The Ban

The Tactics

of f,nd-Games b Jen6 Brin

CORVINA PRES

S

CONTT Title of the Hungetian original:

vEGIAIEToK

TAKTIKAIA

Traosldcd &om thc Hungarian by Jen6 Bochkor

Prcfre

Ftma'-n.rrl

Tb

C.mcepts

.. -.--

C.rncept of End-Games

Tb Cmoept of Tactic$ .... ..--oThc Eemeots of Combination -.--? I.FighforaDraw

.:....

Thc Salemate ...

Ead& ....---The Queen as a Factor in SoIc The Fight against the Passcd hr, --, Staleoate Positions in Pawn

Ifallingln...

;

SeE-Pinning

Direction with Passed Pawr Pmitional Draw ...-.---i How to Achieve a Theoretical This book ia a joint edition of Sir Isasc Pitman & Sons, Ltd., London and CORVINA, Budapcst Solc distribudm rigbt for thc United Kingdom and the British Commonwcalttr ie granted

to Sir

fgaac

Pitnan & Sons, Ltd., London

Attack for Victory

Perpenral

II.

Fight

DE ---. .. - ----!. ...----..

Zagzuraag

The llarmfirl Piece

@ I.rro B6n rg6:

Stalemate Lines Discovery

--------;

Avertingthe

roor*,

Opening of Printcd in Hungary 1953 Athenocum Printing flouse, Budapest

-...-.--{ ----. : e $q.

..

Preliminary Oeening of e Lic Clearing the Path, Cleeriry Closing of

Lines

..

-.

---.

C

ONT ENT

S

Preface

7

Fundamental

C-oncepts

o.

.....

i

9 9

The Finish and the Srudy

II

The Concept of Tacticg

r3

The Elements of Combination

r5

I. Fight for a Draw

23

The Stalemate ... Stalemate Positions

Wa[ing

23

in Pawn End-Games

...

24

In ...

z6

The Queen as a Factor in Stalemate . ..

zB

3r

Self-Pinning

..:...

36 g8

Direction with Passed Pawns Positional Draw

42

Virtual Stalemate

td-nidCIIIINA'

ts

lrLl-

Bualrlcrt

-red

II.

42

How to Achieve a Theoretical Draw

Perpetual Attack

57

Fight for Victory

6l 6t

Ztgzwatg The Harmfirl

Piece

... ...

76 85

Opening of Lines

IOI

Discovery

to2

Preliminary Opening of a Line

ro8

Clearhg the Path, Clearing a Square

III II5

Closing of Lines

Focal Point

r

r....

126

Blockade Combinations

r28

Square Blocking and

Opening-Shutting

r34

Chase

r38

Driving On .. Driving Off or Diversion Driving Off (Diversion) by

r59

Break-Through

t46

Pinning

169

.

t72

Direction

r78

Action King

t87 t87

Range and Concerted

The Fighting

The Geometrical Motif The Range of the Knight

t87 r9o

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

ConcertedAction Threat Gain of Time Close-Range Fighting

Double

Index

.r..

Piece Target

l. l.,....

l! r. ! r!...

r94 r97

r99

..

Attack against a Defending The King as a Direct

r93

!,...

?. !, t.......

!..:

! ! ! ! ! !r t. ! r r. r..

.. ...

..

,....

2or 2o4 213

ffudeoelopa{bl

tlu sctet oI tlp frW olchani*. TIE fu rrr ranlt nqidno * dl

e,aet.Alostdrutt tlufowdatiosdbf 4s to tlw o p c nirt odtlufnstotffi -ot Ing cemsia d I cless ?W, *U gq : fut wiatiors;rrtotbffilt cia of the nidilea* t Hnfl, irrdd! As ta is stll udqid4 d s t tlro, tlu tw-

Yatlusoilod64l fuc r-4; ilwaicios to tb l* a dbgs.Tkir q*d*a ryoAarurs ol utaflC ffi.ry utafu rld in irytou airt eH Wdcbtk drtnwllw.Itf,-4d T@irsartuIbt;I try.Vlry?

;@it E, u,lorlsfifr ed -

n6 r28

r34 r38

r46 r59

r69 172

r78 t87 187 187

r90

r93 rg4 r97 r99 201 20.4

PRE FACE

of each and eoery combinntionrfrom the simplest to thc most deeply calculated. As tlu title shoats' our PurPose is games. These are in no waY diffamt -m;aak-Saru; it is onlY for the sake the ilhitratioe examplei chosm are relatioely simple positions with a_minimwt The readpr will be nnprised to note hoat many number

of interestiitg

FU N DAf

EI

subtleties a,re concealed in eaen these apparently

er the

pa.ges

of this book, castitg a glance at

the

'!#r,f;'lwtr;;tr;h'il;:,""7';:;'j';"ffi hcss

endingsryou willfi,nd here rnany an outstanding

composition by

attention to tlrc connents on thp diagra

prinarily for tlu a Its intmtion is to

fr pleasing

instead of

prafiice is that

tlu

a:hile

tying

to

gioe yott. an insight intg tlrc

in the anisilc exa aDDear also in the oftm oiru -a in iess potiltrcd f**. One anuld desribe

Zxprissed

ecstudy-like" ending

ift

author

hoD'es

the

finish of ru,ch 4 Samc as a

tknt, after a careful perusal of this book, the reader tbe able to oeate such"study-like" mdings in the course

]end B6n

TRANSLATOR'S NOTE The readq

will certainly fi.nd that this

book contains mony neu', one

ffi

hto Clarke and to myfriend Mr.RaYmond ns and ltelP.

Jen6 Bochkor

THE CONCEPT OF END.GA.MES

ld fi scrti4aarr end-game is, accatndf "initial position" thd hes bccld from the basic Pcitim & unspecified number of ncrEl r The content of m 4_ that series of moves wtich h* f his "initial position" to ft tef,mination of the gre, L e. D palpable demonstr*im db t out@me. The forn d ft r game is determined tt ft i that are on the boatrd in 6e I position" or after each re d series of moves leading to ft finish. The end-game is ctruli is content and by ils [email protected] definition of the fundedc must derive from ooc Gfudl The end-game is tte a game of chess. The

rrfr bpb calatlated. tctial mtifs in endolo ooctfr in the -y od doity that [inr oirtamitimum 'dunou luw ncmy atlw a?parently odry a gluce at the bitis anae selection b afotq, fot the , an onstanding u G jtott gioe sorne d @tet od to tlrc hl ht kzt dcsigned {clrc onpositions. a d to ilutease your * tob, tlu illustratioe tJtt

Facticeis that

fug@turthwgh of srl, o game as a ifrs b@h the reader

diqsintlp

corrrse

Jend B6n

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS

Our object is to examine the methods of leadi"g from the most diverse but relatively simple positions that arise on the chessboard during termination, namd a the progress of the game

victory ofr failing that, necessary to clarify the co

into details

THE CONCEPT OF END-GAMES

attributes. As a matter of fact we only

of

an end-game is, ssgsldingly, an "initial position" that has been reached from the basic position after an unspecified number of normal moves.

The content of an end-game is that series of moves which leads from

this "initial position" to the actual termination of the game, i. e. to the

c trur! ,tsw, one ftil ot entirely ruw by Mr. Jen6 Bdn it 4bh. I wish to ftbtdMr.Raymond

Ica6 Bochkor

seems

know where ttre "last phase" ends, it is uncettain and disputable where it

The end-game is the last phase of a game of chess. The starting-point

it

later in this connection.

pdpable demonstration of its ultimate outcome. The form of the end= game is determined by the pieces that are on the board in the "inidal position" or after each move of the series of moves leading to the actual finish. The end-game is characterized by its content and by its form. Any closer definition of the fundamental concept must derive from one or other of ttrese

begins.

It is generally

believed that

in

an

end-game there are only a "few" pieces on the board. This definition is, however, very loose, nor is it necessarily supported by the tendenry of theoretical textbooks to deal mostly with positions comprising 4 or 5 (and very rarely 6) pieces. Others again maintain that it is not the exact number of chessmen but the nunber and tSrpe of the pieces that determine an endgame. In this [ght any position where one or both of the players have only r

or z pieces left might, irrespective of the number of pawns presentr be regarded as an end-game.

Many theoreticians hold that the end-game begins with the moment when the role of the kings changes, i. e. when the position has been so

simplified that there is no danger of

Consequentlg the *initial position"

direct mating attack and the king can appear as an active factor on the scene. But we can rarely assume that both kings will be equally active at the

of an end-game already implies the elements of the final position, in-

a

same

tlme; indeed the intervention

of one king may suddenly strengthen the mating threat to the other. One often hears, moreover, that "the outcome has already been decided

in the middle-game-or even in the opening." This in fact amounts to sayrng that some games have no endgame. Not only would such an assumption obscure our definition but

it

would be in flagrant contradiction

to it. For this reason let us approach the question from another angle. What is the difference between the opening and the middle-game on the one hand and

the end-game on the other? Any analysis of the opening and middlegame can lead only to estimated and probable results. The result of an endgame, on the other hand admits of a concrete, tangible and verifiable demonstration based on an obiective analysis.

In this we may already have a clearcut definition of the concept at issue, indicating as it does, irrespective of the varying number and position of thepieces, the exact moment at which the ending phase occurs in anyparticular game. Accordingly, thetransition to an end-game has been completed as soon as the player to move has an

two is made up of links, each of which is amenable to an obiective, scientific analysis.

Of

course, this premise might as well be extended to make the concept of the end-game cover that of the whole game, the basic position itself

being regarded as the "initial posi-

tion." Theoretically and logically there is nothing against it, but the limited scope of our knowledge and the immensity of the field of research

would thwart any attempt to do

so.

One may encounter many a position with a mere 5 or 6 pieces which, though simple in form, is of a content that cannot be fully explored even by

the most thoroughgoing

research; and again, there are many apparently complicated "full board" positions in

which evident and concrete moves lead to a calculable outcome-the final position.

All

positions-irrespective of the number of pieces-the appraisal of which does not lead to an irrefutable result, should be classffied as

middle-

game positions, while positions (again disregarding the number of

pieces) from which the outcome may

a

all variations, his unquestionable victory or the absolute futitity of his opponent's effofts to win.

that area of incessant research where fresh ground is being reclaimed by degrees from the impenetrable iungle of the middle-game to give free

sequence

IO

of demonstrating by

of

forcing moves

in

r

cluding the outcome; the shorter or longer chain of moves connecting the

be objeaively deduced by sequences of best moves on both sides, should be regarded as end-game positions. The borderline between the two is

opportunity

passage through the sFEr glade of end-games.

THE FINISE AND THE STT'DI As we have said the

eodAr

last phase of a game. Sire c shortest game has its ld p

follows that every qfrPr i those which, in form, ec-'"a5

natein the middle-gamc c t ing, must have a Phasc Ylirt

designated as its endareThe shortest game cmccirl sists of only two moves :

r. P-KN4, P-K4 z P-l Q-R5-mate ! "Where is here

the d{

Vell, in trc [! previous definition, 6c cl position arose when fu lf one might ask.

demmsuto react L position." This follod move was able to

tably his ability

t

sedr Black had merely to meb c gross blunder on the

but fully convincing, movehr meet the requirement

: 'H

The shortest matcb4ch chess literature went dcag-

lar lines

:

Gibaud-Lazatd (Paiq rg

r. P-Q4, N-KBI z. I P-K4 3. P x P, N-N5 a ?N-K6 ! ! and Vhite r€stsd The final position:

6c'initial position"

itr.hcady implies the I d .rlp finel pcition, in_ ft om; the shorter or

h dmves onnecting the ry of links, each of

uHe b an obiective, tfo P,r€mise might as

rrtFfoL cd

o rmte the concept

6c

b.sic psition itself

ower that of the

s 6e "initial posiicetry and logicafly ding egdnst it, but the of our knowledge and cy dee fidd of research uy stempt to do so. ar'orErrFr rruny a position

jc6pieceswhich,

in form, is of a content bc frtry erplored even by tmgbgoing research; 1f,31c rxE rnrny apparently :frll bos161'r positions in

od

concrcte moves

ffiao,rnFthe final

of

the

ap,praisal of ft=-
d-lEced by

m

sequences

bpth sides, should

3 ct-gamc positions. betwcen the

at ;qtrs-nt

nro is

research where

is being reclaimed by 6c iryeuetrable iunnidOo-pe to give free

passage through the ever widening glade of end-games.

I.

THE FINISH AND THE STUDY As we have said the end-game is the

last phase of a game. Since even the shoftest game has its last phase, it follows that every game, including those which, in form, actually terminatein the middle-game or the opening, must have a phase which may be designated as its end-game. The shortest game conceivable consists of only two moves :

r. P-KN4, P-K4

z. P-KB3??,

Q-R5-mate ! "Where is here the end-game?" onemightask.Vell, in the light of our

previous definition, the end-game position arose when the player to move was able to demonstrate irrefutably his ability to reach the "final position." This followed White's gross blunder on the second move and Black had merely to make one single, but fully convincing, move in order to meet the requirement : "Black wins."

The shortest match-game known in chess literature went along very similar lines :

Gibaud-Lazard (Paris, rgzl).

The final position:

but inherent in it are two variations demonstrating victory. One of them is,

in fact, the same mating position as we saw in the previous example: 5. P x N, Q-RS ch, 6. P-KN3, Q x P (N6)-mate. The other variation leaves White a queen down (against a knight). In the latter alternative to prove the continuation to the actual mate would undoubte.lly be a laborious task, but

Black's material superiority (without any positional disadvantage !) is so convincing that we can rightly accept it on the principle of an "adequate logical basis." A striking feature courmon to both end-games-apart from the unusually large number of pieces still on the board-js that the majority of the pieces play no part in the final outcome.

r. P-Q4, N-KB3 z. N-Qz,

P-K4 3. P x P, N-N5 4. P-KR3 N-K6 ! ! and Vhite resigned.

Of the moves played here the last one only belongs to the "end-gamer"

?

Ifsomeone wished-for the purpose

of

insuuction or entertainment-to show simply the forcing motif by which it is possible to mate a king (walled in by his own pieces) with a II

a source of aesthetic pleesore

queen or even a bishop, or else wished to demonstrate how mate or loss ofthe queen was inevitable after the sacrifice

requirement that they can be legally derived from the basic position by a series of regular moves but the manner

us€ful didaaic mediumFor this reason most d

of a knight, he could remove quite a number ofpieces from both the White and the Black armies and still leave the meaus of achieving his final aim or the character ofthe final result unchanged.

of derivation is extraneous and therefore unimportant. The use of artificial end-games in-

rich in content.

The mating position

in the first

game canbe shown most economically as

follows:

stead of actual game-endings as exarn-

(t) An artificial end-game may in a simple condensed form comprise all the practical lessons to be drawn from numerous game-endings of similar ples has several advantages:

character. (z) The artificial endingpre-

sents

its motifs divested of all ir-

relevancies, motifs which might other-

wise get lost among the many alternative variations of aaual play or which will occur but seldom. $) The artificial ending may actually fill gaps in practical experience and draw attention to possibilities which so far

Thus by removing the "superfluous" pieces an "initial position" created in a very early stage of the opening can be transformed and simplified-with its content left intact-so that the residual position will

have not occurred

at first glance give the impression of an "end-game." Not only is such a transformation possible but it is in fact desirable from the didactic point of view. The ways and means of winding up a game can

the two players.

be shown more clearly and decisively if we retain only those pieces which play an actual part, active or passive, in bringing about the final result.

Theoretical books on end-games therefore mostly employ examples which are not positions from actual play but positions intentionally designed, transfonned or simplified for the purpose. These positions meet the

t2

Exploration

in actual play. (+)

of the content of

an

artificial end-game opens up a field of impersonal, obiective research, because it is not bounded by any sequence of moves aaually made by

An artificial end-game may simply

be an instructive demonstration of some qpical end-game technique, or else a truly artistic study demonstrating some quite extraordinary or unique termination of an imaginary game.

Grandmaster Richard R6ti (t889tg2g) who was among the best both as a chess player and as a problemist gave the following concise definition of the study: "A simple position of extra-

ordinary content." Subscribing to

R6ti's opinion, we cannot but acknowledge the merits of the study both as

ples have been chmeo studies that are simple

d

c cr ftn r in h

THE CONCEM OF TACII

Tactics are the art d h forcm in battle. Itr tr''m cf chessboard this means fu science of correct direaftn d c

tive execution of local slinib minor but fierce actiom. In rEl'

fare there is genemty c t among the manY which llrlh fate of the whole wu. Tb't have often been seid "E h battle except the lasc" So

c

I chessboard, where in 6c h 1t the game, i.e. in the at-, Iast encounter may decib & come of the whole fighr This last enconnter ny radically change the siuir reverse the course of em. tr fore, it is especidly impcmrl ourselves familiar with fu &d the tacticd methods whln 4j t in handy during end-grr3. Tactical changes in a gre dr are characterized by ingEufD ning, surprise attacks, tr+c d like. Under the micrcqe dd dve research such elemcm GC and surprise become trcuE disappear, but sufficitm r-view to lead us inevitaHy E t dusion: Fotcing is 6c Ifi of tactics ! In pursuing this princidc ' be no fastidiousness abour-

tu tut m be lega[y

ft hic pcition by a rch&emanner Lm andthered-ilidd cn&ganes inl-oaingE 6 exam(r)An ddvmgs: uy in a simple *gh rybc all the b bc drawn from h l-anqgp of similar Th utiftialeudingpreriB diYtsrcd of dl irdiB rtichmight otherh mg tre many alterd

acttral play or

(f) The mry actually fill gaps c+clnce and draw o pwhilities which so far cr!"rrd in actual play. (+)

ccur

bnrt seldom.

d 6c

oontent

of

opcos up a field

an

of

**nive research, bem bmded by any seDIED @try made by +gpe may simply ic dcmonstration of lH +glme technique, dt rtfutb study demonqdtE crraordinary or im of an imaginary

Rinmd Reti (1889r mnng 6e best both as daeproblemistgave striGc rlefinition of the rA .ilC? pcition of extra-

@-"

Subscribing to

rcmotbUecknowl-

Eirs d the study both as

a source of aesthetic pleasure and as a

useful didaaic medium. For this reason most of our exsllrples have been chosen from among studies that are simple in form but

rich in content.

the end which is all-important and towards that end every available means may be utilized.

Vhat are the forci'g motifs in

chess ?

(a) Capturing. The

capture of a

piece forces the opponent to recapture

THE CONCEPT OF TACTICS Tactics are the art of handling forces in battle. In teuns of the chessboard this means the art and science of correct direction and effec-

tive execution of local skirmishes and minor but fierce actions. In real war-

fare there is generally one battle among the many which decides the fate of the whole war. The British

have often been said "to lose every battle except the last." So on the chessboard, where in the last phase

the game, i.e.

in

of

the end-game, the last encounter may decide the outcome of the whole fight.

This last encounter may in fact radically change the situation and reverse the course of events. Therefore, it is especially important to make ourselves familiar with the details of the taaical methods which may come

in handy during end-games. Tactical changes in a game of chess are characterized by ingenuity, cunning, surprise attacks, traps and the like. Under the microscope of obiective research such elements as cunning and surprise become transparent and disappear, but sufficient remains in view to lead us inevitably to the con-

clusion: Forcing is the principle oftactics ! In pursuing this principle there can be no fastidiousness about means. It is

a piece of the same value, failing

which the bdance of power is upset. (b) Attack. Attack on an imPortantpieceforces the opponent to organue the defence

or rescue of the

attacked piece, or possibly-if his king is not involved-to launch an immedi-

ate counter-attack against a hostile piece of the same value. (c) Threat. This means an immi-

nent attack which-according to its

gravity-compels the oPPonent to make provision against it. Thus the threat limits the opponent's freedom of action. Beside these three factors the move itself-irrespective of its contentcan be regarded as a forcing motif, because accordirg to the rules it compels the opponent to make his own move. In certain cases ttris obligation can be very unpleasant. (See: Zug' zwang.) The sequence of moves comprising the motif of forcing is called tactical operation. The main feature of tac-

tical operations is that of the three elements of chess play: material, sPace and time. Time is here the most sig-

nificant. There is not always an oPPortunitY in a game for effective forcing. Such

opportunities must be carefully prepared and established by means of methodical play. The establishment and preparation of the play and the r3

alignrnent

of the

forces before the

decisive battle constitute strategy.

The

strategically established possibilities or the unexpected chances resulting from some particular move by the opponent are exploited by taaical means.

The time factor which underlies all tactical possibilities makes it necessary that in a momentarily given position immediate and prornpt measures are taken and in the process we rnust keep harassing our opponent by a continual succession of forcing motifs without, as it were, pausing for breath. Promptness and vigour are of even greater importance if our opponent is also using tactical weapons and, in

reply to our attack, launches a counter-attack.

It is in this sense that we must

priority of the time factor, adding that this priority also applies to endings with a few pieces when the stress the

is nearly "empty" although space and its importance will increase in proportion with the number of empty squares. In tactical operboard

ations also space plays a not altogether

insignificant part which, however, always'plays second fiddle to time. The third element, material-i. e. the total value of pieces at one's dis-

posal-will during tactical operations completely lose the importance it is normally given on a relative

or

exchange value

!

The general value of a piece is determined by its "ability" to exercise direct control over a certain area, to

occupy certain ranks, files, diagonals or squares and to move in that area

with the aim r4

of capturing

other

A queen is ttmore valuable" than a rook, because it keeps more squares under control from its post and being able to move in all directions, it will be ready to conquer many more in a single move. When, however, the situation is ripe and the concrete aim is within reach, the role of the pieces will be limited to the accomplishment of the task on hand, hence their value will be exclusively determined by their ability to accomplish that end. Let us now, by way of example, take a position where White has the opportunity of capturing a queen by Squdres.

giving a simultaneous check to Black's king and queen but where the square making this double attack possible is controlled by one of Black's knights. It is obvious that at this juncture our

attention is drawn to Black's knight, which is standing in our way and our primary task will be to drive away or ((kill" this knight. It will not make any essential difference whether we simply attack the knight with a pawn move

or capture it prosaically with, say, a bishop, or else annihilate it by the

more elegant sacrifice of a rook or even a queen ! As a result we may not be a full queen ahead but the advantage

accruing frcm the capture of the knight will for all prectical purposes

be nearly as important. It follows that the piece thrown into

action will often be utilized-for tactical reasons-without any consideration of its "exchange value." Therefore, the execution very often takes the form of a sacrifice. By sacrifices are meant those deliberate, voluntary, and hence "un-

forcs4" moves and cryts r to the oplrcneot kYi6 r

lced

nEtErirl

C.nc.f ff fr:t glance, so far fr,on cndirit dcmeutar-y ideas of m s ctess play, namely b ft cfr socnre an advantagg arrrlty q to fly in the fae of ir Of coursg such vdurrrrrSr r ceD6e iS gnreasonable rrntrrn rt i ryparentty in contradirin ril effort to win- In rEatity l o qscrffice is nothing hn a q imoductory part of a ne[*i t cel operation, desrg'nea u d ffi€t the tempo,rary sc6..* L trmsform it into m advrqa The tactical operdln 1rcd a sasifice is called e cmh This term aptly €xpE€ssrs ft I principle of correct rhfis Lr nmdy that it is na ri'rCb, ii Eores which should be ft d* w "eYaluation" bm e uE advantage.

crcry move is a sacdfice

queae of them liDted EGtrrE udry of conteut Itis mfyfu fi bclane of the conbintfon -' - I to be favourable aDd it rd h rs umeasonable to evalute -1r. imtmediate phascs (n ftL rrr its as it would be to rly t 6e course of a gme thr €!f qoeeo

ahea{" wtea E

r

nEf,t moYe is actually gdry s u trIIE. It is in the course of I cml-

tht fus

the principle d fucia i sidest scope. The phFrr*i

1

initidve may so effccri$dlrcrFl olrlment's freedm d e ttr* throughout a shac c I i€qpeoce of movts b fu tl

A qp.-t fo'more valuable"

!E[t, I-r-FG it ke*6 more * ffid ftm its post * o rrrc in all direcril bc rc.dy to @nquer in r siqlc moye

fowct, is r orr'trc6crinsituation is within

r* dft picces will be D ' ryfstment of lgrce c h4

their value

-'"+mlcty dmmined by o rc'rrfilish that end.

w, by way of example, bin Ytere White has the d rynuing a gueen by h fuHe

1."".',

Enu

bgr

rrP

check to Black's wtere the square dtack possible is

of, Black's knights.

fu c rtis iuncture our ri furn m Black's knight, G-,ltrE in our way and our

d utlt be to drive away or ih+fti Itvrll not make any fiGr-rr ufiether we simply

hdEh with a pawn move i pcaicrlty dtr, say, a r cbe rrrrihilte it by the s.nkr da rook or even ! & e rtsrh vE rnay not be tud ht 6e advantage fril 6c cryture of the fu rlt fcdcal purposes G EPatlTL

tr6e pirr thrown into

d rf"n be utilized-for prr-$ttrcm aDy cond b 'crchmge Yalue." tb eqnim very often fu da sacrifice.

mqf,

arcnrernttrose delibmd hence "un-

forced" moves and captures which lead to the opponent having a net material advantage. ConsequentlS every move is a sacrifice which, at first glance, so far from conforming to elementary ideas of common sense in chess play: namely to the effort to secure an advantage, actually appears to fly in the face of it. Of course, such voluntary munificence is unreasonable unless it is only apparently in contradiction with the effort to win. In reality a correct sacrifice is nothing but an organic introductory part of a well-knit tactical operation, designed not only to offset the temporary setback but to transform it into an advantage. The tactical operation preceded by a sacrifice is called a combination.

This term aptly expresses the basic principle of correct chess thought, namely that it is not single, isolated moves which should be the subiect of our "evaluation" but a whole sequence of them linked together by a unity ofcontent. Itis onlythe ultimate balance of the combination that needs to be favourable, and it would be iust as unreasonable to eval-uate any of the intermediate phases on their own merits as it would be to say during the course of a game that "White is a queen aheadr" when Black on the next move is actually going to recap-

ture.

It is in the course of a combination that the principle of forcing is given its widest scope. The player taking the initiative may so effeaively curtail his

opponent's freedom of manoeuvre that throughout a shorter or longer sequence of moves he is able to

direct the course of play. In this way will significantly reduce the number of possible alternatives, because the opponent, more often than not, has only some forced move at his disposal. This permits the developments to be calculated to the last he

degree. This calculation

foresee-

-i.e. for ing the final aim and searching route to

it-is

a

the process of corr-

bination orr in other words,

the

methodical examination and utilization of tactical possibilities.

THE ELEMENTS OF COMBINATION Before proceeding to examine what can be achieved by combination, and inwhat way, we must be aware of our own purpose, we must know what we

want to make the opponent do.

In the last reso6 our aim is to give

mate by building up a position in which we can ensnare the opponent's king. But practically equivalent to this is the creation of such positions as will enable us to acquire a decisive mo-

terial superiority

(e.g. winning a

queen or a rook, or queening a pawn).

No matter how infinitely great the number of possible situations on the board, the possibilities of obtaining material advantage can be divided into a few, exactly defined groups. If for simplicity's sake we temporarily disregard qualitative considerations, then the conceivable general possibilities of capturing and gainilg a piece are as follows : (a) Double attack. A situation in which one or two pieces make their r5

).

offensive effect simultaneously felt

by

two hostile Pieces which

-are

either unprotected or ofgreater value. It results in winning one of the attacked pieces. A double attack can be a fork when

the aggressive piece can exercise its effect in two directions at the same time (e. g. fork with a Pawn, or check to both the king and the queen with a knight), it can be a "skewer" when

two hostile pieces on the sa:ne file, rank or diagonal find themselves in

,% Rook skeaw. The rook etcerts its ffict "thrurgh the body of the king." After tlu ki.ng's rnuae Black's rook is lost. (Geometrical motif.)

6.

mentioned varieties

of the double

attack: 3.

Aftt z. R-QB8!' lYhite has z. K-N6 at his disposal gioing "discooqed check" to the king and attacking thc rook at the

Discooered attack.

RxP

same time,

4.

(b) Tying down. A

-HT

situation in

which a piece cannot escape an attack because

of

some other threat. All

attacks against pieces pinned pre-

viously or pieces warding off some threat belong here. Also the threaten'

Fork with r6

a pawn

;

and with a knight.

ing attack or double threat (similar to the double attack) comes under this heading. For examPle:

'Us*d'

5.

l.

fL rat

eraa

10.

its effect

4 rtc lillg." After i Ws tmk is lost. I

r. K-Nj!

threatms

R-Bt

mate.

TIu king attachs Black's rook at the

G

(c) Ensnaring.

A situation in

which a piece cannot escaBe an attack because of lack of space, or restriction of movement. Essentially it is the concept of mate though with reference to some piece other than the king.

In ensnaring, the

edge of the board

and the self-blockade of the pieces play an important part. Examples: 8.

r. R-QB8!, b z- K-N6 at his

bJ A sinution in Grrt csrye an attack dcr threat. AII IiGE linned preEding off some

t. K-NT "ensnaring"

the knight.

9.

-r-"t)

If afixedpiece-which we want to map-is adequately defended by the opponent, we ctur gain material advantage by multiple attack, i. e. we have to concentrate more pieces than the number of those in defence. The same applies for defended pinned

From the point of view of the weaker side this position is called Zagzwang. In the position created by encircle-

ment there is no direct attack or threat, or rather, the pieces under attack are sufficiently protected. Yet

Abo6e threaten-

fteat

escape the attack.

(d) Encirclement. A situation in which eYery possible move of the opponent leads to a material loss.

-EqwcrEd cluck" to tlu rook at the

-ti-.

The pawns with their resuicted will usually fall victim to ensnaring since they are unable to

movement

pieces.

r- $u

@

Ensnaring tlu queen.

same time. Resuh: winning the rook.

(similar

ounes under s'Mate" to the rook.

the very circumstance of having to move, the Zugzwang, compels the player to leave one of his pieces unprotected or even offer it for slaughter without any compensation. For instance

:

t7

attack, tylng down, ensnaringr encirclement and queening. These positions may well be given the common designation target positions so that we have a single tenn to describe the ultimate situations we have in mind when embarking upon a combination. Of course there are certain con-

ditions for bringing about

such

"target positions" and slleining an Encirclement. After Black's motte ilrc

hnight is lost. 12-

actual advantage.

The combination is the creation

of the conditions necessary for

allaining a certain target position. Let us take for example the simplest

form of the double attack. Vhat is needed for such a position? There must be two hostile pieces on two definite squares of the board, exposed to the same attack. There must be a piece of our own standing by for carrying out the double attack.

The starting point of the attack

The Player to mooe loses his pawn . . , and tlrc gamc.

Zagzwang.

(e)Queening. A situation in which the promotion of a pawn cannot be prevented or if so only by the sacrifice of a piece. It follows that the player queening his pawn *ill g"in material advantage either by an inctease of his own forces or by a decrease ofthose of

his opponent. If we regard the mate as a special instance of "gaining material advantage" bytrapping the opponent's king then we have already defined the concept of all theoretical winning positions that may result from double

r8

must be open for the offensive piece. Further conditions of making the double attack efficacious are that (i) the trvo pieces under attack

should not be adequately protected, (ii) they should not be in a position to organize mutual defence,

(iii) neither of the two pieces should be able to dodge ttre attack by launch-

ing a

counter-attack

or gaining a

tempo.

In order to secure these conditions we usually have to remove numerous obstacles from our path by energetic, prompt and forcing measures. The most frequently employed means of liquidating obstacles is the sacrifice. It should be emphasized, however, that the sacrifice is only a form of

n ffit ad b DGrGtt irlridlrYdeHcrG zehhgfi h piridc rc cmld ogfy a c d wi6m 1 trcrffice if - I ft pqcr tnts [ (E Ql! (La u recrll m gevin r+r;-ri .tr-r[rh: if w irrr.rl tD G{fr }'rttq it rrEtE m diftrcnce I '-itviftefrtrc*r SGEa fu iL) ffc-ifie
IEdctu:Edfu=i4-iractl trwrGrecildftr Girftrrydet5ftt E;:t eocUr. Ir pffiotrr#t rLdrfp d: (r) Tb tro E i sE -ftrqufoiiEIIfr-TH -: e dfoofuGft_ts@ rLacdrtFrt)bfuItrr{l rF-TEuyb#-t c"(El*L (z)(LtrdtirL-i FftrDdb-c (r)iiriEq O)b rrY i blr..*.4 lsrr- GE rG-D S fu -hcrc. ! eh fhbof,er-1 drXi Fiqlft d r Gr-ftG'{-ed(r)tutdbyq

f,Fi-drdftEtscr[r

. O) t-hnL G,G)!r-EJqrGe ai*tr*Dftret-il (r) rh H' rF iEl GGr fr e Ii C-:II -e-dcd.hr -rc&atihbPt

ft6

tting dortr,

forcing and is merely indicative that all available means are being utilized. In princrple we could equally attain our end without a sacrifice if we had the proper means at our disposal. (Let us recall our previous theoretical example: if we intend to capture a knight, it makes no difference if we take it with a pawn or sacrifice our

ensnaring enmd qpcening. These posiwdl be gven the common

in

target positions so that e single term to describe the situmions we have

in mind

upon a combination.

@nDe 6cre are certain con-

fG briDging about such 1sitlrc" md obaining an

queen for it.)

The sacrifice-as themost €nergetic form of forcing-is designed to remove some or all of the obstacles in the way of achieving the

Ovmgs.

c-fiif.ne e stein

is the creation necessar5r

for

target position.

r- 5je,-mFle the simplest

target position. Let us examine, for instance, the possible obstacles to a successful

d 6c double attack. What is fu such a position?

double attack:

Eust be two hostile pieces s(Iuares of the board,

&irc

(r) The two hostile pieces are not in the requisite position. Therefore,

E

1}c srrne attack ffi bc a piea of our own

bt fu

rrrrt

our task is to force these pieces (or atleast one ofthem) to the appropriate square. This may be called "driving

carrying out the

on" (Hinlenkung).

fr1ing point of the attack qra fu the offensive piece.

(z) Our aggressive piece is not in position to attack because

orrrtitions of making the

d fuious are that & tn picas under attack Dt bc dcqudety protected,

(a) it is pinned, (b) its way is blocked (c) it cannot reach its "base of operation" in one move. Vhat is to be done? Ve have to speed up the movement of our piece and to secure the starting point of the attack by way of (a) diversion

$dd nfi bein a irosition iac rrrr-l ddencg d6c two pieces should -ih b&+E6e fiack by launchor gaining a m.oct these conditions numerous oir by energetic, furing measnres. The qloyed means of

hr b rtmove

1d

Mes is the sacrifice. bc a"nhasize4 however, is oDty a form of

selves again confronted

find our-

with the task

of liquidating or diverting the defending piece. $) The truo pieces can mutually defend each other. In this case we have to disrupt their co-operation by way of closing a file or erecting a

blockade. (6) The piece under attack might escape by gaining a tempo or launch-

ing a counter-attack. Now we must close a file in order to cut the way of refuge or counter-attack.

Having enumerated the possible obstacles we have dso pointed out the general features of the elementary tacical operations which define the aim of the sacrffice in a given case. trDriving on" and 6sdriving offl'

(diversion) are, however, such basic concepts that they must be marked from the very outset as the most characteristic motifs of directing the course of a garne. They have a sigdfi-

cantparttoplay not only in the double attack but also in achieving any of the

listed target positions. Let us look at two simple examples illusuating these concepts.

13.

DAMIAITO, r5rz.

(driving off) ofthe hostilepiece (which pins down ours), (b) opening of a file, (c) gaining of tempi (e. g. by gving check to the hostile king).

E m!

ftu d

a

(a) The pieces attacked by us are adequately defended. We

(l) The

opponent defends the

for a possible surting point of our attack. In this case we must liquidate the defending piece or divert it from its post. sqrure which serves

x

I

I I

t

Drioing off.

-iEcc

2*

r9

r. QxP cb QxQ 2.

N-BZ

r. Q-N8

mate.

I. B-B5!, BxB 2.

P-N8

queens and wins.

14.

16.

SCHEME.

SCHEME.

Drioing on.

Driaing on.

ch !!,

z. N-B7 mate.

RxQ .

The trro diagrams demonstrate two typical instances. of enginsgling the well-known ttsmothered mate." In the first Vhite diverts B1ack's queen from the squareBT, in the second he

drives Black's rook to N8, thus paralysing the hostile king. The latter case-the role of Black's rook in the mate-calls our attention to the fact that some pieces maY be not only of positive but also of negadve t'value. " A piece which in a certain situation has a damaging effect on its own camp, is a Gsharmfultt Piece. 15.

SCHEME.

%&% 'rua'%

r. N-N7

ch!,

NxN

z. P-R6 and wins.

Here we see typical examples of the of a passed pawn in a bishop and in a knight end-game. The sacrifice of White's bishop serves for the diversion of Black's bishop which commands the square R7. The sacri-

exploitation

fice of White's knight purposes to force Black's knight to N7 where it blocks the way of Black's king (after N-NZ ch!, N xN z. P-R6, K-Br l. P-RZ ! Black's king cannot occupy the square N7).

Now we have seen that both the driving off and the driving on forcibly determine the movement of the opponent's pieces. The difference between

the two lies only in the direction of movement.

In

case

of a diversion

(driving off) the "wherefromr" and in case of the driving on the t'whereto" is the essential thing. Of course,

in a combination both motifs may occur suceessively, or at the same time

for that matter.

Jb '&n-l{!Eb tbfurpr ffi--L ilhEfuDeft d-turaqt ts!f &cddEfr*,fr 1l[--t_Uh&GilI *,dp-ihgrrFc: t (Alr-F{,I'.{rz-IJ f{r3. f{d!d-, r@rr?*pL}$2.IJ EQl3;L-Di!drL, "hcryqfr,rr ircn-.EB d+.*-.= HI rGr Hr -p=frb-dd rhqhfltt*"t-Bdhrrri

Ht--raptr -TEET-G

BxB

The following study demonstrates both concepts in an elementary yet attractive form: 17.

A. A. TROITSKY,

1924.

a metaphor from agriculture) as on the fields from auflunn to spring. After properly "tilling the soil" we can sow the seeds by sacrificing r or 2 pieces,

then the position ripens for la'rnching the decisive attack and finally we can gather in the rich crop.

*** We are now familiar with the concept of winning target positions and we have outlined the taaical elements. We might from this proceed to discuss the details of end-game tactics.

stypical

examples of the

d a posed pawn in

a

in a tnight end-game. The dVhie's bishop serves for

in dBlack's bishop which rb squae R7. The sacriUtie's knight purposes to ttrittt to N7 where it rey d Hd's king (after , NxNz P-R6, K-Br

! E--Ps Ling caonot occupy

ND * hr

dft

scen that both the

&iving on forcibly

E&rwun€nt of the oppoTb difference between b clt in the direction of Inreofadiversion t) fu Uen6omr? and & ddving ou the "wheregial thing. Of course, hD both motifs may ; fi d the same time

White wins.

After r. P-RZ ! Black has two alternatives to choose from, to prevent the queeningofWhite's pawn. In both

variations White grves a check to Black's king and drives it on to the

file or rank of Black's rook. Then-by a double attack-White diverts Black's rook, and prevents it from guarding the promotion square: (A) r. P-RZ, R-Qr z. R-B4 ch, K-QZ f. R-Q+ ch ! and wins. (B) r.P-RZ !, R-KR7 z.R-Br ch, K{7 3. R-Bz ch ! and wins. Almost every complicated surprising or even astounding combination is based upon such simple elements. Its progress-if it does not consist of only r or 2 moves-{i*ply "forces" on us the comparison with the process of sowing ripening and harvest, since on the peaceful battlefield of the chessboard the same thing happens (taking

It would be logical first to examine the simplest operations (of one or two moves) and then to pass on to the more complicated ones. But there is a rub. Beyond the concepts, elements and motifs we have already discussed, there are further tactical possibilities a quite different kind.

The possibilities

in

of

question are

those whose purpose is to secure only a draw, by means quite removed from

the general princrples of tactics. We refer to stalemate, the less known

virtual stalemate and perpetual

attack. These too may be considered if we modify the original concept insomuch as our aim now is to achieve a draw instead of a

target positions,

victory. In order to create such situations we must have a good grasp of the theory of tactics. The adoption of tactical methods demands also a knowledge of these situations, because

it

si

evident that the player at a disadvantage will take up tactical arms against the opponent striving for viaory, with the purpose of achieving at least a dtaw. 2T

For this reason, we shall introduce

In

I

first of all the various foims of "special draws" without going into the details

of the tactical methods to be opted.

L FIGE

the first part of th9 book our

TEE

I

T

t

adelements, and their use

in end-games.

I

Th srlm ir r arilc rhdiry qr ttc Are- Sc r

crasythitfoec@q ltly ft -GeThcfufr41 --ErnrailtEE47I[II EDTEEo-r

f I

' ftG{tt -GEG G@edffi-&t| dGrifl'il 11fr g. dt

Lr*its-rr{ L4hh! d itt u-ftYirtdft+fF

+tF

Eq!tq4ifITEEI,CI

{c

fi

I. FIGHT FOR A DRAW

ft ftst part of the book our

1nrposc is to demonstrate nili=, rvhile the second part

THE STALEMATE

rlt fu t ctical methods, their ddFh

use

in end-gamsg.

The stalemate is a special case of winding up the game. Some might even say that it is a case occurring very

rarely in practice, a misconception which should, however, be dispelled at once. The fact that a match-game sadingin

a

draw is very seldom labelled

with the word "stalemater" hardly means more than the equallY rare

t'mate" at the end of a occurrence of

game actually decided. AdrnittedlS the number of games terminating in actual stalemate is sma1l, but in a high percentage

of draws it is the possi-

bility of stalemate, after all, that frustrates the viaory of the stronger side. \trhy is it a futile effort to try to mate an unsupported king with rwo knights? Why cannot a queen win against a pawn advanced toBT or R7? Vhy is it often impossible to promote a RP supported by a bishop (or some'mes by a knight)? Vhy cannot we

force a win with an active rook and king against the opponent's cornered king and bishop? And, as is often shown in everyday practice, why is there no hope of crowning a wellsupported pawn when the hostile king has managed to occupy the square right in front of it? In each of these cases there is only one answer: Becau.se of stale-

mate. It will appear, therefore, that the peculiar character of stalemate is by no mearxi attributable to its rare or

unusual occrurence, but rather to a valuation founded on the rules. As the rules of chess will have it, the complete imm obitization and encirclement of the opponent's forces, the deprival of mobility to all his pieces is in itself not worth a straw ! This seemingly ilogical nrle gives

logical content to tactical operations that also appear illogical in fumdling end-games. It pennits a heaping up of sacrifices without striving for compensation either in material or in position. Indeed our objective now becomes the intentional increase in the opponent's forces and the widening of their scope, while at the same time restricting the mobility of our own pieces. As soon as total immobility is reached and we have no legal move available, we have achieved our purpose.

Tactical means of achieving stalemate: (i) Forcing sacrifice of the mobile pieces;

(ii) "Walling in" of the mobile pieces by self-block or blockade;

(iii) Encircling one's own king by 23

direaing the opponent's pieces or by a royal march to the "stalemate nest." These operations can be made more effective if connected with threats that can only be warded offor prevented by the opponent at the cost of some other disadvantage-equalization of the game or even defeat. Often stalemate is combined with perpetual chase, i. e. we offer our mobile piece for sacrifice again and again after each refusal on

the part of the opponent. In the maiority of over-the-board games stalemate is only an obscure variation among the many ways leading to a draw, though it has a decisive role in the developments. Therefore, in order to get a clear picture of the relevant concepts, it is best to examine such artistic studies as will bring into

focus the tactical possibilities of achieving stalemate as their main theme. Thus we shall be spared the mistake o6 lsxding "brilliant" stale-

mate combination into end-games in which their occurrence is not neces-

sary but purely accidental. Let us now look at the possibilities of stalemate in various types of endgames.

STALEMATE POSITIONS IN PAWN END-GAMES A king forcing its way through the pawns of the opponent may easily run into a blind-alley, the defensive forces stopping it in its tracks. In such a case one might try to bar the way of retreat

of a "switchback." Motifs: square-blocking, self-block, pawn blockade
instead

tion by directing the opponent's pawn. 24

Very often the Zugzwang is also of

:.

r A te*book errmpb giying t

demonstration

great importance.

of the

tiooed above. Solutim: 18.

H. RINCK, r9rr.

r.

K{6, K{r zP4j"

Kr 3. P-83!, K{r 4. F K-Kr 5. P-85, K{r 6. P. Px P+talemate.

m. A. SELESNIEV, r9r&

Draw.

r. K-N3, P-R4 2. P-K4, KN8 l. P-K5!, PxP-stalemate.

This is an elementary example but its simplicity-it clearly illus-in trates (r) the forced move, (z) the Zagzwang and (f) the typical "driv-

ing-on" pawn sacrifice. 19.

F.LAZARD,

1916.

Dtatt.

In this sinration Whirc's ti4 not, even by the most acqEr noeuwing avoid the Zugzrqr evenflral loss of its pawm. h stalemate nest on his KR5 ft escaPe:

r. K-B6!, K{r L KKxP 3. K-K4!, K+! g KK-K4 S. K-N+, K-83 6- KKxP-stdemate.

*** In the next sinration He* fo pelled to stalemate Vhirc's li the edge of the board becue d zIflaltg.

fu hgmry

is also of

l&

E

A textbook erample gving a fine demonstration of the theme mentioned above. Solution :

21.

V. IIALBERSTADT, tgzg.

r. K{6, K{r z. P-B5!, KKr 3. P-B3!, K{r 4. P-B4, K-Kr 5. P-B5, K--Qr 6. P-B6,

BINCK, I9II.

PxP-stalemate.

20.

A. SELESNIEV, r9r8. Draw.

P-R4 2. P-Y4.,

r. K{7, K-Q6 z. K-K6, KK6 3. K-B5, P-N6 4. K-N4!, K-BZ S. K-Rl! and Black has no better continuation than 5. . . ., P-

K-

R4 with stalemate as a result. In the eYent of other winning at-

PxP---stalemate. t dcocatary example but riEplicity-it clearly illus6c forced move, (z) the

tempts White would bring about

d 6) the typical "driv-

Draw.

s'rifice:

In this situation White's king cannot, even by the most accurate manoeuvring avoid the Zugzwang and the eventual loss of its pawns. But the stalemate nest on his KR5 offers an escape

:

2. K-Q5!, r. K-B6!, K{r KxP 3. K-K4!, K-Q3! 4. K-B3, K-K4 5. K-N+, K-B3 6. K-R5!, Kx P-stalemate. ***

Do.

a

theoretical drawing position by win-

ning Black's KRP, e. g. 3. K--B5, P-R+ +. K-NS, K-B7 5. K x P, P-N6 6. K-N6 !, K x P 7. P-R5, K-B6 8. P-R6, P-N7 g. P-R7,

(Q) ch ro. K-B7 ! and draws. Forcing White's king in front of its pawn would create a stalemate; consequently Black cannot gain time for advancing his own king. This variation shows how a pawn is able to draw against a queen. It is a well-known fact that a BF advanied to the seventh rank and supported by its own king can put up a successful fight if the hostile king is far away.

P-N8

In the next situation Black is compelled to stalemate White's king at the edge of the board because of Zag-

Motif ofthe draw : sacrifice ofthe pawn by withdrawing the king into the corner.If the opponent's queen cap-

zwang.

tures the BP, the king is immobilized. 25

Since the stress is upon this particular stalemate position, it should not seem surprising that even a central pawn may secure a draw, should its fall, under certain favourable cir-

in a similar stale mate. Such a possibility is shown by

cumstances, result

the next study: 22.

A. A. TROITSKY,

1899.

Vhite's I(P has the same role as the BP would have in thd customary case. It may be added that Black cannot make capital out of his king's close proximity because e. g. t2. K-B8, Q-Bf ch r3. K{8, K-Nz would be followed not by t4. P-K8 (Q?? (r+. . . ., Q-B2 mate !!) but first by 14. P-R8 (Q ch !-forcing the king's reflrrn and then r+. ..., KXQ tS. P-K8 (Q.

bI Gd r distant passed pawr. Tb lql Ery r. P-Nl is tm slot' fu I cuches up with WhiE in tb; result would be the setnc & * P-R+PxP z.P-BqDK+-1 leaves us r. P-BC as 6c dt d n*ive with a promisinghc*fi (r. P-R4? 2. P45; I 3. P-R4!). What arre rt b dS I strer, if r. P-B4! is m bY r. K-Bz!? Then oomes fu rnqE trrrn, inwiubly lcading o e fi r. P-B4!, K-B2! z Pxfl R+:. K-N3, P-RS + K{t R6 5. P-N3!+dftreSince Blrrck's RP

m

trkeor White must dso

tryo

,

WALLING IN The faa that pawns move one way only is apt to lead to a completely mechanicd restriction of moves and

a

total immobility of pieces. This motif calls our attendon to the fact that a stalemate can be achieved also by walling in, by way of building

up a self-blockade.'Sometimes

Draw.

Black's distant RP is very menacing. It is hopeless to seek defence by a back-pedalling circular tour of

Vhite's king because the RP and the I(P would then fall prey to Black. There is only one way left: active counterplay.

PPR6, K-Nr! l. P-RZ ch!, K-Rr 4. K-B7, P-R+ 5. KxP (Q6), r. K-N6!, K-Br

R6,

P-R7

is enough to build a wall of fixed pawns around the king but sometimes it is necessary to do so also around other pieces. Examples:

24.

I. C. CAMPBEIJ-

rts5;.

23.

J. BERGER, 1889.

(otherwise

etc. would follow) z.

P-R5 6. KxP, P-R6 7. P-K5, P-RZ 8. P-K6, P-R8 (O s. PK7, Q-Q4 ch ro. K-B7, Q-Kg rr. K-Q8, Q-Ql ch rz. K-B8!!,

QxP-stalemate. Here the cornered position of Black's king has the effect of moving the edge of the board one file in to

IVhite's benefit. z6

it

b omplete.

In this situation

r'%,,

Dra.

%A

a"ffi

At first glance it is hlilY eble that White can

c

1n qr.-

frl fight against RlecPr pc€d pawns' h it u - b obvious rhrt my cmirh Hd's part lcads b r a4

h 6c same role as the

in6e customary case. ilr.t Black cannot

G d

his king's close

E rz. K-B8, K-{g K-Nz would by rL P-K8 (Q?? e-

mr

!!) but first by Hucing the king's

-tra

tt

aEa

r+ ..., KxQ

rS.

IN PasE move one way

5 le-'l to a completely

icti@ of moves and a

dpiem.

m

ttendon to the c=n be achieved m, bt way of building

celb

'Sometimes it is e wall of fixed pawns

&

Since Black's RP cannot be overtaken, White must also tr,v to establish a distant passed pawn. The prepara-

tory r.

P-Nl

is too slow, for Black

of "walling inr" whereby we a draw-if only we have an eye for it ! It takes but three moves : r. B{z!-2. B-RS!-g. P-N4! case

secure

in 'me; the -with a frozen stalemate position, result would be the same also after t. irrespective of what Black has done in catches up with White

P x P z. P-84, K-Bz. This leaves us r. P-B4! as the only alternative with a promising break-through

P-R4,

(r. ..., P-R4? 2. P-Bs, PxP 3. P-R4!). What are we to do, however, if r. P-84! is met by r. . .., K-Bzll Then comes the unexpectd turn, inevitably leadi.E to a stalemate:

r. P-84!, K-Bz! z. PxP!, PK-N3, P-RS 4. K-R4, PR6 S. P-Nl!-and the walling in

the meantime.

*** It is much harder to conceive the walling in of a piece without the presence of pawns on the boar4 with the siguificant exception of a comered bishop, which can in fact be paralysed by merely blocking a single square.

R+ g.

is complete.

25.

A. and K. SARYTCHEV, t929. 24.

I. C. CAMPBELL,

1855.

h

sometimes it is so aho around other

Draw.

At first glance it is hardly conceivable that White can put up a success-

ful fight against passed pawns,

Dr@.

Black's connected

but

it

Vhite's chief concern is how to his endangered bishops, because the continuation r. B-Br ch, K-N6 threatens the pin R-N8 and

rescue

Draw.

soon becomes

obvious that any continuation on Black's part leads to a stereotSped

B-K4 is no salvation on acconnt of z. .. . , R-Kr with an indirect threat of mate. The bad position of Vhite's king is accordingly the main source of trouble. But it is iust even 2.

27

such a siege that usually offers the

possibility

of a

stalemate combina-

tion.

it goes : r. P-N3 ch!, BxP (. . ., KXP? z. B-KS ch) 2. B-Br ch, K-NS (otherwise 3. K-Nz) 3. B-Rr!!, R-N8 4. K-Nz! and after R x B the stalemate is achieved. Any other continuation would permit Here is how

pcsmy r. R-QRI, Q-K6 ch z K-

And finally a fourth

sacrifice. These two aims may be realized simultaneously by way of a

directing (driving-on) sacrifice. First of all let us examine how the immense ccmbined strength of two queens may turn-to a disadvantage. 26.

ch 3. K-N3!, QxR d 4. Q-K4 ch! (4. Q-R5 ct?, R3!) result in a stalemar pd

fKZ

demonstrating the Fa soope of two queens.

:

27.

F. J. PROKOP, t925.

L. I. KUBBEI. rg1t-

White to bring his bishop into safety.

THE QUEEN AS A FACTOR IN STALEMATE The queen may menace too many squares at a time, make too large

an area "forbidden land" for

the hostile pieces, and her power cannot, therefore, always be regarded as an

advantage. We all remember the unpleasant experiences of our tyro

a queen ahead, we triumphantly massacred the steadily dwindling forces of an opponent on the brink of defeat only to wake up days when,

White offers a rook sacrifice by which he either captures one of the queens or brings about various

to the sad truth that the game had

stalemate positions, making the circle complete round the "loosely" posted

suddenly ended in . .

king.

. stalernate! More often than not the queen is the "hero" of the simplest stalemate combinations, though naturally in a passive sense. A queen responsible for stalemate looks on the board like some clumsy Cyclops outwitted and mocked by Ulysses, a case of "more brawn than brain!" T[hat are the tactical elernents of utilizing this lesson in practice?

(t) Driving the opponent's queen to the square from which

it immobilizes

our king. (z) Annihilation of the rest of our mobile pieces by their forcing z8

The first stalemate position:

r. R-QRI!, QxR z. Q-K4

ch!,

Qx Fstalemate! The second:

r. R{Rr!, Q-Qr ch z. K-Bz!, QxR 3. Q{S ch!, QxQ-stalemate!

The third:

r. R-QRI!, Q-K6 ch z. K-Bz, QxR 3. Q-QB8 ch, K-Rz 4. QN7 ch!, KxQ-stalemate!

Drm.

-t- d a typical instance of thc f I seventh rank securing I d agBinst the queen- Ve uc ili bm aa eldinary apprd E L shed goal would be carre fu d pointment. r. P-B7? d r bccause the continurirn rfN+ ch 2. K-RZ, KJ LNnQ-Nr ch4 K-!$BQ Our first impression is

ir

a sure win for Blact. The solution:

r. 8.{6 ch!, K-B{! u. F Q{7 ch 3. K-RzL QxBal (Q) ch!, QxQ-uh*C A tnrth worth reoeubcri: thc simFlat psitions ofr- I $urprise

!

These two aims may be

of sacrifice. 5 (&ivingn) p'-mine cirnntt-neorrsly by way

ddt h

a

how the ca-rrhinsd stlength of two us

And finally a fourth possibility:

?3.

r. R-QRI, Q-K6 ch z. K-Bz, Q-KZ ch 3. K-N3!, QxR and now 4. Q-K4 ch! (4. Q-RS ch?, Q-

L. I. KUBBEL,

1922.

R3!) result in a stalemate position

demonstrating the enormous scope of two queens. 27.

L. I. KUBBEL, t925.

Draw.

r. K-R8, Q-QNZ 2. P-R4!, KxP l.K-RZ, Q-87 ch 4. K-R8,

Q-B6 5. K-R7, Q-Bz.

Drqo.

des a rook sacrifice by h .ftfr? captgres one of the (: btings about various pcttim, rn-ting the circle

rd

tte'1ocely"

posted

Drazt.

Our first impression is that this is a typical instance of the BP on the

seventh rank securing

ch!,

Q{r

ch z. K-Bz!, ch!, QxFstale-

pointment.

KxQ--sal,enate!

for disap-

r. P-B7? would not

do

(White's KR6) whereafter he can easily, win against White's promoted pawn. To serve this aim he may also choose the manoeuvre

Q-Q6-QS-

K5-K4 etc.) 6. K-R8, Q-K4 Z. K-RZ, QK2 8. K-R8, KxP 9. P-N8 (Q) ch, K-R3! (This Zugnxrang position

the continuation r. . . ., $N+ ch 2. K-R7, K-B+ 3. B-N7, Q-Nf ch 4.K-N8, FKf is because

is a sure win for Black. The solution:

t. B-Q6 ch!, K-B4l z.P-BZ

Q-QZ ch 3. K-R7!, Qx

Q-K6 ch z. K-Bz, (l-QB8 ch, K-R2 4.Q-

draw

against the queen. We are not far out, but an ordinary approach to the de-

sired goal would be cause

QxR z. $K4

a

(Since

Black is unable to give check on the KR file, he endeavours to reach the square Kz (White's K7) by gaining tempos, and posting the king on KR3

B 4.

P-88

(Q) ch!, QxQ-stalemate! A truth worth remembering : even the simplest positions often hide a surprise

!

generally regarded as a typical winning position of queen endings. Black would easily win if all the pieces were posted two or more files to the

left, but now. . .) ro. Q-K6 ch!!, QxQ-and Vhite is stalemated! In these examples the annihilation of the White pieces, which were

ieopardizing the stalemate, is carried out by brutally forcing active sacrifi ces. This method can generally be applied if we want to liquidate a queen, or, less frequently, a rook. It is far more

difficult, for instance, to sacrifice a knight so that the opponent has no alternative to capturing it. A mere attack, an orgy of checks to the king will, of course, not meet the case; the move aiming at the annihilation of the

diagonal and also endangers the squares QB6 and K6. White threatens R-Rt ch followed by R-QN3, and R-K6 (winning the queen at once) as well. Black cannot parry these threats by moving the king or the bishop, ed

the queen is in danger both on the

QR-N-B

files and the sixth rank.

One might make an attempt at r. . .. but in this case the dominant' knight would make its effect felt :

knight should also contain some real threats.

Q-{r,

The stalemate combinations carried out with a knight occur as a rule not in a distilled form, but mixed with motifs aimed at winning the queen (pinning, geomeffical positions, simultaneous check to king and queen) and at achieving perpetual check. These motifs are shown in the follow-

r. .. ., Q{r z. R-R3 ch, KNz 3. R-Nl ch, K-Br (K-Bz? 4. N-K6 ch) +. R-N8 ch!, KxR 5. N-B6 ch-and draws. So the "quiet" knight move, in faa, is a forcing sacrifice. First it appears as if the aim were to achieve

ing masterpiece of remarkable beauty

:

perpetual check. .

r.--

29.

L. I. KUBBEL, tgzt.

z. R-R3 ch 3. 4.

R-N3 ch R-B3 ch

.

QxN K-N+ K-B5 K-Q+

. . . but this attempt to escape reveals an unexpected point: 5.

6

R-Q3!!

QxR

White is stalemated. It is worth -and noting how many-sided the final rook move is : it directs the queen, annihilates the rook and blockades the pawn.

& ,,%, Draw.

r. N-Q+!! 3o

rHE FIGHT AGAINST TE

Opens up the third rank, closesat the same time-the bishop's long

AII this by means of a pin which incidentally parries the mating threat that has also been in the air all the time (Q-N7). In an over-the-board game many would call this "blind luck." But only those who blindly pass by their

luck. . .

PASSED PAW}.I

It often happens in m codiq

t

one is wilting to offer maic m sacrffices in order to paee thc lry

a passed pawL In such irtrncEi P rrioos may come about in

shid o

fte

players is a piee- o( oEEa pieces, ahead aud still nct dt

(r tro oppm$ IE

preveot within a rnort

promotion of the Pawn

If the appearance of a w q-r going to turn the scalg thcre q no other saving @urse fu f : csnbinative staleoc pff To attain stalemm E'e

fr pu ir pinning or blocking) of tbc IiE the bmrd aod for thc ryg direcing of the oe,pccds EI qufcn- C-ompared ritr fu cut snrive for the annihilztiom

ready oxrmined

curied

(st.o 6c fiEL

on, agaiDst

an alrtedy

qucn), our ulsk nos fo fu eaier since the op,pocm's

efo

rur

r

ing freedom is more rcsci=d & tbe introductor-Y EovEs, oriE u

hct as yet of a gumrud kDffi which sguae Erll be fu- ti pLce ofthe prospcciYE goco- ft drr hend, our cehhin fo o

plicuEd by the fzr th{ fu o1lp h= wery right to pm ft Ymcing pawu not ml-c @ r qGEr tD

Ey

mher piece.

Cmsc+Eilt,

ilr fu pcibility of sriEring tim inthehqe ddhiqel - r after 6e quecdy gml cirsmstance prEdu.ln fcr

lrp tlc thid L tirthe

rank,

closes-

bishop's long

thesquares K6. White threatens trlcrsed by R{N3, and Hvrgthc queen at once) as crmmot parry these threats E6c Ling or the bishop, ffid

E i$ ie dmger both on the F.l fih ald the sixth rank. ;; z. R-R3 ch, Kch, K-Br (K-Bz?

L,q{, pN3 E6 ctr)

4 R-N8

5 ct:...od draws.

ch!,

KxR

b ..quiet" knight move, in ,e fucing sacrifice. First it p f 6. dm were to achieve l'.tcct . . .

+ch

QxN K-N+ K-Bs K-Q4

-(E[

QxR

E* -Nl .h

ib trry to escape reveals pcint: -=d Ihis stdeoated. It is worth ; r-rr.vdded the final rook S

ldfucas the queen, annihi-

idad blockades the pawn. ,5 r'"-,x. of a pin whiih inh Fics the mating threat t & bm in'the air all the $uz)r

cr+beberd

Itii'"hlind D biliDdly

game many

luck" But only pass

by

their

fHE FIGHT AGAINST THE PASSED PAWN

30.

F. AMELUNG, r9o5.

It often happens in an ending that one is willing to offer major material sacrifices in order to pave the way for a passed pawn. In such instances positions may come about in which one of the players is a piece, or even two pieces, ahead and still not able to prevent within a move or two the promotion of the opponent's passed pawn. If the appearance of a new queen is going to turn the scale, there may be no other saving course than to seek combinative stalemate possibilities. To attain stalemate we should strive for the annihilation (or possibly pinning or blocking) of the pieces on the board and for the appropriate directing of the opponent's nel-born queen. Compared with the cases already examined (when the fight was carried on against an already existing queen), our task now is that much easier since the opponent's manoeuvring freedom is more restricted during the introductory moves, owing to his lack as yet of a queen-and we also

know which square will be the birthplace ofthe prospective queen. On the

other hand our calculation is complicated by the fact that the opponent to promote the advancing pawn not only to a queen but to any other piece. Consequentln this circumstance precludes, for instance, the possibility of sacrificing all the pieces in the hope of achieving a stalemate after the queenly promotion.

has every right

Draw.

At first glance it seems that White's advantageously posted king might be the source for a mating threat or perpetual check. But a few attempts will convince us that there is no salvation after r. R-88 ch?, B-Qr z.

R-Br, P-KZ! Q. K-B5, B-N3!). White's king instead finds a "suitable" place on a much "worse" square :

r. K-B5!, P-KZ 2. K-N4!, P-K8 (Q l. RxQ, BxR 4. K-R3! Queening or a rook promotion

would stalemate White, and an underpromotion would not lead to a win either, for another bishop would obviously be useless, while after 4.

..., P-N8 (N) 5. K-Nz, N-K7 6. K-Br there would remain in-

sufficient force to mate.

*** The simple motif ofthe former end-

ing may come in good stead even in more complicated cases, as shown by the following study: 3r

r. N-B4!!, BxN 2. RxP ch, K-N7! 3. R-KN3!!, BxR ch 4. K-R3!-and in case of 4. . . ., P-N8 (a or R) the well-known stalemate pattem arises. An un-

31.

M. PLATOV,

r9o5.

der-promotion

(B or N) would

be

S. K x B and the loss of the RP, and any other move by S. KxP with a "book" draw.

followed by

***

Il-hite, nor is the b:s:--c a:-: :: : -f a successful f.gi:t a:r':-.: l-=:,

:iirns after r. R P ;:-. :{ F. 3-N_., K-B: 3. K-Et. I.-) :. B-Br, K-R-. T:: . -'- -,- :- : .:s':id as it searls i- -,-r=-'-- : li :=:leteiv ioose pcsi-:--: -: :-:, --:-_:. rs a stajemale ca=:::-:--- --- -:. P-R4 chl, K-\_: : l--: :-BS :a, 3. R P. a -'. : l.

.

--

Though it takes only one move, the "co-operation" on the part of White's king is extraordinarily effective and surprisingiy forcing in the next study : Drazo.

On this situation we can make three observations

:

(i) A rook by itself is

32.

H. I\AATTISON, r9r4.

helPless

bishop; (iii) The knight might overtake Black's NF via KB4 because of the possible check to the king from

I(z

It

11

F. T \Z.\F.D.

(secondary range !).

would seern logical from this to

conclude that a draw might be reached

in sacrificing the rook for the QRPforcing the bishop away from control of the KB4 square-and annihilating the other would-be queen with the knight (r.RxP ch, BxRz.N-84, P-N8 (Q ot R) f . N-Kz ch.1. But this seemingly simPle method fails if Black chooses to reply r. R x P

ch, K-N7 and now the Pawn Promotion cannot be prevented ! Clearly, salvation lies in another direction which is by no means easY to find, although the two introductory moves are the same, but in the reverse order and with different aims. The solution: 32

Draus.

t

of the rook's

awkward position the bishop cannot obtain control of the queening square, and the king's interference prevents the rook from doing so. The Prevention of queening or the liquidation of the pawn when promoted calls for subBecause

stantial sacrifice. The alternative

r. B-Bz, P-B8 (Q z.Rx P ch,Q x R 3. B xQ, Kx B would result in a lost Position for

IT

=-1

Z

E

BffiE

:. R.-Kl:. F-\-

-:- : I.-I

--\Sac:t.-{-3;.r'. -'-3

-:

>

-i-a

: -:-.

i.:

B \ z. RxP ch, -l 3. F.-L\311, B x R ch 4. ;,-i:: -- ;3s3 of 4...., e r-i R. the rvel.l-known E: :':-== adses. An unaE:'=:- 3 .-r N) rvould be x :r .. K. . B and the loss of move by S. F=: ::-; c'.:eidraw. 1--,.i i-Ba"l"

-"-"--\

cg: -: .-..-:;t one move, the ffi.:-' L:'-ie part of White's q es=:::.-;nariiv effective and ix-+I:::-i-S in the next study: 2,1

J;.

