The Master GameBookTwo

eremy James and William Hartston

The Master Game, the only international chess tournament played fortelevision

, has established itself as a firm favourite among both viewersand the world's leading grandmaster participants. This book contains thecomplete games of the first six series of The Master Came. Those fromthe fourth, fifth and sixth series are illuminated by the players' runningcommentaries, recapturing their thoughts and emotions at the time ofmaking critical decisions.

The fourth series culminated in a thrilling final between Larsen andHort which needed five games at ever-increasing speed before a winnerfinally emerged. The following year was still more dramatic, ending invictory for the West German Lothar Schmid who had started thetournament as a complete outsider. The 1981 series was the most excitingand surprising of all with a fifteen-year-old stealing the limelight fromseven grandmasters.

The players' comments to their own games not only show thecontrast between their widely differing personalities and chess styles, butprovide unique insight into the thought processes of some of the bestplayers in the world today. Quite apart from its educational value,however

, this collection is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining tripthrough some marvellous games in the company of such players asViktor Korchnoi

,Bent Larsen

, Vlastimil Hort, Tony Miles and, of course,the astonishing English teenager Nigel Short.

Jeremy James introduces the players with some revealing tales of theirattitudes to chess and life in general, and Bill Hartston adds his owncomments to the games.

£3.95

Round One

Alberik Q'Kelly 0-1 Tony Miles John Nunn Yl,O- Yl, 1 Vlastimil Hort Walter Browne 0-1 Jan Hein Donner Gyozo Forintos 0-1 Bent Larsen

So, curiously, all players who drew the black pieces for their first games succeeded in passing through to the semi-finals.

Game 1:

Alberik O'Kelly - Tony Miles . ./ Queen's Indian Defence

A game which was made to look really one-sided by Miles's powerful attacking play, but the Belgian grandmaster played far too passively throughout.

1 c4 b6 2 d4 e6.

Q'KELL Y: So he's trying to playa Nimzo-Indian without the move Nf6. What shall I do? Well, the normal move is e4 but I expect that he must have found an improvement on the game that he lost a few days ago against Browne in Tilburg, so let's play simply, Nf3.

3 Nf3.

MILES: Qh, we're going to transpose into a boring Queen's Indian. Still, nothing can be done about it. I must move Nf6.

3 ••• Nf6.

Q'KELL Y: Perhaps I should consider playing Bf4, that's my opponent's speciality. He won a good game against Spassky in the wine tournament in Montilla, but I prefer

to play simply. Let's go to the Queen's Indian with g3.

4 g3.

MILES: Now there are many possibilities. Bb7 is normal - let me see - he writes a lot about the game and probably knows most about what's currently fashionable. That's Bb7 and Be7 so I'll play something different. I'll attack c4.

4 ••• Ba6.

Q'KELL Y: So you're attacking my pawn; I have to protect it. There are several possibilities. I can protect with Qa4 or Qc2, but I'll play simply: b3.

5 b3.

MILES: Yes, now White wants to develop his bishop to b2, so I'll give him an annoying little check on b4 and try to deflect him.

5 ..• Bb4+.

Q'KELL Y: I just remember a game won by Smyslov with Black against Uhlmann when 6 Nbd2 was played. It's probably safer to interpose the bishop.

6 Bd2.

MILES: That's good. Now I don't want to exchange on d2 because that would only develop another white piece, so I play my

23

Round One

Alberik O'Kelly 0-1 Tony MilesJohn Nunn Vi,0- Vi, 1 Vlastimil Hort

Walter Browne 0-7 Jan Hein DonnerGyozo Forintos 0-1 Bent Larsen

So, curiously, all players who drew theblack pieces for their first gamessucceeded in passing through to thesemi-finals.

Game 1:

Alberik O'Kelly - Tony Miles -Queen's Indian Defence

A game which was made to look reallyone-sided by Miles's powerful attackingplay, but the Belgian grandmaster playedfar too passively throughout.

1 c4 b6 2 d4 e6.

O'KELLY: So he's trying to play aNimzo-lndian without the move Nf6. What

shall I do? Well, the normal move is e4 but

I expect that he must have found animprovement on the game that he lost afew days ago against Browne in Tilburg, solet's play simply, Nf3.

3 Nf3.

MILES: Oh, we're going to transpose into aboring Queen's Indian. Still, nothing canbe done about it. I must move Nf6.

3 . . . Nf6.

O'KELLY: Perhaps I should consider playingBf4, that's my opponent's speciality. Hewon a good game against Spassky in thewine tournament in Montilla, but I prefer

to play simply. Let's go to the Queen'sIndian with g3.

4g3.

MILES: Now there are many possibilities.Bb7 is normal - let me see - he writes a lot

about the game and probably knows mostabout what's currently fashionable. That'sBb7 and Be7 so I'll play somethingdifferent. I'll attack c4.

4 . . . Ba6.

O'KELLY: So you're attacking my pawn; Ihave to protect it. There are severalpossibilities. I can protect with Qa4 or Qc2,but I'll play simply: b3.

5 b3.

MILES: Yes, now White wants to develophis bishop to b2, so I'll give him anannoying little check on b4 and try todeflect him.

5 . . . Bb4+.

O'KELLY: / just remember a game won bySmyslov with Black against Uhlmann when6 Nbd2 was played. It's probably safer tointerpose the bishop.

6Bd2.

MILES: That's good. Now I don't want toexchange on d2 because that would onlydevelop another white piece, so I play my

23

bishop back to el and hope that his bishop is misplaced.

6 ••• Be7.

O'KELLY: My bishop is not so nice on d2, but I won't move it again at this stage. Let's develop simply.

7 Bg2.

MILES: Now Bbl is possible, dS is possible, c6 is an interesting move; play dS later and if necessary recapture with the c-pawn. I quite like it.

7 ... e6.

O'KELLY: Interesting idea. My Q-side is a little bit weak so it's not so easy to develop the Q-Knight because he might jump in on the weak squares with a bishop. Let's castle.

8 0-0.

MILES: Now my idea's to play dS, but I also need to castle. Which move do I play first? I don't think it makes any difference. I'll play dS.

8 ... dS.

O'KELLY: He's threatening my pawn again. Well, let's ignore the threat for one move.

9 Ne3.

MILES: Now if I take on c4, he recaptures and after Bxc4 he has NeS. That attacks my bishop and my pawn on c6 and I can't play BdS because of e4, so I'd have to move the bishop back and then Nxc6 and I lose material. So I can't take on c4 for the moment, but if I castle first then I think I'm really threatening him.

9 ... 0-0.

O'KELLY: Now I must do something about

24

the c-pawn. It's not pleasant to take in the centre but I've probably no option. I remember a game that I won with Black against the late Ossip Bernstein about twenty-five years ago. He also took in the centre, but here I've no option.

10 exdS.

MILES: That's nice. I expected NeS but I would have played Nfdl with a fairly easy position. Now White releases the tension -I'm sure Black has a very easy position -probably a little better already. Now I like cxdS, that's my style. I think the American Grandmaster Lombardy claimed that exdS was good for Black but I don't believe that.

10 •.. exdS.

With both Black bishops more aggressively placed than White's, the central pawn exchange has left him with the easier game. The next few moves saw O'Kelly adopting defensive measures against Ne4 and Ba3.

11 Qb1 Nc6 12 a3 Re8 13 Re1.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

a bed e 9 h

MILES: Now a plan, my kingdom for a

bishop back to el and hope that his bishopis misplaced.

6 . . . Be7.

O'KELLY: My bishop is not so nice on d2,but I won't move it again at this stage.Let's develop simply.

7Bg2.

MILES: Now Bb7 is possible, d5 is possible,c6 ;s an interesting move; play d5 later andif necessary recapture with the c-pawn. Iquite like it.

7 . . . c6.

O'KELLY: Interesting idea. My Q-side is alittle bit weak so it's not so easy to developthe Q-Knight because he might jump in onthe weak squares with a bishop. Let'scastle.

8 0-0.

MILES: Now my idea's to play d5, but Ialso need to castle. Which move do I playfirst? I don't think it makes any difference.I'll play d5.

8. . .65.

O'KELLY: He's threatening my pawn again.Well, let's ignore the threat for one move.

9 Nc3.

MILES: Now if I take on c4, he recaptures

and after Bxc4 he has Ne5. That attacks mybishop and my pawn on c6 and I can't playBd5 because of e4, so I'd have to move the

bishop back and then Nxc6 and I losematerial. So I can't take on c4 for the

moment, but if I castle first then I think I'm

really threatening him.

9 . . . 0-0.

O'KELLY: Now / must do something about

the c-pawn. It's not pleasant to take in thecentre but I've probably no option. Iremember a game that I won with Blackagainst the late Ossip Bernstein abouttwenty-five years ago. He also took in thecentre, but here I've no option.

10 cxd5.

MILES: That's nice. I expected Ne5 but Iwould have played Nfd7 with a fairly easyposition. Now White releases the tension -I'm sure Black has a very easy position -probably a little better already. Now I likecxd5, that's my style. I think the AmericanGrandmaster Lombardy claimed that exd5was good for Black but I don't believe that.

10 . . . cxd5.

With both Black bishops more aggressivelyplaced than White's, the central pawnexchange has left him with the easiergame. The next few moves saw O'Kellyadopting defensive measures against Ne4and Ba3.

11 Qbl Nc6 12 a3 Rc8 13 Rcl.

18

5

-

.

1

a b c d e f g h

MILES: Now a plan, my kingdom for a

24

plan. Maybe Nd7 and Bf6, but I don't know. On Nd7 maybe he can play e4. I can't give him so much time yet. That's annoying, but he hasn't got any sensible moves either. Possibly another idea for me is Bd6 and Qe7, then I have some pressure against the Q-side. I don't know; against Bd6 he might still be able to play e4, then maybe he'll have Ng5 attacking h7. I need a good waiting move, maybe ReB. The rook will be useful there later on; it may allow me to regroup.

13 . .. Re8.

O'KELLY: What are you up to? Seems to be waiting for a mistake. /t's not easy, my bishop is out of play, the d-pawn needs protection from the knight. I have two possibilities here: either Bf1 or e3. If I play e3 it locks in the bishop on d2. What shall I do? Let's play e3 and have a look at what will happen later.

14 e3.

MILES: Now that I like. Both his bishops are now fairly bad. Can I play Bd6? I don't know, maybe he can still play e4 and if I take twice he'll recapture with the queen; my knight on c6 is loose and he may still have Ng5. I think I need another waiting move. Maybe just h6 so that I won't have the worry of Ng5 at the end. He's still not doing anything. He's having terrible trouble finding moves and he's taking a long time over it. Another waiting move is good.

14 . .. h6.

O'KELLY: He just waits. What shall I do? Probably the safest way is Bf1, proposing an exchange, but it's very passive because he might enter on the white squares later. It's not easy to find a move. I might even play Ne5 - it's no good, he would take it

off and his knight would attack my pawn. Let's wait and see.

15 Qb2.

MILES: That's nice, there's no longer control over e4. I can even think of putting my knight there, but I like myoId plan, Bd6 and Qe7 looks nice. I don't have to worry about e4 any more and I get nice pressure against the Q-side.

15 . .. Bd6.

O'KELLY: That's unpleasant, he's threatening e5. I should have thought about that before. My two bishops are bad. Maybe I could playa counter-attack on the Q-side. That's the general strategy against a central thrust. Let's try it.

16 b4.

Strange logic by O'Kelly; the normal recommendation is for action in the centre to counter a wing attack. This move puts his last pawn on a black square. The threat of b5 is easily countered and White is left with disastrous weaknesses on the light squares.

16 ... Bd3 17 Nel Bc4 18 Bfl Bxfl 19 Kxfl e5!

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

25

plan. Maybe Nd7 and Bf6, but I don'

t

know. On Nd7 maybe he can play e4. Ican

't give him so much time yet. That'sannoying, but he hasn't got any sensiblemoves either. Possibly another idea for meis Bd6 and Qe7, then I have some pressureagainst the Q-side. I don

't know; againstBd6 he might still be able to play e4, thenmaybe he'll have Ng5 attacking h7. I needa good waiting move, maybe Re8. The rookwill be useful there later on; it may allowme to regroup.

13 . . . Re8.

O'KELLY: What are you up to? Seems to bewaiting for a mistake. It's not easy, mybishop is out of play, the d-pawn needsprotection from the knight. I have twopossibilities here: either Bfl or e3. If I playe3 it locks in the bishop on d2. What shallI do? Let's play e3 and have a look at whatwill happen later.

14 e3.

MILES: Now that I like. Both his bishopsare now fairly bad. Can I play Bd6? I don't

know, maybe he can still play e4 and if Itake twice he'll recapture with the queen;my knight on c6 is loose and he may stillhave Ng5. I think I need another waitingmove. Maybe just h6 so that I won't have

the worry of Ng5 at the end. He's still notdoing anything. He's having terrible troublefinding moves and he's taking a long timeover it. Another waiting move is good.

14 . . . h6.

O'KELLY: He just waits. What shall I do?Probably the safest way is Bfl, proposingan exchange, but it's very passive becausehe might enter on the white squares later.It's not easy to find a move. I might evenplay Ne5 - it's no good, he would take it

off and his knight would attack my pawn.Let's wait and see.

15 Qb2.

MILES: That's nice, there's no longercontrol over e4. I can even think of puttingmy knight there, but I like my old plan,Bd6 and Qe7 looks nice. I don't have to

worry about e4 any more and I get nicepressure against the Q-side.

15 . . . Bd6.

O'KELLY: That's unpleasant, he'sthreatening e5. I should have thoughtabout that before. My two bishops are bad.Maybe I could play a counter-attack on theQ-side

. That's the general strategy against acentral thrust. Let's try it.

16 b4.

Strange logic by O'Keily; the normalrecommendation is for action in the centre

to counter a wing attack. This move putshis last pawn on a black square. The threatof b5 is easily countered and White is leftwith disastrous weaknesses on the lightsquares.

16 . . . Bd3 17 Nel Bc4 18 Bfl Bxfl

19 Kxfl e5!

8

3.

v.

.

;

3 a

:

1

a b c d e f g h

25

Exchange of bishops has left the white squares defenceless. Miles opens the ~ame for the decisive attack. O'Kelly's men, In

their draughts board posture, are in no position to offer much resistance.

O'KELLY: Very strong move. He might enter on the e-fiJe. If I take, the knight takes back and enters on the white squares. It's very bad, probably already lost. Well, let's try Nb5.

20 Nb5.

MILES: Now I could probably play e4 and then build up on the K-side. That's probably strong but I'd like to open the position a bit because his pieces are all stuck on the Q-side.

20 .•. exd4.

A' KELL Y: If I play Nxd6, Qxd6 then b5, he takes on e3. The king's too exposed. I must take back.

21 Nxd4.

MILES: Right, I take on d4 and he can't take with the queen because of Be5.

21 • • • Nxd4 22 exd4.

MILES: Now in such positions my queen belongs on a white square and there's only one for it. That's d7, it's very strong.

22 ••• Qd7.

O'KELLY: Let's exchange one of the rooks.

23 Rxc8.

MILES: Now RxcB is normal but I want the rook on the e-fi/e. If the queen takes on cB I threaten Qh3 and Re2. This is very strong, he must let one of my pieces in.

23 ••• Qxc8.

26

O'KELLY: There's probably no defence. He threatens Qh3+ with a winning attack. Well, let's play Kg2.

24 Kg2.

MILES: That stops Qh3 +, but Re2 looks very strong. Then I pin his bishop and pawn. My knight's going to e4 and the queen's coming to f5. That must be winning.

24 ... Re2.

O'KELLY: Very unpleasant. Many threats here, the main one being Ne4. The position is lost.

25 Nf3.

MILES: Now Ne4100ks very strong, but wait, Ng4 is much better. Then the only way to protect the f2 pawn is Rf1, when I have Ne3+. His pawn's pinned against his king, and the bishop against the queen. So he can't take it and I win the exchange. No, more! He must play Kg1 and then I have Qh3 and that's mate next move on g2 or f1. Check once more: Ng4 and if he tries Rc1, I have Qf5. That doesn't help.

25 •.. Ng4.

O'KELLY: I overlooked that. I cannot play Rf1 to protect the f-pawn because of Ne3+. There's nothing to be done.

26 Resigns.

Exchange of bishops has left the whitesquares defenceless. Miles opens the gamefor the decisive attack. O'Kelly's men, intheir draughts board posture, are in noposition to offer much resistance.

O'KELLY: Very strong move. He mightenter on the e-file. If I take, the knighttakes back and enters on the white

squares. It's very bad, probably already

lost. Well, let's try Nb5.

20 Nb5.

MILES: Now I could probably play e4 andthen build up on the K-side. That'sprobably strong but I'd like to open theposition a bit because his pieces are allstuck on the Q-side.

20.. . exd4.

O'KELLY: If I play Nxd6,Qxd6 then 65, hetakes on e3. The king's too exposed. Imust take back.

21 Nxd4.

MILES: Right, I take on d4 and he can'ttake with the queen because of Be5.

21 . . . Nxd4 22 exd4.

MILES: Now in such positions my queenbelongs on a white square and there's onlyone for it. That's d7, it's very strong.

22. . . Qd7.

O'KELLY: Let's exchange one of the rooks.

23 Rxc8.

MILES: Now Rxc8 is normal but I want the

rook on the e-file. If the queen takes on c8I threaten Qh3 and Re2. This is very strong,he must let one of my pieces in.

23... Qxc8.

O'KELLY: There's probably no defence. Hethreatens Qh3+ with a winning attack.Well, let's play Kg2.

24 Kg2.

MILES: That stops Qh3+, but Re2 looksvery strong. Then I pin his bishop andpawn. My knight's going to e4 and thequeen

's coming to f5. That must bewinning.

24 . . . Re2.

O'KELLY: Very unpleasant. Many threatshere, the main one being Ne4. Theposition is lost.

25 Nf3.

MILES: Now Ne4 looks very strong, butwait, Ng4 is much better. Then the onlyway to protect the f2 pawn is Rfl, when Ihave Ne3+. His pawn's pinned against hisking, and the bishop against the queen. Sohe can't take it and I win the exchange.No, more! He must play Kg! and then Ihave Qh3 and that's mate next move on g2or fl. Check once more: Ng4 and if he triesRcl, I have Qf5. That doesn't help.

25. . . Ng4.

O'KELLY: / overlooked that. I cannot playRfl to protect the f-pawn because of Ne3 + .There's nothing to be done.

26 Resigns.

26

Game 2:

John Nunn - Vlastimil Hort / Petroff's Defence

Hort made it clear at the start that he was not willing to take any chances playing for a win with the black pieces. Adopting the solid Petroff, he played for equality but found himself very much on the defensive after the opening.

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nf6 3 d4 Nxe4 4 Bd3 d5 5 Nxe5 Bd6 6 0-0 0-0 7 Nd2 Nxd2 8 Bxd2 Nc6 9 Nxc6 bxc6 10 Qh5.

White makes good use of his extra tempo to threaten mate and induce a weakness in the black king's defences.

10 ••• g6 11 Qh6 Re8.

NUNN: If I could get rid of Black's only active piece, I would have a distinct advantage, so I think I'll go Bg5 here. Then if he interposes his bishop on e7, I can swap them off.

12 Bg5.

HaRT: I was afraid of this. Now I cannot play f6 because White sacrifices his bishop on g6 and wins immediately, I will be mated. I have to exchange the black-colour bishops.

12 ••• Be7.

NUNN: I can exchange immediately here, but he recaptures with the queen and I can't occupy the e-file with my rook. I think a little trick is in order; I'll play the rook to the e-file straight away. Then if he takes on g5, I'll exchange rooks on e8 and recapture with the queen on g5. That way I exchange off his active rook on e8 as well as his active bishop.

13 Rae1.

HORT: I expected this move and I have to be very careful because White threatens to win the game immediately with Rxe7 and Qh4. I can't play Bd7 and I'm afraid to play Be6 because the f-pawn starts to march, f4 and f5 and that is very bad for me. I don't like it much but I have to change the bishops.

13 ••• Bxg5 14 Rxe8+ Qxe8 15 Qxg5.

HaRT: What shall I do? I succeeded to change some pieces but still I am afraid my pawn structure is very unsatisfactory. My Q-side is a little weak and so I have to defend. I am afraid to play Bd7 because then White has Qf4 attacking the pawn on c7. Better to play to e6.

15 ••• Be6.

NUNN: I must decide how to make progress. It's very tempting to advance my f-pawn; if I manage to get it as far as f5 then Black will have serious problems. That looks the most effective idea.

16 f4.

HaRT: Now I have to change queens.

16 ••• Qd8.

NUNN: Well, he's offering the exchange of queens. I have to think what combination of pieces I want left on the board. I think that in view of Black's slightly weakened K-side, it will be better for me to have queens on the board to preserve some attacking possibilities. I'd like also to preserve the pin on the g-pawn to make the threat of f5 stronger, so I'll retreat my queen down the g-file.

17 Qg3.

27

Game 2:

John Nunn - Vlastimil Hort JPetroffs Defence

Hort made it clear at the start that he was

not willing to take any chances playing fora win with the black pieces. Adopting thesolid Petroff, he played for equality butfound himself very much on the defensiveafter the opening.

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nf6 3 d4 Nxe4 4 Bd3 d5

5 Nxe5 Bd6 6 0-0 0-0 7 Nd2 Nxd2

8 Bxd2 Nc6 9 Nxc6 bxc6 10 Qh5.

White makes good use of his extra tempoto threaten mate and induce a weakness in

the black king's defences.

10 . . . g6 11 Qh6 Re8.

NUNN: \f I could get rid of Black's onlyactive piece, I would have a distinctadvantage, so I think I'll go Bg5 here. Thenif he interposes his bishop on el, I canswap them off.

12 Bg5.

HORT: / was afraid of this. Now I cannot

play f6 because White sacrifices his bishopon g6 and wins immediately, I will bemated. I have to exchange the black-colourbishops.

12 . . . Be7.

NUNN: / can exchange immediately here,but he recaptures with the queen and Ican

't occupy the e-file with my rook. Ithink a little trick is in order; I'll play therook to the e-file straight away. Then if hetakes on g5, I'll exchange rooks on e8 andrecapture with the queen on g5. That way Iexchange off his active rook on e8 as wellas his active bishop.

13 Rael.

HORT: / expected this move and I have tobe very careful because White threatens towin the game immediately with Rxe7 andQh4. I can't play Bd7 and I'm afraid to playBe6 because the f-pawn starts to march, f4and f5 and that is very bad for me. I don'

t

like it much but I have to change thebishops.

13 . . . Bxg5 14 Rxe8+ Qxe8 15 Qxg5.

HORT: What shall I do? I succeeded to

change some pieces but still I am afraid mypawn structure is very unsatisfactory. MyQ-side is a little weak and so I have to

defend. I am afraid to play Bd7 becausethen White has Qf4 attacking the pawn onc7. Better to play to e6.

15 . . . Be6.

NUNN: / must decide how to make

progress. It's very tempting to advance my

f-pawn; if I manage to get it as far as f5then Black will have serious problems. Thatlooks the most effective idea.

16 f4.

HORT: Now / have to change queens.

16 . . . Qd8.

NUNN: Well, he's offering the exchange ofqueens. I have to think what combinationof pieces I want left on the board. I thinkthat in view of Black's slightly weakenedK-side

,it will be better for me to have

queens on the board to preserve someattacking possibilities. I'd like also to

preserve the pin on the g-pawn to makethe threat of f5 stronger, so I'll retreat myqueen down the g-file.

17 Qg3.

27

HORT: That move is very clever because I cannot now attack the pawn on d4. If I attack this pawn by Qf6 then f5 comes and I'm under very strong attack. I can take on d4 with check, but after Kh1 my pawn on c7 is still hanging and I'm almost losing. I have only one move.

17 . .. Qd6.

NUNN: He prevents me from playing f5 because of the possible exchange of queens. I have to keep running away with the queen. Where can it find a good square? f2 looks promising because that supports the thrust f5 and also prevents Black from playing c5. First of all I think I'll force him to put his queen on a more passive square by going to h4 with my queen. I think he'll oppose queens by going back to dB and that will make it more difficult for him to play his rook on aB over to the e-fi/e.

18 Qh4 Qd8 19 Qf2.

HORT: That's now very dangerous. f5 is a threat and I have to do something about it. Well, I am not afraid to come to the rook endgame with my bad pawn structure. Lasker once said that all rook endgames are drawish so I will try to make a little attack against d4 as well.

19 . .. Qf6.

NUNN: Well, if I play f5 here, that just leads to everything being exchanged off. I do have a definite advantage here, but it's difficult to make progress.

20 Re1.

Hort was clearly very worried by his position at this stage. With Q-side pawn weaknesses and White threatening an

28

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

attack on the other wing by means of ReS and fS he is forced to defend precisely. Usually attacking chances on both wings together with the superior bishop will give excellent winning chances to White in such positions.

20 ... Rb8 21 b3 Re8 22 ReS Kf8.

NUNN: I didn't expect to get such a good position against a strong player like Vlastimil Hort, but again White has trouble making progress. It would be rather nice to play c4 in some positions. If he exchanges, his Q-side pawns are more exposed. Of course, my own d4 pawn would be rather weak, but perhaps that's not so important. First of all, I think I must consolidate. I'll put my queen on the e-file behind the rook.

23 Qe3.

Well, White had to make his choice now. I think I was a little bit lucky because I was afraid very much of the move Qd2 and then the queen would come to the e1-a5 diagonal and my pawns would be very exposed. I don't know what I would do after 23 Qd2. I am a little bit happy now

HORT: That move is very clever because Icannot now attack the pawn on d4. If Iattack this pawn by Qf6 then f5 comes andI'm under very strong attack. I can take ond4 with check, but after Khl my pawn onc7 is still hanging and I'm almost losing. Ihave only one move.

17 . . . Qd6.

NUNN: He prevents me from playing f5because of the possible exchange ofqueens. I have to keep running away withthe queen. Where can it find a goodsquare? f2 looks promising because thatsupports the thrust f5 and also preventsBlack from playing c5. First of all I think I'llforce him to put his queen on a morepassive square by going to h4 with myqueen. I think he'll oppose queens bygoing back to d8 and that will make itmore difficult for him to play his rook ona8 over to the e-file.

18Qh4Qd8 19 Qf2.

HORT: That's now very dangerous. f5 is athreat and I have to do something about it.Well, I am not afraid to come to the rook

endgame with my bad pawn structure.Lasker once said that all rook endgames aredrawish so I will try to make a little attackagainst d4 as well.

19 . . . Qf6.

NUNN: Well, if I play f5 here, that justleads to everything being exchanged off. Ido have a definite advantage here, but it'sdifficult to make progress.

20 Rel.

Hort was clearly very worried by hisposition at this stage. With Q-side pawnweaknesses and White threatening an

8

1 A

abcdefgh

attack on the other wing by means of Re5and f5 he is forced to defend precisely.Usually attacking chances on both wingstogether with the superior bishop will giveexcellent winning chances to White in suchpositions.

20 . . . Rb8 21 b3 Re8 22 Re5 KfB.

NUNN: / didn't expect to get such a goodposition against a strong player likeVlastimil Hort, but again White has troublemaking progress. It would be rather nice toplay c4 in some positions. If he exchanges,his Q-side pawns are more exposed. Ofcourse, my own d4 pawn would be ratherweak, but perhaps that's not so important.First of all, I think I must consolidate. I'll

put my queen on the e-file behind therook.

23 Qe3.

Well, White had to make his choice now. I

think I was a little bit lucky because I wasafraid very much of the move Qd2 andthen the queen would come to the e1-a5diagonal and my pawns would be veryexposed. I don't know what I would do

after 23 Qd2. I am a little bit happy now

28

because I see that my opponent might not find the right plan. Of course, I move my bishop right away.

23 •.• 8d7.

Having missed the right plan of preparing an attack on the Q-side pawns with Qd2 and a later QaS, Nunn was given no further chance to increase his advantage. By move 26 Hort thought his position good enough to offer a draw. Nunn declined, but seven moves later realised that there was no point in continuing.

24 c4 dxc4 25 8xc4 Qd6 26 RxeS+ 8xeS 27 Qe5 f6 2S Qc5 8f7!

Exchanging queens would have left Black with a very difficult bishop endgame to defend. Hort realises that he can ignore the attack on a7.

29 Qxa7 8xc4 30 bxc4 Qxf4 31 Qa3+ KeS 32 Qc3 KdS 33 h3 draw agreed.

Game 3:

Vlastimil Hort - John Nunn Sicilian Defence

Under the rules of the competition, each player had one hour on his clock for this replay. Hort wisely chose an opening variation with which he was more familiar than his opponent. Nunn ran short of time trying to solve the problems of his position, finally succumbing to Hort's systematic endgame pressure. An instructive lesson in the art of capitalising on small positional advantages.

1 e4 c5.

HORT: I don't like normal lines in the

Sicilian; I prefer to play something unusual for my opponent because now the game lasts only one hour and so I will try a move that I always used here in England with success.

2 c3.

NUNN: This is rather unusual. I won't have the chance to play my favourite Najdorf variation. In fact I've never had to face this move before so I face the problem of finding the correct moves in something I don't know very well. I'll try to choose something which has a fairly strategiC theme and not get embroiled too much in opening theory.

2 ••• dS.

HORT: This move I also know quite well; it is defended by many Soviet players. This move opens the centre and what I like is that the game loses its Sicilian character and gets some character of a game where my opponent's knowledge might be a little weaker. I have to take.

3 exdS QxdS 4 d4 e6 5 Nf3 Nf6 6 8e2.

NUNN: I've got to make the decision at some point when to exchange those pawns on d4. I prefer not to do it immediately because if I take on d4 with my pawn, then White recaptures with his pawn on c3 and can later gain a tempo attacking my queen with Nc3. So I think I'll delay this exchange and just continue development.

6 ... 8e7.

HORT: That's an interesting move. My opponent still hesitates to take on d4. I think I might try to change the strategy and to play for majority on the Q-side. I will get three pawns to two on the Q-side and later support it by play of pieces.

29

because I see that my opponent might notfind the right plan. Of course, I move mybishop right away.

23 . . . Bd7.

Having missed the right plan of preparingan attack on the Q-side pawns with Qd2and a later Qa5, Nunn was given nofurther chance to increase his advantage.By move 26 Hort thought his position goodenough to offer a draw. Nunn declined,but seven moves later realised that there

was no point in continuing.

24 c4 dxc4 25 Bxc4 Qd6 26 Rxe8+ Bxe827 Qe5 f6 28 Qc5 Bf7!

Exchanging queens would have left Blackwith a very difficult bishop endgame todefend. Hort realises that he can ignorethe attack on a7.

29 Qxa7 Bxc4 30 bxc4 Qxf4 31 Qa3+ Ke832 Qc3 Kd8 33 h3 draw agreed.

Game 3:

Vlastimil Hort - John NunnSicilian Defence

Under the rules of the competition, eachplayer had one hour on his clock for thisreplay. Hort wisely chose an openingvariation with which he was more familiar

than his opponent. Nunn ran short of timetrying to solve the problems of hisposition, finally succumbing to Hort'ssystematic endgame pressure. Aninstructive lesson in the art of capitalisingon small positional advantages.

1 e4 c5.

HORT: / don't like normal lines in the

Sicilian; I prefer to play something unusualfor my opponent because now the gamelasts only one hour and so I will try a movethat I always used here in England withsuccess.

2c3.

NUNN: This is rather unusual. I won't have

the chance to play my favourite Najdorfvariation. In fact Tve never had to face this

move before so I face the problem offinding the correct moves in something Idon't know very well. Til try to choosesomething which has a fairly strategictheme and not get embroiled too much inopening theory.

2 . . . d5.

HORT: This move I also know quite well; itis defended by many Soviet players. Thismove opens the centre and what I like isthat the game loses its Sicilian characterand gets some character of a game wheremy opponent

's knowledge might be a littleweaker. I have to take.

3 exd5 Qxd5 4 d4 e6 5 Nf3 Nf6 6 Be2.

NUNN: I've got to make the decision atsome point when to exchange those pawnson d4. I prefer not to do it immediatelybecause if I take on d4 with my pawn, thenWhite recaptures with his pawn on c3 andcan later gain a tempo attacking my queenwith Nc3. So I think I'll delay this exchangeand just continue development.

6 . . . Be7.

HORT: That's an interesting move. Myopponent still hesitates to take on d4. Ithink I might try to change the strategy andto play for majority on the Q-side. I will getthree pawns to two on the Q-side and latersupport it by play of pieces.

7 c4 Qd8 8 0-0 cxd4 9 Nxd4.

NUNN: I would like to castle in this position but I'm a little worried that White might play Nb5. Then if the queens are exchanged there will be the danger of his knight coming to c7 and trapping my rook on a8. I think that if I castle and White plays Nb5, I can defend by just playing my knight from b8 to d7. Castles seems safe enough.

9 •.• 0-0.

HORT: Actually I received what I wanted in this game. I have some small advantage as my opponent had in our first game and I can play on the Q-side. I have to watch for e5 and I have to place my pieces very properly.

10 Nc3.

Black's problem now is the development of his Q-side pieces. Nunn refrained from playing Nc6 fearing the weakness of the isolated pawns resulting from a knight exchange. The plan he chose avoided creating weaknesses, but did nothing to lessen the White pressure against the Q-side.

10 ••• a6 11 Bf4 Nd7 12 Bg3 (avoiding the threat of 12 ... e5) Nc5 13 Bf3 Qb6.

HORT: That is an active move. I have to watch the d-file because now Black threatens the pawn at b2 and he threatens to come with his rook to d8. That would be very uncomfortable, so Qc2 or Qe2. I don't know - I'll play Qc2 but I am not sure this move is right.

14 Qc2.

NUNN: The knight on d4 is undefended but there doesn't seem to be any way to

30

exploit it. I think I must continue with my plan of development.

14 ••. Bd7.

HORT: There is no other way how Black can get his pieces into the game, but now I have to concentrate on the position of the knight on c5. So Rb1 preparing b4.

15 Rab1.

NUNN: This is a very awkward move to meet. The knight on c5 has no retreat square, and White just threatens to trap it by advancing his pawn to b4. Perhaps I could blockade by Qb4, but that would only delay the evil moment. White would just defend the attacked pawn on c4 with b3, and then he will have all sorts of nasty threats, attacking the queen with moves like a3 and after Qxa3, b4 hitting the knight, knight moves, Rb3 and I've lost my queen. No, I can't allow that. It's a very difficult decision to make but I think that unfortunately I must play my pawn to a5. It's very unpleasant to allow these white knights to come into b5 attacking the sensitive black squares. The white bishops look very active on these diagonals. I think the position is turning against me but still a5 must be played.

15 •.• a5 16 Rfd1 Rac8 17 Qe2 Rfe8 18 Ndb5.

7c4Qd8 8 0-0cxd4 9 Nxd4.

NUNN: / would like to castle in this

position but I'm a little worried that White

might play Nb5. Then if the queens areexchanged there will be the danger of hisknight coming to c7 and trapping my rookon a8. I think that if I castle and White

plays Nb5, I can defend by just playing myknight from b8 to d7. Castles seems safeenough.

9 . . . 0-0.

HORT: Actually I received what I wanted inthis game. I have some small advantage asmy opponent had in our first game and Ican play on the Q-side. I have to watch fore5 and I have to place my pieces veryproperly.

10 Nc3.

Black's problem now is the development ofhis Q-side pieces. Nunn refrained fromplaying Nc6 fearing the weakness of theisolated pawns resulting from a knightexchange. The plan he chose avoidedcreating weaknesses, but did nothing tolessen the White pressure against theQ-side

.

10 . . . a6 11 Bf4 Nd7 12 Bg3 (avoiding thethreat of 12 . . . e5) Nc5 13 Bf3 Qb6.

HORT: That is an active move. I have to

watch the d-file because now Black

threatens the pawn at b2 and he threatensto come with his rook to d8. That would be

very uncomfortable, so Qc2 or Qe2. I don'

t

know - I'll play Qc2 but I am not sure thismove is right.

14 Qc2.

NUNN: The knight on d4 is undefendedbut there doesn't seem to be any way to

exploit it. I think I must continue with myplan of development.

14 . . . Bd7.

HORT: There is no other way how Blackcan get his pieces into the game, but now Ihave to concentrate on the position of theknight on c5. So Rbl preparing 64.

15 Rabl.

NUNN: This is a very awkward move tomeet. The knight on c5 has no retreatsquare, and White just threatens to trap itby advancing his pawn to b4. Perhaps Icould blockade by Qb4, but that wouldonly delay the evil moment. White wouldjust defend the attacked pawn on c4 with63, and then he will have all sorts of nastythreats, attacking the queen with moveslike a3 and after Qxa3, 64 hitting theknight, knight moves, Rb3 and I've lost myqueen. No, I can

't allow that. It's a verydifficult decision to make but I think that

unfortunately I must play my pawn to a5.It's very unpleasant to allow these whiteknights to come into 65 attacking thesensitive black squares. The white bishopslook very active on these diagonals. I thinkthe position is turning against me but stilla5 must be played.

15 . . . a5 16 Rfdl Rac8 17 Qe2 RfeS18 NdbS.

30

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

Since Nunn refrained from exchanging pawns at move six with cxd4, he had never felt comfortable. Now the black position has become critical with the white pieces all bearing down uncomfortably on the weakened Q-side.

NUNN: My only hope is to exchange as many pieces as possible, seeking my salvation in the endgame just as my opponent did in our first game. /'11 try to get rid of bishops first.

18 ... Be6 19 b3 Bxf3 20 Qxf3 Qe6 21 Qxe6 Rxe6.

HORT: Now my endgame is surely better because of the square b5 and pawn majority on the Q-side. Still, / have to cover e4 because Black has an opportunity to jump there.

22 f3.

NUNN: The rot has certainly set in. / just don't seem to have any active possibilities at all. Well, if / can't think of anything better to do / might as well move my king nearer to the centre.

22 . .. Kf8.

HORT: / could have expected that, but / can do the same, so / will come with my king into the game.

23 Kfl.

NUNN: / have the opportunity here to exchange one pair of rooks, so /'11 play rook to dB.

23 . .. Rd8.

HORT: Black defends still very well. He is trying to exchange all the pieces. / think that / will still have an advantage but / don't like it - maybe / already spoiled it a little bit. / just have to continue and see what will happen. So / will attack his rook and a7 pawn.

24 Be7.

NUNN: The only way to avoid losing a pawn is to exchange.

24 . .. Rxdl+ 25 Rxdl.

NUNN: At last / have the opportunity for one active move, even if it's only a little tiny bit active. / can play my pawn to a4 attacking the pawn on b3. White can't take this pawn because after bxa4 just Na6 attacks both the bishop on c7 and pawn on c4.

25 •.• a4.

HORT: Yes that's unpleasant. Black gets rid of one weak pawn. / think this game may also be drawn. / can't take on a4 because my c-pawn is very weak, so / just have to defend the pawn.

26 Rbl.

The exchange of Black's a-pawn certainly eased his defensive problems, but now John Nunn had less than ten minutes remaining on his clock. As Hort now

31

8

A

A

a b c d e f g h

Since Nunn refrained from exchangingpawns at move six with cxd4/ he had neverfelt comfortable. Now the black positionhas become critical with the white piecesall bearing down uncomfortably on theweakened Q-side.

NUNN: My only hope is to exchange asmany pieces as possible, seeking mysalvation in the endgame just as myopponent did in our first game. I'll try toget rid of bishops first.

18 . . . Bc6 19 b3 Bxf3 20 Qxf3 Qc621 Qxc6 Rxc6.

HORT: Now my endgame is surely betterbecause of the square b5 and pawnmajority on the Q-side. Still, I have tocover e4 because Black has an opportunityto jump there.

22 f3.

NUNN: The rot has certainly set in. I justdon't seem to have any active possibilitiesat all. Well, if I can't think of anythingbetter to do I might as well move my kingnearer to the centre.

22 . . . Kf8.

HORT: / could have expected that, but Ican do the same, so I will come with myking into the game.

23 Kfl.

NUNN: / have the opportunity here toexchange one pair of rooks, so I'll playrook to dd.

23 . . . Rd8.

HORT: Black defends still very well. He istrying to exchange all the pieces. I thinkthat I will still have an advantage but Idon't like it - maybe I already spoiled it alittle bit. I just have to continue and seewhat will happen. So I will attack his rookand a7 pawn.

24 Bc7.

NUNN: The only way to avoid losing apawn is to exchange.

24 . . . Rxd1+ 25 Rxdl.

NUNN: At last I have the opportunity forone active move, even if it's only a littletiny bit active. I can play my pawn to a4attacking the pawn on b3. White can't take

this pawn because after bxa4 just Na6attacks both the bishop on c7 and pawnon c4.

25 . . . a4.

HORT: Yes that's unpleasant. Black gets ridof one weak pawn. I think this game mayalso be drawn. I can't take on a4 because

my c-pawn is very weak, so I just have todefend the pawn.

26 Rbl.

The exchange of Black's a-pawn certainlyeased his defensive problems, but nowJohn Nunn had less than ten minutes

remaining on his clock. As Hort now

31

demonstrates, the white Q-side pawn majority, aided by his well-placed pieces, still make the black position very uncomfortable.

26 • • • axb3 27 axb3 Ne8 28 8e5.

NUNN: The position is still worse for me but perhaps not completely hopeless now. I must still try to exchange some pieces and of course that horrible knight on b5 which has been annoying me for so long must be a prime candidate for being swapped off. So I'll bring this knight on e8 back into the game and also offer the exchange.

28 ••• Nd6.

