Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
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against the
Staunton Gambit
by
National Master
Eric Schiller
and
Senior Master
BHI Colias
ISBN: 0-87568-236-7
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Contents
15. 4.Bg5 Nc6 5.d5 Ne5 6.Qd4 Nf7 7.Bxf6 exf6 8.Nxe4 .........129
Introduction
Eric Schiller
Bill Colias
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 5
7 ... Qxg5
While not a bad move the queen does lose time after
8.Ngf3 , which is why we recommend playing 7 ... Be7. For
example: 8.h4 0-0 9.Ngf3 exd4 lO.exdS Nb6. This position is
better for Black because of his lead in development and the
exposed nature of White's king.
9 ... B d6
9...Be7 is another move with the idea of taking advantage of
the weakened el-h4 diagonal with 1 0 ... Bh4+.
1 5 ... Be7
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 7
The first battle has ended with Black on top since White's
king is trapped in the center.
1 6 . Ng3
16. Ne6 Ne5 would only create problems for White since
17.Nxf8 could be answered by 17 ... Bg4 winning the White
queen.
22 N e 4 Re B
.
23.Rhfl
23 ... Qg6
8 Chapter 1
2 6 ... Rxe4
The beginning o f a combination wi th the idea o f exploiting
White's queen being tied down to the second rank.
3 1 . . . Bxd5 Q-1 .
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 9
S c h w e i g e r -Ta r t a k o w e r
Budapest, 1 9 2 1
1 . d4 fS 2 . e4 fxe4 3.f3 d 5 4.c4
The idea behind this move is for White to dismantle Black's
strong . central position while gaining time for his pieces to
develop in the event Black plays 4 ...dxc4 5.Bxc4. The solution
for Black is to reinforce his center pawn at d5.
1 5 . Ng5 BfS
1 6. Bd3 Ng4
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 11
23.g5 Nc6
White always seems to be just a move behind.
D e M e y - O'K e l l y
Brussels, 1 935
12 Chapter 2
5.Nc3 Nf6 6. Bg5 would transpose back into the main lines.
5 ... Nf6 6 . c4
6 ... e 5 !
Thanks to White's innoucous play Black is able to take the
initiative.
1 0 . 0-0-0
10. Bxf6 Bxf6 l l . Nxe4 Bxb2 and Black would retain his
pawn advantage while acquiring the two bishops.
P i n k e r t o n -To z e r
Dublin, 1 991
1 .d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3.f3 d5 4.fxe4 dxe4 5 . Bc4
This is a more aggressive move than 5.Be3 of De May
O'Kelly but it is not any more effective.
5 ...Nf6 6. Ne2 eS
This central thrust equal izes because the pawn cannot be
safely captured.
7 . c3
7 . dxe5 is poor because of 7 . . . Qxd l + 8 . Kxdl Ng4 9. Rfl
NxeS .
7 ... N c 6
Black puts more pressure on the center, which is th e main
theme of the game.
1 8 . Rcel Bc5
Black regains the initiative with this move.
2 S . B c4
4. . . h 6 5 . h4
This move has enjoyed a small degree of success recently
but Black has more than adequate resources. The move really
does not have any immediate threat since 6.g5 would leave
White's rook hanging after 6 ... hxg5 7.hxg5 Rxhl .
s ... ds
A strong centralizing move with an immediate threat on
White's g-pawn.
6 . Bh3 Nc6!
This is the key move. Black must contest the central dark
squares.
7.Bf4 g5 8 . Be5
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 17
2 0 ... Bd6 2 1 . Qb5+ Ke7 22. Qxb7 Rf8 23. Ke2 Qxh2+
2 4 . Qg2
24.Bg2 Rb8 25.Qxb8 Qxg2+ 26.Kdl Bxc2+ 27.Kcl Bf4+#.
18 Chapter 3
K a r a yi a nts - P te cz k a
Dortmund, 1992
l .d4 f5 2 .e 4 fxe 4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.g4 h6 5.h4
S.f3 d S gives Black nothing to worry about, as the following
games demonstrate:
5 . . . d5 6 . Bh3 hS!?
This alternative move takes the sting out of White's intended
g5 by taking control of the g4 square.
1 4 . Qxb7
Now Black goes into a sacri ficial orgy which leads to a quick
loss.
1 4 ... B b 4 +
1 4... Nxe3 is obviously beLtcr, a n d shows that Bl ack's
posi tion is not nearly a s bad as its re putatio n.
Chapter 4: 4 .f3
(Except for 4 ...d5 5.fxe4 dxe4 6.Bg5)
Teic hmann-Mieses
Teplitz-Schoenau, 192 2
4 d5
...
5 . Bg 5
This position gives White plenty o f compensation for the
pawn because of his lead in development and Black's weakened
kingside.
22 Chapter 4
5 Nc6 6 . Bxf6
...
White has regained his pawn. But this took time and has
allowed Black to take over the initiative.
9 ... Qe7
How to play Black against the Stauncon Gambit 23
1 0 .Qe2 Bg4
Developing with gain of tempo on the White queen.
1 3 . f4
13.Nc3 Nxf3+ and I31ack has a winning position due to his
extra pawn.
Correct was 15... Kxe7 The idea behind this move becomes
clear after 16.Nxf5+ Kf6. 13lack's king attacks the knight while
coming to the defense of his g-pawn. This allows Black to win
the d-pawn after 17.Ng3 (17.Ne3 would be worse because of
17... Bc5 allowing Black to develop with an attack on the White
knight.) 17 ... Re8+ 18.Kd2 Nxd5 and Black's extra pawn gives
him all the chances.
1 6 . Nxf5
24 Chapter 4
2 3 . Re7
The activity o f White's rook on the 7th keeps the balance.
2 6 . hxg3 RdfS
Played with the idea of challanging the White rook on the
7th with R5f7.
M ars a 1 e k - F 1 o r i a n
Czechoslovakia Championship, 1956
1 . d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 dS S.fxe4 dxe4
6 . B c4
Black has two interesting ideas. One is to play for a quick e5
and the other is for Black to continue his development with Nc6
with active piece play against White's exposed d-pawn.
6 ... Nc6
How co play Black against the Staunton Gambit 25
7 . d5
7.Nge2 e5 (7 ...Bf5 8.0-0 Qd7 9.Bg5 e6 transposes back
into the main line, and that is is what we recommend for Black.)
