West Of England & South Wales Team Tournament Market Lavington, Saturday 26th January 2007

Introduction • I've given each of the games a quick run-through, and made some overall comments. • 3 games (or fewer!) is not a lot to go on, so if you think I have got things wrong, you may know better than me. Also I missed a few games: if you send them in, I'll have a look and add them to the list. • Do read the comments on other player's games. • If you want me to explain any more about what I've said, please feel free to ring on 01392 431 785 or e-mail me at chessnut. . .blueyonder.co.uk • If you want to know what books or other materials might help you, I can suggest a few things (but I'd hate it to feel like homework!) • I've got a bunch of stuff for young people on the Internet at http://www.exeterchessclub.org.uk/juniors.html • If you don't have access to the Internet, or have trouble using it, then get in touch with me directly and I can print it out or recommend some other study material. • Previous instalments of these U14 match reviews can be found online: • http :// www .exeterchessclub .org .uk /Praxis /u14 _20043 .pdf • http :// www .exeterchessclub .org .uk /Praxis /u14 _2005b .pdf • http :// www .exeterchessclub .org .uk /Praxis /u14 _2006 .pdf • And this one is: http :// www .exeterchessclub .org .uk /Praxis /u14 _2007 .pdf • Again, if you can’t get at them, and want to read them, let me know. • I managed to drop a couple of games down the back of the computer; I’m really sorry if it was one of yours. If you want to send it to me, I’ll send you back some notes. Dave Regis, February 2007

- page 1 - Results Opponent Opponent Opponent on 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round Number Colour Colour Colour Board TOTAL U14

1 Harry Mann B 1 B2 B 0 B1 W 0 A1 1 2 Robert Thompson W 0.5 A2 W 0 A1 B 1 B2 1.5 3 George Darling B 1 A3 B 1 A4 W 1 B3 3 4 William Norton W 0.5 B3 W 0 B4 B 1 A4 1.5 5 Tim Seah B 0.5 B6 B 1 B5 W 1 A5 2.5 6 Laurens Stegink W 0.5 A6 W 1 A5 B 1 B6 2.5 7 Alex Billings B 1 A7 B 1 A8 W 1 B7 3 8 Kieran Stanbury W 0 B7 W 0.5 B8 B 0 A8 0.5 9 Charles Rochford B 0 B10 B 0.5 B9 W 0.5 A9 1 10 Blaise Radley W 1 A10 W 0 A9 B 0 B10 1 11 Sam Head B 1 A11 W 1 A12 W 0 B11 2 12 Savanna Bonstow W 0 B11 B 1 A12 1.5 12 Max Biddlestone W B11 W 0.5 B12 R Max Biddlestone B 0.5 A13 1 2.5 R Savanna Bonstow B 1 A13 R Chris Clay 1 u9 1 0.5 2.5

Games of each round Three games that stuck in my mind from each of the three rounds: Alex had a fantastic back-and-forth fight – having been dead lost, Round
he kept going, kept active, took his chances and won! Great
attitude even if some of the moves weren’t quite as great. Laurens’ very sensible game – not in the least bit spectacular but . Round  it was all very calm and in control and did plenty enough to win. Charles’ very gritty defence over 70 moves where he stood worse Round  from about 10! It takes a lot of character not to play carelessly and not to give up, and he fully deserved the half-point. It was a tough year: last year Harry and Rob played a couple of games each that were just great examples of junior chess -- this year they couldn’t show us what they can do because the opposition wouldn’t let them! Some comments below are made with punctuation: ! Good move !? Tricky or interesting move ? Poor move ?! Dodgy or risky move

- page 2 - Openings This is what you played: Bd Rd Player ECO Opening name Result Moves 1 1 B Harry D53 Queen’s Gambit Dec 1 18 1 2 B Harry B78 SicilianBlack Resignsd, Defence, Orthodox Dragon Variation Defence 0 19 1 3 W Harry A50 Black Knight’s Tango 0 17 2 1 W Rob A45 Trompovsky ½ 42 2 2 W Rob A45 Trompovsky 0 33 2 3 B Rob E70 King’s Indian Defence 1 52 3 1 B George C68 Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game) 1 31 3 2 B George C60 Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game) 1 36 3 3 W George D00 Queen’s Pawn game 1 30 4 1 W William C70 Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game) ½22 4 2 W William C63 Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game) 0 7 4 3 B William 1 5 1 B Tim D50 Queen’s Gambit Dec ½ 34 5 2 B Tim Black Resignsd, Orthodox Defence 1 16 p 5 3 W Tim C49 Ruy Lopez, Berlin Defence 1 33 6 1 W Laurens D35 Queen’s Gambit Dec ½ 14 6 2 W Laurens D50 Queen’sBlack Resignsd, Gambit Orthodox Dec Defence 1 29 6 3 B Laurens B54 SicilianBlack Resignsd, Defence, Orthodox Accelerated Defence Dragon 1 10 7 1 B Alex C10 French Defence 1 39 7 2 W Alex C00 French Defence 1 53 7 3 W Alex C64 Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game) 1 59 8 1 W Kieran C11 French Defence 0 32 8 2 W Kieran C65 Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game) ½ 39 8 3 B Kieran C46 Old Stodge 0 48 9 1 B Charles C44 Three Knights’ Game 0 30 9 2 B Charles C50 Four Knights’ Game ½ 10 9 3 W Charles C44 Old Stodge ½ 73 10 1 W Blaise 1 10 2 W Blaise C55 Two Knights’ Defence 0 38 10 3 B Blaise 0 1 p 11 1 B Sam C55 Two Knights’ Defence 1 25 11 2 W Sam C20 Scholar’s Mate variation 1 11 11 3 ? Sam B31 Sicilian Defence 0 10 12 1 W Savanna B27 Sicilian Defence 0 32 12 2 B Savanna 1 27 12 3 B Savanna C20 Scholar’s Mate variation 1 27 13 1 B Max B07 Pirc/Modern Defence ½ 61 13 2 W Max A04 Irregular opening 1 45 13 3 ? Max C44 Old Stodge 1 32 14 1 ? Chris 1 14 2 W Chris C25 Irregular King’s Pawn Opening 1 51 14 3 ? Chris ½ ECO = Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings code

- page 3 - Opening tally OPENING COUNT Ruy Lopez ( Spanish ) 7 Sicilian Defence 5 Queen’s Gambit 4 Other King’s Pawn 4 French Defence 3 Old Stodge ( sigh ) 3 Other Queen’s Pawn 2 Trompovsky Attack 2 Two Knights’ Defence 2 Scholar’s Mate Variation 2 King’s Indian 1 Irregular opening 1 General comments on the openings Some of you aren’t following the basic rules of the opening : I don’t know if anyone has explained all these to you before , so , just to be clear : There are 3 basic goals of the opening
Get all your pieces out – as quickly and aggressively as you can You should aim to develop so quickly and so aggressively in the opening , that if you opponent makes the slightest mistake , they are going to get checkmated early on . Some of you were content just to get a piece or two out safely …  Get castled  Get at least a share of the centre I sometimes add a fourth one , just because it’s something people find hard to do :  Open a file for your rooks To get your rooks going , you have to open a file ; to open a file , you have to arrange a pawn swap . So , right from the start , you have to be thinking about which file you are going to open . For example , after 1.e4 e5 , then you should be thinking that you should play d2 -d4 or f2 -f4 . Some other tips about getting all your pieces out quickly :


a Don’t move the same piece twice ( especially your Queen )


b Don’t make necessary moves with Pawns - you have to move two to get your bishops out , and maybe you move your bishop -pawns to support the advance of your d-pawn or to hit at the centre or open a file . But otherwise , you need a very good reason to move a pawn . One last point : try and avoid blocked positions where no pawns have been exchanged or can be exchanged . They are hard to play for both sides and players often complain that they don’t know what to do . This particularly applies to the very common Old Stodge system ( 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.d3 d6 ); so my fifth rule is :

- page 4 -  Don’t play Old Stodge Some of you are still playing ‘baby’ openings like Old Stodge and going for the four-move Scholar’s Mate: learn a proper opening . If you play the Giuoco Piano with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 you really have to play 4.c3 or the Evans’ Gambit with 4.b4 . I’ve written a lot about this before, and don’t want to repeat it all here. You can find it online in the links on the front page; if you can’t get online to read them, I’ll send you one. I think it’s also explained in some book or other, which I could lend you… or sell you... Having said all that, I was actually quite impressed with the team’s opening play. In the last 5 years, I have written a lot about the ‘baby’ openings, but this year there was a lot of Ruy Lopez openings (also known as the Spanish Game) about, which is a very grown-up system. Some players, when they stop playing Old Stodge, often go right the other way, playing Queen’s Pawn openings and Semi-Open Defences, but there’s nothing wrong with playing other e-Pawn openings like the Scotch Game and Ruy Lopez, which are still played by Grandmasters. I haven’t written about the Ruy Lopez in these booklets before, because I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing it played. So… How to play the Ruy Lopez This opening is named after the Spanish priest who was the strongest player ìÝèñôéäí of his day. The opening is still generally considered the best way to keep áàáàÝàáà White's initiative going. ÜÝäÝÜÝÜÝ 1 e4, e5; 2 Nf3, Nc6; 3 Bb5 DIAGRAM ÝæÝÜáÜÝÜ ÜÝÜÝÞÝÜÝ The house that Ruy built: the Bishop attacks the Knight that defends the ÝÜÝÜÝâÝÜ Pawn attacked by the Knight. Simple enough, but the Ruy Lopez (Spanish ÞßÞßÜßÞß Game) has proven to be a very rich land to explore, full of variety, and players of every style have played it for both sides. ëâçîóÜÝê

 White cannot win the e-pawn straight away It would be great if it worked so simply: even if Black doesn’t move at all, 4 Bxc6, dxc6! 5 Nxe5?! Qd4! (or 5...Qg4! ) and Black will regain his pawn through the double attack . So, the immediate threat to the pawn isn't quite so deadly, but the pawn on e5 is a lot easier to get at than the one on f7, and Black can get badly tied up or just stiff and cramped trying to hold on to his claim to the centre.

 Simple development gives Black a cramped game The most natural sequence of moves lead to trouble for Black: after 1 e4, e5; 2 Nf3, Nc6; 3 Bb5, d6; 4 d4, Bd7; 5 Nc3, Nf6; 6 0-0, Be7; 7 Re1, exd4; 8 Nxd4, O-O; 9 Bf1! (to stop the exchanges threatened by 9...Nxd4) when Black has lots of pieces and not enough space.

 Black cannot hold the e-pawn by simple development Why play 7...exd4 when the idea is to hold on in the centre? Tarrasch's famous trap showed that Black cannot play 7...0-0 because of the forcing continuation 8 Bxc6, Bxc6; 9 dxe5, dxe5; 10 Qxd8, Raxd8; 11 Nxe5, Bxe4; 12 Nxe4; Nxe4; 13 Nd3, d5; 14 f3, Bc5+; 15 Nxc5 (if 15 Kh1, Nf2+ uncovers an attack on the Rook), …Nxc5; 16 Bg5, Rd5; 17 Be7, Rf7 and now 18 c4 wins the exchange. (If instead 10...Rexd8 White would have 15 Kh1 (15...Rxd3; 16 fxe4).) This analysis had a strong effect on players who started to realise just how good the Ruy Lopez is. The Giuoco Piano is a great opening for your early chess years; the Ruy Lopez is an opening for life.

- page 5 -  White can get a strong, flexible position by playing natural moves White often plays the moves that William played in his first game, arriving at this sort of position. It’s very easy to understand and very 5DpDw0wDw} flexible. &PDw)PDwD} 3Dw)wGNDP}  White has an advantage in the centre (two pawns to one) and at 2w)BHw)PD} any point can either block (d5) or open (dxe5) the centre when %$wDQ$wIw} Black isn’t ready. v,./9EFJMV  White can attack on the Queen’s-side along the a-file

 White can attack on the King’s side by playing Nd2-f1-g3-f5! You might wonder about the moves of the Rook’s pawns: a4 is often played to attack a pawn on b5, and h3 is often played to stop Black pinning the Knight. Black’s position can usually hold 3 minor pieces easily enough, but with all four it can feel a bit cramped, so denying g4 to the Bc8 is a good idea in this position.

 Defending the Lopez as Black Black has many lines, which fall into basically two approaches (as usual): defence or counterattack. Defence of the strong point at e4 we have looked at with 3...d6 , the Steinitz Defence , (or 3...a6; 4 Ba4, d6 , the Deferred Steinitz Defence ), but we have seen that the point cannot be held for long; counterattack may be attempted with 3...Nf6 , the Berlin Defence , or 3...a6; 4 Ba4, Nf6 ; the Morphy Defence . In reply to the Morphy, the obvious 5 Nc3 is rather boring, but White can play 5.O-O as Black cannot really win the e4 pawn. The Morphy has itself a strong point line, 5 O-O, Be7; 6 Re1, b5; 7 Bb3, d6 , the Closed Morphy Defence , and a counter-attacking line, 5 O-O, Nxe4; 6 d4, b5; 7 Bb3, d5 , the Open Morphy Defence . These are real Grandmaster openings, which means they are very strong, but there’s also a lot to them, and you will always find players who know a bit more than you about them. But that’s true of any opening!

 There are lots of alternative defences for Black Almost everything on move three has been tried for Black: a6 a5 Nd4 Nge7 g6 g5 f5… Continuing with the basic plan of c3 and d4 is usually OK for White, but some of them do need you to have thought about before you get to the board (like 3…f5).

 Avoiding the main lines as WHite One way of avoiding the heavy theory of the Morphy defences is ìÝèñÜíôÝ to try and open the centre with 5 d4 or first 5 Qe2 (idea O-O and Rd1) . ÝÜáÜéàáà These moves lead to more familiar open and attacking e-pawn styles of àÝÜáÜÝÜÝ game. An example: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. d4 ÝàÝÞåÜÝÜ exdc4 6. O-O Be7 7. Re1 b5 8. Bb3 d6 9. Bd5 Nxd5 10. exd5 Ne5 11. ÜÝÜãÜÝÜÝ Nxd4 O-O DIAGRAM ÝÜÝÜÝÜÝÜ This is about even, and, I hope, a game you would enjoy playing ÞßÞÝÜßÞß as either colour. ÝâÝîÝÜóÜ See also: http://www.exeterchessclub.org.uk/Openings/ruylopez.html http://www.exeterchessclub.org.uk/Endings/ruy_xchg.html http://www.chesskids.com/grownups/lopez06.pdf

- page 6 - Middlegame Strategy Some comments occurred in lots of games:

 Don’t go on a raid with just one piece  If your opponent makes a raid with just one piece, don’t waste time worrying about it!  Playing safe cane be dangerous: you must play actively! This is all pretty obvious, but here I’ve pulled together a few ideas that are not so obvious. The first thing is, play openings that suit you . That is likely to be open games and not stodgy ones. cuuuuuuuuC This game was agreed Drawn at this point (rDw1kDw4} A comment after the game was interesting: "I couldn't think of 70p0wDp0w} 6wDn0bDw0} anything to do". That's the trouble with these Old Stodge positions. 5DwDN0wDw} You need something better to play than Old Stodge – and if you can &wDBDPDnD} avoid it as Black too, all the better. 3DwDP)NDw} As you are playing the opening, you should be starting to think about 2P)PDQDP)} how to play the early middle game. If you don’t know what to do, %$wDwDRIw} v,./9EFJMV then find out or choose another opening! I found myself writing a lot this year about exchanges . A lot of beginners tend to swap off automatically, or try to avoid exchanged. Most exchanges are a little bit better for one side or the other, and . Take a look at these examples: cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC (rDwDwDkD} (wDw4rDwD} (wDwDw4kD} 7Dw0wDp0w} 70pDwDk0w} 7Dp0wgp0w} 6wDbgrDwD} 6wgwDwDw0} 6wDw0wDw0} 5DpDwdw)p} 5DwDpDwDw} 54whP0N1w} &pDwDPDw)} &wDwHwDwD} &wDPDPDwD} 3)wGwDPDw} 3Dw)wDw)w} 3DwDBDQDw} 2w)PDwDwD} 2P)wDwDw)} 2PDwDw)P)} %DKDRDwDR} %Dw$w$wDK} %$wDwIwDR} v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV In this position, should Black try In this position, should White In this position, should White to exchange Bishops with exchange rooks with 28.Rxe8 ? exchange with 17.Nxe7+ ? ...Be5 ? YES. When you're winning, I thought NO, because it gives A good Knight for a bad Bishop? swap off pieces! Black control of the e-file. NO. White leaves himself with a rotten Bishop against a very good-looking Knight. cuuuuuuuuC One last example: (rDbDw4kD} 70p0w1p0w} Here, White swapped twice on f7: 6wDn0whw0} 9 Bxf7+ Rxf7 5Dwgw0wHw} 10 Nxf7 Qxf7 &wDBDPDwD} 3)wHwDwDP} Most of White's developed pieces vanish while Black loses only a 2w)P)w)PD} sleepy Rook. %$wGQDRIw} Usually it takes forever for White to get the Rooks into play. In the v,./9EFJMV meantime, Black’s pieces will romp all over White’s position! There are lots of others below: have a browse and see if you can improve your thinking about exchanging.

- page 7 - Something that I think some of you don’t do ever so well is set your opponent problems . This is similar to the ‘play actively’ comment above. You’re sometimes too content just to play a move and wait for your opponent to make a mistake. You might get lucky, playing that way, but your opponent is much more likely to make a mistake if you set them some problems, put some pressure on their position. &wDwDPDwD} cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC 3Dw)PGNDw} (rDb1kgw4} (rDwDw4wD} 2P)wHB)P)} 70p0pDp0p} 7Dw1w0wiw} %$wDQDRIw} 6wDwDwhnD} 6pDw0w0b0} v,./9EFJMV 5DwDP0wDw} 5DpDPhw0w} &wDPDPDwD} &wDpDPDwD} 3DwHwDwDw} 3DPDw!wDP} 2P)wDw)P)} 2PDwDN$PD} %$wGQIBHR} %DwDBDRDK} v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV I think this is how NOT to do it. Black wants to put the Bf8 on 31 b4 White has developed all their the ‘Italian’ diagonal with Not bad, but not really trying to pieces to safe squares... but they 6...Bc5. So... set Black any problems. are all too safe, really. They 6.Be3! [Instead, White should be trying aren’t attacking anything and Gives Black a problem about things like 31.Nd4! Bf7 32.bxc4 they aren’t putting any pressure how to develop actively. bxc4 33.Bh5! Bg8] on Black’s position. Black is free to develop how they like. Neither of these suggestions is a killer, but if you make life difficult for your opponent, I promise you, they will make mistakes! Tactics First of all, some basics. I (and other coaches) often say cuuuuuuuuC Complicated! Black has a there are four responses to a (w4wDwDkD} Bishop and Queen under threat: 70p0wDp0p} threat... What should Black 6wgnDwDwD} play? A = Avoid (move) 5DwDpDwHb} 18 . . . Qf5? B = Block &w)w)qDwD} 3)wDwGwDP} Actually just lost a piece C = Capture 2wDPDB)PD} But 18...Bxe2! is a counter- D = Defend %$wDQDwIw} attacking move which saves the v,./9EFJMV piece.. In fact there is one more: counterattack ! Let’s see: cuuuuuuuuC This was an amazing moment. This should have been enough (rDbDrDkD} fpr Black to have at least one In order to make opportunities 70w0w1pgp} look at: 6wDpDwhpD} work for you: 5DwDpDwDw} 11...Qxe1+ 12.Qxe1 &wDNDPDwD} b Look at every check Rxe1# 3DwHPDwDw} The instinct to protect the 2P)PDw)P)} b Look at every capture Queen is a good one, but it’s %$wGQ$wIw} not the most important thing in v,./9EFJMV chess – that’s checkmate!