HORT: My opponent continues in his plan, but now I must calculate very properly because the position starts to be critical. I cannot, of course, play b4 because then my c-pawn would be hanging and Black would play Nxc4 and he would be better. I have to set my pawns in motion. I will play for a forced variation; maybe it brings success, but I cannot risk much. The game can be drawn, but I don't think that I am in danger of losing.

298xd6.

NUNN: Vlastimil thought a long time over that move. I'm sure it's a good one. Still, I've relatively little time left, so there's no point in hesitating over obvious moves.

29 .•• 8xd6.

32

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

In fact Hort's exchange of bishop for knight was the start of a delicately calculated sequence designed to advance the pawns to bS and cS. The threat to create a passed pawn then makes life very difficult for Black.

30 b4 Na6 31 Nxd6 Rxd6 32 Ne4! Rd4 33 b5 (the knight on e4 takes away the cS square from Black's knight) Nb8.

HORT: Now I want to see whether my opponent might fall into the trap I prepare for him.

34 c5.

NUNN: Not much time to think about my move here. That knight on e4 is very strong; I must try to get rid of it at any costs so that I can counter these dangerous pawns rushing forward on the Q-side.

34 .•. f5.

HORT: Oh, I am lucky, because I think my opponent is falling into the trap. Let us play quickly and hope that my calculation was right. Ng5 trying to hit e6 and hl simultaneously.

35 Ng5.

demonstrates, the white Q-side pawnmajority, aided by his well-placed pieces,still make the black position veryuncomfortable.

26 . . . axb3 27 axb3 Ne8 28 Be5.

NUNN: The position is still worse for mebut perhaps not completely hopeless now.I must still try to exchange some piecesand of course that horrible knight on 65which has been annoying me for so longmust be a prime candidate for beingswapped off. So I'll bring this knight on e8back into the game and also offer theexchange.

28 . . . Nd6.

HORT: My opponent continues in his plan,

but now I must calculate very properlybecause the position starts to be critical. Icannot, of course, play b4 because thenmy c-pawn would be hanging and Blackwould play Nxc4 and he would be better. Ihave to set my pawns in motion. I will playfor a forced variation; maybe it bringssuccess, but I cannot risk much. The gamecan be drawn, but I don't think that I am in

danger of losing.

29 Bxd6.

NUNN: Vlastimil thought a long time overthat move. I'm sure it's a good one. Still,I've relatively little time left, so there's no

point in hesitating over obvious moves.

29 . . . Bxd6.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

In fact Horfs exchange of bishop forknight was the start of a delicatelycalculated sequence designed to advancethe pawns to b5 and c5. The threat tocreate a passed pawn then makes life verydifficult for Black.

30 b4 Na6 31 Nxd6 Rxd6 32 Ne4! Rd4

33 b5 (the knight on e4 takes away the c5square from Black's knight) Nb8.

HORT: Now / want to see whether myopponent might fall into the trap I preparefor him.

34 c5.

NUNN: Nof much time to think about mymove here. That knight on e4 is verystrong; I must try to get rid of it at anycosts so that I can counter these dangerouspawns rushing forward on the Q-side.

34. . .i5.

HORT: Oh, I am lucky, because I think my

opponent is falling into the trap. Let usplay quickly and hope that my calculationwas right. Ng5 trying to hit e6 and h7simultaneously.

V/.

A a

A

f 9

35 Ng5.

NUNN: Threatening Nxe6+ forking my king and rook. I must defend that e-pawn even if it means the h7 one going. At least the white knight will be out of play if it captures on that square. I'll bring my king nearer the Q-side pawns.

35 • • • Ke7.

HORT: Everything goes according to plan .

36 Re1.

NUNN: I can 't defend this pawn on e6. That 's very annoying, but perhaps I have one little piece of tactics left. I'll advance my e-pawn and then if White takes it with his rook, I can play Kf6 hitting both rook and knight. It's my only chance.

36 .•• e5.

HORT: Oh I am very happy because it seems to me that my opponent is really falling into the trap. Of course he has not so much time left so I have just to continue to play quickly.

37 Rxe5+

The next few moves confirmed that Hort had indeed calculated more deeply and accurately than his opponent.

37 • •• Kf6 38 Re8 Nd7 39 Nxh7 + Kg6 40 c6! bxc6 41 bxc6.

NUNN: It looks very bad now. This pawn is going to go straight forward and make a queen. Still, I'll just take the knight and see what happens.

41 ••• Kxh7.

HORT: Now if I take on d7, Black recaptures with his rook and even though I have one pawn more the game should be a draw. But I have now very strong move which I saw many moves ago. I think the

win will not escape me. I pin the knight.

42 Rd8!

NUNN : Yes, that's the point. He wins the knight without losing his pawn. I'll playa couple more moves.

42 ••• Rc4.

HORT: That was forced move because otherwise I would play c7 and win the rook for my pawn. But now I can still make profit of my advanced pawn.

43 cxd7.

NUNN : He threatens now just to move his rook away and promote the pawn. /t 's necessary for me to attack this pawn with my rook.

43 • •• Rd4.

But the rest was very easy for Hort. He simply exchanged d-pawn for f-pawn , leaving himself with an easily won endgame with two extra pawns. Nunn did not prolong the game longer than necessary.

44 Rf8 Rxd7 45 Rxi5 resigns.

Game 4:

Walter Browne· Jan Hein Donner Pirc Defence

Browne's time trouble was the culprit in this game. The opening was undeniably favourable to White, though the advantage was small. Trying to maintain his pressure cost the American grandmaster too much time on the clock . A miscalculation at move 21, followed by an outright blunder

33

NUNN: Threatening Nxe6+ forking myking and rook. I must defend that e-pawneven if it means the h7 one going. At leastthe white knight will be out of play if itcaptures on that square. I'll bring my kingnearer the Q-side pawns.

35 . . . Ke7.

HORT: Everything goes according to plan.

36 Rel.

NUNN: / can't defend this pawn on e6.That's very annoying, but perhaps I haveone little piece of tactics left. I'll advance

my e-pawn and then if White takes it withhis rook, I can play Kf6 hitting both rookand knight. It's my only chance.

36 . . . e5.

HORT: Oh I am very happy because itseems to me that my opponent is reallyfalling into the trap. Of course he has notso much time left so I have just tocontinue to play quickly.

37 Rxe5+

The next few moves confirmed that Hort

had indeed calculated more deeply andaccurately than his opponent.

37 . . . Kf6 38 Re8 Nd7 39 Nxh7+ Kg640 c6! bxc6 41 bxc6.

NUNN: It looks very bad now. This pawnis going to go straight forward and make aqueen. Still, I'll just take the knight andsee what happens.

41 . . . Kxh7.

HORT: Now if I take on d7, Black

recaptures with his rook and even though Ihave one pawn more the game should be adraw. But I have now very strong movewhich I saw many moves ago. I think the

win will not escape me. I pin the knight.

42 Rd8!

NUNN: Yes, that's the point. He wins theknight without losing his pawn. I'll play acouple more moves.

42 . . . Rc4.

HORT: That was forced move because

otherwise I would play c7 and win the rookfor my pawn. But now I can still makeprofit of my advanced pawn.

43 cxd7.

NUNN: He threatens now just to move hisrook away and promote the pawn. It

'

s

necessary for me to attack this pawn withmy rook.

43.. . Rd4.

But the rest was very easy for Hort. Hesimply exchanged d-pawn for f-pawn,leaving himself with an easily wonendgame with two extra pawns. Nunn didnot prolong the game longer thannecessary.

44 Rf8 Rxd7 45 Rxf5 resigns.

Game 4:

Walter Browne - Jan Hein DonnerPirc Defence

Browne's time trouble was the culprit inthis game. The opening was undeniablyfavourable to White, though the advantagewas small. Trying to maintain his pressurecost the American grandmaster too muchtime on the clock. A miscalculation at

move 21, followed by an outright blunder

33

Semi-Finals

Vlastimil Hort 1-0 Tony Miles Jan Hein Donner %,0-%,1 Bent Larsen

Game 6:

Vlastimil Hort - Tony Miles Sicilian Defence

A game of great interest, but spoiled by an uncharacteristic blunder by Miles. The Englishman played the opening with great atcuracy and achieved some advantage. Hort had to play well to avoid a seriously weakened position. In a complex middlegame position, Miles made the blunder which was to give Hort his free ri de into the fi nal.

1 e4 c5 2 c3 Nf6 (Varying from the 2 ... d5 which John Nunn had played against Hort) 3 e5 Nd5 4 d4 cxd4 5 Qxd4.

MILES: It's a long time since I played against this line, I can hardly remember anythirig about it. I suppose I have to play e6 and see what happens.

5 .•. e6.

HORT: Now I have to think. I can play Bc4 but I prefer to develop first my knight and then I will see where to go with bishop.

6 Nf3.

MILES: I remember, I think, Hort won a game against Polugayevsky with this about twenty years ago - maybe it was only ten -I don't know what happens. Nc6 attacks

the queen and gets a piece out with gain of time. It can't be bad.

6 .•• Nc6.

HORT: I have to move my queen, but to what square? My pawn on e5 is a little exposed. I have to cover him.

7 Qe4.

MILES: I can play normally with d6 but then White probably has an edge. I like something more active. What is there? Be7 . .. No, then the knight on d5 has nowhere to go. b6 isn't really good. Maybe f5, and if he takes it I recapture with the knight kicking his queen again and then I have a useful pawn centre. If he moves his queen away, there's lost time again. The queen hasn't got any good squares.

7 . . . f5 8 exfG Nxf6.

HORT: My queen has no easy life actually, because she has to move again. I analysed here, at home, Qc2 but I want to play it very sharp now. I think that Tony might not know it well, so I will choose another move.

9 Qh4.

MILES: Let's see, what next? Be7 looks natural but maybe he has Bg5. He can then ignore h6 and he's going to play his bishop to d3. That will be annoying; maybe he's

39

Semi-Finals

Vlastimil Hort 7-0 Tony MilesIan Hein Donner V2,0-V2,1 Bent Larsen

Game 6:

Vlastimil Hort - Tony MilesSicilian Defence

A game of great interest, but spoiled by anuncharacteristic blunder by Miles. TheEnglishman played the opening with greatatcuracy and achieved some advantage.Hort had to play well to avoid a seriouslyweakened position. In a complexmiddlegame position, Miles made theblunder which was to give Hort his freeride into the final.

1 e4 c5 2 c3 Nf6 (Varying from the2 . . . d5 which John Nunn had playedagainst Hort) 3 e5 Nd5 4 d4 cxd4 5 Qxd4.

MILES: It's a long time since I playedagainst this line, I can hardly rememberanything about it. I suppose I have to playe6 and see what happens.

5 . .. e6.

HORT: Now I have to think. I can play Bc4but I prefer to develop first my knight andthen I will see where to go with bishop.

6 Nf3.

MILES: / remember, I think,

Hort won a

game against Polugayevsky with this abouttwenty years ago - maybe it was only ten -I don't know what happens. Nc6 attacks

the queen and gets a piece out with gainof time. It can't be bad.

6 . . . Nc6.

HORT: / have to move my queen,but to

what square? My pawn on e5 is a littleexposed. I have to cover him.

7 Qe4.

MILES: / can play normally with d6 butthen White probably has an edge. I likesomething more active. What is there?Be7 . . . No, then the knight on d5 hasnowhere to go. b6 isn't really good. Maybef5, and if he takes it I recapture with theknight kicking his queen again and then Ihave a useful pawn centre. If he moves hisqueen away, there's lost time again. Thequeen hasn't got any good squares.

7 . . .15 8 exf6 Nxf6.

HORT: My queen has no easy life actually,

because she has to move again. I analysedhere, at home, Qc2 but I want to play itvery sharp now. I think that Tony might notknow it well, so I will choose another

move.

9 Qh4.

MILES: Let's see,

what next? Be7 looks

natural but maybe he has Bg5. He can thenignore h6 and he's going to play his bishopto d3. That will be annoying; maybe he's

39

got Bg6+. How can / avoid this? This position can't be bad surely. I'd like to advance my pawn centre but d5, Bd3 doesn't look nice. e5, that's very interesting: then if he plays Bd3, e4; Bxe4, Qe7; seems to win a piece. That's nice. After e5 maybe he can play Bg5; then / just play d5, he can take on f6, / take with the queen. That must be very good for Black. Looks very interesting, / think /'11 try it.

9 ... eS.

HORT: What is this? My plan was just to play Bd3 and then to check on g6, destroying the position of the black king. The normal move is 9 ... Be7 or 9 ... d5 but / think Tony has improved the theory. After Bd3 he looks really pleased by this simple move e4; Bxe4, Qe7; followed by d5 and / am pinned on the e-file. / think that / really have to consider my next move very carefully. Black wants to build up a very strong centre. / start not to feel easy in this position. There are many moves like Bb5, Bg5. It's a very difficult decision. / decide on Bg5, it still makes some threats later for black K-side, but / don't like it now much.

10 BgS.

MILES: / have to play d5; otherwise the bishop will come to d3.

10 . .. dS.

HORT: That's the best move, because now / again cannot come out with my bishop. Bd3, e4; and / will lose my bishop. / have to attack these black central pawns in some way, maybe just playing c4. Well, / started this strange strategy, / think that / have to continue. / remember that Czechoslovakia played a tennis match with England lately and we lost. / would like to take some revenge from Tony but / don't know

40

whether / can do it now, because / don't like my position much. But Bb5 still looks to me quite good.

11 BbS Bd6.

Black's fine pawn centre shows that he has completely solved the problems of the opening. Hort now felt obliged to strike quickly against the d-pawn, before Black could castle and consolidate. A very sharp position quickly emerged.

12 c4 0-0 13 0-0 e4.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

HORT: / was afraid of this move. / can play Bxc6, bxc6; Nd4, but then / don't like Qb6 attacking my knight and b2 pawn. Or if I move my knight away, this loses time and Black has almost winning move Nd4. So there is only one move left for me.

14 adS exf3 1S dxc6 fxg2 16 Kxg2 bxc6 17 Bc4+ Kh8.

This forced sequence of moves has left White's king exposed. Hort must rely on his active pieces to fight off the Black attack.

got Bg6 + . How can I avoid this? Thisposition can

't be bad surely. I'd like toadvance my pawn centre but d5, Bd3doesn't look nice. e5, that's veryinteresting: then if he plays Bd3, e4; Bxe4,Qe7; seems to win a piece. That's nice.After e5 maybe he can play Bg5; then I justplay d5, he can take on f6, I take with thequeen. That must be very good for Black.Looks very interesting, I think I'll try it.

9 . . . e5.

HORT: What is this? My plan was just toplay Bd3 and then to check on g6,destroying the position of the black king.The normal move is 9 . . . Be7 or 9 ... d5

but I think Tony has improved the theory.After Bd3 he looks really pleased by thissimple move e4; Bxe4, Qe7; followed by d5and I am pinned on the e-file. I think that Ireally have to consider my next move verycarefully. Black wants to build up a verystrong centre. I start not to feel easy in thisposition. There are many moves like Bb5,Bg5. It's a very difficult decision. I decideon Bg5, it still makes some threats later forblack K-side, but I don't like it now much.

10 Bg5.

MILES: / have to play d5; otherwise thebishop will come to d3.

10 . . . d5.

HORT: That's the best move, because now

I again cannot come out with my bishop.Bd3, e4; and I will lose my bishop. I haveto attack these black central pawns in someway, maybe just playing c4. Well, I startedthis strange strategy, I think that I have tocontinue. I remember that Czechoslovakia

played a tennis match with England latelyand we lost. I would like to take some

revenge from Tony but I don't know

whether I can do it now, because I don'

t

like my position much. But Bb5 still looksto me quite good.

11 Bb5 Bd6.

Black's fine pawn centre shows that he hascompletely solved the problems of theopening. Hort now felt obliged to strikequickly against the d-pawn, before Blackcould castle and consolidate. A very sharpposition quickly emerged.

12c4 0-0 13 0-0 e4.

8

3

1

a b c d e f g h

HORT: / was afraid of this move. I can play6x06, bxc6; Nd4, but then I don't like Qb6attacking my knight and b2 pawn. Or if Imove my knight away, this loses time andBlack has almost winning move Nd4. Sothere is only one move left for me.

14 cxd5 exf3 15 dxc6 fxg2 16 Kxg2 bxc617 Bc4+ Kh8.

This forced sequence of moves has leftWhite's king exposed. Hort must rely onhis active pieces to fight off the Blackattack.

40

1B Nc3 Qc7 19 Rad1 Bb7 (The bishop has little future on this diagonal. Instead 19 ... BfS would have preserved Black's advantage) 20 Bd3.

MILES: That's slightly irritating. There's a possibility of his taking on f6 now, but' recapture with the pawn so it's not too bad. What do , want to play? Be5 is nice to aim at the Q-side a bit. Just a minute, though, then he takes on f6, , take back with the pawn, then he takes on h7 with the bishop, , take twice and he has Rd7+ picking up the bishop on b7. We'll have to stop that.

20 . .. RadB.

HORT: Yes, Tony saw the trap, but still' am now quite happy. , think' can play for traps. , will make a move' prepared earlier.

21 BfS.

MILES: That's a bit uncomfortable. c5+; f3, still doesn't do anything. Maybe' haven't got anything any more. Perhaps' should offer a draw and try to get him with the white pieces. , don't know, maybe' might still get his king later. Don't know what to play. Be5 again, back with the Q-side. Yes, , still have some play.

21 ... BeS.

MILES: Oh, just a minute, have 'left h7 en prise? Oh dear.

HORT: This move, , think, opens the combination for me, because the rook on d8 might be hanging. So, what about Bxh7? If Rxd1 then' have check with the bishop {5, and of course' can check again on e6. If Black takes the bishop in h7 with his knight, , am winning an exchange. Now' am for the first time satisfied with my position in this game.

22 Bxh7.

MILES: That was stupid, what can' do? Nxh7, Rxd8 and that loses an exchange and a pawn. If' take on d1 he has Bf5+ and Be6+. Okay let's try and rush him.

22 ... cS+ 23 f3. .. MILES: Some way to complicate . .. Rd4 looks interesting. If he takes, , take with the pawn. Might get some counterplay. Seems' have to lose the exchange; let's hope he gets short of time.

23 . .. Rd4.

HORT: Now' really have to play for mating attack or to win the exchange, because I'm also short of time.

24 Rxd4 cxd4 2S BfS+ KgB 26 Be6+ Rf7 27 Ne4.

Miles's blunder on move 21 has left his position in dire straits. The white pieces are now closing in for the final attack, and Black can only hope for some error from his opponent.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

MILES: That looks strong, what can' do

41

18 Nc3 Qc7 19 Radl Bb7 (The bishop haslittle future on this diagonal. Instead19 . . . Bf5 would have preserved Black'sadvantage) 20 Bd3.

MILES: That's slightly irritating. There's apossibility of his taking on f6 now, but Irecapture with the pawn so it's not too

bad. What do I want to play? Be5 is nice toaim at the Q-side a bit. Just a minute,though, then he takes on f6, I take backwith the pawn, then he takes on h7 withthe bishop, I take twice and he has Rd7+picking up the bishop on 67. We'll have to

stop that.

20.. . Rad8.

HORT: Yes, Tony saw the trap, but still Iam now quite happy. I think I can play fortraps. I will make a move I prepared earlier.

21 Bf5.

MILES: That's a bit uncomfortable. c5+; f3,still doesn't do anything. Maybe I haven'tgot anything any more. Perhaps I shouldoffer a draw and try to get him with thewhite pieces. I don't know, maybe I mightstill get his king later. Don't know what to

play. Be5 again, back with the Q-side. Yes,I still have some play.

21 . . . Be5.

MILES: Oh, just a minute, have I left h7 en

prise? Oh dear.

HORT: This move, I think, opens thecombination for me, because the rook on

d8 might be hanging. So, what about Bxh7?If Rxdl then I have check with the bishopf5, and of course I can check again on e6.If Black takes the bishop in h7 with hisknight, I am winning an exchange. Now Iam for the first time satisfied with myposition in this game.

22 Bxh7.

MILES: That was stupid, what can I do?Nxh7, Rxd8 and that loses an exchange anda pawn. If I take on dl he has Bf5+ andBe6+. Okay let's try and rush him.

22. . . c5+ 23 f3.*»

MILES: Some way to complicate . . . Rd4looks interesting. If he takes, I take withthe pawn. Might get some counterplay.Seems I have to lose the exchange; let'shope he gets short of time.

23. . . Rd4.

HORT: Now I really have to play for matingattack or to win the exchange, because I'malso short of time.

24 Rxd4 cxd4 25 Bf5+ Kg8 26 Be6+ Rf727 Ne4.

Miles's blunder on move 21 has left his

position in dire straits. The white piecesare now closing in for the final attack, andBlack can only hope for some error fromhis opponent.

8

1

1

a b c d e f g h

MILES: That looks strong, what can I do

now? Qc2+, Rf2; no that's nothing; d3 is nothing. I've got to make him take my rook to free my game.

27 ••• Qc6.

HORT: I can understand that Tony wants to get rid of my bishop even for the rook, but I think I can play stronger now. I must calculate whose attack goes first. My king is now a little safer than Black's and, yes, I see it, I see the deciding combination.

28 Nxf6+ gxf6 29 Bxf6.

MilES: That's a problem. I can't take on e6 because QhB is mate. Why did I play that ridiculous move? It's hopeless. What is there? Qc2+ is something and if Rf2, Qg6+. Well, there's a couple of chances for him to go wrong.

29 ••• Qc2+.

HORT: I must play exactly. His queen wants to come back to g6 and I must be very careful not to lose my bishop. I still have one good square for my king and I think this will win. Black has no sufficient counter-attack.

30 Kh1.

MilES: I'm falling apart everywhere. If I take on f6 he just recaptures. I can't move any of my pieces. Well, Bxf3+, no other moves.

30 ••• Bxf3+.

But this was, of course, just desperation. With careful moves, Hort escaped the checks and finished the game with no further problems.

31 Rxf3 Qd1+ 32 Kg2 Qc2+ 33 Qf2 Qg6+ 34 Rg3! Bxg3 35 Qxg3 resigns.

42

Game 7:

Jan Hein Donner - Bent Larsen Nimzo-Indian Defence

This was an exciting and well-played draw, with both sides producing interesting ideas. larsen sacrificed two pawns in a bold bid for the initiative, but Donner chose the correct moment to return the material. The tense endgame which resulted finally settled down to a peaceful conclusion.

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 e3 c5 5 Bd3 Nc6 6 Nf3 Bxc3+.

This variation was very popular at the time of the present game. In pure Nimzowitsch style, Black doubles the white c-pawns. The question remains whether White's bishops and powerful pawn centre will counterbalance the pawn weakness.

7 bxc3 d6 8 e4 e5 9 d5 Ne7.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

DONNER: Well, there's probably no player in the world who has lost so many games with this variation as I did, but I must play

now? QC2+, Rf2; no that's nothing; d3 isnothing. I've got to make him take myrook to free my game.

27 . . . Qc6.

HORT: / can understand that Tony wantsto get rid of my bishop even for the rook,but I think I can play stronger now. I mustcalculate whose attack goes first. My kingis now a little safer than Black's and, yes, Isee it, I see the deciding combination.

28 Nxf6+ gxf6 29 Bxf6.

MILES: That's a problem. I can't take on e6because Qh8 is mate. Why did I play thatridiculous move? It's hopeless. What isthere? Qc2+ is something and if Rf2,Qg6 + . Well, there's a couple of chancesfor him to go wrong.

29 . . . Qc2+.

HORT: / must play exactly. His queenwants to come back to g6 and I must bevery careful not to lose my bishop. I stillhave one good square for my king and Ithink this will win. Black has no sufficient

counter-attack.

30 Khl.

MILES: I'm falling apart everywhere. If Itake on f6 he just recaptures. I can't moveany of my pieces. Well, Bxf3+, no othermoves.

30 . . . Bxf3+.

But this was, of course, just desperation.

With careful moves, Hort escaped thechecks and finished the game with nofurther problems.

31 Rxf3 Qd1+ 32 Kg2 Qc2+33 Qf2 Qg6+ 34 Rg3! Bxg3 35 Qxg3resigns.

Game 7:

Jan Hein Donner - Bent LarsenNimzo-lndian Defence

This was an exciting and well-played draw,with both sides producing interestingideas. Larsen sacrificed two pawns in abold bid for the initiative, but Donner

chose the correct moment to return the

material. The tense endgame whichresulted finally settled down to a peacefulconclusion.

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 e3 c5

5 Bd3 Nc6 6 Nf3 Bxc3+.

This variation was very popular at the timeof the present game. In pure Nimzowitschstyle, Black doubles the white c-pawns.The question remains whether White'sbishops and powerful pawn centre willcounterbalance the pawn weakness.

7 bxc3 d6 8 e4 e5 9 d5 Ne7.

a

2 A1

a b c d e f g h

DONNER: Well, there's probably no playerin the world who has lost so many gameswith this variation as I did, but I must play

42

it. I can play the knight to d2, but I must play Nh4. It's fairly complicated but it must be good for White.

10 Nh4.

LARSEN: This position became famous after one of the match games Spassky-Fischer, but I remember I knew the position before that. I think there was a Hungarian game: Black played h6 and later I looked at it. h6 is okay, but I want to play something else, something I looked at years ago.

10 . .. Qa5.

DONNER: That's a mad move; usually they play h6 or Ng6. Now it is probably best to sacrifice the pawn and just castle, Qxc3; Rb1, threatening RbS. But why should I play difficult moves when there is a simple answer? I must play the queen to c2, she is well placed there.

11 Qc2.

LARSEN: I remember analysing a pawn sacrifice here: Ng6; NfS, BxfS; exfS, and then e4. It's quite interesting I remember, but apart from that I don't remember very much. I can also play h6 as they do in the other position now the white queen has gone from d1. Because the black queen is out, I'm one move closer to castling Q-side.

11 ••• h6.

DONNER: If I castle now, he plays gS and his pawns at h6 and gS are in a strong position. That's the reason I must not castle, so that after a later gS I have the possibility to operate with pawn to h4. I must make a neutral move, that's the best.

12 f3.

LARSEN: Now I haven't got these tricks with gS followed by taking his knight on fS and playing e4. Ng6 is probably not so good now, but I can prepare 0-0-0 with Bd7. I can also play gS; NfS, BxfS; then 0-0-0, but I don't like it much. Then I have to keep the position very closed because he has the two bishops against two knights. I think I'll play Bd7 and see what he does; if he castles I'll play gS.

12 . .. Bd7.

DONNER: He does not play gS; that is interesting. Shall I play a4 to prevent bS in some variations? It's a good possibility, but the best is probably to prevent gS for good by playing NfS immediately. This must be a little better, though after he takes on fS he has possibilities with bS. I'm a little behind in development but he must give up at least two pawns. No, I don't believe that.

13 Nf5 Nxf5 14 exf5.

LARSEN: I have several possibilities now. e4 is probably not a correct pawn sacrifice: he takes it and when I try to get my knight to eS via g4, he plays Bf4 and then he's a good pawn up. Then there is Ba4 or Qa4. On Qa4 he plays Qe2 then later drives my queen away with Bc2. There's Ba4, his queen goes somewhere and I prepare a6 and bS and get counterplay on that side. But the most interesting is bS; he takes, I recapture; or I can also make it a pawn sacrifice, a double pawn sacrifice with c4, he takes, then RcB. That looks very interesting indeed. Well, in a game like this one must play actively.

14 ... b5 15 cxb5 c4 16 Bxc4 Rc8.

43

it. I can play the knight to d2, but I mustplay Nh4. It's fairly complicated but it mustbe good for White.

10 Nh4.

LARSEN: This position became famousafter one of the match gamesSpassky-Fischer, but I remember I knewthe position before that. I think there was aHungarian game: Black played h6 and laterI looked at it. h6 is okay, but I want to playsomething else, something I looked atyears ago.

10 . . . Qa5.

DONNER: That's a mad move; usually theyplay h6 or Ng6. Now it is probably best tosacrifice the pawn and just castle, Qxc3;Rb1, threatening Rb5. But why should Iplay difficult moves when there is a simpleanswer? I must play the queen to c2, she iswell placed there.

11 Qc2.

LARSEN: / remember analysing a pawnsacrifice here: Ng6; Nf5, Bxf5; exf5, andthen e4. It's quite interesting I remember,but apart from that I don't remember verymuch. I can also play h6 as they do in theother position now the white queen hasgone from d1. Because the black queen isout, I'm one move closer to castlingQ-side

.

11 . . . h6.

DONNER: If I castle now, he plays g5 andhis pawns at h6 and g5 are in a strongposition. That's the reason I must not

castle, so that after a later g5 I have thepossibility to operate with pawn to h4. Imust make a neutral move, that's the best.

LARSEN: Now / haven't got these trickswith g5 followed by taking his knight on f5and playing e4. Ng6 is probably not sogood now, but I can prepare 0-0-0 withBd7. I can also play g5; Nf5, Bxf5; then0-0-0

,but I don't like it much. Then I have

to keep the position very closed becausehe has the two bishops against twoknights. I think I'll play Bd7 and see whathe does; if he castles I'll play g5.

12 . . . Bd7.

DONNER: He does not play g5; that isinteresting. Shall I play a4 to prevent b5 insome variations? It's a good possibility, butthe best is probably to prevent g5 for goodby playing Nf5 immediately. This must be alittle better, though after he takes on f5 hehas possibilities with b5. I'm a little behindin development but he must give up atleast two pawns. No, I don't believe that.

13 Nf5 Nxf5 14 exf5.

LARSEN: / have several possibilities now.e4 is probably not a correct pawn sacrifice:he takes it and when I try to get my knightto e5 via g4, he plays Bf4 and then he's agood pawn up. Then there is Ba4 or Qa4.On Qa4 he plays Qe2 then later drives myqueen away with Bc2. There's Ba4, his

queen goes somewhere and I prepare a6and b5 and get counterplay on that side.But the most interesting is b5; he takes, Irecapture; or I can also make it a pawnsacrifice, a double pawn sacrifice with c4,he takes, then Rc8. That looks veryinteresting indeed. Well, in a game like thisone must play actively.

14 . . . b5 15 cxb5 c4 16 Bxc4 Rc8.

12 f3.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

Larsen's bold sacrifice of two pawns has given him a strong initiative. White has weaknesses at bS, c3, dS and fS and his king is exposed. Nevertheless, as Donner shows, White can still hope to consolidate his position, return the material and keep his pair of active bishops.

17 Qb3 0-0 18 Bd2 a6 19 a4.

White could not stand 19 bxa6 Ba4. Now, however, there follows a general liquidation leaving Larsen still appearing to have a fine attack.

19 ... axb5 20 Bxb5 Bxb5 21 Qxb5 Qa7.

DONNER: Now he's threatening e4. My king is kept in the centre. It's an extremely dangerous position. I must exchange queens at all costs, even if it costs me two pawns.

22 Qd3.

LARSEN: Perhaps e4 immediately, I think he can take it; he can also play Qd4, I don't know what that is. I think it's better to prepare it.

22 ••• Rfe8.

44

DONNER: That is the move, I see it. On Be3 he plays Qa5 against c3 again. I'm in trouble; I must exchange queens.

23 Qe3.

LARSEN: Now I can exchange queens or I can play Qa6. Qa6, that's not so bad, but also if I exchange queens I win back the second pawn. Difficult; Qa6 or Qxe3. Yes, I think I'll win back the pawn.

23 ... Qxe3+ 24 Bxe3.

LARSEN: Now I can take on d5 or on c3. The more important pawn is the one on d5 because the other one blocks his bishop.

24 ... Nxd5.

DONNER: I lose the two pawns back, but nevertheless this happening gives me hope for the future. I have a strong passed pawn there on the a-file.

25 Bd2.

LARSEN: Now I have to choose between Nxc3, Rc6 and Rc4. Rc4 is a nice move, but he plays his king up to d3; I probably cannot keep the blockade there; then he advances his a-pawn. Rc6 defends d6; that's very nice. I can take on c3, but then his a-pawn is very dangerous. I think I'll play Rc6 and try to win his a-pawn. His a-pawn is the only dangerous one.

25 ••• Rc6.

With Larsen enjoying his active rooks and knight, and Donner happy about his bishop and passed a-pawn, we were clearly in for an interesting endgame. Both sides in the ensuing moves made the most of their advantages.

26 Kf2 Ra8 27 as ReS 28 Rhd1.

A clever defence to the a-pawn;

8

a a a

a

1

a b c d e f g h

Larsen's bold sacrifice of two pawns hasgiven him a strong initiative. White hasweaknesses at bS, C3, d5 and f5 and his

king is exposed. Nevertheless, as Donnershows, White can still hope to consolidatehis position, return the material and keephis pair of active bishops.

17Qb3 0-0 18Bd2a6 19 a4.

White could not stand 19 bxa6 Ba4. Now,

however, there follows a generalliquidation leaving Larsen still appearing tohave a fine attack.

19 . . . axb5 20 Bxb5 Bxb5 21 Qxb5 Qa7.

DONNER: Now he's threatening e4. Myking is kept in the centre. It's an extremelydangerous position. I must exchangequeens at all costs, even if it costs me twopawns.

22 Qd3.

LARSEN: Perhaps e4 immediately, I thinkhe can take it; he can also play Qd4, Idon't know what that is. I think it's better

to prepare it.

72... Rfe8.

DONNER: That is the move, I see it. On

Be3 he plays Qa5 against c3 again. I'm introuble; I must exchange queens.

23 Qe3.

LARSEN: Now / can exchange queens or Ican play Qa6. Qa6, that's not so bad, but

also if I exchange queens I win back thesecond pawn. Difficult; Qa6 or Qxe3. Yes,I think I'll win back the pawn.

23. . . Qxe3+ 24 Bxe3.

LARSEN: Now / can take on d5 or on c3.

The more important pawn is the one on d5because the other one blocks his bishop.

24 . . . Nxd5.

DONNER: / lose the two pawns back, butnevertheless this happening gives me hopefor the future. I have a strong passed pawnthere on the a-file.

25 Bd2.

LARSEN: Now / have to choose between

Nxc3, Rc6 and Rc4. Rc4 is a nice move, but

he plays his king up to d3; I probablycannot keep the blockade there; then headvances his a-pawn. Rc6 defends d6;that's very nice. I can take on c3, but thenhis a-pawn is very dangerous. I think I'llplay Rc6 and try to win his a-pawn. Hisa-pawn is the only dangerous one.

25 . . . Rc6.

With Larsen enjoying his active rooks andknight, and Donner happy about hisbishop and passed a-pawn, we were clearlyin for an interesting endgame. Both sidesin the ensuing moves made the most oftheir advantages.

26 Kf2 Ra8 27 a5 Rc5 28 Rhdl.

A clever defence to the a-pawn;

44

28 ... Rxa5 29 Rxa5 Rxa5 30 c4! would lose Black a piece.

28 ••• Ra6 29 Ra3 Ne7 30 f6 gxf6 31 c4 (Finally jettisoning this pawn which obstructs his bishop) Rxc4 32 Bxh6 d5 33 Bd2 f5 34 Rc1 Rxc1 35 Bxc1 d4 36 Ke2 e4.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

The position has suddenly become very tense, Black's powerful centre pawns trying to prove their superiority over White's passed pawn at the edge.

DONNER: He has two connected passed pawns and I must do something to break that. Nobody likes to play against two such pawns in the centre. The only possibility I see is g4.

37 g4.

LARSEN: That's a funny move. I can let him take on f5. I can also begin with d3 + but then all the pawns are hanging and he gets his bishop to d2 to stop the pawns and protect his own pawn. No, I think Nd5 is very strong: then if he takes on f5, I play e3, then on Kd3, I play Nb4+ and he

cannot take on d4 because of Nc2+. It's difficult; I would like to have more time. I would like to play Rh6 attacking his king from that side, but he controls that with a bishop. That's an idea for later. Nd5 must be right; he takes on f5, I play e3, then his bishop is very badly placed and later I come on f4 with the knight. I wish I had more time, but that must be right.

37 ••• Nd5.

DONNER: What else can I do now other than take on f5? I must break these two combined pawns.

38 gxf5.

LARSEN: The next one is easy, I must advance. Nc3+ doesn't make much sense; he can move the king and when I play e3, he takes it with the bishop.

38 ••• e3.

DONNER: Now Kd3, he checks me on b4 and I can't take on d4 because he checks on c2. That is a highly unpleasant position. I must get a square; Nf4+ is threatening, I must get a square there.

39 f4.

LARSEN: I would like to have more time now. Probably there is something strong in this position. Probably the right move is Rc6; that's complicated because then his pawn is ready to run. Rc6, Ra1, I don't know. It's very complicated. I think I'll take on f4 then I can go back and I've made 40 moves and passed the time control.

39 ••• Nxf4+.

In fact that was where Larsen missed his real chance to win this game. 39 ... Rc6! was after all correct. White's defence with 40 Ra1 is countered by 40 ... Rc2+ 41 Kd3

45

28 . . . Rxa5 29 Rxa5 Rxa5 30 c4! would

lose Black a piece.

28 . . . Ra6 29 Ra3 Ne7 30 f6 gxf6 31 c4(Finally jettisoning this pawn whichobstructs his bishop) Rxc4 32 Bxh6 d533 Bd2 f5 34 Rcl Rxcl 35 Bxcl d4

36 Ke2 e4.

8

A

1

a b c d e f g h

The position has suddenly become verytense, Black's powerful centre pawns tryingto prove their superiority over White'spassed pawn at the edge.

DONNER: He has two connected passedpawns and I must do something to breakthat. Nobody likes to play against two suchpawns in the centre. The only possibility Isee is g4.

37 g4.

LARSEN: That's a funny move. I can let himtake on f5. I can also begin with d3+ butthen all the pawns are hanging and he getshis bishop to d2 to stop the pawns andprotect his own pawn. No, I think Nd5 isvery strong: then if he takes on f5, I playe3, then on Kd3, I play Nb4+ and he

cannot take on d4 because of Nc2+. It's

difficult; I would like to have more time. I

would like to play Rh6 attacking his kingfrom that side, but he controls that with a

bishop. That's an idea for later. Nd5 mustbe right; he takes on f5, I play e3, then hisbishop is very badly placed and later Icome on f4 with the knight. I wish I hadmore time, but that must be right.

37 . . . Nd5.

DONNER: What else can I do now other

than take on f5? I must break these two

combined pawns.

38 gxf5.

LARSEN: The next one is easy, I mustadvance. Nc3+ doesn't make much sense;

he can move the king and when I play e3,he takes it with the bishop.

38 . . . e3.

DONNER: Now Kd3, he checks me on b4

and I can't take on d4 because he checks

on c2. That is a highly unpleasant position.I must get a square; Nf4+ is threatening, Imust get a square there.

39 f4.

LARSEN: / would like to have more time

now. Probably there is something strong inthis position. Probably the right move isRc6; that's complicated because then hispawn is ready to run. Rc6, Ra1, I don'

t

know. It's very complicated. I think I'll takeon f4 then I can go back and I've made 40

moves and passed the time control.

39 . . . Nxf4+.

In fact that was where Larsen missed his

real chance to win this game. 39 . . . Rc6!was after all correct. White's defence with

40 Ra1 is countered by 40 . . . Rc2+ 41 Kd3

(or 41 Kd1 d3 winning easily) Nb4+ 42 Kxd4 e2 and either 43 Ba3 or 43 Be3 can be met by 43 ... Ra2! with Nc2+ to come to decide the issue. An easy line to overlook when short of time. Now Donner takes his chance to save the game.

DONNER: That is quite fortunate, now my king has some squares. I was most afraid of Rc6.

40 Kf3.

LARSEN: What can I do? e2 is bad because of Bd2 which protects his own passed pawn. My knight must go back. I have to move quickly, I wouldn't like to lose on time.

40 ..• NdS.

DONNER: It looks drawish now, but I must be careful. Ra4 is probably the easiest.

41 Ra4.

LARSEN: Strange, why didn't he play Bb2? Well, everything is rather drawish; the pawns are disappearing. What can I do? e2 is a nice trick, if he takes it then I win his rook, but he plays Bd2 then he keeps his a-pawn and I have nothing. Must be careful. Ne7 is nice, because when I take on f5 I protect d4. So he probably takes on d4 at once and then his a-pawn is not protected.

41 ••• Ne7 42 Rxd4 RxaS Draw agreed.

All the dangerous pawns are exchanged and there is nothing left for either player.

46

Game 8:

Bent Larsen - Jan Hein Donner Queen's Gambit Declined

This was a truly terrible game by Donner. He has often admitted a tendency to panic when short of time and here the fast replay rules - all the moves in one hour - seemed to throw him off-balance from the start. Perhaps he felt that he had done his duty by reaching the semi-final and drawing the fi rst game against Larsen.

1 c4 e6 2 Nc3 dS 3 d4 Nf6 4 BgS Be7 5 Nf3 h6 6 Bh4 0-0.

LARSEN: Now e3 is normal; then he probably plays b6, that's the Tartakower variation, he likes that. I can also play Rc1 first. That's what Korchnoi did in one of his games. I like that idea because if he plays b6 then later I take on f6 and I take on d5, then I play g3 as Korchnoi did. I've not played that idea before but it's a type of position I think I understand very well.

7 Rc1.

DONNER: That is what Korchnoi played and it is an important improvement because the Tartakower variation is difficult to play against for White, but with fianchetto of the bishop it works. I'll play the old Lasker, I wanted that and I'm going to do it.

7 ••• Ne4.

LARSEN: Oh, that's surprising, the Lasker variation. Does he play that too? Well, the first move is easy.

8 Bxe7 Qxe7 9 e3 c6.

LARSEN: This is all like a game in the last round of the Lone Pine tournament.