White, nor is the bishop able to put up a successful fight against Black's pawns after r. RxP ch, KxR z.

B-N5, K-BS 3. K-83, K-N6 4. B-Br, K-RZ. The only way out, absurd as it seems in view of the compietely loose position of Silhite's king, is a stalemate combination again.

r. P-R4 ch!, K-Ne z. B-Bz, P-B8 (Q l. RxP, QxR +. K-

Rr!!

The startling point ! The capture ( . . ., Q x B) results in stalemate, otherwise Black is compelled to give up his qlueen for nothing because of the perfec, ,"y*:":.

i{- -', Lr-TTISON, r9r4.

The role of Zagzurang and the various forms of pawn promotion are demonstrated in reciprocal stalemate variations by the following study :

2. . . ., P-N8 (B) ch 3.

and Black is stalemated!

K-Bl

2. .. ., P-N8 (R) 3. R-KBI!, RxR ch 4. KxR and Black is

stalemated again. The same result would spring also fronn the knight promotion, only a single rook tempo is needed on the first rank.

*** the winning combination is bound up with the directing of the king. In this case the defence may attempt to combine the unpleasant with the useful so that the compulsory detour of the king should coincide with its approach to the staleSometimes

mate nest.

34.

F. LAZAR.D, r9rz.

55.

.,ru

F. LAZARD, r9oz. ,m, 6 @

H

%

,ru, _-::._.

.

:: ----: :.'ok's awkward tr -: r:>:r9 cannot obtain [.:i --: -1:::-ing square, and :{: '-l=I--=:::Ce prevents the : -'- i: i.r. The prevention ::e, ., r.. rr'-i .-: -: ucuidation of the mf:::-c:ed calls for sub. g=s€

---i-* !€i--

-:

-: j

Draus.

%

by r. R-QB7, since Black would con-

The passed pawn cannot be stopped

veniently close the file by . . ., R-QB+ ! after . . ., R-R4 ch. A roundabout way by r. R-NZ ch in-

ltr

ffi

Draw.

.

' i::--.--:-.-e I. B-Rz, P-B8 , R F::.Q' R3.BxQ,KxB

sr

,%

a lost position for

r. R-Kr!, P-N7 ch z. K-Bz, P-N8 (Q ch :. K-Bg!, QxR and

White is stalemated! 3

tending to take control over the square

KNr would only be practicable in case of r. . . ., K-R5, but would lose after r. . . ., K-B5 ! because Black's

king could rush to the aid of his pawn. 33

Who would ever think of looking for a stalemate possibility to extricate White from his plight, if this natural position cropped up in an over-theboard game? Yet the stalemate becomes a reality after driving of the kings !

a

reciProcal

r. R-N7 ch, K-B6 ( . . ., K-R5 R-Nr, R-R7! 3. R-QBI, RxP is K-K4 3.

z.

R-R+

ch

4. RxR, White is

r. R-N7 ch, K-Br z. R-N5!, P-Bs (Q 3. R-BS ch!, QxRstalemate!

Let us look now at this old and

familiar pattern elaborated as an endgame theme in a composition of later

f-

date.

r

.-,

.g --

36. l.'E

=.1

F. J. PR.OKOP, 1943.

P

st

-J-

(Q or R).

-B8 Black is able to prevent stalemate

?_

tt j

by S. . . ., P-BB (B), but a drawn position will arise also from the continuation 6. K-B4 !, B-R6 7. P-Q+ ! Let us, accordingly, analYse some p p

p Draw,

P

stalemate nest around him.

Here is the motif form

in its

simPlest

:

J).

E. B. COOK, t864.

r. R-N8!, KxP

z.

RxR, K-Q3

(2. . . ., P-B8 (O would be..met immediately bY 3. R-BS ch!) 3.

R-N6 ch, K-Qz 4. R-NZ ch, K-Br 5. R-N5!, P-B8 (Q 6R-BS ch! with the same stalemate. Shoutd Black make an active rook tttwin" stalemate sacrifice, then a

-\-

pattern might arise :

r. R-N8!, R-R+ ch z. KxR, KxP l. R-N+!, P-B8 (Q +. n84 ch!, exR.

***

Draw.

The directing, driving Power of the rook is characteristically shown in the next examPle:

i.:.:--::;e Li:.:ee:e:t-' i- =r :: :: i:s sc.:-. -: ---::: -: ::.

r- R-\- ch, K-Br z. R-N5!, P-BE Q 3. R-BS ch!, Qx R-

37.

ciltrr;:e-

Lct

r-:-. ni-r,ok

38.

L. I. KUBBEL,

now at this old and

F. J. PROKOP, 1923.

1925.

L'rrr-Ii.*r ?:amerll elaborated as aII end-.

pe

-'L.eo.e ia,

a composition of later

hE-

x. f'. I. PROKOP, 1943.

Draw.

Draw.

r. R-B4 ch! (r. R-N+? does not suffice, since Black's victory would be a cinch after . . ., B-R7 ch z. KQ5, P-N8 (Q) 3. R x Q, B x R.) r. . . ., K-Kl! z. RxP ch, K-{r

l. R-R+! (Either 3. R-N+ or 3. R-Kr would be a blunder because

Draw,

r. R-Ntl, K;

t-B:

+.,1

Fith the

sqme stalemate.

Sh,ould Black make an active rook

<'ii,e. theo a "twintt stalemate fFlfa righl arise : r- R.-\Sl, R-R4 ch 2. KxR, K>: P i. R-N+!, P-88 (Q +. R-

B*c''Q

r ** The Crecting, driving Power of the d is ctraraceristically shown in the

A

csam.p'le:

of . . ., B-R7 ch 4. K-B5, P-N8 (QS. R x Q, B x R 6. K-N6, K-Br. But now White threatens mate, there-

fore 3. . . .,

RxB.) 3. . . .,

B-R7

ch? fails against

Pl +. R-N4!, p-N8 (A (. . ., P-N8 (R) 5. RxB drawn) 5. R-N8 ch!, QxR.-stalemare! BX

***

but without capture the piece offered passed

pawn or win the promoted queen, the case may be. 3*

R-84 ch and 3. R-Br. On the Q file again, the king file for fear of z.

and the prospective queen will be in geometrical alignment, thus making possible the rook's direct'ng intervention. This directing in the first in-

the way for a double affack on king and queen by the knight, in the second it gives rise to stance paves

the desired stalemate.

r. R-K4 ch, K-Qz z. R-K3!, P-QB (Q l. R-Qr ch!, QxR +.

N-KS

ch!,

Bx

N-and White

is

stalemated.

If the rook has another companion, the preliminary annihilation of the latter is mostly effected in the form of a sacrifice threatening an extension of its scope. fn other words: its capture would result in a stalemate; for sacrifice will overtake the

It is obvious that after r. R-K4 ch Black's king may not go to the KB

as

The other variation: r. R-K4 ch, K-Qr z.

N-K5!, P-Q8 (Q (2. ..., BxN g. R-Kg etc. leads to the former path). 3. R-Q4 ch!, Q x R 4. N-B6 ch and 5' NxQ drawt* ** It goes without saying that the directing and suicide manoeuvres, this chapter, may arise

referred to in

35

in various situations in a diversity of combined forms.

An

especially multifarious concerted action maY be exPected from

rninor passed

illustra binatio

tion is the Product of a quadruPle forcing sacrihce.

.

In order to achieve stalemate it is not explicitly necessary to annihilate one's owr pieces, it is sufficient to immobilize theno, to have them Pinned. A conscious recognition of this possibility is especiaily importan! in the figtrt against passed pawns, since we can considerabiy increase the usefulness of the piece chasing a passed pawn. How this can be clone is best

?0

J"

L. I. KUBBEL,

illustrated by sorne simple examples. r9o9.

44"

A. rfi/. DANIEI-, r9o8.

KxP

r. B-B5 ch

K-B3 if r. Nz 3. N-Bz ! z. BxP . . .,

then z.

P-R7,

P-Q7

K-R+ N-85 ch bY followed be would K-N4 3. +. N-r+, P-Q8 (Q S. N-83 ch KxP 4. P-N4 ch ! 5. B-Kr !! 3.

. . .,

This typical directing pin clears the ground for an effective knight intervention.

6.N-Q3ch! -and 36

PxB (Q or (R)

NxN

White is stalemated

!

Draw.

K-

Here the pin is purposely invited as a kind of sacrifice. Since the rook is unable to stop both pawns, it "throws away its own life" as a last resort, in stead of resorting to a protractedyethopeless defence:

r. RxP!, B-B7 2. K-R8!, BxR

-stalemate! This is the simPlest form combination.

: rhe line iat:::.:.:-: . : ^::rh;r amen:: :: :: --: ''--il cni.v be sua--:,:- _r , , ,, P-R.E .Q ?, :-: :. :: .. P-R.S iR..l e,r:::::--: ':: -

SEI-F.PINNING

of

the

What would haPPen, however, if Black-instead of capturing the rook to play 2. . ..) P-R7 !? 3. -decided R-Kr looks unsatisfactory because

-,'

.----: B1ack ea.t".-

::-i

:: :

--' :.K-N3 I . ar-c:l th:.: ::: .- : :' I

:-:I-t3te th: sa'-::: ---l-I.::--:--3f 'r-a"' l"- l=:::i:,---l :--: ..i';:-ri'-: :-r,: . -- :

r

-nn'ni\ -.

1..

!'

J

:

_iEi-F-PI\\ING -r:;: :: ::'-:.\'e Stalemate it

of the line

interference B-N8.

Another attempt at iS

cL:--; r-.:elsar]' to annihilate oE--- :::--:. l: rs sufficient to :G;; --ti-, tc have them Pin-

:l:--.---::: ::.oeaition of this u]i;-; -; :.::;a.r1!' important in :.--:-:: :a-.sed pawns, since

setrf-pinning would only be successful in case of 3. . . ., P-R8 (Q) ?, but fail against 3. . . ., P-R8 (R)! eliminating stalemate, since Black easily wins after +. R-BS

K-N3 ! To avoid these dangers we filust

L

ch,

=; I :::-..:::::-r- ircrease the uses ::'-= ::-.e chasing a Passed H:., --::= car be Cone is best m-t. -i s-,lr'srmple examples.

elaborate the saving combination in a subtler way by decreasing the scope of the offensive pieces first :

r. RxP!, B-ts7 z. K-R8!, PRZ! 3. R.-Kr!, B-NS 4. R.-K5!, P-R8 (R) (4. . . ., P-R8 (Q ? R-QR5!-and

4t-'t.

-d. [. Di\IEL,

r9o8.

draws,

5. -stalemate!) because the capture leads to another form of stal.emate, and also 5. . . .,

B-RZ

serves no purpose since White's reply 6. R-R7 ch does away with the rnating threat.

4t. I

L. I. KUBBEL,

t

1916.

%'m

l-:-'

'

,r,ru ,r%, t!

=:aplest form of the

happen, however, if +=:::: cf capturing the rook r:e: :-- r-ar- :. . . ., P-Rl l? l. .I - -,: -r.':lsatisfactorY because

lm ^:'--:

not now by reraaining

passively under

pin, but by

the

exercise of its active directing powers

3. .., P-R8 (B) +. B-Q4!, .

B

:

xB

-stalernate! * * * The stalemate position by self-pinning is, also in the next study (No. 4z), a decisive element of the knight manoeuvre undertaken with an attack on the queening square in view:

r. P-B7, K-Kz z.N-K6!, Kx P 3. N-NS ch, K-Bt 4. N x BP!, P-Bl 5. N-Nr! and in case of 5. . . ., P-B8 (a or R) White is stalemate,

II. RINCK,

r9o8.

,ffi "/.,a "/2,

:

g-i

- --:

Even so, S7hite's bishop manages to save the day,

%26

Draw.

R. ! . S-B- z. K-RS!, BxR -.<

to catch the passed pawn. Knight promotion is ineffective because of 4. B-N6 !, but promotion to a bishop may give cause for concern.

bishop

42.

; - := :'-::poself invited as =:.:--::-::. Since the foOk is : :: t :: ::-: : -= la$-ns, it "throws :-: -::a'' a-. a last resort, in =;i:=.::-:: to a protractedYet:=:=- --:

would lead to stalemate; and 3. . . . , K x P would allow tirne for Sfhite's

,A'"ru,

:s

=r*

r. . . ., KxP 2. K-Rr!, P-RZ 3. B-Nr! Now 3. P-RS (Q) or P-R8 (R)

Here we see a typical demonstration of self-pinning as a motif in stalemate, rounded off by the pointed frustration of all attempts at unpinning.

r. P-N4! (Threatening z. K-Nz

and 3.

B-Nl

mate.) 37

tffi;--:;I

otherwise 6.

In this

N-K2 assures a draw.

44,

43.

example White's passed pawn has been responsible for directing the king in the introductory phase. Now we propose to examine such positions in which the directing force of a passed pawn is the basic motif of

A. COZIO,

A. SELESNIE\-. :):..

1776.

,,

the stalemate combination.

EpiE

A

t

DIRECTION WITH PASSED PAWNS

A passed pawn is not only a potential means of increasing our material superiority by its promotion, but also a convenient means of forcing direction, of driving the opponent's pieces to a desired point of the board. The advancing passed pawn has a kind of magnetic effect on part of the hostile forces and, as a crowned sacrifice, it is apt to lure the hostile piece lying in ambush for it to a definite square. This motif, which, as will be discussed in a separate chapter, underlies many other combinations aimed at securing a draw, comes in handy for creating a stalemate position. since the driving manoeuvre is combined at the same

time with the self-arurihilation of

Dra:'.

The knight canncl --e

This old "textbook example" is not a study, presenting as it does no exceptional possibility, but the down-toearth, technical method of achieving stalemate in similar positions.

Among the over-the-board types of end-games we may refer here to the case when we send into battle our BP on the seventh rank against the opponent's queen. In Diagram No. z7 we have already come across an unusual instance of this familiar situation. A similar stalemate pattern may spring

-e

from the fight of a NP against a rook.

knight has tiris ad-,''---:=

:::r drive either the ki:-: ::

I ai\ n.

That is the shortest way; in the Last instance also the attempt beginning with r. K-NT leads to this channel, the same applies for the variations with Black to play first. (8. g. Black to play: r. . . . , K-B3 z. K-R7,

R.

!, R x P 4. K-RS ! r. . . ., K-Br z. K-R7, RRr 3.K-R8 !-l.K-R6? wouldlose because of R-R8.)

etc. or

---

r-,::. L Tnr-te gains time fc: a:,r-: a less favourable

ch!, RxP 3. P-N7, R8!, RxP-stalemate!

R-KBI l.P-NZ

:

::e balance of matei.r- --*-* : rrmer example is r3::::='* Thite's first move. \=; =: :r

r. K-R7, K-B3 2. P-BS (a) R-Bz 4. K-

:,E

--:--=:: =:count of the matinE

a

mobile piece.

38

Draw.

J

r. N-B5!, Kx\ a::i: ,rN z. P-N7, R-B: -:. ch! draws).

z. P-K7, R-K5 3. R-R tsi +. P-N7! and no:i- -: :.: :on 4. . . ., RxP 5. K.-Ri --:sds to the staiemate L--i:: a:d the alternative 4. :h 5. K-N8, KxP rs'r-- -

..-Cemate position.

13.

.l-

COZIO,

45.

44,

L. I. KUBBEL,

A. SELESNIEV, rgzo.

1776.

t

* z?,2 rr, ,trq ,7r/l fi :lln il*', .t

W,ll

W tY

1916.

G

"'t7':1 :2.)

I

,|

,,

hau.

Draw.

Draw.

mrr'-r::al ncethod of achieving i- 5i-,la1 positions.

The united passed pawns alone would win against the rook-in case of a more favourably posted king. But !7hite's king is too badly posted, or rather "badly enough" to find

@e

The knight cannot be saved on account of the mating threat; hence the balance of material seen in the former example is reached after White's first move. Nevertheless, the knight has this advantage that it

r-R-, K-Bt 2. P-88 (a) i,:

Pawn.

s o{d

"resrbook example" is not

y' Fr+e:ting as it

does no ex-

rlel g'.ssibijiw, but the down-to-

[

can drive either the king or the rook to a less favourable place, and thus White gains time for advancing his

fo ue shortest way; in the Esrll= also the attempt beginri& r. K-\f leads to this chanE f,'r're applies for the variations E rL s"r plav fint. (E. g. Black

y; r- . . . _. K-83 z. K-R7, Br 3,. P-\: !, R x P 4. K-R8 ! : r. . . .. K-Br z. K-R7, R-

K-Rts 1-1. K-R6? wouldlose r ot R-RS.)

r. N-B5!, KxN (after r. RxN z. P-N7, R-B8 3. P-N8

(N) ch! draws).

z. P-K7, R-K5

Bl

r. P-B7, R-KBr 2. P-K6, P-N3! (Preventing P-K7 because of RxP pinning the pawn on the kiog.)

t. K-NZ, K-B4.

-'F-=--aleloatel

r

refuge in a stalemate.

l. K-RZ!, K-

+. P-N7! and now the continuation 4. . . ., RxP 5. K-R8!, RxP

(Now the ,,nat-

ural" continuation 4. K-BZ?, Q+ S.

K-QZ

would lose after

KK-

K4! etc.) 4. P-KZ!!, RxP 5. K-R6, RxP

-stalemate!

***

The directing

po\ryer

of a

passed

leads to the stalemate already known,

pawn and a knowledge of the stalemate possibilities resulting from it is of considerable practical importance

stalemate position.

also

and the alternative 4. . . ., R-RS ch 5. K-N8, KxP results in a new

in bishop endings. 39

46.

47.

J. BEHTING, 1893.

L. I. KUBBEL, rg2r.

6.-z.K-Nz

R-B: R_8.

Now even the pa\\'D na'-rst H a price has to be paid att* Eu8.

K-R8 !!

R

P

is

Wtrcite stalematedl -and Who would have eso:;3;

the initial position?.

..

*** This brings us 1o t:g

K-Br If r. . . ., B-K6 z. K-N5 !, PB,63. K-B4, B-QZ 4.B.-Bz !, PBS S. K-Nl !, P-86 6. B-K4, P B-Nz White will keep his -KBZ 7.

ones.

eader,

Obviously the only way of saving the pawn, otherwise Black would easily win, being a rook ahead. But now the bishop falls also !

K-R7 ! K-RS 3. . .., ts-85

B-K6 BxP

3.

again making 4.

would fix the KBP

B-Bz

possible.

4. B-Nl !!-drawn,

3.

chand6.Bxnr..*.

!

K-86 !

White has only

a

ch ch

single pawn

against two pieces ! But his kit g stealthily approaches its distant goal. Black-in order to stop the pawn-is compeltred to keep on chasing it in the desired direction.

because the capture would result in

(4... ., P-86

R-N5 R-N4 RxB

r.

z. -K-QS

and securing a draw. After the text, however, the king alters his course:

5.

+.P-Qz

8-I(6

Finally, let us look at a classical example demonstrating the enormous directing powers of a pawn : 40

Of

!!

z.

by no means disc,;s*\*,

motifs, only the most ch:iz;

r. B-K5

own pawn while stopping Black's BP's

a stalemate

have

Drau.

This simple-looking position calls for careful and profound analysis. r. K-R6

e-rc

analysis of stalemate possi -J,i--i,

Draw.

s.K-Nz 6. K-B8 ! 7.

R-K3 ch

R_QI

Not K-B7?, because R-Q7 chl K-BS, R-B7 ch would allow the

bishop to control Black's QBz.

course, we do not erF€ if he has got thu,r ir, :i

hat he has acquired "a rrealtr

rical experience" and tiur,

cr

fcr

6.-z.K-Nz

47.

L L KLTBEL,

rgzr.

ch

on, he will be able to save all his

R.-B7 ch

hopeless games, or every second one,

R-B3

byastalemate...

Now even the pawn must fall ! But a price has to be paid after a1l ! B.

K-R8 !!

RxP is stalemated!

White -and Who would have expected this in the initial position?. . .

*** This brings us to the end of our analysis of stalemate possibilities. \Ufle have by no means discussed all the motifs, only the most characteristic

Dratt.

ones.

; fK5

Of

Xrriou-.rl the only way of saving

psn:. othersrise Black would easirin- being a rook ahead. But now :ti$h".! tells also !

l K-{_< I K-ts5

l I

R-N5 R-N4 RxB

course, we do not expect the eader, if he has got thus far, to think hat he has acquired "a wealth of practical experience" and that, from now

'W'e are very much gratified if these model patterns have helped the reader to see lnore, or at least to consider more possibilities than he did before. The stalemate combination is only a minor weapon in the tactical armoury of chess, but the forcing nnotifs invclved will also prove useful

in many other instances. For this reason, we need not memorize the positions quoted in this book, much less reckon with the infinitesimal

chance

of their exact recurrence in

practice, but should remember the methods that help

us-often with very

inferior forces-to take the initiative, to direct the course of events and to move the opponent's pieces as if they were mere marionettes.

ch ch

[hire 1;-. onlf a single pawn itrffi ffi-r risces ! But his kiog rffiili'r E;p;osches its distant goal. Et-E .-:ier to stop the pawn-is ryEflEr :r keep on chasing it in the ird. d:e:drn.

R-K3

ch

R-Q3 Uct

K-B- ?, because R-Q7

ch

!

K-BE, R-BZ ch would allow the @ to control Black's QBz. 4r

The same idea may for instance b in a forcing manner in suC rypes of practical end-games as 6ce

POSITIONAL DRA\tr

realized

where a bishop has to hold the bai.@c against a knight and an outside P(rl

49.

SCHEME.

VIRTUAL STALEMATE

48.

In the preceding chapter we have

SCHEME.

become acquainted with the pursuit of stalemate as an effective method of

a game, even against heavy odds. We have stressed, however, that in order to achieve stalemate we have saving

to

adopt manoeuvres that are diametrically opposed to the general " rea' sonable" principles of play, i. e. we must actually rather than apparently and definitively rather than temporarily strive for the complete annihilation

Draa,t.

or immobilization of our forces. Clearly, whenever our end in view is a draw, there is, in principle, nothing against our abandoning this topsyturvy method, and reaching our goal

by immobilizing the opponent's forces instead of our own. There is the rub, however, that in practice we are but very rarely offered this option, cases we are confronted

for in most

with the opponent's superior forces whose complete stalemating by our weaker army may hardly be reckoned with. Yet, there is such a case, or at least a very similar one. Let us take first a very simple example which is, however, of considerable importance in over-the-board play: 42

Draat.

Here White naturally wants to get in front of Black's pawn by r. K-Br!, Black replies r. . . . , P-R6, z. K-Nr and 3. K-Rr leads to staleand

if

mate. If Black, however, bars the aPProach of White's king by r. . . . , K-R7,

![hite can no longer adoPt the defensive method consisting in selfstalemate, but he maY seize another

opportunity: z. K-Bz! restricts Blackts manoeuvring freedom so that his king would be stalemated after further advance of the Pawn.

Black threatens to close the di.agml

by N-N7 ffid queen his parronly remedy against this is :

r. B-Rr z.

!

K-Qz !

N-N-

Tt

ch

K;'. B

And now it has still to be dcci&

t 6 corner. If we are aware of the hi$r whether and how Black's

kiry cro

kept pennanently stalematC iD

inherent inability to gain temPi *,^{ t attack a square of the sarne co[.w o which it stands, then it will om t

difficult to find the correct schl-@iu We are to move our ting tt

EAF

The same idea may for instance be realized in a forcing manner in such types of practical end-games as those where a bishop has to hold the balance against a knight and an outside paw:n.

square of the same colour as the one the knight is posted on. (The same course ought to have been followed if Black had captured the bishop on his first move.)

K-Br

49.

3.

SCHEME.

because

!!

-

and draws,

the freely moving knight is

unable to prevent White's king from repeating the moves K-Bz-Br etc. (You may convince yourself by try-

4& SCHEME.

ing.) What kind of a situation has been arrived at here? Though we cannot speak of a stalemate, we may observe

a partial stalemating of the stronger side's forces ! Black-even in posses-

sion of an extra pawn and knightcannot count on the assistance of his Hog, since White has managed to

it and shut it out of the play. game can very often be saved even against heavy odds if we partially immobilize our opponent's forces in the manner shown above, for, as is well known, even the mightiest piece, the queen, lacks the ability to force mate if unsupported by "her royal paralyse

A

Draw"

Drr'.:. e

Fsite uturally

Black threatens to close the diagonal

wants to get

i dBieck's pawn by r. K-Br!, E rt rcgrlies I. . . . r P-R6, Z. r Dd 3. K-Rr leads to stale-

h*rhoreser, bars the approach ic's king by r. ..., K-R7, cD tro longer adopt the de-

: d,oC consisting in selfre, but he may seize another mir-v: z. K-Bz! restricts fo rt*noeuvring freedom so b Li.g would be stalemated

idE-.

adrance of the pawn.

by N-N7 and queen his pawn. The only remedy against this is:

r. B-Rr ! z. K-Qz ! And now

N-N7 KxB

consort ch

it has still to be decided

whether and how Black's king can be

kept peruranently stalemated in the corner. If we are aware of the knight's

inherent inability to gain tempi and to affack a square of the same colour on which it stands, then it will not be difficult to find the correct solution.

We are

to move our king to a

!"

Those exceptional drawing positions, where an existing measurable material superiority cannot be exploited owing to a lasting restriction of the mobility of some piece or pieces, are

called positional draws. The term

refers

to the fact that the material

balance, considerably upset as it is, can

only be re-established in a

given

situation, under given circumstances, through the greater scope and mobility of inferior materid. 43

J.

It

51.

50.

A. A. TROITSKY, i9o8.

MENDHEIM, t832.

should be pointed om,

that here the draw is om

d

table outcome of the uhiml tural situation but much rrd threat P-NZ ch, permmco air. Strictly speaking, the sh of the king would only be Pe posted (in the final po:tuim

B-B7)another Black KN7.

In that

case,

Frawa ct

horresgr{l

what we should like to shctn this example-the sirumicr

not be a draw! \FhY?

Draw.

Draw.

Well over a hundred years old, this problem aptly illustrates the underlying idea. Black's pawn is out of reach and therefore White makes preparations for static warfare against the prospective queen.

r. N-QZ

!

Kx

B z.

P-N7 White

too will promote his pawn. z.

P-R7

K-Br

r.BxPch! After r. . . .,

N-Q4

!! ch

N-K6 4. B-K8 ! 3.

K-Nr

(Q)

N-QN:

would neutralize the

z. QN-B6 ! 3. K-K6 (or 85)

P-R8 (Q ch

draws because the king can while the cavalry

-and easily move about

keeps Black's king stalemated. At times the ioint efforts of a knight and bishop may be as effective as that

of two knights in shutting off the

From here the bishop protects the knight in an indirect way, so that V/hite secures the draw against a single remaining pawn as in the following possible variation: 4. . . ., Q-RZ ch 5. K-N3 !, Q x N 6. B-BZ ch, Q xB7.P x Qch, K x P8. K-B3!, K-Bl (or K3) g. K-B+ (or K4) !

44

ftrnett

Ens mr

pawn on his Nz) : 5. . . ., ( K-Kz, Q-QB6! 7. K-B:

8. K-Nz, Q-K6 9. K-

K-Nr, $K-

I

l:

Q-KB7 !-and the sinurl

becomes mutual, lea'tring E

a material surplus rFr*t dc $sue.

*tt

etc.

t.A

king and offering stout resistance to the queen.

,continued from the

KB6 ro.

After Black's king move z. N-B5 and 3. pawn.

manoeuvres and eveaeoa$ would be in Zugnrry. If ai the protecting bishoP cr t+P ' knight were forced to E@cmE: soon fall victim to th: moh after a series of checks. Fcr supposing that Black h.u

P-R8 !

Bcr

idea of immqlilizing the ffit realized also by Black b-" ro-*'

S.

--

K-Rr

B-BZ ! with a draw as a result.

Hence, we have arrircd u Cusion that a queetr by b:=

Bot mate the ting b@ stalemate him, if he ffi

refuge near a friendly .D&:tt-

51.

trt should be pointed out, however,

that here the draw is not the inevitable outcome of the ultimate structural situation but much rather of the

TROITSKY, r9o8.

A.j\-

52.

G. N. ZAKHODJAKIN, r93o.

threat P-NZ ch, permanently in the air. Strictly speaking, the shutting oft of the king would only be perfect if we

posted (in the final position after 5.

B-B7)

another tslack pawn on'White's

KNz.

In that case, however-and that is what we should like to show through

this example-the situation would not be a draw! Why? Because the idea of immobilizing theking could be realized also by Black by way of queen

Draw.

manoeuvres and eventually \Yhite would be in Zagzwang. If now either

K-Br

r-B', Pch!

ifrtr r....,

K x B z. P-N7 White rriltr pnro6ote his Pawn.

t-N{+ll ; N-K5 ;- D-KS

P-R8 ch

K-Nr

!

(Q)

1

kE hr; rhe bishop protects the gh e. aa indirect way, so that iE sau-s the draw against a Ce r:codmns pa\rn as in the folEg cr'rssible rariation: 4. . . .,

17 ch -.. K-N3

!, Q x N 6. B-B7 P . Qch, K x P8.K-B3!, Qx B-. 'or K3) K-B4 (or K4) !

+

supposing that Black has an additional

pawn on his Nz)

: 5. . . . , Q-R6

6.

K-Kz, Q-QB6! 7. K-Bz, Q-Q6 8. K-Nz, Q-K6 9. K-R2, QKB6 ro. K-Nr, Q-KZ ! rr. K-Rr,

Q-KBZ !-and the virtud

stalemate

becomes mutual, leaving Black with decides the

a material surplus that issue.

***

e.

K-Rr

!.

FB-

the protecting bishop or the protected knight were forced to move, it would soon fall victim to the mobile queen after a series of checks. For instance (coutinued from the final position, and

!

rith

a draw as a result.

Hence, we have arrived at the conclusion that a queen by herself can-

not mate the king but she can stalemate him, if he fails to find refuge near a friendly piece.

Draw.

White's minor pieces stand their ground even against a queen and a knight because the partial stalemate can be extended

to cover Black's

rvhole army except the queen.

r. P-Nz ch

NxP

r. . . ., K-Nr would be followed

! winning Black's BP; : N-B6 ch and P-N8

by z. N-N+ the threat is

(Q.

N-B7 ch 3. B-B5 ! 4. N-R6 ch s. B-Q6 ! ! z.

K-Nr

P-B8

K-Rr

(Q)

anddraws,

S/hite's knight defends the KN5, K5 and Q6 squares indirectly. As a result, it is always open to White, even if Black's queen should stalemate because

his king, to resort to perpetual tempowasting by way of B-K5-Q6-K5, etc., and he can always repel Black's

knight by B-K5 ch, if it tried to iump into freedom. A possible Q x B 45

would also result in a draq because N-BZ ch would restore the balance

inmaterial

***

In the examples shown the decisive factor of an effective defence against heavy odds was the shutting off of the opponent's king. The total immobilization of one's own king and other pieces we have already discussed in the chapter dealing with stalemate. To complete our account of the king's role in achieving a draw against superior forces, reference should be made also to a

third possibility.

This is in fact a qrpe of positional draw which is in some ways analogous to the stalemate, with the weaker side building up a hedgehog position that can safely hold out against

dl

attacks.

\[/e are confronted here with somethirrg closely related to stalemate yet different enough from it to deserve a special name. For want of a better term we propose to call it "pupation" and give

for a

this artistic end-game study

clearer understanding of the

underlying idea. 53-

F. SIMKHOVITCH, 1926.

In

face of Black's unstoppable RP White finds himself in great straits. The more so as the only conceivable saving course offered by the situation is not satisfactory in the simple form it first presents itself.

Our first thought evidently is to play P-B6, then K-88-NZ nd hold the fort by simply tempoing with king and knight behind the solid wall of mutually protected pieces. But it is not as easy as that:

r. P-B6, P-RZ z. K-B8, P(Q l. K-NZ, K-Qz +.B-N+ (If 4. B-B8 then 4. . . ., Q-Rr ! 5. K-N8, K-K3 6. K-Nn K-B4 7. K-NS,B- B5-a tempo move to prevent the reply B-R6-8. K-N7, R8

Q-KR8

! followed bv queen sacrifice

{xN-vrrith a sure win.) 4. ..., K-Kl S. B-Qz, K-B4 6. B-K3, Q-B6 Z. B-Qz, Q-K7 8. B-Br,

Q-KS! with this queen manoeuvre Black forces the bishop off White's QBI-KB4 diagonal, and after 9. BNz (nf) Q-KR8! now inevitably leads to QxN ch and KxP, and Black's new passed pawn triumphs. This attempt shows that the knight

alone

is no sufficient protection for

Vhite's NP, while the bishop crnnot defend it from QBt. Conclusion: the

game is lost unless White's bishop can

be posted on R6

!

The quick way to this fails on r. P-B6 ?, P-RZ z. B-B8, P-R8 (Q l. B-R6,? Q-Rt ch 4. *-*7,

Q-Q8

mate.

These deliberations point to the direct tactical measure to be taken before the implementation of the

ultimate strategic plan, viz. the

elimination 46

of the

queen's quick

isterrention; in other wordsr H

Lirg rnust be driveo @ tD d loog diagonal! A suitable EG realization is the thr'eat of, st erteasion on the KR2{N8 dLl nel, that is, e immedide rltFr![[

stop Black's pawn-

r.

8-86

!

K+

!

After any other rDove 2rould solve the problem-

a B-K7 ch

BJ

K-K+

If z. ..., K{+ or K-83 6

White will reach his pertid rim: ct rng of tbe long diagooel Hct* s soon resign himself 1p -' is to mil draw by repetition of ErorEs.

K+

f. B.-Q8 ! The best Black threat 4 B-B7.

g B-K7

r',

do

ftr di

fq

K-Bl

ch

And now the 'me

b ripc fu t

Eranoeuvre of "pupation"

:

5. P-B6 6. B-88 7. B-R6 because 8. K-B8 and 9. K-..s2 not be prevented and thercaftrr

ls free, in an

cr

Tl

inaccessiblc

psition, to keep tempoing

.l'cnri

pcprd

K-N8-NZ. chsa I d ficult but fascinating e--ar'dc E d by'N-B8

and

We have deliberatdy

monstate a possibility

\rt

fo

m

h EE of Black's 'nstoppable Rp |i find( hirnself in gfeat straits. ts me so ai the only conceivable tlg mse offered by the situation f gr;+zctor.v in the simple form Lr p,rescus itsclf. h tst trought evidently is to t P-Bq rheo K-88-N7 and Ee brt by simply tempoing with ; d higf''t behind the solid wall protected pieces. But it is -Eqs tr csy as that: L P-Bq P-RZ z. K-B8, PI K-Nz K-Qz +. 8-N+ !Q) '+ B-B8 theo 4. . . . , Q-Rr !

K-Kl 6. K-N7, K-B4 t-N8,8- B5-a tempo move to mm 6e reply B-RH. K-N7, E-N8,

:fn8

! followed bv queen sacrifice a sure win.) 4. . . .,

QxlLritr -fl S. B-{2, K-B+ 6. B-K3, 1I f. B.-Qz, Q-KZ 8. B-Br, {S! rith this queen manoeuvre ft fuccs the bishop off White's ffi+ diagpnal, and after g. B, G'f) FKRS! now inevitably l r Q,<)i ch and KxP, and lBr m pcsed pawtr triumphs. IE mrq"ft shows hat the knight E fo oo s'rficieot protection for B NP, cfrr:le the bishop cannot ld it fr@ QBr. C-onclusion : the Ei lffi uoless White's bishop can ?cdmR6! D qdct sey to this fails on r. f?, P-RZ 2. B-B8, P-R8 1L8.er? $Rr ch 4. K-K7, rnrte. {I h rLliberations point to the c mical mrsure to be taken b rhe implementation of the IE strtegic plan, viz. the hin of the queen's quick

interventionl in other words, Black's king must be driven or to the

long diagonal! A suitable

means

of

realization is the threat of scope extension on the KR2-QN8 diagonal, that is, an immediate attempt to stop Black's pawn.

r.

8-86 ! !

After any other move 2. B-KS

B-K7 ch Tf z.

K-K+

.. . , K-Q4 or K-83,

!

B-K7

ch

comprj.:*

form.

Let us analyse now some other

cases

of virtual stalemate. Not only the king but occasionally also some other piece can be permanently shut off from the

tion against superior forces arrived at. At first glance, the diagram below exemplifies the imprisonment of a rook; in reality, however, it is an instance of how a queen (!) should be shut off:

K{3

54.

The best Black can do for fear of the threat 4. VB7.

4.

and less

play and in this way a drawing posithen

White will reach his partial aim : closing of the long diagonal. Black must soon resign himself to this to avoid a draw by repetition of moves. 3. B-Q8

the simplest everyday games can offer plenty of similar cases, ifin less beauti-

ful

K-Q3

would solve the problem.

z.

thought ofin over-the-board play. It would be a mistake, however, to assume that we have wandered too far from the realities and practical probabilities of over-the-board play. Even

F. SIMKHOVITCH,

Tg2T.

K-Bt

And now the time is ripe for the manoeuwe of "pupation" 5. P-B6 6. B-B8 7. B-R6

:

P-Rz P-RS (Q) and draws,

because 8. K-88 and 9. K-N7 cannot be prevented and thereafter White

is free, in an inaccessible

defensive

position, to keep tempoing perpetually by N-B8 and K-N8-NZ. We have deliberately chosen a difficult but fascinating example to demonstrate a possibility that is rarely

Draat

With his two minor pieces against the rook White would not be at a material disadvantage if Black did not have the threat of obtaining a passed pawn up his sleeve after. . . , R-N8 ! and . . ., R x P. Something must be done to counteract this. 47

r. B-N4

K{3

ch

The continuation is similar after other moves of the king. z. B-B5

!

R-\r!

The rook maintains the threat even so. The prospective queen can, however, be actually cornered on the QR file

5.

B-Nr

P-R8 (Q

ch

because the queen cannot extricate

self from the trap and White manoeuvre with

K-Bz-Br-Bz

it-

can etc.

R-Kr

!

I. de FEIJTER, r94r.

i'l':i

t;

w Wi M

R-KNr RxP

B-R5 ! 4. B-B7 I 5. P-N6

and draws,

Dre-

because the rook is permanently caged.

(Black cannot reckon on stalemating White now with his king and rook, that is he cannot bring his opponent

r.R-B5!!

into Zrtgzwang because White's bish-

z-

op can also intervene

2

m

x B ch? would

if

needed. We

refer, for example, to the possibility

..., K-B6 5. K-Rz, K-87 7. K-Rr, B-R6 8. K-Rz, B-N7 ! 9.B-N3ch!) *** If both sides have several pawns on

the board the rescue of the impris-

oned rook by way of sacrifice is always a latent possibility. In the next ex-

48

I. H. MARYTIT- rg{z-

!

S.

DrAw.

fi.

:. K-Bz

3.

)).

would be fatal, therdore he ctm rEoounce his rook, aod hcpe 1 hope for a virrual stalemae-

be followed and Black would not be able to prevent queening because of his own bishop barring the way of the rook.

***

C.

B-Qt

2. . . .rR

unhindered.

The qext example shows how a positional draw can be reached by putting a rook on ice.

At a moment of tempomr-T ml

equilibrium White hrs bcnt 1 "en prise." The loss of rbc t

mate ! therefore:

by

and draws,

!

!

promoting pawn. But now it is White's turn to be cautious since his king move would be to Black's advantage after . .., B-K4 ! e. g. KR2 ?, B-K4 ! 3. P-N8 (Q ?, R-R8 z.

PxN

ch

After r. . . ., R-Kr ? z. B-R7 ! Black should give up the rook for the

!

3.NxR!! 4. K-Br

R-K8

r. P-N7

ample, White must, after having achieved a positional draw, wriggle himself out of threatened Zugzwang (see Diagram No. 56).

P-)i4

Px

!

Thb shuts the dmr m &cru 6c pcurlir situtim r rte rl

prErm all co.qcr=in b Elct's ting ud bi$bop. t3E ',trnt timc oow, EEEtr Feryi Bt-g-, uffil 'smcrting hq;

KKB-

R-K8

r- P-N7

ch

!

Afu r. . . ., R-Kr ? z. B-R7 !

shtd grve up-not the rook for the ring p.,mnow it isl

's Ern m be cautious since his Errne sould be to Black's adft ..., B-K4 ! e. g. KB-K4 ! 3. P-N8 (Q ?, R-R8 ,

R-Kr

At a moment of temporary material eqtrilildum White has both Pieces "en prise." The loss of the bishop would be fatal, therefore he chooses to renounce his rook, and hope against hope for a virtual stalemate. 56.

RxB!

5.--

6.

PxR

B-N+

Aiming not to defend the pawnwhose capture would indeed bring grist to Black's mill-but to try and gain the tempo needed for squeezing out White's king, Vhite would counter the immediate 6. ...,

J. H. MARWITZ, 1942.

is stalemated

!

B-R3

7.

K-

N6 !, B-Br 8. K-B7, B{7 by q. K-Q6 ! ! and after 9. . ., K-Qr he !

Later on, a similar stalemate position saves White from being squeezed out. It is

R-KNr

1 B-R5 4 ts-tsu !

!

5-

RxP

P-N6

tbc rookis permanently caged.

!

***

i' p

B-N7

ffbd sides bave several pawns on brd fte rescue of the imprisFrd by way of sacrifice is always "

r. R-B6 ! ! z.

out of threatened Zugzwang

!

mark time now, merely playing KB8-B7, until "something happens."

)

K-Bz

K-B8 5. K-Bz

B-Q6

-l.K-Bz

4.

Vhite must, after having EEGd a pmitional draw, wriggle DLgram No. 56).

P-N4

PxR

This shuts the door on the rook and the peculiar situation at the same time prevents all co-operation between Black's king and bishop. \ffhite can

possnility. In the next ex-

bclf

is the finish resulting in

"strategic stalemate"

fu bc c*nnot bring his opponent ZryzwS because White's bishebo imervene if needed. We

to the possibility l*r, f6 a=rrrple -- o. K-b7 7. 6. Js-K2, K-k, K-Bl l.

Here

Draw.

qmnot reckon on stalematShire now with his king and rook,

K-k,

remarkable structural pecu-

the final struggle is markecl by oppositional considerations.

and draws,

8.

a

liarity of the position that the control of the squares QBr and QBz requires Black's bishop to penetrate to Qz; in this section of the board, howeverfrom Qz to QRz !-it has no opportunity to gain a move. ConsequentlS

K-Kr

I7ithout some sacrifice Black cannot get any further. Therefore: A

a

:

7. K-B8, K-Kz 8. K-B7, BRl! g. K-N6!, B-Br ro. K-Bn B-Qz rr. K-NS, K-Qr rz. KN7, B-Br ch 13. K-N8!, K-Qz 14. K-R8!!, K-B2 15. K-R7! and draws, since after 15. ..., B-Nz \flhite would be stalemated! Accurate tempoing is very essential here because e. g. 14. K-RZ?, K-Bz 15.

K-R.8, B-Nz ch 16. K-R7, KBr ! 17. K-N6, K-Nr 18. K-R5, K-R2 ! 19. K-N4, B-R3 ! zo. KR4, B-K7 zr. K-R5, B-Q8 ! zz.

K-N4, K-Rl

would have led to an win for Black despite the complicated procedure of forcing a decisive gain ot rrT.; easy

* 49

In addition to shutting otr, walling-

in and stalemating there is still another possibility of irnmobilization :

pinning.

r

In the grmer the pin is usually of a momentary or transitory occurrence therefore it has a prominent part mostly in sudden tactical turns. (This

HO\g TO ACEIEY

is by the way the subiect of a separate chapter.) It may happen, however, that a pin becomes lasting and un-

breakable. Such a perpetual pinnilg is a very suitable means of achieving a

positional draw. A case in point is the

parrying of the Black knight's intervention in end-game No. 52.

pc*til fu dfu: trrtical" drcw. Thc rdrin$ Frrcen6etworbcsftu efu '6ccttical" dgs 6 I &{*i m uscd in p,r.cbe - a t ilee; it b na rydicd t GEr criht drxriry pcirhrrt- r to crrytional simrior rhr The mcept of 6c

I I

I

is dosety

rded

to

Ilmrcitsccmrc-m* beC-USC

ul

c{r

Cf 1[C nnhabnrr in f

E Grlb -fuYirysrlllgp shc tcutrbl rcsc-tt hp bE-rrdedorbt- futurgE silc h! il, fulu lirEiag: Tke rrE re rh.lrrl *.lrtb[ drrr stich uc &6

6 tatrnce Of rlarrid dnrr., fq

bildfugiYEu[rdtiLAL ;'+.rr" d'dih b ft fEh da dtsot'+I,r.Tjdrql cd tinB T[etE rtFG it r--i{ F-.grm,.ildfuIiEhrl D r,.qfn ceegG.Anarrq Fii ir 6c sEtglc btmte eL Ltdaedwrr RPrqrFr e trthnp shici r-qtr't EE 'nr ftpiry3Fc.EEE,h r r&llhlrat poliU d E&beE,61]yfuli fr.LG'trirtE15truGf I rFhftrdftfllf

HOIT TO ACHIEVE

ttc way the subject of a sephrate fr.) It may happen, however, F ! prtr becomes lasting and unffe Such a perpetual pinning

A

THEORETICAL DRA\T

lEqrsuitable mezns of achieving a ilErl dnw. A case in point is the trtig of, 6e Black knight's interiin iu ead-game No. 52. The concept of the positional draw is closely related to that of the "theoretical" draw. The relationship between the rwo arises from the faa that

"theoretical" draw as a definition is not used in practice as an absolute idea; it is not applied to every selfevident drawing position, but mostly to exceptional situations where at first glance it seems reasonable to expectbecause of the unbalance in material viaory will go to one side ; yet

-that where

theoretical research has proved

beyond a doubt that the materially stronger side has no prospects of winning. There are some absolute t5pes of theoretical draw which are defined by the balance of material alone, regardless of the given position. A familiar instance of this is the fight of a king and two knights against an uDsupport-

In other cases there are more rigrd positional restrictions, An unsupported king can put up a successful fight also against a RP and a knight, but only if the pawn is forced to the seventh

rank and the king ciut occupy the square in front of it. If we come to other positions again in which the support of an extra piece fails to usher even some other pawn to victory, we shall reach a point where the borderline between the concepts of

"virtual stalemater" "hedgehog position" and "book" draw (in the wider sense) disappears.

By way of illustration, let us now look at the best known tSrpe of stalemate quotedin the textbooks as a characteristic form of thetheoretical draw: 57.

SCHEME.

ed king, where there is practically no arrangement ofthepieces that will lead to an enforcable mate. Another case in point is the struggle between a lonely king and an adverse RP supported by a bishop which cannot take control of

the queening square. Here, however,

an additional positional condition

must also be met, namely the king on

the defensive must manage somehow to get in front of the pawn. 4*

Draw.

5r

White's defence against the bishoP and the RP lies in his getting rid of his owu bad pawn. r. P-N4? would be

of the rePlY r. ..., P-R6! z. P-N5, KxP l. K83, K-84! and Black wins. Far

a blunder

because

souader is the continuation

r.P-N3 ch! z. K-Nz

PxP

r. B-N6 z. B-R5

tT:rt"rrawn.

9.

K-Qz P-N6

L

L KLIBBEI- ry

After z. . . .,BxQNP3. B xP the extra piece is ofcourse ofno real value. Now W"hite's king can safely approach

l. K-Qz 4. K-Br ! +.

t

Some help is needed against a NP and a freely moving bishoP. This is shown by the next examPle:

wins.

58.

1934.

BxKNP

B-Bl ?, B-R3 ch ! 5. K-Qr, ch ! 6. K-Kr, B-88 ! and

B-R4

L. I. KUBBEL,

ch !

mrin force by lir intEE r h its Cirnin tinr by c

his pawn.

for although Black's RP has turned into a NP, his bishop is now afrozen asset and the

vanceto N6 (White's N3) andWhite's king posted on his QBl. If we rcalize this, the job is as good as done !

Black's king walks

4.- S. B{z

to his QB7

and

Dr B-R3

ch

and draws,

!

because the pawn is inaccessible after

the exchange; otherwise White's bishop can undisturbedly move along the diagonal Qz-R6.

S,hirc's ory Eth rcr hightutubiih+. IL tr ptprrirc furrs

EntiliE-sdtutfthryb Hr

ktlgh" fr@

Artistic and at the same time gamelike examples of attaining theoretical draws by forcing means are to be found

Draw.

of the

eminent

Soviet end-game composer L. I. Kubbel. In the first study one side is two knights to the bad. Against an opponent two knights

Once the bishops ofthe same colour

ahead we must concentrate our efforts

perhaps a kind of hedgehog poiition might be arrived at if only Bhck's pawn could be made to ad-

forcing are the driving-on manoeuvrg the restriction of movement of the

are removed, there is a glimmer of

hope:

52

on liquidating the rest of his forces. In most cases the tactical means of

WIi

Fn6.

***

among the studies

'-

NN.

L---J.I-KB1K{zI

ryctiro dmrts.

I K-!{l: .1,

N-N5

!

trf d

h6.Ii{6rd7-l$x bpcrtcd- 1fuhriglr,r res ft btuhry rtiEl iD DE@,'EGlf.

b N6 (Wbite's N3) and White's Dred on his QBl. If we rcalize Cc iS is as good as done !

main force by line interference, and

later its elimination by

The with

a

same idea can be realized also bishop :

60.

59.

K{z

l-N6 ct I-*.5 !

exchanges.

L. I. KUBBEL,

L. I. KUBBEL, rg2g.

P-N6

r93o.

2- --., BxQNP3. BxP the fo

dmse tir.g

ofno real value.

catr safely approach

Bx KNP ch ! 5. K{r, K-Kr, B-88 ! and

D-43?, B-R3 cA

!

fhg

6.

walks

to his QB7

and

Draw.

Draat.

B-R3

l.{2-!

ch

and draws,

6c peun

is inaccessible after

E"l''ngp; otherwise White's o mdi*urbedly move along Q3-R6.

d maining theoretical ftrirymeetts are to be found

& smdies of the eminent *gme oomposer L. I. ttc frst snrdy to 6e bad-

one side is

h m qrlnnent trno knights EEUST

lhins

The passed pawn comes in handy here to force through the driving-or

N-N3 NxP B-K3

KN6.

*** d r 6esametimegame-

ID

White's only task is to exchange his knight for the bishop. Therefore he makes preparations for restricting the mobility of the bishop by driving Black's knight from White's Kr to

OonceDtrate OUr effOrtS

the rest of his forces. cGcs the tactical means of ue trc driving-on manoeuvrg .rtrrrictftm of movement of the

r. z.

K-Kz ! K-B3 !

2. . ..,

N-Nz N-R5

N-K8 3. K-K2

The bishop is in the stocks. But any other move would have lost a knight.

ch

leads

to

a

repetition of moves. 3. 4.

K-N3 N-N5

!

N-KN3

!

and draws,

ch

because 6. N-Q6 aad7. N x B cennot be prevented. The knight, so to speak,

mates the bishop which is restricted in its movemenL

K-K6

4. B-R6 ch s. B-B+

and draws,

because Blacks's bishop cannot avoid being svshanged.

*** For the sake of completeness let us how a rook is exchanged offin an

see

analogous way.

53

"surviving" rook, Black's two extra knights would do the iob.

61.

L. I. KUBBEL, r93r.

But now Black has not many choices

left for on 2. ..., eDSr

K-84 \[hite

after exchanging the

threat-

bishoPs,

R-Bz ch and RxN. In the case of 2. . . ., K-K4 G) the same develoPments ensue, with the scene sffied to the K-fiIe. Therefore:

4.

K-Nr

N-B3

!

NxB

tL

outnumbered side ofBetting

perior forces which are teupr a passive or self-restricting 1n At this point the active i.rt*-rc

of the king comes to the fuc, the agile monarch finds it oct

b

'

him 1e thin out the enent'$ ru[

ch

hr&,

62.

A. A. TROITSKY,

And what now befalls Black's rook? Since the king has been driven to K6, it cannot escape being exchanged off

Draw.

eqffi

The secret of this "mirade" b u else than the greater activity o

forces with his own royal

K-Kl

2.-3. BxB

yet the scales remain in

ttfr-

or, at best, being exposed to perpetual

The exchange of the bishoPs is at hand but it is not enougb. The rooks must then be exchanged offor a knight

attack.

R-N3

R-Bl

worr. (Rook against rook and knight is a theoretical draw.)

r. B-N5

R-KR3

!

3.

cases the superior forces prevail.)

ch

!

Naturally, the immediate capture of the bishop would not be worth a farthing because of z. .. ., N-B3 ch and 3. . . ., N x B. Backed bY the 54

a

result.

nowhere, because White-Pl"Ytog accurately-could sacrifice his own rook back for the bishoP. (Against two bishops and a knight the rook would be much worse off. In such

R-Qz

a

draw as

!

r. ..., R-K3 z. BxB, RxB

z.

with

ch

By comparatively simple instances of manoeuvre we have endeavoured to show that in many a complex-looking position there lurks a familiar pattern as its nucleus though slightly thrust to the background amidst a few "superfluous" pieces. Of course, there are numerous more unusual, more startling end-game positions, in which the situation arising

after the show-down confronts

us

"clear" material superiority on one side-which is "theoretically" with

a

enough

for the win-without

any

prospect of the weaker side putting up a lasting "positional" resistance. . .

Dre.

If

ttris situatim a(Ec in

r

r

dFberd gamc, YhitE sd i fobability try E plry r- P-

(dct

rDoves are

m d-r'rril"r

in Tbrr of 6c ftcr -. o E-

rfrrt r. ..., N-K3 (?, b r fi t -. o B-N5 1P-87, !{{ 4. -.*;, N-N$ io*rcuty 1rcrGr itu trrEr tu .. o !& &; fa, insced d guEriry, j-

crmtinue o fl4v z K-l{6 Egn d rdicq cYeu if h rr

Et

Crytuqttuedil-

uld

moL, Black's two exua do the iob.

Hh6 not many choices L -nK-B+ White threat-

pchmging the bishops, R xN. In the case of

ad

I{4 G) the same developr, rifr tre scene strifted -ft. Therdore: K-Kr N-83 ch B

r!

NxB

now be&lls Black's rook ? tingbas been driven to K6,

If Btack, however, replied r. ...e B-N5! 2. P-BT, N-Nz! White

yet the scales remain in equilibsirrm. The secret of this "miracle" is nothing else than the greater activity of the outnumbered side offsetting the superior forces which are temporarily in a passive or self-restricting position. At this point the active intervention of the king comes to the fore, when

would certainly resign without hesitation because .. ., B-Br or . .., N-Q3 and . . ., N-Br cannot be prevented. Yet it would be premature to give up either the game or hope ! Pondering a little longer over the

the agile monarch finds it not beneath him to hin out the enemy's superior forces with his own royal hands.

-B-Br tight "bottleneck"

62. A. A. TROITSKY, 1896.

cs4te bdng exchanged off tdng erposed to perpetual

situation, we shall find that the N-Nz formation seems to be a

for Black. White only has to muscle in among Black's pieces by K-87 ! If only his BP were not in the way ! Away with it then ! But how? Black would not capture it at once if White played 3. P-B8 (Q)?, but would interpolate . . ., N-Q3 ch ! Therefore we must be accurate down to the last detail: 3. 4.

P-B8 (N)!! K-N6 !

BxN

. . ., and here is the exception to the

rule: the simpL instalces

rc heve eudeavoured to ir mry a complex-looking

fuc

ln"Lq a femiliar pattern

6mgh slightly thrust

fCg,ma amid51 a few " 1iee. fuc are numerous more Et sfi!filing end-game po-

L rtfoh the situation arising

rhorvdown confronts us ' mderial superiority on id is "theoretically"

fr 6c win-without any ' r weaker side putting up d*positional"

tesistance . . .

within a move or two. In reply to

Draw.

If this situation

bishop and the knight

cannot win against the unsupported king because one of them wil fall

+...., N-{3 or 4....rKxPr

5.

in an overthe-board game, White would in all probability try to play r. P-86!

K-BZ will wind up the game with a double attack. It is apositional drawbut in a dynamic and not a static

(other moves are out of consideration

interpretation. Of course, from the point of view of the final situation one is not justified in including this in a separate chapter, under a separate title. It is in faa

arose

in view of the threat .. ., 8-86). After r. . . ., N-Kf (?) he would continue to play z. K-N6 with a sigh of relief, even if he saw that z. .. ., B-N5 3.P-BZ, N-Q5 4. KNn N-N4! indirecdy prevents the promotion (the threat is .. ., N{3 ch), for, instead of queening 5. 88 (N)! is enough for a draw.

P-

that most ordinary type of drawhowever exceptional it appears to be in form-which arises as a result of equalization of forces. This simply means that, though no perfect 55

equilibrium is achieved, neither side has the material superiority required for giving mate. But if gaining a material advantage takes the form of a threat and if the opponent's resistance to this threat can be renewed repeatedlS we come

across a special case of draw

PERPE

in which

we cannot speak of the complete success of either attack or defence. Nor canthis be considered complete failure on either side. This mutual "half success" is manifested in a repetition of

moves or in Perpetual attack.

The "perpetud check" b

r

coElmon instance of the dflrconcept, however, coYes ontYs

the cases which are in PrinciFb

identical l therefore its eEEl under the headirrg'?erpmal Af seems desirable.

This "terminus technicus" b

haps not the hapPiest, and

ttrPq

might be more realisticaltv & ils "uninterrupted chaser" h

attribute "perpetud" is gsuc{ cepted in international mage r we prefer to stick to it "Ad: is a well-known chess teEn dr to b*even in the gveo c'oH expressive of the idea omid the word "chase" which rho ir the "motif of consequeoce."

A

precise definition

of nt+

m u ir

attack may clariff what we

A perpetual

attack is

I

able series of moves_resnhingr

or later in a repetition of pciir the courseof which one dfufl attacks (and threaterui b "'[q certain adverse piece move

aftrrr

and the other side rtplies, rDc urove, by taking the pie in qout of the danger mneSuch

a

chain ofmoves

lcedc-{

mg to the rules-at the lm f, moves but in most cases fu r

PERPETUAL ATTACK

a sp€cial c:$e of draw in which oot speak of the comPlete sucd citrer attack or defence. Nor b bc comidered comPlete failure side. This mutual "half sucfo

rn*nifestd itr a repetition in perpetud attack.

c

of

The "perpetual check" is a very common instance of the draw. This concept, however, covers only some of the cases which are in principle fully

identical; therefore its

extension

under the heading "Perpetual Attack" seems desirable.

This "terminus technicus" is Perhaps not the happiest, and the concept

might be more realistically described as "uninterrupted chaser" but the attribute "perpetual" is generally ac-

cepted in international usage so that we prefer to stick to it. "Attack" too is a well-known chess term and seems

to be-even in the given case-more expressive of the idea contained than the word "chase" which also implies the "motif of consequence." A precise definition of perpetual attack may clarify what we mean by it. A perpetual attack is an intermin-

earlier (after the third recurrence of a position) to a draw. Thus the achievement of a position giving an opportunity for perpetual attack already con-

tains the possibility

of

securing

a

draw.

Any piece can be exposed to Perpetual attack (except a pawn, because it has only a limitedroute of escape), but the usual target is the king, in which case we speak of perpetual check. 63.

H. WEENINK,

1927.

able series of moves-resulting sooner

or later in a repetition of position-in the courseof which one of the players attacks (and threatens to capture) a certain adverse piece move after move, and the other side replies, move after move, by taking the piece in question out ofthe danger zone. Such achain ofmoves leads-according to the rules-at the latest after 5o moves but in most cases also much

Draw.

In this situation White cannot fight effectively against the dangerous passed 57

pawns despite his extra rook. Any attempt at stopping the pawns would be courting disaster. E. g. r. K-84, P-BZ ! and .. ., P-Q7 ! etc.

The only escape is offered by the not altogether obvious recognition that Black's king is to a certain extent

restricted (!) i" its movement, and the united forces of White's king and rook can be utilized for hatching some kind

of "plot" against him.

r. K-B6

!!

P-QZ

Q7 ! would lead to the target position. Even an attempt to escape would make no difference since after r. . . ., K-Bz z. K-QZ !, K-83 3. R-Kt ! or z. . . ., P{7 3. R-Br ch and 4. KK7 ! the roads leading to freedom would be blocked.

K-Q7

!

*** Indeed, besides stalemate the perpetual check is the weapon most likely to secure a draw, even against enormous odds. The chance of an orgy of sacrifices forcibly leading to perpetual check mostly occurs in middle-gamelike positions. Yet it may also crop up

this situation to carry on m cftc fight not only against the bisb+

even against a queen (!) ? Ceruid5 one who would look for the solrit some book of endings, under ttch

ing "Bishop and pawn agrir knight". . .

K-l{8 P-Bz

where there is the smallest conceivable force.

After the more agressive r. ..., P-BT, the continuation z. R-Kr !, P-Q7 3. R-K8 ch, K-Bz 4.K-

z.

demonstrating that the perpetual check

is explicitly a tactical success.

N-R3 cb- If B it by 3. . . ., B-K3 ! 6E N-K2 ch, K-B8 S. N-Bg f 6. K-B3 !! secures the draw.

64.

Threatening

parries

J. BRENEW, 1934. Corected by J. BAN.*

3.- 4. N- R3 ch 5.

6.

P-Bl

N-Bz ch N-R3 ch

P+( K+

K-!*r and

on account of perpemal ctcrt' However surPrisrng the

If z. .. ., K-Nz then 3. K-K7 4. R-KBI ! etc. R-N8 R-KS

ch

K-Bz

!

and draws,

!,

in per-

petual check (R-K8-K7-K6),

whatever the laffer's move. In this example the possibility of perpetual check was virtually handed up on a plate; Black was quite helPless against it. For all that, White's first move has a startling effea, clearly 58

r

check were here, too, rDore r h hand and the result s6 rrsr !D cornered situation of thc Hng =

Draw.

Who would guess that the completely stalemated knight will be able in

because White can keep Black

finirl

be, the moves lsarting to P.lF

P-Bl 3. 4.

dG

* In the original study Vhite's king is posted on KR5, Black's pawn on Black's KB5. The opening moves are : r. K-N4,

P-B6. V'e had to drop the first moves,

however, because-in the original position-also the by-play: r. N-B7 l, P-86 (..., BxN?2. K-N+) z. N-Q6,

P-Bl a. N-BS,

and

would lead to a draw.

. N-K3,

etc.

mechanically restricted mohliry. In the restriction of the kinglr I Inent lack of sPace Ptqct i r combined with other fimr IL the flight certain squarcs ry b

orpation would ieopardize

' r

of the rest of his camp. A frGq rse in point is the ittdircrr rGEi

of movement by a threa drc"ft tension (geometrical mcif).

l+srming

that the perpetual check

r crSicitlv a tactical success.

'

***

rnd.cq

besides stalemate the per-

Ed chec* is the weapon most likely D tr-'e a draw, even against enorre odds. The chance of an orgy of

65.

this situation to carry on an effective fight not only against the bishop but

F. J. PROKOP, t934.

even against a queen (!) ? Certainly no one who would look for the solution in some book ogsadings, under the head-

ing "Bishop and pawn against knight". . .

a

%i &%

ni6,ccs foro-bly leading to perpetual

td

mosdr

Gurs in middle-game-

fc pmtrlons. Yet it may also crop up fuE &€re is the smallest conceivable lce.

N-R3 ch. If Black it by 3. . . ., B-Kl ! then 4. N-K2 ch, K-B8 5. N-B4, B-B4! 6. K-B3 !! secures the dravr. Threatening

parries

P-88 (Q) K-R8 K-N8

3.--

4. N- R3 ch 5. N-Bz ch 6. N-R3 ch

and draws

Draw,

A net of perpetual checks must be woven to stop Black's king moving about in the centre. There is no other chance o[ fighting the prospective queen. t. R{4 ch would fail against

r...

.,

KxN

r. R-B6 on account of perpetual

check.

However surprising the finish may

be, the moves leading

Drm:.

Ub s,ould guess that the comlp$ stelenated knight will be able in . IE Sc or:ginal study Vhite's king is ae. KR_{, Biack's pawn on Black's The oP'eoing moves are : r. K-N4, -d Qr !-E Ee had to drop the first moves,

because-in the original posi-

the by-play: r. N-BZ t, i-rho -rEr. '-D6 ....,BxN?2. K-N+) z. N-Q6, ':D, 1 li-Bs, md +. N*K3, etc. d lead to a draw.

to

perpetual check were here, too, more or less on hand and the result was due to the cornered situation of the king and its mechanically restricted mobiliry. In the restriction of the king's movement lack of space proper is often combined with other factors. During the flight certain squares may be forbidden to the king because their occupation would ieopardize the safety of the rest of his camp. A frequent case in point is the indirect restriction of movement by a threat of scoPe extension (geometrical motif).

z. R-Q8,

K-K2

P-K8

!

!

(Q)

White threatened N-B+ (evcn r. . . ., K-K4) r. .. ., N-R4

after

would have been met by and 3.

R-K6.

z. N-84

ch

!

z N-B7 ch

K-B5

2. ..., K-B4 is forbiddenonaccount of 3. N-Qf ch and also the squares K4 and K5 are taboo because

of 3. R-K6 ch. This restriction

to chase Black's king persistently along the sixth rank. allows White

3. 4.

R-B6 ch R-N6 ch

K-Na (6) and draws 59

I

-

through perpetual check, or-in case of a detour-through the loss of the queen.

***

6. Z.

N-Qz N-B+

ch (B3)

ch

K-K+ draws

cape against Black's menacing pawns on both wings.