- page 8 - A common position from the cuuuuuuuuC 4...Nxe4! Two Knights’ Defence after (rDb1kgw4} is a simple equaliser for Black. 70p0pDp0p} 3...Nf6 6wDnDwhwD} I mention this every year. Pass and 5DwDw0wDw} it on! 4. Nc3 &wDBDPDwD} 3DwHwDNDw} 2P)P)w)P)} %$wGQIwDR} v,./9EFJMV The tactical theme that I noticed particularly this year were nets (the others are mates, jumps (discoveries), pins, forks, and ties (undermines and overloads)). cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC (rDw1kgw4} (rDbDwDw4} (rDw1w4kD} 70p0wDp0p} 70pDkDpDp} 7DwDnDp0p} 6wDw0wDwD} 6wDnDpDw0} 6bDQDpDwD} 5DnDP0wDw} 5DNgp)wDw} 50wDpDwDw} &wDwDPDPD} &PDwDwDwD} &PgwDwDwD} 3)w)wDPDw} 3DwDwDNDP} 3DBDwDwDw} 2wDw)wDw)} 2w1PDB)PD} 2w)wDw)P)} %$wGQIwHR} %$wDQDRIw} %$wGNDRIw} v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV Here’s a simple one: Black has They always say, don’t snatch Another Queen has made a solo developed only one piece, but pawns with your Queen... raid into enemy territory... maybe it is about to disappear! 12. a4! 13.Rb1! nets it 18...Ne5 19.Qc2 Bd3 Wins the Knight, which has no If 13...Qa2 14.Nc3 Qa3 15.Rb3 Catches it! Rather a neat one; retreat. traps the Queen, making Black usually if the Queen can get give up a piece with back to her own lines, she’s 15...Bxf2+] safe... not this time!

Related to the comments I made above about exchanges, there were a couple of opportunities for people to give up their Queen in exchange for 2 rooks or other material. I don’t know how you feel about that: I would jump at the chance. It can be hard to keep a Queen under control, but if you are careful it’s usually a win for the pieces over the Queen. Here was ones: cuuuuuuuuC Black in this position can cuuuuuuuuC (wDrDwDkD} exchange Queen and Pawn for (wDrDwDwi} 70w4wDw0p} two Rooks and a massive bind: 70wDwDw0p} 6w0qDw0wD} 6w0wDw0wD} 5hw0pDwDw} [32...cxd4 33.cxd4 Qxc1 5DwDQDwDw} &PDw)wDwD} 34.Qxd5+ Kh8 35.Rxc1 Rxc1+ &PDn)wDwD} 3Dw)w)wDw} 36.Nf1 Nc4!] 3DwDw)wDw} 2QDwHw)P)} Not necessarily winning, but 2wDwDw)P)} %Dw$RDwIw} maybe the best attempt. %Dw4wDNIw} v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV

- page 9 - Also, make sure the ideas you know from books or advice actually work in the position in front of you. cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC (rDb1kDw4} (wDwDw4kD} 7Dp0pDp0p} 70pDb0pgp} 6pDnDwhwD} 6wDw0whpD} 5Dwgw0wDw} 51wDwDwDP} &wDBDPDwD} &wDrHPDPd} 3DwHwDNDw} 3DwHwGPDw} 2P)P)w)P)} 2P)P!wDwD} %$wGQIwDR} %DwIRDwDR} v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV Can White play the standard trick with... Can Black play the standard sacrifice 6. Nxe5? 15...Rxc3? Because 6...Nxe5 also attacks White’s own Black normally hopes to get something more Bishop on c4, this trick doesn’t work. than a pawn out of this: either destroying White’s centre (after ...Nxe4), or breaking up White’s defences (after bxc3) or getting an attack (after ...Qxa2). In the game, Black didn’t get any of these, as White exchanged Queens with 16. Qxc3 Qxa2 17. hxg6 fxg6 18. Qb3+!

- page 10 - Endgames Through some expert score-keeping this year, I actually had a lot of endgames to look at. Here are some key ideas in the endgame, which occurred in your games: cuuuuuuuuC You know that in the endgame you should try and make and advance (rDwDwDwD} a passed pawn . So, surely that means you shouldn’t make a passed 7Dw0wDwDp} pawn for your opponent! 6wDNDwiwD} 50wDPDp0w} Here, White played f3-f4, which allowed Black to make a Passed &PDwDwDwD} pawn straight away. 3DPDwDPIP} 2wDwDwDwD} Don’t help your opponent ! %DwDwDwDw} [Actually, “Don’t help your opponent!” applied to lots of games – see v,./9EFJMV the games for other examples!] cuuuuuuuuC In this position, Black moved back with the King to b8. (wDwDw4wD} 7ip0wHwDw} In the endgame, if you’re in no danger of being checkmated, then 6wDwDwDw)} your King is a useful fighting piece – maybe worth more than a Bishop 50wDwDwDw} or a Knight! &wDwDRDwD} In Exeter we say “ KUFTE”: King Up For The Endgame ! 3DwgwDw)K} 2wDwDwDwD} So, rather than retreat to defend the c-pawn, ...c7-c5! Would have %DwDwDwDw} been better, followed by moving the King up to support the pawns. v,./9EFJMV cuuuuuuuuC White won this endgame even though Black’s passed pawn is further (wDwDwDwD} advanced. 7DwDwDpDw} 6wDrDk0w0} White has got the dangerous pawn firmly blockaded but can also 5Dw0RDwDw} point to one big advantage: White’s own passed pawn is an outside &wDK0w)wD} passed pawn . 3DPDwDwDP} 2PDwDwDPD} Black is going to have to go a long way over to try and stop it, and %DwDwDwDw} then White can nibble the King’s side. v,./9EFJMV cuuuuuuuuC There are some basic endgame positions you should know… and this (wDwDwDwD} is one of them. Sadly, it’s a draw, because Black cannot control the 7DwDwDwDw} queening square , and so the White King can never be squeezed out of 6wDwDwDwD} 5DwDwDwDw} the corner. &pDwDwDwD} 3DbiwDwDw} 2wDwDwDwD} %IwDwDwDw} v,./9EFJMV cuuuuuuuuC White is in a lot of trouble here. They moved: (wDkDwDwD} 7DpDwDwDw} 31 Ra2 6pDw0wDnD} Good! Leaving the Rook defending there was just losing. 5Dw0P0w)p} &PDwDwDwD} Rooks are rotten defenders. If you can make your Rook active , even 3$PDwDr)w} at cost of a pawn sometimes, then you must. 2wDwDwDwD} %DwDwIBDw} v,./9EFJMV

- page 11 - The Games Harry Mann General: Not a huge number of moves to go on – of course you’re right to concentrate on the game and not keeping score. Of the opening moves and early middlegames that I have, you’re playing solid, thoughtful chess, but there were things to improve on in each opening. Unfortunately, you’re playing at a level where your opponents are good enough to take advantage of them! If you have some complete games kicking about, and you’d like some comments, feel free to send them to me. [10.e4 makes the point even though the e-pawn is  Harry (Black) [D53] (1.1) about Black’s lack of central more exposed.] control.] 15 Nd2 b5 You had a tricky position to handle as Black after an early 10 . . . exd5 16 Nxe4 Re8 inaccuracy and dealt with it 11 0–0 c5 17 Bf3 Rb8 very well. 12 Qc2 h6 18 Rfe1 1 d4 d5 13 e4 cuuuuuuuuC (w4bDrDkD} 2 c4 e6 cuuuuuuuuC (rDbDw4kD} 70wDn1p0w} 3 Nc3 Nf6 70wDn1p0w} 6wDwDwDw0} 4 Bg5 Nbd7 6w0wDwDw0} 5DpDwDwDw} 5 e3 Be7 5Dw0pDwDw} &wDp)NDwD} cuuuuuuuuC &wDw)PDwD} 3DwDwDBDw} (rDb1kDw4} 3DwDBDNDw} 2P)QDw)P)} 70p0ngp0p} 2P)QDw)P)} %$wDw$wIw} 6wDwDphwD} %$wDwDRIw} v,./9EFJMV 5DwDpDwGw} v,./9EFJMV White's more active pieces &wDP)wDwD} 13 . . . c4! probably still give him an 3DwHw)wDw} A good solution to Black's edge, so I’m guessing you 2P)wDw)P)} did well to win this. %$wDQIBHR} problems. v,./9EFJMV [13...dxe4 14.Bxe4 Rb8 …0-1 15.Rfe1
; 6 cxd5 Nxd5 b Always make sure you 13...Bb7 14.Rfe1
] leaves Black without a stake have a share of the centre in the centre. 14 Be2 cuuuuuuuuC [6...exd5] (rDbDw4kD}  Harry (Black) [B78] (2.1) 7 Bxe7 Qxe7 70wDn1p0w} A stock sacrifice somehow 8 Bd3 0–0 6w0wDwDw0} didn’t work well for you; as 9 Nf3 b6 5DwDpDwDw} you improve you will cuuuuuuuuC &wDp)PDwD} understand when the ideas (rDbDw4kD} 3DwDwDNDw} in books do and don’t work. 2P)QDB)P)} 70w0n1p0p} 1 e4 c5 6w0wDpDwD} %$wDwDRIw} 5DwDnDwDw} v,./9EFJMV 2 Nf3 d6 &wDw)wDwD} 14 . . . dxe4 3 d4 cxd4 3DwHB)NDw} [14...Qxe4 I think is a very 4 Nxd4 Nf6 2P)wDw)P)} slightly better choice: 5 Nc3 g6 %$wDQIwDR} 15.Qxe4 dxe4 16.Nd2 Nf6 6 f3 Bg7 v,./9EFJMV 17.Nxc4 Rd8 18.Rfd1 Be6 7 Be3 Nc6 10 Nxd5 White's d-pawn is weak, 8 Bc4 0–0

- page 12 - 9 Qd2 Bd7 18 Qb3+ Qxb3 cuuuuuuuuC 10 0–0–0 Rc8 19 Nxb3 (rDb1kgw4} 11 Bb3 Ne5 cuuuuuuuuC 70p0p0p0p} 6wDnDwhwD} 12 h4 (wDwDw4kD} 70pDb0wgp} 5DwDwDwDw} cuuuuuuuuC &wDP)wDwD} (wDr1w4kD} 6wDw0whpD} 5DwDwDwDw} 3DwDwDwDw} 70pDb0pgp} 2P)wDP)P)} 6wDw0whpD} &wDwDPDPD} 3DNDwGPDw} %$NGQIBHR} 5DwDwhwDw} v,./9EFJMV &wDwHPDw)} 2w)PDwDwD} 3DBHwGPDw} %DwIRDwDR} The Black Knight's Tango. 2P)P!wDPD} v,./9EFJMV Not bad and not very well %DwIRDwDR} One pawn is not enough for known. One idea you saw v,./9EFJMV the exchange, especially in the game, to blockade with e5 (like in the King's White intends to deliver the now the Queens are off. (In Indian and Old Indian) traditional checkmate mate opposite-side castling before shutting in the King's by Bh6 h5 Bxg7 hxg6 Qh6, positions, being the Bishop by d7-d6. perhaps throwing in a Rook exchange down somehow sacrifice if Black plays doesn’t seem to matter: 3 Nc3 ...Nxh5. This is probably you’re both attacking with [3.Nf3 seems to cut across mate in 7-8 moves, so Black the same number of pieces – Black’s idea nicely] but you do need the Queens had better hurry with some 3 . . . e5 to stay on.) distraction. 4 d5 Ne7 …1-0 12 . . . Nc4 5 e4 [12...h5 can be a hard nut to b Pay attention to which [5.h4! immediately makes crack.] pieces you want to swap the point about the 13 Bxc4 Rxc4 off and which you want congested knights.] 14 g4 Qa5 to keep on the board. 5 . . . Ng6 cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC (wDwDw4kD}  (rDb1kgw4} 70pDb0pgp} Harry (White) [A50] (3.1) 70p0pDp0p} 6wDw0whpD} This happens occasionally; 6wDwDwhnD} 51wDwDwDw} you meet something new 5DwDP0wDw} &wDrHPDP)} and miss the point. (My first &wDPDPDwD} 3DwHwGPDw} game at a chess club went 3DwHwDwDw} 2P)P!wDwD} 1.e4 e5 2.Qh5 Nc6 3.Bc4 2P)wDw)P)} %DwIRDwDR} Nf6 4.Qxf7#... I was Black.) %$wGQIBHR} v,./9EFJMV However, there was one v,./9EFJMV A very knowledgeable point when the story could 6 Bd3 opening from both players! have been very different; White's Bishop is just White and Black weren't 15 h5 Rxc3 queuing behind the e-pawn. really looking! A good idea as a rule, but it's [6.Be2 offers more of an better if you can double 1 d4 Nf6 active role.] White's pawns. Often then 2 c4 Nc6 [6.Be3! stops Black’s natural you don't need pawns in Bishop development.] compensation because 6 . . . Bc5 White's position is so weak. 7 Nge2 [15...Rfc8] Just developing, not really 16 Qxc3 Qxa2 thinking about ideas Black 17 hxg6 fxg6 might have.

- page 13 - [In hindsight, threatening a cuuuuuuuuC 12 Nf4 King's-side advance like the (rDbDkDw4} [12.Qg1! is relatively best.] Sämisch line in the King's 70p0pDp0p} 12 . . . exf4 6wDwDw1nD} Indian might have been best: 13 Qf1 Qxf1+ 7.f3!? 5DwgP0wDw} [13...f3] Black's Knights might be &wDPDPDnD} 3DwHBDwDw} 14 Bxf1 f3 good targets. However, 2P)wDN)P)} 15 gxf3 Nxf3 White still has obvious dark- %$wGQDRIw} 16 Bf4 d6 square problems.] v,./9EFJMV 7 . . . Ng4! 17 Nb5 9 h3 and White is losing at least a And White is toast. Just forces Black to carry out pawn. …0-1 their idea: literally anything 8 0–0? else would have been more b Even when it looks like constructive. makes things worse! you’re losing, look again! [9.Qe1! holds!; 8 . . . Qf6? b looks reasonable but lets 9.Be3 is as bad as the game.] Don’t help your White off the hook. 9 . . . Nxf2 opponent carry out their plan. [8...Qh4! just wins!] 10 Rxf2 Qxf2+ 11 Kh1 Nh4 Robert Thompson General: Bags of ambition, lots of chess common sense – a shame you didn’t come away with more points, but at one moment I was afraid you were going to come away with fewer! I didn’t spot any tactical oversights in your game, which is most impressive, so I have made some general strategic observations which are really just dusting in the corners. The basic thing that you could work on is becoming more paranoid – is this really good? What could go wrong here? [5.Nc3 Bb4 is the Black always has to watch  Rob(White) [A45] (1.2) 'interesting' system, which for a White break. might suit your style better.] A very interesting long game, 6 e5 Qd8 with lots to enjoy and learn 5 . . . d5 cuuuuuuuuC from. cuuuuuuuuC (rhb1kgw4} (rhbDkgw4} 70p0wDp0w} 1 d4 Nf6 70p0wDp0w} 6wDwDpDw0} 2 Bg5 e6 6wDwDp1w0} 5DwDp)wDw} 3 e4 h6 5DwDpDwDw} &wDw)wDwD} [3...c5] &wDw)PDwD} 3Dw)wDwDw} 4 Bxf6 Qxf6 3Dw)wDwDw} 2P)wDw)P)} cuuuuuuuuC 2P)wDw)P)} %$NDQIBHR} (rhbDkgw4} %$NDQIBHR} v,./9EFJMV 70p0pDp0w} v,./9EFJMV 7 f4 6wDwDp1w0} Andrew Martin raves about Ambitious! this approach - going for a 5DwDwDwDw} 7 . . . Be7 &wDw)PDwD} French Defence with the two 3DwDwDwDw} Bishops - but it also acquires If Black were a French 2P)PDw)P)} a dead Bc8 and changing the player, they would play %$NDQIBHR} pawn structure so that [7...c5!] v,./9EFJMV White's Bishop will thrive, 8 Nf3 0–0 5 c3 so I tend to prefer to the old 9 Bd3 Re8 Karpov recipe of keeping the [9...c5!] pawns back, even if it means 10 0–0 c5

- page 14 - At last! Black has to put pawn as the Be3 holds the h- 27 Qxf7+ Kxf7 pressure on the White pawn.] cuuuuuuuuC centre. 18 Re1 Bb6 (wDw4rDwD} 11 Nbd2 Nc6 70pDwDk0w} Black is starting to get 6wgwDwDw0} 12 Qb1 congested after his optimistic 5DwDpDwDw} looks awkward - not just for ...Be3 move. &wDwHwDwD} the Queen, but also the Ra1 19 fxe6 Bxe6 3Dw)wDw)w} 12 . . . Qb6 20 Nbd4 2P)wDwDw)} 13 dxc5 cuuuuuuuuC %Dw$w$wDK} (wDrDrDkD} v,./9EFJMV [13.Nb3 just about works: 70p1wDp0w} 28 Rxe8 13...c4 14.Bh7+ Kh8 6wgnDbDw0} Played instantly, but this 15.Nbd2] 5DwDp)wDw} 13 . . . Bxc5+ exchange leaves Black with &wDwHwDwD} the file. cuuuuuuuuC 3Dw)BDN)w} (rDbDrDkD} 2P)wDwDw)} 28 . . . Rxe8 70pDwDp0w} %$QDw$wDK} 29 Rf1+ Kg6 6w1nDpDw0} v,./9EFJMV 30 Nf3? 5Dwgp)wDw} 20 . . . Bg4 &wDwDw)wD} Allows the enemy Rook in. [After the counter-intuitive 3Dw)BDNDw} [30.Kg2 before you get 20...Bxd4 I think Black has a 2P)wHwDP)} trapped.; 30.Rd1 drawing plus: %$QDwDRIw} attention to the weak d- v,./9EFJMV A) 21.Nxd4 Nxd4 pawn] 22.cxd4 Qb6 and it's This is the sort of thing that 30 . . . Re2 awkward: 23.Rd1? (23.Qd1 spooks me about the Tromp: 31 Rd1 Rxb2 losing control of the central Kh8 24.Be2 Bf5 25.Bf3 Rc4 ∓) 23...Bg4; 32 Rxd5 Rxa2 dark squares. I prefer Black's 33 Ne5+ Kh7 position here. B) 21.cxd4 21...Qb6 Black snags the d-pawn. 34 Rd7 Rc2 14 Kh1 Be3 22.Rd1 Bg4] 35 Rxb7 Rxc3 Doesn't co-ordinate with 21 Bf5 Bxf5 36 Rd7 Rc7 anything. 22 Qxf5 Nxd4 [36...a5 is the toughest to 15 g3 Bd7 23 Nxd4 meet.] 16 Nb3 Rac8 cuuuuuuuuC 37 Rd1 Rc8 17 f5 (wDrDrDkD} 38 Nf3 Ra8 Good idea! 70p1wDp0w} 39 Ra1 a5 6wgwDwDw0} cuuuuuuuuC 5DwDp)QDw} 40 Ra4 (wDrDrDkD} &wDwHwDwD} cuuuuuuuuC 70pDbDp0w} 3Dw)wDw)w} (rDwDwDwD} 6w1nDpDw0} 2P)wDwDw)} 7DwDwDw0k} 5DwDp)PDw} %$wDw$wDK} 6wgwDwDw0} &wDwDwDwD} v,./9EFJMV 50wDwDwDw} 3DN)BgN)w} &RDwDwDwD} 2P)wDwDw)} 23 . . . Rcd8 3DwDwDN)w} %$QDwDRDK} [23...Bxd4 24.cxd4 Qc2] 2wDwDwDw)} v,./9EFJMV 24 Rac1 Qd7 %DwDwDwDK} 17 . . . Qc7 White is getting hold of the v,./9EFJMV [17...exf5 18.Bxf5 Bxf5 tiller again. ½–½ 19.Qxf5 g6 Not an easy 25 e6 Qe7 move to spot, but wins a 26 exf7+ Qxf7

