Igor Smirnov-Your Winning Plan (2013)

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Contents Instructions For Study 3

A. Video Lessons 4

Introduction: Important generalities 5

Lesson-1: “The Best Time for Planning 9

Lesson-2: “How ti Copose a Winning Plan 16

Lesson-3: “Specific Rules for an Open Center” 30

Lesson-4: “Specific Rules for the ClosedCenter” 35

Lesson-5: “Specific Rules for the Static Center” 42

Lesson-6: “Specific Rules for the PawnCenter” 47

Lesson-7: “Specific Rules for the Dynamic Center” 54

Lesson-8: Two Universal Keys 59

Lesson-9: How to Realise Your Winning Plan 64

Lesson-10: Grandmasters’ Secrets of Planning 73

B. Practical Part 95

Instruction For The Practical Part 96

Task 1 98

Task 2 101

Task 3 106

Task 4 119

Task 5 128

Task 6 138

Task 7 147

Task 8 158

Task 9 168

Task 10 179

Task 11 196

Task 12 197

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«YOUR WINNING PLAN»

by GM Igor Smirnov

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDY

Study the сhess course (folder “Chess course”).

Please, study the “VIDEO LESSONS” first .

After that you should study the “PRACTICAL PART”.

You’ve got all the necessary instructions. Now you may study the course. However if you have any sudden problems, you can find some more instructions below.

I would like to give you a few recommendations, which will make your study of the video lessons more effective. Focus on a study. Turn off your mobile phone, music, TV etc.

Stop (pause) a video lesson sometimes. When you stop the video, you can

THINK about an interesting idea and digest it better. It is very important to do

it.

Print the text versions of the video lessons. When you think about deferent

ideas of the course, you will see them at the same time. It is very helpful.

After a study of one video lesson, please look through its text version. Pay attention to the enhanced font - it will help you to remember all the key ideas.

Write the important ideas. While studying the video lessons you will find a lot

of useful rules, principles and so on. Also you will probably make your own

conclusions. If you write them, you will remember and classify them better.

Make pauses. Your brain needs to have some free time to digest new

information. Don’t try to study everything at once.

Repeat the lessons. Study the lessons several times. Of course it is hard to

remember a lot of information after a quick acquaintance. So you need to

repeat it sometimes.

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by GM Igor Smirnov

VIDEO LESSONS

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by GM Igor Smirnov

Introduction: Important generalities

Hi! I am Igor Smirnov, International Grandmaster and a chess coach.

I am very glad to welcome you to my new course “Your Winning Plan”.

When I made the decision to create this course, the first thing I decided to look

over were the existing books on this topic. I have a lot of them actually. After 1-2

hours, my brain started seething ☺

The authors offered me a 5 to 10 step plan to evaluate a position! And this is

only the beginning! Then, I should realize who is better in the situation; and then

there are dozens of recommendations of what I should do depending on who is

better. Next, I should compose a plan, which consists of several stages. Finally,

there are a lot of rules about which plans are good in different situations and how I

should realize them in different positions.

I am not sure whether these authors follow their recommendations in their own

games. Actually, I doubt it.

In this course, I am going to show you what really happens in the

Grandmasters’ games: how Grandmasters think during a practical game and how

they compose plans.

You will see that everything is very simple. It is much simpler than it seems to

be.

Starting from the next lesson, I will be telling you the simple and effective

principles regarding planning. But before we begin, I’d like to discuss some

important general things.

Here is the first question: “Why is planning so important?” Let me tell you

one story. When I was a 14 year-old-boy, I trained with a coach who is a famous

Grandmaster. By the way, at that time I was an International Master already, so I was

not so bad. During our training sessions, I noticed that my coach was able to predict

a game continuation for many moves ahead, much further than I could. That’s

because his understanding of the position was much deeper.

When I looked at unclear position and tried to find the right move, my teacher

said something like: “Oh, it is bad for white, let’s look at something else.” When I

tried to guess what actually happened in a game, he already knew the result.

Of course, I was wondering how he could do it. Now I know the answer.

It happened because of his planning skills. The bottom line is this: when you

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know your plan and your opponent’s plan, you get full control over the

position. Then, you can also predict a continuation of the game for many

moves ahead. Therefore, it becomes very simple for you to find the right moves.

That’s why this is a very important and powerful skill.

By the way, it is probably the main difference between a strong player and a

not so good one. In fact, it is not very difficult to learn some opening lines or to train

calculation skills. The main characteristic feature of titled players is their strategic

understanding, which mainly implies their planning skills.

Though everyone knows about a planning, the majority of players don’t

understand this aspect well enough. As I’ve already said, it is one of the most

important skills for a chess player. Thus you should concentrate your attention

mainly on this factor.

Let’s take a look at an example.

Nezhmetdinov R. – Polugaevsky L.

White: Kg1, Qe2, Ra1, Rf1, Be3, Ng3, pawns: a2, b2, c2, g2, h2.

Black: Ke8, Qe5, Rd8, Rh8, Bb7, Bg7, pawns: a6, b5, e6, f7, h6.

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What would you do here as black? I recommend you to pause the video now

and think about it. I suppose that most players would simply castle here. Some

optimistic people would perhaps take the b2 pawn.

However both of these ideas lead to an unclear situation. After 20…Qb2 21.a4

the white’s rook becomes active. Black certainly may not take another pawn 21…ba

because of 22.Rab1 winning the bishop.

In case of the black’s try of castling 20…0-0 white can play 21.Nh5 with

mutual chances.

Instead of that, black should compose a plan here. There is one principle for

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such positions like this: you should mainly use the power of a bishop without a

counterpart.

Black has a powerful bishop on b7, which looks at the white’s g2 pawn. The

semi-open “g” file may help black as well. So black should try to put pressure onto

the g2 square. However it is necessary to push away the white’s knight g3, which

closes the line. That’s why black played 20…h5. There followed 21.Rae1-h4 22.Qf2

white is attacking the f7 pawn avoiding Nh1 move. 22…Rd7 23.Ne2-h3

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Black is using his b7 bishop and white has nothing to do about it. 24.gh-Rh3. Black

has a decisive attack and a winning position. 25.Ng3-Qd5 24.Bb6-Be5

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It is important to note that black won the game quickly and easily, when he

composed a correct plan. Thus, you can see how it is important to have planning

skills and what great results they can give you.

Again, I am pretty sure that most players would not play 20…h5 at the starting

position of this example, and would play something trite instead. The majority of

players think about separate tactical operations or some well-known positional rules.

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However, that is not planning.

All in all, it is very good for us because it gives you an even greater

advantage. So let’s see how you should compose a plan. I will show you what and

how exactly you should think during practical game play. I am definitely sure that this

will bring you great progress!

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«YOUR WINNING PLAN» by GM Igor Smirnov

Lesson-1: “The Best Time For a Planning”.

This is lesson #1: “The Best Time For a Planning”.

Let’s go ahead and get started. The first important question is “When do I

compose a plan?”

Below are a few recommendations.

You should know your plan before the game.

Nowadays there are a lot of well-known plans for the various middle-game

positions and openings. Of course if you know these plans this makes your job

easier. We will talk a little more about this later.

You should compose a plan when you don’t know what to do.

Though it seems obvious, it has a profound effect. What do chess players

usually do, when they don’t know what to play? They try to find the right move; I

recommend you to find the right plan.

Karpov A. – Andersson U.

White: Kg1, Qd1, Ra1, Re1, Bc1, Bc2, Nf1, Nf3, pawns: a2, b3, c3, d5, e4, f2, g2,

h3.

Black: Kg8, Qc7, Ra8, Rf8, Bd7, Be7, Nb7, Nf6, pawns: a6, b5, c5, d6, e5, f7, g7,

h7.

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White’s turn.

This position is quite complex, typical for a Spanish game. What would an

intermediate chess player think about here?

A friend of mine (who is a strong Grandmaster) once said to me: “When you

play against an amateur player and he plays 1.e4, the winning response for you is

1…e5”. Though it is a joke, it makes sense. The bottom line is this: Spanish game is

a strategic opening. It is necessary to have a planning skills here. Otherwise you will

have to think about every single move for a long time and will not be able to make

the correct moves anyway.