*** Now let us watch a bishop giving the same performance: 67.

66.

B-Nz would -1 queeL mate" to the As was noted in our huodtrai there are certain circumstaoe Tt not only theking but any othcrfi ttraY be exposed to perpetual o The uext study illustrates a umsiri . . .,

by perpetual check.

The next study demonstrates how a knight makes possible a similar es-

because Black is compelled to r back on the same route sine &

al

K-Nr

8.

case.

V. and M. PLATOV, r9o5. 68.

A. A. TROITSKY, 1923.

A. A. TROITSKY' rt95.

Draw. Drazu.

K-N6 !

r. N-Bz ch z. P-B7

3. N-K4 ch !!

P-Rz

K-86

3. . . ., K-R6 (Ns) +. P-B8 (Q) ch !, or 3. . .., K-R5 4. P x N (Q) ch ! Two diagonals are a danger zone toBlack's kingowing to Vhite's passed pawn. This entails an interesting "merry-go-round": 4. N-Qz 5. N-84

ch

ch

!

K-K6 K-Ks

r.P-B4!

Forced because of the mate threat

B-Kr,

as . . ., Q-K5 is no defence, for White then has another ace up his

sleeve: z. B-Q8 mate.

B-Kr ch ! 3.BxBch

After

account 6o

ofPxN (Q ch.

. . .,

K-B6

KxP ?

4.

B-Nz

ch would

win the queen. Therefore the king is confined to the black squares.

B-Qz ch 5. B-B3 ch 6. B-N4 ch 7. B-R5 ch

Droa.

K-K4 K-Qr K-Bz and draws,

ts.{

r.N{7 z.

K-NS

z.

4. There are not many choices left because the Q-file is "out of bounds" on

BxP

P-B8

(Q)!

Sacrifice with line

intedetm 6c ncr q

teuding to gain time for InOVe.

B:r(

2.-3.

N-K5 !!

Threatening

ch. fClffi kirynd qu

B-Kz

a knight check to

This can only be prereoterl bg u rng the queen.

ilF-{2 ch n[-84 (Bf) ch

K-K+ draws

FElEEat check.

, ph

such a bishop giving

pdotmance

-.\_.

4.

..

s.

., K-Nr 8. B-Nz would "give

mate" to the queen. As was noted in our inuoduction,

***

us

:

67.

there are certain circumstances where not only the king but any other piece may be exposed to perpetud attack. The next study illustrates a transition-

al

l

U-Dd IL PI-ATOV,

3.--

because Black is compelled to walk back on ths same route since after 7.

case.

r9o5. 68.

A. A. TROITSKY,

B-B4

B-Qr

!

This is it ! If the queen confines her movement to Black's Nr and Rz she will remain for ever within the bishop's reach. If again she deprives her consort, hard pressed as he is, of another square, the fire ofperpetual attack will be turned r.rn him.

5.- B-Kz

1895.

!

6. 7.

ch

N-83 ch 8. N-K5 ch

since . .

., K-N4would

be followed

by N-B7 ch. A pattern of "perpetual check to the queen" springs from the next posi-

tion, very similar to the

perPetual check to the king in Diagram No. 63.

Drou.

BxP

69.

id bcanse of the mate threat fus..-FK5isnodefence, lh tbcn has mother ace up his b: z. B{S Erate. II-X'r

fxB

ch

hr-oK-ts6

h d

K-Ns KxP

!

cto

?4.

B-Nz

K-K4

r. z.

N{7

P-B8

M. G. KLIATSKIN, t925.

B-Q3 (Q)!

Sacrifice with line interference intending to gain time for the next quiet

ch would

gcco- Therefore the king ro 6e black squares.

Draw.

is

move.

BxQ

a

3. N-K5 --

!!

Threatening

B-K2 ch followed

by

K-Q3

a knight check to king and

and draws,

This can only be prevented by moving the queen.

K-Bz

queen.

Draw.

6r

Since the attempt r. P-B7 would lead to disaster after r. . . ., Q-83 ch, z. K-Q7, Q-Ql ch 3. K-K8, K3 ! \trhite sacrifices his vain hope in the interests of driving the queen to a less favourable place.

A. S. GURVITCH,

K-

r.R-K8!!

protected because

70.

N-Q6 1927.

of the po

ch. The thrcat

the queen to return and anack rolls on.

R-l th

5.-6. R-KR5

QxPch

1

a

witha draw":t::

The capture is forced, otherwise P-BZ would have become a serious threat.

It is possible+nd wti keep even a protcccdpi -to permanent attack becuc bt

r

z.

K-Q7

ch

K-B+

2. . . .,K-Q+??3. P-K4 3.

P-K4

ch

Draw.

chmate!

K-BS

White loses a piece, thereforeihe must do his best to scrape up some kind of attack against Black's king.

The chase of the king is over, but now it is the queen's turn !

Q-Bz

r.N-K4 z.

(Nz) ch

Q-Nr

because the rook keeps the queen perpetual check (K6, K7, K8).

ch

After 2. . . .,K-Rz? A.

Q

and draws,

R-N5

Rx P ch !,

x R 4. N-B6 ch, the queen falls ;

K-

Rr would equalize the position N-86 threatening R-N8 mate). 3.

R-B5

ch

If later

G.

dff

dso the ddcodiry

dddl

ofteu necessitre a cm[E ing to the repetition dm of whole variations 71.

A. A. TROfTStlf,

K-Kr

I

into trouble, the oPPoEf it twice as rlifficuh m hig d into safety. The forcstrEiry ing of a double d I defending and the

and also the continuation 2. . . .,

in

we qm tie dowu the

11

4.RxP! Attack and threat at the same time Also the perpetual attack against the

queen-like that against the kingmay result from an indirect restriction

of movement, from the inaccessibility of certain squares due to the ttrreat of some other damage. But it also may

result from another simultaneously used threat at a time when the queen under attack can move onlyto a square from where she parries the threat. Let us look at an example. 6z

!

The rook can be captured only in return for the queen (+. . .., Q x R 5. N-B6 .h), otherwise Black must parry the mating threat R-R8. There is only one way to do it :

4.- 5. R-QN5

Q{Nz

!

!

The same image mirrored on the other side ! The rook is indirectly

4 4

J

D

protected because

70.

L S GLRVITCII,

N-Q6 1927.

of the possibility :

R-N8

In this

classical example, White's

forces

active king-always ready for launch-

the queen to return and the perpetual attack rolls on.

ing a perpetual attack-ho1ds both Black pieces at bay, standing his ground against an opponent a rook

5.

6.

ch. The threat

Q-KRz

-R-KR5

with a draw

ahead.

K-Bt

(E)

K-Nz

as a result.

Attacking only the protected knight

It

-to

Dtaat.

L lces a piece, thereforelhe rb hb bcst to scrape up

feck

some against Black's king.

r(,4

t--}(S ch

we can tie down the defending piece. If later also the defending piece gets

into trouble, the opponent will find it rwice as difficult to bring them both into safety. The forestalling or parrying of a double attack against ttre defending and the defended piece may

rz...,K-R2?l.RxPch!, '+ N-B6 dr, the queen falls ; b e omthuation 2. . . ., Kd equalize the position G. 5

is possible-and worth our while

keep even a protected piece under permanent attack because by doing so

&emeaing

R-N8

f-8f ch

mate).

K-Kr

IxPI

often necessitate a compromise leading to the repetition of moves or even of whole variations. 71.


d ceYt be capnrred only in ifrttu queeD (+. ...,QxR 5. t' ctl, otherwise Black must we-y

t{N-s!

to do

it

would not be good, because Black could extricate himself from its passive defensive position after 3. . . ., R-Rr 4. P-R5, N-N6 ! (5. B x N' R-Nr ch ! or 5. K-NZ, R-R6 etc.) The repentant 4. K-NS would activate the knight after 4. . . ., N-Nz 5. K-B6, N-Qr ch 6. K-Q7, N-

Bz!

:

5.

K-B6

K-Qz

l.K-Bl

!

inage mirrored on the The rook is indirecdy

P-R6

ch

K-Rr

!

With the king cut off, and thus the KB7 square under control, White can resume the chase of the knight.

z.

Q-QNz

R-Rr N-Nz

3.- +. P-Rs

N-Qr

!

ch

The rook cannot defend the knight either from Black's QRz or QNr for fear of the double attack : 7. K-N6 or 7. K-87.

furn*rirng threat R-R8. There

'rr

K-N6?

6.

rtDd Sreat at the same time !

I

but restricting the movement also of the defending rook. The "brutal" 3.

!

?

fails against the possible

reply . . ., N-Bz Draw.

7.- 8. K-B7

!

R-Nr R-Rr 63

N-Nz N-R4 ch

K-Qz ! ro. K-86 rr. K-N5 q.

!

rr. K-N6? would be wrong again

N-N6

! And thus we have come back to an eariier position. Black cannot shake off his ties since after a knight move his rook or after a because of . . .,

rook move his knight would come

under attack. rr. . . ., R-Rz rz. K-N6!, Rr 13. K-N5!*aT*U**t.

R-

The perpetual threat is equivalent in concept and in its forcing effect to perpetual attack. If one side renews hiJthieats every move, the obligation to ward them off continuouslY Prevents the opponent from realizing his own plans. A familiar instance of a draw being

forced by perpetual mate-threats-a motif known to have occurred also in several match games-is offered bY the next study

:

R6?? is taboo !! (rz.

R-R8

*** tinuing threat, the Prevention of which compels the oPPonent to be in constant readiness. This obligation of readiness leads to a considerable restriction of mobility, which is why even a significant material advantage cannot often be realized. The most suitable means of maintaining such a continuous positional

threat is the well-advanced

For instance, the waY leading to the perpetuation of the threat is, even in

its simplicity, well next study

concealed

R. RETI, 1928.

,%

ltr

ffi

Draw.

in

the

White,s obvious eim is ro king to QB8 and win a Piffi

1

pawn.

It

sitllsi a few mo\ies,:

seems that the

clear up after

White can promote his PaFEr q

in preventing ir At the flrst attempt the Lmer

succeeds

to be more probable, becar.lsc i K-Qg, B-Qf z. K-88, N-

f. K-QZ Black is abie to r.5 forces effectively: . . .-. N{

K-BS, N-Nl ch aol miir

fu B{i r ) K-Q+ 3. K-B8, N-K2 :!

knight's interyention bids also after

Q7,

r. K-QZ,

N-83

!

Nevertheless these rnio & have revealed something: se prevent the interventioo of fra

.

either from Blaclfs Ql m Let therefore White's \T sqr N5 and Black's king be t:rec

Q+!

r. K-Q8

!

z.

!

K-Q7

r !

:

J. MORAVEC, 1924.

,%

passed

pawn.

73.

,rru

naate.)

Besides the perPetually rePeated threat there is also a perpetually con-

72.

"r%r,

64

r. R-Rr ch!, K-Nr z. R'-Nr K-Br 3. R-QRI!, K-Qt 4. K-Q6!, K-Kr 5. K-K6, K-Br 6. K-B6, K-Nr 7. R-R.8 ch!, KRz 8. R-RZ ch, K-R3 9. R-RS!, K-R+ ro. K-B5!, K-R5 rr. KB4-and draws because rr. . . ., Kch,

Though the th.reat K-BE hand, there is nc a*d ir :u

r R-Rr ch!, K-Nr z. R-Nr l, K-Br 3. R-QRI!, K-Qr 4. [{51. K-Kr 5. K-K6, K-Br . K-86. K-Nr 7. R-R.8 ch!, KE & R-R- ch, K-Rl 9. R-R8!, l-n4 rc" K-B;!, K-R5 rr. Kl{€,1 d-rairs because rr. .. ., Ktili * Bt'oo t'. t-rz. R-R8 naate.) *** ;Ecsiu,les

the perpetually repeated

h[ th€re i.s dso a PerPetuallY conHry rhrcat, the prevention of tEh compels the oPPonent to be I ctzot rcadiness. This obligation F readiness leads

tsirion

to a considerable

of mobilitY, which is whY

Etr a s'ignificant material advantage

m ltc

ofteo be realized. raost suitable means of maintung such a continuous positional

hd is the well-advanced Passed EE.

',Fr

iostancq the way leading to the

igouertion of the threat is, even in r siq'Liots, well concealed in the r- md-s :

pawn.

It

seems that the situation

clear up after

will

a few moves:

either White can promote his pawn or Black succeeds in preventing it. At the first attempt the latter seems to be more probable, because after r. K-Q8, B-Q3 z. K-88, N-Kz ch f. K-QZ Black is able to regroup his forces effectively: . . ., N-Q+ ! +.

K-88, N-Nl ch and wins. The knight's intervention bids fair to win

r. K-QZ, B-Q3 z. P-N6, K-Q+ 3. K-B8, N-K2 ch 4. KQ7, N-83 ! Nevertheless these two attemPts also after

have revealed something: we have to

prevent the intervention of the knight

either from Black's Q4 or

B3!-

Let therefore White's NP stay on his N5 and Black's king be fcrced on his Q+!

r. K-Q8

!

z.

!

K-Q7

B-Q3 !

Though the threat K-BS was on hand, there is no need to hurry ! We

73'

R RIiTI,

White's obvious aim is to get his king to QB8 and win a piece for a

can wait until the knight choses

a

worse place or the king bars its way to

the good one.

)

K-Q+

--

ch? or z. . .., Bbishop )2. . . ., N-K2 3. P-N8 (Q) ! costs a knight for the pawn.

2. . . .,

N-Br

Nr ? 3. K-B8

3.

K-BB

!

! costs a

N-Kz

ch

+.K-Qz P-NS (Q it again threatened and therefore the knight must move on.

4.- 5. K-BS

N-Ba $3) N_-Kz ch

and draws. Mutual threat or mutual Zugzwang may bring about a state of equilibrium even in positions where the material balance is upset. That is what we call a draw by repetition of moves. As we have seen, it is in fact nothing else than a logical extension of the concept ofperpetual attack or perpetual threat.

:^928.

65

II. FIGHT FOR VICTORY ZV

G

ZVAN

G

Most books on end-games begin wittr that very simple and readily understandable chapter from which

to his advantage, but explicitly dis-

the novice may learn how to give mate to an unsupported king with king and rook.

are numerous more complicated situa-

The

process

is

indeed an

easy

one. The extra rook is sufficient in all variations to achieve an easy victory.

Through this simple example the beginner is given an idea of the concept of decisive material superiority and he also comes to realize that the right to move confers a certain advantage, since, even if a rook ahead, he

must obviously move his pieces to arrive at the mating position. Few would think, however, that the advantage inherent in the right to move might in certain cases turn into a definite disadvantage. If you were called upon to mate an opponent with a rook on condition that the opponent was allowed to exercise his right to move only at his own discretion unless forced to evade a check, you would find the task quite insoluble.

The opponent's lonely king falls victim to your king and rook for the very reason that he cannot help making a move, even when the move is uot 5*

astrous.

Apart from such simple

cases,

there

tions in which the side to play cannot but weaken his position by any conceivable move. Often no immediate threat or danger is evident in a given position, yet the player to move finds himself unexpectedly at a disadvantage.

For a better understanding of the surprising tactical turns we have to get acquainted not only with the concept

of the "harmful piece" but also with

that of the "damaging movert' another decisive factor of tactical operations.

That moment in the course of play at which a situation arises when any

move made

by the side to

play

amounts to a definite weakening of his

own forces, is ter medZagzwang. The conceptof Zagzwang must not be confused with the concept of the

"forced move." The latter simply indicates that, in a given position, there is, for lack of a better, only one single move with which to parry some attack or threat, irrespective of whether

it is

satisfactory or not. In other words, it means that in a given position there is 67

F. STAMMA, t737.

ing.

On the other hand, in a Zugposition it would be best not

the game if he is able not to "lose the opposition." 'W'e do not propose to deal with these familiar and simple cases, but later on in this book the reader will find examples in which the opposition has an essential part to play.

A classical demonstration of the concept of Zagzwang has been preserved from the pre-history of chess. The next pattern is a thousand years otd and was taken from

Arabian

sources by the Arab author who lived

68

!

he would certainiy ko

prised at the finish queen ending: 6dh

of the Des

75.

@

A. A. TROITSKY, r9r-. White wins.

White has an unexpectedly quick winning possibility because of the precarious position of Black's king.

R-N8

r. R-Qr ch There is nothing else

left-a

forced

move.

cases force the

win by "gaining the oppositionr" and that is why the weaker side can save

two centuries ago.

mater"

%%

Zagzwang may occur in every tyPe

in most

mm

such a Zagzwang was ooly pa when one side was bound lffii foot, in positions smelliag of '

Therefore, our endeavour to achieve a Zugzwang position is a partial aim in a game, just as it is to bring about other kinds of theoretical winning positions.

offensive can

B)

somebody were inclined to rhiril

.to move at all, to leave everything as it is. We know, however, that according to the rules this is not possible.

to give ground to the opponent's kirrg. That is why the side on the

P-Nt

P-N'

If, on the grounds of this ere

zwalng

of end-game. Its most frequent and best-known instance is the opposition in pawn endings. The opposition of the two kings is in essence nothing else than a Zugzwang position because the player with the move is in principleat a disadvantage; he is forced

P-N

4. PxP 5. P-R6 6. P-R7 7. P-R8 (Q or

74.

only one single move which is satisfactory or which can at least avert some graver trouble for the time be-

z.

R-KBr

!

!

RxRch

But this is already Zugzwang-at least partially. Black might have moved his RP but the result would have been the same. 3.

KxR

Now we

-{n extra minor piec= .rin quem cad{ =ale iself felt in

The superior forces rrIx' tre d onty if the," can drire the r ".c,e into a mating pmiti,oo r i ro bring him-as b 6€ "-t $ ;"n Zugrang.

rio

P-R+ see the diference between

the first rook move and this pawn move: in the first case Black was forced to defend himself by warding off the attack ; now, however, he only had

to play something. This "something" was the only possibility

Vhiu rrns.

here.

K4r KJi:

K--8,3

4. PxP 5. P-R6 6. P-R7 7. P-R8 (Q or

74.

F. STAMIVIA,

w

1737.

..

r

mate

!

If, on the grounds of this example, somebody were inclined to think that such a Zugzwang was only possible

:*,,..1

l'r::

B)

P-NS P-N6 P-NZ

H

when one side was bound hand and

foot, in positions smelling of "stalemater" he would certainly be surprised at the finish of the next '(airy"

I

E

r

queen

tr@

ending:

,

75.

A. A. TROITSKY, r9r7. White

fhir€

tke L rothing else left-a

are left for her?

4. . . .,Q-KN8 ? S.Q-R8 ch, KNg 6. Q-N8 ch winning the queen. 4. . . ., Q-QRr (Nr) S. Q-R5 ch,

K-Nz 6. Q-BZ ch, K-R3 7.Q-88 ch, K-Rz 8. B-N8 ch, K-Rr (8. . . ., K-N3 9.Q-87 ch) 9. B-B7 ch

forced

f,c.

u

R-KB:

I

l

iibr

P-R+

me see the difference between

l fu rook move and this pawn rG: il the fi.rst case Black was

dto rd

Cefend himsslf

!ywarding off

Black's relatively best choice is to stay on his KR2-QN8 diagonal,

White wins.

An extra minor piece can rarely make itself felt in queen end-games. The superior forces will be able to win only if they can drive the weaker side into a mating position or if they can bring him-as is the case hereinto Zagzvtang.

r. B-Q5 ch

; now, however, he only had

z.

sas the only possibility here.

3. +.

DL-" something. This "some-

-3

and mate in two moves.

RxRch

h th-. l: already Ztgzwang-at rt pmiaily. Black might have rGd tis RP but the result would rc ber' [h.e seme. FK . R

by mate. (+. Q-N2?? S.Q-KR5 ! or 4. . . ., Q-R2 ? ?, 5. Q-KNS !), on fourteen mediately be followed

tured right away. What other options

R-N8

ch

though Black's queen has zz squares (!) to go to, all his 22 moves are disadvantageous! (Of course, the only king move 4. .. ., K-Rz? is wrong because of the pinning S. B-K+.) Two moves of the queen would im-

other squares the queen could be cap-

tras an unexpectedly quick

R-{r

in the centre. Two factors are worthy of special consideration. First : there is actually no threat on White's part ; moreover, if he were to move and tried to chase the queen by B-K4, Black would immediately escape by . . ., Q-N5 ch ! stalemate. Second :

. . .,

wzns.

dry possibility because of the prefu poaition of Black's king. t-

Now the enormous power of the queen makes its effect surprisingly felt

Q{8

Q-K7 Q-Ks

ch ch !

!

K-Br K-Nz K-Rr

though even that will not help.

4.- 5. Q-N5 ch

Q-Q6

Q-NB Q-B8 ch

K-R2

6.

7.

ch

K-Rz

K-Rl

If l. .. ., K-N3 8. B-87 ch and now 8. . . ., K-Bf (B+) q. B-B4 leads to the loss of the queen ; otherwise 8. .. ., K-Rz results in a mate in two. 6g

K-Nr

B-N8 ch ch B-B7 9. 8.

quicHy loses on account of 3. (B)S ch, etc. But what next?

and White wins in the waY indicated in the previous paragraPh. For all the oPtions Black's queen had at her disposal, White's marked advantage of space was conspicuous in this example. Another 'iairy" Position follows in

which White's advantage of space and the cramped position of Black's pieces lead to a Zugzwatg.

Q-K

3.

K-R6 ! !

It

is hard to believe before you have

and White wins

convinced yourself bY

!

trYing out

After any other move Wh win by simple technical rc

r...., K-Nz z. KxE N-Nl, B-B5 ch 4 KN4 5. K-N4, B-Nr 6 K-NS l. P-85 !, K r N K-NS 9.P-87, B-Q ro g.

I

But now, if we pla,ved r cb K-N4 !, we should bt

Black's all possibr._1"*t.

etc.

All that is, however, dwarfed bY Grandmaster R6ti's studY which embodies a move that is justly regarded

in the former variationThere is a single rrltlve '

the very tempo that secnnr

as the "world record

of

eYen

surPrise

z. K-Rr!!!

moves."

76.

The reader should F

n-

I l.

H. RINCK, 1926.

now:

astonishment and take a

gu

the position. Black is in R. RETI, 1922.

Ztrymrang. His king c:millt cqn he capture the knigfu

)

h

RP should break looc. E

again cannot es€Pe the sct kdght wherever il might sL

on the trro diagonal. u itr Sxcept on White's K3, ri @urse covered by the BP-)

2. . .., B-Nz @r, N4, I K6 ch z. . .., B{7 @8) I F

and wins. It is quite simple thrt

lVhite wins.

r. R-B7

r. ..

.e

ch

R-Qz

K-Kl?

results

Vhite

!

in a mate: ., R-Q3 ?

K{s

+.

death is in

.. ., K-K

(B)r

?

2.

Q-K

(B)r ch,

etc.

K{t ! z. Q-B5 ch ! 2. .. ., K-Kr? or z. . . ., K-K3? 7o

**t

wins.

A simple position. Of a kind that

must have occurred in over-the-board play thousands of times. Yet it would hardly affract any particular attention if it did, for master and novice alike would most probablY overlook the latent opportunitY.

r. N-Q4

ch

rrr

K-84!

The question mey ''i*c' "woD,der" moYes cm h There is no wizardr-v iu ooly have to thiDf ,E

playing

anything
neot could dor rcre L move! Then sg shall a

ogh

threat Dor a Ztgn'q, Let us e&lnine sorrp

from that angle:

ft

ffy

loses on account

tr

cL etc. But what

.

K-R6 ! !

of 3. Q-K

next?

and White wins

!

li] hrd to believe before You have tird yourself by trying out ff$ dI *":".i""

After any other move'u7hite would win by simple technical means. E. g.

78.

r. ..., K-Nz 2. KxP, K-Rl l. N-Nl, B-B5 ch 4. K-R3, KN4 5. K-N4, B-Nr 6. P-B+ K-NS Z. P-BS !, KxN 8. P-86,

F.

J. PROKOP, 1935.

K-NS 9.P-87, B-Qf ro. P-R6 !, if we played z. N-N3 ch, K-N4 !, we should be short of

etc. But now,

the very tempo that secured the win

I[ that is,

however, dwarfed bY

rfuaster R6ti's study which

em-

b e lrrore that is iustly regarded ft "world record of surPrise TB,,

77.

R RETI, rg22.

in the former variation. There is a single move that wins even now:

z. K-Rr!!! The reader should get over his astonishment and take a good look at the position. Black is in complete Zugzwang. His king cannot move, nor can he capture the knight lest White's

RP should break loose. His bishop again cannot escape the scope of the knight wherever it might choose to go on the two diagonals at its disposal. (Except on White" K3, which is of course covered by the BP.) 2. . .., B-Nz (Br, N4, BS) a.

K6 ch 2. ...,

N-

B{7 (B8):.N-Ng ch-

and wins. It is quite simple that way, isn't it?

***

Vhite wins.

The question may arise, how such

pmition. Of a kind that ctccured in over-the-board

i,riryfie

Ehre yfuands of times. Yet it would ily mract any particular affention i did, fo1 masfsl and novice alike fl mmt probably overlook the ef q,pqrtudty. L N{4 s6

"wonder" moves can be hit upon. There is no wizardry in that. W'e only have to think over-before playing anything-what the opponent could do, were he on the move! Then we shall overlook neither a threat nor a Zagzwang. Let us examine some otherexamples

K-B4!

White utins.

from that angle:

White has no advantage that he could reahze by aggressive means. He might, indeed, establish apassed pawn by r. P-K7, but after r. . . ., R-Kr z. R +.

6.

x KP,

K-R2 3. K-K3,

K-Q+, K-N4

! S.

R-Kr, P-B5

KxP

K-Q5, P-B4

Black too would

have a passed pawn able to secure a draw. Black's difficulties Iie in the shortage of available moves. His rook is tied down (r. . . ,, R-Kt z. P x P ;

any other move would be met by z. R x P). A move with the I(P makes no difference. B1ack has only . ..,

P-Bl or . . ., P-B4 ! at his disposal.

These moves must be prevented and the Zugzwang is achieved.

r. R-B6

!

P-K6

r. . . .e K-Rr? z. RxP, R-Kr 3. P-K7, K-Nr 4. R-B8 ch !, R x R S. P-RZ ch !, etc. wins. But now it 7r

"would be best" also for White not to move at all. After z. K x P ? Black can equalize the position by pinning White's KP (. . ., R-Kr). Weli,let us spare the pawn then and lose a temPo instead.

z.

K-Br

P-K7

!

ch

After 2. . . .rPx P White would wrn with the same continuation : 3. P-RZ ch !, K-Nz 4. R x R. 3. K-Kt

R-Kr

4. RxP ! 5. R-B6 !

and wins.

79.

L. I. KUBBEL,

K-Br. It

A. O. HERBST.IVIAN, 1927.

l.

...,

would be followed bY z.

B-RZ ! and, after having

exhausted

his pawn moves, B1ack would lose in the same way as in the main variation.

r. . . ., R-Nr ? would be a gross blunder owing to z. R-R8 ch, K-Bz 3. 8{6 ch ! B-N6 g.B-Bz

z.

K-Kr

ch

P-R+

Black can move neither with his rook nor with his king since as soon as

1924.

ch.

The other possible defence is

R-Rr

!

80.

Black had to ward off the threat z.

R-R8

White winr.

r. B-N4

they are more than one square apart

the rook is lost after metrical motif !).

R-R8

!

B-N3

cil

ch (geo-

r. . . .,

B-Bz

P-Rs P_R6 ch

z.

and wins,

3. 4.

P-R7

B X Niswrongbecarr.e o'fz-

ch,

K-BS

3.

B-R3

K-B4 ! N-B3 ch B-R3 ch

ml"P-

BxB K-BB

K-B-

because Black loses his rook on

account of the Zugzwang. The last move

was important, otherwise Black could

have escapedafter z. KxP? by..., R-Rr ch ! (Rook and bishoP against a rook is a theoretical draw.)

it is good

enough to bring Black's forces-whose

mobility is restricted as

it is-into

Zugzurang

72

K-N4

!

bishoP'

is of no importance, but

R-Br

In the presence of a mobile peru

if its king

to

next end-game with a

disadvantageous.

happens to bar its waY. This possibility is demonstrated in the amount of material

:

minimum

lir

***

Not only can a rook get stuck on the of the board in, Ztgzwang but

edge

also a bishop moving along diagonals,

to

tnd

INOYCS.

5.

As a material plus White's bishoP

!

Etce

can make only

and wins, because Black loees

lYhite wins.

r. B-B5

The time has come for "pass" since Black

Zugmtarrg position can be art';nad

unless the advance

of the peru

But this occurs often enougfo:

fo

E

nt

80.

gl.

A. O. HERBSTMAN, 1927.

B. HORV/ITZ, t879.

White wins.

lYhite wins.

hed to ward off the threat z.

dr-

Lcother prossible defence is l. . . . , $r- nt ri-ould be followed by z. BZ ! ml, after having exhausted FTtr trnories, Black would lose in re wes 6s in the main variation.

,-- R-\i? would be a gross fr os-ing to 2. R-R8 ch, K-Bz i--Q6 ch I , r

B-\6

H E

K-Kr

ch

B-tsurr

P-R+

cao move neither with his \Fith his king since as soon

ty ae more than one square apart rmt is loat after R-R8 ch (geora-l 6sldf

t).

r. B-N4

!

B-N3

r. . . ., B X Niswrongbecause ofz.

B-Bz

ch,

K-BS

3.

B-R3

K-B4 ! ch N-B3 3.

z.

G

4. BXeck

loses his rook on acThe last move othersise Black could

Edthe Zugmatg.

z. KxP? by ..., tcrcrpedafter =rrymq k d ! ff.mk and bishop against

t

ch

B-R3 ch

mate.

BxB

K-B8 K-BZ

The time has come for White to "pass" since Black can make only bad moves.

i$ e theoretical draw.)

5.

K-N4

and wins, because Black loses his

;r tishop moving along diagonals,

1l ting happens to bar its way.

pbitity is demonstrated in the r cod€@e \rith a minimum of material : I

RP.

r. K-N4

***

K-Br

!

Black is ready all the time to counter 'White's aggressiveK-RS by . . ., KNz, thus making a try for "triangulation" a futile effort. Of course r. . . ., K-Nz?? would be a gross blunder on account of z. K-R.5 ! resulting in an immediate Zugzwang.

K-B4 3.K-K4 +.K-Qs

z.

!

bishoP' hG,Lr c:rn a rook get stuck on the e d thc board in Zagzwang but

In this simple, but very instructive, position \ffhite makes every effort to force through the advance of Black's

K-Kr K-Br

K-K2

!

Though only temporarilg it throws back the aftack against the BP. V/hite's

In the presence of a mobile pawn no Zagzwang position can be attained unless the advance of the pawn is

king may stray as far as the

disadvantageous.

But this occurs often enough :

QB6-

squares since he can always catch up with Black's RP.

Q6-K6 5.

K-B6 !

K-Kr 73

If S. . . ., P-R4? 6. K-Q5 ! and RP: ro. . . ., K-Rl rr. K-K4, K-Nz rz. K-B4, K-R3 13. KN3, K-Nz 14. K-R3! (Triangle! Black can no longer do the same.) 14. K-Br 6. K-Q6 . . ., K-R3 r5. K-R4!, K-Nz 16.

the king can retreat in time.

The approach has been successful,

but White cannot launch an immediate attack, for in case of 7. K-K6 Black can reply . .., K-Nz at the

right moment, preventing 8. K-K7

??

(8. . . ., P-R4 !) How to continue now? Indeed, White has to make a "bo1d" move which, however, hides a plan calcu-

lated to a hair.

z.

K{z

K-Nr

!!

Should not the RP take off now

it? I7ell, the ioyful

*** We have remarked above that in a Zugzwang position every move is damaging. $[e have intentionally

avoided contrasting

since White's king can no longer over-

take

Kx P-followed by a trip to K6 again and-owing to another ZtgzwangBlack loses his BP too. This is the way-and there is none other-for lYhite to win'

event of

queening would be somewhat marred by the continuatiot T. . . ., P-R4 8.

the Zugzwatg

position with what is called a "threat positionr" in the way that chess problemists will often have it emphasizing that there is no threat in a Zagzwang position. Is it really so ? Let us give this question a closer scrutiny.

What arethe most "brutal" threats ? K-Kq P-R5 9. K x P, P-R6 ro. P-NZ ch, K-Nr rr. K-N6 !, P- The simultaneous attack against

R7 rz.

P-B6, P-R8 (Q) and White

mates just in time with 13. P-Bl. So White can keep manoeuvring outside the "magic square !"

8.

K-K7

!!

K-Nz

lion's den. 9.

K-K6 !

K{5

P-R4

!

and the rest is already a matter

of

routine. First of all White wins the 74

This is the direct threat. (b) The opponent blunders blindly into a mate

To give up the BP would lead to the former mating position. But now Black's king is it Zagrvtang and his RP is forced to stick its head into the

ro.

king and queen and the mate. How does such a threat arise ? There are two ways: (a) The player on the offensive makes a threatening move.

or a double attack, i. e. he himself turns a non-existing threat into an effective attack. In the first case the threat is of our

own making, in the second it is "latent" in the position as a possibility and becomes effective only after a certain move of the opponent. What happens if the opponent parries the direct threat ? The threat will cease to be effective but it will be maintained as a more or less hidden,

potential threat.

It

means thst

I

the parrying move ilrs 4sfsnding a will be tied dowr and anY Pss

move with

it will make the rt

realizable again. A sly player will resort to a$ r concealed threats as possible ie hope that his opponent will or< one of them and blunder into a c double attack or the like. A reaEY g player, on the other han{ eodczm to tie down and restrict the @ob of the greatest possible nuaotq d venie pieces with threas, Purposd

t(L . . ., K-Rl rr. K-K4, h rz- K-B4, K-Ra 13. KK-Nz r+. K-R3! (Triangle! cD. rlo nonger do the same.) 14.

K-R3 rj. K-R4!, K-Nz

16.

4XmC by a trip to K6 again {f,iry to another Zugzwanghcs his BP too. This is the -od there is none other-for Et rir'* **

he remarked above that in a Eg pmition every move is fu S"e have intentionally d contrasting the Zugzwang r sirh what is called a "threat q" io. the way that chess prob:

after piece ssible

move with

it will rnake the threat

realizable again. A s1y player will resort to as many concealed threats as possible in the hope that his opponent will overlook one of them and blunder into a mate, double attack or the like. A really good player, on the other hand, endeavours

to tie down and restrict the mobility of the greatest possible number of adverse pieces with threats, purposefully

pursrring his goal until the opponent

will not merely blunder into but accept it

as an

defeat

inescapable calam-

ity.

Can such a thing be done? WhY, of course ! On the strength of the examples grven in this chaPter, we may safely risk the important statement

that the Zugzwang is a Position

in

which the latent potential threats become effective because the player to move is comPelled to stoP trying to avert them (or one of them).

B rr:ll often have it emphasizing b.e is no threat in aZtgzwang m.. Is it really so ? Let us give

Fioo a doser scrutiny. llrcthe most "brutal" threats ? cfonnlranexlus attack against

d queen and the mate. How d a threat arise? There are E s: .a. The player on the !; rnrkes a threatening move. i the dtuect threat. (b) The E bilnonrders blindly into a mate fuHc *nack, i. e. he himself , r Dgo-Eis 'ng threat into an i- rrect L fils[ case the threat is of our

rr*;ng, in the second it is "la'h 6c pcition as a possibility hGEil'"es effective only after a

i ure of the opponent. I hrypens if the opponent I & dircct threat? The threat r- to be effective but it will be ri.d es a more or less hidden, 75

THE HARMFUL PIECE

3.

K-Nz

KxP

dras:

Why has the presence of the'tl pawn worked out to Black's disads tage ? Because he could not rrftzh pawn move, nor could his king c*cc a certain spot on the*board.

In other cases again the rerv that some piece can move Eoa-T Rr

:

The realizarion that the presence of certain pieces of one's own colour on the board is not always advantageous but may be expressly harmful, is one of considerable importance in a vast number of tactical operations. The damaging effect of a piece will as a rule manifest itself in so far as it

will, by its very presence, obstruct the movement of some other piece of the same colour. Accordingly, this disadvantage follows not from the suength and mobility of the piece in question but from its material existence. Let us take a very simple example: 92.

C. SALVIOLI,

i% "% |

"ffi"

"%r,

,ryr,

%,%

1888.

%

would be a draw, no matter which player has the move. But Black's pawn

limits the manoeuvring freedom of its own king and prevents it from reach-

ing the critical square N4. \fiihite will win if he manages to thwart Black's efforts to get rid of his harmful pawn under favourable circumstances.

r. P-N5 ! z.K-Qz 3. K-K6 +.K-Kz 5. K-B6 6. K-B7

76

i. e. when sre rE:

achieve a stalemate. E.

,e.:

83.

K-Bz

K-Br K-Nz K-Nr K-R2

The fixing of the harmful piece is a very important factor in pursuing one's end. If White makes a king move, Black gains "breathing timer" sacrifices his pawn under more favourable circumstances and draws. Thus :

r. K-K5

It is obvious at the first glance that without Black's NP the situation

immobility,

And now Black has to give up lus harmful pawn at a time when he can no longer prevent White's queening his : 6. . . ., K-Rr 7. K x P, K-Nr 8. K-R6 ! and White wins.

?

P-N4!

K-Bz Also ..., K-Rz (Rr or Br) is good; only . . ., K-Nz?? would be z. K-B5

White wins.

to be a disadvantage. It is eass c.-'5 that the possibility of moriag L" ie ging rvhen we are striving fu.r !

a gross blunder.

LVhite a'i:::

V/ith the BP on the

-

s::,

P--

:

Black could draw if he haC i.crr fi1:'r pawn on the square K+. A.-i re jr

in such cases the idea i5 tr.'r sr.l's'E king to R8 and to give up &e 'After QxP (Bz) a stdt=mr reached.) Here his orrn KP- rr=fue

move, queers the pitch for BJe,lL Shite has got to do is to prrrcrr Eawn from advancing too ftr"

PIECE

3.

K-Nz

KxP

draws.

Why has the presence of the "bad" pawn worked out to Black's disadvantage? Because he could not make a pawn move, nor could his king occupy a certain spot on the board.

*** In I bc a d,ran-, no matter which rh the move. But Black's pawn rn:nsrsuwing freedom of its iing a@d prevents it from reachb criti,cal square N4. White will f he ror*n€es to thwart Black's D b gst rid of his harmful pawn 11f,s

r

r. Q-B4 ch

K-KB K-Q7

r. Q-Bg

K,-K8

z.

other cases again the very fact

that some piece can move may prove to be a disadvantage.

It is easy to guess

that the possibility of moving is damaging rvhen we are striving for total immobility, i. e. when we want to achieve a stalernate. E. g.: 83.

ftr.ourable circumstances.

V. CHEKHOVER, 1936. til, g

Q-K4

Q-K3 s.Q-K+ 4.

ch

K-88

ch !

An important motif with a view to fixing the "harmful pawn" temporarily. White's imrnediate king move would not be satisfactory. E. g. 5.

K-N3, P-K5 ! 6. K-Bz, K-N7 Z. Q-NS ch, K-R7 8. Q-R4 ch, K-NZ g. Q-N+ ch, K-R7 and it is obvious now that White's queen can-

not

occupy

the important

square

KB3 (to gain tempo), and the harmful piece has turned into a usefutr one.

5.--

Q-N4 ch z.Q-Br ! 8. Q-N3 ch 6.

q.K-Nl

because the time-gaining noeuvre can be repeated. (9. . . ., K-K7 ro. Q-Nz,

t ryr ffi

Black has to give up his pa,ra at a time when he can

EEEr Frr'crent

white's queening

L..-,K-Rr7.KxP,K-Nr -16 I end Shite

csd- If S-,'hite makes a , Eect gains "breathing timer" king

c

his pau-n under more favouriromsrances and draws. Thus:

K_K6

?

P-N4!

K-Bz K-Rz (Rr or Br) is D ; ols . . ., K-Nz?? would be K-ts{

r

Hmder.

Q-K+ !) and Sflhite's

wins.

s G-ng of the harmful piece is y iry,ortant factor in pursuing

K-KS

rr. Q-K4 ch, K--Q7 rz. Q-B3, K-KS 13. Q-Kf ch, K-88 14. king has come

nearer. White wins.

With the BP on the seventh rank Black could draw if he had not another pawn on the square K4. As we know in such cases the idea is to move the king to R8 and to give up the BP.

(After QxP (Bz) a

stalemate is reached.) Here his own I(P, which can move, queers the pitch for Black. All White has got to do is to prevent this pawn from advancing too far.

*** We shall not discuss here the

cases

in which the damaging effect of a piece is manifested in defeating a stalemate combination. Such examples are

to be fotrnd in the chapters: "The Stalemate" and "Averting the Stalemate." Now we propose to examine some typical instances of the harmful piece as a factor limiting the mobility and sphere of action of its ou'n side. 77

part in enforcing the draw, but he is "supported" by Black's QRP, whose presence prevents Black's queen from

84.

B. HORV/ITZ, 1879.

giving check on the QR file, so that she cannot force White's king in front of the NP. The continuation may readily be understood:

7.- 8. K-R8

Q-R2

Q-Ks

g.K-Rz K-R8 rr. K-R7 rz. K-R8

Q-Qs ch Q-Q+ Q-84 ch

ro.

draw.

The presence of a bad pawn can Draw.

r.

K-K4

r.

K-N5 would

lose because of . .

.

P-RS. This move of White aims not at the continuation r. ..., KxP z. K-B3, because after z. . . ., P-R5 3.

K-Bz, K-N5

Black would win.

White plans to carry out

a

counterplay

by winning Black's NP. It follows that r. K-KS or r. K-K6 would lead to the same result. r__-

K-Q5 3. K-B6

z.

KxP 5.K-Rz

4. 6.

z.

P-N6 P-Nz

!

KxP K-Ns

P-Rs P-R6 P-Rz P-R8 queens

V/ith a pawn on the seventh rank one may as a rule only reckon on a draw if the pawn stands on the R or B file. Here is an exception to the rule ; the NP does the trick ! How is this possible? White's QRP has no active 78

alter the general theoretical theses surprisingly. It is a well-known fact, for instance, that we cannot mate the opponent's king with one knight, or with two for that matter. If, however, the weaker side also has r ot 2 harmful pieces, we may be able to enforce victory. The earliest illustration of this theme is the following study: 95.

A. SALVIO,

1634.

escape mate with the knjgix matter which side has the more-

(A) r.

N-B6

P-;

K-

z. N-N4 ch 3. K-tsr ! 4.

N-Bz

P-l

mate

K-

(B)r....

If, instead, r. . . ., P-\.4" t: N-B6, P-NS 3. NxP $, K 4. K-Br leads to the sErE which we have seen i-c fu variation.

z.

K-

N-B6

Also z. . ., because of 3.

P-R7

gises ao r

N-N+ P\+ a !i"P-NS 5. N-Br, P-\6 ca 6-

:

(N6) mate. The reduction s1. gla-t,* ! ments to a total Zugmeng :'il$

brought about

e\

eB

a+E=E

pawns, although sg'1-;,;r-5 tr material evaluation t-c,:r cElllpawns are worth coa-.ice-;t5 than a knight. 86.

re

J. MENDHEL\I,

t :ffi T7

ISF

t Winning Position

!

In this situation Black's kioglimited in its movements-cannot

l{au ir

g rwzgJ-

ril

iD eoforcing the draw, but he is rypcrted" by Black's QRP, whose aercr€ DreYents Black's queen from ming chock on the QR file, so that she

@ffi

:

e

l-orce

Stite's king in front of

\[P. The continuation may readily uocerstood :

Q-Rz Q-KS Q-Qs ch Q-Q+ Q-B4 ch

t- K-R8

9 K-R;

K-RS rr. K-R7 lz K-RS ro-

draw.

The presence of a bad pawn can tcr the eeneral theoretical theses sur'i.*rglv. It is a well-known fact, for

@cE, that we cannot mate the

pnoer't's king with one knight, or it tr.o for that matter. If, however, r weaker side also has r or z harmful h:rs, we msF be able to enforce ksr-s. The earliest illustration of lir tfo."ne is the following study: 85.

.l- SAL\-IO, tq4.

escape mate with the knight, matter which side has the move.

3.

(A) r. N-B6

In

this

EfiEd

NxI(P

P-RZ would be followed by 5. NxP, P-B7 6. NxBP mate, or 4. . . ., P-B7 5.

4.

N-Bz mate (B) r. .. . If, instead, r. . . ., P-N4rthen z. N-B6, P-NS 3. NxP ch, K-R8 4. K-Br leads to the same mate which we have seen in the first 4.

variation.

N-B6 K-Rz Also z. .., P-R7 grves no mercy because of 3. N-N4, PN4 4. N-K3, P-NS 5. N-Br, P-N6 ch 6. NxP z.

(N6) mate. The reduction of Black's movements to a total Zu;gzwang might be brought about even against four pawns, although according to the material evaluation four connected pawns are worth considerably more

than a knight.

K-Br, P-N5

N-Qf !, P-N5 4. N-N4 ch 5. K-Br 6.

6.

NxP mate. K-R8

P-Bl

P-Rz P-Ns P-N6

KxP

z.N-Kl 8. 9.

N-Br NxP

ch

mate

We find ourselves confronted with a harder strategic task if we want to win with two knights against a freely

moving king plus a harmful pawn. Naturally, there are also exceptional situations and possible quick decisions

in positions of this type. The following end-game strikingly demonstrates the value of two strong knights compared to the "valuelessness" or, indeed, harmfulness of those ofthe opponent. 87.

85.

Wirning position

K-Bz

3. . . .,

z. N-N4 ch 3. K-Br !

I. MENDHEIM,

P-86 P-K4 K-Rz

r. N-N4 z.

r832.

F. J. PROKOP,

1929.

!

sinration Black's

king-

i! its movements-cannot

79

r. N-Q7 z. K-B7

After r...., K-Br 2. P-R6

K-Rr N-83

ch !

would cut off Black's king from the square Rr.

After 2. . . .) N x N 3. N-N6 mate ; while z. . . .,N-NS ch is followed bY N x N (4) and mate cannot be averted

(N-N6).

3. NxN +. N(z)-Nu

N (anYwhere)

lT..

z. P-R6

!

3. B-B5

!

harmful pawn. 88.

A. A. TR.OITSKY, 1896.

K-Bz

Here and in the previous rnove the

bishop was of course "taboo" on account of the advanced position of White's pawn. +.

The next example shows a marginal case in which the ill-famed "bad" bishop wins thanks to the opponent's

K-Bl

K-Bl

B-Rz

Now the harmfulness of Black's NP has become evident. Its absence would

compel White to make a move with his bishop because of the threat . . ., K-N4; in that case . . ., K-Bz would follow. As it is, however, White gains time to bring the king nearer before Black can eliminate his own pawn.

K-Bz K-Ba F-Ns K-Bz

s.K-Na 6. K-N4 7. 8.

K-R5 KxP

!

g'K-Ns

**

*

and wins.

89.

PAULSEN-METGER,

In case of an outside passed Pawn a bishop to the good is usuallY not enough for victory, unless the bishop can command the queening square which the opponent's king is able to reach in good time. At first glance we would hardly think that in this position it is the NP which prevents Black's king from reaching the square Rr.

8o

!

K-K2

57l). AIso r. K-B+?, P-\4 ctu PxP ch (if z. KxP,2.. . ., Ketc.) would lead to the same rrr

The correct continuation is co pfr

r. K-Q4

K-ts1 If instead r. . . ., P-N3 or l" P-N+ z. P-R6 ! wins. (E. g u" P-Nl z. P-R6 !, K-B3 3. KK{z 4. BxP !, K-Br 5. L etc., or r. . .., P-N+ 2. P-I K-B3 l. K-Bl !, K-Q3 s K!!

.

K- Bl 5. K-R5 etc.) Also r. . . ., K-{z would trosc r z. K-B5 !, K-Bz 3.K-N: t, K4. B-NS !, K-Br 5. B-K5 z. B-N6, X4 K-B;

l. K-B+ +.K-N+ 5.K-N5 6. K-B5 !

7.

B-R7

8.

K-N5

r4 K+

K-Br

K-B: " ....P-N ch E. K'l

!

Nuremberg, 1888.

LVhite wins.

r. B-K6

White's main endeavour is t" i vent the advance of Black's t pawn giving check to W,'hite's k E. g. r. K-B5? would surp-rfoil lead only to a draw because cf reply r. .. .r P-Nl ch ! z. P . P K-Nz ! (let us recall erernErl[c

!

and

!

riss.

t*

Even a single bishop s*n @ king forced to the edge of dc bo if the mobility of the larter fu co!ffiic ably limilsd by its own bermful puu

In the following examptre *e that it would be an un-&uidnl "hffi rm.t on White's part to strive for 6c et ination of Black's parro.s & : pnce, on the other hand he rrTl 6

r" . . ., K-Br 2. P-R6 r-.t off Black's king from the

i

Rr.

I -4::

K-Bg K-Bz

-R6

:md io the previous move the sEs ot- course "taboo" on I d rhe adsanced Position of I IEE-a.

K-BI

-*.t

rttc

harmfulness of Black's NP

me edCent. Its absencewould

I Fefue to make a move with bop because of the threat . . .,

]; iE that case . . ., K-Bz trlosr. fu it is, however, White lisr t.r bring the king nearer

Bsck can eliminate his own

K-Bz

K-Bl P-Ns

K-Bz

and wins. i**

s9.

PALI-SL\-.\{ETGER,

White's main endeavour is to prevent the advance of Black's "bad" pawn Slvi"g check to White's king. E. g. t. K-B5? would surprisingly lead only to a draw because of the reply r. ..., P-Nl ch ! z. PxP ch, K-Nz ! (let us recall example No. 57 l). AIso r. K-B+?, P-N4 ch ! z. Px P ch (if z. Kx P, 2. . . ., K-Nz etc.) would lead to the same result. The correct continuation is to play:

A. A. TROITSKY, r8gZ.

!!

White wins.

r. N-Q4

Also r. . . ., K-Qz would lose after

K-B5 !, K-Bz:.K-NS !, K{r 4. B-N8 !, K-Br 5. B-KS etc. z. B-N6 ! K-Qr K-Bl l. K-B+ K-Qr +.K-N+ K-Qz s.K-Ns 6. K-B5 ! K-Br K-Bz (t. 7. B-R7 !

ch

K-N8

z.

...rP-N3

8.

K-N5

!

ch 8. KxP) and wins.

Even a single bishop can mate a king forced to the edge of the board if the mobility of the latter is considerably limited by its own harmful pawns.

Vhite wins.

in-

90.

K-Bl If instead r. . . ., P-Nl or r. . . ., P-N+ z. P-R6 ! wins. (E. g. r. . . ., P-Nl z. P-R6 !, K-B3 3. K-B4, K-Qz 4. B x P !, K-Br 5. B-R7, etc., or r. . . ., P-N4 z. P-R6 !, K-Bl g.K-Bl !, K-Q3 4. K-N4, K- Be 5. K-R5 etc.) r. K-Q4

\-u-remberg, 1888.

Z //,

complish his aim by keeping them

tentionally alive, i. e. by frusuating Black's efforts to sacrffice them.

In the following example we shall see that it would be an unfruitful attempt on White's part to strive for the elim-

ination of Black's pawns at any price, on the other hand he rvill ac6

After any other move z. N-N5 and 8-86 would make the pawns ineffective and untenable. Thereafter White would easily bring the issue to

3.

a decision.

z. 3.

N-N5 N-R3 ch

Seemingly Black's pawn on R7 has become "useful" for it enforces the sacrifice on the part of White.

4. 5.

B-B ch ! B-Rr !!

KxN

Now it is evident that the blockade of the "candidate for queen" becomes the cause of the king's fatal captivity. White threatens 6. K-B3 and7. B-Nz mate ! 8r

P-N4 ch P-N5 ch P-N6

5.-6.

7. 8. 9.

K-B3 K-B4

!

!

P-Nz

K-83

BxP mate.

iered over the board. It is like a wide meadow where the Pieces maY freelY

It

B-R5

It

seems

K-K2

!

K-Q3

s.K-Kl

that White cannot out-

smart Black and will be late. But

just an illusion

The next diagram shows an "airy" picture with only a few pieces scatrun about.

4.

seems that the impris-

connection between Black's king and knight and at the same time to helP

White's pieces to co-operate smoothly. 91.

K. SARITCHEV,

193o.

6.

we might adopt for that purpc6c-

!

if Black moves at long last 6. . . ., N-Bz? A bolt from the blue: 7. B-N4 mate ! In order to reach this mating Position it was necessary to fix the KP, . . . and what haPPens now

7. K-B5 8. K-B6

r. N-K5 z. 3. 8z

B{8

K-Bz

! !

K-Kr

,i,, Y

u

/z::

,,4

White wins the Piece and

w

Drau.

game.

So far we have described the Phenomenon of the harmfulness of a piece, which must be regarded as a negative factor in the appraisal of the balance of power. In the light of this

K-Nz K-Br

i' 7//z

and

**

Before launching his attack against a distant target (Black's knight), White begins byfixing the "hannful pawn."

P. FARAG6, r93-

K-K2

6.--

This clear illustration of the concept of the harmful piece also demonstrates in a delightful way the striking difference between a centralized and a trapped *tna.*

lVhite wins.

o, t2.

and allow the useless knight to revive and thus cause the death of its own king. ConsequentlS Black has to give uP his plans for saving the knight, md after

the

*

K-Q+

it is

!

But what should we do if se b a harmful piece of our own rt stands in the way of accomplfo'h our aim? It goes without s1r that the harmful pieces in r camp must be liquidated! Let us examine now the ED€rb

we may accept as a rule that the obtaining of material advan-

tage is not alwaYs useful; therefore, we must be careful not to capture the harmful Pieces of the opponent and, what is more, must prevent their elitnination.

Since he cannot preyexrt rhe qucl

rrg of Black's pawn, Ehite's s hope lies in advancing hls KRP r QRP to the seventh raDk-

This problem does nor

s€rEE

ED

P-I F-N6 z. P-KR6, P-\- 3- Pl P-\8 (Q +. P-R6 wor.ild be e dr ;ndeed. After Black's king mcre Et --n advance his pawn ro A J'ifficult, for the continuation r.

aa.l the capture would result ia

-:'nmodiate stalemate. This plan is, howeser, rarher

jirl

fscause after

r. P-R;

rwr

? tsir

r,Ps -'rrre to fix the eRp 11. . . = K R; 1.. Theu White's fzte wwll s€zld because there is Do d.ifrrr

rrinst 5,

ddeat. (2.

p-R6, p-N6

i4,i

(-Kr

K-K2

!

But what should we do

r-Q3

EEEs that White cannot out-

E Et and will be late. But it is l illuion !

K{+

P-R7, P-NZ 4. K-NS, P-NB (Q)

K-R8, Q-K6 6. K-N7, Ql. K-Bl, Q-R3 8. K-N8, Q-Nf ch 9. K-Rr, K-N+ ro. PR6, Q-Bz ! rt. P-R7, Q-Bl mate.) ch 5.

N4 ch

As soon as this danger has

been

realized the solution is quite simple:

r. P-R6

P. FARAG6, ry37.

rhe useless knight to revive cause the death of its own

,r%

b- for saving the knight, ffid

,%,

.%

K-K2 K-85 and K-86 Ehite

and Black cannot win because he lacks a tempo for reaching the above mating position.

,%

ucgueody, Black has to give ug

P-N6 P-Nz P-N8 (Q)

!!

P-R5 3. P-R6 +.P-Rz z.

92.

rdEr to reach this mating PosiI ras DeGSary to fix the KP,

***

%t

In the following diagram we show a famous tactical motif which occurred

.r%,

"72

during

a

simultaneous display by

world champion Lasker.

'

wins the Piece and

rB deal ilh:stration of the concePt ]hirrnful

we have

we might adopt for that purpose.

!

ud strat happens now if Black l r hng tast 6. . . ., N-Bz? A im the blue : Z. B-N+ mate !

br tm

if

a harmful piece of our own which stands in the way of accomplishing our aim? It goes without saying that the harmful pieces in our camp must be liquidated! Let us examine now the methods

piece also demonstrates

lefightrful way the striking differ-

basoeo a centralized and e6 hnighr* **

a

,fr re have described the pheilr of the harmfulness of a ; rtich must be regarded as a

iue 6ctor in the apPraisal of the e of, po\f,er. In the light of this rt rccEpt as a nrle that rftining of material advan-

ir rct always useful; there) G must be careful not to rr tc harmful Pieces of the ao4 what is more, must -Et their elimination. :t

93.

Draw. Since he cannot prevent the queen-

SCHEME.

ing of Black's pawn, V/hite's only hope lies in advancing his KRP and QRP to the seventh rank.

This problem does not seem to be difficult, forthe continuation r. P-R5, P-N6 z. P-KR6, P-N7 a. P-RZ P-N8 (Q +. P-R6 would be a draw indeed. After Black's king move White

can advance his pawn to and the capture would result

QR7

in

an

immediate stalemate. This plan is, however, rather superficial because after r. P-RS ? Black

fix the QRP (r. . .., KRf !). Then White's fate would be sealed because there is no defence has time to

against defeat. (2. 6*

P-R6, P-N6

3.

lVhite wins. Black's RP has become very dangerous, it threatens . . ., P-R8 (Q) ch. Vhite cannot approach it because of

his own QNP. What is to be

done ? 83

K-Nr ! r. R-R5 ch rook would Another check with the and K-Rz ., . . of because lose now

;i KxR KxP

r. R-Bz ch z.

R-B5

K-K4

ch !!

and wins.

This tactical motif (the sacrifice of

And now 2. . . ., KxR would lead to the original position, less White's rook $. P-Q4 mate !). But there are also other factors in this combination.

The other-longer-variation reveds

that there is a "useful" KP in Black's camp. If it leaves its place, the queen bishop.

will get into a mess. 94.

L. I. KUBBEL, r9r7. u[

a

3.

--

P-Q4

ch

PxR K-Q4

The continuation . . ., K-K3 would not make any difference because of

4. B-Rz ch, P-Q4 5. PxP e. P. ch, etc. 4.

B-Rz

5.BXQ lYhite wins.

AVERTI}iG

White could mate Black's king immediately did the presence of the rook not prevent it. Vhite must act quickty becausehisking is also threatened by mate.

6.

P{5

In the chapter on stalemate me I already stated that more oftca t not the weaker side is not boqran seek an exceptional stalemete pcfo achieved in a spectacular cs@b'for

way, but may as well strive to dE simple book draw, one ttrat is" iu

last analysis, nothing p6np thr rirrual stalemate. Stalemarc hq often well concealed: are @d

concomitant of positions arrivc( after combinative mano€urrres r

a hasty assessment of the dftE would seem to indicate tha rhE i was already decided. Let us take for instance

.remFle:

95. ch

K-K5

A. O. IIERBSTIL{N, r93+

KxP

and wins.

Whiu atn. 84

ftis $i!

AVERTING THE STALEMATE

i cDuld mate Black's king dy did the presence of the t lruent it. White must act

bcrme hiskiug is also ttreat'E@-

-84

K-K4

cfo

-*5

ch

!!

would lead riEinal pcition, less White's mate !). But there are . P{{ tr Ecrors in this combination.

In the chapter on stalemate we have

One has the impression that ttris is

already stated that more often than not the weaker side is not bound to

in faa no ending but a middle-game

rc fo a "usefirl" KP in Black's

simple book draw, one that is, in the

w z-. . ., KxR

kJooger-variation reveals

ffit

leares its place, the queen a rness.

:im

PxR

K{4

Qtch

crnrin6alioD. . .: K-Kl would b u,y difference because of

B2 ch,

P{+

5. PxP e. P.

seek an exceptional stalemate position, achieved in a spectacular combinative way, but may as well strive to attain a

xQ

+

ch

K-Ks

and perhaps even of some minor

pieces for the sake of simplicity, as they

last analysis, lsthing more than a virtual stalemate. Stalemate hazards, often well concealed, are mostly a concomitant of positions arrived at after combinative manoeuvres when a hasty assessment of the situation would seem to indicate that the issue

would have no active part to play in the winning combination that, so it seems, leaps to the eye. True enough, dls \ailnning combination is based on a strikingly simple and familiar motif : Discovered attack with a bishop check and then capturing Black's queen. To make matters, worse for Black, the loss of his rook

was already decided.

too after an interpolated move appears

Let us take for instance this simple

imminent.

At first glance the win might well

example: 95.

+2

position stripped of a couple of pawns

A. O. HERBSTMAN, 1934.

KxP

and wins.

be conceived this way : r. B-R7 ch ! and to . . ., K-Rr or . . ., K-Nz we' answer P x R (Q ch and next we take the opponent's queen: 3. RxQ. The procedure consisting of z or 3 moves in all seems indeed to be too simple to be considered a combination. Nor is it less obvious that we can easily interpolate the capture of the rook even if

the opponent accepts the sacrifi.ced bishop, by simply resorting to the minor promotion PxR (N) ch. If we think, however, that these primitive combinations do not cdl for care and circumspection in this lVhite wins.

"middle-game position stripped of 8S

greatly mistaken. Let us look at the

account, particularly in positions where the opponent has but a few

variations

pieces left and our combination aimed

superfluous piecesr"

we shall be

:

A. r. B-RZ ch!, K-Rr (!) 2. at obtaining material advantage is PxR (Q ch (?), KxB! l. RxQ- likely to lead to a further dwindling stalemate!

B. r. B-RZ ch!, K-Nz z. PxR (Q) ch (?), KxB! 3. RxQ-stale-

mate!

C. r. B-RZ ch!, KxB z. PxR (N) ch!,K-Nr! 3. RxQ (?), KxN! 4. P-R6, K-Nr! S. P-RZ ch, KRr! 6. RxB-stalemate! How easy it is to fall into a trap even in this simple position, isn't it? Black has several hidden stalemate possibilities and we must by no means lose sight of them ! The simplest way of averting the staletnate is offered by variation C.

r. B-R7

ch

z. PxR (N) ch ! 3.

NxQ !

ch

a.

RxQ

To remove the opponent's king

and wins.

K-Rr B-Nr !

king seeking *flgiry

stalemate nest.

r. BxP?, P-N6 z. Vl N7 ! and Black has already

r.-r....,

P-:

P-BS z.B, P, B-R3 !!, P-Bl 4. LBr 5.BxP etc. wins.

z.B-QS :.B-Bl ! 4.BxKNP 5. B-Br ! 6. K-Q8 7.

!!

P

i,

P-I P-l P-I P-I K-;

BxP !

Now we see the imporme ing the BP in order to asert t mate ! Black must oot

ta}:6r

because 7,.. ,rPxB 5qs',x."tr tr 8. K-B7 ! (no stalemate I', P-

g. P-RZ ch,

K-Rz rc- F-

mate.

Let us analyse these possibilities one

by one through some illustrative

K-l K-..1 K-: P-I

examples: 96.

KLING and HORWITZ, r85r.

and wins.

B.

c

theoretical draw.

KxB

There i5 aqthing ds€

ro.

eoce

any move

Eairte

andwins.

agaiDst the mate @.':

of the BP 2garn fodb d while its queeoing i oo

rr. BxQ bccause

lYhite wins.

[6 N

..., K-Rr rr. K-B-r

K-Nz

In this example it is evidently the very absence of "superfluous piecest' that has made it possible for Black to try for a stalemate. Indeed, the stalemate hazard must never be left out of 86

(III)

from the stalemate nest by an inter-

at obtaining some material advantage into a direct mating attack against the

K-Nr

promotion and adapt the general plan to Black's ,r.roo;. move.

r. B-R7

our pawn;

KxB

In the two other variations, howto be careful with the

z. Px R (B) ch

occurring tactical methods of averting the stalemate: (I) To spare a harmful mobile piece in the opponent's camp I (II) To abstain from over-increasing our forces, by way of resorting to r:nderpromotion instead of queening

polated sacrifice. (IV) To prevent the achievement of the stalemate by time-gaining manoeuvres; (V) Toturnthe combination aimed

ever, we have

r. B-R7 ch 2. PxR (R) ch !! 3. RxB ch ! 4. RxQ ch

of his forces. Here follow the most frequently

r. K-Q7 ! !

\ff-

@d'

White s-n rho rrd hc rtrE -

bishop on QN7

f' pertiorlarly in positions & op,ponent has but a few E ed our combination aimed material advantage is -Dg b bd to a further dwindling ftcEs, r htrlow the most frequently traical methods of averting

-ibm: I To spce a harmful mobile L ft opporent's camp I lTo

ebsnain from over-increas-

ifrre, by *ay of resorting to fmion instead of queening ta; ! To reuove the opponent's king h slcmate nest by an inter-

I c?i6cg )To prwent the achievement of fume by time-gaining ma-

13;

)To turn the combination aimed some material advantage -ry &e11 rnating attack against the stalemate nest. tipg *f_-_"

rma[sse these possibilities one E frrough some illustrative

b:

r. K-Q7 ! !

r. BxP?, P-N6 z. B-K4, PN7 ! and Black has already achieved theoretical draw.

r.--

ING rod HORWITZ, r85r.

P-N6!

r. . . ., P-B5 z. B x P, P-B6 3. B-R3 !!, P-Bl +. B-Br !, K-Rr 5. BxP etc. wins.

z.B-Qs 3. B-B3

!

4. Bx KNP 5.

B-Br !

K-Q8 7. BxP !

6.

exploit his positional advantage in a combinative way E. g. rr. . .., KRr rz. P-R6, K-Nr 13. P-R7 ch,

K-Rr 14. B-R6!, PxB r5. K-BZ P-R+ 16. P-N7 ch, KxP t7.PN8 (Q ch, K-R3 r8. Q-N6 mate. 97.

P-Bs P-Nz P-B6

B. HOR\UVITZ, 1879.

P-Bl K-Rr

Now we see the importance of sparing the BP in order to avert the stale-

%%% %w ,.m tt

mate ! Black must not take the bishop, because 7. . . ., Px B would be met by 8. K-B7 ! (no stalemate !), P-88 (Q) g. P-RZ ch, K-R2 ro. P-N8 (Q) mate.

lVhite wins. 7. 8.

!)6.

a

pawns ahead. Then he will be able to force his opponent into Zagzwangand

9.

ro.

