Main
Date: 10 Oct 2004 06:31:52
From: Avanti
Subject: Positional analysis for a beginner please help.....
4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1 w - -

White is in check and has 5 options to remove the check, Black has an extra
pawn but white's e5 pawn looks dangerous, black's knight is not on a good
square but then white's dark square bishop is pretending to be a pawn,
black could capture the a3 pawn but this may lose as his pieces will be out
of play,
is this a drawn game?

What is white's best way of getting out of check?

A Kh1
B Kg2
C Rff2
D Ref2
E Be3

What is blacks plan after ?
Thanks in advance.






 
Date: 13 Oct 2004 23:48:12
From: Glenn C. Rhoads
Subject: Re: Positional analysis for a beginner please help.....
"Avanti" <[email protected] > wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
>
> 4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1 w - -
>
> White is in check and has 5 options to remove the check, Black has an extra
> pawn but white's e5 pawn looks dangerous, black's knight is not on a good
> square but then white's dark square bishop is pretending to be a pawn,
> black could capture the a3 pawn but this may lose as his pieces will be out
> of play, is this a drawn game?

Theoretically black should win. I played this out from
both sides against Crafty


From the black side I had no problems,

1.Rf2 Nb7 2.Qd1 Nd8 3.Qd6 Ne6 4.Re1 (why?) Qxd6 5.exd6 Nxf4
6.Rxe8 Rxe8 7.Rxf4 Rd8 8.Rd4 Kf7

The d-pawn falls and I'm left with a winning endgame.
Crafty made it easy by trading off the rooks!

9.Kg2 Ke6 10.Rh4 h6 11.Re4+ Kxd6 12.Rd4+ Kc7 13.Rxd8 Kxd8
14.Kf3 Kc7 15.Ke4 Kd6. Then I play a5, c5, b4, etc.


Playing from the white side, the game went as follows.

1.Kg2 Rf7 2.e6 Rf6 3.Qd1! Nb3

if 3... Rfxe6, 4.Rxe6 Rxe6 5.Qd8+ Qf8 (5...Kf7 6.Qd7+ and black is
dead no matter what he tries -- Crafty sees up to a forced mate in
every line!) 6.Qxf8+ Kxf8 7.Bc7+ picks up the a5-knight and wins
easily.

4.Qd7 Qd5+ 5.Qxd5 cxd5 6.e7 d4 7.cxd4 Nxd4 8.Re4 Nc6
9.Rfe1 h6 10.Re6 Kf7 11.Rxf6 Kxf6 12.Bd7 Nxe7 13.Bb4 g6
14.Rf1+ Ke6 15.Re1+ Kf7 16.Rf1+ Kg8 17.Re1 c3 18.Bxc3
Black still has an extra pawn but any attempt to extricate
himself from the awkward placement of his Knight and Rook
leaves his king exposed to checks.


 
Date: 13 Oct 2004 14:37:01
From: Mark S. Hathaway
Subject: Re: Positional analysis for a beginner please help.....
Avanti wrote:
> 4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1 w - -
>
> White is in check and has 5 options to remove the check, Black has an extra
> pawn but white's e5 pawn looks dangerous, black's knight is not on a good
> square but then white's dark square bishop is pretending to be a pawn,
> black could capture the a3 pawn but this may lose as his pieces will be out
> of play,
> is this a drawn game?
>
> What is white's best way of getting out of check?
>
> A Kh1
> B Kg2
> C Rff2
> D Ref2
> E Be3
>
> What is blacks plan after ?
> Thanks in advance.

White: Kg1, Qc2, Re2, Rf1, Bf4, a3, c3, e5, g3, h2 (move)
Black: Kg8, Qc5, Re8, Rf8, Na5, a7, b5, c6, c4, g7, h7

Right?

Rough overview:
Both kings are relatively safe, though White's
is exposed to some checks.
Material is even except Black has an extra pawn and
White has a bishop and Black has an knight.
White appears for the moment to have the extra pawn
because pawn e5 is a passer, whereas Black's extra is
doubled and not even passed. White's two queen-side pawns
do a pretty good job of restraining Black's pawns, for now.
Black's Na5 appears out of play for the moment.
White's position looks a bit 'looser' than Black's.
There's pawn a3 and pawn e5 which require protection.

Some concrete ideas:
White moves his king out of the way, to say g2.
Black could grab pawn a3 or maneuver Na5-b7-d8-e6 to
put a more permanent grip on his position.
White needs some kind of offense to compensate for his
'loose' position. The most likely source of that is e5-e6-e7.
Defensively Black should be careful to NOT exchange-off the
wrong pieces. Even a position which looks safe can become less
so if a key defender is traded-off.

For White I'd suggest moving Kg1, Qc2-e4, e5-e6 and then
maybe Rd1, Bd6 or some similar way of supporting a further
pawn advance. As the pawn advances and pieces are moved there
may be other opportunities arising.

For Black I'd suggest ...Re6 to keep pawn e5 blocking Bf4 & Re2,
...Nb3 (with an eye toward ...Qxa3 or ...Qe7, ...Nb3-c5-d3) to
ensure White's offense goes nowhere and Black's Na5 is returned
to the fold.


 
Date: 10 Oct 2004 10:31:03
From: Don't Panic
Subject: Re: Positional analysis for a beginner please help.....
This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

------=_NextPart_000_0035_01C4AEBC.9B301200
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="Windows-1252"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

"Avanti" wrote in message=20

> 4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1 w - -
=20
> White is in check and has 5 options to remove the check, Black has an =
extra
> pawn but white's e5 pawn looks dangerous, black's knight is not on a =
good
> square but then white's dark square bishop is pretending to be a pawn,
> black could capture the a3 pawn but this may lose as his pieces will =
be out
> of play,
> is this a drawn game?