For example, in such position like this a lot of players have problems. They

start thinking, “Well, I need to finish my development. Also there is a typical idea to

play Ng3 and I need to be careful, because black probably wants to push his pawns

on the queen-side.” After a long think, they play 16.Ng3 for instance. Black responds

16…c4 and the white player starts thinking again about black’s activity on the

queen-side and how he should deal with that.

There is no planning here, this is a good example of thinking about

separate things and lacking a concrete plan. This only makes it harder to detect

what to do and which factors are more important.

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Instead of that, I recommend that you not to look for the right move, but for the

right plan. Here is how you should think about this position:

“Since the center is closed, I should attack on a flank. There is no way to

attack on the queen-side, because black is stronger there. So I will use the king-

side. Therefore I should bring my pieces to the king-side. We have a closed center,

so I should also use the pawns for an attack.

My opponent will probably counter-attack on the queen-side, so I need to

close the position there.”

After that you will simply start bringing your pieces and pawns closer to the

black’s king.

You may play Ne3 (or Ng3) and put it on f5, you may play g4 and Ng3 or use

some other ways. You can see, that there is no “right move” here actually. There

is a right plan and quite a lot of ways of how that plan can be realized.

In the game white played 16.c4 closing the position on the queen-side. There

followed 16…Rfb8 17. Ne3 Bf8 18.Nf5 by the way, once you have composed a plan,

you should make next moves pretty quickly. 18…Nd8.

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Let’s see how white should think here. According to our plan we should use

pawns for an attack. G4-g5 doesn’t do much, because black will simply remove the

knight. White can push the “f” pawn and this will really help us to open the position.

That’s why white played 19.Nh2.

You can see, that when you focus your play solely on a realization of your

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plan, it becomes much easier to find right moves.

19…Ne8. Black has prepared to protect the e5 pawn with a move f6. That’s

why white used another pawn 20.h4. Again, I am not saying that this is the best

move. It is just one of ways for white to realize his plan 20…f6 21.h5 Nf7 22.Re3

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White is still bringing his pieces to the king-side. After that he played Rg3 and

won the game in the end.

So when you don’t know what to do, don’t try to find the right move; find the

right plan and realize it. It is the simplest and the most effective way.

You should compose a plan after the opening.

In an opening you should simply realize the main opening tasks. Of course it

helps to know opening theory. Therefore everything is pretty simple here. That’s why

usually we should start thinking about a plan early in the middlegame.

There is one more extremely important idea I want to tell you: you should

create an attacking plan. Maneuvers, exchanges, center, open lines etc. – these

are only subsidiary things. You should use the attack as a guideline. All other

elements just help you to create an attack, they help you to realize where and how

you will attack.

Also I’d like to repeat that you should spend some time (5-15 minutes) to

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compose a plan, but then you should start playing faster.

When a position changes, you should make adjustments in your

plan.

A position changes in 2 cases:

- An exchange;

- A pawn move.

Let’s look at our example again.

White: Kg1, Qd1, Re3, Ra1, Bc1, Bc2, Nf5, Nh2, pawns: a2, b3, c4, d5, e4, f2, g2,

h5.

Black: Kg8, Qc7, Ra8, Rb8, Bd7, Bf8, Ne8, Nf7, pawns: a6, b5, c5, d6, e5, f6, g7,

h7.

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Black’s turn

We have finished on this position. Black played 22…Ng5 23.Nh4-Qd8

24.Rg3-Nc7

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these moves didn’t change much. 25.N2f3 and here black made a pawn move

25…h6.

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This is a signal for white to start thinking about his plan. You should ask

yourself “Is my plan still the same or I should make some corrections?”

In this position the move 25…h6 is weakening light-squares on the king-side.

It gives white a new idea for his attack. White can try to occupy these weak squares

(f5 and g6) by his knights. Also It will be good for white to trade black’s light-squared

bishop, which is the main protector of the black’s weaknesses. Therefore white

should try to realize a maneuver Bc2-d1-g4.

In this game white realized all these ideas after some preparation.

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Of course not all the pawns moves or exchanges change a position. However,

often they do. That’s why I recommend you to always think about your plan and

make appropriate adjustments, when your opponent makes a pawn move or an

exchange.

Now you know when you should compose a plan. In the next lessons I will tell

you how exactly you should find the right plan.

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Lesson-2: “How to Compose a Winning Plan”

This is the 2nd lesson: “How to Compose a Winning Plan”. In this lesson I will

tell you what exactly you should do and exactly how you should think to create the

right plan.

You will see that everything is very simple when you know some important

recommendations.

Let’s start. In general, there are only 2 steps to composing a plan:

1. You should detect the direction of your attack (the object of an

attack).

2. You should find the exact way of how to attack in that direction

(that object).

As you can see, everything is very simple. By the way, it is very good,

because it allows you to apply it practically.

Of course it is only the most general guideline and there are many more

specific rules. However, it is important to keep this scheme in your mind during a

practical game.

Now let’s make more detailed analysis of this scheme.

First you need to realize the direction of your future attack.

There are 3 possible directions:

- the center,

- the king-side,

- the queen-side.

However, practically you should focus your attention mainly on the center.

Many books contain information about the center. They usually say that you

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should struggle for the center and provide a classification of different types of a

central situation. Nevertheless, they don’t clarify what exactly you should do in a

practical game.

Here I am going to tell you how the center influences planning and what

exactly you should do about it. First we will talk about a center concept in general,

and then we will discuss different center types.

As you probably know, the center is the most important part of a board.

Centralized pieces have more activity and dominate the opponent’s pieces. A

position in the center bears powerful influence on the flanks. It determines whether

your flank attack will be successful or not.

That’s why, if you attack in the center, it will usually be more effective than an

opponent’s flank attack. Therefore there is a great practical rule: if you can play

(attack) in the center – do it!

Rauzer V. – Botvinnik M.

White: Kg1, Qd1, Ra1, Re1, Be3, Bf3, Nc3, pawns: a2, b2, c2, e4, f4, g2, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qa5, Ra8, Rf8, Bc4, Bg7, Nf6, pawns: a7, b7, d6, e7, f7, g6, h7.

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Black’s turn.

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It is quite a standard position of the Sicilian defense. Black has finished the

main opening tasks, so it is time to compose a middlegame plan.

There are dozens of ideas which black can try to use here: he can use the “c”

file or push the “b” pawn (b5-b4), or push one of his central pawns, or play Nd7

trying to use his bishop g7 and so on. For most players it will be a hard choice.

I hope for you it will be very simple, because you know the rule: “if you can

play in the center – do it!”

Black player knew this rule and played 13…Rfd8 preparing d5. White

responded 14.Qd2-Qc7

I guess this is a prophylaxis move, because white sometimes threatens a

discovered attack Nd5 in such positions. 15.Rac1

By the way, it is important to note that white player didn’t play 15.Rad1.

Though he is a very strong player, he tried to play on the side instead. Did he not

know about the importance of the center? Of course not, he definitely knew it.

Nevertheless, he underestimated its power. It shows that a lot of players still don’t

understand a central concept well enough.

15…e5 black start attacking the center. 16.b3-d5

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I am sure that black found this move easily, because it is just a logical

continuation of his plan. Now black got an initiative and very promising position. It

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happened because he found the right plan.

Now 17.bc is totally bad for white because of 17…de Black takes a piece back

and destroys the white’s position.

In the game white played 17.ed-e4. All the black’s moves attack the center!

If white makes a natural move 18.Ne4, then after 18…Nd5 19.bc-Ne3 20.Qe3-

Bd4 black’s winning.

If white takes with a bishop 18.Be4, then 18…Ne4 19.Ne4-Bd5 and the

black’s pieces are controlling the whole board. You can see that black is dominating

in all the lines, because centralized pieces are more active.

In the game white took the bishop 18.dc-ef. Here white has another problem –

his numerous weaknesses. It is very difficult to defend such position practically.

That’s why black won the game pretty soon.

As we have already discussed, an attack in the center is more powerful

than a flank attack. This rule is similar with the one: “if you can play in a center – do

it!” Both of them state the highest value of a center.