L;, B-Nz

In this position

K{7

There is nothing else left since after

ro. . . ., K-Rr rr. K-B7 the presence of the BP again foils the stalemate while its queening is no defence against the mate (BxNP).

rr. BxQ

and wins,

White can also sacrifice his bishop on QN7 and he will be trro because

Black's harmful

pawns are too far advanced to be stopped and kept alive. Yet it is obvious that after the disappearance of Black's pawn triangle the end-game is a book

draw.

How then should \fihite tackle the iob on hand? Simply by using the

time Black requires for getting rid of his pawns to make his own king's necessary approach. Since Black's distant passed pawn will be promoted on V,hite's KNr, White's first task is 87

to relieve his king from guarding that

extremely bad position gase

98.

F. SAAVEDRA, r. Q-N6 z. KxP

P-B7 ch P-B8 (Q) P-N7 ch P-N8 (Q)

!

3.KXQ 4.

K-Kz

5.

QxQ

!

1895.

ly in a much less spectacula o This simple, but impressive i

ch

the Saavedra position has bcca rated by many sn excellent err.{

composer in detghtful studfo$ also give useful pointers to thc tion of stalemate hazards. I-cr u one of the best :

K-Nz

ch

So far Black has made nothing but forced moves while Vhite has mau-

aged

to bring his kiog somewhat

nearer to his goal.

99.

In fact, the point

M.

from which the king would be able

to

co-operate with the queen against Black's RP, or rather his new-born queen, is merely one effectively

P-B7 K-N5 ! l. K-N+ ! +.K-Bl 5. K-Bz r.

z.

P-R8 (Q)

K-R6

and Black has no defence against the mate.

R{3 R{5 R-Q8 R{S

R-Q+

ch

ch ch

With one eye on the stalemate after

Q-R5 ch g. Q-N+ ch 8.

K-Bz

P-88

(R) ! !

R-QRs

Forced, owing to the mate threat 7.

!

K-N3

of the four available alternatives of promotion

a

familiar example, delight-

ful in its simplicity, is the position: 88

Saavedra

The pattern shows an esm any richer?

N-Br

and wins,

threatens mate on Br. If now you are inclined to say that we have an exceptional and unlikely case here, the win being made possible only by the extremely bad cornered position of Black's king, you should also remember that that same

I

and pawn. Has the contenr rcro br

r. !

because the rook is en prise and Wtrite

averting the stalemate on the strength

White wins.

R-R8. 7.

Among the multitude of problemlike turns demonstrating the idea of

LIBURzuN, r9gr.

6. P-B8 (Q)?, R-BS ch! 7. QxR. But White can avoid this pitfall. 6.

ro.

S.

White wins.

square off. Therefore,

After 7. . . ., K-RZ the quiet move 8. K-Bz ! will immediately follow

E

opportunity to try for the srk otherwise White could hare rq

square.

!

R{+

r. . . ., RxP is to be mer tr: BZ, R--Q4 ch 3. N-Q3!l roc driving-on sacrffice hdpe Sfu

achieve the former wiDDiDs Do

rithout loss of time: l. . . f = a K-Bz | (+. .. ., R-Q; 5- F s') !, R-QRS 6. K-N3.. Ec dready seen this. But how [D Fr oow?

extremely bad position gave Black an opportunity to try for the stalemate; otherwise White could have won easily in a much less spectacular manner. This simple, but impressive idea of the Saavedra position has been elaborated by many an excellent end-game composer in delightful studies which also give useful pointers to the detection of stalemate hazards. Let us take one of the best :

K-Bz !

z.

z. K-Kz? won't work on account of 3. P-BT, R-K4 ch and 4. ...,

R-Kr. Nor is the knight sacrifice any better for: z. N-Q3? !, RxN 3. K-K2, R{B6 and 4. ..., R-B4 ! or 3. K-Bz, R-Q4 ! etc. There is only one solution

,

-K-Q3 !

3. 99.

M.

S.

LIBURKIN, r93r.

5. K{r,

R{BZ ! ! and after 6. Black is stalemated; otherwise the rook can capture the pawn. ThereKxR

ch

fore:

3.- -

fi* cTe on the stalemate after fr (Q?, R-B5 cht 7. QxR. F- cau avoid this pitfatl. !r4

-I&

onriDg

E-!i3

to the mate threat and wins,

rmk is en prise and White -6e E rnzte on Bf .

E lou ae inclined to say that E rD, ezceptiond and uulikely fEc, 6e win

dy

bry

being made pos-

the extremely bad cor-

I pcitioa of Black's king you I *o remember that that same

. . .,

The pattern shows an extra knight and pawn. Has the content too become any richer?

N-Br

!

R-Q4

ch

r. . . ., RxP is to be met by z.P87, R-Q4 ch 3. N-Q3!! and this driving-on sacrifice helps White to achieve the former winning position without loss of time: 3. . .., RxN 4. K-Bz ! (+. . . ., R-Q5 5. P-B8 (R) !, R-QR5 6. K-N3). We have already seen this. But how to proceed uow

?

RxNP

It is not much better to take the knight since after the continuation 3.

White wins.

r. !

ch

This interpolation is much more

ch

R-QRs

R-B4 !

cunning than one might first think. Doubtless it is not easy to notice that the natural l. K{z can be parried by l. . . ., RXP 4. P-B7, R-N7 ch

ch

ILatB)!!

left:

Q5,

RXN

K-R6

+. 6.

K{4

P-N6

pawns would easily rook.

!, K-R7 5. Kthe united passed

win

against the

R-Nr

+.P-Bl

The last stalemate attempt ! Now the careless 5. P x R (Q or 5. Px R (R) would leaC to stalemate again, and after 5. PxR (N) the two knights would be powerless against the king. By good luck there is a fourth way of capturing the rook . . . 5.

PxR

(B)

!

and White wins. 89

We observe here underPromotion instead of queening in two variations, the choice between the two depending on the play of the weaker side. In tactical turns one should often heed the saying, Similia similibus curantur, i. e. likes are cured by likes. Translated into the language of chess this means that if the side on the defensive adopts unusual, extraordin a-

ry methods, we must search for similar extraordinary ways and means to keep the attack going. Seekers will be finders

!

l0l.

Of the two passed pawns Black's to be the more dangerous. White forestalls the danger by a driving-on rook sacrifice first, and then seems

A. A. TROITSKY,

brings about a geometrical position on the Q file.

r. R-K4 ch R-Q4 ! r. P-Qz

z.

K-B6 (a) KxR K-K6 !

Either this continuation or the alter-

native 3. . . .,

P-Q8 (Q) would seem

to decide the issue in White's favour. Yet it would be a blunder in either

to play 4.P-Q8 (Q) ? carelesslY, because Black would be stalemated after . . ., P-Q8 (Q ! S. QxQ; and White would otherwise not be able to win against the surviving queen. To notice this stalemate hazard case

A stalemate

defence scheme Pre-

pared against an imminent queening can mostly be foiled by rook or bishop

promotion. Of course the hidden trap should be detected in good time ! An example of each :

might be difficult, but to avert

it

is

easy enough:

H. RINCK, r9zo.

4.P-Q8 (R) !! s.

K-Rl

lYhite wins.

![hite's pawn cannot be

r. P-N7

K-

K6 !. But 5. R-K8 ch, etc. would also meet the case.

z. K-N+

ch would

simplf

t+ii"'Er

'

P{8(Q) KxR

and wins.

P-Nt

i

ch !) The continuation would rEsL a geometrical position on the dngtr and 4. P-N8 (Q), P-N8 (Q j- Q RZ O{6) ch would easily rin- 'To the text continuation lead 6 thag position?" sns might ask As wc rt

S€e-oot quite z. 3.

lVhite wins.

€fr

r. . . ., *-N7, z. KxR" P-Ii;

Bf. G. . .., K-BS? +

The immediate caPture of the Pawn would be a gross error because Black would win after 5. RxP ch?, KxR

5.- 6. RxQ

R-B-

White because Black cen rep*-r q . . ., K-K6 owing to the tb.rca li

K-Kz

6. K-R3, K-KZ Z. K-N+,

stnryp

but by sacrificing the rook BIacL gt time to make his own promorim-

N-Qz

100.

9o

1929.

KxR N-Qz

ch

!

P-Nz K-K6

!

The knight is defeodcd rc*{ makes the difference. And rhh

dlows Black to dimb inm e

ri

f

l0l.

Of the t\ro passed pawns Black's to be the more dangerous.

mate cage. (a. P-N8 (Q ?, P-N8 ch, K-KT 16. QxQ.) What next? The queen-winning ma-

(Q ! s.Q-N6

GErEs

tlhite

A. A. TROITSKY,

forestrlls the danger by a driviE-GE rook sacrifice first, and then h"irys about a geometrical position on

ft

1929.

noeuvre on the diagonal is practicable also with lesser strength so as not to restrict unduly the mobility of Black's king.

Q file.

K-B6 (a) KxR K-K6 !

4. 5.

P-N8 (B) !! B-R7 ch

From

Efther this continuation or the alter-

rin agaisst the surviving queen. To notice this stalemate hazatd night be difncdt, but to avert it is cr-r + s.

eoough:

P{8 B) !!

K-Rl

*4.

of view the

against Black's passed pawns.

lVhite wins.

102.

White's pawn cannot be stopped

Dr. M. LEWITT, tgr7.

but by sacrificing the rook Black gains time to make his own promotion.

r. P-N7

R-B7

ch

r. . . ., R-N7, z. KxR, P-N7

N-Qz

K-Kz

(Q) and wins.

next end-game is very instructive, demonstrating as it does the fight

mive 3. . . ., P-Q8 (Q) would seem o dride the issue in White's favour. Yct it would be a blunder in either

cs€ to play +. P{8 (Q) ? carelesslS bec-ause Btack would be stalemated dFPr ..., P{,8 (Q ! S.QxQ; and Shite would otherwise not be able to

. n.";;

P-N8

!

3.

ch would simpli$ things for White because Black can reply only . .., K-K6 owing to the threat N-

. . ., K-B s7 4. P-N8 (Q) ch !) The continuation would result in a geometrical position on the diagonal and 4.P-N8 (Q), P-N8 (Q R7 $6) ch would easily win. "Won't the text continuation lead to the same position?" one might ask. As we shall

Br. 6.

j.f

The irnrnediate capture of the Pawn u@M be a gross error because Black wld rin after 5. RxP ch?, KxR

6. K-R3, K-KZ 7. K-N4, KX5 !. Bm 5. R-K8 rEt the case.

seFnot quite !

ch, etc. would also

z. 3.

KxR

N{z

ch

P{8(Q) KxR

makes the difference.

z.K-N+

and wins.

allows Black

RxQ

P-Nz K-K6

White's most urgent task is to estabpassed pawn of his own. This aim is served bya driving-off bishop

lish a !

sacrifice.

5--6.

lYhite wins.

The knight is defended now-that

And this fact to climb into a stale-

r. B-K8 BxP !

z.

!

P-R6 PxB 9r

Seemingly not the best, yet the trickiest defence. After 2. . . ., P-RZ l. B-Bl ch, K-N7 4. Bx P, Kx B

5. P-N6

!

White will

If z. . . ., K-N7

promote

a

3. B-87, P-N6 4. P-N6, P x P 5. P-R7, P-

pawn.

RZ 6. P-R8 (Q) ch, K-N8 7. B x QNP, P-R8 (Q) and White wins by

the gradual approach of his queen: 8. B-Bz ch, K-R7 9. Q-N8 ch, K-NZ ro. Q-N7 ch, K-R7 rr.

Q-BZ

ch, etc.

t. P-Rz

P-R7

!

We must not overlook here that 4.

(Q)?, P-R8 (Q ! s. QxQ leads again to stalemate ! Therefore:

P-R8 4.

P-R8 (B) !!

and wins.

*** The next study

is in

3. 4.

RxR ch R-Q8 !

BxR

BxR P{8 (B) ! !

N-Nr and wins.

For all the hidden subtlety, 4. PQ8 (N) ? would not be satisfactory on account of 4. . . ., N{z and 5. . . ., N x P, one might say that the content of the study was not particularly striking.

r.

P{7

BxR 3. BxR

z.

N{z

e

Nx P. In the light of ttris 6e r move is the one that wlls

Elq

former variation:

4.P-Q8 (N) !! . . . and the extra piece b for Vhite's victory.

Now we can aglee rrat a veritable masterpiece

r

'-t

qf r pGitlr ordi''tary winning An

unusual picnrre

after an averted stalemm b d in Troitsky's next srud;: 104.

A. A. TROITSKY,

rgE

R-Q8 ! RxRch

N-Nr

!

A queen or a rook promotion would course lead to stalemate. What's more, the only winning move of the former variation 4. P-Q8 (B) would also work out to White's disadvantage, because Black might play 4. . . .' N-Bl ! 5. 8-86, N-K4 ch ! and White can't do better than choose between a stalemate (after his taring the

of

1928.

k"ighQ and a book draw (after the inevitable exchange on his KI,[4). Is

the bishop really badly posted on KN4? In a way it is, but this disadvantage

is more than offset by'its

to control the square Q7 and thereby thwatting Black's defenbeing able

92

sive manoeuvre : . . .,

One might, indeed, if there were not more to it. But of course Black may play his first two moves in reverse order, already offering the rook for sacrifice on his Q8 in the first move. Does that make any difference?

averting

103.

L. I. KUBBEL,

p{7

Since there is no other way of stoPping the passed pawn Black tries to seek defence in stalemate.

demonstrates

through natural positions how effective a weapon the threefold possibility

of underpromotion the stalemate.

r. z.

Whiu @ils.

r. P-N7

!

R{R5 z B.{ E.P{6, KxB + P{ be a faulty plan becausc da N5 ch ! and 5. . . ., R-![r r. PxP?,

BS

r.

K-Bz z. -3.

P-Q6

+P{7

!

R-: R-l

KK-

a (l

RxR ch R-Q8 !

ifue b no other way of stopp lr cd pawn Black tries to brl in sulemate. (E

{3G)!!

N-Nr and wins.

if

*fr" E b il But of course Black plr firsttwo moves in reverse ftrdy offering the rook for l o his Q8 in the first move. r E*e any difference?

& rB ir

xnd . . ., the winning move is the one that was wrong in the former variation : 4. P-Q8 (N) !! ... and the extra piece is enough

NxP. In the light of this

for White's victory. Now we can agree that the study is

I e hirlrlen subtletY, 4. Pt Eld Dot be satisfactory on l:d+ ..., N{z and 5. ..., might ssrt that the content -Ilysas not particularlY strikindeed,

there were

a veritable masterpiece.

An

unusual picture

of an extra-

ordinary winning position arising

after an averted stalemate is depicted in Troitsky's next study:

A. A. TROITSKY,

5.P{8(Q)

6.

BxR

RxQ K-R3

!

Vhat now ? 7. P-N8 (Q ot R) ? is stalemate ; 7. P-N8 (N) ?, K-Nz

8. N{7, K-Br a draw. But there is one solution left:

P-N8

(B)!!

is not worth a stra% two bishops of the same colour secure an easy wir! This applies not only to the presentcaserbut to the types ofposition defined by two vis-I-vis pawns on R6-R7. (The result is the same if Black has a pawn on his Qk, or any other harmless pawn for that matter.) Vhy two bishops are needed is demonstrated by this simple finish. 7. ..., K-Nz 8. B-K5!, K-Br 9.B-RS, K{z ro. K-B3, K-Kr rr. K-B4,K-Bz rz. K-B5!, K-

A

6

Vhi.te wins.

r. P-N7

chapter "Stalemate.")

Who would think of such a thing during a match game? The oddity of the position is that while one bishop

1925.

!

Ec a tuk promotion would lcad to stalemate. W'hat's -b GtY winning move of the iirin 4. P{8 (B) would tmm White's disadvanE Eeck night play 4. . . ., [ 5i 8-86, N-K4 ch ! and itdo betterthan choose beldmae (after his taring the '-.1 a book draw (after the ft trh*nge on his KN4). Is lry reatly badly posted on h e way it is, but this dis3e b EroFe than offset by:its E m contnol the square Q7 iiy 6warting Black's defen-

Though Black's king cannot overtake the passed pawn, there is a t'cosy" stdemate nest on his QR3 (th" same one as we saw in the

7.

104.'

R-Q8 ! RxR ch

N-Nr

N{2

sive manoeuvre : . . .,

Br 13. K-B6, K-Nr. If White had only one bishopBlack could mark time on the Br and Nr squares and, in case of 14. B-Q6,

!

Ksacrifice his superfluous pawn by . . ., P-R4-R5, etc. followed by plan ., Rof . . because be a faulty 4. r. PxP?, R-QR5 z. B-B5,

BS g.

P{6, KxB +. P-{Z

N5 ch ! and 5. . . .,

would

R-Nr.

R-N5

ch

R-Nr K-Bs ! K-N+

K-Rr. (K-BZ stalemate.) But now : t4. B-N4!, P-R+ 15. B-K7, P-R5 16. B-R3!, K-Rr 17. K87 mate! Hence two bishops can enforce Zugzwang and subsequently

the mate with

discovered check

!

93

This is worth remembering in the same way as the fact that we can even

win with two knights if the opponent has a fixable

n.I1

It is not easy to spot the necessity of an interpolated sacrifi.ce, much less

the looming

underrated in the indirect prevention of queening. This possibility must never be lost sight of and it is often wiser to promote to a piece of a lesser value because sometimes less

meansmore!***

Now we have to deal with the avert-

ing of stalemate by way of an interpolated sacrifice. The theme is fairly clear and requires but little explanation. If we have an opport,roity of obtaining a decisive

r. R-Kz

immobilizing the hostile camp in order to get the upper hand unhindered at a later stage. E. g. 105.

D. PRZEPIORKA, rg2o.

.

Corrected by J. BAN

!

z. R-KS ch, K-Rz 3. N-B6 ch, K-Nz (l) 4. R-N8 ch, the queen is lost.

But now White would be rather surprised dter the "natural" 2.

N-

86!r; z. . . .,Q-N8! 3. R-K8 cb KN2 4. R-N8 ch, K-R3!-and the White

queen could only be taken at the cost

of stalemate! Realizing this White has to tacHe the iob from another angle, namely by a forcing sacrifice of the knight.

z. .

N-N7

!!

P-R+

R-K8

KxN

P-RS 4. RxQ ch, KxR N-B5 wins. After 3. . . ., Q x R, NxQ, P-RS 5. N-B6, P-R6 3. . . .,

s.

5. 4. 6.

the pawn is overtaken.

RxQch P-R5

In the original form d t studg White's king we$ d.

KB+. To eliminals s difrdh I it m KBa

form the idea contained in

same result.

3.

lri;,ar..

we have transferred

2. ..., KXN 3. R-Nz ch, or z. .., QxN 3. R-K8 ch lead to the

4.

KxR and wins.

The next simple and instructive end-game also comes under this

94

r9z5;

P-Rl

N-N+

White wins.

F. LAZARD,

stalemate.

There is nothing befter on account of the threat R-K8, for after r. . . .,

advantage but the implementation of our plan is at a given moment prevented by the stalemate position of the

opponent or his threat to achieve it, then we have to reduce the forces

of

The natural opening move is

*

We can draw the lesson from these examples: The stalemate as a tactical weapon should not be

danger

106.

heading. It shows how hard it maY prove to foil stalemate attempts even though the bishops are of the same colour and we are two Pawns uP.

i

clearer expression-

z.

P-R6 K-N5

If

White's king wene Dr

r.

B-l fl

KB4 he could frustrm

H[rdt

defence by z. K-B-s | (.L - - 3. K-B6, K-R2 4 B-Kt !Bz ch ?, K-Nr 5. K-N6, E

. . ., K-Nr j. K-lIl -4.K-R6 6. followed bry B-t{C

Ehite's wiD-) But now Vtite's tirhp coatinudly annoycd b,y b oposite number. \[e H b it m its fate th€D. B@ fr Erust fndthe lcast ffir Elect's bishop o irerc

fficr

oourse

d crtc.

,

p csy to spot the necessity lFltrEd sacrifice, much less rrmger of stalemate.

-El

F. LAZLRD,

opening move is

.

1925.

Corrected by J. BAN

Ir!

because

BxB

and wins

White threatens to promote

sacrifice (S. . . ., B-K3 ch) is useless since the victorious pawn is supported by its comrade on R6.

diog better on account Er R-K8, for after r. . . ., f;K8 ch, K-R2 3. N-B6 Et 6) 6 R-N8 ch, the h. i Vhite would be rather [&t the "natural" 2. N--(FM!3.R-KSchrKt'llt cL K-R3!-and the fl @b be taken at the cost E ttb \[hite has to tackle -! uBle, namely by -ader of the knight. -ificc P-R+ ltf !! i,fxN 3. R-Nz ch, or z. F 3; R-Kg ch lead to the KxN

F-RS + RxQ ch, Kx R 5. AftEr 3. ..., qx& 4. L. i, Dj 5. N-B6, P-R6 6.

h prn

4. K-B6 s. K-Bz

his pawn with check, and the diverting

L

t Et

B-Kl

r.B-Qz

106.

is overtaken.

KxR and wins.

1a cirnFle and instructive

l *o @mes under this L ttms how hard it maY E crleoate attempts even b tirhops are of the same lue rre tPo Pawns up.

*** As the fourth method of averting stalemate we have mentioned time-

gaining manoeuvres which can in queen end-

mostly be resorted to games.

In the next study, for instance, the possibility of winning the queen is

l[/hite wins.

In the original form of

Lazard's study, White's king was placed on KB+. To eliminate a difficult by-play, we have transferred it to KR+. In this form the idea contained in it finds a clearer expression.

B-R7 ! B-N6 !

offered on a plate, but

it

would be

ill-advised to swallow the bait at once on account of Black's good stalemate chances.

107.

R. RETI,

1925.

If White's king were now on his KB4 he could frustrate Black's line of defence by z. K-BS t Q. .. ., K x P

4. B-K8 !-+. BK-Nr 5. K-N6, B-N8 !! . . ., K-Nr 5. K-N6 ! and -4.K-R6 6. followed by B-N6-R7 ch 3.

K-B6, K-R2

Bz ch?,

White's win.)

But now White's bishop is kept continually annoyed by its Black opposite number. We had better leave

it to its fate then. But where? We

must find the least favourable spot for Black's bishop to intervene in the further course of events.

lYhite wins.

r. N-B3

ch

K-R8

!

2.QxQ?: Stalemate positionNo. r. 95

K-Nz

z.

Q-R4 ch ! 3. Q-Rz ch

K-B8

13. !

+. Q x Q ?: Stdemate position No. z.

4. 5.

$Nr

ch ch

Q-Nz

K-Q7

!

K-Kg

!

6. Q x Q ?: Stalemate position No. 3.

Q-Br ch ! 7. N-Qr ch

K-BZ K-B6

6.

The last rank is a danger zone because of 8.

Q-Nz

8.

ch. 7. . . ., K-KZ ch leads to the main varia-

N-K3

tion. 8.

N-B4

ch

In case of 13. . . ., K-B8 r4. NK3 ch, K-K8 15. NxQ wins. (Not 15. QxQ??, bringing about stalemate position No. 6.) 14.

N-K5

K-K6

ch

15.QXQ

and wins.

thought

it woull

:el

Under the barrage of a centralized

trouble not only at the edge of the board but even in the middle. Of course, it is a bad break for the attacker if the shots miss the target by

K-Kz

ch

After 8. ..., K-BS 9. Q-B6 cb, K-KS ro. Q-B6 ch?, K{6 ! rr. a hair and during a momentary ceaseQxQ stalemate position No. 4. fire only the monarch's own square would arise, but Vhite can do better remains intact. But the concerted with ro. Q-Q+ ch !, K-B6 rr. Q- action of fwo strong pieces can, as a Q5 ch-winning the queen safely at last. 9.

Taking four squares dnl

rd

Black's king. The sixth i with a "No entry !" sign (:

ch.)

us see why:

r.-$Bz ch

K-Q6

ch

!!

would follow. In case of,z- . a. N-KS ch wins the quca.

ro.

Q-N3 rr. Q-Rz

ch ch

! !

stalemate

3.

N-N2

ch

4.

otherwise

96

ch

I

$N3 ch

r

Black's queen sursiver 108.

5.Q{3ch! 6. $K3 ch

r9o8.

NS ? Z. Z.

N-K5

FBa

X

ch;

decides

sb

ddcadiryl

be met by a chcr+ (Fork !)

K-K7

6

ch-

ch aod

because any

(1

fr e d I

There is as^hing .l+e

K{6

the next move

Black's fate.

Q-K3

stalemate), but only

K-KZ

If tz.. . ., K-B6, 13.N-R4

!

3. . . ., K-B+ is a spcofi Sooner or later Blact's Liq forced to go there.

The fifth chance, and there is still no occasion to rejoice; but now the knight intervenes again. . . 12.

tabm
the queen is

rule, eliminate the re-emerging stale-

O. DEHLE&

Black's queen is still taboo.

X

I After 2. .. ,, K-Kl? I I z.

mate hazards.

Q-Nz

If r. ..., K{4 z Q

The latter does not meen & ate winning of the queta. . .

After a troublesome redeploSrment of his forces White has at last managed to find a gap for Black's hard-pressed king . . . Not as easy as one might have

queen and knight, a king may get into

Q-83

r. N-B6 ch !

K-86

ftr il

*tt

Among the rcfo:l ring salemate we brre rb 7

r

K-B6 H4 ch tsd 13. . . ., K-88 r4. NNxQ

;E-K8

15.

f#on

No. 6.)

wins. (Not

tQ??, bringog about stale-

K-K6 and wins.

r. N-B6 ch ! Taking four squares of refuge from Black's king. The sixth rank is marked with a "No entry !" sign. (2. ch.) If r. . . ., K-Q4 z. Q-N3 ch.

N{8

The latter does not mean an immediate winning of the queen . . . wellr let us see why:

ir

mublesome redeployment hc Yhite h*s xl last managed Lgp for Black's hard-pressed

;-Itot G easy as one might

,-

*""T

rj

have

f 6c bcrage of a centralized d bieht, a king may get into I Dt only at the edge of the h eren in the middle. Of I i fo a bad break for the rI6e shots miss the target by d duing a momentary ceaseE ttc monarch's own square

r. z.

stalemate

3.

(L

Q-K3

ch

forced to go there. 4.

$N3

K-K5

ch

unexpected mating attack against

a kiog

escaping

into a stalemate

nest. There are positions in which there is no trace of any short-terrr mating possibility, no prospect of any mating combination, but the stalemate line of defence taken by the opponent so much worsens the situation ofhis king that all of a sudden a chance arises of enforcing mate in a combinative way. fn most cases the mate is of course one of the alternatives ofthe combination, butit is exastly that variation that prevents the successful defence and makes it possible to obtain a decisive material advantage.

K-Q4

is a speedier defeat. Sooner or later Black's king will be

the re-emer$ng stalel0B.

!

3. .. ., K-B+

But the concerted r, dtmstrong pieces can, as a

Ee.

!

After z. . . ., K-Kt ? 3. N-Q8 ch would follow. In case of z. .. ., K-N3 t. N-KS ch wins the queen. But now the queen is taboo-owing to the

itrGrct.

hile

K-B+ K-K5

- - ch

Q-Bz

the possibility of changing our plan as we go along, i. e. of launching an

!

Let us look at some characteristic examples.

of the most

l0g.

A. S. GURVITCH,

1928.

Black's queen survives (S. QxQ? for a short time.

stalemate), but only 5.

DEHIÊR, r9o8.

6.

Q{3

Q-K3

ch

K-Bs K-B+

!

ch

There is nothing else. 6. NS ? Z.

Z.

N-K5

Q-Bf

.. ., K-

ch.

ch and wins

because any defending move would !9 met by a check from the knight. (Fork !)

lYhite wins.

***

Among the tastical means of averting stalemate we have also mentioned 7

Vhite has good prospects of securing ao easy win once his pawn is in 97

safety. The introductory moves are accordingly aimed at defending the

r

next example we shall see its opposite as the main variation.

Pawn.

B-Bz ! B-K4 B-N7 !

K-q

ch

If 2... ., K-K4?

I 10.

I.N-QZ z. N-BS g. K-N+

B-B5

z. R-Q4 ch easily wins.

R. RETI, t928. Corrected by H. RINCK.

3.

K-K2

3.

ch

R-K4

R-K44

K+

bishoP

The other stalemate nes !

manoeuvre becomes clear as well as the obstacle in the way of a seemingly easy win. Black's bishop can menacingly face up its counterPart on the diagonal because its loss would result

pawn must not be touched- (+

Now the purpose of the

P-KS (Q! S.RxQ

r

a sacrifice hlmding to mate suggests itself.

White has to resort to some kind of lift the stalemate position.

sacrifice to

If after B-Br ch Black had onlY . . ., K-Nz to reply we could strive for

4.

blockading White's KN7 square with

sacrifice.

4. P-N7

!?

would be a good idea if Black captured the pawn with his bishop; but the king too might take it attacking the knight at the same time. Consequeutly, the sacrifice must be PrePared in a way that White should, and Black should not, have time to come to the

of their

respective attacked pieces. Therefore: rescue

B_Q5

B-B5 ! 5. P-N7 !

4.

fn

case

of 5. . . .,

pected turn 6. 7.

KxP

N-K6 NxB

:

6.

ch

Bx

B-K3

P an unex-

mate

!

K-Bg and wins.

The mate can only be averted at the cost of decisive material loss. 98

In

the

B

sulern'rR.1

But now Black's king is m hi and to mate him is nqt so rGu possibitty. Oncewehave realizcd

in a stalemate.

a driving-on

!

Vhite

In order to annihilate the dangerous pawns White must bring his rook onto the K file without loss of time. Therefore he has to decide between the preparatory moves r. 8-86 ch and r. B-BS ch. In either case Black tries to find defence in stalemate against Vhite's superior forces. !

and at the last moment White is confronted with an unsurmountable obstacle, because after 4. RxP, P-K8

(Q ! S. RxQ-Black is stalemated\fith the bishop on 86 this cannot be

avoided nor is there any possibility of tricking Black's king into a mate trap. Let us try then the second alternative.

,-o

!!

(n

After 4. . . ., Kx B Blrc+ h pawns and White remains rt

wins.

E.g. r.8-86 ch, K{l z.R{+ ch, K-K4 3. R-K4 ch, K-Q3

B-Q7

Iift " r

eoough to win. Now-& Er queening-we cannot speak d !7hite's material superiotity, yu positional advantage decidc fu i in his favour. 5.

B-N5

!

because Black can only

parriable mating

and

riu

ddqr

fu

thrcd A--Kf) gYiDg up his queen. Note 6c h presence of Black's K6 pesa il finel sinulisn. In the ngxt diagr2m trp rtp

.i'rgency

of

stalemate

e

rE5.til

rcalization of White's grc[ r: ruperiority more ditr@tL Ec13

is no hiddr"t 6rtr a reality; r cctu is iust how to get rmd L rolemate

ruher too obvior:s

T.

c

r

Sarrrrile we shall see its opposite

b rth '

z.

variation.

K-Q3

ch

lf z. .. ., K-K4

ll0.

R RETI,

B-B5

R-{4 ch

K-K2

?

easily wins.

l. R-K+

lll. !

F. AMELITNG,

1883.

ch, etc.

t928. 3.

Gmcaed by H. RINCK.

R-K4

ch

The other stalemate nest ! The Rxp, P-K8 (Q! S. RxQ stalemate.) pawn must not be touched. (+.

But now Black's king is on his Qr and to mate him is not so remote a possibility. Oncewe have realized this, a sacrifice intending to lift the stale-

White wiru.

mate suggests itself. 4.

'

White ains.

LqO." to annihilate the dangerous rYhite Eust bting his rook onto rI' flc rithout loss of time. Thereibh6 to decide between the Pre-

fry rDoYes r. 8-86 ch and r. lj ct- In either case Black tries H ddeoce in stalemate against Lis srryerior forces. E? r. LB6 ch, K{l z.R-{+ , f-K4 3. R-K4 ch, K-Q3 ! la fu last moment White is consi6 aD uruiurmountable ob-

-d fi bccause after 4. RxP, P-K8 )l I RxQ-Black is stalemated. tft bishop on 86 ttris cannot be ro' nor is there any PossibilitY ,r**ing Black's king into a mate ;*Lrr us try then the second alter-

B-Q7

!!

P-K8

(Q)

After 4. . . ., Kx B Black loses his pawns and White remains strong

enough to win. Now-after Black,s queening-we cannot speak about White's material superiority, yet ttre positional advantage decides the issue in his favour. 5.

B-N5

!

and wins,

If the solution is not difficult, it is simply because White has only one self-interfering move, allowing Black's

king to leave the corner.

r. K-N4 ! R-KB8

z.

K-Nz !

The pawn cannot be won but the new-born queen will perish in the tightening noose. . .

P-R8

(Q)

K-N8 Q-Br presence

of Black's K6 pawn in the

final situation. In the next diagram too the contingencf of stalemate renders the realization of White's great material superiority more difficult. Here the stalemate is no hidden tbreat but

rather too obvious a reality; our concern is just how to get round it. 7*

with the altemative of mate or the queen'sloss'

*** By and large, we have gone through the most gpical tectrnical methods of 99

OPI

ll2. R. RETI, tg22.

superiority rather than to launch a direct mating attack, one is well advised to allow the opponent's king some breathing-space and not to sub-

If we put a piece an empty board and

in 6c n e''l'nir?'

en there, our attention is important match games to the bitter

disappointment of the side that negleaed to take the most elementary Pre-

cautions!... \[ise and useful as the warning is, "Look out for every single check for it may turn out to be a mate !", iust as important is another that applies to end-gamesr "Look out for the stalemate!t' In support of this truth we could quote innumerable instances of "mas-

terly" blunders. But we propose rather to stick to examples which are worthy models for our play.

This warning is interPreted bY Grandmaster Reti in the develop-

ments of his brilliant studY

:

Two pieces-against two

Pawns.

This is the balance. SurelY, it is no problem to make such a suPerioritY prevail? Vhite's knight can stoP Bhck's NP in two moves from QB3, and his king can prevent the Black nrler from intenrening.

lYhite wirc.

This simple-looking Plan can

be

realized in rwo ways:

r. N-K4, P-N6 z. N-B3, P-

NZ g. K-B4 or

r. K-B4, P-N6 z. N-QS, PNZ t. N-Bt but now White's forces are too close to Black's king placed at the edge of the board. And we have not long to wait for the surprise move frustrating the win : 3. ...tP-N8

(Q!

+.

NxQ,

5-

RSI (A rare situation lTheimmobilizLd king on the offensive !)-and

draws because after the bishoP's move Black is stalemated. Let us heed the warning then, and play:

piece, and are within thc

rq

"control effect."

But what about the squco the piece is posted, wtich i o by its own "body"? Tha rql

fers from the rest

in thr i

Yaqmt and therefore thc file,

t

and thetrro diagonals rundry & are not entirely opea- Tti

trat on the square it occq piece qruses line interferq effect has 1s hing to do r

stnength, value and kind dd but is derived solely frm is r prEsenc€, and mighr, as dfotil

6e "control effecq" bc poral effect" for wam uanslation of Voellmy/s

d r E-1

kung. Nowrlausmove'

^

1ia

? The "coolrd cfi shifted to another grory d rnd dso the "cor1rcral cftd imerference is transpcad o sguare. $u1 this oinclb r opcning of the lines (raL I happens

rgonals) that run

quare. IOO

fu

to the squares that can be o by the piece in one rrG, squares constitute the rql

throughftr

OPENING OF LINES

ll2. R RETI,

rg22.

If

we put a piece

in the middle of

an empty board and examine its powers there, our attention is first drawn to the squares that can be occupied

Whiu wins. b'

dqle-.looking plan can be

llir

two wa)rs

:

f,-K+ P-N6 z. N-83, PiI-84 or E-B{, P-N6 z. N-QS, P;N-B3

r Vhite's forces are too close ftt tiDg placed at the edge of ru. And we have not long to h e surprise move frusuating h: ,-2 P-NS (Q ! +. N x Q, KE :: hced the warning then, and is stalemated.

E-K4

|H5

lrBl

E+

!

piece in one move. These squares constitute the range of the piece, and ate within the scope of its

by the

The opening of a line is a natural result of every single move. More precisely, it is ttre result of the first phase of the move when the square occupied is iust being vacated.

The moving of a single piece on an otherwise empty board does not reveal

"control effect."

the impomance of line opening. But

But what about the square on which ttre piece is posted, which is occupied by its own "body" ? That square dif-

as soon as

in that it is not

"control effect" of another piece, it

fers from the rest

will leap to the eye that the opening of

vacant and therefore the file, the rank aud the rwo diagonals rt",ning throttgh it, are not entirely open. This means

lines can extraordinarily increase the effectiveness of one single move and often extend the range of several un-

that on the square it occupies the piece causes line interference. This effect has nothing to do with the strength, value and kind of the piece but is derived solely from its material presence, and might, as distinct from the "control effectr" be termed "corporal effect" for want of a better translation of Voellny's Kiitper$'irkung. Now, let us movethe piece.Vhm

? The "control effect" is sffied to another group of squares happens

and also the "corporal effect" of line interference is transposed to another square. But this coincides with the opening of the Iines (rank, file, diagonals) that run through the vacated square.

we examine the problem in with the position and

connection

moved pieces as well.

To get an idea of how "devastating" a single move can ber let us turn to this curious diagram: I 13.

G. R. REICHHELM,

1882.

The "devastating" offensive move ! A printer's error? No, Black really has ten kiogs on the board and you

will note that

none

of them is in

check.

And now Vhite plays

a

single move:

l. N-K5!

ll4. ,Ci

i6 iG

discovery

whose best-known instance

is the discovered check. Discovery is a situation in which one of two pieces of the same camp standing on the same line (fiIe, rank, or diagonal) moves away and by doing so brings a third-hostile-piece within the scope of the one that stood behind it. In problem literature this formation is called a "battery" and discovery itself the "firing" of the "battery." The piece that actually carries out the discovery is the "oPening piecer" while the one behind it might be referred to as the "piece in am-

bush."

A discovery turns into a double atif both the "piece in ambush"

tack

and the "opening piece" attack a hos-

tile piece look at the diagram will convince you that dl the ten of them

And

a good

are mate! We have no intention of taking the reader into the wonderland of fairy chess and away from the realistic appraisal of endings that can arise in everyday practice. Nevertheless, this playful product of fancy translated into terms of sober prose only teaches that a multiple opening of lines allows

each.

*** more active

king

as an

ing piecer" assures the victory. I 15.

A. NEUMANN,

threatens discovery.

r.Q{5!!

1887.

QxP c

Black has not many alternmfuu

if r. .. ., Q-N6 (agaiDst K+ K-BS ch !, K-N8 (RZ) 3- Q(z) ch the exchange c2n be fcccr two moves. After r. . . ., fN:

z.

K-B4

ch,

K-RZ!

( f . Q-KS L

Q6 +. P-N5, etc., White sim q to the possible discover,v. A dr motif appears also in the te
rir the direct 6. Q{r q

K-B3

"open-

because

!

aod

!

Q-KRS) or indirect $. K-Bz o K-Nf) intervention of thc

ment when by "firing the bmet'' were sure to hit the targt Is ft I move a side-stepping of thc ung r a counter-check would hsve hctr r less, but in the second it ws ehe effective, for the mating fur- co oo longer be parried-

peak achievements, it being quite enough to exploit an occasional line opening for a double attack.

***

DISCO\IERY

ro2

ofthe perpetual checks thrcdedEt king from all direaions. Only u change of queens or a direct u attack against Black's cornered I offers a winning chance. Bd e are served by the first move ri

In the next queen end-game-with

a perfect material equilibrium'White's

ten different pieces to be attacked at the same time with a single move! Of course, that is the limit. In practice there is no need for such

A double attack made by way of line opening involves the motif of

White's extra pawn cannot be c

italized by technical means bcEt

Tk, i tsb H

From a practical poiut of White wins.

rlravs as well to think

tsrcry

b

whme best-known instance discovaed check.

ILlrer-e is a situation in

which

d tr'o pieces of the same camp Ifrg on the same line (fiIe, rank, ftmrD rnoyes away and by doing tErF e thirFhostile-piece withlb rcopc of the one that stood belli. In poblem literature this forrlr b calld a "battery" and disr

tEly fusclf the

White's extra pawn cannot be cap-

ilalized by technical means

ofthe perpetual checks threatening his king from all directions. Only an exchenge of queens or a direct mating attack against Black's cornered king offers a winning chance. Both ends are selTed by the first move which threatens discovery.

r. Q-Qs

"firing" of the "bat-

The piece that actually carries

ilf" t 6c discovery is the "opening q,- stile the one behind it might ir+med to as the "piece in

t"

am-

iiErcovery tun$ into a double att if bo,th the "piece in ambush"

lft"openingpiece"

l1i:c

attack a hos-

each-

*** h Oc D€xt queen end-game-with ,,;rdcct material equilibriumhll rnorre active king, as an "openpFcer"

assures the victory. I 15.

.

A- NEUMANN, 1887.

because

QxPch

!!

Black has not many alternatives for

if r. . . ., Q-N6 (against K-B3) z. K-BS ch !, K-N8 (RZ) f. Q{r

the threat should be maintained

z.K-84

ch,

K-RZ! f .Q-K5 !, Q-

Q6 +. P-N5, etc., SThite wins owing to the possible discovery. A similar motif appears also in the text continuation. z.

K-B3

!

as

long as its realization is likely to bring some measurable advantage. Soberness and patience are the signal virtues of the chess player ! It is very seldom that we cannot obtain some advantage from the possibility of discovered check; therefore we must not exhaust our arnmunition too early and to no purpose. This is the moral we can draw from the next artistic example:

(z) ch the excha.ge can be forced in two moves. After r. .. ., Q-N3 ch

I 16.

V. BRON, r9+7.

and wins,

!

because the direa (1. Q{r or 3. Q-KRS) or indirect $. K-Bz or 3. K-Nf) intervention of the queen makes any defence impossible.

It is worth noting that, even in this trro-move end-game the threat had to be maintained up to the moment when by "firing the battery" we were srue to hit the target. In the first move a side-stepping of the king with counter-check would have been usein the second it was already effective, for the mating threat could no longer be parried. a

less, but

:**

White atins.

putting a threat into effect, ffid to see whether we can intensify the existing threat or add something to it. In short,

From a praaical point of view, it is always as well to think turice before

lYhite wins.

It would be a good thing to win the queen by moving the rook with dis-

covered check,

but the

queen is

"sheltered" by the knight which closes the rook's rank. Let us open this line and uncover

the queen. But where should

we move the knight? Black will r03

obviously try to escape from the line of fire, therefore White has to prevent the possible..

..., K-Q4. r. N-N6

., K-Bl

or

!!

Q-Q4 ch !

move of the queen or after . . .,

K{3

or . .., P-K4 the rook would win Her Majesty with discovered check.

K-B3 or . . ., K{4 are also N-K7 ch.

wrong because of

z.

K-Rr

queen

!

P-K4

!

N-K7

Q-K3

!

K-Nr

P-N+ P-Ns Q-Rz

more hidden continuation: 4.

Any other move would be followed by mate or the loss of the queen. Thus Black's queen does not faU victim to direct attack but is forced to sacrifice herself so as to delay the mate. 8.

R-N3

9.RXQ

ch

!

QxB

and wins.

It is more efficient to "rmod1 the battery temporarily ttan tD ft at once.

r. P-B6

Nz?, P-N+ ! 5. K-Nr!?, P-N5 6. K-Nz, Q-KR3 !!. In this latter variation Black has a double profit from his PN4-N5 move: he closes the rook's rank (towards the KR file) and opens his KRf{88 diagonal

A possibility of discovered checkwith some advantage in space-can give special content to otherwise barren endings with bishops of opposite colours. A bishop hiding in the shadow of its king can take aim at a hostile king that is cramped for space and threaten him with a double attack or indeed with mate. Examples:

P-Rr (q)

!

Blacfr I if r. . . - K

Necessary opening of

for the bishop because

2. P-BT, K-N2 3. K'{ c K-Br +. B-N+ ch White sirz.

K-

tg3;7.

White wins.

!!

This "finesse" is absolutely essential not only on account of the escape line 4. K-Nz ?, P-N4! 5. K-83 ?, Q-R6 ch, but also because of the

to4

L. I. KUBBEL,

!

!

Making the best of a bad bargain ! By opening his KNI-QR7 diagonal Black found a refuge for his queen. Therefore it would still be purposeless to "fire the battery." 4.

K-B3.

Black also tries to resorttotrickery: he wants to delay his P-N4 till after \[hite's K-Nz, so as to achieve ttre former variation. Ve have now reached the point at which level-headed deliberation is the better part of valour. Before charging head first to strike the decisive blow there is need for some circumspection.

the king nor the queen could move. The queen is relatively safely posted

3.

ll7.

possible

P-N3

On account of the threat neither therefore she must be chased off

with the

threat . . ., Q-K6 ch after 7.

4.--

Let us observe that after any other

. . .,

for the

LR7

BxQ

..., Kx P the riu b l. P-B7, K-I.Iz 6 Kch, K-Br 5. B-N7 ch !, Kxtr After 2.

sured by

K-Q7. As we assists the pawn

the dfuu

see,

in two

vuitin

the third, however, it makes pili the winning of Black's bis@. 3. 4.

P-B7

!

K-B6 !

BxP

L"R{ (Qr

ft E.

gueen

F,

. .,

FK6

ll7.

\rith the possible ch after 7.

'+--

K-B3.

P-N3

L. L KIIBBEL,

The bishop may not leave agonal under pendty of 5. mate (!).

1937.

!

S.

aho tries to resofttotrickery:

Iry other rnove would be followed the loss of the queen. Thus Irc orqueco does not fall victim to Es lu mact but is forced to sacrifice Id so as to delay the mate. ,t R-N3 ch QxB and wins. 'i BxQ !

Apcsimiry of discovered checkadvantage in space-can

iE rpociel cotrtent to otherwise barjrrr}ings with bishops of opposite A bishop hiding in the Fl Er of its king can take aim at a dt ting that is cramped for space

Jrtrecen

rlhd

him with a double affack

with mate. ,rL-nFles -

ch

and wins.

I 18.

I.

IIASEK, rgz3.

Vhite wins.

It is more efficient to "camouflage" the battery temporarily than to fire it at once. r. P-B6

!

P-R8 (Q

!

lVhite wins. Necessary opening of Black's KRZ for the bishop because if r. . . ., Kx P 2. P-BZ, 3. K-Q6 ch !,

K-Br z.

f[ mc

(QZ)

K-N6

Perhaps more eventful but essentially similar is the next end-game.

-* [mn to dday his P-N4 till after h's K-Nz, so as to achieve the F variationIc trve now reached the point at h hel-headed deliberation is the put of valour. Before charging -r 6xsil to strike the decisive blow Fil t-ii d for some circumspection. P-N+ P-Ns Q-Rz

K-NS

the di-

K-N2

+. B-N+ ch White wins.

BxQ

B-Rz

To set up a battery it seems most expedient to play r. K-B6. But in that case r. . .., B-Nr ! z. P-B6, B{4 3. P-87, B-Nz would solve Black's problems. Nor is the other

attempt r. B-Br more promising since after r. . . ., P-B5 ! (opening the diagonal), z, P-B6, B-Q6 !

2...., Kx P the win is asl. P-87, K-Nz 4. K{6 3. P-B7, B-Rl would take the sting ch, K-Br 5. B-N7 chl, KxB 6. out of the pawn. A third attractive K-Q7. As we see, the discovery possibility: r. K-Q6, P-R7! 2. assists the pawn in trvo variations. In P-B6 (2. B*KS ch?, K-Nr 3. ttre third however, it makes possible P-B6, P-B5!) 2. ..., P-R8 (a) the winning of Black's bishop. l. B-KS ch would meet the case if After

sured by

3. 4.

P-B7

!

K-B6 !

BxP B-R+ (Qr)

Black captured the bishop: but unfortunately there is no win after 3. . . ., K-Nl!! since 4. BxQ r05

..., P-B5 and...rB-B4. By a process of elimination we would again be met by

sooner or later arrive at the sound opening move

r. P-B6 z.

If

P-Rz

B-Nr

!!

z. . . .,

with

discovery (Voellmy's Schachabzug). In this case not the "Piece in imbush" but the "oPening Piece" grves check to the opponent's king. This aaion extends the rauge of the ambush, offering a

:

!

K-B6

Very similar in its features to the discovered check is the check

!

ack on the oPen line.

P-R8 (Q

Vrhite can set up his battery with 3. B-K5 ! and the viaory is assured. G. ...,

Q-RZ ! +. P-B7, Q-Nr 5. KK7 ch !) After the text continuation l. B-KS? is wrong owing to ...,

this motif draws our

incident pawn.

to

of all to the Perils a line with a

opening I 19.

B-Q+ but White may bravely face up to the seeming dangers of Black's

The seventh rank is a &ngr for fear of z. R-R7 ch- t.. . o X would be followed by z. P4

..., KxP ., K-N5, 3. P-Bl ch t after 2. . . ., K-K4 or 2. .., K 3. P-B+ ch leads to tu and in case of z. ..

result. Finally if Black fu continuation r. . . ., K-B4 z KBP.

The same fate awais H[tt r. . . ., K-Q4 2. P-K4 ch !, K 3. R-B6 ch ! 2.

H. RINCK, r9zo.

queening.

3.

4.

P-B7

P-R8 (Q Q-KN8

!

B-K5 !

3.

ch

(Q)

P-B8

6.

Q-R8

case of wins.

If

6. . . .,

Q-N8 Z. Q-Bg threat is Q-R5 and Q-

wins. (The R3 since Black must not play . . ., B-R2 because of the reply K-B7 !)

Q-R3 ch QxQ ch

Q-Nz ! Q-N6 ! 9. KxQ ch

7. 8.

and mate

*** ro6

R-K6 ch P-K4 ch !

K{+ md

I

riE,

120.

L. I. KUBBEI.

lVhite wins.

Black must defend both his KN3 and KR8.

or 2. . . o K-

pra i eodIr

Q_R+

!

K-B4

ch.

White's one and only hero of the next queen

Q-Ns

QxP or-in Q-Nz ch?-6. KxP

Otherwise 6.

5. . . .,

.,

K-KS

***

was a forced one. 5.

P-B4 ch !

If z. .. P-K4 3. 4.

!ilhite threatened 5. K-N6 discovered mate, therefore Black's reply

P.

K-BS ! l.R-B6 ch ! ril the king into the range d Tl ch,

!

Though tucked away behind two

pawns in the initial position, \[hite's bishop manages in a few moves to

capture the hostile queen which is conveniently stancling on the same diagond. All one has to do is to force Black's king to such squares as can be attacked by the line-vacating pawns

with check.

r. R-R.6 ch

K-K4

E

* G

tyt-

its features to the the check with

lplery (Voellmy's SchachabIL In this c:$e not the "Piece but the "opening piece" ! rhh" h Acct to the opponent's king. B uloo extends the range of the 5r tying in ambush, offering a tdilny of attack on the open line. :h dgtsEes this motif draws our tsiln Eost of all to the perils iridcm to opening a line with a ii_

!l.

I 19.

The seventh rank is a danger zone forfear of z. R-R7 ch. r. . . ., K-B4 would be followed by z. P-K4 ch

..., KXP or z. . . ., K-N5, 3. P-Bl ch wins ; after 2. . , ., K-K4 ot 2. .. ., K-N4 3. P-B+ ch leads to the same result. Finally if Black chooses the and in case of z.

continuation r. . . ., K-B4 2.P-ru ch, K-BS ! t.R-86 ch ! will force the king into the range of White's KBP. The same fate awaits Black after r". . . ., K--Q4 2. P-K4 ch ! , K-BS 3.

R-86

2.

H. RINCK, r9zo.

ch

K-K4

ch

()

z.

Q-K3

ch

K-B+

2...., K{4?? 3. QxKP ch K-K4

K{+

R-K6 ch P-K4 ch !

!

and wins,

K-Ks

P-B4 ch !

!

If r, . . ., K-N4, then z. Q-Nz ch !, K-R+ l. Q-N6 mate or 2. . . ., K-B+ (S) 3. P-K4 $) ch wins the queen owing to the opening of the second rank.

!

If z. .. ., K-B4 or 2. . . ., K-Q4, 3. P-K4 ch. 3. 4.

t. Q-B3

(B+)

and wins.

because any ofthe four possible moves

would be followed by the opening of the second rank with check: 4. ...,

K-Q+ (B+) 5. P-K4 ch! or 4. . . ., K-{5 5. P-K3 ch! or 4. . . ., K-KS 5. PxP ch! and Black loses

his queen and the game.

*** White's one and only pawn is the hero of the next queen end-game : 120.

L. I. KUBBEL,

Vhite wins.

fbo$ nrcked away behind rwo IE in the initial position, White's nry -o''ages in a few moves to ;trc the hmtile queen which is standing on the same -:aicdy hrl AII one has to do is to force hHs ting to such squares as can be Ed by the line-vacating parvvns t r+r.cl

r

R-R6

ch

K-K4

1927.

If

subtle manoeuvres get us no-

where we may often find it expedient to

to line opening in order to help an insignificant pawn to promotion. We cannot expect our opponent resort

to hand us the

advantage accruing

from opening a line on a plate-it is much more likely that we shall have to work hard to reach a winning posi-

tion. Discovery with check, the motif we have seen in the former example, is enforced by energetic means in the next study: r07

l2l.

scene; but now reserves too must be mobilized to decide the issue.

V. and M. PLATOV, r9rr.

5.

6.

Q-N4

P{4

KxQ

ch !! ch !

This possibility of opening the diagonal was the drawback to Black's first move. It was of course "present"

in the initial

position, our iob has merely been to spot it and find a way to exploit it to White's benefit. White wins, although the annihilation of Black's pawns withthebishop still calls for accurate and careful play. lVhite wins.

White has a strong passed Pawn, but the position of his king is rather shaky. These two factors determine the line of attack and counter-attack. r. P-B7

Q-K4

!

!

A strong reply against the menacing z. R-R8 ch. Black plans to PlaY

..., K-N6 threatening ..., QN7 mate. The queen also prevents the 2.

annoying 3.

R-NS

ch.

But Black's move has a drawback to it, one that is not easily spotted at this stage. . z. 3.

.

R-R8 ch R-R3 ch !!

K-N6 KxR But his

troubles are not over yet. 4.

P-B8 (Q

ch

K-N6

PxB

P4r (

And now we can see sfoy

it

necessary to vacate the QB White's queen goes into er"im

checks

and defeas her crnt

counterpart.

K-D{Z

If by moving a piece we open a line which will be occupied by the offen-

K-Dm

sive "line-piece" (queen, rook or bishop) only on the next move, we speak of preliminary line opening. The attribute "preliminary" applies not to the motif of the line oPening itself but to the faa that the open line will not be immediately utilized for some tactical operation, but at a later stage.

122.

H. RINCK r9r7.

K4,z In this way Black c-'r r

hamper the queen's advm. ft the achievement of the riming tion-the capture of the QP by u

1

included-is only 3 rnrter qf The instructive technique d lfotr tion: 6. Q{f ch!, K-RZ! Z. Q ch!, K-R6! (7. ..., K-Iff? FB, mate!) 8. FR6 ctl, K-

1

g. Q-NS ch, K-R6 ro- a ch, K-NZ rr. Q-N4 ct, K12. Q-R4 ch!, K-NZ l- - o

i %i

13.

?

is wrong agaitr becarsc

dr

QxP ch, K-N8 14 Q-f,,

K-RZ 15. FR4 ch!, K-Nl fN+ ch, K-R7
!

After 4. . . ., K-RZ 5. Q-R8 ch White's queen would appear on the ro8

!!

PRELIMINARY OPENING OF A LINE

"%,

queen and gain time.

r. B-Q4

z. P-R8 (Q)

N8

This is the right moment for White

to

In this situation, for insmc,

piece for which we have to oIED r now in order to secure its suc intervention, is not eveD. oo ft b yet.

In the next-som€f,tfi

EE ft r

plicated-example V'hiE h open the way for hb bhry

I

h now reserres too must be bd m decide the issue. B

KxQ hocsmity of opening the diI m the drawback to Black's fG. It was of course "present"

p fuitial position, our job has

ItcFr

to sPot it and find

a waY

lft it to White's benefit.annihiL riDs, although the ,dEeck's pawns with the bishop t fur accurate and careful play. IELL\TINARY OPENING OF A LINE

f uring a piece we open a Iine iri[t be occupied by the offentepiece" (queen, rook or p!

oty on the next move, we

ld pdiminary line

oPening.

;Efr@e "preliminary"

applies

ft motif of the line oPening hto the fact that the open line h bc immediately utilized for ,Ei:l operation, but at a later J

B{4

r.

P-R8

z.

PxB P-R8

!!

(Q)

And now we can see why

rgr7.

his minor

pieces

can

co-operate

smoothly in their fight against Black's queen. 123.

L. I. KUBBELT 1925. (Q)

it

was

necessary to vacate the QR file: White's queen goes into action with checks and defeats her cornered counterpart.

K-Nz

3. Q-R8 ch +. Q-N7 ch 5. Q-R6 ch

In this

K-R7 ! K-N8 !

way Black can at

tion: 0. Q{g ch!, K-RTI 7.Q-B+ ch!, K-R6! (7. ..., K-N8?? 8. ch!,

K-N7

Q-R6 Q-Bz g. Q-NS ch, K-R6 ro. Q-RS ch, K-NZ rr. Q-N+ ch, K-R7 l,2. Q-R+ ch!, K-NZ (. . ., KN8

?

is wrong again because of mate ! )

QxP ch, K-N8

14. Q-K4 ch, K-RZ 15. Q-R4 ch!, K-N7 16. Q-N+ ch, K-R7-and now the coup de grAce : rT. K-Bz!, White

13.

wins'

**

White wins.

least

hamper the queen's advance, though the achievement of the winning position-the capture of the QP by tempo included-is only a matter of time. The insuuctive technique of liquida-

mate!) 8.

122.

IL RINCK

In this situation, for instance, the piece for which we have to open a line now in order to secure its successful intervention, is not even on the board yet.

*

Inthe next-somewhat more complicated-example Vhite has first to open the way for his bishop so that

r. P-B6

!!

PxP

Though the sense of this line-open-

ing pawn sacrifice is not obvious at once, Black cannot help accepting it, otherwise the pawu can no longer be

stopped. (After r. z. B,-B,6 ch wins.) z. 3.

B-B7 ch B-R5 !!

...,

Q-QR8?

K{5

This "quiet" threatsning move demonstrates the queen's plight. It is difficult to find how 4. B-Bl ch and S. P{+ ch (with discovery) can be averted,

for after 3. .. ., Q-N8

4.

N-K2 ch wins. In case of 3. ..., Q{R8 or 3. ..., Q-K4 +. B-Bl ch decides the issue. If the king moves, White immediately wins by gviog check with the QP. r09

r. P-K6

There would be only one possibi-

lity.

.

3.--

Qx BP

. . . if we had not vacated the QR7-KNI diagonal before, iust for the purpose

4. 5. 6.

PxP

!

125.

.

!

B-N6 ch BxP ch ! N-K4 ch

The pawn must be taken, to take the sting out of the mate threat on the KN fi.Ie. This could not be parried

A. A. TROITSKY,

rBgG

even by Black's closing his fourth

rank, for after

PxN

r. . . ., P{4 z. R-Bz,

3. R-KNz the mate

would be

inevitable.

P-B+

KxB

z.

and wins.

R-KN5

Q-Br

!

!

If z. .. ., Q-N2 Vhite wins by the

Nor can the third line-piece, the rook, display its full powers unless it

forced opening of the seventh rank:

has open files and ranks at its disposal.

P

The rook's freedom of action

is

3.

R-N8 ch, K-B2 4. N{6 ch ! N S. R-NZ ch. Ve shall come

x

Vhiu

back to this motif later.

@iar.

hampered much more by the presence

of pawns than is the bishop's

;

K-Bz K-Bg

rook

manoeuvres are, therefore, very often preceded by some line-opening pawn sacrifice. 124.

L. I. KUBBEL, l916.

ing. This possibility is 6rh Not only closes the queen's diagonal against the threat of . .., $R8 ch,

but also threatens mate (R-KB8). If Black tries to parry the threat by way of 5. ..., K-Bz or 5. ..., QxN he would lose his queen owing to the extended scope of the knight or the rook. (S. N-f5 ch or 5. R-B8 ch.)

P-K4

5.--

Only this 66square vacating" is possible, yet it has the drawback

that the sixth rank is also opened for

Vhite

wins.

Here the most promising plan is to

rush the rook to the KNfile. There-

fore: IIO

!7hite's active pieccs dE;'l coune of events by wry dlb

Vhite's rook. 6. Z.

R-N6

RxQ

ch

K-B+ andwins.

***

several variations.

r. Q-B8

ch

K-

r. . . ., K-Nl would rrril FBZ ch, K-Rf f. :i--Ef But we shouldn't ovedmk ' i of r. . .., K-K4? Z !|t-D{ would bring about 6c &iE opening because fu 6E rtr the obstade on the Q fh iz - It) f . fBS ch would rin ft e z.

N-N7!

Q-

Aftcr any o6cr qmcu D ..., FNf or -82 c -t !i-B5 ch would follc,r d I qoca would sm fl virl

PxP

p prn

125.

rnurit be taken, to take

A. A. TROITSKY,

hm of the mate threat on the fUs ould not be parried }. :q7

double attack. The result is also the same after z. . . ., Q-R2 3. N-Q8 ch ! etc.

1896.

Besides the text move Black's K8 also seems to offer a safe refuge to the

Rt"ct's dosing his fourth

lfrdEr I 3;

tr

r. . . ., P{42.

R-KNz

fXli5

R-Bz,

queen; after z. . . .rQ-K8, however,

the mate would be

Q-Br

!

3. N-BS ch, K-K4 4. N-Q3 ch!! would force the opening of the K file

with the continuation 4. ..., PxN 5. Q-K8 ch and 6. Q x Q. This pattern appears also for the third

!

f - . -, FNz Vhite wins by the I qlcaiDg of the seventh rank: 5ilt ct, K-B2 4. N{6 ch ! I 5; R-Nl ch. We shall come -ftb motif later. K-Bz

L-N8 ch IFNS ch

K-Br

IfBl!!

inirs to parry the threat by way ,--o K-Bz or 5. ..., QXN he ll bc his queen owing to the

td scope of the knight or the ;$. N-K5 ch or 5. R-B8 ch.) P-K4

f,r d'is Gtquare vacating" is E yet it has the drawback ft si-th rank is also opened for 616L

3xa

K-B+

ch

and wins.

***

ch ch! 5.NxPch!! 6. Q-Q8 ch 3. N-B5 4. Q-R8

lVhite wins.

\[hite's active pieces decide the

K-K4

K-Q3 PxN

and wins.

course of events by way of line open-

ing. This possibility is ofered in

tott d.ces the queen's diagonal h Oc threat of . . ., SR8 ch, h teatears rnate (R-KB8). If

l'-N5

'me in the text continuation.

several variations.

r. Q-B8 ch

K-K3!

CLEARING THE PATH, CLEARING A SQUARE There are also instances of line in which the piece moving

opening

r. . .., K-Nl would result in z. Q-BZ ch, K-R3 3. N-B5 mate. But we shouldn't overlook that in

of r.

., K-K4? 2. N-B4

case

ch! would bring about the desired line opening because after the removal of ..

the obstacle on the Q file (2. . .., P X N) f . Q-BS ch would win the queen. z.

N-N7!

Q-Qz

away does not open a line completelS

but only in part, leaving room for the movement of another piece. Sometimes the stress is only laid on the square that has been vacated by the "opening" piece. This is what we call clearing a square. ff again the opening move lengthens a line for another piece to pass along it, we

speak of clearing the path. The two concepts need not be sharply separated from each other or from the

After any other queen move (2. . . ., Q-Ng or 3. -Bz or -B6) and N-BS ch would follow Black's queen would soon fall victim to a

concept of line opening for that matter, since the underlying motif is the same in all. Thedifference in form will be illustrated by some examples.

rII

Forced, since White threatened +. N-Bl mate ! Now White renews his threat and forces the win of Black's queen with a discovered

126.

L. I. KUBBEL'

1935.

check.

"mwi

%

KxP and wins.

,%H 127.

A. P. GULYAEV, r93o. w

H

r. P-K5! This opening move all of a sudden

the activity of White's pieces. Black is threatened by 2. P-N+ mate.

vacated

a

for

the

knight. Both the "square" and the "line" are important here. The for-

mer because it enables the knight to take up an offensive position near the queen, the latter because on account of the discovery threat Black's king is shut off from th. QN, QB and Q

of the fourth rank. (2. K-NS(B5 or Q5) 3. N-B6 ch !

squares

The activity achieved by

lirpq

ing slackens now, but the ro* still render good services by &i off Black's queen from guardiq KNz pawn. 4.

R-Rr!

5.

QxP ch

QxR and wiu

(Q-Bz-86-K6-K5{j{

d

B4-B3-N3), and rnates b-" Q (The finish is a t5rpical €.--'!t

*

time-gaining manoeuwes.)

lYhite wins.

closes

square

B-R6

K-Rt

***

the recently opened fourth rank. It will be seen that the first move not only opened the fourth rank for the rook

but also

P-I.It(

because the queen can gradurry

PxP

The knight move

-F-R8 (Q ch 3. Q-N8 ch!

proach the king, by continnous

increases

r.-z. N-K4 ch

r.

z.

4. K-Nz! 5. N-B6 ch

White wi,ns.

vacates the square for thc 1 and opens the way for the pu tive queen in advance !

...,

K-N4! K-Rs

'White's rook is unable to leave the eighth rank, yet it is obvious that it must vacate the QR8 square for the

A fine example of prelirnin*lr' opening is shown by the trer

s

128.

L. I. KIIBBEL, r9r#

pawn, since Black too is readY to queen. To vacate the square is in itself not enough, however. We must also reckon with the possibility that

(P-R8 (Q ch) Black B-R6), therefore some other opportunity of

after queening

can interpose his bishop (. . .,

further intervention must be sought. Accordingly:

r. R-R8!

lYhite witlr.

forceq since White threatened + N-Bl mate ! Now White renews Er 6reat and forces the win of trrlis queen with a discovered .$.ck

a

vacates the square for the pawn and opens the way for the prospective queen in advance !

r.--

ch 3. Q-N8 ch! z. P-R8 (Q)

K-Nz!

