All,
A number of chess colleagues have asked me about my reluctance to enter into
tactical combinations on a more regular basis. Despite me having a reasonable
skill in calculation, I base much of my strategy on positional values. However,
as it has been vocalised by many a Great in the past, tactics are a fundamental
basis of chess. Fischer's dictum about knowing when to punch and knowing when
to duck, has a deal of truth in it, that as experts of chess, we can't really
ignore.
So, for some time now, I've been pondering on whether I should deliberately
steer my encounters into more complicated lines, especially so against players
rated significantly below me. Potentially, this may prove fruitful in winning
games more rapidly and supporting my development of calculation capabilities.
Inevitably, when venturing out on such an endeavour, there are going to be
mishaps, which I will have to ride. Finding challenging defensive patterns for
a player under pressure is not a simple task and often, I have found, on those
rare occasions when I have gone complicated, that my opponent has not been able
to find the correct route to salvage a position.
So, to honour this New Year’s resolution of attempting to play more
aggressively, I offer you all this tactical sample. I do not proclaim it to be
a wonderful demonstration of tactical excellence, but I hope it not only
illustrates how a direct approach to enter into tactical combinations can reap
a reward, but also provides an indication of my combinative talent!
Enjoy!
[Event "Cleveland Congress 2003"]
[Site "Hartlepool, ENG"]
[Date "2003.01.25"]
[Round "3"]
[White "Ross, Chris"]
[Black "Simpson, James"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "B28"]
[PlyCount "95"]
[EventDate "2003.01.25"]
{B28: Sicilian: O'Kelly Variation}
1. e4 c5
2. Nf3 a6
{The O'Kelly variation, perceived by many as a one-trick pony. Although the
variation can be a good surprise weapon on unsuspecting opponents, the
variation cannot be seen as a leading contender for challenging white for the
advantage.}
3. c3
{Accepted as the most effective way to meet the O'Kelly.
Naturally, the point of 2... a6 is if 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5 gives black a
better variation of the Kalashikov, as white is unable to play 5. Nb5.
The text-move switches the position into a classical C3-Sicilian structure,
where a6 may not necessarily be useful for black, and quite feasibly, prove to
be a loss of tempo and a liability.}
3... d6
{3... d5 4. exd5 is a direct transposition into the C3-Sicilian, when white can
play the Na3 lines, as Nc4/Nb6 ideas are distinctively possible. In the Na3
lines, a7-a6 tends not to be a useful move for black to have played.}
4. d4 cxd4
{Yielding the centre without too much of a fuss. 4... Qc7 is recognised as a
possible way forward, bolstering the e5-pawn and avoiding the exchange of
queens. The text-move only enables white to develop his queen's knight
naturally on c3 and construct a formidable pawn centre.}
5. cxd4 e6
{Black has a slightly more passive variation of the Scheveningen here. White is
permitted to develop fluidly and without hindrance. A direct king-side attack
is certainly on the cards.}
6. Bd3 Nf6
7. O-O Be7
8. Qe2
{The white queen vacates the d1-square for a rook. The push e4-e5 is enabled.
Once the black king's knight has been driven away, Qe4 can set up the mating
battery along the b1-h7 diagonal.}
8... Nc6
9. Nc3 d5
{Black determines that he is unable to tolerate the white centre without
challenge. Since the black king has not castled, he regards the safety of the
monarch to be sufficiently secure to enable him to do this.
Black cannot continue development harmoniously.
9... b5 will be hit eventually with a2-a4 and the black knights can be targeted
either with d4-d5 or e4-e5 at white's convenience.
The text-move transposes the structure into a French-like setup, where the
black king has not yet castled.}
10. e5 Nd7
11. a4
{Significantly reducing the manoeuvrability of the black forces. b7-b5 is now
prevented and the black queen-side minor pieces are going to take some time to
develop.
The major disadvantage of the text-move is that it gives up permanent control
of the b4 square. White can offset this disadvantage by the fact that if black
is to support the outpost, he will need to play a6-a5, thus gifting the
b5-square to white. White could play a2-a3 to control the b4-square, but this
would not hinder black in his development.}
11... Nb4
{Black sees no reason to why he cannot occupy the outpost immediately. This
does put the question to the white light-squared bishop. Since the black
counterpart is stuck at home for some time, white can consider forsaking this.