(or 41 Kdl d3 winning easily) Nb4+42 Kxd4 e2 and either 43 Ba3 or 43 Be3 can

be met by 43 . . . Ra2! with Nc2+ to cometo decide the issue. An easy line tooverlook when short of time. Now Donner

takes his chance to save the game.

DONNER: That is quite fortunate, now myking has some squares. I was most afraid ofRc6.

40 Kf3.

LARSEN: What can / do? e2 is bad because

of Bd2 which protects his own passedpawn. My knight must go back. I have tomove quickly, I wouldn't like to lose on

time.

40 . . . Nd5.

DONNER: It looks drawish now, but I must

be careful. Ra4 is probably the easiest.

41 Ra4.

LARSEN: Strange, why didn't he play Bb2?Well, everything is rather drawish; thepawns are disappearing. What can I do? e2is a nice trick, if he takes it then I win his

rook, but he plays Bd2 then he keeps hisa-pawn and I have nothing.

Must be

careful. Ne7 is nice, because when I take

on f5 I protect d4. So he probably takes ond4 at once and then his a-pawn is notprotected.

41 . . . Ne7 42 Rxd4 Rxa5 Draw agreed.

All the dangerous pawns are exchangedand there is nothing left for either player.

Game 8:

Bent Larsen - Jan Hein DonnerQueen's Gambit Declined

This was a truly terrible game by Donner.He has often admitted a tendency to panicwhen short of time and here the fast replayrules - all the moves in one hour - seemed

to throw him off-balance from the start.

Perhaps he felt that he had done his dutyby reaching the semi-final and drawing thefirst game against Larsen.

1 c4 e6 2 Nc3 d5 3 d4 Nf6 4 Bg5 Be75 Nf3 h6 6 Bh4 0-0.

LARSEN: Now e3 is normal; then he

probably plays 66, that's the Tartakower

variation, he likes that. I can also play Rdfirst. That's what Korchnoi did in one of his

games. I like that idea because if he playsb6 then later I take on f6 and I take on d5,

then I play g3 as Korchnoi did. I've notplayed that idea before but it's a type ofposition I think I understand very well.

7 Rcl.

DONNER: That is what Korchnoi playedand it is an important improvementbecause the Tartakower variation is difficult

to play against for White, but withfianchetto of the bishop it works. I'll playthe old Lasker, I wanted that and I'm goingto do it.

1 ... Ne4.

LARSEN: Oh, that's surprising, the Laskervariation. Does he play that too? Well, thefirst move is easy.

8 Bxe7 Qxe7 9 e3 c6.

LARSEN: This is all like a game in the lastround of the Lone Pine tournament.

46

Polugayevsky played White against Lein. Well, I know what I want to do; I was wondering during the game why Polugayevsky didn't take on c4 with the rook - we'll probably get to that position. I'm very satisfied with that.

10 Bd3 Nxc3 11 Rxc3.

DONNER: Well, it's an obvious move, now I change at c4 and then when he takes with the bishop I play b6 and since years we know that White has nothing.

11 ••• dxc4.

LARSEN: This is where Polugayevsky took with the bishop and Black played Nd7. Then White castled and Black played eS, and they had a normal position except Black has the pawn on h6 instead of h7. Here they agreed a draw which made me very happy because then I won first prize without sharing it with Polugayevsky. That was very nice, $12,000, very nice last round. Well, this is where Stahlberg always wrote that you should take with the rook and I like that.

12 Rxc4.

DONNER: That's an odd move; I've never seen that before. Yes, I've read something about it in old tournament books, somebody said that this was the best. Now if I play Nd7 and eS, the rook is well placed and the bishop too. Can I play b6? He cannot attack immediately with Be4 because there is Ba6 in the position all the time, especially after he has castled. I don't know, b6 looks dangerous, but I'm convinced that after Nd7 and eS White definitely is a little better. If there is a way to make a quick draw it must be b6.

12 ... b6.

After this move, however, Donner always looked in trouble. The weakness of the pawn on c6, together with White's possibilities of attacking on the b1-h7 diagonal, gave him severe problems. After the game both players decided that 12 ... Nd7 followed by RdB, NfB and Bd7 was the right way to develop without creating points of attack.

13 0-0 Bb7 14 Ne5 Qd6 15 Qf3 f6.

Tired of the pressure against c6, Donner tries to drive away the strong knight, but this move already prepares his fatal blunder.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

LARSEN: That weakens his position, I can play Ng6, then he plays Rfl protecting his bishop and he's ready to play cS. Still, it's a very good position for White, the knight is strong on g6. But what is Qe4? Of course he cannot take the knight; Qe4, he plays fS, then my knight is safe on eS; I can play then Qf4 or Qf3. Qe4 looks very strong, it's good to get those pawns on white squares because he has the white-squared bishop.

47

Polugayevsky played White against Lein.Well, I know what I want to do; I was

wondering during the game whyPolugayevsky didn't take on c4 with therook - we'll probably get to that position.I'm very satisfied with that.

10 Bd3 Nxc3 11 Rxc3.

DONNER: Well, it's an obvious move, now

I change at c4 and then when he takeswith the bishop I play 66 and since yearswe know that White has nothing.

11 . . . dxc4.

LARSEN: This is where Polugayevsky tookwith the bishop and Black played Nd7.Then White castled and Black played e5,and they had a normal position exceptBlack has the pawn on h6 instead of h7.Here they agreed a draw which made mevery happy because then I won first prizewithout sharing it with Polugayevsky. Thatwas very nice, $12,000, very nice last round.Well, this is where Stahlberg always wrotethat you should take with the rook and Ilike that.

12 Rxc4.

DONNER: That's an odd move; I've never

seen that before. Yes, I've read somethingabout it in old tournament books,somebody said that this was the best. Nowif I play Nd7 and e5, the rook is wellplaced and the bishop too. Can I play 66?He cannot attack immediately with Be4because there is Ba6 in the position all thetime, especially after he has castled. I don'tknow, 66 looks dangerous, but I'mconvinced that after NdJ and e5 White

definitely is a little better. If there is a wayto make a quick draw it must be 66.

12 . . . b6.

After this move, however, Donner alwayslooked in trouble. The weakness of the

pawn on c6, together with White'

s

possibilities of attacking on the b1-h7diagonal, gave him severe problems. Afterthe game both players decided that12 . . . Nd7 followed by Rd8, Nf8 and Bd7was the right way to develop withoutcreating points of attack.

13 0-0 Bb7 14 Ne5 Qd6 15 Qf3 f6.

Tired of the pressure against c6, Donnertries to drive away the strong knight, butthis move already prepares his fatalblunder.

18

i

a b c d e f g h

LARSEN: That weakens his position, I canplay Ng6, then he plays Rf7 protecting hisbishop and he's ready to play c5. Still, it's avery good position for White, the knight isstrong on g6. But what is Qe4? Of coursehe cannot take the knight; Qe4, he playsf5, then my knight is safe on e5; I can playthen Qf4 or Qf3. Qe4 looks very strong, it'sgood to get those pawns on white squaresbecause he has the white-squared bishop.

47

Qe4, he takes on e5, I take with the d-pawn. Yes, that's terrible.

16 Qe4.

DONNER: That is a funny move; can I take the knight? If I take at e5, he checks me at h7, Kf7; Bg6, Kf6; takes at e5, Qxe5. What is this? Is that correct, the sacrifice of the piece? To play f5 - I absolutely don't like, so I've hardly anything else than to take that knight. Well, perhaps I am mated but I don't see it immediately.

16 •.• fxe5.

LARSEN: I wonder what he's overlooking. Am I overlooking something? I think it's so simple; I take on e5 first, he has no good move for his queen, then I have check, then check with the bishop or with the rook. I don't see it, I take on e5, he gives his queen for my bishop and he wins my rook with a bishop pin; I still have queen and pawn against rook and knight. That's an easy win.

17 dxe5.

DONNER: Oh, that is horrible, of course he takes it immediately. Oh this is really horrible, I completely overlooked that, and so simple. This is absolutely hopeless. I can as well resign, it's mate in all variations. The queen has no square; wherever I go I get a check at h7, a rook at f4 and the bishop at g6. I lose a rook at least. There's no difference whatever move I do here. Qe7 is mate in two; Qd8 is mate in four or something. Okay I let him give me mate.

17 ..• Qd8 18 Qh7+ Kf7 19 8g6+ Ke7.

LARSEN: I wonder if he's going to resign now. Naidorf once told me I was a gentleman because I let him mate me.

48

People resign the move before mate, that's a funny thing.

20 Qxg7+.

DONNER: Mate or resigning? No I prefer mate.

20 •.. Rf7 21 Qxf7 mate.

Qe he takes on eS, / take with thed-pawn. Yes, that's terrible.

16 Qe4.

DONNER: That is a funny move; can I takethe knight? If I take at e5, he checks me ath7, Kf7; Bg6, Kf6; takes at e5, Qxe5. Whatis this? Is that correct, the sacrifice of the

piece? To play f5 - I absolutely don't like,so I've hardly anything else than to takethat knight. Well, perhaps I am mated but Idon't see it immediately.

16 . . . fxe5.

LARSEN: / wonder what he's overlooking.Am I overlooking something? I think it's sosimple; I take on e5 first, he has no goodmove for his queen, then I have check,then check with the bishop or with therook. I don't see it, I take on e5, he giveshis queen for my bishop and he wins myrook with a bishop pin; I still have queenand pawn against rook and knight. That'san easy win.

17 dxe5.

DONNER: Oh, that is horrible, of course

he takes it immediately. Oh this is reallyhorrible, I completely overlooked that, andso simple. This is absolutely hopeless. Ican as well resign, it's mate in all

variations. The queen has no square;wherever I go I get a check at h7, a rook atf4 and the bishop at g6. I lose a rook atleast. There's no difference whatever move

I do here. Qe7 is mate in two; Qd8 is mate

in four or something. Okay I let him giveme mate.

17 . . . Qd8 18 Qh7+ Kf7 19 Bg6+ Ke7.

LARSEN: / wonder if he's going to resignnow. Najdorf once told me I was agentleman because I let him mate me.

People resign the move before mate, that'sa funny thing.

20 Qxg7+.

DONNER: Mate or resigning? No I prefermate.

20 . . . Rf7 21 Qxf7 mate.

48

The Final

Bent Larsen Y2,Y2,Y2,Y2,1-Y2,Y2,Y2,Y2,O Vlastimil Hort

Game 11:

Bent Larsen - Vlastimil Hort Grunfeld Defence

This was a good example of true grandmaster chess. Playing an unusual opening variation, Larsen secured a minimal endgame advantage. He pushed hard and Hort found himself under considerable pressure. Despite time pressure, the Czechoslovakian grandmaster defended well and managed to save himself.

1 c4 g6 2 Nf3 Bg7 3 d4 Nf6 4 Nc3 dS.

From an English opening we have reached a Grunfeld Defence. White is challenged to form a big pawn centre which Black hopes to undermine.

S cxdS NxdS 6 e4 Nxc3 7 bxc3 c5 8 BbS+ Nc6

Larsen has adopted a very old variation considered innocuous by theory. Now 9 d5 brings nothing after 9 .. ."a6, but the Dane has another idea which he had played in an earlier game in a Spanish team match against Oscar Castro.

90-0 QaS.

56

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

LARSEN: Now I have to use my own head. Castro took on d4 and then castled and I got a very nice position. What now? Qa4 or Qb3, or a4 or Rb1. Rb1 I don't even know what I do if he takes my a-pawn. Qa4 he takes, then maybe just Bdl, because later he can play NaS and he gets his knight to c4. Qb3 looks much better, then if he castles I can take the knight and play Qa3. That looks like a very good ending.

10 Qb3.

HORT: This move is probably best. I have to watch out now for dS. Well, but if I castle and White plays dS I have still nice move like NeS. Yes I have some counterplay on the diagonal: the· bishop on

The Final

Bent Larsen l/2,1/2,1/2/1/2,7-l/2/1/2,1/2/y2/0 Vlastimil Hort

Game 11:

Bent Larsen - Vlastimil Hort

Griinfeld Defence

This was a good example of truegrandmaster chess. Playing an unusualopening variation, Larsen secured aminimal endgame advantage. He pushedhard and Hort found himself under

considerable pressure. Despite timepressure, the Czechoslovakian grandmasterdefended well and managed to savehimself.

1 c4 g6 2 Nf3 Bg7 3 d4 Nf6 4 Nc3 d5.

From an English opening we have reacheda Griinfeld Defence. White is challengedto form a big pawn centre which Blackhopes to undermine.

5 cxd5 Nxd5 6 e4 Nxc3 7 bxcS c5

8 Bb5+ Nc6

Larsen has adopted a very old variationconsidered innocuous by theory. Now 9 d5brings nothing after 9 . . . a6, but the Danehas another idea which he had played inan earlier game in a Spanish team matchagainst Oscar Castro.

9 0-0 Qa5.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

LARSEN: Now I have to use my own head.Castro took on d4 and then castled and I

got a very nice position. What now? Qa4 orQb3, ora4 or Rbl. Rbl I don't even knowwhat I do if he takes my a-pawn. Qa4 hetakes, then maybe just Bd7, because laterhe can play Na5 and he gets his knight toc4. Qb3 looks much better, then if he

castles I can take the knight and play Qa3.That looks like a very good ending.

10 Qb3.

HORT: This move is probably best. I haveto watch out now for d5. Well, but if I

castle and White plays d5 I have still nicemove like Ne5. Yes I have some

counterplay on the diagonal: the-bishop on

i

A

11

fb c d ea 9

56

b5 is not so famous. After d5 I can even take on c3 with my queen. Yes, d5 is not possible so I castle.

10 ... 0-0.

LARSEN: Now I have to make a decision. If I protect my centre pawn with Be3 he probably exchanges pawns on d4 then plays Bg4. It's an unclear position; he gets some counterplay. I like the other variation better. I can take on c6, then Qa3 and the bishop will be very strong on a3 and his c6 pawn will be weak. That must be the right idea.

11 Bxc6 bxc6 12 Qa3.

HORT: White is playing for another strategic scheme now I see. The game will be quite hard for me because I have a disturbed pawn chain. I can't get away with my queen because if I play Qb6, after Be3 his rooks are coming very cheaply on the b-line. I have to be satisfied with slightly worse endgame. I think that I can defend.

12 ... Qxa3 13 Bxa3 cxd4 14 cxd4 Rd8 15 Rac1.

After 15 Bxe7 ReB Black would have regained the pawn. Now 15 ... Bxd4 is met by 16 Bxe7. White maintains strong pressure against c6 and e7, but Hort continues to find active defensive ideas.

15 ... Rd7.

Now 16 Rxc6 is answered by 16 ... Bb7.

LARSEN: I begin to regret my last move. I could have played Bc5 and maybe the rook should not go to c1. But it's quite good anyway. Rfd1 looks logical, he's coming to a6 with the bishop so why not move the rook away?

16 Rfd1.

HORT: I think that Larsen is really playing for microscopical advantage, but he is quite strong in this position. He plays these opposite-coloured bishops positions very well. I have nothing better than Ba6.

16 ... Ba6.

LARSEN: He's playing it as actively as he can. Now Bc5, he plays Be2. Oh that's bad because if I play Rd2 he has Bh6. Well that's terrible. I probably have nothing better than Ne5. I think it's still a slight advantage in spite of the bishops of opposite colours.

17 Ne5 Bxe5 18 dxe5 Rad8 19 Rxd7 Rxd7.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

Despite the simplification, White still has chances to make progress. Both his pieces are active, and the pawns at e7 and c6 demand constant attention. Although opposite-coloured bishops have strong drawish tendencies in the absence of other pieces, in the presence of rooks their attacking potential can be considerably enhanced. White's first concern is to improve the position of his king and try to create an initiative on the K-side.

57

b5 is not so famous. After d5 I can even

take on c3 with my queen. Yes, d5 is notpossible so I castle.

10 . . . 0-0.

LARSEN: Now I have to make a decision. If

I protect my centre pawn with Be3 heprobably exchanges pawns on d4 thenplays Bg4. It's an unclear position; he getssome counterplay. I like the other variationbetter. I can take on c6, then Qa3 and the

bishop will be very strong on a3 and his c6pawn will be weak. That must be the rightidea.

11 Bxc6 bxc6 12 Qa3.

HORT: White is playing for anotherstrategic scheme now I see. The game willbe quite hard for me because I have adisturbed pawn chain. I can't get away withmy queen because if I play Qb6, after Be3his rooks are coming very cheaply on theb-line

. I have to be satisfied with slightlyworse endgame. I think that I can defend.

12 . . . Qxa3 13 BxaS cxd4 14 cxd4 Rd815 Racl.

After 15 Bxe7 Re8 Black would have

regained the pawn. Now 15 . . . Bxd4 ismet by 16 Bxe7. White maintains strongpressure against c6 and e7, but Hortcontinues to find active defensive ideas.

15 . . . Rd7.

Now 16 Rxc6 is answered by 16 . . . Bb7.

LARSEN: / begin to regret my last move. Icould have played Bc5 and maybe the rookshould not go to cl. But it

's quite goodanyway. Rfdl looks logical, he's coming toa6 with the bishop so why not move therook away?

16 Rfdl.

HORT: / think that Larsen is really playingfor microscopical advantage, but he isquite strong in this position. He playsthese opposite-coloured bishops positionsvery well. I have nothing better than Ba6.

16 . . . Ba6.

LARSEN: He's playing it as actively as hecan. Now Bc5, he plays Bel. Oh that

's bad

because if I play Rd2 he has Bh6. Wellthat's terrible. I probably have nothingbetter than Ne5. I think it's still a slightadvantage in spite of the bishops ofopposite colours.

17 NeS BxeS 18 dxeS RadS 19 Rxd7 Rxd7.

8

1

3

1

abcdefgh

Despite the simplification, White still haschances to make progress. Both his piecesare active, and the pawns at e7 and c6demand constant attention. Althoughopposite-coloured bishops have strongdrawish tendencies in the absence of other

pieces, in the presence of rooks theirattacking potential can be considerablyenhanced. White's first concern is to

improve the position of his king and try tocreate an initiative on the K-side.

57

20 h4 BbS 21 BeS as 22 Kh2 Bd3 23 f3 a4 24 Kg3 hS 25 Kf4 BbS 26 a3 Kf8 27 g4 Rd3.

At last some signs of activity for Black. He must counter-attack against f3 to tie down some of the White force.

28 gxhS gxhS 29 Bb4 Rb3.

Now threatening 30 ... Be2.

30 Re2 Rb1 31 Rd2 Ke8.

LARSEN: I'm beginning to like it. Now I can threaten mate with BaS. If he goes back with the king I'll check him and then Bb4 again and I get a strong attack with my rook and bishop. In some cases I probably come with my king also. BaS, e6: that is the move he has been trying to avoid the whole game. Then I get the squares d6 and f6. It looks very good.

32 BaS.

HORT: There is a mating threat now. I don't think I can play KfB because then I will be checked RdB+, Kg7; Bb4, e6: Be7 and then there is a famous mate threat Bf6 et cetera. Well, I have to weaken my king.

32 . .. e6.

LARSEN: Now I can check and afterwards I can play Rd6 threatening BdB+ and Bf6. But he has a defence. He plays Rb3 and when I give check and Bf6 he plays Rd3, then he can hold the ending after exchange of rooks. How is RdB+, Ke7: RhB? It's not too clear; maybe he plays Rb3, then he has a threat of Be2. It's very unclear. I think /'11 go back with my bishop and keep the blockade so he still cannot play cS.

33 Bb4.

The further course of the game showed

58

that Larsen had made as much progress as was possible. Hart's steadfast defence continued to be sufficient to keep the white pieces at bay.

33 . . . Re1 34 Bd6 Re3 3S Rg2 eS.

Finally this pawn manages to advance and Black's troubles are nearly over.

36 Rg8+ Kd7 37 Rf8 Be2.

The final point of Black's defence. The f3 pawn will need defending and White has no longer any chances to win.

38 Rxf7 + Ke6 39 Kg3 Rxa3 40 Re7 + Kb6 41 BxeS+ Kxe7 42 Bxa3.

Finally the disappearance of rooks guarantees a draw.

42 ... Kd7 43 Kf2 Bd1 44 Ke3 Ke8 4S f4 Kf7 46 fS Bg4 47 Kf4 Bd1 48 KgS Bf3 49 Bb2 Bd1 Draw agreed.

The Final - first replay

Game 12:

Vlastimil Hort - Bent Larsen Ruy Lopez

After the hard draw in the previous game, both players treated this replay with great caution. The result never looked like being other than another draw.

1 e4 eS 2 Nf3 Ne6 3 BbS Nge7 4 d4 exd4 S Nxd4 Nxd4 6 Qxd4 Ne6 7 Qe3 Bb4+ 8 Ne3 0-0 9 0-0 d6 10 NdS BeS 11 Qg3 Kh8 12 Bd2 Nd4 13 Bd3 e6 14 Nf4 Ne6 lS Be3 QgS 16 QxgS NxgS 17 Rae1 Ne6 18 Bd2 Nxf4 19 Bxf4 Be6 20 eS dxeS 21 BxeS Rad8 22 a3 Rfe8 23 h3 Kg8 24 Re2 BdS Draw agreed.

20 h4 Bb5 21 Bc5 a5 22 Kh2 Bd3 23 f3 a4

24 Kg3 h5 25 Kf4 Bb5 26 a3 Kf8 27 g4 Rd3.

At last some signs of activity for Black. Hemust counter-attack against f3 to tie downsome of the White force.

28 gxh5 gxh5 29 Bb4 Rb3.

Now threatening 30 . . . Be2.

30 Rc2 Rbl 31 Rd2 Ke8.

LARSEN: I'm beginning to like it. Now Ican threaten mate with Ba5. If he goesback with the king I'll check him and thenBb4 again and I get a strong attack with myrook and bishop. In some cases I probablycome with my king also. Ba5, e6: that isthe move he has been trying to avoid thewhole game. Then I get the squares d6 andf6. It looks very good.

32 Ba5.

HORT: There is a mating threat now. Idon't think I can play Kf8 because then Iwill be checked Rd8+, Kg7; Bb4, e6: Be7and then there is a famous mate threat Bf6

et cetera. Well, I have to weaken my king.

32 . . . e6.

LARSEN: Now I can check and afterwards I

can play Rd6 threatening Bd8+ and Bf6.But he has a defence. He plays Rb3 andwhen I give check and Bf6 he plays Rd3,then he can hold the ending afterexchange of rooks. How is Rd8+, Ke7:Rh8? It's not too clear; maybe he plays Rb3,then he has a threat of Bel. It's veryunclear. I think I'll go back with my bishopand keep the blockade so he still cannotplay c5.

33 Bb4.

The further course of the game showed

that Larsen had made as much progress aswas possible. Hort's steadfast defence

continued to be sufficient to keep thewhite pieces at bay.

33 . . . Rcl 34 Bd6 Rc3 35 Rg2 c5.

Finally this pawn manages to advance andBlack's troubles are nearly over.

36 Rg8+ Kd7 37 Rf8 Be2.

The final point of Black's defence. The f3pawn will need defending and White hasno longer any chances to win.

38 Rxf7+ Kc6 39 Kg3 Rxa3 40 Rc7+ KbG41 Bxc5+ Kxc7 42 Bxa3.

Finally the disappearance of rooksguarantees a draw.

42 . . . Kd7 43 Kf2 Bdl 44 Ke3 Ke8

45 f4 Kf7 46 f5 Bg4 47 Kf4 Bdl 48 Kg5 Bf349 Bb2 Bdl Draw agreed.

The Final - first replay

Game 12:

Vlastimil Hort - Bent Larsen

Ruy Lopez

After the hard draw in the previous game,both players treated this replay with greatcaution. The result never looked like beingother than another draw.

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 Nge7 4 d4 exd45 Nxd4 Nxd4 6 Qxd4 Nc6 7 Qe3 Bb4+8 Nc3 0-0 9 0-0 d6 10 Nd5 Bc5

11 Qg3 KhB 12 Bd2 Nd4 13 Bd3 c614 Nf4 NeG 15 Bc3 Qg5 16 QxgS Nxg517 Rael Ne6 18 Bd2 Nxf4 19 Bxf4 Be6

20 e5 dxe5 21 BxeS RadB 22 a3 RfeB

23 h3 KgB 24 Re2 Bd5 Draw agreed.

58

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e

48 ••• Rc2+ drawnl!

9 h

But 48 ... e2 wins for Black; after 49 Ra8+ Kf7 50 Re8 Black simply captures the c-pawn.

The Final - fourth replay

Game 15:

Bent Larsen - Vlastimil Hort Slav Defence

At last a decision. And it came about in a similar manner to the previous game. Again Hort ran short of time defending a difficult position: and again Larsel1 took great risks to complicate in the endgame. This time, however, it paid off, though for one move Hort was actually winning.

1 c4 Nf6 2 Nc3 c6 3 d4 d5 4 e3 Bf5 5 cxd5 Nxd5 6 Bc4 e6 7 Nge2 Nb6 8 Bb3 c5 9 e4 Bg6 10 Be3.

White has clearly the freer position from the opening, but Hort's game has no clear weaknesses. Nevertheless, Black's position

60

is uncomfortable to play under the fast time limit of this game.

HORT: White has very nice development. Can I play Nc6? If I do he takes on cS. Nd7 is another possibility, but what happens if he pushes dS? I don't have much time. I will play shy and cover my pawn.

10 ••• N8d7.

LARSEN: a4 is probably stupid. I think I'll just castle and see what he does. I have a nice development already.

11 0-0.

HORT: Now I'm really not sure what to do. Maybe I have to play Bd6 but then I am really afraid of f4 and my bishop can be very bad. Well, I will try not to allow White to play f4, so I will first of all take.

11 ••• cxd4.

LARSEN: Oh, he probably wants to continue with NcS, but that's all right. I take with the knight, of course.

12 Nxd4.

HORT: Now shall I play NcS or shall I put the bishop there? I should like to run with my king: my development is a little bit shaky, so I think I have to play the bishop.

12 ••• Bc5.

LARSEN: I started wondering about that while he was thinking. He has only nine minutes left, I have thirteen. Let's give him a problem. Na4 is very strong.

13 Na4.

HORT: That's surprising. Now if I take the knight, Nxa4, Bxa4, 0-0, then Nxe6 and I'm probably losing a pawn and White is better. Of course otherwise I lose my bishop.

*8

*

a b c d e f g h

48 . . . Rc2+ drawn?!

But 48 . . . e2 wins for Black; after

49 Ra8+ Kf7 50 Re8 Black simply capturesthe c-pawn.

The Final - fourth replay

Game 15:

Bent Larsen - Vlastimil Hort

Slav Defence

At last a decision. And it came about in a

similar manner to the previous game.Again Hort ran short of time defending adifficult position: and again Larsen tookgreat risks to complicate in the endgame.This time, however, it paid off, though forone move Hort was actually winning.

1 c4 Nf6 2 Nc3 c6 3 d4 d5 4 e3 Bf5

5 cxd5 Nxd5 6 Bc4 e6 7 Nge2 Nb68 Bb3 c5 9 e4 Bg6 10 Be3.

White has clearly the freer position fromthe opening, but Hort's game has no clearweaknesses. Nevertheless, Black's position

is uncomfortable to play under the fasttime limit of this game.

HORT: White has very nice development.Can I play Nc6? If I do he takes on c5. Nd7is another possibility, but what happens ifhe pushes d5? I don't have much time. Iwill play shy and cover my pawn.

10 . . . N8d7.

LARSEN: a4 is probably stupid. I think I'lljust castle and see what he does. I have anice development already.

11 0-0.

HORT: Now I'm really not sure what to do.Maybe I have to play Bd6 but then I amreally afraid of f4 and my bishop can bevery bad. Well, I will try not to allow Whiteto play f4, so I will first of all take.

11 . . . cxd4.

LARSEN: Oh, he probably wants tocontinue with Nc5, but that's all right. Itake with the knight, of course.

12 Nxd4.

HORT: Now shall I play Nc5 or shall I putthe bishop there? I should like to run withmy king: my development is a little bitshaky, so I think I have to play the bishop.

12 . . . Bc5.

LARSEN: / started wondering about thatwhile he was thinking. He has only nineminutes left, I have thirteen. Let'

s give hima problem. Na4 is very strong.

13 Na4.

HORT: That's surprising. Now if I take theknight, Nxa4, Bxa4, 0-0, then Nxe6 and I'mprobably losing a pawn and White is better.Of course otherwise I lose my bishop.

60

Maybe I should cover the bishop because White has a threat, Nxe6, that is very strong. I don't see another move.

13 .•• Qe7 14 Nxe5 Nxe5 15 f3 0-0.

As a result of the opening, Larsen has acquired a useful bishop pair, and Black's remaining bishop is shut out of the game.

16 Qe2 RaeS 17 Be2 e5 lS Nb5 a6 19 Ne3.

HORT: Of course he wants to get the d5 square, but I think I can still defend. My position is worse due to White's two bishops. Well, as Alekhine once said, 'Was haben Sie gegen zwei Laufer?' It means 'what do you have against two bishops'. Well I have only the hope that I can defend. I will play f6 trying to get my bishop into the game.

19 ••• 16.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

LARSEN: That spoils one of my ideas because his bishop is not completely out of the game. Can I make use of the two knights hanging there on c5 and b6? Rd1 is a terrible move. I have more time, I must

make use of that, I must complicate the game.

20 Rfd1.

HORT: What shall I do? Let's change some pieces.

20 ••• RfdS.

LARSEN: I think he made a mistake there because now c5 will be less protected.

21 RxdS+ RxdS.

LARSEN: Now Qf2 with some clever things on that diagonal. If he protects with Nbd7, I come to d5 with the knight.

22 Qf2.

HORT: Oh, what shall I do now? My knights are a little bit hanging and I don't know what to do. I cannot play Nbd7 because of b4 and I am losing a piece, so I have to move my rook again.

22 ••• ReS.

With Hort defending well but rapidly running out of time, Larsen now decided that his principal advantage was the clock. He had six minutes left to Hort's three. Consequently, White decided from now on just to play quickly. Abandoning his previous strategy, he now settles for simplification and a long endgame.

23 Rd1 Bf7 24 Bxe5 Rxe5 25 Bb3 Bxb3 26 axb3 Re6 27 h3 Rd6.

LARSEN: I'm stupid. I should have played Qd2 last move. Well, to make it a little complicated now I must play Nd5. He probably takes it, then I get a passed pawn. That's at least something and he's short of time.

28 Nd5.

61

Maybe I should cover the bishop becauseWhite has a threat, Nxe6, that is verystrong. I don

't see another move.

13 . . . Qe7 14 Nxc5 Nxc5 15 f3 0-0.

As a result of the opening, Larsen hasacquired a useful bishop pair, and Black'sremaining bishop is shut out of the game.

16 Qe2 Rac8 17 Bc2 e5 18 Nb5 a6 19 Nc3.

HORT: Of course he wants to get the d5square, but I think I can still defend. Myposition is worse due to White's two

bishops. Well, as Alekhine once said, 'Washaben Sie gegen zwei Laufer?' It means'what do you have against two bishops

'

.

Well I have only the hope that I candefend. I will play f6 trying to get mybishop into the game.

19 . . . f6.

18

i

i

a b c d e f g h

LARSEN: That spoils one of my ideasbecause his bishop is not completely outof the game. Can I make use of the twoknights hanging there on c5 and b6? Rdl isa terrible move. I have more time, I must

make use of that, I must complicate thegame.

20 Rfdl.

HORT: What shall I do? Let's change somepieces.

20 . . . Rfd8.

LARSEN: / think he made a mistake there

because now c5 will be less protected.

21 Rxd8+ Rxd8.

LARSEN: Now Qf2 with some clever thingson that diagonal. If he protects with Nbd7,I come to d5 with the knight.

22 Qf2.

HORT: Oh, what shall I do now? My

knights are a little bit hanging and I don'tknow what to do. I cannot play Nbd7because of b4 and I am losing a piece, so Ihave to move my rook again.

22 . . . RcB.

With Hort defending well but rapidlyrunning out of time, Larsen now decidedthat his principal advantage was the clock.He had six minutes left to Hort's three.

Consequently, White decided from now onjust to play quickly. Abandoning hisprevious strategy, he now settles forsimplification and a long endgame.

23 Rdl Bf7 24 Bxc5 Rxc5 25 Bb3 Bxb3

26 axb3 Rc6 27 h3 Rd6.

LARSEN: I'm stupid. I should have playedQd2 last move. Well, to make it a littlecomplicated now I must play Nd5. Heprobably takes it, then I get a passedpawn. That

's at least something and he'

s

short of time.

28 Nd5.

61

H ORT: I think that the position is rather drawish, but still White gets pawn to dS and I have good blockade. Now I think that worst time is behind me.

28 ••• NxdS.

LARSEN: Take with the rook? I'll never win that.

29 exdS.

HORT: Now I must try to be active, so let's occupy some file for the first time in this game.

29 ..• Qc7.

LARSEN: Let me see. I want to make a queen move. Qe3, then he can't exchange queens on b6 because my pawn runs.

30 Qe3.

HORT: What shall I do? Shall I play Qc2? I am not so sure about this move: maybe it is good move. I am really short of time now. I can't play Qc2 because he can sacrifice pawn maybe. I really don't know what to do. Well, I will improve my king.

30 ••. Kf7.

Apart from his clock, Hort would be in no danger of losing this game now. But Larsen manages to continue to create problems, until both sides were again having to make their moves almost instantaneously.

31 Qe4 QcS+ 32 Kh2 g6 33 Qc4 Qxc4 34 bxc4 Rb6 35 Rd2 Ke7 36 cS.

The white pawns look imposing, but only one of them is passed and the black rook is now active.

36 ••• RbS 37 Rc2 fS 38 Kg3 Kd7 39 Kh4 h6 40 g4 Rb3 41 Re2 RbS.

Now 42 Rc2 would repeat moves. Instead

62

Larsen embarks on a wild and incalculable continuation confident only that he has perhaps half a minute more to think about it.

42 gxfS gxfS 43 RxeS RxcS 44 RxfS RbS 4S KhS Rxb2 46 Kxh6 as 47 h4 a4 48 Rf8.

8

7 i_*_ -6 - - -5 -~- -4 i_ - -3 - -~-2 - -abc d e 9 h

48 ••. bS?

The losing move. Instead 48 ... a3 49 RaB a2 would save a move and even win for Black.

49 Ra8 Rb3 SO f4 a3 Sl fS b4 S2 f6 Rf3 S3 KgS Kd6 54 hS KxdS 55 h6 Rg3+ S6 Kf4 Rg1 and Black lost on time.

A sad end, but at least after 57 h7 his position is now hopeless anyway.

HORT: / think that the position is ratherdrawish, but still White gets pawn to d5and I have good blockade. Now I thinkthat worst time is behind me.

28 . . . Nxd5.

LARSEN: Take with the rook? I'll never win

that.

29 exd5.

HORT: Now / must try to be active, so let'soccupy some file for the first time in thisgame.

29 . . . Qc7.

LARSEN: Let me see. I want to make a

queen move. Qe3, then he can't exchangequeens on b6 because my pawn runs.

30 Qe3.

HORT: What shall I do? Shall I play Qc2? Iam not so sure about this move: maybe itis good move. I am really short of timenow. I can't play Qc2 because he cansacrifice pawn maybe. I really don't know

what to do. Well, I will improve my king.

30 . . . Kf7.

Apart from his clock, Hort would be in nodanger of losing this game now. But Larsenmanages to continue to create problems,until both sides were again having to maketheir moves almost instantaneously.

31 Qe4 Qc5+ 32 Kh2 g6 33 Qc4 Qxc434 bxc4 Rb6 35 Rd2 Ke7 36 c5.

The white pawns look imposing, but onlyone of them is passed and the black rookis now active.

36 . . . Rb5 37 Rc2 f5 38 Kg3 Kd739 Kh4 h6 40 g4 Rb3 41 Re2 Rb5.

Now 42 Rc2 would repeat moves. Instead

Larsen embarks on a wild and incalculable

continuation confident only that he hasperhaps half a minute more to think aboutit.

42 gxf5 gxf5 43 Rxe5 Rxc5 44 Rxf5 Rb545 Kh5 Rxb2 46 Kxh6 a5 47 h4 a4 48 Rf8.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

48 . . . b5?

The losing move. Instead 48 . . . a349 Ra8 a2 would save a move and even win

for Black.

49 Ra8 Rb3 50 f4 a3 51 f5 b4 52 f6 Rf3

53 Kg5 Kd6 54 h5 Kxd5 55 h6 Rg3+56 Kf4 Rgl and Black lost on time.

A sad end, but at least after 57 h7 his

position is now hopeless anyway.

A

A

a b c d e f g h

62

The Master Game 1980- Series Five The Master Game 1980- Series Five

Order of Play

Group A:

Round One: Round Two: Round Three:

Nunn %- % Hort; Hort 1-0 Pfleger; Nunn %- % Pfleger;

Pfleger 0-1 Browne Browne %- % Nunn

Hort 0-1 Browne

B N H P Total

Browne x % 1 1 2%

Nunn 1%

Hort 0 % x 1 1 %

Pfleger 0 % 0 x %

Game 16:

John Nunn • Vlastimil Hort Hungarian Defence

As in their game from the previous year's series, Hort took few risks with the black pieces. The blocked centre after the opening left Nunn with some advantage, but Hort equalised by careful play.

1 e4 eS 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Be7.

NUNN: That was an unusual move. The Hungarian Defence I think it's called. The alternatives are BcS and Nf6. I was rather expecting him to play one of those. Now I've got to remember this old theory. Well the right move must be d4.

4 d4.

HORT: That is the strongest move. Now I have to make something in the centre.

4 ••• d6.

NUNN: Weill can either exchange those

pawns in the centre or push on. If I exchange, the position is very symmetrical and rather drawish. It'll probably be more interesting to advance the pawn. It'll gain time because he'll have to retreat his knight.

S dS.

HORT: That's another surprise. Now the game will have a closed character because of the blockade. I have only one move.

S ... Nb8.

NUNN: I want to form a fairly large centre here by advancing my c-pawn but the bishop's in the way, so I'd better move it somewhere. I think I'll put it on d3 because it'll defend the e-pawn from that square. Then later on I can push my c-pawn.

6 Bd3 Nf6 7 c4 cS 8 Nc3 Nbd7.

The game has now assumed the character of a queen's pawn opening, the Czech

69

Order of Play

Group A:

Round One: Nunn V2-V2 Hort; Pfleger 0-1 BrowneRound Two: Hort 1-0 Pfleger; Browne V2-V2 NunnRound Three: Nunn V2-V2 Pfleger; Hort 0-1 Browne

B N H P Total

Browne x 1/2 1 1 2V2

Nunn V2 x V2 V2 Vh

Hort 0 1/2 x 1 Vh

Pfleger 0 y2 0 x V2

Game 16:

John Nunn - Vlastimil Hort

Hungarian Defence

As in their game from the previous year'sseries, Hort took few risks with the black

pieces. The blocked centre after theopening left Nunn with some advantage,but Hort equalised by careful play.

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Be7.

NUNN: That was an unusual move. The

Hungarian Defence I think it's called. Thealternatives are Bc5 and Nf6. I was rather

expecting him to play one of those. NowI've got to remember this old theory. Wellthe right move must be d4.

4 d4.

HORT: That is the strongest move. Now Ihave to make something in the centre.

4 . . . d6.

NUNN: Well I can either exchange those

pawns in the centre or push on. If Iexchange, the position is very symmetricaland rather drawish. It'll probably be moreinteresting to advance the pawn. It'll gaintime because he'll have to retreat his

knight.

5d5.

HORT: That's another surprise.Now the

game will have a closed character becauseof the blockade. I have only one move.

5 . . . Nb8.

NUNN: / wanf fo form a fairly large centrehere by advancing my c-pawn but thebishop's in the way, so I'd better move itsomewhere. I think I'll put it on d3because it'll defend the e-pawn from thatsquare. Then later on I can push myc-pawn.

6 Bd3 Nf6 7 c4 c5 8 Nc3 Nbd7.

The game has now assumed the characterof a queen's pawn opening, the Czech

69

Benoni, with Black a move behind. He has lost two moves with his knight, while White has lost only one with his bishop. Nevertheless the blocked nature of the position minimises the effect of this time loss.

9 h3 Nf8 10 Be2 Ng6 11 Ba4+.

This manoeuvre is calculated to disrupt Black's development. After 11 ... Bd7 the exchange of bishops would favour White since Black would be left with his remaining bishop impeded by its own pawns. Hort's clever reply, however, avoids any trouble and eventually leads to Black gaining the bishop pair.

11 ... Nd7! 12 Ne2 Nh4 13 Nxh4 Bxh4 140-00-0 15 Bxd7 Bxd7 16 a4 b6 17 Ra3.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

Black must now decide how to open the game for his bishops. The possible plans are either a6 and bS to break on the Q-side or fS opening the other wing. Hort chose the latter.

17 •.. fS.

70

NUNN: I thought he was going to open up the position on the Q-side but he's gone over to the other side of the board completely. Well I'll just have to take it as he's played it. I must take.

18 exfS.

HORT: Oh, I see that what I did was not the right thing. Now I have to be very careful, I must cover now the square e6 because a knight can come there from e2 and f4 later. I don't see another move.

18 •.• BxfS.

NUNN: I'm a little worried about these two bishops of his, but at least I have the opportunity to get my rook on f1 into the game.

19 f4.