- page 15 - Drawn here, but Black Bishop first is an important cuuuuuuuuC would lose nothing by question! (wDwDw4kD} playing on, for example: [I would have been happier 7Dp0wgp0w} 6wDw0wDw0} 40 . . . Re8 to keep the tension with 54whP0NDw} 41 Kg2 Re2+ 8.Nd2 or; 8.0–0 which are &wDPDPDb1} 42 Kh3 Kg6 moves you are always going 3DwDBDNDw} to want to make.] 2PDwDw)P)} b Exchanges are usually 8 . . . Qh4 %$wDQIwDR} good for one side or the I'm not convinced by this v,./9EFJMV other: make sure it’s you! lunge of Black's: what is this 15 . . . Bxf3 supposed to co-ordinate [15...Qf6! idea ...Bxf5 and  Rob (White) [A45] (2.2) with? ...e4] A game where you got your 9 Ng3 0–0 16 Qxf3 Qg5 pieces out of synch with 10 c4 cuuuuuuuuC your pawns – a shame in [10.Nd2 is always going to (wDwDw4kD} your specialist opening! be useful.] 7Dp0wgp0w} 1 d4 Nf6 10 . . . Nd7 6wDw0wDw0} cuuuuuuuuC 54whP0N1w} 2 Bg5 e6 &wDPDPDwD} 3 e4 h6 (rDbDw4kD} 70p0ngp0w} 3DwDBDQDw} 4 Bxf6 Qxf6 6wDw0wDw0} 2PDwDw)P)} 5 c3 5DwDP0wDw} %$wDwIwDR} [5.Nc3] &wDPDPDw1} v,./9EFJMV 5 . . . d6 3DwDBDwHw} 17 Nxe7+ 6 Bd3 Be7 2P)wDw)P)} A good Knight for a bad 7 Ne2 %$NDQIwDR} Bishop! White leaves cuuuuuuuuC v,./9EFJMV himself with a rotten Bishop (rhbDkDw4} 11 b4 against a very good-looking 70p0wgp0w} White isn't developed Knight. 6wDw0p1w0} enough for this, and just 17 . . . Qxe7 5DwDwDwDw} hands Black the half-open a- 18 Be2 Qh4 &wDw)PDwD} file against a weak pawn. 3Dw)BDwDw} Black seems determined to What threat do you have attack with the Queen: this 2P)wDN)P)} here if it was White to move? %$NDQIwDR} time, it does co-ordinate with v,./9EFJMV 11 . . . a5! the Knight to attack e4. 7 . . . e5 12 bxa5 19 Qe3 b6 [12.b5 is ugly (starting to Black makes the other 20 0–0 Qxe4 play draughts!) but has advance, when again 21 Bf3 Qd3 hopes of restricting Black's holding back may be a 22 Qxd3 Nxd3 activity.] smarter idea. cuuuuuuuuC 12 . . . Rxa5 [7...a6 8.0–0 b6] (wDwDw4kD} [12...Nc5 Black is better on 7Dw0wDp0w} 8 d5 both sides of the board.] 6w0w0wDw0} Sends both King's Bishops to 13 Nd2 Nc5 54wDP0wDw} sleep. It's another of those 14 Nf3 Bg4 &wDPDwDwD} positions where Black has [14...Qf6] 3DwDnDBDw} two Bishops and a solid 2PDwDw)P)} position but not much scope 15 Nf5 %$wDwDRIw} for one of the Bishops. Who v,./9EFJMV will activate their King's

- page 16 - It's hard to see how White is 6.f3 looks like a Sämisch.] 17 Rxf2 f6 going to make trouble for 6 . . . h6 18 Qd2 Black, mostly because the 7 Bh4 Nbd7 cuuuuuuuuC Bishop is still not doing Looks a little passive to me: (rDw1w4kD} anything positive. 70pDw0wDw} I'd like it to go to c6 if 23 Be4 Nb4 6whw0w0p0} possible. 5Dw0PDwDn} 24 a3 Na6 [7...c5; or 7...e5] &wDPDPDbD} 25 g4 8 f4 Nh5 3DwHBDwDw} Yeuch, another pawn on a 9 Nge2 c5 2P)w!N$P)} white square. 10 d5 Nb6 %DRDwDwDK} v,./9EFJMV 25 . . . Nc5 11 0–0 Bg4 26 f3 Rfa8 cuuuuuuuuC 18 . . . g5 The penny has dropped for (rDw1w4kD} Just starting to play Black about where he should 70pDw0pgw} draughts... don't lose that be attacking. 6whw0wDp0} light-squared Bishop! 5Dw0PDwDn} [18...Kh7!] 27 Kf2 Rxa3 &wDPDP)bG} 28 Rxa3 Rxa3 3DwHBDwDw} 19 h3 Bd7 29 Bf5 Rc3 2P)wDNDP)} 20 Rbf1 a6 30 Ra1 g6 %$wDQDRIw} 21 Bc2? 31 Bb1 Rxc4 v,./9EFJMV [21.b3] 12 Rc1 cuuuuuuuuC White is busted. I don't see the point of that. (rDw1w4kD} 32 Ra7 Rc1 7DpDb0wDw} White should be building up 33 Be4 Nb3 6phw0w0w0} on the e-file and planning 5Dw0PDw0n} [33...b5! 34.Rxc7 Nxe4+ e4-e5 or f4-f5. 35.fxe4 Rxc7] &wDPDPDwD} [12.Qd2! saves the pawn 3DwHwDwDP} 0–1 against Black's idea.] 2P)B!N$PD} b 12 . . . Bd4+ %DwDwDRDK} Again, exchanges are v,./9EFJMV usually good for one side 13 Kh1 or the other: make sure [13.Bf2 Bxc3 14.Rxc3 Nxf4] 21 . . . Nxc4 it’s you! 13 . . . Be3 "They're like peanuts, you cuuuuuuuuC know." - Stephan Gerzadowicz.  Rob (Black) [E70] (3.2) (rDw1w4kD} 70pDw0pDw} A classic King’s Indian 22 Qc1 b5 6whw0wDp0} 23 b3 Ne5 Queen’s-side attack – but 5Dw0PDwDn} make sure you win when &wDPDP)bG} 24 Qe3 you’re winning! 3DwHBgwDw} cuuuuuuuuC 2P)wDNDP)} (rDw1w4kD} 1 d4 Nf6 7DwDb0wDw} 2 c4 g6 %Dw$QDRDK} v,./9EFJMV 6pDw0w0w0} 3 Nc3 Bg7 5Dp0Phw0n} 4 e4 0–0 Very neat: Black has got &wDwDPDwD} behind the hollow shell of 5 Bg5 d6 3DPHw!wDP} White's centre and the Bh4 6 Bd3 2PDBDN$PD} looks terribly misplaced. %DwDwDRDK} Looks as though White is 14 Rb1 Nxf4 v,./9EFJMV making it up as he goes along. 15 Bg3 Nh5 OK, what's your plan here? 16 Bf2 Bxf2 You end up playing ...c5-c4, [6.Be2 is the Averbakh and ; but if that's the best idea,

- page 17 - then don't move all your 39 Bf3 c3 You're lucky that this isn't a pieces over to the King's-side There is only one thing that draw by perpetual, or worse. first! can go wrong with this 42 . . . fxg5 24 . . . Qc7 position, and it nearly did! 43 Qxg5+ Kf8 25 Ng3 Ng7 [Namely, Black moves 44 Bh5 everything over to the 26 Bd1 Be8 [44.Qh6+; 44.f6!?] Queen's-side and allows a 27 Nf5 Nxf5 blow on the other wing.] 44 . . . Nf7 28 Rxf5 Bg6 45 Qg6 Qxc1+ 29 R5f2 Kg7 I think around this point, you were actually showing some Killing. 30 Ne2 c4 46 Kh2 Qf4+ cuuuuuuuuC ideas to another player on (rDwDw4wD} another board. It’s possibly 47 g3 Qd2+ 7Dw1w0wiw} illegal, probably rude but 48 Kh3 Ng5+ 6pDw0w0b0} definitely asking for trouble 49 Kh4 Rc4+ – concentrate on your own 5DpDPhw0w} 50 Bg4 Nf3+ game! &wDpDPDwD} 51 Kh5 Qh2+ [39...Rh8 is prudent.] 3DPDw!wDP} 52 Bh3 Qxh3# 2PDwDN$PD} 40 Rc1 I always like these King's %DwDBDRDK} Unnecessary. v,./9EFJMV Indian games where Black 31 b4 [White should go for his plan starts off manoeuvring on g6, now: 40.hxg5 hxg5 then b6, then b3, then g3, a Not bad, but not really trying 41.Rxg5+ fxg5 42.Qxg5+ big sweep around the whole to set Black any problems. Kf8 43.Qh6+ (43.Bh5; board. [Instead, White should be 43.f6) ] 0–1 trying things like 31.Nd4! 40 . . . Qxa3 Bf7 32.bxc4 bxc4 33.Bh5! 41 hxg5 hxg5 b The main thing that can Bg8] cuuuuuuuuC go wrong, when you are 31 . . . Nd3 (rDwDwDwD} winning, is for you to 32 Rf3 Nxb4 7DwDw0wiw} think: ‘nothing can go 33 a3 Nd3 6pDw0w0wD} wrong’. 34 Ng3 Qa5 5Dp4PhP0w} &wDwDwDwD} b There is no position [34...Qc5; 34...a5] 31w0w!B$w} which is so good you 35 Nf5+ Bxf5 2wDwDwDPD} can’t lose from it, and no 36 exf5 Ne5 %Dw$wDwDK} position which is so 37 Rg3 Rfc8 v,./9EFJMV hopeless you can’t [37...Rac8] 42 Rxg5+!? escape from it. 38 h4 Rc5

- page 18 - George Darling General: Just fine: good moves, good score, very little to complain about. I wasn’t terribly convinced by your game plan as White – have another think about how to handle moves 8-16 in your games. Otherwise you just need to dig a little deeper all round to get better – but that is true for every chess player! 13 g4 Bg6 [I didn't have, or couldn't  George (Black) [C68] (1.3) 14 Bxa7 Rxa7 make sense of, the score past this point.] A tough, slow game of 15 Qd2 0–0 manoeuvre, but you came 16 Qe3 Raa8 The bishop has gone to out of it all the winner. 17 Nc5 b6 sleep, but you can get it going again with f7-f6 and 1 e4 e5 cuuuuuuuuC Bf7 ...0-1 2 Nf3 Nc6 (rDwDw4kD} 7Dw0wDp0n} 3 Bb5 a6 6p0p1wDb0} b Make sure your pieces 4 Bxc6 dxc6 5DwHw0wDw} stay in the game 5 d3 &wDwDPDPD} [Here’s a game to compare [5.d4 is an easy system to 3DwDP!NDP} with the comment at move understand, but it's only 2P)PDw)wD} 12: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc3.Nc3 equal.; %$wDw$wIw} Nf6 4.Bb5 Bb4 5.0–0 0–0 5.0–0 Bg4 6.h3 h5 is the v,./9EFJMV 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.d3 Bd6 8.Bg5 crucial line... White is 18 Nb3 h6 9.Bh4 c5 10.Nd5 supposed to get a small That knight hasn't been cuuuuuuuuC (rDb1w4kD} advantage eventually, but it happy all game. 70p0wDp0w} needs a good memory 18 . . . c5 6wDwgwhw0} and/or steel nerves to get it.] 5Dw0N0wDw} 19 Kf1 Rfd8 5 . . . Bc5 &wDwDPDwG} 20 Rad1 Qe6 3DwDPDNDw} 6 0–0 Bg4 21 Rd2 h5 2P)PDw)P)} 7 Nc3 Nf6 %$wDQDRIw} [21...f6] 8 h3 Bh5 v,./9EFJMV 22 Ng5 Nxg5 ANALYSIS DIAGRAM 9 Bg5 Qd6 23 Qxg5 hxg4 Capablanca famously 10 Na4 Ba7 24 Qxg4 Qxg4 remarked about this position, 11 Re1 h6 25 hxg4 a5 that Winter should have 12 Be3 realised that a player of cuuuuuuuuC [25...f6] 26 c4 a4 Capablanca's calibre would (rDwDkDw4} never have allowed such a 27 Nc1 a3 7gp0wDp0w} move if it were good! 10...g5 6pDp1whw0} 28 f3 c6 11.Nxf6+ Qxf6 12.Bg3 Bg4 5DwDw0wDb} 29 Red1 Rd6 13.h3 Bxf3 14.Qxf3 Qxf3 &NDwDPDwD} 30 Ne2 Rad8 3DwDPGNDP} 15.gxf3 f6 2P)PDw)PD} 31 Ng3 b5 %$wDQ$wIw} cuuuuuuuuC v,./9EFJMV (wDw4wDkD} 7DwDwDp0w} 12 . . . Nh7 6wDp4wDbD} [12...Bxe3 13.Rxe3 0–0–0 5Dp0w0wDw} says Fritz, but I fancy &wDPDPDPD} (13...Bxf3 before White 30wDPDPHw} sends the Bishop to sleep 2P)w$wDwD} with g4, like the Winter %DwDRDKDw} game. ) ] v,./9EFJMV

- page 19 - cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC 16 Rhe1 Ng6 (rDwDw4kD} (rDb1kgn4} 17 Bg3 Bf5 70p0wDwDw} 7Dp0pDp0p} 6wDwgw0w0} 18 Nd5 5Dw0w0w0w} 6pDnDwDwD} cuuuuuuuuC &wDwDPDwD} 5DBDw0wDw} (rDwDw4kD} 3DwDPDPGP} &wDwDPDwD} 7Dp0wDp0p} 2P)PDw)wD} 3DwDwDNDw} %$wDwDRIw} 6pDw0wDnD} 2P)P)w)P)} 5DwhNDbDw} v,./9EFJMV %$NGQIwDR} ANALYSIS DIAGRAM &wDwDwDwD} v,./9EFJMV 3DwDwDwGw} Neither bishop is good, but 4 Bc4 2P)PDw)P)} White's is actually dead and Makes me ask: Why go to b5 %DwIR$wDw} buried, while Black can first? v,./9EFJMV advance on the Queen's- 18 . . . c6? side. 16.Kg2 a5 17.a4 Kf7 [4.Ba4] 18.Rh1 Ke6 19.h4 Rfb8 4 . . . Nf6 weakening 20.hxg5 hxg5 21.b3 c6 5 Nc3 Bc5 [18...Ne6] 22.Ra2 b5 23.Rha1 c4 cuuuuuuuuC 19 Nb6 Rae8? cuuuuuuuuC (rDb1kDw4} makes it worse... (r4wDwDwD} 7Dp0pDp0p} 7DwDwDwDw} 6pDnDwhwD} 20 Bxd6 Rxe1 6wDpgk0wD} 21 Rxe1 Nd3+ 50pDw0w0w} 5Dwgw0wDw} &PDpDPDwD} &wDBDPDwD} [21...Ne6 and Black is still 3DPDPDPGw} 3DwHwDNDw} ahead] 2RDPDw)KD} 2P)P)w)P)} 22 cxd3 %$wDwDwDw} %$wGQIwDR} cuuuuuuuuC v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV ANALYSIS DIAGRAM (wDwDw4kD} 6 Nxe5? 7DpDwDp0p} Black is a piece ahead for Often a good trick to 6pHpGwDnD} the purposes of his attack. equalise as Black, but does 5DwDwDbDw} 24.axb5 cxb3 25.cxb3 Rxb5 nothing for White's position &wDwDwDwD} 26.Ra4 Rxb3 27.d4 Rb5 as a rule - and it doesn't ever 3DwDPDwDw} 28.Rc4 Rb4 29.Rxc6 Rxd4 work with your own Bishop 2P)wDw)P)} 0–1 Winter,W- on c4! %DwIw$wDw} Capablanca,J/offside piece v,./9EFJMV position 1919] b Tricks in books don’t Now Black has to win all  always work in the over again. George (Black) [C60] (2.3) position in front of you! 22 . . . Rd8 A game that you won twice 6 . . . Nxe5 23 Bb4 – shame you got only one 7 d4 Nxc4 [23.Bc7] point for it! 8 dxc5 23 . . . Bxd3 1 e4 e5 Black’s just a piece ahead: 24 Nd7 h6 2 Nf3 Nc6 no need to relax, mind… 25 Nc5 Bc4 3 Bb5 a6 8 . . . Qe7 [25...b6 keeps the pawn.] 9 Qd4 Ne5 26 Nxb7?! 10 Bf4 Nc6 Risky, setting up a pin. 11 Qe3 d6 White has two undefended 12 Qg3 Nxe4 pieces, which should have 13 Qe3 Nxc5 reminded them: Loose 14 Qxe7+ Nxe7 Pieces Drop Off! 15 0–0–0 0–0 26 . . . Rb8

- page 20 - 27 Re4 cuuuuuuuuC 20 Nxg5 hxg5 [27.Na5 Rxb4 28.Re4 is still (rDw1kDw4} cuuuuuuuuC about equal, but that isn't a 7Dp0wgp0p} (rDwDn4kD} natural way to play and so is 6pDnDphwD} 7Dp0wDw0w} hard to spot.] 5DwDpDwDw} 6pDwDpDwD} 27 . . . Bd5 &wDw)w)bD} 5DwDq)p0Q} 3Dw)B)NDw} &wDw)wDwD} 28 Re3 Rxb7 2P)wHwDP)} 3DP)wDwDw} cuuuuuuuuC %$wGQIwDR} 2PGwDwDP)} (wDwDwDkD} v,./9EFJMV %DwDRDRIw} 7DrDwDp0w} v,./9EFJMV 6pDpDwDn0} 8 b3 5DwDbDwDw} Not bad, of course, but feels &wGwDwDwD} like a change of gear: this 21 Qh5 3DwDw$wDw} system was devised so that White is starting to have 2P)wDw)P)} you could play a king's-side some positive ideas. %DwIwDwDw} attack with a lock on the 21 . . . Qd8 v,./9EFJMV centre. And having shut in 22 Ba3 Rf7 your dark-squared bishop, Now it should be easy. 23 g4 Nf6?? the position could turn on 29 a3 Bxg2 you if you don’t get on with 24 exf6 Qxf6 30 Rc3 Rd7 something. 25 gxf5 exf5 31 Rc5 Be4 [8.0–0 0–0 9.Qe1] 26 Rf3 Rd8 32 Ra5 Nf4 8 . . . h6 I think I lost track of the 33 Bd2 Nd3+ 9 Bb2 0–0 score here 34 Kd1 Nxb2+ 10 Qc2 Qd7 cuuuuuuuuC 35 Kc1 Nc4 (wDw4wDkD} 11 0–0 7Dp0wDr0w} 36 Be1 Nxa5 cuuuuuuuuC 0-1 6pDwDw1wD} (rDwDw4kD} 5DwDwDp0Q} 7Dp0qgp0w} b Loose Pieces Drop Off! &wDw)wDwD} 6pDnDphw0} 3GP)wDwDR} 5DwDpDwDw} 2PDwDwDw)}  George(White) [D00] &wDw)w)bD} %DwDRDwIw} (3.3) 3DP)B)NDw} v,./9EFJMV 2PGQHwDP)} In the end, a nice win, but if %$wDwDRIw} 27 Rh3 Qh6 you are going to play the v,./9EFJMV Black shouldn't swap off Stonewall as White, you 11 . . . Bf5 anything unless they have to. could play it more directly 28 Qxh6 gxh6 for an attack. Good move: without the light-squared Bishop, White's 29 Rxh6 Kg7 1 d4 d5 position doesn't have a lot 30 Re6 2 e3 Nf6 going for it. Winning 3 Bd3 Nc6 12 Ne5 Nxe5 4 f4 Bg4 …1-0 13 fxe5 Bxd3 [4...Nb4] 14 Qxd3 Ne8 b You need to do 5 Nf3 a6 15 e4 Qb5 something in positions 6 c3 e6 16 Qf3 Bg5 where you have a 7 Nbd2 Be7 disadvantage, or the 17 Rad1 f6 position is likely to turn 18 exd5 Qxd5 against you 19 Ne4 f5