Since the position is blockaded though, tempi is not a telling factor at the
moment. To prevent black from castling and securing up his king, white needs to
maintain this bishop, keeping the pressure on the h7-square. To do this though,
some manoeuvring is necessary, which is not detrimental due to the blockaded
nature of the position.}
12. Bb1 Nb6
{Black intends 12... Nc4 and after this knight retreats to a5, he would have a
significant grip on the queen-side. Breaking the knight fortress on that side
of the board would not be easy to accomplish.}
13. b3 Bd7
14. Bd2
{Before commencing any aggressive intensions, white develops and secures up a
loose minor piece, that being the knight on c3. If pieces are defended before
complications are initiated, calculations tend to be that much easier to deal
with.}
14... Rc8
{Black has now completed queen-side development. He is cramped, but there are
no discernible weaknesses that can be targeted immediately.
White now needs to formulate a plan. His pieces are just about on their optimal
locations, although the rook on a1 is going to take some time to come into the
game.
When nothing else is obvious, a common idea to consider are pawn-breaks. To
open up positions and instigate counterplay, pawn-breaks tend to be a good
source for activity.
Here, white's only natural pawn-break is f2-f4-f5. Achieving this is going to
take some time and at the current moment, pushing to f5 will only allow black
to capture it, since d5 and e6 are well covered.}
15. Nd1!
{White reroutes his knight to a more central square, from where it can control
some vital squares. From e3, the knight will support a f2-f4-f5 thrust and
pressurise d5, tying down the black knights to defend that potentially loose
isolated pawn.
Also, the knight on e3 will control the c2-square, a penetration point that
black can utilise, given time and opportunity. Also, the knight is removed from
a loose square, if the white dark-squared bishop is required for operations on
the king-side.}
15... Bc6
{Not a pretty move, but it does provide the knight on b6 a flight square back
to the king-side via d7. Otherwise, a push with a4-a5 may drive the knight back
to a8, from where it can go to c7 but nowhere else effectively.
15... Nc2 does not achieve anything.
16. Ra2 Nb4 17. Rb2 and the rook is safe and is, in fact, better placed on b2
rather than on a1, for it has some actual use along the second rank, defending
c2 and may swing to the king-side at a moment's notice.}
16. Ne3 Nd7
17. Ne1
{Intriguingly, another knight retreat to the back-rank facilitates the next
stage in the white plan. The F-pawn is now enabled to start marching down the
board as soon as legitimately possible.}
17... Qb6
{Pressurising the only weak point in the white position. D4 is a tender square
as can be seen in many a French structure. Although the knight on e3 screens
this pawn. allowing it to fall with not a check, there are deeper ramifications
as the rook on a1 is also loose. Since black has not castled, Bxh7 tricks are
not in the offing.}
18. Qg4
{Emerging the queen into the game. The exposed king-side is a juicy target for
her to begin probing. D4 is defended and the g7-square is targeted. A decision
is now needed by black, as g7 cannot be permitted to collapse, as the rook on
h8 is hit with tempo.}
18... g6
{Creating the first chinks in the black armour. The dark-squares around the
king-side are becoming vulnerable now. Although this is not immediately
disastrous, white has gained the first psychological blow.
18... Kf8 may have been better for black, and although black has lost castling
rights, the blockaded nature of the position may allow him to wriggle the king
into g8 and develop the king's rook via h6 after h7-h5.}
19. Nf3
{Bringing the knight back to its natural square. Since the break f2-f4-f5 has
been held up by black's g7-g6, the knight is returned to provide defensive
duties on the d4-pawn. In addition, the steed is supporting in the exploitation
of the dark-squares around the black king-side.}
19... Qd8
{Black retreats the queen back to offer additional support to the dark-squares
around the black king-side. Since d4 is no longer a potential point of
weakness, she serves no further purpose on b6.}
20. h4
{White's next pawn-break is the h2-h4-h5 thrust. If permitted, white will
exchange on g6, play g2-g3, Kg2 and penetrate down the open H-file with his
rooks.}
20... h5
{Black deems it necessary to prevent this plan of opening up the H-file.