White: Kh1, Qd1, Ra1, Rf1, Bb2, Bg2, Ne2, Ng3, pawns: b3, c2, e4, f4, g5, h3.

Black: Kg8, Qc7, Ra8, Re8, Bb7, Bf8, Nc6, Nd7, pawns: b4, d6, e6, f7, g7, h7.

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White’s turn.

White was able to make a normal move like 21.Qd2. However he decided to

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start an attack on a flank and played 21.Nh5. There followed 21…Ra1 22.Qa1-Ra8

black got a control over an open file with a tempo.

23.Qc1-Nc5 black starts his counter attack against the white’s center.

24.Rg1-Ne7 the “e4” pawn been attacked.

25.Neg3

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white still tries to concentrate pieces on the king-side. The correct response is a

counterblow in a center.

25…d5 26.e5-Ne4 By the way, this is my game which I played as black. Though it

was a blitz game, it was very easy for me to find good moves, because I know the

rule: “If your opponent tries to attack on a flank, you should counterattack in a

center.”

27.Kh2-Rc8 28.Ne4-de.

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The white’s flank attack failed. On the next move black took the c2 pawn and won

the game soon.

Let’s go forward. There is another aspect I’d like to discuss: “Is it necessary

to put the pawns into the center?”

No, it is not. It is important to keep control over the central squares; it

doesn’t matter whether you do it with pieces or with pawns. Nimzowitsch stated

this rule a long time ago, so I hope you know it.

For instance in Nimzowitsh defense after 1.d4-Nf6 2.c4-e6 3.Nc3-Bb4. Black

has no pawns in the center, but he controls the central squares well enough.

This plan may be continued after 4.Nf3-b6 5.e3-Bb7.

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Black still hasn’t played d5 or c5, but he keeps a control with his minor pieces.

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White can’t make any advancement in a center. The situation is about equal.

OK, I hope that you will try to attack in the center and to get control over

central squares first of all. What you should do next? What is the goal of an

attack in a center? How you should use your advantage there?

Actually, in such situation you have domination; therefore you will be able to

realize any plan you want. In general there are 2 ways you can exploit your

advantage in a center:

You can continue your attack in the center:

create a passed pawn and push it;

or force through the opponent’s position and start a direct

attack of his king or material.

White: Kg1, Qd1, Ra1, Rf1, Bc4, Bg5, Nf3, pawns: a3, c3, d4, e4, f2, g2, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qc7, Ra8, Rf8, Bb7, Bg7, Nb8, pawns: a7, b6, c5, e6, f7, g6, h7.

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White’s turn.

White has an advantage in the center and he used it to create a passed pawn

14.d5. There followed 14…ed 15.ed-Ba6 16.d6-Qd7 17.Ba6-Na6 18.Rfe1

White’s passed pawn has not only its own value but also provides more

space for the other white pieces and restricts black’s activity (because black

has to use his pieces to blockade this pawn).

18…c4 19.Qd5-Nc5 20.Re7

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in a near future white pushed his passed pawn forward and won the game.

This example also illustrates how it is possible to use an advantage in the

center to force through the opponent’s position and to bring the pieces to the

opponent’s territory.

Here is the 2nd way of how you can exploit your advantage in a center:

You can redirect your attack on a flank.

Since you have an advantage in a center, more free space and even

domination, it will be simple for you to transfer an attack on a flank. An opposite

situation happens for your opponent: for lack of free space he won’t be able to bring

his pieces to the flank, where they are necessary.

Almeida O. – Hernandez C.

White: Kg1, Qc2, Re1, Rf1, Bd3, Ne5, pawns: a2, c4, d5, f4, g2, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qf6, Rf8, Ra8, Bc8, Nd6, pawns: a7, b6, c5, f7, g7, h6.

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White’s turn.

Though white has occupied the central squares, it is hard to develop an attack

here. That’s why white should redirect his attack on a flank.

He played 20.g4. White may make this move, because black can’t create any

counter play (due to the white’s strong center). There followed 20…a6 21.Qf2 Now

white is going to play h4 and g5. Black has nothing to do about it.

In the game black tried 21…b5, but it doesn’t work 22.Qc5-Nc4 23.Bh7

(distracting the king)-Kh7 24.Qf8 and white won the game afterwards.

We have been talking about the center for some time. However, as you know,

there are 3 possible directions of an attack: the center, the king-side and the queen-

side. Thus we come to the next question: “When you may choose an attack on a

flank?”

There are 3 types of situations, when you may do it:

When the center is closed.

If there are pawn chains in a center and you can’t play there – you should start

playing on a flank. It is a quite obvious thing, so I will not explain it much.

When you have an advantage (domination) in the center

already.

We have been talking about this situation already. When you attack in the

25

center and get an advantage there, you may transfer your attack on a flank. In this

case, it has great chances to be successful.

When you have enough control over the central squares,

which doesn’t allow your opponent to attack there.

It is the hardest type of a situation. Here I mean the position, when you don’t

have an advantage in the center or domination. Nevertheless, you control central

squares well enough to prevent an eventual opponent’s attack here, to not allow him

to open the position.

I’ve said that it is the most difficult situation, because it is hard to assess

whether you have an enough control over the center or not.

Let’s look at an example.

Steinitz W. – Lasker E.

White: Ke1, Qd1, Ra1, Rh1, Bc1, Bb3, Ne3, Nf3, pawns: a2, b2, c3, d3, e4, f2, g2,

h2.

Black: Kg8, Qd8, Ra8, Rf8, Bd7, Bg7, Ne7, Nf6, pawns: a7, b7, c6, d6, e5, f7, g6,

h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7zpp+lsnpvlp' 6-+pzp-snp+& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4-+-+P+-+$ 3+LzPPsNN+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-vLQmK-+R! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

Here white started the attack on the king-side playing 11.h4. It is a possible

plan here, because white has pretty good control in the center.

26

In such situations, it is very important to evaluate whether your

opponent can open a position in the center or not.

In the current example, though black can play “d5” and then take “de”, it will

not open the position too much. Even though black will be able to open the “d” line,

he will not have invasion squares there. For example, white can play Bc2 and

protect everything.

We may arrive at a conclusion that black will not be able to open the position

and to start a counterattack in the center. That’s why white’s flank attack is correct.

Please, pay attention to the fact, that it was necessary to evaluate the position

very accurately before making a decision about the flank attack.

In the game there followed: 11…Qc7 12.Ng5-d5 13.f3

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7zppwqlsnpvlp' 6-+p+-snp+& 5+-+pzp-sN-% 4-+-+P+-zP$ 3+LzPPsNP+-# 2PzP-+-+P+" 1tR-vLQmK-+R! xabcdefghy

This move has 2 important functions: first, it prepares g4 and h5 developing

the attack; secondly, it protects the center one more time. It is very important to

always keep your central position, even if you are attacking on a side.

13…Rad8 14.g4-de 15.fe

Black is trying to open the position in the center, while white keeps it closed.

15…h6 16.Qf3.

27

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-tr-trk+( 7zppwqlsnpvl-' 6-+p+-snpzp& 5+-+-zp-sN-% 4-+-+P+PzP$ 3+LzPPsNQ+-# 2PzP-+-+-+" 1tR-vL-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

It is a well-known tactical idea: black may not accept the sacrifice, because it

will open the “h” file.

16…Be8 17.Bc2. Again, white never forgets about his center.

17…Nd7 18.Nh3 It frees the white’s king-side pawns and also white is going

to protect his center again with the Nf2 move.

18…Nc5 19.Nf2-b5

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-trltrk+( 7zp-wq-snpvl-' 6-+p+-+pzp& 5+psn-zp-+-% 4-+-+P+PzP$ 3+-zPPsNQ+-# 2PzPL+-sN-+" 1tR-vL-mK-+R! xabcdefghy Black can’t do anything really, because of the white’s strong center.

20.g5-h5 21.Nf5 It is quite natural sacrifice, which gives white a direct attack

on the black’s king

21…gf 22.ef-f6 23.g6-Ng6 24.fg-Bg6.

28

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-tr-trk+( 7zp-wq-+-vl-' 6-+p+-zpl+& 5+psn-zp-+p% 4-+-+-+-zP$ 3+-zPP+Q+-# 2PzPL+-sN-+" 1tR-vL-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

Now white has the new open file “g” for his rooks.

