Chapter VIII: Part I: The Game of Chess (5)

It is customary for White to castle at this point. P-d3 is certainly a good move as it enables the development of the Queen's Bishop, but o-o is very likely better as it reserves the option of advancing the Queen's Pawn either one or two squares. When advancing the Pawn two squares White has to avoid the following trap: (5) o-o, B-e7; (6) P-d4, P-b5; (7) B-b3, Pxd4 (not Ktxd4 on account of (8) Bxf7 and (9) Ktxe5 +); (8) Ktxd4 ??, Ktxd4; (9) Qxd4, P-c5 followed by P-c4 winning the Bishop. What White can try in this variation is the Pawn sacrifice (8) P- c3, Pxc3, through which he obtains a considerable advantage in the development of the pieces.

After (5) o-o White threatens to win the Pawn e5 by (6) Bxc6 and (7) Ktxe5, as now Q-d4; (8) Kt-f3, Qxe4 is not possible on account of (9) R-e1. Black has various ways to counter this threat. He can either defend the Pawn by P-d6 or play B-e7 with the view to capture the Pawn e4 in case White should take the Pawn e5, or, finally, he can capture the Pawn e4 at once.

All of these three variations are playable for Black although it appears that White obtains a slight advantage however Black continues. This opening is consequently a great favorite in modern Tournament play.

[Footnote: Following are the two main variations which have been adopted in the practice of the Masters:

A. (5) o-o, B-e7; (6) R-e1 (protecting the Pawn e4 so that Black has to defend himself against Bxc6 and Ktxe5), P-b5; (7) B- b3, P-d6; (8) P-c3 (preserving the Bishop against the exchange threatened with Kt-a5), Kt-a5; (9) B-c2, P-c5; (10) P-d4, Q-c7. Now the Pawn e5 is sufficiently protected and Black threatens to exert pressure on d4 by playing B-g4 and Kt-c6. It might seem that White can ignore this threat and as soon as d4 attacked either exchange the Pawn on e5 or advance him to d5. However, the former maneuver would open the d-file for Black's Rooks and the latter would not be very good either before Black has castled; for the advance of the d-pawn closes the center-files permanently for the Rooks so that Black's King is safe in the center while White may have to face an attack on the King's wing which Black might initiate by storming with the h and g Pawns.

For all these reasons White is justified in making the waiting move (11) P-h3, which safeguards the square d4 against the indirect attack B-g4 and at the same time prepares an attack along the lines of the one discussed in connection with Diagram 52. After (11) ..., Kt-c6; (12) B-e3, o-o; White can safely advance the Queen's Pawn and then launch the attack referred to above.

B. The second variation arising from the position of Diagram 62 is (5) o-o, Ktxe4. It seems rather dangerous for Black to take the Pawn as long as his King is in the e-file which White can occupy with his Rook; but after (6) R-e1, Kt-c5; (7) Ktxe5, Ktxe5; (8) Rxe5 +, Kt-e6, White has not much attack and for this reason the opening is generally treated in a different way. As the strongest move is considered (6) P-d4. Black can hardly take this Pawn as R-e1 and Ktxd4 would follow threatening to win a piece; but he may try to maintain his Knight on the dominating square e4 by (6) ..., P-b5; (7) B-b3, P-d5. After (8) Pxe5, B-e6; (9) P-c3 (again providing a retreat for the Bishop), B-e7; (10) Ktb1-d2, Black's best continuation is probably Ktxd2; (11) Qxd2 (not Bxd2 on account of B-g4); Kt-a5 or o-o. The maneuver (10) ..., Kt-c5; (11) B-c2, P-d4, which was tried in several recent tournaments, is of doubtful value as Black loses control of the important center-square e4. White can use this square for an attack on the weak point c6 as follows: (12) Kt-e4, Pxc3; (13) Ktxc5, Bxc5; (14) B-e4, Q-d7; (15) Q-c2, B-d5 (in order to answer R-d1 with Bxe4); (16) B-g5, and Black does not seem to have a satisfactory defense. For instance (16) ..., B-b6; (17) Ra1-d1, Bxe4; (18) Qxe4, Q-e6; (19) R-d6 or (16) ..., Bxe4; (17) Qxe4, Pxb2; (18) Ra1-d1, P-b1 (Q); (19) Rxb1 followed by R-c1.]

