Practical Endgame Play: Mastering the Basics: The Essential Guide to Endgame Fundamentals [1st ed.] 9781857445565, 1857445562

Table of contents :
Front......Page 1
Contents......Page 5
Bibliography & Acknowledgements
......Page 7
Foreword......Page 8
Introduction......Page 10
1 The Golden Rules of the Endgame
......Page 12
2 Introduction and The Opposition
......Page 14
3 Key Rules
......Page 21
4 Important Techniques
......Page 28
5 Further Practical Examples
......Page 35
6 Introduction and Rook vs. Pawn(s)
......Page 41
7 Rook & Pawn vs. Rook......Page 51
8 Rook & 2 Pawn s vs. Rook......Page 59
9 Rook & 2 Pawns vs. Rook & Pawn......Page 70
10 Rook & 3 Pawns vs. Rook & 2 Pawns
......Page 78
11 Rook & 4 Pawns vs. Rook & 3 Pawns on the same wing
......Page 84
12 Rook & 5 Pawns vs. Rook and 4 Pawns......Page 95
13 Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed a-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns......Page 101
14 Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed b-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns......Page 111
15 Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed c-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns
......Page 119
16 Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed d-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns......Page 124
17 General Rook Endgame Technique
......Page 132
18 Bishop vs. Pawn(s)......Page 149
19 Same-coloured Bishop Endgames
......Page 155
20 Opposite-coloured Bishop Endgames
......Page 174
21 Knight vs. Pawn(s)
......Page 180
22 Knight Endgames
......Page 188
23 Good Bishop vs. Bad Knight
......Page 203
24 Good Knight vs. Bad Bishop
......Page 212
25 Rook vs. Bishop
......Page 224
26 Rook vs. Knight
......Page 242
27 Rook & Bishop vs. Rook
......Page 252
28 Rook & Knight vs. Rook
......Page 258
29 Rook vs. Minor Pieces
......Page 263
30 Queen & Pawn Endgames
......Page 273
31 Queen vs. Various Major & Minor Pieces
......Page 293
Index of Players
......Page 316
Back......Page 322
Leere Seite......Page 2

Citation preview

Efstratios Grivas

Practical Endgame Play­ mastering the basics the essential guide to endgame fundamentals

EVERYMAN C HESS Gloucester Publishers pic www.everymanchess.com

First published in 2008 by Gloucester Publishers plc (formerly Everyman Publishers plc), Northburgh House, 10 Northburgh Street, London EC1V OAT Copyright© 2008 Efstratios Grivas First published 2008 by Gloucester Publishers plc The right of Efstratios Grivas to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher. British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN 978185744 556 5 Distributed in North America by The Globe Pequot Press, P.O Box 480, 246 Goose Lane, Guilford, CT 06437-0480. All other sales enquiries should be directed to Everyman Chess, Northburgh House, 10 Northburgh Street, London EC1 V OAT

tel: 020 7253 7887 fax: 020 7490 3708 email: [email protected] website: www.everymanchess.com Everyman is the registered trade mark of Random House Inc. and is used in this work under license from Random House Inc. To my respected trainers, who helped me all the way to the Grandmaster title: Panayiotis Drepani­ otis, Mikhail Kaloskambis, Nikolay Minev, Efim Geller and Nikolay Andrianov.

EVERYMAN CHESS SERIES (formerly Cadogan Chess) Chief advisor: Byron Jacobs Commissioning editor: John Emms Assistant editor: Richard Palliser

Typesetting and editing by First Rank Publishing, Brighton. Cover design by Horatio Monteverde. Printed and bound in America by Versa Press.

Contents

I

B i b l iogra phy & Acknowledgements Foreword by IM Georgios Ma kropou los Introd uction by Sotiris Logotheti s 1

The Golden Ru les of the Endga me

5 7

9 11

Section 1: Pawn Endings 2

Introd uction a nd The Opposition

13

3 4

Key R u l es Im po rta nt Tec h n iques Further Practica l Exa m ples

20

5

27 34

Section 2: Rook Endings 6 7 8 9 10

Introd uction a n d Rook vs. Pawn (s) Rook & Pawn vs. Rook

40

Rook & 2 Pawn s vs. Rook Rook & 2 Pawns vs. Rook & Pawn Rook & 3 Pawns vs. Rook & 2 Pawns

58

11 12 13

Rook & 4 Pawn s vs. Rook & 3 Pawns on the same wi ng Rook & 5 Pawns vs. Rook and 4 Pawns Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed a-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns

50

69 77 83

94 100

14 15

Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed b-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed c-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns

16 17

Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed d-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns Genera l Rook Endga me Tech n ique

110 118 123 131

Section 3: Minor Piece Endings 18 19 20

Bishop vs. Pawn(s) Sa me-co l o u red Bishop E ndga mes Opposite-col o u red Bishop Endga mes

148

21 22 23

Kn ight vs. Pawn (s) Kn ight Endga mes Good B i s h o p vs. B a d Kn ight

179

24

Good Kn ight vs. Bad Bishop

211

154 173 187 202

Section 4: Rook and Minor Piece Endings 25 26 27 28 29

Rook vs. Bishop Rook vs. Kn ight Rook & Bishop vs. Rook Rook & Kn ight vs. Rook

223

Rook vs. M i n o r Pieces

262

241 251 257

Section 5: Queen Endings 30 31

Q u e e n & P a w n E n d ga m e s

272

Queen vs. Va rious Major & Mi nor Pieces

292

Index of Pl aye rs

315

Bibliography and Acknowledgments

Books A Complete Guide to the Grivas Sicilian, Efstratios Grivas (Gambit 2005) Athanati- FIDE World Chess Championships, Efstratios Grivas (Kedros 2006) Beating the Fianchetto Defences, Efstratios Grivas (Gambit 2006) Chess College 1: Strategy, Efstratios Grivas (Gambit 2006) Chess College 2: Pawn Play, Efstratios Grivas (Gambit 2006) Chess College 3: Technique, Efstratios Grivas (Gambit 2006) Chess World Championships, James H. Gelo (McFarland 1999) Ellines Diethnis Metr, Efstratios Grivas (Skyfos 1986) Ellinika Skakistika Hronika, Triantafyllos Siaperas (GCF 1970-1973) Exploring the Endgame, Peter Griffiths (A.&C. Black 1984) Fotines Skepsis- Sofes Kinisis, Efstratios Grivas (Grivas 2003) Modern Chess Planning, Efstratios Grivas (Gambit 2007) Pawn Endings, Alexandar Tsvetkov (Chess Enterprises 1985) Rook Endgames, Yuri Averbakh (Sportverlag Berlin 1988) Seminario Moshas, Efstratios Grivas (Aegina 1989) To Shedio sto Sihrono Skaki, Efstratios Grivas (Klidarithmos 2007) Zurich International Chess Tournament 1953, David Bronstein (Dover 1979)

Databases, Periodicals and Websites ChessBase Mega Database 2007, ChessCafe, Chess Today, Encyclopaedia of Chess Endgames (Sahovski Informator 2007), Chess Informant, Nalimov Endgame Databases, New In Chess Magazine, New In Chess Yearbook, and Shakhmatny Biulleten. Acknowledgments Significant help in the preparation of this book was provided by Sotiris Logothetis and Anestis Mihailidis. I would like also to thank GMs Pal Benko, John Nunn and John Emms for their invaluable help.

I

Foreword

I

By IM Georgios Makropoulos (FIDE Deputy President & President of the Greek Chess Federation)

In the summer of 1984 the Greek Chess Federation decided to send Vasilios Kotronias and Efstratios Grivas to Moscow. Our two then young hopefuls had the opportunity to be trained by the famous Soviet School and to properly learn the secrets of our sport from some great trainers, including Lev Polugaevsky, Artur Yusupov, Eduard Gufeld, Mark Taimanov, Oleg Romanishin and Yuri Razuvaev, as well as several other top Russian players and coaches. This training session bore fruit, as both Grivas and Kotronias eventually obtained the highest chess title: that of International Grandmaster. In the years that followed, these two players significantly contributed to the Greek National Team, as well as to the populariza­ tion and development of chess in our country. A few years ago, in 1999, Efstratios officially retired from the Greek national team. Since then his competitive appearances have been scarce, but he has started a new career, that of a trainer and an author, with the ambition of enjoying success similar to that in his competitive one. Indeed, as a chessplayer he achieved numerous successes, most notably fourth place in the World Junior Championship in 1985, the gold medal on board 3 in the European Team Championship in 1989 and the silver medal at the Chess Olympiad in 1998.

Efstratios has at times co-operated with the Greek Chess Federation in multiple training projects, helping young, talented chessplayers to discover and realize their potential. After all, his firm belief in the motto 'talent is the ability to realize your potential' has accompa­ nied him throughout his entire career. Since 2002 the Greek Chess Federation has enjoyed a constructive and permanent collaboration with Efstratios, first in various training pro­ jects all over the country and then in federal training squads. Today Efstratios occupies various posts in both the Greek and the Turkish national training schemes, preparing the next generation of the respected national teams. Every self-respecting trainer invests great effort in creating and realizing his concepts.

7

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

Thus, Efstratios's exposition in written form of his soul-searching regarding the proper training methods was but a natural consequence. Mastering the Basics was written in only nine months. In fact, this period may be sym­ bolic, as the book is essentially the mental child of a chessplayer who wrote his own chap­ ter in chess history. This period may also be considered too small, as it is not easy to de­ scribe all the secrets of chess endgames in such a short time frame. However, nine months was long enough for Efstratios to write up all the knowledge and experience which he has accumulated during a competitive chess career spanning thirty years. Mastering the Basics includes all that an aspiring chessplayer would like to be ac­ quainted with and learn in the endgame. Within its pages one can find all the key strategic and tactical themes of the endgame, and this rich and valuable material is accompanied by an enormous number of games and examples. In simple words, this encyclopaedia of Ef­ stratios's greatly enriches Greek chess (with the Greek publication) and now world chess. FIDE and the Greek Chess Federation, in their constant efforts for the development of chess, especially among the younger ages, have found in the publication of Practical End­ game Play- Mastering the Basics a valuable ally . . .

8

Introduction

I

By Sotiris Logothetis

The third World Champion, the Cuban Jose Raul Capablanca, once expressed the opin­ ion that the study of chess should commence with the third and final phase of a chess game: the endgame. The Cuban himself was a renowned master of this stage and his ad­ vice was undoubtedly based on his personal experience. Many words have been spoken about the significance of endgame knowledge and experience in practical play - there is no point in repeating them here. The book you are holding aims to arm you as well as possi­ ble for this phase of the game. Many people think that the qualities of a grandmaster, compared to an ordinary player, mostly consist of superior opening preparation, greater calculating ability and deeper un­ derstanding of typical middlegame positions. If you, however, take a closer look at games from, say, a strong open tournament, you will notice several cases where the grandmaster outplays a weaker player (or even a fellow grandmaster) in the endgame from more or less an equal position. You are often left wondering how on earth one could lose such a simple position with so few pieces on the board. And yet, in my personal experience, the last part of the game is where a well educated player can set the opponent the most problems. As the weight of each move increases, any mistake can prove very costly and great accuracy is required. In our times, with the aboli­ tion of adjournments and increasingly faster time-controls, endgame knowledge has ac­ quired greater significance than ever before. Many games never reach the endgame. However, every good chessplayer, even in the heat of the battle, must consider the endings that can possibly arise in the course of the game. Our opening moves must take into account the consequences they may impose on a future ending. Doubled, isolated, immobilized or passed pawns, strong and weak squares - in general, all the positional elements, positive or negative, must be considered and evaluated. Anticipation of a favourable ending or fear of an inferior one will often influ­ ence our decisions in the middlegame, in the sense of selecting or rejecting certain con-

9

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

tinuations. When dissatisfied with a prospective ending we will often opt for unclear com­ plications or serious material or positional concessions. In the end, our evaluation of the endings that may arise will affect the entire course of the battle. I have known Efstratios for many years and consider myself his student, although not perhaps in the strictest sense of the term. From our endless conversations on chess over the years, I have learned many things about all aspects of the royal game. In recent years I have also had the pleasure of collaborating with him on his writing projects. A pleasure it is indeed, because he takes this work very seriously and tends to be meticulous and very accurate. Having spent countless hours with him, checking and rechecking every single variation and position presented in his books, I can assure you that the writer has worked conscientiously to produce the best possible result. Efstratios has always been considered an endgame authority, as can be observed by a detailed look at his games. He has possessed a deep and detailed education on the end­ game ever since I first met him, which was many years ago. Now he has taken this a step further. The preparation of this book has stretched over several years, during which time Efstratios has delved deeply into existing endgame theory and has discovered - and cor­ rected of course! - several important errors. Use has been made of every modern analysis tool (particularly tablebases), in order to get closer to the absolute truth. At the same time, with his usual thoroughness and perfectionism, Efstratios has sought to organize and pre­ sent the material in this book without leaving any black holes. I would like to draw your attention particularly to the section on rook endings, arguably the most difficult type of endgame, which can justifiably claim to be the most informative work on the subject ever.

10

Chapter One

I

The Golden Rules of the Endgame

The endgame is the moment of truth. It is the phase of the game in which we try to reap the seeds of our efforts, regardless of whether that is for the full point and victory or a half point for a draw. In the endgame the significance of any error increases, as there are few opportunities to correct them. The following rules are considered to be the Golden Rules of the Endgame. They were recorded by GMs Reuben Fine and Pal Benko, two of the world's greatest experts in this field: 1. Start thinking about the endgame in the middlegame. 2. Somebody usually gets the better deal in every exchange. 3. The king is a strong piece. Use it! 4. If you are one or two pawns ahead, exchange pieces but not pawns. 5. If you are one or two pawns behind, exchange pawns but not pieces.

6. If you have an advantage, do not leave all the pawns on one side. 7. A distant passed pawn is half the victory. 8. Passed pawns should be advanced as quickly as possible. 9. Doubled, isolated and blockaded pawns are weak. Avoid them! 10. The easiest endings to win are pure pawn endings. 11. Passed pawns should be blockaded by the king. The only piece that is not harmed by

11

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

blockading such a pawn is the knight. 12. Two bishops against bishop and knight constitutes a tangible advantage. 13. Bishops are better than knights in all except blocked pawn positions.

14. Do not place your pawns on the colour of your bishop. 15. The easiest endings to draw are those with bishops of opposite colours. 16. Rooks belong behind passed pawns. 1 7. A rook on the seventh rank is sufficient compensation for a pawn. 1 8. Not all rook endings are drawn! 19. Perpetual check looms in all queen endings. 20. Every move in the endgame is of the utmost importance because you are closer to the moment of truth.

12

Chapter Two

I

Pawn Endings: Introduction and the Opposition

Pawn endings are fundamental to the edu­ cation of an aspiring chessplayer. The rea­ son is obvious: no matter which other type of ending we encounter, there will always be moments when the possibility of a tran­ sition (through exchanges) to a pawn end­ ing will force us to properly evaluate it and accordingly help us to make our decision. In comparison with other types of end­ game, very few games actually reach a pawn ending. Based on this fact, many chessplayers tend to underestimate the rich content and significance of pawn end­ games. It would be wrong to assume that perfect knowledge of their technical side is easy to master and that, consequently, their study is unimportant. A pawn ending lurks behind every position and its proper evaluation can prove very useful to our decision-making process. Pawn endings have their own specifics which set them apart from other types of endings. Their main characteristic is the significant role of the king, which trans­ forms itself from a subject of protection by the other pieces to the most useful piece. As a rule, the active participation of the king decides the outcome of a pawn ending. Furthermore, the worth of a pawn is greatly

increased thanks to its unique ability to promote to any other piece. Consequently, the basic aim in a pawn ending is to create a passed pawn and to promote it. The transformation of the pawn can even be considered as an original way of gaining material! Such a drastic change in the mate­ rial balance between the opponents is usu­ ally sufficient to cease further resistance. The threat of promotion, or even that of creating a passed pawn, is a most powerful weapon in itself. In pawn endings the king is the main force, guiding and co-ordinating the ad­ vance of the pawns. As a rule, the king heads for the centre from where it can be directed to either flank, usually to attack enemy pawns. Sometimes the king also executes complex manoeuvres, aiming to occupy or defend critical squares, or to force the opponent to move, i.e. by creating a zugzwang situation. Behind the veil of simplicity that covers pawn endings, quite often one can discover true gems and fan­ tastic opportunities!

The Opposition The concept of the opposition is defined as follows: when the two kings are placed op-

13

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

posite each other and separated by an odd number of squares (one, three or five), then the side not to the move has the opposition. The significance of the opposition lies in the obligation of the opponent to move, thereby forcing him to make a concession. The great chessplayer and theoretician P.A.Romanovsky offered a simpler defini­ tion: 'The opposition is the placement of the kings opposite each other in such a way that zugzwang is brought about.' We should be aware that there are three important types of opposition: i. close opposition; ii. distant opposition; iii. knight opposition.

Close Opposition This can occur on a rank, file or diagonal.

2.2

Black to play

With White to move the game is drawn after 1 'it>e3 'it>e5 2 d4+ �d5 3 'it>d3 'it>d6!, etc. However, if Black is to move, then he loses: 1 ... �es 2 'it>c4 �d6 3 '>t>d4! '>t>c6 4 �es �d7

2.1

White to Play

s d3 '>t>e7 6 �d s Wd7 7 d4!

We can thus formulate the following rule: if the attacking king has reached the square right in front of his pawn, then the result of the game depends entirely on which side is to move. An exception occurs when the pawn has crossed the fourth rank. In that case the attacking side wins regard­ less of who is to move!

2.3

The simplest form of close opposition: whoever is to move is unable to achieve their goal: 1 d7+

Or 1 �d5 �d7 2 �c5 �d8! 3 �c6 'it>c8 and Black regains the opposition. 1 ... � d8 2 'it>d6 It' s stalemate. However, if it's Black to move first, then he loses after l ...�d8 2 d7 �c7 3 'it>e7. 14

White to play

P a w n E n d i n g s : I n t ro d u c t i o n a n d t h e Oppo s i t i o n

1 'lt>f6 'it>f8 2 e 6 We8 3 e7 �d 7 4 �f7

White wins despite having moved first. Another exception is caused by the rook pawns because if the defending king con­ trols the promotion square, or can prevent the escape of the attacking king from the corner, then the game is drawn.

2 .4 Black to play T.Shumiakina-E.Grivas Ca ppe l l e Ia G ra nd e 1995

pawn and, as his own pawn has crossed his fourth rank, having the opposition will prove useless for White. 71 �f1 e2+! 72 �e1 �e4! 0-1

And Black wins by transferring his king to gl ( ... �f4-g4-h3-g2-gl ). However, if we were to move the entire set-up one square to the right, then the position would be drawn as the black king would be unable to penetrate via the kingside.

2.5 E.G rivas-D.Colli n Pa ris 1982

White to play

Black has two paths t o victory a t his disposal: 65 ... Wc5 66 �c2 Wc4 67 Wd2 �d4 68 �c2 e3 69 'it>d1! �d3 70 �e1

White is assured of victory because he will gain the opposition thanks to the avail­ ability of the move g2-g3: 64 �c5 �e7 6 5 �c6 �e6 66 g3

Now the white king, assisted by the tempo-losing move 66 g3, invades the black camp. 66 ... �e7 67 ri;; c 7 �f8 68 �d8 Wf7 69 �d7 �g7 70 We7 �g6 71 �e6

Our second opposition, after which Black's pawns fall like ripe fruits. 71 ... �g7 72 �xf5 Wf7 73 g4 hxg4 74 'lt>xg4 �e6 75 h5 We7 76 �f5 rtlf7 77 h6 1-0 70 ... f3

Distant Opposition

The alternative path is 70 ... e2 71 f3 �c2 72 'it>xe2 �c3. Black will win the white f-

In the case of distant opposition the kings are separated by three or five squares. This 15

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

distance is gradually reduced, resulting in a case of close opposition. Effectively, the distant opposition is a tool that allows us to force a favourable close opposition.

2 .6

4 ...�g6 5 '.t>e5 �g7 6 '.t>d 5 !

White wins.

2.7

White to play

White to play

The first impression one gets from this position is that of a draw. However, ap­ pearances can be deceptive and here the side to move wins! 1 'ot>e2! 'ot>e7

l . . .Wd8 also loses: 2 �f3! (but not 2 '>t>e3? '>t>e7! or 2 �d3? �d7! when Black claims the opposition) 2 . . . �e7 3 �e3!, edging forwards by retaining the opposition. 2 We3 'ot>e6 3 �e4 �f6

A classic example of the significance of the distant opposition as a defensive weapon. White, a pawn down, seems un­ able to defend, but. . . 1 �h 1 ! !

And not 1 �fl ? 'ot>d2 2 �f2 �d3 when Black wins. 1 ... �d2 2 �h2! '>t>d3 3 'it>h3 'ot>e2 4 �g2 '>t>e3 5 'ot>g3 �d4 6 �g4

. . . and White draws.

2 .8

White to play

4 'ot>f4 !

4 �dS? only leads to a draw. 16

Yet another excellent example of distant

P a w n E n d i n g s : I n t ro d u c t i o n a n d t h e Oppo s i t i o n

and rank opposition. The side to move gains the close opposition and achieves his aim.

help of the distant opposition.

1 es! 'it>g6 2 �c6 'it>g7

Or 2 . . . 'it>g5 3 �d7 'it>f5 4 �d6. 3 'it>d6 'it>f7 4 �d7 �f8 5 'it>xe6

As the white pawn has crossed the fourth rank, the win is easy. s ...'it>e8 6 'it>f6 'it>f8 7 e6 'it>e8 8 e7

White wins, whereas with Black to move first after l . . .e5! 2 �c6 'it>g6 3 'it>d5 �f6 4 'it>d6 'it>f7 5 'it>xe5 'it>e7 a draw would be achieved.

2 .9 J.Timman-A.Yusupov Am ste rda m 1994

White to play

76 'it>g3 'it>f7 77 Wf3 'it>e7 78 We3 'it>d6 79 �d 3 'it>c6 so 'it>c2 Wd7 Yz-Yz

2 .1 1 E.Grivas-A.Graf Porto Ca rras 1998

Black to play

S8 �g2 !

The distant opposition allows White to hold the balance because Black's pawns are unable to contribute. ss ...�g7 59 �g1 ! �f7 60 �f1 �e6 61 �e2 'it>d s 62 'it>d2 'it>d6 6 3 �d1! �cs 64 �c1 �bs 6 5 'it>b1 wa s 66 wc1 Yz-Yz

Although the black pawns are not blockaded, White still succeeds in drawing by making use of both the close and distant opposition. 57 ... �g6 s s �e s !

White to play 2 .10 E.Grivas-A.Ka rayiannis Ath e n s 1995 White succeeds i n drawing with the

5 8 g4? i s a serious error: 58 . . . h5! 59 gxh5+ Wxh5 60 'it>f3 �h4 61 'it>g2 'it>g4. ss ... h s

The only way try since 5 8. . . Wh5 5 9 Wf5 g4 60 Wf4 draws trivially. 59 We4 g4

17

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

The main point of White's defence be­ comes evident after 59 . . . �f6 60 �f3 ! ! �f5 (60 . . . 'it>e5 61 'it>e3) 61 g4+! hxg4+ 62 �g3. 6o 'it>e3 'it>f5

which the knight opposition promises vic­ tory to the side that has obtained it, i.e. the side not to move. In our next example White can, despite his material inferiority, hold the draw thanks to the knight opposition. It makes no difference which side is to move.

2 .1 3

White to play

61 'it>f2 !

Time for the distant (and the close) op­ position! 61 ... We6 62 �e2 �d6 63 �d3 �d 5 64 We3 �e5 65 'it>d3 Wf5 66 'it>e3 Wg5 6 7 'it>f2 Yz-Yz

Knight Opposition

1 Wg4 'it>g6 2 �f4 '>t>f7 3 �f5 'it>e7 4 'it>g4!

In this type of opposition, the two kings are placed on the two edges of a knight move. Although this rarely occurs in practice, it is of paramount importance.

Forced since 4 �g6? �e6 5 'it>g7 �e5 loses. White focuses on the knight opposition.

2.12

White/Black t o play

White draws.

I �...1 2_ . 1_ _4_______ _B I_ a_ck_ to_ _pla_ _y___.

A simple but very important position in 18

4 .. :it>e6 5 f4

This position is won only when White

P a w n E n d i n g s : I n t ro d u c t i o n a n d t h e Oppo s i t i o n

has obtained the knight opposition. H e can usually obtain it by using tempo moves with his h-pawn earlier in the pawn end­ game (h2-h3 and then h3-h4, or h2-h4 di­ rectly, depending on the placement of the black king). 1 .. .c.t>h8 2 g6 hxg6 3 hxg6 �g8 4 g7

White wins.

50 ... 'it>e4 51 h 3

O r 51 f2 h4! 5 2 gxh4 f4 5 3 h 5 fxe3+. 5 1 .. .C�d 5 52 'it>f3 \t>e5 Yz-Yz

After 53 h4 �d5 54 �£4 �e6 White can­ not make progress.

2 . 16

White to play

2.15 Black to play S.Fiohr-J.R.Ca pabla nca Moscow 19 3 5

1 �e4!

49 ... �e 5 !

The simplest way to the draw. 49 . . . 'it>f7 is equally valid, but obtaining the close op­ position with 49 . . . �d5?? would lose: 50 d2! �e5 (or 50 . . . h4 51 gxh4 f4 52 exf4 �e4 53 h5) 51 'it>e1 ! 'it>d5 52 'it>f2 'it>e4 53 �e2 �d5 54 'it>f3 'it>e5 55 h3 'it>d5 56 �f4 �e6 57 h4.

The knight opposition offers the solu­ tion here, as the alternatives 1 �d4 £7 2 d6 We6 3 �c5 �d7 4 '>t>d5 g5! and 1 �£4 �£7 2 �g5 \t>g7 3 d6 \t>£7 4 d7 �e7 only lead to a draw. 1 ... \t>f7

Black also loses after both l . . .g5 2 hxg5+ �xg5 3 �e5! and l . . .�e7 2 �e5 �d7 3 �£6. 2 �d4 �e8 3 d6 'it>d7 4 'it>c5 !

5o e2

The careless 4 'it>e5? concedes a draw: 4 . . . g5 5 hxg5 h4 6 g6 h3 7 g7 h2 8 g8'1i!V h1� 9 '1i!Ve6+ �c6 10 '1i!Vc8+ b5 11 d7 'i¥112 +.

50 Wd2 h4! 51 gxh4 f4! 52 h5 fxe3+ also leads to a draw.

9 �f7+

4 ... g5 5 hxg5 h4 6 g6 h3 1 g7 h2 8 gs'i!V h 1'iV

Mate follows.

19

Chapter Three

I

Pawn Endings: Key Rules

Having studied the crucial concept of the opposition, we now turn our attention to a number of other important rules in pawn endings: i. the promotion square; ii. promotion count; iii. the advance of separated passed pawns; iv. critical squares; v. corresponding squares.

o f moves necessary for each side i s equal, the pawn can be captured. The geometrical way is generally simpler and offers the so­ lution at a simple glance.

The Promotion Square Whenever there is a passed pawn, we are automatically led to the conclusion that its course towards promotion can be barred only by the opposing king.

3.1

White to play

White is to move and the question is whether or not the black king can stop the white pawn. The answer can be given in two ways: an arithmetical one and a geo­ metrical one. The arithmetical way proves that the white pawn can reach the h7square in four moves, while the black king needs, in order to reach the g7-square, four moves as well. Therefore, since the number

20

As the pawn requires five forward moves to be promoted on h8, we extend the line across the rank on which it stands for the same number of squares (five, in our case), creating an imaginary square. If the opposing king is inside this square, then the pawn can be annihilated.

Promotion Count It is a fact that a basic arithmetical count is much simpler than the calculation of chess variations.

P a w n E n d i n g s : K ey R u l e s

and then capture the white kingside pawns.

3.2

White to play

39 ... cs 40 bxc s+ Wxcs 41 wes!

Here is a simple example of this rule. In­ stead of calculating, move-by-move, the variations related to the promotion of the pawns, it is preferable to shape the issue as follows. White needs three moves to capture the black g-pawn, then one move to remove his king from his g-pawn's path and finally four moves to promote the pawn: a total of eight moves. Black needs two moves to cap­ ture the white a-pawn, then one move to remove his king from his a-pawn's path and finally five moves to promote the pawn: a total of eight moves as well. Consequently, taking into account that White is to move (with Black to move it is also a draw in this specific position), the game is drawn. This rule is of a practical nature and helps us to save precious time when we calculate, espe­ cially when we are in time pressure.

3.3 S.llandzis-E.Grivas Athens 1982

The most effective way to guarantee a draw. It doesn't allow the black king to re­ treat, unlike 41 g5, although White can still draw after that: 41 . . . Wd5 (or 4l . . .Wd6 42 We4 b4 43 Wd4 b3 44 'it>c3 We5 45 f6 gxf6 46 gxf6 Wxf6 47 Wxb3 Wf5 48 Wc4 Wg4 49 Wd5 h5 50 We4 Wh3 51 Wf5) 42 g6 hxg6 43 fxg6 We6 44 'it>e4 'it>f6 45 'it>d4 'it>xg6 46 Wc5 Wf5 47 Wxb5 g5 48 Wc4 wg4 49 Wd4 �h3 50 �e5 g4 51 �f4. Things now appear simple: Black needs four moves to promote his pawn and White just as many (1 g5, 2 £6, 3 f7, 4 f8�). How­ ever, it is significant that White promotes with check - a fact that Black forgot. . . 4 1 ... b4

41 . . .h6 42 h4 is a draw. 42 gS

Black to play

Black is to move and, at a cursory glance, seems to be winning. He can create a passed pawn, keep the white king occupied by it

21

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s ics

42 ... b3?

It was time to draw with 42 . . .Wc6! 43 Wd4 (better than 43 We6 b3 44 f6 b2 45 f7 b1 'i' 46 f8'i' 'iVb3+ 47 rtie7 'iVb7+ 48 We6 �d7+ 49 We5 'i'd5+ 50 �f4 'i'd2+ 51 rtig4 1i'g2+ 52 Wh4 'i'xh2+ 53 Wg4 'i¥e2+, leaving Black still with an advantage in the queen ending) 43 . . . Wd6.

3.4

White to play

43 f6 gxf6+ 44 gxf6 b2 4 5 f7 Wc4 46 fS'i' b1� 47 'i'c8+ Wb3 48 'i¥b7+ Wc2 49 'i¥xb1+ 'it>xb1

The draw is a fact because neither side can improve their position: for instance, 1 Wf3 leads nowhere after l . . .h3. When the separated passed pawns are two squares apart, they secure victory if they have crossed their fourth rank, but if they haven't then they cost the game. 50 h4?

Returning the favour. White wins after the simple and correct 50 Wf6! Wc2 51 Wg7 h5 52 �g6 h4 53 Wh5.

3.5

White to play

5o ... rtic2 51 h 5 �d3 5 2 h6 We3?

A comedy of errors in a seemingly sim­ ple ending. 52 . . . Wc4! is an easy draw: 53 rtif6 rtid5 54 rtig7 �e6 55 Wxh7 Wf7. 53 rtif6 Wf4 54 Wg7 1-0

The Advance of Separated Passed Pawns Separated passed pawns, although gener­ ally deemed inferior to connected passed ones, possess an important quality: when on the same rank and separated by one square, they protect each other. Should the opposing king attack one of them, the other prevents its capture by an immediate ad­ vance.

22

The pawns have crossed the fourth rank: 1 �f2 h3 2 Wg3 e3 3 Wxh 3 e2

Black wins.

Pa w n E n d i n g s : Key R u l e s

3 .6

White to play

have not crossed the fourth rank. However, after 1 e4 they are separated by one square and lie on the same rank which makes them invulnerable. The French chessplayer and composer Cheron formulated the 'Rule of Seven' : if the sum of the number of squares separat­ ing the pawns and the number of the rank on which the pawns lie is less than seven, then the pawns cannot be promoted with­ out the help of their king.

Critical Squares Black's pawns have not crossed the fourth rank and consequently Black loses! Indeed, he loses even if he is to move: 1 . . .e4 2 Wg3! 'it>a7 3 'it>f4. 1 Wf3 cS 2 fS Wd6 3 'it>g3 WeS loses as the white pawns are separated by two squares and

The critical squares of the e2-pawn are d4, e4 and f4. If White is to move then he wins by 1 W£2 (or 1 d2) l . . .�e7 2 We3 �e6 23

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

3 'it>e4. However, if the move belongs to Black, then after l . . .We7 2 Wf2 (or 2 Wd2) 2 . . . We6 3 'it>e3 'it>e5 the game is drawn.

3 .9

White to play

The simplicity of the previous example leaves the stage to a more complicated end­ ing. White's weaknesses seem to give Black victory, but things are not so simple.

utilizing the opposition, are applicable in only a small number of pawn endings. On the other hand, many endings are decided by careful king manoeuvres and use of zugzwang ideas, in which the concept of the opposition does not apply. This led to the rule (or theory) of corre­ sponding squares. This rule essentially im­ plies that the kings must move along com­ plicated motifs, through a very precise se­ quence of squares, in such a way that when one king reaches a particular square then its opposite number reaches the corre­ sponding one. When this delicate balance cannot be disturbed, the game is drawn. If, however, the opponent's king must leave the corresponding square or is unable to reach it, then we have the first indication that that side's position is lost.

3 . 10 Biancchetti

White to play

1 'it>b3 ! 'it>as 2 'it>a3 bs 3 axbs 'lt>xbs

Black will win the white d-pawn, at the same time controlling the critical squares of his own c-pawn (b5, c5, d5). However, keeping the relevant rule in mind, White succeeds in drawing. 4 d6! cxd6 5 'it>b3 !

The critical squares of the d6-pawn are now c4, d4 and e4, none of which can be occupied by Black's king.

Corresponding Squares The rule of corresponding squares is not a recent discovery. A proper formulation of it was attempted by the Bulgarian theoreti­ cian Alexandar Tsvetkov, who presented a very worthwhile treatise that will form the basis of our analysis. Those positions in which the kings are placed exactly opposite each other with one, three or five squares separating them, as well as the corresponding methods of 24

Our example, created by Biancchetti in 1 925, is a basic illustration of the rule of corresponding squares. Despite White's material advantage (two extra, albeit dou­ bled pawns), there seems to be no clear method of exploiting it. The white king could try to reach f4 or d6, from where it could attack and capture the pawns on g4 or b7. However, neither of these direct ap-

P a w n E n d i n g s : K ey R u l e s

proaches lead to victory: 1 b2 �h7 2 Wc3 \t>g8! 3 Wd4 Wf7! 4 �c5 �e7 5 'it>d4 �f7 6 \t>e3 'it>g6 7 Wf4 Wh5 and Black's king suc­ cessfully prevents its white counterpart from penetrating behind the weak black pawns. In order to win, White must execute some accurate manoeuvres with his king. The author's solution to this study is: 1 \t>a2! Wh7 2 �b2 ! Wg7 3 �b3 �g8 4 �c3 'it>f8 5 �c4! Wf7 6 �d4

Now the white king will successfully reaches the rear of one of Black's pawns and so White wins. In order to delve deeper into such posi­ tions, which are of undoubted theoretical and practical value, we must turn to the rule of corresponding squares. That is a specific (and more complex) type of stan­ dard opposition, in which the kings face each other on a file or rank with one square separating them. In our last example, when the white king attempts to invade via d6 or f4, the black king must be able to meet both plans. Thus, when the white king reaches c5, the black one must reach e7 in order to hold the draw. So the placement of the white king on c5 corresponds to that of the black king on e7. To rephrase, the c5-square corre­ sponds to the e7-square. With the white king on f4, the black monarch must be on h5 and so f4 corresponds to h5.

The d4-square i s very important for White. It is not difficult to see that in this case the black king must be on f7, so as to answer �d4-c5 with ... �f7-e7 and Wd4-e3 with ... �f7-g6. From the c4-square the white king can move to either c5 or d4. It follows that the black king must be on f8, from where Black can play either ... We7 (in reply to Wc4-c5) or ... Wf7 (after �c4-d4). From d3 White's possible moves are �c4/d4/e3. Thus d3 corresponds to g7. From c3, the options are �d4/c4/d3; the only square for the black king that satisfies the necessity of reaching f7, f8 or g7 accord­ ing to White's move is g8. From e3 the white king can move to either d4 or f4. Thus e3 corresponds to g6, from where the black king can reach h5 or f7. Having cov­ ered the most significant squares that the white king can move to and having discov­ ered Black's corresponding squares, we are able to construct the table below, whereby we can clearly see the positions the kings must occupy in every case: w

cs f4 d4 C4 d3 C3 b4

B e7 hs f7 f8 g7 g8 f7

w

b3 b2 a3 a2 c2 e3

B g7 h7 g8 h8 h8 g6

w

d2 e2 dl el Cl bl

B h7 h6 g7 g6 g8 g7

Using this table, we are able to almost mechanically infer the solution for this po­ sition. We simply need to direct the white king to a square that corresponds to that on which the black king lies, or otherwise to a square, the corresponding square of which the black king cannot reach in one move. As b1 corresponds to g7, b2 to h7 and a2 to h8, the unique solution is 1 Wa2! (1 Wb1 ?

25

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

'lt>g7! and 1 '1t>b2? �h7! are both drawn) l . . .'lt>h7 2 'lt>b2 and Black is in zugzwang. After l . . .'lt>g7 2 Wb2 White wins faster than in the main line, while after l . . .'it>g8 2 'it>a3 'lt>h8 (or 2 . . . Wf8 3 Wb2 and the black king cannot move to h7) 3 'it>b4 the black king cannot reach f7. It is interesting to note that from the ta­ ble above we are able to find the solution to the problem for other starting positions of

26

the kings, although, of course, this only applies to the specific pawn distribution. So, for example, if the white king is on e2 and the black one on h7, White would be unable to win. The same applies if, in the initial position of the study, the black king was on g8, which is the corresponding square of a l . In that case, the only way to draw after 1 'lt>a2 would be l . . .'it>h8! . A bril­ liant and truly educational idea!

Chapter Four

I

Pawn Endings: Important Techniques

Having examined a number of important rules, we now tum our attention to some key techniques which we must master in order to succeed in pawn endings. They are: i. triangulation; ii. the breakthrough; iii. passed pawns; iv. the outside passed pawn; v. the protected passed pawn.

he can 'lose' the desired tempo!

Triangulation The technique of triangulation is widely known and useful in many pawn endings. The aim of triangulation is to reach the ex­ act same position, but having passed the right to move to the opponent. With this unorthodox action, which in fact loses a move, the opponent is forced into zugzwang and must suffer the normally fatal consequences.

1 'it>e1! 'it>fs

l . . .d4 2 exd4 Wxf4 (or 2 . . . Wxd4 3 'it>f2!) 3 �d2! also loses. 2 Wd 2 ! 'it>e4 3 'it>e2

White's aim has been achieved! The po­ sition has been repeated, but now Black is to move. 3 ... d4 4 exd4 �xd4 5 �f3 �d s 6 �e3 We6 7

White to play

�e4 Wf6 s wd s 'it>fs 9 'it>cs 'it>xf4 10 'it>bs 'it>es 11 'it>xa s '.t>d6 12 Wb6 Wd7 1 3 Wb7

White wins. White is to move, which is not of any help. If, however, he can bring about the same position with Black to move, then he will win. By using the squares d2, e2 and el

White to play

27

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

pawn moves, White begins seeking to lose a tempo so that with a future �d6 he will be threatening 'it>c7. 4 'd4 'ot>a8 5 'c3 'it>b8 6 'it>d3 'a8 7 'd4 'b8 8 �cs 'it'a8 9 �d6! Wb8 10 'it'xe6 d4 11 'it'f7 d 3 12 e6

White wins.

Black to play

If it's Black to move, he will be unable to prevent the invasion of the white king. 1 'it'es

Rushing with 1 c6+? is a mistake: l . . .'it'c8! (but not l . . .bxc6+? 2 'it>cS 'it>d8 3 'd6! 'c8 4 'it'xc6 and White wins) 2 'd6 'it>b8! with a draw. 1 ... 'it>c6 2 'd4 'it'd7 3 �ds 'it'c8 4 'it'e6 ! 'it'd8 5 �d6 'it'c8 6 �e7 'it>b8 7 �d7 �a8 8 c6! bxc6 9 'c7

White wins.

1 ...�e s ! 2 �g1 �fS ! 3 �f1 �e4

White to play

Black wins thanks to the help of triangu­ lation.

The Breakthrough This i s another useful technique which al­ lows us to force one of our pawns through to promotion, usually by sacrificing some or all our other remaining pawns. The logic behind the breakthrough is clear as the achievement of our aim is more important than short-term material considerations.

White to play (see following diagram)

The win seems rather problematic for White because the protected passed black d-pawn is a constant source of concern. 1 bS 'ot>b8 2 as 'ot>c8 3 a6 �b8

After the preliminary and necessary 28

If Black is to move he can win with l . . .Wd5 ! . However, it is White to move and he succeeds in winning a seemingly lost position by making use of a breakthrough.

Pa w n E n d i n g s : I m p o r t a n t T e c h n iq u e s

4 bxa4

The point behind Black's second move becomes clear: 2 . . . �xb5? would have forced Black to now lose a crucial tempo as 4 bxa4+ would be check! 4 ... C4 5 f4 d 3

Black will queen.

White to play

1 b6! cxb6

Or l . . .axb6 2 c6! bxc6 3 a6 and wins. 2 a6! bxa 6 3 c6

The c-pawn will queen.

Black to play

This position represents a typical win and one that can be achieved only with the help of a breakthrough. 1 �f7 ! h s

White also wins after l . . .�h8 2 'it>g6 as he captures both black pawns. Now, how­ ever, the position seems drawn. 2 h4!!

White's passed pawn seems to ensure victory. However, it's actually Black who can win! 1 bs! 2 axbS+ �b6 ! ! ...

Regaining the pawn is unimportant. The idea behind the text will shortly become evident. 3 We6

Nothing is changed by either 3 f4 c4! or 3 We7 a4! . 3 ... a4

The only winning move, whereas both 2 gxh5? and 2 Wf6? hxg4 3 hxg4 Wg8 4 Wxg5 Wg7 draw. 2 . gxh4 .

.

Black cannot save himself after either 2 . . . hxg4 3 hxg5 g3 4 g6+ or 2 .. Wh6 3 Wf6 ! . .

3 gS

The g-pawn decides.

White to play 4.8 E.Grivas-H.Pa nagopoulos Ath e n s 1981

But not 3 . . . c4? 4 bxc4 a4 5 �d6 a3 6 c5+. 29

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

manent threat o f a breakthrough with b5 wins the game. 44 ... 'it>c6 45 'it>es gs 46 g4 ..t>bs 47 �xd s �xb4 48 e4 h S 49 gxh s g4 so �d4 g3 5 1 � e 3 �xa s 5 2 h6 1-0

The h-pawn promotes.

White to play

White can obtain an outside passed pawn at this stage, but even so no win is in sight. 43 a s !

Instead 4 3 b5? axb5 44 axb5 ..t>d6 45 b6 ..t>c6 46 'it>e5 'it>xb6 47 �xd5 h5! 48 'it>e6 g5 49 �f5 h4 50 gxh4 gxh4 51 Wg4 �c5 leads to just a draw. After the text, the threat of a breakthrough with a future b4-b5 advance hangs over Black's head like the sword of Damocles and prevents his king from mov­ ing too far away from the queenside. The well known maxim 'the threat is stronger than its execution' finds in this example its most clear interpretation. 43 ... ..t>d6 44 e 3 !

White's position seems critical, but, once again, a breakthrough supplies the solu­ tion. 1 e s ! fxe s 2 g s ! hxgs

Or 2 . . Wd6 3 f6 �e6 4 fxg7 �f7 5 gxh6 b5 6 �e4 b4 7 Wd3. .

3 f6 ! gxf6 4 h S

The h-pawn will promote.

Passed Pawns The passed pawn is a n element of decisive significance in pawn endings. It might be promoted or might keep the enemy king occupied, thereby assisting its own king to attack and capture the enemy pawns. We must now examine this important concept in two different sub-cases: the outside passed pawn and the protected passed pawn. Black is i n zugzwang. A s h e cannot con­ template 44 . . . We6 45 b5!, he is forced to al­ low an invasion by White's king. The per30

The Outside Passed Pawn The definition of an outside passed pawn refers to a passed pawn that lies on a re-

Pa w n E n d i n g s : I m p o r t a n t T e c h n iq u e s

mote file away from the centre. When both sides have a passed pawn, the outside one is that which is closer to the edge of the board. In most cases an outside passed pawn brings victory to its possessor, as the enemy king is forced to move away from the centre and spend a number of moves to capture it, giving its counterpart the neces­ sary time to attack other targets.

White to play .1 0 4E.Grivas-A.Karayiannis

Rethym n o n (ra pid) 2001

1 h4!

The premature 1 c5+? leads to a draw, as both sides need nine moves to promote their h- and a-pawns respectively. After 1 h4! Black loses two tempi because after l . . .'iii>c5 2 'it>e5 White will promote his pawn two moves before Black does and l . . .'iii>e 6 2 c5 is equally bad. 1 g6 2 cS+ 'iii> x cs 3 'it>xe s ;t>bs 4 'it>f6 wxa s s ...

'iii> x g6 Wb4 6 h S

White wins.

White has an outside passed pawn and thus proceeds with exchanges. Both the b­ and e-pawns will be lost, but in the end the white king will be closer to the black king­ side pawns.

In our next example we see once again the power of the outside passed pawn in all its glory. This power is so strong that White wins regardless of which side is to move.

,4.12

Black to play

46 'Y/Vxd6+ Wxd6 47 �xd 7 'lt>xd 7 48 'lt>g3 ;t>d6 49 ;t>f4 wc s so Wxe4 Wxbs 51 'iii> e s ;t>c4 5 2 Wf6 W d 4 5 3 ;t> g 7 We4 54 W x h 7 gS s s Wg6 'it>f4 5 6 W h s Wfs 5 7 g3 g4 s s h4 We6 5 9 'it>xg4 1-0

1 4.11

White to play (see following diagram)

The white c4-pawn is the outside passed pawn and consequently White can win. 31

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

1 ...�b7

Or l . . .'it>c5 2 �b3 'it>d4 3 aS. 2 �c4 �b8 3 'it>cs cJ;; c 7 4 a s

White wins.

.14 4L.Roos-E.Grivas

Black to play

Stra s bo u rg 1984

The Protected Passed Pawn A protected passed pawn's main advantage is that it cannot be captured by the enemy king. This makes it invulnerable and at the same time a permanent threat, by means of its advance at the appropriate moment. Of­ ten it can even be sacrificed in exchange for material gain or the distraction of the en­ emy king. In other words, the enemy king becomes a hostage of the protected passed pawn.

1 4.1 3

White to play

Black has an extra pawn and shortly, af­ ter a . . . c5-c4 advance, this pawn will become protected and passed. However, the game is drawn as the black king cannot enter White's camp, provided that White does not make a mistake. Consequently, not all posi­ tions with a protected passed pawn are won. As usual exceptions do exist, ultimately con­ firming all the rules we are trying to master! 51 ... c5 52 'it>d3 c4+ 53 Wc3 Wf6

It's also a draw after 53 . . . Wd5 54 �c2 Wd4 55 Wd2 c3+ 56 Wc2 'it>e3 57 g4 'it>f4 58 g5! We5. 54 'it>d4 'it>g7

White has a protected passed pawn, but must also ensure that his king can find a path into Black's camp. 1 as!

The only move. I f Black was to move the game would end in a draw after l . . .a5!, as then the white king would be unable to penetrate. 1 ... 'it>d7 2 'it>e2 'it>d6 3 'it>d 3 cJi;d7 4 'it>c3 'it>d6 5 cJi;b3 �d7 6 cJi;a4 cJi;d6 7 �b5 'it>c7 8 axb6+ axb6 9 �a6

White's king has infiltrated the black camp with an easy win. 32

P a w n E n d i n g s : I m p o r t a n t Te c h n iq u e s

55 g4!

Blocking the black king, rather than let it in with 55 �c3 �h6 56 �d4? �h5 57 �c3 f4.

active king and the possibility o f the . . . f4 advance at the right moment, with the help of which he will solve all his problems.

55 . fxg4 56 fxg4 �f6 57 �e4 �e6 58 �d4 ..

gS 59 h5 Yz-Yz There's no way for Black to win.

Black to play 4.1 5 A.Anastasopoulos-E.Grivas G reek C h a m pionsh i p, Ath e n s 1986

64 5.t>f6? ••

A serious mistake. The black king should have remained active with 64 ... �e4! 65 �f2 �d4! 66 �f3 �e5 67 �e3 f4+! 68 gxf4+ �f6! 69 h5 �g7! 70 �e4 �h6, with a draw. 65 �e3 ! �g6

Black has a protected passed pawn and his king can penetrate. Still, the game is drawn as Black cannot win the white c­ pawn without giving up his protected passed pawn. If the white c-pawn was situ­ ated on the a- or (under certain circum­ stances) the b-file then Black would win, as White would be unable to both protect his passed pawn and keep the black g-pawn in check. 43 ... �d 5 44 �d3 �c5 45 �e3 �c6 46 �e2 �d6 47 �d 2 �e6 48 �e2 �f5 49 �f3 �e5 50 �e3 �d5 Yz-Yz

4.16 G.Kasparov-E.Bacrot Moscow 2004

66 �d4?

Black to play

White has a protected passed pawn, but Black has compensation in the form of an

Returning the favour. The relatively simple 66 �f3! �h5 (White also wins after both 66 ... �g7 67 �f4 �f6 68 h5 �e6 69 �g5! and 66 ... f6 67 Wf4!) 67 �f4 �g6 68 �e5 would have won. 66 ... � h 5 ! Yz-Yz Now Black can draw after 67 �d5 �g4 68 �e5 f4! . 33

Chapter Five

I

Pawn Endings: Further Practical Examples

In this concluding chapter for our examina­ tion of pawn endings, a few significant ex­ amples from the games and studies of fa­ mous players will be analysed.

5.1 M.Tai-B.Djurasevic Va rna 1 9 5 8

White t o play

lowed b y h4 and b 3 followed u p with c4), while Black will not succeed in advancing his pawns quickly enough: 33 ... 'it>e7 (or 33 ... fS 34 g3 eS 3S h4 gxh4 36 gxh4 �e7 37 b3 aS 38 c4) 34 g3 eS 3S h4 fS 36 b3 £4 37 hxgS fxg3 38 'it>e3 aS 39 'it>f3 and wins. 32 'it>d3 'it>d6 33 C4 bXC4+ 34 �XC4

3 4 ... e s ?

Material is equal, but White seems to have an advantage, stemming from the possibility of creating an outside passed pawn. 3 1 �d2 �d 7

After 3l...gS? 32 fxgS hxgS 33 h3! White will create two passed pawns (with g3 fol-

34

A fatal mistake. Correct was 34... gS! 3S g3 (or 3S fxgS hxgS 36 h3 fS 37 g3 eS 38 �d3 f4 with a draw) 3S ... gxf4! 36 gxf4 and only now 36 ... eS! with a draw. Black failed to understand the difference between having and not having a passed pawn of his own. 35 fxe s+ Wxe s 36 b4

The outside passed pawn decides the

P a w n E n d i n g s : F u r t h e r P r a c t i c a l Exa m p l e s

game. Black is unable to resist. 36 ...fs 37 bs

Also winning is 37 '>t>c5 f4 38 a4 g5 39 b5 axb5 40 axb5 g4 41 b6. 37

...

axbs+ 3 8 \it>xbs f4 39 a4 gS 40 as g4

No salvation is offered by 40 . . . '>t>d6 41 �c4 �c6 42 Wd4 'iit>b5 43 lit>e4 xa5 44 Wf5 �b4 45 h3 Wc3 46 �g6 lit>d2 47 �xh6 �e3 48 'i¥txg5. 41 Wc4 1-0

After 4 1 . . .\t>e4 the white a-pawn pro­ motes with check, while after 4 l . . .'iit>d 6 the white king will attack the black kingside pawns, just as in the last variation.

White has a n outside passed pawn a s c4 is less central than e5, although things are still not easy. 38 h4! 'it>c6

Of no help are both 38 . . . \t>c5 39 lit>xe5 \t>xc4 40 We4! and 38 . . . We6 39 c5. 39 Wxe s 'it>cs

Now, in order to achieve victory, White must bring about this position but with Black to move. He must thus use triangula­ tion.

40 �fs !

The careless 40 lit>e4? lit>xc4 41 \t>e3 lit>d5 42 �d3 �e5 43 \t>c3\it>f4 is only a draw. 40 d4 ..•

White to play 5 .2 B.Larsen-S.Giigoric Moscow Olym piad 1 9 56

Or 40 ...\it>xc4 41 \it>e4 ! . 41 �f4! lit>c s 42 �e s ! �xc4

Forced, but this doesn't save Black. 4 3 \t>e4! 'it>cs 44 Wd3 \t>d s 4 5 'it>c3 'it>e4 46 'it>xb3 'it>fs 47 Wc3 1-0

5.3 Reti

White to play

An impressive study by the great Rich­ ard Reti (1921). White's situation seems helpless, but, in a magical - or mathemati­ cal, if you wish - way he achieves a draw! For this, with every move White must: (i) approach the square formed by the black

35

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

pawn and (ii) approach his own c-pawn.

The critical squares are much more im­ portant than useless pawns. This philoso­ phy guides White's play throughout this extract. 4 ... �e8! 5 fxg7 'it>f7 6 g8'ilV+ ! ! Wxg8 7 Wf6

White has taken under control the criti­ cal squares he was seeking and now wins. 7 ... 'it>h7 8 g4! g5 9 'it>f7 h5 10 h4!!

The breakthrough decides.

5.5 Kazanchev

White to play

1 'it>g7! �b6 2 �f6 h4 3 �e 5 ! h 3

3 . . . 'it>xc6 4 'it>f4 is simpler. 4 'it>d6 h2 5 C7 �b7 6 'it>d7

White is in time to draw.

5 .4

White to play

An excellent study by the Russian com­ poser Kazanchev. A cursory glance sug­ gests that Black is winning as his b-pawn cannot be stopped. However. . . 1 'it>g4 b 4 2 'it>f5 h 3 ! ?

After 2 . . .b 3 3 Wg6 �f8 4 h 6 b 2 5 h 7 b1 'i¥+ 6 f5 'i¥h2 7 h8'i¥+! 'i¥xh8 8 f6! Black finds himself in zugzwang! The black king has abandoned his pawns and cannot protect them. 1 f5 !

The natural 1 'lt>g4? 'it>b5 2 h4 'it>c5 3 h5 gxh5+ 4 'it>xh5 'it>d5 5 'it>g6 �e4 6 g3 h5! ! 7 'it>xg7 'lt>f5 8 'it>h6 ..t>g4 9 f5 h4! 10 gxh4 Wxf5 only leads to a draw. 1 ...'it>b5

l . . .gxf5 2 Wf4 'it>b5 3 'it>xf5 'it>c5 4 Wg6 is pointless. 2 'it>f4! 'it>c6 3 'it>e5 'it>d7 4 f6 !

36

3 g3!!

Both 3 g4? and 3 gxh3? lose a s the black queen then has an escape route. 3 ... b3 4 Wg6 Wf8 5 h6 b2 6 h7 b1'i¥+ 7 f5 'ii' b 2 8 h8'ii'+ ! 'i¥xh8 9 f6 ! d6 10 c6!

... sees White win!

5 .6

White to play

White has a protected passed pawn and

P a w n E n d i n g s : F u r t h e r P r a c t i c a l Exa m p l e s

the win seems near. However, Black i s able to take advantage of a hidden possibility!

strongpoint on eS by playing 37 . . .£6 38 exf6 (38 e6? �f8 39 g4 fS loses) 38 . . . gxf6. 38 We2 �cs 39 tt:Jc2

1 �f2 �f6 2 Wg3 wfs 3 Wh3 Wf6 4 Wh4

�g6 s d6

.

There is no other way. s ... Wf6 6 wxh s �e6 1 �gs �xd6 8 �fs

�c6! 9 wes �b6 10 �ds �a s ! 11 �xes

It's stalemate!

Black to play S.Mamedyarov-I.Sokolov Hoogeveen 2006

5. 7

3 9 ... Wf8 ! ?

Black is still trying to win and so avoids 39 .. .£6 40 Wd3 �f7 41 'lt>e4 'lt>e6 42 lt:Jd4+ i.. x d4 43 Wxd4 fxeS+ 44 fxeS aS 45 WcS b4 46 axb4 axb4 47 �xb4 'lt>xeS when a draw is on the cards. 40 Wd 3 as 41 We4 .tg1 42 h3 �e7 43 wds 'it>d7 44 g4 i..f 2 4 S lt:Jd4 .txd4?

Black has mishandled the position and given White the opportunity of achieving a very strong centralized king. It was time to acquiesce to a draw with the simple 45 . . . b4 46 axb4 axb4 47 lt:Jb3 i.g3. 46 Wxd4 'it>c6 47 h4! b4 48 axb4 axb4

Of course Black's advantage is undis­ puted. His better minor piece and his queenside majority promise a great future for him. 37 ... bs?!

Black should have got rid of White's

49 Wc4?

With the help of breakthrough rules, 37

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

White can win with 49 fS! gx£5 (or 49...�d7 50 hS gxhS 51 gxhS b3 52 �c3 �c6 53 f6) 50 gxfS b3 51 �c3 �dS 52 e6 fxe6 53 f6 gxf6 54 hS.

that he can hold the draw. Black's thoughts are the more correct and let's see why.

49 ... b3 50 �xb3 �d 5 51 g5

Instead preventing h2-h4 with 25 . . . g5? doesn't work: 26 'it>b2 �f8 27 'it>a3 ctJe8 28 'it>a4 �d7 29 WaS 'it>c7 30 'it>a6 'it>b8 (30 . . . e6 31 b4 'it>b8 transposes and here 31 Wxa7 dS 32 exdS exdS 33 b4 d4 34 bS d3 35 b6+ ctJd7 36 b 7 d2 3 7 b8'i¥ d 1 'iW 38 'iibS+ ctJc7 39 'iVc4+ Wd6 40 �xf7 also wins) 31 b4 e6 32 a4! (and not 32 b5? dS 33 exd5 exd5 34 �aS Wc7 35 'it>b4 d4 36 a4 d3 37 'it>c3 'it>b6 when Black draws) 32 . . . Wa8 33 bS h6 (neither do 33 . . . 'it>b8 34 b6 nor 33 . . . d5 34 exd5 exdS 35 WaS save Black) 34 g3 hS 35 f4 gxf4 36 gxf4 h4 37 fS h3 38 f6 and White wins.

Black will never be able to penetrate with his king and attack the white pawns, but he can just hold the draw. 5 1 ... �e6

But not 5 1 . . .e4? 52 h5 gxh5 53 g6 fxg6 54 e6 when White wins. 52 �c4 e7 53 �b5 f6?

Again Black does not take his chance. He could hold the draw by simply waiting with 53 . . . e6 54 �cS ctJe7. 54 gxf6+ gxf6 55 �c5 e6 56 �d4 �d7 5 7 Wd 5 � e 7 5 8 e6 'it> d 8 5 9 'it> d 6 �e8 60 e7 1-0

Black resigned in view of 60 .. .£5 61 We6 g5 62 fxg5 f4 63 g6 f3 64 g7 f2 65 g8VW mate.

s. s

Black t o play

2 5 ... 'it>f8

26 'it>d2 'it>e8 27 'it>c3 Wd 7 28 'it>c4 'it>c6 29 h4

The only troubling method, preventing . . . gS, whereas 29 b4? gS! is fine for Black. 29 ... h6

29 . . . h5? is an awful move: 30 b4 e6 31 g4 f6 (or 3 l . . .b6 32 a4 'it>c6 33 gxh5 gxh5 34 'it>d4 'it>b6 35 f4 'it>c6 36 fS 'it>b6 37 'it>e3 'it>c6 38 'it>f4 dS 39 'it>eS and wins) 32 gxhS gxhS 33 f4 'it>d7 34 a4 'it>c6 35 fS, winning. 30 b4 a 6 !

From a variation of the Sicilian Dragon (1 e4 c5 2 tt:'lf3 d6 3 d4 cxd4 4 tt:'lxd4 tt:'lf6 5 tt:'lc3 g6 6 .i.c4 .i.g7 7 .i.b3 0-0 8 f3 tt:'lc6 9 .i.e3 tt:'lxd4 10 .i.xd4 �aS 11 'iWd2 i.e6 12 0-0-0 bS 13 'it>b1 .U.fc8 14 .l:!.he1 i.xb3 15 cxb3 b4 1 6 tt:'ldS tt:'lxdS 1 7 i.xg7 tt:'lc3+ 1 8 .i.xc3 bxc3 1 9 bxc3 .l:i.xc3 20 �e3 J:!.ac8 2 1 lixc3 'ili'xc3 22 'ili'xc3 l:txc3 23 'it>b2 :!.c7 24 .l:!cl l:!.xcl 25 'it>xcl) this interesting ending arises. White believes that he can take advantage of his queenside pawn-majority and Black thinks 38

Black cannot really do without this move. If he keeps his a-pawn on a7, then White pushes his pawns on to aS and bS, after which he will penetrate via the c5square: 30 . . . e6? 31 a4 �b6 32 f4! ctJc6 (both 32 . . . h5 33 fS and 32 . . . fS 33 h5 gxhS 34 exfS exfS 35 WdS are also hopeless) 33 g4 'it>b6 34 fS and now Black can only choose between: a) 34 . . . g5 35 aS+ Wc6 36 b5+ Wb7 37 h5 Wc7 38 ctJd4 ctJd7 39 f6 Wc7 40 e5! dS (or 40 . . . dxe5+ 41 WxeS 'it>d7 42 Wd4 Wd6 43 'it>c4 e5 44 a6 and wins) 41 'it>cS 'it>d7 Black also fails to hold after 4 l . . .'it>b7 42 Wd6 d4 43 �e7 d3 44 �xf7 d2 45 ctJg8 d1"i' 46 f7) 42 b6 axb6+ 43 Wxb6 (not 43 axb6? d4! with a · draw) 43 . . . Wc8 (43 . . . d4 44 a6 d3 45 a7 d2 46 a8'i¥ d1 'if 47 'i'a7+ Wd8 48 'i'e7+ Wc8 49 'i'c7 mate) 44 WcS 'it>b7 45 �d6 d4 46 We7 d3 47 �xf7 d2 48 �g7 d1'iW 49 f7 'i'xg4 50 f8'i'

P a w n E n d i n g s : F u r t h e r Pra c t i c a l Exa m p l e s

rtJc7 42 b6+ rtJb7 43 �d6 d4 44 cJiJe7 d3 45 rtJxf7 d2 46 rtJgS d1 'if 47 f7 'iixa4 48 fS� Vl!Vc6 49 cJiJg7 and wins. 32 ... axb5+ 33 axb5+ rtJb6 3 4 g4

Now Black must be alert. 34 ... Wb7 !

and now: a1) 50 .. .'it'xh5 51 �e7+ �aS 52 "it'd8+ 'it>b7 53 'ib6+ 'it>cS 54 �xe6+ and White wins. a2) 50 .. .'�c4 51 �xh6 �f4 52 Vi'e7+ 'it>a6 53 'i'xe6+ cJiJxaS 54 'i'f6, winning. a3) 50 .. .'ilie4 51 'fi'e7+ WaS (or 5 1 . . .rtJa6 52 "i"cS 'iYb7+ 53 Wxh6 g4 54 Vi'c4+ rtJxaS 55 'i'a2+ WbS 56 Vi'b3+ �c6 57 'i'xe6+ �cS 58 'i'xg4) 52 �xe6 g4 53 'i'a6+ cJiJbS 54 'i'd6+ Wa7 55 e6 g3 56 'i'xg3 'i'xe6 57 "i¥c7+ �aS 58 'i!VdS+ 'it>b7 59 'iYb6+ and again White wins. b) 34 . . . 'it>c6 35 b5+ Wb6 36 �b4 Wc7 37 aS Wb7 38 f6 'it>c7 39 g5 hxg5 40 hxg5 �b7 41 Wc4 Wc7 42 rtJd4 rtJcS (or 42 ... rtJb7 43 eS! when White wins after both 43 ... d5 44 WcS Wc7 45 a6 and 43 . . . dxe5+ 44 'it> xeS 'it>c7 45 b6+ axb6 46 axb6+ 'it>xb6 47 'it>d6 eS 48 'it>e7 e4 49 �xf7 e3 50 Wxg6 e2 51 f7 e1Vlrf 52 fSVIV) 43 eS dS 44 WcS �d7 45 b6 axb6+ 46 �xb6! �c8 47 �cS Wb7 48 Wd6 d4 49 cJiJe7 d3 50 �x£7 d2 51 Wg8 d1'i' 52 f7 'i¥d5 53 fS'i' 'i!VxeS 54 'fi'£7+ Wa6 55 VI!Yxg6 WxaS 56 'i'f6 and the queen ending appears to be win­ ning.

Correctly drawing by just moving the king around. Instead Black loses after all of 34 . . . �a5? 35 eS!, 34 . . .f6? 35 hS, 34 . . . h5? 35 gxhS gxhS 36 �b4 'it>b7 37 WaS d5 38 exd5 exdS 39 rtJb4 �b6 40 �a4 d4 41 rtJb4 d3 42 'it>c3 'it>xbS 43 'it>xd3 �cS 44 'it>e4, and even 34 . . . g5? 35 hS f6 (or 35 . . . �b7 36 f4! f6 37 fS) 36 rtJb4 dS 37 exdS exdS 38 �a4 d4 39 �b4 d3 40 �c3 cJiJxbS 41 cJiJxd3 WcS (4l . . .f5 42 f4) 42 �e4 'it>d6 43 rtJfS. 3 5 f4 rtJb6 3 6 f5 g 5 !

This holds, although it should be said that 36 . . . �b7 37 fxe6 fxe6 38 �b4 cJiJb6 39 rtJa4 rtJb7 40 'it>aS rtJa7 41 b6+ Wb7 42 cJiJbS eS 43 WaS dS! 44 exdS e4 45 d6 e3 46 d7 e2 47 dS'i' e1'i'+ 48 �bS �eS+ 49 'it>c4 'i'e4+ also does the trick. 37 h5 rtJb7 38 rtJb4 Wb6 39 fxe6 fxe6 40 'it>a4 �b7 41 wa s rtJa1 42 b6+ cJiJb7 43 Wb5 e5! 44 'it>a s d 5 4 5 exd 5 e4 46 d6 e3 47 d 7 e2 48 d8'fi' e1'i'+ 49 rtJbs

31 a4 e6 32 b5+

Another option is 32 g4 'it>b6 33 bS aS? (33 . . . axb5+ transposes to the previous note) 34 f4 'it>b7 35 Wd4 'it>b6 36 f5 Wb7 37 f6 rtJb6 38 gS hxgS 39 hxgS rtJb7 40 eS dS 41 WcS

49 .. .'iVe8+!

Stalemate must follow!

39

Chapter Six

I

Rook Endings: Introduction and Rook vs . Pawn(s)

Rook endings are, in my personal opinion, the most fascinating element of chess. Rich in both tactical and strategical possibilities, they offer us the opportunity to marvel at their endless creative potential and unique ideas. Furthermore, of all the chess endings, rook endings are the ones encountered most frequently. Like all aspects of chess technique, rook endings encompass a sig­ nificant amount of theoretical knowledge, which we have to be aware of - just like our openings. In this way we will be able to make correct decisions at important junc­ tures of the game: decisions that will either promise us victory or allow us to secure the draw. This part of the present book endeav­ ours to cover this theoretical field and to help the reader understand in depth the proper handling of rook endings. There are five basic principles that must be followed faithfully, in order to be sure that we have obeyed our duty, so to speak: i. Rook behind the passed pawn. The placement of the rooks in relation to the pawns is very significant. The rook must be placed behind any passed pawn, whether the pawn is ours or the oppo-

40

nent's. With every move the pawn makes, the radius of our rook will increase and that of the opponent's will decrease. ii. The active rook. In all rook endings, the active handling of the rook is almost always the indicated course of action. The initiative and attack­ ing possibilities must always figure in our plans and moves. iii. The active king. As in all endings, the active king has a very important say, as the endgame is its finest hour. Particularly when the king can co-operate harmoniously with the rook, it can dynamically help us to solve the prob­ lems posed by the position. iv. Planning. Our moves must be part of one or more plans. Active plans must be directed to­ wards the sector of the board where we are superior and, correspondingly, defensive plans must be directed towards the area where we are inferior. v. Combination of all the above. When we are able to combine all of the

Ro o k E n d i n g s : I n t ro d u c t i o n a n d Ro o k v s . P a w n (s)

above-mentioned elements, then we will be able to extract the maximum from our position!

White is to move, then he wins, but Black to move can draw.

Rook vs. Pawn This ending usually arises when both sides try to promote a passed pawn of their own. At some point one of the players will usu­ ally be forced to sacrifice his rook for the enemy pawn. The basic principles that ap­ ply in the resulting positions are: i. For victory, the king and rook must both succeed in controlling one of the squares that the enemy pawn must cross. ii. For the side with the pawn, in order to have drawing chances the king must have reached at least its fourth rank. Oth­ erwise, the rook is able to single-handedly prevent the king from assisting the pawn's advance. iii. In general, the pawn must advance before its king does. iv. The rook must usually be placed on the seventh or eighth rank, acting from be­ hind the pawn and thereby retaining a large radius of action. v. In order to achieve a draw, the de­ fending side must support the advance of its pawn with is king and simultaneously prevent the enemy king from approaching the pawn. By sticking to the above guidelines we will be, in most cases, able to achieve our goal. Do be aware that the positions that occur in these endings can hardly be calcu­ lated through to the end, while another negative feature is that these endings usu­ ally arise at just the moment when the thinking time remaining is minimal.

White to play A characteristic position in which the result depends on which side is to move. If

1 we s !

The only move. Since the black king is already on its fourth rank, the white rook cannot prevent it from supporting the pawn's advance: 1 .l::i. g 4? b3! and 2 ... b2 doesn't help, while 1 l:I.b8? �c4! is also er­ roneous. In order to win, White must bring his king to the b-file as quickly as possible. But if Black is to move, then he can draw: l ...b3 (l.. :�c4 also achieves a draw) 2 �e5 Wc4 3 �e4 (or 3 .l::!. c8+ �d3! and Black saves the game) 3 ... b2 4 �b8 �c3 5 �e3 Wc2. The evaluation of the position proves quite simple, as Black, having an important extra tempo, is not forced to interfere with the pawn's path after 6 1:tc8+ �b3! (or 6 ... Wd1 !, but note that 6 ... �b1 ? loses). 1 ... �c4 2 �e4!

White brings his king as close to the black pawn as possible, while at the same time restricting the black king to the maxi­ mum. 2 ... �c3 3 �e 3 ! b3 4 �c8+!

This particular check on the c-file is the basic method of forcing the black king out of the white king's way to the pawn when the two kings are facing each other (opposi­ tion). 4 ... �b2 5 Wd 2 ! �a 2 6 .U.b8!

The most reliable method, although 6 41

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

Wc3 b2 7 �a8+ Wbl 8 .l:!.b8 Wal ! ? 9 �c2! also wins. 6

...

b2

6 . . . �b2 does not help Black after 7 l:!b7! Wa2 8 �c3. 7 Wc2 White wins.

Black to play 6. 2 A.Aiekhine-E.Bogoljubow World C h a m pio n s h i p. (G a m e 19), The Hague 1929 11 b7 fs

The white king returns in time too after 71 . . .l:.b8 72 �c7 :xb7+ 73 �xb7 f5 74 Wc6. 7 2 b8'i' �xb8 7 3 �xb8 f4 74 �d s !

The white rook i s already perfectly placed and so it is the king's turn to ap­ proach. 74 f3 75 We4! f2 7 6 �f8 � g3 77 We3 1-0 ...

White to play 6. 3 E.Grivas-W .Kobese Ye reva n Olym piad 1996 White has the upper hand, a s Black will soon have to surrender his rook for the white b-pawn. There are two options for the black king: one correct and one fatally wrong. 70 � g4? Black makes the wrong decision, allow­ ing the white king great freedom. After the correct 70 . . . �e4! 71 b7 f5 72 b8� �xb8 73 �xb8 f4 74 l::tb4+ (or 74 �e8+ 'itd4! 75 £if8 We3 76 Wd5 f3) 74 . . . �e3! 75 Wd5 f3 76 .l:!b3+ We2! (but not 76 . . . �f4? 77 Wd4! f2 78 l:rbl Wf3 79 Wd3 'iii>g2 80 'ite2 and White wins) 7 7 'ite4 f 2 7 8 .Ub2+ 'iii>e l 7 9 �e3! ...

(see following diagram)

79 . . . flttJ+! a theoretically drawn position occurs. 42

83 .!:l.f8+?

This check must be given when the two kings are in opposition (facing each other). The simple 83 �b6 �xb7+ 84 �xb7 e4 85 �c6 e3 86 Wd5 Wf4 87 �d4 e2 88 l:.e8 �f3 89 Wd3 wins.

R o o k E n d i n g s : I n t ro d u c t i o n a n d R o o k v s . Pa w n (s)

59 .l:.h1+ ..t>g4 60 ..t>e7 .l:!.h8 61 d8'ii' - neither

83 ... ..t>g4? And Black returns the favour. 83 ... ..t>e4!

does 61 .l:!.gl+ ..t>£3 62 .l:.fl+ ..t>g2 63 .l:!.£8 .l:!.h7+

84 ..t>a8 .l:!.xb7 85 ..t>xb7 ..t>d4! is necessary,

64 .l:!.£7 .l:!.h8 65 .l::t g7+ 'it>£3 help White -

with a draw as the white king' s return path

61.. . .l:!.xd8 62 'it>xd8 h4 with a draw) 57. . . ..t>h3

has been made inaccessible.

58 d7 .l:!.xd7 59 ..t>xd7 h4 60 ..t>e6 ..t>h2 61 ..t>£5

84 ..t>b6?

h3 62 ..t>£4 ..t>h1 63 ..t>g3.

The errors continue! White could have won with 84 .l:.e8! ..t>£4 85 ..t>a8, as then the white king could have returned in time.

84 ... .l:!.xb7+ 85 ..t>xb7 e4 86 ..t>c6 e3 87 ..t>d5 e2 88 .l:!.e8 ..t>f3 89 ..t>d4 ..t>f2 90 ..t>d3 e1'i' 91 .l:!.xe1 ..t>xe1 Yz-Yz

Black to play 6.4 A.Karayiannis-E.Grivas Athen s 1 9 8 1

5 3 ... ..t>g5 ! Freeing the black h-pawn to advance. Note how White's king lacks the time nec­ essary to establish co-ordination with his rook, which is also misplaced. 54 Ith1 h5 55 d7 h4 56 .l:!.c1 h3 57 ..t>cs .l:!.xd7 58 ..t>xd 7 ..t>g4 59 ..t>e6 ..t>g3 60 ..t>e5 h2 61 ..t>e4 ..t>g2 Yz-Yz

This position may prove very dangerous for Black in case he assumes that the draw

White to play 6. 5 E.Grivas-G.Mastrokoukos Ka rd itsa (ra pid) 1 9 9 5

is a simple matter. The best solution is to bring about the ending under examination. 51 ... .l:!.a 3 ! 52 d6 .l:!.a7+? Correct was 52.....t>g5! 53 .l:.h2 h5 54 .l:!.d2 h4, drawing. 53 ..t>dS? White could win with some delicate moves: 53 ..t>b6! .l:.£7 54 ..t>c6 ..t>g5 55 .l:!.h1 h5 56 .l:!.g1+ ..t>h4 (see following diagram) 57 .l:.g8! (but not 57 d7? .l:!.£8 58 ..t>d6 ..t>h3

43

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s ics

The black pieces occupy unsatisfactory

for its completion. This explains the fact

positions, while the d-pawn is situated

that White even allowed Black to queen his

close to the white king. White's win seems

pawn!

straightforward, but it does require some

61 ... d3 62 :th3 'it>c2 63 'it>c4 d2 64 :th2 'it>c1

accuracy.

65 'it>c3 ? d1 � 66 :ta2 �e1+ 67 �b3 �e3+ 68

53 fS+!

'it>a4 �d4+ 69 'it>b3 �d5+ 70 'it>a3 �a S + 71

53 b5? :tc4+! 54 �b6 l:!.xf4 would spoil

'it>b3 �xa2+?

the harmony of the white pieces. Instead

In fact not a real mistake, as Black did

forcing the black king away from its pawn

not have the time to play the 15 moves re­

is indicated.

quired to mate from this position!

53

72 'it>xa 2 Yz-Yz

.•.

'it>xf5

Or 53... 'it>e7 54 :tb7+ 'it>f6 55 b5. 54 b5 �e4 Neither can Black save himself with

Before closing this section, we have to remember that there will always be excep­

54... 'it>e6 55 :te8+ 'it>f7 56 :tel :tb4 57 b6 d5

tions to the rules and thus we must always

58 b7 d4 59 :tdl.

be attentive. The following example stems

5 5 :te8+1 'it>d 3 56 b6

from a study by Barbier and Saavedra

56 l:1d8 'it>c4 57 b6 :tdl 58 .!:!.xd6 wins.

(1 895).

56 ... l:!.b4 57 b7 ds 58 b8� :txb8 59 :txb8 d4

6.6 Barbier & Saavedra

White to play

6o 'it>cs ? White, b y now i n serious time pressure, forgets about the principle of the opposi­ tion. After the simple 60 'it>d5! Black would soon lose: 60... 'it>e3 61 :te8+ �d3 62 l:!.e4 or 60 ... 'it>c3 61 :tc8+ 'it>d3 62 .l:!.c4. 6o ...'it>c31 6 1 :th8?! A better try was 61 :ta8 d3 62 :ta3+ 'it>c2

White to play and win! 1 c7 :td6+! 2 'it>bs 2 'it>c5 l:ldl ! leads to a draw. 2 ... :td 5+ 3 'it>b4 :td4+ 4 'it>b3 :td 3+ 5 'it>c2 Black has run out of checks and there

63 'it>c4 d2 64 :ta2+ 'it>cl 65 'it>c3 d l lLl+!, after

seems to be no salvation for him.

which the position is a theoretical draw, but

s ... l:.d4! !

White could perhaps hope for a mistake on

Intending 6 c8�? :tc4+ 7 'iVxc4 stale­

Black' s part. The rest of the game is irrele­

mate! However, White has one more hid­

vant, as both players had infinitesimal time

den ace.

44

R o o k E n d i n g s : I n t ro d u c t i o n a n d R o o k v s . Pa w n (s) 6 c8.l:!.!

Threatening 7 .l:!.a8 mate. 6

...

.l:!.a4 7 'lt>b3 !

And Black either loses his rook or is mated by 8 l:tcl ! An impressive study, clearly illustrating the hidden possibilities that can exist in a seemingly simple ending.

Rook vs. Pawns Just like the ending o f rook vs. pawn, this also usually arises from a mutual promotion effort, in which one side has been forced to give up its rook for the opponent's pawn. However, when the rook must face two or more pawns, things become quite compli­ cated. For the exact evaluation of each posi­ tion one must pay great attention to the placement of the kings, the pawn structure and the position of the rook. The multiple possible cases make gener­ alizations unlikely, although one eventually has to resort to them in order to clarify our subject. Thus the following principles can be of help in evaluating the relevant posi­ tions: i. In very general terms, if the king of the superior side (the side with the rook) is close to the pawns, then the superior side wins against two pawns and draws against three or four. ii. Two or more pawns win if they are

sufficiently advanced, provided that their king can support them and that the enemy king is remote. iii. Two connected passed pawns, in the absence of the kings, win if they have both reached their sixth rank. Otherwise, in most cases, the rook wins. iv. Against three connected pawns, the rook wins if its king is near and the pawns have not advanced further than their fourth rank. If one of the pawns has reached the sixth rank then it offers good drawing chances, while a pawn on the seventh actu­ ally forces the side with the rook to fight for the draw. v. Connected passed pawns are much stronger than isolated ones. vi. When facing isolated pawns, the rook must first act against the pawn that is supported by its king. vii. In all cases both kings aim to ap­ proach the pawns. The pawns need the support of their king in order to advance, while the enemy king aims to block their advance by placing himself in front of them. viii. The rook usually stops the pawns most effectively from its first rank. ix. If the side with the rook also has a pawn, then its chances increase dramati­ cally as the pawn can usually become a passed one.

6.7

White t o play

Our first example is instructive for the potential of connected pawns. The white pawns are sufficiently advanced and can be supported by their king, while the black king is far away. It is thus simple to deduce that White has good winning chances, but how can he actually win? With our third principle in mind, the aim is to achieve the advance of the g-pawn to the sixth rank. 45

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s ics

Black is hoping to achieve the draw by advancing his pawns, after first capturing the white ones with his king. However, many moves are required for that, while the white king is very close to the black pawns. 40 f5 ! The pointless 40 'it>d3? l:!.d1+ 41 'it>c2 !tfl would allow Black to secure the draw. 40 'it>xc4 41 f6 'it>xc3 42 'it>e5! •••

The white pawn requires the support of its king to promote. 42

..•

c5

Or 42... b5 43 f7 !tfl 44 aS and wins.

1 'it>h4! White cannot win with 1 'it>f4? 'it>c4 2 'it>eS (or 2 'it>fS .l:!.f8+! and Black holds the

43 f7 !tf1 44 'it>e6 c4 45 !taB 'it>b3 46 fB'i' !txfB 47 ItxfB

draw after both 3 'it>e6 !th8! and 3 'it>g4 'it>dS! 4 g6 'it>e6) 2... 'it>d3! (2... 'it>c5 ! ? 3 'it>f6 'it>d6 4 'it>g7 !ta8 5 h7 'it>e6 6 h8'fk !txh8 7 'it>xh8 'it>fS is also drawn) 3 'it>f6 (or 3 'it>fS 'it>e3 4 g6 !txh6 5 g7 !thS+! 6 'it>g6 !th1, holding) 3.. .'it>e4 4 'it>g7 !ta8 5 h7 'it>fS 6 g6 'it>gS 7 h8'fk l:txh8 8 'it>xh8 'it>xg6. 1 '&t>c4 2 'it> h 5 'it>d 5 3 g6 'it>e6 4 g7 !taB 5 h7 .•.

White wins because the presence of his king helped release the potential power of his connected passed pawns.

6.8 E.Grivas-Z.Zahariev Ath e n s 1 9 9 8

White to play

47

..•

'it>xa4

The alternative 47... c3 48 !tc8 'it>b2 49 'it>dS c2 50 l:tc6! c1'fk 51 l:txcl �xcl 52 c6 also loses. 4B c.t>d 5 b5 49 !tf3 ! 1-o The black pawns have been stopped ef­ ficiently, as the white king is very close (the first principle). Black resigned in view of 49...c.t>b4 (or 49... c3 50 !txc3 b4 51 !tc8! b3 52 c.t>c4) 50 c.t>d4 c.t>as 51 c.t>cs c.t>a4 52 !tc3.

6.9 E.Grivas-D.Roos Thessa l o n i k i 1 9 8 3

46

Black to play

R o o k E n d i n g s : I n t ro d u c t i o n a n d R o o k vs . P a w n (s)

6 6 ... .:f.e8+! Accurate, forcing the white king to re­ treat and cede space to his counterpart.

67 �d4 .:f.f8 68 �e3 �c2 Now it' s time for the black king. The end is already well known.

69 f4 �c3 10 �e4 �c4 71 �e5 �c5 72 f5 .:f.e8+! 73 �f6 �d6 74 �g7 �e7 75 f6+ �e6 76 f7 .:f.e7 0-1

59 ...l:.c3

6.10 E.Grivas-D.Shengelia Pa normo Zon a l 1998

White to play

Black clarifies the outcome of the game

by preventing the white king from support­ ing the advance of his pawns. He could also have won with 59... b1"i!t' 60 l:.xb1 �xb1 61 'it>g3 �c2 62 �f4 l!c5! (but not 62... �d3? 63 'it>g5 �e4 64 h5 gxh5 65 gxh5 �e5 66 h6 with a draw) 63 �e3 (or 63 �e4 .:f.c4+! 64 'it>f3 �d3) 63... �c3 64 f4 �c4 65 �e4 .:f.a5.

60 h5 Neither is 60 f4 b1'ii 61 .:f.xb1 �xb1 62 h5 gxh5 63 g5 (63 gxh5 .:f.f3 64 �g2 .:f.xf4 65 'it>g3 .:f.d4 66 h6 .:f.d6) 63... h4! 64 f5 .:f.g3! of

any help. 6o ... gxh 5 61 gxh 5 b1'ii 62 .:f.xb1 �xb1 6 3 h6 l:.c6 64 �g3 .:f.xh6 6 5 �f4!? Black wins too after 65 �g4 �c2 66 f4

White's position is inferior as the passed black b-pawn is very strong. His only chance is the (hopefully favourable) transi­

'it>d3 67 f5 �e4 68 �g5 .:f.h1 69 f6 �e5!.

tion to a rook vs. pawn ending. In reality,

65 ....:f.h8 66 �e4

White is only counting on possible errors by Black.

39 e4 fxe4 39 ... .:f.b5 40 e5 �c3 41 .:!.b1 .:f.b6! (but not 4l...�c2? 42 nel b3 43 e6 b2 44 e7 .:f.b8 45 �g5 b1'ii 46 .:f.xb1 �xbl 47 �xg6 and it's White who wins) 42 g4 fxg4 43 fxg4 hxg4 44 �xg4 b3 is an alternative win, indicating the strength of Black's position.

40 �xe4 After 40 fxe4 .:f.d6! 41 �e5 (or 41 e5 .l:.b6) 4l.. . .l:.b6! White has no satisfactory con­ tinuation.

40 .. J:td4+! 41 �e5 .:f.xh4 42 �f6

47

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

5 3 l:!.b7 ! .l::!.x a6

53 ... .l:.a8 54 l:.xf7+ �xg5 55 .l::!. xh7 also of­ fered no chances of salvation. The passivity of the black pieces is obvious. 54 .l:!.xf7+! 'it>xgs

Or 54 . . . �e6 55 .l::!. f6+! . 5 5 Wxa6 h s 56 Wbs Wg4 57 Wc4 'i¥i>g3 58 I:l.g7! �xg2 59 l:!.xg6+ Wh3

59 . . . Wf3 60 .Uh6! 'it>g4 61 'i¥i>d3 h4 62 �e2 'it>g3 63 Wfl also fails to save Black. 60 'i¥i>d3 h4 6 1 'it>e2 Wh2 6 2 'it>f2 1-0

42

••.

.l::!. h 2 ! 43 'it>xg6 h4!

The threat of White's position.

44 ... h3!

disorganizes

6. 1 2 E.Grivas-Z.Brkovic Pern i k 1983

B l a c k t o play

44 �e2 �d3

But not 44 ... h3? 45 .Ue4+. 45 .l::!. e 4 b3 46 �gs b2 47 �b4 'it>c2 48 f4 b1'1i¥ 49 .Uxbl 'it>xbl so fs c;t>c2 ! 51 f6 �d 3 0-1

White resigned as 52 f7 .l:!.xg2+ 53 c;t>xh4 l:!.f2 is decisive.

6. 11 E.Pandavos-E.Grivas Ath e n s 1987

White t o play

This position seems terribly compli­ cated. Black has several attractive moves at his disposal, but none of them appear, at first glance, to lead to the desired result. But the truth is quite different. 4 3 ... e 3 !

White's position is clearly better. Al­ though material is equal, the value of the passed a-pawn makes all the difference. Indeed, White only needs to pay attention to the transition to a rook vs. pawn ending. 48

After the inaccurate alternatives like 43 .. J:tf7? 44 l:tc7 d3 (or 44 . . . e3? 45 �xf7+ Wxf7 46 �gl ! ) 45 .Uxf7+ �xf7 46 b7 d2 47 b8� dl �+ 48 Wh2, 43 . . . .Uxc5? 44 bxc5 d3 (44 . . . e3? 45 'it>gl ! ) 45 b7 d2 46 b8'i' dl'iV+ 47 Wh2, and finally, 43 . . . .Uf6? 44 b7 l:tb6 45 .l:.c7+ �f6 46 .Uc6+, White has the advan­ tage. Instead 43 . . . .l::!. f8 44 b7 e3 (44 . . . .l:.b8 45 .Uc4 .l::!. xb7 46 .l::!. xd4 e3 47 �e4 e2 48 .Uxe2 l:!xb4 49 g3 is drawn too) 45 :Ic7+ �g6 46

Ro o k E n d i n g s : I n t ro d u c t i o n a n d Ro o k vs . P a w n (s)

l:!.c8 e2 47 J::!. x£8 el�+ with a draw is also possible, but the simplest method is to transpose to an ending of rook vs. con­ nected pawns, in accordance with the third principle. 44 �xf5 e2 45 .U.e5 d3 46 b7 d2 Yz-Yz Black achieves the draw by means of 47 b8� el'i'+! 48 .Uxel dxel'i¥+ 49 �h2 'Yi'xh4+ 50 �gl 'Yi'el+.

This is a drawn position. Pawns on their fifth, fourth and third ranks lose, whereas pawns on the seventh, sixth and fifth rank win.

Returning to the fourth principle (three connected pawns), we have to examine some specific rules that might prove help­ ful: i. Three pawns on the fifth or beyond win against the rook in the absence of the kings. ii. Three pawns on the fourth, supported by their king and in the absence of the op­ ponent's king, may also win. iii. Three pawns that are not all on the fifth, in the absence of their king, lose. With the enemy king directly in front of the pawns, the critical position can be seen in the next example:

4 ... 'lt>g6

1 6 .1 3

1 .l:!.f2 'it>g6 2 �f4 'it>f6

Or 2 ... �h5 3 l::!. d 2 �h4? 4 l:td6 �h5 5 .Ue6 h2 6 .Ue8 and wins. 3 J:!.e2 �f7 4 l:le 5

But not 4 �xf5? g 3 when it's Black who wins. Black's king must avoid the squares h5 and h7, as well as prevent the capture of the £-pawn with check. 5 .Ue6+

And not 5 .Uxf5? h2 6 .Ug5+ �h6 when again White's greed costs him the game.

White to play

5 ... �g7!

A further accuracy, whereas 5 ... �h7? 6 'it>g5 �g7 7 �g6+ �h7 8 J:th6+ 'it>g7 9 .Uh5 sees White win. 6 l:td6 r:;t;t7 1 .Uh6 r:;t;g7 s .U h 5

Or 8 �g5 f4! with a draw. 8 ... �g6 9 .l:!.g5+ 'it>h6 10 .l::!. g 8 'it>h7 11 .l::!. d 8 'lt>g7

White cannot win.

49

Chapter Seven

I

Rook Endings: Rook & Pawn vs . Rook

The Lucena Position The most important theoretical position for the conversion of an extra pawn is the so called Lucena position. The superior side must always seek to bring about this posi­ tion and, accordingly, the defender must always seek to prevent it.

rank (otherwise the win is even simpler). The Lucena position is won for all pawns except the rook pawns (a and h), regardless of which side is to move. From the diagram position, and giving Black the move, one possible continuation could be the follow­ ing: 1 .. Jih2

7 .1

Black to play

The black rook must stay on the h-file. After l . . Jial 2 �h3! and 3 'it>h7, White wins. 2 �f4!

The first step of the basic winning method, called 'building a bridge', which aims to supply shelter for a retreating king. 2 .. J:th 1 3 �e4+! 'it> d 7 Also hopeless is 3 . . . 'it>f6 4 'it>f8! . 4 �f7 .l:!.fl+ s Wg6 .l::i: g l+ 6 �f6 !;lfl+

There are no defensive resources in waiting either. After 6 . . . �g2 7 �eS! and 8 l:!.g5 White completes his bridge. Likewise, after 6 .. :it>d6 7 .l:i.d4+! 'it>c6 (or 7 . . . 'it>c7 8 �d5! and 9 �g5) 8 �d8! White wins. 1 �gs ! �gl+ s .Ug4!

The main characteristics of the Lucena position are that the king of the superior side is placed on the eighth rank, in front of his pawn, where he cannot be harassed by some important check, while the defending king is cut off from the pawn by only one

50

The bridge is complete and the white pawn will promote. How the Lucena position can arise will be examined in the next example. White wins if he is to move.

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & Pa wn vs. R o o k

7.2

White to play

could continue with 5 5. . JU8+ 5 6 �g6 .l:i.g8+, with a draw.

55 g5! .U.fS+ 56 �g6 J:tgS+ 57 �f6 l:ifS+ 58 1 �h 5 !

�g7 !i.f1 59 g6 .l:.g1 Go ct;f7 �f1+ 6 1 ct;gs

I f Black is t o move, h e would b e able to achieve a draw with l . . . .U.£8! . White has no satisfactory continuation as both 2 �x£8 �x£8 and 2 J:!.£5 .l::.x£5! 3 �x£5 �£7 lead to a drawn pawn ending. If White retains the rooks with 2 .l::!. a l �£7!, Black would suc­ ceed in bringing about the Philidor position (see below) and draw. Now White is ready to advance his g-pawn. Since passive de­ fence does not help, Black has nothing bet­ ter than to start checking.