25.Rg1-e4 black makes a desperate attempt to open the position, but it still

doesn’t give anything.

26.de-Kh7 And now white has a forcing win 27.Rg6-Kg6 28.Qf5 White wins

the knight c5 and saves a strong attack. He won the game soon.

It was all about the 3rd type of a situation, when you may start an attack on a

side.

Now let’s make up some general conclusions.

There are 2 steps of composing of a plan:

You should detect the direction of your attack (the object of an

attack).

You should find the exact way of how to attack in that direction

(that object).

Now we are discussing the 1st step – the direction of the attack.

There are 3 possible directions:

the center,

the king-side,

the queen-side.

Practically you should focus your attention mainly on the center.

Orient on the rules we have discussed in this lesson. The greatest practical

29

rule states: if you can attack in a center – do it.

There are only 3 types of positions, when you may attack on a flank:

When the center is closed.

When you have an advantage (domination) in a center

already.

When you have enough control over the central squares,

which doesn’t allow your opponent to attack there.

This was all the main information about the 1st step of planning. As you can

see, the direction of an attack is closely connected with the topic of a center.

I gave you all the important general principles. However, there are some more

specific rules also. As you are all aware, people have played chess for a long time

already. During that time, chess players classified different types of centers and

detected typical ideas there. So in the next lessons we will study them.

I hope that it will be easy for you to understand and to remember these

specific principles, because you already know the basic information and you can

use it as a guideline.

Thanks for your attention! I am waiting for you in the next lesson.

30


by GM Igor Smirnov

Lesson-3: “Specific Rules For an Open Center”

Hi again! Here is the 3rd lesson: “Specific rules for an open center”.

In the previous lesson, we have studied the general concept of a center. Now

we will analyze how those general ideas work in situations with different types of

centers.

Let’s start. There are a lot of different classifications of the types of centers.

Actually, it doesn’t matter too much which classification to use. For a practical player

it is important to understand strategic ideas and to be able to apply them. So I will

offer you a classification, which is the simplest and the most complete at the same

time. Here it is.

There are 5 types of centers:

1. An open center.

It is when there are no pawns in a center.

2. A closed center.

If both players have pawn chains in the center, then it is closed.

3. A static center.

It is something between an open center and a closed one. It happens if both

players have 1 or 2 pawns in the center and it is not totally closed.

4. A pawn center.

Here I mean that one player has some pawns in a center, while another one

doesn’t.

5. A dynamic center.

It describes an undetermined situation, when the central position has not been

defined yet.

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Now we will analyze these types of centers in turn. Here we go.

The first type is an open center.

What you should do in such positions? What is the correct plan? Let’s apply our

general knowledge.

We know the rule: if you can play (attack) in the center – do it. Of course it is

applicable for positions with an open center.

We also know another rule which states: “It is important to keep control over

the central squares; it doesn’t matter whether you do it with pieces or with pawns.”

Finally we may conclude that you should attack in the center and try to

occupy it with your pieces. This is the right plan in positions with an open center.

I promised you that everything will be simple, and it really is.

What you should do next? Again, we already know the ways to use an advantage

in the center. In general, you can continue attacking in the center or transfer your

attack to a side.

In the positions with an open center you should use your powerful

central position to attack on a side.

Simply because there is really nothing to attack in the center.

Amonatov F. – Rakhmanov A.

White: Kg1, Qd1, Ra1, Re1, Bd3, Bd2, Nc3, Nf3, pawns: a2, b2, d4, f2, g2, h3.

Black: Kg8, Qd8, Ra8, Rf8, Be7, Be6, Nd5, Nf6, pawns: a7, b7, c5 f7, g7, h6.

32

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7zpp+-vlpzp-' 6-+-+lsn-zp& 5+-zpn+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sNL+N+P# 2PzP-vL-zPP+" 1tR-+QtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

The center is not totally opened, but of course it will be after an exchange of

the pawns d4 and c5.

White played 17.Re6 we will discuss the reason of this move little later.

17…fe 18.Qe2 White starts concentrating pieces in the center.

18…Qc8 19.dc. Now the center is fully opened.

19…Nc3 20.Bc3-Nd5 21.Bd4 white is trying to occupy the central squares.

21…Nf4 22.Qe5-Rf7 23.Bc4

XABCDEFGHY 8r+q+-+k+( 7zpp+-vlrzp-' 6-+-+p+-zp& 5+-zP-wQ-+-% 4-+LvL-sn-+$ 3+-+-+N+P# 2PzP-+-zPP+" 1tR-+-+-mK-! xabcdefghy

Now white starts using his pieces to attack the black weaknesses.

23…Qc6 24.Re1 bringing the last piece into the center.

24…Bd8 Now all the white’s pieces are controlling the center and it is time to start a

direct attack of an opponent’s territory.

25.Qd6 white is going inside.

33

25…Qd6 26.cd-Kh7 27.Ne5 White got full centralization and a winning position.

27…Rf8 28.g3-Nd5 29.Nd7 Everything is very simple for white now. He starts

winning material because of his domination.

29…Rf7 30.Nc5-Nb6 31.Be6-Rf8 32.Nb7 white got a decisive advantage and won

the game easily.

Do you know why white’s attack was so effective? Yes, first, he realized

the right plan: to occupy the center with the pieces and then to use them for a direct

attack.

There is another important thing though. Now I am going to tell you a very

important rule, which is not presented in chess books. So please, pay attention to it.

In the positions with an open center you should not move pawns. For an

attacker it is useless, for a defender it is simply bad.

An attacking side usually moves pawns to open the position. Here it makes no

sense, because the position is already opened.

A defender should not move pawns, because it creates weaknesses. In

positions with an open center it is very easy to attack weaknesses. An attacker has a

lot of open lines and diagonals, which he can use for his attack.

Thus, you should be very careful with pawn moves in open positions. Often

they are just a mistake.

Let’s take a look at the starting position of our example again.

White sacrificed the exchange (17.Re6) to create weaknesses in the opponent’s

position, because he knew that it would give him great attacking chances.

It is important to take note of the fact that the position of black’s pawn on h6

(instead of h7) created a lot of troubles for black. Now white was able to exploit the

weaknesses around black’s king. It shows again, how it is important to be careful

with pawn moves in open positions.

There is another useful consequence of this rule: if you want to use the

34

opponent’s weaknesses, you should open the center. This idea will help you to

create an attack in many different positions.

Let’s draw the conclusions.

Here is the correct plan for the positions with an open center.

1. You should attack in the center and try to occupy it with your

pieces.

2. Then, you should use your powerful central position to attack on a

flank.

Also, it is important to not move pawns. For an attacker, it is useless,

for a defender it is bad.

That’s why if you want to use the opponent’s weaknesses, you

should open the center.

In the end, I’d like to mention that positions with an open center are often

tactical, and then of course you should orient on concrete variations mainly.

35


Lesson-4: “Specific Rules For the Closed Center”

In the 4th lesson, we will talk about typical plans in positions with a closed

center.

Let’s begin. What should you do in these types of positions? Since the center

is closed, of course you will attack on a flank.

Which flank to choose? You should choose a side where you have an

advantage in the activity of your pieces or where you can create such an

advantage. Usually it happens when you have a space advantage on a side, which

allows you to bring the pieces there and doesn’t allow your opponent to do the

same.

There is also one practical rule about it. It says that you should attack on the

part of the board where your central pawn chain “looks” (is pointed).

Let’s see how it looks practically.

Beliavsky A. – Medina-Garsia A.

White: Ke1, Qd1, Ra1, Rh1, Ba4, Be3, Nd2, Nf3, pawns: a2, b2, c3, d5, e4, f2, g2,

h2.

Black: Ke8, Qe7, Ra8, Rh8, Bd7, Bg7, Nb8, Ng8, pawns: a6, b7, c7, d6, e5, f7, g6,

h7.

36

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-+k+ntr( 7+pzplwqpvlp' 6p+-zp-+p+& 5+-+Pzp-+-% 4L+-+P+-+$ 3+-zP-vLN+-# 2PzP-sN-zPPzP" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

In this position, white’s central pawn chain (e4 and d5) “looks” toward the

queen-side. So white should attack there.

