that the id ea o f th e te x t-m o ve lies in the c a r r y in g out o f the p a w n ad v a n c e P - Q 4 a n d to m eet this a n u m b er o f w ays lie o pen to h im . B u t to find th e rig h t on e am ongst these d u rin g the g am e w ith o n ly a lim ited am o u n t o f tim e a t one’s disposal is n o easy task, esp ecially w h e n one takes into acco u n t th at this is th e first tim e W h ite has been face d w ith the p ro blem , w h ereas his o p p o n en t has a lrea d y been able to stu d y the id ea in h om e an alysis. 13

K t-B i

W h ite has n oth ing better than to allo w the g am e to g o alo n g th e paths p rep a red b y his ad versary, since after 1 3 P x K P , P x P , o r 1 3 P - Q 5 , B - Q 2 B la c k , in contrast w ith usual variatio n s, has a t least g a in ed a v a lu a b le tempo.

13

•••

P-0.4

T h is thrust is the p o in t o f B lack ’s in n ovation . T h e R o o k o n Q i e ffectively su pports the attack again st the en em y cen tre a n d exerts a n un com fo rtable pressure on the opp o sin g Q u e e n . L a t e r , m o re ex a ct, an alysis o f this variatio n has sh o w n th a t B la c k w o u ld do better to interpolate here the p a w n exch an g e 1 3 . . . B P x P ; 1 4 P x P . B u t this w as o n ly realised after the w h o le v a ria tio n h a d been used in m an y gam es. 14

K PxP

I t is not easy for W h ite to determ ine w h ich is the best o f the m a n y possible con tin u ation s here. T h e first m o v e th a t o f cou rse com es in to consideration after th e text-m o ve is 1 4 K t x P , b u t th en, after 1 4 . . . Q P x P , one can n o t see h o w W h ite c a n g a in an a d v a n ta g e . W in n in g a p a w n b y 1 5 B x P , K tx B ; 16 R x K t, B - K t 2 ; 17 R - K i , P xP ; 18 PxP , K t - B 3 , u n d o u b ted ly yields B la c k sufficient co u n terp lay, an d also after 1 5 K t - K t 3 , P x P ; 1 6 P x P , B - Q 3 , as w as p lay e d in the

LATER

YEARS

OF

g a m e N ilsso n -K e re s, A m sterd am

PAUL

KERES

1 9 5 4 , B la c k o b ta in s

431 easy

e q u a lity . A s th e present g a m e shows, th e c o n tin u atio n in the te x t also give s B la c k ad equate p la y . O n l y a b o u t a y e a r after this g a m e w a s p la y e d d id M a ste r V a s iu k o v su cceed in discovering a m eth o d b y w h ic h W h ite co u ld dissolve the tension in the cen tre to his a d v a n ta g e . H e reco m m en d ed th e exchange 1 4 Q P x K P , P x P ; (A fte r 1 4 . . . K t x P ; 1 5 K t - K . 3 , B - K 3 ; 1 6 Q r K 2 , W h ite has th e a w k w a r d th reat o f 1 7 K t x P ) an d n o w n ot the Q u e e n sacrifice 1 5 P x K t , R x Q ; 1 6 P x B o n account o f th e re p ly 1 6 . . . B - K 3 ! b u t the su rprisin g 1 5 K t ( B i ) - Q 2 ! A fte r the ensuing fo rc e d m oves 1 5 . . . P x K t ; 1 6 P x K t, B x B P ; 1 7 Q x P , B - K 3 ; 1 8 K t - K 4 W h it e ’s position is indeed o verw h elm in g. F r o m this last variatio n one c a n also u n d erstan d w h y B lack m u st interpose the p aw n ex ch an g e 1 3 . . . B P x P ; 1 4 P x P , before p la y in g P - Q 4 . F o r then the Q B file w o u ld be o p e n an d W h ite c o u ld n o t p la y K t - K 4 as in the last v a ria tio n sin ce his Bishop o n Q B 2 w o u ld be u n p ro tected . B u t fo r this possib ility, h o w eve r, B la c k ’s gam e w o u ld be satisfactory. A l l these circum stances, h o w ever, o n ly cam e to lig h t la te r on, after the w h o le variation h a d been exh au stively a n a ly se d a n d tried m a n y tim es in p ractice. H e n ce one c a n h a r d ly blam e Bo leslavsk y fo r n ot a t once fin d in g the strongest co n tin u atio n in the present g a m e w hen h e w a s confronted w ith this in n o v a ­ tion fo r the first tim e. 14

. . .

K PxP

15 16

P xP Q -K 2

K tx P

O n c e he c a n solve the p ro b lem o f the defence o f his K in g side satisfacto rily then B la c k has e ve ry reason to b e pleased w ith the result o f the opening. T h ere fo re it is c le a r th a t W h ite m u st look for his chances in a K in g -sid e atta ck . H o w e v e r , 1 6 B - K t 5 does not in a n y w a y con tribu te to this a im since B la c k c a n then reply 16 . . . B x B ; 1 7 K t x B , P - K t 3 , as w e ll as 1 6 . . . B - K 3 ; 1 7 B xB, Q x B ; etc. B u t 16 K t - K t 5 ! sets B lack m u c h m o re difficult problem s. N a tu r a lly B lack cannot w ell re p ly w ith either 1 6 . . . K t K B 3 ; 1 7 Q - B 3 , threatening 1 8 Q x R an d 1 8 B x P c h , o r 1 6 . . .

432

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

P - R 3 ; 1 7 Q - R 5 , a n d W h ite also stands better after 1 6 . . . B x K t ; 1 7 B x B . B u t B la ck ca n beat b ack the d ire ct atta ck b y the q u ie t m o v e 1 6 . . . P - K t 3 ! I f then 1 7 K t x R P , P x P w ith the th re a t o f 1 8 . . . P - Q 6 cou ld follow , an d also after 1 7 Q - B 3 , B - B i on e can n o t see h o w W h ite c a n con tin u e his atta ck effectively. A l l the sam e, this w a s precisely the co n tin u atio n th at W h ite sh o u ld h a v e chosen, since the loss in tim e in vo lve d b y the te x t-m o v e allow s B la ck to ensure his position defin itively. A n d o n ce B la c k has ach ieved this then he has n o th in g m o re to fear a n d W h ite m ust say g o o d b ye to his chan ces o f a n a d v a n ta g e for good. 16 . . . B -K t2 T h u s B la ck th w arts the threat o f 1 7 B - K t 5 , since he fu lly p ro tects his b a ck rank. F o r there w o u ld then follow sim p ly 1 7 . . . B x B ; 1 8 K t x B , P - R 3 . E q u a lly innocuous is also n o w the a tte m p t at atta ck b y 1 7 K t - K t 5 , P - K t 3 since after 1 8 K t x R P B la c k has the strong defensive resource o f 1 8 . . . 0 ^ 3 ] H e n c e W h ite w o u ld h ave best done here to h a v e ab an d o n ed fu rth e r attem pts a t atta ck and p la y e d 1 7 P x P , w h ich w o u ld h a v e led to an a p p ro x im a tely equal gam e. 17

K t-K t3

PxP

B e tter here w a s an im m ediate 1 7 . . . P - K t 3 d e p riv in g his a d v e rs a ry o f the o p p o rtu n ity o f com p licatin g the position b y the K n ig h t leap to K B 5 . A fte r the text-m o ve interesting co m p li­ catio n s cou ld h a v e arisen. B lack (Keres)

W h ite (Boleslavsky) to p la y

LATER

18

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

433

KtxP

U n d o u b te d ly b etter here w a s 1 8 K t - B 5 , b y w h ic h W h ite co u ld h a v e b ro u g h t abou t alm ost in calcu lab le co m p licatio n s. S h o u ld B la c k re p ly to this w ith 1 8 . . . B - K B 3 , then W h it e m a y su rprise his o p p o n en t w ith 1 9 K t - R 6 c h ! , since 1 9 . . . P x K t c a n n o t be p la y e d on accou n t o f 2 0 Q - K 4 etc. A n d afte r 1 9 . . . K - R i ; 2 0 K t - K t s ! , B x K t ; 2 1 Q - Q 3 , w o u ld g iv e W h it e a d an gero u s atta ck , fo r exam p le: 2 1 ___P - B 4 , 2 2 B x B , a n d i f n o w 2 2 . . . K t - K t 5 ; th en 2 3 B x R , R x B ; 2 4 Q x Q P ! etc. I n a d d itio n N a jd o r P s co n tin u atio n 1 9 K t - K t 5 is also q u ite p la y a b le , a lth o u gh then B la c k could v e r y w ell defend h im self b y 1 9 . . . B x K t; 20 BxB, P -B 3. N o t alto gether c le a r are the consequences o f B ro n ste in ’s m o v e 1 8 . . . B - K t 5 . W h ite c an then sim ply an sw er 1 9 R - Q i , b u t N a jd o r f’s continuation, 1 9 Q - Q 3 , is also re a lly d an gero u s fo r B la c k . W h e th e r Black n o w continues w ith 19 . . . B x R ; 20 K t - R 6 ch , fo llow ed b y 21 Q x R P , o r i f he p lays 19 . . . P - K t 3 ; 2 0 K t - R 6 c h , K - K t 2 ; 2 1 R - K 4 , in bo th cases W h ite obtain s excellen t a tta ck in g chances in return for the m a te rial sacrificed . A fte r 1 8 K t - B 5 , B la ck ’s best defence ap p ears to b e 1 8 . . . B - K B * i, so as to be able to defend h im self against 1 9 Q r Q .3 ; o r K t - K t 5 , b y 1 9 . . . P - K t 3 . W h ite cou ld then, fo r e x am p le, con tin u e w ith 1 9 K t ( B 3 ) x P , w h ereu p o n his pieces are a t a n y rate m o re a c tiv e ly p laced th an in the gam e. 18

. . .

P -K t3!

W ith this stro n g defensive m o ve B lack deprives the en em y pieces o f the im p o rta n t K B 5 square an d thus th w a rts all attem p ts a t a tta ck whilst ensuring for h im self th e better ch a n ces o w in g to the more active position o f his pieces.

19

B-R6

P erh ap s B ron stein is right w hen he recom m en d s h ere the desp erate p iece sacrifice 19 K t ( Q j . ) - B 5 as W h ite ’s best c h a n ce . B u t after 19 . . . P x K t ; (also possible o f course is th e sim ple 19 . . . B - K B x ) 2 0 K t x P , B - K B i W h ite ’s prospects o f c a r r y in g out a n a tta ck a re un d o u bted ly sm aller th an those o f B la c k fo r a successful defence. A l l the sam e, this w o u ld still resu lt in a co m p lica te d position with some p ractical chan ces fo r W h ite ,

434

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

w h erea s after the text-m o ve the a d v a n ta g e slo w ly b u t su rely sw in gs o ver to B lack. 19 20

. . . K t-K t3

B -K B 3

A fte r 20 Q R - Q i , B lack w ould g et n o w h ere b y 2 0 . . . K t K t 5 , because o f 2 1 B - K t i ! , but w ith 2 0 . . . K t - K B s ! he cou ld o b ta in the a d v a n ta g e o f tw o Bishops an d so get the c le a rly b etter position. W ith the text-m ove W h ite does in d eed defend his p a w n on Q K t 2 for the m om ent, since 20 . . . B x P ? w o u ld be m e t b y 2 1 K t x K t , Q x K t ; 22 B x P ! etc., b u t this defence is a p u re ly tem p o rary one. 20

. . .

K t-Q B s

N o w the p a w n can no longer be defen d ed an d hence Blafck h as attained a strategically w o n position. T h e p ractical realisation o f this a d van tag e is, h o w eve r, atten d ed still b y con siderable difficulties since W h ite obtain s m ark ed cou n ter­ p la y on the b lack squares. 21

K t-K 4

22

K t ( K t 3 )-B 5

BxP

W h ite is co n vin ced th at, for instance after 2 2

Q R -Q i,

B - K t 2 ; 2 3 B x B , K x B , B la c k ’s extra p a w n w ill sooner o r later p ro v e decisive an d so goes in for a n e x ch an g e sacrifice in ord er to com p lica te m atters a little. H e w an ts, after the cap tu re on Q R i , to utilise the weaknesses on th e b lack squares, in p a rti­ c u la r on the lo n g d iago n al, for a K in g -sid e atta ck ; b u t such hopes p ro ve illusory. B y reason o f his w ell d evelo p ed position B la c k is ab le to repulse all enem y attem pts at attack in the sequel an d after th at it is a n easy m a tter to realise his m aterial su perio rity for w in n in g purposes. 22 23

. . . R xB

BxR P -B 4 !

W e a k en in g p a w n ad van ces o f this n atu re on the K in g -sid e are not u su ally m ad e vo lu n tarily; bu t in this p a rtic u la r position it is the best p rocedure, since it brings ab ou t further exchanges a n d this in turn m akes it easier to realise the m aterial ad van tag e . 24

K tx B

1

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

435

U n fo rtu n a te ly fo r W h ite, this exch an g e is forced, sin ce b o th 2 4 K t - K 6 , Q 7 K 4 ; an d 24 K t - K t 5 , K t - B s , lead to fu rth e r loss in m aterial. 24 25

. . . K t-B 5

Q xK t Q -B 3

26

K t-Q .3

K t-B 6

27

Q ,- K i

Q .-B 3

N o w the B la c k K nights are so effectively posted th at W h it e ’s atta ck in g ch a n ces are p rac tic ally liq u id ated . A n d this m ean s th at the issue o f the gam e is decid ed . 28

P -B 4

K t-K 5

N a tu r a lly n ot 2 8 . . . R x K t ; 2 9 B x R , Q _-Q _5ch; 3 0 K - R 2 , w hen B la ck can n o t p lay 3 0 . . . Q x B ? because o f 3 1 Q ,~ K 6 ch . B u t n o w he does threaten 2 9 . . . R x K t . 29 30

K -R 2 Q .-Q K U

Q .-B 6

T h e e n d ga m e after 30 Q x Q ,; K txQ _ w o u ld n atu rally b e h o p e ­ less for W h ite . T h e text-m ove allow s a p retty finish.

30 31

• • • Q rQ B i

32

BxR

33

Qr resigns.

K t(B 5 } - Q 7 R x K t! Q_xB

®7

K t-B 6 c h !

A fte r 3 4 P x K t , Q - K 7 ch W h ite is m a te d in three m o ves.

G am e 5 9

Q .P . K I N G ’ S I N D I A N

D EFEN CE

M a tc h E ston ia-Latvia in T allin n , 1 9 5 4

M . Tal

P . K ere s

1

P -Q 4

K t-K B 3

2

P -Q B 4

P -K K t3

3

K t-Q B 3

B -K t2

T h e K in g ’s In d ia n is a n o pen in g th at is rarely seen in m y repertoire. I kn ew that T a l is a m aster w ith a v e r y sh a r p style

GRANDMASTER

436

OF

CHESS

a n d that he is eager for com plications an d so I w a n te d w ith m y choice o f o p en in g to afford h im e ve ry possibility o f so doing. A n d indeed it ca n n o t be said th at this g am e w as w a n tin g in interesting com p licatio n s as it proceed ed . 4

P -K 4

5

K t-B 3

P -Q .3

O f recent yea rs S a m isc h ’s continuation, 5 P - B 3 , has becom e v e r y fashionable an d the possibilities arisin g from it h av e been exp lo red d eep into the m id d le-gam e, bo th th eoretically an d p ra c tic a lly . W h eth e r W h ite does in fact o btain better results w ith it o r w h eth er th e m ove is m erely a question o f fashion o n ly the future c a n g iv e a reply. 5

. . .

0 -0

6

B -K a

P -K 4

7

B -K 3

A little used co n tin u atio n th at does not g ive B lack m u ch d ifficu lty. A fte r 7 the variatio n th at w as at th at tim e

0-0

h ig h ly fashionable w a s 7 . . . K t - B 3 ; 8 P -Q .5 , K t - K 2 ; 9 K t - K i , K t - Q g ; 10 K t - Q 3 , P - K B 4 ; 1 1 P - B 3 , P - B 5 etc. one in w h ich B la c k ’s attack on the K in g -sid e is m et b y W h it e ’s on the Q u e e n ’s w in g . B u t despite a considerable mass o f p ractical experience o f this line it is not a t all c le ar w hich attack holds out m ore chan ces o f success here. W ith the text-m o ve T a l intends to tr y a n e w p lan in th a t he abstains from castlin g im m ediately. A fte r this B la c k ’s attack On th e K in g ’s w in g is w ith o u t its cu sto m ary force an d metre ch a n ces o f success are afforded for the W h ite a d v an ce o n the o th er w in g . 7

. . .

K t-B s

B la c k reacts aga in st the ad versary's p la n o f cam p aig n . B u t h e cou ld also h a v e p lu m p e d for sim plification here b y 7 . . . P x P ; 8 K t x P , R - K i ; 9 P - B 3 , P - B 3 , since W h ite c a n no lo n ger w e ll p reven t the freein g thrust o f P - Q 4 (L issitzin -T a im a n o v , X X I s t U . S . S . R . C h am p io n sh ip , 1 9 5 4 ) . 8

P -Q

5

I t has been lo n g w ell-k n ow n th at after 8

0 - 0 , B lack obtain s

a g o o d position b y 8 . . . R - K i (9 P - Q 5 , K t - Q s ! ) . B u t as w'c

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

437

h a v e a lre a d y observed, an e a rly castlin g is n o t a t all p a r t o f T a l ’s plans.

8

. . .

9

P -K R 3

Kt-K.2

T h e point o f this m ove is to be found in the sa fe gu a rd in g o f the position o f the Bishop on K 3 . B u t i f it is W h it e ’s in ten tio n , as in fact does a c tu a lly o ccu r in the g am e, to c a r r y o u t the m an oeu vre K t - Q 2 followed b y P - B 3 , then it w o u ld be p refera b le to do it stra ig h ta w a y . A s W h ite p lay s the m o ve P - K R 3 m e re ly creates a w eakness in his position. 9 to

• • • K t-Q s>

K t-Q _2

O n ce W h ite has already p la y e d 9 P - K R 3 , then 10 P - K K t 4 w o u ld be m ore lo gical here. I f B lack replies to this w ith 10 . . . P - K B 4 then there can follow 1 1 K P x P , P x P ; 1 2 Q .-B 2 a n d i 3

0 - 0-0

w ith a sh arp gam e th at is not u n favo u rab le fo r W h ite .

A fte r the text-m o ve Black o btain s an excellent position. 10

. . .

P -K B 4

11

P -B 3

Px P!

T h is seems a t first glance so m ew hat su rprising, b u t it is, h o w ever, based on sound considerations. F o r W h ite m u st n ot n o w p la y 1 2 P x P , because o f 1 2 . . . K t x P ! b y w h ic h m o v e B la ck utilises the weakness created in the K in g ’s position b y 9 P - K R 3 for the tactical th reat o f m ate b y 2 3 . . . Q _-R 3 ch . A fte r the ca p tu re w ith the K n ig h t, h o w ever, B la c k ’s K n ig h t gets to the strong square o f Q 4 v ia K B 4 , an d this evens o u t the chan ces for both sides. 12

K l;Q _ 2 )x P

13

B -K tj

.

K t-K B 4 K t-B 3

N a tu ra lly not i 3 . . . Q _ -K i because o f 1 4 K t - K t 3 etc. 14

B -Q 3

QtK

i

In stead o f this an im m ediate 1 4 . . . P - B 4 cam e in to c o n ­ sideration, en suring the K n ig h t th e im p o rta n t Q .5 sq u are. I f in re p ly W h ite exchanges p a w n s b y 1 5 P x P e .p ., P x P ; then B la ck gets the better position o w in g to his m ob ile p a w n cen tre. 15 16

K t-K 2 BxK t

K tx K t B -B 3

438

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

B la ck has attain ed a v e r y good position bu t n o w he unneces­ sa rily exchanges o f f his strong Bishop. H e hopes thereafter to explo it the weaknesses o f the b lack squares in the enem y position, b u t in fa ct obtains n o th ing tan gible. M u c h m ore p ro m isin g here w a s the thrust 1 6 . . . P - B 4 , further stren gthen ­ in g his h o ld on the Q 5 square. A g a in , after 1 7 P x P e .p ., P x P ; B lack w o u ld h ave an excellent position because o f his m obile p a w n cen tre ( 1 8 B x K t ? , R x B !) . 17

BxB

R xB

18

Q -Q s

P -B 4

H e re too the a d v a n c e o f the p aw n is still ad eq u ate an d forces his a d v e rsa ry to e x ch an g e o ff p aw n s, since otherw ise B lack w o u ld d efin itively secu re his K n ig h t position on Q 5 an d fu rther­ m o re w o u ld o b tain g o o d chances on the Q u e e n ’s w in g b y P -Q K t4 . 19 20

P x P e.p. P -K K 14 ?

PxP

W ith this thrust T a l ap p aren tly hopes to m ake use o f the so m ew h a t insecure position o f the B lack R o o k on K B 3 , b u t, as th e sequel shows, w ith o u t success. O n the co n tra ry , W h ite n o ticea b ly w eakens his K in g ’s w in g w ith 2 0 P - K K t 4 , a n d this la ter pro ves fatal. C o r r e c t here w as sim p ly 2 0 w ith an

0-0

a p p ro x im a tely eq u a l position. 20

. . .

K t-K 2

21 0-0

B lack (K eres) to p la y m

m

m

+

m

i £

i

S

m

m

m

m m

t

m mm m m m mm W h ite (T a l)

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

439

A fte r 2 1 P ~ K t 5 , R - K 3 B la c k ’s R o o k w o u ld n ot b e b y a n y m ean s so b a d ly p la ce d as one m ig h t think at first g la n c e a n d th e p a w n m ove w o u ld weaken W h ite ’ s K ang-side still fu rth er. T h e com bin atio n 2 2 B - Q , 5 , P x B ; 2 3 P x P , w o u ld result in B la c k h a v in g a clear a d v a n ta g e after 2 3 . . . K t x P ; 2 4 Q x K t , R - K t i . B u t there also c a m e into consideration 2 1 O - O - O , afte r w h ic h th e position w o u ld becom e v e r y com p licated . W ith the text-m o ve W h ite hopes to arriv e a t 2 2 P - B 4 , b u t B la ck is able to th w a rt this p la n b y action in the cen tre. 21

. . .

B -R 3

22

P-Kt3

P-Q4!

W ith this energetic thrust B la c k grasps the in itiative firm ly in , his h an d a n d d rives his opponent com p letely on the defen sive.

23

Q.-Kt5

T a l tries to o btain counterplay b y atta ck in g the u n p ro te cted p a w n on K 4 a n d so gives his oppon en t the m ost d ifficulties. B a d o f course w a s 2 3 P xP , B x K t ; 2 4 Q x B , P x P ; 2 5 B - Q . 3 , K t - B 3 w ith a m a rk ed ad van tage for B lack , an d the im m ed iate retreat 2 3 B - Q 3 , results, after 2 3 . . . Q ,-B 2 , in ab o u t th e sam e position as in the gam e. 23 24

. . . B -Q 3

Q .-B 2 PxP!

T h o u g h w ith this Black renounces his beau tifu l p a w n cen tre the exch an ge, nevertheless, constitutes the m ost effective co n tin u atio n o f the attack. W h ite m ust n o w allo w the e x ch a n g e o f his go o d defensive piece— the Bishop on Q , 3 — sin ce a fte r 2 5 P x P , R - Q i h e w o u ld in cu r re a lly troublesom e th reats o n the K B 1 - Q R 6 d iago n al. 25

B xB P

BxB

26

P xB

R -K B i

N o w W h ite is punished for his ill-considered 20 th m o v e . T h e atta ck on the K B P can no lo n ger be w a rd e d o f f a n d w ith the fall o f this p a w n W h ite ’s K in g is su bjected to a fierce a tta ck . I n ad d itio n he is threatened sim p ly w ith 2 7 . . . Q x P , W h it e ’s re p ly is therefore forced.

GRANDMASTER

440

27 28

Q xP

OF

CHESS

R -K 3

28 Q 7R 2 Q ;- K t 2 w o u ld also be m et b y 2 8 . . . R - K 6 . 28 29

D espite

. . . K t-K t3

his d ifficu lt position

R -K 6 Tal

defends

h im self m ost

resourcefully. H e p lan s now after 2 9 . . . R x P ; 3 0 R x R , Q x R , to consolidate his position by 3 1 R - K i . B u t B lack first cap tu res o n Q B 5 a n d leaves th e p aw n on B 3 to rem ain a b u rd en for W h ite . 29 30

. . . K t - K 4 '.

Q xQ BP

O n c e a g a in T a l finds a clever defence for the K B P . I f n o w 3 0 . . . R ( K 6 ) x P ; then 3 1 R x R , R x R ; 3 2 Q - K 5 , o r also 3 1 . . .

32

Q r Q .5 ch ; K - K t 2 , R x P ; 3 3 K x R , Q x R ; 3 4 Q - Q 6 , in both cases w ith go o d c o u n te rp lay in return for the p aw n .

30

- • •

5

Q rQ . !

B la ck definitely assures his ad v an tag e w ith this strong m o ve. W h ite can n o t n o w co'ntinue w ith either 3 1 K - K t 2 , R - K y c h , or 31

K -R i,

R ( K 6 ) x P ; how ever, T a l still finds a w a y o f

a v o id in g gre ate r loss o f m aterial. 31 32

Q R -Q i! K t-B 2

R -Q 6 d is ch R (B i)x P

A n d so B la c k has w o n a p aw n w ith the better position, w h e reu p o n one m a y d eem the fate o f the g am e to be b a sically d ecid ed . In the rem a in in g part o f the g am e T a l does in d eed p u t u p the toughest possible resistance b u t he is no lo n ger a b le to ch a n ge the result o f the struggle. 33

R xR

R xR

34

Q -K t8 c h

K -K t2

35

Q tB7 Q -K t7

Q -K 6

36

N e cessa ry, since W h ite must avo id the transition in to an easily w o n en d in g for B la c k b y 3 6 . . . Q - K t 6 c h , etc, 36

. . .

K -R 3

37

Q ~ K t8

R -Q 7

38

Q -Q K t3

K t-Q 4

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

441

KERES

I n tim e trouble, Black wishes to avo id possible c o m p licatio n s afte r 3 8 . . . Q - B 5 ; 3 9 P - K t s c h (3 9 . . . Q x P c h ? ; 4 0 K t - K t 4 c h !) an d invites his opponent to com e d o w n to a n e n d in g . I n a c tu a l' fa ct, h o w ever, 3 8 . . . Q 7-B 5 w o u ld h a v e w o n m o re q u ick ly , since 3 9 P - K t 5 c h c a n be sim p ly m et b y 3 9 . . . K - R 4 ! 39

P -K tsc h ?

H e re o f course W hite should h av e taken th e o p p o rtu n ity o f c o m in g d o w n to an ending b y 3 9 Q x Q . K t x Q ; fo llo w in g this u p b y 4 0 R - K i , even though the position w o u ld still b e w o n fo r B la ck thereafter. In the e n d -g am e, h o w e v e r, W h it e c o u ld still h a v e p u t u p a stubborn resistance, w h ereas n o w B la c k w in s q u ick ly .

39

• • •

K -R 4 !

N a tu r a lly n ot 3 9 . . . K x P ? 4 0 Q x Q c h , fo llo w ed b y 4 1 K t - K 4 c h , a n d also after 3 9 . . . Q x P c h ; 4 0 K t - K t 4 c h , W h ite w o u ld still h a v e some troublesom e threats. B u t th e text-m o ve b rin gs a b o u t a n im m ediate decision, since n o w th e en d in g a fte r 4 0 Q x Q , K t x Q w ould also be hopeless o n a c c o u n t o f the w eakness o n K K t fj. '4 0 41

Q -K ty

Q -K tg ch

K -R i

R xK t

.

Sim p lest. N o w the Black K in g easily escapes the checks. 42

Q x P ch

43

P-R4CI1

K xP

!

’

U n fo rtu n a te ly 4 3 R - K K t i , fails again st 4 3 . . . . R - R 7 m a te .

43

k“b3

• - resigns.

'

A fte r 4 4 Q - R 8 c h , K - B 2 ; 4 5 Q -R 7 C I 1, K - K 3 ; 4 6 R - K i c h , K - Q 3 , o r 4 6 Q - K t 8 c h , K - Q 2 ; 4 7 Q r K t 7 c h , K - Q 3 , the checks a re en d ed and W h ite has a p iece less in the en d in g. G am e 60

S IC IL IA N D E F E N C E T h e F in a l o f the X I Chess O lym piad in Am sterdam , 1 9 5 4

P . K eres

J . S a jta r

1

F -Q B 4

P -K 4

44*

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

2 3

K t-K B 3 P -0 ,4

P -O 3 PxP

4

K tx P

K t-K B s

5

K t-Q B 3

P-QR3

T h is system o f defence, w hich shows a n u m b er o f sim ilarities to th e Bo leslavsk y defence 5 . . . K t - B 3 ; 6 B - K 2 , P - K 4 , has g a in e d g re a t p o p u la rity in recent years. A fte r 6 B - K 2 , P - K 4 B la c k , in con trast frith the Boleslavsky D efen ce, has the a d v a n ­ ta g e o f b e in g ab le to develop his Q K t either to Q B 3 o r Q 2 a c c o r d in g to circum stances. 6

B -K t5

Q K t-Q *

U s u a lly 6 . . . P - K 3 is p layed h ere. B u t the defensive system in a u g u ra te d b y the text-m ove is also not b a d for B lack a n d in a d d itio n he still retains the possibility o f e ven tu ally d e ve lo p in g his K B on K K t 2 in this line. 7

B -Q B 4

P -K 3

W it h this m o ve B la ck m ixes u p tw o defensive system s, both g o o d b y them selves, an d hence soon gets in to difficulties. I f B la c k d id n ot w a n t to go in for 7 . . . P - K K t g an d 8 . . . B - K t 2 h ere, th en he m ust p la y at once 7 . . . Q .- R 4 a n d o n ly after 8 Q r Q ? should he ad o p t the 8 . . . P - K 3 m o ve. T h e num erous g a m es th a t h ave com m en ced in this fashion in recen t to u rn a­ m ents sh o w th at w ith it B lack gets an a ccep ta b le g am e. 8

0-0

Q .-B 2?

T h is co n tin u atio n allow s W h ite to m ake a m ost p rom isin g p iece sacrifice, but b y n o w it is difficult to reco m m en d a sa tisfacto ry m o ve for B lack. T h e sacrifice 9 B x K P is also v e ry stro n g after 8 . . . B - K 2 o r 8 . . . P - Q K t 4 , an d to 8 . . . Q - R 4 W h ite c a n sim p ly re p ly 9 P -B 4 . T h e attem p t to w in a piece then b y 9 . . . Q - Q B 4 ; 10 B - K t 3 , P - K 4 is not to be feared as 1 1 P x P , P x P ; 1 2 B - K 3 ! , P x K t ; 13 B x Q P , follow ed b y 1 4 P - K 5 gives W h ite a decisive attack. C o m p ara tiv ely best w a s p erh ap s still 8 . . . P - R 3 ; 9 B - R 4 , K t - K 4 ; 10 B - Q K t 3 , K t - K t 3 bu t this too is n ot w h o lly satisfactory. 9

BxK P!

A ch a ra cte ristic p iece sacrifice in such positions. I n retu rn for th e p iece W h ite n o w obtains tw o p aw n s to gether w ith an

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

443

excellen t developm ent; he also prevents his o p p o n e n t from ca stlin g a n d gets an ex em p lary attack in g position. 9 10

. . . K tx P

PxB Q -B 5

T h e best rep ly, although w ith it B lack gives u p y e t a third p a w n . A fte r 10 . . . Q ~ K t i the B lack Q u een w o u ld b e q u ite out o f p la y a n d W h ite w ould attain a decisive atta ck b y 1 1 K t - Q 5 . 11

K t-Q 5

W h ite w a n ts to decide the g am e b y a d irect atta ck , b u t this is n o t so sim ple to achieve, since B la c k has su fficient pieces in p la y fo r defence. A lth o u gh W h ite does retain a v e r y stro n g a tta ck in th e n ext phase o f the gam e on e can n o t c a te g o rica lly dem o n strate th a t this w o u ld be enough to ensure h im the w in . T h ere fo re th ere also cam e into consideration here the sim p le w in o f a p a w n b y 1 1 K t x B and 1 2 Q x P . W h ite w o u ld th en o b ta in y e t a th ird p a w n fo r his piece an d b y reason o f the th re a t o f P - K 5 w o u ld o b tain equ ally good attack in g possibilities. 11

. . .

K -B 2 !

B la c k finds m uch the best defence. M a r k e d ly w e a k e r w o u ld h a v e been 1 1 . . . K t x K t ; 1 2 P x K t , b y w h ic h W h ite defin­ itiv e ly assures the position o f his K t on K 6 an d retain s an o v er­ w h e lm in g a tta ck after both 1 2 . . . K - B 2 ; 1 3 R - K i , an d 1 3 P - Q K t 3 , follow ed by 1 4 R - K i . A fte r the te x t-m o v e , h o w ever, W h it e ’s task is m uch m ore difficult. 12

BxK t B lack (S a jta r) to p la y

W h ite (K eres) 12

. . . K x K t?

444

URANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

I t is this in a c cu ra cy th at gives B lack a lost position. H e re he sh o u ld h ave p la ye d the cold-blooded 1 2 . . . K t x B , despite the w e a k e n in g o f the Q K t 3 square. I f n o w 1 3 K t - K t 5 c h , K - K t i ; 1 4 K t - K t 6 , then, b y 1 4 . . . Q - B 4 ; 1 5 K t x R , Q x K t , B lack wins tw o pieces for a R o o k a n d two p aw n s an d has a v e r y satis­ fa c to r y position. D u r in g the g am e I intended to re p ly to 1 2 . . . K t x B , w ith 1 3 P - Q K t 3 , since after the only retreat-m ove o f the Q u een , 1 3 . . . Q _-K t4, W h ite w in s a w hole R o o k b y 1 4 K t ( K 6 ) - B 7 . B la c k h as, h ow ever, a better defence in th at he c a n g ive u p his Q u e e n b y 1 3 . . . Q x R c h ! 1 4 Q x Q , B x K t . T h e position arising is d ifficu lt to appraise, it being one in w h ich , m aterially sp eak in g, B lack has nothing to com p lain ab ou t, b u t on accou n t o f th e insecure position o f his K in g he w ill h ave to reckon w ith a g re a t a c tivity on the p a rt o f the en em y Q u een . F o r instance, afte r 1 5 K t - B y , R - B i ; 16 K tx B , K x K t ; 1 7 P - K B 4 , the Black K i n g is m ost insecurely placed in the centre, an d , too, B lack m u st still devote a g re a t deal o f tim e to d evelo p in g his pieces. A n d W h ite can utilise this circum stance to increase his co m ­ m a n d o f the initiative. I t seems to m e that in this case, too, W h ite ’s chan ces w o u ld h a v e been preferable. B u t the result w o u ld h ave been in no w a y c le a r a n d B lack w o u ld undoubtedly h a v e h ad b etter prospects o f a successful defence than he n o w has in the g am e. 13

B -B 3!

T h e c h ie f aim o f this m ove lies in c u ttin g o f f the retreat o f the B la c k K in g v ia K B 2 . F o r i f now 1 3 . . . K - B 2 ; 1 4 Q - R f ,c h , P - K t 3 ; (or 1 4 . . . K - K t i ; 1 5 Q - K 8 etc.) 1 5 Q -B 3C I1, K - K t i ; 1 6 K t - B 6 c h an d W h ite wins. N o w B lack no lo n ger has an y g o o d defence again st the threat o f 1 4 Q - K t 4 c h a n d so he has to a b a n d o n protection o f the Q K t 3 square, after w h ich , h ow ever, W h ite forces a decisive g ain in m aterial. 13 14

. . . BxK t

15

K t-K t6

K t-B 3 PxB

W ith this the gam e is ended to all intents an d purposes. B lack has insufficient com pensation for the loss o f the exch an g e an d a tte m p ts a t en trap p in g the K t on R 8 are in v ain .

I.ATKR

15 16 An

im m ed iate

YKARS

OK

P A I'l

• • • K tx R

445

KERBS

Q -B 3

16 Q - Q s c h , cou ld o f cou rse

h av e been

p la y e d , b u t W h ite need be in no h u rry to m ake this m o ve. 16

. . .

B -K .2

17

P -Q R 4

P -K t3

T h is co u ld not h ave been p la y e d on the p revio u s m o ve o n a c c o u n t o f 16 . . . P - K t 3 ; 1 7 K t x P , Q x K t ; 1 8 Ci-K.t4.clr, etc. b u t n o w too W h ite finds a w a y o f sa v in g his K t . 18 19 20

Q rC b ch R -R 3 K tx P c h !

B o th 2 0 . . . B x K t ; 2 1

K -Q 2 B -(ii resigns.

Q -B 7 C I1, K - Q i ;

22

Q xP ch , and

2 0 . . . Q x K t ; 2 1 Q -B 5C I1, w in fo r W h ite w ith o u t a n y trou b le.

Game 61 PETRO FF D EFEN CE

International Tournament at Hastings, 1954-55 P. K eres 1 P -K 4

C . H . O 'D . A le x a n d e r P -K 4 .

2

K t-K B 3

K t-K B 3

A le x a n d e r is recognised as one o f the le ad in g experts o f the Petro fF D efen ce a n d he has obtain ed good results w ith it against th e w o rld ’s best players. P raxis has show n th at it is v e r y d ifficu lt fo r W h ite to obtain a n y n o ticeable a d v a n ta g e again st this d efen ce. M o r e p a rticu la rly w h e n B lack h an d les th e o p e n in g a c c u ra te ly . I n this gam e too W h ite attains n o th in g w o rth m en tio n in g o u t o f the opening. 3

K tx P

I n recen t tim es the m ethod o f p la y 3 P - Q 4 , P x P ; 4 P - K 5 , K t - K s ; 5 Q x P , P - Q 4 ; 6 P x P e .p ., K t x P ( Q 3 ) ; 7 K t - B 3 has been p la y e d often, b u t in this line too n o system h as been d isco vered b y w h ich W h ite c a n obtain an a d v a n ta g e . I t w o u ld

446

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

seem th a t th e P e tro ff D efen ce is a g o o d one to choose w hen one is n o t a im in g a t m ore than equ ality o u t o f the o pening.

3 4 5

• . •

P-Q 3

K t-K B 3

K tx P

P-0.4

P~Q4

6

B -Q S

B -K 2

A le x a n d e r h a d a lre a d y dem onstrated h im self in 1 9 3 8 th at th e p a w n sacrifice 6 . . . B - Q 3 ; 7 O - O , ; 8 P -B 4 , B -K K t 5 ;

0 0

9 P x P , P - K B 4 is n o t q uite sound. T h e text-m o ve is regard ed as b e in g best here.

7 0-0

Kt-QB3

8

R -K i

B -K K t5

9

P -B 3

A s has been kn ow n for q u ite a tim e, the sim p lifyin g variatio n 9 B x K t , P x B ; 1 0 R x P , B x K t ; 1 1 Q x B , K t x P leads to nothing. W h it e does retain som e prospects o f a slender a d v a n ta g e b y 9 P - B 4 , here, since after 9 . . . B x K t (an im m ed iate 9 . . . K t x P ? loses a piece after 10 B x K t ) 10 Q x B , K t x P ; 1 1 Q - K 3 , W h ite has som e troublesom e threats. A c c o r d in g to present theory, B la c k , after the te xt-m o ve, arrives at e q u ality.

9

• • ■

K t-B s?

O n c e B la c k has gone in for this o pen in g v a ria tio n then he sh o u ld n ot a v o id the possibility o f g re at com p licatio n s arising

0 0

fro m 9 . . . P - B 4 . A fte r 10 P -B 4 , B - R 5 ! o r 10 Q ~ K t 3 , ! positions arise th at h a v e been d eem ed to be satisfacto ry for B la c k b y th eory, b u t th e y are v e r y co m p licated a n d so m a y co n c e a l m a n y a surprise. T h e K t m o ve is in a n y case illo gical since w ith it B lack v o lu n ta rily leaves the in itiative to his oppon en t a n d abandons w ith o u t a struggle the c h ie f pride o f his position, th e outpost on K 5 . 10

B -K K ts

Q -Q a ?

T h e p la n A le x a n d e r chooses here is indeed am bitio u s b u t it is s c a r ce ly sound position ally speaking. H e aim s at castling Q u een -sid e so as to em ba rk on a K in g -sid e attack thereafter. B u t in th e first p lace W h it e ’s K in g ’s w in g has no weaknesses and h en ce afford s no object o f attack an d in the second p lace W h ite

LATER

YEARS

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PAUL

KERES

447

gets in m u ch m o re q u ick ly w ith his co u n te r-atta ck o n th e Q u e e n ’s w in g . I t is fo r these reasons too th at W h ite refrain s from e x ch a n g in g o f f on K B 6 in the ensuing phase o f th e g a m e since this w o u ld o pen u p the K K t file a n d d ep rive W h it e ’s pieces o f the im p o rta n t square K 5 . Th*e righ t p la n n atu rally la y in 10 . . . O - O , to w h ic h W h ite w o u ld h ave replied 1 1 Q K t - Q p , w ith o n ly a sligh t positional a d v a n ta g e . 11

0 - 0-0

Q K t-Q a

B la ck strides straight to w ard s disaster. D esp ite the loss in tim e b y 10 . . . Q - Q a , 1 1 . . . 12

0-0

w a s still in o rd er.

Q .-R 4

H e re there also cam e into consideration 1 2 B - K t 5 , w ith the troublesom e threat o f 1 3 B x Q K t , b u t W h ite w a n te d to u n p in his K n ig h t as quickly as possible. N o w in d eed B la c k m ust reckon w ith the threatened 1 3 B - K u y 12

. . .