8.Bg5 Nxd4 (8 ... exd4 9.Nxe4 Bb4+ 10. c3 dxc3 l l .N4xc3
Qxd1+ 12.Rxd1 Ne4 and Black has the advantage due to his
extra pawn.) 9.0-0 Bg4 10.Qel Bxe2 11.Nxe2 Qd6 12.Rd1
Qc5 13.Nxd4 Qxc4 14.Nf5 Rd8 15.Bxf6 gxf6 16.Qh4 Rxd1
17.Rxd1 Qf7 18.Qxe4 Qg6 19.Qd3 Bc5+ 20.Kh1 Rg8 21.Qd7+
Kf8 22.Qd8+ 1-0, Maroja-Padevsky, Virovitica, 1976.
1 3 . a5
. .
1 4 . a4 Bd7 1 5 . h4 Qe8
This is a good square for the queen since it serves the duel
purpose of preparing for pawn b5 while hindering the advance
of White's pawn to h5.
1 8 b5!
...
1 9 .Nd4
19.axb5 a4 20.Ba2 Qxb5 21.Nd4 Qb6 is better for Black.
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 27
1 9 Nc4
...
from the king would have been much more accurate than the
game continuation. White has little chance of surviving long, for
example 2l.b3 a4 and the opening of the a-file combined with
Black's two pawn advantage would quickly bring an end to
White's position.
2 2 . Nxf5
22.Nc7 Qb8 23.Nxa8 Nxd5 24.c3 Qxa8 is perfectly
playable for Black since the material is equal.
35. Kd2 hS
With the idea of making a safe haven for Black's king on h7.
43 . . . Rcl + D- 1 .
N o g u e i r a s - B arb e r o
Lugano, 1987
l . d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 d5 5.fxe4 dxe4
6 . Bf4
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 29
1 4 ... g6?
14... Bd6 runs into 15.Rxf5 (15.Bxe6 Bxf4 16.Bxf5 0-0
17.Bxe4 Nxe4 18.Nxe4 Bxh2+ 19.Kh l ) 15 ... exf5 16.Nxf5
0-0-0 17.Be6+ so 14...Qd7 is probably best.
30 Chapter 4
20.g3
The bishop is trapped, and Black i s lost.
S dxe4 6 . Bg5
...
32 Chapter 5
6 B f5
...
7.Qe2
7 ... Nc6
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 33
l l . Nxd6
White is playing with fire since the opening of the c-file will
put pressure on his king's position.
1 5 . Bb3 Rac8
Black stands much better. His superior development
translates into a direct attack on the White king.
1 6.Nc3 Bg6
A subtle move with the idea of advancing the queenside
pawns later. Such a pawn advance isn't possible now since
Black's queen is the only protector of his light squared bishop.
1 7 . Rhfl b5 1 8 . Rd2
1 8 ... Nd3+
This surprising check takes full advantage of White's king
having remained on the opened c-file.
1 9 . Rxd3
19.cxd3 b4 and Black regains his piece with a winning
advantage because of the exposed position of White's king.
1 9 . Bxd3 2 0 . Rdl b4
. .
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 35
2 1 . Rxd3 bxc3 2 2 . Kb l
Black has a winning position because of his material
advantage.
2 2 ... Rfe8
22 ... cxb2, creating weaknesses on the dark squares near
White's king should have been preferred.
2 3 . bxc3 Rxc3
A surprising decision by Black since his queen and rook will
be pinned on the el-a5 diagonal.
2 5 . cxb3
This capture weakens White's 2nd rank. But there was no
choice since 25.axb3 would be met by Rel+ 26.Kb2 Qal #.
25 ... Qf5
Black not only pins the White rook but threatens to win
White's queen with 26 ...Qfl+ 27.Kc2 (27.Qcl drops the rook to
27...Qxd3+) 27 ... Re2 pinning White's queen to the king.
26.Kb2 Qfl
With the threat of 27...Re2, winning White's queen.
Zu r a k h o v-Korc h n o i
Minsk, 1952
l .d4 fS 2 . e4 fxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 d5 5.Bg5 Bf5
6.fxe4 dxe4 7.Bc4
At first glance this appears to be a good developing move.
However, it has the drawback of doing nothing to pressure
Black's e-pawn. Black will get a very good game if he just keeps
mounting pressure against the White d-pawn.
7 ... Nc6
A good devloping move which threatens the White d-pawn.
1 0 . d5
White wants to get rid of the weakened d-pawn. However,
since this move only encourages Black to develop with a gain of
tempo it is not to be recommended.
1 2 . Nxf6 Bc5+
The dark squared bishop enters the game with a gain of
tempo at the expense of the White king.
1 7 . Rfl
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 39
1 7 ... Bg6
17 ...Rxf6 would allow White to win material after the
forcing 18.Rxf5 Rxf5 19.Be6+ Kd8 20.Bxf5. White wins either
the e- or h-pawns.
1 8. Ng3 Nb4
Black is building up a queenside initiative since White's
pieces are preoccupied with the pinning of his rook on the f-file.
19.c3 Nd3
Threatening to win the dark squared bishop with 20 .... Nf2+
and 21 ...Rxf6.
Le mp e r e o r - V e r l e d e n s
H olland, 1 982
1.d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4 .f3 d5 5.fxe4 dxe4
6 . Bg5 Bf5 7.Bc4 Nc6 8 . Nge2 Qd7 9.0-0 e6 1 0 . Qe1
40 Chapter 5
1 0 0-0-0 l l . Rdl
...
l l . . Na5
.
1 2 . Bb 5
12.Bb3 would eventually allow Black to gain the advantage
of the two bishops with ...Nxb3. The immediate response should
be 12. .. Be7 since White's light squared bishop isn't going
anywhere, and Black can afford to finish developing before
taking on b3. 12 ... Qc6 is also reasonable.
1 2 ... c6
While this move attacks White's light squared bishop, it
serves the more important function of gaining control of the d5
square.
13.Ba4 Nc4
This is a strong move which brings Black's worst placed
piece back into the game.
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 41
1 4 . Bb 3
For 14.d5 Bc5+ 15.Khl Be3 16.dxc6 Qc7 see the game
Schulz-Will, presented below.
1 4 ... Nxb 2 !
Black's knight maneuver has gained him a two pawn
advantage.
l S . Rb l
1 5 . Nd3
..
1 6 . cxd3
16.Qd2 is met by 16... Nb4.
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2 1 .Nfe 2 +
21.Rxbl would allow Black a mating combination based on
White's weakened back rank: 21. . . d1Q+ 22.Rxdl Qxdl +
23.Nxdl Rxdl + 24.Qel Rxel#.
