J N Walker Test Your Chess Piece Power 1980

Oxford Chess Books
Editor: Adam Hart-Davis
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and translated by E.G. Winter
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Oxford Encyclopedia of Chess Games Vol. I
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TISVYOUll
CHISS
PIECE POWER
J.N.WALKER
To free y o u r g a m e exc h a n g e off some of y o u r

o p p o n e n t's m e n ... i f possi ble, f o r noth i n g
Captain Joseph Bertin 1735
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS · 1980

Oxford University Press, Walton Street, Oxford oxz 6DP
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© J. N. Walker 1980
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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Wal ker, Jo h n N o rman

Test y o u r c h e ss. - (Oxf o r d c h ess boo ks).
1. Chess - Han dboo ks, m a n u als, etc.
I. T i tle 11. S e r ies
794.1'2 GV1445 7941769
IS B N 0 19 217596 3
IS B N 0 19 217597 1 P b k
Set b y Hope Services, Abingdon

and printed in Great Britain by
Lowe & Brydone Printers Ltd, Thetford, Norfolk
Acknowledgements
I n the p re p a r a t i o n of th is boo k more t h a n 500 g a m e s a n d pos i t i o n s h a d to

be te ste d for su itabi l ity a n d over a t h o u s a n d q u esti o n s a n swe red a n d graded
fo r d i ffi c u l ty befo re the f i n a l se l ect i o n of 1 6 Testg a m e s a n d 64 P r o b l e m s
cou l d b e made . N o d o u bt t h e l atest so p h i sticated s c i e n t i f i c co m p u te r
te ch n i q u e s cou l d h ave d o n e t h e j o b i n f i v e m i n u te s . I t took m e over a
y e a r u s i n g the age-o l d , a n d proba b l y m o re re l i a b l e , tech n i q u e of s l ave
l a bou r ! N a m e l y W i l l i a m G a rd n e r and P a u l F i tc h e s . C o n s i d e r i n g the
col ossal amount of work u n d e rtaken they wou l d be e n t i t l e d to fee l the i r
n a m e s s h o u l d a p p e a r a l o n g s i d e m i n e o n the cov e r a n d o n the roy a l ty
ch e q u e . H a rd l u c k boy s ! Y ou do k n o w th o u g h that y o u h ave my dee pest
th a n ks for a l l that work , and for c h ec k i n g and rechec k i n g the proofs so
pat i e n tl y , and for assist i n g w i th the paste - u p , and for ge n e ra l l y l i ven i n g u p
the p roceed i n g s .
M y t h a n ks a l so to N i ch o l a s S u c k l i n g for the a r d u o u s tas k of p re pa r i n g
t h e b u l k o f t h e d i ag r a m s , a n d t o Ste p h e n Eve rett a n d c o u n t l e s s oth e r boys
of St Sw ith u n 's and M atth ew Ar n o l d Sch o o l s who contri bu ted a l o n g the
way.
As us u a l , t h a n ks to Adam H a rt- D a v i s who s u p p l ied m ost of the i d e a s ,
a l l o f the i n sp i ration , a n d w h o a p pe a rs t o have rewritten g r e a t ch u n ks o f
the t e x t at the e d i to r i a l stage - wh ich e x p l a i n s w h y w e h a d s u c h a j o b
m a k i n g i t a l l f i t n e a t l y a n d ti d i l y on the page s ! M y th a n ks a l so t o Adam
for the exte n s i ve u s e of his chess l i b ra ry and, i n pass i n g , to t h e g reatest of
a l l ch ess a u t h o rs, I rv i n g C h e rnev, w h o w rote most of t h e books in Ad a m 's
I i bra ry .
F i n a l l y th a n ks to t h e ' F a i r M a i d e n of F i rst Ste ps ', a n d h e r m a n y r i va l s ,
f o r a l l ow i n g m y c h i e f ass i stant t i m e off f r o m h i s oth e r duties!
Oxford J. N. Walker
March 1980
Page v
Contents
Introduction - how to use this book ix
Notation x
Some chess terms and expressions xii
Scorechart xiv
The quick kill
TEST ONE
F o u r p r o b l ems to s olve 6
Testg ame 1 8
H o w quick l y c a n y o u . . . ? 12
TEST TWO
F o u r problems to s olve 14
Te stg ame 2 16
A comp licated p o sition ! 20
Th ink first, move l ater 21
S u r pris e , s u r prise ! 22
Open files and the enemy ranks 23
TEST THREE
F o u r pro b l ems to s o l v e 28
Testgame 3 30
Tartakover bo w l e d over! 34
T h e h e l pfu l knig h t 35
TEST FOUR
F o u r pro b l ems to s o l v e 36
Testgame 4 38
H o w Levitzky lost . . . and won? 42
The d a n ce of the kin g 43
TEST FIVE
F o u r pro b l e ms to s o l ve 44
Te stg ame 5 46
Tramp, tramp , tramp , t h e p a w n s are marching 50
Page vi
Con ten ts
T E S T SIX
F o u r p ro b l e m s to s o l v e 52
Te stg a m e 6 54
The pawn p i n c h e r pays th e p e n a l ty 58
The q u e e n w h o c l i m bed a m o u n t a i n . . . a n d fe l l off ! 59
H ow to w i n a roo k i n s i x s i m p l e ste ps 60
Diagonals and bishops 61
TEST S E V E N
F o u r p r o b l e m s to s o l ve 66
Testg a m e 7 68
'Gee te r r i f i c ! ' 72
B i s h o p b l u n ders 73
T E S T EIG H T
Four p ro b l e m s to s o l v e 74
Te stg a m e 8 76
A b i s h o p is worth . . . 80
. . . m ore th a n it seems 81
TEST NIN E
F o u r p ro b l e m s to so l ve 82
Testg a m e 9 84
D u fresn e 's b i rthday p a rty 88
TEST T E N
Four problems to solve 90

Testg a m e 1 0 92
B u r i e d a l ive 96
The b l ac k k i n g 's beauty pa rade 97
The power of the p i n 98
A b i s h op o u t o f t h e b l u e 98
Raiding knights 99
T E S T E L EV E N
Four problems t o solve 1 04

Testg a m e 1 1 1 06
The g l ory of A n d re P h i l i d o r 1 10
Death b y suffocat i o n 111
T E S T TW E LV E
Fou r problems to solve 112

Page v i i
Con tents
Co me into my p a r l our said the s p id e r to t h e f l y 1 18

Vo n Sch ierste d t at o d d s with a k n ig h t 119
TEST THIRTEEN
F o ur p ro ble m s to s o l ve 120
Testg a m e 13 122
The k n igh t move 126
Th e k n ig h t transfer 127
TEST FOURTEEN
F our pro b le m s to s o l v e 128
Testg a m e 1 4 130
The b l ac k k i n g 's k n ig h t m a re 1 34
B o r n for glory 135
H o rse -powe r ! 1 36
Combined operations 137
TEST FIFTEEN
F our p r o b l e m s to s o l ve 138
TEST SIXTEEN
F o ur p r o b l e m s to s o l ve 1 44
Testg a m e 16 1 46
Index of openings 151
Page vii i
Introduction - how to use this book
Th i s boo k i s d e s i g n e d to i n struct, exam i n e , a n d e n terta i n .
Instruction
T h ere a re five secti o n s : 'Th e q u i c k k i l l ', 'O p e n f i l e s a n d the e n e m y r a n k s ',
'D i ago n a l s a n d b i s h o p s ' , ' R a i d i n g k n i g h ts ', a n d 'Com b i ned operat i o n s ' . At
the start of each sect i o n there a re a few pages of g e n e r a l i n stru ct i o n s
te l l i n g y o u a l l y o u need t o k n ow before tack l i n g t h e tests that fol l ow .
Examination
I n each sect i o n there is a se r i e s of tests sp l i t i n to two p a rts: ' F our p r o b l e m s
to s o l ve a n d Testgames ' . The q u es t i o n s a re a l l m a r ke d w i t h a Q. Afte r each
quest i o n y o u w i l l find a d i agram s h o w i n g th e p os i t i o n and t h e n t h e a n swe r .
I f y o u cover y o u r page with a sh eet o f p a p e r or card, a n d l owe r it l i n e by
l i n e as you read , t h e re wi l l be no d a n g e r of y ou see i n g the a n swe r bef ore
y o u solve the p r o b l e m (u n l ess y o u wa nt to cheat of cou rse ! ) . T h e p r o b l e m s ,
testg a m e s , a n d q u esti o n s h ave be e n ca refu l l y g raded to p r ov i d e s i xtee n
tests of e q u a l d i fficu l ty . Y o u wi l l score 1 5 p o i nts if y ou s o l v e t h e fou r
p r o b l e m s a n d a f u rth e r 35 if you a n swer correctl y a l l the testg a m e q u e s
t i o n s . You can jot y o u r score d own on the p i ece of p a p e r as y o u go a l o n g ,
e n t e r the tota l i n the scorech a rt at the beg i n n i n g of the b o o k , a n d s e e h ow
m u c h prog ress y o u a re m a k i n g from te st to test.
Entertainment
Each test is f o l l owed by a fu n secti on : a cou p l e of pages of l i g h t rel ief
afte r the exam i n ati o n . Th i s m ay be a n u n u s u a l g a m e , a fi ne stu dy , o r a n
a m u s i n g i n c i d e n t from c h e s s h i story . C h e ss m a y be a batt l e , it m a y need
conce ntrate d , i n te l l i ge n t t h o u g h t , b u t it i s sti l l a g a m e a n d s h o u l d be fu n !
Page i x
Notation
Th r o u g h o u t th i s boo k we u se the l o n g form of a l g e b ra i c n otat i o n .
THE BOARD
Each row of squ ares ac ross th e board i s

c a l led a rank, a n d i s g iv e n a n u m b e r
sta rt i n g f r o m Wh ite's s i d e .
E a c h r o w of sq u a res ru n n i n g u p t h e
b o a r d i s ca l l ed a file, a n d i s g i v e n a
l ette r starti n g from W h i te 's l eft h a n d
side.
E a c h s q u a re i s n a m e d by f i rst g i v i n g
th e fi l e l ette r a n d t h e n t h e ra n k
n u m b e r . I n o u r d i agram the wh ite
roo k sta n d s at a 1 , th e wh ite q u ee n at
c2, th e b l ac k k i n g at g7, and so o n .
THE SYMBOLS
We u s e sy m b o l s as a b brev i a t i o n s for p i eces a n d chess terms .
K = king 0-0 = cast l e s o n th e K -s i d e
Q = q u een 0-0-0 = castles on the 0-s i d e
R = roo k i. x = takes
B = bishop A - = m oves to
N = knight � + = c h e c k (++ = d o u b l e chec k)
T h e pawn (i) h a s no sym bo l . e . p . = e n passant
We use ! to sh ow a good m ov e , a nd ? to s ho w a bad m ov e .
Page x
No ta tion
WRITING THE MOVES

There are f o u r th i ngs to be wr itten wh e n reco rd i n g a m ov e .
( a ) T h e sy m b o l f o r t h e p i ec e wh i c h moves ( u n l ess it i s a pawn ) .

( b ) The s q u a re i t wa s sta n d i n g o n before mov i n g .
( c ) T h e act i o n it ma kes.
(d ) T h e sq u a re it moves to.
In the d i agram opposite, the wh ite roo k wh i c h sta nds at a 1 can move to a8
at the oth e r e n d of t h e b o a rd . This wo u l d be writte n :
Ra 1 -a8
If check i s g i v e n , t h e check s i g n i s written after the move. In t h e d i agram

Wh ite can g i v e c h e c k by p l a y i n g his r o o k to a 7 :
R a 1 -a7+
But t h e n B l ac k cou l d captu re the roo k with h i s q u ee n :

. . . Oc5xa7
As the pawn h as no sy m b o l t h e f i rst of o u r fo u r steps is l eft out wh e n we

write a pawn m o v e . If W h ite adva nces the pawn sta nd i ng in front of h i s
q u e e n , th e move i s w r i tte n :
c3-c4
NAMING PAWNS
A pawn is n a m e d after t h e f i l e on wh i c h it sta n d s . In the d i a g ra m , th e
pawn u po n c3 is W h ite's c- pawn ( o r q u ee n 's b i s h o p 's pawn ) . T h e pawn o n
e6 i s B l ac k ' s e-pawn ( o r k i n g ' s pawn ) , a n d so o n .
Page xi
Some chess terms and expressions
R A N K : a row of s q u a res r u n n i n g across the board from l eft to r i g h t . Th e

row from a 1 t o h 1 i s W h i te ' s fi rst ra n k .
F ILE: a row o f s q u a res ru n n i n g from t h e wh ite t o t h e b l a c k s i d e o f the

board . T h e a-fi l e runs from a1 to a 8 ; t h e b-fi l e runs from b 1 to b8, a n d so
on. A pawn sta n d i n g o n a f i l e be l o ngs to that fi l e ; so the wh i te pawn on
a3 i s the wh ite a-pawn, and t h e b l a c k pawn o n f7 i s the black f-pawn .
K-S I D E : the h a l f o f t h e boa rd t o Wh ite's r i g h t : the e-, f-, g-, a n d h-fi l e s .
0-S I D E : the oth e r h a l f of the b o a rd : t h e a - , b-, c-, a n d d-fi l e s .
OPEN F l LE: a fi l e o n wh i c h n e i t h e r s i d e h a s a pawn . I n the d i agram t h e

e-fi l e a n d t h e h-fi l e a re both o p e n .
H AL F-OP E N F l L E : a f i l e u po n wh i c h o n l y o n e of the p l ayers h a s a

pawn . In the d i ag ram B l ac k h a s two h a l f-open fi l es , the a-fi l e a n d t h e d
fi l e , wh i l e the c-fi l e i s h a l f-o p e n for Wh ite .
B LU N D E R : a m i sta k e .
D O U B L E D PAW N S : wh e n two p a w n s of the same co l o u r are o n t h e

s a me fi l e , they are s a i d to be d o u b l e d . The b l a c k pawns o n g 7 a n d g6 are
d o u b l ed o n the g-fi l e .
Page x i i
Some chess terms and expressions
EN PR ISE: a p i ece or pawn is s a i d to be en prise wh e n it i s th reate n e d .

The blac k k n i g h t i s en prise to t h e wh ite b i s h o p because Black h a s no way
of recapt u r i ng i f W h i te plays Bg2xd 5 .
F I A N C H ETTO : a b i s h o p is f i a n c h ettoed wh e n the n e i g h bo u r i n g k n i g h t 's

pawn h a s moved and t h e b i s h o p is placed on its s q u a r e . T h e wh ite b i s h o p
o n g 2 i s f i a n c h ettoed .
F L I G H T SQU A R E : a sq u a re to wh i c h a n attacked p i ece m a y ru n .
FO R K: a d o u b l e atta c k . I f Bla c k p l ays . . . N d 5-c3+ h e i s fo r k i ng the

wh ite king a n d roo k .
I SO LAT E D P AW N : a p a w n i s i solated wh e n t h e r e i s n o pawn o n t h e

s a m e colo u r on the f i les o n e i t h e r s i d e of i t . T h e wh ite p a w n o n d4 i s
i solated bec a u s e t h e r e a re n o wh ite pawns on t h e e-file o r t h e c-file .
LOOS E : u nd e fe n d ed .
M AJ O R P I E C E S : q u e e n a n d roo ks .
M IN O R P I EC ES: bishops and kni ghts.
O P E N I N G : t h e p a rt of t h e g a m e wh e n t h e p i eces are b e i n g developed .

Th i s leads to t h e M I D D L E- G A M E , wh e re the forces p r o p e rly j o i n battle .
The E N D I N G o r E N D G A M E is reached wh e n o n e s i d e will need to q u e e n
a p a w n i n o r d e r to g i v e c h e c k m a t e .
PASS E D P A W N : a pawn i s p a s s e d wh e n it c a n advance t o the e i ghth

ra n k to queen w i t h o u t bei n g either blocked o r taken by a n e n e m y pawn .
Th e wh ite pawn on d4 a nd the bla c k pawn o n c4 a re the refore both
passe d , but the wh ite pawn o n a3 i s not.
PIN: a p i ece i s p i n ned wh e n it c a n not m o v e w i t ho ut e xpos i n g a m o r e

valu a ble piece to c a ptu r e . I n t h e d i ag r a m , the wh ite b i s h o p p i n s Blac k 's
kn i gh t o n to h i s roo k .
SAC R I F I C E : g i v i n g u p a p i ece o r a p a w n i n the h o p e o f ga i n i ng s o m e

k i n d of adva ntage .
T H E EXC H A N G E : t h e adva ntage of a r o o k a g a i nst a m i n o r p i ec e . I f i n

t h e d i ag r a m 1 . N d 5-c7 2 B g 2 x a 8 N c 7 x a 8 , Blac k h a s l ost the exch a n g e .
. .
Page x i i i
Scorechart
Four
problems Testgame
Page Test TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL
number number (max 15) (max 35) (max 50)
T he quick kill 6 1
14 2
0 pen files and 28 3

the enemy ranks
36 4
44 5
52 6
Diagonals and 66 7
b ishops
74 8
82 9
90 10
Raiding knights 104 11
112 12
120 13
128 14
Combined 138 15
operations
144 16
Page xiv
The quick kill
You c a n n ot p l a n to wi n a g a m e of chess i n 1 5 moves. If you try to atta c k

i n t h e o p e n i n g the m ost l i k e l y resu l t i s that y o u r o p p o n e n t wi l l d e f e n d
h i m se l f se n s i b l y , s t o p y o u r attack i n its t r a c k s , a n d th e n l a u nch a strong
a n d p r o p e r l y p l a n n e d c o u n ter-atta c k . E v e n so, y o u m u st a l ways be on
the l o o k-out for t h e c h a nce of wi n n i n g in the o p e n i ng o r ea r l y m i d d l e
ga m e . A l l g a m e s a r e l ost because of m i stakes, a n d i f y o u r o p p o n e n t goes
wrong in t h e o p e n i n g h e m a y give y o u t h e chance y o u need. Apart from
b l u n d e r i n g a n d g i v i ng y o u a p i ece t h e r e a r e t h ree m a i n ways i n wh i c h
h e can go wrong ; th ree p o i nts for y o u to r e m e m b e r i f you want to m a ke
that q u i c k k i l l .
The weak f-square

The s q u a res f2 fo r W h i te a n d f7 for B l ac k a r e t h e wea k spots. At t h e sta rt
of a g a m e each of these sq u a res is r i ght next to the k i n g , a n d defe n ded
o n l y by t h e k i n g . Th i s m a kes it a p a rt icu l a r l y good ta rget for attac k.
Not o n l y is t h e re the c h a n c e of
wi n n i n g t h e f- pawn , but a l so t h e
poss i b i l i ty of a d i rect attac k a n d
chec k m ate o n the k i n g .
T h e s i m p l est f o r m of t h e m a t i n g
attack i s the fo u r m o v e Sch o l a r 's
M ate : 1 e2-e4 e7-e5 2 Bf1 -c4
N b8 -c6 3 Qd 1 -h5 N g8-f6 4 Qh 5xf7
mate .
Wh i l st th i s i s not l i ke l y to
h a p p e n in a ny of y o u r g a m e s , it
does show the m o st str i k i ng
ex a m p l e of the wea k n e ss of t h e
f-pawn s q u a re : t h e i nv a s i o n c o m
p l ete a n d t h e b l a c k k i n g s i tt i n g P o si t i o n after 4 Oh 5xf 7 m a t e
h e l p l ess . . . a l l by m o v e 4 !
Two oth e r ways in wh i c h y o u c a n attack y o u r o p p o n e nt 's we a k s q u a re

are t h e k n i g h t ra i d a n d t h e b i s h o p sacr i f i c e . Y o u c a n try to get a k n i g h t
o n t o the s q u a re, a n d f o r k y o u r o p p o n e n t 's q u e e n a n d roo k . You can try
to sac r i f i c e a b i s h o p o n the sq u a r e , and fo l l ow up with a com b i nat i o n
rega i n i n g t h e p i ec e . T h e t h r e e ex a m p l e s on t h e n ext p a g e h i g h l i g h t t h e
wea k n ess of t h e f-pawn s q u a r e .
Page 1
The quick kill
The knigh t raid

Wh ite h a s j u st p l ayed N g 5xf7 .
B l ac k h a s a l l owed the k n i g h t to
get i n to h i s positi o n ; h e h a s l ost
h i s f- pawn a n d h i s q u ee n a n d roo k
are forked .
The bishop sacrifice

Wh ite h a s j u st p l ayed Bc4xf7+.
If the b l ac k k i n g ca ptu res, Wh ite
wi l l p l ay Qd 1 - h 5+ and win the
b l a c k b i s h o p w h i c h is l o ose o n c 5 .
W h i t e gets h i s p i ece bac k , h e h as
won t h e f-p a w n , a n d B l ac k can
never cast l e .
The bishop sacrifice

Wh ite h a s j u st p l ayed Bc4xf7+.
B l ac k m u st ca ptu re with h i s k i n g ,
b u t wh e n h e d o e s s o h e l eaves h i s
q u ee n u n p rotecte d , a n d Wh ite wi l l
p l a y Qd 1 x d 8. Wh ite doesn 't get h i s
pi ece bac k , but h e does w i n a
queen !
Page 2
The quick kill
If you r o p p o n e n t fa i l s to p rotect h i s wea k f-sq u a re p ro p e r l y you m a y get

the c h a n c e for a q u i c k atta c k , but you m u st be carefu l . D o n 't go out of
y o u r way to attac k the sq u a re if you r o p p o n ent c a n defe n d it easi l y -
you wi l l o n l y fa l l beh i n d i n d eve l o p m e n t .
The open e-file

E a r l y i n a g a m e pawns a r e often e x c h a n g e d i n the centre, particu l a r l y i n
o p e n i ngs w h i c h beg i n 1 e2-e4 e 7 - e 5 . W h e n th i s h a p p e n s a k i n g c a n get
i nto terr i b l e trou b l e i f h e gets stra n d e d at the end of a n open e-fi l e .
H e re t h e b l a c k k i n g h a s been c a u g h t
i n the c e n t r e by t h e wh ite roo k . The
k i n g m u st m ov e to get out of c h e c k ;
h e m u st g i v e u p t h e r i g h t to castl e ;
h e wi l l h ave trou b l e f i n d i n g a safe
home.
T h e r e are t w o oth e r d a n gers to w h i ch a p l a yer ex poses h i m s e l f i f h e

l eaves h i s k i n g o n t h e e n d o f t h e o p e n e-f i l e . O n e i s a d i scovered c h e c k ,
the oth e r i s a p i n .
b c d e l g h
The disco vered check
Here t h e wh ite k n i g h t w i l l d i scov e r
c h e c k w h e n it m oves o f f t h e o p e n
e-f i l e .
T h e k n i g h t wi l l go t o c6 a n d
B l ac k , t o o b u s y sav i n g h i s k i n g ,
wi l l l ose h i s q u e e n .
W h ite to m ove
Page 3
The quick kill
Th e p in ti c 9 h
He re the w h ite r o o k h a s just m o v ed

to e1, pinni ng the b l a c k kni g h t to
its k i ng .
T h e knig ht cannot b e saved . I f
Bl ack defend s it w i t h a pawn, W h i te
wil l sim ply p l a y d 2-d3 next m o v e .
The collection o f small errors

I f one p l a y e r m a kes sev e r a l sma l l mistakes in t h e o pening , they m a y a d d
u p t o giv e h i s opp onent an attac k . I t i sn't often th a t an inte rna t i onal
m a st e r gets himse l f m a ted in fou rteen moves : h e r e 's one wh o d i d !
(Siciiian Defence )
Krogius Ojanen
1 e2-e4 c7-c5
2 d2-d4 c5xd4
3 Ng1-f3 e7-e5
4 c2-c3 d4xc3
5 Nb1xc3 d 7 -d 6
6 Bf1-c4 h7-h6
N o w we have reached t h e pos i tion
in the diag r a m . This is the point
at wh ich White rea l izes he h a s t h e
ch ance of m a king a q u i c k ki l l . . .
t h e point at which B l a c k starts
getting bas h e d !
Position after 6 ... h 7-h6
7 Bc4xf7+! K e8xf7
8 Nf3x e5+ Kf7-e7
Let's loo k at t h e oth e r moves Black cou l d have trie d :
(a ) 8 . . . d6xe5 9 Qd1xd 8 costs him h i s q u een.
(b) 8 . . . Kf7-e8 9 Qd1- h 5+ Ke 8-e7 10 Qh 5-f7 costs him h is king !
(c) 8 . . . Kf7-e6 9 Qd1-d 5+ Ke6-f6 10 Qd 5-f7+ a l so l ea d s to mate.
(d ) 8 . . . Kf7-f6 9 Qd1-d4 ( t h r e atening to win the bl a c k q u een by 10
N e 5-c6+) Qd 8-e 8 10 Nc3-d5+ Kf6-e6 11 N d 5-c7+ and his q ueen fa l l s .
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The quick kill
9 N c3-d5+ l<e7-e6
10 Qd 1 -g4+ l<e6xe5
1 1 Bc1 -f4+ l<e5-d4
O r 1 1 . . . Ke5xe4 1 2 N d 5-c3+ Ke4-d4 1 3 Og4-d 1 + l ea d i ng to mate.
12 Bf4-e3+ l<d4-e5
If 1 2 . . . Kd4-c4, 1 3 Og4-e 2 is mate.
13 Qg4-f4+ Ke5-e6
14 Qf4-f5 mate
Th ere was n o way B l ac k cou l d save h i ms e l f afte r 7 Bc4xf7+; h i s pos i t i o n
w a s a l ready l ost afte r s i x moves ! W h y ? W e l l , l o o k at the d i ag ra m .
Two th i n g s a r e i m m e d i ate l y o bv i ou s . W h ite h a s three p i eces i n p l a y ;
B l ac k h a s n o n e . Wh ite's p i eces atta c k a n d control t h e central s q u a res ;
B l ac k 's d o n 't.
Wh at d i d B l ac k d o wro n g in h i s f i rst six moves? Let 's l o o k at each
of B l a c k ' s moves.
Move 1 , . . . c7-c5 i s the sta n d a rd Si c i l i a n Defe n c e .

Move 2, . . . c 5 x d 4 i s t h e n a tu r a l exch a n g e .
Move 3 , . . . e 7 - e 5 i s a g r e e d y atte mpt t o h a n g o n t o t h e extra pawn .
Move 4, . . . d4xc3 is the captu re by wh i c h B l ac k m a kes su re h e keeps
the extra pawn .
Move 5, . . . d 7-d6 defe n d s the e-pawn a n d o p e n s the d i ago n al for a b i s h o p .
Move 6, . . . h 7 - h 6 sto ps W h ite f r o m p l a y i n g N f3-g 5 .
N o t o n e of t h e s e s i x moves i s a b a d m i sta k e , but p u t t h e m togeth e r a n d

t h e y add u p t o a l ost posit i o n .
B l ack h a s: Failed to develop his pieces.

Failed to con trol the cen tre.
Wasted time with too many pa wn mo ves.
Wasted time pinching a p a wn.
White h a s : Developed sensibly.
A ttacked the cen tre.
The resu l t i s that t h e wh ite p i eces we re a b l e to fl ow s m o oth l y i nto t h e

attac k wh i l e th e b l a c k k i n g cou l d o n l y stag g e r d r u n k e n l y arou n d wa i t i n g
f o r the execut i o n e r .
The c h a nce of a q u i c k k i l l d e p e n d s m o r e u po n y o u r o p p o n e n t t h a n o n
you . I f h e b l u n d e rs o r breaks t h e ru l es of the open i n g you may get you r
chance . You m u st re m e m b e r that y o u r fi rst job is to deve l o p y o u r p i eces,
aggress i v e l y if poss i b l e , and to fight for the centre. U n l ess your o p p o n e n t
g o e s wrong you c a n n ot h o p e for m o re ; o n l y h i s m i stakes wi l l g i v e y o u
the c h a n c e of a su ccessful e a rly attac k - a q u i c k k i l l .
Page 5
The quick kill
TEST ONE
Four problems to solve
H e re a re fo u r p ro b l e m s for you to s o l v e. E a ch t i m e read t h e q u est i o n a n d

set u p the pos i t i o n o n you r boa rd . Don 't read any further u nti l you h a v e
wo rked o u t you r own a n swer t o the q u est i o n . You w i l l f i n d t h e co rrect
answer i m m ed i at e l y u n d e r n eath the d i a g ra m . At the bottom of the page
you w i l l be to l d h ow m a n y p o i nts you have scored i f you s o l v e d t h e
pro b l e m .
Q White has neglected a n importan t Q Black can win a pa wn by playing

part of his developmen t. Ho w does 1 . . . Bc5x f2+ 2 Ke 1xf2 Nf6-e4+.
Black punish him ? Can you fin d an e ven be tter m o ve
by which Black wins a bish op ?
Bla c k t o m ove Blac k to m ove
The e-f i l e i s open a n d W h ite h a s Wh ite has wasted t i m e w ith too

fa i l ed t o castl e . B l ac k 's rook i s many pawn moves and the p i ece
i n pos i t i o n a n d h e h a s a d ea d l y h e has d ev e l oped i s l o ose . B l ac k
d i scovered c h ec k : h i ts W h ite's wea k s q u a re:
1 Be7 -b4+ 1 Nf6-e4
W h i te ' s q u e e n is atta cked a n d h e 2 Bg5-e3
ca n 't save h e r bec a u s e h e h a s to If Wh ite ca ptu res the q u e e n he i s
get out of c h e c k . mated : 2 Bg5xd8 Bc5xf2.
You score 2 points i f y ou fou n d 2 . . . Bc5xe3
th i s w i n n i n g m ove . Wh ite has l ost h i s b i sh o p : i f 3
f2xe3 Od 8-h4+ a n d m ate next m o v e .
Score 3 poin ts.
Page 6
The quick kill
Q Ho w does White make use of Q White 's pieces arewell placed.

his advan tage in space? Ho w does he force checkma te?
Wh i te to m ov e Wh i te to m ove
Wh i l e deve l o p i n g h i s p i eces B l ac k B l ac k has l eft f7 w i d e o pe n :

h a s ta ken l i tt l e care of h i s k i n g . 1 Bc4-f7+ Ke8-e7
Wh ite destroys t h e cast l e d positi o n .
B l ac k 's k i ng has l ost the r i g h t to
1 Bd3xh7+ Kg8x h7 cast l e , but more i m po rta nt h e i s
I f 1 . . . Kg8- h 8 , 2 Qg4-h 5 w i n s . ru n n i ng o u t o f p l aces t o go !
2 Qg4-h5+ Kh7-g8 2 Qd4xf6+ Ke7xf6
3 Nf3-g5 If 2 . . g7xf6, 3 N c3-d 5 is mate.
.
Th reate n i n g m ate o n h 7 . 3 N c3-d5+

3 Rf8-e8 The wh ite p i eces ru l e the centre
4 Qh5xf7+ l<g8-h8 of the boa rd ; they l u re the b l ac k
5 Qf7-h5+ Kh 8-g8 k i n g t o h i s d oo m .
6 Qh5-h7+ Kg8-f8
3 Kf6-e5
7 Qh 7-h8+ Kf8-e7
4 Ng5-f3+ Ke5xe4
8 Qh8xg7 mate
5 N d 5-c3 mate
Wh ite's p i eces h a d t h e freedom
Score 6 poin ts if you fou n d t h i s
of the board !
bri l l i a n t w i n n i n g l i n e .
Score 4 p oin ts.
Page 7
The quick kill
Testga m e l In the actu a l g a m e W h ite p l ayed :

5 d2-d4
H e r e i s y o u r fi rst testg a m e . P l ay
You score 4 poin ts i f th i s i s t h e
th e m oves on y o u r board . E v e ry
move w h i c h y o u wou l d h ave
few m oves you wi l l com e to a
played. Th i s i s the m ov e w h i c h
q u est i o n a n d a d i agram of t h e
Wh ite w a s p l a n n i n g wh e n h e
positi o n . Work o u t y o u r o w n
p l ayed 4 c2-c3 . I t p l a nts a sec o n d
a n swer to t h e q u est i o n before
p a w n i n the m i d d l e of t h e board ,
read i n g any fu rt h e r . Im m e d i ately'
a n d it o p e n s u p t h e d i ag o n a l for
after the d i agram you w i l l find the
W h i t e 's d a r k-sq u a red b i s h o p . I t
move actu a l l y p l ayed in the g a m e ,
d o e s n o t defe n d t h e e-pawn , b u t
toget h e r with t h e n u m be r o f
w e wi l l s e e l ater o n h ow th at f its
po i nts y o u m a y h a v e sco red.
in w i t h W h i t e 's p l a n s .
{Giuoco Piano ) N o w w h a t a bo u t t h e oth e r
1 e2-e4 e7-e5 m oves Wh ite m i g h t h ave p l ayed?
2 N g 1 -f3 N b8-c6 You score 2 poin ts i f y o u wou l d
3 Bf1 -c4 Bf8-c5 h ave p l ayed 5 d 2-d3 t o defe n d
4 c2-c3 y o u r e-pawn . Th i s ca n 't b e a bad
W h i t e p l a ns to set u p a stro ng move, but it does m a ke Wh i t e 's
pawn centre. fo u rth m ov e l o o k rath e r s i l l y .
There i s n o p o i nt i n 4 c 2-c3 i f
4 . . . N g8-f6
Wh ite i s not go i n g t o try t o p u t a
G o o d deve l o p m e n t . B l a c k b r i ngs pawn on d 4 . After 5 d 2-d3 W h ite
his k n i g h t i nto p l ay a n d attac ks wi l l h ave wasted a m ov e , and h i s
t h e wh ite e-paw n . pawn o n c 3 w i l l be i n t h e way of
Now h e re i s you r f i rst q u est i o n : his q u ee n 's k n i g h t .
Q suppose you were White in Score 1 poin t i f y o u wo u l d h a v e
this p osition. Wha t m o ve would pl ayed 5 Qd 1 -e 2 o r 5 Od 1 -c 2 .
you play? Aga i n y o u a r e defe n d i n g y o u r e
pawn , but you are c o m m itt i n g
y o u r q u e e n rath e r e a r l y i n t h e
g a m e . U nt i l a f e w m o re p i eces a re
deve l o ped it wo n 't beco m e c l e a r
wh i c h i s g o i n g t o be t h e best
sq u a re for the q u ee n , a n d s u r e l y
s h e m u st h a v e m o re futu re t h a n
j u st d e fe n d i n g t h e e-pawn . I t i s
m u c h better to l eave t h e wh ite
queen o n d 1 , w h e re s h e i s s u p
porti n g t h e pawn p u s h to d 4 .
Score 1 poin t for 5 0 - 0 .
Page 8
The quick kill
Score no p o in ts i f y o u wou l d W h e n Wh i te pl a y e d 5 d 2-d 4 h e a l

have p l a y e d a n y oth e r m ov e . ready k n ew h e w a s g o i n g t o s a c r i f i c e
N o w , pl a y t h e m o v e 5 d 2-d4 o n h i s e-pa w n . H e h oped f o r t h ree
y o u r b o a rd a n d we w i l l carry o n th i n gs a s compensat i o n : (a) an
with t h e g a m e . a d v a n ta g e in space, (b) better
5 . . . e5xd4 d e v e l opm e n t , and (c) the c h a nce to
6 c3xd 4 catch the b l ac k k i n g on the ope n e
f i l e . Now Wh i te presses o n with h i s
N o w c3 i s open a ga i n f o r the
devel opm e n t a n d prepa res t o b r i n g
wh i te k n i g h t .
h i s roo k to e 1 .
6 . . . Bc5-b4+
Score 1 poin t for 8 Qd 1 -e2 o r 8
7 Nb1-c3 Nf6xe4
Od 1 -d 3 , b u t score n oth i ng for
Wh ite's e-pawn has fa l l e n . N o r m oth e r m oves .
a l l y i t i s w r o n g to m ov e a piece
8 ... Ne4xc3
tw ice in the ope n i ng; n o rm a l l y i t
9 b2xc3 Bb4xc3?
is wrong t o p i n c h a p a w n i n t h e
open i ng . He re i t i s s a f e f o r B l a c k Now B l a c k is be i n g v e ry g r e ed y .
to brea k t h e s e ope n i n g p r i n c i pl e s By g r a b b i n g a seco n d pawn h e
si nce it i s a centre pawn he has g i v es Wh i te t h e c h a n c e t o sw i n g
p i n c h e d , a pawn wh i c h cou l d have i n t o t h e attac k .
h e l ped W h i t e ' s p i eces get a big
Q Wha t sh ould White do n o w?
a d v a ntage in space in t h e m i d d l e
game.
No w for the next q u es t i o n :
Q Wha t m o ve do you thin k White
should p lay n o w?
10 Bc1-a3
Score 4 poin ts.