P -K R 3

I n o rd er to prevent the en em y th reat B lack chooses a m eth o d o f d ive rtin g the K n ig h t from K j . T h is is, h o w e v e r, b o u n d u p w ith a w eak en in g o f his o w n position an d en ables W h ite to o b tain a decisive ad van tage in c o m b in atio n al fashion. B u t b y n o w it is h a rd to find a reasonable p la n for B la c k since he has p la c e d his K in g in a most dan gerou s situation w ith his Q u e e n side castlin g. If, for exam ple, 1 2 . . . B - Q 3 , th en, in ad d itio n to 1 3 B - K t 5 , W h ite can continue w ith (even m o re stro n gly) 1 3 P -K t 4 , K - K t i ; 14 P -K t5 , K t - K 2 ; 1 5 K t - K s , B x K t; 16 PxB, a n d so g a in a clear ad van tage. T h e sam e p ossib ility is also v e r y strong after the w eakening m o ve 1 2 . . . P - Q R 3 . 13

B -R 4

P -K K t4

14 15

B -K t3 K tx B .

BxK t P -K tj

N o w the id ea o f B la c k ’s defensive m a n o e u v re becom es a p p a re n t. H e intends, after 16 K t - R 4 , to sacrifice a p a w n b y 1 6 . . . K t - K s ! ; 1 7 B x K t , P x B . I f then 1 8 R x P , P - B 4 , w ith a tta ck in g chan ces on the K in g ’s w in g ( 1 9 R - K 2 , P - B 5 ! ) . B u t there is a hole in the entire p lan , as is dem o n strated c o n v in cin g ly in the g a m e continuation.

448

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

B lack (A lexan d er)

m*m m m

B ia tu B m

i m mm m

m

m

W h ite (K eres) to p la y 16

K t-K 5 !

A t first g la n ce surprising, b u t in re ality n ot so difficult to find. B la c k is n o w fa ce d w ith m ost a w k w a rd defensive problem s. W h it e ’s atta ck assum es m ost th reaten in g proportions an d e xacts the utm ost carefu l defence from the ad versary. I t is interesting to observe th at there w a s possible here another solution o f the p ro b le m — an d an e q u a lly effective one. W h ite c o u ld q u ietly igno re the attack on his K n ig h t an d continue w ith 1 6 B - K t 5 ! a n d this, after 16 . . . P x K t ; 1 7 B x K t , Q x B ; (B la ck w o u ld be even tu a lly m ated after 1 7 . . . P x B ; 1 8 Q x R P ) 1 8 R x B ! , Q x Q j 19 R x P c h , K - K t i ; 2 0 R -B 4 d is c h , K —R i ; 2 1 R x Q _ , w o u ld leave W h ite in a fine position w ith a sound p a w n to th e go od . T h e continuation in the g am e, h ow ever, sets B la c k h a rd e r p roblem s an d leaves open m o re opportunities for h im to go w ro n g . 16 17

. . . B -B 5 !

K tx K t

T h is second p iece sacrifice constitutes the m ain id ea o f W h it e ’s co n d u ct o f the attack . In o rd er to av o id the w orst B la c k m u st n o w retu rn the m aterial he has g ain ed , losing at least a p a w n in the process. I n a n y case, the o th er p iece sacrifice 1 7 Q x P , K t - B 3 ; 18 Q - R 8 c h , K t - K t i , w a s fa r from clear since in re p ly to 1 9 R - K 5 , B la c k c a lm ly p la y s 1 9 . . . Q _-Q .3 j an d retains his extra piece, te m p o ra rily, a t a n y rate.

LATER

YEARS

Ol-' P A U L

KERBS

17

. . .

Q xB

18

R xK t

Q -Q 6 ?

449

B la ck , in a difficult position, com m its a m istake th at results in im m ed iate loss. H o w ever, a n atte m p t a t re ta in in g his p iece b y 1 8 . . . Q - Q 2 e q u a lly gives W h ite an o v e rw h e lm in g position after, for e x a m p le, 19 Q x P , Q - K i ; 2 0 Q R - K i , K t - K . 5 ; 2 1 Q - R 8 c h , K - Q 2 ; 2 2 Q x P , o r 1 9 . , . Q - Q 3 ; 2 0 R - K 3 , w h en B la c k m ust g iv e b a ck the Bishop. 19 20

R xB R -K 3!

R -Q 2

I n this im p o rta n t w in o f a tem p o lies the kernel o f the m atter. B la c k can n o t n o w afford to su rren d er his Q R P since this w o u ld m e a n th at his w h ole K in g ’s position w o u ld cru m b le a w a y . T h e re fo re , his an sw er is p ractically fo rced . 20 21

. . . Q xQ

Q t -R-3 PxQ

22

B -K 5!

resigns.

A fte r the fo rced loss o f the exch an ge b y 2 2 . . . R - - Q 3 ; 2 3 B x R , P x B ; 2 4 R - K 7 , further resistance is n a tu ra lly pointless.

Gam e

62

Q U E E N ’ S P A W N , K I N G ’S I N D I A N

D EFEN CE

International Tournament at Hastings, 1954-55 P . K eres

L . Szabo

1

P -Q B 4

K t-K B 3

2

K t-K B 3

P -K K t3

3

P-QKt3

I t goes w ith o u t saying th at w ith this m o v e W h ite is not seeking to g a in a n ad van tage out o f the o p en in g. In stead he w a n ts to b u ild u p a solid position a n d q u ie tly d evelo p his pieces, w h ilst d ivertin g his oppon en t from the usual theoretical p ath s. 3

. . .

4

B-Kt2

B -K t2 0 -0

GRANDMASTER

45° 5 6

P -K t3 P -Q

OF

CHESS

P -Q .3

a

S in ce W h ite , w ith this p aw n thrust, fails to p rev e n t either P - K .4 o r P - B 4 , it w o u ld have been m o re lo gical to h av e com p le­

0 0

ted his d e ve lo p m e n t b y an im m ediate B - K t 2 follow ed b y - . A fte r the te x t-m o ve B la c k can engineer com p licatio n s th at are in no w a y u n favo u rab le to him. 6

. . .

P -B 4

6 . . . P - K 4 co u ld also o f course h av e been p la y e d , so as to re p ly to 7 P x P , w ith 7 . . . K t -K t 5 > T h is w o u ld h av e transposed to th e n o rm a l lines o f the K in g ’s In d ia n , w h ereas the text-m o ve soon results in g re a t com plications. 7

B -K t2

T h e thrust 7 P - Q . 5 w ould h ave allo w e d an im m ed iate 7 . . . P - Q K t 4 , b u t 7 . . . P - K 3 , too, w o u ld h av e n ot been b ad aga in st the p a w n m o ve. T h e m ain ten an ce o f tension in the cen tre u n d o u b ted ly results in a m o re interesting ty p e o f g am e. 7

. . .

K t-K 5 !

B la c k m u st w o rk o u t with exactitu d e the consequences o f this K n ig h t sa lly since, should W h ite su cceed in neu tralisin g the pressure o n the p oin t Q_4 by sim ple d evelo p in g m oves in the n ext p h a se o f the g a m e then the te x t-m o ve w o u ld p ro v e to be m e re ly a w a ste o f tim e. H o w ever, B la c k ’s calcu latio n s are co rrect, sin ce W h ite n o w experiences m u c h trou b le in the d efence o f his Q 4 sq u are an d B la c k attain s a g o o d gam e w ith o u t d ifficu lty.

8

0 -0

W h ite ca n n o t atta ck the en em y K n ig h t at on ce, since 8 Q K t - Q g cou ld be m et b y 8 . . . Q - R 4 ; w h ilst after 8 K K t - Q .2 , B la c k p la y s 8 . . . K t - K t 4 with the p lan o f stren gthen in g his pressure on W h it e ’s Q 4 b y an even tu al K t - K 3 . 8

. . .

K t-Q B 3

9

Q K t-Q s

K tx K t?

W ith this e x ch a n g e B lack nullifies all the a d v a n ta g e he has o b tain ed b y his 7th m o ve and so con verts the K n ig h t sa lly in to a n u n n ecessary loss o f tim e. B u t on e c an o n ly cast a ju d g m e n t

L A T E R YEARS OF P A U L KERBS o v e r th e develo p m en t system chosen b y

451

B la c k w h e n o n e

considers the consequences o f the best c o n tin u ad o n 9 . . . B - B 4 fro m e ve ry p o in t o f view . W ith this m o v e B la c k com p letes his d evelo p m en t, once again ensures control o f the ce n tra l p o in t K 5 a n d strengthens the pressure on W h it e ’s Q 4 . I t seem s th en th a t B la c k ’s position w o u ld be co m p letely satisfacto ry a fte r the B ish o p m o ve. D u r in g the g a m e I intended re p ly in g to 9 . . . B - B 4 w ith 10 K t - R .4 , K t x K t ; 1 1 Q x K t, b u t this does n ot yield a n y th in g m o re th a n e q u a lity . B lack can either con tin u e w ith 1 1 . . . P x P ; 1 2 K t x B , P x K t ; 1 3 B x K t, P x B ; 1 4 B x P , o r also w ith 1 1 . . . K t x P ; 1 2 K t x B , fo llow ed b y 1 3 B x K t P , in bo th cases w ith a n a p p ro x i­ m a te ly even position. T h is show s, h o w eve r, th at th e system o f d evelo p m en t chosen b y B la c k w a s v e r y go od a n d th a t his m istake in the gam e is to be sought elsew here.

10

QxKt

B-Kt5

T h is m ethod o f attack o n W h it e ’s Q 4 is in effective since W h ite , b y sim plifying the position, c a n n o w o btain a n a d v a n ta g e in space.

n 12

13

P-Q5 QxB BxB

BxB BxKt Kt-R.4?

I t w o u ld seem that Black overestim ates his position. H is turn is to initiate a counter-attack o n the Q u e e n ’s w in g b y P - Q K t 4 , an d for this purpose the K n ig h t is o f course w e ll p la c e d on Q R 4 . B u t it a p p ea rs th at Black q u ite forgets th at after the e x ch a n g e o f the Bishops on the black sq uares his K in g ’s position rem ains com p letely bereft o f the necessary protection . B lack , b y re m o v in g his last m in o r piece far from th e K in g ’s w in g , allo w s his opp o n en t to attain a most d an gero u s in itiative there. B etter therefore w a s 1 3 . . . K t - K 4 , e ven th ough then W h it e w o u ld retain the better position w ith 1 4 B - K t 2 , chiefly becau se o f the possibilities o f a ctivity both in th e cen tre an d on th e K in g -sid e . A ll these difficulties are the consequences o f B la c k ’s ill-con sid ered 9th m o ve. 14

P -K R 4 .

P -Q K t4

O w in g to the threat o f 1 5 P - R 5 , B lack no lo n g e r has the tim e to p rep are for this thrust w ith 1 4 . . . P - Q R 3 . T o o risky,

452

GRANDMASTER

Ol'

CHESS

h o w eve r, w o u ld h a v e been 14 . . . P - R 4 , since alter 1 5 P - K K t 4 W h ite threatens to o pen up tw o lines o f atta ck on the K in g ’s w in g . 15

Q -K t3

PxP

N a tu r a lly B la ck w o u ld rather h av e con tin u ed here w ith 1 5 . . . R - K t i , b u t this w ould h ave allo w ed the sharp co n tin u ­ a tio n 1 6 P - R 4 , P - Q R 3 ; 1 7 P - Q K t 4 ! etc. W ith the text-m o ve B la c k does in d eed w in b ack his p a w n , b u t in so d o in g has to take a w a y y e t an o ther piece from the pro tection o f his K in g ’s w in g . 16

P -R 4

17

P -R 5

P -Q R R PxP

3

B la ck cou ld n ot w e ll p la y here 1 7 . . . P - K t 4 so as to keep the position on the K in g -sid e closed, since then W h ite w o u ld h ave th e troublesom e re p ly o f 1 8 P - Q K t 4 ! at his disposal. A n d then B la c k cou ld not p la y 1 8 . . . K t - B j because o f 1 9 Q - B i ! th reaten in g both Q x K t and Q x P c h , w hilst after 18 . . . B P x P ; 1 9 Q x P , W h ite w o u ld sim ply retain his e x tra p a w n w ith the b etter position. H o w e v e r, once the K R file is opened u p B la c k m ust reckon w ith a d irect m a tin g attack and therefore has n o tim e in w h ich to initiate a n y effective cou n ter-p lay on the Q u e e n ’s w in g. 18

K RPxP

19

K -K t2

R PxP P -B 3

20

R -R i

K -K t2

Black (Szabo)

W h ite (K ercs) to p lay

L A T E R YEARS OF P A U L KERBS

453

T h e th reats o n the K in g ’s w in g le ave B la c k n o tim e to c a p tu r e th e p a w n o n Q R 5 . T o 2 0 . . . P x P W h ite c o u ld sim p ly r e p ly 2 1 R x P , b u t still stronger seems 2 1 Q - B 2 , K - K t 2 ; 2 3 Q - K 4 ! F o r th en B la ck w o u ld experience g re a t d ifficu lty in p ro te ctin g his K P since after 2 2 . . . Q R - K i o r 2 2 . . . R - R 2 th ere com es 2 3 Q - K 3 , and after 2 2 • . . Q - B 2 ; 2 3 R x P , is e n o u gh to re ta in the positional a d van tag e . W it h th e te x t-m o ve B lack tries to better his position b y o ffe rin g a n e x ch a n g e w ith 2 1 . . . R - R i . B u t W h ite affo rd s h im no o p p o rtu n ity fo r this, since h e is ab le to co m b in e his a tta ck o n th e K i n g ’s w in g w ith threats on the K t . 21

PxP

Q xP

B la c k m u st g iv e u p the p ro jected exch an ge o f 2 1 . . . R - R i , since after 2 2 R x R , R x R ; 2 3 Q - B 3 , K t - K t 2 ; 2 4 Q - K 3 ! W h ite n o t o n ly has a p a w n m ore b u t also possesses a m ark e d positional a d v a n ta g e . B u t th e text-m ove also leads to a ra p id catastro p h e. 22

Q -Q g !

O n c e a g a in preven tin g R - R t since after 2 3 R x R , R x R the K t w o u ld be h a n g in g . N o w , in o rd er to p a r r y the th reat o f 2 3 Q_ R 6 c h , B la c k m u st w eaken his K in g -sid e still further. 22

. . .

P -K t4

23

Qt k 3

QrQ?

24

B -K t4 l

B la c k ’s p lig h t is o f course hopeless b y n o w a n d there a re m a n y w a y s fo r W h ite to increase his ad v a n ta g e . O f a ll these the te xtm o v e is th e m ost pleasing. W h ite cou ld also h a v e w o n b y 2 4

3

Q r Q ) since a fte r 2 4 . . . R - R i ; 2 5 R x R , R x R , W h ite c a n q u ie tlv c a p tu re on Q R 3 w ith o u t takin g m u c h n otice o f the . ch eck 2 6 . . . Q - R 6 . 24

. . .

Q .-B 2

N a tu r a lly n o t 2 4 . . . Q x B ; 2 5 Q x K P c h , R - B 2 ; 2 6 R - R y c h , etc. 25

B -B 5

K -B 2

B la c k n o lo n g e r has a defence again st the th reaten ed c h e ck on K R 2 . F o r e x a m p le, after 2 3 . . . R - R i ; 2 6 R x R , R x R ; W h ite c a n p la y 2 7 R x K t ! , Q x R ; 2 8 Q x K P c h , w ith m a te to fo llow . T h e te x t-m o v e m erely lengthens resistance b y a fe w m oves.

GRANDMASTER

454

OF

CHESS

26

R -R -7 c h

K -K i

27 28

Q R -R i R -R 8

Q -K t2 resigns.

T h e u n h a p p y position o f the K t o n R 4 is v e r y ap p aren t. N o t o n ly can n o t it co m e to the aid o f the B lack K in g bu t it also interferes w ith the organising o f a successful defence.

Game 6 3

Q U E E N ’S P A W N , N I M Z O W I T S C H

D EFEN CE

X X I I U .S .S .R . Championship in M oscow , 1 9 5 5

P. K e re s

M . T a im a n o v

1 2

P -Q 4 P -Q B 4

K t-K B 3 P -K 3

3 4

K t-Q B 3 K t-B 3

B -K t5

T h is m o ve in the N im zo in d ian is held to be in n ocu o u s for B la c k a n d p ro b a b ly rig h tly so. I n the present g a m e , h ow ever, W h ite pursues certain definite objectives. In his g a m e again st G lig o ric in Z u r ic h 1 9 5 3 T a im a n o v m a d e use o f a du bio u s line in this va ria tio n again st w h ich I h ad p re p a re d a n im p ro vem en t. I o n ly h ad to w a it an d see if, in the m ean tim e, T a im a n o v h ad p erh a p s also d iscovered the d raw b ack s o f the va ria tio n .

4

•••

5

B -K t %

P-QKt3 B -K t2

6 7

P -K 3 B -R 4

P -K R 3

N a tu r a lly W h ite does not w an t to choose the sim plifyin g con tin u atio n 7 B x K t , w h ich , in the 2 7 th m atch g a m e E u w e A lek h in e , 1 9 3 7 , y ield ed Black a th o ro u gh ly position after 7 . . . B x K t c h ; 8 P x B , Q x B . 7

. . .

satisfactory

P -K K 14

A p p a r e n tly it w a s ju s t this ad v a n c e that E u w e feared w h en h e e xch an g ed o ff pieces in the ab ove-m en tio n ed g a m e . B u t, as the present gam e shows, the ensuing ad v a n c e o n th e K in g ’s w in g is a d o u ble-ed ged undertaking since in so d o in g Black

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

455

m a rk e d ly w eak ens his cen tral a n d K in g -sid e position. I n la te r g a m es in this tourn am en t w h e n this o p e n in g v a ria tio n w a s a g a in tried o u t, B la c k continued m o re p ru d e n tly w ith 7 . . . Q - K a a n d this m o v e u n d o u bted ly fits in better w ith th e n atu re o f th e position. 8

B -K t3

9

Q7-B2

K t-K 5 B x K tch

xo 11

PxB B -Q L 3

P ~ Q .3 P -K B 4

S e e m in g ly T a im a n o v scents n o d a n g e r a n d e x a c tly repeats his ab ove-m en tio n ed gam e again st G lig o ric, in w h ich , after

0 0

12 - , K t - Q p ; 1 3 K t - Q a , Q K t - B 3 , h e o b tain ed a go o d position. B u t fo r m e too the position th a t has n o w arisen w a s n ot n e w . I t h a d a lre a d y occurred in the g am e K ere s-R o zd estve n sk i, E sto n ia n C h am p io n sh ip , 1 9 5 3 , a n d I w as ab le to use a n e w stro n g co n tin u atio n that ap p ears to d estroy the w h o le va ria tio n chosen b y B la ck . 12

P - Q .5 !

A lo g ica l continuation. W ith it the p ro u d en em y cen tre is to rn u p a n d the one piece o f the ad v e rsa ry th at is w ell p lac e d , th e K t o n K 5 , is rem oved. T h a t all this h appen s a t the cost o f a p a w n sacrifice, p lays no p a rtic u la rly im p o rta n t ro le since, in the sequel, o w in g to the nu m erou s weaknesses in the en em y position, W h ite obtains go od attack in g chan ces a n d ad eq u ate c o u n te r-p la y . I t is interesting to observe th at, in his notes to the g a m e G lig o r ic -T a im a n o v , G ra n d m a ste r Bronstein also reco m ­ m en d ed the sam e p aw n sacrifice an d after its ac c ep ta n ce esteem ed W h ite ’s chances the better. 12

. . .

PxP

I t is cle a r th a t o n ly this m o ve c a n ch allen ge W h it e ’s p reviou s m o v e , even th o u gh Black has a sad experience w ith it here. H o w e v e r , g ive n th at B lack a lre a d y regard s his position as b a d a n d is seeking a w a y out o f his dubious p ligh t, th en 1 2 . . . K t - Q ,2 w o u ld co m e into consideration. W h ite th en has tw o p ro m isin g continuations. F irstly 1 3 P x P , Q K t - B 4 ; 1 4 K t-Q _ 4 , Q .- B 3 ; 1 5 P - B 3 , K tx B c h ; 1 6 Q x K t , K t - B 4 ; 1 7 Q x P , Q x Q .;

U V M J M A S ! E R

456

OF

CHESS

1 8 K t x Q , K t x P ; 19 P - K 4 , with a solid plus p a w n , a n d secondly 1 3 K t - Q ,4 j K t ( Q 2 ) - B 4 ; 1 4 B - K 2 , w ith the th reat o f P - B 3 . 13

PxP

In his notes G ra n d m aste r Bronstein recom m en d s here an im m ed iate 1 3 K t-Q _ 4 , w h ich , h o w eve r, after 1 3 . . . Q - B 3 , sh o u ld lead to ap p ro xim ately the sam e position as arises later in

th e

gam e.

I t w o u ld seem th at bo th con tin u ation s are

sufficient to m a in tain W h ite ’s ad van tag e . 13

. . .

BxP

14

K t - Q .4 !

K t-Q a

O b vio u sly B la ck m ust sooner o r la te r g iv e b a ck the p a w n he has w o n since K B 4 can n o t be ad e q u ately defen d ed . In the p revio u sly m en tion ed g am e K eres-R o zd estven sk i B lack co n ­ tin u ed here w ith 1 4 . . . Q - B 3 w h ich , after 1 5 P - B 3 , K t x B ; 16 P x K t , K t-Q _ 2 ; 1 7 B x P , O - O - O ; led to the position in the present gam e. W ith the text-m ove B lack offers b a ck th e p a w n a t once so as to m eet 1 5 K t x P w ith 1 5 . . . K t { Q 2 ) - B 4 . H o w e v e r, W h ite docs n ot w an t to stray from the p ath o f atta ck he has a lre a d y m arked out. 15 16

P -B 3 PxK t

K tx B Q -B 3

N o w 1 6 . . . K t - B 4 w o u ld n atu rally h av e served n o purpose becau se o f 1 7 B x P . W ith the text-m o ve B lack attem p ts to get his K in g into safety, b u t, as the sequel o f th e g a m e show s, w ith Q u een -sid e castling the problem s besetting th e B la c k K in g are in no w a y solved. 17

BxP

18

Q -R 4 !

0 - 0-0

A v e ry troublesom e m o v e for B lack , attack in g as it does the v u ln e rab le Q R P . T h e ensuing w eak en in g o f his K i n g ’s position is p ra c tic a lly forced since 1 8 . . . P - B 4 fails again st 1 9 K t - K t 5 . I n the ab o ve m entioned g am e R o zdestven ski tried 1 8 . . . Q - K 4 ; 1 9 K - B 2 , P - Q R 4 ; 2 0 P - K t 4 , K R - K i , b u t o n ly su cceed ed in losin g his K R P w ithin a few m oves. T a im a n o v finds a m ore skilful defence. t8

. .

P -Q R 4

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

457

B y n o w it is alrea d y c le a r th at th e o p e n in g h as go n e in fa v o u r o f W h ite an d th at B la c k is in a critica l position . W h it e ’s pieces are m u ch m ore a c tiv e ly p lac e d , h e is th re aten in g a stro n g a tta ck again st B lack K in g ’ s position, a n d fin a lly no possibility o f successful co u n te r-atta ck c a n be p e rc e iv e d for B la ck . N evertheless, B lack does possess a co u n te r-c h a n ce . T h e position o f W h ite ’s K in g is also so m ew h at p recario u s a n d this co u ld h a v e been exploited b y 1 8 . . . Q - K 4 ; 1 9 K - B 2 , P - K R 4 , w ith the th reat o f P - R 5 . F r o m this one deduces th a t W h ite ’s first task m u st be to elim in ate this cou n ter-chan ce, an d , once this is d o n e, B la c k m u st sit q u ie tly w a tch in g th e d evelo p m en t o f th e W h ite a tta ck on the Q u e e n ’s w in g w ith o u t d o in g a n y th in g him self. A su itable m ean s for such a p u rp ose w a s 1 9 P - K t 4 l , fix in g the w eakness o n K R 6 a n d th w artin g the co u n te r-th re at o f P - K R 4 5.

In stead o f this W h ite p la y s a litd e carelessly d u rin g the n ext

fe w m oves a n d allow s his o pp o n en t q u ite con sid erab le cou n ter­ p la y . 19 K -B 2 P -R 4 ! I t goes w ith o u t sayin g th at B la c k a t once utilises the c h a n ce o f c a r r y in g o u t this a d van ce, before W h ite p la y s P - K t 4 * 20

Q R -Q K ti

T h is m o v e too shows th a t W h ite has stra y e d fro m the c o rre c t h an d lin g o f the attack . V e r y stro n g h ere w a s 2 0 P - K 4 , B ~ K t 2 ; 2 1 K t - K 6 ! , th reatening bo th 2 2 K t x R , a n d 2 2 Q - Q B 4 . 20 21

. . . P -K 4

P -R 5

B la ck ’ s cou n ter o n the K in g ’s w in g has b e co m e so m ew h a t troublesom e b y n ow . T h u s, fo r e xam p le, th e n a tu ra l lo o k in g m o v e 2 1 P ~ K t 4 cou ld be m e t b y 2 1 . . .

Q - K 4 , th reaten in g

th e u n p leasan t Q - K t 6 c h . W h ite m ust therefore accelera te his a ctio n o n the Q u een ’s w in g , i f h e does n o t w ish to lose the in itiative. B u t the text-m o ve leads to g re a t c o m p licatio n s an d a llo w s th e opponent co u n ter-ch an ces th a t sh o u ld n o t be und erestim ated . B etter therefore seems 2 i ‘ P x P , P x P ; 2 2 R - K t 5 , B - K t 2 ; 2 3 Q 7 B 4 !, threaten in g in th e first p la c e 2 4 R x K t P . S h o u ld B lack

458

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

th en tr y 2 3 . . . P - Q 4 the sacrifice o f the ex ch an g e b y 2 4 R x B ! w o u ld g iv e W h ite a decisive attack an d after 2 3 . . . K - K t i ; 2 4 K t - B 6 c h , B x K t ; 2 5 Q x B , w ould suffice to dem o n strate the hopelessness o f B la c k ’s position. 21

. . .

B -K t2

T h e p a w n exch a n g e 2 1 . . . P x P ch ; 2 2 K x P , w o u ld su rrender the pressure on K K t 6 a n d so m erely lighten W h ite ’s task. 22

PxP

23

K t~ K 6

PxP

A t last W h ite p lu m p s for the correct p la n o f atta ck , as has a lre a d y been outlined in the note to W h it e ’s 20 th m o v e . I n the m ean tim e, h o w eve r, B la c k has been ab le to p ro cu re som e c o u n te r-p la y o n the oth er w in g an d therefore h e c a n n o w p u t u p a m u c h to u gh er defence th an w o u ld h a v e been possible som e m o ves a g o . B la ck (T aim an o v) to p la y

m m m __ __ mm & 1__

!fi

M M I

W h ite (K eres) 23

. . .

K t-K 4 ?

B la c k , a p p a re n tly a lre a d y convinced o f the hopelessness o f his position, throw s u p the sponge too soon. In ste ad o f the te x t-m o v e , w h ich is e q u ivalen t to resignation, B la c k co u ld h av e m a d e th e o p p o n en t’s task m arked ly h ard er b y th e cap tu re 2 3 . . . Q x P ! A t first g la n c e this m o ve looks idiotic becau se o f 2 4 K R - Q B i , Q ;-Q .7 c h ; 2 5 K - K t i , but it is p recisely at this p o in t th at B la ck ca n p ro d u ce a problem -like resource. H e p lay s

I.ATER

25

YEARS

OF

PAVE

459

KF.RES

. . . P - R 6 ! ; 2 6 R x P c h , K - K t i ; 2 7 R x B c h , a n d n o w n ot 2 7 . . .

K x R ; because o f 2 8 K t x R c h , b u t 2 7 . . . K - R i ! W h ite no lo n g e r has a n effective ch eck a n d after 2 8 B x P , Q _ -K 6 c h ; 2 9 K - R 2 , R x B c h ; B lack has a t least a d r a w b y p e rp e tu a l check. B u t w h a t then should W h ite

p la y after

23

. . . Q xP?

N a tu r a lly , 2 4 K R - Q i com es in to con sid eration , b u t this m o ve to o does not h ave p articu la rly co n vin cin g con sequ en ces. B la c k th en p la y s 2 4 ___B - B 3 ; 2 5 Q -Q _ 4 , Q x Q j 2 6 R x Q a n d , n o w not 2 6 . . . Q R - K t i ; 2 7 R - B 4 , K - K t 2 ; 2 8 R x B !, K x R ; 2 9 K t-Q _ 4 c h , K - B 4 ; 3 0 K - K 3 , w hen the B la c k K in g has fallen in to a m a tin g n et, b u t sim p ly 2 6 . . . K - K t 2 l ;

27

K tx R c h ,

R x K t,

an d

B la c k c a n still p u t u p a stu bb orn resistance in th e en d in g. A lth o u g h this last variatio n is q uite a c c e p ta b le fo r W h ite y e t o n e c a n n o t g et rid o f the feeling th at the p ositio n m u st co n tain so m ew here o r other in it a better possibility. A m o re exh au stive con sid eratio n o f the position reveals to us th a t th e su rprisin g re tre a t 2 4 Q r Q .i ! poses B la c k m ost difficult p ro b le m s, since in a d d itio n to 2 5 K t x R , W h ite also threatens 2 5 R - Q B i . I t is, h o w ev e r, cle a r in a n y case th at the m o v e 2 3 . . . Q x P ! , th o u gh s c a rce ly sa v in g the gam e, still sets W h ite m a n y d ifficu lt pro blem s a n d so w ould a t least h ave p ro vid e d B la c k w ith som e p ra c tic a l chan ces. A fter the text-m o ve W h it e ’s task is easy.

24

4

Q rQ . !

N a tu r a lly W h ite can also take the e x ch a n g e , b u t the te xtm o v e is still stronger. W h ite ’s K n ig h t is w o rth m o re in this position th an the passive B lack R o o k . 24

. . .

Q R -K ti

T h e o n ly possibility o f sa v in g the e x ch an g e sin ce after 2 4 . . . R - Q 2 ; 2 5 P - B 4 is a t once decisive. N o w th ere com es a c o m b in atio n al finish. 25

K tx P d isch

26

Q x K tP

27

K -B i

K -K t 1

K t-Q 6 ch K t-K t5

H o p in g still to fish in troubled w aters after 2 8 P x K t , Q ,-B 6 .

28

R x K t!

PxR

29

K t-K t5

resigns.

GRANDMASTER

460

OF

GHES S

Game 6 4

K I N G ’S G A M B I T A C C E P T E D M a tc h U .S .S .R . against U .S .A . in M oscow , 1 9 5 5

R. 1

B v rn e P -K 4

2

P -K B 4

P . K ere s P -K 4

T h e K in g ’s G a m b it is a rare visitor to m o d e m tou rn am en ts a n d its presence there is greeted w ith p ity in g la u g h te r an d com p ariso n s are d ra w n w ith the sacrificial gam es o f th e previous c e n tu ry . B u t it seems to m e that such a n attitu de to w ard s the K i n g ’s G a m b it is not ju stified an d it m ust h ave arisen ch ie fly becau se this opening has, for the m om ent, gone co m p le te ly out o f fashion. I t w o u ld not be surprising i f the K i n g ’s G a m b it w e re n ot to assum e its p ro p er place in the to u rn am en t p rax is o f th e n e x t tw en ty-o d d yea rs, as indeed it h a d rath e r m o re th an h a lf a c e n tu ry ago. 2 3

. . . K t-K B 3

PxP P -K K t4

A s m y o pponent inform ed m e after the gam e, he h a d a lre a d y m a d e u p his m in d to p la y the K in g ’s G a m b it ag a in st m e d u rin g his p rep aratio n s for the m a tch . In so d o in g he h ad ch eck ed o v e r num erous variations an e w an d fu rb ished u p his reco llectio n s o f them . W h e n , how ever, the m o ve 3 . . . P - K K t 4 c a m e in to question then this possibility w as a c c o m p a n ie d b y th e o b servation th at a p la y e r w ould not choose su ch a m eth o d o f p la y u n d e r a n y circum stances. I d ecid ed u p o n this classical d efen ce p rin c ip a lly because one very ra re ly has the o p p o rtu n ity o f d e fen d in g again st a K in g ’s G a m b it; it esp ecially interested m e to d isco ver w h eth er m y opponent h a d found o r n ot som e im p ro ve m e n t in his analysis o f this old defence. 4

P -K R 4

P -K t5

5 K t~ K t5 I n v ie w o f the p resen t-d ay refined technique o f d efen ce su ch sacrifices as those in the A llg a ie r G a m b it 5 K t - K t 5 , P - K R 3 ; 6 K t x B P n o lo n ger yield a n y satisfactory p rospect o f success.

LATER

5 6

YEARS

OF

PAUL

. . . B -B 4

KEKES

461

K t-K B 3

M a ste r B y rn e chooses on e o f the oldest lines o f p la y in this v a ria tio n . A t the time 6 P - Q 4 w as regard ed as the stron ger co n tin u atio n , b u t after th at too Black gets a m ost satisfacto ry g am e b y 6 . . . P - Q 3 ; 7 K t - Q .3 , K tx P ; or 7 . . . P -B 6 . 6

. . .

P -Q .4

7

PxP

B -K t2

T h is con tin u ation is re g ard e d as m ore precise th a n 7 . . . B -Q _ 3 , th o u gh w ith the latter m o ve B lack likew ise gets a good gam e. 8

P -Q

9

0 -0

.4

K t-R 4

T h e o th er continuation considered b y th eo ry, yield s B la c k the better g a m e after

9

. . .

0- 0 ;

9

K t-Q _ B 3,

10 K t - K .2 ,

P - Q B 4 ! A fte r the text-m ove a v e r y co m p licated position arises, e ve n th o u gh it is som ew hat sim plified b y the en su in g Q u e e n e x ch a n g e . 9 10

. . . Q -K i!

Q xR P Q xQ

11 12

R xQ K t-Q B 3

0-0

U n d o u b te d ly better th an the restrained p ro te ctive m o v e 1 2 P - B 3 , w h ic h is recom m ended b y m a n y th eoretical books, sin ce then the p in 1 2 . . . R - K i ensures B lack a c le a r a d v a n ta g e . A f t e r the text-m o ve Black, in v ie w o f the th reats o f 1 3 K t - K 2 a n d 1 3 K t - K t 5 , m ust p ro ceed w ith the u tm ost e n erg y, 12

. . .

K t-Q z

M o r e precise here w as a n im m ediate p la y K t - Q 2

o n ly after 1 3

12

. . . P - Q B 4 , so as to

K t - K t 5 or 1 3

P xP . T h e paw n

e x ch a n g e 1 3 P x P e.p ., K t x P w o u ld u n d o u b ted ly be fa v o u ra b le to B la c k . T h e text-m ove is p la y a b le , bu t allo w s m o re possibilities o p e n for W h ite . 13

K t-K t5

14

K t-B 7?

P -Q B 3

W h ite pursues the p la n o f w in n in g the e x ch a n g e , b u t in so d o in g g ive s th e initiative com p letely in to B la c k ’s h an d s. I n

463

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

a d d itio n B la ck also obtain s sufficient m aterial in com pen sation fo r th e exch an ge so th at fro m now on th e a d v a n ta g e sw a y s o ver to his side. O b v io u sly W h ite m ust utilise his o p p o n e n t’s transposition o f m o v e a n d continue w ith 1 4 P x P ! S in c e W h ite w o u ld w in the p a w n b a ck w ith a go od gam e after 1 4 . . . P x P ; 1 5 K t x Q B P B la c k m u st rep ly 1 4 . . . K t x K t . N o w th ere are tw o possibilities o p e n to W h ite . H e c a n p la y 1 5 P x P , B x P ; 1 6 P x K t , w h e n B lack c a n b rin g ab o u t g re a t com plications b y 1 6 . . . Q R - B i ; 1 7 K t - Q 6 , R - B 4 . T h e o th er possibility 1 5 P x K t , P x P ; 1 6 K t - B y , R - K t i ; 1 7 P - K 6 eq u a lly leads to v e r y u n cle ar com p licatio n s afte r 1 7 . . . R - K t 5 l A fte r both continuations positions w o u ld arise in w h ich the end-result w ould d ep en d o n the resourceful­ ness o f th e tw o adversaries, whereas n o w B la c k gets a clear a d v a n ta g e in position. 14

. . .

PxP!

A ls o possible w a s 1 4 . . . R - K t i , after w h ic h , in a d d itio n to 1 5 P x P , B la ck w o u ld also have to reckon w ith th e a d v an ce 1 5 P - Q 6 . B u t th e ex ch a n g e sacrifice b o u n d u p w ith the textm o v e is m u ch m ore en ergetic and ensures B lack a la stin g in itia­ tive. 15

K tx R

D e c lin in g the sacrifice b y 1 5 B x P , R - K t i o r 1 5 K t x Q P , K t x K t ; 1 6 P x K t , B - K 3 etc. w ould g ive B lack a g o o d position to geth er w ith an ex tra p a w n . 15

. . .

16

B -Q g

PxB

B la c k n o w has tw o p aw n s for the exch an g e , to geth er w ith a c tiv e p la y for his pieces. W h ilst W h ite m u st lose m o re tim e so as to g et the K t on R 8 once again into p la y . A n im m ed iate 1 6 K t - B 7 , h o w ever, w o u ld after 16 . . . K t x K t ; 1 7 P x K t , R - Q i h a v e occasion ed W h ite a Jot o f trouble in con n ectio n w ith the d e ve lo p m e n t o f his Q u e e n ’s w ing. T h e ca p tu re , too, b y 1 6 K t x K t P does n ot seem g o o d , since after 1 6 . . . B x P c h ; 1 7 K t - B 2 , (or 1 7 K - R 2 , P - B 4 e tc.) 1 7 . . . K t - K 4 ! leaves W h ite in ad equ ate protection again st th e th reat o f 1 8 . . . K t - K t 5 . W ith the text-m ove W h ite su rrenders y e t a th ird p a w n .

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

16

. . .

K tx K t

17 18

PxK t K t-B 7

B -B 4 BxBP?

463

B la ck is in too m uch o f a h u rry to m ake this cap tu re . M u c h m o re la stin g pressure w o u ld h ave com e from a n im m ed iate 1 8 . . . R - Q i , taking a w a y from the en em y K n ig h t the stro n g sq u are o a Q . 5 , and only after 1 9 B - B 3 , B x P . W ith this B lack w o u ld h a v e obtain ed a clear ad v an tag e , w h ereas n o w W h ite gets con sid erable cou n ter-play. 19 20

Q R -B i K t~ C > 5

B -Q 6 P -K t4

A s a result o f his im precise 18 th m o ve B lack n o w experiences m a rk e d difficulties in defending his K B P . W ith the te xt-m o ve, h o w eve r, h e m akes his opponent’s task all too easy. I t w o u ld h av e been m u c h better to h ave su rrendered the p a w n b y 2 0 . . . R - Q i ; 2 1 K t x P , K t x K t ; 2 2 B x K t , R - Q 4 . A fte r this B lack cou ld either h a v e carried out the K in g m an o eu vre K - B 1 - K 2 - K 3 o r else h a v e atta ck ed the en em y p aw ns on the Q u e e n ’s w in g at a fa v o u ra b le opportunity. 21

BxP

I t w o u ld seem th at W h ite does not like the en d g a m e th at w o u ld ensue after 2 1 K t x P , K t x K t ; 2 2 B x K t , a n d w ith go o d reason. T h e text-m o ve leads to interesting com p lication s, th o u gh here too B la ck has the better chances in the lo n g ru n . 21

. . .

R -Q i

A fte r 2 1 . . . K t x B ; 2 2 K t x K t , B - B 4 ; 2 3 K t - R g , W h ite has som e troublesom e cou n ter-play. T h e text-m o ve is stronger. .

22

K t-K 7 c h

K -B i

23

B -K t5

R -K i

24

K t-B 6

K t-K t6

T h e position is very com p licated an d both p lay e rs are b y n o w harassed b y com ing tim e trouble. I n an e n d ea vo u r to force m atters B lack surrenders too m a n y p aw n s on the Q u e e n side in the ensuing phase o f the g am e an d in consequence loses p ra c tic a lly all his ad van tage. T h e text-m o ve is n ot b a d in itself b u t it w o u ld have been m ore lo gical first o f all to h av e

464

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

d e p riv e d the en em y K n ig h t o f the Q K t 5 sq u are b y 2 4 . . . P - Q R 4 . A fte r 2 5 K t x P , R x P the p a w n on Q K t 4 w o u ld no lo n ger be u n d er atta ck a n d Black w o u ld retain his ad v a n ta g e . 25

Q R -Q i

R -K 3

H e re too 2 5 . . . P - Q R 4 could still h a v e been p lay e d . O n the oth er h an d , n o th in g w o u ld h ave com e o f 2 5 . . . K t - K y c h ; 2 6 K - B 2 , R - K 3 o n acco u n t o f the resource 2 7 R x K t ! 26

K tx P

N o w W h ite om its to take ad van tage o f the o p p o rtu n ity o f p la y in g 2 6 K t - K t 4 ! A p p a re n tly , in tim e-tro u ble, h e d id not like the possible rep ly 2 6 . . . K t - K y c h . I f then 2 7 K - R i , R x P ; 2 8 K t x B , P x K t ; or else 2 7 K - B 2 , B x P ; 2 8 K t x B , B - K t 6 etc. in both cases w ith ad van tage to B lack , B u t after 2 6 . . . K t - K y c h W h ite has the surprising re p ly 2 7 K - B i ! a t his disposal, after w h ich it is not easy for B la c k to find a p ro m isin g co n tin u atio n o f the attack . 2 7 . . . K t-B 6 d is c h fails again st 2 8 R x B , a n d after 2 7 . . . K t - K t 6 d b c h there follow s 2 8 K - K t i . B la c k w o u ld , therefore, after 26 K t ~ K t 4 , K t - K y c h ; 2 7 K - B i , h a v e continued either w ith 2 7 . . . K t - K t 6 d b c h ; 2 8 K - K t 1, B -K t3; K - K t 1, K t i ; 32 in bo th

29 K t - B 6 , K t - B 4 , or w ith 2 7 . . . K t - B s d i s c h ; 2 8 P - Q R 4 ! ; 2 9 B x K t , P x K t ; 30 B - Q 2 , B x P ; 3 1 B x P c h , K B - B 3 , B x B ; 3 3 P x B , R - Q R 3 ; retain in g w in n in g chan ces cases. 26

. . .