5. N-B6

KxP

ch

and wins. 127.

A P. GULYAEV' r93o.

The activity achieved by line vacat-

5.

t&'%,

K-R8

ing slackens now, but the rook can still render good seryices by driving off Black's queen from guarding her KNz pawn. 4. R-Rr!

'ffi %l

P-N8(Q) B-R6

QxP

QxR

ch

and wins,

because the queen can gradually apking by continuous checks

proach the

(Q-Bz-B6-K6-Ks-Qs{+-

B4-B3-N3), and mates by Q x B. (The finish is a typical example of

time-gaining manoeuvres. )

ed in queenlgetizable by

of rook

move

A fine example of preliminary line opening is shown by the next study: 128,

TSlhite's rook is unable to leave the

It+rth rank, yet it is obvious that it

L. I. KUBBEL, r9r4.

:

r. P-N6

!!

Strange as it may be, this opening move paves the way for the interyen-

tion of the rook on QR8 ( !) with view to winning the queen !

a

it be Q-NZ 2.

The pawn must be taken lest

promoted after P

x P,

Q-NS

r.

ch 3.

N-B3

r.-z.

***

Vhite wins.

and

knight and who "see" a few things at first glance (e. g. that there is no risk in playrng r. R-Rr !; or even in z. R-KNI after Black's . . ., Q-NZ) will find it hard to hit upon the first

R-Rr

ch.

PxP Q-Nz

!

!

2. . . .t QxR or . . ., QxRp would be followed by a knight fork to king

and queen. The same fate would await Black after z. . .., QxQp l. R-R+ ch, K-K4 +. R-RS !, e x R 5. N-B4 ch.

Gt

vacate the QR8 square for the X:rD, since Black too is readY to

But V/hite can force Black to capture the QP-though from the other

vacate the square is in not eoough, however. We must

FEro- To

irtf *o , ftr

side.

reckon with the possibility that queening (P-R8 (Q ch) Black . cE imcrpce his bishoP (. . ., B-R6),

3.

rHue some other oPPortunitY of fficr intervention must be sought.

R-KNI

QxQP

!

3. . . ., QxR?

+.N-Bl

ch, etc.

Arrorvlingly: r- R-R8!

lYhiu ains.

4. 5.

R-N4 R-N5

ch

K-B4 !

!

I13

We can also ensnare the queen on this wing but only because we have previously taken care to vacate the KN file up to the fifth rank.

J.--

6.

N-K4 ch

QxR

and wins.

Ve devote a special chaPter to the examination of knight forks and other extraordinary feats of the

knight. (See: The Range of the Knight, pp. rgo-r%)

CLO

It is enough to remember-on the basis ofthe examples inthis chapterthatinorder toincrease the mobility and activity of our pieces, we have to secure paths, sPace, open lines for them. We should watchfully explore the chances of increas-

ing the range of our pieces ; and remove obstacles as quickly as possible.

Nimzovitch once said: "Do well

by your pieces-and they wiU be grateful for

it ! "

You can't do better bY them than to give them ample elbow-room. . .

In the previors chlp x pointed out that the pis d besides their "contlol eftrg"

tain "corporal effect" which fo r

of particular attentioa ,rnd"3

I

operations.

The .'corporal effecf ir u ed in that the piece, ir{

of its kind, dmes, by ir presence, the file, raDt md & running through the sqrc pied by it.

If we regard line Aafr natual consequence d: -+,

(line interferene), E qf t dcing. Ewr5r: EoYe leads to thc o,pcoi; r tain lines and, at tfrc e to the closing of oth:rr. Tb ing is the consequqrce d rsqrnrc, the dming is ft rrr occupying another sitr ft serne about line

piece.

If we e=amine rx)t as a general

1ft clr;ng o

an intended opemi:o, E ! he8i" with weigLing is pl crrrs, that is its usrfrl d h sides.

Vhile the opeuiug d E.-a mohlity ul -r ragp of the piec, li'r Gti iDcrcasc the

tr4

t.

CLOSING OF LINES

i is :::ugh to remember-on the cf -: examples in this chapterin order to increase the mobileod activity of our pieces, we rte to secure paths, space, open cs for them. We should watchF c=;-::e the chances of increast5e rc.ge of our pieces; and reus

t

e

l rstacles as quickly as possible.

Scz..-,-:i.h once said: "Do well

ro- ;ieces-and they will

be

rd:- fcr it I " fgrq

:::''g do better by them

Ei"r-e

::ecn ample elbow-room. .

than .

In the

previous chapter we have

pointed out that the pieces displap besides their "control effectr" a certain "corporal effect" which is worthy of particular attention during tactical operations.

The t'corporal effect" is manifested in that the piece, irrespective of its kind, closes, by its very presence, the file, rank and diagonals running through the square occupied by it. If we regard line opening as a natural consequence of each move (line interference), we may say the same about line closing. Every single move leads to the opening of certain lines and, at the same time, to the closing of others. The opening is the consequence of vacating a square, the closing is the result of occupying another with the same piece.

If

we examine the closing of lines

not as a general phenomenon, but as an intended operationr we should begin with weighing its pros and cons, that is its useful and harmful sides.

While the opening of lines tends to increase the mobility and extend the range of the pieces, line closing evi8*

dently has the reverse effect; it restricts both the mobility of the pieces and their scope.

We may accordingly benefit from a

line-closing manoeuvre if it eventually restricts the mobility of the opponent's pieces without interfer-

ing with the freedom of movement in our own camp. In principle, line interference can be effected, like line opening, in two different ways.

One

is to play a piece so that

it obstructs a mobile piece of the opponent, the other to force the opponent

to make a move by which of his own piece.

he closes the line

Besides these methods we can also make use of line interference by sparing a hostile piece that is closing a line and is thus harmful to its own campand if necessary, by blocking it on its

In short, by preventing the opponent from opening a line or by avoiding a disadvantageous line opening we can make capital of some existing line interference as well. In case of line interference it is always the (ccorporal effect" and not square.

the .'control effect" of the ttclosing"

piece that restricts the freedom of

movement.

II5

129.

A. A. TROITSKY, t924.

then follows 2. B-BZ ch and White's Q5 square is forbidden to the rook, leaving no defence against f. P-QZ and 4. P-Q8 (4.) That is why Q3 must be guarded

one ofthe players is forced into, ra than chosen by him voluntarily. 130.

from Kl.{6 and not from Kz. After r. B-Kz Black can secure a draw by r. . . ., R-Kl ! z. P-Q7, R-{3 ch,

H. WEENINK, r9r;

etc.

r.

- -

v/t7/,!l 7' "/il

R-R6

,rt

'ryr

Only in this way or by r. . . ., RKB6 can Black manage to play his

rook White wins.

White's task is to shut off Black's rook from the Q file and, by control-

ling the eighth rank, keep it away from the Q8 square. This task cannot be solved by r. K-Qz owing to the continuation r. .. ., R-K5 ! z. KQl, R-QN5 ! and 3. ..., R-Nr. It will be clear already at this stage that there is no point in chasing the rook to another rank where

it can roam freely,

for it is exactly on the third rank that

it

enjoys the least freedom of movement, being impeded by its own king.

r. B-N6

!

This move does not "close" the Q file to the rook, yet it takes the Q3 square from it through the control effect of the bishop. The same control effect extends directly to the K4 arrd K8 squares, and indirectly to K5 and K6. (In case of r. . . ., R-Kl White

can pin the rook by z.B-Bl; and if Black chooses to play r. . . ., R-K+

r16

to his first rank. There is no

essential difference. . . ., R-R6 is only preferable because Black can prolong his agony by several "spite checks." 2. P-Q7 3. B-KS

White atins.

R-Rr and wins,

The diagram is rather recoiui*r

because there are no more checks tor

of the preceding one, and fu

6. K-K4 !, R-R5 ch 7. K-K5 ; nor can he approach White's Q8 either from the eighth rank or the Q file. The winning move $. B-K8) has demonstrated a typical case of line interference by the simple interposition of a Vhite:t::

interference.

Black dter 3. . .., R-R8 ch 4. KK2, R-R7 ch S.K-KI ! , R-R6 ch

exploitation

of the motif of

:

If the natural opening @:lFB P-R7 is met by r. . . ., R-\r,.

line-interference manoerrrre r=l duced by z. B-Nl chl aa,C .r pleted by 3. B-N8! l.ap. to frc This would be of the rerr s:.'Yr t we have seen in the preriu-urs $G

r

Black, however, can put lr.D 1 stubborn resistance.

As mentioned before, line interference may also arise through one side obstructing the path of its own piece by another. This is termed self-interference. Being in principle harmful, self-interference is mostly a situation

rirr

solution hinges again on the ptei

r. P-R7

=

R-N. d

This intermediate cho* Fm spoke

in White's wheel whicfo

s€cr

to roll so smoothly towards sia for now his king must ste-s sb-r €f third rank, otherwise Black co

ilIos: :. B-B7 ch and White's Bffi is forbidden to the rook, ! lr-- cefence against f. P-QZ

one of the players is forced into, rather than chosen by him voluntarily.

P{S:Q.)

r h ;-:r- Q3 must be guarded N6 a:i not from Kz. After

k Bla;k can secure a draw by R-K; i z. P-Q7, R-{3 ch,

130.

H. V/EENtrNK, r9r7.

vene by another kind of line interference.

R_R6

z. 3.

r n -js q'ay or by r. . . ., R:m, Biack manage to play his o i::s Erst rank. There is no Ct dference. . .., R-R6 is ;r*;1:a:1e because Black can agony by several "spite

t::e are no more checks for 6- i. . . ., R-R8 ch 4. K;: 5, K-K3 ! , R-R6 ch -R-K+ . , R-R5 ch 7. K-K5 ; c, ; - approach Y/hite's Q8 ic:. ',.he eighth rank or the e

r:::s

$. B-K8) has sua:3.-l',-a qpical case of line r

ffi:: r

e

move

the simple interposi-

Ei,te

1jr.tg.ra3d before, line interferEflf a.Lsu-r arise through one side lcg rhe path of its own piece ilfuff. Thrs is termed self-interc. B
ch

bishop is undefended, and thus easily removed by Black. What has then been the purpose of

this sacrifice? To force Black into self-interference. We can see that the presence of the king on the K file

White wins.

The diagram is rather reminiscent of the preceding one, and in fact the solution hinges again on the prudent of the motif of line

exploitation interference.

If the natural opening move r. P-R7 is met by r. . . ., R-Nr, the

is Cisadvantageous to Black on account

of his barring the rook's way towards

his Kr. Though Black is not compelled to accept the sacrifice, after the possible 3. . . ., R-Nr \X/hite wins again with 4. B-N3 ch ! etc.

line-interference manoeuvre introduced by z. B-Nl ch! and completed by 3. B-N8! leaps to the eye. This would be of the very same type we have seen in the previous study. Blaclg however, can put up a more

:t. :

R-NS

Line interference again. The only

R-Rr and wins,

K-Nr ! B-Kr ! !

thing out of the common is that ttre

:--tt

-tt :F.S

safely accept the bishop to be offered on KN3, capturing it with check. Nor may the king give up his watch over QRt and QRz for fear of . . ., R-QR8 (7) with the capture of the pawn. The bishop should therefore inter-

stubborn resistance.

r. P-R7

RxB ch R-K7 ch R-K6 ch Naturally not 6. K-R4? because of 6. . . .,

R-N7

ch

This intermediate check puts

!

R-K8 !

and 7. .

6.-a

spoke in White's wheel which seemed

to roll so smoothly towards victory, for now his king must stay shy of the third rank, otherwise Black could

7.

K-N5

.., R-QR8.

R-K5 ch and wins,

!

since the promotion can no longer be prevented.

*** r17

l3l.

3. 4.

J. BEHTING,

1893.

R-Nz R-Kz

Menaced by Black's far-a.j';

P-B+ P-Bs

!

White's third move was only

passed pawn, White seeks hj-s a

tempo move, but the fourth was very essential and deeply calculated. It is very important that the rook be now placed on Kz in order to prevent the escape of the knight via K3 (. . .,

N-K6)

after

KxP.

N-Bz

KxP K-B3 ! 7. R-KRz

5. 6.

N-R.8 and wins.

in a mating attack. r. P-N6 ch

;:

K-\t

White's pawn rrlove-{E'e]r fifth rank-would have led r.- = Black had played r. .. .: K-

R-R5 z. RxP

(2.

ch)

K-Br

The danger of mate is c-Tt Black's queen is in the E:.s.i to counteract this? We rn's: .lr

to intensify the attack b-; U

White's king to help and rl-c zlVhite wins.

In order to force through the clos-

This end-game is a fine example of preliminary line interference by pawn sacrifice.

r. P-B6

!

PxP

r. . . ., P-RS (Q ? z. R-Rr ch, K-NZ 3. RxQ, KxR 4. P-BZ wins. AIso r. . . ., P-B7 offers no help, since after z. R-Rr ch, P-B8

(Q g.RxQ, KxR 4.P-B7, P-R8 (Q S. P-B8 (Q) ch, K-Nz White forces the king to play . . ., K-R7

and then he wins with

ing of

a

line even maior sacrifices may

prove expedient if the returns are expected to be in proportion to the

"investment." The aim in view is mostly to restrict the range of a queen or a rook. In Diagram No. r3o \X/hite's queening cost a bishop; in the next end-game a knight is sacrificed to curtail the radius of Black's queen.

t32.

L. I. KUBBEL,

K-Bz. (See

the text variation of Diagram

No.

KxP

P-R8 (N) !

,offi gg

z. . . .,P-R8 (Q) ch f . K-N3 and the mate or the queen's loss is inevitable. The cornered knight is of course no match for the rook, but in view of the extra BP, White has to play very accurately.

r18

, t t %T. "T

rzz.)

z.

1924.

"'m"

permitting Black to intent--

KP N The sacrifice must be a;.account of the mate ttr;:: :. K-Kr would be met by -,r- \--K 3.

N-Q5 !!

E Qf :

Now, with the Q fiI. clesai

king can safely set out

b:.s

Black's fate.

P{!

!

+. K-BS 5. K-Q6

!

e-K!

The mate can onlr- be .;;-.i interposing the queen '.,i: Black has taken the km,:: c:

KP), but after the l-rc-'::',: r :: :-ai*:,:

ensuing pawn end-game

for White.

R-N8 ch 7.RxQ.h

Q-K: KR.

6. 8.

P-B3

aa: E=

!

because White

will

prcc,..--3

:

K-Qr 9. K P, K ro. KxP, K-B3 rr. P-ts+

after 8. . . .,

R-\:

P-B+ P-Bs

R.-F.::

E.ri3. but the fourth was very cirl a:.J deeply calculated. It is 3

iagn--r,aat that the rook be now J cn K: in order to prevent the e of rhe knight via K3 (. . .,

i.5 art:r K'(P.

K.P

K-B3

R^-KR2

and wins.

crier to force through the closIa ii-' er-en major sacrifices may : eslelient if the returns are rci tr be in proportion to the scn3it." The aim in view is ty ir :estrict the range of a ?,*ar E rook. In Diagram No. r3o r's :ulening cost a bishop ; in r* e-j-game a knight is sacri;-:--a:1 the radius of Black's

:;

t32.

L. I. KUBBEL,

Black had played "

(2.

R-R5

z.

N-Bz N-R8

.

Menaced by Black's far-advanced rz. K-K6. 8. KxP would also win, chances though White must be very careful. After 8. . . ., P-QS ! g. K-Q5, in a mating attack. K-K2 White has to force Black's K_Nr r. p_N6 ch king to retreat : ro. K-KS !! . ro. White's pawn move-opening the \*P? would be premature since fifth rank_would have led to mate if after ro. . . ., K-Bl rr. K-Qs, passed pawn, \Vhite seeks his

1924.

ch)

RxP

r. ...) K-R3?. 5'I :z' K-K6, K-Rz !! - 13' P-9+, P-N+ ! t4.K-B5, P-N5 !

K-Br

The danger of mate is over and Black's queen is in the making. How to counteract this ? We must contrive to intensify the attack by bringing White's king to help and that without permitting Black to interfere. 3.

N-Q5 !!

!

ll;Ii*,.K-Ng

KPxN

The sacrifice must be accepted on of the mate threat. 3. . . .,

Here again we have a model exam-

trate that sometimes line interference

may also be brought about in a "passive" way. All we have to do is to

curb our greed and spare the opponent's line-closing piece, no matter how alluring its capture may seem. 133.

K-Kr

P-QS (Q) 4. K-B5 ! ! K-Q6 Q-K8 5. The mate can only be avoided by interposing the queen (that is why Black has taken the knight with his

KP), but after the liquidation the

ensuing pawn end-game is favourable

a

ple of the "harmful piece" to illus-

account

would be met by 4. N-K (B) f . Now, with the Q file closed, White's king can safely set out his Q6 to seal Black's fate.

the position is

J. MORAVEC, r9r3.

'% "% ,%

Itr

ffi

%%

% %

t

for l7hite. 6. 7. 8.

R-N8 ch RxQ ch P-B3 !

because White

lVhite wins.

Q-Kr KxR and wins,

will promote his

BP

K-Qr 9. KxP, K-K2 ro. KxP, K-B3 rr. P-B4, KxP

after 8. . . .,

It would not do to stop Black's RP by r. R-R4, because after r. I'-N4 z. R-R5 Black can secure a draw even with a single pawn. It is far better to rush after thepawn with the king, though not with the purpose of

I19

overtaking it, but rather with the same mating threat in mind that we have seen in Diagram No. r3r. We also remember the trouble we took there

! Therefore: P-Rs P-R6 P-Rz P-R8 (Q)

to close the long diagonal

and wins, because Black cannot parry the mate

threat with . ..,

Q-KRr owing to the NP closing the diagonal. White also wins after 4. . . ., P-R8 (N): S.K-Bl ! , P-N3 6. R-Nz, P-N4 7. R-Qz ! , P-NS ch 8. KxP,

N-BZ

pattern

It

ch 9.

!)

K-Bl ! etc. (A familiar

is also worth our while to examine

the alternative which

demonstrates

the expediency of sparing the harmful pawn : r. K-R7, P-N4 z. K-R6, P-N5 and now 3. K-N5!! wins.

against a knight which simply jumps over the head of any obstacle and of little avail against a queen. If on the

other hand the duty of stopping a pawn devolves on a hostile rook or bishop, its radius of action will mostly be restricted to a single line (diagonal) whose closing may and should be thought of.

That is why line-interference manoeuvres accomplished with a

view to promoting a passed pawn are mostly encountered in bishop and rook end-games. The most frequently applied tactical means ot curtailing the scope of a bishop is self-interference with pawn (or possibly piece) sacrifice. The intervention of a rook can usually be prevented by the interposition of a knight or a bishop. We have to point out that

the materially weaker side can achieve surprising successes with

3.KxP?, P-N6 4. K-R4, P-N7 5. K-R (N)1, K-R8 ! 6. RxP would o. rr"r"TT"j

Iine-interference combinations especially in positions where he is an exchange to the bad. Let us look at some examples of

After having outlined the concept, the importance and the technique of,

I{. MATTISON, r9r4.

Iine interference, let us get acquainted with types of end-games in which the

line-closing manoeuvre is of very frequent and indeed a characteristic occurrence.

In the great majority of end-games the capitalization of a passed pawn is of decisive importance. An advancing pawn can be stopped by a knight from certain points of the board and also by a queen from several directions. Line interference is no weapon T20

closing a diagonal:

t34.

r. P-B6

!

After r. N-Q6 ch, K-{ r. N-K5, B-KZ Black r?n

White's RP. Even r. K-Bz ? g:: no further because of r. . . .. B z. P-86, P x P 3. P-R5, B

4. P-RZ, P-B4.

r.--

PF B-B H? 3. N-N5 3....,K-Qr?4.P-R-le

z. P-R6

!

4.

N-K6 !

P-ts

White threatened to "loCf, rE' diagonal permanently rrith N-

even in case of 4. , . ., K+Black opens the diagonal. oelr no bishop to control it. 5. 6.

N-B7 NxB

L*

K{

ch

K_B

6. . . ., K-Bl is a Zugzuq: tion (see Diagram No. -- . f-: king simply walks up to taLre =' and wins. The same ha::es after the text continuade.- :* RP must be secured first E:-:=;

:

K-Nr-Rz. z.

N-Bl

F_N

7. . . ., K-Bz 8. N-Rr 8.

9.

N-N5 !

I *: P-B;

ai r

K-Bz

***

In the fight of a knigf,r n,r,.'i ; a bishop, line intcuecor

against

dnsr a i
ser :a:i

the duty of stopping a r:B ::;r-l','es on a hostile rook or hce, i-*. raCus of action will mostly E!-E:13.:. to a single line (diagonal)

!s€

;..-,:ing may and should be rq.: ::.

mr rs why line-interference

@€tr\-F€s accomplished with a r to promoting a passed pawn e mostl5' encountered in bishop d rook end-garnes. The most rioer-.J. applied tactical means ot

mrili:g the scope of a bishop is f-=::-trence with pawn (or posf,r p::;e. sacrifice. The interveno of a rook can usually be prerei. :-; the interposition of a knight r L'r.::?. \Ye have to point out that : rrraterially weaker side can hicre surprising successes with combinations essialts in positions where he is ssshange to the bad. c-inte rferenc

[.eg

:s

F--.t

='

lc.,.'k

e

at some examples of

diagonal

:

r34.

H. .\L\TTISON, T9r4.

r. P-B6

!

After r. N-Q6 ch, K-Ql or r. N-K5, B-KZ Black can stop White's RP. Even r.

K-Bz

? gets us

no further because of r. . . ., BXN ! z. P-86, P x P 3. P-R6, B-Q4

+. P-RZ, P-B4.

r.-z.

N-N5 3. . . ., K-Qt 3.

4.

PxP B_B6 B-Q4

P-R6

!

N-K6

?

4.

P-R7 !

wins.

viously close the bishop's diagonal by

interposing the knight. Of course, we cannot think of effectively restricting the bishop's scope by the short-range knight unless our pawn is rather close to the promotion square. Often it is also necessary to make use of the many-sided indirect threats of the knight.

P-B+

!

135.

Vhite threatened to "lock up" the diagonal permanently

KLING

and HORWITZ, r85r.

with N-B5,

even in case of 4. . . ., K-Qz. Now Black opens the diagonal, only he has no bishop to control it. 5. 6.

N-B7 NxB

6. . . .,

tion

K-Qz

ch

K-Br

K-Bl

is a Ztgzwang posiNo. ZZ). White's

(see Diagram

king simply walks up to take the BP

and wins. The same happens

also

after the text continuation only the RP must be secured first against . . .,

K-Nr-Rz. 7. N-Bl

K-Nr

7. . . ., K-Bz 8.

N-N5 9. K-Bz 8.

N-R4 !

etc.

P-Bs

!

and wins.

*** Vhite wins.

part and arcel of the elementary technique of achieving victory. A pawn may be advanced to a square conuolled by the bishop if we pre-

In the fight of a knight and pawn a bishop, Iine interference is

against

r. K-K7

!

K-Rz

r. . . ., B-R6 ch z. K-K8, B-Br .., B-B4 3. N-N6 and 4. NKZ !) f . P-Bl ch, K-N2 4. NN6 !, B-Qf 5. N-K7 and White (2. .

wins.

z. P-87 B-R6 ch K-Nz 3. K-KS Threatening . . ., K-B3, therefore White's line interference must be accomplished with a gain of tempo.

t2l

B-N5 (Br) N-B4 ! 4. . . ., B-B+ 5. N-N6 ! , B-Q3 6. N-Q5, etc., ieads to the main 4.

variation.

S.N-Kl !

B-B4

Of course 5...., K-Bl was wrong on account of 6. N-QS ch.

6.N-Qs 7. N-K7

B-Qr and wins.

!

The piquancy of the finish lies rn the fact that after 6. . .., B-Br too the winning move is 7. N-K7 ! From this we can see that Black was inZugzwang. It is worth noting, however, that the Zugzwang is the result of White's knight (and also the king) blocking the way. Thus the line interference makes its effect in another sense as well'

***

Finally a very colourful and lively bishop-ending demonstrates lineinterference motifs on diagonals. 116.

HERBSTMAN and GORGIE% t929.

r. P-B6

In

!

A motif we have seen before. But is followed by a new one.

r. z.

B-K5

- !! -P-B3

it

ch

!

end-games u'ithcu:

knight or a bishop is

i: ir2i -:

ec::i-i:

rookrhence the exchange

ular importance. If rve ha;: two pawns besides the ='-:: they may often suffic: :t : scales.

This rather "ephemeral" line interference soon proves to be a valuable gain of tempo, resulting in a quicker

Line interference is a-.: i

weapon in the struggle b'e-'c=": and knight, or rook anJ':rs:---:

of the king ( !). It is worth remembering that while the king is an important protagonist in most end-games his intervention is of particular significance in the presence of bishops of opposite colours.

mobilization

BxP

2.-3. K-Rz ! 4. P-R6 !

PxP P-B4

137.

F. LAZARD.

ch !

Now Black would be relieved of his

troubles after 5. P-RZ?, P-Q5

!.

Therefore some other threat must be interpolated by which we can eventually frustrate Black's plan of opening the diagonal with . . ., P-Q5. 5. 6.

K-N3 K-R4 !

White :';:,;:.

In face of the thr-r. . K-N3 (or R3 r:i -r=j

!

.

and . . .,

White has threatened Black with no less than 7. B-B8 ! mate. The forced

to perform a miracle, i.:=:- 'to secure the promotio:- -: :--: pawns.

flight of Black's Hrg, however, makes possible the blockade of the QP with

r. N-B4 ch !

the bishop.

z.

7. 8.

B-K5 ch B-Q+ !!

K-Bz and

rvins,

since neither the capture nor its refusal can prevent queening.

N-I(6

f-

!

White threatened i-, ;-:*: with 3. N-Q8.He does -.:: se: with a pawn sacrifice :i:: -,

side.

r. P-B6

In

I

A r.:ul we have seen before. But it t-o;,rL:;t-3J L,v a

B-K5

I.

. -P-Br

new one. ch

!

ll

a a

-i:er

ular importance. If we have one or two pawns besides the minor piece, they may often suffice to tip the

Line interference is

137.

::membering that while the eg rs ar important protagonist in

F. LAZARD, r9rr.

lst =L-games his intervention is of lrficular significance in the pree,e ci bishops of opposite colours.

BxP

r- K.-R:

.s-

F-R6

I

l

also a handy

weapon in the struggle between rook and knight, or rook and bishop.

Iri

a--

P-N8 (Q) ! N-BS !

RxQ

In Black's place most players would resign now, but the game is not finished yet; Black can still prevent an immediate queening.

4.- -

R-N+

In case of the unsuspecting 5. PK8 (Q ? Black would play . . ., R-K4 ch ! to be stalemated after 6. Q x R. To avert this threat a move must be found that prevents both . . ., R-K4 arrd the defensive . . ., R-Nr with one stroke.

ch

PxP P-B4

3. 4.

rookrhence the exchange has nopartic-

scales.

"ephemeral" line interrEaci s&1n proves to be a valuable dr. c: ieropo, resulting in a quicker ffliza-u,rn of the king ( !). It is Tt-:-.

end-games rvithout pawns

knight or a bishop is equivalent to

5.

N-N6 !!

and wins.

The crowning line interference

!

is

one of fascinating efficiency. Noa- BLack rvould be relieved of his

y:-bi= ater 5. P-RZ?, P-Q5 ! . i:er::;:e some other threat must be rrst-Lted by which we can evenaily r:suate Black's plan of openg E3 'iagonal with . . ., P-Q5. -.-

K-\3

138.

L. I. KUBBEL, White wins.

In face of the threat. . .,

6.K-R-+

:: :rs threatened Black with no s E= -. B-B8 ! mate. The forced g=r :: Biack's Hrg, however, makes

iot.. -Ie blockade of the QP with c b-bcp.

r9o9.

R-Kr

and . . ., K-N3 (or R3) the knight has to perform a miracle, indeed, in order to secure the promotion of one of the

H

pawns.

r. N-B4 ch ! z.

N-I(6

!

K-Rl R-Kr

!

Whi.te wlns.

-- B-K< s-

ch

B{+::

K-Bz and

n*:r leirher the capture nor itr{ ,-: prevent queening.

rvins,

its re-

White threatened to close the rank with 3. N-Q8.He does the same now with a pawn sacrifice from the other side.

r.

P-R7

r. . . ., R-Rr

R-B4 ?

ch

z. 8-B6 ch wins. r23

z.

K-Kz

R-K4 ch

2. . . ., R-Br fails against 3. B86 ch !, K-B4 4. B-K7 ch ! etc.

R-Kr K-K+

E.K-Qz 4. B-Bz ch 5. B-N3 ch 6. B-N8 !

R-K6 R-K5

3.- +.K-R+ If

q.

.. ., R-KS,

then 5.

ch

ch

B-Q6

ch,

K-Nz 6. P-N8 (Q, R-R8 ch Z. K-N+, R-N8 ch 8. B-Nl etc., wins.

K-Kl

and wins.

R-K4 ch R-K8 !

s.K-Rs 5. K-R6 The strongest

R-Kl

The problem of parrying the rook's harassing checks is also posed in the next end-game. The hero is, however, not the king but the bishop.

or.

. .r

139.

7. 8.

J. VANCURA, 1916.

! In case of 6. . . .,

KxP

and 8. P-N8 (Q) easily wins. In the present situation, howevett7. 8{6 ch? would be a blunder, since after 7.. . ., K-Nz Black can threaten either . .., R-Kr ch?, 7.

R-KRS-N8

B-B5 KxP

!!

ch.

R-Kr

R-Qr

Black threatens to pin the pawn with . . ., R-Q2. White parries it by way of another preliminary line interference.

9.

B-K7

!!

R-QBr

R-Kr

ro. B-B8 winsIf g. . . ., as well as in the text variation-because . . ., R-K2 cannot be played. White wins.

r. P-K8 (Q)

!

r24

R-Bz

rr. B-Q6

and wins.

R-Kl

RxQ

and 4.

r. B-Bz

!!

Time-gaining line interfe::=*

opens another line. In tb.e a.r : ter we shall enter into 8 Er.1t3 of

analysis of such motifs. \:;- E needs two moves to promote'-,. F

therefore the task is to F-;=: rook from seizing the QR '': moves.

r.--

R]

After r. .. ., R-RS :. B

would control White's QR:

;

r. . . ., R-R6 z. B-85 f QR3. As will be seen: .;:T after

move is appropriatelv mer br E and eventually the QR nie ;( ;

3.K-Rl 3. K-N3 ?, R-KN3.

ro. B-B8

pletely closed.

R-K7 ch

z. B-B8

White zrins.

...,

In this example the vigorous bishop parries the intervention of the rook, by making full use of its line-closing corporal effect and its control effect.

B-N6 B-Bs l.

z.

!

R-i R-{

. . .,

F. SACKMANN, r9rz.

Eo--sest

cil?. tr-r

,rru, 7N

A %

R-K4 ch R-K8 !

-R6

and 8.

-.8-Q6

; R{2.

R-Qr

to pin the pawn

R-QBr

-K-:.

R-Kr ro. B-B8 winsir the text variation-beR-K2

cannot be played.

}-BE i-Q6

R_Bz and wins.

.:::*t

the QR file.

may serve the purpose of shutting out the defence as well as intensifying the attack, e. g. the side having a rook also

%

K-Nz

White parries it by {aou,.i preliminary line inter-

es . .,

which the rook

ch? would be

R-Kr

::

q ti:reatens

- . ".

since there is not a single rank left by

In similar positions line interference

P-N8

White wins.

m ch.reaten either . . ., R-Kr R-KR8-N8 ch. -ts< ,P

''%r, 'T%ru fr

and wins,

,ru

*ir*.. In the present situa-

ler, si:ce after 7.. . .,

R-R6 R-R+

B-Nz 6. B-83

%t

,%/,

B-Q+

5.

,rru,

! In case of 6. . . .,

-. KxP

rqEs-er,

way.

+.

. . ., R-KS, then 5. B-Q6 ch, : 6. P-N8 (Q, R-R8 ch \.1' R-\8 ch 8. B-N3 etc.,

-R(

There would have been no sense in R-R4, for the bishop barred the

140.

R-K6 ch R-K5 ch

r. B-Bz

possesses a

pawn. In this case the only

conceivable way to win the protected pawn is to close the line of the defend-

!!

ing rook.

Time-gaining line interference that opens another line. In the next chapter we shall enter into a more detailed analysis of such motifs. Now White

V.

l4l.

von HOLZHAUSEN,

r9oj.

needs two moves to promote his pawn,

therefore the task is to prevent the rook from seizing the QR file in two moves.

r.--

RxP

After r. . . ., R-R8 2. B-Q4 would control White's QRr; and after r. . . ., R-R6 z. ts-B5 White's QR3. As will be seen, every rook move is appropriately met by White and eventually the QR

file is

Draut.

com-

pletely closed. vigorous bishop 6e iotervention of the rook, iry fuI use of its line-closinB fu esample the

ltr

cfrest and its control effect.

B-N6 g.B-Bs

z.

!

R-R.6

R-R8

Obviously, White cannot afford to let Black's king rush to the aid of his pawn. When trying to prevent this we shall find that the natural-seeming

t25

plan of line interference (r. 8-86 and 2. B-Nz) cannot be implemented, for after r. 8-86 Black can reply r. . . ., R-Qf and z. . . ., R-

advantage that he has been

142.

coryd

to make such defensive rnoY6 c ! White an opportunity to hemrrr new threats. Such a transition threats is very frequent in ches pi

T. B. GORGIEV,t936.

R3 with an easy win.

Though White's only defence admittedly lies in his closing the line by

4. K-B4

B-Nz, he must find another ap-

proach, one that would

foil

Black's

This

every attempt at a counter-attack.

r. B-B7

!!

R-Rr.

White wins.

R-Kz.

B-K6

!

R-Q3

(or

P-N7

I. P-Qz

ch

!

any other move)

3.

4.

B-R3

B-Nz

!

R-Q7 and draws.

FOCAL POINT

An interesting and very

effective

instance of line interference is if, on a certain square, we succeed in closing the lines of two hostile pieces operat-

ing in two difierent directions. The point (square) at which the control effects of two pieces meet is the focal

point (foca1 square). Usually a focal point can be closed by a negative sacrifice, by placing a piece en prise. This is, however, a forcing action, since it shuts out two defensive pieces. The acceptance of the sacrifice has the result that the capturing piece closes the line of rts companion 6ehind it.

rz6

to be the onlr se marci:l

But now we have to notice rhm Er Black rooks have separate aod rm serious responsibilities. One of S must always have its line opm cn Q file so as to prevent queaiD& other must be ready to occugr fu N square. Therefore, neither ot 6 must stand in the othels wer.

been

met by the simple z. B-84 ch and 3. KxP. The potentialbishopcheck dso frustrated the defensive r. . . .,

z.

seems

factory move against the

KxP

r...., R-Qz would have

R-86

!

The only chance to hold up the pawn. In case of r. .. ., R-Q6 z. B x R, R-Q4 White wins after 3. R-B4 ch, K-N+ 4. R-B5 ch. The pawn sacrifice aims at diverting the bishop since after BxP? Black secures a draw by 2.. . ., R-Q6.

2. KxP

R-K7

!

ch

2. . . ., R-N4 ch? fails against 3. K-Bz !, and z. . . ., R-N6 ch against 3. K-Bz, R-Nr 4. R-Rr ch and 5. R-Nr ch.

Realizing this, all we beve to & to find a move to close the tines dh

rooks

for a moment, forcing tb in each other's wav.

somehow

5. B-Q3

!!

because 5. . .

and

., R (86)

){

B

risr

sgi@kl

P{8 (Q cU n 7. R-Rr ch. In case of j.

followed by 6.

.

n(QZ) x B Vhite wins b.v an iareni

of the moves: 6. R-Rr ch. R-.

7.

P-Q8 (Q) ch etc.

The problem of closing focal nTo! also arises when the coatrol rfia

of trro

pieces

of

lrn

different

movement (e. S. a bishop alC a

rq

ssr It is utilized-as in the f;tr cross each other on a certah

3. K-B3

!

R-Qz

example-mostly

in the srr:gle

the promotion of pawns rrith a sk

Thus Black has parried White's original threat. But it is to his dis-

the partial liquidation of rhe

tive forces.

okr

:

tt2.

advantage that he has been compelled to make such defensive moves as give White an opportunity to hammer out

" B. C,ORGIEV, 1936.

r43-


new threats. Such a transition of threats is very frequent in chess play. 4. K-B4 This

R-86

!

seems

to be the only

satis-

,,m

factory move against the mate threat

R-Rr.

Vhire wins.

q

P-N7

ch

!

nt-s cirance to hold up the

"c

czrse

of r. .. ., R-Q6

But now we have to notice that both Black rooks have separate and rather serious responsibilities. One of them must always have its line open on the Q file so as to prevent queening, the other must be ready to occupy its KR6 square. Therefore, neither of them must stand in the other's way. Realizing this, all we have to do is to find a move to close the lines of both

rooks

White wins after "l{ R{4 ch, K-N+ 4. R-85 ch.

a sa,riice aims at diverting op sir.ce after BxP? Black ,ira:c b]- z. . . ., R-Q6.

R-K7

ch

, R-\+ ch? fails against 12 l, ard z. . . ., R-N6 ch p K-Bz, R-Nr 4. R-Rr ; R-\r ch. D.' -lra

.

R-Qz

in each other's

5. B-Q3 because 5.

way.

..., R (B6)xB would case

of

be

5.

R(QZ) x B White wins by an inversion

of the moves: 6. R-Rr ch, R-R6 7. P-Q8 (Q) ch etc.

The problem of closing focal squares also arises when the control effects

of two pieces of

I.

P-86

P-Qz

Some way must be opened urgently

for the rook to im Q5, because the danger-as soon appears-is very !

z. P-Q8 (Q

P-Q8 (Q) ch, RxQ

R-Rr ch. In

White ains.

serious

and wins,

!!

followed by 6.

7.

,P:

for a moment, forcing them

somehow

%

NxQ R-Qs

!

l. P-Kz

Directly guards its Qr and indirectly-threatening discovered check with

B-N3-its Kr. 4.

K-Br!

B-N+

The troubles are apparently over,

different laws of

since both queening squares are under

movement (e. g. u bishop and a rook) cross each other on a certain square.

direct control. But at a certain point the paths of the rook and the bishop cross each other and there-an acci-

It is utilized-as in the

former

example-mostly in the struggle for

dent lies ahead . .

.

the promotion of pawns with a view to

Eeck has parried White's &reat. But it is to his dis-

the partial liquidation of the obstruc-

tive forces.

5.

N-Q7

!!

and u,ins,

t27

BxN would bar the waY of the rook and ..., RXN of the bishop. (S. . .., BXN 6. PxN (Q) ch or 5. ..., RXN 6. P-K8 (Q) ch, K-R (N)z Z. Q-R (K) S ch, and

because . . .,

8.

In order to understand what advantages might be expected from the establishment of a blockade, let us examine study:

the following

illustrative

mate patterns similar to known "smothered mate."

144.

Qx B is a sure win.)

Square closing is of special imp:

tance in close proximity to the o ponent's king; often it may i--ad

the Fi

745.

E. HOLMT 1932. SQUARE BLOCKING

A. A. TITOITSKY, t89--

AND BLOCKADE

In the chapter on the oPening of lines we have also mentioned the closely related cases of clearing a path and clearing a square. Now, when dealing with the closing of lines, it is necessary to speak about fixing and blockade. We have considered clearing a path and clearing a square as useful motifs that can be brought about in one move. If

/i. a

3

t';

T

i,l a -

t

,

we now examine the move which effects, on the contrary, the closing of a square or of a line, we must regard

it as a motif harmful to the side with the rnove. Therefore, our active tactical operations are to be based not explicitly on the occurrence of line interference or square blocking, but rather on the methods to be applied to force such a closing.

This forcing manoeuvre-which is disadvantageous to the oPPonent-

may be called the establishment of a blockade. The operation consists of one pair of moves, the first of which is line interference by way of placing a

piece en prise and the second-presuming that the line interference has a forcing effect-is self-interference resulting from the capture. This will dis-

advantageously restrict the mobility of the pieces of the side accepting the sacrifice.

rz8

[#

lYhite wins.

A surprisingly simple win results from the fact that the rnovement of Black's bishop is hampered by the presence of the QP and-as we shall see-of the BP. r. K-N7 z.

K-B8

B-Qr B-K2

B-R4? or 2. . . ., B-N3 fails against 3. N-B4 ch.

z.

. . .,

B-Rr and wins.

cannot be realized, o\\l:_i : I threatened . . ., P-NZ. Bu: ': = =

::= .- E:

by giving up his material p1:-..

?

4. . . ., B-Rl is wrong again owing to the knight check.

s.K-Bz K-N8

In this position White has z "-rrr noaterial superiority rvhich. L: ^-:

such a positional advaatar:

B-Br B-Nz

6.

White wins.

eventually work out to a for,-'s; :=-tr ered mate with the knigb.t -.:--h

:

the self-restricting effecr c: Er-k forces.

R-\! = r. . . ., R-NZ z. B-N: ci- R l. N-B+ ch etc. and \Ihr- E r. B-85

!!

'

Therefore the negative quee!. sa::5; must be accepted. 9

ffid,er to understand what adE$ @ight be expected from the qhrrileut of a blockade, let us rc th'e foilowing illustrative 144.

Square closing is of special importance in close proximity to the opponent's kirg; often it may lead to mate pafferns similar to the wellknown "smothered mate." 145.

E HOLM, t932.


z. 3. 4.

K-Kz

RxQ

B-Nz ch ! ! N-84 ch

KxB K-N8

The self-blockade of Black's pieces is nearly complete. O"ly one waiting move is needed and Biack's KNZ square will be closed owing to ZugzwatLg.

5. 6.

K-I(r

N-Kz

!

P-Nz

ch

mate

!

A knight fleeing from the attack and compelled to block a square gives rise to an interesting mating positioninthe next end-game:

l.

1!

-X') 'd a

. .d.//i |

t46. G. N. ZAKI{ODJAKIN, r93r.

Vhite aira.

win results the :aa that the rnovement of 'r bishop is hampered by the rce ct the QP and-as we shall rf- fre BP.

White

ryrpnsi-ogJy simple

B-Qr B-K2

..-

ts-R4? or z....rB-N3?

ETdrr
r+ K-K8 . :

3. N-B4

ch.

B-Br B-Nz

In this position White has a certain material superiority which, however,

cannot be realized, owing to the ., P-NZ. But he can,

threatened . .

by giving up his material plus, obtain

such a positional advantage as will eventually work out to

K_NE

and wins.

forced smothWhite wins.

forces.

r. B-B5

. B-R3 is wrong again owing B-Rr

a

ered rnate with the knight thanks to the self-restricting effect of Black's

lrniehl check.

K-B;

asins.

r.

. . .,

!!

I{-NB

R-NZ z. B-Nz

ch,

ch

RxB

l. N-B+ ch etc. and White wins.

Therefore the negative queen sacrifice must be accepted. 9

! K-84 I.K-NS !

N-N5

r. P-R5

If l.

. . .,

K-Nz,

ch

Nx F

z.

N-Nr 4.

R-Q7

ch etc.

wins.

r29

4. R-Rz 5. R-R7 6. R-87

K-Nz K-Br

ch ch ch

mate

3. 4. 5. 6.

!

B-N3

ch

!

N(B)-B6 ch B-ts7 ch !!

N-I(5

K-Qz

K-Qt

NxB

and mate

The next example also demonstrates a wonderful and startling "self-block-

ade mate" resulting from cXosing square with a knight :

next move on KB7 or QB6.

a

147.

T. B. GORGIEY, t929.

We would not deny the highly problematic nature of the foregoing example. To gain an advantage by

(K-BS-Q6). But tli tempt fails against Black's pm . . ., P-B4 ! shaking offthe sheC White's intervening king wotn{

the king

then repelled by . . ., crucial moment.

R-B3

ch

r

Though it is easy to discorer Black's . . ., P-B4 must be prts' ed, few would think of the soc

move achieving this.

r.B-85!!

P'B

square blocking is, however, frequent ;

it

occurs at every turn in more practical end-games also. In rook endings it is quite typical to launch a mating attack against a king squeezed to the edge of the board when the restriction of movement of the hostile rook often raises the alternative of "mate or loss

No other move can extricar B from his plight ; e. g. Ehirc r

after r. ..., P-B3? z- B-Kf z. B x P ch, K-Qr 3. B-B- I

P-Bl R-\r

of the rook." 148.

White wins.

r. z.

K-N6

K-N7 !

4. 5.

N-Br ch N-Kz

2. ..., K-Qz? is ill-advised, for after 3. N (8FB6 ch, K-Qt 4. BR5 ch Black loses a knight and White wins with his three pieces. White could win a piece even now by play-

?

? 4.

R-f,$

K-Br

K-K6 KxP

nvlrr

and rins-

(6)

Square blocking is also ';cn poftant in the struggle to FrlroL't passed pawn ; o!-{oEr i-ir-

ing 3. B-N+ ch, N-B+ ch ! 4. BxN ch, KxB 5. NxN, but with

his remaining two knights no mate is possible. Though the text continuation soon refutes this assertion, it elucidates the very fact that the presence of a square-blocking harmful piece might also increase the value of

As White's extra bishop alone is worthless, it seems a sound idea to try

small material.

and create a mate threat by advancing

r30

3. . .., R-Bz

J. HASEK, 1929.

Whitc wins.

prevent such a promotion. By Ccr a certain square an obstade ca= hr in the way of the hostile H_rs u rushes to hold up our passsi FC But a blockade in front ot rhc pr

may yet allow time

to

oFerEElE

i

stop it. An example of stopping a Firrra square blocking.

g*

B-\3 ch \S-86ch B-ts-

\:-ii.

(K-BS-Q6). But this attempt fails against Black's possible

the king

K-Qz K-Qr NxB

!

cn ll

. . .,

and mate

KB7 or QB5.

P-B4 !

149.

E. HOLM, 1932.

shaking off the shackles.

\Vhite's intervening king would be then repelled by . . ., crucial moment.

R-B3

ch at the

Though it is easy to discover that Black's . . ., P-84 must be prevent-

x**

ed, few would think of the surprise

e r:,:.i not deny the

highly

move achieving this.

[eos;: nanue of the foregoing FL. To gain an advantage by

r. B-85

!!

PxB

rc bl..ci
curs at e\ ery turn in more pracdaames also. In rook endings

quire qrpical to launch

a

rnating

k +zirst a king squeezed to the

dthe board when the restriction xrrcEient of the hostile rook often r the alternative of "mate or loss

No other move can extricate Black from his plight; e. g. White wins after r. ..., P-B3? 2. B-K6 or z. B x P ch, K-Qr 3. B-B7 ! z.

E [ctok. "

3.

K-B5 K-Q6

P-Bl R-Nr

148.

'

3. . .., R-Bz?? 4. R-RS

1. HASEK, 1929.

4. K-K6 5.KxP (6)

e'm,

mate.

K-Br and wins.

t "/%,

T(

Square blocking is also very important in the struggle to promote a

passed

r Shjte's extra bishop alone is hk, it seems a sound idea to try c8'csre a mate

threat by advancing

r. B-Nr z.

pawn; or-conversely-to

in the way of the hostile king as he rushes to hold up our passed pawn. But a blockade in front of the pawn may yet allow time to overtake and stop it. An example of stopping a pawn by square blocking.

g*

B-Rz

N_B6 !

!

The temporary fixing of the pawn is enough to secure a "book draw."' On the other hand, z. K-Kz, N x B.

K-Bz

would lose because Black. king-by way of . . .) N-K7 !! (a remarkable point !)-from getting any closer. ch 3.

could prevent White's

)

prevent such a promotion. By closing a certain square an obstacle can be put

lYhitc wins.

Draw.

--

3. K-Kz 4. K-B3 !

NxB

N-Ns

In order to force Black to advance his pawn sooner or later.

4.- S. K-Nl ! 6. K-Nz

K-Nl

P-R7

drawn.

The next end-game d'emonstrates a multiple barring of the way to the passed pawn

:

r3r

A. A. TROITSKY, r9r3.

3.--

PxP PxP

P-Q6 ! P-B6 ! P-R5

6. 7. 8.

150.

and wins.

l5l. A. O. HERBSTMAN, t927.

White wins.

Vith r. P-R4 !White

an

lVhite wins.

could obtain

unstoppable passed pawn but

Black would be able to launch sive mating attack after r. . .

a deci-

., PxP

In this

'lVhite's

position the fight

is

Q6 and K5 squares. In

for

case

e.p. 2.PxP, K-N6 ! ShouldWhite lose time by first capturing the NP, Black would hit the road towards his

would be able to stop White's passed pawn by . . ., B-Br ch and . . ., B-

r.

Q3, and the result would be an obvious

QNz via K-N

+-Bl-Kz-Qt-B

draw owing to the bishops of opposite

Since White cannot afford to spare Black's KNZ pawn, he must first take steps against the blocking of his prospective distant passed pawn.

r. P-KB6

KxP ! P-R+ l.

z. 4.

PxP

s.P-R+

of the immediate capture (P x P) Black

PxP

K-Ns N+) PxP e. p. K-B+ K-K4

colour. Therefore White's task is either to prevent Black's parrying move or to find some way of Profiting from its harmful points. r. P-Q4 ch

If r. . . ., K-K3, then z. B-N4 ch, P-B+ 3. BxP ch !, KxB 4. PxP, B-Br ch 5. KxP wins.

Now Black's king is inside "the

z. B-B3 ch

magic square" i. e. he would catch up with White's advancing RP by way

ch

of ..., KXP and ..., K-B3

etc.

Therefore the crossing points (lUhite's QS and Q6) must be closed.

t32

K-K5

3. B-Kz

K-Q6

3.PxP?, BxP ch !+. K-Q6'

P-

83 ! is drawn on account of the threat . . .,

B-K4

ch.

K-Ks

3. . . ., KxB 4. PxP wins. 4. PxP S.K-B+

B:':P ch

B-K4

3.--

PxP PxP and wins. 151.

a . ^: . R.B

STMAN, t

tr

3....,KxB 4. PxP

s. 1927

K-B+

K-Ks 4.PxPwins. BxP

OnIy this move can prevent queen-

ing, yet the square blocking at once has very serious consequences: ch

B-K4

6.

B-Q3

ch

and mate !

.

t

l,lhtte wins.

--i-: ::sirion the fight is for i - ::d K5 squares. In case

::

-::-=-=

: :.

.

t

-rate capture (P x P) Black

=':-: to stopWhite's passed

,B-Brchand...rB-

--:-:

--i;--r-i ::r'.r-lt would

:r

be an obvious

the bishops of opposite

: - --::fore White's task is ' : - :::\-ent Black's parrying . : : , :::l some way of profiting -:, =--::::u1 pOintS. :-l: --: K-KS -

: . I-K3, then z. B-N4 ch, -r._:3 Pch!rKxB4.PxP, : :--- -, K'(P wins. K-Q6

: *r

?

.:.

P-

B:< P ch ! 4. K-Q6, on account of the threat

-::-:1

E-K-

ch.

r33

OPENING.SHUTTING

COMBINATION

S

same

time restrict the rook's t*tr

temporarily.

r. R-B8

R-N8 3. B-N7

z.

K_N-

!

K-zu

ch

K-\-

!!

Line interference has lifteti

:

stalemate position and no*- Iile ct.,e ing makes it possible to intercoe

Being now acquainted with the advantageous

and

disadvantageous

points of line opening on the one hand and Iine interference on the other, let

us remember once again that both motifs are, in fact, the result of a single move.

to the examination of

some basic

ideas.

Line opening extends the range of the pieces

;

it. In certain

Iine interference restricts cases

it may be necessary

to restrict the scope of a piece temporarily even if we aim at an eventual ex-

On each move a certain piece leaves a certain square and occupies another.

tension of it. Such a case presents itself if we are up against a temporary stale-

The leaving of the square is in itself a line opening and the occupation

mate hazard. E. g.:

of another is, at the same time,

interference. From this

it

a

line

follows

that in the course of tactical operations if they are relatively short-even timed-the motifs of Iine opening and line interference may be applied and utilized alternatingly or, for that matter, simultaneously. In the majority of unexpected and startling combinations some moves appear to be particularly striking on account of the very fact that the normal control effect of the

good time.

4. 5. 6.

B-K5

ch

K_RS

!

K,ts

BxP

I(-B3

ai,j x-=s-

because after 6. . . ., K-RE -, R KR8 ! mate in two will follcw -. . P-RZ 8. R-R.8 | or 7. . . .. K-l 8. RxP or 7. . . ., K-R- E. Ketc.).

152.

B. HORIfi/TTZ, r85r.

A pleasing time-gaining rr,:-:q5: through alternating line i-nter:crc and line opening is develope: :a : next end-game: 153.

A. A. TROITSKY, r9:9.

T

pieces manifests itself side by side with their corporal effect as a result of

,

line-opening and line-closing manoeuvres.

The alternating or simultaneous utilization of line opening and line

in various combinative operations will be illustrated by numerous examples in the next chapter. Here we propose to restrict ourselves

interference

r34

White

zuins.

White cannot win unless he annihilates Black's R7 pawn without stalemating the hostile king. To this end he has to activate the bishop, i. e. extend its control effect, and at the

t

'

White rtins.

T'47 'i::

.\(BiN.\TIONS

sarne

time restrict the rook's power

r. R-BS ! z. R-NS ch 3. B-N7

of

some basic

cpe,lng extends the range of

Pinning by

EEs: Lile interference restricts

xtd: ia

cases

it may be necessary

tL.e scope

of a piece tempo-

r: re aim at an eventual exC it. Such a case presents itself r up against a temPorary staleFED

EErr- E.g.:

the stalemate position and now line opening makes it possible to intervene in good time.

4.

B-K5

ch

K-R8 I(x B

!

5. BxP 6. K-B3

and wins,

because after 6. . . ., K-RS Z. RKRS ! mate in two willfollow (7. . . ., P-RZ 8. R-R8 ! or 7. . . ., K-N8 8. RxP or 7. . . ., K-R7 8. K-Bz etc.).

t52. B" IIOR\I'ITZ, r85r.

K-N8 K-R8

ch

N-R3 ch 3. B-R6 !

P_R5

B-N7

would now re-

sult in stalemate. Only the "timely"

!!

Line interference has lifted

egrnh.ation

r. N-Bz

z.

temporarily.

A pleasing time-gaining manoeuvre through alternating line interference and line opening is developed in the next end-game: 153.

A. A. TROITSKY, r9o9.

intervention of White's king can eliminate this danger and intensify the

attack. Black cannot escape his fate. 3. . . ., N-BS ?! or any other knight

move would lead by inversion of moves to the text variation after 4.

N-Nl 4. K-K7

B-NZ

ch,

!

5. 6.

B-N7 K-B6

ch

S.

K-Kl.

N-Q6

(B5)

N-Nz

!

By closing the diagonal White's king is able to go into action. He can gradually approach his goal, since it is obvious that Black's knight must retreat after each move to its base on N7, being forced to do so by rePeated discovered checks. The finish: 6. . .., N-Q6 Z. K-BS ch, N-

NZ 8. K-K5!, N-Q6 ch 9. K-K+ ch, N-N7 ro.K-Q4!, N-Q8 rr. K-Q3 ch, N-N7 ch rz. K-B3!, N-Q8 ch 13. K-ts2 ch, N-NZ

r4.BxN ch-T1T".,

W'e have seen numerous examPles demonstrating how the bishop's range depends on the arrangement of the pawns. We should always bear in mind that each pawn move opens a diagonal and closes another of the oPPosite

iYhire zoins.

"-nnot rvin unless he annihibck's Rl pawn without staletE

the h.ostile king. To this end , co afiivate the bishop, i. e. its control effect, and at the

White wins.

colour (unless of course the Pawn moves from the second to the fourth rank). The strength of two bishops is based partly on the fact that the more the hostile pawns restrict the mobility r35

of one bishop, the less they hinder the other.

If there is only one bishop on the board, it can either be very "good" or

very "bad" depending on the restricting effect of the pawns. Certainly the "value" of a bishop is apt to change

with

White threatened to play 3. B x P 4. B-B8 and 5. B x NP mate. Black had only a Hobson's choice (the text move) yet now he threatens to pro-

mote his pawn with check. 3.

B-Br

P-K4

!

each pawn move.

Black's defence is getting more and more cramped by Zugzwang. He must always be prepared to close the long

154.

diagonal in reply to V/hite's B-Nz, but he must not be overhasty, be-

V. LOMOY, 1934.

the useful moves would be exhausted after the immediate 3. . . ., cause

P-Q+? 4. B-Nz !, P-B5

S.

B-Bl.

Subsequently he would be compelled either to reopen the diagonal or-at least-to leave the blocking pawn undefended.

4.

B-R3

!

5. B-Nz !

The first move is at hand: 5.

NowWhite's bishop

K-R.r out

passed pawns. This is, however, not as simple as it seems, since e. g. r. B-Nz? would be

met by .. ., P-Q4 and then P-B5-B6. Therefore the first task is to deprive Black of his base on his KB 6, i. e. to force hirn to advance his KNP.

ry6

B-N5

!

B-Br

B-B8

The utilization of ope.;-:-

motifs is especially imp.oe

struggle to realize a plisec i we get an opportunitl' ro of,e= in one rnove for our d:rgixEr-npaYvlrn

and keep oft'

t:

ua!

obstructive piece fron c.. leading to the eueeni::s st3'tr this double effect will ii

=:

work out to a decisive _.-r: 155.

Dr. H. NEUSTADTL :

P-Q4

Forced, because after 6. . . has to single

for attack the opponent's QNP before it succumbs to Black's four united

z.

BxP !

P-\P-\S ro. BXP ch * * jrd 8. 9.

5. . . ., P-Q+ 6. B-R3 etc. would bring White closer to victory.

White wins.

r. P-R7 ch

P-Ks P-Qr!

QR2-KN8 diagonal, i. e. E a tempo for his owrr line u-Er Black does not now thrr promote his KNP nir: ct

P-N6

K6

? T. B-Nz !, P-Q+ 8.

., P-

BxP White mates Black's kirg. 6. . . ., P85 ? would completely open White's KRf-QB8 diagonal to the dangerous

bishop. 7.

B-R3

!

P-Q5

This opening of the long diagonal would be no major trouble in itself, for Black still has his KP at his disposal. But the text move is disadvantageous to Black because it closes his

lVhire,:irr.

It is a long-establishe, l=c

fact that two unsupprc-el pawns advanced to the sisrL

against

a rook. In

thi-s

-

e=

Ehne -,breatened to play 3. BxP ts-tsS ard 5. BxNP mate. Black d c:J1 a Hobson's choice (the text --lre. r3i now he threatens to prote t-t ra\\rl with check. 3-

LBr

Hrok's

P-K4

!

d,efence is getting more and

rre cranped by Zagzwang. He must rz-rs be prepared to close the long EF!.a, -r reply to White's B-Nz, s he nust not be overhasty, besse rf3 useful moves would be exEstil. after the immediate 3. .. .,

{+ ? :. B-Nz !, P-B5 S. B-Bl. ri:ss:u:ntli' he would be compelled i:s :: reopen the diagonal or-at m-r!1

leave the blocking pawn un-

a;d- -l5 :

6 ts-R3 <-

ts-\z

;-

" . .,

i:,9 6-

!

!

QR2-KNS diagonal, i. e. V/hite gains a tempo for his own line opening, as Black does not now threaten to promote his KNP with check (!). 8. e.

BxP !

B-B8

ro. BxP ch

**

P-NZ P-N8 (Q) mate. jod

The utilization of opening-shutting

motifs is especially important in the

to realize a passed pawn. If we get an opportunity to open the way in one rnove for our dangereous passed

Lhe

B-Nz !, P-Q+ 8.

rzier

;i nc:-l R3{83

pawn and keep off the opponent's obstructive piece from the squares

leading to the queening point, then this double effect will in most cases work out to a decisive gain of time. 155.

z. tsxP

BxP

How is the NP to be saved now?

It

is not sufficient to follow the "book pattern" of line interference (4. B-

KxP 5. B-N8 !?) because Black can give check from his QB6 and over87,

of closing the eighth rank must be carried out more energetically, in order to gain time to advance the NP

B-K8 P-N6

!!

RxB and wins.

'We can also enjoy this beautiful opening-shutting bishop manoeuvre

if Black tries to prevent queening by way of 3. . . ., R-B6 ch +. K-N+, R-KR6 ! Then 5. B-R5!! leads to the same result. (It should be noted in parentheses that the second "beauty" variation is not obligatory on the KR file

P-Q5

B,rt the text move is disadvanF€ous ro Black because it closes his

K-Bs R-Br

!

l. P-Rz

4. 5.

P-

fft5 q.,F3:ling of the long diagonal ruki Le no maior trouble in itself, r tsla;ii scill has his KP at his disral

Black threatens to attack White's NP.

towards its goal.

Black's kirrg. 6. . . ., Pcompletely open !7hite's diagonal to the dangerous

I

a drawback of a "neg-

take the pawn from KR6. The idea

Dr. H. NEUSTADTL, r8g7.

tfucrl'.

-- B-R.;

!

struggle

P-Ks P-Qr!

6. . . .,

K-N6

!!

ative" sacrifice that the opponent is not obliged to accept it. White would easily win after r. ..., PxB? z.PR7, R-Br 3. P-N6, etc., but now

P-Q4

r

Fcr--eC. 'recause after

5?

r. B-R5

It is always

P{4 6. B-R3 etc. would Ehe closer to victory.

B-B

White affempts to mobilize his blockaded pawn by sacrificing the bishop.

lVhite rlins.

It

is a long-established theoretical

fact that two unsupported passed pa\rms advanced to the sixth rank

against

win

a rook. In this end-game

because after r. B-R5 !, K-N6 he can also proceed with ihi more "brutal" 2. P-RZ forcing

for White,

Black into the text variation.)

r37

CHASE

156.

I. EROCHIN,

In the chapters on line oPening and interference we have grown acquainted with the corporal effect of the pieces and with the restricting or

line

expanding effect of certain moves on the range of the rest of the Pieces. In iudging the real active value of a piece, i. e. its power to attack or capture certain hostile Pieces, we must never fail to take all these effects

into consideration.

The powers of a piece are determined in the first place by the number

and importance squares

it

of the lines and

has under direct control

from its own square. This is the static power of a piece. In the second place its powers are defined bY its ability to amack or threaten other groups of squares in one or two moves.

This is its dynamic power. Generally speaking, the static power is a strategic factor and the dynamic

power a tactical one.

In

end-games characterized.by the presence of only a few pieces and by the active partici-

pation of both kings the

dynamic powers of the line pieces are clearly in evidence. This is of course due to the fact that the lines are open in nearly all directions and afford a greater freedom of movement, while the possibiliry of intermediate checks is a handy means r38

t928.

occupying or threatening fresh groups of squares without any loss of time. The simplest and at the same time the most "brutally" forcing tactical

of

operations are based on the direct utilization of dynamic Power, i. e.

White wins.

ruthless attacks executed without any finesse.

The operation by which we make a direct attack on a hostile piece with a view to forcing it to move away we call a chase. A chase may serve various aims,

viz.:

(a) to trap and

capture the Piece

under affack,

(b) to create a situation suitable for launching a double attack by driving the opponent's piece to a less convenient square,

(c) to gain space and time for other profitable operations.

A

purposeful

utilization of

seemingly, in position. To illustrate this concePt of chase example:

simPle

in a arrx

attack against the opponent's H'.g:

r. N-Bz ch z.

Q-N4

ch

K-R< !

We shall soon see that this rs only sound continuation. z.

3.

N-Q4

$e

K-\+

- -

Otherwise

the

dynamic powers of our Pieces maY decide many an end-game for us in which we have no appreciable superiority either in material or, at least

we have chosen a very

Black has the material sup€rrt-rirr, and White's only hope lies

:. Q-N+ ch

!

mate

l

K-\3

I

Any other move would be fclloseri by +. N-K6 ch winning ttre rrEe (or 3. . . ., K-R4 4. N-B6 ch . 4. s.

Q-N6 Q-K+

ch ! ch !

K-\:

K-Br

l

After 5. . . ., K-Nl 6. Q-Nr ch Black cannot avoid being forked.

156.

I. EROCHIN,

1928.

6.

Q-R8

ch

Saves the queen his own death. 7. 8.

tag u1r threatening fresh $qoares without any loss

of

White wins.

:Ezre a situation suitable for r ar.rble attack by driving leoi's piece to a less con-

Iry. trin

Black has the material superiority, and White's only hope lies in a direct attack against the opponent's king.

Q-N4

ch

!

2.--

of

the psren of our pieces may r'f an end-game for us in : hare no appreciable superis i: material or, at least ', in position. mrzr[3 this concept of chase

chosen

a very

simPle

something from this example. We have learned that we must always reckon with every possible check, for the check is the most forcing motif in chess play ; but we should actuallygive check only if it brings us neafer to our goal.

We shall soon see that this is the only sound continuation.

Otherwise

e6s.,.'1il utilization

:

K-Rs

r. N-Bz ch z.

K-N+ From the point of view of dynamic power the mightiest piece is the queen

space and time for other

cP€rauons.

!

None the less we have learned

3e-

r*.

and mate

loss of the queen.

Dcks executed without any

map and capture the piece

K-K2

Vinning this end-game was a

ue based on the direct ef drnamic power, i. e.

B rn-:'.- Serve VariOUS aimS,

precipitates

straightforward job because victory was already there, offered up on a plate; White had only to give, one by one, the checks leading to mate or

and at the same time BI€st *tnrtallv" forcing tactical

:rmioe bv rvhich we make a ct ca a hostile piece with a FJ:_l lt to move away we

Q-B6 ch Q-K6 ch

but

3.

f. Q-N+

N-Q4 ch !

mate

!

K-N3

!

Any other move would be followed by +. N-K6 ch winning the queen (or 3. . . ., K-R4 4. N-B6 ch). 4. s.

Q-N6 Q-K+

ch ! ch !

K-Nz K-Br

!

on a vacant board, in -especially positions with few pieces. In the struggle between queens the chase by checks is of great importance. fn positions without pawns an extra piece makes no difference as a strategic factor, but with an advantage oftempo the stronger side can often launch such harassing amacks as will lead to mate or to the loss of the opponent's queen.

r39

K-Kl

a

157.

g.