The b i s h o p comes to l i fe a n d pre
vents Black from cast li n g . Wh i te
8 0-0
i s n 't w o r r i e d a b o u t h i s roo k s i nce
Score 4 poin ts f o r th i s m o v e . the b l ac k roy a l f a m i l y a re in a n
Page 9
The quick kill
awfu l m ess afte r 1 0 . . . Bc3xa 1 m u st m eet t h e th reat : h e doesn 't

1 1 R f 1 -e 1 + Nc6-e7 1 2 B a 3x e 7 . h ave tim e for a dev e l o ping m ove.
Score 4 poin ts f o r 1 0 Od 1 -b3 12 . . . a7-a6
which is eq u a l l y good . Now if 1 3 d4-d 5, B l ack p l a ys 1 3
Score 7 poin t for 1 0 R a 1 - b 1 . . . . b7- b 5 .
No score for 1 0 Q d 1 -e 2+. B l ac k Q Ho w does White con tinue his
wo u l d escape f r o m c h e c k b y 1 0 a ttack?
. . . Od8-e7, a n d there i s no way
th at White wants to e x c h a n g e
queens.
10 . . . d7-d6
B l ac k s h u ts the bis h o p 's diago n a l .
Q Wha t sh ould White play n o w?
13 Bc4-d5
Score 4 points.
Anoth e r attac k i ng m ove whic h
m a kes B l ac k l o se tim e . White
a b r� 1 th reatens to ca ptu re first on c 6 ,
a n d t h e n o n a 5 . B l ac k m u st save
his bis h o p .
11 R a1-c1 13 . . . Ba5-b6
Score 3 poin ts. 14 R c1xc6 !
Aggress ive deve l o p m e n t . Wh ite Wh ite cou l d h ave regained o n e of
saves his roo k, puts it o n a good his pawns if h e h a d captured with
fi l e, and ga i n s time by attacking the bish o p : 1 4 B d 5xc6+ b 7 xc6
the bl ack bis h o p . 1 5 Oa4x c6+, but h e gets n o m o re
Score 7 poin t f o r 1 1 R a 1 - b 1 . after 1 5 . . . Bc8-d 7 .
11 . . . Bc3-a5 14 . . . Bc8-d7
12 Qd1-a4 B l ac k d a r e n 't take th e roo k : 1 4
Once aga i n we have dev e l o pm e nt . . . b7xc6 1 5 Oa4xc6+ Bc8-d 7
with gain of tim e . Wh ite th reate n s 1 6 Oc6x a8 a n d h e com es o u t a
1 3 d4-d 5 win ning a piece. B l ac k piece down .
Page 1 0
Th e quick kill
Q Ho w does White improve his W h i te attacks the we a k f-squ a re .

position ? H e th reate n s 1 9 B d 5xf7 m a te .
Score 4 poin ts for th e sacrifice
18 B d 5xf7+ which a l so g i ves
Wh ite a good atta c k .
Score 3 poin ts fo r 1 8 N f3-e 5 .
Th i s a l s o th reate ns m ate at f 7 ,
b u t b l ocks the e-f i l e.
Score 2 poin ts for 1 8 Oa4-b3 o r
1 8 Oa4-c4.
18 . . . Bd7-e8
If 1 8 . . . Od8x g 5 1 9 Oa4x d 7 a n d
B l ac k ca n 't stop both the m ates
th reate n e d (on e8 a n d f7).
15 R f 1 -e 1 + Q Ho w does White finish o ff his

Score 5 poin ts. opponen t?
Wh i te se i ze s the o p e n e-fi l e .
15 . . . l<e8-f8
16 R c6xd 6 ! c7xd6
I f 1 6 . . . Bd 7xa4, 1 7 R d 6xd8 is
mate.
17 Ba3xd6+ l<f8-g8
Q No w wha t should White play?
19 R e 1 xe8+ !
Score 5 poin ts.
Score 5 poin ts for 1 9 Oa4xe8+ !
wh ich is j u st the sam e .
19 Od8xe8
20 Oa4xe8+ R a8xe8
2 1 Bd5xf7 mate
Now add up the p o i nts you h ave
18 N f3-g5 scored and enter the tota l in t h e
Score 6 poin ts. s c o r e c h a rt fac i ng p a g e 1 .
Page 1 1
Th e quick kill
How quickly can you ... ?
Ho w quickly can you checkma te your opp onen t? T h at's easy ! 1 f 2 -f3
e7 -e5 2 g 2-g4 Qd8-h4 mate. Two m oves; the fastest checkm ate i n the west !
He re a re fou r m o re q u i c k i e s f o r y o u to h av e a go at . . . just f o r a b i t of f u n .
T r y e a c h o n e before you l oo k at t h e s o l ut i o n g i v e n be l ow . Y o u m a y have
to pl a y some r i d i c u l o u s moves and make u p crazy games ! That doesn 't
matter; just compl ete the task in the q u i c k est n u m be r of m oves.
Ho w quickly can y o u checkma te your opp onen t i f your checkma ting

m o ve has to disco ver ch eck ?
T h e record for th i s o n e i s just fou r

m oves. Wh ite k i n d l y m a rches h i s
k i n g o u t i nt o t h e ope n . . . a n d B l ac k
c l o b bers h i m :
1 f2-f3 e7-e5
2 Ke 1 -f2 h7-h5
3 Kf2-g3 h5 -h4+
4 Kg3-g4 d7-d5 mate
T h e d-pawn has m ov e d , u ncovered

the b i s h op, and Wh i te i s m a te d .
Position after 4 ... d7-d5 m ate
Ho w quickly can you pla y a game en ding in stalema te?
Te n moves is the record h e r e :

h c {j q h
1 e2 -e 3 a7-a5
2 Qd 1 -h 5 R a8-a6
3 Qh5xa5 h7-h5
4 Oa5xc7 R a6-h6
5 h2-h4 f7-f6
6 Qc7xd7+ K e8-f7
7 Qd 7xb7 Qd8-d3
8 Qb7xb8 Qd3-h7
9 Qb8xc8 Kf7-g6
1 0 Oc8-e6 Sta l emate!
Th e re was s o m e pretty bad chess

played in t h a t game!
Position after 10 Oc8-e6 stal e m ate
Page 1 2
The quick kill
Ho w quickly could you play a game in wh ich all the pieces are exchanged?
Y o u h a v e got to e nd u p with a 14 Rf7xf8+ Ke8xf8

posit i o n l i ke t h e o n e i n the d i a - 15 R a 1 xa7 Rf1 xf2
gra m , w i t h j u st two k i n g s on t h e 16 R a7xe7 Rf2xe2+
board . Y o u wi l l h ave do n e we l l 17 Kd 2xe2 Kf8xe7
if you can do i t i n a n yw h e re n e a r
20 m ov e s : t h e record i s j u st 1 7 :
a b c d e f g h
1
2
c2-c4
c4xd5
d7-d5
Qd 8xd5
8 • • • .8
3 Od 1 -c2 Qd5xg2 7 • • ��•� •
• • • .
7,
4 Oc2xc7 Qg2xg 1 6 6
5 Oc7xb7 Og 1 xh 2
5
. • • • 5
• • • .
6 Ob7xb8 Oh2-e5
4 4
7 Qb8xc8+ R a8xc8
8 R h 1 xh7 Qe5xb2 3
• • •
• •
9 R h7xh8 Ob2xa2
• -�· .2
1 0 R h8xg8
1 1 Ke1 xd2
Ob2xd 2+
R c8xc1
I. • • •
a b c d e f g h
1 2 R g8xg7 Rc1 xb1
1 3 R g7xf7 R b 1 xf 1 P o s i t i o n after 17 . .. Kf8xe7
Ho w quickly could you play a game in which you capture all your
opponen t's m en and lea ve your o wn se t up ready for the start o f a gam e?
The record for reach i ng a p o s i t i o n 15 N c4xa3 Kf7 -e8

l i ke t h e o n e i n the d i a g r a m i s 1 6 16 N a3xb 1
m oves :
1 N b 1 -c3 b7 -b5
2 N c3xb5 N g8-f6
3 N b5xa7 Nf6-e4
4 N a7xc8 Ne4-c3
5 N c8xe7 c7-c6
6 N e7xc6 N c3-b1
7 N c6xb8 Ra8-a3
8 N b8xd7 g7-g5
9 N d7xf8 Od8-d6
10 N f8xh7 Ke8-e7
11 N h7xg5 R h 8-h4
12 Ng5xf7 R h4-c4
13 Nf7xd6 Ke7-f6 P o s i t i o n a fter 16 N a 3xb1
14 N d6xc4 Kf6-f7
Page 1 3
The quick kill
TEST TWO
Q Ho w does White make use of Q Wh ite has tried to a ttack too

his be tter developmen t? early. Ho w does Black punish him ?
Wh ite to m ove B l a c k t o m ove
T h e wh ite p i eces powe r down t h e T h e wh ite q u e e n h a s co m e i nto

centre; t h e breakth rough c o m es p l ay on an o p e n boa rd far too
at B l ac k 's we a k p o i n t . soo n . She becomes a ta rget for
1 Ne5xf7 atta c k .
Wh ite ca ptu res a pawn a n d forks 1 . . . Bf8-e7

the b l ac k q u ee n a n d roo k . 2 Qh4-g3 Nf4-h5
1 l<e8xf7 Trapped ! The q u e e n h a s p a i d the

2 Qe2xe6+ l<f7 -g7 p r i ce . . . t h e re i s n ow h e re l eft to g o .
3 Qe6-f7 mate Score 3 poin ts.
Score 2 poin ts.
Page 1 4
The quick kill
Q The white king is stuck in the Q Black 's position is n o t as solid

cen tre. Ho w does Black finish as it looks. Ho w does White force
him o ff? checkma te?
B l a c k to m ove Wh i te to m ove
B l ac k n eeds to o p e n t h e e-fi l e so Wh ite 's wel l - p l aced p i eces a n d

th at h i s rook c a n get at t h e wh ite adva ntage i n s p a c e e n a b l e h i m to
king. l a u nch a s h a r p k i n g atta c k .
1 . . . Nf4-d3+ 1 Qh5xh7+ Kg8xh7
Wh ite n o w h a s th ree m oves : th ree 2 Ne4xf6++ Kh7-h6
ways of l os i ng ! If 2 . . . K h 7-h8, 3 N e 5-g6 i s m ate .
(a) 3 Ne5-g4+ K h 6-g5
2 Ke 1 -e 2 Bc8-g4+ 4 h2 -h4+ Kg5-f4
W h e n he l oses h i s q u e e n . 5 g2 -g3+ Kf4-f3
(b) The k i n g h a s n o c h o i c e ; he h a s to
2 Bf 1 xd3 e4xd3+ keep m a rc h i n g .
3 Ke 1 -f 1 Bc8-h3+ 6 Bd3-e2+ Kf3-g2
4 Kf 1 -g 1 Qd8-d5 7 R h 1 -h2+ Kg2-g 1
5 f2-f3 Od 5-c5 mate 8 0-0-0 mate
W h e n he l oses h i s k i n g . W h i t e h a s co m p l eted h i s deve l o p
(c) m e nt in a u sefu l way !
2 c2xd3 e4xd3+ Score 6 poin ts if you fou n d th i s
3 Bf 1 -e2 R e8xe2+ m a rve l l o u s w i n n i n g l i n e .
When h e m u st g i v e up h i s q u e e n
to a v o i d m a te : if 4 Ke 1 -f 1
B c8-h3+ 5 Kf 1 -g 1 Qd 8 -d5 etc.
Score 4 poin ts.
Page 1 5
Th e quick kill
Testgame 2 Q White th reatens a knigh t fork on

f7. Wha t does Black do abo u t it?
(Ruy Lopez)
Ba l l a Re ti
1 e2-e4 e7-e5
2 N g 1 -f3 Nb8-c6
3 Bf 1 -b5 f7-f5
B l a c k c h ooses a r i s k y o p e n i n g
va riat i o n, t h e Sch l i e m a n n Defe n c e .
T h e g e n e r a l id ea of attac k i n g
White 's cen tre c a n ' t b e bad , b u t
th i s i s a pawn m ov e w h i c h d o e s
noth i n g to h e l p B l ac k 's d e v e l o p
m e nt.
4 d2-d3 N g8-f6
5 0-0 Bf8-c5 7 . . . f5 -f4 !
B l a c k is d e v e l o pi n g h i s forces Score 4 poin ts.
speedil y . B l ac k d o e s n o t h i n g a b o u t t h e fo r k !
6 Bb5-c4 H e r ea l i zes h e w i l l h av e t o g i v e u p
h i s roo k , b u t h e a l so rea l izes t h a t a
T h e m a i n trou b l e wit h B l ac k 's
lead i n deve l opment wi l l give h i m
op e n i n g strategy is t h a t wh e n h e
th e c h a n ce t o atta c k .
p l a y e d 3 . . . f7-f5 h e o p e n e d t h e
d i a go n a l f r o m a 2 to g 8 , m a k i n g i t Score 2 poin ts f o r 7 . . . Od 8-e7 o r
diff i c u l t fo r h i m s e l f t o c a stl e a n d 7 . . . R h8-f8.
cov er t h e wea k p o i n t a t f7 . W hite 8 Ng5-f7 Qd 8-e7
does the n a tu ra l th i n g - he puts a 9 Nf7xh8
b i s h o p on t h e dia g o n a l - b u t in
order to d o so h e wastes v a l u a b l e Q What sh ould Black p lay n o w?
tim e . He h a s a l re ady m oved t h a t
bis h o p o n ce !
6 . . . d7-d6
7 Nf3-g5?
Wh i te c a n 't res i st h aving a n ot h e r

b a s h at f 7 . H e forgets a l l a b o u t h is
d e v e l o p m e n t . H is 0- s i d e p i eces
l o o k o n I i k e statues a s h i s k i n g 's
k n i gh t m ov e s f o r a seco n d t i m e .
W h ite h a s forgotte n t h a t d ev e l o p
m e n t c o m e s first, atta c k c o m e s
c d e f g
sec o n d .
Page 16
The quick kill
9 . . . Bc8-g4 10 . . . Nc6-d4
Score 4 pain ts. Score 5 poin ts.

Exce l l ent dev e l o p m ent . T h e bish o p B l ac k h a s g i ven u p a roo k . He h a s
takes u p a f i ne p o s i t i o n a n d g a i ns com pensat i o n i n f o u r ways:
t i m e by attac k i ng the wh i te q u een. ( a ) He h a s bette r d ev e l o p m ent.
Now a l l B l a c k 's m i no r p i eces are in ( b ) H i s p i eces atta c k and control
p l a y , and h e is ready to beg i n t h e m o re of t h e centre.
offens i v e . ( c ) W h ite 's position i s c ra m pe d .
Score 1 poin t for 9 . . . Nf6-g4, ( d ) W h ite h a s o nly t h e p a w n sh i eld
wh i c h opens the way for the q u een to cover h i s castled p os i t i o n
to come to h 4 and g iv e s B l ac k .. . wh i c h i s prec i s e l y w h e r e t h e
s o m e sort of atta c k i ng c h a nces. bl a c k p i eces a r e h e a d i ng !
However, i t b l ocks t h e q u een's W h i te m u st no t be a l l owed t o sort
b i s h o p a nd sto ps B l ac k from o u t h i s probl e m s ; i f h e does, then
th r o w i ng the fu l l we i g h t of h i s Black w i l l s i m p l y be a r o o k d own.
forces i nto t h e attack . B l ac k knows he m u st keep up t h e
10 Qd 1 -d2 press u re. H e t h reatens 1 1 . . . N d 4-f3+
bec a u se afte r 12 g 2xf3 Bg4x f3 the re
Wh ite is h a v i ng to pay the p r i c e for
is no way that W h i te can p revent
his g reed . He h a s spent fou r m oves
h i m f r o m p l ay i ng 13 . . . Nf6x e4
wi nni ng the roo k . No w, when he
and b r i ng i ng h i s q u een across fo r a
wants to be com p l et i ng his d ev e l op
mating atta c k .
ment, h e i s h a v i ng to waste m o re
t i m e g rovell i ng a r o u nd with h i s Score 2 pain ts for 1 0 . . . 0-0-0 o r
q u een. 10 . . . Nf6 - h 5. Sens i b l e m oves, bu t
they a l l ow W h i te t i m e to breathe !
Q Ho w does Black strengthen his 11 K g 1 -h1
a ttack? Q No w wha t does Black do ?
d e b d
Page 17
Th e quick kill
11 . . . N d 4-f3 ! 12 . . . N f6xe 4 !
Score 5 poin ts. Score 6 p oin ts.
Th e attac k gets i nto fu l l swi n g . N o w the q u e e n c a n jo i n the atta c k .

B l ac k 's p l a n i s t o destroy t h e pawn Score 1 poin t f o r 1 2 . . . Nf6-h5.
sh i e l d protect i n g the wh ite k i n g . 13 g2-g3
H e p i c k s o u t h 2 a s h i s f i rst ta rget,
Wh ite wea k e n s h i s pawn s h i e l d ; h e
a n d saves t i m e aga i n by attac k i n g
t h e wh ite q u e e n . m u st sto p t h e b l a c k q u ee n f r o m
go i n g t o h 4 . Wh ite c a n 't t a k e
Score 3 poin ts f o r 1 1 .. . Nf6-h5.
e i t h e r k n i g h t: ( a ) 1 3 g 2 x f3 Bg4xf3+
Score 2 poin ts f o r 1 1 . . 0-0-0. B y
1 4 K h 1 -g 1 Oe7-g5 m ate, or ( b )
.
cast l i ng B l ac k w o u l d com p l ete h i s 1 3 d 3 x e4 Oe 7-h4 1 4 h 2- h 3 Bg4xh3

d ev e l o pm e n t; b u t Blac k h a s two
and a ga i n h e i s s o o n m ated .
sou nd reasons for not d o i n g so:
13 N e4xf2+
( a ) H i s k i ng i s safe where i t i s . 14 R f 1 xf2 Bc5xf2
Wh ite h a s t o o f e w p i eces i n p l ay 15 K h 1 -g2
a n d n o c h a nce of open i n g the
ce ntre f i l es . Q Wha t does Black do n o w?
( b ) T h e r o o k i s n o t n e e d e d f o r the
h c d e g h
attac k . There a re n o open f i l es o n
th e K-s i d e f o r t h e rook to u se, a n d
open i n g them wou l d t a k e B l ack too
m u c h t i m e.
12 Od2-a5
He d a re n ot t a k e t h e k n i g h t : 1 2
g 2 x f3 B g4xf3+ 1 3 K h 1 -g 1 N f6xe4 !
Q Wha t is Black 's n ex t m o ve?
15 . . . f4xg3
Score 3 poin ts.

Wh ite 's f l i m sy d efences a re r i p ped
apa rt; h i s k i ng wi l l have to face the
fu l l fu ry of the b l ack p i eces .
Score 1 poin t i f y o u were g o i n g to
move y o u r d a r k-squ a re d b i s h o p to
b6, c5, d 4, g 1 , o r e 1 .
16 h2xg3
Page 1 8
The quick kill
Q Black 's bishop is threa tened Q Ho w sh ould Black escape from

again. Wha t does Black do ? check ?
b c d e g h
16 . . . Bf2xg 3 ! 19 . .. Ke8-e7
Score 4 poin ts. Score 4 p o in ts.

White's wh o l e pawn s h i e l d h a s been The o n l y m ov e ! W i t h h i s o w n
v i c i o u s l y c l u bbed awa y . Now t h e p i eces c l u stered a ro u n d the w h i t e
foo l i s h n ess o f Wh i te ' s o p e n i ng k i n g, B l ac k w i l l be a ble to force
strategy i s cl. e a r . The t i m e wasted m ate very soo n . H e m u st n o t get
i n attack i ng too s o o n, and greed i l y c a r r i e d away with e x c i te m e n t ; h e
snatc h i n g t h e blac k roo k, h a s cost m u st n o t f o rget t h a t Wh ite i s sti l l
h i m d ea r l y . H i s 0-s i d e p i eces a re play i n g . A n y oth e r m ov e by the
u s e l ess, h i s re m a i n i n g p i eces a re black k i n g a l l ows W h ite too m a n y
scattered l i ke seed to t h e w i n d, a n d checks.
his king. . . his poor king has only the 20 Qb4xb7+ l <e7-f6
b l a c k pi eces f o r c o m pa n y !
Th e k i n g f i n d s a safe h o m e .
Score 1 poin t if y o u were s i m p l y
21 White resigns
go i n g t o save y o u r b i s h o p by m ov i n g
i t to b6, c 5, d4, g 1 , o r e 1 . W h ite can w i n a n ot h e r rook, b u t
h e ca n 't s a v e h i s o w n k i ng .
17 Qa5-b5+
W h i te w o u l d h a v e been mated B l ac k based h i s attac k o n sou n d

i m m e d i ate l y if h e h a d taken t h e agg ress i v e d ev e l o p m e nt . H e brought
b i sh o p : 1 7 K g 2 x g 3 Oe 7-h4+ 1 8 his p i eces i n to play o n good s q u a res
Kg3-g2 Oh4- h 2 + 1 9 Kg2-f 1 B g4- h 3 . a n d stead i l y i m proved th e i r p o s i t i o ns,
c7-c6
wh ile at t h e same t i m e h e kept W h ite
17
busy a nswe r i n g n a gg i ng th reats.
18 Qb5-b4 Qe7-h4
Wh ite was n ev e r given t i m e to
19 Bc4-f7+
com p l ete h i s d evelo p m e nt.
Page 1 9
The quick kill
A complicated position!
Th e positio n o n the rig h t a p p e a red a c g
u n d e r the tit l e 'A C o m p licated

Positio n ' in R ich a rd R eti 's book
Ne w Ideas in Chess. H e t h e n we nt
o n to discuss wh eth e r 1 e2-e4 is a
better first m ov e t h a n 1 d 2-d4 .
R eti said 'The opening is the
hardest part of the game to play
because it is very difficult a t the
beginning of the game to under
stand wha t is going on. ' On t h e
battl efie l d t h e com m o n s o l die r
does t h e fig htin g after t h e g e n e r a l
h a s m a d e t h e difficu l t d ecisio n s
inv o l ved in stu dying t h e lie of t h e l a nd a n d positio ning his forces wh e re
they wil l be m ost effectiv e . T h e chess p l a y e r 's j o b in t h e opening is t h e
s a m e as the g e n e r a l 's . T h e c h ess p l a y e r 's o p e ning m oves wil l d ecid e t h e
s h a p e of t h e chess batt l e to fo l l ow . T h e q u estio n of w h i c h is t h e best
first m ove has caused a l ot of a rg u m e n t :
G y u l a B reyer set t h e ba l l r o l ling in t h e 1 9 20s w h e n h e said 'A fter the
first m o ve 1 e2-e4, White 's gam e is in its last throes! '
Weav e r Ad a m s fired b a c k b y saying t h a t a fte r 1 e2-e4 'White wins b y
force!'
Pa u l M o r p h y did n 't say anythin g . He did n 't need to . I n every sin g l e
g a m e h e o p e n ed 1 e2-e4 !
Bo bby Fisc h e r never p l ayed 1 d 2-d4 in his c a r e e r . H e said 'The players
of 1862 kne w som e thing very valuable tha t the players of today would
do well to take n o te o f: 1 d2-d4 leads to n o thing!'
Bil l H a rtsto n hit the nail p r o p e r l y on t h e h e a d w h e n he said 'Choosing
between 1 e2-e4 and 1 d2-d4 is like choosing between tea and coffee. '
I t ' s j u st a m atte r of which m ove is m o re l i ke l y to l ead to positio n s which
suit you r own sty l e and taste .
R ich a rd R eti fou nd his own a n swer to t h e a r g u m e n t . H e c h a m pio n e d
his own o p e ning, 1 N g 1 -f3, a n d specia l ized in that a n d t h e E n g l ish O pening,
1 c2-c4, for the rest of his l ife .
Page 20
The quick kill
Think first, move later
O p e n i n g theory has been stu d i e d for centu r i e s , and nowadays m ost m asters
can p l ay the opening w i t h o u t any t h o u g h t , m ov i n g a l m ost a u t o m at i ca l l y .
M oving autom atic a l l y c a n b e a d a n g e r o u s bu s i n ess, a s Al a p i n fou n d
to h i s h o rror w h e n h e p l a yed D r Tarrasch at B re s l a u in 1 889 :
Tarrasch Alapin b c d e h
W"•z �lt:.i�r.&lt:P.�
a g
�.IL�Vft.1it�....� � s
§;'llf&
1 e2-e4 e7-e5 s a�.
2 N g 1 -f3 Ng8-f6
-t�
7• �..W Mi�-,�
• � �i 7
• � ·�" • •
3 Nf3xe5 d7-d6
6 6
4 N e5-f3 Nf6xe4 M M M
The g a m e h a s begu n with a sta n d a rd
• • • •
5 5
Petrov D efence . N o w Tarrasch 4 • -�· .4

sh ould h ave p l ayed 5 d 2-d4, the
.
3
· ft·�· � '"'i ..::. � "%
3
m ov e a l ways p l ayed i n that pos i t i o n ..::.

2
.!1.
�u�
· ..::.
.!.!.. �.
• --� ·� .!1. 0. '% r,•
2
at t h a t tim e . Tarrasch d i d n 't ! • ,-.,, � v. • - �
5 d2-d3
I
��
� r-.... ��
��"Z...J
a
�
b c
%.M,"�-'"A�
�"@·.
d
�-- • � 'A
8t=i.
e
�
f h
I
Scarcely l o o k i n g at t h e boa rd A l a p i n P os i t i o n afte r 5 d 2-d3

insta n t l y pic ked up his b i s h o p to
.
p l a y 5 . . Bf8- e 7 , B l ac k 's u s u a l
re p l y t o 5 d 2-d4. O n l y w h e n h e h a d bis h o p a n d h a n d h ov e ring in mid-air
d i d A l a pin see his mista ke . Too l ate h e saw h is k n i g h t was attacked . Too
l ate , because o n ce h e had tou c h e d it h e had to m ove that bis h o p .
I f A l a pin g o t a s h o c k , h o w a b o u t Lin d e r m a n n at Kie l fou r y e a r s l ate r :
Lin d e rm a n n Echtermeyer
1 e2-e4 d7-d5
2 e4xd5 Qd 8xd5
Lin d e rm a n n now intended to p l a y 3
N b 1 -c3. B u t he pic ked u p his q u ee n 's
bis h o p by mista k e . So what, you are
thinkin g . We l l in 1 893 the ru l es of
ch ess we re s l ig h t l y d i fferent. If y o u
touched a piece a n d we re u n a b l e to
m ove it, y o u h a d to pay th e p e n a l ty
of m ov i n g you r king . Lin d e rm a n n
h a d t o p l ay :
P o s i t i o n afte r 3 Ke 1-e 2
3 Ke 1 -e2
Now Echtermeyer h a s rat h e r a good r e p l y ready !
Th ere is a m o r a l h e r e somewhere ! Think first, m o ve la ter.
Page 2 1
The quick kill
S u rprise, su rprise!
Bobby F isc h e r never p l ay e d 1 d 2-d4. H e a l ways p l ayed 1 e 2 -e4 . . . wel l ,

a l m ost a l ways . I n t h e six th g a m e o f his wo r l d c h a m pio nship m atch with
Bo ris Spassky at R ey kjavik in 1 97 2 B o b by F isc h e r cau sed a se n satio n .
Fisc h e r p l ayed 1 c2-c4. O n l y twice before h a d F isc h e r ever p l ayed that
move, a n d one of those tim e s was in a game h e k n ew h e was going to win
by defa u l t . F o r Spassky a n d his R u ssia n seco n d s , w h o h a d no d o u bt spent
many m o nt h s studying Fisc h e r's favou rite opening va riatio n s , t h e sensa
tio n c o u l d n ot h ave been v e ry p l easant ! F isc h e r of cou rse won t h e g a m e .
F r a n k M a rs h a l l a l so r e a l ized t h e v a l u e of catching a n o p p o n e n t by
s u r p rise in the opening. I n 1 90 8 he worked out a tric ky p l a n of cou nter
attack for B l ac k against th e R u y Lope z . M a rsh a l l did n 't want to waste
his s h o c k weapon against j u st a n y bod y . No, h e wanted to catch s o m e body
good with i t ; h e wanted to win a fa m o u s batt l e , a n d h e was prepa red to
wait. F r a n k M a rsh a l l did h ave to wait as w e l l . Ten y e a rs in fact ! I t was at
New Y o r k in 1 9 1 8 that h e got his c h a n ce against the g reat Ca p a b l a n c a .
(Ruv Lopez - Marshall Gambit)

h d
Capa b l a n ca M a rs h a l l g
e2-e4 e7-e5
2 N g 1 -f3 N b8-c6
3 Bf1 -b5 a7-a6
4 Bb5-a4 N g8-f6
5 0-0 Bf8-e7
6 Rf1 -e 1 b7-b5
7 Ba4-b3 0-0
8 c2-c3
And n o w M a rsh a l l p u l l e d his new
m ove out of t h e h at :
8 . . . d7-d5 Posit i on afte r 8 . . . d7-d5
This m a d e Capa bl a nca thin k for a
whil e ! H e k n ew that if h e accepted
9 e4xd5 Nf6xd5
M a rsh a l l 's g a m bit h e wo u l d have to
10 N f3xe5 N c6xe5
face a ter rific attac k . He knew that
11 R e 1 xe5 Nd5-f6
M a rsh a l l m u st h av e spent h o u rs stu dy
12 R e5-e 1 Be7-d6
ing a l l th e v a riatio n s . H e k n ew his
o p p o n e n t was trying to ta ke him by And now M a rsh a l l had what h e
s u r p rise . Even so, he fe l t his s kil l wa nted : o p e n lines, better
wa s being ch a l l e nged . H e cou l d n ot dev e l o pm e nt, and the attac k .
ru n away from s u ch a ch a l l e n g e . H e U n fo rtu n a t e l y . . . h e l ost t h e
m u st accept t h e g a m bit : ga m e !
Page 22
Open files and the enemy ranks
R o o k s need o p e n fil es. Sh u t a rook in behind you r pawns a n d it 's a lion in

a cage, a l l l ife and e n ergy with no w he re to stri k e . Swa p off a few pawns
a n d y o u have opened t h e door. T h e rook c a n s p ri n g into actio n , bou nd
down th e o p e n fil e , a n d seize the enemy by t h e th roat .
Files a re opened w h e n pawns a re exc h a n g e d . You s h o u l d o p e n fil es
by exch a nging pawns w h e n y o u r pieces are in positio n to m a ke u s e of
the fil es , and y o u r o p p o n e nt 's pieces a r e not. An open fil e is a m otorway
i nto the h e a rt of the e n e m y positio n ; you m a ke u s e of it in th ree steps.
First y o u control it with y o u r piece s . Sec o n d y o u inv a d e down it . Third
you snipe sid eways from it . The m ain ta rgets of attack a re t h e sev e n t h
a n d eighth ran ks, t h e first t w o lines of t h e e n e m y positio n .
The eighth ra n k i s a target w h e n y o u r o p ponen t 's king is cast l e d a n d
eit h e r s h u t in behind his o w n pawns, o r u n a b l e t o advance because y o u r
pieces attac k th e s q u a re s in front of him .
The white roo k h a s inv aded t h e

b a c k r a n k . The b l ac k k i n g is
tra p ped behind his own pawn
shie l d . T h e roo k s nipes sid eways
a n d t h e king is m ated .
Th e eight h ra n k c a n a l so be u sed fo r firi n g at t h e e n emy from behin d .

b c d h
T h e white rook h a s invaded t h e g
b a c k r a n k a n d g o t in b e h i n d t h e
b l a c k pawns. H e c a n n o w m ov e to
rig ht or l eft a n d atta c k t h e m in t h e
rea r.
Som etim es t h e eig hth ra n k c a n be u sed to giv e the e n e m y king a kic k o n

th e backsid e ! b c d
The white rook h a s u sed t h e back

ra n k to ste a l up behind the b l a c k
kin g .
Checkm ate !
Page 23
Open files and the enem y ranks
Both white rooks h ave seized t h e

eighth r a n k and the b l a c k king
has been hit from behind.
C h e c k m ate again !
The seve nth ra n k is a s p ringboard from which y o u c a n s nipe sideways at

th e e n e m y pieces. You r o p p o n e nt 's pawns are t h e o bvio u s ta rget as they
start t h e g a m e o n that ra n k .
Th e white rook h a s inv aded t h e

seventh a nd snipes sideways at t h e
e n e m y pieces. Th e b l a c k pawns
are sittin g ducks; they c a n n ot
defe nd o n e a n oth e r from a side
ways attac k .
The seventh ra n k c a n a l so b e u sed to t r a p y o u r o p p o n e nt 's king a g ainst

th e edge of th e board.
Th e wh i te rook h as i nvaded the

seventh . The b l ac k kin g is trap ped
against the side of th e board,
s i nce h e c a n not cross t h e roo k 's
line of fire .
Two rooks o n th e sev enth ra n k c a n be m ost da ngerou s . A p a rt from

s u p p o rtin g one a n ot h e r in s nipin g at t h e e n e m y men on the ra n k , they
can attac k t h e enemy king with th reats of c h ec k m ate a nd pe rpetu a l c h ec k .
Th e two white rooks control the

sev e n th a nd c a n go o n giving
check for ever o n that ra n k .
White c a n draw b y p e r petu a l
c h e c k . White c a n a l so m ove his
roo k to h 7 a nd th reate n c h e c k m at e .
Page 24
Open files an d th e enemy ran ks
T h e two wh ite r o o k s control t h e

sev e n t h a n d t h e b l ac k r o o k h as
trapped h is own k i n g .
Ch ec k mate !
Th e q u e e n , be i ng m o re powe rfu l , c a n m a ke even bette r u s e of a n o p e n

f i l e t h a n a roo k . W h e n s h e i nv ad e s t h e e n e m y r a n k s s h e can t h reaten mate
in pos i t i o n s where a rook wou l d o n l y give ch eck:
T h e w h i te q u e e n h a s i n vaded the
e i g h th ra n k . She also attacks e 7
a n d stops t h e b l a c k k i ng esca p i n g
u p t h e board .
T h e w h ite q ue e n h a s se i zed t h e
seventh a n d the b l ac k k i n g i s
n a i l e d to t h e edge of the board .
T h e wh ite q u e e n h a s aga i n i n
vaded the seve n th a n d t h e b l a ck
k i n g is n e at l y t i e d u p .
Page 2 5
W h e n you a re trying to inv a d e d own a fil e in a n actu a l g a m e y o u r biggest

pro b l e m is that the seventh and eigh t h ran ks a r e usu a l l y h eavi l y g u a rded
by y o u r o p p o n e n t 's pieces. Y o u r j o b is to get rid of the g u a rd s . You can
d o this by atta c king o r captu ring th e m , or by d efl ecting o r ove r l o ading
th e m . You m u st a l ways be o n th e l oo k-out for a sacrifice whic h rem oves
a g u a r d . Loo k at the position be l ow a n d see how P a u l M o r p h y , p l aying
White, r e m oves th e three guards in his way .
Th e b l a c k kin g is s h u t in th e cor n e r .
Th e w hite roo k o n e 1 h a s a n o p e n
fil e , b u t B l ac k 's q u e e n , roo k , a n d
knight h eavil y d e f e n d t h e b a c k
ra n k against invasio n .
W h i te to m ove
White ca ptu res :

1 N e4xf6 Oe7xf6
O n e g u a r d de ad . . . two to g o !
P o s i t i o n after 1 . . . Oe 7 xf6
Page 26
Open files an d the enemy ranks
Wh ite attac k s:
2 R h 1 -f 1 Of6-d 8
A n d c a ptu res:
3 Rf1 xf8+ Qd8xf8
Two g u a rd s dead . . . now o n l y

t h e q u e e n sta n d s i n t h e way .
Position after 3. . . Qd8xf8
Wh ite defl ects a n d overl o a d s by

a sacrifice :
4 Oc4-b4 Qf8 -c8
B l ack c o u l d n o t captu re; afte r

4 . . . Qf8xb4, 5 R e 1 -e8 m ates .
B u t n o w B l ack 's q u e e n h a s to
defe n d both the back ra n k a n d
th e b i s h o p . Sh e c a n 't d o both;
s h e i s over l o a d e d .
Position after 4 ... Qf8-c8
Wh ite defl ects a ga i n :

5 Ob4xb7
A n d W h i te w i n s . I f B l ac k 's q u ee n
recaptu res s h e i s defl ected from
t h e back ra n k . If s h e d o e s n 't re
captu re B l a c k i s a p i ece d o w n .
Position after 5 Qb4xb7
Page 2 7
TEST T H REE
Q Ho w does Black use the open e Q Ho w can White use the open h
file to ge t a large advan tage? file to force m a te in two m o ves?
B l a c k to m o ve Wh i te to m o ve
Th e wh ite rook is overl o a d ed ; h e Th e b l ac k k i n g is c a u g h t by a s n a p

h a s t h e q u een a n d t h e b a c k ra n k to m ate :
defe n d . 1 R h 1 -h8+ Kg8xh8
1 . . . R e2-e 1 + B l ack has n o c h o i c e .
2 R d 1 xe 1
2 Qg6-h 7 mate
Th e w h ite r o o k h a s b e e n d efl ected
Score 3 poin ts.
away from h i s q u e e n .
B u t lose 2 poin ts if y o u d i d n 't
2 . . . Qe5xd4 notice B l ac k was th reate n i n g 1 . . .
Score 2 poin ts. Ob6xb2 m ate . D o n 't forget there

are two s i d e s to a ga m e .
Page 2 8
Q Black threatens mate. Ho w Q Again Black threatens mate.

does White get in first? Again White can strike first. Ho w?
Wh ite to move White to move
B l ac k 's k i n g is i n a coff i n . W h ite Wh ite h a s two ta rgets to attac k , t h e

m u st get r i d of t h e r o o k s w h i c h bac k r a n k a n d g 7 . I f h e attacks t h e
g u a rd the b a c k ra n k . H e beg i n s b y bac k ra n k the b l a c k k i n g can escape
a c l ev e r sacrifice. o n f7. I f h e attacks g 7 he has the
1 Oc4-g8+ Kh8xg8 black roo k o n g 5 to worry a b o u t .
I f B l a c k takes w i t h the rook 2 1 Od 1 -d5+

Nd 6-f7 is m ate . Th i s q u e e n sacrifice s o l v es both
2 N c6-e7+ l<g8-h8 pro b l e m s . B l ac k has two c h o ices :
3 N d6-f7+ ( a ) 1 . . . l(g8-h8 w h e n t h e k i n g
A second c l ev e r sacr i f i c e . Wh ite gets b u r i ed a l i v e . ( b ) 1 . . . R g5xd5
drags one bl ac k rook off t h e back when the rook i s defl ected from g 7 .
ra n k . H e has a l read y o p e n e d t h e (a )
c-f i l e for h i s own rook to c a ptu re 1 l<g8-h8
a n d i n va d e at c8. 2 Rd7-d8+ R a 8xd8
3 Rf8xf7 3 Od5xd8+ Bb6xd8
4 R c 1 xc8+ Rf7-f8 4 R e7-e8 mate
5 R c8xf8 mate Score 3 poin ts i f you saw th i s .
Score 4 poin ts. (b )
1 R g5xd5
2 R e7xg7+ Kg8-h8
3 Rg7xh7+ Kh8-g8
4 R d7-g7 mate
Score 3 m ore poin ts for th i s .
Page 29
Testgame 3 W h ite from p u tt i n g a pawn f i r m l y

i n t h e centre b y d 2-d 4 .
(Four Kn igh ts Opening) Score 1 p oin t f o r 7 . . . b 7 x c6 .
Pa u l se n M o rp h y
8 B b5 -c4 b7 -b5
1 e2-e4 e7 -e5 9 Bc4-e2
2 N g 1 -f3 N b8 -c6
3 N b 1 -c3 N g 8-f6
Q Wh at sh ould Black do n o w?
4 Bf 1 -b5 Bf8-c5
5 0-0 0-0
6 Nf3xe5
If now 6 . . . Nc6xe5, Wh ite p l a y s 7

d 2-d4 a n d w i n s back t h e p i ece .
6 . . . Rf8-e8
B l ac k p l a ns to w i n the wh i te e
pawn . H i s rook w i l l t h e n be w e l l
p l aced o n t h e o p e n f i l e .
7 N e5xc6
Q Ho w sh ould Black recapture?
9 . . . Nf6xe4
Score 3 poin ts.

I f B l ac k d oesn 't get h i s p a w n back
now, h e w o n 't get i t back at a l l !
10 N c3xe4 R e 8xe4
11 B e 2 -f3
Q Ho w does Black save h is roo k ?
7 . . . d7xc6
Score 3 p o in ts.
B l ac k keeps a l l h i s 0-s i d e pawns i n
o n e tidy group, he opens a l i ne for
h i s q u een 's b i s h o p t o come i nto
p l a y , and m ost i m p o rta nt he a i m s
h i s q u e e n d ow n t h e d-fi l e a n d stops
Page 30
11 . . . R e4-e6 pos i t i o n , i nvade at e 1 a n d e 2 , a n d

catch th e wh ite k i n g i n h i s c o r n e r .
Score 3 poin ts.
Score 2 poin ts i f y o u wo u l d h ave
B l a c k h a s n o i nte nti o n of ta k i n g h i s
p l ayed t h e s e n s i b l e deve l o p i n g
rook off t h e o p e n fi l e , a n d h e m u st
m oves 1 2 . . . Bc8-b 7 or 1 2 . . . Bc8
defe n d h i s pawn on c6 .
-d 7 ; o r i f you wou l d h a v e stre ng
12 c2-c3 th e n e d y o u r h o l d o n t h e open f i l e
Q Wha t sh ould Black do n o w? b y 1 2 . . . Od8-e 7 .
1 3 b2-b4 Bc5-b6
14 a2-a4 b5xa4
15 Qd 1 xa4 Bc8-cl7
1 6 R a 1 -a2
Q White wants to play 17 Oa4-c2

an d kick the black queen out o f
d3. Wha t does Black do t o stop
this plan ?
12 . . . Qd8-d 3 !
Score 5 poin ts.
B r i l l i a nt ! B l ac k 's m ove does fou r
th i ng s .
F i rst it k i l l s Wh i t e 's p l a n of sett i n g
u p a strong p a w n centre b y 1 3
d 2-d4.
Sec o n d by b l o c k i n g the d-pawn it
c ra m p s W h ite a n d h o l d s up h i s
dev e l o p m e nt. 16 . . . Ra8-e8
Th i rd th e q u ee n m a kes way for t h e Score 4 poin ts.
oth e r roo k to c o m e to e 8 a n d
B l ac k 's power down the centre
stre ngth e n B l ac k 's h o l d o n t h e
ca rves W h i te in two . T h e seco n d
open f i l e .
b l a c k r o o k a d d s to t h e power o n
F o u rth it h a m m e rs at t h e seventh
the o p e n fi l e , a n d h i ts e 1 with a n
ra n k .
i m m e d i ate th reat. 1 7 Oa4-c2 i s
I f B l ac k c a n bu i l d u p e n o u g h fi re a n swered b y 1 7 . . . Od3xf 1 + 1 8
power o n the open e-fi l e h e w i l l Kg 1 x f 1 R e6-e 1 m ate . Wh ite 's
sl ash i nto t h e h e a rt o f Wh i t e 's pi eces a re powerl ess on the 0-s i d e .
Page 3 1
Open fifes and the enem y ranks
17 Oa4-a6 Qd 3xf3 ! ! 20 R f 1 -d 1
J u st as W h ite was beg i n n i n g to I f the rook h ad g o n e th e oth e r way
'
th i n k he was w r i gg l i n g h i s way o u t th e fu n e r a l wo u l d h a v e taken p l ace
of tro u b l e , h e i s be lted by a real o n th e back ra n k : 20 R f 1 -g 1
beauty of a move ! R g 6xg 1 + 2 1 K h 1 x g 1 R e 8-e 1 + etc.
18 g2xf3 20 . . . Bh3-g2+
If Wh ite h a d n 't ca ptu red he wou l d 21 K h 1 -g 1 Bg2xf3+
j u st h a v e been a p i ece d ow n w i th a 22 Kg1 -f 1
rotte n po sit io n . Th e wh ite k i n g i s becom i n g a p i n ba l l ,
be i n g k n ocked from s i d e to s i_ d e by
Q Ho w does Black con tinue the
th e b l ac k p i eces .
attack?
Q Wha t does Black do n o w?
b c d e f g h
18 . . . Re6-g6+
Score 4 poin ts. 22 . . . Rg6-g2
An oth er f i l e i s o p e n , a n d B l ac k Score 6 poin ts.
sei zes it i m m ed i ate l y . B l a c k m ust Th e b l a c k rooks h a m m e r down t h e
ke e p the press u re o n ; he m u st keep o p e n f i l es a n d B l ack i nvades th e
Wh ite b u s y . If h e rel axes for a sev e n th . Th e b l a c k b i s h o p s swe e p
. .
m o m e n t Wh ite's resc u e sq u ad w i l l across the d i ag o n a l s h i tti ng e 2 , f 2
. '
come rac i n g back fro m t h e O-s 1 ? e , a n d g 2 , a n d W h ite 's seco n d ra n k
a n d t h e n Wh ite 's extra q u e e n wi l l col l a pses u n d e r the o n s l a u g h t .
tel l . Score 2 poin ts i f y o u wo u l d h a v e
19 Kg 1 -h 1 Bd7-h3 pl ayed 2 2 . . . Bf3xd 1 .
B l ac k th reate n s 2 0 . . . B h 3-g2+ 2 1 Score 3 poin ts i f you wo u l d h ave
K h 1 -g 1 Bg2xf3 a n d the wh i te k i ng p l a y e d 2 2 . . . Bf3-g2+ .
has d i ed on the o p e n f i l e . Both these moves keep t h e attack
Page 3 2
Open files an d the enem y ranks
a l iv e b u t g i v e W h ite a c h a n ce t o Score 2 poin ts if y o u w o u l d h av e

o r g a n ize a defe n c e . p l a y e d 24 . . . R f 2 x d 2 + , w h ic h wins
M o r p h y actu a l l y p l a y e d 2 2 . . . b u t d o e s n 't force c h e c k m at e .
Bf3-g 2+ a n d a l t h o u g h h e won Take 5 poin ts o ff your score if y o u
com forta b l y e n o u g h , P a u l se n was w e r e going to p l a y 24 . . . R e8-e 2 .
a b l e t o h a n g on i n to t h e e n d g a m e .
A s a l w a y s t h e r o o k s l o o k s p l e n did
23 Oa6-<l3 wh e n d o u b l ed o n t h e s e v e n t h ra n k ,
I t w a s too l ate f o r W h ite to f i g h t b u t y o u l o o k a bit sil l y wh e n W h ite
f o r t h e s ev e n t h . I f 23 d 2-d4 B l ac k p l a y s 2 5 Od 3-d8+ ! Do n 't g e t too
gra bs t h e b a c k ra n k b y 23 . . . c a r ried a w a y wit h y o u r o w n attac k
R g 2x h 2 , a n d m at e s o n h 1 . a n d fo rget a b o u t y o u r o p p o n e n t .
23 . . . R g2xf2+ 25 K g 1 -h 1
T h e rook s n i p e s off t h e s e n t ry p a w n Q Ho w does Black en d the game?

a n d l e a v e s t h e w h i t e k i n g wid e
o pe n . St ra n d e d , t o o ! T h e kin g c a n
n o t e s c a p e across t h e b o a rd ,
becau se t h e r o o k on e8 h a s t h e o p e n
f i l e u n d e r c o n t ro l . T h e kin g ca n n ot
escape up t h e b o a r d , bec a u s e t h e
r o o k o n f 2 c o m m a n d s t h e s ev e n t h .
24 Kf1 -g 1
25 . . . R g2-g 1 mate
Score 3 p oin ts.