- page 21 - William Norton General: Not so many moves to go on here: I liked your opening play in the first game, not sure how the win escaped you. I’m guessing that you should have a move or two up your sleeve against the non-standard defence to the Lopez. [By the way, the electronic scoresheet is made by MonRoi: (http://www.monroi.com/products/ecm.php) but it’s outrageously expensive. Maybe a handheld voice recorder would interest you; blind players use them all the time.] But of course, that black Ooh, not good: gives White  William(White) [C60] Bishop is on b7, nowhere an open file against a weak (1.4) near g4… pawn on a6. I thought your opening play 12 . . . Qe7 20 Rxa4 Qd8 was great and you were 13 Be3 21 Qa1 Ne7 winning in the last position I Good! Makes use of having cuuuuuuuuC saw – so not much wrong played h3, because now the (rDw1rDkD} there! Nf6 can’t threaten to swap it 7Db0whp0w} 1 e4 e5 off. 6pDw0whw0} 5DwDP0wDw} 2 Nf3 Nc6 13 . . . Qd8 &RDwDPDwD} 3 Bb5 a6 14 Nbd2 Re8 3Dw)B$NHP} 4 Ba4 b5 cuuuuuuuuC 2w)wDw)PD} (rDw1rDkD} A bit early, forcing White to %!wDwDwIw} 7Db0wDp0w} v,./9EFJMV attack f7. 6pgn0whw0} 5 Bb3 Bc5 5DpDw0wDw} [I didn't have, or couldn't make sense of, the score past 6 c3 h6 &PDw)PDwD} this point.] 7 0–0 Nf6 3Dw)wGNDP} Not sure how you managed 8 Re1 d6 2w)BHw)PD} %$wDQ$wIw} to let this one slip, you have 9 d4 Bb6 v,./9EFJMV all the advantages of the 10 a4 Bb7 This is what I love about the position at the moment. 11 Bc2 0–0 Ruy Lopez, you don’t have Putting away positions like cuuuuuuuuC to make any odd-looking this is something we all need (rDw1w4kD} moves to get a strong, to learn! 7Db0wDp0w} 22 Bxa6 6pgn0whw0} flexible position. White’s 5DpDw0wDw} next move is questionable: it is fine, probably winning, &PDw)PDwD} fixes pawns on light squares but may not have been your 3Dw)wDNDw} at a time when Black can next move. swap off the dark-squared 2w)BDw)P)} …Drawn %$NGQ$wIw} bishops. It has to be said that Black’s light-squared v,./9EFJMV b It’s good to play openings Bishops isn’t doing much 12 h3 where you can get a great after White’s next move: position by playing fairly The Ruy Lopez has a special closed positions are for obvious moves. secret: it’s an opening where Knights. you can play h2-h3 and it’s a b often a good move! But not 15 d5 Bxe3 Closed positions have a here. The idea of h2-h3 in 16 Rxe3 Ne7 big effect on Bishops: the Lopez is to make sure 17 Nf1 Ng6 think carefully before Black can’t undermine the 18 Ng3 Qb8 closing the position. d4 pawn by pinning the Nf3, 19 Bd3 bxa4 b You must learn to win and also means Black can’t won games. get rid of a pair of pieces in a slightly cramped position.

- page 22 - This must be what Black [7.0–0 Bd6 8.Re1 is a William (White) [C63] wants you to do! sharper way to play.] (2.4) [4.Nc3 is the book move; 7 . . . Bd6 One of those evil gambits was as much as I could that you just have to learn a 4.d3 is the safe move] manage from the score, I'm line against. 4 . . . Nf6 afraid. 1 e4 e5 [4…e4 is the right move, which can lead to an …0-1 2 Nf3 Nc6 unusual draw: 5.Bxc6 dxc6 3 Bb5 f5 6.Qe2 Qe7 7.Nd4 Qe5! b We all know to check for cuuuuuuuuC 8.Nf3 Qe7 9.Nd4] our opponent’s threats. (rDb1kgn4} 5 Bxc6 dxc6 But we should also try to 70p0pDw0p} decide what the 6 Nxe5 Bxf5 6wDnDwDwD} opponent is trying to do 5DBDw0pDw} cuuuuuuuuC (rDw1kgw4} with a move – and, if &wDwDPDwD} possible, upset it! 3DwDwDNDw} 70p0wDw0p} 2P)P)w)P)} 6wDpDwhwD} %$NGQIwDR} 5DwDwHbDw}  William (Black) [A00] v,./9EFJMV &wDwDwDwD} (3.4) 3DwDwDwDw} Sorry, missing the score. One of a number of gambits 2P)P)w)P)} Black can try against the %$NGQIwDR} 0-1 Spanish. v,./9EFJMV 4 exf5 7 Nc3 Tim Seah General: Couldn’t ask for much more from you than 2½/3… Nice balanced play all round, but you need to know the minor lines of the Ruy Lopez a bit better than you do. and is reckoned to be only cuuuuuuuuC (rDwDkDw4}  Tim (Black) [D50] (1.5) slightly better for White. 5 Qa4+ Nc6 70p0b1p0p} A good solid game of 6wDnDwhwD} positional play from Black – Normally, I’d tell you to 5DwDpDwGw} could have given you a win. keep the Knight back until &QDw)wDwD} 1 d4 d5 you had played …c7-c5, but 3Dw)w)NDw} this line is all about active 2 c4 e6 2PDwDw)P)} pieces. %$wDwIBDR} 3 Nc3 Nf6 6 e3 v,./9EFJMV 4 Bg5 Bb4 cuuuuuuuuC [6.a3] 10 Bb5 (rhb1kDw4} 6 . . . Bxc3+ [10.Bxf6 Qxf6 11.Qb3 is awkward for Black, even if it 70p0wDp0p} No need to exchange doesn't drop a pawn.] 6wDwDphwD} without being asked first. 5DwDpDwGw} 10 . . . Qe6 7 bxc3 Qe7 &wgP)wDwD} [10...0–0 is more urgent.] 8 Nf3 Bd7 3DwHwDwDw} 11 Bxf6 Qxf6 9 cxd5 exd5 2P)wDP)P)} 12 Qb3 Qf5 %$wDQIBHR} v,./9EFJMV 13 0–0 Na5 14 Bxd7+ Qxd7 Bold! Black is assuming that he can hit as hard as White, 15 Qb4 b6 but White hits first. It's 16 Nd2 Qe6 called the Ragozin variation, 17 Qa4+ c6

- page 23 - 18 Qb4 Nb7 cuuuuuuuuC that pieces can move 19 Qa4 Na5 (wDrDwDkD} backwards. 20 Qb4 f6 70w4wDw0p} 26 . . . Be5 cuuuuuuuuC 6w0qDw0wD} cuuuuuuuuC (rDwDkDw4} 5hw0pDwDw} (rDwDwDkD} 70wDwDw0p} &PDw)wDwD} 7Dw0wDp0w} 6w0pDq0wD} 3Dw)w)wDw} 6wDbDrDwD} 5hwDpDwDw} 2QDwHw)P)} 5DpDwgw)p} &w!w)wDwD} %Dw$RDwIw} &pDwDPDw)} 3Dw)w)wDw} v,./9EFJMV 3)wGwDPDw} 2PDwHw)P)} 32 . . . Nb7 2w)PDwDwD} %$wDwDRIw} Looked OK where it was. %DKDRDwDR} v,./9EFJMV Why did you move it? v,./9EFJMV Black has played solidly, and Couldn’t you think of a way When you're winning, swap! to improve your position? has a perfectly secure 27 Bb4 Bd6 position. [32...cxd4 33.cxd4 Qxc1 28 Bxd6 Rxd6 drops a pawn but gets a 21 Nf3 29 Rxd6 cxd6 massive bind. 34.Qxd5+ [21.Rab1] 30 Rd1 Rd8 21 . . . Nb7 Kh8 35.Rxc1 Rxc1+ 36.Nf1 and now 36...Nc4! might 31 Rd3 Kf8 good idea if it's heading for not be winning, but looked a 32 e5 Ke7 d6 good try.] 33 Rc3 Be8 [21...Nc4 gets the outpost 33 Rb1 cxd4 34 exd6+ Rxd6 straight away.] This exchange is now more 35 Rc5 f6 22 Nd2 Qd6 obviously good for Black. 36 Rc7+ Rd7 [22...Nd6 keeps an eye on 34 cxd4 37 gxf6+ gxf6 all the key squares.] I don’t have your next move 38 Rc3 Bf7 23 a3 0–0 here, but I hope it was 39 b4 axb3 24 Nf3 c5 34…Qc2! Black has all the 40 cxb3 Bg6+ 25 Qb3 Rac8 chances here because the 41 Kb2 Rd3 26 Rac1 Rc7 black pieces are all more An efficient demolition. 27 Rfd1 Na5 active than White’s. 0-1 28 Qa4 Nc4 …Drawn cuuuuuuuuC b When you’re winning, (wDwDw4kD} bPiece activity is the most swap off pieces 70w4wDw0p} important thing in chess. 6w0w1w0wD} b It’s only Pawns that can’t 5Dw0pDwDw}  &QDn)wDwD} Tim (Black) (2.5) move backwards! 3)w)w)NDw} A tidy follow-up after 2wDwDw)P)} White’s early blunder.  Tim (White) [C49] (3.5) %Dw$RDwIw} I managed to drop the first Again, a nice calm win after v,./9EFJMV half of this game down the an early wobble. There’s Black is accumulating back of the computer. I lots to look at in the first positional gains. remember White being twelve moves. 29 Qb3 Qc6 clever after Black's ...Bxf3, 1 e4 e5 30 Nd2 Na5 playing Bxc6 instead of re- 2 Nf3 Nc6 capturing on f3, only to be 31 Qa2 Rfc8 3 Bb5 Nf6 surprised by ...Bxc6! It’s 32 a4 sometimes hard to remember

- page 24 - cuuuuuuuuC Now it's swung the other for it. If you don’t know (rDb1kgw4} way. what to do, at least you 70p0pDp0p} 13 . . . Qd6 should know what to avoid. 6wDnDwhwD} 5DBDw0wDw} 14 Nxb4 Qxb4 21 d5 h6 &wDwDPDwD} 15 b3 Qc5 22 Re2 Bxf3 3DwDwDNDw} 16 d4 Qd6 23 Rxe8+ Rxe8 2P)P)w)P)} 17 Qd3 Qh6 24 Qxf3 Qxf3 %$NGQIwDR} 18 Rfe1 25 gxf3 Re2 v,./9EFJMV cuuuuuuuuC 26 d6 Re8 4 Nc3 (rDwDrDkD} 27 Kg2 a5 These positions with all the 70w0wDp0p} 28 f4 f5 6wDwDwDw1} knights square are difficult to 29 d7 get going. 5DwDwDwDw} &wDw)wDbD} [29.Rd5!] [4.0–0! Nxe4 5.d4! is the 3DPDQDNDw} 29 . . . Rd8 main line; 2PDPDw)P)} 30 Rd5 Kf7 4.d4 can also be played.] %$wDw$wIw} 31 a3 Ke6 4 . . . Bb4 v,./9EFJMV 32 Rxc5 Rxd7 5 Bxc6 bxc6 18 . . . Qh5 33 Rxa5 6 Nxe5 0–0? I think Black should have …and the rest should have [6...Qe7 recovers the pawn.] made a plan to get the Ra1 been straightforward for 7 Nf3 Re8 into play. White. 8 d3 d5 19 c4 1-0 9 0–0 Bg4 [19.Re5] [9...dxe4 recovers the pawn.] 19 . . . Rad8 b Play with all your pieces 10 Bg5 Qd6 20 Rad1 b [10...Bxc3 11.bxc3 dxe4 is a cuuuuuuuuC Don’t help your position where Black is (wDw4rDkD} opponent! better.] 70w0wDp0p} 11 exd5 cxd5 6wDwDwDwD} 5DwDwDwDq} 12 Bxf6 Qxf6 &wDP)wDbD} 13 Nxd5 3DPDQDNDw} cuuuuuuuuC 2PDwDw)P)} (rDwDrDkD} %DwDR$wIw} 70w0wDp0p} v,./9EFJMV 6wDwDw1wD} 5DwDNDwDw} 20 . . . c5 &wgwDwDbD} It's hard to suggest a 3DwDPDNDw} constructive plan for Black, 2P)PDw)P)} but there's no need to hand %$wDQDRIw} White a passed pawn v,./9EFJMV without making them work

- page 25 - Laurens Stegink General: There are some obvious wrinkles to get out of your opening lines in games 1 and 3. Missing the Queen swap for other pieces in Game 2 is something a lot of players would have passed up, even if they had considered it (there’s another example in a game Tim played). Otherwise a nice tidy performance and an excellent score. cuuuuuuuuC  (wDr1w4kD}  Laurens (White) [D35] 7DbDngp0p} Laurens (White) [D50] (1.6) 6p0wDphwD} (2.6) Could have been tidier in the 5Dw0wDwDw} early part of the game; you &wDB)wGwD} Game must have done well in the 3)wHw)NDw} of the part I didn’t see! 2w)wDw)P)}
1 d4 e6 %$QDwIwDR} Round 2 c4 d5 v,./9EFJMV Very little to complain about; 3 Nc3 Nf6 13 . . . Bxf3 there were three little tactical 4 Bg5 Be7 [13...cxd4 attacks two pieces points which you missed, but at once, and should win.] 5 Bf4 we all miss these things in a 14 gxf3 long game. Loses time; why not move it cuuuuuuuuC 1 d4 d5 straight to f4. (wDr1w4kD} 2 c4 Nf6 5 . . . 0–0 7DwDngp0p} 3 Nc3 e6 6 Nf3 Nbd7 6p0wDphwD} 4 Bg5 7 a3 c5 5Dw0wDwDw} &wDB)wGwD} cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC (rhb1kgw4} (rDb1w4kD} 3)wHw)PDw} 70pDngp0p} 2w)wDw)w)} 70p0wDp0p} %$QDwIwDR} 6wDwDphwD} 6wDwDphwD} 5DwDpDwGw} 5Dw0pDwDw} v,./9EFJMV &wDP)wGwD} [I didn't have, or couldn't &wDP)wDwD} 3)wHwDNDw} make sense of, the score past 3DwHwDwDw} this point.] 2P)wDP)P)} 2w)wDP)P)} %$wDQIBHR} %$wDQIBDR} 14 . . . cxd4 v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV Still wins a piece. 4 . . . g6 8 Nb5 …Drawn Yeuch - draughts not chess! An invasion into nowhere, Wow, you did well to hold The fact that it loses a pawn threatening nothing, when that one! is an appropriate Black is better developed. punishment, but it's a bad [8.e3] b Attack only when and move even without that. These heroic attacks by a where you have an [4...Be7 is simple and; single piece should always advantage 4...Nbd7 is a little trap, in fail. Chess is a team game! case White wants to win a b Chess is a team game! 8 . . . a6 pawn: 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Nxd5? Use your pieces to gang 9 Nc3 b6 loses a piece to 6...Nxd5 up on targets, don’t send 7.Bxd8 Bb4+] 10 e3 Bb7 out one piece on a raid. 11 Qc2 Rc8 5 cxd5 exd5 Setting up a discovery! 6 Bxf6 Qxf6 7 Nxd5 Qd8 12 Qb1 dxc4 8 Nc3 Bg7 13 Bxc4

- page 26 - 9 Nf3 0–0 cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC 10 e3 Re8 (rDwDrDkD} (wDwDwDkD} 11 Bc4 Nc6 70p0wDngp} 70wDwDngp} 6wDwDw1pD} 6wDwDNDpD} 12 0–0 Bg4 5DwDwDwDw} 5DwDwDwDw} 13 h3 Bf5 &w!wDwDwD} &wDwDwDwD} 14 Qb3 3DwHw)NDP} 3DwDw)NDP} All good sensible moves 2P)wDw)PD} 2PDw$w)PI} from White. %$wDRDwIw} %Dw4wDwDw} cuuuuuuuuC v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV (rDw1rDkD} 20 Rab1 White should still win this 70p0wDpgp} Safe enough. comfortably. 6wDnDwDpD} [20.Nd5! is good, aming at …1-0 5DwDwDbDw} &wDB)wDwD} c7] b 20 . . . b6 If you can look twice at 3DQHw)NDP} things you calculate, you 21 Nd5 Qd8 2P)wDw)PD} will find some little gems %$wDwDRIw} cuuuuuuuuC v,./9EFJMV (rDw1rDkD} Laurens (Black) [B54] 14 . . . Be6? 70w0wDngp} 6w0wDwDpD} (3.6) Walking into a pawn fork. 5DwDNDwDw} Not a lot of moves to 15 d5 Na5 &w!wDwDwD} comment on: but you might A good defensive idea. 3DwDw)NDP} check that you are playing 2P)wDw)PD} them in the right order. 16 Qb4 %DRDRDwIw} It's hard to see, but White v,./9EFJMV 1 e4 c5 should keep going with 22 Nxb6! 2 Nf3 d6 3 d4 cxd4 [16.dxe6 Nxb3 17.exf7+ Very smart! Kh8 18.fxe8Q+ Qxe8 4 Nxd4 g6 22 . . . Qb8 19.Bxb3 cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC 23 Nd5 Rd8 (rhb1kgn4} (rDwDqDwi} cuuuuuuuuC 70pDw0pDp} 70p0wDwgp} (r1w4wDkD} 6wDw0wDpD} 6wDwDwDpD} 70w0wDngp} 5DwDwDwDw} 5DwDwDwDw} 6wDwDwDpD} &wDwDwDwD} &wDwHPDwD} 3DBHw)NDP} 5DwDNDwDw} 3DwDwDwDw} 2P)wDw)PD} &w!wDwDwD} 2P)PDw)P)} %$wDwDRIw} 3DwDw)NDP} %$NGQIBDR} v,./9EFJMV 2P)wDw)PD} v,./9EFJMV ANALYSIS DIAGRAM %DRDRDwIw} 5 c4 when White has more than v,./9EFJMV Probably strongest, and no enough for the Queen. 24 Qxb8 Would you fancy playing fun to play for Black: had [24.Qc5! picks up another you seen this move before? this for White? Juniors often pawn 24...Rc8?? 25.Ne7+] fear the Queen, but if you This is why Black usually 24 . . . Raxb8 keep everything defended as plays …Nf6, to make White you go forward, it won't be 25 Nxc7 Rxd1+ play Nc3 and put the Knight able to do much on its own.] 26 Rxd1 Rxb2 in front of the c-pawn. If you do want to develop the 16 . . . Nxc4 27 Rd2 Rb1+ Bishop early (the Accelerated 17 dxe6 Nd6 28 Kh2 Rc1 Dragon), then hold back the 29 Ne6 18 exf7+ Nxf7 d-pawn, because you might 19 Rfd1 Qf6