2 1 . .. Bd6 2 2 . Nxd4
22.Qh3 Qd3 23.Rxbl would once again allow Black to take
advantage of White's weakened back rank with 23 ... Qxbl +
24.Nxbl dlQ+ 25.Ngl Bc5.
S c h u l z -W i l l e
D, 1957
M u l l e r- R a u
D, 1 957
l . d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 dS 5.fxe4 dx e4
6.Bg5 Bf5 7.Bc4 Nc6 8 . Nge2 Qd7 9. 0-0 e6 1 0 . Qe1
10.Bxf6 gxf6 ll.a3 Na5 12.Ba2 0-0-0 13. b4 Nc6 14. d5
Qe7 15.Nf4 e5 16.Nh5 Nd4 17.Nb5 Nxb5 18.Rxf5 Nc3 19. Qg4
Qd7 20.Nxf6 Qb5 21.Rxe5+ Kb8 22.Re8 Rxe8 23. Nxe8 Qxe8
24.Bb3 Rg8 0-1, Plath-Gerloff, o, 1989.
1 0 . . 0-0-0 l l . Rdl
.
44 Chapter 5
1 4 ... B c 5 +
The bishop develops with a gain of tempo. This is not a good
sign for White.
1 5 . Khl Nxb2
1 6 . Rb l
16.dxc6 would allow Black t o take advantage of White's
back rank with the incredible 16 ... Qxdl 17.Nxdl (17.cxb7+
Kxb7 transposes to the same position.) 17...Rxdl 18.cxb7+ Kxb7
and amazingly White has no way to save his queen while
protecting his back rank: 19.Qxdl (19.Qa5 Rxfl + 20.Ngl Rxgl +
mates.) 19... Nxdl 20.Rxdl with an advantage to Black thanks to
his extra pawn.
1 8 . Qa5
18.Bxf6, exchanging off the dark squared bishop would
give Black the critical e3 square for example 18...gxf6 19. Qa5
Be3 with a clear advantage to Black.
26. Bh4 bS
This move will leave n o doubt: White's knight can never
reach c3 and halt the e-pawns advance.
34 . Rxbl
Otherwise Black would take the pawn on b5.
issue.
9 ... h 6
A good move which strengthens Black's e-pawn by driving
the bishop off of the f6 knight.
1 0 . Be 3
10.Bxf6 Bxf6 ll.Rdl Bg4 12.Be2 (12.Ral Bg5 13.Qf2 e3
14.Qgl Qxd4 is winning for Black because of his two pawn
advantage and the exposed position of White's king.) and now
12... Bg5 traps the White queen.
1 0 Nbd7
...
This position is better for Black due to his extra pawn and
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 49
1 3 . Nh5 Rg8
Although this is not a bad move the rook would be more
active on f8 after 13 .0-0. However Black's king will no doubt
..
1 5 ... g6 1 6 . Be2
Black must play carefully since White is threatening to win
material with g4 and Rxf6 or Nxe4 and Rxf6.
so Chapter 5
1 6 ... Qg7
1 7 . Bxh6
Although White temporarily wins back his pawn, Black's
major pieces will use the opened h-file to launch an attack
against the White king.
30 ... Bf3 +
Another zwischenzug, which leaves Black with a winning
material advantage.
M a e n p a a - V a rj o n e n
D, 1 973
l . d 4 fS 2 . e 4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 dS 5.fxe 4 dxe4
6 .Bg5 BfS 7. Bc4 e6
Play might transpose back into the main line, but in this
game White plays more ambitiously and gets slapped.
4 Nc6
...
S . f4
This move takes away the eS square from Black's knight.
White's idea is to play pawn dS.
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 53
s ... d s
This simple move stops White's intended d5 while gaining a
protected passed e-pawn.
6 . Bxf6
This combination allows White to restore the material
advantage by winning the Black d-pawn.
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An interesting idea in which Black will be able to drive back
White's minor pieces with his pawns by playing a6, b5, and b4.
1 5 . g4
15. Ba4 bS 1 6.Bb3 b4 1 7.Na4 Bg4 1 8.Rhel Bxe2 1 9. Rxe2
Bxf4+ 20.Kbl fS and Black has the advantage with his extra
pawn.
2 1 . Bf3
21.Nxb7 Rhb8 22.Nc5 Rxb2+ 23.Kcl Rxa2 is winning for
Black due to his two pawn advantage.
36 ... a4
Before advancing his pawns on the kingside, Black first puts
an end to any idea White might have of gaining his own passed
pawn.
3 7 . h3
37.bxa4 Rb8 38.Nc5 Rb2+ 39.Ke3 Rxh2 40.Rf2? Bd4+.
4 1 . Rfl Rd8
White resigned because his pieces will be unable to save his
d-pawn or stop Black's passed pawns from promoting.
How co play Black against the Sta unton Gambit 57
S c h r e i b e r-H e r m a n n
D, 1 953
l . d4 fS 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4 . Bg5 Nc6 5 .Bc4
s ... e 6
5 ...d 5 6.Bxf6 dxc4 7.Be5 is better for White on account of
his pawn structure. While Black's extra pawn cannot be held due
to his weaknesses at c4 and e4.
Colias thinks Black won't live that long. 18.Qh6 is probably best
(18.Qh7 Qe8 19.Rhel f5 20.£3 Qg6 21.Qxg6+ Rxg6 22. fxe4
fxe4 23.Rxe4 Rxg2 24.Re8 Rxh2 2S. Rfl b6 26.Rff8 Kc7 27.c3
Rhl+ 28.Bdl Bg4 29.Rxa8 Rxd1+ 30. Kc2 Kb7 31.Rab8+ Kc7)
and Black then plays 18... Qe7.
1 5 ... Re8 1 6 . N l e2
The White bishop remains locked out of the game and the
king is stuck in the center.
21 .h3
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 59
2 5 ... Nxg3
25 ...Rg7 26. Nxe2 Rxe2 27.Rhgl Kc7 28.Rd4 (28.Rdfl Kd6
29.Rf6+ KcS) cS 29.Rxd5 Bb7.
This move has the serious drawback of parting with the two
bishops with no compensation in return.
S j o b e rg-Vi d m a r
Goteborg, 1 909
l . d4 fS 2 . e4 fxe4 3 . Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Nc6 S .Bxf6 ex:f6
6 . d5
6.Nxe4 Qe7 7.Qe2 Nxd4 leaves Black a clear pawn ahead.
