Last post of the year- Tactics

Black to play in the following position:

This is a position requiring careful analysis of various continuations (difficult). The tactical theme is once again attack against the white king. Good luck ( this position is coming from a correspondence game with Black being the belgium player M. Geenen).

Duchamp's position

White to play, Marcel Duchamp

Duchamp's riddle (1943), according to GM Beliavsky/Mihalcisin.

Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968) is a well-known french surrealist artist who decided to gradually remove himself from the art world to explore the chess world as an avid chess player and composer. As an artist, he is remembered primarily as the creator of the "ready-made" pieces and was influential in the dada/conceptual art movements (giving birth later to the "pop-art", made famous by A. Wharol amongst others). He later emigrated to the U.S. Here are a few links :

http://www.marcelduchamp.net/



http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Duchamp (french)



In the chess world, Duchamp cowrote an endgame book with Halberstadt ( about the "cases conjuguees"). I haven't seen it so any reader owning it is invited to comment on the book itself, which is supposed to be very technical and dry. He has played numerous competitive games, some of them available on http://www.chessgames.com/



It appears also that Duchamp has created a chess riddle, according to Beliavsky/Mihalcisin ( in their "winning endgame technique" book). I am not sure where it was first published , but here is the position above, with White to play. Does anyone know if there's a solution, when&where the position was first published, if any endgame expert besides Beliavsky/Mihalcisin has looked at it ? The two GMs think the position leads to a draw, without any win for White. Is there a solution, i.e a win for White ?

I'd love to hear the well-known trainer (and endgame authority) Dvorestky opinion on the matter. Let alone a leading grandmaster. Finally, is there any computer/table-base for 7 pieces total ? Any computer expert out there to come to the rescue ?

critical moment in the endgame.

Technique and Tactical motifs in the endgame.
White just played Ne7. How do you finish off ?

Black to play and win

Surprising GM moves

In both positions, White to play and surprise his/her opponent. Positions feature games by GM Ivanchuk (I) and GM Kosteniuk (II) played in 2008.

Position I, White to play

Position II, White to play

Sometimes, an unexpected move can work wonders as you're taking the game away from his planned continuation. It can be a quiet move or a continuation which is not the instinctive or natural way to continue. Of course, these surprises are often linked to tactical motifs see the 12 motifs I have covered in my previous posts (September-October).

3 tactical puzzles today (short variations)

All positions: White to play for the win

Norwood-Maier 1988

Spassky-Kortchnoi 1968

Alekhine-Reshevsky 1937

Let me know if you need hints...

Critical Position / Decision in Chess (Part II)

Another critical position from a recent game.

I White to play

I think I can explain a bit further why I chose this precise position today. As White,
two main candidate moves come to mind. 1 Ra8 or 1 c6. Which one would you play and why ? Please analyze each alternative as far as you can.

May I suggest that these kind of positions remind me of IM Dvorestky famous approach where he lets his (GM) students analyze in depth from a given point ?

Positional Games

Middlegame means also positional play sometimes. As mostly tactics are covered in the blog,
here are 6 positions where a positional domination is carried out at GM level.

I White to play (Positional)

Adams-David, 2008, White's 29th move















II White to play

Morozevich-Timofeev, 2008. 24th move.















III White to play

Gelfand-Kamsky 2006, 27th White move.















IV White to play

Bareev-Bacrot, 2000. White's 19th move















V: Black to play
Smyslov-Tal 1964. Black's 24th move.
















All games can be replayed from the above positions via the next link
http://games.top10chess.com/positionalgames.htm

Tactical Fireworks by Werle

The finish Werle-Wells 2008 was featured on the "chess mind blog".

http://chessmind.powerblogs.com/posts/1221968589.shtml

Check it out ( solution is provided if you like me you failed to find it!).

Critical positions from Anand-Kramnik match 2008

Anand-Kramnik (11), after 24..Be3 1/2 1/2

Kramnik-Anand(10) after 29 Qd6 1-0

Kramnik-Anand (8) after 32 e5

Anand-Kramnik (6) after 34..Nc4

Kramnik-Anand (5) after 35 Bf1




Kramnik-Anand (3) after 32..Bf5+

Anand World Champion !!

