@Q “multiple = fittce me oe GRAEME BUCKLEYmultiple choice GRAEME BUCKLEY EVERYMAN CHESS Everyman Publishers plc www.everymanbooks.comFirst published in 2002 by Everyman Publishers plc, formerly Cadogan Books ple, Gloucester Mansions, 140A Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8HD Copyright © 2002 Graeme Buckley ‘The sight of Graeme Buckley to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher, British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. ISBN 1 85744 309 8 Distributed in North America by The Globe Pequot Press, P.O Box 480, 246 Goose Lane, Guilford, CT 06437-0480. Alll other sales enquiries should be directed to Everyman Chess, Gloucester Man- sions, 140A Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8HD tel: 020 7539 7600 fax: 020 7379 4060 email: dan@everyman.uk.com website: www.everyman.uk.com EVERYMAN CHESS SERIES (formerly Cadogan Chess) Chief advisor: Garry Kasparov Commissioning editor: Byron Jacobs ‘Typeset and edited by First Rank Publishing, Brighton. Production by Book Production Services. Printed and bound in Great Britain by The Cromwell Press Ltd., Trowbridge, Wiltshire.Everyman Chess Popular opening books: 1 85744 2180 1 85744 253 9 185744 256 4 1 85744 232 6 185744 281 4 185744 292 X 1 85744 2903 1 85744 2393 1 85744 2423 1 85744 2628 1 85744 291 1 1 85744 252 0 1 85744 2571 1 85744 2768 Unusual QG Declined Alekhine’s Defence Queen’s Gambit Declined French Classical Modern Defence Symmetrical English 3 Sicilian Grunfeld Defence Offbeat Spanish Classical Nimzo-Indian Sicilian Grand Prix Attack Dutch Stonewall Sicilian Kalashnikov French Winawer Books for players serious about improving their game: 1 85744 2261 185744 2318 185744 2369 1 85744 2415 1 85744 246 6 185744 2237 185744 2288 185744 233 4 1 85744 2385 Starting Out in Chess Tips for Young Players Improve Your Opening Play Improve Your Middlegame Play Improve Your Endgame Play Mastering the Opening Mastering the Middlegame Mastering the Endgame Simple Chess Books for the more advanced player: 1 85744 233 4 185744 2334 1 85744 2199 185744 2245 1 85744 2733 Attacking with 1 e4 Attacking with 1 d4 Meeting 1 e4 Meeting 1 d4 Excelling at Chess Chris Ward Nigel Davies Matthew Sadler Byron Jacobs Speelman & McDonald David Cummings Joe Gallagher Nigel Davies Glenn Flear Bogdan Lalic James Plaskett Jacob Aagaard Pinski & Aagaard Neil McDonald Byron Jacobs Matthew Sadler Chris Ward Andrew Kinsman Glenn Flear Byron Jacobs Angus Dunnington Glenn Flear John Emms John Emms ‘Angus Dunningron Alexander Raetsky Aagaard and Lund Jacob Aagaardmultiple choice 1 GRAEME BUCKLEY EVERYMAN CHESS Everyman Publishers ple www everymanbooks.comCONTENTS Bibliography Introduction: How to use this Book Mating Attacks 1 Taimanov-Petrosian 2. Nijboer-Korchnoi 3. Nunn-Nataf 4 N.Pert-Hebden Attack is the Best form of Defence Shitov-Adams Ki.Georgiev-Smirin Grischuk-M.Gurevich Shirov-Kamsky 9. Beliavsky-Savchenko waa A Crossfire of Bishops 10. Ivanchuk-Anand 11 Motylev-Adams 12 Leko-Adams 13 Kotsur-Frolov 14. Nikolic-Timman Rooks and Pawns versus Minor Pieces 15. Keres-Kottnauer 16 Kramnik-Shirov 17 Karpov-Kasparov Endings Made to look Easy 18 Ki,Georgiev-Timoschenko 19 Smagin-Bronstein 20. Smyslov-Bronstein 100 105 vit 112 118 127 139 141 147 155BIBLIOGRAPHY Books Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings A-F. Sahovski Informatot) Periodicals Informator New in Chess Yearbook New in Chess Magagne Chess Life Chess Monthly British Chess Magazine Electronic Chess Assistant ChessBaseINTRODUCTION How to use this Book T hope you do not object if I am brief and perhaps slightly cheeky in this book. T will begin by advising that readers can treat Multiple Choire Chess 2 in a similar way to Multiple Choice Chess. This implies that readers will have already examined the material in the first book of this series, and if that is so then all is well and good. I also need to add, however, as a re- minder and for new players trying their hand at this type of book that I hope, young or old, everyone will find chat this is a fun, interactive book with plenty of useful advice and tips for both beginner and advanced player. ‘The book can be treated either as a series of exercises or as informative games. The exer- ciscs are of the form ‘guess the next move’, but there’s always a list of alternatives so that the reader cannot be floundering in a plausible but wrong direction. In this way, 1 hope no- body gets frustrated. I should also reiterate thar if the book is treated as a series of exercises, then safe moves, that is any moves that do not give away any material, are rewarded more often than not. In this book there is more emphasis than in the first book on looking ahead, anticipating the next move and on calculating variations. In this way, | hope the book continues to cater for the more elite players. On playing through the games it should always be borne in mind that the competitors, in the majority of cases, were playing 40 moves during a four-hour period. On top of that, professional players are well trained in all phases of the game. Therefore, one must spend a decent amount of time on the games if one is to have a chance of achieving a high score. If you are of a lower grade or rating then you should not be disappointed with a lower point score. This will leave you room for improvement for when you become stronger. It will also give more experienced players a chance to score higher than you. The highest scores can only be obtained with the right approach (and a careful reading of the explanations for each move so as not to miss any bonus poines which all add to your scorel). If you wish to make the exercises more difficult, then you can cover up the list of choices and choose your own move, just as you did in the first book. Remember that if you do this, then before you read on in that exercise it is best 10 verify that the move you have chosen was in the list. In this way you can adjust your choughts if you need to and you can have a ‘second go” without having revealed any ‘answers?Multiple Choice Chess II Okay, you'd better get your chess set out, your brain in gear and make a start. Please do not forget to have something at hand in order to cover up the part of the page with the ‘an- swers’ on so that you cannot be accused of cheating (inadvertently, of course). Work hard and have fun! Graeme Buckley Sutton November 2002CHAPTER ONE Mating Attacks It is always a satisfying feeling to conclude a game of chess with mate. On other occa- sions one could almost argue that a player is being unsporting if they give up a piece to avoid being mated, only to have a com- pletely lost game but be able to Jast ten or fifteen moves longer! The following games are four examples of ruthless pursuits of the enemy king, with many complicated but nevertheless engag- ing variations as one monarch is caught in @ well-prepared net. In the first game, which is an old one, White asserts his advantage from having the superior minor piece. One could argue thar this game belonged in Chapter 3, but would never encourage that the ideas in chess are contained in separate boxes, rather that they all overlap and intermingle. In this chapter there is an assortment of openings to illustrate that this style of chess can materialise from many positions. It is in only the last game of this chapter that both sides castle in the more traditional kingside manner. The Girst evo are games that con- tain provocative opposite-wing castling and the third is an encounter with a very special ype of attack, Interestingly, Black scores 75% of the victories here, although it is a recognised feature at top-level chess that the white pieces are advantageous to a degree, Perhaps itis for this reason that black open- ings are getting more and more aggressive as Black strives to counterbalance his oppo- nent’s first move with a sharp response. Especially towards the end of the en- counters, try to work out mating lines to the very end, as there will be bonus points for how far ahead you see, Forcing variations, with perhaps checks all the way, are not as intimidating as they first appear. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that these players are not going to go all out for mate as a gamble while the rest of their army is obliterated on the opposite wing, There may be times when some defensive moves ate in order to maintain total control of the situation. ‘There is little emphasis on the opening to give everyone an equal chance and I hope you enjoy hunting down the grandmaster moves and the enemy king!Multiple Choice Chess Ul Game 1 Taimanov-Petrosian Leningrad 1959 1d4e6 2c4 This is an example of grandmaster psy. chology. The invitation to transpose to an e4 opening is declined. 2...d5 3 DAc3 Re7 4 Df3 AE 5 &g5 0-0 6 e3 b6 Nowadays the precise move order is 6..h6 and only after 7 &h4 does Black de- cide to develop his bishop with...b7-b6. 7 oxd5 exd5 The line 7..Dxd5 8 Dxd5 exd5 9 Axe? Wxe7 10 2d3 eG 11 We2 secures White a tiny edge because Black has to waste a tempo so as not to lose the h7-pawn. You can recall that Black should have played 6...h6. 8 2d3 2b7 9 We2 h6 10 Axt6 Axf6 11 ha White announces his aggressive inten- tions. Castling kingside leads to far more restrained positions where White seeks to execute a ‘minority attack’ on the queenside and leave his opponent with weaker pawns. 11...05 12 0-0-0 Dc6 Soa ts & vs es 2. Taimanov was proud of this encounter and even selected it as one of his favourite games. Can you duplicate any of his moves? Over to you. a) 13 dxe5 b) 13 Axds c) 13 2h7+ a) 13 24 13. dxe5 (a) is wrong in principle as it opens up the queenside for Black to launch an attack. However, if you spotted the pos- sibility to win a pawn and come crashing down the centre with 13 dxc5 bxc5 14 ®xd5, when 14...Wxd5 fails to 15 Rh7+, score one point. This type of tactic is in- valuable to many positions. However, in the same breath, take an extra point if you real- ised that 13 dxc5 does not force the recap- ture 13...bxc5, and indeed Black stands well after 13...b4. 13 @xd5 (b) drops the knight and two: points, 13 &h7+ (c) ¥h8 could lead to White getting his bishop trapped after a later ..g7- g6. If you had planned to grab the d-pawn with 14 dxc5 ete. take one point as your intentions are positive, but again a crucial extra point is for those who passed on this idea due to the intermezzo 14..2b4. You can have bonuses for the variations in (a) and (c) if you saw them, as they are slightly different in character. 13 g4 (d) is our star contender for three points. White leaves the centre and queen- side alone and begins to aim at the enemy fortress. 13 g4 cxdd a) 14 exd4 b) 14 @xd4 ©) 14 5 d) 14 Qh7+ 10Mating Attacks DZ. ‘yt, Zs 14 exd4 (a) is the correct way to regain the pawn and scores two points 14 Dxd4 (b) scores one but only if you had judged that 14...Axd4 15 exd4 Rxh4 16 f4 would be too dangerous for Black to seriously contemplate. Remember the old saying that ‘the threat is worse than the execution’, In this case 14 g5 (©) would definitely be premature as Black can ease the tension with 14..dxc3 15 exo Wit6, Deduct two points for 14 &h7+ () Bh8 15 exd4 g6 16 Rxg6 fxg6 17 Wxg6 227. 14 exd4a Wa6 At this stage there is a bonus for those who are aware that White’s d4-pawn is ‘safe? from capture as there is &h7+ at the end of any sequence where Black’s minor pieces go snaffling. agen ae a isl TE Ss Ss aS a) 15 Dbs b) 15 @b1 ©) 15 g5 4) 15 Bhgt 15 @b5 (a) rather walks into Black’s ‘trap’ and costs you two points. Typically, 15..WE4+ 16 Bd2 a6 17 Dc3 Dxd4 would follow. It takes plenty of patience and experience to take time out from an attack to quietly place your monarch out of danger. 15 S#b1 (b) scores three. 15 gS (©) can have one point, although Black has the better prospects after 15...We4+ 16 Bb1 Wxt3 17 gxf6 Wxt6 18 Dxd5 Wd6. Admittedly, opening up the h- file with 15...hxg5 would have spelt disaster for Black due to 16 hxgs WE4+ 17 $bt ixgs 18 Qh7+ Sh8 19 Qe8+ Who 20 Wh7 mate. You can have a bonus for spot- ting that. 15 Hhg1 (d) again fails to appreciate the point behind Black’s previous move so de- duct one for permitting 15..We+ 16 Dd2 Bxd4. 15 &b1 Dba If anyone was thorough enough to won- der what White was intending to do about 15...WE4 here, award yourself a bonus with a further on offer for those who calculated 16 Dxd5 Wx63 17 Led as a powerful course of action. It is also worth pointing out that, al- though Black is about to secure the bishop pair here, the position is significantly blocked so this should suit White, who will have two knights, fine. a) 16 Wb3 b) 16 Wad c) 16 Waz ) 16 Db5 16 We2 (©) remains central and flexible and scores the maximum of nwo. In descending order, 16 Wb3 (a) nets 11Multiple Choice Chess I one, while 16 Wad (b) Axd3 17 Hxd3 Bfes posts White’s army on slightly unusual squares for zero and 16 @b5 (d) looks de- cidedly awkward after 16..Wd7 17 Wb3 @®xd3 18 Hxd3 Ra (or even 18...Wxg4) and scores minus one. 16 Wd2 Axd3 igo Me ORD Y, “ le am pC mie Be 1h a 18 g5 &cB a) 19 gxf6 b) 19 gxh6 ) 19 h5 4) 19 Pal eo 8 6 a. YG GOES a) 17 Wxd3 b) 17 g5 c) 17 Db5 d) 17 Des 17 Wxd3 (a) is the only one on the list to score here with one point. As] try and drum into my pupils, 98% of chess is made up of good, solid, logical moves. 17 g5 (b) Df4 and 17 Abs () Wd7 both drop one point and 17 Bed (A) loses you three. 17 Wxd3 96 a) 18 g5 b) 18 h5 c) 18 We3 d) 18 a3 ‘Minus five for 19 gxf6 (a), which falls for 19...@5. Don’t forget that your opponent is the infamous Petrosian, who is not going to relinquish pieces without good reason. As long as you gave Black’s previous move the respect it deserves, you should not have fallen for 19 gxh6 (b) 265 either. If you did, you have learnt a valuable lesson in the necessity to always consider what your opponent is up to, and on this occa- sion it costs you seven points. For the same reason, 19 h5 (c) &£5 reduces your total by six Again it is the gentle but logical sidestep by the monarch, 19 Gal (d), which merits top marks of one point. 19 hal 25 “ zS Ae “eth we ote eee R a « Yl Ja RE ANS FR ae Li Ra 18 g5 (a) seeks to open files on the king- side and is worth three points. 18 h5 (b), with similar intentions, scores one, but al- lows Black to blockade with 18...g5. Nothing for 18 We3 (c) or 18 23 (a); the former permits Black to consolidate his position with 18..2g7 19 g5 hS and the latter is pointless. a) 20 We3 b) 20 Wd2 c) 20 Abs. 4) 20 Des Heading the list is the accurate 20 Wd2 (&), which scores two. The move 20 @b5 (c) fails tactically to 20...$.xd3 21 Dxd6 Le2 22 gxfo Lxf3 and diminishes your total by two. Notice here 12Mating Attacks how Black captures the lower valued piece, the knight, in order to make a fork and win an exchange on the following move. No points for 20 We3 (2) as Black will gain a tempo on the queen with 20...Hfc8. The outright blunder of 20 Des (d) &xd3 sets you back seven points. 20 Wd2 2a4 EO “ Pie \ "WV \ ae = 7. [eX Ss a Ss “~ By W Wh3 g2g7 26 €4 with a huge advantage. a) 22 Bdet b) 22 Bhel c) 22 We3 d) 22 ext a) 21 Wa3 b) 21 We3 c) 21 gxf6 d) 21 Ab5 T'm not sure how you plan to avoid the repetition after 21 Wd3 (a) 265, but take one for this. The move 21 We3 (b) again cannot be right due to 21..fe8 — no points for this. On the other hand, 21 gxf6 (©) 2xf3 22 Wrh6 looks promising — take one for this, another for spotting Wg? mate and one more for 22..Wxf6 23 h5. A bonus is awarded for anyone rejecting 21 gxf6 on account of a timely ...Wg7. That leaves 21 Ab5 (d) to score two points. As discussed in the lines above, the black queen is required to cover the mate threats so 21 Db5 causes Black to be extra careful where he moves the great lady. You score two bonus points if you realised this. 21 bs Wes Take one bonus point if you had calcu- lated 21..Wd8 22 Wed S.xf3 23 Wxf3 hxg5 24 hxg5 Bxg5 and another if you saw 25 ‘This may seem harsh, but with 22 Bhe1 (b) you must dock yourself one point as 22...WES leaves White with a problem to solve. Sometimes it matters little which rook ‘we move, but in this instance it is necessary to remove the pin on the knight and there- fore 22 Bdel (a) nets owo points. As the attacking side, we don’t want to exchange queens. The sequence 22 We3 (c) Wxe3 23 fxe3 Qxf3 24 ext backs up this fact and reduces your score by two. 22 gxf6 (a) &xf3 23 Wexh6 again misses its target due to 23...Wxf6 — you must lose three points for this error as it has already been pointed out 22 Ede1 Wt5 ae mn 2 tiny: é aa ce a) 23 gxf6 b) 23 gxh6 c) 23 AS d) 23 Des The variation 23 gxf6 (a) S&xf3 24 Bhel Wxi6 25 Wxh6 Hfes is good enough for one point but it favours Black because he has covered White’s attack. Although he can snatch a pawn beginning with 25...a6, the move 25...Efe8 is stronger. 