1 3 . Qf2 cS
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 61
t 6 ... c 4 1 7 . Bc2 b4
Played with the idea of opening up the b-file with a direct
attack on the White king.
2 0 . Rh e l Rab8
Black wastes no time before mounting pressure on White's
king.
2 1 . b3 aS 2 2 . Re3 a4
For all practical purposes the game is over since White will
have no defense to the opening of the a-file.
This move obeys the rule, " one should attack where one's
opponent is weakest". In this position it will be easier for Black
to break through on the uncontested a-file.
2 6 . Kc l Bd8
Played with the immediate threat to win the exchange with
27...Bb6. In reality, the bishop is played over to the queenside
to join in the king hunt.
2 8 ... cxb3
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 63
} u m e k- L e c h tyn s ky
Czechoslovakia, 1 967
l . d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 5 . Bxf6 exf6
6 . d5
6 ... N e 5
The knight i s very strong on this central square.
1 0 . Bb 5 + Kf7
An interesting decision. Black intends to castle by hand with
Re8 and Kg8. The idea is to gain an initiative on the queenside
at the expense of White's light squared bishop starting with
pawn a6.
1 1 . 0-0-0 a6
1 4 Qh3
.
Black has the better ending thanks to his two bishops and
queenside initiative.
2 5 ... hxg6 2 6 . b3
White's main problem with having the two knights is that
they have no outposts in the center and thus they will always be
less active than Black's two bishops.
2 6 ... b4
Perhaps Black should take time to rid himself of his only
weakness the doubled g-pawns by playing pawn gS.
3 0 ... cxb4
A miscalculation. Black misjudges the strength of White's a
pawn.
S h ti r o v-Ch e r e m s i n
USSR, 1965
l .d4 fS 2.e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 S. Nh3?!
The idea is for White to castle as quickly as possible. But this
move has little to reccommend itself since the opening of the
c8-h3 diagonal will give Black an easy game.
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Closing the c8-h3 diagonal means that Black will be unable
to punish White's drunken knight move on his fifth turn.
8 . d5
The opening up of the center favors White due to his lead in
development.
8 ... N e 5
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 69
1 1 ... c6 1 2 . Qd6!
1 2 ... Nf7
1 2 ... Qe7 1 3 . Nxe4 Qxd6 1 4 . Nxd6+ Kf8 was better than the
game continuation, but still not appealing.
1 6 . Re3 ReB
An oversight, although Black's position was lost anyway.
1 7 . Nxf6
70 Chapter 9
B r e y e r-Va j d a
Vienna, 1 92 1
l .d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 5.Bb5
This move accelerates White's development, bu t on the
other hand the bishop is exposed at b5 and can be kicked
around by Black's pawns.
5 . . a6
.
6 . Ba4
6. Bxc6 bxc6 7.Qe2 e 6 8.Nxe4 Be7 9. Bxf6 Bxf6 1 0 . Nf3
0-0 with an advantage to Bl ack due to his two bishops and
central pawns. An interesting point of Black's central majority is
that it takes away the squares that the enemy knights rna y use
for an outpost in the center.
6 b5 7. Bb3 Na5
...
the two bishops and 7 ...NaS works directly toward that goal.
1 3 . Kfl
Not 1 3 . Qxe4 Re8 but 1 3 . Nge2 Qe7 , with the idea of
trapping White's queen via 14 ... Bb7 and IS ... Ra8, is possible. For
example: 14 .d5 (1 4.a3 Bb7 1 5 . Qa7 Ra8 16.Qxa8 Bxa8 1 7 .axb4
Qxb4 would give a winning advantage to Black.) 14 . . . Bb7
1 5 .Qa7 BcS 16.d6 cxd6 17.Nd5 Qe5 traps the White queen.
1 3 .. c6
.
1 4. Qb8 d6 1 5 .d5
Hoping to carve an escape route for his queen after 15 ...cxd5
1 6 . Qa7 + .
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 73
1 7 . a4
17.Qa7+ Bb7 1 8.a4 Qc7 19.axb5 Ra8 wou ld lead to a
winning material advantage for Black.
Although White has two rooks for the queen, Black's three
extra pawns give him a winning advantage.
Ci fu e n tes-S c hm I ttd i e 1
Bad Worishofen, 1 992
l . d4 fS 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Nc6 S.f3 eS 6 . d5
Capturing at eS make no sense: 6.dxe5 NxeS 7 . fxe4 Bb4
8 . Qd4 Qe7 9. Bxf6 Bxc 3 + 1 0 . Qxc3 Qxf6 1 1 . 0-0-0 0-0
1 2 . Bc4+ Nxc4 13 .Qxc4+ Qt7 14.Qxt7+ Rxt7 1 5 .Nf3 b6 16 . Rhel
Bb7 1 7 . Rd3 Re8 18.Rde3 h6 19.c4 Rf4 20.Nd2 Rh4 2 1 .h3 Rf4
2 2 . R l e 2 a S 2 3 . Rf3 Rxf3 24.gxf3 Rf8 2 5 . Kc 2 Rf4 26 . Rg 2 h5
27 . Kd3 d6 28. Ke3 Rh4 29. Nbl Rxh3 30.Nc3 Rh l 3 1 .Nb5 Rcl
32 .b3 a4 3 3 . Nxc7 axb3 34.axb3 Rc3+ 3 5 . Kf4 Kt7 36. Nb5 Rd3
37. Rg5 g6 38.b4 Kf6 3 9 . Rg3 Bc6 40. Nc7 Rd4 4 1 . b5 Bb7
42.Ne8+ Kf7 43 .Nc7 Rxc4 44 .Na6 Bxa6 4 5 . bxa6 Ra4 46. Rg5
Rxa6 47 .Rd5 Ke6 48.Rg5 Kf6 49.Rd5 bS SO. RxbS Ra3 S l . RdS
g5+ 5 2 . Kg3 Ra6 5 3 . Rf5 + Kg6 5 4 . Rd5 Kh6 5 5 . Rd3 Drawn,
Saether-Agdestein, Stavanger, 1989.
8 . d6
The idea behind this pawn sacrifice is to double Black's d
pawns thus shutting out the queenside pieces. However it has
the drawback of giving Black a formidable pawn center.
l l . Nxd4 dxe4
l l ... exd4 1 2 .Ng3 with a winning position for White due to
Black's scattered pawn structure.