BxP

Before m a k in g this cap tu re 26 . . . P - K t 5 cam e in to consider­ ation , since the K P w ill not run a w a y . 27 28

K tx P R xK t!

K t-K y c h

F o rc e d , as is quite app aren t. W h ite , b y g iv in g b a ck the e xch an ge, breaks the spearhead o f the en em y atta ck an d brin gs ab o u t a n en d gam e in w h ich Black is m et b y m arked tech n ical difficulties in m aking his e xtra p aw n felt. 28

. . .

BxR

29

R -Q _8 ch

R -K i

U n fo rtu n a te ly B lack is com pelled to e x ch an g e R o ok s, since after 2 9 . . . K - K t a : 3 0 K t -Q ^ . he has to take on an en d in g

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

465

w ith Bishops o f opposite colo u r (30 . . . R - K K t 3 ? 3 1 R t - B 5 m a te ). A fte r the exchange o f R o ok s, h o w eve r, B la c k exp eri­ ences g re a t difficulties in realisin g the ad v a n ta g e o f his sm all m a terial plus, this bein g chiefly because, in the ensuing phase o f the g a m e, W h ite succeeds in b lo ck ad in g the en em y p aw n s o n the K in g ’s w in g . A fter the excitin g m id d le-ga m e a n ending has been re a ch e d in w h ich the solution o f the techn ical problem s still d em an d s v e r y careful w o rk on the p a r t o f B lack . 30

R xR ch

K xR

31

K ~B a

B -Q 6

32

K t-B 3

K -Q 2

A n o th e r in a c c u ra c y under tim e pressure. B lack should p la y here 3 2 . . . P - R 4 , so as to m eet 3 3 K - K 3 w ith 3 3 . . . P - B 4 . I n th at even t W h ite could n ot h a v e p la y e d 3 4 B - B 4 , because o f 3 4 . . . B x B c h ; 3 5 K x B , P - R 5 w ith an easily w o n position for B lack . N o w

W h ite succeeds in co m p letely

b lo ck ad in g

the

B lack p a w n s on the K in g ’s w in g , th ereb y m a rk e d ly increasing the d ifficu lty o f B la c k ’s task. 33

K -K 3

34

B -B 4

35

K -Q 2 P -K K t3

36

B -R 7 B -K t8 c h P -R 4 B -K B 7

T h re a te n in g 3 7 . . . P - R 5 w h ich w o u ld n ot w o rk a t once on acco u n t o f 3 7 P x P , B - K B 7 ; 3 8 P - R 5 , P - K t 6 ; 3 9 B -K 3.

37 38

K t-Q i K t-B 3

B -Q .5 K -B 3 ?

In ste a d o f this he should h ave p lay e d 3 8 . . . B - B 3 , so as to force th ro u gh the essential ad v a n c e o f P - R 5 . T h e K i n g ’s m ove to B 3 presents W h ite later on w ith a valu a b le tem po, aid in g him to a d v a n c e his o w n paw ns. 39

P -K t4 !

40

P -K t5c h ?

B -B 3

W ith his last m o ve before the tim e con tro l W h ite m akes up fo r his o p p o n en t’s mistake on m o v e 3 8 . F o r w ith the text-m o ve he w eak ens his p a w n form ation on the Q u e e n ’s w in g an d B la ck , b y blo ck ad in g it along the d iag o n al Q 1 - Q R 4 , renders it p ra c tic a lly valueless. I f instead W h ite h a d p la y e d 4 0 P - R 4 !

GRANDMASTER

466

OF

CHESS

Black (K eres)

(P osition after

39 • • •

B -B 3)

W h ite (Byrne) to p la y th en B la c k w o u ld h ave been set m u ch m o re difficult problem s. O n e c a n see n o th in g better for B lack in re p ly th an 4 0 . . . P - R 5 ; 4 1 P x P , B x P , b u t then follows 4 2 P - R 5 , P - K t 6 ; 4 3 P - K t j c h a n d the W h ite p a w n s o n the Q u e e n ’s w in g h a v e beco m e v e ry strong. I t is do u btfu l i f in fact B lack w o u ld h a v e a w in a n y lo n ger. N o w tim e trou b le is o ver a n d w ith it the in accu racies too d e p a rt. T h e g a m e continues alo n g n o rm al lines an d the en din g th a t has n o w arisen still affords us m a n y a n interesting m om ent. 40 41

. . . P -R 4

K -K t2 B -Q i!

H e re the d ifferen ce in the order in w h ich W h ite ’s ad v a n c e o f his p a w n s is m a d e m akes itself felt. T h e B la c k Bishop n o w not o n ly blockades the en em y paw ns from Q R 4 b u t c an also pin W h it e ’s K n ig h t, th ereb y rendering both it an d the W h ite K in g im m ob ile. 42

K t-Q s

W h ite can n o t w ell preven t his K n ig h t being pinned, since he d a re not a llo w the Q B P freedom to ad v a n c e an d his Bishop ca n n o t g u a rd the tw o squares K K t 3 an d Q B 3 at the sam e tim e. 42 43

. . . K t-B 3

B -K 5 B -B 6

A n im m ed iate 4 3 . . . B - R 4 cou ld be m et b y 4 4 K - K 3 . In ad d itio n , in o rd er to render the pin an effective one, B lack m ust

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

467

first o f all lim it the freedom o f actio n fo r th e en em y Bishop b y P -B 3. 44

K -K 3

B -K t3c h

45

K -Q a

P -B 3!

A t once 4 5 . . . B - R 4 achieves n o th in g after 4 6 B - K 5 . N o w , h o w eve r, all th e preparations fo r this p in h ave been m a d e a n d W h ite c a n o n ly w a it to see h o w B lack intends to strengthen his position. 46 47

B -Q 6 B -B 4

B -R 4 B -K 5!

W ith this B la c k ’s plan o f c a m p a ig n is clear. H e intends to b rin g his B ishop back to Q 6 an d , w h e n W h ite places his Bishop o n B 4 , then follows B - K t 5 an d W h ite w ill be in zu g zw a n g . O n e can n o t see w h at W h ite ca n und ertake again st su ch a p la n . H is Bishop is bound d o w n to the protection o f K K t 3 and i f he tries to transfer his K in g to the Q u een -sid e then the threat o f B - B 2 fo llow ed b y P - R 5 is decisive. 48

B -Q 6

A fte r 4 8 K - K 3 the simplest w a y o f d e cid in g the g a m e is 4 8 . . . B x K t ; 4 9 K x B , B - K 4 ! since in the p a w n en d in g B lack procures y e t an o ther passed p aw n

by

P - R 5 . N o w , h o w ever, B lack

carries o u t his original plan. 48 49

. . . B -B 4

B -Q 6 B -K ts!

A n d n o w B la c k ’s problem is solved. W h ite c a n no lo n ger retain his B ishop on the K R 2 - Q K t 8 d iag o n al, an d this m eans th at B la ck w ill obtain a passed p a w n o n the K in g ’s w in g as w ell as on the Q u e e n ’s. T h e ensuing p a rt o f the e n d gam e is m erely a m a tter o f technique. 50

B -K 3

P -R 5 !

N o w the passed paw n on the K K t file brings a speedy decision. 51

P xP

P -K t6

52

P -K R 5

P -K ty

53

P -R 6

P -B 4

T h is is p la y a b le because o f the variatio n 5 4 P - R 7 , P - B 5 !

GRANDMASTER

468

54 55 56

OF

B -B 2 B -K ti B -R 2

CHESS

P -B 5 B -R 4 B -Q K t3

A sim pler w a y o f w in n in g here w a s b y 5 6 . . . P - B 6 ; 5 7 K -K 3

(o r 5 7 B - K t i , B - Q K t 3 etc.) 5 7 . . . B x K t ; 5 8 K x P ,

B - Q . 7 ; 5 9 K x P , P - B 6 ; etc., b u t o f course the text-m o ve is ju st as a d e q u a te.

57 P-R-7 W h ite still finds a w a y o f m aking som e resistance. 57

. . .

BxP

58 59

K -K 2 BxQ _

P -K t8 -Q . BxB

60 61

K t -Q .5 K tx P

B -Q .5 B -B 6

62

K t-Q .3

B x K tc h !

T h e q u ick est w a y o f finishing o f f the stu bb orn en em y resis­ ta n ce . B y n o w the en d is v e ry sim ple. 63

K xB

64 65

K -B 2 K -K t3

K -R 4 B -K 4

K -Q .3

66

K -B 2

K xP

resigns. A n interesting stru ggle in the go od o ld style o f the p revio u s c e n tu ry .

*

3

*

FR ESH A T T E M P T S A T T H E W O R L D C H A M P IO N S H IP , 19 5 5 -19 5 6

M

y

sh a rin g o f 2 n d to 4 th p la c e a t Z u r ic h 1 9 5 3 g a v e m e n o

rig h t to participate in the n e x t C a n d id a te s’ T o u rn a m e n t.

F o r this I still h ad to take p a r t in the In te rzo n al T o u rn a m e n t a t G o th en b o u rg. S in ce th e ensuing C a n d id a te s’ T o u rn a m e n t w a s to com prise ten p articip an ts a n d o f these ten o n ly one, the loser o f the m atch b etw een B o tvin n ik a n d S m y slo v , w a s fixed, this m ean t that the nine top p laye rs fro m the G o th e n ­ b o u rg to u rn am en t would q u a lify fo r th e C an d id ates. W it h n o rm al p la y , th en, one h a d g o o d prospects o f a d v a n c in g further o n to the ro a d that fed to the W o r ld C h am p io n sh ip . I n G o th e n b o u rg I w as a g a in p la y in g g o o d chess. A c c o r d in g to a decision o f th e F .I .D .E . C o n gress a ll the p lay e rs fro m th e sam e c o u n try h a d to be p aire d together a t the b e g in n in g o f the to u rn am en t, so that m y results in the e a rly ro u n d s w e re n o t e x a ctly o u tstan d in g. I w o n again st Sp assk y b y a n in teresting com bin atio n in vo lvin g a Q u e e n sacrifice (G a m e N o . 6 5 ) , b u t then lost to Bronstein in a beau tifu l g a m e full o f sacrifices, o btain in g o n ly 5 0 % in th e first six ro u n d s. G ra n d m a ste r Bronstein, o n th e other h an d , w a s in terrific fo rm , sin ce h e o btain ed 6 | poin ts out o f his first seven g am es. W h e n , a t th e end o f R o u n d 1 1 all the S o v ie t gran d m asters h a d p la y e d again st e ach o th er, I w as a full tw o points b e lo w B ro n stein w h o h a d a c q u ire d eigh t points o u t o f his first ten gam es. V e r y w e ll p la c e d , too, w a s P an n o w ith 8 points o u t o f 1 1 g am es, w h e rea s I h a d o b tain ed 6 o u t o f 1 0 . 1 w a s then face d b y the p ro sp ect o f som e v e r y h a rd w o rk in the seco n d h a lf o f th e to u rn am en t i f I w a n te d to ensure m yself a g o o d p la c e am o n gst th e leaders. I p la y e d d istin ctly better in th e second h a lf o f th e to u rn a m e n t a n d u p to th e 18 th round I k ep t in step w ith G ra n d m a ste r B ronstein, w h o w a s still in b rillian t fo rm , so th a t I w a s o n ly i l 469

470

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

points beh in d him . In the interim I defeated P an n o in go o d positional style (G a m e N o . 6 6 ), m a n a g e d to o u tp la y N a jd o r in a co m b in atio n al w h irlp o o l o f a gam e (G a m e N o . 6 7 ) , w o n after terrific com p licatio n s against G u im a rd an d su cceed ed in o u tp la y in g F u d e re r in an interesting theoretical variatio n o f the o pen in g (G a m e N o . 6 8 ). B y m eans o f this series o f w in s I h a d secu red the second p la c e am ongst the lead in g gro u p , tru e, o n ly h a lf a p o in t a h ead o f Pan no, bu t the latter h ad p laye d one g a m e m o re. In the n ext ro u n d , how ever, I lost to S tah lb e rg , w ith w h ic h n ot o n ly w e re a ll m y hopes fo r the first p lace b u rie d b u t also m y prospects o f g ain in g the second p rize w ere en d an gered . I h a d to beat U n z ic k e r in a w ild g am e an d then w in too again st S liw a in o rd er to keep u p with P an n o . B u t then a d r a w in the last ro u n d aga in st S z a b o ensured m e the second p la c e since P a n n o h a d the b y e in the last roun d. T h e n e x t e ve n t w a s in fact the C a n d id a te s’ T o u rn a m e n t w h ic h w a s h eld in A m sterd am in the S p rin g o f 1 9 5 6 . T h is tim e ten gran d m asters w e r e taking p a rt in a d o u b le-ro u n d to u rn a ­ m en t as a t B u d a p e st in 19 5 0 . I e m p lo yed n e w tactics in this to u rn am en t, the c h ie f id e a being to save as m u ch e n e rg y as possible. F o r this p u rp ose I was re a d y to in cu r a series o f sh ort d ra w s w h e n ev e r th e position o ffered v e r y little ch a n ce s o f o b ta in in g a d v a n ta g e fro m the o b jective p o in t o f v ie w . I n b etw een w hiles I a im ed at inserting here a n d there a w h o le p oin t. O n e m a y in d eed entertain v a r y in g opinions a b o u t su ch tactics, b u t in A m ste r d a m they served v e r y w ell. I n th e first to u r I d re w 7 gam es, w o n against P iln ik an d P an n o a n d , w ith 5 ! points, w a s eq u a l 2 n d and 3r d w ith Bronstein, o n ly h a lf a p oin t belo w G eller. I t w a s in the o p en in g round o f the second tour th at I h a d m y decisive m eetin g w ith Bronstein w h o obtain ed go o d pressure out o f the o pen in g an d adjourned the g am e in a m ost fav o u rab le position fo r him . B u t on resum ption o f p la y Bronstein failed to find the best con tin u atio n , got into g re a t tim e trouble an d d u rin g this lost not o n ly all his ad v a n ta g e bu t also e ve n tu a lly even the g am e. S in c e round abou t this tim e G e lle r lost to P etrosian I w a s n o w in the sole lead. I t w a s, how ever, in the n ext three rounds th a t the real decision took p lace. I w a s n ot ab le to co n vert the strategically w on positions again st Sp assk y

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

471

a n d Piln ik in to w ins, an d thus G e ile r an d S m y s lo v g r a d u a lly o verh a u led m e. B y th e penultim ate ro u n d S m y s lo v w a s even h a lf a p o in t a h e a d o f m e, w h ilst G e lle r w a s in th ird p la c e w ith h a lf a p o in t less th an m e. B u t th en c a m e th e u n lu c k y g a m e w ith F ilip . A fte r a m id d le-gam e full o f vicissitudes I o b ta in e d a c le a rly w o n position, b u t then co m m itted a g r e a t b lu n d er, w h e reu p o n th e b a lan ce sw u n g in fa v o u r o f m y o pp o n en t. D esp ite a len g th y resistance I c o u ld n ot sa ve th e e n d in g an d w ith this m y last chances o f g ettin g first p rize d isa p p e a re d . In the last ro u n d I p la y e d most in d ifferen tly again st P etro sian an d o n ly w ith the help o f m y ad v e rsa ry d id I escape w it h a d r a w . B u t this w a s en ou gh to secure th e second p la c e fo r m e , thus g a in in g th e rig h t to p la y in th e n e x t C a n d id a te s’ T o u r n a m e n t w ith o u t h a v in g to q ualify in p revio u s tou rn am en ts. S h o r tly after the C an d id ates’ T o u rn a m e n t I w e n t to H a m ­ b u rg to p la y a friendly m atch w ith G ra n d m a ste r U n z ic k e r . T h e m a tc h w a s o f eight gam es. A fte r a q u iet d r a w in the first g a m e I g a in ed th e a d v a n ta g e in the second again st an o ld -fashio n ed d efence b y m y opponent a n d d e cid ed the g a m e b y a d irect K in g -sid e attack (G am e N o . 6 9 ). T h e th ird g a m e w a s also d r a w n , th o u gh o n ly after an e xcitin g struggle a n d in th e fo u rth I w a s ab le to g a in m y second w in b y a n interesting c o m b in atio n . T h e decisive point cam e in the fifth g am e. U n z ic k e r co n d u cted it in go od a tta ck in g style a n d o b tain ed a m a rk e d a d v a n ta g e ; b u t in tim e trouble he p layed w e a k ly an d e ve n tu a lly even lost. T h is broke m y ad versary’s resistance. A fte r a d r a w in the sixth g a m e U n z ic k e r played a listless seventh g a m e a n d suffered an o th er loss. T h e last gam e w a s a q u ick d r a w , so th a t I w o n the m a tc h b y the fine score 6 - 2 . A n interesting p o in t a b o u t the m a tc h is th at all the gam es co m m en ced w ith the R u y L o p e z . A f te r th e m a tc h w ith U n z ic k e r I w e n t to Y u g o s la v ia as a m e m b er o f the U .S .S .R . team in a m a tc h b e tw e en th e tw o countries. T h e r e I had a w in again st K a r a k la ic th a t w a s o f interest to theory. In the a u tu m n cam e the n ext C h e ® O ly m ­ p ia d , w h ic h w a s held in M o sc o w . I p la y e d r e a lly w e ll an d finished u p w ith 7 wins a n d 5 d raw s, w ith o u t lo sin g a g am e. H o w e v e r , I h a d a m uch less favo u rab le result in th e A lek h in e M e m o r ia l T o u rn a m en t w h ich w a s held in M o s c o w afte r the O ly m p ia d . I lost tw o gam es in this tou rn am en t, the o n e afte r a n

GRANDMASTER

472

OF

CHESS

excellen tly co n d u cted attack b y m y opponent, U n zick e r, an d th e other th rou gh an oversight in a d ra w n en d in g again st S z a b o , b u t the c h ie f reason for m y indifferent result did n ot reside in these losses. M y failure la y in the fact th at I w as un ab le to g a in a n y wins again st the co m p arative ly w eak er opponents, w h ereas m y rivals succeeded in e x actly this. I did , it is true, su cceed in w in n in g a theoretically interesting g a m e again st G o lo m b ek (G a m e N o . 70) and also in the last ro u n d in an im p o rta n t gam e as regards the destination o f the first prize a g a in st B o tvin n ik I m an aged to inflict a d efeat o n the W o r ld C h a m p io n (G a m e N o . 7 1 ) , but all this sufficed o n ly for a share o f 7th a n d 8th places in the end.

Game 6 5

Q U E E N ’S P A W N , Q U E E N 'S I N D I A N

D EFEN CE

F . I . D . E . Interzonal Tournament at Gothenbourg , 1 9 5 5

P . K e re s 1 2 3

B . Sp assk y

P -Q 4 P -Q B 4 K t-K B 3

'

K t-K B 3 P -K 3

U s u a lly the Q u e e n ’s In d ian is regarded as a typ e o f opening in w h ic h B lack experiences no difficulties. In this g am e, h o w ­ e ve r, p la y is soon steered along a track w h ere one can n ot c o m p la in o f a la ck o f com plicated problem s.

3 4 5 6

. . . P -K 3 B -Q O -G

.3

P -Q K t3 B -K t2 B -K 2 0 -0

H e re B lack c a n choose between tw o d ifferen t system s o f d evelo p m en t w h ich are distinguished b y the m oves P - Q 4 an d P - Q B 4 . S in ce B lack has castled he has m ad e it cle ar th at he has p lu m p e d for the P - Q 4 ad van ce. F o r exam p le, after 7 K t - B 3 , P - B 4 w o u ld no lon ger be good on accou n t o f the possibility o f 8 P - Q 5 . T a k in g this circum stance into acco u n t, W h ite refrain s from an im m ed iate K t - B 3 , since in som e variatio n s this K n ig h t c a n be u sefully developed on Q 2 .

LATER

YEARS

7 8

P -Q K t3 B -K t2

9

K t-B 3

OF

PAUL

KERBS

473

.4

P -Q Q K t-Q a

N o w th at B la ck has a lre a d y developed his K t on Q u the 'W h ite K n ig h t is m u ch m ore a c tiv e ly posted on B 3 th an o n Q 2 ; n o r need W h ite w o rry ab o u t the even tu al p ro tectio n o f his QBP. 9

. . .

P -B 4

B la c k com m its a scarcely noticeable a n d y e t im p o rta n t in a c c u r a c y in the opening. I f h e w a n te d to p la y P - B 4 then it w o u ld h a v e been better to h av e don e it th e m o v e before a n d th en to h a v e developed his K t on Q B 3 . T h e K t w o u ld b e m u c h m o re a c tiv e ly p laced there an d it cou ld e v e n tu a lly h a v e h elp ed in the pressure o n W h ite ’s Q B 4 b y K t - Q R 4 o r K t Q K t 5 . H a d B la c k played in this w a y then it w o u ld h a v e been b etter fo r W h ite to have d evelo p ed his Q K t o n Q 2 . O n c e , h o w ever, Black has a lre a d y p laye d 8 . . . Q K t - Q y , it w o u ld h a v e been better for h im to h a v e g ive n u p th e id e a o f p la y in g 9 . . . P - B 4 and to h a v e continued w ith , fo r in stan ce, 9 . . . K t - K 5 an d P - K B 4 . A fte r the te x t-m o ve , a t a ll events, B la c k is beset b y some disagreeable open in g p roblem s, 10

Q -K 2

Q PxP

W ith this exch an ge Black o n ly worsens his p osition, since n o w W h ite obtain s a preponderance in the cen tre a n d h e c a n h av e a t his disposal the continuous th reat o f P - Q 5 . B e tter w a s still 1 0 . . . K t - K s , although even then after 1 1 K R - Q 1 B la c k w o u ld n ot be h a p p ily p laced. 11

K tP x P

Q -B 2

12

Q R -Q i

Q R -Q i?

B u t this is indeed a m istake after w h ich W h ite c an seize the in itiative a n d obtain a clear positional a d v a n ta g e . B la c k m ust h ere choose the lesser evil an d g o in for 1 2 . . . P x P ; 1 3 P x P , th o u g h then too W h ite w o u ld stan d rather better.

13

5

P -Q . !

E x p e rie n c e teaches us th at W h ite alw a ys gets a n a d v a n ta g e in su ch positions w h en he c a n c a r r y out the thrust P - Q . 5 w ith o u t

474

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

in c u rr in g a d isa d va n ta g e elsewhere. T h is is in fa c t th e case in th e presen t g am e. B la c k can n ot n o w con tin u e 1 3 . . . P x P ; 1 4 P x P , K t x P ; 1 5 K t x K t j B x K t ; since after 1 6 B x P c h , K x B ; 1 7 R x B , K t - B 3 ; 1 8 R - K t s ! w o u ld allo w W h ite a m ost d an gero u s atta ck .

13 • • •

P-QR3

B la c k is forced to le a v e his opponent w ith this stro n g cen tral p a w n a n d has n o w been fixed in a b a d position. W ith the te x t-m o v e he p rotects h im self against the th reat o f 1 4 P - Q 6 , a n d p lan s to close the position after 1 4 P - K 4 , w ith 1 4 ___ P - K 4 a n d th us lighten his defensive task. B u t w ith th e ensuing e x ch a n g e W h ite opens u p lines for his pieces a n d saddles his o p p o n e n t w ith a w eakness o n K 3 again st w h ich the sp earh ead o f W h it e ’s atta ck w ill soon be directed. 14

PxP

PxP

15

K t-K K t5

Q .-B 3

W h ite w a s ac tu a lly threatening 1 6 K t x K P , since afte r 1 6 . . . Q - B 3 W h ite has the d efence 1 7 Kt-dhj.. N o w the w eakn ess o n K 3 becom es fixed. 16 17

P -B 4 K t-B 3

P -R 3 Q .-B 2

N o w w e c a n su m u p the results o f the o p en in g. W h it e ’s pieces are id ea lly d evelo p ed , his ad v e rsa ry is sad d led w ith a m a rk e d weakness o n K 3 , a n d in the sq u are K K t 6 h e possesses a fine outpost fo r his pieces in the en em y position. O n th e o th er h a n d B la c k ’s pieces la ck the requisite outposts in th e cen tre an d h e is w ith o u t a su itable p la n for active c o u n te rp lay . H is one c h a n ce lies in the thrust P - K 4 an d the fo llow in g p a r t o f the g a m e is cen tred ro u n d this problem . 18 19

K t-K R 4 B -K ti

B -Q .3

W h ite , h a v in g atta in ed an undoubted positional a d v a n ta g e , n o w continues im p recisely an d thus allow s his o p p o n e n t som e re a l co u n te r-p la y b y m ean s o f the thrust P - K 4 . T h is a d v a n c e c a n n o t be executed a t once since then 2 0 K T -B 5 ! affo rd s W h ite a w h o le series o f fo rm id able threats. H e n c e B lack m u st still reg ro u p his pieces, in the first place b y R - K i an d K t - B i , w h ic h

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

475

w o u ld , in cid en tally, also p ro tect the K K t 3 sq u are. T a k in g this in to consideration, W h ite should h ave con tin u ed here w ith 19 B - K t 6 ! , preven tin g the reg ro u p in g a lre a d y m entioned an d ren d erin g m ost o f the Black pieces p ra c tic a lly w ith o u t a m o ve. 19 20

. . . Q -K B 2

21

Q -K t3

K R -K i K t-B 1

B la ck co u ld not, during the last few m oves, p la y P - K 4 because o f W h ite ’s K t - B 5 bu t b y n o w this a d v a n c e has becom e a

gen u in e threat.

W ith

the text-m o ve W h ite

o n ce a g a in

p reven ts P - K 4 because o f 2 2 K t - B 5 a n d he h im self threatens 2 2 P - K 4 . N a tu ra lly , too, an im m ed iate 2 1 P - K 4 , P - K 4 ; 2 2 P - B 5 w o u ld h a v e been a go od con tin u ation fo r W h ite b u t he hopes to ach ie ve m ore b y the text-m o ve. 21

. . .

K t - R .4

I t is difficu lt to find an yth in g b etter for B lack since otherw ise he has no m eans o f dealing w ith the th reat o f 2 2 P - K 4 . 22 23

Q .-R 3 K t~ K t6

K t-B 3

V e r y stro n g here too w as 2 3 P - K t 4 , in a u g u ra tin g a d ire ct atta ck o n th e K in g . But the text-m o ve, w ith w h ic h W h ite aim s a t the co n tro l o f K K t 6 , is eq u a lly good. 23

. . .

P -K 4

A t len gth B la c k has m an ag ed to c a r r y o u t this ad v a n c e a n d so free his position to som e extent. N o r c a n h e a n y lo n ger d e la y d o in g this since, for in stan ce, after 2 3 . . . Q .-B 2 ; 2 4 K t - K s , Q _ -B 2 ; 2 5 K t - K t 4 w o u ld yield W h ite a m ost fo rm id ab le atta ck . 24

K t - Q .5 !

A lth o u g h here W h ite possesses other go od con tin u ation s, for exa m p le, 2 4 K t x K t etc., the text-m o ve constitutes th e m ost effective w a y o f furthering his attack . W h ite n o w opens u p b o th d iago n als for his Bishops, th ereb y len d in g fresh force to the atta ck . U n fo rtu n a tely, both p layers h ad g o t in to som e tim e trou b le b y n o w , and this circu m stan ce h a d a re a lly u psetting in fluen ce on the further course o f the gam e.

476

GRANDMASTER

24

. . .

OF

CHESS

BxK t

A fte r 2 4 . . . K t x K t ; 2 5 P x P w o u ld be even m ore u n p le asan t. 25

PxP!

BxK P

N a tu r a lly not 2 5 . . . B x B P ; w h en there w o u ld fo llow 2 6 P x K t ! , B x R ; 2 7 R x B , w ith a decisive attack. B lack (Spassky)

W h ite (K eres) to p la y 26

K tx B ?

H e re the upsetting effect o f tim e trouble becom es evid en t. D u r in g the g a m e both players w ere c o n vin ce d th at W h ite co u ld n ot p la y here 2 6 B x B , R x B ; 2 7 K t x R , since then B la c k w o u ld w in a piece b y 2 7 . . . B - K 3 ; 2 8 Q _ -K t3, R x R ; 2 9 R x R , K t - R 4 . B u t both h a d overlooked th at B la c k ’s c o m b in atio n co n tain ed a b ig hole. In stead o f 2 8 Q - K t g ? W h ite c o u ld o f cou rse p la y 2 8 B - B 5 ! a n d thus, w ith the e x ch an g e to the g o o d , o b ta in a n easily w o n position. A fte r the m istaken text-m ove W h ite loses the g re a te r p a r t o f his a d v a n ta g e . A position -with m aterial e q u a lity arises, on e in w h ic h W h ite retains o n ly a slight positional su p e rio rity on ac c o u n t o f the atta ck in g chances on the K in g -sid e. 26

. . .

R -K 3

27

Q ,- K t 3

R xR

28

R xR

P -Q K t4

B la ck , h a v in g em erged from the w o rst o f his difficulties, su d d en ly finds h im self u n ab le to fo rm a n y setd ed p la n . S in c e

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

477

a t the m o m en t W h ite is th re aten in g n o th ing, B la c k thinks he h a s tim e to u n dertake som e a c tiv ity o n the Q u een -sid e. B u t it w o u ld h a v e been better to h a v e utilized the tim e a t his disposal to ease his position by fu rther exch an ges a n d to h a v e p la y e d 2 8 . . . K t ( B 3 ) - Q 2 . N a tu r a lly in this even t too W h ite w o u ld h a v e re ta in e d som e pressure, fo r exam p le, after 2 9 B - K 4 , K t x K t ; 3 0 B x K t , Q .- K 2 ; 3 1 B - Q B 6 , R - B i ; 3 2 R - Q 6 e tc., b u t at a n y ra te B la c k w o u ld a v o id th e d ire ct attack . 29

R -K B i

K t(B 3 )-Q 2 ?

A m istake in tim e trouble th at loses o ff-h an d . B la c k overlooks th e en su in g Q u e e n sacrifice a n d n o w loses a p iece. N a tu r a lly , 2 9 . . . K t ( B i ) - Q 2 w o u ld also n o t do b ecau se o f 3 0 K t x K t , Q x Q ; 3 1 K t x K t c h , but after 2 9 . . . K t ( B i ) - R 2 o r 2 9 . . .K t ( B 3 ) - R 2 n o d ire ct w in for W h ite c a n be found. H e c o u ld for e xam p le p la y 3 0 R - B 4 w ith a fine position an d excellen t attack in g c h a n ces, b u t even so B la c k c o u ld still p u t u p a stu bb orn resistance. 30

Q xP ch !

resigns.

A f te r 3 0 . . . K x Q ; 3 1 K tx K td is c h , K - K t i ; 3 2 fo llo w ed b y 3 3 K t - Q s d i s c h W h ite w ins a p iece.

K t-B 6 c h ,

Gam e 6 6

S IC IL IA N

D EFEN CE

F . I . D . E . Interzonal Tournament at Gothenbourg, 1 9 5 5

p . K eres P -K 4 I 2

K t-K B g

3 4 5

PK tx P K t-Q B 3

0.4

O . P an n o P -Q B 4

0.3

PPxP

K t-K B 3

3

P -Q R T h e v a ria tio n in the S ic ilia n D efen ce chosen b y B la c k here w a s v e r y p o p u la r a t G o th en b o u rg an d n e w m ethods o f d e ve lo p ­ m e n t w e re discovered, b o th fo r W h ite a n d fo r B lack . I n the presen t g a m e W h ite em p lo ys a con tin u ation th a t is n o w a d a y s v e r y w e ll-k n o w n but w a s p ra c tic a lly n e w territo ry a t G o th e n ­ b o u rg .

GRANDMASTER

478 6

B -K t5

7

P-fi4

OF

CHESS

P -K 3

T h is p a w n a d v a n c e instead o f 7 Q _-B 3, as u p to this tim e h a d been the usu al con tin u atio n , cau sed B lack m a n y a h ead ach e a t G o th en b o u rg . A m o n g st the vario u s con tin u atio n s tried here P a n n o selects the sh arpest bu t in the sequel he risks c h a n gin g his p la n an d hence gets in to difficulties.

7

•••

8

Q .-Q 2

QrKt3

P ra c tic e teaches us th a t W h ite c a n also v e r y w ell continue h ere w ith 8 K t - K t 3 , since the en d gam e arisin g o u t o f 8 . . . Q - K 6 c h ; 9 Q 7 K 2 , Q x Q c h ; 10 BxQ_, is v e r y fav o u rab le for W h ite . H e n ce n o w a d a y s B lack plays 7 . . . P - R 3 in this variatio n so as to p la y Q - K t 3 o n ly after W h ite has retreated his Bishop to R 4 . T h e n 9 K t - K t 3 w o u ld be a d o u b le-ed ged p a w n sacrifice becau se o f 9 . . . Q - K 6 c h . T h e text-m o ve is n a tu ra lly m u ch sh arp er since after the a c c ep ta n ce o f the p a w n sacrifice the g a m e becom es so com p li­ c a te d th a t it is v e r y difficu lt to find the best co n tin u atio n , even in h o m e analysis. 8

. . .

K t-B 3

W h ilst one can n o t e x a c tly single out this m o ve as a m istake it is, h o w e v e r, illogical a n d allow s W h ite a v e r y ag reeab le position. O n c e B la c k has a lre a d y p lay e d 7 . . . Q .- K t 3 then h e should c a r r y on w ith 8 . . . Q x P as w ell. In ju stificatio n o f B la c k ’s p la y it m u st, h o w eve r, be said th at no final v a lu a tio n o f the w o rth o f th e com p licatio n s th at o c c u r in the variatio n th at w a s em p lo yed h ere fo r the first tim e has been ach ieved even yea rs afterw ard s. S o th e rig h t decision w o u ld have been a ll the m o re difficu lt for P a n n o to m ake since he w a s presented w ith the p roblem w ith o u t h a v in g been a b le to p repare for it beforehand . 9

0 - 0-0

Q xK t

B la ck ca n be h a rd ly b lam ed for m a k in g this e x ch a n g e since, fo r exa m p le, after 9 . . . B - K 2 there cou ld fo llow 10 K t - B 3 w ith th e troublesom e th reat o f 1 1 P - K 5 . O n c e B la c k has refrain ed fro m c a p tu rin g on Q K t 2 he a lw a y s has to contend w ith o pen in g difficulties.

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

10

Q xO

K tx Q

11

R xK t

K t - Q .2

479

T h e r e is sca rce ly an yth in g better th at on e c a n reco m m en d a g a in st th e h ig h ly u npleasant th reat o f 1 2 P - K 5 , w h ic h w o u ld fo llo w , fo r in stan ce, after 1 1 . . . B - Q 2 . A fte r 1 1 . . . P - R 3 W h ite has a t his disposal tw o go o d con tin u atio n s:— B x K t , P x B ; 1 3 B - K 2 etc. 12 13

B -K .2 B -R 4

12 R - R 4 and 12

P -R 3 P -K K t4

B la c k has n o tim e for 1 3 . . . B - K .2 , since after 1 4 B x B , K x B ; 1 5 K R - Q i , h e c a n no lo n g e r defend Q .3 . W ith th e text-m o ve B la c k em b a rk s o n a n interesting p la n o f c a m p a ig n . H e m akes a te m p o ra ry p a w n sacrifice, in retu rn fo r w h ich h e o btain s the fine post o f K 4 for his pieces, th ereb y g a in in g som e co u n te rp lay. H is p la n has a go od positional basis a n d w o u ld h a v e h a d e ve ry p ro sp ect o f success i f W h ite d id not possess such a n a d v a n ta g e in d evelo p m en t. 14

PxP

K t-K 4 !

N a tu r a lly n o t 1 4 . . . B - K 2 because o f the r e p ly 1 5 B - K t 3 . W ith the text-m o ve B lack in d irec tly protects th e p a w n , since after 1 5 P x P , B x P c h ; 1 6 K - K t i , B - K 6 B la c k w o u ld o b tain excellen t cou n terplay. W h ite , h o w ever, m akes use o f the fact th a t B la c k m ust lose yet an o th er m o v e in re g ain in g his p a w n to in itiate a d angerous action on th e Q u e e n ’s w in g . 15

K t-R 4 ! B la c k (Pan n o)

W h ite (K eres) to p la y

480

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

T h is m o ve, w ith w h ic h W h ite succeeds in gettin g his K t to Q K t 6 , th e reb y p ra c tic a lly cuttin g o f f his o p p o n en t’s Q u e e n ’s w in g pieces from the ensuing p lay , re ally is the decisive m o ve, b a sic a lly speaking. D espite desperate efforts B lack is not ab le to b u ild u p a satisfactory defence from n o w till the end o f the g am e. 15

. . .

B -K a ?

A fte r this B la c k ’s position can be considered as v ir tu a lly lost, since n o w he w ill be u n ab le, right to the v e r y en d o f the g am e, to free the pieces shut in on the Q u e e n ’s w in g . A lth o u g h too the co n tin u atio n 1 5 . . . P - K t 4 ; 16 K t - K t 6 , R - Q K t i ; 1 7 K t x B , R x K t ; 1 8 P - R 4 , w o u ld not have been satisfactory for B lack , still he m ust choose the lesser evil an d tr y b y 1 8 . . . K t - B 3 to organ ise som e sort o f resistance. 16 17

K t-K t6 B -K t3

R -Q K ti PxP

18

K R -Q i

P -B 3

T h is second p ro tection o f the K n ig h t is n ecessary, since 1 8 . . . B - Q a w o u ld cost h im a piece after 19 B x K t , an d fu rth er­ m o re there is th e v e r y disagreeable th reat o f 1 9 B x K t , P x B ; 20 R - B 4 , etc. N o w a t last B lack intends to get his Q B in to p la y b y 19 . . . B - Q 2 bu t th at is not so easy. 19

P -B 4 !

S o th at after 1 9 . . . B - Q 2 he has the p ow erfu l re p ly o f 20 P -B 5!

19

. . .

20

R (Q 4 )-Q 2

0-0 P -B 4

B la c k c a n no lo n ger m ak e an y useful m o ve an d therefore d ecid es u p o n th e text-m o ve, so as to in itiate som e sort o f c o u n te r-p la y . B u t w ith it he m erely hastens the in evitab le collapse. I t is, h o w eve r, clear that passive p la y w ill not alter the end -resu lt, b u t m e re ly len gth en the d u ration o f the resistance. 21

P -B 5 !

T h is is even m o re effective than an im m ed iate 2 1 P x P , P x P , fo llo w ed b y 2 2 P - B 5 , since after the text-m o ve B la c k ’s Q B rem a in s shut in forever.

LATER

A

YEARS

OF

PAUL

21

. . .

P -B 5

22

PxP

BxP

KERES

481

ra th e r m o re stubborn resistance w as p ro vid e d here b y

2 2 . . . B - Q 7 ; 2 3 B - B 2 , B x K t ; 2 4 B x B , B - Q 2 , b y w h ich B la c k w o u ld a t least h a v e freed his pieces on the Q u e e n ’s w in g . B u t in th a t case too the W h ite Bishops, in co n ju n ctio n w ith the e x tra p a w n w o u ld h ave brought ab o u t a decision. 23 24

R xB PxP

PxB R -B 2

H e r e a t least h e should h a v e p la y e d 2 4 . . . K t - B 2 ; 2 5 R ( Q 6 ) - Q 2 , P - K 4 , to w h ich W h ite w o u ld h a v e replied 2 6 B - B 4 . A fte r th e text-m ove B la c k gets into a stalem ate position. 25

tr a g ic -co m ic

K -K ti!

I t is not a lw a y s the case that a stro n g atta ck in g m o v e has this in n ocen t a p p ea ra n ce. N o w , h ow ever, there is threaten ed both 2 6 R - Q 8 c h , an d 2 6 R - Q B i , w in n in g a p iece. H e n ce B la c k ’s re p ly is forced. 25

. . .

R -B 2

26 27

R -Q JJc h R -Q B i!

K -K t2 K t-B 3

T h is rem inds one o f chess-problem s in w h ic h B la c k often defends his pieces b y placing them in a stalem ate position. B u t B la c k has n oth ing better i f he wishes to av o id losing a p iece im m ed ia tely b y 2 7 . . . R x R c h ; 2 8 K x R . 28 29

P -K 5 B3 ch

0

K -K t3 K -B 2

A fte r 2 9 . . . K - R 4 ; 3 0 R - R 8 c h , K - K 1 5 ; 3 1 R - R 3 , the B lack K in g is in a m a tin g net. 30 31

R -R 8 B -K t6 !

K -K 2 resigns.

T h e final position is quite u n iqu e. W ith o u t in cu rrin g g re a t loss in m a te ria l B la ck can o n ly m o ve his K K t a n d Q R p aw n s, a n d in ad d itio n there is threatened a m ate o n K i . T h is g a m e w o u ld certa in ly h a v e given G ra n d m a ste r N im zo w itsch m u ch pleasure.