13Multiple Choice Chess Ii 1 lack enthusiasm for 23 gxh6 (b) 2x3, which costs you two points, and 23 b5 (c) &xf3 has the same fate. 23 Ded (d) feels sight, looks right and is sight (score three points). Black now has to watch out for 23...hxg5 24 Ad6, which earns you a bonus of two if you saw it be- cause White wins material. The coordina- tion of White’s pieces now points to a suc- cessfully executed opening. An interesting observation at this stage is that the black bishop has been under fire from the pawn on g5 for four moves and only now is White finally threatening to capture it. 23 DeS Axed a) 24 Hxed b) 24 dxes c) 24 gxh6 d) 243 If you went for 24 Rxe5 take two points and join the club. Players often prefer to make moves which attack the enemy queen, but here Taimanov assessed 24 dxe5 (b) to be stronger and one has to agree that the d4-square and the d6-square appear ex- tremely inviting for the white knight. Take four points for this move. 24 gxh6 (c) Sf4 loses the plot and four points, while che wayward 24 £3 (d) Sxf3 25 Bxe5 Wd7 26 Eft limits the damage to minus two. 24 dxe5 h5 a) 25 Dad b) 25 Ade c) 25 Wxd5 a) 25 £4 25 Dad (a) is tasty for two points, but the text choice 25 Dd6 (b) is awarded the token top score of three. 25 Whxd5 (©) prematurely grabs the d- pawn since 25...8.£3 sets up a nasty fork and costs you two points. IF you saw and re- jected this then add one to your score. Lastly, 25 €4 (d) is fine for one point. 25 Dd6 Weé The question for White now is how to proceed? He has the better pawn structure, the more useful minor piece, greater devel- opment and the slightly safer king. All well and good, but how to make the most of the various assets? a) 26 Be3 b) 26 Hhgt ©) 26 £4 d) 26 8 26 Be3 (a) sets up a selection of poss ties and scores two points. White can slowly round up the d-pawn or invade down the c- file at his leisure. 26 Hhgl (b) is sufficient for one point, as is 26 £4 (c). There is no need to rush with 26 £3 (d) &xf3, so drop one there. 26 He3 Zad8 w_E or 14Mating Attacks a) 27 Wa3 b) 27 Ba3 ©) 278 d) 27 Bei 27 We3 (a) and 27 £3 (©) are sensible for one point apiece. Although 27 Bd3 (b) Wee5 28 Hxd5 maintains material equality, it lets Black off the hook and therefore fails to score 27 Bel (d), however, is guaranteed to limit Black’s play and scores three. Notice how all of White’s pieces occupy dark squares, in contrast to the colour of the opposing bishop. 27 Het Bd7 g ey rr sy > \N Y \ Ue SY IN poe \ “ es a WY “4 SS WwW 29 #63 (d) further seeks to infiltrate on the dark squares (that f6-square is asking for it!) and scores three. 29 Ht (a) must also come under consideration and scores two It is a pity if you considered at any length 29 Hxh3 (b) Waxh3 — this scores minus two. 29 @xf7 (c) also sets you back nwo points as 29..Hdxf7 leaves you wishing you still had your glorious knight on the board. 29 Ef3 He7 a) 30 B46 b) 30 Het c) 30 Bdt d) 30-03 a) 28 13 b) 28 Wa4 c) 28 Hec3 a) 28 Dbs 28 Wadd (b) is awarded the top score of two as White calmly inches forward. 28 6 (a) and 28 Db5 (d) are safe enough for one point. Abandoning the e-pawn, however, with 28 Bec3 () Wxe5 inches your total back by one. 28 Wd4 2h3 1 certainly hinted that the white rook might be heading for 6, but not at the price of the e5-pawn so one away for 30 Ef6 (a) Wxes. 30 Bel (b) spoils all of Taimanov’s work in one fell swoop but illustrates a typical theme of swindling in the latter stages of a middlegame. Deduct three for missing 30...Wxd6 31 exd6 Exel+, but a bonus is available for the smart cookies who saw that coming. 30 Hdl (c) also falls tactically to 30..g4 31 Hf6 Wexe5 and therefore you must take off one point. So that leaves the apparently insignifi- cant, but in fact masterly, 30 a3 (d) to merit three points. A further bonus is yours if you are fully aware that Black cannot immedi- ately munch your e-pawn since the bishop on h3 would be hanging, ic. 30 3 Wxe5 31 Wre5 HxeS 32 Exh3. 30 a3 Ed8 a) 31 Bfc3 b) 31 Bf6 c) 31 Db5 d) 31 Het a) 29 Hdl b) 29 Exh3 c) 29 Dxf7 d) 29 B83 31 Hf6 (b) heads directly for a decisive assault ~ please add two to your score. A further bonus of one can be added if you calculated that 31..Wxe5 32 Wxe5 Hxe5 33 ®Dxf7 is painful for BlackMultiple Choice Chess Il One point for indirectly defending the d- pawn with 31 @b5 () since 31...Wxe5 32 Wee5 Hxe5 33 Exh3 is still on. 31 Bet (d) Bxd6 32 exd6 Wxet+ was another trick to watch out for — lose a point for this, Again, a bonus is reserved for those who rejected 31 Bel for this reason. 31 Bfc3 (a) does now drop the e-pawn to 31...Wxe5 since the knight on d6 is as loose as the bishop on h3. Drop one point from your total 31 Bt6 Notice how White occupies both the d6- and f6-ourposts and that the square in front of the isolated d-pawn is also occupied Here White has demonstrated why his knight can triumph over a bishop. 31...W94 a) 32 £4 b) 32 Be ) 32 Wxg4 d) 32 Wxd5 32 £4 (a) and 32 Wxg4 (c) are reasonable for one, 32 Bf (b) seems to be a backward step and scores zero, but the dmely winning of the d-pawn with 32 Wxd5 (d) is natural and strong for two points. 32 Wxd5 Wxh4 a) 33 Dxf7 b) 33 Ext? c) 33 Exg6+ d) 33 6 33 Exg6+ (c) merits two points, with one extra if you saw that this was a threat when you captured on d5 with the queen. Capturing on f7 backfires badly in all situations. For example, 33 Dxf7 (a) Hxd5 sets you back eight, while 33 Bxi7 (b) scores minus wo due to 33..Hxd6 34 Bxe7+ (34 exd6 Bxf?) 34..Bxd5. If you had a rush of blood and intended to mate Black with 33 Hxf7 Bxd6 34 Hc8+, you have my sympathies as it is easy to forget that the bishop on h3 exists Finally, letting the bishop have his pride back with 33 6 (@) @xe6 costs you one point. 33 Hxg6+ of8 ‘There are some beautiful variations if Black plays 33...2h7 instead. Either enjoy them or try and work out what happens before you look below. Three bonus points are up for grabs if you find the key move and pursue the three black responses to an adequate conclusion 34 DES! and now: 1) 34,.Bxd5 35 Eg7+ Sh8 36 Bes+ leads to mate. 2) 34..Rxf5 35 Bho+ Sg7 36 Wxds Bxe5 37 Wh8 mate. 3) 34...£xg6 35 Wad8 BET 36 Bcd. a) 34 DS, b) 34 Bee c) 34 Ws d) 34 Bet Just because it worked after 33..@h7 in the notes, doesn’t mean it isn’t garbage here. Take off five for 34 65 (a) since after 34..Eixd5 35 Bc8+ the move 35...Be8 de- fends, while if 35 @xh4 then 35...fxg6 eaves Black material ahead 34 6 (b) scores two and sets the trap 34...Wxg5 35 Bxf7+, bur this move was probably passed over due to 34..2e6. 34 WE (c) is a dreadfully difficult move for Black to meet whether in time trouble 16Mating Attacks or not. I say this because it is quite usual for time pressure to begin to affect games around this stage as the first time limit was invariably set at 40 moves in a certain amount of time. To name a few of Black’s headaches: he cannot capture with 34...Bxe5 due to 35 Wxf7 mate; he is unable to shore up his kingside with 34 &e6 since 35 Bxe6 Exc6 also allows 36 Wxf7 mate; and the white queen, if left to her own devices, will invade on £6 with an unstoppable mate. I'm sorry, I have been so carried away by the elegance of 34 WES that I have forgotten to award it four points. T’'m sure no one risked losing five hard- carned points with 34 Bel (d) fxg6. 34 WIS Waa Pa x a) 35 Wis b) 35 Wxhs ©) 35 B66 d) 35 Bho I did say the white queen fancied a flurry with 35 WY6 (a), bur Black’s last nearly put Let us see how you did. paid to that by setting up a temporary de- fence of 35...Wxe5. No score if you missed that, but if you carried on and worked out that 36 Bh6! Wxf6 37 gxf6 also wins due to the mate on h8 and the threat to the black rook on e7, award yourself five points. 35 Wxh5 (b) encourages instanc resigna- tion so award yourself two points for this. If you saw that you were exposing yourself to 35...fxg6 (yes, a whole rook for the blissfully unaware) and had 36 Wh8 mate in store, then score an extra one, Everyone is welcome to work out all the attempts at black defence and the way for White to combat them. I can tempt you with a bonus for each variation you can work out listed below. If you are not sure how Black can even tty t© stop mate, then sneak a look at Black’s 35th moves and then go from there. Don’t be afraid if a line appears long be- cause a ‘forced’ variation, where one side is making only moves (often out of check), is not difficult to unravel 1) 35...Bxd6 36 Wh8 mate. 2) 35..xe5 36 Who+ We7 37 Wxg7 mate. 3) 35...He6 36 Wh8+ Be7 37 Hc7+ Hd7 38 We8 mate. 4) 35..Hed7 36 Wh8+ Se? 37 DAc8+ Bxc8 38 Wi6+ BR 39 Bxcd+ Rds 40 Exd8+ Wxd8 41 Wxd8 mate. 35 EEG (c) scores one, as does 35 Eh6 (d) ‘Wrxe5, which transposes to (a) after 36 WG!. To be consistent, there are four bonus points for appreciating that 36 WEG scup- pers Black’s chances of survival. 35 Wxh5 1-0 Less than 14: You could almost double your score if you steered clear of the traps. 14-27: Your score is healthy, but try to spend more time calculating the tactics. 28-41: You are a well-rounded player. I hope your region has signed you up this season. 42-54: Excellent play, A dangerous opponent, no doubt. 55+: You have thrived with this attacking masterpiece. Does your opening repertoire fea- ture other lines with castling on opposite wings?Multiple Choice Chess I! Game 2 Nijboer-Korchnoi Arnhem 1999 1 e4 06 2 d4.d5 3 Dc3 DIG The Winawer with 3...2b4 leads to com. pletely different types of positions. Here Korchnoi chooses the Classical Variation. 4 e5 Dtd7 5 {4 c5 6 D3 Ac6 7 2e3 ab 8 Wd2 cxd4 9 Dxa4 Maintaining control over d4 is central to White's strategy. 9...205 10 0-0-0 0-0 11 h4 The position is no doubt familiar co French Defence followers, Even if the structure is new to you, castling on opposite wings must generate an instinct to attack the enemy monarch before you are overrun. Black to play... 11.,.Axd4 12 Qxd4 a) 12...xd4 b) 12...45 ¢) 12...b5 d) 12..,2b4 ) 14...h5 Take one point for 12...S%d4 (a) and the interesting 12...&b4 (d). Again 12..h5 (b) will only encourage White to prise open the kingside with g2-g4 at some stage, so no points there. 12..b5 () top scores with two points Now we can appreciate the necessity for the previous 11...2xd4_ in order for Black to expand on the queenside. (The knight would have been loose on c6 for those who do this quiz over breakfast and are not yet in the land of the living.) 12...b5 13 Hh3 11..Dxd4 (a) scores two, although I don’t want to give away the follow-up. 11...Sxd4 (b) is also playable and scores one, as does 11..We7 (0). No score, however, for 11...h5 (d) as Black must try and keep it ‘tight at the back’. d) 13...Was Sorry, 13...h5 (@) is still out of bounds and loses one point this time. Again there is nothing wrong with 1813...xd4 (b) for one point, while 13...Wa5 (@) also scores one. Take a bonus if you realised that you would then be threatening _b4 followed by ..Wxa2. Korchnoi prefers to push on with 13...b4 (¢) as he might well wish to occupy the a5-square with his pawn, thus allowing his ‘bad’ bishop to come alive via a6. Take two points for this. 13...b4 14 Dad ©) H4...Sxd4 ) 14...Wad, 14...%e7 (b) and 14..Wa5 (d) are safe enough for one point, but it is 14..&xd4 (c) which scores the maximum of two. The move 14...$1.a7 (a) loses a pawn to 15 S.xa7 Bxa7 16 Wexb4, so it’s minus one for this. 14...Rxd4 15 Wxdd b) 15...a5 o) 15...b8 d) 15...We7 T cannot be too harsh on 15...f6 (a), which scores two points, since it was seen in Kasparov-Short, Amsterdam 1994. Need- less to say, Korchnoi did not fancy the out- come after 16 Wxb4 fxe5 17 Wdo WEG 18 £5 and hence he had an alternative prepared. Korchnoi’s choice of 1 ) scores three, while 15...Rb8 (©) and 15..We7 (@) Mating Attacks net a creditable one. ©) 16...bxe3 ) 16...We8 ‘Two points for bolstering up the centre with 16..2b7 (a). But nothing for 16..dxe4 (b), which runs into 17 cS Ha7 18 Dxeb. Take a bonus point if you rejected 16...dxe4 for this tactical reason. 16...bxc3 (c) uses the en passant rule and logically opens lines on the queenside, scor- ing three points. There may be one or two of you who have not come across en pas- sant so do take time out to learn it. 1 am keen to assure my pupils that this is the last and hardest rule they will have to learn. Deduct one for 16...We8 (d), but if you intended the flashy 17 cxd5 “xe5 followed by 18..Wxa4 you'll have to lose a further two since you overlooked 18 Db6. If it is any consolation, I am impressed that you had the imagination to set up the discovered attack on the white knight. Next time it might be sound! 16...bxe3 17 Exc3 a) 17...Wxh4 b) 17...2b7 c) 17...Eb8 4d) 17...Db8Multiple Choice Chess II Perhaps it’s a risky pawn to take, but Korchnoi has a vast wealth of experience So 17...Wixh4 (a) scores two points. 17..2b7 (b) and 17...EEb8 (¢) are sensible and score one point, with a bonus point if you saw that 18...b4 constitutes a nasty threat. Finally, nothing for 17...b8 (d), which invites 18 Ab6 and, after 17 moves, leaves all of Black’s pieces confined to the back rank! 17...Wxh4 18 g3 target h7. Score two points for this selec- don, 19..&b7 (b) and 19...b8 (c) are good enough for one point, but 19...Be8 (d) is too irrelevant to merit a score here. 19...2a6 20 2xa6 Exa6 21 Bhi a) 21...h6 b) 21... ©) 21... Ws. d) 21...Ba8 a) 18...We7 b) 18... Was c) 18...Whs 4d) 18...Wh6 One point for retreating with 18..We7 (a), but two for Korchnoi’s choice of 18...Wad8 (b). T mistrust both 18... WhS (c) and 18... Wh6 (4) as White can gain a vital tempo against the black queen with &g? and Eht. These moves also leave her majesty short of squares and score no points. 18...Wd8 19 2b1 "iw ae First of all, there are two bonus points for appreciating that White is now lined up to bit you with 22 Wd3, targeting mate on h7 and the rook on a6, 21...h6 (a) prevents the main threat and scores one, but a bonus is available if you were uneasy about this due to 22 94, with g4-g5 in the air. 21.5 (b) is a serious attempt to hold White up and scores two, but this is conditional on you being aware that 22 exf6 was on the cards and that you intended to recapture with 22..Axf6 to take the sting out of 23 Was. 21...Wb8 (c) fails to meet the threat of 22 Wa3 and therefore costs you five points. It is 21..a8 (4) which proves to be most effective — score three for this. 21,,.Ba8 22 94 a) 2 b) 22. ©) 2 d) 22...g5 ot d) 19...Be8 19...Sa6 (a) seeks to exchange the light- squared bishops before White can usc his to 22...96 (a) 23 Bch3 is the start of a pow- erful attack for White, so drop three if you allowed White this luxury. 22..Ab8 (b) is worth two, but how did you plan to meet 23 Hch3? If you assumed 23..Eb4 was enough to put White off, you must deduct one as 24 Bxh7 is lethal. If you intended 23...h6 24 g5 Bb4, you may keep your points intact and add a bonus one to your score, You may even earn a further bonus if you calculated 22...8b8 23 Wa3 h6 24 g5 Hb4 25 gxh6 g6 as a way to sustain 20Mating Attacks the shelter around the black king. 22...4c8 (©) scores one point, but the drastic 22...g5 (d) drops four on the strength of 23 Bch3. ) 25. ‘The rook may be needed to defend along the seventh rank, or Black may want to double rooks later; so one point for 23...b7 (a). Attempting to exchange a pair of rooks with 23...He8 (b) also scores one, but top marks of two goes to Korchnoi’s 23..A\b6 (c). Take a bonus if you backed this up mentally by trying to eliminate the defence of the b2-square. Zero points for 23...8h8 (d), which is worse than a waiting move as mate beckons. 