(5) ... P-b5

The simplest and probably best way to defend the Pawn e5 against the threat Bxc6 and Ktxe5 is P-d6 without P-b5.

(6) B-b3 P-d6

The alternative was B-c5. White could then not have captured the Pawn e5 by (7) B-d5, o-o; (8) Bxc6, Pxc6; (9) Ktxe5 on account of Q-d4, threatening mate on f2 and attacking the Knight.

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8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | #B | | #R |
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7 | | | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | #P | | #Kt| #P | | #Kt| | |
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5 | | #P | | | #P | | | |
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4 | | | | | ^P | | | |
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3 | | ^B | | ^P | | ^Kt| | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R |
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a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 63.

(7) Kt-g5

This attack with two pieces in the early stage of the opening is contrary to the general principles of strategy. White wins a Pawn but this cannot be considered an adequate equivalent for the time he loses in doing so. He neglects his development and he is bound to suffer for that sooner than he can make the weight of his extra-Pawn felt.

(7) ... P-d5
(8) Pxd5

Black cannot recapture the Pawn as this would give White an occasion to initiate a violent attack starting with the sacrifice of the Knight on f7, thus: (8) ..., Ktxd5; (9) Ktxf7, Kxf7; (10) Q-f3+, K-e6 (the Knight d5 has to be protected); (11) Kt-c3, Ktc6-e7; (12) o-o, followed by R-e1, P-d4, etc. The exposed position of Black's King is well worth the piece which White has sacrificed.

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8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | #B | | #R |
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7 | | | #P | | | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | #P | | #Kt| | | #Kt| | |
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5 | | #P | | ^P | #P | | ^Kt| |
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4 | | | | | | | | |
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3 | | ^B | | ^P | | | | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R |
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a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 64.

(8) ... Kt-d4

With this move Black crosses White's plans by exchanging the Bishop who was to play the main part in the attack, and, as a consequence, the Knight g5 does not have a chance to do any useful work either.

(9) P-d6

Opening again the diagonal of the Bishop and getting rid of the advanced Pawn by exchange before Black has an occasion to capture him.

(9) ... Ktxb3
(10) Pxc7 Qxc7

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8 | #R | | #B | | #K | #B | | #R |
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7 | | | #Q | | | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | #P | | | | | #Kt| | |
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5 | | #P | | | #P | | ^Kt| |
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4 | | | | | | | | |
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3 | | #Kt| | ^P | | | | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 65.

Black could regain his Pawn by Q-d5; (11) Pa2xb3, Qxg2; (12) Q- f3, Qxf3; (13) Ktxf3, B-b7; (14) K-e2, B-d6 and Bxc7; but in doing so he would give up his advantage in development, which, as the further course of the game proves, is much more valuable.

(11) Pa2xb3 B-b7
(12) o-o P-h6!

If Black proceeded to develop his pieces indiscriminately, his advantage would soon vanish. White needs only two moves--R-e1 and Kt-e4--to paralyze the effect of Black's powerful Queen's Bishop and to regain control of the center where at present Black has the upper hand on account of his center-Pawn.

(13) Kt-f3 B-d6
(14) R-e1 o-o
(15) Ktb1-d2 Ra8-d8
(16) P-c3

White does not risk Kt-e4 as Black, after Ktxe4; (17) Pxe4, can uncover the Rook by B-b4 attacking White's Queen and Rook at the same time. White's only defense would be (18) B-d2 or Kt-d2, but he would pin himself badly in either case and Black would obtain an overwhelming attack by P-f5, which enables his King's Rook to join the fray.

With P-c3 White protects himself against B-b4 and now actually threatens to interrupt the diagonal of Black's Queen's Bishop. Black will naturally try to prevent this and the first move which presents itself for the purpose is P-e4, opening a line for the Bishop d6 and the Queen at the same time. At first sight the move does not seem playable as on e4 the Pawn is three times attacked and only twice defended; but White cannot withdraw both the Knight d2 and the Pawn d3 from the Queen's file on account of the threat Bxh2+ winning the Queen for Rook and Bishop. Black can, therefore, safely advance the Pawn.