GRANDMASTER

482

OF

CHESS

Game 6 7

S IC IL IA N

D EFEN CE

F . I . D . E . Interzonal Tournament at Gothenbourg, 1 9 5 5

p . K ere s I P -K 4 K t-K B 3 2

3 4 5

P -Q K tx P

6

B -K t5 P -B 4

7

M . N a jd o r f P -Q B 4 P -Q PxP

.4

.3

K t-K B 3

K t-Q B 3

p p

-Q R - k 3

-3

T h e energetic thrust, w h ich is certain ly m u ch m o re d an gero u s fo r B la c k th en 7 Q .-B 3 , w as a v e ry p o p u lar v a ria tio n at G o th e n ­ b o u rg . O n e o f th e c h ie f w ays for B lack to p reve n t W h it e ’s

0 0-0

p ro jected 8 Q - B 3 a n d 9 here is the keen co u n ter­ a tta ck 7 . . . Q ,- K t 3 , w h ich both P an n o a n d F u d e r e r tried again st m e in this tournam ent (N os. 6 6 an d 6 8 ). I n bo th cases I co n tin u ed in g a m b it style w ith 8 Q .-Q .2. P a n n o did not risk acceptin g the p a w n sacrifice b u t co n tin u ed 8 . . . K t —B 3 , an d then after 9 - - , Q x K t ; 10 Q xQ _, K t x Q ; I I R x K t , h ad the w orse ending (N o . 6 6 ). F u d e re r, on the

0 0 0

o th er h an d , b ra v e ly m ad e the cap tu re 8 . . . Q x P ; 9 R - Q K t i , Q - R 6 ; b u t then after 10 P - K 5 , did not choose th e best defence 10 . . . P x P ; 1 1 P x P , K K t - Q 2 an d instead con tin u ed 10 . . . K K t - Q j 2 ? T h e n , h o w eve r, a second p aw n sacrifice 1 1 P - B 5 ! y ie ld e d W h ite a decisive attack (N o . 6 8 ). L a t e r , too, a w h o le series o f gam es w ere p la y e d w ith this G a m b it v ariatio n , w ith u p -an d -d o w n results. D espite all the research th at has been m ade, it is still not y e t cle ar fo r w h ich side this extrem ely com plicated w a y o f p la y in g is fav o u rab le a n d hence its em p lo ym en t in m a n y an im p o rtan t en co u n ter c an be an ticip ated . I n this g a m e N a jd o r f makes use o f another defensive possibi­ lity , w h ic h he h a d sp ecially p rep ared in p reviou s an alysis for this occasion.

EATER

YEARS

7 8

9

Q .- B 3 B -R 4

OF

PAUL

KERES

483

B -K 2 P -R 3 P - K K t 4 l?

This w a s the innovation th at th e A rg e n tin e p laye rs h ad p re p a re d aga in st the text-variation . W ith it B la c k attem p ts, at the cost o f a p a w n , to obtain full con tro l o f the im p o rta n t K 4 sq u a re. O w in g , how ever, to B la c k ’s beh in d h an d d evelo p m en t the w h o le id e a ap p ears to be o f d o u btfu l w o rth . 10

PxP

K K t-Q g

T h is retreat allow s W h ite to m ake a most p ro m isin g K n ig h t sacrifice w h ic h in p ractice sets B lack insoluble defensive p roblem s. A lth o u g h later analysis w a s p erh ap s ab le to sh ow th at B la c k cou ld so m eh o w or other defend h im self satisfacto rily in th e ensuing p h a se o f the gam e, his task o ver the b o ard w ith a lim ited am o u n t o f time at his disposal m ust be re g ard e d as hopeless. B etter therefore seems 10 . . . P x P ; 1 1 B x K t P , Q K t - Q a , b y w h ich B la c k does at least ensure him self control o f th e K 4 sq u are, alth o u gh that, in m y opinion, p rovid es insufficient com p en satio n fo r the paw n. 11

K tx P !

In this sam e round the gam es G e lle r-P a n n o an d Sp assk vPiinik w e re also played, so that there arose a sm all m a tc h betw een the S o v ie t and the A rge n tin e p layers. T h e A rg e n tin e m asters h a d a p p a re n tly m ad e jo in t p rep aratio n for the e n ­ cou n ter, since th e sam e position o ccu rred on each bo ard , an d o n each b o a rd too W hite n o w p lay e d this p rom isin g sacrifice. B la ck com es u n d e r the fire o f a w ith erin g attack again st w h ich there is h a r d ly a com pletely satisfactory defence.

*

11

. . .

PxK t

12

Q r R -c h

K -B i

A t first g la n c e W h ite now seems to h ave som e difficulties in p u rsu in g his a tta ck successfully. T h e trouble is th at B lack is n o w th reaten in g to p la ce his K n ig h t on a strong defensive post on K 4 , w h e n ce it w ill be able to beat b ack all W h it e ’s attem p ts at atta ck . F o r instance, after 1 3 B - B 4 , K t - K q ; 1 4 O - O c h , K - K t 2 ; 1 5 B - K K t 3 , Q K t - B y ,! B lack w ill h a v e su cceed ed in establishing his K n ig h t on the K 4 outpost.

484

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

H o w e v e r, B la c k still has at his disposal a surprising co n tin u ­ ation o f the atta ck b y w hich he is ab le to p reven t his opp o n en t from o cc u p y in g this outpost. 13

B -K t5 !

T h e id ea o f this m o ve, at fu st g la n ce an astonishing one, becom es a little clearer w hen one takes in to acco u n t th e v a r i­ ation 1 3 . . . K t - K . 4 ; 2 4 B - K t 3 - N o w 1 5 B x K t is th reatened and B la c k ca n no lon ger p ro tect his outpost, since after 1 4 . . . Q K t B 3 o r 1 4 . . . Q K t Q,2 the Q K t w o u ld be sim p ly c ap tu re d b y the B ish o p, after w h ic h w o u ld follow 1 6 B x K t w ith a w in n in g atta ck . T h is con tin u ation was p lay e d in the G e lle r-P a n n o g am e. B la ck cou ld find n o th ing better th an 1 4 . . . B x P an d soon w a s in a to ta lly lost position after 1 5 O - O c h , K - K 2 ; 1 6 B x K t , etc . . . H e re it should be observed th at after 1 3 . . . K t ~ K 4 W h ite m ust p la y 1 4 B - K t 3 im m ediately. W h ere as i f first 1 4 O - O c h ? K - K t 2 a n d then 1 5 B - K t 3 , B lack w o u ld still h ave the defence o f 15 . . . PxP! 13

. . .

K -K t2

T h is defence is n a tu rally m uch stron ger th a n P a n n o ’s 1 3 . . . K t - K 4 a n d d em an d s from W h ite carefu l a n d resourceful p la y in the co n tin u atio n o f the attack. O f course n either 1 3 . . . P x B ; 1 4 O - O c h , n o r 1 3 . . . Q _ -K i; 1 4 O - O c h , K - K t 2 ; 1 5 P x P c h , etc. w ill do fo r B lack. A defence for B la ck th at well deserves consideration is here, h o w e v e r, 1 3 . . . R - K R 2 , w h ich w a s used b y F isch er again st G lig o ric a t P ortoroz, 19 5 8 . G lig o ric replied w ith 1 4 Q _~K t6, R - B 2 ; 1 5 Q x P c h , K - K t i ; 16 Q r K t6 c h , R - K t 2 ; 1 7 Q x P c h , K - R i ; 1 8 B x K t , K t x B ; 19 O - O - O , w h ereu p o n B lack success­ fu lly defended h im self against all the threats b y 19 . . . K t - K 4 l . T h e g a m e soon ended in a d raw . M u c h m o re dan gerou s for B la c k , h o w ever, after 1 3 . . . R - K R 2 is the a tta ck 1 4 O - O c h , K - K t i ; 1 5 P - K t 6 , R - K t 2 . N o w 1 6 Q x P is n ot go od for W h ite because o f 1 6 . . . K t - K 4 l b u t he c a n o b tain a v e r y dangerous atta ck b y 16 R - B 7 ! e .g. 1 6 . . . B x B (after 1 6 . . . B - K t 4 ; 1 7 B x K t , K t x B ; 1 8 Q R - K B i , B la c k ’s pieces are p ra ctically p aralysed ) 1 7 Q x P , R x R ; j 8 P x R c h , K x P ; 1 9 Q - R 7 C I 1, and, despite b e in g tw o pieces d o w n , W h ite still has v e r y go od atta ck in g prospects a n d a draw '

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

485

w h e n ev e r he likes to take it. C lo ser in vestigation o f this position w o u ld take us to o fa r and does not in a n y case b elo n g to the scope o f the a c tu a l g am e p layed . 14

0 -0

K t-K 4

I n this position the defence 1 4 . . . Q - K t i also c a m e in to con sid eration fo r B lack . W h ite cou ld then continue th e atta ck w ith 1 5 P - K t 6 ! , e .g .:— 1 5 . . . B x B ; 1 6 Q x B ! (stronger th a n 1 6 R -B y c h , Q x R ; 1 7 P x Q , B - B 3 ; 18 B x K t, K tx B ; 19 R - K B i , w h ic h w o u ld , all the sam e, y ield W h ite a strong attack ) 1 6 . . . Q - Q i ; (after 1 6 . . . P x B ; there follow s 1 7 Q -K 7 C I 1, K x P ; 1 8 R - B 3 , etc.) 1 7 R -B 7 C I1, K x P ; 1 8 R - K 7 ! a n d B lack c a n sc a rce ly hope to d efen d successfully so v u ln erab le a K in g . A s w e see, after th e K n ig h t sacrifice a p a rtic u la rly co m p licated w e lte r o f variatio n s h a v e arisen and a n e x a c t analysis o f these, even after th e g a m e , is n ot so easy. I t w o u ld seem , h o w ever, th a t the gen eral opin io n abou t this position m ust fav o u r W h ite . 15

B -K t3

K t-K t3

W e see o n ce a g a in in this position the necessity fo r th e m o ve 1 3 B - K t 5 l since B lack can neither su pp o rt his K t on K 4 b y 1 5 . . . Q K t - B 3 , o r b y 1 5 . . . Q K t - Q z . A n interesting possibility is presented to W h ite b y 1 5 . . . Q - K t i , an d th at is 1 6 B x K t c h ,

81

PxB; 17 B - K , Q x B ; 18 P x P ch , w in n in g. W ith th e text-m o ve B la c k tem p o rarily

protects

all

the

th reaten ed points and him self threatens 1 6 . . . P x P , a n d this forces W h ite to take swift action. 16 17

P xP ch R -B y c h !

R xP

W ith o u t this resource W h ite ’s atta ck w o u ld be a t a d e a d end. 17 18

. . . Q xR

K xR PxB

F o r th e m o m en t Black is tw o pieces u p , has repelled the first en em y w a v e o f atta ck and n o w plan s to escape w ith his K in g to th e Q u e e n ’s w in g v ia K i . B u t W h ite gets b a ck a p ie ce a t o n ce, after w h ic h he has tw o p aw ns for the sacrificed p ie ce a n d still retain s excellen t attacking chan ces in v ie w o f the u n fa v o u ra b le position o f the en em y pieces. S o even w ith th e best d efen ce B la c k has sca rce ly a n y real prospects o f savin g the g a m e .

486

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

T h e oth er defensive possibilities w e re n ot no ticeable better. A fte r 1 8 . . . Q 7 R 1 for exam ple W h ite w in s w ith the p retty 19 R - B i c h , B - B 3 ; 2 0 B - K 8 c h !, K x B ; (or 20 . . . Q x B ; 2 1 Q - R 7 ch , etc.) 2 1 Q x K t c h , K - K 2 ; 2 2 R x B ! etc. E q u a lly the attem pt a t sa v in g B la ck fro m loss b y 1 8 . . . B - B 3 fails again st 19 Q - R 7 c h , K - B i ; 2 0 Q x K t , P x B ; 2 1 R - B i etc. 19

R -B ic h

K -K i

after 19 . . . B - B 3 W h ite wins at once b v 20 Q -R 7 C I 1, K - B i ; 2 1 Q x K t. 20 2r

Q x K tc h

K -Q 2

R -B 7

K t-B 3

B lack (N a jd o rf)

■ B

i i

mm

mm

9m

1

i

W A as in W h ite (K eres) to p la y H e re B la ck co u ld h a v e chosen a w h o le series o f different defensive possibilities, b u t not one w o u ld h a v e tu rn ed o u t to be sufficient to sa ve the g am e. It is o bviou s th at the tw o p a w n s for the p iece in con ju n ctio n w ith the favo u rab le atta ck in g prospects a n d B la c k ’s u n d evelo p ed position constitute am p le com pen s­ ation e ven w ith o u t ex act an alytical proof. If, for exam p le, B la c k h ad con tin u ed here with 2 1 . . . P - K t 5 , then a fresh p iece sacrifice, 2 2 K t - Q s ! , w o u ld h ave fo llow ed an d after 2 2 . . . P x K t ; sim p ly 2 3 P x P ! w ith v e r y strong threats. I t is rath er m o re difficult to dem onstrate a cle ar analysis o f th e w in after 2 1 . . . K - B 3 , but B lack also is beset b y perm an en t difficulties after this. F o r instance, W h ite co u ld p la y 2 2 Q - R 7 . B - K t 4 ; 2 3 P - K 5 , P - Q 4 ; 2 4 Q - Q 3 , o r else 2 2 . . . P - K t 5 ; 2 3

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

487

K t - Q . 5) P x K t ; 2 4 P x P ch , in bo th cases w ith a n atta ck so fierce th at in p ra c tic e B la ck w ould be left w ith no sa v in g c h an ces. T h e te x t-m o ve seems the m o st n atu ral re p ly, b u t n o w com es a fresh surprise. 22

K t-Q .5 !

T h is fresh p iece sacrifice leaves th e oppon en t in a p ligh t q uite w ith o u t resource. T h e im m ed iate threat is sim p ly 2 3 K t x B , follow ed b y 2 4 B - R 4 etc. 22

. . .

R xP

A c c e p ta n c e o f the sacrifice b y 2 2 . . . P x K t w o u ld g iv e W h ite decisive threats after 2 3 Q x P c h , K - K i ; 2 4 Q ,- K t 6 !, e .g .:— 2 4 . . . Q _ -K t3 c h ; 2 5 B - B 2 , o r 2 4 . . . B - K 3 ; 2 5 R -B g d is c h , (also sim p ly 2 5 Q x B is o f course en ough ) 2 5 . . . K - Q 2 ; 2 6 P x P ! an d i f 2 6 . . . B x P ; th e n 2 7 Q ,-B 5 c h , B - K 3 ; 2 8 R - Q . 3 c h , an d W h ite w in s. 23

P -R 4

I t is in terestin g to observe th at u p to n o w the g a m e h as go n e e x a ctly as in the Sp assk y-P iln ik encounter. H e re S p a ssk y p la y e d 2 3 P - R 3 , rekindling the th reat o f 2 4 K t x B , fo llo w e d b y 2 5 B - R 4 , b u t there is o f course no noticeable d ifferen ce betw een the tw o p a w n m o ves. Black is n o w faced b y the sam e difficulties th at w e re present on the previous m o ve. 23

. . .

Q -R i

A fte r 2 3 . . . P x K t there w o u ld ag a in follow 2 4 Q x P c h , K - K i ; 2 5 Q _ -K t6 ! etc. 24

K tx B

T h e sim plest continuation,' alth o u gh 2 4 R - K t 7 w o u ld also h ave w o n , e .g .:— 2 4 . . . P x K t ; 2 5 Q x P c h , K - K i ; 2 6 Q _-K t6 c h , K - Q 2 ; 2 7 Q _ -K t4ch , K - K i ; 2 8 R - K t 8 c h , etc. 24

. . .

K tx K t

25

Q _-K t5

resigns.

In the Sp assk y-P iln ik gam e, w h ere the K R P w as still b a c k on R 3 , B la c k still continued w ith 2 5 . . . R - R 8 c h ; 2 6 K - R 2 , Q_-Q_i; 2 7 Q x P c h , K - B 2 ; bu t here too he h ad to strike his colo u rs after 2 8 Q r B 5 c h , K - K t i ; 29 B x P c h , K - R i ; 3 0 B x K t , R - R 4 ; 3 1 Q r K t4 .

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

T h is e x cep tio n ally excitin g g am e, full o f sacrifices, is o f a ty p e ra rely seen in contests betw een gran d m asters.

Game 68

S IC IL IA N

D EFEN CE

F . I . D . E . Interzonal Tournament at Gothenbowrg, 1 9 5 5

P. K ere s P -K 4 I 2

Iy.t-K .B 3

3 4 5

P -Q K tx P K t-Q B 3

6

B -K t5 P -B 4

7

4

A . F u d e re r P -O B 4

3

P -Q PxP K t-K B 3

P-Q.R3 P -K 3 Q -K t3

T h is g am e w a s p la y e d some rounds after the K ere s-P a n n o encou n ter (N o . 6 6 ). S in c e Fu d erer here d ecides upon repeatin g th e variatio n used b y P a n n o and then too on the cap tu re o f the p a w n on Q K t 7 it m ust certainly h a v e been o n ly after a n exhau stive a n a ly tic a l p rep aratio n . T h e present g am e, h o w ever, show s y et once a g a in th a t the consequences o f the com plications arisin g out o f 8 . . . Q x P are not so easily estim ated, m ore p a rtic u la rly in su ch a b r ie f space o f tim e as w a s av ailab le for F u d e re r to m ake the said p reparation. 8

QrQ?

QxP

T h e lo gical fo llow -u p o f his previous m o ve. T h e text-m o ve is, a t all events, m o re to the purpose th an P a n n o ’s 8 . . . K T -B 3 . O n e m ust also b e a r in m ind th at F u d e re r feels especially at h o m e in co m p lica ted an d in calcu lab le positions, m u ch m ore th an in quiet positional p lay . 9

R -Q K ti

A n o th e r interesting possibility here is 9 K t - K t 3 w hen B lack w o u ld continue w ith either 9 . . . K t - B 3 or 9 . . . Q - R 6 . A ll the sa m e. W h ite need not look for oth er w a y s o f attack until it has been p ro ved co n v in cin g ly th at 9 R - Q K t i is in ad equ ate. 9 10

. . . P -K 5

Q -R 6 K K t-Q 2 ?

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

489

A t the tim e this gam e w a s p lay e d the w h o le v a ria tio n , as has a lre a d y been m entioned, w a s h a r d ly an alysed a t a ll a n d hen ce b o th p layers h a d to solve a g re at p a rt o f the co m p lica te d p ro b le m im m ed ia tely over the b o a rd . N o w a d a y s e v e ry b o d y know s th at this retreat is fa u lty an d th at it is first n ecessary to insert the exch a n g e 1 0 . . . P x P ; 1 1 , P x P . A n exh au stive research in to the com plications arisin g fro m this n a tu ra lly does not com e w ith in the scope o f the present g am e. O n e c a n o n ly observe th at, even after the an alysis an d research es o f a n u m b er o f yea rs it is not y e t definitely fixed w h ich side has the a d v a n ta g e . O n e th in g stands out cle arly fro m the present g a m e h o w e v e r: the im m ed iate retreat o f the K n ig h t is not re a lly p la y a b le for B la ck since it leaves him e asy p r e y to the ensuing fierce K in g side attack. B lack (F u d erer)

11

P -B 5!

W ith this su rprising p aw n sacrifice W h ite opens u p a n u m b er o f lines o f actio n for his p iece, an d obtains a decisive a tta ck , in com p ariso n w ith w hich the tw o p aw n s m inus p la y h a r d ly a n y role. I t is v e r y im portant fo r W h ite , in addition to the o p en in g u p o f the K B file, to w eak en the K 6 sq u are, so th at in the ensuing phase o f the gam e B lack a lw a y s has to keep liis eye on the vario u s sacrificial possibilities at this p oin t. P erh ap s w ith his last few m oves B lack w a s o n ly reck o n in g w ith the possible regain o f the p a w n b y n

R - K t 3 , Q - R 4 ; 12

P x P , after w h ich he w o u ld h av e o btain ed a g o o d g a m e b y 12 . . . K t-B 4 .

49 °

GRANDMASTER

11

. . .

OF

CHESS

K tx P

T h e r e is n o th in g better for Black, since he has to -give ad d ed p ro tection to his K 3 sq u are. T h u s, for exam p le, after 1 1 . . . Q P x P , W h ite c a n continue either w ith i a K t x P , P x K t ; 1 3 P x P , o r also v e r y stro n gly w ith 12 P x P ! P x K t ; 1 3 P x P ch , K x P ; 1 4 B --B 4 ch , w ith a fierce attack. W ith the text-m ove B lack se e m in g ly disposes o f e ve ry danger, b u t o n ly seem ingly. 12

PxP

13

B -K 2 !

PxP

A lth o u g h W h ite has tw o p aw ns less, he c a n allo w him self this q u ie t further develo p m en t o f his forces. T h e point is th at B la c k , in the next phase o f the g am e, w ill find it intensely d ifficu lt to evo lve an accep tab le p lan b y w h ich he a t least m a y g et his K in g into safety, m ore or less. A n d B lack m ust h u rry u p his c o u n te r-p la y since after castling W h ite a lre a d y threatens a d ire ct assault on the K in g . 13 14

. . . Ivtx K t

Q K t-B g PxK t

A fte r the g a m e 1 4 . . . K t x K t was reco m m en d ed b y a n u m b er o f com m en tato rs. B u t one cannot then see h ow , after 1 5 O - O , B la c k cou ld h ave im p ro ve d his position. O n the co n trary , in a d d itio n to other threats, he w ould h ave to reckon w ith 1 5 Q ,-B 4 . T h e text-m o ve ap p ears to be m ore lo gical, since w ith it B la c k does at least retain the good defensive post for his K t on K 4 . B u t h o w ever B lack plays, he c an n ever o verco m e the greatest d ra w b a ck o f his position, to w it, the insecure position o f his K in g an d his insufficient developm ent. 15

K t-K 4 !

N o w there is threatened 1 6 R - K t 3 , follow ed b y 1 7 K t x P c h , a n d this forces B la c k ’s reply.

15

...

P-Q.4

16

0 -0

Q -R 5

B la c k w a s forced to w eaken the position o f his K t on K 4 b y 1 5 . . . P - Q .4 , a n d this affords W h ite fresh opportunities o f c o n tin u in g his a tta ck b y Q - Q j . or Q - B 4 . W h e n w e ad d to this the fu rth e r th reat o f 1 7 B - R j c h , then we com e to the co n victio n th at B la c k no longer has a satisfactory defence again st all this,

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

491

W ith the text-m ove Black protects h im self again st th e first tw o threats, b u t n o w the third is decisive. 17

B -R .5 c h

K -Q 2

B lack no longer has a defence. A fte r 1 7 . . . P - K t 3 ; 1 8 K t - B 6 ch is o f course decisive, an d after 1 7 . . . K t - K t 3 ; 1 8 B x K tc h , P x B ; 1 9 Q - B 2 ! one cannot see a n y defence to th e th reatened m ate on K B 7. 18

R xB!

resigns.

A fte r 18 . . . R x R ; 19 K t-B 5 c .l1, wins.

Gam e 6 9

R U Y LO P EZ , B E R L IN

D EFEN CE

Second Gam e o f the match in H am burg, 1 9 5 6 .

P. K eres 1 P -K 4 2 K t-K B 3

W . U n zic k e r P -K 4 K t-Q B 3

3

K t-B 3

B -K t5

I f U n zic k e r w an ted to surprise his o pponent in his ch o ice o f a n o p en in g variatio n , then he fu lly su cceeded in so d o in g. I e x p e c t from a specialist in the R u y L o p e z like U n z ic k e r som e­ th in g v e r y different from this line o f p la y , q u ite forgotten a lre a d y som e fifty years b a ck an d on e w h ich is d eem ed , an d rig h tly , to be not very favo u rab le for B lack . B u t p erh ap s m y a d v e rsa ry h a d prepared an in n o vatio n here? 4

0-0

K tx P

5 6

P -Q .4 O -K 2

B -K 2 K t-O 3

7 ' BxK t

K tP x B

E v e ry th in g so far has gone a cco rd in g to kn o w n th eory. I t is also know n th at Black has a difficult position after 7 . . . Q P x B ; 8 P x P , K t - B 4 ; 9. R - Q ,i, B - Q 2 ; 10 P - K 6 ! P x P ; 1 1 . K t - K 5 etc. a n d hence B la ck is forced to p la y his K n ig h t to the d ism al sq u a re Q K t 2 . 8 9

PxP K t-B g

10 K t— Q_4

K t-K ta

0-0

4 92

G R A N D M A S T F, R

Ol

( M I. SS

T l ic usual con tin u atio n , the so-called R io de Ja n e ir o v a r ia ­ tion, is here 1 0 R - K i , preventing the thrust o f P -Q .4 for the m o m en t. F r o m p raxis w e learn, h ow ever, th at after the further to . . . K t - B 4 ; 1 1 K t - Q .4 , K t - K 3 ; 1 2 B - K 3 , K t x K t ; 1 3 B x K t , P - Q B 4 ; 1 4 B - K 3 , P - P - Q 4 ; 1 5 P x P e .p ., B x P ; B la c k ’s tw o Bishops in an open position are sufficient com pen sation for the w eaknesses on the K in g -sid e. Perhaps it w a s in this v e ry v a r ia ­ tion th at U n z ic k e r h a d prepared an im p ro vem en t. T h e text-m o ve has been seldom used in p raxis, bu t in m y o pin io n this neglect is ill-deserved. W h ite n o w attack s Q B 6 an d so prevents B lack from p la y in g P -Q .4 . In order to force through this a d v a n ce B lack is p ractically com pelled to g ive u p his K B ish op. W ith this, how ever, the thrust P -Q .4 loses m u ch o f its o rigin al force, since the Black p aw n structure betrays m a n y w eaknesses. T h e present gam e is a ch aracteristic exam p le o f the difficulties w ith w h ich

Black has 10 con ten d after the

text-m o ve.

10

...

I f n o w 10 . . . K t - B q , then n

B B4 R -Q y , Q .-K 1; 12 K t-B 5 ,

leaves B lack v e r y un easy ( 1 2 . . . P - B 3 ; 1 3 B - R 6 ! e tc.). 11

R -Q .1

BxK t

H e re B lack cou ld try 1 1 . . . R - K i , since then the co n tin u a­ tion 1 2 K tx P , Q .- R 5 ; 1 3 P - K K t 3 , Q .-R 6 ; 1 4 K t - Q .4 , P - Q . 3 w o u ld not be especially go od for W h ite. B u t W h ite w o u ld then r e p ly 1 2 Q - R 5 ! an d i f then 1 2 . . . P - K t 3 ; 1 3 Q - B 3 , B x K t ; 1 4 R x B , R x P ; 1 5 B - B 4 , w ith a dangerous attack in return for his p a w n sacrifice. 12

RxB

P -Q .4

H e re too 1 2 . . . R - K i ; w ould be m et b y 1 3 Q .- R 5 . B lack has n o w in d eed been able to get in P -Q .4 bu t at a seem in gly h igh p rice . H e has weaknesses on the black squares, his K t is still b a d ly p laced on K t 2 , there is no piece to p ro tect the K in g an d in ad d itio n W h ite is better developed. B u t h ow c a n W h ite take ad van tage o f these d ra w b a ck s in the o p p o n e n t’s position? 1 3 P - Q K t 4 seems to be a g o o d m eth od, since it threatens P - K t 5 an d then 1 3 . . . B - K 3 w o u ld not do on acco u n t o f 1 4 Q - R 6 . A n o th e r possibility is the e x ch an g e 1 3 P x P e .p ., b y w h ich W h ite opens up the position an d then hopes

I. A T h U

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KBRES

49 3

to exp lo it the weakness o f the h an g in g p aw n s. I n the g am e W h ite chooses the second possibility. 13 14 A

P x P e .p . P -Q K t4 !

PxP

v e r y g o o d m ove th at fixes B la c k ’s p a w n

weaknesses,

th reaten s a n even tu al P - K 1 5 an d for a lo n g tim e keeps the B la c k K n ig h t o u t o f the g am e. I t is clear th at B la c k h as been u n a b le to solve the opening p ro blem satisfactorily. 14

. . .

R -K i

T h is w h o le m ethod o f p la y is o f con siderable a g e , alm o st fifty yea rs, a n d w as first used in the gam e S c h le c h te r-R e ti, V ie n n a , 1 9 1 4 . I n th at gam e R e ti defended h im se lf w ith 1 4 . . .

3

Q r B . b u t after 1 5 B - K 3 , B - B 4 ; 16 Q .R -Q .1, P - Q R 3 ; 1 7 P - K t 4 ! he soon fell into insurm ountable difficulties. T h e m o ve U n z ic k e r chooses is more logical, since w ith it B la c k does a t least co n tro l the K file. B u t it is insufficient for the reh abilitatio n o f the w h o le variation . 15 16

B -K 3 Q -B 3

R -K 3

In re p ly to 1 6 Q .-R 5 , B lack has the defence 16 . . . Q - B 3 an d i f then 1 7 K t - K 4 , Q 7-K 4. T h e text-m ove is d irected again st th e a d v a n c e o f 16 . . . P - Q 4 . 16

. . .

Q .-Q .2?

A fte r this B la ck gets in to great difficulties since n o w W h ite h a s a free h a n d on the K in g sid e . D espite the Seem ing d an gers B la c k m ust b rin g him self to p la y here 1 6 . . . P - Q 4 . I f th en 1 7 P - K t 5 , n ot 1 7 . . . P x P ; w h ich w o u ld g ive W h ite a c le a r a d v a n ta g e b y either 18 K t x Q P , o r 1 8 K t x K t P , b u t th e c o u r a g e ­ o u s 1 7 . . . P - Q B 4 ! A fte r the further m oves 1 8 R (Q _4 ) - Q t y P - Q . 5 ; 1 9 Q x K t , Q ,-R 4 , there has arisen a co m p lica te d position in w h ich in a n y case B lack w ins his piece b a ck w ith go o d prospects o f equality. I t w o u ld therefore be p erh aps better for W h ite after 1 6 . . . P - Q 4 to refrain from the ad van ce 1 7 P - K t 5 , a n d p ro ceed p ositio n ally w ith 1 7 B - B 4 , K t - Q . 3 ; 1 8 B x K t , Q x B , w h e n he w o u ld reta in som e ad van tage on acco u n t o f his co n tro l o f the b la c k squares.

494

GRANDMASTER

17

K t-K 4

OF

GUESS

B -B 4 ?

Y e t another in a c c u ra c y w h ich co u ld in d eed be classed as the decisive m istake since n o w the B lack K in g is su bm itted to the con cen tra ted atta ck o f all W h ite ’s pieces. H e re it w a s essential for B la ck to h ave p la y e d 1 7 . . . B -Q .4 . In re p ly W h ite m ust not m ake the K t sacrifice o f 1 8 K t -B 6 c h , since after 1 8 . . . P x K t ; 1 9 R - K t 4 c h , K - B i , no continuation o f the atta ck is to be seen. B u t the sim ple continuation 18 P - B 4 ! , B x K t ; 1 9 R x B , ensures W h ite a clear positional ad van tage o w in g to the u n favo u rab le position o f the en em y K n ig h t, although B lack co u ld still o btain som e co u n te r-p la y b y 1 9 ___P - Q R 4 . 18

K t-K |g !

B y m eans o f this p a w n sacrifice the last p iece is d iverted fro m the defence o f B lack ’s K in g -sid e. I n p ra c tic e B lack is fo rced to accep t the sacrifice, since after 1 8 . . . B - K t 3 ; 19 P - K R 4 ! is v e r y strong. 18 19 ao

. . . R -Q B i K t-R 5

BxP B -R 5

A n in a c c u ra c y w h ich enables B lack to p u t u p a stu bb orn resistance. H e re W h ite rejects the co n tin u atio n 2 0 K t - B 5 , so as n o t to g iv e B lack the opp o rtu n ity o f d efen din g h im se lf b y 2 0 . . . R - K 3 . W h ereas n o w in reply 2 1 Q _~K t4 w o u ld w in o ffh a n d . B u t here the n a tu ra l atta ck in g m ove 20 K t - B 5 , w a s u n d o u b ted ly the q uickest w a y to w in . A fte r 20 . . . R - K 3 there c o u ld follow 2 1 R - R 4 , w h en one ca n n o t see h o w B lack cou ld successfully d efen d h im self again st the m an y threats, su ch as 2 2 Q .- R 3 , 2 2 Q . -R 5 , o r 2 2 B -Q .4 . 20

. . .

P -K B 4 !

A n excellent defensive m ove w ith w h ich B la c k d eprives his o p p o n en t o f the im p o rta n t attacking sq u are K K t 4 an d at the sam e tim e protects his o w n K K t 2 . I f W h ite n o w tries 2 1 B - R 6 , B la c k p la y s 2 1 . . . Q - K 3 ! threatening m ate on the b ack ran k . H o w e v e r , W h ite still finds a w a y o f liven in g u p his attack . 21

R -K B 4

N o w h e threatens not o n ly 22 R x P , b u t also 2 2 B -Q .4 , w h ich , for in stan ce, after 2 1 . . . R - K B 2 , w o u ld g a in c o m m a n d o f

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

495

K K t 7 ( 2 2 . . . R - B 2 ; 2 3 B x P !). A lso 2 1 . . . Q - K 3 ; 2 2 R x K B P , R - K B i w o u ld n o t w ork since W h ite then replies 2 3 K t x P ! , K x K t ; 2 4 Q r K t4 c h , w in n in g the Q u een . 21 22

. . . R xK BP

R - K .2 R -B 2

A n d so B la c k hopes to force th e exch an ge o f R o o k s, th e reb y w a r d in g o f f a d irect attack, b u t soon there com es a b itter su rprise. B lack (U n zick er) 1m

m m

m

m

i

mm m i m■ s i » m i ■ ■ ■ mm m

m

b

&

i

W h ite (K eres) to p la y 23

K tx P !

T h is p iece sacrifice, w h ic h breaks u p B la c k ’s K in g -sid e b e y o n d red em p tion , is o n ly ren d ered possible b y th e fa c t th at B la c k ’s pieces are stranded in ac tiv ely on the Q u e e n ’s w in g an d c a n n o t speed to the help o f th e K in g in tim e. 23

. . .

R xK t

T h e best defence, 2 3 . . . K x K t o bviou sly fails ag a in st 2 4 B - R 6 c h o r 2 4 Q - K t 4 c h , an d after the seem ingly w o rk m an lik e d efen ce 2 3 . . . Q R - K B i W h ite w ins b y the e legan t 2 4 K t - K 6 ! F o r e x a m p le :— 2 4 . . . R x R ; 2 5 Q - K t 4 c h , K - R i ; 2 6 K t x R , o r 2 4 . . . Q x K t ; 2 5 Q - K t 4 c h , Q - K t 3 ; (or 2 5 . . . K - R i ; 2 6 B - Q j c h , R - B 3 ; 2 7 R x R ! etc.) 26 R - K K t 5 a n d W h ite has a d ecisive a d v a n ta g e in m aterial 24

B -R 6

Q -K 2

T h e R o o k can n o t o f course m ove since after 2 4 . . . R - B 2 ; 2 5 R - K t 5 c h w ins. B u t the a tte m p t to brin g u p fresh reserves to the

GRANDMASTER

496

OF

CIIESS

a id o f the K in g b y 2 4 . . . R - K i fails, as W h ite then p lay s 2 5 P - R 4 , w ith the th reat o f 26 B x R . W ith the text-m o ve B lack protects his K B i an d does indeed threaten to p la y 2 5 . . . R - K t 3 . H en ce W h ite m ust capture at once on K K t 7 . 25

BxR

Q xB

A fte r 2 5 . . . K x B ; W h ite wins b y 2 6 Q -B 3 C I1, K - K t i ; 2 7 R - B 3 , w ith the threats o f either 2 8 R - K t 3 c h , o r 2 8 R - K i . O b vio u sly the B lack K in g , bereft o f all h elp, can n o t m ake a lo n g stand again st the a tta ck o f the en em y h e a v y pieces. 26

P -R 4

P -K R 3

L o s in g o ffh a n d , b u t there w as no lo n ger a n y ad eq u ate d efence against the th reat o f 2 7 R - K K t 5 - R a t h e r m o re obstinate w a s indeed 2 6 . . . R - K B i , but then too W h ite w ins easily, co n tin u in g w ith either 2 7 R - K i , o r w ith 2 7 R x R c h , Q x R ; 2 8 Q r K t4 c h , K - R i ; 2 9 Q _-Q 4ch , Q .- K t 2 ; (or 2 9 . . . K - K t i ; 30 R - B 3 , etc;) 30 Q x P etc. 27

R -Q B 4 !

resigns.

Game 70

C A R O -K A N N

D EFEN CE

Alekhine M em orial Tournament in M oscow , 19 5 6 .

P. K ere s

H . G o lo m b ek

1

P -Q B 3

P -K 4

I n the last decad e M a ste r G olom bek has scarce ly answ ered the m o ve 1 P - K 4 w ith a n y other re p ly th an the C a r o K a n n D efen ce. N a tu ra lly , this circum stance has its go o d sides since G o lo m b ek knows all the inner m ysteries o f this defence really w e ll. B u t, on the other h an d , p rep aratio n for the g a m e is m ad e n o tic e a b ly easier for the opponent w h e n

he is p ra c tic a lly

h u n d red p er cent sure beforehand w h a t his ad v e rsa ry is go in g to p la y . S till, w h en one takes into account the solid c h a ra c te r o f the C a r o K a n n D efence, then one ca n h a rd ly an ticip ate a n y esp ecial surprises a n d hence M aster G o lo m b ek has o btain ed th o ro u g h ly satisfactory results w ith his system .

LATER

2

3 4

YEARS

0.4

PK t-Q B 3 K tx P

OF

PAUL

KERES

497

0.4

PPxP B -B 4 .

O n e o f the m ost solid systems in th e C a r o K a n n D efen ce, w h ich , it should b e observed, w a s em p lo yed also b y B o tvin n ik in his last w o rld cham pion ship m atches. P raxis has sh o w n th at n o w W h ite ca n n o t obtain a n y n o ticeab le ad v a n ta g e , alth o u gh he u su ally retain s the som ew hat freer position. 5 6

K t-K t3 B -Q B 4

B -K t3

A reco m m en d atio n o f the e x -w o rld ch am p io n , D r . E u w e . I t c a n n o t be cla im ed th at this co n tin u atio n is stronger fo r W h ite th a n the u su al (u p to now) 6 P - K R 4 , P - K R 3 ; 7 K t - B 3 etc. b u t nevertheless it has its ad v an tag e s. T h e m ost im p o rta n t o f these, in m y opinion, is the fa c t th a t the possibilities arisin g th ereafter h a v e not been sufficiently tried in p ractice a n d th ere­ fore bo th p la y e rs are a lread y fo rced to think for them selves fro m the v e r y first moves. B u t th ereb y M a ste r G o lo m b ek is bereft o f on e o f his trum p card s, th a t is to say, his su perior k n o w led ge o f the inner m ysteries o f this open in g. E v e n the reverse is tru e, since this a d v a n ta g e n o w sw ings o v e r to his ad v e rsa ry w h o has been ab le to p rep are the v ariatio n s arisin g after 6 B - Q B 4 q u ietly and c a lm ly a t hom e. 6

. . .

P -K 3

6 . . . K t - Q g has been reco m m en d ed b y m a n y com m en tato rs h ere, so as to m eet 7 K K t - K .2 , w ith 7 . . . P - K 4 . In m y opinion, h o w e v e r, the w h o le plan is fu n d am e n tally false, since the o p e n in g u p o f the position c a n o n ly favo u r W h ite w ith his

0-0

b etter d evelo p m en t. A n d in d eed after 8 B lack is faced b y the p ro b le m as to w h a t he should do w ith his cen tre p aw n s. 7

K K t - K .2

T h e co m m en cem en t o f a n interesting idea. I n the ensuing p h a se o f the g a m e W h ite w a n ts to set in m o tio n a n attack ag a in st the en em y K in g ’s position b y P - K B 4 - 5 , a n d for this reason avo id s developing his K n ig h t on K B 3 , so as not to get in th e w a y o f the p a w n a d v an ce . I n ad d itio n W h ite threatens w h e n the occasion arises to p la y his K n ig h t to B 4 fo llow ed b y

GRANDMASTER

498

OF

CHESS

P - K R 4 , w h ich w o u ld le ave B la c k ’s B ish o p o n K t 3 in som ew hat o f a d ilem m a. H e n c e B lack m ust p la y the o pen in g w ith the utm ost a c c u r a c y in o rd er to avo id g ettin g into difficulties. 7

. . .

K t-B 3

A fte r this n a tu ra l developin g m o v e W h ite is ab le to c a rry o u t his p la n u n h in d ered . H en ce, after the g am e, G o lo m b ek held th at 7 . . . B - Q 3 w o u ld h a v e b e e n .m o re e x act, so that,

0 0

after 8 - , Q .- B 2 ; 9 P - B 4 , B lack c a n p ro te ct his K B 4 once m o re w ith 9 . . . K t - K .2 . W h ite w o u ld therefore h ave to alter his p la n after 7 . . . B - Q 3 an d co u ld , for exam p le, continue w ith 8 P - K R 4 , P - K R 3 ; 9 K t - B 4 , w ith a v e r y p ro m isin g gam e. 8

0-0

9

P -B 4 !

B Q 3

N o w W h it e ’s intentions are clear. H e w an ts to open u p the K B file b y P - B 5 an d activate his pieces for the attack against th e en em y K in g position. T h u s for e xam p le after 9 . . .

0 - 0 ; 10

P - B 5 , P x P ; 1 1 K t x P , B lack w o u ld get in to real difficulties o w in g to num erous threats. H e n ce G o lo m b ek essays rad ical m easures again st these threats, b u t w ith o u t m a rk e d success. 9

• • •

Q .-B 2

A fte r 9 . . . K t - K 5 W h ite c an still con tin u e 1 0 P - B 5 ! , for e x a m p le : 10 . . . B x K t ; 1 1 K tx B , K t x K t ; 1 2 P x B !, K t x R ; 1 3 P x P c h , an d i f 1 3 . . . K x P ; then, in ad d itio n to the sim ple Q x K t c h , 1 4 Q - K t 4 , R - K i ; 1 5 B - K R 6 ! is also a v e r y strong a tta ck in g con tin u atio n . W ith the text-m o ve B la c k hopes he has p reven ted 10 P - B 5 , since after a d o u ble e x ch an g e on K B 5 W h it e ’s K R P w o u ld be h anging. B u t a p ain fu l surprise lies in w a it for him . 10

P -B 5 !