HORT: I was afraid of this move. Now the position changes character. It is not closed any more. I really have to be careful because my pawn on d6 can be weak and I have also to be careful about the square e6. I have to make a difficult strategical decision. I think that I have to move my bishop back.

19 ..• Bd7.

NUNN: He's ignoring my pawn advance. I can give him an isolated pawn here. Well, I'd better do so or else my last move doesn't have any point.

20 fxeS dxeS.

White now has something to show for his concession of the bishop pair. The passed d-pawn and weakness at eS give Black some problems but the position is still more or less equal. The open f-file is sure to lead to exchanges and a draw was already looking the likely result.

Benoni, with Black a move behind. He has

lost two moves with his knight, whileWhite has lost only one with his bishop.Nevertheless the blocked nature of the

position minimises the effect of this timeloss.

9 h3 Nf8 10 Bc2 Ng6 11 Ba4+.

This manoeuvre is calculated to disruptBlack's development. After 11 . . . Bd7 theexchange of bishops would favour Whitesince Black would be left with his

remaining bishop impeded by its ownpawns. Hort

's clever reply, however,avoids any trouble and eventually leads toBlack gaining the bishop pair.

11 . . . Nd7! 12 Ne2 Nh4 13 Nxh4 Bxh4

14 0-0 0-0 15 Bxd7 Bxd7 16 a4 b6 17 Ra3.

8

4 A

A

i

a b c d e f g h

Black must now decide how to open thegame for his bishops. The possible plansare either a6 and b5 to break on the Q-side

or f5 opening the other wing. Hort chosethe latter.

17 . . . f5.

NUNN: / thought he was going to open upthe position on the Q-side but he's goneover to the other side of the board

completely. Well I'll just have to take it ashe's played it. I must take.

18 exf5.

HORT: Oh, I see that what I did was not

the right thing. Now I have to be verycareful, I must cover now the square e6because a knight can come there from e2and f4 later. I don't see another move.

18 . . . Bxf5.

NUNN: I'm a little worried about these two

bishops of his, but at least I have theopportunity to get my rook on fl into thegame.

19 f4.

HORT: / was afraid of this move. Now the

position changes character. It is not closedany more. I really have to be carefulbecause my pawn on d6 can be weak and Ihave also to be careful about the squaree6. / have to make a difficult strategicaldecision. I think that I have to move mybishop back.

19 . . . Bd7.

NUNN: He's ignoring my pawn advance. Ican give him an isolated pawn here. Well,I'd better do so or else my last movedoesn't have any point.

20 fxe5 dxe5.

White now has something to show for hisconcession of the bishop pair. The passedd-pawn and weakness at e5 give Blacksome problems but the position is stillmore or less equal. The open f-file is sureto lead to exchanges and a draw wasalready looking the likely result.

70

21 Rxf8+ QxfB 22 Rf3 Qd6 23 Nc3 Qg6.

Black prevents the white knight from coming to e4 and also creates some attacking possibilities for himself down the g-file. Nunn continues cautiously.

24 Kh1 RfB 25 RxfB+ KxfB.

NUNN: I'm sure the draw ought to be in hand here. I've got to find some constructive plan. I'm a bit worried about the queens coming off and all those Q-side pawns of mine becoming very weak and perhaps prone to attack by the white-squared bishop. It'd probably be a good idea if I could exchange some of them. as looks like the move because then I get rid of the weak pawn on a4 and after the exchange on b6 his own b-pawn might become weak.

26 a5.

HORT: It looks as if he is playing for a draw, but still his move is very good because he's changing the pawns that could be weak. I must be careful, I will try to exchange queens.

26 . .. Qg3.

NUNN: That looks aggressive. Is he threatening to sacrifice on h3 now? No, because I can play Qf1 + and then take the bishop on h3. So I have the opportunity to exchange pawns without worrying.

27 axb6 axb6 28 Ne4 Qg6 29 Qf3+ Qf5.

And on making this move, Hort offered a draw which was accepted. The position is level and, without a constructive plan clearly available to either player, neither felt inclined to take risks in this first round.

Game 17:

Helmut Pfleger - Walter Browne English Opening

Browne scored the first win in this group with a good technical performance. Pfleger's attempt to start a K-side attack with 12 g4 was convincingly refuted by the American's accurate play. Once he had gained the initiative Browne never slackened the pressure. Finally Pfleger lost material in time trouble.

1 c4 c5 2 Nf3 Nf6 3 g3 b6 4 Bg2 Bb7 5 0-0 e6 6 b3 Be7 7 Bb2 0-0 B d4 cxd4 9 Qxd4 d6 10 Nc3 a6 11 h3 Qc7.

This is a normal type of position from the English Opening. White has an advantage in space, but Black's game is perfectly solid. The normal way for White to continue is 12 e4 followed by Qe3 and Nd4, holding on to the extra space and preventing Black's freeing moves, dS and bS. Instead Pfleger embarks on a new plan of immediate attack.

12 g4 h6 13 g5.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

71

21 Rxf8+ Qxf8 22 Rf3 Qd6 23 Nc3 Qg6.

Black prevents the white knight fromcoming to e4 and also creates someattacking possibilities for himself down theg-file

. Nunn continues cautiously.

24 KM Rf8 25 Rxf8+ KxfB.

NUNN: I'm sure the draw ought to be inhand here. I've got to find someconstructive plan. I

'm a bit worried about

the queens coming off and all those Q-sidepawns of mine becoming very weak andperhaps prone to attack by thewhite-squared bishop. It

'd probably be agood idea if I could exchange some ofthem. a5 looks like the move because then

I get rid of the weak pawn on a4 and afterthe exchange on b6 his own b-pawn mightbecome weak.

26 a5.

HORT: It looks as if he is playing for adraw, but still his move is very goodbecause he's changing the pawns thatcould be weak. I must be careful, I will tryto exchange queens.

26 . . . Qg3.

NUNN: That looks aggressive. Is hethreatening to sacrifice on h3 now? No,because I can play Qfl + and then take thebishop on h3. So I have the opportunity toexchange pawns without worrying.

27 axb6 axbB 28 Ne4 Qg6 29 Qf3+ Qf5.

And on making this move, Hort offered adraw which was accepted. The position islevel and, without a constructive planclearly available to either player, neitherfelt inclined to take risks in this first round.

Game 17:

Helmut Pfleger - Walter BrowneEnglish Opening

Browne scored the first win in this groupwith a good technical performance.Pfleger's attempt to start a K-side attackwith 12 g4 was convincingly refuted by theAmerican's accurate play. Once he hadgained the initiative Browne neverslackened the pressure. Finally Pfleger lostmaterial in time trouble.

1 c4 c5 2 Nf3 Nf6 3 g3 b6 4 Bg2 Bb75 0-0 e6 6 b3 Be7 7 Bb2 0-0 8 d4 cxd4

9 Qxd4 d6 10 Nc3 a6 11 h3 Qc7.

This is a normal type of position from theEnglish Opening. White has an advantagein space, but Black's game is perfectlysolid. The normal way for White tocontinue is 12 e4 followed by Qe3 andNd4, holding on to the extra space andpreventing Black's freeing moves, d5 andb5. Instead Pfleger embarks on a new planof immediate attack.

12 g4 h6 13 g5.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

1

a b c d e f g h

71

18 Nh5 Bh8 19 f4 Bg4.

The correct defence. White's powerful knight must be eliminated.

20 fxe5 Bxh5 21 exd6 Qxd6 22 Nf3 Bg6.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

Curiously, both players were quite optimistic about their chances at this stage of the game. White still has hopes of attacking the exposed black king, while Black is destroying the white centre pawns.

23 Nxh4 Bxe4 24 Qf2 Qxd5 25 Rg3+ Bg6 26 Nf5.

White threatens 27 Nh6+ Kg7 28 Qxf7+ Qxf7 29 Rxf7 mate, or 27 Nh6+ Kf8 28 Rxg6 winning. Nunn defends coolly.

26 ••• Bd4 27 Nxd4 cxd4 28 Bh6 Rb7.

Adding to the defence of f7 and enabling 29 Qf6 to be met by 29 ... QeS. Now White should play 29 RgS maintaining a dangerous attack. Short of time, Browne decided to give his king some air.

29 h4 Qh5 30 Bg5 d3 31 Qf6 draw agreed.

A slightly surprising decision, though a fair

78

reflection of the position. Black's extra pawn is blockaded and he is still worried about possible mating threats on the long diagonal. Browne felt it unwise to continue with insufficient time for the next nine moves.

Game 20:

John Nunn - Helmut Pfleger Pirc Defence

This game was important for both players: Nunn had to win to keep alive his chances of reaching the final; Pfleger was fighting to avoid the ignominy of losing all three games. The game showed that the German grandmaster had not lost his combative spirit. He counter-attacked well from a poor position and scored a good draw.

1 e4 d6 2 d4 Nf6 3 Nc3 g6 4 f4 Bg7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 Bd3 Na6.

Curiously, Pfleger's chosen opening variation is also a favourite of his opponent. Black prepares a counter-thrust in the centre with cS.

7 0-0 c5 8 d5 Nc7 9 a4 e6 10 dxe6 fxe6 11 e5 Nfd5.

White's advance in the centre has given him the basis for an attack on the K-side. Now the normal continuation would be 12 Ne4, centralising and maintaining White's advantage in space. Instead, Nunn decided to open the position and go for an immediate attack.

12 exd6 Qxd6 13 Ne4 Qe7 14 Ne5 b6 15 Qg4 Ba6 16 Bxa6 Nxa6.

Black has succeeded in exchanging one of the attacking pieces, but Nunn's forces are

18 Nh5 Bh8 19 f4 Bg4.

The correct defence. White's powerfulknight must be eliminated.

20 fxe5 Bxh5 21 exd6 Qxd6 22 Nf3 Bg6.

8

i i

4 a

A

:i

abcdefgh

Curiously, both players were quiteoptimistic about their chances at this stageof the game. White still has hopes ofattacking the exposed black king, whileBlack is destroying the white centre pawns.

23 Nxh4 Bxe4 24 Qf2 Qxd5 25 Rg3+ Bg626 Nf5.

White threatens 27 Nh6+ Kg728 Qxf7+ Qxf7 29 Rxf7 mate, or27 Nh6+ Kf8 28 Rxg6 winning. Nunndefends coolly.

26 . . . Bd4 27 Nxd4 cxd4 28 Bh6 Rb7.

Adding to the defence of f7 and enabling29 Qf6 to be met by 29 . . . Qe5. NowWhite should play 29 Rg5 maintaining adangerous attack. Short of time, Brownedecided to give his king some air.

29 h4 Qh5 30 Bg5 d3 31 Qf6 draw agreed.

A slightly surprising decision, though a fair

reflection of the position. Black's extrapawn is blockaded and he is still worriedabout possible mating threats on the longdiagonal. Browne felt it unwise to continuewith insufficient time for the next nine

moves.

Game 20:

John Nunn - Helmut PflegerPirc Defence

This game was important for both players:Nunn had to win to keep alive his chancesof reaching the final; Pfleger was fightingto avoid the ignominy of losing all threegames. The game showed that the Germangrandmaster had not lost his combativespirit. He counter-attacked well from apoor position and scored a good draw.

1 e4 d6 2 d4 Nf6 3 Nc3 g6 4 f4 Bg75 Nf3 0-0 6 Bd3 Na6.

Curiously, Pfleger's chosen openingvariation is also a favourite of his

opponent. Black prepares a counter-thrustin the centre with c5.

7 0-0 c5 8 d5 Nc7 9 a4 e6 10 dxe6 fxe6

11 e5 Nfd5.

White's advance in the centre has givenhim the basis for an attack on the K-side.

Now the normal continuation would be

12 Ne4, centralising and maintainingWhite's advantage in space. Instead, Nunndecided to open the position and go for animmediate attack.

12 exd6 Qxd6 13 Ne4 Qe7 14 Ne5 b615 Qg4 Ba6 16 Bxa6 Nxa6.

Black has succeeded in exchanging one ofthe attacking pieces, but Nunn's forces are

78

still poised near the king. He must now bring fresh troops into the attack.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

NUNN: That exchange has weakened my attack somewhat. My queen's rook in particular needs to come into play. It's very tempting now to play Ra3 and then over to h3 perhaps with some real K-side threats. /t's curious that in all three of my games in this tournament White has developed this rook via a3. Perhaps it will start a trend.

17 Ra3.

PFLEGER: Oh, I completely overlooked this move. What shall I do now? I saw John recently win against Darga, also from Germany, in rather an impressive manner and somehow I'm a little bit afraid of being mated here. If I play Nb4 I think it's too slow: he simply plays c4 and everything is in his favour. Maybe I can sacrifice a pawn with c4, giving my knight the square c5. I think I have to do it.

17 . .. c4.

NUNN: That's a bit of a shock: I hadn't realised it was possible. Of course I can

take it off, but then he can play RacB for example, and my knight is then pinned against the pawn on c2. He'd get rather a strong initiative, so I think I'd better ignore his c-pawn. But his knight on a6 can come to c5 and exchange yet another potential attacking piece on e4. If he keeps lopping my pieces off like this I'll have no attack left whatsoever. But I don't think I have much choice; I must continue with my plan.

18 Rh3.

PFLEGER: He simply neglects my pawn offer. Is he always like that? Well, some uncomfortable things threaten here on the K-side. I think I have to oppose with the rook.

18 . .. Rf5.

NUNN: My bishop's gone from d3, so this move is possible. My attack doesn't seem to be getting quite as far as I'd like. Perhaps I should change track now and take off that pawn on c4. It's far moce possible now because if he plays RcB I have a knight fork on d6. Well a pawn is certainly a worthwhile thing to take off, so let's have it.

19 Nxc4.

PFLEGER: At last he becomes greedy. Well, it gives my knight the opportunity to come back into the centre with force.

19 . .• Nc5.

NUNN: I feel this is a crucial point in the game. He's obviously got some counterplay for the pawn but I'm sure if I play accurately I should maintain my extra material. What shall I play? Qe2, Ned6, Ncd6, there are so many choices I'm sure I'm going to make the wrong one. The

79

still poised near the king. He must nowbring fresh troops into the attack.

8

A

a

1

a b c d e f g h

NUNN: That exchange has weakened myattack somewhat. My queen's rook in

particular needs to come into play. It's verytempting now to play Ra3 and then over toh3 perhaps with some real K-side threats.It's curious that in all three of my games inthis tournament White has developed thisrook via a3. Perhaps it will start a trend.

17 Ra3.

PFLEGER: Oh, I completely overlooked thismove. What shall I do now? I saw John

recently win against Darga, also fromGermany, in rather an impressive mannerand somehow I'm a little bit afraid of beingmated here. If I play Nb4 I think it's too

slow: he simply plays c4 and everything isin his favour. Maybe I can sacrifice a pawnwith c4, giving my knight the square c5. /think I have to do it.

17 . . . c4.

NUNN: That's a bit of a shock: I hadn't

realised it was possible. Of course I can

take it off, but then he can play Rac8 forexample, and my knight is then pinnedagainst the pawn on c2. He'd get rather astrong initiative, so I think I'd better ignorehis c-pawn. But his knight on a6 can cometo c5 and exchange yet another potentialattacking piece on e4. If he keeps loppingmy pieces off like this I'll have no attack

left whatsoever. But I don't think I have

much choice; I must continue with myplan.

18 Rh3.

PFLEGER: He simply neglects my pawnoffer. Is he always like that? Well, someuncomfortable things threaten here on theK-side

. I think I have to oppose with therook.

18 . . . Rf5.

NUNN: My bishop's gone from d3, so thismove is possible. My attack doesn

't seem

to be getting quite as far as I'd like.Perhaps I should change track now andtake off that pawn on c4. It's far mocepossible now because if he plays Red Ihave a knight fork on d6. Well a pawn iscertainly a worthwhile thing to take off, solet's have it.

19 Nxc4.

PFLEGER: At last he becomes greedy. Well,it gives my knight the opportunity to comeback into the centre with force.

19 . . . Nc5.

NUNN: / feel this is a crucial point in thegame. He

's obviously got somecounterplay for the pawn but I

'm sure if I

play accurately I should maintain my extramaterial. What shall I play? Qe2, Ned6,Ncd6, there are so many choices I'm sureI'm going to make the wrong one. The

79

problem with Qe2 is that he can then take the pawn on a4 and I can't see how to exploit his out-of-play knight. If I play Ned6, his rook just goes back to fB and then he can attack my knight with RadB and I'm going to be retreating rapidly. I'll try the third possibility, though I'm a bit suspicious of a move I arrive at by a process of elimination.

20 Ncd6.

But Pfleger was happy with Nunn's choice because it gave him the chance to create immediate pressure against the f-pawn.

20 • • • Nxe4 21 Nxe4 Raf8.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

With all Black's pieces now enjoying concerted action, he has clear compensation for the pawn. Nunn's next move overlooks a little combination.

22 c4 Bd4+ 23 Kh1 Nxf4.

NUNN: Oh, what have I allowed to happen? A combination I completely overlooked. It's so simple when you see it. If I take on f4 with the bishop, he plays eS and my rook on f1 is undefended. If I take

80

with the rook on f4, he exchanges rooks, then once again eS and the bishop can't move because of mate on f1. What can I do? I mustn't lose my head. I can no longer think of winning this game, but somehow I'm sure I ought to find a way out to draw. Half a point is better than none at all. Well, my move seems forced.

24 Rxf4 Rxf4 25 Bxf4.

PFLEGER: Now the planned move eS. His bishop cannot retreat because he would then be mated on f1, so I will win back my piece with, I think, slightly the better game.

25 ••• e5.

NUNN: My best chance here is to exchange as many pieces as possible and try to draw the ending. I want to make sure that I can exchange off the rooks; that's the most important thing because then I cannot be mated on the back rank. So I'll prepare to swap those rooks down the f-file.

26 Rf3 exf4 27 Rxf4 Bxb2 28 Rxf8+ Qxf8.

The exchanges have left material level and both kings too exposed for either player to have realistic hopes of winning. Neither can free his pieces from defensive duties for sufficiently long to create any threats.

29 Qe6+ Kh8 30 h4 Qf4 31 g3 Qf1+ 32 Kh2 Qe2+ Draw agreed.

Black has a perpetual check, so there is no arguing.

problem with Qe2 is that he can then takethe pawn on a4 and I can't see how toexploit his out-of-play knight. If I playNedS, his rook just goes back to fd andthen he can attack my knight with Rad8and I'm going to be retreating rapidly. I'lltry the third possibility, though I'm a bitsuspicious of a move I arrive at by aprocess of elimination.

20 Ncd6.

But Pfleger was happy with Nunn's choicebecause it gave him the chance to createimmediate pressure against the f-pawn.

20 . . . Nxe4 21 Nxe4 Raf8.

8

1

abcdefgh

With all Black's pieces now enjoyingconcerted action, he has clear

compensation for the pawn. Nunn's nextmove overlooks a little combination.

22 c4 Bd4+ 23 Khl Nxf4.

NUNN: Oh, what have I allowed to

happen? A combination I completelyoverlooked. It's so simple when you see it.If I take on f4 with the bishop, he plays e5and my rook on f1 is undefended. If I take

with the rook on f4, he exchanges rooks,then once again e5 and the bishop can'tmove because of mate on f1. What can I

do? I mustn't lose my head. I can nolonger think of winning this game, butsomehow I'm sure I ought to find a wayout to draw. Half a point is better thannone at all. Well, my move seems forced.

24Rxf4Rxf4 25 Bxf4.

PFLEGER: Now the planned move e5. Hisbishop cannot retreat because he wouldthen be mated on f1, so I will win back mypiece with, I think, slightly the bettergame.

25 . . . e5.

NUNN: My best chance here is toexchange as many pieces as possible andtry to draw the ending. I want to make surethat I can exchange off the rooks; that'sthe most important thing because then Icannot be mated on the back rank. So I'll

prepare to swap those rooks down thef-file

.

26 Rf3 exf4 27 Rxf4 Bxb2 28 Rxf8+ Qxf8.

The exchanges have left material level andboth kings too exposed for either player tohave realistic hopes of winning. Neithercan free his pieces from defensive dutiesfor sufficiently long to create any threats.

29 Qe6+ Kh8 30 h4 Qf4 31 g3 Qf1 +32 Kh2 Qe2+ Draw agreed.

Black has a perpetual check, so there is noarguing.

80

Order of Play

Group B:

Round One: Round Two: Round Three:

Schmid 1-0 Korchnoi; Byrne 0-1 Korchnoi; Korchnoi 1-0 Stean;

Sc K B St Total

Schmid x 1 Y2 1 2Y2

Korchnoi 0 x 1 1 2

Byrne Y2 0 x Y2 1

Stean o 0 Y2 x

Game 22:

Lothar Schmid - Viktor Korchnoi Ruy Lopez

This game was the major sensation of the whole tournament. The German grandmaster, who had been almost totally retired from competitive play for some years, beat the favourite and World Championship candidate. Korchnoi's iron will to win was the culprit in this game. Refusing Schmid's draw offer in a level position Korchnoi tried to squeeze something out of the game. He ran short of time and was already probably losing when his flag fell.

1 e4 eS 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 BbS a6 4 Ba4 Nf6 S 0-0 Nxe4.

This is the Open Defence to the Ruy lopez, considered a little suspect by most modern grandmasters, but always a favourite of Korchnoi. Black accepts a haggard-looking pawn structure in exchange for free piece play. The alternative is the conservative 5 ... Be7.

84

Byrne Y2- Y2 Stean Stean 0-1 Schmid Schmid Y2- Y2 Byrne

6 d4 bS 7 Bb3 dS.

Black cannot afford to open the game totally.with his king still in the centre, so he must return the pawn here.

8 dxeS Be6 9 c3 Be7 10 Nbd2.

In the twenty-fourth game of their 1978 match, Karpov had played 10 Bc2 against Korchnoi. Evidently Korchnoi found Schmid's move less impressive.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

Order of Play

Group B:

Round One: Schmid 7-0 Korchnoi; Byrne V2-V2 SteanRound Two: Byrne 0-1 Korchnoi; Stean 0-1 SchmidRound Three: Korchnoi 1-0 Stean; Schmid V2-V2 Byrne

Sc K B St Total

Schmid x 1 1/2 1 2V2

Korchnoi 0x11 2

Byrne V2 0 x V2 1

Stean 0 0 V2 x V2

Game 22:

Lothar Schmid - Viktor Korchnoi

Ruy Lopez

This game was the major sensation of thewhole tournament. The German

grandmaster, who had been almost totallyretired from competitive play for someyears, beat the favourite and WorldChampionship candidate. Korchnoi's ironwill to win was the culprit in this game.Refusing Schmid's draw offer in a levelposition Korchnoi tried to squeezesomething out of the game. He ran shortof time and was already probably losingwhen his flag fell.

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Ba4 Nf6

5 0-0 Nxe4.

This is the Open Defence to the RuyLopez, considered a little suspect by mostmodern grandmasters, but always afavourite of Korchnoi. Black accepts ahaggard-looking pawn structure inexchange for free piece play. Thealternative is the conservative 5 . . . Be7.

6d4b5 7Bb3d5.

Black cannot afford to open the gametotally-with his king still in the centre, sohe must return the pawn here.

8 dxe5 Be6 9 c3 Be7 10 Nbd2.

In the twenty-fourth game of their 1978match, Karpov had played 10 Bc2 againstKorchnoi. Evidently Korchnoi foundSchmid's move less impressive.

if8

a b c d e f g h

84

KORCHNOI: My opponent is not acquainted with all the subtleties of the position. Bc2 would be more careful to prevent me playing the line I prepared.

10 ... Nc5 11 Be2 Bg4.

SCHMID: Now the pawn on e5 is attacked and I have to protect it with the rook.

12 Re1 Qd7 13 Nb3.

KORCHNOI: The same happened in my game against Karpov and my opponent was the main referee of the match at that moment although probably he doesn't know well how to play this line.

13 . .. Ne6.

Bya curious transposition we have now indeed reached a position from game 28 of the Karpov-Korchnoi match and the chief referee had been playing closer attention than Korchnoi imagined. He now plays a better move than Karpov's.

SCHMID: Here I have an idea which hasn't been played yet and will maybe give me quite a good game. Qd3 attacks the pctwn on h7 so that he cannot castle.

14 Qd3.

KORCHNOI: Oh something new. It looks much stronger than Karpov played, well he played a kind of rubbish h3. Now to try the idea NdB and then c5, but after NdB he plays Rd1. Maybe RdB is the strongest move, but then I have to calculate a4. Well anyhow I have an excellent game with Bh5.

14 ... Bh5.

SCHMID: My knight on f3 is no longer pinned and I can centralise it, a typical Spanish move.

15 Nfd4.

Korchnoi met this move perhaps a little too casually. He initiated a series of exchanges to free his game, but then realised that he had made a mistake.

15 . .. Bg6 16 Qe2 Ncxd4 17 Nxd4 Nxd4 18 cxd4 c5 19 dxc5.

KORCHNOI: I overlooked something. This is a terrible threat. It is too late to go back now. I must take this pawn.

19 . .. Bxc5.

SCHMID: Now I have a combination. It is most interesting whether or not Black can defend; his king is in the centre instead of being safe after castling. I have the possibility to take the bishop on g6 or push the pawn to e6 first. It's not easy to decide.

20 Bxg6.

KORCHNOI: I see the threat. I can take with the f-pawn, leaving his pawn on e5 very strong, or I can just fall into his trap. Positionally I don.'t like fxg6 but what can I do? I should have thought before.

20 . .. hxg6.

SCHMID: Now of course if I want a good game I have to push the e-pawn.

21 e6.

KORCHNOI: If I take on e6 he plays Qc2 attacking the bishop and pawn on g6: I retreat the bishop, he takes on g6 and eventually takes the pawn on e6. My rook on hB is already developed in a very strange wayan the h-line. I can attack the pawn on h2. Qd6, he takes exf7+, Kxf7, Qf3+, KgB, Bf4. Not a pleasure. So let's pretend nothing happened.

21 ... Qe6.

SCHMID: Well this is a type of move not

85

KORCHNOI: My opponent is notacquainted with all the subtleties of theposition. Bc2 would be more careful toprevent me playing the line I prepared.

10 . . . Nc5 11 Bc2 Bg4.

SCHMID: Now fhe pawn on e5 is attackedand I have to protect it with the rook.

12 Rel Qd7 13 Nb3.

KORCHNOI: The same happened in mygame against Karpov and my opponent wasthe main referee of the match at that

moment although probably he doesn'

t

know well how to play this line.

13 . . . Ne6.

By a curious transposition we have nowindeed reached a position from game 28 ofthe Karpov-Korchnoi match and the chiefreferee had been playing closer attentionthan Korchnoi imagined. He now plays abetter move than Karpov's.

SCHMID: Here / have an idea which hasn't

been played yet and will maybe give mequite a good game. Qd3 attacks the pdwnon h7 so that he cannot castle.

14 Qd3.

KORCHNOI: Oh something new. It looksmuch stronger than Karpov played, well heplayed a kind of rubbish h3. Now to try theidea Nd8 and then c5, but after Nd8 he

plays Rd1. Maybe Rd8 is the strongestmove, but then I have to calculate a4. Well

anyhow I have an excellent game with Bh5.

14 . . . Bh5.

SCHMID: My knight on f3 is no longerpinned and I can centralise it, a typicalSpanish move.

Korchnoi met this move perhaps a little toocasually. He initiated a series of exchangesto free his game, but then realised that hehad made a mistake.

15 . . . Bg6 16 Qe2 Ncxd4 17 Nxd4 Nxd418cxd4c5 19dxc5.

KORCHNOI: I overlooked something. Thisis a terrible threat. It is too late to go backnow. I must take this pawn.

19 . . . Bxc5.

SCHMID: Now / have a combination. It is

most interesting whether or not Black candefend; his king is in the centre instead ofbeing safe after castling. I have thepossibility to take the bishop on g6 or pushthe pawn to e6 first. It's not easy to decide.

20 Bxg6.

KORCHNOI: / see fhe threat. I can take

with the f-pawn, leaving his pawn on e5very strong, or I can just fall into his trap.Positionally I don't like fxg6 but what can Ido? I should have thought before.

20 . . . hxg6.

SCHMID: Now of course if I want a goodgame I have to push the e-pawn.

21 e6.

KORCHNOI: If I take on e6 he plays Qc2attacking the bishop and pawn on g6: Iretreat the bishop, he takes on g6 andeventually takes the pawn on e6. My rookon h8 is already developed in a verystrange way on the h-line. I can attack thepawn on h2. Qd6, he takes exf7+, Kxf7,Qf3+, Kg8, Bf4. Not a pleasure. So let'spretend nothing happened.

21 . . . Qc6.

15 Nfd4. SCHMID: Well this is a type of move not

often seen; this is a grandmaster move. Who else would be so strong not to take off this e-pawn and to allow me to take on f7 myself? Suddenly the board is burning.

22 exf7 + Kxf7 23 Qf3+ Kg8.

The simplification has left Black's king out of danger. Schmid retains hopes of advantage because the black rooks are uncoordinated and his pawns look weak, but as Korchnoi demonstrates these problems are easily overcome. He had, in fact, been far more afraid of the move 22 Qg4, maintaining tension instead of exchanging with 22 exf7+.

24 Be3 Rf8 2S Qg4 Bxe3 26 Rxe3 RhS 27 Rd1 RhfS.

Finally all is content in the Black camp. His rooks work well together and the vulnerable pawns are shielded from attack.

28 f3 Re8 29 Qd4 Rxe3 30 Qxe3.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

KORCHNOI: Now to prevent him to penetrate into my camp, I will try to penetrate with the queen.

86

30 ... Qc2.

SCHMID: My rook is attacked, my pawn is attacked, I should cover both. There are only two moves: Qd2 or Qd4. Qd4 is dangerous: he could even move Rg5. The queen is not very nice on this square. I think I should try to get her out.

31 Qd2.

KORCHNOI: Nothing to think about: I cannot exchange queens.

31 ... QcS+ 32 Qf2 Qe7.

SCHMID: I think I do not have any more the advantage. I think I shall try to offer him a draw because he has only a few minutes left on his clock and still to make eight moves. I think it would be fair to offer a draw. I play Kf1 and ask him whether or not he wants to play for a win.

33 Kf1.

KORCHNOI: Aha, he understands that he cannot improve his position, but what about me? Let us pass over the time trouble and then see if I can improve or not. I don't accept. I will play for the win, or vice versa.

33 ... ReS 34 Qd4 gS 3S Rc1 Qe6 36 Rc2 QfS 37 Rd2 Qe6 38 Kf2 Kf7 39 Rc2 Qe7 40 h3 Qd6.

The time control successfully negotiated, Korchnoi started thinking again about how he might tempt an error.

41 QcS Qf6 42 Rd2 Kg6 43 Qd4 Kh6 44 Rd3 Qe7 4S Rd2 Kh7 46 Rc2 Qf6 47 Qd3+ g6 48 Rd2.

often seen; this is a grandmaster move.Who else would be so strong not to takeoff this e-pawn and to allow me to take onf7 myself? Suddenly the board is burning.

22 exf7+ Kxf7 23 Qf3+ Kg8.

The simplification has left Black's king outof danger. Schmid retains hopes ofadvantage because the black rooks areuncoordinated and his pawns look weak,but as Korchnoi demonstrates these

problems are easily overcome. He had, infact, been far more afraid of the move

22 Qg4, maintaining tension instead ofexchanging with 22 exf7+.

24 Be3 Rf8 25 Qg4 Bxe3 26 Rxe3 Rh527 Rdl Rhf5.

Finally all is content in the Black camp. Hisrooks work well together and thevulnerable pawns are shielded from attack.

28f3Re8 29 Qd4 Rxe3 30 Qxe3.

8

i

a b c d e f g h

KORCHNOI: Now to prevent him topenetrate into my camp, I will try topenetrate with the queen.

30 . . . Qc2.

SCHMID: My rook is attacked, my pawn isattacked, I should cover both. There are

only two moves: Qd2 or Qd4. Qd4 isdangerous: he could even move Rg5. Thequeen is not very nice on this square. Ithink I should try to get her out.

31 Qd2.

KORCHNOI: Nothing to think about: Icannot exchange queens.

31 . . . Qc5+ 32 Qf2 Qe7.

SCHMID: / think I do not have any morethe advantage. I think I shall try to offerhim a draw because he has only a fewminutes left on his clock and still to make

eight moves. I think it would be fair tooffer a draw. I play Kfl and ask himwhether or not he wants to play for a win.

33 Kfl.

KORCHNOI: Aha, he understands that he

cannot improve his position, but whatabout me? Let us pass over the timetrouble and then see if I can improve ornot. I don't accept. I will play for the win,or vice versa.

33 . . . Re5 34 Qd4 g5 35 Rcl Qe636 Rc2 Qf5 37 Rd2 Qe6 38 Kf2 Kf739 Rc2 Qe7 40 h3 Qd6.

The time control successfully negotiated,Korchnoi started thinking again about howhe might tempt an error.

41 Qc5 Qf6 42 Rd2 Kg6 43 Qd4 Kh644 Rd3 Qe7 45 Rd2 Kh7 46 Rc2 Qf647 Qd3+ g6 48 Rd2.

86

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

48 ••• g4.

Suddenly it looked as though Schmid had fallen into a trap. After 49 hxg4 Qh4+ Black develops a mating attack from nowhere: 50 Kf1 Re1 mate, or 50 g3 Qh2+ 51 Kf1 Qh1 + 52 Kf2 Re1. But the German grandmaster remained calm and found the only way to avoid disadvantage.

49 Qd4.

KORCHNOI: Oh yes. I thought I was winning already but now he maintains equilibrium. Let's take on f3.

49 ••• gxf3.

SCHMID: I need to retake. Black has freed his game: I think both have chances and it might be a draw.

50 gxf3.

In fact the real result of Schmid's overlooking 48 ... g4 was to encourage Korchnoi to think even longer about how to tempt a further error. In the remainder of the game he totally mishandled his clock, having perhaps given insufficient thought to the unusual time control of one

hour for all his remaining moves. By move 5~ he h.ad less than a minute remaining. Fmally It was the white pieces which broke through in attack.

50 ••• g5 51 Qg4 Kh6 52 Kg2 Rf5 53 Qd4 Kg6 54 Qd3 Kh6 55 Rc2 Re5 56 Rc7 Qg6 57 Qc3 Qf5 58 Qd2 Kh5 59 Kg3 Re2 60 Qxe2 Qf4+ 61 Kg2 Qxc7 62 f4+ Kh6 63 Qe6+ Kg7 64 fxg5 Qc2+ 65 Kg3 Qxb2 66 Qxd5 a5 67 h4 a4 68 h5 Qc3+ 69 Kf2 Qc2+ 70 Ke3 Qcl + and Black lost on time.

Game 23:

Robert Byrne - Michael Stean Nimzo-Indian Defence

An amazing escape for Byrne who seemed bound and gagged and just awaiting execution. After playing a fine positional game Stean should never have let this one slip.

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 e3 0-0 5 Bd3 c5 6 Ne2 d5 7 cxd5 exd5 80-0 b6.

~tean realises that his Nimzo-Indian bishop IS soon to be exchanged for the knight on c3. This move prepares Ba6 to rid White of his bishop pair and leave him with a bishop somewhat constricted by its own pawns.

9 a3 Bxc3 10 bxc3 Ba6 11 Ng3 Bxd3 12 Qxd3 Nc6 13 f3.

White's chances lie in the mobilisation of his centre pawns.

13 ••• Qd7 14 Bd2 Rad8 15 Radl Ne8.

The knight heads for the outpost at c4 via d6.

16 Bel.

87

8

1a

1 a

i

a b c d e f g h

48 . . . g4.

Suddenly it looked as though Schmid hadfallen into a trap. After 49 hxg4 Qh4+Black develops a mating attack fromnowhere: 50 Kfl Rel mate, or 50 g3 Qh2+51 Kfl Qh1+ 52 Kf2 Rel. But the Germangrandmaster remained calm and found theonly way to avoid disadvantage.

49 Qd4.

KORCHNOI: Oh yes. I thought I waswinning already but now he maintainsequilibrium. Let's take on f3.

49 . . . gxf3.

SCHMID: / need to retake. Black has freed

his game: I think both have chances and itmight be a draw.

50 gxf3.

In fact the real result of Schmid's

overlooking 48 . . . g4 was to encourageKorchnoi to think even longer about howto tempt a further error. In the remainderof the game he totally mishandled hisclock, having perhaps given insufficientthought to the unusual time control of one

hour for all his remaining moves. By move56 he had less than a minute remaining.Finally it was the white pieces which brokethrough in attack.

50 . . . g5 51 Qg4 Kh6 52 Kg2 Rf553 Qd4 Kg6 54 Qd3 Kh6 55 Rc2 Re556 Rc7 Qg6 57 Qc3 QfS 58 Qd2 Kh559 Kg3 Re2 60 Qxe2 Qf4+ 61 Kg2 Qxc762 f4+ Kh6 63 Qe6+ Kg7 64 fxg5 Qc2+65 Kg3 Qxb2 66 Qxd5 a5 67 h4 a468h5Qc3+ 69 Kf2 Qc2+ 70 Ke3 Qc1 +and Black lost on time.

Game 23:

Robert Byrne - Michael SteanNimzo-lndian Defence

An amazing escape for Byrne who seemedbound and gagged and just awaitingexecution. After playing a fine positionalgame Stean should never have let this oneslip.

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 e3 0-0

5 Bd3 c5 6 Ne2 d5 7 cxdS exd5 8 0-0 b6.

Stean realises that his Nimzo-lndian bishopis soon to be exchanged for the knight onc3. This move prepares Ba6 to rid White ofhis bishop pair and leave him with abishop somewhat constricted by its ownpawns.

9 a3 Bxc3 10 bxc3 Ba6 11 Ng3 Bxd312 Qxd3 Nc6 13 f3.

White's chances lie in the mobilisation of

his centre pawns.

13 . . . Qd7 14 Bd2 RadB 15 Radl NeB.

The knight heads for the outpost at c4 viad6.

16 Bel.

87

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

STEAN: He doesn't seem to know what to do with that silly bishop. Where's it going? I suppose he wants to put it on f2. Nc7 looks logical, but why should I play so passively? I can play Nd6 and then if he takes on cS I can play Nc4 threatening the fork on b2.

16 . .. Nd6.

BYRNE: Is there any way to take advantage of that? The knight's obviously on a good square but it's temporarily blocking support of his d-pawn. But if dxcS, he interpolates Nc4 with a fork threat on b2 and the d-pawn is protected with tempo. I don't like to disturb the pawn line in the centre unless I get some clear advantage doing it. Can I use that momentary block in order to play e4? It looks a bit risky but I think I'm going to try it.

17 e4.

STEAN: I'm not really afraid of e4 because his pieces are on rather funny squares at the moment. So the knight belongs on c4.

17 . .. Nc4.

BYRNE: The only thing to do about the two

88

threats of Nxa3 and the fork with Nb2 is to defend the a-pawn.

18 Ra1.

STEAN: I thought he might sacrifice the pawn. Can I take advantage of the fact that his pieces are on very strange squares? I can play Nb2, or I can take first on d4. No, I need to support the knight on c4 and then I get some threats. I can't play bS at once, maybe he takes on cS, so I'll take on d4 first.

18 ... cxd4 19 cxd4 b5.

Black has established a strong bind on the Q-side, so Byrne now tries his chances on the other wing.

20 e5 f6.

The correct response to Byrne's advance. Now 21 f4 fS leaves the white bishop totally ineffective.

21 ed6 Rxf6 22 Btl Re8.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

BYRNE: I can't go on playing this game with my queen and rook tied down to the

8

A

abcdefgh

STEAN: He doesn't seem to know what to

do with that silly bishop. Where's it going?I suppose he wants to put it on f2. Nc7looks logical, but why should I play sopassively? I can play Nd6 and then if hetakes on c5 I can play Nc4 threatening thefork on 62.

16 . . . Nd6.

BYRNE: Is there any way to take advantageof that? The knight's obviously on a goodsquare but it's temporarily blocking supportof his d-pawn. But if dxc5, he interpolatesNc4 with a fork threat on b2 and the

d-pawn is protected with tempo.I don't

like to disturb the pawn line in the centreunless I get some clear advantage doing it.Can I use that momentary block in order toplay e4? It looks a bit risky but I think I'mgoing to try it.

17 e4.

STEAN: I'm not really afraid of e4 becausehis pieces are on rather funny squares atthe moment. So the knight belongs on c4.

17 . . . Nc4.

BYRNE: The only thing to do about the two

threats of Nxa3 and the fork with Nb2 is to

defend the a-pawn.

18 Ral.

STEAN: / thought he might sacrifice thepawn. Can I take advantage of the fact thathis pieces are on very strange squares? Ican play Nb2, or I can take first on d4. No,I need to support the knight on c4 andthen I get some threats. I can't play 65 atonce, maybe he takes on c5, so I'll take on

d4 first.

18 . . . cxd4 19 cxd4 b5.

Black has established a strong bind on theQ-side

, so Byrne now tries his chances onthe other wing.

20 e5 f6.

The correct response to Byrne's advance.Now 21 f4 f5 leaves the white bishop totallyineffective.

21 exf6 Rxf6 22 Bf2 ReB.

8

i

/ y /

a

abcdefgh

BYRNE: / can'f go on playing this gamewith my queen and rook tied down to the

88

defence of that a-pawn. I know he's going to be very happy if I try to get rid of that pawn with a4 but if I want to play actively at all I'll just have to take my chances.

23 a4.

STEAN: I don't believe that, not for one moment. What's he trying to do to me? I can just get a tremendous passed pawn with b4. I don't understand it.

23 .•• b4.