- page 27 - get a chance to move it all cuuuuuuuuC on extra space: Black needs the way to d5. (rDbDkDw4} to find a plan to make some 5 . . . Bg7 70pDw0pgp} counterplay or steer for 6w1n0whpD} exchanges. 6 Be3 Qb6 5DwDwDwDw} 7 Nb3 Qb4+ &wDPDPDwD} …0-1 8 Bd2 Qb6 3DNHwDwDw} b 2P)wGw)P)} Know the ideas behind 9 Nc3 Nc6 your openings: compare 10 Rc1 Nf6 %Dw$QIBDR} v,./9EFJMV the moves you play with the books after each I don't have the score past game. this point; White has the usual small advantage, based Alex Billings General: Congratulations on 3/3 – great stuff! It’s not as if they were easy games: you were busted in Game 1 but held on until the game turned in your favour. Two bits of advice, I think: have a look at the tactical points you missed and make sure you don’t overlook them in the future. And have a deeper look at how you play the Ruy Lopez; there’s more to it than the way you played it. 8 . . . Re8 [Instead of this trappy  Alex (Black) [C10] (1.7) 9 Re1 Bg4 move,18.b5 looks a useful 10 h3 Bh5 poke] Game [10...Rxe1+ is good, as in cuuuuuuuuC (w4wDwDkD} of the the next note.] 70p0wDp0p}
11 a3 6wgnDwDwD} Round cuuuuuuuuC 5DwDpDwHb} A really exciting fight that (rDw1rDkD} &w)w)qDwD} swung both ways at different 70p0wDp0p} 3)wDwGwDP} times. 6wDnDwhwD} 2wDPDB)PD} 5DwDpDwDb} 1 e4 e6 %$wDQDwIw} &wgw)wDwD} v,./9EFJMV 2 Nc3 d5 3)wHBDNDP} 18 . . . Qf5? 3 exd5 exd5 2w)PGw)PD} I (and other coaches) often 4 d4 Nc6 %$wDQ$wIw} v,./9EFJMV say there are four responses [4...Bf5 gets the Bishop to its to a threat: best square] 11 . . . Ba5 5 Nf3 Nf6 [11...Rxe1+ 12.Bxe1 Bxf3 A = Avoid (move) 13.gxf3 (13.Qxf3 Nxd4 wins 6 Bd3 Bb4 B = Block a pawn ) 13...Bd6 and 7 0–0 0–0 White's position is a mess.] C = Capture cuuuuuuuuC (rDb1w4kD} 12 Bb5 Rb8 D = Defend 70p0wDp0p} [12...Rxe1+ is good, as in In fact there is one more: 6wDnDwhwD} the last note] counterattack! 5DwDpDwDw} 13 Rxe8+ Qxe8 [18...Bxe2! is a counter- &wgw)wDwD} 14 b4 Bb6 3DwHBDNDw} attacking move which saves 15 Be3 Qe6 a piece] 2P)PDw)P)} 16 Be2 Ne4 %$wGQDRIw} 19 Bxh5 h6 v,./9EFJMV 17 Nxe4 Qxe4 20 Bg4 Qg6 8 Bd2 18 Ng5 21 Nf3 h5 [8.Bg5 is more aggressive.] 22 Bd7 Rd8

- page 28 - 23 Bxc6 Qxc6 …0-1 cuuuuuuuuC 24 Ne5 Qf6 b (rDb1kgw4} 25 Qxh5 c6 Always check the four 70pDwDpDp} cuuuuuuuuC basic defences to an 6wDnDpDw0} (wDw4wDkD} attack… but don’t forget 5Dw0p)wDw} 70pDwDp0w} about the fifth: &wDw)wDwD} 6wgpDw1wD} counterattack! 3DwHwDNDP} 5DwDpHwDQ} 2P)PDB)PD} &w)w)wDwD}  %$wDQDRIw} Alex (Black) [C00] (2.7) v,./9EFJMV 3)wDwGwDP} You nearly got your Queen 2wDPDw)PD} 9 . . . Qb6 stuck… but once out of %$wDwDwIw} An ordinary move in the v,./9EFJMV danger, you always looked nicely in control of the French 26 Bg5 game. [But after the better move Should be winning! But 1 e4 e6 9...cxd4! the centre breaks.] White has reached the top of 2 Nf3 d5 10 dxc5 Bxc5 the hill, and now rolls down cuuuuuuuuC again. 3 Nc3 Nf6 (rDbDkDw4} 4 e5 70pDwDpDp} 26 . . . Qf5!? cuuuuuuuuC 27 Qxf7+ 6w1nDpDw0} (rhb1kgw4} 5Dwgp)wDw} [27.g4! Qe6 28.Bxd8] 70p0wDp0p} &wDwDwDwD} 27 . . . Qxf7 6wDwDphwD} 3DwHwDNDP} 28 Nxf7 Rf8 5DwDp)wDw} 2P)PDB)PD} 29 Ne5? Bxd4 &wDwDwDwD} %$wDQDRIw} 3DwHwDNDw} 30 Re1 Bxf2+ v,./9EFJMV 2P)P)w)P)} 11 a4 31 Kh2?? %$wGQIBDR} [31.Kf1] v,./9EFJMV Just invites Black to play their idea. This may actually 31 . . . Bxe1 4 . . . Ng4 be the best move here, but cuuuuuuuuC [4...Nfd7 is the book move, (wDwDw4kD} for reasons that I don't think keeping the Knight attacking White realised. 70pDwDw0w} the centre without being in 6wDpDwDwD} danger of falling off.] [So, 11.Na4 was the move 5DwDpHwGw} 5 d4 c5 White should have played.] &w)wDwDwD} 11 . . . Qxb2 3)wDwDwDP} 6 h3 2wDPDwDPI} 12 Nb5 Kd7 Just chases the Knight to cuuuuuuuuC %DwDwgwDw} where it might have to go v,./9EFJMV (rDbDwDw4} anyway. 70pDkDpDp} …And now Black is ahead [6.Bf4; 6wDnDpDw0} on points! 6.Bd3] 5DNgp)wDw} 32 c4 d4 6 . . . Nh6 &PDwDwDwD} 33 b5 cxb5 7 Bxh6 gxh6 3DwDwDNDP} 2w1PDB)PD} 34 cxb5 Rf5 8 Be2 Nc6 %$wDQDRIw} 35 Bd8 Rxe5 White's centre is creaking... v,./9EFJMV 36 b6 axb6 9 0–0 All very natural. 37 Bxb6 d3 [9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.0–0] 13 Nd6? 38 a4 d2 39 a5 d1Q Misses an opportunity: worse, just loses another And Black soon mated… pawn.

- page 29 - [13.Rb1! Qa2 14.Nc3 Qa3 28 Rc1 Nb4  Alex (White) [C64] (3.7) 15.Rb3 traps the Queen, 29 Re1 Nc2 A good win in the endgame making Black give up a 30 Bxc2 Rxc2 after the early part gave you piece with 15...Bxf2+] 31 Nd4 Rc4 13 . . . Bxd6 nothing. 32 Nf5+ Kf6 14 exd6 Kxd6 1 e4 e5 33 Nxg7 Kxg7 cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC 2 Nf3 Nc6 (rDbDwDw4} (wDwDwDwD} 3 Bb5 Bc5 70pDwDpDp} 70wDwDpip} 4 Bxc6 6wDnipDw0} 6w0wDbDw0} [4.c3; or 4.0–0 are better] 5DwDpDwDw} 5DwDwDwDw} &PDwDwDwD} 4 . . . dxc6 &PDrDwDw)} cuuuuuuuuC 3DwDwDNDP} 3DwDwDw)w} 2w1PDB)PD} (rDb1kDn4} 2wDwDw)wD} 70p0wDp0p} %$wDQDRIw} %DwDw$wIw} v,./9EFJMV 6wDpDwDwD} v,./9EFJMV 5Dwgw0wDw} If Black can get sorted - that Should be plain sailing from &wDwDPDwD} is, getting the rest of the here. 3DwDwDNDw} pieces out - they will win. 34 Ra1 a6 2P)P)w)P)} 15 Rb1 Qg7 %$NGQIwDR} 35 a5 bxa5 16 g3 b6 v,./9EFJMV 36 Rxa5 Rc6 17 h4 Qf6 5 Nxe5 37 f3 Bc4 18 Rb5 Rg8 Rather innocent; if you play cuuuuuuuuC 38 g4 Rf6 the Spanish you should (rDbDwDrD} 39 Kf2 Bb5 know this rarely wins a 70wDwDpDp} 40 Ra3 h5 pawn, and that your 6w0nip1w0} 41 gxh5 Kh6 strongest plan is usually c3 5DRDpDwDw} 42 Re3 Kxh5 and d4 (0–0 and a quick d4 &PDwDwDw)} 43 Re4 Bc6 is another approach, if the 3DwDwDN)w} Bishop isn't on c5!). 2wDPDB)wD} 44 Rc4 Rxf3+ %DwDQDRIw} 45 Ke2 Bb5 5 . . . Qd4 v,./9EFJMV 46 Kd2 Bxc4 6 Nd3 Qxe4+ 19 c4! 47 Kc2 a5 7 Qe2 Qxe2+ 8 Kxe2 b6 Very much the right attitude 48 Kd2 a4 from White, trying to keep 49 Kc2 a3 Yeuch. Black from getting sorted 50 Kd2 a2 9 Nxc5 bxc5 out. 51 Kc2 a1Q cuuuuuuuuC 19 . . . Qf5 52 Kd2 Qb2+ (rDbDkDn4} 20 cxd5 exd5 70w0wDp0p} 53 Ke1 Qe2# 6wDpDwDwD} 21 Rxd5+? 0-1 5Dw0wDwDw} White can't count? &wDwDwDwD} b If you see a good move, 21 . . . Qxd5 3DwDwDwDw} it may divert you from a 22 Qxd5+ Kxd5 2P)P)K)P)} great one! Think twice… %$NGwDwDR} 23 Rd1+ Ke6 v,./9EFJMV 24 Bc4+ Ke7 b Winning or losing, don’t Now Black has some 25 Re1+ Be6 let your opponent get settled! weaknesses and White has a 26 Bd3 Rg7 plan. 27 Be4 Rc8 10 Re1 Nf6

- page 30 - 11 Kf1+ Be6 [24.Re7 "A rook's first duty 38 . . . f5 12 Nc3 0–0 to the King is to seize an Hard to suggest anything 13 d3 c4 open file"... and the seventh good for Black, but this just rank!] Now dxc4 by White would shuts off a route through for stop Black making a target in 24 . . . Rd7 the black King. White’s own position. 25 Ree2 Rfd8 39 g4 fxg4 14 Bg5 Ng4 26 Ne4 Bxe4 40 hxg4 Rd6 15 Kg1 cxd3 27 Rxe4 41 Rxd6+ Kxd6 cuuuuuuuuC 42 a4 Kc6 16 cxd3 (wDw4wDkD} cuuuuuuuuC 70w0rDpDw} 43 f5 f6 (rDwDw4kD} 6wDpDw0w0} 44 b4 d3 70w0wDp0p} 5DwDPDwDw} 45 Kxd3 cxb4 6wDpDbDwD} &wDwDRDwD} 5DwDwDwGw} 46 Kc4 b3 3DPDwDwDP} 47 Kxb3 Kc5 &wDwDwDnD} 2PDw$w)PD} 3DwHPDwDw} %DwDwDwIw} 48 Kc3 Kb6 2P)wDw)P)} v,./9EFJMV 49 Kb4 Ka6 %$wDw$wIw} 27 . . . Rxd5 50 a5 Kb7 v,./9EFJMV 51 Kb5 Ka7 Giving White a weakness but Natural but I think I prefer the other one. 52 a6 Kb8 opening up a file against the 53 Kb6 Ka8 doubled pawns. So White [27...cxd5] 54 Kc6 Ka7 should have been thinking 28 Rxd5 cxd5 55 Kd5 h5 about the natural plan Rc1! 29 Re7 56 gxh5 Kxa6 16 . . . h6 White is now in good shape. 57 h6 Kb5 17 Bh4 Rab8 29 . . . Rc8 58 h7 Kb4 18 b3 Bf5 30 Rd7 c6 59 h8Q 19 h3 Nf6 31 Rxa7 d4 20 Bxf6 gxf6 and White checkmated 32 Rd7 c5 shortly after. 21 d4 Rbd8 33 Kf1 Kf8 1-0 22 Rad1 Bc2 34 Ke2 Ke8 23 Rd2 Bg6 35 Rd5 Ke7 b Everyone should know cuuuuuuuuC 36 Kd3 Rc6 (wDw4w4kD} the basic ideas behind 70w0wDpDw} 37 Kc4 Ke6 the Spanish Game (Ruy 6wDpDw0b0} 38 f4 Lopez Opening) 5DwDwDwDw} cuuuuuuuuC &wDw)wDwD} (wDwDwDwD} 3DPHwDwDP} 7DwDwDpDw} 2PDw$w)PD} 6wDrDk0w0} %DwDw$wIw} 5Dw0RDwDw} v,./9EFJMV &wDK0w)wD} 24 d5 3DPDwDwDP} 2PDwDwDPD} Just puts the Pawn in a pin! %DwDwDwDw} v,./9EFJMV

- page 31 - Kieran Stanbury General: You could play a lot more actively in the opening than you do – really try to set your opponent problems from the very beginning of the game, and you will pick up some easy wins. There were little tactical points here and there that you missed – we all do that, but make sure you don’t miss the same ones in future. You did very well to hold the ending in your second game. It looks to me as you could think more about what plan you are trying to follow – and that will help you use your pieces as more of a team. cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC  (rDb1kDw4} (rDw1w4kD} Kieran (White) [C11] 7DwDnDp0p} 7DwDnDp0p} (1.8) 6pDnDpDwD} 6bDQDpDwD} You didn’t really get a grip 5Dpgp)wDw} 50wDpDwDw} on this game. Have a think &wDwDwDwD} &PgwDwDwD} about how to set your 3DBHwDNDw} 3DBDwDwDw} opponent problems in the 2P)PDw)P)} 2w)wDw)P)} French %$wGQIwDR} %$wGNDRIw} 1 e4 e6 v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV 2 d4 d5 White's position is already 18 . . . Bxf1 3 Nc3 Nf6 starting to get awkward. [18...Ne5 19.Qc2 Bd3 4 e5 Nfd7 10 0–0? netting the Queen, is the sort cuuuuuuuuC [10.Qe2] of thing computers are good at spotting] (rhb1kgw4} 10 . . . Ncxe5 19 Kxf1 Qc8 70p0nDp0p} 11 Nxe5 Nxe5 6wDwDpDwD} I'm not sure about the With the disappearance of 5DwDp)wDw} notation here: presumably the centre pawns, White is &wDw)wDwD} White didn't leave the just in a poor position. 3DwHwDwDw} Queen hanging and Black 2P)PDw)P)} 12 Qe2 Nd7 didn't miss it. %$wGQIBHR} 13 a4 v,./9EFJMV 20 Qb6 Qa6+ A bit short-sighted: White 5 Nf3 21 Qxa6 Rxa6 should have thought about cuuuuuuuuC Not bad but not the most what would happen next, (wDwDw4kD} testing, according to theory. and didn't listen to what the 7DwDnDp0p} [5.f4 (Classical); Knight thought about it! 6rDwDpDwD} 5.Nce2 (Steinitz)] [13.Bf4] 50wDpDwDw} 5 . . . c5 13 . . . b4 &PgwDwDwD} 3DBDwDwDw} 6 dxc5 Bxc5 14 Nd1 2w)wDw)P)} [6...Nc6 is usually played Not a happy knight! %$wGNDKDw} first, in case Black gets a 14 . . . a5 v,./9EFJMV chance to take on e5.] 15 c3 0–0 Black just needs to swap off 7 Bb5 16 cxb4 Bxb4 the pieces to win. [7.Bd3 is the usual move.] 17 Qb5? 22 Be3 Nc5 7 . . . a6 [17.Qg4] 23 Bc2 Rc6 8 Ba4 b5 17 . . . Ba6 24 Rc1 Ne4 9 Bb3 18 Qc6 25 f3 Bd2 The bishop is now pointing 26 Bxd2 Nxd2+ at a solid line of pawns and 27 Ke2 Nc4 not the vulnerable h7 point. 28 b3 Ne5 9 . . . Nc6

- page 32 - 29 f4 Ng6 cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC (rDbDkDw4} (wDwDrDkD} 30 Kd2 Rfc8 70p0wDp0p} 31 Ne3 Nxf4 70b0wDpDp} 6wDpDwhwD} 6wDqDwDpD} 32 g3 d4 5DwgwHwDw} &wDw1PDwD} 5DwDnDwDw} 0-1 3DwDPDwDw} &PDwGwDwD} b 2P)PDw)P)} 3DPDP)wDP} It’s not enough to get a %$NGQIwDR} 2wDPDQDPD} stake in the centre in the v,./9EFJMV %$wDNDwIw} opening, you also have to ANALYSIS DIAGRAM v,./9EFJMV keep it! is a common trick for 22 . . . Nb4 regaining the pawn.] [22...Nf4! is clever, winning  Kieran (White) [C65] (2.8) 5 Bxc6 bxc6 a pawn.] Apart from the unexploded 6 Nxe5 Qe7 23 Rc1 bomb at move 10, this was a 7 Nc4 Bg7 [23.Nc3] good long defensive effort. 8 0–0 0–0 23 . . . Nxd3! 9 Re1 Re8 1 e4 e5 Also clever! 2 Nf3 Nc6 10 Nc3 d5 24 Rb1 Nf4 3 Bb5 Nf6 cuuuuuuuuC (rDbDrDkD} cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC (wDwDrDkD} (rDb1kgw4} 70w0w1pgp} 6wDpDwhpD} 70b0wDpDp} 70p0pDp0p} 6wDqDwDpD} 6wDnDwhwD} 5DwDpDwDw} &wDNDPDwD} 5DwDwDwDw} 5DBDw0wDw} &PDwGwhwD} &wDwDPDwD} 3DwHPDwDw} 2P)PDw)P)} 3DPDw)wDP} 3DwDwDNDw} 2wDPDQDPD} 2P)P)w)P)} %$wGQ$wIw} v,./9EFJMV %DRDNDwIw} %$NGQIwDR} v,./9EFJMV Now comes a wonderful v,./9EFJMV 25 Qf3? 4 d3 double oversight: [25.Qd2] [4.0–0 is better, getting on 11 exd5?? Qf8?? 25 . . . Qxc2 with development and [11...Qxe1+ 12.Qxe1 Rxe1# staying as active as possible. was hard to watch without After the disaster on move Most of the time you are twitching!] 12, Black is doing well with these little tactics. None of thinking about playing d4 at 12 dxc6 Ba6 them are very complicated some point in the Ruy 13 b3 Re7 Lopez.] but they are the sort of things 14 h3 Qe8 that win games: spotting 4 . . . g6? 15 Re3 Rxe3 something your opponent Once White defends the e4- 16 Nxe3 Qxc6 has missed. pawn, Black may be 17 Bb2 Bb7 dropping the e5-pawn. 26 Rb2 Qxb2 18 a4 Bh6 27 Nxb2 Bxf3 [4...Bc55.Bxc6 dxc6 6.Nxe5 19 Qe2 Bxe3 28 gxf3 Ne2+ Qd4 20 fxe3 Re8 29 Kf2 Nxd4 21 Nd1 Nd5 30 exd4 Kg7 22 Bd4 31 Nd3 f5 32 Ne5