.U.g1 62 g7 l:!.h1 63 I:.e4! �h2 64 �f7 !:!.f2+ 6 5

1....l:th8+ 2 �g6 .i::!. g 8+ 3 �h6 .l:i.h8+ 4 �g7

'it>g6 l:!.g2+ 6 6 �f6 �d 7 6 7 l:!. e 5 1-o

Like in almost all endings, the rook pawns (a and h) are the least desirable for the attacker in rook endings. Even in the favourable case that a Lucena position has been reached, the defending king must be cut off by at least three files. Thus, if White has an a-pawn and the black rook controls the b-file, the black king must be not nearer than the £-file in order for White to win.

l:!.h2 5 g6 i:tg2

Black is trying to avoid the Lucena posi­ tion (king on g8 and pawn on g7), but all he can achieve is to slightly delay its appear­ ance.

7.4

White to play

6 �h7! .l:lh2+ 7 �g8 ! l:.g2 8 g7

White has reached the Lucena position and wins, as described previously.

7. 3 E.G rivas-G.Miral les Bucha rest 1984

White to play

White is to move and can reach the Lu­ cena position. If Black was to move, he 51

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

Since the black king is already on the e­ file, the position is drawn, regardless of which side is to move. The outlines of the following play are as follows: in order to win, White must free his king, starting with �hl -h8-b8; Black cannot prevent this rook manoeuvre, but his king can arrive in time to prevent the escape of the white king. Assuming that White is to move, a possible continuation is:

that the pawn has advanced, Black must leave his third rank and activate his rook. 2 ....l:!.c1! 3 'lt>f6 .l:!.f1+ 4 'lt>e5 l:te1+ 5 Wd6 .l:!.d1+

The position is drawn as White has no good way of escaping from the checks. Ob­ serve how the pawn on the sixth rank de­ nies the white king a safe shelter.

1 .l:!.h1 'it>d 7 ! 2 .l:!.h8 �c7!

The only move. The defending king must be as close as possible to the pawn. 3 �b8 .l:!.h2 4 l:.b7+ 'it>c8 !

Keeping the white king trapped in the corner. 5 �b1 .l:!.c2 !

By securing a place on the c-file for his king, Black secures the draw. There is no way for White to improve his position as he cannot free his king. Also good enough to draw is 5 . . . Wc7 6 l:tcl+ Wb6 7 .l:!.c8 k!.h7.

The Philidor Position Just as the superior side is always aiming for the Lucena position, the defending side has a similar goal in the Philidor position. Its main characteristics are that the defend­ ing king is placed in front of the pawn and the defending rook controls its third rank, preventing the attacking king from reach­ ing its sixth rank. The Philidor position is drawn for all eight pawns and regardless of which side is to move.

White to play

7.5

(see following diagram)

1 .l:!.b7

Essentially a waiting move, hoping for a mistake by Black. 1 ... .l:!.c6! 2 e6

White threatens 3 'lt>f6, winning. Now 52

We can thus conclude that the irre­ proachable technique for defending the ending of rook and pawn vs. rook is: i. Aim for the Philidor position, placing the rook on its third rank. ii. Maintaining the rook on the third rank until the enemy pawn advances to this rank. iii. At this point move the rook to the eighth rank and start checking from be­ hind.

The defending king is in front of the pawn, but with the Philidor Defence impossible In practice it often happens that the defend­ ing side cannot reach the Philidor position. The superior side will try to extract as much as possible from the position and will not allow simplification, until it can force a position with better winning chances than in the Philidor case. It is therefore very im­ portant to know how to defend against

R o o k En d i n g s : R o o k & Pa wn vs. R o o k

pawns on various files when our king is in front of them, but our rook cannot reach its third rank. It is evident that there are fun­ damental differences in the defensive measures against pawns on different files. i. Rook pawns offer no winning chances. As long as the defending king and rook remain on their first rank, the draw is se­ cured. ii. For knight pawns (b and g) the draw­ ing method consists of passive defence with the rook.

7 .6

Black to play

. . . .l:::!. a 6+! . Passive defence works i n this case because the superior side cannot play effec­ tively on both sides of the pawn. iii. Against a central pawn ( c, d, e, f), passive defence with the rook loses. This occurs because the attacking side can ma­ noeuvre on both sides of the pawn. How­ ever, active defence can save the draw. In all endings with rooks and a central pawn, the defending rook must be placed actively behind the enemy pawn, on its seventh or eighth rank, or in a distant corner, again on its seventh or eighth rank.

7.7

1

...

Black t o play

l:tf8 !

The only way! It may seem strange, but active defence (apart, of course, from the always effective Philidor position) loses! The active l . . ..l:.gl ? 2 'it>g6! 'it>f8 (or 2 . . . .l:.fl 3 .l:.b8+ l:tf8 4 .l:.xf8+ �xf8 5 �h7) 3 J::ib8+ 'it>e7 4 l:!.g8! (by keeping the g-pawn protected, White will be able to advance it and soon reach the Lucena position) 4 . . . l:tg2 5 'it>h7! �f7 6 g6+ 'it>f6 7 �f8+ 'it>e7 8 g7 l:th2+ 9 �g8 would lose. 2 g6 .Ua8 3 .l:!.g7+ � h8 3 ... �f8? 4 �h7! would have been very bad. 4 l:th7+ 'it>g8 White can never proceed with the g6-g7 advance (with the rook on h7) in view of

1 .l:!.f2 ! ...

The passive 1 . . .l:l,a8? 2 f6 �g8 3 l::!. g 7+! (but not 3 f7+? �f8 with a draw) 3 . . . �f8 4 �h7! Wg8 5 f7+ Wf8 6 .l:!.h8+ would lose sim­ ply. 2 �f6 ! 'it>g8!

The correct direction in the face of the threatened 3 .l:tb8+. The rule is simple: the defending king must always head for the short side of the pawn, whereas here 2 . . . We8? 3 l::!.b8+ 'it>d7 4 .l:!.f8 leads to a won position for White. For the f- and e-pawns, the kingside is clearly the shorter side. The opposite is, of course, true for the d- and c­ pawns. 53

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

3 .l;!.bS+ �h7 4 lif8

The immediate 4 'it>e6 'it>g7! would not help. White is now ready to start advancing his pawn with 'it>e7, f6 and .l:td8, aiming as usual for the Lucena position.

7.8

Black to play

4 ... .l:.a 2 !

Activating the rook t o check the white king from the side. It now becomes clear why the defending king must be on the shorter side: the rook has a large radius for the required checks as its king does not stand in the way. s l:!.es

Preparing cover from the side checks. 5 We7 .Ua7+ or 5 �f7 l::t a7+ does not improve the situation. s ....l:tf2 !

Again preventing the white king (and thus the f-pawn) from advancing.

Black is obviously unable to set up a Philidor position, but he can achieve the draw by activating his rook.

6 l::!. e s

1 .. .J:ia 1 ! 2 'it>e6 .l:!.d1!

With the f-pawn protected b y the rook, White threatens to win with 7 Wf7 and 8 f6.

The rook must place itself behind the pawn at once if the pawn is to be prevented from advancing. Instead 2 . . . .l::!.e l +? 3 'it>d6 Wc8 4 .Ug8+ 'it>b7 5 �g7+! 'it>c8 6 �c7+ �d8 7 £l.h7 loses, as White will be able to advance his pawn to the sixth rank, keeping his king safely covered in front of it. Thereafter he will set up the Lucena position.

6 ... �g8! 7 �e7

Again threatening 8 f6. 7 ... �g7 !

3 �d6 �c8!

Moving to the short side. For this exact case of a central pawn still on its fifth rank the king can also head for the longer side, but it is always simpler and better to move it to the shorter one, abiding by the rule. 4 �g8+ Wb7 s l::td 8

Threatening to win with 6 �e7 and 7 d6. s . . ..l:. h 1 !

The rook positions itself for side checks. Black has set up a fully defensible posi­ tion.

6 .l:l.e8 ! li!.d1! 7 l:tes 'it>c8 !

8 �e6 .!i!.a2 9 f6+ 'it>f8

8 'it>d7 must be prevented. Black is now safe (8 'it>e7 'it>c7!) and draws.

We have reached an evolved version of the Philidor position. Every chessplayer should know this elementary example (and not only this of course! ) by heart.

Even if the pawn has advanced to the sixth rank, the defender can achieve his aim.

54

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & Pa w n vs . R o o k

Black to play

practical game Black i s suffering. This is due to both the shorter time-controls that are used in today' s chess and that many players are not familiarized with sufficient endgame knowledge. 6 1 �e6

On 61 �d6 �f5 draws, but not 6 l . . .�g6? 62 �c5+. 61 ... �g6?

A very bad mistake. 61 . . . .l::!.b l (or 6 l . . .Iitb7) 62 J::!. a 7 J::!.b 6+ 63 �d5 .l:tb5+ 64 �d6 l:!.b6+ 65 Wc5 libl draws. 62 'it>e7+ 'it>g7

Or if instead 62 . . .Wf5 63 e6 llb7+ 64 'it>fS, winning. 63 .l:.a 7 ! 1

...

i:::1. a 1!

If White was to move, he would win by means of 2 l:teS! �al (or 2 .. -l::t£2 3 .l::!.e 6 �fl 4 'it>fS 'it>g6 5 f7+!) 3 �fS �g6 4 f7 �f6 5 .l:!.cS .l::!. a2 6 .l::!. c 6+. 2 J::!.e8 .l::!. a 7+ 3 .l::!. e 7 .l::!. a 8 ! 4 �e6+

Not helping is 4 l:tb7 �h6! 5 �e7 Wg6 ! . 4 �g6 5 l:.g7+ W h 6 6 llg1 �a6+! There's no way for White to make pro­ gress. . . .

White to play 7. 10 L.Aiburt-M. Dlugy US C h a m p i o n s h i p, Los Angeles 1991

Although this is a drawn position, in a

This i s now a won position a s i t makes no difference where the white e-pawn stands (on e5 or on e6). 63

..•

l:tb8 64 e6 Wg6 6 5 .l:!.a1 l:tb7+ 6 6 'it>d6

66 �dS Wf6 67 e7 .l::tbS+ 68 'it>c7 .J::!.e S 69 �d6 wins as well. 66 ... J::!. b 6+ 6 7 �d7 l::!. b 7+ 68 �c6 l:!.b8 69 �c7 l:!.h8 70 e1 1-0

7.11 L.Aronian-M.Ca rlsen Moscow 2006

Black to play

n ... l:ia7+?? The only drawing method is 73 . . . �g6! (and not 73 . . . .l:!.al ? 74 We8) 74 �d7 (it's also 55

P r a c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

a draw after both 74 Wd7 Wf6 and 74 .l::i. d S J:!.a7+ 75 .l::i. d 7 .:as 76 �d6 'it>g7!) 74 . . . 'it>g7 75 'it>d6+ 'it>f6 76 e7 �f7.

7 . 12

White to play

74 We8 1-0

Black resigned because of 74 . . . .l:.a8+ 75 .l::i. d S .l:!.a6 76 e7 and, with a pawn on the sev­ enth rank, White wins.

The defending king is cut off from the pawn Positions in which the defending king is cut off on a file occur often and are of great importance. Principles similar to those that will be mentioned also apply when the king is cut off on a rank. A useful rule for such cases was expressed by the famous endgame researcher and World Champion­ ship Candidate Reuben Fine: 'If the pawn is on the fifth rank with its king near and the enemy king cut off from the promotion square, then it wins. The only exception is when the defender can oppose his rook so as to drive the attacking rook away, and thus enable the defending king to enter the pawn's path and stop it.' As we have already analysed in previ­ ous examples, if the defending side is to move he can save his skin by a rook ex­ change, fully matching the above­ mentioned exception. For other placements of the pawns the following rules apply: i. With a pawn on the third or fourth rank and the king near it, the superior side wins only if the defending king is cut off by three files from a b- or g-pawn, or two files from the central pawns (c, d, e and f) . ii. With a pawn still on the second rank and the attacking king on the fourth or fifth rank, the superior side wins only if the en­ emy king is cut off from the pawn by five files. All these endings require precision and many manoeuvres in accordance with the rules, in order to achieve the theoretical result. 56

The white pawn is on the b-file and the fourth rank. The black king is, for the mo­ ment, cut off from the pawn by two files. In accordance with the rules, if White is to move then he wins. 1 .l::i. e 1!

Now the black king is cut off by three files. With Black to move, the position would be drawn after l . . .We6!, because the black king would be placed on its third rank and only two files away from the en­ emy pawn. l ... 'it>fs 2 Wc4 .l::!. c 8+

White is threatening to make progress with 3 b5, 4 Wc5 and 5 b6. 3 'it> d s .l::!. b 8 More checks would only help the white king (3 . . . l::. d 8+ 4 Wc6 .l::l cS+ 5 Wb7) . 4 .l::i. b 1!

The rook must protect the b-pawn, re­ signing its duty of keeping the black king under control. However, the black king is still too far away and the well-placed white rook, in co-operation with its active king, leads to an easy win for White. 4 ...cJtf6 5 bS cJte7 6 'it>c6 ! Wd8 7 b6 Wc8

After 7 . . . l:!.c8+ comes 8 Wb7 or 8 Wd6. 8 .l::i. h 1

White wins.

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & P a w n vs . R o o k

A very interesting position is seen in the next example, whose solution does not seem so difficult at first.

7 .1 3

Black to play

However, active defence with the rook behind the pawn does not suit Black, as his king is restricted to the f-, g- and h-files, while the white king will decisively head for a7. The only defence lies in the idea of transferring the defending rook to its third

rank, from where, with the assistance o f its king, it will be able to prevent the white pieces from achieving their cherished re­ grouping. l l::ta s ! ...

And not l . . .�f7 2 �f3 �e7? ( 2 . . . .l:.a4) 3 a7! f7 4 .l:.h8 with an elementary win. 2 f3

2 .l:.fS+! 3 e4 .l::!.f6 •..

Black defends efficiently by checking and also keeping an eye on the a-pawn from his third rank.

57

Chapter E i ght

I

Rook Endings: Rook & 2 Pawns vs . Rook

The material advantage of two pawns is usually sufficient for victory. There are al­ ways exceptions, though, mainly due to the temporary misplacement of the pieces of the superior side, rather than to the defen­ sive potential of the opponent.

Con nected Pawns Connected pawns are strong enough t o win the game without undue effort. The more central the pawns are, the easier the victory.

8 .1

White to play

.l:tf3 .l:tb4 6 �g3 �g7 7 h4 �g6 8 .l:te3

The white pieces co-operate harmoni­ ously and the pawns will advance in such a way that it is practically impossible for the black king to immobilize them by placing itself in front of them. The white rook pro­ tects its king from annoying checks, while at the same time threatening to force the black king to retreat. In general, the supe­ rior side must first push the enemy king back and then advance the pawns. In such a way it avoids the possibility of a drawn position arising. 8 .l:!.b6 ...

The alternative 8 .. J:ta4 9 .l:te6+ �g7 10 h5 .l::i.b4 11 �h4 .l:i.a4 (or 1 1 . . .l:tb5 12 l:le7+! 'it>g8 13 h6 .Ua5 14 g5 and wins) 12 'it>g5 .l:ia5+ 13 �f4 l:la4+ 14 .Ue4 .l:la5 15 .l:le5 .Ua4+ 1 6 �f5 .Ua7 17 g5 .l:tb7 18 h6+ 'it>h7 19 �f6! .l:!.b6+ 20 �e6 l:!.b8 21 .l:le7+! �g8 22 g6 .l:la8 23 l:!.d7 .Ua6+ (or 23 . . ..Ub8 24 rJ;;e 7 .l:!.a8 25 .ladS+) 24 �f5 .l:!.a5+ 25 'it>e6 l:!.a6+ 26 .l::t d 6 .l:!.a8 27 rJ;;e 7 shows the way for White to win. 9 h S + �h6

Or 9 ... �g5 10 .Ue5+ �f6 11 .l:!.f5+ �g7 12 g5. 10 �h4 1 g3 .l:lb2 2 l:.f2 l:!.b3 3 �g2 .l:!.a 3 4 g4 .:§.b3 5

58

And White wins, as described in the notes to Black's 8th move.

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 2 Pa w n s v s . R o o k

The win becomes problematic in the case of h- and g- or a- and b-pawns, when these have been immobilized by the de­ fending king and the attacking pieces lack the appropriate coordination. Naturally, there are also some drawn positions with central pawns, but these are few and far between.

1 8.2

pact on both sides.

8. 3 Kopayev

White to play

Black to play

Cheron

If White is to move, he wins only by sacri­ ficing one of the pawns. More specifically: 1 d8"it'+ ! !

Compulsory as l . . .J::!. c2 2 'it>a6 (threaten­ ing 3 J::!.b8! ) 2 .. Jia2+ 3 Wb5 l:tb2+ 4 Wc5 .I;l.c2+ 5 �d4 J::l. c8 6 'it>d5 wins easily.

The only way to win. Instead Black to move can salvage a draw with l . . . .l:!.d1 !, when White can make no progress as the lack of the extra file to the left prevents him from improving the position of his king. It must be noted too that the attractive l . . ..l:ib8? loses after 2 .Ub6! ! Itf8 (or 2 .. Jhb6 3 d8"if+! Wxd8 4 'it>xb6) 3 'lt>a6 J::l.h8 4 'it>b5 b1h5+ 5 'lt>c4 J::l.h8 6 J::l. a 6 J::l.h4+ 7 �d5 11h5+ 8 We6 l:.h6+ 9 'it>f7 .l::i.h8 10 .Ua1 ! ! 'it>xc6 1 1 .l::.h 1 ! .l:i.d8 12 We6 and wins.

2 .l:.b4 l:!.e1

1 ... �xd8 2 .l:ib6 .l:i.al+ 3 'lt>b8

Waiting tactics also do not help: 2 . . . �d1 3 .U.e4 'it>e8 4 Wc6 .Ucl + 5 Wd5 J::!. d 1 + 6 We6 �d4! 7 l:tg4! l:!.e4+! 8 �f5! and wins.

The lack of the additional file prevents Black from giving the necessary checks. A very instructive example which shows that with even two extra pawns, some ex­ tremely difficult moves sometimes have to be found.

The diagram position stems from a study by Cheron (1926) . White wins, re­ gardless of which side is to move. 1 .. J:ta1

3 l:!d4 .l:ie3 4 Wb6 l:!.es s l:!.d3 �e2 6 'it>cs �e1 7 !!.a 3 ! .l:icl+ 8 'it>b4

White wins. By moving the entire construction one file to the left, we end up in a study by Kopayev (1958), in which the right to move first is of crucial importance. The lack of the additional file to the left has a negative im-

Black to play

White can win regardless of who is to 59

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

move (Cheron, 1 926). Similar positions are winning only if the pawns are already on the fourth and fifth ranks, and the white king can penetrate via the seventh or eighth rank.

There i s no progress after 6 Wfl .l:::!.h2 ! ei­ ther. 6 ... Wf2 !

And Black succeeds in drawing, as per­ petual check cannot be prevented.

J s .6

White to play

1 ... l:.d1

The alternatives do not change the re­ sult: l . . .J::th6 2 Wd7 �h7+ 3 .l:!.e7 .l:!.h6 4 Wc7 or l . . .Wb6 2 We7. 2 .l::!. e 7! Wxc4 3 b6 Wc5 4 b7 .Ub1 5 Wd8 Wc6 6 Wc8

White wins.

J s. s

A typical drawn position. White cannot make progress without a helping hand from Black. 1 Wt5

Black to play

Waiting with 1 Wf4 l:.a4+! (but not l . . . .l:!.b8?? 2 �g1 ! �b2 3 Wg5, losing after both 3 . . . �b5+ 4 Wg4 .l:!.b4+ 5 Wh5 �b5+ 6 �g5 .l:!.b8 7 .l:!.a5 .l::!. c8 8 .l::!. a7+ and 3 . . . J::th2 4 lla1 .l::!. g2+ 5 Wf5 .l:i.f2+ 6 We4 �f8 7 l:ta6) does not alter the result. 1 ....l:!.a 5+

The threat was 2 h8'iY+! .l:hh8 3 l:!.xh8 Wxh8 4 Wf6! . 2 We6 l:!.a6+ 3 Wd7 l:.a7+ 4 Wc6 .l:!.a8 5 .l::!. h 3 £lf8 6 lig3 l:!.f6+ 7 Wd7

No help is provided by 7 Wd5 .l::i. f5+ 8 We4 .l:!.h5 9 Wf3 �h1 10 Wg2 .l:.h6! (but not 10 . . . l:!.h4? 1 1 l:lh3! l:.g4+ 12 'it>f3) 11 Wf3 l:!.h4 12 l:!.g2 lih3+ 13 Wg4 l:!.h6 14 Wf5 .l:.h5+ 15 l:!.g5 l:!.h1, with a draw. The misplacement of the white rook al­ lows Black to draw.

7 .l:!.a6 8 l:.h3 lla7+ 9 Wc6 l:l.a8 .••

White cannot make progress.

1 Wc3 2 'it>d1 Wd3 3 We1 We3 4 Wf1 Wf3 5 •..

wg1 .l:!.g2+! 6 Wh1

60

In the next example we meet an original

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 2 Pa w n s vs . R o o k

position in which the side to move is un­ able to reach the desired result! In other words, we have a case of a very rare mu­ tual zugzwang: a feature that we do not meet often in rook endings, unlike in knight endings.

8. 7

8.8

Black to play

White to play

This is the ideal position that White must aim for. 1

...

.J:!.a4 2 �f3+! 'it>gs

The h-pawn marches on after 2 ... 'it>e6 3 h4 'it>e5 4 h5. 3 �f2 .l:!.e4 1 'it>g2

After 1 Wfl l:th2! or even 1 . . .�f3+ 2 �e2 .l:.g3! 3 'iii> f2 �h3 the position doesn't change. If, however, Black was to move, then he would lose after l . . J:ta3 2 l:tb7 .Ua5 3 h6 l:if5+ 4 �e3. 1

...

Otherwise the white king will support the advance of the a-pawn by moving to b3. 4 �g3+ 'it>fs

Or 4 . . . 'it>h4 5 .l:tg4+ .l::!. xg4 6 hxg4 'it>xg4 7 a4. s l:tg4 .Ue6 6 a4 .l:!.b6 7 �g3 .Ub3+ 8 �h4 .Ua 3

1:ta3 2 .Ub7 l:!.a s !

And White i s forced t o repeat the posi­ tion with 3 .Uh7, as the presence of his king on the g-file does not allow 3 h6 .l:i.g5+! .

Remote Pawns Although the win is usually not too diffi­ cult, there are several exceptional cases that lead to a draw. Usually, the superior side sacrifices one of the pawns in order to reach a known winning position with rook and pawn vs. rook. The strongest side should keep in mind that it is desirable to be able to protect both pawns with the rook, so as to free the king for action. One of the most difficult cases is the two rook pawns, as can be seen in the next example:

9 as!

B y making use o f this tactical device, White is able to achieve the further advance of his pawns. 61

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s g

�f6 10 J::i: g S .l:la1 11 � h S lla3 12 h4 .l:ia4

...

13 a 6

The win becomes clear.

8.9 R.Liiva-E.Grivas Ka l l ithea 2006

when Black can draw: 50 ... �a4! 51 .l:if3+ (or 51 h5 �g5) 5 1 ...�g6 52 �f2 llxh4 53 �e2 .l:!.a4 54 Wd2 l::!. a6 55 Wc2 .l:If6! 56 J:i.d3 �f7 57 �b3 �e7 58 �b4 l:!.d6 59 �h3 Wd7.

Black to play

40 ... �a2 4 1 l:!.b3 Wg4 4 2 h 3 + �f4

Now the pawn formation is ideal, but the problem is that the white king is stuck on the first rank. Black rightly tried to survive in this no­ torious ending. His active king and rook should prove enough for that purpose. 37

•..

Wg4 f 3 8 l:tg7+

43 'it>g1 'it>fs 44 Wf1 'it>es 45 'it>e1 Wd4?

Another blunder! Black had to choose between 45 . . . �e4, 45 . . . 'it>f4 and 45 . . . Wf5, all of which draw.

The alternative 38 l:ta8 �h3 39 Wg1 l:tg2+ 40 �fl .l:Xb2 41 �e1 fails to impress due to the delicate 4 1 . . .Wg4! (but not 41 . . .Wxh2? 42 a4 and wins) 42 a4 Wf4 43 aS �e3 44 Wd1 �d3 45 lidS+ (or 45 �cl .l:ixh2 46 a6 .l:ic2+ 47 'it>b1 .l:!.c7 48 a7 �c4, drawing) 45 . . . 'it>c4 46 .l:i.h8 !!.a2 47 l:!.h5 Wd3 with a draw. 3 8 'it>f3 ? •..

A draw would be in sight with the sim­ ple 38 . . . Wh4! 39 a3 .l::i. a 2 40 �a7 �h3 41 'it>g1 l:tg2+ 42 'it>fl .l:ia2 43 .l:!.h7+ 'it>g4 44 h3+ 'it>g3. 3 9 l:!.g3+ Wf4 40 a 3 ?

White could play the stronger 4 0 llg2! J:i.b4 41 a3 l:ta4 42 lla2 Wg4 43 Wg2 Wf4 44 l:tf2+ 'it>g5 45 l:!.f3 l:!.c4 46 h3, reaching our previous example. Then a position he should avoid can be seen after 46 . . . l:ia4 47 'it>g3 .l:.a8 48 h4+? Wg6 49 llc3 Wf6 50 .l:.b3

(see following diagram) 62

46 'it>f1?

There was no win either with 46 Wd1 Ith2 47 l:!.g3 Wc4 48 'it>e1 'it>d4 49 �fl l:1.a2 50 'it>g1 �e4 51 .l::i. c3 �f4!, but White could play 46 h4!, achieving a won position. Black's king should follow the footsteps of the op­ ponent's king and with 45 . . . 'it>d4? he over-

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 2 P a w n s vs . R o o k

did it. 46 .. .'&te s 41 h4

1 '.te3 �cs 2 '.tf4 '>td 5 3 I;ld 3+ ..t>cs 4 'it>g3 I;lg8+ 5 'it>h2 'it>c4 6 l:.f3 l:.h8 7 l::r. e 3 1 'it>b3 Black no longer has any good moves at

47 .. .'.tts ? A bad mistake that could have again

his disposal as both 7 . . . 'it>d5 8 I;le1! 'it>c4 9

cost the half point. Instead 47 .. :&tf4 48 hS

!;lei ! I;lh7 10 �g3 .l:l.g7+ 11 �f4 I;lh7 12 'it>g4

.!:!.h2 49 .!:!.b4+ '.tf3 leads to a draw.

.l:!.g7+ 13 �fS I;lh7 14 I;lh1! and 7 ... .l:!.h7 8 'it>g3

48 g5 l:tg7+ 11 'it>h6 lose.

White forgot about the already men­

8 I;ld 3 1 'it>c4 9 l:.f3 'it>b3 10 'it>g31 I;lg8+ 11

tioned 48 hS '.tgS 49 .!:!.h3 and wins.

'it>f4 I;Ihs 12 'it>g4 ngs+ 1 3 g6 �C4 1 5 .l:l.f4+! �XC3 16 h4

Or if instead 49 .!:!.b4+ '.tf3 50 a4 '.te3 and draws. 49 ... '.txh4 And now it is an easy draw as Black' s

White wins.

1 8.11

White t o play

king can get in time back in the queenside, assisting his rook in holding up the white a-pawn. 50 '.tc1 '.tg4 51 '.tb1 �d2 52 a4 t>g6 loses) 5 .l:tbS l:!.f6!, but White can make no pro­ gress. 4 ... .l:!.f6 s .l:ta s 'it>xfs ! 6 as .l:tf7 1 'lt>h6 l:i.d7 8 a6 .l:tc7

Or 8 . . . .l:!.e7. 9 a7 .l:!.f7 !

Black draws.

j 8.12

Black to play A nice study from 1929. 1 nb s !

The seemingly simple 1 '>t>a5 .l:tf6 2 .l:tg1 (and not 2 .l:tb6? .iJ.xb6 3 'lt>xb6 stalemate! ) 2 . . . l:tf8 3 '>t>a6 .l:tg8! does not help i n view of 4 g7 (or 4 'it>b6 .l:txg6+! ) 4 . . . .l:txg7!. 1 ...nt6

White's task would be easier after both l . . ..l:tfl 2 .l:tgS and l . . ..l:tg8 2 .l:!.b6 .l:tf8 3 '>t>bS. 2 l:tgs lifS 3 '>t>bs! 'lt>xb7 4 'lt>cs �c7 s '>t>d s �d 7 6 'lt>es '>t>e7 1 .l:tfs !

The only move, whereas 7 .l:thS? l:!.fl 8 l::th8 l:tg1 9 '>tf5 l:tg2 would lead to a draw. This is a very instructive example. If White had a pawn on any other file than the g- or h- one, then he would win simply with 1 a7!, followed by the advance of his other pawn. In this case, though, he must seek a different winning plan. 1 ... .l:ta4 2 '>t>g3 '>t>h7 3 h S !

Certainly not 3 '>t>f3? .l:txh4! 4 '>t>e3 �g4. 3 ... na s 4 .l:!.a7+! 'lt>h6 s '>t>f4 .l:txh s

Or 5 . . . .l:ta4+ 6 'it>eS .l:ta2 7 .l:ta8 'lt>h7 8 'it>d6 'lt>h6 9 '>t>c7 '>t>h7 10 'lt>b7 �b2+ 11 'lt>a7 .l:!.a2 1 2 .l:tb8 'lt>h6 13 l:i.b6+ and wins. 6 '>t>e4

The king will march decisively across to the a-pawn.

1 8.13 Reti

64

White to play

7 ...liaS 8 .l:tf7+ '>t>e8 9 '>t>f6 .l:ta6+ 10 'it>g7

White wins.

Extra f- arid h(or a- and c-) Pawns This is a very difficult ending, generally considered drawn by endgame theory. The defensive potential of the inferior side is considerable, but, on the other hand, in­ creased alertness is required, as even the slightest mistake will conclude the game in the superior side's favour. As in the previ­ ous examples, the superior side tries to sac­ rifice his rook pawn in order to reach a theoretically won position.

j 8.14

White to play

R o o k En dings: R o o k & 2 P a w n s vs. R o o k

A typical won position for White. The advanced f5-pawn makes all the difference (see also the next example). 1 l:!.g7+!

White fails to win after 1 �b8+? '1t>h7 2 r;t>f7 .U.a1 3 f6 .U.a7+ 4 �e8 (or 4 �e6 lita6+) 4.. .�g6! 5 f7 .U.xf7! 6 l::!.b 6+ J:i.f6 7 .U.xf6+ (7 h7? l:!xb6!) 7 . . . '1t>xf6.

The position i s only marginally different from the previous example (the white pawn is on f4 instead of f5), but the differ­ ence in the result is considerable as Black can achieve a draw! 1 �g7+

1 l:!.b8+ Wh7 2 f5 �xh6+ 3 Wf7 (3 We7 �g7) 3 . . J:i.a6 4 f6 .l:ta7+ does not help either. .

1 ...�h8

1 ... �h8!

Black is not saved by l . . .�f8 2 �g6! �g1+ 3 �h7 J:.£1 4 �a7 l:i.g1 (4 . . .l1xf5 5 �g6 ! ) 5 f6 �g2 6 l:!.g7 �f2 7 �g6 either.

2 fs .Uxh6+ 3 .U.g6 � h 7 ! 4 �g1 J:.a7 5 .U.e1

2 �e7 ! �g8

Or 2 .. Jhh6+ 3 '1t>f7 .Uh7+ 4 �f8.

Of course, l . . .Wf8? 2 Wg6! loses. :l.a6+ 6 Wf7 J:ia 7+ 1 Wg6

Black also draws after 7 J:.e7 .U.a1 8 f6 '1t>h7 9 �e6+ '1t>g6 1 0 lig7+ �h6. 7 ....U.g7+ 8 �f6 � g2

3 We6! �e1+ 4 '1t>d 7 l:!.d1+

The alternative 4 ... .U.fl 5 Ii.e8+ Wh7 6 We6 .U.a1 7 f6 is also won for White. s r;t> e s .Uf1 6 .U.es Wh7 White wins too after both 6 ... �f2 7 We7! and 6 ... J:.a1 7 f6! .

White cannot win .

, 8.16

Black to play

7 �f7 !

The careless 7 �e7? �xh6 8 f6 Wg6 9 �e6 .l:!.f2 leads to a draw. 7 ...Wxh6 8 .U.e6+!

If 8 f6? .U.a1 9 '1t>f8 Wg6 1 0 f7 �f6 11 �e2 .U.a8+ 12 l:i.e8 .Ua7 the win has slipped away. 8 ... Wh7 9 f6 .Ua1 10 �f8 .l:.a8+ 11 J:i.e8

The win is obvious.

, 8.15

White to play

65

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

A characteristic drawn position. White has not managed to place his king and rook optimally or to restrict the black king to the eighth rank. The requirements to achieve the draw are the presence of the defending king on the h-file and the activity of the defending rook.

thus White wins.

1 ... .l::t g 2 2 We5 �a2

Also after 2 ... .Ue2+ 3 'it>f6 .!:!.f2 4 .l::!. d 6 .l::!. a2 5 �f7 .l::!. a 7+! 6 �e8 .l:!.a8+ 7 �e7 (or 7 .l::!. d 8 .l:!.a6! ) 7 . . . .l::t a7+ 8 .l:i.d7 .l::!. a 8 9 .l:.d8 (9 f6 Wxh6 10 f7 'it>g7! ) 9 . . . l:.a7+ 10 Wf6 Ita1 1 1 ..l:!.e8 ..l:!.a2! 12 �f7 �xh6 the position remains drawn. 3 � d6 .l:i.a 5 4 f6 �g6 4 . . .�xh6 5 �e7 .l:!.a8 is also a draw. 5 l:te8 l:ra6+ 6 �e7 .l:!.xf6 7 I:!.g8+ Wh7 8 �g7+

� h8 9 'it>xf6 It's stalemate!

1 1lg4!

The direct 1 :!.h2? .l::!. g 1 + 2 �f4 �f1 + 3 'it>g4 Wg8 4 'it>g5 l:tg1 + 5 Wf6 Wh7 6 l:te2 .l::!. a 1 would be mistaken. 1 ... l:tb1 2 l::t h 4 .l::!. g 1+

1 8.17

White t o play

Or 2 . . . 'it>g8 3 f6 �h7 4 l:tf4 ! . 3 �f4 .l:.f1+ 4 �g4! .l:.g1+

Nothing changes after 4 . . . Wg8 5 Wg5 Wh7 6 f6 .!::l a 1 7 l:tf4. 5 �f3 �g8 Or 5 . . .'it>g8 6 .l:!.g4+ l::I. xg4 7 Wxg4. 6 h7 �h8 1 'it>f4 Wg7 8 � g5 White wins.

8.19

A.Crisan-E.Grivas Bucha rest 1984

Black has an ideal set-up and easily draws. 1 1:te2 �g1+ 2 'it>f6 �a 1

Black's rook is too active.

1 8.18

White t o play

(see following diagram) Here the black king is misplaced and 66

Black to play

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 2 Pa w n s vs. R o o k

At first glance, we might assume that White will easily manage to draw as he has an additional pawn and on the seventh rank! However, his rook is passive and his king misplaced. n

...

.l:!.xd6 6 .!:ta7+ win for White. 3 d6

Wc2 7 8 �xa s?

A significant error that loses the game. 78 .!:reS? c3+ 79 �xa5 l:txh7 is similar, but after 78 .l::!. g8! c3+ 79 'it>a3! .l::t xh7 80 .l::!. g2+ the game would end in a draw as White man­ aged to activate his rook and place his king appropriately. 78 c3 79 �a6 ...

No difficulties are presented by 79 'it>b5 Wb2 80 �a5 c2 81 l:tb8+ 'it>a3 82 .l::!. c8 l:lh5+! 83 'it>a6 Wb3 84 �b8+ �a4 85 .l::!. c8 .l::!.h 6+! 86 Wb7 .!:txh7+ 87 �b6 �b3.

3

79 .l:.hs! so rt;a 7 �c1 81 �b6

1 cJtds l:!h1

...

By driving the white king to the seventh rank, Black prevents 81 l:!c8 l:txh7+ 82 Wa6 c2. 81 c2 82 �a6 l:.h6+ 83 wa s .l:th4 84 J:lb8

3 Wc6 .l:!.xd4 4 I!.b8+ We7 is also drawn. ••.

.l:!.g1! 4 �c6 l:!c1+ 5 �d s J:ih1 6 �e6 I!.e1+

Black holds comfortably.

8. 2 1

White to play

...

White is now lost, as neither 84 Wb5 Wb2! nor 84 'it>a6 .l:!.h5! 85 �a7 �b2! can save the game. 84 .:.xh 7 85 Wa4 .l:!. h 3 86 .l:!.d8 �b2 87 l::!. b 8+ ...

Wa2 88 I!.c8 .l::!. a 3 + 0-1

Doubled Pawns With doubled pawns the win is not at all easy. The only advantage which they sup­ ply is that a possible rook exchange will lead to a won pawn ending.

j s.2 o

White to play

(see following diagram) The Philidor position is also valid in the case of doubled pawns. White cannot force a win.

If Black is unable to achieve the Philidor position then he loses, because White can sacrifice one of his pawns to reach a win­ ning pawn ending. 1 1Id 6 ! .:.ts 2 gs

A nice trap is 2 g7? .l::!. f 6+! 3 I!.xf6 with stalemate!

1 l:lb7 .l::!.g 6 2 :b6 lig4!

2 ... Ir.a8 3 g7 l:!b8 4 .l:.f6 liaS 5 .l:!.f8+ .l:.xf8 6

The only move as both 2 . . . .l:!.g1 ? 3 �c6! and 2 ... .!:tg7 3 .Ub8+! �c7 4 .l:!.a8 �g6 5 d6+!

gxf8'iH+ cJtxf8 7 � h 7

White wins. 67

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

8.22

White t o play

Despite his three extra pawns, White cannot win as his rook is terribly placed and Black has a hidden defensive resource!

The Lucena position can be won, al­ though not in the familiar way as the at­ tacking king cannot extricate itself. The winning process is as follows:

1 l:td2+ We7 2 lid6 ! !

The only way as 2 . . . .l:!.hl 3 h6!? �xh6? 4 .:g6+! loses.

The only move a s the standard 2 �d5 :tal 3 ctJc7 .Ucl + does not offer White any­ thing, due to the presence of the additional pawn on b6.

3 Wc6 �cl+ 4 Wd 7 �dl+ 5 We8 �el+ 6 �f8

2 J:ic3

1 We4 l:!e1+ 2 'it>d s �dl+

••

Neither 2 . Wxd6 3 Wc8 .l:tc3+ 4 Wd8 nor 2 . . . l:tal 3 Wc7 �cl + 4 �c6 alter the result. .

.

6 ... �e8+! 7 'it>xe8

Again stalemate saves the day.

, 8.23

3 �c6 ! ! l:.xc6

White t o play

Or 3 . . . l:td3 4 l:tcl �d7 5 �al . 4 'ii; a 7

White wins.

(see following diagram)

68

Chapter N ine

I

Rook Endings: Rook & 2 Pawns vs . Rook & Pawn

Pawns on the Same Flan k without a Passed Pawn This ending is mostly drawn, provided that the defending side keeps his rook active.

9. 1 Kopayev

White to play

l . . .'lt>f8 2 .l::!. a 8+ 'lt>e7 3 h6! gxh6 4 g7 would also lose. 2 .l:tf4+ 'it>e6 3 h 6 ! ! gxh6 4 c;t> h s White wins. The defending side must definitely avoid passive positions such as in the next example, in which the attacker can set up various dangerous tactical motifs and con­ test the full point.

White to play

This study by Kopayev (1957) illustrates the problems that may arise. 1 g6+

Black to move would secure the draw with the sequence l . . . .Ucl ! 2 g6+ 'lt>f6 and the white king cannot escape the forthcom­ ing checks. 1 ... 'lt>f6

1 'lt> h s .l::!. e 7

Black also loses after the alternatives: l . . .g6+ 2 c;t>h6! (and not 2 fxg6+? 'lt>g7 with a

69

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

draw!) 2 . . . gxf5 3 g6+ Wf6 (or 3 ... Wf8 4 �b8+ We7 5 g7) 4 .l:.b6+! (4 g7? �a1 ! 5 l:rb6+ Wf7! 6 �b7+ 'it>f6 7 'it>h7 llh1 + 8 �g8 f4! is a draw) 4 . . . We5 5 g7 �a8 6 l:rg6 l:!.g8 7 'it>h7 l:1a8 8 g8'if .l::!.xg8 9 �xg8 f4 10 Wg6 f3 1 1 �£8 'it>e4 12 �g5; l . . ..l::i. a 1 2 �b7+ 'it>f8 3 Wg6 �a6+ 4 f6 gxf6 5 gxf6 lla8 6 .l:!.h7!; and l . . .�a6 2 �b7+ 'it>f8 3 �b8+! �f7 (3 . . . �e7 4 f6+ gxf6 5 g6) 4 g6+ �£6 5 .l::i. f8+ We5 6 f6! ! .l:1xf6 7 l:lf7! ! l:i.f5+ 8 'it>g4 .l::i. f6 9 'it>g5 �a6 1 0 .l:1xg7.

With the white king cut off, Black i s no longer in danger. 5 .l::i. b 8+ �e7 6 f6+ 'it>e6 7 .l::!. e 8+ Wf5 8 Wh7 .l::i. g 2 9 .l::i. e 7

2 .l:tb8 l:ia7 3 g6+ 'it>f6 4 l:.f8+ 'it>e5 5 f6 ! !

Best, whereas 5 l:!.£7? .l:.a1 ! 6 l:txg7? Wf4! would be disastrous. 5 ... gxf6 6 'it>h6 .l:1a1 7 g7 l:th1+ 8 'it>g6 l:!.g1+ 9 Wf7 f5 10 g8'i!¥ .l:i.xg8 11 wxg8 f4 12 Wg7 We4 1 3 Wg6 f3 14 Wg5 'it>e3 1 5 'it>g4 f2 16 'ito>g3

Black wins.

9 ... .l:1g5 !

White to play

All would b e lost after the careless 9 . . . �g1 ? 10 �xf7 'it>xe5 1 1 �g7!. 10 .l:1xf7 'it>xe 5 11 � g 7 'it>xf6

Black draws.

9.4 E.Grivas-A.Naumann Corfu 1999

Black to play

Another theoretically important posi­ tion. 1 'it>g5 ! l:tc5 !

The only way to defend. Instead l . . .�cl ? 2 J:ib7+ �f8 3 f5 l:rh1 4 .l:.a7! �h2 5 .l:.a8+ We7 6 f6+ Wd7 7 l:!.f8 l:th7 (or 7 . . . .l::i. g2+ 8 Wf4 We6 9 �e8+ Wd5 10 �d8+ Wc6 11 �f8) 8 'it>g4 'ito>c7 (8 . . . �e6 9 .l::!. e 8+ 'it>d5 10 e6 fxe6 11 'it>g5 e5 1 2 'ito>g6 .l::th 1 1 3 f7) 9 .i::!.e 8, intending 1 0 �e7 and 1 1 e6, wins for White. 2 'ito>h6 J:!.c1 ! 3 l:!.b7+ 'it>f8 4 f5 �g1!

70

5 8 .. J�g1!

The safest way to draw. From a psycho­ logical perspective, it is difficult to force oneself to sacrifice the passed c-pawn and then carefully fight for half a point, but

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 2 Pa w n s v s . R o o k & P a w n

Black would lose quickly after · 58 . . . c4? 59 W gS c3 60 �f6 c2 61 l:tc8+. 59 J::txcs 'it>g7 60 l':tc7 .Uf1+ 6 1 �e4 .Ue1+ 6 2 Wd S .l:!.d1+ 6 3 � c 6 �g8

Black is no longer in danger, although White can be bothersome for several more moves. 64 .l:!.d 7 l::tf1 65 f6 .l::t a 1 ! 66 .l::t b 7

88 . . ..U h 1 ?

The last mistake, whereas 88 . . ..Uc6! 89 J:!aS+ �e6 would have held the draw. 89 .Ua s+ 'i¥te6 90 .Ua6+ 'i¥ifs 9 1 'i¥ixf7 f!.h7+ 92 'it>g8 l:ih6 9 3 'it>g7

93 f7 .Uxa6 94 f8'1i'+ requires some extra moves for the win! 93 ... .Ug6+ 94 'i¥if7 'lt>gs 95 �e7 �h6 96 .Ue6 66 ....l:!.d1? 6 7 .l:!.bs?

Time pressure led both players to their disastrous last moves. White would have immediately won with the simple 67 .l:!.b8+ �h7 68 e6! . 6 7 ....l:!. a 1 68 llb7 .l::t a 6+

1-0

White to play 9. 5 E.Grivas-N.Ma nagadze Ath e n s 2000

Black doesn't repeat the same mistake! 69 .l:!.b6 .l:!.a1 70 Wd6 �h7!

Black also activates his king to attack the enemy pawns. 11 J::t b2 c.t>g6 12 l:!.g2+ 'it>fs n l:tf2+ 'i¥tg6 74 .l:!.g2+ WfS 7 5 We7 J:la7+ 76 'it>f8 �xe s 77

�g7 White tries his last chance, which is to win the f7-pawn under favourable circum­ stances. n ... �fs 78 .l::t e 2 .Ua6 79 .Ub2 .Ua7 8o .Ubs+

�e6 81 .Ub8 �fs 82 .l:!.b6 �c7 8 3 .l:!.bs+ �e6 84 l::t b 1 �fs 8 5 .Uf1+ 'i¥tgs 86 l:ie1 'i¥ifs 8 7 .l:!.e7 l:!.C:1?!

After the alternative 87 ... .l:!.c6! 88 l:txf7 �g5! 89 .l:!.f8 .l:!.a6 White cannot make pro­ gress.

This is drawn position. Black's a-pawn is strong enough to create counterplay and he might even exchange it for White's h­ pawn, reaching a well-known draw.

88 J:la 7 !

45 �g2 !?

71

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

After 45 Wg4 a2 46 Wf5 Wg7 47 l:!.a7 �h6 48 h3 Wg7 49 e6 �el ! Black secures the draw. 45 ... �g7 46 h4 a2 47 h5 Wh7 48 h6 !:!.b1?!

Satisfactory is 48 ... �g8 49 .U.a7 �h7! 50 l:!.xf7+ �xh6 51 l:!.a7 �g6 52 l::t a5 �f5 53 �a4 l:!.el 54 l:!.xa2 Wxf4, but the most accurate is 48 . . . f6! 49 e6 l::te l 50 .Uxa2 .U.xe6. 49 .U.xa 2 Wxh6 50 Wf3 Wg6 51 .Ua6+ Wg7 52 �g4 l::t b 7 53 Wg5 l::t c 7 54 f5

No better is 54 .Ua8 ! ? J::t c5! 55 l:!.e8 J::tb5 56 f5 l:!.xe5! 57 .U.xe5 f6+ with a draw. 1 .Ub7+ e6

Not l . . .Wf8 2 Wg5 l:!.a6 3 l:!.d7 :b6 4 l:!.d6. 2 Wg5 .l::t g 1+ 3 'it>h6 l::t g4 4 l:!.b6+ 'it>e7 5 !:!.f6 Wd7 6 Wh7 �e8 7 'it>g8 !

Obtaining the opposition as the black rook cannot abandon the dual mission of protecting g6 and attacking f4. 7 ... �e7 8 �g7 �e8 9 !:!.f7 ! Wd8 10 Wf8 .Uh4 11 e6 .Uh8+ 12 'it>g7 .l:th4 1 3 'it>xg6

White wins.

54 ... J:.c1! 55 .l:ta4 I:te1! 5 6 f6+ Wh7 57 Wf5 l:!.f1+ 58 .l:tf4 .Ue1 59 .l:!.g4 'it>h8! 60 llg3

Or 60 l:lg7 .l:!xe5+ 61 Wxe5 and stalemate. 60 ...ktf1+ Yz·Yz

White to play 9. 7 E.G rivas-S.Soylu Va rna Ba l ka n ia d 1994

Pawns on the Same Flan k with a Passed Pawn When the extra pawn is a passed pawn, the winning chances are quite serious, espe­ cially if the passed pawn is close to the cen­ tre.

9.6 Kopayev

White to play

(see following diagram) In this 1958 study by Kopayev, White wins easily. 72

Central pawns are almost always beneficial for the strongest side. 46 �f4 .l:td3 47 .l:th1 'it>f7 48 �e4 l:!.d2

Or 48 . . . .Ua3 49 :dl 'it>e6 50 �f4 �d6 51

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 2 Pa w n s vs . R o o k & P a w n

e4 J::l. a4 52 Wf5 We7 53 d5 and wins. 49 �d 5

White has placed his king in front of the pawns, so that it can assist their advance. 49 ... �a2 so �c1! �a S+

50 ... f5 51 .Uc7+ f6 52 l:i.c6+ We7 53 We5 �f2 54 .Uc7+ �d8 55 Wd6 �f3 56 �a7 We8 57 l:i.e7+ �d8 58 d5 also loses. 51 l:i.cs .l:i.a 3 52 l:!.c7+! �e8?!

A better, but still insufficient try is 52 ... Wg6 53 e4 �aS+ 54 l:i.c5 l:i.a7 55 l:i.c6 Wf7 56 Wd6 l:i.a4 57 l:i.c7+ g6 58 cs l:i.a5+ 59 Wb4 .!:tal 60 �e7. The defender must (nearly always) stay active.

places his king in front of the pawns (or, in certain exceptional cases, behind them), while at the same time using his rook to push back the enemy king and keep the enemy pawn under control. Certain excep­ tions occur when the rook is passive and cannot fulfil both tasks simultaneously.

9.8

Black to play

53 We4 l::!: b 3

Black is to move and must decide on which rank to keep his rook. 1 ... .U.e2 ! ?

54 d5!

Creating a strongpoint for the rook on e6, from where it will protect its pawns, as well as attack the enemy g6-pawn. 54 ... �a 3 Or 5 4. . . f5+ 5 5 Wd4 l:i.b4+ 56 llc4 l!b2 5 7 �c3 Wd7 58 We5 � d2 59 �a3 l:!. d l 60 l:i.a7+ and wins. 55 �f4 f5

Black could have tried 55 . . . l:i.b3, but White will still win: 56 e4! �bl 57 Wf5 . S6 l:i.c6 1-0

In view of 56 . . . Wf7 57 .l:!.e6 �aS 58 �e5.

Two Connected Passed Pawns Against a Single Passed Pawn A

relatively simple case. The superior side

The toughest option, a s after the alterna­ tive l . . . .l:ial 2 �a4 a2 3 Wg2! (an exception!) 3 ... Wf6 4 f4 'lt>e6 5 !laS! Wf7 6 �a6 'lt>g7 7 f5 Wf7 8 g5 g8 9 l:i.a7 f8 1 0 g6 the pawns promote without their king's help: lO . . . l:i.bl 1 1 l:i.xa2 l:i.b5 12 l:i.a8+ Wg7 13 l:i.a7+ �g8 14 J::l. f7. 2 l:i.a4 a2 3 l:i.a6 �f7 4 gS Wg7 5 �g4 �f7 6 f4 l:.b2 7 fs llg2+ 8 Wf4 .U.f2+ 9 We4 l:te2+ 10 �f3 l:i.b2 11 �a7+ Wf8 12 g6 �e8 13 �f4 �e2 14 f6

White wins. Naturally there are many different pos­ sible positions and each one has its own specifics. When the passed pawns are not advanced far enough, or when the attack­ ing rook or king is passively placed, the defending side has good drawing chances. 73

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

sition can b e improved further.

9.9 J.Rukavina-E.G rivas Puca revo Zon a l 1987

Black to play

53

..•

.l::tf4! 54 I!.a 3

Nothing would change after 5 4 aS .l:la4 55 .Ud5 .l::t a 3+! 56 �g2 'it>h4. 54 ... a s 5 5 'it>h3 l:i.b4 56 'lt>g3 .l:i.f4 5 7 .Ua1

White seems to have the position under control and the win seems near. However, we have here an exception to the rule as Black can hold the draw.

.l:!.g4+ 5 8 �h3 .l:.e4 5 9 �a3 'it>g6

52 ... .Uf4 ! ! 53 'it>g2

l:.a1 'it>ds 64 �b1

The right plan. Black switches to the other flank. Go 'lt>g3 'it>fs 61 'it>f3 'it>es 62 'it>g3 .l:i.d4 63

Nothing is changed by 53 .l:i.g6 e4! . 5 3 ...e 4 5 4 .l:lg6

54 'it>g3 e3! 55 �g6 (and not 55 'it>h4?? e2) 55 .. J::te4 leads to the game continuation. 54 ... e3 55 'it>g3 .Ue4 S 6 lle6 .l::t x e6 Yz-Yz

A Passed Pawn on the Other Flan k The superior side has excellent winning chances in this case. The usual procedure involves the sacrifice of the passed pawn at an appropriate moment, followed by cap­ turing the enemy pawn, bringing about a theoretically won position.

Black to play 9 .10 P.Keres-M.Botvinnik FIDE World C h a m p i o n s h i p, Moscow 1948 Black's advantage is evident and his po74

64 ... l:!.b4!

64 .. J'ha4? would have been a serious mistake in view of 65 �b5+ �c4 66 I!.xg5 .!:!.al 67 �h2! with a theoretical draw! 65 .l:lf1 'it>e s 66 .l:le1+ �d4 67 �h2 l:txa4 68 l:.g1 �c4 69 J:txgs a4 10 'it>g2 �c3 7 1 'it>f3 a3 7 2 �a s �b3 o-1

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 2 Pa w n s vs . R o o k & P a w n

9. 11 D.Solak-E.G rivas Ath e n s 2006

Black to play

11a8+ 83 Wb4 'i¥if6. 7 8 ... �g7 79 'i¥ic4 Wg6 80 Wd4 'it>g7 81 'it>e4 �g6 82 Wf3 .l::t c 5 83 �g4 Ii!.c3 84 a4

84 ... .l::i. b 3 85 l:te4 Wf6 86 h5 .l:!.b4 87 Wf3

White is a pawn up, but in reality he has no winning chances. The black king will stop the white h-pawn and the black rook will attack the white a-pawn and defend its own pawn. 41 ... a5 42 l:.f2 'it>g6 43 �e3 .l:!.h4 44 Wd3 Wg5 45 Wc3 'it>g6 46 �d3 Wg5 47 �e2 l:!.a4 48 'it>f3 .l:.f4+ 49 We3 �a4 50 .l:lg2+ Wf5

Although Black wants to stay central­ ized with his king, 50 . . . rJi'h5 is also enough to draw.

It's also a draw after 87 .l::t f4+ �e5 88 �xb4 axb4 89 h6 �f6 90 aS. 87 ... !tb3+ 88 'it>g4 .l:!.b4 89 'it>f3 Ii!.b3+ go �f4 l::t h 3

But not 9 0 . . J'Ib4? 91 l::t xb4 axb4 9 2 �e4 when White wins. 91 'i¥ig4 .l:!.b3 92 .l:i.f4+ �g7 93 �f5 .l::i. h 3 94 'it>g4 .l:!.b3 95 'i¥ig5 .l:!.g3+ 96 �h4

Or 96 I:l.g4 I!.xg4+ 97 �xg4 Wh6, and Black holds. 96 .. J:tb3 9 7 Ii!.g4+ Wh6 98 .l:tg6+ �h7 99

51 'it>d3 l:th4 52 Wc3 Wf6 5 3 l:tb2 �e6 54 l::i.f2

�g5

'it>e5 55 Wd 2 l:!.b4 56 'it>e2 l:!.b1 5 7 rJi'f3 �f5

The last try! It must be mentioned that White has tortured Black for many moves, which is not too common a practice be­ tween grandmasters. During the game I felt a bit offended, but in the end I must confess that it was my mistake that I ended up in a slightly worse endgame!

58 �g3+ �g6 59 .l::!.f4 .l::i. g l+ 60 �f3 �hl 6 1 'i¥g2 l:tc1 62 I!. a 4 .l:!. c 5 6 3 �f3 .l::i. c 3+

63 .. . �h5 is more accurate, but the text does not do any serious harm to Black. 64 'i¥g4 .l::!. c 5 65 h4 .l::!. b 5 66 a3 .l::!. c 5 6 7 llf4

l:ic3 68 .l::!.a 4 .l:!.c5 69 'it>f4 'it>f6 10 We3 !t h 5 7 1 I!.f4+ 'it>g6 7 2 Wd4 g7

Not falling for the obvious trap 76 ... l:!.xh4+? 77 f6 or 78 l:!.f8 W g7 79 l:tb8 l:txh4+ 80 Wxa5 llh5+ 81 l:tb5 .l:lh8 82 a4

99 ... .l::!. b 4 100 .l:!.h6+ 'it>g8 101 .l:la6 l::!.x a4 102 .l:la8+ 'lt>h7 103 !la7+ 'lt>g8 104 Wh6 �a1 105 'it>g6 Yz-Yz

9. 1 2 D.Barlov-E.Grivas Ath e n s Zo n a l 1990

Black to play

75

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s ics

the £-pawns were o n £3 and £4 instead, the position would be drawn as White would be unable to drive Black into zugzwang.

Black wins easily by transposing to a won rook ending. 12 ... e4 73 tt::l d 6

Or 73 .l:!.xbS tt::l xbS 74 ctJd2 e3 75 tt::le 4 'lt>g4 76 We2 Wf4 77 Wd3 e2 and wins.

l:!.a 5 5 'it>b3 .Ua1 6 'it>b4 .Ua2 7 Wb5 .Ua1 8

n .. Jbb4 74 tt:Jxe4 tt:Jxe4 75 l:f4+ �g3 76

'>t>b6 .U.b1+ 9 �c6 .Ua1 10 �d6 .Ua6+ 11 �e 5

l:lxe4 'lt>f3

.l:!.a 5+ 12 'lt>e6 '>t>h 7 13 Wf6

1 'lt>d1 'lt>h7 2 Wc1 �g7 3 'it>b1 �a6 4 'it>b2

The double threat of checkmate and 77 .. .'�xe4 forces the white rook to a passive position. 77 .U.e1 d3 78 .Ud 1 Zlb3 0-1

1 9.1 3

White to play

This position is won for White. His plan is simple but effective. He will bring his king to e6 and then force Black (with the help of triangulation) to move his king to h7. Then he will play '>t>£6 and Black will be forced to abandon his pawn. However, if

76

White has carried out his plan and wins.

Chapter Ten

I

Rook Endings: Rook & 3 Pawns vs . Rook & 2 Pawns

This ending is rather simple when the pawns are on the same flank and there are no passed pawns (it is a draw) . The supe­ rior side cannot exploit his material advan­ tage, except in only a few cases in which the defending side has committed an error.

10.1 D.Aiexa kis-E.G rivas Athen s 1992

White to play

White can feel safe. All he has to do is patiently wait on his first rank and harass the enemy king with checks when it. at­ tempts to invade the white camp. 44 Wh2 Wg7 4 5 .l:i.d 3 gS 46 Wg3 'it>g6 47 'it>f3

hs 48 Wg3 h4+ 49 Wh2 l:ib1 so g3?

A fatal blunder, allowing Black to obtain a passed pawn. White should have been patient and played 50 .Ua3, getting ready to deliver side checks as soon as Black pushes his f- and g-pawns. Still, there is one posi­ tion that requires utmost attention from the defender:

The position remains drawn after 1 .Ua2+ or 1 .Ua1, but not after the attractive but careless 1 fra4? l:lh3+! ! 2 gxh3 g3+ 3 Wh1 g2+ 4 Wh2 g1 VIii mate. so ... .Ub2+! 51 wg1 hxg3 5 2 .Uxg3 fs

Now the passed f-pawn and the white king's bad position are decisive factors. 53 l:if3 .l:l.a2 54 �hl .l:l.a s !

77

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

Aiming to liberate the black king, whereas 54 . . . f4? is a tragic mistake in view of 55 h4! 'it>f5 56 hxg5 'it>xg5, with a draw (Philidor position) ! 5 5 'it>g2 'it>hs 56 .:c3 'it>h4 5 7 :c4+ f4 58 :c3

58 l::t c2 l:.a3! doesn't help.

vourable circumstances. 33 hs! l:ta s

The alternative 33 . . . h6 34 l:tc8+ 'it>f7 35 lH3+ 'it>e6 (or 35 . . . 'it>e7 36 l:tg8 'it>e6 37 :e8+) 36 :e8+ �d6 37 :d3+ �c7 38 :xd7+ �xd7 39 J:tg8 also leads to a White victory.

s s ... :a2+ o-1

34 h6! gxh6

White resigned in view of 59 'it>gl :e2 60 .l:l.b3 l:te3.

After 34 . . . g6 the white pawns on a6 and h6 would fix the black ones on a7 and h7, making the threatened l:!.b3-b8-h8 or :b3-b7 decisive. On the other hand, White has now added a passed £-pawn to his list of advan­ tages.

The presence of an additional pawn on the other flank changes the nature of this ending. The superior side can successfully fight for victory as the defending side faces additional problems.

35 :xh6 �g7 36 :c6 :fs

White to play 10. 2 A.Rubinstein-R.Spielmann Vie n na 1922

37 :ec 3 1

White i s winning. Apart from the extra pawn, his rooks are active and his king can assist the advance of his pawns. White's plan is to push the a-pawn all the way to a6, which will create the threat of exchang­ ing all the rooks with :b7, thereby forcing a winning pawn ending.

B y threatening t o exchange rooks, White forces the black pieces to occupy passive positions. 3 7 ...l:!.ff7 Black also loses after both 37 . . . 'it>g8 38 .Uc7 .l::t f£7 39 l:txd7 l:!.xd7 40 I!.b3!, followed by 41 l:!.b7, and 37 . . . l:!.d2 38 :c7+ �g6 39 .1::!. £3. 3 8 f4

It is now the turn of White's other pawns and king to enter the battle. Black is forced to await his fate passively.

29 a s ! l:tbs 30 h4 .l:l.bs 31 a6 :a s 32 'it>g2

3 8 ... J:!.fe7 39 �h3 l:.f7 40 :3c5 'it>fS 41 'it>h4

J:la2

'it>e7 42 .l:!.bs �fs 43 fs .l:!.fe7 44 g4 'it>f7 45

A better defensive try is 32 . . . g6, al­ though it will not change the result. White will prepare the advance h4-h5 under fa-

�hs :e1 46 �gs :ee7 47 :bs 1-o

78

Black resigned as the threats of 48 l:!.h6 and 48 l:!.h8 �g7 49 £6+ �xh8 50 l:!.c8+ are

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 3 Pa w n s vs . R o o k & 2 Pa w n s

conclusive. In my opinion, this i s a n excel­ lent example.

the black e-pawn ('it>e1-d1-cl-bl -b2 and so on) . If instead of his weak e-pawn, Black had an f-pawn then this position would be a draw. 32 .l:!.a s �e7

No major difference is 32 . . . '1t>f7 33 .l:!.a6! (but not 33 �xeS? .l:f.bl+). 3 3 'it>e2 'it>f7 3 4 �a 6 ! 'it>e8 3S 'it>e3 'it>d8

Black is unable to hold on to his pawn: 3S . . . 'it>f7 36 'it>e4 hS 37 h4 g6 38 g3 'it>g7 39 .l:!.aS 'it>f6 40 f3 �b7 41 .l:ta6+ is also an easy win for White. 36 'it>e4 'it>c8 3 7 l:!.a s

10. 3 E.Grivas-A.Daniilidis Athens 1984

White to play

27 e4!

Black is fine after both 27 'it>e2 �b8 28 e4 d4 29 l:!.xc4 �xb2+ 30 �d2 .l:!.xd2+ 31 'it>xd2 �f7 and 27 b3 cxb3 28 axb3 'it>f7 29 �a2 l:!.b8 30 Ild3 l:!.b6 31 �aS 'it>e6 32 'it>e2 e4, with equal chances. 27 ... dxe4 28 �xd 7 �xd7 29 l:!.xc4 �d2 30 l:!.xe4 �xb2 3 1 �a4 l:.b7

Black will not be saved in an ending such as that which arises after 3 l . . .'it>f7 32 l:!.xa7+ 'it>f6 33 a4. White will push his a­ pawn to a7 and then his king will pick up

White's position is won. First of all he will capture the black eS-pawn and then he will proceed in accordance with the stan­ dard plans (advance of the kingside pawns, advance of the a-pawn to a6, etc.) . Black is unable to respond though it must be men­ tioned that he didn't defend in the best possible way in the game, making it even easier for White. 37 ...'1t>b7 38 �xe s �c7 39 'it>d3 l:!.d7+ 40 'it>c3 'it>b6 41 f4 �c7+ 42 �b3 �d7 43 l:Ie2 .l:!.f7 44 g3 l:!.f6 4S 'it>c4 'it>c6 46 .l:!.e7 1-0

10.4 E.Grivas-H.Lehmann Ath e n s 1986

Black to play

(see following diagram) 79

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

Wxg4, he will not be saved after 60 . . .l:i:f2 61 'it>g3 l:i:d2 62 'it>f3 Wd6 63 'it>e3 .l:.h2 64 'lt>f4 Wc6 65 Wg3 l:tc2 66 Wf4 �b6 67 l:i:a8 �b5 68 �g5 .l:!.g2+ and wins. This is a typical line, showing the correct winning process. 5 8 .. .'�e 5 59 l:i:a4 Wd 5 60 g4 fxg4+ 6 1 Wg3

Or 61 �xg4 .lab4+ 62 �xb4 al�. 6 1 ...Wc5 6 2 .l:!.a8 �b4 6 3 'it>xg4 Wb3 64 Wg5 l:i:g2+ 6 5 'it>f6 l:i:g4 o-1

41 .Ub4! •..

Opting for the correct placement of the rook, at least until the black king enters the fray. 42 l:.d7+ 'lt>h6 43 l:.d2 'lt>g5 44 'lt>f2 h5 45 l:i:c2 h4

When there exists a passed pawn on the same flank, the defensive task becomes harder. There are many positions in which the material advantage can be successfully converted to victory. A standard procedure is the sacrifice of one pawn in order to al­ low the invasion of the king into the enemy camp, from where it will be able to attack the opponent's remaining pawns.

The standard advance of the rook pawn. 46 Wf3 l:i:a4 47 h3 .Ua3+ 48 Wf2 'lt>f4 49 l:i:c4+ 'lt>e5 50 .l:!.xh4

White is fully aware of the coming de­ feat, as the passive 50 l:i:c2 Wd4 51 We2 g5 is hopeless. Of course, the game continuation also fails to save him.

White to play 10. 5 M.Botvinnik-M.Najdorf Moscow 19 5 6

50 ... Ilxa 2+ 51 Wf3 a4 52 .l:!.h6 l:i: a 3 + 53 'it>f2 Wf6 54 l:i:h8 l:i:b3 55 h4 a3 56 .l:!.a8 .Ub2+ 5 7 Wf3 a 2

White has obtained a n optimal position and the win is near. The handling of the position by the ex-World Champion is in­ structive. 67 g 5 ! hxg5 68 l:i:d7+ 'it>f8 69 l:i:f7+ 'it>g8 10 5 8 g3

'it>g6 g4 7 1 h 6 !

Even if White exchanges one more pawn with 58 l:i:a5 We6 59 g4 fxg4+ 60

71 ... gxh6 7 2 e7 l:i:a8

80

71 l:i:xg7+ also wins.

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 3 P a w n s vs. R o o k & 2 Pa w n s

O r 7 2 . . . .l:i.a6+ 7 3 .Uf6 .l:i.a8 7 4 .l:i.d6.

3 9 .l:i.c6 Wf7 40 a3 1-0

7 3 llf6 1-0

Black is unable to meet the threatened 74 .l:i.d6 ! . The conversion o f the material advan­ tage is even easier when there are pawns on the other flank as well. The following example is instructive:

White to play 10.6 A.Rubinstein-E.Lasker St Pete rs b u rg 1909 Black resigned in view of 40 . . . �f8 (nei­ ther do 40 . . . .l:i.e7 41 .l:i.d6! .l:i.b7 42 .l:i.d7+! .l:i.xd7 43 e6+ �e7 44 exd7 Wxd7 45 Wg6 nor 40 . . . .l:.e7 41 e6+ �g8 42 Wg6 l:!.e8 43 e7! �h8 44 .l:i.d6 save Black) 41 �g6 l:!.b3 42 .l:.c8+ f8 �d4 65 l:!.xb6 'it>c3 Yz-Yz

Chapter E l even

I

Rook Endings: Rook & 4 Pawns vs . Rook & 3 Pawns on the same wing

This particular chapter deals with the rook ending with 4 vs. 3 pawns on the same flank, without any passed pawns. This end­ ing is usually drawn, but there are several positions that can be won. Theory and prac­ tice have proven that the most significant factors in this ending are the following: i. The placement of the £-pawn of the de­ fending side. Its best square is the initial one, whereas if the £-pawn is on the fourth rank, then the possibility of a loss increases. ii. The placement of the h-pawns. If the inferior side has placed his h-pawn on its fourth rank (e.g. if Black has played . . . hS), then the draw is within reach. If, however, the superior side succeeds in pushing his own h-pawn to the fifth rank, then the winning chances are very real. Assuming that the superior side is White, Black's op­ timal pawn configuration is £7, g6 and hS.

1 11 . 1 (see following diagram) This ending is difficult for White. Black will try to harass the £4-pawn with . . . h6 and ... gS, leaving White with two options:

i. He doesn't push his h-pawn to h4. This is the worst case as Black will continue with . . . h6 and . . . gS. White will either have to exchange on gS, giving Black a passed e­ pawn, or he will have to allow Black to ex­ change on £4. Both of White's recapturing options are then equally unpleasant, as a pawn recapture on £4 leaves him with two weak isolated pawns, while the king recap­ ture again allows Black a passed e-pawn. ii. White pushes his h-pawn to h4. This is better, although Black still has good win­ ning chances as White's pawn structure will prove very weak. Black's winning plans involve the . . . h6 and . . . gS advance, with the aforementioned consequences,

83

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

and the exploitation of White's structural weaknesses by means of a king invasion ( .. .'�f5-g4) . If Black can combine these plans he will achieve his aim. But what can the inferior side do? His main object should be the activity of his rook: attacking the enemy pawns so as not to let the opposition king penetrate into his camp and, at the same time, making it difficult for the opponent to achieve a passed e-pawn.

White to play 11. 3 E.Grivas-I.Pa padopoulos Ka l l ithea 2006

11. 2 White to play E.Grivas-T .Liverios G reek C h a m pi o n s h i p, H e ra k l io n 1983

Black has a n optimal defensive set-up. His position cannot be breached.

If Black's f-pawn was on f7, then the draw would be simple and easy, with the . . . h5 advance available. However, this posi­ tion is full of poison for him, so he must be very careful. White should opt for a the­ matic g3-g4 or e2-e4 advance, depending on Black's reactions, but there are also two important negatives to White's position: the active black rook and the presence of a white pawn on g3, which prevents the ma­ noeuvre �g3, with f3 and e4 to follow. 38 e3

�g3 �g7 5 6 e4 .l:.a1 5 7 e 5 J::!. a 3 + 5 8 �h4 .l::i.f3

White would prefer not to push his e­ pawn so early, but manoeuvring with 38 h3 h5! 39 h4 �f8 40 �e3 .l:.e4+ 41 �d3 .l:.a4 42 f3 l:ta1 43 'it>e3 l:ta4 44 .l::i. d4 .l::i. a2 doesn't help. White's problem is the activity of the black rook, whereas if this rook has been placed passively (let's say on the a7-square), then White could proceed with �f4, f3 and e4, achieving a won position.

59 �g5 .l:.e 3 ! Yz-Yz

3 S ... .l::i. b4 3 9 h3 h 5 !

A standard drawing position. White can make no progress, as 60 f5 gxf5 61 gxf5 .l::i.xe5! (an important drawing mechanism) 62 .l::i.xe5 f6+ 63 �f4 fxe5+ 64 �xeS �f7 leads to a drawn pawn ending.

A somewhat forced reaction. Black must exchange as many pawns as it is possible and his king must be liberated from the defence of his weak h-pawn.

3 8 �g2 �g7 3 9 �f3 :c2 40 J::!. a 6 .l:.b2 41 .l:.a4 .l::i. c 2 42 J::!. a 5 .l::i. b 2 43 g4 hxg4+ 44 hxg4 .l::i. c 2

Black simply waits for White to push, and thereby effectively exchange, his pawns. 45 �g3 .l:.b2 46 f4 .l:.b1 47 .l:.a 7 .l::i. g 1+ 48 'it>f3 .l:.f1+ 49 �g2 .l:.b1 50 �f2 .l:.b2+ 51 �g3 .l:.b1 5 2 Wh4 I:re1 5 3 .l:.e7 �f6 54 .l:.e8 .l:.h1+ 55

84

40 l::!. d 4

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 4 Pa w n s vs. R o o k & 3 P a w n s o n t h e S a m e Wing

White would feel happy if h e could emerge with a passed e-pawn, but this can­ not be achieved. After 40 h4 l:rb2! (and not 40 . . . �b6? 41 'it>f4 l:ra6 42 f3 .l:!.b6 43 e4 fxe4 44 fxe4 when White wins) 41 .l:!.d1 �f7 42 .l:!.e1 �f6 43 :i.e2 .l:!.b4, he cannot make any seri­ ous progress. 40 J�b2 41 g4 hxg4+ 42 hxg4 fxg4+ •.

Here comes the fist serious question: what happens if Black just stays put? Well, after 42 . . . �f7 43 g5 (there is no point in 43 �g3 .l:!.e2 44 .l:!.d3 Wf6 45 f3 Wg5 46 gxf5 gxf5 47 .l:!.a3 l::l.x e3) 43 . . . We6 44 .li!a4 Wf7 45 Wg3 .l:!.b7 (45 . . . .Ub3 46 �f4) 46 'it>f4 :i.c7 47 f3 .l:!.c5! (a forced continuation, preventing the im­ mediate penetration of the white king, whereas 47 . . . .l:!.b7? 48 �aS l:rb4+ 49 We5 lib3 50 l:!.a7+ �e8 51 Wf6 J::!. xe3 52 l:ta8+ �d7 53 Wxg6 l::l.xf3 54 �f7 loses) 48 .l:!.a7+ �g8 49 e4 fxe4 50 fxe4 �f8 and now: a) 51 e5 l:!.c4+ 52 Wf3 llcl ! (but not 52 . . . l:rc5? 53 �e4 when White wins after both 53 . . . :i.b5 54 �d4 �g8 55 Uc7 .Ua5 56 .l:!.c5 .Ua7 57 Wd5 l:!.a1 58 �d6 and 53 .. .lk4+ 54 ..t>d5 .l:tg4 55 e6) 53 We4 .l:!.g1 54 ..t>dS .l:txg5 55 Wd6 .l:!.g1 56 l:!.a8+ Wg7 57 e6 .Ud1+ 58 rJiJe7 g5! (and not 58 . . . .l:!.b1 ? 59 ..t>e8 g5 60 e7, winning) 59 ..t>e8 ..t>f6 60 e7 .l:.e1 61 .Ua6+ ..t>f5 is a draw. b) 51 l:td7 .l:!.a5 52 .l:!.d5 .l:!.a7 53 ..t>eS 'iite 7 54 .!:!.b5 .l:!.c7!

�d5 .Ud7+ or 55 .l:!.b6 .l:!.c5+. 43 .Uxg4 Wf7 44 .l:!.a4 'it>f6 45 'it>g3 .Ub3 46 �f4 .Ub2 47 .Ua6+ Wf7 48 f3 lib3 49 e4

White would be happy if he could place his king on the e5-square with his pawns on e4 and f4, as then he would get winning chances. However, this is only an illusion: 49 .l:!.d6 g5+! 50 ..t>e4 .Ub1 51 �f5 .Ug1 ! (Sl . . . .l:!.fl ? 52 l:rf6+ 'it>e7 53 Wxg5) 52 e4 .l:!.g3 53 .l:!.f6+ We7 54 �e5 .Uh3 55 .Uf5 .Ug3 and Black holds. 49 ... .l:!.c3 so .Ua7+ �e6 51 Wg4 .l:!.e3 52 .l:!.a6+ ..t>f7 5 3 llb6

Nothing can be achieved with 53 .l:!.a4, trying to achieve a position with f4 and Wg5, as again Black's active rook is on alert: 53 . . . .l:!.e1 ! 54 .l:!.a3 (or 54 f4 .l:!.g1+ 55 'it>f3 .Ufl+ 56 �e3 �e7 57 .Ua6 �f7 58 .Uc6 Wg7 59 .Uc7+ �f6 60 e5+ �e6 61 Ug7 .Ug1 and draws) 54 . . . �f6 55 �f4 g5+ 56 Wg3 .l:!.g1+ 57 �f2 l:.b1 58 l:.a6+ Wf7 with a draw. 53 ...l:!.e1 54 'it>gs .Ugl+ ss Wf4 .Ua1 5 6 .l::!. d 6 .l:!.a 3 5 7 e s

If White is not able to penetrate Black's camp via the kingside, then he needs the e5-square for his king. If he cannot reach that too, then at some point he must try the e4-e5 advance. S 7 ... .l:!.a1 58 .l:!.d 7+ We6 59 .Ud6+ Wf7 60 .Uf6+ Wg7 61 .l:!.c6 �f7 62 �g3 l:!.a s 63 'it>f4 ..Ua1 64 l:l.b6 ..Ua 2 6 5 �e3 .l:!.a4 6 6 f4 .l:!.a 3+ 6 7 We4 .U.a4+ 68 �f3 �a 1 !

and White cannot make any progress: 55 85

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

This is the right defence for Black, not allowing 'it>g4-g5-h6. If the white king was already on g4, then he would win with 69 �b7+ �e6 70 'it>g5 (see Chapter Nine).

black pawns. The continuation is important and instructive. 1 J:!.c6 'it>f8 2 l::tc 8+ �g7 3 .l:!.d8! J:!.f2

69 .Uf6+ 'it>g7 70 J:!.d6 �f7 7 1 �d7+ �f8 7 2

The desirable 3 . . . h6 actually loses to 4 gxh6+ 'it>xh6 5 l:!.d7 Wg7 6 e6.

l:!. c 7 J:!.a2 7 3 � e 3 l:i a 4 74 l:!. d 7 .1:1a 3 + 7 5 �e4

4 �d1!

.Ua4+ 7 6 l:!.d4 .l:!,a 5 77 l:!.d7 l:!.a4+ 7 8 �f3 J:!.a1!

The black rook must now forget about its eighth rank and allow the white king to come closer!

79 �c7 J:!.a 2 80 'it>g3 �a1 8 1 .l::. b 7 J:!.a2 8 2 l:!.d7 J:!.a1 8 3 'it>f3 �a 2 84 f5

Acquiescing to the draw as White has already tried every possible idea. The re­ maining moves were now easy for Black:

4 .:f3 5 We4! l:!.f2 6 'it>e3 �a2 7 f5 ! �g2 8 .•.

l:!.d7

An alternative win is 8 g6!

84 ...gxf5 85 Wf4 We8 86 �b7 l:ia 6 ! 8 7 'it>xf5 J:!.c6 88 e6 l::tc 1! Yz-Yz

Black defended in a model way for this kind of endgame. He kept his rook active and he did not fear any ghosts. Should White succeed in placing his pawn on h5, then Black faces considerable difficulties. In response to . . . g6, White will react with hxg6. Then Black can either re­ capture on g6 with his f�pawn, giving White a passed e-pawn, or with his king, leaving himself with two weak isolated pawns on the f- and h-files.

11. 4

White to play

8 ... hxg6 (or 8 .. .fxg6 9 f6+ �f7 10 l:!.d7+ 'it>e6 1 1 .l:!.e7+) 9 f6+ �h7 10 J:!.d7 Wg8 1 1 J:!.d8+ 'it>h7 12 e6. 8 .. J:txg 5

White wins too after 8 .. /�i'f8 9 f6 'it>e8 10 l:!.e7+ Wf8 1 1 l:.a7 We8 12 J:!.a8+ �d7 13 l:tf8. 9 'it>f4 l:.g1 10 e6 �f1+ 11 We5 �e1+ 12 'it>d6 h5

O r 12 . . . J:!.dl + 13 'it>c7. 13 J:!.xf7+ �g8 14 �e7

White wins.

White to play 11. 5 J.R.Capablanca-F.Yates H a sti ngs 1930 White has succeeded in implementing his initial plan with h5 and hxg6. As a re­ sult, he has created two weak and isolated 86

(see following diagram) A typical won position. Black has weak-

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 4 P a w n s v s . R o o k & 3 Pa w n s o n t h e S a m e W i n g

ened his pawn structure and is also unable to rid himself of his weak h-pawn (with the advance . . . h5) .

The great Jose Raul Capablanca displays a horrifying ignorance of this particular endgame. Correct was 63 .Mbl ! . 6 3 ....i:t.a 3 ?

Black misses the chance to continue with 63 . . . h5! 64 g5 h4!, with a draw. 64 .Mb7 'it>g8 65 l:!.b8+ 'it>g7 66 fs .Ma2+ 67 �e3 .l::!. a 3 + 6 8 'lt>e4 .:a4+ 69 'it>d s .:a s+ 10 'it>d6 l:!.a6+ 7 1 Wc7 h7 1 2 Wd7 l:!.a7+ 73 �d6 'g7

61 �b6?

Correct is (as has already been analysed) 61 .l::t d 6! . On the d-file the rook will also protect its king. 61 .l::t e 3 ? ..•

Black could have achieved a draw with 61 . . .l1a4! 62 �f3 (or 62 �g3 .l::t a3+ 63 �h4 .l::ta4 64 f5 .l:i.a5 65 e6 fxe6 66 fxe6 �f6) 62 . . . .l:i.a3+ 63 �e4 .l::t a4+ 64 'lt>f5 .l::t c4 65 .l::tb 7 �f8 66 .l::tb 3 (an important point is that 66 g5 hxg5 67 �xg5 f6+! draws! ) 66 . . . �g7 67 �e3 .l::tc 6! 68 �e4 �c4+ 69 �f3 .Uc6 70 f5 �f8 71 l1a3 l:!.cl 72 .l:!.a8+ �e7 73 f6+ �e6 74 .l:!.e8+ �d5 75 e6 l1c6 ! . It becomes clear that play­ ing the white king to f5 is not the correct winning plan. White must advance his pawns under favourable circumstances af­ ter first co-ordinating his king and rook. 62 k!b4?!

A second inaccuracy. The appropriate method was the restriction of the black rook with 62 .l::tb l ! . A possible continuation would then have been 62 . . . .l::te4 (or 62 . . . �e2+ 63 �f3 J::!.h2 64 f5 h5 65 .l:!.b7 hxg4+ 66 �g3 .l::th5 67 �xg4 .l:!.hl 68 e6 and wins) 63 �f3 .l:!.a4 64 .Mb8 ! .l:!.a3+ 65 'lt>g2 .Me3 66 l1e8! .Me2+ 67 'it>f3 .Mel 68 f5 .Mfl + 69 e2 .Mf4 70 �e3 .Mxg4 71 f6+ �h7 72 e6!, winning, 62 ... .Mc3 63 'f2 ?

74 .Md8!

White has (finally) brought about the desired position and the win is in sight. 74 ... .:as 75 f6+ Wh7 76 �f8

76 We7! .l::!. xe5+ 77 �xf7 .l::!. a5 78 �e8 is a more convincing win. 7 6 ... �a 7 77 �c6 ! Wg6 7 8 l:tg8+ Wh7 79 .l:!.g7+ ..t>h8 8o 'lt>b6 k!d7 81 �cs .l:!.c7+ 8 2 � d 6 .l::i. a 7 8 3 e6 .l:i. a 6 + 84 W e 7 .Mxe6+

Black loses too after both 84 . . . .l:!.a7+ 85 �f8 and 84 . . . fxe6 85 f7. 85 'it>xf7 .l:ie4 86 g S ! hxgs 87 �g6 1-0

Alternatively, Black can meet h4-h5 with the advance .. .£6, setting up the pawn con­ figuration f6, g7 and h6. In that case he greatly weakens his light squares and al­ lows White to obtain a passed e-pawn (by means of the advance f4 and e5) . White's winning chances remain considerable, but even here there also exist some drawn posi­ tions. 87

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

White to play 11.6 V.Korchnoi-V.Antoshin USSR C h a m pi o n s h i p, Ye reva n 19 5 5

(47 . . . g5? 48 �c3!, prepares �f3-f5), when White's winning chances are minimal. 42 .. J�a 3 ? 43 f3?

Black is doing his best to help and White had a last chance to obtain a theoretically won position with 43 �c8+ Wh7 44 e5! . 4 3 ... �a 5 4 4 .l:!.c8+?!

A better try is 44 Wg3 and .Uc8-d8, fol­ lowed by Wf4 or f4, when Black would have had to defend with accuracy. 44 ... Wh7 45 f4 �a 2 + 46 'it'f3 .Ua 3+ 47 Wf2 �a 2 + 48 We3 �a 3+ 49 Wd4

40 h 5 ?

White's desire to prevent Black from playing . . . h5 is natural, but 40 .l:.c5! and 41 h5 is a better way of implementing this idea. 40 ... �a 5 !

Forcing the advance g4, after which the white king will lack the space on the fourth rank necessary for manoeuvring.

49 ... �g3?

41 �c8+ 'it'h7 42 g4 g5! 43 hxg6+ 'it'xg6 44 f4 f6! would lead to a draw.

A tragic mistake. After 49 . . . �f3! 50 'it'e5 f6+ 51 Wf5 l:tfl Black would have achieved the theoretically drawn position that was mentioned in the notes to his 41st move.

41 .. Jila 7?!

50 .U.f8 ! f6

41 g4

Black could have achieved a draw with 41 . . .£6!, because White can make no pro­ gress as he cannot create a passed pawn. One possible line is 42 �c8+ Wf7 43 .Uc7+ 'it'g8 44 'it'f3 (or 44 f4 .Ua3) 44 . . . �a3+ 45 Wf4 �a2 46 'it>f5 Wh7 47 f4 I:tf2 ! . 42 �c6?!

White had to try 42 �c8+! Wh7 43 e5 when Black would have had to discover the following continuation: 43 . . . .l:!.e7 ! ! (White wins after 43 . . . �a4? with 44 'it'g3 .l:!.e4 45 �e8 g6 46 hxg6+ 'it'xg6 47 f3! ! �a4 - or 47 . . . .l::!. e 2 48 f4! - 48 �g8+ Wh7 49 .l:!.d8 .:a3 50 'it>f4) 44 £4 f6! 45 �c5 fxe5 46 fxe5 �f7! 47 'it'g3 g6! 88

50 . . . l:txg4 51 �xf7 Wg8 52 �f5 wins. 51 e 5 !

The passed e-pawn decides the game. 5 1 ... .Uxg4 5 2 e6 �xf4+ 53 Wd 5 �f5+ 54 'it'd6 �xh 5 55 e7 �e5 5 6 e8'i¥ .!:!.xeS 5 7 �xeS

The rook wins against the three pawns as they are not sufficiently advanced. 5 7 ...'it' g 6 5 8 Wd 5 Wf5 5 9 .l:!.e1

59 Wd4 Wf4 60 'it'd3 'it'f3 61 l:tg8 g5 62 �f8 also wins. 5 9 ... h5 6o �fl+ Wg4 61 'itoe4 g5 6 2 I:i.xf6 h4 6 3 'it>e3 'it>g3 64 we2 g4 6 5 'it'f1 W h 2 66 �f4 h 3 67 �xg4 Whl 68 'it'f2 h2 69 'it>g3 wg1 10 Wh3+ 1-o

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 4 P a w n s v s . R o o k & 3 Pa w n s o n t h e S a m e W i n g

White to play 11. 7 G.Haliama nis-E.Grivas Ath e n s 1985

As White cannot improve further his position without creating a passed pawn, he plays his last card. 47 ...d6! 48 dxc6+ xc6 49 .li!d4 �gs so �h4 �g6 s 1 I.!. h s .l:!g4+ 5 2 �b3 d6

It is obvious that Black has succeeded in bringing about a drawn position. 53 .li!cs .l:.h4 54 �c4 :t h s 55 a4 �d 7 56 .li!g4 �c6 57 c4 �c7 58 .l:.!.f4 l:lh1 59 bs axbs+ 60 cxbs �a1+ 61 �b4 �b1+ 62 �cs �c1+ 6 3 .li!c4 � b 1 64 c;;t> d s + d s 6 5 � c s � c 7 66 �ds+ �dB 6 7 b6 �h1 68 l:tc7 .:. h s + 69 �d6 l:th6+ 10 'it>cs .l:i.hs+ 1 1 �b4 .l:i.h4+ 7 2 'it>bs �hs+ 7 3 J:.cs l:txcs+!

Liquidating to a well-known drawn pawn ending. 74 �xes 'it>c8 75 �d6 �b8 7 6 c;£;>d7 �a8 77 a6 �b8! Yz-Yz

After a n excellent game o n White's part, Black sought salvation in the familiar rook ending. White should not, however, have consented as there is no way to force a win. 43 .l:.g7 .l:.f3

11.8 Black to play K.Hara ndi-R.Vaganian Rio d e J a n e i ro l nterzo n a l 1979

43 .. :�b8 44 Wc5 Wa7! 45 c4 �c3! (but not 45 . . . �f3?? 46 d5! ) would also have drawn. 44 �g2

The result would remain the same after 44 �c5 �xc3+ 45 �b6 �c4! 46 �c7+ �d8 47 �xb7 �xb4+ 48 �xa6 �xd4 49 �b6 �b4+ 50 �a7 c5. 44

•••

c7 45 bi.d2 l::!. h 3 46 l:td3 .l:.!.hs

Black has reached the standard winning position, having achieved all his aims (ac­ tive king and rook, pawn on h4 and passive white pieces) . 4s ... g s ! 46 �b2

47 ds

If the white rook was on b6, White would now be able to reach a theoretical draw with 46 h3! . However, if here 46 h3 then after 46 . . . l:!.a4 47 .:.b2 �f4! Black will 89

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

soon reach a theoretically won position by means of the pawn advances . . . £5 and . . . e4. Neither would 46 g4+ hxg3+ 47 hxg3 g4 have helped as Black obtains a passed e­ pawn which, in conjunction with his more active pieces, is sufficient for victory. 46 ... g4

structure i s a clear disadvantage. As White has already succeeded in placing his h­ pawn on h5, everything seems to be on his side. However, in reality this is an easier structure for Black to defend ! White cannot attack any of Black's pawns, or create a passed pawn, and so a draw is in sight.

By threatening to break up White's pawn formation with 47 . . . h3!, Black forces White to allow him a passed e-pawn. 47 fxg4+ �xg4 48 l:ib6 l:ia2+ 49 �gl fs so .l:.g6+ �f4! 5 1 .l:.h6

37 e4 �g7 38 �g4 .l:!.c3 39 .l::!. b 6 .l:.c4 40 f3 .l:lcs 41 f4 .l:.c4 42 �fs .J:.cs+ 43 e s

What else? If the £7-pawn was on g7, then White would have any reason to smile, but that is not the situation. 51 ...�e3 !

43 .. .fxe s 44 fxes .l:!.c1

The active black king, i n co-operation with the passed e-pawn, guarantees Black victory. The way in which the win is achieved is instructive.

The right reaction, intending to start checking with the rook. �f4 .l:.f1+ 49 �g3 .l:.gl+ so �f3 .l:.fl+ 5 1 �e4

5 2 h3 e4 53 .l:!.xh4 f4 54 l:.h8 .l:.al+ 55 �h2

Yz-Yz

45 .l:.b7 .l:.fl+ 46 �e4 �f8 47 g4 .l:.el+ 48

�f2 ! S 6 .l:.f8 f3 5 7 h4

Or 57 gxf3 e3! . 5 7 ....l:.g1! 5 8 gxf3 l::!: g 2+ 59 �hl

Also hopeless is 59 �h3 .l:1g3+ 60 'it>h2 e3 61 l:.e8 �xf3.

11. 10 P .Pandavos-E.Grivas Ath e n s (ra pid) 1996

Black to play

59 ... e3 60 .l:.e8 .l:!.g3 61 �h2 l:!.xf3 0-1

1 1. 9 T .Markowski-Z.Izoria Ve n a co (ra pid) 2005

White to play

This is a very interesting position. At first sight it seems that Black's unhealthy 90

Material is equal and the position may be illusory to some readers. The white b­ pawn is passed, but its advance is not an easy task. On the other hand, the doubled black £-pawns will prove very strong, as they will help the e-pawn to become passed, while the black rook can switch to the g-file. Strange as it may seem, Black

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 4 P a w n s v s . R o o k & 3 Pa w n s o n t h e S a m e W i n g

enjoys a clear advantage a s his pawns can co-operate harmoniously with his pieces.

O r 6 0 �b4 .l:.c2 61 .l:.g8 'it>d4 and Black wins. 6o ... .l:!.g7 61 I:te8+ �d4 6 2 �d8+ 'it>c5 63 .Uc8+ �d6 64 �c3 I:txg2 6 5 Wd4 e3 66 l:tf8 e2 67 l:!.e8 f3 68 'it>d3 l:tg1 69 �d2 l:!.d1+ 70 �c2 e1'i' 71 I:txe1 J:!.xe1 0-1

11.11 E.Grivas-N.Ska l kotas Ath e n s 2001

Black to play

55 ... f5! 56 .l:.dS e4 57 fxe4?