BYRNE: Now that the b-pawn is advanced, his knight is not quite as sturdily protected as it was. Perhaps I can get some usefulness out of my knight.

24 Ne4.

STEAN: So that was his idea. I don't want to take that knight. It's going to c5. Let's move this rook: let's go home.

24 ••• Rff8.

BYRNE: What will getting that knight to a better square do for my position? I'm worse anyway but perhaps I can develop some tactical threats.

25 Nc5.

STEAN: I can change the queens, that would be lovely, then queen the b-pawn. If I play Qf5 his queen's got nowhere to go. If he runs away to b3 I have a fork on d2 with my knight.

25 ••• Qf5.

BYRNE: Of course, he wants to exchange queens: he's looking at that beautiful passed pawn on the b-line, but I'm in no position to stop him. His pieces are controlling too many squares. The ending's going to be bad for me. I'm not going to be able to avoid an ending in the long run

so I might as well take it now and take what tempi I can get.

26 Qxf5.

STEAN: That was forced. This endgame is fantastic, the b-pawn almost queens by force.

26 ••• Rxf5.

Byrne did manage, in the course of the following moves, to concoct a barrier to the progress of the terrible pawn, but his position still looked dreadful, with the pawn ju~t one square from queening.

27 Rfel Rff8 28 Nd7 Rxel + 29 Rxel Re8 30 Nc5 Kf7 31 Kfl N6a5 32 Ke2 b3 33 Kd3 b2 34 Ke3 Re8 35 Rbl Re2 36 Nd3.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

White is now so tied up that the black pieces just have to find something to do and the game seems won. Having entered the white position Stean's rook was described, at the time of the game, as free to roam while Byrne fiddled.

STEAN: Now I've nearly got him. He still can't take the pawn on b2 because the

89

defence of that a-pawn. I know he's goingto be very happy if I try to get rid of thatpawn with a4 but if I want to play activelyat all I'll just have to take my chances.

23 a4.

STEAN: / don't believe that,

not for one

moment. What's he trying to do to me? Ican just get a tremendous passed pawnwith b4. I don't understand it.

23... M.

BYRNE: Now that the b-pawn is advanced,

his knight is not quite as sturdily protectedas it was. Perhaps I can get someusefulness out of my knight.

24 Ne4.

STEAN: So that was his idea. I don't want

to take that knight. It's going to c5. Let'smove this rook: let's go home.

24... Rff8.

BYRNE: What will getting that knight to abetter square do for my position? I'm worseanyway but perhaps I can develop sometactical threats.

25 Nc5.

STEAN: / can change the queens, thatwould be lovely, then queen the b-pawn.If I play Qf5 his queen's got nowhere togo. If he runs away to 63 / have a fork ond2 with my knight.

25.. . Qf5.

BYRNE: Of course, he wants to exchangequeens: he's looking at that beautifulpassed pawn on the b-line, but I'm in no

position to stop him. His pieces arecontrolling too many squares. The ending'

s

going to be bad for me. I'm not going tobe able to avoid an ending in the long run

so I might as well take it now and takewhat tempi I can get.

26 Qxf5.

STEAN: That was forced. This endgame isfantastic, the b-pawn almost queens byforce.

26 . . . Rxf5.

Byrne did manage, in the course of thefollowing moves, to concoct a barrier tothe progress of the terrible pawn, but hisposition still looked dreadful, with thepawn just one square from queening.

27 Rfel Rff8 28 Nd7 Rxe1 + 29 Rxel Rc8

30 Nc5 Kf7 31 Kfl N6a5 32 Ke2 b3

33 Kd3 b2 34 Kc3 Re8 35 Rbl Re2 36 Nd3.

8

turn

»y.

a

i

a b c d e f g h

White is now so tied up that the blackpieces just have to find something to doand the game seems won. Having enteredthe white position Stean's rook wasdescribed, at the time of the game, as freeto roam while Byrne fiddled.

STEAN: Now I've nearly got him. He stillcan

't take the pawn on b2 because the

89

bishop will hang. Now the knight on a5 is doing nothing. I must improve it.

36 . .. Nc6.

BYRNE: I feel as though I've been embraced by an octopus. Logically this isn't going to be defended but perhaps I can dig up a trap or two. I must at least try to reduce the number of pieces that are hanging. The first thing is that bishop. I don't want to be forever defending it.

37 Bg3.

STEAN: He still wants to take my pawn on b2, but I think I can sacrifice it.

37 ... as. BYRNE: What a shame. I really didn't expect him to do something silly such as opening up the game with Rxg2, Nf4, Rd2, Nxd5. I would have good counterplay, but that's all water over the dam. I hardly have any choice here. I see what his idea is but I don't see what to do about it. I have simply got to take off that dangerous passed pawn, and when I do I'm going to get into an awful pin, but I can't think of anything else to do.

38 Nxb2 Re3+.

BYRNE: I can't play Kc2 here, because of Na3 +, Kd2, Rb3 and I can't guard my attacked rook without moving it away and losing my knight. So I have to go into that pin.

39 Nd3.

STEAN: Well, it's a nice pin but I don't yet see how I'm winning. I don't see how he's breaking the pin either. That's his problem.

39 ... Nb4 40 Rd1 Nb6.

BYRNE: That's it: tie him up and then look

90

for the groceries. Now Nxa4+; it's not just a pawn he's threatening, but also to separate my king from its protection of my knight. I can't play Bf4, which I would like to try to resolve the tension here, but then comes Nxa4+, Kb3, Rxd3, I have to exchange rooks, bringing his knight to d3, and he attacks my bishop and I'm losing a piece. There's only one thing I can do: hope he'll give me some air if I play Rd2.

41 Rd2.

STEAN: That's not fair, he found a move. Now I win a pawn but no more. Well, let's take it and work the rest out later.

41 ... Nxa4+ 42 Kb3 Nb6 43 Kc3 g5 44 h4.

A really desperate thrust by Byrne, but surprisingly it paid off.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

STEAN: Oh he doesn't believe I'm threatening g4. Well I think I am.

44 ••• g4.

BYRNE: What's that? I was expecting he would play h6 and just prevent me from

bishop will hang. Now the knight on a5 isdoing nothing. I must improve it.

36 . . . Nc6.

BYRNE: / feel as though I've beenembraced by an octopus. Logically thisisn't going to be defended but perhaps Ican dig up a trap or two. I must at least tryto reduce the number of pieces that arehanging. The first thing is that bishop. Idon't want to be forever defending it.

37 Bg3.

STEAN: He sf/7/ wanfs fo take my pawn onb2, but I think I can sacrifice it.

37 . . . a5.

BYRNE: What a shame. I really didn'texpect him to do something silly such asopening up the game with Rxg2, Nf4, Rd2,Nxd5. I would have good counterplay, butthat's all water over the dam. I hardly haveany choice here. I see what his idea is but Idon't see what to do about it. I have

simply got to take off that dangerouspassed pawn, and when I do I'm going toget into an awful pin, but I can't think of

anything else to do.

38 Nxb2 Re3+.

BYRNE: / can't play Kc2 here, because ofNa3+, Kd2, Rb3 and I can't guard myattacked rook without moving it away andlosing my knight. So I have to go into thatpin.

39 Nd3.

STEAN: Well, it's a nice pin but I don't yetsee how I'm winning. I don't see how he's

breaking the pin either. That's his problem.

39 . . . Nb4 40 Rdl Nb6.

BYRNE: That's it: tie him up and then look

for the groceries. Now Nxa4+; it's not justa pawn he's threatening, but also toseparate my king from its protection of myknight. I can't play Bf4, which I would liketo try to resolve the tension here, but thencomes Nxa4+, Kb3, Rxd3, I have to

exchange rooks, bringing his knight to d3,and he attacks my bishop and I'm losing apiece. There's only one thing I can do:hope he'll give me some air if I play Rd2.

41 Rd2.

STEAN: That's not fair,

he found a move.

Now I win a pawn but no more. Well, let'stake it and work the rest out later.

41 . . . Nxa4+ 42 Kb3 Nb6 43 Kc3 g544 h4.

A really desperate thrust by Byrne,but

surprisingly it paid off.

8

A

1

abcdefgh

STEAN: Oh he doesn't believe I'm

threatening g4. Well I think I am.

44 . . . g4.

BYRNE: What's that? I was expecting hewould play h6 and just prevent me from

90

getting that bishop into play. I think g4 is a weak move. I'm not sure I can draw this ending, but at least I have a chance now to finally break that pin. .

45 Bf4.

5TEAN: What's this? That's losing a piece. I check on a4, he plays Kb3. I take on d3 -stupid, the bishop on f4 defends the rook on d2. Serves me right for being too clever. Well, I've got to exchange.

45 ..• Rxd3+.

50 forgetting that after 45 ... Na4+ 46 Kb3 Rxd3+ White is not forced to capture on d3, but can just take the knight on a4. 5tean suddenly discovered that he has thrown away his bind. The exchanges now lead to an endgame which Byrne can just hold.

46 Rxd3 Nxd3 47 Kxd3 gxf3 48 gxf3 Kg6.

Despite trying to tempt an error from Byrne for many moves, Stean fi nally had to give up any ideas of winning. After suffering for so long in a miserable position, the American was determined to come back with half a point.

49 Kc3 Kf5 50 Bg5 h5 51 Kb3 Ke6 52 Ka3 Kd7 53 Kb3 Kd6 54 Bh6 Nc4 55 Ka4 Kc6 56 Bg5 Nd6 57 Kxa5 Nf5.

Black regains the pawn, but material is now too reduced to permit any serious winning attempt.

58 Kb4 Nxd4 59 f4 Nf5 60 Bd8 Kd7 61 Bg5 Kd6 62 Bf6 Ke6 63 Bg5 Kd6 64 Bd8 Nd4 65 Bg5 Nc6+ 66 Kb5 Nd4+ 67 Kb4 Nf5 68 Bd8 INg3 69 Bb6 Ke6 70 Kc5 Ne+ 71 Kd4 Nd6 72 Kc5 draw agreed.

Game 24:

Robert Byrne - Viktor Korchnoi French Defence

After the first-round disaster against Schmid, Korchnoi really showed his class in this game. Keeping complete control of a very complex position, he first defended against Byrne's attacking intentions, then gradually went on to a full-scale offensive. A most impressive victory to keep alive Korchnoi's interest in the tournament.

1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 e5 c5 5 a3 Bxc3+ 6 bxc3 Ne7.

This French Defence variation was a favourite of World Champion Botvinnik, but now Korchnoi is its leading exponent. Conceding the bishop pair, Black obtains active play against the doubled c-pawns and down the c-file. White's sharpest reply is 7 Qg4, but Byrne prefers a more positional approach.

7 Nf3 Qa5 8 Bd2 Nc6 9 Bd3 c4.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

a bed e 9 h

BYRNE: Be2 is orthodox here, but in some earlier games I have experimented with

getting that bishop into play. I think g4 is aweak move. I'm not sure I can draw this

ending, but at least I have a chance now tofinally break that pin.

45 Bf4.

STEAN: What's this? That's losing a piece. Icheck on a4, he plays Kb3. I take on d3 -stupid, the bishop on f4 defends the rookon d2. Serves me right for being too clever.Well, I've got to exchange.

45 . . . Rxd3+.

So forgetting that after 45 . . . Na4+ 46 Kb3Rxd3+ White is not forced to capture ond3, but can just take the knight on a4.Stean suddenly discovered that he hasthrown away his bind. The exchanges nowlead to an endgame which Byrne can justhold.

46Rxd3Nxd3 47 Kxd3 gxfS 48 gxf3 Kg6.

Despite trying to tempt an error fromByrne for many moves, Stean finally had togive up any ideas of winning. Aftersuffering for so long in a miserableposition, the American was determined tocome back with half a point.

49 Kc3 Kf5 50 Bg5 h5 51 Kb3 Ke652 Ka3 Kd7 53 Kb3 Kd6 54 Bh6 Nc4

55 Ka4 Kc6 56 Bg5 Nd6 57 Kxa5 Nf5.

Black regains the pawn, but material isnow too reduced to permit any seriouswinning attempt.

58 Kb4 Nxd4 59 f4 Nf5 60 Bd8 Kd7

61 Bg5 KdB 62 Bf6 KeB 63 Bg5 KdB64 Bd8 Nd4 65 Bg5 Nc6+ 66 Kb5 Nd4+67 Kb4 Nf5 68 Bd8 |Ng3 69 BbB KeB70 Kc5 Ne+ 71 Kd4 NdB 72 Kc5

draw agreed.

Game 24:

Robert Byrne - Viktor KorchnoiFrench Defence

After the first-round disaster againstSchmid, Korchnoi really showed his classin this game. Keeping complete control ofa very complex position, he first defendedagainst Byrne

's attacking intentions, thengradually went on to a full-scale offensive.A most impressive victory to keep aliveKorchnoi's interest in the tournament.

1 e4 eB 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 e5 c5

5 a3 Bxc3+ 6 bxc3 Ne7.

This French Defence variation was a

favourite of World Champion Botvinnik,but now Korchnoi is its leading exponent.Conceding the bishop pair. Black obtainsactive play against the doubled c-pawnsand down the c-file. White's sharpest replyis 7 Qg4, but Byrne prefers a morepositional approach.

7 Nf3 Qa5 8 Bd2 Nc6 9 Bd3 c4.

8

i

a b c d e f g h

BYRNE: Be2 is orthodox here, but in some

earlier games I have experimented with

Bf1. It looks strange to undevelop like that I know, but often the bishop is better placed at g2 or h3.

10 Bf1.

KORCHNOI: Now if I play Bd7 with the idea to castle long, he'll play Ng5. It doesn't allow me to finish my development without making new weaknesses. I can try now f6, it looks dangerous a bit but my tournament situation is so difficult I shouldn't be afraid of difficulties.

10 ... f6 11 exffi gxf6 12 Nh4.

White now has the threat of 13 QhS+ and 12 ... Ng6 is still met by 13 QhS. The black king has no choice but to castle short, however exposed it may seem there.

12 ... 0-0 13 g3 Rf7 14 Bg2 Bd7 15 0-0 Ng6 16 Nxg6 hxg6 17 h4.

Byrne's attack begins to look dangerous. His plan is to break open the K-side with hS.

KORCHNOI: Yes, his position is clearly better: his king is better protected and he has the two bishops. They don't play right now but sooner or later the position will get open. I have to prevent by all means opening the position. First Rh7 against h5.

17 . .. Rh7.

BYRNE: I knew I could not expect it to be so easy to play h5. How can I continue my attack? Qg4 is just a blow in the air: he can play Kg7 or Kf7 and eventually my queen is going to have to get out of the line of that bishop on d7. I think I will settle for more mobility first, bring my rook into action.

1B Re1 ReB 19 Qf3 Kg7 20 Bf4.

KORCHNOI: I have to play carefully to

92

protect my black squares on the K-side. Eventually the bishop can inflict me much harm.

20 . .. NdB.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

BYRNE: That's a good move: it's going to make possible a very stubborn defence. He obviously intends to go to f7 with the knight, it covers all the major squares d6, e5, g5 and h6, that my bishop bears down on. I will mobilise a rook, perhaps I can put some pressure later on the e-line.

21 Re2 Nf7.

BYRNE: It's always a problem, every time I played this line I found the same thing. It looks at times as though in this opening both sides get stuck in a sticky pudding after about fifteen moves. I wish I had a marvellous plan that I could just go into carefree, but I don't see anything obvious. I'm not ready to play Rael. Viktor takes pawns, you can't just give them away blithely, and he'd eat the a-pawn if I were to double on the e-line without a positive result. My queen is not free. It's taken over

Bf1. It looks strange to undevelop like thatI know, but often the bishop is betterplaced at g2 or h3.

10 Bfl.

KORCHNOI: Now if I play Bd7 with theidea to castle long, he'll play Ng5. Itdoesn't allow me to finish my developmentwithout making new weaknesses. I can trynow f6, it looks dangerous a bit but mytournament situation is so difficult I

shouldn't be afraid of difficulties.

10 . . . f6 11 exffi gxf6 12 Nh4.

White now has the threat of 13 Qh5+ and12 . . . Ng6 is still met by 13 Qh5. Theblack king has no choice but to castleshort, however exposed it may seem there.

12 . . . 0-0 13 g3 Rf7 14 Bg2 Bd715 0-0 Ng6 16 Nxg6 hxg6 17 h4.

Byrne's attack begins to look dangerous.His plan is to break open the K-side withh5.

KORCHNOI: Ves, his position is clearlybetter: his king is better protected and hehas the two bishops. They don't play rightnow but sooner or later the position willget open. I have to prevent by all meansopening the position. First Rh7 against h5.

17 . . . Rh7.

BYRNE: / knew I could not expect it to beso easy to play h5. How can I continue myattack? Qg4 is just a blow in the air: he canplay Kg7 or Kf7 and eventually my queen isgoing to have to get out of the line of thatbishop on d7. I think I will settle for moremobility first, bring my rook into action.

18 Rel Re8 19 Qf3 Kg7 20 Bf4.

KORCHNOI: / have to play carefully to

protect my black squares on the K-side.Eventually the bishop can inflict me muchharm.

20 . . . Nd8.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

BYRNE: That's a good move: it's going tomake possible a very stubborn defence. Heobviously intends to go to f7 with theknight, it covers all the major squares d6,e5, g5 and h6, that my bishop bears downon. I will mobilise a rook, perhaps I canput some pressure later on the e-line.

21 Re2 Nf7.

BYRNE: It's always a problem, every time Iplayed this line I found the same thing. Itlooks at times as though in this openingboth sides get stuck in a sticky puddingafter about fifteen moves. I wish I had a

marvellous plan that I could just go intocarefree, but I don't see anything obvious.I'm not ready to play Rael. Viktor takespawns, you can

't just give them awayblithely, and he'd eat the a-pawn if I wereto double on the e-line without a positiveresult. My queen is not free. It's taken over

a b c d e f 9

92

the bishop's function guarding the c-pawn, but I want to be able to do something with it. I still can't find a clear plan. I'm going to try to reorganise my pieces and see what turns up. I hate to admit my last move was a lost tempo, but I'm going to play Re3. Perhaps I can bring the queen behind the rook without having to sacrifice the a-pawn, and bring some pressure to bear on his e-pawn.

22 Re3 Rhh8 23 Qe2.

KORCHNOI: Maybe he can do nothing because his pawn on c3 is not protected. I will try Bc6. What is he doing now?

23 ••• Bc6.

BYRNE: Oh that's an aggressive move. I can't take the e6 pawn: he can exchange on e6 and take my c3-pawn. My whole pawn position comes apart. Maybe I'm going to have to use that other rook on the e-line after all. Very well, I'll make room for it.

24 Qd2.

Having consolidated his defences, Korchnoi now moved surely on to the attack.

24 ••• Re7 25 Re2 Rhe8 26 g4 e5.

This long-prepared advance secures Black's advantage. Byrne finally succeeds in gaining the black squares by advancing his own pawn to g5, but Korchnoi's white squares look more impressive.

27 Bg3 e4 28 g5 fxg5 29 hxg5 Bd7 30 Bf4 Bg4 31 Re3 Qa6.

The queen has spent more than twenty moves tieing White to the defence of his Q-side pawns. Now at last she moves for decisive action on the other wing.

32 Rg3 Qe6 33 Qe3 Qf5 34 Kf1 Rh8 35 Ke1 Bf3.

This move marks the beginning of the end for White. 36 Bxf3 exf3 37 Qxe7 Rh1 + 38 Kd2 Qxf4+ would lose a piece. Byrne continues to run with his king but his pieces have lost all semblance of coordination.

36 Kd2 Rh4 37 Bb8 Bxg2 38 Rxg2 Rh3 39 Rg3 Rxg3 40 Qxg3 Nxg5.

Finally this important pawn falls and the knight joins the attack. The immediate threat is 41 ... e3+.

41 Kc1 Nf3 42 Bxa7 Qg5+.

A simple solution, the endgame is miserable for White.

43 Qxg5 Nxg5 44 Bb8 Rf7.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

BYRNE: I don't really have any defence. I am just giving him a chance to show his technique. If I play Bg3 here, that doesn't stop him: he plays e3, fxe3, Rf1 +, Kb2, he exchanges rooks, plays Ne4 and my extra e-pawn is meaningless while he queens his

93

the bishop's function guarding the c-pawn,but I want to be able to do something withit. I still can't find a clear plan. I'm going totry to reorganise my pieces and see whatturns up. I hate to admit my last move wasa lost tempo, but I'm going to play Re3.Perhaps I can bring the queen behind therook without having to sacrifice thea-pawn, and bring some pressure to bearon his e-pawn.

22 Re3 Rhh8 23 Qe2.

KORCHNOI: Maybe he can do nothingbecause his pawn on c3 is not protected. Iwill try Bc6. What is he doing now?

23 . . . Bc6.

BYRNE: Oh that's an aggressive move. Ican

't take the e6 pawn: he can exchangeon e6 and take my c3-pawn. My wholepawn position comes apart. Maybe I'mgoing to have to use that other rook on thee-line after all

. Very well, I'll make room forit.

24 Qd2.

Having consolidated his defences,

Korchnoi now moved surely on to theattack.

24 . . . Re7 25 Re2 Rhe8 26 g4 e5.

This long-prepared advance secures Black'sadvantage. Byrne finally succeeds ingaining the black squares by advancing hisown pawn to g5, but Korchnoi's white

squares look more impressive.

27 Bg3 e4 28 g5 fxg5 29 hxg5 Bd730 Bf4 Bg4 31 Re3 Qa6.

The queen has spent more than twentymoves tieing White to the defence of hisQ-side pawns.

Now at last she moves for

decisive action on the other wing.

32 Rg3 Qe6 33 Qe3 Qf5 34 Kfl Rh835 Kel Bf3.

This move marks the beginning of the endfor White. 36 Bxf3 exf3 37 Qxe7 Rh1 +38 Kd2 Qxf4+ would lose a piece. Byrnecontinues to run with his king but hispieces have lost all semblance ofcoordination.

36 Kd2 Rh4 37 Bb8 Bxg2 38 Rxg2 Rh339 Rg3 Rxg3 40 Qxg3 Nxg5.

Finally this important pawn falls and theknight joins the attack. The immediatethreat is 41 . . . e3+.

41 Kcl Nf3 42 Bxa7 Qg5+.

A simple solution, the endgame ismiserable for White.

43 Qxg5 Nxg5 44 Bb8 Rf7.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

BYRNE: / don't really have any defence. Iam just giving him a chance to show histechnique. If I play Bg3 here, that doesn'tstop him: he plays 63, fxe3, Rf1+, Kb2, heexchanges rooks, plays Ne4 and my extrae-pawn is meaningless while he queens his

a b c d e f 9

93

g-pawn. Whatever I do I've got to get my rook into the game.

45 Rb1.

KORCHNOI: He missed his chance: BeS+ was much stronger. After Kh6 he could play Kb2 threatening to check and nearly mate from h1. Now I have my chance, e3, and if he takes on e3 I exchange rooks.

45 ••. e3.

BYRNE: He can still carry on that plan. It really isn't useful going on any further here but 1'1/ playa few moves.

46 f4 Ne4 47 Kb2 g5.

BYRNE: That's even faster than I thought. Well, I can't permit him to take another pawn. I have to exchange even though that opens a line for his rook.

48 fxg5 e2 49 Re1.

KORCHNOI: Yes, after BeS+, Kg6, Bf6 I would have won by one tempo with NxgS. Now it is much easier.

49 .•• Rf2.

BYRNE: This is just impossible, he can take his good sweet time playing Kg6, KxgS, Kg4, lf3 and Kd2 if he likes; or even Nd2 to f3. No, I can't continue.

White resigned.

Game 25: \j

Michael Stean - Lothar Schmid English Opening

A game in which the history of the first round repeated itself. Once again Stean established a winning position by fine

94

positional play, but as against Byrne he allowed his opponent to escape. As in his game against Korchnoi, Schmid offered a draw, Stean followed the recipe by declining and, like Korchnoi, went on to regret it.

1 c4.

SCHMID: Chess is not a joke; indeed it can be hard work, but today is such a lovely day, fine weather and I've purchased a few old lovely chess sets. I feel in the mood to playa foolish game.

1 • • • c5 2 Nf3 g6.

STEAN: Now we get some line of the Sicilian Defence. I can play d4 or e4 first. It makes no difference. I'll play d4.

3 d4.

SCHMID: He could have played e4. I remember a book of Professor Becker written about fifty years ago, I think in '29, and he said it is more correct to play e4 because now Black can try to equalise in another way. I'll try it.

3 ••. cxd4 4 Nxd4 Nf6.

STEAN: Interesting, normally they play Bg7 and Nc6. I wonder what he has in mind.

5 Nc3.

SCHMID: Here to be consistent I have to try that line, dS instead of Bg7. Let's see what happens.

5 ... d5.

STEAN: That looks fishy. I'm ahead in dev~/opment and he wants to open the position. Nf3 is interesting, strange move, but not bad. But I like BgS, it's natural.

6 Bg5.

g-pawn. Whatever I do I've got to get myrook into the game.

45 Rbl.

KORCHNOI: He m;ssed his chance: Be5+

was much stronger. After Kh6 he could playKb2 threatening to check and nearly matefrom hi. Now I have my chance, e3, and ifhe takes on e3 I exchange rooks.

45 . . . e3.

BYRNE: He can still carry on that plan. Itreally isn'

t useful going on any further herebut I'll play a few moves.

46 f4 Ne4 47 Kb2 g5.

BYRNE: That's even faster than I thought.Well, I can't permit him to take anotherpawn. I have to exchange even though thatopens a line for his rook.

48 fxg5 e2 49 Rel.

KORCHNOI: Yes, after Be5+, Kg6, Bf6 I

would have won by one tempo with Nxg5.Now it is much easier.

49 . . . Rf2.

BYRNE: This is just impossible,he can take

his good sweet time playing Kg6, Kxg5,

Kg4, Kf3 and Kd2 if he likes; or even Nd2to f3. No, I can't continue.

White resigned.

Game 25: v

Michael Stean - Lothar Schmid

English Opening

A game in which the history of the firstround repeated itself. Once again Steanestablished a winning position by fine

positional play, but as against Byrne heallowed his opponent to escape. As in hisgame against Korchnoi, Schmid offered adraw, Stean followed the recipe bydeclining and, like Korchnoi, went on to

regret it.

1 c4.

SCHMID: Chess is not a joke; indeed itcan be hard work, but today is such alovely day, fine weather and I've purchaseda few old lovely chess sets. I feel in themood to play a foolish game.

1 . . . c5 2 Nf3 g6.

STEAN: Now we get some line of theSicilian Defence. I can play d4 or e4 first. Itmakes no difference. I'll play d4.

3 d4.

SCHMID: He could have played e4. Iremember a book of Professor Becker

written about fifty years ago, I think in '29,

and he said it is more correct to play e4because now Black can try to equalise inanother way. I'll try it.

3 . . . cxd4 4 Nxd4 Nf6.

STEAN: Interesting, normally they play Bg7and Nc6. I wonder what he has in mind.

5 Nc3.

SCHMID: Here to be consistent I have to

try that line, d5 instead of Bg7. Let's seewhat happens.

5 . . . d5.

STEAN: That looks fishy. I'm ahead indevelopment and he wants to open theposition. Nf3 is interesting, strange move,but not bad. But I like Bg5, it's natural.

6Bg5.

94

SCHMID: Now I have two possibilities: either to take the pawn on c4, which is certainly the solid way to play, but as I told myself I have my foolish day. 1'1/ try the other move which is not quite sound, but perhaps just playable.

6 .•• Ne4 7 Nxe4 dxe4 8 NbS.

This strong move must have left Schmid doubting the wisdom of his choice of opening variation. After 8 ... Bd7 or 8 ... Nd7 White wins the queen with 9 Nd6+. Black's only alternative is to submit to an uncomfortable exchange of queens.

8 ... Bg7 9 Qxd8+ Kxd8 100-0-0+ Nd7 11 Be3 b6 12 g3

Stean quietly completes the development of his pieces, leaving Black tangled up and faced with the problem of meeting the ever-growing pressure against his position.

12 ... Ba6 13 Bg2 Re8 14 Kbl Rxe4 15 b3.

A move which Schmid appeared to have underestimated. Instead 15 Nxa7 Ke8 would not have been bad for Black. Now 15 ... Rb4 16 Nd4 leaves the black rook trapped. '

15 ... Re6 16 Nxa7 Rd6 17 Bxe4 Bxe2 18 Rxd6 exd6 19 Rel.

The exchanges have left Black alive, but his d6-pawn is weak and White's pieces remain far more effective.

19 ... Ba6 20 Ne6+ Ke7 21 Nb4 Bb7 22 Bxb7 Kxb7.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

STEAN: He's short of time and I stand better. Maybe I have a forced win here. If I play Rd1, he can play Be5, f4, Bc3: not clear. But I can use my rook on the e-file maybe. Move the bishop on e3, I know the best square, he won't expect this one.

23 Bel.

SCHMID: Now he's threatening Re7 winning a pawn. I have to defend these squares. The best might be to get the king into the centre again and cover my knight.

23 ... Ke7.

STEAN: Oh, he's let the rook to the seventh and then he plays RfB. I must be able to do something then. No time to think.

24 Re7.

SCHMID: Now my f-pawn is attacked. I have to cover it and then I should try to put the rook out of my house. I think there is a good chance to do so.

24 . .. RfB.

STEAN: My God, it looks like Custer's last stand. How do I get through? I have no

95

SCHMID: Now I have two possibilities:either to take the pawn on c4, which iscertainly the solid way to play, but as I toldmyself I have my foolish day. I'll try theother move which is not quite sound, butperhaps just playable.

6 . . . Ne4 7 Nxe4 dxe4 8 Nb5.

This strong move must have left Schmiddoubting the wisdom of his choice ofopening variation. After 8 . . . Bd7 or8 . . . Nd7 White wins the queen with9 Nd6+. Black's only alternative is tosubmit to an uncomfortable exchange ofqueens.

8 . . . Bg7 9 Qxd8+ Kxd8 10 0-0-0+ Nd711 Be3 b6 12 g3

Stean quietly completes the developmentof his pieces, leaving Black tangled up andfaced with the problem of meeting theever-growing pressure against his position.

12 . . . Ba6 13 Bg2 Rc8 14 Kbl Rxc4 15 b3.

A move which Schmid appeared to haveunderestimated. Instead 15 Nxa7 Ke8

would not have been bad for Black. Now

15 . . . Rb4 16 Nd4 leaves the black rook

trapped.'

15 . . . Rc6 16 Nxa7 Rd6 17 Bxe4 Bxe2

18 Rxd6 exd6 19 Rel.

The exchanges have left Black alive,but his

d6-pawn is weak and White's piecesremain far more effective.

19 . . . Ba6 20 Nc6+ Kc7 21 Nb4 Bb7

22 Bxb7 Kxb7.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

STEAN: He's short of time and I stand

better. Maybe I have a forced win here. If Iplay Rdl, he can play Be5, f4, Bc3: notclear. But I can use my rook on the e-filemaybe. Move the bishop on e3, I know thebest square, he won't expect this one.

23 Bel.

SCHMID: Now he's threatening Re7winning a pawn. I have to defend thesesquares. The best might be to get the kinginto the centre again and cover my knight.

23 . . . Kc7.

STEAN: Oh, he's let the rook to the

seventh and then he plays Rf8. I must beable to do something then. No time tothink.

24 Re7.

SCHMID: Now my f-pawn is attacked. Ihave to cover it and then I should try toput the rook out of my house. I think thereis a good chance to do so.

24 . . . RfB.

STEAN: My Cod, it looks like Custer's laststand. How do I get through? I have no

A

e

95

threats, but neither does he. He can't play Bf6 because I play Nd5 +, take on d7 and take on f6. He can't play Be5 because I play Bh6. So he's got no moves here. I play Bf4, that looks right.

2S Bf4.

But after Schmid's next move, it became apparent that Stean's play had been over-optimistic. Instead of playing the rook to e7, he would have been better advised to play the position technically, putting the rook on d1 and knight on d5, then pushing the Q-side pawns.

25 ••• hS.

This fine defensive resource had been completely overlooked by Stean. The idea is to play Be5, hemming in the white rook. 25 ... Be5 immediately would have lost to 26 Bh6 when the black rook must leave its defence of f7. After h5 has been played, White's Bh6 is met by Rh8 attacking the bishop.

26 Nd3 Bf6 27 Re2 NeS 28 Nb4 Kd7 29 NdS Bd8 30 f3 gS.

With this move, Schmid begins to obtain counterplay on the K-side. He now offered a draw which Stean, still hoping to take advantage of his useful Q-side pawns, declined. The next ten moves were played under time pressure by both sides.

31 Bd2 Ke6 32 Nb4+ Kd7 33 Ke2 fS 34 h3 g4.

Fine energetic play by Schmid, creating a weakness at g3.

3S hxg4 hxg4 36 fxg4 fxg4 37 Rh2 Rf3 38 Bf4 Ne4 39 Rh7 + Ke6 40 Rh6+ Bf6.

96

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

a bed e 9 h

STEAN: What have I been doing with my position? I should have taken a draw. I'm worse now, the pawn on g3 is attacked. Nd3 is the only chance.

41 Nd3.

SCHMID: That is a real trap. I can take the g-pawn but there is a fork in it. However, I think it doesn't work.

41 •.• Nxg3 42 Bxg3 Rxg3.

STEAN: Now I give him a check. Maybe he'll go to the wrong square.

43 Nf4+.

SCHMID: How tricky. I can't play Kf5 because he would take my bishop with check and then, if I retake, the knight gives a terrible fork on h5 winning my rook. No, there's only one move which is good.

43 .•. KeS.

STEAN: Now my last chance: Rxf6.

44 Rxf6.

SCHMID: And of course not to take the rook, but Rf3 and his knight is in a pin.

threats, but neither does he. He can't playBf6 because I play Nd5+, take on d7 andtake on f6. He can't play Be5 because Iplay Bh6. So he's got no moves here. I playBf4, that looks right.

25 Bf4.

But after Schmid's next move,

it became

apparent that Stean's play had beenover-optimistic. Instead of playing the rookto e7, he would have been better advised

to play the position technically, putting therook on dl and knight on d5, then pushingthe Q-side pawns.

25 . . . h5.

This fine defensive resource had been

completely overlooked by Stean. The ideais to play Be5, hemming in the white rook.25 . . . Be5 immediately would have lost to26 Bh6 when the black rook must leave its

defence of f7. After h5 has been played,White's Bh6 is met by Rh8 attacking thebishop.

26 Nd3 Bf6 27 Re2 Nc5 28 Nb4 Kd7

29 Nd5 Bd8 30 f3 g5.

With this move, Schmid begins to obtaincounterplay on the K-side. He now offereda draw which Stean, still hoping to takeadvantage of his useful Q-side pawns,declined. The next ten moves were playedunder time pressure by both sides.

31 Bd2 Kc6 32 Nb4+ Kd7 33 Kc2 f5

34 h3 g4.

Fine energetic play by Schmid, creating aweakness at g3.

35 hxg4 hxg4 36 fxg4 fxg4 37 Rh2 Rf338 Bf4 Ne4 39 Rh7+ Ke6 40 Rh6+ Bf6.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

STEAN: What have I been doing with myposition? I should have taken a draw. I'mworse now, the pawn on g3 is attacked.Nd3 is the only chance.

41 Nd3.

SCHMID: That is a real trap. I can take theg-pawn but there is a fork in it.

However, I

think it doesn't work.

41 . . . NxgS 42 BxgS RxgS.

STEAN: Now I give him a check. Maybehe'll go to the wrong square.

43 Nf4+.

SCHMID: How tricky. I can't play Kf5because he would take my bishop withcheck and then, if I retake, the knightgives a terrible fork on h5 winning myrook. No, there's only one move which isgood.

43 . . . Ke5.

STEAN: Now my last chance: Rxf6.

44 Rxf6.

SCHMID: And of course not to take the

rook, but Rf3 and his knight is in a pin.

1a

f 9

96

44 ••• Rf3 45 Re6+ Kxf4.

Having successfully traversed the complications arising from his taking the g-pawn, Schmid is now clearly winning, thanks to his powerful passed pawn. The rest is a matter of simple counting.

46 Rxd6 g3 47 Rf6+ Ke3 48 Rxb6 g2 49 Rg6 Kf2 SO Rxg2+ Kxg2.

Now Black wins simply because the white king cannot advance to support the pawns.

S1 a4 Kg3 S2 as Kf4 S3 a6 KeS 54 Resigns.

After 54 a7 RfB Black picks off the pawns with king and rook.

Game 26:

Viktor Korchnoi - Michael Stean English Opening

After spending so many months as a member of Korchnoi's analytical team during the World Championship match in Baguio City, Stean seemed to find great difficulty in actually playing against him. Trying to play something slightly out of the ordinary, the English grandmaster only succeeded in misplacing his pieces. Korchnoi's attack crushed through with surprising rapidity.

1 c4 Nf6 2 Nc3 eS 3 Nf3 Nc6 4 d3 g6 S g3 Bg7 6 Bg2 0-0 7 0-0 Re8.

Already an unusual move from Stean. Normally Black plays 7 ... d6, but here he keeps open the option of a less closed game with d5.

8 Rb1 as 9 a3 dS.

KORCHNOI: My partner today doesn't play

consistently. If he wanted to play d5, that would be better when the pawns were on a2 and al. Then if I take twice on d5 he would attack the pawn on a2. Strange, well I must take.

10 cxdS NxdS 11 NxdS QxdS 12 Be3.

STEAN: Now my queen must go somewhere. I obviously can't leave it on d5. Well Qd6 is very normal, but I want to play something inventive today. The queen could go to b5; strange square but it stops his queen coming out to b3 or a4.

12 ... QbS 13 Qc2 BfS.

Another rather exotic move: normally the bishop prefers d7 or e6 in such positions. Now Korchnoi already begins to think about winning the game by forced means.

8 • 7 ifl • ~N~ _ill ~ .....•

6 -~-_1

5 -- _ ... -"m~ ~ 4 - - -3 _~a~B ~ :",.". "m~ 2 D~_~Djl "m~ ~ "N~

X abc d e 9 h

KORCHNOI: Now I can play a4; he cannot then play Qb4 or I win a piece: 8c5, Qg4; h3, Qh5; g4. Or I play a4, he plays Nb4, I take on cl, he takes on a4 with the queen, I play Ng5 attacking two pawns and win a pawn. On the other hand a4 gives him a square on b4 for the knight, not right now

97

44 . . . Rf3 45 Re6+ Kxf4.

Having successfully traversed thecomplications arising from his taking theg-pawn, Schmid is now clearly winning,thanks to his powerful passed pawn. Therest is a matter of simple counting.

46 Rxd6 g3 47 Rf6+ Ke3 48 Rxb6 g249 Rg6 Kf2 50 Rxg2+ Kxg2.

Now Black wins simply because the whiteking cannot advance to support the pawns.

51 a4 Kg3 52 a5 Kf4 53 a6 Ke5 54 Resigns.

After 54 a7 Rf8 Black picks off the pawnswith king and rook.

Game 26:

Viktor Korchnoi - Michael Stean

English Opening

After spending so many months as amember of Korchnoi's analytical teamduring the World Championship match inBaguio City, Stean seemed to find greatdifficulty in actually playing against him.Trying to play something slightly out of theordinary, the English grandmaster onlysucceeded in misplacing his pieces.Korchnoi's attack crushed through withsurprising rapidity.

1 c4 Nf6 2 Nc3 e5 3 Nf3 Nc6 4 d3 g65 g3 Bg7 6 Bg2 0-0 7 0-0 Re8.

Already an unusual move from Stean.Normally Black plays 7 . . . d6, but here hekeeps open the option of a less closedgame with d5.

8 Rbl a5 9 a3 d5.

KORCHNOI: My partner today doesn't play

consistently. If he wanted to play d5, thatwould be better when the pawns were ona2 and a7. Then if I take twice on d5 he

would attack the pawn on a2. Strange, wellI must take.

10 cxd5 Nxd5 11 Nxd5 Qxd5 12 Be3.

STEAN: Now my queen must gosomewhere. I obviously can't leave it on

d5. Well Qd6 is very normal, but I want toplay something inventive today. The queencould go to b5; strange square but it stopshis queen coming out to b3 or a4.

12 . . . Qb5 13 Qc2 Bf5.

Another rather exotic move: normally thebishop prefers d7 or e6 in such positions.Now Korchnoi already begins to thinkabout winning the game by forced means.

8

6

AIP1

abcdefgh

KORCHNOI: Now / can play a4; he cannotthen play Qb4 or I win a piece: Bc5, Qg4;h3, Qh5; g4. Or I play a4f he plays Nb4, Itake on c7, he takes on a4 with the queen,I play Ng5 attacking two pawns and win apawn. On the other hand a4 gives him asquare on b4 for the knight, not right now

97

but later. Maybe I have another way to obtain the advantage: NgS and what is he doing? The pressure on the Q-side is irresistible.

14 Ng5.

STEAN: Viktor's the kind of player who might just want to take my knight on c6 and double my pawns, but I'm not frightened of that. Anyway I must kick his knight because I want to play Nd4 in some moments and when he takes on c7 I certainly don't want him to be attacking f7.

14 ••• h6 15 Ne4.

STEAN: I start to feel uncomfortable because I'm not getting Nd4 in and I know these positions: when you can't play Nd4 you get into trouble. I'm not quite sure what to do here. Develop something.

15 ••• Rad8.