At l ast a b l ac k roo k i n v a d e s t h e
back ran k .
B l ac k m a d e fin e u se o f t h e o p e n
e- a n d g-fi l es . H e t h reate n e d t h e
b a c k r a n k a n d i nv a d e d o n t h e
sev e n t h . H i s b i s h o ps g a v e m a r
vel l o u s s u pport as h e s n ip e d a w a y
24 . . . R f2-g2+ + at t h e w h i t e d ef e n c e s . T h e sev e n t h
Score 4 poin ts. ra n k f e l l i nto h i s h a n d s , t h e w h ite
B l a c k c a n d o m o re o r l ess w h a t h e k i n g had n o w h e re to ruri and was
l i kes o n t h e sev e n t h r a n k ! c a u g h t i n a cross-f i re in the c o r n e r .
Page 3 3
Tarta kover bowl ed ove r !
D r Ta rta kover kn e w a l l a b o u t o p e n f i l e s . H e kne w h ow t h e q u e e n a n d

rooks bec a m e m o r e powerf u l as t h e p a w n s w e r e c l eared away a n d th e f i l es
beca m e o p e n . H e k n ew h o w to i nv a de t h e e n e m y p os i t i o n by atta c k i n g
th e seventh a n d e i ghth r a n k s . Of cou rse h e k n e w . Ta rta kover was a g r a n d
m a ste r, so h e w a s bou n d t o k n o w . Was n 't h e ?
D r T a rta kover h o l d s t h e d o u btfu l h o n o u r of be i ng t h e g r a n d m aster w h o
h a s been c h e c k m ated i n t h e l owest eve r n u m be r of m oves . E l ev e n ! A n d
it a l l h a p pe n e d beca u s e of a n o p e n f i l e .
I t a l l beg a n O K :
( Caro-Kann Defence ) 9 Qd 3-d8+
R eti Ta rta kover . . . i t 's a ro u n d h e r e th at he p r o ba b l y
1 e2-e4 c7-c6 fe l l o u t o f h i s c h a i r !
2 d2-d4 d7-d5
3 N b 1 -c3 d5xe4
4 N c3xe4 N g8-f6
5 Od 1 -d 3
An u n u s u a l m ov e wh ich tem pts
Ta rta kover to attac k too soo n .
5 . . . e7-e5?
Str i k i n g back in the centre i s t h e
r i g h t i d e a i n t h e Ca ro- K a n n defence,
but th i s i s t h e wrong way of d o i n g
i t . Ta rta kov e r l oses f a r t o o m u c h
t i m e gett i n g b a c k h i s pawn , wh i l e h
Wh ite q u i e t l y d ev e l o ps .
6 d4xe5 Od8-a5+ 9 . . . Ke8xd8
7 Bc1 -d 2 Oa5xe5
1 0 Bd 2-g5++
8 0-0-0 ! !
D o u b l e c h ec k !
Two o p e n f i l es i n t h e centre ! R eti
s m e l l s bl ood and sac r i f i ces a p i ec e . 10 . . _ Kd8-c7
8 . . . Nf6xe4 Or 1 0 . . . K d 8-e8 1 1 R d 1 -d 8
mate.
Ta rta kover, who o bv i ou s l y h ad n 't
seen what was com i n g , m u st h a v e 11 Bg5-d8 mate
b e e n s itt i ng fa i r l y comforta b l y a t Ta rta kov e r certa i n l y k n ew a l l
th i s p o i n t . . . about o p e n f i l es a fte r that !
Page 34
The helpful knight
A r o o k o n t h e sev enth can some

t i m es be h e l ped by a k n i g h t t o set
u p a sta n d a r d m a t i n g posi t i o n .
I n both of t h e p o s i t i o n s be l ow , W h i te m a kes cl ever u s e o f th i s i d e a . Y o u

wo n 't sco re a n y p o i nts, b u t h a v e a l o o k a n d s e e i f y o u c a n wo r k o u t wh at
Wh ite does before l o o k i n g at the a n swers.
Wh ite t h reate n s m ate w i th his roo k I n t h i s p o s i t i o n W h ite seems to h av e

on h 7 a n d e 8 , b u t both of these n o c h a n c e o f sto p p i n g t h e m a rch
sq u a re s a re g u a rded . In one m ov e of t h e b l ac k pawns. But t h e rook
Wh ite c a n d estroy t h e g u a rd s . H ow? a n d k n i g h t c a n co m b i n e to fo rce
a d ra w . H ow?
White to move White t o move
Wh i te p l a y s 1 Od4-d7 Wh ite d raws by p e rpetu a l c h ec k :

Bri l l iant ! 1 N g 3xe4 c3 -c2
I f B l a c k captu res w i t h t h e roo k h e 2 Ne4-f6+ l<g 8 -f8
sh u ts o u t h i s b i s h o p a n d i s mated 3 N f6-h7+ Kf8-e8
o n e 8 . If h e takes w i t h t h e b i s h o p 4 N h 7-f6+ Ke8-f8
o r k n i g h t h e s h u ts o u t h i s r o o k a n d
Th e k n i g h t can ch eck a l l d a y ! I f
i s m a t e d o n h 7 . I f he d o e s n ' t c a pt u re
the b l a c k k i n g goes t o h 8 o r d 8 h e
at a l l , he is m ated a n yway !
gets m a t e d b y t h e roo k .
Page 3 5
Open files and the enem y ran ks
T E ST F O U R
Q Ho w does Black use the open Q Ho w does Wh ite use th e open

e- file to ge t a large advan tage? d-file to force checkma te?
B l ac k to m ove Wh ite to move
B l ack has a good i nv a s i o n s q u a re B l ac k is beh i n d in d e ve i o pm e n t ,

o n e2, but f i rst he m u st destroy a n d the i n v a s i o n s q u a res d 7 a n d d 8
the guard . a r e p o o r l y p rotected .
1 . . . Bd 6xf4+ 1 Bd 2-g5
I f Wh ite doesn 't reca ptu re he wi l l The b l ac k q u e e n is attacked a n d

l o se h i s r o o k a s we l l ! d r iv e n a wa y .
2 g3xf4 R e 8 -e2+ 1 . . . Qf6-g6
3 K d 2 -d 1 R e 2xa2 2 R d 1 -d 8 mate
Score 2 poin ts. Score 3 poin ts.
Page 36
Q Wh ite seems to be pressing Q Wh ite 's hea vy pieces command

forward with h is queen an d rook, th e open files and he has invasion
but it is Black wh o can force poin ts on th e seven th and eigh th
checkm a te. Ho w? ranks. Ho w does h e force
checkm a te?
Black to move Wh ite to move
Th e b l a c k k n i g h t is t h e key to W h ite c a n see a sta n d a rd m at i n g

th e p r o bl e m . O n f3 it i s i n p o s i t i o n posi t i o n , b u t f i rst h e m u st defl ect
to s e t u p a sta n d a rd m a t e . th e b l a c k q u e e n .
1 . . . Qd8-h4 1 R d 1 -d 8+ Oc8xd8
2 R g4-g2 2 Oe3-e6+ Kg8-h7
Or 2 R g4xh4 R g 8-g 1 m at e . 3 Rf6xh6+ g7xh6
4 Oe6-f7 mate
2 . . . Oh4xh2+
3 R g2xh2 R g8-g 1 mate Score 6 poin ts.
Score 4 poin ts.
Page 37
Testgame 4 deve l o p i n g moves, b u t i t i s n 't yet

clear wh ich wi l l be the bette r s q u a re
(Benoni De fence ) for t h e b i s h o p , so it m a kes m o re
Ca p a b l a nca M i eses sense to deve l o p t h e roo k f i rst .
1 d2-d4 Ng8-f6 10 Bc8-g4
2 N g 1 -f3 c7-c5 11 Nf3-g5 Bg7xc3
3 d4-d5 d7-d6 12 b2xc3 Bg4xe2
4 c2-c4 g7-g6 13 Od 1 xe2
5 N b 1 -c3 Bf8 -g7 After these excha nges the g a m e
6 e2-e4 0-0 h a s a c l e a r patte r n . B l ac k h a s
7 Bf 1 -e2 e7-e6 messed u p W h ite's p a w n s . T h e
8 0-0 e6xd5 p a w n s are d o u b l e d o n the c-f i l e ,
9 e4xd5 N f6-e8 a n d t h e a-pawn i s i s o l ated . They
B l a c k o p e n s the d i a g o n a l for h i s c a n n ot d ef e n d o n e a n oth e r , and a re
b i s h o p t o captu re o n c 3 a n d scatte r ta rgets for atta c k . I n an e n d g a m e
Wh ite's pawns, but t h i s p l a n is sl ow. Wh ite 's p a w n s wo u l d be a wea k
ness, but before the e n d g a m e we
Q Wha t should White do n o w? h ave the m i d d l e-ga m e ! B l a c k 's
p l a n h a s bee n s l o w a nd Wh ite h a s
th ree adva ntages wh i c h w i l l g i v e h i m
a q u i c k m i d d l e-g a m e attac k . H e h a s
better d ev e l o p m e nt, h e h a s m o r e
s p a c e , a n d h e h a s s e i zed t h e o p e n e
f i l e with a n i m m e d i ate i nv a s i o n
po i n t o n e 7 .
13 . . . Ne8-g7
Q Wha t does Wh ite do n o w?
10 Rf1 -e 1
Score 4 poin ts.
Wh ite m u st ca r ry on with t h e j o b
of devel o p i n g h i s p i eces ; so t h e
ro o k takes u p a good p o s t o n a n
open file.
Score 2 poin ts for 1 0 Bc 1 - g 5 o r 1 0
Bc 1 -f4. Both of these a re s e ns i b l e
Page 3 8
14 N g5-e4 B l ack cou l d n 't p l a y 1 6 . . . R f8-f7

Score 4 p oin ts. bec a u s e h e wo u l d have l o st c o n
The k n i g h t h i ts two i m po rta nt trol of e 8 a n d been fl atte n e d d o w n
sq u a res, d 6 and f6 . I t p revents th e o p e n f i l e afte r 1 7 N e4-g 5 .
B l ack from f i g h t i n g for the o p e n Q Ho w does White con tinue
f i l e beca u s e 1 4 . . . R f 8 - e 8 c a n b e the a ttack?
a n s w e r e d by 1 5 B e 1 -g 5 a n d 1 6
Ne4-f6+.
Score 1 poin t for 1 4 Bc 1 -f4 o r 1 4
Ra 1 -b 1 .
14 . . . f7-f6
B l ac k s h u t s the b i s h o p o u t of g 5 ,
b u t h a n d s W h ite a noth e r i nv a s i o n
po i nt, e 6 , o n t h e o p e n f i l e .
17 R a 1 -d 1
Score 3 poin ts.
The roo k is to be b r o u g h t over to
th e K-s i d e . Wh ite i s gett i n g ready
to p l a nt a major p i ece o n e7. He
wi l l then s n i pe s i d eways a l o n g th e
sev e n th ra n k at f 7 , g 7 , a n d h 7 ; so
h i s othe r p i eces m u st be i n p o s i t i o n
to f i n i sh o f f t h e attac k .
15 Bc1 -f4
Score 1 poin t for 1 7 R a 1 -b 1 .
Score 4 poin ts. T h e b-fi l e i s not m u c h u s e to the
G o od deve l o p m e n t with a t hr e a t . wh ite roo k because Black c a n
B l ack m u st n o w t a k e tim e off fr o m bl o c k a n y c h a nce of a n i nv a s i o n
hi s own dev e l o p m e n t to d e fe n d h i s j u st by p u tt i n g a pawn o n b6 .
d-pawn .
17 N b8-a6
Score 2 poin ts for 1 5 Bc 1 -h 6 . 18 R d 1 -d3 f6-f5
Score 1 poin t f o r 1 5 R a 1 -b 1 . 19 N e4-g5
15 . . . N g7-e8 Now e 6 comes u n d e r f i r e . Wh ite
16 Bf4-h 6 N e8-g7 th reate n s 20 B h 6xg7 Kg8xg7
Wh ite h a s c l ev e r l y ga i n e d a move . 21 N g 5-e6+.
Page 3 9
Open files and th e enem y ranks
19 . . . N a6-c7 22 R d 3-h 3
Score 4 poin ts.

Q Wha t is Wh ite 's n ex t m o ve ?
W h i t e i s h a m m er i n g m e rci l ess l y at
the d o o r , f7, g 7 , a n d h 7 . T h e wood
is s p l i nt e r i n g , a n d when W h ite
crashes in t h e b l a c k k i n g w i l l be
trapped in h i s death c e l l .
Score 1 poin t for 2 2 R e 7x b 7 .
Th i s c a n 't b e bad , b u t w i n n i n g
k i n gs i s bett e r t h a n w i n n i n g pawns
. . . a n d m o re fu n !
22 . . . f 5 -f4
23 B h 6xg7 N e 8 xg7
Q Wha t does White play n o w?
20 Oe2-e 7 !
Score 5 poin ts.

A l l of Wh ite's p ieces a re we l l
p l aced ; s o the i nv a s i o n begi n s o n
the open file.
20 . . . Od8xe7
21 R e 1 xe7
E v e n with t h e q u e e n s gone the

attac k s a i l s o n , and the seventh
ra n k becomes the battlefi e l d .
21 . . . N c7-e8
Q Wha t does White do n o w?

24 R h 3xh7
Score 3 poin ts.

The two roo ks jo i n fo rces on t h e
sev e n t h , the cel l d o o r h a s co l l a ps e d ,
a n d t h e r e i s a n i m m e d i ate th reat
of 2 5 R e 7x g 7 m a t e .
Y o u score n oth i n g f o r 24 N g 5x h 7
or 24 R e 7x b7 wh ich a l l ow B l a c k
t o f i g h t bac k o n t h e open f i l es .
24 . . . N g 7 -f5
Page 40
Q wha t does Wh ite play n o w? 26 R e 6xg6+ Nf5-g7

Th e r e 's n oth i n g B l ac k can do
b c I g h except wait a n d get m ated . I n th e
act u a l g a m e M i eses d i d n 't even
bot h e r to wa i t ; h e res i g n e d !
Q Wha t does White do n o w?

h < d e ! C.:-J h
25 R e7-e 6 !
Score 5 poin ts.
As l o n g a s t h e b l a c k k n i g h t defe n d s
g 7 t h e r o o k s ca n 't fo rce m ate o n
the s e v e n t h ra n k ; so Wh ite u ses
t h e open f i l e to s n i p e at a new 27 R h7 xg7+
ta rget, g 6 .
Score 3 poin ts.
Score 1 p oin t for 2 5 R e 7 x b 7 , Th e o n l y way to force m a t e . I f
w h i c h sti l l w i n s a p a w n , but g i ves Wh ite ca ptu res with t h e oth e r r o o k
B l a c k th e t i m e to work up a cou nter h e sti l l h a s a w i n n i ng positi o n , but
atta c k . If B l ac k can get a rook t h e two roo ks c a n not force m ate
wo r k i n g o n th e open e-f i l e h e w i l l o n the sev enth ra n k . N ow, wh i c h
have t h e ch a nc e to f i g h t ba c k , so eve r w a y t h e b l ac k k i n g ru n s h e
Wh ite m u st keep up the p ressu re, w i l l be m ated b y e i t h e r 2 8 R g 7-h 7
h e m u st keep B l ac k b u sy defe n d i ng or 2 8 R g 7-f7 .
aga i n st th re a ts .
Take 4 p oin ts o ff your score i f Wh ite u sed t h e o p e n f i l e a s a n
you d i d n 't n o t i c e yo u r roo k was i n v a s i o n route . W i t h h i s rook
attacked , and d i d someth i n g e l s e . f i r m l y e nt r e nche d o n e 7 h e switc h e d
25 . . . Rf8-e8 the p o i n t of attac k to the s q u a res
o n t h e seve nth ra n k in front of the
B l ac k m a kes a f i n a l b i d to f i g h t fo r
e n e m y k i n g . With th e seventh ra n k
t h e o p e n f i l e , but h e o n l y gets
u n d e r h i s com m a n d h e retu rned to
h i m s e l f mated !
the o p e n f i l e a n d used e 6 a s t h e
sp r i n g bo a rd for h i s m a t i n g attac k .
Page 4 1
H ow Levitzky lost . . . a nd won ?
Levitzky sta red a t t h e b oard t h o u g h tfu l l y . O p posite h i m M a rsh a l l was

consi d e r i n g h i s next mov e ; h e l o o ked h a p p y , too h a ppy Lev itzky t h o u g h t .
L e v i t z k y w a s a p i ece d o w n , but h i s pos i t i o n wasn 't that bad .
M a rsh a l l t o m ove
M a rsh a l l 's rook a n d k n i g h t were
both ta rgets . H i s q u e e n was
attacked and i f she m oved
Lev i t z ky co u l d p l ay R c 5-c7 ,
th reate n i n g rnate on g 7 .
Lev itzky 's q u ee n a n d r o o k seemed
to control t h e best fi l es , b u t . . .
F r a n k M a rs h a l l was U . S. C h a m p i o n ,
a n d m aste r of com b i n a t i o n s a n d
tactics, a n d wh e n F r a n k M a rs h a l l
l o o k e d h a ppy, Lev itzky k n ew it
was his tu rn to look worried ! But
why s h o u l d h e be worr i ed ? H e 'd
worked it a l l out. T h e re was
Levi t z k y
n oth i n g to worry a bo u t . . .
That was when Lev itzky got his shock. M a rs h a l l m ov e d . M a rsh a l l made a
move that h a s been desc r i bed as t h e greatest move ever p l ayed . M a rsh a l l
p l ayed 1 . . . Qc3-g3 ! ! Lev i t z k y , w h e n h e h a d p i c ked h i m s e l f u p from t h e
fl o o r , res i g ned .
M a rsh a l l th reate n s m ate on the

sev e n t h , 2 . . . Og3x h 2 .
I f Lev itz ky ca ptu res with a pawn,
h e o p e n s a fi l e a n d gets m ated :
( a ) 2 h 2xg3 N d 4-e2 m ate .
( b ) 2 f2xg3 N d 4-e2+ 3 K g 1 -h 1
R f 8x f 1 m ate .
I f Lev itzky captu res with h i s
q u e e n he gets forked : 2 Og 5xg3
Nd4-e2+ 3 K g 1 -h 1 N e 2 x g3+, a n d
h e comes o u t a p i ece down .
P o s i t i o n a ft e r 1 . . . Oc3-g 3 ! !
B r i l l i a nt ! The spectato rs at t h e tou rn a m e nt i n B res l a u i n 1 9 1 2 t h o u g h t s o .

Th ey sh owered t h e b o a rd with g o l d c o i n s - so p e r h a p s Lev itzky got some
th i ng out of the g a m e afte r a l I !
Page 42
Open files an d the enem y ranks
The dance of the king
Wh ite i s wi n n i n g .
We l l , i t 's o b v i o u s i s n 't it?
H e 's got seven pawns m o re , and he
only h a s to get his ro o k o n to t h e
o p e n a-fi l e , o r o n t o the back ra n k
a t d 8 , a n d B l ac k w i l l b e m ated .
B u t it is B l a c k 's m ov e , a n d B l ac k
plays:
1 . . . Rf8-f3+
a b d c f
B l a c k to m o ve
Very c l e v e r . I f Wh ite ca ptu res, 2 e2xf3, B l ac k is sta l e m ated a n d esca pes

with a d raw. I f Wh ite m oves h i s k i ng , B l ac k j u st ch ecks aga i n with h i s
ro o k . I f Wh ite p u ts a pawn i n t h e way, B l ac k j u st takes i t . I f W h i te takes
th e rook i t i s sta l e m ate, i f h e doesn 't h e c a n n ot a v o i d p e r petu a l c h e c k .
S o t h e g a m e i s d rawn . O r i s i t ?
Wh ite w i n s by getti n g c h e c k m ate o n th e o p e n a-fi l e :
2 e2-e3 Rf3xe3+
3 c2-c3 Re3xc3+
4 Ka3-a 2 R c3-a3+
5 Ka2-b 1 Ra3-a 1 + B a c k we go ! B u t now the W h ite
6 K b 1 -c2 R a 1 -c 1 + Rook c a n come to a 3 !
T h e k i n g l e a d s a m e rry d a n ce i n And B l a c k h a s n 't t i m e for 1 2
a n d o u t o f t h e p a w n s . T h e ro o k . . . R g3 x h 3 because of 1 3 c7 -c8=
h a s n o c ho ice ; h e m u st fol l ow . Q m ate.
7 Kc2-d 3 R c 1 -c3+ 12 Rg3-e3+
8 Kd3-e2 R c3-e3+ 13 Ke2-d 1 Re3-e 1 +
9 Ke2-f 1 R e3-e 1 + 14 Kd 1 -c2 R e 1 -c 1 +
10 Kf1 -g2 R e 1 -g 1 + 15 Kc2-b3 R c 1 -c3+
11 Kg2-f3 R g 1 xg3+ 16 K b3-a2 R c3-a3+
12 Kf3-e2 17 R h 3xa3 checkmate !
Page 43
T E ST F IV E
Q I t is Black 's m o ve. Is i t sa fe for Q White threa tens to cap ture on

h is rook to cap ture the white h6 and m a te. Ho w does Black use
pa wn on d5? th e g-file an d seven th rank to strike
firs t?
B l ac k to mov e B l ac k to m ov e
N o ! B l ack does not h av e e n ou gh The i nv a s i o n s q u a re i s g 2 a n d

c o n t r o l of h i s f i rst ra n k . Wh ite d o es n 't h a v e e n o u g h
1 . . . R d 7 xd5 defe n d e r s .
2 Qh4xd8+ 1 . . . Qg7xg2+
The wh ite q u e e n i s sacrifice d to 2 R e2xg2 R d 2xg2+
force the i nvas i o n . Not 2 . . . R g 8x g 2+ w h e n the

2 . . . R d5xd8 wh ite k i n g esca pes .
3 R d 1 xd 8 mate 3 K h 2-h 1 R g 2 -g 1 +
Score 2 poin ts. 4 K h 1 -h 2 R g8-g2 mate
Score 3 poin ts.
Page 44
Open files and the en emy ranks
Q Ho w does Wh ite force check Q White will h a ve to give up a rook

mate ? to a void m a te. Ho w does Black win ?
Wh i te to m ov e B l a c k to m ove
B l a c k 's k i n g l o o k s c o m p l e te l y B l a c k has a sta n d a rd m ate on t h e

safe s u r r o u n d e d b y a l l h is o w n o p e n g-fi l e , b u t h e m u st f i rst d e
p i ec e s . I n fact B l a c k 's p i ec e s o n l y f l e c t t h e wh ite q u e e n .
get i n t h e way ! 1 . . . Qd8 -f 6
1 Be 3-c5 2 Qg7xf6
Wh i t e ' s s t r e n gt h i s on t h e o p e n e If Wh ite retreats h i s q u e e n a l o ng

fi l e a n d a l o n g t h e s e v e n t h r a n k . th e g-fi l e h e l e a v e s h i s roo k s to b e
Th e two l i n e s m eet a t e 7 ; s o th i s ta ke n .
po i n t b e c o m e s t h e t a r g e t . 2 R h8 -g8+
1 . . . Oe 6xe2 3 Kg 1 -h 1 B h 3-g2+
If 1 . . B e 7 x c 5 he l oses h i s q u e e n .
.
4 K h 1 -g 1 Bg2xf3+
2 R b7xe7+ Qe 2xe7 . . . a n d B l ac k m a t e s n e x t m ov e .
3 R e 1 xe7 mate Score 6 poin ts.

B l ac k 's k i n g h a s b e e n sta b b e d
betwe e n h i s o w n g u a rd s .
Score 4 p oin ts.
Page 45
Open files and th e en emy ranks
Testgam e S 8 . . . Bd 6xf4
Score 3 poin ts.

(French Defence ) Wh ite h a s b r o u g h t h i s q u e e n i nto
Kovacs K o rch n o i p l a y very e a r l y . He has a l ready h a d
1 e2-e4 e7-e6 to w aste t i m e p l a y i n g 8 h 2- h 3 , a n d
2 d2-d4 d7-d5 n o w B l ac k m a kes W h i te l o se even
3 e4xd5 e6xd5 m ore t i m e . The w h i t e q u e e n i s to
be d ragged on to f4 w h e re s h e c a n
Stra i g h t away we have an o p e n f i l e .
b e attac ked .
O p e n f i l es c a n b e used i n m a n y
ways. M ay b e w h e n h e exch a n ged Score 2 poin ts fo r e i t h e r 8 . . 0-0.
pawns Kov acs p l a n n e d to use the o r 8 . . . N e 7-g6 .

open e-fi l e to exch a n g e t h e rooks L ose 2 p o in ts for both 8 . . . N e 7 -f 5
a n d perh a p s the q u e e n s . M a y be a n d 8 . . . B c 8-f5 wh i ch a l l o w W h ite
Kovacs, p l a y i n g o n e of t h e wo r l d 's to exc h a n g e a n d win m at e r i a l .
l e ad i n g g r a n d m aste r s , was h a ppy
9 Qf3xf4 0-0
to h e a d f o r a d raw. K o rc h n o i h a d
10 N g 1 -e2 N e7-g 6
other p l a ns for the o p e n f i l e .
11 Qf4-h2
K o rch n o i d e c i d e d t o bash Kovacs
f l at ! Q Wha t sh o uld Black do n o w?
4 Bf 1 -d3 N b8-c6
5 c2-c3 Bf8-d 6
6 Qd 1 -f3 N c6-e7
7 Bc1 -f4 N g 8 -f6
8 h2-h3
Wh i te sto ps 8 . . . B c 8-g4 .
Q Wha t sh ould Black do n o w?
11 . . . R f 8 -e8
Score 2 poin ts.

If B l ac k is to m a ke u s e of the
open f i l e h e h a s to grab c o n t r o l
q u i c k l y . Wh ite m u st not be a l l owed
to com p l ete his d ev e l o p m e n t
q u i et l y a n d put a roo k o n e 1 .
Page 4 6
Open files an d th e enemy ranks
Even so, K o rch n o i d i d not p l a y t h e Q Ho w does Black con tin ue the

best m o v e : build-up ?
Score 3 poin ts for 1 1 Od 8-e 7 ;
. . .
you w i l l see why i n a m i n ute !

12 0-0
14 . . . Qd8-e7
Score 3 poin ts.
Good deve l o p m e n t . The q u e e n
a d d s h e r powe r to the roo k o n t h e
o p e n f i l e , a n d s h e h i ts a3 sto p p i n g
Wh ite f r o m dev e l o p i n g h i s k n i g h t .
12 . . . Bc8-f5 !
15 Bf5-d3 R e2-b2
Score 4 poin ts.
H a v i n g sei zed the seventh ran k ,
B l ac k b r i ngs h i s l ast m i n o r p i ece
B l ac k i s n 't g o i n g to l et g o .
i nto p l ay and s m a s h e s h i s way on
to the seve nth ran k . 16 Qh2-g3
Score 1 poin t f o r 1 2 . . . Od 8-e7 Q Wha t does Black do n o w?

or 1 2 . Nf6-e4.
. .
13 Bd3xf5
The wh i te b i s h o p is defl ected a n d
l e a v e s h i s seco nd ra n k u ng u a rded .
13 . . . Re8xe2
B l a c k i nvades, b u t now we see w h y
. . . Od 8-e7 wou l d have been better
on move 1 1 . If the i nv a s i o n of the
sev enth h ad been c a r r i e d out by
the b l a c k q u e e n , Wh ite wo u l d h ave
been in real tro u b l e .
14 b2-b3
Page 47
16 . . . Ra8-e8 20 . . . Oe7 -f6+

B l ac k com p l etes h i s d ev e l o pm e n t , Wh ite h a s p i c ked u p a p i ece, but
a n d h i s p i eces m a ke a f i n e s i g h t . his army, h u d d l ed toget h e r o n t h e
A roo k i s esta b l i s h e d o n t h e seventh 0-s i d e , s e e m s to h ave dese rte d its
ra n k, the o p e n e-f i l e i s u n d e r con k i n g . B l ac k has two good f i l es , a n d
tro l , and th e k n i ghts a re ready to i nv a s i o n p o i nts a t e 2 a n d f 2 .
po u nc e . If you h av e n 't y et n oticed K o rch n o i beg i n s t h e bash i ng !
that t h e roo k o n b2 i s a bo u t to be Score 2 poin ts for 20 . . . Oe 7-h4+.
tra pped d o n 't worry . . . K o rch n o i
21 l<f2-g 1 N g6-f4
d i d n 't notice it e i th e r !
With o n e m ove B l ac k h i ts fou r
Score 3 poin ts fo r 1 6 . . . a 7 - a 5
ta rgets , the b i s h o p , t h e sentry
wh i ch s a v e s t h e rook a n d th reate ns
pawns, and the i nv a s i o n po i nt e 2 .
to open a new l i n e of atta c k .
22 Bd3-f 1
17 Qg3-g5 Nf6-e4!
T h e k n i g ht m oves i n to h i t o u t at Q Wha t is Black 's nex t a ttacking
the seventh . m o ve?
18 Qg5-c1
Wh ite traps the b l a c k r o o k , but
B l a c k ' s p i eces a re so wel l p l aced
that h e f i n d s a good a nswe r .
18 R b2xf2 !
19 Rf1 xf2 Ne4xf2
20 l<g 1 xf2

a ttack?
22 . . . Re8-e 2 ! !
Score 5 poin ts.
F o r the seco n d t i m e a b l a c k roo k
uses the o p e n f i l e to i nvade the
seventh . I f the b i s h o p captu res ,
B l ac k reta kes with the k n i g ht
and forks Wh ite 's k i ng and q u ee n .
Score 2 poin ts for 2 2 . . . Qf6-g5
wh i c h th reate n s to win t h e q u e e n
b y 23 . . . N f4x h 3 + .
Page 48
23 N b 1 -d 2 25 . . . N f4-cl3
Q Wha t does Black do n o w? Score 3 p oin ts.

Th e wh i t e q u e e n i s attacked a nd
th e k n i g h t m a kes w a y f o r h i s l a d y
to c o m e t o f 4 o r f2 . Kovacs h a d
h a d e n o u g h of th e b a s h i n g at t h i s
p o i n t a n d r es i g n e d . W e s h a l l p l a y o n
fo r a c o u p l e of m oves t o s e e h o w
K o rc h n o i wou l d h a v e f i n i s h e d h i m
off .
26 Oc1 -d 1
A l ast att em pt at gett i n g r i d of t h e

b l a c k roo k .
Q Ho w does Black force m a te?
23 . . . Nf4xh3+ !
Score 4 poin ts.

A r o o k is f i r m l y p l a nt e d on t h e
sev e n t h ra n k , t h e q u e e n i s breath i n g
f i r e d o w n t h e f-fi l e ; th e i r p a t h s c ross
a t f 2 , t h e new i n v a s i o n ta rget. If
Wh ite c a p t u res t h e k n i g h t h i s wh o l e
seco n d ra n k co l l a p ses : 2 4 g 2x h 3
Qf6-f2+ 2 5 Kg 1 - h 1 Qf2- h 2 m ate .
24 K g 1 -h2 N h 3-f4
25 K h 2 -g3

26 . . . Qf6-f4+
27 Kg3-h3 N d 3 -f2 mate
Score 4 poin ts.

A most s u i t a b l e f i n i s h ! B l ac k 's
r o o k a nd q u ee n s t i l l s i t u po n th e i r
o p e n f i l es . Wh i te h a s fa i l e d t o k i c k
t h e r o o k o u t of t h e i n v a s i o n s q u a r e
e 2 . B l a c k h a s g iv e n m ate from h i s
oth e r i nv a s i o n s q u a r e , f 2 , n o t w i t h
j
a m a o r p i ec e , b u t w i t h a k n i g h t .
Page 4 9
Tramp, tramp, tramp, the pawns are marching
Th i s i s a cl u b game between two Austra l i a n s . W h ite i nvades t h e back ra n k

a n d t r i es t o batter h i s way a l o ng i t t o get a t t h e b l a c k k i n g . H e g r i n ds t o a
h a l t at t h e gate h o u se to t h e fortress . T h a t 's w h e n h e d e c i d es to s e n d for
th e rei nforcements !
(Sicilian Defence ) H e l p i s o n its way ! A n oth e r foot
Su m pter King so l d i e r s t r i d es forwa r d .
1 e2-e4 c7-c5 15 a5-a4
2 N g 1 -f3 N b8-c6 16 h4-h5 a4-a3
3 d2-d4 c5xd4 17 h5-h6 Oa 2-b 1
4 Nf3xd4 e7-e6 18 Qh7-g8
5 N b 1 -c3 Qd8-c7 Get o u t of t h e way l a d i es !
6 Bf1 -e2 a7-a6
18 a3-a2
7 0-0 b7-b5
19 h 6-h7 a2-a 1 = Q
8 Kg 1 -h 1 N g8-f6
20 h7-h8=Q
9 f2-f4 b5-b4
1 0 e4-e5 b4xc3
Chop. . .
11 e5xf6
. . . a n d cou nte r c h o p !
11 . . . c3xb2
1 2 f6xg7
The foot sol d i ers h a c k th e i r way
m e r r i l y to p r o m oti o n .
12 . . . b2xa 1 =Q
1 3 g7xh8=Q
A w h i te q u e e n a p p e a rs o n the back
ra n k . She peers at t h e b l a c k k i n g ,
s n u g i n h i s fortress. T h e b l a c k
Two w h i te q u ee n s o n t h e back ran k !
b i s h o p o n f8 rep rese nts t h e gate
They pou n d ac ross t h e d ra w b r i d g e
h o u s e , p o rtcu l l i s , and about th ree
a n d h u rl th e i r fu l l w e i g h t a g a i nst
feet of oak d o o r . T h e q u e e n r a m s
f8 . . .
t h e door, but i t d o es n 't bu dg e .
C l e a rl y s h e needs h e l p . . . re i n - 20 . . . Qb 1 -b4
fo rce m e nts ! . . . a n d o n e b l a c k q u e e n m a kes s u re
13 Qa 1 xa2 the d o o r stays s h u t .
14 Qh8xh7 a6-a5 21 Bc1 -e3 N c6xd4
15 h 2-h4 22 Be3xd4 Oa 1 -a3
Page 50
I f Wh i t e ' s fem a l e batte r i n g ram 26 Oc7-a5

cou l d n o t s m a s h i t s way p a st f8 27 c2-c3 Qb4-d 6
before th i s m ove, i t h a s l i ttl e B l a c k g r i m l y p r o p s u p h is gate
c h a nce n o w . house.
23 Be2-h5 28 Bh5-g4
U n a b l e t o batter h i s way i n at the Two q u ee n s o n the e i g h th , a r o o k
front door W h i te n i ps rou n d t o t h e o n th e seve nth , a n d Wh i te sti l l c a n 't
s i d e e nt r a n c e , f 7 . get past f8.
23 . . . d 7 -d5 28 . . . R d 8-e8?
Anoth e r b l a c k q u ee n comes to the B l ac k has s p e n t s o l o ng g u a rd i ng h i s
resc u e . W h i t e h as a p ro b l e m . E v e n fro nt d o o r t h a t h e 's forgotte n i t 's
with t w o q u ee n s o n t h e back r a n k m ov e a b l e ! H e s h o u l d h a v e p l ayed 2 8
h e c a n n ot f i n d a w a y to f l atte n . . . Bf8-e7 a n d l eft t h e w h i te q u ee n s
B l ac k 's d efences . C l e a r l y t h e wav i n g th e i r batte r i n g r a m at th i n a i r .
attac kers n e e d h e l p . . . r e i n fo rce
29 e 6-e7+
m e nts !
G u n p owd e r i n p o s it i o n . . . fuse
24 f4-f5
ready . . . p r i v at e f-pawn str i kes t h e
I ns p i red by the d a r i n g deeds of h i s m atch . . .
c o m r a d e s , p r i v ate f-p a w n t a kes t o
29 . . . l<c8-b8
th e wa rpath . B a r r e l of g u n powd e r
30 e7xf8=Q
i n o n e a r m , m atch a n d f u s e i n t h e
oth e r , h e m a rc h e s to g l o r y . . . . a n d b l ows the gate h o u se sky h i g h !
Th e d efe nces i n r u i n s , t h e wh i te
24 . . . Bc8-a6
q u ee n s c a n p o u r i nto t h e B l ac k
B l ac k 's e-pawn c o u l d have c l u m ped posit i o n ; s o B l ac k d e c i d es t h e t i m e
pri vate f-pawn on the head a n d h a s c o m e to h a u l u p the w h i t e f l a g .
e n d e d a l I h i s d re a m s of h o n o u r a n d
30 B l a c k resigns
g l o ry . B u t 24 . . . e6xf5 w o u l d
have opened t h e e-fi l e a t t h e e n d of
b d f g
wh i c h W h ite has a good target to
attack - t h e b l a c k k i n g .
25 f5xe6 0-0-0
T h e b l a c k k i n g rea l i zes h i s s i d e
d o o r i s a bo u t to be k i c ked i n , a n d
t a k e s ref u g e beh i n d h i s roo k .
26 R f 1 xf7
Attacked by q u e e n , r o o k , a n d
b i s h o p , not to m e n t i o n p r i v ate f
pawn a n d barrel of g u n powder, f7
f i n a l l y c ru m b l es u nd e r the b a r rage .
Page 5 1
TEST S I X
Four pro b l ems to solve
Q Ho w does White use the seven th Q Ho w does Black invade the back
rank to force checkma te? rank and force checkmate ?
Wh i t e to m ov e B l a c k to m ov e
Wh ite has to get rid of the b l a c k Th e wh ite b i s h o p i s ove r l o a d e d ;

g - p a w n to force a sta n d a rd rook he h a s to g u a rd both of t h e
a n d - k n i g h t mate. i n v a s i o n s q u a re s , c 1 a n d e 1 .
1 Of4xh6+ g7xh6 1 - · - R c8� 1 +
N o w t h e seventh r a n k i s c l e a r . 2 Bd2xc1
2 R d7-h7 mate Th e b i s h o p has been defl ected

away from e 1 .
Score 2 poin ts.
2 . . . Re8� 1 +
L ose 1 p oin t if y o u d i d n 't notice 3 Kg 1 -h2 R e 1 -h 1 mate
B l ac k was th reate n i n g 1 . . . Oa 5-e 1
Score 3 poin ts.
mate.
Page 52
Q Ho w does Black make use o f Q Ho w does Black use his two

th e cen tre files? open files?
Bl a c k to m ove B l a c k t o m ove
Wh ite is beh i n d i n d ev e l o p m e nt, Th e w h i t e p i eces i m p r i s o n the i r

and h i s f i rst ra n k i s n ot p r o p e r l y o w n k i n g . B l ac k h a s to force e ntry
defen d e d . B l a c k forces h i s way t o for h i s rooks on to the back l i n e .
the back l i n e . 1 Oa5xd2
1 . . . Qd8xd3 2 R d 1 xd 2 Re8-e 1 +
2 c2xd3 Ne4-f2+ 3 Kg 1 -h 2 Rc8-c1
A n d n o w W h i t e m u st g i ve u p h i s . . . and Wh ite can av o i d m ate on h 1
q u e e n , s i nce 3 R f 1 xf2 l eaves the o n l y by g i v i n g u p both q u e e n
back ra n k u n defe n d e d a n d 3 . . . a n d roo k .
R e 8-e 1 m ates . 4 R d 2-d 1 R c 1 xd 1
3 Kh 1 -g 1 Nf2xg4+ 5 Og4xd 1 R e 1 xd 1
. . . a n d B l ac k h a s com e o u t a p i ece Score 5 poin ts.
to the good .
Score 5 poin ts.
Page 53
Open files and th e enemy ranks
Testgam e 6 Score 1 poin t for 6 B c 1 - g 5 or 6

Bc 1 -f4 . I t i s n 't c l e a r yet w h i c h w i l l
( Danish Gambit) be t h e b e st s q u a re fnr th i s b i s h o p ;
Charousek Wol l ner s o Wh i te does best t o get o n w i t h t h e
m o v e s h e k n ow s h e m u st p l a y .
1 e2-e4 e7 -e5
2 d2 -d4 e5xd4 6 N g 8 -f6
3 N g 1 -f3 Bf8-c5 7 0-0 0-0
4 c2-c3 d4xc3 8 Nf3-g5?
5 N b 1 xc3 d 7 -d 6 A stra n g e m o v e , m ov i n g t h e k n i g h t
Th i s i s a n o r m a l ga m b i t p o s i t i o n . a seco n d t i m e w h e n oth e r p i ec e s
B l a c k h a s a n extra p a w n a n d a r e wa i t i n g to b e d ev e l o p e d . B l ac k
h o pes to m a ke i t c o u nt i n a n e n d s h ou l d n ow h av e p l a y e d 8 . . . N b8 -c6
ga m e . W h i t e h a s a p a w n i n t h e wh e n he wou l d h av e h a d a f i n e
centre, more space, and a l ead in p o s i t i o n . H owev e r . . .
deve l o p m e n t , a l l of wh i c h h e h o pes 8 . . . h 7 -h 6
w i l l h e l p h i m to work up a s h a r p 9 N g5xf7 Rf8xf7
attac k .
Q Ho w does White con tin ue th e
Q Ho w sho uld White con tin ue a ttack ?
his developmen t?
10 e4-e 5 !
6 Bf1 -c4 Score 5 poin ts.