Interestingly though, is that the blockading efforts by black cannot go on
forever. Black is simply shifting the focus-point of the pawn-breaks and white
is having to adapt and be versatile enough to slowly grind them down.
Both the f5 and h5 breaks have now been prevented, but at serious consequence
to the dark-squares on the king-side.}
21. Qg3 a5
{In a blocked position, black does not find any better plan rather than
securing up his outpost on b4. As the position is so tight, white now needs to
reconsider his approach and how to next prepare his obvious pawn-break.}
22. Nd1!
{As described above, white can offset the disadvantage of losing the b4-outpost
by the acquisition of the b5-square. This white queen's knight was rerouted to
the king-side to facilitate the f2-f4-f5 pawn-break. As this is no longer
possible, the knight returns to secure up the queen-side. Also, the
dark-squared bishop on d2 is given some light towards those weakened
dark-squares around the king-side.}
22... b6
{22... b5 is possible but would eventually lead to an opening up of the
position. Since black has not castled, this will only be more dangerous for
him.}
23. Ng5
{White can now begin aggressive operations. The g5-outpost is utilised and
tactics are introduced. White has threats of taking on e6, allowing Qxg6+ and
Qxe6, winning three pawns for the knight, or allowing Bh6+ winning a rook and
several pawns for the two minor pieces, with an exposed black king to boot.}
23... Nf8
{Defending against the aforementioned tactics. Taking on g5 with 23... Bxg5
would leave f6 forever weak and the H-file will become open. Even 24. Bxg5 is
not a poor response as the dark-squares can still be targeted.}
24. Qf3
{Directly attacking f7. This pawn cannot be defended, which forces an exchange,
thereby severely weakening the dark squares even further for black.}
24... Bxg5
25. Bxg5
{25. hxg5 is also possible. White would continue as in the game. The only
difference is that the pressure on the g6-square would be less of an issue for
black.}
25... Qd7
26. Nc3
{The queen's knight returns to control the b5-square. However, there is another
purpose to this rerouting of the knight back to the queen-side. Of immediate
note is that if the black light-squared bishop retreats, this allows the knight
to occupy the b5-square.}
26... Nh7
27. Bd2
{It is essential for white to maintain the dark-squared bishop. With black
having been forced to exchange his own dark-squared bishop, white needs to
retain all of the tension along those squares. Another by-product of that
forced exchange though is the outpost on b4. The outposted knight on b4 no
longer has support of his dark-squared bishop to cement its position. In that
sense then, this outposted knight can, interestingly, be undermined.}
27... Qe7
28. g3
{Securing up the loose h4-pawn. The white king is also afforded the g2-square
to sit on, allowing the H-file to be occupied by a white rook.}
28... Rc7
{Since black is so cramped, he may wish to try and force matters.
28... f5 29. Rc1 Kd7 30. Qe3 is one approach, although this is certainly
dangerous for the black monarch.}
29. Qe2
{The white queen eyes up the a6-square, a possible penetration point were black
not to be wary of it. The b6-pawn could be a point of vulnerability.}
29... Qd7
{Attempting to restrain 30. Nb5 as exchanges would leave the white pawn
structure fragile.}
30. Na2
{Breaking the hold on the b4-square. The knight on b4 can no longer be
maintained. Were black to have kept his dark-squared bishop, this manoeuvre may
not have any worth.}
30... Nxa2
31. Rxa2
{Developing the rook. As described above, the queen's rook is active along the
second rank, defending c2 and allowing a quick switch to the king-side.}
31... O-O
{Black bites the bullet. Having suffered for over 30 moves, he deems it
essential to try and gather some counterplay on the queen-side. If this is not
played, the black king's rook is destined to take no part in the encounter.
With the black king now committed to the king-side, the white assault can begin
in Ernest. How can white now initiate an attack, bringing complications into
the equation, in attempt to bamboozle a lower-graded player?}
32. Bh6 Rb8
{Black strives to break with b6-b5. As the king-side attack is looming, there
is no time for black to break.