HI Avanti,

I presume that you are wanting to become a better chess player by =
posting to this newsgroup. =20
The position you have sent in looks interesting from a strategical point =
of view in that the way a beginner might play it is completely different =
from the way a more experienced player might play.

I suppose you ahve heard about "Assessment of Position" it is what good =
players do when they spend a long time on their clocks and decide what =
plan to come up with, the plans they come up with depend on how good =
they are at 1. Assessing accurately the features of the position and 2. =
Their ability to play creatively

It just so happens that I have been doing some sheets for the Juniors in =
our club and as that was all about Assessment of position - you might =
find them very ueful if you are in the range 1400 - 1700.


When you look at a position - as a weak player you ought to do so in a =
structured way - unless you miss something (this happens even to very =
very VERY strong players - so ASSUME you are going to miss something) =
what ou need then is a method and the assessment groups that you shoud =
go through are seven in number:=20

Assessment Groups

The first assessment group is Material

The second is King Safety.

The third is the pawn structure and weak points.

The fourth group is space and the centre.

The fifth is control of ranks, files and diagonals.

The sixth is the active placement of the pieces.=20

The seventh is the existance of concrete threats both short and long =
term.=20


These seven groups are very basic but if you go through them one by one =
you will get a good STARTING idea of how to appraoch the position.

Your position was

4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1 w - -

SO

Material - Black is a clear pawn up, black has knight aginst bishop

King Safety - Black King seems very safe, white king is more exposed =
especially to the the long white diagonal and the squares f3 and h3

Pawn structure and weak points: A good player would immediate see the =
HUGE weakness of the d3 square, also f3 and h3 are very weak. The e5 =
pawn of white is isolated and potential vulnerable Maybe for black the =
d6 square is weak too but (as you will realize later when you consider =
the peices this is irrelevant). White's pawn on a3 is also weak and =
attacked.

Space and the centre: it is about equal this position, we could say more =
but that would be complicating things

The fifth is control of ranks, files and diagonals: When you look at =
this - you shoudl look and consider every rank file and diagonal - here =
the future occupation of the d file might be of interest and the control =
of the g1-a7, and h1 a8 diagonals is relevant for the plan which will =
com when you finish making your assessment.

The sixth is the active placement of the pieces.=20

Here the bishop on f4 is bad, but so is the knight on a5, the other =
peices ar roughly equal.


Right you ahve looked at this (quickly - much ,more could be said) and =
now after that you ahve to make an assessment of the whole position =
based on what you have learnt. This comes with experience.

If your read the above or look throught he assessment groups again the =
overwhelming thing in this position is that white's king is - in a word =
- "fucked", he has weak squares around him, he has weak diagonals =
pointing at him, he does not have a white squared bishop to protect him. =
=20

For black there are many god things going on, but the main objective to =
improve would be to improve the black knight=20


1. What is white's best way of getting out of check?

I would say it is a toss up between Ref2 and hope that black takesthe a3 =
pawn! And Kh1 - long term both have disadvantages,=20

> A Kh1
> B Kg2
> C Rff2
> D Ref2
> E Be3
=20
2 What is blacks plan after?


Dead easy, improve the knight! get it to either d3 (FIVE POINTS) or f3 =
or h3 and on no account let it be exchanged for that bishop..... unless =
the rooks and queens are off...

After that occupy the d of f files and then smash open the position - =
mate the king win a peice or convert into a won endgame.....


REMEMBER you ahve to do this assessemtn at each stage (not necessarily =
every move) but quite often and you must look deeply inot the positon =
and not miss anything.=20

This is a very simple introduction to a complicated subject - but keep =
with it and you will improve - if you do this all the time and study =
tactics, and strategy (how to improve your position and how to defend) =
you will reach 1800 - 2000 easily.... but it does take lots of practice.

>Thanks in advance.

Don't mention it.





------=_NextPart_000_0035_01C4AEBC.9B301200
Content-Type: text/html;
charset="Windows-1252"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" >
<HTML ><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3D"text/html; =
charset=3Dwindows-1252" >
<META content=3D"MSHTML 6.00.2900.2180" name=3DGENERATOR >
<STYLE ></STYLE>
</HEAD >
<BODY >
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>"Avanti" wrote in message =
</FONT ></DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>> =
4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1=20
w - -<BR > <BR>> White is in check and has 5 options to remove =
the check,=20
Black has an extra<BR >> pawn but white's e5 pawn looks dangerous, =
black's=20
knight is not on a good<BR >> square but then white's dark square =
bishop is=20
pretending to be a pawn,<BR >> black could capture the a3 pawn but =
this may=20
lose as his pieces will be out<BR >> of play,<BR>> is this a drawn=20
game?</FONT ></DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2> </DIV>
<DIV >HI Avanti,</DIV>
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >I presume that you are wanting to become a better chess player by =
posting=20
to this newsgroup.  </DIV >
<DIV >The position you have sent in looks interesting from a strategical =
point of=20
view in that the way a beginner might play it is completely different =
from the=20
way a more experienced player might play.</DIV >
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >I suppose you ahve heard about "Assessment of Position" it is what =
good=20
players do when they spend a long time on their clocks and decide what =
plan to=20
come up with, the plans they come up with depend on how good they are at =
1.=20
Assessing accurately the features of the position and 2. Their ability =
to play=20
creatively</DIV >
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >It just so happens that I have been doing some sheets for the =
Juniors in=20
our club and as that was all about Assessment of position - you might =
find them=20
very ueful if you are in the range 1400 - 1700.</DIV >
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >When you look at a position - as a weak player you ought to do so =
in a=20
structured way - unless you miss something (this happens even to very =
very VERY=20
strong players - so ASSUME you are going to miss something) what ou need =
then is=20
a method  and the assessment groups that you shoud go through are =
seven in=20
number: </DIV >
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >
<DIV >
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Assessment =
Groups</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The first assessment =
group is=20
Material</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The second is King =
Safety.</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The third is the pawn =
structure and=20
weak points.</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The fourth group is space =
and the=20
centre.</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The fifth is control of =
ranks, files=20
and diagonals.</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The sixth is the active =
placement of=20
the pieces. </FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The seventh is the =
existance of=20
concrete threats both short and long term. </FONT ></P></DIV></DIV>
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >These seven groups are very basic but if you go through them one by =
one you=20
will get a good STARTING idea of how to appraoch the position.</DIV >
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >Your position was</DIV>
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1 w - -</DIV>
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >SO</DIV>
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Material - Black is a =
clear pawn up,=20
black has knight aginst bishop</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>King Safety - Black  =
King seems=20
very safe, white king is more exposed especially to the the long white =
diagonal=20
and the squares f3 and h3</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Pawn structure and weak =
points: A good=20
player would immediate see the HUGE weakness of the d3 square, also f3 =
and h3=20
are very weak.  The e5 pawn of white is isolated and potential =
vulnerable=20
Maybe for black the d6 square is weak too but (as you will realize later =
when=20
you consider the peices this is irrelevant).  White's pawn on a3 is =
also=20
weak and attacked.</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Space and the centre: it =
is about equal=20
this position, we could say more but that would be complicating=20
things</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The fifth is control of =
ranks, files=20
and diagonals: When you look at this - you shoudl look and consider =
every rank=20
file and diagonal - here the future occupation of the d file might be of =