After 57 �c3 l:tc7+! 58 'i¥i>d4 (or 58 'lt>d2 I:tg7!, but not 58 . . . l:!d7+? with a drawn pawn ending - this motif is also encoun­ tered in other variations: 59 .l:!.xd7 'i¥i>xd7 60 'i¥i>c3 'lt>e6 61 'lt>d4 e3 62 'lt>d3 'i¥i>d5 63 'i¥i>c3 Wc5 64 Wd3 Wb4 65 'lt>c2) 58 . . . e3 59 'lt>d3 (or 59 I:te8+ Wf7! 60 :e5 Wf6 61 I:te8 I:tg7) 59 .. J:tg7 Black will win. The right reaction was 57 .li!.h8!, although after 57 . . . e3 58 'lt>c3 l:td7! Black retains his advantage. 57 ... fxe4 58 �f8 'lt>e5 59 'i¥i>c3

An original 4 vs. 3 rook ending. White's doubled pawns constitute a type of weak­ ness, but they also might help create a passed pawn more easily. 36

•..

l:!b4 37 l:!e7 Wg6 38 'lt>f3 l:!b3+ 3 9 e3

White is forced to return the extra mate­ rial, as there is no other way to make pro­ gress, but in return he will obtain a pro­ tected passed pawn. 3 9 .. J�b2 40 h4! .l:.h2 41 f5+ �h6 42 e 5 !

4 2 Wg3 I:te2 does not improve White's position. 42 ...�h3+!

Both alternatives 42 . . .fxe5? 43 Wg3! I:te2 44 .Uxe5 and 42 . . . �xh4? 43 e6 are clearly mistaken. 59 l::!. c 7+!

43 �g2 I:txh4

A strong move, giving the black king the necessary manoeuvring space. White cannot now save himself.

The careless 43 .. Jhe3?? 44 exf6! loses immediately.

.•.

44 e6

60 'it>d2

91

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

(and not 5 5 Wxg4? l:!.xe4+ 5 6 Wf3 .l:th4 57 �g3 l:!.h5! 58 �g4 l:!.g5+ with a draw) 55 . . . Wh6 56 .Uhl Wh5 (or 56 . . . 'it>h7 57 Wxg4 l:!.xe4+ 58 �f3 .l::!.e 5 59 .l:txh3+ Wg7 60 Wf4 .l:te 1 61 .l:tg3+ �f8 62 '!:.g6 and wins) 57 .l::!. g l h2 58 .l::!.h l g3 59 Wxg3 J::t xe4 60 Wf3 .Ua4 61 .l::!. xh2+ Wg5 62 l:!.e2 J:.a8 63 We4.

44 .l::t e 4? ••

A serious error, whereas 44 . . . g6! would have drawn. 45 �f3 .l::i. e s 46 e4 h4

46 . . . g6 is only seemingly strong: 47 l:!.f7! gxf5 48 .!:txf6+ �g7 49 J:H7+ �g8 50 exf5 and White wins. 47 l:te8 �h7 48 �d8! g6

Black has run out of useful moves. His rook is forced to remain passive on e5, while both 48 . . . �h6 49 .Ud5 and 48 . . . h3 49 .Ud2! are equally undesirable. 49 �f4

The alternative is 49 .l::i. d 5! ? �g7 50 .l::i.xe5 fxe5 51 e7 �f7 52 f6 g5 53 �g4 �e8 54 �f5 Wf7 55 Wxe5 h3 56 Wd6 h2 57 Wd7 hl 'iiV 58 e8'i!V+ �xf6 59 e5+ Wg7 60 'i!Ve7+ Wg6 61 'i'f6+ 'it>h7 62 e6 and White has fair chances to win this difficult queen ending. 49 ... � g7 so .l:td7+ � g8 51 '!:.c7 h3 5 2 .U c2

When the pawn structure of the inferior side contains additional weaknesses, then the victory is naturally easier to achieve, although some hard work is still required!

11.12 V.Korchnoi-M.Tal W ij k a a n Zee 1968

Black to play

Wg7

Or 52 . . . gxf5 53 exf5 Wf8 54 l::!,h2 l:tel 55 l:!.xh3 and wins. 53 l:!.h2 gS+ 54 Wf3 .:.a s 1-o

(see following diagram) Black resigned. The game might contin­ ued with 55 l:txh3 l:tal 56 .Ug3 l:l.bl 57 We2 .:!.b2+ 58 Wdl l:!.b4 59 :!:!.e3 �b2 60 l:!.d3 and White is winning. The alternative was 54 . . . g4+, but this fails to save Black: 55 Wf4! 92

Apart from his material disadvantage, Black has weak pawns on f6 and h7. It is therefore logical that White can win.

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 4 Pa w n s vs. R o o k & 3 Pa w n s o n t h e S a m e Wing

46 .l:!.b7

47 Wg7?!

Black had some (equally insufficient) al­ ternatives: 46 . . . h6 47 .l:!.g4+! 'lt>f7 48 l:!.g6; 46 . . . .l:!.b2 47 .l:!.a8+ 'lt>g7 48 �a7+ 'lt>g8 (or 48 . . . Wh6 49 g4 l:tb1 50 .l:!.f7 .l:!.b6 51 'lt>e4 'lt>g5 52 .l:!.xh7 'lt>xg4 53 .l:i.g7+ Wxh5 54 'lt>f5 and wins) 49 h6 l!b6 50 We4 .l:!.b4+ (50 . . . .l:!.b2 51 Z!g7+ Wh8 52 l!f7) 51 Wf5 .l:!.b2 52 f4 exf4 53 gxf4 .l:.b6 54 l:!g7+ Wh8 55 .l:!.f7; and 46 . . . f5 47 .l:!.a5 .l:!.e8 48 e4! .

Black should have set more problems with the active 47 .. J:tb2 ! . White can win with 48 f3 l:tb3 49 h6!, but the best approach is to repeat the position with 48 Wf3 ! .

..•

..•

48 .l:!.a 2 !

Not the only way for White t o win, but the most certain, as his king is now freed from its duty of protecting the pawns. 48 ... 'lt>h6 49 'it>fs l:!.bG 47 Wg4?!

An inaccuracy. Instead 47 We4! is quite strong: 47 . . . .l:.b2 48 f3 Wg7 (the alternatives are no better: 48 . . . Wf7 49 Wf5 �g7 50 h6+ Wxh6 51 Wxf6 .l:!.b6+ 52 Wxe5; 48 . . . lib3 49 h6 Wf7 50 Wf5 .l:!.xe3 51 .l:!.a7+ We8 52 We6 Wd8 53 .l:!.xh7; and 48 . . . h6 49 Wf5) 49 l:ta7+ Wh6 50 g4 lib3 51 .l:!.f7 �g5 52 .Uxh7 .:b4+ 53 'lt>d5 leads to a simple victory for White.

The result would not change after 49 . . . Wxh5 50 f4 'lt>h6 51 'lt>xf6. so e4 .l:!.c6

Or if instead 50 . . .'lt>xh5 51 f4 Wh6 52 l:ia7 .l:ib3 (52 . . . .Ub4 53 .l:!.f7) 53 Wxf6 with an easy win. 5 1 f4 exf4 5 2 gxf4 J:.cs+ 53 Wxf6 �xh s 54 e s 'lt>g4 ss fs hs 5 6 l:.a4+ Wg3 57 e6 h4 ss e7 .Uc8 59 Wf7 1-0

93

Chapter Twelve

I

Rook Endings: Rook & 5 Pawns vs . Rook & 4 Pawns

It is logical that the greater the number of pawns on the board, the greater the win­ ning chances for the superior side. The rook ending with 5 vs. 4 pawns can be split in two main categories.

base o f the kingside (g3). First, White must create a passed pawn on the queenside.

Pawns on Both Flan ks

3 9 .l:.d4+ Wf3 40 l:td 3+ We4

12.1 E.G rivas-A.Mihailidis Ath e n s 2004

3 8 b4 �e4

White's plan is not affected by the alter­ native 38 . . . l:tc7+ 39 'i¥tb3 'i¥tg4 40 l:td3 l:tcl 41 b5.

White to play

41 .l:!.b3

White's decision to enter this ending was fully justified. He is a healthy pawn up and Black has quite limited counterplay since the white rook can easily protect the

94

Rooks belong behind passed pawns! White's rook is excellently placed on b3, guarding his g3-pawn base, while at the same moment helping his queenside pawns to advance. 41 a6 42 'i¥tcs 42 a4?? l:tc7 mate is what can happen when everything seems under control! ...

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 5 Pa w n s vs. R o o k & 4 Pa w n s

4 2. . .l:tb5+ 4 3 �c6 �d4 4 4 a4 .Uf5 4 5 b5 �c4 46 .Ub1 1-0

then advance his queenside pawns and improve the placement of his king. At a given moment he will give up one of his kingside pawns to win the black a-pawn. After the completion of this plan, White will have obtained two connected passed pawns on the queenside, which will prove too strong for the black army. Black will correspond­ ingly have a 3 vs. 2 kingside majority, which should prove harmless. 30 ... .Ua6

Black resigned due to the variation 46 . . . axb5 47 axb5 l:.c5+ 48 Wb6 (48 �d6 .Uxb5 49 l:.xb5 �xb5 50 We7 f5 51 Wf6 is equally good) 48 . . . .Ud5 49 l:.cl+ Wb4 50 Wc6 .Ud8 51 Wc7.

12.2 E.Grivas-Z.Cheng Kava l a 1984

Black to play

A characteristic rook ending in which Black must make a crucial decision regard­ ing the exchange of a pair of rooks. After 30 . . . l:!.xc5 31 l:!.xc5 �e2, White will not con­ tinue with 32 .l:i.a5? l:i.xb2 33 .Uxa7 h5! as Black would then be almost certain of a draw, but with the strong 32 .l::!.b5! . He will

Black decides to retain all rooks. This decision has both positive and negative factors. Now the side that succeeds in acti­ vating his rooks to the maximum will pre­ vail. 31 a3 liab6 32 b4 .Ua6 33 .U1c3 .Ue2 3 4 .Uc6! l:.a4

Black decided that after 34 . . ..Uxc6 35 .Uxc6 l:.e7 36 b5 he would have no chances of survival as he would be completely lack­ ing any counterplay. On the other hand, the rook hardly looks attractive on a4. 35 .Uf3 ! .Ue7

Compulsory, as the pseudo-active 35 . . . .Ua2? 36 .Uc8+ Wh7 37 .Uxf7 .U2xa3 38 .Ucc7 would have given White victory.

36 g4!

Gaining space and preparing the ad­ vance of the white kingside pawns. 3 6 ...f6?!

This weakens the light squares around 95

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s ics

Black's king. It was preferable to wait with 36 . . . g6. It must be noted too that Black can­ not play 36 . . . aS? because of 37 l:!.a6 ! . 3 7 h4! l:!. e s 3 8 h s

New targets have been created, such as the g7-pawn, and even mating threats on the back rank. 38 ... l::te 7 39 !i.d3 'M7 40 'iii> g 3 l:!.e6

Black no longer has any useful moves and succumbs to the exchange of a pair of rooks in order to activate his a4-rook. 41 Ii.c7+ lle7 42 :!.xe7+ 'it>xe7 43 'iii>f4 'it>e6 44 l:!.e3 + 'M7 45 'it>fs lla6 46 .l::. c 3 'it>g8 2 7 a4?!

Theoretically preferable is 27 fS! h4! 28 g4! l:!.b1 + 29 'iii> f2 l:!.h1 30 'it>g2 l:!.e1 31 .l:i.e7 .l:ta1 ! 32 �h3 l:!.xa2 33 'it>xh4! d4 34 h3 and, despite White's reasonable practical chances, a draw is the most likely result. 21

.•.

l:!.a2?

A serious mistake, giving White the nec­ essary tempo to win. Instead 27 . . . g6! was the only move: 28 aS !i.a2 29 a6 'it>g7 30 l:!.a8 'iii>f6 31 a7 (or 31 h3 'iii>fS 32 e3 'it>e4!) 3 1 . . .'iii>fS 32 h3 h4! (otherwise White wins after 33 e3) 33 gxh4 Wxf4 34 'iii>d 1 'iii>fS! 3S Wcl 'iii>f6 36 'iii>b 1 l:!.aS 37 Wb2 'it>g7, with a draw.

47 'it>g6! fS+

The only move, in view of the threat­ ened 48 .l:!.c8 mate.

28 fS !

48 'it>xfs l::tf6+ 49 'it>es I;Ixf2 s o !i.c7 l:!.g2 51 'iii>f4 as 52 bxa s l:!.a2 53 a6 l:!.xa 3 54 a7 1-o

After S4 . . .'it>h7, White simply transfers his king to b8 and promotes his pawn. An interesting case arises when there is a passed pawn on the other flank, but the rook is bad. Then, usually, the superior side finds it difficult to make satisfactory pro­ gress, as he violates the important rule of the active rook!

12 .3 V.Kramnik-J.Timman W ij k aan Zee 1999

96

White to play

An important move, bringing White vic­ tory. 2 8 l:!.a1+ •.•

As 28 . . . f6 (or 28 . . . h4? ! 29 gxh4! ) 29 aS

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 5 Pa w n s vs . R o o k & 4 Pa w n s

�h7 3 0 a 6 �h6 31 h4 g 6 3 2 fxg6 �xg6 33

3 6 ... �7 ?!

l:la8 �g7 34 a7! loses in straightforward fashion, Black tries to complicate matters. 29 cJi>f2?!

Black is lost, but he could have made White's task harder with 36... �g7!. White wins as follows: 37 a7 �h7 38 �fS �g7 39

White, fearing loss of material, makes

�f4 cJi>h7 40 g4! li!a4! (a weaker defence is

his task harder. 29 �d2! l:lfl 30 aS l:lxfS 31

40... hxg4? 41 cJi>xg4, followed by h5-h6) 41

l:.d7! �f6 (or 3l...d4 32 a6 :laS 33 a7 �h7 34

gS! (and not 41 gxhS? d3+! 42 e4 d2 43 .l:!.d8

l:lxf7) 32 l:txdS g6 33 l:ld3! l:la6 34 l1a3

l:!.xa7 44 J:!.xd2 l:lal ! 45 �fS li!fl + 46 �e6 I!.f4

would have led to a known won position.

with a draw) 4l...d3+ 42 e4 d2 43 li!d8 fxg5+

29 ... d4 30 a s f6 31 �f3 1

44 �xgS! (precise once more, unlike 44

Accurate. Black would manage to save

hxg5? li!xa7 45 l:lxd2 li!f7+ 46 �eS �g6)

himself after 31 a6? :laS! or 31 h3? cJi>h7 32

44 ... l:.xa7 45 li!xd2 �g7 (or 45... li!a5+ 46 J:!.dS

a6 :laS 33 g4 hxg4 34 hxg4 �h6 35 l:la8

li!a4 47 li!d7+ and White wins) 46 �xhS li!e7

�g5!.

47 I!.e2 li!eS+ 48 �g4 �f6 49 cJi>f4 J:!.hS 50 e5+

3 1 �h7

�e6 51 �g4! li!h8 52 hS !.

..•

There is no hope in 3l...li!a3+ 32 �e4

3 7 a 7 �g7 3 8 cJi>fs

l:le3+ 33 �xd4 li!xe2 34 a6 li!xh2 35 li!c7 li!a2

Black has ended up in zugzwang and is

36 a7 �h7 37 �cS �h6 38 �b6 �gS 39

forced to allow the penetration of White's

li!xg7+ �xfS 40 �b7 .l:!.b2+ 41 �c8 na2 42

king.

�b8 l:!.b2+ 43 li!b7 l1a2 44 li!b4!.

38

3 2 a6 �h6 33 h4 g6 3 4 fxg6 �xg6 35 li!a8 .l::t a 2 A n interesting but not wholly sufficient possibility was 35... �f5 ! ? 36 �f2! (36 a7?

.•.

li!a 5+ 39 �e4 l:la4 40 �d s li!a1

The

black

d-pawn

is

lost

as

after

40 ... �h7 41 cJi>cS, threatening 42 cJi>b6, the rook is forced to abandon the fourth rank. 41 �xd4 1-0

l:!.a2 ! ) 36... l:.a2 37 �el �g4 38 a7 �h3 39

White will continue with e4 and �c5-b6,

�dl fS 40 �cl �g2 41 �bl l:.a4 42 �b2 cJi>f2

with an easy win. One possible continua­

43 �b3 li!al 44 �c4 li!a4+ 45 �c5 �el 46

tion: 41...l:.a4+ 42 �c5 li!a2 43 e4 l:.al 44 �b6

�b6 �xe2 47 �bS! li!xa7 48 l:lxa7 d3 49 li!e7+

li!bl + 45 �c6 li!cl+ (or 45 ... J:!.al 46 li!d8 l:!.xa7

�f3 50 �c4 d2 51 l:ld7 �e2 52 �c3 dl'it' 53

47 li!d7+ I!.xd7 48 cJi>xd7 fS 49 e5! ) 46 �d6

.l:!.xdl �xdl 54 �d3 �el 55 �e3 �fl 56 �f4

li!dl+ 47 cJi>e6 li!al 48 nd8! li!a6+ 49 l:!.d6

�f2 57 �xfS �xg3 58 �gS, winning.

li!xa7 50 li!d7+ li!xd7 51 �xd7 fS 52 eS!. A

3 6 �f4

very interesting and fascinating ending, in which the various mistakes made by both sides helped us to gain a deep insight into the possibilities of such endings.

1 2 .4 E.Grivas-H.Odeev E l i sta Olym piad 1998

White to play

White's material advantage is signifi­ cant. His pawn structure is better, while Black's passed pawn cannot become dan­ gerous. Still, there is a long road to victory.

97

P r a c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s ics

not continue as in the game, but waits with 5 l . . .b2 52 h4! Wf7 53 g5!, White will obtain two connected passed pawns (d- and e-). 5 1 ... h6 5 2 h4 b2?!

Black had to try 52 ... g5+ 53 hxg5 hxg5+ 54 Wf5 llfl 55 .Uxb3 .Uxf2+ 56 Wg6 .l:.f4, al­ though White is still winning: 57 .l:.b7+ �d8 58 .l::!.b4 We7 59 .l::!. a4 Wd8 60 �f7 �d7 61 .l::!. a7+ Wd8 62 e5! fxe5+ 63 �e6. 53 h s ! gxh s 54 gxh s .l::!. h 1

Black succumbs to his fate, a s he cannot do anything to alter it! Waiting with 54 . . . Wf7 55 Wf5 �e7 56 f4 changes nothing. 3 7 �d2 �f8 3 8 �c3 �e7 3 9 �a 1 !

55 .l::!. b 7+ We8 56 .l::!.x b2 .l::!. x hs 57 llb7 £:tes ss

Activating the rook, as the black b-pawn has been immobilized by the white king.

We3 .U h s 59 .l:th7 .ll h 1 Go '>t>f4 .l:t h s 6 1 f3 wts

39 J:tc8+ 40 �d3 b4 41 �a7+ �e6 42 .l::!. a 6+ •.

62 d6 �e8 6 3 d7+ �d8 64 .l::!.f7 .l:th1

64 . . . Wc7 65 Wg4 .l:tg5+ 66 �h4, winning.

�e1 43 .l::!. b 6 :tc3+ 44 '>t>d 2 �b3 4 5 e4!

65 '>t>ts 1-o

White's rook has been activated, so now it's the turn of his pawns.

Pawns on the Sa me Flan k

4S ... £lb1 46 d S b3 47 �c3 �C1+ 48 �d4 .l::!.d 1+ 49 �e3 :b1 so '>t>f4

Completing the activation of the white army, the members of which co-operate very harmoniously. White's king is threat­ ening to penetrate Black's camp and thus Black is compelled to weaken his structure.

12. 5 Black to play T.Shumiakina-E.G rivas Ca p pe l l e Ia G ra n d e 1995

so ...f6

50 . . . llb2 51 Wf3 f6 52 h4 h6 53 g3 �f7 54 �e3 We7 55 f3 does not change much.

5 1 g4!

A classic breakthrough. If Black does 98

I f White had her e-pawn o n e 2 instead of d3, Black would have transpose at some point to a 4 vs. 3 ending with a passed d­ pawn (see Chapter Sixteen). Now Black is unable to obtain a passed pawn, but he can instead attack the weak white d-pawn. 31 ... .l:.c2 32 '>t>e1 �g7 33 h4 '>t>f6 3 4 .l:tbs h s

R o o k E n d i n g s : R o o k & 5 Pa w n s v s . R o o k & 4 P a w n s

37 hxgs+ �xgs 3 8 �e2 lie S+ 3 9 �d2 lifs

This rook ending is drawn as White cannot exploit his passed pawn. Naturally, the material balance means that there isn't a 5 vs. 4 ending to be examined, but this ex­ ample is an important illustration of the possibility of defeat ( ! ) which can exist in a seemingly harmless rook ending.

40 �e3 l:tes+ 41 �d2 �e6 42 �b4 fs 43 lia4

3 8 e4?!

�f6 44 �e3 l:.f8 45 l:!.a 7 �f6 46 llb7 l:Ig8 47

Dangerous as it will help Black obtain active play. Waiting with 38 e3 was more normal.

3 5 �a s �cs 3 6 J::t a 4 g s

Black wishes to cross over t o d 4 with his king and attack the d-pawn. However, the absence of his king from the kingside will leave his pawns there exposed and so he decides to first exchange them.

J::l. b4 �g4 48 .l:i.b8 h4 49 gxh4 .l:!xh4

The g- and h-pawns have been ex­ changed, leaving White with zero potential counterplay. so �f8+ �es 5 1 llf7 e6 52 lle7 .l:.a4 53 l:!.h7

38 ...�f6 39 �a s h S 40 h4 �a 3 41 �f1 �a2 42 �e1?

A serious mistake. 42 �g2 is fine.

f4+ 54 �f3 �ds s s llh6 e s 5 6 �e2 J::!. a 2+! 57

42 ... e s !

�e1 5 7 ... .l:!a6 5 8 �f6 �d4 59 �d2 .l::t a 2+ 60 �e1

This is Black's idea. H e will proceed with the . . . f5 break, obtaining a passed d­ pawn and an active king.

ds 61 .t:!.d6 .t:l.a3 6 2 �e2 .t:!.xd 3

43 �a8 �e6 44 as fs 45 exfs+

Black could also win with the alterna­ tive 62 . . . f3+ 63 �xf3 �xd3+ 64 �e2 e4, but the pawn ending he opts for is good enough.

Compulsory as 45 f3 fxe4 46 fxe4 l:!.a4! 47 a6 �xe4+ 48 �fl kla4 49 a7 �d5 wins for Black. The significance of the white king's misplacement is evident in this line.

63 �xd s+ �xd s 64 �xd 3 e4+ 65 �c3

4S ...gxfs 46 a6 �ds 47 a7 �e4 48 l:i.d8

We've reached example 2.4, seen in Chapter Two, in which Black won without difficulty.

White had no other useful move. Both 48 �fl �f3! and 48 f4 �e3! 49 �dl e4 were even worse.

Forced, in view of 57 �f3? �d2.

48 ...�xa 7 49 :xd6 �f3 ! so .l:tf6

1 2 .6 A.Vu i-E.Grivas Ath e n s 1999

White to play

White must harass the black pawns as passivity would lead to a quick defeat. so ... :a1+ 51 �d2 .l::!. a 2 + 52 �e1 f4! 53 gxf4 exf4?!

This doesn't spoil things, but 53 ... e4! 54 f5 .l::!.e 2+ 55 �dl �xf2 56 l:te6 e3 57 f6 �d2+ 58 �cl �d7! would have won quickly. 54 l::!.fs l:!.e2+ 55 �d1 �xf2 56 l:.xh s l::!. h 2 5 7 � h 8 � e 3 5 8 h s f 3 5 9 �e8+ �f2 G o � h 8 �f1?

Incomprehensible: Black loses a valu­ able tempo, allowing White to survive. In­ stead 60 . . . �gl ! 61 h6 f2 62 l:.g8+ �g2 really wasn't that hard to find! 61 h6 f2 62 h7 J:i.h6 6 3 �d2 .l::!. d 6+ 64 �c2 J:i.d7 65 �C3 .Ug7 66 �d2 l:tf7 6 7 �C2 �d7 68 �c3 .l:!.a 7 69 '>t>d 2 :e7 70 '>t>d 1 �g7 7 1 '>t>d 2 :l:.f7 Yz-Yz

99

Chapter Thirteen

I

Rook Endings: Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed a-pawn vs . Rook & 3 Pawns

Rook endings with three pawns on the same flank for each side and one extra passed a-pawn for one of the players are often encountered in practice. There are many possible cases, but certain rules can be formulated to help us understand this ending's finer points. The evaluation of the position (won or drawn) depends first of all on the placement of the rooks and then on that of the pawns. The initial categorization will be made on the basis of where the respective rooks are placed.

An Active Rook (behind the pawn) of the su perior side White to play 13.1 A.Aiekhine-J.R.Capablanca World C h a m pio n s h i p (G a m e 34}, B u e n o s Ai res 192 7 When the rook o f the superior side is behind its passed pawn, the position is usually won. The winning method for White can be described via the following mini-plans, which constitute the correct way to achieve victory:

100

i . White will centralize his king, threat­ ening to transfer it to the queenside and then advance the a-pawn in co-operation with the rook. ii. The black king will have to prevent the above-mentioned plan by hurrying over to the queenside itself. This will, however, allow the white king to penetrate on the kingside. iii. At the appropriate moment, the white rook will abandon the a-pawn and will move towards the kingside. The co­ operating duo of king and rook will ensure material gain on the kingside in exchange for the loss of the a-pawn. From that point on, the win will be simple.

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 P a w n s w i t h a p a s s e d a-p a w n vs .

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

55 Wf3 We5 56 '1t>e3 h 5

�f5 74 �a4 'it>bs 7 51le4! 'it>a6

This weakens the black kingside, but i t cannot really called a mistake a s the alter­ native 56 . . . Wd5 also loses: 57 hS gS (or

Or 75 ... 'it>xa5 76lieS+. 76 'it>h6! .l::!.xa 5 77 .U.e s .l:.a1 78 �xh 5 .l::!.g 1 79 �g 5 .l::!. h 1 so I:.f5 'it>b6 81 l:!xf7 'it>c6 82 l:le7

57 . . . gxh5 58 .l::th4) 58 g4 WcS 59 We4.

1·0

57 Wd 3 'it>d s 58 'it>c3 'it>cs 59 .l::.a 2 ! Wb5

The black rook cannot move as that would allow the further advance of the a­ pawn, but the black king is at a loss for a good move and is forced to surrender space

A Passive Rook (in front of the pawn) of the superior side This is a much more difficult category, as there are many sub-cases. In general this

to its counterpart.

ending is considered drawn, but great care

6o'�t>b 3 ! ? '1t>c5

is required by the defending side. It will usually conclude in an ending of rook vs.

White's last aimed to provoke 60 ... �xa5 61 .l::txaS+ WxaS, after which 62 Wc4 Wb6 63 'it>dS Wc7 64 We5 'it>d7 65 'it>f6 We8 66 f4 leads to an easy win. 61 Wc3 Wb5 62 Wd4 .l::td 6+ 63 We5 .l::te 6+ 64 Wf4 Wa6 65 W g 5 .l::!.e 5+ 66 'it>h6 .l::tf 5

pawn(s), as the superior side succeeds in winning the enemy rook, but at the cost of at least one pawn on the kingside. Some basic guidelines are as follows (referring to Black as the inferior side): i. The inferior side must seek to create weaknesses in the opponent's pawn struc­ ture, so as to create counterplay by attack­ ing them or creating a passed pawn. ii. The inferior side, if he cannot follow the above guideline, must keep his pawn structure healthy (pawns on f7, g6, hS) . iii. The inferior side's rook must be permanently aimed at the pawn it will cap­ ture as soon as the enemy king abandons the kingside to head for the queenside. iv. The defending king must stay on the squares e6, f6, fS, ready to attack the enemy

White has completed his second mini­ plan.

pawns. v. When the king of the superior side

67 f4

abandons his kingside pawns to assist his a-pawn, the defending rook must immedi­

There is a clearer way to win: 67 Wg7! .l::tf3 68 'it>g8 .l:!.f6 69 Wf8 .l::t f3 70 �g7 l:tfS 71 f4 and Black is in zugzwang. 67 ... .l::i.c s 68 .Ua 3 �c7 69 Wg7 .l::td 7 10 f5 White's position is so good that he has more than one winning line: 70 Wf6! l:!.c7 71 fS! gxfS (or 7l . . .�c6+ 72 Wxf7 gxfS 73 .l::t f3 �c5 74 Wg6) 72 Wxf5 .l::!. cS+ 73 Wf6 l:tc7 74 .l::tf3! (the third mini-plan) 74 . . . Wxa5 75lifS+ Wb6 76 .l::t xhSlic3 77 �g5. 70 ... gxfs 1 1 'it>h6 f4 1 2 gxf4 l:!.d s 7 3 'it>g7

ately capture the targeted pawn, so as to give its king enough time to achieve the draw.

1 3.2

Kantorovich

White to play

This 1 988 study provides a good illus­ tration of this ending. White cannot cross 101

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

the third rank with his king (Black replies to 'it>fl-g2 with . . . .::!.a 3! ) and is therefore obliged to immediately give up his f-pawn.

1 Wd4

1 l:la8 Wf5 2 f3 l:!.a3+! 3 Wd4 l;lxf3 4 .::!.f8 1 'it>d1 .::!.xf2 2 .::l.b7 .::!.a 2 3 a7 'it>f5 4 Wc1 Wg4

.l:.a3 5 J::!.xf7+ Wg4 6 .::!.f6 Wxg3 7 .::!.xg6+ Wxh4 8 Wc5 Wh3 9 Wb6 h4 is also a draw.

5 Wb1 l:!.a6 6 '1t>b2 f5

1 ... .::!.xf2 2 .::!.c7

Black can also play 6 . . . Wxg3 7 .::l.b 3+

A smart try. Instead 2 Wc5 .::!.c 2+ 3 Wb6

Wxh4 8 .::!.a 3 .::!.x a7 9 .::!.x a7 Wg3 10 .::!.xf7 h4, with a draw. 7 l:tg7 Wh 3 ! 8 'it>b3 .::!.a 1 8 . . . f4 also leads to a draw: 9 gxf4 Wxh4

.::!.b2+ 4 Wc7 .::!.c 2+ 5 Wb8 .::!.a 2 6 .::!.a 8 .::!.a 3 7 Wa7 Wf5 8 .::!.f8 Wg4 9 .::!.xf7 Wxg3 again

10 'it>b4 lla1 1 1 'it>b5 'it>h3 12 'it>b6 'it>g4 1 3 .::!.xg6+ Wxf4 14 l::t g8 h4. 9 Zlc7!? l:!.a6!

And not 9 . . . Wxg3? when 1 0 .::!.c 3+! Wxh4 1 1 .::!.c4+ and 12 .::!.a4, leads to immediate victory.

leads to a draw. 2 ....::ta 2 3 .::!.c 6+ The alternative try 3 a7 Wf5 4 l:txf7+ Wg4 5 'it>c5 'it>xg3 6 'it>b5! .::!.b 2+! 7 'it>c6 l:!.a2 8 'it>b7 Wxh4 9 l;lf6 l:!.xa7+ 10 Wxa7 Wg5! 11 J::!. f8 h4 12 'it>b6 h3 1 3 'it>c5 'it>g4 14 'it>d4 h2 1 5 .::!.h8 Wg3 would once again lead to a draw. 3 ...Wf5 4 Wc5 'it>g4 5 Wb5 'it>xg3 6 .l::!.c4

10 'it>b4 .::ta 1 11 'it>b5 'it>xg3 12 l:tc3+ 'it>g2 13 'it>b6 f4 14 .::!.c5 .::!.xa7 15 'it>xa7 f3 16 .::!.g5+ 'it>h3

It's a draw.

1 13.3

Wh ite to

play

(see following diagram)

The white king's position is clearly im­ proved in comparison with the previous example, but the win remains elusive. This position is very instructive and encom­ passes all the appropriate defensive meth­ ods. 1 02

6 .. .f6

Black draws too after 6 .. .f5 7 .::!.a4 .::!.b2+ 8 Wc6 .::l.b8 9 a7 l:!.a8 1 0 Wb7 .::!.x a7+ 1 1 Wxa7 f4.

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 P a w n s w i t h a p a s s e d a - p a w n vs.

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

7 l::!.a4 .l:!.b2+ 8 'it>c6 l:!.b8 9 a 7 .!:!.aS 1 0 'it>b7

60 l:!.xf3 ?

.i::!.x a7+ 11 'it>xa7

6 0 . . . 'it>f6! is the only move: 61 'it>c6 .l:l.xf3 62 .i::!.b 8 .i::!.a3 63 l:!.b6 'it>f5 64 'it>b7 'it>g4 65 a7

Or 11 l:!.xa7 g5! . u gs 1 2 hxg s fxgs 1 3 �as h 4 14 .l:!.xgS+ 'it>f2 15 l:!.hs 'it>g3 16 'it>b6 h3 11 'it>cs h2 18 ...

'it>d4 'it>g2 19 'it>e3 h1� 20 l:!.xh1 'it>xh1

There's nothing left to play for.

••.

l:ha7+ 66 'it>xa7 'it>xg3 67 l:!.b4 f6 68 'it>b6 g5 69 'it>c5 gxh4 and Black is in time to draw. 61 l:!.b8! l:!.a3 62 l:!.b6 Now the black king is cut off. 62 J�xg 3 63 'it>c6 �a3 64 'it>b7 ••

Guidance for the superior side: Essentially, the superior side can choose between two plans in this type of endgame: i. Move the pawn to a6 (a3) and then move the king to the queenside, hiding from checks on a7 (a2) . ii. Move the pawn as far as a7 (a2) and try to win a pawn on the kingside, using zugzwang. This plan may be efficient if the pawn structure is locked or the opponent's king misplaced. The former concept works especially well when the weaker side cannot eliminate one or two of the superior side's pawns on the kingside, followed by creating a passed pawn, supported by the king.

By placing his king on b7 White has reached an ideal position, having also pre­ vented the black king from being activated. 64 gs .•.

1 3 .4

K.Lerner-J.Dorfman

Black to play

USSR Ch ampionsh ip, Tash ke nt 1 9 8 0

Black tries to quickly create a passed pawn: 64 . . . f6 65 a7 l:!.xa7+ 66 'it>xa7 g5 67 l:!.b4 'it>g6 68 'it>b6 'it>f5 69 'it>c5 g4 70 l:!.b1 'it>f4 71 'it>d4 g3 72 l:!.fl + 'it>g4 73 l:!.xf6 would not have helped him. 65 hxgs h4 66 a7 h3 6 7 a8'i' l:!.xa8 68 'it>xa8 h2 69 l:!.h6 f6 70 �xh2 fxgs 71 l:!.f2 !

The winning move. By cutting the black king off, White secures victory. 71 'it>h6 12 'it>b7 g4 73 'it>c6 'it>gs 74 'it>ds g3 •••

7 5 l:!.f8 'it>g4 76 'it>e4 1-0

13 . 5

V.Akopian-K.Georgiev

Black to play

W orld Ch ampionsh i p, Las Veg as 1 9 9 9

FIDE

Black has not placed his king in the ap­ propriate triangle (e6, f6, f5) and must tread very carefully.

Black is forced to go for the white f­ pawn with 39 . . . l:!.a2, after which he will be 10 3

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

able to save the draw. The plan he prefers is mistaken, even if it loses by only one tempo!

53 J:::!.£ 1 and wins) 48 �b6 h3 49 l!c3 �g6 50 I:Ixh3 �g5 51 �c5 �g4 52 �h1 h4 53 �d4 �g3 54 �e3 and again White wins. c) 44 . . . g5! 45 hxg5 h4 46 a7 h3 47 .U.c3 (or 47 .U.h6 l:!.b3+ 48 �c7 .l:!.c3+ 49 �b7 .l:!.b3+ 50 l:.b6 h2 51 l:.xb3 h1 �+ 52 �b8 'irh2+ with a draw) 47 . . .l!xc3 48 a8� .U.g3 49 'i¥c6 I:Ixg5 50 �c3+ �g8 51 �xh3 l!g6+ and Black draws. 40 l!a7+ �h6 41 as gs 42 �cs gxh4 43 gxh4

39 .. .f6?

Black had to play 39 . . . .l:.a2! 40 aS (or 40 f4 �a3 41 aS !!.xg3 42 .l:!.b6 .l:!.f3 43 �e4 .l:!.a3 44 a6 I:Ia5) 40 .. Jhf2 41 .l:!.c6! .l:!.g2 42 a6 (42 .l:!.c3 .l:!.a2 43 I:Ic5 .l:!.a3) 42 . . . .l:!.xg3 43 �c5 l::t a3 44 �b6 and now he must be careful: 43 ... .l:!.a4

White also wins after 43 . . . I:Ia2 44 f3 �a3 45 �b4 �xf3 46 �c7 ! . 4 4 a 6 I:Ia2

Capturing the last pawn with 44 . . . .l:!.xh4 does not help: 45 l:ta8 .l:!.a4 46 a7 �h7 47 �b6 h4 48 .l:id8 �g6 (48 . . . h3 49 a8'i¥ .U.xa8 50 I:Ixa8 h2 51 .l:!.a1) 49 a8'i¥ I:Ixa8 50 I:Ixa8 �g5 51 �c5 �g4 52 l!h8 and wins. 45 l:.a8 � g6 46 �b6 l:.b2+ 47 �a7 l:.xf2 48 .l:!.b8 ! A thematic continuation which allows the white king to extricate itself. a) 44 .. .£5? 45 a7 f4 46 �c7+ �f6 47 .l:!.c5 f3 (Black is too slow too in the case of 47 . . . I:Ixa7 48 �xa7 f3 49 .Uc3 �f5 50 .l:i.xf3+ �g4 51 :i:If6 �xh4 52 I:Ixg6 �h3 53 �b6 h4 54 �c5 �h2 55 �d4 h3 56 �e3 �h1 57 �f3) 48 I:Ia5 I:Ixa5 49 �xa5 f2 50 a8� f1 � 51 �f8+

48 .l:!.f4 49 1ibS! .•.

Cutting off the black king. White now wins by transferring the game to a winning rook vs. knight ending. 49 ... nxh4 so �b6 �e4 51 a7 .l:!.e8 52 nas h4 53 a8� J::!.xa8 54 .l:!.xa8 �gs 55 �cs h3 56

and White wins. b) 44 .. .£6? 45 a7 g5 46 �b7 �xa7+ 47

J::!. h 8 �g4 57 �d4 �g3 58 �e3 �g2 59 �e2 !

�xa7 gxh4 (or 47 . . . �g6 48 �b6 �f5 49 �c5 �g4 50 �d4 �xh4 51 �xf6 �g3 52 l:!.f5 �g4

6 3 I:Ig 2+ �h3 64 I:Ig 6 �h2 6 5 I:Ixf6 � g 1 66 I:Ig6+ 1-0

1 04

h 2 6 0 I:Ig8+ � h 3 61 �f2 hltLI+ 62 'it>f3 �h2

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 P a w n s w i t h a p a s s e d a - p a wn vs .

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

�h4 65 �aS, both of which lose) 64 gxh4

13.6

P.Svidler-V.Akopian

Black to play

Kallithe a 2002

Black can bring about the already ana­ lysed theoretical draw with 52 . . . �e6 or 52. . .�£6. 52 ... �a3+?! 53 �d2 �a2+ 54 �c3 l:txf2 5 5 .U.b7 !

The familiar move! The great difference in this position is that the white king is al­ ready on the c-file (instead of the d-file) when Black captures the white £-pawn. 55 ... �a2 56 a7 �f6?

Black could not play 56 . . . �£5? 57 .Ux£7+

Wxh4 65 Wb7 .l:!.xa7+ 66 �xa7 g4 67 �b6 �g3! 68 �cS �£3 69 �£6+ �e3 and Black holds the draw. 57 �C4!

5 7 ... .l:i.a1

The alternatives do not help: 57 . . . �£5 58 .li!x£7+ �g4 59 '>t>b3 �a6 60 l:.£4+ '.t>xg3 61 �a4 �xa7 62 �xa7 �xh4 63 �c4 �g3 64 �g7 h4 65 .l:!.xg6+ �£3 66 �h6 �g3 67 �d3 h3 68 �e2 h2 69 'iit fl and White wins, just as he does after 57 . . . g5 58 hxgS+ �xgS 59 .l:i.x£7 �g4 60 .Ug7+ �h3 61 �bS l:txa7 62 �xa7 'it>xg3 63 �c4 h4 64 Wd3 h3 65 �e2 h2 66 Ii.g7+ �h3 67 'it>£2 h1tt::l+ 68 �£3 �h2 69 �g8. 58 �bs .l:!.b1+

�g4 58 �b3! .Ua1 59 l:!.£4+! �xg3 60 �a4 when White wins, but he could still draw with 56 . . . £6! 57 �b4 (or 57 �c4 �d6 58lig7

Or 58 . . .�£5 59 l::.x£7+ �g4 60 .l::.£4+ �xg3 61 .l:!.a4.

�c6 59 �xg6 .Ua4+ 60 �d3 �xa7 61 l:!.x£6+ �dS 62 .l:f.£5+ �e6 63 .l:!.xh5 l:!.a3+ and draws)

White wins too in the case of 60 . . . �a1 61 �c7 �£5 62 �bS+ �g4 63 �b6 l:txa7 64 .l:!.gS+. 61 �c7 �a1 62 �bs �fs 63 �b4 1-o

57 . . . �d6! (accurate, whereas both 57 . . . �b2+ 58 �cS llxb7 59 a8'i¥ �c7+ 60 �b6 and 57 . . . �£5 58 �bS+ �g4 59 l:taS lose) 58 .li!£7 (it's a draw too in the event of 58 �g7 �c6 59 �xg6 �xa7 60 !:.x£6+ �dS 61 �£5+ �e4 62 �xhS �g7) 58 . . . �e6 59 �g7 gS 60 �cS �£5 61 �b6 �g4 62 hxgS fxgS 63 �g6 h4! (but not 63 . . . �xa7 64 �xa7 �xg3 65 lixgS+ �h4 66 .l:i.g8 �h3 67 �b6 h4 68 �cS �h2 69 �d4 h3 70 �e3 �h1 71 �£3 h2 72 �g3 �g1 73 �h3+ �h1 74 �a8 or 63 . . . �xg3 64 .l:i.xgS+

59 �c6 l::tc 1+ 60 �b6 �b1+

13.7

W.Unzicker-E.Lundin

White to play

Amste rdam Olympiad 1954 Black has weakened his structure, with­ out getting any activity in return. The posi­ tion is instructive as White can win by 10 5

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

transferring his king to h6. Then, with the

Wxg6 l:ta 8 62 Wxhs l:tg8 63 g4 l:lh8+ 64 Wg6

help of his rook, he will be able to capture the black pawns.

1-0

White to play 13.8 J.L.Fernandez Garcia-V.Kotronias Dubai Olympiad 1986

49 a 7 !

Black is now restricted t o rook moves only. 49 ... l:ta 2+ so Wd3 .l:!.a 1 51 Wd4 l:ta s 52 Wc4 l:ta 3 53 WcS .l:!.a 1 54 Wd6 ..l:!.a 3 ? N o r would 5 4 . . . l:ta6+ 55 W e 7 l:taS 56 W£8 lla6 57 W£7 have prevented White's plan, but it should have been preferred. 55 We7? After 55 llc8! lla6+ 56 J:lc6 llxa7 57 l:tcS mate the game would have had a spectacu­ lar finish. ss ... .U.a6 56 Wf7l;'i.a 3 57 W g 7 l:ta1 ss Wh6!

34llc6!

White avoids 34 a4 f!.al when the draw is not that difficult. 34 .. J:tb2 ! The only move as after 34 . . . llal ? 35 llc2 the transfer of the white king to b2 would ensure victory. 3 5 a4lla 2 36llc4 g6 3 7 h4 Wg7 38llf4! White keeps his a- and £-pawns covered with the rook, thereby freeing his king. It is obvious that Black will have to proceed with . . . £6 and . . . g5, evicting the white rook from its superb post. 38 ...lla 3 39 Wf1 lla 2 40 Wg2 lla 3 41 Wf1 .l:!.a 2 42 We1 f6 ! 43 Wf1 !

White retraces his steps, aiming to ex­ ploit the negative side of . . . £6, as in our pre­ vious example. 43 ...Wf7 44 l:te4 £tb2 4 5 'it>g2 lla 2 46 'iii>f1 Wf8 47 'iii>g 2lla 3 48llb4 Wf7 49 l:tb7+ 'it>e6 Compulsory as 49 ... Wf8? 50 l:!a7 'it>g8 51 Wfl .l:!.a2 52 Wel £8 53 aS g8 54 a6 W£8 55 White's plan is complete and the black pawns are doomed. S 8 .. J:ta6 59 l:tb8 �xa 7 60 J:!.bS+ We6 61 106

dl ! would win for White (SS ... .l:!.x£2 56 llb7 l:ta2 57 a7 and 58 l:tb8) . so l:ta 7

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 Pa w n s with a p a s s e d a -p a wn vs.

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

Winning a second pawn since the black king cannot be exposed to a check from White's rook. n ... hxg4

74 fxg4+ 'it>f4 75 'it>xf6 .l:.a 6+ 76

9f;f7 �g3 77 gS 1-0

13.9

P.Leko-V.Anand

Black to play

Linare s 2003

50 ...'it>fs?

A serious error, spoiling all of Black's ef­ forts so far. After the correct 50 . . .f5! (threat­ ening 5 1 . . .f4!) 51 f4 Wf6 52 aS We6 53 a6 Wf6 54 'it>f2 'it>e6 55 l:ta8 'it>f7 56 'it>e2 'it>g7! 57 'it>d2 (if the black g-pawn were on g4, White would win here with 57 a7! and then, mak­ ing use of zugzwang, capture the f5-pawn with his king) 57 .. Jhg3 58 .l::tb8 .l::ta 3 59 .l::tb7+ Wf6 60 .l::tb 6+ 'it>g7 61 Wc2 g5! ! 62 fxg5 (62 hxg5 h4 63 'it>b2liaS 64 Wc3 h3 65 .l:!.h6 h2 66 .l::txh2 .l::tx a6 also draws) 62 . . . f4 63 Wd2 f3 64 l:!.b7+ 'it>g6 65 a7 .l::ta2+ 66 We1 Wf5 67 .l:l.f7+ or (67 .l::tg7 !le2+ 68 'it>fl .l::t a 2) 67 . . . Wg6 68 l:!.xf3 .l::tx a7 Black would have achieved a theo­ retically drawn position (69 .l::t f6+ 'it>g7 70 l:!.h6 lla4! 71 .l::txh5 .l::t a 6! ) . 51.l::ta 8 .l::ta 2 5 2 a s .l:!.a 3 52 . . . 'it>e6 53 a6 'it>f7 54 'it>f3 'it>g7 55 'it>e3 Wh7 56 'it>d4 l:.xf2 57 Wc5 .l::t a2 58 Wb6 loses as the black king must remain passive. 53 a6 �a2 54 a 7 ! .l::ta 3 5 5 f3 !

Reaching the same position as in the previous example. 5 5 ....l::ta 2+ 56 'it>f1 .l:1a1+ 57 'it>f2 l:.a 2+ ss �e1 l:!.a 1+ 59 �d2 l:ta6 60 �d 3 .l::ta 3 + 61 �d2 .l::ta 6 62 'it>d3 .U.a 3 + 63 Wd4 l:ta s 64 Wc4 .l::ta 1 65 W c 5 .l::ta 6 66 'it> d s .U.a 3 67 'it> d 6 .l:!.a 6+ 6 8 We7 .l:!.a 3 69 9f;f7 l:.a4 70 Wg7 g S ! ?

A last try a s the waiting method is a well-known losing one. 71 hxgs �xgs 12 f7 51 .l::tb7+ We6 52 .l:.b6+ We5 53 a6 'it>f4! 54 .l::t xf6+ 'it>xg4 55 .l:.xh6 f5 59 'it>c2 'it>e5 60 Wb2 .l:.a5 61 .l:.h6 - or 61 'it>b3 Wd5 62 Wb4 .l::ta 1 63 .l::th6 .l::tb 1+ 64 WaS 'it>c5 - 61.. .'it>d4 62 .l::th4+ Wd3 63 .l:.h3+ Wc4 64 .l::ta3 .l::tb5+ 65 Wc2 lib8, with a draw) 46 . .lia4 . 47 We3 .l:!.xg4 48 'it>d3 .l::ta4 49 'it>c3 f6 so 'it>b3 .l:.a1 51 'it>b4 'it>f7 52 Wb5 We6 53 .l:l.c5 l::!.a2 54 a6 .l::txf2 55 a7 .l::t a2 56 .l::t c6+ Wf5 57 .l::ta6 and White wins. 46 �g 2 ! And not, o f course, 4 6 f3? l:.a2! with a draw. White now wins easily as Black is unable to dent White's pawn structure. 10 7

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

White didn't handle his superior mid­ dlegame with accuracy and he has landed up in a dangerous position. Here I thought for a long time, trying to figure out how I should seek salvation. 26 .l:tab1!? 'it'xcs 27 lt:J4fS! gxfs?! Black should have preferred 27 . . . i.c6 28 lt:Jxg7 (Black is a little better after 28 lt:Je7+ 'it>f8 29 lt:Jxc6 bxc6 30 .l:tbcl 'iib6 31 'ii'f4 l:!.d7) 28 . . . 'it>xg7 29 'it'f4 I!.d7 30 .l:tbcl 'it'h5 (or 30 . . . 'iib4 31 l:td4 'it'a3 32 l:!.xc6 bxc6 33 lt:Jf5+ gxf5 34 l:txd7 'it'xa2 35 'it'g5+ with a clear draw) 31 .l:td3 when he has an extra pawn, 46 .. J:le1

although White has ample compensation. 28 'ifxds 'tlt'xds 29 .l:txds ..tf8

Or 46 .. J:la4 47 f3 .l:ta2+ 48 'it>fl 'it>f8 49 'it>e1 'it>e7 50 'it>d1 'it>e6 51 'it>cl . 47 f3 .l:te6 48 �f2 'it>fs 49 .l:tbs 'it>g7 so J::tfs

A draw is also very likely after 29 .. J:ta6 30 lt:Jxf5 .l:txd5 31 lt:Je7+ 'it>f8 32 lt:Jxd5 �d6 33

Also sufficient to win was 50 .l:tb3 �a6 51 lla3.

.!:!.b5 b6 34 'it>fl i.d4 35 'it>e2. 30 l:!.bd1.i.xd6 31 l:txd6 .l:!xd6 32 .l:txd6

so 'it>fs 51 .l:tcs 'it>g7 52 .l:tbs 'it>fs 53 .l:tb6 •••

.l:tes 54 a6 'it>g7 55 a7 .l:tas 5 6 l:.b7 .l:ta3 5 7 'it>e2

White's structure is now ideal and so his king starts its usual journey. 57 ... 'it>f6 58 'it>d 2 'it>e6 59 �c2 f6 60 '&t>b2 �a4 61 'it>b3 �a1 62 'it>b4 'it>d6 63 .l:th7 'it>es 64 'it>bs .l:ta2 65 'it>b6 1-0

13.10

E.Grivas-M.Hadzidakis

White to play

Ermioni 2005

The ending is drawish as Black's many weaknesses are too much of a handicap. 32 J:lc8 33 g3 .!:!.c2 34 .!:!.b6 .l:txa2 35 .l:txb7 .•

'it>g 7 36 �b6 a4 37 �a6 a3 38 'it>g2 f6 Yz-Yz

13.11

E.Grivas-T.Gelashvili Porto Carras

White to play

1998

White has a tough choice to make as both his options (31 e3 and 31 b4) seem at­ tractive. 108

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook & 4 P a w n s w i t h a p a s s e d a - p a w n v s . Rook & 3 Pa w n s

31 e3!

White's decision i s correct because Black's pawns are doubled and, conse­ quently, he is unable to create a passed

46 .l:!.c8?

pawn easily. Moreover, Black does not now have the squares e6 and f5 at the disposal of his king, which implies that he will be slow when the time comes to become ac­

win. 46 .l:tb2+ 47 Wc6 .l:tc2+ 48 Wb7 �b2+ 49 WaS .l:ta2 50 a7 White cannot win any more, but he

tive. 31 Itxb2 32 �c6 .l:ta2 33 .l:txa6 Wg7 34 a4

should try 50 l:!.c6 where Black has to find a number of accurate moves: 50 . . . .l:tb2! (and not 50 . . . �d7? 51 Wb7) 51 Wa7 Wd7 52 .l:tb6 .l:tc2! 53 .l:tb3 (or 53 .l:!.b7+ WeB 54 Itxf7 .l:!.c7+

..•

Wf6 3 5 as �g7 36 .l:ta8 Wf6 37 a6 .l:ta1

White was threatening 38 Wfl .

46 .l:ta7+ Wf6 (or 46 . . . Wd6 47 .l:txf7 J::!.b2+ 48 Wc4 .l:ta2 49 a7) 47 .l:tc7 results in an easy •••

55 .l:txc7+ Wxc7) 53 . . . Wc7 and it's a draw. so �d7 ! The game i s drawn as Black's king can control the critical c7-square. •.•

5 1 .l:tf8 Wc7 ! 52 .l:txf7+ Wc8 53 �f6 �a6 54 .l:th6 .l:td6 55 .l:th1 .l:tc6 ! 5 6 .l:tb1 �c7 5 7 .l:tb8 .l:!.c3 5 8 .l:!.b7+ Wc8 59 �b6 Wc7 60 .l:txe6

White has won a second pawn, but there is no win in sight. This is because the white king is unable to participate in the battle. 60 J:td 3 61 .l:!.e7+ Wc6 62 .l:!.e8 Wc7 63 .l:.e7+ Wc6 64 .!:.e6+ Wc7 65 .!:.e8 .l:.d 7 66 .l:.b8 .l:.d 3 67 l:!.b7+ Wc6 68 Itb2 l:!.d8+ 69 .l:.b8 .l:.d 3 ? Time pressure has reared its ugly head. Here 69 ... .!:.d7! was sufficient for a draw, •.

38 f41 .l:.a2+ 3 9 Wf1 Wg7 40 We1 .l:tg2 41 Wd1 .l:txg3

Black has, as usual, won a kingside pawn, but he is still unable to obtain a passed pawn because of his doubled pawns. 42 Wd 2 l:rg2+ 43 Wc3 .l:ta2 44 Wb4 Wf6 45

whereas now White could have won. 70 .l:tc8+ Wb6 71 .l:.e8? 71 �b8 is not that difficult! 7 1...�c7 Yz-Yz

10 9

Chapter Fourteen

I

Rook Endings: Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed b-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns

For this ending many of the same princi­

able for the superior side, as the king is

ples apply as for that with an a-pawn. Once again, categorization will be based on the placement of the rooks.

closer to his passed pawn and the rook may exploit the a-file. 3 2 'it>f1 rJ;;e 7 3 3 rJi;e2 rJi;dG 34 rJi;d 3 es?! This move doesn't affect the result, but does make White's task easier, although after 34 . . . 'it>c7 35 c4 dxc4+ 36 'it>xc4 l:td6 37

An Active Rook (behind the pawn) of the superior side

14.1

E.Grivas-A.Vouldis

White to play

Athens (rapid) 1996

l:ta3 Wb7 38 g4 White is on the right path. 35 c4! Opening up the centre can only be to White's benefit. 3s ...dxc4+ 36 rJ;;x c4 exd4 37 rJi;xd4 f6 38 Wc4 Wc7 3 9 l:te3 Wd6 40 l:te8 1-0

Black resigned as he was aware of White's winning plan and realized the futil­ ity of his efforts.

A Passive Rook (in front of the pawn) of the superior side This ending is usually drawn as the inferior side can make effective use of his king. The latter is closer to both the enemy b-pawn and his own pawns, and can consequently manoeuvre more efficiently. The defensive methods examined in the last chapter do not The

plan

analysed

in

the

game

Alekhine-Capablanca also applies in posi­ tions with a passed b-pawn. Indeed, the resulting positions are even more favour-

110

apply here. This is because the king of the superior side, after assisting the promotion of his passed pawn, can return to the other flank and stop the pawns more quickly.

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 Pa w n s with a p a s s e d b-p a wn vs.

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

The mutual blunders continue. The at­

14.2

A. Hollis-T.Fiorian

White to play

correspondence 196 9

tractive 44 . . . l::tx g3? 45 �c7! (and not 45 l::txf7+? Wxf7 46 b7 .i:tg2+! 47 'it>c3 .l:!.g3+ 48 Wc4 l::t g4+ 49 Wc5 .l:!.f4! 50 b8'i¥ �f5+ 51 Wd6 Wg7 with a theoretical draw) 45 . . . Ug2+ 46 Wb3 l:tg1 47 Wb2 J:.g2+ 48 �c2 l:.g4 49 .!Ic3 .!Ib4+ (neither do 49 . . . .l::!.g2+ 50 Wa3 .!Ig1 51 b7 nor 49 .. Jhh4 50 Wa3 l::te4 51 b7 lieS 52 l;!c8 �e3+ 53 Wb2 .l:te2+ 54 Wc3 l::te3+ 55 Wd2 .l:tb3 56 b8� .l:txb8 57 J:.xb8 'it>g5 58 We3 Wg4 59 Wf2 save Black) 50 .l:tb3 would win for White. However, Black could have continued with 44 . . . �e3! 45 l:tc7 .l:!.e8 46 b7 (or 46 .Uc3 .l:!.b8 47 l::tb3 'it>e6) 46 . . . l::tb 8 47 Wd3 Wf5 48 We3! Wg4 49 'it>f2 f6 50 l::t c4+ Wf5! 51 l::tb4 g5 52 Wf3 We5 53 .l:!.b5+ Wd6 54 'it>e4 'it>c6 55

A typical position for our subject. 40 Wfl .!Ib2 41 Wel Wf6 42 f3 �b3 43 Wd2 .!Ixf3 ?

A serious mistake. Instead 43 ... We6! 44 Wc2 .!Ib5 45 Wd3 lib 1 46 .!Ib8 (or 46 Wc4 l:.cl +) 46...Wd6! 47 Wc4l;!b2! leads to a draw.

.Ub1 gxh4 56 gxh4 .l::!.xb7 57 .l:!.xb7 Wxb7 58 Wf5 Wc7, which leads to a draw. 4 5 l:.c7 ! l::t b s 46 b7 'it>e6

46 . . .'it>f5 is of no help anymore: 47 Wc3 Wg4 48 .i:tc4+ 'it>xg3 49 .i:tb4 l:txb7 50 l:.xb7 Wxh4 (50 . . . f5 51 l:.g7!) 51 .l::txf7 g5 52 'it>d2 Wg3 53 We1 and White wins.

44 Wc2?

47 Wc3 f6 48 Wc4 .l:.bl 49 �cs �fs so .l:!.d7 !

White returns the favour and forfeits victory. After 44 .!Ic7! .!Ib3 (or 44 . . . J:.xg3 45 'it>c2! ) 45 b7 Wf5 46 Wc2 .i;!b5 47 Wc3 (47

.l:!.cl+

Uxf7+ 'it>g4 48 Ii.d7 'it>xg3 49 .l:!d3+ 'it>xh4 50 l::tb3 would also win) 47 ... .l:!b1 48 .l:!xf7+ Wg4

Black loses after 50 . . . �g4 51 .l:!.d4+ and 52 .l:!.b4, as well as after 50 . . . We6 51 .l:!.d6+ and 52 .l:!.b6. 51 'it>d6 .l:!.b1 52 r;;;c 7 .!:tel+ 53 Wd8 .l:!.bl 54

49 �f4+ Wxg3 50 �b4, White wins.

'it>c8 'it>g4 55 l:.d6 gS 56 Uxf6 gxh4 57 gxh4

44 ....l:!.fs ?

Wxh4 5 8 .Ug6 r;;; h 3 59 Wc7 .l:!.xb7+

Or 59 ... h4 60 Ub6. 60 Wxb7 h4 61 r;;;c 6 1-0

14.3

B.Spassky-V.Antoshin

White to play

Sochi 196 S

(see following

diagram)

The white king is far enough advanced and can bring about victory.

111

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

�h7 ifc2+ 66 �h8 ifc 3+ 67 � g8 'iig 3+ 68 �g7 1-0

14.4

L.Portisch-T.Petrosian

Black to play

12th matchgame, Palma de Mallorca Candidates 1974

46 'iii>d 4

Note that 46 b6? only suffices for a draw: 46 . . . Wf6 47 �d4 �e6! 48 �cS �c2+ 49 �b4 ki.b2+ 50 '.t>c3 .l:Ib1 51 .l:.b8 �d6 ! . 46 ... .U.xf2

Black's other option, 46 . . . �f6 47 �dS! .l::i.xf2 48 �c7, does not change anything. 47 �e7 .Ub2 48 'it>c4 �f6 49 .l::i.e 3 'it>fs so .l::i. b 3 ! .l::i.c 2+

47 ... �h6

50 ... .l::i.xb3 51 �xb3 �eS 52 �b4 �d6 53 �aS �c7 54 �a6 �b8 55 �b6 also loses.

�eS! 50 b6 We6 would lead to a draw, as

51 '.t>d s �g4 52 b6 �c8 53 b7 .Ub8

The natural 47 ... �f6 48 �e3 �e6 49 bS has already been analysed, but the text move is sufficient as well. It introduces an alternative plan, which works only if the b­ pawn and its king are not far advanced. This plan consists of a quick advance of the kingside pawns, with which Black hopes to create weaknesses in the white structure or to achieve a passed pawn. 48 �e3 f6 49 .l::i. b 6 � g7 so .l::i. b 7+ �h6 51 �b8 White would not have won with 51 bS gS 52 �d4 gxh4 53 gxh4 in view of 53 . . . Wg6! (but not 53 . . . l:.b4+? 54 �cS .l:!.xh4 55 .Ua7 .Uh1 56 l:.a4 h4 57 b6 h3 58 b7 l:.b1 59 .l::i.b4 .l::i. c l+ 60 �b6) 54 b6 WfS! (further precision, rather

54 �e s !

Although 5 4 �c6 wins, White feels that he should not hurry and should first collect some black kingside pawns. 54 .. .fs 55 Wf6 f4 56 gxf4 �xh4 57 �x g 6 � g4 58 fS h4 59 f6 h3 60 f7 h2 61 .l::i. b 1 .l::i.x b7 62 .Uxb7 h1� 6 3 l'::t b 4+ �h3 64 f8� ifg2+ 65 112

than err with 54 .. Jhf2? 55 l:.a7 .Ub2 56 �cS .l::i.c2+ 57 �d6 .l::i.b2 58 �c6 WfS 59 llaS+ when White wins) 55 �cS .Uc2+ 56 �d6 .Ud2+ 57 �c6 J:lc2+ 58 �d7 .l::i.b2 59 .Ub8 �g4 60 �c7 .l::i. c2+ 61 �b7 .Uxf2 62 l:i.a8 �xh4 63 ..Ua4+ �g3 and it's a draw. 5 1 ... gs 52 bs gxh4 53 gxh4 �g6 54 b6 �fs

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 Pa w n s with a p a s s e d b-p a wn vs.

5 5 �d4

The alternative 55 b7 .l:!.b4! 56 �d3 �f4 57 �c3 l:.b1 58 �d4 �f3 59 �d5 �xf2 60

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

white b-pawn horizontally in check. The position is drawn.

�e6 .l::!.b6+ 61 �f5 �f3 62 �g6 �g4 also re­ sults in a draw. 5 5 ... J:.xf2 ?!

Although this does not diverge from the drawing path, 55 . . . �g4! 56 l:.g8+ �xh4 57 �c5 .l:lc2+ 58 �d6 .l:lb2 59 �c7 l:.c2+ 60 �b8 .Uxf2 61 b7 .Ub2 62 fl ae6! Black would have kept the draw in hand. 41 �f3 .l::!. b 2 42 �e4! 59 ... �e6?

White now wins by making use of an idea already seen in this chapter. 42 ..Jbf2 43 .l::!.c 7 .l::!. b 2 44 b7 lt>f6 45 lt>d 5

Black goes astray and 59 . . . �g4! 60 .l::!. a 4! �h3 ! ! 61 �c5 f5 62 .l::!.b4 .l:!.xb4! 63 �xb4 f4 64

lt>f5

b7 f3 65 b8'i' f2 would have resulted in a draw.

46 .l:.xf7+ �g4 47 .l:!. g 7 �x g 3 48 ax g 6+

60 �c5 .l::!.c 2+

Wxh4 49 Wc6 Wh3

Or 45 . . . .l::!.b3 46 \t>c6 and wins.

Or 60 ... �d7 61 .l::!. a 8 f5 62 .l::!.f8 .l::!. c2+ 63 �b5 .l:!.b2+ 64 �a6 .l::!. a2+ 65 �b7 .Ua5 66 �b8 and wins. 61 �b5 �d6 62 �a6 �c6 63 .Ua1 .Uc4 64 b7 .l::!. b4 6 5 .l::!.c 1+ �d7 66 .Uc8 1-0

White to play D.Bronstein-O.Romanishin 14.5

USSR Championship, Yerevan 1975

The white king has been cut off from the queenside, while the black rook keeps the 1 13

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

9 . . . f5 10 gxf5 g4 1 1 hxg4 h3 12 .Ug6+ Wh7

so .Ug s !

Also winning i s 5 0 �c7 .l::!.xb7+ 51 �xb7 h4 52 �c6 Wh2 53 �d5 h3 54 �e4 �h1 55

13 g5 again didn't help. 10 �c4 �e7 11 �c6 Iib2 12 �cs ! .l::. b 3

wf3 h2 56 �g3! Wg1 57 .Ua6 h1t2l+ 58 �£3. so ... .l::i.x b7

Or 50 ... h4 51 .l::.b5 .Uc2+ 52 Wb6. 51 �xb7 h4 52 �c6 Wh2 53 WdS h3 54 �e4 1-0

14.6

Black to play

13 .l::!.d 6!

The threat of .ll d4-b4 finishes the game. 13 ... .Uxh3

The pawn ending after 13 . . . .Uc3+ 14 �b4 �xd6 15 �xc3 is lost for Black: 15 . . . £5 (or 15 . . . �c6 16 �d4 �xb6 1 7 �e4) 16 gx£5 g4 1 7

1 ... �h7?

It is easy to understand that the weak kingside pawns do not offer White many winning chances, but amazingly the text loses. After the correct 1 . . .l:tb2! 2 �fl .l:!.b3! White wouldn't be able to make any pro­ gress without losing his valuable h3-pawn. 2 f3 ! Now White's king is ready to advance (f2-e2-d2-c2) to the queenside. The loss of

£6 gxh3 1 8 b 7 �c7 19 b8'Yi'+ �xb8 2 0 £7 wins. 14 b7 .l::.c 3+ Or 14 . . . .l:!.b3 15 .l::.b6 and wins. 15 �b4 �xd6 16 b8'ii'+ .l::.c 7 17 '1i'd8+ 1-0

14.7

E.Grivas-N.Nikolic

Cap d'Agde 1983

the f3-pawn shouldn't bother him, because Black doesn't gain a passed pawn. 2 ...�g7

Nothing changes after 2 . . . l:!.b2+ 3 W£1 . 3 �f2 �h7 4 We2 � g7 5 �d2 ! .l::!.xf3

The attempt at counterplay fails: 5 . . . £5 6 gxf5 .l::!.xf3 7 b7 .l::!.b3 8 f6+ and wins. 6 �c2! Now Black can not take the h3-pawn because of the b7-advance. 6 ....l::!.f 2+ 7 �C3 l:tf1 8 l:td8 ! l:tb1 9 .l::!.d 6 Wf7

114

30 �g1!?

White to play

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 P a w n s w i t h a p a s s e d b-p a w n vs .

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

Countering Black's threat o f 3 0 . . . .1txg2+ and threatening 31 b5. 30 ... .l::!.e s Forced as 30 ... .Ud5 31 .l::!.x d5 .ltxd5 32 .l:.xa4 .ltc6 33 b5! (or even 33 .l::!. a 6) is favour­ able for White. 31 .ltf3 .l::!.e 6 32 .l::!.x e6 fxe6 33 .ltxc6 !txc6 34 Wfl ! .l;!.a6?

Passive and consequently wrong. The active 34 . . . .l:.c2! 35 .l::t xa4 .l:.b2 36 .l::!.a 8+ 'it>f7 37 l:.b8 g5! guarantees Black a draw as the white king cannot flee to the queenside without serious material losses. 35 We2 'it>f7 36 'it>d3 We7 3 7l:ra 2 Wd6 38 'it>c4

The white rook is forced to remain pas­ sive, protecting the white a-pawn, whereas Black will create a passed b-pawn after first activating his pieces to the maximum. 41 ... .l::!.a 3 + ! 42 'it>e2 b4 4 3 '.t>f2 as 44 '.t>e2 'it>g6 45 'it>f2 �f6 46 .l:.e2

White has to prevent the further ad­ vance of the black king, but, in so doing, he abandons the c-file and limits the activity of his rook. 46 .l:.c3 ! 47 Wg2 a4 48 .l:.b2 b3 49 axb3 •..

axb3 so �b1 �es 5 1 .Ud 1 b2 52 .l:.b1 .l:tb3 0-1

White now wins Black's a-pawn under favourable circumstances. 38 ... Wc7 3 9 'it>bs Wb7 40l:rxa4l:rb6+ 41 Wc4 l:rc6+ 42 Wb3 l:rd6 43 .l:.a 2 !

14.9

E.Grivas-I.Simeonidis

White to play

Korinthos 2002

And White wins due t o his active rook. 43 ... 'it>b6 44 'it>c4 hs 4 5 h4 e s 46 g3 gs

Or 46 . . . l:rd4+ 47 Wc3 l:re4 48 .l:.d2 Wc6 49 .l:.d3 !te2 50 .l:.f3, winning. 47 hxgs l:!.d4+ 48 Wc3 .Ug4 49 �e2 .l:.x g s so 'it>c4 Wc6 51 bS+ Wb6 52 .l:.b2! h4 53 gxh4 .l:.hs 54 'it>d s .l:.fs ss 'it>e4 llhs 56 .Ub1 'it>c7 57 b6+ Wb7 s s .l:.b3 1-o

14.8

A.Tzoumbas-E.Grivas

Black to play

Greek Championship, Athens 1991 When there is a 4-4 pawn ratio on the 115

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

other flank, the side with the extra b-pawn is able to win. The b-pawn will be ex­ changed with one or more pawns of the other flank, transposing to a different type of ending. In this position Black has one more disadvantage, his doubled pawns, which denies him the possibility of creating a passed pawn easily. On the other hand, he can argue that his king is near enough to

48 . . . J:!.b5 49 Wc3 Wf7 50 Wc4 I!bl 51 'it>c5. 49 I!c8 ! 1-0

White to play E.Grivas-I.Kourkounakis

14.10

Athens 1996

attack the white b-pawn or in general to create sufficient counterplay. If we factor in the bad position of the white king, we can work out that White's winning chances should be slim. 41 I!b8+ We7 42 'lt>f1 I!d 2 43 '!t>e1 I!.b2 44 b6 'it>f6?! Black had to play 44 ... Wd7! 45 I!b7+ (or 45 b7? 'lt>e7! with a draw, just as 45 f3 Wc6 46 �f8 .l:i.xb6 47 .l:!.xf7 Wd5 is) 45 . . . We6 (but not 45 . . . Wc6? 46 I!xf7 I!xb6 47 .l:!.f6+) 46 f3 'lt>d5 47 c.t>dl .l:!.b3 48 Wd2 .l:!.b5 49 'lt>c3 I!bl and it seems that White cannot make pro­ gress. In the end he will have to try to win a 4 vs. 3 rook ending (pawns on same side), but then he has quite slim chances to con­ vert it into victory. 4 5 f3

Yet another case with 4 vs. 4 pawns on the same flank and a passed b-pawn. The superior side is now able to win. 35 h4 h5 36 I!b7 I!d 5 37 b4 g5 ? ! Although this move does not have any bearing on the result of the game, creating weaknesses is a mistaken policy and allows White to win more easily. 38 hxg5 .l:!.xg 5 39 h2 I!d 5 40 e3 Wg7 41 'lt> g 2 .Ud 2 42 Wf3 J:!.b2 4 3 J:!.b8 f5 44 b5 Wf6 45 b6 e5 46 b7!

45 ... Wg7?

This loses without a fight. Black had to play 45 . . . 'it>e6. 46 Wd1 f6 47 Wc1 I!b3 48 Wc2 ! .l:txe 3 ?

Not best, although White also wins after 116

The weak pawns that Black has volun-

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 Pa w n s w i t h a p a s s e d b-p a w n v s .

tarily created become targets for the white king.

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

so l:tc7+ �e6 5 1 l:tc1 l:tb2

Avoiding the nasty 52libl .

46 ... �g7 47 � g2 l:.b1 48 f4! l:tb2+ 49 �f1

52 l:tc6+ cJile 7 5 3 l:tb6 l:tf2 ! 54 l:tb8 f6 5 5 b4

1-0

gS+ 56 hx g s fxgs+ 57 cJilxgs l:txf3 ss cJilh4

After 49 . . . exf4 50 exf4 �h7 White's king

�f7

comes to e6.

14.11

E.Grivas-W.Hug

White to play

Moscow Olympiad 1994

The position is an easy draw. White tried for some more moves to trick Black, but in vain. s9 l:tb7+ �f6 6o l:i.b6+ �f7 61 l:tbs l:tb3 ! 62 l:tfs+ �e6 63 l:tbs cJilf6 64 .l:!.b6+ �fs 65 l:tbs �g6 66 l::t b 7 �f6 6 7 l:tbs 'l;f7 68 l:tfS+ We6

If White could find the time to play f4, then he would win. However, Black can hold the draw with accurate play.

69 l:tf4 �e7 70 l:te4+ cj;>f6 71 g4 hxg4 72 �xg4 l:tb1 73 �f4 .l::!.f1+ 74 cJile3 l:!.e1+ 7 5 �d4 .l::!.x e4+ 76 �xe4 cJile6 7 7 W d 4 Yz-Yz

11 7

Chapter Fifteen

I

Rook Endings: Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed c-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns

Many of the same guidelines that were ex­ amined in the chapters about endings with an a- or b-pawn also apply here. Once

passive one, makes all the difference. 47 'lt>e4 l:.f6

again the sub-cases are determined by the placement of the rooks.

does not bring the desired result: 47 . . . .l:!.a6 48 c6+! Wc7 (or 48 . . . .l:!.xc6 49 .l::i.x c6 'lt>xc6 50 'lt>e5 'lt>d7 51 'lt>f6 'lt>e8 52 f5! ) 49 'lt>e5 .l:.a5+ 50 'lt>f6 �f5+ 51 d4, winning. so .l:.a s 'lt>ds 51 'lt>d4?! More accurate is 51 h4!, although the text-move does not spoil anything. 51

White's active rook, compared to Black's

118

...

h4 52 .l:.a8+ 'lt>c7 53 .l:.a 7+ 'lt>c6

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 P a w n s w i t h a p a s s e d c-p a w n v s .

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

5 4 We4! .l::tx c5 5 5 J::!.xf7 .l::tc 2

the pawn ending resulting from 37 . . . 'it>d7 38

Neither would 55 ... hxg3 56 hxg3 g5 57 .l::tf5! .l::t c4+ 58 Wd3 have saved Black.

f4 .l::tx c7 39 .l:txc7+ �xc7 40 f5 'it>d7 41 f6 is winning for White.

56 .l::tf6+ Wd7 57 .l::tx g 6 .l::tx h2 5 8 g4!

38 :c6+! e7 45 h3 ! 'it>f8 Or 45 . . . rtJf6 46 .l:[c6+ �e7 47 f6+!. 46 f6 'it>g8 47 .l:tc6 'it>h7 48 fxg7 �xg7 49 g5 ! Creating a second passed pawn. 49 ... hxgs 50 'it>xg 5 f6+ 51 'it>f5 'it>f7 52 h4 1-o

A Passive Rook (in front of the pawn) of the superior side Again White's rook is well placed. If his king succeeds in penetrating Black's king­ side, victory will be in sight. 3 5 Wg4

An alternative way to win is 35 d5 ! ? .l::td 8+ (or 37 . . . 'it>d8 38 .l::tb 1 ! �c8 39 .l::tb 7 .l:ta5+ 40 'it>d6 .l::t f5 41 f3 .l::tf6+ 42 Wc5 .l::tf5+ 43 Wb6 .l::t f6 44 .Ue7 Wd8 45 .l::te4, winning) 38 xf7 6 c7 when White wins. 4 �d1 .l:!.c3 5 �d2 .l:!.xf3 6 .l:!.d7 l::i.f 5! And Black secures the draw as 7 .l:!.d3? .l:!.c5 8 l::i.c 3? nxc3 9 �xc3 �d6! can only fa­ vour him!

White to play 1E.Grivas-A.Sznapik 5.4

Athens 1984

1 .l:!.a 2 ! •..

Black activates his rook, attacking the enemy kingside pawns, while at the same time his king has successfully blocked the passed c-pawn. 2 g4 .l:.f2 ! 3 'i¥te 5 l:!.e2+ 4 'i¥tf6 White must try to penetrate with his king. 4 .. J:te4! 5 'i¥tg5 .l:!.xc4 6 �b8 White's last winning attempt, aimed at Black's kingside structure. 6 ... 'i¥td6 7 gxf5

The passive white rook, allied to the cut120

7 l:.b7 .l:!.c5! 8 l:.xh7 fxg4+ 9 �xg6 g3 also leads to equality. 7 .l:.c 5 8 .l:!.b6+ 'i¥te7 9 .l:!.f6 ••.

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 P a w n s w i t h a p a s s e d c - p a w n vs .

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

It's a draw too after both 9 I;l.b7+ �f8 1 0 l::ixh7 I;l,xf5+ and 9 lle6+ �f7 10 I;l,e5 .l:tcl . 9 .. J:ta 5 10 h4 l:Ib5 11 h5 gxh 5 ! 12 .l:!.h6 �f8 13 .Uxh7 J::i b 6 14 I;l.xh 5 �f7 15 l:!h7+ 'it>f8 16 �h6 .l:!.b7! 17 .l:!.h8+ 'it>g7 18 .l:!.a8 'it>f7 It's a theoretical draw.

15.6

A.Beliavsky-S.Atalik

White to play

Vrnjack a Banja 1999

47 ... 'it>d6 48 .Ue1 �d7 49 'it>g5 .l:!.h3 50 g4! h4

Or 50 ... hxg4 51 fxg4 .l:!.g3 52 �f5 and wins. 51 f4 l:!.h2 5 2 f5 h3 53 �h4 1-o

15.7

E.Grivas-E.Pandavos

White to play

Greek Championship, R odas 1993

Both rooks are misplaced, while the black king is near enough to help. This po­ sition should be drawn. 39 �e4 f5+ 40 �d4 �d6 41 .l:!.b6 White cannot make any progress after 41 .l:!.a5 .l:!.xc6 42 .l:!.xf5 .Uc2 43 .l:!.xg5 �xg2 44 'it>e4 'it>e6 45 'it>f4 .l:!.h2 46 .l:.f5 .l:!.h3. 41 ... .l:!.e7?

But this is a serious mistake. Black had to activate his rook with 4 l . .J�a7! 42 .l:!.b5 (or 42 c7+ 'it>xc7 43 I;l.h6 .Ua5! 44 .l:!.xh5 g4 45 fxg4 .l:!.a4+ 46 'it>e5 fxg4 and draws) 42 . . . .Ua4+

White's superiority is evident. By using

43 �e3 f4+! 44 gxf4 (Black also holds after 44 Wd3 .Ua3+ 45 'it>e4 .l:!.a4+ 46 'it>f5 �xc6 47 �e5 fxg3 48 'it>xg5 .l:!.a2) 44 . . . gxf4+ 45 Wd3 'it>xc6 46 llxh5 �d6, achieving the draw.

his rooks correctly he can attack the enemy c-, e- and h-pawns. Black has many weak­

42 .l:!.b 5 ! .l:!.e2 43 .l:!.xf5 .l:!.d 2+ 44 �e3 �xg2 45

Or 40 . . . .l:!.c6? 41 .l:!.xc6 .l:!.xc6 42 .l:!.a7+ . 41 .l:!.aa 6 .l:!.e8 42 .l:!.d6 ! �f7 43 g4 .l:.ce7

.l:!.xg5 Wxc6 46 �f4 .l:!.h2 47 .l:!.e 5 !

Now the difference i s obvious: Black's king is cut off and White can win a rook and pawn vs. rook ending.

nesses and lacks satisfactory counterplay. 38 .l:!.b2 .l:!.d8 3 9 l:!.bb5 J:!dc8 40 .l:!.b6 Wf6

Black has no useful moves (43 . . . .Uee7 44 �ac6) and decides to seek counterplay, abandoning the protection of his c-pawn 12 1

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

(which was doomed anyway).

48 gxh5 gxh5 49 �ds � g7 50 c5 .l:.c1 5 1

44 .l:.ac6 .l:.a 8 45 .l:.xc 5 l:ta 2

�h4

Black's error on his 46th move is now highlighted. The white king has obtained new targets. 51 .. J::t h 1 52 .l:.c8 �h7 53 e4! fxe4 54 �xe4 W g 6 55 .l:.g 8+ 'it>f5 56 .l:.c4

An excellently placed rook, guarding the f-pawn and assisting the advance of the c-pawn. 56 ... .l:!.c7 57 .l:!.g 5+ �f6 58 c6

White wins a second pawn and, of course, the game. The win, though time­ consuming, was trivial. 5 8 ....l:!.dt 59 .l:.xh5 .l:.d6 6o .l:.hc 5 .l:.d 3 61 �g4

Now we have a case where there are four pawns for each side on the kingside.

.l::td 6 62 h4 .l:!.d1 63 h5 .l:.f1 64 .l:.c3 .l:.f2 6 5

This can only favour White, but, still, the

Or 66 .. Jhg5 67 fxg5+ Wxg5 68 .l:!.c5+ �f6 69 �f4 e5+ 70 'it>e4 and wins.

.l:.g5 ! .l:.g 2+ 66 �f3 lih2

win is not as easy as it looks. 46 .l:.e 5 h5?! Creating new weaknesses is always mis­ taken. Instead 46 . . . ltc2 47 .Uc6! .l:.cl was

67 � g 3 .l:.h1 68 .l:.g6+ r:ttf7 69 �h6! �g7 70 .l:.xe6 .l:.xh5 71 �g4 .%:.h1 7 2 .l:.d6 �f7 73

compulsory.

:xe7+ �xe7 7 7 .l:!.h6 �f7 78 f5 .l:.c1 79 �f4

.l:.cd 3 .l:.e7 74 .l:.d 7 .l:.c1 75 l:!.3d6 .l:!.c 5 76

47 �g3 .l:.a 1

.l:!.c5 so r:ttg 5 Wg7 81 .l:!.d6 �f7 82 .l:.e6 .l:.c4 8 3

Or 47 . . . hxg4 48 hxg4 .l:.al 49 g5 .l:.cl 50 c5 and the white king will head for the queen­ side to help the advance of his c-pawn.

.l:.d6 .l:.c 5 84 �f4 W e 7 8 5 .l::!. h 6 �f7 86 We4

122

We7 87 .l:.e6+ �f7 88 �d4! .l:!.xf5 89 .l:.e3 l:1h5 90 C7 1-0

Chapter Sixteen

I

Rook Endings: Rook & 4 Pawns with a passed d-pawn vs. Rook & 3 Pawns

Positions with an extra central d-pawn have their own character, compared with those where the passed pawn is on the a-, b- and c-files. Their most important charac­ teristic is that the king of the superior side can simultaneously protect his pawns and assist the advance of his passed pawn.

16.1

E.Grivas-A.Mihailidis

White to play

Athens 2002

Consequently, the rook of the superior side is not restricted to defensive duties. A nega­ tive aspect (for the attacker) is that the de­ fending king is not forced to distance him­ self from his own pawns in order to stop the enemy passed d-pawn. The superior side has two winning plans: i. To place his rook behind the passed pawn, so as to give the pawn the necessary support while the king will attack the en­ emy pawns. ii. To use his rook to give side checks and, with the help of its king, to try and push the passed pawn all the way to pro­ motion. Practice has shown that the superior side has approximately a 50% chance to win the game. In general, the defending side's task is very difficult. Quite decent winning chances for the superior side are provided by placing the king on the c-file.

White's king is cut off and his rook is re­ stricted to defensive duties. Moreover, the absence of the f-pawns favours the de­ fender as the reduced material helps him to reach his goal. 3 5 h4 �tG 36 � g 1 �ts 3 7 �f1 h s ! With the idea of exchanging the king­ side pawns by means of the advances . . . g5 and, later, . . . h4. 38 �e1 .l::!.a 2 Equally good is 38 . . . .l:.g2 39 d 4 .l:!.a2!,

12 3

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

with a draw.

49 �e6! �g4

39 .l::.e2 .l::. a 3 40 Wd2

Neither would 49 . . . g5 50 hxgS .l:.g4 51 g6 Wxd3 52 l::teS .Uxg6 53 .l:.dS+ 'it>c4 54 .UxhS Wd4 55 Wf4 have saved Black. so l::te 4! 1-0

1 16.2

White to play

40 ....l::!. a 2+?!

40 ... g5 41 hxg5 Wxg5 42 IreS Wg4 43 .l::. g8+ Wf3 would have been satisfactory. 41 �e3 .l::. a 4 42 .l::. c 2 �g4 43 �f2+ Wes 44 .l::.f3 We6

Although this move doesn't spoil Black's position, 44 . . . g5 45 hxgS �xgS would have sufficed for a draw. 45 �f2 we s 46 lie3+ Wd4 47 we2

1 .Ua 2 !

The correct plan! The rook will place it­ self behind the passed pawn and the king will try to invade the black camp. 1 ... 'it>e6 2 l::td 2 l::ta 1 No better i s 2 . . . .l;!.e1+ 3 'it>f4 'it>dS? (not best, although even 3 .. .f6 4 .Ua2 .l::l.f 1 5 �a6+ We7 6 We3 should be winning for White) 4 'it>gS .l::!.e6 5 'it>h6 .l::l. d 6 6 'it>g7 fS (or 6 . . . .l::i. d 7 7 'it>f6 .Ua7 8 .l::!.e2 Wxd4 9 .l;!.e7 .l:ta2 10 .l:!.xf7 �xf2+ 11 Wxg6 .l:!.g2 12 l:H3) 7 Wh6 .Ue6 8 WgS, followed by a decisive �d2-a2-a8-g8 manoeuvre. 3 'it>f4 .l::!.a s

47 ... �c3?

A fatal error. The simple 47 ... Wd5 holds the draw. 48 �f3 ! .Ud4 Or 48 . . . g5 49 l::te 4! gxh4 50 gxh4 l::t g 7 51 .l::!.eS Wxd3 (51 . . . .l::!.f7+ 52 We3 .:i.h7 53 .l:i.cS+ Wb4 54 d4) 52 .bidS+ Wc4 53 .:i.xh5 'it>d4 54 Wf4 .l::l.g8 55 �aS! and White wins. 124

A n alternative defensive try was 3 . . . f6! ? 4 �b2 �a6 5 'it>e4 £i!.a4 6 .Ub6+ We7 7 .:i.b7+ We6 8 .Ug7 .Ua5! 9 f3! (9 .Uxg6?? 'it>f7 10 .l::!.h6 'it>g7) 9 . . . �b5. It's important to realize that the white king should not be allowed to penetrate the black kingside. 4 �e2+ Wd6 5 .l:!.b2 We6 6 'it>e4 .Ua1 Black could try 6 ... .l:.a6!? 7 �b4 .Ua2. 7 dS+! Wf6? Black should have tried 7 . . . We7 8 'it>d4

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 P a w n s w i t h a p a s s e d d - p a w n vs.

(and not 8 �b7+? Wf6 9 d 6 I;l.dl 10 d7 We6!) 8 . . .�cl 9 I;l.b7+ (9 f4? I;l.dl+ 1 0 We4 f5+ 11 We5 l::te l+ 12 �d4 l:tdl+ draws) 9 . . . Wf6 1 0 l::tb 3 when h e can continue t o resist, albeit in a clearly worse position. 8l1d 2 We7

9 d6+!

9 We5? l::te l+ 1 0 Wf4 f6! 11 I;l.a2 l:!.e5! 12 I;l.a7+ Wd6 13 l::t a 6+ We7 14 d6+ Wd7 only leads to a drawn position. 9 ...Wd7 10 �e5

Now White is winning as his king will enter the black kingside. 10 l::ta 5+ 11 �f6 �f5+ 12 W g7 l::tf3 ..•

Rook &

3 Pa w n s

Wxh 5 We5 18 Wg5 and White wins.

16.3

L.Portisch-S.Giigoric

Black to play

Vrnjack a Banja 196 6

50...Wf5

Black is in too much of a hurry to ap­ proach the white pawns with his king. A better plan was 50 . . . l:!.e7 51 I!.a6 We5 52 We3 d5 53 l::ta 5 �d7 with a clear advantage (as in the previous example), intending to push .. .£6 and . . . g5, aiming to create weaknesses in White's pawn structure or even to create a passed black pawn on the h-file. 5 1 .l::ta 7 f6?!

After 51 ... Wf6, Black would be able to revert to the aforementioned and correct plan. 52 .l:!.g7 lae6

Or 52 . . . g5 53 hxg5 fxg5 54 f3! l::te 6 55 l::th7 Wg6 56 l::th8 and Black cannot make much progress. 5 3 l::t g 8 ! g5 54 l::t h 8 Wg4 55 l:!.g8 �e 5 56 lag6?

White misses a clear draw: 56 hxg5! fxg5 57 f4! l::t c5 58 We3! �c3+ 59 Wd4 l:ixg3 60 13 'it>h6! l:tf6

l::tx g5+.

White also wins after both 13 . . JH5 14 f4 .l::tf6 15 Wg7 .l::tf5 1 6lad3 and 13 . . . .l::tb3 14 l:Id4 .l::tf3 15 �f4. 14 f4 .l:.xd6 15 l1xd6+ Wxd6 16 f5 ! gxf5 17

56 ...Wh3?

Black returns the favour when 56 . . . .l:f5! 57 We3 Wh3! 58 hxg5 fxg5 59 l::tx d6 (or 59 f4 g4 60 �g5 l::txg5 61 fxg5 h4! 62 g6 hxg3 63 g7 12 5

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

g2 64 g8'i' gl'i'+) 59 ... g4! 60 J:!.d4 'it>g2 61 l:!.f4

tion of his g-pawn) .

J:!.xf4 62 gxf4 h4 63 f5 h3 64 f6 h2 65 f7 hl 'i' 66 f8'i' 'ifel+ would have allowed him to

4S ... J:!.a s 46 J:!.b8 We6 47 .ti.e8+ Wd7 48 .t!.e4

obtain a won queen ending. 57 J:!.xf6 gxh4

would lead to play similar to the game. 48 .f6 49 l:!.b4 J:!.a 2 so J:!.b3 J:!.e2 51 l:!.b7+

The result wouldn't change after 57 . . . g4 58 J:!.xd6 'it>g2 59 l:!.f6 Wfl 60 Wd3 J:!.e2 61 f4

51 Wf3 J:!.e6!, followed by the advance of the d-pawn, would not change anything.

(or 61 J:!.f5 J:!.xf2 62 J:!.xh5 Wg2 63 J:!.a5 Wxg3 64 h5 �f6 65 'it>e4 Wh3 66 l:!.f5 l::!.h6 67 .Ug5 g3 68 Wf5 J:!.h8 69 We5! with a draw) 6 l . . .Wf2 62 J:!.h6 .Ue3+ 63 Wd4 .Uxg3 64 J:!.xh5 J:!.h3 65

51 .. /.t'c6 52 l:!.f7 .Ue6

The alternative 48 J:!.f8 We7 49 J:!.g8 f6 .•

l:!.g5 g3 66 f5 and White holds. 5 8 .Uxd6 hxg3 59 fxg 3 Wxg3 60 J:!.g6+ Wf3 61 J:!.f6+ Wg4 62 J:!.g 6+ 'it>fs 63 J:!.g8 h4 64 J:!.f8+ W g4 65 J:!.g8+ Wh3 66 l:!.g7 Wh2 67 J:!.g8 .Ue4 68 J:!.g7 h3 69 J:!.g8 l:!.e7 70 .Ug6 .Ua 7 71 We2 J:!.a 2+ 7 2 Wfl .Ug2 7 3 J:!.h6 J:!.g4 74 J:!.h8 l:!.f4+ 75 We2 Yz-Yz

16.4

I.Novikov-V.Gavrikov

White to play

USSR Championship, Lvov 1987

53 f4

White decides to proceed actively as 53 J:!.a7 d5 54 J:!.a6+ Wd7 55 J:!.a7+ Wd6 56 J:!.a6+ We5 57 J:!.a5 We4 doesn't help him. 53 ... gxf4 54 Wf3

The alternative 54 J:!.h7 d5 55 J:!.xh4 d4 56 J:!.h8 d3 57 J:!.c8+ (or 57 .l:td8 l:!.d6 58 J:!.xd6+ 'it>xd6 59 Wf2 We5 60 h4 We4 61 h5 f3 62 Wel We3) 57 . . . Wd5 58 'it>f2 Wd4 loses as well. 54 ... ds ss 'lt>xf4 d4 5 6 l:!.f8 Not of much help either is 56 Wf5 .Ud6. S6 ... d 3 5 7 .l:td8 J:!.d6 5 8 .ti.c8+ The pawn ending resulting from 58 J:!.xd6+ Wxd6 59 We3 We5 60 Wxd3 Wf4 is a White has serious structural problems, in particular to do with the weak h3-pawn, which condemns his king to a defensive and consequently passive role. It is there­ fore not surprising that Black's position is winning. 44 J:!.e8 J:!.a4 45 J:!.g 8

White is trying to force Black's king too to undertake defensive duties (the protec126

simple win for Black. S8 ... 'it>bs 59 J:!.c1 d2 6o J:!.d 1 'it>c4 61 g s fxgs+ 62 'it>xgs .l:i.d4! o-1

White to play 16.5 G.Hertneck-I.Marinkovic Munich 1991

Material is equal, but this does not mat-

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook &

4 Pa w n s with a p a s s e d d - p a wn vs.

Rook &

3 Pa wns

ter i n this position a t all. The prevailing

interesting try is 56 . . . f6! ? as White cannot

factor is the placement of the kings and rooks, in which White is (temporarily) far

continue with 57 £!.b6? (in the pawn race Black then promotes with check). More­

superior, as well as the passed d-pawn. Still, in view of the reduced material, Black

over, 56 . . . l:!.a4! 57 Wc6 l:.c4+! 58 'it>d6 Wf8! seems to lead to a draw: 59 'lt>d7 !hf4 60 d6

has good drawing chances.

