Position of the Month (October)

Position I White to play : Find the best move !

Position II: White to play and win !

Two positions of the same game, where White found the best move each time !

Surprising your opponent in the opening !

We'll take a look at two positions where GMs (with the White pieces) were able to find a strong move before the 20th move of the game. Here it is not a matter of finding a combination but rather attacking chances early on. In both games, Black was not able to defend succesfully afterwards.

Position I: White to play




















In the first sicilian position, White could routinely continue by 1.Rae1 or 1 Nce2. However, GM Mitkov was able to surprise his opponent ( rated more than 120 points above him) and start the attack immediately. What did he play ?



Position II: White to play




















In the second position, GM Akopian found a very strong move. While the game lasted 20 moves longer, this move created defensive problems for his opponent who lost material quickly after that. This is certainly the key moment here, although there is no forced win. What did he play here with White ?

Another Tal Brilliancy

Ex-World Champion and attacking genius Mikhail Tal had a terrific year in 1976, in particular at the Biel Interzonal. Can you find the right sequence of moves, to finish off your opponent in the following position ?

White to play and win !

Nov '07 : chess tactics position #3

White to play and win

Inarkiev-Galkin 2007

GM Ernesto Inarkiev found a powerful continuation here

Replay Solution here : http://geocities.com/thechesscorner/nov_3.htm