A str o n g m o v e based o n W h i t e 's
Score 3 poin ts.
power on t h e d -f i l e . B l ac k c a n n o t
Se n s i b l e d ev e l o p m e n t . W h i t e p u t s
captu r e t h e p a w n beca u se i f h e
h i s b i s h o p o n a good d i ag o n a l
o p e n s t h e d -f i l e h e l o ses h i s q u e e n .
a i m i n g at t h e wea k p o i n t f 7 , a n d
p r e p a res t o castl e . Score 2 poin ts f o r 1 0 Bc4xf7+.
Page 54
Open files and th e enemy ranks
10 . . . N f6-g4 12 e6xf7+
Q Wha t sh ould White do n o w? Score 2 p o in ts.

Th e r o o k c a n be t a k e n for n oth i n g ,
a n d w i t h c h ec k ! A t t h e s a m e t i m e
th e e-fi l e i s o p e n e d a n d t h e pawn
attac k s e8, wh ich w i l l be an ex
ce l l e n t i nv a s i o n s q u a re .
12 . . . Kg8 -f8
Q Wh a t sh ould Wh ite do n o w?
11 e5-e6
Score 4 poin ts.

W h i te th reaten s 1 2 e6xf7+ a n d
1 2 0d 1 x g4 .
B l a c k see m s to be i n a g o o d posi t i o n
t o u s e t h e o p e n f-fi l e , b u t i f h e t r i es
to d o so it rebo u n d s u p o n h i m : 1 1
. . . Rf7xf2 1 2 e6-e7+ R f2-f7+
13 B c 1 -f4
1 3 K g 1 -h 1 , and i t i s the wh ite r o o k
Score 3 p o in ts.
that i s f i r i n g d o w n the fi l e .
W h ite defends a g a i nst t h e m ate
11 . . . Qd8-h4
th reat on h 2 , d ev e l o p s a p i ece , a n d
Q Wha t is White 's next m o ve? p r e p a res t o b r i n g h i s q u ee n 's roo k
o n to the o p e n e-fi l e .
Score 1 p o in t f o r 1 3 h 2-h3 .
L ose 5 p o in ts i f y o u d i d n 't notice
B l ac k was th reate n i n g 1 3 . . . Oh4x h 2
m at e .
13 . . . N g4xf2
Th i s is the o n l y way for B l ac k to

kee p h i s atta c k g o i n g , but w i t h
th ree of h is p i eces at h o m e i n bed
o n the 0-s i de he h a s n 't m u ch c h a nce
of s u ccess. A l I B l ack d o es i s open the
f-f i l e for th e w h i te roo k !
Page 55
Q Ho w does White save h is queen ? Q Wha t does White do n o w?
14 Qd 1 -e2 16 R a 1 -e 1
Score 2 poin ts. Score 4 p o in ts.
Wh i te h a s bee n f orced to p l a y a N a tu ra l l y t h e roo k c o m es t o the

good m ove ! H i s q u e e n seizes the open f i l e , and m ate i s th reate n e d
o p e n f i l e and h its th e i n v a s i o n o n e 8 once a ga i n . Th e re is n o w a y
s q u a r e , e 8 , with a n i m m ed i ate B l ac k c a n f i g h t for th e f i l e ; so i t i s
th reat of m ate . T h e way is o p e n j u st a m a tter of W h i te h a m m e r i n g
f o r a wh i te r o o k to a d d i ts p o we r away u nt i l h e c a n f o rce t h e i nv a s i o n .
a l o n g the e -f i l e : e 8 is g o i n g to be 16 . . . N b8 -c6
h a m m e red h a r d !
Q Ho w does White invade th e
Lose 3 poin ts if y o u were g o i n g to black position ?
p l a y 1 4 Qd 1 -e 1 w h e n y o u l ose y o u r
q u e e n afte r 1 4 . . . Nf2-d3 d iscove r
i ng chec k .
Lose 3 p o in ts f o r 1 4 Od 1 -d 2 w h i c h
a l so l oses t h e q u e e n , to 1 4 . . .
N f 2-e4+.
14 . . . N f2-g4+
15 K g 1 -h 1 Bc8-d7
B l ac k d e fe n d s e8 and m a kes a l ast

despe rate attem pt to b r i n g h i s 0-
s i d e p i eces i nto t h e g a m e .
Page 5 6
17 Qe2-e8+ ! ! Q wha t does Wh ite do n o w?
Score 6 p o in ts.
h c h
B l ac k seems to h av e t h e i nv a s i o n q
s q u a r e safe l y g u a r d e d , b u t Wh i te
sm ash es d o w n t h e f i l e w i t h a
q u een sac r i f i c e .
Score 2 poin ts for 1 7 Bc4-e6,
try i n g to exchange t h e black b i s h o p .
Score 2 poin ts f o r 1 7 Oe2-e4,
try i ng to s n e a k onto the e i ghth
ra n k through t h e back door on h 7 .
Score 2 poin ts f o r 1 7 N c3-d 5 .
17 . . . R a8xe8
Q Ho w should White recap ture?

19 Bf4xd 6 mate
b c d e g h Score 3 poin ts.
Th e d o u b l e check b r i ngs t h e g a m e
to a s u d d e n e n d .
B l ac k accepted a p a w n i n t h e
o p e n i ng b u t h e fe l l beh i n d i n d e
v e l o p m e n t . He fel l fu rthe r beh i n d
w h e n h e p l a y e d 8 . h 7- h 6 . W h ite
. .
won a l ot of space for h i s p i eces

a n d worked up a sharp attac k .
W h e n B l ac k t r i e d t o f i g h t bac k h e
o n l y s u cceeded i n o p e n i n g fi rst t h e
e-f i l e a n d then the f-f i l e f o r W h i te 's
m a j o r p i eces . B l a c k h u r r i e d l y t r i e d
18 f7xe8= Q+ ! t o r a c e h i s 0 -s i d e p i eces o u t t o
Score 3 p o in ts. defe n d t h e i nv a s i o n s q u a re s , b u t he
A s ec o n d q u e e n sacrifice : the was too l ate, and W h ite 's b r i l l i a nt
r i g h t way to k e e p t h e attac k g o i n g . d o u b l e q u e e n s a c r i f i ce k i l l e d h i m
18 . . . Bd7xe8 off .
W h ite h a s sac rificed a seco n d

queen, b u t now h e has the open
f-fi l e a s a s ec o n d i nv a s i o n route .
Page 5 7
The pawn pincher pays the penalty
How a bo u t th i s for a positi o n !
Th e q u e st i o n i s , h ow does Wh ite
c h e c km ate B l a c k in 8 m oves?
Have a l o o k and see i f y o u c a n d o it.
Wh ite to m ov e
Th e key, as you h av e p r o b a b l y g u essed , i s t h e open f i l e .

B u t w h i c h o p e n f i l e?
Th e a-fi l e !
B u t t h e a-fi l e i s n 't o p e n ! I n fact i t 's th e o n l y f i l e that i s n 't o pe n .
N o , b u t th at's t h e p o i n t .
B l a c k i s g o i n g t o b e i nv i te d t o open it by ta k i ng a l l the wh ite p a wn s .
1 0-0-0 7 R d4-d 3 Ka2-a 1

The w h ite k i ng takes u p posit i o n . . . a n d W h ite m ates o n t h e fi l e
f o r t h e c h e c k m ate . . . Black has s o k i n d l y opened !
1 . . . Ka8xa7 8 R d3-a3 mate
. . . a n d th e b l a c k k i n g is forced to Neat !
beg i n h i s m a rc h to the scaffo l d .
2 Rd 1 -d8 Ka7xa6
No c h o i c e !
3 Rd8-d7 Ka6xa5
On . . .
4 Rd7-d6 Ka5xa4
. . .a n d o n. . .
5 Rd 6-d5 Ka4xa3
. . . h e goes . . .
6 Rd5-d4 Ka3xa2
. . . u nt i l t h e re a re no pawns l eft . . .
Page 58
The q u een who climbed a mou ntain . . . a nd fel l off !
I n wh i c h t h e wh ite q u e e n c l i m bs t h e m o u nta i n , s l o w l y , step by ste p ,

sc ra b b l i n g for footh o l d , c l a w i n g t h e roc k . A t l ast t h e s u m m it i s i n s i g h t .
Th e q u e e n p l a nts h e r f l a g o n h 8, t h e b e l l s r i n g , t h e peo p l e c h e e r . P ro u d
a n d m ajest i c , s h e waves t o t h e c rowd s . H e r m o m e n t of g l o r y . T h e n ,
d i saste r s e e m s t o str i ke . S h e totte rs, grasps o u t at th i n a i r . . . a n d fal l s .
P r i d e a n d m ajesty g o n e s h e p l u m m ets screa m i ng t o t h e d e pt h s b e l o w ,
c r o w n t o p p l i ng , s k i rts swi r l i ng . T h e crowd sta n d stu n n e d , speec h l ess -
but a l l is wel l . A s h a r p t u g at t h e r i pco r d , h e r pa rac h u te bi l l ows o u t , a n d
s h e s l i des g racefu l l y d o w n t o a pe rfect two-p o i n t l a n d i ng . D i g n ity a n d
control resto r e d , s h e t u r n s , a n d b l a sts t h e b l a c k k i n g w i t h a b l o c k b u ster
of a broad s i d e .
Wel l , h e r e 's o u r wh ite q u e e n a t 2 . . . l<b 1 -a 1

the foot of t h e m o u nta i n . 3 Qd 3-d4
b c g h O n e step h i g h e r .
3 . . . l<a 1 -b 1
The k i ng h a s a n ot h e r l o o k . . .
after a l l t h e re i s n 't a nyth i n g e l se
to d o !
4 Od4-e4+ l< b 1 -a 1
5 Oe4-e5 l<a 1 -b 1
6 Oe5-f5+ l<b 1 -a 1
7 Qf5-f6
U p , u p s h e goes !
7 l<a 1 -b 1
Wh i t e to m ov e 8 Of6-g6+ l<b 1 -a 1
9 Qg6-g7
If s h e c h e c k s o n d 1 , B l a c k s i m p l y
q u e e n s h i s p a w n a n d escapes with H i gh i nto the s n o w a n d i ce .
a d raw. So . . . 9 . . . l<a 1 -b 1
1 Oc2-c3 1 0 Og7 -h7+ l<b 1 -a 1
1 1 Qh7-h8
. . . th e q u e e n beg i n s h e r c l i m b .
The q u ee n com p l etes her z i g-zag
1 . . . l<a 1 -b 1
path to th e top . . .
Th e b l a c k k i ng f i n d s h i s b-pawn
11 . . . l<a 1 -b 1
ca n 't move; he st i c k s o u t h i s nose
to f i n d o u t why . . . . . . a n d d ives d o w n the f i l e t o k i l l
o n t h e ra n k . . .
2 Oc3-d 3+
1 2 Qh8-h 1 mate
. . . a n d g ets o r d e red back h o m e .
Page 59
How to wi n a rook in six simple steps
B l a c k h a s j u st p l ayed . . . R b8x b 2 , 2 . . . e7xf6

g o b b l i ng u p a w h i t e p a w n . H e 3 Rd2xh2
th i n ks ev e ryth i ng i s safe l y g u a rd e d , Ste p t h r e e . G ra d u a l l y t h e s m o ke
but . . . is c l ea red from th e d-fi l e .
3 . . . Bd6xh2
4 Bd 3-g6+
Ste p fou r . T h e b l a c k k i n g is t i e d
t o h i s q u ee n .
4 . . . Ke8-e7
5 Qd 1 xd8+
Ste p five . The f i l e i s c l e a red of
a l I rem a i n i n g r u b b i s h .
5 . . . Ke7xd8
6 0-0-0+
Ste p s i x . Th e b l a c k r o o k pays
for his g r ee d .
Wh i t e to m ov e
. . . Wh ite wins t h e rook bec a u s e of

the open d-f i l e and castl i ng !
1 Nd4xe6
Ste p o n e . Wh ite th reatens both t h e
q u e e n a n d 2 B d 3-g6 mate, so B l ac k
d o es n 't h a v e t i m e f o r a n yth i ng
clever.
1 . . . Bd7xe6
2 N d5xf6+
Ste p two . B l ac k i s i n c h e c k a n d
m u st recapt u r e .
Page 60
Diagonals and bishops
B i s h o ps, I i ke rooks, n e e d o p e n I i n es if they a r e to w o rk at fu 1 1 powe r . A n d

eq u a l l y i m portant to a b i s h o p i s t h e p o s i t i o n of t h e pawn s .
I n t h e d i ag r a m be l ow th e re a r e th ree p o i nts t o co n s i d e r :
( 1 ) T h e wh ite b i s h o p o p e rates o n
th e d a r k s q u a res.
(2 ) T h e wh ite pawns a l l sta n d o n
d a r k s q u a re s . T h ey a re f i x e d
a n d h av e n o h o p e of m ov i n g
fo rwa rd .
( 3 ) T h e b l a c k pawns a r e a l l o n
l i g h t s q u a r e s . Th e y can 't b e
attacked .
Th e b i s h o p is u s e l ess beca u se h i s
own pawns g et i n h i s way a n d h e
ca n 't get a t h i s o p p o n e n t 's p a w n s . A d r a w - Wh i te can 't b rea k t h r o u g h .
I n th i s d i a g r a m t h e p o s i t i o n h a s c h a n g e d a n d th e b i s h o p is powerfu l .
( 1 ) T h e wh ite b i s h o p o p e rates o n
th e l i g h t s q u a res.
(2) T h e wh ite pawns all sta n d o n
d a r k sq u a re s . Th e y d o n 't get
in the way of t h e b i s h o p .
(3) T h e b l a c k p a w n s a r e a l l o n
l i g h t s q u a re s . T h ey c a n be
attac ked !
W h i te w in s !
Both of th ese pos i t i o n s a r e e n dg a m es with j u st t h e k i n g s , b i s h o p , a n d

pawns o n t h e boa r d . Th i s m a kes it e a s i e r to s e e t h e power o f t h e b i s h o p ,
b u t it wo u l d be j u st t h e ·sa m e i n a m i d d l e-ga m e posit i o n . T h e b i s h o p
wo u l d be j u st a s goo d , o r bad , if th e re w e r e oth e r p i eces o n t h e board .
Page 6 1
Stra i g h t away we c a n m a ke s o m e g e n e r a l ru l e s :
(a ) Your bishop will lose p o wer i f your o wn p a wns are fixed o n squares
of the same colour.
( b ) Your two bishops will work best if your p a wns are equally balanced
be tween ligh t and dark squares.
Now l o o k at th e b i s h o p i n th i s
positi o n :
( 1 ) T h e b l a c k b i s h o p operates o n
d a r k sq u a re s .
( 2 ) B l ac k 's pawns d o n ot get i n
t h e way o f h i s b i s h o p .
( 3 ) Th e p a w n pos i t i o n i s b l oc k e d .
(4 ) T h e w h i t e pawns fo rm a b a r r i e r ,
a b l o c k a d e to t h e b i s h o p .
Th e b i s h o p i s a p o o r p i ec e . I t c a n
not m ove f r e e l y a bo u t t h e board
and it has n o o bv i ou s ta rgets to
atta c k .
Th i s g ives u s t w o m o re r u l es :
(c ) Your bishop will lose p o wer if the p a wn position is blocked.
( d ) You can use your pa wns to se t up a blockade and deaden the p o wer
of an enemy bish op.
Th e two i m porta nt tact i c a l stre ngths of a b i s h o p a re t h e s kewer a n d t h e p i n .
Th e ske wer
I n a skewer a b i s h o p n a i l s two
e n e m y p i eces togeth e r on a d i a
go n a l . T h e fi rst p i ec e is forced to
move, l e av i n g t h e seco n d to be
captu red .
White w i ns th i s p o s i t i o n by a
si m p l e s k ewer.
W h i te t o m ov e
Page 6 2
Diagonals an d bish ops
Th e i m p o rtant d i ag o n a l i s f r o m g 1
to a 7 .
Wh i te p l ay s :
1 R h 6xb6 R b2xb6
Now the two b l a c k p i eces a re o n

t h a t d i ag o n a l .
2 Bg3-f2+
The b l ac k k i n g m u st l eave the

d i ago n a l , and then t h e rook can
be captu red .
K i n g and roo k sk ewered !
Th e p in
I n a p i n a bishop nails one enemy
pi ece t o a m ore v a l u a b l e e n e m y
p i ece o n t h e sa m e d i ag o n a l .
Wh i te w i n s t h i s posit i o n by m a k i n g
u s e o f a simple pi n .
Wh ite to move
Th e i m portant d i ago n a l i s f r o m
a 1 to h 8 .
Wh ite p l ays :
1 Bc1 -b2
Now the k n i g h t is p i n ne d : n a i l e d
f i r m l y to h i s k i n g .
1 . . . K h8-g7
2 g4-g5
Th e b l ac k k n i g h t is attacked
aga i n and i t c a n n ot m o v e .
K n i g h t , p i nned and l ost !
Page 6 3
A th i rd i m portant attac k i n g power of a b i s h o p i s its a b i l i ty to we a ke n t h e

e n e m y k i ng ' s p o s i t i o n by m a k i n g 'h o l e s ' i n the cast l e w a l l .
Th e b l ac k k i n g seems safe i n the

cast l e d p o s i t i o n . The three b l a c k
p a w n s a c t a s t h e cast l e wal I ,
s h i e l d i n g th e i r k i n g . They a l so
attac k a l I t h e sq u a res o n ra n k 6
i n front of t h e m .
Wh ite 's q u e e n a n d b i s h o p h ave

j o i n e d forces o n t h e d i a go n a l ,
a n d m ate i s th reate n ed o n h 7 .
B l ac k m u st wea ken h i s k i n g
pos i t i o n b y m ov i n g a pawn . H e
m u st m a ke h o l es i n h i s cast l e wa l l .
B l a c k to m o v e
B l a c k h a s p l ayed . . . g7-g6 . N o w
h i s th ree p a w n s a l l sta n d o n l i g h t
sq u a res ; so they o n l y attac k a n d
defe n d l i ght s q u a res.
Holes have a p p e a red o n f6 and h 6 ,
th e d a r k sq u a res wh i c h B l ac k c a n
not defe n d with h i s p a w n s . W h ite
can attac k t h e d a r k s q u a res with
his q u ee n a n d oth e r p i eces .
Wh ite 's b i s h o p has h e l ped to wea k e n the B l ac k k i n g 's positi o n . Th e b i s h o p

i s n o w l eft h a m m er i n g aga i nst t h e b l o c k a d e of l i g h t-sq u a red pawn s . T h i s
does n 't m atte r ; t h e b i s h o p h a s d o n e a v i ta l j o b , a n d h e m a y sti l l be a b l e
t o h e l p i n t h e atta c k .
Page 6 4
Diagonals an d bishops
The b i s h o p h e l ped t h e q u e e n a n d
roo k force c h e c k mate i n sev e r a l of
the pos i t i o n s we l o o ked at in t h e
sect i o n o n o pe n f i l es .
H e re a re th ree m o re mati n g pos i
t i o n s w h e re t h e b i s h o p l e n d s a h a n d .
O n e b i s h o p o n h i s o w n ca n 't often
force c h e c k m ate, b u t h e re i s a
pos i t i o n w h e r e h e ca n m a k e a
real n u i s a n c e of h i mse l f !
Two b i s h o p s s i d e b y s i d e a re
a l ways d a n ge r o u s ra k i n g across
th e board . H e re they prove a
dead l y wea pon .
H e re t h e b i s h o ps catch t h e k i n g
i n a cross-f i re.
Page 6 5
Diagonals and bish ops
T E ST S E V E N
Four p roblems to solve
Q Black has two good bish ops. Q The white bish ops rake th e
Ho w can he make use of them black K-side. Ho w do they help
to score a quick vic tory? Wh ite to force checkma te?
a b c d e f g h
B l ac k to m ov e Wh ite to m ov e
One b i s h o p h e l ps to th reate n m ate Wh ite m u st c l e a r the l i n e of a ct i o n

on c2. Th e oth e r b i s h o p w i n s the for h i s b i s h o p o n b2 to j o i n t h e
ga m e w i t h a d e ad l y p i n . attac k .
1 . . . Ba7-e3 1 Oe2xh5
Th e w h ite q u e e n i s p i n n e d a n d Th reate n i n g to c a ptu re o n h 6 a n d

attacked . m a te o n h 7 .
2 Od 2xe3 Oc4xc2 mate 1 . . . Nf6xh5
Score 2 p oin ts. 2 N e5 xf7 mate
Dou ble check !

Score 3 poin ts.
Page 66
Q White 's pieces are well placed Q The white king is nea tly par
for a king a ttack. Ho w does he celled up. But h o w can Black ge t
force checkma te? at him ?
Wh i t e to m ov e B l a c k t o m ov e
Wh i te h i ts B l ack o n the d a r k Black opens t h e l i n es for h i s b i s h o p

sq u a res a n d sets u p a sta n d a rd m at e . t o h i t t h e wh ite k i n g .
1 · Qd4xg7+ l<g8xg7 1 . . . Rf2-f4+
With h i s g-pawn g o n e B l ac k h a s Wh ite c a n now c h oose w h i c h
noth i n g w i t h w h i c h h e c a n defend d i ag o n a l h e wa nts t o be m ated o n !
t h e dark sq u a res. Wh ite m a rc h es i n . (a)
2 Bg5-f6+ l<g7-g8 2 g3xf4 Bc5-f2 mate
3 Rf4-h4 (b)
H e i s a q u ee n a h e a d , but t h e re is 2 Bg5xf4 Bc5-e7+
sti l l n oth i n g B l ac k can do to stop 3 Bf4-g5 Be 7xg5 mate
m ate o n h 8 . B l oc k i n g t h e rook c h e c k i s n o
Score 5 pain ts. bette r :
(c)
2 g3-g4 Bc5-f2 mate
Score 5 poin ts.
Page 67
Diagonals a n d bishops
Testgam e 7 9 e 5 x d 6 e . p . Bf8xd6
10 Ba4-b3
( R u y L opez)
Q .Black is building up a K-side
A. F l a m berg E. B og o l y u bov a ttack. Ho w sh ould he con tinue?
1 e2-e4 e7-e5
2 N g 1 -f3 N b8 -c6
3 Bf1 -b5 a7-a6
4 Bb5-a4 N g8-f6
5 d2-d4 Nf6xe4
6 0-0 b7-b5
7 Nf3xe5
Now if B l ac k t r i e s to be greedy
h e gets i nto trou b l e : 7 . . . b 5x a4
8 N e 5xc6 d 7xc6 9 R f 1 -e 1 a n d
W h ite rega i ns h i s p i ece l e av i ng
B l ac k 's p a w n pos i t i o n i n tatte r s .
7 . . . N c6xe5
8 d4xe5
Q Wha t does Black do n o w? 10 . . . Bc8 -b7
Score 3 p o in ts.
W h ite h a s a s o l i d pawn s h i e l d i n
front of h is k i n g , but h i s p i eces are
i n n o pos i t i o n to help defe n d .
B l ac k 's k n i gh t h a s a good central
s q u a r e and his d a r k-sq u a red b i s h o p
i s a l ready s n i p i ng at h 2 .
B l ac k cou l d b e tem pted t o sa i l
stra i g h t i n w i t h h i s attac k , but h e
m u st com p l et e h i s d ev e l o p m e n t
f i rst. 1 0 . . . B d 6 x h 2+ i s n 't a n y g o o d ,
a n d 1 0 . . . Od8-h4 1 1 g 2 - g 3 Oh4-h3
i s a nswered by 1 2 Gd 1 -d 5 . By
p l a y i n g h i s b i s h o p to b 7 B l ac k
8 . . . d7-d5 defends d 5 a n d h i s k n i ght, a n d h e
Score 3 p oin ts. b r i n g s h i s b i s h ops toget h e r t o
B l ac k f i g hts for t h e centre a n d scyt h e a c r o s s the boa rd at t h e
s u p p o rts h i s k n i gh t . e n e m y k i ng p o s i t i o n .
Score 1 poin t f o r 8 . . . B c8-b 7 , 11 a 2 -a 4 0 -0
b u t n oth i n g for 8 . . . b 5 x a 4 9 12 a4xb5
Od 1 -d 5 w h e n W h i t e h a s a good
game.
Page 68
Q Wha t does Black play n o w? Q Ho w does Black con tinue the

a ttack ?
12 . . . Qd8-h4 14 . . . Bd 6-c5
H i s p i eces a r e read y ; so B l ac k B l ac k sets u p a dead l y p i n as t h e
o p e n s f i re . T h e fi rst s a l v o th reate n s seco n d s a l v o th reate n s f 2 .
mate at h 2 . 15 Qd 1 -f1 R a8-e8
Score 1 poin t for 1 2 . . . a 6 x b 5 B l ac k g r a bs a n open f i l e , th reate n
wh ich gets b a c k t h e p a w n - B l a c k i n g 1 6 . . . B c 5 x f 2 + a nd 1 7
i s afte r m o re ! . . . R e 8-e 1 + . The p i n i s beg i n n i n g
13 h2-h3 t o l o o k rath e r nasty !
B l a c k 's q u ee n a n d b i s h o p h av e 16 Bc1 -d2 Re8-e5
forced W h ite to wea ken t h e cast l e 17 R a 1 -a4
wa l l . T h e a l te r n ative fo r W h ite, 1 3
g2-g3, wou l d h a v e l eft a l l t h e sentry
Q Ho w does Black sa ve his queen ?
pawns o n dark s q u a res. B l ac k 's
q u e e n a n d q u e e n 's b i s h o p wo u l d
t h e n h a v e h a d a f i e l d d a y i nv a d i n g
th e l i g h t o n es !
13 . . . N e4xf2 !
A g a p i n g h o l e a p p e a rs i n the cast l e
wa l l at g3 . . . n o w B l ac k 's q u e e n
a n d k i n g 's b i s h op w i l l h a v e a
f i e l d d a y on the d a r k s q u a res !
14 R f 1 xf2
Page 69
17 . . . Qh4-e7 B l ac k i nv a d e s , a n d t h e w h i t e roo k ,
Score 3 poin ts. p a r a l ysed o n f 2 , i s f i rst for th e c h o p !
B l ac k p r e p a res to bl ast h i s way 20 Kg1 -h2
down th e open f i l e , and he l i n es I f 20 B d 2x e 1 Oe 7xe 1 + 21 Oa6-f 1
h i s th i rd s a l v o u p on e 1 . B c 5xf2+, Wh i t e 's q u e e n a n d k i n g
Score 1 poin t for 1 7 . . . Oh4xf2+. get c h op ped as w e l I !
No score for 1 7 . . . Oh 4-g3. Keep 20 . . . Bc5xf2
ing the p ressu re o n the dark s q u a res 21 N b 1 -c3
wou l d be a good i d e a , but the q u e e n
gets e m ba r rassed b y 1 8 R a4-g4 . Q Wha t should Black do n o w?
Take 2 poin ts off your score if you
suggested 1 7 . . . Oh4-f6 w h e n
Wh ite p l ays 1 8 Bd 2-c3 a n d g e t s h i s
own p i n !
18 b5xa6 Bb7xa 6 !
The batt l e wi l l be d e c i d e d o n t h e
we a k d a r k squ a res a rou n d t h e wh ite
k i n g . B l ac k sacrifi ces h i s oth e r
b i s h o p t o l u re t h e wh ite q u ee n
awa y .
19 Qf 1 xa6
a ttack?
21 . . . Qe7-e5+
Score 3 poin ts.
B l ac k keeps u p the b a r rage o n t h e
d a r k-sq u a red d i ag o n a l s . The wh i te
sentry pawns i d l y g u a rd t h e l i ght
sq u a res a n d l eave th e i r king to ta ke
the batte r i n g a l o n e .
22 R a4-f4
Th e re was n oth i n g e l se W h ite cou l d
try ; 2 2 g 2-g3 Oe5xg3 was m ate,
and 2 2 B d 2-f4 R e 1 -h 1 + 23 K h 2x h 1
Oe5-e 1 + with m ate to fol l ow o n g 1 .
19 . . . R e5-e 1 + ! 22 g7 -g5
23 Qa6-b5
Score 5 poin ts.
Page 7 0
Q Ho w does Black finish o ff the T h e f i n a l s a l v o ! B l ac k occu p i e s

a ttack? the h o l e a n d i t 's a l l ove r .
Take 4 p oin ts off your score i f
y o u were g o i n g t o p l a y 2 4 . . .
Oe 5x e 1 . Wh ite t h e n p l ays 2 5
Ob5-g5+ a n d g e t s a d ra w , s i nce
B l a c k ca n 't sto p h i m c h ec k i n g on
f6 and g5. D o n 't forget that wh i l st
B l a c k m a y be wi n n i n g W h i te i s
sti l l p l a y i n g .
25 Be1 xg3 f4xg3+
26 K h 2 -g 1
Q Fin d Black 's n ex t m o ve.
23 . . . g5xf4
Score 5 poin ts.
Th e pawn h a s tru n d l ed u p to attack
the h o l e o n g3 . B l ac k n o w th reate n s
t o mate by 2 4 . . . Bf2-g3 .
24 Bd2xe 1
Q No w wha t sh ould Black do ?
26 . . . Oe5-e3+
Score 3 poin ts.
Nothing for 26 . . . Oe5-e 1 + w h e n
W h i te c a n b l oc k o n f 1 with h i s
queen.
27 Kg 1 -h 1 Oe3-e 1 +
28 Ob5 -f 1 Oe 1 xf 1 mate
The w i n n i n g m e t h o d was s i m p l e .
B l a c k forced W h i te t o wea ken h i s
pawn s h i e l d . H e t h e n i nv a d e d t h e
24 . . . Bf2-g3+ wea k d a r k-sq u a red d i a g o n a l s a n d
Score 4 poin ts. t h e wh ite k i n g h ad n o wh e re to h i d e .
Page 7 1
'Gee, terrific!'
1 943 . . . born C h i cago, U . S . A . . . . n a m e , R o be rt J a m e s F i s c h e r .

1 956 . . . J u n i o r C h a m p i o n of U .S . A . . . . y o u ngest ever wi n n e r .
1 957. . . C h a m p i o n o f th e U .S . A . . . . you n gest e v e r wi n n e r .
1 9 58 . . . I nternati o n a l G ra n d m aster . . . y o u ngest e v e r t i t l e h o l d e r .
1 9 59 . . . c a n d i d ate fo r W o r l d Ch am p i o n s h i p . . . you n gest e v e r ch a l l e n g e r .
1 9 70 . . . u n off i c i a l W o r l d L i g h tn i n g C h a m p i o n .
1 97 1 . . . Wo r l d C h a m p i o ns h i p ca n d i dates ' w i n n e r .
1 972. . . Wo r l d C h a m p i o n !
C h a m p i o n of the Worl d , a n d poss i b l y the strongest ever c h ess-p l ay e r ,

yet Bobby w a s j u st a s f a m o u s fo r h i s behaviour o f f t h e board . B o b by
fo u nd a few th i ngs to co m p l a i n a bo u t i n h is ti m e . . _the R u s s i a n s w h o
ch eated . . . the p r i z e m o ney . . . t h e p l ay i ng cond itions . . .
To be fa i r t h e chess wo r l d d i d n 't al ways treat Bobby k i n d l y . O n e d a y

i n 1 963 so me on e e l se d i d n 't t r e a t B o b by too k i n d l y e i t h e r . . . a g u y c a l l ed
Bu rger a r m e d with a p a i r of torpedoes.
( Two Knigh ts Defence ) b d g h
F i sc h e r B u rger
1 e2-e4 e7-e5
2 N g 1 -f3 N b8-c6
3 Bf 1 -c4 N g8-f6
4 Nf3-g5 d7-d5
5 e4xd 5 Nc6-d4
6 c2-c3 b7-b5
7 Bc4-f 1 Nf6xd5
8 c3xd4 Qd 8xg5
9 Bf1 xb5+ Ke8-d8
1 0 Qd 1 -f3 Bc8-b7
F i rst torpedo in posit i o n .
14 - - . Nd5-f4
11 0-0 e5-e4
12 Of3xe4 Bf8-d 6 The seco n d torpedo h o m es i n on e4
and g2. If now 1 5 Oe4x b7 Og 5-h 5+
Seco n d t u b e l o a d e d !
1 6 K h 2-g 1 Nf4-e2 mate . F i sc h e r de-
13 d2-d3 Bd6xh2+ cides to res i g n . . . H e 's been su n k
F i sch e r i s h o l e d bel ow t h e wate r l i n e . without trace ! I n fou rteen m ov e s .
14 Kg1 xh2 R e ports say F i scher's c o m m e n t was
O r 1 4 K g 1 -h 1 B h 2 -f4 etc . "Gee, te r r i f i c ! "
" * ? - * ! ? * " wo u l d seem m o re l i ke l y !
Page 7 2
Bishop blu nders
Zu r i ch 1 95 3 . The Ca n d i dates ' To u r n a m ent for the Wo r l d Ch a m p i o n s h i p .

I n t h e Wh ite c o r n e r Lasz l o Sza b o , H u n g a r i a n gra n d m aste r . I n t h e B l ack
c o r n e r Sam u e l R es h ev s k y , g r a n d m aste r , c h a m p i o n of the U . S . A . , and
l e ad i n g Weste r n c h a l l e n g e r i n a R u s s i a n -d o m i nated ev ent. T h e R u ss i a n s
were h a p py . . .
b c d 9 h Szabo h a d j u st ch ecked with h i s
k n i g h t o n f 6 , a n d R eshevsky h a d
a m a z i n g l y c a ptu red with t h e
bishop.
E v e r y o n e cou l d see t h a t R e s h evsky 's
f-pawn was p i n n e d . Everyone . . .
except Szabo.
Szabo p l ayed :
1 Bb2xf6
H e co m p l ete l y m i ssed 1 Oc2xg6 +
wh e n R es h evsky cou l d h a v e c h eer
fu l l y res i g n e d . As it was h e escaped
Wh i t e to m ove with a d ra w .
. . . the R u ss i a n s w e r e u n h a p p y . H o w cou l d Sza bo h ave m ad e s u c h a

b l u n d e r ? 'The worst bl u nd e r of the l a st decad e ' wrote E u we . The
ru m o u rs c a m e th i c k a n d fast from the R u ss i a n c a m p . . . Szabo h a d been
bri bed ! W h e n asked to ex p l a i n th e m i sta ke Szabo h i m s e l f s a i d i t was easy,
'You just d o n 't look for m ates in two a g a i nst R es h evsky . ' W e l l , you s h o u l d ,
aga i nst a n y o n e . Ten y e a rs l ater o n e o f the R u ss i a n s s h o u l d h a v e r e m e m
b e r e d Sz a b o .
b c d 9 h Yu ri Averba kh 's m ove was obv i o u s .

H e s h o u l d j u st h a v e p l ayed 1 . . .
Kh 7x g 7 a n d h e wou l d h a v e been
l eft with fa r the bette r p o s i ti o n .
Av e r b a k h was strong on th e l i g h t
sq u a res a n d h e t r i e d to be c l ev e r . . .
1 . . . Be6-h 3
. . . he got be lted on t h e d a r k sq u a res.
2 Oc 1 xh 6+ Kh7-g8
3 Qh6-h8 mate
Even g r a n d m aste rs m a ke m i sta ke s !
B l a c k to m ove
Page 73
TEST E I G HT
Q White can get a winning advan Q White threatens 1 Qb5-e8 mate

tage with the help of a ske wer. an d 1 Nc5xe4. Bu t it is Black who
Ho w? checkma tes White! Ho w?
W h i t e to m ove B l a c k to m ove
B l ac k 's p r o b l e m s l i e i n h i s k i n g B l ac k removes the trou b l e s o m e

a n d ro o k on the l o n g d i a g o n a l . k n i g h t a n d g u a rd s h i s f i rst ra n k a l l
Wh ite wants h i s b i s h o p o n that in o n e go.
d i ag o n a l , but fi rst h e m u st get r i d 1 . . . Oa7xc5
o f the b l a c k d - p a w n .
The k n i g h t i s g o n e and the b l a c k
1 R c 1 xc4+ d5xc4 q u e e n i s r e a d y t o r a c e back to f 8 .
2 Bg6-e4+
2 d4xc5 R g2-g3+
The s kewe r ! B l ac k m u st m ove h i s 3 Rf1 -f3 Be4xf3 mate
k i n g a n d l eave h i s rook t o be
The wh ite k i n g has been t i e d up i n
ta k e n .
h i s own c o r n e r .
2 . . . Kc6-d6
Score 3 poin ts.
3 Be4xa8
Score 2 poin ts.
Page 74
Q Black 's queen s tands on th e long Q Black has two splen did bishops.
diagonal. Her reign is abou t to en d! Th ey b o th play a fine part in
Ho w does White win a piece? ending White 's hopes. Ho w?
Wh i t e t o m ov e B l a c k to m ove
B l ac k 's q u e e n i s s h o rt of space, Wh ite 's q u e e n a nd b i s h o p sta n d on

a n d when s h e h a s g o n e h e l oses d a r k s q u a re s ; so B l ac k h its h i m
control of t h e l o n g d i ago n a l . h a rd o n h i s wea ke r l i ght s q u a res.
1 Bc2-b3 1 . . . Bc6xf3+
Th e q u e e n i s attacked a n d th e re is 2 Kg 2xf3
o n l y one p l ace to ru n . . . Or 2 K g 2-h 2 Ob 1 -h 1 m ate.
1 . . . Qd5-e4 2 . . . Qb 1 -h 1 +
2 Qe2xe4 Nf6xe4 N o w the oth e r b i s h o p p l ays its
Now Wh i te i nv a d e s the d i ag o n a l . part; Wh ite ca n 't b l oc k t h e c h e c k
3 Bb3-d5 beca u se h i s k n i gh t is p i n n ed .
The b l ac k k n i g hts a re forked a n d 3 Kf3-g4 Qh 1 -e4 mate

o n e of th e m m u st fa l I . B l ac k 's tri u m ph o n the l i g h t s q u a res
Score 4 p oin ts. i s com p l ete .
Score 6 poin ts.
Page 7 5
Testgame 8 9 0-0
10 0-0 b7-b6
( Caro-Kann Defence ) 11 b2-b4 Bc5-e7
R . Sp i e l m a n n B . H o n l i n g e r
Q Ho w sh ould Wh ite con tinue
1 e2-e4 c7-c6 his developmen t?
2 d2-d4 d7-d5
3 N b 1 -c3 d5xe4
4 N c3xe4 N g8-f6
5 N e4-g3 e7-e6
6 N g 1 -f3 c6-c5
7 Bf 1 -d3
Q Can Black win a pawn now by

7 . . . c5xd4?
12 Bc1 -b2
Score 3 poin ts.
Th e b i s h o p f i n d s a good h o m e o n
the l o n g d i ago n a l , ca rv i n g t h r o u g h
the c e n t r e , a n d wo r k i n g with h i s
partn e r to bom ba rd the bl ack
k i n g 's stron g h o l d .
No.
Score 2 p oints for 1 2 R f 1 -e 1 .
Score 3 poin ts. No score for 1 2 Bc 1 -f4 wh e n the
After 7 . . . c 5xd4 8 Nf3xd4 bishop wi l l be d r i v e n off by a b l a c k
Od 8xd4 the wh ite b i s h o p h ops out k n i gh t o n d 5 .
of the way a n d checks, 9 B d 3- b5+,
12 . . . Qd8-c7
and the b l a c k q u e e n pays for h e r
13 b4-b5 N c6-a5
greed. N ow, back t o t h e g a m e .
The b l a c k k n i ght is k i c ked out to
7 N b8-c6
a h o r r i b l e sq u a re . . .
8 d4xc5 Bf8xc5
9 a2-a3 14 N f3-e5
Wh ite doesn 't want h i s good . . . a n d W h ite s e i zes an o u tpost i n

l i ght-squ a red b i s h o p a n n oyed by t h e centre.
9 . . . Nc6-b4 . 14 . . . Bc8-b7
Page 7 6
Q Wha t does White do n o w? 17 Qd 1 -h5

Score 4 poin ts.
Th e b i s h o p s bl aze away from a
d i stance a n d the q u e e n h o m es i n
o n h 7 with a m ate threat.
Score 2 pain ts for 1 7 Od 1 -g4 or
1 7 N g3-h 5 .
17 . . . g7-g6
The f i rst cracks s h o w in th e b l ac k
pos i t i o n . H e sto ps m ate, h e b l u nts
th e power of W h i te 's l i g ht-sq u a red
b i s h o p , h e attacks the w h i te q u e e n ,
but . . .
Q Wha t is Wh ite 's nex t m o ve?
15 N e5-g4
Score 4 poin ts.
White i s l a y i n g s i ege to t h e stro ng
h o l d . H e th reatens to captu re
twice o n f6, do u b l i n g B l ac k 's
pawns on t h e f-fi l e , a n d t h e n i n
vade t h r o u g h t h e sh atte red wa l l s
with h i s q u e e n a n d m i n o r p i eces.
Score 2 poin ts for 1 5 Ng3- h 5 or
1 5 R f 1 -e 1 .
15 . . . Qc7-d 8
a b c d ., l g h
16 N g4-e3 Nf6-d5
Q No w wha t should White do? 18 N e3-g4 !