23...Db6 24 95 a) 24...De4 ©) 24...Wa7 d) 24.66 24...@xa4 (b) scores two points, but fora bonus you need to have analysed the critical 25 Bch3 Bxb2+ 26 Wxb2 Axb2 27 Exh7 and now: 1) 27...£5 28 g6 earns you another point because White still wins. 2) 27...g6 28 Eh8+ g7 29 Hih7 mate credits you with another point. 3) A further bonus for 25...h6! 26 gxh6 g6 27 Wxa4, which is an escape route to a more than adequate position for Black. Minus two for 24...c4 (a), which proves to be rather slow after 25 Hch3. The move 24...Wd7 (c) slips up to 25 @xb6 and slips your score back by three. Finally, 24...06 (d) also fails badly to 25 gxf6 gxfo 26 Wel+ _ @h8 27 Bxh7+ Gxh7 28 Bh3 mate ~ lose four for this. 24...Dxa4 25 Wxad It must be a relief for Black to create his own threats with 25..Wb6 (a) — this scores three points. If you were not aware that this threatens a mate in one, then do not add a bonus of one to your score. The alternative moves all receive one point as long as you are resting your hopes of defence on, for example, 26 Bch3 h6 27 gxh6 g6. 25...Wb6 26 Wo2 ae “itt 8 a tae ze — ae a tts Bee x ww" Ns oats a) 26...Eb7 b) 26...d4 ©) 26...Bf48 4d) 26..g6 26...B67 (a) and 26..d4 (b) both allow White to end the game prematurely with 27 ‘Wxh7 mate ~ score minus five for these wo moves. ©) 26...28fd8, whether by design or not, allows the king to run with 27 Wxh7+ &*8. However, after 28 Hc2 (to defend the mate on b2) it is hardly pleasant for Black, so score minus three for this. 26...g6 (d) affords the best resistance and scores one point, with an important bonus if you found 27 Wh2 h5 to keep the king- side blocked. I haven't forgotten about en 21Multiple Choice Chess II passant; 28 gxh6 @h7 is still secure. 26...g6 27 Zh6 a) 27...Wb7 b) 27...2b7 ©) 27...d4 d) 27...Rfd8 One point for 27..Wb7 (a) and two for 27..Eb7 (b), with a further one if you saw the idea of White doubling rooks on the h- file in order to pressurise h7. 27...d4 (©), in combination with 28 Ech3 Bfd8 29 Bxh7 18, and 27..Bfd8 (4) 28 Hch3 d4 29 Exh? Wf8 transpose to the same position and ate both awarded one point. However, if you did not anticipate the necessity for ..S%f8 in advance, no “* Yh, LA. ZW 27, 7 yY Spanish Inquisition... If faced with 29 Ech3, how do you continue? One bonus for 29...fb8; nothing for anything else. 28...Wd4 (b) scores two points, plus an- other for realising that 29 Bxh7 Wd1+ 30 cl Exb2+! is okay for Black. 28...a4 (c) may be okay if White rushes in with 29 Hxh7, when again 29..Wxb2+ 30 Wexb2 Exb2+ 31 Sxb2 Sxh7 saves the day. However, it is 29 Be2 £5 30 gxfo BEe7 31 Hg? which causes concern and therefore costs you three points. 28...8 08 (d) sees Black coordinating his pieces to maximum effect and collects three points. 28...2fb8 29 He2 a) 29...Wd4 ©) 29,..ie3 d) 29...£5 a) 28...d4 b) 28... ©) 28...a4 d) 28...2fb8 This is pethaps the key point of the en- counter, 29..Wd4 (a) merits five points. The main defence lies in 30 Exh? Exb2+ 31 Hxb2 Bxb2+ 32 Wxb2 Wdi+ 33. Wel Wexclt+ 34 &xcl Pxh7 35 dc2 Bg7 etc., which heads for a drawn king and pawn ending. 29...We3 (0) is worth three points as 30 Axh7 can again be met by 30...Bxb2+! 31 Exb2 Wd3+ 32 a2 We4+ with a draw by perpetual check. Neither 29...22f8 (b) 30 Exh7 nor 29...65 (d) 30 gxf6 inspires confidence ~ score zero for these options. 29...Wd4 30 tat One point for 28...d4 (a), but it does not end there. What is your idea against 29 Bxh7? If 29...65 is the best you can come up with, drop ewo points and play out the con- sequences of 30 Bh8+ Wf7 31 Wh7+ de8 32 Ec8+. If, however, you spotted the re- sourceful 29..Wxb2+ 30 Wxb2 Exb2+ 31 Bxb2 dxc3+ 32 &xc3 Sxh7 take three bonus points. 1 haven’t quite finished the a) 30...Wdl+ b) 30...a4 c) 30...2b3 d) 30...Exb2_ This is actually a classic case of the at- tacker’s seduced sense of danger. He has spent all game conjuring up mates and plots to trap the enemy king, so much so that he has not concentrated on the fact that his 22Mating Attacks opponent might also have ambitions. Korchnoi does not miss his opportu- did you? 30...Wd1+ (a) scores four points, but only if you planned to meet 31 $2 with 31..b3, threatening 32..Bxa3+!. The im- mediate 30...2b3 (c) also takes full advan- tage of White's dubious manoeuvre and scores four points (but only three if you did not realise that threatening Hyxa3+) 30...a4 (b) justifies White snuggling up in the corner of the board and permits 31 Bxh7 — lose one point. 30...xb2 (d) loses material and four points. 30...0b3 31 ba2 First of all, if you considered the defence 31 Hh3 but worked out the forcing line 31..Wdl+ 32 $2 Hxh3 33 Wach3 Wace? as awin for Black award yourself a bonus. If you also thought White might try 31 Exh7 and discovered the beautiful finish 31..Bxa3+ 32 @b1 Hxb2+ 33 Hxb2 Wal mate have an extra bonus. you were ev we What was your final total? a) 31... b) 31...Be3 ) 31..Bxad+ ) 31,..ad 31...65 (a) misses the boat and scores mi- nus one. 31...He3 (b) may be a bolt of inspiration if White obliges with 32 bxc3 We4+ 33 al Wri+ 34 Ga2 Wht mate, bur whar if White calmly captures your rook with 32 Bxc3 instead? Okay, one point for the clever idea, minus five for the fact that it hangs a rook This leaves a grand total of minus four (or the full minus five for those who went for 31...Be3 without having the unlikely mate to back it up) 31...Bxa3+ (c) forces many different per- petual checks but no more. For example, 32 Bxa3 Wh4+ 33 Ba2 Wadt 34 Wb1 Bxb2+ 35 Wxb2 Wb4+ 36 ct Wel+ 37 db2 Wh4+ or 32 bxa3 Wd3 33 Bb2 Wett 34 Sb1 Witt 35 dec2 West 36 Sal Welt. One bonus point for cach line you estab- lished ending in a draw (@ maximum of three) but minus two if you did not realise the outcome. 31..Wa4 (d) takes top honours as the strike to cause White to pack his bags ~ take five points for this. 31...Wad 0-1 White actually resigned here. Let us as- sume White's next move to be 32 Hxh7 so you can have the experience of working out the forced win. Three bonus points for 32 Hxh7 Bxa3+ 33 bxa3 Wb3+ 34 dal Wb1 mate. There was no adequate defence. Less than 10: You will lift your total by checking any tactics and tricks in the position. 11-20: You failed to get to grips with this game but, on the positive side, you must have found a handful of decent moves. 21-32: An estimable result. Most of your choices make a lot of sense. 33-44: A sterling performance. You are a formidable opponent for anyone. 45+: Phenomenal. You played like Korchnoi in less time than he took for the game. 23Multiple Choice Chess II Game 3 Nunn-Nataf France 1999 1 e4 c5 2 D3 DAc6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Dxd4 5 ‘The Kalashnikov ~ a sharp line. 5 Db5 d6 6 c4 Re7 7 D1c3 aG 8 a3 (5 9 2d3 £410 g3 De Firmian-Shabalov, Denver 1998 continued more quietly with 10 Dc2 D6 11 b3 0-0 12 &b2 Wh8 13 We2 Leo 14 Das etc., but Nunn can always be relied upon to test the most critical variations. 10...46 11 gxf4 exf4 12 &xt4 0-0 13 g3 You are a pawn down but with plenty of activity and development to compensate for the slight material deficit. Now take over the pieces of the French Grandmaster Igor- Alexandre Nataf, well known for his confi- dence and lively ideas. Maybe I should em- phasise that, as this is a short game, you may wish to play extra vigilantly in order to catch any bonus points going. last minor piece into play and scores nwo points, There might follow 14 £3, when 14...2c6 or 14...2h5 is possible. It is normally correct to develop all your pieces before moving a piece for the second time, so if that was your reason for dismiss- ing 13...Qg4 (b), you may take a bonus point. However, here Nataf judges that he should begin to harass White before he has time to consolidate his position. Take three points if you chose 13..g4. 13..Re6 (6) scores two as it is a good habit to obey opening principles, while 13..De5 (d) is worth one but has limited attacking possibilities after 14 Re2 &g4 15 £3 &h3 16 Bgl or 16 £4. 13...Ag4 14 B02 a) 14...h5 b) 14... Dees c) 14.6 d) 14..,Dxf2 a) 13..2g4 b) 13..Dg4 ©) 13...Re6 d) 13...Des 13...d0g4 (a) is a sensible way to bring the 14...h5 (@) allows the nasty 15 Wd5+, so lose two points if you chose this. 14..Dce5 (b) receives two different scores. Lose one point if you missed 15 £4 and now think you are dropping a piece, However, if you are totally aware that your knights are in a spot of bother and you jus- tified Black’s knight sorties with 15 f4 De3 16 Wd2 Dg2+ then give yourself a point. If you saw 17 @d1 Zg6, then take a bonus point, plus another owo for 17 €f2 Dxf4 18 Bxfa Bg5. 14... (©) is okay for one, but the star move is the forthright 14..@xf2 (d) — take three points for this. 14... Dxf2 15 Wd5 + Firstly, did you work out why White avoided the immediate capture of the 24knight? Two bonus points if you analysed 15 Qxf2 Bxi2 16 Gx2 Bh4t 17 We3 (amaz- ingly the computer programme Fritz sug- gested 17 Gg2 Wy5+ 18 Ded Qxpd 19 Wa5+ as better for White, but fortunately these are a pair of humans...) 17..Wg5+ 18 d3 Ab4+ 19 ded4 2F2 mate. a) 15...e6 b) 15.217 d) 15...2xht There ate superior ways to get out of check than 15,..2e6 (a), which loses three points. Nothing for 15..B67 (b) as 16 Qxf2 leaves your rook pinned on £7. However, if you intended to follow up with 16..Ab4, chasing the queen away, you can have one point. 15..@h8 (c} is NataPs choice and is worth wo points, while 15...Axh1 is illegal and shall therefore be ignored. 15...@hB 16 2xf2 _ — ie a ws A Mating Attacks 16..Bxf2 (a) 17 Bexf2 Rh4+ 18 Wp? loses much of its appeal (and two points) as there are no further checks worth consider- ing, Nothing for 16...82h4 (b) 17 &g3 which, with Black being a piece down, seems rather slow. Exchanging queens would head for an ending when White is a piece to the good, so minus one for 16...Wa5 (d). 16...b4 17 WhS Two bonus points if you relished the prospect of 17 Wd4 Bxf2 18 @xi2 &h4+ 19 £3 &h3, when Black has a vicious as- sault against the enemy king. Your score increments by one for calculating 19 Wxf2 Rh4 a) 17...Dc2+ b) 17...g6 c) 17...Bxf2 d) 17.26 The knight on a3 covers the c2-square, so lose three points for choosing 17...c2+ @). 17...g6 (b) seeks to send the white queen packing but actually opens up the diagonal to allow White some respite with 18 £d4+, so no score there, 17..Bxf2 (0) is still high on the list of Na~ taPs strategy to expose the white monarch, so this gets three points. Maintaining some pressure with 17...2e6 (@) is worth one point. 17...Bxt2 18 xt2 a) 18...Rh4+ b) 18... Wt8+ ©) 18...26 d) 18... Wb6+ 16...Ab4 (c) is a must as Black drives away the dominant queen. Take four points for this. Nataf saw fit to continue his attack with 18...2h4+ (a) — score three points for this. ‘The three alternatives are also good enough for one point apiece. 18...2h4+ 19 og2 26Multiple Choice Chess II a) I b) 1 The attacking side wants to maintain queens on the board so 19...Wg5+ (a) must be wrong, This scores no points. Minus three for 19...2h3+ (b) 20 #xh3. If you thought you had a follow-up, I’m afraid you don’t. 19... Wd7 (©) also lets White off the hook with 20 Wxh4 and scores mi- nus three, Last, but not least, it is 19...g6 (@) which gets two points. Take a bonus if you have already assessed that the white queen now has only two safe squares, and a further one if you dismissed 20 Wh6 due to 20.225, when her majesty runs out of space. 19...96 20 WE a) 20...Wg5+ b) 20... Wi6 20..Wp5+ (a) causes the king to be in- convenienced again so please add two to your score. Add two more if you had real- ised that the significance of chasing the white queen away from h5 was to allow Black this notable check on g5. It is still not in Black’s interest to ex- change queens, so nothing for 20...W£6 (b). ‘The sequence 20...d5 (c) 21 Dxd5 does not aid Black in the slightest and hinders your score by one. On the contrary, 20...2e6 (d) does no harm and is worth one point 20...Wg5+ 21211 Now ty and work out a forced win for Black. It is harder in your own games be- cause you do not know exactly when the lightning strikes are there, but after years of experience one starts to sense when a mate might be imminent and there is the tempta- tion to look that litte bit harder. th a Unfortunately for Nunn, who has one of the best analytical minds in the business, he no doubt saw it all coming.. a) 21...8h6 b) 21...@g7 ©) 21...2h3+ ) 21... Wa2 1 suppose I should congratulate you for preventing the mate threat of 22 WEB, so one point for 21..Wh6 (a), but you are hardly causing Nunn to sweat. 21.97 (b) is also worth one for the same reason, but the same comments apply to you, too 21,..8h3+ (c) takes top honours with five points, but you need to be aware that White can capture your bishop with 22 Wsh3 and have at least the next move up your sleeve. If it curns out that your inten- tion is not carried out, you must only take three points for correctly ‘guessing’ Nataf’s 2st, rather than working it all out. Whoops! 21..Wd2 (d) allows 22 WB mate, but only lose two points as T have obviously dragged you into a game that you are not comfortable with. 21...0h3+ 22 Wxh3 26Mating Attacks 22... (8+ (a) is the correct follow-up and scores three points. 22...Mf4+ (b) and 22..WF6+ (c) can have one if you saw 23 #g? falls foul of 23... WA mate. If, however, you rejected these on the basis that White could interpose both checks with bishop or queen, have a bonus. 22...Wd2. {(d) loses one point and the whole plor after 23 2 Wxb2 24 Babi Wrxa3 25 Hb3 Was 26 Wxhd. 22... BI8+ 23 213 Award yourself two bonuses if you saw the attack starting with 23 WE Bxf+ 24 &xf3 We3. Add another for the sequence 25 deg? Wi2+ 26 Hh3 Wai3+ 27 dxh4 ho, with the idea of 28...25 mate 23...We3 24 Wxh4 a) 24...Bxf3+ b) 24... Wxt+ ©) 24...Dd3 d) 24...Wd3+ a) 23...Wd2 b) 23... We3 c) 23...Whs d) 23...23 23...Wd2 (a) is tempting for two but al- lows White to resist with 24 De2 23..We3 (b) really puts the boot in for four points 23...Wh5 (c) tries to make use of the fact that the bishop is pinned but, with best play by White, Black cannot break through after 24 $e2. Score one point for 23...Wh5. Black has given away material and cannot afford exchanges in the variation 23...2g3 (d) 24 Wxg3 Wrg3 25 hxg3 Bxf3+ 26 Be? Score minus two for 23...2g3. One point for 24..xf3+ (@, although strangely there is no mate after 25 #2g2. The move 24...Wxf3+ (b) also merits one point with a further bonus if you spotted 25 gt Hf4 (threatening the white queen and .Hig4). You score another if you judged that 26 Wd8+ does not lead to a perpetual for White. However, it is now pay day for the defenders, who receive two bonus points for the timely 26 Waf4 Wxf4 27 Bel. The relentless pressure on the £2-square continues mercilessly with 24..d3 (c) — score five — but the alternative use of the d3-square with 24...Wd3+ (d) leads nowhere after 25 &g2 and scores minus one. 24...0d3 25 Dd5 b) 25...Exf3+ ¢) 25..ixf3+ ) 25... 25...M#xe4 (a) costs you eight on account of 26 Wxe4, while the other blunder 25...WE2+ (d) is less costly (minus three) because of 26 Wxf2 @xf2.27 Bxf2. 25..xf3+ (b) appears catastrophic for White at first sight, but on closer inspection 26 eg2 We2+ 27 dpi Ar2 28 Was+ dp7 29 We7+ Bf7 30 Wh4 sees White hanging on. Similarly, White does not fall off the tightrope after 26...1f2+ 27 dgl. Score one point for 25..Bx13+. 25...Wxf3+ (C) is deadly and scores three, but the smart players will be looking ahead. 25...Wxf3+ 26 2g1 a) 26,..WWi2+ ©) 26...He8 d) 26...g5 27Multiple Choice Chess I 26..WE2+ (a) spoils an otherwise dra- matic encounter after 27 Wxf2 Axf2 28 Bl. 26...D£2 (b) top scores with three points. Tf you just thought you were threatening 27..Qh3+ with this manoeuvre, only take two ~ 27...Wxh1 mate is the real issue. Minus one for the bizarre 26...He8 (c), which permits White to come back from the brink with 27 Wt6+. 26...g5 (4) has some merits in that 27 Weg5 allows 27..WE2 mate. If this was your reasoning you are entitled to two points, but only one if you thought 27 Waxp5 was a cue for 27...g8. If you passed over 26...g5 due to the solid 27 Wg3, award yourself one bonus in addition to the points attached to your own move selection. 