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8 | | | | #R | | #R | #K | |
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7 | | #B | #Q | | | #P | #P | |
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6 | #P | | | #B | | #Kt| | #P |
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5 | | #P | | | #P | | | |
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4 | | | | | | | | |
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3 | | ^P | ^P | ^P | | ^Kt| | |
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2 | | ^P | | ^Kt| | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | ^B | ^Q | ^R | | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 66.

(16) ... P-e4
(17) Pxe4 Ktxe4
(18) Q-c2

Now that the Queen has left the d-file, unpinning the Knight, something must be done for the Knight e4 who is twice attacked and only once protected. Two moves come into consideration. One is P-f5 which maintains the Knight in the dominating center- position, as White cannot take him without opening the f-file for Black's Rook and losing the Pawn h2 who needs the protection of the Knight f3. The other is Ktxd2, winning the Pawn h2 right away no matter whether White retakes with the Bishop or with the Knight. Which of the two moves is the better is difficult to say and is more or less a matter of temperament. A player who prefers a slow and sure advance will choose P-f5. A player who likes a faster pace will start the hand-to-hand fight without delay by Ktxd2. It is the latter move on which Black decides.

(18) ... Ktxd2

White now faces the dilemma whether to recapture with the Bishop or with the Knight. If he takes with the Bishop Black exchanges on f3, breaking up White's chain of Pawns, and he regains his Pawn by Bxh2. If he takes with the Knight, Black also wins the Pawn h2, but the other Pawns in front of the King remain intact. The drawback to the latter continuation is, however, that White's development is delayed for another two moves, as the Queen's Bishop is shut in. For this reason White decides on Bxd2, probably also hoping that he will be compensated for the broken Pawn position by an attack in the g- or h-file which Black's maneuver opens.

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8 | | | | #R | | #R | #K | |
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7 | | #B | #Q | | | #P | #P | |
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6 | #P | | | #B | | | | #P |
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5 | | #P | | | | | | |
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4 | | | | | | | | |
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3 | | ^P | ^P | | | ^Kt| | |
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2 | | ^P | ^Q | #Kt| | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | ^B | | ^R | | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 67.

(19) Bxd2 Bxf3

The fact that Black has to exchange his well placed Queen's Bishop in order to win the Pawn h2 was very likely another reason which induced White to retake with the Bishop.

(20) Pxf3 Bxh2+
(21) K-g2

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7 | | | #Q | | | #P | #P | |
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6 | #P | | | | | | | #P |
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5 | | #P | | | | | | |
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4 | | | | | | | | |
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3 | | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | | |
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2 | | ^P | ^Q | ^B | | ^P | ^K | ^B |
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1 | ^R | | | | ^R | | | |
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a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 68.

A general survey of the position shows clearly that Black has the advantage. His Rook d8 is ready to take part in the battle while White has to make several preparatory moves with his Rooks before he can make use of them on the King's wing, the only part of the board where they have a chance to be effective. In the e-line which White's Rook controls at present, there is no tangible object for an attack.

Moreover, White's King is rather exposed while Black's King is safely entrenched behind his Pawns.

A good continuation for Black, which presents itself at first thought, is R-d6, enabling the doubling of the Rooks in the d- line or the participation of the Rook d6 in a fight on the King's wing.

(21) ... R-d6
(22) R-e4

White cannot take the Bishop h2 as Rxd2 would win the Queen. (22) P-f4 would not be good either as Black would reply Q-d7, threatening Rxd2 as well as Q-g4+; Kxh2, R-g6 and mate in two moves.

With R-e4 White attempts to protect his King by R-g4 against attacks in the g-file, and Black naturally tries to foil this attempt.

(22) ... P-f5
(23) R-h4

Black has now to decide whether he should withdraw his Bishop to e5 or counterattack White's Bishop by Q-d7 or Q-d8 or Rf8-d8. The counterattack looks better as it threatens to force an entrance for the Rooks in the second rank, displacing White's Queen and attacking the King from the flank. The withdrawal of the Bishop would give White time to play his Queen's Rook over to the King's wing.

The most forcible of the three moves available for the counterattack is Q-d8, which attacks the Rook h4 too, thereby depriving White of the possibility to save his Bishop by flight.