interest and the control of the g1-a7, and h1 a8 diagonals is relevant =
for the=20
plan which will com when you finish making your assessment.</FONT ></P>
<P align=3Djustify ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>The sixth is the active =
placement of=20
the pieces. </FONT ></P></DIV>
<DIV >Here the bishop on f4 is bad, but so is the knight on a5, the other =
peices=20
ar roughly equal.</DIV >
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >Right you ahve looked at this (quickly - much ,more could be said) =
and now=20
after that you ahve to make an assessment of the whole position based on =
what=20
you have learnt.  This comes with experience.</DIV >
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >If your read the above or look throught he assessment groups again =
the=20
overwhelming thing in this position is that white's king is - in a word =
-=20
"fucked", he has weak squares around him, he has weak diagonals pointing =
at him,=20
he does not have a white squared bishop to protect him.  </DIV >
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV >For black there are many god things going on, but the main =
objective to=20
improve would be to improve the black knight </DIV >
<DIV > </DIV>
<DIV ></FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2 ></FONT><BR><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>1. What is white's =
best way of=20
getting out of check?</FONT ></DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>I would say it is a toss up between =
Ref2 and hope=20
that black takesthe a3 pawn! And Kh1 - long term both have =
disadvantages,=20
</FONT ></DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>
<DIV ><BR><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>> A Kh1<BR>> B Kg2<BR>> C =
Rff2<BR >>=20
D Ref2<BR >> E Be3<BR> <BR>2 What is blacks plan =
after?</FONT ></DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Dead easy, improve the knight!  =
get it to=20
either d3 (FIVE POINTS) or f3 or h3 and on no account let it be =
exchanged for=20
that bishop..... unless the rooks and queens are off...</FONT ></DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>After that occupy the d of f =
files and=20
then smash open the position - mate the king win a peice or convert into =
a won=20
endgame.....</FONT ></DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D2>REMEMBER you ahve to do this =
assessemtn at=20
each stage (not necessarily every move) but quite often and you must =
look deeply=20
inot the positon and not miss anything. </FONT ></FONT></DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>This is a very simple introduction to a =
complicated=20
subject - but keep with it and you will improve - if you do this all the =
time=20
and study tactics, and strategy (how to improve your position and how to =
defend)=20
you will reach 1800 - 2000 easily.... but it does take lots of=20
practice.</FONT ></DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>><FONT size=3D3>Thanks in=20
advance.</FONT ><BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Don't mention it.</DIV></FONT>
<DIV ><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV ><BR></DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT></FONT></FONT>
<DIV >
<P align=3Dcenter ><FONT face=3DArial =
size=3D2 ></FONT> </P></DIV></BODY></HTML>

------=_NextPart_000_0035_01C4AEBC.9B301200--



  
Date: 10 Oct 2004 19:39:18
From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Claus=2DJ=FCrgen?= Heigl
Subject: Re: Positional analysis for a beginner please help.....
> Don't Panic wrote:
>
> "Avanti" wrote in message
>
> > 4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1 w - -
>
> HI Avanti,
>
> When you look at a position - as a weak player you ought to do so in
> a structured way - unless you miss something

> Assessment Groups
>
> Material - Black is a clear pawn up, black has knight aginst bishop
>
> King Safety - Black King seems very safe, white king is more
> exposed especially to the the long white diagonal and the squares f3
> and h3
>
> Pawn structure and weak points: A good player would immediate see
> the HUGE weakness of the d3 square, also f3 and h3 are very weak.
> The e5 pawn of white is isolated and potential vulnerable Maybe for
> black the d6 square is weak too but (as you will realize later when
> you consider the peices this is irrelevant). White's pawn on a3 is
> also weak and attacked.

These are excellent points though I come to different conclusions.

Pawn structure:

Except for the h2-g3 pawns, White's pawns are isolated. The white
pawns can't be protecetd by other pawns, therefore they may become the
target of an attack. For instance: a3 is attacked now. A black rook on
d3 and a knight on d5 would pressure c3. White also has an isolated
passed pawn on e5, which is currently protected by a rook and bishop.

Black has a compact pawn mass on the queenside. Besides the a-pawn all
pawns are placed on white squares. Otherwise a pair of pawns protects
the king. No black pawn is in the center.