1 4 . Bc4
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 77
1 4 ... Bb 4+
This is a good move si nce mack's main concern is with the
safety of king rather than the win of material with 1 4 ... Qxa l + :
1 5 . Kf2 Q x h l 1 6 . Qf7+ Kd8 1 7 . Qxe7+ Kc7 18. Qd6+ Kd8
19. Qxf6+ Kc7 20.Qxe5+ and now not 20 ... Kd8 2 1 . Qxh8+ Kc7
2 2 . Qe5+ Kd8 23 . Nd6 wins for White due to the threat of
24 .Nf7# (For example 23 ... e 3 + 24 .Kg3 Qel + 2 5 . Kh3 Kc7
26 . Qc5 + Kd8 27. Nf7 + Ke8 28 . Qe5+ Kf8 29. Qh8+ Ke7
30. Qd8#.) while 20 ... Kb6 fa ils to 2 1 .Qd6+ Ka5 22.Qa5+ with
mate to follow.
1 7 . Rh d l
Or 17.Ne3 Qd2.
1 7 ... exf3
With the discovered attack on White's knight and g-pawn
Black is able to take control of the g-file.
2 2 . Qg 8 +
O r 22.Qd4 Bc5 23 . Qd2 Bxe3 24.Qxe3 Qxg2+.
2 7 ... Bd3
Black's bishops prove a formidable force since White soon
parts with the exchange.
2 8 . Rb c l
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 79
· - t� . .a - -
��rr� R t �S -
�T� R ��rr� R
- ��� -JtU
- - t -4JR
R R
ft - - R � ft r
.���>
- ��§'� § W
�
z
�- - a -
Not 28.Ral Bd4 29.Racl Bb2. So 28.Rb2 i s the only move to
avoid immediate material loss. Still, Black's two extra pawns and
dominating bishops give him a winning advantage after
28 . . . Bd4 .
2 8 ... Ba3
This move wins the exchange and so puts a n end to any
further resistance White might have offered.
29.h4
O r 29.Rc3 Bb4.
V o rj o n e n-Ta ta i
D , 1 966
6 . d5 Nd4 7. Nxe4
Chapter 1 1
l l . c3 Nb5 1 2 . Qd3
1 2 . Bxb5 cxbS would give Black a clear advantage because
of his two bishops and eventual play against White's f3 pawn.
1 7 . Ne2 cS
Black wants to gain space on the queenside and take control
of the d4 square for his knight in the event White plays c4.
1 8 . Ng3 a6
White's main problems in this position are his discoordinated
pieces and weakened pawn structure.
2 6 . Bxc4 exf4
When one side is attacking with opposite colored bishops on
the board the defending bishop will be unable to challange its
counterpart.
2 7 . Nxf4
27 .Nxf6+ Qxf6 is winning for Black. Black has good knight
versus White's bad bishop; Black has pressure on the b-file; and
White's f-pawn is indefensible: 28. Qxf4 Ne2 wins material for
Black due to the mate threat on b2.
27 ... Rb4!
A strong move with the idea of backing the rook u p with
the queen (which would not be the case had Black played
27 ... Qb6).
Ragoz in-Nilss on
Europe, 1958
l . d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3 . Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Nc6 5 . f3
White proceeds in true gambit style hoping to gain a lead in
development in the event that Black plays S ...exf3 .
5 ... e 5
The logical follow u p to S ... Nc6. Black strikes back i n the
center with the idea of taking control over the dark squares.
6 . d5
6. dxe5 NxeS 7 . Qd4 (7 .fxe4 d6 8 . Nf3 Bg4) 7 ... d6 8.Nxe4
Be7 and Black's centralized pieces give him good chances of an
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 83
advantage.
This move will ensure some initiative for Black due to his
bishop pair.
1 4 . Bc4 b5 1 5 . Bb3 cS
· -�� �sv�
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.
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-
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Black can claim an advanatage in this position due to his two
bishops, more active pieces, and queenside space advantage.
84 Chapter 1 1
1 9 . g3?
This i s a weak move which only creates further targets on
the White kingside in particular the f3 pawn.
2 4 ... B d7
24 ... Bc8 would be more precise.
2 5 . Bc2 Qd8
A good multipurpose move as the queen will guard the d
pawn while looking for an opening on White's kingside.
35 ... e4
With all of White's pieces tied down to the defense of his
pawns this central break puts an end to all resistance.
3 6 . fxe4
36. Nxe4 Rxe4 37.fxe4 Qf2#.
86 Chapter 1 1
36 . . . Rf2 +
White resigned due to the forced mate: 37 .Kgl Rg2 +
38.Kxg2 Qf2#.
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 87
A l z a te-Ni l s s o n
Havana Olympiad, 1 966
l . d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 5.d5 Ne5
6 . Bxf6 ? !
Parting with the bishop pair this early only hands Black the
initiative.
6 . . exf6 7 . Nxe4
.
7 fS
...
the center.
8 . Ng3 g6
Played with the idea of putting the dark squared bishop on
the h8-a 1 diagonal.
l l . Nh 3
l l . Qxe7 + Bxe7 wou l d only assist Black with his
development.
� --�� �s
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m m tt m t m
m m m�m
� � � �� /:"\
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.!J. �� .!J. �
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mw�§m m §
1 3 ... d6
Black has the better ending because of the bishop pair and
White's misplaced knights.
Not only are the White knights kept away from the center,
but his light squared bishop cannot find an open diagonal either.
- - -�-��
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This moves gains space on the queenside while cutting off
White's d-pawn from the pack.
2 3 . a3
Forced since 23.c3 would drop the d-pawn after 23 ... a4
24. Bc2 Nxd5 .
2 3 ... B f7
This is precisely what Black played for when isolatingWhite's
d-pawn with 18 ... b5 .
29. Ng3
90 Chapter 1 2
29 ... b3
Before proceeding to the kingside Black gets rid of his only
attackable weakness-the advanced b-pawn.
30.cxb3 Bxb3 31 . Nb5 Bf4 32. Nd4 Bc4 33. Kc2 Kf7
33 ... Bxg3 34.hxg3 Bfl-winning a pawn immediately-is
not advised since 35.b4 Bxg2 is met by 36.b5 when White's b
pawn is a formidable force.
3 5 . Nge2
35 .b4 runs into Be5 , with a formidable pin o n the White
knight.