The black’s central pawn chain “looks” at the king-side. Thus, black should

play there.

OK, now we know how to detect the right side for your attack. The next logical

question is: “How to create this attack?”

Here is the rule: in closed positions, you should use your pawns.

Since the position is closed, it is hard to attack an opponent’s position directly.

Your pieces don’t have enough open lines and diagonals for an attack. That’s why

you should first use the pawn assault.

You may use the pawns in front of your king if necessary. The bottom line here

is this: in closed positions, it is usually hard to attack weaknesses. That’s why we

shouldn’t be afraid of creating weaknesses too much.

The same thing works for a defensive side. A defender may advance the

pawns to set a blockade in the way of an opponent’s pawn assault.

Well, of course it doesn’t mean that a defender always should move his

pawns. However, he may do so if necessary. You can see that this is a characteristic

of the closed positions, because these rules work only here.

We may conclude that in the closed positions, an attacker should move

37

the pawns; and a defender may do so.

Here we come to the next question: “What exactly will you attack by realizing a

pawn assault?” You should attack the base of an opponent’s central pawn

chain. Let’s look at our example again.

White: Ke1, Qd1, Ra1, Rh1, Ba4, Be3, Nd2, Nf3, pawns: a2, b2, c3, d5, e4, f2, g2,

h2.

Black: Ke8, Qe7, Ra8, Rh8, Bd7, Bg7, Nb8, Ng8, pawns: a6, b7, c7, d6, e5, f7, g6,

h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-+k+ntr( 7+pzplwqpvlp' 6p+-zp-+p+& 5+-+Pzp-+-% 4L+-+P+-+$ 3+-zP-vLN+-# 2PzP-sN-zPPzP" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

As we already know, white is going to attack on the queen-side where he has

a space advantage due to the pawn d5. Thus, white will be able to bring more pieces

there and to get an advantage in activity in this direction.

Also we know that white will use a pawn assault to attack the base of his

opponent’s central pawn chain. What is this base? It is the basis of an opponent’s

pawn chain, which is fixed by your pawn.

Here it is the d6 pawn, which is blocked by the white pawn on d5.

That’s why white played 10.c4 and after 10…Nf6 11.c5. White realized his plan

vigorously.

38

Now black can take the pawn 11…dc, however after 12.Rc1-b6 13.b4 white

has achieved his goal: he opened the queen-side and started a direct attack there.

For example, in the line 13…cb white has a powerful move 14.Bb6! After 14…cb

15.Rc8 white is winning.

In the game, black simply castled 11…0-0. There followed 12.Rc1-Ba4

13.Qa4-Nbd7 14.c6. It was possible for white to play 14.cd as well. Both ways helps

white to open the queen-side position.

14…bc 15.Rc6

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7+-zpnwqpvlp' 6p+Rzp-snp+& 5+-+Pzp-+-% 4Q+-+P+-+$ 3+-+-vLN+-# 2PzP-sN-zPPzP" 1+-+-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

a pawn assault has helped white to open the lines, and now white is attacking the

black’s weaknesses directly.

15…Rfb8 16.Rc7-Rb2 17.0-0.

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-+k+( 7+-tRnwqpvlp' 6p+-zp-snp+& 5+-+Pzp-+-% 4Q+-+P+-+$ 3+-+-vLN+-# 2Ptr-sN-zPPzP" 1+-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy Now you can see why it is so good for white to attack on the queen-side. White has

more space here, so it is easy for him to bring more pieces into the attack. White can

39

play Qc6, Nc4, and he can transfer the knight to c6 after Nb3-a5-c6. White can play

Rfc1 and Rc6. Actually white can do whatever he wants. Therefore, his attack will be

easily successful.

Here we come to another idea. In the closed positions, it is impossible to

defend. If white is stronger on the queen-side, sooner or later he will realize this

advantage. Therefore, the only possible plan for black is a counterattack on the

other side of the board.

In the current example, black even didn’t try to do it. That’s why his position is

strategically losing.

17…Qd8 18.Rc6 attacking the pawns. 18…Nb8 19.Rc3-Bf8 20.Rfc1

everything is very simple for white now. 20…Nbd7 21.Nb3 In addition to all other

advantages, white captured black’s b2 rook and won the game soon.

This example illustrates the main classical plan for the positions with the

closed center. There is another possible plan though, which works sometimes.

White: Ke1, Qd1, Ra1, Rh1, Bc1, Bd3, Nd2, Ne2, pawns: a2, b2, d4, e5, f2, g2, h2.

Black: Ke8, Qd8, Ra8, Rh8, Bc8, Bf8, Nc6, Nd7, pawns: a7, b7, d5, e6, f7, g7, h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwqkvl-tr( 7zpp+n+pzpp' 6-+n+p+-+& 5+-+pzP-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-+L+-+-# 2PzP-sNNzPPzP" 1tR-vLQmK-+R! xabcdefghy

Black’s turn.

It is a theoretical position of the French defense. According to the classical

rules black should attack on the queen-side, where his pawn chain looks. Also black

40

should attack the base of the white’s central pawn chain – the pawn on d4.

Though it is a possible plan, black usually choose another one: an attack of

“the head” of an opponent’s central pawn chain. So black plays 8…f6 attacking

white’s most advanced pawn.

This plan is riskier, because it creates weaknesses in the black’s position.

After 9.ef-Nf6 white will try to use the weak square e5 and the backward pawn on

e6. Nevertheless, it helps black to raise his activity, to get more free space for his

pieces. Now black can develop the bishop on the more active position d6. After

castling, black will be able to use the semi-open file “f”. For example after 10.Nf3-

Bd6 11.00-00.

We may conclude that this plan (an attack of the head of an opponent’s

pawn chain) has some positives and negatives. Therefore, it depends on the

concrete situation whether this plan is good or not. You need to evaluate who

will be able to use the advantages of his position in what follows.


There are 2 possible plans for the positions with the closed center:

- An attack on the flank where you have a space advantage, where you

have an advantage in activity or where you can create such advantage; where

your central pawn chain “looks”.

In this case, you will attack the base of an opponent’s pawn chain. This is the

classical plan.

- An attack of the head of an opponent’s pawn chain. Here you play rather

in the center and you are hoping for an activity of your pieces. This plan is

riskier and you need to assess the concrete position accurately.

41

Also there are 2 specific rules for the positions with the closed center:

It is important to move your pawns. An attacker should do it, a defender may

do it.

Usually it is impossible to defend, therefore it is necessary to create a

counterattack.

We have finished with 2 main types of centers: the open center and the closed

center. Other types are not so important. That’s why I recommend you to study this

lesson and the previous one very well and to remember these rules.

Of course you should always remember the general concept of the center, which we

studied previously. It helps to understand all these specific rules easily.

42


Lesson-5: “Specific Rules For the Static Center”

Here is the 5th lesson “Specific Rules For the Static Center”.

We have already discussed the 2 most important types of centers: the open center

and the closed center. The remaining types are simpler and are easily

understandable if you digested the general concept of a center.

Let’s start. What should you do in the positions with the static center? First,

let’s clarify what the static center is.

White: pawns: a2, b2, d4, f2, g2, h2.

Black: pawns: a7, b7, d5, f7, g7, h7.

Here is one of the possible examples of the static center. Both players have a

pawn in a center, but there is some free space as well. Thus we can’t say that it is

opened, and it is not closed either. Since the central situation is quite stable, it is

called “the static center”.

I may add 2 more pawns on e3 (white’s pawn) and on c6 (black’s pawn), and it

is still a static center. Of course, there are other positions with the static center, but I

hope that you caught the meaning already.

43

As you can see, the static center is something between the open center

and the closed one. That’s why the similar rules work here.

OK, let’s come back to our question: “What should you do in the positions with

the static center?”

The rule “if you can play in the center – do it” of course is still working. That’s

why you should play in the center.

The next question is “Exactly how should you play in the center?”

There are 2 main things you should try to perform in such positions:

- Struggle for control over the central open files.

Certainly it implies, that there is a central open file in a certain position.