That's it !
After losing game 10 and drawing game 11, Anand is officially the classical world chess champion ( following the tradition of world chess matches which yielded in order Fischer,Karpov, Kasparov and Kramnik as predecessors to Anand). Anand was already the FIDE world champion following the Mexico World Chess Tournament, but this match ends any discussion between cycles. The only unknown is whether the match Topalov-Kamsky will take place or not in 2008.

Games playable on a chessboard here:

http://games.top10chess.com/anandwch08.htm

Great coverage&analysis and more of the Anand-Kramnik 2008 match here :

http://www.chessbase.com/
http://www.theweekinchess.com/
http://www.chessdom.com/
http://www.chessvibes.com/
http://chessmind.powerblogs.com/
http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/

Why did Anand resign after 29 Qd6 ? ( Game 10)

Kramik-Anand (Game 10) after 29 Qd6!

Here are a few variations.

29.. Nxc3? 30 Re7 Curtain

29 ..Bf7 30 Qb4! The knight in a4 is stranded
If we try 30 ..Rab8 31 a6 Nb6 32 Bb6 with large advantage for White.
If we try 30..Qc6 31 Rd1 No rush, threatening 32 Rd7. If Black continues31..Rd8 32 Rd8 Rd8 33 Rb8 and a7 falls

29..Rd8 30 Qb4! Rab8 31 a6 with for instance 31..Rb7 32 ab7 +-.

Clearly it was a premature position to resign, but Anand saw no salvation being low on time and facing Kramnik in very inferior position. He preferred to resign a bit early and focus on the next game ( a draw will suffice to earn him the World Chess Champion title).
In other circumstances we would have expected Anand to continue a couple of moves, as it is never too late to blunder

Tactics from 2700+ GM games (2008)

I Black to play and win (warm-up level)

1..? Leko found a neat way to end the game immediately with a tactical shot against Kamsky (Tal Memorial 2008).















The chinese player Wang Hue rated 2704, has been on a roll. After finishing first at the Sochi Grand Prix (tied with Carlsen), he won the strong dutch tournament NH in Amsterdam.

II-White to play ( Wang Hue-Adgestein , NH Tournament 2008) Level Difficult


1.? How do you break Black's defense ?

Anand World Champion ??

Anand is playing today game 10, which he needs only a draw to win the 2008 WorldChampionship against Kramnik.
Anand's wins in round 3, 5 and 6 , without suffering any loss confirmed he is soon to be the uncontested classical world chess champion (succeeding Kasparov and Kramnik). So far his performance in the match is close to perfect play.

It is remarkable to observe how he managed to win twice with the Black pieces, (games 3 and 5), with the same variation where he left his king in the center and attacked along the g-column and the a8-h1 diagonal. Kramnik's idea in playing the variation was probably to survive the middle-game and "win the endgame" with his a- and b- pawns. But he probably underestimated the initiative Black enjoys in this variation. 10 d5 instead of 10 e5 was worth a look.
Game 6 was a different story: 9 h3 and 10 g4 was an aggressive play by Anand, which was further neutralized by Kramnik who managed to swap the queens. However, 19 ..c5?! was a premature and eager sacrifice in my opinion, 19..Rfe8 was called for. Black never got enough play for the pawn in that game. It was too early to counter-attack with Black.

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ALL ANAND-KRAMNIK WCC GAMES SO FAR CAN BE PLAYED HERE:

http://games.top10chess.com/anandwch08.htm

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Critical Positions

White to play for a strong advantage

A Critical position is defined as a precise moment during a game where a move alters the phase of the game. It can be a sharp change in evaluation of the position (as found by an engine such as Rybka, Fritz) but not necessarily: it could be for instance giving up a pawn in exchange of pressuring the other side even though the game evaluation is " chances for both sides", as defending is usually harder than attacking). In average, 2 to 4 critical positions occur per game.