KORCHNOI: That's a horrible mistake, it was his last chance to play Nd4. Now I have two possibilities to win. One is Nc3, Qa6; NdS, rook somewhere protecting c7; b4 and I threaten to win a piece by bS. Horrible position. There is another way, a4. What's stronger? Nc3 and NdS I win slowly, but after a4, well I win quickly, a pawn at least.

16 a4.

STEAN: He's attacking my queen, where do I move it? If I go to b4 he has BcS, I must play Nd4, he takes on b4, I take on c2, he takes on as. Oh I'm losing too much. Well, only one move.

16 ••• Nb4.

Note that 16 ... Qa6 would have been met by 17 Nc5 followed by Nxb7 destroying the support of the knight on c6.

98

KORCHNOI: I can play Qb3, or Qd1, or I can take on bS, Nxc2, Rfc1 with strong pressure. Or I can play Qd2, Qxa4, Bxh6. I don't like the position when there are several ways to win. If Qb3, Qc6, Rc1 he has Be6 or Qe6. If Qd1, Qd7; NcS, Qe 7; Nxb7, e4; oh he's sacrificing everything. What to choose? I like Qd1.

17 Qd1.

STEAN: Typical Viktor. How to get my queen out of this mess? Well, Qd7, NcS, Qe7, Nxb7 and now if I want to get any play I must play e4. For the exchange and a pawn I start playing at last, but it's too much. What's the minimum I'm going to iose in this position? Qc6 looks very strange but what to do?

17 ..• Qe6.

KORCHNOI: Now I can play NcS, then he plays e4 or NdS temporarily protecting all his pawns. No, one intermezzo.

18 Re1.

STEAN: I was hoping for NcS. Now I must give up the queen, she has no square again. If I go away he plays NcS winning everything. Maybe I can resist a bit.

18 ... Bxe4 19 Rxe6 Bxe6. (see diagram opposite)

but later. Maybe I have another way toobtain the advantage: Ng5 and what is hedoing? The pressure on the Q-side isirresistible.

14 Ng5.

STEAN: Viktor's the kind of player whomight just want to take my knight on c6and double my pawns, but I'm not

frightened of that. Anyway I must kick hisknight because I want to play Nd4 in somemoments and when he takes on c7 /

certainly don't want him to be attacking f7.

14 . . . h6 15 Ne4.

STEAN: / start to feel uncomfortable

because I'm not getting Nd4 in and I knowthese positions: when you can't play Nd4you get into trouble. I'm not quite surewhat to do here. Develop something.

15 . . . Rad8.

KORCHNOI: That's a horrible mistake,it

was his last chance to play Nd4. Now Ihave two possibilities to win. One is Nc3,

Qa6; Nd5, rook somewhere protecting c7;64 and I threaten to win a piece by 65.Horrible position. There is another way, a4.What's stronger? Nc3 and Nd5 I win slowly,but after a4, well I win quickly, a pawn atleast.

16 a4.

STEAN: He's attacking my queen,where

do I move it? If I go to 64 he has Bc5, Imust play Nd4, he takes on 64, / take onc2, he takes on a5. Oh I'm losing toomuch. Well, only one move.

16 . . . Nb4.

Note that 16 . . . Qa6 would have beenmet by 17 Nc5 followed by Nxb7destroying the support of the knight on c6.

KORCHNOI: / can play Qb3, or Qdl, or Ican take on 65, Nxc2, Rfcl with strongpressure. Or I can play Qd2, Qxa4, 6x66. /don't like the position when there areseveral ways to win. If Qb3, Qc6,

Rcl he

has Be6 or Qe6. If Qdl, Qd7; Nc5, Qe7;Nxb7, e4; oh he's sacrificing everything.What to choose? I like Qdl.

17 Qdl.

STEAN: Typical Viktor. How to get myqueen out of this mess? Well, Qd7, Nc5,Qe7, Nxb7 and now if I want to get anyplay I must play e4. For the exchange and apawn I start playing at last, but it's toomuch. What's the minimum I'm going tolose in this position? Qc6 looks verystrange but what to do?

17 . . . Qc6.

KORCHNOI: Now I can play Nc5,then he

plays e4 or Nd5 temporarily protecting allhis pawns. No, one intermezzo.

18 Rcl.

STEAN: / was hoping for Nc5. Now I mustgive up the queen, she has no squareagain. If I go away he plays Nc5 winningeverything. Maybe I can resist a bit.

18 . . . Bxe4 19 Rxc6 Bxc6.

(see diagram opposite)

98

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

KORCHNOI: Perhaps there are some technical difficulties, but the queen is stronger than rook and knight. So Qc1 and attack the pawn on h6.

20 Qcl.

STEAN: Yes, if I wanted to lose my queen I shouldn't have done it against Viktor. He's very strong in these technical positions. He wants to come with the queen to b5. I can see it in his eye. I must defend the h-pawn. If Kh7 he gets another tempo with Qc4 at some point.

20 ... h5 21 Bxc6 Nxc6 22 Qc4.

Black is to be given no chance to consolidate his position. Korchnoi has spotted the vulnerable point at b7 and heads straight for it.

22 . . . Re6 23 Rcl b6.

KORCHNOI: The only difficulty which cad arise in this position is if I allow him to play Nb4 and c5. Then Black's position is impossible to break through. I have to play carefully.

24 Qb5.

STEAN: The knight is attacked again and c7 is a problem. I must defend.

24 . .. Rdd6.

KORCHNOI: And now Qa6. If he plays Nb4 I can then check him on aB.

25 Qa6.

STEAN: Help, he's threatening QcB. This pawn on c7 has had it. I can't defend it. If I play Rd7, he has Rxc6 and check on aB.

25 ... Nd4 26 Qc8+ Kh7 27 Bxd4 exd4 28 Rxc7.

With the fall of this pawn, Black's game collapses totally. He can only struggle on a few moves before further losses become inevitable.

28 ... Rf6 29 Qb7.

STEAN: On KgB he has QbB+, Kh7, Rxf7. Well, the rook on d6 must move.

29 .•. Rde6.

KORCHNOI: I can take the pawn on f7, but I will protect first. After KgB I have Rxf7, Rxf7; QcB+ winning rook on e6.

30 Kfl.

STEAN: He doesn't even give me a pawn. I can't defend this pawn on f7. KgB he plays Rxf7, Rxf7, QcB+. The position is lost.

Black resigned.

99

8

i

a

1

a b c d e f g h

KORCHNOI: Perhaps there are sometechnical difficulties, but the queen isstronger than rook and knight. So Qd andattack the pawn on h6.

20 Qd.

STEAN: Yes, if I wanted to lose my queen Ishouldn't have done it against Viktor. He'svery strong in these technical positions. Hewants to come with the queen to b5. I cansee it in his eye. I must defend theh-pawn. If Kh7 he gets another tempo withQc4 at some point.

20 . . . h5 21 Bxc6 Nxc6 22 Qc4.

Black is to be given no chance toconsolidate his position. Korchnoi hasspotted the vulnerable point at b7 andheads straight for it.

22 . . . Re6 23 Rcl b6.

KORCHNOI: The only difficulty which canarise in this position is if I allow him toplay Nb4 and c5. Then Black'

s position isimpossible to break through. I have to playcarefully.

24 Qb5.

STEAN: The knight is attacked again and c7is a problem. I must defend.

24 . . . Rdd6.

KORCHNOI: And now Qa6. If he playsNb4 I can then check him on a8.

25 Qa6.

STEAN: Help, he's threatening Qc8. Thispawn on c7 has had it. I can't defend it. If I

play Rd7, he has Rxc6 and check on a8.

25 . . . Nd4 26 Qc8+ Kh7 27 Bxd4 exd428 Rxc7.

With the fall of this pawn, Black's gamecollapses totally. He can only struggle on afew moves before further losses become

inevitable.

28 . . . Rf6 29 Qb7.

STEAN: On Kg8 he has Qb8+, Kh7, Rxf7.Well, the rook on d6 must move.

29 . . . Rde6.

KORCHNOI: / can take the pawn on f7/but I will protect first. After Kg8 I haveRxf7/ Rxf7; Qc8+ winning rook on e6.

30 Kfl.

STEAN: He doesn't even give me a pawn. Ican

't defend this pawn on f7. Kg8 he playsRxf7/ Rxf7f Qc8+. The position is lost.

Black resigned.

99

The Final

Game 28:

Lothar Schmid - Walter Browne Sicilian Defence

Fortune had been with Schmid during the preliminary rounds; it stayed with him when he drew the white pieces for this final. He played the opening quietly and this, apparently, tempted Browne into trying for too much at moves 14 and 15. The American grandmaster fell into a trap, lost a pawn and never really got back into the game, though the German had to play some fine moves in the endgame to avoid letting Browne escape.

1 e4 cS 2 Nf3 d6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 Nf6 S Nc3 a6 6 a4.

An unusual move which has the merit of avoiding Browne's good theoretical knowledge. 6 Be2, 6 Bg5, 6 Bc4 and 6 f4 have all been analysed extensively.

6 ... e6 7 Be2 Be7 8 0-0 Nc6 9 Be3 0-0.

Again a normal position has been reached. Here, White usually plays for a K-side attack with such moves as f4, Qe1 and Qg3. Instead, Schmid takes a more conservative path, hoping for Q-side pressure.

10 Qd2 Qc7 11 Nb3 b6 12 Rfdl Rb8 13 f3.

BROWNE: He's playing very passively, I can't believe this is good for White. Maybe Ne5 is okay, threatening Nc4, but that's not so much. If I could get in d5 I think I should at least equalise. I think I'll play RdB.

13 ... Rd8.

SCHMID: He can now free his game by d5 and I can't stop it. But there is something in this position, I should say a real trap. Let's see whether or not it will come to the board. I'll make the square f2 free for my queen.

14 Bfl.

BROWNE: Didn't expect that. /t's a reasonable move. Nb4 is possible with the idea of d5, but then if he plays e5 and I take with the queen, he has Bf4. I'd like to play d5 with my knight still on c6. If I play Bbl, he plays Qf2. I feel I should punish him for his opening moves, they're so passive. d5 must be good.

14 ... dS.

SCHMID: Natural, but he has to be very careful because this is just the line with a trap. I have to take it and see what happens.

lS exdS.

101

The Final

Game 28:

Lothar Schmid - Walter Browne

Sicilian Defence

Fortune had been with Schmid during thepreliminary rounds; it stayed with himwhen he drew the white pieces for thisfinal. He played the opening quietly andthis, apparently, tempted Browne intotrying for too much at moves 14 and 15.The American grandmaster fell into a trap,lost a pawn and never really got back intothe game, though the German had to playsome fine moves in the endgame to avoidletting Browne escape.

1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 d6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 Nf6

5 Nc3 a6 6 a4.

An unusual move which has the merit of

avoiding Browne's good theoreticalknowledge. 6 Be2, 6 Bg5, 6 Bc4 and 6 f4have all been analysed extensively.

6 . . . e6 7 Bel Be7 8 0-0 Nc6 9 Be3 0-0.

Again a normal position has been reached.Here, White usually plays for a K-sideattack with such moves as f4, Qe1 andQg3. Instead, Schmid takes a moreconservative path, hoping for Q-sidepressure.

10 Qd2 Qc7 11 Nb3 b6 12 Rfdl Rb8 13 f3.

BROWNE: He's playing very passively, Ican

't believe this is good for White. MaybeNe5 is okay, threatening Nc4, but that's notso much. If I could get in d5 I think Ishould at least equalise. I think I'll playRd8.

13 . . . Rd8.

SCHMID: He can now free his game by d5and I can't stop it. But there is somethingin this position, I should say a real trap.Let's see whether or not it will come to the

board. I'll make the square f2 free for myqueen.

14Bf1.

BROWNE: Didn't expect that. It's areasonable move. Nb4 is possible with theidea of d5, but then if he plays e5 and Itake with the queen, he has Bf4. I'd like toplay d5 with my knight still on c6. If I playBb7, he plays Qf2. I feel I should punishhim for his opening moves, they're sopassive. d5 must be good.

14 . . . d5.

SCHMID: Natural, but he has to be verycareful because this is just the line with atrap. I have to take it and see whathappens.

15 exd5.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

BROWNE: Now if Nxd5, he takes, rook takes, that's not much; oh, but he could then play Bf4 and I've got to play Bd6. It's got to be better than that. I could even take with the pawn. I'm sure Black is at least equal. Probably Korchnoi would like that, he loves isolated pawns. Well, almost anything's good. Nb4 must be okay in this position.

15 ••• Nb4.

SCHMID: He plays it rather quickly but this is a move which is doubtful; I think it is even a mistake. Did he overlook this next move, Bf4? He can play e5, but then there will come a surprise.

16 Bf4.

BROWNE: Really I hadn't considered that move; I thought, I just play e5 and then he has to move the bishop. But he can play d6! No, I can't believe this. I play e5, he plays d6, I take with the bishop, he plays Bxe5, then Bc5 + he just takes it. If I play Bd6 he takes on e6 and he has a pin. This is terrible. Well I guess I have to play e5 as bad as it is.

102

16 ••• e5.

At this stage, Browne thought for more than fifty minutes trying to find a way out of his problems. There was no answer to 17 d6. After 17 ... Rxd6 18 BxeS Rxd2 19 Bxc7 Rxd1 20 Rxd1 Rb721 Bd6, or 17 ... Bxd6 18 BxeS BcS+ 19 NxcS, Black loses material. He chose the only way to make a fight of the game.

17 d6 Qxd6.

SCHMID: I shall win a pawn and should win the game, at least if my technique is okay. It will be not as easy as it looks. That pawn on c2 is my plus but it is not so easy to advance it. It is no passed pawn, it takes quite a long time. The best thing is to exchange queens and then get the pawn on e5.

18 Qxd6 Rxd6 19 Bxe5 Rxd1 20 Rxd1 Ra8.

After 20 ... Rb721 Bd6 Kf8 White would have won a piece with 22 Bxb4 Bxb4 23 Rd8+. Now Schmid had to be content with his extra pawn on c2. The first stage of his winning plan is consolidation.

21 Bd6 Kf8 22 Bxe7 + Kxe7 23 Nd4 Bd7 24 Be4 Re8 25 Bb3.

The c-pawn is now firmly guarded and White can begin to think about expelling the knight from b4.

25 ••• Ne8 26 Ne4 h6 27 Kf2 Ne6 28 c3 NaS 29 Be2 Ne4 30 Re1 Kf8.

A necessary defensive move; 30 ... Nxb2 would have lost to 31 NcS+ Kd8 32 Nxd7 Kxd7 33 BfS+.

31 Rb1 f5 32 Ng3 g6 33 Nge2 Ned6 34 Bd3 a5 35 Bxe4 Nxe4 36 b3 Ne5 37 Rd1 Kf7 38 h3 g5 39 f4!

if8

a

a b c d e f g h

BROWNE: Now if Nxd5, he takes, rook

takes, that's not much; oh, but he could

then play Bf4 and I've got to play Bd6. It'sgot to be better than that I could eventake with the pawn. I'm sure Black is atleast equal. Probably Korchnoi would likethat, he loves isolated pawns. Well, almostanything's good. Nb4 must be okay in thisposition.

15 . . . Nb4.

SCHMID: He plays it rather quickly but thisis a move which is doubtful; I think it is

even a mistake. Did he overlook this next

move, Bf4? He can play e5, but then therewill come a surprise.

16 Bf4.

BROWNE: Really I hadn't considered thatmove; I thought, I just play e5 and then hehas to move the bishop. But he can playd6! No, I can't believe this. I play e5, heplays d6, I take with the bishop, he playsBxe5, then Bc5+ he just takes it. If I playBd6 he takes on e6 and he has a pin. Thisis terrible. Well I guess I have to play e5 asbad as it is.

16 . . . e5.

At this stage, Browne thought for morethan fifty minutes trying to find a way outof his problems. There was no answer to17 d6. After 17 . . . Rxd6 18 Bxe5 Rxd2

19 Bxc7 Rxd1 20 Rxd1 Rb7 21 Bd6, or

17 . . . Bxd6 18 Bxe5 Bc5+ 19 Nxc5, Black

loses material. He chose the only way tomake a fight of the game.

17 d6 Qxd6.

SCHMID: / shall win a pawn and shouldwin the game, at least if my technique isokay. It will be not as easy as it looks. Thatpawn on c2 is my plus but it is not so easyto advance it. It is no passed pawn, it takesquite a long time. The best thing is toexchange queens and then get the pawnon e5.

18 Qxd6 Rxd6 19 Bxe5 Rxdl 20 Rxdl Ra8.

After 20 . . . Rb7 21 Bd6 Kf8 White would

have won a piece with 22 Bxb4 Bxb423 Rd8+. Now Schmid had to be content

with his extra pawn on c2. The first stageof his winning plan is consolidation.

21 Bd6 Kf8 22 Bxe7+ Kxe7 23 Nd4 Bd7

24Bc4Rc8 25 Bb3.

The c-pawn is now firmly guarded andWhite can begin to think about expellingthe knight from b4.

25 . . . Ne8 26 Ne4 h6 27 Kf2 Nc6

28 c3 Na5 29 Bc2 Nc4 30 Rel Kf8.

A necessary defensive move; 30 . . . Nxb2would have lost to 31 Nc5+ Kd8

32 Nxd7 Kxd7 33 BfS-f.

31 Rbl f5 32 Ng3 g6 33 Nge2 Ned634 Bd3 a5 35 Bxc4 Nxc4 36 b3 Ne5

37 Rdl Kf7 38 h3 g5 39 f4!

102

A good move to prevent the black pawn's advance to this square.

39 ••• gxf4 40 Nf3.

An unpleasant move to have to meet with little time left to reach the forty-move control. The knight at eS must renounce its defence of the bishop.

40 ••• Nxf3 41 Rxd7 +.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

BROWNE: Made the control, thank God. Now if I play Ke8, he plays Rh7, I move the knight, he could even trade rooks and the knight ending is easy. I'll have to move my king up; maybe my good king position wilf give me a chance.

41 ••• Ke6.

SCHMID: I have several moves: to go back with my rook on the d-fiIe, which should win because I get the f-pawn with check then; or to stay at the seventh rank and attack his pawns. Either Rb7 or Rh7. I attack his h-pawn.

42 Rh7.

BROWNE: That looks like a mistake. It's

about time he made an error. Should I play Ng5 to threaten his rook? Maybe Nd2 is better. I can stilf go to e4 and I attack his b-pawn. That might be important.

42 ••• Nd2.

SCHMID: I see that my last move was not the best. Rb7 would have solved the problem easily because with checks at b6 and b5 perhaps I should have won all his pawns on the queen's wing. Now I get this other h-pawn which is not so important at the moment. This is very difficult because he's well centralised, his pieces have suddenly come to life. I shall have much trouble to win the game, maybe it's not even possible.

43 Rxh6+ Ke5 44 Rxb6.

Having wasted a move taking the h-pawn, Schmid now realises that the win will not come easily. But, never one to be ruffled, he settled down to the task with renewed determination. Black's king, knight and rook are all active now and White must play very accurately.

44 ••• Ne4+ 45 Kf1 Nxc3.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

103

A good move to prevent the black pawn'sadvance to this square.

39 . . . gxf4 40 Nf3.

An unpleasant move to have to meet withlittle time left to reach the forty-movecontrol. The knight at e5 must renounce itsdefence of the bishop.

40 . . . NxfS 41 Rxd7+.

18

i

abcdefgh

BROWNE: Made the control, thank God.

Now if I play Ke8, he plays Rh7, I move theknight, he could even trade rooks and theknight ending is easy. I'll have to move myking up; maybe my good king position willgive me a chance.

41 . . . Ke6.

SCHMID: / have several moves: to go backwith my rook on the d-file, which shouldwin because I get the f-pawn with checkthen; or to stay at the seventh rank andattack his pawns. Either Rb7 or Rh7. I attackhis h-pawn.

42 Rh7.

BROWNE: That looks like a mistake. It's

about time he made an error. Should I playNg5 to threaten his rook? Maybe Nd2 isbetter. I can still go to e4 and I attack hisb-pawn. That might be important.

42 . . . Nd2.

SCHMID: / see that my last move was notthe best. Rb7 would have solved the

problem easily because with checks at b6and 65 perhaps I should have won all hispawns on the queen's wing. Now I get thisother h-pawn which is not so important atthe moment. This is very difficult becausehe's well centralised, his pieces havesuddenly come to life. I shall have muchtrouble to win the game, maybe it's noteven possible.

43 Rxh6+ Ke5 44 Rxb6.

Having wasted a move taking the h-pawn,Schmid now realises that the win will not

come easily. But, never one to be ruffled,he settled down to the task with renewed

determination. Black's king, knight androok are all active now and White must

play very accurately.

44 . . . Ne4+ 45 Kfl Nxc3.

8

6

i

abcdefgh

103

Now 42 Nxc3 Rxc343 RbS+ Ke4 44 RxaS Rxb3 would give Black an easy draw. He can play f3 to exchange another pawn and leave White no winning chances whatsoever. Schmid now plays a very fine move, keeping knights on the board, maintaining the f3 square and giving Browne a real shock.

46 Ng1!

BROWNE: What a surprise. Can this really be good? I could play NdS; Nf3+, Ke4; Re6+, Kd3; Rd6 - doesn't look so great. What about Kd4? Ah, but then Kf2, Ne4+; Kf3 and then if KeS, rook check; doesn't look so good. If Ne4, he plays Nf3 +, KdS; RbS + kicking my king back. What shall I do? Could give away a pawn with f3 just to get a square, but he must have enough to win. What can I do? This is incredible. There must be some knight move here. Must be something. Maybe RdB. Of course he has Nf3+, Ke4 and then Re6+. I must try Kd4.

46 •.• Kd4.

SCHMID: Well again my good friend Walter Browne is in time trouble but he plays very aggressively and tries to mate me. He threatens to come with his king to e3. However I think this move cannot save the game because now his pawns on f4 and fS are looking a little bit weak, not covered by the king. My king at least gets free. I'm very happy.

47 Kf2.

BROWNE: He found a move; his only move, but he found it. Now I have only one chance. I have to play Ne4+; that way he plays Kf3, KeS; RbS+, RcS; weill have to win a pawn back. If he takes, I take with the knight and win his b-pawn; or if he

104

plays Ne2, I take on bS, check on d2 and take the b3-pawn. That's three pawns against three, two passed pawns against one. I don't like it but I have a chance for a draw.

47 ••• Ne4+ 48 Kf3 Ke5 49 Rb5+ Re5 50 h4.

This h-pawn is set to win the game for White, but with both players running short of time, accurate play is still needed.

50 •.• Rxb5 51 axb5 Nd2+ 52 Ke2 Nxb3 53 Kd3 Kd5 54 Ne2 Nc5+ 55 Kc3 Ne4+ 56 Kb3 Kc5 57 Ka4 Nd6 58 Nc3 Ne4

8

7 - -6 - -5 ~II _1-~; ~

4 -1)-~ "m~ ~ - -3 ~~ ~

~L)

2 - - -~ abc d e 9 h

59 Kxa5!

A precisely calculated and elegant solution to White's task. By giving up his knight he ensures that the b-pawn and h-pawn will be more than Black can handle.

59 ••• Nxe3 60 b6 Kc6 61 Ka6 Na4 62 h5!

62 b7? NcS+ would have lost the game. Now, the h-pawn is too fast.

62 .•• Nxb6 63 h6 Ne4 64 h7 Kd5 65 h8(Q).

Now 42 Nxc3 Rxc3 43 Rb5+ Ke4

44 Rxa5 Rxb3 would give Black an easydraw. He can play f3 to exchange anotherpawn and leave White no winning chanceswhatsoever. Schmid now plays a very finemove, keeping knights on the board,maintaining the f3 square and givingBrowne a real shock.

46 Ngl!

BROWNE: What a surprise. Can this reallybe good? I could play Nd5; Nf3+, Ke4;Re6+, Kd3; Rd6 - doesn't look so great.What about Kd4? Ah, but then Kf2, Ne4+;Kf3 and then if Ke5, rook check; doesn't

look so good. If Ne4, he plays Nf3+, Kd5;Rb5+ kicking my king back. What shall Ido? Could give away a pawn with f3 just toget a square, but he must have enough towin. What can I do? This is incredible.

There must be some knight move here.Must be something. Maybe Rd8. Of coursehe has Nf3+, Ke4 and then Re6+. I must

try Kd4.

46 . . . Kd4.

SCHMID: Well again my good friendWalter Browne is in time trouble but he

plays very aggressively and tries to mateme. He threatens to come with his king toe3. However I think this move cannot save

the game because now his pawns on f4and f5 are looking a little bit weak, notcovered by the king. My king at least getsfree. I'm very happy.

47 Kf2.

BROWNE: He found a move; his onlymove, but he found it. Now I have onlyone chance. I have to play Ne4+; that wayhe plays Kf3, Ke5; Rb5+, Rc5; well I haveto win a pawn back. If he takes, I take withthe knight and win his b-pawn; or if he

plays Ne2, I take on 65, check on d2 andtake the b3-pawn. That's three pawnsagainst three, two passed pawns againstone. I don't like it but I have a chance for

a draw.

47 . . . Ne4+ 48 Kf3 Ke5 49 Rb5+ Rc5

50 h4.

This h-pawn is set to win the game forWhite, but with both players running shortof time, accurate play is still needed.

50 . . . RxbS 51 axbS Nd2+ 52 Ke2 NxbS

53 Kd3 Kd5 54 Ne2 Nc5+ 55 Kc3 Ne4+

56 Kb3 Kc5 57 Ka4 Nd6 58 Nc3 Ne4

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

59 KxaS!

A precisely calculated and elegant solutionto White's task. By giving up his knight heensures that the b-pawn and h-pawn willbe more than Black can handle.

59 . . . NxcS 60 b6 Kc6 61 Ka6 Na4 62 h5!

62 b7? Nc5+ would have lost the game.Now, the h-pawn is too fast.

62 . . . Nxb6 63 h6 Nc4 64 h7 KdS

65 h8(Q).

W

a b c d e f ha

104

The new queen signals the end for Browne. The remaining moves were played at lightning pace, but it was the American who had less time on his clock.

6S ••• Ne5 66 KbS Ke4 fjJ Qe8 Kd4 68 Qe6 fJ &9 gxf3 NxD 70 Qxf5 Ne5 71 Qe6 Nd3 72 Qd6+ Ke4 and Black lost on lime.

The new queen signals the end forBrowne. The remaining moves were playedat lightning pace, but it was the Americanwho had less time on his clock.

65 . . . Ne5 66 Kb5 Ke4 67 Qe8 Kd468Qe6f3 69 gxf3 Nxf3 70 Qxf5 Ne571 Qe6 Nd3 72 Qd6+ Ke4 and Black loston time.

The Master Game 1981 - Series Six The Master Game 1981 - Series Six

Order of Play

Group B:

Round One: Round Two: Round Three:

Miles 1-0 Larsen; Donner Yl-Yl Miles; Larsen 1-0 Donner;

Schmid Yl-Yl Donner Larsen 1-0 Schmid

Miles 1-0 Schmid

M L D S Total

Miles x 1 Yl 1 2Yl

Larsen 0 x 1 1 2

Donner Yl 0 x Y2 1

Schmid 0 0 Yl x Yl

Game 35:

Tony Miles - Bent Larsen Keres' Defence

A fine struggle which showed much of the best of both players. Larsen played the opening in original fashion to secure a promising position. Pushing his K-side pawns he developed a powerful attack which forced play of great accuracy from Miles. Faced with such resolute defence, Larsen lost objectivity when his position did not reveal a win. Refusing to settle for a draw, he began to play badly. Miles accepted every chance he was offered and finally clinched a win in a hard endgame.

1 d4 e6 2 e4 Bb4+.

An unusual defence pioneered by the Estonian grandmaster Paul Keres. Black intends later to move his pawns to d6 and eS, so prepares to exchange this bishop.

3 Bd2 as 4 e3 f5 5 Bd3 Nf6 6 Ne2 d6 7 Nbc3 e5 8 a3 Bxel 9 Bxc3 e4 10 Be2.

130

White plays the whole opening too cautiously. Here 10 Bb1 was better designed to counter Black's plan; then Black would find great difficulties maintaining a hold on dS with White able to play Ba2 and Qb3 to attack that square.

10 ••• d5 11 Nf4 e6 12 Bb3 Na6 13 exd5 exd5 14 Ba4+ Kf7.

The king is quite safe here and Black does not mind the minor inconvenience of being unable to castle.

15 Qd2 b6 16 Be6 Ra7 17 b4 Qd6 18 Bb5 Ne7 19 Be2 axb4 20 Bxb4 Qd7 21 0-0 Ba6 22 Bxa6 Rxa6 23 Rfel g5.

Larsen begins his K-side attack, though he still has to take care to defend vulnerable squares on the other wing.

24 Ne2 Ne6 25 Ne3 Raa8 26 Qe2 Rhe8 27 NbS Ne8.

Order of Play

Group B:

Round One:

Round Two:

Round Three:

Miles 1-0 Larsen;Donner V2-V2 Miles;Larsen 1-0 Donner;

Schmid V2-V2 Donner

Larsen 1-0 Schmid

Miles 1-0 Schmid

M L D S Total

Miles X 1 1/2 1 2V2

Larsen 0 X 1 1 2

Donner 1/2 0 X 1/2 1

Schmid 0 0 1/2 X 1/2

Game 35:

Tony Miles - Bent LarsenKeres' Defence

A fine struggle which showed much of thebest of both players. Larsen played theopening in original fashion to secure apromising position. Pushing his K-sidepawns he developed a powerful attackwhich forced play of great accuracy fromMiles. Faced with such resolute defence,Larsen lost objectivity when his positiondid not reveal a win. Refusing to settle fora draw, he began to play badly. Milesaccepted every chance he was offered andfinally clinched a win in a hard endgame.

1 d4 e6 2 c4 Bb4+.

An unusual defence pioneered by theEstonian grandmaster Paul Keres. Blackintends later to move his pawns to d6and e5, so prepares to exchange thisbishop.

3 Bd2 a5 4 e3 f5 5 Bd3 Nf6 6 Ne2 d6

7 Nbc3 e5 8 a3 Bxc3 9 Bxc3 e4 10 Bc2.

White plays the whole opening toocautiously. Here 10 Bb1 was betterdesigned to counter Black's plan; thenBlack would find great difficultiesmaintaining a hold on d5 with White ableto play Ba2 and Qb3 to attack that square.

10 . . . d5 11 Nf4 c6 12 Bb3 Na6

13 cxd5 cxd5 14 Ba4+ Kf7.

The king is quite safe here and Black doesnot mind the minor inconvenience of

being unable to castle.

15 Qd2 b6 16 Bc6 Ra7 17 b4 Qd618 Bb5 Nc7 19 Be2 axb4 20 Bxb4 Qd721 0-0 Ba6 22 Bxa6 Rxa6 23 Rfcl g5.

Larsen begins his K-side attack, though hestill has to take care to defend vulnerable

squares on the other wing.

24 Ne2 Ne6 25 Nc3 Raa8 26 Qe2 Rhc827 Nb5 Ne8.

130

Black must prevent the threatened 28 Nd6+. He does not fear 28 QhS+ Kg7 when the unsupported white queen can do no damage.

28 f3 exf3 29 gxf3 Rxe1 + 30 Rxe1 Re8 31 Rxe8 Qxe8 32 Ne3 Nf6 33 Qd3.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

LARSEN: Now I have to calculate exactly. f4 looks good because my knight on e6 wants to get a good square near his king. f4, he plays e4, I play g4, nobody knows what happens; looks very good; after e5 I can take on f3. My knight from e6 gets to g5, maybe to e4. It's very complicated. Kg6 is playable; e4, I can play Nf4. Maybe that is the safe line. No, on Kg6 he comes with the bishop to el, not logical, I'm fighting against that bishop of course. I must play f4.

33 ••• f4.

MILES: Hello, something's happening. e4 is what I want to play, what's going to happen? He takes it, I take with the pawn and have a massive pawn centre. He wouldn't play that. I can't take on f4

because he takes with the knight and my position's a wreck. Qf5 doesn't work because he'll take on e3. I've got to play e4. Something nasty's going to happen to this position very quickly.

34 e4.

LARSEN: It's interesting to take on e4. When he takes with the pawn I must have some threats against his king, but his centre is very strong. I must attack immediately.

34 ••• g4.

MILES: I don't know what the hell's going on. e5 is natural, but that does fix my pawns on black squares if it doesn't win. What's he planning on e5? He's going to take on f3 and threaten QgB+ mating me, or maybe play QgB first. Let's see, e5, he takes on f3, I must recapture, QgB+, king somewhere, Ng4, it's very messy. What else can I play? Taking on d5, Ng5, that's out of the question; taking on g4 can't be right. I don't like it much but I must play e5.

35 e5 gxf3 36 Qxf3.

LARSEN: Now I think I cannot take on d4 because he takes on f4. Well, then I can play Qg4+ but I certainly get no winning chances. Ng5 looks normal, it's very good there.

36 ••• Ng5.

MILES: This is beginning to look horrible; his knights and queen are all flooding at my king. Where do I put the queen? g2, well then he's getting f3 with tempo. God, how am I stopping that f-pawn? Nh3 + will come, the queen could come, everything's coming in. f1 is a useful square, it stays on f4, it stays on the same file as his king; that

131

Black must prevent the threatened28 Nd6+. He does not fear 28 Qh5+ Kg7when the unsupported white queen can dono damage.

28 f3 exf3 29 gxf3 Rxc1+ 30 Rxcl Rc831 RxcB QxcB 32 Nc3 Nf6 33 Qd3.

8

A

i

a b c d e f g h

LARSEN: Now I have to calculate exactly.f4 looks good because my knight on e6wants to get a good square near his king.fA, he plays e4, I play g4, nobody knowswhat happens; looks very good; after e5 Ican take on f3. My knight from e6 gets tog5, maybe to e4. It's very complicated. Kg6is playable; e4, I can play Nf4. Maybe thatis the safe line. No, on Kg6 he comes withthe bishop to e7, not logical, I'm fightingagainst that bishop of course. I must playf4.

33 . . . f4.

MILES: Hello, something's happening. e4is what I want to play, what's going tohappen? He takes it, I take with the pawnand have a massive pawn centre. Hewouldn't play that. I can't take on f4

because he takes with the knight and myposition

's a wreck. Qf5 doesn't work

because he'll take on e3. I've got to playe4. Something nasty's going to happen tothis position very quickly.

34 e4.

LARSEN: It's interesting to take on e4.When he takes with the pawn I must havesome threats against his king, but hiscentre is very strong. I must attackimmediately.

34 . . . g4.

MILES: / don't know what the hell's goingon. e5 is natural, but that does fix mypawns on black squares if it doesn't win.

What's he planning on e5? He's going totake on f3 and threaten Qg8+ mating me,or maybe play Qg8 first. Let's see, e5, he

takes on f3, I must recapture, Qg8+, kingsomewhere, Ng4, it's very messy. Whatelse can I play? Taking on d5, Ng5, that'sout of the question; taking on g4 can

't be

right. I don't like it much but I must playe5.

35 e5 gxf3 36 Qxf3.

LARSEN: Now / think I cannot take on d4

because he takes on f4. Well, then I can

play Qg4+ but I certainly get no winningchances. Ng5 looks normal, it's very goodthere.

36 . . . Ng5.

MILES: This is beginning to look horrible;his knights and queen are all flooding atmy king. Where do I put the queen? g2,well then he's getting f3 with tempo. Cod,how am I stopping that f-pawn? Nh3+ willcome, the queen could come, everything'

s

coming in. fl is a useful square, it stays onf4, it stays on the same file as his king; that

131

can be useful in the long run. If his knight from f6 has to move, maybe I'll take on d5 and then perhaps I'll be able to get my queen into activity on c4. It must be best, though this position's getting terrible.

37 Qf1.

LARSEN: Now it's a very important decision: should I play Qg4+ or Nh3+? Both protect my f-pawn and bring my pieces closer to his king. Nh3+, Kh1, Ng4, that's interesting; I'm threatening Nf2+; he plays Qf3, I think that's his only move; Qf3, knight check, he goes to g2, I can check with the queen on gB, he goes to f1, I can check him on g1, he goes to e2 and what have I got? This is terrible. If there is nothing there, then d5 is hanging. It's not so easy. I don't see it. I think Qg4 is safer. Once more, Nh3, Kh1, Ng4, Qf3; no I don't see it, his king escapes. He's lucky. Well okay, Qg4+ is a good move anyway.

37 ..• Qg4+.

MILES: That's what I was most frightened of. Now I could play Qg2, but then f3 and I think I'd lose a piece stopping the f-pawn, so I must play Kh1, nothing else.

38 Kh1.

LARSEN: Can I sacrifice a piece? f3, take on f6, Nh3; no I don't think it's good enough. I'm threatening f2 but he has Nd1 for instance, I must go to e4, that looks natural.

38 .•• Nfe4.

MILES: It would be nice to take that off but then my position is just terrible for no compensation. I've got to go pawn snatching. I have to take the one on d5, it's my only hope. Maybe I can expose his king a little. Just keep my fingers crossed.

132

39 Nxd5.

LARSEN: Another important choice: Nf3 or Nh3. Nh3, he plays Be1, it's not so clear. Nf3 looks good. Many threats against his king.

39 ••• Nf3.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

MILES: I didn't really expect that, but it does look quite strong now it's arrived. How about e6+? That's the sort of move that might disconcert him. He's only got a few minutes left for his last move. He can't take with the queen, because then I take the knight on f3 and I'm completely safe. Got to get rid of those wretched knights somehow. e6+, takes with the king, then at least I'm not going to have to worry about Nd2 because I'll have some forks with queen checks on the e-fi/e. If he moves his king away after e6+, I play el. I haven't seen a clear threat for him yet on the K-side, and pawns on the seventh are always strong. It's bound to create some trouble.

40 e6+.

LARSEN: I guess I have to take that. It's a

can be useful in the long run. If his knightfrom f6 has to move, maybe I'll take on d5and then perhaps I'll be able to get myqueen into activity on c4. It must be best,though this position's getting terrible.

37 Qfl.

LARSEN: Now it's a very importantdecision: should I play Qg4+ or Nh3 + ?Both protect my f-pawn and bring mypieces closer to his king. Nh3+, Khl, Ng4,that's interesting; I'm threatening Nf2+; heplays Qf3, I think that's his only move;Qf3, knight check, he goes to gl, I cancheck with the queen on g8, he goes to fl,I can check him on gl, he goes to e2 andwhat have I got? This is terrible. If there isnothing there, then d5 is hanging. It's not

so easy. I don't see it. I think Qg4 is safer.Once more, Nh3, Khl, Ng4, Qf3; no Idon't see it, his king escapes. He's lucky.Well okay, Qg4+ is a good move anyway.

37 . . . Qg4+.

MILES: That's what I was most frightenedof. Now I could play Qg2, but then f3 andI think I'd lose a piece stopping thef-pawn, so I must play Khl, nothing else.

38 Khl.

LARSEN: Can I sacrifice a piece? f3,take on

f6, Nh3; no I don't think it's good enough.I'm threatening f2 but he has Ndl forinstance, I must go to e4, that looksnatural.

38 . . . Nfe4.

MILES: It would be nice to take that off

but then my position is just terrible for nocompensation. I

'

ve got to go pawnsnatching. I have to take the one on d5,it's my only hope. Maybe I can expose hisking a little. Just keep my fingers crossed.

39 Nxd5.

LARSEN: Another important choice: Nf3 orNh3. Nh3, he plays Bel, it's not so clear.Nf3 looks good. Many threats against hisking.

39 . . . Nf3.

8

if

1

abcdefgh

MILES: / didn't really expect that, but itdoes look quite strong now it's arrived.How about e6+? That's the sort of move

that might disconcert him. He's only got afew minutes left for his last move. He can't

take with the queen, because then I takethe knight on f3 and I'm completely safe.Got to get rid of those wretched knightssomehow. e6+, takes with the king, thenat least I'm not going to have to worryabout Nd2 because I'll have some forks

with queen checks on the e-file. If hemoves his king away after e6+, I play e7. Ihaven't seen a clear threat for him yet onthe K-side, and pawns on the seventh arealways strong. It

's bound to create some

trouble.

40 e6+.

LARSEN: / guess / have to take that. It's a

132

little unpleasant, my king should be in a safe spot, but I have to take that pawn.

40 .•• Kxe6.

MILES: I've got to move my knight so I can threaten Qc4+. if the knight moves it might as well take the b-pawn. At least that way I won't lose a simple ending if I ever get out.

41 Nxb6.

LARSEN: I must move my king so that his queen has no check. I cannot play Ng3+, he takes, Qxg3, Qc4+ and he has all his pieces attacking before I can mate him.

41 •.. Kf6.

MILES: What's wrong with Ndl+? He can't possibly take it because then I'm absolutely safe, so he must move his king, but where? Anyway, what else can I play, but it looks good.

42 Nd7+.

LARSEN: Maybe I should play Kgl, maybe he plays Ne5. I think I can as well take the knight. I really have a very strong position, but it's a pity I'm a pawn down.

42 .•. Qxd7 43 Qxf3 Qf5 44 Bel.

Now Black has an immediate draw with 44 ... Ng5 45 Bh4 Qb1 + 46 Kg2 Qc2+ when White has no satisfactory way to avoid the checks. Instead, Larsen, without any particular idea in mind, decided to play for a win.

44 ••• h6.

MILES: Only Larsen would playa move like that, it's ridiculous. Well, why not push my luck? His only plan is Ng5 to get some play. Let's stop it with h4. I still can't be better, but if he plays many more moves

like that I can be.