- Put your pieces on the squares which are protected by your

central pawns.

Here I am talking about minor pieces mainly. This will help you to get a really

powerful position in the center.

Actually, this is the only specific rule for this center type. Regarding all other

aspects, you should simply use the general concepts of the center.

When you have an advantage in the center already, you may continue an

attack there or transfer your attack on a side.

You may move your flank pawns (so play on a side), only when you have

pretty good control over the center.

We have discussed all these principles in the 2rd lesson already, so I will not

repeat them.

44


Botvinnik M. – Alekhine A.

White: Kg1, Qd1, Ra1, Re1, Bc1, Bc4, Nf3, pawns: a2, b2, d4, f2, g2, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qd8, Ra8, Rf8, Bc8, Be7, Nc6, pawns: a7, b6, d5, f7, g7, h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7zp-+-vlpzpp' 6-zpn+-+-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+LzP-+-+$ 3+-+-+N+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-vLQtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

Of course it is white’s turn now. We can see the static center. It means that

white should try to use the central open files: “c” and “e” lines. Also white should try

to put his minor pieces on the squares which are protected by his central pawn. Most

probably white will put the knight on e5.

Here is what white should do here. It is that simple, when you know what to

think about.

There is one question you may like to ask me about. Even if white puts the

knight on e5, black will simply push it away by playing f6. Does that mean that this

plan doesn’t work for white here?

No, it works excellently. It is important to understand one thing though. Your

opponent will have to move his pawns to cover weaknesses. And by making

pawn moves he will create new, more significant weaknesses. So you will

simply start using the new weaknesses then.

If you put the knight on e5 and if black plays f6; you will simply retreat and

then will use the new weakness on e6.

Let’s see what happened in the game.

45

12.Bb5 The black pawn on b6 covers the c5 square, but is creating another

weakness on c6. Of course white should exploit it.

12…Bd7 13.Qa4 You can see that the c6 weakness is even more problematic for

black. Now he has to retreat 13…Nb8 14.Bf4. The bishop is controlling the important

squares e5 and c7, which white will use to enter black’s territory.

14…Bb5 15.Qb5-a6

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-trk+( 7+-+-vlpzpp' 6pzp-+-+-+& 5+Q+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-vL-+$ 3+-+-+N+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

Once again, black has to weaken his position to push away white’s active pieces.

16.Qa4-Bd6 17.Bd6-Qd6 18.Rac1 White is getting control over the central open

files.

18…Ra7 19.Qc2-Re7 20.Re7-Qe7. Now white can use his powerful central position

to start the direct attack 21.Qc7-Qc7 22.Rc7.

White has a much more active position and a lot of possibilities to attack the black’s

numerous weaknesses. White won the game afterwards.


In positions with the static center, you should play in the center. More

specifically, you should:

- Struggle for a control over the central open files.

- Put your pieces on the squares which are protected by your central

pawns.

46

There are 2 other important things:

- When your opponent covers weaknesses, he is creating new, more significant

weaknesses at the same time.

- The static center is something between the open center and the closed one.

That’s why similar rules work here.

Thanks for your attention! Talk to you in the next lesson.

47


Lesson-6: “Specific Rules For the Pawn Center”

This is the next lesson: “Specific Rules For the Pawn Center”.

“The pawn center” is when one player has the central pawns, while the other one

doesn’t.

What are the typical plans for such positions?

The side with the central pawns should certainly use them. Thus, you

should advance your central pawns to get more space and positional

domination. After that, you will use your advantage in the center to continue the

attack there or to transfer the attack on a side. We have analyzed it previously, so

here I am referring to the 2nd lesson again.

How should you struggle against an opponent’s pawn center?

First, I’d like you to pay attention to the fact that you should really struggle

against an opponent’s center, and it is the only possible plan. Since we know

the high value of the center, we may not ignore an opponent’s advantage there.

Secondly, there are 2 plans to struggle against a pawn center:

1. Attack and destroy it.

2. Blockade it.

If you can attack and destroy an opponent’s center, then it will certainly be the

best decision. In this case, you will attack a pawn center with your pieces and

undermine it with your pawns.

Pepino E. – Zelcic R.

White: Ke1, Qd1, Ra1, Rh1, Be3, Bf1, Nc3, Nf3, pawns: a2, b2, c4, d4, e5, g2, h2.

Black: Ke8, Qd8, Ra8, Rh8, Bf8, Bf5, Nb6, Nc6, pawns: a7, b7, c7, e6, f7, g7, h7.

48

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqkvl-tr( 7zppzp-+pzpp' 6-snn+p+-+& 5+-+-zPl+-% 4-+PzP-+-+$ 3+-sN-vLN+-# 2PzP-+-+PzP" 1tR-+QmKL+R! xabcdefghy

Black’s turn.

White has the pawn center and it seems like it determines his huge

advantage. Let’s see what happened in the game though.

Black played 9…Bg4 and starts attacking white’s center. Black wants to

exchange the knight on f3 and to eventually capture the d4 pawn.

10.Be2-Qd7. If you don’t have pawns in the center, it means that you have some

open files there. This allows you to use heavy pieces to attack an opponent’s

central pawns.

11.Qd2-000 12.Rd1. Though it seems like white’s center should be an advantage, in

fact it is rather an easy object of attack for black.

12…f6 13.ef-Bf3 White can’t take with the bishop because he needs to protect the

c4 pawn.

14.gf-gf

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XABCDEFGHY 8-+ktr-vl-tr( 7zppzpq+-+p' 6-snn+pzp-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+PzP-+-+$ 3+-sN-vLP+-# 2PzP-wQL+-zP" 1+-+RmK-+R! xabcdefghy

The white position was destroyed and now black can easily attack white’s numerous

weaknesses.

15.00-Bc5 Black is continuing to attack white’s pawn center. White can’t take the

bishop because of Qg7 winning the queen then.

In the game, he played 16.d5 which doesn’t help either. 16…Qe7 17.Kh1-Be3

18.Qe3-ed 19.Qe7-Ne7. Finally, black won white’s central pawn and got a winning

position.

It is generally accepted that it is good to have a pawn center and that it is an

advantage. This idea is even presented in chess books. However, the last example

shows that it is not true. That’s why I’d like to give you another rule: a pawn center

gives you advantages when it is well supported by your pieces. Otherwise, it

is a weakness and an easy object for an attack.

It is very important to understand it.

We may conclude that the best thing you can do is to attack an opponent’s

pawn center and to destroy it. However, it is not always possible. Sometimes, the

pawn center is well protected and you can’t destroy it. In this case, you should use

another plan: the blockade of an opponent’s central pawns.

50

Konstantinopolsky A. – Kotov A.

White: Kg1, Qd1, Ra1, Rf1, Bb2, Bg2, Nc3, pawns: a2, b3, d4, e2, f2, g3, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qe7, Ra8, Re8, Bb7, Nd7, Nf6, pawns: a7, b6, c6, d5, f7, g7, h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+r+k+( 7zpl+nwqpzpp' 6-zpp+-sn-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+PsN-+-zP-# 2PvL-+PzPLzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

Black’s move.

Of course, it is not a pawn center at the moment. However let’s think about

this position and try to realize what both players will do in the future.

Both of them will play in the center according to the rule “if you can play in the

center – do it”.

White will probably try to create a strong pawn center by playing f3 and e4

after some preparation.

Black can try to attack white’s center by playing c5, but it is a risky decision. It

will open the position for the white bishops and will allow white to attack black’s

weak pawns c5 and d5. I mean a position after an eventual c5, dc-bc.

So it is not good for black to play c5 and he should use his pieces to put

pressure on the white’s center. Black will use the semi-open “e” file and the strong

square e4 for his knight to blockade the white center.

Do you remember the beginning of this course? I’ve told you that the

planning skills help you to understand a position much deeper and to predict a

game continuation for many moves forward. Now you can see how it works

practically.

51

In the game there followed 13…Ne4 14.e3-Ndf6 Black is expecting the white’s

attempt to play f3 and e4, so he takes control over these squares in advance.

15.Re1-Bc8 the bishop is going to f5 to provide more control over the e4 square.

