All,
Tyson's been posting some of his games where the white light-squared bishop has
been embarrassed on c4 in the Grand-Prix attack.
Not to be outdone or anything, you understand...but this brief encounter has
sprung to mind.
At the time of this game, I was new within the town of Northampton, only been
in residence for 1 month or so. Having arrived with a low ECF 201 grade (about
2200 ELO). My opponent had a fierce reputation for being "attacking",
"tactical" and basically scaring the crap out of his opponents, ramping up very
impressive wins within the local area. He also had a ECF 200 grade, but was
known for fast, speedy attacking games and an imposing demeanour.
Not having ever played him before and having a no-fear temperament, I attended
this match with no expectations. You can imagine the shock on my captain's
expressive words when I adjourned to the bar within 30 minutes, having beaten
somebody, who had a massive reputation in the local league. Needless to say,
this began my own legacy within the county - and that was not just for my
playing strength, but also for my capacity for my alcohol tolerance!
[Event "Northamptonshire League Matches 2012-2013"]
[Site "Northampton, ENG"]
[Date "2012.11.28"]
[Round "2.1"]
[White "Bryans, Nick"]
[Black "Ross, Chris"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "B23"]
[PlyCount "24"]
[EventDate "2012.11.28"]
[WhiteTeam "Northampton A"]
[BlackTeam "Chess Mates A"]
1. e4 c5
2. Nc3 Nc6
3. f4 g6
4. Nf3 Bg7
5. Bc4 e6
6. d3 Nge7
7. O-O O-O
8. Qe1
{The standard attacking plan for white. Within the Grand-Prix, the "style" of
attacking is fairly thematic. White wishes to play Qe1/Qh4, f4-f5, Ng5, Bg5/Bh6
and essentially, hunt the black king down. Crude, but in many ways, effective,
against an un-expecting opponent.
There is a standard response to such Qe1 moves though, and that is to occupy
the d4-square and target the weak c2-pawn.}
8... Nd4
9. f5
{Very aggressively played. Utterly true to the nature of my opponent. It is
likely that such aggressive ideas felled many of his opponents.
White's going "all in" here. Calmer responses are to take on d4, 9. Qf2 and 9.
Bb3.
Black is now facing a powerful king-side attack. Should he take the offered
material on c2 or attend to his sparsely defended king-side?}
9... d5
{The light-squared bishop on c4 proves to be a tempo-gaining liability.
This had to be calculated very carefully, but in all variations, black is
coming out the better. Restraint had to be experienced, for black could easily
snatch on c2. No doubt, computer engines would prove that black may well be
able to do this, but the game continuation brings about a very swift finish to
white.}
10. Qh4
{Again, a hugely provocative move. White is showing no abandonment in pursuing
his endeavour to blow black off the board. True resolve has to be shown here by
black and this attacking continuation had to be calculated into black's mind
when playing 9... d5.
White has a range of attacking ideas here. Bg5 or Ng5, f5-f6 and other such
tactics have to be all taken account of. The black king-side has to be regarded
as very vulnerable. Black needs to have a plan, otherwise, he is simply going
to be overwhelmed.
Consider this position very carefully, for black only has one way to play and
it just happens to bust white completely!}
10... Nexf5!
{A coolly calculated response to white's aggressive intensions. Tactically, the
white endeavours are unsound.
Here, the chain of protection is the essential consideration. The f1-rook
defends the knight on f3. Importantly, the knight on f3 defends the white queen
on h4. If the f3-knight were to fall, especially so with check, the white queen
suddenly becomes unprotected.
Black's big advantage in the position is that the light-squared bishop on c4 is
still under attack. That enables black to jettison material himself, as he is
confident that he will regain the material with positional gain.
Therefore, the dangerous pawn on f5 can be captured, and tempo is gained by
directly attacking the white queen. After which, the white position simply
collapses.}
11. Qxd8
{All variations work for black.
A. 11. Exf5 Nxf3+ 12. Rxf3 Qxh4 drops the white queen.
B. 11. Qf2 Nxf3+ 12. Gxf3 Bd4 will win the white queen.
C. 11. Qh3 dxc4 12. Exf5 exf5 and black is easily winning.
13. Bg5? Nxf3+ wins the bishop and black can flick in Nxf3+ at any time and
play Qd4+/Qg7 or Qf6 when he likes. The defence is easy enough.}
11... Rxd8
12. Bg5
{Losing outright.
12. Exd5 and black can decide about 12... Nxf3+ followed by 13.. Nd4 or even
taking on c2. There are a vast variety of options for black and all of them
gain material for him. The text-move just brings the game to an immediate
conclusion.}
12... f6
{Winning more material. With the Nxf3+ and Nd4 zwischenzugs, black is going to
win material somewhere.
You can imagine my captain's praise for winning so swiftly.
Sadly though, after this embarrassing defeat, my opponent suddenly realised
that he was no longer the top-dog in the area and soon stopped playing league
chess. Sad, as it would have been fun sparring with him over other such
attacking opening variations.}
13. 0-1
Cheers,
Chris
