All,
This game explores the concept of establishing, and eventually, pushing, a
central pawn mass. Creating a passed pawn through the centre is often well
founded and frequently leads to advantages. However, such a pawn thrust has to
be well supported and have a solid foundation behind it,. Essentially though,
the base of the pawn chain has to be solidified, and the supporting pieces
behind and alongside the pawn centre, has to be well rooted and not
precariously positioned on loose squares.
Although aesthetically, it may not be pleasant for an advanced pawn to be
marching down towards you, if ultimately, it cannot be maintained, the fear of
such an advance should be controlled and the confidence to win it at a later
date instilled as an instinctual understanding.
In this game, the white player is a strong ECF 194 (ELO 2150) player, and is no
mug when it comes to complications. Indeed, to give this opponent the due
deference he deserves, in a complicated game last year, he actually beat me in
a primitive, but effective, counter-attack with reversed colours.
Enjoy.
[Event "Northamptonshire League Matches 2014-20"]
[Site "Kettering, ENG"]
[Date "2014.10.13"]
[Round "3.1"]
[White "Jones, Chris"]
[Black "Ross, Chris"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "B24"]
[Annotator "Chris Ross"]
[PlyCount "124"]
[EventDate "2014.10.13"]
[WhiteTeam "Kettering A"]
[BlackTeam "Chess Mates A"]
{B24: Closed Sicilian}
1. e4 c5
2. Nc3
{Interesting psychology on move 2. White would normally adopt the C3 Sicilian,
but rightfully so, presuming that I had prepared and had in hand a prepared
line against the somewhat inferior lines of the C3 Sicilian, white chose the
Closed Sicilian. Unfortunately for white, this is an opening, I have scored
extremely heavily against, not having lost against it in over many years.}
2... Nc6
3. g3 g6
4. Bg2 Bg7
5. Nge2 Rb8
{A pet side-line of mine, where the queen-side is deliberately expanded before
any king-side development occurs. The rook is removed of the long diagonal and
the focus square of the “Dragon-Bishop”, b2, is directly targeted. The
launching of the black B-pawn cannot really be prevented.}
6. f4
{This is a playable move, but it does limit white somewhat in his opening
choices. The dark-squared bishop is very much so restricted on c1 and has a
very poor future indeed. White is naturally aiming for e4-e5 themes, with
Nc3-Ne4 ideas, none of which are attainable, of course.}
6... d6
{Preventing any of the e4-e5 ideas and building the “mini-centre”. White’s only
realistic break is the f4-f5 push, and this is permanently sealed out by the
simple control of that square.}
7. O-O Nd4
{Controlling the central square and removing the knight away from any potential
tactics along the h1-a8 diagonal, once the B-pawn marches. The white D-pawn is
held in place and the f5 square controlled by yet another piece. Black has now
obtained easy equality from the opening.}
8. d3 b5
9. Nxd4 cxd4
{Although slightly unattractive, this pawn is not destined to remain for very
long on d4. The pawn itself creates a big vulnerable point for white on c2,
which, if he does not deal with it, will become the focus of the black heavy
pieces. To release this weakness, white will have to build the centre with
c2-c3, thereby creating further weaknesses, as discussed later. This advance
would also re-open the “Dragon-Bishop” on g7.
If the capture on d4 did not happen, then white would find it very difficult
indeed to develop, discover a safe square for the knight on c3, which is about
to be pestered, and to defend the weak b2 focus-square. The white queen cannot
wander away from the weak c2 square and the hack on the king-side is not
forthcoming for white, as black has delayed the development of his king’s
knight, and indeed, left his king in the centre, as there is no immediate
danger through the middle of the board.}
10. Ne2 e6
{Yet again, controlling the f5 square, but allowing the king’s knight
development via e7. From where, it controls f5, and may allow Nc6 to defend the
pawn on d4, although this is highly unlikely. With f5 so well controlled, white
has very little in the position.}
11. c3
{White embarks on the building of his pawn-centre, which is the objective of
this annotated game. Although it frees his difficulty of the c2 backward pawn,
it presents another complication in the fragile nature of his pawn centre. More
importantly though is the nature of the white D-pawn as this now has become
backward, due to the advance of the C-pawn. In effect then, white has
transferred one weakness (backward C-pawn), for another (backward D-pawn), but
all of this is disguised by the seemingly strong building up of the white
centre.}
11... dxc3
12. bxc3 Ne7
13. Be3 Qc7
{Simple and effective. The a7 pawn is defended, and the rook on b8 also. This
is important as any advance of the black B-pawn could lead to a pin along the
B-file.