.l::!.xh4 61 'it>c8 .l:!.c4+ 62 .l::!.c 7 .l::i. d4 63 d7 h4 64 d8'i'+ l:.xd8+ 65 Wxd8 g5. 57 Il.b4 'it>d7 58 .l:!.a4!

Black has ended up in an extremely pas­ sive position. 5 8 ... 'it>e7

55 'it>d6!

The best place for the king to support the advance of the passed d-pawn is on the c-file. 55 ... .l::!.a 6+ 56 'it>c5 59 f5 ! ..l:!.xf5

White will win easily after 59 . . . gxf5? 60 .l::!.a7+ We8 61 d6 f4 62 'it>c6 'it>f8 63 'lt>c7. 60 Wc6 .l::!.f1 61 d6+ 'lt>e6 62 l:!.e4+ 'it>f5 6 3 d7? White could have won with 63 .l::i. d 4! .l::i.c l+ (or 63 . . . We5 64 ..l:!.d5+ 'it>e6 65 d7 .l:!.cl+ 66 Wb5 Wxd5 67 d8'i'+ c,t>e6 68 'ikb6+ Wd5 69 'i!fb7+!) 64 Wd5 .l::!. c8 65 d7 .l::!.h8 66 'lt>c5! .l::i.d 8 67 Wd6 f6 (67 . . . g5 68 .l:!.d5+ 'it>g4 69 hxg5 h4 70 'it>e7 ..l:!.xd7+ 71 'lt>xd7 h3 72 Wd6 h2 73 .l::i. d 1 also wins) 68 We7 .l:!.xd7+ 69 .l:!.xd7 g5 70 �d5+ 'lt>g4 71 .l::i. d4+ Wf5 72 Wd6 gxh4 73 .l:!.xh4 Wg5 74 .l::!.h 1 h4 75 Wd5 'lt>g4 76 'it>e4 56 ....l::i.f6?

According to general principles, this placement of the black rook is unfortunate. No help either is provided by 56 . . . .l::!. a 5+ 57 �b5! £!.xb5+? (57 . . . .l::!. a 4) 58 'it>xb5 'it>d7 59 'it>c5 'it>c7 60 d6+ 'lt>d7 61 Wd5 f6 62 'it>c5 g5 63 fxg5 fxg5 64 hxg5 h4 65 g6 h3 66 g7 h2 67 g8'i' h1'i' 68 'i'f7+! and White mates, but an

f5+ 77 We3, whereas now Black has the chance of transposing to a theoretically drawn queen vs. rook ending. 63 ... Wxe4! 64 d8'i' ..l:!.f5 65 'i!Vd 1 Wf4 66 'i'g 1 'lt>f3 There is no way to win as Black has an ideal defensible position. White tried for some time, but in vain. 12 7

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

67 �d6 �f4 68 �g2 �e3 69 �g3 + �e4 70 We7 Wd4 11 Wf8 We4 7 2 Wg7 Wd4 73 'ife1 �d 3 74 �f8 �d4 75 Vi'g3 �e4 76 �e7 �d4 7 7 �d6 �e4 7 8 �c6 �d4 79 �e1 .l:ic 5+ 80 Wb6 l::!.f5 81 'i¥e2 Yz-Yz

1 16.6

Black to play

important. Black would lose after the alter­ natives: 4 . . . �g7 5 �c7 �c4+ 6 l:l.c6 l:l.d4 7 .!:.d6 �c4+ 8 �b6 llb4+ 9 �c5 lib8 10 d8'ti' �xd8 11 �xd8 �f6 12 �d5 h4 13 �d4; 4 . . . �g5 5 �e7 �e4+ 6 �xf7 �d4 7 �b5+ �h6 8 �e6; and 4 . . . �f5 5 �e7! (but not 5 Wc7? �d4 6 l:!.d6 �c4+ 7 �b6 .U.b4+ 8 �c5 l:!.b8 9 d8� .l:xd8 10 �xd8 �e4 with a draw) 5 . . ..Ue4+ 6 'it>xf7 .Ud4 7 .Ub5+ �g4 8 I!.b4 �xb4 9 d8'i¥. 5 �e7 .lad4 6 .l:ib5+ �f4 7 z::l. b 4 £txb4 8 d8� �e3 ! 9 �xf7 .Ug4

This is a theoretical draw.

67

1. A.Karayiannis-E.Grivas

White to play

Kalavrita (rapid} 1997

This typical position clearly illustrates the possibilities available to the inferior side. Having captured the white g-pawn, Black must now decide about his further defensive play. 1 ... .l::!.c 4!

The only move, as the attractive l . . .�f5? 2 l:tb5+! Wxf4 3 .l:ig5! f5 4 �xg6 We4 5 We6 f4 6 d7 l:!.d3 7 We7! �e5 8 �e6+ gifts White an effortless win. 2 �d8

The black rook is almost ideally placed,

White's other options also fail to bring victory: 2 �e8 �c8+ 3 Wd7 �c4; 2 �c7 �xf4

supporting the advance of the d-pawn. 38 �f3 'it>f6 39 �f4!? d4?

3 �e8 �xh4 4 d7 �d4; and 2 �b8 .Uxf4 3 �c6 l:txh4 4 d7 l:!.d4 5 d8�+ l::rx d8 6 �xd8 'it>e5 7 .l:ie8+ �d4 8 'it>d6 (or 8 I!.h8 g5! 9 �xh5 g4 10 �g5 f5! 11 �xf5 We4) 8 ... g5 9 �e7 'it>e5! 1 0

Black hurries to advance the d-pawn, but this is clearly a mistake. 39 . . . �e6 40 'it>e3

�xf7+ �f5 ! . 2 ... .l::!.xf4!

Or 41 �e4 d3 42 �a7+ Wf6 43 .l:ia6+ �g7 44 �a1 d2 45 �d1 'it>f6 46 �e3 with a draw.

2 . . . �f5? is inferior: 3 d7 'it>xf4 4 �e7 �d4 5 .l:ib4! .

41 ... �e6 42 .Ua2?

.Ud7 was a must. 40 �a6+ �e7 41 �a7+

The only move a s control o f the d6-

White should not allow the black king to become active. With the simple 42 'it>e4 he could have held the draw: 42 . . . f5+ (or

square (preventing a future �d6) is highly

42 . . . d3 43 .Ua1 ) 43 Wd3 f4 44 l:ra6+ �f5 45

3 d 7 l:.xh4 4 l:!.b6+ �e 5 !

128

Rook E n d i n g s : Rook & 4 P a w n s w i t h a p a s s e d d - p a w n v s . Rook & 3 P a w n s

.!:!.aS+ �g4 4 6 .l:tgS+ �h3 4 7 gxf4 l:!.d6 4 8 fS gxfS 49 .l:!xhS. 42 ...�ds ! 43 �f3 .l:teSI

The only plan for White is to create a second passed pawn. 38 ....!:!.a6 3 9 g4 hx g4

Cutting off the white king and now its counterpart will help the advance of the passed pawn from the c-file. 44 .l:ta7 d3 45 .l:txf7 �c4 46 .l:tc7+ �b3 47

The incorrect 39 .. .lla3? 40 gxhS gxhS 41 .l:tb2 �xd4 42 .l:tbS gives White too many

l:!.b7+ �c2 48.l:tc7+ �d1 49 .!:!.c6

It's also a draw after 41 hS gxhS 42 gxhS .!:!.hl 43 �g4 �e4 (or 43 . . . .l:tg1+ 44 'it>h3 fS 45 .l:tg2 .l:tal 46 �h4 �xd4 47 �gS �e4) 44 dS

White must capture another pawn, hop­ ing for salvation in a rook vs. pawn(s) end­ ing.

chances. 40 fxg4 l:la1 41 .l:th 2

.l:tgl+ 45 �h3 �f3! (0).

49 ... d2 so l::!.xg6 l:tf8+ 51 � g2 .l:te8 52 �f3 �e1 53 .l:td6 .l:tf8+!

A strong intermediate move, taking aim at the enemy pawns, so as to avoid any danger in the coming ending. 54 �e4 .l:txf2 5 5 g4 hxg4 56 hS dl'i!V 0-1

White to play 16.8 A.Greenfeld-J.Granda Zuniga Willemstad

2003

41 ....l:td1 42 hs .!:!.xd4+ 43 �f3 gxhs 44 gxhs 'it>e6 Yz-Yz

16.9

E.Grivas-E.Dervishi

White to play

Athens 1 9 9 8

Black's rook is a bit passive, but his structure and king placement are fine. 31 �g2 �e6 3 2 .l:td3 �ds ! A centralized king can never do any harm! 33 h4.l:td7

Or 33 . . . �e4 34 .l:tf3 fS 35 .l:tf4+ �dS and holds. 34 �3 .!:!.d6 35 l:!.d2 l:!.f6+ 3 6 �e3 l:!.e6+ 3 7 Wf4 f6 3 8 f3

White's superiority is obvious as his 12 9

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

pieces occupy their proper posts, while the

king's march towards the bS-pawn. White

presence of an additional pair of pawns on the queenside is in his favour.

is also planning the advance g4-g5, which will allow him to eventually capture the

35 '1t>f3 '1t>e6 3 6 e4!

king, so that it can protect his pawn and free his rook. The latter can then move

black g-pawn, while the advance d4-d5 also figures in his plans. 44 .l:!.f4! l:!.c4? Black had to try 44 . . . .l:!.a6 45 .l:!.e4+ '1t>d5 46

menacingly against the black pawns. 3 6 fxe4+

.l:!.eS+ '1?o>xd4 47 l:!.xbS '1t>e3 48 g4 .l:!.d6 49 gS h5 50 .l:!.b4, although White should win.

It is important to centralize White's

•.•

After 36 . . . l:!.a8 37 l:!.d3 .l:!.a4 38 d5+! '1t>e5 39 exf5 '1?o>xf5 40 d6 .l:!.a8 41 d7 .l:!.d8 42 .l:!.dS+ '1t>e6 43 '1t>e4 White wins because the pawn ending is clearly lost: 43 . . . g6 44 g4 .l:!.xd7 45 .l:!.xd7 '1t>xd7 46 '1t>d5. 37 '1t>xe4 .l:!.a8 3 8 .l:!.d 3 g6 In the case of 38 . . . .l:l.a4 39 .l:!.b3! :!.aS 40 g4! g6 41 h4 '1t>d6 42 .l:!.f3 '1t>e6 43 g5 hxg5 44 hxgS, White wins. 39 h4 '1t>d6 40 l:!.f3 .l:!.e8+! 41 '1t>d3 .l:!.a8 42 '1t>c2 White has now acquired new targets: the black pawns on bS (which will be at­ tacked by the king}, g6 and h6 (both of

45 d 5 + !

which are targets for the rook) . The white d-pawn will not be promoted, but will be exchanged for a greater number of pawns. 42 ... '1t>e6

The simplest, forcing a transition to a won pawn ending thanks to the distant passed a-pawn. 45 '1t>xd 5 46 .l:!.xc4 bxc4+ 47 '1t>c3 g5

Or 42 . . . '1t>d5 43 '1t>b3 '1t>xd4 44 .l:!.f6 .l:!.g8 45 '1?o>b4 and wins.

48 hxg5 ! 1-0

43 '1t>b3 .l:!.a4

Forced in order to disrupt the white

130

.•.

Or 47 . . . '1t>c5 48 a4. Black resigned in view of the variation 48 . . . hxg5 49 g4! '1t>c5 50 a4.

C h a pt e r S eve n t e e n

I

Roo k E n d i n g s : G e n e ra l Roo k E n d ga m e Tec h n i q u e

Having already analysed almost every pos­ sible type of rook ending that can occur in the final phase of a game, in this chapter we will analyse some instructive games and the correct method of exploiting positional advantages in rook endings. Naturally, the process of exploiting pos­ sible advantages, or of finding the appro­ priate defence, requires knowledge of the fundamental endings which we have just covered. Complicated rook endings with many pawns also require the players, as ever, to keep the important concepts of ac­ tivity and planning in mind, as well as hav­ ing a good assimilation of rook ending the­ ory.

17.1

E.Grivas-U.Andersson

Black to play

Online rap id 2004

(see following

diagram)

White has advanced his h-pawn which is quite a standard idea. He is in no hurry to exchange the queenside pawns, but first creates further weaknesses in Black's king­ side pawn structure.

3 3 ... 'it> e7

Black' s alternative try, 33 . . . h6 34 g4! l:th3 35 l:ta5 'it>£6 36 l:txb5 l:txa3 37 l:t£5+! 'it>e6 38 b5 l:tb3 39 'it>d2, would not have changed the outcome. 34 h 6 ! gxh6 3 5 !Ixh6 l:txa3 3 6 l:ths !

36 l:txh7+ also wins, but White does not wish to allow Black any counterplay with his b-pawn. 36 ... l:tb3 37 .l:txbs 'it>f6 3 B l:tb8 White's plans are now easy to establish. First he will push his b-pawn to b7 and then: i) If the black king stays on the kingside, White will win the black e-pawn and then push his £-pawn as well.

13 1

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

ii) If the black king moves to the queen­ side, then White will, at the appropriate moment, exchange his b-pawn for Black's kingside pawns. The above-mentioned plans are consid­ ered fairly elementary and occur in many rook endgames. 38

hs If Black had chosen the first plan, a pos­

•.•

sible continuation could have been 38 . . . 'it>g7 39 b5 h6 40 b6 'it>h7 41 b7 'it>g7 42 'it>d2 'it>h7 43 'it>c2 .I:.b6 44 'it>c3 'it>g7 45 'iti>d4 .l::!.b4+ 46 'it>d5 and Black is forced to abandon the protection of his e-pawn, as the threat of 47 'it>c6! l:!.c4+ 48 'iti>b5 is decisive.

White's king will be able to approach the centre and attack the black d4-pawn, as well as assist his rook. Moreover, it will prevent the invasion of the black rook on c2, pressur­ izing his pawns, and any possible tactical threats by Black are eliminated. Instead the impatient 46 l:!.d3 'it>f7 47 e3? dxe3! 48 l:!.xe3 (48 .l::!.x d8?? e2!) only favours Black. 46 'it>f7? ..•

This makes White's task easier. As in all rook endings, activity must be the priority. 46 ... .l:!.c8! was the energetic continuation, after which White has many options:

'it>xb7

a) 47 'it>e1 ?! .l:!.cl+! (but not 47 .. J:lc2? 48 'it>d1 d3 49 1hd3 .l:!.xb2 50 .l:!.d8+ 'it>f7 51 .l:!.a8 l:!.a2 52 l:!.xa6 b4 53 a4 b3 54 .l:!.b6 b2 55 'it>c2 .l:!.xa4 56 l:!.xb2 when White wins) 48 'it>d2

Easier is 42 .. .lhb7 43 .l:!.h7+ 'it>c6 44 l:!.xb7 'it>xb7 45 'it>e3.

l:tfl 49 f4 (or 49 f3 h5) 49 . . . .l:!.g1 50 .l:!.f3 'it>f7 51 'it>d3 .l:!.d1+ 52 'it>e4 .l:!.d2 53 b4 'it>f6 54 .l:!.d3

43 l:!.xhs 'it>c6 44 l:!.es 1-0

l:!.xe2+ 55 'it>xd4 g5 and Black draws. b) 47 .l:!.b4?! .l:!.c4! 48 'it>g2 'it>f7 49 'it>f3 (and

39 bS 'it>e7 40 b6 'it>d7 41 b7 'it>c7 42 .l:!.h8

In view of 44 . . .l:!.b4 45 'it>e3 'it>d6 46 l:!.xe4.

17.2

E.Grivas-V.Kotronias

White to play

Karditsa 1 9 8 4

not 49 l:.xc4? bxc4 50 'it>f3 h5 51 'iti>e4 c3 52 bxc3 dxc3 53 'iit d 3 g5 when Black even wins) 49 . . . .l:!.c2! 50 a4 bxa4 51 .l:!.xa4 .l::!. xb2 52 l:!.xa6 h5 53 .l:!.a5 g6 54 .l::!. d 5 l::!. d 2 55 .l:!.d6 g5 is also drawn. c) 47 a4 bxa4 48 .l:!.b4 .l:!.cl + 49 'it>g2 .l:lc2 50 'it>f3 a3 51 bxa3 .l:.c3+ 52 'it>e4 .l:!.xa3 53 'it>xd4 'it>f7 54 l:!.b6 h5 55 'it>e4 .l:!.a4+ 56 'it>f3 l:Ia3+ 57 e3 l:!.a2 58 e4 retains an advantage and Black must not underestimate White's chances (see our next example for a similar ending, although here White's h-pawn and Black's e-pawn are missing which favours White). d) 47 f4! is probably the best approach and then: d 1) 47 . . . l:!.cl + 48 'it>f2 .l:!.c2 49 'it>f3 'it>f7 50 l:!.b4 'it>e6 51 a4 bxa4 52 nxd4 l:!.xb2 53 l:!.xa4

After a colourless middlegame, White has exploited an inaccuracy by Black to ob­ tain a superior ending, based solely upon White's better pawn structure (Black's d­ pawn is isolated and weak) . 46 'it> f1! 132

.l:!.b6 54 .l:!.a5 wins - again compare with ex­ ample 1 7.3. d2) 47 ... .l:!.c2 48 .l:!.b4! 'it>f7 49 .l:!.xd4 l:!.xb2 50 l:!.d7+ 'it>f8 51 l:ta7 l:ta2 52 nxa6 b4 53 a4 should be winning as White will gain a passed e-pawn in a 3 vs. 2 ending.

G e n e ra l Rook E n dg a m e Te c h n i q u e

d3) 47 . . . �f7!? (Black's most stubborn try) 48 .l:!.d3! leads to a further divide:

56 'it>f3! (best: this retains fair winning chances, whereas 56 e3? ! h5! only helps Black) 56 . . . a4 (56 . . . h5? 57 gxh5 �xf5 58 .l:!.f8+ �e5 59 �g4 J:i.bl 60 h6 l:.hl 61 'it>xg5 makes the win easier) 57 �a8 l:l:b3+ 58 e3 a3 59 l:.a7 h5 60 �a5+ �f6 61 .U.a6+ �g7 62 gxh5 g4+ 63 �f4 g3 64 �f3 g2 65 .lag6+ 'lt>h7 66 l:.xg2 l:.b2 67 li!.g6 l:ib5 68 e4! (and not 68 'it>f4? l:.a5 69 lagl �h6 70 :tal a2 71 f6 laa6 72 �e5 l:.a5+ 73 �d4 �a7 with a draw) 68 .. J:ta5 69 l:.gl a2 70 .l:!.al �h6 71 f6 and White wins. All these variations do not mean that White had a huge advantage in the starting position, but his position was definitely the

d31 ) 48 .. Jk2 49 �xd4! �xb2 50 a4! �e6 51 �f2 a5 52 axb5 �xb5 53 �d8 a4 54 �a8 .l:Ib4 55 �a7 �f6 56 .l:Ia6+ �f7 57 e3 and White retains winning chances due to his superior structure and better placed rook. d32) 48 . . . .l::!. c4 49 �f2 �e6 50 g4 .Uc2 (or 50 . . . �d5 51 �f3 l:.c2 52 e3 �xb2 53 1Ixd4+ �e6 54 f5+ �e7 55 Il.e4+ �f7 56 .l:!.e6 a5 57 .lab6 .l:!.b3 58 g5 and White wins) 51 .l::!.x d4

easier to play. Black has to find a lot of good moves just to survive and, indeed, the game's natural 46 .. .f7? (king to the centre) lost without a real fight. 47 'lt>e1 'it> e6

(and not 51 b4? 'lt>d5 52 �f3 �c3 when it's Black who wins!) 5 1 . . ..laxb2 52 a4 a5 (52 . . . b4 53 a5 h6 54 'it>f3 does not change much) 53 axb5 .U.xb5 54 �d8 g5 (an active move, try­ ing to weaken White's structure; White re­ tains the advantage after 54 . . . .l:!.b4 55 �f3 a4 56 .l:!.a8 .U.b3+ 57 e3 a3 58 .:!.a7 �f6 59 l:.a6+ �f7 60 f5) 55 f5+ �e5 48 g4!

Clearing the third rank for the rook, which can now pressurize the black king­ side pawns. Moreover, the text prevents the future creation of a passed black pawn by . . . g5 and . . . h5. 48 ...'1t>e5 49 .l:U3 .l:!.d7 50 �d2 h6

Intending . . . g6 and . . . h5, whereas 50 . . . g6 51 g5! only helps White. 51 .l:.f5+! 'it>e6 52 'iii>d 3 g 5

Forced in view of the threat of 53 .Uf4. 53 .l::tf8

Now White's rook can target three black 13 3

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s ics

weaknesses (a6, d4, h6), while Black's pieces are passive. Consequently, it is not surpris­ ing that Black's position soon collapses. 53 .. .'�e7 54 .l:!.c8 l:!.d6 55 .Uc7+! We8 Unappetizing, but the alternative 55 . . . We6 56 �h7! Wd5 57 �e7 and 58 .l:!.e4 wouldn't have helped.

17.3

A.Karpov-V.Hort

White to play

W addinx veen 1979

56 lies !

26 l:!.e s ! 'i'xe3 27 J::!. x e3 �e8

Or 27 . . . Wf7 28 l:!.a3 l:!.a8 29 .U.a6 when the Intending l:!.e5-e4, picking u p a t last the isolated black d4-pawn. The rest of the game was one-sided, despite lasting a while during which White correctly side­ stepped Black's traps: S6 .l:.f6 5 7 �e S+ Wd7 5 8 f3 lilc6 59 �d S+ ..•

We6 60 lixd4 .l:.c1 61 a4 J:.c s 62 �d 8 bxa4 63 .Uh8 .l:!.a s 64 �xh6+ f6 32 f4 �b7 3 3 'it>f3 l:l.c7 34 �a6 g6

White also wins after 34 .. Ji!:b7 35 h5! (but not 35 f5? �b6, holding) 35 . . . 'it>f7 36 gS l::!.c 7 (or 36 . . . hxg5 37 fxg5 J::!. c 7 38 Wf4 l:!.b7 39 e4 �c7 40 g6+ We7 41 liaS W£6 42 e5+ We7 43 Wg5) 37 e4 .l:!.b7 38 Wg4 �c7 39 gxh6 gxh6 40 f5. 3 5 �a s l:!.d 7 36 e3 l:!.b7 3 7 h s g s 38 l:!.a 6! Gxf4 3 9 exf4 l:!.b3+ 40 Wg2 �b7 41 �g3

l:.b3 7 7 'it>e4 �b4+ 7 8 'it>fs �bs+ 79 '>t> g 6 l!e s

And not 41 £5? l:!.e7 when Black draws.

so f4 �xe3 81 'lt>xg s l:!. e 7 8 2 l:!.xa s Wf7 8 3 fs

41 ...C.t'f7 42 l:i.a4 �g7 43 gS l:!.c7 44 l:!.a s Wg8

l:!.b7 84 .l:.a 6 W g 7 85 �g 6+ Wf7 86 l:!.c6 �g7

45 l:!.b s ! �f7 46 � g4 a6 47 l:!.b8 .l::tc 1 48 g6+ '>t> g7 49 �b7+ 'lt>f8 so l:!.b6 .l::tg l+ 5 1 'it>f3

87 ktc4 l:i:a 7 88 �f4 Wh6 89 !tc6+ � g 7 90 g S .l:!.a4+ 91 'it>e s .l:!.a s+ 92 'it>e6 l:ta 7 9 3 J:l.d6 .l:.a 1 94 �d 7+ 'it>g8 9 5 f6 Ilf1 96 g6 .!;l.el+ 97 'it>d6

l:.fl+ 52 We4 l:Iel+ 53 'it>d4 We7 54 �xa 6 'lt>f6 5 5 :l.a7 eS+ 56 fxe s+ l:.xe s 5 7 l:.a6+ 1-0

�dl+ 98 Wc6 .l:!.cl+ 99 'lt>bs .l:.bl+ 100 'it>c4 .l:!.cl+ 101 �b3 �bl+ 102 'it>c2 �b8 103 �g 7+ �f8 104 �h7 1-0

We should now consider the aforemen­ tioned game of Karpov's with notes based on those of Cvetkovic. 134

17.4

E.Grivas-A.Vouldis

White to play

Greek Championship, Volos 1996 White is a pawn up, but Black's queen-

G e n e ra l R o o k E n dg a m e Te c h n i q u e

side counterplay seems sufficient for at least a draw. Thus White is obliged to ad­ vance his kingside pawns as quickly as possible.

s 1 ... es

Black is now completely lost: 5l . . . a2 52 .l:!.a4 e5 53 h6 does not help. 5 2 l:!.a4 l:!.f8 53 .l:!.xa 3 e4 54 l:le3 1-0 43 Wf3 ! .li!.b2 44 g4 bS 45 �c7 ! � g 8 Instead 45 . . . l:!.xa2 46 e6 llal (46 . . . a3 47

e7! ) 47 l:!.xf7+ �g8 48 l:la7! would bring White immediate victory. 46 l:!.b7 b4 4 7 Wf4!

17.5 White to play E.Grivas-M.Kranawetvogl

Munich 1987

It is the white king's turn to assume the leading role in the forthcoming events. 47 ... a 3

Despite the reduced material, White has some advantage thanks to his protected passed pawn. Black, though, has good 4 8 e6!

By sacrificing this otherwise useless pawn, White obtains connected passed pawns - quite a standard and important idea.

drawing chances, as he can create counter­ play with a passed pawn and potentially one on both flanks. 32 'it>f1 l:.d s ! 3 3 �e2 l:!. a s Activating the rook.

48 ...fxe6 49 WgS l:!.xa 2 so Wg6! l:!.f2 5 1

34 l:tc2 �f8 35 Wd3 �e7 36 e4 .l:ta 3 37 �c3

l:!.xb4

�a1 38 �c4 'it>d 7 39 g 3 hs 40 f4 13 5

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

Compulsory as Black was threatening to

54 1:!.a4+? •••

create a passed pawn with . . . g5 and . . . h4. 40 .l::.g 1 41 Ilc3 h4! 42 gxh4 l:!.g4 43 l:tf3 l::tx h4 44 'it>d s l:th1 45 b4 l:tb1? Black should have held with 45 ... a5 ! 46

After 54 ... .Udl+! 55 We3 f5 56 e5 l:txd5 57 l:txg6 b5! 58 .l:!.g5 (58 l:!.g2 'it>c6 59 .l::.c2+ 'it>b6!)

bxa5 bxa5 47 l:ta3 �fl 48 'it>e5 l:tel ! . 46 l:ta 3 ! a S 47 bxa s l:tbS+ 4 8 'it>c4 �xa s

cannot make progress without help from his now passive rook.

.•.

58 . . .b4 59 l:txf5 b3 60 .Uh5 b2 61 l:thl l:tb5 62 l:tbl �b4!, the position is drawn as White

55 'it>e3 .l:!.a 3+ 56 'it>e2 l:ta4 57 'it>f3 l:ta 3+ 58 'it>g4 b s ! ? 59 l:txf6 b4 6o �f7+!

Accurate, whereas 60 l:txg6? b3 61 �h6?? (better is 61 .Ug7+ with a draw) 6 l . . .b2 62 .Uhl .!:tal ! would have reversed the for­ tunes. 6o ... 'it>b6 61 �h7 b3 62 .l:.h1 'it>cs 62 ... b2 63 .l:.bl .l:.b3 64 Wg5! also wins for

White as his king will be well placed to support his pawns. 63 .l:.c1+! 'it>d4 64 d6! b2 6 Sllb1 Wc3

Another option, 65 . . . 'ihe4 66 l:txb2 l:td3

After 49 �xa5! bxa5 50 e5! (but not 50 'it>b5? f6! 51 e5 a4! 52 'it>xa4 g5! ) 50 . . . 'it>e6 51

67 .Ub6 l:.d 1 68 d7 .l:.xd7 (or 68 . . . .Ug 1 + 69 'it>h4 �dl 70 'it>g5) 69 l:!.xg6 results in a theo­ retically won position. 66 d 7 .Ua 8 67 e s Wc2 68 l:!.xb2+ 'it>xb2 69 e6

d5+! 'it>£5 52 'it>b5 f6 53 ex£6, White will win.

1-0

49 .l::. b 3?

49 ... 'it>c6 so d S + 'it>c7 5 1 l:!.b4 l:ta1 52 'it>d4 f6 !

Black defends precisely. The attractive 52 . . . �el ? 53 .l:i.c4+! (or 53 'it>e5 £5! ) 53 . . . 'it>d7 54 .Uc6 £5 55 e5! .Ue4+ 56 'it>d3 .l:Ix£4 57 .Uxg6 l:te4 58 l:tg7+! 'it>e8 59 e6 wins for White.

17.6

R.Gerber-E.Grivas

White to play

Cannes 1995

53 l:tc4+! 'it>b7

The only move (53 ... Wd7? 54 .Uc6) . 54 l:tc6

Black will try to penetrate with his pieces into White's camp. He also aims to push his central pawns or even to create 136

G e n e ra l Rook E n dg a m e Te c h n i q u e

some more weaknesses in White's camp

take. Indeed, his problem was that he

with a well timed . . . a4 should the white rook leave the fourth rank.

mostly had to passively wait for Black to manoeuvre and lacked a good plan of his

3 6 e4

own.

A less stubborn defence is 36 l::!. d l a4! . 3 6 ... l::!. g 1! 3 7 exd s cxd s 3 8 Wf2 .l:!.a1 3 9 .l:.a4 .l:!.h1 40 W g 2 .l:!.c1! 41 Wf3 .l:.c2 42 h4?!

42 h3 is a better try, although Black still hold the advantage after 42 . . . .l:.d2.

17.7

R.Saunders-E.Grivas

Black to play

Sharjah 1985

42 ... h s ! 43 We3 .l:.c1 44 .l:.d4 wc s 45 .l:.a4 �bs 46 .l:.d4 .l:.c3+ 47 �d2 .l:.h3 48 fs

White's only active try, but it's still not enough. 48 ... �cs ! 49 .l::.a4 exfs so .U.xas+ �d4

Now White is lost. Black's better-placed king and active rook ensures him of the full point. 51 b4llh 2+ 52 �e1 f4 53 bs l::t b 2 ! S4 l:Ia4+

Or 54 a4 �e3 55 �dl f3. 54 ... �e3 s s l::!. a 3+ �e4

It is true that Black cannot imagine any real winning chances. Of course, he has a better structure as White's e- and g-pawns are isolated, but he cannot attack those pawns efficiently. 30 ....l:!.d8 3 1 �e3 as

56 .l:ta4+

Preparing an attack against White's queenside pawns with ... a4 and ... l::!. d 6-b6. 32 a4 g 6 33 b4 Although this is not a mistake, White could have stayed put with almost any rook move.

Black also wins after 56 llb3 l::!. xb3 57 axb3 �e5 58 �f2 d4.

3 3 ... axb4 34 cxb4 c6 3 5 .l::!. c 1 .:::!. h 8 3 6 bs?

s6 ... d4 5 7 l::!. a 8 l::!.x bs S8 l::!. e 8+ �f3 59 a4 l::!.a s

tion for White.

60 l::!. h 8 �g4 61 .U.g8+ �xh4 62 �f2 .U.xa4 63

36 ... cxbs 37 axb sl1h s ! 38 .l:.b1 .Uc s

Wf3 f3 .Mb4 44 exfS 'lt>xfS) 43 . . . gS+ 44 �f3 fxe4+ 4Slixe4lic3+ 46 �e2 �b3. 39 ... �es 40 b6 .l::t c 3+ 41 �f2

3 2 !ta 2 !

Although i t seems strange a t first, White must exchange the bishops and the black a­ pawn, thereby relinquishing two of his main advantages! But what will he gain in exchange for this concession? After the 41 ...f6 !

Instead 4l . . .�xe4? 42 .l::te2+ �fS 43 .l::te 7 would have been OK for White. 42 .l::t b4 gS 43 g4 �f4

Now Black is winning. The combination of his more active king and rook, allied to the weak white pawns, was too much for White to resist.

aforementioned exchanges, a rook ending will arise in which White's outside passed a-pawn, with his rook properly placed (be­ hind the pawn) and the king ready to in­ vade the enemy camp, will soon bring vic­ tory. 32 ... �d7 33 ..tc3 �e6

44 eS+ �xe s 45 .l::t b S+ �d4 46 :tfs �c6 47 :tbs �c4 48 l:tb1 �cs o-1

White to play E.Grivas-G.Mastrokoukos

17.8

Athens 2001

White's superiority seems unquestion­ able: he has the better pawn structure as the black pawns on aS and c6 are isolated and thus weak; the white bishop is clearly stronger than its black counterpart, as it has ready-made targets (aS, eS); and the white king is also the better placed. Still, the prob­ lem of converting a positional advantage to material gain remains. Which plan should White follow? 138

34 b4! axb4 3 5 ..txb4 ..txb4?!

Black should keep the bishops on the board, making White's task more difficult. A possible continuation could be 3S . . . ..tc7. Then White must play very carefully in order to win: 36 aS .l::t a 6 37 exfS+! (the attrac-

G e n e ra l Rook E n dg a m e Te c h n i q u e

tive 37 g4? fxe4! 38 fxe4 g5! 39 i.c3 h6 40 �h2 i.d8! 41 .l:!.d2 i.c7 leads nowhere) 37 . . . gxf5 38 g4 �f6 39 ..ic3 'i?o>e6 40 h4 i.d6 (or 40 .. .fxg4 41 fxg4 e4 42 l:!e2 �f7 43 .l:i.f2+! ..t>e8 44 .l:tf5 and wins) 41 g5 e4 42 fxe4 fxe4

17.9

E.Grivas-V.Chernov

White to play

E lista Olympiad 1998

43 h5 i.e5 44 i.xe5 ..t>xe5 45 g6! hxg6 46 h6! ! and White wins, although i t would have been very easy for him to go astray in this long and complex variation! 36 ..t>xb4 'i?o>d6 37 a s !

The many weaknesses in Black's pawn structure (a4, c7, c5, e5) appear (and are) serious. As a result, White has the advan­ tage. However, the problem of converting 3 7 ....l:.a6

Forced as after 37 .. .£4 38 a6 g5 39 .l:.a1 h6 40 'i?o>c4 h5 41 l:!.a3 Wd7 42 'i?o>c5 'i?o>c7 43 .l:.a4 h4 44 .l:.a3 .l:.a8 45 a7 'it>b7 46 'i?o>d6 the win is simple. We now have a typical rook end­ ing, where the outside passed pawn is worth its weight in gold. 3 8 Wc4? Irresponsible! The decisive 38 exf5 gxf5 39 g4 was the correct continuation. 38 ...fxe4?

But Black returns the favour� whereas after 38 .. .£4 39 h4 h6 40 'i?o>b4 ..t>e7 41 'i?o>a4 ..t>d6 42 .l:!.d2+ 'i?o>c7 43 l:.d1 .l:ia8, White has no way to win! 39 fxe4 ci;; c 7 40 ci;;c s ci;; b 7?! More stubborn was 40 . . .'it>d7 41 h4! We6 42 g4 'i?o>d7 43 g5 �e6 44 '.t>b4 �d6 45 .l:!.f2 ..t>e7 46 .l:!.f6 when the result wouldn't change, but White would have had to work harder. 41 ..t>d6 .!:!.aS 42 Wxe s 1-0

this advantage remains complicated as Black seems able to defend, because these weak­ nesses are not accessible to the white rooks. 33 b 3 ! White must use a logical if extraordi­ nary idea, namely to relieve Black of an inaccessible weakness (a4) in order to en­ able his rooks to attack the remaining weaknesses (c7, c5, e5) . After the incorrect idea 33 Wg2? Wf6 34 .l::!.f3 e4! 35 .l::!.xf5+ Wxf5 36 �f2 g5, Black achieves sufficient coun­ terplay to hold the draw. n . . axb3 Not satisfying is 33 . . . a3 34 .l::!. f2! Wf6 35 .

g4 .l::!. xf2 36 Wxf2 when the threats of .l:if3+, followed by �f8, and We3-e4 will decide, but Black should perhaps have tried 33 .. .'�i'f6 34 bxa4 .l::!.xa4 35 �b3, although even here White will continue with .l:.b5, .l:!.b7 or l:!b8. 34 axb3 .l:!.f6

Forced as otherwise the rook transfer .l:!.a2-a5 immediately decides. 13 9

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

3 5 l:!.a2 l:!.fb6 3 6 l:!.a5 l:!.xb3 3 7 �xb3 l:txb3 3 8 l:!.xc5 l:!.b7

It seems that Black has enough counter­ play to draw the game, as he has cut off the white king on the first rank and will now place his rook behind the white c-pawn. As White's queenside pawns are not strong anymore, he should exchange them for Black's kingside pawns, but how can this be done? 42 l:!.f5 !1 By means of a series of accurate moves, White weakens the g6-square in order to make it accessible to his rook. 42 ... �e7 43 .l:thS h6

Or 43 . . . l:tc2 44 .l::!.xh7 �f6 45 .l:!.h4. 44 l:!.e 5+! White has exchanged two of the four weak black pawns (a4 and c5), but his ad­

The main idea behind White's 42nd. 44 ...�d7 4 5 l:!.e6 .l::.c 2 46 l:!.g6 l:!.xc4 47 l:!.xg7+

vantage has increased! This is due to the increased activity of his rook and the possi­

�d6 48 .l::. g 6+ �xd 5 49 l::tx h6

bility which it has gained of accessing Black's remaining weaknesses, at the same time as forcing its counterpart into passiv­ ity.

beat the isolated passed c-pawn. Note too that the white king's participation is not

The two connected passed pawns will

required (a very rare occurrence), as the white rook is exceptionally active.

39 l:!.c6 ! �e7 !?

49 ... 1:tc2 50 h4 c5 51 h 5 c4 52 l:!.h8 l:!.e2 5 3

Black sacrifices a pawn, intending to free his rook from the protection of his c­ pawn. Had he remained passive, then White would have won the black e5-pawn anyway with �f2-e3-e4. From a practical

l:id8+ �e4 54 h6 1-0

viewpoint, the move played in the game is

17.10

P.Meister-E.Grivas

Black to play

H u nge n 2002

the indicated course of action. 40 l:!.e6+ �d7 41 nxe5 l:!.b2

One might think that White holds the advantage, but this is an illusion. White 140

G e n e r a l Rook E n dg a m e Te c h n i q u e

cannot really do anything active, in contrast

3 6 ...l:!.c2+! 3 7 �g 1

to Black who can use the . . . fS break at an appropriate moment. If White exchanges

Also not helping was 37 �e3 l::t c3+ 38 �f4 fxe4 39 fxe4 l:!.xa3 40 l:!.a8 a4 41 l:!.a6 �f7

with exfS, then his d-pawn will be rather weak, but if he just waits, then Black will

42 l:!.a7 l:!.a1 43 �gS a3 44 l:!.a4 a2 45 �h6 �f6

continue with . . . fxe4 and . . . �f6-e5, attack­ ing the e4 weakness.

46 ltaS .l:!.g1, winning. Of course there are many other sub-variations, but this is a typical one.

26 .. J:tcs !

3 7 ...l:!.c3 !

Preparing the .. .fS break, as the immedi­ ate 26 .. .£5 27 eS! dxeS 28 l:te6 is not trou­ bling for White. 2 7 l:!.eb2 fS 28 J::tc 6

After 28 J::!.b 7? .l:!.xb7 29 l:!.xb7 l:!.c2+ 30 �g3 �f6, White faces various problems. 28 ...l:!.as l 29 nc4 l:tbs ! White was threatening 30 a4!, locking in the aS-rook. Black will now be able to use the a7-rook as well. 30 l:!.bb4

30 l:!.xbS? axbS 31 .l:!.c2 fxe4 32 fxe4 �f6 would bring Black victory as the white pawns on a2 and e4 will prove very weak

3 8 l:!.xas

and one of them will soon be captured. 30 ...l:!.ab7 31 a3 as 3 2 l:!.xbs l:!.xbs 33 l:!.c7

There was no chance either with 38 �f2 fxe4 39 fxe4 l:!.xa3 and then . . . l:!.a1, . . . a4-a3-a2 and . . . �eS.

�f6 34 l:ta7 l:!.cs 35 g3 hs

38 ... l:!.xf3 39 exfs l:!.xg3+ 40 �h2 l:!.g4 41 fxg6 l:!.xh4+ 42 �g3 l:!.g4+ 43 �h3 �xg6 0-1

17.11

B.Avrukh-E.Grivas

Athens

Black to play

2 003

36 h4?

White's position is clearly inferior, but after this it becomes lost. A better try seems to be 36 �g2 fxe4 37 fxe4 gS! 38 �g1 g4 39 �g2 l:tc4 40 l:!.xaS l:!.xe4 with an obvious advantage for Black, who however, still has to convert it. 14 1

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

Black obviously holds the advantage,

Black is still too keen to win. He should

mainly based on pure materialistic reasons: two active pieces for a rook and a pawn. Of

have opted for 48 . . . 'it>f3 49 a6 l:td7 50 l:tb7 .l:!d6 51 a7 l:ta6 with an easy draw. 49 a6 l:td7 50 l:tc6 g4 5 1 l:txc 5+ 'it>e4 5 2 l:tc4+

course, there is always the problem of how to proceed as rarely do all roads lead to Rome! 3 6 lt::Jx f3 ! ? Returning quantity for quality! Black en­ ters a rook ending in which his active king •.•

will be the decisive factor. Another decent approach was 36 . . . g5 37 l:tf8+ 'it>g7 38 l:tfS lt::J f7 39 l:te7 �f6 40 l:te3 'it>g6. 3 7 .t:!.xc6 White must accept the offer as otherwise he just loses a pawn. 37 ... l:txc6 3 8 l:txf3+ 'it>gs 3 9 l:tg 3 .a.d6?

'it>f3 5 3 !txb4 g3 Yz·Yz

White, who was low on time, should really have played on. Of course, he had to avoid 54 .l:tb7? g2 55 a7 gl 'it' 56 a8'it'? 'it'dl + 57 'it>c3 nd3+ 58 'it>c4 'i'c2+ 59 'it>bS "iib3+ 60 'it>c6 'i'c4+ 61 'it>b6 l:td6+ 62 'it>aS l:tdS+ 63 'it>b6 'i'cS+ 64 'it>a6 'ViaS mate, but he could still have tortured Black with 54 l:tb6! g2 55 l:tf6+. Then Black has to find SS . . . 'it>e3! (and not ss . . . 'it>g3? 56 .l:tg6+ 'it>f2 57 b4! gl'it' 58 .l:txgl 'it>xgl 59 bS l:ta7 60 'it>b3 'it>f2 61 'it>b4 'it>e3 62 'it>aS when White wins) 56 l:tg6

Black loses his way! With 39 . . JH6! 40

l:tc7+! 57 'it>b3 'it>f2 58 'it>a4 gl 'if 59 llxgl

'it>c2 'it>h4 41 l:tg2 gS 42 'it>d3 l:tf4 43 'it>e3 'it>h3 44 .a.gl nxg4 45 nhl + 'it>g2 46 .l::th6 l:tg3+ 47

'it>xgl 60 b4 �cl ! 61 bS .l:!.al+ 62 'it>b4 'it>f2 63 'liteS 'it>e3, with a theoretical draw.

'it>d2 g4 48 l:txb6 l:tf3 49 b4 cxb4 50 axb4 g3 he would have won. 40 'it>c2 l:td4 41 l:tb3 ! l:td6

Also equal is 41 . . .'it>xg4 42 l:txb6 gS 43 l::!.c 6 l:tdS 44 'it>c3 'it>f4 45 �f6+ llfS 46 l:txfS+ 'it>xfS 47 'it>d3 g4 48 b3.

17.12

E.Cirivas-S.Porfiriadis

White to play

H erak l i on 1994

42 l:tg3 'it>h4 43 .t:!.g1 l:td4? !

Black's last chance was 43 . . . g5! . 44 l:1e1 gs 4 5 l:te6 bs 46 l:tb6 b4 4 7 a4!

The correct reaction, rather than lose fol­ lowing 47 axb4? cxb4. 47 'it>xg4 48 as •.•

White has a small plus due to his better kingside structure: the black pawns on f6, f7 and h7 constitute permanent static weaknesses. However, if Black succeeds in exchanging the queenside pawns and a pair of rooks, even if he loses the f6-pawn in the process, the game will end in a draw. White, though, would like to keep the 142

G e n e r a l Rook E n dg a m e Te c h n i q u e

rooks on as a 3 vs. 2 ending, with weak black pawns on f7 and h7, is not such a simple draw at all. 26 .l:f.d 11

White is aiming to seize control of the seventh rank or simply to attack the f6pawn. Furthermore, his rook is now active.

17.13

E.Grivas-S.Gratseas

Black to play

Heraklion 1 9 8 4

26 ... bs 27 axbs l:!xbs 28 .l:f.d6 ! ? fs?!

An inaccuracy. Black does not wish to make any concessions, but 28 . . . .l:f.ab8! 29 .l:f.xf6 .l:txb3 30 l:!.c7 !;!f8 31 l:ta7 l::tb5 would have left White with only a symbolic ad­ vantage: he can win the a-pawn with .l:f.fa6 or increase the pressure with g4 and h4-h5, but without realistic winning chances in the face of correct defence from Black. 29 .l:i.g3 +

Black should have avoided entering such an ending. His weak c-pawn will be permanently under attack by the combina­ tion of the opponent's king and rook, and he lacks any serious counterplay. 3 3 .l:f.b8 .•.

The other option is 33 ... a3 34 l:lc2 'it>e5 35 'it>b4 'it>d5 36 .l:f.d2+ 'it>e5 37 f3 c3 38 .l:f.c2 .l:td8 39 'it>xa3 l:!.d3 40 e4 'it>d4 41 'it>b3 when White wins. 34 .l:tc2 !

O f course, White's second rank needs 29 . . .'itif8?

The last and decisive mistake. Black was forced to play 29 . . . 'it>h8 30 l:!.f6 J:l.f8 31 h4! (31 l:!.f3 'it>g7! 32 .l:!.6xf5 llxf5 33 �xf5 l:!b8 with a draw), when White retains a small advan­

protection, as four out of his five pawns are placed there.

tage. 30 J:l.h6! l:tab8 31 .l:f.xh 7 .l:f.xb3 32 .l:!.gs ! J:l. 3 b 5 Alternatives are also losing: 32 ... .l:t8b5 33 .l:f.hh5 a4 34 .l:f.xf5 J:lxf5 35 l:f.xf5 and 32 . . . .l:f.8b7 33 l::th8+ 'it>e7 34 !!.xf5 .l:i.a7 35 .l:!.xf7+ ! . 3 3 llxfs ! .l:txfs 34 l:lh8+ 'it>e7 3 5 !;!xb8

White has achieved a significant mate­ rial gain and an easy win is now in sight. 35 ... 'it>d6 36 g4 l:les 37 'it>g2 'it>cs 38 h4 .l:!.e6 39 J::ta8 'it>bs 40 hs a4 41 gs 1-0 14 3

P r a c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s ics

34 .'>¥;>d 5

pawns and preparing to place the rook on

Black had to become active with 34 . . . �bl . Although objectively he would

the a-file.

••

30 J::!. d 3 i.xf4 31 gxf4 .l:!.a4 32 a3

not have avoided defeat after 35 'it>xc4 a3 36 h4, he would have posed more problems. 35 �d2+ 'iii>c 5 36 !td4! a3?!

The last try was 36 ... .l:!.b4, although 37 h4! (but not 37 e4? J::!.b l 38 .l:!.xc4+ 'it>b5 39 'it>d3 .l:!.gl 40 l:!.c7 1hg2 41 l:!.xf7 l::!.xh2 42 e5 'iii> c 6 with a draw) 37 . . . g5 38 hxg5 hxg5 39 f3 f5 40 g4 wins. 37 .l:!.xc4+ 'iii>d 5 38 .l:!.b4!

Black has lost a pawn without getting any counterplay. 3 8 .l:!.c8+ 39 'iii> b 3 .I::!.c 1 40 .l:!.d4+ 'iii>e 5 41 l:!.d7 ..•

'it>e6 42 .l:!.d2 .l:!.h1 1-0

Black resigned before 43 h3 .l:!.h2 44 f3 was played.

17.14

A.Voscilla-E.Grivas

3 2 ... e6! 3 3 dxe6+ 'it>xe6

Black has practically won a pawn, as his pawn on d6 has no opponent thanks to the

Black to play

Bel a Crk va 1 9 8 7

doubled white f-pawns. 34 'iii>e 3 d5 35 f3 'iii>d 6 36 �b3 'it>c6 37 .l:!.c3+ .l:!.c4 3 8 .l:!.b3 .l:!.a4 3 9 l:!.c3+ 'it>d6 40 .l:!.b3 h6 41 .l:!d 3 'iii> c 5 o-1 White resigned in view of 42 .l:!.c3+ l:tc4 43 .:b3 d4+ 44 'it>d3 �a4 45 h3 a6 46 h4 h5 47 'iii> d 2 'it>c4 48 'iii> c2 .l:!.a5.

17.15

E.Grivas- .Luther T

White to play

Lening rad 1 9 8 9

As long as the wonderful white knight participates in the game, Black will have no winning chances. Therefore, the following moves are natural. 21 ... .l:!.b5 !

The threats of 28 . . . i.e5 and 28 . . . i.g5 force White to misplace his rook. 28 .l:!.d 2 i. g 5 29 'iii> f 3 .l:!.b4! Ensuring that White will have doubled 144

This rook ending is a pleasure for White

G e n e ra l Rook E n dg a m e Te c h n i q u e

to play. Black's structure is a mess, being

Black's kingside. However, it seems that

riddled with weak and doubled pawns. In contrast, White pawns are in a model for­ mation.

Black can hold this position as there is no easy way for White to proceed. 43 a4!

22 f3 l::tc 4 23 l::ta cl l:td8 24 �f2 J:1d5 25 C3 aS 26 b3 l:th4 27 h 3

The previous moves were more o r less natural for both sides. White has fixed his pawns on better squares and Black has sought counterplay with his rooks. 2 7 ...a4?

This is a kind of decoy as now the black rook has to take care of this pawn. In the meantime, White will get sufficient return for his investment. 43 ... 1:ta1 44 l:td3+ �e7

White wins after 44 . . . �c6 45 h4 l:txa4 46 g5 hxg5 47 hxg5 l:.fl 48 .l:!.xe6+ �b7 49 .l::. c 3.

This is a bad mistake and Black should have played 27 . . . l:thh5. Then White should concentrate on exchanging a pair of rooks, followed by attacking the black pawns and

White has exchanged a pair of pawns, but in return he has placed his rooks on more active squares.

penetrating with his king on one side or the

47 h41 .:!.f4 48 l:te3 �d7 49 nd3+ �e7 50 gS

other.

hxgs 51 hxgs l:tfs

28 g4!

Or 5 1 . . .l:tfl 52 �h6 l:!.hl + 53 �g7 and wins.

Almost

trapping

the

enemy

rook!

45 l:tes ! l:txa4 46 l:txcs l:ta7

Black's next move is the only one to avoid its immediate loss. 2 8 .. J:tgs 29 l:th1? The simple 29 �g3 l:1hh5 30 �h2 l:th4 31

52 l:txf5 exf5 53 l:te3+ �f8 54 l:tf3 was a good option.

bxa4 should be enough for the victory. 29 ... axb3 30 l:tb1 fS 31 �g3 l:thhS 32 .l:!.xb3

A tragic mistake. White should have played the decisive 53 �h6! .:!.hl + 54 �g7,

fxg4 33 fxg4 l:tg8 34 .l:!.e1 �d7 3 5 .l:tb4 l:tds

whereas his king is now too exposed. 5 3 ...�f7 ! 54 g6+ �g8 More easy was 54 . . . �g7! 55 l:texe6 l:ta5+ 56 �g4 �h6! 57 g7+ �xg7 58 l:txc7+ l:1f7

36 l:te3 �d6 37 l:tbe4 .l:tg6 38 c4 l:td1 39 l:tf3 cs 40 �h4 l:td4 41 l:tfe3 l::tf 6 42 �hs l:td1

5 2 l::!.c 6?!

5 2 ... l:tf1 53 l:te3?

with a clear draw. ss l:texe6 .l:taS+

Despite the fact that White did not take advantage of Black's 27th move, he still possesses a strong position. His rooks are well placed and his king has penetrated

56 �g4

14 5

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

Or 56 cS �h1+ 57 �gS �g1+ 58 �fS �fl+ 59 �e5 �e1+ 60 �dS �d1+ 61 �c4 �cl+ 62 �b4 I;la8 63 �xc7 .l:.b8+ 64 .l:.b6 .l:.b1 + 65 �c4 .l:.1xb6 66 cxb6 .l:.xb6 and Black holds. 56 ....l:.af5! 5 7 .l:.e8+ �g7 58 .l:!.e7+ �8 59 l:!.e3

31 h4 gS 32 hxgS .l:!.h2 33 l:!.a7 .l:.xb2 34 .l:.xa6 �f7) 3 l . . .�f8 32 h4 �f6 33 �dS l:!.fS 34 a4 bxa4 35 l:!.a5 .l:.f6 36 .l:.xa4 �f7 37 l:!.aS .l:.b6 38 b4 .l:.c6 39 l:!.a3 .l:.f6 with a draw . 3 1 �2 �h7?

�g7 60 .l:.e7+ �8 61 .l:.e3 xh2 41 'it>f4 gS+ 42 �xgS �xg3 43 'it>xhS

.U.d3 32 l:tb7 .l:!.xe3 33 �g2! (not 33 li!.xb6?

'it>f4, drawing) 36 . . . J:::l c6 37 �dS l:te6 38 .l;!.f2+ �e7 39 c4 and White should win. 36 b3 �g5 37 c4 bxc4 3 8 bxc4 �f6 39 c5 �e7

.Ue4), but, nevertheless, he had to try it. 31 d6 �e8 32 .l:!.xg 7 .l:i.xa2 33 � g 1?!

White's better placed king and rook, al­

Concrete and good is 33 J::!.b 7! �d8 34 �g1 'it>c8 3S b!c7+ �d8 (and not 3S ... �b8? 36

lied to his outside passed c-pawn, will carry the day.

e4! fxe4 37 fS 11d2? 38 f6 �xd6 39 f7 I:Ig6+ 40 �h1 J::i. f6 41 .l:.e7 aS 42 .l:f.e8+ 'it>b7 43 f8�

40 .l:tb2 ! h4 41 �b7+ �d8

11xf8 44 l:!xf8 a4 4S 'it>g2 bS 46 �f2 when it's White who wins! ) 36 I:lb7 with a repetition . n ... a5 34 l:!.e7+? The decisive mistake. The only way for

Neither would either 4l .. .�f8 42 �dS .Ue8 43 c6 or 41 . . . �f6 42 �b6 hxg3 43 .Uxe6+ �xe6 44 hxg3 aS 4S a4 g6 46 g4 gS 47 c6 'it>d6 48 c7 �xc7 49 �xeS have saved Black. 42 .l:!.xg7 hxg3 43 hxg3 �c8 44 g4 .Uh6 4 5 g5 :.h2 46 g6 1-0 In view of 46 . . . lha2 47 �f7 .l:!.g2 48 g7.

17 . 17

A.Karpov-A.Vusupov

White to play

White was the simple 34 l:.b7 .Ub2 3S e4 fxe4 36 fS .Ud2 37 .l:txb6 e3 38 .U.b3 I:Ixd6 39 .Uxe3+ �f7, restricting Black to just an edge. 34 ...'it>d8 35 e4 fxe4 3 6 l:!.b7 e 3 37 �f1 a4 37 . . .11xh2 38 11xb6 a4! also wins. 38 .l:.xb6

6 th matchgame, London Candidates 1989

38 ... a3?

Black slips up! Not that difficult was 38 . . .l:Ixh2 39 I:Ia6 (or 39 fS l:!.f2+ 40 �e1 .l:!.xfS 41 �a6 J::l. f4 42 �e2 .l:te4 43 .Ua7 hS) 39 . . . 11f2+ 40 �e1 J::!. xf4, winning. White's position looks inferior as his a­

39 l:.a6 Itf2+ 40 '>t>e1 a2 41 f5 ! '>t>d7

30 d 5 !

There was nothing left to try as 41 . . ..l:!.xh2 42 £6 .l::!.h 1+ 43 �e2 a1�?? 44 l:Ixa1 11xa1 4S f7 would have been extremely an­

Activity beyond all else! The passive 30 :g,c2? would have given Black a very pleas­

42 f6 �e6 43 .l:!.a8 ! �xd6

pawn is under attack and his king cannot help. Thus White faces a difficult choice.

ant advantage after 30 . . . .l:!.a3 31 J::l.e 2 �f7. 30... �f8?!

It is very difficult for Black to get the full point after the obvious 30 .. JhdS 31 �xa7

noying for Black! Or 43 .. Jhh2 44 d7 �xd7 4S f7 11f2 46 11xa2 .l:.xf7 47 l:!a7+ �e6 48 .l:.x£7 �xf7 49 '>t>e2 with a draw. 44 f7 �xf7 4 5 lba2 'it>c 5 46 lila6 Yz-Yz

14 7

Chapter Eighteen

I

M i n o r Piece E n d i n g s : B i s h o p vs . P a w n (s)

A bishop easily achieves a draw when fighting against a pawn, with few very ex­ ceptions. When pitted against two pawns, provided these have not crossed their fourth rank, the bishop can achieve the draw. Otherwise, the result depends on whether the king can stop one of the pawns.

18.1

White to play 3 g S+!! �xgs

Or 3 . 'ihg5 4 a6. . .

4 �e4 �h4 5 �f3 !

White wins. With two pawns on their fifth rank, the

This position is an exceptional one, but it clearly shows the weakness of the bishop. Were the black king, though, on g6 or f7, the game would be drawn. 1 as �fs 2 'it>d s �h6

14 8

placement of the kings is a decisive factor. When the pawns are separated by at least two ranks and are advanced at least up to their fifth rank, the bishop is unable to con­ trol their further march. Two connected pawns can be immobilized by the bishop, but not when they have already reached their sixth rank. Three pawns against a lone bishop gen­ erally win when they have all crossed their

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : B i s h op v s . P a w n (s)

fourth rank (there do exist a few excep­ tions) . The defence for the side with the bishop consists on the immobilization of

methods for the side with the bishop.

the pawns, but this is hard to achieve when the pawns are far advanced.

tion occurs when the pawn is on a rook file and the promotion square is of a different colour to that of the bishop, as well as being controlled by the defending king.

18.2

Black to play

Bishop and pawn against king wins in al­ most all cases. One typical drawing excep­

18.3

1 'it> fs .•.

l . . .f3+ is an inferior attempt: 2 'it>gl ! ! 'it>f5 (or 2 . . . 'iii> f4 3 i.d2+) 3 i.a5 g4 4 i.d8 h3 5

Since White has a dark-squared bishop,

i.c7 'it>e4 6 'iii> f2 and Black cannot make pro­ gress. It is worth noting that if White was to move, then he would be able to draw with 1 i.a5! 'iii> f5 (or l . . .f3+ 2 'iii>f 2) 2 i.d8 ! . Indeed,

the a-pawn will only draw, but the h-pawn will win. In the former case, White cannot expel the black king from the promotion square. There are, though, some exceptions

the bishop is a strong piece!

to this rule, involving the presence of pawns of the defending side.

2 i.as

2 'it>h3 'it>e4 3 'it>g4 'it>e3! also loses. 2 ... g4 3 i.d8 h3+ 4 'it>h2 'iii>e4 5 i.b6 'iii>f 3 6 i.c7 'iii>e 3 1 i.b8 f3 8 'it>g1 'it>e2 9 i.a7 h2+ 10 'it>xh 2 f2 11 i.xf2 'it>xf2 12 'iii> h 1 'iii>g 3 !

Black wins. The basic idea for the defence is to im­ mobilize at least two pawns and prevent them from reaching their seventh rank. Naturally, though, against four or more pawns the bishop is unable to defend.

Bishop and Pawn vs. King with or without Pawn(s) We will now tum attention to winning

18.4

N.Short-Ci.Kasparov

Black to play

Belgrade 1 9 8 9

The doubled b-pawns condemn White to defeat. Black's plan is to stalemate the white king, so as to force White to push the b4-pawn. The presence of the b2-pawn is necessary to this plan, so that after the cap­ ture of the front b-pawn a stalemate doesn't occur. If White had no pawns, or if these were on a different part of the board, the position would be drawn. 14 9

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

1 i.f4

If the move belongs to Black, White can bring about the diagram position with him to move anyway as follows: l . . .Wg3 2 i.f6! 'it>f3 (or 2 . . . 'it>h3 3 'it>f4 'it>h2 4 Wf3 'it>h3 5 i.g5 Wh2 6 'it>g4 �g2 7 i.f4 as in the main line) 3 il.e5 'it>e3 4 il.b2! ! (not 4 il.b8? 'it>d4! 5 We6 �c5 6 'it>d7 �b6 with a draw) 4 . . . 'it>d3 (or 4 . . . 'it>f3 5 il.cl 'it>g3 6 il.g5 'tt> f2 7 Wf4 �e2 8 We4 'it>f2 9 il.f4) 5 We5 'it>e3 6 il.cl + 'it>f3 7 �f5! �g3 8 il.g5 �f3 (8 . . . 'tt>h3 9 �f4) 9 il.f4. 1 ...� g2 9 3 ... �g2 94 �dl �f3 9 5 �d2 We4 96 'it>e3 'it>e3 97 'it>e2 'it>e2 98 'it>e1 i.d31 99 b3 Wel 100 Wb2 'it>d2 101 'it>al �e2 102 �a2 �el 103 Wal

Or 1 03 �a3 �b1 1 04 Wa4 �b2. -tbl! 0-1 Forcing resignation in view of the forced 104 b5 axb5 1 05 b4 i.d3. 103

••.

1 18. 5

White to play 2 'tt> g4 ! !

A draw occurs after 2 'it>e4?! 'it>h3! 3 Wd5 'it>g4 4 il.h2? (4 �e4!) 4 . . . �f5 5 �c6 'it>e6. 2 'it>f2 3 .tel 'it>e2 •••

White wins too after 3 ... �g2 4 il.e3 �fl 5 'it>f3 �e1 6 i.f4 'it>d1 7 �e3 'it>c2 8 'it>d4 'it>b3 9 i.d6. 4 �f4 Wd1 Or 4 . . .'�d3 5 i.. e3 Wc4 6 �e5 'it>b3 7 i.c5 �c4 8 �d6 'it>d3 9 'it>d5 'it>c3 10 il.d6 'it>d3 1 1 'it>c5 �e4 12 ..ih2 and wins. s il.e3 'it>e2 6 'it>es 'it>b3 7 .tes 'it>e4 8 �d6 White must keep the black king away

'it>bs 9 'it>ds was ! 10 'it>e6 'it>a6 11 il.e3 'it>as

from his pawn's promotion square, as oth­ erwise the game will be drawn. The win can

12 'it>b7 'it>bs 13 i.b6 'it>e4 14 'it>e6 'it>b3 15

be achieved if White succeeds in confining the black king inside an imaginary prison, the borders of which are outlined by the squares a6, b5, c4, d3, e4, f3, g4 and h5. The winning process is as follows: 1 50

..ies 'it>e4 16 ..ie3 �b3 17 .tel 'it>e4 (see following diagram)

18 i.b2! 'it>b3 19 t>bs!

Black's king will not get back in time.

M i n o r Piece E n d i n g s : B is h o p v s . P a w n (s)

i.d4+ 'it>h7 116 ..ltb2 Wh6 117 wgs ..t> g 6 118 i.g7 �f5 119 �f7 �g5 120 i.. b 2 �h6 121 i.c1+ �h7 122 ..ltd2 �h8 1 2 3 ..ltc3+ Wh7 124 ..lt g7 Yz-Yz

18.7

V.Vovk-P.Bobras

White to play

Cappelle I a Grande 2007

18.6

V.Korchnoi-A.Karpov

Black to play

W orld Championship (Game 5) , Baguio City 1978

This is a theoretical draw. 5 8 �d 1 'it>b2 59 ..t>e2 ..t>c2 60 We1 Wd 3 61 �f2 Wd2 62 'it>f3 'it>e1

The position is similar to the previous example, except of course that there is an extra black pawn on b5. If White is to move and continues as in the previous example with 100 �g4 then a draw will occur after 100 . . . 'it>f2 101 .ltd �e2 102 �f4 �d3 1 03 ..lte3 �c4 1 04 �e5 (or 1 04 ..ltd2 b4 105 axb4 a3 106 .ltd a2 107 ..ltb2 �xb4) 1 04 . . . b4. 100 ... �f3 101 i.h2 � g 2 102 i.c7 ..t>f3 103 i.d6 �e3 104 �e5 �f3 105 �d 5 �g4 106

6 3 ..t>e4!

The white king must leave the danger­ ous zone near the pawns to avoid

�d7 Wg7 110 i.e7 'it>g8 111 �e6 'it>g7 112

zugzwang: 63 'it>g2? ..t>e2 64 'it>g3 We3 65 'it>g2 ..ltf4 66 'it>fl ..ltg3 67 'it>g2 'it>f4 68 'it>fl 'it>f3 69 �g1 i.e1 70 �h2 i.. f2 71 Wh1 i.e3 72

i.c5 �gs 113 �f6 �h7 114 Wf7 whs 115

�h2 �f2 73 Wh3 i.g5 74 �h2 i.f4+ 75 'i¥i>h3

�c5 'it>f5 101 'lt>xb5 �e6 108 �c6 �f6 109

15 1

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s te ri n g t h e B a s i c s

'it>f3! (but not 75 . . . ..ltg3?? 76 g5 hxg5 77 'it>g4

84 ..ltb4 8 5 'it>c7?

..ltf4 78 h6, drawing) 76 'it>h4 ..lth2 77 'it>h3 ..ltg3 78 g5 hxg5 79 h6 g4 mate.

Finally White cracks. He had to play 85 'it>c6! ..ltc5 86 'it>b7! 'it>d5 87 'it>a6! with a

63

draw.

'it>d2 64 'it>f3 'it>d3 65 'it>f2 'it>d2 66 'it>f3

•••

.•.

'it>e1 67 'it>e4 'it>e2 68 'it>d4 'it>f3 69 'it>c3 ..lte3

85

10 'it>d 3 ..ltc5 11 'it>d 2 !

'it>f4 89 'it>d 5 'it>xg4 90 'it>d4

'it>c5 ! 86 'it>d7 'it>d 5 8 7 'it>c7 'it>e4 88 'it>c6

•••

The only move. 71

.•.

..ltb4+ 72 'it>d 3 ..lta5 7 3 'it>c2 'it>e2 74 'it>b3

'it>d 3 75 'it>b2 ..ltd2 76 'it>b3 ..ltc3 77 'it>a3 'it>c2 78 'it>a4 ..ltd2 79 'it>a3 c3 80 'it>a4 c4 81 'it>a3 ..ltc1+

90 ..ltc5+! o-1 .•.

The last detail, which White forgot about and so he had to resign due to 91 'it>xc5 (or 91 'it>e4 ..ltb6 92 'it>d3 'it>xh5 93 'it>e2 82 a4!

Again the only way: 82 'it>a2? loses to 82 . . . 'it>c3 83 'it>b1 ..ltb2 84 'it>a2 'it>c2. 82 ..Jtb2 8 3 'it>a5 ..lta3 .•.

'it>g4 94 'it>fl 'it>f3) 9 l . . . 'it>xh5 92 'it>d4 'it>g4 93 'it>e3 'it>g3 94 'it>e2 'it>g2, winning.

18.8

M.Perdek-E.Grivas

Black to play

Kallithea 2007

84 'it>b6!

Black wins after 84 'it>a6? 'it>c5! 85 'it>b7 (or 85 'it>a5 ..ltb4+ 86 'it>a6 'it>c6 87 'it>a7 ..lta5 88 'it>b8 ..ltb6) 85 . . . ..ltb2. 152

Another drawn position. n

'it>e 5 74 'it>f3 'it>d4 75 'it>e2 'it>c4 76 b4

...

M i nor P i e c e E n d i n g s : B i s h op v s . P a w n (s)

.its 77 'it>d2 ii.e4 78 'it>e3 i. g6 79 'iot>d2 .its

1 c3 81 'it>e1 i.g4 82 'it>t2 'it>d2 8 3

The only move. The careless 1 'it>c5? b6+! 2 axb6+ (or 2 i.xb6+ 'it>b7 with a draw)

'it>g 3 i.d1 84 'it>f4 'it>d3 8S 'it>es i.t3 86 �t4 i.hs 87 'it>es i.t7 88 'it>t4 i.g6 89 'it>t3 .its 90 'it>t4 i.e4 91 'it>g3 'it>e3 92 'it>g4 i.h1 9 3 'it>g 3 i.t3 9 4 'it>h4 i.e4 9 S 'it>g3 i.t3 9 6 'it>h4 'it>t2 97 'it>h3 i.hs 98 'it>h4 i.e2 99 'it>h3 'it>t3 100 'it>h2??

With 100 'it>h4! White would have saved the draw, although he would still have had to find some more accurate moves and so

2 . . . c3 'it>d7 4 'it>b4 d7 (or l . . .'it>d8 and l . . .'it>c8) 2 'it>c5 'it>c7 3 'it>b5 b6 4 a6! .

this ending is not such an easy draw in practice.

2 i.b6! 'it>d6

100 ... i.t11 101 'it>g1 i. g 2 0-1

3 'it>c4 'it>c6 4 'it>b4 'it>d6 s 'it>bs 'it>d7 6 cs

And White resigned as he finds himself in a deadly zugzwang following 1 02 a6 4 c7 8 'it>bs 'it>d7 9 i.b8 'it>c8 10 i.h2 'it>d7 11 'it>b6 'it>c8 12 i.t4

White wins.

axb5 1 04 a6 b4 1 05 a7 b3 1 06 a8'iV i.xa8.

L1 8 . 9

1_.. 8_._1_o___________w_h_it_e_t_o_pl_a_y� �. White to play � 1 _

---------------------�

�

1 'it>d6 'it>b8 2 'it>d7 'it>a8 3 i.c6! xa4 1Lxf4 8 5 i.a5?

85 i.el ! i.e5 86 �b5 f4 87 �c6! would have held the draw.

9 l . . .i.gl ! would have sufficed for vic­ tory. 92 i.f2 i.g3 93 i.b6 i.e1 94 �d31 Now White can achieve his aim of reaching a theoretically drawn position. 94 ... �g3 95 �e4 i.f2 96 i.d8 �g2

85 ... i.e5 86 �b5

As 86 i.d2 doesn't help (see the notes to White's 6lst move), White tries to reach a theoretical draw with his king behind the black pawn. 86 ... f4 87 �c4 i.d4 88 i.c7 f3 89 i.g3 i.g1! 90 i.h4

White is reduced to moving his bishop, waiting for the opportunity to move his king to d5 when the black king moves away, or, alternatively, to reach the promo­ tion square with his king. 90 i.el 'it>e3 91 'it>d5 Ji.f2 92 Ji.b4 i.g3 93 i.c5+ �d3 ! ! 94 i.b6 i.el 95 'it>e5 Ji.d2 96 i.f2 �e2! 97 1Lh4 i.el would also fail to save White. 90 ... i.h2?

In this ending the diagonal opposition loses. Therefore, in order to reach the haven of the draw, White must quickly take the g3-square under control, placing his king on g4. This is the only correct treatment of the position. If White continues mistakenly by moving his bishop, then he will lose af­ ter, for example, 97 i.e7 i.gl ! 98 i.h4 i.h2! 99 i.el i.g3. 97 'it>f51 i. g 1 98 i.h4 i.f2 The difference is clear: 98 . . . i.h2 99 �g4! leads nowhere. White has reached a theo­ retical draw. 99 i.d8 i.c5 100 i.h4 i.e7 101 i.e1 i.d6 102 �g4 i.b4 103 i.h4 Yz-Yz

Bishop & Two Pawns vs. Bishop

Incomprehensible. 90 . . . �e3 91 �d5 i.f2 92 i.e7 i.el 93 ii.c5+ �d3! would bring

The attacking side wins i n a l l cases, with

about the position referred to in the previ­ ous note.

the exception of doubled pawns (which practically constitute only one extra pawn).

91 i.e1?

Some care is needed, though, when one of the pawns is on a rook file and of the

Both sides make consecutive mistakes,

15 7

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

wrong colour (the opposite colour to the bishop) . A draw may occur also in posi­ tions in which the defending king has im­ mobilized the pawns.

19.5

19.6

E.Grivas-K.Arakhamia

White to play

l rakl i o n 1 9 9 3

Black to play

1 ... i. h 3 ! 2 g3 ! Not 2 gxh3? 'it>h6 with a n easy draw. 2 ...'it>h6 3 i.t1 i.g4 4 h4 i.fs s 'it>t2 i.g4 6 'it>e 3 i.e6 7 'it>f4 i.d7 8 i.d3 i. h 3 9 i.fs i.f1 10 g4 i.e2 11 gs+ 'it>hs Or 1 l . . .Wg7 12 i.g4 and 13 h5. The

pawns must advance in unison. 12 Wg 3

Despite his material disadvantage, White's position is defensible as the re­ maining pawns are few and on one flank. If we consider that White has two weaknesses (one being the missing pawn and the other being the bad position of the pawn on h4}, we can understand that Black has the ad­ vantage, but he must seek a third weakness in order to win the game. Thus it is impera­ tive for White to determine where to place

12 . . .i.d1 13 i.e4 i. b 3 1 4 i.f3+ 'it>g6 15 'it>f4

his pieces, so as to provide maximum secu­ rity for his position.

i.f7 16 hS+ Wg 7 17 'it>es i.b3 18 i.e4 i.f7

53 iL.d6?

19 h6+ 'it>h8 20 'it>f6 i.hs 21 i-ds 'it>h7 22

White fails to comprehend the require­ ments of the position and decides to keep his king on g2. However, the proper square for the king is e2 as it will have to prevent the arrival of the black king on this square.

And not 12 g6? Wh6 1 3 We5 i.h5 ! .

iL.f7

White wins.

Bishop a nd Pawns vs. Bishop and Pawn(s) with a Material Advantage In order for the material advantage to be exploitable, other requirements must also be met, such as an active king, a well­

If Black at some point then exchanges her g-pawn for the white h-pawn, then the white king must return to g2. In view of the above, 53 iL.e1 ! We5 54 iL.g3+ Wd5 55 Wfl !

placed bishop and a healthy pawn struc­

Wc4 56 We2 i.e5 57 iL.e1 iL.f4 58 iL.f2 Wc3 59 iL.e 1 + Wc2 60 iL.f2 g5 61 hxg5 iL.xg5 (or

ture. Naturally, the defender also has his chances, which cannot be considered negli­

6l . . .fxg5 62 iL.h4 ! ! ) 62 'it>fl ! 'it>d3 63 'it>g2 'it>e2 64 iL.b6 would have led to a draw.

gible.

53 ...'it>e6 54 iL.f8 fs !

158

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : S a m e - c o l o u re d B is h o p E n dg a m e s

Moving the g-pawn would have been a

..tc7 .ie3, when the threat of 7l . . .'>t>f2/e2

serious mistake as after the black king moves away, Black would lack the option

decides (71 'it>g3 .ic5 - but not 7l . . .f4+ 72 'it>h3 'it>f2 73 ..txf4! ! - 72 ..te5 ii.f2+ 73 'it>h3

of . . . ..tf6. 5 5 il. b4

We2); and 65 ii.b8 ..tc3! 66 'it>f4 (or 66 ..tc7 ii.el+ 67 Wh3 We2) 66 . . . Wg2 67 'Ot>g5 'Ot>xf3 68

After 55 'it>fl ? ..tf6 56 We2 g6 White loses a second pawn.

'it>xg6 'it>g4 when Black would have achieved the optimal position. After the

55 ... 'it>d5 56 'it>g3

text, White has a third weakness (f4) and Black rushes to exploit it.

56 'it>fl 'it>c4! 57 iLel Wd3 does not change much. 56 ... iLe5+ 57 'it>g2 'it>d4 58 iLa5 'it>e3 59

6 5 ...We2 66 ..tb4 'it>e3 67 ..tfs

ii.b6+ '>t>e2

67 ... .ic3 ! 0-1

Black has successfully transferred her king to the excellent e2-square. Her next aim is to wrest control of f1 as well, further restricting the white king. 6o iLc5

60 ..td8 ..tf6 61 .ixf6 gxf6 62 'it>g3 We3 leads to a won pawn ending and shows the significance of keeping the pawn on g7.

The threat of 68 ..td6 .iel+ 69 Wh3 Wf3 70 ..tc7 ..tg3 cannot be countered and so White resigned.

19. 7

E.Grivas-I.Nikolaidis

White to play

Greek Championship, Athens 1996

6o ... ii.f6 61 Wg3 iLc3 ! ?

Black could g o straight for 61 . . .'�£1 . 62 'it>g2

62 ii.e7 iLe5+! 63 Wg2 ii.f6 would not help either. 62 ...ii.f6 63 'it>g3 'it>fl! White is now defenceless as he is run­ ning out of useful moves. 64 iLd6 g 6 6 5 f4 White's two other options would also

not have saved him: 65 ..tc5 .ie5+ 66 'it>h3 iLf4 67 ii.b6 ..td2 68 ..tc5 .tel 69 ..tb6 .if2 70 1 59

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

are not pleasant for him as the excellent position of the black king on f7 interferes

bishop implies the surrender of both f­ pawns and, consequently, the position is drawn. White tried a little bit more, mostly

with his plans. The position is objectively drawn, but White can test his opponent for

in order to be convinced that the position is indeed drawn and to overcome his shock!

several moves.

71 i.e7 i.e3 72 i.fB 'it>xf8 73 cJi>g6 i.f2 74

52 'it>f3 i.d4 53 i.g3 i.c3 54 'it>e4 i.b4 5 5

'it>gs g4 i.d8 59 'it>hs i.e7 6o 'it>h6 'it>g s 61 f6

White cannot make progress by further renouncing the advance of this pawn, but on the other hand the pawn is now weak­ ened and becomes a target for the black

19.8

E.Grivas-K.Georgiev

White to play

Plovdiv 1 9 8 2

king. 61 ... i.f8+ 62 cJo>hs f7 65 i.d4 'it>g8

This ending is favourable for White as he is effectively a pawn up due to the dou­ bled black a-pawns. The game was ad­ 66 i.b6!

The only way to keep probing, aiming to transfer the bishop to e7 and thereby drive the black bishop away from control of the h6-square. 66 ...'it>f7 67 i.dB i.d6 68 fs i.cs ! ? An eccentric idea. White seems t o have no way to make progress after the simple 68 . . .i.f4, but Black wants to validate an original idea! 69 'it>h6 i.e3+ 70 'it>xh 7 i.f4

White has even won a third pawn, but he cannot win the game! His king is trapped, denying him the option of advanc­ ing his h-pawn. Any attempt by White to extricate his king with the help of the 160

journed here and this allowed the possibil­ ity of carefully analysis. Furthermore, this was the last game remaining in the junior section of this Balkaniad. My team needed a victory in this game in order to win the gold medals, a fact that made the ad­ journed position particularly significant. 41 i.f8

In principle the black pawns must be weakened, but 41 fxg5! hxg5 (or 4l . . .i.xg5 42 i.e3 i.d8 43 cJi>f4) 42 f4 i.d8 43 fxg5 i.xg5 44 h4, giving White two passed pawns, seems stronger. 41 ... hs 42 fxgs i.xgs 43 i.cs as Black does not have many alternatives. His bishop must prevent the advance of the white king via h4, while the f5- and h5-

M i nor P i e c e E n d i n g s : S a m e - colo u r e d B i s h op E n dg a m e s

pawns will be lost if they advance. King moves also fail to bring the desired result: 43 . . . '1t>d8 44 ..lte3! or 43 . . . '1t>c7 44 ..lte3 ..lte7 (44. . . ..1txe3 45 fxe3 '1t>d6 46 '1t>f4 with a win) 45 '1t>f4 '1t>d6 46 'it>xf5 '1t>xd5 47 ..ltg5 ..lieS 48 f4 a3 49 '1t>g6 'it>c4 50 f5 '1t>c3 51 ..ltd8 '1t>b2 52 f6 '1t>xa2 53 ..lte7.

19.9

White to play

A.Rustemov-T. Wed berg

Stoc kholm 2001

44 '1t>f31

White could, of course, again go for 44 ..lte3 ..lte7 45 '1t>f4 '1t>d6 46 '1t>xf5 '1t>xd5 47 ..ltg5 ..lieS 48 f4. However, with 43 . . . a5, Black has weakened the b5-square which the white king rushes to exploit. 44 ..1td2! ? .•.

White has an extra pawn, but his struc­ ture is not very helpful as almost all his pawns are placed on the same colour as his bishop, while his king seems unable to in­ vade the queenside under favourable cir­ cumstances. However, White is able to im­ prove his position with the use of zugzwang, so much so that he is even able 4 5 a31

A voiding yet another trap set by Black. The careless 45 '1t>e2? ..ltb4! would have al­ lowed Black to draw. 4 5 ..1tc1 46 '1t>e2 ..ltf4 47 '1t>d3 '1t>c7 48 'lt>c4 ..•

'1t>b7 49 'it>b5 !

The black pawns now fall. The end of the game was: 49 ..1td2 ! ? 50 ..ltb6! ..ltc1 51 d6 ..ltxa3 52 d7 .••

..lte7 53 d8'if' ..ltxd8 54 ..ltxd8 '1t>c8 55 ..ltxa5 '1t>d7 56 '1t>c5 ! '1t>e6 57 f4 1-0

And Black resigned, giving the Greek Junior Team (consisting also of Vasilios Kotronias, Panayiotis Pandavos and Stav­ ros Lazaridis) the gold medals. From 1 971 until 1 994, when the Balkaniads ceased to be held, this was the only time which we won them.

to win the game! 73 ..lte1 '1t>c7 After 73 . . . ..1te3 a typical line runs 74 '1t>a5 ..ltxf4 75 exd6 '1t>xd6 76 '1t>xa6 '1t>xd5 77 b5 '1t>e6 78 b6 f6 79 b7 fxg5 80 hxg5 '1t>f5 81 '1t>b5 ..lth2 82 ..ltd2 ..ltb8 83 '1t>c6 '1t>g4 84 ..ltb4 '1t>xg5 85 ..ltd6 ..lta7 86 '1t>b5 '1t>f5 87 '1t>a6 and wins. 74 ..ltd2 ! '1t>d7 75 ..ltc3 ..lte3 Black's alternative options do not save him either: 75 . . . ..1tc7 76 ..ltd4!; 75 . . . '1t>e7 76 b5! axb5+ 77 '1t>xb5 ..lte3 78 '1t>c6! ..ltxf4 79 exd6+ ..ltxd6 80 ..ltf6+; and, finally, 75 . . . '1t>c7 76 e6 fxe6 77 dxe6 '1t>d8 78 ..ltf6+ '1t>e8 79 f5! gxf5 80 h5 ..lte3 81 h6 and 82 g6. 76 '1t>a5 ..ltxf4 7 7 e6+

77 exd6 also seems enough, according to the above-mentioned variation. n fxe6 7 8 c.t>xa6 exd5 78 . . . e5 79 b5 ..lte3 80 b6 is easier to win. ...

161

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

7 9 bs J. e 3 8 o b 6 J.cs 81 J.as !

In general, placing the pawns on the

Not, of course, 81 b7? 1ilc7 with a draw! 81 ...1ilc8 82 1ila7 d4 8 3 1ila8 !

same square colour as the bishop cannot be the right policy for Black. However, in fact

Black is forced to surrender his bishop.

there is no danger as White has to create a passed pawn on the queenside and so he

83 ... J.xb6 84 J.xb6 d3

will be obliged to exchange these pawns. 35 J.g8 'it>es 3 6 1ilf2 h6 3 7 1ile3 J.ds 38 J.h7 J.c4 3 9 1ilf3 J.e6 40 J.d3 J.d7 41 1ile3 J.c6 42 c41 bxc4 43 J.xc4 1ilfs Or 43 . . . J.e8 44 b4 axb3 45 J.xb3 J.d7 46 a4 'it>d6 47 1ild4 1ilc6 48 1ilc4 1ilb6 49 1ilb4 J.g4 50 aS+ 1ila7 51 J.c4 J.f3 52 1ilc5 and White wins, as his king will head for the black h-pawn. A typical variation then runs: 52 . . . J.g4 53 1ild6 J.f3 54 1ile5 J.g4 55 1ilf6 J.f3 56 1ilg6 h5 57 1ilg5 J.g4

85 J.a s ! 1ild7 86 1ilb7 1ile6 87 1ilc6 1iles 88 J.c3+ 1ile6 89 J.e1 ds 90 J.c3 d4 9 1 J.d2 e3 48 1ilb4 White is a healthy pawn up and he just needs to demonstrate some technique in converting his advantage into the full point. 34 ..a4 .

162

1ilf2 49 J.xa4 J.c8

Or 49 . . . 1ilxg3 50 J.dl and wins. so J.e8 1ilxg 3 S1 1ilcs J.b7 Even with the more stubborn 5 1 . . .J.g4, Black wouldn't have saved the game: 52 a4

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : S a m e - c o l o u re d B is h o p E n dg a m e s

h5 53 �xh5! �xh5 54 b4 �f4 55 �d6 �dl 56 aS �e2 57 Wc6 �f3+ 58 �b6 �e5 59 b5 (but not 59 a6? Wd6 60 b5 �e2) 59 . . . Wd6 60 Wa7

White has a won position. Black's weak ·

pawns (b5, d5), in conjunction with the fix­ ing of almost all his pawns on the same colour as the opponent's bishop, do not leave him with much hope. Of course, White still needs to come up with a win­ ning plan. As there seems to be no possibil­ ity for improvement or of realizing a break­ through, the winning plan must be sought on the kingside. White will create a third weakness in Black's camp and, by using zugzwang, will succeed in invading with his king. 1 h4! White must be careful: 1 g4? g5! would be unacceptable. 1 � e8 ...

No better are the alternatives l . . .h5 2 f5!

and White wins. 52 b4 �f3 53 b5 h5 54 �xh5 �xh5 55 b6

gxf5 (White also wins after both 2 . . . �xf5 3

�f3 56 a4 �f4 5 7 �d6 1-0

�xb5 �c2 4 �e8 f6 5 �f7 �e4 6 g3 �c6 7 �e8+ and 2 . . . �e8 3 fxg6 fxg6 4 g3! ) 3 �e2

Bishop and Pawns vs. Bishop and Pawns with a Positional Advantage

�c6 4 �xh5 �e8 5 ..if3, with a powerful white h-pawn, and l . . .f5 2 h5! gxh5 (or

Strategic elements, such as a passed pawn, the better pawn structure and a better bishop, are prominent in this type of end­ ing. The following examples are especially indicative of the ability of the bishop.

19.11

2 . . . g5 3 fxg5 hxg5 4 h6) 3 g3! h4 4 gxh4 h5 5 �e2 �e8 6 �fl �c6 7 �g2 �b7 8 �f3. 2 g4! �c6 3 g 5 hxg5 Compulsory, as 3 . . . h5 4 f5 is easier. 4 hxg5 �d7

White to play

5 �ez!

Preparing the transfer of the bishop to g4 and after the f5 advance, a third weak­ ness will be created (on f7 or g6). 16 3

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

5 .ic6 6 .ig4 .ie8 7 f51 gxf5 •••

f1'if

Black's other tries, 7 . . . .id7 8 fxg6! .ixg4 9 g7 and 7 . . . .ic6 8 fxg6 fxg6 9 .ie2! .id7 1 0 .id3 .ie8 1 1 .ib1 ! .if7 1 2 .ic2! .ie8 1 3 .id3! (zugzwang) 1 3 ... e6 14 'it>c5, are also los­ ing. 8 ..txf5 .ic6 9 .ig4! ..te8 The white king will penetrate after 9 . . . ..tb7 10 ..th5 'it>e6 1 1 'it>c5 as well. 10 ..th5 'it>e6 11 'it>c5 'iii>f 5

1 1 . . .'it>e5 1 2 ..tf3! just loses a tempo. 12 'it>xd5 xg5 1 3 ..te2 ! 'iii>f 5

A better try than both 1 3 . . .£5 14 'it>c5 'it>h4 15 ..txb5 ..txb5 1 6 'it>xb5 'it>g3 1 7 c5 'iii> f3 18 'iii> d4 and 13 . . . ..td7 14 'it>c5 'iii> f5 1 5 ..txb5 ..txb5 16 'it>xb5 'iii>e4 17 'it>xa4 'it>xe3 18 b5.

24 'it'e8+! 'it>f3

Or 24 . . . '1t>d3 25 11Vb5+! . 2 5 'i*'f7+ 'it>e2 2 6 'ifxf1+ 'it>xf1 2 7 'it>b5 'iii>e 2 2 8 'it>xa4 'iii>d 3 29 'it>b5

White wins.

19.12

White to play

G.Milos-A.Morozevich

FIDE World Championship, New Delhi 2 000

14 ..td3+!

An important move. The careless 14 'it>c5? e4 15 ..txb5 ..txb5 16 'it>xb5 f5 17 'it>xa4 (or 1 7 'it>c5 'it>xe3 1 8 b5 f4 1 9 b6 f3 20 b7 f2 21 b8'if £1 'if 22 'it'e5+ 'it>d3! 23 'i*'d4+ 'it>c2 24 'it'xa4+ 'it>b2 25 'it'b4+ 'it>a2 with a draw) 17 . . . '1t>xe3 18 b5 f4 19 b6 f3 20 b7 f2 21 b8'it' £1 'if 22 'ife5+ 'it>d2! 23 'ifh2+ 'it>e3 24 'ifc3+ 'it>e4 25 11Vb4+ 'it>e3! leads to a draw. 14 ... 'iii>g4 1 5 e4! f4 16 'it>c5 'iii>e 3 17 ..txb5 ! ..txb5 18 'it>xb5 'it>xe4 19 'it>c5 !

Now, i n comparison with the lines ex­ amined in the previous note, the black king is on e4 and not e3, allowing White to force a win. 19 .. .f5 20 b5 f4 21 b6 f3 22 b7 f2 23 b8'it' 1 64

Black has the advantage in view of his better bishop, but White can defend. 43 'iii>e 3 ?

A n important mistake. White is obliged to rid himself of one weakness, and for this reason he should have continued with 43 'it>c2! 'it>g6 ( 43 . . . g5 44 hxg5 1Lxg5 45 b3 axb3+

M i nor P i e c e E n d i n g s : S a m e - colou r e d B is h op E n dg a m e s

46 �xb3 �g6 47 i.e1 is drawn) 44 b3 axb3+

Black can also win with 47 . . . h4 48 gxh4

45 �xb3 i.d8 (or 45 . . . �f5 46 f3 g5 47 hxg5 i.xg5 48 i.e1 ! �e6 49 �c3 f5 50 f4 i.f6 51 �d3) 46 �c2 �f5 47 f3 f6 48 �d3 i.c7 49 i.e1 g5 50 �e3 gxh4 51 gxh4 i.f4+ 52 �f2,

i.xh4 49 �b4 i.xf2 50 �c5 f4 51 �xd5 �f5 52 �c4 f3! 53 i.c3 i.e3 54 i.e1 i.cl 55 �b5 i.xb2 56 �xa4 i.xd4! 57 �b3 �g4 58 �c4 i.e5 59 �d3 i.g3 60 i.c3 �h3 61 i.d4 �g2

retaining a slightly inferior but fully defen­ sible position.

48 �b4 fxg 3

43...g5 44 hxg 5 i.xg5+ 45 �d3

Even with the alternative 45 f4, White would not be able to defend after 45 . . . i.h6 46 �f3 �g6 47 g4 hxg4+ 48 �xg4 f5+ 49

62 i.c5 i.f2 63 i.e7 i.b6 64 i.h4 i.c7. Although the text-move is sufficient for victory, 48 . . . �f5! 49 �xa4 �e4 50 �b5 �xd4 51 �c6 �e4 52 b4 fxg3 53 fxg3 i.d2 wins more easily.