- page 33 - cuuuuuuuuC  13 a4 (wDwDrDwD} Kieran (Black) [C46] (3.8) cuuuuuuuuC 70w0wDwip} Another long endgame (wDk4wgw4} 6wDwDwDpD} which you might have been 70p0qDwDp} 5DwDwHpDw} unlucky to lose. 6wDnDw0wD} &PDw)wDwD} 1 e4 e5 5DNDw0wDw} 3DPDwDPDP} 2 Nf3 Nc6 &PDw0wDwD} 2wDwDwIwD} 3DwDPDNDw} %DwDwDwDw} 3 Nc3 2w)PDw)P)} v,./9EFJMV cuuuuuuuuC %$wDQDRIw} (rDb1kgn4} v,./9EFJMV 32 . . . a5 70p0pDp0p} Right idea, normally, but 6wDnDwDwD} 13 . . . Qd5 here just sends the Rook to 5DwDw0wDw} [13...Rg8 Rooks belong on sleep. &wDwDPDwD} open files.] [32...c5 33.Nc6 cxd4 3DwHwDNDw} 14 c4 dxc3!ep 34.Nxd4 Kf6] 2P)P)w)P)} I wonder if White had 33 Nc6! Ra8 %$wGQIBDR} missed this recapture. v,./9EFJMV 34 d5 Kf6 15 Nxc3 Qxd3 3 . . . d6 35 Kg3 16 Qxd3 Rxd3 Shuts in the Bf8 without [35.Ke3; 35.f4] 17 a5 a6 good reason. 35 . . . g5 18 Ne4 Be7 [3...Nf6 may be a yawn but 36 f4 h5 19 Rad1 Rb3 is also best and easiest for 37 fxg5+ Kxg5 [19...Rhd8 keeps control of Black.] cuuuuuuuuC the file.] 4 Bc4 Be6 (rDwDwDwD} 20 Rd2 Nxa5 5 Bxe6 fxe6 7Dw0wDwDw} 21 Nh4 6wDNDwDwD} 6 0–0 Qd7 cuuuuuuuuC 50wDPDpip} 7 d3 0–0–0 (wDkDwDw4} &PDwDwDwD} 8 Be3 d5 7Dp0wgwDp} 3DPDwDwIP} cuuuuuuuuC 6pDwDw0wD} 2wDwDwDwD} (wDk4wgn4} 5hwDw0wDw} %DwDwDwDw} 70p0qDw0p} &wDwDNDwH} v,./9EFJMV 6wDnDpDwD} 3DrDwDwDw} White has allowed Black to 5DwDp0wDw} 2w)w$w)P)} create a passed pawn &wDwDPDwD} %DwDwDRIw} without really fighting 3DwHPGNDw} v,./9EFJMV against it. 2P)PDw)P)} 21 . . . f5? 38 Kf2 Rh8 %$wDQDRIw} v,./9EFJMV Asleep? 39 Kg3 9 exd5 [21...Nc4 getting that piece White is losing in theory but back into play is important Sorts out Black's pawns for did well in the end! for Black.] him. …Drawn 22 Nxf5 Bb4 9 . . . exd5 23 Rd5 Nc4 b 10 Nb5 Know the ideas behind 24 Rc1 Rxb2 the openings you play – Doesn't really co-ordinate 25 h3 Nd2 that is, what moves with anything. 26 Nxd2 Bxd2 would you hope to play 10 . . . d4 up to move 12? 27 Rd1 11 Bg5 Nf6 b Little tactics win games! 12 Bxf6 gxf6

- page 34 - cuuuuuuuuC 30 h4 Bf4 Nervous. In Exeter we say (wDkDwDw4} [30...Rd8! is an alternative.] “KUFTE”: King Up For The 7Dp0wDwDp} 31 Ne7+ Kb8 Endgame! 6pDwDwDwD} 5DwDR0NDw} 32 Nxg8 43 Nd5 Rh8? &wDwDwDwD} [32.Re4!] Oops. 3DwDwDwDP} 32 . . . Bxe5 44 Nxc3 Rxh6+ 2w4wgw)PD} 33 Rd8+ Ka7 45 Kg2 Rc6 %DwDRDwIw} 34 Rd7 Rb1+ 46 Nd5 Rc2+ v,./9EFJMV 35 Kg2 Rb2 47 Kh3 Rc5 27 . . . Bf4? 36 Rxh7 48 Re8+ [27...Bb4! 28.Rxe5 and Black cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC should then get the Queen's- (wDwDwDND} (wiwDRDwD} side pawns rolling.] 7ip0wDwDR} 7Dp0wDwDw} 28 g3? 6pDwDwDwD} 6wDwDwDwD} [28.Ne7+ Kb8 29.Rd8+ 5DwDwgwDw} 50w4NDwDw} Rxd8 30.Rxd8+ Ka7 &wDwDwDw)} &wDwDwDwD} 31.Nc8+ and White gets a 3DwDwDw)w} 3DwDwDw)K} draw by perpetual – which I 2w4wDw)KD} 2wDwDwDwD} think he should take!] %DwDwDwDw} %DwDwDwDw} 28 . . . Bg5 v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV 29 Rxe5 Rg8 Level material but I always There are drawing chances if cuuuuuuuuC fancy the side with the Black can get the pawns (wDkDwDrD} Bishop when there is play on going. both wings. 7Dp0wDwDp} 1-0 6pDwDwDwD} 36 . . . Rd2 5DwDw$Ngw} 37 h5 a5 b Material (points) doesn’t &wDwDwDwD} 38 Re7 Bd4 matter as much as activity 3DwDwDw)P} and co-ordination. 2w4wDw)wD} 39 h6 [39.Kf3] %DwDRDwIw} b KUFTE: King Up For The v,./9EFJMV 39 . . . Rxf2+ Endgame! Black is looking 40 Kh3 Rf8 disorganised. Material 41 Re4 (points) doesn’t matter as [41.h7] much as activity and co- 41 . . . Bc3 ordination. 42 Ne7 Kb8

- page 35 - Charles Rochford General: Really characterful defence in your third game --- well done. You could do a lot more with your choice of opening moves – it all looks like you’re in second gear, when you could be speeding away to the finishing line. lightning and try and make 15 e5 dxe5  Charles (Black) [C44] (1.9) trouble for White. 16 fxg5 You were never really in this 8 . . . c6 White is distracted by game because of your slow 9 Nc3 c5 winning a pawn. opening play. 10 Qc4 Nf6 [16.fxe5 is consistent and 1 e4 e5 11 0–0 h6 very strong for White.] 2 Nf3 Nc6 cuuuuuuuuC 16 . . . hxg5 (rDwDkgw4} 17 Bxg5 0–0 3 d4 d6 70pDqDp0w} [3...exd4 is best.] 6wDw0whw0} 18 Bxf6 Bxf6 4 Bb5 Bd7 5Dw0PDwDw} 19 Ne4 Rfe8 cuuuuuuuuC &wDQDPDwD} 20 d6 Qd8 (rDw1kgn4} 3DwHwDwDw} 21 d7 Re6 70p0bDp0p} 2P)PDw)P)} 22 Rad1 b6 6wDn0wDwD} %$wGwDRIw} 23 c3 a6 5DBDw0wDw} v,./9EFJMV &wDw)PDwD} 24 a4 Kg7 Black has just fallen behind cuuuuuuuuC 3DwDwDNDw} in development with all 2P)PDw)P)} (rDw1wDwD} %$NGQIwDR} those pawn moves. Little 7DwDPDpiw} v,./9EFJMV moves like h6 are often 6p0wDrgwD} thought of as being 'safety 5Dw0w0wDw} Now we're in a Ruy Lopez first', but because they waste &PDQDNDwD} position. time, they are very 3Dw)wDw)w} 5 d5 dangerous! 2w)wDwDw)} [5.Nc3] [11...Be7] %DwDR$wIw} 5 . . . Nd4? 12 Re1 Qe7 v,./9EFJMV 25 Rf1! Ra7 Oops - Black just needed to Moving the Queen onto the count the attackers and same file as the King is Black is in trouble but this defenders. asking for trouble! just loses. [5...Nce7] [12...Be7 and castling was 26 Nxf6 Rxf6 6 Nxd4 exd4 much better.] 27 Rxf6 Rxd7 7 Bxd7+ Qxd7 13 g3 g5 [27...Kxf6 28.Qh4+] 8 Qxd4 14 f4 Bg7 28 Rxd7 Qxd7 cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC 29 Rxb6 Qe7 (rDwDkgn4} (rDwDkDw4} 30 Rxa6 70p0qDp0p} 70pDw1pgw} 1-0 6wDw0wDwD} 6wDw0whw0} 5DwDPDwDw} 5Dw0PDw0w} b Little moves like h6 are &wDw!PDwD} &wDQDP)wD} often thought of as being 3DwDwDwDw} 3DwHwDw)w} 'safety first', but because 2P)PDwDw)} 2P)PDw)P)} they waste time, they are %$NGwIwDR} %$wGw$wIw} v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV very dangerous! OK, now Black is behind, Now White can break in the the idea is to develop like centre before Black has castled -- very dangerous.

- page 36 -  cuuuuuuuuC Charles (Black) [C50] (2.9) (rDb1kDw4} Charles (White) [C44] The game got bogged down 70p0wDp0w} in sticky toffee… yeuch. 6wDn0whw0} (3.9) 1 e4 e5 5DwDw0wDw} Game 2 Bc4 Nf6 &wDBDPDwD} 3DwHP)NDw} of the 3 Nc3 2P)PDwDP)}
cuuuuuuuuC %$wDQDRIw} Round (rhb1kgw4} v,./9EFJMV 70p0pDp0p} A great effort of defence: 6wDwDwhwD} Now White has a half-open White just refused to lose! f-file to attack down. 5DwDw0wDw} 1 e4 e5 &wDBDPDwD} 8 . . . Ng4 2 Nf3 Nc6 3DwHwDwDw} A solo effort like this is 2P)P)w)P)} 3 d4 Nf6 bound to be stopped easily cuuuuuuuuC %$wGQIwHR} by the defence. v,./9EFJMV (rDb1kgw4} 9 Nd5 70p0pDp0p} 3 . . . Bc5 [9.Qe2] 6wDnDwhwD} [3...Nxe4! livens things up: 5DwDw0wDw} White should reply 4.Qh5!] 9 . . . Be6 &wDw)PDwD} 4 Nf3 Nc6 10 Qe2 3DwDwDNDw} 5 d3 cuuuuuuuuC 2P)PDw)P)} cuuuuuuuuC (rDw1kDw4} %$NGQIBDR} (rDb1kDw4} 70p0wDp0w} v,./9EFJMV 6wDn0bDw0} 70p0pDp0p} 4 Qd3 6wDnDwhwD} 5DwDN0wDw} &wDBDPDnD} Rather defensive from White 5Dwgw0wDw} already. &wDBDPDwD} 3DwDP)NDw} 3DwHPDNDw} 2P)PDQDP)} [4.Nc3! is the Scotch Four 2P)PDw)P)} %$wDwDRIw} Knights, but I also liked the %$wGQIwDR} v,./9EFJMV look of 4.dxe5 Nxe4 5.Qd5, v,./9EFJMV Drawn at this point trying to set some problems.] Oh no... it's the dreaded Old Your comment after the 4 . . . d6 Stodge! game was interesting: "I 5 d5 Ne7 couldn't think of anything to 5 . . . h6 6 Bg5 Ng6 do". That's the trouble with 7 g3 Bg4 Oh dear... a very slow, these Old Stodge positions. unnecessary and defensive 8 Be2 Qd7 move. That's the opposite of b 9 Nc3 0–0–0 You need something cuuuuuuuuC the way Black should be better to play than Old playing! (wDk4wgw4} Stodge – and if you can 70p0qDp0p} 6 0–0 d6 avoid it as Black too, all 6wDw0whnD} 7 Be3 the better. 5DwDP0wGw} Not bad. &wDwDPDbD} 7 . . . Bxe3 3DwHQDN)w} 2P)PDB)w)} 8 fxe3 %$wDwIwDR} v,./9EFJMV 10 Qe3 [10.h3 is a trap: 10...Bxh3? 11.Ng1 nets the Bishop]

- page 37 - 10 . . . c5 cuuuuuuuuC [I was just hoping you would 11 b3 h5 (wDkDwDw4} see 37.Bh3! but your move 12 Bxf6 gxf6 70pDwDwDw} also makes a lot of progress.] 6wDw0NDng} 13 h4 Bh6 37 . . . Nf6 5DB0P0wDp} 38 Rxc5+ Kd7 14 Qd3 f5 &PDwDwDw)} cuuuuuuuuC 3$PDwDw)w} 39 Be2 Re4 (wDk4wDw4} 2wDwDw4wD} 40 Kd1 h4 70pDqDpDw} %DwDKDw$w} 41 Rc3 Rd4+ 6wDw0wDng} v,./9EFJMV 42 Kc1 Nd5 5Dw0P0pDp} 26 Ng5 &wDwDPDb)} 43 Rd3 Rxd3 3DPHQDN)w} [26.g4 looked worth a try to 44 Bxd3 h3? 2PDPDB)wD} me at the time but at home I 45 Bf5+! Kc6 %$wDwIwDR} see 26...Rd2+] 46 Bxh3 b5 v,./9EFJMV 26 . . . Rhf8 cuuuuuuuuC Black is starting to take 27 Ke1 a6 (wDwDwDwD} control of the game. 28 Rf1 Rxf1+ 7DwDwDwDw} 6pDkDwDwD} 15 a4 f4 29 Bxf1 Bxg5 30 hxg5 Rf3 5DpDnDwDw} 16 Rg1 fxg3 &PDwDwDwD} 17 fxg3 f5 cuuuuuuuuC (wDkDwDwD} 3DPDwDwDB} 18 exf5 Bxf5 7DpDwDwDw} 2wDwDwDwD} cuuuuuuuuC 6pDw0wDnD} %DwIwDwDw} (wDk4wDw4} 5Dw0P0w)p} v,./9EFJMV 70pDqDwDw} &PDwDwDwD} Now it should be a draw. 6wDw0wDng} 3$PDwDr)w} 47 Bf1 5Dw0P0bDp} 2wDwDwDwD} &PDwDwDw)} [If White wants a draw, then %DwDwIBDw} the easiest way to go for it is 3DPHQDN)w} v,./9EFJMV 2wDPDBDwD} 47.axb5+ axb5 (47...Kxb5 %$wDwIw$w} 31 Ra2 48.Bf1+ Ka5 49.Bxa6) v,./9EFJMV Good! Leaving the Rook 48.Bg2 Kc5 49.Kd2] 19 Qb5 defending there was just 47 . . . bxa4 losing. [19.Ne4 isn't pretty, but at 48 bxa4 a5 least doesn't lose a pawn.] 31 . . . Rxg3 49 Bb5+ Kc5 19 . . . Qxb5 32 Rf2 Rxg5 50 Kb2 Kb4 20 Bxb5 33 Rf6 Ne7 51 Be8 [20.axb5! Bxc2 21.Rxa7] 34 Rxd6 e4 cuuuuuuuuC 20 . . . Bxc2 35 Re6 Nxd5 (wDwDBDwD} 36 Rxe4 Rg4 7DwDwDwDw} 21 Ng5 Rdf8 6wDwDwDwD} 22 Ne6 Rf6 cuuuuuuuuC (wDkDwDwD} 50wDnDwDw} 23 Ra3 Rf3 7DpDwDwDw} &PiwDwDwD} 24 Nd1 Bxd1 6pDwDwDwD} 3DwDwDwDw} [24...Rg8] 5Dw0nDwDp} 2wIwDwDwD} 25 Kxd1 Rf2 &PDwDRDrD} %DwDwDwDw} 3DPDwDwDw} v,./9EFJMV 2wDwDwDwD} Black keeps coming up with %DwDwIBDw} ideas about how to win this: v,./9EFJMV I was impressed. 37 Re5 51 . . . Nc7

- page 38 - 52 Bd7 Na8 [59.Bxb5 Kxb5 60.Kb3 and 73 Ka2 53 Be8 Nb6 everyone should know how cuuuuuuuuC 54 Ka2 Nxa4 to draw this.] (wDwDwDwD} 55 Ka1 Nb6 59 . . . a4 7DwDwDBDw} 56 Ka2 Nd5 60 Kb2 a3+ 6wDwDwDwD} 5DwDwDwDw} 57 Kb2 Nc7 61 Ka2 Nc3+ 62 Ka1 Kb3 &wiwDwDwD} 58 Bd7 Nb5 30wDwDwDw} cuuuuuuuuC 63 Be6+ Kc2 2KDnDwDwD} (wDwDwDwD} 64 Bf7 Kc1 %DwDwDwDw} 7DwDBDwDw} 65 Bg8 Kc2 v,./9EFJMV 6wDwDwDwD} 66 Bf7 Kd3 Drawn 50nDwDwDw} 67 Bg8 Kd4 &wiwDwDwD} A very gritty defense by 3DwDwDwDw} 68 Bf7 Kc5 White when it would have 2wIwDwDwD} 69 Bg8 Kb4 been easy to get careless or %DwDwDwDw} 70 Bf7 Nd1 give up. v,./9EFJMV 71 Bg8 Ne3 59 Kc2 72 Bf7 Nc2+ Blaise Radley General: I’m sorry that the most moves I have are from the game you lost! However, that was a good scrap, with lots of things to learn from it. I’d really like you to be playing a different opening – having said that, you could have finished the game at move 10! So I think you should be looking twice at your moves, making sure you aren’t playing something OK-but-not-great when you have a big opportunity on the board. cuuuuuuuuC 8 Nc3 Blaise(White) [A00] (rDb1kDw4} cuuuuuuuuC 70p0wDp0p} (1.10) (rDb1kDw4} 6wDn0whwD} 70p0wDp0p} 1-0 5Dwgw0wDw} 6wDnDwDwD} Sorry, I don’t have the &wDBDPDwD} 5Dwgn0wHw} score of this game 3DwDPDNDw} &wDBDwDwD} 2P)PDw)P)} 3DwHPDwDw}  Blaise (White) [C55] %$NGQDRIw} 2P)PDw)P)} (2.10) v,./9EFJMV %$wGQDRIw} v,./9EFJMV A good long scrap which More Old Stodge. could have been a lot 6 Ng5 8 . . . Nxc3 shorter! Moving a piece twice in the 9 bxc3 1 e4 e5 opening is usually a waste of [9.Bxf7!+ picks up a pawn] 2 Nf3 Nc6 time. 9 . . . 0–0 6 . . . d5? cuuuuuuuuC 3 Bc4 Nf6 (rDb1w4kD} 4 d3 Bc5 This is OK in similar 70p0wDp0p} 5 0–0 d6 positions, but just loses a 6wDnDwDwD} pawn here. 5Dwgw0wHw} [6...0–0 is fine: White &wDBDwDwD} shouldn't be in a hurry to 3Dw)PDwDw} lose two active developed 2PDPDw)P)} pieces for a Rook that is still %$wGQDRIw} half-asleep.] v,./9EFJMV 7 exd5 Nxd5 Castling into it!