For a more detailed discussion, http://www.chesscafe.com/dvoretsky/dvoretsky.htm
where the famous russian coach defines the notion almost scientifically or philosphically. Now in the position I above, Black just played 1..Ra7? and there is a two-moves sequences taking advantage of the awkard position of the black pieces as White did sacrifice a pawn earlier.

Eventually, the game continued with
2 Rc1 Ba5
3 Bf4 (threatening Bb8) 3..Nxc5
4 Qd4!


Position II
Black to play and stay in the game

Black is now two pawns ahead but is under severe pressure on the c column while the Bishop in a5 is hanging. This is absolutely critical to find the right continuation (which I failed to do by the way!). This is a very difficult position with hidden tactical resources for both sides. If only we could get IM Dvorestky to analyze it properly :)

Anyway, there are two reasonable attempts here for Black. Calculation required either way!








Calculate well !

Kramnik-Anand Tactics (Previous Games)

Kramnik and Anand will compete in a world championship on October 14th. Let's review four previous games between the two champions. These positions were shown in an earlier post in June.

We will have 2 tactical positions won by Anand, and 2 won by Kramnik. Let's the best of these two exceptional chess players battle for the world chess title!

1. Black to play and win !

1. Kramnik-Anand Amber Nice (rapid) 2008

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2.White to play and win

2.Kramnik-Anand Corus Wijk-Aan-Zee 2007

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3. White to play and win

3. Anand-Kramnik, M-Tel Sofia 2005

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4. White to play and win

4. Kramnik-Anand Sparkassen Dortmund 2001

Replay all positions with annoted solutions on this link:

http://games.top10chess.com/kramnikanand.htm

Anand-Kramnik : last 50 chess games / Openings / Prognosis

As Anand and Kramnik will face each other for the 2008 World Chess Championship in Bonn, with the first game starting on October 14th, I have collected their last 50 games played with each other.

The most recent games were played in Nice for the Amber 2008. The blind game was drawn, while Anand won convincingly the rapid game with the Black pieces ( Attack leading to Checkmate). The oldest game presented was played in 2001.

You can replay through the 50 games via this link:

http://games.top10chess.com/kramnikanandgames.htm



Obviously, their games are available for replay on http://www.chesslab.com/, http://www.chessgames.com/ or http://www.chesslive.de/, but I find it cumbersome to repeat the query.

The other advantage of the 50 games link above, is that you can play through the moves manually or automatically (choosing your speed between moves, and pausing if need). One other plus is that the JavaScript tool I am using allows for an engine to be displayed ( by clicking on the ? button, you can activate it and also move pieces on this extra analysis board). Simple but powerful tool, especially for combinations& tactics.

The other alternative is to play through the .pgn file on Fritz/ChessBase or Rybka/Chess Assistant but the JavaScript/HTML link is straightforward to use.

The games are not annotated but the JavaScript tool allows for comments/variations/evaluations ( it takes any annotated .PGN format game).

If anyone has any of these games annotated in .pgn format, I'll be happy to link or display these as well. ( thechesscorner "@" gmail . com )


Openings:

On the opening front, and if their history is any guide for their upcoming match, we would expect the following based on a cursory look at their previous games:

Anand with White would most certainly open with 1.e4. Kramnik has used 1..e5 and specifically the Berlin Defense ( 1e4 e5 2Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 Nf6) against Anand, even after the Kasparov-Kramnik 2000 world championship match.
Kramnik has also used the Petroff Defense ( 1e4 e5 2Nf3 Nf6), but lost quickly in 2005 against Anand with it. He also lost key games during the 2008 Dortmund tournament in the Petroff ( Most notably against Naidistch).

Kramnik has also tried the Sicilian Schveshnikov against Anand ( 1e4 c5 2Nf3 Nc6 3 d4 cd4 4Nd4 Nf6 5 Nc3 e5 6Ndb5 d6) with some success. I would expect him to try it again during their match, and even something like 4..e5 as well. The only caveat would be that Anand can also vary with 3Bb5, entering the Rossolimo.