Weak squares: A weak square is a square which the other side can
control better. Squares that are controlled by pawns are not weak,
squares that can't be controlled by pawns tend to be weak. In this
position the white pawns reside on black squares and White doesn't
have a bishop or a knight to control the white squares. So the white
squares tend to be weak sqaures for White and strong squares for
Black. Most notable are d5, d3 and b3, which are also controlled by
Black pawns. The black squares are Black's weak squares. The white
pawns control black squares, also the white bishop. Black can counter
the control of the bishop with his knight and control of the black
squares on his queenside with an advance of his pawns (a5, c5). The
only square a white pawn controls which can't be challenged by a black
pawn is d6. So d6 is a strong square for White and a weak square for
Black. Weak squares of the opponent are often good squares for the own
pieces to occupy. A black knight or rook on d3 would be great, with
the other piece on d5.

White would like to place anything on d6.

> Space and the centre: it is about equal this position, we could say
> more but that would be complicating things

Anything but equal. White has an advanced passed pawn in the center.
This is the single most important issue of this position. Black
doesn't have any pawn in the center. The white pawn is supported by a
rook and a bishop while attacked by queen and rook. If Black can
dislodge the bishop the pawn could be captured. The pawn is also not
blocked. As Black has no better control of e6 than White if the pawn
is moved forward, the white pawn is free to advance. This is a very
important feature of the position. The white pieces are also better
centralized. Compare Bf4 versus Na5. The white queen has an easy
access to the center (e4) and can be challenged there only by the
black queen. The black queen also has access to centre (d5) but can be
challenged there by a rook which makes her position not sustainable.

White has a space advantage in the center due to the advanced e-pawn.
Black has a space advantage on the queenside due to his advanced
queenside pawns. Black also has more pieces on the queenside as White,
where White has more pieces in the center.

White can't shift his pieces easily to the queenside as this would
lose control of e5. The black knight needs several moves to reach the
center. The route a5-b3-c5-d3/e6 for instance requires at least four
moves because the black queen occupies c5.

> The fifth is control of ranks, files and diagonals: When you look at
> this - you shoudl look and consider every rank file and diagonal -
> here the future occupation of the d file might be of interest and
> the control of the g1-a7, and h1 a8 diagonals is relevant for the
> plan which will com when you finish making your assessment.

There are two open files. One is occupied by both sides but blocked by
the Bf4.
The other file is currently unoccupied. Both sides could exploit the
d-file if they controlled it. White would place a rook on d6 or d7 and
seek to advance the e-pawn. Black would place a rook on d3 (the knight
would be nice but is too far away), contain the e-pawn and seek to
create a passed pawn on the queenside or the center (d3).

White is the only one with a bishop that can exploit the diagonals.
Currently the bishop is tied to the defense of e5, but once the pawn
advances the bishop has access to a lot of diagonals (imagine the
white bishop on d6, c5 or d4). Black checks the king on g1, but
doesn't have control of the diagonal. d4, e3, f2 and g1 are all
controlled very well by White if the king moves away.

> The sixth is the active placement of the pieces.
>
> Here the bishop on f4 is bad, but so is the knight on a5, the other
> peices ar roughly equal.

I do not agree here. Currently the bishop has two important functions:
it supports the passed pawn in the center and blocks the f-file. For
now it is quite occupied with his tasks, but this may change quickly
if the e-pawn advances. The bishop is one of the strong points about
White's position. Note that the bishop also extends the control of the
pawn towards d6, the only weak square of Black.

There is a concept of the bad bishop: a bishop is said to be bad, if
one's own pawns are placed on the squares of the colour of the bishop,
the bishop is behind his pawns and, most important, the pawns are
blocked. Then the bishop is restricted in his movements by his own
pawns. This is not the case here, because the position is not blocked.
In fact all White pawns but c3 are free to move. This is a highly
dynamical position, far from blocked.

Lets look in detail:

White king: he is well protected from frontal attacks through his
pawns shield but vulnerable on the diagonals and the second rank.
Luckily Black lacks both a bishop and control of White's second rank,
otherwise the king's position would be precarious. For now, Black does
not have the means to attack the king in earnest.

White queen: is placed excellent, controls the b1-h7 diagonal, of
which e4 is an important square, can support the rooks occupying the
d-file.

White rooks: are placed higly manouverable on the first and second
rank and can move to occupy any file quickly. They lack mutual support
which is important in case they come under attack.

White bishop: see above.

White pawns: supported and unblocked passed pawn on e5, isolated and
vulnerable pawns on the queenside, a weakend pawn shield in front of
the king (f2 gone, white squares weak). a3 is placed very badly as it
can't control b3 anymore and is vulnerable. c3 checks the advance of
Black's pawns and controls d4.

Black king: slightly unsafe because of the missing f-pawn. Fortunately
the g-pawn is still in place, so threats on White's bishop diagonals
are reduced.

Black queen: looking active because she checks the white king and
attacks a3, but would be placed better on the d-file, e6, e7 or g4.
There she would help Black to gain control over the d-file or
attacking e5.

Black rooks: connected and placed on central files. The Rf8 would be
placed much better at d8.

Black knight: Almost out of play and would be much better at d3, d5,
e6, c5.

Black pawns: As long as White doesn't control the d-file, there are no
serious weaknesses. c4 and c6 control important squares on the d-file,
though c6 would be better on c5, where it would challenge the white
control of d4 and help a black pawn advance on the queenside (it would
also be better on c7 to control d6 but it can't go back). If White
somehow manages to control the d-file, both queenside and kingside
could be vulnerable to a flanking attack on the 6th, 7th and 8th rank.

Piece safety: The white rooks are unconnected and somewhat unsafe. The
Na5 is completely undefended but can't be easily attacked. The black
queen is also undefended but can't be attacked for tactical reasons.

