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NUNN'S CHESS ENDINGS

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Finales de Ajedrez de Nunn

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retains his pawn, 1 £d6, stalemates Black. Thus White to play would also prefer to pass and is thus also in zugzwang. A situation like this, in which whoever is to move must weaken his po- sition, is called reciprocal zugzwang. How- ever, in the first diagram above, White wins whoever moves first, so this is a non-reciprocal zugzwang. The general term zugzwang refers to both reciprocal and non-reciprocal zugzwangs. It turns out that reciprocal zugzwangs play a key role in a wide range of endgames, and they will crop up regularly throughout the book. In simple positions which are amenable to pre- cise analysis, reciprocal zugzwangs differ from non-reciprocal zugzwangs in that in the former the result of the position differs according to who moves first. Normally, this means that when one player moves first, he loses, while if the other player moves first the result is a draw. However, in rare cases, whoever moves first loses (for example, w#d5, Ae4 vs b&f4, Ae5), and this situation is called a full-point recipro- cal zugzwang.
retains his pawn, 1 £d6, stalemates Black. Thus White to play would also prefer to pass and is thus also in zugzwang. A situation like this, in which whoever is to move must weaken his po- sition, is called reciprocal zugzwang. How- ever, in the first diagram above, White wins whoever moves first, so this is a non-reciprocal zugzwang. The general term zugzwang refers to both reciprocal and non-reciprocal zugzwangs. It turns out that reciprocal zugzwangs play a key role in a wide range of endgames, and they will crop up regularly throughout the book. In simple positions which are amenable to pre- cise analysis, reciprocal zugzwangs differ from non-reciprocal zugzwangs in that in the former the result of the position differs according to who moves first. Normally, this means that when one player moves first, he loses, while if the other player moves first the result is a draw. However, in rare cases, whoever moves first loses (for example, w#d5, Ae4 vs b&f4, Ae5), and this situation is called a full-point recipro- cal zugzwang.
and stalemate, or are explained in the text of the The situation in the following diagram is subtly different. If Black is to play then he must weaken his position by 1...8e7, which allows 2 &c7 followed by the promotion of the pawn. Thus Black to move is in zugzwang as before. However, if White is to play, he has no waiting move and cannot win, since the only move that
and stalemate, or are explained in the text of the The situation in the following diagram is subtly different. If Black is to play then he must weaken his position by 1...8e7, which allows 2 &c7 followed by the promotion of the pawn. Thus Black to move is in zugzwang as before. However, if White is to play, he has no waiting move and cannot win, since the only move that
A material balance of bishop and pawn against pawn normally wins, and here there is no danger of White’s pawn being captured, but nevertheless the position is a draw. The reason is that Black has a fortress, in other words a de- fensive position which White cannot break into. White can stalemate Black by, for example, 1 &b3 or 1 2d3 Sg8 2 Se7 Lh8 3 SF7, but he cannot win. The most common reason for a po- sitional draw is that the defender has a fortress, but some positional draws are more compli- cated.than the example given above. as exchanging the enemy’s last pawn, but be-
A material balance of bishop and pawn against pawn normally wins, and here there is no danger of White’s pawn being captured, but nevertheless the position is a draw. The reason is that Black has a fortress, in other words a de- fensive position which White cannot break into. White can stalemate Black by, for example, 1 &b3 or 1 2d3 Sg8 2 Se7 Lh8 3 SF7, but he cannot win. The most common reason for a po- sitional draw is that the defender has a fortress, but some positional draws are more compli- cated.than the example given above. as exchanging the enemy’s last pawn, but be-
ef As mentioned above, tactical elements fea- ture heavily throughout the book. However, the tactics which appear are somewhat different from those that commonly arise in middlegame positions. The following example should help to clarify this. tactics which appear are somewhat different
ef As mentioned above, tactical elements fea- ture heavily throughout the book. However, the tactics which appear are somewhat different from those that commonly arise in middlegame positions. The following example should help to clarify this. tactics which appear are somewhat different
non, but I shall find a place here for another. with the computer involves a degree of subjec- tivity, and this is even more pronounced when it comes to creating a narrative for the game. Many classic games have a ‘standard narrative’ passed down through generations of annotators which is repeated again and again with little or no variation. However, these standard narra- tives are not always correct; some are inaccu- rate, while others are wildly wrong. In Secrets of Practical Chess (Enlarged edition, Gambit, 2007) I gave some examples of this phenome- non, but I shall find a place here for another.
non, but I shall find a place here for another. with the computer involves a degree of subjec- tivity, and this is even more pronounced when it comes to creating a narrative for the game. Many classic games have a ‘standard narrative’ passed down through generations of annotators which is repeated again and again with little or no variation. However, these standard narra- tives are not always correct; some are inaccu- rate, while others are wildly wrong. In Secrets of Practical Chess (Enlarged edition, Gambit, 2007) I gave some examples of this phenome- non, but I shall find a place here for another.
It’s not really possible to make any progress with analysing the garne continuation unless one realizes that this position is reciprocal zug- zwang. The key point is that if White manages to get his king to g5 or f5 then he wins. The rea- son is that White has two possible winning ideas. The first is to use his infinite supply of re- serve tempi to get his king to h7, and then win Black’s g-pawn. However, this idea is not by it- self sufficient to win, since Black can oscillate with his king between g8 and h8, preventing White’s king from reaching h7. White can eas- ily stalemate Black’s king on h8, but in order to win he must use his second idea. king would head over to stop the c-pawn, while the knight holds the fort on the other side of the board. This change of roles by the white pieces is the second important point: it is often the only winning possibility in such endings, and as a result of not analysing the position cor- rectly, Alburt and Krogius missed the chance to make the most of what is actually a very in- structive example. Let’s look at the correct analysis. This idea only works when White’s knight is on el, and it involves moving his king to d3 and then playing @f3; this wins the c-pawn while setting up a barrier along the fifth rank that prevents Black’s king from attacking the g-pawn. Whether this idea works depends on the time element. Let’s suppose, for example, that White’s king is on £5, Black’s king is on f7
It’s not really possible to make any progress with analysing the garne continuation unless one realizes that this position is reciprocal zug- zwang. The key point is that if White manages to get his king to g5 or f5 then he wins. The rea- son is that White has two possible winning ideas. The first is to use his infinite supply of re- serve tempi to get his king to h7, and then win Black’s g-pawn. However, this idea is not by it- self sufficient to win, since Black can oscillate with his king between g8 and h8, preventing White’s king from reaching h7. White can eas- ily stalemate Black’s king on h8, but in order to win he must use his second idea. king would head over to stop the c-pawn, while the knight holds the fort on the other side of the board. This change of roles by the white pieces is the second important point: it is often the only winning possibility in such endings, and as a result of not analysing the position cor- rectly, Alburt and Krogius missed the chance to make the most of what is actually a very in- structive example. Let’s look at the correct analysis. This idea only works when White’s knight is on el, and it involves moving his king to d3 and then playing @f3; this wins the c-pawn while setting up a barrier along the fifth rank that prevents Black’s king from attacking the g-pawn. Whether this idea works depends on the time element. Let’s suppose, for example, that White’s king is on £5, Black’s king is on f7
Now Black has to give way. 13...6f3 14 De5+ Sed 15 AT White defende the nawn fram hé with ar
Now Black has to give way. 13...6f3 14 De5+ Sed 15 AT White defende the nawn fram hé with ar
ice — This is actually the losing move. White could have drawn quite easily by 5 @eS!, a move so simple that no analysis is required. What is astonishing is that both players over- looked this move, and that such a strong player as GM A.Petrosian also missed it when writ- ing his notes. This error is instructive because it shows how easily one can by misled by in- grained chess reflexes. A series of exchanges takes place on a single square: he takes, you take back, he takes again, you take back again. It’s such a familiar sequence that it is easy to play automatically and without any critical thought, and as a result overlook exceptional cases in which it’s better not to make the final capture.
ice — This is actually the losing move. White could have drawn quite easily by 5 @eS!, a move so simple that no analysis is required. What is astonishing is that both players over- looked this move, and that such a strong player as GM A.Petrosian also missed it when writ- ing his notes. This error is instructive because it shows how easily one can by misled by in- grained chess reflexes. A series of exchanges takes place on a single square: he takes, you take back, he takes again, you take back again. It’s such a familiar sequence that it is easy to play automatically and without any critical thought, and as a result overlook exceptional cases in which it’s better not to make the final capture.
Van Perlo comments that the position is quite simple, and perhaps the New in Chess editors
Van Perlo comments that the position is quite simple, and perhaps the New in Chess editors
One curious feature of this book is that the positions are given in diagram form, and then repeated in notation. For example, the above position is given as W: Khi, Nf3 B: Kb3, Pb2. The reason for this was at first unclear to me, but then I realized that several of the diagrams are wrong (for example, in addition to the above, those on pages 35, 130, 186 and 232) so readers are helpfully provided with a second descrip- tion of the diagram to help them work out the intended position. The fact that Pandolfini con- siders 1 4\d4+? indicates that the notation is correct and the knight is actually on f3. OK, so the diagram’s wrong, but what about the analy- sis? Pandolfini considers the position to be a draw and gives 1 A\d2+ Sc2 2 Ac4 bl 3 4\a3+ Scl 4 Axb1 Sxbl as his main line. The problem is that 2...b1Y is check, White’s third move is illegal and so the position is winning for Black. a book such as Pandolfini’s Endgame Course (Simon & Schuster, 1988)? Here’s one position from the book.
One curious feature of this book is that the positions are given in diagram form, and then repeated in notation. For example, the above position is given as W: Khi, Nf3 B: Kb3, Pb2. The reason for this was at first unclear to me, but then I realized that several of the diagrams are wrong (for example, in addition to the above, those on pages 35, 130, 186 and 232) so readers are helpfully provided with a second descrip- tion of the diagram to help them work out the intended position. The fact that Pandolfini con- siders 1 4\d4+? indicates that the notation is correct and the knight is actually on f3. OK, so the diagram’s wrong, but what about the analy- sis? Pandolfini considers the position to be a draw and gives 1 A\d2+ Sc2 2 Ac4 bl 3 4\a3+ Scl 4 Axb1 Sxbl as his main line. The problem is that 2...b1Y is check, White’s third move is illegal and so the position is winning for Black. a book such as Pandolfini’s Endgame Course (Simon & Schuster, 1988)? Here’s one position from the book.
rooks are poorly placed to stop this pawn. Is there any plan that gives White a chance to save the game? The third position appears very unpleasant for Black. White’s pieces, especially his king, are very active and he threatens to force an immediate win by e6. Black’s only real asset is his protected passed d-pawn, but this scarcely seems likely to make any difference in view of White’s deadly threats. In the game Black lost in only two more moves: 1...2d8 2 £6 d3 3 e6 1-0. Was there any way Black could have saved the game?
rooks are poorly placed to stop this pawn. Is there any plan that gives White a chance to save the game? The third position appears very unpleasant for Black. White’s pieces, especially his king, are very active and he threatens to force an immediate win by e6. Black’s only real asset is his protected passed d-pawn, but this scarcely seems likely to make any difference in view of White’s deadly threats. In the game Black lost in only two more moves: 1...2d8 2 £6 d3 3 e6 1-0. Was there any way Black could have saved the game?
In the first position it’s Black to play. White has what would normally be a decisive mate- rial advantage, but his king is trapped on the first rank and is in serious danger. Moreover, Black’s king is relatively secure so White is unable to disrupt the potential mating-net by checking the enemy king. Your task is to eval- uate the position. Black’s king is relatively secure so White is any others, especially for the concrete end-
In the first position it’s Black to play. White has what would normally be a decisive mate- rial advantage, but his king is trapped on the first rank and is in serious danger. Moreover, Black’s king is relatively secure so White is unable to disrupt the potential mating-net by checking the enemy king. Your task is to eval- uate the position. Black’s king is relatively secure so White is any others, especially for the concrete end-
White’s position appears so desperate that one might even consider resigning. The h-pawn is just two squares away from promotion and it seems that White will soon have to retreat his rooks to the first rank to stop it, after which Black wins easily by advancing the g-pawn. Nevertheless, White managed to save the game with a defensive plan based on knowledge of the following position.
White’s position appears so desperate that one might even consider resigning. The h-pawn is just two squares away from promotion and it seems that White will soon have to retreat his rooks to the first rank to stop it, after which Black wins easily by advancing the g-pawn. Nevertheless, White managed to save the game with a defensive plan based on knowledge of the following position.
Although &+4 normally win against 2+4, in this exceptional position Black is unable to make progress and the position is a draw whoever moves first. If White is to play, he can draw by 1 a3! (the only move as 1 #a2?, for example, loses after |...a3! and the fortress is broken, with Black winning after 2 £b3+ @c4 3 Sxa3 Wxc2
Although &+4 normally win against 2+4, in this exceptional position Black is unable to make progress and the position is a draw whoever moves first. If White is to play, he can draw by 1 a3! (the only move as 1 #a2?, for example, loses after |...a3! and the fortress is broken, with Black winning after 2 £b3+ @c4 3 Sxa3 Wxc2
5...\8b7+? Black immediately goes wrong since aban- doning the pin on the c3-pawn makes it easier for White to play c4. The correct continuation is 5...We5! and now I cannot see how White can reach the drawing position; for example, 6 @a2 (6 Scl a5 7 c4 Walt 8 Sd2 a4 9 c5 Whi! is winning for Black) 6...Wa5+ 7 @b2 Wb5+ 8 Sal (8 a2 We4+ and 8 cl Wed are much the same) 8...Wc4 9 @b2 a5 10 Hd4 (10 &a3 a4) 10...Wb5+ 11 Ga2 Sf7 (Black improves his position while White still cannot push the c3-pawn) 12 Bd3 (12 c4 Wad+ 13 &b2 Wh4+ 14 a2 Wc3 wins for Black) 12...Wce4+ 13 &b2 a4 and Black has a winning position. This win- ning line can only be found if Black under- stands White’s defensive plan, and realizes that he must prevent c4.
5...\8b7+? Black immediately goes wrong since aban- doning the pin on the c3-pawn makes it easier for White to play c4. The correct continuation is 5...We5! and now I cannot see how White can reach the drawing position; for example, 6 @a2 (6 Scl a5 7 c4 Walt 8 Sd2 a4 9 c5 Whi! is winning for Black) 6...Wa5+ 7 @b2 Wb5+ 8 Sal (8 a2 We4+ and 8 cl Wed are much the same) 8...Wc4 9 @b2 a5 10 Hd4 (10 &a3 a4) 10...Wb5+ 11 Ga2 Sf7 (Black improves his position while White still cannot push the c3-pawn) 12 Bd3 (12 c4 Wad+ 13 &b2 Wh4+ 14 a2 Wc3 wins for Black) 12...Wce4+ 13 &b2 a4 and Black has a winning position. This win- ning line can only be found if Black under- stands White’s defensive plan, and realizes that he must prevent c4.
As an example, let’s return to the position given earlier. No matter how much you study chess, there will always be positions which require a novel approach. The possibilities in chess are truly astronomical, and while knowledge is an im- portant factor, nobody can hope to be prepared for every eventuality that might arise on the board. When an unusual situation occurs, imag- ination is often the deciding factor. The player who goes the extra distance in looking for something special will find the solution, while another without the will-power and creative ability will miss it. Many times players give up in ‘obviously lost’ positions and don’t bother to search every nook and cranny looking for a possible resource, instead contenting them- selves with playing a few desultory moves and then resigning.
As an example, let’s return to the position given earlier. No matter how much you study chess, there will always be positions which require a novel approach. The possibilities in chess are truly astronomical, and while knowledge is an im- portant factor, nobody can hope to be prepared for every eventuality that might arise on the board. When an unusual situation occurs, imag- ination is often the deciding factor. The player who goes the extra distance in looking for something special will find the solution, while another without the will-power and creative ability will miss it. Many times players give up in ‘obviously lost’ positions and don’t bother to search every nook and cranny looking for a possible resource, instead contenting them- selves with playing a few desultory moves and then resigning.
We now return to 2 a4! (D):
We now return to 2 a4! (D):
This is the critical position. Black’s situa- tion appears dire, because White intends to play his king back and round up the d3-pawn, after which he has a simple technical win. Black appears to have no way to challenge White’s bishop and make something of his d-pawn. At this point Marin gave only 4...2e5? 5 @h5, when White wins, but there is a hidden defence. 4...b5!
This is the critical position. Black’s situa- tion appears dire, because White intends to play his king back and round up the d3-pawn, after which he has a simple technical win. Black appears to have no way to challenge White’s bishop and make something of his d-pawn. At this point Marin gave only 4...2e5? 5 @h5, when White wins, but there is a hidden defence. 4...b5!
Here’s an example of the basic opposition. There are two targets, the pawns on a6 and h6, and whichever way Black moves his king, White will be able to attack one or other of the targets. One line is 1...8f7 2 d6 Sf6 3 Sc6 Yeb (3...8¢5 4 Sb6 Sxh5 5 Sxab Sg4 6 Sb6 h5 7 a6 h4 8 a7 and White wins easily) 4 &b6 2d6 5 &xa6 Sc6 6 Ba7 Sc7 7 a6 Bc8 8 Sb6 Sb8 9 &c6 Sa7 10 Sd6 Sxa6 11 Seb Sb6 12 Sf6 &c7 13 &g6 Sd7 14 Sxh6 Be7 15 Sg7 and White wins by one tempo. If Black starts with 1...4d7, then play is virtually a mirror-image. The key features of the basic opposition are: e Thetwokinoc fare each ather with ane canare then he cannot advance his king, since Black can simply ‘oppose’ White’s king by meeting d5 with ...Gd7 and Sf5 with ... &f7. But if it is Black to move, then the situation is different. Black cannot maintain control of both d6 and f6, so he must allow the white king to advance. The details of what happens next obviously de- pend on the pawn-structure; for example, if Black has a pawn on g7, covering the f6-square, then he may be able to play ...8d7 without any ill-effects. pend on the pawn-structure; for example, if
Here’s an example of the basic opposition. There are two targets, the pawns on a6 and h6, and whichever way Black moves his king, White will be able to attack one or other of the targets. One line is 1...8f7 2 d6 Sf6 3 Sc6 Yeb (3...8¢5 4 Sb6 Sxh5 5 Sxab Sg4 6 Sb6 h5 7 a6 h4 8 a7 and White wins easily) 4 &b6 2d6 5 &xa6 Sc6 6 Ba7 Sc7 7 a6 Bc8 8 Sb6 Sb8 9 &c6 Sa7 10 Sd6 Sxa6 11 Seb Sb6 12 Sf6 &c7 13 &g6 Sd7 14 Sxh6 Be7 15 Sg7 and White wins by one tempo. If Black starts with 1...4d7, then play is virtually a mirror-image. The key features of the basic opposition are: e Thetwokinoc fare each ather with ane canare then he cannot advance his king, since Black can simply ‘oppose’ White’s king by meeting d5 with ...Gd7 and Sf5 with ... &f7. But if it is Black to move, then the situation is different. Black cannot maintain control of both d6 and f6, so he must allow the white king to advance. The details of what happens next obviously de- pend on the pawn-structure; for example, if Black has a pawn on g7, covering the f6-square, then he may be able to play ...8d7 without any ill-effects. pend on the pawn-structure; for example, if
Here White is a pawn ahead, but one pawn is backward, so he can only win if he can ap- proach the f4-pawn with his king. Whether he can achieve this depends on the opposition. In this case, the key idea is the diagonal opposition, in which the kings lie on the same diagonal with one empty square between them. The diagonal Opposition is usually transformed quickly into a basic opposition. Here White is a pawn ahead, but one pawn is Although the opposition may appear a fairly basic idea, even strong players can go wrong when dealing with it. Although the opposition may appear a fairly the above diagram, if White is to play he can only draw, so this is indeed a reciprocal zug- zwang. If the white and black kings are swapped around in the diagram, you can check for your- self that the position is again reciprocal zug- zwang. However, the position web, &e5 vs b@e8 is an example in which with Black to play White wins by making use of the opposi- tion, but it is also a win with White to play, so this is not reciprocal zugzwang.
Here White is a pawn ahead, but one pawn is backward, so he can only win if he can ap- proach the f4-pawn with his king. Whether he can achieve this depends on the opposition. In this case, the key idea is the diagonal opposition, in which the kings lie on the same diagonal with one empty square between them. The diagonal Opposition is usually transformed quickly into a basic opposition. Here White is a pawn ahead, but one pawn is Although the opposition may appear a fairly basic idea, even strong players can go wrong when dealing with it. Although the opposition may appear a fairly the above diagram, if White is to play he can only draw, so this is indeed a reciprocal zug- zwang. If the white and black kings are swapped around in the diagram, you can check for your- self that the position is again reciprocal zug- zwang. However, the position web, &e5 vs b@e8 is an example in which with Black to play White wins by making use of the opposi- tion, but it is also a win with White to play, so this is not reciprocal zugzwang.
It’s easy to make the false assumption that a king and pawn ending with an extra pawn and pawns on both sides of the board is automati- cally won. Although this is usually the case, there are exceptions, especially if the attacker has a crippled pawn-majority. In this example, the strong player M.Gurevich, annotating his own game in Informator 34, overlooked a sur- prising but logical drawing resource for his op- ponent. In some cases, having the opposition can even compensate for being a pawn down.
It’s easy to make the false assumption that a king and pawn ending with an extra pawn and pawns on both sides of the board is automati- cally won. Although this is usually the case, there are exceptions, especially if the attacker has a crippled pawn-majority. In this example, the strong player M.Gurevich, annotating his own game in Informator 34, overlooked a sur- prising but logical drawing resource for his op- ponent. In some cases, having the opposition can even compensate for being a pawn down.
The wrong choice, which allows White to win by repeating the position. 1...8g7! would have drawn, as now Black can wait until White’s king moves to the sixth rank, and then occupy g6 or h6 accordingly: 2 @b6 (2 &c5 Gh7 draws; Biack continues to wait on g7 and h7 until White advances his king) 2...@h6 3 &c6 Sg6 4 Sd6 Gh6 5 Sd7 Gh7 6 Se7 Yg7 and Black can always maintain the opposition.
The wrong choice, which allows White to win by repeating the position. 1...8g7! would have drawn, as now Black can wait until White’s king moves to the sixth rank, and then occupy g6 or h6 accordingly: 2 @b6 (2 &c5 Gh7 draws; Biack continues to wait on g7 and h7 until White advances his king) 2...@h6 3 &c6 Sg6 4 Sd6 Gh6 5 Sd7 Gh7 6 Se7 Yg7 and Black can always maintain the opposition.
The distant opposition can prove difficult even for grandmasters. The diagram position is winning for White because he can seize the dis- tant opposition. Then he is able to manoeuvre his king closer and closer to the pawns, all the time retaining the opposition. Ultimately, White is aiming for a position with Ge7 vs Sg7, when after the forced ...g6 White plays @f8 and wins Black’s pawns one after the other. 1 &b5? ant opposition. Then he is able to manoeuvre
The distant opposition can prove difficult even for grandmasters. The diagram position is winning for White because he can seize the dis- tant opposition. Then he is able to manoeuvre his king closer and closer to the pawns, all the time retaining the opposition. Ultimately, White is aiming for a position with Ge7 vs Sg7, when after the forced ...g6 White plays @f8 and wins Black’s pawns one after the other. 1 &b5? ant opposition. Then he is able to manoeuvre
The win is not too complicated, but the puz- zle defeated Black in the game, which contin- ued 1...b4? 2 @b3 bxc3 3 &xc3 and a draw was agreed (1-1/2), since after 3...f5 4 @d3 @d5 5 &c3 Black cannot make progress. Although Black has the opposition, it is of no value be- cause e4 is covered by an enemy pawn and therefore his king cannot penetrate. In the second type of triangulation the trian- gle is actually completed. In these cases the at- tacker’s king returns to its initial square after three moves; for some reason the defender’s king is not able to match this manoeuvre, usu- ally because it is forced to oscillate between just two squares. The net effect is to lose a tempo. Here’s an example.
The win is not too complicated, but the puz- zle defeated Black in the game, which contin- ued 1...b4? 2 @b3 bxc3 3 &xc3 and a draw was agreed (1-1/2), since after 3...f5 4 @d3 @d5 5 &c3 Black cannot make progress. Although Black has the opposition, it is of no value be- cause e4 is covered by an enemy pawn and therefore his king cannot penetrate. In the second type of triangulation the trian- gle is actually completed. In these cases the at- tacker’s king returns to its initial square after three moves; for some reason the defender’s king is not able to match this manoeuvre, usu- ally because it is forced to oscillate between just two squares. The net effect is to lose a tempo. Here’s an example.
In some situations the triangulation is merely a by-product of another type of king manoeuvre. This arises when the king needs to move to a particular destination, but must avoid a ‘mined’ square somewhere along the route. Then the king must tiptoe around the mined square in or- der to reach its target. der to reach its target.
In some situations the triangulation is merely a by-product of another type of king manoeuvre. This arises when the king needs to move to a particular destination, but must avoid a ‘mined’ square somewhere along the route. Then the king must tiptoe around the mined square in or- der to reach its target. der to reach its target.
This is the key position. Black can win pro- vided he transfers the move to White, thereby gaining the opposition; it often happens that this can be achieved by playing the king to a square where the corresponding move by the enemy king is impossible. Here the f4-pawn covers e3, which is therefore inaccessible; if Black plays his king to a3, then White cannot move his king to the analogous square, and this enables Black to seize the opposition. 4...8a3! 4...$a2? 5 &c2 is actually a position of recip- rocal zugzwang; it looks as if Black can still tri- angulate by 5...a3, but then White can escape ow: cagese Meme Ses as a
This is the key position. Black can win pro- vided he transfers the move to White, thereby gaining the opposition; it often happens that this can be achieved by playing the king to a square where the corresponding move by the enemy king is impossible. Here the f4-pawn covers e3, which is therefore inaccessible; if Black plays his king to a3, then White cannot move his king to the analogous square, and this enables Black to seize the opposition. 4...8a3! 4...$a2? 5 &c2 is actually a position of recip- rocal zugzwang; it looks as if Black can still tri- angulate by 5...a3, but then White can escape ow: cagese Meme Ses as a
This is the key position. White would like to advance his king to e3 which, as we shall see in the game, is sufficient to win. The problem is that 7 e2? &g3 is a draw, so White cannot achieve his aim directly. The key idea is to transfer the move to Black and the first step is forced, since everything else leads to an imme- diate draw. ce Se ae that 7 @e2? @g3 is a draw, so White cannot
This is the key position. White would like to advance his king to e3 which, as we shall see in the game, is sufficient to win. The problem is that 7 e2? &g3 is a draw, so White cannot achieve his aim directly. The key idea is to transfer the move to Black and the first step is forced, since everything else leads to an imme- diate draw. ce Se ae that 7 @e2? @g3 is a draw, so White cannot
White has only one move to win, and in or- Jer to find it you have to understand that the We have already seen that the play can be quite tricky even when only the kings can move, but if there are also mobile pawns then the com- plexity rises another notch. It may be very diffi- cult to analyse such positions on an ‘if I move here, then he goes there...’ basis, using the tradi- tional ‘tree of variations’ approach. In practical play, such methods can easily lead to hopeless confusion as a whole series of similar positions gets muddled together in one’s head. Instead, it is much better to identify the key zugzwang po- sition, which can then serve as a compass to help navigate through the thickets of variations. sition, which can then serve as a compass to
White has only one move to win, and in or- Jer to find it you have to understand that the We have already seen that the play can be quite tricky even when only the kings can move, but if there are also mobile pawns then the com- plexity rises another notch. It may be very diffi- cult to analyse such positions on an ‘if I move here, then he goes there...’ basis, using the tradi- tional ‘tree of variations’ approach. In practical play, such methods can easily lead to hopeless confusion as a whole series of similar positions gets muddled together in one’s head. Instead, it is much better to identify the key zugzwang po- sition, which can then serve as a compass to help navigate through the thickets of variations. sition, which can then serve as a compass to
Material is equal, but White’s connected passed pawns give him the advantage. The problem is that Black can also create a passed pawn, which makes it awkward for White’s king to support the kingside pawns. In some sit- uations, White can move out of the square of Black’s d-pawn, allowing it to promote, pro- vided that the kingside pawns are fast enough. The curious feature of this position is that in
Material is equal, but White’s connected passed pawns give him the advantage. The problem is that Black can also create a passed pawn, which makes it awkward for White’s king to support the kingside pawns. In some sit- uations, White can move out of the square of Black’s d-pawn, allowing it to promote, pro- vided that the kingside pawns are fast enough. The curious feature of this position is that in
Here are a couple of examples.
Here are a couple of examples.
This is an instructive example of how even White’s subtlety is misguided. The position with @f5 vs Ye7 is actually reciprocal zug- zwang, and by playing his king to g5 first he gives Black the chance to arrive at the critical position with White to move. The winning line was | @xf5! @f7 2 f4! (a second reciprocal zugzwang, and transposing into the note to White’s first move in the previous example; we summarize the win again here) 2...8e7 (or 2...h6 3 Be5 Be7 4 £5 SF7 5 £6 SF8 and White wins by the standard triangulation manoeuvre 6 Be4! Se8 7 Sf4 SF8 8 Ve5) 3 VeS SFT 4 @d6! (the key idea, outflanking Black’s king) 4...8f6 5 h6! (this is a useful reciprocal zug- zwang to know) 5...&f7 6 Sd7 Sf6 (6...6f8 7 Se6 Le8 8 £5 SF8 9 V6 and White wins) 7 Be8 Seb 8 S8 S69 So8 Sg6 10 5+ Sxh6 11 £6 and the pawn promotes. 1 dee 9 cdowhk HEID
This is an instructive example of how even White’s subtlety is misguided. The position with @f5 vs Ye7 is actually reciprocal zug- zwang, and by playing his king to g5 first he gives Black the chance to arrive at the critical position with White to move. The winning line was | @xf5! @f7 2 f4! (a second reciprocal zugzwang, and transposing into the note to White’s first move in the previous example; we summarize the win again here) 2...8e7 (or 2...h6 3 Be5 Be7 4 £5 SF7 5 £6 SF8 and White wins by the standard triangulation manoeuvre 6 Be4! Se8 7 Sf4 SF8 8 Ve5) 3 VeS SFT 4 @d6! (the key idea, outflanking Black’s king) 4...8f6 5 h6! (this is a useful reciprocal zug- zwang to know) 5...&f7 6 Sd7 Sf6 (6...6f8 7 Se6 Le8 8 £5 SF8 9 V6 and White wins) 7 Be8 Seb 8 S8 S69 So8 Sg6 10 5+ Sxh6 11 £6 and the pawn promotes. 1 dee 9 cdowhk HEID
Once again the half-point changes hands. White could have won by 5 Se5! Se7 6 f4 Sf7 7 d6 &f6 8 h6 as in the note to White’s first
Once again the half-point changes hands. White could have won by 5 Se5! Se7 6 f4 Sf7 7 d6 &f6 8 h6 as in the note to White’s first
Even in analysis, it’s possible for strong grandmasters to evaluate a liquidation to a pawn ending incorrectly. Glek’s notes in Informator 80 wrongly claimed that Black could have won by exchanging queens, but the resulting ending is drawn thanks to a defence based on a recipro- cal zugzwang. It follows that both players con- ducted the game accurately. First, let’s see how the game went. In many endings with pieces, the possibility arises of a liquidation into a pawn ending. As- sessing the result of such a liquidation may not be easy, since you may have to look a consider- able distance ahead. Moreover, if the result is not the one you were hoping for, your time is likely to have been wasted since the work you have done is unlikely to help in analysing other possibilities.