H o l m e s-M ie s e s
Liverpool, 1 923
l . d4 fS 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 S . dS NeS
6 . f4
6 ... exf3
6 ...N f7 i s generally recommended, but leads to compli
cations : 7 . Qd4 g6 8 . Nxe4 Bg7 9. 0-0-0 0-0 1 0 . Nf3
( l O . Nxf6+?! exf6 l l . Bh4 g5! worked out well for Black in
Reicher-Alexandrescu, Romania, 1962.) 10 . . . Nd6 l l .Nxf6+ Bxf6
1 2 . Bxf6 exf6 oo .
2 3 . Nf6?
This move is a mistake since it allows Black a winning pin on
the f-file. Nevertheless, alternative moves for White would not
have changed the outcome of the game.
24 ... Nf5 !
Perhaps White overlooked this move which interrupts the
communication betweeen White's rook and knight.
30 e3!
...
Uhlmann-Kau d e r
East German Championship, 1953
l . d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 S.dS Ne5
6 . Qd4 Nf7 7. Bf4
This move loses time with the bishop and so is not
recommended .
7 ... d6
Consistent. Black plans o n playing . . . eS which will either
gain more time be attacking White's dark squared bishop or give
him control of the center by knocking out White's d-pawn .
-�� m ��
g ....
� ... g
� g• ���r..&;�
� .&. ...
�
.
...
� .... �
r�
7
�
� �
� �
-.� � . .?. - � �
-
�s m m m
tm m m m
B
� r.r�f-'.� t57 00"ZJM•
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.!1. �� .!1. .
. 7
-
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r� � r�
�.� .!1. �.�
/ 7
-��§m m§
22. Bd4 NeS 23.Bxe5 dxeS 24. Qe4 a 3 2 S . b3 RdS
26.Rxd5 cxdS 27.Qa4 Kb8 28. Re l Qd6 29. Rdl ReS
30.c4 d4 3l . Nd2 d3! 32.b4 Qd4 33. Qxa3 e4 <rl .
R o s i n -J a h r
Bundesliga, 1 980
l .d4 fS 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 S.dS NeS
6 . Qd4
This move appears to gain a tempo as White is attacking the
knight on e5 while preparing to castle queenside. The
disadvantage is that the knight is chased to f7 where Black gains
his tempo back attacking the bishop on g5.
7 ... g 6
7 . Nxg5? This move would play right into White's hands
. .
after 8. hxg5 Ng8. This position is winning for White due to his
lead in development and the exposed nature of Black's king.
1 0 f5 l l . Ng3 a5 1 2 . Qa3
...
1 2 d6 1 3 . Bb5+ c6!
...
1 4 . dxc6 0-0 1 5 . Nl e2
1 5 .cxb7 Bxb7 16.f3 Qb6 with a winning initiative for Black,
as White's king is stuck in the center.
�s B �s��
B B -�� :t
... � . · ·� � r� •
..li,J.&�.&:� • :t • •
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�'H � <�
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Very nicely played! Black completes his development
instead of grabbing the pawn on b2. Black will win more
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 99
1 9 . 0-0
Removing the king from the center but at the cost of
material-as Black's further play shows.
23. Ne4 Nh6 24. Qc4 Kh8 25.f4 Bg7 26. Nxd6 NfS
27. Nxf5 Rxf5 28.g4
�- - - �
- - - � �t
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-t¥'� �� ft �ft1
- � - -
��
.!!. i.W� �
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2 8 ... Rff8
Although it appears that White is attacking, in reality he is
only creating weaknesses in front of his king.
Krato c h v i l-K o s i n a
D, 1973
1 . d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Nc6 5.d5 Ne5
6.Qd4 Nf7 7.f4
While this move does protect the dark squared bishop on g5 ,
White is really hoping that Black takes the pawn with 7 ... exf3 .
7 g6
...
--�� ����
�ti t �ti t - � 1] t
• u
• • r�..&:��t U •
B B ft B tt m
U
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-
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.
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;.� � ��� � �� � �
Played with the idea of stopping Black from taking control of
the al-h8 diagonal with l l ...f5. However, the move l l . f5 is too
committal . It seriously weakens the cl-h6 diagonal while giving
Black an outpost for his knight at e5.
l l ... d 6
l l . gxf5 1 2. Ng3 a n d White has a winning position since
..
1 2. Ng3 c 5 1 3 . dxc6?
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This move is a mistake since Black is the only one who will
benefit from the opening of lines on the queenside.
��D �d
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- :t �S - :t
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2 2 ... Rxb 2 + ! !
A thematic sacrifice which sweeps away White's pawn cover
and leads to a winning attack on the dark squares. It's important
to know that with bishops of opposite colors on the board the
defending side can offer no resistance.
2 3 . Kcl
2 3 . Kxb2, accepting the rook leads to a mating attack for
Black. For example 23 . . . e4+ 24 . Kc l (24 .c3 Qxc3+ 2 5 . Kb l
Qb2+#.) Qa3 + 25.Kd2 Qc3+ 26.Ke2. Notice how every White
move has been forced since Black has control of the dark
squares. 26 ... Qxc4 + 27 . Kf2 Bd4 + 2 8 . Ke l (28.Rxd4 Qxd4 +
29.Kel e3) 28 . . . Qb4 + 29.Rd2 (29. Kfl Ba6+ 30.Ne2 Rf6+ is
winning for Black due to his new found material advantage.)
29 . . . e3 .
P o t t e r -J e z e k
D , 1 960
8 . Bg3 Bg7
Black's previous 7 ... gS enables the dark squared bishop to
take control of the h8-a 1 diagonal .
9 . 0-0-0 c6!
This is a strong move which challanges White's last center
pawn while making an opening for the Black queen.
1 0 . Nxe4
1 0 . d6 also results in an inferior ending for White after
10 . . . Qb6 l l . Nxe4 Qxd4 1 2. Rxd4 Nh5 1 3 . Rd l Nxg3 1 4 . hxg3
( 1 4 . Nxg3 would drop White's d-pawn.) 1 4 . . . exd6 I S . Nxd6+
Nxd6 1 6 .Rxd6 Ke7 17 .Rdl dS and this is a good ending for
Black with the bishop pair and better pawn structure.
1 0 ... Q b6
The exchange of queens will take away White's attacking
chances while enhancing Black's control of the center.
2 3 ... c 5
This move drives away White's only centralized piece.
2 8 . bxc5
The sensitive nature of his king's position leaves White no
choice.
1 2 ... N h 5 !
With this move Black is able to gain the advantage of the
two bishops while maintainig an advantage in the center.