26...Df2 27 &F1 mim ee me a # mo 20 ait a Ann. a) 27...Wxbl+ Dxhi+ c) 27... Axed+ 4) 27.85 27..Wixh1+ (a) scores four as it can’t be bad to pocket a pair of rooks. If you saw that this was on the cards before White’s 27th move, then add two to your total. Two points for 27..Axh1+ (b), which leads co much the same after 28 gi 42 29 21 Wh1+. Have a bonus if you realised this. 28 el WEl+ also gives the same re- sult. Nothing for 27..Dxed+ (c) 28 Sg be- cause if you uy and repeat with 28.22, you have opened yourself up to 29 Wad+. Why permit White any chance at all? Finally, one point for 27.5 (d) if you foresaw 28 Wags Dxet+, with cwo further bonuses for analysing 28 Wg3 Wxhi+ 29 Wel Dh3+ as hopeless for White. 27...Wixh1 + 28 we2 28...Wxe4+ (a) fails to finish White off and scores minus two, while capturing with 28...Axe4 (b) is even worse after 29 Exh1 (minus ten for this). The impetuous 28..Wdl+ (d) may be final after 29 de3 Wad3 mate, but is final for you after 29 Exd1 so drop your total by ten. 28...Wexal (©) earns two for successfully mopping up 28.,.Wxat 0-1 Ic is time to give up the fight as 29 De3 Wxb2+ 30 Dac2 We5 leaves White help- less. Ir only remains to compare your total with the comments below. Less than 14: I wonder whether your score would shoot up if you were permitted to take off your lowest two scores 14-24: A stable result but searching deeper into the variations will help you. 25-35: A commendable performance. You must have sported some important lines. 36-47: This is a fine score for a highly complex encounter, Your tactics are spot on. 48+: Even with the multiple choice format, this is a true grandmaster achievement. 28Mating Attacks Game 4 N.Pert-Hebden Hastings 2001/02 1 d4 ATG 2 Af3 g6 3 c4 2g7 4 Dc3 0-0 5 R95 c5 6 d5 dé 7 e4 a6 8 Dd2 h6 9 &h4 eS With the last move, Hebden has steered the game into a more typical kind of King’s Indian, an opening at which he excels. 10 2e2 We8 11 a3hS The centre is blocked and so the play should concentrate on the wings. Black is absolutely correct in attempting to mount a kingside offensive. 12 b4 Abd7 13 £3 Dh7 14 Rf2 b6 15 Bb1 &h6 16 bxc5 bxc5 17 Wad White continues to uy and infiltrate via the queenside 17...We7 18 Db3 h4 19 Dad5 Wg5 20 0-0 Note that 20 We6 runs into 20..Wd2+. Both players have been attempting to further their ambitions. Now it is time to see if you can. g3 Black must still face the threat of 22 Wes. 20...Dhf6 (b) drops one point but, per- haps more vitally, 21 We6 Ba7 22 Wxd6 causes the base of Black’s pawn chain to disintegrate 20...Ddf6 (c) scores three and cleverly in- tends to meet 21 We6 with 21..2h3, after which Black’s rooks are connected and a kingside attack is underway. 20...65 (d) may be a typical pawn break in the King’s Indian, but again 21 We6 would be difficult to meet so no score. 20...0df6 21 &h1 a) 20...h3 20...h3 (a) is worth one, although after 21 Hebden has been perfecting these lines for many years and is adept at placing his knights on their most effective ‘circuits’. 21..2h5 (b) takes the honours with three points, with an additional bonus if you ana- lysed 22 We6 Dg3+. If White wants to avoid losing an exchange by capturing the knight, then unstoppable mate occurs with, for example, 23 hxg3 hxg3 24 2x3 Wrxg3 25 Wrxa8 Qe3. If you had no trouble executing this thematic attack, then maybe you should consider taking up the energetic King’s Indian Defence if you haven't done so already. Of course, you should also give yourself another bonus. 21...h3 (a) is reasonable and scores one point, although Black would prefer to keep the option of plonking a piece on g3 or f4 later. This possibility would be virtually ruled out after 21..h3 22 g3. Also worth one point is 21..2d7 (@), 29Multiple Choice Chess Hl which certainly keeps the white queen out of c6 but it has the drawback of leaving the b7-square unattended after 22 Dc6. Deduct one for 21...Wd2 (c) as 22 Bfd1 pushes you back — 22...Wxc3 23 Bd3 traps her majesty. 21..Qh5 22 Bfdt —_——— a) 22...f5 c) 22...Dg3+ d) 22...D7£6 Starting at the lowest, 22...2d7 (b) drops three due to the simple 23 Wxd7. Next up comes 22... (a), which loses nwo on ac- count of the strength of 23 Wc6 Ba? 24 Wado Reo 25 Wxc5. Still in negative terri- tory, but less damaging, is 22....7f6 (d) for minus one. It should be clear by now that 23 We6 is waiting to happen if Black does not distract White on the kingside. 22...Bg3+ (c) pushes forward and scores three, again with the theme of 23 hxg3 hxg3 24 Sel Wh4+ 25 degi Wh2+ 26 SF Whi mate. Take a bonus point for seeing that out to the finale. 22...D93+ 23 &g1 ) 23...Dxe2+ d) 23..h5 Here Hebden the missed powerful 23..2h3! (a), after which 24 hxg3? hxg3 25 Rel Wh4 gives Black a devascating attack. Take five points if you saw this, plus a bo- nus of three for spotting the superior de- fence 24 Qxg3 hxg3 25 gxh3 We3+ 26 fbI, although Black is still doing well after 26...WA2 27 hxgs Wrg3 28 2f1 Wxe3+ 29 Bg? Wxe3. 23...A\xe2+ (c) was Hebden’s preference as he seeks to eliminate an important enemy defender. Take two points for this. 23...h3 (b) proves to be too ambitious af- ter 24 hxg3 and costs you three points. Maintaining the knight with 23...@h5 (d) scores nothing unless you realised that you have 24 We6 covered on the strength of 24..AEA etc., in which case your score in- creases by one. 23...Dxe2+ 24 Axe2 U call Fags WY LO a) 24...Ha7 b) 24...0h3 ¢) 24...h3 d) 24...Ba8 Itis incredible how Black can continue to create threats to forestall che white invasion. 24...8h3 (b) is no exception and scores three points. One point for 24...Ha7 (a), although 25 Eb8 leaves Black struggling to hold his queenside together. 24...3 (©) is also suffi- cient for one, but nothing for 24.448 (d) which invites 25 c6 and Hbs. 3024...&3 25 93 Mating Attacks a) 25...hxg3 b) 25... D6 c) 25...Bab8 d) 25.68 25...Bab8 (c) is a timely challenge of the b-file and scores two points. You score an extra one if you reasoned that you have prevented Hb6 by White. Further justifica tion for Black’s last can be found in the following variations, with bonuses given in brackets: 1) 26 Bxb8 Hxb8 27 Dcé Bb2 (one point) 28 Act We3 (one point) 29 Lxe3 Rxe3+ 30 dh1 &e2 mate (one point) 2) 26 Dcé Hxb1 27 Bxb1 Wd2 (one point), threatening the knight and further progress with ...S2e3 (one point for both) and ...bg5 (one point). 3) 26 ®b7 Wh5 (one point), threatening £3, ..Dg5 and a potential pin on the b7- knught should White play 27 2d3 (one point for everything) One point for 25...hxg3 (a), but the h4- pawn can prove to be a useful asset in some variations. No score for 25...f6 (b) allow- ing 26 ®b7 and, if necessary, Eb6. 25...£5 (d) comes into strong considera- tion and scores a point, but for those who felt that 26 Wd? would be too constrictive and therefore passed over this move, take a well deserved bonus. 25...Rab8 26 Hb3 a) 26...Bxb3 ©) 26...¢4 d) 26...Hbe8 You must have notched up a few points by now if you have been playing ..hxg3. 1 will again give one for (a), but really there is no need to release the tension. Hebden prefers to get on with the the- matic thrust 27...£5 (b), which scores four points. If you exchanged rooks on move 26, consciously saving your f8-rook to lend weight to ...£7-f5, take a bonus. You either have great foresight or have been studying classic masterpieces of the King’s Indian, of which Kasparov is also a great adherent. One point for 27...Wd8 (c), although in- stinct alone should rule out such a backward move in this game. 27..98h8 (d) does nothing to improve Black’s position, so nothing for you. 27...f5 28 extS 26...xb3 (a) scores two, while delaying a decision with 26...hxg3 (b) is okay for one. 26...S2.e4 (c) 27 fxg4 is as ridiculous and loses three and, finally, giving up the b-file so easily with 26...Bbe8 (4) leaves your score static for the time being 26...xb3 27 Wxb3 a) 28...Bxf5 b) 28...gxf5 c) 28.65 d) 28...hxg3 Everyone’s a winner here, but to differ- ent degrees. One for 28..2xf5 (a), two for 28...gxf5 (b), and three for 28..WxtS (©). However, this time Black has decided that it is high 3tMultiple Choice Chess Ii time to open the h-file with 28...hxg3 (d), which scores four. One extra is credited to you if you realised that white must recapture on g3 first before doing anything else. 28...hxg3 29 hxg3 “el _ e 2 “ys an ARELY eee Ne OR Egon a) 29...Exf5 ¢) 29... Wxt d) 29...2.xf5, Again 29..Exf5 (a) scores one, 29...gxf5 scores two, and 29..Wxf5 (c) scores three, With 29..Wxf5 you can add one to your total if you realised that £3 is under attack. 29...Lxf5 (d) does not scote as it is a backward move that releases some pressure around the white king. 29...Wxf5 30 Wd3 threat on g2. There is nothing fundamen- tally wrong with 30..Wxf3, but Hebden wants more. 30...e4 (@) is the star performer for five, with 31 fxe¢ out of the equation due to 31...Wxf2+. You score a bonus if you saw that. 30...04 31 Wxed d) 31... Dg5 31...Wxf3 (a) is obviously a worse version of the previous 30...Wkx®3, 80 only one point there. 31..Waxe4 (b) scores four. If you have not worked out what Hebden is up to, then all will be revealed following 31...Wsed. Neither 31..f6 (6) nor 31...Dg5 (d) are likely to impress the crowds that Hebden thrives on drawing (1 don’t mean in a sketch book!), so zero for these. 31...Wxe4 32 fxe4 “e anne aes 7 io" > ae 8 oe a“ ata = es ou Vi, SS 1 a Nothing for 30..Wxd3 (a) as 31 Bxd3 Dp5 32 £4 is not so clear. The answer is also not found in 30...Wd7 (<) 31 Wxg6+, which sets you back one. You can be forgiven for assuming shat 30...Whxf3 (b) is a logical conclusion to a carefully controlled build up by Black as he pockets his reward of a pawn. It pockets you three points, especially as White is obliged to exchange queens due to the mate a) 32...Dg5 b) 32...Df6 ©) 32... 64 4d) 32...Be8 32..Dg5 (a) and 32.06 (b) ate rea- sonably active for one and two points re- spectively. 32...e8 (d) is satisfactory for one, but by no means the stunning culmina- 32tion of Black’s recent play. Te is 32..Rg4 (6) chat illustrates what Black's play was all about and scores four points. Award yourself ewo bonuses if you planned this when selecting 30..e4, while you score one if you cottoned on when choosing 31...Wxe4. Look now at how the bishop pair is working in harmony. 32...2g4 33 Db7 A bonus point is awarded for those who intended to meet 33 Rel with 33....8.d2 few noe Ye Se a 4:2 A os ae aa Ww jelli-rl y Vs ey a ee Hos \ ANN wet Mating Attacks ‘The hard graft is over and Black need look no further than 34...xd1 (a) for three points, Zilch for 34...D67 (b) 35 Hb1 and minus two for 34..Dh3+ (c) 35 Dxh3 Lxh3 36 ixd6. I'm sure you will be disappointed for overlooking (a) if you opted for 34...Axe4 (d), but you can have one point in consola- tion, 34...2xd1 35 Dxdé a) 35...0d8 b) 35...2b8 c) 35...D7 d) 35...8b3 35..28d8 (a) is sufficient is for one point ~ 36 &xc5 ££8 could follow. Both 35...D¢7 (©) and 35...8b3 (d) also score one, al- though I hope you analysed the capturing sequences 35...D€7 36 Axt7 Sxf7 37 Bxe5 Hc8 and 35...2b3 36 Dxg6 Dh3+ 37 hg2 Dxf2 38 DxB LxfB 39 Hxk2 Lxd6. ‘Typically, the King’s Indian stalwart pre- fers to play actively for mate. 35...8b8 (b) a) 33...Rxe2 a) 33...Dg5 scores three points. 35...Eb8 36 xc a) 36..Rb1 33...A\E6 (b) 34 Dxd6 and 33...B66 (c) 34 €5 dxe5 35 dé give White a glimmer of hope and therefore temporarily stagnate your total. Don’t be hard on yourself if you made the assumption that 33...£xe2 (a) was a foregone conclusion, and award yourself two points for this. However, 33..Dg5 (d) is most punishing and scores four. 34 Dxd6 is now met by ...h3+ (one point) with disastrous consequences for White. d) 36...8h7 Four points for 36...b2 (b), which con- fines the white monarch to the back rank, thus aiding the cask of setting up a mate. 36...Ab1 (a) scores one and indirectly de- fends the g-pawn (37 @xg6 ShSt). 36..@h7 (d) is sensible and also scores one, but nothing for 36.268 (c) 36...Rb2 37 £e3 a) 37. DB} 33...2g5 34 Df4 b) 37,0h3+ a) 34...axd1 ©) 37.28 b) 34... D17 ) 37-3, o) 34--Dh3e 37.dRf3 (d) restricts the opponent’s ) 34...Dxe movements and scores four points. Sud- 33Multiple Choice Chess II denly there are back rank threats appearing such as 38 c5 Dh3+ 39 WF Hb1+ 40 Bet Excl mate and 39 Axh3 Bxe3+ 40 St bt mate. Up to cwo bonus points are available if you were able to back up your decision with either or both of the varia- tions given. 37.868 (c) scores wo, with the main lines running 38 e5 3+ and 38 c5 Axd6 39 cxd6 Ba4, which leaves White's lifeline only temporarily connected. 37..A£3+ (a) is tempting for one point, especially if you think it’s a 50-50 shot at 38 ht Bh2 mate! Finally, 37...h3+ (b) also nets one, as long as you realised that 38 Dxh3 is well met by 38...2xe3+. Nothing for those not aware of any tactics here. 37...013 38 ada Liquidating with 38..Axe4 (©) is worth two points, but this is conditional on you having calculated both 39 Dxe4 Bb1+ 40 B2 Bxed and 39 Bxb2 Axd6 40 c5 Lxf4 41 gxf4 Ded to a satisfactory conclusion. No points here if you did not make any calculations. Take two for 38..Rb1+ (b) 39 &2 ®xe4+, although it is the quiet but deadly 38...d2 (d) which is worth double that at four points. Tt only remains for you to see how you did. This ume 38..h3+ (@) 39 @xh3 holds no regrets for White, so reduce your total by three. 38...2d2 39 2b6 lay VW 39...d0g4 (a) entices White to resign and scores four. A bonus point is scored if you have already set your sights on 40..D13+ 41 fl Axf4 42 gxf4 Lh3 mate, which White is hard pushed to delay, let alone prevent. The materialistic 39..Axe4 (b) and 39...8xe4 (0) are both worthy of three, while 39...2.8 (d) scores two points. 39...0.94 40 ad White either lost on time or played his move here and was left looking at a hope- less position and so therefore resigned. Less than 18: I would have set the minimum target at 18 for all serious chess players so I hope you were not too far short. J bet itis still those blunders that are costing you. 18-31: A proficient performance. Nothing wrong with your chess understanding but do vou lack the killer instinct to hunt for the most devastating continuation? 32-45: A strong, solid result. You have come through the maze of calculations with your head held high. Ar, average club player should expect to score in this range. 46-59: You can be delighted with this score as it must have been made up of best or sec- ond best moves. The King’s Indian Defence must suit your style too. 60+: Amazing precision. Not many players can maintain such control over a position. 34CHAPTER TWO Attack is the Best form of Defence There’s nothing like a good old fashioned quote to create a chapter heading! In this chapter we look at some attacks being defended or repelled. In the first en- counter we see our very own British home- grown Grandmaster Michael Adams in ac- tion, admittedly swamped in the rest of the chapter by a hoard of Eastern Europeans. This game, along with Game 7, witnesses the player with the black pices keeping the position tight and sound so that White can- not break down his defences. Later in these games, and in their own way, the tables are tured and Black goes on to win. Naturally there is a time and a place to defend, but it is pleasing and can often be rewarding if one can distract an opponent from his threats by creating a more power~ ful one, or a series of menaces, of your own. In Game 6 and, more particularly, in Game 8, White iaunches his attack first, only to have to defend against a fiercer attack in return, Ic is also certainly true in some endings, that constant passivity will lead downhill to disaster and it’s the sudden counterattack that could save the day. The final game of the chapter displays some complications that spill over in to the ending. For much of this game it is not at all obvious which player stands better, as they both do their fair share of attacking. The final result of a draw illustrates that not all games are deci- sive, Again I hope you enjoy the variety of openings that moves will be rewarded, as will refuting some of the suggestions given and remember sensible 35Multiple Choice Chess If Game 5 Shirov-Adams European Team Championship, Leon 2001 1 e4 05 2 13 At6 The Petroff is regarded as one of the most solid defences to 1 e4. 