-Q-Nl

158.

K-K2!

ch

A. A. TR.OITSKY. r;

B. HORWITZ, r85r. 3. . . ., K-BA 4.

B-N5

ch

?

4.

B-N5

ch etc.

K-Br

!

I !

7

4. . . .,

K-Kr

? S.

Q-N8

Qz 6. Q-N7 ch! and Vhite cause after 6. . . ., K-I(r 7. Q-B8

r

I

mate; and after 6. . . ., KQ-Nf ch the queen is lost.

Black is

Kl l. S.

White wins.

Q-N8

/'

'/x,4,

ch, Kw.ns be-

Q-Kr

ch

White tcir:.

Here again victory results from drastic forcing-provided we always happen to give the right checks to Black's kiog.

If White's queen at this point were posted on QB8 she could not forcibly increase the attack. (If you don't be-

r. N-B5

it for yourself !) But now Black's king will be strangled in a

lieve it, try

!!

Prevents

mating net.

N-k

a

controls the KN7 sq'i.a;:.

K_B4

r. Q-K3 ch r. . . ., K-Q+? z. Q-N3

ch would

mean immediate defeat.

z.

Q-B3

ch

!

This check is already a fruit of due deliberation. To make the right choice between Q-Bf ch and Q-B+ ch we

must see in advance from which point the queen is more likelY to intervene with success. It will appear that the route via KB4{B4-QB8 is not equivalent with that via KB3-

QNr-QN8. r40

6.

Q-Q6

K-Nr

ch

The last "quiet" move is worthy of special notice; any further checks would have missed the target. The next study is surprising on two accounts. The lesser surprise is that, in the interests of victory, we have to allow Black to promote his Pawn; the greater that we have to chase the hostile king from his worst possible place, the corner, to the very centre of the board. Naturally both are at once understandable if we can foresee

the final developments

r.-P-B7

and wins.

7.B.-K7l

..

.

P-

5-

z.

Black has tc deccv L--: knight away since \\f::: mate after

88

(Q

in

case

2.. . ., P{i

ch,

K-R:

+.

', =

Q.

fts-

of a forced ::-=-:J;.

...,N-K25.Q.\::.K

ch, K-R3 -.+-B= R2 8. Q-BZ ch, K-R r ;.

N-R+

\-

-mate. 3. 4.

NxN

P-B8 (Q) ch

D

K.

, 3-

-$\3

K-Ka K-K2!

ch

A. A. TROITSKY,

$

. . .,

K-Bl

a

B-\5 ch

+

..

?

4.

onto the file of his idle queen.

1924.

ch etc. 5. 6.

K-Br !

!

"-. K-Kr

B-N5

Now Black's king can escape mate, but in a few moves he will be forced

158.

? S.

Q-N8

ch,

ch

7.

in

a

N@!-g net.

&

Q{6

-. LK7

ch

K-Nr

!

and wins.

The i:st "quiet" move is worthy of

HrEl ne-tice; any further checks c'o[-] Lare missed the target. The nest study is surprising on two )co{E=. The lesser surprise is that, r thc riterests of victory, we have to B].eck to promote his pawn; the Ez[er th.at we have to chase the mle ichg from his worst Possible hcc the corner, to the very centre [ the L'oard. Naturally both are at c understa:rdable if we can foresee p 6nel developments. . .

[crr

Q-N7

ch

!

K-B3 K-K+

N-K3

ch

K-Qr

Now we can see in what a plight

White wins.

bcft's king wifl be strangled

!

Black's king finds himself even in the middle of the board due to the lethal danger to his new-born royal consort. If l. .. ., K-K5?, then 8.N-B3 ch

Q-Kr

lf,Eb.ite's queen at this point were reC cn QBS she could not forcibly Ereese the attack. (If you don't be:re it. q' it for yourself !) But now

ch

If

(1-N7 ch! and White w.ns bense arter 6. . . ,, K-I(r 7. Q-B8 hct ls mate; and after 6. . . ., K3 -. Q-N3 ch the queen is lost.

$\8

ch

6. . . ., K-B4?, 7. wins the queen.

K-

a 6.

5-

Q-N8 N-Q5

would foliow allow 8.

r. N-B5

r.--

and

also

ch,

N-Kz

!

K-R3 7.Q-86 ch, K9. N-N6 ch

Q-BZ ch, K-Rr -mate. 3. 4.

K-Kl and wins,

because either of the lang's possible moves leads to the queen's loss.

Black has to decoy the dangerous knight away since White threatened mate after z. . . ., P-Q8 (Q ? l. P88 (Q ch, K-R2 4.Q-87 ch even in case of a forced sacrifice. E. S. +. . . ., N-K2 5. Q x N ch, K-N3 6. R2 8.

8. Q-87 ch ! 9. Q-K7 ch !

P-Qz

P-B7

N-R+

ch.

!!

Prevents . . ., N-K2 controls the KN7 square.

z.

7. .. ., KXN would

;

Q-Q7

P{8(Q)

NxN

P-B8 (Q

ch

K-Nz

In positions with few pieces a rook's dynarnic power-like that of the queen-can also considerably increase. True enough, this extra power is not altogether conspicuous against a minor piece because the struggle of king and rook versus king and bishop or knight is a theoretical draw; a win can be imagined only in exceptional positions. It is enough, however, to add a minor piece to each camp to give the side which is the exchange up good

winning prospects.

r4r

In

159.

case

of r. . . ., B-Rz W'hite wins

160.

R-K8!, K-N3 3. N83 !!, K-Bz +. N-NS !, and Black by playing z.

F.

PROKOP,

J.

1924.

L. I. KUBBEL.

loses a piece.

2.

R-K8

Of

r

9:_:

B-B5

course

the knight

move for fear of 3.

R-K5

ri

could not ch. ,,

3. K-N4 4.

B-Bz

!

R-KBS

N-Rl

!

B-R7 would be as wrong now it would have been earlier because of R-R8 ch. . . ., B-Q4? would have been followed by K-B5 ! with gain . . .,

as

White wins.

White uin:.

r. R-QN3

of tempo. Here the rook and the knight can give a relentless chase to the opponent's light forces, but Vhite must play very accurately to exploit his chances.

r. N-Q+

!

B-Q6

Against the threatening R-K8 and R-K6 ch Black may also take r. . . ., B-Rz into consideration. This is a

trickier move than it seems because after the obvious z. R-KNI Black would not watch the threat R-N7, N-Bl ; R-KB7 with folded arms and meekly try to seek defence in 2. . .

.,N-Bl

?

because of 3.

R-KRI!

and 4. R-R6 !, but would launch an unexpected counter-attack : z. . . ., N-Kz! l. R-NZ, N-B4! and the

storm would be weathered. r42

5.

K-B5

K-Nz

!

Forced moYe because the bishop is tied down owing to the potential threat R-B6 ch. 6.

N-B5

and w'ins,

!

since after the removal of the defending piece White is a rvhole rook to the

good'

\-I N{z

After r. . . ., ?., mediatelv wins by pinniro

r{-k:

-3 r

R-N7).On r. .. ., B-B: ?:: z. R-N7, N-R3 3. R-R (2.

successful interyenuon.

z.

R-N5

!

3-i

White was threatenins i: tr case of . .]. B-l

R-BS or-in 3. R-N6 !

Now White makes anc-,Land threatening move,

*** A knight and a a

bishop-both

safe distance from their king-are so ill suited for mutual defence that often they are no match for a single freely moving rook of great dynamic power. A characteristic motif in the course of a chase is the attack against the defending piece. beyond

!

3it

:i:

---; frt

ful centralized rook soo: .i:::-3 bishop though the lan:: --:- : freely on two diagonals. 3.

R-Q5

!!

E-F.

.

There is no salvation. i: :. -R-QZ ch, ;,--'-.- _:. B-RS? 4. R-R5 ch er--.: :r:= 4. R-Q6 would have eosuo:-

Bz? then +.

trr --.e ot r. . . .rB-Rz!7hite wins y Fls1-=g z. R-KS!, K-N3 3. N-

I-Bz s : ::343. ia.:.

4.

N-N5 !, and Black

K-Nl

+ R-Qz

160.

L. I. KUBBEL,

5. 1923.

In

R-87

and wins.

!

these illustrative examples the

chase has actually consisted

ff .,-'rr-.e the knight could not l:;: i:: t-ear of 3. R-K5 ch. _r.

K-\4

attacks and threats. The basic motif of chase is, accordingly, such a single offensive move as will force some hostile piece to leave the square it occupies and go to a less convenient square.

B-Bz

!

+ R-KBS

N-Rl

!

In

. - .. B-R7 would be as wrong now i r! rre-rlild have been earlier because

f

ch. . . ., B-Q4? wouldhave f".l-iorved by K-B5 ! with gain

R-RS

m,

r. R-QN3

K-Nz

!

For';:C move because the bishop is

id dtirD owing to the potentid h.ear 5-

R-B6

\-B5

ch.

io,-= a-ir:r the removal of the defendry p::;e \fhite is a whole rook to the

crct-

*** A -<-i5nt and a bishop-both rryc,lJ a safe distance from their i-g-arc so iil suited for mutual Efc,:e that often they are no match Er e =:.ngle freely moving rook of rrzft ci-aamic power. A characteristic ffidt- ix the course of a chase is the

@t

againsl the defending piece.

N-B3

!

After r. . . ., N-Qz?? White immediatelv wins by pinning the knight (2. R-N7). On r. . . ., B-Bz ? follows

z. R-N7, N-R3

l.

R-RZ ! with

successful intervention.

z.

and w'ins,

!

!

R-N5

it is very

noeuvre.

l6l.

L. VLK, tgr7.

B-Qr

!

White was threatening to play

R-BS or-in 3. R-N6 !

tactical operations

often necessary to resort to that basic, one-move form of chase. A common instance of this is the intermediate check, a typical time-gaining ma-

White wins.

t umpo.

;" K-B5

in a se-

quence of forcing moves made by strong offensive pieces and involving a series of constantly renewed direct

B-B5

:" F._KS

case

of . . .,

3.

B-NS-

Now White makes another offensive and threatening move, and the powerful centraltzed rook soon captures the

bishop though the latter can move freely on two diagonals. 3.

R-Q5

!!

B-K2

White wins.

There is no salvation. If l. . . ., BR-QZ ch, wins. 3. . . ., B-RS ? 4. R-R5 ch etc.; otherwise

The motif in question is based on the chase and "fall" of the rook

4.

which gets stuck between its pawns.

Bz? then +.

R{6

would have ensued.

r43

R-Bl

I. K-N8 2. R-B6 !

Kx

162.

L. I. KUBBEI-,

r9o9.

It would clearly be unwise tbr Black to exchange offrooks as White's

P-B5

..

!

3.

lVhite wins. ch

K-Nz

!!

After 3. . . .,RxR 4. PxR White's pawn would be promoted with check (!), and Black's BP would only reach its seventh rank. The text move leads to the same result and thus White has gained the necessary tempo by the intermediate check. 4. RxR 5. P-N5 6. P-N7 7. P-NB (Q ch

PxR.

P-86

(!)

P-Bl and wins.

In the interest of promotion with gain of time, it is often important to know well in advance whether there is a chance during the process to chase

the opponent's king to a less favour-

able place, incidentally as it were, by an interpolated move. This truth is borne out by another example:

r44

what happens later. And, indeed, it worla

!

R-R5

., K-N8 ! to the rook cb,-*ir

Never mind ! Let us at Ei start with a check to the kr-:

Now White in turn would not profit by the exchange because Black's BP would also reach the queening square. But he can quicker the pace of his own pawn

and wins because the pasi-r =-promoted with check or, i= ;e gueening . .., B-N5: r=-.L' 4. pinning the bishop. Simple, i.-

Or it would be, if it rre:: e:i Biack's rather unexpected ::gi

pawn would be promoted first.

z.--

K-N6) ,. R-Q:' RxQ, BxR 4. P-\3.

P (or . . .,

Q8 (Q

White must give up his rook for Black's far advanced QP, therefore he pins his hopes on his pawns. !7hat is our first impression of the situation and how far is it modified upon some reflection? We rnay be ternpted to say off-hand

P-Q8 (Q z. RxQ, F-NZ l. - wins. On second

that r. R-Q4, Bx

R

thoughts we are likely to amend that statement, seeing that we cannot win because Black can play 3. . . ., B-N5 ! 4. P-N8 (Q), B-K3 ch ! and the queen is lost. All of a sudden another uncertain questicn presents itself : isn't the game still won for White? Atter 5. Q x B, P x Q, 6. P-N4 we start to examine the ensuing pawn end-game again with steadily ebbing optimisrn. It soon turns out that after 6. . . ., P-K4 White hasn't the slightest chance to Let us start afresh from the win. very -beginning ! Eureka !-a new thought flashes through our mind: r. R-R4 ch !,

=.

:

r. R-R4 ch, K-NEI :. R.P-Q8 (Q e. RxQ, Bi R 4. PB-N5! 5.P-NS (Q:, LK.

QxB, PxQ Z. P-N11. P-I P-N5, P-KS 9. P-N6, F-R 6.

P-N7, P-KZ rr. P-\!

KxP (o. . . ., K-N6) z. R-Q+, P(Q 3. RxQ, BxR 4. P-N7 !and wins because the pawn will be

162.

L. I. KUBBEL,

ll

V'

r

7i*7

W,;

i

*,.

r9o9.

% ,rma

..

a,/'4, v

..

:., .,2

,

lar advanced QP, therefore he

on his pawns. What is ist :mpression of the situation hew :ar is it modified upon some hi-s hopes

Ie o,ai- be tempted to say off-hand

r. R-r14, P-Q8 (Q z. RxQ, wins. On second R 3. P-N7 ri-e are likely to amend that ryt= lotri, seeing that we cannot win ch

.rB-N5

!

!

and the

ct' is l.-'st. JL of a sudden another uncertain seicr presents itself : isn't the

r

stl-l ron for White? After 5. B! P .q 6. P-N+ we start to ube t}.e ensuing pawn end-game n sirh steadily ebbingoptimism.It E.EtrES out

that after 6. . . ., P-K4

ile he:a't the slightest chance to Let us stafr afresh from the -

-

5 beg'inning

:reka

rgh

l-a

check.

!

new thought flashes our mind: r. R-R4 ch !,

P-Q8 (Q a. RxQ, BxR 4. P-N7, B-N5! 5. P-N8 (Q)!, B-Kl ch 6.QxB, PxQ Z.P-N4!, P-K4 8. P-N5, P-KS 9. P-N6, P-K6 ro.

P-N7, P-KZ rr. P-N8

True, enough it was not

necessary

over before giving check with the rook. But

we had to see definitely that the only possibility of creating winning chances was to interpolate a check before doing anything else. So little is often sufficient to start with-even in the case of intricate combinations.

***

:

r. R-R4 ch, K-NS! z. R-Q4,

hire must give up his rook for

'-\S :q), B-K3

., K-NS ! to the rook

what happens later. And, indeed, it works

%A

rqse Biack can play 3. . .

it

Never mind ! Let us at any rate start with a check to the king and see

White wins.

fs

to calculate the whole variation

..

%

t

promoted with check - or, in case of 4. . . ., B-N5, queening results in pinning the bishop. Simple, isn't it?

would be, if it were not tbr Biack's rather unexpected reply r.

:

W:

ond

Or

1, -

ch-and White wins because the secNP is also promoted with check!

Q8

(a)

We have not yet reached the end of our topic. In the next chapter rve shall examine whether there are, besides the chase or simple direct attack, any other means of forcing hostile pieces to inconvenient squares.

DRIVING ON

In the previous chapter we dealt with

the simplest form of forcing and operations

:

moves

the direct attack or

chase. We saw how great an advantage it is to keep the initiative and chase

the opponent's pieces to inconvenient squares. But we do not alwaYs have pieces at our disposal so powerful as to leave the opponent no other option

but unconditional retreat. How then can we expect to deprive the opponent

of his freedorn of action and at the same time harness his Pieces to the furthering of our aims

?

What cannot be done by sheer force may be achieved by guile. The weapon most commonly used for the PurPose in chess tactics is the sacrifice. Inthe examples dealt with so far we have seen an abundant variety of sacrifices,

so that the concept needs but little explanation.

In

essence, a sacrifice is

the putting or leaving en Prise of a piece, or its exchange for a hostile piece of lesser value; in short, a voluntary and intentional offer of some What is the use of a sacrifice? Many would say that that dePends on its purpose, but on that basis we could

easily miss the wood

for the

trees.

\U7e'd rather watch what happens on

the board'ughen a sacrifice is accepted.

\46

If the opponent captures the Piece for sacrifice, the situation

offered

changes on

two counts

: (r) a Piece

has disappeared from the board; (z) a hostile piece has left its original square and occupies the place of the sacrificed piece. The first change may in itself be the purpose of the sacrifice in the iight of what we already know about the harmful piece and the importance of liquidating it. But this is seldom the case.

if the opponent refuse. i: chooses to retreat inst=.:. The tactical operarior we force a hostile piec, to a definite square b; ing one of ours is caIIEd c Dr;ving on is an e:si-_: of most combinatic::. : :,: factor it can be utiliz--: -- : The idea is illust:a::: : simplicity and in i:. :::

this enjoyable stud-'-

:

l6-1.

N. D. GRIGORIEI,"

The purpose of the sacrifice is

generally the second change, since it amounts to nothing iess than directing the movements of the opPonent's piece, because the position of the sacrifice exactly determines the square a certain hostile piece is to

occupy.

Consequently, we can direct the movement of the oPPonent's pieces by a sacrifice (ifit is anactive and forcing one, of course) in the

sailre way as we can by the Process

Wlit't: :.:--:.

of chase. The

material advantage.

for sacrifice and operi; enemy fire attracts th: 'decoys it to its o\\n sJr-t-: a sacrifice can be as :::. chase; indeed it mar- :-.-

two types of directing ma-

noeuvres bear more or less the same relation to each other as the physical

phenomena of repulsion and attraction. The invulnerable offensive piece chases away, or repels as it were, the defenceless enemy; the piece offered

White could adr-a::.

--=

queening square n::^-- -.

drance, butthen

Bla:,:'. ]?

'

be promoted, and ',i:---. ::r Y/hite's king is unabl= :: : because Black is :e:::: support his parrn. lo*

D\

for sacrifice and openly exposed to exemy fire attracts the hostile piece, decoys it to its own square. Of course a sacrifice can be as forcing as the chase; indeed it may turn into chase

if the opponent refuses to capture and chooses to retreat instead.

tt: nponent captures the Piece r*-r;l:: sacrifi.ce, the situation :g*- .rr nvo counts : (t) piece " (z) dbarpeared from the board; I

-

crs-.de p:ece has left its original ,.'ccupies the place of the

m ,-i * J--is--.!r g

te r-i

t .!ll.

change may in itself be the

The tactical operation by which we force a hostile pieee to move to a definite square by sacrificing one of ours is ealled driving on. Dr;ving on is an essential element of most combinations ; as a tactical

factor it can be utilized in many ways. The idea is illustrated both in its sinoplicity and in its profundity by

rff.

:iece and the importance of i*ieri-s ir. But this is seldom the :-

Tr;

Durpose

of the sacrifice

N. D. GRIGORIEV,

prorub

e

r. P-B4

!

z.

K-Ns

!

tr'-Q4

P-R4

The only countermove, for after z. ., P-R4 ? 3. P-R5, etc., would follow, and SThite's queen would be QR8 frorn ..

is not yet

's king toBlack can

l(t3.

s-eer -n-e already know about the

some

that Black's king could easily catch it ! But the BP has another good point; with its help vre can drive tslackis kjng in the desired direction . . .

this enjoyable study:

,-i the sacrifice in the light

Ft..lse

Perhaps ? It moted with hope

in two moves. Therefore, we must continue to drive reach his QB7

r93o.

Black's king on.

is

!r".--"-::e second change, since it EE i.. nothing less than direct-

3. P-85 4. P-R5

ihe :a.-i-ements of the opponent's

!

K-ts+

!

P--Qs

'c,::euse

the position of the determines the E r'e a ::itain hostile piece is to

E-

f,,-i e\afily ug-T-

.ffi.J.lendv, we can direct the irleurent of the opponentts c=s by a

@

sacrifice (if it is anactive one, of course) in the

ttl;:g raf as we can by the Process

oc

White ztins.

fus€.

npes of }e r.rr 'rear Ercrs riee.

directing ma-

more or less the same each other as the PhYsical

$7hite could advance his Rp to its queening square without any hindrance, but then Black,s QP would also

:-:r-r.lnerable offensive Piece

White's king is unable to overtake it,

t:

Dc'c3:'a of repulsion and attracu

TL:

K

&irai-: or repels as it were, the mr=J.*s enemy; the Piece offered

be promoted, and with check at that;

because Black is better posted support his pawn.

ro*

r*o

5. P-85 6. P-R6 7. P-87

K-Qr

! I

P-Q6

K-Kz

The BP will falt victim to Black, but

it paves the way for a quicker inter-

vention by the RP. 8. P-R.7

!

e. P-B8(Q) ch

P-Qz r47

!

Its Purpose is to force Black's king to a "bad" p1...; the RP will be Promoted with The driving-on sacrifice

check

!

s.- ro. P-RS(Q ch

By taaical means we can generallY

if

obtain a material advantage launch a double attack. In order to be able to attack two hostile pieces simultaneously we have to force the

oppone ing our foicing

KxQ and wins'

we

nsweteans

of

rifice'

You wiil have noted that the selfsacrificing BP has pulled Black's.king on a "stringr" as it were, on its jour-

rehas

a

about

a

would force the loss of

R-QNZ !, QxR +.N

u '

In the text continua=::

fate is sealed after a s:-: tion preceded by a drir-=:

t.R-BS !

P-

Or3....,QxRr.\

164.

J. SEH'*/ERS,

.. ., Q-\ another dnr-irg

ch !) Aftet 2.

Q-Nt

1916.

4. 5.

(b) to

RxP

!

a E,

N-87 ch

because after the iq;king can walk up to E--i his own pawns mut--:-I;

other'

*r ,

The driving-on S i --r-r --;

ly forcing if the pie;; ::attacking or threare:'-;. -' sent an end-gai:: 3r=

the way of its own king so much as to .*pot. hirn to immediate mating atLcks. Now let us see what are the tactical possibilities of gaining a materiai advantage by the iudicious use of the

drivingl"o**tt

driving-on manoe:-,:: White unns-

r. R-B4 ch z.

R-B7

by a threat

K-N+

!

create favourable conditions for the knight's interyention. The acceptance of lhe sacrifice would be answered by a double attack. (2. ..., QxR

NxP

)

r48

--

:

I

65.

H. RINCK. :;,:

First by chase, then bY offering itself for sacrifice, the rook tries to

3.

:-:

:

ch)

Q-B+

k!

means we can generallY material advantage if we

double attack. In order

two hostile pieces urslr- we have to force the

to

arr-ack

's p:e,-es to squares answerE-ru.:3.

-\n effective means of

&: driving-on

sacrifice.

164.

SEH\\:ERS,

.. ., Q-NJ, or 2. . . .t another driving-on sacrifice

ch !) After 2.

Q-Nt

would force the loss of the queen: 3.

R-QNZ ! , QxR +. NxP

ch.

In the text continuation also Black's fate is sealed after a simple combination preceded by a driving-on sacrifice. 3.

R-B5

P-Q+

!

Or 3. . . ., QxR 4. NxP ch etc. 1916.

4. 5.

RxP !

QxR

N-87 ch

his own pawns mutually defend each

84 :-:

***

The driving-on sacrifice is genuinely forcing if the piece offered is itself attacking or threatening. Now we present an end-game exemplifying a driving-on rnanoeuvre forced through by a threat:

F-i:ir: uins.

K_N+

B.:

165.

H. RINCK, r9o8.

Fy c:ase, then bY offering sa=-^:ce, the rook tries to soq-ble conditions for the irte-.- ::.,tion. The acceptance

r=--:

would be answered rc.b-: anack. (2, ..., QXR

..

., K-85? z.

z.

B-N3

ch

.,P-

K-Qs !

. . ., K-B3 ? ? would again comply with White's most ardent wish. (4. B-R+ ch wins the queen.) But now more checks wouldn't help. There are no mating chances, nor is Black's queen posted unfavourably enough to be captured. Therefore she must be driven on to a still less favourable square. 3.

B-Q6

!!

The bishop has no hostile

piece

under attack, but it controls the 85 and K5 squares, weaving a mating net round Black's kirrg. +. A_-Qf mate can only be averted by capturing the bishop. It turns out that the sacrifice has aimed at driving the queen to Q6 !

3.--

ch

QxB K-B+

Black's fate would also be the same after 4. . . ., I(-K4 5.Q.-N3 ch ! . . .

Q-B+

., Q-R3? or z.

the queen would voluntarilY beaC in the noose. (f. N-BZ

r.

K-K4 !

ch

.. Q-QNZ ! (threatening Q-N3 mate) 2. . . QS f . QxP ch, K-N5 4. B-Kr ch, K-R6 5. Q-R6 ch wins.

+.Q-Qr

-h'

2-

r. B-Bz

and wins,

because after the liquida:ion White's king can walk up to Black's RP, while

other'

fn an open position a queen and a bishop have very great dynamic powers; hence even a brutalchaseholds out good prospects.

White wins.

5.

Q-R3

ch

and wins,

r49

since the king, with the harmful pawns

in his way, cannot helP leaving the queen to her t ,.; ** The driving-on manoeuvre can also be resorted to in operations when the

aim is not to capture a hostile piece but to increase our own forces bY

promoting a pawn. In order to force a Passed Pawn through we usually have to drive the hostile piece which threatens our pawn or guards the queening square on to a

closed line frorn an oPen one, or drive a line-blocking piece in its way. Typical examples of this idea are mostly to be found in rook endgames. 166.

A. A. TROITSKY, r9ro.

K6 to entrap White after z. P-N7, P-KZ l. R-R+ ch, K-Nz 4. KQz?, P-KS (Q ch ! 5. KxQ, R-

It is obviously urgent for : the way for the RP, 1'et it :. important how we do ir. E-

QNZ

gain time by giving check

!

catching his pawn, is simPIY

countered with 4. R-K4 +. K-Qz? and wins.

z. 3.

!

instead of

K-Nz

R-R4 ch R-N4 !

R-KS-KI.

Driving Black's rook to its fifth rank from where-on account of its harmful KP-it cannot reach the QN file in one move. Now we see the double

meaning of the preliminarY chase (2. R-R4 ch); it has resulted in a forcing driving-on sacrifice and also in closing the

KN flle.

3.- +. P-Nz

R-N8 R-N7 R-N6

K-ts3 z. K-B+ 6.

ch ch ch

and wins. 167.

!!

r. R.-KN7

l

The reason for S-h:::'= l move was to knock our [:3 : of defence. fn case of :. . .

(B8) White by z. R-\: drive the hostile rook r. c : which it could not reach := : (2. .

RXR

5. K-Bz

s,::

intention is to play . . ., R-. ing the eighth rank for i-js :: QR8. Incidentally, Blacx a. ens to carry out the ma::E-

z.

.., RXR

3.

P-R-.

R-Nz ch

If z. ..., KxP

-.

3.

R{:

wins. Now White musr :=:= threat (. . ., R-QR8) ha:=-=

be done by a drir-ir_s-;:

II. RINCK, r9rr.

which also forces Black ference

3. 4.

The rook could

!!

P-Rz

example shown in tL.E c-jli, dating the fundamentai : -

rvell go to its N4 the

a characteristic forrc ti =.lwhich poses an alternac,-;: .:

or Nz, the continuation being

same. Black has no other satisfactory counterplay. The attemPt bY . . ., P-

r50

R-QRz

In knight end-garnes-s

R-Nr as

s.

**r

Wkite wins.

r. P-N6

i-::

:

Wkite wins.

ing or promoting a pa\ix.

after z. P-N7, K-N2 4.Kch, R-R4 -r. P-KS iQ) ch ! 5. KxQ, R-

, ec'rao S'hite

-

7 .a_.\i:-g his pawn, is simply ErEi TiLh 1. R-K4 ! instead of

+:

aad rvins.

t-\r

-=-

B-ack's rook to its fifth rank

account of its harmP-:: ;alnot reach the QN file in uor-:. \on' we see the double

q ,-.i the preliminarY chase ch' ; it has resulted in a -R+ E ;:.;i:q-on sacrifice and also in d':

KN flle.

RxR R-N8 R-N7 R-N6

P-aK-B: K-B: 167.

r. R-KN7

K-Bz

!!

The reason for White's R-KN7 move was to knock out the other line of defence. In case of r. . . ., R-K8

(B8) White by z. R-Nr !! would drive the hostile rook to a file from which it could not reach its first rank. (2...., RxR 3. P-R7.)

ch

ch ch and wins.

E-B_:

z.

R-Nz

RINCK, I9II.

If z. .. ., KxP

3.

R-QRz!

etc.

wins. Now lVhite must render Black's threat (. . ., R-QR8) harmless. Ir can which also forces Black into self-interference

3. +.

:

R-QRz

In this situation both the "obvious,,

r. P-B7 and r. N-K8 !? would

be

queen's wing. Therefore: rre must "ask" Black's king where he will go after a pawn check and our action shor.rld depend on the "answer."

r. P-N3 ch

KxR

!!

P-Rz

and wins.

*** In knight end-games-as in the example shown in the chapter elucidating the fundamental concepts-it is

a characteristic form of driving

White wins.

White wins.

K-N6

ch

be done by a driving-on sacrifice

I

L. I. KUBBEL, ryr1.

R-KS-KI.

l

,irle:--on

lc

gain time by giving check since Black's intention is to play . . ., K-B7 open-

169.

ing the eighth rank for his rook to its QR8. Incidentallg Black also threarens to carry out the manoeuvre

K-Nz

l-R.-r ;:r

It is obviously urgent for us to open the way for the RP, yet it is not unimportant how we do it. We cannot

on which poses an alternative of advancing or promoting a pawn.

K-Ns

If r. . . ., K-R6?, then z. N-K4 would follow threatening N-Bz mate. After Black's loss of tempo (2. . . ., f-NS) White would gain time to play 3. N-BS ! and deprive the opponent of his K3. Then White would easily win by P-B7-B8 (Q.

After r. . . ., K-R+?, however, the driving on by z. N-K8 ! would be decisive since the defensive 2. . ..) N-Kl would be followed by the

I5I

double attack 3.

N-NZ

ch

!

The

same conditions would arise also after

N-K8 ! , P-QN5 ! N-K3 4. N-N7 ch ! , l.P-Bl tr. . . .,

z.

K-R4?

N-K8

z.

often worth our while to drive the knight to such a square and then capture

2. , .., NXN?

it with small forces.

M. B. NEWMAN,

defence

5. 6. 7.

KxN

P-N7

bur+

! !

White has been planning

Any other knight move would also be followed by queening. Black's only

to lie in: 3. ., P-QN5 !, but after 4. NxN, P-N6 5. K-Nz White would gain a ..

decisive tempo since after 5. . . ., Pis no defence case of the

N-Q4

ch passed pawn extra knight decides the

c..-"s}r

It is White's ruEu DIG

rather, at this point rse reuz

.., NxN?? would lose at once because of 4. PxN and 5. P-N8 (Q. counter-chance seems

6e

K-K7 !

ends.

3. .

and the

beautiful

This is where Black's

N-Br

6.

is

because the knight winning lands on a "bad" square.

piece would win.

In

overtakea b

in return for a knight. Th;

1926.

l. P-BZ !

!

\:-I

driving-on sacrifice, but also ca

ing-on manoeuvre: the threatened promotion-on K8 or KB8-cannot be prevented. After 2. . . ., K-B+ l. NxN, KxP 4.NxRP White's extra

N-N7

\:.:E

P-N6

White's seemingly uostoppnt

would demonstrate the purpose of the driv-

3.

K-K6 !

will be not only

169.

N-KE

!

3. 4.

tt: tr

ing-on sacrifice all along, ad

White wins,

has had to play

In this end-game even two knights are no match for White's Passed

pawns. It is evident that one of them must be given uP for the RP, Yet it is

hardly conceivable that the other one cannot hold the two NP's. Therefore the final situation after White's eighth move is also very instructive frorn a practical point of view.

ball for wart of

a

alternative. 8.

P-N4 !

a-uc e':

because Black's knight csnso[

r

capture by K-QZ-B;. N+ g. K-Q7, K-B+ ro.

:t-

. -.

K-ts'

Qr

r:..

K-

! rr. KxN, K-K-t

K-Q+

13.

P-N5

etc..

issue.

4. K-Nz

and wins,

!

because there is no escape from 5.

R3 ch and mate

P-

!

r. K-N6 z.

r52

N-K4

ch

K-N7 would not be successful on account of z. ,. ., K-N4 ! 3. PR7, N-B 4 ch 4. K-N8, N-N3 etc. z.

) Both the corner square and the neighbouring squares are very unfavourable to a knight. Therefore it is

!

K-B6

2.

-. . .,

N(4)-N5

ch

N(6)-N5 ch 3. K-K6

and White wins more quicklY.

It may happen that a FiaE. ;: against a knight, but it is res s that

it

can hold its os'a rsz

bishop. Yet if we are able to drj

bishop onto a diagonal Fncrr restricted in its movemec.t. tb exceptional cases, a paFrr

!

pe

behind the "demusatisa '[i"E'

triumph.

, Eordr our while to drive the rt ro such a square and then

3. 4.

Ire ri rnth small forces.

Nx

will be not only

\T,WMAN,

170.

P

N-Bz !

H. OTTEN,

t892.

White's seemingly unstoppable NP

169.

-\[,- B.

K-K6 ! P-N6

overtaken

by

this

driving-on sacrifice, but also captured in return for a knight. This aaive defence is beautiful but-unlucky, because the knight winning the pawn

1926.

lands on a "bad" square. @

,/K.

*

5. 6. 7.

This is where Black's combination

'/,,1

ends.

t-Li

aL-,'

has had to play

-a:ch for Y/hite's passed

m- tr: ls evident that one of them r tre 'g:rer up for the RP, yet it is Ey .l--n.-eir-able that the other one nr L.:li the two NP's. Therefore icai =::uation after White's eighth r is i=o very instructive frorn a gcz. e.-:.:t of view.

K-\5:

N-K4

K-\- '*-ould not be successful Ecc'-:: of z. . . ., K-N4 ! l. P\--B+ ch 4. K-N8, N-N3 etc. ch

\.6)-NS ch 3. K-K6

a

better

P-N4

and wins (!),

!

because Black's

knight cannot

escape

capture by K-QZ-B7. (8. . . ., N+ q.K-Q7, K-B+ ro. K-B7,

!

KN-

rr. Kx N, K-K4 tz. K-B7 ! ,

K-Q5

B-R3

!

! !

Black tries to occupy his QRzKN8 diagonal via his QB4 or K6. But now White deprives him of the possibility of this "pendulum manoeuvrer" by way of a driving-on sacrifice. 3.

P-N5

ch

!

BxP

It may happen that a pawn can win against a knight, but it is very seldom

that

squares.

K-Q+

13.

P-N5

etc.)

it

its own against a if we are able to drive the bishop onto a diagonal where it is restricted in its movement, then, in can hold

bishop. Yet

exceptional cases, a pawn posted even !

B-Br

r. P-R5 z.

If l. ..., KXP? then 4. P-R6 ! wins immediately since Black's king closes the bishop's way to his K6. Now, however, Black is prevented from playing . . ., B-Kr-F.4;therefore the only task White's king has to solve is to guard his I(3 and KBz

Qr

***

K-ts5

E-ir: r,, ils more quickly.

8.

ch

N(4)-N5

ball for want of

alternative.

eeC-game even two knights

White wins.

It is White's turn now: or

rather, at this point we realize that White has been planning for this driving-on sacrifice all along, and Black

lYhite wins" I

N-B5 ! N-Q3 ch NxP

KxN ! P-N7 ! K-K7 !

behind the "demarcation

triumph.

line"

may

K-K+ ! S.K-Bl !

+.

B-R5 and wins,

since the advancing pawn cannot be held up.

r53

An accurately elaborated study by Grandmaster R6ti illustrates how the scope of a bishop can be decreased when its own king is driven on to its

end-game.

in

t7t. R. RETI,

K-Qz

1884.

White would be

Zugzwang.

z.

1929.

Dr. F. CASSIDY,

After z. K-RZ ! ?, B-

Br 3. K-N8,

diagonal.

172.

But now White must not insist on winning the bishop because z. KN8?, KxP would lead to a losing

P-Q7 !!

KxP

The purpose of the sacrifice is to force through the driving-on manoeuvre at the proper tirne. The tempo thus won makes it possible for White to force Black into Zugzwarugr leading to a draw by a repetition of moves. White zlins.

K-R7 ! K-NS ! s. K-Rz 6. K-N8 !

B-88

3. 4.

B-Rl B-Br

and draws,

Draw.

It is easy to win the bishop in

exchange for the BP, yet it would be not only a bad, but also a sad bargain because the ensuing pawn end-game would be lost for White. E. g. r. K-

N8, K-K4 z. P-B8 (Q), B x Q f . Kx B, Kx P +. K-QZ, K-K4 5. K-K7, K-B5, etc. Even worse is: r. K-R7?, since after r. . . ., B-Br z. K-NS, BXP 3. P-B8 (Q), BxQ 4. KxB, K-K4 ! the QP is lost and Black's RP will be promoted. There is no other choice but to try the third alternative. r. P-Q6

!

K-K3

!

r. . . ., B-Br ?? z. K-N8, BxP 3. P-88(Q, B x Q 4. Kx B and White's

QP has become a big shot.

r54

since Black must reply again. . .,

B-

R3. Even an attempt at liquidation the variation mentioned at -unlike the beginning-would not yield much because Black could not win after Z. K-RZ, KXP

KxB, K-Q3 9. K-N5, K-K+ ro. K-84, K-B5 rr. K-Q3, KxP tz. K-Kz!!, K8.

N6 13. K-Br!

The finish of this study is a suitably logical link in bringing us to the discussion of driving-on manoeuvres in

pure pawn endings. It is well known that rook pawns cannot be realized so easily as their companions on the inner files. There is many a position in which a NP wins, but a RP only draws. For the defence it is therefore generally desirable to drive the opponent's NP on to the

rook's file.

If this position emerged in a -'-:rryp you were watching you rvould F!eSably be inclined to say that the r-grter was as good as settled, for arter r-

K-Bt and K-N4 White sroul,i mke Black's RP and then easily [email protected]:. his NP. Unfortunately, r. K-B3?? w.-nu-lc give up the win at once, beczusc Black's reply r. . .., P-R6! woul.j. ,m siderably "devalue"'White's quciaing prospects. But if we are fam:Jllr withtheconceptof driving on-. sre sh*ll: be aware of the danger in goc,C. r'..e to do something against it. The RP must be captured, rgt Ec,[ on White's R4 but on his R3 : Weilit doesn't always pay to take the s-rtrc cut.

r.

K-Nr

!!

Still the strongest.

P-R6

:

z. P-N3

172.

E trorr N-hite must not insist on

, K P irould lead to a losing pre. -\fter z. K-RZ ! ?, B. K-\S, K-Qz S7hite would be

N3 and Black has occupied the square so badly needed by V/hite.

KxP

3. 4.

' u.;:ush the driving-on ma-

Ere aI the proper tirne. The o tlu-. g'on makes it possible for e !.1 force Black into Zugg_. 1-:ing to a draw by a repei .-tt ltlt-es.

K-\S: K-R. K-\S:

and draws,

Bia:s must reply again. . ., B-

Erer' an attempt at liquidation Ifr: '}.e variation mentioned at

E::rg-rvould

not yield much Es€ Black could not win after K . P 8. KxB, K-Q3 g.

-R-. \*-<, K-K4 ro. K-B4, K-B5 ['-{., K..

i::rh

of this study is a suitably us to the disr-.i c-riving-on manoeuvres in

rl Li:r in bringing r-alr

[laFn endings.

t weÎ known that rook pawns oa br r:^lized so easily as their rc.io-. on the inner files. There ey a posirion in which a NP wins, r RP on-v draws. For the defence rher::-ore generally desirable to : rhe opponent's NP on to the

's i-le.

would not "offer an opportunity" to White to commit a mistake. But now White still may spoil everything by S.

White wins.

B-Br

K-N4?

If this position emerged in a game you were watching you would probably be inclined to say that the matter was as good as settled, for after r.

K-Bl and K-N4 White would take Black's RP and then easily promote his NP. Unfortunately, r. K-83?? would give up the win at once, because

Black's reply r. ..., P-R6! would cansiderably "devalue" White's queening prospects. But if we are familiar with the concept of driving on, we shall be aware of the danger in good time to do something against it. The RP must be captured, yet not on White's R4 but on his R3 ! U7ell, it doesn't always pay to take the short cut.

r.

K-Nr !!

Still the strongest.

K-Rz KxP

--

From a practical point of view this is "better" than 4, . . ., K-B+ which

-*^ w

B-88

B-Rl

K._K: K-Qg K-83(!)

a

!e !r:-+ose of the sacrifice is to

K-R-:

KK-

z. P-N4?, K-K3 3. K-Rz, Qf +. KxP, K-B: S. K-R+,

Dr. F. CASSIDY, 1884.

ilg4-2:19.

P{-::

!

P-R6

!

5. 6.

?

K-R4 K-N4

!

K-Nr

!

and wins.

Besides driving a pawn on the R file there is another method of driving on in pawn endings, which we may call

the shifting of the critical square.

It

is known that a single king cannot

put up a

successful fight against a pawn (other than a RP) supported by its king unless he manages to get in front of the pawn or, at least, prevent the advance of the hostile king by tak-

ing up the opposition. In this

case

the struggle is fought for the square in

front of the pawn and for

those

neighbouring it. The squares in ques-

tion are called critical

squares.

To clarify this concept we shall revert to the previous example. In relation to White's NP the critical area is marked out by the QR4r55

QR6-QB6-QB+ squares.

173.

Black

would have been able to secure a draw if he had occupied either QN4 or QN5, or at least secured the opposition on his third rank against V/hite's king on the fifth. Therefore, K-R4 ought to

H. MATTISON, r9r8.

z.

*

following variants: z. K-N:- F' NS a. P-B5, PxP ! or :' l.-\ K-NS 3.P-B5, KxP I a. K-5

K-B5,

K-R+ ! in-

etc.

)

5....,K-N3!

-3. K-Nr

Draut.

goes without saying that even the

K-N+ ?, K-N3 ! would have been of no account if White's Pawn had been posted on its QNz instead of

The second sacrifice rvas a-t t-:: pensableasthefi,rst, since after :- K' the opposition. Nor could it L'; c:--e', even a single move as Prove;' :n :

stead of playing S. K-N+ ? and thus giving Black a chance to oppose bY

It

!!

Nr (z), K-NS 3. I(-Br ? I - tr' 3. K-ts2, P-N4 ! White sr-c-r"r -l

have been countered with . . ., KR3 !, K-N+ with. . ., K-N3 ! and K-84 with ..., K-Bl ! in order to avoid defeat. Black had no opportunity to do So: because after the fourth move White decided for the

sound continuation 5.

P-85

PP K-\:

!

moves

on QN3. In that case Black's every attempt at achieving the opposition would have been thwarted by a po-

tential reserve move that might have compelled him at any time to give up the opposition.

From this it follows that the side on the defensive is hopelessly lost if the

hostile king can occupy the second

square

in front of his advancing

pawn.

By tactical

means

that "second"

square can sometimes be turned into a "first" square, by simply driving the pawn behind the offensive king

a square ahead. If we manage to do so, we shall have achieved the same result as though the hostile king had been thrown one rank back. The manoeuvre under review is

peculiar

to positions in which the

weaker side too has a pawn, though a doomed one. A classical example:

\56

!7hite's two pawns are as good as lost. Should Black be able to capture the pawns where they now stand, the game would be lost as well, no matter where White's king was posted, for Black would still have the necessary reserve move at his disposal. Thus the only way to secure a draw is to drive Black's pawn not one but two squares forward, and then take up the opposition:

r. P-N6

!!

Both sides are waiting for

u:

.

o--:

3. K-R2?? cr 3. K'

to

advance. Nz ? ? would be a gross bl':=ier account of Black's oPPosidord' m

r

3...., K-R5! or 3...., K-\ the victory. Thar 5 t

assuring

reason why White's king rf,L-
4. K-Br ! 5. K-Bz (Nz)

!

K-B: \-'

ari';azs-

PxP

r. . .., KxP leaves White sufficient time to defend his BP.

* The original position : Vhite: king on KRr, pawns on KB+ and KR+;

Black: king on KR3, pawns on KBz and

KN+. Instead of that rather artificial basic position we present the one derived after themoves r. RP xP ch !, K-R4, which we believe is for practical purposes of higher instructive value.

We now present an

i:st'-:: :f

prolonged struggle benreea -<=--: e rook. This is a tYPical sa53 i-'::::E

the impotence of a rook i-;-;to a bad line again5l 2i a:rEr: passed pawn. On the otte: :"1:also demonstrates horr sr.:'i:'Car i rook can prolong its life .E -== back.

173.

P-B5

z.

It ]L\TTISON, r9r8. *

174.

!!

The second qacrifice was as indispensable

as

the first, since after z.

A. A. TROITSKY, r9rz.

K-

K-NS 3. I(-Br? !, KxP 3. K-Bz, P-N4 ! White would lose

Nr

(z),

the opposition. Nor could it be delayed even a single move as Proved bY the

following variants: z. K-N2, KNS a. P-B5, P x P ! or z. K-Nr,

K-NS 3.F-85, KxP ! K-85, etc.

3.

Li-e's rwo pawns are as good as Sbodd Biack be able to capture cm'S l-here they now stand, the souli be lost as well, no matter Ejr:'s king was posted, for = 1'r-.uld still have the necessary re E,cr;e at his disposal. res tte onlv way to secure a draw ff;: Black's pawn not one but Faits forw-ard, and then take up

[ffi:::cD:

P-S5

3. K-Rz?? or 3. Kbe a gross blunder on would ? ? Nz account of Black's oppositional reply 3. . . ., K-R5 ! or 3. . . ., K-N5! assuring the victory. That is the advance.

reason why White's king must not go to the second rank.

4.

K-Br ! K-Bz

(Nz)

!

K-BS NS) and draws.

White wins.

In such positions

Issr=J of that rather artificial

basic

?:esent the one derived after rrrs :. RP x P ch !, K-R4, which we e * rc: practical purposes of higher grE raiue.

an extra knight is

no asset, therefore SThite has to seek victory in the realization of his pawn.

r. PxP

!

R-88

ch

!

Stronger than it first seems, because after the exchange of the rooks White cannot safely protect his pawn with the knight. For instance: z. K-Nz, RxR ! l. KxR, K-Bz ! and after 4. NxP Black irnmediatelY wins the pawn (. . ., K-Ql). If +. N-B8, then

Black plays again

4. . .., K-Qf ! !) and

(+. . .., K-Qr?? 5. N-N6

leaves V/hite suffi-

[}E r--5-::al position: Vhite: king X.:-. earrns on KB+ and KR+; : ts-; rif, ICR3, pawns on KBz and

Ei

!

PxP

tiroe to defend his BP.

cE!

K-N4

!

t "%',ru ,ruE%,,ry,,

Both sides are waiting for the other

to

5.

:!

..-, K.P

K-Nr

--

K-Bz,

PxP

a

Draw.

4.

We now present an instance of a prolonged struggle between king and rook. This is a typical case illustrating

the impotence of a rook driven on to a bad line against an advanced passed pawn. On the other hand, it also demonstrates how stubbornly the rook can prolong its life by fighting back.

5....,K-Kz!

The lesson is that the rook must not be exchanged off,, but it can be sacrificed in the interest of the Pawn.

z.K-Bzlt

RxR

The best, otherwise White's material superiority assures the win. r57

r. P-Kz And now the real battle

begins.

Black cannot directly prevent the pronootion, therefore he endeavours to chase White's king onto the K file, then to eliminate the new-born queen byway of . . ., R-KR8 and. . ., RK8 ch or . . .: R-KR4 and . . ., R-

K4 ch. For this

reason

White

noust

The time has come for the knight to burst in. Should Black, for instance, continue with 15. . . ., R-RS (in hope of . . . , R-Q8 ch and. . ., R.-K8 ch), then 16. N-B6

!

would follow and

after 16. . . ., R-Q8 ch 17. N-Q5 ch would close the file with gain oftempo.

If 16. . . ., R-K8,

Black's rook should seize control over

then the line interference ensuing after t7. N-Q7 ch and 18. N-KS would decide the

it.

issue.

temporarily keep offthe K file, but he

must not stray too far away lest

Consequently, the next moves are made under mutual duress. 3. . .., R-R7 ch 4. K-B3; R-

R6 ch S. K-B+, R-R5 ch 6. 85, R-R4 ch T. K x P!

K-

The first obstacle has been removed and also the potential danger of . . ., R-R4-K4 ch is over. But the K file

may be "crossed" only at the Kz point; the end is still a long way off. 7. ..., R-R3 ch! 8. K-B5! (8. K-KS ?, R-R.8!) 8. . . ., R-R4 ch g. K-B+! (9. N-N5 ?, R-Rr!) q. . . ., R-R5 ch ro. K-B3, R-R6 ch

rr. K-Kz!

The Jordan has been crossed. But we still don't see why.

DRIVING OFF

rr. . . ., R-RZ ch 12. K-Q3!, R-R6 ch 13. K-Q4, R-RS ch 14. K-Q5, R-R4 ch 15. K-Q5!

15.-16.

N-86

R.-R3 ch !

!

Now the intervention of the knight assumes the form of a typical driving-on sacrifice. After 16. . . ., R-Rr

the knight would display its manysided line-closing powers in a third variation. (rl. N-QZ ch and 18.

N-B8 !)

F-ollowing the acceptance of the sacrifice the fourth phase of

the king's

wanderings marks the

end of the fight:

t6. . .., RXN ch r7. K-Q5!, R84 ch 18. K-Q4, R-B5 ch 19. KQ3, R-96 ch zo. K-Kz!-and (at long last !) wins.

A tactical weapon no less imp'crc,:

than the one described in the pr*e:ing chapter is the motif of driving off or diversion. fn discussing the f;:l.+' mental concepts we have alreads tj:red (see Diagrams Nos. r_a-r7) th.a: =r driving-off manoeuvre is one or ::e ways of directing the movemenr oi b:r*-

tile forces efficiently. The onll-

crf=-

encebetween driving offand diri.-_: :c.

is that in the former case \r e t-or:= e hostile piece to leave a certain :
sacrifice of the seme NTe es

in the previous chapter. Is fiele of, application is, however, rather cjf=ent, unless it can be combinlC q:rL

driving-on manoeuvre. fn most positions arising after a driving-on sacrifice the directeC pia* itself is the one that gets into the lhelight, either as an excellent targer or as an obstacle hampering the acEET a

of its own camp. After a dris:.:s-:'f manoeuvre the directed piece d:-..ry pears as it were from the bardeiell. r58

I

DRIVING OFF OR DIVERSIO N

..., R-RZ ch t2. K-Q3!,

ctr 13. K{4, R-RS ch ;K{5, R-R4 ch 15. K-Q6! time has come for the knight

in- Should Black, for instance, with r5. . . ., R-R8 (in hope

R-{8

ch and . . ., R-K8 .h), N-B6 ! would follow and rG . . ., R-Q8 cht7. N-QS ch

; -,

16.

dse the file with gain oftempo. R-K8, then the line intereosuing after ry. N-Q7 ch 18. N-KS would decide the - - .,

IJL- il, N-86

R-R3 !

ch

!

tre intervention of the knight the form of a typical drivsacrifice. After 16. . . ., R-Rr ight would display its manylinedosing powers in a third

(tl. N-QZ ch and 18.

!) Following the acceptance sacrifice the fourth phase of

Liry's wanderings

d 6e fight:

marks the

ch 17. K-Q5!, RK{4, R-B5 ch r9. Ki B-86 ch zo. K-Kz!-and (at ht !) wins.

.. ., RXN r8.

A tactical weapon no less important than the one described in the preceding chapter is the motif of driving off or diversion. In discussing the fundamental concepts we have already hinted (see Diagrams Nos. r-a-r 7) that the driving-off manoeuvre is one of the ways of directing the movement of hostile forces efficiently. The only differencebetween driving offand driving on

is that in the former case we force a hostile piece to leave a certain square instead of to occupy one. In other words, it is in practice unimportant to which square the piece in question goes ; the main point is that it vacates its original square and as a result it ceases to exercise its control effect over certain squares.

In form the driving-off manoeuvre reveals a sacrifice of the same tJpe as

in the

previous chapter.

becoming

an idle onlooker of

no

practical use. Accordingly, by means of a driving-off sacrifice we can increase the potential radius of action of our pieces, but their increased powers are directed not against the piece driven away but rather against the area left undefended by it. It follows that the driving-off manoeuvre as a tactical weapon is mostly

mating combinations or when a passed pawn is to be

resorted to in

realized. In positions with few pieces the latter motif is of far greater prac-

tical

importance. Thereforer we of driving-off sacrifice intended to pave the way for pawn promotions.

propose to examine various forms

175.

SCHEME.

Its field of

application is, however, rather different, rrnless it cau be combined with

driving-on manoeuvre. fn most positions arising after a driving-on sacrifice the direaed piece itself is the one that gets into the limelight, either as an excellent target or as an obstacle hampering the activiry a

of its own camp. After a driving-off manoeuvre the direAed piece disappears as it were from the battlefield,

lYhite wins.

r59

Black's plan

is to

keeP White's

king imprisoned in front of his pawns, by the endless repetition of the moves . . ., K-Nz-Nr. If Vhite refuses to

acquiesce in what would be something like a positional draw, he must try

to drive off the rook governing Q fiI.. r. RxP ch !!

the

the pawns. Also 7. ..., R-N7 ch would serve no purpose since there would be no more checks for Black after 8.

K-R4, R-RZ

ch 9.

K-Na.

R-Br 7.- 8. PxR (Q) ch KxQ K-Kr 9. K-.B6 ! and wins. ro. P-K7

RxR 176.

The driving off has been accom-

F. J. PROKOP,

1925.

z. P-N6 g.P-NZ

NN-

The worries caused by rL just about over, but nor d cent-looking BP intemc vigorous driving-off piecc. ch ! KP-Bl ! K5. . .., N-Nr ch 6. Ki R3 ch 7. K-N6 wins. 6. P-88 ch ! d

4.

P-86

S.

since either the king

s1th. fo

be forcibly driven off.

On the strength of

the purpose of the drivirS

cleared and the king can get out of his pawn's way.

z. K-Q7 3. K-B6 a. K-Q6

It

R-{7

R-B7

K-B5

R-Q7

ch

R-B7

ch

R-K7 ch

z.K-Ns Z.

lYhite

K-N+?

because the king is sufficiently close to

zuins.

White must clear the waY for his NP, but how? r. ters with r. .. .,

K-B5,

K-K2

Black counwith an eYe

on the queening square. On

r. K-

B7rr.. . ., N-B5 ! follows (threaten-

ing White's Q5) and the knight catches up with the pawn after z. K-Q6, N-

Q6,3. P-N6, N-NS 4. P-N7, NR3. It seems best to take the middle course

:

r. K-B6 would again be an error

on account of 7. . . ., R-Br ! . Yet this sacrifice is not satisfactory now r6o

squares.

ch

is impoftant not to stray far from

4.- s.K-Ks

q;

defensive forces and m rs our own pieces free accro r

!

4. . .., R-Br 5. K-Q6, K-Nz ! 6. K-QZ, K-B3 ! Now, however, 4. ..., R-Br would fail owing to S. K-QZ ! and 6. P-K8 (Q) ch, etc.

6.

noeuvre is to scatter thc

ch

the eighth rank, lest the rook should be reactivated, e. g. in case of 5. KQ5 ? Black could secure a draw bY

flru rt

examples it may alrcady be

file.) The point is that the Q file is

!

K-K2

!

Clears the knight's path, since the promotion square can only be reached via Black's KB3 and Qz.

With a passed 1rr

board, our primary obidir course, to assume absolme q the queening squar=. Th employed varies wi& ft end-game.

In rook end-games e I pawn may decide the ir ways, namely (a) it b escrrr queening square under rdGF

port so that the oppone'rt C giving up his rook for it, c drive off the adversc moB it by sacrfficing our osD, fia commanding the qEceriry q this way we may not mly 1ru

pawn but dso Etain ' I queen against the hmt a former method is a gsacd, r way of windi.g up a tzrr, d

is a widely applied II

tacriJ p

prls. AIso 7. .. ., R-N7 ch 3 serre no pulpose sin_ce there fl be Do rnore checks for Black t & K-R4, R-R7

ch 9.

K-Nl.

R-Br t -P' -R (Q) ch KxQ K-Kr $ K-B6 ! and wins. ir P-K7 : 176. , F. I. PROKOP, 1925. T-

N-Br

ll7.

N-Qz

A. A. TROITSKY, r9o9.

The worries caused by the NP are just about over, but now the innocent-looking BP intervenes as a vigorous driving-off piece. 5.

P-B6 P-B7

!

6.

P-B8

ch

4.

ch

!

K-Kr

K-K2 5. . . ., N-Nr ch 6. K-B7, NR3 ch 7. K-N6 wins. !

and wins,

since either the king or the knight

will

be forcibly driven off.

On the strength of these simple examples it may already be stated that the purpose of the driving-off manoeuvre is to scatter the opponent's defensive forces and to secure for our own pieces free access to certain squares.

\fith

White wins.

t. P-R7

r.

a passed pawn on the

board, our primary obiective is, of

to assume absolute control of the queening square. The method employed varies with the type of

..

because Nr ch.

z.

R-N4

!

ch

., R-Nr ? would be wrong of z.

R-Rr

K-86 !

ch and 3.

R-

R-QR+

course,

White

zuins.

lhE Inust clear the waY for his !"h how? r. K-B5, Black counr ri6 r. . . ., K-K2 with an eYe rFr queening square. On r. KrL. . ., N-B5 ! follows (threatengf-tit:'s QS) and the knight catches uit 6e pawn after z. K-Q6, NL1 P-)i6, N-N5 4.P-N7, N: ;.

& setos

E:

LK-B6!

best to take the middle

K-K2

!

Chs the knight's path, since the fi'on square can only be reached lEd's KB3 and Qz.

end-game.

In rook

end-games a realizable

pawn may decide the issue

in

two

ways, namely (a) it is escorted to the queening square under adequate support so that the opponent cannot help giving up his rook for it, or (b) we drive off the adverse rook, if need be

by sacrificing our own, from its post commanding the queening square. In this way we may not only promote our pawn but also retain the new-born queen against the hostile rook. The former method is a general, strategic way of winding up a game, the latter is a widely applied tactical possibility. II

The driving-on manoeuvre enforced with threats is the first link in Vhite's combination. Now comes its reverse: the driving off of the rook from the R file with new threats. In case of z. . . ., R-N3 ch 3. K85, R-QRI +. R x P ch, K-R3 the

rook would be driven off by S. R-B6 ch !! If Black had tried to deviate with 4. . . ., K-Nr, tMhite would have triumphed after 5. R-B8 ch,

K-Nz 6. P-RS (Q. 3.

K-B7 !

K-Rl

There was no other defence against the mating threat. Now we see why we

had to spare Black's harmful BP:

it

t6t

prevents Black from escaping by . . .,

r. R-N7 ch !

pawn by bringing his king t

port. Black must obstnrct t

Rx P ch. 4. R-B6

eh

K-Rz

After 4. . . ., K-N+ the same driving-off sacrifice would follow. 5.

R-B5

!!

RxR

Forced because Vhite threatens mate after

R-R3 or R-R5.

6. P-R8 7. Qx

P

(Q

'

R-KN4 and wins.

.,.]

**

The following very instructive endgame demonstrates White's elaborate

strategy being crowned tactical point.

with a

178.

M. EISENSTADT,

the king a step farther from the main theatre of operations. The immediate r. P-NZ is not

7.

enough, since after r. ..., R-KN8 R-N4 ! 3. R-K7, K-B8 ! ch, K-Q7 Vhite cannot R-Kr 4.

. __

+. S.

1932.

fine

no avail, because then Black's king may proceed without penalty to the QB file and Vhite has no promising play after z. ...., K-B6 3. RxP ch, K--Q5 4. R-QR1 K-K4.

Is

KJ

R-KZ

R-

!

K

P-N7 3. RxP

z.

K-R6 ! R-KN8 K-N5 !

The sooner Black can leave his seventh, sixth and fifth ranks, the better. Only in this way can he hoPe to

4.

of rooks.

K-R4 !

Since after 4. R-KZ Black's rePlY, 4. . . .,K-B+ ! would thwart \il7hite's plan, the offensive side strives for a simple technical realization of his

everything

all 'id-? ru

bastion of defence ca't bcE means of a splendid drivi4 fice !

6.

r.--

exchange

t6z

8.

means. The seemingly

R-K5

since 6.

ch

!!

..., PxR

r leerca

E

undefended, and aft€r 6. the newly obtained qrrccall fate of the BP.

prevent White from carrying out a strategic redeployment: 4. R-K7 ! and R-Kz (3, D ch followed by R-KNz (1, D threatening a forced

White wi,ns.

R-KB7, R-N6

ch 9. K-NS, K-B5, ro.

z. Rx P,

the suategic conditions for victory by bringing his rook to the KN file. Even the continuation r. P-NZ ?, R-KN8 z. R-N7 ch is of

6.n-

Q-Q5

po; it chases

route (K-R5-R6 etc.) o inevitable defeat after + -. S. K-RS, P-B5 6. K-X

create

White has a simple u'in also if Black chooses to play 4. . . .,K-N+. 85 ch !, RxR 6. P-R8 (Q), R-B6

7.

This driving-off manoeuvre paves the way for the realization of further plans with an important gain of tem-

In bishop endiagt ri

endings, the drivingd r especial importaoce bcr-r terial advantage ob,taincd by the hostile bishop for e pu

itself enough for vimy. The general ideas rrntu{ an ending are

ondcasodir

ing textbook

e=etnpl,e :

r

I*

r. R-N7 ch !

pawn by bringing his king to its sup-

This driving-off manoeuvre paves ih rra,v for the realization of further rilrn. rith an important gain of tem-

1n; it ch*ses the king a step farther frm the mein theatre of operations. Thc irnmediate r. P-NZ is not ough, since after r. . . ., R-KN8 z, R ',: P, R-N+ ! 3. R-Kn K-B8 ! a R-Kr ch, K-Q7 Vhite cannot crcre the suategic conditions for

Yiaory by bringing his rook to the fN file. Even the continuation r. P-N7?, R-KN8 z. R-N7 ch is of r erail, because then Black's king ry proceed without penalty to the (E file and Vhite has no promising flry after 2. . . ., K-B6 3. RxP ch,

I({s

7.

R-KB7, R-N6

ch 9.

4.- 5. R-K7 Is

fice

K-R6 ! R-KN8 K-N5 !

z -P-N7 3. R',:P

The sooner Black can leave his sev'anrll, sisth and fifth ranks, the better. eLF in this way can he hope to IrEF'eot White from carrying out a Gtegic redeployment: 4. R-K7 ! rd R-K2 (3, D ch followed by B-K-\z (1, +) threatening a forced tTclmnge of rooks.

+ K-R4

!

Sina after 4. R-KZ Black's rePlY,

K-B+ ! wor.rld thwart \UThite's

pLns the offensive side strives for a riryle technical realization of his

rgzg.*

K-R7, R-R6

!

everything

all right? By

no

means. The seemingly strong main bastion of defence can be blown up by means of a splendid driving-off sacri!

6.

4. - . .,

8.

H. COHN

K-N8, K-85, ro. K-B8 !.

4.R-QR7, K-K4.

r.

179.

port. Black must obstruct the king's route (K-R5-R6 etc.) to avoid the inevitable defeat after 4. . . ., P-B4 S. K-RS, P-B5 6. K-R6, P-86

R-K5

ch !!

and wins,

White wins.

r. B-K3

!

White's bishop tries to reach his QN8 via QR7. Vhite has to act without any loss of time to forestall the advance of Black's pawn after

..., PxR leaves Black's rook undefended, and after 6. ..., RxR the newly obtained queen will seal the since 6.

fate ofthe BP.

sible...,B-Q3. r.

- -

a

pos-

P-RS

The circumstances, as will soon be seen, are not altogether favourable for the pawn to advance, but any alter-

In bishop endings, as in knight endings, the driving-off motif is of especial importance because the material advantage obtained by capturing the hostile bishop for a pawn is not in itself enough for victory. The general ideas underlying such an ending are condensed in the follow-

ing textbook example:

rr*

native waiting move would only bring White nearer to his original plan, e. g. r. . . ., B-Q3 z. B-R7 !, P-R5 3.

B-N8 !, BxB +. KxB, P-R6 5. K-B8, P-RZ 6. P-N8 (Q), P-R8 (Q) Z. Q-NZ ch-and Black has lost * This theme was originally elaborated by L. Centurini, in 1856, in an analysis of the realization of Vhite's NP posted on QN7. In Centurini's example T(Ihite's bishop stood on Q8, Black's on its KR7, and there was no Black RP.

r63

the new queen. The result is also the

seize control over the route leading

..., B-B4 4. B-R2, to QR7 ! Let us wait a little then for Black's B-Rz 5. B-Nr !, P-R6 6. BxB,

same after 3.

P-Rz z. P-N8 z.

bishop to leave its cosy Q3 . .

(Q).

B-Bzl

2.-3. Bx

B-Q3! K-N3 !

P

Black must seek defence against the

threat 4. B-Bz, 5. B-RZ and

6.

B-N8. 4.

B-Bz

ch

K-R3

!

It is difficult now to find a sound continuation. Having no access to his QR 7, White ought perhaps to wriggle his bishop to QB7 via Q8. But after

! 6. B{8 ch, Black can play . . ., K-83, renewing his conuol over White's QBZ in good time. Vhite may attempt now to diveft S. B-R4, K-N3

the hostile bishop by

B-R7

s.B-Kr (Q+)

The first driving-off manoeuvre. Though it does not solve White's problem, it at least wins the RP.

l. B-Kn

but

Black will be wise enough to keep it on the diagonal and, as before, the KNr-QR7 diagonal cannot be occupied in one move. Vhy not? Because it is on its K7 that the bishop has come face to

.

!