W h ite still carries o u t the ad van ce a cco rd in g to p la n ! T h e p a w n sacrifice offered b y the text-m ove is v e r y interesting and, i f accep ted , assures W h ite excellent attack in g prospects. B lack h as, h o w ever, little cho ice, since a refusal o f th e sacrifice w o u ld also g ive W h ite a lasting initiative. I t w o u ld seem th at B la c k has not h an d led th e opening v e r y successfully. 10 11

. . . K tx P

PxP B xPch

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

499

KERES

I n a la te r g a m e against F ic h tl in the Chess O ly m p ia d a t M u n ic h , 1 9 5 8 , G olom bek d id n o t risk tak in g th e p a w n a n d c o n tin u ed here w ith 1 1 . . . B x K t ; 1 2 R x B , Q K t - Q a . B u t it is h a r d ly lik ely th at this con tin u atio n c a n be c o m p le te ly satis­ fa c to ry fo r B lack . W h ite, w ith his tw o Bishops a n d excellen t d evelo p m en t has u n doubtedly the better prospects. 21 A

0- 0?

K -R i

m istake d u e to the fact th a t B la c k h as n o t b esto w ed

sufficient attention to the en su in g en circlem en t o f his B ish op. B la c k ’s best defence here u n d o u b te d ly consisted i n 1 2 . . . B x K t ; 1 3 R x B , gettin g rid o f W h it e ’s strong K n ig h t, a n d then 1 3 . . . B - Q . 3 . A lth o u gh it w o u ld n ot then be easy fo r W h ite to o b ta in a con crete a d van tag e , h e w o u ld still re ta in strong positional pressure in return fo r th e p a w n sacrifice. I t is true th at a n im m ed iate 1 4 K t - B 4 w o u ld le a d to n o th in g b ecau se o f 1 4 . . . Q - K 2 ! b u t 1 4 B - K K t 5 , Q K t - Q a ; 1 5 K t-B q . is a go od con tin u atio n since Black c a n n o t w e ll p la y 1 5 . . . - ; on

0 0 0

a cco u n t o f 1 6 B x P etc. Black (G o lo m b ek )

1

0

1

* 1

S t i l

H

U

U

ffl&M

mm mm M

m jgj

m r# * * ia * W h ite (K ere s) to p la y 13

P -K K t3 !

T h is cu ts o f f the retreat o f the B ishop an d B la c k m u st n o w lose m a terial. T h e ensuing co m b in atio n is in d eed n ot difficu lt to find, b u t all the same it requires e x a c t calcu la tio n . 13

. . .

B xK t

W h it e ’s task w o u ld be rath er m o re c o m p lica te d a fte r 1 3 . . . K t - K t 5 ; th ough w ith this m o ve B la c k w o u ld ru n th e risk o f

5° °

GRANDMASTER

OK

i.lESS

lo sin g a w h o le p iece. T h e re cou ld follow , for exam p le, 1 4 R - B 4 , B x K t ; (or 1 4 . . . B - R 4 ; 1 5 Q - B i etc.) 1 5 R x B , B x P ; 1 6 Q - K t i , a n d B la c k loses m aterial after 1 6 . . . K t - B 7 c h ; 1 7 K - K t 2 , K t - K s ; 1 8 Q - K 3 . N o t sufficient too is 1 3 . . . Q - Q 2 , w h e n W h ite obtain s a c le a r ad van tage b y 1 4 Q r Q ,3 > K t - R f e ; 1 5 Q - K 4 ! H o w e v e r B la c k plays, loss o f m a te rial is in evitable. 14

R xB

15

R x K t!

BxP

T h e sim plest m eth o d o f rendering his a d v a n ta g e cry stalc le a r. B u t also possible w a s 1 5 Q - K t i , since after the Q u een m o v e n either 1 5 . . . B - R 5 ; 16 B - K R 6 , n o r 1 5 . . . K t - K s ; 1 6 Q - K 3 , are p a rtic u la rly enticing for B lack . 15

• • •

Q -K 2 !

G o lo m b ek defends him self m ost reso u rcefu lly in a difficult position. A fte r 1 5 . . . P x R ; 16 Q - K t i , B la c k ’s position w o u ld b e hopeless on a c c o u n t o f his broken K in g -sid e . N o w , on the o th er h an d , after 16 K t x B , Q x R , B lack w o u ld stan d c o m p a ra ­ tiv e ly w e ll. W h ite therefore decides to p ursue his c h ie f aim — the b reak in g u p o f th e en em y paw n position on the K in g ’s w in g . 16

Q -B i!

Q -K s c h

A fte r 1 6 . . . Q x R ; 1 7 Q x Q , P x Q ; 1 8 K t x B , W h ite w o u ld h a v e atta in ed his a im . B u t if B lack tries 1 6 . . . K t - Q 2 then th ere com es 1 7 R x P ( B 7 ) , Q - R ^ c h ; 1 8 K - K t 2 , Q - R 7 c h ; 19 K - B 3 , a n d W h ite retain s his extra piece. A lso possible is the o rigin al 1 7 R - R 6 . 17

Q -B 3

17 K -K ti, Q - R j; position. 17 . . . [8 19

1 8 Q - B 3 etc. w o u ld lead to the sam e

K ~ K t2 K -B i

Q -R s c h Q -R 7 c h

W ith this B la c k ’s “ a tta c k ” is at an end an d W h it e ’s ad v an tag e in m a terial m ust p ro ve decisive. It is interesting to observe th at W h it e ’s K in g is safe fro m the attack o f the en em y pieces even w ith o u t the usual p a w n protection.

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

19

. . .

Q - R f ic h

20 21

0- K t 2

Q xQ ch PxR

22

K tx B

K xQ .

501

N o w one c a n reckon up the successful o u tco m e o f the co m b in ­ ation begu n o n the 13 t h move. B la c k has, it is tru e, a R o o k a n d tw o p a w n s for the tw o enem y Bishops, m a te ria lly sp eak in g, sufficient com pensation. B u t B la c k ’s p a w n s on the K i n g ’s w in g are broken an d weak, a n d it is this circu m stan ce th a t w eighs the b a lan ce in W h ite’s favo u r. B lack , despite the en su in g desperate resistance, is no longer ab le to save his position. 22 23 24

. . . B -K R 6 K -B 3

K t-Q 2 K R -K i K -R i

W h ite w a s threatening a decisive attack on the K K t file. T h u s for e x a m p le 2 4 . . . K t - B i w o u ld m eet w ith the stro n g re p ly 2 5 K t - R s ! , R - K 2 ; 2 6 K tx P c h , K - R i ; 2 7 R - R i , w ith m a tin g threats. 25

K t-R s

R -K K ti

B lack has n o th in g better again st the th reat o f 2 6 B - K t y c h , fo llow ed b y 2 7 R - K K t i . But n o w W h ite w ins the exch an g e a n d this leaves h im a p iece up. 26

BxP

R -K t3

27

BxR

PxB

28

K t-K t3

N o w B lack can n o t even try to c u t o f f the retu rn ro u te o f the Bishop b y 2 8 . . . P - K K t 4 , since then 2 9 R - K i w in s. F u r th e r resistance w ith a piece less is n a tu ra lly hopeless.

28 29 30 31 32

B-B4 Kt-K4 Kt~Q6 B-Kt3 33 R-Ki 3 4 BxR 3 5 Kt-B8 36 PxP

R-Ki K-Kt2 P-KKt4 R-K3 P-KtS RxR K-Kt3 P-B4 KtxP

5°2

GRANDMASTER

37

38

K tx R P B -B 2

p

40 42

43 44 45

CHESS

-

b

4

K t-Q 2 K -R 4 K t-B i

39 B-Q.4 41

OF

K t-B 8 K t - K .7

P -B 5

K t-B 5 K t-K t7c h

K t-K t3 K -R 3

K -K t4 K t - B 5 ch

K t-B i resigns.

Game 7 1

S IC IL IA N

D EFEN CE

Alekhine M em orial Tournament in M oscow , 1 9 5 6

P. K eres

M . Botvin n ik

I 2

P -Q B 4

P -K 4 K t-K B 3

K t-Q B 3

T h e fo rm er w o rld cham pion B o tvin n ik is one o f the few gran d m asters w h o h a v e not allo w ed them selves to be c a rrie d a w a y b y the fash ion able variation 2 . . , P - Q . 3 follow ed b y an eve n tu a l P - K 3 a n d once again he em ploys the old classical set-up.

3

P -0.4

4 5

K tx P K t-Q B 3

6

B -K K t5

7 Q rQ?

PxP K t-B 3

P -0 .3 P -K 3 P -K R 3

T h is is one o f the ex-w orld ch a m p io n ’s p et variatio n s in the S icilia n D efen ce. B la c k is here forced , after the e x ch a n g e 8 B x K t , to re ca p tu re w ith the p aw n , since, as is w ell-k n o w n , 8 . . . Q x B loses a p a w n without sufficient com pensation because o f g K t ( Q 4 ) - K t g » T h e r e arises in this v ariatio n a sh arp ty p e o f p la y e x a c tin g m eth o d ical pursuit o f the m ain objectives an d in this line B o tvin n ik has obtained m a n y a fine p ractical success. H o w e v e r , the m ost recen t gam es p laye d w ith this v a ria tio n h a v e ten d ed to sh ow that B la c k ’s solid defensive position

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

503

KERES

together with his two Bishops still bears too passive a character and provided he plays with sufficient energy White should attain the more promising position. Certain doubts too about the suitability of this complicated system of defence arise from the circumstance that this game was played in the last round when Botvinnik needed only half a point to make sure of first prize. Apparently the ex-world champion was convinced that the best way to make sure of a draw is to play a fighting game rather than to adopt quiet tactics aiming at simplification.

B o tvin n ik

8

BxK t

PxB

9 10

0- 0-0

P -R 3 P -K R 4

P -B 4

u su ally, in p reviou s gam es startin g

with this

v ariatio n , chose the continuation io . . . B - Q a , so as to complete the d evelo p m en t o f his Q u e e n ’s w in g as soon as possible. The text-m o ve is, h o w ever, necessary sooner o r later, in order to av e rt the positional threat o f B - K 2 - R 5 , since on R 5 th e B ish o p w o u ld exert disagreeable pressure on B la c k ’s position. Thus, fo r exa m p le, W h ite , in the g am e Bondarevsky-Botvinnik, X I X U . S . S . R . C h am p io n sh ip 1 9 5 1 , after 10 . . . B-Qp; 11, B - K 2 , Q - K t 3 ; 1 2 B - R 5 , K t x K t ; 1 3 Q x K t , Q x Q ; 1 4 RxQ, R - K K t i ; 1 5 P - K K t 3 , o btain ed strong positional despite the ex ch a n g e o f Q ueens. 11

K -K tt

B -Q 2

12 13

B-K2 K t-Kt3!

Q-Ktg

pressure

In the g a m e K eres-P etrosian , A m ste rd a m 1 9 5 6 , White allo w ed here the sim plification 1 3 K R ~ B i , Q x K t ; 1 4 Q x Q , K t x Q ; 1 5 R x K t , B - B 3 , after w h ich it is v e r y difficult for

White

to assault the en em y position w ith a n y d egree o f success. With the text-m o ve W h ite prevents this possibility, w h ich , in v ie w of the con stricted position of his opponent, is ab so lu tely

13

...

0-0-0

14

K R -B i

K t-R 4

logical.

B lack seeks to relieve his task b y further exch an ges a n d to d eprive his opponent o f the possibility o f o b tain in g a co n crete

5°4

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

a d v a n ta g e even tu ally b y a direct attack on the K in g . N e v erth e ­ less the text-m o ve is som ew hat prem atu re an d forms the basis o f difficulties la te r on for Black. H ere he m u st p la y the quiet 1 4 . . . K - K t i , w h en W h ite w o u ld continue w ith 1 5 R - B 3 , w ith also a threat on B la c k ’s K R P . 15

r ~b3

L a stin g pressure also comes from the sim ple exch an ge 1 5 K t x K t , Q x K t ; 16 R - B 3 , so that, after 1 6 . . . K - K t i , W h ite c a n continue 1 7 Q t Q 4, B - K 2 ; 1 8 P - Q K t 4 , Q - B a ; 19 K t - Q ,5 ! , P x K t ; 20 R - B 3 , B - B 3 ; 2 1 P x P . T h e text-m o ve is h ow ever e q u a lly good. 15 16 17

. . . R PxK t K t-R 4 »

K tx K t K -K ti

B y p erm ittin g the exch an ge on Q _K t3, W h ite has ensured his K n ig h t the QP-4 squ are an d n o w threatens a tta ck on the K in g . 17

; •' • •

a

d angerous

Q -R a

H e re o f course the Q u e e n is out o f p la y b u t it is not easy to recom m end an yth in g better for B lack. T h e exch an ge 1 7 . . . B x K t w o u ld g ive B la c k the ad v an tag e o f tw o Bishops an d affo rd W h ite the opp o rtu n ity o f instituting troublesom e pressure on the w h ite squares b y R - Q K t 3 . A fte r 1 7 . . . Q .-B 2 , h ow ever, there could fo llow 18 Q - Q 4 , B - K 2 ; 19 R - B 3 , B - B 3 ; 2 0 K l - K t 6 , w ith the unpleasant threat o f 2 1 K t - Q j . 18

P -B 5!

B -K 2

T h is n orm al defensive m ove loses a p aw n in su rprising fashion, bu t B la c k ’s position was alread y difficult. T h e exch an ge 1 8 . . . P x P ; 1 9 P x P , B - B 3 ; w o u ld it is true yield B lack go od p ie c e-p la y , b u t his p a w n position w o u ld be hopelessly shattered a n d W h ite cou ld retain the clearly better position b y for e xam p le either 20 R - R 3 , o r 20 R - K t 3 . N o w , in return for his p a w n B lack does at least arrive at som e reasonable p iece-p lay. 19

PxP

PxP

L A T E R

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

5°5

B lack (B otvinnik)

W h ite (K ere s) to p la y 20

RxP!

T h is sa crifice seems at first g la n c e v e r y obvious sin ce c le a rly B lack ca n n o t n o w reply 2 0 . . . B x R becau se o f 2 1 Q x P c h , follow ed b y 2 2 K t - K t 6 c h , w in n in g th e Q u een . A l l the sam e its refusal requ ires exact calculation. 20

. . .

R -R 2

N a tu r a lly n o t 20 . . . B x K t because o f 2 1 R x P , b u t h ere c h ie f notice m ust be taken of the co u n te r-atta ck 20 . . . P - K t 4 , w ith the id ea o f m eeting 2 1 R - B 7 , w ith B - K i . W h ite c o u ld then obtain a fine attacking position b y th e exch an g e sa crifice 2 2 R x B , Q x R ; 2 3 K t - B s , b u t e ven stro n ger w o u ld be 2 2 R - K t y ! , P x K t ; 2 3 Q - K t 4 c h , K - R i ; 2 4 P - K 5 ! w h e n B lack w o u ld h av e no ad eq u ate defence. W ith the text-m ove B lack sim p ly su rrenders a p a w n a n d hopes to g a in cou n ter-p lay in the ensuing phase o f th e g am e through his tw o Bishops. T h e a c tiv e position o f W h it e ’s pieces, in conjunction w ith the u n fav o u rab le situ atio n B la c k ’s Q u e e n , m ake these prospects a little illu sory. 21

R -K t6 !

of

P -K t4

B la c k ca n n o t leave his Q u e e n for eve r in this stalem ate position, b u t n o w n ew a tta ck in g possibilities open u p fo r W h ite on the Q u een-side. 22

K t-B 3

23

K t-R 2 l

Q -B 4

GRANDMASTER

5°6

OF

CHESS

O n c e this K n ig h t h as attained Q .3 v ia K t 4 w ith w in o f a tem p o W h ite ’s a d v a n ta g e is definitively assured.

23 . . . 24 Kt-Kt4 25 b - b 3 26 p- r 3

K-R2 R-K B i p- r 5 B-B i

A n attem p t to p u rsue the W h ite R o o k b y 2 6 . . . B - K i ; 2 7 R x P , B - Q 2 w o u ld be in v a in since W h ite co u ld sim p ly re p ly 2 8 R - K t 6 , B K i ; 2 9 K t - Q _ 3 , follow ed b y 3 0 R - R 6 etc. B lack m u st w a it to see h o w W h ite intends to strengthen his position. 27

K t -Q .3

Q ,-B 2

A fte r 2 7 . . . Q _-Q ,4; 2 8 Q —K i could be u n p leasant. 28

K t-B 4

R -B 3

N a tu r a lly n ot 2 8 . . . B - B 3 ? 29 R x B ! fo llow ed b y 30 Q rQ .4 c h etc. A fte r the te x t-m o ve Black hopes for 2 9 R x R , B x R ; 3 0 Q x P , Q x Q ,; 3 1 R x Q ,, B - K 4 ; 32 R - Q 8 , B x K t ; 3 3 R x B , w h e n he c a n p u t u p a n obstin ate resistance in the e n d gam e w ith Bishops o f opposite colo u r. W h ite , how ever, is n ot con ten t w ith su ch a sm all a d v a n ta g e . 29

B -K t4 !

R xR

A fte r 2 9 . . . R ( R 2 ) - B 2 another p a w n w o u ld be w o n b y 30 K t x P , B x K t ; 3 1 B x B , ensuring W h ite , in addition , a re ally g o o d attack. 30

K tx R

B -K t2

B la c k no lo n ger has a defence against the th reat o f 3 1 K t x B fo llo w ed b y 3 2 Q x Q P . I n time trouble B lack ap p are n tly o ver­ looks th a t the p a w n on K 4 is in directly p ro tected , and n o w he loses y e t an o th er p a w n , w hereupon all resistance is n atu rally hopeless.

3i

BxP

32

B-Q.5

33 34

Q xB p

-

k

5

B -Q BxB

i

R -B 2 resigns,

* 4 * TO U RN AM ENTS AND YEARS in e t e en f if t y -seven

EVENTS

IN

TH E

19 5 7 -19 5 8

w as once again a ye ar rich in

va rio u s events for m e. A t the begin n in g o f the y e a r I took p a rt in the X X I V t h U . S . S . R . C h a m p io n sh ip at M o s co w . M y start was o n ly m od erate. A fte r a d r a w w ith M ik e n a s there followed a loss to Spassk y, then a d ifficu lt d ra w w ith C h a sin a n d o n ly in the fourth ro u n d d id I m a n a g e to w in a go o d positional victory o v e r F u r m a n . I n m y g a m e again st Boleslavsky in the fifth ro u n d I in tro d u ced an in n o vatio n in a w ell-k n ow n v a riatio n o f the S icilia n D efen ce a n d , since m y o pp o n en t d id n ot find the rig h t defence, I o b tain ed a q u ick w in . T h e r e ensued a series o f d raw s a n d w h en , after ten rounds, I cast a g la n ce a t the tournam ent tab le, it d id n ot present a t all a n a g reeab le aspect to m e. I n the lead w ith 7 ! points w as T o lu s h , then in tip-top form , w h ereas I , w ith m y 5 J poin ts w as fa r d o w n in the m iddle o f the to u rn am en t table. In the n ext couple o f rou n d s I m a n ag ed to im p ro v e m y position to a m arked degree, since I w o n bo th g am es a n d h ad g o t as fa r as a share o f th ird p lace. B u t after the 1 5 t h ro u n d I w a s in fa ct a t the head o f the table, h a lf a p o in t a h e a d o f m y nearest rivals. T h e n , h ow ever, I lost a w e a k ly p la y e d g am e again st T a l , a n d this meeting w a s decisive as re g ard s the first p rize. Before the last round I w a s in fourth p la c e , h a lf a point b eh in d the three leaders. A lth o u g h in the last ro u n d I w o n a v e r y riskily p la y e d gam e again st A n to sh in , this w a s not sufficient fo r first p lace, since T a l w o n again st T o lu sh a n d so ensured co m in g first alone. I sh ared second an d th ird prizes w ith B ronstein, h a lf a point b eh in d the w in n er. I n this to u rn am en t, too, I g ave u p too m any h a lf points again st those w h o figu red at the bottom o f the table, w h ich p reven ted m y atta in in g a h igher p la ce . O n the w hole, how ever, I cou ld be pleased w ith m y p la y .

5°7

5°8

ORANDMASTKR

OF

K 11KSS

S h o r tly after the C h am p io n sh ip I w e n t in c o m p a n y w ith G ra n d m a s te r K o to v on a lo n g jo u rn e y to So u th A m e r ic a . M y p a rticip a tio n in the an n u al tournam ent at M a r del P la ta p ro v e d to be successful. M y form seem ed really go o d an d the g a m es fo llow ed one after another w ith o u t a n y especial strain, despite the hot clim ate. A t the end o f the tournam ent I h a d an ex citin g duel w ith gran d m aster N a jd o r f as w e h a d the sam e score b y the tim e the last round com m en ced . I w o n c o m p a ra ­ tiv e ly q u ick ly in this last round w hereas N a jd o r f fought out a d ra m a tic struggle w ith Panno. N a jd o r f obtain ed a cle arly w o n position a n d in ad d itio n Panno w as in g re at tim e trouble. B u t then N a jd o r f con tin u ed so carelessly that he not o n ly lost all his a d v a n ta g e b u t even in the end h ad to su bm it to a d efea t. T h u s I w o n first p rize with the go od score o f 1 5 out o f 1 7 , w ith o u t losing a g am e. W e went on to C h ile w h ere w e took p a rt in a sm all to u rn am en t at S an tiag o . I w o n first p rize, c o n ce d in g o n ly tw o draw's. T w o gam es from this tour are given in th e present collection, fro m the M a r del P la ta T o u rn a m e n t, ag a in st Eliskases (N o . 7 2 ) an d L o m b a r d y (N o . 7 3 ) the lastn a m ed g a m e possessing som e theoretical valu e. S c a r c e ly h a d I retu rn ed home th an I h ad to leave for L e n ig r a d to take p a rt in the m atch again st Y u g o s la v ia . T h e n I w e n t on w ith the S o v ie t team to V ie n n a to p la y in the first E u r o p e a n T e a m C h am p io n sh ip . In both events I p lay e d quiet, c a lm chess w ith o u t a n y p articu lar pretensions an d o b tain ed in bo th to urnam ents taken together tw o w in s an d eight d raw s. In the a u tu m n o u r H u n g a ria n chess friends cam e to T a llin n to p la y a frien d ly m a tch . I h ad an u n h ap p y result in th at I lost b o th gam es to gran d m aster B arcza. A t the tu rn o f the y e a r, after a lo n g in terval, I o n ce ag a in took p a r t in the H astin gs Christm as C ongress. T h is tim e I w as in esp ecially go od fo rm a n d w on on e gam e after another. F r o m the first eigh t gam es I acqu ired points. A lth o u g h I lost in the last ro u n d to G ligo ric I still finished u p in first p lace alo n e. A m o n g s t the gam es I p layed in this to u rn am en t m y b r e v ity again st C la rk e (N o . 74) m erits attention, as it has a c erta in theoretical va lu e . I n the su m m er there c a m e the an n u al m atch w ith Y u g o s la v ia , in w h ic h I w a s due to p la y four gam es again st G lig o ric. I n one

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g a m e I a ch ie v ed a pretty w in (N o . 7 5 ) , in an o th er I su ccu m b ed to a strong K in g -sid e attack , w hilst the o th er tw o en d ed in d ra w s. I also p la y e d in the U . S . S . R . T e a m C h a m p io n sh ip a t W iln o in w h ich , to e ve ryb o d y’s surprise, E sto n ia o cc u p ied an excellen t fo u rth place. T o w a rd s the en d o f the y e a r the F . I . D . E . O ly m p ia d took place at M u n ic h . T h is tim e I w a s p la y in g on b o a rd three for the U . S .S .R . a n d I o b tain ed the best result on th a t b o a rd w ith 7 wins 5 d raw s an d no losses.

Gam e 7 2

FR EN CH

D EFEN CE

International Tournament at M a r del P la ta , 1 9 5 7 .

P. K eres

E . Eliskases

1

P -K 4

P -K 3

2

P -Q .4 K t-Q B 3

P -Q

3

.4

T h e text-m o ve usually leads to sh arper v ariatio n s th an the o th e r p ossib ility 3 K t - Q g . S in c e Eliskases belongs in his style to th e school o f quiet positional p layers, I m a d e u p m y m in d fro m th e v e r y start to strive after com p licatio n s as m u c h as possible a n d the text-m ove affords go od opp o rtu n ities fo r these. B -K t5

3 4 5

p- k

P-Q.R3

P -Q B 4 B x K tch

6

PxB

K t-K a

5

T h e m ost custom ary rep ly, b y w h ich B la c k a lr e a d y d eclares h is w illingness to go in for possibly great co m p licatio n s stem m in g o u t o f 7 Q _ -K t4. H ence the m o re cau tio u s p refer 6 . . . Q - B 2 h ere, w h ic h cou ld lead to the gam e co n tin u atio n b y tran s­ position , b u t w h ich w o u ld a llo w B lack , after 7 Q r K t 4 to d efen d his K K t 2 square sim p ly b y 7 . . . P - B 4 . 7

K t-B 3

Q K t-B 3

M a n y experts hold that the sally 7 . . . Q - R 4 is m o re en ergetic h ere, b u t this is disputable, m o re p a rtic u la rly w h e n this m o v e is

GRANDMASTER

5 *°

OF

GUESS

b o u n d u p w ith the block ad in g id ea o f Q - R 5 . T h u s for exam p le a fte r 7 . . . Q 7 R 4 ; 8 Q ,-Q ?> Q - R 5 W h ite c a n con tin u e w ith 9 P x P , w h ereu p o n the gam e assumes q u ite an o th e r ch a ra c te r a n d the blo ck ad e o f R 5 becom es illu sory. I n g en e ral, the qu es­ tio n o f on e o r o th er m ethods o f p la y depen d s o n the taste o f e a c h in d iv id u a l p la y e r an d so it is v e r y d ifficu lt to m ak e an o b je c tive ju d g m e n t. 8

P -Q R 4

Q .-B 2

H e r e th e sally 8 . . . Q - R 4 is deem ed better, so as to continue afte r 9 B - Q 2 o r 9 Q - Q 2 with 9 . . . B --Q 2 a n d a c c o rd in g to circu m stan ces P - B 5 fo llow ed b y O - O - O . T h e text-m o ve is b o u n d u p w ith an o th er idea, p rep arin g a co u n te r-atta ck on W h it e ’s cen tre b y P - B 3 , for w hich p u rp o se th e Q u e e n u n ­ d o u b te d ly stands better on B 2. I t w o u ld seem th a t here too p referen ce is given ac c o rd in g to each p la y e r ’s taste since it is d ifficu lt, o b jectively speaking, to favo u r one system rath er th an the o th er.

9

0 :0 .2

W h ite w o u ld like to p la y the Bishop to R 3 b u t an im m ed iate 9 B - R 3 w o u ld allo w sim plification b y 9 . . . P x P ; 10 P x P , Q r-R 4 c h ; 1 1 Q .-Q 2 , Q x Q c h ; 1 2 K x Q ., K t - B 4 e tc ., b y w h ich W h ite w o u ld o n ly atta in a som ew hat better en d in g. I n order to p re v e n t this possibility W h ite m akes this m o v e w h ich at first sigh t seems a little strange. A s a p re p a ra tio n fo r his id ea, h o w e v e r, W h ite cou ld h a v e p layed better 9 B - K 2 fo llow ed b y 0 - 0 , th ereb y posing his opponent som e trick y pro blem s. 9

. . .

P -Q K t3

B la c k p la y s illo gica lly. O n ce he has chosen his system w ith th e m o v e Q r B 2 he should logically con tin u e w ith 9 . . . P - B 3 ! w h ic h in d eed w a s recom m ended b y G ra n d m a ste r B o n d arevsk y. A s th e g a m e Sm yslo v -B o n d arev sk y , P a m u 1 9 4 7 , show ed B la c k , after the fu rther 10 K P x P , K t P x P ; 1 2 B - K 2 , P - B 5 ; 1 2 Q -R 6 , K t-K t3 ; 13 K t-R 4 , T - K K t i; o b tain s a th o ro u gh ly satisfactory position. 10

14

B -R 5,

Q -K t2

B -Q .3

T h e question as to w h eth er here W h ite ca n b etter develop his B ish o p on Q . 3 o r K 2 , constitutes a re ally im p o rta n t problem .

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U s u a lly io B - K .2 is p layed so as n ot to present th e o p p o n en t w ith a tem p o after the m o ve P - B 5 w h ich w o u ld b e n ecessary in a n y case. H o w e v e r W h ite regard s the m o v e 10 B - Q 3 in o rd e r in the present position since afte r 10 . . . P - B 5 ; 1 1 B - K 2 , P - B 3 th e opening o f th e d iag o n al Q _R .3-K.B 8 c a n be utilised for the prom ising p a w n sacrifice 1 2 B - R 3 ! P x K P ; 1 3 P x K P , K tx P ; 15 K t-Q i! 10 11

. . .

B -O 2 P -B 5

0-0

I t is difficu lt to find an ythin g better fo r B lack . I f fo r e x am p le 1 1 . . . K t - R 4 , then the an sw er 1 2 Q - K t j is v e r y troublesom e. S h o u ld B la c k attem p t to p reven t this Q u e e n sa lly b y 1 1 . . . P - K R 3 then there could follow 1 2 Q - B 4 . I n the g am e B e la vie n e tz-B o tvin n ik , X l t h U . S . S . R . C h am p io n sh ip 1 9 3 9 , afte r 1 2 . . . P - B 5 ; 1 3 B - K 2 ,

0- 0 ;

1 4 B - R 3 , W h ite o b tain ed

a c le a r a d v a n ta g e . T h r o u g h his inconsequent h an d lin g o f the o p en in g B lack h as a lre a d y g o t into m arked difficulties from w h ich it is n ot so easy to find a w a y out. 12

B -K 2

K t-B 4

I f n o w 1 2 . . . P - B 3 ; then n a tu ra lly W h ite w o u ld not e x ch a n g e on B 6 , but cou ld offer a h ig h ly p ro m isin g p a w n sa crifice w ith 1 3 B - R 3 ! T h e position after 1 3 . . . P x P ; 1 4 P x P , K t x P ; 1 5 K t - Q j . ! w o u ld certain ly p ro vid e little j o y for B la c k . I t c a n be confidently asserted th at W h ite has em erged fro m the o p en in g with a clear positional ad v a n ta g e . 13

B -R 3

14

K R -K i

P -K R 4 P -B 3

N o w , o n ce W h ite can ad e q u ately p ro tect th e K 5 p o in t this m o v e has no force. O n the other h an d B la c k m ust tr y som ethin g, sin ce for e x a m p le after 1 4 . . . - ; 1 5 P - K t 3 W h ite w o u ld b e g r a d u a lly p rep arin g to p la y P - K R 3 an d P - K K t 4 , a n d c a n

0 0 0

also interpose the m oves 1 5 K t - K t 5 , B - K i w ith success. 15

B -K B i

0 - 0-0

16 17

P -K t3 B -R 3

K -K t2 Q R -K i

5 ‘ 2

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

By now Black must reckon with the threat of 18 BxKt, PxB; 19 B-Q6, Q_-Bi; 20 PxP, PxP; 21 K t-R 4, by which his pawn position on the King’s wing would be torn to pieces. After the text-move White tranquilly increases his pressure along the K file, and that by doubling his Rooks there. 18

R -K 2

KRi

Black possesses no possibility of active counter-play and has to pursue a waiting policy. To 18 . . . P -R 5 ; White can simply reply 19 B -K K t4, if he does not want to go in for the possible win o f a pawn by 19 BxKt, followed by 20 PxP and 21 KtxP. The continuation 18 . . . K t-R 4 also constitutes no threat since after 19 Q R - K i, BxP; White wins back the pawn with advan­ tage by 20 PxP and 21 RxP 19 Q R -K i Q -Bi White was threatening to win a pawn by 20 BxKt, PxB; 21 P-K 6, B - B i; 22 Kt-R4- I f Black tries to relieve his position by exchanges with 19 . . . PxP, then there can follow more or less as in the game 20 BxKt,"PxB; 21 PxP, B -K 3 ; 22 K t-K t5 etc. In addition, too, 20 KtxP, KtxKt; 21 R xK t, K t - Q 3; 22 P-B3, or 22 BxKt, is very strong. 20 BxKt White cannot strengthen his position to any degree now, and hence the attack initiated by this exchange is fully justified. 20

...

21

K t-R 4

PxB

Very strong too would have been 21 PxP, PxP; 22 K t-R 4, but White believes there is no need to hurry with this exchange. 21 . . . PxP Black has nothing better, since after 21 . . . R -R 3 there follows 22 PxP, RxP; 23 Q_-Kt5, and furthermore, there is threatened Kt-R4~Kt6-B4, or also simply 22 PxP; 21 . . . P -K K t4 could be considered but then White plays simply 22 K t-B3, when Black would have as an additional burden the weakness on K Kt5. After the further 22 . . . P-B5 the exchange sacrifice 23 KPxP, R xR ; 25 RxR, B -K t5; 25 KtxP, BxR ; 26 QxB, etc. would win very easily.

LATER

22

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OF

PAUL

KERES

5*3

PxP!

B la c k c a n in d eed close the K file, b u t n o w W h it e ’s pressure is tran sferred to the Black Q P a n d this is m u ch m o re d ifficu lt to d efen d . F irs t o f all W h ite gets his K t to the strong post o n K B 4 , fro m w h ich p o in t it is an effective aid in the atta ck on Q 5 .

22 23 24

K t-K t6 K t-B 4

25 R-Qi 26

R-K3 R-R3 Q rQ ? R ~Q i

B -Q 6

T h e s e m o ves are easy to u n d erstan d an d , a t least on the p a r t o f B la c k , p ra c tic a lly forced. W ith the te x t-m o ve it seem s all u p w ith th e p a w n o n Q 4 , b u t Eliskases still con trives to find a c le ve r defence.

26 . . . B-B2! A fine trap. I f White now at once pockets the pawn with 27 KtxQP, then there comes the surprising reply 27 . . . KtxP! and the endgame after 28 KtxPch, (Or 28 Kt-Bych, Q xK t!; 29 BxQ., R xQ , followed by Kt-B6ch, etc.) 28 . . . PxKt; 29 BxKt, Q x Q ; 30 R (K 2) xQ., R xR ; 31 R xR , affords Black good drawing chances on account of the Bishops of opposite colour. But White need not hurry to make the capture on Q 5 . With his next move he first secures the strong post of his K t on B4 and then quietly prepares to capture on Q $ . Black (Eliskases)

White (Keres) to play P -R 1!

RxB

5«4

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

A desperate decision. But Black is by now convinced that he cannot in any other way successfully defend his Q P ' against the threat of 28 Q -K 3 followed by Q -B3. By the sacrifice in the text Black obtains a pawn in return for the exchange, but this does not prove sufficient to save the game. White with his strong Knight and control of the K file retains a positional advantage possesses a positional advantage sufficient for the win. 28 PxR QxP 29

Q -K 3

Q -R 6 .

But not 29 . . . R - K i on account of 30 R xP. The counter­ attack on the Queen’s wing initiated by the text-move is about as hopeless as the other attempts to defend the position, but in fact by 29 . . . P -K t3 the relatively toughest resistance could have been made. 30

Q -B3

P -K t3

Now 30 . . . Q -Q 3 is too late because of the simple 31 K txRP, 31 KtxQ P K -K t2 32 R -K ych This move is indeed forcing, but nevertheless the more modest 32 R (K 2)-Q 2 or 32 K -K t2 would have ended the game more quickly owing to the threat of 33 K t-K t4 . In the ensuing endgame Black, though the exchange down, can put up a stubborn resistance.

32 33 34 35

KtxKtdisch RxR R-Qi

KtxR K-R3 QxKt Q K :s

The ending after the exchange of Queens 35 . . . Q -K 5; 36 QxQ, PxQ; 37 R-Q4 is naturally hopeless. The text-move is directed against the threat of 36 Q-B6. 36 P-R5! With this attacking lines are opened up against the Black King, and this brings about a speedy decision.

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. . .

KERES

5«5

B -K l

B la c k can n o t w ell take the p a w n . A fte r 3 6 . . . K x P ; 3 7 Q - K .t 7 w in s a n d after 36 . . . P x P W h ite strengthens the atta ck d ecisively b y 3 7 Q .-B 4, since B la c k can n o t defend h im se lf on the b la ck sq u ares. T h e text-m ove in no w a y alters the position. 37

PxP

B -B 3

This counter-attack along the long diagonal is Black’s only hope of a counter-chance. 38 R -R ic h K xP 39

Qt K 5

QtB4 !

A little better was 39 . . . Q.~Q.4j to which White would reply 40 Q;'Kt8ch, and after 40 . . . B -K t2 ; could choose between 4.1 QxPch, K -B a; 42 Q-R5CI1, with an easily won ending, and 41 . . . P-B3!. In the last case Black cannot capture by 41. . . QxP because of 42 Q-Q_ 3ch because of 42 Q -Q 3ch followed by R -K tic h and mate to follow. After the text-move Black is mated.

40 Q,-Kt8ch

B-Kt2

41

resigns.

Q-Q6ch

After 41 . . . Q-B3 or 41 . . . B-B3 he is mated in a few moves starting with 42 R-Ktich. Gam e

73

Q.P. MMZOWI'I'SCH DEFENCE inter zonal Tournament at A la r del P la ta , 1 9 5 7 .

W. Lombardy 1

a ;;

B-Q_4

P. Keres Kt-KB3

P-QJB4 P-K3 Kt-QB3 B-K15 4 P-K3 Custom and iashion play nowadays just as important a role in the openings repertoire as before. Whereas round about twenty years ago the continuation 4 Q.-B2 was almost always chosen in the Nimzowitsch Defence, this move has nowadays

516

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

practically disappeared from tournament praxis. Instead the move 4 P -K 3 has taken its place and driven practically every other variation into the background. However, after another twenty odd years it may well be that we shall meet with the move 4 P -K 3 just as seldom as nowadays we do 4 Q-B2 or 4 Kt-B3.

4

...

P-QKtg

5

K t-K a

B -R 3

This move, introduced into tournament praxis by Bronstein (in his match with Botvinnik in 1951) contains a number of interesting tournament problems and one of the most compli­ cated of these is used in the present game. 6

P-Q R 3

Lately, the continuation 6 Kt-K.13, has also been employed, so as to get to P -K 4 as quickly as possible. I f then Black were to reply 6. . . P-B4, then there follows 7 P-Q_5, PxP; 8 PxP, BxB; 9 K x B ! followed by P-B3 and P-K4 with excellent play for White as the game Geller-Matanovic, match U.S.S.R-Yugoslavia, 1958, demonstrates. Grandmaster Reshevsky has also enjoyed some fine victories with this system. 6

...

B-K a

Many hold that this retreat is dubious and recommend instead 6. . . BxKtch; 7 KtxB, P-Q4. Praxis shows that, with it, Black also obtains excellent results, but the text-move is more ambitious and leads to more interesting positions. 7

8 9

Kt-Bq PxP PxP

P Q .4 BxB

This pie e sacrifice has, in recent years, been deemed insufficient for White, even though White gets two pawns and really good attacking prospects in return for his piece. Instead, the continuation 9 KxB, PxP; 10 P -K K t4 has become popular and this, for example, yielded White a quick win in the second match game between Botvinnik and Smyslov, 1954. I can hardly believe that this seemingly risky way o f play is so strong that Black must abandon the whole variation on its

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account. At all events, after the text-move there arises an interesting position rich in chances for both sides, and one about which theory has certainly not said the last word as yet. 9

10 11

• • • PxPch P-K 4

B -R 3 KxP

The attempt at attack by 11 Q-Kt3ch, K - K i ; 12 K t-K 6 , is known to be insufficient on account of 12 . . . Q -Q 2!, although with it White does obtain a third pawn for his piece. The text-move is a recommendation of Grandmaster Bondarevsky’s and is certainly more dangerous for Black, since Black’s K ing’s position is still most insecure and the mobile White pawn centre can eventually become highly dangerous. Black must therefore initiate an immediate attack against the enemy centre, before White has found time to complete his develop­ ment. 11 . . . P-B4! 12 B-K 3 White conducts the attack with considerable cunning. I f now Black heedlessly captures the pawn with 12 . . . PxP, then he has to undergo a fierce attack after 13 Qr Kt3ch, K - K i ; 14 O -O -O , on account of the open centre. Another enticing possibility here was 12 P -Q 5 , but the Black’s task would be even lighter. He could, for example, play 1 2 . . . QKt-Qsj; 13 K t-K 6, (after 13 P-Q 6 , B -K B i; Black threatens K t-K 4) 13 . . . Q -Q K tr; 14 P-B4, R - K i , so as to give back the piece after 15 P-K 5, with 1 5 . . . K txK P. The somewhat insecure position of White’s King in this variation would not allow him to utilise the full force of his centre pawns. Bad of course would be 12 P -K 5, when by 12 . . . QxP! Black would win back his piece with an overwhelming position. 12 13

... CL-Kt3ch

K t-B3

An interesting continuation by which White relieves his centre Q paw n of attack. Black is now forced to continue with 13 . . . P-B5, since after 13 . . . K - K i ; 14 Q -R 4, White, owing to the threat of 15 P-Q.5, would win his piece back. White

5 l8

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

has, however, no choice, since after 13 P -Q5, K1--K4 Black would soon attain a winning position. 13 . . . P-B5 14 Q -Q i Now White once again threatens 15 P -K 5, after which the Knight has no good square of retreat. White could here of course have won a tempo by 14 . . . Q -R4, but this move also has its drawbacks, since the Queen is not particularly well placed on R4. After 14 . . . Q -Q B t; 15 P -K 5, the Black Knight has the good square K K t5 at its disposal and it seems unlikely that White could develop a successful attack from this line. 14

. . .

B -Q 3 !