3 Axed dé 4 D3 Axed 5 2d3 The drawback for the ambitious player of card this line from future use as White can hardly claim any opening advantage. 14...65 (b), 14.26 (c) and 14...45 (4) are all playable and score one point. 14...A)xd2 15 Wxd2 the black pieces is that White can extinguish any life from the position with 5 We2 We7 6 d3 Af 7 Wxe7+ etc. 5...D{6 6 0-0 2e7 7 h3 0-0 8 c3 He8 9 &c2 b6 10 d4 2b7 a) 15...204 b) 5...2xf3 ¢) 15...d7 d) 15...45 Adams finds a nice diagonal for his fi- anchettoed bishop. 11 &g5 h6 12 Lh4 Ded 13 2x07 Bxe7 14 \bd2 ‘The symmetrical nature of the pawns makes it hard for cither side to achieve any imbalance in the position. Now choose how you think the English Grandmaster contin- ued. at: LD a a “8 a. 7) y go 2S iu tha 15.,.2\d7 (c) scores two as an important developing move, but 15...2xf3 (b) gets top marks of three points. One has to feel a bit sorry for Shirov because if he had got away with doubling his pawns in such a manner he would have been praised for such a con- cept. However, since he went on to lose an otherwise equal game up to this point, peo- ple wondered what he was playing at to allow his pawn structure to be shattered in such a fashion, It feels odd to shut in the bishop with 15..d5 (@) for no reason. 16 Wd3 g6 17 Efel is clearly extremely comfortable for White, so no points. The attempt at exchanging bishops with 15..Re4 (2) 16 xed Exe 17 Bfet can have one, but moving the bishop like chis loses time for Black 15...2x13 16 gxf3 a) 14..Dxd2 a) 16...c6 d) 14...d5 14..@xd2 (a) scores two points. Either recapture by White will probably leave Shi- rov with no alternative but to mentally dis- One point for everything here with the exception of 16...2\d7 (b), which scores two — the knight is heading to lend support to the kingside. If you sensed that this was where the knight belonged or worked out 36Attack is the Best form of Defence that you may need it to cover the h7-square, award yourself a bonus point. 16...Dd7 17 Gh2 which invites White to gain time with Bg 18...2e8 (c) puts your position in disarray with 19 Wsxh6 and drops two points. a) 17.66 18...WG () was the preferred option by Adams and scores three. 18...W16 19 Zg3 Tf you have realised that White is intend- ing 18 Bgl, when he will be threatening to capture on h6 with his queen, have a bonus point. If you are regretting the fact thar you opened up the g-file to allow this ‘attack’, however, take it off again. If you are to pro- gress, you have to learn how to weather the odd storm. Think of your beautiful pawn formation in the long term! No points for 17.26 (a) which doesn’t prove scaworthy after 18 Bei @h8 19 Hg3 19..Wd7 20 Bag By8 21 Exp? Bxg7 22 Wah6+ 2h7 23 Wxf6+ Hy7 24 Wxg7 mate. Also potent is 19 Exp? @xg7 20 Bel + 8 21 Wrh6+ Be8 22 Bad+ Ba7 23 Belt We 24 Wh8+ Dg8 25 Wrpe8 mate. 17...d5 (d) also asks for trouble after 18 Bgi &h8 19 Exp? Sxp7 20 Bgi+ Bis 21 Wxho+ e8 22 ByS+ Dw 23 Bad Bad7 24 WxtB mate. I am not saying these lines are forced but they are very dangerous and best avoided. If you passed over (a) and (d) due to these sacrificial possibilities, you deserve two bonuses. 17.. WEB (b) nets one point since 18 Hg1 @h8 covers all the sacrifices on g7, but 17..He6 (©) gets you three. You score an extra one as long as you appreciated thar the f6-square will be a major pivot, from which Black will both defend and attack. 17...Be6 18 Eg1 ©) 19...Bae8 a) 19.25 19...g6 (a) could well have been in the picture if the black pawn was still on h7, but given that it is strongly met by 20 Wxh6, deduct one from your total. It shows a certain amount of experience to want to get your king off the semi-open gfile with 19...@2h8 (b) - score two for this. 19...ae8 (c) must come into considera- tion, Score two for this, and there is a bonus available if you realised that the black rooks can be held at bay with 20 &d3. Finally, let us consider 19..g5 (d). One should try not to do this to one’s king pro- tection as a general rule, but with the spe- cific analysis of 20 £4 backing up that theory here, lose nwo points. 19...02h8 20 Bagi a) 18...2h8 d) 18... 816 18...8¢h8 (a) defends satisfactorily for two points, but none for 18..Wh4 (b), d) 20...h5 37Multiple Choice Chess II One of the hardest types of judgements in chess is whether two rooks or a queen are likely to be stronger. So, the critical question here is whether 21 Bxg7 Wxg7 22 Bxg? Bxg7 is a threat or not. Adams certainly made the effort to prevent it, so three points for 20...2g8 (c). Both 20...c5 (a) and 20...ae8 (b) both fail to score, while 20...h5 (d) loses one point on account of 21 Bxg7 Wxg7 22 Bxg7 dexg7? 23 BFS He? 24 West. 20...Hg8 21 14 It invites White to play for f4-£5 and is un- fair to Adams’ carefully constructed defence — he has been so diligent at avoiding any weakening pawn moves on his kingside. However, if you are still with me, t0 ease my feclings of perhaps being too harsh, I will award one point for preventing the mate on h7. 22...2'8 23 WIZ a) 21...2e7 b) 21...We7 c) 2h..a8 d) 21.95 With 21...e7 (a) Black is still strenghen- ing his position and ruling out any future attacks on his rook. Score two points for this and one apiece for 21...We7 (b) and 21...a5 (©) 21...g5 (d) is still out of the question, not least because of 22 fxg5 hxg5 23 Exes Exes 24 Eixg5. Deduct two if you chose this, 21...267 22 Wd3 a) 22... Wt 1 am reminded of Monopoly when you are sent to jail and cannot collect the £200. Your punishment for 22...Wxf4 (a) or 22...g5 (b), both falling for 23 Wh7 mate, is to return to zero. If you had not moved into positive territory anyway, count yourself lucky. If you are actually sniggering because you are on a minus score and expect now to promote yourself to zero, deduct a further five and set your new overall target at zero. ‘Two points’ credit goes to 22...) (c) as Black’s position is as safe as houses. Adams will now turn his attention to chipping away at his opponent’s weaknesses. I’m afraid that 22...96 (d) shouldn’t score. Two points for 23...c5 (a), which sees the start of Black’s counterplay. Now Shirov has to decide whether co limit the scope of the black knight (and his own bishop!) with d4-d5, or to exchange on c5, allowing the knight use of the e6-square. 23...d5 (b) and 23...Ae6 (©) are reason- able for one point. However, you needed to have calculated that 23..d5 24 Wixd5 allows Black to regain the pawn with 24...Wicf4. 23...Bg6 (d) is the only mistake on offer here. The sequence 24 &xg6 fxg6 25 Exg6 costs you one point 23...c5 24 d5 e ann Oy meee mee “s A a 38Attack is the Best form of Defence Expanding on the queenside with 24..b5 (b) is worth two points. The alternatives score one, although I am not sure where you are heading with 24..2\h7 (d). 24...b5 25 B1g2 Three points for 27...c4 (b), a move which cleverly takes the possibility of Wd3 cout of the equation, thus releasing the knight from his duties at £8 Protecting the potentially loose b-pawn a) 25...a6 d) 25...8b7 with 27.06 (&) is okay for one, as is 27..ih4 (d). Black is not short of a plan and therefore does not have to resort to waiting with 25...a6 (a) is safe for one point. Also take one for 25...2d7 (b), as long as you realised that 26 Wd3 is still on the cards. 25..2e1 (6) scores one as it asks White what he is up to, but nothing for vacating the open e-file with 25...b7 (a) 25...Re1 26 Bg1 27...Hle8 (a) — no points for this. I hope no one chose 28..h5 (a). If you d) 26...2e8 did, go back to zero. This choice was really pwc in to highlight the pretty mate after 29 Wrxhs+ Who 30 Wxh6+ gxh6 31 Bxgs mate. Itis quite normal for grandmasters to al low one repetition and then try something else. 26..e7 (c) adds two to your score, while the other three options gain a respect- able one. 26...2e7 27 a3 28..Dd7 (c) raises your credit by two, but nothing for 28...%c7 (d). I still mistrust 28...26 (b) on account of 29 £5, so no score there, 28...Dd7 29 a4 a) 29...bxa4 b) 29...26 ©) 29...b8 d) 29...De5 There is no reason (and therefore no points awarded) to exchange pawns here 39Multiple Choice Chess Il with 29...bxa4 (a) 30 &xa4, which deprives the black c-pawn of back up. 29...a6 (b) is the most logical response to keep the pawn chain intact — score two for this. Lose one for 29...8b8 (c). This may be designed to save the b-pawn but unfortu- nately deserts the g7-pawn. I am not accus- ing you of simply chucking a piece with 29..Be5 (d), but after 30 freS Wxf2+ 31 Big? that is what it amounts to (lose wo points). 29...a6 30 a5 y 9 ma te ie a ama 1 don’t like repeating myself too much, but as it is the first time this saying has sur- faced during this encounter, please forgive me for pointing out that ‘the pawns tell the pieces where to go’. If that black knight could speak, don’t you think he would be asking his master for a great view on c5? Take two points for 30...Dc5 (a). 30..g6 (b) can have one point since White will not be so tempted by 31 £5 if the black knight is immediately going to jump into €5. 30...Hee8 (c) and 30...Bge8 (d) both slip up in their own way and drop owo points. Make sure you work out why before mov- ing on. 30...Ac5 31 He3 a) 31...Bxe3 b) 31...Bge8 ©) 31...Db3 d) 31...Ab7 31,.2)b3 (c) automatically nets wo as the text move, although the next few steps do indicate chat it may not have been best. Both 31...8xe3 (a) and 31..2b7 (d) are worth one. Although 31...Hge8 (b) is perhaps a natu- ral response, you lose five for not pursuing every check and capture to the end of the variations. If you had, you would have dis- covered that 31..Hge8 32 Hxe7 Exe? 33 We8+ is highly embarrassing, as is 32...M/xe7 33 Wxg7 mate. 31...2b3 32 Bget a) 32...Hxe3 b) 32...Be7 ©) 32...Bb7 d) 32...b4 Only one move is going to move you in the right direction here and that is 32...Exe3 (a). Take owo points for this. Scrambling around with 32...Bc7 (b) and 32...b7 (c) 33 He8 Axad 34 Hxp8+ Sexes 35 Wc8+ is asking for trouble. Black cannot afford to give up the e-file for nothing. No points for 32..He7 and one for 32..Bb7. lose 40Attack is the Best form of Defence Don’t forget to give some respect to your opponent's previous move and at least ask yourself if he is up to anything, In this case he is after your rook on €7 so diminish your running total by five if you went for 32...b4 @). 32...xe3 33 fxe3 White has successfully rid himself of the doubled pawns but it is a bit draughty around his king. One point for 33...He8 (a), but if you re- jected it because you did not relish facing 34 Wa7, take « bonus. 33..@)xa5 (b) is logical and scores one, but again award yourself a bonus if you are looking ahead and saw that in response White has 34 4 (with the idea of a later e4- €5) or indeed the immediate 34 Hat, when Black will be hard pushed to hang onto his a6-pawn, Retreating with 33.5 (c)_ maximises Black's position and your score by two. 33...g6 (d) keeps you static as 34 Sxb3 exb3 35 Wal is fine for White. 33...0c5 34 h4 34...Me8 35 Hgt I would not be surprised if you suspected this of being a typing ertor. Take a bonus point if you then worked out that the ¢3- pawn is indirectly defended by 35...Bxe3 36 We8+. If you had already decided on 35..Hxe3, deduct five but have another go 100. a) 35.23, b) 35...Exe3 d) 35...Wd8 ‘This time the knight springboards from its post at 5 to 35.,,0d3 (a) for two points. 35..Eixe3 (b) 36 We8+ leading to mate means no more points from now on as this trick has been pointed out enough if you wete to read the notes. We know that the game is not revolving round the a5-pawn, so no points for 35...Db7 (0) 36 e4 Axa5 37 Hal. Byeing up the a5-pawn with 35...Wd8 (d) is far more regrettable, however, due co 36 Wxg7 mate. Take off five. 35...0d3 36 Axd3 a) 34...b7 b) 34...Db3 ©) 34... Dd3 d) 34...2e8 Og 34...DbT (a), in order to threaten the a- pawn which Adams has just rejected, does not score. Neither does returning the knight to b3. 34..Bd3 () shows a willingness to uy and push forward but must lose a point on the basis of 35 &xd3 cxd3 36 Bal. Now that White cannot infiltrate with Wa7, it is time to activate the rest of the forces with 34..e8 (d) — score two points for this. One point for 36..cxd3, but we all know what happens after the move 36...8xe3 (b) by now. 36...cxd3 37 Eg3 41Multiple Choice Chess U 38...Wxb2+ 39 Eg2 37..d2. (a) is a major consideration but the position is not without drawing chances for White after 38 Wd1 Wxh4+ 39 2 (score two points). Both 37...@g8 (b) and 37...Red (0) score one. Incredibly, it is this inoffensive looking 37..b4 (b) which proved to be the breaking point for White. Take three points for start- ers and get ready to see your calculations in action, 37...b4 38 cxb4 a) 38...d2 b) 38...Wxb2+ d) 38...2b8 fake two points for 38...Wxb2+ (b). This is clearly the reason for prising open the diagonal 38...d2 (a) earns one, but the simplifying line 39 Wid! Waxb2 40 By? Hxe3 41 Wxd2 Wad2 42 Exd2 Hb3 43 Ad4 should be (and was) avoided by Adams. It may be the only open file on the board but without a rook to occupy it... Unfortu- nately, 38..2c8 (c) loses five points to 39 Wec8+ Finally, take one point for 38...b8 (d). a) 39... ixb4 ©) 39... We3 d) 39...d2 It may be time to go routing the white pawns but the enemy queen has been wait- ing to perform her ‘kiss of death’, If you fell for 39...Wxb4 (a) 40 Wxg? mate, divide your score by two, and if you are left with some- thing and a half, then round up to the ne: est digit. 39...Wet (b) 40 Wxg7 mate suffers the same fare as in (a), but here you have to round it down to the nearest whole number. 39..We3 (c) increases your score by two and 39..d2 (d), by one. If you dismissed 39..d2 Wecause you suspected 40 We2 Web4 41 Wad2 Wad2 42 Bxd2 Bxe3 43 He2 to be drawish you deserve an extra point. 39...We3 40 Wd7 a ee # ‘aim a wwii Le Net BZ SK os Be "al ) 40...e8 Seore one for 40...Hxc3 (a), but if you re- alised that White would get some counter- play with 41 Wx? you can have a bonus. Indeed, the potential checks on £8, £5 and 8, and the mate threat on g7, all of which keep Black fully occupied, should in fact 42have led you to search for a different varia- tion to aid Black to victory. 40..d2 (b) 41 Wxe8+ just goes to show that you must stay alert. That costs you five points. It is poignant that in the early stages of the game Black bolstered his defences with -Hg8. A repeat with 40..Bg8 () notches up three here Finally, 40..2c8 (d) earns one for being relatively harmless. 40...298 41 Wg4 wx “ az fetal ‘ : 28 ay z ames - a a) 41...d2 b) 41...Wxb4 ©) 41...Wed d) 41...Wel 41...d2 (a) 42 We2 rounds up the pawn in favourable circumstances for White, so no score there. 41...Wxb4 (b) no doubt leaves Black bet- Attack is the Best form of Defence ter after, for example, 42 WES d2 43 Wd3 Wsa5 44 Wad2 — you net two points for this move. c4 (c) is sufficient for one point, al- though 42 WS is annoyingly resilient here. 4t..Wel (@) is the star move for three. Note how the queen hits b4, ¢3, h4 and supports d2 with her powerful web. 41...Wel 42 £5 a) 42.66 No score for the insipid 42...6 (a), when White can breathe a sigh of relief with 43 Was. Also not good is 42...g6 (b) as the diagonal is opened for 43 Wd4+. Drop nwo for this. 42..Wxe3 (c) 43 £6 g6 is okay for two points, but 42..d2 (d) forced resignation and is worth three points. Take a bonus if you had 43 £6 under control and planned the response 43...g6. Those who planned to push on after 43 £6 with 43...d1W, allowing, 44 fxg7+ Wh7 45 WES mate, had better deduct one. Last but not least, go to the position after 42...d2 43 (6 g6 44 gi and there is a final point for those who found 44...He8 as the most decisive continuation. 45 Wd7 Wxgi + 46 Bxgt d1W+ makes for an amusing fin- ish. 42...d2 0-1 You can read the comments below to complete this game. Less than 20: Watch out for those pitfalls! 20-34: Not bad, but have a go at analysing a bit deeper for a few of those bonus points. 35-49: You saw deep into the position to get this highly respectable score. A formidable club player. 50-59: You handled the variations superbly. A realistic score for a strong county or re- gional player. 