B-Rz

r4.

!

15.

force Black's

bishop to leave its QR7 without its being able to go to Q3! 6.

fr cE

The third, unconditionell5r

diagonal. This goes to show that the bishop has two convenient squares to go to: its Q3 and KR7. Our task is

obvious. TYe must

B-Nr

B-B+ B--*z

diversion. Black's bishop cape short.

t4.

it because

the

diagd i!

-P-N8 - (Q)

BxB

adria.

180.

R. RETI, 1925.

B-K4

B-B5!!

Black could as well play 6. . . ., B85 or 6. . . ., B-N6, the point is that his bishop can now be engaged in the open field.

7.B^-K7

K-Nl

I

Necessary on account of the threat

B-Q8-B7.

lVhire wint.

K-Br

8. B{8 ch ! g. 8-86 !

The foregoing lesson

*igh h

dI crq

to beteve that a simil-r

The second driving-off manoeuvre brings us closer to victory.

face with its counterpffi, from where B-Q3 it could proceed only to QB5, a square B-RZ ro. controlled by Black's king. Vhat if we tried to drive off Black's bishop with From now on the moves of Black's ours on KB6 or KN5 or KR4 ? Then will soon we could in fact attack the opponent's .bishop are indifferent. for the long diagonal the leave to have bishop with a gain of tempo, for after game. lose the and shortest, immediatelY we could removal its

s.- B{4

It

t64

13.

The only move that still delays the implementation of our Plan, because

we cannot grapple with Black's slippery bishop from our Qr-KR4

B,{

rr. B-R7 ! rz. B-N8 !

could be enforced here by the RP for Black's BP.

But after r. K-Kz?, K-{tI! B-K7!, KxP 3. BxP, K-N

B-R3, K-Bl S. K-Kl, K{ K-B4, K-Kr Z. K-BS, K{ turns out that White's kipB Gr worm his way into blact's gi and no advantageous er..hilEl d bishops can be forced ttrmgL ff it much better to secule fu Il

E

control over the route leading

,(p7

rr. B-R7 ! rz. B-N8 ! 13. B-Rz

!

Ie us wait a little then for Black's lry to leave its cosy Q3 . . .

r rKr

(Q+)

B-R7

14.

!

The third, unconditionally forcing

!

Ifc onty move that still delays the lbcatation of our plan, because ! crrnot grapple with Black's

B-Nr

B-Q3 B-B+ B-Rz

diversion. Black's bishop cannot escape it because the diagonal is too t4. 15.

fry hes two convenient squares to i D : its Q3 and KR7. Our task is riE. We must force Black's fql to leave its QR7 without

-P-N8 - (Q)

BxB and wins.

180.

R. RETI, t925.

3lr:rg able to go to Q3!

Ecf could as well play 6. . . ., BI c 5. . " ., B-N6, the point is that

-^qt-B7.

lL hr

White utins.

sccond driving-off manoeuvre

us doser to victory.

B-Q3 9-B-Rz n B-Q4 fu trow oD the moves of Black's lry re indifferent. It will soon tE leave the long diagonal for the rst, and lose the game.

r. B-R5

is

!

K-N6

r. . . ., K--Q6 White counters with the text, any other move with z. Kz etc. and wins.

K-

z. B-B3!!

A

3.

I&assery on account of the threat

K-Br

The solution is as short as it

poignant.

surprisingly strong driving-off

would be answered by the same move:

K-Nr

!

perma-

2.-BxB 2. ..., KxB or 2. ..., B-Rl

I tirhop can now be engaged in the E fic{d-

3 B{8ch! f. 8-86

a

sacrffice based on the fact that momentarily Black's king is outside the "magic square" of the RP, and the bishop is unable to stop both pawns.

B-K+

'7-riK7l

Black's pawn too becomes nent menace.

short.

FGry bishop from our QI-KR4 ;nL This goes to show that the

6. B-B5!!

r. P-R5, for after r. ..., K-N4 z. K-K2, P-BS ! 3. K-K3, P-B6 !

The foregoing lesson might lead us believe that a similar end-game could be enforced here by exchanging the RP for Black's BP.

to

But after r. K-Kz?, K-N5! z. B-K7!, KxP 3. BxP, K-N4 4. B-R3, K-Bl S. K-Kl, K-Qz 6. K-B4, K-Kr 7.K-B5, K-Qz! it.

turns out that White's king cannot worm his way into black's position and no advantageous exchange ofthe bishops can be forced through. Nor is it much better to secure the RP by

P-R5

!

and wins,

because one of the pawns can be realized by giving up the other as a

driving-off sacrifice.

In this respect the knight is more vulnerable than the bishop, for on account of its shorter range it cannot escape attack and still maintain its control over certain squares. Yet it is a good end-game fighter, mostly pawn.

thanks to its extensive secondary range,

its ability to

threaten of squares indirectly.

a

number

r65

A

simple but substantial textbook

example of a manoeuvre:

"knightlY" driving-off

.. ., because White's knight commands also the QB6 square. There is no salvation after z.

K-B+ 3.

18l.

3.

182.

K-N8 !,

N-B3

K-N8

ch

O. DURAS,

1923.

!

A driving-off attempt, now on Black's part, with a view to depriving

R. RETI, rgzg.

It is easily for after the text

the pawn of its support.

repelled though,

continuation neither the king nor the

knight may capture !(Ihite's undefended piece.

4.

In

K-N7 case

!

of 4. K-B7 ? Black would

NxN I S. PRZ, N-Q 4 ch 6. K-86, N-N3 !

White wins.

be free to play 4. . . .,

N-Qt ch N-K3 ch K-Nl

White wins.

r

K-R7

K-N+

!

K-N6 andP-R7 of r. . . ., N-Bl ch z.

White threatens

etc.

In

case

K-N6, K-Q4 the simPlest driving off: 3. N-N4 ch ! would follow. r. . .., K-B4 would be countered by z. N-Q+!! forcing Black into a Zugzwang position or into defeat after 2.. . ., KxN. z.

N-N4

!

the pawn.

K-R+ --

r66

And now a forcing diversion: 8'

t'u

N-Qs tn:

r. B-Nz

wins'

it

We have so far examined driving-off operations carried out against various

importance

for both attack and

!

Clears the way for the paw:i wf gain oftempo. As a driving-off rrir"r

. * pieces, but our analysis should also cover the king whose intervention in end-games is very often of the utmost

This is no active driving-off sacrifice, since Black is not forced to take the knight, but remaining alive the knight does a good iob by defending 't

N-Bz

Since he has only an outsic: pa' and a "bad" bishop which Cc'es : cover the queening square, ooa: but energetic driving-off' mari r€Er can assure the win.

de-

fence.

If the opponent's king obstructs our pawn and prevents its Promotion,

which is often the case, we shall concentrate our efforts on driving him off. Let us look at an illustrative example :

has little weight, because tslaci king is already as u-ncoo:i.-rti placed on his KB7 as he sou.ri. Le

KNz.

K-K6

r.

- z. P-R4 3.

B-B3

KP

]

!

But this is a more sienificaDt @c. since it denies the K-\+ squ"E Black's king and forces hinn ic cr

There is no salvation after z.

..

3.

a detour. Black must not accept the invitation, for in case of 3. . . ., K x B 4. P-Rs, K-N7 5. P-R6, P-B5

182.

.,

f-84 3. K-N8 !, because White's h[!t commands also the QB6 square.

O. DURAS,

1923.

6. P-R7, P-B6 7. P-R8(Q),P-87 the queen will reach her KN3 after

N-83 ch !

K-N8

several checks and Black's forced . . .,

K-B8 is a prelude to mate in two

A &iving-off

attemPt, now on Erck's part, with a view to depriving

moves

tre pa*n of its support. It is easilY rtpdted though, for after the text

and

Q-Rr).

K-K+

3.- P-Rs

orrninuation neither the king nor the

hight may capture White's

(Q-Rz

+. 5.

unde-

B-Q5

K-Kl ch

ftDdcd piece. ..g

K-N7

In case of 4. K-B7? Black would bc free to play 4. . . ., NxN I S. PR;, N{4 ch 6. K-86, N-N3 ! a .F -s-K-Bz 6. K-N8 ;.P-RZ

White wins.

N-Qt ch N-K3 ch

Since he has only an outside pawn and a "bad" bishop which does not cover the queening square, nothing

N-Bz

can assure the win.

K-Nl

!

but energetic driving-off manoeuvres

And now a forcing diversion:

s'

N{5 *: .*

s'e

"u

have so far examined

r. B-Nz

ftnce.

Ifthe opponent's king obstructs our

frn and prevents its Promotion, ltlO is often the case, we shall concuEse our efforts on driving him off. us look at an illustrative example

:

has little weight, because Black's king is already as uncomfortably placed on his KB7 as he would be on

KNz.

r.

- P-R4 B-B3 ! 3.

K-Kz K-Br

z.K-Qz

and wins,

one by one, resulting in a total Zugzwangfor

it

z.

5.- 6. P-R6

because Black's monarch must stay

Clears the way for the pawn with a gain oftempo. As a driving-offattempt

driving-off

pawn, though it does not force him to turn his back on it.

put, while his pawns will fall

!

wins'

oFrrtions carried out against various Iicc6, but our andysis should also cnmr the tirg whose intervention in ca+gnes is very often of the utmost iryortauce for both attack and de-

I-ct

Sometimes even a bad bishop has its good points. The third driving-off sacrffice is decisive because it prevents the king from getting in front of the

!

K-K6 KxP

!

But this is a more significant move, since it denies the KN4 square to Black's king and forces him to make

Black'

***

In

more complicated and longer the driving-off manoeuvre often occurs in a more comcombinations

plex, two-stage form. Let us remember that the control effect of a certain piece can also be decreased by way of line interference. Diversion and line interference sometimes make a happy combination. In the cases examined so far, the piece driven off had to leave its original place; consequently it ceased to r67

place, but

it

DRTVTNG OFF (DTVERSI(

183.

exercise its control effect over certaln squares. In the examples on line interference the piece preventing the realization of some plan remained on its

PINNING

H. RINCK, r9rr.

The control effect of

piece and its control effect nullified

exposed to danger. In thit q pinning is only effective if ft movement of the pinncd fii from those of the piece piEn example a rook can pin e ti oice oersa., and a line-picce cr knight or a pawn. If, however, the pinning F the pinned one are of 6c rr

feast, achieve what could not be done by resortiug to one or the other motif alone.

Let us presume that in order to it would be desirable to eliminate the control effect of a reach some goal

possibility of decoying that piece farther from the critical point. Then

the line in question may be lengthened sufficiently to allow of creating an

interference on some square

in

be-

tween.

Such L preliminary driving-off

manoeuvre carried out in the interest of line interference may be termed driving over. Its essence is that the piece driven out, though remaining on its original line, will be transposed to such a section of that line that it can be cut off by means of line interference. Of course, only "Iine pieces" (mostly the bishop and the rook) can be driven over to a certain square. (Driving-off and driving-over manoeuvres against

the highly mobile queen are very rarely effective; therefore in this chapter we shall not deal with examples of this kind. ) Respective examples of the successful driving over of rook and bishoP :

r68

r

ning. The piece under pin cr its place, lest a more Frir standing on the same line rL

in

certain directions. The combination of these two factors is sometimes so powerful as to work wonders or, at

hostile piece, but we cannot drive it off from its original line nor can this line be closed. In such a case it must be considered whether there is a

fictu

be eliminated or decreascd t

was blocked by another

Vhite

r. P-K7

wi,ns.

the pin is not compler,

!

r. B-B5 ch?, K-R5 z. P-K7, R-Rr or z. P x P, K-N 4 ch,3. KNz, R-Q3

!

leads only to a draw.

r.--

K-N5ch!

A necessary

interpolation, because

r. .. against z. B-B5 ch.

the immediate

z.

.1

R-Kg??

fails

R-Kr

K-Nz

It would be a good thing now to cut off the control effect of the rook towards its Kz-Kr. This cannot be done either by driving off or by line interference alone. But should the

fined not to a grven squre

By way of line pinning I 1i be forced to exchange dc, the pinning piece. The l:ttero

a typical form of ddviag t differing, in principle,

frr tL

dealt with thus far.

184

F. SACKMAI.IN, r9q

fore the rook must be driven over the K4 square towards Kr.

R-Kz

!! !!

RxR RxB

5.

P-B3

ch

and wins.

a. B-fu

h

line. (Line pinning.)

rook, for instance, be posted on its K8, we could slam the door behind it by way of P-Bl ch and B-K+. There-

3.

tdr

Vhiu

z. rr,-

(DMRSION) BY PINNING

DRTVTNG OFF

183.

IL RINCK, r9rr.

r B-B5 ch?, K-R5 2. P-K:/, c z. PxP, K-N+ ch, f. KB+ ! leads only to a draw. K-N5

ch

!

A rcary interpolation, because e imcdice r. . . .e R-Kg?? fails a B-85 ch. ;

r K-Nz

R-Kl

Erwld be a good thing now to cut 6c control effect of the rook its K2-Kr. This cannot be cirtcr

The control effect of pieces can also be eliminated or decreased by pinning. The piece under pin cannot leave its place, lest a more precious piece standing on the same line should be exposed to danger. In this respect the pinning is only effective if the laws of movement of the pinned piece differ from those of the piece pinning it. For example a rook can pin a bishop or oice oersa., ffid a line-piece can pin a knight or a pawn. If, however, the pinning piece and the pinned one are of the same kind, the pin is not complete, being confined not to a grven square but a given line. (Line pinning.) By way of line pinning a piece can be forced to exchange off or capture the pinning piece. The latter option is a tlpical form of driving ofq not differing, in principle, from the motifs dealt with thus far. 184.

F. SACKMANN

rgo9.

r. B-B8

!

Threatening a discovered attack (2.

P-K7

!)

bishop even K-Q3. It is not sufficient for Black to capture the KP at the price of exchanging off the bishops, because after r. . . ., B xP z. Bx B ch, KxB 3. K-K+ !, K-Qg 4. KQ+ K-83 5. K-B4 ! -White would win with his remaining pawn. Black's against the

after r. . . .,

bishop must therefore seek safety in flight, and be ready to control his Kr at the same time.

B-88 B-N+

r. - z.P-K7 3.

P-B4

ch

!

A powerful directing moye ! Either the bishop is driven off the QR4-K8 diagonal (followed by the immediate queening of White's pawn) or the

king is driven on the QR6-KBI diagonal and the stage is set for a driving off by pinning.

3.- 4. B-R6 ! '

KxP and wins. 185.

A. O. HERBSTMAN 19z6.

by driving off or by line

alone. But should the

fu instance, be posted on its K8, @H slam the door behind it by dP-B3 ch and B-K4. There6e mok must be driven over K+ squarc towards Kr.

RxR RxB and wins.

lVhite uins.

lVhite wins.

t69

Here White's kirrg prepares the ground for a driving off by a pin of Black's bishop, in order to realize his

r. R-R3

186.

H. RINCK,

r9o7.

IThite prefers to decc'.' E-.:-.-

r.

K-I(3 K-Q4

B-Bz

!

win for White r. . . .. K-li: : l Q7, R-R6 ch 3. K-\: R-i.-. . +. R-RS, K-B3 5. 1.6. K-B3, K-B4 ! '\.': 7. K--K4 !)

B-Kr

!

It is a matter of life and death for Black to occupy the long diagonal.

....P-RZ? would fail on account of 3.P-R7, P-R8 (Q +.P-R8 (Q ch

z.

I.

and 5. QxQ.

White wins.

B-Bl

l.P-Rz

Black has reached his goal but on

this particular square the

defensive powers of the bishop can be patalysed

by pinning.

B-QZ

!

and wins,

because after 4. . . ., P-B7 5. B x B ch, K-N6 6. B-NS Nz) the outside pawn is safely promoted.

B-Q4 NxP

r. P-N7 z.

P-B4l

After z. . . ., B-K3 White wins rnore quickly. Now the knight obstructs the movement of his bishop. B-K: 3. B-B3 ! 4.

+.

B-N4

and wins.

!

end-garne White in

threats, a driving-on manoeuvre forcing Biack into line interference, chase and finally the motif of driving off by pinning. This goes to show how efficaciously the several motifs described

170

!.\-l;K6 ! Black could sa\'- :-.: ::': would jeopardize his r:.: i I ch, K-Bz 9. K-B_< I .:A version of drivinE :.- :, :-

Q8

(Q, RxP ch 5. K-3_-.

Q-K7, R-B6 ch

would have ensued

ai:::

:

idea in two variations.

tive now, because z. R-R: :: countered by 2.. . ., K-\.-: : KNI??, RxR 4. P{-. i-i -

with that of driving off. The next study demonstrates the underlying

1923.

&

_: l.-i and there would be n r. ',' :-,' . i ': . ' \X/hite's QP. The same manoeu\':a -: .:'::

5. K-Nz,

R-Rr. Ti:::::-::

must operate with threa:: -:- -:-: lving.

E

,ru,

P-Q7 3.RxP!

z.

,rru

,rrm

%A% White wins.

I

There is no othcr ;.:=::. 4. P-Q8 (Q ch, s:-:: -:-

.ru,

so far can be interlinked to build up a

successful combination.

The sacrifice had lrt t: ::---,: though after r. . .,, R i' : : R-RS ch, 3. K-N:. :.-:.- -

Nz z. R-Rl ch, K-\:

V. and M. PLATOV,

In the next

F.--'.:

--

In rook endings the motif of pinning can in like manner be combined

187.

realizing his passed pawn wields an array of tactical weapons, including

,

on to the closed QR fil: :a:i:: --open that file impruder-*; : : ch. In the latter case there ': - - -

RP.

z.

!!

%

&

3. ...,

K-Rr (Nr' [:-::

4. R-R8 ch and 5. P-(i now White has recc,:r:; .' off by pinning:

r. R-R3

186.

H. RINCK,

r9o7.

4.

!!

White prefers to decoy Black's rook on to the closed QR file rather than to open that file imprudently by r. RxP ch. In the latter case there would be no

r. . . ., K-Nl z. PQ7, R-R6 ch 3. K-Nz, R-Rr +. R-RS, K-B3 S.R-QS, R{r 6. K-83, K-B4 ! (Not. . ., K-K3 ? 7. K-K4 !) win for White

r.-r. P-N7

B_Q+

z P-B4 !

NxP

After z. . . ., B-K3 White wins quickly. Now the knight obIruc$ the movement of his bishoP.

rrt

B-Kr

3- B-83 ! g B-N4 !

and wins.

' In rook endings itrg

the motif of pincen in like manner be combined

ri6 that of driving off. The next ody demonstrates the underlying lka

in two variations.

The sacrifice had to be refused for though after r. .. ., RxR z. P-Q7, R-R8 ch, 3. K-Nz, R-RZ 4. PQ8 (Q), R x P ch 5. K-B3, K-N3 6.

Q-K7, R-B6 ch T. K-N4, R-

!

Black could save his pawns, he would jeopardize his king: 8. Q-Q6

K6

9. K-85 ! etc. A version of driving off by pinning would have ensued after r. . . ., Nz z. R-Rl ch, K-Nt 3. R-KN3!! and there would be no way of stopping ch,

1923.

K-Bz

R-

White's QP.

The same manoeuvre is less effec-

KNt??, RxR +. P-QZ, R-R6 ch ! 5.

Though

and wins.

!

*. ui

concerned here with

of driving off as a for realizing a passed pawn, we propose to include an example which demonstrates that the same

the various

cases

weapon

manoeuvre (driving offby pinning) is, strangely enough, also suitable for the neutralization of a pin. This motif may

be called counter-pinning

tive now, because z. R-R3 ch can be countered by 2.. . ., K-Nz ! g. R-

187.

Y" and M. PLATOV,

R-N3!

R-R6

or-if

you

like it-cross-pinning. (This manoeuvre is not to be confused with another which aims at the actual removal of an existing pin by a driving-off sacrifice. For instance, let

: White's king on queen and his rook on KB7 his QN5, us take this position

on KN5. Black's king on Black's KRr, his queen on KRz and his rook on KNr. Now it would be wrong to pin Black by r. R-RS? because of the possible unpinning and driving-off reply : r. . . ., R-N4 ch ! ) 188.

B. HORWITZ, r8n.

K-Nz, R-Rr. Therefore White

must operate with threats on the other wing.

P-Q7 3.RxP!

z.

!

R-Q3

K-Nr (Rr)

There is no other defence against 4. P-Q8 (Q ch, since in case of 3. . .., K-Rr (Nr) \trhite wins by 4. R-R8 ch and 5. P-Q8 (Q). But now White has recourse to driving off by pinning :

White wins.

t7r

Which of the two queens is doomed

in this position?

I. r. P-R6,

Rx R(r) r. R(6) x R After r. . . ., QxR(S)? z. P-N6 ch

P-N6

P-N6

?

fails against 3.

fortrd

Four pawns try to shmt

!

it

succession and is actually does the iob.

SCHEME

the

fifit

d

PxP ap PxP PxP PxP

II.

KxP

ch

2. . . ., K-Nr

z.

190.

Black cannot avert the mate.

z.

K{3

wins.

R-

and

R8 ch, artd z. .. ., RxP? 3. QxQ would also be in \White's favour. For

rir.

this reason White is willing to sacrifice a rook. 3.

R-R6

A break-through is ofcspccn

and wins,

!

because ttre counter-pin saves not only the life of the queen but also wins one

of Black's chief officers. BREAK.THROUGH Thus far we have dealt with the driving off of various pieces. But in the end-game the driving offofpawns is dso an important factor. The driving off of pawns is aimed at opening a line, or more often, at clearing a square or path. The driving-off operation for the establishment of a passed pawn, i. e. to remove the obstacle hindering its

II. r. P-N6 ! , BP xP z. P-R6 !, P-86 wins. Or : r. P-N6 ! , RPxP z. P-86 P x P 3. P-R6 wins. P x P 3.

!,

Similar sacrifices purposing to estab-

lish a passed pawn can often be carried out in several phases. Sometimes we have to heap sacrifice on sacrifice in order to remove the obstacles. For

R pawns. An outside pewn

rarely realizable and 6c of might also uy and convert mNPwe have seen in end-gamc No. r7ea RP. An important tactical rG thwarting such an atteuF ii I break-through. A typical instance of it is sh.,uo this study :

example: 192.

l9l. F. M. TEED, r88j. SCHEME.

break-through. Let it in its simplest forms :

advance is called

us see

189.

SCHEME I.

'//

-

,1

:

White wins. 172

i

Nr i u

portance in the stmggle betwea

lVhite ?rins.

I r. P-R6, K-Q3 z. P-N6

Four pawns try to shoot forward in the fifth that

!

succession and it is actually does the iob.

wlns. 190.

SCHEME

r. P-R4

II.

P-Q6

PxP e.p. PxP PxP PxP

s.P-Kz

and wins.

z.

P-N4

l.P-Bs 4.

r. K-B7

P-R4

!

!

Forced, but seemingly good, for after z. PxP? White will have only worthless outside pawns left, and in case

Rl

ofz. K-B6?, PxP 3.PxP, K-B5, K-Rz 5. KxP,

+.

KK-

Nz ! Black can secure a draw by taking up the opposition. Consequently only a break-through us nearer the desired goal.*

will bring

A break-through is of especial im-

II. r. P-N6 !, BPxP

z. P-R6

!,

P-B6 wins. Or : r. P-N6 !, RPxP z. P-B6 !, P.l P 3. P-R6 wins. P

:<

P 3.

Simi I ar sacrifices purposing to estabXish a passed pawn can often be car-

ried out in several phases. Sometimes q-e have to heap sacrifice on sacrifice i: order to remove the obstacles. For gtzmole :

portance in the struggle between N and

R pawns. An

outside pawn is very rarely realizable and the opponent might also try and convert our NP-as we have seen in end-game No. r7z-to a RP. An important tactical means of

is the break-through. A typical instance of it is shownby thwarting such an attempt this study:

z.

P-R4

K-Rl

!!

The best, though it does not help either. After 2. .,., NPxP 3. PN5 ! or 2. . . ., RPxP l.PxP White obtains a passed pawn with tempo. It is obvious now why White had to go precisely to KB7 on his first move. 3.

K-B6 !

NPx P

Nor is . . ., RPxP 4. PxP ch, K192.

NZ

l9l. F. M. TEED,

P-N6, P-N6 6. P-N7, PZ.P-N8 (Q) any better for Black.

R+ S. 1885.

SCHEME. .a/:

i .% %l

P-N5 ch 5. K-B7 ! 4.

K-Rz P-R6

* It is interesting that this example is very rarely to be found among end-game reproductions. Most theoretical books cite the I7alker position (r84r) as a textbook pattern. (\Vhite: king on KBS, Pawns on KN5 and KR4. Black: king on his KRr, pawns on KN3 and KRz.) This position, however, is more artificial, moreover it meets neither the artistic nor the didactic requirements, since after r.

'{

K-B7, P-Rg !flhite can simPlY win

tfl,'

also by playing z.

KNr

lVlite

wins.

W'hite wins.

4.

K-R6

KxP, PxP g.PxP !, P-R5 !

!, etc. insteadof z.

as intended.

173

ffilllilr,riilr,r

t,rrilllllllllililllililliltilr

I

6.

P-N6 ch

K-Ra I'-R7 P-R8 (Q)

Z. P-NZ 8. P-N8 (Q 9. Q-N6 ch

and mate.

These century-old examples show that the break-through has for a long time been a widely recognized and consciously applied tacticd factor in end-games. Hence its frequent occurrence in over-the-board games which

often produce study-like positions.

An

example set

by

experienced

grandmasters will throw light on the unpleasant consequences of ignoring the possibility of a break-through : 193.

STAHLBERG-TARTAKOWER, t934.

1.

P-B4

rz. K-Nz, P-RS (Q

PxP??

!

Black had only the three united in mind-which make a

passed pawns

terrible force indeed-but overlooked the other break-through manoeuvre

9.--

ro.

K-Rr

rr. P-N8

P-R7 P-B6

(Q)

and rrins.

z.

P-R4

it

6.

P-R6 !

194.

J. BEHTING,

r9o_(.

K-N4 K-K3

wins.

l. P-RS +. K-Qz ! 5.

:

seems-he is

2. . . ., K-B+ :. P-RS, +. P-QS, K-B3 5. P-Q6,

ch

An elaborate build-up for a br=kthrough is demonstrated in this sl--: j;

P-R+

!

Bla;k

***

sudden onslaught of the RP. Instead of walk-

ing straight into the trap Black could have easily won by playrng r. . . ., K-Bl and 2.. . ., KXP, but now-

I

!!

that was to start with the

however incredible hopelessly lost !

ch

would win.

P-Q5

ch

P-RS

P-N4 K-Qz

!

If 5...., KxP

6.

P-R6 !

follorvs

and the pawn is promoted with check.

6.

P-R6

White wins. !

There is no time to lose because after 6. K-Bl ?, P-R6 ! 7. P-R6, P-N5 ch ! etc. Black recovers his White to play.

(This diagram is taken from a casual game played by the two Grandmasters

in

Budapest, after the Ujpest International Tournam ent, ry34.)

In this losing position White made a bold gamble for a break-through, and 171

it worked

!

breath.

6.--

7. K-Bz 8. 9.

P-R6 P-Ns P-N6

I

PxP

K-Nr

Nz, P-B6

break-through. ch

!

After 9. K-B3 ?, P-R7 ro. ch

In principle, $7hite has ni'o .rErr:s for capitalizing his eErra i."= The simple, technical u'av wcu-i :e to exchange the NP for Black's tsF. and march up with the king ar; -,:e pawns; the tactical method rr-r ci;3 off the hostile pawns, i.e. eie; z here

K-

! rr. K-Rr, P-BZ

But neither of these optroc-r r-< smooth going right from the cut-=er

After r. K-Bz, K-R7 z. Ii-Bj, K-R6 Black is just in time ro F::;=: White's playing P-N+. After r. F-

P-BJ tl&:"l(

rz. K-Nz, P-R8 (Q

PxP??

I

:ad only the three united in mind-which make

s.uC p,as,,:ns

a

:.ble t-orce indeed-but overlooked otL.er break-through manoeuvre

I

n-a-i

9.--

ro.

rr' P-N8

Jar4irt of the RP. Instead of walk$raight into the trap Black could 'e a.il]' rvon by playrng r. . . ., -ts3 anC 2. . .., KxP, but now-

r P-R4

it

t:

.

Black

*

:

194.

F-R6

"*f.i-

t-P P 9- K-\t

P-R6 P-N5 P-N6ch

!

-trrer 9. K-B3 ?, P-.R7 ro.

L P-B6

5. 6.

lYhite wins.

!

ch

of z. . . ., K-R7 3.

K-

Bz ! , K-R6 4. K-B3, K-RZ White could proceed with a well-timed 5. P-N+. The text continuation, however, makes the break-through pos-

4.- P-R6

I

to lose because er 6. K-B3 ?, P-R6 ! 7. P-R6, -N5 ;h I etc. Black recovers his

-. -K-Bz

case

K-Nz

PxP

P-N6

K-Qz

!

IA,ere is no time

5.

In

!!

Green light for the RP to queen with check, should Black's king go to the KR file.

P-Rs P-N+

[:5.. . .. KxP 6. P-R6 ! follows i -.:e :a',rn is promoted with check. !"

K-Kr

P-N4 ! E.P-Bs 4. P-B6 !

rr'ins.

!

r.

z.

K-B+ l. P-RS, K-N4 P{., K-Bl 5.P-Q6, K-K3 t-P-Rs p E-Qz ;: P{< ch

Black's

sible, since Black's king now obstructs his own pawn on the KN file.

J. BEHTING, r9o5.

r- . . .-.

P-R5 I

P-85, P-N6

keeping both irons in the fire.

through is demonstrated in this study

seems-he is

N4 ?, P x P z.

pawn will evidently outmarch White's. STith the text, a preparatory waiting move, White does not show his hand,

An elaborate build-up for a break-

P-R+

!

!

P-R7ch P-B6 u'u wins'

K-Rr !!

to start with the sudden

mcrer incredible rCe:sh' lost !

ch

would win.

K-

! rr. K-Rr, P-BZ

In principle, \il7hite has two options for capitalizing his extra pawn. The simple, technical way would be to exchange the NP for Black's BP, and march up with the king and the pawns; the tactical method to drive off the hostile pawns, i.e. effect a here

break-through.

But neither of these options

PxP P-B+ P-Bs

P-R7

Black has missed the boat, but only because White played K-Kr ! If

instead

K-Kz ? had been the first

move, Black's BP could now advance with check, and White would not be able to win.

7. P-R8(Q)

P-B6

8.

and wins.

Q-R.8

!

is

smooth going right from the outset.

After r. K-Bz, K-R7 z. K-B3, K-R6 Black is just in time to prevent White's playing P-N+.After r. P-

As we have observed in these exam-

ples, the object of a break-through is to establish a passed pawn; in other words, to remove the obstacle barring 175

the way of a blockaded (fixed) pawn. It is usually a case of pawns facing pawns, but it goes without saying that pieces may also take part in the struggle.

this end-game as an "orgy of sacrificesr" and not without reason

In the next end-game

!

Black's doubled pawns are more than a match for a rook and a knight.

The sacrifice of a piece may serve either to drive off an obstructing hos-

Madrid, t934.

%{ru

TI

%

%

I

t

r.-Black to play and win. The blockade

seems to be complete. by a grandiose all-out

Indeed it is only break-through manoeuvre carried out along the whole breadth of the front that Black can prove the vulnerability

of White's r.

- -

z. PxP 3. PxR 4. 5.

PxP PxP

defences.

P-N5 ! RxN ! P-N6 ! P-B6 ch P-R6

NxR

176

!!

P-86

l. N-Qr, NN-84) 3. . . ., P-Bl and 4. . . ., P-B8 (Q. l. N-Qf on the other Threatening (after

R4 or

hand would allow time for Black's other BP to intervene decisively with

g. 3. N-Q3 ?, P-B5 ch ! 4. K-Br, PXN S. KKr, P-B7 6. K-Qz, B-K6 ch !, etc. ; or : 4. N-Bz, P-Bl etc. ; or : 4. RxB, PxN ! and the two pawns discovered check. E.

win against the rook. Nor would l. R-KZ be any better for White in view of 3. . . ., P x N 4. R-Kr, P85 ch ! 5. K-Br, P-B6 etc.

wins. his textbook Therefore White's only hope -and - In the M. Czerniak describes finish of in returning the sacrifice. Black

5.

+ ,+

RxQNP

|

:)

lttr=

QN+.

Blach to play and win.

z.

P-R1

text the rook is unable to

t %,%

A

!

Black would counter 5. R-\8 o N x P with 5. . . ., P-87, whJie L,

ru .{-l

R-N4

A splendid additional threer

6

ffir

ffi

a

]

In case of 3. . . ., P X R Eb-ite ci have continued with 4. N+, BS S. N-Br etc. But no\s . . ., Pis very dangerous again, since m .

4.

195.

Oslo, Tgzr.

P-B<

!

account

ORTUETA-SANZ,

LIIND-NIMZOVITCH,

RxB

not be parried by 4. R-QB5 of 4...., P>,.N1 :n,i pawn is promoted on the other il,

196.

tile pawn or to annihilate it. An example of each to end this chapter :

3.

lies

RxP

P

N]

; ao..1.-$me as an

"orgy of sacri-

s." :"d not rvithout reason ! n t-he next end-game Black's iFtlad pan:ns are more

than a match

a ror:'k and a knight.

'//'a/r,

,\t, ,,*, gil ;l

5.

4

. .:

RxQNP P_B6

R

frearening (after

R-N4

!

P-R4

QN+.

-t|

.N

etc. But now . . .,

!!

text the rook is unable to return to

i:% Y z.-a+ -

N-Br

P-B7 it cannot be parried by 4. R-QB6 on account of 4...., PxN! and the BS S.

A splendid additional threat ! Now Black would counter 5. R-N8 or 5. N x P with 5. . . ., P-B7, while in the

r fitla._

In case of 3. . . ., PXR White could have continued with 4. N-Q3, P-

4.

&

,r,

a:

,:h,

!!

pawn is promoted on the other file.

ORTUETA-SANZ, Iladrid, t934.

E

P-B5

!

is very dangerous again, since

l96.

t: vt

RxB

3.

!!

:. N-Qr, N-

m \-B4) l. . . ., P-BT and 4. , P-BS .Q. :. N-Qf on the other d wou-ld allow time for Black's

r

BP to intervene decisively with Eleered check. E. g. E. N-Q3 ?, .BS ch I 4. K-Br, PxN S. K, P-B- 6. K-Qz, B-K6 ch !,

; or : -1. N-Bz, P-BZ etc. ; or : I .: B, P..r N ! and the two pawns rya*;"st the rook.

Nor would

l.

-K- be any better for White in r of 3. . . ., PxN 4. R-Kr, Pch ! -<. K-Br, P-B6 etc. tcretbre Vhite's only hope enrraing the sacrifice.

lies

RxP

PxN

!

Black wins.

-and In this last

example

the

break-

through has been made possible by the annihilation of the obstacle-

Vhite's QNP-and not by the..driving-off" motd yet the key to success lay in the driving on of the knight. Having devoted this section ro the subject of driving off, we have deliberately come back to the concept of driving on. The two motifs are, in fact, closely related, and may often occur together in the same combination. We have examined them separately as tactical elements and now-in the following chapter'-we propose to give a survey of both with particular stress on the relationship between them.

DIRECTION

The

acceptance

for

forced,

after

RxP, P-N: l. R-N: c: :. . . N8 (Q 3. R-RS ch, Q-F.RxQ ch, KXR White's tsF :, first to queen. z. 3.

also

occur together, in close interconnection. \U7e have seen that, if we force

maining pawn stafis ::=

Dr. G. KISSLING r9zr.

march.

some hostile piece to an inconvenient square, it is a case of driving off as opposed to the driving-on manoeuvre

P-R8 (Q .h 5 Q-R8 ch 4.

6. QxP ch 7.QxQ ch 8. PxP

which consists in decoying a hostile piece from a square favourable to the opponent. In both cases we direct the opponent's pieces by forcible means. There are two instances when we may speak of total direction. One is when, as a result of our forcing move, a hostile piece leaves a definite square and lands on another definite square; or, to put it more plainly, the "wherefrom" is just as important as the "whereto ?" Regarded from this angle it is obvious that the motifs of driving off and driving on can be combined in a single move.

The other case of total direction is when our combination is made up of an alternation of driving-off and driving-on moves. Let us demonstrate first the concept of a one-move directing sacrifice. In this position White's extra rook seems to be amply offset by Black's QN6 pawn. White has no winning chance even if he can get both of Black's NP's in exchange for the rook; 178

r

Black's queen is soor.ei c: ::= ' exchanged off and then \[a::-:

197.

The tactical motifs we have discuss-

ed in the preceding chapters may

P-\ P-\-r

P-R6 P-R7

=-:-

K_F.-

K-\-

K_8.

Ka aj.!

ir

---:.,

*** A directing sacrifice la1-s -:

:::

tion for the win also il. -: -:1F.. ending in which, hos-er-er. :: ::ts-{

.

lead lVhite wins.

what's more, after

r. R-N7, P-NZ

to i:i *: :l: ::=.

the case i: 198.

Dr. A. WOTA\['A.

Black has a won end-game. Still there is one hidden move that turns the scales in White's favour.

since

r9_<:.

itri

!!

A total directing sacrifice

as was

example.

z. RxP, P-N8 (Q g. RxQ, KxR

r. R-N5

straightaway

position

it

accomplishes not only the driving off

of Black's RP but also drives

it

x

Pre-

cisely to its KN4, within convenient slaying distance for ![rhite's BP.

r.--

PxR r2*

:TIO\

The acceptance of the sacrifice is for after r. . . ., P-N7 z. RxP, P-N: l. R-NS or 2. .. ., pN8 (Q 3. R-RS ch, Q-Rz ! +. RxQ ch, KxR White's Bp is the first to queen. forced,

z. P-R6 3. P-R7

P-Nz P-N8 (Q)

Black's queen is sooner or later to be exchanged off and then White's re-

197.

Dr. G. KISSLING, r9zr.

maining pawn starts

its

triumphal

march.

P-RS (Q ch K-Rz K-Nz 5 Q-R8 ch 6. QxP ch K-BZ KxQ 7. QxQ .h 4.

1l

8.

PxP

***

*

%%

"ffi

A directing sacrifice lays the foundation for the win also in the next rook ending in which, however, it does not

lead

straightaway

position White wins.

R-N7, P-NZ :. R P, P-N8 (Q :. RxQ, KxR

to the winning

the case in the previous

Dr. A. \X/OTA$ilA, r95r.

)'<

NP

It tr.rrns out that $(Ihite's plan is not to realize his RP, but to launch a mating attack against Black's unhappily posted king. The directing move has in fact served a double purpose, name-

ly (a) the hostile rook has been made to leave the QR file on which !7hite's RP is a constant menace, and (b) the rook has occupied its KNz, the exact square where it indirectly

bars the escape of its king

(2. . . ., K-N3 ? 3. R-Nl ch, etc. wins quickly.)

But Black's ingthe

tured spar-

.Rx

P ? Black could have warded off the mating threat (P-N+) after R ro the KN file by way of z. .. ., R-QR z I 3.

R-KN4, RxP 4. R-N8, R-R6 But now S[hite's threat is still in the air, the obstacle on the QR file frustrating the suggested line of defence.

)

-R-KN3

R-QBz P-R6

Black is ready to parry the mating R-N8 by . . ., R-86 ch. Therefore another directing move is needed, the rook must be driven off

!!

threat after 4.

from the open line and driven on to

mel'; to its KN4, within convenient s,Laru.s distance for I7hite's BP. --

R

If r. ..., R-Rr?, then z. Rxp, K-NE l.R-N+ ch, etc. easily wins. z. R-R3 ! !

3.

-{ toial directing sacrifi,ce since it a.-':rnp[shes not only the driving off ot Bia:k's RP but also drives it pre-

7

!

ch.

198.

tsl-a:li res a rvon end-game. S:.[ there is one hidden move that m:> lhe scales in White's favour.

R-\5

as was

example.

mb;r's more, after r.

r.

and wins.

r. P-N7

PxR

Wlite r2*

wins.

a closed one.

4. 5. 6.

P-R7 ! R-NS ! P-N4 ch

RxP R-Rs RxP r79

7. RxR 8. R-N4

P-N+ and wins.

!

In the next bishop ending the

because the interfering bishop prevents Black from giving more checks and White is free to queen.

directing sacrifice brings about an exceptional drawing position in spite

riority:

Here follow some simple, classical examples of the combined application of chase, driving on and driving off,

199.

for bringing about the desired win-

A. A. TROITSKY,

ning position.

19o6.

another check,

*-ror

trest

should affain his R>rP or-manoeuvre.

***

of the opponent's overwhelming supe-

Again and again Black is

to give

8. 9.

R-8.

K-R6 ! R-B4 ch

K_R.

R-\'

K-N6 ! rr. K-R5 ! ro.

R-ts-

White has completeC -:s : gradually squeezing back n:

king and now, after dri-'-u: -rsecond rank, White crJ?.:-i :1 driving off with pinning.

200.

Dr. Em. LASKER, r89o.

K-R.

rz. R-B3 ch 13.

RxP

!

*** Occasionally rve

r. B-N4 z. B-Qz

!

B-N4

!!

20t.

The double purpose of the sacrifice

is again very remarkable. It drives off the bishop from the Q8-KR4 di-

White wins.

and drives it on to the Qz square. The driving off has cleared the way in front of White's pawn, the

r.

agonal

driving on restricts the mobility of Black's prospective queen. Though the sacrifice is not forcing, Black obviously cannot expect to win if he tolerates $fhite's bishop on its QBKR6 diagonal.

,

--

:. P-KZ +.K-Qz r8o

cc. L: - ;

the increase of the rar:: :: a piece, for example the cF3-:.-line, by way of direcrioi.

Draw.

BxB P-B8 (Q and draws,

K-N8

K-R8 ! 3. R-B6 ch

z.

R-N7 R-87 K-R+

ch

3. . . ., K-N+? is unsound, since the QN file must be left open so that

if

need be the rook

can

harass

S7hite's king with checks.

+.K-Nz ch

P. HEUACKER.

5. 6.

K-R7 ! R-B5 ch

z.K-Nz

R-N7 R-Bz K-Rs R-N7

ch

ch

because the interfering bishop preBlack from giving more checks ad \t-hite is free to queen.

T'eo,ts

Again and again Black is compelled

to give

another check, lest White should attain his RxP driving-off manoeuvre.

*** Here follow some simple, classical a:mples of the combined application ot- c}"'ese, driving on and driving off, for bringhg about the desired winni,rg p,-rsition.

R-Bz K-R6 R-N7 R-Bz

eventual blockading of Black's harm-

ful KP. First, ch

White has completed his plan of gradually squeezing back the hostile driving off with pinning.

Dr. Em. LASKER, r89o.

three factors together combine to assure a gain of tempo needed for the

king and now, after driving him to the second rank, White crowns it by a

200.

The three elements of direction are presented here one by one and these

13.

RxP

K-Rz and wins.

!

try for driving off:

r. B-R7

B-R8

!

!

Now a little chase to bring the king nearer his goal on K4, to prevent the opening of the bishop's diagonal of course.

K-Nr

z.

K-Bz

3.

rz. R-B3 ch

a

B-B6 B-R8

!

And now a surprising driving-on manoeuvre

to

make the mountain

come to Mohammed. Occasionally we can also prevent the increase of the range of a hostile piece, for example the opening of a line, by way of direction. 201.

White wins.

K-\8

K-RS ! R-B6 ch _:. . .

P. HEUACKER, rg3o.

R-N7 R-87 K-R+

4.

..., PXB would indeed move

BxB

!!

the mountain, and Black would meekly resign himself to an immediate blockade by 5.K-Qf. Of course, the

text continuation makes little difference.

K-Qr

B-R8

Unavoidable loss of tempo, because Black cannotplay ..., P-K5 as long as the bishop is en prise. And he never does manage to play it after White's next move.

., K-N+? is unsound, since

Q\ i-le must be left open so that il =eeC be the rook can harass Ere', i
B-Qa

s.

ch

fre

.r K-N7 5. K-R7 ! 6. R-B5 ch -. K-Nz

4.

6.

K-K4 !

ch

because there

and wins,

is no cure

White's queening. ch

White wins.

***

against

In the following example the directing manoeuvre leads to a Zagzwang position and eventually to Black's defeat.

ders.

5.BxN ch ! 6. K-N5 !

202.

L. I. KUBBEL,

cope with the task, therefore we'd better shift it on to the king's shoul-

KxB

1929.

Zugzwang! The only reasonable knight move at Black's disposal also proves to be damaging because it immensely increases the effectiveness of a new driving-off sacrifice.

6.-7. 8.

P-N7 ! P-Q6 ch !

N-Kz K-Bz and wins.

necessary to single oul ai'c differentiate between ssllpin c:-Ete teristic features (analysis) ani i-33 examine them in their interco--s-Ti and unity (synthesis). Tc.,.s r: : process of logical thinking E: ,=i

is

tive imagination. We propose to offer the r=ai= fund of practical experience b1 ;:

senting here some

of te: :-e-';--T1: :ea

gerns of artistic end-gams:.

er is advised to enter intc r-=-: a= analysis and follow up the l-=:ai combinations in all detai-I.

It is advisable to re-esa=::. -r -= play over the main vanac'-'- +" position after each move a:a after the analysis.

White wins.

K-Kl

r. P-Q4 ch !

White threatened to rush ahead with and N7 if either of his central pawns were captured.

P-N6

K-K+

P-Q5 ch 3. P-N6 !

z.

NxP

ch

The only way to overtake the NP leads via White's Q6. Even this line of defence has its drawback though: Black can't help "directing" White's king to a better place. 4.

K-R4

N-Qr

!

Things seem

to be shaping out : the NP

quite satisfactorily for Black

cannot reach the promotion square.

Indeed, Black's knight could easily

t8z

The above examples may have sufficed to throw light on the essentials of direction. We must point out, how-

203.

L. V. SALKIND. rc::.

ever, that direction is no longer a simple, elementary motif of tactical operations, but such a complex process of forcing as may enable us to tackle enormous, not to say impossible, tasks in both attack and defence. This amounts to declaring that one

in his studies of technical subtleties, reached the point at which he consciously and purposefully utilizes the various motifs of direction is actually on the threshold of being able to find his way in the labyrinth of the most intricate combinations. To cross that threshold he has to acquire abundant experience and develop both the analytic and synthetic methods of thought. In order to be able to perceive and understand the substance of an end-game with a view to drawing the correct conclusions, it who has,

White

zcin-s.

White's only winning chalcr ;,

in his QB6 pawn. For the resl i

pawns are isolated, his kiag be;

posted and Black threatens to pley . " R-QI-QB3. There is there:-cre :

time to lose.

cope u-ith the task, therefore we'd bcmer shift it on to the king's should€s.

5.B )ich! 6.

K-N5

KxB

!

Zugzr ang ! The only reasonable kuigfit move at Black's disposal also

plrotrs

to be damaging

because

it

irrn'nsas3lv increases the effectiveness qq-a oen- driving-off sacrifice.

6.--

-. P-N7 r. P{6

N-Kz K-Bz

!

ch

!

and wins.

is

necessary

to single out and to

differentiate between certain characteristic features (analysis) and then to examine them in their interconnection and unity (synthesis). This is the process of logical thinking and creative imagination. We propose to offer the reader a fund of practical experience by presenting here some of the finest-cut gems of artistic end-games. The reader is advised to enter into their deep analysis and follow up the thread of combinations in all detail. It is advisable to re-examine the position after each move and then to

play over the main variation again after the analysis. 203.

T-oe above examples may have suf-

6.el, to throw light on the essentials c*-d,::r.ion. I7e must point out, howere:_. t-nat direction is no longer a sirarl.e. elementary motif of tactical cperaions, but such a complex prom* cf forcing as may enable us to txei<-: enormous, not to say impossble- tasks in both attack and defence. Tl-t amounts to declaring that one ryfuo has. in his studies of technical subtlei.es, reached the point at which he cins.-icusly and purposefully utilizcs -.re various motifs of direction is aauer-ls otr the threshold of being able rg -l his u'ay in the labyrinth of the BLa-t intri cate combinations. Trr e-rcsS that threshold he has to rcqure abundant experience and deve$,ep both the analytic and synthetic -:-..1:ods of thought. In order to be Eble ro perceive and understand the suts-;rce of an end-game with a view ru-r d-liing the correct conclusions, it

L. V. SALKIND, r93o.

t A

r. P-B7

P-R4

Threatenitrg

..., K-B7

!

mate. Of

course, we had to reckon with this danger in advance. What shall we do now? \ilfle have to drive off one or another ofthe enemy officers so as to provide some elbow-room for our king before it is too late.

z.

R-Q4

RxP

!!

!

If z. ..., RxR, White is free to promote his pawn for after 3. P-88 (Q, R-Q6 | +. Q-NZ !, K-B7 ch he can avert the danger by 5. Q-Nf ch ! After 2....,KxRch 3. K-Nz ! White is out of his pr'edicament and is soon compensated by a queen for the sacrificed rook.

It would also be easyto stave off the mating danger in case of z. .. ., RK6? 3. R-K+ !, RxP (+. R-Kz !). But now l7hite would be led astray if he seized the alluring opportunity for a driving-off sacrifice. Though the play 3. R-Qz?!, KxR ch 4. K-Nz would put an end to the mating threat and even net a queen for V/hite, Black would proceed with 4. . . ., R-QB6!

S. P-B8 (Q), R-B7 ch, etc. and draw by perpetual check. For the time being then, we must strive to drive off the rook, instead of White wins.

White's only winning chance lies in his QB6 pawn. For the rest, his pawns are isolated, his king badly posted and Black threatens to play . . .,

R-Qf{B3. time to lose.

There is therefore no

the king. 3.

R-84

R-N6

!

!

We could easily find a defence now in 4. R-Bz, but then Black's rook can prevent queening by +. .. ., R-Nr thanks to the open file. Let us deprive

it of even that

option. r83

4.

R-N4

R-R.6

!

!

To the open file, of course, otherwise Black could not guard the queen-

ing square after R-Nz ! We should also observe that Black can occupy his KR6 only now when White's rook is

already closing the diagonal, otherwise White would promote his pawn with a double attack. This suggests to us the idea, even in our hurry, to drive

off the rook that on the third rank there might be a square that is partic-

for the rook to

ularly

suitable driven on. 5. 6.

R-R4 R-R3

be

Inbishop endings as we observed rn Diagram No. r79, driving-off motifs are of particular importance. In this very difficult position the struggle is enlivened by driving on-r square vacating and Zugzwang. Our first conclusion is that we gain nothing by winning Black's bishop immediately in exchange for the NP, since after r. P-NS (Q, BxQ ch z. K x B, P-86!, etc., Black is first to queen. Obviously then our task is either to occupy agonal in order

R-N6

!!

and wins,

KRz-QN8

8. Q-NZ, K-B7 ch g. QN3 ch !, RxQ ch ro. PxR the other

3.

Rx R 7. P-88

QBP will also be promoted.

(Q

K--B5 ! P_B6 Bx KRP

B-K7 B-Q8

If l.

..

it wants to, but gec i-r:="::

7. P-N8 (Q 8. K-N7 !!

Of courseWhite's kr:rg::::ss:: :

RP which is a great powe! ::;r'. E-a can only make tempo mc',':-. ;:- : king behind the pa\rn, b:,.r-. i: '. s:, deprived even of that p*--rt:3-T.

8.-g.

ro.

19o6.

., P-B7 4.

Bx

B, P-88

S. P-N8 (Q) White's extra piece and pawn would decide the issue.

4.

K-N4

B-N6

Eliminates the threat 5.

P-N8

!

B-Kr

(Q)

..., BxQ ch 6. KxB, P-B7 I l.BxP, KxP. P-R6 B-Bz

!

Threatening

White wins. r84

P-Ns B-Bz

..., P-N6,

bai ..

have been earlier.

rr. BxP ! rz. P-R7 r3. P-R8 (Q) 14. Q-R6 ch

BB

)E-

P-B!

'

*** Lest the difficult an\l ;-=:;

which now fails on 5.

5. 6.

K-L. K_\: ?:\:

B-R4

204.

O. DURAS,

!!

Forced, and just as

r. B-R3 z.

P-Kl

diagonal and promote

our QNP.

(Q),

since after 6. . . .,

P-Bl

or to drive off the hostile bishop from our

!

the KNI-QR7 di-

to prevent . . .,

square there.

and

variations of the precedins shouid blur the clear unifcrr, direction in our mind, let us

chapter

with two apparei''*';

sa

positions with a minimum of =a::--; in which the pieces dance like g--: marionettes controlled b,v r}le r--;:s:: strings of creative imagiaauo:. In both studies the singJe-tra:s ;:

of direction is crosrrri

White's NP is harmless as long as it lacks the support of the QRP. Black seems to be getting the upper hand. But now a remarkable "driving on"

a dramatic flourish: the cc:.-:: offensive of White's forces c=:: = expectedly

takes place : Black's bishop goes to the

monarch.

cess

E::

cuts short the Me cl Bla:r

Io bishop endings as we observed in Dragran No. r79, driving-off motifs TE ci particular importance. In this retr drJEcult position the struggle is cnlLireoed by driving on, square vacatreg ard Zugmrang. Or:r first conclusion is that we gain norhing by winning Black's bishop iirnr"re$ately in exchange for the NP, sine after r. P-NS (Q), BxQ ch z. K , ts, P-B6!, etc., Black is first to qu€D. Obviously then our task is

dti,ei ro occupy the KNI-QR7 diry-oral i-o order to prevent . . ., P-Bl cr t.. cirive off the hostile bishop from KRz{N8 diagonal and promote

"rrr

ou: Q\P.

B-R; ts-Kz

K--B5

!

Bx KRP

. L -:. . .., P-Bl 4. BxB, P-88

Q -.. P-N8 (Q White's extra piece roi ;arn rvould decide the issue. .r

L\6

K-N4

F-:r.rinateS the threat 5.

wH:\

P-N8

!

(Q)

..., BxQ ch 6- K B, P-87 | l.BxP, KxP. norv fails on 5.

;. P-R6 5.

ts-Bz

!

P-Ns B-Bz

Trreatening . . ., P-N6, and Eh.'t:'s \P is harmless as long as it ErcrRs lhe support of the QRP. Black rc to be getting the upper hand. B,"lr now a remarkable "driving on" srk+ ciace : Black's bishop

goes

it wants to, but

gets

imprisoned

205.

L. I. KUBBEL, 7. P-N8 (Q !! 8. K-N7 !!

BxQ

,.% '%,

Of course White's king sticks to his RP which is a great power now. Black can only make tempo moves with his king behind the pawn, but he is soon deprived even of that possibitty.

8.--

K-R+ K-N+ P-N6

s. B-R+ ro. B-Kr

to the

rr. BxP ! rz. P-R7 r3. P-R8 (Q) 14. Q-R6 ch

BxB P-Bz P-B8(Q) and wins.

***

White wins,

with two apparently

easy

positions with a minimum of material, in which the pieces dance like graceful marionettes controlled by the invisible strings of creative imagination. In both studies the single-track pro-

cess of direction is crowned with a dramatic flourish: the concerted offensive of V/hite's forces quite unexpectedly cuts shoft the life of Black's

monarch.

To

neutralize Black's dangerous

passed pawn White must conquer the

vital Q4 square.

r. N-B6

KxN

!

The best, for White would

Lest the difficult and intricate variations of the preceding examples should blur the clear uniform idea of direction in our mind, let us end this chapter

tg2z.

ch

Forced, and iust as bad as it would have been earlier.

P-86

B-Q8

square there.

have

countered r. . .., P-RZ with z. NN4 ch. For the rest, White threatened also to play NxP and 8-86 or NN3. The driving-off manoeuvre has gained time for a new attack:

z.

8-86

K-Q+

!

Not z. . . ., K-B4? for fear of

B-K7 g. 4.

!

3.

ch.

P-Qr

!

P-B4

ch

!

P-Rz K-B+

Forced move, otherwise either the

QP falls or White wins easily by . . ., PXP e. p. 5. BxP.

+.

r85

5. 6.

K-N7 !! B-K7 ch

P-R8

(Q) and mate !

206.

Dr.

J.

FRITZ,

1938.

Paving the way

Al

cherished treasure. Incidentally, there is no better continuation because if r. . . ., B-N7 or r. . . ., B-R5 !7hite would continue with z. N-BZ ch and 3.P-Bl since the knight guards both its Q6 and its

THE FIGHTING

P-87 KxB 4. K-K5

z.

_a.

White wins.

In this end-game both sides effectively direct each other's pieces by way of threats and attacks, and from the clash of the two lines of play a final picture emerges which could hardly be foreseen from the initial position. It is worth noting how the threats are transformed and the plans nnodi-

fied as new targets for attack arise. At any rate our first plan is the realization of the passed pawn. !

Preventing . . ., B-BS ch and threateningP-B7, r. N-K6? would not have the same effect, for after r. . . ., B-N7 or r.. . ., B-R6 Black's bishop could occupy its

QNI-KR7

r86

N-N5!

!

B-B5 ch ! N-Q4 ch NxP

The pawn is lost, therefore we must change our plan. In addition to the piece sacrificed, Black has had to pay a heavy price for the pawn: White's king has become an active participant in the struggle while Black's knight is

uncomfortably decentralized and as such a convenient target in White's second

plan: the

trapping of the

knight. 5. K-Q6 6. K-K7 !

N-Kr ch N-Nz

After 6. . . ., N-Bz 7. B-B4 !, N-Rr 8. I(-Q6 !, N-N3 9. B-N3!, N-Br ch ro. K-Q7, N-N: ch (ro. ..., N-R2 rr. B-R+ !) rr. K-B7, N-Rr ch tz. K-NZ Vrhite would have done it.

And now? Let us switch over to the

third plan-a less obvious possibility, Zugzwangt

diagonal.

r.--

directing

K5.

%z

r. K-N3

for a

sacrifice by which Black will ultimately succeed in stealing White's

7. 8.

K-B8 !! N-87 ch

N-R+ and mate

!

KI\ G

The motifs and elemee-u:-r; -':d:i tions discussed in the pre'i: tr: ::-zr' ters have invariabl;r been ac;:=r,:-:r: by a factor which has maCe E--Elrrthe efficient application of -.3 r.-:-. ple offorcing. This factor i= -: ''::,;

or indirect effect of the positious o. both kings upon the course ,.-t ';-= operations.

The fact that in the over;;i: majority of end-games the -t::

---, ;. -the open field, taking an acri-,-e 3- -

attack or defence, may oft:e be ;::= ducive to greatly increasi:rg tbe -:,::ity and range of the hostile piece:. 'l'open positions with ferr,piec+ a *4 especially if posted near the rui.-: :

the board, is exposed to

ana.--<

=-: -:;; = -:count as a gain of time for -&: -:-deployment of the attacki-c_: ;:-:;

several directions and offensii-e of every kind; every chec!: g'.

Practically speaking, the srie i-;' gives check can make two mo\-i: E---' the same piece at one go: I:--ri;reaching without loss of ti-nse er:: such squares as were not o-=:r. under its direct control. The group of squares u'i'jj: of a piece as it stands, incluj'-. square it occupies, is callei t-h.: ra-uge

rar=g -r.i:e way for a directing ol'-** fr.' rvhich Black will ultirrl]- s':cceed in stealing \U7hite's dsLei tr.€sure. nideltallv, there is no better conrmic- because if r. . . ., B-N7 or . .. ts-R6 White would continue b. :. \-B7 ch and l.P-Bl since

RANGE AND CONCERTED ACTION

imi_::t guards both its Q6 and its

THE FIGHTING 11

i1-

,.K

B

.-

r-D

- K-K<

:

B-B5 ch ! N-Q4 ch NxP

KING

or

scope, ofthatpiece. Speaking ofthe range of a piece we generally think of

The motifs and elementary opera- its primary range, that is the group tions discussed in the previous chap- of squares it can reach in one move. ters have invariabl5r been accompanied But for a correct appraisal of the by a factor which has made possible dynamic powers of a piece it is

fi,3 ;:-..-l is lost, therefore we must ,'ji plan. In addition to the =s: :: =:,;:ic:d, Black has had to pay a

the efficient application of the princi- necessary that its secondary range, ple of forcing. This factor is the direct that is the group of squares it can

h"a. .ecome an active participant 5e --r:gsle rvhile Black's knight is

operations.

r-n :-,-e for the pawn: !7hite's _s

r:e:-:r'uablv decentralized and as L a :.--venient target in White's :si r1a. : the trapping of the

-r:.

F{5 i K-K- I ,.

N-Kr ch N-Nz

|;-: 5. . . ., N-Bz 7. B-B4 !, =R.r S. I.:-Q6 !, N-N3 9. B-N3!, -Br ;r ;0. K-Q7, N-N3 ch (ro. - 5-R: rr. B-R4 !) rr. K-B7, -R.r :r 12. K-NZ $7hite would s

u--!

11.

LEi ...ii- ? Let us switch over to the :ri p:.:.::-a less obvious possibility, il,

ri 3--< -

I

-.-

,-

l.

K_BE

\-B-

I:

N-R+

ch

and mate

!

or indirect effect of the positions of occupy in two moves, should both kings upon the course oftactical be taken into consideration.

By giving check we can often extend

The fact that in the overwheiming majority of end-games the king is in the open field, taking an active part in attack or defence, may often be conducive to greatly increasing the mobility and range of the hostile pieces. In open positions with few pieces a king, especially if posted near the middle of the board, is exposed to attack frorn several directions and offensive moves of every kind; every check given may

count as a gain of time for the rapid

deplovment

also

of the

attacking piece.

Practically speaking, the side that gives check can make two moves with the same piece at one go, thereby reaching without loss of time even such squares as were not originally under its direct control. The group of squares within reach of a piece as it stands, including the square it occupies, is called the range,

the dynamic powers of a piece over

a

secondary range. Therefore the opponent's king very often becomes air in-

direct target, a springboard for the preparation of successful "skewers" or double attacks.

THE GEOMETRICAL MOTIF A frequent objective of forcing and directing tactical operations is to achieve a position in which a king exposed to attack is placed on the line (diagonal) of another unsupported piece. In such cases we can capture the latter by giving check to the king.

The target position which

makes

possible a dual attack (skewer) is called

the strength of its spatial -on characteristics-geometrical position. Its tactical motif is the realization of 187

the secondary range of the offensive piece whether queen, rook or bishoP, intervening on the vulnerable line.

After 3. . . ,, K-K4, the secondary range of the queen is shifted to the diagonal: 4. Q-B3 ch, etc. 4. Q-B5 ch 5. Q-R7 ch*

207.

A. A. TROITSKY,

1898.

K-Qz wins.

her successor.

paves the way for forcing al position :

a

Q-Nz

ch

K-N-i K_B:

Q-R3 ch Q-Nz ch !

After 3. . . .,

van

Q-Rt

!

K-Rl

+.

Q-tt: e-

S. Q-Nl ch ! the prri,"u:s pattern would emerge. On 3. . . .. K84 +. K-RZ, Q-R2 5. Q-\ c:K{+ 6. K-R6 wins.

Now the geometrical mou:-

realized by a diagonal driving-or' noeuvre.

i( ::.F

aa and

a-:-cs.

***

VLIET,

r888.

&

In this elementary example an energetic and meaningful sacrifice

z.

3.

4. Q-Rz ch !! 5. P-N8 (Q ch 208.

White wins.

K-N3

K-Nl

* .t*

L.

ch,

3.

The range of the queen in a geometrical position is also demonstrated by the next examples. The existing queen paves the way for the action of

6

achieved by the continuation z.

The secondary range of the qum rs of particular importance in en.l--emcs

rvith mutual queening.

A 209.

geometric-

N. D. GRIGORIE\I, t9:-i.

r. R-K6 ch !! Opens a line for the queen, enforces self-interference on the long diagonal

and drives Black's rook to its K3 to

block a square. All this goes to the making of a successful chase.

r. z.

- -

Q-R6

ch

RxR K-Q+

fn case of z. . . ., K-B (Q)z the geometrical position is already arrived at and White wins by f .Q-RZ ch, etc. 3. r88

Q-B4

ch

K-Qr

Wldte wins.

r.Q-N+

!

Q-RS

!

The longest moYe makes the game last longest. In case of r. . . ., Q-Q+ (86) z. Q-R+ ch,

K-Nr f. Q-Nr

ch !! would force Black in a position in which a "skewer" by a. P-N8 (Q) ch would be fatal. After r. . . ., Q-NZ a similar geometrical position can be

lVhite wins.

The extra tempo not onl.v assu.sEs psq:

the timely promotion of White's

j. . . ., K-K4, the secondary cf the queen is shifted to the url: + Q-Bf ch, etc. trr :

ch Q-R- cb

K-Qz

Q-8,<

and wins.

achieved by the continuation z.

ch,

K-N3

3.

Q-Nz

ch

Q-R3

!

three available promotion squares.

K-Nl

Q-R3 ch 3. Q-Nz ch !

z.

K-Bz

r. P-Q4

K-Rl 4. Q-Rz ch, Q-Nr ch ! the previous

After 3. . . .,

K-Nl

S.

pattern would emerge. On 3. . . .,

K-

E raoge of the queen in a geo-

84 +. K-RZ, Q-Rz 5. Q-N6 ch, K{4 6. K-R6 wins. Now the geometrical motif is

of

realized by a diagonal driving-on manoeuvre.

izl p'osition is also demonstrated lc Best gsamples. The existing D

psFes the way for the action

trcEESSOr.

4. Q-Rz 5. p_N8 208.

L.

r'an VLIET,

ch

!!

,0r..1

QxQ

and wins.

.

1888.

The secondary range of the queen is of particular importance in end-games

t:

v,*,

rvith mutual queening.

w .!1

aW

209.

WI

I

K-N4 ! K-B+ K-K+

!

K-B7 ! r.P-Qs 4. F-K4 ! z.