Score 5 poin ts.
B l ac k 's p ro b l e m i s that h e h a s
g i v e n h i m s e l f h o l es o n f6 a n d h 6 ,
a n d h e h a s g i v e n W h i te the fu l l
l e ngth of t h e l o ng d i a g o n a l fo r h i s
d a r k-sq u a red b i s h o p . W h ite wastes
no t i m e ta k i n g advantage; he
th reatens 1 9 Ng4-h6 mate.
Score 1 poin t for 1 8 Oh 5-h 6 .
Lose 2 poin ts i f y o u were go i n g
t o p l a y 1 8 Oh5-e 5 ; y o u l ose a
b i s h o p afte r 1 8 . . . Be 7-f6.
Page 7 7
18 . . . Be7 -f6 20 Qh 5-h6

Q Ho w should White con tinue? Score 2 poin ts.
Wh ite keeps u p t h e p ressu re o n t h e
d a r k s q u a r e s . The bl ack k n i g h t i s
now h o r r i b l y p i n n ed aga i n st t h e
m ate th reat o n g 7 .
No score f o r 2 0 Oh 5-g5 o r 2 0
Oh 5-e 5 . B l ac k 's o n l y real h o p e of
a cou nte r-atta c k l i es o n the l o ng
l i g h t-sq u a red d i ago n a l , a n d after
20 . . . Od 8-d 5 he th reatens mate
o n g 2 and forces Wh ite to exc h a nge
queens.
20 . . . R a8-c8
Q Wha t is White 's nex t m o ve?
19 N g4xf6+
Score 4 poin ts.
B l ac k 's p r o b l e m s a r e on t h e d a r k
sq u a res, so Wh ite wi l l h i t h i m o n
th e d a r k s q u a res. Wh ite gets r i d o f
B l ac k ' s best defe n d e r a n d streng
thens t h e power of h i s own b i s h o p .
19 . . . N d5xf6
Q No w the wh ite queen really is

threa tened. Where sh ould she go?
21 R a 1 -d 1
Score 3 poin ts.
The two b i s h o ps swe e p the board
side by s i d e , the queen i s dug i n ,
t h e k n i g h t i s ready t o s p r i n g i nto
act i o n . S i e ge warfare can be a s l o w
bu s i n ess . Wh ite h a s n o i m m e d i ate
th reat ; so he stre n gth e n s h i s pos i
t i o n a nd th reatens 2 2 Bd3xg6 .
Score 1 poin t for th e s i m p l e m ov e
2 1 R f 1 -e 1 .
Page 78
21 . . . Qd8-e7 26 . . . Kg8xh7
22 Rf1 -e 1 Q Ho w does White finish it o ff?
Anoth e r p i ec e comes i n to p l a y
a n d th e b l a c k e-pawn i s p i n n e d .
22 . . . N f6-e8
B l a c k tries d e s p e rate l y to p ro p u p
h i s wea kened wa l l - defe n d i n g
t h e d a r k sq u a res, g 7 a n d f 6 , i s
better th a n s i tt i n g o n t h e m !
23 Ng3-f5
If B l a c k takes th i s , 23 . . . g6xf5,
th e n 24 B d 3xf5 and the b i s h o p s
a re m u r d e r o u s .
23 Qe7-c5
24 R e 1 -e5 Bb7-d5
25 Nf5-e7+ ! 27 R e5-h5+
Th e sta rt o f a s pectacu l a r i nv a s i o n Score 2 poin ts.
on the d a r k s q u a res. 27 . . . Kh7-g8
25 . . . Qc5xe7 H i s g-pawn p i n n e d B l ac k can o n l y
Q Wha t is White 's killer blo w? ru n away . . . b u t there i s nowhere
to go !
28 R h5-h8 mate
B l ac k h a s c o l l a psed on the d a r k
sq u a res, a n d t h e wh ite roo k h a s
c a s h e d i n o n t h e power of h i s
bishops.
O n c e aga i n two b i sh o ps, s i d e b y

s i d e , p roved a d ev astat i n g weapo n .
Th e l i g h t-sq u a red b i s h o p h e l ped to
we a k e n B l a c k 's k i n g posi t i o n , t h e
d a r k-sq u a re d b i s h o p l e d t h e i n
vas i o n o n t h e wea kened sq u a re s .
Th e l oss of h i s own k i n g ' s b i s h o p
26 Qh6xh 7+! ! l eft B l ac k u n a b l e to defend h i m
se l f . Wh ite pat i e n t l y bu i l t u p h i s
Score 5 poin ts.
forces befo re l i ft i ng h i s own s i e g e
Wh ite i n vades a n d b r i n g s h i s l i g h t
a n d smash i n g t h r o u g h the e n e m y
sq u a red b i s h o p i n to the g a m e
wa l l .
with a n a sty p i n .
Page 7 9
A bishop is worth . . .
Wh ite h a s j u st p l a y e d 1 R c6-c8+ .
Why?
Afte r 1 . . . K b 8xc8 2 b 6 - b 7 +
Kc8- b 8 3 b 7 x a 8 = 0+ K b 8 x a 8 W h i te
h a s no c h a n c e of w i n n i n g , a n d h e
m i g h t ev e n l ose ! S o , wh y has
White played 1 Rc6-c8+ ?
See if y o u c a n wo r k o u t w h y ,
w i t h o u t l o o k i n g a t t h e a n swe r
be l o w .
B l a c k t o m ov e
T h e f i rst t w o m oves a r e fo rce d :
1 l<b8xc8
2 b6-b7+ l<c8-b8
3 d4-d 5 !
The p o i n t ! B l ac k can o n l y move

his k i n g .
3 . . . l< b8-c7
And n o w Wh i te c a n captu re t h e
roo k, p r o m ote h i s p a w n to a
queen, a n d w i n easi l y .
C a n 't h e ?
N o ! H e c a n 't . P o si t i o n a f t e r 3 . . . K b8-c7
If Wh ite captu res and p r o m otes h i s p a w n to a q u e e n , B l ac k is sta l e m ated .

I f W h ite captu res a n d p r o m otes to a r o o k it i s st i l l sta l e m a t e .
I f W h i te ca ptu res a n d p r o m otes t o a k n i g h t, B l ac k s i m p l y p l ay s 4 . . . Kc7- b8
and takes t h e k n i gh t n e x t m ov e .
Wh ite m u st p r o m ote to a b i s h o p !
4 b7xa8= B
Now i f 4 . . . K c 7 - b 8 5 B a 8- b 7 K b 8-c 7 6 K a 6 x a 7 a n d W h i te w i n s e a s i l y .
Page 80
. . . more than it seems
Th e l ast pos i t i o n s h o u l d give you

a c l u e to th i s .
T h e q u esti o n i s , h o w d o e s Wh ite
av o i d l o s i n g ?
( D o n 't forget: Wh ite i s g o i n g u p

the board ! )
Wh i te to m ov e
To beg i n with Wh ite ca n 't q u ee n

h i s c-pawn : 1 c7-c8= 0 N c 5-a6
mate. So Wh ite m u st m ove h i s
king.
1 Kb8-c8 f3-f2
Now Wh ite can 't m ove h i s k i n g :
2 Kc8-b8 f2-f 1 = 0 a n d mate next
move .
He ca n 't m ove h i s roo k :
2 R a 8-b8 f2-f 1 = Q a n d B l ac k
mate s on f 8 .
He ca n 't q u een h i s pawn :
P o s i t i o n after 1 . . .f3-f2
2 b7-b8=0 f2-f 1 =0 a n d B l ack
th re atens m a te on f8, f 5 , h 3 ,
and a6.
What can Wh ite do? Every move see m s to l o s e .

Th e c l u e from t h e l a st pos i t i o n i s the bish op.
2 b7-b8=B
N o w the n ice n e w b i s h o p c a n 't go a n y w h e r e , a n d Wh ite h a s ca refu l l y
sta l e m ated h i m s e l f . I f B l ack q u ee n s h i s pawn , o r m oves h i s k i n g , o r
moves h i s b i s h o p , t h e g a m e i s d rawn . I f h e m oves h i s k n i ght t h e wh i te
k i n g can esc a p e o n d 7 , Wh ite wi l l t h e n q u e e n h i s c-pawn a n d may even wi n !
Th ere i s n oth i n g B l ac k c a n d o ! H e m u st a l l ow t h e sta l emate .
Page 8 1
TEST N I NE
Four pro blems to solve
Q Th e wh ite king is trapped on Q Wh ite 's bishop can disco ver

the long diagonal. Ho w does check in several ways. Wh ich way
Black finish him o ff? leads to checkma te?
il b (' c1 e f g h a b c d e f h
8
•
�r • • • •;.-... .
• •
7.
�
8 s ,I • • • • • 8
7 . •� • �: � •� :t · .... �. "
7
7 �� • • :t • • 7
�
.
z
6 • • • .6 6 • �---·� �� • :t � � 6 : . {
5
• :t • 6 • " 5
5. •
� 5
4 ��- --�-9� • •� . 4 �
4 nAm
� 4 ·--· �
3 . � -.-�D... • m
�
.
�
�--� ft.
<
� '1%
3 3
. ...� • •
• �
3
�---·� • • � -� �
2 2 ftnftn{)D
� � . ftD. 2 , "
1 �� •
a
• • it � � � ,
b c: d e f � g-
-
h-
. • • �
,
a b c d e f
l:!: .
g
7.
B l a c k to m ove Wh i t e to m ov e
�
Th e b l a c k q u ee n forces her way Th e b l ac k k i n g m u st be trapped in
on to the d i ag o n a l . his c o r n e r .
1 . . . Qf 1 xa 1 1 Bh 6-f8+ Bg4-h5
U n l ess Wh ite w i s h es t o battl e on a Th e b l ac k b i s h o p seems to h av e
roo k d o w n , h e m u st recaptu re. come to t h e rescu e . B u t . . .
2 Qg3xf4 Qa 1 -a8+ 2 Qh4xh5+
The d i a g o n a l is sei zed a n d the . . . he gets s m a s h e d a s i d e .
king neatl y tra p p e d . 2 . . . g6xh5
3 Of4-f3 Oa8xf3 mate 3 R d 6-h6 mate
Page 82
Q Black 's bishop seems to defen d Q Black has a fierce K-side attack.
the weak dark squares around his Bu t it is White, thanks to his two
king. Ho w does White in vade? bishops, wh o checkma tes. Ho w?
W h i t e to m ov e Wh i t e to m ov e
Wh ite destroys the d e fe n d e r . Th e two b i s h o ps ra ke the 0-s i d e

a n d s e t u p a sta n d a rd m a t e . Wh ite
1 R b 1 xb2 R b8xb2
o n l y has to get rid of the pawn on
2 Qd 3-d4
b7 .
Wh ite grabs the l o ng d i a g o n a l
1 R d 5-h5
a n d th reate ns t h e r o o k o n b2 a n d
mate o n g 7 . Th e rook i s s a c r i f i ced to m a k e way
for the q u e e n .
2 . . . Qa5-e5
1 . . . Qh6xh5
B l ac k f i g hts for the d i ag o n a l ; the
2 Qg2xc6+
only way h e c a n d e fe n d a g a i nst
both th reats. Anot h e r bri l l i a nt s a c r i f i ce to
b r e a k u p t h e b l ac k p a w n s .
3 Rf1 -e 1
2 . . . b7xc6
Th e e n d !
3 Bf1 xa6 mate
If B l ack moves h i s q u ee n off t h e
d i a g o n a l h e i s m ated o n g7 ( 3 . . .
Score 6 poin ts.
Oe 5x e 1 4 Qd4-g7 m ate ) . I f B l ack
stays o n t h e d i ag o n a l h e i s m ated
on the back ra n k ( 3 . . . Oe 5xd4
4 R e 1 x e 8 m a te ) .
Score 4 poin ts.
Page 83
Testgame 9 10 . . . f7-f5
Score 4 poin ts.
( Queen 's In dian Defence ) B l ac k h i ts e4 aga i n . T h e a l te r n a t i v e
M . E u we P. Keres way , 1 0 . . . d 6 -d 5, b l ocks t h e l o n g
1 d 2-d4 N g8-f6 d i a g o n a l a n d l e aves t h e b i s h o p
2 c2-c4 e7-e6 s h u t i n after t h e pawns are e x
3 N g 1 -f3 b7-b6 c h a nged .
4 g2-g3 Bc8-b7 Score 1 poin t for t h e dev e l o p i n g
B l ac k i s p l a y i n g a q u i et o p e n i n g , move 1 0 . . . N b 8-c6 .
l e av i n g t h e battl e u nti l t h e m i dd l e 11 N f3-e 1 Qd8-c8
g a m e . H e d o es n 't p u t a p a w n i n 12 e2-e4 N b8-d7
the centre, a l th o u g h h e can d o s o 13 d4-d5 f5xe4
b y e i t h e r . . . d 7 - d 5 o r . . . c 7-c5 a n y 14 Qc2xe4
t i m e h e l i ke s . H e i s h i tt i n g t h e l i g h t
s q u a res i n t h e centre, espec i a l l y e 4 ,
Q Black comes under fire on e6.
Wha t sh ould he do ?
with h i s p i eces.
5 Bf 1 -g2 Bf8-e7
6 0-0 0-0
7 N b 1 -c3 Nf6-e4
8 Qd 1 -c2 N e4xc3
9 Qc2xc3 d7-d6
10 Qc3-c2
Wh i te p l a n s to s e i z e m o r e of t h e
c e n t r e by 1 1 e 2-e4.
Q Ho w sh ould Black h old up
White 's plan ?
14 . . . Nd7-c5
Score 4 poin ts.
B l ac k d o u b l y defends h i s e-pawn
a n d attacks the wh i te q u e e n .
Score 0 poin ts f o r 1 4 . . . e6-e 5 .
Th i s saves y o u r pawn b u t costs
you r b i s h o p s dea r l y . The d a r k
sq u a red b i s h o p is trapped beh i n d
h i s o w n pawns o n d 6 a n d e 5 ;
h i s p a rtn e r i s b l u nted by th e wh i te
pawn b l ockade on d 5 . H e r e , as
a l ways, the power of t h e b i s h ops
Page 84
Diagonals a n d bishops
d e p e n d s u po n t h e p o s i t i o n of t h e 17 Bc1 -e3 Oc8-d 8

pawn s . B r ea k i n g t h e p i n .
L ose 2 poin ts i f y o u wo u l d h a v e 18 Be3xc5 e6xd5
pl ayed 1 4 . . . e 6 x d 5 , l eav i n g y o u r
Th e o n l y way to save h i s e-pawn .
b i s h o p o n e 7 e n prise.
I f now 1 9 Bc5-e3, B l ack w i n s
15 Oe4-e2 b a c k h i s pi ece by 1 9 . . . d 5-d 4 .
Q No w wha t sh ould Black do ? 19 B h3-e6+ Kg8-h8
20 R a 1 -d 1 d6xc5
b c d g h
21 N e 1 -g2
Q Wha t is Black 's nex t m o ve?
b c d e g h
15 . . . Be7-f6
Score 4 poin ts.
The b i s h o p sei zes a good d i ag o n a l
from wh ich h e can atta c k t h e 21 . . . d5-d4
centre. H e p i n s t h e wh ite b-pawn
Score 2 poin ts.
and saves h i s k n i g h t from t h e em
With an extra pawn a n d two good
barrass m e n t of 1 6 b2-b4. H e
b i s h o p s B l a ck takes h i s c h a nce to
i n v i tes h i s rook t o c o m e t o e 8 .
get a passed pawn . He opens u p
Score 1 poin t for 1 5 . . . a 7 - a 5 . th e l o n g d i a g o n a l for h i s l i g h t
16 Bg2-h3 sq u a red b i s h o p - but h e s h uts i n
B l ac k ' s wea k n esses a re c l e a r : e6 h i s oth e r b i s h o p .
and t h e l i gh t-sq u a red d i ag o n a l s Score 4 poin ts f o r 2 1 . . . Bf6-d 4 .
lead i n g i nto the h e a rt of h i s W i th th i s m ove B l ac k wou l d b l oc k
posit i o n . the d-fi l e . H e c o u I d t h e n exch a n g e
16 . . . Rf8-e8 h i s d - p a w n for the wh ite c-pa w n ,
a n d h i s two b i s h o p s , beautifu l l y
Bl a c k 's strength i s eq u a l l y c l e a r :
p l aced o n a n o p e n board , wou l d
good deve l o p m e nt, w i t h p a rt i c u
have a field day !
l a r l y we l l - p l aced m i n o r p i eces. H e
th reate n s s i m p l y 1 7 . . . e6xd 5 . Score 2 poin ts for 2 1 . . . Od 8-d 6 .
Page 8 5
22 f2-f4 d4-d 3 ! 26 . . . Ra8-e8

B l ack q u i c k l y m a kes u p for h i s Score 4 poin ts.
m i sta ke a n d sacrifi ces a pawn to Al l B l ac k 's p i eces h ave s p r u n g i n to
b r i n g h i s k i n g 's b i s h o p back to l i fe. act i o n . He h as tota l control of th e
23 R d 1 xd3 Qd8xd3 ! ! o p e n f i l e , a l t h o u g h W h i te is d es
pe rate l y g u a rd i n g the i nv a s i o n
Al l p a rt of t h e p l a n , but B l ac k
p o i nts. B l ac k a l so h a s h i s two
d o es n 't seem t o be gett i n g e n o u g h
bishops !
for h i s q u e e n .
No score for 26 . . . Bd4xf 2 . B l a c k
2 4 Qe2xd3 Bf6-d4+
wou l d n 't d re a m of g i v i n g u p o n e
25 R f 1 -f2
o f t h o s e b i s h o p s for W h ite's m i se r
If Wh ite puts h i s k i n g i n th e c o r n e r , a b l e roo k !
2 5 Kg 1 - h 1 , t h e n B l a c k p l a y s 2 5
27 f4-f5
. . . R e 8xe6, 2 6 . . . R a 8-e8, a n d 27
. . . Re6-e2, a n d t h e corner becom es Wh ite c a n not fi nd a p l a n . H i s
a d eath tra p . k n i g h t h a s t o g u a rd e 1 , h i s roo k h a s
t o g u a rd e 2 . Toget h e r t h e two
25 . . . R e8xe6
p i eces m a ke up a fl i msy ba r r i e r to
The s m o ke has c l eared, and B l ac k the b l ac k b i s h o ps . . . but not for l o n g .
h a s a roo k a n d a b i s h o p fo r h i s
27 R e6-e5
q u e e n . N ot e n o u g h . B u t ! Loo k a t
28 f5-f6 g7 xf6
the b i s h o p s . T h e y sta nd astr i d e t h e
29 Rf2-d2
centre, c a rv i n g a m otorway i n to
Wh ite's pos i t i o n , a n d m o re t h a n I f W h ite had recaptu red , h i s rook
m a ke u p fo r t h e materi a l l oss. rea l l y wou l d h ave fa l l e n to the
b i s h o p : 2 9 R f 2xf6 B b7 x g 2+ 3 0
26 l<g 1 -f 1
Kf 1 x g 2 R e 5-e 2+ , a n d 3 1 . . . B d4xf6 .
Q Ho w does Black keep up the Q No w wha t should Black do ?
attack?
b c d g h ti c q h
a b d e f
Page 86
29 . . . Bb7-c8 ! ! two b i s h o p s for h i s q u e e n - but

Score 6 poin ts. those two b i s h ops own a l l the
Th e l o n g d i ag o n a l , a l o n g w h i c h sq u a res !
the l i ght-sq u a red b i s h o p h a s 33 g3xf4 Re8-g8+
breath ed f i re for so l o n g , h a s 34 l<g2-f3
served i t s u se . The w h i t e k i n g h a s
Q Ho w does Black finish it o ff?
f l e d towa rds the centre . The b l a c k
b i s h o p I o o k s for new I i nes of b c d g h
attack a n d th reate ns to go to h 3
w h e r e it wi l l p i n d own t h e wh ite
knight.
3 0 N g2-f4
Th e th reat of t h e p i n fo rces th e
k n i g h t out of g2 a n d g ives t h e
b l a c k rooks i nv a s i o n sq u a res o n
t h e o p e n e-fi l e .
30 . . . R e6-e3
Chec k i n g on el was a l so good .
31 Qd3-b 1 R e 3-f3+
32 l<f 1 -g2
34 . . . Bc8-g4+
Q Black strikes brillian tly. Ho w?
Score 4 poin ts.
b c d e g h
The b i s h ops b o m b a rd t h e centra l
sq u a res a n d the wh ite ro y a l fam i l y
get caught i n t h e c ross-f i re . E u we
d e c i d e d h e 'd been batte red e n o u g h
a t th i s p o i n t a n d res i g ned . A p i ty !
J u st w h e n the l i ght-s q u a red b i s h o p
w a s e n j oy i n g h i m s e l f . I f E u we h a d
tried 3 5 Kf3-g3 B g4-f 5+ a n d t h e
b i s h o p c l o bbers the wh ite q u e e n .
And i f E u w e h a d t r i e d 3 5 Kf3-e4
R g 8-e8+ the b i s h o p wou l d have
m ated h i m .
T h e g a m e was rea l l y d e c i d e d by
the pawn batt l e in th e centre .
Ke res won t h e batt l e a n d kept h i s
32 . . . Rf3xf4 ! pawns o u t of the way of h i s b i s h o p s .
Score 5 poin ts. The s u d d e n devastat i n g e n d s h owed
White's o n l y wel l - p l aced p i ece i s j u st how ter r i b l e the power of two
destroyed . B l a c k now h a s o n l y t h e b i s h o ps can be o n a n open boa rd .
Page 87
D ufresne's birthday party
B er l i n , 1 85 2 . It was defi n i te l y not D ufres n e 's b i rt h d a y . It wasn 't C h r i st m a s

e i t h e r . So, why was D u fresne gett i n g so m a n y p resents? H i s o p p o n e n t
see m e d to be sh owe r i n g h i m with p i eces. V e ry stra n g e . Even m o re stra nge
w hen D u fres n e c o n s i d e red wh o h e was p l ay i n g . Ad o l f A n d e rss e n was
s u p posed to be t h e stro ngest p l ay e r in the worl d ; he h a d won t h e fi rst ever
I nternat i o n a l Tou r n a m e nt, held in London t h e y e a r befo re. So, what was
An d e rssen up to now? G i v i n g a l l his p i eces away . . . except for his b i s h o p s .
Wh at w a s so s p ec i a l a b o u t t h o s e b i s h ops?
( Evans Gambit ) 8 Qd 1 -b3 Qd 8-f6

A. An d e rsse n J . D u f res n e 9 e4-e5
1 e2-e4 e7-e5 A th i rd pawn is p rese nted .
2 N g 1 -f3 N b8-c6 9 Qf6-g6
3 Bf 1 -c4 Bf8-c5
D u fres n e d i d n 't l i ke that o n e
4 b2-b4
e i th e r . After 9 . . N c 6 x e 5 1 0
.
The fi rst present c o m es t h r o u g h R f 1 -e 1 d 7-d6 1 1 Ob3-b5+ h e

D u f r e s n e ' s l etter box . A pawn ! l oses h i s b i s h o p .
Th i s d i d n 't rea l l y su r p r i s e D u f
10 R f 1 -e 1 N g8-e7
res n e . T h e E n g l i s h n a v a l ca pta i n
11 Bc1 -a3 b7 -b5
W . D . Evans h a d i nve nted t h i s
g a m b i t o pe n i ng i n 1 824 , a n d it With two pawns i n the bag
h a d been popu l a r with atta c k i n g Du fre s n e can afford to give o n e
p l a yers e v e r s i n c e . of t h e m bac k to s l ow h i s o p p o n e n t
down a n d f i n i s h o f f h i s own d e
4 Bc5xb4
vel opment.
5 c2-c3 Bb4-a5
6 d2-d4 e5xd4 12 Qb3xb5 R a8-b8
7 0-0 13 Qb5-a4 Ba5-b6
14 N b 1 -d 2 Bc8 -b7
Before D u fresne had t i m e to say
th a n k you p r o p e r l y for the f i rst Al l seems to be g o i n g q u ite we l l
present, a seco nd pawn a rrives, fo r D u fres n e ; h i s p o s i t i o n l o o ks
g i ft-wra p p e d . so l i d a n d h e 's got h i s p i eces i n to
p l a y . Th e pawn on e5 is a bit of a
7 . . . d4-d3
n u isa nce a n d those two wh ite
Th i s one D u fres n e wasn 't so su re b i s h o p s look m e n a c i n g , but a l l
a bo u t . If he had t a k e n the pawn a A n d e rssen h a s d o n e s o far i s to
wh ite k n i g h t wo u l d h ave e n d e d u p wave h i s pawns a bo u t l i ke c o n fetti .
o n c 3 h a m m e r i n g a t t h e centre.
15 N d 2-e4 Qg6-f5
Anyway, Dufresne h a d n 't rea l i zed
16 Bc4xd3
yet th at it was g o i n g to be h i s
bi rth d a y ! Dufresne i s l o o k i n g bored .
Page 88
Anderssen d ec i d es to l i v e n th i ngs 21 .. . Ke8xd7

up. H e th reate n s 1 7 N e4-f6+ 22 Bd3-f5++ Kd7-e8
wi n n i ng the b l ac k q u e e n . Or 2 2 . . . Kd 7-c6 23 B f 5-d 7 m ate.
16 Qf5-h5 D u fresne has a q u e e n , a rook, and
17 Ne4-f6+ a k n i g h t m o r e . B u t the music has
sto pped . . . someth i n g seems to be
b c d e g h go i ng wrong w i th h i s pa rty .
23 Bf5-d7+
The g ate crash e r ! A b i s h op a r r i v e s
u n i nv i te d to sp o i l D u f res n e 's fu n .
23 . . Ke8-d8
.
24 Ba3xe7 mate
A seco n d b i s h o p tu r n s h i s bi rth d a y
pa rty i n to a f u n e r a l !
b c g h
Th e p a rty is u n d e r way !
17 . . . g7xf6
Dufresne u n wraps th is present
with g reat g l ee . H e gets a k n i g h t
a n d the o p e n g-fi l e .
1 8 e5xf6 R h8-g8
19 R a 1 -d 1
The oth e r w h i te k n i gh t i s offere d !
19 . . . Qh5xf3
Dufresne g r a bs ev e ryth i n g that's
go i ng . H e has two extra k n ights,
Two bea u t i f u l b i s h o p s !
th e open g-fi l e , and h e th reate n s
mate on g2. D u fresne h a d fou n d o u t t h e h a rd
20 R e 1 xe7+ way j u st why A n d erssen was c o n
s i d ered t h e stro n gest p l ay e r i n t h e
Yet a n oth e r prese n t ! D u fresne c a n
wo r l d . I n a n age of g a m b i t o p e n i ngs
h a rd l y be l i ev e h i s l u c k . P e r h a p s i t
a n d wi l d sac r i f i c i a l attac ks And e rsse n
is h i s b i rt h d a y after a l l .
was t h e m a ster execu t i o n e r . H i s
20 .. . N c6xe7 o p po n ents h a d t o d i e p r o p e r l y .
21 Oa4xd7+ Death s h o u l d b e d e a l t o u t w i th
A pa rce l bo m b ! D u fres n e f i n d s h e 's dash a n d d a r i n g . A n d erssen d i d n 't
got o n e present h e d i d n 't want. j u st beat th e m . . . he s m a s h e d t h e m !
Page 89
TEST TEN
Q Black can sacrifice to smash Q Black is in check. He has three

open the h - file and checkmate ways out: two will lose, one will
the white king. Ho w? win. Ho w does Black win a piece?
a b r rl e g h
B l a c k to m ove B l ac k to m ov e
B l a c k has two atta c k i n g l i n es : t h e Th e o bv i o u s 1 . . . g 7xf6 is d i sas

h-fi l e a n d t h e l o ng l i ght-sq u ared trous afte r 2 Qd 1 x d 8+ Ke8xd 8
d i a g o n a l . The l i n es m eet at h 1 . 3 B g 5xf6+. M o v i n g t h e k i n g a l so
1 Qh3xh2+ l os e s ; 1 . . . Ke8-e7 2 N f6-d 5++ .
2 Kg 1 xh 2 h4xg3+ + T h e way to w i n i s :
3 Kh2-g 1 R h 8-h 1 mate 1 . . . Qd8xf6
T h e roo k a r r ives at t h e meeti n g of 2 8g5xf6 Bf8 -b4+
t h e l i n es ! And n ow i t 's t h e wh ite q u ee n
Score 2 poin ts. w h o i s i n trou b l e .
3 Qd 1 -d 2 Bb4xd2+
4 Ke 1 xd 2 g7xf6
Th e d u st h a s sett l e d a n d B l a c k
has an extra knight !
Score 3 poin ts.
Page 90
Q The white queen is free on an Q White has two good bishops

open board. Ho w does she help an d several a ttacking lines. Ho w
force a quick win ? does he finish Black o ff?
Wh ite to m ov e Wh i t e to m ove
Th e w h i t e queen c a n weave a n ev i l The b l ack q u e e n i s overl oaded ; s h e

path o n t h e d i a g o n a l s . h a s t o defend f7 a n d d 8 .
1 Oc6-e8+ Kh5-g5 1 Bg3-h4
2 f3-f4+ Wh ite g r a bs a good d i a g o n a l . I f
Now B l ac k c a n ch oose wh ich to B l ac k ta kes h e i s m a ted o n f 7 .
lose : h i s k i n g or h i s q u ee n ! 1 Oe7-g7
(a ) 2 Qd5-d8+ N c6xd 8
2 . . . Kg5-g4 3 R d 1 xd8 mate
3 Qe8-e2 mate The b l ac k k i ng is c a u g h t in th e
(b) b i s h o p s ' cross-f i r e .
2 . . . Kg5-f6
Score 6 poin ts.
3 Qe8-h8+
Score 4 poin ts.
Page 9 1
Testgam e 1 0 F o rce d . But now B l ac k has al I h i s

K-s i d e pawns o n l i g h t s q u a re s .
( Caro-Kann Defence ) Q wha t sh ould White do n o w?
Ch a l u petzky K a l l as
1 e2-e4 c7-c6
2 c2-c4 d7-d5
3 e4xd5 c6xd5
4 c4xd5 Qd8xd5
5 N b 1 -c3 Qd5-d8
6 Bf 1 -c4
G oo d deve l o pm e nt, h i tti ng t h e
we a k po i nt at f 7 .
6 . . . Ng8-f6
7 d2-d4 g7-g6
Q Ho w should White con tinue
developing?
9 Bc1 -g5
Score 3 poin ts.
B l ac k h a s wea k e n e d the d a r k
s q u a r e s ; so Wh ite h i ts t h e m stra i g h t
a w a y with a n a sty p i n .
Score 1 poin t for 9 N g 1 -f3 , o r 9
N g 1 -e2.
9 . . . Bf8-g7
Q White has a lead in developmen t.
Wha t sh ould he do n o w?
8 Qd 1 -b3!
Score 4 poin ts.
Wh ite keeps u p the p ressu re o n f 7 ,
a n d forces B l a c k t o m ov e h i s e-pawn .
Score 2 poin ts if y o u were g o i n g to
deve l o p y o u r k n i g h t o n f3 o r e 2 .
Score 1 p oin t i f y o u were g o i n g to
dev e l o p y o u r d a r k-sq u a red b i s h o p
o n e3, f4 , o r g 5 .
8 . . . e7-e6
Page 92
1 0 d4-d5 costs h i m h i s q u e e n ) , a n d 1 5
Score 4 poin ts. N e 5-g4 . T h e p i n o n f6 i s begi n n i n g
The b l a c k pawn on e6 is a road t o b i t e ; Wh ite's l e a d i n deve l o p
block to Wh ite's power o n the m e n t is g rowi n g .
l i ght-s q u a red d i ago n a l . It i s d y n a 13 . . . Qd 8-a5
m i ted . W h ite, with t h e better 14 Bg5-d2 ! Qa5-d 8
deve l o pm e nt, w i l l get the adva ntage
wh e n the p o s i t i o n i s o p e n e d u p .
Q Ho w sh ould White keep up the
pressure?
Score 2 poin ts fo r 1 0 N g 1 -f3 o r
1 0 0-0- 0 .
10 . . . e6xd5
Q wha t does White play n o w?
15 Bd2-b4
Score 4 poin ts.
Th e re is n oth i n g m o r e to be g a i n e d
f r o m the p i n ; so W h i te switches the
11 0-0-0 bishop a n d finds a n e w target. The
Score 4 poin ts. two wh ite bishops join forces . T h e
More deve l o pm e n t a n d a n o t h e r l i ght-s q u a red o n e , a i d ed by th e
p i n . R at h e r th a n recaptu re i m m e q u e e n , h i ts f 7 . T h e d a r k-sq u a red
d i at ely W h i te keeps u p the press u r e . one d r ives away t h e b l a c k roo k .
Score 2 poin ts fo r 1 1 N c 3x d 5 . Score 2 poin ts for ke e p i n g u p t h e
Nothing f o r 1 1 Bc4x d 5 ; o n t h e attac k o n f 7 by 1 5 N f3-g 5, a n d
open board Wh ite doesn 't w a n t t o 1 poin t for the sen s i b l e deve l o p i n g
r i s k h av i ng e i t h e r of h i s s p l e n d i d m o v e 1 5 R h 1 -e 1 .
bishops exch a n g e d . 15 . . . Rf8-e8
11 0-0 16 R h 1 -e 1
12 N c3xd5 N b8-d7 Th e o p e n e-fi l e w i l l be W h i te 's
13 N g 1 -f3 i n v a s i o n route . H e co m p l etes h i s
Wh ite p l a ns 1 4 Nf3- e 5 ( B l a c k c a n 't deve l o p m e n t , excha nges B l ac k 's
captu re, 1 4 . . . N d 7x e 5 1 5 N d 5xf6+ active roo k , a n d g rabs the fi l e .
Page 93
16 R e8xe 1 da r e n 't a l l o w . . . B c 8-g4 + .

17 R d 1 xe 1 Nf6xd5 23 . . . a6-a5
18 Bc4xd5 Qd 8-c7+ 24 B b4-d6 b7 -b6
19 Qb3-c4 ! Oc7xc4+
20 Bd5xc4 Q Ho w does White con tin ue his
a ttack ?
Wh ite is l eft w i t h h i s l e a d i n
dev e l o p m e n t , h i s o p e n f i l e , a n d
. . . h i s m a g n i f i c e n t battery o f
bishops.
20 . . . N d 7 -f8
21 R e 1 -e8
Wh i t e i n v a d e s the b a c k r a n k a n d
k e e p s th e b l ac k b i s h o p at h o m e .
21 . . . Bg7-h 6+
Q Ho w does Wh ite get out of

check ?
25 Nf3-e5
Score 3 poin ts.

Score 3 poin ts a l so f o r 25 Bc4-d 5
wh i c h w i n s t h e e x c h a n g e afte r 2 5
. . . B c 8 - b 7 26 R e 8 x a 8 .
25 . . . Bc8-b7
26 B b3xf7+ Kg8-h8
Q wha t does White do n o w?
22 K c 1 -d 1
Score 2 poin ts.

L ose 3 poin ts i f y o u were g o i n g to
p l a y 22 K c 1 - b 1 o r 22 K c 1 - c 2 . Aft e r
2 2 . . . B c 8-f5+ y o u r roo k o n e 8
l o o k s a b i t stu p i d ! B l ac k h a s b i s h o p s
a s we l l !
22 . . . a7-a6
23 K d 1 -e1
Wh i te wa nts to p l ay Nf3-g 5 , b u t h e
Page 9 4
27 R e8 -e7 s q u a res is stru c k d o w n . T h e w h i te

b i s h o ps pou r i n l i ke a torrent.
Score 3 poin ts.
Th e ro o k f i n d s new ta rgets o n th e 31 Kh 8xg7
seventh ra n k . 32 Bd 6-e5+ Kg7-h 6
33 N d 8 -f7+ l<h 6-h5
Score 1 poin t f o r 2 7 R e 8 x a 8 .
34 Bc4-e2+ Kh 5-h4
Wh ite m i g h t w i n t h e e n d i n g w it h
hi s ext ra pawn , but why exch a n g e Q Th e white pieces con trol all th e
a n act i v e ro o k for a u s e l ess o n e ? squares. Ho w do they finish the job ?
27 . . . Bb7xg2 h c d g h
28 Bf7-c4
The wh ite p i eces a re gath e r i n g l i ke
sto rm c l o u d s over t h e b l a c k k i n g .
T h e y m u st be sorted o u t i n to batt l e
ord e r . T h e two b i s h o ps wo r k power
fu l l y togeth e r , but t h e d a r k-sq u a red
o n e wou l d be better o n the l o n g
d i agona l .
28 Bh 6-g7
29 N e5-f7+ Kh8-g8
a h d I
30 N f7-d8+ Kg8-h8 e
Q Wha t is White 's nex t m o ve?