�f3, because of the strong continuation 49 . . . �h5 50 �g3 i.g7 51 �h3 i.f6 52 �g3

49 fxg 3 i.c1 50 �a3

i.e7 53 i.d2 i.h4+ 54 �f3 (Black also wins after 54 �h3 i.f2 55 i.c3 i.e3 56 �g3 i.cl !

i.a1 53 �a2 i.c3 54 �b3 i.e1, winning. 50...�f5 51 i.d8 �e4 52 i.e7

Or 50 �xa4 i.xb2 51 i.b6 �f5 52 �b3

57 �f3 �h4 58 i.e1+ �h3 59 i.c3 �h2) 54 ... i.f6 55 i.c3 �h4 56 i.e1+ �h3 57 i.f2 i.h4 58 i.e3 �h2 59 i.d2 �g1 60 i.b4 �fl 61 i.a5 i.e1 62 i.b6 i.c3 ! . It is worth noting that in all these lines the weakness of the white b-pawn proves decisive. 45...�g6 46 i.a5

52 ...�d3 !

Correctly avoiding 5 2. . . �xd4?! 5 3 �xa4 i.xb2? 54 i.f6+ �e3 55 i.xb2 �f3 56 i.e5 �g4 with a draw. 53 i.d8 �c2 54 �xa4 i.xb2 55 �b5 �d 3 56 �c5 �e4 57 i.f6 i.a3+ 5 8 �c6 i.b4! Black is now winning as he can threaten Exchanging the bishops with 46 i.d2 i.xd2! 47 �xd2 �f5 48 f3 (or 48 �e3 �g4 49

both white pawns simultaneously thereby force zugzwang.

�e2 f6! ) 48 . . . �g5 49 �e3 f5 leads to a pawn ending that is won for Black.

59 i.g7

46 ...f5 47 �C3

No salvation is offered by 47 i.c7 f4! 48

Or 59 i.e5 i.c3 60 �c5 i.d2 61 �c6 i.e3 62 �c5 i.f2. 5 9 ...i.c3 60 �c5 i.e1 61 i.e5 i.f21 62 �d6

gxf4 i.e7 49 �e2 �f5 50 �f3 i.b4! 51 �g3 i.c3 ! . Once again the white b-pawn is the

i.xd4 63 i.f4 i.f2 64 �e6 d4

culprit.

win. 65 �6 h4 0-1

47 ...f4

and

64 . . . i.xg3 65 i.xg3 d4 is another way to

165

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

Too hurried. White could have first im­

19.13

White to play

E.G rivas- I .Adamidis

Athens 1980

proved his position with Wd4, h4 and .td3, and only later chosen which pawn break to opt for (h5 or f5). 34 ... bs?

Without any reason, Black creates fur­ ther weaknesses on the queenside (a6 and b5) . The reader may wonder, quite natu­ rally, how the advance of a pawn that is protected by a fellow pawn and bishop can be considered weakening. The answer lies in that White now obtains the possibility of the pawn levers a2-a4 and b3 followed by c3-c4, increasing the dynamic potential of the white pieces. 3 5 h4 .tb7 36 'it>d4 l:.ec8 3 7 hS 'it> g7 38 hxg6 Alternatively, White's superiority is significant and is due to his better bishop. If we were to re­ move the two bishops from the board, we would have a balanced position. White's plan of exploiting his advantage is as fol­ lows: centralization of the king, an initial breakthrough on the kingside and, eventu­ ally, a breakthrough on the queenside. The exchange of one pair of rooks is welcome, so as to pressurize Black's weaknesses

White

could

continue

with 38 l:.hl, intending .td3 and .l:tdh2, with a decisive advantage. 38 hxg6 39 .l:!.h1 l:.h8 40 .l:!.xh8 'it>xh8 41 .td3 'it>g7 42 .l:!.h2 .tcs ..•

Black cannot exchange the remaining pair of rooks. After 42 . . . l:.c8 43 l:.hl .l:!.h8 44 l:.xh8 'it>xh8 45 'it>c5, the invasion of the white king is decisive. 43 l:.h1 i.b7

more efficiently, as is the creation of new weaknesses in Black's structure. 31 'it>e3 'it>f8 32 .te2 l:.c7 33 g4! g 6

44 a4?

White thought that this breakthrough would further weaken Black's pawn struc­ ture, and thereby either offer White new 34 gs?! 166

targets or allow the penetration of the white rook into the black camp. However,

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : S a m e - colo u r e d B i s h op E n dg a m e s

5 1 'it>cs as

it was more precise to prefer 44 �a1 ..tc6 45 'it>cS ..td7+ 46 'it>b6 .l:!.c6+ 47 'it>b7 Wf8 48 .l:th1 ! 'it>g7 49 .l:!.cl 'it>f8 50 b3 'it>e7 51 c4 bxc4 52

5 2 .l:!.bS! 'it>d7 53 Wb6 .l:!.c7 54 ..tbS+ Wd8 5 5

bxc4 .l:!.cS 53 Wb6 .l:!.c6+ 54 WaS ..tc8 55 l:!.c2, with a decisive advantage.

'ifa1 1-0

Or S l . . J:tc7+ 52 .l:!.c6. bxas l:!.xc3 5 6 a 6 d4 5 7 a 7 d 3 5 8 aS'i!V d 2 59

44 bxa4 •..

White wins after 44 . . . ..tc6? 45 'it>cS! (but not 45 axbS? ..txbS 46 l:!.a1 ..txd3 47 'it>xd3 l:!.c4 48 'it>e3 l:!.c6 49 l:!.a4 l:!.b6! ) 45 . . . bxa4 46 'it>b6 l:!.c8 47 ..txa6 .l:ta8 48 .l:!.a1 ..te8 49 ..tb7 l:!.d8 50 l:!.d1 !, intending nd4 and c4.

19.14

Wh ite to play

E.Eiiskases-J.R.Capabla nca

Semmering 19 3 7

45 l:!.a1

White i s clearly better, a s he can create a 4S 'it>f8? .•.

After 45 . . . ..tc6 46 ..txa6 l:!.a7 47 ..td3 .l:tb7 48 'it>cS ..td7 49 .l:!.a2 l:!.b3 50 'it>d6 ..te8 there is probably no way for White to win, as Black has found enough against the white b2-pawn.

counterplay

central passed pawn, while the b4-pawn immobilizes two of Black's (a6 and c6) . One hurdle to White's ambitions is the reduced material. 3 8 ..tc4! ..tg4 3 9 es fxeS+ 40 fxes h6 41 h4 ..ths 42 e6 ..tes 43 ..td3

46 .l:!.xa4 .l:lc6 47 .l:!.b4 ..tcs 48 .l:!.b8 'it>e7 49

By playing 43 e7!, followed by 'it>e5-f6 and ..tf7, White would win rather quickly.

b4!

43 ... 'it>c7 44 'it>cs ..ths 45 ..th7?

All White's pieces occupy excellent posi­ tions. After he puts into motion his last

A serious mistake. After the natural 45 ..txa6 White would have retained a win­ ning advantage.

plan (the invasion of his king), Black's posi­ tion will collapse. 49 ... .l:!.c7 50 .l:!.b6 .l:!.a7 More stubborn is SO . . . 'it>d8 51 c4 dxc4 52 i.xc4 .l:!.d7+ 53 'it>cS .l:!.c7+ 54 .l:!.c6 'it>d7 55 .l:!.xc7+ Wxc7 although White wins with a nice zugzwang manoeuvre: 56 ..td3 ..tb7 57 ..tfl ..tc8 58 ..tc4 ..tb7 59 fS! ! exfS (or 59 ... gxf5 60 ..txe6) 60 ..txf7 f4 61 ..txg6 f3 62 ..td3.

4S ..tg4! .••

The only acceptable move, as both 45 . . . ..te8? 46 ..tg8!, followed by 47 ..tf7, and 45 . . . ..tf3? 46 ..tg6! would lose . 46 e7

White had no choice as 46 ..tg8 ..tf3! 47 ..tf7 ..tdS! doesn't trouble Black. 46 Wd7 47 ..te41 •••

The only worthwhile attempt. Only a 16 7

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

draw results from 47 ..td3 ..tf3 48 ..txa6

rJ;a6 rJ;cs 65 rJ;a7 Wb5 66 ..tc8 WaS 67 ..tb7

rJ;xe7 49 ..tb7 rJ;d7 50 bS cxbS 51 ..txf3 rJ;e7.

..tfl 68 ..tf3 ..ta6 69 ..te2 ..tc8 70 hS rJ;b4 71 ..ta6 nor 63 . . . rJ;b7 64 ..tf3+ Wb8 65 �b4 ..ta6

47 ... rJ;xe7 48 ..txc6 ..te2 49 ..tb7 rJ;d7 so rJ;b6 Wd6 51 ..txa6 ..tf3

66 rJ;cs ..tb7 (66 . . . ..tc8 67 rJ;d6 ..tb7 68 ..txb7 Wxb7 69 We6!) 67 ..txb7 �xb7 68 hS! help Black. 64 ..tf3+ Wd6 6 5 ..tb7 ..te2 66 ..ta6 ..tf3 67 ..tf1 ..tb7

White has won a pawn, but the position remains difficult. If Black succeeds in ex­ changing his bishop for the b-pawn, a draw will be on cards, due to the wrong colour of White's h-pawn. 52 rJ;as !

52 bS? ..te2! again leads to a draw. s 2 ... ..tc6 53 ..tbs ..tf3 54 ..td3 ..tc6 55 ..tc2 rJ;c7 5 6 ..ta41 ..tf3

As the pawn ending resulting from

68 ..th 3 ! rJ;e7

The result would not change after 68 . . . Wc5 69 ..tg4 Wc4 (69 . . . Wd6 70 rJ;bS! ) 70 ..te2+ rJ;cs 71 ..ta6 ..tf3 (or 7l . . .rJ;c6 72 ..txb7+ Wxb7 73 hS! ) 72 ..tc8 and 73 Wa6. 69 Wbs Wd6 70 ..tg4 rJ;e7 7 1 rJ;cs ..tg 2 72

56 . . . ..txa4 57 rJ;xa4 hS (57 . . . Wb6 58 hS! ) 58 WaS is lost, the white b-pawn is able to ad­

..tcs rJ;dS?I

vance.

chances to go wrong. Still, White wins with

5 7 bS �b7 58 b6 ..te2 59 ..tc2 ! ..tf3 60 ..td3

73 ..ta6 Wd7 74 ..tc4 WeB 75 ..tdS! ..te2 (or 75 . . . -txdS 76 rJ;xdS h5 77 rJ;c6! rJ;b8 78 b7) 76 Wd6! rJ;b8 77 rJ;e7, heading for the black h­

..tg2 61 ..ta6+ Wc6?

Black chooses the wrong move and, as a consequence, loses the game. The correct 6l . . .Wb8! 62 Wb5 ..tfl+ 63 WaS ..tg2 64 Wb4! ..tb7 65 ..txb7 (precise and superior to both 65 ..tc4 ..tf3 66 rJ;cs Wb7! and 65 rJ;bs h5! 66 rJ;aS ..txa6 67 rJ;xa6 �a8) 65 . . . Wxb7 66 WbS h5! would have held the draw. 62 ..tcs -tf1 Otherwise White will play 63 Wa6 and

72 . . . ..tf3 would have given White more

pawn. 73 ..ta6 ..tf3 74 Wd6 ..tg2 75 ..tc4 WeB 76 ..tds ..tt1 Or 76 . . . -txdS 77 WxdS Wb7 78 �e6 rJ;xb6 79 Wf6 Wc7 80 Wg6 Wd7 81 Wxh6 rJ;e7 82 rJ;g7 and wins. 77 We6 ..te2 7 8 �6 Wd7 79 Wg6 hs so Wgs Wd6 81 ..tf7 Wc6 82 ..txhs 1-0

6 3 ..tg4 ..td3

Black resigned in view of the inevitable continuation 82 . . . ..tc4 83 ..te8+ rJ;xb6 84 hS

Good moves become harder and harder to come by: for example, neither 63 . . . ..tg2 64

rJ;c7 85 h6 ..tg8 (85 . . . ..td3 86 ..tg6) 86 Wg6 Wd8 87 ..tf7.

Wa7.

1 68

M i n or P i e c e E n d i n g s : S a m e - colou r e d B i s h op E n dg a m e s

47 ... i.xb2 48 i.xe 5 ..t>h3

19. 1 5

Black t o play

48 . . .b4? 49 g4+! would be foolish.

T.Wed berg-M.C h i b u rdan idze

H aninge 1 9 8 8

49 ..t>e3 ?

The only, but excellent, move was 49 Despite the relatively simplified posi­ tion, Black has a clear edge. The bad distri­ bution of White's pawns has forced his bishop into passivity. If Black can succeed in penetrating with her king, White's de" fences will collapse. 43 ... h6!

i.d6 ! ! �g4 (or 49 . . . �xc3 50 e5 i.d4+ 51 �e2 with a draw) 50 i.b4 i.cl 51 i.d6 with equality! 49 ... b4! 50 ..t>d2 b 3 ! The passed black b-pawn is now too powerful and decides the game. 51 i.d6 ..t> g4! The last detail. Black prepares to immo­

The black h-pawn is the primary factor in this position. With its moves ( . . . h6 and later . . . h5), it constantly places White in

bilize White's only source of counterplay, the e-pawn.

zugzwang, forcing him to concede more and more space to his opponent. Note too

i.d4+ ..t>e6 5 6 �d1 il.. a 3 5 7 � d 2 il.. d 6 0-1

how the position is practically a pawn end­ ing, as the two bishops are, for the moment, caught in a deadlock. 44 �t2 �h3 4 5 �f3 h 5 ! Thanks t o this final zugzwang, Black gains the opposition! 46 �f2 �h2?

Black throws the victory away. That could have been achieved with 46 . . . �g4! 47 �g2 h4! 48 gxh4 �f4 ! . Naturally, neither of the players had, though, seen White's hid­ den possibility on the 49th move. 47 i.d6!

Compulsory as after 47 �f3? �h3 48 �f2 �g4 Black is back on the right rack.

52 �b4 �g5 53 il.. e 7+ ..t>g6 54 i.c5 �f6 5 5

White resigned in view of 58 il.. f2 �e5. The most significant factor in this ending was the position of the black pawn on h7. Had it already advanced to h6 or h5 the result would have been a draw!

19.16

B l a c k t o play

N.Short-J .Va n der Wiel

R otterdam 1 9 8 9 (see following

diagram)

Material is equal, but the outside passed black h-pawn is clearly more valuable than the central white one. 169

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

i.. d 6 56 �f6 (or 56 i.. e3 h5) 56 . . . �c5 57 ..td2 (Black also wins after 57 'it>g7 �b4 58 �xh7 'it>xb3 59 i.. d 2 'it>c4! 60 'it>g6 i.. e5 61 litf5 �c3 62 i.. c l b4 63 'it>e4 i.. g 7! ) 57 . . . 'it>d4 58 i.. e 1 ! (58 'it>e6 i.. g 3) 5 8 . . . �f4! (but not 5 8 . . . 'it>d3? 59 lite6! ) once again brings about victory. ss wd s Wd7 56 lites? liteS? 57 'it>ds 'iii>f7 !?

46 .....td4! 47 d6

Forced: 47 �b8 �e5 48 d6 �e6 49 d7 �f6! or 47 a4 �e5 48 axb5 axb5 49 �d2 �d6 50 �c3 h5 would leave White with no hope. 47 ... �cs?

Black makes his task harder. He could have secured victory with the simple 47 . . . 'it>e6 48 'it>g4 (neither 48 a4 b4 nor 48

S8 Wc6?

'it>e4 �c5 49 d7 litxd7 50 Wd5 �f8 save White) 48 . . . ..tc5 49 'it>g5 �xd6 50 �d2 �e5.

The last mistake. After 58 b4! �xb4 (or 58 . . . 'it>g6 59 i.. d 2 h5 60 i.. e 1 �f5 61 Wc6 �g4

48 d7 �b6 49 a4! �d8?

clearly undesirable, but 49 . . .bxa4! 50 bxa4 h5 51 �g3 �d8 52 �e1 �e6 53 'it>e4 'it>xd7

62 Wxb5 with a draw) 59 'it>c6 �g6 60 �e3! (60 'it>xb5? �xh6 loses) 60 . . .'it>f5 (60 . . . �e1 61 'it>xb5 h5 62 'it>c4 h4 63 'it>d3 h3 64 �f4 Wf5 65 'it>e2! is drawn too) 61 'it>xb5 We4 62 �h6

54 �d5 (or 54 �f5 'it>c6 55 �d2 �c5 56 �e 1 �c4 57 Wf4 Wb3 58 aS litc4 59 �e4 �b5 60

�d6 63 'it>c4 i.. f4 64 �f8 �g5 (64 . . . h5 65 �e7) 65 �b4! h5 66 �e1 the game would

�f5 �xa5 61 �h4 �b6 62 'it>g6 aS 63 Wxh5 a4 64 �g4 a3 65 �f6 �c4, winning) 54 . . . h4

end in a draw. S8 ... b4 5 9 WdS 'it> g 6 60 �d2 'it>fs ! 61 'it>d4

55 'it>e4 h3 56 �f3 �c7 would have brought about victory.

There is no hope in 61 �h6 �g5 62 i.. f8 h5 63 �xb4 h4 64 ..tc5 h3 65 i.. g 1 'it>f4 66

so axbs axbs 51 �h6 �e6 52 lite4 'it>xd 7 5 3

i.. h2+ 'it>f3. 61 ...W g4 62 Wd3 �f3 6 3 �h6 i.. d 6 6 4 Wd4

Instead 49 ... b4? 50 �d6 aS? 51 �e7 is

�d s �e7 54 �e s?

In turn, White misses a draw, which could have been achieved without moving the king from its excellent centralized posi­ tion: 54 �f4 h5 55 �g3 �f8 56 �h4 litc7 57 i.. g3+ litb6 58 �f2+ �aS 59 �e1 + i..b4 60 i..h4 �d2 61 1itc6 is relatively simple. 54 ...Wd8?

A series of mistakes occurs, which shows the practical difficulty of this par­ ticular ending. The natural 54 . . . �c6 55 �e6 1 70

Or 64 'it>c4 �f4 65 �f8 h5 66 i.. e 7 �d2 and wins. 64 ... i..f4 65 �f8 hs 66 i.. e 7 i.. g 3 67 'it>cs Black also wins after 67 �c4 �e1 68 �d8 'it>g3! (68 . . . 'it>g2 69 i.. e 7! ) 69 Wd3 litg2! and now all of 70 �e7 h4, 70 Wc4 Wh3! and 70 'it>e2 i.. g3! . 67 ... ..te1 68 'it>c4 'i¥ig2 ! 6 8 . . . \t>g4 6 9 'it>d3 is not s o clear. 69 ..td8

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : S a m e - c o l o u re d B is h o p E n dg a m e s

White also loses after both 69 �c5 �g3 and 69 i.f6 �g3 70 Wd3 h4 71 We2 i.c3 72 i.e7 h3.

The white bishop's superiority over its black counterpart, in view of the pawn structure, is undeniable. Since White also has the possibility of a breakthrough, his win comes quite straightforwardly. 60 g 5 ! Preparing t o invade with the king o n the weakened light squares (f3-g4-h5-g6). 60 ... hx g 5 Or 60 . . .fxg5? 61 hxg5 h5 62 f6 gxf6 63 g6 and wins. 61 hxgs i.ds Black is helpless in the case of 6l . . .fxg5? 62 i.xg5 �c8 63 i.e7 �d7 64 i.f8. 62 �f3 �c8?

69 ...W h 3 !

62 . . . fxg5? doesn't help either (63 '.t>g4 �c8 64 i.xg5), but Black should try to acti­

A n excellent idea. N o w the threat i s 70 . . . h4.

vate his king with 62 . . . �a6! 63 �g4 'it>b5 64 '.t>h5 '.t>a4 65 �g6 '.t>b3 66 �xg7 fxg5 67 f6

70 Wd3 i.h4

i.xf6+ 68 '.t>xf6 g4 69 i.e1 �c2 70 �e6 �xd3 71 'it>xd6 �e2 (or 7l . . .Wxe4 72 �e6 �f3 73

By transferring the bishop to e7, Black clinches the desired result. 11 i.as

Or 71 i.b6 i.e7 72 i.f2 Wg2 73 i.e1 h4, winning.

d6 g3 74 i.. x g3) 72 'it>xe5 d3 (White wins more easily after 72 . . . �xe1 73 d6 g3 74 d7 g2 75 d8"i' g1"i' 76 'tWxd4) 73 d6 g3 74 d7 g2 75 iH2! Wxf2 76 d8'iY g1 'iY 77 �xd3

71 ... i.e7 7 2 �e2 �g2 0-1

19.17

A.Karpov-Z.Ribli

White to play

E uropean Team Championship, Bath 1 9 7 3

and White should win the queen end­ ing, but there are chances to go wrong. 63 �g4 �d7 64 �h5 �e8 65 i.b4 An alternative win can be found in 65 Wg6 �f8 66 gxf6 i.xf6 (or 66 . . . gxf6 67 i.h6+ �e8 68 i.g7) 67 i.. g5 i.xg5 68 �xg5 �f7 69 'it>g4! 'it>e7 70 'it>h4! Wf6 71 Wh5 �f7 72 '>t>g5. 171

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

65 ... fxg5

This seems like a weak move, but 65 . . . �e7 66 'it>g6 Wf8 67 gxf6 gxf6 68 �xd6!

Although the text-move does not spoil Black's advantage, the most natural con­ tinuation was 3 l . . .'it'c3! 32 'i'xc3 �xc3 33

�xd6 69 Wxf6 would not have saved the game either.

'it>g1 f5 34 'iii> f2 'iii> f7 35 'it>e2 'it>e6 36 'it>d1 'it>d5 (completing the first stage) 37 Wc2 �f6 38

66 �xd6 �f6 67 �b4 Wf7 68 �d2 �e7 69

'it>d1 g5! 39 We2 g4 40 'iii> f2 .ie5 41 'it>e2 f4! 42 hxg4 hxg4 43 'it>fl 'it>e6 44 �e2 'it>f5 45 'iii>fl �d4! 46 We2 'it>e5 47 Wfl f3 48 gxf3 gxf3 (completion of the second stage) 49 �h6

�xg5 �a3 10 �d8 �d6 71 'it>g5 1-o

And Black resigned due to the variation 7l . . .We8 72 f6 gxf6+ 73 �xf6 Wf7 74 �f5.

19.18

Black to play

M.Biau-M.Pavlov

E u ropean Team Championship, Bath 1 9 7 3

Wd5 50 �cl �c3 and Black is all set to exe­ cute the third and fourth stages of his plan. 32 'ild2 �e5 33 'i'c2 'iii> g 7 34 'i'd2 �f6 3 5 'i'c2 � e 5 3 6 'i'd2 'it>g8 3 7 'iic 2?

White's only chance was 37 'iie 1 'iia 1 38 �d2 'iixe1+ 39 �xe1 �b2. 3 7 .. .'ii'a 1! 3 8 'ild2 �d4?

Black could have won immediately with 38 . . . �c3 ! 39 'iic2 h4!, after which the threats of . . . �e5-f4 and . . . �d4-e3 would have been conclusive. 39 g3 ! �e5 40 'it>g2 'ifd4 41 'it'e2 'i'c3 42 �d2 'iic 2 43 Wf3 �b2 44 g4 hxg4+ 45 hxg4 'i'c6+ 46 'iie41 'iif 6+ 46 . . . 'iixe4+? 47 'it>xe4 �xa3 48 Wd5 can only help White. 47 'it>g2 �d4?!

Black should have won the a-pawn with Black's advantage i s undeniable as White's pawn structure is weak, both on the queenside and in the centre where the white passed d-pawn is blockaded and exposed to attack. The question is: how should Black proceed and which plan should he follow? positions of this type, the appropriate plans, in chronological order, are: In

i. Exchange the queens so as to enable the black king's centralization. ii. Advance Black's kingside majority in order to create a passed pawn. iii. Exchange a black passed kingside pawn for the white d-pawn. iv. Finally, invade with the black king on the queenside. 3 1 ... Wh7

1 72

47 . . . �xa3 48 d4! �b2 49 d5 �e5 50 g5 'i!i'h8 51 Wfl f5! 52 gxf6 'i'xf6+ 53 We2 'iif5, retain­ ing excellent winning chances. 48 �e31 �xe 3 ?

Once again correct was 48 . . . �b2 49 �d2 �xa3 ! . 4 9 'i'xe3

As mentioned earlier, Black's correct approach would have been to exchange of queens under favourable circumstances. By exchanging bishops instead, White secures the draw. 49 ...'iic 3 It's also a draw after 49 . . . 'iih2+ 50 Wf3 'i'xa3 51 'iie8+ 'it>g7 52 'iie5+ f6 53 'it'c7+. 50 'iii>f 3 'it>g7 51 'it>f4 'iif 6+ 52 'it>g3 'iid 6+ 5 3 'it>g 2 'i'd5+ 54 'iii> g 3 'iid 6+ 5 5 'it>g2 'iid 5+ 56 'iii> g 3 'it>f6 51 d4 Yz-Yz

C h a pt e r Twe n ty

I

Minor Piece E n d i ngs: O p p o s ite-co l o u red B i s h o p E n d ga m e s

Opposite-coloured bishop endings have

in view of the above, White should be win­

their own peculiarities. The bishops cannot be exchanged with each other and neither

ning. However, the white king is unable to penetrate to a square from where it can

can they focus on the same targets. There­ fore, the winning procedure involves greater difficulties to overcome.

capture the black bishop.

Naturally, the simple ending of bishop and pawn vs. bishop is, in this case, drawn. Less clear-cut is the case when one side has a two pawn advantage. The general rule states that if the pawns are separated by two or more files, then they win. With only one file between them, the result is a draw. The underlying logic is that, in the former case, one of the pawns will be kept in check by the defending king and the other one by the bishop. Then, the attacking king will move towards the defending bishop and capture it. However, in the latter case, the defending king can stop (with the help of the bishop) both pawns.

White to play 20.1 V.Kotronias-E.Cirivas H erak lion 1 9 9 2

In the diagram position, the white pawns are separated by two files and thus,

62 �as �c7 63 bS .i.cs 64 �a6 .i.d4 65 e6 .i.cs 66 .i.h3 �b8??

A fatal mistake. Black could have held the draw by means of 66 . . . .i.d6! 67 b6+ �d8! 68 �b7 i.. c5 69 �c6 .i.f2 70 b7 i.. g3 71 �b6 i..b 8 as White's king hasn't a path to the aS­ square available. 67 b6 .i.e7 68 �bs 1-0 Consequently, distant pawns are prefer­ able to connected ones, in full contradiction to most other types of endgames. Some

1 73

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

rules can be formulated for connected pawns: i. The side with the pawns must place

20.3

White/Black to play

them on the colour opposite to that of his bishop so as to prevent their immobiliza­ tion. ii. When both pawns have reached their sixth rank the position is won, unless one of the pawns is a rook pawn. The next example is a characteristic case that confirms this last rule.

20.2

Black to play The defending bishop must be posi­ tioned in such a way as to prevent both the pawns' advance and the king coming to their assistance. Here the d6-square is con­ trolled by the bishop and so White cannot push d5-d6. Furthermore, the white king

1 .'�e8 2 i.bs+ Wf8 ..

Or if 2 . . . Wd8 then 3 Wg6 i.a3 4 Wf7 and wins. 3 'it>e4

cannot leave the e5-pawn unprotected, in order to be transferred to c6 and support the d5-d6 push, and so the position is drawn. However, White would win if the black bishop was erroneously positioned, such as on the a3-f8 diagonal.

20.4

White to play

White wins because the black bishop is forced to remain on the a3-f8 diagonal, keeping the e-pawn in check. Thus the white king is free to move to d7, further supporting the advance of the e-pawn. iii. When one pawn has reached its sixth rank and the other is on its fifth, the posi­ tion is won unless the pawns have already been immobilized. iv. When both pawns are on their fifth rank the position is a draw, provided that the pawns are not able to advance success­ fully. 1 74

Naturally, the files on which the pawns

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : O p p o s i t e - c o l o u re d B i s h o p E n dg a m e s

are placed plays a significant role. Here White wins, as the black bishop cannot meet both required tasks: 1 i..f 3+ �a7 2 'it>ds i.. a s 3 Wc6

However, if Black had instead a light­ squared bishop placed on e8, and White possessed a dark-squared bishop (say on the d2-square), then the position would be drawn. Thus, when trying to win, with f­ and e-pawns we seek to play against a light-squared bishop and with c- and d­ pawns against a dark-squared one. v. When one pawn is on its fifth rank and the other on the fourth, the position

33 ... h4! 34 g 3 More natural is 34 g4!, followed by 35

will soon transpose to one covered by the fourth rule and we should judge accord­

h3, building a solid fortress.

ingly. vi. When the pawns are on their fourth

34 . . . hxg3+? 35 hxg3 would have been easily drawn. Instead Black sacrifices a

rank (or even less advanced) then the posi­ tion is drawn, as the defending side will succeed in setting up the appropriate de­ fence.

pawn, but, as compensation, he is able to mobilize his forces to the maximum.

34 ... 'it>f7 !

35 �e3 fs 36 �f4 � g 6 37 �e3 ? !

vii. With additional pawns on both sides, the material advantage of two pawns

This move does not yet lose the game, but 37 gxh4 Wh5 38 Wxf5 was more appro­ priate.

is a decisive factor as the defending side is deprived of the possibility of sacrificing its

37 ... WhS 38 i.. b4 gS! White's main weakness is the h-pawn

bishop. viii. With a material advantage of only one pawn, things are complicated and no

and Black homes in on this target. The threat is now 39 .. .f4+ 40 gxf4 g4! 41 fxg4

clear guidelines can be given. Every posi­ tion is different and must be evaluated with all its features taken into account.

20. 5

Wxg4 and 42 . . . �h3. 39 �f2 .i.a 2 40 i.. a 3 i.. b 1 41 'it>e2 i.. a 2 42 i.. c 1 i.. e 6 43 Wf2 i.. c 8

Black t o play

B.Ku rajica-A.Ka rpov

Sk opje 1 9 7 6 The passed black a-pawn and the more active bishop give Black a slight edge. Of course, victory cannot be achieved without the co-operation of the opponent, but Black should contest it.

1 75

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

44 d 5 ?

The torture approach has worked and White cracks. The draw was still within reach with 44 'it>e2! i.. a 6 45 �e3 f4+ 46 gxf4 g4 47 f5! when the cl-bishop becomes a

20.6

White to play

E.Grivas-l.l bragi mov

Athens 1 9 9 5

useful piece. 44 ... cxd 5 45 d4 f4! 46 gxf4 There is nothing better as after 46 g4+ 'it>g6 the black king will head for the queen­ side, while its white counterpart will be engaged with the defence of its kingside pawns. 46 g4! 47 'it>g2 i.. f 5 48 �2 gxf3 49 'it>xf3 ..•

i.. e 4+ 50 'it>f2 'it>g4 51 i.. b 2

The alternative 51 f5 i.. xf5 52 'it>g2 i.. e4+ 53 'it>f2 'it>h3 does not really change very much. 51 ... 'it>xf4 52 i.. c 1+ 'it>g4 5 3 i.. b 2 c6 54 i.. c 1 �h3 55 'it>g1

White's two extra pawns seem sufficient for victory. However, a certain accuracy is required as the black rook is active and can apply pressure to the base of both White's pawn chains (a3, f2) . 3 5 l::. e 31 i.. d 4 3 6 l::. f 3+ By this transfer, White has both bases covered. Having completed his defensive tasks, White sets off for victory. The first stage is the advance of the kingside pawns. 36 ... 'it>e 5 37 i.. c 6 i.. b 6 38 h4

5 5 ... i.. g 6 ! 56 �h1

White's only hope. His bishop must keep the entry point on f4 under control, while the king protects the h2-pawn. Black also wins after 56 i..b2 'it>g4 57 'it>f2 'it>f4 58 'it>e2 �e4 59 i.. c3 a3 60 'it>d2 'it>f3 61 'it>cl 'it>e2 62 i.. a 5 'it>e3 63 i.. c3 i.. d 3 64 i..b4 a2 65 'it>b2 i..b l 66 i.. c3 'it>d3. 5 6 ... .th5 57 'it>g 1 i.. d 1 o-1 And White resigned in view of the con­ tinuation 58 'it>hl 'it>g4 59 'it>g2 'it>f5 60 'it>f2

3 8 ... a5?

'it>e4. An exemplary conversion of a posi­ tional advantage!

This simplifies White's task, as it clari­ fies the situation on the queenside and ef-

1 76

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : O p p o s i t e - c o l o u re d B i s h o p E n dg a m e s

fortlessly gives him a passed pawn. More stubborn was 38 . . . .l::tb 2! . White would then continue with g4-g5, 'it>g3, llf7/f8 and f4, retaining excellent winning prospects. 39 bxas i.. xas 40 a4 i.. b 6 41 i.. bs

Now that the weakness on a3 has dis­ appeared, White can manoeuvre more com­ fortably. 41 ... h6 42 .l:i.f8 gs 43 hxgs hx gs 44 .l:i.e8+ Wf6

This ending should be drawn, but is not as easy as it might look. There are many hidden resources for both sides, making this game a really instructive example. 33 Wf3 'it>f6 34 g4! h6 Correctly avoiding both 34 ... g6? 35 gS+!

We7 36 i.. d 3 Wd6 37 e4 i.. b6 38 exf5 exf5 39 i.. c4 ctJe7 40 i.. g8 Wf8 41 i.. xh7 Wg7 42 i.. xg6 Wxg6 43 'it>e2 Wh5 44 f3 and 34 . . . i..b6 35 gxf5 exf5 36 i.. d 3, losing in both cases. 35 hs!

45 lle2 ! lld4

The opposite-coloured bishop ending arising after 45 . . . .l:!.xe2 46 i.. xe2 would be easily won for White as he will create two very distant passed pawns. 46llc2 'it>es 47llc6 .idS 48 i.. c4 g4 Placing the last black pawn on the same colour as the white bishop cannot be cor­ rect. Of course, in this case, though, it doesn't affect the result as Black's position was lost anyway. 49 i.. bs l::td 2 so Itcs+ 'it>f6 5 1 li!.c4 'it> gs 52 l::te4 wfs 53 .l:tf4+ 'it>gs 54 .l:.e4 ctJfs 55 l:le2 .l:!.d4 56 J::!. c 2 i.. b 6 5 7 .l:i.c6 i.. a 7 5 8 l::!.c 7 i.. b 6 59 lib7 i.. cs 6o l::!.d 7 i.. d 6 61 as 'it>e6 62 a6

3s ... gs ?

.l:i. d 1 6 3 i.. e 2 ! 1-0

An extensive analysis shows that Black is losing with both 35 ... i..b 6? 36 i.. e8 i.. a 7 37 i.. g6 i..b6 38 gxf5 exf5 39 We2 We5 40 f3 i.. a 7

20.7 L.Aronian-E.Bacrot

Khanty Mansiysk

2005

White to

play

41 Wd3 i..b6 42 e4 fxe4+ 43 fxe4 i.. f2 44 Wc4 'it>d6 45 Wb5 i.. e3 46 eS+ 'it>xe5 47 Wc6 We6 48 Wb7 We7 49 a7 i.. x a7 50 Wxa7 and 35 .. .fxg4+ 36 'it>xg4 i..b8 37 i.. d3 i.. a 7 38 i.. g6 i..b6 39 1 77

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

'it>f4 i.a7 40 'it>e4 'it>e7 41 f4 'it>d6 42 'it>d3 i.b6

3 9 ... 'it>f6 40 i.g2 i.b6 41 'it>h4?!

43 e4 i.a7 44 'it>c4 i.f2 45 eS+ 'it>e7 (or 45 . . . 'it>c6 46 fS 'it>b6 47 fxe6 i.h4 48 WdS i.gS

Again White should bring about the pawn-structure mentioned in the previous note with 41 Wf3.

49 a7 'it>xa7 50 Wc6 and wins) 46 'it>bS 'it>d7 47 i.e4 'it>c7 48 i.f3 i.e3 49 i.g2 i.f2 50 i.h3 i.e3 51 i.xe6 i.xf4 52 a7 'it>b7 53 i.dS+ 'it>xa7 54 e6 i.gS 55 'it>c6 Wb8 56 'it>d7. However, he

41 'it> g 6 42 i. c 6 i. d 8 + 43 'it>g3 i.b6 ••.

can hold the draw with the active 35 ... 'it>e5!

44 e4?

White failed to find the correct plan and now it's a draw. 36 i.e8 (36 gxfS exfS 37 'it>e2 f4 is a sim­

44 'it>f6 4 5 f4 fxe4 46 i.xe4 'it>e6 47 'it>g4 •••

pler draw) 36 . . . i.b6 37 i.g6 i.a7 38 gxfS

Wf6 48 i.g2 i.a7 49 i. h 3 i.cs so fs

exfS 39 'it>e2 f4! 40 e4 (or 40 'it>f3 i.b6 41 exf4+ 'it>d6 42 'it>e4 'it>c7 43 'it>dS 'it>b8 44 'it>e6

White could torture Black in more effec­ tive ways, albeit still in vain: 50 'it>f3!? 'it>e7 51 'it>e4 'it>d6 52 'it>fS 'it>c7 53 'it>g6 'it>b6 54 i.fl i.f8 55 fS Wa7 56 f6 'it>b6 57 f7 'it>a7 58 'it>h7

i.d4) 40 . . . i.b6 41 f3 i.a7 42 Wd3 i.g1 43 'it>c4 i.f2 44 'it>bS Wd6 45 eS+ (Black also holds after 45 i.fS i.g1 46 i.g4 i.f2 47 eS+ 'it>xeS 48 'it>c6 'it>f6 49 'it>b7 g6! 50 a7 i.xa7 51 'it>xa7 gxhS 52 i.xhS 'it>gS 53 i.f7 'it>h4 54 'it>b6 'it>g3 55 i.hS 'it>h4 56 i.e8 'it>g3) 45 . . . 'it>xe5 46 'it>c6 'it>f6 47 'it>b7 'it>gS 48 a7 i.xa7 49 'it>xa7 'it>h4! 50 'it>b6 'it>g3 51 i.e4 'it>h4 52 i.g6 'it>g3. 3 6 hxg6 'it>xg6 37 gxfS+ exfs 38 i.f1! 'it>gs 39 'it>g3 White misses a winning plan. That was to place his pawns on e3 and f4 and his bishop on h3: 39 i.h3 hS 40 'it>e2 f4 (or 40 . . . h4 41 f4+ 'it>f6 42 'it>f3) 41 e4 'it>f6 42 f3 'it>eS 43 'it>d3 h4 44 'it>e2! i.b6 45 'it>fl i.cS 46 'it>g2 i.b6 47 i.c8 i.cS 48 Wh3 i.f2 49 'it>g4, winning.

1 78

hS 59 'it>g8 i.cS 60 f8'ii' i.xf8 61 'it>xf8 h4 62 'it>e7 h3 and Black holds, or 50 i.fl ! ? hS+ 51 'it>f3 (it's also a draw after 51 'it>g3 i.a7 52 i.e2 'it>g6 53 i.d3+ 'it>g7! 54 'it>f3 h4 55 'it>g4 i.f2 56 'it>fS 'it>f7 57 i.c4+ We7 58 'it>g6 h3 59 fS 'it>f8) S l . . .h4! 52 i.h3 'it>e7 53 'it>g4 i.f2 54 fS Wf6! 55 'it>f3 i.a7 56 'it>e4 'it>e7 57 'it>dS Wd7! and again Black holds with some ac­ curacy. so i.a7 1-o .••

Amazingly after playing the text-move, Black resigned in a drawn position! Indeed, the draw is not so hard to work out: 51 'it>£4 hS 52 'it>e4 'it>e7 53 'it>dS 'it>d7! 54 f6+ 'it>e8 55 i.e6 h4 56 'it>c6 h3 57 'it>b7 h2 58 i.dS i.d4 59 a7 i.xa7 60 'it>xa7 h1'i*' 61 i.xh1 'it>£7.

C h a pt e r Twe n ty- O n e

I

M i n o r Pi ece E n d i n g s : K n i g h t vs . Pawn (s)

Knight endings are very similar t o pawn

Black to move, there is not much difference:

endings. This comparison is based on the fact that the knight, by nature, is unable to

1 ... 'it>h1

win or lose a tempo: a factor which must always be taken into account. On the other

2 lZ'lf6 Wh2 3 lt:J g4+ �hl 4 'iit>f1 gS 5 'iit>f2 h2 6 lZ'le3 g4 7 lZ'lf1 g 3+ 8 lZ'lxg3 mate

hand, the knight is able to exert influence on every square of the board, in contrast to

With a knight against a pawn, the

the bishop. A lone knight is sometimes even able to win when the opponent's pawn is in the way of its king.

2 1.1

Black

to

play

Or l ... g5 2 lZ'lf6 g4 3 lZ'lxg4+ �hl 4 �fl .

knight can secure the draw when it controls any of the squares on the pawn's path, with the exception of the promotion squares of the two rook pawns (al and hl ) .

I �...1 _2_1_.2

w_h_it_e_to_pl_ay_..

______

If White is to move, he wins with 1 lZ'lf6 Whl 2 lt:Jg4 h2 3 Wfl g5 4 lZ'lf2 mate. With

White succeeds in drawing, taking ad-

1 79

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

vantage of the bad placement of the black king. t l2:ld 3 + �d2 2 l2:lb4 �c3 3 lLla2+ �b2 4 l2Jb4

White wins.

Wb3 s lLld 3 �c3 6 l2:lc1

There' s no way for Black to make pro­ gress.

White to play

21.3

Moving the entire construction one file to the right, with the pawn now on the c­ file, the position is drawn:

21.5

Black to play

The difference with the previous exam­ ple is obvious as White cannot control a2, the last critical square of the rook file. 1 l2Jc4 a 2 2 l2:ld2+ �e2 3 l2Jb3 �d 1! 4 �g7 �c2 s lLla t+ Wb2

Black wins. When a pawn has reached its seventh rank, then the a-, b-, g- and h-pawns offer good winning chances, while the c-, d-, e­ and f-pawns only supply a minimal chance, if even that.

Black to play

2 1.4 (see following

diagram)

The black knight cannot stop the pawn,

1 ... l2:le7+!

Wrong is l . . .l2Jd6+? 2 �d7 l2Jc4 3 �c6 lLleS+ 4 �c5 l2:ld7+ 5 �b5, winning. 2 �d8 lLlc6+ 3 �e8 lLla 7 !

Black draws a s his knight has a n addi­ tional file at its disposal (the a-file), which is not available in the case of an a-, b-, g- or h-pawn.

even when it's to move. 1 ... l2:ld7+ 2 �c8 !

Certainly not 2 �c7? lLlcS ! . 2 . . .l2Jb6+ 3 �d8 180

A knight vs. two connected pawns end­ ing is generally drawn as the knight can stop the pawns.

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : Kn ig h t vs . P a w n (s)

1 21.6

White to

play

1 Benko 21.7

White to

play

1 tDe7 c3

The alternative l . . .'it>g3 2 tDd5 b3 3 '3ilc7 'it>f3 4 �d6 b2 5 tDc3 '3ile3 6 '3ilc5! (but not 6 tDdl+? �d4 7 tDxb2 c3! ) also fails to bring about victory. 2 tDf5+ �g4

1 '3ilb6!!

A paradoxical move, but the only one to win. The natural l b6? tDg4! 2 b7 tDe5 3 'it>b6 tDd7+ 4 '3ilc7 tL:lc5! 5 b8'i' tDa6+ only draws. 1 tt:Jg4 ..•

Compulsory in view of l . . .'�xf5? 2 'it>c7! . 2 Wc7 ! tDe3

White also wins after 2 ... tL:lf6 3 '3ild6! (but not 3 Wc6? �xf5 4 b6 We6 5 b7 tDd7) 3 . . .tDe4+ 4 '3ilc6 tDd2 5 �d5 tL:lb3 6 b6 tDa5 7 'it>e6. 3 'lt>d 7 ! tt:Jd 5

A much tougher defence than both 3 . . . tDc4 4 �e6! and 3 . . . tDxf5 4 �e6 ! . 4 � d 6 tD b 6 5 '3il e 6 ! '3il h 6 6 f 6 '3il g 6 !

3 tDd4! 'it>f4 4 tDc2 b3 5 tDd4 b2 6 tDe2+ '3ile3 7 tDxc3

White draws. When the pawns are separated, the knight is able to defend only when there are a maximum of three files between the pawns. In the case of a greater distance, everything depends on the placement of the kings. 181

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s ics

7 �e 7 !

tt:lc3+ 4 �d4 tt:le2+! 5 �e3 tt:lg3) 2 ... �h6!

Again the only move, whereas 7 f7? �g7 8 �e7 tt:ld5+ 9 �e8 tt:lf6+ 10 �d8 tt:ld5! is

(2 . . . �f6? 3 h6! �g6 4 g5 tt:le7 5 �g4 tt:lf5 6 h7! would lose) 3 �e4 tt:lf6+ 4 �f5 tt:ld5 5

only a draw.

�e5 tt:le3 6 g5+ �xh5 7 �f6 tt:ld5+.

7...tt:ld5+ 8 �d61 tt:lb6 9 �e6! �h7 10 �e71

1 f5+!

Once again, the seemingly attractive 10 f7? �g7 is only a draw.

1 g5? tt:ld5 2 �e4 tt:le7! 3 �e5 �h5! 4 f5 �xh4 5 �f6 (or 5 g6 �g5! 6 g7 tt:lg8 7 �e6

10 tt:ld5+ 11 �d61 tt:lb6 12 �c611 tt:lc4 13

tt:lf6) 5 . . . tt:ld5+ 6 �e6 �xg5 7 �xd5 �xf5 leads to a draw.

•••

�d7 �g6 14 �e7 !

And White finally wins after both 14 . . . tt:le5 15 b6 and 14 . . . tt:lb6 15 f7! . An ex­

1 ...�g7 2 g 5 tt:lds 3 h 5 tt:lc3

quisite study by Pal Benko ( 1 980).

h7 �g7 6 g6. 4 �f4 tt:le2+ 5 �e5 tt:lg3 6 f6+ �g 8 7 h61 tt:lhs s g6 tt:lg3 g h7+ �hs 10 f7 White wins.

The case of knight vs. three pawns is a very difficult one. The knight is usually fighting a lost cause as, in general, three connected pawns win the game if at least two of them have reached their fifth rank or beyond. However, if two of the three are connected and the third separated from them, then there is a defensive idea consist­

Black also loses after 3 . . . �f7 4 h6 tt:lc3 5

2 1.9

Black to play

R.Ma medov-A.Deviatkin

St Peters burg 2006

ing of the knight immobilizing two of the pawns and the king capturing the third one.

2 1.8

Wh ite to play

57 ... h41?

This move can't be called a mistake, be­ cause it doesn't throw away the decisive advantage, but Black did overlook White's resource on the 59th move. 58 tt:lc6+ �d5 59 a 51

59 tt:lxd8 h3 60 �f2 e3+ loses elementar­ White can win only if he is to move! If, however, Black is to move, then he would

ily. 5 9 ... bxa5

save the draw as he would be able to pre­ vent at least two pawns reaching their fifth

59 . . . h3! wins: 60 a6 h2 61 a7 h111V 62 a8'i' 'ir'f3+ and the bishop decides the game: 63

rank: l . . .tt:ld5! 2 h5+ (or 2 f5+ �f6 3 �e4

�e1 i.h4+ 64 �d2 'ir'd3+ 65 �cl i.g5+ 66

182

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : Kn ig h t vs . P a w n (s)

'iti>b2 'ii'xbS+ 67 tbb4+ 'iti>cS 68 'ii'c 8+!? 'iti>xb4 69 'ir'c3+ 'iti>a4+ (which is fortunately check!). 60 tbxd8 h 3

restricting him to a maximum of two avail­

Again there was a clear win: 6 0 . . . 'iti>c5! 61 tbb7+ 'iti>xbS 62 tbd6+ 'iti>b4 63 tbxe4 h3 64 tb£2 h2 65 'iti>d2 (or 65 'iti>£3 a4 66 'iti>g2 'iti>c4!) 65 . . . 'iti>b3 66 'iti>cl 'iti>c3.

the pawn and deliver mate.

6 1 b6 'iti>d6

able squares. iii. At the appropriate moment, release

21.10

Black to play

1 'iti>h7 2 'iti>f6 �g8 3 �e7 ! 'iti>h8 4 'iti>f8 'iti>h7 5 •.•

62 tbb7+! 'iti>c6??

The hurry to capture this pawn costs half a point. Indeed, there was still a chance to win: 62 . . . 'iti>d7! 63 tbcS+ 'iti>c6 64 b7 'iti>c7 65 tbxe4 (or 65 'iti>£2 e3+ 66 'iti>g3 e2 67 tbd3 a4 68 'iti>xh3 a3) 65 . . . h2 66 tb£2 'iti>xb7 67 'iti>d3 'iti>c6 68 'iti>c4 'iti>d6 69 'iti>bS 'iti>e6! 70 'iti>xaS �fS 71 'iti>b4 'iti>f4 72 'iti>c3 'iti>f3 73 tbh1 �g2. 63 tbxa5+ 'iti>xb6 64 tbc4+ 'iti>c5 6 5 tbd2 'iti>d4

Also drawn is 65 ... h2 66 tbxe4+ 'iti>d4 67 tbf2. 66 tbxe4 'iti>xe4 67 �f2 Yz-Yz We now need to tum our attention to a special and complicated case.

Two Knights vs. Pawn It is well known that two knights cannot force mate against a lone king. However, in certain positions, two knights against a king and pawn(s) are able to do just that! The winning idea consists of three stages: i. Immobilize the pawn. ii. Force the enemy king into a comer,

�7 'iti>h8

White has lost the necessary tempo to bring about the same position but with it being him to move. 6 tbc4! a3 7 tbe5 a2 8 tbg6+ 'iti>h7 9 tbf8+ 'iti>h8 10 tbe7 a1'ii' 11 tbeg6 mate

We should note that this endgame is won only when the pawn (assuming it is a black pawn) has not crossed the imaginary line created by the squares a4-b6-c4-d4-e4f4-g6-h4.

1 21.11

T h e Troitsky Li ne

The diagram overleaf shows the so­ called the Troitsky Line, named after Alexei Alexeievich Troitsky. However, there is one important caveat: this rule does not take the 50-move-rule into account. So, over the board you may even with optimal play not be able to win some of the won positions: 183

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

for example, many positions with Black's

the other one will not have crossed the

pawn on d4 are not won with respect to the 50-move rule.

imaginary line mentioned above. 1 '1t>a3 ! 'it>bs 2 '1t>b3 'it>as 3 '1t>c2 ! ! 'it>bs 4 '1t>d1 'it>cs s '1t>e1 'it>d6 6 'it>f2 'it>e6 7 '1t>g3 'it>fs 8 '1t>h4! 'it>f6 9 'it>g4 'it>g6 10 tt::l f 3 'it>f6 11 tt::l g 3 'it>e6 12 'it>gs '1t>d6 13 'it>fs 'it>cs

Or 13 . . . d4 14 'it>e4! . 14 tt::l xes d4 15 tt::l d 3+ 'it>c4 16 'it>e4

White will eventually win.

2 1.13

White to play

C.McNa b-M.Ka rttunen

Liverpool 2006

It would be interesting to find a second Troitsky line, which takes the 50-move-rule into account. I suspect that all the pawns should be one square further back in order to always be able to win with respect to the 50-move-rule. By the way: the longest win in this ending lasts an amazing 1 1 5 moves! And a last remark: in Nalimov 's Da tabases, it is stated that there is also a win when the two bishop's pawns are blockaded on the c4- and f4-squares.

2 1.12

Wh ite t o play

The pawn is behind the Troitsky Line, so White can win. 59 tt:Jgfs 'it>e6 60 '1t>e4 '1t>d 7 6 1 'it>ds '1t>c7

Black correctly heads as far as it is pos­ sible from the blockading h4-knight. 62 tt::l d 4 '1t>d 7 63 tt::lc 6 '1t>c7 64 tt:Jes

The last two moves are the standard way to restrict the enemy king in this end­ ing. 64 '1t>b6 6 5 'it>c4 'it>as 66 tt::l d 7 'it>a4 67 tt::l b 6+ •••

'it>as 68 'it>cs 'it>a6 69 tt::l c 4 'it>b7 10 '1t>d6

Now, the black king is gradually sur­ rounded and prevented from escaping from the corner. 70...'it>c8 7 1 tt:Jas 'it>b8 White can win. He will capture one of the pawns and then reach a position where 18 4

If 7l . . .'it>d8 72 tt::lb 7+ and the black king can only choose whether to be driven into the a8 or the h8 corner.

M i nor P i e c e E n d i n g s : Kn ig h t v s . P a w n (s)

72 �d7 �as 7 3 �c7 �a7 74 tt:Jb3 �a6 7 5

not leave b7 and a8, while any attempt by

�c6 � a 7 76 tt:Jcs �b8 7 7 � d 7 �a 7 78 �c7

White to evict it from the comer leads to either stalemate or the loss of the pawn. As we have already mentioned, one sig­ nificant disadvantage of the knight is that it is unable to gain (or lose) a tempo. In the next example, White wins only if Black is to move. Paradoxical, but true!

2 1.15

White t o play

Finally the black king is trapped and it only remains to bring up the other knight to finish the job. 78 ... �a8 79 tt:Jfs h4 so tt:Jd6 1-o

Mate follows after 80 . . . h3 81 tt:JbS h2 82 tt:Jd7 hl 'if 83 tt:Jb6 mate. Excellent technique from McNab! After that important interlude, we re­ turn to endgames with just a single knight.

Knight and Pawn vs. King Such positions are almost always won, although there are a few exceptions.

2 1.14

White/B lack to play

1. . .� c 1 2 tt:J g 7 � c s 3 tt:Je6 W d 7 4 �b7

White's king escapes and so he wins.

Knight & Pawns vs. Pawns In general, the knight wins such posi­ tions as it can immobilize and capture the enemy pawns.

2 1.16

Black t o play

A.Cela-E.G rivas

l karia 1 9 9 5 (see following diagram)

The position is more difficult than it seems at first sight. White has many draw­ ing chances and, as the knight cannot win a White cannot win. The black king does

tempo, Black must be very careful. 185

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

73 . . . tt:lc8! does not save White either.

64 tt:lc7+ 6 5 Wc4 a 6 ! ..•

Forcing White to advance, and conse­ quently weaken, his a-pawn.

69

•••

Wc7 !

66 a4

The careless 69 . . .bxc6+? 70 bxc6+ Wc7 71 WcS! would lead to a theoretical draw. The

The alternative 66 bxa6 bxa6 67 Wb4 Wc6 is easier for Black.

b5-square is critical and must be controlled by Black in order to achieve victory.

66

70 C4

a 5 ! 67 Wd4

•••

Or 70 cxb7 tt:lxb7 71 c4 Wb6 ! .

After 67 b6 tt:la6 68 WbS tt:lb8! the immo­ bilized white pawns will be captured.

70

67

If White was to move, he could reach a theoretical draw with 73 WbS ! .

tt:le6+ 68 Wd5 tt:ld8 ! 69 c6+

..•

The important alternative 69 c4 d4 tt:lc6+!! 71 1i>d5 tt:lb8 72 Wd4

72

bxc6+ 7 1 bxc6 tt:lxc6 72 f5 3 lbcS lbeS 4 'it>b6.

achieve this sacrifice, the co-operation of the defender's knight and king is necessary. However, if the pawn has reached the sev­ enth rank and is supported by both its king

White also wins after 4 ... 'it> c5 5 lDf8 lDeS 6 'it>a8 lbc6 7 lbe6+ 'it>dS 8 lbd8 ! .

and knight, then the position is won.

1 22. 1

...

3 lDf4+ 'it>c6 4 lbg6 'it>ds

5 lDfB lb e s 6 'it>b6 lbc6 ! 7 lb d 7 'it>d6 8 lbes lbb8 9 'it>a7 'it>c7 10 lbc4 lbc6+

Or 10 . . . lbd7 11 lbb6 lbb8 12 liJdS+. 11 'it>as lbbB! 12 lbb6 lba6 13 lbds+

White to

play

White wins.

22.2

I . N i kola idis-E.G riva s

Athe ns

White to

play

2001

White has a pawn on its seventh rank, supported by both king and knight. 1 lbb4! 'it>es

Or l . . .'it>c7 2 lDdS+ 'it>c6 3 lbb6 and wins. 2 lt::l d 3+ 'it>ds

A standard drawn position in which

187

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e ri n g t h e B a s i c s

White does not have the time to exploit the mediocre position of the black king. 50 �e4 White's alternative try, 50 d5 tt:lf5 51 'i¥i>e4 tt:ld6+ 52 'i¥i>e5 tt:lc4+ 53 �f6 �e3 54 tt:le6 'i¥i>e4 55 tt:lc7 �d4 56 �e6 �c5 57 tt:le8 lit>d4 58 tt:lf6 �c5 59 tt:lg4 �d4 60 lt:Jf2 Wc5, also fails to make progress. 50 ... tt:le8 ! 51 �e5 tt:lc7 52 tt:le6 tt:lb5 5 3 d 5 �e3

White can defend successfully as his knight can co-operate with his king and be supported by it. Still, there are some pitfalls to avoid and White must be careful. 7 3 tt:le3+ lit>f2 74 tt:lg4+ W g3 75 tt:le3 Wf2 76 tt:lg4+ lit>g2 7 7 tt:le3+ lit>g1 7 8 tt:l g4 tt:lb5 79 lit>e4 lit>g2 so tt:le3+ lit>f2 81 'i¥i>f4 lit>e2 82 tt:ld1! An important defensive mechanism, standard in such positions, which allows the defensive side to draw. 82

54 tt:lc7 !?

•••

tt:ld4

White tests Black's nerves as Black was in serious time trouble. 54 ... tt:la3?! Simpler is 54 ... tt:lxc7! 55 d6 tt:la6! 56 �d5 (56 d7 tt:lb8! is a typical illustration of the knight's powers) 56 . . . tt:lb4+ 57 'i¥i>e6 tt:la6! 58 Wd7 tt:lb8+ 59 �c7 tt:la6+ 60 Wb7 tt:lc5+ 61 Wc6 'it>d4. After the text, the position re­ mains drawn, but White has every chance of provoking an error! 55 �e6 tt:lc4 56 tt:lb5 �d3 57 tt:la3 tt:lb6

And not 57 . . . tt:lxa3? 58 d6 tt:lb5 59 d7. 5 8 d6 Wd4 59 tt:lb5+ �c4 60 tt:la7 tt:la4 61 tt:lc8 tt:lc5+ 62 We5 tt:ld7+ 63 'iit>e 6 tt:lc5+ 64 �f7 Wd 5 6 5 rtile7 rtilc6 Yz-Yz

22.3 P.Be n ko- D.Bronstein

Budapest 1949

8 3 tt:lc3+!

Precise defence. The alternative 83 tt:le3?

White t o play

f2 84 �e4 tt:lf3 85 tt:lf5 (or 85 'i¥i>f4 tt:ld2) 85 . . . tt:ld2+ 86 'it>d4 Wf3 87 tt:le3 tt:le4 88 'i!;>d3 tt:lg3 89 'i¥i>d2 tt:lf5 90 tt:lfl 'it>g2 loses. 83 Wf2 84 tt:le4+ 'i!;>g2 85 'i¥i>e3 tt:lf5+ 86 Wd2 •••

tt:lg3

86 . . . tt:ld6 87 tt:lxd6! f2 88 tt:lf5! is a draw. 188

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : Kn ig h t E n dg a m e s

87 lbf6 ! liJf1+

�e4 54 �f1

After 87 . . . f2, as usual 88 lbg4! f1 1\i' 89 lbe3+ �gl 90 lbx£1 holds. 88 �d3 liJh2 Yz-Yz

Or 54 h4 h5 55 Wh3 liJf5 56 lbg2 �f3 and wins. 54 f3

89 lbe4 easily holds the draw.

Kni ght and Pawns vs. Knight and Pawns with a Material Advantage As stated earlier, knight endings resemble pawn endings as the knight cannot win or lose a tempo. Consequently, a material ad­ vantage is quite significant and, in conjunc­ tion with other strategic elements (e.g. a healthy pawn structure and a good king

•..

54 . . . h5 55 c;t>g2 h4 56 Wfl f3 is also enough for a win. 55 � g 1 g 5 56 �h2 h5 57 'it> g3 lDf5+ Black could have won faster with 57 . . . lbe2+! 58 Wh2 h4! 59 lbc2 liJf4 60 lbe3 'i¥o>d3, intending . . . �e2. 5 8 �h2 g4?! More accurate is the other pawn ad­ vance: 58 . . . h4! 59 lbc2 Wd3 60 lba3 �e2 61 Wgl lbd4 62 lbc4 lbe6 63 liJe5 liJf4. 59 hxg4 hxg4 60 W g 1 �d4 6 1 liJc2+

placement), usually supplies victory.

2 2 .4

A.Anderssen-W.Steinitz

Black to play

3 rd matchgame, London 1 8 6 6

61 ... �d 3 ?

The winning method is 6 1 . . .Wc3! 62 lba3 'iif d 2 63 'iit fl lbd6! and the white knight is trapped! 62 liJa 3 ? Black is better, but material is reduced. His extra pawn and the weak white pawns are the main factors in his favour. 49 ...tt:Je6 50 lbe5+? White had to build a fortress with 50 'it>g2! Wf5 51 f3! g5 (51 . . .�g5 52 tt:Je5 �h4 53 lbg6+) 52 �f2 lbc5 53 lbe7+ We6 54 lbc6 Wd5 55 lbe7+ Wc4 56 liJf5 h5 57 lbg7 h4 58 We2, when it is not clear how Black can make progress.

White returns the favour when 6 2 lbb4+ We2 63 liJd5 g3 64 liJf4+ �e 1 65 liJd3+ 'i¥o>d2 66 liJf4 would have been a draw! 62 ... g 3 ! 6 3 lDb5 g2 o-1 And White resigned as he cannot de­ fend against ... lbd4-e2+.

22.5

E.Grivas-D.Collin

White to play

Paris 1 9 8 2

50 ... Wf5 51 liJd3 g6 52 tt:Je1 liJd4+ 53 �g2

1 89

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

tt:le4 53 tt:lh6+ '.t>f3, drawing) 50 . . .�xh4 51 Wf3 tt:ld3 52 g3+ '.t>h3 53 tt:ld6 h4 54 gxh4 c.t>xh4 when his chances to draw would have increased. so c.t>f3 tt:ld3

White's material and positional superi­ ority is unquestionable. Most books would cut the game off at this point, adding the remark ' . . . and the rest is a matter of tech­ nique' . Still, let's examine what exactly this phrase implies. 42 '.t>e2 tt:Jcs 4 3 �f3 �g6 44 h4! Fixing the weak black pawn on h5. 44 ...c.t>fs 45 tt:lc4!

This queenside clean-up is desirable for White, as his knight will then be able to join the real battlefield, the kingside. 4S ... tt:lxa4 46 tt:Jxa s tt:Jcs 47 tt:lc6 tt:ld 3 48 We2 tt:lcs

5 1 e4?!

This gives Black the chance to exchange pawns with a future .. .£5. Correct was 51 g3 tt:le5+ 52 We2 'it>£5 53 £3 �g6 54 tt:lb7. st tt:les+ 52 'it>g3 ts 53 f4 tt:ld 3 ? •••

No better is 5 3 . . . tt:lg4 5 4 e5! tt:le3 5 5 W£3 tt:ld5 56 tt:lc6, but Black should have played 53 . . . tt:lc4! 54 e5 tt:la5! (trapping the white knight!) 55 �f3 �g7 56 e6 fxe6 57 tt:lxe6+ �£6 58 tt:ld4 when White is only clearly bet­ ter. 54 es Wg7 s s tt:lc6 f6 This is now compulsory in view of the threatened 56 tt:le7. 56 e6! tt:Jcs 57 tt:ld4 �f8 58 'lt>f3 'it>e8 59 �e3 'lt>f8 6o 'it>dz?! Instead 60 e7+ �xe7 61 tt:lxf5+ �f7 62 tt:lg3 �g6 63 £5+ �h6 64 Wd4 is an easy win for White. 6o ... '.t>e8 61 c.t>c3?!

White has to return with his king to e3. 61 .. .'�e7 49 tt:ld8?

49 f3 was the correct continuation. 49 ...c.t>g6? Black missed the active 49 ... �g4! 50 tt:lxf7 (or 50 g3 tt:la4 51 tt:lxf7 tt:lc3+ 52 �e1 190

Passive defence with 6l . . .Wf8? 62 �c4 tt:le4 63 tt::l x£5 loses yet another pawn. 62 Wc4! ? The obvious 6 2 tt::l x£5+ Wxe6 6 3 tt:lg7+ �d5 64 tt:lxh5 �e4 65 g3 tt:ld7 66 �c4 f5

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : Kn ig h t E n dg a m e s

would have given Black very good chances for survival due to his active king.

Black's position seems critical. Apart from his material disadvantage, he must always keep in mind a .!Dxg6 sacrifice, which could, under favourable circum­ stances, end the game immediately. On the other hand, Black has well-centralized pieces and a passed d-pawn. 48 'it>e2

Of course, the aforementioned sacrifice is not available yet, as the black knight can quickly return to the kingside via e5. 48 ....!Da 5 49 .!Dxg 6 ! ? White proves impatient, but 49 'itd2 .!Dc4+ 50 'it>c2 .!De3+ 51 Wd3 .!Dc4 leads no­ where as well. 62 ... .!Dxe6?

49 ... d3+?

Making things easy for White. Black had to continue the fight with 62 ... .!De4! 63 �d3 (after 63 .!Dxf5+ 'itxe6 64 .!Dg7+ �f7 65 .!Dxh5

have played 49 . . . hxg6 50 h5 .!Dc4 51 hxg6 d3+ 52 Wxd3 .!DeS+ 53 'it>e3 .!Dxg6 54 aS with

.!Dd6+ 66 'itd5 .!Df5 67 'ite4 .!Dxh4 68 g4 .!Dg6; 63 'itd5 .!Dc3+ 64 'itc5 .!Dd1 there isn't any

a draw. 50 Wxd 3 !

clear way for White to win) 63 . . . .!Dc5+ 64 'ite3 .!Dxe6 65 .!Dxf5+ 'it>f7 66 .!Dg3 .!Dg7 67 f5

A blunder would b e 5 0 �d1 ? hxg6 51 h5 .!Dc4 52 hxg6 'itd4! 53 g7 Wc3! with a draw,

and White is only clearly better. 63 .!Dxe6 'itxe6 64 'itc5 And White wins, as has already been examined in example 2.5 of Chapter Two.

illustrating one hidden advantage of Black's position: his superbly-placed, cen­ tralized king. 50 ... hxg6 51 h5 .!Dc4

2 2.6 K.Supatashvili-E.G rivas

White to

The wrong move order. Black should

play

Ank ara Z onal 1995

52 h6?

52 hxg6? .!DeS+ 53 'it>e3 .!Dxg6 is just a transposition to the note to Black's 49th, but White could have won with 52 aS! .!DeS+ 53 'it>e3 'it>xd5 54 a6. 191

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s ics

Black has created a fortress, denying

blockading square. Then, by using his passed c-pawn to keep busy the opponent's king and knight, he will invade Black's

White any winning chances. Instead 58

kingside, followed by exchanging the c­

Wd4 'it>b5 59 'it>d5 �xa5 60 �c6 (or 60 'it>e6 lt:Jxg5+ 61 Wf6 lLJxh7+ 62 Wxg6 f4 63 gxf4 lt:Jf8+) 60 . . . lLJh8! 61 Wd6 'it>b6 62 'it>e6 Wc6 63 Wf6 Wd6 64 wg7 We7 65 Wxh8 w£8

pawn under favourable circumstances.

52 .tZ:Je5+ 5 3 �c3 'it>xd 5 5 4 h 7 lLJf7 5 5 Wb4 .•

Wc6 56 as lt:Jh8 5 7 'it>c4 lLJf7 s s �b4

34 �fl We7 35 �e2 Wd6 36 lLJc2 Wes 37 lLJe3 lLJb2 38 lLJd1 ttJa4 39 Wd3 WdS 40 lLJe3+ 'it>cs 41 ttJfs ?

The black knight has been forced to re­ treat and White proceeds with an attempt to weaken Black's pawn structure. How­ ever, this is done in the wrong way and he should have played 41 h4! h5 42 lLJf5 g6 43 lLJh6 f5 44 lLJf7 with a decisive advantage. 41 g 6 42 ttJh6 fs 43 ttJf7 'it>d s 44 ttJgs?! .•.

44 h4 lLJc5+ 45 We3 is far a better try. 44 ... ttJcs+ 45 We3 h6 46 lLJf3

46 lLJf7 �e6 47 lLJxh6 W£6 48 g4 Wg7 49 g5 lLJe4 50 lLJg4 lLJxc3 leads nowhere. 46 gs ! 47 g3 ttJe4 48 lLJd4 ..•

would have revealed the main point be­ hind his drawing concept. 58 ... lt:Jh8 59 Wc4 lLJf7 60 Wb4 lLJh8 Yz-Yz

2 2.7

e es eshevs

PK r .

-

S R .

ky

White to

play

Leningrad 1 9 3 9

48 ... ttJxc3?

Instead 48 . . .lLJd6 49 Wd3 f4 50 gxf4 gx£4 51 lLJe2 We5 52 f3 wouldn't have helped, but Black had 48 .. .£4+! 49 gxf4 lLJxc3 50 lt:J£5 We6! 51 lLJxh6 lLJd5+ 52 We4 lLJxf4 with a likely draw. 49 ttJxfs

The exchange of pawns at first sight The extra passed pawn promises White good chances for victory. His first plan must be to evict the black knight from the 192

seems to be against White's interests. How­ ever, Black's now weakened structure promises White victory. 49 hs so ttJg7 •••

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : Kn ig h t E n dg a m e s

50 f4 g4 (White also wins after both 50 . . . gxf4+ 51 �xf4 lt:Je4 52 h4! lt:Jf6 53 lt:Jg7 Wd6 54 Wf5 We7 55 Wg6 and 50 . . . lt:Je4 51

White's camp, after the more or less com­ pulsory moves g3 and f4 to support the e5pawn. Last, but not least, the black king

lt:Je7+) 51 lt:Jg7 �d6 (51 ... h4 52 gxh4 also

will be much better placed than its coun­ terpart. All these small advantages, when

wins) 52 lt:Jxh5 We6 53 lt:Jg7+ Wf6 54 lt:Je8+ is an alternative win. 50 ... h4 5 1 gxh4 gxh4 5 2 f4 h 3 53 lt:Jf5 �e6 54 lt:Jg3 Wd 5 ! 55 Wf3 Wd4 56 lt:Jh1 lt:Jd1 5 7 lt:Jf2 tt:J e 3 5 8 �g3 �d 5

viewed together, allow us to understand the considerable size of Black's advantage, which after all proves sufficient for victory! The Magician of Riga now shows us the way:

59 Wxh 3 ?

This is a costly mistake. 59 �h4! We6 60 Wg5! lt:Jfl 61 f5+ Wf7 62 lt:Jg4 was winning,

29 ... �d7 30 g 3 c 5 !

whereas now the good position of the black king (a significant element in any endgame) saves the draw.

on the way supporting the desirable 3 1 . . .lt:Jd4. After the immediate 30 . . . Wc6 31 f4 Wd5 (or 3 1 . . .Wc5 32 Wf2 �c4 33 We3 'ii? c3 34 lt:Je1 Wb2 35 f5 lt:Jd8 36 lt:Jd3+) 32 lt:Jb4+ �c4

59 ... �e6! 60 �g3 Wf5 61 �f3 lt:Jf1 ! 62 h 3 CDd2+ 63 We2 lt:Jc4 64 �d 3 lt:J b 6 Yz-Yz

33 lt:Jxa6 Wb5 34 lt:Jb8 �b6 35 f5 lt:Jc5 36 e6 fxe6 37 fxe6 lt:Jxe6 38 lt:Jd7+ Wc6 39 lt:Je5+ �d5 40 lt:Jf3 �e4 41 �f2 c5 42 �e2, all Black has achieved is to reduce the number of

Knig ht and Pawns vs. Knight and Pawns with a Positional Advanta ge

2 2.8 G .Sax-M.Ta l

Black

The passed pawn sets off o n its mission,

pawns on the board. 3 1 f4 lt:Jd4! 32 lt:Je3

to

play

Tallinn 1 9 7 9 Black has seized the opportunity of transferring the game to a favourable knight ending. His superiority is based on the passed c-pawn and the weaknesses that will be created on the light squares in

White cannot exchange the knights, as the resulting pawn ending is lost: 32 lt:Jxd4 cxd4 33 Wf2 �e6 34 �e2 (or 34 �f3 �d5 35 g4 g5 ! 36 fxg5 �xeS 37 h3 Wd5 38 h4 �c4 with a win for Black) 34 . . . Wd5 35 �d3 h5! 36 h3 g6 37 g4 hxg4 38 hxg4 g5! and Black wins. 32 ... We6 33 �f2 lt:Jf5 3 4 lt:Jd1 Once again, the knight exchange loses: 34 lt:Jxf5 'ii? xf5 35 cJi>f3 g5 36 g4+ �e6. 1 93

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

34 ... �d5 3 5 g4

White is forced to continue actively, as in any other case Black would win more and more space, comfortably preparing the invasion of his king. Thus the passive 35 �e2 �d4 36 �d2 h5 37 'bc3 h4 38 g4 '2le3 39 h3 'bd5 40 'be2+ �e4 is easy for Black. 3 S ... 'bh6!

A clash with the basic principle of piece centralization, but the gain of tempo is more important here. Instead 35 . . . 'bd4? 36 lbc3+ �c4 37 'be4 �b4?! 38 �e3, intending 39 'bd6, would even be better for White! 36 �f3 �d4 3 7 '2le3 g6 Necessary, in order to prevent White's

3 9 ...c4!

intended f4-f5 advance. Black's alternative option was 37 . . . c4?! and now:

39 . . . �d3? 40 '2lf2+! is most welcome for White: 40 . . . �c2 (or 40 .. .'it>c3 41 '2le4+ and 42

Another

accurate

move,

whereas

'bd6) 41 �e4 c4 42 �d4 c3 43 'be4 'be7 44 'bxc3 '2lf5+ is a draw. 40 �e2 c3

The direct 40 . . . �e4? would not suffice for victory. By playing 41 '2lf6+! 'bxf6 42 gxf6 �f5 43 h4 h6 44 �d2 g5 45 fxg5 (45 hxg5? h5! ) 45 . . . hxg5 46 hxg5 �xg5 47 e6!, White would succeed in drawing the game. 41 �d1 Also losing is 41 '2lf6 'be7 42 'bxh7 'bd5 43 '2lf6 '2lxf4+ 44 �d1 �d3. 41 ... '2le7 42 'bf6 a) 38 'bf5+? �d3! (but not 38 . . . '2lxf5? 39 gxf5 �d5 40 �e3 g5 41 e6 fxe6 42 fxe6 gxf4+ 43 �xf4 �xe6 44 �e4 with a draw) 39 'bxh6 c3! and Black wins. b) 38 g5? 'bg8 39 '2lc2+ �c3 40 'be3 �d3 is also winning for Black. c) 38 f5! �d3 39 g5 'bg8 40 f6! gxf6 41 gxf6 c3 42 e6 'bxf6 43 exf7 'bd7 44 �f4 c2 45 'bxc2 �xc2 46 �f5 is the correct path to the draw for White. 3 8 g s 'b g s ! Now, however, the exchange of knights with 38 . . . '2lf5? 39 'bxf5+ gxf5 40 h4 �d3 41 h5 c4 42 g6 leads to a draw. 3 9 '2l g4 194

42 ...'2lfs ?!

42 ... 'bd5! is a far more accurate move. 43 �c1 a s !

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : Kn ig h t E n dg a m e s

Making it hard for White to find a use­ ful move and the advance of the a-pawn will also prove useful. 44 tt:ld7

36 tt:l g s ! f6 3 7 tt:l h 7 ! fs 3 8 h4

White first weakened his opponent's pawn structure and now fixes it, in order to attack it. 38 .. .f4

44 ... tt:le3 !

After the premature 44 . . :lt>e4 45 �c2 xf4 46 �xc3 �xg5 47 �c4 White, by win­ ning the black a-pawn, would obtain coun­ terplay. It is preferable for Black to retain the initiative. 45 tt:lb8 Wd3 46 tt:lc6

Or 46 tt:ld7 tt:ld5 47 tt:lc5+ 'it>e3 48 e6 fxe6 49 tt:lxe6 tt:lxf4 and wins. 46 ... a4 47 tt:ld8 tt:ld s 48 e6 fxe6 Even better is the immediate capture 48 . . . tt:lxf4! .

White also wins after 38 . . . b6+ 39 c4 �c6 40 tt:lf8 b5+ 41 �d4 d6 42 g3 tt:lc6+ 43 'e3 tt:le5 44 �f4 tt:ld3+ 45 g5 tt:lxf2 46 tt:lxg6 tt:le4+ 47 'it>xf5 tt:lxg3+ 48 �g5. 39 tt:lf8 ! b6+ Black' s best practical chance might be the pawn sacrifice 39 . . . f3! ? 40 g3 tt:lf5 41 tt:lxg6 tt:lxg3 42 �d4. 40 'd4 tt:lfS+ 41 e4 tt:lxh4

49 tt:Jxe6 a 3 so tt:lcs+ �c4 51 tt:le4 tt:lb4 5 2 b 1 d 4 0-1

A very well-conducted ending by the legendary former World Champion, Mik­ hail Tal.

White to

2 2.9

play

M.Botvi n n i k-R.Khol mov

Moscow

1969

The white king is better placed than its counterpart, while the white knight is also the more active and can attack the enemy pawns. It is therefore not at all surprising that White can win.

42 tt:le6+! 'it>c6

Neither would the alternative 42 . . . �d6 43 tt:lxf4 g5 44 g3 have helped Black. 43 tt:lxf4 �bs

43 . . . g5 44 g3 also loses. 195

P ra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

44 g3 LDfs 4 5 4Jxg6 4Jh6

Or 45 . . . 4Jd6+ 46 �dS lDfS 47 4Jf4! a4 48 LDxhS 'it>xa3 49 g4 4Jh4 50 f4 Wxb4 51 fS aS 52 4Jf4 4Jf3 53 f6 ltJgS 54 4Je6 4Jh7 55 f7 a4 56 gS and White wins. 46 LDes Wa4 47 ltJc4 Wb3

A last try. Instead 47 . . .b5 48 ltJaS '.t>xa3 49 LDc6 is equally hopeless. 48 4Jxb6 'it>xa 3 49 ltJd s �b3 so f4 Wc4 5 1 LD c 7 ! Wxb4 5 2 4Jxa6+ 1·0

22. 10 J.Timman-H.Ree

26 bxcS hxgS 27 �e2 Wf7 28 �d3! eS (or 28 .. .'it>e7 29 �e4 �d7 30 es cJiJe7 31 h3 '.t>d7 32 g3 �e7 33 f4 gxf4 34 Wxf4 'it>f6 35 h4 eS+ 36 �e4 �e6 37 g4) 29 Wc4 We6 30 g4 is won for White; Black will soon be in zugzwang. 26 a3 LDc7 27 We2 h6 No help is provided by 27 . . . 4Jb5? 28 a4! 4Jc3+ 29 Wd3 LDxa4 30 LDxe6 4Jb2+ (or 30 . . . b6 31 �c2 aS 32 �b3) 31 Wd4 b6 32 bS as the black a-pawn will be lost. 2 8 4Je4 �f8 29 4Jd6 b6

White to play

Amsterdam 1 9 8 4

30 �d 3

White proceeds with accuracy. The outwardly attractive 30 tt:lc8 aS (but not In a knight ending, pawn weaknesses are more significant than in any other type of ending. Black has only one weak link in his position, the isolated e-pawn, but White's advantage is already large. 24 LDgs ! White wishes t o draw the weak pawn closer to his king. Black's defence would have been easier after the alternative 24 4Jd4?! eS 25 lDbS a6 26 4Jd6 b6 27 �e2 �f8. 24 ... 4Jcs?! Compulsory was 24 ... e5 25 �e2 h6 26 4Je4 b6 27 �d3 �f7 28 �c4 '.t>e6 29 �bS 4Jb8 when White retains the advantage, but with no guarantee of victory. 25 b4 ltJa6 The pawn ending resulting from 25 . . . h6? 196

30 . . . 4Jb5? 31 a4 4Jc3+ 32 Wd3 LDxa4 33 LDxa7 LDb2+ 34 �d4 when the black b-pawn is doomed) 31 �d3 axb4 32 axb4 bS! 33 Wd4 LDa6! would not bring any benefits. 30 ... a 6 3 1 LDc4 ltJd s

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : Kn ig h t E n dg a m e s

Black has managed to set up a decent defence. White is still better though, thanks

43 0Jx g7 0Jg6+ 44 'it>f6 0Jxh4 4S 0Jxh s �c6

to his central control.

46 0J g 3 Wd S 47 a4!

32 Wd4 'it>e7 3 3 g3 'lt>d7?!

The white pieces penetrate after 42 . . . g6.

Black is in zugzwang and his king must

Interesting is 33 ... g5! ? to prevent 34 f4. On the one hand every pawn move is weakening, but Black should still have tried

leave the d5-square. 47 ... bs 48 as 'it>c4 49 0Jfs 0J g2 so �e s ! 1-o Centralization to the end! Black is un­

this. 34 f4 'lt>c6 3S 'it>es 0Jc7

able to stop the g-pawn.

The active 35 . . .Wb5 36 0Jd6+! (and not 36 ttlb2? 0Jxb4! 37 axb4 �xb4 38 �xe6 a5 39 Wf7 b5 40 Wxg7 a4 41 0Jd3+ 'it>c3 42 CDcl �b2 43 f5 Wxcl 44 f6 a3 45 f7 a2 46 f8'ii'

2 2 . 11

Wh ite to play

U .Andersson-J.Su nye N eto

Brasilia 1981

a1�+ 47 Wxh6 liVeS with a draw) 36 . . . �a4 37 f5 Wxa3 38 fxe6 0Je7 39 CDf5 0Jc8 40 Wd5 g6 41 Wc6 gxf5 42 Wd7 also loses. 36 0Jd6 Wd7 Or 36 . . . a5 37 g4! axb4 38 axb4 0Jd5 39 b5+ Wc5 40 h4 and White wins.

White's. superiority is a fact. His knight is better placed, his pawns can more easily occupy the centre and his king will also be more active than Black' s. 30 f4! f6 31 �f2 'it>f7 32 b4 es?!

Black should not weaken any more 37 fs!

A seemingly illogical move, relieving Black of his main weakness. However, White's control of the central squares, allied to his better piece placement, will prove to be more significant. 37 ... exfs 38 0Jxfs 0Je8 39 g4! 0Jf6 40 h 3 White also wins with 4 0 0Jxh6! Wc6 41 g5! 0Jd7+ 42 'lt>e6 ! . 40 ... h s

Passive defence with 4 0 . . . 0Je8 doesn't

pawns. The passive 32 . . . We7 33 �f3 �d6 34 Wg4 g6 was essential, even if undesirable. 33 'it>f3 ?

The immediate 3 3 fxe5 fxe5 3 4 Wf3 would preserve White's advantage, as a fixed pawn structure favours him. 3 3 ... g 6? Black fails to seize his opportunity. He could have saved himself with 33 ... exf4! 34 gxf4 (34 Wxf4? 0Je6+) 34 . . . g5! 35 'itg4 Wg6

help: 41 a4 Wc6 42 We6 0Jc7+ 43 Wf7.

36 f5+ Wg7 37 Wh5 (or 37 e5 fxe5 38 �xg5 0Jd5) 37 . . . h6! .

41 gs 0Jh7 42 h4 0Jf8

34 fxe s !

197

P r a c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

Everything is now back in order!

order to win the game.

34 ...fxe 5 3 5 �g4 h6

White wins after 35 ... �f6? 36 tt:ld7+ �e6 37 tt:lf8+. 36 h4 h5+ Instead 36 . . . �f6 37 h5 g5 (or 37 . . . gxh5+ 38 �xh5 �g7 39 �g4 �f6 40 �h4 �g7 41 g4 �f6 42 �h5 Wg7 43 g5 when White wins) 38 a3! leads to zugzwang. 3 7 �g5 �g7

3 1 tt:lb5! a 5

Not ideal, but i t i s important for Black to win time for playing . . . h5. Unacceptable would have been both 3 1 . . .a6? 32 tt:lc7 and 3 1 . . .tt:le5?! 32 b3 tt:lc6 33 g4. 3 2 b3 Wf7 Mistaken is 32 . . . e5? 33 tt:ld6 f4 34 g4 'it>g7 35 tt:le4 when White wins, but maybe Black had to continue with 32 . . . h5! ? 33 �f2 'it>f7 34 38 g4! Of course not 38 tt:ld7?? tt:le6 mate! 38 ... hx g 4 39 �xg4 �f6 40 a3 �f7 41 �g5 �g7 42 tt:ld 7 !

'it>e3 e5 35 tt:ld6+ 'it>e6 36 tt:lc8 Wf7, although White retains good winning chances, as can be seen in the following long but instruc­ tive variation: 37 'it>f2 'it>e6 38 'it>g2 'it>f6 39

White's victory is now assured. 42 ...tt:le6+ 4 3 �g4 tt:ld4 44 tt:lxe 5 tt:lc2 4 5

�h3 rj;;e6 40 g4 hxg4+ 41 fxg4 f4 42 h5 e4 43

tt:ld 7 ! tt:lxa 3 46 tt:l c 5 tt:l c 4 47 tt:lxa 6 tt:l e 5 + 48

�h5 47 tt:lf6+ tt:lxf6 48 gxf6 �g6 49 �g4 Wxf6 50 Wxf4 We6 51 We4 Wd6 52 'it>f5 'it>c6

Wf4 tt:ld3+ 49 �e3 tt:le1 50 e5! rj;;f7 5 1 We4 tt:lg2 52 tt:lc7 tt:lxh4 53 tt:lxb5 tt:lf5 54 tt:ld4 t?Je7 55 b5 tt:lc8 56 'it>d5 g5 57 �c5 1-0

h6 'it>f7 44 tt:ld6+ �g6 45 tt:lxe4 'it>xh6 46 g5+

53 �e5 Wd7 54 �d5 �c7 55 We6 �c6 56 a4 Wc7 57 �e7 �c6 58 �d8, winning.

Black resigned in view of the following line: 57 . . . g4 58 b6 tt:lxb6 59 �xb6 g3 60 �c5

3 3 g4!

g2 61 tt:le2 'it>e6 62 'it>d4.

side passed pawn or to create new targets in Black's camp.

22.12 E.G rivas-A.Gogolis

White to

play

Athens 1999 Black's weak pawn structure promises White the advantage, although, naturally, White must create further advantages in 198

White intends to either obtain an out­

n ... �g6?

Black had to keep the position closed with 33 . . . f4! 34 tt:lc3 tt:le5 35 tt:le4. 34 �g3 h6 3 5 tt:ld6! fxg4 Forced in view of 35 . . . Wf6 36 gxf5 exf5 37 'it>f4 tt:le5 38 tt:le8+ We6 39 tt:lc7+ rj;; d 6 40 tt:ld5 b5 41 tt:le3 bxc4 42 bxc4 �e6 43 tt:lxf5 tt:lxc4 44 tt:lxh6.

M i n o r P i e c e E n d i n g s : Kn ig h t E n dg a m e s

36 fxg4 �f6 3 7 �f4!

43 bxa4 ct:Jes 44 Cbd6

44 aS bxa5 45 Cbxc5 Cbxc4 46 Cbxe6 also wins. 44 ... �h7 4 5 �f6 1-0

Black resigned as 45 . . . Cbd3 46 �xe6 CDb2 47 aS bxa5 48 �d5 Cba4 (or 48 . . . Cbd3 49 a3 �xh6 50 Cbb7) 49 Cbe4 �xh6 50 �c6 �g6 51 c;t>bS is hopeless.

2 2.13

R.Hubner-E.Grivas

White to play

E uropean Team Championship, Pula 1 9 9 7

White has obtained a clear advantage with simple but substantial play, and now prepares for the final stage of the game. 37 ... �g 6

The alternative 37 . . . e5+ 38 �f3! �e6 39 tt::l £5 would also have lost. 3 8 hS+! The outside passed pawn has to be cre­ ated as far afield as possible. 3 8 ...�f6 39 Cbe4+ �g7 40 gs hxgs+ 41 �xgs

The e6-knight is immensely superior to the e8-knight, while the black queenside pawns are potential and approachable tar­ gets. 3 3 b4!

It is especially important to immobilize the weak a6 and b7 pawn structure. Instead the careless 33 �f3? aS! would give Black serious hope for survival. n ... b6

34 Wf3 �g8 3 5 a4 Wf7 3 6 Cbd8+!

�e1

White has achieved his aim. His outside passed pawn is powerful, allowing his king to attack the enemy pawns unhindered. 41 ... a4 42 h6+ �h8

The pawn ending arising after 42 ... �h7 43 Cbf6+ Cbxf6 44 �xf6 �xh6 45 �xe6 is an easy win.

36 . . . �f6 37 Cbc6, intending aS, would also win for White. 37 Cbc6+ Wd7 38 a s !

Clearly better than 3 8 CDb8+ �c8 39 Cbxa6? c;t>b7 40 b5 CDf6 when Black has some survival chances. 38 ...Cbf6

1 99

Pra c t i c a l E n dg a m e P l ay - M a s t e r i n g t h e B a s i c s

knight has strong squares at its disposal.

Or 38 . . .\t>c8 39 ctJe7+.

Thus White is obviously better, but must still work hard to convert his advantage. 31 f4! Wd6

Black cannot play 3 l . . . gxf4? 32 exf4, as this would give White the additional option of creating an outside passed pawn when­ ever he wanted (with g4-g5). 3 2 ctJd 3 ctJd7 33 b4! An important move, fixing Black's weaknesses on a6 and c6. 33

\t>e7 34 a4 Wf6 35 \t>f3 W g 6 3 6 a s ! Black i s now doomed to passivity, while White can keep constantly improving his position. The main plan is the penetration

39 b S ! axbs

••.

Unfortunately 39 ... bxa5 40 bxa6 \t>c8 41 tLlxa5 \t>b8 42 ctJc6+ \t>a8 43 ctJe7! g5 44 ctJc6

of the king to the kingside.

also fails to help Black. 40 a 6 \t>c8 41 ctJe7+ \t>b8 42 cxbs gS 4 3 \t>e3 hs Black no longer has any defence: 43 . . . \t>a8 44 \t>d4 \t>b8 45 ctJf5 h5 (or 45 . . . ctJg8 46 ctJe3 tLlf6 47 tLlg4 tLlg8 48 \t>e4) 46 tLle7

ttJxcs?

\t>a8 47 \t>e3 \t>b8 48 h4 would also have being winning for White. 44 Wd4 h4 45 gxh4 gxh4 46 We3 1-0

22.14

E.Grivas-K.Ignatiadis

White to play

36 Wf6 37 ltJb2 We7 38 ttJa4 \t>d6 39 ttJc s ! •..

Although Black's position is no longer defensible, he should have preferred 39 . . . ctJb8. Then White can only win with the help of triangulation (knight endings are pawn endings in a sort of way!): 40 Wg3! (and not 40 e4? dxe4+ 41 Wxe4 gxf4 42 Wxf4 Wd5 ! ) 40 . . . �e7 and now: a) 41 fxg5? hxg5 42 e4 Wd6 43 e5+ �e7 44 Wf3 �f7 45 'it>e3 \t>e7 46 Wd3 Wf7 47 'it>c3 �e7 48 'it>b3 Wf7 49 'it>a3! 'it>e7 50 'it>a4 Wf7 51 tLlxa6 tLlxa6 52 b5

Kalavrita (rapid) 1997

52 . . . ctJc7! (but not 52 . . . cxb5+? 53 Wxb5 White's pawn structure is better and his 200

ctJb8 54 Wb6! We8 55 Wb7 ltJd7 56 a6 or 52 . . . ctJb8? 53 a6! cxb5+ 54 Wxb5 ctJxa6 55

Min o r Piece E n di n gs: K n igh t E n dgames

�xa6 �e7 56 �b6 when White wins) 53 bxc6 �e7 54 �b4 �d8 55 �c5 �c8 56 �d6 Wd8! 57 a6 tt:lxa6 58 �xe6 �c7 59 Wxd5 l2lb4+ 60 �e6 �xc6 is only a draw. b) 41 �f2! Wd6 42 �f3 We7 43 e4 dxe4+ (otherwise White advances with e5 and f5) 44 Wxe4 gxf4 (or 44...�d6 45 f5! exf5+ 46 gxf5! We7 47 We5! h5 48 f6+ �f7 49 tt:le4 l2ld7+ 50 �d6 tt:lxf6 51 tt:lxg5+ Wg6 52 tt:lh3 l2ld5 53 b5, winning) 45 �xf4 �f6 46 �e4 �g5

43 ...�e6 44 tt:ld3 �ds 45 tt:Jes tt:le8!

In turn, the black knight sets off for its optimal position, f6, from where it hopes to later jump into e4. 46 tt:lg6 �d6!