13... b4 14. Rb1 is hugely better for white.
The black queen is also well positioned to prevent any intrusion by the white
dark-squared bishop on c5, were any tactics to happen with e4-e5 and d6xe5. The
e5 square is over-protected and the c3 pawn eyed up, although black would never
dream of giving up his Dragon-Bishop for such a poor pawn.}
14. Bd4?
{White has a poor position, but this makes things massively worse for him.
After the following poor positional moves, it is almost impossible to find any
constructive positionally valid way for white to play on. The text-move is
understandable, as white wishes to exchange his poor dark-squared bishop for
the Dragon-counterpart, which would be a very favourable trade for him. Black
has absolutely no intension of permitting this though and as it is, he can
easily avoid it.
Of absolute importance though, is that the text-move allows the further
emphasis that the white D-pawn is truly backward and is, in many ways, a
telling weakness.}
14... e5
{Temporarily shutting in the Dragon-Bishop, but as I have written about on many
occasions, the potentiality of this bishop should never, ever be
underestimated. Often, it can re-emerge into a game with devastating effect and
especially so, when there are still pawn-breaks on the board. The advance of
the black E-pawn further illustrates the weak backward nature of the white
D-pawn.}
15. fxe5?
{Unfortunately, white follows his previous weak move with a further weakening
move. He voluntarily opens up lines against his own backward D-pawn and
seriously limits the scope of his own light-squared bishop. After this very
serious positional inaccuracy, white is on the verge of a positionally lost
position.
White should retreat the bishop to e3, and after castling, black can break with
either f7-f5 or indeed, d7-d5, but white is still in the game if nothing else.}
15... dxe5
16. Be3 O-O
17. d4?
{After which, white is simply lost. There is little hope for him after such a
series of poor positional moves.
White has been intent on establishing such a strong pawn centre, but
considering it much deeper, there is no supporting foundation to the pawn
chain. Indeed, the base of the pawn-chain, c3, is easily attacked. Once the
base collapses, the rest will follow en suite.
Intriguingly, white has now switched his former weakness on c2, on the D-pawn,
and by this text-move, further shunted it to the E-pawn, which can now no
longer be supported by a pawn. It’s additionally illustrative that both the
base of the pawn-chain, c3, can be struck, but also, the backward pawn on e4,
with the thrust, f7-f5.
Further considerations in the position are outposts and piece activity. The c4
square has now become a big outpost for black and the knight on e7 is perfectly
placed to exploit it. Although it is going to take about 3 moves to get there,
the knight has no better prospect. From c4 though, the knight will strike one
of the defenders of the pawn centre, that very loose bishop on e3. If the
defender collapses, the pawn centre will fall.
Not only the bishop on e3, one of the defenders of the pawn centre, can be
targeted. The knight on e2 can also be a tactically vulnerable point.
Black can now complete development and establish a huge advantage, after which,
there is little hope for white. Technique alone will convert this advantage.