32... Rfc8 is arguably better, with an attempt to gather some counterplay down
the open C-file, despite the white bishop pair controlling all of the
penetration points.}
33. g4!
{Aggressively initiating tactics. The natural pawn-break is achieved and
complications are now abundant. Momentum is the sheer key to success.}
33... Qe7
{Black seeks counterplay and engages actively in the complications. Naturally,
33... hxg4 will only allow white to further prise open the position at some
stage with h4-h5.}
34. gxh5 Qxh4
{Tactics are now apparent across the board. Both kings are being exposed and
calculation is required to sift through the multiple complications.
In this position and subsequent structures, the power of the pin is
significant. Here, the white h5-pawn is pinned against the loose dark-squared
bishop on h6. How important that is may prove to be black's salvation. How is
white to continue?}
35. Kg2!
{The white king lifts up to facilitate a rook entry into the king-side. Also,
the king may flee via the third rank if necessary.
35. f4 does block the attack on the d4-pawn and opens up the second rank for
the rook on a2.}
35... Qxd4
{Faced with a complex position, black chooses an obvious continuation. The
d4-pawn is snaffled, in the hope that the long diagonal can be opened up,
exerting pressure down onto the white king.
35... Qxh5 36. Qxh5 gxh5 would allow the white rook to enter into the king-side
either with 37. Rg1 or even 37. Rh1. The h5-pawn will not be tenable.
Penetration on g7 would be very difficult to prevent.}
36. Rd2
{Gaining some valuable tempo on the black queen and activating the queen's
rook. This rook will be needed for shielding purposes along the second rank. It
cannot ever be neglected the usefulness of a rook horizontally.}
36... Qh4
37. Rh1
{Thus breaking the pin on the h5-pawn. Once the black queen moves, captures on
g6 are enabled. However, is the long diagonal white's undoing?}
37... d4+
{Played with tempo. In the doing though, white is able to block and achieve
another tactical advantage, that being, the opening up of the second rank,
further empowering the queen's rook.}
38. f3 Qd8
{Black scuttles the queen back out of harm's way, but removing her annoyances
from the king-side in the process.
A further exploitation of a pin with
38... Qg4+ achieves nothing after 39. Kf2 and the black queen has no squares of
safety.}
39. hxg6
{Forcing the opening up of lines. The black king is slowly being pealed open.}
39... Ng5
{As the complications continue, each player has to weigh up the effectiveness
of the pawn shelter in front of their monarchs. The only pawn shield for white
is the f3-pawn and this is now under fire by two black minor pieces.}
40. Qd3
{Avoiding the loss of the queen after Bxf3+ and viewing the g6-square.
Unfortunately, this offers black a rather unique defensive resource, which on
one move before the time control, would be impossible for most players to find.
40. gxf7+ Kxf7 41. Rd3 is the most accurate way to continue the position, for
white can exchange rook for two minor pieces on f3 if required.}
40... Bxf3+
{On the final move of the time-control, black misses the clever defence, which
is counter-intuitive. Having an easy check at hand, black plays this without
too much hesitation.
40... f5! is black's neat avoidance of further complications and ensures that
his king is shielded by the white forces, including the pawn on g6, thereby
blocking the entry for the white heavy pieces.}
41. Kg1
{Wanting to keep to the plan of having the second rank open, white offers black
more opportunities of gathering material gain.
41. Kh2 f5 42. Rf1 Bg4 43. Qxd4 Nf3+ 44. Rxf3 Qxd4 45. Rxd4 Bxf3 is a tough
line to find for black, but is the correct way to play the position. Like many
others though, black did not consume time after reaching the time control to
re-assess his position and allow the adrenalin to subside. The fight-mode still
flowing, black is unable to analyse critically his defensive possibilities.}
41... Be4
{Once again, black finds an obvious, but ineffectual move. Attacking the white
queen only drives her to a better location.