(23) ... Q-d8
(24) Rxh2 Rxd2
(25) Q-c1

White's Queen has now hardly any mobility and in addition she shuts off the Queen's Rook from the King's wing. Black, on the other hand, can easily get his Rooks to cooperate by doubling them either in the d-file or in the second rank. He decides on the former alternative because the control of the Queen's file keeps White's troops separated in two parts which have little or no communication with each other, while Black's pieces are ready for concentration on the King's wing at any moment.

(25) ... Q-g5+
(26) K-h1 Rf8-d8
(27) Q-e1

With the intention to play Q-e6+, thereby gaining time to swing over the Queen's Rook to the King's wing.

(27) ... K-h7
(28) Q-c1

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8 | | | | #R | | | | |
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7 | | | | | | | #P | #K |
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6 | #P | | | | | | | #P |
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5 | | #P | | | | #P | #Q | |
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4 | | | | | | | | |
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3 | | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | | |
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2 | | ^P | | #R | | ^P | | ^R |
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1 | ^R | | ^Q | | | | | ^K |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 69.

The Queen cannot leave the first rank on account of the threat R- d1+. It lies near for Black to try to force her out by attacking the square d1 once more with the Queen, thereby threatening to win the Queen for a Rook by the check on d1. He can accomplish this by playing the Queen into the d-file behind the Rooks.

(28) ... R-d6
(29) P-c4

Apparently White does not recognize Black's intention, or he would have played (29) Q-f1 in order to answer Q-d8 with (30) R- e1, R-dl; (31) K-g2. But Black would then also have had an easy win by playing (29) ..., Rxb2 and doubling the Rooks in the second rank.

(29) ... Q-d8
(30) Q-c3

The only alternative to save the Queen was K-g2, but then R-d1 would have won a clear Rook.

Black now enforces a mate in ten moves: R-d1+; (31) Rxd1, Rxd1+; (32) K-g2, Q-g5+; (33) K-h3, R-g1; (34) Q-d4, Q-h5+; (35) Q-h4, Qxf3+; (36) Q-g3, Rxg3+; (37) Pxg3, P-f4; (38) K-h4, Qxg3+; (39) K-h5, Q-g5 mate. This instructive game was not lost through a faulty combination but on account of loss of time in the opening which could not be regained.

GAME NO. 2

Played in the New York Masters' Tournament 1915

White Black
Edward Lasker Jose Raoul Capablanca

(1) P-d4 P-d5
(2) Kt-f3 Kt-f6
(3) P-c4 P-e6
(4) Kt-c3 Ktb8-d7
(5) B-g5 B-b4

Ordinarily the Bishop is developed to e7 as on b4 he is out of place as soon as White has castled.

(6) P-e3 P-c5

With this move Black threatens Q-a5, attacking the Knight c3 for the second time and unpinning the Knight f6 who is then free to cooperate with the Bishop b4 and the Queen by advancing to e4. In trying to counter Black's threat White will seek to do as much as he can for the development of his pieces so as to combine the attack with defense. The King's Bishop is not yet developed, and his most natural developing move happens to cover the square at which Black is aiming with his Knight.

(7) B-d3 Q-a5
(8) Q-b3

+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | | #K | | | #R |
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7 | #P | #P | | #Kt| | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | | | | | #P | #Kt| | |
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5 | #Q | | #P | #P | | | ^B | |
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4 | | #B | ^P | ^P | | | | |
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3 | | ^Q | ^Kt| ^B | ^P | ^Kt| | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | | | ^K | | | ^R |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 70.

White has to be very careful on account of the various exchanges possible in the center. Black threatens for instance to exchange first on d4 and then to play Kt-e4 so that the Bishop g5 is attacked by the Queen in case White takes the Knight with his Bishop, allowing the Pawn d5 to clear the fifth rank. Or he might play Kt-e4 first and then exchange on d4. Considering that all these threats are based on the fact that the Knight c3 is pinned as long as White has not yet castled it lies near for White to try (8) o-o. It is true that Black can then win a Pawn by taking twice on c3; however, in doing so he would retard his development and White is bound to obtain a strong attack by getting all of his pieces quickly into action, while Black's Queen is separated from the rest of her troops.