47 �f3! �f6 48 �f4 with a straightfor­ ward win, due in no small part to Black's dominated knight. 40 dxcs+! �e7 41 fs! exfs 42 gxfs hs 43 bs! 1-0

The two separated passed pawns secure victory. A typical pawn ending in which a breakthrough was the prominent factor.

Black to play 2 2.1 5 A.Shahtahtinsky-E.Grivas l ka ri a 1997

Black correctly opted for this particular ending as his queenside pawn majority can easily be mobilized, in sharp contrast to White's fixed kingside pawn mass. The white g3-pawn is particularly irrelevant, as the possibility of its future advance has been practically eliminated.

47 g4?

White panics. Instead 47 tt:le5 tt:lf6 48 �d4 c5+ 49 �d3 tt:le4! 50 a4 c4+! 51 bxc4 bxa4 was hardly attractive, but had to be tried. 47...fxg4 48 fs cs!

The two passed black pawns quickly decide the game as the white f-pawn is go­ ing nowhere. 49 'it>f4 c4 50 bxc4 bxc4 51 �e4 tt:lf6+ 52 'it>d4 C3! 53 �XC3 g3! 0-1

White resigned in view of 54 tt:lf4 tt:ld5+! 55 tt:lxd5 �xd5 when the black g-pawn pro­ motes. A good example of the knight's abil­ ity. 201

Chapter Twenty- Three

I

Minor Piece Endings: Good Bishop vs. Bad Knight

It is entirely logical that in open positions the superiority of the bishop over the knight will be conclusively proven. End­ ings without central and blocked pawns, but with pawns on both flanks favour the bishop as it controls more squares than the knight. The power of the bishop becomes evi­ dent in the following cases: i. Pawns on both flanks: the bishop can control more squares from afar. ii. Enemy pawns on squares of the op­ posite colour to that of the bishop: the bishop has increased mobility. iii. A weak enemy pawn structure: the bishop can attack the pawns or help its king to invade. iv. Mobile pawn structure or centre: the bishop's activity is increased as is the pos­ sibility of attacking multiple targets all over the board.

2 3 .1

Black to play (see following diagram)

Despite the reduced material, the supe­ riority of the bishop is clear. The first step is

202

the centralization of the black king.

The first step is complete. Next Black will force White's king to retreat from the centre. 5 h4 .lieS! 6lt:lf3 ..lia6+ 7 'tt>c3

After 7 'lt>e3 'lt>c5! 8 lt:lg5 'tt>b4 9 tt:lxf7 'i¥;>xb3 the black a-pawn will prove power­ ful. 7 h6 8 ctJd4 g6 9lt:lc2 'tt>e4! ...

The black king consistently invades White's camp, at the same time restricting the white knight. By losing these important squares for his knight, White finds it much harder to create counterplay by attacking the black pawns.

Min o r Piece E n din gs: Good Bishop vs. Bad K n ight

10 tt::le3 f5 11 �d2 f4 12 tt::lg4

After 12 f3+ �d4 the g2-pawn becomes a target for the black bishop. 12...hs 13 tt::lf6+ 'it>fs 14 tt::ld7

The superiority o f the bishop i s evident in all its glory! It assists the advance of the black pawns and, at the same time, keeps the opponent's pawns in check.

The alternative 14 tt::l d5 ..ib7 15 tt::l e7+ �f6 16 tt::l g8+ �f7 17 tt::lh6+ �g7 is also los­ ing.

48 tt::ld4+ 'it>b2 49 g6 ..ih6 so h4 as! 51 hs

14 ..ic8! 15 tt::lf8

51...a4 52 tt::lc2

.•.

Or 51 tt::l c2 a4 52 tt::l b4 a3 53 tt::l d3+ Wbl 54 tt::l b4 a2 55 tt::l xa2 c2+! and wins. The knight is unable to help its fellow pawns and so White lacks the necessary counterplay. Black simply advances his a­ pawn and wins. 52...a3 53 tt::ld4 a2 54 tt::lc2

1s...gs! 16 g3

Of course not 16 hxg5? Wxg5 and the knight will be lost! 16...gxh4 17 gxh4 �g4 18 tt::lg6 ..ifs 19 tt::le7 i.e6 20 b4 Wxh4

Black wins.

2 3.2

S.Dubois-W.Steinitz

54.....ig7!

White to play

3 rd m atchga me, Lo nd on 1862

The final blow, but not 54...al'il'+? 55 tt::lxal Wxal 56 Wc2 .i.g7 57 h6! with a draw. 55 tt::la1 'it>xa1 56 Wc2 .i.h6 57 g7 i.xg7 58 �c1 c2!! 59 �xc2 i.h6 0-1

White to play E.Grivas-K.Frantzeskakis 2 3 .3

Kha n i a 1 9 9 5

White's advantage is clear. The superior minor piece (bishop vs. knight in an open position with pawns on both flanks) and the queenside pawn majority, which can be turned into a passed pawn, are very signifi­ cant factors. Still, Black has good chances to save the game.

2 03

P r a c tical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

37 ...lt:Jcs?

Black had to defend with 37 ... lt:Jd8! 38 Wc2 Wc5 39 Wc3, after which White retains his advantage, but the win is still a long way off. 38 b6! axb6?!

Black should have opted for 38 ...a6, al­ though after 39 h4! his survival chances would have only been slight: 39 ... lt:Jb3+ 40 Wc2 lt:Jxa5 41 ..lii.e4 We3 42 ..t>c3!. 39 a6! lt:Jxa6

Or 39 ...lt:Je6 40 a7 lt:Jc7 41 ..lii.e4 and wins. 40 ..lii.xa6 e4 41 fxe4 Wxe4 42 ..lii.d3+ Wd4 43 28 Wf1 �f7 29 b4! cxb4 30 cxb4 Wf6 31 �e2

We2

'it>es 32 We3 f4+

White's material advantage is sufficient for victory. Some care is required, though, in view of the wrong-coloured rook's pawn.

Now the black e-pawn no longer partici­ pates, but the alternatives do not seem any better: 32...g5 33 b5 lt:Jd7 34 a4 lt:Jc5 35 aS f4+ (a weaker defence is 35 ...lt:Jxd3? 36 'it>xd3 Wd5 37 b6 axb6 38 axb6 'it>c6 39 Wd4 Wxb6 40 We5, winning) 36 We2 and White has a clear advantage as 36 ... lt:Jxd3? 37 �xd3 ds fails to 38 b6 axb6 39 axb6 c6 40 We4 Wxb6 41 We5 Wc5 42 Wxe6; or 32...lt:Jd7 33 f4+ Wf6 34 Wd4 h6 35 .ib5 e5+ 36 fxe5+ lt:Jxe5 37 .ie2, again with some advantage for White.

43 ...bs

Or 43 ...Wc3 44 h3 Wd4 45 h4 'it>ds 46 Wf3, winning. 44 ..lii.xbs gS 45 Wf3 h6 46 h3 Wc3

Nothing is changed by 46 ...h5 47 h4 We5 48 hxg5 Wf5 49 ..lii.e8 �xg5 50 ..lii.xh5 Wxh5 51 Wxf4. 47 Wg4 Wd2 48 ..lii.c6 We3 1-0

33 d2 �d4 34 a4 es 35 f3!

Neutralizing Black's e-pawn. 3S...g6?!

The black pawns now become targets. Better, of course, was 35 ... h6.

2 3 .4

F.Vallejo Pons-P.Svidler

Black to play

Leo n (ra pid) 2004

36 aS! lt:Je6 37 bS

Black stands better thanks to his supe2 04

Min o r Piece E n din gs: Good Bishop vs. Bad K n igh t

rior minor piece. On the other hand, White's pawn structure is preferable and he can hold the draw, so long as he reacts to Black's plans in the correct way.

Black's decision pays off as he is now winning!

22...hs 23 ct:Jt3

Better than 23 h4 .l::i.g8 24 .:t:J£3 .l::i.g4 when Black will continue with ...�b4, ...e5 and then ...£4. 23 ...Ilg8 24 .l:.d1 We7 25 �d4 �g4 26 h3

White can also play the immediate 26 b3. 26...�xd4 27 ct:Jxd4 i..es 28 Wd3 Wd6 29 Wc4

29 ct:Jb5+? Wc5 30 ctJxa7 i.. xb2 only helps Black as the knight then has problems. 29 ...a6 30 a4 i..f6 31 h4 i..g7 32 b4 il..xd4!?

40 Wd3 e4+ 41 fxe4+ fxe4+ 42 We3 �e5 43

White has defended well and Black cannot make progress because his kingside pawns are immobilized. Thus Black decides to tests White's technique in a pawn end­ ing.

�e2 �f5 44 �e3 �g4 45 �xe4 �xg3 46 �fs Wxh4 47 Wf4 Wh3 48 Wf3 h4 49 Wf2

33 Wxd4 b5 34 axb5 axb5

�g4 50 �g2 �f4 0-1

2 3 .5

V.Topalov-A.Kharlov

Black to play

F I D E World C h a m pion s h i p, Tri po l i 2004

35 e4?

A serious error. After the correct 35 £3 e5+ 36 Wd3 Wd5 37 Wc3 £6 38 Wd3 e4+ 39 �e2 exf3+ (and not 39 ...�c4? 40 fxe4 fxe4 41 g4) 40 �x£3 Wc4 41 e4 �xb4 42 ex£5 Wc3 43 g4 hxg4+ 44 �xg4 b4 45 h5 b3 46 h6 b2 47 h7 b1� 48 h8� the game would end in a draw.

In this simplified position, White retains a plus thanks to his superior minor piece and his more mobile pawn majority on the kingside. On the other hand, the material remaining is significantly reduced.

35...e5+ 36 We3 fxe4 37 Wxe4 We6 38 f3 f5+

30...a6

39 We3 Wd5

Things are similar after 30 ...�£7 31 We3 205

P ractical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

We6 32 g4 tt:lf7 33 f4 or 30...tt:lf7 31 �e3 tt:ld6 32 d3, retaining a clear advantage in both cases. 31 �e3 f7 32 g4 tt:le6 33 We4 tt:Jcs+ 34 �ds tt:ld7 35 gs tt:lb6+ 36 Wd4 tt:la4 37 i.a1 ct:Jb6 38 cs tt:lc8 39 We4

39 ...c6?!

Black's position is already quite diffi­ cult, but he should at least try 39 ...b6! ?, al­ though after 40 i.d4! (40 c6 tt:le7 41 i.e5 e6 42 i.xc7 b5 43 i.e5 tt:lxc6 defends) 40 ...bxc5 41 i.xc5 �e6 (41 ...tt:lb6? 42 i.xb6 cxb6 43 Wd5 is a weaker defence) 42 h6! (much stronger than 42 Wf4? tt:lb6) 42 ...f7 43 dS g6 44 c6 .:i:Jd6 45 'tt>xc7 tt:le4 46 i.e3 tt:lxg5 47 Wb6 Wxh6 48 Wxa6, White is winning: for example, 48 ...Wg6 49 a4 h5 50 b6 h4 51 aS h3 52 i.gl. 40 i.f6!

206

4o...bs

There is no salvation either in 40...b6 41 Wd4 We6 42 i.d8 bxc5+ 43 Wxc5 tt:ld6 44 Wxc6 tt:lf7 45 i.f6 h6 (or 45 ...f5 46 Wb6 and wins) 46 g6 Wxf6 47 gxf7 Wxf7 48 Wb6. 41 i.d8 We6 42 h6 Wf7 43 Wfs!

And Black is in zugzwang! 43 ...as

43 ...tt:la7 doesn't help as 44 g6+! Wg8 (44... hxg6+ 45 Wg5 tt:lc8 46 i.f6! ) 45 Wf6 and White wins. 44 i.xas 1-0

Black resigned as 44...tt:le7+ 45 We5 tt:lc8 46 ..td8 Wg6 47 e6 is conclusive.

2 3 .6

V.Chekhover-E.Lasker Moscow 19 3 5

Black to play

Mi n o r Piece E n di n gs: Good Bishop vs. Bad K n ight

Although the invasion of the king is considered automatic, sometimes it is use­ ful to first fix some targets. 21...b5!

Preparing to fix a weakness on the queenside, whereas Black's win is in doubt after the seemingly attractive 21....1i.b2? 22 a4 'it>b6 23 'it>el WaS 24 'it>d2 'it>b4 2S 'it>c2.

2 3 .7 Black to play G.Maroczy-R.Teichmann

N u re m berg 1896

22 'it>e1 ..ib2 23 a4 bxa4 24 bxa4

24...'it>c6!

The weaker 24...b6 2S d2 aS? 26 Wc2! ii.eS 27 f4 ii.d6 28 Wb3 would have allowed White to put up a fight. 25 d2 WcS! 26 tLlc3

White can try 26 c2 but 26 ... �d4! 27 f3 c4! 28 tt:Jcl (or 28 tt:Jxd4 Wxd4 29 Wb3 aS!) 28 .....ieS 29 h3 'it>b4 is also an easy win for Black. 26 'it>b4 21 tt:Jbs as! ..•

Black's superiority i s unquestionable because six of the seven white pawns can be attacked by the bishop, while the black king can invade White's camp via the eS and aS-squares. 43 ...We7!

Commencing a decisive manoeuvre. In­ stead the seemingly natural 43 ...WeS leads after 44 'it>e3 .1i.e4 4S tLldl ii.g2 46 tLlf2 ii.fl 47 tLle4! ii.xc4 (and not 47...f6?? 48 tLld2 ii.g2 49 tLlf3+! when it's White who wins!) 48 tLlxgS J.xdS 49 tLlf3+!! to a drawn pawn ending! 44 'it>e3 f6 45 'it>f3 'it>d7 46 We3 Wc7 47 Wd2 Ji.b3 48 c1 0-1

Black wins the important white a-pawn and, naturally, the game. 28 tt:Jd6 Wxa4 29 c2 ii.es 30 tt:Jxf7 ii.xh2 31 tt:Jd8 es 32 tt:Jc6 Ji.g1 33 f3 ii.cs 34 tt:Jbs

Neither would the alternative 34 b2 hS 3S t2Jd8 h4 36 tLle6 Ji.b6 37 tt:Jg7 ii.e3 38 t2Je8 ii.gS 39 tt:Jc7 'it>b4 40 tLldS+ WcS have saved White. 34 bs 35 g4 ii.e7 36 gs fxgs 37 tLld7 �d6 38 tt:Jf6 'it>c4! 0-1 .•.

The win is straightforward after both 39 lZlxh7 ii.e7 and 39 tLlg4 hS 40 lZle3+ bS 41 lZlfS Ji.f8. 2 07

P r a c tical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

White gave up, having realized that he cannot prevent significant material loss after 48 ...'lt>b8-a7-a6-a5.

2 3 .8

R.Reti-A.Rubinstein

Black to play

36 'lt>d6 37 We2 ••.

The alternative 37 d4 (37 �f3? jLa4) 37...Wc6 38 �d2 Wb5 39 e4 is also losing.

Goth e n b u rg 1920

37 ...d4! 38 cxd4?!

The superior minor piece, in conjunction with the weakened white structure, gives Black the advantage. However, matters are not that easy as the presence of so many pawns makes it hard for Black's king to play a key role. 29 'lt>e7 30 'lt>e3 'lt>e6 •..

Threatening 3l...'lt>f5-g4-h3. 31 g4?

White further weakens his structure, placing one more pawn on the same colour as Black's bishop. Instead he had to play 31 d4! �d6 (or 3l...'lt>f5 32 �f3 and 33 CZJg2) 32 'lt>d2 �c6 33 CZJg2 'lt>bS 34 CZJe3!, when he can hold the position. 31 ...�d6 32 h3 g6 33 'lt> d2 jLd7 34 C2Jf3 'lt>e7! Not 34 ...h5 35 g5! .ixh3 36 gxf6 jLf5 37 CZJeS h4 38 'lt>e3 when White can hold. 35 �e3 hs! 36 CZJh2

Not very harmonious, but 36 gxh5 gxh5 37 h4 'lt>e6 38 ctJe1 'lt>fS 39 'lt>f3 d4! would have allowed the invasion of the black king and 36 gS jLxh3 37 gxf6+ Wxf6 would have been even easier for Black. 208

White should have fought for survival with 38 c4!, keeping the centre closed. Per­ haps this would not have saved the game, but it would have posed Black more prob­ lems and given him the opportunity to go wrong. A possible continuation is 38 ...hxg4 39 hxg4 (39 CZJxg4 'lt>e6 40 ctJh6 f5) 39 ...We7 (and not 39 ...g5? 40 fxgS fxg5 41 �£2! ! jLa4 42 C2Jf3 jLxc2 43 We2!! with equality) 40 �d2 g5 41 f5 (or 41 fxg5 fxgS 42 �e2 Wf6! 43 'lt>d2 We5, retaining a large advantage) 4l...'lt>d6 42 ctJf3 jLc6 43 'lt>e2 a6 44 Wf2 ..tx£3! 45 �x£3 b5!!

Min o r Piece E n din gs: Good Bishop vs. Bad K n igh t

transposing to a winning pawn ending: 46 �e4 �c6 47 �£3 �d7! 48 �e4 �d6 49 �f3 �e5 50 cxb5 (Black wins after both 50 Wg3 bxc4 51 dxc4 d3! 52 cxd3 �d4 and 50 a3 �d6 51 �e4 �c6 52 �f3 �d7!) 50 ...axb5 51 a3 �d5 52 �g3 c4 53 �f3 c3! 54 �g3 �c5 55 �f3 b4 56 axb4+ �xb4 57 �e4 �a3 58 �xd4 �b2 59 �e4 �xc2 60 d4 �b2 61 d5 c2.

Black has the advantage in view of his healthier pawn structure (an isolated weak white pawn on e4 and the possibility of exploiting his queenside pawn majority) and his superior minor piece.

38...cxd4 39 �d2?!

More resilient is 39 gxh5 gxh5 40 h4, making Black find 40 ...�c5 41 tLlfl! (or 41 tt::lf3 i.g4 42 �f2 i.xf3 43 �xf3 £5!) 4l...i.g4+ 42 �d2 b5 43 tLlg3 f5 44 c3 dxc3+ 45 �xc3 b4+ 46 �d2 �d4 to net the full point. 39 ...hxg4 40 hxg4 i.c6 41 We2

Or 41 c3 dxc3+ 42 �xc3 il.g2! and the white knight is in a rather miserable state. 41. i.ds 42 a3 bs 43 tLlf1 as 44 tLld2 a4 45 ..

tt::le4+

41...i.f2! 42 g4

Alternatively, 45 tLlb1 i.e6! 46 �f3 i.a2! 47 tt::ld2 i.dS+! 48 �e2 b4 49 axb4 (or 49 �d1 bxa3 50 �cl g5) 49...a3, winning.

Inferior is 42 tLle2 �f6 43 �d3 �e5 44 g4 aS 45 tLlc3 i.cS 46 tLle2 h6 47 tLlc3 h5 48 gxh5 gxh5 49 tLle2 h4 and, sooner or later, the black king will attack and capture the white h3-pawn.

4S...i.xe4 46 dxe4

42...\t>fG?!

This is a mistake. The correct path was 42 ...h6 43 �d3 i.g3 44 tLle2 (much less stubborn is 44 �e3? i.xf4+ 45 �xf4 �e6 46 gS h5 47 h4 c5 48 �e3 �e5, winning) 44 ...i.d6. 43 �e2?

46...b4! 47 �d2 bxa3 48 �c1 gS! 0-1

White resigned as 49 fxg5 fxg5 50 �b1 �e5 is convincing enough.

2 3 .9

H.Golombek-P.Keres Ma rgate 1939

Black to play

Although 43 eS+ seems to weaken the e­ pawn too much, it is the right way to draw as White gains some valuable space and squares: 43 ...�e7 44 �c3 (but not 44 Wd3? i.g3 45 �e4 i.xf4 46 �xf4 c5) 44.....\tg3 45 tLld3 b6 46 Wd4 �e6 47 b4 g5 48 �e4 ..lth2 49 a4 h6 50 aS ..ltg1 51 axb6 axb6 52 tLlb2 b5 53 tLld3 i.b6 54 tLle1 c5 55 bxc5 i.xc5 56 tLld3 ..lte7 57 �d4 ..\t£8 58 tLle1 b4 59 tLlf3 b3 60 �c3 �d5 61 h4. 43 .....\td4 44 �f3

After the alternative 44 �d3 i.b6 45 a4 �e5 46 tLle2 aS, the black king will enter via the f4-square. 2 09

P r a c tical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

to succumb to a lost pawn ending. 52 lt:if4

Or 52 'it>e2 c4 53 bxc4 bxc4 54 lt:if4 We5 55 tt:id5 'it>xe4 56 tt:if6+ 'it>f5 57 tt:lxh7 i.g7! 58 'it>d2 'it>g4 59 tt:if6+ Wxh4 60 tt:le4 Wg4 61 'it>e3 i.e5 with an extra pawn. 52...c4 53 bxc4 bxc4 54 tt:ids 'it>es?

A far better try is 54 ...Wc5! 55 We2 ilgl! 56 tt:if6 Wd4, retaining a large advantage.

44...as?!

Instead 44... g5! 45 tt:ih5+ 'it>e5 46 tt:lg3 c5 seems hopeless for White. 45 gS+!

Now White's knight finds some targets and gives him some counterplay. 4S...�es

Black, of course, avoids the childish trap 45 ...Wxg5? 46 tt:ie6+. 46 tt:id3+ Wd6 47 h4 bs 48 tt:ie1 i.cs 49 tt:id3

55 tt:if6?

i.b6 so tt:lf4 i.d4 51 tt:id3 cs

A tragic mistake, as White could have saved the game with 55 tt:ie3! c3 56 tt:lg4+ 'it>e6 57 'it>e2. Now Black wins in style:

White's task is still difficult. He either will have to stop the potential black passed pawn with his king, thereby eventually losing his kingside pawns, or he will have

2 10

SS...hS! 56 tt:JdS C3 57 tt:Jf4 C2 58 tt:Jd3+ 'it>d6 59 We2 i.b2! 0-1

Chapter Twenty-Four

I

Minor Piece Endings: Good Knight vs. Bad Bishop

The theme of a good knight against a bad bishop in the endgame occurs quite fre­ quently and is one of the more interesting elements of modern chess. Once again, the main reference point is the pawn structure and the knight's superi­ ority becomes evident in the following cases: i. All the pawns on one flank: the knight does not have to move all over the board and at the same time the superiority of the bishop is nullified. ii. Pawns on the same colour as the bishop: the bishop loses its mobility, being restricted by its own pawns. iii. A weak colour complex: because the bishop can control only half of the squares on the board, the remaining half are acces­ sible to the opponent's king. iv. A weak pawn structure: the knight can move to any square on the board, but the bishop can only control half of them. Thus if the king and knight can combine in an attack against a pawn placed on a square of opposite colour to that of the bishop, they can force its capture. v. A blocked pawn structure or centre: this favours the knight as the bishop lacks mobility.

Black to play 2 4.1 M.Chiburdanidze-E.Grivas

Ath e n s 1984

Black has an extra pawn, but the re­ duced material and the fact that almost all pawns are on one side of the board allows White to hope for a draw. 38 .'iVxe2+? ..

A serious error, after which Black can no longer hope to win the game. Following the exchange of queens, the material is further reduced and the white king is freed to par­ ticipate in the defence. Instead after, for example, 38 ... �d5! Black can continue to

211

P ractical E n dgame P l ay - Mastering the Basics

fight for victory. 39 �xe2 i..cs 40 tt:Jf3 We7 41 tt:Jes Yz-Yz

because its white counterpart has enough space at its disposal (the d3- and c3squares). 1...tt:Jd6 2 i..d2 tt:Je4 3 i..e1

The draw is clear, but note that the addi­ tional presence of c-pawns would allow Black to win.

White to play C.Schlechter-C.Walbrodt 24.3

Vie n n a 1898

Black cannot win as his d-pawn will be efficiently immobilized on the d4-square (with We2 and tt:Jd3). If, though, we were to reverse the minor pieces (i.e. to give White a bishop and Black a knight), then the posi­ tion would be winning for Black.

2 4.2

Black to play White's superiority is evident, thanks to his better pawn structure, superior minor piece and more active king. His only prob­ lem is, once again, that he is to move! In this case, however, according to the analy­ sis of GM Yuri Averbakh, there is a way to . lose a tempo. S6 We3

Much better was 56 'it>g3 'it>e6 57 c.t>g2! 'it>f6 58 'it>f2 'it>e7 59 'it>f3 'it'e6 60 tt:Jd3 'it>f6 61 c.t>e3 Black has the better pawn structure, the better minor piece and the more active king. However, the position is still drawn because Black is to move! This example reminds us of a fundamental weakness of the knight: it cannot win or lose a tempo. Moreover, the black king is also unable to lose a tempo by means of triangulation, 212

(see following diagram) and Black is in zugzwang: 6l...it..f5 (or any other move by the bishop) 62 tt:Je5 if..c8 63 Wf4 brings about the diagram position, but with Black to move. Here Black might also try 6l...'it>f5, but 62 tt:Jf4 Wg4 63 tt:Jxh5! 'it>xh5 64 Wf4 wins. Note that the presence

Min o r Piece E n di n gs: Good K n ight vs. Bad Bishop

of the a-pawns is significant as otherwise Black would have the possibility of ....i.g4e2-a6, winning!

Finally White has reached the desired position and now, rather than agree to a draw, he should have won with 7l...Wf5 72 tZ:lf4 'it>g4 73 tZ:lxhS! �xh5 74 Wf4!

2 4.4

E.Torre-O.Jakobsen

Black to play

Amsterda m 1 9 7 3

This triangulation idea can be arranged in other ways too, but the retreat of the white king to the second rank in order to obtain the distant opposition is the main idea. In the game White failed to discover this winning process and succumbed to a draw. 56...'it>e6 57 tZ:lg6

57 Wf2 with the same idea was again winning, but White probably never thought of it. 57...Wf6 58 �f4 i..d7 59 tt:Jes i..cs 60 tZ:lf3 \US 61 We3 .i.c8 62 tt:Jes 'it>e6 63 Wf3 d5 tt:le3+ 84 Wxe5 tt:lxfl 85 'it>xf4 is hardly optimal for Black. 82 Wd2 '>t>c6 83 �e2

Or 83 'it>d3 '>t>b5! 84 Wc3+ �c5. 83 ...�C5 84 i.d1 �C4 85 i.e2+ 'it>b3 86 �d1+ �b2 87 �e1 �c3 88 �a4 '>t>d3 89 �d1 '>t>e3 90 �f1 �d2 91 �a4 tt:le2 92 �d1!? tt:lc3!

The careless capture of the bishop would bring about a stalemate! 93 �e2 tt:lb1!

Intending ...tt:la3 from where the knight will be transferred to the critical e3-square via c4 or c2. 94 �c4 tt:la3 95 �b3 Wc3 96 �a4 tt:lc4 97 i.bs tt:le3+ 98 Wg1 '>t>d2 99 �a6 �e1 100 �d3

In this second diagram, however, the right of the move is of decisive importance. If White is to move, by means of 1 �e2! tt:ld4 2 i.. d l he secures the draw. If, how­ ever, the side to move is Black, then after l...CLJd4 (threatening 2 ... tt:lxf3) 2 �fl Wg5, he wins by means of his king's invasion through the centre or the queenside. The white king cannot simultaneously prevent this invasion and keep the critical c2-square (in view of ... tt:lc2-e3) under control. Thus, Black must proceed with the ...c5 advance when the white bishop will be forced to the fl-square and not to dl. 67...'it>d7 68 �d3 'it>c8 69 �c3 �b7 70 �b3 �b6 71 Wc3 tt:le8 72 i.e2 tt:lf6 73 �d3 tt:lh7 74 .liLf1 tt:Jgs 75 Wc4 tt:le6 76 '>t>c3 CLJd4 77 '>t>d2 cs

The appropriate moment. The first stage of Black's plan has been successfully com­ pleted, but the win is still a long way off. 78 bxcs+ 'it>xcs 79 �c3 Wb6

By means of triangulation, Black suc­ ceeds in invading White's camp. 80 Wd2 was 81 '>t>c3 Wb6

Much care is still required as 8l...�a4? 2 14

Black has succeeded in invading with his king and has placed his knight on the critical e3-square, but the win is still not in sight! The winning process requires one further step: Black will transfer his knight to d4 or d2 and his king to the e2 or e3-square, and then he will sacrifice his knight on f3, win­ ning thanks to his pawn mass. This proce­ dure is anything but easy, though, as al­ though the knight is superior to the bishop in this position, it has difficulties crossing certain squares, exactly because of the bishop's ability to control several squares at the same time. In any case, the critical square now is b7 (!), the only one from which the black knight can achieve its aim.

Min o r Piece E n di n gs: Good K n ight vs. Bad Bishop

100...lLld1 101 i.a6lLlc3 102 i.d3 ct:Ja4

111 gxf3 Wxf3 112 i.c6 g2 0-1

White to play E.Van den Doei-E.Grivas 2 4. 5

Ath e n s (ra pid} 1997

103 i.bs

A tougher defence was provided by 1 03 i.c4, although after 103 ...ct:Jb6 (1 03 ...ct:Jc5 104 i.d5 takes control of b7 and c6) 1 04 i.a6 tt:la8! 1 05 i.b5 ctJc7 106 i.c4 lLle8 107 i.b5 tt:ld6 1 08 i.a6 lLlf7 1 09 i.b7 lLlgS 1 1 0 i.c8 We2 1 1 1 i.g4 lLlf7 1 1 2 i.c8 lLld6 1 1 3 i.a6+ We1, White is in zugzwang.

This position offers mutual chances, al­ though White may have a tiny initiative after 26 .l::!.b 1 .

103 ...tt:Jcs 104 i.c4 lLlb7 10s i.bs ct:Jas 106

26lLlxe7+?! J::txe7 2 7 i.b8?

i.a4

A serious error. Instead the correct 27 �b1 Wf8 28 �b8+ lie8 29 .lib7 J:.e7 30 l:!.b8+ would have led to a draw.

In case the bishop had remained on the fl-a6 diagonal, the black king would have reached the e3-square via dl. 106...ct:Jc4 101 i.bs ct:Jd2 108 i.a4 We2 109 i.bS+ We3 110 i.a4

27...Zid7 28 .l::!.c1 Wf8 29 llc6 We7

Black has adequately protected the weak base of his pawn chain on d6 and is now ready to exploit the strategic element of his superior minor piece. 30 Wf1

110...lLlxf3+!

Black's plan has finally been completed and now he wins! 215

Practical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

30...fs! 31 'ii>e2 tLlf6 32 'ii>d3 g6

Black could have played 32 ...fxe4+! ? 33 fxe4 tLlg4 34 f3 ltJxh2 35 'it>e3 ltJfl+ (35 ...g5? 36 .l:!.c2) 36 Wf2 ltJd2 37 'it>e3 ltJb3 38 f4 exf4+ 39 Wxf4 when he would have won a pawn, but also allowed White strong counterplay with his active pieces.

2 4.6

K.Nikolaidis-E.Grivas

White to play

H e ra kl io n 1993

33 J..c7

The h-pawn will eventually fall in any case and, most certainly, 33 h3 tLlh5!, fol­ lowed by 34...tLlf4, wouldn't have helped White's cause.

Despite the reduced material, Black has the advantage thanks to his possession of the second rank and his better placed mi­ nor piece. On the other hand, the passed white b-pawn can cause Black some head­ aches and is the basis of White's counter­ play. 33 ... fxe4+?!

41 h4

Too optimistic! 33 ...g5! 34 h3 fxe4+ 35 fxe4 ltJh5 36 .Uc3 tLlf4+ 37 Wd2 h5 was the right way for Black to exploit his advan­ tage.

This doesn't look good, as the light squares around the white king are weak­ ened, but after 41 h3 h5! the threat of ...h4, ....l::!. c l+ and ...tLlg3 is deadly. In turn, White now threatens 42 h5, 43 l:t.d8+ and 44 l:!.f8 mate.

34 fxe4 ltJg4 35 We2?

White can mount a defence with 35 f3 tLlxh2 36 'it>e3 tLlfl + (or 36 ...g5 37 .l:.c2 ltJfl+ 38 'it>f2 ltJd2 39 i.. xd6+ 'it>xd6 40 .l::!. xd2 .l::!.f7 41 Wg3 .l:tf4 42 �h2 g4 43 J:::l.h4 gxf3 44 �xf4 exf4+ 45 'it>xf3 We5 with a draw) 37 'it>f2 ltJd2 38 i.. b6 h5 39 'it>e3 tLlb3 40 f4, creating enough counterplay to achieve the draw. 3s...tLlxh2 36 f3 gs!

Freeing the black knight and winning. 37 Wf2 g4 38 '>t>g3 tLlxf3 39 Wxg4 ltJd4 40 �c1 Wf6 41 'it>hs tLle2 42 .Uf1+?

Or if instead 42 .l:!.c4 tLlg3+ 43 'it>g4 tLlxe4 and wins. 42...ltJf4+ 0-1

216

41...hs 42 .l::!.d8+ 'it>f7 43 �f8+ 'it>g6 44 �es .l:!.c6! 45 i..as Wf7 46 �b8litc1+ 47 'it>h2 tLlf6!

After some preparatory defensive moves, Black prepares his final assault against the unprotected white king. 48 .l:!.b7+ 'it>g8 49 .l:!.b8+ 'it>h7 so .l::!.b6 .l::!.b1!

Black is generally not bothered by the exchange of his e-pawn for White's b­ pawn. In that case his superiority is also decisive thanks to his superior minor piece and White's extremely weak structure. 51 .l::!.b7

The alternatives are also losing: 51 I.!.xe6

Min o r Piece E n din gs: Good Knigh t vs. Bad Bishop

l2lg4+ 52 �h3 l:txb3+ 53 g3 l:tb2! and 51 j.c3 l2lg4+ 52 �g3 J:ldl!.

55 j.c7 e4!

The humble black e6-pawn has not only been upgraded to a protected passed pawn, but also participates in the mating net around the white king! 56 j.a5 �d1! 57 �h3 lads! ss j.e1 .l:td3+ 59 g3 �e3! 0-1

And White resigned in view of 60 j.a5 l:te2 and 6l..Jih2 mate.

24.7

A.Saidy-R. Fischer

Black to play

US C h a m pion s h i p, N ew Yo rk 1964

51.. J!d1?

Clearly superior was 5l...g3 ?

The only chance was 54 ..t>e2 �xf4, al­ though Black should eventually win.

54...e5!

The white king is caught in a mating net. The threat is now 55 ...exf4+ 56 �h3 l:thl mate and 55 fxe5? f4+ leads to the same thing.

Both opponents were apparently happy with this position: White, because he be­ lieved that he would hold the draw, and Black because he had faith in his technique. The truth lies somewhere in between: Black stands somewhat better, as the pawn struc­ ture (the blocked d-pawns in particular) favours the knight, but his advantage may not be sufficient against a long and accurate defence. Black's plan must be to invade White's camp with his king (in general) and to at­ tack the d4-pawn (more specifically). In order to achieve this, however, some or all of the kingside pawns must be exchanged in order to clear a path for the king. 23 . .lt:Jd7 24 �f1 lt:Jf8 25 �e2 lt:Je6 26 �d3 .

hS!

2 17

Practical Endgame Play- Mastering the Basics

The correct way of advancing the black kingside pawns commences with the h­ pawn, aiming to dissolve the kingside. 27 i..e3

White waits, as the active 27 h3 'it>h7 28 g4 'it>g6 29 f4 (29 i..e3 lL'lgS!) 29 ...hxg4 30 hxg4 f5! favours Black. 27...'1t>h7 28 f3 'it>g6 29 a4 'it>f5 30 'it>e2

Now it's time for Black's kingside pawns to advance.

on b4 (white) and b5 (black), then the position would be an easy win for Black as the white king would be unable to invade the queen­ side in search for counterplay. 44 l2Jxg4 45 i.d2 'it>fs 46 i.e1 lL'lf6 47 ..lth4 ..•

lL'lhs 48 ..te1 g4 49 e2 lL'lg3+ so 'it>d3

The pawn ending after 50 ..ltxg3 xg3 51 'it>fl f3! is an easy win for Black. 50...l2Jfs 51 ..tf2

30...gs 31 'Jtlf2 lL'ld8 32 i..d2 'it>g6 33 'it>e3 l2Je6 34 'it>d3 'it>fs 35 i.e3 f6 36 'it>e2 'it>g6 37 'it>d3

Black has not rushed as he has all the time in the world at his disposal. At this point, the advance 37 g4 f5 38 h3 lL'lf8 39 f2 l2Jd7 40 b3 l2Jf6 would be mistaken, as White would end up with weak pawns. 37...f5 38 e2 f4! 39 i..f2 lL'lg7! 40 h3

A necessary move: 40 g4? fxg3 41 hxg3 g4! can only help Black. 40 l2Jfs 41 'it>d3 g4 42 hxg4 •••

Compulsory because Black has an easy win after 42 e2?? g3! 43 i.gl l2Jh4 44 fl f6.

51...l2Jh4!

42...hxg4 43 fxg4 l2Jh6

..lth2 f3 56 ..ltg3 lL'le3 0-1

There is no longer any salvation. 52 as l2Jxg2 53 c3 f3 54 ..tg1 e2 55

24.8

A.Karpov-G.Kasparov

White to play

World Champion s h ip (Game 9), Moscow 1984

44 i..e1?

The decisive mistake. White was forced to play 44 e2 l2Jxg4 45 i.gl fS 46 f3 lL'lf6 47 i.h2 ttJhS 48 aS! gS 49 g4 fxg3 50 i.xg3 fS when Black is still only clearly better. Interest­ ing here is the fact that if the b-pawns were 218

Minor Piece Endings: Good Knight vs. Bad Bishop

A position similar to that of the previ­ ous example has occurred. 45 tt::le3 i.b1

The best defence. White would win after both 45 . . . i.e6 46 hxg5! fxg5 47 f4 gxf4 48 gxf4 ri;;e7 49 f5 i.f7 50 ri;;g3 ri;;f6 51 ri;;f4 i.g8 52 b3! i.f7 53 tt::lc2 i.g8 54 tt::lb4 i.f7 (after 54 . . . h4 or 54 . . . a5, there follows 55 tt::lc2) 55 tt:'lxa6 h4 56 tt::lc5 h3 57 ri;;g3 ri;;xf5 58 a4 and 45 . . . i.g6 46 hxg5 fxg5 47 f4 i.e4 (or 47 . . . g4 48 f5 i.h7 49 b4 ri;;c6 50 tt::lg 2! i.xf5 51 ri;;e3 and the king enters the kingside) 48 fxg5 ri;;e6 49 g4!! hxg4 (49 . . . h4 50 tt::lg 2!) 50 ri;;g 3. 46 b4!

An important move, directly connected to the comments to in previous example re­ garding the b-pawns (see the note to Saidy's 44th). If White now manages to invade Black's camp, the position will be won. 46...gxh4?

A fatal error. After 46 . . . ri;;e6! 47 g4!? (47 hxg5 fxg5 48 f4 g4 holds the draw and equally good is 48 . . . gxf4 49 gxf4 i.e4!, but not 49 . . . h4?? 50 ri;;g2 i.f5 51 ri;;h2! when White wins) 47 . . . hxg4 48 hxg5 gxf3 (superior to 48 .. .fxg5 49 tt::lxg4 i.a2 50 tt::le3 ri;;f6 51 ri;;g3 i.b3 52 ri;;g4 i.c4 53 f4 i.e2+ 54 ri;;g3 i.c4 55 ri;;f3 ri;;g6 56 �g4 i.e2+ 57 ri;;g3 i.c4 58 ri;;f3 ri;;f6 59 tt::lg4+! ri;;f5 60 tt::lh6+ ri;;g6 61 fxg5 ri;;xg5 62 tt::lf7+) 49 gxf6 i.e4 50 tt::lg4 Wf7 51 ri;;g3 We6 52 Wf4 Wf7 53 ri;;e5 i.g6! 54 ri;;xd5 i.h5, Black is on the right track to draw.

47 tt::lg21!

A brilliant move! Instead 47 gxh4? i.g6 48 �g3 We6 49 tt::lg2 Wd6 50 tt::lf4 i.f7 51 tt::ld3 i.e6 52 tt::lc5 i.c8 leads nowhere as the white king is unable to penetrate. This variation makes clear why it is necessary to exchange two pairs of pawns on the king­ side. 47... hxg3+

Compulsory because 47 . . . h3 48 tt::lf4 wins both h-pawns. 48 Wxg3 We6

White also wins after 48 . . . i.g6 49 tt::lf4 i.f7 50 ri;;h 4. 49 tt::lf4+ Wf5 50 tt::lxh5 We6 51 tt::lf4+ Wd6 52 Wg4 i.c2 53 ri;;h5 i.d1 54 ri;;g6 ri;;e7

After 54 . . . i.xf3 55 Wxf6 White's position is winning even without the a-pawns. The position of the b-pawns is important, since these pawns prevent possible counterplay by the black king on the queenside.

55 tt::lxd5+?

A serious error, even though this cap­ tures a pawn with check! Correct was 55 tt::lh5! i.xf3 56 tt::lxf6 when White will slowly force the black king away from the squares e7 and d6, winning the black d5-pawn un­ der favourable circumstances. 55...we6?

Returning the favour! Black should have played 55 . . . Wd6! 56 tt::lc3 i.xf3 57 Wxf6, re­ taining decent chances of holding. This is 21 9

Practical Endgame Play- Mastering the Basics

because the capture of the d5-pawn has freed a path for Black's king to the queen­ side, offering him excellent counterplay. 56 tt:lc7+ 'it>d7 57 tt:lxa6 i.xf3 58 'it>xf6 'it>d6 59 'it>f5 'it>d5 6o 'it>f4 i.h1 61 'it>e3 'it>c4

1 h5

Superior to 1 tt:lh3 i.e8 2 g5 hxg5 3 hxg5 i.d7!. 1 i.g8 2 tt:le6 i.xe6 •..

The difference between 55 ...'it>e6 and 55 ...'it>d6 is evident as the black a-pawn has perished. Despite his two extra pawns, White now only won the game with great difficulty because of Black's very active king. However, had he rejected immediate material gain and refrained from 55 tt:lxd5+?, his win would have been child's play! Indeed, we should always remember that victory is secured by the initiative and often not by extra material.

Avoiding the forced variation that now ensues at the cost of the g-pawn is also not sufficient: 2 ...i.f7 3 tt:lxg7 'it>c6 4 tt:le6 (but not 4 g5? fxg5 5 'it>e5 g4 6 'it>f6 g3 7 'it>xf7 g2 8 'it>g8 g1 'ti 9 f6 d4 1 0 f7 'iff2 1 1 exd4 'lia2 12 tt:lf5 'it>d7) 4...'it>d6 5 tt:lf4 i.g8 6 tt:le2 i.f7 7 tt:lg3 i.g8 8 e4 i.f7

62 tt:lc5 i.c6 63 tt:ld3 i.g2 64 tt:le5+ 'it>c3 65 tt:lg6 'it>c4 66 tt:le7 i.b7 67 tt:lf5 i.g2 68 tt:ld6+ 'it>b3 69 tt:lxb5 'it>a4 70 tt:ld6 1-0

24.9

White to

play

A standard position, very important for the endgame of knight vs. bishop with an isolated central pawn. Black has three weaknesses (b5, d5, g7) and thus it is not surprising that his position is lost. Indeed, even if it's Black to move he loses: l ...'it>c6 (neither do l ...i.e8 2 tt:le6 nor l ...i.g8 2 tt:lh5 help) 2 tt:le6 i.xe6 3 fxe6 'it>d6 4 e7! 'it>xe7 5 'it>xd5 and wins. 220

9 g5! fxg5 (or 9 ...hxg5 1 0 h6 i.g8 1 1 exd5 i.h7 12 tt:le4+ 'it>e7 13 d6+ 'it>f7 14 d7 'it>e7 15 tt:lxf6 i.xf5 1 6 h7) 10 e5+ 'it>e7 11 'it>c5 and White wins. 3 fxe6 'it>xe6 4 'it>c5 f5 5 gxf5+ 'it>xf5 6 'it>xb5

Avoiding 6 'it>xd5? g5 7 e4+ 'it>f6 8 'it>d6 'it>f7 9 'it>d7 'it>f6 with a draw. 6 g5 1 hxg6 'it>xg6 8 'it>c5 h5 9 'it>xd5 ..•

Minor Piece Endings: Good Knight vs. Bad Bishop

A further accuracy, whereas 9 b5? h4 1 0 b6 h 3 1 1 b 7 h2 1 2 b8'ii h 1 'it' 1 3 'figS+ �f6 14 'fixd5 'ficl+ 1 5 �d4 'i*'d2+ leads to a draw.

This ending is drawn. Black has only one weakness (the d-pawn), while the ab­ sence of additional pieces is helpful to him.

9...�g510 �e4!

24 �d2 �d6 25 �c3 b6 26 f4 ..id7 27 lLlf3

The careless 10 b5? h4 1 1 b6 h3 12 b7 h2 13 b8'ii h1'fi+ 14 e4 'i*'d1 + 15 �e5 'fia1 + 1 6 �e6 iVf6+ 1 7 �d5 'ir'f7+ 1 8 �c5 'ir'f2+ again allows Black to save the draw. 10...�g4

f6! 28 �d4 as 29 lLld2 ..ic8 30 lLlb1 ..ie6 31 lLlc3 �c6 32 a3 h6 33 g3 hS?I

Although Black did succeed in obtain­ ing a draw with the text, this advance is erroneous as it places the pawn on same colour as the bishop. Indeed, if the black b­ pawn was on b5, this push would tum out to be a decisive mistake. 34 b4 axb4 35axb4 �d6 36 bsl?

By gaining space, White makes a last try for the win. 36...g6

alternative the whereas Forced, 36 . . . ..if7? 37 f5! and lLle2-f4 is very pleasant for White. 37lZla4 �c7 38lLlc3 �d6 39 fs gxfs

Again forced as after 39 . . . ..ixf5? 40 lLlxd5 ..id7 41 lLlxf6 ..ixb5 42 lL:ld5, White wins an important pawn.

11 �d3!!

The vital finesse, winning after 1 1 . . .h4 12 �e2 �g3 13 b5 h3 14 b6 h2 15 b7 h1'fi 16 b8'iV+ �g4 17 'iVf4+ �h5 1 8 'ir'f3+ 'ir'xf3+ 19 �xf3, with a winning pawn ending.

40 tt:Je2 ..id7 41lZlf4 ..ie8!

An only move which secures the draw. 42 tt:Jxds ..ixbs 43 tt:Jxb6 ..ic6 44 lLlc4+ �e6 45 lL:lb2 ..ibs 46 lL:ld1 ..ie2 47 lL:lf2 ..if1 48 lLld3 ..ixd3 49 �xd3

24.10

S.Fiohr-J.R.Capablanca

White to play

Moscow 1 9 35

49...�es!

The simplest path to the draw, as we've already seen in Chapter Two with example . 2.15. 221

Practical Endgame Play- Mastering the Basics

White to play 24.11 J.R.Capablanca-S.Reshevsky Nott i ngham 1936

42...'it>g6?!

The easiest way to the draw is 42 . . . 'it>£6 43 'it>d3 'it>e5 44 tt'lc2 .i.c6 45 tt'ld4 .i.e8 46 'it>c3 h5 47 gxh5 .i.xh5 48 'it>b4 g4 49 fxg4 .i.xg4 50 'it>xb5 'it>e4. White has a theoretical advantage, but Black can hold the draw. 37 tt'ld3 g5?

A serious error. Black should have waited and acted in accordance with the previous examples.

43 'it>d3 h5 44 gxh5+ 'it>xh5 45 'it>d4 'it>h4 46 tt'lxd5 'it>g3 47 f4 g41

The only chance for counterplay. 48 f5 .i.c8 49 'it>e5 .i.d7 50 e4 .i.e8 51 'it>d4 'it>f3 52 e5 g3 53 tt'le3

38 hxg5 fxg5 39 tt'lb4?

Although White managed to win the game with the text, 39 tt'le5! .i.e8 40 £4! gx£4 41 ex£4 axb3 42 axb3 'it>£8 43 'it>e3 'it>e7 44 'it>d4 'it>e6 45 tt'lg4! (and not 45 'it>c5? h5 46 b4 'it>£5! 47 'it>xd5 h4 48 gxh4 'it>x£4 with a draw) 45 . . . h5 46 tt'le3 .i.£7 47 b4 'it>d6 48 £5 .i.g8 49 g4! (further accuracy since 49 tt'lg2 .i.h7 50 tt'lh4 .i.g8 51 tt'lg6 .i.h7 52 'it>e3! .i.xg6! is drawn) 49 . . . hxg4 50 tt'lxg4 .i.£7 (50 . . . .i.h7 51 tt'lh6!) 51 tt'l£6! was clearly preferable and fully in the spirit of the position. The possi­ ble variations are many, but, generally speaking, the centralization of the king and the knight, along with the passed £-pawn, should logically lead to victory. 39

..•

axb3 40 axb3 .i.b7 41 g4

At this point 41 £4 is not good as gives Black king's access to the g4-square. 41 '1t>g7 42 'it>e2 ••.

222

53 'it>f4?? •••

A tragic error. Instead 53 . . . .i.f7! ! 54 e6 .i.g8! draws, as White is unable to make progress. This manoeuvre, aiming to im­ mobilize the pawns, is both pretty and at the same time standard. Now Black loses: 54 e6 g2 55 tt'lxg2+ 'it>xf5 56 'it>d5 'it>g4 57 tt'le3+ 'it>f4 58 'it>d4 1-0

Chapter Twenty-Five

I

Rook and Minor Piece Endings: Rook vs. Bishop

The material advantage of the extra ex­ change (rook vs. bishop or knight) is quite significant and usually decisive in the end­ game. The outcome of the game is deter­ mined by the presence and the placement of any pawns. In most cases, the greater the number of pawns, the easier the victory.

1 .!::ta8+ .tgs 2 .!::ta3

Without Pawns

Both 2 l:tb8 and 2 �g6 give stalemate.

In general, this ending i s drawn i f the de­ fending king seeks refuge in the correct corner: the one of the colour different to that of the bishop.

2 5.1

A standard drawn position, in which White cannot make progress so long as Black retains his bishop on the a2-g8 di­ agonal. The defending side should aim to bring about such a position as soon as pos­ sible in order to avoid any unpleasant sur­ prises.

2 .tc4 ...

White cannot make progress.

2 5.2

Black to play

White to play

Black has selected the wrong corner and loses quickly.

223

P r a c tical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

Black's king and bishop, as the latter has been unable to reach the a2-g8 diagonal.

1...�g8 2 .l:!.a8+ �fS 3�bS

It's mate next move.

25.3

1�d4! �f1

Black to play

If the bishop moves to any other square, it will be captured: l...i.c8 2 l:!d8+, l...�g2 2 l:!.g4+, or l...�h7/h8 2 .l:l.h4+ . 2 �g6! 'it>fS 3 l:!.f4+

White wins.

Rook and Pawn vs. Bishop The side with the rook is normally able to win. There are only a few exceptions to this, which we will now examine. As a gen­ eral guideline, the attacking king must ad­ vance before its pawn does, so as to assist its advance.

The fact that the black king is restricted to the wrong corner allows White to win, despite Black's efforts. If White were to move here then 1 �g6 would decide.

!25.5

White to play

1...�a2! 2 l:!.a3 �b1

Both 2 ...�c4 3 l:!.a4 and 2 ...�dS 3 .:!.aS i.. f7 4 .l:.fS i.g6 S l::tf6 lose as well. 3 l:!.b3 i.c2 4 l:!.b2 i.f5 5 l:!.b5 il..g4 6 l:!.b6 �h3 7 l:!.h6 1-0

125.4

White to play White will transfer his king to the sixth rank ana then advance his pawn. 1 l:!a1 �g3 2 .Ua6+ �d6 3 l:!.b6 'it>d7 4 �d5 �g3 5 l:!.b7+ 'it>cS 6 l:!.f7 ..t.h2

Or 6 ... �e1 7 'it>c6 'it>d8 8 dS �e8 9 �f3 �aS 10 d6 �d8 1 1 d7+ �e7 12 J::!. e3+ 'it>f7 13 l:!.e8. 7 'it>c6 'it>ds s d5

White wins.

Here we have an exception, which is ex­ plained by the lack of coordination between 224

25.6

White to play

Rook a n d Mi n o r Piece E n di n gs: Rook vs. Bishop

78 ...il.h3 79 'it>e4 �g5!

Black has constructed a fortress and White cannot make progress. 8o�a5

The winning idea here is slightly differ­ ent, as White will give up his rook for the bishop, forcing a transition to a won pawn ending. 1 .l:!.f6+ 'it>d5 2 'it>c3 il.d1! 3 .l:tf2! jj_g4 4 �f8

80...il.g2+??

'it>d6 5 .l:!.d8+ �e7 6 �g8 il.e6 1 .l:ig6 �d6 8

Black should move his bishop only to squares from which it attacks the white pawn (i.e. ...il.g4-h3-g4).

'it>b4 �d5 9 .l:ixe6 �xe6 10 �c5 'it>d7 11 �d5

Naturally, the pawn ending is an easy win.

81 �e5 il.h3 82 f6 �g6 83 .l:!.a8 il.g2? 84 ag8+ �f7 85 .l:ixg2 1-0

2 5.7

E.Grivas-N.Gavrilakis

White to play

He ra kl ion 1998

78 f5??

After 78 .l:ih5 il.b7 79 .U.h8 il.f3 80 .li!.f8+ We6 (80 ...'it>e7 81 �f5!) 81 f5+ �e7 82 .l:.h8 �f6 83 �e3 i.g4 84 �f4 the win would be in sight.

2 5.8

White/Black to play

The drawing mechanism is the same as in the previous example and is valid for all such cases, regardless of the file on which the pawn stands. Black simply moves his bishop along the a3-f8 or h2-b8 diagonal and White can make no progress. 225

Practical E n dg a m e P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

2 5.9

White to play

1 i.c7

Here we have yet another drawn posi­ tion. If, though, Black had a dark-squared bishop instead, he would lose quickly (after 1 'it>g6). However, here he can defend suc­ cessfully.

White must prevent the threatened l...�a5 2 ..td4 (or 2 ..tc7 .l::t £5 and 3 ...Wg4) 2 ... Wg3! 3 i.x£2+ W£3 when Black wins. 1.. J:tb2

Nothing is offered by both i.b6! and l...Wg4 2 Wg2!.

l....l:!.a7 2

2 ..td6! �c2 3 i.es! .l:!.d2

Or 3 ...�c5 4 i.d4!.

1 f7!?

Waiting tactics with 1 l::t c7 i.a2 (but not l...i.b3? 2 'it>g6!) 2 .l:!.a7 ..ic4 3 .l::t c7 lead no­ where, unless Black opts for 3 ...i.b5? 4 £7! Wg7 5 W£5 i.a4 6 l:.b7 i.d1 7 'it>e6 i.h5 8 .l::!.c7 i.g6 9 £81/H+! Wx£8 10 W£6! when White wins.

4 i.f4.l::te2!

1...'it>g7!

Black finds the accurate reply. Captur­ ing the pawn actually loses: l...i.x£7?? 2 W£6! i.h5 3 .l::t a 8+ i.e8 4 .l:!.b8. However, after the text Black is out of danger and draws with ease.

2 5.10

White to play (see following diagram)

If the rook was on the £-file, Black would win easily by transposing to a won rook vs. bishop ending. In this position, however, White has at his disposal a series of accu­ rate moves that secure the draw. 226

5 i.b8!!

The only move. White must avoid 5 i.c7? l:1a2! as analysed above, while both 5 Wxe2? Wg2 and 5 i.d2 Wg3! lose. s...:tes 6 i.g3!!

Again the only move based on a tactical justification (6 ...Wxg3 is stalemate). 6 ...'it>g4 7 Wxf2

The pawn falls with a draw.

Rook and Minor Piece Endings: Rook vs. Bishop

3...�f8

125.11

White to play

A major alternative is 3 ...'it>h8 4 h4 �d3 5 h5 �b1 6 .l::!. b7 �a2 7 .Ub8+ �g8 8 'it>g5 'it>g7 9 .l::!. b7+ 'it>h8 (or 9 ...'�f8 10 h6) 10 'it>g6 �c4 (the rook must follow the bishop's steps and move accordingly, so as to prevent any checks) 1 1 .Uh7+ 'it>g8 12 !i.d7! �h8 13 h6 �a2 14 h7 �b1 + 15 'it>h6 and wins. 4 h4 �d3 s�g3 � e 4 6�gs! The white king must now free the path of its pawn by retreating via the h5-square, at the same time without allowing the op­ ponent's king to return to h8. Thus it be­ comes evident why the pawn must not have crossed its fourth rank. 6 ...�f7!

Rook pawns are an exception to that which we have examined so far, assuming that the defending king occupies the promo­ tion square. If this square is of the same col­ our as the bishop, then the king is in the wrong comer and thus the side with the rook wins. If, however, the defending side has a bishop moving on the opposite colour, then the win is attainable only if the pawn has not crossed its fourth rank. The winning process is long and laborious. The first step is to force the defending king to the f-file. 1 WgS �b1 2 'it> h6 'it> g8 Nothing is changed by 2 ...�a2 3 I:!.h7+ 'it>g8 4 J;lg7+.

The best defence as 6 ...�d3 7 Wh5 �e2+ 8 c;t>g6 'it>g8 9 �d5 'it>f8 10 h5 is a simple win for White. 7.i:lg3 �c2

Or 7...'it>f8 8 'it>g5! 'it>g7 9 Wf4+. s 'it>h s

3.l::!.g7+

8 ...'it>f6

Alternatively, 8 ... �b1 9 l::t g5 (intending 'it>g4-f4 and h5-h6) 9 ...�c2 10 'it>g4 �g6 1 1 h5 �b1 12 h 6 �g6 13 Wf4 Wf6 1 4 .l::!. b5 �d3 15 �b7! and 16 h7; or 8 ... �d1+ 9 'it>g5! 'it>g7 10 �c3 �e2 1 1 h5 �fl 12 h6+ �h7 13 l:ic7+ c;t>h8 14 h7 and 15 'it>h6, when White wins in both cases. 9 li!.gs �d1+ 10 c;t>hG Wf7 11 :S.g7+ c;t>fG

Or 1 1 ...Wf8 12 c;t>g6 �e2 13 c;t>f6 intend2 27

Prac tical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

ing .li!.g5, h5-h6, I;!.g7 and h7. 12 .li!.g1.lte2 13 �g2 .ltd 3 14 I;!.f2+.ltf5 White also wins after 14 ...'it>e7 15 h5 .ltb1 16 rtlg7. 15 h5 'it>e6 16 �xf5 ! 'it>xf5 11 'it>g7 The h-pawn will queen.

Rook vs. Bishop and Pawn(s) Since the basic rook vs. bishop ending is drawn, the presence of one extra pawn (for the side with the bishop) does not affect the outcome. In those cases where the basic ending is lost, the presence of the extra pawn is again of no significance. If, how­ ever, the pawn is far advanced then, in some special cases, it can even be pro­ moted! Bishop and 2 pawns against a rook is a quite different situation: in this case, it is the side with the rook that is fighting for the draw. If the pawns are disjointed, though, the draw is not hard to achieve, although accuracy is required.

2 5.12

Black to play

is practically assured when the pawns have reached their sixth rank. 1 �f5 No improvement is the alternative l...'it>f6 2 �h6+ 'it>e7 3 �h7+ rtfd6 4 !!.h6+ �d7 5 !!.h7+ Wc6 6 !!.h6+ Wb5 7 .l:te6 .ltd4 8 �e8, maintaining the balance. 2 .li!.h5+ 'it>f4 3 l::t h 4+ Wf3 Or 3 ...'it>g5 4 .l:!.a4 Wf5 5 l::ta5. 4 .li!.h 5 e4+ 5 'tt> c 2 e3 6 !!.xd 5 e2 1 .Ud1! ...

White achieves the draw by sacrificing his rook. If, however, the pawns were fur­ ther advanced by one rank, then White would lack the time required to capture the d-pawn and then return to the first rank.

Rook and Pawn(s) vs. Bishop and Pawn(s)

Connected pawns are a source of dan­ ger. The attacking side is able to win only if the pawns have crossed their fifth rank, unless they are situated on a rook or knight-file, or if the rook is optimally placed, usually on its eighth rank. Victory 228

The four basic rules for the utilization of the material advantage by the attacking side are as follows: i. The main winning idea is the invasion of the attacking side's king into the enemy camp and, in particular, among the oppo­ nent's pawns, so as to capture them. ii. As many opposing pawns as possible must be forced on to squares of the same colour as that of the bishop. iii. Some pawns may be exchanged in order to pave the way for the king' s inva­ sion, but pawns must be retained on both sides of the board.

Rook and Minor Piece Endings: Rook vs. Bishop

iv. It is favourable to have an asymmet­ rical pawn structure, as a passed pawn usually co-operates with the rook very fa­ vourably. The sub-categories in this type of ending are several, as we will now explore.

i. Sa me n umber of pawns This is an easy win for the side with the rook, particularly when there are several pawns on the board. However, the more the material decreases, the more careful the attacking side must be, having to avoid cer­ tain exceptional cases that lead to a draw.

2 5.13

Black to play

11 �f5 i.c3 12 �e6 i.d4 13 ilxe5 .i.xe5 14 'it>xe5 'i¥ff7 15 �d6 The pawn ending is winning. Rook pawns (a and h) require the ut­ most attention. Here the king and the rook must co-operate in such a way to cut off the enemy king as far afield as necessary, so that it will be unable to return to the battle­ field in time to secure the draw. As there are a lot of drawing possibilities, a good theoretical understanding of this particular ending is essential.

2 5 .14 White will win by sacrificing his rook for the black bishop and pawn, transposing to a won pawn ending. 1 .....t>e6 Or l...Wc5 2 �h8! 'it>c6 3 �d8! .i.c5 4 'it>e2 .i.d4 5 �f3 .i.c5 6 �g4. 2 'i¥fc4 'i¥td6 3 �h6+ �d7 4 �d5 �e7 5 ,l;!h7+! Certainly not 5 .l:!.e6+?! �d7 6 �xeS? .i.xe5 7 ..t>xe5 �e7 with a draw. 5 ...�f6 The outcome is not changed by the al­ ternative 5 ...'i¥fe8 6 ..t>e6 �f8 7 .l:.h8+ �g7 8 l:lb8 �c3 9 �e7 .i.d4 10 l::tb l .i.c3 1 1 J:ifl. 6 �d6 i.c3 7 �b7! .i.d4 8 l:lb3 ..t>f7 9 �d7 'i¥ff6 10 �f3+ ..t>g6

Black to play

1 .. Jlc2+ 2 �b1 �b3 3 i.a7 The only way not to lose the bishop, unlike 3 i.d8? ,l;1d2. 229

Practical Endgame Play- Mastering the Basics

3 ...�h2! 4 Wc1 Wc3? Black should not allow the white king to escape to the opposite flank to its pawn. A simple win was on the cards with 4....l::!.h5! 5 .i.b6 .l::!.d5!. s wd1! Black wins after 5 'it>b1? l:!.b2+ 6 Wa1 (6 Wcl l:!.a2!) 6 ...'it>b3! 7 .i.b6 l:!.h2!. s ....l:!.d2+ 6 'it>e1 Or 6 Wcl.i:!.a2! with a double threat. 6 ...'it>d3 7 .i.b6 .l:!.h2! 8 .i.d8 .l::!. h 1+ 9 Wf2 .l::t h 8 10 .i.b6 nes 11 'it>f1 Wrong is 1 1 'it>g1 ? 'it>e2! and the white king will be cut off on the undesired h-file. 11 ... 'it>d2

We can create a table showing us the file on which the defending king must be cut off on in order to employ the winning plan, according to the placement of its fellow pawn. Naturally, in several cases the win can be achieved by cutting the king off on a file even nearer to the pawns.

Edge Pawn

12 ..tcs? White could hold the draw with 12 �f2! (or 12 Wg2) 12 .. JH8+ 13 'it>g2 We2 14 'it>g3! as Black cannot force the white king to move to the h-file. 12 ....iles ! 13 .i.b4+ The alternative effort, 13 .i.b6 .l::i. f5+ 1 4 Wg2 Wc3! 15 Wg3 'it>b4 1 6 �g4 .:xa5 1 7 .i.xa5+ �xa5 1 8 Wf3 �b4 19 �e2 Wb3 20 Wd2 b2, would also be in vain. 13 ... d 3 14 'it>f2 l:!.bs! 15 ..te1 �fs+ 16 �g3 'it>e2 ! 17 'it>g4 Or 17 .i.b4 (17 .i.c3 �f3+) 17 ....l::!.b5 18 .i.c3 .l::!. b3! and wins. 11 ...�cs ! Winning either the bishop ( 1 8 .i.b4 �c4+) or the pawn (18 .i.g3l:!.xa5). 230

a2 I h 2 a3 I h3 a 4 /h4 as 1 hs a6 I h 6

Cut-off File eld fie

glb hla hla

In general, we should especially know that when the pawns are placed on a4/h4, a5/h5 or a6/h6, then the defender's king cannot be forced to be cut off on the desir­ able file from the opponent's viewpoint. Furthermore, if the defending king has es­ caped to the opposite flank to its pawn, then the position should be characterized as a draw. Here are the important facts: i. Black wants to sacrifice the exchange back, when the white king is too far away . ii. Therefore the defending side must not allow his king to be pushed away be­ yond the 'undesirable' file. He should not

Rook and Minor Piece Endings: Rook vs. Bishop

move it above the 4th rank either. c. Usually the strongest side should place his king in diagonal opposition to the enemy king. d. White does not want his king to be too close to the rook pawn either - there the king will be in real danger. One exception to the general rule is the following example.

2 5.1 5

Black controls all the vital entry squares of the white king (b5, cS, c6, c7 and c8).

Black to play

1 �es �c7 2 �h7+ �b8 3 �d6 ..tf3 4 a4 ..te4 5 I!f7 ..tg2 6 b4 axb4 7 �f4 �b7 8 .!:l.xb4 �a6 9 rtlc7 wa s and the draw is obvious.

2 5.1 7

White, fully in accordance with the principle of economic defence, has maxi­ mized the efficiency of his pieces, keeping the black king away from the pawn. 1 ... gs 2 ..tc6 l::rf2 3 ..tb7 g4 4 ..tc6 The careless 4 J.c8? �f3! 5 ..txg4+ �xg3 would lose because the white king is in the wrong corner. 4 ... �f3 5 �g2 ! O f course not 5 J.xf3? �xf3 6 �h2 �f2 with a won pawn ending. s ...l:.f6 6 ..tb7 !I.b6 1 .taB There's no way past White's defences.

2 5.16

White to play

The principle of economical defence is also evident here. White cannot win, as

Black to play

As we already know, this is drawn. However, still some accuracy is needed. 1... J.d4? l.....tal! is the correct square for the bishop. The text move allows White to win a critical tempo. 2 l:.b4! J.c3 3 l:!.c4 J.b2 Or 3 ...i.el 4 Wf6 Wh7 5 :!.c6 ..txg3 6 �gS. 4 g4! hxg4 5 Itxg4 �h7 6 rtlf7 rt?h6 7 I!xg6+ 'it>hs 231

Practical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

l1d 5+ �g6 30 Wg4 Black doesn't even have the right­ coloured bishop to put up any more resis­ tance.

2 5.18

P.Leko-A.Beliavsky

White to play

I sta n b u l Olym piad 2000

8 l!g2 ! And White wins, although i t i s still far from easy: 8 ... i.. c 3 9 .l::!. h 2 i.. e 1 10 Wf6 i.. g 3 Or 10 ...i.. xh4+ 1 1 Wf5 and wins. 11 .l:th1 i..f2 12 Wf5 �e3 13 J::!. h 2 il.a7 14 �a2 i.. b 6 15 l1b2 il.c5 16 I:tc2 il.e3 Also insufficient for the defence is 16 ...il.d6 17 �d2 il.c5 18 Wf4 il.e7 19 .l:i.d7 i.. £8 20 �g3 il.d6+ 21 'it>h3 i.. £4 22 �d5. 11 'it>e4 i.. h 6 18 l1h2 il.g7 19 Wf4 i.f8 20 Wf3 il.a3 2 1 .l:i.a2 i.. e 7

Now White displays his main point, based on a beautiful zugzwang position: 22 ne2 i.f6 Note that 22 ...il.xh4 23 .l:th2 Wg5 24 .l:ih1 �h5 25 Wf4 wins the bishop. 2 3 Wf4 �d8 24 l'lc2! il.e7 2 5 .l::!. d 2 i.b4 26 .l:!.d8 i.. c 3 2 7 Wg3 il.e5+ 2 8 Wh3 i.f4 29 232

This is a good example of how to defend the position with accuracy. 72 g4!? A last try. 72 ... hxg4 73 .l::!. xg4 Wh6! This counterattack against the weak h4pawn secures the draw. 74 �g5 i.. c 3 7 5 Wf7 i.. e 1 76 .l::!.x g6+ 'it>h5 7 7 .l:!.g1 i..f2 77...i.xh4 is also a draw. 78 l:tg2 i.. e 1 79 'it>f6 'it>xh4 79...i.. c3+ draws too, but 79...i.b4? loses! 8o �f5 �g3 81 .l::!. c 2 �h3 82 .l:tc3 Wh4 83 nc8 il.d6 84 l:!c3 i.. b 8 85 .:c8 i.. d 6 86 l::!. g 8 Wh3 87 We4 �h4 88 .l:!.g6 i.c7 89 'it>f3 Wh5 90 l1c6 i.b8 91 .l;!.b6 i.. c 7 92 l:!.b7 i.. d 8 93 Wf4 �g6 94 l:ta7 �f6 9 5 �a6+ We7 96 'it>e5 il.c7+ 97 Wd 5 il.g3 98 .lita 3 i..f4 99 .l:!.f3 i.. c 7 100 .l::!. h 3 i.f4 101 .l::!. h 8 i.. g 3 102 .l::!. h 6 i..f4 103 l:Ie6+ Wf7 104 .l:!.b6 We7 105 'it>e4 i.. d 6 106 Wf5 �d7 101 l:ib2 il.c7 108 J:!g2 Wd6 109 .U.g6+ �d5 110 .l:!.g7 Wd6 111 We4 Wc6 112 .l:!.g6+ �c5 Yz-Yz

Rook a n d Min o r Piece E n di n gs: Rook vs. Bishop

2 5 .19

E.Grivas-A.Minasian

White to play

E u ropea n Tea m C h a m pio n s h i p, De brecen 1992

White can win by bringing his king t o e6 when Black will be forced into a defensive set-up with his king on g8 and his bishop on the long al-h8 diagonal. Then the ad­ vance h4-h5 will follow, breaking Black's defences. 62 g4?? fxg4+ 63 Wxg4 After 63 hxg4 .i.f6 the position is a theo­ retical draw, as analysed above. Of course, 63 'it>xg4 also leads to a drawn position! White tried for several more moves, but Black knew what he needed to do. 63 ... .i.c1 64 'it>f3 .i.g5 6 5 l::t d 4 Wg7 66 We4 .i.c1 67 'it>d 5 'iid6 .i.e3 69 �e4 .i.c1 70 Wd7 'iie8 .i.a 3 7 3 �a 7 .i.c5 74 .l:!.c7 .i.a 3 7 5 .:tf7+ Wg5 76 .:f3 .i.d6 77 'it>f7 Wh4 78 �xg6 .i.g3 79 Wf5 Wxh 3 80 lle3 'it>g2 81 Wg4 .i.d6 82 �e2+ Wg1 8 3 'i¥tf3 .i.c7 84 �g2+ 'it>h1 Yz-Yz

2 5 .20

J.Adamski-E.Grivas

White to play

Ath e n s 1984

Black is forced to wait passively, be­ cause he cannot employ one of the defen­ sive methods analysed earlier as his bishop must protect the a-pawn and thus cannot be maintained on the al -h8 diagonal. 29 'ii< e 4 .i.f2 30 'it>e5 h 5 3 1 'it>d6 g5 White's threat is 32 'it>d7-e8. Conse­ quently, 3 l . . .Wf6 32 �d7 'it>g5 33 We8 f5 34 Wf7 doesn't help Black. 32 g4 hxg4 33 hxg4 �g6 34 :b5 .i.e1 3 5 a 3 .i.c3 36 'i¥te7 .i.f6+ 3 7 'i¥te8 .i.c3 3 8 l::tf 5 f 6 39 .l;!.b5 c;i;>g7 40 �c5 .i.d4 41 �d5 .i.c3 42 l:Ld7+ Wg6 43 �d6 'it>g7 44 .Ua6 .i.d4 45 'i¥te7 .i.c5+ 46 We6 �g6 47 a4 .i.d4 1-0

ii. One pawn for the excha nge In this case the side with the rook usually wins as well, provided that the pawns re­ maining on the board are enough and lo­ cated on at least two different sectors of the board. 233

P ractical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

Black resigned, as White, with the help of the manoeuvre l:!.c5-c8-g8, will win con­ trol of the important squares f7 and f5, through which his king will penetrate. Sometimes even the side with the bishop can win, as we will see in the next example:

2 5. 2 1

E.Grivas-I.Marinkovic

49 b5 .i:txh2 Also hopeless is the alternative 49 ...cJi>c2 50 .ie3 h5 51 gxh6 I!.h5+ 52 'it>c6 g5 53 �c7 lixh6 54 b6 f6 55 b7 :!.h7+ 56 cJi>c6 l:Ixb7 57 'it>xb7. 50 ii.e3 cJi>c3 Or 50...l::!.h 1 51 b6 l::!. d 1+ 52 Wc6 �d8 53 b7 .l:tg8 54 �c7, winning.

Black to play

Le n i ngrad 1989

51 b6 �h1 5 2 b7 llb1 5 3 Wc6 cJi>d3 53 ...lhb7 54 cJi>xb7 �d3 55 'it>c8 �e4 56 Wd8 is also easy for White. 54 j£,b6 1-0 White correctly chose to enter an ending in which Black must be particularly careful. The passed b-pawn and the centralized white king are the factors that led White to an earlier exchange sacrifice. Although the position cannot be won against correct de­ fence, the sacrifice was clearly the best practical try. 46 ... .l:!.c7+! Activation of the rook is a basic princi­ ple. After all, a passive rook is unable to meet the requirements of practically every position. 47 'it>d6 .l:.c4 48 'it>d 5 .l:ih4?? A serious error. By means of 48 ....l:!.c2! 49 .ie3 �c3 50 b5 'it>b4 51 b6 �aS 52 .ic5 (or 52 �d6 �a6 53 �e7 .l:!.c4 54 Wxf7 kth4) 52 ...c.t>a6 53 �c6 fib2 Black would have held the draw. 2 34

iii. Two pawns for the exchange A very complex case, in which the exact disposition of the pawn-structure plays a major role. As a bishop and two pawns are, materially speaking, approximately equal to a rook, such endings are usually drawn. However, if the side with the bishop has two passed pawns and is able to support their advance with the king, then this side can win. If, however, the pawns are weak or the pawn structure is in general sub­ optimal, then the side with the rook has the upper hand.

2 5.2 2

A.Wittek-J.Schwarz G ra z 1880

White to play

Rook and Minor Piece Endings: Rook vs. Bishop

.l:!.b1 + 61 Wa2 .l::!.b7 62 Wa3 .li!.b1 63 aS .Ua1 + 64 �b4 l::l.b 1 + 65 �cS .l::!.a 1 66 Wb6 l:tb1 + 67 Wc6 .l:.a1 68 i.c7! (but not 68 �b6? .l:!.b1+ 69 �a7 �a1 70 a6 .l:!.a2 71 'it>b7 .l:!.b2+ 72 �aS? �a2 73 a7 .l:!.b2 with a draw) 68 ...�cl+ 69 �b7 �d7 (or 69 ...�b1+ 70 i.b6 �xeS 71 a6 �e6 72 a7 .l:!.a1 73 i.d4) 70 i.b6 �e6 71 a6 'it>xeS 72 a7 �a1 73 f7.

2 5.2 3

J.Biackburne-J.Mason

White to play

Berl i n 1 881

If the queenside pawns were to be re­ moved from the board, the position would be drawn. Here, however, White has the additional opportunity of attacking the bS­ pawn. 45 f4! �h6+ 46 �e5 �d7 47 f5 .l:!.h1 The rook must be placed behind the pawns. 48 �f6 .l::!. h 2 49 e5 �e8 50 �e6! Inferior is 50 e6? l::te2!. 50...l::t h 1 51 �d 5 �h5 The loss cannot be averted by the natu­ ral 51 ...1:!.£1 52 f6 l::t f2 53 �c6! l::t e2 54 ..id6 l:!.b2 55 e6 .l::!. f2 56 f7+ .l:!.xf7 57 exf7+ �xf7 58 �xbS either. 52 f6 �f7 5 3 i.c3 �e8 54 �c6 �h3 5 5 ..ib4 �f7 56 �xb5 'it>e6 57 i.d6 1-0

Black resigned in view of the long varia­ tion 57...I:i.b3+ 58 'it>c4 �b1 59 a4 l:ta1 60 �b3

White is in trouble as the two pawns which he has as compensation for the ex­ change are immobilized and weak. Thus the value of these two extra pawns is rather small, as they cannot become threatening and so play no significant part in the pro­ ceedings. It is therefore not surprising that White's position collapses relatively quickly. 64 g4!? An active survival attempt, as the pas­ sive 64 �g2 llc2+ 65 �g1 �f3 66 i.eS l:.e2 would make Black's task easy. Although White does not eventually avoid defeat, the text was his best practical chance. 64 ... hxg4 65 �g2 .l::!. d l 66 h 5 �d3 67 h6 �h3 68 i.g7 �f5 69 �f2 �g6 10 �g2 .l:!.xh6 71 i.xh6 �xh6 7 2 'it>g3 �g5 7 3 �g2 �f4 74 �f2 �e4 7 5 Wg3 235

Prac tic al E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

47 ctJb6 ctJb4 4 8 b3 .lac6 49 ctJb5 �cl! The rook heads for its proper post, be­ hind the passed pawn. 50 ctJd4 i.. a 6 51 ctJc4 .laa1 5 2 Wf2 Wf8 5 3 i.. e 2 i.. xc4 54 i.. xc4 .laxa 5

7 5 ... �d3 ! The careless 75 . . . 'it>d4? 76 �xg4 'it>c4 77 'it>f3 'it>xb4 78 We3 Wb3 79 Wd4! leads to a draw. 76 Wxg4 Wc2 77 Wf4 �xb2 78 �e3 'it>c3 0-1

2 5.24

A.Kofidis-E.Grivas

Black to play

G reek Champion s h i p, Volos 1996

The main source of danger has been eliminated and the rest is technique... 55 Wf3 We7 56 h4 f6 5 7 g3 .l:!es 5 8 Wf4 �e1 59 l2lf3 .l:!.d1 Go We3 l2Jc6 61 l2Jd2 l2le5 62 .te2 �c1 63 ctJe4 .Ub1 64 l2ld2 I!.g1 65 Wf2 .lac1 66 b4 �c2 67 We3 l:tc3+ 68 �f2 l2J g4+ 69 �el J::i. c l+ 70 i.. d 1 ctJe3 71 We2 ctJxdl 72 ctJb3 �C3 0-1

iv. Th ree (or more) pawns for the exchange This case usually results in an easy victory for the side with the bishop, as the rook is unable to stop all the pawns.

2 5.25

R.Fine-P.Keres

White practically has two pawns for the exchange, as the extra black kingside pawn is not of much use at the moment. Black's top priority is the immobilization of the passed white pawns and then their capture. 46 J;!f6! Preventing 47 a6 and simultaneously trying to force the retreat of the dangerous knight from c7. •.

236

Black to play

Amste rdam 1 9 3 8 (see following diagram) Despite the fact that White has suc­ ceeded in blockading the passed black pawns, the position is won for Black, since he can easily create another passed pawn on the kingside.

Rook a n d Mi n o r Piece E n din gs: Rook vs. Bishop

head for e4 and then, with the help of the ...f5-f4 advance at the appropriate moment, the position would win itself. The presence of a light-squared bishop implies a weaken­ ing of the f2-square. Therefore, Black must bring his king to el, forcing White to push the f-pawn to f4 in view of the threat of ....l::!.b2/d2. Then, Black will prepare the ... g5 advance by placing his rook on g7. 46 ...'>t>e7 47 iLa2 h6 48 iLb3 �c7 49 .1La2 Wd6 50 Wh3 We5 5 1 Wg4 l:.a7 5 2 iLb3 l:.b7

45 ... g5 46 �e1 '>t>f6 47 �g1 '>t>g6 48 !:!.e1 .1Lf6 49 .l::!. g 1 g4 50 fxg4 f4 51 g5 iLd4 52 .l:!.d1 iLe3 5 3 '>t>xc3 iLc1 54 .l::!. d 6+ '>t>xg5 55 .l:i.b6 f3 56 Wd3 Wf4 5 7 .l::!. b 8 Wg3 o-1

Rook and Pawns vs. Bishop and Pawns on the Same Flan k This particular type of ending is often seen in practice. Related examples have already been examined in the previous section.

2 5.2 6

J.Speelman-G.Kasparov

Black to play

Gra z 1981

5 3 Ji.d1 53 iLa2 We4! is even simpler. 53 1::!. b 2 54 Wf3 Wd4 5 5 .1Le2 .l:.b3+ 56 Wg2 Wc3 57 iLf3 l:ib5 58 Ji.c6 llc5 59 iLeB .l:!c7 60 Wf1 Wd2 61 .1La4 llc1+ 62 Wg2 We1 63 iLb3 '!J.c7 64 f4 We2 The second stage of the plan begins. 65 iLd5 '>t>e3 66 iLaB f6! 67 W g1 •••

Such endings are easily won for the side with the rook. If the bishop was a dark­ squared one, then the black king would 2 37

Practical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

67 .. Jig7 ! 68 �g2 gs 69 hxgs hxgs 70 fxgs .U.xgs ! o-1 White resigned in view of 71 �c6 f5 72 �h3 �f2.

1 25.27

Black to play

1 ... gs ! ! The only way a s the pawn ending re­ sulting from l...�c7 2 �a8 �a7 3 �c6 �d4 4 �f2 �c5 5 �f3 �a2+ 6 'it>fl .Ua3 7 �f2 l:txf3+ 8 �xf3 �d4 9 �f2! is drawn. However, if we move the entire starting position (all the pieces and pawns) one square to the left, then Black would have an additional win­ ning plan at his disposal (transition to a pawn ending), as the bishop would lack a sufficient number of squares on the gl-a7 diagonal and thus Black's king would not have to move away from the theatre of ac­ tion. 2 hxgs No help is offered by 2 fxg5 f4 3 gxf4 (3 g6 f3 4 g7 �g2+ 5 �fl �xg3) 3 . . . �xf4, when the white pawns will be lost. 2 ... h4 3 gxh4 Not 3 g6? l::tc7! . 3 ...l:tc7 ! A very accurate move. Instead 3 . . . �f2? leads to a draw after 4 �g2!! (but not 4 �c8 �xf4 5 g6 �e4!) 4 .. Jhf4 5 �h3! l:txh4 6 �xf5 l::!.h5 7 �d7 :S.xg5+, despite the fact that the 238

white king is near the wrong corner, and 3 . . . �xf4? also fails to achieve the aim: 4 g6 .l::!. c7 5 h5! (drawing, unlike 5 �d5? �g3 6 �fl f4! ) . 4 �ds .l::!. h 7 ! s �e6

s ... �e4! 5 . . . �xf4 6 g6 I!.xh4 7 �f2 l:tg4 8 �f7 �e4 9 �e8 'it>e5 10 Wf3 is also fine, but the text­ move is more accurate. 6 g6 llxh4 7 �f7 l:txf4 8 'it>g2 'it>e3 9 �h3 �g4 10 �e6 �f4 11 �f7 �g3+ 12 �h4 .l::tg 1 13 �h3 'it>e3 Black wins.

25.28 S.Webb-M.Vukic

White to play

E u ro pea n Tea m C h a m pio n s h i p, S ka ra 1980

Ro ok and Min o r Piece Endings: R o o k vs. Bishop

The doubled black g-pawn occupies the important g4-square, which is needed for Black's king after an . . . f5-f4 advance. There­ fore the position is drawn. 64 i.e3 �f6 65 i.e5 �f5 66 i.e3 �e4 67 i.g5 f5 6a i.e3 �d3 69 �f1 l:tb7 10 i.f4 ltb1+ 71 Wg2 �e2 72 i.e3 l:tb3 73 i.d4 .l:!.f3 74 i.e5 Wd3 75 i.d6 �e2 76 i.e5 f4 77 gxf4 Wd3 ! ? 7a i.d6 White cannot retain the pawn anyway. After 78 i.e7 We4 79 i.g5 Wf5 80 i.h6 l:ta3 81 i.gS l:th3, he must continue with 82 i.e7 and not with 82 �gl g3! . 78 ... �e4 79 i.e7 Wf5 ao i.da nxf4 a1 i.e7 l:tf3 a 2 .tda We4 a3 i.g5 Wd3 a4 i.e7 'it>e2 85 i.e5 �h3 a6 i.e7 'it>d3 a7 i.da We4 aa i.f6 l:tb3 a9 .ltg5

62 'it>e3 .tea 63 Wd4 i.h3 64 �e5 .tea 65 l:tf6 i.h3 65 . . . i.b7 66 f5 i.xf3 67 fxg6 i.dS 68 gxf7 i.xf7 69 Wf5 does not help either. 66 f5 ! .tg2 The continuation 66 . . . i.xf5 67 l:txf5 gxf5 68 �xf5 f6 69 'it>e6 'it>g6 70 f4 leads to a won pawn ending. 67 fxg6 fxg6 6a f4 i.h3 69 l:.a6 i.f5 70 .l:!.a7+ Wh6 7 1 Wf6 i.e4 7 2 l:!.d7 .lte2

a9 ... g3 ! ? A last try, but a futile one nevertheless. 90 fxg3 .l:!.b2+ 91 �g1 Wf3 92 i.f4 l:ta2 9 3 i.e 5 l:i.g2+ 94 �h1 J::tx g3 9 5 i.xg3 �xg3 9 6 h 5 ! Yz-Yz

White to play V.Andreev-G.Chepukaitis 2 5.2 9

St Pete rs b u rg 1998

A weak pawn structure i s not necessar­ ily a disadvantage. In this position White can, if necessary, employ the f5 break­ through twice: a factor which eases his task.

73 l:tda! Wh7 74 �g5 i.f5 75 �aa i.e4 76 l:!a7+ 'it>ga 77 'it>f6 .itd3 1a l:ig7+ 'it>ha 79 .l:ixg6 1-0

2 5.30

V.Mikhalevski-J.Bosch

White to play

Hoogeveen 1998

239

Practical Endgame P l ay - Mastering the Basics

.l:!.xf6 �g5 83 �f7 ..lte5 84 �e4 ..tf6 85 l::tf8 h3 86 .l:!.g8+ 'it>h4 87 �f3 ..lte5 88 lilg6 h2 89 Wg2 Wh5 with a drawn position as White cannot improve his pieces. However, of course this would have obliged Black to find a lot of difficult moves. 61 wgs 62 'it>c4 'it>h7?! 63 'it>d 5?! �gs 64 �g2 �f7 6 5 �g6 'it>e7 66 .l:!.g3 'i¥i>f7 67 �g2 ..lth4 6S �a2 c.t>gs 69 .U.a6 �f6 10 .l:!.c6 Wh7?! 7 1 We6?! 'it>gS 7 2 'it>d7?! �f7 ! 7 3 lieS �h4 74 r.t>d6 �e7+ 7 5 Wd5 ..tf6? This game is full of mistakes but still very instructive. Instead 75 ... Wf6! was the only move, with a drawn position. ..•

White's pawn structure seems too weak to promise serious winning chances. There is, however, a hidden nuance. 60 �aS+ Wh7?! Correct was 60 ...Wf7! . 61 .l:!.a 2?! White should have tried the following plan: 61 We4 �c3 62 �d5 ..ltf6 63 'it>e6 ..ltc3 64 Wf7 ..ltf6 65 l:!.e8 ..ltc3 (or 65 ... ..th4 66 �e6 ..ltd8 67 �g6!) 66 Ii.e5!! ..ltd2 67 f6! gxf6 68 �f5 ..ltc3 69 .U.h5 ..ltd2 70 .l:i.h4 �c3 71 �h2 ..ltd4 72 f5 �e5 73 .l:.g2 h5 74 lig7+ Wh6 75 l:.g6+ �h7 76 �e6 ..ltd4 77 �d5 ..lte5 78 �e4 h4 (78 ... ..tc3 79 'it>f3 ..lte5 80 �g2 ..ltd4 81 �h3) 79 .:g4 ..ltg3 80 Wf3

76 �e4? White misses the win with 76 .l:!.c7+! �e7 77 �e5 h5 78 f6! gxf6+ 79 �f5 h4 80 �cl. 76 ..lth4 77 Wf3 �f6 7S �as ..lth4 79 Wg4 ..tf6 So .l:r.bS ..te7 S1 �b7 �f6 S2 �c7 Wf7 S3 �a7 Wf6 S4 Wf3 ..ltb4 S 5 .l:.c7 ..lte7 S6 We4 ..ltdS S7 l:!.a7 ..lte7 SS l::t d 7 �b4 S9 �c7 ..lte7 90 .UcS Wf7 91 .l:!.c7 �f6 92 �a7 ..tdS 93 J:.a6+ �f7 94 f6 ..txf6 95 �f5 g6+ 96 �e4 h5 97 l!a7+ 'it>e6 9S �a6+ �f7 99 f5 gxf5+ 100 �xf5 ..lte7 101 �h6 �b4 102 l:!.h7+ �es 103 .l:.b7 �c5 104 �e6 �ds 105 .l:.d7+ c.t>cs 106 �h7 h4 101 r.t>d 5 ..tf2 1os �c6 'it>ds 109 .l:!.f7 ..tg3 110 Wd 5 'it>eS 111 �h7 WdS 112 We6 'it>cS 113 l:tg7 �dS 114 �d7+ 'it>cS 115 �h7 �dS 116 �xh4 ..ltxh4 Yz-Yz .••

80 ...�h6! (but not 80 ...�e1 ? 81 l;!g6 ..ltc3 82 'it>g4 when White wins) 81 .l:.g6+ �h5 82

24 0

Chapter Twenty- Six

I

Rook and Minor Piece Endings: Rook vs. Knight

This ending has much in common with the ending of rook vs. bishop, although the knight is inferior to the bishop in this case. That's because it is by nature unable to gain or lose a tempo and so the side with the knight can more easily land up in zugzwang.

Without Pawns This ending is, i n general, drawn. I t i s best for the defending king to remain in the cen­ tre and, unsurprisingly, all the exceptions to the rule occur when the king is restricted to the edge of the board. In order to win, the attacking side must either create mating threats, leading to the win of the knight, or force the knight away from its king and then surround and win it.

2 6.1

R.Kuczynski-E.Grivas

Black to play

S h a rj a h 1 9 8 5

62 .l:!.a4 63 tt:Jd5 .l::!. a 5 64 We4 Wf7 65 We5 .l::!. a 1 66 tt:Jc3 .l:!.h1 67 tt:Jd 5 .l:.e1+ 68 Wf5 �e8 69 tt:Jf6+ cj;; e 7 10 tt:Je4 Wd7 1 1 We5 Wc6 72 Wd4 1:ta1 7 3 tt:Jc3 �h1 74 tt:Je2 Wd6 7 5 tt:Jf4 .l:!.a1 76 cj;; e 4 l:a 5 77 tt:Jg6 �e6 78 tt:Jf4+ �f6 79 tt:Jd5+ .l:!.xd 5 80 �xd 5 Yz-Yz •••

In the next example the knight and king are centralized and Black again succeeds in drawing:

(see following diagram) Black is unable to win, as White keeps his king centralized and the knight remains near its king. Black kept trying, but without success of course.

White to play E.Grivas-O.Stefanopoulos 2 6.2

Ath e n s (ra pid) 19 9 8

241

Practical E n dgam e P l ay - Masterin g the Basics

67 'it>b4 'it>d4 68 �d6+ We3 69 Wc3 We4 70 .l:id4+ 'it>fs 71 .l:ih4 'it>e6 72 �f4 'it>d6 73 'it>d4 'Llc6+ 74 We4 'Lle7 75 .U.f6+ Wd7 76 �d4 'Llc6+ 77 �cs 'Lle7 78 l:.a6 �e8 79 Ith6 Wd7 80 .l:if6 �e8 81 Wd4 Wd7 82 .l::t a 6 'Llc6+ 83 l:.xc6 'it>xc6 Yz-Yz In the following two examples, the at­ tacking side has succeeded in restricting the opponent's king to the edge of the board.