35 Be5 -g3+
b c d g h
Score 3 poin ts.
The wh ite p i eces weave a net a ro u n d
t h e b l a c k k i n g . . . there i s n o esc a p e .
35 . . . Kh4-h3
36 Nf7 -g5 mate
Two b i s h o p s operat i n g togeth e r , a
3
powe rfu l st r i ke forc e . T h e l i ght
sq u a red b i s h o p and t h e q u ee n
forced B l ac k to wea ken h i s pawn
posi t i o n . T h e d a r k-sq u a red b i s h o p
a b e I h a m mered i n with t h e p i n . B l ac k
strugg l e d , h e l ost t i m e , h e f e l I be
h i n d in d ev e l o p m e n t . The b i s h o ps
31 R e7xg7 ! j o i n e d forces s i d e by s i d e ; they h i t
Score 5 poin ts. f7 a n d f 8 . T h e roo k was sacr i f i ced
O n e f l a s h of l i ght n i n g : o n e c l a p of to destroy B l ac k 's l a st footh o l d on
th u n d e r , a n d i t 's a l l over. T h e b l a c k th e dark s q u a res. Then t h e b i s h o ps
b i s h o p wh ich d efe n d ed the d a r k too k ov e r !
Page 9 5
B u ried a live
Y o u m i ght th i n k that B l ac k has a

good c h a nce of w i n n i n g th i s positi o n . 6
R. R R. R. 6
He h a s n 't .
5•iBiB B
Al l B l ac k does h a v e i s a c h o i c e . H e Ml � � }� •
4 ..E.� •4
fiD fiD
�� :i
n h h .1c h k "1 n g h e wa n t s .
b r v 3
•i. . . 3
•
- � •
� . •2
-
RR
I � 9
. �,, ,�,, •
.
a b c d e l g h
Wh i te to m ov e
Th i s i s the story of two b i s h o p s . The good wh i te o n e , fu l l of l i fe a n d

s q u a res, wh o ch ooses t o d i e . T h e b a d b l a c k o n e - w h o 's d e a d a nyway !
1 d2-d3+ Kb4-a3
2 Be 1 -b4+
The good b i s h o p sac r i f i ces h i m s e l f to save t h e g a m e .
B l ac k m u st t a k e t h e b i s h o p . B u t
wh ich w a y ? H e h a s a c h o i c e . . . a
rotten c h o ice !
( a ) B l ac k c a n p l ay :
2 . . . Ka3xb4
3 Ka 1 -b2
W h e n he s u d de n l y f i n d s h e h a s
sta l e m ated h i m s e l f .
P o s i t i o n a f t e r 3 K a 1 -b2
( b ) o r B l ac k c a n p l ay :
2 . . . a5xb4
3 Ka 1 -b 1
Then h e m u st p l ay :
3 . . . b3-b2
And now he s u d d e n l y f i n d s h e
h a s m a naged t o sta l e mate W h i te !
P o s i t i o n after 3 . . . b 3 - b 2
Page 96
The black king's beauty parade
I t was t i m e h e got m a r r i e d . T h e b c g h
bl ack k i n g was s u r e of t h a t . T h e
pro b l e m w a s wh o t o m a rry ? F o u r
sweet l ittl e p a w n s were q u e u e i n g
u p o n th e seventh ra n k t o bec o m e
h i s q u ee n . W h i c h o n e s h o u l d h e
choose? H e m u st b e ca refu l , a s
k i n g h e cou l d n 't j u st t a k e a ny o l d
h a g fo r h i s w i f e . What h e n e e d e d
was a c l o s e r i nspect i o n of t h e
ca n d i d ates. I t r ea l l y was a p r o b l e m .
W h ite to move
Th at was w h e r e t h e wh i te p ieces gave a h a n d . They i n v ited the k i n g o n a

g u i ded t o u r . I n fact they d i d n 't so m u ch i nv i te h i m as d r i v e h i m !
1 Bb4-c5+
The b l a c k k i ng has been eyei n g u p

8 Bb2-e5+ K b 1 -c 1
M i ss g - p a w n for l o n g e n o u g h , i t 's
t i m e h e m ov e d o n . O h , back f o r a sec o n d l o o k . W e l l ,
th at ca n 't be a bad i d ea .
1 . . . Kg1 4 1
2 Rc8-f8+ Kf 1 -e 1 9 Be5-f4+ Kc 1 -d 1
10 R b8 -d8+ Kd 1 -e 1
Ah ! M i ss e- p a w n , v e r y n i ce . . .
11 Bf4-g3+ Ke 1 -f 1
bit skinny though .
12 R d 8 -f8+ K f 1 -g 1
3 Bc5-b4+ Ke 1 -d 1
B a c k wh e re we started th e n . R i gh t ,
4 Rf8-d8+ Kd 1 -c1
deci s i o n t i m e . N ow . . .
H u l l o ! M i ss c-pawn eh? Yes . . .
13 Kg4-h3
5 Bb4-a 3+ K c 1 -b 1
. . . I th i n k . . . Y e s , M i ss a-pawn,
W a i t a m i n u t e , w a i t a m i n u te ! sweet s h y l ittl e t h i ng . Sh e ' l l d o
G i v e m e t i m e to th i n k . . . you ca n 't wel l . . . g o t a sm a s h i ng f i . . . .
rush these th i n gs .
13 . . . a 2 -a 1 = Q
6 R d 8-b8+ K b 1 -a 1
Exc ited by t h e Parad e , the b l a c k
Co r l You ' re M i ss a-pawn a re y o u ? k i n g h a s m i ssed t h e p o i n t . I t i s n ot
You l o o k j u st . . . h e , it is the wh ite b i s h o p w h o i s
7 Ba 3-b2+ K a 1 -b 1 j u d g e , j u ry . . .
H e y w h e re are w e g o i n g now? I 14 Bg3-h 2 mate
h a d n 't f i n i s h e d with M i ss a-paw n . . . . a n d execut i o n e r !
Page 9 7
The power of the pin
T r y to work o u t h o w W h ite c a n w i n 1 Qd4-f6+ K h 6-h5

from th i s posit i o n . D o n 't be s u r 2 Qf6-f5+ Kh5-h6
p r i sed i f you get d i zzy on t h e 3 Bf2-e3+ Kh6-g7
d i ago n a l s ! B l ac k h a s to wa l k i n to 4 Of5-g5+ Kg7-f8
two h o rr i b l e p i n s . If 4 . . . Kg7-h 8 , 5 Be3-d4+ w i n s .
5 Be3-c5+ Bc7-d 6
I f 5 . . . Kf8-e8, 6 Og 5-e7 is m ate .
6 Og5-e5
P i n o n e . T h e b l a c k b i s h o p d a r e n 't
move . . . b u t h e 's de ad w h e r e h e i s !
6 Qb8-d8
7 Bc5xd 6+ Kf8-g8
8 Oe5-g3+ Kg8-h8
9 Bd 6-e5+ f7-f6
And now, s a m e a g a i n !
1 0 Qg3-g5
Wh ite t o m ove P i n two . B l ac k is c r u c i f i e d !
A bishop out of the b l u e
B l a c k 's a-pawn i s o n t h e m a rc h , Not 1 . . . Kc6-c5 2 Bf6-e7+ w i n n i n g

but. . . th e b l a c k a-pawn .
2 d2-d 3 a3-a2
3 c2-c4+ Kd5-c5
As l o n g a s B l ac k 's d-pawn b l ocks
th e l o ng d i ag o n a l his a-pawn can
m a rc h safe l y fo rward .
4 Ka6-b7 a2-a 1 =0
B l ac k 's a-pawn h a s m a d e it to t h e
coronati o n . T h e n e w q u ee n i s e n
throned o n a 1 . The o l d k i n g i s
be l te d b y a th u n d e rb o l t o n c5 !
A b i s h o p o u t of t h e bl u e !
Wh i te t o m ov e
5 Bf6-e7 mate !
N e at !
1 Bh4-f6 Kc6-d5
Page 98
Raiding knights
K n i g h ts go i n to atta c k as ra i d e rs . Qu e e n s , roo k s , a n d b i s h o p s c a n s i t
safe l y at h o m e a n d bom bard t h e e n e m y from a fa r . K n i g h ts can n ot .
K n i gh ts a re s h o rt- range p i eces ; they c a n n ot reach o u t across t h e board .
They m u st r a i d t h e e n e m y 's posi t i o n , get to g r i ps with h i m face to face,
and s l u g it out at c l ose q u a rte rs.
A k n i gh t e x e rts all h i s power o n the sq u a res c l o s e by h i m . For th i s
reason a k n i g h t i s g e n e ra l l y bette r p l aced i n the centre, w h e r e h e c a n
switch from s i d e to s i d e , s p r i n g to t h e atta c k o r t u r n to t h e d e f e n c e . A
kn i g h t w h o h a s i n vaded the centre of t h e e n e m y p o s i t i o n c a n be a tre
m e n d o u s attac k i n g wea p o n .
H e re t h e w h i te k n i g h t h a s r a i d ed g h
d e e p i nto e n e m y territory. H e
sw i v e l s t o f i re i n a l l d i recti o n s . H e
h i ts th e pawns o n f 7 a n d b 7 , a n d
h e sto ps B l ac k f r o m putti n g a roo k
on e8 o r c 8 . H e c a n go to b5 a n d
th reaten t h e b l a c k q u e e n , o r h e
c a n retreat t o e 4 a n d switch t o a K
s i d e attac k .
Th e k n i g h t h a s s e i zed a s u p e r b base
from wh i c h to o p e rate .
As a r a i d e r the k n i g h t wi l l c o m e u n d e r e n e m y f i re . H e c a n n ot h o pe to
i n v a d e t h e e n e m y pos i t i o n without bei n g attacked . T h e k n i g h t n e e d s
a n o p e rati o n s base from wh i c h h e c a n n ot e a s i l y be k i c ked o u t . I n the
p o s i t i o n a bove h e h a s t h at base . H e i s f i r m l y s u p p o rted by his own pawn
on e 5 , and t h e bl ack pawns ca n 't get at h i m .
G ett i n g a good base from w h i c h to o p e rate i s g e n e ra l l y e a s i e r i n
cl osed pos i t i o n s w h e r e there a re p l e nty o f pawns o n t h e boa rd . I n p o s i
t i o n s w h e r e there a re o p e n l i n es a k n i g h t ca n n ot ex pect to d i g h i m s e l f i n .
Th e pawns wi l l n o t b e there t o d e fe n d h i m ; h e w i l l h a v e t o r e l y u po n
p i eces for s u p p o rt . H e w i l l n e e d to f l i t a ro u n d a n d f i g h t t h e h i t-a n d - r u n
battl e of a t ru e r a i d e r .
Page 9 9
Raiding knigh ts
T h e two m a i n tact i c a l stre n g t h s of t h e k n i gh t a r e t h e for k a n d t h e

d i scov ered atta c k .
Th e fork
I n a f o r k t h e k n i g h t atta c k s two
e n e m y p i ec e s a t t h e s a m e t i m e .
Th e e n e m y , u n a b l e t o h a v e two
moves r u n n i ng , is a b l e to save
o n l y one of his p i eces .
Wh i t e ' s k n i g h t f o r k s B l a c k 's k i n g
a n d ro o k
Y o u m u st a l ways b e o n th e l o o k- o u t fo r s q u a res f r o m wh i c h y ou r k n i g h t
m i g h t b e a b l e to m a k e a d o u b l e attac k . So m e t i m e s y o u w i l l f i n d a n e a s y ,
s i m p l e f o r k . M o re often y o u w i l l h av e to do a l it t l e w o r k f i rst.
H e re the i m p o rta n t s q u a r e is d 6 .
F r o m d 6 t h e wh i t e k n i g h t w i l l
f o r k e 4 a n d f 7 . I f h e goes t o d 6
stra i g h t away t h e k n i g h t w i l l
a tt a c k th e b l ac k q u ee n a n d th i n
a i r ! W h i t e m us t set u p t h e fo r k
b y d r i v i ng out the black k i n g :
1 R c3-c8+ Kg8-f7
N o w W h i te is r e a d y . . .
2 N b5-d 6+
. . . a n d B l ac k l oses h i s q u e e n .
Wh i t e to m ov e
H e re f 5 l oo ks a good h o m e f o r t h e
k n i gh t . T h e trou b l e i s t h a t f 5 i s
h e av i l y d e fe n d e d . Wh ite destroys
t h e d efe n d e rs and sets up t h e for k :
1 Qe 2xh5 g6xh5
N o w t h e g a t e is open . . .
2 N e 3-f5+
. . . a n d W h i t e c o m es o u t a r o o k
a h ead .
Wh i t e to move
Page 100
Raiding knigh ts
The disco vered a ttack

A k n i ght s o m eti mes f i n d s h i m s e l f b l o c k i n g the l i n e of atta c k of a n ot h e r
p i e c e . W h e n h e m oves o u t of t h e w a y t h e k n i gh t o p e n s the l i n e a n d d i s
cov ers th e atta c k .
H e re t h e wh ite k n i g h t b l ocks h i s
qu een 's I i n e of attac k . W h e n t h e
k n i g h t m o v e s B l a c k wi l l b e i n
c h ec k . W h ite p l ay s :
1 N e5-c6+
Th e attack is d i scove red . The e
f i l e i s open and B l ac k i s in c h e c k .
A t th e s a m e t i m e t h e b l ack q u e e n
is th reate n e d . B l ac k , t o o b u sy
de a l i n g with th e c h e c k , c a n not
save h i s q u ee n .
W h i te t o m o v e
D i scov e r i n g a n attack gives a k n i g ht t h e c h a n ce to d o some rea l ra i d i n g .

H e c a n take u p a death-defy i n g positi o n , y e t b e pe rfect l y safe . I n t h e
pos i t i o n a bove t h e k n i g h t cou l d a l so go t o g 6 . Aga i n h e wou l d be
attacked by two b l a c k pawns, but aga i n h e wou l d be p e rfect l y safe .
B l ac k h a s to d e a l with the d i scovered attac k , so h e doesn 't h ave t i m e
for the kn ight.
A th i rd tact i c a l t r i c k of a k n i g h t can a r i se i n a p o s i t i o n wh e re a p a w n i s
be i ng prom oted . A k n i g h t m a y h a v e t h e power to g i v e c h e c k i n a pos i t i o n
wh ere a q u ee n wo u l d be u s e l ess.
H e re i s a pos i t i o n from a game b c: d g h
wh ich m i g h t h ave ch a nged the

co u rse of wo r l d chess h i story ! *
B l a c k h a s j u st p l a yed . . . R f8-f 6 ;
h e th reate n s m ate o n h 6 . W h i t e
can p l ay d 7 xc8=0, but th at i s n 't
any good because he sti l l gets
m ated !
So Wh i te p rom otes to a k n i g h t :
d7xc8=N
Now B l ac k d o es n 't h ave time for
. . . Rf6-h6 bec a u s e h is own k i n g h as
Wh ite to m ov e
been attac ked . M ated i n fact !
* S e e J . N . Wa l k e r : A ttacking t h e King, p a g e s 5 a n d 6.
Page 1 0 1
Raiding kn igh ts
R e m e m ber a k n i gh t c a n somet i m es be m o re u sefu l t h a n a q u ee n .

A k n i g h t is often a b l e to d e l i v e r c h e c k m a t e . U n l i ke t h e q u e e n , roo k , a n d
b i s h o p , t h e k n i g h t doesn 't attack a r o w o f s q u a res. H e c a n o n l y p i c k o u t
i n d i v i d u a l ta rget squ a res, a n d th i s c u t s d o w n h i s c h a nces o f c h e c k m at i n g .
Even s o , t h e re a r e a few sta n d a rd

pos i t i o n s where t h e k n i g h t p roves
a winner:
H e re h e gets a h e l p i n g h a n d from
th e roo k .
A n d h e r e h e h a s i nvaded t h e h o l es
arou nd the castl ed posit i o n . ( A
k n i g h t o n e 7 wou l d a l so mate . )
The s m oth e red m ate i s a m o re spectacu l a r k n i g h t m at e . I n t h i s the k n i g h t

catc hes a k i ng wh o i s trapped , u n a b l e to m ov e , beca u s e h i s own a r m y i s
i n h is way.
So meti m es it i s poss i b l e to s e t u p a
s m oth e red mate i n t h e o pe n i n g ,
befo re o n e s i d e h a s d ev e l o ped h i s
p i eces :
1 e2-e4 c7-c6
2 d 2-d4 d7-d5
3 N b 1 -c3 d5xe4
4 N c3xe4 N b8-d7
5 Qd 1 -e2 Ng8-f6
6 N e4-d 6 mate
P o s i t i o n after 6 N e4-d6 mate
Su rrou n d ed by h i s own p i eces the b l a c k k i n g was b u r i ed a l i v e . N ow h e 's

b u r i ed d ead ! T h e b l a c k p i eces, far from g i v i n g cov e r to th e i r m o n a rc h ,
Page 1 02
Raiding knigh ts
have com p l ete l y s m oth e red h i m . T h e wh ite k n i g h t h a s r a i d ed t h e e n e m y

pos i t i o n a n d u sed h i s p o w e r of j u m p i n g ov e r t h e defe n d e rs to s t a b th e
k i n g at c l ose r a n g e .
A smoth e red mate i s m o re l i ke l y t o occ u r l ater i n t h e g a m e , wh e n a

cast l e d k i n g is c a u g h t i n th e c o r n e r .
H e re the bl ack k i n g h as b e e n
d ri v e n i n to t h e c o r n e r . H i s roo k
a n d pawns s u r ro u nd h i m . T h e
wh ite k n i g h t h a s h o p ped i n a n d
th e k i n g o n c e aga i n i s d e a d a n d
bu r i e d .
Two k n i g h ts ra i d i ng as a team c a n com b i n e to attac k a s m a l l area with

devastat i ng effect. A s i n g l e k n i g h t c a n attack sq u a res of o n l y o n e co l o u r ;
two k n i g hts c a n attack both l i gh t a n d d a r k sq u a re s .
O n th e i r own t w o k n i g h ts w i l l n o t
be a b l e to force c h e c k m ate . They
wi l l either n eed t h e h e l p of oth e r
pi eces o r they wi l l h ave t o m a ke
use of t h e s m oth e r i n g effect of
e n e m y defe n d e rs .
The th ree d i ag r a m s s h ow j u st
how m a n y sq u a res i n a s m a l l
sect i o n o f t h e boa rd c a n b e
bl itzed by a pa i r of k n i g h t s .
I n the d a n g e r a re a i n each of t h e
d i ag r a m s a b l a c k k i n g c o u l d sti l l
f i n d esca pe sq u a res. B u t i m a g i n e
m o re attack i n g p i eces i n th e a r e a ,
i m a g i n e b l a c k defe n d ers sta n d i n g
on s o m e o f those escape sq u a res !
I t i s n 't d i ffi c u l t to see that a
bl ack k i n g cou l d be i n g rave
danger.
Page 1 03
R aiding knigh ts
T E ST E L E V E N
Q Ho w does Black make use o f Q Ho w does Wh ite make use of

a knigh t fork t o reach a winning his well-placed kn igh t?
en dgame?
B l ac k to m ov e Wh ite to move
I f the wh i te k i n g were o n g 2 , A f o r k on d7 is com i ng u p . F i rst

B l ack wo u l d have a s i m p l e f o r k Wh ite m u st s o l v e the p r o b l e m of
o n e 3 . B l ac k 's s o l u t i o n i s to p u t h i s q u ee n .
t h e w h ite k i n g o n g 2 ! 1 Of3xf8+
1 . . . Qd5xg2+
Wh ite captu res t h e r o o k a n d sets
2 Kf2xg2
up t h e b l a c k k i n g ready for t h e
If Wh ite d o es n 't captu re he l oses for k .
h i s q u ee n fo r n o th i n g . 1 . . . Kg8xf8
2 . . . N f5xe3+
Now Wh i te is read y .
3 K moves N e3xc2
2 N e 5 -d7+ K moves
B l ac k reaches the e n d g a m e a
3 N d 7 xb6
k n i g h t a n d a pawn a h e a d .
Th e b l ac k q u ee n fa l l s , a n d W h i te
Score 2 poin ts.
comes o u t of the com b i n a t i o n a
rook ahead.
Score 3 p oin ts.
N o t i ce h ow i n both these two pro b l e m s t h e attacker, spott i n g t h e poss i b l e

f o r k , d rives h i s o p p o n e n t 's p i eces onto the s q u a res wh e re he w a n t s t h e m .
Page 1 04
Raiding knigh ts
Q White seems to have the attack, Q White 's knigh ts are beau tifully
bu t the knigh t helps Black to placed. Ho w do they combine to
strike first. Ho w? force checkmate?
B l a c k to m ov e Wh i t e to m ov e
B l ac k i nvades t h e back ran k . Th e b l ac k k i ng i s c o r n e red a n d

1 Oe2xf 1 + Wh i te m a ke s u se of t h e th reat of
2 Kg 1 xf 1 Ne4-d 2+ s m oth e red m ate .
3 Kf 1 -g 1 R e8-e 1 + 1 Of7-g8+ Kh8xg8
4 Kg1 -h2 If B l ack captu res with the rook
Now t h e k n i g h t gets t o wo r k . . . h e s m ot h e rs his k i n g , a n d Wh ite
4 . . . N d 2� 1 + m ates with h i s k n i g h t o n f7 .
The wh i te k i n g m u st c o m e back 2 N d 5-e7++

o n to t h e f i rst ran k . . . D o u b l e c h ec k !
5 Kh2-g1 2 . . . Kg8-f8
. . . and n o w th e b l ac k k n i g h t can The b l ack k i n g wo u l d l ove to ru n
d i scov e r c h ec k . back i n to h i s c o r n e r , but 2 . . .
5 . . . N f 1 -g3+ Kg8-h 8 3 N e 5-f7 i s m ate .
Usefu l k n i g hts !
D i scove r i n g ch ec k on e3 is j u st as
good . E i t h e r way t h e k n i g h t c a n n ot 3 Ne5-g6+ h7xg6
be ca ptu red ; so B l ac k rega i n s h i s 4 Ne7xg6 mate
q u een and rem a i n s a rook a h e a d . Th e b i s h o p h o l d s t h e l i g h t s q u a res,
Score 5 poin ts. the k n i g h t h o l d s the dark sq u a re s .
The b l ac k k i n g i s c a u g h t i n t h e n et .
Score 5 poin ts.
Page 1 0 5
Raiding knigh ts
Testgam e 1 1 Q wha t does Black do n o w?

( Ruy L opez ) b c d g h
Pegoraro Sc h e i pel
1 e2-e4 e7-e5
2 N g 1 -f3 N b8-c6
3 Bf 1 -b5 a7-a6
4 Bb5-a4 N g8-f6
5 0-0 Bf8-e7
6 Qd 1 -e2 b7-b5
7 Ba4-b3 0-0
8 c2-c3 d7-d6
9 a2-a4 b5-b4
10 c3xb4
Q Black 's nex t m o ve is ob vious. . .

11 . . . Bg4xf3
or is it? Wha t would you do ?
Score 3 poin ts.
tl c g h B l ac k destroys W h ite 's k n i g h t
a n d p r e p a res to occu py d4 with
his own .
Score 1 poin t for 1 1 . . . Od 8-d 7 .
12 g2xf3
Natu r a l l y W h ite d i d n 't l i ke 1 2
Oc4x c6 Bf3xe4 w h e n h e l oses a
va l u a b l e centre paw n .
12 . . . N c6-d4
Of cou rse ! The k n i g h t s e i zes t h e
s p l e n d i d o ut post.
Wh ite's p r o b l e m s are c l e a r :
10 . . . Bc8-g4 ! ( a ) T h e b l a c k k n i ght d om i n ates the
Score 4 poin ts. centre a n d h e ca n 't d o a nyth i n g
With h i s l ast m ov e W h ite l eft h i m about i t . H e ca n 't k i c k the k n i g h t
se l f with a w h a c k i n g great h o l e o u t w i t h a p a w n , a n d i t 's go i n g to
on d 4 , a n d a b l ack k n i g h t i s a l ta ke h i m ages to b r i n g a p i ece
ready i n positi o n t o h o m e i n . rou n d to th reaten i t .
Score 2 poin ts f o r t h e o b v i o u s ( b ) H i s cast l e d pos i t i o n i s s h attered ,
1 0 . . . Nc6x b4 . h i s k i ng is i n d a n g e r on a n o p e n
11 Qe2-c4 f i l e , a n d h i s p a w n s o n f3 a n d h 2
are o bv i o u s wea k n esses.
Page 1 06
Raiding knigh ts
( c ) H e is be h i n d i n deve l o p m e nt , Q Wha t is Black 's nex t m o ve?

a n d t h o s e p i eces that are i n p l ay
are too far away to h e l p th e i r k i n g .
( d ) H i s pawns o n f2 a n d f 3 fo rm a
nu i sa n c e ba r r i e r . They stop h i s
k i n g f l e e i n g f o r safety t o t h e
centre ; t h ey a l so s t o p h i s p i eces
from com i n g to t h e aid of h i s
king.
13 Bb3-d 1
Q Wha t does Black do to
strengthen his position?
b d g
14 . . . Be7-g5 !
Score 4 poin ts.
Wh ite 's d a r k-sq u a red b i s h o p g u a rd s
f4 . B l ac k 's d a rk-sq u a red b i s h o p
o n l y gets i n the w a y of h i s o w n
q u ee n . The so l u t i o n i s t o e x c h a n g e
th e m !
Score 1 poin t for 1 4 . . . Od8-d 7 .
Lose 2 poin ts for 1 4 . . . N h 5-f4
wh ich l o ses a p i ece because the
b l ac k e-pawn i s ove r l oaded defe n d
i n g both k n i g hts.
13 . . . Nf6-h5
15 Kg 1 -h 1 Bg5-f4
Score 4 poin ts.
B l a c k 's f i rst ta rget is h 2 . He th rea
Th e batt l e w i l l be fou g h t o n the K
te n s 1 6 . . . Od 8-h4 and m ate next
side of the board - m a i n l y a r o u n d
move .
th e wh i te k i n g . B l ac k m u st m o b i l i ze
his fo rces and bri n g them to the 16 Bc1 xf4 N h5xf4
sce n e of the act i o n before Wh ite The seco nd k n i g h t d i gs i n . W i th
has t i m e to sort out h i s mess a n d Wh ite 's d a r k-sq u a red b i s h o p g o n e
o rg a n i ze a defe n c e . O n e b l a c k B l a c k 's h o l d ov e r h i s o p e r a t i o n
k n i ght i s a l ready i n sta l l ed o n a n b a s e s , f 4 a n d d 4 , i s ev e n stro n g e r .
exce l l e n t base ; t h e seco n d p i c k s 17 Rf1 -g 1
h i s spot: f4 .
Wh ite h a s g rove l l ed to g u a rd g 2
Score 2 poin ts for 1 3 . . . Od 8-d 7 . aga i n st i nv a s i o n b y t h e b l a c k
1 4 d2-d3 q u e e n . N ow h e h a s l eft f2 as a target.
Page 1 0 7
Raiding knigh ts
Q Ho w sh ould Black con tinue his 22 R g2-f2 Oh4-h3+

build-up ?
Q Is it safe for the white king to
run a way to the cen tre by 23
Kf 1 -e 1 ?
17 . . . Nf4-h3
Score 4 poin ts.
N o . After 23 K f 1 -e 1 Nf4-g2+,
T h e k n i g ht beg i n s its ra i d i n g a n d
W h i te wi l l h av e to give up the
f2 c o m e s u n d e r f i re .
exch a ng e , s i nce 24 Ke 1 -f 1 N g 2 -e 3++
Score 1 poin t for 1 7 . . . Od 8-h 4 .
is a m ost h o r r i b l e fo r k .
18 R g 1 -g2 Od 8-h4 Score 3 poin ts i f y o u s a w t h i s .
Th e q u e e n j o i n s the attac k a n d
23 Kf 1 -g 1
t h e p a w n o n f2 fa l l s i m m e d i a te l y .
T h e wh ite p i eces a re h e l p l ess. T h e Q No w wha t should Black do ?
b l a c k k n i g h t rad i ates powe r from
d 4 . H e cuts Wh ite in two. By
b l o c k i n g t h e pawn o n d 3 and
h i tti n g c 2 , h e stops t h e wh ite
queen from com i n g to t h e rescu e .
19 N b 1 -d2
I f 1 9 Oc4xc 7 , B l ac k g r a bs t h e
open c-fi l e by 1 9 . . . R a 8-c8 a n d
soon i nvades t h e back ra n k .
19 N h 3xf2+
20 K h 1 -g 1 Nf2-h3+
21 Kg 1 � 1 N h 3�4
Th e k n i g ht ret u r n s to Ca m p 1 1 1 :
h e doesn 't want to be stuc k o n t h e 23 . . . Ra8-e8
edge of the boa rd . Score 3 poin ts.
Page 1 08
Raiding knigh ts
Th e f i rst stage of B l ac k 's attack B l ac k th reate n s m ate o n h 2 , a n d so

has c o m e to a h a l t . R e i nfo rce forces the exch a n g e of roo ks.
ments are n e e d ed . 29 R f2xg2 Nf4xg2
Score 7 poin t for 23 . . . Rf8-e8. Wh ite st i l l c a n 't c a ptu re o n g2
B l ac k ' s k i n g 's pos i t i o n i s safer i f with h i s k n i g h t . He m u st save the
he k e e p s a roo k o n f8. knight and defe n d h 2 .
24 N d2-f 1 R e8-e6 3 0 N e3-f 1
25 N f 1 -e3 R e 6-g6+
26 Kg 1 -h 1 R g6-g 3 ! Q Ho w does Black finish White o ff?
B l ac k n e t s t h e pawn o n f3, b u t
h i s rea l p l a n i s to force the ex
c h a n g e of rooks a fte r wh i c h t h e
wh ite k i n g wi l l be o p e n to the
wi n d .
27 R a 1 -c1 Nd4xf3
At l ast t h e q u e e n 's k n i g h t s p r i ngs
from his base. Even n o w W h ite
ca n 't get r i d of h i m ! I f 2 8 B d 1 xf3
R g3xf3, a n d Wh ite c a n c h oose
between l o s i n g h i s own k n i g h t
a n d be i n g m ated .
28 Bd 1 -b3
30 . . . Ng2-e3 ! !
Q Ho w does Black con tinue the Sp l a t !
attack?
Score 5 poin ts.
G l o r i o u s , g l o r i o u s k n i g h ts ! They
hit everyth i n g in s i g h t ; g2, h2, th e
wh ite q u e e n , c 2 , t h e wh ite k n i g h t . . .
At th i s p o i n t not s u r p ri s i n g l y Wh ite
res i g n e d .
Y o u cou l d h a rd l y h ave a better
ex a m p l e of k n i ghts o p e rat i n g from
bases . Both b l ac k k n i ghts d u g
t h e m s e l ves i n o n s q u a res from w h i c h
they cou l d n ot be removed . T h e
k i n g ' s k n i g h t r a i d e d the wea k n esses
in Wh ite 's r u i ned cast l e d pos i t i o n .
T h e q u e e n 's k n i g h t j u st sat sti 1 1 ,
a g i a n t , com m a n d i n g t h e board .
28 . . . R g3-g2 ! Toget h e r they we re a f r i g h te n i ng
Score 5 poin ts. force that W h ite cou l d never sto p .
Page 1 09
Raiding knigh ts
The glory of A n d re P h i l i dor
B o r n near Paris i n 1 7 26, A n d re'- F ra n c o i s- D a n i c a n P h i l i d o r was the gre atest

ch ess- p l a y e r the wo r l d had yet k n own . At o n l y fou rte e n he too k on a n d
beat a l l the l e a d i n g p l ayers a t the Cafe de l a R eg e nce i n P a r i s , l oo ked
upon as the centre of wo r l d chess. H e tou red E u rope and defeated ev e ry
one w h o offe red him a c h a l l e n g e . At only twe nty h e p u b l i sh e d An
Analysis of Chess, t h e f i rst ever re a l l y good g u i d e to chess strateg y .
Ph i l i d o r ' s book was a best-se l l e r i n i ts day ; n o w it i s fo rgott e n . P h i l i d o r
i s remem bered today for two t h i ng s . F i rst t h e re i s Philidor's Defence,
the o p e n i n g wh ich beg i n s 1 e2-e4 e 7-e5 2 Ng 1 -f3 d 7 - d 6 . T h e n t h e re i s
Philidor's L egacy, a s m ot h e red m a t i n g m ethod w h i c h h a s cropped u p i n
cou nt l ess g a m e s . E v e ry chess- p l ay e r s h o u l d kno w Phi/idor's Legacy.
Sta rt with th i s pos i t i o n . ii b d g
Wh ite forces the b l a c k k i n g i nto

the c o r n e r :
1 Qc6-e6+ Kg8-h8
If the k i n g ever goes to f8 he i s
m ated b y t h e wh ite q u e e n o n f 7 .
2 N e5-f7+ Kh 8-g8
3 Nf7-h 6++ Kg8-h 8
4 Oe6-g8+ ! R b8xg8
F o rced ! But now h i s k i n g is trapped .
5 N h 6-f7 mate
W h i t e to m ov e
Ph i l i d o r's Legacy . . . the s m ot h e red mate . . . t h e d i scov e ry P h i l i d o r l eft for

the wo r l d of chess. B ravo P h i l i d o r ! B u t . . . t h e pos i t i o n a bove i s taken
from a boo k ca l l e d A Discourse o f L o ve a n d th e Art o f Chess, by t h e
S p a n i s h p l ay e r L u c e n a . T h at boo k was p u b l i s h e d i n 1 497 - t w o h u n d red
a n d twe nty - n i n e y e a rs before Ph i l i d o r was ev e n born ! P h i l i d o r deserves
his g l ory, h e r i g h t l y h o l d s a n i m portant pos i t i o n in the h i sto ry of ch ess,
but h i sto ry has given h i m t h e cred i t for s o m e body e l se 's i d e a . Oh, a n d
b y the w a y , A n d re- F ra n c o i s- D a n i c a n P h i l i d o r . . . h e n e v e r p l ayed
Ph i l i d o r ' s D efence i n his l i fe !
Page 1 1 0
Raiding knigh ts
Death by suffocatio n
A sm oth e red attac k often b r i ngs a s u d d e n , s h o c k e n d i n g t o a g a m e ; i t i s

very easy t o m i ss.
Sudden ? We l l , a sm oth e red attac k b r o u g h t a n e n d to the s h o rtest g a m e

ev er d e c i d e d between t w o p l a y e rs of m aster sta n d a rd . H e re i s that g a m e ,
from the P a r i s C h a m p i o ns h i p of 1 9 24 :
( Queen 's Pa wn Gam e ) b c 9 h
G i ba u d Lazard
1 d2-d4 N g8-f6
2 N b 1 -d2 e7-e5
3 d4xe5 N f6-g4
4 h2-h3 N g4-e 3 !
5 Wh ite resigns
G i ba u d 's q u ee n h as j u st d i e d ;
smoth ered i n h e r bed !
(5 f2xe3 Qd 8-h4+ m ates . )
P o s i t i o n after 4 . . . N g4-e3
Sh ock? We l l , fou r a l l ies got o n e in 1 93 6 . They sat down to p l ay b l a c k

together ag a i n st W o r l d C h a m p i o n A l e x a n d e r A l e kh i ne . Afte r 1 e2-e4
c7-c6 2 d2-d4 d7-d5 3 N b 1 -c3 d5xe4 4 N c3xe4 N b8-d7 5 Qd 1 -e2 ,
they p l ayed 5 . . . N g8-f6. O b v i o u s l y t h e y h a d n ot r e a d p a g e 1 0 2 !
Easy to m iss? W e l l , a s k o u r o l d f r i e n d D u fresne - you remem ber, t h e o n e
wh o w i s h e d h e h ad n 't accepted a l l of A n d e rssen 's presents.
Dufresne, togeth e r with J a cq u es b c
M i eses, wrote The Book of Chess

p/ay. A n d a v e ry good boo k it was
too, bei n g p r i nted and r e p r i nted
many t i m e s . I n th e e i gh t h e d i t i o n
they a n a l ysed t h e Qu ee n 's G a m b i t
Open i ng . Afte r B l ac k 's n i nth m ove
they reached th i s positi o n . ' B l ac k
has t h e better pos i t i o n ' , t h e y sa i d .
Qu ite r i g h t . . . u n l ess Wh ite j u st
ha p pens to notice that h e c a n
p l ay 1 0 N b 5-d6 mate !
P o s i t i o n after 9 . . . N g 8 -e 7
Page 1 1 1
Raiding knigh ts
T E ST TW E LV E
Q The black knigh t can disco ver Q B o th black knigh ts help in

ch eck in eigh t differen t ways. finish ing Wh ite o ff quickly. Ho w
Wh ich is th e righ t wa y? does Black set up the winning forks?
B l ac k to m ove B l ac k to move
D i scove r i ng c h e c k g ives the k n i g h t B l ac k d ra g s a wh i te p i ece on to f 2

a c h a nce to i nv a d e t h e wh ite k i n g 's a n d i nto a k n i g h t fo r k .
pos i t i o n . 1 . . . Bc5xf2+
1 . . . N e4�3++ H i s k i ng a n d q u e e n a re forked by
D o u b l e chec k ! N e i t h e r t h e k n i g h t th e b i sh o p ; s o W h i te m u st captu re.
n o r th e q u ee n can b e capt u red . H e has a c h o i c e : ( a ) 2 K e 1 x f 2 or
2 K h 1 -g 1
( b ) 2 Og3xf 2 .
(a)
N o w B l ac k h a s two methods o f
2 l<e 1 xf2 Nf6xe4+
g i v i n g c h e c k mate :
Oc6-h 1 mate, o r
. . . a n d W h i te h a s wal ked s m a c k
2 . . .
N g 3-e2 mate
i nto a k n i g h t f o r k .
2 . . .
Score 2 poin ts.
(b)
2 Og3xf2 N e 5-d3+
. . . a n d W h ite has wa l ked s m a c k

i nto a k n i g h t f o r k !
Score 3 p o in ts.
Page 1 1 2
Raiding knigh ts
Q Black has m ore pieces. He Q White has destroved Black 's

threatens . . . R f5- f 1 mate and . . . K-side pa wn shield. Ho w does he
Rg8xg4. White ge ts the winning in vade and finish o ff the enem v
position ! Ho w? king?
W h i t e to m ov e Wh ite to m ov e
Wh ite spots the poss i b i l i ty of a Wh ite notices that N h 5 -f6+ wou l d

k n i g h t fork o n e 7 . H e h a s to set b e m ate i f i t were not for t h e b l a c k
it up by d r i v i n g th e b l a c k p i e ce s q u e e n . S o , h e sets a b o u t the j o b o f
wh ere h e w a n t s th em . deflect i n g h e r .
1 Qg4xg8+ Of8xg8 1 Re2-e8+
2 R g2xg8+ Kh8xg8 Wh ite m a ke s way for h i s q u e e n to
Now the b l a c k p i eces are on t h e come i nto the atta c k .
right s q u a re s a n d W h i te c a n go 1 . . . R a8xe8
ahead with h i s fo r k . 2 Od 1 -g4+ Of5xg4
3 N d5-e7+ K m oves Th e b l ac k q u e e n is d ragged away
4 N e7xf5 from f6, but b l oc k i n g t h e c h e c k
Wh ite is a p i ece a h e a d a n d w i n s i s n o g o o d e i th e r :
t h e e n d i n g easi l y . ( a ) 2 . . Qf5-g 5 3 N h 5-f6 m ate ,
.
Score 4 poin ts. or ( b ) 2 . . Nf7-g5 3 Og4x f 5

.
wi n n i ng the q u ee n .
3 N h 5-f6 mate
Score 6 poin ts.
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Raiding knigh ts
Testgam e 1 2 T h e best d i ag o n a l : t h e b i s h o p h i ts
the wea k p o i n t at f7 . W h ite m u st
( Sicilian Defence - Morra Gambit) wo r k h a rd to m a ke u s e of h i s ad
1 e2-e4 c7-c5 va ntages a n d keep B l ac k u n d e r
2 d2-d4 c5xd4 pressu re . H e m u st n ot a l l ow h i s
3 c2-c3 o p p o n e n t t i m e to com p l ete h i s
d ev e l o p m e n t a n d h o l d o n t o h i s
Wh ite offers a pawn . . .
extra pawn .
3 . . . d4xc3 Score 1 poin t for 6 B c 1 -f4 or 6
. . . a n d B l ac k accepts. Be 1 - g 5 .
4 N b 1 xc3 6 . . . d7-d6?
F o r the pawn sac r i f i c ed Wh ite wi l l 7 e4-e5
g a i n com pensat i o n i n th ree ways : Wh ite presses o n .
( a ) H e w i l l h av e a s m a l l l ead i n
7 · · . d6xe5
d ev e l o p m e n t .
( b ) H e w i l l have o p e n l i n es : t h e c He c a n 't p l ay 7 . . . N c 6 x e 5 8
a n d d-f i l es, p l u s good d i ago n a l s Nf3x e 5 d 6 x e 5 9 Bc4xf7+ s i nce
f o r h i s bishops. h e w i l l l ose his q u ee n .
( c ) H e w i l l h a v e m o re s p a c e i n t h e Q Wha t does White do n o w?
c e n t r e of t h e board .
b c d e f g h
4 · · · N b8-c6
5 N g 1 -f3 N g8-f6
Q Wha t is White 's nex t developing
m o ve ?
8 Qd 1 xd8+ !
Score 4 poin ts.
The o n l y way of kee p i n g u p t h e
press u r e . I t m a y seem stra nge t h a t
Wh ite s h o u l d want to exch a n g e
qu eens afte r g i v i n g u p t w o p a w n s
6 Bf 1 -c4 to g e t a n atta c k . Exch a n ges u s u a l l y
Score 3 poin ts. h e l p t h e p l a y e r whose p o s i t i o n i s
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Raiding knigh ts
c ra m p e d , but they c a n a l so h e l p t h e QHo w sh ould White con tinue?

p l a y e r wh o h a s a l ead i n deve l o p
ment. H e re t h e wh ite k n i gh ts a re
ready to r i p B l ac k a p a rt , a n d t h e
b l a c k p i eces a r e i n n o p o s i t i o n t o
m eet th e m .
8 . . . N c6xd8
Ta k i n g with the k i n g i s even worse !
8 . . . K e 8x d 8 9 N f3-g5 (th reate n i n g
a fork o n f7 ) Kd 8-e8 1 0 Nc3-b5
(th reate n i n g a fork o n c 7 ! )
Q Ho w does White con tinue with
his a ttack?
10 N f3xe5
Score 4 poin ts.
The second k n i g h t goes to wa r !
M ate i s th reate n e d o n c 7 .
No score f o r 1 0 N b 5x a 7 . W h i te i s
after m o r e t h a n gett i n g b a c k h i s
paw n s .
10 . . . e7-e6
Q Wha t is the nex t a ttacking m o ve ?
9 N c3-b5
Score 4 poin ts.
Th e ra i d i ng beg i n s ; th e f i rst k n i g h t
h i ts c 7 w i th t h e th reat o f a fo r k .
Score 1 poin t f o r 9 N f3 x e 5 .
9 . . . R a8-b8
B l ac k d o e s n 't h a v e m u c h c h o i c e . H e
sti l l gets forked afte r 9 . N d 8-e6
. .
1 0 Bc4x e 6 , and i f he tries 9 . . .