White's eighth move, Q-b3, has several drawbacks. First of all Black could play P-b5! winning a piece for three Pawns as White cannot do better than play (9) Pxb5 or Pxd5 allowing P-C4. Secondly, Black can make the combination indicated above which tends to open the fifth rank so that the Queen attacks g5. The same combination would be possible if White played (8) Q-C2.

(8) ... Kt-e4
(9) o-o

Offering the Pawn sacrifice Ktxc3; (10) Pxc3, Bxc3 with the view to attacking by (11) R-c1, etc., as previously indicated. Black prefers to direct his attack against g5.

(9) ... Ktxg5
(10) Ktxg5 Pxd4
(11) Kt-b5

(11) Pxd4 would lose a piece on account of Pxc4, attacking the Bishop on d3 and the Knight on g5. Black could now win a Pawn by taking on d3, but this would be very dangerous as it would open the f-file for White's Rook.

(11) ... Kt-c5

+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | | #K | | | #R |
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7 | #P | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | | | | | #P | | | |
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5 | #Q | ^Kt| #Kt| #P | | | ^Kt| |
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4 | | #B | ^P | #P | | | | |
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3 | | ^Q | | ^B | ^P | | | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | | | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 71.

The position is getting very complicated indeed. The first possibility which White will consider is (12) Kt-d6+; but after K-e7 there seems to be no satisfactory continuation. For instance: (13) Q-C2, Ktxd3; (14) Ktd6xf7, R-f8 winning two Knights for the Rook. Or: (14) Ktxc8+ ?, Ra8xc8; (15) Qxd3, Pxc4 winning a piece. Therefore, White has no alternative but to retire the Queen.

(12) Q-c2 Ktxd3
(13) Qxd3 P-a6

+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R | | #B | | #K | | | #R |
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7 | | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | #P | | | | #P | | | |
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5 | #Q | ^Kt| | #P | | | ^Kt| |
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4 | | #B | ^P | #P | | | | |
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3 | | | | ^Q | ^P | | | |
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2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | | | | ^R | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 72.

It is not easy for Black to retain tide Pawn which he has won. If he plays (13) ..., B-e7; (14) Kt-f3, Pxe3; White can continue (15) Pxd5 with good attacking chances on account of the open files in the center of the board, of which Black cannot yet make any use as he has not yet castled.

By P-a6 Black opens again the fifth rank in order to operate against the Knight g5.

(14) Ktxd4 Pxc4
(15) Qxc4 B-d7
(16) Kt-b3

A very bad move, as it violates the general principles of strategy. In withdrawing the Knight from the dominating center square White decreases his mobility instead of increasing it. The logical continuation would have been Rf1-d1 or Ra1-c1, developing one of the Rooks.

(16) ... Qxg5
(17) Qxb4 B-c6

Black would not have been able to occupy this favorable square with his Bishop, had not White withdrawn his Knight from d4.

(18) P-e4 P-a5

This forces the Queen out of the diagonal a3-f8 as the Pawn e4 has to be kept protected.

(19) Q-d2 Qxd2

Black demonstrates in a very simple manner that the exchange of Queens is disadvantageous for White, a fact that White should have foreseen as the unprotected Knight on d2 enables Black to gain control of the d-file by castling on the Queen's side.

(20) Ktxd2 o-o-o
(21) Kt-c4

White cannot play R-d1 on account of R-d4, threatening Rh8-d8.

(21) ... Bxe4
(22) Rf1-c1

This merely drives the Black King to a safe place. Ktxa5 was indicated. R-d2 could then have been answered by (23) R-c1+ and (24) R-C4.

(22) ... K-b8
(23) P-f3

Again a move which helps the opponent as it drives the Bishop where he wants to go.

(23)... B-d5
(24) Ktxa5 R-c8
(25) P-b3

This situation furnishes an instructive example of the importance of the rules governing Pawn formations as previously discussed. By attacking the Knight with the King Black can force the exchange of the Bishop for the Knight on c4.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | #K | #R | | | | | #R |
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7 | | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P |
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6 | | | | | #P | | | |
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5 | ^Kt| | | #B | | | | |
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4 | | | | | | | | |
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3 | | ^P | | | | ^P | | |
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2 | ^P | | | | | | ^P | ^P |
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1 | ^R | | ^R | | | | ^K | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 73.