1 5 ... b 5
1 08 Chapter 13
1 8.f4 gxf4
This is inaccurate since Black only straightens out White's
doubled g-pawns.
K a te to v-S i m a g i n
Prague vs . Moscow, 1 946
l . d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 5.d5 Ne5
6 . Qd4 Nf7 7.Bh4 gS 8.Bg3 Bg7 9. Nxe4 0-0
9 ..c6 is also possible, and leads into variations with 9. 0-0-0
.
if White castles.
1 0 . 0-0-0 c6
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 1 09
1 1 . Nxf6+ exf6
Here White must choose between advancing the h-pawn
and advancing the f-pawn.
2 5 . Nc3
Forced .
mmm m �
�,'1!:1,, :J: -
�� e - • �MI� :J:
•��
m r� �
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29 ... Rxc3
A fine move which secures a long-term advantage.
3 2 . Rc l Ra8
How co play Black against the Staunton Gambit 111
3 2 ... Be5 33.Rc8+ Kg7 3 4 . Bxe5 + Nxe5 (34 ... dxe5 35 .Rd7 Kf6
36.Bxh7) 35 .Rxd6 Nc4 36.Rc7+ .
� � � �
� . ft
-t- - �
- �d -
- - - -i
�� - - i ��
- - - -
��-
�� ��� ��:§?'�! ����--:u�� ft �
�
-
�
-�- - -
The pawn is gone, but simplification cannot be avoided.
3 8 ... Rd4
38 ... Rxb2+ 39.Rxb2 Bxb2 40. Bxg4.
40 ... Kg7
40 ... Bxf2 4 1 . Bg6.
4 1 . Bg3 Nf7
White is a pawn ahead, but his pieces are patheticly placed.
5 5 . Bh 2 ?
5 5 . Be5 = .
56 ... Bc3 57. Bd8+ Kg4 58.Bc7 Bxb4 59.f6 Kg5 60.f7
Kg6 6 1 . Kd5 Bf8 Q-1 .
P e n n d o r f- R o s c h e r
D , 1 989
m m£� �s•B
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1 2 ...f5 1 3 . Qf2 Qb6 14. Qxb6 axb6
Black has a reasonable game. The only problem is his bad
bishop at c8, and he does not attend to this quickly enough.
1 5 . a3 gxf4
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 1 13
15 ... Ra5 would clarify the situation in the center and White
would probably have to allow the Bc8 into the game. 16. Bc4
(16. Nf3 g4 or 16.dxc6 dxc6 1 7 . fxg5 f4 1 8. Bxf4 Nxg5 with
counterplay.) 16. . . gxf4 17. Bxf4 Ra4.
23. Nd4 Rab8 24. Rhfl Ne5 25.Nf3 Nxf3 26. Rxf3 d5
Black's bishop is passive , but he can obtain counterplay on
the e-file.
8 . Qxe4+
strategy. Black can now exchange queens, and enjoy the luxury
of a bishop pair.
1 6 . a3 g6 1 7 . Kb1
White must avoid the cl -h6 diagonal!
1 7 ... Nc8
The knight temporarily retreats to the home rank in order to
provide a way for the dark-squared bishop to operate on the
queenside.
s m m m �s
-i�11 :t B�� :t
:1 •
� ��. � r�.a;�
� :t •�
m :t � tt m m
R -- R
�� � B4JR
r� .e. �- � r� .e. r�
' 7 � l:::l �� .!1. ��
�� .!1. � . 7 . il
-�� �� m
White is clearly in trouble, and has no counterplay.
With the rooks gone, the advantage of the bishop pair and
superior pawn structure are all Black needs.
2 7 ... B c 8
A strange-looking move, but White had a threat. 2 7 ... h5
28 .d6! Bxf3 29. gxf3 cxd6 30 . Ne2 and the win will not be
simple , despite the extra pawn, because the knight is in an ideal
defensive position.
28.Ne2 Bg7
The problem here is that the pawn at d5 is very weak. Black
can bring the king to d6, and then return the bishop to b7 . So
the knight gallops around the board in frustration.
32 .b4 Be3 33 . c4
3 3.g3 Bgl 34.h3 Bh2 35 .g4 Bxf4.
M is i u ga-M a l a n i u k
Wisla, 1 992
l . d4 fS 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 S . dS NeS
6 . Qd4 Nf7 7. Bxf6 exf6 8 . Qxe4+ Qe7 9. Nf3
White refrains from exchanging queens immediately, but the
queens can be forced off the board.
1 4 . Nb5
The start of a n ineffective journey.
1 7 . d6 b5
Black wants to gain space on the queenside.
1 8 . b4 aS! 1 9 . c3 NgS
The threat is Ne6, cutting off the knight at e8.
White's last move was forced, but the knight is still trapped
in its new home.
2 7 ... d 5 !
This creates a board with two bad bishops. But Black will
have an extra pawn soon enough.
8 f5
...
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 123
9.f3 Bd6!
1 7 . B d3
Forced since Black was threatening to win White's queen
with 17 ... Bxc2+ .
To rre-M i es e s
Baden Baden , 1925
l . d4 fS 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 S.dS NeS
6.Qd4 Nf7 7 .Bxf6 exf6 8. 0-0-0 fS 9.f3 Qg5+?
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 1 25
1 4 ... Be5 1 5 . g3
Played with the idea of bringing his knight to the f4 square.
1 9 ... Nh6
1 26 Chapcer 1 4
m m m m ����
T
� �t� �{f� t�� m t
' ,
m T � �
� � ��{f� � � .
m ft ���
m -�- m
m m m �����
ft�
� � ft-
. ;, � m �
0 ��
-�� �� § -
2 0 . Nf4
Although White could win a pawn with 20.Nxf6, he seeks a
bigger advantage by activating his knight. However, this allows
Black drawing chances by going into a rook and pawn ending.
32 . Rg7 Rhd8
32 ... Rhg8 33 .Rxb7+ Rxb7 34.Rxg8 is winning for White with
his two pawn advantage.
3 3 . Rdf7
33.Rxd8 Rxd8 34 .Rg5 Rdl + 3 5 .Kb2 Rgl 36.Kc3 with the
idea of walking the king over to f3.
49. Ke2 Ke6 50. Ra7 KdS 5 1 .Rxa5 + Kd4 52.Ra7 Kc3
53.a5 Kxc2 S4.a6 1-0 .