45 h4 Kg6 46 a4 Nf6 47 Bd2 Nd5 48 a5 Qbl + 49 Kh2 Qa2 50 Qd3+ Kf6 51 Kh3 Qal 52 Qa6+ Kf5 53 Qd3+ Kf6 54 Kg2 Qdl 55 Kf2 Qhl 56 a6 Qxh4+.

Now the white king escapes to the Q-side. 56 ... Qh2+ was a better chance.

57 Ke2 Qh2+ 58 Kdl Qgl + 59 Kc2 Qg2 60 Kb3 Nc7.

abc d e 9 h

MILES: Now I can't play al because he has Qbl+. The obvious move is Bxf4, but after Qd5+, Qc4 he has Qf3+ winning my bishop. If this were a study the solution would be d5. Wait, I think it is the solution! d5, what does he play? It interferes with his queen on the diagonal. He can't take on a6, because I recapture with check. I'm seriously threatening to play d6 attacking the knight, or just going to dl and dB. If he plays Qxd5+, I take his queen, he plays Nxd5 and I play Ba5. Then he can't stop my a-pawn; he plays f3, I play al, we both queen and then I play QfB+ winning his queen. That's beautiful. This is wonderful.

133

little unpleasant, my king should be in asafe spot, but I have to take that pawn.

40 . . . Kxe6.

MILES: I've got to move my knight so I canthreaten Qc4+. if the knight moves itmight as well take the b-pawn. At least thatway I won

't lose a simple ending if I everget out.

41 Nxb6.

LARSEN: / must move my king so that hisqueen has no check. I cannot play Ng3+,he takes, Qxg3, Qc4+ and he has all hispieces attacking before I can mate him.

41 . . . Kf6.

MILES: What's wrong with Nd7+? He can'tpossibly take it because then I'mabsolutely safe, so he must move his king,but where? Anyway, what else can I play,but it looks good.

42 Nd7+.

LARSEN: Maybe I should play Kg7, maybehe plays Ne5. I think I can as well take theknight. I really have a very strong position,but it's a pity I'm a pawn down.

42 . . . Qxd7 43 Qxf3 Qf5 44 Bel.

Now Black has an Immediate draw with

44 . . . Ng5 45 Bh4 Qb1+ 46 Kg2 Qc2 +when White has no satisfactory way toavoid the checks. Instead, Larsen, withoutany particular idea in mind, decided toplay for a win.

44 . . . h6.

MILES: Only Larsen would play a move likethat, it's ridiculous. Well, why not push myluck? His only plan is Ng5 to get someplay. Let

's stop it with h4. I still can't be

better, but if he plays many more moves

like that I can be.

45 h4 Kg6 46 a4 Nf6 47 Bd2 Nd548 a5 Qb1+ 49 Kh2 Qa2 50 Qd3+ Kf651 Kh3 Qal 52 Qa6+ Kf5 53 Qd3+ Kf654 Kg2 Qdl 55 Kf2 Qhl 56 a6 Qxh4+.

Now the white king escapes to the Q-side.56 . . . Qh2+ was a better chance.

57 Ke2 Qh2+ 58 Kdl Qg1+ 59 Kc2 Qg260 Kb3 Nc7.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

MILES: Now / can'f play al because he hasQb7+. The obvious move is Bxf4, but after

Qd5+, Qc4 he has Qf3+ winning mybishop. If this were a study the solutionwould be d5. Wait, I think it is the

solution! d5, what does he play? Itinterferes with his queen on the diagonal.He can't take on a6

, because I recapturewith check. I'm seriously threatening toplay d6 attacking the knight, or just goingto dl and d8. If he plays Qxd5+, I take hisqueen, he plays Nxd5 and I play Ba5. Thenhe can't stop my a-pawn; he plays f3, I playal, we both queen and then I play Qf8+winning his queen. That's beautiful. This is

wonderful.

fa 9

133

61 d5.

And this was the decisive move. Larsen had to retreat to attempt to stop the a-pawn, but the blockade was only temporary.

61 .•• Nxd5 62 a7 Qg8 63 Qa6+ Nb6+ 64 Kb4 Qe6 65 Kb5.

Finally the king joins in to support the attack. Black can no longer resist. After 65 ... Na8 White wins simply with 66 Qxe6+ Kxe6 67 Kc6 f3 68 Be1 followed by Kb7 and Kxa8. Black's king can hold White in temporarily by following to c8, but with the white bishop at g3, Black quickly runs out of moves. Larsen tries to bluff his way out.

65 ••. f3 66 Qxb6 resigns.

After 66 ... Qxb6+ 67 Kxb6 both sides obtain new queens, but White has Qf8+ winning at the end.

Game 36:

Lothar Schmid - Jan Hein Donner English Opening

Schmid's first game in defence of his Master Game title was a fine scrap. Donner acquired a perfectly wretched position in the middlegame, but defended ingeniously. A strange pawn structure virtually cut the board in two, but the Dutch grandmaster managed to work a rook round the right side to aid his king. Complications continued into the endgame, but finally a perpetual check brought the game to a fair end.

1 e4 d6 2 c4.

134

A very unusual move which soon leads the game away from the Pirc Defence into English Opening terr!tory.

2 ... c5 3 Ne2 e5.

We are now back in one of Schmid's favourite opening lines, as we know from game 27, but this time he is playing for more than a draw.

4 d3 Nc6 5 Nbc3 g6 6 g3 Bg7 7 Bg2 Nge7 80-00-0 9 a3 a6 10 Rb1 Rb8 11 b4 cxb4 12 axb4 b5 13 cxb5 axb5 14 h3.

DONNER: That is a funny move. The position is completely symmetrical and he tries to lose a move. So far I have only copied his moves. Shall I play h6 or is it time for an independent move? Well, I'm getting a little fed up with this. I think I now play my own game.

14 ... Be6 15 Nd5.

Now Black cannot play 15 ... Nxd5 without losing a piece to 16 exd5. For that reason 14 ... f5 was a better way to break the symmetry.

15 ... Qd7 16 Kh2 Bxd5 17 exd5 Nd4 18 Nxd4 exd4.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

61 d5.

And this was the decisive move. Larsen

had to retreat to attempt to stop thea-pawn, but the blockade was onlytemporary.

61 . . . Nxd5 62 a7 Qg8 63 Qa6+ Nb6+64 Kb4 Qe6 65 Kb5.

Finally the king joins in to support theattack. Black can no longer resist. After65 . . . Na8 White wins simply with66 Qxe6+ Kxe6 67 Kc6 f3 68 Bel followedby Kb7 and Kxa8. Black's king can holdWhite in temporarily by following to c8,but with the white bishop at g3, Blackquickly runs out of moves. Larsen tries tobluff his way out.

65 . . . f3 66 Qxb6 resigns.

After 66 . . . Qxb6+ 67 Kxb6 both sidesobtain new queens, but White has Qf8+winning at the end.

Game 36:

Lothar Schmid - Jan Hein Donner

English Opening

Schmid's first game in defence of hisMaster Game title was a fine scrap. Donneracquired a perfectly wretched position inthe middlegame, but defendedingeniously. A strange pawn structurevirtually cut the board in two, but theDutch grandmaster managed to work arook round the right side to aid his king.Complications continued into theendgame, but finally a perpetual checkbrought the game to a fair end.

1 e4 d6 2 c4.

A very unusual move which soon leads thegame away from the Pirc Defence intoEnglish Opening territory.

2 . . . c5 3 Ne2 e5.

We are now back in one of Schmid's

favourite opening lines, as we know fromgame 27, but this time he is playing formore than a draw.

4 d3 Nc6 5 Nbc3 g6 6 g3 Bg7 7 Bg2 Nge78 0-0 0-0 9 a3 a6 10 Rbl Rb8 11 b4 cxb4

12 axb4 b5 13 cxbS axb5 14 h3.

DONNER: That is a funny move. Theposition is completely symmetrical and hetries to lose a move. So far I have onlycopied his moves. Shall I play h6 or is ittime for an independent move? Well, I'mgetting a little fed up with this. I think Inow play my own game.

14 . . . Be6 15 Nd5.

Now Black cannot play 15 . . . NxdSwithout losing a piece to 16 exd5. For thatreason 14 . . . f5 was a better way to breakthe symmetry.

15 . . . Qd7 16 Kh2 Bxd5 17 exd5 Nd418 Nxd4 exd4.

8

i

i

6

i

a b c d e f g h

134

SCHMID: What a funny pawn formation at the centre now. It's another type of game than chess, it's halma perhaps. So who's better: the white bishop on c1 or black knight on e7? / prefer the white position slightly. / am the first one who gets the open file.

19 Ra1.

DONNER: /t seems that my judgment was wrong in this position. He's obviously better. His bishop on g2 is stronger than my knight. / can't keep it at e7. / must go to b6 perhaps, then / have a threat to go to a4 and c3.

19 . .. NcB 20 Bf4 Nb6 21 Ra6 Be5 22 Bh6 RfcB.

Schmid now turns his attention to the K-side and prepares a massive attack on that wing.

23 f4 Bf6 24 f5 Be5 25 Qg4 Rc7 26 h4 KhB 27 Kh3.

DONNER: This is really a desperate position. / will be crushed if / don't find anything. Perhaps / have a little joke here. / can play the rook to gB and I'm threatening to take at f5. Then he has to play f6 and that closes the position. I'm no doubt still lost but / have small drawing chances.

27 . . . RgB 2B f6 RbB 29 Be4 Rc2.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

SCHMID: He threatens now Rh2+ and my queen would be lost. I'm sorry to be so short of time, there are so many possibilities either to exchange queens or even to put something in between on f5. Rf5 would be interesting, he cannot take it, / should mate him on g7. He could take on f6, then / could sacrifice a queen: Rxf6, Rh2+; Kxh2, Qxg4; Rxf7 and I'm threatening Rxb6 and mate on fB, or even Ra6 to a7 with another mating attack. This would be nice for White, but he has other better defences. Maybe he could retreat with his queen to cB, attacking my rook on a6. / could even then sacrifice this rook with h5, and if he takes it then hxg6, and if he takes with the h-pawn then Bg7 +, KgB, Rh5 and mates him. So many lines, however I'm not sure this is correct. / have to play simply, otherwise my time will not be enough. / see a line which seems to be easy.

30 Qxd7 Nxd7 31 Bg7 + KgB 32 Ra7 RdB.

SCHMID: My problem is now that my pawn on f6 which is so strong, is also a little weak. His minor pieces are attacking this pawn and bind my pieces to cover it. / can win a pawn by Rb7, but he has counter

135

SCHMID: What a funny pawn formation atthe centre now. It's another type of gamethan chess, it's halma perhaps. So who'sbetter: the white bishop on c7 or blackknight on e7? I prefer the white positionslightly. I am the first one who gets theopen file.

19 Ral.

DONNER: It seems that my judgment waswrong in this position. He'

s obviouslybetter. His bishop on g2 is stronger thanmy knight. I can'

t keep it at el. I must goto b6 perhaps, then I have a threat to go toa4 and c3.

19 . . . Nc8 20 Bf4 Nb6 21 Ra6 Be5

22 Bh6 Rfc8.

Schmid now turns his attention to the

K-side and prepares a massive attack onthat wing.

23 f4 Bf6 24 f5 Be5 25 Qg4 Rc7 26 h4 Kh827 Kh3.

DONNER: This is really a desperateposition. I will be crushed if I don't find

anything. Perhaps I have a little joke here. Ican play the rook to g8 and I'm threateningto take at f5. Then he has to play f6 andthat closes the position. I'm no doubt stilllost but I have small drawing chances.

27 . . . RgB 28 f6 Rb8 29 Be4 Rc2.

8

1

abcdefgh

SCHMID: He threatens now Rh2+ and myqueen would be lost. I'm sorry to be soshort of time, there are so manypossibilities either to exchange queens oreven to put something in between on f5.Rf5 would be interesting, he cannot take it,I should mate him on g7. He could take onf6, then I could sacrifice a queen: RxfS,Rh2+; Kxh2, Qxg4; Rxf7 and I'mthreatening Rxb6 and mate on f8, or evenRa6 to a? with another mating attack. Thiswould be nice for White, but he has other

better defences. Maybe he could retreatwith his queen to c8, attacking my rook ona6. I could even then sacrifice this rook

with h5, and if he takes it then hxg6, and ifhe takes with the h-pawn then Bg7+, Kg8,Rh5 and mates him. So many lines,however I'm not sure this is correct. I have

to play simply, otherwise my time will notbe enough. I see a line which seems to beeasy.

30 Qxd7 Nxd7 31 Bg7+ Kg8 32 Ra7 RdB.

SCHMID: My problem is now that mypawn on f6 which is so strong, is also alittle weak. His minor pieces are attackingthis pawn and bind my pieces to cover it. Ican win a pawn by Rb7, but he has counter

135

chances; he can attack my g3 pawn by Re2 and Re3. Otherwise he seems able to free himself by h5. I think better is to continue my attack, h5 myself. He cannot take it or my rook will get the f5 square.

33 h5 Re2 34 hxg6 hxg6 35 Kh4.

DONNER: I don't see any chances for me to attack the king any more. I must give the check. Jf he plays g4 and Kg5 I'm completely lost.

35 ••• Rh2+ 36 Kg4 Rh7.

A nice defence, threatening Rxg7 followed by fS+. White cannot make progress with 37 KgS, because 37 ... RhS+ forces it back again. Schmid decides to allow Donner his trick.

37 Rb7 Rxg7 38 fxg7 f5+ 39 Bxi5 gxf5 40 Rxf5 Bxg7 41 Rg5 Ne5+.

Black is in a nasty pin, but this check begins his escape from trouble.

42 Kf5 Rf8+ 43 Ke4 Nf7 44 Rf5 Re8+ 45 Kf3 Ne5+.

SCHMID: Both my king and the pawn on d3 are attacked, but just one move will be all right. He has no check which will bring me into trouble.

46 Ke2.

DONNER: Now I have the chances. Do I play for a win? Yes, I'll play Bh6.

46 • • • Bh6 47 Rf6.

This strong defence had been overlooked by Donner. 47 ... Ng4+ is met by 48 Re6. Now Black saves the game by constructing a perpetual check.

47 ••• Be3 48 Rxd6 Rf8 49 Kdl Rfl + 50 Kc2 Rcl + drawn.

136

The white king cannot go to b2 without allowing Nxd3+, so Black's rook can check for ever on c1, c2 and c3.

Game 37:

Jan Hein Donner - Tony Miles Nimzo-Indian Defence

A good slugging draw. Miles, perhaps unwisely, chose an opening variation which has long been a favourite of Donner's. The Dutchman had, in fact, played the first twenty moves in an earlier game. Miles found it hard to create active play and sacrificed two pawns to that end. This led to an interesting dynamic equality, with Donner returning the material to free his king from danger.

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 e3 0-0 5 Bd3 d5 6 Nf3 c5 7 0-0 Nc6 8 a3 Bxc3 9 bxc3 dxc4 10 Bxc4 Qc7.

This is one of the oldest main lines of the Nimzo-Indian. In compensation for giving up the bishop pair, Black frees his game with eS and obtains some pressure down the c-file.

11 Bd3 e5 12 Qc2 Re8 13 dxe5 Nxe5 14 Nxe5 Qxe5 15 f3 Bd7 16 a4 Rad8.

Now White tries to get his central pawns moving, while Black would like to organise some play against the split Q-side pawns.

17 Rel Bc6 18 e4 Nd5 19 Bd2 Nf4 20 Bfl.

chances; he can attack my g3 pawn by Re2and Re3. Otherwise he seems able to free

himself by h5. I think better is to continuemy attack, h5 myself. He cannot take it ormy rook will get the f5 square.

33 h5 Re2 34 hxg6 hxg6 35 Kh4.

DONNER: / don't see any chances for meto attack the king any more. I must givethe check. Jf he plays g4 and Kg5 I'mcompletely lost.

35 . . . Rh2+ 36 Kg4 Rh7.

A nice defence, threatening Rxg7 followedby f5+. White cannot make progress with37 Kg5, because 37 . . . Rh5+ forces it backagain. Schmid decides to allow Donner histrick.

37 Rb7 Rxg7 38 fxg7 f5+ 39 Bxf5 gxf540 Rxf5 Bxg7 41 Rg5 Ne5+.

Black is in a nasty pin, but this checkbegins his escape from trouble.

42 Kf5 Rf8+ 43 Ke4 Nf7 44 Rf5 Re8+

45 Kf3 Ne5+.

SCHMID: Both my king and the pawn ond3 are attacked, but just one move will beall right. He has no check which will bringme into trouble.

46 Ke2.

DONNER: Now / have the chances. Do I

play for a win? Yes, I'll play Bh6.

46 . . . Bh6 47 Rf6.

This strong defence had been overlookedby Donner. 47 . . . Ng4+ is met by 48 Re6.Now Black saves the game by constructinga perpetual check.

47 . . . Be3 48 Rxd6 Rf8 49 Kdl Rf1 +

50 Kc2 Rc1+ drawn.

The white king cannot go to b2 withoutallowing Nxd3+, so Black's rook can check

for ever on d, c2 and c3.

Game 37:

Jan Hein Donner - Tony MilesNimzo-lndian Defence

A good slugging draw. Miles, perhapsunwisely, chose an opening variationwhich has long been a favourite ofDonner's. The Dutchman had, in fact,

played the first twenty moves in an earliergame. Miles found it hard to create activeplay and sacrificed two pawns to that end.This led to an interesting dynamic equality,with Donner returning the material to freehis king from danger.

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 e3 0-0

5 Bd3 d5 6 Nf3 c5 7 0-0 Nc6 8 a3 Bxc3

9 bxc3 dxc4 10 Bxc4 Qc7.

This is one of the oldest main lines of the

Nimzo-lndian. In compensation for givingup the bishop pair, Black frees his gamewith e5 and obtains some pressure downthe c-file.

11 Bd3 e5 12 Qc2 Re8 13 dxe5 Nxe514 Nxe5 Qxe5 15 f3 Bd7 16 a4 Rad8.

Now White tries to get his central pawnsmoving, while Black would like to organisesome play against the split Q-side pawns.

17 Rel Bc6 18 e4 Nd5 19 Bd2 Nf4 20 Bfl.

136

8 • 7 i _ifl 6

_.t __ . 5 r ~~ "m~ II ~f""~ -4 ~- -~-~ ?L.,"

3 0 ~n~ -~-2 -~ -~ a b c d e 9 h

MILES: I've been wanting to play the Nimzo-Indian for some time but everyone avoids it these days, they always play Queen's Indians instead. At least I've got a main-line position. The trouble is he's been playing so quickly. I have a feeling it's the sort of position he's very used to. Now the problem is he wants to advance on the K-side with g3 and f4, very slowly probably. At the moment both moves come with gain of tempo because they hit my knight and queen, so what about regrouping this knight? I put it on e6, that's a nice central square; it controls f4, d4 and defends the pawn on c5.

20 ..• Ne6.

DONNER: That is a remarkable move. I have had this position several times already. The Dutch player Sosonko played c4, which is a pawn sacrifice. It seems he isn't afraid of this position, I have the two bishops but it's true his knight is very active. He's going to attack me on the K-side. Who's coming first there? I must play g3 and f4, but first let me put my bishop on e3.

21 Be3 .

MILES: He's going to play g3 so I'd like to undermine it to get some play. h5 and h4 is a natural idea; the only other thing would be to try and double on the d-fi/e, but that looks too slow. I think I should play like Larsen.

21 ••• hS.

DONNER: That is a very good move. Perhaps I should have played g3 immediately. Perhaps I have lost a tempo already with Be3. Well, I must advance with my K-side pawns.

22 g3.

MILES: Well, I didn't scare him. If I play h5, I must play h4.

22 ... h4.

DONNER: Can I take it? Looks silly, but it's always these silly moves you have to look at. No, if I take, he plays Qf6; I can't do that so I must protect the pawn.

23 Bf2 NgS 24 Bg2 Qe6.

Continuing his policy of active K-side play, Miles gives up his c-pawn. A brave decision, but the alternative was to allow the white pawns to start rolling with f4.

25 BxcS Nh3+ 26 Bxh3 Qxh3 27 Qg2 Qxg2+ 28 Kxg2 Rd2+ 29 Kh3.

Despite the queen exchange, Black's initiative continues, but he is still a pawn behind.

137

s8

a

i

abcdefgh

MILES: I've been wanting to play theNimzo-lndian for some time but everyoneavoids it these days, they always playQueen's Indians instead. At least I've got amain-line position. The trouble is he

'

s

been playing so quickly. I have a feelingit's the sort of position he's very used to.Now the problem is he wants to advanceon the K-side with g3 and f4, very slowlyprobably. At the moment both movescome with gain of tempo because they hitmy knight and queen, so what aboutregrouping this knight? I put it on eS, that

'

s

a nice central square; it controls f4, d4 anddefends the pawn on c5.

20 . . . Ne6.

DONNER: That is a remarkable move. I

have had this position several timesalready. The Dutch player Sosonko playedc4, which is a pawn sacrifice. It seems heisn't afraid of this position. I have the twobishops but it's true his knight is veryactive. He's going to attack me on theK-side

. Who's coming first there? I mustplay g3 and f4, but first let me put mybishop on e3.

21 Be3.

MILES: He's going to play g3 so I'd like toundermine it to get some play. h5 and h4is a natural idea; the only other thingwould be to try and double on the d-file,

but that looks too slow. I think I should

play like Larsen.

21 . . . h5.

DONNER: That is a very good move.Perhaps I should have played g3immediately. Perhaps I have lost a tempoalready with Be3. Well, I must advance withmy K-side pawns.

22 g3.

MILES: Well, I didn't scare him. If I playh5, I must play h4.

22 . . . h4.

DONNER: Can I take it? Looks silly,but it's

always these silly moves you have to lookat. No, if I take, he plays Qf6; I can't dothat so I must protect the pawn.

23 Bf2 Ng5 24 Bg2 Qe6.

Continuing his policy of active K-side play,Miles gives up his c-pawn. A bravedecision, but the alternative was to allow

the white pawns to start rolling with f4.

25 Bxc5 Nh3+ 26 Bxh3 Qxh3 27 Qg2Qxg2+ 28 Kxg2 Rd2+ 29 Kh3.

Despite the queen exchange. Black'sinitiative continues, but he is still a pawnbehind.

137

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

MILES: I had a clear line of play if he went back, but now he comes forward. Can he really do this? I must take on g3; can he take with the pawn? I have lines like Re5; Be3, Rh5 +; Kg4, I can even play something like Bd7+ then, after Kxh5, I have Rh2+; Kg5, f6+; Kg6, Be8+; Kf5, Bd7+; then if he goes to f4, I have g5 mate, but he could come to g6 and I only have a draw. /t's all very interesting though. Anyway I must take on g3.

29 ••. hxg3.

DONNER: Now I'm definitely better. How shall I take back? If I take with the king, he plays Rd3 and the pawn on f3 is pinned. There are dangerous moments when he checks me with the other rook after Re6 or Re5. Okay, let him chase my king, it becomes better and better probably.

30 hxg3.

MILES: There must be something for me here. The only trouble is the black squares, I haven't anything to control them with. Re5 looks the most dangerous, hits his bishop. If he goes to e3, I can check on h5; I get many threats. Maybe e3 is the

138

wrong square, he wants to escape with his king there. Maybe he can even take the second pawn on a7. But I think I must play Re5 to keep my initiative.

30 ••• ReS.

DONNER: I can't believe that this is really an attack. I take at a7. Is it dangerous? Is there Rh5+? No, my king is very well placed as a matter of fact.

31 Bxa7 RhS+ 32 Kg4 Rh6 33 Bd4.

MILES: That's a good solid move. Now one of my ideas was to play Rg2 to try and get the g-pawn back, but it's not so wonderful. I still have chances of trying to create a mating net, maybe later by Rd3 to cut off his flight square, but I must have something to control the black squares. His Bd4 isn't active; I have another free move.

33 ... f6.

DONNER: Now it's becoming dangerous really. Kf4, Rd3, g4, Rh3, that is very unpleasant. I must do something immediately because he's threatening to mate me now. His bishop is very strong. I must change a pair of rooks.

34 Rad1.

MILES: That's annoying, I can never cut off his flight square with Rd3 now. I could bail out and get his a-pawn back, but I think I can get more than this out of it. I ought to settle something on the K-side. How's Rg2? Threatens Rg6+; should get the pawn back.

34 .•• Rg2.

DONNER: I'm two pawns up, but I'm afraid I'm going to lose both of them. Well, I see a small chance.

35 Kf4.

8

m

a a

1

abcdefgh

MILES: / had a. clear line of play if he wentback, but now he comes forward. Can he

really do this? I must take on g3; can hetake with the pawn? I have lines like Re5;Be3, Rh5+; Kg4, I can even play somethinglike Bd7+ then, after Kxh5, I have Rh2+;

Kg5, f6+; Kg6, Be8+; Kf5, Bd7+; then if hegoes to f4, I have g5 mate, but he couldcome to g6 and I only have a draw. It's all

very interesting though. Anyway I musttake on g3.

29 . . . hxg3.

DONNER: Now I'm definitely better. Howshall I take back? If I take with the king, heplays Rd3 and the pawn on f3 is pinned.There are dangerous moments when hechecks me with the other rook after Re6 or

Re5. Okay, let him chase my king, itbecomes better and better probably.

30 hxg3.

MILES: There must be something for mehere. The only trouble is the black squares,I haven't anything to control them with.Re5 looks the most dangerous, hits hisbishop. If he goes to e3, I can check onh5; I get many threats. Maybe e3 is the

wrong square, he wants to escape with hisking there. Maybe he can even take thesecond pawn on a7. But I think I must playRe5 to keep my initiative.

30 . . . Re5.

DONNER: / can't believe that this is reallyan attack. I take at a7. Is it dangerous? Isthere Rh5 + ? No, my king is very wellplaced as a matter of fact.

31 Bxa7 Rh5+ 32 Kg4 Rh6 33 Bd4.

MILES: That's a good solid move. Now oneof my ideas was to play Rg2 to try and getthe g-pawn back, but it's not so wonderful.I still have chances of trying to create amating net, maybe later by Rd3 to cut offhis flight square, but I must havesomething to control the black squares. HisBd4 isn't active; I have another free move.

33 . . . f6.

DONNER: Now it's becoming dangerousreally. Kf4, Rd3, g4, Rh3, that is veryunpleasant. I must do somethingimmediately because he's threatening tomate me now. His bishop is very strong. Imust change a pair of rooks.

34 Radl.

MILES: That's annoying, I can never cut offhis flight square with Rd3 now. I could bailout and get his a-pawn back, but I think Ican get more than this out of it. I ought tosettle something on the K-side. How

'

s Rg2?Threatens Rg6+; should get the pawn back.

34 . . . Rg2.

DONNER: I'm two pawns up,but I'm

afraid I'm going to lose both of them. Well,I see a small chance.

35 Kf4.

138

MILES: I can take on a4 with tempo any time but I've got to win one of those K-side pawns to be really safe. I think it must be g5 +, getting the pawn immediately. I think he's given up trying to win; he's letting me out with a draw.

35 ••• gS+ 36 Ke3 Rxg3 37 Rg1 Rxg1 38 Rxg1 Bxa4.

DONNER: It's hopelessly drawn, but you can play. I can never lose.

39 eS.

This wins a pawn for Donner, but indeed the resulting ending is hopelessly drawn. White's king can never join in and Black establishes a permanent blockade.

39 ••• fxeS 40 RxgS+ Kf7 41 BxeS Rh3 42 Kf2 Bc6 43 f4 Ke6 44 Ke2 Be4 45 Bd4 BfS Draw agreed.

After 46 Rg7 Rh7 White has nothing to do.

Game 38:

Bent Larsen • Lothar Schmid Queen's Gambit Declined

A tense struggle developed from the opening with the kings castled on opposite sides of the board. Schmid handled his position with great subtlety and appeared to have a good game. Then he blundered, overlooking a tactical possibility which let Larsen's pieces in d~cisively.

1 c4 e6 2 Nc3 dS 3 d4 Nf6 4 cxdS exdS 5 BgS Be7 6 e3 c6 7 Bd3 h6.

Donner was to play the theoretically recommended 7 ... Ne4 in game 39 against Larsen. Schmid's move gives the

bishop the chance to change diagonals and avoid exchange.

8 Bf4 Nbd7 9 Nf3 Nf8 10 h3 Ng6 11 Bh2 Bd6 12 Bxd6 Qxd6 13 Bxg6 fxg6.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

LARSEN: I want to play Ne5. I could also play Qb3 so that his bishop has to stay home for a moment. Ne5 is nice because it forces him to play g5. He cannot play Bf5 because of g4. Ne5 looks natural, but I hate making natural moves.

14 NeS.

SCHMID: That attacks my pawn. Bf5 would be a mistake because of g4. The only move is g5, but I think it is sufficient.

14 ••• gS.

LARSEN: I could still castle K-side and later maybe f4. No, I think I have to castle Q-side. The queen can go to c2 or d3; that stops his bishop from going to f5. If I go to c2, then afterwards my rook on d1 indirectly threatens his queen. Also I like it because he gets the f-file and I like to protect f2.

139

MILES: / can take on a4 with tempo anytime but I've got to win one of thoseK-side pawns to be really safe. I think it

must be g5+, getting the pawnimmediately. I think he's given up trying towin; he's letting me out with a draw.

35 . . . g5+ 36 Ke3 Rxg3 37 Rgl Rxgl38 Rxgl Bxa4.

DONNER: It's hopelessly drawn, but youcan play. I can never lose.

39 e5.

This wins a pawn for Donner, but indeedthe resulting ending is hopelessly drawn.White's king can never join in and Blackestablishes a permanent blockade.

39 . . . fxe5 40 Rxg5+ Kf7 41 Bxe5 Rh342 Kf2 Bc6 43 f4 Ke6 44 Ke2 Be4

45 Bd4 Bf5 Draw agreed.

After 46 Rg7 Rh7 White has nothing to do.

Game 38:

Bent Larsen - Lothar Schmid

Queen's Gambit Declined

A tense struggle developed from theopening with the kings castled on oppositesides of the board. Schmid handled his

position with great subtlety and appearedto have a good game. Then he blundered,overlooking a tactical possibility which letLarsen's pieces in decisively.

1 c4 e6 2 Nc3 d5 3 d4 Nf6 4 cxd5 exdS

5 BgS Be7 6 e3 c6 7 Bd3 h6.

Donner was to play the theoreticallyrecommended 7 . . . Ne4 in game 39against Larsen. Schmid's move gives the

bishop the chance to change diagonals andavoid exchange.

8 Bf4 Nbd7 9 Nf3 Nf8 10 h3 Ng611 Bh2 Bd6 12 Bxd6 Qxd6 13 Bxg6 fxg6.

8

1

a

a b c d e f g h

LARSEN: / want fo play Ne5. I could alsoplay Qb3 so that his bishop has to stayhome for a moment. Ne5 is nice because it

forces him to play g5. He cannot play Bf5because of g4. Ne5 looks natural, but Ihate making natural moves.

14 Ne5.

SCHMID: That attacks my pawn. Bf5 wouldbe a mistake because of g4. The only moveis g5, but I think it is sufficient.

14 . . . g5.

LARSEN: / could still castle K-side and later

maybe f4. No, I think I have to castleQ-side

. The queen can go to c2 or d3; thatstops his bishop from going to f5. If I go toc2, then afterwards my rook on dlindirectly threatens his queen. Also I like itbecause he gets the f-file and I like toprotect f2.

139

lS Qc2 0-0 16 0-0-0.

SCHMID: I have to develop first my bishop and then ask his knight what he wants to do there on e5, by retreating my own knight to d7. Then the decision for him will not be so easy.

16 ... Be6 17 g4 Nd7 18 f4.

Taking advantage of a tactical idea in order to defend his knight.

18 ... gxf4 19 Ng6 Rf6 20 Nxf4 Re8.

LARSEN: Oh that is annoying, he wins some kind of tempo because when he plays Bf7 later he's attacking the pawn. This is difficult, I don't like it too much. I can play Rg1, he plays Bf7, and in some cases he plays g5 afterwards. I can protect e3, but still in some cases I play Rg1 and g5, my rook takes on g5 and then the other rook is unprotected on e1 so he can take on f4. That was a strong move he made. I have to protect e3 at once, Qd2; I don't like to go away from that diagonal but maybe it's good to get away from a white square where it can be attacked by the bishop.

21 Qd2.

SCHMID: Now he threatens to push his pawns against my king, but I shall have a lot of counterplay at the queen's wing because his queen is a little bit exposed on d2. I play Nb6 and I shall have a threat to go to c4.

21 ... Nb6.

LARSEN: I cannot allow Nc4, so I have no choice. After b3 his knight is a little mi~placed except for sacrifices. My king is a Itttle open, but there is nothing else.

22 b3 as. 140

LARSEN: I have to start attacking. Rg1, but which rook? That's a problem because if I play Rdg1 then h3 is protected; sometimes it could be important, there's also a flight square for my king. There's probably something wrong with it. I must make the natural move.

23 Rhg1.

SCHMID: He wants to attack with g5 and so on. However my position looks rather solid, all the pieces are well placed. Let's be consistent.

23 . .. a4.

LARSEN: Normally one shouldn't take notice of such moves as long as they contain no direct threats, but maybe I can take with the knight, knight takes knight, pawn takes. He probably plays Ra8; even if n~body gets mated I then get an endgame With some weak pawns. I don't like that. I think I have to play g5.

24 gS hxgS 2S RxgS axb3 26 axb3 BfS.

Both attacks are gathering momentum now. White is ready to add to his g-file pressure, while Black keeps the move Qa3+ in reserve.

27 NhS Rf7.

15Qc2 0-0 16 0-0-0.

SCHMID: / have to develop first my bishopand then ask his knight what he wants todo there on e5, by retreating my ownknight to d7. Then the decision for him willnot be so easy.

16 . . . Be6 17 g4 Nd7 18 f4.

Taking advantage of a tactical idea in orderto defend his knight.

18 . . . gxf4 19 Ng6 Rf6 20 Nxf4 Re8.

LARSEN: Oh that is annoying, he winssome kind of tempo because when heplays Bf7 later he

'

s attacking the pawn. Thisis difficult, I don't like it too much. I can

play Rg1, he plays Bf7, and in some caseshe plays g5 afterwards. I can protect e3,but still in some cases I play Rg1 and g5,my rook takes on g5 and then the otherrook is unprotected on e1 so he can takeon f4. That was a strong move he made. Ihave to protect e3 at once, Qd2; I don'tlike to go away from that diagonal butmaybe it's good to get away from a whitesquare where it can be attacked by thebishop.

21 Qd2.

SCHMID: Now he threatens to push hispawns against my king, but I shall have alot of counterplay at the queen's wingbecause his queen is a little bit exposed ond2. I play Nb6 and I shall have a threat togo to c4.

21 . . . Nb6.

LARSEN: / cannot allow Nc4, so I have no

choice. After b3 his knight is a littlemisplaced except for sacrifices. My king isa little open, but there is nothing else.

22 b3 a5.

LARSEN: / have to start attacking. Rg1,but

which rook? That's a problem because if Iplay Rdg1 then h3 is protected; sometimesit could be important, there's also a flightsquare for my king. There's probablysomething wrong with it. I must make thenatural move.

23 Rhgl.

SCHMID: He wants to attack with g5 andso on. However my position looks rathersolid, all the pieces are well placed. Let'sbe consistent.

23 . . . a4.

LARSEN: Normally one shouldn't takenotice of such moves as long as theycontain no direct threats, but maybe I cantake with the knight, knight takes knight,pawn takes. He probably plays Ra8; even ifnobody gets mated I then get an endgamewith some weak pawns. I don't like that. I

think I have to play g5.

24 g5 hxg5 25 Rxg5 axb3 26 axb3 Bf5.

Both attacks are gathering momentumnow. White is ready to add to his g-filepressure, while Black keeps the moveQa3+ in reserve.

27 Nh5 Rf7.

140

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

LARSEN: He didn't play Qa3+; he could have forced the exchange of queens, but· of course he likes to keep that threat. Now Nxg7 is no good; he checks with the queen, exchanges queens, he takes my knight, I take his bishop and then he takes the pawn on e3 and I get a difficult ending; three weak pawns, not nice. Rdg1 I don't think creates many threats. I think I must play Rf1; it's nice to attack that bishop and indirectly attack the rook which is defending everything. I think I am okay now.

28 Rf1.

SCHMID: He did not get into my trap to take the g-pawn. Now this is dangerous. He threatens to take my bishop and I should do something against it. The solid way is perhaps Qa3+, this forces the queen exchange, then I c;over my bishop. Or I can retreat immediately Bg6 and if he takes my rook, king takes; his knight could go back to f4 and the whole position is about even. But why not play g6? If he plays Ng3, then Qa3 +, Qb2, exchange queens, then Bd3. This would be very good for Black.

28 ... g6.

LARSEN: What's happening? He should have checked me and exchanged queens. What's happening now? I take on f5 and that gives me the square c2 for my king. I don't see what he can do. Yes, this is fantastic. Three moves ago I thought I was in trouble. Rxf5, he takes, I take and check with the queen. Wonderful.

29 RhfS.

SCHMID: Oh my goodness, I made a blunder. I see it now. This move g6 was terribly bad; I should have checked on a3. Now suddenly he threatens to mate me and wins the queen after all. I could resign immediately. Well, he did it cleverly; myself, I was a fool to play that way. Okay I have to take and playa few more moves only.

29 .•. RxfS 30 Rxi5 Qa3+ 31 Kc2 gxf5 32 Qg2+.

This killing check is the point of Larsen's little combination. The queen penetrates to g7. The end is easy and quick.

32 ... Kf7 33 Qg7 + Ke6 34 QeS+.

Now 34 ... Kf7 35 Qf6+ KgB 36 Qg7 is mate, while 34 ... Kd7 loses the rook ~fter 35 Nf6+.

Black resigned.

Game 39:

Bent Larsen - Jan Hein Donner Queen's Gambit DeClined

Larsen has a very subtle appreciation of small endgame advantages, but this time

141

18

a

fa g

LARSEN: He didn't play Qa3+; he couldhave forced the exchange of queens, butof course he likes to keep that threat. NowNxg7 is no good; he checks with thequeen, exchanges queens, he takes myknight, I take his bishop and then he takesthe pawn on e3 and I get a difficult ending;three weak pawns, not nice. Rdgl I don'tthink creates many threats. I think I mustplay Rfl; it's nice to attack that bishop andindirectly attack the rook which isdefending everything. I think I am okaynow.

28 Rfl.

SCHMID: He did not get into my trap totake the g-pawn. Now this is dangerous.He threatens to take my bishop and Ishould do something against it. The solidway is perhaps Qa3+, this forces thequeen exchange, then I cover my bishop.Or I can retreat immediately Bg6 and if hetakes my rook, king takes; his knight couldgo back to f4 and the whole position isabout even. But why not play g6? If heplays Ng3, then Qa3+, Qb2, exchangequeens, then Bd3. This would be verygood for Black.

28... g6.

LARSEN: What's happening? He shouldhave checked me and exchanged queens.What's happening now? I take on f5 andthat gives me the square c2 for my king. Idon't see what he can do. Yes, this is

fantastic. Three moves ago I thought I wasin trouble. Rxf5, he takes, I take and check

with the queen. Wonderful.

29 R1xf5.

SCHMID: Oh my goodness, I made ablunder. I see it now. This move g6 wasterribly bad; I should have checked on a3.Now suddenly he threatens to mate meand wins the queen after all. I could resignimmediately. Well, he did it cleverly;myself, I was a fool to play that way. OkayI have to take and play a few more movesonly.

29 . . . Rxf5 30 Rxf5 Qa3+ 31 Kc2 gxf532Qg2+.

This killing check is the point of Larsen'slittle combination. The queen penetrates tog7. The end is easy and quick.

32 . . . Kf7 33 Qg7+ Ke6 34 Qe5+.

Now 34 . . . Kf7 35 Qf6+ Kg8 36 Qg7 ismate, while 34 . . . Kd7 loses the rook after

35 Nf6+.

Black resigned.

Game 39:

Bent Larsen - Jan Hein DonnerQueen's Gambit Declined

Larsen has a very subtle appreciation ofsmall endgame advantages, but this time

141

he went straight from the opening into an ending where he appeared to have nothing at all. Donner looked bored for a long time, and even seemed not a little irritated that Larsen was continuing with his winning attempts. The Dane, however, had an idea in mind, which he delayed until Donner was short of time. The Dutchman defended wrongly, and Larsen scored a surprising victory.

1 c4 e6 2 Nc3 d5 3 d4 Nf6 4 cxd5 exd5 5 Bg5 c6 6 e3 Be7 7 Bd3 Ne4 B Bxe7 Qxe7 9 Qc2 Bf5.

Note that White was threatening Nxd5 as well as capturing on e4.

10 Nge2 Nd7 11 Ng3 Nxg3 12 hxg3 Bxd3 13 Qxd3 g6.

Donner's sensible plan of exchanging pieces has left him with near equality. White's main plan lies in the advance of his Q-side pawns to provoke weaknesses.

14 b4 a6 15 a4.

White can continue to leave the b-pawn unprotected. Qxb4 is always met by Rb1, regaining the b7-pawn.

15 ••• Nf6 16 Rb1 Ne4 17 Nxe4 dxe4 1B Qc3 0-0 19 0-0 RfdB 20 Qc5 Qxc5 21 bxc5 Rd7 22 g4.

A good move, discouraging Black from playing h5 and f5; both white g-pawns are now working, but his advantage is very small.

22 ••• ReB 23 Rb3 Kg7 24 Kh2 g5 25 Kg3 Kg6 26 f3 exf3 27 gxf3 h5 2B gxh5+ Kxh5 29 Rfb1 Ree7 30 f4 f5 31 Rh1 + Kg6 32 fxg5 Kxg5.