126.3

Black to play

The white knight has been forced away from its king and will be lost. 1 'it>f4 2 iDes .!i:!.e2+! 3 'it>h3 Alternatively, 3 'it>£1 �c2 and now: a) 4 'Lld3+ 'it>e3 S iDeS .l:.cS 6 'Lld7 (or 6 'Llg4+ 'it>f3 7 'Llh2+ �g3) 6 ...l::!. gS! 7 'Llb6 'it>d4 8 'it>e2 ..•

24 2

!!g7! and Black wins. b) 4 'Llb3 We3 S 'LlaS .lacS 6 'Llb7 .l::t dS, trapping the knight. c) 4 'Lla6 We4 S 'Llb8 WdS 6 'Lld7 �c6! and again the knight is lost. d) 4 'Lle6+ (the best try) 4...We3! S 'LlgS (or S Wg1 l:.c6 6 'Lld8 .Ug6+ 7 �fl Wf3 8 �e1 l:If6 9 'Llb7 .l:.fS 10 �d2 .U.bS) s...l:lf2+ 6 �g1 J::i.fS 7 'Lle6 (also hopeless and relatively quick is 7 'Llh3 �f3 8 'Llf2 l:.dS 9 'Llh3 .l:i.bS! 10 �h2 .l:.hS) 7....UeS 8 'Lld8 (neither 8 'Llc7 Wf3 9 'Lla6 .:!.gS+ 10 Wh2 .l:!.g2+ 1 1 Wh1 Wg3! nor 8 'Llf8 �e7 9 'it>h2 We4 10 'Llg6 .l:ih7+ save White either) 8 ...We4 9 'Llc6 .l:!.cS 10 'Llb4 lic4 1 1 'Lla6 WdS 12 �f2 Wd6 13 �e3 l:ta4 and wins. 3 :.tfs ! And not 3 ....l:!.c2? 4 'Lle6+ with a draw. 4 Wg3 ! Black's task is easier after both 4 'Llb7 l::t c2 S 'Lld6+ Wf4! 6 'LlbS 'it>eS 7 Wg4 l':lb2 8 'Llc7 .Ub7 and 4 �h4 .l:ib2! S 'Lld3 .l:.c2 6 'Lle1 l:te2 7 'Llf3 'it>f4. 4 llc2 ! 5 'Lla4 We4 6 Wg4 l:.c6 7 'Llb2 We3 ! 7...Wd4? 8 'Lld1 .l:!.c2 9 Wf3 allows White to escape with a draw. 8 \it>fs ! .•

..•

8 ... 'it>d4! The last accurate move: 8 ...'it>d2? 9 WeS �c3 10 WdS l::i. c8 1 1 'Lla4+ 'it>b4 12 'Llb6 would lead to a draw. 9 Wf4 l:tc1! 10 'Lla4 l!tb1 Black wins.

Rook a n d Mi n o r Piece E n di n gs: Rook vs. K n ight

from its pawn, this ending is won.

I....2_6_._4

w

h_ite__to_p_la_y��

______________

1 Wc6! 1 Wb6? tt::l d8! would be a serious mis­ take, allowing Black to draw! 1 ...tt::l d 8+ Or l...tt::l aS+ 2 '>t>b6 tt::l c4+ 3 'it>bS tt::l d6+ 4 'it>c6 tt::l c4 5 .l:f.b7+ Wc8 6 .l:tbS �d8 7 l:!.cS tt::l e3 8 l:!.gS tt::lc4 9 Wc5 tt::l aS 10 �bS and wins. 2 '>t>d7 tt::l b 7 3 Ith5 'it>a7 4 'it>c8 tt::l d 6+ 5 'it>c7 tt:Je8+ 6 'it>c6 tt::lf6

26.5 White to play L----------------------� �

An important theoretical draw, as the white king is unable to help its pawn. 1 'it>g2 'it>e2 ! 2 llg3 Hoping that the king will be able to ap­ proach via h3-g4-f4-e4. 2 tt::lf5 ! 3 .l:.h3 tt::l d 4 There's no way to make progress. ...

The following example shows another theoretical draw, in which the attacking king is again unable to approach its pawn.

26.6

Black to play

1 .l:.h4 wbs s .l:!.f4 tt::l h 5 9 l:f7 tt:lg3 10 .l:.b7+ �a8 11 �c7 Mate will follow down the a-file.

Rook and Pawn vs. Kni ght Apart from a few exceptions, which occur when the attacking king is too far away

1 ...tt::l b 7 2 We5 tt::l a 5 3 '>t>d 5 tt::l b 7 4 1:l.f6 tt::l a 5 5 243

Practical E n dga m e Play - Masteri n g the Basics

.l::!.e 6 l2Jb7 6 '>t>e5 CLJa 5 7 'it>f6 �a6! 8 '>t>e5 Or 8 'it>e7 'it>b7 and 9 ...l2Jc4. s 'it>b5 9 'it>d 5 The draw is clear. ...

26.7

White to play

Wa7 7 Wc7 CLJb8 8 �a5 WaS 9 �b5) 6 '>t>c8 Wa7 7 l:!.a5 CLJd6+ 8 �c7 l2Jc4 9 l:ta4 CLJb6 10 l:!.d4 CLJa8+ 1 1 Wc6 l2Jb6 1 2 l:!.b4 CLJc8 13 Wc7 CLJe7 14 �b5, winning. 5 'it>c6 CLJc3 6 .l:!.c4 CLJb1 7 �c1 CLJd2 Or 7...l2Ja3 8 Wc5!. 8 Wb5 And Black loses as 9 l:!.c7+ is next up.

Rook vs. Knight and Pawn Naturally, this ending is usually drawn. As usual, there do, though, exist a few excep­ tions.

1 26.8

In contrast to other types of endings, here the presence of a pawn on a rook file is in the attacker's favour, because additional mating ideas arise, while the knight is very restricted in its movements. This ending is won for the attacking side: 1 .l:!.a4! l2Jc6 2 Wd 5 l2Ja7 3 Wd6 The winning idea is to transfer the white king to b8. 3 ... CLJb5+ 4 '>t>d7

White to play

Black's king is already on the edge of the board. White first wins the pawn and then takes advantage of the bad position of the black king. 1 Wc3 ! h2 2 l:!.h4 l2Jc2 3 l:!.xh2 CLJe3 4 Wd3 l2Jd5 The knight is also lost after all of 4...CLJd1 5 .l:th1, 4...l2Jg4 5 l:!.e2 and 4...CLJf5 5 l:!.h5. 5 l:!.h4 '>t>b2 6 .l:!.d4 White wins.

Rook vs. Knight and Pawns 4 Wa7 Or 4...l2Ja7 5 �d8 CLJb5 (5...CLJc6+ 6 'it>c8 •..

244

If the side with the knight has three or more extra pawns, then victory is not far away. With only two extra pawns, the re­ sult depends on the placement of the de-

Rook an d Mi n o r Piece En di n gs: Rook vs. Kn ight

fending king (i.e. the one of the side with the rook). If the king is in front of the pawns then a draw is the most likely result, but if the king is away from the pawns, then the side with the knight has very good winning chances.

White to play

2 6.9

Black cannot win this position, as he is unable to advance his pawns without al­ lowing their immobilization. 1 'it>e1 d2+ Or l...�c4 2 l:.c8+ Wb3 3 lidS! lt:if4 4 l:.xd3+ lt:ixd3+ 5 �e2 with a draw. 2 We2 �c4 3 l:.c8+ Wb3 4 .l:i.d8 The draw is clear: 4...Wc4 5 l:.c8+ �d4 6 J:::!.d8 is pointless and, obviously, 4... lt:ic3+ 5 Wxe3 dl"iV 6 �xdl lt:ixdl+ doesn't count as progress.

26.10

P.Pandavos-E.Grivas

39 'it>g3 bs If Black passively defends his pawns he can make no progress. His aim must be to capture the white a3-pawn. 40 .l:.b2 'it>cs 41 Wxg4 as 42 'it>gs lt:ie3 43 'it>xg6 lt:ic4 44 J::t c 2 'it>d4 45 �a2 Wc3 46 �fs Wb3 47 llh2 lt:ixa 3 48 We4 b4 49 Wd4 lLibS+ 49 ...lt:ic2+ 50 Wc5 a4 51 .Uxc2! Wxc2 52 Wxb4 is of no help because White can achieve a draw by attacking the black pawns with his king from the rear. so 'it>cs lt:ic3

White to play

Athens 1981

(see following diagram) White's task appears difficult. His first concern must be the cleaning up of the kingside.

5 1 l:.h3! a4 52 �h4 lt:ia2 5 3 J:ih3+ �b2 54 �bS a3 55 �a4! Yz-Yz

2 6.11

I.Nikolaidis-E.Grivas

Black to play

Corfu (ra pid} 1996

245

Practical E n dgame P l ay - Masterin g the Basics

Black wins.

The passed black pawns are powerful and the black knight will become even stronger upon its arrival on e5. Furthermore, the presence of several pawns favours Black, who thus has additional targets. 49 ... b3 so :b1 Or 50 :dl l:::txdl 51 �xdl �b4 and wins. so .. :i¥tb4 5 1 .l::t gg1 c4 52 �gd 1 .l::!.x d1 5 3 :xd1 'Des White has no counterplay and is unable to efficiently stop Black's pawns. 54 l:td8 c3 5 5 .l:.b8+ �a 3 56 l:.bs 'Dc4 57 �d1 �b2 0-1

In the following example we can see one of the few exceptions, in which the side with the knight manages to draw thanks to his favourable placement and to the immo­ bilized pawn structure, which always fa­ vours the knight.

2 6.1 3

Black to play

Rook and Pawn vs. Knight and Pawn The closer the pawn is to the edge of the board, the easier the win is for the side with the rook! This exception, in comparison with other types of endings, is characteris­ tic of the downside of the knight.

2 6.12

Black to play (see following diagram)

1 .. :i¥tf6 2 'Dh3 Or 2 �g4 l::tb4 3 'it>f3 'it>f5 4 'Dg2 l::tb3+ 5 'De3+ 'it>e5 with play similar to the main line. 2 ....l:.b3+ 3 �g2 �fs 4 'Dt2 �f4 s 'Dh3+ 'lt>g4 6 'Df2+ 'it>xh4 24 6

1 ...�c6 2 'lt>d2 l:lhs 3 �d3 �b6 4 �d2 Inferior is 4 �e2 �c6 5 �f3? .l::!.h4 6 'DfS .:e4 and Black wins. 4 ...�bs s �d3 �b4 6 �d2 �b3 1 'lt>d3 �b2 s �d2 ..l::!. h 2+ g �d3 J::t h 3 10 �d2 J::t h s 11 �d3 �c1 12 �c3 ! l:lh3 13 �d 3 �g3 14 �e2 .:gs 1S �d3 Black's king is unable to approach the white pawn.

Rook an d Mi n or Piece E n din gs: Rook vs. K n igh t

2 6.14

Benko

White to play

3 �h4! Again the only way to win: 3 �d7? Wf5 4 .l:.h4 �g5 allows Black to secure the draw. 3 ... tt:lxc4 4 �xc4 Wd S 5 .l:!.c1! c4 6 'lt>d7! 'it>cs 7 'lt>c7! White wins.

Rook and Pawns vs. Knight and Pawns Endings of this type are usually winning for the side with the rook. The general strategy in these endings consists of actions such as restricting the knight, weakening the oppo­ nent's pawn structure, invading with the king and creating a passed pawn. The task of the attacking side is made easier by the presence of as many pawns as possible. In this excellent 1987 study, White wins with a series of accurate moves. 1 C4+! Only a draw occurs after 1 .l:!.h4? tt:lb2! 2 Wd7 c4 3 .l::!. h5+ (or 3 �c7 tt:la4! 4 .Uh3 tt:lxc3!) 3 ... �e4 4 \t>c6 tt:ld1 ! 5 .l::i. h4+ (5 .l:th3 �f5!) 5 ... �d3 6 .l:.d4+ Wxc3! . 1 ... �es l.. .Wc6 2 l:If6+ Wc7 3 �e6 �c6 4 .l::!.f8 loses. 2 ktg4!! The only move, as 2 .l:!.h4? tt:le1 !! (but not 2 . . . tt:lb2? 3 Wd7 tt:lxc4 4 .Uxc4 'lt>d5 5 .Uc2! c4 6 .Ucl when White wins) 3 l:.h1 (or 3 Wd7 tt:lf3 4 l::t g4 'lt>f5) 3 . . . tt:lg2! is only a draw. 2 ...tt:lb2

2 6.1 5

A.Aiekhine-E.Lasker

White to play

St Pete rsbu rg 1914

The presence of additional pieces on the board creates extra difficulties. The reason is that the attacking king cannot invade the enemy camp without facing danger. Black might thus want to seek an exchange of rooks, but he doesn't (correctly) because in this case the reduced material does not fa­ vour the attacking side. 47 .l:i.f7+ �es 48 'lt>c2 .l:.h6 49 tt:ld3+ 'lt>d6 so .l:i.fs .l:i.b8 5 1 'lt>c3 Wc7 5 2 .l:i.f7+ 'lt>b6 5 3 .l:.d7 2 47

Practical Endgame P l ay - Mastering the Basics

.l:!.h3 54 .l:!.d4 llbh8 5 5 !l.b4+ No help is provided by 55 ,l;f,d7 l:I8h5 56 lld4 c5 57 l:!.d6+ �c7 58 .l:!.a6 .l:!.d5, after which Black should win. 5 5 .. .'�c7 56 Wc2 l:!.8h4 5 7 l:tb3

57 ... .l:!.h2+ Quicker is 57...c5! 58 l:tc3 �d6 59 l:ta3 c4 60 !!.a6+ 'it>d5 61 tt:lcl �h2+ 62 �b1 l:.h1 63 .l::i.a3 .i':t4h3 64 l:txh3 l:txh3 65 �c2 �c5! 66 tt:la2 �d4 67 tt:lb4 .l:!.h2+ 68 'iti>b1 'it>c5 69 tt:lc2 'it>b5 and the black king will reach the cru­ cial b3-square. 58 'it>c3 .l:!.4h 3 59 .l::!. b 4 .l:!.h5 6o l:t g4 l::!. 2 h 3 61 �c2 .:d5 62 tt:lf4 .l:!.c5+ 63 'lt>b1 .l:!.h1+ 64 �a2 .l:!.a 5+ 65 �b3 .l::!. b 5+ 66 �c3 �b6 67 tt:ld3 l:th3 68 Wc2 .l::!. d 5 69 .:b4+ 'it>c7 70 l:tb3 .l:!.h2+ 7 1 c.t>c3 Wd6 7 2 .l:!.a3 .l::!. g 2 7 3 �a1 l:!.g3 74 l:td1 'lt>c7 7 5 l:.d2 �b6 76 .l::!. d 1 �b5 77 �c2 'i!tc4 78 b3+ Wb5 79 l:Id2 l:Ih3 80 .l:!.d1 .:h2+ 81 'it>c3 J::!. d 8 82 l:!. g 1 l:!.h3 8 3 .l:!.d1 .:dh8 84 l:tg1 l:!.8 h 5 85 �c2 l:Id 5 86 J:Id1 I:!.g5 87 !!.d2 A better try would have been 87 ki.fl, al­ though after 87...l:tg2+ 88 �c3 l:l.hh2 89 .l:i.cl c5 90 tt:lf4 .l:!.a2! 91 tt:ld3 l:!.a3! Black still wins. 87 ....U.hg3 88 tt:lc1 .:g2 89 tt:le2 Wb6! 0-1

26.16

V.Topalov-V.Kramnik

White to play

Wo rld C h a m p i o n s h i p {Ga me 2}, E l i sta 2006

24 8

Black's material advantage will not prove enough for the win. White must ex­ change his d-pawn for Black's b-pawn, emerging with a theoretically drawn end­ ing. 5 5 tt:le6+? The wrong idea and one which only helps the black king to come closer. Correct is activation of the king with 55 �d7! b5 (or 55 ...l:te7+ 56 'i!tc8 b5 57 d6 .l:!.e1 58 d7) 56 tt:le6+ �f7 57 tt:ld8+ 'it>f6 58 tt:lc6 .l:!.b1 59 Wd6 b4 60 'iti>c5 and White will achieve the de­ sired draw in view of the line 60 ...b3 61 �b4 b2 62 �b3. 55 ... �e8 56 tt:lc7+ Wd8 57 tt:Je6+ �c8 Black has sufficiently protected his vul­ nerable pawn and the d5-pawn is under control. 58 f4 lt:lf6 55 'it>e5 lt:lh7 56 h4 g5 In general, the defending side must avoid the stabilization of the pawn struc­ ture. Of course, in this particular position, this guideline plays no role. In any case, 56 ...lt:lf6 57 �d6 lt:lh7 58 �e7 lt:lf6 59 g5 hxg5 60 hxg5 lt:lh7 61 f4 lt:lf8 62 We8 would lose as well.

57 h 5 Creating a new and accessible weakness on h6. 57 ... wgs 58 �d6 'it>fs 59 nbs+ 'it> g7 6o .l;!.b5 'it>fs 61 'it>d7 lt:lf6+ 62 'it>d8 lt:le8?! This loses quickly. The alternative op­ tion was 62 ...lt:lg8 63 I!d5 lt:lf6 64 l:.d6 'it>g7 65 �e7 lt:lg8+ 66 r.t>e8 lt:lf6+ 67 I!xf6! �xf6 68 �f8, with a winning transition to a pawn ending, which is quite a common tech­ nique. 63 .:b6 lt:lg7 64 .l:i.xh6 lt:le6+ 6 5 J:::tx e6 fxe6 66 Wd7 �f7 67 'it>d6 1-o The weakness of the knight in defend­ ing such endings becomes evident from the fact that even an extra pawn on the same flank for the side with the knight still leaves the opponent with good winning chances.

2 6.18

M.Vidmar-A.Aiekhine

White to play

Sa n Remo 1930

39 h4 Best, although it violates one of the basic principles (advancing a pawn without spe­ cific reason). Instead waiting with 39 lt:lf5 �f7 40 lt:ld6+ 'it>e6 41 lt:le4 h6 42 lt:lf2 �e5 43 lt:lg4+ Wd4 44 lt:lf2 c.t>e3 45 lt:lg4+ �e2 46 Wf4 r.t>fl 47 lt:le3+ r.t>f2 48 lt:lf5 �a7! 49 g4 £!.a4+ 50 r.t>e5 �xf3 51 lt:lxg7 c.t>xg4 would have lost. 249

Practical E n dgame Play- Masterin g the Basics

39 We7 40 tt:Je4 h6 41 tt:Jf2? White should have built a fortress with 41 Wh3! and then advanced his pawn to g4, seeking pawn exchanges. 41 ... �e6 42 tZ:ld3 �fs 43 tt:Jf4 .Ua4 44 tZ:ld3 �C4 45 t2Jf2 llc6 46 t2Jh3 WeS •.•

47 hS Should White passively wait with 47 tZ:lf4, then Black wins as follows: 47.. J::tc2 48 tZ:lh3 l:!.d2 49 tt:Jf4 l:!.a2 50 tt:Jh3 �d4 51 tt:Jf4 We3 52 tZ:le6! l:ia7! (but not 52...g6? 53 tZ:lf4 with a draw, as the knight combines defen­ sive and offensive duties) 53 tZ:lf4 .l:ta6! 54 tZ:lh3 (or 54 Wg4 �a4 55 g3 l:ic4! ) 54...'�e2 55 tt:Jf4+ Wfl. 47 ... l:!.c2 48 tZ:lf4 .l:!.d2 49 tZ:lh3 'it>d4 so tZ:lf4 �e3 5 1 tt:Je6 Objectively best as both 51 tZ:lh3 l:.b2 52 tt:Jf4 J:::!. b5 53 tt:Je6 .U.e5! and 51 Wg4 J:::!.d4 52 g3

250

J:::!. a4 53 �f5 �xf3 54 �g6 l:!.xf4 55 gxf4 �xf4 56 �xg7 Wg5 would have decided the out­ come immediately. s1 ... .Ud s ! s2 f4! The last try, whereas after 52 Wh4 (52 Wg4 :S.e5) 52 ....l:!.e5 53 tZ:lxg7 .l:!.g5 54 tZ:le6 l:!.xg2 55 f4 �e4 all the white pawns fall.

s 2 ... .l:!.fs ! Accurate. The careless 52 . . . .Uxh5? 53 tZ:lxg7 J:::!.a5 54 'lt>g4 �e4 55 tZ:lh5 would lead to a draw. 5 3 Wg4 .l::!.f6! 54 ts .l::tf7?! After 54 ...�e4! 55 tZ:lxg7 J:::!. f7 56 tZ:le6 ..l:txf5 the win is simpler. 5 5 g3?! Returning the favour! Although the re­ sult would not have changed, 55 ttld8 would have made Black's task harder. s s ... We4 56 tt:Jcs+ Wd4 5 7 tZ:lb3+ �es o-1

Chapter Twenty- Seven

I

Rook and Minor Piece Endings: Rook & Bishop vs. Rook

This ending arises quite often in practice and has been extensively analysed since the time of Philidor. In general, it is drawn. However, the task of the defending side is particularly hard and thus the danger of defeat is very real. Indeed, in contemporary practice, with ever shorter time controls, the attacking side wins with alarming regu­ larity.

2 7.1

The Philidor Position

White to play

This is the basic winning position, re­ ferred to as the Philidor Position. This con­ struction (king on the sixth rank and bishop

on the fifth - and, of course, its mirror im­ age on the other three sides of the board) wins, with the sole exception of the knight files. The main points of White's plan are to drive the black king to the edge of the board and then the black rook to its sixth rank, so that the rook is unable to return to its king's defence in time. 1 I;lf8+ l:!e8 2 l::!.f7 J::!. e 2! The toughest defence. 2 . . . .Uh8? 3 .l:.a7 J::!.h6+ 4 J.. e6 loses quickly. 3 .l:.g7 ! .l:!.e1 4 .Ub7 .Uc1 The alternative 4 . . .Wc8 does not help Black: 5 .Ua7 l:!.b1 6 l:th7! Wb8 (or 6 . . . .l:.b6+ 7 J.. c6) 7 .Uh8+ 'it>a7 8 l:!.a8+ Wb6 9 l:!.b8+. 5 ..ib3!! llc3 White also wins after 5 . . . 'it>c8 6 �b4! 'it>d8 7 .l::!.f4 l:!.e1 (or 7 . . . 'it>c8 8 i.dS Wb8 9 .l::ta4) 8 ..ia4 Wc8 9 J.. c6 l::t d 1+ 10 ..ltdS 'it>b8 1 1 lla4. 6 ..ie6 .Ud3+ 7 ..ltds l:!.c3 Compulsory in view of the fact that 7 . . . 'it>c8 is met by 8 l:!.a7! . 8 .Ud7+! 'it>c8 8 . . . We8 9 l:!.g7 reveals the point of forcing the defending rook to its sixth rank - it is now unable to return to the f-file. 9 .Uf7 'it>b8 10 l:Ib7+ wcs 11 �b4! Wd8 Or ll.. ..l:!.d3 12 !ta4 and the black rook cannot reach the b-file.

251

Practical E n dgam e Play - Masterin g the Basics

Another neat winning point is revealed by 3 .. J:ld1 4 .l::!.a7 .l:Ib1 5 i.a3 WbS 6 .l:1e7! �aS 7 l:te4 l:tb7 S l:te5!!.

12 i.c4!! �c8 13 i.e6+ �d8 14 l:tb8+ �c8 15 �xeS mate

1 27.2

White to play

4 i.e7 .l::t g 8 5 .l:!.f5 �b8 Neither does 5 ...�g6+ 6 i.d6 .l:!.gS 7 l:tb5 save Black. 6 iL.d6+ 'it>c8 7 .l::t a 5 White wins.

27.3

1 .l:!.e8+ .i::!. d 8 2 .l::l.e 7 Black now has two options, although neither is sufficient for a draw: 2 .. J1d2 Alternatively, 2 ...l::tgS and then: a) 3 Ii.a7 �bS 4 .l::t b7+ 'it>aS (4 ...'�cS 5 i.d6) 5 iL.d6 llcS+ (or 5 ....l::t g 1 6 .l:!.bS+ �a7 7 l:thS l::tcl+ S i.c5+ Wa6 9 .l:i.aS mate) 6 i.c7 !:i.gS 7 l::!.b 1 l::!. g6+ S i.d6 .l:.g7 9 �e1 .l:.h7 1 0 l:teS+ '>ii>a7 1 1 i.c5+ and wins. b) 3 .l::l. e6 J::!.hS 4 iL.d6 WdS 5 iL.e5 l:tfS 6 i.g7 l:tgS 7 i.f6+ �cS S .l:!.e4 l:i.fS 9 i.g7 .l::t gS 10 k:!.a4 is another way to win. 3 flf7 .l:i.d8 252

Black to play

Black again has two main defensive op­ tions, but neither is able to ensure his sur­ vival. In the final position of each variation White wins as in the previous example: 1 ....l::!. e 8 Or l...l::tb2 2 .l:lli6 .l:!.b1 3 i.b6 l::!.a 1+ 4 �b5 'it>b7 5 l:lli7+ 'it>cS 6 Wc6 l:tcl+ 7 i.c5 l.td1 S lia7 .Ub1 9 i.a3 'it>bS 10 l:tg7 WaS 1 1 �g5, winning.

Rook an d Mi n or Piece En dings: Rook & Bishop vs. Rook

2 i.. c 7 .U.e6+ 3 i.. b 6 l':l.eS 4 .Uh6 'it>bS 5 .Uc6 'it>aS ! 6 i.d4! l:tbS 6 . . . �b8 7 �b6 l:Ie 1 8 l:lf6 l::tb 1 + 9 c6 also wins. 7 l::te 6 l::t c S S i.. c 3 ! .l::t b S 9 .l::!. e 2 ladS 10 b6 �bS! Or 1 0 . . . .l::t b8+ 11 c7 .l::t b7+ 12 c6. 11 i.. b 4 WcS Trying to flee. Both ll ... 'it>a8 12 'it>c7 and 1 1 . . ..Ug8 12 i.d6+ �c8 13 �c6 are also help­ less. 12 Wc6 .l:.d7

13 l:teS+ .l:;!.dS 14 �e7 .l::t g S 1 5 lla7 White wins. 1 5 i.. d6 also does the job.

127.4

White to play

1 l:tdS+ £!.cS 2 nd7 .Uc2 3 .Uf7 .l::l.c 3 4 i.. a 4 l:.c1! The only move: 4 ... .l:.c4? 5 i.. c6 �b4+ 6 i.b5 would lose. 5 i.. c 6 .Ub1+ 6 Wc5 l::t b 2! The black rook must remain on the knight's file. 1 i.. d 5 �h2! Preventing 8 Wd6! . S �b7+ �cS 9 .l:.e7 �bS!

10 �c6 A draw also results from 10 �b6 �c2! 1 1 i.. b3 l:icl 12 .Ud7 �c8! 13 J::!.d2 .i;Ib1 (and not 13 . . .b8? 14 i.. c2) 14 l:!.d3 l:.b2 15 �c6 l::tb 1 16 i.. e 6+ (or 16 i.. d5 l:!.cl+ 17 lit>d6 .l:.c7 18 l:i:a3 l:.d7+ 19 �e6 .Ud8 20 �a7 Wb8!, hold­ ing) 16 . . . �b8 17 .Ud8+ Wa7 18 l:Id7+ Wb8 19 i.. d5 l:Icl+ 20 Wd6 lic7! . 10 ....Uh6+ 11 i.. e 6 Ii.h1! 12 .lab7+ WaS 13 l:lb2 Or 13 l::!. g7 Wb8! 1 4 i.. f5 Ii.h6+ 15 i.g6 .Uh8! 16 Wb6 'it>c8! 17 i.. e4 J:ih6+ 18 i.c6 �d8 with a draw. 13 Iitc1+ 14 Wb6 WbS 15 i.f5 15 ... .l:!.c4! 16 I;lb5 .Uh4 17 �c6+ Wa7 1S i.. d 3 �f4 19 .U b7 + lit>a S 20 .:i.g7 WbS! White cannot make progress. .••

As has already been mentioned, this po­ sition is drawn.

White to play 2E.Grivas-N.Karapanos 7.5 Ath e n s 1984

253

Practical E n dga m e P l ay - Masterin g the Basics

87 �cs .Uc3 88 �f7+ �e8 89 �c7

White's victory is, of course, guaranteed in more than one way. The simplest, how­ ever, is the quick mate achieved by trans­ posing to our well-known ending! 57 �c3! �xe3+ 58 i.d3 1-0 Black cannot avoid mate now that one of the standard winning positions has ap­ peared on the board.

2 7.6

K.Arkeii-P.Gayson

White to play

B riti s h C h a m p io n s h i p, Plym outh 1989

Naturally, this position i s drawn, but White can test his opponent for a long time. Herein lies the great practical advantage of this ending: Black is condemned to a tough and laborious defence. 2 54

89 .l:i.c1? White is ready to advance with 90 'it>d6, but the text is mistaken. The simplest way to defend is 89 . . Jih3 (or 89 . . . �f3/g3) 90 �d6 .l:.h6+ 91 i.e6 �f8 and even 89 . . .'it>f8 90 'it>d6 .l:.f3!! leads to a draw! Furthermore, we can note that, slightly strangely, the position remains drawn even if White is to move: 90 �d6 'it>f8 91 .Uf7+ 'it>g8 92 i.e6 �h8 93 �e7 .Ug3 94 .l:!.f8+ �h7 95 i.f5+ �h6! (but not 95 . . . �g7? 96 .l:i.f7+ Wh8 97 ::l.h7+ �g8 98 �f6) 96 �h8+ 'it>g5 97 .l:.g8+ and White is unable to achieve any­ thing positive as the black rook is close enough to its king. If, however, the rook was placed on the g2 or g1 squares then Black is losing, as in the above line he has to play the inferior 95 . . . 'it>g7?. This slight digression makes it clear why 89 . . Jk1? is a mistake. 90 d6! .Ud1+?! A second consecutive mistake. The cor­ rect option 90 . . . �f8 would force White to discover the narrow winning path: 91 .l:.f7+! �g8 92 i.e6! 'it>h8 93 'it>e7! :c7+ 94 i.d7! J:!.cl 95 �f6 l::!. g 1 96 �e7! �g7 97 �e8+. 91 .ids �fs Or 9 l . . .d8 92 lld7+ We8 93 l::i:a7 �f8 94 �f7+, winning. 92 �f7+ �e8 93 .Uf2 J:!.d4 94 lie2+ f8 95 .Ug2 1-0 •••

R o o k a n d Mi n or Piece Endings: Ro ok & Bishop vs. R o o k

27.7

E.Grivas-P.Frendzas

Black to play

Athe n s 1993

2 7.8

E.Grivas-Z.Kozul

Black to play

Skopje 1984

The position is drawn, but Black now failed to use his rook properly. In keeping with an earlier example, the rook must be placed on the f-file ( .. J�a7-f7) only when the white king reaches the knight file (g-file). In the present example, the black rook must remain on the a-file, from where it will de­ fend its king and, at the same time, harass the white monarch. 98 ....i:!.c3 As mentioned above, the mistaken re­ positioning of the rook with 98 .. J1a7 99 �c2 �f7? (99 ...I::f. a8) 100 i.. e4! lU8 101 �g2+ �fl 1 02 l:th2 'it>e1 1 03 �c2! would lose the game for Black. White now tests his opponent a bit longer. 99 .Ud2 ! �a 3 ! 100 �f3

(see following diagram) 100 .. .J::l b 3?? Black makes a terrible mistake. After the correct defence 100 ...l:!.a7 (also possible is 100 ....l:!.a8) the position would have been drawn. 101 �g3 1-0

The position is theoretically winning for Black. He has obtained the Philidor Posi­ tion on a bishop's file in its horizontal mir­ ror version. Despite inaccuracies by both sides, the game reached its rightful conclu­ sion. 69 ... �c3 10 �bs l:ia 3 71 .l:!.cs .l::t a 6?? A serious error because White could have achieved a drawn position with 72 .l:!.g5!!. The correct option was 71 ...l:th3+ 72 l:!h5 �g3. 72 Itbs?? .Us 73 .l:!.cs .l:!.a8 74 I:i.c6+ i.. e 6 7 5 'fJ.c7 i.d s 76 l:.g7 �h8+ 77 .U h 7 .Ug8 78 .l:!.a7 i.e6 79 �b7 l;lg6+ 80 �h7?! 25 5

Practic al Endgame Play- Mastering the Basics

80 'lt>h5 would have held on for longer. 8o ....l::!. g 1 81 'lt>h8 J:ia1 0-1

2 7 .9

E.Grivas-S.Simic

White to play

Vrsac 1983

White had sought salvation in this end­ ing, trusting in his knowledge of it. This proved to be the right decision as he achieved a theoretical draw without undue effort. 71 l:!.a 7 ! .l:tb2 72 c.t>g1 'it>g3 7 3 �g7+ i.g4 Yz · Yz

An interesting situation may occur when the attacking side also has a pawn. Naturally, the win is then easy to achieve (e.g. by exchanging rooks), but there does exist a case, in which the pawn is on a rook­ file and its promotion square of a different colour to that of the bishop, when the ex­ change of rooks would lead to a theoretical

25 6

draw. However, the attacking side can still win without any real difficulty.

2 7 .10 White to play J.R.Capablanca-S.Tarrasch

St Pete rs b u rg 1914

As mentioned above, the winning proc­ ess is not difficult. The attacking side must try to remove the defending king from the path of the pawn before advancing it to a2. The desired construction is to place the black king on b3 and the rook on h2 (or on its seventh rank in general). 72 l:!.c1+ 'lt>bs 73 l:!.b1+ cs 74 :rc1+ 'it>d6 7 5 l:!.d1+ i.d S+ 76 b2 a 3 + 7 7 'it> a 1 WcS ! The careless 7 7...a2? would bring about a theoretical draw. 78 l:!.c1+ ..ltc4 79 l:!.g1 .l:!h2 80 l:!.gS+ Wb4 81 .l:!g1 �a2+ 82 �b1 ltd2 ! 0-1 White resigned in view of the inevitable: 83 llel 'it>b3 84 .Ue3+ ..ltd3+, followed by mate.

Chapter Twenty- E ight

I

Rook and Minor Piece Endings: Rook & Knight vs. Rook

This ending is drawn as well and the de­ fender's task is much easier than in that of rook and bishop vs. rook. Naturally, certain exceptions do, though, exist here as well. In all of these five exceptional cases, the de­ fending king has been restricted to the last rank. The analysis of these positions has been known since the 18th century and is based on the work of Centurini. Barring these five exceptional cases, the attacking side can win the game only with the kind help of the opponent. The main defensive concept is to pin the knight. That avoids having the defending king caught in a mat­ ing net, which would force either the de­ fending rook into a passive position or the king into a corner. Pinning can be effected horizontally or vertically.

28.1

White to play (see following diagram)

The simplest winning case. White's plan is to place his king on g6 and knight on f6, when mate follows with .l:lli7, or the king on h6 and the knight on g6, when l:tg7 will mate. Thus, White must guard his sixth rank.

1 'it>g6 'it>g8 Other tries also fail: l....l:.gS+ 2 �h6 l:!.cS (2....l:!.gl 3 lbg5) 3 lbf4 �gS 4 lbg6 l:!.c7 5 tbe7+; l...l:!.cS 2 J:!.a7 .l::t bS 3 .Uc7 l:!.aS 4 l:!.c6 l:!.eS 5 �f7 .l:!.aS 6 l:tc5 �a7+ 7 tbc7; and l....l:!.eS 2 lbg5 .l:!.gS+ 3 �h6 .l::t cS 4 l:th7+ �gS 5 .l:!.g7+ �£8 6 lbh7+ �e8 7 tb£6+ �£8 8 .l:f.g8+. 2 .l:!.b6 �e8 3 �c6 l:!.a8 4 lbgs 'it>f8 5 .l::t e 6! .l:!.b8 6 lbh7+ �g8 7 .l::t e 7 .l::t b 6+ 8 lbf6+ White wins.

28.2

White to play (see following diagram)

2 57

Practical Endgame P l ay - Mastering the Basics

This position is somewhat more compli­ cated as the black king is caught in a stale­ mate position. 1 .Ug3+ 2 �f7 l:tg7+ 3 �e6 .U.b7 Or 3..Jig1 4 .l::!.d7! l:!.e1+ 5 'it>f7 and wins. 4 .l:ig2! Certainly not 4 .l::i. h2+ g8 3 �g6 �h8 4 l::!. h7+ �g8 5 l:g7+ �f8 6 Wh7 l:lb7 7 tt:lxb7. 3 tt:lf5 .l::!. b s 4 �f7+ � gs 5 tt:le7+ 'it>h8 6 tt:lg6+ 'it>g8 7 l:!g7 mate Sometimes being material up is not that helpful. The following prize-winning study by Noam Elkies (1 987) is quite interesting: 1 ... 'it>f8 No help is offered by the alternatives: l...�h8 2 tt:le7! .l::t b8 3 �h6 lld8 4 tt:lg6+ �g8 5 l::ta7; l....l:!.b8 2 .l:!.f6 �h8 3 �h6; and l..J:t£8 2 tt:le7+ �h8 3 �a1 !. 2 .l:if6+ �gs 3 tt:lh6+ 'it>h8 4 �f7 ! .l::t a s 5 tt:lf5 .l::!. a 7+ 6 �g6 .Ua8 7 �h6 �e8 8 tt:le7 ! .l::!. a 8 9 .l::!.f7 J:!a6+ 10 tt:lg6+ White wins.

28.6 Elkies

White to play

In the next example, it doesn't matter which side is to move as White can lose a tempo. The bad placement of Black's king and the passivity of his rook determine the outcome.

128.5

1 l:!c7! l::t b 8

White to play

1 g7 1 0-0-0? .l:tb7! draws. 1 ... g2 White also wins after l....l:ib8 2 tt:lf8 g2 3 �d2! (but not 3 0-0-0? l:ld8 4 l:f.e1 l:i.e8! 5 �g1 �xg1 6 g8'if l:i.e3!) 3 .. .J::t b2+ 4 �c3. 2 gS'if .l:tc2 One nice point is that 2...g1 'if+? 3 'i¥xg1 + �xg1 4 0-0-0+ is also decisive. 3 tt:lf6! The only move as both 3 l:ta2? l::i. xa2 4 'ifxa2 �h1 and 3 �d1 l:tf2 draw. 3 ... g1�+ 4 'ifxg1+ �xg1 5 tt:lg4!! Now Black's c-pawns restrict his rook and, remarkably, he has no defence to the threat of 6 tt:le3, winning the rook after 25 9

Practical Endgame Pl ay- Mastering the Basics

6.. Jk3 7 Wd2+ or 6 ... .l:!.f2(h2) 7 0-0-0+ and 8 tbg4+.

5 ... l!g2 Allowing a neat finish. Black also loses after all of: 5 .. . c4 6 tbe3; 5 ... J::i. b2 6 0-0-0+; 5 ...l!c3 6 Wd2+; 5 . . . �c4 6 We2+ Wg2 7 tbe3+; and 5 ...Wh1 6 tbe3 l:th2 7 0-0-0 mate. 6 0-0-0 mate

28.7

N.Managadze-E.Grivas

34 ... Wf7 3 5 b4 tbd7 36 .l:!.b7 'it>e6 3 7 c5 h6 The exchange of rooks does not help Black as the white pawns are quite ad­ vanced. During the time that the black king will have to spend capturing them, its counterpart will invade the kingside, achieving the desired draw: for example, 37 . . . .Ub8 38 llxb8 tbxb8 39 b5 tbd7 40 c6 tbb6 41 Wf2 'it>d5 42 'it>g3 'it>c5 43 'it>f4!. 38 'it>f2 38 c6 tbe5 39 b5 seems more accurate. 3 8 ....l:!.a8 An attempt to activate the rook as 38 . ...Ub8 39 .l:.xb8 tbxb8 40 b5 tbd7 41 c6 tbb6 42 Wf3 would again be useless. 39 We3 lla1 40 .l:!.c7 .Ub1 41 !i.c6+ Wf7 42 .Uc7 'it>e6 42 .. .We8 43 .l:!.c6 .Ub3+ 44 'it>f2 .Uxb4 45 .Uxg6 would also have led to equality. 43 :c6+ Wf7 44 'gc7 We6 45 .l:!.b7

Black to play

Ath e n s 2000

The two connected passed pawns are a great source of discomfort to the knight, as the it experiences problems immobilizing them. Indeed, White seems to enjoy suffi­ cient dynamic potential to hold the posi­ tion. 2 60

45 ... g5 46 c6 tLle5 47 b5 tbc4+ 48 Wd4 tt:Jd6 49 'it>c5 l::t c 1+ 50 Wd4?! White mistakenly plays for a win! Equality could have been preserved with 50 'it>b6 .l:tbl 51 Wc5. 50 ... .l:tb1?! After 50 ...h5! Black would have had the upper hand. 5 1 .Uh7!? 5 1 Wc5 would naturally lead to equality, but White keeps trying for something more. 51 ... tbxb5+ 5 2 'it>c5 tbc3 5 3 c7

Rook and Minor Piece Endings: Rook & Knight vs. Rook

.l:txc8 l2lxc8 Black would win the game! 59 �h7 We6 60 �b8 �b1+ Yz-Yz

28.8

E.Grivas-G.Trikaliotis

White to play

Ath e n s 1993

5 3 ...l2le4+? A mistake, justifying White's ambition. Instead 53 . . . l2la4+ 54 'iit>d4 �d1+ 55 'iiii> e3 Jacl 56 .l:!xh6+ �d7 57 �f3 l2lc5 58 h4 gxh4 59 .Uxh4 would have led to complete equality. 54 �c6? White could win without much trouble, with the simple 54 �d4! l::!. b4+ 55 �d3 l2ld6 56 .l:.xh6+ �d7 57 :xd6+ 'iit>xc7 58 l:!.g6 .l::!. b5 59 'iit> e4 �d7 60 �f3 �e7 61 �g4. 54 ... llc1+ 55 �b7 t2ld6+ 56 Wb8 .l:tb1+ 5 7 � a s .l::!. c 1 58 J:!.xh6+?? It must be noted that the two opponents were in immense time trouble, which ex­ plains many of their inaccuracies. 58 �b8 was indicated, with a draw.

White failed to understand the useful­ ness of having his knight on f4, from where it attacks the h5-pawn and allows the inva­ sion of his king via the f5-square. Of course, the position is easily won for White who can continue with �f5 and Ite1-e6. 91 l2ld 5?? �gG?? 9 l . . .�c4+ holds the draw. 92 :!if3?? Misguided, which the correct and win­ ning 92 l2le7+ wouldn't have been. 92 ...1ia6?? Again 92 . . Jik4+ was correct. 93 �e3 .lila4 94 �f2?? A series of blunders in mutual time trouble. White was under the impression that Black's last move was 93 . . . .U.a3+ and automatically moved his king! 94 ...l::!. x h4 95 .l::!. xf6+ �g7 96 �f3 l:td4 97 l2le3 �g6 98 �g3 l:la4 99 l2ld 5 �g5 100 �h3 .Ud4 Yz-Yz

58 ... 'iit>d 5?? Returning the favour. After 58 . . .'�d7 59 :!ig6 �xc7 60 :g7+ �b6 61 :g8 :c8+ 62

Something of a tragedy for your author, but a good reminder of just how easy it is to make serious errors in the latter stages of a tough endgame. 261

Chapter Twenty- N ine

I

Rook and Minor Piece Endings: Rook vs. Minor Pieces

According to the basic material evaluation scale, two minor pieces are equal to a rook and a pawn. However, in this type of end­ ing the respective pawn structures, the ini­ tiative and the collaboration between the pieces are of primary importance. When the pawns of the side with the rook are weak or fixed, then the minor pieces can easily at­ tack them and thus hold the upper hand. Otherwise, the rook is able to hold the bal­ ance and if the side with the rook possesses a passed pawn, then the advantage usually passes to this side. Finally, we should note that a bare ending without pawns is, of course, drawn.

2 9.1

J.R.Capablanca-E.Lasker

Black to play

St Pete rs b u rg 1 9 14

(see following diagram) A typical and drawn example, which represents exemplary defensive play even to this day. White is unable to win the game, despite the fact that he is numeri­ cally superior by one pawn. Black has little difficulty in holding the game

262

3 3 ...�e2 3 4 il.f2 f6 3 5 �f1 �a2 3 6 g4 Wf7 3 7 lbe4 h6 3 8 �g2 l:r a 3 3 9 f4 l:!. b 3 4 0 lbg3 .l:!.a 3 41 lLlf1 �d3 42 lbe3 �c3 43 �f3 l:ta3 44 fs .l:a2 45 lLld s .l:!.b2 46 lLlf4 l:!.a2 47 h4 .tt a s 48 il.d4 �a 3+ 49 il.e3 .lia s so lLlhs l:!.a4 5 1 lbg3 Wg8 5 2 lbe4 �f7 53 il.d2 �a1 54 il.c3 �f1+ 55 lLlf2 .:c1 56 i.d4 l!e1 57 lbe4 l:!.f1+ 58 il.f2 �a1 59 �f4 �a4 Go il.cs l::t c4 61 �f3 �c1 62 i.f2 �a1 63 Wf4 l:!.a4 64 �f3 l:!.a 3+ 6 5 il.e3 .U.a s 66 lUes l:ta1 67 lbe6 .l:!.a 3 68 �e4 �a4+ 69 i.d4 .l:i.b4 70 �d3 l:ib3+ 71 �e4 .l:.b4 7 2 �d s :b1 7 3 gs ! ? hxgs 74 hxgs fxgs 7 S lLlxgS+ 7S lbxg7 g4 76 lbe6 g3 77 lUgS+ �g8 78 f6 .U.bS+ 79 i.cS l:lxcS+! 80 �xeS g2 81 lLlf3 Wf7 also leads to equality.

Rook a n d Min o r Piece E n di n gs: Rook vs. Min o r Pieces

7 5 �g8 76 tt:le6 .!::t d 1 White is unable to capture the black g­ pawn under favourable circumstances. He kept trying for several moves, but Black's accurate defence, assisted by the reduced material, held the draw. 77 �e4 �f7 78 tt:lg5+ �g8 79 �e5 �e1+ so 'lt>f4 l!f1+ 81 �g4 .l:ld1 82 tt:lf3 �f1 83 i.e5 �f7 84 'lt>f4 �g8 8 5 '>t>e4 l!d1 86 tt:lg5 l!e1+ 87 �d 5 Itd1+ 88 �e6 �e1 89 lt:Jh3 Itb1 90 tt:lf4 �b6+ 91 'i;;e 7 �b5 92 tt:lg6 .l:.b6 93 i.d6 I!a6 94 �e6 !tb6 9 5 lt:Je7+ '>t>h7 96 tt:lc8 .l:t.a6 97 tt:le7 .l:t.b6 98 tt:ld5 Ita6 99 tt:lc3 �g8 100 tt:le4 :!.b6 Yz-Yz •..

2 9.2

E.Grivas-P.Leko H e ra k l ion 1997

White to play

This ending is drawn much more easily than the previous example, as here Black also has weak pawns. Naturally, though, all the winning chances are still on Black's side and White is condemned to a long and la­ borious defence. To avoid a likely blunder, calmness and concentration are required from the defender. 47 .l:1b4 i.d6 48 .l'.Aa4 tt:lc6 49 �a1 lt:Je5 50 l:.h1 tt:lf7 5 1 �d3 �f6 5 2 �e4 i.f8 5 3 �d3 lt:Je5+ 54 �e2 tt:ld7 55 .l:!.b1 ci;; g 6 56 .l:i.b7 tt:lf6 57 �bs i.e7 58 .l::!. b 6 �f7 59 llb5 tt:ld 5 6o �d 3 �f6 61 �d4 i.d8 62 e4! tt:le7 63 e5+ �g6 64 �e4

White has set up some kind of fortress. When his e5-pawn is simultaneously at­ tacked by the two black pieces, his white rook will switch to attacking the e6-pawn, preserving the equilibrium. 64 tt:ld 5 65 .l::!. b 8 i.e7 66 .l:!.g8+ �f7 67 �c8 tt:lf4 68 l:.c7 h 5 Even though every pawn exchange brings the game one step closer to the draw, Black is unable to make any progress without getting rid of his weak h-pawn. 69 gxh5 tt:lxh 5 70 .l:i.a 7 tt:lg3+ 71 �d3 tt:lh5 7 2 'lt>e4 tt:lf4 7 3 .l:tb 7 tt:ld 5 74 .Ua7 �g6 7 5 .lita6 tt:lf4 76 l:tc6 i.b4 7 7 .l:!.b6 i.e1 78 .l:lc6 i.g3 79 .Ua6 h5 so �a7 tt:ld 5 A better try is 80 ...�h6!? 81 .l:i.a8 i.el 82 �g8 i.c3 83 �c8 .itb2 84 llc2 i.a3 85 l:.c8 i.b4, although it doesn't seem sufficient to •••

2 63

Practical E n dgam e P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

disturb the balance. 81 l:!.a6 tt:lf4 82 l:!.a7

White to play 29 . 3 V Smyslov L Biackstock .

-

.

Lo ndo n 1988

82 ... i.f2?! Just like in the previous comment, Black should have switched his bishop to a supe­ rior diagonal with 82 ...'it>h6 83 .l:!.a8 .tel 84 l:lg8 i.c3 85 l:!.c8 i.b2 86 l:.c2 i.a3 87 l:tc8 i.b4. 83 l:la 2?! White could have forced an immediate draw with 83 l:lh7+ 'it>g6 84 l:tg7+ Wxg7 and stalemate! 83 ... i.c5 84 .l:!.h2+ 'it>g6 85 l:lc2 i.f8 86 l:lc6 Wf7 87 .l:i.c7+ i.e7 88 l:.a7 'it>e8 89 J;l.a8+ i.d8 90 l:la7 tt:ld 5 91 l:!.g7 i.e7 92 �g8+ 'lt>d7 9 3 l:.g7 We8 Black's alternatives, such as 93...tt:lf4 94 .l::!. g8 tt:le2 95 'lt>e3 tt:lg3 96 f4!? i.c5+ 97 'lt>f3 gxf4 98 Wxf4 tt:le2+ 99 'lt>e4 tt:lc3+ 1 00 'it>d3 tt:ld5 101 �e4 tt:le3 1 02 I!.g3, cannot change the result. 94 l:!.g8+ Wf7 95 l:ib8 i.c5 96 �c8 .i.b6 97 l!b8 i.e3 98 �a8 'lt>e7 99 �h8 i.f4 100 .:th7+ 'lt>d8 101 .l:!.h6 �d7 102 £ih7+ tt:le7 Or 102 ...'t>e8 103 .l:!.h8+ 'it>f7 104 £ia8 tt:lc3+ 1 05 �d4 tt:le2+ 106 'it>e4 tt:lg3+ 1 07 'it>d4 i.cl 108 'it>d3 .i.b2 109 liaS �g6 1 1 0 �c2 J.d4 1 1 1 'it>d3 tt:lf5 1 1 2 l:Ib5, holding. 103 .l::!.f7 .i.c1 104 l:.h7 .i.d2 105 l:.f7 i.f4 106 .l:!.h7 .i.g3 107 l:.g7 i.h4 108 l:.h7 .i.e1 109 £ig7 J.d2 110 l:.f7 .i.a5 111 l:i.g7 i.d2 Yz-Yz Black finally accepted the inevitable. 2 64

The bishop-pair almost always com­ prises an enviable and powerful force. Still, in this case the position is drawn as the ma­ terial is greatly reduced. Black must seek the exchange of the g-pawns, after which he will be able to sacrifice his rook for the dark-squared bishop, reaching a theoretical draw. White's only good idea is to try to mate his opponent! 50 J.b7 l:lb6 51 .i.c8 �h7 5 2 'lt>e7 .:.b2 5 3 g4 .Uf2 54 .i.e6 .l:!.f1 5 5 i.e5 .Uf2 56 .i.f6 l:::tf4 57 �f7 .:a4 58 .i.e5 .Ua7+ 59 Wf6 J:ia6 60 h4 l:Ib6 61 'lt>f7

6t ...l:Ib5?

Rook a n d Min o r Piece Endings: Rook vs. Mi n o r Pieces

Black had defended excellently up to this point and could have secured the draw with 61 ...h5! 62 gxh5 (or 62 g5 llb7+ 63 �£8 �£7+! 64 �e8 l:!.e7+!) 62 ....l::!.b7+ 63 �£6 (nei­ ther does 63 �£8 �h6! 64 hxg6 �xg6 65 �g3 �£6 66 �c4 .l:!.b4 67 �a6 Wg6 help White) 63 ...gxh5 64 Wg5 l:l.g7+ 65 Wxh5 �g5+!. 62 h S ! 1-0 Mate follows, so Black had to resign.

29.4

P.Keres-L.Szabo

Black to play

Zu rich C a n d i d ates 19 5 3

A wonderful defensive set-up for White. If the black king could succeed in reaching the c6-square, then the win would be near. However, the white knights control all the critical squares and co-operate excellently with each other. 36 .. .fs With the idea of advancing the king via the £6, e5 and d4-squares. 3 7 �g1 .U.bs Care is required: 37...Wf6 38 �£2 We5? 39 li:Jd3+. 38 �f2 'it>f6 39 li:Jd7+! We6 40 li:Jb6 White has regrouped his knights, pre­ venting Black's plan. 40 ...�es 41 Wg3 l::t b 3+ Black could have tried 41 ...£4+! ? 42 'it>h4

.l::t b3, intending ...�g3. He would then have won the white g-pawn, but in the mean­ time he would lose his a-pawn. The result of the game would most likely not have changed, but this try would have been worthwhile. 42 Wh4 .:!.c3 43 lt::l c s ! .l:.xcs Compulsory, but the resulting ending is drawn, despite Black's extra pawn. 44 lt::l d 7+ Wd6 4S li:Jxcs Wxcs 46 WgS ! Typical and good. The white king is primarily interested in creating a passed pawn and thus heads for the black h-pawn. The doubled black £-pawns are of no sub­ stantial importance and their capture would merely be a loss of time. 46 ... �b5 Forced in view of 46 ...�d4? 47 Wx£5!. 47 �h6 �xa s 48 'it>xh7 �b4 49 h4 a s so hs a4 51 h6 a 3 5 2 �g8 a 2 5 3 h 7 a 1'if 54 h8'i' 'i'a8+ 5 5 �h7

ss .. :it'xg2 The result doesn't change 55 ...'�xh8+ 56 �xh8 'it>c3 57 �g7. 56 'iid 4+ �b3 57 �d3+ Yz-Yz

after

Black to play 29. 5 G.Mastrokoukos-E.Grivas Hera k l ion 2004

Black's advantage is undeniable: his two 2 65

Prac tical E n dgame Play- Masteri n g the Basics

minor pieces are clearly superior to the white rook and he has much the more ac­ tive king. Black must focus on the capture of the white b-pawn, so as to create a passed pawn of his own. In many lines the win comes in the form of a bishop and knight vs. king ending.

69 1Hs i.b6 The alternative 69 ... tt:lc5 70 h6 tt:lb3 71 h7 tt:ld4+ 72 Wf2 (but not 72 �e1 ?? �g3+ 73 Wd1 Wd3 74 �cS �eS which is winning for Black) 72 . . . c2 73 h8'irf cl'irf 74 'irfg8+ also leads to a draw. 70 h6

ss ... gs 59 .:!.b6 �g3+ 6o Wf3 �c7 61 l:.f6 tt:ld4+ 62 Wf2 And not 62 �g4 tt:lxb3 63 �xgS? �d8. 62 ... lZ:lxb3 63 l:tfs+ Wd4 64 .l:txgs c4 6 5 �bs Or 65 'it>e2 tt:lcS 66 �g4+ �c3 67 h4 'it>b3 68 hS c3 69 h6 c2 70 l:tg1 tt:lxa4 71 h7 �eS when Black should win. 6s ... tt:lcs 66 h4 c3 67 �e2 Wc4 68 h s

70 ... i.d4? In terrible time pressure, Black even throws away the draw! 70 . . . c2 71 Wd2 i.e3+ 72 �xc2 �xh6 was not too difficult to find. 71 l:tf4! 1-0

29.6

N.Kalesis-E.Grivas

Black to play

Ath e n s (ra pid) 1996

6 8 ... tt:lxa4? Black throws the win away, just when it was very close with 68 . . . tt:lb3! 69 Itg5 �f4 70 �g1 c2 71 Wf3 cl'i!V 72 �xcl+ i.xcl . 266

The immobilized white pawns favour the minor pieces, whose first priority is to

Rook an d Min o r Piece En dings: Rook vs. Mi n o r Pieces

protect their passed pawn and at the same time prevent White's dangerous c3-c4 break. 48 ... tt:lc7! 49 �a2 tt:lbs so �g3 �f7 5 1 l:If2+ We7 52 �f3 White has protected the base of his pawn chain (c3) and prevented the advance of the passed black h-pawn. However, his position contains no potential for further improvement, unlike Black's. 52 ...tt:la 3 ! 5 3 rtih2 i.. e 6 54 l:.g3 tt:lb1 s s l:Ig7+ �f8 56 l:tg6 Wf7 5 7 lU6+ We7 s s l:.f3 lt:ld2

59 �g3?? A tragic mistake in time trouble. Com­ pulsory was 59 �f4 i.. d7! (and not 59 . .tt:le4? 60 c4!) 60 l:.f2 tt:le4 61 �f3 i.. e6 62 Wgl Wd7 when the black king will attempt to reach c4-square, forcing the capture of White's entire chain. Of course, things are not that easy as the rook will at a certain moment become active, trying to exploit the pro­ tected passed pawn on eS. Black does have the upper hand but, in practice, all three results would have remained possible. 59 ... tt:lft+ 6o Wg1 tt:lxg3 o-1

pieces. The presence of an additional pair of rooks further helps Black since his pieces can co-operate nicely, while the white rooks lack substantial targets. Bla�k's plan is the creation of a passed b-pawn.

51 a s?! tt:le4! 5 2 lld 5 tt:lc3 The coordination of Black's pieces is perfect. They dominate all the central squares. 5 3 J:.d8 bxa 5 54 .l:!.c4 tt:le4 5 5 Wg2 �es 56 g4 ct:Jcs 5 7 �c8 tt:le6 58 Wf2 'lt>f6 59 �8c6 i.. d 3 6o l:. c 3 .ib5 61 .l:!.f3+ Wg7 62 �b6 tt:lgs 63 .l:!.a3 a4

.

29.7

P Pandavos E Grivas .

-

White to play

.

Ath e n s 1986

A typically won position for the minor

White cannot drum up any active coun­ terplay to compensate for his material dis­ advantage. 64 �g3 tt:le6 6 5 l::t b 7 tt:ld4 66 Wf4 J:.e6 67 Wg5 l:tf6 68 'lt>h4 �f3 69 �a2 tt:le6 70 I:.d2 a3 71 g5 i.. c4 1 2 Wg4 l!tf4+ 7 3 Wh5 a 2 0-1 2 67

Practical E n dgame Play - Masterin g the Basics

The following study by Costeff demon­ strates the power of two pieces against a rook.

29.8

Costeff

White to play

After 6 ....l:!.g7 7 lLlfS :!.f7 8 i.e4 White wins as three pieces cannot be stopped by a lone rook. 7 i.e4 !! .Ue5 8 lLld 5 ! ! l:!:xe4+ 9 Wf3 ! The rook has finally caught its prey, but is now lost in mid-board (9 ...l:te5 10 lLlb6+), and so White wins.

Fla n k Pawns Passed flank pawns usually help the rook, as can we see in the next examples.

White to play Li Shilong-J.Broekmeulen 29.9

Diere n 2006

1 lLlb6+ The correct way, whereas 1 lLlc7+ only draws: 1.. :i¥tb8 2 lLlb5 l:.d3+ 3 c.t>xe2 bxc6. 1 ...c.t>a7 2 lZ:Jc8+ c.t>b8 3 lLle7 As a first step, White has succeeded in saving his knight. 3 .. J:td1 4 i.g3+ Not 4 Wxe2? .Uxe1 + 5 'itxe1 bxc6 drawing. 4 ...'lt>a8 5 'itxe2 .i:tg1! 6 i.f2 6 i.h2? �g7 7 lLlf5 .Uh7! is a draw. 6 ....l::!. g 5 !

2 68

White's passed a-pawn gives him an ex­ tremely strong advantage. Of course White should be careful not to win one of Black's pieces for that pawn, as then it would be a draw (rook vs. minor piece), but to promote it. 5 2 h8'iV! Gaining time as now the black knight must lose a tempo. Instead 52 Wb7? \t>xh7 53 �xg7+ (53 l:.a8 i.c3) 53 ...Wxg7 54 aS lZ:Jd6+ is only a draw. 52 ...lZ:Jxh8 53 \t>b7 lLlf7 If 53 .. :.t'f7 then 54 .l::t xg7+! \t>xg7 55 a5 lLlf7 56 Wc7! sees the a-pawn promote. 54 Wc7 Good enough too is 54 aS lZ:Jd6+ 55 \t>c6

R o o k an d Mi n o r Piece E n din gs: Ro ok vs. Mi n o r Pieces

lbf5 56 �xg7+. 54 ... lt:Jgs ss a s lt:Je6+ 56 �b6! lt:Jf4 Or 56 ...Wf7 57 Ihg7+ Wxg7 58 a6. 57 a6 �f7 58 �xg7+ 'it>xg7 59 a7 lt:JdS+ 60 �b7 White wins.

2 9.10

E.Grivas-C.Wagner

lba8 40 'it>cs

White to play

Ca p d' Agd e 1983

Black is now lost as the invasion of the white king is decisive. 40 ... 'it>e7 41 �hs Wf7 42 Wd6 Wg6 43 Wd7 ..t>f6 44 .l::!.x h s lbb6+ 45 Wc7 lt:Ja8+ 46 Wd6 lbb6 47 �h8 lba8 48 h4 gxh3 49 �xh 3 lbb6 so l:rh8 lt:Ja4 5 1 I:.f8+ Wg7 5 2 aS� .txa 8 53 Ii.xa8 lt:Jc3 54 Wxe6 tt:lxe2 55 �a 3 Wg6 56 �es lt:Jxg3 1-0

2 S lLlxd6! Simplifying down to a much better end­ ing. 2 S i.xg2 26 lbxb7 �xb7 27 Ii.c1 �ds 2 8 a4! White has appreciated that his passed pawn will prove to be of decisive impor­ tance, as it will tie down the black pieces to defensive duties. Then his king and rook will be able to co-operate in an offensive against the black kingside. Such positions, in which the side with the rook lacks pawn weaknesses, are very difficult (if not lost) for the side with the minor pieces. 28 ... lbb6 29 a s lt:Jas 30 f3 fs 3 1 .l::t c s e6 3 2 �f2 ! The black pieces no longer co-operate harmoniously. It is time for the white king to emerge. 32 Wf6 33 ..t>e3 gS 34 a6 lbb6 3 5 a7 h S 36 �bs lt:Jas 37 ..t>d4 g4! 3 8 f4! lbc7 39 �bs

29.11

G.Kasparov- .Seirawan Y

White to play

Thessa lon i ki Olym p i a d 1988

..•

•••

Black is very close t o equalizing the po­ sition as the exchange of knights will allow him to breathe freely. Thus White decides to exchange his two minor pieces for a rook and a pawn, aiming for a position similar to 2 69

Practical E n dgame Play - Masteri n g the Basics

that of the previous example. 20 i.. d s ! ? tLlxbs 21 i.. x b7 t2Jbc7 No different is 21 ...l2Jac7 22 i.. xa8 l2Jxa8 23 l:k8 l2Jbc7 24 b4. 22 i.. x a8 l2Jxa8 23 IreS lLlb6? Black should have preferred 23 ...l2J6c7! 24 b4 'iifd7 25 l:rb8! l2Jb6 26 'iif d3 l2Jc8 27 b5 l2Jd6 28 a4 l2Je6 29 'iifc3 'iitc7 30 .ll g8, with only a slight edge for White. It is obvious that the black knights are unable to co­ operate properly, in contrast to the white rook that can become menacing. 24 Itgs �f7 2 S l:th8 tLlcs 26 l:.b8 �e7 2 7 b4 l2Jc4+? The only chance was 27...l2Jcd7 28 l::.b7 l2Jc4+ 29 �d3 l2Jxa3 30 �xa7 (30 �c3 a6! ) 30 ...l2Jb5 31 l:ta5, with a clear advantage for White. 28 'iife 2 tLld7 29 I:!.gS! gs 30 a4 as 31 bxa s tLlxa s

38 a7 tLlb7 No better are both 38 ...�b7 39 .l:ic8! and 38 ...�b6 39 .l:ih8 �xa7 40 laxh5. 39 .:S.c8+ 1-0

Two Rooks vs. Three Minor Pieces In general, rooks benefit from the existence of open files, helping them to find potential targets to attack. Otherwise they are con­ fined to passive, unattractive roles and, as a consequence, their numerical value com­ pared to that of the minor pieces decreases. The rare case of two rooks vs. three minor pieces fully demonstrates that. Although this ending usually offers equal chances, it is the side with the minor pieces that col­ lects most of the points, as the pieces can easily coordinate and develop a strong ini­ tiative. The logic is simple: when a target is attacked by three minor pieces and de­ fended by two rooks, then the target is bound to fall. Thus we have a triumph of simple arithmetic, as opposed to the stan­ dard material evaluation!

White to play 29. 1 2 J.R.Capablanca-A.Aiekhine Nott i n gh a m 1 93 6

3 2 l:ra8?! Simpler is 32 l:tg7+ �e6 33 I:.xh7 l2Jc6 34 g3 l2Jb6 35 h4 gxh4 36 gxh4 l2Jxa4 37 h5 l2Jd8 (or 37...l2Jd4+ 38 �e3 f5 39 lac7! ) 38 I!.c7! lLlf7 39 .Uc4! tLlb2 40 l:rb4 and wins. 32 ... l2Jc6 3 3 a s �d6 34 g3 h s 3 S h4 gxh4 36 gxh4 tLlcs 3 7 a6 �c7?! Black could have put up some resistance by means of 37... l2Je6! 38 lth8 l2Jc7 (38 ...l2Jf4+ 39 �f2 intends l:!.f8 or I!.h7) 39 I!.xh5 l2Jxa6 40 .l:ih7! �e6 41 h5 l2Jd8 42 J:la7, but it seems that he is still losing. 2 70

The minor pieces are superior thanks to the many available targets and the passiv-

Rook a n d Min o r Piece E n di n gs: Rook vs. Min o r Pieces

ity of the black rooks. 31 ctJd2 ! Intending tt::l e4-c3-d5, attacking the black b-pawn. 31 ... fs The continuation 3l...cxb4 32 il.d5+ 'it>g7 33 il.xb6 doesn't help as it leaves Black with lots of weaknesses that can immediately be targeted and with no real counterplay. As it is very difficult to propose an acceptable line of play for Black, we have to consider his position to be lost.

32 b s ! Fixing targets o n the queenside. 32 ... a s 3 2 . . . axb5 3 3 cxb5 and 3 4 tt::l c4 would have been even worse. 33 ctJf1 'it>f7 34 tt::l g 3 �g6

The attempt to bring the black king over to the queenside with 34 . . . 'it>e6 is not possi­ ble due to 35 il.h3! . 3 5 ..ltf3 .Ue7 36 'it>f1 'it>f6 3 7 il.d2 � g6 38 a4 1-0

At this point the game was adjourned and Black resigned without resuming, as he is unable to defend against White's threats while his counterplay is non-existent. After 38 a4 one possible continuation would have been 38 . . . .l:;!e6 39 il.c3 �e7 40 h4 �e6 41 h5+ 'it>h6 42 'lt>g2 �e7 43 'it>h3 �e6 44 �h4 .l:te7 45 ..ltg2 .l:!.d7 46 �h3 �df7 47 �b2 and Black will lose at least one pawn and an exchange (47 . . J�e7 48 tt::l xf5+ x:!.xf5 49 .ixf5 l:ie2 50 .if6 .l:.a2 51 il.g5+ c;t>g7 52 h6+!) . The completely helpless and passive state of the black rooks is a remarkable feature of this game!

271

Chapter Thi rty

I

Queen Endings: Queen & Pawn Endgames

Queen endings are one of the most difficult and, at the same time, most interesting type of ending. Their difficulty lies in the usu­ ally immense number of variations that occur due to the mobility of that most pow­ erful chess piece, the queen. The rules that govern queen endings are significant and many. The side with the advantage, either a material or a positional one, has several ways in which to seek vic­ tory, such as a direct attack aiming for checkmate, the exploitation of a passed pawn, constant pressure against a weak pawn structure and, finally, the conversion of a material plus. The defending side mainly has one single aim: perpetual check. In this specific type of ending we encounter certain special characteristics, brought to the fore by the great power of the queen. Thus, the problem of the defending side delivering perpetual check is not the only one facing the attacker. In an effort to formulate some rules, we arrive at the following: i. In several cases, there exists (usually for the side with the advantage) the possi­ bility to attack the enemy king, aiming for checkmate, by penetrating deep into the enemy camp with the king in co-operation

2 72

with the queen. This i s a special case, which can prove useful in endings with few pawns (e.g. Q and 3 pawns vs. Q and 2 pawns, with all the pawns on the same side). Winning chances are clearly superior to those in any kind of related rook ending. ii. The king is better protected from per­ petual check when it penetrates the enemy camp or attacks enemy pawns, than when it passively stays at home, inadequately protected by its pawns. In the first case, the king has more squares at his disposal, while the task of avoiding the checks of the enemy queen is complicated by the neces­ sity to also protect squares and pawns. Consequently, an attack on an enemy pawn is the surest way to evade a series of checks, as even the queen is unable to si­ multaneously deliver a series of checks while also protecting the pawn. On the other hand, in certain positions it is simpler not to capture the enemy pawn, instead using it as a cover from the checks. iii. A stabilized centre greatly favours the attacking side, although even in open positions a centralized queen deprives its counterpart of many checking possibilities. iv. A weak complex of squares around the enemy king can be occupied by the king

Q u een Endings: Q u een & Pawn Endgames

and queen duo, leading to their penetration into the enemy camp. v. The queen cannot be prevented from escorting a passed pawn all the way to the eighth rank. Indeed, possession of a passed pawn is usually the most decisive factor. It can decide an equal ending or save an infe­ rior one, often even when its possessor is several pawns in arrears. vi. In most other endings, two con­ nected passed pawns would confer upon their possessor a huge advantage, but in queen endings this isn't particularly signifi­ cant, as even an isolated passed pawn can be efficiently supported and advanced. In queen endings, how far a pawn is ad­ vanced is more significant than in any other ending. vii. If the king of the defending side has been placed in front of the enemy passed pawn, then the draw is usually simple. Moreover, the king of the attacking side must not be placed in front of its pawn. viii. The attacking side must aim to place its king on the same or neighbouring rank (or file) to the opponent's king (this advice also applies when there are a large number of pawns on the board). ix. The more advanced a passed pawn is, the smaller the opponent's chances to draw the game. x. When there exists a passed pawn on a rook- or knight-file, the king of the defend­ ing side should aim to place itself near the corner diametrically opposed to that of the pawn's queening square. In this way, the attacking side has fewer opportunities to avoid perpetual check, as the possibilities of giving a check that would force a queen exchange are reduced. For a rook pawn, drawing chances are significantly higher than for any other, as in a large number of cases the defending side can proceed with a queen exchange. xi. The closer the passed pawn is to the

edge of the board, the greater the drawing chances. With central pawns, as well as those on the c- or f-file, practically all posi­ tions with a remote defending king are lost. With pawns on the b- and g-files many are lost, while with rook pawns in the majority of cases the draw is within reach, although even here the defence remains difficult. xii. The queen must be placed centrally (this usually also applies to the queen of the defending side). The closer the attacking queen is to the edge of the board, the tougher the win and, in addition, the possi­ bility of the defending side delivering per­ petual check is significantly higher.

Queen vs. Pawn In queen vs. pawn endings things are sim­ ple. The queen wins against any pawn that has not reached its seventh rank. With a pawn on the seventh, the queen is unable to win against an a-, c-, f- or h-pawn. In order to comprehend why, we must be familiar with the winning process against b-, d-, e­ and g-pawns that have reached the seventh rank.

30.1

White to play

The procedure is simple: the black king will be forced on to the square in front of his pawn. Every time this happens, the white 273

P ractical En dga m e Play - Masterin g the Basics

king will be able to approach by one square, until in the end the pawn is captured. 1 'i'f7+ �g2 2 'iYe6 �f2 3 'i'f5+ �g2 4 'i'e4+ �f2 5 'i'f4+ �g2 6 'i'e3 �f1 7 'i¥f3+! �e1 8 �c6 �d2 9 'iWf2 �d1 10 'iYd4+ �c2 11 'i!Ve3 �d1 12 'i'd 3+! �e1 13 �d5 �f2 14 'i'd2 �f1 15 'i¥f4+ �g2 16 'i'e3 �f1 17 'i¥f3+! �e1 18 �e4 �d2 19 'i'd 3+! �e1 20 �f3 �f1 2 1 'i¥xe2+ �g1 22 'i'g2 mate

30.2

White to play 1 �b6! �b2 2 �c5+ �c2 A tougher defence than 2...�al 3 �b4!. 3 'i'e4+ �b2 4 'i'e2+ �b1 Or 4 ...'lt>b3 5 'i¥e5!. 5 �c4!! a 1'i' 6 �b3 ! 'i'd4 7 'i'e1+ White won because his king was able to make it back in time to participate in setting up a mating-net.

Queen vs. Pawns In accordance with the previous exam­ ple, Black succeeds in drawing. 1 'i'g3+ �h1! This stalemate idea is the solution to Black's difficulties. White is unable to gain time for the approach of his king and the position is drawn. Consequently, the queen can win only in co-operation with the king. An impor­ tant exception occurs in some positions with a rook pawn.

30.3

White to play

White can win this position when his king is on one of the following squares: a7, a6, aS, a4, a3, b6, b5, b4, b3, c7, c6, c5, c4, c3, c2, cl, d5, d4, d3, d2, dl, e4, e3, e2 and el. 2 74

I n general the queen wins more easily against two and three pawns, while against four or more the placement of the pawns is of primary importance, with every result possible. The queen is a powerful piece, but in exceptional cases can be made to look very weak...

Queen and Pawn vs. Queen The outlines for this ending are best de­ scribed by rule xi of the introduction to this chapter. In the following example we can see how a central pawn secures victory, with the position of the defending king playing no significant role (provided, of course, that it is not placed in front of the pawn).

30.4

Black to play (see following diagram)

Q u een Endings: Q u een & P a wn Endga m es

so .. .'i¥xg3+ 51 rtJxfs "i'g6+ 52 'it>f4 'i'f6+ 5 3 W e 3 Wf8 54 �d 3 'Yi'fl+ Although the result is not affected, 54 . . . We7 is more accurate. 5 5 rtJe4 'i¥g2+ 55 ... rtJe7 is again best, bringing the king into the path of the white pawn. 56 'it>es 'iVgS+ 57 We6 �e7+ 58 WfS

l ...�cS+ 2 Wf7 �h S+ 3 �g6 'i¥f3+ 4 rtJe1 �b7 Nothing is changed by 4 .. .'i'a3+ 5 'i"d6 "i'a7 6 'it>e8 'i"e3+ 7 'i"e7. 5 �d 3+ Wg2 6 'iVc4 �a 7 7 11fe4+ �h3 8 �e8 White wins.

30.5

M.Botvinnik-M.Tal

Black to play

World C h a m p i on s h i p (G a m e 2 3), Moscow 1960

This ending is quite typical. Black now drew without undue effort. 49 ...fS+! so WgS The defence would be easier after 50 'i'xf5 'i'xd4+ as the black king is situated in front of the enemy pawn. Thus any queen exchange would be convenient for Black.

s s ...�c7 ! Clearly inferior would have been 58 . . . �f7+?! 59 rtJe5 �5+?! (59 . . . 1We7+! ) 60 Wd6 and Black can no longer exchange queens, while the checks are bound to soon run out. Moreover, the black king will be driven away from the white pawn to the g­ file. Mikhail Tal's comment at this point was: 'In a strange way, it is evident that only with this move does Black secure the draw . . . White's pieces are now optimally placed. So optimally, that any move simply worsens his position.' 59 'i"a8+ We7 60 "Y/Ve4+ Wd8 61 'i"h4+ 'it>c8 62 �h8+ Wb7 63 �es �f7+ 64 We4 "i'g6+ 65 "i'fs 'i"d6 66 'i"f7+ �cs 67 'iVfs+ Wd8 68 �a s+ We8 69 d s We7 10 'i'a 1+ Wd8 71 1Wa8+ Wd7 7 2 WfS We7 Yz-Yz

30.6

M.Botvinnik-N.Minev

White to play

Amste rd a m Olym p i a d 1 9 5 4

2 75

Practical E n dga m e Play- Masteri n g the Basics

74 �f6?! Bad is 74 Wh6? 'ifu4+ 75 rJilg7 as the white king ends up in front of his pawn. The text-move also fails to satisfy, espe­ cially since 74 Wf5! �c8+ 75 Wf4! 'iVcl+ 76 'iVe3 "ifc7+ 77 'lt>g4 "i'd7+ (or 77 .. ."fii g7 78 'lt>g5!) 78 'it>h4 'i'd8+ 79 'it>g3 would have won without problems in view of 79 . . . �d6+ 80 "i'f4+. 74 ... 'iVd s+ 75 "ikfs 'i'd8+ 76 'lt>hs Trying to exploit the position of the black king to force a queen exchange. It is evident that the black king is misplaced and should head diametrically opposite the pawn to the al-corner of the board. How­ ever, Black was basing his play on a faulty analysis by Paul Keres, which claimed that the black king should remain on the a4and aS-squares. 76 ... "i'e8 No better is 76 . . .'iVdl+ 77 "ifg4+! or 76 . . . �8+ 77 Wg4 'i'g7 (77 . . . 'i'd4+ 78 'i'f4) 78 'fiif7! "fiic3 79 g7, winning. 77 'iff4+? 77 Wg4! 'fiie2+ 78 rJilf4 'i'd2+ 79 'lt>e5 'i'b2+ 80 'lt>d6 'i'b8+ 81 'it>e7 "fiib4 + 82 'it>f7 "fiib7+ 83 Wf6 1ifb6+ 84 'i'e6 would bring about vic­ tory. n cJil a s ? A s explained above, 7 7. . . Wa3! would of­ fer excellent drawing chances. 78 'i'd2+ 'lt>a4 79 'i'd4+ 'lt>a s 8o 'it>gs

It is now easy to explain why White's 74th move (74 "i'f6?!) was less accurate than 74 'lt>f5 ! . The queen should not abandon the central squares without a very specific rea­ son. 8o :iVe7+ 81 'lt>fs 'i'f8+ 82 'it>e4 'i'h6 83 'files+ Wa4 84 g7 The white pawn has managed to ad­ vance and the result now becomes clear. The following moves are also instructive. The last act consists of a direct attack by the white king against its counterpart, under the necessary precautions, in order to achieve a queen exchange. This procedure, 'king against king', is quite standard in queen endings. 84 .. .'fii h 1+ 85 Wd4 'ii'd 1+ 86 'lt>cs 'ii'c 1+ 87 Wd6 "fiid 2+ 88 'it>e6 'fila2+ 89 'fiid s "fiie 2+ 90 'it>d6 �h2+ 91 rJilcs ! 1-o White will either queen or exchange queens. ••

Black to play L.Shamkovich-H.Wirthensohn 30.7

B iel 1980

(see following diagram)

•••

2 76

A difficult ending that should objec­ tively end in a draw. In any case, neither player found the going easy!

Q ueen Endings: Q u een & P a wn Endgames

79 .. .'iVg7+? A serious error, helping only White. Af­ ter 79 ...'i'g3 or 79 ...'i'c4 the game would have remained within the boundaries of a draw. 80 'iYf7 ! �g3 Compulsory, and not 80 ...'iVe5+? 81 1/Ve6+. 81 'i!Vf6+ �c7 82 'i:Ygs? The queen must occupy central squares. 82 hS was natural and would have eventu­ ally led to victory. 82 ...'ilia 3+ 83 �f7 '1i'b3+ 84 �g7

84 ... 'i!Vc3+? A theoretically drawn position would have occurred after 84 ...'i!Vb2+, although even here a lot of hard work remains. There is no deep philosophical explanation: after the text, Black's king keeps getting in his

queen's way in some lines. 85 �f6 '1i'g3+ 86 �h7? A fundamental mistake (king in front of the pawn). Any of 86 'i'gS, 86 'it>f7 and 86 �f8 would have won. 86 ... 'i'h3 87 'it'gs �b6? Since the black king has no time to move towards the appropriate corner, dia­ metrically opposite the pawn, he should approach it with 87 ... �d7/d6, with a draw. 88 h S �d7+ 89 �g7? White worsens the placement of his queen. Any king move would have won. 89 ...'iYh 3? The black queen forgets about control of the central squares. Instead 89 ...'i'd5! would have drawn. 90 'i'e s ! The white queen finally assumes a cen­ tralized position and the black king is mis­ placed (neither too near nor too far from the pawn). The position is now won and, most importantly, White finally stops mak­ ing mistakes! 9o .. :�d1+ 91 �g6 'i'd 3+ 92 'i'fs 'i'g3+ 93 Wf7 'i'c7+ 94 �g8 'it'b8+ 9 5 �g7 'ii'c 7+ 96 '¥1if7 1/Vh2 97 h6 �a s 98 h 7 'i'es+ 99 �f6 'i'g3+ 100 Wh6! 1-0

In view of 100...'int2+ 101 �g6!, when he runs out of checks thanks to the correct placement of the white king (on a neighbouring rank to that of its counterpart). 277

Practical E n dgame P l ay - Maste rin g the Basi cs

Conclusion In general we can say that the ending of queen and pawn vs. queen is won when the pawn is on the c-, d-, e- or f-file and has reached the seventh rank, while with edge pawns (a-, b-, g-, h-) there are good draw­ ing chances. The defending king, when un­ able to place himself in front of the pawn, must move as far away as possible. A badly-placed defending king is of great help to the attacking side.

Queen and

2

4 'i'd6 'i'g5+ An alternative discovered check would be set up after 4...'i'e3+ 5 'i'd4!. 5 'it>c6 'i'g2+ 6 'it>c7 'i'g7+ 7 'i¥'d7 'i'c3+ 8 �d6+ 'it>b8 9 'i'b5+ White wins.

30.9

B.Podlesnik-E.Grivas

Black to play

l ka ri a 1997

Pawns vs. Queen

The inferior side has drawing chances only when its king is in front of the pawns. In comparison with the previous section, the additional pawn offers protection from checks to the attacking king. Naturally, the more central the pawns are, the easier the victory.

30.8

Black to play

Connected pawns wm easily in most cases. The plan here is to transfer the white king to c7, from where, when checked, it will deliver a discovered check, thereby gaining the necessary time to stop the de­ fender's checks. 1 .. .'i'e8+ 2 'it>c4! 'i'e2+ 3 Wc5 Vi'e7+ Or 3 ...'i'f2+ 4 'it>c6 'i!Vf6+ 5 �d6! 'i'f3+ 6 �d7 'i'f7+ 7 'i'e7 'i'd5+ 8 'it>c7 and wins. 2 78

The two extra pawns, the distant white king and the ideal placement of the black queen combine to determine Black's vic­ tory. 61 ... h 5 62 �c2 �g6 63 'i'e8 it'e6 64 'i'g8+ 'it>f5 65 '1t>d2 h4 66 'Yi'h7+ �g4 67 'Yi'g7+ 'i'g6 68 'i'd4+ 'it>h5 Or 68 ...�h3 69 'i'e3+ 'i'g3 70 'ireS 'it>g2, winning. 69 �e1 f5 70 'i'h8+ 'it>g4 71 Wf1 'i'a6+ 72 'lt>f2 'i'a 2+ 7 3 'lt>f1 'i'b1+ 74 'lt>f2 'i'c2+ 7 5 'it>f1 'ifd1+ 76 'lt>g2 'i'f3+ 77 Wh2 'ifg3+ 7 8 'it>h1 Wh3 o-1

30.10

V.Topalov-V.Anand

Black to play

FIDE World C h a m pion s h i p, Sa n Lu is 2005 Here Black is able to survive.

Q u een E n di n gs: Q u een & P a w n E n dg a m es

90 .. Jli'e1+ 91 ..t>g4 'ii'd 1+ 92 �g5 'i'd8+ 93 �h5 'i'd 5+ 94 'YWg5 'ifh1+ 9 5 'ili'h4 �d 5+ 96 c.t>g4 'i'd1+ 97 ..t>g3 'i'e1+ Yz-Yz There is no way to avoid the perpetual check.

A Material Advantage In most endings of this type, the side with the extra material has the first word. How­ ever, it is not only material that counts, but also other factors, such as king safety and queen activity. 74 .. JIHh 5+! 7 5 We4 �f5+ 76 We3 �g5+? 76...�3+! 77 We2 'iHhS+ would have forced perpetual check. 77 f4! 'tlfg3+ White wins after 77...'i'g1+ 78 Wf3 'i¥£1 + 79 Wg3 'tlfe1+ 80 'i'f2. 78 We4 �e1+ Or 78...'tlfg6+ 79 ..t>f3 �5+ 80 We3 'ifh3+ 81 Wd4. 79 Wf3 �f1+ 8o Wg3 �g1+ 81 �g2 �b1 8 2 �c6+ Wf7 83 �d7+ Wf6 84 �g7+ We6

85 �e5+ 85 f5+! 'ii'xf5 86 h7 �d3+ 87 c.t>h4 is the quickest way. 85 ... c.t>f7 86 �h 5+ Wf6 87 �g5+ c.t>f7 88 �h 5+ Wf6 89 'i!Vh4+ Wf7 90 h7? White decentralized his queen for no reason and now makes an awful mistake. Still winning was 90 �g4 �g1+ 91 �h4.

3 0.11

E.Grivas-A.Karayiannis

White to play

Ath e n s 2002

White's superiority is evident, thanks to his extra pawn, the good placement of his queen and the satisfactory safety level of his king. The next step must be the creation of a passed pawn. 42 b 3 ! axb3 The alternative is 42 ...a3 43 �c4 'i"d7 44 'it'dS �e7 45 h4 h5 46 �aS 'i'd6 47 b4 when White wins. 43 axb3 g5 After 43 ...f5 44 'i!Vc4! 'ifb7 45 'i"d5, the win would be easier. 44 'i'c4! 'i'f6 45 h 3 ! h 5 46 b4 �g7 47 �d 5 47 'i'c7! g4 48 hxg4 hxg4 49 �g1 seems easier for White. 2 79

Practical E n dgame P l ay - Masterin g the Basics

47 ... g4 48 hxg4 hxg4 49 'it>g1 The white b-pawn continues its ad­ vance, while in addition the black g-pawn has been weakened. 49 ... 'it>f8 50 b5 e7 54 'i'a7+ 'it>e6 55 b7. 53 ... 'i"xb6 54 'i¥d 5+ g2 'i¥f5 65 e7 1i'd 5+ 66 �g1 1-0

3 0.12

E.Grivas-S.Palatnik

Black to play

H e ra kl io n 1992

Black now correctly decides to abandon his kingside pawns in order to create a passed pawn of his own. Although this didn't suffice to save the game, it was the best practical chance. 2 80

42 ... 1i'xc4 42 ...1i'f5 43 'i¥c6+ \t>f7 44 e4 would have been clearly decisive. 43 WHxg6+ 'it>e7 44 'i'xh 5 Forced a s White must also obtain a passed pawn, and one that suits his pur­ poses at that. The requirements are not met by the e-pawn, though, as that can be stopped by the black pieces. 44 'i'c1+ 45 'it>g2 c4 .•.

46 1i'c5+ 46 'i¥xg4 c3 47 h5 c2 48 'i'g7+ Wd6 49 h6 'i'dl 50 'i'f8+ 'it>d7 51 't�Vf7+ c,t>d6 52 'ilff4+ 'it>d7 53 'i¥a4+ \t>e7 54 h7 is an alternative win. 46 ...\t>e6 Black could have tried 46 ... 'it>f7 47 h5 c3, but he would still have lost after 48 · �f5+! We7 49 h6.

Q u een Endings: Q u een & P a wn Endga m es

47 h 5 �c2 Or 47...c3 48 h6 c2 49 h7. 48 'i'c8+ 1-0 Black resigned in view of 48 ...�f6 49 'i'xg4 �d3 50 h6 c3 51 �g7+ �e6 52 h7.

30.13

D.Rajkovic-S.Skembris

White to play

Sofia 1986

Black has an extra pawn, but in any other type of ending, such as a rook ending, his win would be in serious doubt. In a queen ending, however, a material advan­ tage of one pawn can prove decisive. 43 f3 h 5 44 h4 �c5 45 �d2 �f6 The black king must assist the ...d5 ad­ vance. 46 11Hg5+ �e6

47 g4 A logical push. White seeks pawn ex­ changes, hoping to eventually reach a drawn queen and pawn vs. queen ending. Although it gives Black's king a future path to the kingside, if White refrains from this advance, then Black will organize a future ...f5 central break. 47 'i'c2+ 48 �f1 hxg4 49 �xg4+ �e7 50 'i'g5+ �e8 5 1 h5 Otherwise the white h-pawn will re­ main weak. 51 ... gxh 5 52 'ilfg8+ �e7 53 "Yig5+ 'it>d7 54 'i¥f5+ '>t>e8 55 "i/Hxh 5 .••

White has managed to keep the game close to a draw, but there is still a long way to go in order to achieve this result. It is of great importance that Black's remaining pawns are central. If we move all the pawns two files to the right, then a draw would be the most natural outcome as the black king has entrance squares only on one side. 5 5 .. .'i'd1+ 56 '>t>f2 'iYd2+ 57 'it>f1 �e7 Black will try to infiltrate White's lines with the king, initially via the kingside. Then he will exchange one more pawn (his d-pawn for the white e-pawn). Finally, the decisive invasion will be accomplished via the queenside. This whole plan appears simple in its conception and fully realiz­ able. Besides, Black is risking nothing, as it 281

Practical Endgame Play - Mastering the Basics

is impossible to lose. In contrast, White must be constantly vigilant. 58 't!Vh4+ Wd7 59 �g4+ Wc7 60 't!Vgs Or 60 '1Wf5 �a2, but not 60 . . ."Vi'f4? 61 'i'xf4 exf4 62 We2 'it>c6 63 �d3 �c5 64 Wc3 £5 65 exf5 Wd5 66 f6 �e6 67 Wd4 �x£6 68 �d5, drawing. 6o ...iVf4 61 �e2 d 5 ! The backward d-pawn is finally ex­ changed. 62 exd 5 '1Wc4+ 63 'it>e3 �xd 5 64 'iVe8 �d6 6 5 'Yid8+ �e6 66 'i'e8+ �f5 67 1i'c8+ 'i'e6 6 8 �c2+ 'it>g5 69 'Vi'g2+ �f6 10 iV b 2 �f5 1 1 'Yib6+ �g7 7 2 'J/Iic7 'i'f4+ 7 3 � e 2 'it>g6 Black is on the right path. His d-pawn has been exchanged, his queen's position has been improved and his king now sets off on its journey. 74 'Yid6+ �g5 75 'tlif8 �h4 76 'ii'g 8 Or 76 �8+ Wg3 77 'iVg7+ 'it>h3 78 �f2 f5 79 'ii'g6 'tlic4. 76 ...f6 77 'ii' h 7+ Wg3 78 'iVg7+ �h3 79 �g6 No help is provided by 79 �7+? Wg2 80 'i'g6+ �g3! 81 'i'x£6 'iV£2+!, as Black would win the resulting pawn ending. 79 ... 'ii'c 4+ 79 . . . £5 80 �f2 'Vi'c4 is also good. so We3 'i'c1+ 81 �e2 'ii'f4 82 �g7 f5 83 �f2 'Vi'd2+ 84 'it>f1 'Vi'c1+ 85 �f2 'Vi'd2+ 86 �f1

87 'i'g2+ 'it>h4 88 'ir'h2+ �g5 89 'i'g3+ 'it>f6 Now Black commences the last stage of his plan: the infiltration of his king via the queenside. go 'ifh4+ We6 91 'ir'h 5 Also winning is 91 'i'c4+ �d6 92 �4+ 'iVc5 93 'iVd2+ �d4 94 �g5 'i�Hd3+ 95 'it>f2 Wc5. 91 .'iVd 3+ 92 �e1 Wd6 93 Wf2 'ir'd2+ 94 �f1 'i'c1+ 95 Wf2 'Yic2+ 96 Wf1 f4! White's queen must now keep an eye on the £-pawn to prevent its loss. However, how can a queen simultaneously protect a pawn, prevent mating threats and try to give perpetual check? Even for a queen this is too much work. 97 'i'g4 'i'h7 98 �e2 "VWb1 99 "VWh 5 'ir'c2+ 100 'it>f1 'ir'd 3+ 101 �f2 'i'e3+ 102 �f1 'it>c5 103 '1Wh 3 Wb4 1 03 . . .'i'd3+ 1 04 'it>f2 'i'd2+ 1 05 wfl Wd4 is an easier win. 104 'ir'g4 Wc3 105 'i'c8+ 'it>d2 106 'ir'a8 ••

106 ... 'ir'd 3+ 107 'it>f2 'i'd4+ 108 'it>g2 We3 Or 108 . . . 'it>e1 109 'it>h3 W£2. 109 "VWa 3+ 'it>e2 110 'Vi'a6+ The standard discovered check could occur after 1 1 0 'ir'a2+ 'i'd2 1 1 1 'i'a8 �c2! 1 12 '1Wa6+ (or 1 1 2 'Yi'e8 e4) 1 12 . . . 'it>e3+. 110 .'�'d 3 111 'ir'c6 After 1 1 1 'i'a2+ We1 1 1 2 'i'f2+ 'it>d1 1 1 3 '1Wg1 + Wd2 White has n o useful move left. 111 ... e4! 0-1 ••

86 'i'e3 ! Black slowly but steadily improves the placement of both his pieces. .••

28 2

Q u een E n din gs: Q u een & P a w n E n dgames

And White had to resign in view of 1 1 2 fxe4 f3+ 1 1 3 'it>h2 f2. A superbly conducted ending by one of the pioneering grandmas­ ters of Greek chess, Spyridon Skembris.