Even in analysis, it’s possible for strong grandmasters to evaluate a liquidation to a pawn ending incorrectly. Glek’s notes in Informator 80 wrongly claimed that Black could have won by exchanging queens, but the resulting ending is drawn thanks to a defence based on a recipro- cal zugzwang. It follows that both players con- ducted the game accurately. First, let’s see how the game went. In many endings with pieces, the possibility arises of a liquidation into a pawn ending. As- sessing the result of such a liquidation may not be easy, since you may have to look a consider- able distance ahead. Moreover, if the result is not the one you were hoping for, your time is likely to have been wasted since the work you have done is unlikely to help in analysing other possibilities.
This is the critical position in which White has to find the correct plan. >» re
This is the critical position in which White has to find the correct plan. >» re
Black has nothing better than to repeat moves.
Black has nothing better than to repeat moves.
This is a good practical example involving corresponding squares. If Black can exchange In some situations, king manoeuvres arise which are more complex than those involved in trian- gulation and the opposition. In these cases there are networks of squares through which the kings move, trying to gain control of critical points. Theorists call these networks corresponding squares and have devoted a good deal of atten- tion to them. We won’t be too concerned with the theoretical basis of corresponding squares, but shall instead focus on how it is possible to analyse these networks in over-the-board play and thus determine the correct move. In most cases, it isn’t necessary to analyse actual moves at all. Instead, what is important is to determine the pairs of squares that correspond to one an- other; in each pair there is one for the white king and one for the black king. The type of logic involved is quite different from normal chess analysis, and the best way to explain it is by means of an example.
This is a good practical example involving corresponding squares. If Black can exchange In some situations, king manoeuvres arise which are more complex than those involved in trian- gulation and the opposition. In these cases there are networks of squares through which the kings move, trying to gain control of critical points. Theorists call these networks corresponding squares and have devoted a good deal of atten- tion to them. We won’t be too concerned with the theoretical basis of corresponding squares, but shall instead focus on how it is possible to analyse these networks in over-the-board play and thus determine the correct move. In most cases, it isn’t necessary to analyse actual moves at all. Instead, what is important is to determine the pairs of squares that correspond to one an- other; in each pair there is one for the white king and one for the black king. The type of logic involved is quite different from normal chess analysis, and the best way to explain it is by means of an example.
Even if the defender has the ‘correspon- dence’, that is to say his king is already on the correct square, he doesn’t always draw. In some cases the attacker can win even when he doesn’t initially hold the correspondence. The situation is analogous to that we discussed earlier involv- ing the opposition, in that if the defender’s king is restricted in some way, the attacker may be able to seize the opposition from the opponent. Whether this is possible in a position involving corresponding squares can usually be deter- mined solely by looking at the list of correspon- dences. For example, let’s suppose that White is the attacker and that g2 vs eS and h2 vs e5 are both valid correspondences. Then White can win by playing his king to g2, forcing Black to play his own king to e5; White then continues @h2 and Black is on the wrong end of the cor- respondence. Many of the positions we dis- cussed earlier involving the opposition and triangulation are actually special cases of this situation. @h2 and Black is on the wrong end of the cor-
Even if the defender has the ‘correspon- dence’, that is to say his king is already on the correct square, he doesn’t always draw. In some cases the attacker can win even when he doesn’t initially hold the correspondence. The situation is analogous to that we discussed earlier involv- ing the opposition, in that if the defender’s king is restricted in some way, the attacker may be able to seize the opposition from the opponent. Whether this is possible in a position involving corresponding squares can usually be deter- mined solely by looking at the list of correspon- dences. For example, let’s suppose that White is the attacker and that g2 vs eS and h2 vs e5 are both valid correspondences. Then White can win by playing his king to g2, forcing Black to play his own king to e5; White then continues @h2 and Black is on the wrong end of the cor- respondence. Many of the positions we dis- cussed earlier involving the opposition and triangulation are actually special cases of this situation. @h2 and Black is on the wrong end of the cor-
White has lost track of the correspondence and puts his king on the wrong square. Missing a golden opportunity to gain control of the correspondence and force a win. 4...8h6! would have been decisive: 5 @f1 (or 5 Be2 g6!, as in the note to White’s second move) 5... Bh5 6 Hg? (6 Sel Sg6! 7 Se2 SS 8 3 transposes) 6...8g6! 7 @h2 (White’s king is too far from e3, so he has to try defending with his king on g3; however, this proves inade- quate) 7...&f5 8 &g3 Se4 9 Sxed Vxd4 10 &xg5 Sc3 11 f4 d4 12 £5 d3 13 £6 d2 14 f7 d1W 15 f8W Wd2+ 16 GhS We2+ (defending b5 with gain of tempo) 17 @h6 Sb3 and White’s queenside pawns fall.
White has lost track of the correspondence and puts his king on the wrong square. Missing a golden opportunity to gain control of the correspondence and force a win. 4...8h6! would have been decisive: 5 @f1 (or 5 Be2 g6!, as in the note to White’s second move) 5... Bh5 6 Hg? (6 Sel Sg6! 7 Se2 SS 8 3 transposes) 6...8g6! 7 @h2 (White’s king is too far from e3, so he has to try defending with his king on g3; however, this proves inade- quate) 7...&f5 8 &g3 Se4 9 Sxed Vxd4 10 &xg5 Sc3 11 f4 d4 12 £5 d3 13 £6 d2 14 f7 d1W 15 f8W Wd2+ 16 GhS We2+ (defending b5 with gain of tempo) 17 @h6 Sb3 and White’s queenside pawns fall.
White has weakened the g5-pawn by playing
White has weakened the g5-pawn by playing
How can White force his king to f4? The first point to note is that if Black were to move here, it would be easy since Black has to play ...&eS, but after @g4 he must already allow White to occupy f4. Thus @g3 vs @f5 is zugzwang. Now suppose that White’s king is on h3 and Black’s king is on e6, with Black to play; then ... d6/d5 loses to g3 followed by S¢4, ...Be5 loses to &g4 and ...&f5 loses to &g3. Thus this is also zugzwang. Now suppose that White’s king ison g2 and Black’s king is on e5, with Black to play. Then ...&d5/d6 loses to @g3 and &g4 as before, ...&f5 loses to &g3 and ...Be6 loses to @h3. Thus this is a third zugzwang. But exactly the same logic applies when White’s king is on h2; so both @g2 vs Ye5 and Gh2 vs @e5 are zugzwang positions. Black’s problem is that his king cannot move to f6, so while White’s king has access to all four squares in the box g2-h2-g3-h3, Black’s king has access to only three squares in the corresponding box e5-f5-e6-f6. Using this logic it’s not too hard to force the king to f4.
How can White force his king to f4? The first point to note is that if Black were to move here, it would be easy since Black has to play ...&eS, but after @g4 he must already allow White to occupy f4. Thus @g3 vs @f5 is zugzwang. Now suppose that White’s king is on h3 and Black’s king is on e6, with Black to play; then ... d6/d5 loses to g3 followed by S¢4, ...Be5 loses to &g4 and ...&f5 loses to &g3. Thus this is also zugzwang. Now suppose that White’s king ison g2 and Black’s king is on e5, with Black to play. Then ...&d5/d6 loses to @g3 and &g4 as before, ...&f5 loses to &g3 and ...Be6 loses to @h3. Thus this is a third zugzwang. But exactly the same logic applies when White’s king is on h2; so both @g2 vs Ye5 and Gh2 vs @e5 are zugzwang positions. Black’s problem is that his king cannot move to f6, so while White’s king has access to all four squares in the box g2-h2-g3-h3, Black’s king has access to only three squares in the corresponding box e5-f5-e6-f6. Using this logic it’s not too hard to force the king to f4.
White exploits the fact that both g2 and h2 correspond to e5 to put Black is zugzwang. 5...Se6 6 Gh3
White exploits the fact that both g2 and h2 correspond to e5 to put Black is zugzwang. 5...Se6 6 Gh3
This is the position Black was aiming for. He is a pawn up, and has a protected passed b- pawn, but he cannot win. The extra pawn on the kingside is for the moment of no value, since Black’s two pawns are restrained by the lone g-pawn. Perhaps more surprising is Black’s in- ability to do much with the b-pawn. Here the problem is the lack of space for Black’s king, which means that any king manoeuvres in the triangle d7-c8-d8 can be mirrored by White manoeuvring his king in the triangle c5-d4-d5. In the end, all Black can do is to push the b- pawn, thus exchanging the b- and d-pawns. Black is still a pawn up, and can even gain the opposition, but both white pawns are quite far advanced and it turns out that whichever way the black king heads, the ensuing race ends up with White drawing. A bhAZI (NM)
This is the position Black was aiming for. He is a pawn up, and has a protected passed b- pawn, but he cannot win. The extra pawn on the kingside is for the moment of no value, since Black’s two pawns are restrained by the lone g-pawn. Perhaps more surprising is Black’s in- ability to do much with the b-pawn. Here the problem is the lack of space for Black’s king, which means that any king manoeuvres in the triangle d7-c8-d8 can be mirrored by White manoeuvring his king in the triangle c5-d4-d5. In the end, all Black can do is to push the b- pawn, thus exchanging the b- and d-pawns. Black is still a pawn up, and can even gain the opposition, but both white pawns are quite far advanced and it turns out that whichever way the black king heads, the ensuing race ends up with White drawing. A bhAZI (NM)
11 Sb6 g4 12 Sxa6 g3 13 £7 Bxf7 14 Sb7 92 15 a6 g1W 16 a7 also draws. 11...2xf6 12 Se4
11 Sb6 g4 12 Sxa6 g3 13 £7 Bxf7 14 Sb7 92 15 a6 g1W 16 a7 also draws. 11...2xf6 12 Se4
After 1...h6, it’s time to pause for some care- ful analysis. The main line below shows that White loses if he plays h4, so he must keep his pawn on h3. Consider first the situation in which White’s king is on f3 and Black’s is on e5. Then White to play loses, because his only move is @e3, but then Black plays ...g5 fol- lowed by ...h5 and ...g4, deflecting the white king and winning. Now suppose Black is to play; then ...25 is met by @g4 (verify this your- self; it’s one line in which the a2-pawn proves its value), ...@d4? by Sf4 and ...h5? by h4 (White even wins in these last two cases). Black can of course just retreat his king, but this does 1...h6 (D)
After 1...h6, it’s time to pause for some care- ful analysis. The main line below shows that White loses if he plays h4, so he must keep his pawn on h3. Consider first the situation in which White’s king is on f3 and Black’s is on e5. Then White to play loses, because his only move is @e3, but then Black plays ...g5 fol- lowed by ...h5 and ...g4, deflecting the white king and winning. Now suppose Black is to play; then ...25 is met by @g4 (verify this your- self; it’s one line in which the a2-pawn proves its value), ...@d4? by Sf4 and ...h5? by h4 (White even wins in these last two cases). Black can of course just retreat his king, but this does 1...h6 (D)
into this category, since any pawn moves which were available did not affect the analysis. How- ever, the real world is often not so accommo- dating as to serve up such orderly positions, and practical examples often contain mobile pawns. This increases the complexity consider- ably, since any pawn move will almost inevita- bly have an impact on the king manoeuvres. The following example is typical of the diffi- culties involved.
into this category, since any pawn moves which were available did not affect the analysis. How- ever, the real world is often not so accommo- dating as to serve up such orderly positions, and practical examples often contain mobile pawns. This increases the complexity consider- ably, since any pawn move will almost inevita- bly have an impact on the king manoeuvres. The following example is typical of the diffi- culties involved.
White hasn’t grasped the logic of the posi- tion and puts his king on the wrong square. 4 Be3? also loses after 4...8c6! 5 24 (5 Gd4 Sb5 6 &c3 f5 and Black wins) 5...hxg4 6 £5 gxf5 7 h5 f4+! 8 Be2 (8 Sxf4 c3 9 Se3 g3 10h6c2 11 $d2 g2 12 h7 cl B+ 13 Sxcl gi W+ is also a win for Black) 8...c3 9 h6 £3+ 10 @f2 c2 11 h7 clW 12 h8W Wb2+ 13 Sg3 We5+ and Black wins easily with the two extra pawns. rect reply is the obvious 4 @e2, which White
White hasn’t grasped the logic of the posi- tion and puts his king on the wrong square. 4 Be3? also loses after 4...8c6! 5 24 (5 Gd4 Sb5 6 &c3 f5 and Black wins) 5...hxg4 6 £5 gxf5 7 h5 f4+! 8 Be2 (8 Sxf4 c3 9 Se3 g3 10h6c2 11 $d2 g2 12 h7 cl B+ 13 Sxcl gi W+ is also a win for Black) 8...c3 9 h6 £3+ 10 @f2 c2 11 h7 clW 12 h8W Wb2+ 13 Sg3 We5+ and Black wins easily with the two extra pawns. rect reply is the obvious 4 @e2, which White
The only chance, as 2...bxa4 3 bxa4 &d6 4 Ss Sd5 5 Sxgs Sxd4 6 S5 c5 7 v5 c4 8 26 c3 9 g7 c2 10 g8W cl W 11 Wd8+ leads to a queen exchange, after which the g-pawn proves decisive. After the move played, we arrive at the key position. If it were Black to move, then he would lose because 1...@d6 is met by 2 &f5 which, as we shall see in the game, leads to a winning queen ending, while after 1...&f6 2 d5 c5 3 Bd3 Be5 4 Sc4 Sd6 5 g3 White’s reserve position. If it were Black to move, then he
The only chance, as 2...bxa4 3 bxa4 &d6 4 Ss Sd5 5 Sxgs Sxd4 6 S5 c5 7 v5 c4 8 26 c3 9 g7 c2 10 g8W cl W 11 Wd8+ leads to a queen exchange, after which the g-pawn proves decisive. After the move played, we arrive at the key position. If it were Black to move, then he would lose because 1...@d6 is met by 2 &f5 which, as we shall see in the game, leads to a winning queen ending, while after 1...&f6 2 d5 c5 3 Bd3 Be5 4 Sc4 Sd6 5 g3 White’s reserve position. If it were Black to move, then he
Our final example combines some of the ideas we have seen earlier in this section. Here we have a corresponding square situation with mobile pawns, but in this case the attacker can win even though he initially does not hold the correspondence. The logic is similar to that in Tobak-Vasiliev on page 47: two adjacent light squares correspond to the same dark square, so White can win by playing his king to one square and then switching to the other. White is a pawn up, but his extra pawn is dou- bled and he has no immediate way to penetrate
Our final example combines some of the ideas we have seen earlier in this section. Here we have a corresponding square situation with mobile pawns, but in this case the attacker can win even though he initially does not hold the correspondence. The logic is similar to that in Tobak-Vasiliev on page 47: two adjacent light squares correspond to the same dark square, so White can win by playing his king to one square and then switching to the other. White is a pawn up, but his extra pawn is dou- bled and he has no immediate way to penetrate
clearest expression in king and pawn endings. Passed pawns play a particularly important role in king and pawn endings, because if the enemy king is not close enough to stop a passed pawn, it can simply march forward to promotion. If the passed pawn is supported by its own king, then the pawn may promote even if the enemy king is nearby (although not if it is actually in front of the pawn). Thus the creation of a passed pawn may be worth the sacrifice of one or more pawns. We call this motif a breakthrough, and although it also occurs in other types of ending, it finds its clearest expression in king and pawn endings.
clearest expression in king and pawn endings. Passed pawns play a particularly important role in king and pawn endings, because if the enemy king is not close enough to stop a passed pawn, it can simply march forward to promotion. If the passed pawn is supported by its own king, then the pawn may promote even if the enemy king is nearby (although not if it is actually in front of the pawn). Thus the creation of a passed pawn may be worth the sacrifice of one or more pawns. We call this motif a breakthrough, and although it also occurs in other types of ending, it finds its clearest expression in king and pawn endings.
Who is better in this position? At first glance, one might believe that Black is better, as he can create an outside passed pawn. However, thanks to Black’s doubled pawns it is possible for White to create a passed pawn on the kingside and this prevents Black from playing ...&d5-e4 after White’s king has been deflected to the queenside. Thus Black’s outside passed pawn has relatively little value and so White is the only one with winning chances. Indeed, if White continues correctly Black cannot avoid defeat, although in the game both sides made mistakes. t RAY Who is better in this position? At first glance, 6 gl exfS 7 d5 Bg3 8 d6 £49 d7 £3 10 dg f2# is a neat finish. 6... 2h2 7 &f3 gl Y 8 Se4 Hels 0-1
Who is better in this position? At first glance, one might believe that Black is better, as he can create an outside passed pawn. However, thanks to Black’s doubled pawns it is possible for White to create a passed pawn on the kingside and this prevents Black from playing ...&d5-e4 after White’s king has been deflected to the queenside. Thus Black’s outside passed pawn has relatively little value and so White is the only one with winning chances. Indeed, if White continues correctly Black cannot avoid defeat, although in the game both sides made mistakes. t RAY Who is better in this position? At first glance, 6 gl exfS 7 d5 Bg3 8 d6 £49 d7 £3 10 dg f2# is a neat finish. 6... 2h2 7 &f3 gl Y 8 Se4 Hels 0-1
Black loses patience and undertakes definite action himself, but this only weakens his posi- tion. He should have simply waited, when the draw is quite simple. He doesn’t even have to take care to maintain the opposition, as White can’t win even if his king reaches d6: 7...4d7 8 Sb6 Se7 9 Sc6 Ye (even 9...Be8 10 Sdb @d8 draws; for example, 11 e6 fxe6 12 Sxe6 Be8 13 £5 gxfS 14 SxfS G7 15 h5 g6+ 16 hxg6+ &g7) 10 &c5 (10 Bc7 Ge7 is also a draw) 10...8e7 11 &d5 Sd7 12 &d4 and now: Sd8 draws; for example, 11 e6 fxe6 12 Sxe6
Black loses patience and undertakes definite action himself, but this only weakens his posi- tion. He should have simply waited, when the draw is quite simple. He doesn’t even have to take care to maintain the opposition, as White can’t win even if his king reaches d6: 7...4d7 8 Sb6 Se7 9 Sc6 Ye (even 9...Be8 10 Sdb @d8 draws; for example, 11 e6 fxe6 12 Sxe6 Be8 13 £5 gxfS 14 SxfS G7 15 h5 g6+ 16 hxg6+ &g7) 10 &c5 (10 Bc7 Ge7 is also a draw) 10...8e7 11 &d5 Sd7 12 &d4 and now: Sd8 draws; for example, 11 e6 fxe6 12 Sxe6
We shall consider outside passed pawns in more detail later in this book, but the situation we saw in the previous example of an outside passed pawn being impotent against a break- through on the opposite flank is not uncom- mon. Problems can arise for the side with the outside passed pawn if he has a weakened pawn-structure on the other side of the board, since this generally makes it easier for the op- ponent to create a passed pawn. In both the previous position and the following one this weakness is a doubled pawn.
We shall consider outside passed pawns in more detail later in this book, but the situation we saw in the previous example of an outside passed pawn being impotent against a break- through on the opposite flank is not uncom- mon. Problems can arise for the side with the outside passed pawn if he has a weakened pawn-structure on the other side of the board, since this generally makes it easier for the op- ponent to create a passed pawn. In both the previous position and the following one this weakness is a doubled pawn.
The only chance, since 2 gxhS gxh4 3 h6 £f7 4 f4 h3 5 Sf3 exf4 is an easy win for Black. 4 Sf2 S26 5 Sg2 Sxgs
The only chance, since 2 gxhS gxh4 3 h6 £f7 4 f4 h3 5 Sf3 exf4 is an easy win for Black. 4 Sf2 S26 5 Sg2 Sxgs
tions, so it deserves a special name: the square tat every other move loses straight away; for One rather common type of breakthrough in- — 4e5 Sd5 5 Sxb5 Sxe5 6 &cb6 Sf5 7 Sd5 £o4 8 Ge5 Sxh4 9 SES
tions, so it deserves a special name: the square tat every other move loses straight away; for One rather common type of breakthrough in- — 4e5 Sd5 5 Sxb5 Sxe5 6 &cb6 Sf5 7 Sd5 £o4 8 Ge5 Sxh4 9 SES
Even at a glance it is obvious that Black has the advantage because his king is more actively placed and he controls more space. White has a queenside majority and Black has a kingside majority, so there isn’t really an ‘outside passed pawn’ here, although one might develop as play proceeds. What is clear, however, is that Black can use his majority to create a passed pawn any time he chooses by playing ...e4, whereas White cannot so easily play c4 to create his own passed pawn. To force through c4 he would have to play #d3, but then Black can reply ..e4+ and White will still have trouble pushing his c-pawn. There is the additional danger that Biack might play ...b4 at some point, which under the right circumstances could cripple White’s queenside pawns. All these generaliza- tions help to focus our attention on the impor- tant points and help to decide how Black should continue. The most obvious move is 1...e4! and 7... g5!, forcing the white king to move, after which ...e4 is decisive. = bof 11
Even at a glance it is obvious that Black has the advantage because his king is more actively placed and he controls more space. White has a queenside majority and Black has a kingside majority, so there isn’t really an ‘outside passed pawn’ here, although one might develop as play proceeds. What is clear, however, is that Black can use his majority to create a passed pawn any time he chooses by playing ...e4, whereas White cannot so easily play c4 to create his own passed pawn. To force through c4 he would have to play #d3, but then Black can reply ..e4+ and White will still have trouble pushing his c-pawn. There is the additional danger that Biack might play ...b4 at some point, which under the right circumstances could cripple White’s queenside pawns. All these generaliza- tions help to focus our attention on the impor- tant points and help to decide how Black should continue. The most obvious move is 1...e4! and 7... g5!, forcing the white king to move, after which ...e4 is decisive. = bof 11
1...e4! is slightly more complicated, but also effective: 2 24 (2 f4 b4) 2...exf3 3 gxf5 Ge5 4 Bxf3 (403 Sxf5 5 Sxf3 25 6h5 h6 7 Se3 Ves 8 c4 bxc4 9 bxe4 a4 and 4 c4 bxc4 5 bxc4 Sxf5 6 &xf3 g5 7 hS h6 are winning for Black thanks to his outside protected passed pawn) 4...&xf5 5 e3 Ye5! (5...g5? falls into a nasty trap: 6 hxgs &xg5 7 c4 bxc4 8 b4! axb4 9 a4! and it’s about time for Black to force a draw by 9...b3 10 Bd2 b2 11 Sc2 c3 12 a5 SF4 13 a6 He3 14 a7 bIW+ 15 Sxbl Gd2) 6 h5 (6 Sd3 Sd5) 6...8d5 7 Gd3 a4! 8 bxa4 bxa4 9 c3 Sc5 10 c4 25 11 &c3 h6 12 Bd3 g4 and Black wins. We now return to the position arising after
1...e4! is slightly more complicated, but also effective: 2 24 (2 f4 b4) 2...exf3 3 gxf5 Ge5 4 Bxf3 (403 Sxf5 5 Sxf3 25 6h5 h6 7 Se3 Ves 8 c4 bxc4 9 bxe4 a4 and 4 c4 bxc4 5 bxc4 Sxf5 6 &xf3 g5 7 hS h6 are winning for Black thanks to his outside protected passed pawn) 4...&xf5 5 e3 Ye5! (5...g5? falls into a nasty trap: 6 hxgs &xg5 7 c4 bxc4 8 b4! axb4 9 a4! and it’s about time for Black to force a draw by 9...b3 10 Bd2 b2 11 Sc2 c3 12 a5 SF4 13 a6 He3 14 a7 bIW+ 15 Sxbl Gd2) 6 h5 (6 Sd3 Sd5) 6...8d5 7 Gd3 a4! 8 bxa4 bxa4 9 c3 Sc5 10 c4 25 11 &c3 h6 12 Bd3 g4 and Black wins. We now return to the position arising after
2al) 6 &c3 e4 7 fxed+ Sxed! 8 Sd2 Sad and Black wins. 2al) 6 &c3 e4 7 fxed+ Sxed! 8 Sd2 Sde nd Black wins.
2al) 6 &c3 e4 7 fxed+ Sxed! 8 Sd2 Sad and Black wins. 2al) 6 &c3 e4 7 fxed+ Sxed! 8 Sd2 Sde nd Black wins.
with pressure on another part of the board. Even when the square breakthrough doesn’t lead to the immediate promotion of a pawn, the creation of a passed pawn can prove too much for the defender, especially if he has to cope with pressure on another part of the board. The position looks like a draw in view of the
with pressure on another part of the board. Even when the square breakthrough doesn’t lead to the immediate promotion of a pawn, the creation of a passed pawn can prove too much for the defender, especially if he has to cope with pressure on another part of the board. The position looks like a draw in view of the
White clearly stands worse here since al- though material is equal, he has a miscellany of weak pawns. However, Black has no straight- forward way to exploit these and must ma- noeuvre with his king in order to try to make progress. Black won the game, and the notes by De Dovitiis in Informator 95 wrongly claimed that the diagram position is winning for Black. If White understands the system of correspond- ing squares, he can match Black’s king ma- noeuvres and draw. 1 cag White’s pawns have been real heroes: three 5...h5 6 £6+ Sxf6 7 d6 1-0
White clearly stands worse here since al- though material is equal, he has a miscellany of weak pawns. However, Black has no straight- forward way to exploit these and must ma- noeuvre with his king in order to try to make progress. Black won the game, and the notes by De Dovitiis in Informator 95 wrongly claimed that the diagram position is winning for Black. If White understands the system of correspond- ing squares, he can match Black’s king ma- noeuvres and draw. 1 cag White’s pawns have been real heroes: three 5...h5 6 £6+ Sxf6 7 d6 1-0
It’s still possible to go wrong. 5 d6+? cxd6 6 c6 is premature since Black saves himself using the passed d-pawn: 6...d5! 7 c7 &d7 8 f6 d4+ 9 The only consistent follow-up to the previ- ous move. 2 fxg5? dxc5+ 3 bxc5 hxg5 4 &e3 leads to a draw.
It’s still possible to go wrong. 5 d6+? cxd6 6 c6 is premature since Black saves himself using the passed d-pawn: 6...d5! 7 c7 &d7 8 f6 d4+ 9 The only consistent follow-up to the previ- ous move. 2 fxg5? dxc5+ 3 bxc5 hxg5 4 &e3 leads to a draw.
We now return to 1...8d6!? (D):
We now return to 1...8d6!? (D):
4...8e5 5 Bcd exh 6 exh4 Sxed 7 &xc5 £5 1
4...8e5 5 Bcd exh 6 exh4 Sxed 7 &xc5 £5 1
analysis; often apparently insignificant factors can play an important role. In this case Black’s advantage is not enough to win if White de- fends correctly. In such a position it is easy for Black to imagine that there are only two possi- ble results (a draw or a win for him), which can blunt his sense of danger and lead to disastrous consequences.
analysis; often apparently insignificant factors can play an important role. In this case Black’s advantage is not enough to win if White de- fends correctly. In such a position it is easy for Black to imagine that there are only two possi- ble results (a draw or a win for him), which can blunt his sense of danger and lead to disastrous consequences.
If your king is trapped on the edge of the board, it not only displays little activity itself, but can adversely affect the rest of your position. For example, the king may be in front of a passed pawn which cannot then advance, or if both sides promote, the king may be vulnerable to mating possibilities. In our first example, one of the world’s top players incorrectly assesses a liquidation to a pawn ending and ends up with his king totally paralysed. White had been playing to exploit his two bishops for a long time and now spotted the
If your king is trapped on the edge of the board, it not only displays little activity itself, but can adversely affect the rest of your position. For example, the king may be in front of a passed pawn which cannot then advance, or if both sides promote, the king may be vulnerable to mating possibilities. In our first example, one of the world’s top players incorrectly assesses a liquidation to a pawn ending and ends up with his king totally paralysed. White had been playing to exploit his two bishops for a long time and now spotted the
The only winning move. 6...b6? 7 c4.a5 8 b5 @g2 9 h3 Vh2 10 c5 bxc5 11 bé6, 6...a5? 7 bxa5 &g2 8 h3 Sf3 9 c4 Vg? 10 a6 bxa6 11 a5 The only winning move. 6...b6? 7 c4.a5 8 b5 @g2 9 h3 Vh2 10 c5 bxc5 11 bé6, 6...a5? 7 bxa5 @g2 8 h3 Sf3 9 c4 Sg?2 10 a6 bxaG 11 a5
The only winning move. 6...b6? 7 c4.a5 8 b5 @g2 9 h3 Vh2 10 c5 bxc5 11 bé6, 6...a5? 7 bxa5 &g2 8 h3 Sf3 9 c4 Vg? 10 a6 bxa6 11 a5 The only winning move. 6...b6? 7 c4.a5 8 b5 @g2 9 h3 Vh2 10 c5 bxc5 11 bé6, 6...a5? 7 bxa5 @g2 8 h3 Sf3 9 c4 Sg?2 10 a6 bxaG 11 a5
The pawn is doomed in any case, so Black sacrifices it to get his king one square further Cf... . gy The pawn is doomed in any case, so Black
The pawn is doomed in any case, so Black sacrifices it to get his king one square further Cf... . gy The pawn is doomed in any case, so Black
Material is equal and both sides have certain advantages. White’s queenside pawn-majority is crippled, so his extra pawn on that side of the Even if the king is not actually stalemated, it can be disastrous for it to be trapped on the edge of the board.
Material is equal and both sides have certain advantages. White’s queenside pawn-majority is crippled, so his extra pawn on that side of the Even if the king is not actually stalemated, it can be disastrous for it to be trapped on the edge of the board.
board has little value. On the other hand, Black’s h-pawn is about to fall, after which White will not only be a pawn up but also have an outside passed pawn on the kingside. However, the’ most important factor is that while White is tak- ing the h4-pawn, Black can bring his king into a position where it can trap White’s king on the h-file, where it blocks its own passed pawn. This gives Black time to advance his f-pawn and force a win. 1 ches h-file, where it blocks its own passed pawn.
board has little value. On the other hand, Black’s h-pawn is about to fall, after which White will not only be a pawn up but also have an outside passed pawn on the kingside. However, the’ most important factor is that while White is tak- ing the h4-pawn, Black can bring his king into a position where it can trap White’s king on the h-file, where it blocks its own passed pawn. This gives Black time to advance his f-pawn and force a win. 1 ches h-file, where it blocks its own passed pawn.