And this is where Larsen began his war of attrition. For the next forty moves nothing

142

significant happened, except for the exchange of one pair of rooks. Larsen tried several feints, hoping to confuse Donner, or at least give him som~thing to think about. Only at move 75 did his plan begin to become clear.

33 Kf3 Rh7 34 Rbb1 Rde7 35 Rbg1 + Kf6 36 as Rd7 37 Ke2 Rde7 38 Kd3 Rd7 39 Rf1 Ke6 40 Rhg1 Rdg7 41 Rxg7 Rxg7 42 Rh1 Rf7 43 Rh6+ Rf6 44 Rh4 Rf7 45 Rh6+ Rf6 46 Rh2 Rf7 47 Kc4 Kf6 48 Rh1 Re7 49 Kd3 Kg5 50 Rg1 + Kf6 51 RgB Rh7 52 RbB Rd7 53 Ke2 Rh7 54 Kf3 Rh3+ 55 Kf4 Rh4+ 56 Kg3 Rh7 57 RfB+ Kg5 58 Kg2 Re7 59 Kf3 Kg6 60 RdB Kf6 61 Rd6+ Kg5 62 RdB Kf6 63 RhB Kg6 64 Rh1 Kg5 65 Rf1 Kf6 66 Ke2 Kg5 67 Kd3 Kg4 68 Rf2 Kg5 69 Rg2+ Kf6 70 Rh2 Kg5 71 Rg2+ Kf6 72 Re2 Kg5 73 Re1 Kf6 74 Rb1 Rd7 75 Kc4.

abc d e 9 h

DONNER: For the last forty moves he has done absolutely nothing. He has played his rook to all possible squares and his king to c4, d3, e2, f3 and even at one moment f4. Now he has come back again just trying to

he went straight from the opening into anending where he appeared to have nothingat all. Donner looked bored for a longtime, and even seemed not a little irritated

that Larsen was continuing with hiswinning attempts. The Dane, however, hadan idea in mind, which he delayed untilDonner was short of time. The Dutchman

defended wrongly, and Larsen scored asurprising victory.

1 c4 e6 2 Nc3 d5 3 d4 Nf6 4 cxd5 exd5

5 Bg5 c6 6 e3 Be7 7 Bd3 Ne48 Bxe7 Qxe7 9 Qc2 Bf5.

Note that White was threatening Nxd5 aswell as capturing on e4.

10 Nge2 Nd7 11 Ng3 Nxg3 12 hxg3 Bxd313 Qxd3 g6.

Donner's sensible plan of exchangingpieces has left him with near equality.White's main plan lies in the advance ofhis Q-side pawns to provoke weaknesses.

14b4a6 15 a4.

White can continue to leave the b-pawnunprotected. Qxb4 is always met by Rbl,regaining the b7-pawn.

15 . . . Nf6 16 Rbl Ne4 17 Nxe4 dxe4

18 Qc3 0-0 19 0-0 RfdB 20 Qc5 Qxc521 bxc5 Rd7 22 g4.

A good move, discouraging Black fromplaying h5 and f5; both white g-pawns arenow working, but his advantage is verysmall.

22 . . . Re8 23 Rb3 Kg7 24 Kh2 g525 Kg3 Kg6 26 f3 exf3 27 gxf3 h528 gxh5+ Kxh5 29 Rfbl Ree7 30 f4 f531 Rh1+ Kg6 32 fxg5 Kxg5.

And this is where Larsen began his war ofattrition. For the next forty moves nothing

significant happened, except for theexchange of one pair of rooks. Larsen triedseveral feints, hoping to confuse Donner,or at least give him something to thinkabout. Only at move 75 did his plan beginto become clear.

33 Kf3 Rh7 34 Rbbl Rde7 35 Rbg1+ KfB36 a5 Rd7 37 Ke2 Rde7 38 Kd3 Rd7

39 Rfl Ke6 40 Rhgl Rdg7 41 Rxg7 Rxg742 Rhl Rf7 43 Rh6+ Rf6 44 Rh4 Rf7

45 Rh6+ Rf6 46 Rh2 Rf7 47 Kc4 Kf6

48 Rhl Re7 49 Kd3 Kg5 50 Rg1+ Kf651 Rg8 Rh7 52 RbB Rd7 53 Ke2 Rh754 Kf3 Rh3+ 55 Kf4 Rh4+ 56 Kg3 Rh757 Rf8+ Kg5 58 Kg2 Re7 59 Kf3 Kg660 RdB Kf6 61 Rd6+ Kg5 62 RdB Kf663 RhB Kg6 64 Rhl Kg5 65 Rfl Kf666 Ke2 Kg5 67 Kd3 Kg4 68 Rf2 Kg569 Rg2+ KfB 70 Rh2 Kg5 71 Rg2+ Kf672 Re2 Kg5 73 Rel Kf6 74 Rbl Rd775 Kc4.

8

1

a b c d e f g h

DONNER: For the last forty moves he hasdone absolutely nothing. He has played hisrook to all possible squares and his king toc4, d3, e2, f3 and even at one moment f4.Now he has come back again just trying to

142

find the best position for his pieces. I think he has reached it now. The threat is dS. If I take that with the pawn he plays Kd4 and he has an excellent position because of the check at b6. I must fight against dS by playing the rook to e7.

75 ••• Re7.

LARSEN: I must protect e3 with my rook. It's funny how in these long games you suddenly think of something that happened a long time ago. If my pawn had not gone from a4 to as, I could now have the threat to play the king to b4, as and b6. Well, I think he would then play his pawn to as. No regrets, my pawn is one step closer to queening, that's why it went to as so long ago.

76 Rb3.

DONNER: I'm in a kind of zugzwang now; when I go away with the rook along the seventh rank, he plays dS; and the king can't go to e6. I must play KgS.

76 •.• KgS.

LARSEN: Well I guess it's now or never. I was hoping he would be more in time pressure, but he still has 20 minutes. I don't think I can improve my position. It would be too much to go back with Kd3, and dS is really very interesting. I must do it, it's the only chance.

77 dS.

DONNER: At last the game is reaching its climax. Now I must be very accurate. The idea is to check and then take the pawn. I see no other move.

77 ••• Re4+ 78 Kd3 adS.

LARSEN: I don't know if this is a win, but at least I can say I got this far.

79 Rxb7 Rc4 80 Rc7.

DONNER: Now I wish my king was at f6. Then it is a dead draw. But I can play f4 and exchange an important pawn. It's very dangerous because he plays Rc8, I take on e3 and he plays c6. That looks very dangerous. I must go back.

80 ••• Kf6.

In fact this was the moment when Donner panicked. After 80 ... f4 81 Rc8 fxe3 82 c6 Black has still time to return: 82 ... Kf6 83 c7 Ke7 and the king is close enough to stop the pawn.

LARSEN: Now c6 is nothing. If I play Rc6+ and take the pawn on a6 then I have gained a tempo, but in the meantime he has improved his king position. But I think it's the only move.

81 ReS + KeS 82 Rxa6 Rxc5 83 Ra8.

DONNER: Aye, aye! That is very painful; that is horrible. Now he's threatening a6 and a7. I should have changed that last pawn there at e3; I regret now that I played Kf6 instead of f4. Am I losing? There's only one way, I must go with the king to the pawn.

83 ••• Kd6 84 a6 Kc7.

LARSEN: What's happening? I thought he would play RaS. No, It's the same of course, exactly the same. What is now a7, Kb7? I get some winning chances maybe. No, there's only one move; that's Rf8. The rook has to go away, so why not threaten the pawn?

85 Rf8.

DONNER: This position is desperate, because the pawn ending is lost. My two pawns lose against his one because his

143

find the best position for his pieces. I thinkhe has reached it now. The threat is d5. If I

take that with the pawn he plays Kd4 andhe has an excellent position because of thecheck at b6. I must fight against d5 byplaying the rook to el.

75 . . . Re7.

LARSEN: / must protect e3 with my rook.It's funny how in these long games yousuddenly think of something thathappened a long time ago. If my pawn hadnot gone from a4 to a5, I could now havethe threat to play the king to b4, a5 and b6.Well, I think he would then play his pawnto a5. No regrets, my pawn is one stepcloser to queening, that's why it went to a5so long ago.

76 Rb3.

DONNER: I'm in a kind of zugzwang now;when I go away with the rook along theseventh rank, he plays d5; and the kingcan

't go to e6. I must play Kg5.

76... Kg5.

LARSEN: Well I guess it's now or never. Iwas hoping he would be more in timepressure, but he still has 20 minutes. Idon't think I can improve my position. Itwould be too much to go back with Kd3,and d5 is really very interesting. I must doit, it's the only chance.

77 d5.

DONNER: At last the game is reaching itsclimax. Now I must be very accurate. Theidea is to check and then take the pawn. Isee no other move.

T! ... Re4+ 78 Kd3 cxd5.

LARSEN: / don't know if this is a win, but

at least I can say I got this far.

79 Rxb7 Rc4 80 Rc7.

DONNER: Now / wish my king was at f6.Then it is a dead draw. But I can play f4and exchange an important pawn. It

'

s verydangerous because he plays Red, I take one3 and he plays c6. That looks verydangerous. I must go back.

80 . . . Kf6.

In fact this was the moment when Donner

panicked. After 80 . . . f4 81 Rc8 fxe382 c6 Black has still time to return:

82 . . . Kf6 83 c7 Ke7 and the king is closeenough to stop the pawn.

LARSEN: Now c6 is nothing. If I play Rc6+and take the pawn on a6 then I havegained a tempo, but in the meantime hehas improved his king position. But I thinkit's the only move.

81 Rc6+ Ke5 82 Rxa6 Rxc5 83 Ra8.

DONNER: Aye, aye! That is very painful;that is horrible. Now he's threatening a6and a7. I should have changed that lastpawn there at e3; I regret now that I playedKf6 instead of f4. Am I losing? There's onlyone way, I must go with the king to thepawn.

83 . . . Kd6 84 a6 Kc7.

LARSEN: What's happening? I thought hewould play Ra5. No, It

's the same of

course, exactly the same. What is now al,Kb7? I get some winning chances maybe.No, there's only one move; that's Rf8. Therook has to go away, so why not threatenthe pawn?

85 Rf8.

DONNER: This position is desperate,because the pawn ending is lost. My twopawns lose against his one because his

143

king is nearer. Well, I must do a move.

85 ••• Ra5.

LARSEN: What's happening? I thought he would play Kb6, but it was probably a win anyway. I would have won both f5 and d5 and his king would have been cut off. But now it's easy. a7, he takes, I check him, then his king is on a7 after the exchange of rooks, I play Kd4, he plays King b something, I take on d5, then go to e5 and I take on f5. Then I win with my last pawn. No trouble.

86 a7 Kb7 87 a8(Q)+.

DONNER: Yes, I am horribly swindled here. He wins the pawn ending with a whole pawn down. This is hopeless.

Black resigned.

After 87 ... Rxa8 88 Rxa8 Kxa8 89 Kd4 the white king takes both black pawns.

Game 40:

Tony Miles - Lothar Schmid Neo-Gruiifeld Defence

This game was played at the same time as Larsen-Donner. While that game looked so drawish, there remained chances for Schmid to force a play-off for the group: if he beat Miles, then all players would end level on 1% points. This accounts for Schmid's play around move 30. He suddenly lashed out and opened the game, when passive defence was called for. This brave winning try, however, was thoroughly punished by Miles's attack.

1 g3 d5 2 Nf3 g6 3 c4 Nf6 4 Bg2 Bg7 5 d4 0-0 6 0-0 dxc4.

The main alternative is to hold firm in the

144

centre with 6 ... c6. With the move played, Schmid gives up his Rawn occupation of the centre in return for piece activity.

7 Na3 Nc6 8 Nxc4 Be6 9 b3 Bd5 10 Bb2 as 11 Rc1 Qc8.

Black must keep dS and e4 under controi to prevent the white centre pawns expanding. This queen move prepares a later Rd8 and Qe6, maintaining Black's hold. Miles reacts immediately by chasing the powerful bishop.

12 Ne3 Be4 13 Ne5.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

SCHMID: Now immediately complications. Nxe5, dxe5, RdB would be fine, but he could play better; Nxe5, Bxe4. No, I think it's not in my style. I'll exchange bishops.

13 ••• Bxg2 14 Kxg2 Nb4.

MILES: He ran away. Well, a3, where's he going next? If he goes to a6, I have Ne5-c4 with the double threat of Nb6 and Nxa5; that looks as if it wins a pawn. So he has to go to d5; I take it and play e4; I've got a wonderful space advantage. He can never

king is nearer. Well, I must do a move.

85 . . . Rd5.

LARSEN: What's happening? I thought hewould play Kb6, but it was probably a winanyway. I would have won both f5 and d5and his king would have been cut off. Butnow it's easy, a7, he takes, I check him,then his king is on a7 after the exchange ofrooks, I play Kd4, he plays King bsomething, I take on d5, then go to e5 andI take on f5. Then I win with my last pawn.No trouble.

86a7Kb7 87 a8(Q) + .

DONNER: Ves, / am horribly swindledhere. He wins the pawn ending with awhole pawn down. This is hopeless.

Black resigned.

After 87 . . . Rxa8 88 Rxa8 Kxa8 89 Kd4 the

white king takes both black pawns.

Game 40:

Tony Miles - Lothar SchmidNeo-Gruhfeld Defence

This game was played at the same time asLarsen-Donner. While that game looked sodrawish, there remained chances for

Schmid to force a play-off for the group: ifhe beat Miles, then all players would endlevel on IVi points. This accounts forSchmid's play around move 30. Hesuddenly lashed out and opened the game,when passive defence was called for. Thisbrave winning try, however, wasthoroughly punished by Miles's attack.

1 g3 d5 2 Nf3 g6 3 c4 Nf6 4 Bg2 Bg75d4 0-0 6 0-0 dxc4.

The main alternative is to hold firm in the

centre with 6 . . . c6. With the move

played, Schmid gives up his pawnoccupation of the centre in return forpiece activity.

7 Na3 Nc6 8 Nxc4 Be6 9 b3 Bd5

10 Bb2a5 11 Rcl QcB.

Black must keep d5 and e4 under controlto prevent the white centre pawnsexpanding. This queen move prepares alater Rd8 and Qe6, maintaining Black'shold. Miles reacts immediately by chasingthe powerful bishop.

12 Ne3 Be4 13 Ne5.

8

3

11

a b c d e f g h

SCHMID: Now immediately complications.Nxe5, dxe5, Rd8 would be fine, but he

could play better; Nxe5, Bxe4. No, I thinkit's not in my style. I'll exchange bishops.

13 . . . Bxg2 14 Kxg2 Nb4.

MILES: He ran away. Well, a3, where's hegoing next? If he goes to a6, I have Ne5-c4with the double threat of Nb6 and Nxa5;

that looks as if it wins a pawn. So he has togo to d5; I take it and play e4; I

'

ve got awonderful space advantage. He can never

144

take the knight on eS; he goes to b6 and his knight's stupid. This looks very nice.

15 a3 Nbd5 16 NxdS Nxd5 17 e4.

SCHMID: There are two moves: b6 or f6 with the knight. I like it better that the knight will defend the king's wing and at the same time attack his pawn on e4. Then we have this typical position where he has one more line of space, four against three. This is certainly an advantage for him, but Black's position is very solid. I do not have any weaknesses and I think this game should not be too bad.

17 ... Nf6.

For the next dozen moves, Miles slowly built up his position, but Schmid refused to give ground. Black must always keep a firm hold on d5 to prevent White breaking through on that square, but Schmid patiently defended with pawns on e6 and c6.

18 Qe2 e6 19 Rfd1 Qd8 20 a4 e6 21 Ba3 Re8 22 Qf3 Qe7 23 Ne4 Red8.

White can win material here with 24 Bd6 Rxd6 25 Nxd6 Qxd6 26 e5 Qd5 27 exf6 Qxf3+ 28 Kxf3 Bxf6. Miles rejected this line, since the final position offers White no evident winning plan. Better to keep the tension and wait.

24 Be5 Ra6 25 h3 Ne8 26 Qe3 b6 27 Ba3 Qb7 28 Kh2 Raa8.

MILES: I have to find a plan in this position. I stand clearly better, but what should I do? The thematic break is dS, but it's not so easy to get enough pieces defending that square. At the moment I even have problems protecting my pawn on d4. The correct plan has got to be overprotecting the d-pawn. I must double

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

rooks on the d-file. That looks clearly right.

29 Rd3.

SCHMID: I should try and attack on the K-side, hS and perhaps later h4 and Kh7; and the bishop might come occasionally to h6. It is no special plan, but it is a plan. Why not try; he is a little bit short of time.

29 ••• h5.

MILES: He wants to play Kh7, Bh6; if h4, I just play g4, it's a weakness. He's welcome to play all of those. It just looks weakening. I don't want to spend any time on this. Just double rooks.

30 Red1.

SCHMID: I'm not very happy with my own plan. It is so difficult to play well in such a cramped position. Perhaps I should play Rac8. Otherwise I have the possibility bS, and the rook covers the pawn on as. All these moves are not very nice. In fact, it's better to continue with my plan.

30 ••• Kh7.

MILES: I want to put some more pieces on dS. Qf3 looks the next one, then maybe I'll

145

take the knight on e5; he goes to 66 andhis knight's stupid. This looks very nice.

15 a3 Nbd5 16 Nxd5 Nxd5 17 e4.

SCHMID: There are two moves: 66 or f6

with the knight. I like it better that theknight will defend the king's wing and atthe same time attack his pawn on e4. Thenwe have this typical position where he hasone more line of space, four against three.This is certainly an advantage for him, butBlack's position is very solid. I do not haveany weaknesses and I think this gameshould not be too bad.

17 . . . Nf6.

For the next dozen moves, Miles slowlybuilt up his position, but Schmid refusedto give ground. Black must always keep afirm hold on d5 to prevent White breakingthrough on that square, but Schmidpatiently defended with pawns on e6 andc6.

18 Qe2 e6 19 Rfdl Qd8 20 a4 c621 Ba3 ReB 22 Qf3 Qc7 23 Nc4 Red8.

White can win material here with

24 Bd6 Rxd6 25 Nxd6 Qxd6 26 e5 Qd527 exf6 Qxf3+ 28 KxfB Bxf6. Miles rejectedthis line, since the final position offersWhite no evident winning plan. Better tokeep the tension and wait.

24 Bc5 Ra6 25 h3 NeS 26 Qe3 b627 Ba3 Qb7 28 Kh2 Raa8.

MILES: / have to find a plan in thisposition. I stand clearly better, but whatshould I do? The thematic break is d5, but

it's not so easy to get enough piecesdefending that square. At the moment Ieven have problems protecting my pawnon d4. The correct plan has got to beoverprotecting the d-pawn. I must double

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

rooks on the d-file. That looks clearly right.

29 Rd3.

SCHMID: / should try and attack on theK-side

, h5 and perhaps later h4 and Kh7;and the bishop might come occasionally toh6. It is no special plan, but it is a plan.Why not try; he is a little bit short of time.

29 . . . h5.

MILES: He wants fo play Kh7, Bh6; ifh4, I just play g4, it's a weakness. He'swelcome to play all of those. It just looksweakening. I don

't want to spend any timeon this. Just double rooks.

30 Rcdl.

SCHMID: I'm not very happy with my ownplan. It is so difficult to play well in such acramped position. Perhaps I should playRac8. Otherwise I have the possibility 65,and the rook covers the pawn on a5. Allthese moves are not very nice. In fact, it'sbetter to continue with my plan.

30 . . . Kh7.

MILES: / want to put some more pieces onc/5. Qf3 looks the next one, then maybe I

'll

-A

1 m7;7,v

.

1

A

f 9

145

bring my bishop from c1 to g5. That might be inconvenient. Also Qf3 gives e3 for the knight. I'm going to get d5 and smash him.

31 Qf3.

SCHMID: Now he gives me the chance to get that square d5 myself, if I risk f5. I shall have a chance to get all these white squares, d5, e4 and still a little pressure on d4. The risk is that he will come to the open e-file with his rooks. It's difficult to see·ojf I will have a good defence.

31 •.• f5.

MILES: He's going berserk. I can take it, he's got to take with the e-pawn, and what about the e-file? Playa rook to the e-file, any rook. I've got penetration squares on e6 and e7. How can he defend the weaknesses on c6, b6, g6 and the seventh rank?

32 exf5 exf5 33 Re3.

SCHMID: That's it. I do have now all these white squares, d5 and e4, and pressure against d4, but he has squares which are even weaker than this. The question is whether I have enough possibilities to defend. I'm afraid I'm wrong here. Perhaps I should try to get all my pieces on the eighth rank to defend.

33 ... Rac8 34 Rde1 Qb8.

MILES: Okay let's start analysing some lines. Do I go to e6 or e7? Re6 attacks c6, it's nice. Re7 is always nice, then I put the other one on e6. Maybe that should decide for me. Let's see; Re7, if he plays Rc7, I can just take it and win a pawn immediately if there's nothing better. So Nf6 looks

146

natural, then the other rook to e6, threatening his knight, Nd5 must be best, but then I can just play Rxg7+, Kxg7; Ne5 threatening Rxg6+; his only defence is Nf6, then Be7 is slaughter. I haven't got much time, but Re7 has got to be a massacre.

35 Re7 Rc7.

Schmid surrenders a pawn, in the hope of lessening the force of Miles's attack, but even after the rook exchange, enough white pieces remain near the black king.

36 Rxc7 Nxc7 37 Qxc6 Nd5 38 Re6 f4.

A desperate try to create some attacking chances, but to no avail. White can play 39 Rxg6, but Miles finds something even stronger.

39 Ne5 fxg3+ 40 fxg3 h4 41 Rxg6 Qc7.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

And now the coup de grace.

42 Rh6+! Bxh6 43 Qg6+ Kh8

44 Qxh6+ Kg8 45 Qg5+ resigns.

After 45 ... Kh7 46 Qg6+ Kh8 47 Nf7+ the queen is lost, while 45 .... Kh8 allows 46 Qxd8+ Qxd8 47 Nf7+ winning a piece.

bring my bishop from c7 fo g5. That mightbe inconvenient. Also Qf3 gives e3 for theknight. I'm going to get d5 and smash him.

31 Qf3.

SCHMID: Now he gives me the chance toget that square d5 myself, if I risk f5. I shallhave a chance to get all these whitesquares, d5, e4 and still a little pressure ond4. The risk is that he will come to the

open e-file with his rooks. It's difficult to

see if I will have a good defence.

31 . . . f5.

MILES: He's going berserk. I can take it,he's got to take with the e-pawn, and whatabout the e-file? Play a rook to the e-file,any rook. I've got penetration squares one6 and e7. How can he defend the

weaknesses on c6, b6, g6 and the seventhrank?

32exf5exf5 33 Re3.

SCHMID: That's it. I do have now all these

white squares, d5 and e4, and pressureagainst d4, but he has squares which areeven weaker than this. The question iswhether I have enough possibilities todefend. I'm afraid I'm wrong here. PerhapsI should try to get all my pieces on theeighth rank to defend.

33 . . . Rac8 34 Rdel Qb8.

MILES: Okay let's start analysing somelines. Do I go to e6 or e7? Re6 attacks c6,it's nice. Re7 is always nice, then I put theother one on e6. Maybe that should decidefor me. Let's see; Re7, if he plays Rc7, I canjust take it and win a pawn immediately ifthere's nothing better. So Nf6 looks

natural, then the other rook to e6,

threatening his knight, Nd5 must be best,but then I can just play Rxg7+, Kxg7; Ne5threatening Rxg6+; his only defence is Nf6,then Be7 is slaughter. I haven't got muchtime, but Re7 has got to be a massacre.

35 Re7 Rc7.

Schmid surrenders a pawn, in the hope oflessening the force of Miles's attack,

but

even after the rook exchange, enoughwhite pieces remain near the black king.

36 Rxc7 Nxc7 37 Qxc6 Nd5 38 Re6 f4.

A desperate try to create some attackingchances, but to no avail. White can play39 Rxg6, but Miles finds something evenstronger.

39 Ne5 fxg3+ 40 fxg3 h4 41 Rxg6 Qc7.

8

1

11

1

abcdefgh

And now the coup de grace.

42 Rh6+! Bxh6 43 Qg6+ Kh8

44 Qxh6+ KgB 45 Qg5+ resigns.

After 45 . . . Kh7 46 Qg6+ Kh8 47 Nf7+the queen is lost, while 45.. . . Kh8 allows46 Qxd8+ Qxd8 47 Nf7+ winning a piece.

146

The Final

Game 41:

Nigel Short - Tony Miles Sicilian Defence

Nigel's path to the final had been an astounding success, but he would be the first to admit that luck had travelled with him. After all, Gligoric and Byrne had both made uncharacteristic blunders, while Hort had been within the narrowest margin of victory. There is, however, no detraction from the qualify of Nigel's play in this final game. He outplays his powerful opponent in a highly mature, positional style; a wonderful performance by one who had not yet reached his sixteenth birthday.

1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 d6 3 Bb5+ Bd7.

Varying from the 3 ... Nd7 which Byrne had played (game 32).

4 Bxd7 + Nxd7 5 0-0 Ngf6 6 Qe2 e6 1. c3 Be7 8 d4 0-0 9 Rd1 Rc8.

White has established an advantage in space, thanks to his advanced centre pawns, but Black has no weaknesses. With his next move, Short tries to increase his command of the board and drive Black further back.

10 e5 Ne8 11 Nbd2 cxd4 12 cxd4 Qc7 13 Nf1 Qc4.

White hoped to use his extra space to

develop attacking chances against the king. By exchanging queens, Black removes this danger.

14 Qxc4 Rxc4 15 Ne3 Rc7 16 Bd2 d5 17 Rac1 Nb8 18 h4 Rxc1 19 Rxc1 Nc6.

White retains more territory, but his central pawns are blocked on the same coloured squares as his bishop. This results in certain weaknesses on the white squares which Black can hope eventually to exploit by getting his knights to c4 or d3. Meanwhile, White puts his faith in a general K-side pawn advance.

20 h5 h6 21 Kf1 Nc7 22 Ke2 Rc8 23 Kd3 Kf8.

8

7 j. ;""j 111ft ~ ~ ~ ~

'" "n~

6 _1)_1-5 _IB ~ ~~ 4 - n mN~ -3 -*~~-~ ~"n% ~ 2 B ~m~ a ~ ,~ D~ "m%

a b c d e 9 h

147

The Final

Game 41:

Nigel Short - Tony MilesSicilian Defence

Nigel's path to the final had been anastounding success, but he would be thefirst to admit that luck had travelled with

him. After all, Gligoric and Byrne had bothmade uncharacteristic blunders, while Hort

had been within the narrowest margin ofvictory. There is, however, no detractionfrom the quality of Nigel's play in this finalgame. He outplays his powerful opponentin a highly mature, positional style; awonderful performance by one who hadnot yet reached his sixteenth birthday.

1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 d6 3 Bb5+ Bd7.

Varying from the 3 . . . Nd7 which Byrnehad played (game 32).

4 Bxd7+ Nxd7 5 0-0 Ngf6 6 Qe2 e67 c3 Be7 8 d4 0-0 9 Rdl Rc8.

White has established an advantage inspace, thanks to his advanced centrepawns, but Black has no weaknesses. Withhis next move. Short tries to increase his

command of the board and drive Black

further back.

10 e5 Ne8 11 Nbd2 cxd4 12 cxd4 Qc713 Nfl Qc4.

White hoped to use his extra space to

develop attacking chances against the king.By exchanging queens. Black removes thisdanger.

14 Qxc4 Rxc4 15 Ne3 Rc7 16 Bd2 d517 Racl Nb8 18 h4 Rxcl 19 Rxcl NcS.

White retains more territory, but hiscentral pawns are blocked on the samecoloured squares as his bishop. Thisresults in certain weaknesses on the white

squares which Black can hope eventuallyto exploit by getting his knights to c4 ord3. Meanwhile, White puts his faith in ageneral K-side pawn advance.

20 h5 h6 21 Kfl Nc7 22 Ke2 Rc8

23 Kd3 Kf8.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

1

3

fe a

147

SHORT: I've got a nice bind on the K-side; I'd like to gain a bit more space by playing f4 and g4, preparing f5 or g5. Obviously the thing to do is get my knight on f3 out of the way. I'll play it to g1 and it can come to e2; that should hold the centre while I get started on the K-side.

24 Ng1.

MILES: That's a good move. I wonder if I should ever have allowed him to get his pawn to h5. That bind on the K-side is going to be a nuisance. It's terribly difficult to create play on the Q-side. Bringing my king to the centre doesn't seem quite right yet, because I might need it on the K-side when he starts advancing there. That knight on c7; is it going to a6 or a8? a8 to b6 then a4 or c4, that's a good circuit to be on. Na8 contains the accidental threat of Nb4+, but unfortunately Ne2 stops it.

24 ••• Na8 25 Ne2 Nb6 26 f4.

MILES: I can't really advance anywhere on the K-side, it's too weakening. I should simplify somehow, exchange rooks on the c-file may well be best. But I don't know, I'm not going to get more than a draw if 1. do that. He's a good blitz player, I don't really want a play-off. I should bring my king to d7 so I can then bring the rook over to defend if I need it. Also it defends e6 which is probably attacked soon.

26 ••• Ke8.

Miles was soon to regret his decision not to play for a draw at this stage. His po·sition rapidly deteriorates as the white K-side pawns advance.

Xl g4 Kd7.

SHORT: I want to threaten either f5 or g5. g5 will nearly always create a passed pawn

148

or some terrible weakness in his K-side. My rook on c1 isn't doing much so I'll just play Rg1 threatening g5.

28 Rg1.

MILES: g5 is a serious threat here. I haven't really any play on the Q-side. The only try is Na4; of course he won't play b3 because he gets mated after Nb4+ and Nb2, but he just plays Nd1. I don't get very far. Well, it kicks his knight backwards and stops it supporting f5. But then I've got to stop g5, that's the big threat here. I think I'll have to play Rh8 to stop it. It's getting uncomfortable.

28 ••• Na4 29 Nd1 Rh8.

SHORT: Now's my chance. I can't play g5, but I can play f5 with the idea of just playing Nf4, threatening to exchange on e6 and go Ng6; then I've got a tremendous position.

30 fS Nb6 31 Nf4 Rf8 32 Ne3 Re8 33 fxe6 + fxe6 34 Ng6.

The knight has reached its desirable residence and now White threatens Rf1 and Rf7.

34 ••• Ke8 35 Rf1 Nd7 36 Ng2.

This knight follows its broth~r's path; the threat is 37 N2f4, reducing Black to total passivity.

36 • • • BgS 37 N2f4 Bxf4 38 Rxf4.

SHORT: I've got a nice bind on the K-side;I'd like to gain a bit more space by playingf4 and g4, preparing f5 or g5. Obviously thething to do is get my knight on f3 out ofthe way. I'll play it to gl and it can come toe2; that should hold the centre while I getstarted on the K-side.

24 Ngl.

MILES: That's a good move. I wonder if Ishould ever have allowed him to get hispawn to h5. That bind on the K-side isgoing to be a nuisance. It's terribly difficultto create play on the Q-side. Bringing myking to the centre doesn't seem quite rightyet, because I might need it on the K-sidewhen he starts advancing there. Thatknight on c7; is it going to a6 or a8? ad tob6 then a4 or c4, that's a good circuit to beon. Na8 contains the accidental threat of

Nb4+, but unfortunately Ne2 stops it.

24 . . . Na8 25 Ne2 Nb6 26 f4.

MILES: / can't really advance anywhere onthe K-side, it's too weakening. I shouldsimplify somehow, exchange rooks on thec-file may well be best. But I don't know,I'm not going to get more than a draw if Ido that. He's a good blitz player, I don'treally want a play-off. I should bring myking to d7 so I can then bring the rookover to defend if I need it. Also it defends

e6 which is probably attacked soon.

26 . . . Ke8.

Miles was soon to regret his decision notto play for a draw at this stage. Hisposition rapidly deteriorates as the whiteK-side pawns advance.

27 g4 Kd7.

SHORT: / wanf fo threaten either f5 or g5.g5 will nearly always create a passed pawn

or some terrible weakness in his K-side. Myrook on d isn'

t doing much so I'll just playRgl threatening g5.

28 Rgl.

MILES: g5 is a serious threat here. I haven'treally any play on the Q-side. The only tryis Na4; of course he won't play b3 becausehe gets mated after Nb4+ and Nb2,

but he

just plays Ndl. I don't get very far. Well, itkicks his knight backwards and stops itsupporting f5. But then I've got to stop g5,that's the big threat here. I think I'll haveto play Rh8 to stop it. It's gettinguncomfortable.

28 . . . Na4 29 Ndl RhB.

SHORT: /Vow's my chance. I can't play g5,but I can play f5 with the idea of justplaying Nf4, threatening to exchange on e6and go Ng6; then I've got a tremendousposition.

30 f5 Nb6 31 Nf4 Rf8 32 Ne3 Rc8

33 fxe6+ fxe6 34 Ng6.

The knight has reached its desirableresidence and now White threatens Rfl

and Rf7.

34 . . . Ke8 35 Rfl Nd7 36 Ng2.

This knight follows its brother's path; thethreat is 37 N2f4, reducing Black to totalpassivity.

36 . . . Bg5 37 N2f4 Bxf4 38 Rxf4.

148

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e f 9 h

MILES: I'd like to play NdB, but-I don't like the idea of his bishop coming in to b4. Maybe I can playaS first. This sometimes gives me the threat of Nb4+. as looks a good idea to keep his bishop out of the game.

38 ••• as. SHORT: I've got a very nice idea here: NhB with the idea of playing Nfl and Nd6. He can't stop this with NdB because of BxaS.

39 Nh8.

MILES: I can't play NdB because the a-pawn's hanging. That was stupid, I should have played b6 before as. He's threatening Nfl and Rfl - no, not Rfl because I have NxeS +, that's okay - what can I play? I've got to play b6 to free the rest of my pieces.

39 ••• b6 40 Nf7 Ke7.

SHORT: I'd like to play Bel, then Nb4+ and if I move my king back to e2, Rc2 + is unpleasant because Kdl, Rcl + and a fork on d3. Well, my only other try is gS. Then if he plays hxgS, I move my rook back somewhere, threatening BxgS+, then if he

moves his king to eB, Nd6 is mate. Well, gS threatens g6 or gxh6. This looks really good.

41 gS.

MILES: If I get a position where he plays g6, the endings are awful; he's always threatening to sacrifice something on the K-side. Let's analyse hxgS, rook runs back on the f-file, Nb4+; Ke2, Rc2; KdI maybe that's not so terrible. It would depend on where's his rook. If he plays RfI, I have Rxb2. I'm still kicking because I'm winning his Q-side. If he puts his rook on f2, though, that's a problem. hxgS, Rf2, Nb4+, Ke2, Rc2, KdI, end. It's horrible. What can I do? If he plays g6 I'm as good as dead, and if I lose the h-pawn I'm as good as dead. I've got to hope he doesn't put his rook on f2.

41 ••• hxgS.

Nigel chose the wrong square, and Tony Miles breathed again.

42 Rfn Nb4+ 43 Ke2 Rc2 44 Kd1 Rxb2.

Of course with the rook on f2 instead of f1, this move would be impossible owing to the reply 45 Bxg5+ winning the rook.

45 BxgS+ Kf8 46 Nd8+.

MILES: KeB, Nxe6 doesn't look too good, but after KgB I'm threatening RbI + picking up his a-pawn. His e-pawn can't be that strong. I'm almost getting happy with my position.

46 ••• Kg8.

SHORT: Rfllooks a good move. If he plays NbB, I've got Rbl, just hitting his knight, and I can take his e-pawn; then his g-pawn will fall as well. If he plays NfB, then h6 wins a piece. What defence has he got?

149

18

</s/'f/.

4V.

m

a b c d e f g h

MILES: \'d like to play Nd8, but I don't likethe idea of his bishop coming in to b4.Maybe I can play a5 first. This sometimesgives me the threat of Nb4+. a5 looks agood idea to keep his bishop out of thegame.

38 . . . a5.

SHORT: I've got a very nice idea here: Nh8with the idea of playing Nf7 and Nd6. Hecan

't stop this with Nd8 because of Bxa5.

39 Nh8.

MILES: / can't play Nd8 because thea-pawn

'

s hanging. That was stupid, Ishould have played b6 before a5. He'

s

threatening Nf7 and Rf7 - no, not Rf7because I have Nxe5+, that's okay - whatcan I play? I

'

ve got to play b6 to free therest of my pieces.

39 . . . b6 40 Nf7 Ke7.

SHORT: I'd like to play Bel, then Nb4 +and if I move my king back to e2, Rc2+ isunpleasant because Kdl, Rcl + and a forkon d3. Well, my only other try is g5. Thenif he plays hxg5, I move my rook backsomewhere, threatening Bxg5+, then if he

moves his king to e8, Nd6 is mate. Well, g5threatens g6 or gxh6. This looks reallygood.

41 g5.

MILES: If I get a position where he playsg6, the endings are awful; he's alwaysthreatening to sacrifice something on theK-side

. Let's analyse hxg5, rook runs backon the f-file, Nb4+; Ke2, Rcl; Kdl maybethat's not so terrible. It would depend onwhere's his rook. If he plays Rfl, I haveRxb2. I'm still kicking because I'm winninghis Q-side. If he puts his rook on f2,though, that's a problem. hxg5, Rf2, Nb4+,Ke2, Rc2, Kdl, end. It's horrible. What canI do? If he plays g6 I'm as good as dead,and if I lose the h-pawn I'm as good asdead. I've got to hope he doesn't put hisrook on f2.

41 . . . hxg5.

Nigel chose the wrong square, and TonyMiles breathed again.

42 Rfl? Nb4+ 43 Ke2 Rc2 44 Kdl Rxb2.

Of course with the rook on f2 instead of

fl, this move would be impossible owingto the reply 45 Bxg5+ winning the rook.

45 Bxg5+ KfB 46 Nd8+.

MILES: Ke8, Nxe6 doesn't look too good,but after Kg8 I'm threatening Rb1+ pickingup his a-pawn. His e-pawn can

't be that

strong. I'm almost getting happy with my

position.

46 . . . KgB.

SHORT: Rf7 looks a good move. If he playsNb8, I've got Rb7, just hitting his knight,and I can take his e-pawn; then his g-pawnwill fall as well. If he plays Nf8, then h6wins a piece. What defence has he got?

149

Maybe he can play Rg2 after Rf7, then Rxd7, Rxg5, Nxe6 and maybe I'm winning.

47 Rf7.

MILES: Is he panicking, or is he really doing something? I don't believe him. NfB defending the e-pawn even threatens Nc6. He might be losing control. Play quickly.

47 ••• NfS.

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

abc d e 9 h

SHORT: Why doesn't h6 win? It threatens just mate in two with Rxg7 + and Nfl mate. He has no defence to that. Maybe he can take on h6, then Bxh6; I'm threatening his knight and I'm also threatening Rg7+. Surely he must lose a piece.

48 h6.

MILES: That was stupid. Why didn't I play Rg2, the position was quite okay then. I've got no defence now. He's threatening mate in two with Rxg7 +. If I take on h6, he just recaptures. How can I do things like that? I've got to lose a piece. It's completely hopeless, but I could play for a few moves. Who knows, I swindled him once before.

48 ••• gxh6.

150

But there was to be no swindle. Miles had to surrender his knight in order to stop the mate, and thereafter Short gave him no chance.

49 Bxh6 Rg2 50 RxfS+ Kh7 51 Bd2 Nd3 52 Nxe6 Nb2+ 53 Kc1 Nc4 54 Bc3 Rg1 + 55 Kc2 Rg2+ 56 Kb3 b5 57 Nf4 Rf2 58 e6 b4 59 e7 Nd6 60 Nxd5 Re2 61 eS(Q).

A final little trick to put an end to resistance. White has Nf6+ to add to the protection of e8.

61 ••• a4+ 62 Qxa4 resigns.

Maybe he can play Rg2 after Rf7,then

Rxd7, Rxg5, Nxe6 and maybe I'm winning.

47 Rf7.

MILES: Is he panicking, or is he reallydoing something? I don't believe him. Nf8defending the e-pawn even threatens Nc6.He might be losing control. Play quickly.

47 . . . Nf8.

8

1

1

abcdefgh

But there was to be no swindle. Miles had

to surrender his knight in order to stop themate, and thereafter Short gave him nochance.

49 Bxh6 Rg2 50 Rxf8+ Kh7 51 Bd2 Nd352 Nxe6 Nb2+ 53 Kcl Nc4 54 Bc3 Rg1 +55Kc2Rg2+ 56Kb3b5 57 Nf4 Rf258 e6 b4 59 e7 Nd6 60 Nxd5 Re2

61 e8(Q).

A final little trick to put an end toresistance. White has Nf6+ to add to the

protection of e8.

61 . . . a4+ 62 Qxa4 resigns.

SHORT: Why doesn't h6 win? It threatensjust mate in two with Rxg7+ and Nf7 mate.He has no defence to that. Maybe he cantake on hS, then Bxh6; I'm threatening hisknight and I'm also threatening Rg7+.Surely he must lose a piece.

48 h6.

MILES: That was stupid. Why didn't I playRg2, the position was quite okay then. I'vegot no defence now. He's threatening matein two with Rxg7+. If I take on hS, he justrecaptures. How can I do things like that?I've got to lose a piece. It's completelyhopeless, but I could play for a few moves.Who knows, I swindled him once before.

48 . . . gxhS.

150