Black rightly decides to give back the piece in return for two pawns. In so doing he nullifies the enemy attempts at attack and with his two Bishops he attains an excellent position that solves the problems of the opening in a completely satisfactory manner. An attempt to retain the piece would have left Black in an unsatisfactory position, for example: 14 . . . R - K B i; 15 P -K 5, K t - K i; 16 Q-B3, with several nasty threats.

15

p- k 5

White must seize the opportunity while he can since Black was threatening 1 5 . . . BxKt followed by the capture of the QP. 1 r,

. . .

KtxKP

16

PxKt

BxKP

17

K tfB4l-Q;>

After the return of the piece Black has obtained the initiative and already White must occupy himself with the task of

equalising the position. However, the exchanges resulting from the text-move can only7favour Black since tin* latter would vet v much like to get down to an endgame where, with his two Bishops and the Queen-side pawn majontv, he would posses;: excellent winning prospects. Hence While should try to rctan. as many' pieces as possible and to engineer comnlications in the middle-game, 17 Q-R4 would be of little value in this respect since Biack answers simply 1 7 . . . Q-JJ«; 18 O-O. B Kte, when the White

LATER

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PAUL

KERES

5*9

Queen would be badly placed on R4. But more promising was 17 Q -B3. Black would then reply 17 . . . Q -Q Bi and would still have the better game, but White would obtain better chances than in the game. 17 18

... KtxKt

R -K i

After 18 Q7-B3, there would now follow simply 18 . . . K - K t i. After the text-move Black could at once transpose into the endgame by 18 . . . QxQch; 19 R x Q , BxKt, but he prefers to wait for a more favourable moment. 18 19

. . . -0 !

0

QxKt B-Kt2

Naturally Black is not going to take the pawn as this would lead, after 1 9 __ BxKt; 20 PxB, QxP?; 21 Qr Q7ch, followed by 22 B-Q 4, even to a won position for White. 20

Q-Kt4

Q.-K3

Black discerns that, despite the strong diagonal for the Bishop on Q K t2-K R 8, he possesses no real attacking prospects and hence returns to his old plan. Now White is practically forced to exchange Queens, since after 21 Q-R5CI1, K -K t i Black does eventually attain a King-side attack by proceeding with Q-Q B3 and R -K 3 . The ensuing endgame is strategically won for Black, since the two Bishops and the Queen-side pawn majority must result in a decisive advantage for him sooner or later. But first of all he has, in practice, a number of problems to solve. 21 22 23

QxQch Q R-Q i B-Q4

R xQ B-QB3 B-B2

Naturally, Black does not want to exchange oft’ one of his two strong Bishops. But now all preparations have been made on the Queen’s wing and the pawn storm can commence. 24

P-B3

A good move with which White ensures for his K t a support­ ing point on K4. Instead 24 P-B4 would have only appeared to

520

GKA jt ’ UM A S T E R

OF

CHESS

be more active and in actual fact would have merely increased the scope of the black Bishop. 24 . . . P~QKt4 25 K R - K i RxRch Exchange of a pair of Rooks is very welcome for Black, since it lessens enemy counter-chances and adds to the strength of the pawn advance. 26 R xR P-Q R4 27 Kt-K.4! The Knight is excellently posted here and in the ensuing phase of the game poses Black some very difficult problems. Naturally, White must not play here 27 BxP, because of 27 . . . B-Kt3ch, whilst after 27B-K5, B -Q i; 28 K t-K 4 Black can play 28 . . . BxKt; 29 RxB, R -B i, followed by 30 . . . P-K t5.

27

• ■ •

P-R3

28 B-B2 White now intends to continue with 29 B -K t3, wfaich would force the exchange of Bishops and at the same time sets his adversary a small trap. For if now 28 . . . B-K4?, then 29 Kt-Kt5ch, K -B 3; 30 K t-Rych! etc. This waiting move with the Bishop is rendered possible by the fact that Black is not yet threatening 28 . . . P -K t j because of 29 PxP, PxP; 30 B-B5, etc. since this would be very trouble­ some on account of the threats of 31 BxP, and 31 Kt-Q6ch. On the other hand White cannot utilise this small pause to bring his King nearer to the centre, since after 28 K -B 2, Black can indeed continue with 28 . . . P -K tj! and if then 29 PxP,PxP; 30 B -B j, R -R 7 ! with considerable advantage to Black. 28 . . . R -K i 29 B-Q.). Despite acute time-trouble White here refrains from trans­ posing to a Rook endgame with 29 B Kt3, BxB; 30 PxB, BxKt; 31 PxB, since this would have given Black a clear ad­ vantage after 31 . . . P-K t$! 29 . . . P-K t5 Simpler than a preparatory 29 . . . R -Q j, which would, how­ ever, after 30 B-B3, (or 30 B--B5, R -Q 4 etc.) 30 . . . R -Q K ti

LATER

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52'

follow ed b y 3 1 . . . P - K t 5 h a v e also assured B la c k o f the u p p e r h an d . 30 PxP PxP 31

B --B 5

B x K t!

N o w th at the p a w n s arc su fficiently ad v a n c e d it is tim e to exch an ge o f f one o f the Bishops. T h e text-m o ve constitutes the sim plest w a y to w in , although too 3 1 . . . P - K t 3 w as q uite possible. 32

PxB

T h e en d gam e after 3 2 R x B , R x R ; 3 3 P x R , c a n be w o n b y B la ck in tw o d ifferen t w ays. F irs tly , he can p la y 3 3 . . . P - K t 6 ! ; 3 4 B -Q _4, K - K 3 ; 3 5 K - B 2 , B --K 4 ; 3 6 K - K 3 , P - B 6 ! w ith an im m ed iate w in , a n d secondly he ca n also w in b y 3 3 . . . B - K 4 ; 3 4 B x P , B xP ; 3 5 B - B 5 ! , P -B 6 ; 3 6 B - Q .4 ,B - R 8 ; 3 7 B - K 3 , K - K 3 , 3 8 K - B 2 , K - K 4 ; 3 9 K -B jJ , B - K t 7 ; w hen the Q B P w ill cost W h ite his Bishop. 32

. . .

B -K 4

B lack , co n vin ced th at the e n d gam e is easily w o n , takin g into consideration too the tim e trouble o f his opponent, becom es a little careless, a n d thus makes the w in m u ch m ore d ifficult. T h e p a w n exch an ge allo w ed b y the text-m oves is all the m ore w elco m e for W h ite in that it relieves him o f the b u rd en o f his Q K t P . T h e lo g ica l continuation here w as 3 2 . . . P - K t 6 ! an d this, because o f the threat o f 3 3 . . . B - K 4 , w o u ld h ave w o n q u ick ly, for e x a m p le : 3 3 B - Q 4 , B - R 4 ; 3 4 R - K 2 , R - Q i ; 3 5 B - K 5 , R - Q 2 ; follow ed b y 3 6 . . . K - K 3 , w ith a n easy w in . Black (K eres)

W h ite (L o m b a rd y ) to p la y

522

GRANDMASTER

33

OF

CHESS

R -Q B i?

W h ite loses his w a y in great tim e-tro u ble an d n o w su ccu m b s w ith o u t a fight. M u c h better ch an ces o f defence w ere affo rd ed b y 3 3 B x P , B x P , since then B lack w o u ld be faced b y g re at difficulties in explo itin g his ad v a n ta g e . E v e n so, B la c k ’s strong passed p a w n w o u ld even tu ally h av e bro u gh t ab ou t a decision in h is fa v o u r as the follow ing possibilities show . ( 1 ) 3 4 R - K 2 , B - Q j j c h ; 3 5 K - B i , R - Q K t i a n d the B lack R o o k breaks into W h ite ’s position w ith decisive effect. (2) 3 4 K - B 2 , B - Q ^ c h ; 3 5 K - B 3 , R - Q K t i ; an d i f n o w 3 6 R - Q i , then 3 6 . . . B - K 4 with sim ilar consequences to those o f the first variatio n .

3 34

( ) K - B i , K - B 3 ! ; 3 5 R - K 2 , (W h ite has no useful m ove) 3 5 . . . B - K 4 an d w ith the attack o n K R 7 B lack gains the neces­ sa ry tem p o for p la y in g 3 6 . . . R - Q K i .

33

• • ■

P -B 6 !

W h ite ’s id ea la y in 3 3 . . . B x P ? ; 3 4 R x P , R - Q B i ; 3 5 R x P ! etc. T h e ad va n ce o f the BP is im m ed iately decisive. A fte r 3 4 P - Q K t 3 , in ad d itio n to 3 4 . . . R - Q K t i , B lack ca n also p la y sim p ly 3 4 . . . R - Q B i ; 3 5 B xP , F - B 7 etc. 34

PxP

35

R -B ic h

BxP

O therw ise he loses the K P at once.

35 36

• - ■ R -K ti

K -K 3 R -Q K ti!

S im p le r than 3 6 . . . R - Q B 1, w h ic h w o u ld h ave allied W h ite to p u t u p some resistance still b y 3 7 B x P , R - Q K t i ; 3 8 B x B , R x R c h . W h ite m ust n o w allo w the further a d v an ce o f the Q K t P , since after 3 7 R ~ K t 3 , K - K 4 w o u ld w in for B lack. 37 38

K -B a K -K 2

P -K t6 P -K t7

39 40

K -O 3 P -K t3

B -K 4 R -Q ic h

H e re the gam e w a s adjourned a n d W h ite sealed his m o ve. 41

K -K 3

In his ad jou rn m en t analysis W h ite n o w ascertained th at

LATER

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PAUL

KF.RF.S

523

B lack cou ld w in a piece b y force as follow s: 4 1 . . . R - Q B i ! 4 2 B - Q 4 , R - B 8 ; 4 3 R x P , R - K 8 c h . I f the’n 4 4 K - Q 3 , R - Q 8 c h ; or i f 4 5 K - Q 2 , sim p ly 4 4 . . . B x B ; 4 5 R - K t 4 , B - B 7 etc. H en ce W h ite resigns. Gam e 7 4

R U Y I .O P F .Z , S T E I N I T Z

D EFEN CE D EFER R ED

International Tournament at H astings, 1 9 5 7 - 5 8

P . K eres 1 P -K 4 2 K t-K B 3

P . H . C la rk e P -K 4 K t-Q B 3

3

P -Q R

4

B -K t5 B -R 4

P-

3 0.3

T h is form o f the Steinitz D efen ce gives B lack a secure position w ith rather greater possibilities o f a c tiv ity th an defence w ith o u t the m ove 3 . . . P - Q R 3 . 5 6

P -B 3 P -Q .4

7

B -K K t5

the sam e

B -Q 2 P -K K t3

0 0

T h e usual continuation here is 7 - , B - K t 2 ; 8 PxP, P xP , b u t p raxis shows th at then W h ite finds it v e r y difficu lt to b reak through his o p p o n en t’s strong defensive position. W ith the text-m o ve W h ite aim s at takin g the g am e from the u su al theoretical p ath s, b u t he c a n scarcely reckon on o b tain in g better results than w ith the n o rm al m o ve 7 0 - 0 .

7

■ • ■

P -B ]

T h e sim plest cou n ter is u n d o u b ted ly W h ite can continue 8 B xB , Q x B ; 9

7

. . . B - K 2 , w h ereu p o n

0- 0 , K t - B 3 ;

10 Q K t - Q 2 ,

in the hope o f b ein g able to exp lo it later on the sm all weakness created on the K in g ’s w in g b y P - K R u J . A fte r the text-m o ve an interesting position arises w ith chances for both sides. 8

B -K 3 _

B -K t2?

Su rp risin gly enough, this n o rm a l d evelo p in g m ove w o u ld seem to be a m istake after w h ich B lack is in difficulties. H e re he should h a v e p la y e d 8 . . . K t - R 3 at once, w h en I in ten d ed

GRANDMASTER

524

OF

CHESS

con tin u in g w ith 9 P x P . After 9 . . . B P x P ; 1 0 B - K K t 5 , follow ed b y 1 1 B - B 6 , w o u ld be v e ry troublesom e fo r B lack a n d i f 9 . . . Q P x P , then W h ite p lay s sim ply 1 0 O - O , follow ed e ve n tu a lly b y P - Q B 4 an d K t - B 3 . 9

P -K R 4 !

T h is energetic thrust casts a c le ar ligh t on the in ad eq u acies o f B la c k ’s position. I f B lack tries to Stop the further a d v a n c e o f this p a w n b y 9 . . . P - K R 4 , then, after 10 P x P , he is faced b y a n un pleasan t altern ative. A fter 10 . . . B P x P ; 1 1 K t - K t 5 , W h ite obtains absolute co n tro l o f the K K t 5 sq u are, w hilst after 1 0 . . . Q P x P ; 1 1 P - B 4 , follow ed b y 1 2 K t - B 3 , W h ite exerts g re a t pressure on the centre. H e n ce B lack decides to allow W h ite ’s P - R 5 , bu t this yield s W h ite other a d van tages.

9 10

• ■ • P -R 5

K t-R 3 K t-K K t5

B lack has to reckon w ith the disagreeable threat o f 1 1 K t - R 4 , w h ich , for exam p le, w o u ld be possible after 10 . . . K t - R 4 . 11

B -B i

12

K t-R 4 !

K t-R 4

T h is strong m o ve threatens in the first p lace 1 3 Q x K t , a n d in ad d itio n 1 3 P - B 3 , K t - R 3 ; 14 R P x P , etc. T h e ensuing positional struggle is w a g e d aro u n d the K B 5 point. I f W h ite succeeds in fo rcin g his opponent to p lay P - K K t 4 an d then c a n o c c u p y the K B 5 sq uare w ith his K t , he c an ex p e ct to attain a m ark ed positional a d v a n ta g e . 12

. . .

P -Q K t4

W ith this he retains, at an y rate, his w h ite-sq u ared B ishop as a protection o f K B 4 . H en ce there cam e into consideration fo r W h ite on the p reviou s m ove to m ake an im m ed iate exch an g e on Q 7 an d o n ly after this to continue w ith K t - I L j . 13

B -B 2

P -K B 4 ?

B lack should h a v e ackn ow ledged th at he w a s d efeated in th e stru ggle for his K B 4 square an d con tin u ed w ith 1 3 . . . P - K t 4 ; 14

K t - B 5 , B x K t ; 1 5 P x B , K t - R 3 , alth o u gh the resulting position

w o u ld h a rd ly cause h im m uch jo y . W ith the text-m o ve C la rk e

LATER

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525

aim s a t b rin g in g ab ou t com plications, bu t should in fa c t m e re ly lose a p a w n w ith o u t an y com p en satio n w h atso ever. 14

K PxP

W h ite sees th at he gets the ad v a n ta g e w ith this c a p tu re a n d therefore does n ot look for a n y better w a y o f p la y . M u c h stronger, h o w ever, w as 1 4 P - B 3 ! w h ich , after 1 4 . . . K t - K B g (or 1 4 . . . K t - R . 3 ; 1 5 R P x P ) , 1 5 P - R 6 , B - K B i ; 1 6 K P x P , w o u ld h a v e led to the win o f a p a w n an d fu rtherm ore h av e Still retain ed a c le a r positional ad v a n ta g e . A fte r the te x t-m o v e , o n the o th er h an d , Black gets concrete co u n te r-p lay. 14

. . .

PxR P!

15

PxP

BxK P

A fte r 1 5 . . . P x P ; 16 K t - Q g , W h ite enjoys a n id eal post fo r h is K n ig h t on K 4 .

16 Kt-B3

0 -0

I f B la ck h a d h op ed to protect his p a w n on K R 4 b y c o m b in a ­ tio n al m eans then this hope soon proves false a n d the B la c k K in g speed ily su ccum bs to a con cen trated attack b y the W h ite pieces. C o m p a ra tiv e ly better w a s 1 6 . . . Q - K 2 , alth o u gh e ven then W h ite ’s a d v a n ta g e after 1 7 Q .- K 2 , o r 1 7 K t x B , w o u ld be b eyo n d dou bt. Black (C lark e)

W h ite (K eres) to p la y 17

RxP!

K t-K B 3

A sim ple recognition b y B la c k th at he has lost a p a w n , after h a v in g satisfied h im self th at a n attem p t to re co v e r th e lost m a terial w o u ld h a v e a tragic en d . T h u s for e xam p le 1 7 . . .

526

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

Q r K i ? is sim p ly m et b y 18 R - K t 5 c h , a n d the c o m b in atio n 1 7 ___ B x P c h , p la n n in g to meet 1 8 K t x B , w ith 1 8 . . . Q - K i c h , w o u ld , after 1 8 K - B i !, B - K B 3 (or 1 8 . . . B - K t 2 ; 1 9 Q r Q .5 c h , K - R i ; 2 0 R x P c h ! etc.) 1 9 K t - K t 5 ! yield W h ite a fierce attack . 18

R -R 3

Q .-K 2

19

K -B i

K -R i?

B la c k w a n ts to v a c a te the square K K t i for his R o o k as a p reca u tio n aga in st the threat o f 20 B - R 6 , bu t his K in g is b a d ly p la ce d o n R i a n d allow s W h ite to increase his a d v a n ta g e d ecisively. I t is, h o w eve r, difficult to recom m end a n y satis­ fa c to ry co n tin u atio n fo r Black. H e cou ld p erh aps still try 19 . . . R -B 2 . 20

K t -R 4 .!

I t is interesting to observe th at in fact W h ite w ins this g a m e w ith the m ove K t - K R 4 , F o r the first tim e, 013 the 12 th m o ve, w hen it ensures W h ite a positional ad van tag e an d n o w for the second w h en it w in s a decisive am o u n t o f m aterial. T h e r e is n o w th reaten ed not o n ly 2 1 K t - K t 6 c h , b u t also 2 1 P - K B 4 , w in n in g a p iece. B la ck cannot m eet both threats. 20

. . .

R -K K ti

B lack is still h o p in g for 2 1 K t - K t 6 c h , R x K t ; 2 2 P x R , B x R , etc. b u t n o w W h ite puts his other threat into execution. 21

P -K B 4 !

T h is p ra c tic a lly finishes the g am e, since n o w Black loses a p iece. E n su in g attem pts b y Black to arrive at som e sort o f atta ck are n a tu ra lly unsuccessful an d afford W h ite no n o tice­ able difficulties.

21

...

K t-K t5

22

PxB

PxP

23

Q .- K 2

H e cou ld o f course also have p laye d 2 3 K t--K t6 c h , R x K t ; 2 4 P x R , bu t W h ite is content w ith his win o f a piece an d a vo id s further useless com plications. 23 24

. . . K t-(.)2

( 2 .R-KBI K t-R 3

LATER

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KERES

527

N o w it is true th at the K B P falls b u t w ith it the position is sim plified a n d B la c k ’s attacking possibilities becom e even m o re rem ote. 25

K t(Q 2 )-B 3

K tx P

26

K tx K t

27 28

B xB Q -K 4

BxK t R xB

29

P -K K t4 !

30 31

K -K t2 B -K tg

Q -B 2 R -B 3 K t-B 5 resigns.

A fte r 3 1 . . . R x B ; 3 2 K t x R , R - B 7 c h ; 3 3 K - K t i , the checks are a t a n en d , an d after other R o o k m oves 3 2 Q R - R i is decisive. Gam e

75

R U Y LO PEZ, M O R P H Y D E FEN C E M a tc h U . S .S .R .- Y u g o s la v ia at Z a g r e b , 1 9 5 8

P. Keres 1 P -K 4

S . G lig o ric P -K 4

2

K t-K B 3

K t-Q B 3

3 4

B -K t5 B -R 4

P-Q R 3

5 6

0 -0 K t~ B g

B -K 2

K t-B 3

T h is old continuation has been p ra c tic a lly forgotten in m o d ern m aster tournam ents, but nevertheless provides go od o p p o rt­ unities for o btain in g interesting an d excitin g positions. P ra x is show s th a t it is not so easy fo r B lack to defend h im self as is u su ally supposed. A n y w a y , in recen t years I h ave o b tain ed v e r y go o d results w ith it. 6

. . .

P -Q K t4

T h e quiet continuation 6 . . . P - Q S is held b y m a n y to be better here. T h is leads alter 7 B x K tc h , P x B ; 8 P - Q 4 , K t - Q g ; 9 P x P ; 10 K t - Q K .4 to a position w h ich is h ard to ju d g e . B la c k m ust try to find com pensation for his p aw n weaknesses on the Q u e e n 's w in g in the two Bishops.

7 8

B -K tg K t-Q s

P-0.3

52 8

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

White must make this move at on ce, since ing to exchange o ff the strong Bishop b y 8 . . 8

. . .

B lack is th reaten ­ . K t-Q jR .4.

B -K u !

A m ove reco m m en d ed b y Pan no th at constitutes one o f the best replies to W h ite ’s system o f develop m en t. It is kn o w n th a t after 8 . . . K t - Q R .4 W h ite has v e ry go o d prospects b y 9 K t x B , Q x K t ; 10 P - Q 4 , an d , too, the sharp continuation 8 . . . K t x P ; 9 P - Q 4 , (accord in g to E u w e g K tx B , Q x K t ; 10 P - Q 4 , is also v e r y strong) 9 . . . B - K t 2 is not so cle ar in its consequences as is gen erally believed. In the gam e K ere s-B arcza , T a llin n 1 9 5 7 , B lack h a d success w ith 8 . . . O - O ; 9 P - B 3 , K tx P ; 10 P - Q 4 , B - K t 2 ; b u t this w as rather due to in exa ct p la y on W h ite ’s p art. L a te r it w a s sh o w n th at w hite could h ave obtained a strong attack b y 1 1 Q - Q 3 , K W B 3 ; 12 K t - K t 5 ! 9

K tx K tc h

There is nothing better since after 9 R - K i , B lack carries o u t his threat of 9 . . . Kt-QRq, and if then 10 KtxB, Q xK t; 11 P-Q 4, Black plays 11 . . . KtxB; 12 RPxKt, KtxP, and one cannot see what White has got for his pawn. But if White plays 9 P-B3, then there can follow 9 . . . KtxP; 10 P-Q 4, K t-R q, and o n ® again White has no worthwhile compensation for his pawn. The exchange by the text-move simplifies the position, however, and permits Black to solve his opening problem satisfactorily. 9 ... BxKt 10 B -Q 5 With this pin White obtains nothing more than a fu rther simplification of the position, and hence here 10 P - B 3 , m erited more consideration. to

. . .

Q -B i

After 10 . . . K t-R 4; i t BxB, KtxB; 12 P - Q 4 , White still has rather the better position. it R - K i There seems no cause for this m ove at the m om ent a n d hence m ore normal appears 11 P-B3, 0 - 0 ; 12 P - Q 4 , as o ccu rre d in the gam e S an g u in etti-P an n o , M a r del P lata 19 5 8 .

LATER

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529

KERES

11

. . .

0-0

12

P -B 3

K t-K 2

B la c k carelessly allows his oppon en t the o p p o rtu n ity o f reta in in g his K in g ’s Bishop an d this piece proves su perio r to its co lleagu e on Q K t y in the ensuing p la y . In a g am e p la y e d betw een the sam e opponents in a later ro u n d G lig o ric co n tin u ed m ore e x a c tly here w ith 1 2 . . . K t - R .4 an d soon co m p le te ly eq u alised the position b y 1 3 B x B , Q x B ; 1 4 P -Q .4 , P - B 4 . 13

B -K t3!

P -B 4

14 15

P -Q .4 P -Q R 4 !

Q .-B 2

W ith this m o ve W h ite com m en ces an action on the Q u e e n 's w in g , the p o in t o f w hich in actu al fact is directed again st the en em y K i n g ’s position. B lack does not observe the th reaten ed d an ger in tim e an d after a scarcely noticeable in exactitu d e he su d d en ly finds him self in a difficult position. 15 16 17

. . . R PxP R xR

B -B 3 RPxP R xR ?

Su rp risin g ly enough, this n atu ral m ove turns out to be the decisive

m istake,

since

the

text-m o ve

leaves

B la c k ’s

KB2

u nprotected an d allows W h ite to institute a v e ry d an gero u s atta ck on the K in g ’s w in g. C o rre ct here w as 1 7 . . . B x R , w h ereu p o n W h ite can continue 18 P - R 3 , so as to m ake the even tu a l m an oeu vre K t - R 2 - K t 4 . In this case W h ite w o u ld h av e stood rath er better but at all events B lack w o u ld n o t be th reatened b y a n y direct d an ger. 18

B -K tg !

G lig o ric h ad ap p aren tly u nderestim ated the strength o f this sa lly. T h e trouble is that B lack m ust not n o w p la y 1 8 . . . B x B , since after 19 K t x B , he can no longer ad eq u ately p ro te ct the K B 2 square. F o r exam p le: 19 . . . P B 5 ; 20 Q ^ R .5, P x B ; 2 1 Q x B P c h , K - R 1 ; 2 2 K t - K 6 , an d B lack loses his Q u een . H e n c e he m ust allo w the exchange on his K B 3 , th ereb y d ecisiv e ly w eak en in g his K in g ’s w in g an d allo w in g W h ite to in stitute a dan gerou s atta ck there. 18

. . .

P -B f,

53 °

G R A N D M A S T E R O F CHE S S

W ith this he does a t least close the d an gero u s Bishop d iag o n al. 19

BxB

"F x B

A fte r 1 9 . . . P x B ; W h ite can either w in a p a w n sim p ly b y 2 0 B x B , Q x B ; 2 1 P - Q 5 , follow ed b y 2 2 Q x P , o r else c o m b in a tio n a lly b y 2 0 P x P ! P x B ; 2 1 P x Q P , e tc ., in both cases w ith m a rk ed a d v a n ta g e . 20

B -B 2

K t-K t3

T h u s the strong m o ve 2 1 K t - R 4 is p reven ted te m p o rarily at a n y rate. B u t W h ite a t once drives the K n ig h t a w a y fro m K t 3 21

P -R 4 !

K -R i

E v e n tu a l c o u n te r-p la y o n the K K t file fo rm s B la c k ’s o n ly co u n ter-ch a n ce. O th erw ise the W h ite atta ck w o u ld d e ve lo p an d g r o w b y itself o n the K in g ’s w in g . 22

P -K K t3

R -K K ti

23

K -R 2

Q r Q .2

B la ck is p re p a rin g to p la y B - K t 2 - B i , b u t W h ite gets in his a tta ck a m o ve earlier. W ith the fo llow in g m o ve W h ite opens u p a p a th for his Q u e e n a n d plans a n eve n tu a l K t - B i - K g . 24

K t-Q 2

B -K t2

B la c k (G ligoric)

m

m

m

m

HI i 1 1 £ H

I_^

B 6

W h ite (K eres) to p la y A n attem p t to o b tain co u n ter-p lay b y 24 . . . P - Q 4 , w o u ld o n ly le a d to a fu rth er o p en in g up o f the g a m e , w ith ou t n o tice­ a b ly re lie v in g B la c k ’s position. W h ite cou ld then co n tin u e, w ith 2 5 Q - B 3 , Q - K 3 ; 26 K P x P , B x P ; 2 7 B - K 4 , w ith a cle a r

L A T E R Y E A R S OF P A U L K E R E S

531

a d v a n ta g e in position. T h e fo llow in g v ariatio n serves as a n e x a m p le : 2 7 . . . B x B ; 2 8 K t x B , P x P ; 2 9 K t - K t ^ ! , Q - K t 3 ; (the co m b in atio n al counter-thrust 2 9 . . . K t x P , so as to m eet 3 0 P x K t , w ith 3 0 . . . Q r Q . 3 c h , fo llow ed b y 3 1 . . . P x B , g iv e s W h ite a cle a r ad van tage after 3 0 Q - B 4 ! , Q .-B 3 ; 3 1 K t x P c h , K - B 2 ; 3 2 Q x K t , etc.) 3 0 K t - K 6 ! (30 R - K 6 ! also c am e in to consideration) 3 0 . . . P x K t ; 3 1 Q x P c h , R - K t 2 ; 3 2 P - R 5 , a n d W h ite w in s his piece back to geth er w ith a lasting in itiative. P erh ap s this variation offered B la c k so m ew hat better ch an ces in p ra ctice, since after the te x t-m o ve he has no c o u n te r-p la y w h atso ever a n d ca n o n ly p assive ly w a it to see h ow W h ite proposes to strengthen his attack . Passive defence in su ch positions is, h ow ever, usually hopeless.

25 Qr#3 W ith this a tta ck on the K B P W h ite frustrates all B la c k ’s attem pts a t cou n ter-p lay.

25

• • •

Q rK3

25 . . . K - K t 2 fails again st 26 P - R 5 , K t - K 2 ; 27 P - R 6 c h , w hilst i f 2 5 . . . Q ,-K 2 ; 26 K t - B i , fo llow ed b y 27 K t - K 3 is decisive. T h e fa c t that W hite has to spend a tem po (26 P--Q.5) in d e a lin g w ith the text-m ove is o f no re a l im p o rtan ce. 26 27

P -O 5 R -O R i!

O -K 2

Sin ce B la ck h as been ab le to co n cen trate a sufficient n u m b e r o f pieces ro u n d his K in g W h ite can h ave little hope o f d e cid in g the g a m e th rou gh a direct K in g attack . H en ce he in itiates a n action w ith the text-m ove on the o th er w in g , th ereb y p ra c tic a lly fo rcin g the ensuing R ook e xch an g e. B ut th rou gh this B lack loses one o f the m ost im p o rtan t pieces d efen d in g his K in g , a n d the absence o f this piece m akes its e lf felt la te r on. 27 28 29

.. . R .xR ch P Kt

R -R : BxR

F o rc in g an exchange on K t g an d th ereb v o p en in g tip a w a y for a tta ck on the paw n on Q K t.s, w nich now m ust fa il, soon er or late r. W h ite ’s position is b y n ow strate g ically w on.

532

GRANDMASTER

3 32 33 A

CHESS

PxP

29 30 1

OF

K tx P P -R 5

K -K 12 K t-B i

3

B -Q QrK2

Q rQ *

go od con tin u atio n here w as o f course also 3 3 P - R 6 c h ,

K x P ; 3 4 Q x P c h , K t - K t 3 ; 3 5 B - K .2 , w ith the th reat o f 3 6 P - K t 4 . B la c k w o u ld therefore h ave to p la y 3 5 . . . Q - K 2 a n d after 3 6 Q x Q , K t x Q ; 3 7 B xP , the en d in g is easily w o n for W h ite . B u t the te x t-m o v e is even stron ger, since w ith it W h ite also w in s a p a w n a n d still keeps the Q u een s o n the bo ard .

33

• ••

P

-®4

A d esperate atte m p t a t co u n ter-p lay, b u t B lack no lo n ger has a defence. T h u s , fo r e x a m p le, 3 3 . . . Q - B i w o u ld n ot save th e p a w n , since after 3 4 B x P , Q x P ; 3 5 Q - K t 4 c h , W h ite w o u ld g et a m a tin g a tta ck : 3 5 . . . K - R i ; 3 6 P - R 6 , K t - K t 3 ; 3 7 Q - Q 7 ! , o r 3 5 . . . K - R 3 ; 3 6 Q - K t 8 , Q x K t ; 3 7 Q x K t c h , etc. 35

N a tu r a lly hopeless also is the atte m p t to sa ve the g a m e b y . K t - K t 3 ; 3 6 P x K t, Q x K t; 3 7 P xP ch , K x P ; 3 8 Q -K 6 c h ,

K - K t 2 ; 3 9 Q - K y c h , etc. 34

BxP

35

P -Q B

Q -B i

4

N o w W h ite has a p a w n more togeth er w ith the better posi­ tion a n d the issue o f the g am e is no longer in a n y dou bt.

35

■ • •

P -R

3

A fte r 3 5 . . . P x P ; 3 6 Q x P , P - B 4 ; 3 7 Q - R 4 ! is m ost u n ­ p leasan t fo r B lack. 36

K t-Q 2

K t-R 2

37

PxP

K t-B 3

M o r e e x a c t w a s 3 7 . . . Q x K B P , w h ich w o u ld h ave led to the g a m e co n tin u atio n after 3 8 K t - K 4 , K t - B 3 ; 3 9 K t x P . A fte r the text-m o ve W h ite co u ld keep a second p a w n w ith a n y d a n g e r b y 3 8 P - K t 4 , bu t, in v ie w o f some tim e trouble, he does not w a n t to a lte r his p la n , o n ce m ade. 38

K tlC j.

Q xK BP

39

K tx P

K t-K tg e h

L A T E R YE ARS OF P A U L KERBS

533

A fte r 3 9 . . . Q x R P c h ; 4 0 Q x Q ,, K txQ _; 4 1 B - B 6 is o f cou rse decisive. 40 41

K -K ti P -B 3

Q xP

T h is w a s W h ite ’s sealed m o ve. Su fficien t fo r a w in w e re also th e m oves 4 1 Q - B 3 , or 4 1 K t - K 8 c h , fo llow ed b y 4 2 P - B 3 , b u t the text-m o ve ends the g am e ju s t as q u ick ly. 41

. . .

K t-B 3

42

Q -K 3!

resigns.

B la ck is p ra ctica lly p aralysed . A fte r 4 2 . . . C t - K ^ ; there follow s 4 3 Q XP , and the continuation 4 2 ___Q _ -K t4 ; 4 3 Q x Q c h , P x Q ; 4 4 B - B 6 ! loses the B ish o p, since B lack can n o t c a p tu r e on

3

B -

THE CANDIDATES’ TOURNAMENTS, 1959-1962 Translator's N ote

he

games that follow, together with their notes, were

handed to me by Kcres after the publication of the Estonian original collection of his games and they do not appear in either the Russian or German versions. As he did not add an introduction I give my own here. 1959 started off on a not particularly good note since Keres came as low as equal 7th and 8th with Averbach at the 26th U.S.S.R. Championship at Tiflis. Still, he was ahead of a number of great players, notably Korchnoi, Geller and Bronstein. There followed a better result at the very strong international tournament held at Zurich to commemorate the 150th an­ niversary of the founding of the Zurich Chess Club. He had an excellent equal 3rd and 4th together with Bobby Fischer, scoring io| out of 1 5 and coming a point below the winner, Tal. Wc give his game against Gligoric from this event (No. 76). T h e n th ere cam e the m ost im portant even t o f the y e a r, the C a n d id a te s ’ T o u rn a m e n t in Y u g o slav ia. A s 1 w as the co n tro ller o f this even t I w as ab le to study the p la y at close h an d . It w as a fascin atin g a n d excitin g struggle betw een tw o gre at p laye rs, T a l an d K e re s. K c re s, to q u o te his ow n w ords “ p la y e d w e ll, but T a l p la y e d b ette r” . So T a l w on the righ t to ch allen ge B o tvin n il. fo r the w o rld title; but K e re s was an excellen t second a n d had the d istinction o f d efeatin g T al in th eir in d iv id u a l m a tc h b y 3 - 1 . F ro m the last p liasc o f the tou rn am en t, that a t B e lg rad e , w e g iv e his m agn ificen t w in over T a l (N o. 77 ). O v e r the turn o f the v e a r 19 5 0 -6 0 K e re s took part in a short in te rn a tio n a l tournam ent a; Stockholm . First place in this w as sh ared betw een the. S o viet gran d m aster K o to v an d the Sw ed ish m aster M a rtin jo h a n n s o n w ith 7 nouns. K e re s w as n ext w ith

534

L A T E R YE ARS OF P A U L KERES

535

6 | a n d w a s ro b b ed o f first p rize b y losing to the S w e d e , S k o ld . A d o u b le ro u n d m atch in M a y betw een E sto n ia a n d F in la n d en d ed in honours even, K c r e s losin g o n e a n d w in n in g o n e aga in st O ja n e n . In a m atch to u rn am en t in J u l y a n d A u g u s t a t H a m b u r g betw een the U . S . S . R . a n d W e st G e r m a n y h e sco re d 5 J o u t o f 7 w ith o u t losing a g a m e a n d a t th e L e ip z ig O l y m p ia d h e o b ta in ed th e best result o n B o a rd T h r e e w ith a sco re o f i o j out o f 13 . I n 1 9 6 1 h e started o ff w ith a n in different result in a m a tc h betw een th e U . S . S . R . a n d Y u g o s la v ia a t B elg rad e w h e re , o n B o a rd T w o , h e scored o n ly 5 0 % , o u t o f 5 . B u t, a t th e Z u r ic h In tern atio n al T o u rn a m e n t h e p la y e d b e au tifu l chess, co in in g first w ith 9 points o u t o f 1 1 , b e atin g , am o n gst o th ers, Petrosian. T h e fin al o f the E u ro p ean T e a m C h am p io n sh ip w a s p la y e d in O b erh a u sen in W est G e r m a n y in J u n e . H e re h e sco re d 6 o u t o f 8 o n th ird b o a rd without losin g a g am e. F r o m this e v e n t w e give his g a m e against H o rt (N o . 7 8 ) . T h e y e a r ended with a v e r y strong to u rn am en t a t B le d in Y u g o s la v ia w h e re he tied fo r fifth p lace w ith G lig o r ic a n d Petrosian w ith i 2 | points o u t o f 1 9 , b e lo w T a l a n d F is c h e r. O n c e a g a in , a t the b egin n in g o f 1 9 6 2 , he h ad a n in d iffe re n t result in a S o v ie t C h am p io nsh ip . I n the 2 9 th U . S . S . R . C h a m ­ pionship a t B a ku he cam e eq u a l 8th to 1 it h w ith 1 1 p o in ts o u t o f 2 0 , to geth er w ith C h o lm o v, G ipslis an d Sm yslo v. T h e n c a m e the great C a n d id a te s’ T o u rn a m e n t a t C u r a c a o in w h ich h e m issed w in n in g the even t b y the n arro w est m a r g in . A loss to B en ko in the p en u ltim ate ro u n d (after he h a d b e a te n him th rice in previous ro u n d s!) co st h im first p la c e a n d h e c a m e e q u a l second w ith G e lle r w ith 1 7 points h a lf a p o in t b eh in d Petrosian . T h is w a s th e fo u rth tim e K e r e s h a d c o m e second in a C an d id ates’ T o u rn a m e n t. W e g iv e a w in ag a in st T a l fro m this even t (N o. 7 9 ) . A m a tc h w a s played a t M o s c o w b etw een K e re s a n d G e lle r to d eterm ine w h o should b e classed second a n d th us h a v e th e rig h t to take p a rt in the n e x t C a n d id a te s’ . I t w a s a v e r y e v e n ly contested a ffa ir. W h en the 8 th a n d last g a m e w a s re a c h e d th e score w a s 3 § - 3 ^ . K eres h a d to w in the last g am e sin ce, in th e even t o f a d r a w , G eE er w o u ld g a in th e rig h t to p la y in th e

536

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

C a n d id a te s’ as he h a d the superior S o n n e b o rn -B e rg e r score a t C u ra c a o . H o w e v e r, K e re s w o n the m atch w ith a b eau tiful gam e th at con cludes this b ook (N o. 80). G am e

76

R U Y LO PEZ, M O RPH Y D EFEN CE In tern a tio n a l T o u rn a m e n t a t Z u ric h ,

p. K e re s I P -K 4 2 K t-K B s 3 B -K t5 4 B -R 4 5 0 -0 6 R -K i 7 B -K t3 8 p-b3 9 P -K R 3

19 59 S . G lig o ric P -K 4 K t-Q B 3 P -Q R 3 K t-B 3 B -K 2 P -Q K t4 0 -0

P Q .3 B -K t2

I h a v e p la y e d a w h ole series o f R u y L o p ezes again st G lig o ric a n d in so d o in g w e h a v e both tried ou t vario u s m ethods o f d evelo p m en t. U su a lly G lig o ric has e m p lo ye d the p o p u la r T sch ig o rin system 9 . . . K t- Q R .4 ; 10 B - B 2 , P - B 4 , fo llow ed b y Q - B 2 . In the present g a m e he in tends to exp erim en t w ith a n ew system . 10 P -Q .4 K t- Q R .4 T h is sequence o f m oves chosen b y B lack w as at one tim e com b in ed by F lo h r w ith an interesting p a w n sacrifice, v iz . 10 . . . P x P ; 1 1 P x P , P - Q 4 ; 12 P - K 5 , K t - K .5 ; 13 K t - B 3 , K t - R 4 ; 14 B - B 2 , P - K B 4 ; 1 5 P x P e .p ., B x P ; etc. P ra c tic a l exp erien ce o f this v a ria tio n , how ever, has show n th at the ensuing B la ck in itiativ e is not quite w orth the e x tra p aw n fo r the opponent. 11 B -B 2 IU -B 5 T h is m ove is the start o f the new system G lig o ric h as p re ­ p a re d . O f course, B la ck could have transposed here to tiie usual p ath s o f the T sch ig o rin D efence by 1 1 . . . P - B 4 . 12

P -Q K tg

13

QKt-Qa

K t-K tq

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

537

N a tu r a lly W h ite cannot w in a p aw n b y 1 3 P x P , P x P ; 1 4 Q x Q _ , Q R x Q ; 1 5 K tx P , b ecau se o f 1 5 . . . K t x P etc, A fte r the te xt-m o ve, how ever, K 4 m ust be protected. 13

...

Q K t - Q .2

A fte r five m oves this K n ig h t has n o w retreated to a sq u are w h ich it co u ld h ave reached at once from the o rigin al position. T h is loss o f tim e gives one ju stified q u alm s abou t the system chosen b y G lig o ric. It is, h o w eve r, in no w a y easy to e x p lo it such a loss o f tim e in a closed position so as to obtain a con crete ad van tage. I n the ensuing phase o f the g am e, in fact, W h ite is unable to b rin g o u t fully into the open the d ark side o f B la c k ’s schem es. 14 15

B -K t2 K t-B i

P -B 4

Both sides h a v e com pleted the d evelopm en t o f their forces an d n o w it is a question o f fo rm in g a prom ising p lan fo r the com in g m id d le-ga m e. T h e text-m o ve is b y itself o f course not b a d , bu t this is o n ly on the con d itio n that, in the ensuing phase o f the g am e, W h ite pursues a concrete line o f d e p a rtu re . A n o th e r v e r y go od idea here is th at reco m m en d ed b y V u k o v ic : 1 5 P - Q R 4 , follow ed eventually b y B - Q 3 an d Q - K 2 , so as to force the Q K t p a w n to clarify its position an d e ve n tu a lly w in the im p o rtan t Q B 4 square for his pieces. 15

. . .