Not 13...Wd4+ 14 @g6 Wxb2? 15 We6+ drawing; it’s the king that should take on b2 and not the queen. 14 Sg6 Sb3 15 Wes La2
Not 13...Wd4+ 14 @g6 Wxb2? 15 We6+ drawing; it’s the king that should take on b2 and not the queen. 14 Sg6 Sb3 15 Wes La2
The above example shows that reserve tempi can have a powerful effect, overwhelming other apparent advantages. The following position is even more dramatic. It’s not immediately obvious who is better in this pawn ending. White’s king occupies a slightly more active position, but Black has two reserve pawn tempi on the queenside. Thus the situation seems more or less balanced, and a draw appears to be overwhelmingly the most likely result. This view is supported by the game continuation 1...6g5? 2 @e5 (now the white king really occupies a dominant post and Black cannot achieve anything) 2...6g6 3 Ye6 &g5 4 Sf7 Lh6 5 h4 Gh7 2-12. Neither side can make progress. situation seems more or less balanced, and a
The above example shows that reserve tempi can have a powerful effect, overwhelming other apparent advantages. The following position is even more dramatic. It’s not immediately obvious who is better in this pawn ending. White’s king occupies a slightly more active position, but Black has two reserve pawn tempi on the queenside. Thus the situation seems more or less balanced, and a draw appears to be overwhelmingly the most likely result. This view is supported by the game continuation 1...6g5? 2 @e5 (now the white king really occupies a dominant post and Black cannot achieve anything) 2...6g6 3 Ye6 &g5 4 Sf7 Lh6 5 h4 Gh7 2-12. Neither side can make progress. situation seems more or less balanced, and a
EMIS POsiloll GOPpCHads Old Oallle LOL teinpy, Whoever runs out of pawn moves first will have to surrender a pawn in the centre and thereby lose the game. At first sight the tempo battle should favour Black, as White has a doubled pawn on the kingside and Black has three pawns on the second rank, normally a favourable fac- tor as a pawn on the second rank still has the choice between advancing either one or two squares. However, concrete calculation always overrules general principles and in this case the doubled pawns turn out to be surprisingly ef- fective.
EMIS POsiloll GOPpCHads Old Oallle LOL teinpy, Whoever runs out of pawn moves first will have to surrender a pawn in the centre and thereby lose the game. At first sight the tempo battle should favour Black, as White has a doubled pawn on the kingside and Black has three pawns on the second rank, normally a favourable fac- tor as a pawn on the second rank still has the choice between advancing either one or two squares. However, concrete calculation always overrules general principles and in this case the doubled pawns turn out to be surprisingly ef- fective.
S. Kalinitschew — K.-J. Schulz Cham 1992
S. Kalinitschew — K.-J. Schulz Cham 1992
This position should be drawn as Black can prevent the white king from penetrating into Black’s pawn-mass. q 7. 2 4 ee ISO One special case arises when there is material equality and all the pawns are on one side of the board. If the defender has no particular weak- nesses or disadvantages, then the result is almost always a draw. However, in practice it often hap- pens that the defender’s king starts off further away from the remaining pawns (for example, if it has been deflected by a passed pawn) and then the attacker has chances to penetrate with his king and win. One might imagine that cases like this are simply a matter of counting, but there are subtleties which, because they are unex- pected, are easily missed in practical play. es
This position should be drawn as Black can prevent the white king from penetrating into Black’s pawn-mass. q 7. 2 4 ee ISO One special case arises when there is material equality and all the pawns are on one side of the board. If the defender has no particular weak- nesses or disadvantages, then the result is almost always a draw. However, in practice it often hap- pens that the defender’s king starts off further away from the remaining pawns (for example, if it has been deflected by a passed pawn) and then the attacker has chances to penetrate with his king and win. One might imagine that cases like this are simply a matter of counting, but there are subtleties which, because they are unex- pected, are easily missed in practical play. es
Or 4 St6 He2 5 £3 Sf2 6 SF5 Sxg2 7 Sxf4 Sxh3 8 &g5 He3 9 £4 h6+ 10 SF5 h5 and both sides promote at the same time.
Or 4 St6 He2 5 £3 Sf2 6 SF5 Sxg2 7 Sxf4 Sxh3 8 &g5 He3 9 £4 h6+ 10 SF5 h5 and both sides promote at the same time.
In the next position, White could choose to make an outside passed pawn on either side of the board, but in the game he picked the wrong one.
In the next position, White could choose to make an outside passed pawn on either side of the board, but in the game he picked the wrong one.
Other moves also lead to a draw, but would ave offered more practical chances: a) 9 £3 z3 10b5 bxg2 iL b6 f4 12b7 f3 13 DSW f2 14 Wb7+ (14 We8+?! Sxh3 is an im- mediate draw, so when the king is on g2, White has to check on the long diagonal) 14...@g1 15 We7+ Gh2 16 Wie Sg2 17 Wc6+ Sg 18 Wes &g2 19 Wd5+ Sg 20 We8+ Sh? 21 Wxc4 (by means of a careful sequence of checks, White has managed to take the c-pawn with tempo) 21...6g2 22 Wxh4 f18 23 Wed+ Gh2 24 h4 and, while the position is a draw, in practice White would have some justification in playing on.
Other moves also lead to a draw, but would ave offered more practical chances: a) 9 £3 z3 10b5 bxg2 iL b6 f4 12b7 f3 13 DSW f2 14 Wb7+ (14 We8+?! Sxh3 is an im- mediate draw, so when the king is on g2, White has to check on the long diagonal) 14...@g1 15 We7+ Gh2 16 Wie Sg2 17 Wc6+ Sg 18 Wes &g2 19 Wd5+ Sg 20 We8+ Sh? 21 Wxc4 (by means of a careful sequence of checks, White has managed to take the c-pawn with tempo) 21...6g2 22 Wxh4 f18 23 Wed+ Gh2 24 h4 and, while the position is a draw, in practice White would have some justification in playing on.
if he waits too long then he will lose; for exam- ple, 9...g3 10 b5 &xg?2 11 b6 £4? (this was the last chance for ...c3) 12 b7 £3 13 b8W f2 14 We8t+ Sxh3 (14... @h2 15 Wxc4 Yg2 16 e3 £1 17 Wxfl+ Sxfl 18 Yf3 and White wins) 15 We6+ Gh2 16 WES Sg? 17 We4+ Gh2 18 Wxh4+ Se2 19 Wed+ Gh2 20 Wes Yel 21 Wg3+ fi (Black has to move to fl because the pawn on c4 destroys the usual stalemate) 22 e3 and White wins. QO dot 10 hf Sve? 11 h& £4 19 7 £212 14 Yb74+ Sgl 15 Wye7+ Gh2 16 We &g2 17 We5+
if he waits too long then he will lose; for exam- ple, 9...g3 10 b5 &xg?2 11 b6 £4? (this was the last chance for ...c3) 12 b7 £3 13 b8W f2 14 We8t+ Sxh3 (14... @h2 15 Wxc4 Yg2 16 e3 £1 17 Wxfl+ Sxfl 18 Yf3 and White wins) 15 We6+ Gh2 16 WES Sg? 17 We4+ Gh2 18 Wxh4+ Se2 19 Wed+ Gh2 20 Wes Yel 21 Wg3+ fi (Black has to move to fl because the pawn on c4 destroys the usual stalemate) 22 e3 and White wins. QO dot 10 hf Sve? 11 h& £4 19 7 £212 14 Yb74+ Sgl 15 Wye7+ Gh2 16 We &g2 17 We5+
After this White has to take a little care to reach the draw. 2 &f4! was sounder and after 2... 8e6 (not 2...b5? 3 axb5 axb5 4 Sf5 b4 5 Bed c4 6 Sd4 and White even wins) 3 g5 hxg5+ (not 3...b5? 4 gxh6 gxh6 5 axb5 axb5 6 @e4 and White wins after 6...c4 7 @d4 or 6...b4 7 b3 c4 8 bxc4 b3 9 Sd3 Sxe5 10 Sc3) 4 &xg5 b5.5 g6 c4 6 &xg7 b4 7 h6 c3 8 bxc3 bxc3 9 h7 c2 10 h8W clW White is even a pawn up in the queen ending. However, it’s an easy draw as Black’s king is actively placed and the.e5-pawn is vulnerable; for example, 11 We8+ DFS 12 We6+ Sxe5 13 Wxa6 We7+ 14 &e6 Wd6+. a ae me at sci ~=tan .- = - am am —_
After this White has to take a little care to reach the draw. 2 &f4! was sounder and after 2... 8e6 (not 2...b5? 3 axb5 axb5 4 Sf5 b4 5 Bed c4 6 Sd4 and White even wins) 3 g5 hxg5+ (not 3...b5? 4 gxh6 gxh6 5 axb5 axb5 6 @e4 and White wins after 6...c4 7 @d4 or 6...b4 7 b3 c4 8 bxc4 b3 9 Sd3 Sxe5 10 Sc3) 4 &xg5 b5.5 g6 c4 6 &xg7 b4 7 h6 c3 8 bxc3 bxc3 9 h7 c2 10 h8W clW White is even a pawn up in the queen ending. However, it’s an easy draw as Black’s king is actively placed and the.e5-pawn is vulnerable; for example, 11 We8+ DFS 12 We6+ Sxe5 13 Wxa6 We7+ 14 &e6 Wd6+. a ae me at sci ~=tan .- = - am am —_
White faces a typical over-the-board deci- sion: which pawn should he recapture with?
White faces a typical over-the-board deci- sion: which pawn should he recapture with?
This is a complex endgame. White is a pawn up and Black’s pawn-structure is broken, so there is no doubt that White has whatever win- ning chances there are, but Black’s outside passed pawn is a powerful counterbalance. It is easy to see how the result might be a draw: the a-pawn deflects the white king, Black takes the c-pawn with his own king and in the resulting position Black’s king is nearer the remaining pawns, enabling him to draw comfortably. In- deed, if White doesn’t do something special, this
This is a complex endgame. White is a pawn up and Black’s pawn-structure is broken, so there is no doubt that White has whatever win- ning chances there are, but Black’s outside passed pawn is a powerful counterbalance. It is easy to see how the result might be a draw: the a-pawn deflects the white king, Black takes the c-pawn with his own king and in the resulting position Black’s king is nearer the remaining pawns, enabling him to draw comfortably. In- deed, if White doesn’t do something special, this
2...fxe4 3 fxed Se7 4 Ye3 Sad6 5 Yad (D)
2...fxe4 3 fxed Se7 4 Ye3 Sad6 5 Yad (D)
In rare cases, the outside passed pawn may even provide winning chances despite a mate- rial disadvantage.
In rare cases, the outside passed pawn may even provide winning chances despite a mate- rial disadvantage.
The following example is a little more com- plicated, but makes the point very clearly.
The following example is a little more com- plicated, but makes the point very clearly.
In this position White has the outside passed pawn(s), but Black’s more active king position means that only he has winning chances. 1...8f3?
In this position White has the outside passed pawn(s), but Black’s more active king position means that only he has winning chances. 1...8f3?
by humans. White has an alternative which the Although White is a pawn up, her winning
by humans. White has an alternative which the Although White is a pawn up, her winning
and hard to evaluate, since everything depends on precise calculation. You may well find that if you enter the dia- gram position on your computer, the machine at first evaluates it as equal or even favourable for Black. This is especially the case if you are us- ing tablebases, which in this position slows the computer down a lot without providing any compensating benefit. Indeed, a quick glance shows that at the moment White has no passed pawns, while Black already has two connected passed pawns on the kingside. Despite this, White has a winning position. The key point is that White can create passed pawns on the a- and d-files. By playing a4-a5 followed by b5 and a6, the a-pawn will already be on the sixth rank, which will make it impossible for Black’s king to cope with both passed pawns. Thus Black has to rely on his own passed pawns, but these are easily blockaded by the white king. lad
and hard to evaluate, since everything depends on precise calculation. You may well find that if you enter the dia- gram position on your computer, the machine at first evaluates it as equal or even favourable for Black. This is especially the case if you are us- ing tablebases, which in this position slows the computer down a lot without providing any compensating benefit. Indeed, a quick glance shows that at the moment White has no passed pawns, while Black already has two connected passed pawns on the kingside. Despite this, White has a winning position. The key point is that White can create passed pawns on the a- and d-files. By playing a4-a5 followed by b5 and a6, the a-pawn will already be on the sixth rank, which will make it impossible for Black’s king to cope with both passed pawns. Thus Black has to rely on his own passed pawns, but these are easily blockaded by the white king. lad
White must take care to play his moves in the correct order, since 3 b5? axb5 4 e4 b4. 5 a6 Bc8 6 exd5 b3 7 a7 Gb7 8 d6 b2 9 d7 b1W 10 a8 + xa8 11 d8W+ only leads to a draw. 3. dxed+ 4 &xe4 (D)
White must take care to play his moves in the correct order, since 3 b5? axb5 4 e4 b4. 5 a6 Bc8 6 exd5 b3 7 a7 Gb7 8 d6 b2 9 d7 b1W 10 a8 + xa8 11 d8W+ only leads to a draw. 3. dxed+ 4 &xe4 (D)
At this point Black surprisingly resigned (1-0) although she is not worse: 10...@b5 11 h5 Sc4 12 h6 (12 Sxg3 Sd3 is also a draw) 12...e3! 13 Sf3 (13 Sxg3 Sd3 14 h7 e2 15 hsW elW+ 16 Sf3 We2+ 17 Sg3 also draws as the white king is nearly in front of the black pawn) 13...6d3 147 e2 15 h8W el W and it’s White who has to play for a draw by 16 Wd8+ Bc2 17 We7+ Sdl 18 Wd7+ Bd2 19 Wad-+ af. ter which Black has no winning chances since im Han pncac Cl hitacraw avchonase mitenc
At this point Black surprisingly resigned (1-0) although she is not worse: 10...@b5 11 h5 Sc4 12 h6 (12 Sxg3 Sd3 is also a draw) 12...e3! 13 Sf3 (13 Sxg3 Sd3 14 h7 e2 15 hsW elW+ 16 Sf3 We2+ 17 Sg3 also draws as the white king is nearly in front of the black pawn) 13...6d3 147 e2 15 h8W el W and it’s White who has to play for a draw by 16 Wd8+ Bc2 17 We7+ Sdl 18 Wd7+ Bd2 19 Wad-+ af. ter which Black has no winning chances since im Han pncac Cl hitacraw avchonase mitenc
9...$b4! (another spectacular move putting White in zugzwang; 9...&xa4?! 10 24 hxg3 11 h4 &b3 12 h5 Sc2 13 h6 g2 14 SF2 €3+ 15 &xg2 e2 16h7 el W 17 h8W Wd2+ also wins, but the win is very long and complicated, re- quiring 70 moves to force mate) 10 Se2 (10 Bxe4 Sxad 11 SF3 Sb4 12 24 hxg3 13 h4 a4 and Black will cover h8 when he promotes) 10...c4! 11 Se3 Sd5 12 SF2 Hdd 13 Ve2 3 14 Sel &d3 15 Vdl e2+ 16 Sel Ve3 with a aro mate to follow. ..e4! 8 Ge3 Sb3 9 gd i. iw =
9...$b4! (another spectacular move putting White in zugzwang; 9...&xa4?! 10 24 hxg3 11 h4 &b3 12 h5 Sc2 13 h6 g2 14 SF2 €3+ 15 &xg2 e2 16h7 el W 17 h8W Wd2+ also wins, but the win is very long and complicated, re- quiring 70 moves to force mate) 10 Se2 (10 Bxe4 Sxad 11 SF3 Sb4 12 24 hxg3 13 h4 a4 and Black will cover h8 when he promotes) 10...c4! 11 Se3 Sd5 12 SF2 Hdd 13 Ve2 3 14 Sel &d3 15 Vdl e2+ 16 Sel Ve3 with a aro mate to follow. ..e4! 8 Ge3 Sb3 9 gd i. iw =
exhS &xhs 8 &g2 &e4 9 Lh2 wt4 10 h3 ed 11 Sxh4 Sd 12 Sg3 Sc4 13 SES Sb4 14 Se3 Sxa5 15 &d2 allows White’s king to make it back in time). Now White must again find the correct move: 1) 3 Bf4? a6! 4 Bed bys 5 SF3 h3 6 Hg3 h2 7 Sxh2 Sxe4 8 Hg2 Sf4 and Black wins. 2) 3 Sf3? SgG! is also decisive after 4 a6 2e5 or 4 Sg2 Sg5 5 Gh3 a6. a a es ae 4 a6
exhS &xhs 8 &g2 &e4 9 Lh2 wt4 10 h3 ed 11 Sxh4 Sd 12 Sg3 Sc4 13 SES Sb4 14 Se3 Sxa5 15 &d2 allows White’s king to make it back in time). Now White must again find the correct move: 1) 3 Bf4? a6! 4 Bed bys 5 SF3 h3 6 Hg3 h2 7 Sxh2 Sxe4 8 Hg2 Sf4 and Black wins. 2) 3 Sf3? SgG! is also decisive after 4 a6 2e5 or 4 Sg2 Sg5 5 Gh3 a6. a a es ae 4 a6
Now White has to give up the g4-pawn for nothing, with the result that when Black makes a run for the queenside, White must go all the way to h6 with her king to eliminate Black’s h- pawns. @g5 6 Sh3 h5 7 gxh5 Sxh5 8 Sh2 S24 9 Se? is also a draw.
Now White has to give up the g4-pawn for nothing, with the result that when Black makes a run for the queenside, White must go all the way to h6 with her king to eliminate Black’s h- pawns. @g5 6 Sh3 h5 7 gxh5 Sxh5 8 Sh2 S24 9 Se? is also a draw.
White squanders a fleeting chance to win. Even though general principles always have to be backed up by concrete analysis, in this case itisn’t hard to find the correct move by strategic reasoning. A doubled pawn can be a serious handicap in a king and pawn ending, as it de- values your pawn-structure. If it is possible to liquidate the doubled pawn (usually by ex- changing off the front pawn) it is usually a good idea to do so. Here White has trouble winning with his extra pawn precisely because of the problems created by his doubled pawn. There- fore it is logical to consider 2 g5!. Black, it is true, can then win a pawn by 2...exf4, but after
White squanders a fleeting chance to win. Even though general principles always have to be backed up by concrete analysis, in this case itisn’t hard to find the correct move by strategic reasoning. A doubled pawn can be a serious handicap in a king and pawn ending, as it de- values your pawn-structure. If it is possible to liquidate the doubled pawn (usually by ex- changing off the front pawn) it is usually a good idea to do so. Here White has trouble winning with his extra pawn precisely because of the problems created by his doubled pawn. There- fore it is logical to consider 2 g5!. Black, it is true, can then win a pawn by 2...exf4, but after
It isn’t obvious from the diagram that White can only save the game by stalemating himself. 1e7
It isn’t obvious from the diagram that White can only save the game by stalemating himself. 1e7
A draw would seem to be the least likely re- sult in this position, because whoever runs out of tempo moves on the kingside will lose a pawn on the queenside, which seems likely to prove fatal. However, the result of the diagram position should be a draw thanks to an incredi- ble stalemate resource. In the game both sides made mistakes and the point went back and forth until Black emerged the victor. 4 6 skusrT
A draw would seem to be the least likely re- sult in this position, because whoever runs out of tempo moves on the kingside will lose a pawn on the queenside, which seems likely to prove fatal. However, the result of the diagram position should be a draw thanks to an incredi- ble stalemate resource. In the game both sides made mistakes and the point went back and forth until Black emerged the victor. 4 6 skusrT
Where should White move his king? A quick check shows that when White promotes, Black will reply by advancing his pawn to the seventh rank. If you know your basic endgame theory, then you will appreciate that in general this ending is drawn, but if the white king is close enough then it is sometimes possible to win by using mating ideas. This provides the clue to the winning idea, which can then be confirmed by calculation.
Where should White move his king? A quick check shows that when White promotes, Black will reply by advancing his pawn to the seventh rank. If you know your basic endgame theory, then you will appreciate that in general this ending is drawn, but if the white king is close enough then it is sometimes possible to win by using mating ideas. This provides the clue to the winning idea, which can then be confirmed by calculation.
This position is a draw. If White takes the h5-pawn with check, then we have a standard W vs fA theoretical draw, but if the h-pawn stays on the board White’s queen has no ac- cess to g4, and without this it is impossible to force Black’s king in front of the f-pawn. White abandoned his winning attempts after a few moves.
This position is a draw. If White takes the h5-pawn with check, then we have a standard W vs fA theoretical draw, but if the h-pawn stays on the board White’s queen has no ac- cess to g4, and without this it is impossible to force Black’s king in front of the f-pawn. White abandoned his winning attempts after a few moves.
It doesn’t appear likely that Black’s king will be in danger, but without the mating idea White can’t win this position. Black already has a cen- tral passed pawn, while White has the possibility of making an outside passed pawn using his kingside pawn-majority. In general terms, there- fore, the pawn-structure favours White and in- deed if White’s king were already in the centre of the board, his outside pawn-majority would swiftly prove decisive. However, the white king is poorly placed at the moment and this allows Black’s king to advance in the centre and gener- ate threats with the e-pawn. White can win, but accurate play is required. g ._ ge
It doesn’t appear likely that Black’s king will be in danger, but without the mating idea White can’t win this position. Black already has a cen- tral passed pawn, while White has the possibility of making an outside passed pawn using his kingside pawn-majority. In general terms, there- fore, the pawn-structure favours White and in- deed if White’s king were already in the centre of the board, his outside pawn-majority would swiftly prove decisive. However, the white king is poorly placed at the moment and this allows Black’s king to advance in the centre and gener- ate threats with the e-pawn. White can win, but accurate play is required. g ._ ge
Be iets. al 3...h5 4 96! followed by f6 promotes a pawn. 4 hxg5!
Be iets. al 3...h5 4 96! followed by f6 promotes a pawn. 4 hxg5!
Sometimes it’s impossible to know what 1s going through the heads of players and annota- tors. The game ended in a draw and annotator Nogueiras (in Informator 84) gave Black's first move a double exclamation mark on the grounds that it was the only move to draw, yet the dia- gram position is an easy win for Black. The position is instructive not only for the ‘mass hallucination’ aspect of the annotations, but also for the way Black managed to save the game after his incorrect first move. 1...d5??
Sometimes it’s impossible to know what 1s going through the heads of players and annota- tors. The game ended in a draw and annotator Nogueiras (in Informator 84) gave Black's first move a double exclamation mark on the grounds that it was the only move to draw, yet the dia- gram position is an easy win for Black. The position is instructive not only for the ‘mass hallucination’ aspect of the annotations, but also for the way Black managed to save the game after his incorrect first move. 1...d5??
White’s fourth move since d4 is not covered
White’s fourth move since d4 is not covered
Black is a pawn ahead, but he faces a coun- terattack by White based on #25 and @h6. It’s wrong for Black to meet this by passively retreat- ing his king to g8, expecting to drive White’s king back later, because White can break up Black’s pawns by h5. There’s only one move for Black which wins convincingly, but Safin was unable to find it in the game. 2) 1...8d5?2 Sg5 Sd4 3 Gh6 Sd3 4 Sxh7 Be2 5 Yxg6 Sxf2 6 h5 e3 7 h6e2 8h7 el W9
Black is a pawn ahead, but he faces a coun- terattack by White based on #25 and @h6. It’s wrong for Black to meet this by passively retreat- ing his king to g8, expecting to drive White’s king back later, because White can break up Black’s pawns by h5. There’s only one move for Black which wins convincingly, but Safin was unable to find it in the game. 2) 1...8d5?2 Sg5 Sd4 3 Gh6 Sd3 4 Sxh7 Be2 5 Yxg6 Sxf2 6 h5 e3 7 h6e2 8h7 el W9
In the following example, there are various possibilities for a transformation to a queen ending. It turns out that the result depends on relatively slight changes in the queenside pawn- structure, and in order to win White has to ar- range the queenside pawns favourably before heading for the queen ending.
In the following example, there are various possibilities for a transformation to a queen ending. It turns out that the result depends on relatively slight changes in the queenside pawn- structure, and in order to win White has to ar- range the queenside pawns favourably before heading for the queen ending.
queen endings arise in various lines and evalu- ating some of these is not so easy. King and pawn endings in which both sides have a choice of pawn moves can prove tricky to calculate. Any pawn move changes the struc- ture of the position and that can alter the result of any races which arise. Keeping a clear head when calculating such lines is not easy, and it proved too much for the players in this exam- ple. Moreover, Nesterov’s analysis in Infor- mator 58 overlooks several important points. 1 94?
queen endings arise in various lines and evalu- ating some of these is not so easy. King and pawn endings in which both sides have a choice of pawn moves can prove tricky to calculate. Any pawn move changes the struc- ture of the position and that can alter the result of any races which arise. Keeping a clear head when calculating such lines is not easy, and it proved too much for the players in this exam- ple. Moreover, Nesterov’s analysis in Infor- mator 58 overlooks several important points. 1 94?
3 @d6? Handing over the second half-point. White should have played 3 d4 cxd4 4 &xd4 Sf6 (4...h4? 5 gxh4+ Gxh4 6 Se5 Sg5 7 h4+ Sed 8 hS £49 h6 f3 10 h7 f2 11 h8W f1W 12 Wg8+ @h5 13 We8+ Sh4 14 Wd8+ Sh3 15 Bxb6 is winning for White in view of the weakness of Black’s remaining queenside pawns) 5 c5 (forc- ing Black to defend accurately; if White is sat- isfied with a draw, the simple 5 &d3 or 5 &e3 is sufficient) 5...b5 (5...bxc5+?! 6 @xc5 Sg5 7 Bd6 h4 8 exh4+ Sxh4 9 Se5 Sg5 10h4+ Se 11 h5 f4 12 h6 f3 13 h7 f2 14 how fi 15 We8+ Bh5 16 Yd6 favours White, although probably not enough to win) 6 axb5 cxb5 7 c6 Be7 8 &c5 a4 9 bxad bxa4 10 Sb6 a3 11 c7 a2 12 c8W al W 13 Wxfs Wr6+ with a draw. 3...h4 4 exh4+ Sf6!
3 @d6? Handing over the second half-point. White should have played 3 d4 cxd4 4 &xd4 Sf6 (4...h4? 5 gxh4+ Gxh4 6 Se5 Sg5 7 h4+ Sed 8 hS £49 h6 f3 10 h7 f2 11 h8W f1W 12 Wg8+ @h5 13 We8+ Sh4 14 Wd8+ Sh3 15 Bxb6 is winning for White in view of the weakness of Black’s remaining queenside pawns) 5 c5 (forc- ing Black to defend accurately; if White is sat- isfied with a draw, the simple 5 &d3 or 5 &e3 is sufficient) 5...b5 (5...bxc5+?! 6 @xc5 Sg5 7 Bd6 h4 8 exh4+ Sxh4 9 Se5 Sg5 10h4+ Se 11 h5 f4 12 h6 f3 13 h7 f2 14 how fi 15 We8+ Bh5 16 Yd6 favours White, although probably not enough to win) 6 axb5 cxb5 7 c6 Be7 8 &c5 a4 9 bxad bxa4 10 Sb6 a3 11 c7 a2 12 c8W al W 13 Wxfs Wr6+ with a draw. 3...h4 4 exh4+ Sf6!
We now return to 1 a4? (D): SIE: ME Ree A, eee eee. See ae eee eee 2) 1h5!! (this is strongest of all since White wins without allowing Black to enter a queen ending) 1...8e6 2 a4! (2 a3? @f6! exploits the negative side of h5 to threaten ...@g5 and thus force 3 f4, but then 3...@e6 4 Bc4 a6 leads to a complete blockade) 2...8f6 (after 2...8d6 3 a5 b5 4.26 Se6 5 Sc5 White wins easily) 3 f4 Se6 4 &c4 (White is a tempo ahead of the line aris- ing after 2 a3? and now 4...a6 is impossible due to 5.a5 bxa5 6 bxa5 &d6 7 Bd4) 4...4d6 5 &b5 &c7 (5...2d5 6 a6 Be4 7 Sxa7 Sxf4 8 a5 bxa5 9 bS Sg4 10 b6 f4 11 b7 £3 12 b8Y f2 is an easy win because Black’s king is not yet sup- porting the f-pawn; for example, 13 Wb1 &g3 14 Wl a4 15 Sb6 a3 16 Sc5 a2 17 Sd4 al B+ 18 Wxal &g2 19 Se4 and White wins) 6 a6 &b8 7 a5! bxa5 8 bxa5 Ga8 9 Sb5 Yb7 10 a6+ Bc7 11 Sc5 Sd7 12 Sd5 Vc7 13 Sed and White promotes first. We now return to 1 a4? (D):
We now return to 1 a4? (D): SIE: ME Ree A, eee eee. See ae eee eee 2) 1h5!! (this is strongest of all since White wins without allowing Black to enter a queen ending) 1...8e6 2 a4! (2 a3? @f6! exploits the negative side of h5 to threaten ...@g5 and thus force 3 f4, but then 3...@e6 4 Bc4 a6 leads to a complete blockade) 2...8f6 (after 2...8d6 3 a5 b5 4.26 Se6 5 Sc5 White wins easily) 3 f4 Se6 4 &c4 (White is a tempo ahead of the line aris- ing after 2 a3? and now 4...a6 is impossible due to 5.a5 bxa5 6 bxa5 &d6 7 Bd4) 4...4d6 5 &b5 &c7 (5...2d5 6 a6 Be4 7 Sxa7 Sxf4 8 a5 bxa5 9 bS Sg4 10 b6 f4 11 b7 £3 12 b8Y f2 is an easy win because Black’s king is not yet sup- porting the f-pawn; for example, 13 Wb1 &g3 14 Wl a4 15 Sb6 a3 16 Sc5 a2 17 Sd4 al B+ 18 Wxal &g2 19 Se4 and White wins) 6 a6 &b8 7 a5! bxa5 8 bxa5 Ga8 9 Sb5 Yb7 10 a6+ Bc7 11 Sc5 Sd7 12 Sd5 Vc7 13 Sed and White promotes first. We now return to 1 a4? (D):
It is often important to make practical deci- sions in pawn endings. If it is possible to avoid a long and complex queen ending, then it is generally advisable to do so. Even if the queen ending is winning, it is easy to go wrong in such endings and forcing a decision in the pawn end- ing is far preferable, if only because it saves a great deal of energy. In this respect, analysing with a computer may be misleading, because an engine with access to tablebases will often hap- pily head for an incredibly complex win with The first point to mention is that if you can win without reaching W+A vs W at all, then that is the better choice.
It is often important to make practical deci- sions in pawn endings. If it is possible to avoid a long and complex queen ending, then it is generally advisable to do so. Even if the queen ending is winning, it is easy to go wrong in such endings and forcing a decision in the pawn end- ing is far preferable, if only because it saves a great deal of energy. In this respect, analysing with a computer may be misleading, because an engine with access to tablebases will often hap- pily head for an incredibly complex win with The first point to mention is that if you can win without reaching W+A vs W at all, then that is the better choice.