Kramnik with White has favored 1.d4 or 1.Nf3.
Anand has responded with various systems over time. Currently he favors the Slav/Semi-Slav settings with ..d5 and ..c6.
In Mexico 2007, Anand chose the following for their important encounter :
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 h6
The game ended with a hard-fought draw.

Anand has also played the West-Indian defense ( 1.d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3Nf3 b6)
Finally, on 1.Nf3, Anand usually chooses 1..d5, and the game can go into Slav, or even Catalan or Queen's Gambit territory.

While opening surprises may occur, Kramnik prefers positional play while Anand favors open positions with dynamic play. Both players had a fantastic 2007 year but are below their top form in 2008. Anand finished last in Bilbao while Kramnik did below par in Dortmund.

Kramnik has in the recent years played more matches (Leko 2004, Topalov 2006) but Anand has played both Kasparov (1995) and Karpov (1998), so his preparation will be world-class.

Bottom line: 50/50 odds !

Tactical Motif XII: Opening/Closing Lanes

This is the last of our tactical motifs. We hope you enjoyed the overview.

Closing a lane can be useful to carry on an attack, it is also called interference ( fr: interception), as the goal is to intercept the defence. Opening a column/diagonal is a common motif where the attack gains intensity.

Let's look at one example of each kind.

Closing lines: White to play
Miles-Pritchett 1982

1.?

Miles played the fantastic 1.Be5!!

This moves covers b2 (X-Ray), while interfering with black defensive pieces. 1..R8e5 or 1..R2e5 lets 2Qg7#,
while 1..Be5 breaks the coordination between rooks : 2.Qe8 follows. In chess composition, this theme is called a Novotny.


Black resigned after 1.Be5!!





Opening lines: Alekhine-Borochov 1932
White to play and win

Alekhine played 1.Ne6!. While this moves closes the c8-h3 diagonal temporarily( interference again!), it also opens the g-column.

After 1..Be6, the genius ahead of his time played 2Qh7+!!, where 2..Kh7 3Rh3+ wins with check-mate following.

A great example of both concepts !











Exercise: White to play and win
Larsen-Matanovic, 1965

Tactical Motif XI: Drawing Combinations

Tactics can be used to defend as well. Drawing combinations can revolve around perpetual checks and/or stalemate.

Illustration: Portisch-Kasparov, 1981
Black to play:

1...? Here a young Garry Kasparov is two pawns behind and Portisch is on his way to promote the d6 pawn. Garry uncorked a combination which saves the day and the half point.





1.. Rd2! 2.Qd2 Qf3+ 3.Qg2 Ng3+! ( The point) 4 hg3.



Let's see the position reached on the next diagram


Portisch-Kasparov 1981 after 4 hg3
Black to play


Here, Kasparov can force the perpetual.

4..Qh5+ 5Qh2 Qf3+ 6 Rg2 Qd1+ 7 Qg1 Qh5+
8 Rh2 Qf3+

Despite being an entire rook up, White cannot escape checks from the Queen.

The perpetual check resource is a very important drawing motif.






Exercise: Miles-Rachels 1989
Black to play and draw

1...?

Tactical Motif X: ZwischenZug (In-Between Move)

A Zwischenzug ( From the german move signifying intermediary move ; fr: coup intermediaire) is the motif where you can insert a move ( often a check but not necessarily so) in between a sequence to alter the course of action.


Illustration: Analysis position from (Fischer-Taimanov 1971 (6))

White to play
Here 1.Rc1 would lead to 1..Rc8 and Black is ok. Instead, White would win by playing 1Re2+!, a intermediary check moving away the Black king from the c-pawn.
Now on 1..Kf5 2.Nd6+! wins with 3 c8=Q.

The continuation would be 1 Re2+ Kf6 2 Rc2 Rc8 3 Nd6! wins because taking on c7 leads to 4 Ne8+, forking the Rook on c7 and the king on f6.

The Zwischenzug is a very sharp weapon.