41... f5 42. exf6 Qxf6 43. Qxd4 Rc1+ 44. Kf2 Qxd4+ 45. Rxd4 Bxh1 is easy for
black.}
42. Qg3
{Maintaining the pressure on the g6 square. Things are at a final critical
point now. It is make or break for black and in such tough circumstances, it is
no surprise that he crumbles, choosing for material gain rather than calm
composure.}
42... Rc1+
43. Kf2 Rxh1
{Winning significant material. All of which is good, as long as your king does
not get cut down in the process!}
44. Bxg5 Qd5
{Incredibly, all of the black major pieces are focussed towards the white
exposed king, but yet, cannot deliver a fatal blow due to the control of the
rook on d2 and the white queen along the G-file. Only calm calculation can
justify such positions occurring and an inherent belief in the technical
abilities of your own skill.}
45. gxf7+ Kf8
{Black chooses to avoid further tactics by attempting to shield behind the
white f7-pawn. Here are some variations to demonstrate why snatching the white
sacrificial pawns can only favour white.
45... Kxf7 46. Qf4+ Bf5 47. Bxf5 exf5 48. e6+! Kg6
Note, if 48... Qxe6 there follows this possible line.
49. Re2 Qxe2+ 50. Kxe2 Re8+ 51. Kf2
49. Qxb8 Qe4
If 49... Qxe6 50. Re2 Qxe2+ 51. Kxe2 d3+ 52. Ke3 Kxg5 53. Qd8+ Kg6 54. Qxb6+
Kg5 55. Qd8+ Kg6 56.
Qxa5 and white cleans up.
50. Qg8+ Kh5 51. Qh8+ Kxg5 52. Qg7+ Kh5 53. Qh7+ Kg5 54. Qg7+ Kh5 55. Qh7+ Kg5
56. Qg7+
and presumably white will have to settle for a perpetual.}
46. Bf6
{Further entombing the black king. There is no salvation now. Black can only
chuck pieces in the way to hold up the inevitable.}
46... Bg6
47. Qxg6 Rh2+
{And finally, the white queen's rook performs its last act by shielding the
white king along the second rank, preventing any further invasions by the black
queen.}
48. Kg3
{Calmly moving the king away from any further danger. Black cannot prevent mate
on g8.
48... Rh3+ 49. Kxh3 Qh1+ 50. Kg3 Qe1+ 51. Rf2 Qg1+ 52. Rg2 Qe1+ 53. Kh2
and black has no further checks.
An emphatic demonstration of tactical complications!}
48... 1-0
Opening references
A.
6. Nc3 Bd7 7. Bd3 Be7 8. O-O h6 9. Re1 Bg5 10. Nxg5
hxg5 11. Qg4 Nh6 12. Qg3 Nc6 13. Bxg5 Qa5 14. Rac1 Qb4 15. Nd5 exd5 16. exd5+
Kf8 17. dxc6 bxc6 18. Be7+ Kg8 19. Qxd6 Qxd6 20. Bxd6 Nf5
Hidalgo Mena,A (2335)-Passolas,R/St Cugat 1994/EXT 1998/1-0 (35)}
B.
8. Nc3 Nc6 9. a3 Qc7 10. Bg5 h6 11. Bh4 O-O 12. Rc1 Qd8 13. e5 dxe5 14. dxe5
Nd5 15. Bxe7 Ncxe7 16. Ne4 Nf5 17. g3 Bd7 18. Nc5 Bc8 19. Bxf5 exf5 20. Nd4 Nc7
21. f4 b6 22. Ncb3 Be6 23. Nxe6 Stolniceanu,V (2134)-Jud,M (2073)/Basel SUI
2016/1/2-1/2 (36)
C.
8. Nc3 Nbd7 9. e5 Ng8 10. Bf4 d5 11. Rc1 g5 12. Bg3 h5 13. Nxd5 exd5 14. e6
fxe6 15. Bc7 g4 16. Bg6+ Kf8 17. Bxd8 Bxd8 18. Ne5 Nxe5 19. dxe5 Ne7 20. Bd3
Bb6 21. Qa4 Rg8 22. Kh1 h4
Borisenko,V (2302)-Subbotin,A (1919)/Alushta UKR 2011/1-0})
Chris Ross
January 2017