> For black there are many god things going on, but the main objective
> to improve would be to improve the black knight

Sumy: White's queenside is in shambles, but his pieces are quite
focused around his strong points. The strongest feature of his
position is the passed pawn on e5 which he should try to advance. The
ultimate goal is to queen that pawn, at least it should create a base
for operations on the 6th, 7th or 8th rank.

Black has an unfocused position. Some pieces are on the queenside,
Black's strong side. Other pieces are in the center and on the
kingside, but not able to counter White's threats alone. Black would
like to create a passed pawn on the queenside but is several moves
away from it. As White has already a passed pawn, Black should first
stop the white pawn, then advance his own.

There is also the free d-file. If White manages to control it, he has
a means to exploit his passed pawn. The exploitation would be either a
further advance of the e-pawn or a flank attack over the 7th or 6th
rank. Black can't control the d-file easily as then the e-pawn
advances, creating threats.

So this position revolves around Black battling the passed pawn of
White. One possibility to check the advance of the e-pawn is to
redeploy the black knight, obviously the worst piece of black. The
route could be a5-b7-d8/c5-e6.

> 1. What is white's best way of getting out of check?
>
> I would say it is a toss up between Ref2 and hope that black
> takesthe a3 pawn! And Kh1 - long term both have disadvantages,

> > A Kh1
> > B Kg2
> > C Rff2
> > D Ref2
> > E Be3

Some possibilities we can rule out because of tactical considerations.

1. Kh1 leaves the Rf1 undefended. Note that the Bf4 is now pinned on
the f-file. 1...g5 would win that bishop because if it moves, Black
wins a rook.

1. Be3 loses the Pe5. 1...Qxe5 2. Rxf8+ Rxf8 3. Bb6 is the trap that
White had in mind, but 3...Qd6 4. Bxa5 Qa3 (with the double threat of
5...Qa1+ and 6...Qf1 mate and 5...Qxa5) keeps Black in the game with
better chances. Even better for Black is 1...Rxf1+ 2. Kxf1 Qd5. e5 is
doomed because of 3. Bf4? Qh1+ and 3. Bxa7 c5 cuts off the bishop.
Black plans Na5-c6xe5-d3.

The other moves:

1. Rff2 forfeits control over the d-file. 1...Nb3 and White is not
able to put a rook on the d-file. Depending on what White does now,
Black may even take the a-pawn next and advance his pawns.

1. Ref2 removes support of e5. White can't exploit the d-file because
the e-pawn can't be advanced. For example 1...Qxa3 2. Rd1 Nb7 3. Qe4
Nd8. e6 is under Black control. 4. Rd6?? Qxd6.

1. Kg2 in my opinion is the best move. White avoids any of the
disadvantages of the other moves. If now 1...Qxa3 White has a lot of
counterplay after 2. Rd1 (the other rook supports e5) 2...Nb7
(controls d6) 3. e6! (the difference, the pawn advances) 3...Rf6
(3...Qe7? 4. Rd7; 3...Nc5? 4. e7! Rxf4 5. Rd8! and White wins) 4. Rd7
Nc5 5. Be5! (the "bad bishop" awakens) 5...Nxd7 6. exd7 Rfe6 (6...Rd8?
7. Bxf6 gxf6 8. Re8+ and wins) 7. dxe8Q+ Rxe8 8. Bd4 with a definitive
advantage for White.

> > 2 What is blacks plan after?

Black follows the classical plan combatting a passed pawn. First the
pawn has to be hindered in its movement. Then the pawn is blocked, to
be sure it doesn't move anywhere. After that Black tries to capture
the pawn. If that doesn't succeed, White's forces are bound to the
defense of the pawn and Black can strike elsewhere. In this case,
Black seeks to create a passed pawn on the queenside.

For example 1. Kg2 Nb7 (the knight hurries for e6) 2. Rd1 Nd8 3. Rd7
Ne6

First goal is achieved, the pawn is blocked from advancing. White
tries to capitalize on the d-file.

4. Bh6!?

The rook on the d-file is used for a flanking attack on the black
king. If White doesn't do something drastic, Black goes on with his
plan, like 4. Bc1 a5 5. Qe4 Re7 6. Rd6 Rc8 (plans Nf8 and Rce8) 7. a4
Nf8 8. axb5 cxb5 9. Rd5 Qc6 10. Ba3 Re6 11. Bd6 Nd7 (threat Nf6) 12.
Qf3 Rce8 13. h3 b4. In the long run White can't protect both e5 and
prevent a breakthrough on the queenside.

4...Qxa3 (4...gxh6?? 5. Qxh7 mate) 5. Red2 (White plans Rd2-d6xe6)
5...Qb3! (The black queen detracts the white queen and rooks by
counterattack. If White trades, the attack is over.) 6. Qe4 Qxc3 7.
R2d6 Qa1! (threat is Qf1 mate. This is better than 7...Qb2+ 8. Kh3 Rf2
9. Rxe6 Rxe6 10. Rxg7+ Kf8 11. Rg6+ Kf7 12. Rxe6 Rxh2+ 13. Kg4 Qe2+
which looks drawish) 8. Rd1 (or 8. Kh3 Qf1+ 9. Kg4 Rf7) 8...Qb2+ 9.
R1d2 (9. Kh1 Rf2; 9. Kg1 Qf2+; 9. Kh3 Rh2. Here Rh2 succeeds because
the white rook can't capture e6 anymore.) 9...Qa3 10. R2d6 c3 11.
Rxe6? Qa2+.

Claus-Juergen


   
Date: 11 Oct 2004 08:05:51
From: Don't Panic
Subject: Re: Positional analysis for a beginner please help.....
Hi Claus,

Very interesting stuff, I think what you are saying about the position is
relevant and I agree with almost all of what you say. Let's be honest white
is lost here, and there are "many ways to Rome", going for the win by your
methods would work, but I would also ask you to consider the (to me) the
overwhelming weakness of the white king, I don't think there is much to
worry about from the white assed e pawn, and I think black's quickest road
to winning the game is to proil;y aim for an attack on the king - and
while white deals with that.. keep and eye on the points you make.