Not a very practical decision, even if the computer is quite happy with it. After this an ending with W+4 vs W+A arises in which
Not a very practical decision, even if the computer is quite happy with it. After this an ending with W+4 vs W+A arises in which
10...2xg8 11 a6 h2 12 a7 h1Y 13 asW+
10...2xg8 11 a6 h2 12 a7 h1Y 13 asW+
— 14...2h8 15 We8+ Gh7 16 Wa7+ Lh8 17 Wc8+ Sh7 18 Ws+ Lh8 19 c4
— 14...2h8 15 We8+ Gh7 16 Wa7+ Lh8 17 Wc8+ Sh7 18 Ws+ Lh8 19 c4
5.. bed 6 bo £37 Sxb7 Sxg3 8 b5 h4 9 b6 h3 10 Sc7 h2 11 b7 hi 12 bsW Wel+ 13 a7 Wxf4 (D)
5.. bed 6 bo £37 Sxb7 Sxg3 8 b5 h4 9 b6 h3 10 Sc7 h2 11 b7 hi 12 bsW Wel+ 13 a7 Wxf4 (D)
It is important to note that even theoretically drawn endings of W+ vs W are tough to de- fend in practice, and in over-the-board play many drawn positions are eventually lost. It’s easy to make a little slip every now and again, allowing the attacker to make more and more progress with his pawn, until eventually the po- sition slips over the border between drawn and lost. In the following position White could have won without allowing a queen ending, but it all ended happily for him (although much later!) when Black failed to hold a drawn position. when Black failed to hold a drawn position. There’s only one move to win, but in the game White didn’t find it. The key idea is to return to this position with Black to move. Then Black will have to retreat his king, which gives White an extra tempo when he runs with his king to the kingside. In order to lose a tempo, White must triangulate with his king. This position is unusual in that the attacker can usually play his king round the triangle in ei- ther direction, but here only one way leads to success.
It is important to note that even theoretically drawn endings of W+ vs W are tough to de- fend in practice, and in over-the-board play many drawn positions are eventually lost. It’s easy to make a little slip every now and again, allowing the attacker to make more and more progress with his pawn, until eventually the po- sition slips over the border between drawn and lost. In the following position White could have won without allowing a queen ending, but it all ended happily for him (although much later!) when Black failed to hold a drawn position. when Black failed to hold a drawn position. There’s only one move to win, but in the game White didn’t find it. The key idea is to return to this position with Black to move. Then Black will have to retreat his king, which gives White an extra tempo when he runs with his king to the kingside. In order to lose a tempo, White must triangulate with his king. This position is unusual in that the attacker can usually play his king round the triangle in ei- ther direction, but here only one way leads to success.
51 a7 Gh2 52 Wa2 Bhi 53 Wds+ Sel 54 Wd4 Wes 55 a6 We6+ 56 ba7 Wes 57 Wes?!
51 a7 Gh2 52 Wa2 Bhi 53 Wds+ Sel 54 Wd4 Wes 55 a6 We6+ 56 ba7 Wes 57 Wes?!
17 &g7 &e5?
17 &g7 &e5?
the advantage as she will be a pawn up in any
the advantage as she will be a pawn up in any
which puts it in the medium to hard difficulty level. 14...Wh8+ 15 3?! 15...4b8+ 16 Sc2 &f4
which puts it in the medium to hard difficulty level. 14...Wh8+ 15 3?! 15...4b8+ 16 Sc2 &f4
Missing the drawing opportunity 20...Wb4! 21 c5 (21 &d3 Wa3+ draws as advancing to d4 allows mate in one) 21...Wa4+! 22 Wb3 (after 22 Sc3 Wa3+ 23 &d4 Wal+ White cannot es- cape the checks) 22...Wd4 23 Wc3 Wa4+ 24 $d3 Wed4+ 25 Sd2 Wd5+ and White cannot win as her pawn is weak and so she cannot eas- ily interpose her queen. 41 WaAk.oD advancing the pawn and White could have won
Missing the drawing opportunity 20...Wb4! 21 c5 (21 &d3 Wa3+ draws as advancing to d4 allows mate in one) 21...Wa4+! 22 Wb3 (after 22 Sc3 Wa3+ 23 &d4 Wal+ White cannot es- cape the checks) 22...Wd4 23 Wc3 Wa4+ 24 $d3 Wed4+ 25 Sd2 Wd5+ and White cannot win as her pawn is weak and so she cannot eas- ily interpose her queen. 41 WaAk.oD advancing the pawn and White could have won
tra pawn will be decisive.
tra pawn will be decisive.
The ‘length to mate’ in such endings is often a good indicator as to how hard they are to win in practice. Here White can force mate in 59 moves with precise play, which places it in the upper half of the difficulty range, although still far from the top. In order to reach a draw, Black must achieve one of the following aims:
The ‘length to mate’ in such endings is often a good indicator as to how hard they are to win in practice. Here White can force mate in 59 moves with precise play, which places it in the upper half of the difficulty range, although still far from the top. In order to reach a draw, Black must achieve one of the following aims:
@d8 the checks are exhausted, whereupon the pawn can advance to the seventh rank. 26... e714 27 604 Wo7 28 Wa6?! WV BUI a! Set Seg! 40 BUVee This doesn’t yet throw the win away, but it betrays a lack of understanding of the position. Playing the queen to d6 carries no particular threat, and by giving up control of the fourth rank White allows Black’s king to approach the al-corner. 28 Wf5+! would have been much stronger; after 28...8b4 (28...&b6 29 Sg5 We7 30 Wf6+ Ya7 31 g7 also wins for White) 29 Wf7 Black has no viable check, so White can advance his pawn to the seventh rank. In this line, White allows Black to improve his king position slightly, but this is more than compen- sated for by the fact that White’s pawn will be only one square from queening. 48 cnt
@d8 the checks are exhausted, whereupon the pawn can advance to the seventh rank. 26... e714 27 604 Wo7 28 Wa6?! WV BUI a! Set Seg! 40 BUVee This doesn’t yet throw the win away, but it betrays a lack of understanding of the position. Playing the queen to d6 carries no particular threat, and by giving up control of the fourth rank White allows Black’s king to approach the al-corner. 28 Wf5+! would have been much stronger; after 28...8b4 (28...&b6 29 Sg5 We7 30 Wf6+ Ya7 31 g7 also wins for White) 29 Wf7 Black has no viable check, so White can advance his pawn to the seventh rank. In this line, White allows Black to improve his king position slightly, but this is more than compen- sated for by the fact that White’s pawn will be only one square from queening. 48 cnt
Now that the enemy king has been cut off from the pawn, White can push the pawn. With White’s queen controlling the f-file, it seems unlikely that Black can achieve either of the first two aims given above, so his best chance will be to head for the al-corner. Reaching this corner will be no easy matter as White’s well- placed queen also controls the third rank. 20 24! 2d4 21 35
Now that the enemy king has been cut off from the pawn, White can push the pawn. With White’s queen controlling the f-file, it seems unlikely that Black can achieve either of the first two aims given above, so his best chance will be to head for the al-corner. Reaching this corner will be no easy matter as White’s well- placed queen also controls the third rank. 20 24! 2d4 21 35
line was 35 We5 Wf3+ 36 Se6 Wb3+ 37 Was Wb6+ 38 Wd6 We3+ 39 d5 Wd3+ 40 Sc5 Wo5+ 41 Sd4 Wb2+ 42 Se3 Wel+ 43 Sed Whl+ 44 Se5 Wel+ 45 Sf5 We3 (repeating the position at move 29 in the game!) 46 @g4! We7 47 Se5 Wic3 48 Wd7+ £a3 49 97 (the pawn advances, but this is still a tough win be- cause Black’s king is almost in the drawing zone; indeed, if Black’s king were on a2 here then the position would be a draw) 49...We3+ 50 26 We3+ 51 Sf6 Wh4+ 52 Se5 We5+ 53 bdo W4+ 54 Sd5 Wr3+ 55 Bc5 We3+ 56 Sb6 We3+ 57 Sb7 Wb3+ 58 a6 Wes (58...Wo4+ 59 Sa7 Wc5+?! 60 a8 stops the checks) 59 Wad4 a2 60 Sb5 We8+ 61 Sb4 Wel+ 62 Sc4 We2+ 63 Sd5 Wh5+ 64 Se6 We8+ 65 Sf6 We6+ 66 e5 We8+ 67 Sf4 Wt7+ 68 Sg3 We6+ 69 Sh3 Wh6+ 70 Se2 We5+ 71 Sf Wb5+ 72 Sel We8+ 73 Yd2 and there are no more checks. XWY. ...w. 0 gk gp Ne ARK LeU TM.
line was 35 We5 Wf3+ 36 Se6 Wb3+ 37 Was Wb6+ 38 Wd6 We3+ 39 d5 Wd3+ 40 Sc5 Wo5+ 41 Sd4 Wb2+ 42 Se3 Wel+ 43 Sed Whl+ 44 Se5 Wel+ 45 Sf5 We3 (repeating the position at move 29 in the game!) 46 @g4! We7 47 Se5 Wic3 48 Wd7+ £a3 49 97 (the pawn advances, but this is still a tough win be- cause Black’s king is almost in the drawing zone; indeed, if Black’s king were on a2 here then the position would be a draw) 49...We3+ 50 26 We3+ 51 Sf6 Wh4+ 52 Se5 We5+ 53 bdo W4+ 54 Sd5 Wr3+ 55 Bc5 We3+ 56 Sb6 We3+ 57 Sb7 Wb3+ 58 a6 Wes (58...Wo4+ 59 Sa7 Wc5+?! 60 a8 stops the checks) 59 Wad4 a2 60 Sb5 We8+ 61 Sb4 Wel+ 62 Sc4 We2+ 63 Sd5 Wh5+ 64 Se6 We8+ 65 Sf6 We6+ 66 e5 We8+ 67 Sf4 Wt7+ 68 Sg3 We6+ 69 Sh3 Wh6+ 70 Se2 We5+ 71 Sf Wb5+ 72 Sel We8+ 73 Yd2 and there are no more checks. XWY. ...w. 0 gk gp Ne ARK LeU TM.
Heading back in the correct direction, but if White continues accurately it would be too late. 43 Whi?
Heading back in the correct direction, but if White continues accurately it would be too late. 43 Whi?
We now return to 35 @g5? (D):
We now return to 35 @g5? (D):
The short-range knight struggles against three disconnected pawns and if the pawns are spread far apart the knight stands little chance, al- though if the pawns are relatively close together the knight can sometimes draw. In the follow- ing position, White’s pawns include a pair of doubled pawns, which makes the defender’s task simpler. However, even though the posi- tion is objectively drawn, it still requires some care to avoid defeat. The pawns have crept forward, and now Black must find some accurate moves to hang 6...2b4 6...8c3 7 Da4+ Sb4 8 Ab? is also a draw. 7 £d4 a5 8 Ad3+ 12-12
The short-range knight struggles against three disconnected pawns and if the pawns are spread far apart the knight stands little chance, al- though if the pawns are relatively close together the knight can sometimes draw. In the follow- ing position, White’s pawns include a pair of doubled pawns, which makes the defender’s task simpler. However, even though the posi- tion is objectively drawn, it still requires some care to avoid defeat. The pawns have crept forward, and now Black must find some accurate moves to hang 6...2b4 6...8c3 7 Da4+ Sb4 8 Ab? is also a draw. 7 £d4 a5 8 Ad3+ 12-12
According to the notes by T.Horvath in Infor- mator 36, this endgame was winning for Black throughout the subsequent play. However, the true story is more complicated, as we shall see. In the diagram White cannot prevent Black from advancing all the pawns to the fifth, which sug- gests that the position should be a win, and this is backed up by the concrete analysis. However, the win is not so simple that Black cannot go wrong. this rule and it is also worth bearing in mind that the knight has better chances when the pawns are nearer the centre of the board, be- cause it can then operate from both sides of the pawns. The knight is at its worst when it has to face f-, g- and h-pawns (or the corresponding files on the queenside). face f-, g- and h-pawns (or the corresponding cause it can then operate from both sides of the
According to the notes by T.Horvath in Infor- mator 36, this endgame was winning for Black throughout the subsequent play. However, the true story is more complicated, as we shall see. In the diagram White cannot prevent Black from advancing all the pawns to the fifth, which sug- gests that the position should be a win, and this is backed up by the concrete analysis. However, the win is not so simple that Black cannot go wrong. this rule and it is also worth bearing in mind that the knight has better chances when the pawns are nearer the centre of the board, be- cause it can then operate from both sides of the pawns. The knight is at its worst when it has to face f-, g- and h-pawns (or the corresponding files on the queenside). face f-, g- and h-pawns (or the corresponding cause it can then operate from both sides of the
The wrong check, handing the half-point back to Black. 10 @f7+! was the only move to draw; after 10...6d4 11 Ag5! &d3 (11...8e3 12 &e6 and White wins a pawn as Black is in zugzwang) 12 @\e6! Be3 the only drawing line is 13 @h3! V3 (or else White wins a pawn) 14 4\e5+ Ge3 15 De6! repeating the position. 10...2d5?
The wrong check, handing the half-point back to Black. 10 @f7+! was the only move to draw; after 10...6d4 11 Ag5! &d3 (11...8e3 12 &e6 and White wins a pawn as Black is in zugzwang) 12 @\e6! Be3 the only drawing line is 13 @h3! V3 (or else White wins a pawn) 14 4\e5+ Ge3 15 De6! repeating the position. 10...2d5?
mistakes in over-the-board play are not un- common. The main difficulty is that there are a number of positional draws in which the at- tacker has everything defended but is unable to make progress.
mistakes in over-the-board play are not un- common. The main difficulty is that there are a number of positional draws in which the at- tacker has everything defended but is unable to make progress.
If it were Black to move, then the win would
If it were Black to move, then the win would
In order to draw this position, Black has to establish his priorities. It’s clear that there are two basic plans. He can either keep his king on the queenside, allowing White to take the a3- pawn with his king, or he can try to penetrate with his king on the kingside to support the h3- pawn. In the latter case, Black will allow White to take the a3-pawn, but hopes to reach g3 with his own king and thus force a repetition. This argument would seem to favour moving to the kingside, and that is what Black played in the game. However, a deeper examination shows
In order to draw this position, Black has to establish his priorities. It’s clear that there are two basic plans. He can either keep his king on the queenside, allowing White to take the a3- pawn with his king, or he can try to penetrate with his king on the kingside to support the h3- pawn. In the latter case, Black will allow White to take the a3-pawn, but hopes to reach g3 with his own king and thus force a repetition. This argument would seem to favour moving to the kingside, and that is what Black played in the game. However, a deeper examination shows
to defend a particular square, and restricted mo- bility often leads to zugzwangs. Many posi- tions of A+4 vs 24 involve zugzwangs, some reciprocal and some not. When there are recip- rocal zugzwangs about, identifying the zug- zwang positions is a crucial step towards finding the right move.
to defend a particular square, and restricted mo- bility often leads to zugzwangs. Many posi- tions of A+4 vs 24 involve zugzwangs, some reciprocal and some not. When there are recip- rocal zugzwangs about, identifying the zug- zwang positions is a crucial step towards finding the right move.
will become clear in the following analysis) 2...8e5 (2...c6 is also met by 3 &c3) 3 Bc3 (now we have the reciprocal zugzwang with Black to play) 3...2d7 (3...8e4 4 b5! Dd7 5 &b4 d4 6 c5! is a draw after 6...8d5 7 a5 Db8 8 c6 Sd6 9 b6 Axc6+ 10 a6 or 6...Axc5 7 a5 Sd5 8 b6 a6 9 b7 and Black loses his last pawn) 4 b5 &d6 5 @b4 (a reciprocal zugzwang with Black to play) 5...Ac5 6 @c3! (and a fur- ther reciprocal zugzwang) 6...8c7 7 @d4! Sb6 8 Se5! (8 Sd5? Db3 is a reciprocal zugzwang with White to play) 8...Ab3 9 &d5 (but now it is Black to play) 9...Ad2 10 &d4! and Black cannot make progress. White has a fair range of drawing moves, but this isn’t one of them. The straightforward march towards the a-pawn would have sufficed: 2 Sad! Sd4 3.c5! (3 SS? Abs 4 c5 Bc3 and 3 b5? Sxc4 4 Ba5 Abé6 are winning for Black, but 3 a5! Ab8 4 c5! Bc4 5 Had also draws) 3... 2d5 (3... 8c4 4 c6 Ab6+ 5 &a5 Ac8 6 Sab &xb4 7 &b7 is also a draw) 4 a5 Ab8 5 SbS and Black has no winning chances. Moreover, White could also have drawn by playing 2 bS or 2c5. » Knog
will become clear in the following analysis) 2...8e5 (2...c6 is also met by 3 &c3) 3 Bc3 (now we have the reciprocal zugzwang with Black to play) 3...2d7 (3...8e4 4 b5! Dd7 5 &b4 d4 6 c5! is a draw after 6...8d5 7 a5 Db8 8 c6 Sd6 9 b6 Axc6+ 10 a6 or 6...Axc5 7 a5 Sd5 8 b6 a6 9 b7 and Black loses his last pawn) 4 b5 &d6 5 @b4 (a reciprocal zugzwang with Black to play) 5...Ac5 6 @c3! (and a fur- ther reciprocal zugzwang) 6...8c7 7 @d4! Sb6 8 Se5! (8 Sd5? Db3 is a reciprocal zugzwang with White to play) 8...Ab3 9 &d5 (but now it is Black to play) 9...Ad2 10 &d4! and Black cannot make progress. White has a fair range of drawing moves, but this isn’t one of them. The straightforward march towards the a-pawn would have sufficed: 2 Sad! Sd4 3.c5! (3 SS? Abs 4 c5 Bc3 and 3 b5? Sxc4 4 Ba5 Abé6 are winning for Black, but 3 a5! Ab8 4 c5! Bc4 5 Had also draws) 3... 2d5 (3... 8c4 4 c6 Ab6+ 5 &a5 Ac8 6 Sab &xb4 7 &b7 is also a draw) 4 a5 Ab8 5 SbS and Black has no winning chances. Moreover, White could also have drawn by playing 2 bS or 2c5. » Knog
As in king and pawn endings, in some zug- zwang positions it is possible to lose a tempo and return to the position with the opponent to move. Triangulation is the most familiar of these ideas, and the following position features a kind of extended triangulation. If it were White to move, then the win would be easy, as he would have to allow the black king access to f6 and then g5. With Black to move, the position is still a win, but presents greater difficulties. The basic plan is, as one might expect, to lose a tempo, but in the dia- gram position there is no obvious way to do so. The key idea is to transfer the knight to h7, after which it becomes possible for Black to triangu- late with his king. After losing a tempo, the knight is then manoeuvred back to g7, and the diagram position arises with White to move. 1...De6! and return to the position with the opponent to might expect, to lose a tempo, but in the dia-
As in king and pawn endings, in some zug- zwang positions it is possible to lose a tempo and return to the position with the opponent to move. Triangulation is the most familiar of these ideas, and the following position features a kind of extended triangulation. If it were White to move, then the win would be easy, as he would have to allow the black king access to f6 and then g5. With Black to move, the position is still a win, but presents greater difficulties. The basic plan is, as one might expect, to lose a tempo, but in the dia- gram position there is no obvious way to do so. The key idea is to transfer the knight to h7, after which it becomes possible for Black to triangu- late with his king. After losing a tempo, the knight is then manoeuvred back to g7, and the diagram position arises with White to move. 1...De6! and return to the position with the opponent to might expect, to lose a tempo, but in the dia-
Given the relatively open position of the two kings, it is surprising that this is indeed recipro- cal zugzwang. Despite the limited material, this position contains several subtleties. White won the game, and Yagupov’s analysis in Informator 83 incor- rectly claimed that the diagram position is al- ready winning. In order to understand what is happening, we must first analyse a preliminary position of reciprocal zugzwang. When it is Black’s turn to play, he has to move his king up or down the board. If he
Given the relatively open position of the two kings, it is surprising that this is indeed recipro- cal zugzwang. Despite the limited material, this position contains several subtleties. White won the game, and Yagupov’s analysis in Informator 83 incor- rectly claimed that the diagram position is al- ready winning. In order to understand what is happening, we must first analyse a preliminary position of reciprocal zugzwang. When it is Black’s turn to play, he has to move his king up or down the board. If he
Our final example with this material balance involves the most complex zugzwang situation we have encountered.
Our final example with this material balance involves the most complex zugzwang situation we have encountered.
3.5.1 Knight Manoeuvres The demands placed upon the knight in the endgame are rather different from those in the mddlegame. In the earlier stages of the game, the knight’s forking ability and strength when occupying an outpost are the most important factors, but in an endgame the knight’s key as- set 18 its ability to reach any square on the board. It follows that no pawn is immune from attack by the knight. Set against this is the knight’s short-range nature, which causes it to struggle when faced with a distant passed pawn.
3.5.1 Knight Manoeuvres The demands placed upon the knight in the endgame are rather different from those in the mddlegame. In the earlier stages of the game, the knight’s forking ability and strength when occupying an outpost are the most important factors, but in an endgame the knight’s key as- set 18 its ability to reach any square on the board. It follows that no pawn is immune from attack by the knight. Set against this is the knight’s short-range nature, which causes it to struggle when faced with a distant passed pawn.
The following position again features a recip- 13 Sd2 AbS 14 Sel Se5 15 Vb1 Sb4 16 b2 Da3 17 c4 dxc3+ 0-1
The following position again features a recip- 13 Sd2 AbS 14 Sel Se5 15 Vb1 Sb4 16 b2 Da3 17 c4 dxc3+ 0-1
This interesting ending was analysed by Ro- zentalis in Informator 48. At first sight White, with only one pawn for the knight, is in a hope- less situation. However, Black’s king has to undertake quite a long journey to capture the h3-pawn, while in the meantime White can gain counterplay with the b-pawn. The game ended in a draw and according to Rozentalis both sides played accurately. In fact Black missed an instructive win, which was not so easy to spot. 1 das!
This interesting ending was analysed by Ro- zentalis in Informator 48. At first sight White, with only one pawn for the knight, is in a hope- less situation. However, Black’s king has to undertake quite a long journey to capture the h3-pawn, while in the meantime White can gain counterplay with the b-pawn. The game ended in a draw and according to Rozentalis both sides played accurately. In fact Black missed an instructive win, which was not so easy to spot. 1 das!
As so often happens, an unexpectedly stem resistance © eventually confuses the attacker ¢ and sevipive, rr a a a
As so often happens, an unexpectedly stem resistance © eventually confuses the attacker ¢ and sevipive, rr a a a
Black stops the pawn, but without taking
Black stops the pawn, but without taking
2 b6 Ac6 3 b7 Abs
2 b6 Ac6 3 b7 Abs
Bd5 Sg5 9 Sxc5 SF6 10 Sd6 and White wins. 2) 6 Sd3 a6! (this move was not consid- ered by Minev; 6...&f4? loses a vital tempo and allows White to win by 7 h4! 4\a6 8 @c3 &g4 9 2b3 Sxh4 10 a4 Sg5 11 Sb5 Abs 12 Sxc5 Sf6 13 d6) 7 Sc3 (7 h4 Sg 8 Ses Sxhé is now a draw, while attempting to lose a tempo somehow by 7 €d2 doesn’t work because Black always has the waiting move 7...&f4) 7...Ab8! (now that the white king no longer threatens to penetrate via e4, the knight must return to b8 to prevent White from gaining a tempo when his king arrives on b5; 7...@f4? loses to 8 &b3 &g3 9 Sa, etc.) 8 &b2!? (the best try, as Black draws after 8 &b3 Ye6 9 h4 4\c6! thanks to the poor position of the white king, which allows Black to gain a tempo via the threat of ...A\a5+, and then Black is in time after 10 a4 €d7 11 &b5 &c7) 8...Ad7! (8...8e6? loses to 9 h4 4\c6 105) 9 Ba3 (9 h4 Se! 10 Sa3 Sxh4 11 a4 Sod 12 Ss SES 13 Vc6 Seb and again Black is in time) 9...8e5 10 a4 Sd6 11 Bas &c7 12 Sa6 Bb8 and Black saves the game. 6 h4! (D) as possible, to take the sting out of the h4-h5 plan. Then White is left only with the king to a4 plan.
Bd5 Sg5 9 Sxc5 SF6 10 Sd6 and White wins. 2) 6 Sd3 a6! (this move was not consid- ered by Minev; 6...&f4? loses a vital tempo and allows White to win by 7 h4! 4\a6 8 @c3 &g4 9 2b3 Sxh4 10 a4 Sg5 11 Sb5 Abs 12 Sxc5 Sf6 13 d6) 7 Sc3 (7 h4 Sg 8 Ses Sxhé is now a draw, while attempting to lose a tempo somehow by 7 €d2 doesn’t work because Black always has the waiting move 7...&f4) 7...Ab8! (now that the white king no longer threatens to penetrate via e4, the knight must return to b8 to prevent White from gaining a tempo when his king arrives on b5; 7...@f4? loses to 8 &b3 &g3 9 Sa, etc.) 8 &b2!? (the best try, as Black draws after 8 &b3 Ye6 9 h4 4\c6! thanks to the poor position of the white king, which allows Black to gain a tempo via the threat of ...A\a5+, and then Black is in time after 10 a4 €d7 11 &b5 &c7) 8...Ad7! (8...8e6? loses to 9 h4 4\c6 105) 9 Ba3 (9 h4 Se! 10 Sa3 Sxh4 11 a4 Sod 12 Ss SES 13 Vc6 Seb and again Black is in time) 9...8e5 10 a4 Sd6 11 Bas &c7 12 Sa6 Bb8 and Black saves the game. 6 h4! (D) as possible, to take the sting out of the h4-h5 plan. Then White is left only with the king to a4 plan.
At the moment White is threatening to win by 6h4 Ab8 (6...624 7 Se4 wins for White) 7 $3! Da6 (after 7...24 8 Ged White wins as the knight is still one move from a6, while 7...Ad7 is met by 8 h5) 8 &c3 &e4 9 Sb3 &xh4 10 a4 and Black is one tempo too slow. There are two important points for Black to note in this line; the first is that he must prevent White from gaining a tempo by attacking the enemy knight with his king, and the second is that he should not allow White to take the pawn on c5 and thus gain a second passed pawn. It follows that when the white king penetrates via e4, the best square for the black knight is a6, defending the c-pawn and keeping the knight well away from the white king. It’s because the knight is currently badly placed on c6 that White threat- ens to win by playing h4. Black’s correct plan is therefore to transfer the knight to a6 as quickly
At the moment White is threatening to win by 6h4 Ab8 (6...624 7 Se4 wins for White) 7 $3! Da6 (after 7...24 8 Ged White wins as the knight is still one move from a6, while 7...Ad7 is met by 8 h5) 8 &c3 &e4 9 Sb3 &xh4 10 a4 and Black is one tempo too slow. There are two important points for Black to note in this line; the first is that he must prevent White from gaining a tempo by attacking the enemy knight with his king, and the second is that he should not allow White to take the pawn on c5 and thus gain a second passed pawn. It follows that when the white king penetrates via e4, the best square for the black knight is a6, defending the c-pawn and keeping the knight well away from the white king. It’s because the knight is currently badly placed on c6 that White threat- ens to win by playing h4. Black’s correct plan is therefore to transfer the knight to a6 as quickly
which White delivers mate after Black pro- motes. Making things more difficult; White could have won more simply by | @d2! fxg4+ 2 hxg4 Sf6 (2..h3 3 Sg3 h2 4 Af3+ and 5 &xh2 wins) 3 Sf4! Se6 4 Se3! S65 Af3 followed by &xd3. Note that this is another example of the plan described in the analysis of Korensky- Suetin in the introduction (page 11): the knight and king change roles with the king going after the enemy passed pawn, while the knight helps to set up a barrier preventing a counterattack on the attacker’s last pawn. gq ~~ per 4. oe
which White delivers mate after Black pro- motes. Making things more difficult; White could have won more simply by | @d2! fxg4+ 2 hxg4 Sf6 (2..h3 3 Sg3 h2 4 Af3+ and 5 &xh2 wins) 3 Sf4! Se6 4 Se3! S65 Af3 followed by &xd3. Note that this is another example of the plan described in the analysis of Korensky- Suetin in the introduction (page 11): the knight and king change roles with the king going after the enemy passed pawn, while the knight helps to set up a barrier preventing a counterattack on the attacker’s last pawn. gq ~~ per 4. oe
The position is drawn, but Black can still set a nasty trap. 1...e3!? 2 fxe3+? Now we move on to positions in which both sides have a knight. The most basic of these is knight and pawn vs knight. This ending is al- most always drawn when the defender’s king can get in front of the pawn, but there are a few exceptions, as in the following example. This position was incorrectly analysed by Averbakh, and his faulty analysis has been reproduced several times, notably in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Endings and Van Perlo’s Endgame Tac- tics. As so often in such cases, failure to realize that a particular position is reciprocal zugzwang lies at the root of the mistaken analysis.
The position is drawn, but Black can still set a nasty trap. 1...e3!? 2 fxe3+? Now we move on to positions in which both sides have a knight. The most basic of these is knight and pawn vs knight. This ending is al- most always drawn when the defender’s king can get in front of the pawn, but there are a few exceptions, as in the following example. This position was incorrectly analysed by Averbakh, and his faulty analysis has been reproduced several times, notably in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Endings and Van Perlo’s Endgame Tac- tics. As so often in such cases, failure to realize that a particular position is reciprocal zugzwang lies at the root of the mistaken analysis.
The defender has more chances against a knight’s pawn and if the knight can stop the pawn on the sixth rank, with the defender’s king reasonably close, then the result is often a draw. However, even theoretically drawn posi- tions may be awkward to defend in practice, as the following example demonstrates.
The defender has more chances against a knight’s pawn and if the knight can stop the pawn on the sixth rank, with the defender’s king reasonably close, then the result is often a draw. However, even theoretically drawn posi- tions may be awkward to defend in practice, as the following example demonstrates.
The attacker has the best chances with a rook’s
The attacker has the best chances with a rook’s
The following example features a bishop’s pawn on the sixth rank, which should also bea draw nrovided it is firmly blockaded |
The following example features a bishop’s pawn on the sixth rank, which should also bea draw nrovided it is firmly blockaded |
cient to win. However, White can force the ex-
cient to win. However, White can force the ex-
Here Black faces considerable difficulties in capitalizing on his material advantage. White’s pieces are actively placed, whereas Black’s king is stuck on the edge of the board and is tied down to defending the b3-pawn. Despite these difficulties, the position is winning for Black. Nogueiras incorrectly claimed in Informator 61 that Black’s very first move threw away the win, but the position remained winning for Black for two more moves before he allowed White to escape with a draw. oa Dy wa
Here Black faces considerable difficulties in capitalizing on his material advantage. White’s pieces are actively placed, whereas Black’s king is stuck on the edge of the board and is tied down to defending the b3-pawn. Despite these difficulties, the position is winning for Black. Nogueiras incorrectly claimed in Informator 61 that Black’s very first move threw away the win, but the position remained winning for Black for two more moves before he allowed White to escape with a draw. oa Dy wa
3.86? bishop’s pawns or central pawns, the situation
3.86? bishop’s pawns or central pawns, the situation
White has a kingside majority which can produce an outside passed pawn, and he has the Outside passed pawns are an advantage in vir- tually any ending, but because the knight lacks any long-range ability they are especially effec- tive in knight endings. An outside passed pawn often has to be held up by the enemy’s knight, leaving him effectively a piece down on the other side of the board. In favourable cases, an outside passed pawn can confer a decisive ad- vantage all by itself.