Ke 8-d 7 1 0 Nf3x e 5 + K d 7 - e 8 t h e
k n i g h t g o e s to c l a n y wa y - o n l y
n o w it m ates h i m ! 11 N b5-c7+
Score 3 poin ts.
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Raiding knigh ts
The o n l y move. I f Wh ite does n 't 12 . . . Ke7-d6

keep u p the press u re B l ac k wi l l Th e b l a c k k i n g r u n s for h i s l i fe
p l a y 1 1 . . . Bf8-b4+ a n d 1 2 . . 0-0,
.
and forks the two wh ite k n i g h t s .
so l v i n g m o st of h i s p r o b l e m s . O n the o p e n board t h e k n i g h ts
11 . . . Ke8-e7 l ac k pawn s u pport; so they h ave
no safe o pe r at i o n bases . T h ey
Q Ho w does White strengthen his
m u st ex pect to f i g h t a h i t-a n d -
a ttack?
ru n batt l e , but now they h ave a
pro b l e m . . . they c a n 't both ru n
away ! W h ite h a s a n a nswer ready . . .
13 Be3-f4
No w if the b l a c k k i n g c a ptu res t h e
k n i g h t o n c 7 h e wa l ks stra i g h t i nto
a n a sty d i scovered c h ec k : 1 3 . . .
Kd6xc7 1 4 N e 5xf7+.
13 . . . Nf6-h5
Q Find Wh ite 's nex t m o ve.
12 Bc1 -e3
Score 4 poin ts.
T h e wh ite k n i ghts have caused
c h a o s in B l a c k 's positi o n . B l ac k 's
p i eces sta nd h i g g l edy-p i g g l edy o n
the back ra n k , a n d h i s k i n g , h av i n g
l o st the r i g h t to cast l e , is stu c k
f i r m l y i n t h e centre. W h ite 's k n i ghts
ca n 't be expected to do everyth i n g
t h e m s e l v e s , a n d m o r e f i re-power i s 14 N c7 -b5+
n e e d e d i n t h e atta c k . W h ite d eve l ops Score 4 poin ts.
a bishop with the th reat of 1 3 Be3- Wh ite saves h i s k n i g h t , a n d as h e
c 5 m ate : B l ac k i s not to be a l l owed g ives c h e c k h e doesn 't l ose t i m e -
any peace. h e keeps the atta c k rol l i ng .
Score 1 poin t for 1 2 Bc 1 -d 2 , wh ich Score 1 poin t f o r 1 4 N e 5xf7++.
h a s the s a m e mate th reat but bl ocks D i scove r i n g c h e c k i s n 't so good
t h e d-fi l e . now, bec a u s e afte r 1 4 . . . Kd6-e 7
Score 1 poin t f o r 1 2 b2-b3 o r 1 2 1 5 N f 7x h 8 N h 5xf4, Wh ite h a s n 't
Bc 1 -f4 . a h ope of rescu i n g h i s k n i g h t.
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Raiding knigh ts
Q Wha t would White do if Black Th e b l ac k k i n g i s o n t h e ru n a n d

dived for safety by p laying 14 Wh ite i s h u nt i n g h i m d o w n . T h e
. . . Kd6-e7? wh i t e p i eces w i l l f o r m t h e s p i d e r 's
we b , d ra w i n g t h e b l ac k k i n g i n u nt i l
h e i s sec u r e l y t r a p pe d .
15 Kc5-b4
16 a 2-a3+ Kb4-a4
17 b2-b3+ Ka4-a5
18 b3-b4+ Bf8xb4+
B l ac k gets mated i m me d i a t e l y i f
h e moves h i s k i n g : 1 8 . . . K a 5- a 6
1 9 N b 5-c 7 mate o r 1 8 . . . K a 5-a4
1 9 N b 5-c3 m ate.
19 a3xb4++ Ka5xb4
Q What does Wh ite do n o w?

After 1 4 . . . Kd6-e7 Wh ite wo u l d
be a b l e t o u s e h i s k n i g h t f o r a n o t h e r
d i scovered atta c k : 1 5 N e 5-g6+
fo l l owed by 1 6 B f4x b 8 .
Sco re 3 poin ts i f you saw t h i s .
14 . . . K d 6-c5
Q The black king is a targe t for

Wh ite 's army. Wha t does White
do n o w?
20 0-0
Score 3 poin ts.
The b l a c k k i n g h a s been n etted by
Wh i t e 's m i n o r p i eces. He c a n o n l y
s i t a n d awa i t execu t i o n b y 2 1
Rf1 -b1 .
Score 3 p o in ts fo r 20 K e 1 - d 2 , b u t
score only 1 poin t f o r 2 0 K e 1 -e2
wh i c h a l l ows B l ac k to d e l a y m ate by
20 . . . N h 5-f4+ .
15 Bf4-e3+ Black resigns
Score 3 p o in ts. R a i d i n g k n i g hts at th e i r best !
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Raiding knigh ts
Come i nto my parlou r said the spider to the fly
B l ac k seems to be w i n n i n g fa i rl y 3 . . . Kb3-c4
easi l y . H e 's g o t t h e w h i t e p i eces R e a l l y M a d a m , I th i n k you 've
sq u as h e d i nto t h e corner, a nd he m a d e a m i sta k e .
h a s m o re than e n o u g h th reats to
4 Ob2-b4+
keep a ny o n e h a p p y .
Oh co m e on now, h o w a bo u t a
b d
d a nce?
4 . . . Kc4-cl5
D o you m i n d , M a d a m . I th i n k not.
5 Ob4-d6+
Oh yes . . . ta ke me in those stro n g
arms.
5 . . . Kd5-c4
M a d a m , p l ease . . .
6 Od 6-c5+
H o l d me cl oser . . . t i g h t e r . . . t i g h t e r .
6 . . . Kc4-b3
Wh i te to m ov e
M a d a m p l ease . . . put me down .
Wh ite, of cou rse, h a s d i fferent 7 Oc5-b4+
ideas, o r at l e a st his q u e e n does !
Oh you 're m i n e . . . m i n e .
Sh e n otices that if s h e c a n entice
the black king o n to the right 7 . . . Kb3-c2
s q u a re ( e 1 , c 1 , b 2 , b4 , o r c 5 ) , s h e Control y o u rse l f M a d a m . You r
c a n c l obber h i m with a rea l k i l l e r l i pst i c k 's s m u d g i n g a l l ov e r m y
o f a k n i g h t fo r k . roy a l u n iform .
1 Oh 1 -e 1 + 8 Ob4-b2+
H e l l o t h e n H a n ds o m e . At l ast . . . t h e re is n o esca p e . I am
1 . . . Kd 2-c2 you rs . . . a l l you rs .
I beg you r p a r d o n M a d a m ? 8 . . . Kc2xb2

O h th e wom a n 's rav i n g m a d !
2 Oe 1 -c 1 +
9 N f2xd3+
I s a i d H e l l o then Ha ndsome.
Th e wh i te q u e e n has f i n a l l y got h e r
2 . . . Kc2-b3
m a n ! Th e bl ack k i n g , forced t o
Strange woman . . . Go away . su r r e n d e r to h e r fe m i n i n e w i l es , gets
3 Oc 1 -b2+ h o r r i b l y f o r ke d . The wh ite passed
Now th e n , d o n 't be s h y . . . come pawns m a rch o n to v i ctory .
h e re .
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Raiding knigh ts
Von Schierstedt at odds with a knight
I n t h e l a st centu ry g a m e s were often p l ay e d at odd s . T h e re we ren 't so

many good p l a y e rs a bout, and s m a s h i n g t h e sam e o p p o n e nts n i g h t after
n i g ht ca n be as b o r i n g for the ch ess m a ster as it i s m i sera b l e for h i s v i cti m s .
S o t h e y i nv e nted g a m es w h i c h gave t h e w e a k e r p l a y e r a c h a n c e . Often
they p l ayed odds games, in wh i c h t h e m a ster gave h i s o p p o n e n t a p i ece, a
roo k , or eve n a q u e e n sta rt . Less c o m m o n was t h e g a m e i n wh ich t h e
m aste r h a d to n a m e b e f o r e th e f i rst m ove the p i ece with wh ich h e i n
te n d e d t o g i v e c h e c k m ate . D o i n g th i s y o u wi l l f i n d , i f y o u d a r e try , i s n 't
easy ! M a x L a n g e d a red . I n B res l a u i n 1 86 8 h e u n d e rtoo k to beat von
Sch i e rstedt . . . by mating h i m with his q u e e n 's k n i g h t , of a l l p i eces !
( Vienna Gambit) 1 5 Qh5xh 6+ Kg7xh6

Lange v o n Sch i e rste d t 1 6 Rf4-g4+ Kh 6-h5
1 e2-e4 e7-e5 1 7 N e 2 -g3+ K h5xg4
2 N b 1 -c3 N b8-c6 1 8 Rf1 -f5 h7-h6
3 f2-f4 e5xf4 1 9 h2-h3+ Kg4-h4
4 N g 1 -f3 g7-g5 20 R f5 -h5+ Bf7xh5
5 Bf1 -c4 g5-g4 2 1 Ng3-f5 mate
6 0-0 The q u e e n 's k n i g h t w i n s the day . . .
A p i ece, for d ev e l o pm e n t . not that L a n g e h a d m u ch c h o ice -
he d i d n 't have m u c h e l s e l eft !
6 g4xf3
7 d2-d4 f3xg2
8 Bc4xf7+
A p i ece, to get at the e n e m y k i n g .
8 Ke8xf7
9 Qd 1 -h5+ Kf7-g7
10 Rf1 xf4
Th reate n i n g mate on f7 th o u g h
n o t with t h e k n i g h t.
10 Ng8-h 6
11 Bc1 -e3 d7-d6
12 N c3-e2 Qd8-e7
d
13 Kg1 xg2 Bc8-e6
14 R a 1 -f 1 Be 6-f7
A bri l l i a n t atta c k . . . but if La nge cou l d o n l y w i n by c h ec km at i n g with h i s

q u ee n 's k n i ght, why d i d n 't v o n Sch i e rstedt m a kes some atte m p t to e x
ch a n g e that p i ece? A n d why d i d h e both e r d efen d i n g h i m s e l f w h e n L a n g e
th reate n e d m a te with h i s rook?
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Raiding knigh ts
TEST T H I RTEEN
Four pro b l ems to solve
Q Black wins a piece by means Q Black 's pieces are m o ving in

of a simple fork. Ho w? for the kill. Ho w does he force
checkma te?
B l a c k to m ove B l a c k to m ove
B l ac k spots the c h a nce of a k n i g h t I f the wh ite g-pawn d i sa p pears,

fo r k o n c 2 . H e ca n 't go t h e re B l ac k h a s a sta n d a rd k n i g h t m ate
stra i g h t away, so h e sets u p t h e fo r k on h 3 .
with a quee n sac r i f i c e . 1 . . . Qg4-h 3
1 . . . Qd8xd4 B l ac k th reate n s m ate on g2 a n d
2 Qd 1 xd4 i nv ites W h ite t o m ov e that g-pawn .
If Wh i te had not reca ptu red h e 2 g2xh3
wo u l d s i m p l y h a v e l ost a p i ec e .
The pawn is l u red away and the
2 . . . N b4-c2+ path is open for t h e k n i g h t .
The k n i ght forks everyth i n g - k i n g , 2 . . . N f4xh3 mate
q u e e n , a n d roo k !
Score 3 poin ts.
3 K moves N c2xd4
B l ac k h a s rega i n e d the q u e e n a n d
c o m e o u t a k n i ght u p .
Score 2 poin ts.
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Raiding knigh ts
Q Black is a p iece ahead; White Q The white knigh t deals the

must strike quickly. Ho w? dea th blo ws. Ho w?
Wh ite to m ov e W h i te t o m ove
Th e wh ite k n i g h t o n g 5 h o l d s the Wh i te s p a r k s off a s e r i e s of

key to t h e attac k . W h ite fo rces m u rd e r o u s forks.
mate by a sta n d a r d P h i l i d o r 's 1 N c5xe4
Legacy.
Score 3 poin ts for th i s f i n e q u ee n
1 Qf3-d5+ Kg8-h8 sacr i f i c e .
O r 1 . . . Kg 8-f8 2 Od 5-f 7 mate. 1 . . . Be5xf6
2 Ng5-f7+ Kh8-g8 Oth erwise B l ac k h a s s i m p l y l ost a
3 Nf7-h 6++ p i ece for n oth i ng .
D o u b l e c h e c k ; t h e k n i g h t c a n 't 2 Ne4xf6+
be t a ke n .
The f i rst f o r k .
3 . . . Kg8-h8
2 . . . Kg8-h 8
Aga i n 3 . . Kg8-f8 4 Qd 5-f7 is m ate.
.
W h ite cou l d n o w w i n by 3 Nf6xe8,

4 Qd5-g8+ R e8xg8 but h e sets up a n eve n better for k .
5 N h 6-f7 mate
3 Bh 6-g7+
Th e b l a c k k i n g is sm othered i n t h e
Score 3 more poin ts if y o u saw th i s
co r n e r i n t h e fam i l i a r way.
seco n d sacrifice .
Score 4 poin ts.
3 Kh 8xg7
4 Nf6xe8+ K moves
5 Ne8xc7
W h ite h a s won a roo k a n d a b i s h o p !
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R aiding kn igh ts
Testgame 1 3 7 Bc1 -a3
W i th th i s m ov e W h i te h a s two i d eas
( Nimzo-lndian Defence ) i n m i n d . F i rst he p i ns the black d
H . M att i s o n A. N i m zo w i tsch pawn a n d p rev ents . . . e6-e 5 .
1 d 2 -d4 N g8-f6 Sec o n d h e prepares to g e t r i d o f
2 c2-c4 e7-e6 h i s d o u b l ed pawns b y p l ay i ng
3 N b 1 -c3 Bf8-b4 c4-c5 .
4 N g 1 -f3 Bb4xc3+
Q Ho w does Black s top White 's
5 b2xc3 plan ?
The g a m e is a l ready ta k i n g s h a p e .
B l a c k h a s e x c h a n g e d h i s d a r k
s q u a r e d b i s h o p for a k n i g h t . I f
W h i te can exch a n g e pawns, a n d
o p e n u p d i ago n a l s , h i s t w o b i s h o ps
cou l d g i v e h i m an advantage i n t h e
m i d d l e- g a m e .
O n the oth e r h a n d W h i te ' s p a w n
structu re h a s b e e n s e r i o u s l y wea k
e n e d . T h e w h i t e c - p a w n s are d o u b l e d ;
t h e y w i l l h ave t o b e defe n ded b y
p i eces, a n d t h e o n e o n c4 i s g o i n g
t o get i n t h e w a y of h i s o w n b i s h o p .
T h e wh i te a-pawn i s i s o l ate d .
B l ac k m u st f i g h t for h i s s h a re o f 7 c7 -c5 !
the centre, bu t h e m u st n o t a l l ow
Score 5 p oin ts.
th e pawn exch a nges wh i c h w i l l l e t
B l ac k sets u p a r o a d - b l o c k . Th i s
t h e w h i te b i s h o ps l oose o n a n o p e n
p a w n b l u nts t h e wh i te b i s h o p , a n d
board . H e m u st t ry to k e e p t h e
f i x e s the wh ite p a w n f i rm l y o n c 4
pos i t i o n c l osed a n d l o o k f o r ways
w h e r e i t wi l l s o o n be attac ked .
to att a c k t h e white pawn wea k
nesses . 8 g 2 ij 3 b7-b6
9 Bf1 -g2 Bc8-b7
5 . . . d7-d6
10 0-0 0-0
6 Qd 1 -c2
11 N f 3 -h4?
Wh i te wants to push h i s e-pawn a l l
K n i ghts a re u s u a l l y bad l y p l aced o n
t h e way t o e 5 , s e i z i n g space, a n n oy
the edge o f t h e board , a n d th i s o n e
i n g t h e b l ac k k n i ght, a n d o pe n i n g
is bad l y p l aced h e re ! I f Wh i te
u p d i ag o n a l s f o r h i s b i s h o p s .
wa nted to exch a n g e t h e b i s h o ps
6 . . . Qd 8-e7 t h e n he s h o u l d h a v e p l a y e d h i s
B l ac k p l a ns to a nswer e 2-e4 with k n i g h t bac k t o d 2 , where i t d e fe n d s
. . . e6-e 5 , sta k i n g his o w n c l a i m th e c-pawn a n d h e l ps control t h e
f o r space i n t h e centre. centre.
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Raiding knigh ts
11 . . . Bb7xg2 15 R f 1 -d 1
12 K g 1 xg2
Q Ho w does Black con tin ue h is
H e r e a ga i n W h i te s h ou l d h a v e build-up ?
ta k e n w i t h the k n i g h t s o t h a t i t
cou l d g e t b a c k i n t o t h e g a m e o n e3 .
12 . . . Oe7-b7+
13 Kg2-g1 Qb7-a6
c4 is the o bv i ou s ta rget, a n d t h e
attack beg i n s . Wh i te ' s r e p l y i s
forced . . .
14 Oc2-b3
. . . but now h e l oses c o n t r o l o f e 4 .

Q wha t does Black d o n o w?
15 . . . N c6-a5
Score 4 p o in ts.
K n i g h t s are u s u a l l y bad l y p l aced o n
t h e edge o f t h e board . . . b u t n ot a l
wa y s ! Th i s o n e h i ts c 4 as wel l a s
th e q u ee n .
16 Qb3 -b5 Qa6xb5
17 c4xb5
Q Wha t does Black do now to

14 . . . N b8 -c6 strength en h is positio n ?
Score 3 p oin ts.

B l ac k h a s p l ay e d t h e o p e n i ng wel l .
H e h a s k e pt u p i n d ev e l o p m e n t a n d
h e h a s m o re t h a n h i s s h a re o f t h e
c e n t r e . H e h a s sto pped t h e wh ite
b i s h o p s from c o n t ro l l i n g t h e board
by sett i n g u p h i s s o l i d pawn b a r r i e r .
The m i d d l e-ga m e i s n ot g o i n g to b e
wo n b y a v i o l e nt attack o n t h e wh ite
k i n g . B l ac k i s g o i n g t o g r ad u a l l y i m
prove t h e posi t i o n o f h i s p i eces a n d
attack t h e wea k p o i nts i n W h i te's
pawn structu r e .
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Raiding knigh ts
17 . . . N a5-c4 ! Q Wha t does Black do n o w to

Score 6 poin ts. improve the po wer o f h is pieces?
B l ac k h a s captu red c4 ! H e h a s n 't
h c g h
won a pawn , but that d o es n 't
m atte r . H e h a s wo n a sq u a re, a
m a rve l l o u s o p e ra t i o n base for h i s
k n i g h t . J u st l oo k :
( a ) T h e base is a stro ngh ol d . I t is a
l i g h t s q u a re, so W h ite ca n 't attack
it with h i s b i s h o p . Nor c a n Wh ite
attac k it with a pawn . The k n i gh t
i s f i rm l y d u g i n , a n d Wh ite wi l l
have e n o rm o u s p r o b l e m s i n try i n g
t o sh i ft i t .
( b ) T h e k n i g h t c o m m a n d s a central
pos i t i o n . 18 . . . a7-a 6 !
( c ) T h e w h i te b i s h o p i s attacked Score 5 poin ts.
and d r i v e n bac k h o m e . T h e t i m e h a s c o m e for B l ac k to
( d ) T h e d a r k s q u a res wh i c h t h e th i n k about h i s roo k s . R o o ks need
b i s h o p m i ght I i ke t o u s e a r e o p e n f i l es . B l ac k o p e n s a f i l e a n d
attac ked . f i n d s a n e w ta rget - th e wh ite
pawn o n a 2 .
( e ) T h e wh ite pawn is b l ocked a n d
f i x e d o n c3 w h e re it wi 1 1 both get Score 1 p oin t for 1 8 . . . Nf6-d5 o r
in the way of its b i s h o p and be a 1 8 . . . Nf6-e4 .
target for atta c k . 1 9 b5xa6 R a8xa6
( f ) T h e b l a c k pawns o n d 6 a n d b6 20 d4xc5 b6xc5
are p rotected by t h e k n i g h t . 21 N h4-g2
Score 2 poin ts for 1 7 . . . N f6-d 5 Q Wha t does Black do n o w?
or 1 7 . . . N f6-e4. So o n e r or l ater
b c d g h
o n e of th ese s q u a res i s go i n g to be
a n i d e a l base for the k i n g 's k n i g h t .
H o w e v e r , if B l ac k u ses e i th e r of
th e m i m m e d i ate l y W h ite wo u l d
s i m p l y d efe n d h i s c-pawn b y 1 8
R d 1 -d 3 a nd th e n g r a b t h e f i rst
o p p o rtu n i ty to d r i v e the k n i g h t off
with a p a w n .
18 Ba3-c1
Page 1 24
Raiding knigh ts
21 . . . Nf6-d5 23 e 2 -e4
Score 4 pain ts. Q Wha t sh ould Black play n o w?

Th e second k n i g h t f i n ds a base
fro m w h ich to o p e rate . He sta n d s h c d c l g h
s m a c k i n t h e m i d d l e of t h e bo a rd ,
on a l i g h t s q u a r e w h e re t h e b i s h o p
ca n 't g e t at h i m , a n d h e h i ts t h e
wea k w h ite c-pa w n .
Score 2 poin ts f o r 2 1 . . . R f8-a 8.
Score 1 poin t f o r 21 . . . Nf6-e4 .
22 R d 1 -d 3
Q Ho w does Black keep up the

pressure?
23 . . . N c4-e5
Score 4 p oin ts.

Score 2 poin ts for 23 . . . N d 5-f6 .
Th e m a g n i f i c e n t k n i g h ts sta n d
ast r i d e t h e boa rd . T h e y s i m p l y
rad i ate powe r . S o m uc h p o we r , i n
fact , t h a t M a tt i s o n , w h o h a s not yet
l ost so m u ch as a pawn , gave u p .
Wh ite resigned .
Why?
Wel l , i f h e h a d p l ayed o n M a tt i s o n
22 . . . Rf8-a8
wou l d h ave h a d to try :
Score 4 p oin ts.
24 R d 3 -d 1
B l ac k h a s stead i l y i m proved t h e
I f 2 4 R d 3- d 2 , h e gets f o r k e d b y 24
pos i t i o n of h i s p i eces a n d c o m
. . . N e 5-f3+.
pared with Wh ite's r a g g e d a r m y
24 . . . N d 5xc3
t h e y m a k e a sp l e n d i d s i g h t . B l ac k
25 R d 1 -f 1
h a s sec u red o p e ra t i o n bases f o r h i s
kn i ghts. H e h a s created o p e n f i l es H e c a n 't go to d 2 o r e 1 becau se o f
fo r h i s r o o k s . H e h as pos i t i o n e d h i s the fo r k .
fo rces t o w o r k toget h e r powe rfu l l y . 25 . . . N e 5 -f3+
Now i t i s h a rvest t i m e ! T h e wea k 26 Kg 1 -h 1 R a 6xa2
wh i te pawns a re o v e r-ri p e , ready And n o w , .h a v i n g a l re a d y s u rren
to fa l l . de red two p a w n s , Wh ite has n o way
Score 2 poin ts f o r 2 2 . . . Nc4-e5. of sav i ng a t h i rd , his e-pa w n .
Page 1 2 5
Raiding knigh ts
The kni ght move
T h e stra nge L-s h a ped move of t h e k n i g h t has i n te rested peo p l e for

h u n d re d s of years, in ch ess, in l i fe, and in sto r i e s . I n the M i d d l e Ages
sec ret m essages were sent in code, by k n i g h t m oves . A sh eet of paper
was covered i n s q u a res a n d a l etter
K z Q N x F
was p l aced in each s q u a r e . The
rea d e r by m ov i n g l i ke a k n i ght y p H E R I
from s q u a r e to s q u a r e cou l d s p e l l
E E K G T H
o u t t h e h i d d e n message. I n ou r
p i cture you wi l l f i n d a u sefu l T z 0 D p u
message if you sta rt i n the top
s E y F H G
l eft c o r n e r . Of cou rse, at each
go the read e r i s faced with sev e r a l Q F T E 0 B
sq u a res to w h i c h a k n i g h t m o v e
wou l d ta ke h i m , so so l v i n g th e p ro b l e m ofte n to o k both t i m e a n d pat i e n ce .
The G e r m a n H i gh Co m m a n d , i n the R u ss i a n fi l m Blue Routes, cu n n i n g l y

d e s i g n e d a m i nefi e l d w h e re 36 m i n es w e r e l i n ked togeth e r i n t h e p atte rn
of k n i g h t moves. Of cou rse t h e G e r m a n s rec k o n e d without t h e su per
bra i n of Comrade Capta i n R a t a n ov of the Sov iet Navy, w h o saw t h r o u g h
the w h o l e ev i l p l ot i n a f l a s h , a n d destroy ed the l ot of t h e m !
T h e k n i g ht's to u r of th e ch ess-board h a s a l ways ca ptu red m ost atte n

t i o n . H o w c a n t h e k n i gh t m ove a rou n d t h e boa rd l a n d i n g o n e a c h o f t h e
6 4 s q u a res o n c e , w i t h o u t tou c h i n g a n y s q u a r e tw ic e ? P e r h a p s you cou l d
f i n d a way?
I t i s n 't easy . . . but there are a b c d e f g h
ov e r 30 m i l l i o n m et h o d s ! H e re is 8 50 - 24 - - 14 - - 26 - - 8
o n e of th e m . T h e k n i gh t beg i n s at
-
7 R 62 B 1 2 M 34 m 38 7
d4, moves to c2, then to a 1 , to b 3 , - - - -
6 1 0 - 64 - 40 - 36 - 6
a n d so o n before reach i n g c 6 , i t s - - - -
64th a n d l a st sq u a re . 5 - 22 - 52 - 28 • 1 6 5
- � - -
T h e strange th i ng about th i s 4 48 • 6 0 • 20 .. 54
� � - .
� �
4
k n i g h t to u r i s t h a t i n tou r i n g t h e
3
- 4 - - 8 -
- 32 -
u. 42 3
board th e k n i g h t m a kes a m a g i c -
sq u a re . A d d u p th e n u m bers i n each 2 6 - 2 - 44 - 3 0
- � -
-2-
ra n k a n d each f i l e , y o u w i l l f i n d 1 - 58 - 46 - 56 - - 18 1
� . -
they a l ways c o m e t o 2 6 0 . Of cou rse, b d f 9 h
it's not a proper m a g i c s q u are bec a u s e

the d i ag o n a l s d o n 't a d d u p to 260 as we l l . P e r h a p s y o u cou l d wo r k o u t
a w a y o f so l v i ng t h a t p r o b l e m . . . if y o u 've g o t a y e a r o r two t o spare !
Page 1 26
Raiding knigh ts
Th e knight tra nsfer
H e re is a p r o b l e m fo r y o u . b c g h
Both p l ayers h ave m a d e fo u r

moves a n d th i s i s the positi o n .
You r j o b i s t o work o u t t h e m oves
they made. H o w c a n y o u reach
th i s pos i t i o n after j u st fo u r m oves?
D i ff i c u lt?
Wel l , play th rough t h e game below
a n d y o u m a y get a c l u e !
P o s i t i o n a f t e r B l ac k ' s f o u r t h m ov e
So meth i n g rat h e r stra nge h a p p e n e d in the fi rst ten m oves of t h e g a m e

betwee n B e rg e r a n d M a rsh a l l at C a r l s bad i n 1 90 7 .
( Cen tre Coun ter Gambit)
a b c d g h
1 e2-e4 d7-d5
2 e4xd5 Ng8-f6
3 N g 1 -f3 Nf6xd5
4 d 2-d4 e7-e6
5 Bf 1 -d3 N b8-d7
6 0-0 Bf8-e7
7 c2-c4 N d 5-b4
8 Bd3-e2 0-0
9 a2-a3 N b4-c6
10 N b 1 -c3 N d7-f6
P o s i t i o n after 1 0 . . . N d 7 -f6
N oth i n g strange? Qu ite a n o r m a l posit i o n , y o u m i g h t th i n k . The odd

th i ng i s that M a rs h a l l 's k n i ghts h ave c h a nged p l ace s . His k i n g 's k n i g h t ,
n o rm a l l y d eve l o ped o n f6, sits o n c 6 , wh i l st h i s q u e e n 's k n i g h t , wh i c h
you wou l d e x p ect t o f i n d o n c 6 , s i ts o n f6 .
I f y o u were stu c k on t h e p r o b l e m a bov e , that k n i g h t transfer m a y

have g i v e n y o u a h i n t. You see , i n the p r o b l e m o n e of the k n i g h ts i s n ot
wh at it seems. Th e s o l u t i o n to t h e p ro b l e m i s : 1 N g 1 -f3 d7-d 5 2 N f3-e5
Ng8-f6 3 N e5-c6 Nf6-d7 4 N c6xb8 Nd7xb8 . The bl ack k n i g h t o n b8 i s
i n fact B l ac k 's k i n g 's k n i g h t !
Page 1 2 7
Raiding knigh ts
TEST F O U RTEEN
Q The knigh t helps Wh ite to bring Q B!ack se ts up a winning knigh t

the game to a sudden end. Ho w? fork. Ho w?
Wh i te to m ov e B l a c k to m ov e
A q u e e n sac r i f i ce c l e a rs the way The i m p o rta nt square i s f3, b u t

fo r a sta n d a rd roo k-a n d - k n i g h t before B l a c k can fo r k h e m u st
mate. d r i v e the wh ite k i ng on to h 2 or g 1
1 Qc3xf6 1 . . . R c8-c 1 +
If B l ac k d o e s n ' t accept the sacrifice 2 K h 1 -g2
he re m a i n s a rook a n d k n i g h t down O r 2 Kh 1 -h 2 N g5-f3+ w h e n t h e
- checkm ate wi l l n o t be far a wa y . k i n g a n d q u e e n a re forked stra i g h t
1 . . . g7xf6 away .
2 N g5-f7 mate 2 . . . R c 1 -g 1 +
The k i n g is neatly trapped in h i s B l ac k d r ives t h e k i ng w h e re h e
corner. wa nts h i m .
Score 2 poin ts. 3 Kg2xg 1
N o w t h e fo r k is set u p .
3 . . . Ng5-f3+
4 K moves Nf3xd4
B l ac k has won the q u e e n for a
roo k . The e n d i n g , a k n i ght a n d
pawn a h e a d , i s easy t o wi n .
Score 3 poin ts.
Page 1 28
Raiding knigh ts
Q Black 's g-pa wn looks menacing, Q A ll o f White 's pieces arewell

but it is his knigh t tha t does the placed. A sacrifice leads the way to
damage. Wha t knigh t? Well, tha t a knigh t raid an d checkma ting
is the question I attack. Find the way White wins.
B l a c k to m ove Wh i t e to m ov e
Obv i o u s l y the g-pawn is g o i n g to Wh ite 's stre n gth i s o n t h e o p e n

prom ote to a k n i g h t . B l ac k c l ev e r l y c e n t r e f i l es . H e m a kes u s e of these
a r r a n g e s for t h e k n i g h t to g e t a n f i l e s with a cou p l e of d ead l y d i s
i m med i ate fo r k . cov ered c h e c ks .
1 Rf8-f 1 + 1 Qd4-d7+
2 R b 1 xf 1 Qh5xh2+ Th e q u ee n is sacrifi ced to h e l p
3 Kg1 xh2 c l e a r t h e e-f i l e .
I f the king t r i e s to ru n away he 1 . . . Be6xd7
on l y g ets i nto g reater trou b l e : 3 2 N e4-d 6++
Kg 1 -f2 g2xf 1 = 0+ 4 Kf2xf 1
T h e k n i g h t r a i d s d e e p i nto e n e m y
Oh 2xd 2 .
te rritory, d i scov e r i n g c h ec k .
3 . . . g2xf 1 =N+
2 Ke8-d8
B l ack prom otes to a k n i g h t a n d 3 N d 6-f7+ Kd8-c8
Wh ite f i n d s h e h a s wa l ked i nto a 4 R e 1 -e8+
rea l beauty of a fo r k !
The r o o k is sac r i f i c e d , th i s t i m e to
4 K moves N f 1 xd2 h e l p c l e a r the d -f i l e .
B l ac k , with two extra pawns, 4 . . . Bd7xe8
wi n s t h e endgame q u i te e as i l y . 5 R d 1 -d 8 mate
Page 1 2 9
Raiding kn igh ts
Testgam e 1 4 Score 2 poin ts fo r 6 N b 1 -c 3 . Th i s

l e a d s t o w i l d p o s i t i o n s afte r 6 . . .
Th i s i s a su p e r b l i ttl e g a m e b y Pa u l d 4 x c 3 7 Bc4xf7+ K e 8x f 7 8
M o r p h y , p l a y e d i n P a r i s i n 1 8 59, Qd 1 -d 5+ , b u t l ea v e s Wh i t e w i t h
p r o ba b l y in a c offee h o u se , aga i n st l i tt l e h o p e o f a n a d v a n t a g e i f B l a c k
an u n k n ow n o p p o n e n t . pl ays 6 . . . N e4 x c 3 .
( Two Knigh ts Defence ) Score 1 poin t f o r 6 Nf3x d 4 . T h i s r e

M o rp h y Mr ? ga i ns o n e of t h e p a w n s b u t d o es n 't
p u t B l ac k u n d e r a n y press u r e ,
1 e2-e4 e7-e5
g i v i n g h i m t h e c h a n c e to c o m p l ete
2 N g 1 -f3 N b8-c6
h i s d ev e l o p m e n t . The b l ac k p a w n
3 Bf 1 -c4 N g8 -f6
o n d 4 i s n 't go i n g to r u n away , so
4 d2-d4 e5xd4
Wh i t e n ee d n ot be in any h u rry
5 0-0 Nf6xe4
to recaptu r e .
Q Two p a wns do wn, h o w does 6 . . . d7-d5
White con tin ue with his opening
7 Bc4xd 5 Od8xd5
plan ?
Q Ho w does White regain his
b c d e g h piece?
h c d e � h
6 R f 1 -e 1
Score 3 p o in ts.
T h e i m m e d i a t e p r o b l e m fa c i n g 8 N b 1 -c3 !
B l a c k i s t h e o p e n e-f i l e . H i s k i n g i s Score 4 poin ts.
stu c k o n t h e e n d of i t , a n d h i s Wh i te m a k e s e x ce l l e n t u se of t h e
k n i gh t i s l oo s e , a ta rget i n m i d fact t h a t both B l a c k 's k n i g h t a n d
bo a r d . W h ite s e i z e s t h e o p e n f i l e h i s d - p a w n a r e p i n n ed a l o ng t h e
a n d p u t s B l a c k u n d e r p ress u r e c e n t r e f i l es . H e d ev e l op s a p i e c e ,
st r a i g h t a wa y . fo r k i n g B l ac k 's q u e e n a n d k n i g h t .
Page 1 3 0
Raiding knigh ts
8 . . . Qd5-h5 he stops B l ac k castl i n g by attac k i n g

9 N c3xe4 d 8 a n d f 8 . T h e b l ack k i n g i s n o w
Th reate n i n g a d e a d l y d i scovered stra n d ed f i r m l y i n t h e centre.
check . 12 . . . Qh5-f7
9 . . . Bc8-e6
Q Ho w should White con tinue the
B l ac k sh uts the f i l e . a ttack ?
10 N e4-g5 Bf8-b4
13 N f3-g5
Score 4 poin ts.

Th e seco n d k n i g h t j o i n s t h e attac k .
11 R e 1 xe6+ !
Score 2 p oin ts f o r 1 3 Od 1 -e 2 ,
Score 6 p oin ts. th reate n i n g to d i scover c h ec k .
B l ac k was beg i n n i ng to s o l v e h is 13 . . . Qf7 ·e7
pro b l e m s . H i s p i eces were ta k i ng u p
14 Qd 1 -e2 Bb4-d 6
good p os i t i o n s a n d h i s k i ng w a s
about to e s c a p e from t h e centre. Q No w wha t sh ould White play?
Th i s sacrifice rocks B l ac k r i gh t back
o n his h e e l s . White solves his prob
l e m of what to d o with his rook,
a n d at t h e s a m e time a n c h o rs the
b l a c k king wh e re h e wa nts h i m .
Score 2 p oin ts f o r 1 1 R e 1 -e 4 .
Score 7 poin t f o r 1 1 Bc 1 -d 2 .
11 . . . f7xe6
12 N g5xe6
The k n i g h t sei zes a m a g n i f i c e n t

post, h itti n g fo u r v i ta l s q u a re s . H e
t h r e a t e n s fo rks o n g 7 a n d c 7 , a n d
Page 1 3 1
Raiding kn igh ts
15 N e 6xg7+ the a r e n a a n d g iv e s t h e b l a c k k i ng
Score 3 poin ts. a c h o i ce . H e c a n go t o e8 a n d get
Wh ite m a kes u s e of the p i n o n t h e forked on c 7, o r he c a n wa l k i nto
o p e n e-f i l e to a l l o w h i s k n i g h t t o a n ot h e r d i scove red c h ec k .
ra i d f u r t h e r i nt o e n e m y territory . 19 . . . K d 8 -c8
W i t h o u t pawn s u p p o rt t h e r e i s 20 N e6-c5+
very l ittl e c h a nce of t h e wh i te Th e k n i g h t is off on h i s trav e l s
k n i g h ts b e i ng a b l e to d i g t h e m aga i n , l o o k i n g f o r n e w a reas t o
se l v es i n o n s a f e o p e rat i o n bases ; ra i d .
th ey m u st f i g h t a h it-a n d - r u n batt l e .
20 . . . Kc8-b8
15 Ke8-d7
Th e k i ng ca n 't g o back to d8 be
16 Qe2 -g4+ Kd7-d8
cau s e 21 Og4-d 7 i s m ate . H e t r i e s
17 N g5-f7+
to ru n , but t h e re 's n o wh e re t o go !
The k n i g h t s c o m b i ne w i th m u r
d e r o u s effect. Wh i te co u l d e q u a l l y Q Wha t does White do n o w?
we l l h ave p l ayed 1 7 N g 5-e6+ w h e n
b c d f g h
B l ac k wo u l d h av e h a d t o m a rch h i s
k i n g stra i g h t i n to a d i scove red
check.
17 . . . Oe7xf7
18 B c 1 -g5+ Bd 6-e7
Q Ho w does White keep up the

pressure?
b c d g h
21 N c5-d7+
Score 3 poin ts.