16

P -Q R 4

R -K i

B u t w ith this, how ever, tw o good plans are confused, a n d n othing good can arise therefrom . I f W h ite w a n te d to p la y P - Q R 4 , then he should have p lay e d it o n the m ove before as alrea d y m entioned. But after he has p la y e d 1 5 K t - B i it is necessary to m ake use of another p lan . T h is consists o f 1 6 P x K P , P xP ; 17 P -B 4 ! W h ite co u ld then have u tilised the circu m stan ce o f B la c k ’s K n ig h t stan d in g b a d ly to o cc u p y the v a c a te d square an d p osted his K n ig h t o n Q 4 . T h is w o u ld h a v e ensured h im a sm all bu t clear p o sitio n al ad van tag e .

538

G R A N D M A S T E R O F CHE S S

16

. . .

17

K t-K t3

B -K B l

H e re still 1 7 P x K P , P x K P ; 18 Q .- K 2 , w a s w o rth y o f c o n ­ sideration, A fte r the text-m ove W h ite m ust g ive u p all hope o f o cc u p y in g the Q 4 sq u are. 17

. . .

18

Q rQ j

Q .-B 2

T h is m ove is ta ctica lly in accu rate an d allow s his opponent to c a r r y o u t a freein g thrust. B etter w a s 1 8 Q - Q 2 , o r i f W h ite w a n ts to concentrate on attacking the Q K t p aw n , then p erh aps 1 8 B - -Q 3 . 18

. . .

P -B 5?

Black (G ligo ric)

mm iH * i

y i m

m

m

m

i

AiBS 8 |jj . m m m « * f i l l A ll &B N SI

1 1

m m

&

m m

W h ite (Keres) to p la y U n d e r the influence o f the seem ing threat o f a tw ofold cap tu re on Q K t 4 B la c k allows h im self to be pu t o ff his stroke a n d w ith the text-m o ve he releases the tension in the cen tre, w h ich , h ow ever, p ra c tic a l experience has show n as o n ly fa v o u r­ in g the first p layer. F r o m now on B lack has to con ten d o n ce m ore w ith difficulties a n d he is n ever free from these rig h t till the end o f the gam e. T h e sim plest w a y fo r B lack o f dem on stratin g the harm lessness o f the en em y threat is the logical 1 8 . . . P - K t 3 . W h ite can n o t then in a n y w a y p la y for the w in o f a p a w n , e .g .: 1 9 R P x P , R P x P ; 2 0 Q x P , B P x P ; o r 19 P x B P , K t x B P ; o r fin ally 1 9 P x K P , P - B 5 ! w ith an eventual Q P x P , in e ve ry case w ith a satisfactory g a m e for B lack . H o w e v er, the o p p o n e n t’s heedless Q u een m ove c an m ost

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

539

en ergetically be exploited b y B lack w ith 1 8 . . . P - Q 4 ! O n accou n t o f the threatened fork on K 4 W h ite then seems to h av e nothing better than 19 P x Q P , w h en 1 9 . . . K P x P follow s. In this position W h ite ’s most reasonable line is 2 0 R P x P , R P x P ; 2 1 Q x K t P , B x P ; 2 2 Q - Q 3 , w ith o u t th ereb y retain in g a n y real prospects o f a positional ad van tag e .

A n o th e r

19

K tP x P

PxBP

20

QrQ2

P -K t3?

w eak

move

w h ich

m erely

increases

B la c k ’s

difficulties. H e re too he should h ave seized the o p p o rtu n ity o f freeing his position b y 20 . . . P - Q 4 . T h o u g h it m ust be said th at this ad va n ce w o u ld not h ave the sam e force as i f it h a d been m ad e a cou p le o f moves earlier, since after 2 1 K P x P , W h ite obtains ra th e r the better g a m e , e .g .: 2 1 . . . K t x P ; 2 2 B - R 3 , B xB ; 2 3 R x B , K t - B 5 ; 24 B - K 4 , or 2 1 . . . B x P ; 2 2 K tx P , K t x K t ; 2 3 P x K t , R x P ; 24 R x R , Q x R ; 2 5 R - K i , etc. 21

B -R 3!

Q R -Q i

N o w 2 1 . . . P -Q .4 would be b a d because o f 2 2 B x B , w h e n the weakness o f B la c k ’s K in g-sid e w o u ld becom e evident. O n c e B lack has m issed his chance o f m akin g the freeing m o ve he m ust confine h im self to a difficult an d passive defence. 22

Q R -K ti

B -B r

23 24

Q -K g PxP !

B -K K t2

W ith this, all possible e ve n tu al com p lication s b y m ean s o f the ad v a n ce P -Q .4 are th w arte d , a n d W h ite ob tain s o v e r­ w h elm in g pressure on the position. T h e B ishop on R 3 , in con ju nction w ith the open O file a n d the w eakness on Q B 5 n ow b rin g to b e a r a pressure on the en em y position that can h a rd ly be w ithstood.

2.S . . . 25, K R -Q ;

PxP 1 J-B

Black can no longer tolerate the strong Bishop on Q R3, but now the weaknesses on the King's wing make themselves felt.

GRANDMASTER

54°

OF

CHESS

A n o th e r attem p t to relieve the position b y 2 5 . . . K t - B i w o u ld soon seal the fate o f the p aw n on Q B 5 after 2 6 R x R , R x R ; 2 7 K t-B i. 26

B xB

R xB

A fte r 2 6 . . . K t x B ; 2 7 R x R , R x R , W h ite has the d e a d ly 2 8 Q rK t5 . 27

Q rK ts!

T h is strong m o ve alm o st paralyses his oppon en t’s pieces a n d furtherm ore threatens to initiate a d ire ct attack again st the K in g b y 2 8 K t - B 5 . In order to obtain a little space B lack m ust get in P - B 3 in the ensuing phase o f the g am e. 27 . . .

.

K t-K i

B la ck sca rce ly has tim e to prep are fo r K t - K K t i b y 2 7 . . . K - R i , since then W h ite w ould p u t an aw k w a rd question m a rk to the p a w n on Q B 4 b y 2 8 R ~ K t 4 . P erh ap s it w a s B la c k ’s best p ra c tic a l cou n ter-chan ce to su rrender the Q B P in the n ext few m oves w itho u t a stru ggle, so as to o b tain som e little com pen sation in th e freeing o f his pieces. B u t one does n ot g la d ly m ake su ch concessions. 28

Q .- K 7

N a tu ra lly n ot 2 8 K t x P , because o f 2 8 . . . P --B 3; b u t n o w he threatens to m ake this capture. B la c k once again give s the p a w n in d irect protection . 28 29

. . . K t-B i

K t-K t2

A g a in 2 9 K t x P fails against 2 9 . . . Q R - K i . W ith the text-m o ve this K n ig h t starts on its jo u rn e y to K 3 , from w h e re it not o n ly threatens the QSBP an d the im p o rta n t cen tral sq u are Q .5 , b u t can also be used even tu ally fo r a n attack aga in st the en em y K in g-sid e v ia K K t / j. 29

. . .

K t-K 3

B la ck m ust not o n ly concern h im se lf w ith the th reaten ed K in g -sid e a tta ck b u t he must also b e a r in m in d his w eakn ess on Q B 5 . N a tu r a lly , he w ould h av e m u ch preferred to h a v e d riven a w a y the W h ite Q ueen from its d o m in atin g position b y

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

541

2 9 . . . K R - K i ; but this w o u ld h a v e resulted in the loss o f the hapless p a w n after 3 0 Q - K t 4 , follow ed b y 3 1 K t - K 3 . H o w e v e r , instead, B la c k ’s m ethod o f p la y n o w b rin gs h im u n d e r th e fire o f a m a tin g atta ck . 30 31

K t-K 3 K -B i

K t-B 5

S o m e th in g m ust be done again st th e th reat o f 3 1 . . . K t K y c h . N o w B la c k ’s best ch a n ce la y in g iv in g u p the Q B P b y 3 1 . . . K R - K i ; 3 2 Q - K t 4 , w ith the h op e o f fishing in tro u b le d w a ters th ereafter. 31

. . .

P -B 3?

T h is fresh w eakening o f the K in g ’s position leads in e v ita b ly to the loss o f th e gam e. T h e re n o w follow s a p re tty fin al atta ck . 32

K t-K t4 !

K t-Q 6

H e has n o sa v in g resource. A n atte m p t to do so b y 3 2 . . . Q R - K i w o u ld be refuted b y 3 3 K t x P c h !, an d this m o v e is also p la y a b le afte r 3 2 . . . K - R i . H o w e v e r , W h ite w a s th re aten in g to w in the exch a n g e b y 3 3 K t - R 6 c h . 33

R xK t!

M u c h m o re decisive than 3 3 K t - R 6 c h , K - R i ; 3 4 K t - B y c h , R x K t ; 3 5 Q x R , w hen Black cou ld still p u t u p a resistan ce b y 3 5 . . . R - B i ; 3 6 Q .-K 7 , Q .-B 4 ; 3 7 Q x Q , K t(Q 2 )x Q _ .

33 34 35

• • • B -K t3c h K tx B P !

PxR K -R i

T h e m a tin g square is K R 7 a n d in o rd e r to attain this the sq u are K K t 5 m ust be m ade a v ailab le b y this second sacrifice.

Now

35

. . .

36

K t-K t5

R xK t

th e m an oeu vre has been acco m p lish ed ; B la c k h as

either to su rren d er his Q u een o r allo w h im self to be m a te d . 36 37

. . . K -K ti!

R xP ch

N a tu r a lly , 3 7 K x R w ould also h ave w o n , b u t the te x t-m o v e is m ore a c c o rd in g to plan.

OR A N ilSlA S T K R

542

OF

CHESS

37

. . .

R -B 8 c h

38

K -R 2

resigns.

Game 77

Q .G .D . T A R R A S C H

D EFEN CE

Candidates’ Tournament, Belgrade, 19 5 9

M. Tal 1 K t-K B 3

P. K e r r s P O4

2

P -Q B 4

P - Q .4

T h is g a m e w a s p la y e d in the last tour, five rounds before the en d o f the to u rn a m en t. A t that m om ent T a l w a s lead in g b y a m a rg in o f 2 J points o v e r me. I h ad therefore to p la y for a w in at all costs in o rd er to retain even theoretical chances o f gain in g first p lace.

3 4 5

P -B 4 BPxP P -K K t3

P -K 3 K PxP

K n o w n as the Sc.hlechter-R ubinstein system , this is regard ed n o w a d a y s as the best m ethod o f m eeting the T a r r a s c h D efen ce.

5 6

•)

B -K t2 0 -0 K t-B 3 B Ktr,

10

PxP

a

K t--Q B 3 K tT T j B -K 2 0 -0 If K 5

M a n y theoreticians hold that a strengthening o f the cen tral pressure b y 10 R - B i gives W h ite a m ore en d u rin g initiative h ere; bu t this im m ed iate exchange on B 5 also has us ad van tages. :o

.

11

Kt- QR4

BxP

A n ew line, instead of trie customary it R -B r. W ith the text-m o ve White plans to initiate The well-known pressure on the Q B 5 square after 1 1 . . . B-Ka nv 12 B - K 3 . T h u s he w o u ld attain a position that would ensure him a lasting in itiative

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

543

w ith o u t a n y possible d an ger o f losing. H e n ce B la c k chooses a d ifferen t, p erh ap s riskier, continuation so as to le a d th e g a m e a w a y fro m the usual paths. 11

. . .

B -K t3

12

K tx B

PxK t

13 Kt-Q.4 A n essay a t ap p reciatin g the position th at has n o w arisen m ig h t seem a t first glance to m ake it a p p e a r m u c h m o re fa vo u ra b le for W h ite than it re a lly is. H e enjoys the a d v a n ta g e o f tw o Bishops, controls the im p o rtan t Q„4 sq u are, w h ilst his o p p o n e n t’s p a w n position reveals m arked weaknesses o n the Q u een -sid e. B u t i f one tries to suggest a p la n b y w h ic h W h ite c a n in crease his supposed ad v a n ta g e then one is p u lle d u p sh arp b y u n expected difficulties. I t becom es a p p a re n t th a t B la c k ’s position too contains vario u s ad van tag e s th a t sh o u ld not be u n derestim ated. In the first p lace he has a g o o d d e v e lo p ­ m ent, then he has a paw n in the centre, th ereb y fu lly c o n tro llin g the im p o rta n t cen tral square K 5 an d fin ally his R o ok s m a y w e ll becom e m ost a c tiv e along the m a n y open files. I a m therefore fa r fro m co n vin ce d that W h ite is in possession h ere o f a n y a d v a n ta g e w o rth m entioning. A fte r the g a m e T a l w as m u ch criticised for m a k in g th e te x tm o ve, a n d in o rd e r to preven t the th reat o f 1 3 . . . P - Q , 5 th e im m ed iate retreat o f the Bishop b y 1 3 B - K 3 w a s re co m m e n d ed . I t is, h o w e v e r, unlikely th at this w o u ld constitute a n y re al stren gthen in g o f W h ite ’s position. B lack cou ld then co n tin u e fo r e x a m p le w ith 1 3 . . . R - R 3 follow ed even tu ally b y Q 7 -Q 2 , b u t also bo th 1 3 . . . B - B 4 an d 1 3 . . . R - K i deserve co n sid er­ ation . I n m y opinion, the reason w h y W h ite gets in to , d iffi­ culties in the en d lies chiefly in the fact th at h e underestim ates the resources a t B lack ’s com m an d . 13 14

. . . B -B 4

P -R 3

N o w , after 14 B - K 3 , the sally 14 . . . K t - K K t 5 , fo llo w ed b y 1 5 . . . Q r B 3 , w ou ld be v e ry troublesom e. 14

Q .-Q ?

544

G R A N D M A S T E R

OF

CHESS

B lack (K eres)

zi m

m m

m

a m

m

a a

W h ite (T al) to p la y 15

P -Q R 3?

W h ite overestim ates his position an d ap p are n tly im agin es he c a n q u ietly increase his pressure in the centre b y Q .-Q .3 . K R - Q j , Q R - B i , etc. T h e text-m ove has as its purpose the protection o f the Q R P from attack b y the R o o k an d preven tion o f an even tu al K t - Q K t 5 b y Black. In fact, W h ite ’s position is n ot o verw h elm in g to the extent that he can co m p letely ignore B la c k ’s co u n ter-p lay. Som ething must o f necessity be u n d er­ taken against the positional threat o f 1 5 . . . B --R 6, since after the exch an ge o f the w hite-squared Bishops B lack w o u ld in no w a y stand worse. I believe that W h ite should decide to p la y here 1 5 K t x B , P x K t ; 16 Q - K t s , w h ich w o u ld retain som e chan ces o f an a d van tag e for him. 15

. . .

B -R 6 !

16 17

QtQ.3

K R -K

i

K R -K i

B y n o w the K P stands in need o f protection. 17

. . .

BxB

18

K xB

R -K 5 !

B la c k ’s pieces n o w take u p very active positions an d W h ite is g ra d u a lly pushed b a ck on the defensive. Sin ce the exch an ge on Q B 6 h a rd ly com es into consideration, W h ite must relinquish the im p o rta n t Q ,4 square to his opponent an d this m eans th at the field o f a c tiv ity o f his Bishop becom es still m ore lim ited.

L A ’l E R

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

ig

K t-B 3

Q R -K i

20

B-Q_2

P - Q .5 -

545

N o w there is threatened, am o n gst other things, 2 1 . . . Q - K .3 , b y w h ich the pressure on W h ite ’s K 2 w o u ld be stren gthen ed to a disagreeable extent. W h ite therefore decides to elim in ate the strong p a w n on Q.4, but e ve n tu a lly has the d isa d va n tag e o w in g to his weaknesses on the w h ite squares. I t w o u ld th ere­ fore h ave been perhaps m ore lo gical to attack

the en em y

p a w n weaknesses on the Q ueen-side at once b y 2 1 Q - K t 5 . 21 22

P -K 3 PxP

QtQ

.4

P ra ctica lly forced , since B la c k w as threaten in g to w in

a

p a w n b y 2 2 . . . P x P . A fter the text-m ove the p retty 2 2 . . , K t - K .4 leads to nothing because o f the cool rep ly 2 3 Q - B 3 ! , b u t B lack c a n g a in the ad van tage in the end b y q uite n o rm al m oves. 22 23

. . . R xR ch

R xP K tx R

24

Q--K.2

K t-Q 3

25

B -K 3

R -Q 6

B lack 's .p ieces now control the w hole board. E s p e c ia lly burdensom e for W h ite is the pin on the K n ig h t on K B 3 an d the weakness on the white squares. N a tu ra lly n o w 2 6 B x P w o u ld be suicide on account o f 26 . . . K t - B 5 , but even w ith other continuations W hite w o u ld h ard ly be in a position to avo id m a terial loss. O n e can n o w see h ow q u ick ly the situation has ch a n ge d after the in a c cu ra cy on W h ite ’s fifteenth m o ve. 26 27

K -K ti K t-K i

28

R -B i

K t-B 5 R -K t6

W h ite m ust n o w surrender m aterial. I t goes w ith o u t sa y in g th at 2 8 B - B i fails against 2 8 . . . K t - Q 5 , w hilst 2 8 R - Q i , Q - K 5 w o u ld m erely drive the B lack Q u een to a better sq u are. W ith

the text-m o ve W hite hopes to relieve his position a

little after 2 8 . . . K t x K t P ; 2 9 R - K t i , b u t B lack has a stron ger con tin u ation .

GRANDMASTER

546

OF

CHESS

28

. . .

K tx B !

29

PxK t

Q .- K 4

N o w W h ite m ust g iv e u p the p a w n u n d er m u ch less p ro p i­ tious circu m stan ces since 3 0 K t - Q 3 w o u ld be utterly fatal on a cco u n t o f 3 0 . . . Q.- K 5 . O n e m igh t think th at W h ite ’s position is due to break u p in a few m oves, b u t T a l ’s resource­ fulness in p ro cu rin g cou n ter-ch an ccs in this w retch ed position m ust be ad m ired . 30

K t-K t2

R x K tP

31

Q t Q.3

Q 7-K 3

B lack has obtain ed a clearly w o n position, but, u n d er the influence o f a p p ro a ch in g tim e-trouble, he n o ticea b ly falters, a n d allo w s his oppon en t some co u n ter-chan ces. H e re he needed o n ly to h a v e fixed the W h ite K n ig h t b y 3 1 . . . P -K K t.4 .! after w h ich there w o u ld exist no further tech n ical problem s in the w a y o f the w in . 32 P erh ap s 3 2 . . . rig h tly

avo id s

K t-B 4

R -K t6

Q - R 7 w as also possible, bu t B lack quite

un n ecessary

com p licatio n s

w h en

in

tim e-

trouble. A fte r 3 2 . . . Q - R 7 ; 3 3 Q .- K 4 , R x P ; 3 4 R - B i , W h it e ’s pieces w o u ld be v e r y a ctive ly p lace d , a n d this circu m stan ce co u ld h a rd ly be o u tw eigh ed b y the g ain o f the u n im p o rtan t p a w n on K R 2 .

33 r ~b3 O b je c tiv e ly better w a s p ro b ab ly 3 3 K t x Q , R xQ _; 3 4 K t - Q 4 , so as to tr y a n d save the ensuing R o o k en d in g. B lack cou ld then reach a p rom isin g R o o k ending b y 3 4 . . . R x R P ; 3 5 K t x K t , P x K t ; 3 6 R x P , R - K t 6 , o r perhaps even better continue 3 4 . . . K t - K 4 , after w h ich W h ite must be w reck ed b y his num erous weaknesses. W ith Q u eens on the b o ard W h ite has to co n d u ct a m u ch m ore difficult defence o w in g to his vu ln erable K in g ’s position.

33 34

• • • Q xR

R xR Q K 5

35

Q r K t8

P -Q K t4 !

T h e exch an ge o f the Q K t p aw n for the K in g p a w n is an excellent b a rg a in , since the result is a further w eak en in g o f the

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

547

position o f W h ite 's K in g . W h ite has no choice, since 3 6 . . . K t - K 4 is a stro n g threat. 36

Q xP

Q xP ch

37 38

K -B i K -K ti

Q-B6ch Q-K6ch

39

K -B i

P -K t4

B lack has repeated his m oves in tim e-trou ble so as to re a c h the desired 40th m ove. B u t n o w he m ust v a r y in o rd er to avo id three-fold repetition o f position. T h e text-m o ve c a n n o t be term ed b a d b u t 3 9 . . . K t - Q ^ ! w o n m ore q u ick ly. T h e n 40 Q x P loses a piece on acco u n t o f 4 0 . . . P - K t 4 , a n d the ending after 4 0 Q - Q 3 , Q x Q c h ; 4 1 K t x Q , P - Q K t p , is n a tu ra lly com p letely lost for W hite. 40

K t-K a

K t-K 4 !

Black finds the right decisive plan. G o o d also w as o f course sim ple pro tection b y 40 . . . Q - K 2 , bu t the final a tta ck in ­ au g u ra te d b y the text-m ove is m ore effective. T h e o n ly su r­ prising featu re is that W h ite is ab le m ore o r less to d efen d his position despite its ap p aren tly h azard o u s nature. T h is w a s B la c k ’s sealed m o ve on adjournm ent. W h ite has b u t little ch o ice in reply, in v ie w o f the m atin g threat. 41

Q -B 8 c h

T h e re is o b vio u sly no p o in t in check in g on eith er Q R .8 or Q K t 8 , a n d 4 2 Q - K t 2 w o u ld lead , after 4 2 . . , Q Q 7 , o r p erh ap s even better 4 2 . . . P - K t 5 , to a position th at co u ld also h ave arisen la ter in the gam e. 42

. . .

K -K t2

43

Q -K B f,

Q Q 7!

T h re a te n in g to win the K n ig h t by 4 4 . . . Q Kfie.h. O n ce •again W h ite has little choice. 44

K 1-Q 4 !

T h e o n ly m ove. Im m ed iate loss results after 4 4 Q - B 3 , Q - Q 8 c h fo llo w ed b y K t - K o c h . or 4 4 Q --K 4 , Q - K 8 c h ; 4 5 K - K t 2 , Q - B 7 c h fo llow ed b y 46 . . . Q U 8ch. A n d also retreat w ith the K n ig h t b y 4 4 K t - K t i leads to a loss after 4 4 . . . Q - Q 8 c h ; 4 5 K - K t 2 , Q - B 7 c h , e.g. 4 6 K - B i , Q - K t 8 c h follow ed b y 4 7 . . .

GRANDMASTER

548 K t-B 5ch , or 46

K -B 3 ,

OF

Q -B 7 C I1;

CHESS

47

K -K t4 ,

P -R 4 c h ;

48

K x K t P , P -B 3 C I1; etc. 44

. . .

Q -K S c h

T h e Q u een e n d in g afte r 4 4 . . . Q _-Q 8 c h ; 4 5 K - K t a , K t - K 8 c h ; 4 6 K - B 2 , Q x K t c h ; 4 7 K x K t , offers B la c k w in n in g chan ces, b u t these are n ebu lo u s o n accou n t o f the strong passed p a w n o n the Q R file. 45

K -K t2

Q -K 6 !

T h is is the best position a tta in a b le b y B lack from the a d jo u rn e d position. D esp ite the re d u ce d am o u n t o f m aterial B la c k still retain s a d angerous atta ck w h ich leads b y force to th e w in o f m a te ria l. W h ite m ust p la y v e r y e x actly to avo id im m ed iate collapse.

46 QrQfi! A g a in the o n ly m o ve. I t is d e a r th at p ro te cd o n o f the K n ig h t b y 4 6 Q r K t 4 , o r 4 6 Q - Q 7 , w ill not d o on acco u n t o f 4 6 . . . Q r B 7 c h , a n d fo r this reason o n ly K n ig h t m oves rem ain to be considered. T h e y le a d , h o w ever, to in evitab le loss, as the fo llow ­ in g lines sh o w . I : 4 6 K t - K t 3 , (or 4 6 K t - B 2 , Q - K 7 C I 1 fo llow ed b y 4 7 . . . Q x K t ) 4 6 . . . Q - K y c h ; 4 7 K - R 3 , K t - B 5 c h ! follow ed b y m ate o r w in o f the Q u een . I I : 46 K t - B 3 , Q -K 7 C I1; 47 K - R 3 , K t -B 7 c h ; 4 8 K - K t 2 , K t - Q 8 d is c h !; 4 9 K - R 3 , Q - B 8 c h ; w in n in g the Q u een. I l l : 4 6 K t - B 6 , Q - Q 7 C I 1 ; 4 7 K - R 3 , (o r 4 7 K - K t i , Q - B 8 c h ; 4 8 Q ~ B i , Q r B 4 c h !, etc.) 4 7 . . . K t - B 7 c h ; 4 8 K - K t 2 , K t - K t 5 d isch ; 4 9 K - R 3 , P - R 4 ; follow ed b y m ate on R 7 . I V : 4 6 K t - K t 5 , Q - K 7 c h ; 4 7 K - K t i , (4 7 K - R t , K t --K 8 !) 4 7 . . . K t - K 4 a n d B la ck wins. 46

. . .

Q -B 7 C I1

S e e m in g ly v e r y strong here w as 4 6 . . . Q Q 7 c h ; so as to a tta in a decision after 4 7 K - R 3 , b y 4 7 . . . K t -B7CI1; 4 8 K - K t 2 , K t - Q 8 d is c h ; 4 9 K - B 3 , o r R 3 , P - K t 5 c h ! W h ite then p lay s, h o w ever,

47

K -B 3 !

and

one m a y

search

closely w ith o u t

d em o n stratin g a con crete w in . T h e position is rich in interesting possibilities. Q -B 8 e h 47 K -R 3

48

K Kt4

Kt B7CI1!

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

549

B lack (K ere s)

W h ite ( T a l) to p la y W ith this B lack avoids a d ia b o lic a l tr a p th at w o u ld h a v e been easy to overlook even in a d jo u rn m en t analysis. A p p a r e n t­ ly B la ck ca n w in easily here b y 4 8 . . . P -R .4C I1; 4 9 K x K t P (o r 4 9 K x R P , Q R fic h ) ; 4 9 . . . Q _-B 3c h ; 5 0 K x P , K t - K 4 ; since w h a t c a n W h ite do against the th reaten ed m a te o n K R 3 ? T h e astonishing re p ly 5 1 Q . R 6 , h o w ev e r, tran sform s the position into a w in for W h ite! T h e re is also n o forced w in to be seen after 4 8 . . . Q _ -Q 8 c h ; 4 9 K - B 5 ! a n d hence Black m u st con ten t h im self w ith a sm all g a in in m a terial. 49

K -B 5

Q rQ Sch

E q u a lly , n o th in g better c a n be fo u n d h ere. A fte r 4 9 . . . Q _ -K t8 c h ; 5 0 K - K 5 , n othing con crete com es fro m eith er 5 0 . . . K t - K t s c h ; 5 1 K -Q .6 , ,- K t i c h ; 5 2 K - B 5 , o r 5 0 . . .

0

K t - Q 6 c h ; 5 1 K -Q .6 , Q - K t i c h ; 5 2 K - B 6 , a n d afte r 4 9 . . . K t - Q 8 dis c h , W h ite saves th e g a m e b y 5 0 Q - B 3 ! A n a tte m p t to w in b y 4 9 . . . Q - R 3 , also lead s to n o th in g c le a r afte r 5 0 K t-B 6 . 50 51

K -K 5 K -Q 6

K t - K t 5 ch Q xR Pch

A t lo n g last this source o f d a n g e r is d estroyed a n d B la c k c a n d evote his energies to the te c h n ic a l p ro b le m . E v e n th o u g h h e n o w soon w in s y e t another p a w n , the w in o f the g a m e is still q u ite fa r off.

55°

G R A N D M A S T E R

OF

CHESS

52

K -B 7

Qr K 2ch

53

K -B 8

K t-K 6

I t w a s this position th a t I had set as m y aim in m y a d jo u rn ­ m ent analysis. S o o n er o r later W h ite m ust yield u p an o ther p a w n a n d thus is left w ith a lost en din g th at nevertheless still d em an d s g o o d te ch n ical h andling on B la c k ’s part. In a d d itio n a n im m ed iate 5 3 . . . Q _ -K ic h ; 5 4 K - K t 7 , K t x P , w a s possible h ere, but B lack d id n ot w ish to p lace his K n ig h t too fa r a w a y fro m the cen tre o f actio n . 54 Q .- K t 5 N a tu r a lly n ot 5 4 K t - B 5 c h , K t x K t ; 5 5 Q x K t , because o f 5 5 . . . Q .- K 3 c h .

54 55 56

• • • Q -K t2 Q _-K t6ch

Q -K 5 K -K t3 P -B 3

S im p le r te ch n ica lly w a s 56 . . . K - R 4 ; 5 7 Q - K B 6 , K - K t 3 ! etc. T h e te x t-m o ve constitutes a w eak en in g o f the K i n g ’s position th at affords W h ite fresh defensive possibilities. 57

K t-K 6

K t-B 5

58

Q _-R 6

K t-K 4

T h re a te n in g 5 9 . . . Q ,-B 3ch . A d esperate attem p t at attack b y 5 9 K t - B 8 c h , K - B 2 ; 6 0 Q -K G c h , w o u ld n o w lead to n o th in g after 6 0 . . . K x K t ; 6 1 Q x P c h , K t - B 2 . 59

K t-B 7

N o w W h ite m ust lose further m aterial an d so a second crisis ap p ro ach e s in th e gam e. 60

Q .-Q 6

N a tu r a lly 60 Q - K 6 fails against 60 . . . Q - K B 4 , an d the thrust 60 P - R 4 , w o u ld , after 60 . . . Q _-B4ch! lose the p a w n u n d er m u c h m ore u n favo u rab le circum stances, e.g. 6 1 K - K t S (or 6 1 K - K t 7 , C )-B 6 c h , followed b y 6 2 . . . Q x P ) ; 6 1 . . . K t - Q 2 c h ; 6 2 K - R 7 , Q ;-B 7 c h . T h e co u n te r-a tta ck initiated b y the text-m o ve is W h it e ’s o n ly ch a n ce.

60

. . .

QxP

61

K t-Q .5

(T -K B 7

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

551

Sim p lest w a s a n im m ediate 6 1 . . . Q x P , as w as to o cc u r la te r in the g am e. 62

K -K t7

I f 6 2 Q - K 6 , then 6 2 . . . Q -B 4 C I1; 6 3 K - K 1 7 , Q - B i , a n d B la ck has ad e q u a tely protected h im se lf ag a in st all possib le attacks. W ith the text-m ove W h ite p rep ares for 6 2 Q - K 6 , a n d therefore B la ck decides to liq u id ate the position. 62 63

. . . Q xP ch

64

Q rK 6!

Q xP! K -R 4

W h ite m akes life as difficult as possible Jfor his o p p o n en t. N o w he threatens 6 5 K t - B 6 c h , K - R 5 ; 6 6 K t - K .4 , follow ed b y th e cap tu re o f the R P . 64 65

. . . K t-K 7

K t-K t5

I f first 6 5 Q . B7CI1, K - R 5 ; a n d then 6 6 K t - K 7 , B lack h as the re p ly o f 6 6 . . . Q ^ K t y c h , fo llow ed b y 6 7 . . . Q - K 5 .

very go o d

65 66

After 6 6

. . . K -B 8

Q -B 6 c h

K - B 7 , there w ould co m e 6 6 . . . Q - B 3 . 66 67

. . . K t-B sc h

68

K -Q 8

K -R 5 K -R 6

N a tu r a lly not 6 8 K tx P , because o f 6 8 . . . Q r B ic h . 68

. . .

P -R 4

69 70 71

Q -K K t6 Q -K 6 Q -K K t6

K t-K 4 K t-K ts K t-K 4

T h is g a m e w a s p layed in R o u n d 2 4 . L ittle w o n d er then th at B la ck once a g a in got into tim e trou b le a n d , in o rd er to g a in tim e on the clock, h ad to rep eat m oves.

After

a K in g

72

Q -K 6

73

K t - Q 4 dis ch

move

Q .-Q 6 c h

Black w in s b y 7 3 . . . Q_--Q2ch! w ith

GRANDMASTER

552

0 E

CHESS

e xch an ge o f Q u eens, follow ed by P - K 1 5 . N o better too is 7 3 K t - Q 6 dis c h , K t - K t 5 c h , etc.

73

• • •

K t-K t5

74 QtQ 5

Kt~B7!

T h e sim plest w a y to w in . T h ere is no lo n ger a n y defence again st the p a w n a d v a n ce .

75

K -K 8

P -R 5

76

Q .-K 5

77

Q .-K 5 Q.-B5

78

Q -B 6 K t-B 5

79

Q -K6

K t-K 5 Q -K t5 !

resigns. T h e th reat o f 80 . . . K t - K t 6 forces exch an ge o f Q u eens at the v e r y least. T h is g a m e w a s a terrific struggle. Game 7 8

RU Y

LO P E Z , S T E IN IT Z D E FE N C E D E F E R R E D

European Team Cham pionship at Oberhausen, 1 9 6 1

J . H o rt 1. P -K 4 2

K T -K B 3

3 4

B -K t5 B -R 4

5

p ..

0.4

P . K ere s P -K 4 K t-Q B 3 P -Q R

3

p- Q s

C e rta in ly m ore p ro m isin g for W h ite in this position are the continuations 5 P - B 3 , o r 5 B x K tc h , P x B 6 P - Q 4 , i f he does not intend to p la y a g a m b it w ith the text-m ove.

5 6

7

B -K t3 K tx K t

8

B -Q

P -Q K t4 K tx P PxK t

5

I t is in teresting to observe that this tam e con tin u ation is em p lo yed tim e a n d tim e again, despite the fact th at w ith it W h ite c a n o n ly h op e fo r equality. G iv e n th at W h ite wishes to h an d le the o p en in g in m odest style an d is m erely aim in g a t an even tu a l d ra w , then here 8 P - Q B 3 is m u ch m ore to the p o in t.

L A T E R

Y E A R S

OF

P A U L

K E R E S

553

A fte r 8 . . . P x P , i f he does n ot w a n t to m ake a p a w n sacrifice, he c a n m ake sure o f a d r a w b y repetition o f m o ves w ith 9

Q.-Q.5. B - K 3 ;

1 0 Q -B 6 c h , B - Q a ; 1 1 Q - Q 5 , B - K 3 etc.

8 9

, , ,

6

R -K ti

.2

10 11

B - B ch B xB ch Q xP

B -Q Q xB

12

0-0

13 14

K t-B s P -Q R 4

B -K 2 O O

K t-B

3

T h is position has already o ccu rred m a n y tim es in to u rn a m e n tp raxis a n d it has been dem onstrated th at B lack has a n ex ce llen t g a m e. U s u a lly the developm ent o f the Q B is p ro ceed ed w ith here, b u t W h ite m ust avoid som e snags in so d o in g. T h u s for exam p le after 1 5 B - K t 5 , P - K t 5 he w o u ld be forced to m ak e the ignom inious retreat 1 5 K t - Q i , since 1 5 K t - Q , 5 ? w o u ld le a d to th e loss o f a p iece after 1 5 . . . K t x K t 1 6 Q x K t , R - K t j . A fte r 1 4 B - Q 2 , B la c k obtained an u n co m fo rtab ly strong p ressure in the g a m e Stoltz-A lek hin e, B led 1 9 3 1 , b y 1 4 . . . K R - K i 1 5 Q r Q ,3 > P - K t 5 1 6 K t - K s , Q - B 3 . T h e attem p t in the text-m ove to instil fresh life in th e v a r i­ ation is n ot cro w n ed w ith success.

A

14

. . .

15

Q t Q .3

K R -K i

p reced in g exch an ge o n Q K t 4 w o u ld be o f n o h e lp to

W h ite since the o pen Q R file c an easily fall in to B la c k ’s h an d s. I n ad d itio n , the o bject o f attack on Q R 6 w o u ld d isap p ear. 15

. . .

P -K t5

16

Kt-Q.5

P-0&4

17

P -Q K t3

A n in a c c u ra c y th at w eakens the lo n g -d ia g o n a l a n d soon allo w s B la ck to seize the initiative. M u c h better w as the n a tu r a l d evelo p m en t o f a piece b y 1 7 B - B 4 , alth o u gh then 1 7 . . . K t x K t 1 8 Q x K t , B - B 3 m ight p erh ap s h a v e a rath er d istu rb in g effect. In to consideration c a m e also 1 7 R -K i.

K tx B c h , Q x K t

18

554

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

17 18

. . . PxK t

K tx K t B -B 3

19

R -K ti

P -B 4 !

H e re this m o v e is v e r y good since after 2 0 P x P e .p ., Q x P , W h it e ’s weakness on Q B a turns o u t to be m u ch m ore o f a h a n d ic a p th a n his o p p o n en t’s on Q 3 . A lso w o rth y o f consider­ a tio n w a s 1 9 ___ P - B 3 , so as to force th e o p en in g o f the Q B file. 20

B -B 4

21

B -K 3

B -K 4

W h ite con d u cts the m id d le-gam e w ith a certain la ck o f lo g ic . I t is c le a r th a t his Bishop w ill p la y a n u n im p o rtan t role in the ensuing phase o f the gam e, a n d therefore 2 1 B x B w a s in o rd e r h ere. T r u e , B la c k w ould also stan d a little better then afte r 2 1 . . . R x B 2 2 K R - K i , Q R - K i o n acco u n t o f his control o f the K file, b u t a n y p articu lar d a n g e r for W h ite w o u ld not exist. 21

. . .

Q R -B i!

T h re a te n in g 2 2 . . . P - B 5 2 3 P x P , Q x P etc. I n o rd er to p rev e n t this W h ite m ust allow the en em y Q u e e n to g et to K B 4 . 22

Q -B 4

23

Q -K t5?

Q -B 4

W h ite , h a v in g g o t in to some difficulties, n o w loses his h ead . T h e desperate cou n ter-attack begu n w ith the text-m o ve is hopeless an d should le a d speedily to a catastro ph e. 2 3 Q R - Q i should h a v e been tried , so as to consolidate the position b y an eve n tu a l R - Q 3 . 23 24

. . . Q xR P

Q xP P -B 4 !

T h is m o ve is enorm ously strong, since W h ite has n o satis­ fa c to ry defence aga in st the threat o f 2 5 . . . P - K B 5 . T h u s the g a m e is a lre a d y d ecid ed from the strategical p oin t o f v ie w , b u t in p ractice there are still some in teresting developm ents. 25

P -B 3

B -K t7 l?

H e re B lack has a considerable c h o ice o f favo u rab le con tin u a­ tions a n d e ve n tu a lly decides upon com p licatio n s th at are not b y an y m eans clear. H e could h ave w o n a p aw n w ith a good

I A TER

Y E A R S

OF

P A U L

KF.RES

555

position b y 2 5 . . . B xP ch 2 6 K x B , R x B , o r he c o u ld h ave forced W h ite to allow h im an all-im p o rtan t passed p a w n in the centre b y 2 5 . . . P - B 5 2 6 B - B 2 , B - Q 5 2 7 B x B , P x B , B u t sim plest w a s 2 5 . . . Q Q 6 ! follow ed b y 2 6 . . . Q x Q P , w h en B lack w o u ld have pocketed a p a w n w ith a g o o d position, w ith o u t con ced in g the slightest co u n ter-chan ce to his oppon en t.

26

Q -R 6 !

V e r y w ell p layed . H o rt h ad go t into an ab so lu tely lost position after p layin g the first p a rt o f the gam e in d ifferen tly. F ro m n o w o n , how ever, he takes beautiful a d v a n ta g e o f his cou n ter-chan ces and in consequence the gam e follow s a v e ry interesting course. 26

. . *

Q xP

27

B -B 2

P -Q .B 5

S o as to m eet 28 Q x Q P , w ith 2 8 . . . P - B 6 . H a d B lack devoted m ore attention to the com plications th at n o w ensue, then he w o u ld scarcely h ave opened u p a p a th fo r the en em y Bishop w ith the text-m ove. G o o d w as 2 7 . . . Q - B 7 follow ed even tu a lly b y P - K t 6 . 28

Q -K t7 !

N o w W h ite even threatens to w in after 2 8 . . . P - B 6 ? 29 B - Q 4 . W h ite has suddenly o b tain ed co u n ter-p lay, a n d , affected b y shortage o f tim e, Black does not find im m ed iately th e righ t m ethod o f strengthening his position. T h e sim plest w a y o f d oing this w a s p ro b ab ly b y 2 8 . . . Q - R , th reaten in g 2 9 . . .

61

P - K t 6 follow ed b y 3 0 . . . B - B 3 . I f then 2 9 K R - Q i , sim p ly 2 9 . . . Q x R P ca n follow. 28 29

. . . Q -R 7

R -K ti R -R i?

B lack falls v ic tim to a h allu cin ation . H e believes th a t 2 9 . . . Q - B 7 ! fails on accou n t o f 30 R x B , Q x R 3 1 B - Q 4 , b u t o v e r­ looks the w in n in g p a rry o f 3 1 . . . R - K t 2 ! 30

Q -K ty

K R -K ti

It w a s still not too late to g et b a ck into the v ariatio n m entioned ab o ve b y 3 0 . . . Q R - K t i . N o w , h ow ever, W h ite obtains co u n ter-p lay.