White has a kingside majority which can produce an outside passed pawn, and he has the Outside passed pawns are an advantage in vir- tually any ending, but because the knight lacks any long-range ability they are especially effec- tive in knight endings. An outside passed pawn often has to be held up by the enemy’s knight, leaving him effectively a piece down on the other side of the board. In favourable cases, an outside passed pawn can confer a decisive ad- vantage all by itself.
1) 3 &£3 (D) gives Black various drawing options: la) 3...b5 4 Axe5 b4 5 Ad7 &d3 6 h4 &xe3 ThS Sf4 8 h6 &g5 9 Ac5 Ag6 10 h7 Sh 11 Db3 Bg5 12 Ad4 Bhd 13 Heb b3 14 Afa+ and Ftaénik stopped here with a ‘winning for White’ symbol, but in fact it’s a draw: 14...@g4 15 @d3 &g5 16 Db2 Vh5 and White is not making progress. 1...Ah8+! is the only route to survival. Black willingly allows his knight to be trapped on h8, because it takes White time to win it and then move the king out of the path of the h-pawn. In the meantime Black hopes to have developed counterplay by taking the e3-pawn and using his own two passed pawns. Play continues 2 $27 &c3, and now:
1) 3 &£3 (D) gives Black various drawing options: la) 3...b5 4 Axe5 b4 5 Ad7 &d3 6 h4 &xe3 ThS Sf4 8 h6 &g5 9 Ac5 Ag6 10 h7 Sh 11 Db3 Bg5 12 Ad4 Bhd 13 Heb b3 14 Afa+ and Ftaénik stopped here with a ‘winning for White’ symbol, but in fact it’s a draw: 14...@g4 15 @d3 &g5 16 Db2 Vh5 and White is not making progress. 1...Ah8+! is the only route to survival. Black willingly allows his knight to be trapped on h8, because it takes White time to win it and then move the king out of the path of the h-pawn. In the meantime Black hopes to have developed counterplay by taking the e3-pawn and using his own two passed pawns. Play continues 2 $27 &c3, and now:
White has the advantage because knights are especially helpless against rook’s pawns; Black’s knight, which can be chased away by White’s king, will struggle to hold up the h- pawn. In the game Black was unable to find a satisfactory defence, and Ftaénik’s notes indi- cated that the diagram position is winning for White. However, Black does have a way to save the game. This position is a typical example of how ‘annotation by result’ often leads to chess blindness. Believing the position to be winning for White, Fta¢nik incorrectly assessed several variations as winning even when a simple draw was available.
White has the advantage because knights are especially helpless against rook’s pawns; Black’s knight, which can be chased away by White’s king, will struggle to hold up the h- pawn. In the game Black was unable to find a satisfactory defence, and Ftaénik’s notes indi- cated that the diagram position is winning for White. However, Black does have a way to save the game. This position is a typical example of how ‘annotation by result’ often leads to chess blindness. Believing the position to be winning for White, Fta¢nik incorrectly assessed several variations as winning even when a simple draw was available.
9 S28? Sc2 10 h8W biW 11 Wxes Wa2+! 12 &e7 Wa7+ 13 Sf6 Sd3, which is indeed < draw) and it doesn’t matter where Black move: his king since White will always be able tc force an exchange of queens on b1, after whick e4 followed by Sf6 wins.
9 S28? Sc2 10 h8W biW 11 Wxes Wa2+! 12 &e7 Wa7+ 13 Sf6 Sd3, which is indeed < draw) and it doesn’t matter where Black move: his king since White will always be able tc force an exchange of queens on b1, after whick e4 followed by Sf6 wins.
1c2) 8 h6 bS! (8...e27 9 Aci elA 10 Sxh8 43 11 &g7 Ags 12 Sg6! and White wins af- ter 12...b5 13 Ad3+ Ye4 14 Df2+ Hh4 15 @h3 or 12...Ae6 13 Ad3+! Se4 14 SF6 As 15 De5 bS 16 SF7 Ah7 17 Sg7 Ags 18 Af7 ADe6+ 19 &g8 Af4 20 h7 Agé 21 Sg7 SF5 22 Ad6+ Sg5 23 Axb5) 9 h7 Sg5 10 Acl b4 11 @xh8 b3 12 Axb3 e2 and Black saves the game. The fact that Black has several alterna- tive routes to a draw shows that he is not in any real danger after 3 Af3. woof a:
1c2) 8 h6 bS! (8...e27 9 Aci elA 10 Sxh8 43 11 &g7 Ags 12 Sg6! and White wins af- ter 12...b5 13 Ad3+ Ye4 14 Df2+ Hh4 15 @h3 or 12...Ae6 13 Ad3+! Se4 14 SF6 As 15 De5 bS 16 SF7 Ah7 17 Sg7 Ags 18 Af7 ADe6+ 19 &g8 Af4 20 h7 Agé 21 Sg7 SF5 22 Ad6+ Sg5 23 Axb5) 9 h7 Sg5 10 Acl b4 11 @xh8 b3 12 Axb3 e2 and Black saves the game. The fact that Black has several alterna- tive routes to a draw shows that he is not in any real danger after 3 Af3. woof a:
Black has an extra outside passed pawn, but this may not be enough to decide the game since White’s king is able to launch a counterat- tack against Black’s kingside pawns. If White can give up his knight for the b-pawn while re- taining his h4-pawn, then he will draw, but one danger for White is that Black will be able to answer @xh7 with ...Axh4, after which Black can win by simply pushing the b-pawn to pick up White’s knight. Black won the game and, ac- cording to the notes by Verat in Informator 75, the diagram position is already winning, but as we shall see White has a cunning defence which holds the game.
Black has an extra outside passed pawn, but this may not be enough to decide the game since White’s king is able to launch a counterat- tack against Black’s kingside pawns. If White can give up his knight for the b-pawn while re- taining his h4-pawn, then he will draw, but one danger for White is that Black will be able to answer @xh7 with ...Axh4, after which Black can win by simply pushing the b-pawn to pick up White’s knight. Black won the game and, ac- cording to the notes by Verat in Informator 75, the diagram position is already winning, but as we shall see White has a cunning defence which holds the game.
3c2) 7...A7! 8 Sxf7 &g5 eliminates the awn. ~~ »2r!' Tri
3c2) 7...A7! 8 Sxf7 &g5 eliminates the awn. ~~ »2r!' Tri
This is a complex position despite White’s two extra pawns, since Black’s a-pawn is very dangerous. Indeed, White’s main hope of win- ning is to give up his knight for the a-pawn, and then play with three pawns against a piece on the kingside. This is a promising idea, because Black’s king will be on the a-file and so faces a long journey back to the kingside. First of all, however, White must make sure that he really can give up his knight for the a-pawn. 1 fvaeor
This is a complex position despite White’s two extra pawns, since Black’s a-pawn is very dangerous. Indeed, White’s main hope of win- ning is to give up his knight for the a-pawn, and then play with three pawns against a piece on the kingside. This is a promising idea, because Black’s king will be on the a-file and so faces a long journey back to the kingside. First of all, however, White must make sure that he really can give up his knight for the a-pawn. 1 fvaeor
White is a pawn up with an advanced passed pawn, but Black’s king has penetrated amongst White’s pawns. White could now play 1 @d2 with a draw, but he decides to sacrifice his knight. This is a good practical decision since, although it should not be sufficient to win, Black has to solve several problems to reach the draw. 4 PV. 299 Pw. * HOA New
White is a pawn up with an advanced passed pawn, but Black’s king has penetrated amongst White’s pawns. White could now play 1 @d2 with a draw, but he decides to sacrifice his knight. This is a good practical decision since, although it should not be sufficient to win, Black has to solve several problems to reach the draw. 4 PV. 299 Pw. * HOA New
Black is a pawn up, but his knight and pawn are both under attack so his material advantage is purely temporary. Indeed, it is White who stands clearly better thanks to his queenside pawn-majority, which can create a passed pawn at any moment. In such situations, it is often hard to decide whether to defend passively or try something dramatic to change the course of events. In this game Black correctly decided on the latter course. a ram 13 Wes Sb3 14 Sd4 c3 15 Had3 1-0 After 15...8a2 16 We2 Gal 17 Wa4+ Yb1 18 &xc3 it is mate next move.
Black is a pawn up, but his knight and pawn are both under attack so his material advantage is purely temporary. Indeed, it is White who stands clearly better thanks to his queenside pawn-majority, which can create a passed pawn at any moment. In such situations, it is often hard to decide whether to defend passively or try something dramatic to change the course of events. In this game Black correctly decided on the latter course. a ram 13 Wes Sb3 14 Sd4 c3 15 Had3 1-0 After 15...8a2 16 We2 Gal 17 Wa4+ Yb1 18 &xc3 it is mate next move.
The king moves in before it is sealed out by Bc2. Ps a= _k age aa: ny waeti?: on ceatite atife ‘ee a ACL. 4 25 Sc3 5 g6 a2 6 7 alW 7 g8W Wrxel 8 Wc8+ &xb3 9 Wre6+
The king moves in before it is sealed out by Bc2. Ps a= _k age aa: ny waeti?: on ceatite atife ‘ee a ACL. 4 25 Sc3 5 g6 a2 6 7 alW 7 g8W Wrxel 8 Wc8+ &xb3 9 Wre6+
White wins easily after 11...@f2 12 Df4 gl 13 De2+ and 14 Axg3.
White wins easily after 11...@f2 12 Df4 gl 13 De2+ and 14 Axg3.
If the attacker has an advanced passed pawn, the outcome is usually that he wins his oppo- nent’s knight for the pawn, but this is not inevita- ble. Sometimes it is possible to drive the enemy knight away from the pawn and thus gain a queen rather than a knight. A common error is to ‘cash in’ a passed pawn too quickly, missing an opportunity to extract more from the pawn.
If the attacker has an advanced passed pawn, the outcome is usually that he wins his oppo- nent’s knight for the pawn, but this is not inevita- ble. Sometimes it is possible to drive the enemy knight away from the pawn and thus gain a queen rather than a knight. A common error is to ‘cash in’ a passed pawn too quickly, missing an opportunity to extract more from the pawn.
In the following position, Black had the right idea but failed to follow it through to its logical conclusion. In the following position, Black had the right idea but failed to follow it through to its logical conclusion.
In the following position, Black had the right idea but failed to follow it through to its logical conclusion. In the following position, Black had the right idea but failed to follow it through to its logical conclusion.
Tactical ideas occur in all types of ending, and knight endings are no exception. We have al- ready seen a couple of examples of these themes in Section 3.5.2 (page 160), which dealt with positions in which only one side has a knight. This time we look at positions where both sides have a knight. The first example features a spectacular mid-board mate. spectacular mid-board mate.
Tactical ideas occur in all types of ending, and knight endings are no exception. We have al- ready seen a couple of examples of these themes in Section 3.5.2 (page 160), which dealt with positions in which only one side has a knight. This time we look at positions where both sides have a knight. The first example features a spectacular mid-board mate. spectacular mid-board mate.
We now return to 3...d2 (D):
We now return to 3...d2 (D):
Now this is the correct choice, since 9...A\g4? loses to 10 Ae3.
Now this is the correct choice, since 9...A\g4? loses to 10 Ae3.
The following position is, of course, a sim- ple technical win, but it is interesting to see how even one of the world’s leading players can throw away half a point through overlooking a tactical resource that does not fit into one of the usual patterns.
The following position is, of course, a sim- ple technical win, but it is interesting to see how even one of the world’s leading players can throw away half a point through overlooking a tactical resource that does not fit into one of the usual patterns.
The next position features an unusual knight chase based on stalemate. White is a pawn up and all his pieces are ac- tively placed, so it looks as if a win is not far off. Indeed, White can immediately win the b4- pawn by stalemating Black’s king on h8. How- ever, it turns out that in this case Black has an amazing drawing resource which he overlooked in the game. Although the plan White adopted allows Black to draw, one can hardly criticize it as the draw is hard to spot, and it is doubtful if any other plan would have increased White’s winning chances.
The next position features an unusual knight chase based on stalemate. White is a pawn up and all his pieces are ac- tively placed, so it looks as if a win is not far off. Indeed, White can immediately win the b4- pawn by stalemating Black’s king on h8. How- ever, it turns out that in this case Black has an amazing drawing resource which he overlooked in the game. Although the plan White adopted allows Black to draw, one can hardly criticize it as the draw is hard to spot, and it is doubtful if any other plan would have increased White’s winning chances.
We have already seen the idea of a break- through in Section 2.3 (page 56), which dealt with king and pawn endings, and similar ideas can also occur in other types of ending. Here is an example with knights, which incidentally also contains an underpromotion. an example with knights, which incidentally
We have already seen the idea of a break- through in Section 2.3 (page 56), which dealt with king and pawn endings, and similar ideas can also occur in other types of ending. Here is an example with knights, which incidentally also contains an underpromotion. an example with knights, which incidentally
What is surprising about this position is that White has a forced win, even though he has only one pawn on the sixth rank. As an-example of how the position can be drawn even if all the pawns are on the sixth rank, take the above po- sition and push the pawns to f6, g6 and hé, Black’s king to g8 and White’s king to g5. Then We examined some examples of this ending in Understanding Chess Endgames (Section 25) and here I would like to focus on a couple of more complex positions. The most- important situation from the practical point of view is that of bishop vs three pawns. If the pawns are con- nected, then getting all three pawns to the fifth rank generally ensures victory, except if the pawns include a rook’s pawn and the bishop controls the queening square of the rook’s pawn. In this exceptional case, even getting all the pawns to the sixth may not win, but much:de- pends on the precise position. The following example reveals some of the subtleties of this ending.
What is surprising about this position is that White has a forced win, even though he has only one pawn on the sixth rank. As an-example of how the position can be drawn even if all the pawns are on the sixth rank, take the above po- sition and push the pawns to f6, g6 and hé, Black’s king to g8 and White’s king to g5. Then We examined some examples of this ending in Understanding Chess Endgames (Section 25) and here I would like to focus on a couple of more complex positions. The most- important situation from the practical point of view is that of bishop vs three pawns. If the pawns are con- nected, then getting all three pawns to the fifth rank generally ensures victory, except if the pawns include a rook’s pawn and the bishop controls the queening square of the rook’s pawn. In this exceptional case, even getting all the pawns to the sixth may not win, but much:de- pends on the precise position. The following example reveals some of the subtleties of this ending.
Despite White’s material advantage, Black’s strong protected passed g-pawn makes progress difficult. White can of course play his bishop to fl to hold back the pawn, but then Black just os- cillates his king between g5 and h5 and White still cannot advance his own king. The only so- lution is to try to play White’s king out to the queenside via the first two ranks. 4 d4ftt 2.2 Our first two. positions deal with the case in which the side with the bishop is the attacker. If there are only one or two pawns for the bishop, then the bishop generally wins unless there are compensating advantages, such as dangerous passed pawns. However, even with one pawn for the piece, it sometimes requires some thought to find the winning line.
Despite White’s material advantage, Black’s strong protected passed g-pawn makes progress difficult. White can of course play his bishop to fl to hold back the pawn, but then Black just os- cillates his king between g5 and h5 and White still cannot advance his own king. The only so- lution is to try to play White’s king out to the queenside via the first two ranks. 4 d4ftt 2.2 Our first two. positions deal with the case in which the side with the bishop is the attacker. If there are only one or two pawns for the bishop, then the bishop generally wins unless there are compensating advantages, such as dangerous passed pawns. However, even with one pawn for the piece, it sometimes requires some thought to find the winning line.
Black found the drawing move, which, para-
Black found the drawing move, which, para-
This position is winning for White according to Mili¢ in Informator 6, but Black can draw with the correct plan. The first point is that White cannot hope to win using just his king- side pawns, since these can be blockaded; in- stead, he must advance the passed pawns as far as he can and then play his king to the queen- side to attack the a5-pawn. Black can defend a5 with his bishop, but then White might be able to deflect the bishop using a kingside pawn. This will leave White with an a-pawn plus two king- side pawns against the bishop, which might of- fer winning chances. That’s the idea, at any rate; as we shall see, correct defence by Black can prevent White from realizing this dream. a f£ - +a nmi. wA pie
This position is winning for White according to Mili¢ in Informator 6, but Black can draw with the correct plan. The first point is that White cannot hope to win using just his king- side pawns, since these can be blockaded; in- stead, he must advance the passed pawns as far as he can and then play his king to the queen- side to attack the a5-pawn. Black can defend a5 with his bishop, but then White might be able to deflect the bishop using a kingside pawn. This will leave White with an a-pawn plus two king- side pawns against the bishop, which might of- fer winning chances. That’s the idea, at any rate; as we shall see, correct defence by Black can prevent White from realizing this dream. a f£ - +a nmi. wA pie
Black is a piece fora pawn up, but it is not clear if the position is a win. He has only one One of the most famous of all positional draws is that in which a rook’s pawn plus a bishop not controlling the pawn’s queening square fail to win against a lone king. This drawing motif has enabled generations of players to save appar- ently hopeless positions. Oddly, though, this combination of material sometimes doesn’t draw if the defender has some extra pawns, as in the following example.
Black is a piece fora pawn up, but it is not clear if the position is a win. He has only one One of the most famous of all positional draws is that in which a rook’s pawn plus a bishop not controlling the pawn’s queening square fail to win against a lone king. This drawing motif has enabled generations of players to save appar- ently hopeless positions. Oddly, though, this combination of material sometimes doesn’t draw if the defender has some extra pawns, as in the following example.
Without the white pawns, the position could be agreed drawn immediately, but the pawns present a small danger for White. If, for exam- ple, he ended up with pawns on g3 and h4 against a black pawn on h5 and if his king were then to be stalemated, he would be forced to play g4, allowing ...hxg4 converting the h- pawn into a more useful g-pawn. This would not be stalemate because the h4-pawn would then be free to move. However, Black cannot force any such position and so long as White takes care with his kingside pawns there is little danger of running into this type of problem. The simplest draw is for White to keep his king in the hl-corner; for example, 4 gi Se2 5 Sg? 2f2 6 Phi (this is by no means forced since every other legal move draws, but we can see that even if White cooperates in trapping
Without the white pawns, the position could be agreed drawn immediately, but the pawns present a small danger for White. If, for exam- ple, he ended up with pawns on g3 and h4 against a black pawn on h5 and if his king were then to be stalemated, he would be forced to play g4, allowing ...hxg4 converting the h- pawn into a more useful g-pawn. This would not be stalemate because the h4-pawn would then be free to move. However, Black cannot force any such position and so long as White takes care with his kingside pawns there is little danger of running into this type of problem. The simplest draw is for White to keep his king in the hl-corner; for example, 4 gi Se2 5 Sg? 2f2 6 Phi (this is by no means forced since every other legal move draws, but we can see that even if White cooperates in trapping
Here White is a piece up for only one pawn, but Black has drawing chances since White has a possible rook’s pawn plus wrong bishop combination. Another drawing possibility. is for Black to eliminate White’s a-pawn and reach a position with White’s sole remaining pawn on b6 facing a black pawn on b7. Even if Black has no other pawns, this is a positional draw provided Black can get his king back to c8. White can win in the diagram position, but avoiding these two positional draws requires accurate play. Black has no other pawns, this is a positional
Here White is a piece up for only one pawn, but Black has drawing chances since White has a possible rook’s pawn plus wrong bishop combination. Another drawing possibility. is for Black to eliminate White’s a-pawn and reach a position with White’s sole remaining pawn on b6 facing a black pawn on b7. Even if Black has no other pawns, this is a positional draw provided Black can get his king back to c8. White can win in the diagram position, but avoiding these two positional draws requires accurate play. Black has no other pawns, this is a positional
After 8 &h4 &g2 9 h3 SF3 10 4 Sci 11 &h5 225 Black wins in the same way.
After 8 &h4 &g2 9 h3 SF3 10 4 Sci 11 &h5 225 Black wins in the same way.
3 b6? White keeps the wrong pawn and allows Black to draw. The winning line was 3 &xg3! &xb5 4 &c7 (this position would be an easy draw without the b7-pawn, but this pawn gets in Black’s way and prevents him from retreating his king to a8) 4...8c6 (4...8a6 5 &2b6 Sb5 6 &c2 and White wins) 5 &.b6! (the only winning move; 5 2d8? @d7 6 &b6 Bc8 7 La7 bs! leads to a draw after 8 axb6 @b7 or 8 a6 &c7, since in the latter case White cannot move his bishop, while the two pawns keep White’s king at bay) 5...8d7 (5...@b5 6 c2 &c4 7 2d8 d3+ 8 Bd2 Sd4 9 Bc7 Sed 10 2b6 wins for White) 6 &xd4 (6 @c4? &c8 7 Ba7 allows 7...b5+! 8 axb6 @b7 with another draw, but not 7...66? 8 a6, when White wins) 6...8c8 7 a7 (just in time to prevent ...&@b8) 7...€d7 (7...b6 8 a6) 8 Bc4 Bc7 9 Sb5 (not 9 Bc5? b6+ and Black escapes) and White wins. 3... 2b5 4 2x3 &xa5 5 Be7 Sb5 12-12 lad!
3 b6? White keeps the wrong pawn and allows Black to draw. The winning line was 3 &xg3! &xb5 4 &c7 (this position would be an easy draw without the b7-pawn, but this pawn gets in Black’s way and prevents him from retreating his king to a8) 4...8c6 (4...8a6 5 &2b6 Sb5 6 &c2 and White wins) 5 &.b6! (the only winning move; 5 2d8? @d7 6 &b6 Bc8 7 La7 bs! leads to a draw after 8 axb6 @b7 or 8 a6 &c7, since in the latter case White cannot move his bishop, while the two pawns keep White’s king at bay) 5...8d7 (5...@b5 6 c2 &c4 7 2d8 d3+ 8 Bd2 Sd4 9 Bc7 Sed 10 2b6 wins for White) 6 &xd4 (6 @c4? &c8 7 Ba7 allows 7...b5+! 8 axb6 @b7 with another draw, but not 7...66? 8 a6, when White wins) 6...8c8 7 a7 (just in time to prevent ...&@b8) 7...€d7 (7...b6 8 a6) 8 Bc4 Bc7 9 Sb5 (not 9 Bc5? b6+ and Black escapes) and White wins. 3... 2b5 4 2x3 &xa5 5 Be7 Sb5 12-12 lad!
This is the only move to win since Black was threatening to play ...b5. Then White is help- less, because even if he stalemates the black king and forces ...b4, he still won’t be able to take the b-pawn because the stalemate remains, while if he meets ...b4 by a4, then Black presses ahead with ...b3 repeating the offer. By playing a4 himself, White prevents ...b5, since axb5 would give White a b-pawn.
This is the only move to win since Black was threatening to play ...b5. Then White is help- less, because even if he stalemates the black king and forces ...b4, he still won’t be able to take the b-pawn because the stalemate remains, while if he meets ...b4 by a4, then Black presses ahead with ...b3 repeating the offer. By playing a4 himself, White prevents ...b5, since axb5 would give White a b-pawn.
8 a6 b5S 9 a5 b4 10 2b6! b3 11 axb3 axb6 12 b4 a7 13 Sc7 bxa5 14 b5 1-0
8 a6 b5S 9 a5 b4 10 2b6! b3 11 axb3 axb6 12 b4 a7 13 Sc7 bxa5 14 b5 1-0
According to Mari¢ in Informator 14, this is a mistake allowing Black to draw, whereas | d4, with the idea of &d5+ and c4, would have been very good for White. However, the exact oppo- site is true. Taking the bishop should lead to a relatively easy win for White, whereas 1 &d4? Bd7! 2 2d5+ Bc2 3 c4 Bed 4 Sed £35 Se3 &c3 6c5 £2! 7 Sxf2 Bd4 leads to a rapid draw. king to slip back in front of the rook’s pawn.
According to Mari¢ in Informator 14, this is a mistake allowing Black to draw, whereas | d4, with the idea of &d5+ and c4, would have been very good for White. However, the exact oppo- site is true. Taking the bishop should lead to a relatively easy win for White, whereas 1 &d4? Bd7! 2 2d5+ Bc2 3 c4 Bed 4 Sed £35 Se3 &c3 6c5 £2! 7 Sxf2 Bd4 leads to a rapid draw. king to slip back in front of the rook’s pawn.
This is a fascinating position which was ana- lysed in some detail by Schiissler in Informator 27. White can win the h-pawn by force, resulting in an ending with 2+24 vs 2. This would nor- mally be an easy win, but here White is handi- capped by having a rook’s pawn plus wrong bishop, which means that Black will draw if he can give up his bishop for the f-pawn while still being able to reach a8 with his king. According to Schiissler, Black could have drawn this end- ing, but this is not the case. Bishop and two pawns vs bishop is generally won. However, problems arise when the at- tacker possesses the rook’s pawn plus wrong bishop combination. Although many positions are won even in this case, the win can be quite complicated.
This is a fascinating position which was ana- lysed in some detail by Schiissler in Informator 27. White can win the h-pawn by force, resulting in an ending with 2+24 vs 2. This would nor- mally be an easy win, but here White is handi- capped by having a rook’s pawn plus wrong bishop, which means that Black will draw if he can give up his bishop for the f-pawn while still being able to reach a8 with his king. According to Schiissler, Black could have drawn this end- ing, but this is not the case. Bishop and two pawns vs bishop is generally won. However, problems arise when the at- tacker possesses the rook’s pawn plus wrong bishop combination. Although many positions are won even in this case, the win can be quite complicated.
tually be driven by &g4 followed by Rel-g3. CC ———r—rre This move appears perfectly natural, but White could have simplified his winning task by playing 7 2.g5!, followed by 2.d2, and only then &xh5. The bishop is better placed on d2 than on d8 because Black’s bishop is obliged to stay on the b8-h2 diagonal, from which it can even- tually be driven by Ye4 followed by Sel-g3.
tually be driven by &g4 followed by Rel-g3. CC ———r—rre This move appears perfectly natural, but White could have simplified his winning task by playing 7 2.g5!, followed by 2.d2, and only then &xh5. The bishop is better placed on d2 than on d8 because Black’s bishop is obliged to stay on the b8-h2 diagonal, from which it can even- tually be driven by Ye4 followed by Sel-g3.
Now there are two moves to investigate: 2a) 9 &h4? was the only move Schiissler considered, but here it leads to a draw as Black’s bishop is already controlling f6, which gives him an extra tempo: 9...8xa5 10 2g3 2c3 11 f4 Sb5 12 £5 Bc6 13 Yg5 Sd5 14 Seb Ges (Black employs the typical strategy of playing his king behind the pawn; the extra tempo means that the king can reach the drawing square g4) 15 Sh4 SF3! (the only move; 15...227? loses to 16 2f6 2f8 17 Bb2 Be7 18 Bcl! followed by 2g5, as in line 1 above, while 15...f4? loses to 16 2f6 2el 17 225+ followed by 6) 16 2f6 Bel 17 B2b2 Bh4 18 Vcl Sg4! and Black is just in time to prevent 225, so the re- sult is a draw.
Now there are two moves to investigate: 2a) 9 &h4? was the only move Schiissler considered, but here it leads to a draw as Black’s bishop is already controlling f6, which gives him an extra tempo: 9...8xa5 10 2g3 2c3 11 f4 Sb5 12 £5 Bc6 13 Yg5 Sd5 14 Seb Ges (Black employs the typical strategy of playing his king behind the pawn; the extra tempo means that the king can reach the drawing square g4) 15 Sh4 SF3! (the only move; 15...227? loses to 16 2f6 2f8 17 Bb2 Be7 18 Bcl! followed by 2g5, as in line 1 above, while 15...f4? loses to 16 2f6 2el 17 225+ followed by 6) 16 2f6 Bel 17 B2b2 Bh4 18 Vcl Sg4! and Black is just in time to prevent 225, so the re- sult is a draw.
$d3 18 26 Rel 19 Rd8 Lc3 20 Kc7 Sed and the king isin time to prevent 2e5) 10...2£4 11 &b6 Sb5 (11...Hb7 loses to 12 SF5 2g3 13 bed Be5 14 22 Ha6 15 Rg3 Kc3 16 f4, when White has gained a decisive tempo because Black’s king takes one move longer to capture the a-pawn; that’s why Black’s king must al- ways stay on a6 or b5) 12 @d7 #a6 13 &c7 Bcl (the bishop is now on the inferior diagonal, so White’s king returns) 14 @e6 (D) and now:
$d3 18 26 Rel 19 Rd8 Lc3 20 Kc7 Sed and the king isin time to prevent 2e5) 10...2£4 11 &b6 Sb5 (11...Hb7 loses to 12 SF5 2g3 13 bed Be5 14 22 Ha6 15 Rg3 Kc3 16 f4, when White has gained a decisive tempo because Black’s king takes one move longer to capture the a-pawn; that’s why Black’s king must al- ways stay on a6 or b5) 12 @d7 #a6 13 &c7 Bcl (the bishop is now on the inferior diagonal, so White’s king returns) 14 @e6 (D) and now:
White is not sure how to proceed. With the bishop on the inferior cl-h6 diagonal, White need not manoeuvre further with his king and should instead strike at once by 9 &g5. In gen- eral, Black’s best defence is to keep his bishop on e5 when White’s king is on g4, while if the king moves to e4 then the bishop should stay on g5. In this way Black’s bishop can always con- trol {6 without loss of time. m A aman e¢agh n2gt44k mA Berri
White is not sure how to proceed. With the bishop on the inferior cl-h6 diagonal, White need not manoeuvre further with his king and should instead strike at once by 9 &g5. In gen- eral, Black’s best defence is to keep his bishop on e5 when White’s king is on g4, while if the king moves to e4 then the bishop should stay on g5. In this way Black’s bishop can always con- trol {6 without loss of time. m A aman e¢agh n2gt44k mA Berri
Black is clearly worse here. Both his remain- ing pawns are stuck on the same coloured square as his bishop, so White is able to attack Black’s pawns while Black cannot attack White’s pawns — it’s a classic bad bishop situation. Although there are no pawn moves, the analysis of this po- sition is fairly complex, so there will be two pre- liminary positions before we return to tackle the diagram. Black is clearly worse here. Both his remain-
Black is clearly worse here. Both his remain- ing pawns are stuck on the same coloured square as his bishop, so White is able to attack Black’s pawns while Black cannot attack White’s pawns — it’s a classic bad bishop situation. Although there are no pawn moves, the analysis of this po- sition is fairly complex, so there will be two pre- liminary positions before we return to tackle the diagram. Black is clearly worse here. Both his remain-
Here White also wins no matter who moves first. If Black is to play, then 1...2e2 2 &b3 (there’s nothing Black can do to prevent 2.c2) You will often find attempts in endgame books to analyse such positions based on the kind of corresponding-squares analysis we saw in Section 2.2.5 (page 45). In this type of analysis, the various positions of the bishops are examined to see which form reciprocal zug- zwangs. The trouble with this method is that play is often not restricted to bishop manoeuv- res; for example, in this example a triangulation by the white king played a crucial role in one line and without this White would not be able to win. Therefore the assumption that king ma- noeuvres will play no part may not be justified and can give rise to incorrect conclusions.
Here White also wins no matter who moves first. If Black is to play, then 1...2e2 2 &b3 (there’s nothing Black can do to prevent 2.c2) You will often find attempts in endgame books to analyse such positions based on the kind of corresponding-squares analysis we saw in Section 2.2.5 (page 45). In this type of analysis, the various positions of the bishops are examined to see which form reciprocal zug- zwangs. The trouble with this method is that play is often not restricted to bishop manoeuv- res; for example, in this example a triangulation by the white king played a crucial role in one line and without this White would not be able to win. Therefore the assumption that king ma- noeuvres will play no part may not be justified and can give rise to incorrect conclusions.