30.14

E.Grivas-A.Graf

56 'i'xf7+! White discovers the ideal solution, al­ though it wasn't the only one (56 "iY'e4+ ctJg7 57 g4). 56 ... ctJxf7 57 ctJe4

White to play

Porto Ca rra s 1998

The pawn ending is drawn, as analysed in the relevant chapter on pawn endings (see example 2.1 1 in Chapter Two). As in the previous example, Black has an extra pawn on the kingside. However, as the pawns are not central, the black king has fewer prospects for manoeuvring and thus White can hold the draw. 48 'iYe4+ 'it>f6 49 �d4+ h6 48 'i'f6! 'i'e3+ 49 '>t>ds 'it>h7

Of course not 49 ... Vi'd2+ 50 �d4! �xc2? 51 'inS mate. so c3! �a 7 51 Wc4 'fi'c7+ 5 2 WbS 'ii' b 7+ 5 3 �xa s �xb3 54 �e7+ 'it> h 6 5 5 �cs White now practically has two extra pawns, as Black is unable to mobilize his kingside pawns. s s ... l!Vbs 56 'it'gs+ Wh7 5 7 1We7+ 'it>h6 ss c4 �b3 59 �gS+ �h7 60 'i'e7+ 'it>h6 61 Vi'f8+ 'iii h 7 62 'Yi"f7+ 'it>hG 63 'flif6 �h7 64 cs "iVd s 284

65 �d6 Vi' aS+ 66 'it>bs 'iWb7+ 67 'i�Vb6 '1/Vd s 68 as The white pawns are involved in a one­ horse race because Black is unable to react. 68 .. .'i'd 3+ 69 'i£tc6 'i'e4+ 10 'l£tc7 'il'xh4 The white h-pawn is unimportant. Much more important is how far advanced each side's pawns are. 71 c6 'il'e7+ 72 'i£tb8 'it'e8+ 73 �b7 l!Ve7+ 74 c7 h4 7 5 'i£tb8 'i'e s 76 a6 h 3 77 'i'b7! h 2 78 'it> aS ! �h6 79 c8'i' �gs 1-0

30.16

A.Ardeleanu-E.Grivas

White to play

Skopje 1984

Black's advantage is evident. Apart from his extra pawn, which seems to carry no significant value as it is doubled (al­ though it can be of help in offensive activi­ ties), his queen is better placed and he has a protected passed pawn. White's only coun­ terplay is his passed a-pawn, which he cor­ rectly rushes to exploit. Otherwise, Black's intended . . . h5-h4-h3 advance would be de­ cisive. 3 2 a4 d 3 ! 3 3 a s There i s no choice in view of 3 3 "iVc3? "iVe3+ 34 'it>hl li'e2. 3 3 .. .'iVxc4 34 'it>f2 �f7 34 . . .'ifd5! 35 a6 c4 is decisive (36 a7 �f7+) .

Q u een Endings: Q u een & P a wn Endga m es

3 5 'it>g3 gS Despite weakening the kingside, this is the best way to proceed. 35 ...'iVd4? 36 �f2+! 'it>e6 37 �xd4 cxd4 38 �f2! would only fa­ vour White! 36 �f2 'it>e6 37 'il'e3+ �d7 37...�d5 38 "Yi'el 'i'd4+ is another good line for Black. 38 a6 �xa6? Far easier is 38 ...�c6 39 a7 Wb7 40 '¥1Ne7+ Wa8. Black is not obliged to exchange the unimportant white a-pawn for one of his central pawns. 39 �xcs

39 ...'il'f6+? A second mistake in a row. After the correct 39 ...'iVa2+! 40 �g3 d2 and the trans­ fer of the king to the queenside, Black would win comfortably. 40 �e3 'iVf4+ 41 'it>xd 3 'i'f1+ 42 'it>d4 �g1+ 43 �c4 'i'xh2 There is no hope of winning anymore, as 43 ...'iVxg2 44 'i'f5+ 1;;e7 45 'i'e5+ leads to perpetual check and unfortunately the pawn ending after 43 ...'iVxc5+ 44 'it>xc5 is only a draw: 44...g3 45 h3 (but not 45 hxg3? �e6 46 �d4 �f5 47 'it>e3 �g4 48 'it>f2 h5) 45 ...We6 46 'it>d4 �f5 47 �e3 h5 48 �d4 �f4 49 �d3 h4 50 1;;e2! 'it>e4 51 �d2. 44 'i'fS+ �e7 45 'i'e4+ �f6 46 'il'c6+ 'it>fs 47 'i'd7+ The detail that escaped Black's atten-

tion: 47...�f4?? 48 'i'd6+ is not feasible. Now the black king cannot find safety and succumbs to perpetual check. 47 ... �f6 48 �d8+ �g6 49 �e8+ 'it>f6 so �f8+ 1;; e 6 5 1 'i'e8+ 1f;f6 5 2 'tif8+ �e6 53 'il'e8+ Y2-Y2

30.17

E.Grivas-G.Fish

Black to play

H e ra kl i o n 1 9 9 5

White has obtained a tiny plus thanks to his better placed pieces, but if Black suc­ ceeds in exchanging rooks under favour­ able circumstances, he will equalize. 19 ... .l:i.d8? A serious blunder. The only way was 19 ...c5 20 'il'h4+ f6 21 'it'g4 'it>f7 22 'i'h5+ g6 23 'i'h4 h5 and Black is close to his aim. 20 lixd8 VWxd8 Black had forgotten about the simple 20 .. :it>xd8 21 �d4+ and so loses a pawn. 21 'i'xc6 White has won a pawn and his king cannot be disturbed. The next step is the creation of a passed pawn and its advance. 21 ... a s 22 a3 gS 2 3 b4 axb4 24 axb4 hS 2 5 cs bxcs 26 �xes+! The more distant the passed pawn, the better for its possessor. 26 ... �f6 2 7 'i'c3+ �e7 28 'it'cs+ 'it>f6 29 bs 'it'a8+ 30 'i¥c6! 2 85

Practical E n dgame P l ay - Masterin g the Basics

30.18

J.Kaplan-B.Ivkov

Black to play

Sao Pa u l o 1973

30 .. .'ilfa 2 The pawn ending resulting from 30 .. Jlt'xc6+ 31 bxc6 �e7 32 �f3 �d6 (or 32 ...f5 33 e4! �d6 34 exf5 exf5 35 h4) 33 g4! h4 (33 ...hxg4+ loses to 34 �xg4 f6 35 f4) 34 �e4 �xc6 (White wins too after 34...f6 35 f4 �xc6 36 fxg5 fxg5 37 �e5 �d7 38 �f6) 35 �e5 is won for White, but avoiding the queen exchange does not help. White has achieved the ideal placement of his queen on the long diagonal, from where it simul­ taneously protects its king and shepherds the pawn to promotion. 3 1 b6 g4 Not 31 ...'i'xe2? 32 'ilff3+! when the out­ side passed pawn proves decisive. 32 'ilfb5 ! �aS+ 3 3 b7 iYbS 34 'i!Vc6 'ilfe5 3 5 e3 �e7 36 h4! Making space for the king, so as to re­ lieve the queen from one of its duties. Black's situation is now hopeless. 36 ... �f6 37 'ilfc4 �g6 38 'ilfb4 'i!fb8 39 �h2 1-0

A Positional Advantage We often encounter the myth that queen endings are usually drawn, because at some point (in a vague sense) perpetual check will occur! Perhaps there is a little dose of truth in this, but what really mat­ ters is the specific advantage and the way in which we can exploit it. 286

White has structural weaknesses, but controls the d-file. A possible rook ending, after the exchange of queens, would allow the white king to be centralized, securing the draw. The proper treatment of the posi­ tion demands a queen ending in which Black will have good winning chances, as his queen can simultaneously attack weak white e-pawns and prevent the centraliza­ tion of the white king. Thus Black's next move comes naturally. 2 3 ....Ud8! 24 llxd8+ The alternative 24 �d3 h5! 25 h3 (and not either 25 "ifdl? �xe3+! or 25 �f2? .l::!. xd3 26 �xd3 �4+) 25 ...llxd3 26 �xd3 �g3 would also give Black the initiative. 24 ... "i¥xd8 2 5 'iVxb7 ! The only way as both 2 5 'i!fc3? 'i!Vh4! and 25 'ilfc2? �a5! lose material. 2 5 ... 'ilfd1+ 26 �f2 "i¥c2+ 2 7 �f3 27 �g1 'ilfe2! 28 h3 'ilfxe3+ 29 �h1 (or 29 �h2 'ilfxe4 30 'ilfxa6 'ilff4+ 31 �g1 "i¥d4+ 32 �hl e4) 29 ...'it'cl+ 30 �h2 �xc4 again drops material. 27 .. .'i'xc4 28 b3 28 �8+ �h7 29 'iVxe5 �xa2 is a position that will shortly occur in the game.

Q u een E n di n gs: Q u een & P a w n E n dgam es

28 .. J!Vf1+ 29 'it>g3 'i'e2 !

30 'i'b8+ Compulsory as in case of 30 'i'xc6? 'i'xe3+ 31 �h4 (or 31 �g4 h5+ 32 �h4 'i¥f4+ 33 'it>h3 'i'g4 mate) 3l. . .�g7! 32 'i'xa6 'i¥f2+ 33 �h3 g5 34 g3 h5 35 a4 f6, White is mated! 30 ... �h7 31 ifa 7 �g7 32 i/c5 Centralization of the white queen ap­ pears to be the indicated course of action. Alternatively, 32 a4?! h5 33 h3 h4+! 34 Wh2 (34 �xh4? iff2+ 35 g3 'i'e2! ) 34 ...ild3! leaves Black much better. 3 2 ...i/xa2 3 3 'i'xe5+ �h7 34 'i¥c3 'i¥e2 !

3 5 h4?! This is a serious inaccuracy. Instead 35 'i'xc6? 'i'xe3+ 36 �h4 (36 'it>g4 h5+) 36 . . . g5+ 37 'it>h5 'i'e2+ 38 g4 ilxh2 mate was also unsatisfactory, but White ought to have continued with 35 h3, when he stands just

slightly worse. Now the newly created weakness on the g4-square will soon be exploited. 3 5 ... h 5 ! 36 �xc6? This is surely a bad mistake as now White is clearly suffering. A better try is 36 �h2. 36 ...'i'g4+! The weakness on e3 can wait: 36 ...'i'xe3+ 37 �h2 'i'f4+ 38 g3 'i¥f2+ 39 'it>h3 ilg1 40 e5 'i'fl+ 41 �h2 'ii'e2+ 42 'it>h3 'ifxe5 43 'i'xa6 'i'f5+ 44 'it>g2 'i'c2+ 45 c.t>h1 'i'xb3 46 iff6 is only a little better for Black. 3 7 'it>f2 No different is 37 c.t>h2 'i'xh4+ 38 Wg1 ile1 + 39 Wh2 'ii'xe3 40 'ii'xa6 'i'xb3. 3 7 ... 'i¥xh4+ 38 'it>f1 Worse is 38 �e2 1Vg3!. 3 8 ...'i'h1+ 39 �f2 'ifa1 40 'i¥b6?! h4 41 e5 Hoping for 41 . . .'i'xe5?! 42 'i'xa6 'i'b2+ 43 'it>f3 'ii'xb3 when White improves his posi­ tion at a small material cost. White's e­ pawn would then be less exposed, while his king would both protect it and feel safer, and finally, the black h-pawn would be somewhat weak. 41 ...�b2+! 42 'it>t1 'i'b1+ 43 'it>t2 ilf5+ 44 �e2 ile6! 45 �d8 The pawn ending resulting from 45 �xe6? fxe6 46 c.t>f3 g5 47 �g4 �g6 would be a certain loss as Black practically has an extra pawn, while 45 'i'd4 g5 46 'i'e4+ 'it>h6 is not much different. 45 .. .'i'g4+ Black must create a passed pawn, with the help of a future ...h3 advance. 46 'it>e1 ilg3+ 47 �d1 h 3 ! And not the naive 4 7...�xg2? 4 8 'Vi'xh4+, allowing perpetual check. 48 gxh3 �xh 3 I t i s worth noting that after all the pawn exchanges that have taken place, White's weak e-pawns have remained on the board! Black is practically a pawn up, as his g­ pawn has no opponent. 287

Practical Endgame Play - Mastering the Basics

49 "i¥d3? White had to continue to resist in a clearly worse position after 49 'iVd5 'ilfe6. 49 ...'i¥e6? Why not 49...'i'h5+! 50 �d2 'i'xe5 51 �xa6 'i¥h2+ 52 \tel 'i¥xb3, winning? 50 b4! An important attempt. Never forget that obtaining a passed pawn is the primary aim in queen endings! 5o ... �h6! If Black now continues with the point­ less 50 ..."i¥xe5? 51 �xa6 'i'xe3 52 b5, then he will have nothing better than perpetual check. 51 'i'd4 Or 51 'i'd6 "i¥b3+ 52 We2 (52 �d2 'iVa2+) 52 ...'i¥c4+ 53 Wf3 �h5 and Black further im­ proves his position. 51 ... �h5 5 2 �e1 'ilfg4 5 3 'iVd6 '¥Wc4 54 �f2 �g4 Although the white king has moved nearer to the passed pawn, it is unable to prevent its advance. However, if we were to remove the black a- and £-pawns from the board, as well as all the white pawns, the game would be drawn despite Black's extra material. Here, however, all those pawns prevent the white queen from checking and, in such an ending, the protected passed black g-pawn is truly powerful. 288

5 5 "i¥d7+ Or 55 'i!Ydl+ W£5!, attacking the e5-pawn. 5 5 ... Wh4 The seemingly superior 55 ...'i'e6?! 56 'i'd4+ Wh3 57 'iW£4 'i!Ya2+ 58 Wel is not actually all that desirable for Black! 56 'i'd8+ 56 "i¥d4+ leads to a lost pawn ending: 56 ...'i'xd4 57 exd4 Wg4 58 d5 (or 58 �e3 �f5 59 'it>£3 g5 60 'it>g3 We4) 58 ...'1t>f5 59 d6 We6 60 We3 £6 61 exf6 Wxd6 62 W£4 We6 63 'lt>g5 �£7 and Black wins. 56 ...\th3 5 7 "i¥d6 "i¥e6 58 e4!? White has nothing t o lose and he must keep trying! He further weakens his pawns, but he now threatens 'i!Vd3+ and 'iYg3+. 58 ... Wg4 59 We3 Wg3 Go 'it>d4

60 ... Wf4? A mistake

in

time-trouble.

Instead

Q ueen Endings: Q ueen & P a wn Endgames

60 . . . g5 is good and decisive. 61 'fi'c7 ! 'it>g4 62 �d6?! White had to try 62 'ifc2 'ik'd7+! (and not 62 . . . g5? 63 �e2+ 'it>h4 64 i¥h2+) 63 We3 'it>g5! "i'g2+ �h6. Black retains a plus, but will require a lot of time to convert it. 62 ... Wf3? ! The natural 6 2 . . . g5! i s again better, as now White could have defended more stubbornly with 63 'i'd8! . 63 'it>cs? 'it>xe4 64 'it>b6 �c4?! 64 ... g5 65 Wxa6 g4 66 b5 g3 is easier for Black. 65 �cs Wd 3 ! 66 was?! 66 �d6+ Wc3 and the white b-pawn will be lost, but a better try was 66 'i'e7 Wc3 67 a7. The end is now quite instructive: 66 ... gs 67 'iYd6+ �e4 68 �cs �bS+! 69 "i'xbs axbs 10 'it>xbs g4 1 1 'it>c6 g3 72 bs g2 0-1 An ideal example for revealing the vari­ ous possibilities in queen endings. Of course there were a lot of inaccuracies, but in the heat of battle no-one can be perfect.

30.19

White to play

White's advantage is out of the ques­ tion. The light squares around the black king are very weak and, as a consequence, the white monarch is able to infiltrate Black's camp via them.

1 hS! White first of all fixes Black's light­ square weaknesses, so as to enable the king's invasion. 1 ... Wf8 Another option is 1 . . .�4 2 1i'e8+ Wh7 3 Wg4 i'Vxb3 4 Wf5 'ife3 (or 4 . . . b4 5 We6 "iWc3 6 'ib8 b3 7 Wf7) 5 �xb5! �g5+ 6 We6 i'Vxg2 7 Wxd6 'i'xf3 8 Wc7, when White also wins. 2 "i'a8+ �e7 3 'i¥b7+ Wf8 4 'lt>g4! Wg8 The king's march along the light squares is the obvious and convincing plan. With the queens on, mating possibilities are ad­ ditional burdens on Black's shoulders. Pas­ sive defence is more hazardous in queen endings than in any other type and so 4 . . . 'i¥f2 5 'it>f5 'iVxg2 should be preferred. However, after 6 'f�Hc8+ Wf7 7 'i¥d7+ Wf8 (or 7 . . .'�g8 8 'f�He8+ \t>h7 9 'i'g6+! "iWxg6+ 10 hxg6+ Wg8 1 1 We6! h5 12 Wxd6 h4 1 3 We7 h3 14 d6 h2 15 d7 h1'i' 16 d8'iV mate) 8 "iWxd6+ 'lt>f7 9 'i¥c7+ Wf8 10 We6 �3+ 1 1 Wd6 'i'xf3 (1 1 . . ."i'xh5 12 "i'e7+ Wg8 13 Wc7 'iVxf3 14 d6 "i'c3+ 15 Wb7) 12 "i'e7+ Wg8 13 'i'e8+ �h7 1 4 We7 �c3 15 d6 'i'xb3 1 6 d7 �4+ 17 W£7 'iYc4+ 18 "i'e6 i¥c7 1 9 We8,

Black isn't saved, although this was the best practical defence. s 'it>fs Wh7 6 \t>e6 'i!l'f2 1 \t>f7 The threat is 8 �c8. 7 ... 'i!Vh4 8 Wf8 ! White wins as 8 . . . 'i'g5 9 �f7! is decisive. 2 89

Practic al E n dgam e Play - Masterin g the Basics

30.20

D.King-E.Grivas

White to play

H e ra kl io n 1984

In this quite simplified position, White stands somewhat better. While the black pawns on b7 and d5 have been immobilized, White's kingside majority is ready to ad­ vance. Perhaps this factor is not sufficient to bring White victory, but it will give rise to an annoying initiative and offer Black many opportunities to go wrong. Black's greatest mistake in this position would be to proceed indifferently, waiting for a draw offer from the opponent or looking for the appropriate moment to offer one himself. 41 �g3 g6! A correct idea, aiming to weaken the white majority and thereby nullifying White's initiative. 42 hxg6 fxg6 43 f4 h 5 ! 44 �d1 White's other option, 44 gxh5 gxh5 45 �dl �g6+! 46 �f2 �e4 47 �xh5 �xf4+ 48 'iWf3 �xf3+ 49 �xf3 �e7, leads to a drawn pawn ending. Equally, White cannot make progress with 44 f5 gxf5 45 gxh5 'ifu6 46 'it>h4 'iVcl 47 e6 'it>e7 48 'iVe5 "Yi'xc5 49 'it>g5 'iYgl+ 50 'it>xf5 'iful +. 44 hxg4 45 'i'xg4 'i'c6?! Black could immediately draw with 45 ...'iYxg4+ 46 'it>xg4 �e7 47 'it>f3 'it>e6 48 e3 ..•

2 90

g5 49 fxg5 'it>xe5 50 g6 'it>f6 51 'it>d4 'it>xg6 52 'it>xd5 'it>f5. Instead he wrongly tries for some­ thing more with the text. Now both sides have one passed pawn and the fact that the white one is protected is hardly important. 46 'i¥h4! �e8 47 'i¥h8+ We7 48 'i¥g7+ �e8 49 "iYgS+ We7 50 �g7+ �e8 51 'iYgS+ �e7 52 'iYbS 'iYxc5 ! Further simplification is the aim. With every pawn exchange, Black inches his way closer to the draw. 53 'iYxb7+ fs 54 'it>f3 �c4! Black is all set for perpetual check. His remaining pawns play a significant role in this as they control important squares (e4, f5 and h5). 55 'i'd7 'it'e4+ 56 'it>g3 "iYe3+ 57 'it>g4 'i'g1+ 58 'it>f3 'i'd1+ 59 'it>g3 'iifg 1+ 60 'it>h4 'il'h2+ 61 'it>g5 Yz-Yz After 6l...�g3+ 62 'i¥g4 (62 'it>h6 'ii'xf4+ 63 Wxg6 'iYg3+! ) 62 ...'ti'xg4+ 63 �xg4 'it>e7 64 'it>f3 e6 65 We3 g5! the draw is guaranteed.

30.21

E.Grivas-V.Kovacevic

Black to play

H e ra k l io n Ba l ka n ia d 1 9 8 5

White doesn't seem to be in any danger, but Black's chances are somewhat superior thanks to his powerfully-centralized queen and the imminent invasion of his king to

Q ueen E n di n gs: Q u een & P a w n E n dgames

the kingside. Naturally, having sensed the danger, White makes steps to eliminate it.

53 ... 'ii'e 1+! 54 �f4 Or 54 'iYe2 'i'xe2+ 55 ..t>xe2 Wd5 56 We3 f5 57 f4 c3 58 ..t>d3 c2 59 Wxc2 �xd4 wins. 54 ... c3 Things now look critical for White, who is counting only on the exposure of the black king and the possibility of perpetual check. 5 5 'i'b3 'i'g3+ 56 ..t>e4 'ifg6+?! It was time for Black to collect the point with 56 ...c2!. 5 7 �e3

42 ... �d6 43 �a 3+ �c6 44 'iVc3 'iVg5+ 45 �f2 �d 5 It's a draw after 45 ...�g3+ 46 ..t>fl ..t>d5 47 'ifxa5+ �xd4 48 'i'd2+ Wc5 49 'ii'a5+. 46 We3 Wd7 47 ifc2 ! Wd6 48 ifc3 Wc6 49 'ifc2?! Passive defence is difficult! The accurate move was 49 We2! with equality. 49 ...11l'g5+ 50 wt2 'it>d5

51 'ife4+? A serious error. The only move was 51 "i'c3! f5 52 'iYxa5+! (better than 52 ..t>fl �f4 53 �e2 'ii'c7 and...'iiVb7-b4) 52 ...Wxd4 53 'iVb6+ ..t>c3 54 aS with an equal game. 51 Wd6 52 'i'c2 'i'g3+ 53 We3 53 c;t>fl h3! 54 gxh3 'ii'xf3+ is an easy win for Black. .•.

57 ... c2? Inaccurate timing! Black could have won with 57...'ifg5+! 58 �d3 'ifd2+ 59 We4 f5+! 60 �xf5 'i¥xd4. 58 't�Hb8+ Now White obtains perpetual check. 58 ... 'it>e7 59 'i'c7+ �fs Go 'i'd8+ �g7 61 ir'e7+ c;t>hG 62 'i'f8+ 'it>h5? Over-ambition! Black should take the draw. 63 �hS+ 'it> g5 Going into the pawn ending with 63 .. .'i'h6+? 64 'ifxh6+ �xh6 65 Wd2 was hardly an option for Black. 64 f4+?! This leads to a draw, but 64 Wd2! would even give White decent winning chances! 64 ...'iii> g4 65 'i'c8+ 'i'f5 Certainly not 65 ...Wg3?? 66 'i'h3 mate!. 66 'ifg8+ 'ii'g 5 ! ? 67 �c8+! 'i'f5 Yz-Yz 291

I

Chapter Thirty- One Queen Endings: Queen vs. Various Major

Many interesting endings can arise from the fairly rare opposition of a queen against a combination of major and minor pieces. We can accept as a general rule that, when there are no pawns on the board, the superior side can win if its material advantage is at least one rook (in standardized material value).

Queen vs. Queen and Minor Piece Without pawns, this ending is drawn. Naturally, there do exist (as always) a few exceptions, in which the defending king is caught in an uncomfortable position.

3 1.1

292

White to play

&

Minor Pieces

White is able to force a win due to the bad placement of the black queen. 1 'ilt'e3+ �f5 Or l...Wd5 2 iYb3+. 2 'iYf3+ �e6 3 'iYb3+ �e7 White also wins after 3 ...�f6 4 ..lig5+. 4 ..lig5+ �f8 Forced in view of 4...We8 5 iYb8+ �d7 6 'ib7+ 'it>e6 7 'ilt'b3+. 5 'iWb8+ 1/Ves 6 �d6+ �g8 7 ..lie7 ! ! Black will be mated!

31.2

O.Chebotarev-E.Najer

To m s k 2006

White to play

Q u een E n din gs: Q ueen vs. Vario u s Major & Min or Pieces

White isn't in any danger, as queen and bishop rarely co-operate well which is cer­ tainly the case here. Indeed, only White has some winning chances due to his passed b­ pawn. 46 "ii'e 8+ Wh7 47 'iVh s+ 'it>g8 48 'iVd s+ 'it>h8 49 "ii'd 8+ Wh7 so �d 3+ Wh6 51 Wf3 Black defends successfully after both 51 'i'e4 ..if6 52 b6 'i¥c3+ 53 Wg4 'i¥c8+ and 51 'it>g4 ..if6 52 g3 �c5. 5 1 ... i.f6 It's also a draw after 5l....i.e5 52 g3 'i'e1 53 'it>g4 i.xg3 54 'iVxg3 'i¥e2+. 52 g3

5 2 ... i.es! Now Black will give up his bishop for the white b- and g-pawns, achieving a theoretically drawn queen ending. 5 3 'it>g2 'i¥b2+ 54 Wh3 'i'f2 s s Wg4 ..txg3

white pawn and the natural 49 'i¥f7 �d2, intending to bring the king over to b2, does not help. The solution lies elsewhere, more specifically in the misplacement of the black king.

49 "i¥d6! ! 'it>f3 Nothing is changed by 49 ...'i'xa2 50 lLlf5+ 'it>e4 51 �d4+ 'it>f3 52 'i'f4+. so lLlfs Also winning is 50 'iYd3+ Wg2 51 'i'e4+. so .. :tWxa 2 Black's last chance, as 50 ...'1t>e2 51 a3 just leads to a won ending. 51 'i¥f4+ 'it>g2 Or 5l ...'it>e2 52 'ili'h2+. 52 lLle3+ 'it>g1 53 'iff1+ Wh2

Yz-Yz

The draw is clear after 56 'i'xg3 'ife2+ 57 'i'f3 "iYxb5. Queen and knight almost always co­ operate in a much more successful way.

31.3

E.Grivas-I.Karkanaque

White to play

Xa nth i 1 991

Black is threatening to capture the last

54 'it>h4! 1-0 Black will have to surrender his queen to avoid mate. 293

Practical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

3 1.4

V.Kotronias-E.Grivas

White to play

Ath e n s 1 9 9 5

Without the queens Black would have the upper hand, but White now can include his king in an attempt to create a mating net. Furthermore, the black pawns are more of a hindrance to their queen than an assis­ tance. 60 'it>h4! 'it>h7 61 tZ:lf6+

a draw! 62 tt:Jds+? 62 tZ:lhS+! wins easily. 62 ...'it>h7?! 62 ... 'it>g8 is a more stubborn defence, but in any case White is clearly on top.

63 'it>gs ! �f3 64 tZ:lf6+ 'it>g7 65 �a 7+ 'it>f8 66 'it'b8+ 1-0

Queen vs. Two Rooks and Minor Piece The advantage of the three pieces is so great that this ending is won even without any pawns. In the next example we can observe how helpless the black queen is against White's concentrated firepower.

31.5

61 ... g7 ? Black had to opt for 6 1 . . .Wh6 62 'i!!Vxd6!, when White is only clearly better: some­ thing which he isn't here after the tempting alternative 62 tZ:ldS gS+ 63 'it>g4 �c2 64 'ifu8+ �7 65 �f8+ 'it'g7 66 'it'xd6+ 't!Vg6 67 'i!!Vf 8+ ""il/g7 68 'tl¥xg7+ xg7 69 tZ:lxb4 aS with 2 94

White to play

Q u een E n din gs: Q u ee n vs. Va rio u s Major & Mi n o r Pieces

1 �c2+ �b8 2 �cc4! Black must now abandon the pin on the rook. 2 ...�f6 Useless too are both 2 ...'i'a7 3 �fl! �al+ 4 .&!.dl 'i'g7 (or 4...'ifa6 5 .l::td8+) 5 .l::tbl+ and 2 ...'ifb2+ 3 �g3. 3 .U.b4+ �c8 4 �dc4+ �d8 5 .l::t b 8+ �d7 6 .l:ib7+ �d8 7 .l:ia4! White wins.

Queen vs. Rook and Two Minor Pieces Without any pawns, this ending is usually drawn, although the queen may have to sweat for it. In the presence of pawns, de­ feat for the side with the queen is extremely likely.

3 1.6

A.Vouldis-E.Grivas

White to play

Ath e n s 1997

White's huge material advantage settles the day. 40 lLlf4 b4 41 lLlfs 'i'b7+ 42 Wg3 bxc3 43 bxc3 'flfa 7 44 �xd6 'itg1+ 45 �f3 �h1+ 46 �e3 'flfc1+ 47 �e4 'i'c2+ 48 �d3 'iVxa 2 49 �e s ! Although there are other roads t o vic­ tory, the attack against the opponent's king is the surest method. White will be attack-

ing with four pieces and Black can defend with only one. 49 .. .'iVa4 so �g3 �bS+ 5 1 �f6 �c6+ 52 lZ:Je6 �h8 53 CLJe7 �e8 54 �g7 1-0

Queen vs. Rook and Minor Piece This ending is often met in practice. In the absence of pawns it is drawn, but with an equal number of pawns on each side, the player with the queen has very good win­ ning chances, especially if he succeeds in obtaining a passed pawn. The king of the attacking side also has an important role to play, assisting the queen. However, in cer­ tain very exceptional cases, the queen may prove inferior due to the excellent coordi­ nation of the opponent's pieces.

31.7

E.Grivas-A.Kofidis

White to play

Ka lavrita (ra pid) 1998

32 f3 a s 3 3 �f6 �d3 ! 34 a4 �h7 Forced in view of 34....U.a3? 35 'flid8+. 3 5 Wg3 �a3 36 'itd4 l:!.a2 37 Wf4 The white king heads for the weakened dark squares around its black counterpart, aiming to create mating threats. Maybe even better is 37 h4! h5 38 Wf4. 37 .. .J:bg2 38 �es f4 39 h4! �g7 40 �xf4+ �g6 295

Practic al En dga m e Play - Masteri n g the Basics

41 'iVes ! �h2 42 'i'xa s 42 'it>g3 �h3+ is useless. 42 ... �Xh4+ 43 'it>g3 �C4 44 f4 White has created a passed pawn and the win is now in sight. 44 ... hs?! Making White's win easier, although Black couldn't continue with 44 ...�d7 45 'i'd5! �c3+ 46 'it>f2 �xa4? 47 �e4+. 45 'i'gs+ 'it>h7 46 'i'xh 5+ 'it>g7 47 'i'es+ 'it>g6 48 'i'gs+ 'it>h7 49 fs �c3+ so 'it>f2 1-o

3 1.8

3 1 .9

D.Delithanasis-E.Grivas

Black to play

Ath e n s 1994

White to play

When the pawn structure is asymmetri­ cal, the queen is favoured as it is the most powerful piece. However, even with a symmetrical structure the side with the queen can count on victory, so long as the 296

structure is not blocked. 1 'iYf4! a6 2 �b8+ �c8 3 a4! 3 b4? b5! is a serious mistake, allowing Black to hold the draw. 3 ... 'it>h7 4 b4 Black is lost as he has too many weak­ nesses to cover. White's plan is to bring his king to d8 and win the black b-pawn. 4 ...fs Or 4.. Jk4 5 b5 axb5 6 axb5 Ii.c5 7 �d6! �cl 8 'it>g3 and wins. 5 'i'es �f6 6 'i'c7 �c6 7 'fJ/e7 �g6 8 f3 �c6 9 bs axbs 10 axbs �c4 11 h4 �c2 12 h s .l:i.c4 13 �g3 �c3 14 'i'd6 �c2 15 'iY'g6+ 'it>h8 16 'i'e8+ 'it>h7 17 �f4 l:tc1 18 'i'g6+ Wh8 19 �es �d7 20 �b6! i.. c 8 2 1 'it>d6 'it>g8 22 'i'e3 ! Now White is ready for the decisive 'it>e7-d8.

White seems to have created some kind of fortress, as his pieces protect each other and the pawns on the queenside are blocked. Black can, of course, still try to force victory. His plan is the advance of his g-pawn, which will cause the white king discomfort, and, as in all endings, the inva­ sion of the king. At a given moment, the

Q ueen E n di n gs: Q ueen vs. Vario u s Major & Min or Pieces

return of the extra material and a transition to a winning pawn ending is a very likely eventuality. 57 ... g4 58 hxg4 hxg4 59 .l::!. e 3 'i'f4+ 60 'it>e2 'f!Vh2 Compulsory. If White ever succeeds in playing g3, then the black king would be unable to penetrate. 61 �f2 'it>f6 62 'it>t1 g3 ! 63 i.d5 'i'h5

64 i.e4?? A serious mistake, allowing Black to conclude the game immediately. White should have defended with 64 .l::!.f3+ 'it>e7 65 .l:.e3+ �d6 66 i.f3 �f5 67 �c3 'i'b1+ (after 67...'i'e5 68 .l;i.d3+ �c5? 69 J:!.d5+ 'i!Vxd5 70 iLxd5 �xd5 71 �e1 ! it's a draw, but not here 71 �e2?? We4 72 'i¥td2 'i¥td4 73 'it>e2 �c3 74 �f3 Wxb3 75 �xg3 'it>xa4 76 'i¥tf4 'i¥tb5! 77 g4 'it>c6 78 �f5 �d7 when Black wins) 68 �e2 'i¥h2+ 69 �d3 �e5 70 .iLb7 when it is unlikely that Black can improve his posi­ tion. 64 ...'f!Vd1+ 65 .l:!.e1 'i'xb3 o-1

Queen vs. Rook Overall, the side with the queen wins in all cases in which it has more or equal pawns, or when there are no pawns on the board. The main winning idea is to force the rook away from its king by making use of zugzwang. In the next, quite standard posi­ tion, Black must be to move.

3 1. 10

Black to play

1 ....Uh7 All the alternatives also lose: l...'it>a6 2 V.Wc8; l....Ub8 2 'ii'a5 mate; l....l::!.b4 2 'i'a5+; l....l:tb3 2 'i'd4+ 'it>b8 3 'i'f4+ �a7 4 'f!Va4+; l...�b2 2 'ifd4+; l...l:tb1 2 'ifd4+ �b8 3 'f�Bf4+ WaS 4 'iff8+ �a7 5 'i'f2+ �b8 6 �2+ �a7 7 V.Wa2+; 1 .. J:H7 2 'i¥d4+ 'i¥tb8 (or 2 ...'i¥ta8 3 'i'a1 +) 3 'i'b2+ 'i¥ta8 4 'ilfa2+; and l....l::!. g7 2 'i¥d4+. 2 'i'a 5+ �b8 3 'i'b4+ 'i¥ta7 4 'i'a 3+ 'i¥tb8 5 'ii" b 3+ 'i¥ta7 6 �a 2+ �b8 7 �g8+ White wins.

Queen vs. Rook and Pawn When the side with the rook has an extra pawn, things may turn out differently, pro­ vided that the defending king and rook are close to the pawn and that the opponent's king cannot attack from behind. The basic rules are: i. With a central (c, d, e and f) pawn, it's a draw if the pawn is on the second, sixth or seventh ranks, but otherwise the queen wins. 2. With a b- or g-pawn, it's always a draw. 3. With a rook pawn, it's a draw if the pawn is the on third or seventh rank, but otherwise the queen wins. 29 7

Practical E n dgame P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

3 1. 1 1

Philidor

White to play

6 �f5 I!.e5+ 7 c.t>fG .l:!.e4 8 �c3 ! l:te6+ 9 �f7 .l:!.e5 10 �f8 .l::!. e4 10 . . . .l:.e6 1 1 'i�Vh3+ 'it>e5 12 'i¥i'f7 also loses. 11 �d 3+ .l::i. d 4 Or 1 l. . .�e5 12 �e7 d5 13 'i'g3+ �d4+ 1 4 'it>d6 'it>c4 15 �g2 l:td4 16 'i'c2+ and 1 7 �c5. 12 'i'f5+ 'it>c4 13 c.t>e7 d5 14 �c2+ �b4 15 'i¥td6 White wins as Black is forced to aban­ don his pawn.

Queen and Pawns vs. Rook and Pawns

White can win only if his king manages to attack the black pawn from the rear, which cannot happen if the pawn is on its initial square. An exception is the rook's pawn, when the defending pieces lack space. This study by Philidor is instructive: 1 'i'h7+ �e6 2 'i'c7 .l::!. c 5 3 'i'd8 .l::!. e 5 4 1We8+ �d 5 Or 4 . . . �f6 5 'i'd7 .l::!. e6 6 �g4 �e5 7 �g5. 5 'i'c8

Of particular interest is the ending of queen and 3 pawns vs. rook and 4 pawns, with all the pawns on the same flank. The attacking side has three possible winning plans: the invasion of its king into the enemy camp, the sacrifice of the queen for a rook and pawn, so as to bring about a winning pawn ending, and the transition to an ending of queen vs. rook and pawn. In the last two cases, the attacking side must make sure that the re­ sulting endings are theoretically won.

Black to play 3 1. 1 2 M.Chiburdanidze-E.Akhmilovskaya 2 n d m atchga me, Ta l l i n n 1977

5 .. J:te4+ No help is offered by 5 . . . 'i¥i'd4 6 �c6 l:td5 7 �f3 �e5 8 �c3+ 'it>f5 9 1Wc4 .l:!.e5 10 'i!Vf7+ �g5 1 1 �d7 .l:!.d5 12 �g7+ 'it>f5 13 'i!Vf7+ 'it>e5 14 'i'f4+ �e6 15 �c4! 'i¥te5 16 'i'e4+. 298

4 3 ... g5 Black decides to become active. Alterna­ tively, 43 . . . .Uf5 44 'i¥b6 .l:!.d5 45 h3 ilf5 46

Q u een E n din gs: Q u een vs. Vario u s Major & Min or Pieces

�e4 l:ld5 47 g4 hxg4 48 hxg4 �g8 49 'i!Vc7 �g7 50 'i'c6 Wf8 (or 50 ....l:!.d1 51 'i'c3+ 'it>gs 52 �e5 �g7 53 f5! exf5 54 gxf5 .l:!.£1 55 fxg6 fxg6 56 �e6+ with a theoretical win) 51 'i'a8+ �g7 52 'i'xd5! exd5+ 53 �xd5 �f8 54 �d6 �e8 55 f5 g5 56 �c7 �e7 57 Wc8! �d6 58 �dS is also winning for White. 44 fxgs .Uxgs 45 h3 �h7 46 �e4 l:td s 47 'i'b8 �g7 48 "i'b2+ �h7 49 'i'b1 At first, 49 'i!Vf6 l:tf5 50 "ifxf5+ exf5+ 51 �xf5 seems to lead to a won pawn ending. On closer inspection though, Black can save herself with 51 ...h4! 52 g4 Wg7 53 Wg5 f6+ 54 �xh4 Wg6 55 �g3 f5! . It must also be mentioned that White can continue with 49 g4 hxg4 50 hxg4 .l:!.g5 51 �f4 .l:!.g6 (or 51...'lt>g6 52 ifus e5+ 53 'lt>f3 e4+ 54 'it>f4 �c5 55 "i'g8+ 'lt>f6 56 g5+ �e7 57 g6 fxg6 58 'i'xg6) 52 'i'e5! �g8 53 g5 when her king is free to penetrate Black's position. 49 ... �g7 so 'i!Va t+ �g6 51 "i'hs .l:!.gs 52 "i'g8+ 'it>f6 5 3 'i'd8+ �g6

54 'i'f8! Preventing both 54....l:!.xg3? 55 'i'g8+ and 54 ...�f6 55 'ifh6+ .l:!.g6 56 'i'xh5. 54 ...J:.fs s s g4 hxg4 56 hxg4 .l:td s 57 't!Vg8+ 'it>f6 ss �h8+ 'it>g6 59 �f4 ltcs Go 'iVg8+ �f6 61 gS+ We7 62 g6 .l:!.fS+ 63 �e4 fxg6 64 "ifxg6 White has obtained a won queen vs. rook and pawn ending. The technical part of the game is now particularly instructive

for this type of ending: 64 ... \t>dG 6 5 'i'g7 .l:!.bs 66 'i¥g3+ Wd7 67 'i'a 3 .l:!.d s 68 'i'b4 l:lfs 69 "i'b7+ �ds 10 'i'bB+ 'it>d7 1 1 �d4 .l:!.ds+ 12 �c4 �e7 73 Vi'gs J:.fs 74 'i'g6 �d7 7 5 't!Vg3 lid s 76 'i'g7+ �es 77 'i'f6 �d7 78 'i'f7+ �d6 79 "ii'e 8 �CS+ 80 �b4 �ds 81 'i'd8+ 'lt>es 82 'file7 �fs 83 �c3 �e s 84 'fi/fs l:td7 ss "ifhB+ �fs 86 �c4 .l:!.ds 87 'filg7 1-0

3 1. 1 3

I.Karkanaque-E.Grivas

Black to play

Va rna 1994

Black can easily hold the draw by re­ taining either his g- or h-pawn. However, due to the competitive requirements of the Greek team (it was the last round of the Balkaniad), the author received an order to play for a win! Of course, the only aim was the opponent's clock. This explains Black's efforts to lose the game by burning all his bridges. Naturally, one cannot possibly comment on a game in which both players had approximately only a minute left, but I will try to spot some interesting moments. 70 ... g6 71 't!Vd8+ 'it>g4 72 'fild1+ �h4 7 3 'file1+ �g4 74 'i¥g1+ 'it>hs 7 5 "i'g3 a s 76 Vi'xh3+ 'i¥?gs 77 "ifh8 a4 78 �e3 a 3 79 't!Vd8+ 'it>g4 80 "ii'd 1+ �gs 81 'i¥a4 'lt>h6 82 'i¥xa 3 'i¥?g7 83 'iYe7+ 'i¥?g8 84 'it>e4 �h8 8 5 'iVh4+ 'i¥?g7 86 'it>e3 �f7 87 'iYd8 �fs 88 Vi'd4+ 'it>gs 299

Practical Endgame Play- Mastering the Basics

89 �e2 l:.f7 90 'iVd8+ �g7 91 'it>e3 �f6 92 �e4 l:.f5 9 3 'iVe7+ 'it>g8 94 �d7 l:!.f7 9 5 'i1Hh3 l:l.f5 96 'i¥h6 �f7 97 'i'h7+ �f6 98 �h8+ �g5 99 �d4 l:tf1 100 �e3 .l::.f5 101 �e4 W g4 102 'i'h6 l::tf4+?? 103 'it>e5?? Incredible, but both sides overlooked the simple 103 'i'xf4+. 103 ... .l:i.f5+ 104 We6 .i:.f2 105 'i'xg6+

Of course not 1 1 6 'i¥xc2? and stalemate, but not that difficult is 1 1 6 'iVe3. 116 .. Jia2+

117 �b3?? A new comedy of errors starts! 117 \t>b4 would still have been on the right track. 117 ... l:tb2+?? 1 1 7... .Ua3+! 1 1 8 'it>xa3 is stalemate. 118 �c3?? 1 1 8 �c4 is the right move, but not 11 8 Wa3 l:!.b3+ 1 1 9 'it>xb3 with stalemate again! 118 ... \t>a2?? 119 'l!Va6+ With 1 1 9 'iVd1 the Philidor position (see example 31 .1 0, above) arises. 119 ... �b1 120 �f1+ �a2 121 'i'a6+ 'it>b1 122 'iVa 7 l:lc2+ 123 'it>d3 I:i.b2 124 'it>e3 �c1 125 �d 3 .l:.d2+ 126 �e3 I:i.d 5?! 121 'flfc7+ 'it>b2 Or 127...'it>d1 1 28 'l!Vb7 lae5+ 129 �d3 'it>e1 130 'l!Vg2 with mate to follow. 128 'i'b7+ 1-0 And here Black ran out of time. A game full of critical mistakes, but also quite in­ structive with regard to the various possi­ bilities of this ending. .

Even for titled chessplayers time is an important factor, even in theoretically won positions. Let's see why. 105 ... �f3 106 �e5 �e2 101 'l!Vg4+ \t>d2 108 �d4 �e2 109 'i1Hf4+ �c2 110 'i¥f3 �d2+ 111 c4 �b2? Better is 1 1 l. . .�bl.

Queen vs. Two Rooks 112 'l!Ve3 ? 1 1 2 'i'c3+ i s not that difficult t o find! 112 ....l:.c2+ 113 �b4 .l:i.c1 114 'ii' b 3+ wa1 115 'it>a 3 .U.c2 116 'i'd 3 300

In general, a queen and a pawn equals two rooks. Thus in a situation with an equal number of pawns and no particular struc­ tural weaknesses for either side, the side with the rooks has the upper hand.

Q u een E n di n gs: Q u een vs. Vario u s Major & Mi n or Pieces

31.14

31.15

P.Leko-V.Kramnik

Black to play

Wo rld C h a m pi o n s h i p (G a m e 1), Bri ssago 2004

One of the simplest positions. Black threat­ ens l . . ..l::!. f£2 or ....l:!.f6-g6, winning the g2pawn, with a further material advantage or, in case White surrenders his queen on g2 for the two rooks, a transition to a winning pawn ending. Naturally, White always has chances for perpetual check (most likely) and, moreover, the 2 vs.l pawn ending may be drawn, meaning that Black must act carefully. Usually with only two pawns each on the same side of the board and no passed pawns, the likely result is a draw. In general, it is not an easy job to say when the two rooks are better than a queen: it all depends on the strategical factors of each exact position. The two rooks offer a serious advantage and good chances of gaining the full point, while the queen must avoid passive positions. The most important factors that are usually in favour of the rooks are: i. The rooks have control of the position. ii. The king is safe. iii. The rooks support a passed pawn. iv. There is a fixed pawn-structure. v. The rooks have safe anchor squares. vi. The queen has no real targets. vii. The queen must passively protect weak pawns.

Of course Black has every chance to win. He must first concentrate on the white a-pawn and then try to exchange his rooks for the opponent's queen and a pawn, lead­ ing to a won pawn ending. However, this is easier said than done! 37 .l::t 2 d S ! 38 'i'c6 J::t a s 39 '>tg3 .l:!.da8 40 h4! It is important for White to both reduce the material and create some kind of threats against the enemy king. •••

40 .l:tsa6 This seems better than the immediate 40 ..Jha4?! 41 h5 gxh5 42 gxh5 !!.4a6 43 'iYe4 ••

301

Practical En dgame Play - Masteri n g the Basics

h6 44 �g4+, but Black could play 40...h6!? 41 h5 g5 42 f4! gxf4+ 43 'it>xf4 �xa4+ 44 Wg3 l:l4a6 45 �d5 .l:!.b8, retaining a clear plus 41 �ct l:la s 42 �h6 On 42 'ifc6 Black would have to try the previous variation with 42 ...h6. 42 ... l:lxa4 43 h S l:l4a S

44 �f4?! You can't really call this a mistake, but it nevertheless eases Black's task. White seems to be helpless, though, as even 44 f4 .l';ia1 (and not 44...g5? 45 f5 with a draw) 45 f5 l:l8a3+ 46 'it>f4 l::ta4+ 47 Wg5 (Black also wins after 47 We3? �xg4!) 47...gxf5 48 �c6 .l';ia6 49 �c8+ 'it>g7 50 Wxf5 .l';if6+ 51 We4 l:le1+ 52 �d5 l:lfe6 is rather unpleasant for him, but he had to try this, hoping to gain a perpetual. An interesting but insufficient defence is 44 hxg6 hxg6

30 2

when Black can win with some delicate manoeuvres, as first shown by endgame expert GM Karsten Muller: 45 g5 (45 f3 l::t a3 46 �d2 l::t b8 47 'i'd5 .l:!.bb3 48 g5 l::t b8! 49 �d4 l::ta5 is similar) 45...,l;tf5 46 f4 ,l;ta4 47 �4 l:lc4!

(a key point and one missed by many analysts; Black must use his rooks to create mating threats and zugzwang positions, waiting for the right moment to achieve a won pawn ending, whereas 47....:g_fxf4? 48 �xf4 J:.xf4 49 'itxf4 'it>f8 50 We4! 'ite8 51 �d4! �d8 52 We4 is only drawn) 48 �g4 (or 48 �f3?! l:lc3+ 49 �e4 lib5 50 �d4 �a3 51 'i'g4 l::tb4+ 52 We5 .l::!. a5+ 53 �d6 .l';if5) 48...l:lc3+ 49 �g2 (Black also wins after 49 Wf2 l:ld3 50 'it>e2 l:lb3 51 �f2 'itg7 52 'it>g2 J:.d5 53 'iVe2 l:ldd3 54 'it>£1 l::t f 3+ 55 'it>g1 .l:!.fe3 56 'i'c4 .l::!. bd3 57 Wfl lid2 58 'iVb4 1:!.ed3 59 'ife4 .l:!.a3 60 'ii'e5+ 'it>h7 61 �f6 'it>g8 62 f5 �f3+ 63 'ite1 .l::!.d5) 49 ....l::!.d5 50 'ife2 �dd3 51 'i¥e8+ Wg7 52 �e2 �f8! 53 'it>f2 (neither does 53 'it>g1 �b3 54 'i¥f2 �e3 55 Wh2 'it>g8 56 'it>g2 J:.bd3 57 'it>g1 l:ld1 + 58 'itg2 J:.de1 save White) 53 ...l:lb3 54 Wg2 Z;ig3+ 55 �f2 �h3 56 'ifd1 .l:.bd3 57 'iYcl l:th2+ 58 'it>g1 .:!.a2 59 'i'c8+ 'itg7 60 'i'cl 'it>h7 61 �e1 .l:!.dd2 62 'ii'f l Wg7 63 ..t>h1 .l::!. f2 and wins. 44 ... gs ! Now Black can keep all pawns on the board, without even allowing a future f4 break.

Q u een E n di n gs: Q u een vs. Vario u s Major & Min o r Pieces

.lah2! 57 �d4+ 'it>g8 58 fxg5 I!a1+! 59 'i'xa1 .l::!.h 1+. s s lia2+ 56 �g3 .l::I.f6 57 �b4 .l:!.aa6 58 �g2 l:!.f4 S9 11Vb2+ J:!af6 •••

45 'i'f6 h6 46 f3 Of course 46 'i'xh6? .l::I. 8a6 would be a childish trap. Also inadequate is 46 f4 in view of 46 ....l::I.a3+ 47 �f2 .l::I.a2+ 48 �f3 .l:!.8a3+ 49 �e4 �a4+ 50 'it>d3 (or 50 �d5 .laxf4 51 'iVxh6 .l::I.a5+) 50 ....l::I. 2a3+ 51 'it>e2 �b3, win­ ning. 46 ... .l::I. S a6 47 �c3 .l::I. a 4 48 'i'c6 .l::!. 8 a6 49 "YiVe8+ 'it>g7 so "YiVbs l:.4a 5

Finally the rooks have arrived on the correct squares and the rest is simple. Go 'il'es Or 60 'i'c3 .U.xf3 61 'i'xf3 l:.xf3 62 'it>xf3 �f6 63 'it>e4 'it>e6. 60 .Uxf3 61 'i'a l l:.fl 62 'i'c3 Black wins too after 62 "Y/Ve5 .l::I. lf4 63 �g3 'it>h7 64 "YiVa1 .l::I.e6 65 'i'h1 + J:!.ee4. 62 .. Jhf2+ 63 Wg3 l:.2f3+ 64 'i¥xf3 .l::I. xf3+ 65 �xf3 �f6 0-1 .•.

3 1.16

V.Kramnik-P.Svidler

White to play

Li n a res 1999

51 "YiVb4 White must not allow the black rooks to arrive at the important f6- and f4-squares. Sl ...J:.d s 52 'i'b3 .l::!. a d6 5 3 'i'c4 .l::I. d 3 ! 54 'it>f2 Also insufficient are both 54 "YiVc2 l::!. e3 55 �f2 .l::I.ee6 56 'i'c3+ l:tf6 57 'it>g3 .Ua6! 58 'it>g2 .l::I. a4 59 �g3 .l:iaf4 and 54 'i'b5 .U.e3 55 "YiVc5 .l:tdd3. 54 ... l:.a3 55 'i'cs Black also wins after 55 f4 l:.d2+ 56 �e1 303

Practical Endgame Play - Mastering the Basics

White enjoys a winning position since his extra exchange will tell in the long run. However, of course, converting this advan­ tage will take a lot of moves and involve chances to go wrong. 28 �xf7! A remarkable but justified decision. White enters a theoretically winning end­ ing with two rooks against Black's queen. 28 .. ..ibf7 If 28 . . . 'i2i'xf7 29 'ii'xd7 .!::t xd7 30 .i:!.xd7+ 'i2i'f6 31 .l::!. xc7 aS 32 .l:i.cel! a4 (or 32 . . . �4 33 l!tal, followed by �a2 and l!tfal) 33 .l::!. a l 'tWb3 34 .!::tfbl 'i'c2 3S 'i2i'gl a3 36 .l:!.b6+ 'i2i'g7 37 lia6 when White wins. 29 'i'xd7 l:txd7 30 l!txd7+ 'i2i'h6 3 1 Jaxc7

3 1 ...�d3?! Black could have posed more problems with 3l. . .aS 32 .!::!. e el! a4 33 .!:tal 'i'b3 when White would have had to find 34 £3! ! h4 3S llf2 and .l::!.fa2 in order to win. 32 'i2i'g1 'i'd4 Or 32 . . . aS 33 �al a4 34 l:ra7. 33 .Uc2 1-0 Black resigned as after 33 . . . 'i'a4 34 .:!.eel! aS 3S �al Vib4 36 £la2, there isn't any hope.

3 1. 1 7

R.Hamdani-M.Chokshi D u b a i 2004

304

Black to play

2 8 ...�e8 ! Black starts attacking the weak eS-pawn. 29 'i'bs Instead 29 a4 J::HS 30 'iVc6 lUxeS 31 aS l:tf8! 32 a6 .l:!.e7 33 'iVcS .l:!.d7 34 Wh2 .l:!.a8, fol­ lowed by . . . .l:!.da7 and . . . l!txa6, is a typical exploitation of Black's advantage. 29 ... .l:.e6! 30 g4 �f3 3 1 �b8+ Black also wins after 31 'iYcS l:!.f4 32 Wg2 g6 33 "i'c8+ Wg7 34 "i'c3 .l:i.e4 3S 'i2i'f3 .l:!.4xeS 36 a4 Wh7. 31 ... �h7 32 'i'b1+ g6 33 �b7 l:tf4 34 a4 34 "'fic7 Wg7 3S Wg2 l!te4 36 "i'c3 .l:i.4xeS 37 a4 Wh7 38 aS l:te7 39 h4 .l:!.bS, winning, is very much like the previous note. 34 ....Uxes The first target falls and now White's a­ pawn and kingside are in Black's sights! 3 5 'i'c7

Q ueen E n di n gs: Q u een vs. Vario u s Major & Mi n or Pieces

3 s .. Jiee4 36 a s .:c4 37 1i'es Or 37 'i¥b7 �c2 38 �g1 �g7 39 V.We7 .l:!.a4 40 �e5+ 'lt>h7 41 'iVf6 'lt>g8 42 a6 .U.aa2 and wins. 37 �f2 38 '!t>g1 l:ta2 39 �e1 .U.cs 0-1 After 40 �fl �g7 41 a6 �c6 the a-pawn will fall, leaving Black with an easy win. •..

Black to play 3 1. 18 A.Mikhalchishin-G.Kasparov Fru n ze 1 981

After 36 �g1 .l::!.g6 37 g4 I!.gd6 Black can combine mating threats with the usual at­ tack against White's weak white a- and e­ pawns. 36 ... �h7 37 'iYb4 Black also wins after both 37 �g1 .l::!.f£2 38 g4 .l::!.g2+ 39 'it>h1 l:Ige2 and 37 Wg3 .l:!.g6+ 38 'lt>f3 .l::!. dxg2. 37 ....l::!.ff2 38 'ife4+ fs o-1 Black forces a winning pawn ending with 39 �c6 .l:!.xg2+ 40 11Yxg2 .l:!.xg2+ 41 'lt>xg2 g5.

3 1.19

G.Miralles-G.Fiear

White to play

Va l ra s 1990

A rather easy ending due to White's weak structure. 31 a6! 32 �a 7 lif6 ! All Black's pawns are protected by this rook, allowing the other to become active. 3 3 a4 It.d8 34 a s .Ud1+ 3 S 'lt>h2 .:d2 .•.

36 'i'b8+

White faces a difficult choice: which pawn should be captured? 3 S 'ifxd s?! The wrong one! It is of great importance to aim for perpetual and so capturing the f5-pawn was correct in order to further ex­ pose the black king. After 35 'iVxf5! .l::!. 8b6 36 �xd5 White would get quite reasonable chances to save the half point. 3 S ....l:I2bS! 36 �d1 .l:!.8b6! 37 �f4 .l:!.g6 3 8 �xh s? White could put up more resistance with 38 'i¥d8+! 'lt>h7 39 f3!. 3 8 ... .l:.g4+ 39 Wf3 Wg7 ! Now the white queen i s completely 305

P ractical E n dga m e P l ay - Masterin g the Basics

paralyzed, permitting Black's rooks to fin­ ish the job. 40 We2 lieS+

34 'i'b8+! �h7 3 5 �c7 ! The only sufficient move for the draw. Black's rooks are unable to protect the valuable f-pawn, so Black has to accept the unavoidable. 3 s ...�g8 36 'i'b8+ Yz-Yz

White to play 31.21 V.Tukmakov-S.Savchenko Donetsk 1998

41 'it>f1?! White will now get into zugzwang. He had to try 41 �d2 f6 42 'it>d3 l:.f4 43 Wc3 l:.xf2 and pray! 41 ...f6! 42 f3 .l:!.a4 43 f4 .Uxf4+ 44 'it>g2 .Ue1 45 'it>g3 �g4+ 46 h2 l:.e2+ 47 �h3 Black also wins after 47 Whl l:.d2 48 �xf5 l:!xh4+ 49 'it>gl l:.c4 50 �1 .l:lcc2 51 �7+ 'it>h6 52 �1 .Ug2+ 53 'it>hl .l:!.h2+ 54 'it>gl l:.cg2+ 55 'it>fl �hl+. 47 ... J:.eg2 0-1

3 1 .20

A.Karpov-G.Kasparov Li n a res 2001

30 6

White to play

In general, the more pawns there are on the board, the easier the win. However, some cases require very careful handling, such as this position in which White's e­ pawn needs permanent protection. 34 h3 The right way as 34 g3? h4! would give Black serious counterplay. 34 .. .'�c3?! In general the defending side should generate counterplay. For this reason the proper move was 34 ...g5. 35 �abs g6?! This was the last chance for 35 ...g5 with some practical, if not objective, chances to hold. 36 h4! Rooks love fixed structures! Now the black f-pawn becomes an easy target. 36 .. :�g7 37 g3 'ii'c4 38 lhb4 �c1+ 39 � g2 'i!Vc6+ 40 �h2 �h6 41 J::!. b 3 !

Q ueen E n din gs: Q ueen vs. Vario u s Major & Min or Pieces

31.22

S.Vajda-F.Kiss

Black to play

Zaga n 199 5

Planning .l:l5b4-f4 followed by l:!.bf3. 41 ... gs This comes too late, although also losing was also 41 . . .'i'e4 42 lle3 'i'f5 43 'it>g2 and :b4-f4. 42 hxgS+ 'it>xgs 43 l:t5b4 Now �f4 and .:tbf3 cannot be avoided.

43 ...fs Forced as otherwise this pawn would be lost. 44 exf6 �xf6 Black has saved his vulnerable £-pawn, but, on the other hand, new weaknesses have been created. White will now focus on the black e-pawn to win the game. 45 llf4+ 'it>g7 46 �e3 'i'd s 47 l:tfe4 'i'fs 48 '>t>g1 1·0 Black had to resign as both his pawns will be lost.

36 ...1::!. 8 c7? 0-1 A serious blunder that should have cost half a point! Black could not win with 36 . . . J::t 3c5? 37 'iYb7 �e8 38 �a7 �ee5 39 'ib6 �f5 40 'i'd8+ �h7 41 'ifb8 J::r c2 42 'ifa7 �a2 43 �g1, but the standard manoeuvre with 36 . . . 1:.3c7!, intending to double rooks on the a-file, would have won. Note that White has no time to be active with 37 f4 due to 37 .. Jk4! (but not 37 . . . �c2+? 38 'it>h3 .l::!. a2 39 f5 �cc2 40 'i'e8+ 'it>g7 41 'it'e5+ with a draw) 38 'Yib7 l:.c2+ 39 �h3 J::re8 40 �1 �ee2 41 f5 gx£5, winning. The most funny thing is that White trusted her opponent and resigned in a drawn position! After 37 aS! .:§.a7 38 �d4 l:!.cc7 39 'ifu6 .l:i.e7 (or 39 . . . �cb7 40 'i'd8+ �h7 41 �d5) 40 'it'c5! Black is unable to properly place her rooks in order to win the white a­ pawn!

3 1.2 3

J.Polgar-V.Kramnik

White to play

Wij k aan Zee 2005

This is a theoretically drawn position. 307

Practical E n dga m e P l ay - Masteri n g the Basics

Black's king is too exposed and, besides, capturing the white g-pawn is not winning because White can achieve a drawn pawn ending. White should advance her king and pawn near to the opponent's king, getting ready for the drawing pawn ending.

3 7 "Yi'h 5+ �g8 38 'i'e8+ �f8 39 'i'e6+ lhf7 The only way to avoid an immediate draw, but now the white king comes! 4o �g3 ! l:!.ds 41 �g4 �fs 42 Wg5 l:!f6 43 "iVb3 .l:!.dd6 44 'iVb8+ Wf7 45 1t'b3+ .l:tde6 46 g4! �gs 47 Wh4 Wh7 48 "iVd 3+ l::!. g 6 49 'i'f5 .l::t ef6 A typically drawn ending arises after 49 ...1'tel 50 g5 �hi+ 51 Wg4 l:th2 52 Wg3 .l::t h5 53 Wg4 .l:!hxg5+ 54 'iYxg5 l:.xg5+ 55 �xg5. 50 'i'e4 .l::t c 6 51 Wg3 .l::tc 3+ 52 �h4 .l:!.c5 5 3 Wg3 .l::t h 5 54 'ifb1 .l:!.a 5 5 5 'i'e4 l:! a 1 5 6 "ii'f5 .l::t g 1+ 57 Wf2 .lah1 57...l:!.lxg4 58 'ifu5+ Wg8 59 "ii'd5+ Wf8 60 'ifd8+ Wf7 61 'i'd7+ Wf6 62 "i'd6+ Wg5 63 'iYe5+ is also a draw by perpetual check. 58 Wg3 l:.g1+ 59 Wf2 l:.1xg4 Yz-Yz

3 1. 2 4

L.Ftacnik-D.Svetushkin

White to play

Pa normo 2001

Black has very good winning chances and, what's more, he has no way to lose. 30 8

However, a draw was strangely agreed here! This position is actually a good exer­ cise for the reader. Try to continue the fight as Black by formulating plans according to those which we have already examined.

3 1. 2 5

A.Kolev-M.Suba

Black to play

M a l l o rca 2000

This is a very interesting ending that arises from a well-known variation of the Modern Benoni Defence: 1 d4 tZ:lf6 2 tZ:lf3 e6 3 c4 c5 4 d5 d6 5 tZ:lc3 exd5 6 cxd5 g6 7 e4 il.g7 8 h3 0-0 9 il.d3 b5 10 il.xb5 tZ:lxe4 1 1 tZ:lxe4 'i¥a5+ 12 tZ:lfd2 'iYxb5 1 3 tZ:lxd6 "ii'a6 1 4 tZ:l2c4 tZ:ld7 15 0-0 tZ:lb6 1 6 tZ:lxb6 �xb6 1 7 tZ:lxcS .l::. axc8 1 8 Ilbl .l:!fd8 1 9 .if4 'i'b7 2 0 d6 il.f8 21 'ifd3 il.xd6 22 �xd6 .l:!.c6 23 .l::!. fdl

Q u een Endings: Q ueen vs. Vario u s Major & Minor Pieces

.l:tcxd6 24 'iVxd6 llxd6 25 .l;!,xd6. When I wrote Beating the Fianchetto Defences, I had the pleasure of analysing it. In my opinion White has fair chances to win, as has been shown by the existing practice. 2 S ... 'it>g7 More common has been 25 ...c4 and now: a) 26 l:.ddl ?! h5 27 �el VWb5 28 .Uecl �f5 29 !ial 'i'd3 30 .l':Ic3 �e2 31 l:!bl a5 32 a4 �g7 33 .Ubcl �xb2 34 �xc4? (better is 34 h4! ) 34...h4! 35 .l:!.£1 g5 36 l:ig4 f6 37 It.dl 'Y/Ve2 38 .l:tbl �g6 39 l:id4 'it'c2 40 !iel 'i'c3 41 �edl 1ifb3 42 'it>hl 'ifc2 43 f4

43...�h5! saw Black hold the draw in V.Shalimov-M.Simantsev, Kharkov 2000. b) 26 l:!.d2 c3 27 llc2 'i'e4 28 l:tbcl cxb2 29 .Uxb2 h5 (29 ...'i'a4 was preferred in N.Legky-H.Hamdouchi, French League 1 997, after which White can claim a clear plus with 30 g3! 'it>g7 31 h4 h5 32 l::!.c7 a6 33 l::!. d2) 30 .l;!,bc2 h4 31 ktc4 'i'e7 32 a4 'it>g7 33 �fl?! (better is 33 l:l.d4! a5 34 .l:tbl) 33 ...'ti'a3 34 l:i.dl VWb3 35 .l:!.cd4 'i'c2 36 l::!. e l g5 37 Wgl 't�Vc3 38 .l:I.edl 'i'c2 39 f4

49 .l:ixf7+ 'ifxf7 50 l;!xf7+ �xf7 51 a5 �g6 52 a6 'it>g5 53 'it>gl 'it>£5 54 W£2 'it>£4 55 g3+ 'it>g5 56 �£3 hxg3 57 Wxg3 Wh5 58 �£4 �h4 59 We5 'it>xh3 60 'it>d6 Wg4 61 Wc7 �£5 62 �b7 �e6 63 �xa7 'it>d7 64 �b7 and 1 -0 was rather instructive in A.Veingold-H.Saldano Dayer, Alicante 2000.

26 .l:td2 'i'a6 27 a 3 Better is 2 7 b3! c 4 2 8 bxc4 'iVxc4 2 9 !:!.ddl! a5 (or 29 ...'Yi'xa2 30 .Ual 'Yi'e2 31 !.'i.d7) 30 l:ldcl! with a clear advantage. 27 .. JlVc4 28 l:.e1 hs 29 .:de2 h4 30 �e4 'i'b3 31 .l:ixh4 'i'xb2 32 .l:ic4 'i'xa 3 33 .l:i.ec1 as 34 �xes a4 35 Z;Isc3 'i'b2 36 la3c2 �b3 3 7 �e2 1Wa 3 38 l::!. e e1 'ifb2 39 l:b1 'ifd2 40 J:a1 'ifc3 41 .Ued1 'i'c2 42 .i:!.f1 'i'b3 43 f4 "Yi'b4 44 'it>h2 'ifd4 45 I!.a2 'i'c4 46 .l:tff2 "Yi'b3 47 l::. a 1 'ife3 48 !:l.f3 'il'd4 49 l::. a 2 'i'c4 so �ff2 'iVc1 51 g3 'il'e1 Yz-Yz

(see following diagram) 39 ...gxf4? (Black should keep his king­ side structure intact with 39 ...f6, holding the balance) 40 .l:I.£1 'i'c3?! 41 .l:ifxf4 'i'cl+ 42 �h2 1Wc7 43 �c4 �e5 44 �gl 'i'e3+ 45 l:.f2 �f8 46 l:i.cf4 'i'el+ 47 .l:il.£1 �e3+ 48 Whl 'il'e7 3 09

P ractical E n dgame P l ay- Masteri n g the Basics

Another incorrect acceptance of a draw offer because after 52 �f3! f6 53 �fa3 White could win! Things are not always, though, that bleak for the queen! Such a strong piece must have its glorious moments as well, as confirmed by the next two examples.

31. 2 6

AI.Andersen-K.Aandal

5 1 . . .'i'c2+! 5 2 Wd5 f6 i s even better. 52 gs 'i¥c2+ 53 Wb4 b2 54 l:.g1 54 Wa3! 1li'd2 55 .l::l. g l is a more stubborn defence. 54 ...f6 5 5 gxf6 Wxf6 56 .l::t gfl+ Wg7 57 �g1 'iVd2+ 58 Wc4

Black to play

Norwegi a n C h a m pion s h i p, Oslo 2006

Black's advantage is obvious as his queen can combine attack against both the enemy king and pawns. Another important advantage of his position is the passivity of the white rooks. 43 .. JWc4+ 44 Wbl b 3! Now the b2-pawn will soon be lost. 45 fxes Forced in view of 45 .l:H2? exf4 46 .U.xf4 'i'd3+ 47 Wal 1li'a6+. 4S .. .'�d 3+ 46 Wal 1\i'a6+ 47 'lt>bl 'i'a2+ 48 �c1 �al+ 49 Wd2 'i'xb2+ so Wd3 dxes 5 1 Wc4! The most active try. After the passive 51 We3 'i'd4+ 52 Wf3 �d3+ 53 Wg2 b2, Black will exchange his b2-pawn for the white e4and g4-pawns, reaching a position with three pawns against none! 5 1 .. :;t>e6 310

s s ... bl�?! Strong enough is 58 . . . g5! 59 �dl 'i¥e3 60 I!.del 'i'd4+ 61 Wb3 �g6. Black should not hurry with the exchange of his b-pawn and should have first activated his king and his g-pawn. 59 .l::!.x bl �d4+ 60 Wb3 1\i'xe4 61 Wc3 'i'f3+? 6 1 . . .'ife3+? 62 �c4 g5 63 Wd5 Wg6 64 �bdl 'i'c3 65 �e4 is not clear, but 6 l . . .�d4+! 62 �c2 e4, cutting off the enemy king, is the right way. 62 Wc4! The white king will help its rooks to stop the enemy pawns. 62 ... e4 63 Wd4 e3? Better is 63 . . . �d3+, although after 64 We5 e3 65 l:thl it is not so easy for Black to improve his position. 64 .l:tbfl 'i'e2 65 liel 'i'd2+ 66 �e4 e2 67 Wf3 Black will lose his e-pawn, so there is not much left to play for. 67 ...'i'd 3+ 68 �f2 'fWd4+ Yz-Yz Black misplayed his winning position because he forgot to activate his king: an essential concept in nearly every ending.

Q ueen E n din gs: Q ueen vs. Va rio u s Major & Mi n o r Pieces

White to play 31. 2 7 Z.lzoria-M.Gagunashvili Kusadasi 2006

White has secured a strong advantage. His queen is very active and his h-pawn will be an important factor in the coming battle. Black's rooks are misplaced and his centralized king merely helps the missions of the white queen (by various possible checks). Black's only counterplay lies with his passed e-pawn, but that is surely not enough to save him. 32 �b4+ 'tt>f6 3 3 �xb7 .l:i.gg8 After 33 ....l::t ag8 34 'i'xa6 l:!.xh2 35 aS White's three connected passed pawns will carry the day. 34 a s es

Black must look for counterplay with his passed e-pawn, although his main prob­ lem remains his unprotected king. 3 5 'i'f3+ We6 36 h4 Time for the passed pawn to advance! 36 ... .:gf8 3 7 "i!Vg4+ 'it>d6 38 h s .l:tae8 39 �b4+ 'it>e6 40 'i'c4+ 'it>fs 41 'i'xa6 e4 42 "t!Vg6+ 'it>f4

43 'it>d2 ! White's king will stop this dangerous black e-pawn, while his queen will help the advance of his own pawns. 43 ... '1t>f3 White also wins after 43 ...e3+ 44 'it>e2 .l:.g8 45 �f6+ 'it>g4 (or 45 ...We4 46 �c6+ 'tt> d4 47 a6) 46 h6. 44 'tt> e 1 e3 45 a6 e2 46 a7 �e3 47 "i!Vg1+! Wf4 48 b4 l:!.fs 49 "i!Vf2+ WgS so aS�! The careless 50 �g2+? ..t>xhS 51 a8�?? �fl+ 52 'i'xfl exfl'if+ 53 Wxfl .l:txa8 would have been a nightmare for White. so ... J:txa8 51 'i¥g2+ 1-0

Queen vs. Minor Piece The win is simple, even without any pawns present, as the minor piece is unable to set up an efficient defence.

31.28

White to play 311

Practical E n dgame P l ay - Masterin g the Basics

1 Wb2 Wd 5 2 Wc3 ct:Je4+ 3 Wd 3 ct:Jc5+ 4 We3 ct:Je6 5 'i�Vf5+ �d6 6 e4 ct:Jc5+ 7 �d4 ct:Je6+ 8 �c4 C2lc7 9 'Yi'c5+ �d7 10 �b6 ct:Je6 11 'it>d5 C2lc7+ 12 �e5 ct:Je8 13 'i'e6+ �d8 14 'i'f7 t'iJc7 15 Wd6 C2lb5+ 16 'it>c5 The win is obvious.

Queen vs. Two Minor Pieces In the presence of pawns, the side with the queen can win. Without any pawns or loose minor pieces, the outcome is as follows: i. Two bishops: drawn. ii. Two knights: drawn. iii. Bishop and knight: a win, albeit with a few exceptions. Several positions which occur, though still winning for the side with the queen, involve a winning process requiring ap­ proximately 65-75 moves (with optimal play). Thus, in a practical game the outcome may be a draw in view of the 50-move rule, even if the position is not drawn! The bishop-pair and knight-pair can co­ operate in such a way to block the entry of the attacking king, something that cannot be done anywhere near as easily by the pair of bishop and knight.

31. 2 9

White to play

This is a typically drawn position. 31 2

1 'i'd7+ g8! 2 'i'e6+ g7 3 f4 i.. h 7 4 "i¥d7+ g6 5 'i'e8+ g7 6 Wg4 i.. g 6 7 'i'e6 i.. h 7 8 'i'd7+ g6 9 1We8+ g7 10 Wh5 i..f5 11 'i'c6 i.. g 6+ There's no way to make progress.

White to play

31. 3 0

Another drawn position. 1 'Yi'a6 �g7 2 Wf3 Wf7 However, 2 ..ctJh7? 3 �7+! loses as the harmony among the knights is disturbed. 3 �b7+ �e6! 4 �b3+ �e7 5 ct>e3 ct:Jf8 6 �d4 ct:Je6+ 1 �e5 C2ld7+ 8 'it>d5 ct:Jf6+ White cannot break through. .

The last two examples form the basics of the drawing mechanism and can, of course, occur on all four sides of the board.

Q ueen Endings: Q ueen vs. Vario u s Major & Minor Pieces

In next example Black is, though, unable to properly set up a defence and thus pre­ vent the white king from participating.

3 1. 3 1

Black to play

ing to chess engines, with best play Black checkmates in 32 moves. This, of course, means that in a practical game the drawing chances are considerable! 95 ...'li'g3 96 i.d4 �a 3 ? Black needs t o separate the enemy pieces. The best way to do that is to play 96 ...VWg8+! 97 'it>c6 'iVc4 98 .i.g7 �g4 99 .i.fS VWg2+ 1 00 rJi;d6 'llkf3 101 .i.e7 'iYd1 + 102 rJi;c7 We5 when Black is making progress. 97 'it>d6 rJi;g6 98 Wd5 Wf7 99 Wd6 WeB 100 'it>d 5 '.!te7 101 .i.e5 'iYa2+ 102 Wd4 'li'b2+ 103 rJi;d 5 'ife2 104 .i.d4 'iYa 2+ 105 �e5 'ifas 106 lt:Je4 'iYb8+ 101 Wd5 iYb3+ 108 'it>e5 'i¥e6+ 109 '.!tf4 'i'd 5 110 rJi;e3 'it>e6 111 CLJc5+ '.!tt5 112 Wd3 With best play Black mates in 37 moves. As we see, he has not been making progress. 112 'ifa2 113 rJi;c3 Wf4 114 'it>d3 'it>f3 115 Wc3 We2 116 lt:Jb3 'iVa8 117 lt:Jc5 'i'd 5 118 lt:Jb3 �f3 119 lt:Jc5 'i'c6 120 .i.g1 �e2 121 .i.d4 'it>d1 122 .i.e3 iYc8 1 2 3 .i.d4 �c1 124 .i.e3+ '.!td1 125 i.d4 We2 126 rJi;c4 'it>f3 127 Wc3 'ifg8 128 Wd3 'i'd 5 129 �c3 Wf4 130 lt:Jd3+ Wf5 1 3 1 CLJc5 'i!Va 2 ..•

1 ...'it>g5 2 '.!td5 .i.f6 3 'li'g3+ �5 4 'iVg2 .i.g5! 5 �c2+ �6 6 'iff2+ 'it>g6 7 'it>e5 .i.d8 8 'i!Vg2+ �7 9 VWd5+ rJi;e7 10 'i!Vb7+ �8 11 'it>d6 .i.f6 12 'it>d7 'it>f7 13 'iVe4 �8 14 'i'g6! i.h4 15 'ifd6+ �7 16 'i'd5+ �g6 17 'i'e4+ 'it>h5 18 �h7+ White wins.

Black to play 31.32 M.Dambacher-D.Smerdon Til b u rg 2006

The only fortress for White here is 'it>b1, .i.b2 and lt:Jd4, but he can't reach it. Accord-

1 3 2 CLJb3 !? The knight was ideally placed o n c 5 - it was secure and it was keeping the enemy king at bay. After 132 Wd3! Black check­ mates in 37 moves, but White would only have to make 13 moves before claiming a draw, thanks to the 50-move rule! 313

Practical E n dgame Play - Masteri n g the Basics

132 ... �e4 1 3 3 tLlc5+ �d 5 134 tLlb3 �a 3 1 3 5 ii. e 3 'Wie7 136 ii.d4 �e2 1 3 7 tt:Jc5?? 137 �b4! (mate in 23!) would most likely have saved the game as White would then need to hold on for only 8 more moves! 1 37 .. Ji'c4+! 0-1

Queen vs. Other Combinations

ii. Queen vs. Fou r Minor Pieces Regardless of pawn situation, the side with the queen is lost as it cannot prevent the mating threats created by the four pieces.

iii. Queen and Rook vs. Queen and Rook with no pawns The win comes to the side that is the first to attack. A draw is a rare outcome.

i. Queen vs. Th ree Minor Pieces In the absence of pawns this ending is drawn, with a few exceptional positions in which the three minor pieces win. The end­ ing of queen and pawn vs. three minor pieces is also drawn, but queen vs. three minor pieces and pawn is lost.

3 1. 3 3

J.Reeve-Z.Li

White to play

Ed m onton 2004

iv. Queen and Minor Piece vs. Two Rooks The side with the queen should win. Cer­ tain difficulties may arise, though, with the winning side requiring a large number of moves to force the win. With pawns for both sides, the win should be easy.

3 1. 3 4

J.Geller-V.Belov

White to play

Soc h i 2006

There is no way for the queen to win, as at any time White can seek to exchange his dark-squared bishop for the pawn, resulting in a theoretical draw. White must keep his pieces co-ordinated and protected, and at the same time as stopping the passed e-pawn. 58 ii.c5 �b1 59 ii.b6 e4 60 �b7 �d6 61 tt:Jc4+ �d5 62 tLle3+ �e5 63 tt:Ja6 �f4 64 tLlb4 �f3 Yz-Yz After 65 tLlbdS the draw is clear. 314

Black will combine his pieces in either an attack against the weak white pawns or against the white king. 27 !tad1 'ifa 5 28 .l::!. e 7 h6 29 .l::txf7 The alternative 29 l:txb7 'i'xa4 30 I:1d3 'ifc2 31 .l:!.b8+ �h7 32 l:tbd8 'ifcl+ 33 .l:.dl 'ifxa3 also wins. 29 ... b6 30 �b7 'ifxa4 3 1 l::!. d 8+ �h7 32 h3 b5 3 3 J:i.a8 'ifxa 3 34 J::t a a7 tLlh5 0-1

I nd ex of P layers

I

List of Efstratios Grivas ' s Opponents Numbers refer to pages. When a page number appears in bold, Grivas had White. Other­ wise his opponent had White. 166 Adamidis, Ilias 233 Adamski, Jan Alexakis, Dimitrios 77 Anastasopoulos, Angelos 33 131 Andersson, Ulf 158 Arakhamia, Ketevan 284 Ardeleanu, Alin 141 Avrukh, Boris 75 Barlov, Dragan 283 Bousios, Hristos 48 Brkovic, Zoran 1 85 Cela, Altin 95 Cheng, Z 139 Chernov, Vadim 211 Chiburdanidze, Maia 15, 189 Collin, Denis 66 Crisan, Alexandru 79 Daniilidis, Aris 296 Delithanasis, Dimitrios 129 Dervishi, Erald 285 Fish, Gennadij Frantzeskakis, Konstantinos 2 0 3 255 Frendzas, Panayiotis 1 5 5, 2 2 5 Gavrilakis, Nikolaos 108 Gelashvili, Tamaz

Georgiev, Kiril Gerber, Richard Ghinda, Mihail Gogolis, Alexandros Graf, Alexander Gratseas, Stefanos Hadzidakis, Mikhail Haliamanis, Georgios Hubner, Robert Hug, Werner Ibragimov, Ildar Ignatiadis, Konstantinos Ilandzis, Spyridon Kalesis, Nikolaos Karapanos, Nikolaos Karayiannis, Athanasios Karkanaque, Ilir King, Daniel Kobese, Watu Kofidis, Andreas Kotronias, Vasilios Kourkounakis, Ilias Kovacevic, Vlatko Kozul, Zdenko

160 1 36 156 198 17, 283 143 108 89 1 99 117 176 200 21 266 253 17, 3 1, 43, 128, 279 293, 299 290 42 236, 2 9 5 1 3 2, 1 73, 294 116 290 255

315

Practical Endgame Play- Mastering the Basics

Kranawetvogl, Michael Kuczynski, Robert Lehmann, Heinz Leko, Peter Liiva, Riho Liverios, Thiseas Luther, Thomas Managadze, Nikoloz Marinkovic, Ivan Mastrokoukos, Georgios Meister, Peter Mihailidis, Anastasios Minasian, Artashes Miralles, Gilles Naumann, Alexander Nikolaidis, Ioannis Nikolaidis, Konstantinos Nikolic, Nebojsa Odeev, Handszar Palatnik, Semon Panagopoulos, Hristos Pandavos, Emanouel Pandavos, Panayiotis Papadopoulos, Ioannis Perdek, Miroslaw Petrovic, Dusan

135 241 79 263 62 84 144 71, 81, 260 234 43, 1 3 8, 265 1 40 94, 1 2 3 233 51 70 159, 187, 245 216 114 97 280 29 48, 121 90, 245, 267 84 152 249

Podlesnik, Bogdan Porfiriadis, Sotirios Roos, Louis Roos, Daniel Rukavina, Josip Saunders, Robert Shahtahtinsky, Alekper Shengelia, Davit Shumiakina, Tatiana Simeonidis, Joannis Simic, Sinisa Skalkotas, Nikolaos Solak, Dragan Soylu, Suat Stefanopoulos, Orestis Supatashvili, Khvicha Sznapik, Aleksander Trikaliotis, Georgios Tzoumbas, Anastasios Van den Doel, Erik Voscilla, Adriano Vouldis, Angelos Vul, Arkadi Wagner, Claude Zahariev, Zahari

278 142 32 46 74 137 201 47 15, 98 115 256 91 75 72 241 191 120 261 1 15 215 1 44 110, 134, 295 99 269 46

List of Other Players ' Games When a page number appears in bold, the first-named player had White. Otherwise his or her opponent had White. Aandal, Kristian Akhmilovskaya, Elena Akopian, Vladimir Alburt, Lev Alekhine, Alexander Anand, Viswanathan Andersen, Alf Roger Anderssen, Adolf Andersson, Ulf Andreev, Vladimir Antoshin, Vladimir Arkell, Keith Aronian, Levon 31 6

Andersen 310 Chiburdanidze 298 Georgiev 103; Svidler 105 Dlugy 5 5 Bogoljubow 42; Capablanca 100, 270; Lasker 247; Vidmar 249 Leko 1 07; Topalov 278 Aandal 310 Steinitz 189 Sunye Neto 197 Chepukaitis 2 3 9 Korchnoi 8 8 ; Spassky 1 1 1 Cayson 2 5 4 Bacrot 1 7 7 ; Carlsen 5 5

Index of Players

Atalik, Suat Bacrot, Etienne Beliavsky, Alexander Belov, Vladimir Benko, Pal Bischoff, Klaus Blackburne, Joseph Blackstock, Lesly Blau, Max Bobras, Piotr Bogoljubow, Efim Bosch, J eroen Botvinnik, Mikhail Broekmeulen, Jasper Bronstein, David Capablanca, Jose Raul Carlsen, Magnus Chebotarev, Oleg Chekhover, Vitaly Chepukaitis, Genrikh Chiburdanidze, Maia Chokshi, Manthan Dambacher, Martijn De Firmian, Nick Deviatkin, Andrei Djurasevic, Bozidar Dlugy, Maxim Dorfman, J osif Dubois, Serafino Eliskases, Erich Fernandez Garcia, Jose Fine, Rueben Fischer, Robert Fishbein, Alexander Flear, Glenn Flohr, Salo Florian, Tibor Foisor, Cristina Ftacnik, Lubomir Gagunashvili, Merab Gavrikov, Viktor Cayson, Peter Geller, Jakov Georgiev, Kiril

Beliavsky 121 Aronian 1 77; Kasparov 33 Atalik 121; Leko 232 Geller 314 Bronstein 188 Hubner 146 Mason 2 3 5 Smyslov 264 Pavlov 172 Vovk 151 Alekhine 42 Mikhalevski 239 Keres 74; Kholmov 195; Minev 2 7 5; Najdorf 80; Tal 2 7 5 L i Shilong 268 Benko 1 88; Romanishin 113 Alekhine 1 00, 2 70; Eliskases 167; Flohr 1 9, 221; Lasker 262; Reshevsky 2 2 2; Tarrasch 2 56; Yates 86 Aronian 55 Najer 292 Lasker 206 Andreev 239 Akhmilovskaya 298; Foisor 155; Wedberg 1 69 Hamdani 304 Smerdon 313 Fishbein 162 Mamedov 1 82 Tal 34 Alburt 55 Lerner 103 Steinitz 203 Capablanca 167 Kotronias 106 Keres 2 3 6 Saidy 2 1 7 D e Firmian 1 62 Miralles 305 Capablanca 19, 2 2 1 Hollis 1 1 1 Chiburdanidze 1 5 5 Svetushkin 308 Izoria 3 1 1 Novikov 126 Arkell 254 Belov 314 Akopian 103

31 7

Practical Endga m e Play - Mastering the Basics

Gligoric, Svetozar Golombek, Harry Granda Zuniga, Julio Greenfeld, Alon Hamdani, Rudin Hamdouchi, Hichem Hansen, Curt Harandi, Khosro Hertneck, Gerald Hollis, Adrian Hort, Vlastimil Hi.ibner, Robert Ivkov, Boris Izoria, Zviad Jakobsen, Ole Kaplan, Julio Karpov, Anatoly Karttunen, Mika Kasparov, Garry Keres, Paul Kharlov, Andrei Kholmov, Ratmir Kiss, Fernanda Kolev, Atanas Korchnoi, Viktor Kotronias, Vasilios Kramnik, Vladimir Kurajica, Bojan Larsen, Bent Lasker, Emanuel Legky, Nikolay Leko, Peter Lerner, Konstantin Li Shilong Li Zhichao Lundin, Erik Mamedov, Rauf Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar Marinkovic, Ivan Markowski, Tomasz Mar6czy, Geza Mason, James 318

Larsen 35; Portisch 125 Keres 209 Greenfeld 129 Granda Zuniga 129 Chokshi 304 Legky 309 Seitaj 119 Vaganian 89 Marinkovic 126 Florian 111 Karpov 134 Bischoff 146 Kaplan 286 Gagunashvili 3 11; Markowski 90 Torre 213 Ivkov 286 Hort 134; Kasparov 2 18, 306; Korchnoi 151; Kurajica 1 75; Padevsky 1 1 8; Ribli 171; Yusupov 147 McNab 184 Bacrot 3 3; Karpov 218, 306; Mikhalchishin 305; Seirawan 269; Short 149; Speelman 237 Botvinnik 74; Fine 236; Golombek 209; Reshevsky 192; Szabo 2 6 5 Topalov 205 Botvinnik 195 Vajda 307 Suba 308 Antoshin 88; Karpov 1 5 1; Tal 92 Fernandez Garcia 1 06 Leko 301; Polgar 307; Svidler 303; Timman 96; Topalov 248 Karpov 175 Gligoric 35 Alekhine 247; Capablanca 262; Chekhover 206; Rubinstein 81 Hamdouchi 309 Anand 107; Beliavsky 2 3 2; Kramnik 301 Dorfman 103 Broekmeulen 268 Reeve 314 Unzicker 105 Deviatkin 182 Sokolov 37 Hertneck 126 Izoria 90 Teichmann 207 Blackburne 235

Index of Players

McNab, Colin Mikhalchishin, Adrian Mikhalevski, Victor Milos, Gilberta Minev, Nikolay Miralles, Gilles Morozevich, Alexander Najdorf, Miguel Najer, Evgeniy Novikov, Igor Padevsky, Nikola Pavlov, Mircea Petrosian, Tigran Polgar, Judit Portisch, Lajos Rajkovic, Dusan Ree, Hans Reeve, Jeff Reshevsky, Samuel Reti, Richard Ribli, Zoltan Romanishin, Oleg Rubinstein, Akiba Rustemov, Alexander Saidy, Anthony Saldana Dayer, Horacia Savchenko, Stanislav Sax, Gyula Schlechter, Carl Schwarz, Jacques Seirawan, Yasser Seitaj, Ilir Shalimov, Valery Shamkovich, Leonid Short, Nigel Simantsev, Mikhail Skembris, Spyridon Smerdon, David Smyslov, Vassily Sokolov, Ivan Spassky, Boris Speelman, Jonathan Spielmann, Rudolf Steinitz, Wilhelm Suba, Mihai

Karttunen 184 Kasparov 305 Bosch 2 3 9 Morozevich 164 Botvinnik 275 Flear 305 Milos 164 Botvinnik 80 Chebotarev 292 Gavrikov 126 Karpov 118 Blau 1 72 Portisch 1 12 Kramnik 307 Gligoric 125; Petrosian 112 Skembris 281 Timman 196 Li Zhichao 314 Capablanca 222; Keres 192 Rubinstein 208 Karpov 171 Bronstein 1 1 3 Lasker 81; Reti 208; Spielmann 78 Wedberg 161 Fischer 217 Veingold 309 Tukmakov 306 Tal 193 Walbrodt 212 Wittek 234 Kasparov 269 Hansen 1 1 9 Simantsev 309 Wirthensohn 276 Kasparov 149; Van der Wiel 169 Shalimov 309 Rajkovic 281 Dambacher 313 Blackstock 2 64 Mamedyarov 37 Antoshin 111 Kasparov 2 3 7 Rubinstein 78 Anderssen 1 89; Dubois 203 Kolev 308 319

Practical Endgame Play- Mastering the Basics

Sunye Neto, Jaime Svetushkin, Dmitry Svidler, Peter Szabo, Laszlo Tal, Mikhail Tarrasch, Siegbert Teichmann, Richard Timman, Jan Topalov, Veselin Torre, Eugenio Tukmakov, Vladimir Unzicker, Wolfgang Vaganian, Rafael Vajda, Szidonia Vallejo Pons, Francisco Van der Wiel, John Veingold, Aleksandr Vidmar, Milan Vovk, Yuri Vukic, Milan Walbrodt, Carl Webb, Simon Wedberg, Tom Wirthensohn, Heinz Wittek, Alexander Yates, Frederick Yusupov, Artur

320

Andersson 197 Ftacnik 308 Akopian 105; Kramnik 303; Vallejo Pons 204 Keres 265 Botvinnik 275; Djurasevic 34; Korchnoi 92; Sax 193 Capablanca 256 Mar6czy 207 Kramnik 96; Ree 196; Yusupov 17 Anand 278; Kharlov 205; Kramnik 248 Jakobsen 213 Savchenko 306 Lundin 105 Harandi 89 Kiss 307 Svidler 204 Short 1 69 Saldano Dayer 309 Alekhine 249 Bobras 1 5 1 Webb 238 Schlechter 212 Vukic 238 Chiburdanidze 169; Rustemov 161 Shamkovich 276 Schwarz 2 3 4 Capablanca 86 Karpov 147; Timman 1 7