- page 39 - 10 Nf3 21 Bxd6 cxd6 [10.Qh5! wins] 22 Qxd6 Qxc4 b The third move by that 23 Rfc1 Qe4 Most early attacks end in Knight… This is how most 24 f3 retreat… Build up your attacks, and you will be early attacks end, in retreat… [24.Re1 Qf5] able to keep going 10 . . . Bg4 24 . . . Qe3+ Now all is calm again. cuuuuuuuuC b Even if you see a good (rDwDwDkD} 11 h3 Be6 move, make sure you 70pDwDr0p} aren’t missing a great [11...Bh5] 6wDw!pDwD} one! 12 Bxe6 fxe6 5DwDwDwDw} cuuuuuuuuC &wDwDwDwD} (rDw1w4kD} 3DwDw1PDP}  Blaise (Black) (3.10) 70p0wDw0p} 2PDwDwDPD} cuuuuuuuuC 6wDnDpDwD} %$w$wDwIw} (wDwDwDwD} 5Dwgw0wDw} v,./9EFJMV 7DwDwDwDw} &wDwDwDwD} 25 Kf1 6wDwDwDwD} 5DwDkDwDb} 3Dw)PDNDP} [25.Kh1!] 2PDPDw)PD} &pDwGwDw)} %$wGQDRIw} 25 . . . Re8 3)pIwDw)w} v,./9EFJMV [25...Raf8! is good, 2wDwDwDwD} threatening to checkmate %DwDwDwDw} Black's pawns are terrible. after detonating f3.] v,./9EFJMV 13 d4? 26 Re1 Qf4 I'm sorry to say I over-wrote White can't count. 27 Qc5 b6 the first part of this game [13.Ng5 is best, hitting h7 28 Qb5 Ree7 because I wanted to collect and e6 and with an idea of 29 Rad1 g6 this position; Black should 1...b2 2.Kxb2 settling on e4] 30 Rd3 Kg7 have tried Kxd4 but tragically it's still a 13 . . . exd4 31 Red1 h5 14 cxd4 Bxd4 draw even after White loses 32 g4 hxg4 all three pawns because 15 Nxd4 Nxd4 33 hxg4 Qxg4 Black is left with the 'wrong 16 Ba3 Rf7 34 Ke1 rook's pawn'. 17 c3 Nb5 [34.Qe5+ Kh7 35.Qh2+ cuuuuuuuuC 18 Bb2 Qe7 Qh5 36.Qg3] (wDwDwDwD} 19 c4 Nd6 34 . . . Qg3+ 7DwDwDwDw} 20 Ba3 35 Kd2 Rxf3 6wDwDwDwD} 5DwDwDwDw} cuuuuuuuuC 36 Rxf3 Qxf3 (rDwDwDkD} &pDwDwDwD} 70p0w1r0p} 37 Rf1 3DbiwDwDw} 6wDwhpDwD} Not sure I got these next 2wDwDwDwD} 5DwDwDwDw} couple of moves down %IwDwDwDw} &wDPDwDwD} correctly! v,./9EFJMV 3GwDwDwDP} 37 . . . Qd5+ DRAW 2PDwDw)PD} 38 Qxd5 Kh6 And, given that a draw is the %$wDQDRIw} 0-1 best you could ever do, you v,./9EFJMV should have forced it straight 20 . . . Qh4 away. I would be happier to get that last piece into play. [20...Rd8; 20...Raf8]

- page 40 - Sam Head General: The third game showed me that you really understand what you are supposed to be doing in the opening; the other two games showed me that you need to know a bit more about the openings you play, so you get a chance to show what you can do. Twice in the first game you hit at knights arriving near your position; these moves are often weakening or a waste of time – or both! Find something positive to do instead, if your opponent isn’t threatening anything. cuuuuuuuuC while Black loses only a  (rDb1w4kD} sleepy Rook. Sam [C55] (Black) (1.11) 70p0pDp0p} A nice game where White 6wDnDwhwD} Don’t force your opponent lost control after a too-early 5Dwgw0wDw} to play their plan! attack. &wDBDPDwD} 9 Bxf7+ Rxf7 1 e4 e5 3DwHwDNDw} 10 Nxf7 Qxf7 2 Bc4 Nc6 2P)P)w)P)} cuuuuuuuuC %$wGQDRIw} 3 Nf3 Nf6 (rDbDwDkD} cuuuuuuuuC v,./9EFJMV 70p0wDq0w} (rDb1kgw4} Early castling in these 'Old 6wDn0whw0} 70p0pDp0p} Stodge' positions can 5Dwgw0wDw} 6wDnDwhwD} actually be dangerous - &wDwDPDwD} 5DwDw0wDw} which is one reason why I 3)wHwDwDP} &wDBDPDwD} don't think juniors should 2w)P)w)PD} 3DwDwDNDw} play them. %$wGQDRIw} v,./9EFJMV 2P)P)w)P)} [5...d6] 11 Nb5 %$NGQIwDR} 6 a3 v,./9EFJMV Again, not even a threat. In this quiet position, time- The Two Knights' Defence: wasting like this is not [11.d3] one of the basic openings dangerous, but it is pointless. 11 . . . a6 that everyone should know a It usually tells me that a …so it's not important to bit about. player hasn't a clue what to chase it away. 4 Nc3 do in the position - and if [11...Be6 is a natural [4.d4 exd45.0–0 is what I that's true, White shouldn't developing move, which recommend for White.; be playing these positions. also has the nasty threat of 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 b5 is what I 6 . . . d6 ...Bc4.] recommend for Black 6.Bxb5 7 h3 12 Nc3 d5 Qxd5; Another miserable tiny pawn 13 exd5 Nxd5 4.d3 is a miserable move, move, although actually 14 Nxd5 Qxd5 but often played.] ...Bg4 can be quite 15 Qf3 4 . . . Bc5 dangerous if you have cuuuuuuuuC [4...Nxe4! is a simple castled. (rDbDwDkD} equaliser; I mention this 7 . . . Qe7 7Dp0wDw0w} every year!] 8 Ng5 6pDnDwDw0} 5 0–0 0–0 5Dwgq0wDw} This Knight won't do much &wDwDwDwD} on its own. 3)wDwDQDP} [8.d3] 2w)P)w)PD} 8 . . . h6 %$wGwDRIw} v,./9EFJMV No need for this, although it does make most of White's 15 . . . Qxf3 developed pieces vanish [15...e4 keeping the Queen makes more of Black's

- page 41 - activity, but winning a pawn 6 . . . Qxh5  Sam [C20](White) (2.11) can't be bad either.] [6...Nxc2+!; This time you attacked too 16 gxf3 Nd4 6...Qxe4+ 7.Kf1 g6!] early… glad you escaped the 17 Kg2 Nxc2 usual penalty! 7 gxh5 Nxc2+ 18 Rb1 Nb4 8 Kd1 Nxa1 1 e4 e5 Not sure I have the position White has been trying to lose right here! 2 Qh5 cuuuuuuuuC a Rook all game... 19 d3 (rhb1kgn4} 9 Nf3 Nf6 [19.axb4] 70p0pDp0p} 10 Bb5 a6 19 . . . Nxd3 6wDwDwDwD} 11 Bc4 20 Bd2 5DwDw0wDQ} cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC &wDwDPDwD} (rDbDkgw4} (rDbDwDkD} 3DwDwDwDw} 7Dp0pDp0p} 7Dp0wDw0w} 2P)P)w)P)} 6pDwDwhwD} 6pDwDwDw0} %$NGwIBHR} 5DwDw0wGP} 5Dwgw0wDw} v,./9EFJMV &wDBDPDwD} &wDwDwDwD} I was surprised to see this 3DwDwDNDw} 3)wDnDPDP} played at this level. Mind 2P)wDw)w)} 2w)wGw)KD} you, that's not as surprised as %hNDKDwDR} %DRDwDRDw} GM Sasikiran when US v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV Champion GM Nakamura …1-0 20 . . . Nxf2 played it against him. It all White did well to turn this 21 Bc3? depends on what ideas you one around! [21.Rxf2 restores the number have to show... On this evidence, White should play I know I keep saying players of pieces although the pawns need to know the ideas are another matter.] a line where they can show more ideas than mating on behind their openings, but 21 . . . Bxh3+! f7. this opening really doesn’t 22 Kg1 Bxf1 have more than one idea, 23 Rxf1 Rf8 2 . . . Nc6 and if your opponent spots it, 24 f4 exf4 3 Bc4 Qf6 you will be left with nothing, [24...Nd1+ forces the 4 d4 Nxd4 maybe worse… 5 Bg5 exchange of another piece.] b 25 Kh2 Ng4+ cuuuuuuuuC You need a better idea in (rDbDkgn4} the opening than going with a simple win. 70p0pDp0p} for a simple checkmate …0-1 6wDwDw1wD} from move 1. 5DwDw0wGQ} b A sequence like Nxf7 &wDBhPDwD} Sam(White) [B31] (3.11) Rxf7; Bxf7+ Kxf7 usually 3DwDwDwDw} leaves the attacker 2P)PDw)P)} Oops. without any active pieces %$NDwIwHR} 1 e4 c5 v,./9EFJMV 2 Nf3 Nc6 bUnless you have a very 5 . . . Qg6 3 Bb5 g6 good reason to nudge Safe enough. forward a rook's pawn, 4 Bxc6 bxc6 sit and think of a better [It's risky, but Black can get 5 d4 cxd4 idea! It’s nearly always way with 5...Nxc2+6.Kd1 6 Qxd4 Nf6 better to get a different Qxf2 7.Nf3 g6!] 7 Bg5 piece into play. 6 g4 This move threatens nothing.

- page 42 - cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC (rDb1kgw4} (rDb1kDw4} (rDb1kDw4} 70wDp0pDp} 70wDp0pgp} 70wDp0pgp} 6wDpDwhpD} 6wDpDwDpD} 6wDpDwDpD} 5DwDwDwGw} 5DwDwHwGw} 5DwDwhwGw} &wDw!PDwD} &wDw!PDnD} &wDw!P)wD} 3DwDwDNDw} 3DwDwDwDw} 3DwDwDwDP} 2P)PDw)P)} 2P)PDw)P)} 2P)PDwDPD} %$NDwIwDR} %$NDwIwDR} %$NDwIwDR} v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV I like all those moves for It's already bad for White. Nearly brilliant, but: White: quick and aggressive 9 h3 10 . . . Nf3+ development. [9.f4 h6 10.Bh4 g5] 0-1 7 . . . Bg7 9 . . . Nxe5 These discoveries are always 8 Ne5 10 f4 hard to see coming. But I didn’t like that one, moving a piece twice b Don’t move a piece twice without good reason. in the opening without [8.Nc3] good reason: it’s nearly 8 . . . Ng4 always better to get a different piece into play. Savanna Bonstow General: Your play in the first game showed a lack of ambition; you should aim to develop so quickly and so aggressively in the opening, that if you opponent makes the slightest mistake, they are going to get checkmated early on. The other two games were very clean-cut victories. 4 Be2 cuuuuuuuuC (rDbDkDn4}  Savanna(White) [B27] [4.g3 is the best way to develop, otherwise all 70pDw0pgp} (1.12) 6wDn0wDpD} White developed too slowly White's pieces will be very tame.] 5Dw0wDwDw} to afford to drop a pawn in &wDwDPDwD} the opening. 4 . . . Nc6 3Dw1PGNDw} 1 e4 c5 5 0–0 d6 2PDwHB)P)} 2 Nf3 g6 6 c3 Qb6 %$wDQDRIw} cuuuuuuuuC 7 Be3? v,./9EFJMV (rhb1kgn4} overlooking Black's idea. Black has spent a bit of time 70pDp0pDp} [7.Na3 Nf6 collecting the pawns, but 6wDwDwDpD} White's tightly bunched 5Dw0wDwDw} 8.Nc4 Qc7 pieces are not creating any &wDwDPDwD} 9.a4] pressure on Black's position, 3DwDwDNDw} 7 . . . Qxb2 and it's hard to see how they 2P)P)w)P)} 8 Nbd2 Qxc3 are going to do that quickly %$NGQIBDR} enough to get White back v,./9EFJMV into the game. If White had 3 d3 developed pieces into more Ooh, too slow. active positions early on, then Black would probably [Better ideas include: 3.Bc4; have some problems getting 3.c3; 3.c4 See Laurens' third sorted. This is another game; 3.d4] example of how 'safe' moves 3 . . . Bg7

- page 43 - in the opening can lose the 24 Kxf3 b6 52 Kb5 Rb4+ game for you! 25 b4 53 Kc5 Rh4 9 Qa4 Bd7 I think I must have gone 54 Kd5 Kc3 10 Qb3? wrong earlier: the score says 55 Ke5 Kd3 I think White missed Black's "a4"! 56 Kd5 Rh5+ idea again. 25 . . . Re8 57 Ke6 Kd4 10 . . . Qxb3 26 g4 a5 58 Kf6 Ke4 11 axb3 Bxa1 27 bxa5 bxa5 59 Kg6 Ra5 12 Rxa1 Nf6 28 Kg3 d5 60 Kf6 Rb5 13 d4 cxd4 29 f4 Re4 61 Ke6 Rb6+ 14 Nxd4 Nxd4 30 Bb2 d4 62 Kd7 Kd5 15 Bxd4 0–0 31 h4 d3 63 Kc7 Rh6 16 e5 32 Kf2 64 Kd7 Rh7+ [16.Bxa7] [32.Bc3] 65 Ke8 Ke6 16 . . . Nd5 32 . . . a4 66 Kf8 Kf6 17 exd6 exd6 [32...d2!] 67 Kg8 Ra7 18 Nf3 0-1 68 Kh8 Kg6 [18.Ne4 Rfe8 19.Bf3 makes 69 Kg8 Ra8# bYou must play as actively more of a fight of it.] 0–1 and aggressively in the 18 . . . Rfe8 opening as you can. Very deft, quick play. It’s cuuuuuuuuC possible to checkmate more (rDwDrDkD} Playing safe is too dangerous! quickly using king and rook, 70pDbDpDp} but I think that’s the easy 6wDw0wDpD} way to do it. 5DwDnDwDw}  Savanna [Black] (2.12) &wDwGwDwD} A good killer instinct! 3DPDwDNDw}  Savanna (Black) [C20] cuuuuuuuuC (3.12) 2wDwDB)P)} (wDwDwDwD} %$wDwDwIw} 7DwDwDwDw} A real wipe-out – vigorous v,./9EFJMV 6pDwDwDwD} and mostly accurate. 19 Re1 5DwDkDwDw} 1 e4 e5 Just invites swaps, if nothing &wDwHwDwD} 2 Qh5 Nc6 worse! White needs to keep 3)K)wDwDw} 3 Bc4 g6 pieces on, and not risk 2w)wDwDrD} 4 Qf3 Nf6 getting into a pin like this. %DwDwDwDw} v,./9EFJMV 5 g4 [19.Bc4] cuuuuuuuuC 19 . . . Nf4 Black finishes off well from (rDb1kgw4} here. (Sorry I lost the first 20 Kf1 70p0pDpDp} bit!) [20.Be3 keeps pieces on] 6wDnDwhpD} 43 Ka4 Rxb2 20 . . . Nxe2 5DwDw0wDw} 44 Ka5 Ra2 &wDBDPDPD} 21 Rxe2 Rxe2 45 a4 Ra3 3DwDwDQDw} [21...Bb5! wins another 46 Ne2 Kc4 ! 2P)P)w)w)} exchange. It's always worth %$NGwIwHR} one last look.] 47 Kxa6 Rxa4+ v,./9EFJMV 22 Kxe2 Bg4 48 Kb6 Ra2 5 . . . Qe7 49 Nc1 Rc2 23 h3 Not bad; the Bishop can [23.Kd3] 50 Nb3 Kxb3 come to g7. 23 . . . Bxf3+ 51 c4 Rxc4

- page 44 - [5...Nd4] 16 . . . Bg4+ 20 Be2 Bxe2 6 d4 17 Kd2 Qg5+ 21 Nd2 Qxd2 Ah, White makes you play it! 18 Ke1 22 Re1 Bd3+ 6 . . . Nxd4 cuuuuuuuuC 23 Ne2 Bxe2 (rDwDkgw4} 24 Rb1 Bf3+ 7 Qc3 Nxe4 70p0wDwDp} 8 Qd3 f5 6wDw0wDwD} [24...Rg8 is quicker.] 9 gxf5 gxf5 5DwDwDw1w} 25 Kg3 Bxh1 10 f3 &wDwhpDbD} 26 Rxh1 Rg8+ Oops. 3DwDwDwDw} 27 Kh3 Qh6# 2P)PDwDw)} They always say White's 10 . . . Qh4+ %$NGwIBHR} attack should re-bound; this 11 Kd1 Nf2+ v,./9EFJMV was a perfect illustration! 12 Kd2 Nxd3 Here's a puzzle for you: 0–1 13 Bxd3 d6 mate in 3! 14 Kd1 e4 18 . . . Qxc1+ b Attacking without good 15 fxe4 fxe4 [18...Nxc2+ 19.Kf2 Qh4+ reason should lead to a 16 Bf1 20.Kg2 Ne1#] bad position. [It doesn't matter, but 19 Kf2 Qxc2+ 16.Be2 is better.] Max Biddlestone General: The first thing to say is, I was very impressed with your consistent and accurate score- keeping – you can see above how many of the players on higher boards either gave up or made a mess of it. You had a clear advantage in all three games and could have come away with the full three points with better technique. I would like to see you play a proper opening and not make things up as you go along. 6 . . . d5 12 Qb5+ c6  Max [B07] (Black) (1.13) Right: Black was in danger of 13 Qxb7 White lost control and letting White grab all the cuuuuuuuuC should have lost the game. centre. (rDw1kDw4} As you get better, you will 70QDwDp0p} 7 Qd3 e6 6wDpDphwD} learn how to win more won 8 Nh3 Bb4 5DwDwDwDw} games! cuuuuuuuuC &wDw)bDwD} 1 d4 d6 (rDw1kDw4} 3Dw)wDwDN} 2 e4 Nf6 70p0wDp0p} 2PDPDwDP)} 6wDbDphwD} 3 Nc3 Nc6 %$wGwDRIw} 5DwDpDwDw} v,./9EFJMV 4 Bb5 Bd7 &wgw)PDwD} 5 Bxc6 Bxc6 3DwHQDPDN} White hasn't lost a pawn, but 6 f3 2P)PDwDP)} has lost control. cuuuuuuuuC %$wGwIwDR} 13 . . . 0–0 (rDw1kgw4} v,./9EFJMV 14 Qb4 Bxc2 70p0w0p0p} 9 0–0? OK, now White has lost a 6wDb0whwD} Sleepy! Loses the e-pawn pawn. 5DwDwDwDw} &wDw)PDwD} [9.e5 or; 15 Rf2 Bf5 3DwHwDPDw} 9.Nf2 are better] 16 Bg5 h6 2P)PDwDP)} 9 . . . Bxc3 17 Bxf6 Qxf6 %$wGQIwHR} 10 bxc3 dxe4 18 Re1 Qg6 v,./9EFJMV 11 fxe4 Bxe4