This leaves White with a Pawn on c4 who is weak on account of his advanced position. Black can attack him with the King and White's King is consequently compelled to stay on the Queen's wing guarding the Pawn, while Black is at leisure to secure a passed Pawn on the King's wing. These maneuvers are, of course, possible only with the Rooks off the board. That is why Black tries to force their exchange and why White should endeavor to prevent it.

(25) ... Rxc1+
(26) Rxc1 R-c8
(27) Rxc8+

In view of the hopeless Pawn ending it would have been best to give up a Pawn by (27) R-d1, P-b6; (28) Kt-c4, Bxc4; (29) Pxc4, Rxc4; (30) R-d2 in order to keep a Rook on the board, thus obtaining a drawing chance.

(27) ... Kxc8
(28) K-f2 K-c7
(29) K-e3 K-b6
(30) Kt-c4+ Bxc4
(31) Pxc4 K-c5
(32) K-d3 P-e5

Black's strategy in this ending is clearly indicated. He will play P-f5 and advance the e-Pawn as soon as White plays K-c3. Instead of the latter move White could play P-a3 which would also keep Black's King from b4; but he would soon run out of spare moves with his Pawns necessitating a King's move. For instance, (32) P-a3, P-f5; (33) P-g4, P-g6; (34) P-h3, P-h6; (35) P-h4, P- h5; (36) P-g5, P-b6!; (37) K-c3, P-e4; (38) P-f4, P-e3; (39) K- d3, P-e2; (40) Kxe2, Kxc4; (41) K-e3, P-b5.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
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7 | | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | #K | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | ^P | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | ^K | | ^P | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | | | | | | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 74.

Black needs now only six moves to queen the Pawn b5 while White in the meantime cannot do more than capture the g- and h-Pawns, and Black's Queen can naturally stop the White passed Pawns without difficulty. The game proceeded as follows:

(33) P-g4 P-f6
(34) P-h4 P-g6
(35) K-e4 K-d6

Black could just as well have captured the Pawn c4 and permitted (36) P-g5, Pxg5; (37) Pxg5.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | | | | | | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | #K | | #P | #P | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | ^P | | ^K | | ^P |^P |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | ^P | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 75.

He would then have had a Queen in another eight moves while White could not get farther with his Pawn than to g7, so that Black easily wins.

To march against the Pawn b7 instead of the Pawns on the King's side would not help White either, as he does not get back to the King's wing in time to protect his f- and g-Pawn.

(36) P-f4 Pxf4
(37) Kxf4 K-c5
(38) P-h5 Kxc4
(39) K-e4 P-b5
(40) P-a3 K-c5
(41) Resigns.

V

PROBLEMS

To offer an exhaustive treatise on the manifold varieties of Chess problems is not within the scope of this book. The intention of the author is merely to make it quite clear to the reader that the Chess problem, apart from the moves of the men, has no relation to the game and to illustrate the vast difference between PROBLEM combinations and positions and GAME combinations and positions by a few typical examples from the works of master composers.

The mating methods and mating positions in the actual game very rarely embody an element of surprise. They are all known from previous experience and the question is merely whether the player concerned is familiar with them. With the problem it is altogether different. Here the mate must be accomplished in a certain number of moves from a given position in some ingenious way which is not known from game practice, or, if the mating METHOD is not extraordinary, the mating POSITION must be surprising and unlooked for.

Moreover, a number of laws must be obeyed in problem composition, which by the general consent of problemists, or rather by natural evolution of a more refined taste, have become the standards by which the merits of a problem are judged.

There is first of all the law of economy in material which demands that the idea of the problem should be expressed with the least possible number of men, and that no pieces should be added for the mere sake of increasing the number of variations. Then, of course, a problem should have only one solution. A position which has more than one key move is not considered a problem, because the main point at issue in a problem is not the NUMBER of moves in which the mate is accomplished but the METHOD in which it is accomplished, and of two possible solutions one will always be prettier so that the existence of the other must necessarily appear a blemish.

A very important law is that the first move of White (who by general consent has always the attack) must not deprive the black King of a flight square, as this would be too brutal, too obvious a procedure. The more possibilities of defense are left to Black the more surprising is the solution and the finer is the problem.