16.f3-Nc3 17.Bc3-Bf5 18.Qd2-h5 Black is preventing the eventual advancement g4.

19.Re2-Qd7 20.Rae1

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+r+k+( 7zp-+q+pzp-' 6-zpp+-sn-+& 5+-+p+l+p% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+PvL-zPPzP-# 2P+-wQR+LzP" 1+-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

Now black can’t stop white’s following move e4, so he should think about a future

blockade.

20…Bh3 21.Bh1-Re6 22.e4-de 23.fe Now white finally has the pawn center. Black

should attack white’s central pawns and force one of them to go forward. Then black

will be able to impose a blockade.

23…Rae8 That’s why black is attacking the e4 pawn, trying to force white to play e5.

24.Bf3-Bg4 Exchanging a defender of white’s center.

25.Qf4-Bf3 26.Qf3-Qe7 After all, black has performed his plan: now white has to

play e5.

27.e5-Nd5.

52

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+r+k+( 7zp-+-wqpzp-' 6-zpp+r+-+& 5+-+nzP-+p% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+PvL-+QzP-# 2P+-+R+-zP" 1+-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

Black was not able to destroy the white center, so he blockaded it. The main

power of a pawn center is that it can go forward and attack the opponent’s

position. When the pawn center is fixed, it becomes not dangerous any more.

Then you may continue attacking that fixed center or transfer an attack on a side.

In the current example, black starts attacking white’s queen-side after 28.Bd2-

Qa3. Yes, white can take the h5 pawn, but it doesn’t create any threats. The white

pawn center has been blockaded, that’s why white can’t open a position and create

an attack. This is the white’s biggest problem.

In the future, black will take white’s queen-side pawns and win the game in an

endgame.

Let’s draw the conclusions from this game and from the whole lesson.

The conclusions.

The side with a pawn center should push it forward to get a space advantage

and probably domination. Then he can continue attacking in the center or

transfer the attack on a flank.

The other side should attack the opponent’s pawn center to destroy it or to

blockade it.

53

There are some specific rules for the positions with the closed center:

A pawn center gives you advantages when it is well supported by your

pieces. Otherwise, it is a weakness and an easy object for an attack.

To blockade an opponent’s pawn center you should put strong pressure

on it and force an opponent to move one of his central pawns. Then,

you can impose a blockade on the weak squares.

The fixed pawn center can’t help to open a position and to create an

attack, that’s why it is usually not dangerous.

While blocking an opponent’s pawn center, you are putting your pieces

on the excellent central squares. It is another argument for a blockade.

It is important to play vigorously in positions with a pawn center. Both

players are struggling for the center; and the one who makes it faster

and more insistently will win the game.

When you know these principles, you will play such positions without any

problems. Actually, you know all the plans in advance.

54


Lesson-7: “Specific Rules For the Dynamic Center”

In this lesson, we will talk about the last possible center type – the dynamic

center.

To be fully honest, it is even not a center type. It just describes an unclear

situation, where the center type has not been defined yet. Most probably such

situation will lead to one of the well-known center types, which we analyzed before.

Would like to get a concrete example of the dynamic center? Well, it is simple.

It is a bit joke, but I

hope that you understand what I mean. Any undetermined situation can be an

example.

Here we come to our usual question: “what should you do in positions with the

dynamic center?”

You should attack in the center and try to get one of the favorable central

constructions. We have analyzed different center types already and you know

when they are advantageous for you. So you just need to struggle in the center

to get one of those good situations.

Of course you should be very careful with pawn moves on a side. The

position may become open and then you will be in a huge trouble because of your

weaknesses. Thus you should rather not to move your flank pawns. Focus your

attention on the center.

If your opponent tries to create an attack on a side, you should make a

counterblow in the center. This general rule works here as well.

55

Adams M. – Topalov V.

White: Kg1, Qd1, Ra1, Rf1, Be2, Be3, Nc3, Nd4, pawns: a4, b2, c2, e4, f4, g2, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qc7, Ra8, Rf8, Bc8, Be7, Nc6, Nf6, pawns: a6, b7, d6, e6, f7, g7, h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+-trk+( 7+pwq-vlpzpp' 6p+nzppsn-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4P+-sNPzP-+$ 3+-sN-vL-+-# 2-zPP+L+PzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

This is a well-known theoretical position. We can see the dynamic center.

What should white do here? Concentrate the pieces in a center and then attack

there.

In the game white played 11.Kh1.

There is an important practical rule for such positions: since there is no direct

contact between the opponents’ pieces, you may prepare the realization of

your plan thoroughly.

Each player occupies his half of the board. There are no threats here. So you

have enough time to put all your pieces on the best squares before starting the real

attack.

11…Re8 Black is doing the same.

12.Bf3-Bf8 13.Qd2-Na5 Black tries to attack on a side. You should be very careful

with such ideas, because they are often bad.

14.b3-Rb8 15.Rad1 White concentrates all his pieces in the center.

15…Nc6 Now white has all the pieces on the right places and he can start an attack

with 16.Nc6-bc 17.e5 It gives white the initiative position.

56

In the game he chose another way and played 16.Bf2. At first sight, this move

seems strange. However, there is another practical idea for such positions: it is

good to keep the tension.

Maybe you are not too sure what to do, but your opponent is in the same

trouble. That’s why it makes sense to keep the tension. Probably your opponent will

do something dubious. Then it will become simpler for you to find the right way to

start an attack. If your opponent doesn’t make mistakes – no problem, you can start

realizing your plan any time.

You see it is a totally practical rule; it is not about a chess strategy. There is

another relative thing here. When you keep the tension, you make it harder for

your opponent to find good moves.

Let’s imagine that white took 16.Nc6. Black has the only possible response

16…bc. After 17.e5 black has to take 17…de, so again it is very simple for him.

Then 18.fe and black still has an obvious move 18…Nd5.

Let’s come back to the game. White played 16.Bf2 and now it is not that easy

for black to find a good move. At least he will think for some time, and this will

already be good for you.

In the game there followed 16…Nd7 17.Bg3-Nd4. Now black is trying to play

aggressively, but his flank attack seems dubious, because of the white’s strong

central position.

18.Qd4-b5 19.ab-ab 20.b4

57

XABCDEFGHY 8-trl+rvlk+( 7+-wqn+pzpp' 6-+-zpp+-+& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-zP-wQPzP-+$ 3+-sN-+LvL-# 2-+P+-+PzP" 1+-+R+R+K! xabcdefghy

To prevent the black’s move b4

20…g6 Black is preparing Bg7, but is creating new weaknesses at the same time.

Do you remember that it is necessary to be very careful with pawn moves in the

positions with the dynamic center? This example is a good illustration of that idea.

White played 21.e5 starting the direct attack of the black’s weaknesses 21…d5 22.f5

White is opening the position.

22…gf 23.Nd5 Black can’t accept the sacrifice 23…ed because after 24.e6 his

position is destroyed.

24…Qc4 25.Qd2 White wants to play Qg5 check

24…h6 25.h3. This sadistic move shows black that he has nothing to do. White won

the game easily.


In the positions with the dynamic center, you should attack in the center

and try to get one of the favorable central constructions.

There are some specific rules for such positions:

You should be very careful with pawn moves on a side.

Since there is no direct contact between the opponents’ pieces, you may

prepare the realization of your plan thoroughly.

58

It is good to keep the tension, because it makes it harder for your opponent

practically.

Please, accept my congratulations because we have finished with the different

types of centers finally! ☺

Maybe it looks like a huge quantity of information. Please don’t worry about it.

Later, we will make the most general conclusion and you will see that everything is

very simple actually.

59


Lesson-8: “Two Universal Keys”

Hi again! This is the 8th lesson “Two Universal Keys”.

First, I would remind you that we are still talking about the 1st stage of

composing the right plan. Let’s recollect our general scheme:

There are 2 steps to composing a plan:

1. You should detect the direction of your attack (the object of an attack).

2. You should find the exact way of how to attack in that direction (that

object).

All the previous lessons were dedicated to the first step – the direction of an

attack. We have been talking about 3 possible directions (the center, the queenside

and the kingside). We focused mostly on the center, because it is a dominating

factor. I’ve told you what you should do in different middlegame positions and which

plan you should realize.