60+; Your national chess team could be your next port of call, unless you achieved this result wich the aid of any clectronice friend. 43Multiple Choice Chess Il Game 6 Ki.Georgiev-Smirin Elenite 1994 1 d4 D6 2 c4 g6 3 Dc3 Ag? 404.46 5 {3 Dc6 6 Age2 a6 7 gS Eb8 8 Ect Ad7 9 Wd2 h5 Black takes the sting out of &h6. Also seen in tournament practice is 9...h6 10 2e3 h5 11 d5 Ae5 12 Dd4 c5 13 dxe6 bxe6 14 Re2 with a slight opening edge to White 10 h4 0-0 11 Dd5 b5 12 c5 HeB 13 g3 White goes for a kingside fianchetto be- cause the normal 4\g3 leaves d4 too loose. 13...a5 14 cxd6 cxd6 15 Dxf6+ exf6 16 Re3 zy as, ha Now take over the black pieces and choose your next move... ‘Three points for 16...f5 (b), which allows the black bishop on g7 to sce the light of day again and is also a thematic challenge on the centre. 16...d5 (a) is an effective strike in the cen- tre for two points. Although White goes a pawn ahead after 17 exd5, Black can round it up with 17..De7 18 Dc3 b4 or 18 Ata £5 etc. White is better off, however, just completing his development with 17 &g2. 16..Bc8 (c) and 16..a4 (d) both score one as sensible alternatives 16...15 17 292 a) 17...d5 b) 17...fxe4 c) 17... WE6 d) 17,..S2€6 17...fxe4 (b) breaks up the continuity of the white pawn structure and scores two points. You can have one for 17...d5 (a), but it allows White to keep his formidable cen- tre with 18 ¢5 £6 19 £4. The final evo op- tions, however, are outright blunders. Drop three for 17... WE (c), due vo 18 Sg5 Web 19 d5, and four for the even more obvious 17..Le6 (d) 18 dS. Award yourself a bonus point for rejecting each of these for the tactical reasons given. 17...fxe4 18 fxed 44Attack is the Best form of Defence 18.65 (b) was the move chosen by Smirin, who has great understanding of the King’s Indian, He is still stubbornly chip- ping away at the white centre. You must feel pretty smug if you have been playing like the grandmaster and you can increase your score by two. You are totally forgiven for rejecting 18...£5 due to 19 exf5, which appears to win material due to the loose knight on c6. These are the type of ideas that stand a grandmaster in a class above the rest. Rest assured that all will be revealed... 18..c8 (a) is likely to prove useful so take two points for good judgement. The variation 19 0-0 £5 20 @c3, however, is slightly better for White. ‘Two more points are at stake if you no- ted that the last two choices are blunders (one for each reason you spotted). 18...S0g4 (©) falls foul of 19 Bxc6 and loses three points from your score as well as over the board. Likewise, 18...Wb6 (d) 19 d5 Wb7 20 dxc6 £xe6 drops two. 18...15 19 exf5 19...2c8 200-0 You could say that Smirin was bluffing to some extent as it is not clear if Black has enough compensation after 20 fxg6 @b4 21 0-6 We? 22 Exc8 &xc8 23 Bf2. It’s always difficult to judge over the board, however. c) 20... a) 20...Exe3 Black has been relying on his initiative a) 19...2x65 b) 19. ©) 19. 4) 19... and 20...We7 (¢) keeps it going — score three points for this. You must still watch your knight on ¢6, so it’s minus three if you went for 20...x65 Only one move scores above zero here. Don't worry if you found the answer by process of elimination — players have to resort to that over the chess board on occa- sion. If you recaptured the pawn with 19...$x£5 (a), diminish your score by four as T have already alerted you to 20 Exc6. The other recapture, 19...gx£5 (b), also sets you back by four on account of 20 &xc6. The move 19...d5 (d) is even worse than the rest, so five off for not working out 20 &xd5+ Bh 21 Lxc6. 19...Hc8 (c) is the way forward and earns two points. Take a bonus point if you teal- ised that Black has pressure down the e-file @). It doesn’t look pleasant to have a pawn structure like the one after 20..gxf5 (b), bat you can have one point as it balances mate- rial Take off two for 20...Bxe3 (d), which is a bit drastic and leads nowhere after 21 Wxe3 gxt5 22 Phil. 20...We7 21 2d5+ d) 21...206 21,..@hB (b) is the safest move and is worth one point. On basic principles, one doesn’t want to 45Multiple Choice Chess Il have a king lined up against an enemy rook, so 21.868 (a) drops four. On analysis, it also looks decidedly risky after 22 fxg6+ 216 23 Bh6+ 21..@h7 (c) should be rejected as it al- lows White to capture on g6 with check. This time lose two. 21...e6 (d) drop six points (that as- sumes you have that many in the bag; if nor, g0 into negative numbers) and is a particu- larly strange way to get out of check. This should only be used if you are tying to completely confuse your opponent during a blitz or lightning game of chess. Even then, White’s reaction would quickly turn into one of joy. 22 &xe6+ is not that hard to find. 21...eh8 22 ES For those wanting deep answers to this complicated game, this is a critical stage of the game and where White misses an op- portunity with 22 @f2, a) 22...2xf5 b) 22...b4 ©) 22.8685 d) 22...2h6 There is a problem with 22..2xf5 (a), which scores minus three. You may have planned to meet 23 &xe6 with 23..Bxc6 24 Exc6 Be, in which case you can have one point back. The solution for White is 23 Hxc6. You can have another point if you saw that but did not know what to do about it. You lose one more if you did not realise that your knight was a write off here. 22...S2h6 (d) earns one if you intended to meet 23 &xh6 with 23..Wxe2 and 23 16 with 23...xe3+. Having said that, if you felt uneasy about giving up your datk- squared bishop award yourself a bonus point (sorry, that does not include those who opted for 22...8&h6 because you clearly did not feel uneasy enough!) and take ovo more if you saw that 23 Sixh6 Wxe2 24 Weg5 verges on the suicidal for the defence- less black king. 22...gxf5 (c) scores one for the material- ist, but it is the active 22...Qb4 (b) that scores maximum marks of three. 22...Ob4 23 Exc8 a) 23...2xc8 b) 23...Bxc8 c) 23...2xd4 d) 23...2xd5, 23...@xc8 (a) is the most natural way to recapture and scores two points. Two also for 23...Bxc8 (b), which takes some pressure off the e-file but creates some play down the e-file. There is a bonus point available for those avid readers who analysed 23...BxcB 24 Be5 Ke2 25 Wrc2 Axe? 26 xe7 and then decided that 23...Sxc8 was preferable: ‘There is no doubt that Black must recap- ture the rook so the superfluous 23...fxd4 (€) drops five and the less damaging 23...Dxd5 (d) 24 Bxe8+ Wxe8 drops two from your score. 23...2xc8 24 Ata Or 24 £6 Bxf6 25 Ded We? 26 a3 Dxd5 27 Dxd5 &d8 and Black’s position holds together well a) 24...xd5 d) 24... 2X65 46Attack is the Best form of Defence ‘The teal key here was to be aware that White is not only defending the bishop on d5 with his last move but it also hits g6 and threatens to fork the black king and queen. Therefore the first three moves that do nothing to combat the threat lose material and points in different degrees. 24...Dxd5 (a) loses three points on ac- count of 25 Axg6+ Gh7 26 Axe? Bxe7. It is certainly not the time to go pawn grabbing with 24...@xa2 (b), especially when the bishop on d5 is protecting that one. This brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘double blunder’. Lose eight for this. 24...exf3 (c) 25 Dg6+ drops six, leaving 24...2xf5 (a) as the star move that increases your score by one. Perhaps not a fantastic reward for having avoided all the pitfalls, but I bet you have been dying to get that pawn back for the last five moves. 24...xf5 25 2e6 Now we see White being flashy. 25 22 is more stable AT a RA als Vdigeree, a BR waa nce Z we RY %Y wy a) 26...Rxe6 ‘There is a tempting array here for Black. 26...8xe6 (a) scores one, with nwo bonus points dependant on you having calculated the variation 27 Axe6 Bxe6 28 BB+ LxtB 29 Wxb7 Hyxe3 and judging that Black is a) 25...S2.xe6 b) 25...xe6 c) 25...Wb7 d) 25... WE6 okay in the final position. 26...xe6 (b) collects one point, but only if you intended to answer 27 Dxe6 with 27...e4! (27..axe6 28 His+ 2x8 29 The bishop is immune from capture, so minus four if you thought 25...2xe6 (a) 26 Drxgot SB 27 Dxe7+ Hxe7 was the an- swer. It is best to smell a rat and be suspi- cious if your opponent offers a free piece, especially if they are ranked so high in the world. White's 25th move was not so powerful that Black has to give up his queen here with the fine 25...\Wxe6 (b) 26 Axe6 Bxc6, so drop three if you resorted to this de- fence. 25...Wb7 (c) makes excellent use of the diagonal which has just been vacated by the white bishop and scores three. Drop one point for 25...WE6 (d) on ac- count of 26 Dxg6+!. 25...lib7 26 Wg2 Wxb7 drops one since in this line Black collects a lot less material for the queen) 26...82g4 (c) is worth two, and the fore- ing variation 27 Stxg hxg4 28 Br Wxg2+ 29 xg? Bxe3 30 Axed Lxd4 31 Wl2 Be2 reveals that Black is better here. Take nwo bonus points if you saw this line to the end, whether or not you chose to go with 26..Rg4. ‘Top marks of three points go to 26...S¢4 (@), which was favoured by the grandmaster, 26...204 27 HAZ a) 2 b) 2 ©)2 d) 27...8x63 27...xe6 (a) scores one. Then 28 Dxe6 Bx 29 Wx Bd3+ (score one more if 47Multiple Choice Chess II you saw this) 30 e2 Wxh+ 31 x63 xb? leaves Black a pawn ahead, but with the white king actively placed it is noc a trivial win. 27...d5 (b) scores one, although it rather lets White off the hook and invites counter- play with 28 g4 27...A\d3+ (c) is likely to transpose to the notes to (d) and scores two points. 27...2.x63 (d) 28 Wxf3 Ad3+ 29 Axd3 Wef3+ 30 @xt3 Bxc6 liquidares efficiendy for two points 27.,.Qd3+ 28 Dxd3 VY, lla Wi with 29 Bxi8+ 2x18 30 WEI 28...2xf3 29 Wxt3 a) 29... Wxf3+ b) 29...218 c) 29...We7 d) 29,..Bxe6 I have indicated enough times that Black is heading for the ending so there’s no rea- son not to exchange queens with the obvi- ous 29...Wxf3+ (a) to score one point, 29...88 (b) does not win the queen due to 30 AFA, so lose three if you thought it did. The same penalty is apportioned for 29...WeT (c) which is well countered by 30 Df4. The move 29...xe6 (d), on the other hand, is punished more severely with minus seven since 30 Wxb7 will take the tension out of the position. 29... Wxf3+ 30 wxf3 a) 30...2 (8+ b) 30...Exe6 ©) 30...Hc8 ) 30... 26 a) 28...8xd3 b) 28...2xf3 ) 28... 8 28,..xd3 (a) enables White to breathe a sigh of relief with 29 Wih3, but you can have one point for this. Award yourself a bonus point if you checked out 29 Bi8+ with the idea of seizing the queen on b7, only to realise that that 29...0xf8+ is the embarrass- ing consequence. Smirin now simplifies into the ending an exchange (rook for minor piece) ahead as in the note to choice ‘d’ of Black's 27th moves. If you chose 28,.2xf3 (b) or 28...Bxe6 (6) to be the most precise form of action, then you can increase your score by three. 28...(8 (d) drops three as White escapes While the reader may have to ponder over four respectable-looking moves on occasions and make a difficult decision, this should not be one of them. Only 30...xe6 (b) scores one point. The others will be ignored. 30...Hxe6 31 Ata a) 31...e7 b) 31...e8 ¢) 31.226 4) 31... Hxe3+ Again, this selection should not be tempting beyond 31.816 (€) since the g- pawn needs defending. Score one point for this move. However, rather than ignoring the rest, this time they deflate your score in proportion with the harm they inflict on your position, 31...2%e7 (a) drops six due to 32 Dxgo+, 31..He8 (b) 32 Axg6+ drops just one, and finally 31...Hxe3+ (d) 32 @xe3 48loses two. 31...816 32 e4 Attack is the Best form of Defence positioning of his pieces with 34...2x64 (c) 35 Qxf4 bxad 36 bxad SE7 37 Sd5 and this a) 32... 2h6 c) 32...2g8 d) 32.58 option scores zero 34...E1f8 (d) is possible if you are tired of having your most valuable piece stuck in a defensive role. Since you presumably caleu- Black needs to activate his king in the ending as a priority. 32...8h7 (b) scores one, but it is 32...2g8 (¢) which cakes the king in the right direction and nets two points. 32...2h6 (a) can have two points as it ties White down, as long as you planned to then bring your king out. If you did not think ahead, then just add one to your score. It would be a shame not to keep you on your toes, so 32.8 (d) 33 Dxg6+ is the blunder to avoid. Those who stumbled on that one, take off three. 32...eg8 33 b3 lated that 35 Dxg6 fails to 35..He8+ and 35 axb5 Hb8 is also fine for Black you can have one point. If you rejected this on the other hand because of 35 @d5 with the idea of &d2, then present yourself with two bonus points. I suspect that I might be studying a book of yours in my old age... 3! xa4 35 bxad oe mw a me a Et peel “ a) 33...0288 ©) 33...2h6 d) 33...4 a Both 33...97f8 (a) and 33...a247 (b) score one, although it is clear that White has some activity with 34 $d5. Score one bonus if you are already calculating any king and pawn endings in case pieces are exchanged. 33 ...8h6 (c) is a classic case of how the minor pieces might come off the board, Take two for this manoeuvre and one if you predicted that 34 @d5 is met by 34...He6+ Meanwhile, take one point for the more docile 33...a4 (d) 33...2h6 34 a4 a) 34...b4 b) 34...bxad ©) 34... x4 d) 34.08 34...b4 (@) scores one point, but Smirin preferred to create an extra open file for his rook with 34...bxa4 (b) ~ take two for this. It is unnecessary to allow White the best a) 35...2xf4 b) 35.2217 c) 35...82g7 d) 35... Who said that there was less analysing to do in endings? It is not crue. 35...7 (b) is both natural and sound here for three points. White can threaten to round up a pawn with 36 &d2 Hf 37 d5, but after 37..He5+ (this is worth a bonus point if seen in conjunction with 35...S8f7) 38 dd4 Qxf4 39 Axf4 (39 gxft Be2 40 &xa5 Ha2 also regains the pawn) 39.Bel 40 &xd6 (or 40 &c4 Be7 41 SS Hat keeps the pawns level) Black’s rook is able to stamp its authority over the bishop and snaffle one back with 40...Hal, ieaving a relatively trivial ending. 49Multiple Choice Chess Il Other options are less good. 35...S.%64 (a) receives the same lack of points and enthusiasm as in the last round of com- ments. 35...8g7 (6) is unnaturally slow and could fall foul of a bishop check or even a knight check (nil points). 35..g5 (d) runs into 36 Dd5 Be6+ 37 G5 so again no points. 35.017 36 d5 a) 36...8e7 b) 36...2xf4 Smirin decided it was time to relieve the pressure on the g6-pawn with 36...2xf4 (b), It can’t be bad to agree with a grandmaster so add three to your score. 36.265 (c) is fine for one point, but 36...8e7 (a) 37 @d4 is nor easy to meet and therefore fails to score, while 36..g5 (d) drops one on account of 37 “xh5. 36...2xf4 37 Oxt4 a) 37...e7 ¢) 37.87 d) 37... The move 37...8g7 (¢) is heading in the wrong direction and does nothing to meet a white invasion commencing with 38 @d4 to c4 to b5. You score nothing here. Even in time trouble there is no excuse for 37.87 @), which drops two points due to the reply 38 Sg5 pinning the rook. 37..&e8 (b) is the correct route for the monarch to take and scores three. 37.5 (8) is has no point and does not score either. 37...8e8 38 bd4 when treading on black squares and so alarm bells should ring at 38..8d8 (a), which costs you five hard earned points and the game after 39 &g5 de7 40 hes E741 Rxf6 Wxf6 42 Bb5 WES 43 Hxad ete. Nore that White wins even more quickly after 42..e5 43 Bc6, but please take care to avoid 42.065 43 &c6 de5, which is in- structive on how to go wrong, If you chose 38..¥e7 (b) you must dock four points as this mistake was highlighted in the previous notes. I may be slightly un- fair as 1 believe the king and pawn ending after 39 Bp5 BE 40 Bxf6 dxf 41 Bed gS or 41 Sc4 Wes is still better for Black, but that is down to good fortune. If you opted for 38...€e7 and claim to have worked out the king and pawn ending to a win for Black in all lines, then sorry, { don’t believe you. Ic is often difficult to adjust from a wild opening and middlegame to a delicate end- ing but you are doing a good job if you went for 38...$d7 (¢) and plan to meet 39 2.2 with 39... Take nwo points for this. ‘The careless 38..