White first advances his king to the central square d4. This will keep Black’s king pinned The conclusion is that once White’s bishop occupies the dominant central square d5, Black is lost. It doesn’t matter which half of the board Black’s bishop is in and it doesn’t matter who is to move; eventually Black will be forced into zugzwang and lose a pawn. This conclusion enormously simplifies what would otherwise be a very complex piece of analysis, because there are many defences for Black that we need not consider at all, since they allow White’s bishop to reach d5.
White first advances his king to the central square d4. This will keep Black’s king pinned The conclusion is that once White’s bishop occupies the dominant central square d5, Black is lost. It doesn’t matter which half of the board Black’s bishop is in and it doesn’t matter who is to move; eventually Black will be forced into zugzwang and lose a pawn. This conclusion enormously simplifies what would otherwise be a very complex piece of analysis, because there are many defences for Black that we need not consider at all, since they allow White’s bishop to reach d5.
into zugzwang) so as to meet 8 Kbl &c8 9 &.d3 with 9...8d7, when the zugzwang has
into zugzwang) so as to meet 8 Kbl &c8 9 &.d3 with 9...8d7, when the zugzwang has
A bad bishop can prove a serious handicap even when all the pawns are on one side of the board.
A bad bishop can prove a serious handicap even when all the pawns are on one side of the board.
Now the winning idea is to penetrate with the king via el. 5 2f6 2c7 A waiting move to force White’s bishop to
Now the winning idea is to penetrate with the king via el. 5 2f6 2c7 A waiting move to force White’s bishop to
In the following position White has two slight advantages in that his king is marginally the more active and Black’s a-pawn is stuck on a dark square. Although it appears unlikely that this will be sufficient to win, Black has to de- fend accurately to hold the game. In particular, he must avoid having a second pawn stuck ona dark square. a dark square. Although it appears unlikely that
In the following position White has two slight advantages in that his king is marginally the more active and Black’s a-pawn is stuck on a dark square. Although it appears unlikely that this will be sufficient to win, Black has to de- fend accurately to hold the game. In particular, he must avoid having a second pawn stuck ona dark square. a dark square. Although it appears unlikely that
The key moment. Where should Black move lis king? 6...2d6?
The key moment. Where should Black move lis king? 6...2d6?
It’s curious how many drawing lines Cvet- kovié fails to give in his notes. Here 3...8e6 4 &xc7 gxh3 is also a draw; if the f-pawn is ex- changed then Black only has to get his king to a8 to draw, since White’s bishop is the wrong colour for the a-pawn, but on the other hand if White meets ...¢4 by £4 then Black has two con- nected passed pawns on the kingside. The anal- ysis runs 5 @e3 (after 5 @c5 95 6 Rh2 f47 Bd4 StS 8 Sd3 Se6 9 Sed SF6 White cannot make progress) 5...d7 6 2b8 95 7 Sf2 24 8 f4 &c6 9 Be5 Sc5 10 Bc3 Sc4 11 Bxa5 Sb3 12 g3 Sxa4 13 Rel Sb5 and Black is in no This is clearly the most natural move, but it does allow White to liquidate into a pawn end- ing. The odd thing is that Black correctly de- cided to allow the pawn ending, but thanks to a mistake later on he lost this ending rather quickly. If Black wanted to avoid the pawn end- ing, he could have done so quite easily by checking first on b6 and only then exchanging pawns on g4, which is also a comfortable draw. The only thing Black must avoid is allowing White to exchange pawns himself; for example, after 2...6c6? 3 gxh5 gxh5 4 2d2 Black is al- ready in zugzwang and must allow the white king to penetrate, with the ensuing loss of a pawn.
It’s curious how many drawing lines Cvet- kovié fails to give in his notes. Here 3...8e6 4 &xc7 gxh3 is also a draw; if the f-pawn is ex- changed then Black only has to get his king to a8 to draw, since White’s bishop is the wrong colour for the a-pawn, but on the other hand if White meets ...¢4 by £4 then Black has two con- nected passed pawns on the kingside. The anal- ysis runs 5 @e3 (after 5 @c5 95 6 Rh2 f47 Bd4 StS 8 Sd3 Se6 9 Sed SF6 White cannot make progress) 5...d7 6 2b8 95 7 Sf2 24 8 f4 &c6 9 Be5 Sc5 10 Bc3 Sc4 11 Bxa5 Sb3 12 g3 Sxa4 13 Rel Sb5 and Black is in no This is clearly the most natural move, but it does allow White to liquidate into a pawn end- ing. The odd thing is that Black correctly de- cided to allow the pawn ending, but thanks to a mistake later on he lost this ending rather quickly. If Black wanted to avoid the pawn end- ing, he could have done so quite easily by checking first on b6 and only then exchanging pawns on g4, which is also a comfortable draw. The only thing Black must avoid is allowing White to exchange pawns himself; for example, after 2...6c6? 3 gxh5 gxh5 4 2d2 Black is al- ready in zugzwang and must allow the white king to penetrate, with the ensuing loss of a pawn.
This position is often quoted as an example of a pawn sacrifice to create an entry for the king. It appears in Informator 23 with notes by Minev, in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Endings (with the same notes), in Van Perlo’s Endgame Tactics and in the 1981 edition of my own Tactical Chess Endings (in the 1988 edition I removed the position, having by that time realized that the example was incorrect). All these sources give the position as winning for Black, but actually it is a draw. xttacker’s king penetrates into the enemy posi-
This position is often quoted as an example of a pawn sacrifice to create an entry for the king. It appears in Informator 23 with notes by Minev, in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Endings (with the same notes), in Van Perlo’s Endgame Tactics and in the 1981 edition of my own Tactical Chess Endings (in the 1988 edition I removed the position, having by that time realized that the example was incorrect). All these sources give the position as winning for Black, but actually it is a draw. xttacker’s king penetrates into the enemy posi-
This position has caused considerable confu- sion. In the game White lost, but in Informator 30 Polovodin and Fedorov claimed that White missed a draw. In reality, the line they gave is winning for Black, but a different defence does indeed secure a draw. I hope that’s clear. This position has caused considerable confu-
This position has caused considerable confu- sion. In the game White lost, but in Informator 30 Polovodin and Fedorov claimed that White missed a draw. In reality, the line they gave is winning for Black, but a different defence does indeed secure a draw. I hope that’s clear. This position has caused considerable confu-
‘&xXal Scz can be met Dy O a5. An interesting situation arises after 1...Ge4 2 &f6 2e5. The notes by Candea and Stoica indicate a draw by 3 &xe5? Sxe5 4 bxa3 but, except for a slight difference in the position of the black king, this is an endgame study by Horwitz (The Chess Monthly, 1879). Horwitz’s solution demonstrates an instructive winning technique: 4...e4 5 &cl Ye3! (Black first ma- noeuvres so as to force White to push his a- pawn) 6 &b1 Sd2 7 Sb2 (or 7 a4 Sxc3 8 a5 b2 9 a6 Sb3 10 a7 c3 11 a8W c2#) 7...8d3 8 a4 e4 (now that White has weakened his a-pawn, Black plays his king round to a5) 9 @bi @d5 10 Sb2 cb 11 Sb1 Sb6 12 Sb2 Las (this trian- gulation wins the a-pawn) 13 a3 @a5 14 Sb2 &xa4 15 Sbl BbS and now that the a-pawn has gone, Black plays his king back to d3 and wins the c-pawn as well. However, this doesn’t mean that Black can win by 1...8e4 2 2f6 2e5. The correct defence is not to exchange bishops, but
‘&xXal Scz can be met Dy O a5. An interesting situation arises after 1...Ge4 2 &f6 2e5. The notes by Candea and Stoica indicate a draw by 3 &xe5? Sxe5 4 bxa3 but, except for a slight difference in the position of the black king, this is an endgame study by Horwitz (The Chess Monthly, 1879). Horwitz’s solution demonstrates an instructive winning technique: 4...e4 5 &cl Ye3! (Black first ma- noeuvres so as to force White to push his a- pawn) 6 &b1 Sd2 7 Sb2 (or 7 a4 Sxc3 8 a5 b2 9 a6 Sb3 10 a7 c3 11 a8W c2#) 7...8d3 8 a4 e4 (now that White has weakened his a-pawn, Black plays his king round to a5) 9 @bi @d5 10 Sb2 cb 11 Sb1 Sb6 12 Sb2 Las (this trian- gulation wins the a-pawn) 13 a3 @a5 14 Sb2 &xa4 15 Sbl BbS and now that the a-pawn has gone, Black plays his king back to d3 and wins the c-pawn as well. However, this doesn’t mean that Black can win by 1...8e4 2 2f6 2e5. The correct defence is not to exchange bishops, but
The capture of White’s last pawn may ap- pear to finish the game, but it soon becomes clear that it is hard for Black to make progress. The only way forward is to play ...c3, but if White can keep his bishop covering this square then he can simply take the pawn whenever it advances to c3, and however Black recaptures it is stalemate. Provided White takes care, he can always keep his bishop trained on c3 and he cannot fall into zugzwang because the two di- agonals passing through c3 are long enough. The losing move. White unwisely captures the enemy pawn which, paradoxically, is pre- cisely the piece he needs to leave on the board in order to reach a draw. The correct defence is simply to wait. Although Black can also win the c3-pawn, he cannot win the game despite his three-pawn advantage; for example, 2 2f6 e4 (Black can win the c3-pawn by transfer- ring the bishop to the long diagonal; playing to win the c-pawn immediately fails because after 2...8f4 3 287 2d2 4 Af6, taking the pawn would lead to stalemate) 3 &2g7 2e5 4 2f8 &xc3 (D).
The capture of White’s last pawn may ap- pear to finish the game, but it soon becomes clear that it is hard for Black to make progress. The only way forward is to play ...c3, but if White can keep his bishop covering this square then he can simply take the pawn whenever it advances to c3, and however Black recaptures it is stalemate. Provided White takes care, he can always keep his bishop trained on c3 and he cannot fall into zugzwang because the two di- agonals passing through c3 are long enough. The losing move. White unwisely captures the enemy pawn which, paradoxically, is pre- cisely the piece he needs to leave on the board in order to reach a draw. The correct defence is simply to wait. Although Black can also win the c3-pawn, he cannot win the game despite his three-pawn advantage; for example, 2 2f6 e4 (Black can win the c3-pawn by transfer- ring the bishop to the long diagonal; playing to win the c-pawn immediately fails because after 2...8f4 3 287 2d2 4 Af6, taking the pawn would lead to stalemate) 3 &2g7 2e5 4 2f8 &xc3 (D).
This is an example of how dangerous it is to think in terms of ‘narratives’ rather than actual variations. The perpetual attack + stalemate theme is one of the main sources of stalemate ideas in hiechan andinae hat it Anaen’t alusavue anarh
This is an example of how dangerous it is to think in terms of ‘narratives’ rather than actual variations. The perpetual attack + stalemate theme is one of the main sources of stalemate ideas in hiechan andinae hat it Anaen’t alusavue anarh
We now return to the position arising after 2...81? (D):
We now return to the position arising after 2...81? (D):
The creation of passed pawns is a theme in all types of ending, and while this can sometimes be achieved by the steady advance of a pawn- majority, in other cases more dramatic means are possible. Some of the breakthrough ideas we saw in Section 2.3 (page 56) in the context of pawn endings apply just as well in bishop endings, as in the following position where Black made good use of the ‘square break- through’.
The creation of passed pawns is a theme in all types of ending, and while this can sometimes be achieved by the steady advance of a pawn- majority, in other cases more dramatic means are possible. Some of the breakthrough ideas we saw in Section 2.3 (page 56) in the context of pawn endings apply just as well in bishop endings, as in the following position where Black made good use of the ‘square break- through’.
White correctly retreats his bishop along the b1-d3 diagonal so as to keep his e-pawn. After 3 &e2? Black wins with 3...2xe4+ 4 @f4 2c2 § Rf3 Bxb3 6 SF5 Bxc4 7 Sxf6 2d3! 8 Yg7 cd 9 Sxh6 c3 10 dl Re2 followed by ...&xg4. 3...€¢3 4 2d Sd2 5 Le2 (D) The key point about this ending is that Black does not win even if he takes the b3-pawn, so White does not need to take desperate measures to try to save this pawn.
White correctly retreats his bishop along the b1-d3 diagonal so as to keep his e-pawn. After 3 &e2? Black wins with 3...2xe4+ 4 @f4 2c2 § Rf3 Bxb3 6 SF5 Bxc4 7 Sxf6 2d3! 8 Yg7 cd 9 Sxh6 c3 10 dl Re2 followed by ...&xg4. 3...€¢3 4 2d Sd2 5 Le2 (D) The key point about this ending is that Black does not win even if he takes the b3-pawn, so White does not need to take desperate measures to try to save this pawn.
This position is winning for Black, accord- ing to R.Marié in Informator 10. Indeed, a first 12...2¢2 13 2e6 Bh7 14 Bcd e415 SF4 e3 16 Se5 2e8 17 Sd6 Axc4 18 h7 e2 19 hsy el Y 20 Sxc5 2d3 2-4/2
This position is winning for Black, accord- ing to R.Marié in Informator 10. Indeed, a first 12...2¢2 13 2e6 Bh7 14 Bcd e415 SF4 e3 16 Se5 2e8 17 Sd6 Axc4 18 h7 e2 19 hsy el Y 20 Sxc5 2d3 2-4/2
Now it’s a draw again. Black could have won with a spectacular piece of tactics, as pointed out by Nikolié: 8...dxe5! 9 g5 (Black wins after 9 Se4 Bh7+ followed by ...c4) 9...fxg5! (after 9...hxg5? 10 &e4 Bc3 11 h6 Sxb3 12 Be6 White forces a draw by repetition) 10 @e4 &c3 11 Sxe5 Sxb3 12 SF6 Axc4 13 Be4 (13 Sg6 Re2 14 Sxh6 4 15 Bg? 93 16 Sg5 Bxh5 17 Seve SO OCD. (17) This sacrifice should lose, although Black has to find some good moves to refute it. How- ever, it wasn’t necessary for White to resort to such drastic measures when he could have held the game by passive defence: 8 @f4 &2h7 9 &f1 &c3 10 Se3 Sxb3 11 Ad3 Kgs 12 Hf4 Sc3 13 2e2 was the way to proceed. Then Black’s only attempt to make progress is by 13...@d2 (13...2xc4 14 2xc4 Sxc4 15 SES d3 16 &xf6 c4 17 g5 c3 18 g6c2 19 g7 cl W 20 g8W is a draw, while 13...2e6 14 @f1 @d4 15 Re2 Rc8 16 &fl is safe as ...$b7 can always be met by Sf5) 14 2f1 Vel 15 2d3 Be6 16 SF3 and White’s defences hold.
Now it’s a draw again. Black could have won with a spectacular piece of tactics, as pointed out by Nikolié: 8...dxe5! 9 g5 (Black wins after 9 Se4 Bh7+ followed by ...c4) 9...fxg5! (after 9...hxg5? 10 &e4 Bc3 11 h6 Sxb3 12 Be6 White forces a draw by repetition) 10 @e4 &c3 11 Sxe5 Sxb3 12 SF6 Axc4 13 Be4 (13 Sg6 Re2 14 Sxh6 4 15 Bg? 93 16 Sg5 Bxh5 17 Seve SO OCD. (17) This sacrifice should lose, although Black has to find some good moves to refute it. How- ever, it wasn’t necessary for White to resort to such drastic measures when he could have held the game by passive defence: 8 @f4 &2h7 9 &f1 &c3 10 Se3 Sxb3 11 Ad3 Kgs 12 Hf4 Sc3 13 2e2 was the way to proceed. Then Black’s only attempt to make progress is by 13...@d2 (13...2xc4 14 2xc4 Sxc4 15 SES d3 16 &xf6 c4 17 g5 c3 18 g6c2 19 g7 cl W 20 g8W is a draw, while 13...2e6 14 @f1 @d4 15 Re2 Rc8 16 &fl is safe as ...$b7 can always be met by Sf5) 14 2f1 Vel 15 2d3 Be6 16 SF3 and White’s defences hold.
SES 14 We6+ Sf4 15 Wed+ Se5 16 Wxg5+ is also a win for White) 11 @c3 We4 12 We8+ Sxd5 13 Wb5+ Seb 14 Wr5+ Wxf5 15 exf5+ d5 16 Bd2 g4 17 Se3 Se5 18 Ac2 S6 19 Sf2 d5 20 Sg3 and White wins. It is surprising that White missed 6 e5! because everything else is clearly lost so there is no real alternative. 6...h3 7 b6 h2 8 b7 h1W 9 b8W Wg2+ apes
SES 14 We6+ Sf4 15 Wed+ Se5 16 Wxg5+ is also a win for White) 11 @c3 We4 12 We8+ Sxd5 13 Wb5+ Seb 14 Wr5+ Wxf5 15 exf5+ d5 16 Bd2 g4 17 Se3 Se5 18 Ac2 S6 19 Sf2 d5 20 Sg3 and White wins. It is surprising that White missed 6 e5! because everything else is clearly lost so there is no real alternative. 6...h3 7 b6 h2 8 b7 h1W 9 b8W Wg2+ apes
Black has the advantage of an advanced out- side passed pawn, and he only needs to be able to attack g1 with his bishop to drive away the white bishop. However, his winning chances are reduced by the limited amount of material remaining on the board. General principles are not very helpful here, and only by precise cal- culation can one determine whether Black’s ad- vantage is sufficient to win. According to Mari¢ in Informator 17 Biack can win, but as we shall see White can draw if he finds the right idea. 1...2.b8 oe > a es ain aa
Black has the advantage of an advanced out- side passed pawn, and he only needs to be able to attack g1 with his bishop to drive away the white bishop. However, his winning chances are reduced by the limited amount of material remaining on the board. General principles are not very helpful here, and only by precise cal- culation can one determine whether Black’s ad- vantage is sufficient to win. According to Mari¢ in Informator 17 Biack can win, but as we shall see White can draw if he finds the right idea. 1...2.b8 oe > a es ain aa
la) 14 2b4? loses to 14...@f2! 15 #e4 Be7! 16 $03 el] W+ 17 Bxel+ &xel 18 Sf4 SF2! 19 g5 Rxg5+ 20 Sxgs Sg3.
la) 14 2b4? loses to 14...@f2! 15 #e4 Be7! 16 $03 el] W+ 17 Bxel+ &xel 18 Sf4 SF2! 19 g5 Rxg5+ 20 Sxgs Sg3.
This is the losing move. White could have drawn by 4 &xd6, and now:
This is the losing move. White could have drawn by 4 &xd6, and now:
This is a difficult ending to assess. White is a pawn up, but Black’s king is in an active posi- tion and two of White’s kingside pawns are cur- rently on dark squares. If White could create a passed pawn by playing 94 and h4-h5 then he would win easily, but Black can prevent White from executing this advance. The Informator 37 notes by Ubilava and Gaprindashvili main- tain that White was winning throughout this ending, but as we shall see it was only at a rather late stage that the position drifted over the border between a draw and a win.
This is a difficult ending to assess. White is a pawn up, but Black’s king is in an active posi- tion and two of White’s kingside pawns are cur- rently on dark squares. If White could create a passed pawn by playing 94 and h4-h5 then he would win easily, but Black can prevent White from executing this advance. The Informator 37 notes by Ubilava and Gaprindashvili main- tain that White was winning throughout this ending, but as we shall see it was only at a rather late stage that the position drifted over the border between a draw and a win.
Not 14...&xg7? 15 hxg7 a2 16 g8W al W 17 Wd5+ Sc2 18 We4+ Sd2 19 Wh4+ Sc2 20 over the board it’s a different matter and it is necessary to fall back on general principles. The key point here is that in an ending of queen vs queen and g-pawn, Black’s king is best posted near the al-comer, and if the g-pawn is still on the fifth rank, then Black should be able to draw if his king is near al. Having:said this, defending such endings is a thankless task. 12...c2! ce Swe, (mee iil ks a
Not 14...&xg7? 15 hxg7 a2 16 g8W al W 17 Wd5+ Sc2 18 We4+ Sd2 19 Wh4+ Sc2 20 over the board it’s a different matter and it is necessary to fall back on general principles. The key point here is that in an ending of queen vs queen and g-pawn, Black’s king is best posted near the al-comer, and if the g-pawn is still on the fifth rank, then Black should be able to draw if his king is near al. Having:said this, defending such endings is a thankless task. 12...c2! ce Swe, (mee iil ks a
perpetual check; for example, 19...Wf1+ 20 bg6 We2+ 21 SF7 WdS+ 22 &e7 We24 23 Gh7 West 24 bg8 Wa8+!) 16.23! (again the only move; 16...8c2? 17 Se3 Bcl+ 18 @e2 Rb2 19 g6 puts Black in zugzwang and White wins after 19...€b3 20 &d2 or 19...2xg7 20 hxg7 a2 21 g8W alW 22 Wcd4+ Gbi 23 Wb3+ Sci 24 Wdl+) 17 SF3 (17 Bxb2 axb2 18 h7 bi W 19 h8W Wri+ is a draw) 17...ed2! 18 Sf2 Sd3! 19 &xb2 (otherwise White is not making progress) 19...axb2 20 h7 b1W 21 haw Wb6+ 22 &g3 We3+ Black gives perpetual check.
perpetual check; for example, 19...Wf1+ 20 bg6 We2+ 21 SF7 WdS+ 22 &e7 We24 23 Gh7 West 24 bg8 Wa8+!) 16.23! (again the only move; 16...8c2? 17 Se3 Bcl+ 18 @e2 Rb2 19 g6 puts Black in zugzwang and White wins after 19...€b3 20 &d2 or 19...2xg7 20 hxg7 a2 21 g8W alW 22 Wcd4+ Gbi 23 Wb3+ Sci 24 Wdl+) 17 SF3 (17 Bxb2 axb2 18 h7 bi W 19 h8W Wri+ is a draw) 17...ed2! 18 Sf2 Sd3! 19 &xb2 (otherwise White is not making progress) 19...axb2 20 h7 b1W 21 haw Wb6+ 22 &g3 We3+ Black gives perpetual check.
1) 15...8e2? (also wrong) 16 @e4! Sd2 (16...8xg7 17 hxg7 a2 18 g8W alW 19 Wcd+ el 20 g6 is a win since the pawn is already on the sixth rank, Black’s king is poorly placed and White’s pieces are well-centralized) 17 g6 $e2 (D) (17...&xg7 18 hxg7 a2 19 g8W alW 20 Wd5+ Sel 21 Wes! Wa8+ 22 Sf4+ SF 23 g7 is a relatively simple win for White). Now the only winning move is the remark- able 18 2h8!! and after 18...8f2 (18...2xh8 19 97 &xg7 20 hxg7 a2 21 g8W al W 22 We2+ costs Black his queen) 19 g7 a2 20 g8W alW 21 Wt7+ Yg3 22 Vxb2 (22 W4+ Hh3 23 &xb2 Wxb2 24 SF5 also wins, but more slowly) 22...Wb1+ (after 22...Wxb2 23 Wg7+ White wins at once) 23 Se3 Wg1l+ 24 Sd3! Wdi+ 25 Bc3 Wel+ 26 Sd4 Wd2+ 27 Se4 We2+ 28 Be3 Wc5+ 29 2d4 the checks eventually run out.
1) 15...8e2? (also wrong) 16 @e4! Sd2 (16...8xg7 17 hxg7 a2 18 g8W alW 19 Wcd+ el 20 g6 is a win since the pawn is already on the sixth rank, Black’s king is poorly placed and White’s pieces are well-centralized) 17 g6 $e2 (D) (17...&xg7 18 hxg7 a2 19 g8W alW 20 Wd5+ Sel 21 Wes! Wa8+ 22 Sf4+ SF 23 g7 is a relatively simple win for White). Now the only winning move is the remark- able 18 2h8!! and after 18...8f2 (18...2xh8 19 97 &xg7 20 hxg7 a2 21 g8W al W 22 We2+ costs Black his queen) 19 g7 a2 20 g8W alW 21 Wt7+ Yg3 22 Vxb2 (22 W4+ Hh3 23 &xb2 Wxb2 24 SF5 also wins, but more slowly) 22...Wb1+ (after 22...Wxb2 23 Wg7+ White wins at once) 23 Se3 Wg1l+ 24 Sd3! Wdi+ 25 Bc3 Wel+ 26 Sd4 Wd2+ 27 Se4 We2+ 28 Be3 Wc5+ 29 2d4 the checks eventually run out.
This ending is interesting not only for the play, but also for Postny’s notes in MegaBase, which show how even a strong player can totally misassess a quite simple position. It should be noted that this game was played in 2002, when the 5-man tablebases had already been avail- able (online, if necessary) for several years, so there really isn’t much excuse for producing such totally wrong annotations. Postny refers to this position as a “theoretical draw”, although it is winning for White. The position remains winning throughout the subsequent play, al- though in the game White had trouble finding the correct winning method. a wh arent While I do not intend to examine the ending of &+4 vs & in any detail, I shall take a look at one example that feamres came inctnictive nointe
This ending is interesting not only for the play, but also for Postny’s notes in MegaBase, which show how even a strong player can totally misassess a quite simple position. It should be noted that this game was played in 2002, when the 5-man tablebases had already been avail- able (online, if necessary) for several years, so there really isn’t much excuse for producing such totally wrong annotations. Postny refers to this position as a “theoretical draw”, although it is winning for White. The position remains winning throughout the subsequent play, al- though in the game White had trouble finding the correct winning method. a wh arent While I do not intend to examine the ending of &+4 vs & in any detail, I shall take a look at one example that feamres came inctnictive nointe
This is such a target position. First of all, suppose that White is to play. Then it is rela- tively simple for Black to win; White cannot play &c5 due to ...a5 and he cannot play @g! due to ...2e1, so the only move is 1 &f8. Then after 1...8d5 White is in zugzwang; his bishop no longer has a safe square on the c5-f8 diago- nal, so he has the choice between 2 gi Rel 3 Sfl £2 4 Se2 Sc4 5 Bd6 Bxb4 6 Vc7 Bcd and 2 &h6 Re7 3 Sf2 Ved 4 Rd2 Sd3 5 ALA &xb4 6 &xf3 a5, with a simple win in both cases.
This is such a target position. First of all, suppose that White is to play. Then it is rela- tively simple for Black to win; White cannot play &c5 due to ...a5 and he cannot play @g! due to ...2e1, so the only move is 1 &f8. Then after 1...8d5 White is in zugzwang; his bishop no longer has a safe square on the c5-f8 diago- nal, so he has the choice between 2 gi Rel 3 Sfl £2 4 Se2 Sc4 5 Bd6 Bxb4 6 Vc7 Bcd and 2 &h6 Re7 3 Sf2 Ved 4 Rd2 Sd3 5 ALA &xb4 6 &xf3 a5, with a simple win in both cases.
eee tA According to Van Perlo, “Necessary was again 1...8a5. White has to reply 2 &c2 and cannot make progress after that”. This is a curious opin- ion, because Raetsky’s notes in Informator 47 indicate (correctly) that White wins even after 1...a5, and when Van Perlo copies notes from Informator, he normally does so accurately. In- deed, after 1...&a5 2 &c2 2a6+ (2...2e6 3 Gd2 is similar) 3 @d2 2c8 4 Bcl 2e6 5 Sb2 2c86 Sb3 Be6 7 cd! (this is clearer than Raetsky’s 7 23, when 7...c5 allows Black to confuse the 7.805 8 &b6 Le White again attempts to force stalemate, but his time it is easily refuted. 7 &b4 2f4 8 2d6 Re3 is similar.
eee tA According to Van Perlo, “Necessary was again 1...8a5. White has to reply 2 &c2 and cannot make progress after that”. This is a curious opin- ion, because Raetsky’s notes in Informator 47 indicate (correctly) that White wins even after 1...a5, and when Van Perlo copies notes from Informator, he normally does so accurately. In- deed, after 1...&a5 2 &c2 2a6+ (2...2e6 3 Gd2 is similar) 3 @d2 2c8 4 Bcl 2e6 5 Sb2 2c86 Sb3 Be6 7 cd! (this is clearer than Raetsky’s 7 23, when 7...c5 allows Black to confuse the 7.805 8 &b6 Le White again attempts to force stalemate, but his time it is easily refuted. 7 &b4 2f4 8 2d6 Re3 is similar.
are even simpler) 4...@d5! 5 &f4 (5 2b8 2e7 and 5 £a5 &c4 are also lost for White) 5...2e7 6 Sf2 Se4 7 Bd2 Sd3 8 RE4 Axb4 9 Sxf3 a5 and the a-pawn will decide the game. 2 &b6+ S43 Ba5 &g3?! 6 b5? White fails to take advantage of Black’s mis- take and gives away his pawn in an unfavour- able way. Liogky and Moskalenko pointed out the drawing line 6 2d8! @xb4 7 2b6 2c3 (7...8e1 8 &xf2 is the stalemate idea justifying White’s play) 8 &xf2 a5 9 2b6! (not 9 &c5? &b4! and Black wins) 9...a4 10 &2c5! 2d2 11 2d6 Se3 12 Be7 Bd3 13 Rd6 Bcd 14 Se?2. White actually has a second, even simpler, draw- ing plan based on a move which Liogky and Moskalenko believed losing: 6 2b6! 2xb4 7 &c5! (this is the point; 7 &xf2? a5 is indeed lost for White) and White has a perpetual attack on Black’s bishop. 6...axb5 7 @c7
are even simpler) 4...@d5! 5 &f4 (5 2b8 2e7 and 5 £a5 &c4 are also lost for White) 5...2e7 6 Sf2 Se4 7 Bd2 Sd3 8 RE4 Axb4 9 Sxf3 a5 and the a-pawn will decide the game. 2 &b6+ S43 Ba5 &g3?! 6 b5? White fails to take advantage of Black’s mis- take and gives away his pawn in an unfavour- able way. Liogky and Moskalenko pointed out the drawing line 6 2d8! @xb4 7 2b6 2c3 (7...8e1 8 &xf2 is the stalemate idea justifying White’s play) 8 &xf2 a5 9 2b6! (not 9 &c5? &b4! and Black wins) 9...a4 10 &2c5! 2d2 11 2d6 Se3 12 Be7 Bd3 13 Rd6 Bcd 14 Se?2. White actually has a second, even simpler, draw- ing plan based on a move which Liogky and Moskalenko believed losing: 6 2b6! 2xb4 7 &c5! (this is the point; 7 &xf2? a5 is indeed lost for White) and White has a perpetual attack on Black’s bishop. 6...axb5 7 @c7
It turns out that White is nowhere near win- ning here and he wouldn’t be able to win even if his queen were on a more active square such as e3. After 12 Wxb8 (12 Wfl+ Sb3 13 Wel Be5 and 12 Wa3 2f4 13 Wa4+ Gc3 14 Wxf4 Sb2 are also drawn) 12...4c3 (White’s king needs to be two squares closer in order to win) 13 We5+ Sd2 14 Wb2 Ld] it’s a clear draw. 3 bS+!