Many problem solvers are under the false impression that the first move in a problem must not be a check. This argument is valid only when by the check the number of defensive moves is limited, but this is not necessarily the case, as can be seen for instance in problem No. 2, in which Black has to move his King anyway, there being no other black piece on the board.

The position of Diagram 76 is an example of how a problem should NOT be constructed. There is a tremendous number of pieces on the board which have nothing to do with the idea of the problem. The latter is one of the most primitive ideas used in problem composition and has been expressed by many composers in charming forms, so that there was no need for the above monstrous addition to the problem literature. The key move is Q-h7 so as to pin the Rook f5 in case Black plays K-d3 and to enable the mate (2) Rxf3. However, if Black replies (1) ..., P-d3 or Bxe1, neither the Queen nor the Rook f4 are necessary, but the mate is accomplished by some of the other white pieces which are lavishly distributed over the board.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | ^Q |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | ^Kt| | | | #P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | ^P | | ^P | #R | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | ^B | | #P | #P | | ^R | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | #P | | #K | | | #P | ^Kt| |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | | | #B | | ^P | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^K | #Kt| | ^R | ^B | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 76.--Mate in Two Moves

A striking contrast will be found in the following problem which is based on the same idea but in which all unnecessary material is dispensed with.

The key move is B-c1, in order to mate with the Queen on b3 in case Black takes the Rook a3. If Black moves the Rook, White mates by Qxb6, and if the Pawn b6 advances (2) Qxe7 is mate.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | ^K | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | #P | ^B | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | #P | | | #Q | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | #K | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | ^R | | | | ^B | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | #R | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 77.--Problem No. 1.

Mate In Two Moves.

In problem No. 2 the mating maneuver does not involve a special trick; the idea of the composer was merely to arrive at an extraordinary mating position, and he added considerably to the value of the problem by producing the same mating position in several variations. The key move is B-b3+. Black has three moves in reply. If K-e4, White mates by (2) Q-f2, K-d3; (3) Q-f3. If K- c6, the mate is accomplished by (2) B-b4, K-b5; (3) Q-b7; and if K-d6, White answers (2) B-c4, K-c6; (3) Q-c7 mate.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | ^K | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | ^Q | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | #K | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | ^B | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | ^B | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 78.--Problem No. 2.

Mate In Three Moves.

A favorite trick with composers is to provide a stalemate which they relieve by obstructing the way of one of the pieces involved in the stalemate. The move which is thereby allowed Black's King exposes him to a discovered mate. The key move of problem No.3 is P-g8 (becomes Knight). After P-b5 Black is stalemate, but White relieves the stalemate by (2) Kt-e7, allowing Black to take the Knight on b4, and then mates by Kt-c6.

In trying to solve a problem it is a good method to examine Black's moves first. Often it will be found that whatever Black moves White can mate in reply so that all that is necessary is to find a first move for White, which leaves the position unchanged as far as the different mating threats are concerned. If Black has one or more moves at his disposal in reply to which there is no mate, the way is indicated in which to provide for these defenses.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | ^B | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | | | ^P | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | #P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | ^Kt| | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | #K | ^P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | ^K | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 79.--Problem No. 3.

Mate In Three Moves.

In problem No. 4 for instance, it is evident that Black has to keep the two squares b8 and b4 guarded on which the Knight a6 threatens mate. Of course, Black can take the Bishop f5, relieving the mating threat but White can move the Bishop to some other square in the diagonal h3-c8. Still, Black would have the defense Q-f8. This suggests as White's first move B-c8, interrupting the line from f8 to b8.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | ^K | ^Kt| | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | ^Kt| ^P | #K | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | #P | | #P | | ^B | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | #P | | | | #Q | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | ^P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 80.--Problem No. 4.

Mate In Two Moves

The only square for Black's Queen from which to guard both b4 and b8 is then d6; but there the Queen blocks a flight square of the King, freeing the Knight b7 and enabling the mate Kt-a5.

The most difficult problems, of course, are those in which no mate is threatened in the initial position and in which Black can apparently foil all attempts to build a mating net. An example is the following position which illustrates the so-called "Roman idea."