{7 (d) costs you one point on account of 39 &xd6 38...0d7 39 &c4 . a yest % oe 4 a) 38.248 38.207 Again Black’s king should be careful While White has his eye on the a5-pawn, 50Attack is the Best torm of Defence you have done well if you intend to pick off the d5-pawn in return. There are several ways to go about it, however. 39..@c7 (a) 40 Wb5 HPS is worth one point, as is 39..@c8 (b) 40 #bS Bc7 41 Sexa5 BES. It must be a relief to finally bring the rook swinging round to the queenside, so two points if you opted for 39.2268 (c) with the intention of 40 @b5 Bc8 41 dexa5 Hc5+, Just the one point is awarded if there was no plan in mind, Finally, 39...Bf5 (d) is the most accurate for thtee points as it ties White down. Again, 40 2d2 BB 41 xa Bxg3 is the end of the road for White. 15 40 da a) 40...8c7 White is running out of decent moves here. Take one point for 40...d¢c7 (a) and one for the slightly repetitive 40..£6 (d), but 40..8c8 (b) is a relapse that drops the d- pawn and a point. Te is 40.68 (c) that is crying out to be played — take three points for this. Finally the extra material is about to make a differ- ence in a more obvious manner. 40...E18 41 &d3 8 4G iragete 7, “oa a a) 41.26, b) 41... Beg ©) 41...2b8 d) 41...8e7 All moves are destined to score here. 41... £5 (a) earns one point as I’m sure you are just toying with your opponent rather than repeating the position. 41...2e8 (b) also gets one, as does 41...Be7 (a). 41..Hb8 (©) really clinches the game and three points. The resignation is in no way premature since the threat is 42..2b4, and 42 &d2 is met by 42..Bb3+ 43 &c3 Ha3. ‘Take one extra bonus point if you had this worked out to the end. 41...2b8 0-1 Now compare your total with the descriptions below, which I hope are of some use Less than 14: You would probably prefer a quieter style of game. 15-29: I guess this game was a bit frustrating. Only attempt to get your head round a tac- tical battle if you have the time to check out the complications. Otherwise, it is easy to come unstuck. 30-44: You must have intermingled many sound ideas with a few mistakes. Avoid the blunders and you will improve drastically 45-59: You can be pleased with this result. You are a real player so I hope a club has the benefit of your talent. 60-69: Excellent score for a complicated encounter. 70+: You missed nothing. Perhaps I could recommend you to write the next book? 51Multiple Choice Chess II Game 7 Grischuk-M.Gurevich Esbjerg 2000 1 e4 06 24 d5 3 e5 c5 4 63 Ac6 5 AFB 2d7 6 Re2 Af you are new to the French Advanced it is worth pointing out here that if the white bishop rushes to its natural square d3, the d4-pawn comes under too much fire. There is the Milner-Barry Gambit where White places his bishop on d3 and then sacrifices the d4-pawn, but that is another story that actually featured in Games 8 and 10 of Mul- ‘tiple Choice Chess. 6...Age7 7 Da3 cxd4 8 cxd4 DIS 9 Dc2 Wb6 10 0-0 Now choose how you would like to con- tinue in this standard French Advanced position. All moves have some merit here 10...a5 (a) scores two as it serves to gen- erally expand on the qucenside and, more specifically, it prevents White from execut- ing the standard manoeuvre 11 &d3 Dexd4 12 Dfxd4 Dxd4 13 Re3 Rc as 14 b4 is not effective. 10...2e7 (b) illustrates sound develop- ment for pwo points. Note that 11 g4 can be met by 11..Dh4, We are taught that it is always the sign of a mature player if one castles. While 10...0-0-0 (©) has certainly been tried and tested here, tournament practice has shown that it is rather risky after 11 Eb1, when White is ready to launch an attack. Take one point if you chose this. 10...h5 (d) seeks to secure the knight on its f5-square and scores one, its drawback being that it is cather committal. 10...a5 11 eh1 a) 11...c8 d) 11.208 As it occupies the only open file around, 11..2c8 (a) is sensible and scores two points. Take one for 11..24 (b), but nothing for the obscure 11..Bd8 (d). Finally, 11...2b4 (c) earns two points as Black seeks to exchange pieces to relieve his slight lack of space. 11...Db4 12 Des ———— a) 1 b) 1 xed, SLeT Black is posed with a difficult question here. Does he capture on €3, giving White the possibility of 13 fxe3 and pressure down, the Ffile, or wait for White to exchange knights on £5, thus breaking up his central pawn chain? It is largely a matter of taste, so 12.Axe3 (a), 12...Se7 (b) and Gurevich’s 52Attack is the Best form of Defence choice 12...2c8 (d) all score two points. Nothing for 12...£6 (c) as Black is casually prising open the position on both wings with his king still in the centre. At the very least, 13 @xf5 exfS 14 a3 Da6 (the pawn structure becomes very ugly for Black after 14..De6 15 exf6 gxf6) 15 exf6 Wrf6 gives White the e5-square for his knight to oc- cupy. 12...268 13 Dxf5 any later 5-e6 thrust by White 14..Ac2 (b) drops three points as White is able to immediately gain material with 15 a3 or 15 Rxb4. One point for 14...Ac2 (¢), although this is somewhat pointless as long as White de- fends correctly with 15 Kb1 (not 15 Bet Wxb2). Now we can see the point of the prophylactic 11 Wht as 15..2xd4 hangs a piece to 16 2e3. If the white king were still on gl, 16.0xB+ or 16..DAxe2+ would allow Black to escape with the booty. If you 13...exf5 (a) is the only real consideration and scores one point. If you tried two be clever with 13..e2 (b), then deduct ovo from your score since 14 De3 @xal 15 2.42 Wab2 16 Waal is better for White 13...exf5 14 2d2 intended to grab the d-pawn, thus falling into White’s trap, lose one instead of the original gain. Gurevich’s choice of 14...2e7 (d) earns you two points. 14...2e7 15 a3 a) 15...a4 The knight has done its job and so 15...Ac6 (b) makes sense and is worth two points. On the other hand, 15..c2 (©) again runs into trouble after 16 Ebt 0-0 (again 16..@xd4 17 &e3 rounds up the knight) 17 &c3 a4 18 @d3, so deduct two from you total. If you went for 15...@a6 (d) purely to avoid returning your knight to the square a) 14...2b5 b) 14...21c2 ©) 14...De2 4) 14...Le7 from whence it came (after all, there is a lot of psychology in chess, particularly at the top level, and we can’t have our opponent thinking we are eating humble pie), deduct Iris often thematic for Black to swap off light-squared bishops as his own minor piece is deemed ‘bad’ because its activity is stemmed by its own pawns. For this reason 14...2b5 (@) scores one point. However, in this actual situation award yourself a bonus if you thought that the overriding factor is that you need your bishop to settle on e6 in order to bolster your pawns and blockade two for having an ego that will ultimately handicap your ability. Tf, however, you be- lieved that this knight would have a brighter future on a6, for example fo &6 via c7, score zexo. The knight does a superb job on ¢6, constantly watching the weak d4-pawn. 15...Sa4 (a) stubbornly eyes up the c2- square, but 16 Wxa4+ puts paid to thar one and costs you three points. 15...Ac6 16 &c3 53Multiple Choice Chess Ii BY LA are you hoping to achieve with 17...0b4 if White doesn’t oblige and does not capture? 17...2a8 18 Det First of all have a bonus if you aware that now 18...g5 is less palatable due to the posi- tional response 19 £4 when Black will not be able to get in the freeing move ...f4 himself. a) 18...a4 b) 18...a7 c) 18...2(8 d) 18...8h8 ¢) 16...h6 d) 16...2e6 16...g5 (a), 16...h6 (c) and 16...Se6 (d) are all respectable and carn one point. Black may have ideas of secting a kingside offen- sive in motion (for which you score a point if you thought about it), particularly with the first of these choices. Black’s priority, however, should be to look after his own king and so completing development with 16...0-0 (b) maximises your score with an additional three. 16...0-0 17 Wd2 b) 17...Re6 c) 17...h6 d) 17...b4 The flexible 17..Ba8 (a) shows that Gurevich has no problems with his ego and scores one point. Black is making space to swing his other rook over to the queenside and bolstering his a-pawn. 17...8€6 (b) is fine for one point, while again 17...h6 (c) is a common method for Black to try and gain activity with ..g7-g5 and even ...{5-F4 (score one for this). 17..Db4 (Ad) is too flash to merit a score but I do appreciate that 18 axb4 axb4 traps the bishop on ¢3. My main question is what Score two points for 18..a4 (a), which sets up a clamp on White’s queenside and allows Black the option of regrouping his knight to a5 and b3. Both 18...8a7 (b) and 18..h8 (d) cepre- sent overkill in the waiting department and score no points. There is, however, a skill to remaining flexible and awaiting your oppo- nent’s next step, and 18.8 (©) appears to be one example (score ewo points). In the long term Gurevich appears to be contem- plating ..Wd8 followed by pushing his b- pawn to embarrass the white bishop perched on ¢3. 18...0fb8 19 De2 - Pie ‘bal ) 19...h6 Award yourself a bonus if you asked 54Attack is the Best form of Defence what White is up to with Dc2. Take a fur- ther one if you came up with the conclusion that 20 De3 Be6 21 £4, followed by g2-g4, is in the air, 19...2.£8 (in case you need the e7-square for the knight), 19...Wd8 (c) and 19...h6 (d) are all worth one point, but a generous two is awarded for the text move 19...26 (0) 19...96 20 %e3 Dx65 Bg5 is perfectly playable by Black. ‘Two points also for 21..h5 (b), which pre- vents White from launching his attack with g2-g4 (you score another if you realised that). Attempting to exchange bishops with 21...SUb4 (c) may be safe tactically due to 22 axb4 axb4, but does not score on ant- positional grounds. Black’s dark-squared bishop is a superior piece to its white coun- ©) 20..Wb3 4) 20...Db4 terpart and ic is needed to protect the weak- ened dark squares around its monarch. Finally, the resilient 21.28 (d) is worth one point. 20...S2e6 (a) is the natural way to defend the d5-pawn and scores two points. Other moves are not good. Lose o: the careless 20..Wd8 (b) 21 Axd5. The move 20..Wb3 (c) tries to prove that 20..2e6 is not the only way to defend the d5-pawn, but after 21 &d1 We4 22 b3 Wb5 23 a4 Wa6 24 Dxd5 the pawn drops off — lose two. Okay, so 20...Db4 (d) also defends the d5-pawn, but 21 axb4 (why not?) 21...axb4 22 Dxd5 wins easily for White. 20...266 21 £4 e for Dy 21...n5 22 Wat a) 22...h4 d) 22...2)xe5 2...@)xe5 (d) may be okay if White were to recapture 23 dxe5, when 23..Wxe3 24 Rds Wet 25 Wd2 Bc8 26 Bact g5 just about regains the piece with a live queen, but 23 fxe5 really makes the whole concept a non-starter and sets you back two points. 22..Wd8 (c) drops one point for overlooking White’s intention of 23 &xh5S gxhS 24 Wxh5 p7 25 Hf3. I refer to the acronym SPORT (Safe, Protect, Open, React, Take) throughout this book. First, this move is safe. Everything on the board (both black and white) is protected from being captured for free. One also notices that, following the queen move, the bishop on c3 has an open diagonal on which to move. However, a bishop move loses the safe d4-pawn due to lack of protection. Black is therefore left to react to White’s last move. The move Wad does not look a) 21...Wa8 c) 21 “aba d) 21.818 scary and, as we know that ...b4 or ...Sb4 are not threats, then &xhS may well be. In many cases it comes down to spotting something to take. 21.,.Wd8 (a) scores two, with another if you analysed that 22 4 fxg4 23 £5 gxf5 24 22...h4 (a) is interesting and worth one point, while 22...g7! (b) covers any threats of sacrificing on h5 and earns two points. 55Multiple Choice Chess {/ 22...2g7 23 &xh5 a) 25...2g8 b) 25.218 c) 25...2x5, Any king move is lethal here, so take off five for 25...g8 (a) 26 Wy4+ S28 27 We7+ and six for 25..868 (b) 26 Wxbs mate. If you calculated these and realised that the only feasible way out of check was 25....8xf5 (c), then score two. If you found yourself tossing up between (a) and (c), only add one to your score. 25... 2x5 26 Wxt5 a) 26.28 b) 26...Dxe5 ©) 26... Axd4 d) 26...8h6 White has just taken a pawn so the only logical response is to capture the bishop on h5 with 23..gxh5 (b) ~ this scores three points. If you thought it too risky to allow 23...gxh5 24 Wxh5, then you can have one point for the best of a bad job with 23.,.2h8 (0), but nothing for 23...8f8 (@) or 23...g5 ©. 23...gxh5 24 Wxh5. Utilising the f8-square spells disaster in cither case. Knock three off your score for 24..Ef8 (a) on account of 25 3. Even worse is 24...89f8 (b) 25 Wh8 mate (lose six for this). Deduct one for the dubious 24..xd4 (d). For those of you who rejected this be- cause of 25 Sxd4 Wxd4 26 363, award yourself a bonus. The best move here is 24..8h8 (0), which keeps White at bay and scores three points. 24...8h8 25 Dxt5 + 26...82f8 (a) invites €5-c6, 0 no points ‘here, while 26...2xe5 (b) 27 fxe5 puts White firmly on top, so reduce your total by two. T am sorry if you spotted a fantastic variation against 27 dxe5 or 27 WxeS+; you must consider every possibility for your plans to bear fruit. 26...2)xd4 (c) is now ripe for picking and is worth three, and 26..Bh6 (d) is safe enough for one point. 26...xd4 27 Wd3 ow © Vi Ux All credit to you (well, actually two points for each of the following lines) if you con- sidered: 1) 27 €6 fxe6 28 Sxd4+ Wxd4 29 Wxeo 56Bac8 and 2) 27 West Sf8 28 £5 Eh4 as winning for Black. Attack is the Best form of Defence Finally, remove three points for 28..D3+ (c) 29 Hxf3 Hh8+ 30 Hh3, which sees Black getting his move order mixed up. a) 27.205 b) 27...Ae6 c) 27...Exh2+ d) 27...Wh6 28...Bh8+ 29 &g3 a) 29...Wg6+ b) 29...Sh4-+ 27.5 (a) enables White 10 create ran- domness with 28 b4, 28 Radi or 28 e6 — no points for this. 27..De6 (b) positively encourages the advance 28 £5 Ac7 29 6+, so deduct one. 27..Axh2+ (c) is the star performer for six, but nothing for 27..Wh6 (d), which temporarily threatens mate but ultimately fails to 28 Wg3+ and then Sixd4. 27...Bxh2+ 28 &xh2 Sy Wi, Up ee” Y 29...&h4+ (b) is the real blow to White and scores three points. Look how all the black pieces are harmonising to their fullest potential Allowing, queens to be exchanged with 29..Wg6+ (a) 30 Wxg6+ fxg 31 Qxd4 significantly wrecks Black’s position and your running total by four points. 29... We6 (c) 30 &xd4 sces Black lose the thread and three points, while 29...Wh6 (d) earns a generous one point if you are going for the mate with 30...Wh4. For those who saw the relatively trivial way out for White with 31 &xd4, award yourself a bonus. 29...h4+ 30 &g4 4d) 28...b3 28..Bh8+ (a) brings the rook into the equation, forces the monarch forward into dangerous territory and scores four points. Take a well deserved bonus point if you have already dismissed 29 @g1 on account of 29...@)f3 mate (or indeed 29...e2 mate). No score for 28..Wh6+ (b) 29 dg! or for 28..2b3 (d) 29 Wg3+ Bh7 30 Badt, which runs the risk of shutting our the black rook from participating. ame ‘Y Bat ge ) 30...5+ One point for 30...We6+ (@), as long as you realised that the almost forced reply is 31 £5, when you need to find a useful square for the queen. 57Multiple Choice Chess Il 30..Bh6 (b) 31 &xd4 is too slow for Black and sets your score back by three. 30...{5+ (d) is sufficient for one point, bur 31 exf6+ Qxf6 32 Bhi is clearly win- ning for White. Amazingly, it is the calm 30..Wh6 () which causes instant resignation and nets you five points. Black has 31..WhS+ 32 @h3 {2 mate lined up and each attempt to prevent mate is futile. There is one bonus point up for grabs for each of the following variations you have analysed through to mate. 1) 31 £5 We5+ 32 @h3 @£2 mate. 2) 31 g> Wh5+ 32 Bh3 Le7+ 33 dey? Wh2 mate. 3) 31 &xd4 Wh5+ 32 2h3 £2 mate. 4) 31 Bh3 Re2+ 32 gd Wh5 mate. So that is 2 maximum of four there. I will let you judge yourselves, but as you will no doubt find, there are some similar alterna- tives that can also score. 30,..Wh6 0-1 Did you score as well as you had hoped? Please read the comments below. Less than 13: Eliminate those mistakes and your scores cannot fail to increase. 13-25: This score range implies that the majority of your moves were sensible, but ery hard to pursue some variations during your deliberations as there are bonus points available. 26-39: You are a real player. I hope your talent is put into practice over the board. 