Naturally, black must pay attention to all of the tactics en route, but it
takes little effort from herein to conclude this rather simple victory.}
17... Bg4
18. Bf3
{An attempt to stem the tide. The light-squared bishop is a poor piece, but an
exchange on f3 is not desirable, as this develops the white rook and may allow
it to sneak into d3, thereby defending all of the white weaknesses. Allowing
exchanges on e2 will only lose the c3 pawn, or create huge tactical
possibilities on d4, as a rook landing on d8 will pin something there, or allow
a pin along the g1-a7 diagonal.}
18... Bh3
19. Rf2
{A valiant attempt to hold the position, but interestingly, this also weakens
the back-rank. The bishop on f3 is blocking things up, but retreating to g2
only allows a more favourable exchange on g2, as then, the black queen can land
on b7, x-raying through the E4 pawn and the bishop on e3 is vulnerable to
family-forks.}
19... Nc6
{It was imperative not to become impatient here and attempt to lash out with
the break f7-f5. This pawn break is always on, and timing it is critical. If it
is not immediately beneficial, then, it is not necessary. The knight’s journey
to c4 first is important. Going via c8 is possible, but black needs to keep the
option of recapturing on e5 with the knight in hand.}
20. a4
{White seeks tactics, the only possible salvation to his position. As long as
black keeps it all under control, there is little to fear. It is difficult to
suggest an alternative to the text-move, as white has no positive plan to
peruse.}
20... b4
{The demolition of the pawn-base happens. Again, because of excellent
positional foundations, the tactical difficulties will always resolve
themselves. Although the square in front of the backward pawn is no longer an
outpost, it is still a point of operation.}
21. d5
{Since the pawn-base is directly attacked, there is tactics on d4, as once the
base collapses, the rest will too. White pushes the D-pawn in the hope of
creating tactics, but effectively, makes the pawn weaker.
The ironic feature in the whole position is that the pawn-base on c3 has been
struck, where it was on c2, but yet, white has pushed past all of that, allowed
a liquidation of that pawn-base to occur on b4, but has in fact, transferred
that pawn-base to e4. Since black still has the break f7-f5, the newer
pawn-base, e4, can still be struck. By advancing the D-pawn then, white has not
resolved his problem, and even compounded it two-fold. A transference of a
weakness is not a resolution to it!}
21... Na5
22. cxb4 Rxb4
23. Rc1 Rc4
{Simple and strong. Black is more than happy to exchange pieces, as this will
make his conversion of the end-game so much easier.
Naturally, the black queen cannot run away due to Bc5 exchange-winning tactics.
23... Nc4 may run into 24. Bd2 ideas when the pinned knight is problematic.}
24. Rxc4 Nxc4
25. Qc1
{White is seemingly finding resourceful ways to hold the position, but
ultimately, all of his positional weaknesses have to tell. The potentiality of
the Dragon-Bishop will come to prominence if black were able to exchange his
knight for the one on e3.
An important weakness mentioned previously now comes back to haunt white,
permitting black to win a simple pawn, thereby making the end-game conversion
much easier.}
25... Qa5!
{Exploiting the back-rank as the knight on c4 is immune due to Qe1+ ideas. The
text-move will win the a4 pawn and the ending is easy enough. There is no
salvation for white. After this move, white should consider resignation.}
26. Bg2 Nxe3
27. Qxe3
{27. Bxh3 Bh6! Is going to be more devastating for white.)
27... Bxg2
28. Kxg2 Qxa4
{Winning a pawn. The rest of the game needs little comment. The clock became a
big factor now, and it was of the upmost importance to move ahead on it. The
“perfect” or most accurate way to win the game was not important. Instantaneous
moves, played quickly and confidently were in order. I spent little time now
considering the rest, as the game is won and simple moves, even if second best,
would suffice.}
29. Nc3 Qb3
30. Qc5 Qb7
{Although tempi is lost, it is of no importance, as the text-move is played
quickly and the threat of Rc8 is difficult for white. F7 is the only point of
weakness for black, so it defines is black’s one and only concern.}
31. Qc6 Qb8
{Again, avoiding any tactics. Tactical possibilities is white’s only hope. The
simple avoidance of such ideas and tactical resources is the easiest, and most
effective, way of neutralising them.}
32. Nb5 Bh6
{The potentiality of the Dragon-Bishop, should never, ever be under-estimated!
The bishop emerges to control the d2 square, to prevent the rook from
supporting the passed D-pawn home, but also re-locates itself to the
queen-side. The black rook is needed for the defence of the f7 square for the
time-being.}
33. d6 Be3
34. Rc2 Rd8
{Now f7 is no longer such a serious problem, the advanced D-pawn becomes the
point of focus. Once that is won, black is two pawns up. The exposed nature of
the white king allows things to be concluded quickly, rather than a long
drawn-out squeeze.}
35. Nc7 Qb4
{Again, played very quickly. The last move of the first time-control, and
played with the sheer objective of staying ahead on the clock. A 4-minutes
advantage was now held and although I saw that a direct attack on the white
king would, and should, prove dividend, I opted for easy, direct, moves.