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | ^Kt| | | #B | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | ^B | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | ^K | | | ^P | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | #K | | ^P | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | | ^Q | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 81.--Problem No. 5.

Mate In Four Moves.

Black's King is stalemate so that any check with the Knight would settle him. However, Black's Bishop guards the squares c5 and d6 from which the Knight could threaten a mate, and if White makes a waiting move with the Queen in the second rank to force Black's Bishop from his defensive position, Black replies B-g5 and takes the Pawn e3 on the following move, relieving the stalemate. The same maneuver would foil White's attempt to checkmate by (1) Q- e2, (2) B-d3 and (3) Q-c2, and the position really does not betray any other mating possibility.

The key of this exceptionally fine and difficult problem is (1) Kt-d6, forcing Bxd6. The idea of this sacrifice is to change the line of defense of the black Bishop from the diagonal h4-d8 to the diagonal h2-b8, so that he is compelled to defend the threat Q-e2, etc., indicated above by moving to f4, that is to a square on which he can be taken. After (2) Q-e2, B-f4; (3) Pxf4 the stalemate is relieved and Black can take the Pawn d4. But a most surprising mate is now possible, which could not possibly have been foreseen in the original position, namely: (4) Q-e5.

Problems in which no definite number of moves are stipulated for the mate are usually called STUDIES or ENDINGS. They are nothing but game positions in which a maneuver forces the win that is so well hidden that it would probably not be found by a player in an actual game. The following two positions are examples of this class of compositions.

The first move is evident. White must play (1) P-c7, as otherwise Black retreats with the Rook in the d-file and occupies the c- file so that he can be sacrificed at any time for White's dangerous Pawn.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | ^K | ^P | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | #R | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | #K | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 82.--WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN.

After (1) ..., R-d6+ White can neither go to b7 on account of R- d7 nor can he play K-c6 or c5 on account of R-d1 followed by R-c1 whereby Black would draw. The only way to win is: (2) K-b5, R- d5+; (3) K-b4, R-d4+; (4) K-b3, R-d3+; (5) K-c2. At last White has succeeded in guarding his rear, and it seems as if Black could not any longer prevent the Pawn from Queening. However, Black plays (5) ..., R-d4 and if White queens the Pawn he gives check on C4 forcing Qxc4 which would stalemate the King.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | | | | | | | ^K | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | | | | | | ^P | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | | | #B | ^B | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | ^Kt| | | #P | | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | #K | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 83.--White to Move and Draw.

This is the point where the problem-trick enters the game. White does not promote the Pawn to a Queen but to a Rook, avoiding the stalemate and threatening mate on a8. Black's only defense is R- a4 and now White wins by (7) K-b3 attacking the Rook and threatening mate on c1 at the same time.

In the position of Diagram 83 Black threatens to queen either of his Pawns. White can play (1) Kt-e3+ K-e2; (2) Bxh2, but after Kxe3 there seems to be no way of stopping the Pawn f2.

+---------------------------------------+
8 | #K | #B | | ^Q | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | | #P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
6 | #P | ^P | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
5 | ^P | | ^Kt| | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
4 | | ^P | | ^Kt| | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
3 | | | | | #K | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | | | | | | | | |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | | | | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------+
a b c d e f g h

DIAGRAM 84.--Sui-Mate in Six Moves

Again an ingenious trick is available which leads to an unexpected finish. White plays (3) K-h8 threatening to Queen his Pawn and forcing B-d5. Then he gives up his Pawn by (4) P-g8 (Queen) and after Bxg8 he saves the game by (5) B-g1 !! If Black takes the Bishop promoting the Pawn to a Queen or a Rook White is stalemate. Otherwise the draw is forced by either Kxg8 or Bxf2.

It remains to explain the meaning of the so- called sui-mates. A sui-mate is a problem in which White has to play so as to force Black to checkmate him (White) in a certain number of moves. One of the most beautiful examples in the literature is the above six mover, the solution of which runs as follows: (1) Kt-b5, Pxb5; (2) Kt-a6, Pxa6. One should not think that White can force Black to checkmate in four more moves; but: (3) K-d4, K-b7; (4) Q-d5+, K-c8; (5) P-b7+, K-c7; (6) K-c5 and Black has no other move except B-a7, checkmating White.