Now Black may push forward with any of his three pawns, the result u,ill ultimately be the same: a disastrous geometrical position:

A. 4. .. ., P-QR+ S. K-K7, P6.P-Q6, P-R6 Z.P47,P-RZ 8. P-Q8 (Q), P-R8 (Q g. Q-R8 ch wins. -and 8.4. . . ., P-N4 S.K-KZ, P-N5 6. P-Q6, P-N6 l.P-Ql, P-N7 s.P-Q8 (Q), P-N8 (Q s.Q-Q6 ch, KxP ro. Q-N6 ch!-and wins. C. 4. . .., P-KR+ S. K-K7, PR5 6. P-Q6, P-R6 7.P-Q7,P-RZ 8. P-Q8 (Q), P-R8 (Q e. Q-Q6 ch, KxP ro. Q-86 ch-and wins. RS

N. D. GRIGORIEV, 1928.

w.,i,

*** The secondary range of the rook is also a frequent and well-known motif

*

of lTlite

Q--r-+

I

wins.

Q-R8

!

ch,

K-Nf l.Q-Nt

force Black in a position in

t "skewer" by a. P-N8 (Q) rH b€ fatal. After r. . . ., Q-NZ h

uTa geometrical position can be

far, the

For the sake of completeness, we include one more example here. In

hryest move makes the game qEsL In case of r. . . ., Q-Q+

a fRl

end-game tactics. Thus

rook "skewer" as an efficient tactical weapon has appeared in the main or subvariations of the following endgames : Nos. 79, rz4, tz8, t3t rr33, r48 and 16o.

r

rmld

but also enables Black's prospective queen to be captured on any of the

this it is the recognition of the simplest White

and most characteristic geometrical position that leads us to the solution,

zoins.

The extra tempo not only

assures

the timely promotlon of Whiie's pawn

but-as we shall see-the correct solution will result only from the correct recognition. r89

210.

N. D. GRIGORIEV, t933.

4. 5. 6.

R-K

ch

R:QR6

K-Qz R-N7 ch

!

!

K-B6

R-B7 ch R-K7 ch R-Rz

7. I(-K5 8.

K-B4

And now

a

ddving-offattempt, since

White's pawn is taboo on

account

of Black's badly posted king

:

g.

RxP

and wins,

!

because the rook

will be lost after

for launching attacks of tl.;

fighter when it comes to

r K-B6

From each of the 16 cecuzof the board the knight, Ii-\e

r.

P-R7 ?, R-KR7 2. R-R6 (threatening mate) fails against the interpolated z. . . ., R-R3 ch ! and . . ., RxP.

2ll.

9.

r..-z. P-Fr7

l.K-Nz

P-R6 R-KR7 P-R7

ft seems that White's natural continuation is 4. R-QR6, nevertheless the following move is a very irnportant interpolation.

R-QN6 !, and R-QR6 ! should be played only on Black's 4. ..., P-RZ so that in case of 5. . . ., R-N7 ch 6. K-R6, R-R7 ch 7.K-N6, RN7 ch 8. K-B5, R-R7 White could play g. RxP ! with tempo, attacking the hostile rook at the same time.

/,/4.,-'

l'

-(Nos. an adequate background-for

the study

metrical motif.

THE RANGE OF THE KNIGHT Unlike "line-pieces," the knight

controls individual squares on the board, and as such is not suitable

J

e

iA

"skewers"-611 files, ranks or diagonal ro7, ro8, tz5, t58, 165) offer

1\

,,%

***

It is worth noting that the sound of the relationships between various simple tactical motifs and the geocontinuation after 3. . . ., K-Kz is 4.

r90

L. PROKES.

rook: 9. ..., RXP ro. R-R8 ch, K-Bz ! rr. R-R7 ch, K-N3 etc.

In end-games Nos. 67, tot, ro2, r3o, r38, r39, and t6z we saw many examples of the realization of a bishopts secondary range. Therefore it is enough to stress the importance of playing them over again. These, together with the examples of queen

s

:'-:

exercises its direct effe- :--directions ; therefore erea:- ;: range is not to be undera::,:termediate checks the ar= r:-reach can be considerablt 38,

king had gone to his Qt on the fourth move. It was important, however, not to tolerate him on his Kr, since he could then rtrsh to the defence of the

!

>icrt L-

attacks launched in ser-eral

..., RXP ro. R-RZ ch, or 9. ..., R-(anywhere) ro. R-RS !. It would make no difference if Black's

White wins.

":i

type; but it is a mcsr ::=

White *'ir-'.

Both knights are in pe:- ; : they to defend each ct!e: i Ti at the edge of the bcari i= -j: but the one that cerr !ee.-: =i will be exceedinglv r-a,--:l-:

t. N-Q6

If r..

. .,

ch

i\-{

K-Bz \\E:: r-

3r:

ki-::= N-NS ch and 3. \-B_:. contact between tl.e z.

N-fu

3. K-Qz

! !

B} ;-=_i.

r. R-K ch ;. R-QR6 5. K-B6 -. FL-K5 S.

K-Qz R-N7 ch

! !

R-B7 ch R-K7 ch R-Rz

K-B4

-i-a..1

norr a driving-offattempt, since

Slite's

pawn is taboo on account

ei- Black's badly posted

q.R P!

king: andwins,

for launching attacks of the "skewer"

because

fighter when it comes to simultaneous

knight extends over the whole route of the bishop's escape, due to the

attacks launched in several directions.

possible checks on QB5 and KB6.

type; but it is a most formidable

From each ofthe 16 central squares of the board the knight, like the queen,

exercises its direct effect in eight directions ; therefore even its primary range is not to be underrated. By intermediate checks the area within its reach can be considerably extended.

..

., R P ro. R-RZ ch, or 9. ...,

R-

anr-n-here)

It is remarkable that a knight's

effectiveness in its secondary range can allow it to intervene almost like a bishop, that is diagonally. An especially strikingillustration of this is seen

in the next example. 212.

2ll.

hecar.e the rook will be lost after 9.

L. I. KUBBEL,

L. PROKES, r95r.

ro. R-RS !. trt if Black's

the secondary range of the

r9o8.

F*-.'.:li make no difference

H;3 :ad gone to his Qr on the fourth r'.-,-i. It rras important, however, not ir. :.l:rate him on his Kr, since he cedd tl.en rush to the defence of the

rorx: 9. ..., RXP ro. R-R8 ch, K-B: I rr. R-R7 ch, K-N3 etc. *** I- e:rd-games Nos. 67, tot, toz, ri:. i38, r39, and t6z we saw many e=":-.;les of the realization of a bishop's secondary range. Therefore I Li 31.-rugh to stress the importance cd' ;-a-,-hg them over again. These, "*cs3-.3r u-i'.h the examples of queen "'sk--r31.

"-on

files, ranks or diagonal

\ rs. r3-, ro8, t2S, r58, 165) offer -E i:=quate background.for the study ."-t- -: :elationships between various ::.:-: ractical motifs and the geoae=-;]

motif.

THE RL\GE OF THE KNIGHT

White wins. White wins.

Both knights are in peril; how are they to defend each other ? The one at the edge of the board is little help, but the one that can reach the centre will be exceedingly valuable !

If r. . . ., K-Bz White can establish contact between the knights by z.

N-NS

tr_:_rj
z.

hcerd. and as such

3.

is not

suitable

K-Qz

r. N-Q6 ch

ch and

N-K4 ! K-Qz !

l. N-Bg.

B>
r. N-K6

!

Directly preventing the bishop from going to the long diagonal and also threatening P-RZ. It is not sr-lfficient, however, to guard Q4 alone, control must be extended also to K5 and KB6.

r. z.

- N-Q4

ch

:. N-Bl !

!!

B-N6 K-BS and wins,

because the knight not only prevents . . ., B-K4, but also thwarts B-B719T

Q5, B-RS-Bf or B-K8-B6. That is one alternative. And the other?

White cannot stand idly waiting for Black to play ... P-N6 (when

N-Rl

would make the defence easy), because Black is seriously threatening

r.--

B-R5

and wins again,

since the roads from Black's KR5 and

K8 are blocked, and an approach via KN6 or KBZ is prevented; thus Black cannot stop White's pawn. The whole area from Vhite's Kr to KR4 and from QB3 to KB6 is;in the range of the knight

!

The only disadvantage

knight "big."

to repel the knight. For instance : r. K-N3?,

K-Bs

N-B5 ch! 3. N-K4 !

z.

of

the

knight is that it is a "short-range" piece, which is why it often cannot

catch up with a pawn running towards the queening square. Therefore, confronted with a king and a pawn, we can generally expect results to come not from its direct defensive effect, but from its indirect dual threats.

K-B5 ! 2. N-B7, P-N6 ! or z. N-R7, K-B+ ! or z. N-K6 ch, K-K+ 3. N-B8, K-B4 ! and the promor. N-R7

K_B6

!!

!

r. . . ., P-N6? z. N-NS ! and access to KR3. If r. K-B5 ?, White captures the dangerous pawn by z. N-86 !, PN6 l. N-R5 ch. r. . . ., K-K5 ?

White has free

would allow a double attack

bYN-B6

ch.

But now Black threatens . . ., PN6 and, after N-N5, . .., K-N5 !, depriving White of his last hoPe. z. 3.

F. J. PROKOP, t9z7.

CONCERTED ACTIT]\

tion cannot be prevented. This must be forestalled by voluntary retreat.

Therefore new efforts must be made 213.

some idea of h.:-;- :t s:rl chance if there is oD3 Eii, iîr wield the tactical \r-eaF\c.r: -" =: --=.

will get

4.

!

N-B8 ! N-N6

214.

N-K5 ch

H. RINCK, r9:S.

because the centrally posted knight

has better chances KNz and KNr'* **

&

Usually

controlling

it is rather difficult to re-

"%,lt

cognize the geometrical relationships

,%,

which make such "devilish" knight manoeuvres possible. But if the reader ,

Draw.

of

takes the trouble to study the examples

Nos. 64, 6517or tz3, rz8, r34 and r8r over and over again from this viewpoint (of course not at one go !), he

White z:,ru. r3

Shite c'nnot stand idly waiting r Hack to play . . . P-N6 (when -R3 would make the defence easy), aese Black is seriously threatening

?, K-B5 ! N-B7, P-N6 ! or 2. N-R7, ! or 2. N-K6 ch, K-K+ -84 Ii-B8, K-B+ ! and the promo-

E crnnot be prevented. This must : fsrcstalled by voluntary retreat.

K-B6

some idea

of how to spot

a

chance if there is one, and how to wield the tactical weapons that make a

knight "big."

rtpel the knight. Fm irutance : r. K-Nl

r. l(-R7

will get

We have seen that a hostile king, as a direct target, and another piece or square in close geometrical relation to him, as an indirect target, may go a long way towards increasing- the

5 I N-R5 ch. r.

must rely on the literally "self-sacrificing" help of one or more ofits fellows. One prepares the ground for the favourable position, the other exploits

., K-K5 ? byN-B6

uold dlow a double attack

action.

5

In the general evaluation of pieces _ three light officers are equivalent to

Brr now Black threatens . . ., Prn4 after N-N 5, . . ,, K-N5 !, ryENiDg Vhite of his last hope.

3. 4.

chances

z.

N-e6

ch wins

K-Bl

B-N5 ch ! N-Q6 ch

idea expressed

KxB

and wins.

in a more colourful

example: 215.

H. RINCK,

r9o3. M B,

!

P-N6 K-NS

214.

and draws,

H. RINCK,

1928.

of

''*K**DK,

controlling

Nz aod KNr.

*** Il'suallv

?

4

A double attack has emerged from the simple chase and driving otr, like the contours of a familiar face after

rcrrs€ the centrally posted knight

E better

K-K5

it. This is what we call concerted

L

z N-B8 ! 3; \-N6 g N-K5 ch

. . .,

z. B-B4 ch !

CONCERTED ACTION

r. . . ., P-N6? z. N-NS ! and

herdore new efforts must be made

r.

K_Q

ch

range

!

qnrr has free access to KR3. If r. .,:, K-B5 ?, White captures the EgEmus pawn by z. N-B6 !, P..

B-82

the queen

ofour pieces. V.ry often the piece singled out for effecting a "skeler" or a dual attack

!!

1.

White wins.

it is rather difficult to re-

r. R-RS

!'ri'e the geometrical relationships H Eake such "devilish" knight Errrres possible. But if the reader trs the trouble to study the examples E 6{" 6517ortz3rtz&, r34 and r8r rcr aod over again from this viewinr 'of course not at one go !), he

White wins. r3

(2.

!

Q-Rz

R-R6 ch or z. R-BS

!

ch).

r93

z.

RxP

Q-Nr

!

There is nothing better again, bethe rook is defended bY the

It has not been difficult to discover the antidote of line interference (r. . . ., P-Q5) in the attemPted driving

of some pie;=: =-j 'to their ccf,.e-:: :-=: question arises ror- :rl---- 5 1 of the king hirnseL- -:r- :€ fl range

scope

cause

"range" of the bishoP (2. . .., QxR? 3. B-K8 3.

It is

R-R8

Q_Rz

!

Thus far the rook has Paved the way for the bishop parts.

4. 5.

at all.

ch).

B-N6 R-R6

;

now theY change

QxB

and wins.

ch

*** The next end-game is a classical beauty exemplifying the concerted action of a bishoP and a knight. 216.

not?" Yes, indeed, but this Primitive concerted action would lead only to a draw after 3. B x P ch, Qx B 4. NxQ, KxN 5. K-B+, KXP 6. K-N5, K-K5 7. K-R6, K-84 8. KxP, K-Bl ! Therefore we have to fulfil taller orders ! 3.

N-Br

!!

Threatening 4. B-NS mate (!), while the knight is indirectly defended by the bishop.

3'- -

V. and M. PLATOV, r9o9.

Q_-R+

Apparently the best, for after

3.

. . ., P-R3 4. B-K5 ! the mate can be averted only by 4. ..., QxN or 4. . . .,K-Q7, but the first alternative would bring the queen within range of the bishop, and the second within

that of the knight. The latter motif can be enforced even now.

4.BxP ! 5. N-N3 ch ch

White wins.

r. 8-86 z. r94

N-Kz

!

The king has, as we have seen, (Q)

considerabie

ama;-.-=

:::^:-:

the opening of li:a* ,: : : - ----: attacks." (See Fund-:=:::=' ,C,-

Diagrams No. 6.

a::

-

::. L which may be consccur-; :the increase of his ;',:'--: : From the fact thar a .r-:: -not only on ranks ai: __= : on diagonals, rve can ;.ia; -: tant conclusion that ri:e i::: "{ i Besides these, a k::-.-'_.

also has a spatial 'eetr:. 3r-

approach two targets i.o diJ directions at the sarne rir"re For instance, if \re 'd-;-: -ourkingfrom Kr to K-. -.r::-r:

cally shortest wav leaos .:: LK4, etc. and it reouls !.? -.

make. Yet the saftie n ,rnt moves is enough ele: :: -: diagonal route via

Q:--eE_:-{ KBz-KN3-KRa. T::. == e. g. K-Bz, n-i11 br::: :-. cXo as

well a:

i:

Consequentll', the

R-E-r -,

c:-: -:.

ment of a king ma1' :: -::--: bringing about sim''l--e:-::.*. threats. By its hslp r:,'; -:r --

DOUBLE THREAT

P-Qs P-R8

part in double

the opposite direcri..r..

and wins.

,:,:

adjacent squiires. He -:a:. ---:'n :-, a discovered check. j. ; :-= :

QB5-N6

KxB (K-QZ)

-r-:

unthinkabl.e

should give a direst ci::.q :: -because two kirgs :3-,'i: ::

a

part in increasing the

surprising excepions

rules, as for example

:: -: :

r-. ,.,=i

an "unstoppable" pa..= r3*

It has not been difficult to discover bc m'idote of line interference (r. , -" P-qi) in the attemPted driving

\-Xr);

6'-2.

though we might raise

be question: "Why not PlaY 2. i-Bi ? Then we could win the

p@ in the same way G. B x P ch) e

in the text continuation, could we

E?',

Tes, indeed, but this Primitive

mocrted action would lead onlY to

her

a

atter 3. B x P ch, Qx B +. NxQ,

K.\ -s. K-B4, KXP 6. K-N5, K-K: '. K-R6, K-B4 8. KxP, K-Bl ! Therefore we have to fulfil dlcr orden

range scope

of some pieces and in giving to their concerted action. The

217.

question arises now whether the range

R. RETI, 1928.

of the king himself can be extended at all.

It is

unthinkable that one king

should give a direct check to the other,

because

two kings never stand

on

adjacent squares. He can, however, give a discovered check, i. e. he can take part in double attacks springing from the opening of lines or in "threatening attacks. " (See Fundamental Concepts, Diagrams No. 6. and 7) Besides these, a

!

king's movement

also has a spatial (geometrical) quality

3.

\-Bt

which may be consciously utilized foi

I!

Threatening 4.

B-NS mate (!),

rrhle the knight is indirectly defended by the b,ishop.

3"- -

Q--R+

Apparendv the best, for after 3. . -., P-R3 4. B-K5 ! the mate can t:e rrensd only by 4. ..., QxN or * - - ., K-Q7, but the first alternative Eouli briag the queen within range of rhe hlshoP, and the second within

trer r-',t ihe knight. The latter motif r'n !6 enforced even now.

aB Pch! ;. \-\3

ch

KxB(r-Qz) and wins.

DOUBLE THREAT

the increase of his dynamic powers. From the fact that a king can move not only on ranks and files but also

on diagonals, we can draw the important conclusion that the king is able to

approach two targets in different directions at the same time.

r. K-N6

K-Nr

p-

The driving-offattempt r. . . ., 84 or r. . . ., P-R+ would be followed

byz. KxNP

!,

etc. (As in the . . ., P-B6 (R

(Rz) s.

P-Bt

queening.)

z.

KxP

3.

K-B6

P-Bq

!

make. Yet the same number of

moves is enough even if we choose a diagonal route via Qz-QB3-eN4 or KBz-KNI-KR+. This means that,

e. g.

K-Bz, will bring us closer

QB5-N6

as

well

as

to

to KR4 lying in

the opposite direction.

Consequently, the diagonal move-

ment of a king may be utilized for bringing about simultaneous double threats. By its help we may discover

the general stopping of

Tl,e king has, as we have seen, a camsii.erable part in increasing the

4. K-K5

!

This bi-directional approach

gives

Black the Hobsons' choice of either allowing his pawn to be captured or permitting the opponent also to promote his pawn

r3*

P-Bs

!

!

r95

4.- 5. K-Q6 6.

P-B7

!

!

P-B6 P-Bz and draws.*

In the following end-game a roundabout approach of White's king com-

bined with an intermediate attack wins a tempo which enables him to catch up with Black's "unstoppable"

r. K-K7

219.

!

M. G. KLI-\TSK-I\, IF-< V/ith one eye on the pawn and the other on QB5 where he will attack the bishop which is to be driven on to QNS.After r. K-N7 GZ)?, P-N+

or r. P-K7?, B-N4

White would

be hopelessly lost.

pawn:

r.--

218.

R. RIiTI,

t928.

P-N+ P-Ns

K-Q6 ! 3. P-K7 !

z.

lYhi::

It is necessary to fire off this threat now, when the bishoP-on account of

-it

the NP's line-interfering effect-can control his a ).

4.

Kr

--

K-B5

onlY from QN+.

B-N+ B-Qz

!

poseless

it

seems-. sa',-=:

r. K-N7 Draw.

* In another well-known end-game Grandmaster R6ti presents this idea with a minimum amount of material: White's king on KR8, Pawn on QB6;

Black's king on his QR3, pawn on KR3.

The stipulation: Black to move and \7hite to draw. Solution: r. . . ., P-R4 z. 'K-N7, P-R5 3. K-86 !, K-N3 +. K-KS etc. The idea originates from an over-the-board game : MarcoSchlechter, r895. In that position'White's king on QR4, pawn on QB5, Black's king on his QR3, pawn on KR3Vhite hammers out a double threat by r. K-N4, P-R+ z. P-B,6 !, K-N3 3. K-84, P-RS +. K-QS !; in case of 4. ..., P-R6 White's reply, 5. K-Q6 assures the promotion of the BP, while afret 4. . .., K-82 5. K-K4 Black's RP will be overhauled. tg6

4. . . ., P-N6 5. KxB and White will also queen his Pawn. But now

\flhite can not only overtake Black's NP, but annihila-te it by driving offthe hostile bishop.

s.

K-Q+

K-Nl

!

., P-N6 6. K-K3, B-B3 would offer a short-lived defence owing to 7. P-K8 (Q)!, BxQ 8. K83 and 9. KxP. -s. . .

6.

K-Ba

K-K4

l.K-B+ 8.

9.

P-K8 (Q KxP

!

K_Q3 BxQ drawn.

z.

P-[

K-R6

]n

,

j- _Ia\

?-R:

l.K-Rs +.

-: ;-:

K-R+

P_R.-

Where is the L1oc '*32ji-.- : soon turns out that Li= r:-:r is by no means a me= l::'--:sr= after the pa\\-n. 5. 6.

K-N3 N-K6

I

F_R.:

ch

account. We have seen si-;i- .nconcerted action in e-:-.-:98, 99, r4z and zo5.

r. K-K7

GAIN OF TIME

219.

!

M. G. KLIATSKIN,

Wifi

1925.

bi-.hop rvhich is to be driven on to

check is a characteristic time-gaining factor. AIso the active intervention of

Q\_.. .\fter r. K-N7 (BZ)?, P-N+ or r. P-K7?, B-N4 White would

a king-in the form of a

P-N+ P-Ns

li.

! !

White wins.

trt is necessary to fire off this threat

of tre NP's line-interfering effect-can n,.:ir-. when the bishop-on account

c',::u.c'l his

Kl

only from QN+.

B-N+ B-Qz

Two light pieces left to themselves would be no match for Black's Pawns marching forward on both rvings. But the king's intervention, however purposeless it seems, saves the situation.

r. K-N7 -1. . . ., P-N6 5. KxB and White s:ll Cso queen his pawn. But now

z.

can not only overtake Biack's \-lP but annihila_te it b5r driving offthe

+.

EAi:

i-.-,sdl: tishop.

:.K{+

!

K-N:

-i. . . ., P-N6 6. K-K3, B-ts3 r-c:rl.l, offer a short-lived defence cring to 7. P-K8 (Q)!, BxQ 8. Kts3 aad 9. KxP. 5.

K-K4

-. K-B+ E. P-K8 (Q !

9.K.P

K-Bl

K-Qr BxQ drawn.

double

attack-has been seen to resuit in

be hcpelessly lost.

:. -K-{6 3. P-K7

Many examples have proved that

in the attack against a king the extension of range by an intermediate

one eye on the pawn and the cther on QB5 where he will attack the

R. RETI, rgz2.

P-Rz

K-R+

Where is the king heading for? It soon turns out that his ultimate aim is by no means a mere hopeless chase after the pawn.

K-N3 6. N-K6

220.

P-QR4 ! P-Rs P-R6

K-R6

l.K-Rs

5.

a

gain of time. AIl this must have made the idea of gaining time sufficiently clear.Nevertheless, in discussing the roles of the kings, we have to bring up the subject once more, if onlY to Point out the reverse of the medal, Ztgzwang!

!

ch

P-R8

(Q) and mate !

This is the main variation. In case of any deviation White has sufficient time to turn his material advantage to account. We have seen similar examples of concerted action in end-games Nos. 98, 99, t4z and zo6.

Wltite wins.

White's rook rnust obviously leave its Q4, permitting Black's pawn to ad-

vance. Thereupon \F/hite needs to rush his king round to the rook's aid, but, the approach being barred, he can't help wasting a move.

The point is that the "wasted"

waiting move must not be damaging, nor facilitate the progress of the hostile king.

rg7

r. R-Qz

!!

z.

!!

R-Qr

P_Q5

J. BEHTING,

1929.

Now Black is forced to give ground and now too the rook is at a favourable distance from the advancing enemy.

)

-r. K-Qz

K-Q+ !

!

K-Ks

K-B6 K-Bs 6. K-B4 s.

Z. K-B:

The exacting problern fan will probably take exception to this study from an "artistic" point of view, seeing that (a) r. R-Qa is just as good a key as r. R-Q2, (b) \f,/hite's second and third moves may be transposed and (c) White's king could (on the fourth and fifth moves) just as well

walk up the Q file. All that is quite true. But the idea expressed here-a gain oftempo by sacrificing a tempo very fascinating, de-is nevertheless lightful *o "':':r:..

P-H.

P-B'

F-N =c = because V'hite picks r:! 3. pawns one by one a:i i:,e- : 'ras soon as Black mor.es ia.r

Very frequeot rnc=-= .- ifi ing round the king rE I.€ ; unpin and the fligl: i:q : The space and -'rne e.i---i== : the range of the pi=:s La =

K-K6

P-Q6 P-Qz

ancl wins.

P-R'

CLOSE.RA*\GE FiGHT]

If l. . . ., K-B5 White's king would break in on the other side. 4.

K-Bz ! S.K-NI ! 6. KxP 7. K-Nz 8. K-Bl !

4.

221.

Wkite wins.

K-Nr

r.

much in evidence L< ;,:=-'' range fight,

!

Any other move would lose outright. In similar positions-as proved by Sz6n-a symmetrical situation is

I

nith ar"air EE r

attack swiftly alternac:5 r-

3i

work of a single ccE:r--,=-'rz?2.

equivalent to Zugzwang. For example, after r. P-R6?, P-N6 ! the side

L. I.

KLTBET

: : r--

to move loses.

r.-In

K-B(R)z

case

of a pawn move White's

king would face up to the advancing pawn, sooner or later enforcing a move by the hostile monarch. For instance :

r. .. ., P-N6 z. K-Nz ! or r. . .., P-R6 z. K-Rz !, P-B6 3. K-N3 ! etc.

The next end-game illustrates the prevention and counter-imposition of Zugzwang by way of sacrifice. The author of the study selects a very interesting motif of an end-game type which was comprehensively and systematically analysed by the first Hungarian master of international fame, Jdzsef Sz6n.

z.

P-N8 (Q ch !!

This sacrifice

lYhi:: ::"t:.

the king P-R6 ?, !, however, would lead to an paralyses

and establishes Zugz-wang. z.

K-Nr

exactly opposite situation.

)

-3. P-R6

!

KxQ P-86

Jq

lsalize his es=a =sE--

must either i-ucrga-.: ----'

:

superiority, or liquic=:= :: E able pawn sndins. T:-: '-=:, rnove points to the f^:.: ,':: and achieves the s3---::.

rg8

i

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

221.

l. BEHTING, \929.

K-Bz ! K-N3 ! KxP K-Nz

K-Br

P-R6 P-Rz

P-Bl

P-N6 and wins,

!

because White picks up the adverse pawns one by one and queens his own as soon as Black moves his king.

CLOSE.RANGE FIGHTING Very frequent motifs in skirmishround the king are the pin, the unpin and the flight from the pin.

s

ing

The space and time elements defining

the range of the pieces are never so much in evidence as during a closerange fight, with attack and counter-

White wins.

K-\r

r-

!

An5 other move would lose outL'+m In similsr positions-as proved ry Szen-a syrnmetrical situation is ryiralent tr: Zugzwang. For example, q= r. P-R6 ?, p-N6 ! the Jide D

attack swiftly alternating in the frame-

work of a single combination. 222.

L. I. KUBBEL,

1934.

Erere loses.

r.--

K-B(R)z

r. R-R4

Vhite

R-QR6

!

threatened

z.

Rx

B and 3.

B-Kr (pinning) or in case of r. . . ., R-B (KR)6 z. B-Kr ! winning a piece.

Black's counter-attack amounts to

giving up a piece, but only, after z.

RxR?,BxRch 3. KxB, K-86 !in exchange for the powerful pawn.

KxR

z.RxBch! 3.

B-Kr

ch

!

3. B-BS ch?, Kx B 4. Kx Rwould secure the pawn, but give away the win, there being no chance of its promotion.

3.- 4. B-B3

K-Rs and wins,

!

since the encircled rook most soon perish on account of Ztgzwang; and after 4. ..., RxB 5. KxR White's king can comfortably escort the pawn to the queening square.

Itr

i.-se of a pawn move White's iog rould face up to the advancing

223.

lrrtr: a.'oner or later enforcing a move

T. B. GORGIEY, tgzg.

p the hostile monarch. For instance

'--R5

:

P-N6 z. K-Nz ! or l. . . ., :. K-Rz !, P-86 3. K-N3 !

TL

2 P-\8

(Q) ch

!!

White wins.

Th-i-q sacrifice paralyses the king od estaL,lishes Zugzwarlg. 2. P-R6 ?,

i.-\-r l. hon'ever, would lead to an mlr cpposite situation.

, 3-

-P-R6

KxQ !

P_86

To realize his extra pawn White must either increase his material superiority: ot liquidate to a favourable pawn ending. The introductory rnove points to the first alternative-

and achieves the second.

!

'%

% %w'ffi White wins.

White is the exchange to the good, but this alone is not enough for victory. He must try and increase his material advantage, which calls for

224. S.

M. KAMINER,

1926.

M. S. LIBI-

If . . ., N-Bl?, then 4. BxB, Nx B S. R-Q7 !, N-K3 6. R.Q6 (pin) wins. N-B3

R-BS

!

Forced, otherwise Black loses more quickly. !

Black threatens both . : ., B-Bl and . . ., P-KS (Q), to White's first move is forced.

r. R-K5

N-B6

chase the

7. R.-R8 ! 8. 8-86 ch ! 9. R-R6 ch

K-Nz KxB and wins.

*** The next two examples demonstrate

200

B-B3

!

ch and. . .,

RxP 3.KXQ

P-R8 (Q

The knight is

invuinerable on

N-K5

ch

!

of the pin . . ., B-B3, and threatens both ..., NxB and ...,

N-N3 4.

ch.

B-Bz

B-Q8

position is a rare exception to the rule.

R-Kr K-Nz RxB

The battle centres ro''-; QB5 sides throw in all Ln:i: --==ons.

r. R-B7

!

By energetic play Black manages to liquidate to a "theoretical" draw, but, unhappily for him, the ensuing 5. 6. 7.

Whirc:::t:.

!

account

how, after the subsidence of tactical

skirmishes, the wider range of the active piece is crystallized in a gain of

N-Qz

ch.

z.

rook away and recover the bishop. While White's rook is indeed of little use in defence, it is the more valuable in counterattack, pulling off an exchange manoeuvre based on its secondary range.

This appears to

RKi\.

White wins.

Threatening . . .,

K-Nz K-Bz

BxB R-K8

4--.llq

!

?25.

K-Rl K-Nl

R-N7 ch R-B7 !

sPace.

KK-

!

K-Bz ro. K-K3

K-Rz

r. 8-86 ch

5. 6.

R-Q+

9.

convenient target, finds himself play-

4.

----

8.

ing into White's hands.

3.

E-E;r

rook.

some heated close-range fighting. Black's king puts up a valiant resistance, but ultimately, a reluctant yet

z.

This is the "mosi" hope for. But the kr'r=h.: N7 is trapped br te ;::''

NxB ch N-Q6 NxP

ch

R-N7 ch 3. B-KS z.

K-l R-i

!

Not 3. R'. P?? ca-: :r - . . Q+ ch. Should the a:-:ir:: i move away no\r, SI:: 'x-:r.,ic safeguarded his parr:.

3.-4.

RxP

,Dd,

S. 11.

This is the "most" Black could

KAMINER,

hope for. But the knight posted on its N7 is trapped by the easily centralized

1926.

rook. 8.

R-Q4

K-Kl K-K+

!

K-Bz ro. K-K3 9.

and wins.

!

225.

White wins.

r.

N-QZ

!

ch.

:R P rK a

P-R8 (Q

N-K5

ch

!

.t-

ch.

ts-Bz

B-Q8

6.

K-Nz

-.R.

B

White wins.

the

!!

offensive

B-B7

B-Kr

!

!!

BxB !!

Demonstrating the superiority of

The battle centres round QB6 ; both sides throw in all their tactical weapons.

the rook's range to that of the bishop. White threatens R-R8 ch and R-RZ. If l. .. ., B-R7 8. R-R6 ch would be fatal. The attempt to escape lands the king in a mess.

r. R--B7 ch

R-N7 3. B-K8

!

B'; :nergetic play Black manages ro l:;:ldate to a "theoretical" draw, [q-* r':-h3ppily for him, the ensuing pos::o', i.s a rare exception to the rule. Y-- r: r. fr-Ir-I

N-N5

bishop, guarding against R-R6 ch and threatening . . ., N-Q4 ch.

6. KxN 7. R-R6

!

T:: knight is invulnerable on e-";:'r:r of the pin . . ., B-B3, and it:s:.re.-s both ..., NxB and ...,

\-)i:

4.- -

Another beautiful counterplay ! The

Tl.::ateninE. . ., B-Bl ch and. . .,

.\-85

out new hopes for Black.

underlying motif : driving off to permit .. ., N-Q4 ch. If White's bishop makes another detour, Black can solve his problem by . . ., N-B3. But S7hite plays:

is forced.

R-K5

ch. 4. . . ., K-Rz fails against R-Nr and 6. R-QRI. 5. But a surprising line openingthreat with scope-exrension-holds

5.

Bla:k threatens both .: ., B-Bl rc,i . . ., P-K8 (Q), ro White's first

settled.

R-R6

Counter-attacking

M. S. LIBURKIN, r93r.

EEiL.\Ye

The matter seems to be

$t'hite nor,v threatens both B x N and

Nxts ch N-Q6 NxP

z.

7-- 8. K-B5

ch !

Not 3. RxP?? owing to " .., NQ4 ch. Should the attacked knight move away now, White would have safeguarded his pawn.

3.-+. t4

RxP

ItIx

P

9.

K-N6

B-Q+

!

B-Nz and wins.

ATTACK AGAINST A DEFENDING PIECE The dynamic power and rangc of a piece is influenced, apart from the 201

time and space factors, also bY the extent to which it is burdened with defensive duties. Obviously the complete freedom of movement of a piece presupposes that it is notcalled upon to defend its companions or keep certain squares under its corporal or control effect.

Apiece burdenedwith defensive ob-

ligations is restricted

in its activity;

therefore, any attack against it will also threaten the piece protected by it. An

attack launched against a defending piece can often be as effective as a double attack in disrupting the concerted action of the defensive forces.

is

powerless against the

r. R-N6 z. 3.

N-Bz

!

K-K7

R-KB6

ch

B-B5

N-K4

!

!

After 3. . . ., B-N6? +. R-B3,

B-Q+ 5. R-B5 !, B-N6 Black could not sacrifice either of his for White's advancing pawn.

pieces

N-N3

+.R-Bs 5. K-B6 6. R-Q5 !

ch

B-Q6

N-Bs t. R-Bq

The defensive position is repeating itself, with Black losing ground inch by inch.

226.

M. HAVEL,

danger, he

joint onslaught of king and rook.

z.

N-R4

R-Q+

B-Kz

K-N5

ch

This does not help either, because White can now liquidate by a double attack. The outcome is decided by the difference between the scope of the two kings.

9.

ro. White wins.

The knight defending the bishop is a convenient target here. Though

N-B4 ch or r. ch Black could

somehow extricate himself from the 202

Ifr.....R

Ri.T---::;: ch). A subvaria-: r:. : --: =.-:: the same lines ai -: :::=rvorks out to \\-r::='> 3:'.:---R-BS ch z. K-\: . f.-E"'" N4, R-N+ +. P-Rj. F-.r\: -

1924.

8.

after r. K-KZ?, K-B7 ?, N-KS

ll

R-R4

RxN

ch

!

K-NZ andwins.

Relentless chase, as seen in the previous example, is only one of the many forcing tactical methods that may be resorted to in order to harass a defending piece. A fairly frequent motif is the directing sacrifice with a view to driving off the defending piece and decoying it into the range of the

K+!

K-Kr 3. K-Kz

z.

+.K-Qz 5. R-K4

J -l-1r"

R-)i

!

5" ", R-B R and P-Rl

P-N+

R-Kr\q 7.BxN ch 6.

I

L-1

A notable mod-t a: i: - = - i-- ; beneficial intermE;:=:: -- =-scally exploiting a trr.=::--n-

the defence.

attacker.

r4*

l|i, l,r

6cr, he is powerless

i

against the

227.

mslaught of king and rook.

S.

228.

M. KAMINER,

JENO BAN, rg43.

1925.

N-Bz ch B-Bs N-K4 !

tfrtr 3.

..

., B-N6? +. R-B3,

Q+ 5. R-B5 !, B-N6 Black ld

not sacrifice either of his pieces

Shite's advancing pawn.

N-N3

ch

B-Q6

White utins.

N-Bs

tc def,ensive position is repeating q s.i& Black losing ground inch ioch-

N-R4

B-Kz hfo does not help either,

ch

because

b cao now liquidate by a double *- The outcome is decided by the :.race between the scope of the tings.

x R-R4

rR"N

dodess

ch

!

K-NZ andwins.

chase, as seen

in the pre-

anrnple, is only one of the many mcrical methods that may be rted to in order to harass a detag piece. A fairly frequent motif : direcdag sacrifice with a view 6

iry

Eiring off the defending piece and lyiog it into the range of the

r. R-B4

!!

White wins.

R-Q7

If r. . . ., RxR?, White would get the rook back with a bonus (2. B x N ch). A subvariation, along more or less the same lines as the text, likewise rvorks out to White's advantage: . . ., R-BS ch z. K-Nr !, R-B4 3. pN4, R-N4 4. P-R4, R-K4 5. R-* K+! z. 3.

K-Kr K-Kz

+.K-Qz 5. R-K4

R-Q6 R-K6

R-K+ R-N+

!

ch

5. . .., R-B (R) is followed by 6. P-N+ and P-R 4 etc.

R-KN4 ! 7.BxN ch

RxR

6.

and wins.

A notable motif at the finish was the beneficial intermediate check, rypically exploiting a momentary gap in

the defence.

tEr.

+++ t4+

It-Rr

r. B-85

ch

ch

r. K-Kz? fails against 2. R-RZ ch leading to the loss of Black's rook. This is equally the case after . . ., R-Qr ?, z. R-RB ch.

z.

K-Nz

!

z. K-N3?, R-R6 ch e. Kxp, BxB ch 4. KxB, RxP would result

in a draw. After the tempting z. KNr Black would find a defence in z. . . ., R-R3 3. R-Br ch, K-K2 !

R-Kr ch, K-Qz 5. R-K6, RBl ! This "by-play" is apt to divert our attention from a hidden, but 4.

actually very simple point:

2.--

R-Rl

Protecting the bishop and parrying

the threat of R-R8 ch. But the defending rook has not yet rveathered the storrn. 3.

R-Rr

!

and r,vins,

for against 3. . . ., RX R the interpolateC 4. B x B ch wins a Piece, while after 3. . . .,Bx B 4. Rx R White's material superiority is slowly but surely real-

ized'

case

R (Kz)-KBz 4.

***

R(Br)-KNr 5. 6.

A. MANDLER and E. KONIG, r924.

K-Rl

..., R-N6

follows

5.

to the pre-

according

R-Rr ch R(Nz)-Rz

R-R6 !!

Black is now out-attacked. "Spitechecks" keep the rook alive only two more moves.

6.-7. 8.

K-N4 K-R4

!

We then oniv sr*=:j r-:E i,I tactical mo'i-t-'ce=5 ' -{=E: we propose to s:;3 a :-d s: how those motls

vious pattern.

be "out-

229"

!

R-Nz ch

Against 4.

Another characteristic example demonstrates how a piece burdened bY

defensive obligations can attacked."

of 3. . . ., R-86 he would double the vigour of the attack by +.

Kr" In

R-B6 ch R-N6 ch and lvins.

From simcre es^:-:.,:s r to mcr3 ::=:- --r and we trust thar r'i-: :-;a.k'r joy and gratifica:--: '- =,e ! widening scoPe oi :'e ;:E: which, however ci'-:';:-'- E,::

they may be, a:e rr-r;:-; 3': the fundamenta., --=r: :8, have been the sub-:; :: -:e ing chapten.

defending piece, manages

to

capture

its "prot6g6."

r. P-B7 z. P-BS

K-Nz

!

(Q

3. R-Br ch

ch

!

KxQ

K-Nz

After 3. .. ., K-Kz White

his desired end by playing 4. R 204

reaches

(Br)-

j-:'ry-

A glance at rt.:5-

will convisss vcrr :-r=: '-:E

:

material balance. hr-r =: 5l efficienq' bersret: a-=-.3 13: operations. Thi.s Emany an unesDe;3';

-: n:r-r

-:Iii

I

lrr.

AS A DIRECT TARGET

By a driving-on manoeuvre White forces the pinning of Black's KR, then, putting more Pressure on the

=:=TF6''

proceed

THE KING

lYhite wins.

E

In the iast phase of the struggle the weaker side's king suddenly finds himself in the focus of events. In most end-games of a tactical type, the acttral mate is, as a rule, not the crowning act of the last decisive battle, but rather its colourless and grim aftermath, a

H.

RI\CK.

dreary "punishing expedition" against a helpless opponent. A king rarely dies a "hero's death" in the heat of battle ;

he is usually taken prisoner when the fight is over. Nevertheless in a high percentage of combinations the mating threat, as a tactical weapon of forcing, plays an important part. This was the case in end-games Nos. 85, 86, 87, gor 9r, 98,

rro, r45, t46, t47, t1r, r53, t54, t56.

r. R-K7

ch

z.

!

K-R6

K-R:

RI:

In case of 3. . . ., R-B6 he would dile the vigour of the attack by +. -

$: -KBz p R-\z ch !

K-Rl

lgria.t +. .. ., R-N6 follows 5. Br"-K-\l according to the preE$ Psmerlt.

;-

L

R.-Rr ch

R\: -Rz !!

R-R6

keeo the rook alive only two

r.

K-\+

--

l- R-R-+

,

I

proceed to more complicated ones, and we trust that the reader will find joy and gratification in the gradually widening scope of the combinations

the fundamental tactical bricks that have been the subject of the preced-

R-B6 ch R-N6 ch

and wins,

because Black's KR blocks its king's route of escape, e. g. . . ., K-Nr, 4.

R-NZ ch, K-Rr 5. R-R7 ch, KNr 6. QR-NZ ch, K-Br 7. R-R8 mate.

R. RETI, rg25.

230.

struggle

H. RINCK, r9zr.

crCl-rn the focus of events. In most a=

R(t)-Q7 !

211.

-{S A DIRECT TARGET

rE

3.

mate.)

ing chapters.

:iltr&l(er side's king suddenly finds

oe

R-Nr

many an unexpected mating attack.

THE KING

l-grc-

4.

efficiency between active and passive pieces that matters in all tactical operations. This truth is borne out by

and wins.

lB rhe iast phase of the

Necessary, because White threatR-R7 mate. After 2. . . ., R(Nr) the king would likewise perish -Br forlackof air. (f. R-.RZ ch, K-Nr ened

A glance at the trvo diagrams below will convince you again that it is not material balance, but the difference in

EE Etrr-ri-S. t

how those motifs are interwoven in the web of a mating combination. From simple examples tve shall

which, however colourful and ramified they may be, are invariably built up of

Rtr* is nou' out-attacked. "Spite-

ris''

We then only stressed the particular tactical motif being illustrated; now we propose to give a brief survey of

of a tactical type, the actual a rule, not the crowning act

dr. last decisive battle, but

do'.uless and grim aftermath,

White wins.

a

ijs5 "prrn ishing expedition" against Sles's opponent. A king rarely dies hero's *Jeath" in the heat of battle ; fo s5rratll- taken prisoner when the h h orer. ![,crertheless in a high percentage cr-t'rbieafions the mating threat, aS Eical $rezrpon of forcing, plays an prtant part. This was the case in

Lguaes \os. 85, 86187r 9o, 9rr 98, L tr4-{, tq6, t47, t5t, r53, t54, t56.

trI

I

%

rather

qqp

ffit

\U(Ihite's bishop has to obtain control

of the KNz square before the pawn "gets tough." Is it possible? Yes, prol'ided we discover the only mating chance hidden in the position ! White wins.

r. R-K7

ch

z.

!

K-R6

K-Rr R (Nt)-Kr

r. R-B3

!

P-Nz

z.

!!

P-NS (Q)

ch

and mate

3.

B-Br

R-R3

***

!

Mate with a minimum of material usually requires the hostile king to be

at the edge of the board, or, still better, in the corner. To bring about such a favourable situation it is well worth sacrificing the rest of our forces, retaining only the bare minimum needed to give mate. "single-track" mating combinations are few and far between. Usu-

moves, while 3. . .

.,R-KN8

leads to

an immediate mate. (4. 8-86 ch.) Now the threat results in a favourable liquidation. 4.

8-86 ch

RxB

5. 6.

P-N7

and wins.

ally the mating chance is linked with the possibility of liquidation to a technically simple winning position.

KxR

ch

K-Nr

233.

A. A. TROITSKY,

1895.

K

5.

The best, since after 3. . . ., R)(B, +. P-NZ ch, etc. Black is lost in a few

3. 4.

K-\:

F.

Ke

P-N8 .Q ;:

K-K6

ZugnralLg. Blzcir ;; l:rscorner rrhere, tha;is :: =e

of the nro harm:j- -F465 solitary bishoP is a*'-: :: : fatal blorv. 4. 5. 6.

E.-E

K-B;

P-K

E:

B-N- c:

232.

=

Ii+.

W. STEINITZ, t\6z.

J.

GL\ST.

tP.

nft, EEJ

.

v/////t ///////l ./1V//,

lVhite wins.

%%%n

By trying to hang on to his solitary pawn V/hite runs the risk of stalemate, but behind a stalemate there

White wins.

always gleams the hope of mate.

A bishop and two pawns are worth more than a rook, but by playing r.

r. B-R6

B-NS White would only

z.

reach deadlock, since Black could safely sacrifice his rook whenever White advances his RP. The win is achieved by a forcing

mating threat.

r. P-R7

ch

e. P-RS (Q) ch

l. K-BZ !

zo6

K-Nz ! KxQ R-88

.)

!

eh

ch P-N7

K-Nr K-Bz

2. . . ., P-K3 ch ? ! 3. K-Q6 !, K-Bz 4. K-K5, K-Nr 5. K-B6, P-K4 6. K-K6 !, P-K5 7. K-B6!, P-K6 8. B x P etc. and !7hite wins. But now, playing

l. K-KS

?, White

could keep his pawn only at the cost of stalemate (4. . . ., P-K3 4. K-Q6,

Whtt: =lrsThis theme is clc.'elE rei previous ooe, the -'==ss i

however,

not ulr--r

'!'*e

manoeuYre b'ut uF:l 5I tempo that creats re Za,g:

r. B-N7

1!

After the narurel

l. ts-F

White ought to @arr a Et

to bring about th.e l-::a= : tern, but after z. K-ts-{ ts.,

Tb.e L*cst, since after 3. . . ., RxB, r P-\r ch, etc. Black is lost in a few tscrres-. while 3. . . ., R-KNS leads to a im-cnediate mate. (4. 8-86 ch.) (cm'ohe threat results in a favourable

lqgi;lation.

4 8-86 ch

RxB

s.K,R 6. P-\7

3.

There-

:

P-N8 (Q ch ! KxQ

ch

of the two harmful pawns, even a solitary bishop is able to deliver the

K-Nr

fatal blow.

1895.

P-Kl

and mate

K-Bz

- -

Any other move would allow White to save both pieces.

!

KxN If z. .. ., P-Q3 3. N-B6 and the

z.

B-R6

struggle is drawn out into a "more prosaic" knight-bishop mate.

K-Rr

4.- S.K-BZ 6. B-N7 ch

233.

terpolate 2. . .., P-Q3 ch ! and the pawn can no longer be blockaded.

r.

4. K-K6

Zugzwang. Black is forced into the corner where, thanks to the Presence

and wins.

A. A. TROITSKY,

P-K4 ! 5. KxP, K-Nr.) fore

!

234.

J. GUNST, tgzz.

K-Rr

3.K-Q6 +.K-Bz 5. B-N7 ch Let us ,"*

P-Q3

and mate

;;

!

I g"rr*t fight by

the cavalry with queenly assistance. 235.

L. I. KUBBEL,

1925.

White wins.

By trr-:-ng to hang on to his solitary

trFa \fhite runs the risk of stalerme- but behind a stalemate there hsur': gleams the hope of mate.

r. ts-R6

ch

+D\--_L-^\/

K-Nr

K-Bz

:P-Kt ch ? ! 3. K-Q6 !, +. K-KS, K-Nr 5. K-B6, ' q 5. K-K6 !, P-K5 7. K-B6!, :K5 S. B P etc. and tff/hite vrins. i.-ts:

..<

hu

n.,r: playing l. K-KS

?, White

i'rd'd ke.'p his pawn only at the cost

$c.::: j. . . ., P-K3

of

4. K-Q6,

White wins.

This theme is closely related to the previous one, the stress being laid, however, not upon the driving-on manoeuvre but upon gaining the tempo that creates the Zugzwang.

r. B-N7

!!

After the natural r. B-R6, K-Bz, White ought to make a waiting move to bring about the former mating pattern, but after z. K-BS Black can in-

lYhite wins

r. N-K3 ch !

Q-N4 ch 3. Q-B4 ch

z.

K-N6 K-BZ

K-K7 (8)

There was no other way out

; after

any deviation from the text a quick

247

mate would have followed. Now the precarious position of Black's queen

allows White

to

pursue the

chase

under the protection of his unprotect-

Q-B6 ch 3. Q-B3 ch 4. Q-N3 ch

ed knight.

4.

Q-Bt ch !

..

4. Q-Qg

K-QZ

The knight must not be touched on Q-Kr ch winning the

account of S. queen. S.

Q-Qt ch

Q-Bz ch 6. . . ., K-QS

K-86

85

?

fails against 7.

N-

To get the upc='*..p-n,;, WE[i win one of B-acr's ne;rx. &

!

so rather

B-Ns

., K-84?

would lose to

5.

ch, winning the queen. But as a result of the square block in a restricted area, Black's king gets entangled in a mating net. (The mating position is very much like the one in Diagram No. z.)

K-NS

6.

K-N4 K-Ns K-N+

r. Q-Q4 ch

z.

5. 6.

Q-R4 ch !! 8--86 ch

KxQ and mate

N-N6 Q-Nz ch 7.. .., K-R+ 8. N-B4 ch, K-R3 9. Q-N6 mate. But the knight move has drawbacks

: (a) it

has opened the

diagonal onto the queen, and

(b) it

Of course Black is not compelled to put his head into the noose right away, but to escape he has to pay with his queen i S. ..., K-B5 6. Q-Bz ch, 8-86 ch7. QxB ch, K-N4 8.QN3 ch, K-B+ q.Q-Ql ch, etc. Have

bit artificial? Well,let

blocks a square in the proximity of the

these been a

king. This brings us to a splendid

now look at a gameJike position, with a natural, self-evident sequence of

finale.

! 9. N-Bz ch 8.

Q-R3

and mate 236.

A. A. TROITSKY,

%,

moves

KxQ

ch

1916.

!

:

R-R:

r.

. . ., N-BS

$-\;-i :. K-K.:

us

aslc

wins.

R-KNz RxB 3. z. 4.

R-Kr

K-E'5

K-8.

P-K<

Are there ax.i F: ::e$s worthy of the rlârc E-,1 FlIi ='rq-:s-

E

Black, in an ore:-=Fl:Ei And who rroulC lii ==i = F natural to bring ti:e li: ir--n8-: secure the K: sq':r't E: -r Black's suniring ti:- i

N-K6 P-K5 And it is "t-rbrir'ir. :r:'Bthat White must coc-:: *. Q+ or 6. N-B+ tr ="ri threatened . . ., P-K- r^ i 5.

:

But what happeos iJ- tsia* theless plays 6. . . ., P-8.-

237.

M. S. LIBURKIN,

r.

have made tbe sane

!

ctr.

7.

eiJr.

1935.

counters 7. N>rP srirh 7. -" B8!?

The imprisoned 1ssft '-rrt and there is no msdjfrns r;*:: ch). In short, \[-hi:: --2-- -': extra rook !

T.

= In that case hcq- "-:!- -5 " the loss of the rock er:: 5K7 ch Z. K-{:, \-Kj i

T%

.

We can't. But sshr Lre a rrr& draw, if mate cen b'e e=::'ros out it? For mrte with a s:,i-rrr does not only occur ln t-sr,'

White ntins. zoB

White wins.

over-complicated cesinras

iu

K-N4 K-Ns K-N+ B-Ns

r. Q--Q4 ch

a $86

ch 3- $B3 ch a Q-\-3 ch

., K-B+?

To get the upper hand, White must

!

win one of Black's pieces. He can do

r. R-Rz

would lose to

sgiai ie a mating net. (The mating dio: is rery much like the one in @rara

\o. z.)

;. Q-fu ch i! ts-B6 ch

6.

!

Gi

-**'-rise Black is not compelled to m fus head into the noose right away, il Eo .scape he has to pay with his

Ho: j.

..

., K-BS 6. Q-Bz ch,

ch -. Q x B ch, K-N+ 8. Qq.Q-Ql ch, etc. Have cb, K-B+ 3 csc b'eo. a bit artificial? Wellr let us rs nork at a game-like position, with l*rural, self-evident sequence of

-B5

01-g:

:

237.

.\[.

S.

LIBURKIN, Ig3s.

r.

..

.,N-B8

B-N8 z.

K-Kr

Now perhaps we can

andWhite

wins.

z.

R-KNz

3. RxB 4.

R-Kr

7Z

couple of

N-B5 z.K-Qz

K-B6 K-Bz P-Ks

P-K7 N-B8 KxR

!!

8. K-Br ! 9. N-Q3 ch

have made the same moves, White or

Black, in an over-the-board game? And who would not find it perfectly

natural to bring the idle knight to help secure the Kz square and round ,rp Black's surviving forces ?

see the solu-

tion. 6.

ch

ch

and mate

!

If Black refuses to take the rook, Vhite will realize his material superiority by accurate play : 8. . . ., K-

K6 g. K-Bz

!,

harassing . . .,

N-Q5

N-Q7 ro. N-Q3 !,

N-B6 rr. R-QNI !! ch)'

(against the ch and N-N+

***

The

substance of the following artiN-K6 P-K6 stic composition is accentuated by the And it is "obvious" now, isn't it, active share taken by the offensive king in spinning a mating net round that White must conrinue with 6. Nhis royal opponent. In the analysis we or 6. N-B+ to ward off the Q+ have laid special stress on the tactical threatened. . ., P-K7 ch? But what happens if Black never- motifs that make up the winning combination. theless plays 6. . . ., P-KZ ch and counters 7. NxP with l. .,., N238.

5.

88!?

The imprisoned rook cannot move and there is no medicine against perpetual check (1. . .., N-K6-88 ch). In short, White cannot realize his extra rook ! In that case how can we stave off the loss of the rook after 6. . . ., P-

E' F

a

squares around him.

Ate there any two chess players wofthy of the name who would not

KxQ and mate

and his pieces block

so rather easily.

+ 5. -Q: ch, winning the queen. But as resul.t of the square block in a rerioel area, Black's king gets en..

times even in an ordinary game if the king is forced to the edge of the board

K7 ch Z. K-Qz, N-K5 (B8)

ch

A. A. TROITSKY,

1924.

?

.%

We can't. But why be a rook up and draw, if mate can be enforced without it ? For mate with a solitary knight does not only occur in fairy tales or

lVhite wins.

over-complicated positions, but some-

White wins. 209

ahead and threatens

the threat

:dr.#' .],fi}t:

opening.

and ...,

RxP. The

situation brooks no delay ; White must the act at once the principle heaping of

r. P-R7

The

checks.

wanting to go anyway; hence White

an oPPortune inter-

vention bY his king.

RxP

3. K-B7 !

expressed by

A. A. SELETSF.Y-

:;

the mate threat.

B-Q+

dcfence against R-Q6 mate. It does not seem to helP either, but there is more finesse in it than meets the eye. 5. R.xB

off

!

Driving-off sacrifice in the interest of promotion.

RxR

!

Though dictated bY necessitY, this rnove still demands caution, since Black lays a stalemate-trap for us.

If

6. P-R8 (Q?adriving-onmove' 6. . .., R-Ql ch! would lead to stalemate after 7. Q x R. 6.

because Black cannot ward

P-R8 (R) !!

r. Q-N5

At first

K-K

I

si:ht

natural to pre', E:i

,t_

:::=-'-:

BxP. Then, h.-T3;-it. :" would decide t}.e i-..-: :- e the mating threat _:. B-F.-r stance: 2. ..., H: i. E

K-Kr 4.Q-NS c', Fi 87 ch !, K-K2 5. \-\

the

..., RxP

driving-on give check on the QB file.)

B--K3!

Active defence, since it not only guards Black's QR7, but also renews 2IO

action ofrook and king

5.- -

Black chases the king where he was

3.--

li9-

Gain of space and concerted

R-N4ch

r.--

KxP

As the lxi :r:-:-: -ri I Su[lman- sre :i]l,'L: -j3 ]Ert liveliest Ead:S ::,:=ir-:n:rE

This line interference is the onlY

dangerous Pawn forcinglY

directs the movement of the rook. On the one hand it drives off the rook from its fifth rank, Putting a stoP to the direct attack against the NP; on the other, it drives it on to its fourth rank to prevent any further harassing

z.

ch bY a line

K-NS

4.- -

!

gains time for

4.

..., RxP

R-Qr

6.

- 7.K-87

I

Line opening and attack combined with threit. The fourth mating threat (R-R8) can onlY be warded off bY leaving ihe rook en prise. White wins.

It will turo o;i only square cf,

i=:=: --:;:

t':::: -: r

from the ha:a..-:: queen,

:.---=-r-,

tftreat lrfios.

..., RxP ch by a line

As the last example of our short suurmary we introduce one of the liveliest mating combinations

K-\8 E in of p

:

239.

space and concerted tirn of rook and king expressed by

A. A. SELETSKY, t933.

tErme threat.

t-

S.

Driving-off sacrifice in the inter:dpromotion.

us.

. R-Ql ch! would lead to stale-

re after 7. 6.

Q

x R.

P-R8 (R) !!

Arqtiry

the stalemate by under-

oootion and threatening mate again

.-R6 !'. Therefore Black's rook rcfrfr-s driven on to Q6. 7. K-B7

is

R-Qr

6.--

(N-K6

ch

K-Nr K-Rr

B-R6 ch Q-Na ch

will be walled in completely.

by necessity, this demands caution, since

6- P-R8 (Q)? a driving-on move, -.

K-Q3

Black's king is cornered. By way of two energetic driving-on sacrifices he

White wins.

RxR!

lays a stalemate-trap for

K-Br

ch

and S7hite wins the queen or Q-R3 ch).

4.

S--Ibugh diaated

N-B5

Q+ (+. . ..,

5"R B!

d

either case resulting in a mate in the centre of the board.

+. Q-N: ch !, KKxN? 5. Q-R3 ch !) S. B-B+ ch !, KxB 6. Q-N3 ch

line interference is the only ftDG agai$t R-Q6 mate. It does I JcED. to help either, but there is re frnesse in it than meets the eye.

still

Ql +. Q-BS ch, or 3. . . ., K-Bz 4. B-RS ch, K-K3 5. Q-K5 ch in

3. . . .,

ltis

,.rE

KxP -2. ..., BXP? g. B-N+ ch, K-

3.

B-Q+

- -

)

r. Q-N5

K-K3

!

ch

At first sight it would be more natural to prevent queening by r. . . .,

B x P. Then, however, z. N-B4 ! would decide the issue on account of the mating threat l. B-RS. For instance: 2. ..., Q-Q3 3. B-84 ch, K-Kr 4. Q-N8 ch, Q-Br 5. B87 ch !, K-K2 6. N-N6 ch; or 2. . . ., Q-QNI l. B-RS ch, K-Br

4. Q-B6 ch, K-Nr 5. Q-BT ch, K-Rr 6. N-N6 mate ; or 2. . . ., Q-Nz g. B-B+ ch, K-Br 4. QQ8 ch,

B-Kr

5.

N-K6

6. 7.

B-N7 ch !! N-Q7 !!

BxB

Q-Qr

Black must defend his QN3. But he can't hold out long !

B.Q-QN8 ch ! g.

N-N6

QxQ

and mate

ch

!

240.

SCHEME.

ch etc.

!

liDc opening

and attack combined

rh thneat. The fourth mating threat l-RE) can only be warded off bY lvins the rookelntjt..l{hite wins.

z.

K-Nr

!

It will turn out later that this is the only square on which the king is safe from the harassing checks of Black's queen,

"A miracle on the chessboard !"-

this is how that master of composi-

2rl

tion, Dr. Gyiirgy P6ros, describes this final position in his work "Wonders on the Chessboard" (r94o). The boundless emPire of tactical possibilities in chess play is indeed marvellously rich and variegated. But even miracles are governed bY the laws of Nature. Chess play too has its own natural laws and its particular phenomena deriving from them. Ve only have to discover them.

He who has arrived from Damiano's

smothered mate (No. 13) through Troitsky's smothered mate (145) at

T?.c q,"'rrsrfz;; ilo

Seletsky's smothered mate (239), and who has perceived the eternal familiar motifs beneath the ever-changing

multicoloured gannents

of

brilliant

combinations not only with an amazed but also with a critical eye, will certainly have made some Progress on the road towards that discovery.

3:. :::

Amelung, F.

Bdn, J. zz8 Behting, J. 46. :-::' Berger, J. z3 Brenew, J. 64

Bron,

V. tI6

Campbell,

L C. :'

Cassidy, F. Dr. t-: Chekhover, V. -cj

Cohn,

H. ri9

Cook, E. B. lS

Cozio, A. +l

Damiano, r3 Daniel, A. W. 4:

Dehler, O. ro8 Duras, O. r8z, z:,4 Eisenstadt,

Erochin,

I.

l\{. t;8 156

Farag6, P. 9z

Feijter, C. J. de

Fritz, J. Dr.

55

zo6

Gorgiev, T. B. r{:. I (-- --: Grigoriev, N. D. r53. ::9- :: Gulyaev, A. P. t:Gunst, J. zZ+ Gurvitch, A. S. -l- I lri Halberstadt.

\'. :l

J. rt8. r-lS Havel, M. zz6 Herbstman, A. O. $:. Hasek,

ii-

Herbstman and Go:a:-r fleutcker, P. zcr

Holm, E. r41. r49 Holzhausen,

E. r-.-: :::

Horwitz, B. 8t, 84- 1- :5:212

INDEX

& rho hes arrived from Damiano's tred mate (No. 13) through *Ys smothered mate (r45) at lstr's smothered mate (239), and

(The numerals indicate the serial number of the end-games.)

p ha perceived the eternal familiar ri6 beneath the ever-changing tidoured gannents of brilliant

&ations not only with an amazed t rbo with a critical eye, will cerdy hrye made some progress on I rcd towards that discovery.

Amelung, F. 3o,

Bin,

l.

zz9

Behting, l. 46, Berger, J. z3 Brenew, l. 6+

Bron, V.

Kaminer, S. M. 224,227 Kissling, G. Dr. r97 Kliatskin, M. G. 69, zr9 Kling and Horwitz 96, r35 Kubbel, L. l. 27,28r 29, 37, 39, 4r' 45, 47, 58, 59, 6e, 6tr 79, 94, ro3, tr7, r2o, t23, t24, tz6, tzB, t3z, r38, 16o, t6z, t68, 2o2r 2o5r 2r2, 222, 235

rrr

r3r, r94'

22r

116

L C. z4 Cassidy, F. Dr. r7z Chekhover, V. 83 Campbell, Cohn,

H.

Lasker, Em. Dr. zoo Lazard, F. 19, 33, 34, to6, t37 Lewitt, M. Dr. roz Liburkin, M. S. gg, 225, 237

r79

Cook, E. B.

Cozio, A. +l

aS

Lomov, V. r54

Lund-Nimzovitch r95

Damiano, 13 Daniel, A. $fl. 4o

Mandler, A. and Kiinig, E. zz9

Dehler, O. ro8

Marwitz, J. H. S6 Mattison, H. 32, r34, r73

Duras, O. rBz, zo4 Eisenstadt,

Erochin,

I.

M.

Mendheim,

r78

156

Farag6, P. gz

Feijter, C. J. de

Fritz, J. Dr. zo6

I.72, t33

Neumann,

A. rr5

Neustadtl, H. Dr. r55 Newman, M. B. 169

55

Gorgiev, T. B. r42, r47,223 Grigoriev, N. D. 163, zo9, zto Gulyaev, A. P. tz7 Gunst, l. zl+ Gurvitch, A. S. 7o, rog

Ortueta-Sanz t96 Otten,

H. r7o

Paulsen-Metger Platov, M. 3r Platov, V. and

Halberstadt, V. zt

Flasek, J. rr8, r48 Flavel, M. zz6 Fferbstman, A. O. 8o, 95,

]. 5o, 86

Moravec,

Prokes,

r5r,

flerbstman and Gorgiev 136

r85

Ileu[cker, P. zot Flolm, E. t44, r49 Holzhausen, W. von r4r Horwitz, B. 8r, 84, 97, t5z, t57, t88

L. ztt

Prokop, F. 176, zr3 Przepiorka,

l.

89

M. 67, tzt, t87, zt6

26,36, 38, 65, 78,87, r59,

D.

Reichhelm, G.

ro5

R. tr3, rr4

R6ti, R. 73,77, to7, rro, rrz, r7r, r8o, t8t, zt7, zt8, zzo, 23t 213

Rinck, H. 18, 42r 76r roo, rr9, t22' 165, t67, t83, t86, zt4, zr5,23o Saavedra,

F. g8

A.

rr,

12, t4, t5, t6, 48r 49, 57,93, t75, t89,

tgo, r9I, 24o I. r64 A. A. 239,24o

Selesniev, A. zor 44

Simkhovitch, F. 53, 54

r9z

7t'

75, 88, 90, ror, ro4, r25, r29t 143' r45, r5o, r53, r58, 166, r74, r77; rg9r 2o7' 233, 236,238

Salvioli, C. 8z

Sehwers, Seletsky,

M.

TroitskS A. A. 17,22, 5rr 6z1 66' 68'

8S

Sarytchev, A. and K. z5 Sarytchev, K, 9r Schemes rr 2t 31 41 51 6171819, ro,

l+

Steinitz, W. z3z Teed, F.

Sacknann, F. r4o, r84 Salkind, L. V. zo3 Salvio,

Stahlberg-Tartakower r93

Stamma, F.

Vancura,

I. r:g

Vliet, L. van zo8

Vlk, L. 16r

V'eenink, H. 63, r3o

'lU7'otawa,

A. Dr. r98

Zakhodiakin, G.

N.

52, 146

I

I

2t4

*

The Ban

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