40-49: You are both razor sharp and able to handle quieter positions. If you are not listed on the international rating system, you deserve to be. 50+: I am assuming that your score is genuine and that you enjoy the game. For further information on where to play and how to practice, you could consult the Internet. 58Attack is the Best form of Defence Game 8 Shirov- Kamsky Moscow 1992 1 d4 O46 2 c4 g6 3 Dc3 dd 4 cxd5 Axd5 5 e4 Dxc3 6 bxc3 The Griinfeld allows White a dominant centre that Black plans to undermine later. 6...297 7 Rcd c5 8 De2 Dc6 9 Le3 0-0 10 Bet A very sharp continuation, which was in- troduced into practice by a Russian player, Lev Polugaevsky, ia 1987. White avoids the more well-trodden path of 10 0-0 &g4 11 £3 Da5 ete 10...cxd4 ‘The most consistent, although 10...We7 is also popular. 11 exdd Wa5+ 12 &f1 YY a thie a ‘Ypu) Still in this theoretical position, you are invited to imagine you are playing alongside Grandmaster Gata Kamsky, born Russian but now resident in the US. You may rightly wonder where he is these days, for at a rather young age he elected to give up his chess career at its peak and study medicine. Completing the development of your minor pieces with 12...&d7 (a) is spot on for three points, Almost equally viable for one point is 12...g4 (d) 13 6 Qd7, al- though the inclusion of £2-£3 tends to be a support for the white centre rather than a weakness. 12..Wa3 (0), intending 13...2p4 as £2-63 is now an inadequate reply (a bonus if you realised that), has now been accepted as the most accurate continuation and scores three points here. 12..Wa3 13 Bc3 Wd6 14 €5 Dxe5 15 dxe5 Wrxd1 mate is a nice touch. Take one point for 12..d8 (d), but 13 Wh3 ¢6 14 d5 can be calculated as strong, for White. 12...8d7 13 ha a) 13...2.e4 4) 13...Bfe8 No score for the belated 13...2g4 (a) 14 £3, but you can have one if you held up the h4-h5 advance with 13...h5 (b). 13..Hac8 (c) is extremely sensible and scores two. I must agree that transferring this rook to the queenside appears far more natural than the alternative choice. How- ever, it is 13.28 (d) which comes up trumps for three points. Without explana- tion this move looks decidedly odd, so the reasoning behind such a manoeuvre is in order to meet 14 Wb3 with 14..2d8, thus defending the {7-square and ensusing that a) 12...2d7 d) 12,..Bd8 the black rooks are connected. Ir is often a tricky decision to know which rook to put where, especially when there is only one open file. If ic is any consolation, 13...Kfe8 proves to be no exception. 59Multiple Choice Chess Il 13...Bfe8 14 h5S a) 15...£b5 b) 15...b5 c) 15...8a4 a) 15...R06 Ropmuring one’s kingside pawn formation with 14..gxh5 (a) is rarely appropriate, so deduct two points. However, if you really chose such a daring plan, anticipating that White would fall into the trap 15 De Dxd4+ 16 &xd4 Bxc4 17 Hxc4 &b5, you can have your two points back. If you rejected 14...gxh5 on the grounds of general ugliness have a bonus, but if you saw the tactic and realised that White could exercise safety first with 15 2b3 before embarking on 16 Df4, you deserve an extra nwo bonus points. It is not obvious to predict that Kamsky would willingly retreat his knight with 14..2d8 (©) before being forced to, for example, to bolster £7, All the more reason to be proud of the two points obtained here, for piece coordination is she key and Black is pteparing to create quecnside activ- ity to counteract White’s attack. 14...b5 (b) is worth one point, as is stak- ing a claim in the centre with the move 14...05 (d). 14...Dd8 15 13 Shirov is not new to this situation and has already had success with this idea. The monarch now has some breathing space. No losers here, and since a number of in- ternational players have gone for 15...&b5 (@) 16 Bxb5 WxbS 17 BQ, it is worth ewo points. One point for 15...b5 (b), with an extra if you planned to meet 16 £5 with 16..Bxcl 17 Wxct Bc8, thus gaining con- teol of the e-file. 15...$2a4 (c) is what Kamsky had up his sleeve (take four points for this). Not devas- tating, but now Shirov is on his own and Kamsky has no doubt spent several hours analysing various ideas and continuations which could materialise. Finally, 15...2e6 (d) fails to score as 16 d5 sends the black bishop straight back to a7. 15...2a4 16 Wd3 ©) 16...gxh5 d) 16...Bxe4 The somewhat slow 16...a6 (a) scores one, but the immediate and energetic 16...b5 (©) improves your total by three. Again 16..gxh5 (c) saddles Black with unnecessary weaknesses and drops two points, while the same fate befalls the dubi- 60Attack is the Best form of Defence ous sacrifice 16...Ehxc4 (d) 17 Wxe4 &b5 18 We2. 16...b5 17 245 is one of those lucky occasions when you would have touched your opponent's pawn on g6 but, as you can’t recapture 19...£%96, a) 17...Rab8 b) 17...Bxcl+ ©) 17...b4 d) 17...e6 you would have been forced to play the text move 19...hxg6. If you genuinely went for 19..hxg6 (©), then score one. There are only two serious contenders here: 17..Bab8 (a) scores and 17..Bxct+ (b) scores three. The blunder 17...64 (6) 18 &xa8 Bxa8 sets you back two, while 17..A\c6 (d) 18 Bxcé is even more costly at minus three. 17...Bxc1+ 18 2xct ‘one, 19...hxg6 20 &h6 a) 18...2b8 b) 18...2c8 c) 18...We7 4) 18...06 One point for 18..J8b8 (2), but com- manding the open file with 18..2c8_ (b) merits the maximum three 18..We7 (c) either overlooks that the black rook on a8 is under fire or that the white bishop on cl is protected, so remove five points from your total. Likewise, if you chose 18..c6 (d), dock five points. Don’t worry about sliding below zero because there are plenty of opportunities to redeem yourself. 18.28 19 hxg6 a) 20...8xh6 b) 20...2h8. The accurate 20...8xh6 (a) scores three points because Black doesn’t want the white queen quickly joining in the attack with We3. At least with the rook recapturing on h6, an infiltration square has been tempo- rarily blocked. a) 19...De6 b) 19...e6 c) 19...hxg6 4) 19...fxg6 Retreating the bishop with 20..Sh8 (b) is a theme found in similar set-ups, so take one point. 20...2£6 (c) walks into 21 e5 &h8 22 You are on a tightrope here with only one decent reply. 19..De6 (a) loses five as your position falls apart on 20 gxf?+ Wxf? 21 Des. Things are also far from ideal after 19...06 (b) 20 gxh7+ Wh8 21 £b3, so diminish your current total by three. 19...fxg6 (d) is downright illegal so feel embarrassed, I won’t penalise you because it Wrxgo+ &g7 23 Wxg7 mate, so lose three. A bonus for anyone who spotted that, with the advance of the e-pawn, there’s the mighty threat of Wxg6 as the Epawn is pinned by the white bishop on d5. Attempting to reduce the power of the said bishop with 20...e6 (d) scores one, but a further bonus is available for those, who rejected 20...c6 due to the strength of 21 Sxg7, when 21...exd5 22 £6 wins. 61Multiple Choice Chess II 20...8xh6 21 Bxhé ©) 21...e2 ) 21...b4 21,..82g7 (a) is logical for three points and is also what Shirov half expected. If you at first thought that 22 We3 would be hard to meet, but persisted and found 22...c2 with the idea of 23 Bh4 Wa2 (ro prevent 24 Wh6+), award yourself three bonuses, White can actually push on with 23 We5!, however, which is highly complicated. Minus one for 21...8c2 (©), which drives the white queen to exactly the spot she wants to go (the e3-square), while 21...b4 (d) is too slow and scores no points. 21...e6 (b) was Kamsky’s preferred mode of defence and scores four points. 21...06 22 14 ab 1 Later Shirov was to criticise this move as being too ambitious. The game was still very much balanced after both 22 &b3 and 22 We3. With the latter, Black is unwise to capture with 22...cxd5 due to 23 We5 when White has a strong attack. Instead, Black should maximise his position with 22..d1 22...exd5 (a) walks into White’s mating net after 23 Wh3 We? 24 Hh8+ dp7 25 5, etc. and lets you down by four points. 22,..$2f8 (b) attempts to run and is worth one point, buc if you appreciated the strength of 23 £5! exd5 24 £6 Se8 25 Wh3 De6 26 exd5 or 23...gxf5 24 exf5 exd5 25 ‘We3, you are entitled to ewo bonus points. 22..He2 (c) is perhaps the star move of the encounter and scores four. Shirov cer- tainly missed it coming. If this one didn’t feature in your thinking, it will be worth you spending some time on this position to un- derstand what motive lies behind this move if you want to benefit from later scores. Lastly, the rather tame 22...g7 (d) in- vites 23 Wh3, so no points. d) 23...Exe2 a) 22...exd5 d) 22...8g7 You need to be clear how to contend with the threat of 24 Bh8+ @&g7 25 €5 fol- lowed by 26 Wh6 mate. If you were fully aware that this was the immediate threat, take a bonus. 23..exd5 (a) does nothing wo meet the aforementioned threat, so take five points off your toral. 23...Wid2 (b) falls foul of another forced mate, so minus four for failing to analyse 24 Ens+ $7 25 Wh6+ fo 26 5+ e7 29 W8+ Ld7 30 Wxd8 mate. There are nwo bonus points if you did have this covered. 23...Eixe2 (d) avoids the mate in variation (b) because the black queen will be defend- ing the knight on d8 in the final position, However, the theme is similar and this time it costs you three points for allowing 24 Eh8+ G7 25 Who+ 6 26 e5+ Be7 (or 26.865 27 We5 mate) 27 WE8+ ded7 28 Wad6+ cB 29 We6+ Lb8 30 Wh7 mate. 29..Wic7 is no better due to 30 Wa8+ dd7 31 Rc6+ He7 32 He8 mate, while also mat- 62Attack is the Best form of Defence ing are 31..Wxc6 32 Wxd8 and 31..Dxc6 32 We8. A bonus point for each line you calculated ending in mate. The length of these variations may have bamboozled you, but forcing lines are the easiest to calculate and an important method for improving. The only escape route is found in 23...$£8 (c), which is worth three points. A bonus is available if you plan to meet 24 Wh4 by running for your life with 24...c8 25 Hh8+ Gd7 ete. 23.818 24 05 24...ke7 25 Exg6 a) 25...fxg6 b) 25...exd5 ©) 25...&ed7 d) 25...Wd2 Two points for 25...fxg6 (a), which runs the risk of allowing perpetual check. If Black blocks 26 Wh7+ with 26.067, then White has the cheeky 27 Sxe6 xe6 28 Wxg6+ Be7 29 6 with counterplay. A fur- ther important line runs 26 Wh7+ &e8 27 Bed, hitting g6. Nothing for 25..exd5 (b) 26 Wh4+, which allows White too much activity for too small a price Minus two for 25.847 (c), which keeps up the trend of running away to another quarter. However, 26 Hg7 Wd2 27 &xe6+ Dxe6 28 Bxf7+ Hc6 29 Wxe6 mate stops Black in his tracks. 25...Wd2 (4) takes top honours with five points, White has two of his pieces attacked, and Black attacks a third one. 25...Wd2 26 &g1 a) 26...Wxe2 b) 26... 96 ©) 26...exd5 d) 26..,Wel+ 24...exd5 (a) is playable and scores three, although it’s not without complications following 25 65. 24...Wid2 (b) again lands Black in the soup after 25 Bh8+ $7 26 Wh4+, so de- duct five for this. 24...b4 (c) earns one point, although I fear White is back in the game after 25 63. If you wanted to keep open the a5-e1 di- agonal in case the black queen gets a chance to swing to d2, award yourself a bonus for excellent judgement. In anticipation Kamsky moves out of danger with 24...e7 (d) ~ this scores five. Ic is noticeable that, in contrast, the white monarch is now more exposed. ‘The burning question for Black is which piece to take. Relatively safe and worth one point is 26...W/xe2 (a), although Black has to tread carefully after 27 Wh4+ ded7 28 Kg8 Aco 29 263. Kamsky swiped the rook with 26...fxg6 (b) ~ take four points for this. Take a bonus if you appreciated that the difference be- cween this and capturing the rook on move 25 lies in the fact that 27 Wh7+ de8 28 Sed is met by 28..We3+ and the bishop finally succumbs. The bishop is immune at the moment due to the variation 26...exd5 (c) 27 Wh4+ Gd7 28 Bdo+ Bc? 29 We7+ Bbs 30 63Multiple Choice Chess II Exd8+ He8 31 Wd6+ &b7 32 Bd7+ a8 33 Wad5+ eb8 34 Wb7 mate. Drop five if you opted for 26...exd5 and earn a bonus if you rejected the line even as early as 28 Edo+ 26...We1+ (d) scores one point as long as you carried out this check to cover Wh4 by White. 26...fxg6 27 Wh7 + One point for 27...D£7 (a), although we have previously discussed that 28 Sxe6 Lxe6 29 Wxg6+ keeps Black on his toes 27.28 (b) heads in the wrong direction so direct your score down by one. 27.8 (c) gives the black monarch freedom to avoid the perpetual checks and scores three points. Take a bonus if you have covered the likely eventualities follow- ing 28 Wxg6+. For example, 28..8d7 29 Qxe6+ Bc7 30 Wh7+ b8 31 Ads Wxe2, when White must admit defeat. taken time to find your way through the complications here because even now Black must be accurate. You have been warned that only owo of the multiple choice answers here score above zero! Deduct one point for 28...gxf5 (a), which allows White the use of the h5-square after 29 £3 b4 30 Sh5+ S68 31 Whs+ de7 32 Wg7+ Dé7 33 Wxt7+. Black should nor have to go through those contortions to avoid perpetual check. 28...ex£5 (b) is even worse after 29 e6, so that gives you a deficit of four points. Capturing the knight with 28..Wxe2 (d) is safe enough for two points, but only if you intended to meet 29 fxe6 with 29..MWd1+ 30 @h2 Wh5+, exchanging queens. There are two bonuses for anyone who saw the opportunity of mate that would arise after 28..Wxe2 29 Wxg6+ dd7 30 fxe6+ eB 31 e7 Welt 32 bh2 Wh4+ 33 Sg Bel mate. Kamsky, however, decided it was time to eliminate the centralised bishop with 28...exd5 (c). Take four points for this 28...exd5 29 16 27...ve8 28 15 a) 28...gxf5 a) 29..,Wxe2 b) 2 b) 29...We3+ ©) 2 ©) 29...De6 d) 28...Wxe2 d) 29... Wb4. One has to admire Shirov’s resilience as he fights to the death. 1 hope you have 29...1Wixe2 (a) misses the point behind 29 £6 and it wasn’t particularly subtle either, so 64Attack is the Best form of Defence lose six for allowing 30 We7 mate. It is vital to look at every check but 29... We3+ (b) is a case where it doesn’t help after 30 #h2, so deduct two for this. Take one point for 29..2c6 (©), which certainly has the merit of stopping mate in one, However, it is 29...b4 (d) which se- cutes three points and concentrates on re- ducing any counterplay White’s combina- tion of queen and pawns can rustle up. 29...Wb4 30 Wxg6+ quickly, but again, why allow White activity? 31...2xe6 32 WET + a) 32...2d8 b) 32...2c8 ©) 32...8d6 d) 32...8206 There is one superior choice over the others and that is 32...@d8 (a) for three points Why let che knight drop with check with a) 30.07 b) 30.288 ©) 30...2d7 32...82c8? You may well still be winning after 33 Wxe6+ &c7 34 WE7+ dbo 35 We6+ Ga5, but that is beside the point as 30...27 (a) 31 06 WEB 32 fs gives White pressure and lets the steam out of your score to a tune of minus four. Nothing for 30...42f8 (b) since 31 We7+ Hc8 32 We6+ displays a distinct lack of progress. If you thought you were offering, one repetition in order to exert power and gain time on the clock, you are again mis- taken since White may prefer to deviate with 31 Wh6+ des 32 Ae4, 30..d7 (©) is the correct answer for four points. 30...07 31 6+ we are also searching for the most precise moves. The more tactical an encounter is, the more precise we must be. Lose one point far this. 32...€c6 (d) runs into exactly the same, including the one point penalty. 32...8@d6 (c) may be the only way to save the knight, but if you had consulted all the checks you probably would have opted not to have your king and queen skewered your with 33 We7+ 26 34 Wxbd. Ir is not the end of the world following 34...xe2, but this is more by luck than judgement! Lose five points. 32...0d8 33 Wxe6 a) 31...2xe6 b) 31...Axe6 xe Os “a a Take one point for 31..@xe6 (a), al though there are an awful lot of checks after 32 We8+ Bf5 33 Dg3+ or 32..exf6 33 Wxd8+ We7 34 Whs+. 31..Axe6 (b) helps to ensure that the white knight will not play a part in the game via (4 and gives the black monarch room to shelter on the queenside ~ score three. Score one for 31.88 (c), although 32 e7 gives White a shouting chance after 32...Wel+ 33 $h2 Wh4+ 34 Sgt Bxe2 35 WE5+ etc. Take two for 31,.8c7 (d), which sees White running out of checks more i LL aes pnd a le A. ae imeem, NEN 7. a, ma aS a) 33...ixe2 c) 33... WB, 4d) 33.827 65