It turns out that White is nowhere near win- ning here and he wouldn’t be able to win even if his queen were on a more active square such as e3. After 12 Wxb8 (12 Wfl+ Sb3 13 Wel Be5 and 12 Wa3 2f4 13 Wa4+ Gc3 14 Wxf4 Sb2 are also drawn) 12...4c3 (White’s king needs to be two squares closer in order to win) 13 We5+ Sd2 14 Wb2 Ld] it’s a clear draw. 3 bS+!
The key idea: White offers the e-pawn to free his king. 10...2xe6 11 &e8 2f6 12h7 &d5 13 SF7! 13...2d4 14 2xg5 2b2 15 2d2 Sc4 16 g5 £3 17 2f4 Sed 18 Sci! Axcl 19 hsW a3 20 26 1-0 Finally, it can sometimes happen that a di- rect mating attack is possible after both sides further 72 moves (assuming optimal play by both sides). Obviously, this is no easy win, but in general such positions are harder for the de- fender than for the attacker, so even if it was impossible to know over the board whether the position was a win, White could have assessed the position as offering good practical winning chances. > .2t 4 A .2F A
The key idea: White offers the e-pawn to free his king. 10...2xe6 11 &e8 2f6 12h7 &d5 13 SF7! 13...2d4 14 2xg5 2b2 15 2d2 Sc4 16 g5 £3 17 2f4 Sed 18 Sci! Axcl 19 hsW a3 20 26 1-0 Finally, it can sometimes happen that a di- rect mating attack is possible after both sides further 72 moves (assuming optimal play by both sides). Obviously, this is no easy win, but in general such positions are harder for the de- fender than for the attacker, so even if it was impossible to know over the board whether the position was a win, White could have assessed the position as offering good practical winning chances. > .2t 4 A .2F A
White is a pawn up, but Black has the possi- bility of creating a passed b-pawn by playing ..c4. This looks rather dangerous, and Black went on to win the game. Moreover, Lin Ta’s notes in Informator 50 suggested that both sides played accurately and the position is indeed winning for Black. However, as we shall see, it is actually White who holds an (admittedly rather small) advantage in the diagram position. 1...c4 Sometimes the surprise move is not really dif- ficult, but is hard to see because it doesn’t seem Beh ew: webs. Ein mmcnwnbricdita Bk th ck bidkeb Pk:
White is a pawn up, but Black has the possi- bility of creating a passed b-pawn by playing ..c4. This looks rather dangerous, and Black went on to win the game. Moreover, Lin Ta’s notes in Informator 50 suggested that both sides played accurately and the position is indeed winning for Black. However, as we shall see, it is actually White who holds an (admittedly rather small) advantage in the diagram position. 1...c4 Sometimes the surprise move is not really dif- ficult, but is hard to see because it doesn’t seem Beh ew: webs. Ein mmcnwnbricdita Bk th ck bidkeb Pk:
6...297 7 Sf2 Sf6 8 e4 Se5 9 Se3 (D) White can only play passively and wait to see what Black intends. 9...25 10 2d3
6...297 7 Sf2 Sf6 8 e4 Se5 9 Se3 (D) White can only play passively and wait to see what Black intends. 9...25 10 2d3
7 SALY BL Ve Objectively speaking, this move is a mistake in that it allows White a forced draw, but it did cause White immediately to make a losing blun- der. The strongest continuation wasn’t men- tioned at all in Mololkin’s notes: 3...6d4! 4 &c2 2d5! (D) (an important finesse; if the bishops are exchanged on e4 rather than d3, Black’s king will be one square closer to the f- pawn; thus 4...2.04 5 @g7 Std3 6 &xd3 &xd3 is a draw — see the note to White’s fourth move) and now:
7 SALY BL Ve Objectively speaking, this move is a mistake in that it allows White a forced draw, but it did cause White immediately to make a losing blun- der. The strongest continuation wasn’t men- tioned at all in Mololkin’s notes: 3...6d4! 4 &c2 2d5! (D) (an important finesse; if the bishops are exchanged on e4 rather than d3, Black’s king will be one square closer to the f- pawn; thus 4...2.04 5 @g7 Std3 6 &xd3 &xd3 is a draw — see the note to White’s fourth move) and now:
Although this position might appear fairly straightforward, there are quite a few subtleties; indeed, even after considerable analysis I am still not totally sure what the result should be. Black has an extra passed pawn on the queen- side, but if White can give up his bishop for this pawn, then his king will probably be able to capture Black’s remaining kingside pawns to achieve a draw. The main danger for White, however, is that Black will not allow this and The following example is the most surpris- ing of all.
Although this position might appear fairly straightforward, there are quite a few subtleties; indeed, even after considerable analysis I am still not totally sure what the result should be. Black has an extra passed pawn on the queen- side, but if White can give up his bishop for this pawn, then his king will probably be able to capture Black’s remaining kingside pawns to achieve a draw. The main danger for White, however, is that Black will not allow this and The following example is the most surpris- ing of all.
There is only one other plan Black can adopt: he can play his king to e3, when White must put his own king on g2, and then strike with ...h3+. If White has to play @xh3, then ...@f2 fol- lowed by ...g2 wins. Suddenly, the pendulum swings the other way: what can White do to stop this plan? It is apparent that the only possi- bility is to have his bishop controlling h3. Let’s for the moment suppose that Black’s bishop is on e7, blocking White’s pawn. Then when Black plays ...8e3, White must be ready with his bishop on f5 and his king on g2. Suppose Black then attacks the b3-pawn with ...&d4-c3? In this case White is just in time with 2e4-d5.
There is only one other plan Black can adopt: he can play his king to e3, when White must put his own king on g2, and then strike with ...h3+. If White has to play @xh3, then ...@f2 fol- lowed by ...g2 wins. Suddenly, the pendulum swings the other way: what can White do to stop this plan? It is apparent that the only possi- bility is to have his bishop controlling h3. Let’s for the moment suppose that Black’s bishop is on e7, blocking White’s pawn. Then when Black plays ...8e3, White must be ready with his bishop on f5 and his king on g2. Suppose Black then attacks the b3-pawn with ...&d4-c3? In this case White is just in time with 2e4-d5.
4643 2h2 5 Se3 Hf6 6 Ba2 Se7 7 Ag8 bd6 8 27 Sc5 9 2a2 Sh4 10 Sa4
4643 2h2 5 Se3 Hf6 6 Ba2 Se7 7 Ag8 bd6 8 27 Sc5 9 2a2 Sh4 10 Sa4
The next example of logical thinking again shows how deceptive opposite-coloured bishop positions can be.
The next example of logical thinking again shows how deceptive opposite-coloured bishop positions can be.
In this position, the possibility of a break- through is critical. White is two pawns up on the queenside, but he cannot make progress di- rectly, as Black can easily stop the a-pawn. White must try to combine the pressure on the In opposite-coloured bishop endings, the de- fender’s main strategy is often to set up a for- tress. If the fortress is impenetrable, then he will probably be able to draw. However, the at- tacker has an important weapon against a block- ade: the breakthrough. By sacrificing one or more pawns, he may be able to create a passed pawn that proves too much for the defender, es- pecially if he already has another passed pawn in a different part of the board. Establishing whether a breakthrough really works can be quite complicated, and this is a frequent source of errors. through is critical. White is two pawns up on quite complicated, and this is a frequent source
In this position, the possibility of a break- through is critical. White is two pawns up on the queenside, but he cannot make progress di- rectly, as Black can easily stop the a-pawn. White must try to combine the pressure on the In opposite-coloured bishop endings, the de- fender’s main strategy is often to set up a for- tress. If the fortress is impenetrable, then he will probably be able to draw. However, the at- tacker has an important weapon against a block- ade: the breakthrough. By sacrificing one or more pawns, he may be able to create a passed pawn that proves too much for the defender, es- pecially if he already has another passed pawn in a different part of the board. Establishing whether a breakthrough really works can be quite complicated, and this is a frequent source of errors. through is critical. White is two pawns up on quite complicated, and this is a frequent source
White already has one passed pawn on the
White already has one passed pawn on the
White can make no further progress; for ex- ample, 14...2c4 15 @h6 2b3 16 @g7 Bc?! (the only move, since otherwise @h8 followed by g7 wins) 17 @h7 2d3 18 Sh6 Bcd! 19 g7 &g8 20 S26 Sd7.
White can make no further progress; for ex- ample, 14...2c4 15 @h6 2b3 16 @g7 Bc?! (the only move, since otherwise @h8 followed by g7 wins) 17 @h7 2d3 18 Sh6 Bcd! 19 g7 &g8 20 S26 Sd7.
This ending demonstrates several instructive points relating to opposite-coloured bishop po- sitions. White has a large material advantage of three pawns, but Black appears to have a perfect blockade on the dark squares. Trying to support the queenside pawns with the king doesn’t lead to success for White, since after 1 @d3 2d4 2 &c4 Be3 3 Sb5 Ad4 4 Sa5 Ba7 5 b5 Sc5 6 d6, Black plays 6...8.b6+ and only then ...&xd6,
This ending demonstrates several instructive points relating to opposite-coloured bishop po- sitions. White has a large material advantage of three pawns, but Black appears to have a perfect blockade on the dark squares. Trying to support the queenside pawns with the king doesn’t lead to success for White, since after 1 @d3 2d4 2 &c4 Be3 3 Sb5 Ad4 4 Sa5 Ba7 5 b5 Sc5 6 d6, Black plays 6...8.b6+ and only then ...&xd6,
idea here is to get rid of the g-pawn at once, when the logic is somewhat similar to that in the game, except that here Black still has his f- pawn. In some lines this is an advantage, but in others it is a handicap, as it prevents Black from controlling h6 (and thus holding up the h-pawn) by placing his bishop on e3. After 6 &f3 (D) Black can try:
idea here is to get rid of the g-pawn at once, when the logic is somewhat similar to that in the game, except that here Black still has his f- pawn. In some lines this is an advantage, but in others it is a handicap, as it prevents Black from controlling h6 (and thus holding up the h-pawn) by placing his bishop on e3. After 6 &f3 (D) Black can try:
plays ...£3, then he can stop it by playing his bishop to the cl-h6 diagonal, since after @g4 and h4-h5 White cannot advance his h-pawn any further. However, White can play his king to e4, hoping to penetrate via d5 and e6. We may assume that White’s b-pawn is on b5 by this point. Then Black’s king can be on c5, pre- venting @d5 and holding back the b-pawn. Now, however, White plays b6, deflecting the king and forcing White’s own king through to d5 and e6. White then plays his king to g7 (carefully avoiding taking the f6-pawn along the way) and wins the black bishop for the h- pawn. It is this type of general thinking which is characteristic of opposite-coloured bishop positions; the concrete moves are often less important than the planning. It follows that playing to stop the h-pawn with the bishop is doomed to failure. Here’s the concrete analy- sis:
plays ...£3, then he can stop it by playing his bishop to the cl-h6 diagonal, since after @g4 and h4-h5 White cannot advance his h-pawn any further. However, White can play his king to e4, hoping to penetrate via d5 and e6. We may assume that White’s b-pawn is on b5 by this point. Then Black’s king can be on c5, pre- venting @d5 and holding back the b-pawn. Now, however, White plays b6, deflecting the king and forcing White’s own king through to d5 and e6. White then plays his king to g7 (carefully avoiding taking the f6-pawn along the way) and wins the black bishop for the h- pawn. It is this type of general thinking which is characteristic of opposite-coloured bishop positions; the concrete moves are often less important than the planning. It follows that playing to stop the h-pawn with the bishop is doomed to failure. Here’s the concrete analy- sis:
If White can take the h4-pawn without mak- ing any concessions then he will win, as the passed h-pawn will be too strong. Therefore Black must defend the h4-pawn by ...2f2, and he must beware of White’s threat to play @xf4 followed by &g2, which nullifies this defence. Assuming Black can get rid of the g-pawn and play his king to b6, then the draw is clear, be- cause Black can defend the kingside pawns by ...&d4 or ...2f2 as appropriate, when it is im- possible for White to make progress. In fact, Black doesn’t have time to arrange this ideal set-up since he can get his bishop to f2, but has no time for ...&b6 as well. This means that White has a chance to play a7, deflecting the bishop, and then to play @xh4. But now White’s assets on the queenside are reduced to a single pawn and this gives Black further drawing pos- sibilities. However, by exploiting zugzwang it appears that White can always penetrate with his king, although he may need to offer his last queenside pawn to achieve this. In this line, White offers a total of four pawns in the course of the play, which must surely be some sort of record for a real-life example. 5 &xf4 24 (D) After the move played, 4...@xd6 (D), it’s time to look at the logic of the position.
If White can take the h4-pawn without mak- ing any concessions then he will win, as the passed h-pawn will be too strong. Therefore Black must defend the h4-pawn by ...2f2, and he must beware of White’s threat to play @xf4 followed by &g2, which nullifies this defence. Assuming Black can get rid of the g-pawn and play his king to b6, then the draw is clear, be- cause Black can defend the kingside pawns by ...&d4 or ...2f2 as appropriate, when it is im- possible for White to make progress. In fact, Black doesn’t have time to arrange this ideal set-up since he can get his bishop to f2, but has no time for ...&b6 as well. This means that White has a chance to play a7, deflecting the bishop, and then to play @xh4. But now White’s assets on the queenside are reduced to a single pawn and this gives Black further drawing pos- sibilities. However, by exploiting zugzwang it appears that White can always penetrate with his king, although he may need to offer his last queenside pawn to achieve this. In this line, White offers a total of four pawns in the course of the play, which must surely be some sort of record for a real-life example. 5 &xf4 24 (D) After the move played, 4...@xd6 (D), it’s time to look at the logic of the position.
The following example demonstrates that zugzwang and triangulation can play a major role in this ending. The following example demonstrates that zugzwang and triangulation can play a major role in this ending.
The following example demonstrates that zugzwang and triangulation can play a major role in this ending. The following example demonstrates that zugzwang and triangulation can play a major role in this ending.
tel <> tele as > ae 1 e6+? (D) 1 &b8! was the only move to win; after 1,..8c6 2 &c7 &d7 White has succeeded in partially activating his bishop, but at the mo- ment he cannot extract it completely because 3 &.d6 is met by 3...&c6, and the bishop must re- turn to c7. However, if it were Black to move here he would be in zugzwang and would have to make a concession allowing White to trans- fer his bishop to a better square. Therefore White must triangulate with his king in order to lose a tempo: 3 @f5! 2e6+ 4 Sg6! 2d5 5 G6 &c4 6 2d6 (now White’s bishop threatens to escape into the open, for example at b4) 6...&c6 7 &c5! (this is the point: the zugzwang forced Black’s bishop to abandon the a8-h1 diagonal, and now this move becomes possible) 7...@d7 8 &£b4 2b3 9 2a5! (the next step: White threat- ens b7) 9...2d5 (9...8c6 10 e6 also wins for White) 10 e6+ Be8 11 He5 AF3 12 Sd6 Bg? 13 &b4 Sd8 14 e7+ Se8 15 Lc7 and White wins.
tel <> tele as > ae 1 e6+? (D) 1 &b8! was the only move to win; after 1,..8c6 2 &c7 &d7 White has succeeded in partially activating his bishop, but at the mo- ment he cannot extract it completely because 3 &.d6 is met by 3...&c6, and the bishop must re- turn to c7. However, if it were Black to move here he would be in zugzwang and would have to make a concession allowing White to trans- fer his bishop to a better square. Therefore White must triangulate with his king in order to lose a tempo: 3 @f5! 2e6+ 4 Sg6! 2d5 5 G6 &c4 6 2d6 (now White’s bishop threatens to escape into the open, for example at b4) 6...&c6 7 &c5! (this is the point: the zugzwang forced Black’s bishop to abandon the a8-h1 diagonal, and now this move becomes possible) 7...@d7 8 &£b4 2b3 9 2a5! (the next step: White threat- ens b7) 9...2d5 (9...8c6 10 e6 also wins for White) 10 e6+ Be8 11 He5 AF3 12 Sd6 Bg? 13 &b4 Sd8 14 e7+ Se8 15 Lc7 and White wins.
Deciding whether a position with two extra pawns is a win can be quite complicated. Once again, general plans regarding the positioning of pieces can be more important than concrete variations.
Deciding whether a position with two extra pawns is a win can be quite complicated. Once again, general plans regarding the positioning of pieces can be more important than concrete variations.
movement. In the following position it is a threatened breakthrough.
movement. In the following position it is a threatened breakthrough.
White can only move his g-pawn. 11 26 2b5 12 g7 &c4 0-1 eo ee, eS ee ee, ee, ee eee
White can only move his g-pawn. 11 26 2b5 12 g7 &c4 0-1 eo ee, eS ee ee, ee, ee eee
1...¢5 2. e5+!
1...¢5 2. e5+!
Throwing away the win entirely. The only route to victory was 3 &b5!, repeating the posi- tion, and then proceeding as in the previous nate &g2 and Black is in zugzwang since a king
Throwing away the win entirely. The only route to victory was 3 &b5!, repeating the posi- tion, and then proceeding as in the previous nate &g2 and Black is in zugzwang since a king
White is a pawn up, both his pawns are passed and he has the right bishop for the rook’s pawn. Despite this, Black can draw the position with correct play. Curiously. the move played in
White is a pawn up, both his pawns are passed and he has the right bishop for the rook’s pawn. Despite this, Black can draw the position with correct play. Curiously. the move played in
under threat because White can easily dislodge the knight by &c3. It doesn’t help Black’s cause that his kingside pawns are also stuck on dark squares and subject to attack by White’s bishop. Objectively speaking, Black’s position is lost, and in this case it is usually better to try to mix things up and create complications rather than go down without a fight. that his kingside pawns are also stuck on dark
under threat because White can easily dislodge the knight by &c3. It doesn’t help Black’s cause that his kingside pawns are also stuck on dark squares and subject to attack by White’s bishop. Objectively speaking, Black’s position is lost, and in this case it is usually better to try to mix things up and create complications rather than go down without a fight. that his kingside pawns are also stuck on dark
Material is equal, but Black has an advantage in the form of a very active king. 1 Dc6? The following position demonstrates the strength of an active centralized king in bishop vs knight situations.
Material is equal, but Black has an advantage in the form of a very active king. 1 Dc6? The following position demonstrates the strength of an active centralized king in bishop vs knight situations.
This is an interesting example of play with a bishop: ‘against a knight. It was analysed by Minev in Informator 17 (basically the same analysis appears in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Endings) and was given in Tal’s own book The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal (reissued by Cadogan, 1997). It has been used as a model ex- ample of play with bishop vs knight (or with two bishops against two knights, as occurred earlier in the game), for example in Exploring the Endgame by Peter Griffiths (A. & C. Black, 1984). In none of the above sources was there any indication of inaccurate play and all consid- ered the endgame winning for Black throughout. Certainly Black is better since he controls more space and his bishop is more useful than White’s knight, which is restricted to blockading Black’s passed d-pawn. Moreover, Black’s king may
This is an interesting example of play with a bishop: ‘against a knight. It was analysed by Minev in Informator 17 (basically the same analysis appears in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Endings) and was given in Tal’s own book The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal (reissued by Cadogan, 1997). It has been used as a model ex- ample of play with bishop vs knight (or with two bishops against two knights, as occurred earlier in the game), for example in Exploring the Endgame by Peter Griffiths (A. & C. Black, 1984). In none of the above sources was there any indication of inaccurate play and all consid- ered the endgame winning for Black throughout. Certainly Black is better since he controls more space and his bishop is more useful than White’s knight, which is restricted to blockading Black’s passed d-pawn. Moreover, Black’s king may
In this case Black’s pawns cannot be block- aded and he wins easily by bringing his king up to support the b-pawn. 13 Ad6 Lb6 0-1
In this case Black’s pawns cannot be block- aded and he wins easily by bringing his king up to support the b-pawn. 13 Ad6 Lb6 0-1
White is clearly in serious trouble here, as he cannot move his king or knight, so Black only The worst case for the knight arises when the attacker has a rook’s pawn on the seventh.
White is clearly in serious trouble here, as he cannot move his king or knight, so Black only The worst case for the knight arises when the attacker has a rook’s pawn on the seventh.
White is in serious trouble despite being two pawns ahead. Black’s advanced passed pawn is supported by his king, and it hardly seems likely that White’s forces will be able to stop it. Gufeld’s notes in Informator 31 cor- rectly imply that Black is already winning, but he wrongly believed that both sides played the remainder of the game accurately. There are some lessons to be learned from the following mistakes.
White is in serious trouble despite being two pawns ahead. Black’s advanced passed pawn is supported by his king, and it hardly seems likely that White’s forces will be able to stop it. Gufeld’s notes in Informator 31 cor- rectly imply that Black is already winning, but he wrongly believed that both sides played the remainder of the game accurately. There are some lessons to be learned from the following mistakes.
5... Sf2 6 BLS SF3 7 Be8 SF2 8 BhS Sel (when the white king is on d3, Black always has a tempo move since his king can occupy el or £2)9 24 Sf2 10 Sd2 SF1 11 BhS SF2 (now the king oscillates between f1 and f2) 12 &e2 (Black finally has to give way with his king, but it doesn’t help White) 12...g3! 13 @el (or else ...@f2 again) 13..8f4 14 2d3 @e3 15 &bi Sf3 and now the king has e3 and f3 avail- able so White is still unable to make progress. A remarkable positional draw. 4 Awots
5... Sf2 6 BLS SF3 7 Be8 SF2 8 BhS Sel (when the white king is on d3, Black always has a tempo move since his king can occupy el or £2)9 24 Sf2 10 Sd2 SF1 11 BhS SF2 (now the king oscillates between f1 and f2) 12 &e2 (Black finally has to give way with his king, but it doesn’t help White) 12...g3! 13 @el (or else ...@f2 again) 13..8f4 14 2d3 @e3 15 &bi Sf3 and now the king has e3 and f3 avail- able so White is still unable to make progress. A remarkable positional draw. 4 Awots
a-pawn any time he wishes, but more that he
a-pawn any time he wishes, but more that he
This position is a draw, but care is always Exploiting an extra pawn is generally more troublesome if you have the knight. A bishop can support a passed pawn and have an influ- ence elsewhere on the board, but the short- range knight finds this more difficult. Even in the simplest case of one pawn against none, the winning chances with 4+ vs & are much less than with &+A vs &. However, there are pros- pects of a win in favourable situations.
This position is a draw, but care is always Exploiting an extra pawn is generally more troublesome if you have the knight. A bishop can support a passed pawn and have an influ- ence elsewhere on the board, but the short- range knight finds this more difficult. Even in the simplest case of one pawn against none, the winning chances with 4+ vs & are much less than with &+A vs &. However, there are pros- pects of a win in favourable situations.
This position looks very favourable for White; he is a pawn ahead, his pieces are actively placed and Black’s bishop is ‘bad’ with respect to his last pawn, which means that White’s king can occupy squares such as f6 and f8 with im- punity. Despite this, the position is a draw pro- vided Black defends accurately, but it only requires one small slip for Black to fall to his destruction. same part of the board favours the short-range
This position looks very favourable for White; he is a pawn ahead, his pieces are actively placed and Black’s bishop is ‘bad’ with respect to his last pawn, which means that White’s king can occupy squares such as f6 and f8 with im- punity. Despite this, the position is a draw pro- vided Black defends accurately, but it only requires one small slip for Black to fall to his destruction. same part of the board favours the short-range
Black has several advantages; he is a pawn up, White’s remaining pawns are isolated and it is Black to move. Black won the game, and ac- cording to the notes by Irwanto and Liem in Informator 84, both sides conducted the re- mainder of the game accurately. Black is indeed winning in the diagram position, but it is not true that the game was conducted accurately; Black allowed White two drawing opportuni- ties, both of which were missed by White (and the annotators). One of these errors was the typ- ical one of failing to evaluate a pawn ending correctly. 4 Frebit
Black has several advantages; he is a pawn up, White’s remaining pawns are isolated and it is Black to move. Black won the game, and ac- cording to the notes by Irwanto and Liem in Informator 84, both sides conducted the re- mainder of the game accurately. Black is indeed winning in the diagram position, but it is not true that the game was conducted accurately; Black allowed White two drawing opportuni- ties, both of which were missed by White (and the annotators). One of these errors was the typ- ical one of failing to evaluate a pawn ending correctly. 4 Frebit
This further loss of time should have sealed White’s fate. His last chance to save the game was 10 &g3! &b4 11 2a6 De7 (or 11...Gc3 12 &c8 Ac7 13 Bh4 Sxd4 14 Ses Sed 15 Qd7! and Black is unable to free himself without giv- ing up a pawn, after which White is out of dan- ger) 12 Bh4 Sc3 13 Sg5 Sxd4 14 Bb5! Ved (14...8d5 15 Be8 Sd6 16 BF7 Sd7 17 Sf6 Hd5+ 18 Be5 is also a draw) 15 2d7 e5 16 fxe5 @xe5 and Black cannot win due to the ac- tive position of White’s pieces; for example, 17 &b5 f4 18 Re2 Ved 19 Sed! Se3 20 V3! AES 21 Bd5 Dd4 22 Sg5 and White draws. 10...b4 11 2a6 a ge Ue ge a crs: TR ee es ee
This further loss of time should have sealed White’s fate. His last chance to save the game was 10 &g3! &b4 11 2a6 De7 (or 11...Gc3 12 &c8 Ac7 13 Bh4 Sxd4 14 Ses Sed 15 Qd7! and Black is unable to free himself without giv- ing up a pawn, after which White is out of dan- ger) 12 Bh4 Sc3 13 Sg5 Sxd4 14 Bb5! Ved (14...8d5 15 Be8 Sd6 16 BF7 Sd7 17 Sf6 Hd5+ 18 Be5 is also a draw) 15 2d7 e5 16 fxe5 @xe5 and Black cannot win due to the ac- tive position of White’s pieces; for example, 17 &b5 f4 18 Re2 Ved 19 Sed! Se3 20 V3! AES 21 Bd5 Dd4 22 Sg5 and White draws. 10...b4 11 2a6 a ge Ue ge a crs: TR ee es ee
In the following positions the pawns are spread across the board, which gives the bishop more defensive possibilities. The only chance, as 2 &b7? Axa3 3 Bxa6 b4 4 Ba5 Dc2 5 Sb5 £4 6 Bcd SF3 followed
In the following positions the pawns are spread across the board, which gives the bishop more defensive possibilities. The only chance, as 2 &b7? Axa3 3 Bxa6 b4 4 Ba5 Dc2 5 Sb5 £4 6 Bcd SF3 followed
In the next position, the pawns are again all in one mass and White has several other advan- tagves. but impatience cost him half a point. 12...8c3 13 2b5 AdS+ 14 Sf3 Sxd4 0-1 15 Re8 De7 followed by ...e5 is decisive.
In the next position, the pawns are again all in one mass and White has several other advan- tagves. but impatience cost him half a point. 12...8c3 13 2b5 AdS+ 14 Sf3 Sxd4 0-1 15 Re8 De7 followed by ...e5 is decisive.
This position is more complex than it looks. The analysis of the following position de- pends on a tricky ending of A+& vs A (see Sec- tion 3.3 on page 144 for some similar positions).
This position is more complex than it looks. The analysis of the following position de- pends on a tricky ending of A+& vs A (see Sec- tion 3.3 on page 144 for some similar positions).
It is essential to preserve the h-pawn for the moment. If White goes to promote the c-pawn immediately, then Black draws: 2 “xa7? Gh3 3 c6 @xh2 4 c7 Bb7 5 Db5 (5 c8WH Bxc8 6 4)xc8? g4 actually loses for White) 5...24 6 Ad6 (after 6 Ad4 g3 7 Af3+ Gh3! 8 a4 Sed 9 Ae5+ Gh3 10 SF4 g2 11 DF3 Ba6 White can- not make progress) 6...g3 7 Axb7 22 8 coW glW+ 9 Sd2 (trying to approach the a-pawn, since otherwise Black wins the pawn with a fork) 9... W£2+ 10 Sc3 We3+ 11 &b2 Wb6+ 12 a2 Wr2+ 13 Sb3 Wh6+ 14 Sad Wa6+ 15 &b4 Wb6+ and White cannot escape the checks without losing the a-pawn.
It is essential to preserve the h-pawn for the moment. If White goes to promote the c-pawn immediately, then Black draws: 2 “xa7? Gh3 3 c6 @xh2 4 c7 Bb7 5 Db5 (5 c8WH Bxc8 6 4)xc8? g4 actually loses for White) 5...24 6 Ad6 (after 6 Ad4 g3 7 Af3+ Gh3! 8 a4 Sed 9 Ae5+ Gh3 10 SF4 g2 11 DF3 Ba6 White can- not make progress) 6...g3 7 Axb7 22 8 coW glW+ 9 Sd2 (trying to approach the a-pawn, since otherwise Black wins the pawn with a fork) 9... W£2+ 10 Sc3 We3+ 11 &b2 Wb6+ 12 a2 Wr2+ 13 Sb3 Wh6+ 14 Sad Wa6+ 15 &b4 Wb6+ and White cannot escape the checks without losing the a-pawn.
L..Ac6 2 2d2 Sb5
L..Ac6 2 2d2 Sb5
Now the king can again take the direct route and the position 1s a draw. 10...$f3 11 SaS AS 12 Sxa6 Dxg3 13 SbS De2 14 Bh2 Ag3 15 2¢1 Afi 16 Sc4 g3 16...Be2 17 Sd4 Dd2 18 Se5 SF3 19 Lh?! “\f1 20 &f4 also draws. 17 &d3 Ah2 18 2a7 Aga 19 Sd2! Ae5 20 H.4 «> 91 Aad frat 99 Gat AE9 392 dal
Now the king can again take the direct route and the position 1s a draw. 10...$f3 11 SaS AS 12 Sxa6 Dxg3 13 SbS De2 14 Bh2 Ag3 15 2¢1 Afi 16 Sc4 g3 16...Be2 17 Sd4 Dd2 18 Se5 SF3 19 Lh?! “\f1 20 &f4 also draws. 17 &d3 Ah2 18 2a7 Aga 19 Sd2! Ae5 20 H.4 «> 91 Aad frat 99 Gat AE9 392 dal
In the next example, Black also missed a win based on a kind of barrier.
In the next example, Black also missed a win based on a kind of barrier.
Passed pawns are an advantage in almost any ending, but if you have a knight against a bishop they confer less of an advantage than in many other cases, since the enemy bishop can restrain them from afar. However, in a few cases the knight can employ its forking or blockading powers to cut the bishop off and allow the passed pawn to advance.
Passed pawns are an advantage in almost any ending, but if you have a knight against a bishop they confer less of an advantage than in many other cases, since the enemy bishop can restrain them from afar. However, in a few cases the knight can employ its forking or blockading powers to cut the bishop off and allow the passed pawn to advance.
The next example is more complex. White’s passed a-pawn is more dangerous than the d-pawn, since the latter cannot ad- vance for the moment due to the attack on the bishop. However, there are very few pawns left, so one cannot say on general principles whether White’s advantage is sufficient to win, and concrete analysis is necessary. In fact, White has two ways to win; the first involves reducing the position to a winning ending of 4\+é vs &, while the second, chosen by White in the game, depends on a remarkable study- like tactical resource. @h4 leads to a slow but sure win for White with the two extra pawns) 3 a6 &g6 4 Sf3! White’s pieces combine perfectly to keep Black’s bishop off the long diagonal.