35... Qb1 36. Nd5 Qg1+ 37. Kh3 Qf1+ 38. Rg2 I saw, but had no interest in.}
36. Kf3
{An intriguing move, but yet again, it is a tactician attempting to find a move
that will confuse his opponent. Once more, the simple avoidance of tactics is
the easiest solution. The white king is actually more exposed on f3 than g2.}
36... Bb6
37. d7 Qd4
{Once again, choosing the easy option. I realised that 37... Qe1
38. Nd5 Qh1+ 39. Kg4 Qxe4+ 40. Kh3 was good, but I did not want to waste time
analysing a position and to give my opponent an easy think. Instant play was my
only objective.}
38. Ne8 Kf8
{Avoiding all the tactics. Again, this is white’s only option. If you step
aside from them, then you need not waste time thinking about them.}
39. Nd6
{As discovered the following night by a colleague in the chess club, 39. Nf6
would have offered more resistance, but the calm 39... h5 would have held
control easily enough.}
39... Qe3+
{For the record, 39... Qg1 40. Kg4 Qf1 41. Rc3 is the best route to victory.}
40. Kg2 Qg1+
41. Kf3
{Making life very easy for black. 41. Kh3 Qf1+ 42. Rg2 is grim but makes black
ponder, although, not for long!}
41... Qf1+
42. Kg4 h5+
43. Kh4 Qf6+
{Again, played instantly. I realised that mating nets were about, but I was not
interested in wasting time looking at them. I was, in truthfulness, a bit
annoyed, that white was playing on.
43... Be3 seemed to be strong with g6-g5 ideas, with Qh3 mating nets. Again, I
did not wish to waste time looking for tactics and played immediately, knowing
that the win of the passed D-pawn was easy and should have forced white’s
resignation.}
44. Kh3 Qe6+
45. Kg2 Qxd7
46. Qxd7
{Why white chose to play on here, I cannot explain. The position is hopeless,
and black is playing with over 3 minutes on the clock more. The conversion is
not difficult and the rest is uninteresting.}
46... Rxd7
47. Nb5 a6
48. Rc6 axb5
49. Rxb6 Rd2+
50. Kf3 Rxh2
51. Rxb5 f6
52. Rb7 g5
53. Ra7 h4
54. gxh4 Rxh4
55. Rb7 Kg8
56. Rc7 Rf4+
57. Ke3 g4
58. Rc6 Kg7
59. Rc2 Kg6
60. Rh2 Kg5
61. Rh8 g3
62. Rh7 Kg4
63. 0-1
Opening references
A.
6. g4 d6 7. Ng3 Nd4 8. O-O e5 9. d3 Qh4 10. f3 h5 11. g5 Ne6
12. Qe1 Ne7 13. Nge2 Qxe1 14. Rxe1 b5 15. Nd5 Nxd5 16. exd5 Nd4 17. Nxd4 cxd4
18. f4 O-O 19. Bd2 Bf5 20. Be4 Bxe4
Saric,I (2310)-Nikcevic,N (2485)/Budva 1996/CBM 053 ext/1/2-1/2 (57)})
B.
6. b3 b5 7. Bb2 e6 8. O-O d6 9. d3 Nge7 10. Qd2 b4 11. Nd1 Nd4 12. a3 a5 13.
Ra2 O-O 14. axb4 axb4 15. Ne3 Nec6 16. f4 Nxe2+ 17. Qxe2 Nd4 18. Qf2 f5 19.
exf5 gxf5 20. Nc4 Bb7
Semenova,L (2248)-Zarubin,P (2442)/Kiev 2003/EXT 2004/1/2-1/2 (71)}
C.
7. d3 b5 8. Be3 b4 9. e5 Nxe5 10. fxe5 bxc3 11. bxc3
Bxe5 12. O-O Bg7 13. d4 cxd4 14. Nxd4 Qc7 15. Rb1 Rxb1 16. Qxb1 Qxc3 17. Bc6+
Kf8 18. Ne6+ Bxe6 19. Qb8+
1-0 Reichstein,H-Prestel,O/Untergrombach 1989/EXT 2003})
Chris Ross
October 2014