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 1 29
Fenoglio-M aderna
Mar del Plata, 1 942
l .d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 S .dS Ne5
6 . Qd4 Nf7 7 . Bxf6 exf6 8 . Nxe4 Be7
Many players on the White side will be expecting 8 f5 , but
...
this solid alternative gives Black a decent game with less risk,
and that is why we choose it as our recommended defense
against the Staunton Gambit.
9 . Nf3
9 .. 0-0 1 0. g4
.
This is an attempt to exploit the fact that Black has not played
f7-f5 .
1 4 ... B d 8 !
A fine move , which allows the queen to lead the defense
along the second rank and gives the bishop access to a more
useful position on the queenside.
.;;.
-= -��� .lao:�
�-= ��
Nii"
r� .... m � �
�.�,. ... -
� �
�
�
, w
�� ....
�. �,. ...
��� � r� r� m
� .!1 �� �� •
. . ,.
�
.� /
� � ��. � . �
- -�- ft �
B B B B ft
� r� � �R r� 'H' �
. " ....
-
.!1 �� .!1 tz..J �� � •
� . /
� ��� � CH' �� ��
Now Black has a strong zwischenzug.
T a l -j o h a n n e s s e n
Stockholm, 1 96 1
l . d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6
A thematic counter attack against White's d-pawn which
thwarts White's plan of winning back his sacrificed pawn while
preparing for a possible counter attack in the center with pawn
e5.
5 . d5
Played with the idea of gaining time and space by attacking
the Black knight. However as many games have shown Black
has counterplay against White's advanced center. Nothiog is
1 32 Chapter 15
l S . fS
..
How to play Black against the Staunton Gambit 1 33
Black has repulsed the attack and has an extra pawn. Only
the superior skill of a World Champion kept White from losing
this game.
1 6.Qd4 NgS?!
16 ... Be6 with the idea of cS!?.
T r o e g e r- T a l
Germany vs. USSR, 1 960
l . d4 f5 2 .e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 5 . d5 Ne5
6.Qd4 Nf7 7.Bxf6 exf6 8. Nxe4 Be7 9.0-0-0 0-0
1 0 . g4
Without a lead in development White's attempted attack is
easily turned back. The rash 10.d6 is also rapidly repulsed, as
we saw in the previous game. Better was to develop normally
with 1 0.Nf3 .
1 0 ... d6 l l .h3 cS
With this tempo move Black is able to take over the
initiative by launching a queenside attack.
How co play Black against che Srauncon Gambic 1 35
1 2 . dxc6
1 4 Ne5
...
1 5 .f4 d5
Thus Black is able to open the a3-f8 diagonal with a winning
attack which becomes apparent after the foiling moves.
1 6.Qel
This is the best White can do since his queen is unable to
protect his a-pawn.
1 36 Chapter 1 5
1 6 Qxa2
...
1 9 . Ke 2
19.c3 Qxb2+ 20.Ke3 BcS+ and now:
R a d c h e n ko-S koto r e n ko
Ukraine, 1 978
l .d4 f5 2 . e4 fxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nc6 5 . d5 Ne5
6 . Qd4 Nf7 7. Bxf6 exf6 8 . Nxe4 Be7 9 . 0-0-0 0-0
1 0 .g4
10.Ng3 d 6 l l . Nh3 c5 1 2 . Qc3 g6 13 .Nf4 Ne5 and Black's
outposted knight on e5 ensures him of strong play in the center
and on the queenside. 1 4 . Ne6 Bxe6 1 5 . dxe6 d5 16.f4 d4! and
Black stood better in Hesse-Kolbaek, Ybbs, 1968.
1 0 ... d6 l l . Ng3
the move played does move the knight away from the center
which allows Black to take over the initiative.
l l cs 1 2 . Qe4
...
2 2 . h3 Bf6
How to play Black against the Sta unton Gambit 1 39
This is a good move which gains time for the attack at the
White queen's expense due to the threat of 23 ... Nd3 and the
discovered attack on the e-file.
2 3 . Qf4
2 3 . Nh5 Nd3 24 . Qg6 Bxb2 25. cxd3 Qb4 is winning for
Black due to the threat of 26 ... Bc3+ followed by 27 ... Qb2 #.
30 ... cxd3
1 40 Chapter 1 5
3 1 . Kc l
a) 3 1 .Bxd3 Rc8 and White has no defense to the threat of
32 ... Ra l#.
3 8 ... R a 6
With the threat o f 3 9 . . .Re8#.
39. Ke4 ReB+ 40. Kf3 Rf6+ 4 1 . Kg2 Rf2 + 42. Kh3 Bf4
Black's attack has forced the White pieces to huddle
cowardly in a l ittle corner of the board.
Wel l , that's it! Now you don't have to worry about the
Staunton Gambit anymore.
142 Index of Games
Index of Games
Alzate-Nilsson 87 Muller-Rau 43
Bisguier-Bronstein 5 Nogueiras-Barbero 28
Breyer-Vajda 7 1 Peitscheva Jurgens-Glek 1 1 5
Cifuentes-Schmittdiel 75 Penndorf-Roscher 1 1 2
Conquest-Malaniuk 18 Pinkerton-Tozer 14
De Mey-O'Kelly 1 1 Plath-Gerloff 43
Els-Buecker 1 3 2 Potter-Jezek 102
Felber-van Heeren 16 Radchenko-Skotorenko 1 37
Fenoglio-Maderna 1 29 Ragozin-Nilsson 82
Furman-Lutikov 37 Reefschlager-Heidrich 1 1 5
Gulko-Gurevich,M 48 Rosin-Jahr %
Hesse-Kolbaek 1 37 Schreiber-Hermann 57
Jumek-Lechtynsky 63 Schulz-Wille 43
Karayianis-Pieczka 18 Schuster-Johannessen 1 34
Katetov-Simagin 108 Schweiger-Tartakower 9
Kenez-Borisenko 1 22 Shtirov-Cheremsin 68
Kratochvil-Kosina 100 Sjoberg-Vidmar 60
Lasker-Alekhine 31 Tal-Johannessen 1 3 1
Lempereor-Verledens 39 Teichmann-Mieses 2 1
Maenpaa-Varjonen 5 1 Torre-Mieses 1 24
Maroja-Padevsky 25 Troeger-Tal 1 34
Marsalek-Florian 24 Uhlmann-Kauder 95
Matsukevich-Cherepkov 1 06 Vorjonen-Tatai 79
Misiuga-Malaniuk 1 18 Zurakhov-Korchnoi 36
Moore-Fischeimer 5 2
NOTES