The next example is more complex. White’s passed a-pawn is more dangerous than the d-pawn, since the latter cannot ad- vance for the moment due to the attack on the bishop. However, there are very few pawns left, so one cannot say on general principles whether White’s advantage is sufficient to win, and concrete analysis is necessary. In fact, White has two ways to win; the first involves reducing the position to a winning ending of 4\+é vs &, while the second, chosen by White in the game, depends on a remarkable study- like tactical resource. @h4 leads to a slow but sure win for White with the two extra pawns) 3 a6 &g6 4 Sf3! White’s pieces combine perfectly to keep Black’s bishop off the long diagonal.
This is an example of how unusual defensive resources can trip up even very strong players (White was rated 2558 at the time of this game). White is of course completely winning since he is two pawns up and all his pieces occupy active positions. The simplest win was to play 1 &b4, followed by &c4+, forcing the enemy king back. However, White chose a different method of defending the a-pawn. a ky) ran We saw earlier how &+24 vs & may not be a win if the pawns are blockaded. When the-side with the knight has the two pawns, the ending is again a general win but awkward situations can also arise. The main problem is usually that the knight is tied down to the defence of one pawn, severely limiting its mobility.
This is an example of how unusual defensive resources can trip up even very strong players (White was rated 2558 at the time of this game). White is of course completely winning since he is two pawns up and all his pieces occupy active positions. The simplest win was to play 1 &b4, followed by &c4+, forcing the enemy king back. However, White chose a different method of defending the a-pawn. a ky) ran We saw earlier how &+24 vs & may not be a win if the pawns are blockaded. When the-side with the knight has the two pawns, the ending is again a general win but awkward situations can also arise. The main problem is usually that the knight is tied down to the defence of one pawn, severely limiting its mobility.
FA eS CSE a Oe eS Now White is doomed because he loses the c-pawn rather than the a-pawn, which is a far more serious matter. 10 @d1! @xa3 11 Rd7 would still have offered good drawing chances. Black’s only real plan is to push the a-pawn, but then White’s king moves to b1 and the a-pawn itself can become subject to attack. I don’t see how Black wins; for example, 11...Ge3 12 2e8 4yc4 13 2b5 Abo 14 Ve8 a4 15 Bc (it’s time to cross to bl) 15...@d4 16 Sb1 &c5 17 a2 &b4 18 2f7 Ad7 19 2g6 HeS 20 Bh7 and Black is not making progress.
FA eS CSE a Oe eS Now White is doomed because he loses the c-pawn rather than the a-pawn, which is a far more serious matter. 10 @d1! @xa3 11 Rd7 would still have offered good drawing chances. Black’s only real plan is to push the a-pawn, but then White’s king moves to b1 and the a-pawn itself can become subject to attack. I don’t see how Black wins; for example, 11...Ge3 12 2e8 4yc4 13 2b5 Abo 14 Ve8 a4 15 Bc (it’s time to cross to bl) 15...@d4 16 Sb1 &c5 17 a2 &b4 18 2f7 Ad7 19 2g6 HeS 20 Bh7 and Black is not making progress.
Preventing ...&e5 and threatening a deadly fork on f6. 13...6d4 Me 12 Had 1A OEE (1A S\GEE 19 OLE Ta a 11...Sc6 12 g6 Sd5 13 Ad7! (D) Or 13...$e4 14 Sf6! (14 Df6+? SF5 is a draw) 14...8f4 15 De5 (threatening Af7-h6
Preventing ...&e5 and threatening a deadly fork on f6. 13...6d4 Me 12 Had 1A OEE (1A S\GEE 19 OLE Ta a 11...Sc6 12 g6 Sd5 13 Ad7! (D) Or 13...$e4 14 Sf6! (14 Df6+? SF5 is a draw) 14...8f4 15 De5 (threatening Af7-h6
Marié’s notes in Informator 17 consisted of no more than a couple of exclamation marks appended to White’s moves, implying that the play was accurate. As we shall see, this is not the case and both sides made errors in this in- structive example. At the moment, White is two pawns up but her knight and d-pawn are under fire, so she has to take some positive ac- tion. followed by g7) 15...2a2 16 Af7 Bbl 17 g7 &h7 18 Ags B28 19 Sg6 followed by Af7 and “\h6. Note how in these lines White leaves the pawn on ‘g6 in order to take away the h7- square from the bishop, and only advances it to g7 when the win is assured. the pawn on:g6 in order to take away the h7-
Marié’s notes in Informator 17 consisted of no more than a couple of exclamation marks appended to White’s moves, implying that the play was accurate. As we shall see, this is not the case and both sides made errors in this in- structive example. At the moment, White is two pawns up but her knight and d-pawn are under fire, so she has to take some positive ac- tion. followed by g7) 15...2a2 16 Af7 Bbl 17 g7 &h7 18 Ags B28 19 Sg6 followed by Af7 and “\h6. Note how in these lines White leaves the pawn on ‘g6 in order to take away the h7- square from the bishop, and only advances it to g7 when the win is assured. the pawn on:g6 in order to take away the h7-
The simplest winning line runs 1...@c4! (D), and now: To arrive at the @f5 vs 2h6 position with White to play requires a little subtlety on Black’s part. One final point is worth mentioning be- fore we look at the concrete analysis: Black must not allow White to transfer her bishop to the a5-el diagonal, because then the position is truly a draw.
The simplest winning line runs 1...@c4! (D), and now: To arrive at the @f5 vs 2h6 position with White to play requires a little subtlety on Black’s part. One final point is worth mentioning be- fore we look at the concrete analysis: Black must not allow White to transfer her bishop to the a5-el diagonal, because then the position is truly a draw.
White is two pawns down in this unusual po- sition, but there is no obvious win for Black. If she plays ...@c2 and then ...d2, White gives up her bishop for the d-pawn with a sure draw, as any attempt to approach the h-pawn with her king gives stalemate, so Black cannot free her knight from fl. Indeed, according to Stoica’s notes in Informator 38, the position is a draw. However, Black actually has a win, which is hard to spot but quite logical once you have seen it. 4 -&.49 After 9...2c4 10 a6 the pawns cannot be stopped.
White is two pawns down in this unusual po- sition, but there is no obvious win for Black. If she plays ...@c2 and then ...d2, White gives up her bishop for the d-pawn with a sure draw, as any attempt to approach the h-pawn with her king gives stalemate, so Black cannot free her knight from fl. Indeed, according to Stoica’s notes in Informator 38, the position is a draw. However, Black actually has a win, which is hard to spot but quite logical once you have seen it. 4 -&.49 After 9...2c4 10 a6 the pawns cannot be stopped.
and forces the bishop away from the optimum square h6) 4 227+ (the only move, as ...2\e3+ was a threat) 4...4c4 5 2h6 @d5 (now White must move to an inferior square) 6 &g5 (after 6 £4 d4! Black wins as before) 6...8e5! (not 6...8e4? 7 &cl and Black must start the win- ning procedure again) 7 &h6 (had the bishop already been on h6, then ...6e5 would have al- lowed a draw by &g7+ and &c3, but as it is White has nothing better than to return to h6; for example, 7 hl Se4 8 &cl Sf3 or 7 Rcl eA) 7...6£5! (now Black has reached the key zugzwang position) 8 &cl (or 8 Shl wed 9 2cl Sf3) 8...6e49 Sh1 SF3 and Black wins. 2 2h6 Yd1? (D) ee ee ey Summary:
and forces the bishop away from the optimum square h6) 4 227+ (the only move, as ...2\e3+ was a threat) 4...4c4 5 2h6 @d5 (now White must move to an inferior square) 6 &g5 (after 6 £4 d4! Black wins as before) 6...8e5! (not 6...8e4? 7 &cl and Black must start the win- ning procedure again) 7 &h6 (had the bishop already been on h6, then ...6e5 would have al- lowed a draw by &g7+ and &c3, but as it is White has nothing better than to return to h6; for example, 7 hl Se4 8 &cl Sf3 or 7 Rcl eA) 7...6£5! (now Black has reached the key zugzwang position) 8 &cl (or 8 Shl wed 9 2cl Sf3) 8...6e49 Sh1 SF3 and Black wins. 2 2h6 Yd1? (D) ee ee ey Summary:
11... Sb5 12 Sc7 c4. 13 Sd6 Sd 14 Se7 be3 15 Sf6 Se2 16 Sgs Ad3 17 Sxh4 Af4 and Black wins. However, with Black to move things are dif- ferent because |...&c6 (after 1...f2 2 2f1! &c6 3 &g2+! Black must return to.c7, since other- wise White plays @b7).2 2e4+ Bc5 3 Rxf3 4\xf3 4 &b7 is.a draw. The important point is that White has to be able to meet ...@c6 with a check on the long diagonal, which gives Black no time to play both ...Ab3 and ...@c5.
11... Sb5 12 Sc7 c4. 13 Sd6 Sd 14 Se7 be3 15 Sf6 Se2 16 Sgs Ad3 17 Sxh4 Af4 and Black wins. However, with Black to move things are dif- ferent because |...&c6 (after 1...f2 2 2f1! &c6 3 &g2+! Black must return to.c7, since other- wise White plays @b7).2 2e4+ Bc5 3 Rxf3 4\xf3 4 &b7 is.a draw. The important point is that White has to be able to meet ...@c6 with a check on the long diagonal, which gives Black no time to play both ...Ab3 and ...@c5.
1) 4 2f17 is wrong due to 4...8c6!, empha- sizing the important point that when Black’s
1) 4 2f17 is wrong due to 4...8c6!, empha- sizing the important point that when Black’s
Before looking at what happened in the game, a must first consider a nreliminarv nosition. a7 and a6, then he loses because his king is
Before looking at what happened in the game, a must first consider a nreliminarv nosition. a7 and a6, then he loses because his king is
A serious mistake. As we have already seen, White should never allow his king to become
A serious mistake. As we have already seen, White should never allow his king to become
White is two pawns up and the win might ap. pear to be completely straightforward, but he faces two problems. The first is the possibility o! perpetual check by Black and the second is the appearance of stalemate. In the game White took steps against the first danger, but not the second. 1 Wi? In some cases, the stalemate doesn’t initially exist and the defender must first set it up.
White is two pawns up and the win might ap. pear to be completely straightforward, but he faces two problems. The first is the possibility o! perpetual check by Black and the second is the appearance of stalemate. In the game White took steps against the first danger, but not the second. 1 Wi? In some cases, the stalemate doesn’t initially exist and the defender must first set it up.
The trick in the next position is perhaps more difficult to see in advance.
The trick in the next position is perhaps more difficult to see in advance.
Both sides have an advanced passed pawn, This stalemate trick saves the day; indeed, 7 Wxd6 is the only move not to lose for White!
Both sides have an advanced passed pawn, This stalemate trick saves the day; indeed, 7 Wxd6 is the only move not to lose for White!
This is a curious position because both kings are in arather exposed position, although neither is subject to any immediately decisive threats since ...Wfi+ may be met by @h4, and WFs8+ by ...2h5. Black certainly has the advantage in that while the situation on the kingside is fairly balanced, he has an outside passed pawn on the queenside. However, the win is not so simple as merely playing 1...Wxf3 because then White
This is a curious position because both kings are in arather exposed position, although neither is subject to any immediately decisive threats since ...Wfi+ may be met by @h4, and WFs8+ by ...2h5. Black certainly has the advantage in that while the situation on the kingside is fairly balanced, he has an outside passed pawn on the queenside. However, the win is not so simple as merely playing 1...Wxf3 because then White
As good or bad as anything else. 6 Wh! h5 also leads to a quick mate.
As good or bad as anything else. 6 Wh! h5 also leads to a quick mate.
Normally an ending with queen and two pawns against queen and pawn, with all the pawns on the same side, would be a draw. How- ever, this is a special situation because Black’s king is very badly placed in the corner and White can set up decisive mating threats by ad- vancing his g-pawn.
Normally an ending with queen and two pawns against queen and pawn, with all the pawns on the same side, would be a draw. How- ever, this is a special situation because Black’s king is very badly placed in the corner and White can set up decisive mating threats by ad- vancing his g-pawn.
In the next position Black is as many as three pawns ahead, but this doesn’t mean that the win Will be simple.
In the next position Black is as many as three pawns ahead, but this doesn’t mean that the win Will be simple.
Nhite’s drawing chances depend entirely on
Nhite’s drawing chances depend entirely on
12...We3 is the way to make progress, al- though Black can only win by taking his king for a long walk, which starts 13 Wd6 @g2 14 We6+ SF3 15 Whs+ Sg3 16 We6+ wh 17 Wd6 g5 18 Sb5 Wh! 19 Wd8+ Le4 20 Wdl+ Gh4 21 Wel+ Ss.
12...We3 is the way to make progress, al- though Black can only win by taking his king for a long walk, which starts 13 Wd6 @g2 14 We6+ SF3 15 Whs+ Sg3 16 We6+ wh 17 Wd6 g5 18 Sb5 Wh! 19 Wd8+ Le4 20 Wdl+ Gh4 21 Wel+ Ss.
The wrong moment to push the pawn. The only move to win is 18...We5!, which is horn- bly difficult to find over the board. Black wants to push his pawn to h2, but only when his queen occupies an active square in the centre of the board; after 19 Wg6+ Sf3 20 Wd3+ S22 21 Wd2+ Sf1 22 Wdi+ Sf2 White again runs out of checks, and then Black can safely advance his pawn.
The wrong moment to push the pawn. The only move to win is 18...We5!, which is horn- bly difficult to find over the board. Black wants to push his pawn to h2, but only when his queen occupies an active square in the centre of the board; after 19 Wg6+ Sf3 20 Wd3+ S22 21 Wd2+ Sf1 22 Wdi+ Sf2 White again runs out of checks, and then Black can safely advance his pawn.
Even this relatively favourable position, in which White’s pawns are already well-ad- vanced, is a draw. White’s main winning try is to occupy a good square with his queen, and then play his king round to f4 and then by some route to e7. He is aiming to reach a situation in which, for example, Black’s king is on h7 and he meets ...\4b7+ with Wd7, when Black’s next check will be met by a discovered check. In some cases White can achieve a similar result by playing his king out via hS and g6. The best square for White’s queen is c6, and the next best is d5, while b5 is also very dangerous (be- cause it is hard to prevent the queen from trans- ferring to c6 or d5). Black should therefore keep his queen on d7, which covers all these squares and also makes it awkward for White’s king to emerge via ¢4. If d7 is not available, the next best square is b7. Black’s king should stay on g8 or h8 if possible. If it is on h7, then White can often play &g4 and meet a check on d7 or c8 by WF5+. 1...8£7? Bearing in mind the above comments, it is Even this relatively favourable position, in
Even this relatively favourable position, in which White’s pawns are already well-ad- vanced, is a draw. White’s main winning try is to occupy a good square with his queen, and then play his king round to f4 and then by some route to e7. He is aiming to reach a situation in which, for example, Black’s king is on h7 and he meets ...\4b7+ with Wd7, when Black’s next check will be met by a discovered check. In some cases White can achieve a similar result by playing his king out via hS and g6. The best square for White’s queen is c6, and the next best is d5, while b5 is also very dangerous (be- cause it is hard to prevent the queen from trans- ferring to c6 or d5). Black should therefore keep his queen on d7, which covers all these squares and also makes it awkward for White’s king to emerge via ¢4. If d7 is not available, the next best square is b7. Black’s king should stay on g8 or h8 if possible. If it is on h7, then White can often play &g4 and meet a check on d7 or c8 by WF5+. 1...8£7? Bearing in mind the above comments, it is Even this relatively favourable position, in
Here this idea should win.
Here this idea should win.
1) 1 c6? We2 2 Wa7+ S26 3 Wd4 We2 4 Wb6 Wel 5 Ws We2 only leads to a draw.
1) 1 c6? We2 2 Wa7+ S26 3 Wd4 We2 4 Wb6 Wel 5 Ws We2 only leads to a draw.
ending of W + doubled pawns vs W is drawn when the pawns are on a rook’s file or knight’s file, but won when the pawns are on a bishop’s file or centre file. However, in the case of the pawns on the knight’s file, which is the one rele- vant to this example, the defence is difficult. If the pawns get too far forward then they will win, so it is essential to play accurately to prevent this, which is by no means a simple task. 2 fxeahS?
ending of W + doubled pawns vs W is drawn when the pawns are on a rook’s file or knight’s file, but won when the pawns are on a bishop’s file or centre file. However, in the case of the pawns on the knight’s file, which is the one rele- vant to this example, the defence is difficult. If the pawns get too far forward then they will win, so it is essential to play accurately to prevent this, which is by no means a simple task. 2 fxeahS?
It’s worth stopping to take a look at this posi- tion. White is threatening mate in two, Black has no checks and 6...4/b7? loses to 7 Wh5+! Bg8 (after 7...2xf6 8 Wi5+ &g7 9 Wxf2 White wins on material) 8 Wf5! Wb4+ 9 g5 Wd2+ 10 &g6 followed by mate. This summary sug- gests that it is time for Black to resign, but this is where imagination plays an important role. Black can draw by 6...4xg3+! 7 &xg3 (7 Wxg3 f1W is even worse as the f6-pawn falls at once; note that in this case the result is almost sure to be a draw, as White’s king is not supporting the c-pawn while Black’s king is rather close, and therefore Black should be able to get his king in front of the pawn) 7...f1W. At first sight this of- fers Black no hope, for not only is he two pawns down but in addition White has a juicy check on e7. However, the more one looks at the posi- tion, the more Black’s position looks tenable. White can only save the f6-pawn by checking on e7 and g7, but then Black’s king is in an ac- tive position while White’s queen is stuck in the comer, and even at a glance the likelihood of perpetual check seems rather high. The analy- sis runs 8 We7+ (8 c6 Wgl+ 9 Sh4 Whi+ 10 Bg5 We2+ is alsoa draw) 8...826 9 We7+ Sf5 10 c6 Wi4+ 11 Sg2 Wd2+ 12 Sh3 We3+ 13 2) 3...We2+ 4 Sg4 f2! is a clearer saving line; after 5 gxf6+ @f7 (as a matter of fact, 5...8f8 also draws, since after Akopian’s 6 Wd3 Black can continue 6...Wc6! 7 Sf5 We8+ 8 &g5 We6! and White cannot make progress as the f-pawn is too strong) 6 We5! (D) we ar- rive at the critical point.
It’s worth stopping to take a look at this posi- tion. White is threatening mate in two, Black has no checks and 6...4/b7? loses to 7 Wh5+! Bg8 (after 7...2xf6 8 Wi5+ &g7 9 Wxf2 White wins on material) 8 Wf5! Wb4+ 9 g5 Wd2+ 10 &g6 followed by mate. This summary sug- gests that it is time for Black to resign, but this is where imagination plays an important role. Black can draw by 6...4xg3+! 7 &xg3 (7 Wxg3 f1W is even worse as the f6-pawn falls at once; note that in this case the result is almost sure to be a draw, as White’s king is not supporting the c-pawn while Black’s king is rather close, and therefore Black should be able to get his king in front of the pawn) 7...f1W. At first sight this of- fers Black no hope, for not only is he two pawns down but in addition White has a juicy check on e7. However, the more one looks at the posi- tion, the more Black’s position looks tenable. White can only save the f6-pawn by checking on e7 and g7, but then Black’s king is in an ac- tive position while White’s queen is stuck in the comer, and even at a glance the likelihood of perpetual check seems rather high. The analy- sis runs 8 We7+ (8 c6 Wgl+ 9 Sh4 Whi+ 10 Bg5 We2+ is alsoa draw) 8...826 9 We7+ Sf5 10 c6 Wi4+ 11 Sg2 Wd2+ 12 Sh3 We3+ 13 2) 3...We2+ 4 Sg4 f2! is a clearer saving line; after 5 gxf6+ @f7 (as a matter of fact, 5...8f8 also draws, since after Akopian’s 6 Wd3 Black can continue 6...Wc6! 7 Sf5 We8+ 8 &g5 We6! and White cannot make progress as the f-pawn is too strong) 6 We5! (D) we ar- rive at the critical point.
In due course Black will lose the f6-pawn, af- er which an ending with W+g4 vs W will ensue. The important point to recall about this ending is Until the advent of computer databases, the winning chances in W+ vs W were generally underestimated, and this had a knock-on effect on other queen endings. In particular, W+A vs W+& was hardly considered an ending worth looking at, as it was felt that almost all positions were drawn. This isn’t true at all, as in some cases the attacker can win the enemy pawn while ensuring a transition to a winning W+4& vs W position. Although the following example is initially drawn, it only takes one mistake by Black to fall into a lost position.
In due course Black will lose the f6-pawn, af- er which an ending with W+g4 vs W will ensue. The important point to recall about this ending is Until the advent of computer databases, the winning chances in W+ vs W were generally underestimated, and this had a knock-on effect on other queen endings. In particular, W+A vs W+& was hardly considered an ending worth looking at, as it was felt that almost all positions were drawn. This isn’t true at all, as in some cases the attacker can win the enemy pawn while ensuring a transition to a winning W+4& vs W position. Although the following example is initially drawn, it only takes one mistake by Black to fall into a lost position.
This position illustrates why the king is poorly placed on a7; Black has only managed to give one check and already he has no more. Black tries to hang on to the pawn, with the result that he is eventually forced to give it up:in very unfavourable circumstances. Offering it immediately by 7...Wh1! 8 &xf6 Wal+ 9 Sg6 Wa8 10 ¢5 We8+ 11 Sho Wh8+ 12 Wh7 Waa would have offered more resistance. White’s queen is offside and it requires a great deal of work to win here; one line is 13 Wb7! Wh4+ 14 Sg6 ScS 15 WE3! (the only move, cutting Black’s king off from al) 15...8b4 16 Gf5! Wh7+ 17 26 Wd7+ 18 Sg5 We7+ 19 Se4 We6+ 20 Wrs We2+ 21 Sf4 Wd2+ 22 Hes Wc3+ 23 &d6 Wd4+ 24 Se6 a4 25 Sf7 Wed+ 26 Be8 We8+ 27 Se7 We7+ 28 WE7 Wd4 29 Wa2+ Sb4 30 Web! (another ‘only’ move) 30...We7+ 31 WE7 Wes+ 32 Sd7 Wb5+ 33 Sc8 We5+ 34 Sb7 and the checks run out,
This position illustrates why the king is poorly placed on a7; Black has only managed to give one check and already he has no more. Black tries to hang on to the pawn, with the result that he is eventually forced to give it up:in very unfavourable circumstances. Offering it immediately by 7...Wh1! 8 &xf6 Wal+ 9 Sg6 Wa8 10 ¢5 We8+ 11 Sho Wh8+ 12 Wh7 Waa would have offered more resistance. White’s queen is offside and it requires a great deal of work to win here; one line is 13 Wb7! Wh4+ 14 Sg6 ScS 15 WE3! (the only move, cutting Black’s king off from al) 15...8b4 16 Gf5! Wh7+ 17 26 Wd7+ 18 Sg5 We7+ 19 Se4 We6+ 20 Wrs We2+ 21 Sf4 Wd2+ 22 Hes Wc3+ 23 &d6 Wd4+ 24 Se6 a4 25 Sf7 Wed+ 26 Be8 We8+ 27 Se7 We7+ 28 WE7 Wd4 29 Wa2+ Sb4 30 Web! (another ‘only’ move) 30...We7+ 31 WE7 Wes+ 32 Sd7 Wb5+ 33 Sc8 We5+ 34 Sb7 and the checks run out,
will have no check on the a3-f8 diagonal) 8
will have no check on the a3-f8 diagonal) 8
Decades ago, it was thought that almost all positions of W+4 vs W with the pawn on the seventh were drawn (for example, Fine’s Basic Chess Endings supported this view), but as the years passed it gradually became clear that there were many more winning positions than were supposed. Even so, it was still felt that positions with a rook’s pawn on the seventh rank were mostly drawn. Consequently, when this posi- tion arose in one of my games from the mid- 1970s, I believed that White, with his well- centralized queen and with a pawn of his own, could count on saving the game. The fact that the game did end in a draw against a grandmas- ter only reinforced my feeling. In the following case, the attacker’s pawn is already on the seventh rank.
Decades ago, it was thought that almost all positions of W+4 vs W with the pawn on the seventh were drawn (for example, Fine’s Basic Chess Endings supported this view), but as the years passed it gradually became clear that there were many more winning positions than were supposed. Even so, it was still felt that positions with a rook’s pawn on the seventh rank were mostly drawn. Consequently, when this posi- tion arose in one of my games from the mid- 1970s, I believed that White, with his well- centralized queen and with a pawn of his own, could count on saving the game. The fact that the game did end in a draw against a grandmas- ter only reinforced my feeling. In the following case, the attacker’s pawn is already on the seventh rank.
17...8g7 18 Wd8+ Gh7 19 Wd3+ Shs 19...2h6 20 Wa6+ draws. 20 Wd8+ Wes 21 Wd44 bh7 22 Wa7+ So6 3 Sc2 Gh5 24 Sh2 We2+ 25 Lal "2-12 The only move to save the game, avoiding the trap 17 Sc2? We6+ 18 Sd2 We2+, when Black wins. Now the draw is relatively simple. (now this wins, as the h-pawn is vulnerable) 22 Sf3 Wxh5+ 23 Sf2 We6 the end is close. 17 dl! (D)
17...8g7 18 Wd8+ Gh7 19 Wd3+ Shs 19...2h6 20 Wa6+ draws. 20 Wd8+ Wes 21 Wd44 bh7 22 Wa7+ So6 3 Sc2 Gh5 24 Sh2 We2+ 25 Lal "2-12 The only move to save the game, avoiding the trap 17 Sc2? We6+ 18 Sd2 We2+, when Black wins. Now the draw is relatively simple. (now this wins, as the h-pawn is vulnerable) 22 Sf3 Wxh5+ 23 Sf2 We6 the end is close. 17 dl! (D)
ee ee eee eee NN IE III IES Sy OEE EES The move played is the last finesse, a neat switchback by the black king to prevent White from forcing his g-pawn home. The finish could be 7 @g6 (White’s king is badly placed on the h-file, and although Black’s passed pawn is still on its original square, there is no way out; 7 f5 b5 8 £6 b4 9 95 b3 10 26 b2 11 £7+ SF8 12 Vh7 would save White except for the unfortunate detail that 12...b1W pins the g6-pawn) 7...b5 8 Ste VFB! (not 8...b472? 9 Ve7) and Black wins.
ee ee eee eee NN IE III IES Sy OEE EES The move played is the last finesse, a neat switchback by the black king to prevent White from forcing his g-pawn home. The finish could be 7 @g6 (White’s king is badly placed on the h-file, and although Black’s passed pawn is still on its original square, there is no way out; 7 f5 b5 8 £6 b4 9 95 b3 10 26 b2 11 £7+ SF8 12 Vh7 would save White except for the unfortunate detail that 12...b1W pins the g6-pawn) 7...b5 8 Ste VFB! (not 8...b472? 9 Ve7) and Black wins.
The simplest move, as Black’s queen cannot even threaten a check while it is tied to the de- fence of e5. om <p mm oc vif «2 an vtitr =
The simplest move, as Black’s queen cannot even threaten a check while it is tied to the de- fence of e5. om <p mm oc vif «2 an vtitr =
The wrong choice. According to the notes by Banas in Informator 24, White also wins if Black exchanges queens, but this is not so and therefore the check on h1 was the losing move. After 3...\Wxc3 4 bxc3 @f8 (the extra doubled c-pawn is not sufficient advantage to win) 5 &g3 Ge7 6 f4 Sd7 (Black can even draw by playing actively: 6...8e6 7 &f3 £5! and White has no winning chances) 7 c5!? (the only realis- tic winning attempt) 7...dxc5 (not 7...exf4+? 8 &xf4 dxc5 9 Se5 and the white king’s active position is decisive) 8 fxeS @e6 9 &f4 He7 10 Be3 Se6 11 Sd3 Hxe5 12 Sc4 Sd6 (not 12...8xe4? 13 Sxc5 SFA 14 c4 Sg3 15 Sd4 &xg2 165, when White wins comfortably) 13 &b5 (D) we arrive at the crucial moment. Here Banas only gave ‘followed by c4, win- ning’, which looks plausible enough, but Black can draw: by accurate play: 13...f6! 14 c4 95
The wrong choice. According to the notes by Banas in Informator 24, White also wins if Black exchanges queens, but this is not so and therefore the check on h1 was the losing move. After 3...\Wxc3 4 bxc3 @f8 (the extra doubled c-pawn is not sufficient advantage to win) 5 &g3 Ge7 6 f4 Sd7 (Black can even draw by playing actively: 6...8e6 7 &f3 £5! and White has no winning chances) 7 c5!? (the only realis- tic winning attempt) 7...dxc5 (not 7...exf4+? 8 &xf4 dxc5 9 Se5 and the white king’s active position is decisive) 8 fxeS @e6 9 &f4 He7 10 Be3 Se6 11 Sd3 Hxe5 12 Sc4 Sd6 (not 12...8xe4? 13 Sxc5 SFA 14 c4 Sg3 15 Sd4 &xg2 165, when White wins comfortably) 13 &b5 (D) we arrive at the crucial moment. Here Banas only gave ‘followed by c4, win- ning’, which looks plausible enough, but Black can draw: by accurate play: 13...f6! 14 c4 95
After 3...2f3 the king is driven back by 4 Wb3+.
After 3...2f3 the king is driven back by 4 Wb3+.
One of the most frequent mistakes in queen endings is to give a series of checks without any clear purpose in mind. Such checks are not only unhelpful, but they can easily improve the en- emy position by, for example, chasing his king to a more active square. Here’s a typical case.
One of the most frequent mistakes in queen endings is to give a series of checks without any clear purpose in mind. Such checks are not only unhelpful, but they can easily improve the en- emy position by, for example, chasing his king to a more active square. Here’s a typical case.
2a) 18 Wes+ Be4 19 Wc7 Wh6+ 20 Sel &f5! 21 WE7+ (after other checks, the black king withdraws to h7, which stops the checks as Black can interpose on the g-file with check) 21...Wre 22 Wd5+ Sf4 23 Wd2+ Sg4 24 Wd7+ @hS 25 Wh7+ Who 26 Wc7 Wg5+ 27 Sf We2+ 28 Sel Wegl+ and Black wins.
2a) 18 Wes+ Be4 19 Wc7 Wh6+ 20 Sel &f5! 21 WE7+ (after other checks, the black king withdraws to h7, which stops the checks as Black can interpose on the g-file with check) 21...Wre 22 Wd5+ Sf4 23 Wd2+ Sg4 24 Wd7+ @hS 25 Wh7+ Who 26 Wc7 Wg5+ 27 Sf We2+ 28 Sel Wegl+ and Black wins.
The direct 11...£3 would have been quicker, but Black prefers to transfer her queen to f3 with checks.
The direct 11...£3 would have been quicker, but Black prefers to transfer her queen to f3 with checks.

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