T h e k n i gh t j u st goes o n h i tt i n g a n d
ru n n i ng , h itti n g a n d ru n n i n g . Th i s
t i m e h e sets t h e b l ac k k i n g u p f o r
a r e a l bea u t y .
21 . . . Kb8-c8
The b l ac k k i ng has no c h o i c e , he
m u st go wh e re the k n ight te l l s
19 N g7-e6+ !
him !
Score 5 poin ts.
Th e k n i g h t retu r n s to t h e centre of
Page 1 32
Raiding kn igh ts
Q Ho w does the knigh t disco ver 23 Qg4-c8+

check? Score 3 poin ts.
Th e k n i g h t h a s f i n a l l y w o v e n a
net a r o u n d t h e b l a c k k i ng . B l a c k
h a s b e e n forced i nto a n e at f o r m o f
P h i l i d o r 's Legacy .
23 . . . R h 8xc8
24 N b6-d7 m ate
M o rp h y gave a t r e m e n d o u s e x a m p l e
o f h o w t o h a n d l e k n i g h ts o n a n
o p e n b o a rd . W i th o u t p a w n s u p p o rt
t h e k n i g h ts c o u l d n 't d i g t h e m s e l v e s
i n o n l o n g -te rm base s ; t h e y h a d t o
f i g h t a r u n n i n g batt l e . B l a c k c ou l d n 't
e v e n f i n d a w a y to swat at t h e
k n i g h ts , l et a l o n e d r i v e t h e m a wa y .
22 N d 7 -b6++ H e wa s t o o b u s y s av i n g h i s k i n g ,
Score 4 poin ts. esca p i n g f r o m d i s c o v e r e d c h e c k s ,
Score 2 p o in ts for 2 2 N d 7 - e 5 + . a n d a v o i d i n g f o r k s , to d ev e l o p h i s
Th at o n l y w i n s t h e q u ee n ; t h e w h ite r o o k s a n d g e t a n y s o rt o f c o n t r o l
k n i gh t h a s s o m et h i n g m o re p a i n f u l o v e r t h e v i t a l s q u a res i n t h e c e n t r e
i n store f o r B l a c k ! of h i s po s i t i o n . T h e wh i t e q u e e n
a n d b i s h o p p r ov i d ed h e l p , a n d t h e
22 . . . Kc8-b8
c l i m ax c a m e o n m ov e 1 7 w h e n t h e
Th e b l a c k k i n g of c o u rse s t i l l c a n 't
k n i g h ts g a v e M or p h y t w o d i ffe r e n t
go to d 8 bec a u se of 23 Qg4-d 7
w i n n i n g v a r i at i o n s . Aft e r t h e s a c r i
mate.
f i c e 1 7 N g 5-f7+ t h e re m a i n i n g
Q Ho w does White finish o ff the k n i g h t s i m p l y d ro v e t h e b l ac k k i n g
job? d i zzy ! Th i s k n i gh t , start i n g l i fe o n
b 1 , m oved to c 3 , e 4 , g 5 , e 6 , g 7 , e 6 ,
b c d g h
c 5 , d 7 , a n d b 6 , before retu r n i n g
t o d 7 t o del iver t h e f i n a l b l ow !
Page 1 33
Raiding knigh ts
The black king's knightmare
The b l ac k k i n g yawned . L i fe cou l d 3 f7xg6

b e v e ry t i resome, h e t h o u g h t . H e 4 f6-f7 g6-g5
h a d been stu c k i n th i s stu p i d c o r n e r No it doesn 't . . . you c a n q u e e n
fo r fa r t o o l o n g . I t w a s d ef i n i t e l y your pawn, I 'l l push mine on to g4
t i m e for bed . ,
a n d I ' m sta l e m ated ag a i n . A d raw !
G reat, now p e r h a p s we c a n both get
d
some s l e e p .
5 f7-f8=N
D rat !
5 g5-g4
6 N f8-e6 d7xe6
7 d 6-d7 e6-e5
Loo k , w e 'v e been th rough a l l th i s
before !
8 d7-d8=N
g
O h rea l l y ! N ot a n oth e r wretc h e d
k n i g h t . Why d o n 't y o u j u st go away
Wh i te to m ov e
and l e ave m e a l o n e .
1 h6-h7 8 e5 -e4
That b i s h o p of h i s has got to go . . . 9 Nd8-c6
I c a n 't move a n yth i n g e l se a n y way ! Yes, I g u essed you were go i n g
'
I ca n 't take it myse l f beca u se 2 th e r e . Waste o f t i m e . . . doesn 't get
h 7-h 8= Q u e e n a n d I 'm dead . you a n ywh e re you k n o w .
1 . . . g3xh2 9 b7xc6
That's a l l r i g h t now. You can q u e e n 10 b5xc6 b6-b5
you r p a w n , I ' l l p l ay . . . g4-g3, a n d R i g h t . Now th e n , l i sten ca refu l l y
th e n you ca n d o whatev e r you l i ke wh ite k i n g . I a m th reate n i n g to
. . . I d o n 't care . . . I 'm sta l e mated, q u ee n my p a w n . You h ave got to
a n d t h e r e 's noth i n g you c a n do q u ee n you rs to sto p m e . W h e n y o u
about it. Let's c a l I it a d raw and captu re my b - p a w n I a m sta l e
go h o m e . m ated . The g a m e i s D R AW N . D o
2 h7-h8=N you u nd e rsta n d ?
A k n i ght? W e l l , that d oesn 't m a ke 11 c6-c7
a n y d i fference . . . does it? Oh t h e m a n 's a fo o l !
2 . . . g4-g3 11 . . . b5 -b4
3 N h 8-g6 I f it were n 't so u ncomforta b l e I
Oh I see, p e r h a p s it d o e s . cou l d go to s l e e p i n th i s c o r n e r .
Page 1 34
Raiding knigh ts
12 c7-c8=N 15 N e4xg3
Mad ! H e 's g o n e com p l et e l y m ad . Aaaagh . . . gu l p !
12 . . . b4-b3
Now h e 's got t o ta ke the p a w n a n d

it's a l l over. Th a n k h eavens . . .
what a bore !
13 N c8-d6
Ha ! He ca n 't stop m e from

queen i n g . I 'm go i n g to w i n ! Ha h a !
13 . . . b3-b2
Ca n 't catch m e !
14 N d 6xe4 b2-b 1 =Q
B r i l l i a nt . . . i t 's mate next m ov e .

Serves the o l d f o o l r i g h t . B e a u t i f u l We l l , the b l a c k k i n g d i d get some
. . . I 'm go i n g to d re a m a b o u t t h i s . . . th i n g r i g h t . I t was m ate n e x t m ov e !
Born for glory
Som e pe o p l e w o r k h a rd a l l th e i r
l ives a n d a c h i e v e n ot h i n g . To
oth e rs f a m e and g l o r y seem to fa l l
natu r a l l y . Take the b l ac k k n i g h t f o r
exa m p l e :
( King 's Gambit)
1 e2-e4 e7-e5
2 f2-f4 e5 xf4
3 b2-b3 Qd 8-h4+
4 g2-g3 f4xg3
5 h 2 -h 3 g3-g2+
6 Ke 1 -e2 Qh4xe4+
7 Ke2-f2 g2xh 1 =N m ate ! Th e Austr i a n , G oetz, w o n th i s
Th e k n i g h t , bo r n on m ov e sev e n , g a m e i n Strasbo u rg i n 1 88 0 . H i s
fl a tte n s W h i te w i t h o u t e v e n gett i n g o p p o n e n t d i d n 't l eave h i s n a m e
o u t of h i s cot ! . . . w h i c h j u d g i ng by t h e w a y h e
p l ayed i s n 't s u r p r i s i n g !
Page 1 3 5
Raiding knigh ts
Horse- powe r ! 2 g7-g8=N +

W h ite steps the w o r k rate u p to
The Concise Oxford Dictionary th ree h o rse-powe r .
says h o rse-power is 'The u n it of 2 . . . Kh6�7
rate of d o i n g w o r k ' . I n t h i s posi t i o n 3 N g 8 -f6+ Kh7-h6
W h ite generates f i v e u n i ts a n d does
I f 3 . . . K h 7 - h 8 , 4 N f4xg6 i s m at e .
a fa i r j o b of w o r k o n t h e b l ac k
king ! 4 Nf6xg4+ K h 6- h 7
The p o s i t i o n l o o ks m es s y . R e m e m be r , h e d a re n 't g o to g5.
Actu a l l y i t ' s q u ite s i m p l e .
5 N e8 -f6+ K h 7 -g7
H e d a re n 't g o to h8 e i t h e r . Wh ite
sti l l q u ee n s the d - p a w n with c h e c k .
6 N f4-e6+ Kg7-f 7
7 d 7 -d 8 = N +
F o u r h o rse-powe r !
7 . . . Kf7-e7
8 c7-c8=N mate
F i v e h o rse-power seems to d o the

j o b v e ry n ice l y !
Wh ite t o move
There are th ree p o i nts t o r e m e m ber,

then it i s easy :
( a ) B l ac k th reaten s 1 . . . c2-c 1 = N +
2 K a 2-a 1 N d 2 - b3 m a t e .
( b ) W h i te c a n 't sto p th i s m a t e .
(c ) Si nce W h ite ca n 't sto p t h e m ate
h i s o n l y c h a nce is to keep
c h ec k i n g .
H e re ' s w h at h a ppened :
1 N d5-f4+ Kh5-h6
I f 1 . . . K h 5- g 5 (o r h4 ) 2 d 7 -d 8=0+,
and a fter 3 Od 8xd 2 it's a l l over. A m a g n i ficent m ate. T h e k i ng i s
B l ac k d a r e n 't ever l et W h ite q u e e n su r ro u n d e d by the h o rse m e n , a n d
with check. e a c h o n e p l ays h i s p a rt !
Page 1 36
Combined operations
So far y o u h ave h a d it easy ! Wel l , l et's recap on what we h av e d o n e so f a r .

F i rst of a l l we l oo ked at t h e q u i c k k i l l . We saw h ow , by stic k i n g to t h e
ru l es of the open i n g , a n d by dev e l o p i n g agg ress i v e l y , we cou l d keep o u r
o p p o n e n t u n d e r p ressu re a n d pu n i s h h i m for h i s ope n i n g m i st a k e s .
Next we l o o ked at o p e n f i l es . We saw h o w t h e rooks bec a m e stro n g e r
when they h a d o p e n f i l es o n wh i c h to o p e rate. We saw h ow t h e r o o k s
cou l d u s e t h e o p e n f i l es t o i nv a d e t h e e n e m y posit i o n , a n d h o w they b e
came eve n m o re powerf u l i f they cou l d safe l y r e a c h t h e s e v e n t h o r e i ghth
ra n ks .
T h e n we l oo k e d at d i ago n a l s . We saw h o w t h e pos i t i o n of t h e p a w n s
affects t h e s c o p e a n d p o w e r of t h e b i s h o p s . We saw t h e p o w e r of t h e
b i s h o p a s a l o n g - r a n g e p i ec e , c reat i n g a n d i nvad i n g h o l es i n the e n e m y
p a w n sh i e l d .
F i n a l l y w e l oo ked a t t h e k n i g h t . W e s a w h ow i t f i g hts a h i t-a n d-ru n
batt l e on an o p e n board , h ow it c a n d i g itself i n on a n o pe ra ti o n s base
when there i s good pawn cov e r . We l oo k e d at s m ot h e red m ates and t h e
d a n gers of t h e fo r k .
S o far y o u h av e h a d it e a s y ? W e l l . . . F o r e x a m p l e , wh e n y o u were
l o o k i n g at t h e sect i o n o n ra i d i ng k n i ghts y o u c a m e across fo u r p r o b l e m s
t o s o l v e . Y o u k n e w stra i g h t a w a y th at the wi n n i n g l i n e m u st i nv o l v e
u s i n g t h e k n i g h t ; so you s e t o f f l o o k i n g for t h e forks, the sm othered
mates etc ! T h e testg a m es a nd p ro b l e m s were c h osen to h i g h l i g h t t h e
power of t h e k n i g h t ; so y o u h a d a b i g c l u e befo re you started - you k n e w
the k n i g h ts were t h e i m portant p i eces . T h e s a m e th i n g a p p l i es i n t h e
oth e r sect i o n s .
I n you r actu a l g a m e s it wo n 't w o r k l i ke that. A t l e ast, not ofte n .
So m et i mes you w i l l h av e a g a m e w h e r e there i s o n e g e n e r a l t h e m e , but
m o re u s u a l l y everyth i n g w i l l c o m e togeth e r . T h e re wi l l be o p e n f i l es ,
there w i l l be g o o d d i ago n a l s , t h e r e w i l l b e we l l - p l aced k n i gh t s . I n m ost
games you wi l l have to tie everyth i n g toget h e r , m a ke a l l the p i eces w o r k
w i t h m a x i m u m p o w e r . They w i l l h a v e to f i g h t a combined operation.
I n th i s sect i o n t h e r e a re two tests . Y o u wi l l get no cl u es to h e l p you
with t h e F o u r Pro b l e m s to So l v e . You w i l l h av e to stu dy the p o s i t i o n s
a n d u se y o u r k n ow l e d g e of t h e p o w e r of a l l t h e p i eces to w o r k o u t y o u r
answe r . You w i l l get no c l u es to h e l p you with t h e Testg a m e . Aga i n you
wi l l h ave to work o u t your a n swer by c o n s i d e r i n g t h e powe r of each a n d
ev ery o n e of y o u r p i eces. Y o u w i l l h a v e t o f i g h t a combined operation.
Page 1 3 7
Combined operations
TEST F I F TEEN
Q White has to give up his queen Q The white king is in danger.

to a void checkma te. Ho w does Black can force checkm a te. Ho w?
Black win ?
B l a c k to m ove B l a c k t o m ove
Th e two i m porta nt p o i nts h e r e a r e B l ac k has g i v e n up a p i ece fo r a

th e o p e n d-fi l e a n d W h i t e 's we a k pawn . H i s h eavy p i eces control t h e
ness o n h i s f i rst ra n k . T h e b l a c k c e n t r a l f i l es a n d h i s b i s h o p ra kes
q u e e n m u st g e t t o d 1 : t h e l o ng d i ag o n a l . A q u e e n sac r i f i c e
1 . . . Bd7-b5 l ea d s to a sta n d a rd roo k-a n d
b i s h o p m at e .
B l ac k sac r i f i ces h i s b i s h o p to c l ea r
th e w a y fo r h i s q u e e n . 1 . . . Od 3xf3
Wh ite i s l ost : 2 g2xf3
(a) If W h ite doesn 't ca ptu re he w i l l

2 a4xb5 Od8-d 1 mate s i m p l y b e mated b y t h e q u e e n o n
g2.
(b)
2 Bc1 -g5 Bb5xc4+ 2 . . . R e6-g6+
3 Kg 1 -h 1 Bb7xf3 mate
B l ac k captu res t h e q u e e n with
c h e c k , W h ite does not h ave t i m e There was no escape fo r the wh ite
t o captu re t h e b l a c k q u e e n . king.
Score 2 poin ts. Score 3 p oin ts.
Page 1 38
Combined operations
Q This tim e it is the

black king Q The threa t of m a te forces Black
who is in danger. Ho w does White to give up a piece. Ho w does Wh ite
force checkm a te? win ?
a b c d e f g h
s .l_. • �- m s
7 . ·*'· •
6 • t • • •• 6
5 • a� •• m • 5
4
• • {) 4
3
. •
• . . • ��: 3
• • · ft � i 2
, ·�· f� �
a b c d e f g h
Wh i te to m ove Wh ite to m ove
B l a c k 's K-s i d e defe n ces a re Th e b l ac k k i n g i s in the ce ntre a n d

wrec ked , a n d W h ite's p i eces a re i n the wh ite r o o k i s stra i n i n g at t h e
pos i t i o n t o i nv a d e . Th e i m portant l e a s h . W h ite forces o p e n th e e-fi l e .
l i n e i s th e d i ago n a l from b 1 to h 7 1 N c3xe4
on wh i ch W h ite can d i scov e r c h e c k .
B l a c k h a s th ree m a i n c h o i ces :
1 N e4-f6+
(a)
Th e re was no way th e k n i g h t cou l d 1 Bb4xd 2
ma ke u s e of t h e d i scovered c h e c k 2 N e4xf6++ Ke8-f8
b y a d i rect attac k o n a b l a c k p i ece. 3 Bf4-d6+ Od8xd6
1 . . . Kg6xf6 4 R e 1 -e8 m ate
If 1 . . . Kg6-g 7 , 2 Ob 1 - h 7 + Kg 7xf6 (b)
a n d 3 N g3-h 5 is mate . 1 . . . N f6xe4
2 N g3-h5+ Kf6-f7 2 R e 1 xe4+
3 Qb 1 -h 7 mate And n o w h owev e r B l ac k gets o u t
Note the powe r of the roo k on t h e of check h e l oses a p i e c e .
open e-f i l e , sto p p i ng the k i ng f r o m (c)
escap i n g . 1 Bb4-e7
Score 5 poin ts. 2 N e4-d 6+ Ke8-f8
3 Od 2xd4
And a ga i n W h ite w i n s a p i e c e .
Score 5 poin ts.
Page 1 3 9
Combin ed op era tions
Testgame 1 5 s o o n be p a rt of t h e w h i t e k i n g 's
pawn sh i e l d .
( Queen 's Gambit Declined)
Score 1 poin t for 8 . . . Bc5-e 7 .
Rotl evi R u b i n s te i n
T h e r e i s n o n e e d for t h e b i s h o p t o
1 d2-d4 d 7 -d5 ta k e u p t h i s m o re d e fe n s i v e p o s i
2 N g 1 -f3 e7 -e6 t i o n , s i n c e t h e re i s l i t t l e l i k e l i h o o d
3 e2-e3 c7-c5 o f t h e w h i t e d a rk-sq u a re d b i s h o p
4 c2-c4 N b 8-c6 com i n g to g5.
5 N b 1 -c3 Ng8-f 6
Score 1 p o in t f o r 8 . . . Bc5-b6 , o r
6 d4xc5
8 . . . B c 5 - a 7 . T h e r e i s n o t q u ite s o
W ea k . W h ite e x c h a n g e s h i s c e n tre m u c h f u t u r e for t h e b i s h o p o n th i s
p a w n and g i v e s up any h o p e of d i a go n a l s o l o n g a s W h ite k e e p s h i s
gett i n g a s p a c e a d v a n ta g e f r o m the pawn b a r r i e r a t e 3 a n d f2.
ope n i ng .
9 Bc1 -b2
6 . . . Bf8xc5
He c o u l d n 't w i n a p a w n by 9 c4x d 5
B l ac k r e c a p t u r e s and b r i n g s h i s e6x d 5 1 0 N c3xd5 N f6xd5 11
b i s h o p t o l i fe a t t h e s a m e t i m e . Qd 1 x d 5 bec a u s e of 11 . . . B d 6 x b4+
7 a2-a3 a7 -a6 wh e n he l os e s h i s q u e e n .
8 b2 -b4 9 0-0
10 Qd 1 -d 2 Qd 8-e7
Q Wh a t sh ould Black do n o w?
11 Bf1 -d3
It was st i l l d a n ge r o u s for W h ite to

gra b the p a w n : 11 c4x d5 e6xd5 12
N c3xd5 Nf6xd5 12 Od2xd5 Bc8-e6
13 Qd5-d1 Nc6x b4 and W h i te is i n
a l l so rts o f t r o u b l e .
Q what sh ould Black do n o w?
8 . . . Bc5-d 6
Score 3 poin ts.

Th e b i s h o p m o v e s to i t s best
d i a go n a l , h e l p i n g to c o n t r o l e5
a n d a i m i n g at h 2 . . . wh i c h w i l l a b c d e f g h
Page 140
Com bined opera tions
11 . . . d5xc4 Both p l a y e r s h av e m a d e t h e s a m e
Score 3 poin ts. n u m be r of m ov e s , b u t B l ac k h a s
N o w th at W h i t e h a s m oved h i s m a d e t w o m o r e t h a n Wh i t e ! Se e m s
l i g h t- s q u a red b i s h o p B l ac k s o l v e s st r a n g e , b u t j u st l o o k . Aft e r fou r
th e p ro b l e m o f t h e c e n t r e p a w n s . t e e n m ov e s t h e posi t i o n s of both
W h i t e h a s to l o se a m ov e re p l a y ers a r e exactl y t h e s a m e e x c e pt
captu r i n g . t h a t B l ac k h a s c a st l e d a n d p l a y e d
. . . R f 8-d 8 . W i t h t h i s two - m o v e
12 Bd3xc4 b7-b5
adva n ta g e B l ac k h a s c l ea r l y w o n t h e
B l ac k g a i n s m o re t i m e . b a tt l e of th e o p e n i n g , a n d wi l l be
13 Bc4-d3 f i rst to l a u nc h h i s m i d d l e -g a m e
atta c k .
Th e w h i te b i s h o p h a s b e e n h e re
befo r e ! 15 0-0
Q Wha t should Black do n o w? Q wha t should Black do n o w?
15 . . . N c6-e5 !
13 . . . Rf8-d8
Score 4 poin ts.
Score 3 poin ts. B l ac k goes to w a r , a n d h i s k n i gh t
Th e r o o k c o m es to i t s n atu r a l s q u a r e
l e a d s t h e t r o o p s . T h e re a re two
o n th e o p e n f i l e . T h e r e m a y b e two
m a i n th reats . One is to s m a s h u p
b i s h o p s i n t h e way , but the w h i te
W h i te 's c a st l ed po s i t i o n by c a p
q u e e n ca n 't f e e l safe !
tu r i n g o n f3 , t h e oth e r i s to w i n t h e
Score 3 poin ts for 1 3 . . . B c 8- b 7 . wh ite q u e e n by c a ptu r i n g o n d 3 :
Deve l o p i n g t h e b i s h o p o n to i ts 1 6 . . . N e 5x d 3 1 7 Oe2xd3 Bd6x h 2+ .
best s q u a re on t h e l o ng d i a go n a l Score 2 poin ts f o r 1 5 . . . R a 8 -c 8 .
i s j u st a s good .
16 N f3xe5
14 Od2-e2
Wh i te gets rid o f the a n n o y i n g
Th e w h i te q u e e n n o t i c e s the d a n g e r ! k n i g h t . B u t th i s was t h e m a i n p u r
14 . . . Bc8-b7 pose o f B l a c k 's l a st m ov e : t o e x -
Page 1 4 1
Combined operations
c h a n g e k n i g h ts : to d estroy Wh ite's 19 . . . Bc7 -b6+

best K-s i d e defen d e r ! 20 Kg 1 -h 1
16 Bd 6xe5 Q Wha t sh ould Black do n o w?
1 7 f2-f4 Be5-c7
1 8 e3-e4
Q Wha t should Black do n o w?
a b c d e f g h
20 . . . Nf6-g4
Score 4 poin ts.
18 . . . Ra8-c8 B l ac k g i v es W h ite a c h o i c e . W h ite
c a n e i t h e r l e ave th i s k n ight where it
Score 4 poin ts.
is and l e t it ra i d h i s K-s i d e , o r he
Dev e l o p f i rst . . . attack l ater !
c a n ca ptu re it and l et t h e b l a c k
B l ac k 's rook ta kes th e second o p e n
r o o k s l oose d o w n the centre .
f i l e , a n d now a l l h i s p i eces a re i n
play. Score 1 poin t for 20 . . . Nf6-d 5 .
Score 1 poin t f o r 1 8 . . . B c 7 -b6+ . 21 Bd3-e4

T h e re is no h u rry to com m i t y o u r Q Wha t sho uld Black do n o w?
b i s h o p to th i s d i ag o n a l .
Score 1 poin t for 1 8 . . . e6-e 5 .
Th i s bo l d central str i ke h o l ds u p
t h e wh ite e-pawn, b u t a l l ows Wh ite
to cl ose t h e centre up with f4-f 5 .
B l ack w i l l t h e n h ave a n a sty h o l e o n
d 5 , a n d h i s bette r-pl aced p i eces w i l l
l ose the freedom of a n o p e n board .
19 e4-e 5
Wh ite d i s l od ges t h e b l a c k k n i g ht,
but i n doing so h e o p e n s t h e l o n g
d i ag o n a l fo r B l ac k 's l i ght-sq u a red
bishop.
Page 1 4 2
Combined operations
21 . . . Oe7-h4 23 . . . R d 8 -d 2 ! !
22 g2-g3 Abso l ute l y bri l l i a nt ! Th e rooks
h a v e s i m p l y sm ash ed th e i r way down
Wh ite beats off the mate th reat,
the o p e n fi l es i nto the e n e m y posi
at t h e cost of o pe n i n g up h i s k i n g .
ti o n . They a re superbly su pported
Q Wha t sh ould Black do n o w? by th e b i s h o p s , wh ich s u p p l y a
bl i ste r i n g cross-f i r e , a nd the k n i g h t
wh i c h th u m ps h 2 . B l ac k i s a q u e e n
down , a n d fou r of h i s five p i eces
are en prise , but that does n 't m atte r
. . . i t 's th e w h i t e k i n g wh o 's got t h e
pro b l e m s !
24 Oe2xd 2
Aga i n , w h a t e l se? Qu i c k m ate
fo l l ows 24 Oe 2xg4 B b 7 xe4+, or 24
B b 2xc3 R d 2x e 2 , o r 24 Be4x b 7
R d 2x e 2 2 5 B b 7 -g 2 Rc3-h 3 .
24 . . . Bb7xe4+
25 Qd2-g2
22 . . . R c8xc3 ! !
Score 0 poin ts.
Yes, 0 p o i nts ! If you fo u n d that
move y o u ch eated !
23 g3xh4
What e l se? 23 B b2xc3 B b 7 x e4+
l e a d s to mate, a n d 23 B e4 x b 7
Rc3xg3 is j u st as bad .
25 . . . R c3-h 3 !
Score 4 poin ts.
I n t h e l ast fo u r moves the wh o l e
b l a c k a r m y h a s e x p l oded with
co l ossal powe r . Devastati n g .
B r i l l i a n t R u b i n ste i n . Wh ite o f cou rse
res i g n ed !
Page 1 43
Combined operations
TEST S I XTEEN
Q The black king canno t survive Q Again th e black king is in

White 's a ttack. Ho w does White trouble, and again White can
force checkma te? force ch eckma te. Ho w?
Wh ite to m ove Wh i t e to m ove
Th e wh ite q u e e n wo u l d l o o k Th e b l ac k rook i s ready to c o m e

p retty o n g 7 : s h e can 't get th e re to the resc u e by defe n d i n g h 7 .
th o u g h ! The q u e e n can force h e r Wh ite m u st use t h e h -f i l e to str i ke
way to t h e bac k ra n k , a n d t h a t i s i m m e d i ate l y .
wh ere B l a c k 's b i ggest trou b l e l i e s . 1 Oh6xh7+ Kh8xh7
1 Oc5xf8+ Kg8xf8 2 R e3-h3+ Kh7-g7
If the k i n g tries to ru n away then 3 Bf4-h6+
the wh ite q u e e n does get to g7: 1 Th e b i s h o p p o u nces on to t h e
. . Kg8-h 7 2 Qf8-g7 m ate.
. d iagonal and forces the black k i n g
2 R c 1 -c8+ Qd 2-d8 back t o t h e h-fi l e .
3 R c8xd8 mate 3 . . . Kg7-h7 (or h 8 )
Score 2 poin ts. 4 B h6-f8 mate
D i scovered attac k on the o p e n f i l e !
Score 3 poin ts.
Page 1 44
Combined operations
Q No w it is White 's turn to su ffer! Q Again it is the wh ite king wh o

Ho w does Black force checkma te ? is m a ted. Ho w?
B l ac k to m ov e B l ac k to move
W h ite's p i eces seem to h av e g o n e B l ac k w i ns t h i s with a l l h i s p i eces

o f f t h e i r m a j esty ! B l ac k 's a re i n p l ay i n g a p a rt . F i rst h e uses the
pos i t i o n to m a ke a c l os e r i n spect i o n ! open e-fi l e a n d i nv a d es t h e back
Qh4x h 2+
ra n k :
1 . . .
1 R e 8 -e 1 +
A q u e e n s a c r i f i ce ! W h i te h a s a c h o ice : · · ·
take, o r r u n away . Wh i te h a s a c h o i c e :
(a ) (a )
2 Kg1xh2 N e 5 -f3++ 2"" Rf2-f 1 N d4-f3++
A n d n o w , i f 3 Kh 2-h 1 o r 3 K h 2 - h 3 Th e k n i g h t both checks a n d

N e4-f2 i s m ate . d i scovers c h ec k !
(b ) 3 Kg 1 -h 1 Oh4x h 2 mate .
2 K g 1 -f 1 Qh2-h 1 + (b)
3 Kf1 -e2 Qh 1 xg2+ 2 Bc4-f 1 N d 4-e2+
4 Ke2-e1 Qg2 -f2 mate
Th i s t i m e the k n i g h t ra i d s a l o n e !
Th e k n i g h t s h o l d a l l the powe r ! 3 Kg 1 -h 1 R e 1 xf 1 +
Score 4 poin ts.
The wh ite r o o k i s n o w fo rced off
f2, a l l ow i n g the b l ac k b i s h o p to
cover g 1 .
4 R f2xf 1 N e2-g3 mate
A neat, a l m ost s m ot h e red m at e !

Score 6 poin ts.
Page 1 4 5
Combined operations
Testgame 1 6 12 . . . Ne5 -c4

13 Be3-c1
( Sicilian Defence ) Wh ite defe n ds b2 a n d c l e a rs the
R av i n s k i P a n ov way for act i o n on th e e -fi l e .
1 e2-e4 c7-c5 13 . . . N c4xa3?
2 N g 1 -f3 e7-e6 B l a c k g r a bs a paw n , but h e 's
3 d2-d4 c5xd4 wast i n g too m u ch t i m e . H e s h o u l d
4 N f3xd4 N g8-f6
h a v e l eft h i s k n i g h t bac k o n c6 a n d
5 N b 1 -c3 d7-d6
p l ayed . . . Bf8-e7 a n d . . 0-0. .
6 g2-g3 N b8-c6
7 Bf1 -g2 Bc8-d7 Q Wha t sh ould White do n o w?
8 0-0 a7-a6
9 Bc1 -e3 Ra8-c8
10 Od 1 -e2 b7-b5
11 a2-a3 N c6-e5
Q Wha t sh ould White do no w?
h c d e l g h
a b c d e l g
1 4 e4-e5
Score 3 poin ts.
B l ac k i s be h i n d i n deve l o p m e n t ; h i s
k i n g i s sti l l i n t h e centre . W h ite 's
q u een a n d roo k sta n d powerfu l l y
o n the centre f i l e s . W h ite s e i zes
12 R a 1 -d 1
his c h a nce to smash o p e n th e
Score 2 poin ts. centre.
B l ac k o bv i o u s l y i n te n d s to m ov e
N o score for oth e r m ov e s . 14 b2xa3
h i s k n i gh t to c4, attac k i n g Wh ite 's
R c 8xc3 l eaves Wh i t e 's 0-s i d e i n
b i s h o p , a n d ra i d i n g t h e 0-s i d e .
tatters, a n d i s particu l a r l y bad .
Wh ite deve l ops h i s r o o k o n t o t h e
o p e n l i n e a n d m a kes w a y f o r h i s 14 . . . d 6xe5
b i s h o p t o retreat t o c 1 . I f B l a c k B l a c k doesn 't h a v e m uc h c h o i c e .
wastes too m u c h t i m e with h i s I f 1 4 . . . Nf6-d 5 1 5 Nc3x d 5 a n d
k n i gh t W h ite m a y get t h e c h a nce h i s k n i gh t o n a3 i s l ost.
for a sharp atta c k in t h e centre .
Page 1 46
Combined operations
Q wha t sh o uld White do n o w? 17 N e5x<l7
Score 3 poin ts.

Afte r th i s capture Wh i te 's l i gh t
squ a red b i s h o p c a n ru l e t h e l o ng
d i a g o n a l from h 1 to a 8 com p l etel y
u nc h a l l e n g e d . A t the same t i m e
B l ac k 's k i n g posi t i o n becom es
sl i g h t l y m o re p e r i l o u s . O n e of h i s
roy a l gu a rd s h a s g o n e , a nd h i s c o n
trol of e 6 h a s b e e n wea kened .
No score for 1 7 N e 5xc4 w h e n
Wh i te g e t s v e ry l i ttl e f o r h i s pawn .
Score 1 poin t for 1 7 Bc 1 -f4 .
17 . . . N f6xd7
15 N d4-c6 !
An oth e r a d v a n tage of W h i te 's l ast
move is t h a t B l ac k h a s to re
Score 4 poin ts.
ca ptu re with th i s kn i g h t , w i t h
Th e k n i g h t m a kes u s e of the p i n
d r a w i n g the p i ece from t h e centre .
o n th e o p e n d-fi l e to ra i d e n e m y
te r r i t o r y . Q Wha t sho uld White do n o w?
Score 1 poin t f o r 1 5 Oe2x e 5 . Th i s
i s n 't s o g o o d beca u s e the q u ee n gets
d r i v e n off by 1 5 . . . N a3-c4 .
15 . . . Qd8 -c7
16 N c6xe5 N a3-c4
18 N c3-d5
Score 3 p o in ts.
Wh ite 's com m a n d of t h e centre i s
growi n g e v e r y m o v e . H e u ses h i s
control o f t h e centre f i l es t o i m
prove t h e p o s i t i o n o f h i s k n i g h t .
Page 1 4 7
Combined operations
Score 1 p oin t for 1 8 f2-f4 . T h e Q Wha t sh ould White do n o w?

i d e a of p l a y i n g th e pawn o n to f5
and s m a s h i n g o p e n m o re f i l es i s
good , but too s l o w . B l ac k rep l i es
with 1 8 . . . Bf8-c5+ and 1 9 . 0-0. . .
Score 1 poin t for 1 8 R f 1 -e 1 .

18 . . . Oc7-a7
19 N d 5 -f4
The pawn o n e6 is t h e b a r r i e r to
Wh ite's atta c k on t h e ce ntre f i l es .
I f th i s c a n b e d y n a m ited B l ac k 's
wh o l e defences wi l l c ru m b l e , a n d
t h e rest w i l l be a m assacre .
19 . . . N c4-e5
B l a c k tries to h o l d the pos i t i o n by 21 N f4xe6 !
b l o c k i n g the road to e 6 . He wou l d Score 5 poin ts.
proba b l y h ave d o n e better t o have Th e d ra u ght bl ows c o l d arou n d
t r i e d 1 9 . . . Bf8-e7 a n d faced the B l a c k 's k i n g !
sto rm .
21 . . . f7xe6
Q Wha t should White do n o w? 22 Oe2xe6+ Bf8-e7
Q Wha t should White do n o w?
20 R d 1 xd 7 !
Score 5 poin ts. 23 R f 1 -e 1
Wh ite beg i n s t h e j o b of d e m o l i s h i n g Score 2 poin ts.
B l a c k 's pos i t i o n . W h i te 's h eavy a r m a m e n t powers
20 . . . N e5xd7 down th e o p e n f i l e th reate n i n g
Page 1 48
Combined opera tions
mate on e 7 . H i s b i s h o p s l u r k i n b l a sted awa y .

the backgro u n d , w a i t i n g to u n l eash 26 . . . Ke8xe7
th e i r fu ry o n t h e o p e n boa rd . 27 Bc1 -g5+
Score 1 poin t for 23 Bc 1 -g5 . T h i s The b i sh o ps h ave wa ited i n th e
i s n ot so good bec a u s e B l ac k re p l ies w i n g s for l o ng e n o u g h . Now they
23 . . . Oa7-c 5, defe n d i n g t h e mate co m e i nto th e i r own : a n o p e n
th reat and attac k i n g the b i s h o p . bo ard a n d bea u t i fu l d i a g o n a l s .
23 . . . Oa7-c5 27 . . . Ke7-d 6
24 b2-b4 !
Q Wha t should White do n o w?
Wh ite tries to l u re t h e b l ac k q u e e n
d h c d t� f \:-l h
off c 5 so t h a t h e c a n p l a y 2 5 Bc 1 -g 5 .
24 . . . Nd7-f8
25 Qe6-g4
Wh ite with d raws : for t h e m o m ent
t h e b l ac k k i ng seems to have fou n d
safety beh i n d h i s b i s h o p .
25 . . . Oc5-c3
B l ac k saves h i s q u ee n a n d m a nages
to g u a rd c 8 a n d g 7 at t h e s a m e
t i m e . H e th reate n s W h ite's roo k
a n d so p revents 26 Be 1 -g 5 .
Q Wha t should White do n o w? 28 Qg4-d 1 +

Score 3 poin ts.
Th i s i s the o n l y route to c h e c k m ate .
Wh ite m u st p l a y acc u rate l y . I t i s n o
use j u st c h ec k i ng the b l a c k k i ng
a ro u n d t h e board a n d h o p i ng for
the best . B l ac k has a b i g lead i n
mater i a l ; h e wo u l d w i n i f h i s q u e e n
cou l d co m e to the defence a n d
stave off Wh ite 's attac k . B l ac k , i n
fact, res i g ne d at th i s p o i n t . . . w h i c h
i s n 't s u r p r i s i n g as h e i s bei n g mated :
28 . . . Kd6-c7
If 28 . . . Kd6-e6, 29 Qd 1 -d 5 is m a te .
26 R e 1 xe7+ ! 2 9 Bg5-f4+ Kc7-b6
30 Od 1 -d 6+ Kb6-a7
Score 5 poin ts.
Each t i m e a b l ac k p iece gets be If 3 0 . . . R c 8-c6 , 3 1 Od 6-b8 is m ate .
twee n Wh ite and h i s goa l i t is 31 Qd6-e7+ R c8-c7
Page 1 4 9
Combined operations
If 3 1 . . . Ka7-b6, 32 Ge 7-b7 i s
m ate .
32 Bf4-e3+ Ka7-b8
If 32 . . . Qc3xe3, 33 Qe7xc7 i s
m ate.
33 Qe7-d8+ R c7-c8
34 Qd8-b6 mate
P o s i t i o n after 3 4 Od8-b6 m a t e
P i e ce powe r !
R a i d i n g k n i g h ts h i tti n g and ru n n i n g .
R o o ks se i z i ng o pe n f i l e s .
T h e e ne m y defe n ces de m o l i s h e d .
The e n e m y k i n g on the ru n .
B i s h ops swee p i n g across o pe n d i a g o n a l s .
T h e q u e e n , m ajestic on a n o p e n board .
The e n e m y k i n g corne red .
T h e executi on !
P i ece powe r . . . at its best.
Page 1 50
I ndex of openings
Be n o n i Defe n c e , 3 8
Ca ro - Ka n n Defe n ce , 34 , 7 6 , 9 2
Centre Cou nte r G a m b i t , 1 2 7
D a n ish G a m b i t , 54
E v a n s G a m b i t , 88
F o u r K n i g h ts O pe n i n g , 30
F re n c h Defence, 46
G i u oco P i a n o , 8
K i n g 's G a m b i t , 1 3 5
N i m z o- l n d i a n Defe nce, 1 2 2
Qu ee n 's G a m b it Dec l i n e d , 1 4 0
Queen 's I n d i a n Defe nce, 84
Qu e e n 's Pawn G a m e , 1 1 1
R u y L o p e z , 1 6 , 2 2 , 68, 1 06
S i c i l i a n Defence, 4, 50, 1 1 4, 1 46
Two K n i gh ts Defence, 7 2 , 1 30
Vienna Gam bit, 1 1 9
Page 1 5 1

J N Walker Test Your Chess Piece Power 1980

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Oxford Chess Books

Editor: Adam Hart-Davis

Alexander Alekhine 107 Great Chess Battles, edited

H. Golombek & W.R. Hartston

T. D. Harding Better Chess for Average Chess-Players

Korchnoi's Chess Games Introduction by Bill Hartston

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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

Wal ker, Jo h n N o rman

Set b y Hope Services, Abingdon

I n the p re p a r a t i o n of th is boo k more t h a n 500 g a m e s a n d pos i t i o n s h a d to

Introduction - how to use this book ix

Some chess terms and expressions xii

The quick kill

Open files and the enemy ranks 23

Diagonals and bishops 61

Four problems to solve 90

Four problems t o solve 1 04

Fou r problems to solve 112

Co me into my p a r l our said the s p id e r to t h e f l y 1 18

Combined operations 137

Index of openings 151

Th i s boo k i s d e s i g n e d to i n struct, exam i n e , a n d e n terta i n .

Th r o u g h o u t th i s boo k we u se the l o n g form of a l g e b ra i c n otat i o n .

Each row of squ ares ac ross th e board i s

We u s e sy m b o l s as a b brev i a t i o n s for p i eces a n d chess terms .

K = king 0-0 = cast l e s o n th e K -s i d e

Q = q u een 0-0-0 = castles on the 0-s i d e

N = knight � + = c h e c k (++ = d o u b l e chec k)

T h e pawn (i) h a s no sym bo l . e . p . = e n passant

We use ! to sh ow a good m ov e , a nd ? to s ho w a bad m ov e .

WRITING THE MOVES

( a ) T h e sy m b o l f o r t h e p i ec e wh i c h moves ( u n l ess it i s a pawn ) .

If check i s g i v e n , t h e check s i g n i s written after the move. In t h e d i agram

But t h e n B l ac k cou l d captu re the roo k with h i s q u ee n :

As the pawn h as no sy m b o l t h e f i rst of o u r fo u r steps is l eft out wh e n we

R A N K : a row of s q u a res r u n n i n g across the board from l eft to r i g h t . Th e

F ILE: a row o f s q u a res ru n n i n g from t h e wh ite t o t h e b l a c k s i d e o f the

K-S I D E : the h a l f o f t h e boa rd t o Wh ite's r i g h t : the e-, f-, g-, a n d h-fi l e s .

0-S I D E : the oth e r h a l f of the b o a rd : t h e a - , b-, c-, a n d d-fi l e s .

OPEN F l LE: a fi l e o n wh i c h n e i t h e r s i d e h a s a pawn . I n the d i agram t h e

H AL F-OP E N F l L E : a f i l e u po n wh i c h o n l y o n e of the p l ayers h a s a

D O U B L E D PAW N S : wh e n two p a w n s of the same co l o u r are o n t h e

EN PR ISE: a p i ece or pawn is s a i d to be en prise wh e n it i s th reate n e d .

F I A N C H ETTO : a b i s h o p is f i a n c h ettoed wh e n the n e i g h bo u r i n g k n i g h t 's

F L I G H T SQU A R E : a sq u a re to wh i c h a n attacked p i ece m a y ru n .

FO R K: a d o u b l e atta c k . I f Bla c k p l ays . . . N d 5-c3+ h e i s fo r k i ng the

I SO LAT E D P AW N : a p a w n i s i solated wh e n t h e r e i s n o pawn o n t h e

M IN O R P I EC ES: bishops and kni ghts.

O P E N I N G : t h e p a rt of t h e g a m e wh e n t h e p i eces are b e i n g developed .

PASS E D P A W N : a pawn i s p a s s e d wh e n it c a n advance t o the e i ghth

PIN: a p i ece i s p i n ned wh e n it c a n not m o v e w i t ho ut e xpos i n g a m o r e

SAC R I F I C E : g i v i n g u p a p i ece o r a p a w n i n the h o p e o f ga i n i ng s o m e

Score no p o in ts i f y o u wou l d W h e n Wh i te pl a y e d 5 d 2-d 4 h e a l