For this guy Avanti - a beginner, he asks what black's plan should be after
white moves out of check, I say improve the position of the knight and
prepare a kingside attack.

I followed your analysis and found it correct but the plan - I do not really
agree with.

After 1.Kg2 I would advocate straight away 1...Qd5+ (if white plays Qe4 then
exchange) followed by Nb3-c5-d3...

Anyway just shows you how rich a game chess is, and I hoep that Avanti has
learnt something...

Regards




"Claus-J�rgen Heigl" <[email protected] > wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>> Don't Panic wrote:
>>
>> "Avanti" wrote in message
>>
>> > 4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1 w - -
>>
>> HI Avanti,
>>
>> When you look at a position - as a weak player you ought to do so in
>> a structured way - unless you miss something
>
>> Assessment Groups
>>
>> Material - Black is a clear pawn up, black has knight aginst bishop
>>
>> King Safety - Black King seems very safe, white king is more
>> exposed especially to the the long white diagonal and the squares f3
>> and h3
>>
>> Pawn structure and weak points: A good player would immediate see
>> the HUGE weakness of the d3 square, also f3 and h3 are very weak.
>> The e5 pawn of white is isolated and potential vulnerable Maybe for
>> black the d6 square is weak too but (as you will realize later when
>> you consider the peices this is irrelevant). White's pawn on a3 is
>> also weak and attacked.
>
> These are excellent points though I come to different conclusions.
>
> Pawn structure:
>
> Except for the h2-g3 pawns, White's pawns are isolated. The white
> pawns can't be protecetd by other pawns, therefore they may become the
> target of an attack. For instance: a3 is attacked now. A black rook on
> d3 and a knight on d5 would pressure c3. White also has an isolated
> passed pawn on e5, which is currently protected by a rook and bishop.
>
> Black has a compact pawn mass on the queenside. Besides the a-pawn all
> pawns are placed on white squares. Otherwise a pair of pawns protects
> the king. No black pawn is in the center.
>
> Weak squares: A weak square is a square which the other side can
> control better. Squares that are controlled by pawns are not weak,
> squares that can't be controlled by pawns tend to be weak. In this
> position the white pawns reside on black squares and White doesn't
> have a bishop or a knight to control the white squares. So the white
> squares tend to be weak sqaures for White and strong squares for
> Black. Most notable are d5, d3 and b3, which are also controlled by
> Black pawns. The black squares are Black's weak squares. The white
> pawns control black squares, also the white bishop. Black can counter
> the control of the bishop with his knight and control of the black
> squares on his queenside with an advance of his pawns (a5, c5). The
> only square a white pawn controls which can't be challenged by a black
> pawn is d6. So d6 is a strong square for White and a weak square for
> Black. Weak squares of the opponent are often good squares for the own
> pieces to occupy. A black knight or rook on d3 would be great, with
> the other piece on d5.
>
> White would like to place anything on d6.
>
>> Space and the centre: it is about equal this position, we could say
>> more but that would be complicating things
>
> Anything but equal. White has an advanced passed pawn in the center.
> This is the single most important issue of this position. Black
> doesn't have any pawn in the center. The white pawn is supported by a
> rook and a bishop while attacked by queen and rook. If Black can
> dislodge the bishop the pawn could be captured. The pawn is also not
> blocked. As Black has no better control of e6 than White if the pawn
> is moved forward, the white pawn is free to advance. This is a very
> important feature of the position. The white pieces are also better
> centralized. Compare Bf4 versus Na5. The white queen has an easy
> access to the center (e4) and can be challenged there only by the
> black queen. The black queen also has access to centre (d5) but can be
> challenged there by a rook which makes her position not sustainable.
>
> White has a space advantage in the center due to the advanced e-pawn.
> Black has a space advantage on the queenside due to his advanced
> queenside pawns. Black also has more pieces on the queenside as White,
> where White has more pieces in the center.
>
> White can't shift his pieces easily to the queenside as this would
> lose control of e5. The black knight needs several moves to reach the
> center. The route a5-b3-c5-d3/e6 for instance requires at least four
> moves because the black queen occupies c5.
>
>> The fifth is control of ranks, files and diagonals: When you look at
>> this - you shoudl look and consider every rank file and diagonal -
>> here the future occupation of the d file might be of interest and
>> the control of the g1-a7, and h1 a8 diagonals is relevant for the
>> plan which will com when you finish making your assessment.
>
> There are two open files. One is occupied by both sides but blocked by
> the Bf4.
> The other file is currently unoccupied. Both sides could exploit the
> d-file if they controlled it. White would place a rook on d6 or d7 and
> seek to advance the e-pawn. Black would place a rook on d3 (the knight
> would be nice but is too far away), contain the e-pawn and seek to
> create a passed pawn on the queenside or the center (d3).
>
> White is the only one with a bishop that can exploit the diagonals.
> Currently the bishop is tied to the defense of e5, but once the pawn
> advances the bishop has access to a lot of diagonals (imagine the
> white bishop on d6, c5 or d4). Black checks the king on g1, but
> doesn't have control of the diagonal. d4, e3, f2 and g1 are all
> controlled very well by White if the king moves away.
>
>> The sixth is the active placement of the pieces.
>>
>> Here the bishop on f4 is bad, but so is the knight on a5, the other
>> peices ar roughly equal.
>
> I do not agree here. Currently the bishop has two important functions:
> it supports the passed pawn in the center and blocks the f-file. For
> now it is quite occupied with his tasks, but this may change quickly
> if the e-pawn advances. The bishop is one of the strong points about
> White's position. Note that the bishop also extends the control of the
> pawn towards d6, the only weak square of Black.
>
> There is a concept of the bad bishop: a bishop is said to be bad, if
> one's own pawns are placed on the squares of the colour of the bishop,
> the bishop is behind his pawns and, most important, the pawns are
> blocked. Then the bishop is restricted in his movements by his own
> pawns. This is not the case here, because the position is not blocked.
> In fact all White pawns but c3 are free to move. This is a highly
> dynamical position, far from blocked.
>
> Lets look in detail:
>
> White king: he is well protected from frontal attacks through his