G R A N D M A S T E R

55^

31 32 33 34

OF

QrQ.7 QxQP Q.-K6ch P-Q 6

CH ESS

Qt B7 P-Kt6 K -R i b-b3

I n his strong passed Q P W h ite has su d d en ly o btain ed a d an gero u s cou n ter th a t requires the m ost carefu l attention. B la c k can n o t w ell p la y 3 4 . . . B - R 6 o r 3 4 . . . P - B 6 , since in b o th cases 3 5 B - Q . 4 w o u ld leave W h ite ’s Bishop in a most a c tiv e position a n d crea te dangerous threats on the K K t 7 sq u a re. W ith both sides in tim e trouble B lack n o w em barks on an

interesting

co m b in atio n that renders the g am e

h ig h ly

c o m p lica ted . 35

K R -B i

W h ite h a d set his hopes on this m o ve. Is B lack n o w re ally forced to su rrender on e o f his p ro u d passed p aw n s an d in consequence con d em n ed to content h im self w ith an extrem ely p ro b le m a tica l e n d -gam e ad van tage?

35

• • •

Q xR ch !

A shocking surprise in time pressure. O n e m ust p a y great a n d due cred it to H o rt fo r the fact th at, despite the u n expected ­ ness o f this sacrifice, he does not lose his h ead in the ensuing p h a se o f the g a m e a n d defends h im self in the best fashion possible. 36 37

R xQ . R -K ti

38

Q -K 2 !

P -K t7 P -B 6

T h e o n ly m ove. A fte r 3 8 Q x P , R x P , W h ite w o u ld no longer h a v e an ad eq u ate defence against the th reat o f 3 9 . . . R - R 8 . 38

. . .

39

P -Q

R xP

.7

3

P -R ?

U n d e r g re a t tim e pressure B lack misses the best con tin uation . T h e th re a t o f 4 0 Q - K B c h should h a v e been p arried b y 3 9 . . . R - K t i !, after w h ich W h ite w o u ld h av e h ad no good defence a g a in st the th re a t o f 4 0 . . . R - R 8 . B etter th an the text-m o ve w a s also a n im m ed iate 3 9 . . R ( R 6 ) - R i , so as to g ive his K in g a sa fety v a lv e th ereafter an d o n ly then to continue R ( R i ) - R 8 . 40

C W K S ch

K -R a

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

557

T h e tim e pressure over, W h ite n o w h a d to seal h is m o v e . O n a cco u n t o f the threats o f 4 1 . . . P - B 7 a n d 4 1 . . . R —R 8 , his altern atives are lim ited to tw o continuations, v iz . 4 1 Q x R , o r 4 1 P - Q 8 = Q . I n practice it is not a t all easy to fin d th e rig h t defence, esp ecially when one considers th at both p la y e rs h ad fought out a tough and tense b attle fo r five hours. B la c k (K eres)

W h ite (H o rt) to p la y 41

P -Q 8 = Q ?

Su rp risin g ly enough, this n a tu ra l looking m o ve, w h ic h n ot o n ly attacks the R o o k on Q R 4 b u t also threatens e v e n tu a lly at least p erp etu a l check b y 4 2 Q _-K t8 ch , is the decisive m istak e. H o rt defended him self w ell a n d resourcefully w h e n in tim e trouble, a n d n o w , w hen h e o n ce a g a in has sufficient tim e fo r th ou ght, he com m its a fatal erro r after lo n g reflection. H e co u ld h a v e retained excellent ch an ces o f sa v in g th e g a m e here b y the correct continuation 4 1 Q x R ! . A fte r this m o v e 4 1 . . . R - R 8 w o u ld not suffice o n acco u n t o f 4 2 R - K B i l , P - B 7 ; 4 3 Q x P !, w h en the W h ite p a w n on Q 7 w o u ld sa v e the d a y . H e w o u ld , therefore, h a v e to p la y 4 1 . . . P - B 7 , a n d then p ra c tic a lly forced is 4 2 Q x P , B X Q 4 3 R - K B i . N o w th e o n ly w a y fo r B la ck to retain w in n in g ch an ces lies in 4 3 . . . R - R i ! 4 4 B -K t6 , R - R 8 4 5 P -Q 8 = Q , R x R c h 46, K x R , P -B 8 = Q ch . T h e n , after 4 7 K .-B 2 , B lack c a n , fo r exam p le, e m b a rk o n a n attack w ith 4 7 . . . B - B 6 ! a n d this w o u ld p ro b a b ly g a in h im a p a w n w ith go o d p ractical w in n in g chan ces. Be this as it m a y , one th in g is cle ar. W h ite m u st seize the

558

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

c h a n ce o f p la y in g 4 1 Q x R ! . W ith the text-m o ve he p ro b a b ly reckons only w ith 4 1 . . . P - B 7 , w h ich w o u ld h ave led to p er­ p etu a l check after 4 2 Q - K t 8 c h . B u t som ething quite d ifferent occu rs. 41

. . .

42

Q x ll(R 4 )

R xQ ! •

R -Q 7 !

T h e position th at has n o w arisen is v e r y o dd an d p erh aps the m ost curious th at I h a v e ever h ad in the w hole course o f m y lo n g chess-praxis. B la ck has only tw o p aw n s for the Q u een , b u t these p a w n s are so strong that n othing c a n be done against the th reat o f 4 3 , . . P - B 7 . 43

R xP

I n his ad jou rn m en t analysis H o rt cou ld find nothing better th an this im m ed iate retu rn o f the R o o k . In actu al fact, an atte m p t to save the g am e by 4 3 Q - K t 5 w o u ld not w o rk on a cco u n t o f 4 3 . . . P - B 7 , though B la c k ’s task w o u ld h ave been m ore difficult in this case. N a tu ra lly 4 4 Q x P c h w o u ld n o w lose a t once because o f 4 4 . . . P ~ K t3 , b u t after 4 4 Q - B i ! m atters are not so sim ple. S in ce n o w the straigh tfo rw ard con tin u ation 4 4 . . . P x R = Q 4 5 Q x Q , R - Q 3 w o u ld not be good en ou gh on accou n t o f 4 6 B - K 3 !, R - R 3 4 7 K -B 2 , P -K t3 48 Q -B 2 , B -K ta 49 B - B i, R ~ K t 4 5 0 Q - K t i , etc., B lack m ust be m ore e x act in d ealin g w ith the p ro b lem . T h e follow ing an alysis should serve to sh ow th a t it is in d eed possible to force a w in . A fte r 4 4 Q - B i , B la c k continues best w ith 4 4 . . . R - Q 4 ! , th reaten in g in som e variatio n s 4 5 , . . R - R 4 , for exam p le after 4 5 P - K t 4 . T h e n three m ain defensive possibilities com e into con sid eration for W h ite , as follow s:— 1: 45 B -K 3 , P xR = Q 46 Q x Q , R -R 4 47 K -B 2 , K - K t i ! 4 8 Q - B 2 , R - R 8 4 9 Q - B 8 c h , K - B 2 an d W h ite can n o t o btain p erp etu a l check. n : 45 P -K t3 , P x R = Q 46 Q x Q , P -K t 3 ! 47 K -K t2 , B -K t2 a n d one ca n n o t see h o w W hite ca n p reven t the th reatened transference o f the R o o k to Q R 8 . i n : 4 5 P - K t 4 (or 4 5 R - K i , B - B 6 etc.) 4 5 . . . R - R 4 ! 46 R x P , B x R 4 7 B - K 3 , R -R 8 48 Q x R , B X Q 4 9 B - B i , P xP 5 0 P x P , B - B 3 fo llow ed b y 5 1 . . . B - K t 4 an d B lack wins.

I.ATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

559

T h e im m ed iate capture on Q K t 7 lightens B la c k ’s task q u ite n o ticea b ly, since he now gain s an im p o rta n t te m p o fo r th e execution o f his w in n in g p lan . 43

. . .

PxR

44

Q .-K t3

R -Q .I !

N o w B la ck threatens 4 5 . . . R - Q R i again st w h ic h n o th in g c a n b e done. 45

Q ;B 2

46

Q K ti

R -Q K tl

A fte r 4 6 Q x P c h , Black w in s b y 4 6 . . . K - R i 4 7 Q r K t i , R - Q R i fo llow ed b y 4 8 . . . R - R 8 . 46

. . .

P -K t3

T h e r e is n o defence against the th reat o f 4 7 . . . R - Q R i . W h ite is la ck in g in ju st one tem p o so as to g et his K i n g a w a y fro m the b a ck rank. 47

P -K t4

R -Q R i

48 49

K -K t2 Q .-B 2

R -R 8 P -K t8 = Q .

50 51

Q -B y ch B -Q 4

B -K t2 Q -B 8 c h

K -K t3

P - B 5 ch

52 W h ite co u ld h a 53

spared h im self this last portion o f th e g a m e . K xP

Q -B B c h

resigns T h is g a m e is not flawless, b u t con tain s so m a n y o rig in a l a n d interesting m om ents that its inclusion in this collection is w e ll justified. G am e 79

R U Y LO PEZ, M O R P H Y D E FEN C E Candidates’ Tournam ent fo r the W o rld Cham pionship at Curacao, 1 9 6 2

M . Tal 1 P -K 4 2 K t-K B 3

P . K ere s P -K 4 K t-Q B 3

3 4

P -Q K K t-B 3

B -K t5 B -R 4

.3

G R A N D M A S T E R

5 6°

5 6

7 8

9 10 11

0 1'

CH ESS

0 -0 R -K i

R -K 2 P -Q K t4

B -K t3 P -B 3 P -K R 3

0 -0

B -B 2 P-

0.3

PK t - Q R 4. P -B 4

0.4

T h is position has o ccu rred thousands o f tim es in vario u s tou rn am en ts an d there is hard ly a con tin u ation here th at has not been exh au stively an alysed and p ro ved in p ractice. U su a lly B la c k continues w ith 1 1 . . . Q .-B 2, and then, after 1 2 Q K t - Q g , he has a rich choice o f different m ethods o f d evelopm en t at his disposal. In the present gam e Black tries a n e w type o f defence in w h ich the id ea is to dispense w ith the p ro tectin g Q - B 2 m ove. 11

. . .

12

Q K t-Q g

K t -Q .2

I tried this system for Black jn th re £ gam es at C u ra c a o , cou n tin g-a transposition even in four, an d obtain ed the excellent result o f three points w ith it. Th is tends to show th at it is not so easy for W h ite to find a prom ising line again st it.

T h e text-m ove is un d ou b ted ly the n o rm al m ethod o f d e ve lo p ­ m ent, an d c e rtain ly m ore prom ising than the colourless line 12 P x B P , P x P 1 3 Q K 1 - Q 2 , w hich F isch e r tried again st m e. P r o b a b ly F isch er h im se lf d id not en tertain so h igh an op in ion o f the strength o f this con tinuation , even though he w on the g a m e in question , since in a later g am e ne ab an d o n e d 12 P x B , an d closed the centre with 12 P - Q .5. 12

. . .

BPxP

A fte r an im m ed iate 12 . . . K t - Q llg th ere com es in to co n ­ sid eratio n 1 3 P - Q . 5 , o r also 13 P x B P , fo llow ed b y 1 4 K t - B i . 13 14

PxP P -R 3

K t-Q B 3

In an e a rlie r gam e o f the sam e to u rn am e n t T a l con tin u ed h e re again st m e 1 4 K t - K t 3 , but after 1 4 . . . P - Q R 4 1 5 B - K 3 , P - R 5 he w as u n ab le to obtain an y a d v a n ta g e . T h e thrust 1 4 P - . , as recom m en d ed b y a num ber o f com m en tators, should

05

LATER

be

YEARS

OF

e q u a lly innocuous for B la c k

PAUL

an d

561

KERES

allo w

h im

a d e q u ate

c o u n te r-p la y after 1 4 . . . K t - K t 5 1 5 B - K t i , P - Q R 4 . 14

. . .

PxP

W ith this p a w n exchange B lack accepts the h a n d ic a p o f a w eakness o n his Q , 3 so as to o b tain go o d p la y w ith his pieces in com p en satio n . Another m o ve th a t also cam e into co n sid era­ tion w a s 1 4 . . . B - B 3 , so as to m eet 1 5 P - Q 5 w ith 1 5 . . . K t - K 2 . 15

K t-K t3

K t ( Q 2 ) - K .4

16

K t ( B 3 )x P

B -B 3

N o w B la c k exerts m arked pressure alo n g the d ia g o n a l K R 1 - Q R 8 a n d has ap p ro xim ately equalised the ch an ces. T h e go od p la y w ith the pieces fu lly com pensates for the p a w n w eakness on Q 3 .

17

B-Q2?

T a l tries for the biggest possible com plications in e ve ry position an d sim ply cannot le ave a n y ch an ce u n to u ch ed o f b rin g in g th em abou t. T h e com bin atio n initiated b y the textm o ve is in d eed v e ry com p licated , bu t it even tu ally turn s to B la c k ’s a d v a n ta g e . It would therefore h ave been m ore ad v isa b le , b y 1 7 K t x K t , K t x K t 18 R - K t i , to h ave relieved the pressure on his Q K t 2 a n d thus prepared for the develo p m en t o f his Q B . 17

. . .

K tx K t

18

K tx K t

K t-Q 6 !

W ith this B la ck falls in w ith the designs o f his o p p o n en t, in the b e lie f th a t the ensuing com plication s are good for h im . T h e g a m e n o w becom es very interesting.

19 Kt-B6 T h is m o ve can n ot really be classed as a m istake since it belongs to the p lan W h ite has form u lated . C o n tin u atio n s such as 1 9 B - R 5 , Q x B 20 Q x K t , P - K t 3 o r 1 9 B x K t , B x K t 20 R - K t i , Q - B 3 , painfully strivin g after e q u a lity are n a tu ra lly not c a lc u la te d to substantiate the correctness o f W h ite ’s 1 7 t h m o v e . 19 . . . K tx B P ! T h e k e y-m o ve to Black’s co u n ter-p lay. A fte r 1 9 . . . Q _ -K t3 2 0 B x K t , Q x K t 2 1 R - Q B i , W h ite w o u ld in fact stan d ra th e r better.

562

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

Black (K eres)

W h ite (T al) to p la y 20

Q -B 3?

I t is a great p ity th at T a l did not choose the m ain va ria tio n here, 2 0 Q - R 5 ! , w h ich w ould h ave led to w ell-n ig h u n fath o m ­ a b le com plications. T h e n the continuation as in the g am e 2 0 . . . K t x P c h 2 1 K - R .2 , B -K 4 C I1 w ould n ot be g o o d because o f 2 2 Q x B !, P x Q_2 3 K t x Q , R x K t , 2 4 B - R 5 , etc. I n this line it w o u ld a p p e a r th a t 2 1 . . . Q - B 2 is also not sufficient b ecau se o f 2 2 P - K 5 ! , P - K t 3 2 3 Q - B 3 and B lack m ust lose m aterial. In re p ly to 2 0 Q - R 5 , Black h ad in ten d ed p la y in g 2 0 . . . Q _ -K t3. T h e n W h ite c o u ld continue the attack w ith 2 1 P - K .5 ! I t w o u ld be takin g us too far here to attem p t to an alyse o u t all the possible developm ents thereafter. A s an e xam p le let us a d d u ce the follow ing variations: 2 1 . . . K t - K 5 d i s c h 2 2 K - R 2 (not h o w ever 2 2 B - K 3 , Q x K t etc.) 2 2 . . . P - K t 3 2 3 P x B ! (m u ch m ore interesting th an 2 3 Q - K 2 , Q x K t 2 4 B x K t , B x P c h 2 5 K - R i , P - Q 4 , w h en Black should be ab le to g ain equ ality) 2 3 . . . P x Q 2 4 B x K t , a n d though W h ite has o n ly tw o m inor pieces for the Q u een , his counter-chances are n ot to be u n d er­ estim ated. T h is variatio n serves as a refutation o f those critics w h o w ished to characterise T a l’s previous m oves as com plete oversights. L a te r analyses h ave show n, how ever, th at B la c k has a better defence. I n the first p lace , in the variatio n 20 Q --R 5 , Q - K t 3 2 1 P - K 5 , K t - K j d i s ch 2 2 K - R 2 , instead o f 2 2 . . . P - K t 3 he c a n p la y m ore sim ply 2 2 . . . B x P c h ! 2 3 K t x B , K t - B 3 ! . I t is

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

563

true th a t W h ite can then re ta in som e attack b y 2 4 Q - R 4 , P x K t 2 5 B - B 3 (or 2 5 B - K t 5 , P - R 3 ! ) , b u t this, after 2 5 . . . R - K i ! follow ed b y 2 6 . . . B - K t 2 should m erely afford W h ite p ro sp ects o f e q u a lity. S till m o re forcin g, how ever, is the con tin u ation 2 0 . . . K t x P c h 2 1 K - R 2 , P - K t 3 ! N o w n a tu ra lly 2 2 Q x K t , B -K 4 C I1! fo llo w ed b y 2 3 . . . Q - B 2 , o r 2 2 Q .-Q .5) Q t Q.2 follow ed b y 2 3 . . . B - K t 2 are hopeless for W h ite, as is the e n d -gam e after 2 2 K t x Q P x Q etc. T h e re fo re , 2 2 Q - B 3 m ust be p lay e d , bu t then 2 2 . . . B K 4C I1! lead s to the gam e-co n tin u atio n w ith the u n im p o rta n t d ifferen ce th a t the K K t P is on B la c k ’s K K t 3 . 20

. . .

K tx P c h !

A v o id in g the alternative 2 0 . . . Q _-K t3 w h en W h ite ca n obtain a d angerous attack b y the sacrificial co m b in atio n 2 1 P - K 5 , K t - K t 5 dis ch 2 2 B - K 3 , K t x B 2 3 P x B , K t x B dis ch 24 K - R i , K t x K R 25 R x K t. 21

K -R 2

O th e r m oves too yield no better result. A fte r 2 1 P x K t , o r 2 1 Q x K t , there follows 2 1 . . . Q - K t 3 c h , and after 2 1 K - R i , Q - K t 3 2 2 P - K 5 , there com es the d evastatin g re p ly 2 2 . . . B - K t g ! W h ilst i f W hite p lay s 2 1 K - B i , then 2 1 . . . Q - K t 3 2 2 K - B i , B - K t 5 2 3 B - K 3 , B X Q 2 4 B x Q , B x K t is en o u gh to ensure B la c k ’s advantage. It m ust be adm itted that the textm ove gives B la ck his easiest task. 21

. . .

B -K 4 c h !

T h e sim plest w a y o f foiling the en em y attem pt at atta ck . 22

K tx B

A fte r 2 2 K - R i , Black ca n p la y either 2 2 . . . Q - R 5 2 3 P x K t , B - K t 6 ! 2 4 K t - K y c h , K - R i 2 5 K t x B , Q R x K t or 2 2 . . . Q - B 2 , in both cases w ith a w inning g am e. 22

. . .

23

KR-Qt

PxK t

W h ite has no time to cap tu re the K n ig h t as his B ish o p on Q 2 is a tta ck ed . After 2 3 B - K t 4 , there w o u ld fo llow 2 3 . . . K t -K t .p

23

K t-B 5 !

56 4

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

M a k in g B la ck 's a d v a n ta g e manifest, since 2 4 B x K t is not to be feared on acco u n t o f 2 4 . . . Q_-R.5ch. N o w , w ith tw o p aw n s to the good, B lack n a tu rally has a w o n g am e. 24 25

P -K K t3/ B -B 3

K t - K .3

A fte r 2 5 B - K 1 4 , B lack has the resource o f 2 5 . . . K t - Q ^ . 25

. . .

26

11-Q 6

Q .- K t 4

A n oversight in a lost position, bu t there w as no longer an yth in g th at he cou ld do . After 26 R - Q 5 , Q ^ R 3 ch follow ed b y 2 7 . . . K t - K t 4 , B lack w ould have a fierce attack on W h ite ’s w eakened K in g -sid e.

O r 27

26

. . .

27

K -K ti

Iv -K t2 ,

K t-B jc h

Q ~ R 3 ch 28 P x K t ,

Q xR

w ith the sam e

result as in the gam e. 27

■ ■ .-

K .t -Q

W in n in g the exch a n g e , after w h ich

.5 further resistance is

hopeless. T a l m akes som e more m oves in the hope th at his opponent m igh t p erh ap s com m it an in a c c u r a c y under tim epressure.

28 RxQ. 29 K-B2 30 KxKt 31 R-Ri 32 B-Kt3 33 B-Qa 3 4 RxP 35 R-Kt6 36 K-K2 37 K-Ki

KtxQch PxR R-Ki K-Kt2 B-Kt2 P-B4 Q R - Q ..

BxPch B-B6ch P-B5!

T h w a r tin g W h ite 's last chance o f a c tiv a tin g his QjB b y B -R 6 ch .

38 39 40

-b3 R xR P R -R 7 C I 1

41

R -K B 7

b

PxP

.5

R -Q k - r 3

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERBS

565

A n d W h ite resigned w itho u t w a itin g for his o pp o n en t's re p ly . A g a m e full o f interesting m om ents. Gam e 8 0

Q U E E N ’S G A M B I T D E C L I N E D S E M I-T A R R A S C H

D EFEN CE

E ig h th M atch-gam e, M oscow , 1 9 6 2

P . K eres 1 P -O 4 2 P -Q B 4

E . G e lle r K t-K B 3 P -K 3

T h is w a s th e last gam e o f the m a tc h , w h ich at the m o m en t w a s eq u a l, 3 } —3 £. In the even t o f a d ra w n m atch G e lle r w o u ld h a v e assured him self o f the second p lace in the C a n d id a te s’ T o u rn a m e n t as h e h a d the better p ercen tage acco rd in g to the B erger S y ste m . H e n ce his ch o ice o f o pen in g— u su ally G e lle r p lays the In d ia n Defence w ith 2 . . . P - K K t 3 .

3 4 5

K t-K B 3

6

K t-B 3 BPxP P -K 3

7

B -B 4

0.4

PP -B 4 K tx P K t-Q B 3

T h e va ria tio n in the text has been freq u en tly p la y e d in recen t y ea rs a n d usually W h ite continues here w ith 7 B - Q 3 . W h ic h o f the tw o Bishop m oves is o b je ctive ly the stro n ger rem ains u n d ecid ed — I w an ted to choose a less usual co n tin u a­ tion so as to a vo id prepared variation s. 7

. . .

K tx K t

I can n o t reconcile m yself to this e xch an ge a n d rath er re co m ­ m en d here 7 . . . P x P 8 P x P , B - K .2 9 O - O ,

0- 0 .

A f t e r the

te x t-m o ve W h ite has u ntram m elled con trol o f the cen tre, an d this m eans h e has a clear-cu t ad v a n ta g e . 8 9 10

PxK t 0 -0 P -K 4

B -K 2 0 -0

B u t this a d v a n c e is p erh aps a little p rem atu re. B etter w o u ld

566

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

be first 10 Q - K 2 , P - Q K t 3 ; 1 1 R - Q i , an d o n ly after n . . . Q - B 2 1 2 P - K 4 , w h en the Q B ca n find an eventual developm ent alo ng the d iago n al Q B 1 - K R 6 . 10

. . .

11

B -K t2

P -Q K t3

I t n o w becom es a p p are n t that W h ite m ust m ake p rep arato ry m oves for his Q - K 2 , since otherwise his Q P is en prise. V e r y go o d too w # s 1 x B - B 4 , b u t still the develo p m en t o f the Bishop on Q K t 2 w a s m u ch to m y taste as this Bishop ca n often p ro ve v e r y effective alo n g the long d iago n al. 11

. . .

B -K t2

12

Q -K 2

K t - R .4

I t c a n n o w be seen th at Black is beset b y a nu m b er o f m in or difficulties. T h e thrust 1 3 P - Q 5 , is a lw a y s in the air an d w o u ld , for exam p le, lead to an overw helm in g position fo r W h ite after 1 2 . . . R - B 1 1 3 P - Q 5 !, P x P ; 1 4 B x P , follow ed b y an even tu al P - Q B 4 . T h e text-m ove p arries this threat, b u t n o w the K n ig h t rem ains out o f p lay on the edge o f the bo ard . W h ite has em erged from the opening w ith the better prospects. 13 14

B -Q ,3 Q R -Q i

R -B

i

W h ic h o f the tw o R o o k s one m ust m o ve is alw a ys a difficult choice. H e re W h ite leaves his K R o o k on its p lace so as to m ake use o f it on the K file after an even tu al P - Q .5 . 14

. . .

PxP

B la ck m ust u ndertake som ething again st the th reat o f 1 5 Q P x P , an d this exch a n g e is the sim plest w a y o f d ealin g w ith it. H o w e v e r, a m arked d ra w b a ck is connected w ith the m a n o e u v re : su d d en ly W h it e ’s Q B com es to life. B lack m ust be v e r y m u ch on th e q u i v iv e n ot to fall victim to an o verw h elm in g attack after a n even tu al P - Q 5. T h ere fo re the question arises w h eth er perh ap s here 14 . . . Q - B 2 m ig h t not h a v e been more to the point. W h ite intended to continue then 1 5 P - Q 5 , retaining th ereb y some ad van tag e . In p a rtic u la r, the tw o m inor pieces on B la c k ’s Q ueen-side w o u ld then p la y a seem in gly m iserable role. 15

PxP

B -K t5?

LATER

YEARS

OF

PAUL

KERES

567

B la ck w a n ts to free his position b y a n even tu al exch an g e on Q B 6 , b u t the text-m ove leaves his K in g ’s position en tirely w itho u t p ro tection and thus facilitates the in tro d u ctio n o f a dan gerou s a tta ck o n W h ite’s p art. H e n ce 1 5 . . . B - K B 3 should h a v e been tried , so as to relieve his position to som e exten t a t least b y the e xch an ge o f Bishops o n the b la c k squares after the thrust P -Q _ 5 . 16

P - Q .5 !

T h is a d v a n c e is v e ry strong an d creates fresh ad van tag e s for W h ite . B la c k m ust exchange p aw n s, since after 1 6 . . . Q ^ K a 1 7 K t - Q 4 w o u ld be terrifically strong, w h ilst 1 6 . . . B - B 6 w o u ld result in the loss o f the exch an ge after 1 7 B - R 3 , R - K i 1 8 B - K t 5 . H o w e v e r, after the e xch an ge on Q _5 bo th W h ite Bishops b ecom e extrem ely p ow erful. 16 17

. . . P xP

PxP d -K a

A p p a r e n tly the best reply an d one w h ich a n y w a y m a d e m e rack m y brains the most d u rin g the g am e. W e a k e r is 1 7 . . . R - K i , since after 18 K t - K 5 , B lack , on acco u n t o f the th re at o f 19 B x P c h , has no time to take ad v a n ta g e o f the pin o n the K n ig h t. V e r y b a d is n atu rally 1 7 . . . B x P because o f 1 8 C I - K 5 , P - B 3 19 Q 7 -R 5 etc., and after 1 7 . . . B - B 6 1 8 B - B 5 , R - B 5 19 K t - K 5 is v e r y strong. 18

K t-K 5

P -B 3

B la ck m ust continue a c tiv e ly since otherw ise he w o u ld sim ply find h im self lost positionally. F o r exam p le, after 1 8 . . . B - Q _ 3 W h ite cou ld inaugurate a w in n in g atta ck b y 1 9 Q - R 5 , P - K t 3 2 0 K t - K t 4 l . T h e consequences o f the te x t-m o ve are h o w ever e q u a lly u n h ap p y fo r B lack . O n e gain s the im pression th at, after 1 6 P - Q , 5 l , B lack’s position is v e r y difficult to defen d .

19

QrR-5!

T h e sacrifice 1 9 B xP ch , K x B 2 0 Q _ -R 5 ch , K - K t i 2 1 K t - K t 6 , results in n o th in g concrete after 2 1 . . . Q ^ Q g * B u t the atta ck started b y the text-m ove m ust be decisive. 19

. . .

P -K t3

20

K tx P

PxK t

21

BxKtP

QrKt2

568

GRANDMASTER

OF

CHESS

Black (G eller)

i m

m mm i s a

a s BJEU!

m

W h ite (Keres) to p la y

B la c k ’s defence is exceed in gly difficult. W h ite has a lre a d y tw o p a w n s for the sacrificed piece an d in addition p ra c tic a lly all his pieces stand re a d y to attack the w eak ened en em y K in g . E v e n on gen eral gro u n d s it seems th at B lack c an scarcely hope to em erge from his hopeless position safe a n d sound. T h e text-m o ve leads quite clearly to a loss, b u t it is difficult to find a satisfactory defence for B lack. T h e c h ie f possibility lies in 2 1 . . . B - R 3 , w h en W h ite can p roceed w ith his atta ck in tw o p rom isin g v/ays. F irs tly there com es in to consideration 2 2 B - B 5 , w ith the strong threat o f 2 3 B - K 6 c h . I f B lack then p lays 2 2 . . . B x R , W h ite , in ad d itio n to the m ating attack b y 2 3 B - K 6 c h , c an also p la y sim p ly 2 3 B x R , R x B 2 4 Q _-K t4ch , K - B 2 2 5 Q x R , an d B lack c a n h a rd ly save this position. T h e other con tin u atio n , 22 P - Q 6 , is p erh aps still m ore fo rcin g. B la ck can n o t n atu rally then p la y 2 2 . . . B x P because o f 2 3 K R - K i , follow ed b y 2 4 R x B . A fte r 2 2 . . . Q r K K t 2 , h o w ­ ever, 2 3 P - Q .7 , R - B 4 2 4 B - B 5 , o r 2 3 . . . Q R - Q i 2 4 R -Q .4 , is sufficient to ren d er fu rth er resistance useless. In stead o f 2 1 . . . B - R 3 Black cou ld also tr y 2 1 . . . R - Q B 2 , so as to p la y the R o o k o ver to the K in g -sid e to defend the K in g . B u t this attem p t is insufficient. W h ite c an , for exam p le, p la y in re p ly 2 2 P - Q 6 ! , B x Q P 2 3 K R - K i , an d after the further 2 3 . . . Q - Q i (o r 2 3 . . . B - K 4 2 4 R x B !, P x R 2 5 B x P , etc.) 2 4 R - Q . 4 , B la c k ’s resistance cannot last lon g.

LATER

22

YEARS

OF

R-Q.3

PAUL

KERES

569

B-Q.3

A fte r 2 2 . . . B - R 3 2 3 R - K K t 3 , B x R W h ite w ins a t o n ce b y 2 4 B - R y c h , K - R i 2 5 B - B 5 dis ch , etc. 23

P -B 4 !

Q -R i

J u s t as hopeless as any oth er m o ve. T h e re is n o a d e q u a te defence again st the threat o f 2 4 R - K K t 3 . 24 25

Q .-K t4 K -R i

B -B 4C I1 R -Q B 2

O r 2 5 . . . Q ,-K t 2 26 R - K K t 3 , etc. T h e text-m o ve lead s to m ate. 26

B - R y d b ch !

K -B 2

27 28

Q .-K 6 c h R -K t3 c h

K -K t2

A n d B lack resigns as mate follow s n ext m ove.

L IS T

OF

EVENTS

Below are listed the events in which Keres took part during the period covered by this volume (1952-1962). The reader will find the year, the place, the result, number of games played, how many won, how many lost and how many drawn and the number of points obtained (in that order across the page). Tournaments

1952 Budapest 1952 Helsinki 1952 Moscow 1953 Tartu 1953 Zurich 1954 Amsterdam 1955 Hastings 1955 Moscow 1955 Parnu 1955 Gothenbourg 1956 Amsterdam 1956 Moscow 1956 Moscow 1957 Moscow 1957 M ar del Plata 1957 Santiago 1957 Vienna 1958 Hastings 1958 Munich1959 Tifiis 1959 Zurich 1959 Bled-Belgrade 1960 Stockholm 1960 Leipzig 1961 Zurich 1961 Oberhausen 1961 Bled 1962 Baku 1962 Curacao

I X X -X I I II-IV I I-1I V I1 -V I1 I I II II I v ii-v in ii-m 1 I i I v ii-v in 1I I - I V 11 in 1 1

17 12 *9 59 28 14 9 19 10 20 18 12 L5 21 I7 7 5 9 12 19 hi

IO 3 5 *7 8 13 b 7 9 9 3 7 4

28

6

0 13 11

6

8 III-V vn r-x i 11- in

8

13 5 1 7

2 2 5 0 4 0 1 4 0 2 I O 2 2 O O O I O 3 1 ■5

5 7 9 2 16 1 2 8 1 9 *4 5 9 11 4 2

4

9

I 2 2

1 5 11 7 7 2 5 4 4 11 14 16

214

42

1 94

7

7 8

7 4 7

19 20 27

4

4f)2

l O O O

12* bj 9* i« 16 ■3i 7 11 9l 1S i IO 9* 8i 13^ *5 6 3 74 9* ioi lOg 7 io£ 9 6 tzi

1r 17

M atches '

1956 W. Unzicker 1962 E. Geiler 16

571

6

1

4

6

5

4 i

9

5 72

O R AN 'I)M ASTER

OF

('H ESS

Other Events

ig54 Estonia-Latvia (Tal) *954 U.S.S.R.-Argentine (Bolbochan) 1954 U.S.SJR.-France (Tartakower) 1954 U .S.S.R.-U.S.A. (Pavey, Kevilz) ig54 U.S.S.R.-England (Wade) *954 U.S.S.R.-Sweden (Stoltz) 1955 U .S.S.R.-I lungary 1955 U .S.S.R.-U .S.A. (R. Byrne) 1 956 U.S.S.R.-Yugoslavia 1957 U.S.S.R.-Yugoslavia 1957 Estonia-Hungary (Barcza) 1958 U.S.S.R.-Yugoslavia (Gligoric) 19^8 Wilnius Team Championship 1959 Estonia-Finland (Ojanen) *959 Moscow Team Matches 1959 Estonia-Latvia (Tal) 1960 Estonia-Finland (Ojanen) i960 U.S.S.R.-West Germany 1961 U.S.S.R.-Yugoslavia 1962 U.S.S.R.-Holland (Bouwmcester)

2

!

4

I

2

2

4

3

2 2 7 4 7 5

2 2

3 3

2 1

2

0

4 7

1

2

i 0

a

2 2

0 1

7 5

4

80

0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

1 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 1

0

1 0

1

0

33

8

I

2 O O O O

«*

2 2 3 2 2

4

5

4

3i 4

1

4

0 2 6 2 3

0 0

3 3

2

39

3 0 2 4

1

65 I

I

51 I

O P E N IN G S I N D E X

(The numbers are thoseof thegames) C aro-K ann Defence: i P-K4, P-QB3; 2 P-Q4, P-0.4; 3 Kt-QB3, PxP; 4 KtxP, B-B4 70 French Defence: i P-K4, P-K3; 2 P-0.4, P-04; 3Kt-Q.B3, B-K15; 4 P-K5, P-QB4; 5 P-QR3, BxKtch; 6 PxB, Kt-Ka 72 King’s Gambit Accepted: i P-K4, P-K4; 2 P-KB4, PxP; 3 Kt-KB3, P-KKt4; 4 P-KR4, P-Kt5; 5 Kt-Ks, Kt-KB3 64 Petroff Defence: i P-K4, P-K4; 2 Kt-KB3, Kt-KB3; 3 KtxP, P-Q3 6i Queen’s Gambit Accepted: i p-o.4, p-cu; 2 P-OB4, PxP; 3 P-K3, Kt-KBs 54 3 Kt-KB3, Kt-KB3 56 Queen’sGambit Declined Semi-Tarrasch Defence: i P-Q.4, Kt-KB3; 2 P-QB4, P-K3; 3 K1KB3, P— O4; 4 Kt-B3, P-B4; 5 BPxP, KtxP; 6 P-K3, Kt-QB3 80 Tarrasch Defence: i K!-XB3, P-Q4; 2 P-O4, P-QB4; 3 P-B4, P-K3; 4 BPxP, KPxP; 5 P-KKt3, Kt-QB3; 6 B-Kta, Kt-Bj 77 Queen’s Pawn, Dutch Defence: i P-Q.B4, P-KB4; 2 Kt-KB3, Kt-KB3; 3 P-KKt3, P-KKt3; 4 B-Kt2, B-Kt2; 5 Kt-B3, P-Os; 6 P-Q.4, 0-0 57 King’s Indian Defence: i P-Q4, Kt-KBj; 2 P-QB4, P-KKt3; 3 Kt-QB3, B-Kt2; 5 Kt-B3>0-0; 6 B-K2, P-K4 4 P-K4, p-Q3; 59 3 Kt-KBs, B-Kt2; 4 P-QKt3, O-O; 5 B-Kt2, P-Qs; 6 P-Kt3, P-B4 62 Nimzowitsch % 3 Kt-QBs, B-Kt5; Defence: i P-Q4, Kt-KB3; 2 P-QB4, P-K3; 4 Kt-B3, P-QK.S3; 3 B-Kts, B-Kt2 63 4 P-K3, P-QKt3; 5 Kt-Ka, B-R3 73 Queen’s Indian Defence: i P-Q.4, Kt-KB3; 2 P-QB4, P-K3; 3 Kt-KBs, P-QKt3; 4 P-K3, N-Kt2, 5B-Q3, B-K2 65 Ruy Lopez: (Berlin i P-K4, P-K4; 2 Kt-KB3, Kt-QB3; 3 B-Kts, Kt-B3; Defence) 4 0-0, KtxP; 5 P-Q4, B-K2; 6 Q-K2, Kt-Q.3 69 (Morphy Defence) 3 -. . P-QR3; 4 B-R4, Kt— 03? 5 0-0, B-K2; 6 QrKa 55 6 R-Ki, P-QKt4; 7 B-Kt3, 0-0 ; 8 P-B3, P-Q3 58, 76, 79 6 Kt-B3, P-QKti; 8 Kt-Qs, B-Kt2 7 B-Kt3, P-Q.3; 75 573

OPENINGS

574 (Steinitz Defence

Deferred)

Sicilian Defence:

4. .. P-Q.3; I P-K4, P-QB4; 4 KtxP, Kt-KB3; 4 KtxP, Kt-B3;

INDEX

5 P-B3>B-Q.2 5 P-Q.4, P-QKt4

74 78

aKt-KB3, P-Q3; 3 P-Q.4>PxP; 5 Kt-Q.B3l P-QR3; 6 B-Kt5, QKt-Q.2 60 6 . . . P-K3 66,67, 68 ‘2 . . . Kt-QB3; 3 P-Qa, PxP; 5 Kt-QB3, P -Q , 3; 6 B-KKt5, P-K3 71

L IS T O F O PPO NENTS (T h e num bers are those o f the gam es) C . H . O ’D . A le x a n d e r G . B a rc z a .

.

61 56

I . Boleslavsky M . Botvinfiik R. P. E. A. E.

58 71 64

B yrn e H . C larke Eliskases . F u d ere r . G eller

S . G lig o ric

74 72 68 • 5 5 . 80

.

■

H . G o lo m b ek

75. 76 70

J . H o rt V . K o rch n o i

78

57 73

W . Lo m b ard y M . N a jd o r f

67

O . P an n o

66

J . S a jta r

60

V . S m yslo v B . Sp assk y . L . Szabo

65

M . T a im a n o v M . Tal W . U n zick e r

54 62 63 ■

59a 77. 79 69

BOOKS FOR THE CHESS PLAYER’S ARSENAL from

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G R EA T C H E SS U PSETS Reshevsky, Samuel. A fascinating glimpse into the lives, personalities, and dramatic losses of the seventeen best players in chess history. L C 74-77098; © 1975; Illustrated, 5-318" x 8"; 320 pages.

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N E W T R A P S IN T H E C H E S S O P E N IN G Horowitz, Al. A collection of mostly original and some classic chess traps assembled by Al Horowitz, the famous chess editor of The New York Times, editor of Chess Review, and three-time US Open Champion L C 64-17715; © 1964; 175 diagrams; 5-3/4" x 8-1/4"; 192 pages. A R C 0-668-01117-3 cloth $3.95 0-668-02191-8 paper $1.45

R E S H E V S K Y ON TH E F IS C H E R -S P A S S K Y G A M E S F O R T H E W O R L D C H A M P IO N S H IP O F C H E S S Reshevsky, Samuel. Authoritative, in-depth analysis of each excit­ ing game by an International Grand Master and U S Chess Cham pi­ on. LC 72-90366; © 1972; Illustrated with diagrams; 4-114" x 7-118"; 96 pages. A R C

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CHESS from ARCO CHESS IN AN HOUR Marshall, F.J.; Chemev, Irving. This fully-illustrated manual explains the opening moves and count.* attacks, provides a chart of tournament playing for clubs and contestants, tells how to set traps for openings, describes basic king and pawn endings, and gives combinations by world champions. L C 74-29786; © 1968; revised edition; Illustrated; 5-3/8" x 8"; 96 pages. Sentinel

(5-666-03236-7 paper $1.95

CHESS WITH THE MASTERS Beheim, Martin. Selected from tne championships, tournaments and master games of the last hundred years— 100 of the finest and most instructive games by some of the greatest names in chess— each annotated with move-by-move comment and descrip­ tion. Illustrated with diagrams; index; 4-1/4" x 7-118"; 271 pages. ARC

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RESHEVSKY TEACHES CHESS Fteshevsky, Samuel. A complete step-by-step illustrated guide for the beginner, diagramming the fundamental principles of play. LC 73-77842; © 1973; 92 illustrations; 5-112" x 8"; 192 pages. A R C 0-669-02997-8 LR cloth $4.50

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TH R E E VO LU M ES IN O N E Th e Early Games of Paul Keres The Middle Years of Paul Keres Th e Later Years of Paul Keres Grandmaster of Chess, originally published as three separate clothbound volumes, covers the sparkling career of one of the greatest players of all time. Writ­ ten by Keres himself, it provides an insight into Grandmaster play which has seldom been equalled. During the years Keres has been playing he has met and defeated practically all the ranking masters. This selection of games contains those won against opponents ranging from Botvinnik, Smyslov, Bronstein, and Fine to Tal, Geller, and Spassky. Abound­ ing in sublety and brilliance, the games form a per­ fect model for the aspiring young player. The more experienced player will be amazed at how exhaustive and informative the game notes are. Never before has a writer given such an insight into the workings of the mind of a great chessmaster as Keres has done here. “The best books of games to have, in my opinion, are the collections of games of a single master, the best annotator is the master himself — and what games could be more intrinsically enjoyable than the bril­ liant, sparkling games of Keres?”—Philidor ISBN 0-668-02645-6

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