Exercise:
Kramnik-Topalov 2006 ( The actual move leading to the world championship crown for Kramnik!).

Black just played ..Rxc5 expecting 1Rc5 Kb6 regaining the Rook. This is a major blunder by Topalov in the rapid game deciding the worldchampionship match.

Kramnik-Topalov, 2006

1. White to play and win (the world title!)

Tactical Motif IX: Clearance

Clearance is the tactic motif where one makes space for a different piece to join the action.

Illustration: Smejkal-Popov 1970

1.? White to play and win

White played 1 d5! clearing the a2-g8 diagonal. Because the double threat is to promote the pawn, Black has to play 1..cd5. Then 2.Bd5! wins the game as the Bishop attacks the rook as well as the knight in g8: 3.Re8 will win the knight on g8 ( double attack). Black resigned after 2.Bd5!









Exercise: Mikhalcissin- Chekhov 1977


1.? White to play and win

Tactical Motif VIII: X-Ray

X-Ray ( fr: Rayon X) is the motif where one adds control to a square through a piece.

X-Ray Illustration: Chigorin-ZnoskoBorovsky 1903

White to play and win
White played here 1Qf8+!. The f8 square is controlled indirectly by the Rook on d8, allowing for that move.
1..Rf8 2 Rf8 is Checkmate.














Exercise: White to play and win (Tal-Chandler, 1974)


1.?

Tactical Motif VII: The pin

A pin (fr: le clouage) is a motif where the defending piece cannot move. A relative pin means that the piece can move but this will expose to a material loss following the pin. An absolute pin means that the piece cannot legally move ( as the King would be exposed to a check).

Illustration: the Pin


1. White to play and win (Karjakin-Kosteniuk, 2003)


White played 1.Ra8! deciding the game immediately. The point is that Black cannot play 1..Bxa8 because the bishop is pinned by the white bishop in b3, which is targetting the King in f7 as well.
Now 1..Ra8 follows 2 Bxd5+ and Bxa8 winning for White.
The Black rook has nowhere to go: Black resigned.
Note that White had to see this resource many moves ahead.







Now an exercise based on the same motif.

Black to play ( Kovacevic- Seirawan, 1980)

Tactical Motif VI : Attacking the King

Roughly 50% of all combinations are centered around attacking the king. Besides topical checkmates( Smothered,Boden,etc), there are numerous themes involving the king hunt.
Here we present examples where the bishop pair is instrumental in the attack.

King attack: Illustration

15.? White to play and win ( Lasker-Bauer 1889)
















This famous combination by Lasker , with a now thematic double bishop sacrifices,started with:

15.Bxh7+! Kxh7 16.Qxh5+ Kg8 17.Bxg7! ( Second bishop sacrifice, opening the king) Kxg7 18.Qg4+! Kh7 19.Rf3 e5 (only defense against Rh3) 20.Rh3+ Qh6 21.Rxh6+ Kxh6 22.Qd7! 1-0

Exercises (difficult level):
I Black to play and win (Rotlewi-Rubinstein 1907)

II: Black to play and win (Spassky-Tal, 1973)

Tactic Motif V: Skewer

The Skewer (Fr: Enfilade) consists in winning a piece located behind another one.

Adams-Anand 2005 (Corsica Rapid) Black to play

1..Rh1+! (using also the decoy theme, see previous posts)

2 Qxh1 Ra1+ Winning the queen.

This neat tactical point ensured that Anand won the game and the match moving forward in the competition

* * *

Black to play and win

Tactical Motif IV: Passed pawns & Promotions

Passed Pawns (fr: pion passe) are notoriously dangerous. Here's an illustration using at the same time the Back Rank motif ( where the King gets mated by Queen or Rook as his pawns take away any escape square):

White to play and win ( Alekhine-Nestor 1939)

1 Rc8! Rc8 2 Qe7 !! and the Queen cannot be taken due to promotion on c8.
Note that 1..Qd7 loses because of 2Qf8+!

* * *




And now an exercise ( difficult level) on passed pawns: White to play and win




















Tal-Koblenz 1976