> pawns shield but vulnerable on the diagonals and the second rank.
> Luckily Black lacks both a bishop and control of White's second rank,
> otherwise the king's position would be precarious. For now, Black does
> not have the means to attack the king in earnest.
>
> White queen: is placed excellent, controls the b1-h7 diagonal, of
> which e4 is an important square, can support the rooks occupying the
> d-file.
>
> White rooks: are placed higly manouverable on the first and second
> rank and can move to occupy any file quickly. They lack mutual support
> which is important in case they come under attack.
>
> White bishop: see above.
>
> White pawns: supported and unblocked passed pawn on e5, isolated and
> vulnerable pawns on the queenside, a weakend pawn shield in front of
> the king (f2 gone, white squares weak). a3 is placed very badly as it
> can't control b3 anymore and is vulnerable. c3 checks the advance of
> Black's pawns and controls d4.
>
> Black king: slightly unsafe because of the missing f-pawn. Fortunately
> the g-pawn is still in place, so threats on White's bishop diagonals
> are reduced.
>
> Black queen: looking active because she checks the white king and
> attacks a3, but would be placed better on the d-file, e6, e7 or g4.
> There she would help Black to gain control over the d-file or
> attacking e5.
>
> Black rooks: connected and placed on central files. The Rf8 would be
> placed much better at d8.
>
> Black knight: Almost out of play and would be much better at d3, d5,
> e6, c5.
>
> Black pawns: As long as White doesn't control the d-file, there are no
> serious weaknesses. c4 and c6 control important squares on the d-file,
> though c6 would be better on c5, where it would challenge the white
> control of d4 and help a black pawn advance on the queenside (it would
> also be better on c7 to control d6 but it can't go back). If White
> somehow manages to control the d-file, both queenside and kingside
> could be vulnerable to a flanking attack on the 6th, 7th and 8th rank.
>
> Piece safety: The white rooks are unconnected and somewhat unsafe. The
> Na5 is completely undefended but can't be easily attacked. The black
> queen is also undefended but can't be attacked for tactical reasons.
>
>> For black there are many god things going on, but the main objective
>> to improve would be to improve the black knight
>
> Sumy: White's queenside is in shambles, but his pieces are quite
> focused around his strong points. The strongest feature of his
> position is the passed pawn on e5 which he should try to advance. The
> ultimate goal is to queen that pawn, at least it should create a base
> for operations on the 6th, 7th or 8th rank.
>
> Black has an unfocused position. Some pieces are on the queenside,
> Black's strong side. Other pieces are in the center and on the
> kingside, but not able to counter White's threats alone. Black would
> like to create a passed pawn on the queenside but is several moves
> away from it. As White has already a passed pawn, Black should first
> stop the white pawn, then advance his own.
>
> There is also the free d-file. If White manages to control it, he has
> a means to exploit his passed pawn. The exploitation would be either a
> further advance of the e-pawn or a flank attack over the 7th or 6th
> rank. Black can't control the d-file easily as then the e-pawn
> advances, creating threats.
>
> So this position revolves around Black battling the passed pawn of
> White. One possibility to check the advance of the e-pawn is to
> redeploy the black knight, obviously the worst piece of black. The
> route could be a5-b7-d8/c5-e6.
>
>> 1. What is white's best way of getting out of check?
>>
>> I would say it is a toss up between Ref2 and hope that black
>> takesthe a3 pawn! And Kh1 - long term both have disadvantages,
>
>> > A Kh1
>> > B Kg2
>> > C Rff2
>> > D Ref2
>> > E Be3
>
> Some possibilities we can rule out because of tactical considerations.
>
> 1. Kh1 leaves the Rf1 undefended. Note that the Bf4 is now pinned on
> the f-file. 1...g5 would win that bishop because if it moves, Black
> wins a rook.
>
> 1. Be3 loses the Pe5. 1...Qxe5 2. Rxf8+ Rxf8 3. Bb6 is the trap that
> White had in mind, but 3...Qd6 4. Bxa5 Qa3 (with the double threat of
> 5...Qa1+ and 6...Qf1 mate and 5...Qxa5) keeps Black in the game with
> better chances. Even better for Black is 1...Rxf1+ 2. Kxf1 Qd5. e5 is
> doomed because of 3. Bf4? Qh1+ and 3. Bxa7 c5 cuts off the bishop.
> Black plans Na5-c6xe5-d3.
>
> The other moves:
>
> 1. Rff2 forfeits control over the d-file. 1...Nb3 and White is not
> able to put a rook on the d-file. Depending on what White does now,
> Black may even take the a-pawn next and advance his pawns.
>
> 1. Ref2 removes support of e5. White can't exploit the d-file because
> the e-pawn can't be advanced. For example 1...Qxa3 2. Rd1 Nb7 3. Qe4
> Nd8. e6 is under Black control. 4. Rd6?? Qxd6.
>
> 1. Kg2 in my opinion is the best move. White avoids any of the
> disadvantages of the other moves. If now 1...Qxa3 White has a lot of
> counterplay after 2. Rd1 (the other rook supports e5) 2...Nb7
> (controls d6) 3. e6! (the difference, the pawn advances) 3...Rf6
> (3...Qe7? 4. Rd7; 3...Nc5? 4. e7! Rxf4 5. Rd8! and White wins) 4. Rd7
> Nc5 5. Be5! (the "bad bishop" awakens) 5...Nxd7 6. exd7 Rfe6 (6...Rd8?
> 7. Bxf6 gxf6 8. Re8+ and wins) 7. dxe8Q+ Rxe8 8. Bd4 with a definitive
> advantage for White.
>
>> > 2 What is blacks plan after?
>
> Black follows the classical plan combatting a passed pawn. First the
> pawn has to be hindered in its movement. Then the pawn is blocked, to
> be sure it doesn't move anywhere. After that Black tries to capture
> the pawn. If that doesn't succeed, White's forces are bound to the
> defense of the pawn and Black can strike elsewhere. In this case,
> Black seeks to create a passed pawn on the queenside.
>
> For example 1. Kg2 Nb7 (the knight hurries for e6) 2. Rd1 Nd8 3. Rd7
> Ne6
>
> First goal is achieved, the pawn is blocked from advancing. White
> tries to capitalize on the d-file.
>
> 4. Bh6!?
>
> The rook on the d-file is used for a flanking attack on the black
> king. If White doesn't do something drastic, Black goes on with his
> plan, like 4. Bc1 a5 5. Qe4 Re7 6. Rd6 Rc8 (plans Nf8 and Rce8) 7. a4
> Nf8 8. axb5 cxb5 9. Rd5 Qc6 10. Ba3 Re6 11. Bd6 Nd7 (threat Nf6) 12.
> Qf3 Rce8 13. h3 b4. In the long run White can't protect both e5 and
> prevent a breakthrough on the queenside.
>
> 4...Qxa3 (4...gxh6?? 5. Qxh7 mate) 5. Red2 (White plans Rd2-d6xe6)
> 5...Qb3! (The black queen detracts the white queen and rooks by
> counterattack. If White trades, the attack is over.) 6. Qe4 Qxc3 7.
> R2d6 Qa1! (threat is Qf1 mate. This is better than 7...Qb2+ 8. Kh3 Rf2
> 9. Rxe6 Rxe6 10. Rxg7+ Kf8 11. Rg6+ Kf7 12. Rxe6 Rxh2+ 13. Kg4 Qe2+
> which looks drawish) 8. Rd1 (or 8. Kh3 Qf1+ 9. Kg4 Rf7) 8...Qb2+ 9.
> R1d2 (9. Kh1 Rf2; 9. Kg1 Qf2+; 9. Kh3 Rh2. Here Rh2 succeeds because
> the white rook can't capture e6 anymore.) 9...Qa3 10. R2d6 c3 11.
> Rxe6? Qa2+.
>
> Claus-Juergen