- page 45 - cuuuuuuuuC White is fighting with 2 up the attack in the first (rDwDw4kD} pieces and Black only 1. place!] 70wDwDp0w} 27 . . . Qg5 35 . . . c5+ 6wDpDpDq0} 36 d5 Re8 5DwDwDbDw} [27...Rb8 looks like the right &w!w)wDwD} idea. Passing up this [36...exd5] 3Dw)wDwDN} chance, Black gets into a 37 Qe5 Rf8 2PDwDw$P)} very defensive position.] cuuuuuuuuC %DwDw$wIw} 28 Rg4 Qf5+ (wDwDw4kD} v,./9EFJMV 29 Kg2 Qd5+ 70qDwDpDw} 6wDwDpDpD} 19 Rf4? 30 Kg1 cuuuuuuuuC 5Dw0P!w$p} [19.Nf4] &PDPDwDw)} 19 . . . Bxh3 (wDwDw4kD} 70wDwDp0w} 3DwDwDwDw} 20 Re2 Bg4 6wDpDpDw0} 2wDwDwDK)} 21 Ref2 5DwDqDwDw} %DwDwDwDw} White is doing well to get &wDw)wDRD} v,./9EFJMV some attack. 3Dw)wDwDP} 38 Kh3 21 . . . Rab8 2PDwDQDw)} [38.Rxh5! gxh5? and White %DwDwDwIw} draws by perpetual check. 22 Qc4 Rb1+ v,./9EFJMV 39.Qg5+] 23 Rf1 Bh3 30 . . . g6 38 . . . Qb3+ 24 Qe2 Rxf1+ Weakening and unnecessary 39 Rg3 Qxc4 25 Kxf1 Qb1+ right now. 40 a5 f6 26 Kf2 [30...Rb8] cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC (wDwDw4kD} (wDwDw4kD} 31 c4 Qf5 70wDwDwDw} 70wDwDp0w} 32 h4 h5 6wDwDp0pD} 6wDpDpDw0} Weakening again. 5)w0P!wDp} 5DwDwDwDw} 33 Rg5 Qb1+ &wDqDwDw)} &wDw)w$wD} 3DwDwDw$K} 3Dw)wDwDb} 34 Kg2 2wDwDwDw)} 2PDwDQIP)} cuuuuuuuuC %DwDwDwDw} %DqDwDwDw} (wDwDw4kD} v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV 70wDwDpDw} 6wDpDpDpD} Ouch, another weakening Coming to this position 5DwDwDw$p} move in front of the King, fresh, I'm sure you would &wDP)wDw)} and this time it could have have moved the Bishop 3DwDwDwDw} been fatal. away! 2PDwDQDK)} 41 Qe3 26 . . . Qg6? %DqDwDwDw} [41.Rxg6+ Kf7 (41...Kh8 [26...Rb8; 26...Bf5] v,./9EFJMV 42.Qxh5#) 42.Rxf6+ Ke8 27 gxh3 34 . . . Qb7 43.Qxe6+ Kd8 44.Rxf8+ cuuuuuuuuC [34...Rb8 threatens to win Kc7 45.Qc6#] (wDwDw4kD} the Queen.] 41 . . . Qf1+ 70wDwDp0w} 35 a4 6wDpDpDq0} 42 Rg2 Qb1 5DwDwDwDw} [35.Qxh5 is the sort of [42...Qf5+ defends most of &wDw)w$wD} chance White should have the weak points.] 3Dw)wDwDP} been looking for: it's not 43 Qxe6+ Kg7 actually a big problem for 2PDwDQIw)} 44 Qe7+ Rf7 %DwDwDwDw} Black but White should not have been allowed to build 45 Qe2 Qf5+ v,./9EFJMV 46 Kg3 Qxd5

- page 46 - 47 Qc2 Now Black has a solid cuuuuuuuuC cuuuuuuuuC fortress on the King's side. (rhb1kgn4} (wDwDwDwD} 61 Qg5 70p0pDp0p} 70wDwDriw} 6wDwDpDwD} 6wDwDw0pD} How can Black go about 5DwDwDwDw} 5)w0qDwDp} winning this position? The &wDwDwDwD} &wDwDwDw)} idea must be to advance the 3DwHwDNDw} 3DwDwDwIw} pawns, forcing White to 2P)P)P)P)} 2wDQDwDR)} abandon the attack on g6, %$wGQIBDR} %DwDwDwDw} then either force an v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV exchange or go over to the Those aren't exactly bad Black now plays a series of attack by activating the rook. moves but look a bit as checks, I think just hoping Drawn though you're making it up something will turn up. You There is lots to learn from as you go along. need more than that in this long game: 2 . . . Bc5 County chess! b 3 d4 Bb4 47 . . . Qd6+ Don’t move the pawns in 4 Bd2 front of your castled king 48 Kf2 Qf4+ That's usually too slow to do 49 Kg1 Qd4+ b Don’t play a series of much. Black has no threat 50 Kh1 f5 checks, just hoping here. 51 Qe2 Qxh4 something will turn up [4.Bf4] 52 Qe6 Rf6 b 4 . . . Nf6 53 Qd7+ Use all your pieces 5 a3 Bxc3 [53.Qe7+ is a perpetual b Keep your eyes open for 6 Bxc3 Nc6 check again! 53...Rf7?? 7 e3 d5 54.Qxh4] tactics – ones for you and ones for your opponent cuuuuuuuuC 53 . . . Rf7 (rDb1kDw4} 54 Qd6 Rf6 b When you are losing, 70p0wDp0p} 55 Qxc5 you should still try to 6wDnDphwD} [55.Qe7+ and White should make problems, and get 5DwDpDwDw} be glad of a draw.] some sort of attack &wDw)wDwD} 3)wGw)NDw} 55 . . . Qe1+ bWhen you are winning, 2w)PDw)P)} 56 Rg1 Qe4+ you have to keep control %$wDQIBDR} 57 Rg2 Qa4 and keep as active as you v,./9EFJMV I don't have the score down can Having got rid of the dark- correctly: Black took the a- squared bishop, Black pawn here.  Max (White) [A04] (2.13) shouldn't be putting pawns 58 Qc7+ Rf7 on light squares. A real back-and forth game, 59 Qc3+ Kh7 and a shame about the 8 Bb5 60 Qg3 Rg7 accidental draw. [8.Bd3] cuuuuuuuuC 1 Nf3 e6 8 . . . Bd7 (wDwDwDwD} 9 0–0 Ne4 70wDwDw4k} 2 Nc3 6wDwDwDpD} 10 Qd3 a6 5)wDwDpDp} 11 Bxc6 &qDwDwDwD} [11.Ba4] 3DwDwDw!w} 11 . . . Bxc6 2wDwDwDR)} 12 Bb4? %DwDwDwDK} v,./9EFJMV

- page 47 - Good idea, but misses Still tricky! cuuuuuuuuC Black's threat. [22.Nxf7! and every Black (wDwDwDwD} [12.a4] piece is attacked!] 7Dw$wDpDw} 6wDwDwDwD} 12 . . . Bb5 22 . . . Rxe5 5DkDwDp0p} 13 Qb3 Bxf1 23 Rf4? &pDwDwDwD} 14 Rxf1 a5 [23.exd4!] 3)wGwDwDw} 15 Qa4+ c6 23 . . . dxe3 2w)PDwDP)} 16 Be1 b5 24 Bc3? Qd1+ %DwDwDwIw} v,./9EFJMV 17 Qb3 a4 [24...e2!] 18 Qb4 Rc8 25 Rf1 e2 White can mate the King here: 19 Ne5 26 Re1 Rf5?? 40 Rxf7 cuuuuuuuuC I can see the good idea (wDr1kDw4} behind this move, but... [40.Bd4 f4 41.c4+ Ka6 7DwDwDp0p} 42.Ra7# Not easy to spot! 6wDpDpDwD} 27 exf5 exf5 Much more straight forward 5DpDpHwDw} It’s ended up with White to promote the c-pawn, in &p!w)nDwD} being a piece ahead, and it fact...] 3)wDw)wDw} could get better… 40 . . . f4 2w)PDw)P)} 28 Qxb5+ Ke7 %DwDwGRIw} 41 Rf5+ Kc4 v,./9EFJMV 29 Qc5+ Kd7 42 Rxg5 f3 30 Qa7+ Ke6 43 gxf3 h4 There now starts a real grisly 31 Qe3+ Kd5 episode... 44 Kf2 h3 cuuuuuuuuC 45 Kg3 19 . . . c5? (wDwDwDw4} cuuuuuuuuC Threatening to lose two 7DwDwDp0p} (wDwDwDwD} pawns! 6wDwDwDwD} 7DwDwDwDw} [19...Qg5!] 5DwDkDpDw} 6wDwDwDwD} &pDwDwDwD} 20 dxc5 5DwDwDw$w} 3)wGw!wDw} &pDkDwDwD} [20.Qxb5+] 2w)PDpDP)} 3)wGwDPIp} 20 . . . Rxc5 %DwDq$wIw} 2w)PDwDw)} [20...0–0! is safer: 21.Qxb5 v,./9EFJMV %DwDwDwDw} Qc7 22.Nd3] 32 Qxe2 v,./9EFJMV 21 f3 d4? Whew! Stalemate! Always think cuuuuuuuuC [32.Qf3+! is even stronger! about your opponent's reply, (wDw1kDw4} they say, including whether 7DwDwDp0p} 32...Ke6 33.Rxd1 exd1Q+ 34.Qxd1] they have one at all! But not 6wDwDpDwD} an easy one to see coming. 5Dp4wHwDw} 32 . . . Qxe2 &p!w0nDwD} 33 Rxe2 Rb8 Drawn 3)wDw)PDw} 34 Rd2+ Kc6 b Make sure your pawns 2w)PDwDP)} 35 Rd4 Kb5? help your pieces %DwDwGRIw} 36 Rb4+ Kc5 v,./9EFJMV 37 Rxb8 g5 b Always think about your This is actually very tricky. 38 Rc8+ Kb5 opponent's reply White has a winning move 39 Rc7 h5 here, but plays three bad  ones in a row instead! Max [White? [C44] (3.13) [21...Qb6!] Black had most of the ideas, but you coped with them all. 22 fxe4?

- page 48 - 1 d3 Now Black has one more 20 . . . Rxg3+ Looks home-made: in piece developed than White! I like Black's attitude! County chess, you need to 10 0–0 0–0–0 21 fxg3 Qxg3+ play moves you know a bit 11 c4 Nd4 22 Kh1 Bxf1 about! 12 Nxd4 exd4 23 Rxf1 Qh3+ 1 . . . e5 13 Qa4 Rhe8 24 Kg1 Qg3+ 2 e4 [13...Kb8] 25 Bg2 Now I'm already feeling 14 Qa8+ Kd7 Sadly, the attitude was the sorry for the Bf1: how is it 15 Qxb7 Qg6 best thing about Black's idea. going to get out? cuuuuuuuuC 25 . . . Rd8 2 . . . Nc6 (wDw4rDwD} 26 a3 Re8 3 Nf3 Nf6 7DQ0kDp0p} 6w0w0bDqD} 27 Qc3 Re6 4 Nc3 Bc5 5DwDwDwDw} 28 Rf3 Qh4 5 Be3 Bb6 &wDP0PDwD} 29 Qxg7 Kc6 6 Bxb6 3DwDPDwDw} 30 Qxf7 Rh6 The exchange doesn't do 2P)wDB)P)} 31 Qd5+ Kd7 anything for White's %$wDwDRIw} 32 Rf7+ position. v,./9EFJMV 1-0 6 . . . axb6 16 h3? Two pieces developed each. b Exchanges are nearly Oops. cuuuuuuuuC always better for one side (rDb1kDw4} 16 . . . Bxh3 or the other: make sure 7Dp0pDp0p} 17 Bf3 Rb8 any exchange you make 6w0nDwhwD} 18 Qd5 Re5 is actually better for you 5DwDw0wDw} 19 Qxd4 Rg5 &wDwDPDwD} b Don’t move a piece twice 20 g3 3DwHPDNDw} in the opening without cuuuuuuuuC 2P)PDw)P)} good reason %$wDQIBDR} (w4wDwDwD} v,./9EFJMV 7Dw0kDp0p} 6w0w0wDqD} 7 Nd5 5DwDwDw4w} Moving a piece twice &wDP!PDwD} without good reason. 3DwDPDB)b} 7 . . . d6 2P)wDw)wD} %$wDwDRIw} 8 Be2 Be6 v,./9EFJMV 9 Nxf6+ Qxf6

- page 49 - Chris Clay General: Just the one game here Chris, where you got your knight stuck but then seemed to want to win with just your Queen. There are several things to learn from this game, so have a look at all the comments. I don't like these solo raids: 29 Ke1 Bxg1  Chris [C25] (Black)(2.14) don't let your pieces play 30 Nd2 Qc6 1 e4 e5 the lone hero, make sure 31 h4 Bb6 they play as a team! 2 Nc3 Nc6 32 Qb4 Qh1+ cuuuuuuuuC 8 a3 Nc6 cuuuuuuuuC (rDb1kgn4} 9 Nd5 Nxd5 (rDwDkDw4} 70p0pDp0p} 10 cxd5 Nd4? 70w0wDp0p} 6wgw0wDwD} 6wDnDwDwD} 11 c3 Nb5 5DwDw0wDw} 5DpDw0wDw} cuuuuuuuuC &w!wDwDw)} &wDwDPDwD} (rDw1kgw4} 3DwHwDwDw} 3)wDwDwDw} 70p0wDp0p} 2wDwHwDwD} 2P)P)w)P)} 6wDw0wDwD} %$wGQIBHR} %$wDwIwDq} 5DnDP0wDw} v,./9EFJMV v,./9EFJMV &wDwDPDPD} There are several ideas for 3)w)wDPDw} If you can get your Rooks White in this position, but 2wDw)wDw)} into the game, it's all over. 3 f3 %$wGQIwHR} Without an open file, just v,./9EFJMV castle, and then push your f- looks awful to me. 12 c4 pawn. 3 . . . d6 [12.a4! nets the Knight, [32...0–0] Why block in your Bishop so which has no retreat.] 33 Nf1 Qc6 early? 12 . . . Nd4 34 Rd1 h6 [3...Bc5 If White actually 13 Bb2 Nxf3+? I don't have the score right continued with their plan of 14 Nxf3 Qf6 here. 4.g4, then 4…Qh4+ is 15 g5 Qf4 terrific for Black, maybe 35 Qg4 Qc3+ even mating!] 16 c5? Qxe4+ 36 Nd2 Be3 4 g4 Nf6 17 Kf1? Qc4+ 37 Qxg7 [4...Qh4+5.Ke2 Nd4+ 18 d3 Qxc5 Now you do have an open 6.Ke3 Nf6 gets your Queen Black has gathered enough file! the goal side of your Knight] pawns for the piece. 37 . . . Bxd2+ However, It’s just the Queen 5 Bc4 Be6 38 Rxd2 doing all the work. 6 b3 Bxc4 cuuuuuuuuC 7 bxc4 19 d4? Qb5+ (rDwDkDw4} cuuuuuuuuC 20 Kg1 Qxb2 70w0wDp!w} (rDw1kgw4} 21 Nd2 Qxd4+ 6wDw0wDw0} 70p0wDp0p} 22 Kg2 Qxd5+ 5DpDw0wDw} &wDwDwDw)} 6wDn0whwD} Black is winning. 5DwDw0wDw} 3)w1wDwDw} &wDPDPDPD} 23 Kg1 Be7 2wDw$wDwD} 3DwHwDPDw} 24 Qa4+ b5 %DwDwIwDw} 2PDP)wDw)} 25 Qa5 Qc5+ v,./9EFJMV %$wGQIwHR} 26 Kf1 Bxg5 To finish off the game v,./9EFJMV 27 Rg1 Be3 quickly, Black should just play 7 . . . Nb4 28 Ne4 Qc4+ 38 . . . Rf8

- page 50 - [38...0–0–0 and put a rook 50 Qd4 struggle to hang on for even on the g-file.] cuuuuuuuuC a few moves after that.] 39 Kd1 Qb3+ (rDwDwDwD} 51 Qc3 40 Rc2 Qxa3 70w0wDwDw} 0-1 6wDw0kDw4} 41 Qxh6 Qh3 5DpDw0pDw} b 42 h5 Ke7 When you move a piece &wDw!wDwD} to a square, always have 43 Qh7 Qh4 3DwDw$wDw} a think about where it’s 44 h6 Qh3 2wDwDwDw1} going next! 45 Qg7 Rh8 %DwDKDwDw} 46 Qg5+ Ke6 v,./9EFJMV b Don't let your pieces play 47 Re2 Rxh6 50 . . . c5 the lone hero, make sure 48 Re3 Qh2 [50...Qa2 threatens mate by they play as a team! Rh1: White is going to 49 Qg4+ f5

All the tips : b Always make sure you have a share of the b We all know to check for our opponent’s centre 12 threats. But we should also try to decide what the opponent is trying to do with a move – and, if b Pay attention to which pieces you want to possible, upset it! ...... 23 swap off and which you want to keep on the board. 13 b Piece activity is the most important thing in chess. 24 b Even when it looks like you’re losing, look again!14 b When you’re winning, swap off pieces. ....24 b Don’t help your opponent carry out their b Play with all your pieces ...... 25 plan. 14 b Don’t help your opponent!...... 25 b Exchanges are usually good for one side or b Chess is a team game! Use your pieces to the other: make sure it’s you! ...... 16 gang up on targets, don’t send out one piece on a b Again, exchanges are usually good for one raid. 26 side or the other: make sure it’s you!...... 17 b If you can look twice at things you calculate, b The main thing that can go wrong, when you you will find some little gems ...... 27 are winning, is for you to think: ‘nothing can go b Know the ideas behind your openings: wrong’. 18 compare the moves you play with the books after b There is no position which is so good you each game. 28 can’t lose from it, and no position which is so b Always check the four basic defences to an hopeless you can’t escape from it...... 18 attack… but don’t forget about the fifth: b Make sure your pieces stay in the game ....19 counterattack! ...... 29 b Tricks in books don’t always work in the b If you see a good move, it may divert you position in front of you!...... 20 from a great one! Think twice…...... 30 b Loose Pieces Drop Off!...... 21 b Everyone should know the basic ideas behind the Spanish Game (Ruy Lopez Opening) 31 b You need to do something in positions where you have a disadvantage, or the position is b It’s not enough to get a stake in the centre in likely to turn against you...... 21 the opening, you also have to keep it! ...... 33 b It’s good to play openings where you can get b Know the ideas behind the openings you a great position by playing fairly obvious moves.22 play – that is, what moves would you hope to play up to move 12?...... 34 b Closed positions have a big effect on Bishops: think carefully before closing the position.22 b Little tactics win games!...... 34 b You must learn to win won games...... 22 b Material (points) doesn’t matter as much as activity and co-ordination...... 35

- page 51 - b KUFTE: King Up For The Endgame!...... 35 b When you move a piece to a square, always have a think about where it’s going next!...... 51 b Little moves like h6 are often thought of as being 'safety first', but because they waste time, b Don't let your pieces play the lone hero, they are very dangerous! ...... 36 make sure they play as a team! ...... 51 b You need something better to play than Old Stodge – and if you can avoid it as Black too, all the better. 37 b Most early attacks end in retreat… Build up your attacks, and you will be able to keep going 40 b Even if you see a good move, make sure you aren’t missing a great one!...... 40 b A sequence like Nxf7 Rxf7; Bxf7+ Kxf7 usually leaves the attacker without any active pieces 42 b Unless you have a very good reason to nudge forward a rook's pawn, sit and think of a better idea! It’s nearly always better to get a different piece into play...... 42 b You need a better idea in the opening than going for a simple checkmate from move 1...... 42 b Don’t move a piece twice in the opening without good reason: it’s nearly always better to get a different piece into play...... 43 b You must play as actively and aggressively in the opening as you can. Playing safe is too dangerous! 44 b Attacking without good reason should lead to a bad position...... 45 b Don’t move the pawns in front of your castled king 47 b Don’t play a series of checks, just hoping something will turn up ...... 47 b Use all your pieces ...... 47 b Keep your eyes open for tactics – ones for you and ones for your opponent ...... 47 b When you are losing, you should still try to make problems, and get some sort of attack...... 47 b When you are winning, you have to keep control and keep as active as you can ...... 47 b Make sure your pawns help your pieces....48 b Always think about your opponent's reply 48 b Exchanges are nearly always better for one side or the other: make sure any exchange you make is actually better for you ...... 49 b Don’t move a piece twice in the opening without good reason ...... 49

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