    
Date: 11 Oct 2004 18:41:54
From: Avanti
Subject: Re: Positional analysis for a beginner please help.....

"Don't Panic" <[email protected] > wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi Claus,
>
> Very interesting stuff, I think what you are saying about the position is
> relevant and I agree with almost all of what you say. Let's be honest
white
> is lost here, and there are "many ways to Rome", going for the win by your
> methods would work, but I would also ask you to consider the (to me) the
> overwhelming weakness of the white king, I don't think there is much to
> worry about from the white assed e pawn, and I think black's quickest road
> to winning the game is to proil;y aim for an attack on the king - and
> while white deals with that.. keep and eye on the points you make.
>
> For this guy Avanti - a beginner, he asks what black's plan should be
after
> white moves out of check, I say improve the position of the knight and
> prepare a kingside attack.
>
> I followed your analysis and found it correct but the plan - I do not
really
> agree with.
>
> After 1.Kg2 I would advocate straight away 1...Qd5+ (if white plays Qe4
then
> exchange) followed by Nb3-c5-d3...
>
> Anyway just shows you how rich a game chess is, and I hoep that Avanti has
> learnt something...
>
> Regards


I certainley have!
Superb analysis, initially as black I would have gone to snatch the a3 pawn
but the passed pawn looks worth promoting at the cost of material and Ne6
infront of the pawn is sexy, I have tried the plans against the computer
with interesting results.

Out of curiosity how long does it take you guys to assess and formulate a
plan?

5 , 10 mins or more?





     
Date: 12 Oct 2004 07:53:57
From: Don't Panic
Subject: Re: Positional analysis for a beginner please help.....
Avanti" <[email protected] > wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

> Out of curiosity how long does it take you guys to assess and formulate a
> plan?
>
> 5 , 10 mins or more?

About fifteen years in my case :-)




  
Date: 10 Oct 2004 14:55:57
From: Toni Lassila
Subject: Re: Positional analysis for a beginner please help.....
On Sun, 10 Oct 2004 10:31:03 GMT, "Don't Panic" <[email protected] >
wrote:

>Your position was
>
>4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1 w - -
>I would say it is a toss up between Ref2 and hope that black takesthe a3 pawn!
>And Kh1 - long term both have disadvantages

Tactics are important too. Kh1?? is a blunder as g5! wins a piece due
to the pin on the bishop.

--
King's Gambit - http://kingsgambit.blogspot.com
Chess problems, tactics, analysis and more.


   
Date: 10 Oct 2004 15:03:24
From: Don't Panic
Subject: Re: Positional analysis for a beginner please help.....
You are absolutely right Toni, Kg2 of course, not Kh1. Other than being
blind I cannot think why I wrote that...






"Toni Lassila" <[email protected] > wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 10 Oct 2004 10:31:03 GMT, "Don't Panic" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>>Your position was
>>
>>4rrk1/p5pp/2p5/npq1P3/2p2B2/P1P3P1/2Q1R2P/5RK1 w - -
>>I would say it is a toss up between Ref2 and hope that black takesthe a3
>>pawn!
>>And Kh1 - long term both have disadvantages
>
> Tactics are important too. Kh1?? is a blunder as g5! wins a piece due
> to the pin on the bishop.
>
> --
> King's Gambit - http://kingsgambit.blogspot.com
> Chess problems, tactics, analysis and more.