Now I’d like to tell you 2 additional ideas relating to this topic (to the direction

of an attack). These ideas are quite simple and very effective at the same time. They

are applicable to almost all the positions.

Here they are:

1. You should use the opponent’s weaknesses.

2. You should use your advantages.

Maybe it seems obvious, but it is really useful. Let’s talk about it more specifically.

60

You should use the opponent’s weaknesses.

Previously, we’ve been talking about the general direction of your attack. The

opponent’s weaknesses are the concrete objects of an attack in that direction.

Thus you should attack the opponent’s weaknesses, because they are the

easiest objects of an attack.

I explained this topic in the course “The Grandmaster’s Secrets”, so I will not

repeat it again.

You should use your advantages.

It is called “an advantage”, because your opponent has no counterpart. That’s

why he has no way to oppose your advantage. Therefore, if you use the positional

advantages of your position, you will often realize your plan quickly and

easily.

Karpov A. – Bagirov V.

White: Kg1, Qd1, Rc1, Rf1, Be3, Bf3, Nc5, pawns: a2, b3, d4, f2, g2, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qd8, Rb8, Rf8, Bf6, Na5, Nc6, pawns: a7, d5, e6, f7, g7, h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8-tr-wq-trk+( 7zp-+-+pzpp' 6-+n+pvl-+& 5sn-sNp+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+P+-vLL+-# 2P+-+-zPPzP" 1+-tRQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

In this position, white has the pawn majority on the queen-side. White has 2

pawns – b3 and a2 against the single pawn a7. That’s why white starts realizing this

advantage insistently.

61

19.a3 (preparing b4)-Ne7. Now white can play 20.b4 immediately, but this will allow

the black’s knight to go on the c4. That’s why white first played 20.Be2 to cover this

square (c4). White doesn’t allow the black knight to go on c4 in the future.

20…Nf5 21.b4 (the white’s pawn majority is going forward)-Nb7 22.Bf4 White saves

the bishop and also transfers it on the most active square e5.

22…Nbd6 23.Be5 (white has to play the bishop to protect the d4 pawn)-Be5 24.de-

Nb7 25.Nb3.

XABCDEFGHY 8-tr-wq-trk+( 7zpn+-+pzpp' 6-+-+p+-+& 5+-+pzPn+-% 4-zP-+-+-+$ 3zPN+-+-+-# 2-+-+LzPPzP" 1+-tRQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

Black’s knight on b7 has no prospects (it really has no squares where to go), so of

course there is no reason for white to exchange it.

In this position the white’s general plan is still the same: of course white just needs

to realize his pawn majority on the queen-side. However, it is impossible to do it right

now. That’s why white needs to activate his pieces first to support the advancement

of his queenside pawns.

25…Qb6 26.Bd3 (pushing the knight away)-Ne7 27.Qg4. This move provides 2

functions. First, it threatens Bh7 and Qh4 winning the pawn. Secondly, the queen is

going to the d4.

27…f5 28.Qd4 White has neutralized black’s advantage – his passed pawn d5.

28…Nd8 29.b5 (finally white continues realizing his plan)-g5 30.a4. Everything is

very simple for white. He only needs to advance the pawn majority.

30…Ng6 Black wants to win the e5 pawn after the exchange, so white played.

31.Qa1-Qb7 32.Rfe1 (to protect the e5 pawn one more time)-Qg7 33.Nc5 white

keeps his pieces on the most active positions.

62

33…Rf7 34.a5-Re7 35.Na6. Again, still everything is very simple: white is just

attacking, going forward and using his pawn majority. 35…Ra8 36.Bf1 White plays

very safely. Probably it was possible for white just to realize his plan directly.

36…Nf7 37.Nc7 (attacking the rook a8)-Rd8 38.Rc6 (attacking the e6 pawn)-Nf8.

Now white can advance his pawns very easily, because all the black’s pieces are

very passive. 39.b6-ab 40.a6.

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-tr-snk+( 7+-sN-trnwqp' 6PzpR+p+-+& 5+-+pzPpzp-% 4-+-+-+-+$ 3+-+-+-+-# 2-+-+-zPPzP" 1wQ-+-tRLmK-! xabcdefghy

On the next moves white played a7-a8, won the material and the game.

In general white won the game very easily. He has only realized one positional

advantage – the pawn majority. You can see how powerful this idea is.

What other advantages can be used?

A space advantage;

An advantage in activity;

Material advantage;

A piece without an opponent’s counterpart;

A pawn majority and so on.

These were 2 additional ideas, which will help you to detect the direction of

your attack and your plan in general. I called them “2 universal keys”, because you

can apply them to any position.

63

Now let’s make up the main conclusions about everything we’ve studied

before.

Conclusions.


1. You should detect the direction of your attack (the object of an attack).

2. You should find the exact way of how to attack in that direction (that object).

Now we are talking about the first step, where you need to decide where to

attack. The rule states: if you can play (attack) in a center – do it.

If you can’t do it or if you have an advantage in a center already; then you may

transfer the attack on a side.

There are 2 additional ideas, which can help you in this stage:

You should use the opponent’s weaknesses.


These are the most important ideas. There is nothing difficult here and I am

sure that you will apply this system easily after a little practice.

64


Lesson-9: “How to Realize Your Winning Plan”.

This is lesson #9: “How to Realize Your Winning Plan”.

In the previous lesson we analyzed the 1st step of composing the right plan

(how to detect the direction of your attack). In this lesson I am going to tell you about

the 2nd step: how to prepare your attack and direct the game to reach those

favorable positions.

What follows is the correct way of thinking: you should focus your attention

on your every piece and figure out how that piece can help you to realize your

plan.

Usually there are pieces that are already placed well, if that is the case then

you don’t need to move them. Of course there are usually some pieces that need to

be transferred to better squares.

A word of advice: I strongly recommend that you think in a well-organized

manner. While thinking about your pieces, you should think about EVERY piece in

your position, starting from the highest value piece and then going down.

Let’s see how it works practically.

Geller E. – Reshevsky S.

White: Kh1, Qd1, Ra1, Rf1, Be3, Bf3, Nb3, Nc3, pawns: a4, b2, c2, e4, f4, g2, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qd8, Rc8, Rf8, Bd7, Be7, Nb4, Nf6, pawns: a5, b7, d6, e5, f7, g7, h7.

65

XABCDEFGHY 8-+rwq-trk+( 7+p+lvlpzpp' 6-+-zp-sn-+& 5zp-+-zp-+-% 4Psn-+PzP-+$ 3+NsN-vLL+-# 2-zPP+-+PzP" 1tR-+Q+R+K! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

The opening stage of the game has finished and now it is time to compose a

plan. Let’s use our system to do it. First, we need to determine the direction of our

attack. We can see a dynamic center, so we should mainly play in the center and

concentrate our pieces there. The rule is “if you can play in a center – do it.”

We can figure out the target of an attack more specifically, finding the

weaknesses in an opponent’s position. Black has a lot of weaknesses: d5, d6, b5,

b6, a5.

Now we come to the second step of planning: we need to think about how to

use our pieces to realize this plan. Let’s do it starting from the piece with the highest

value – the queen. How can we attack black’s weaknesses with the queen? Maybe

the queen can work on the “d” file, but it is not very active here, because the d6

pawn is protected by the bishop already. Are there are any other good position for

the queen? Yes, we can transfer it to f2 and pressure the b6 weakness.

Next we should think about the rooks. The rooks are usually most active on an

open line, thus white should probably double rooks on the “d” file. This will help

increase white’s control over the central squares and attack the weaknesses d5 and

d6.

What about the bishops? The e3 bishop is already on a good square. It looks

at the b6 hole. The light-squared bishop is not very active, but it is hard to activate it

in this position. Maybe some time in the future it may go to g4 or to e2.

66

After the bishops we should go to the knights. The c3 knight is in a good

position already. In the future it can go to d5 or b5 to start an attack. The other knight

is not that great, but it is difficult to improve its position. By the way, it is attacking the

a5 weakness, so it is good right now.

Finally we should think about the pawns. The only pawn which can do

something really is the f4 pawn. Maybe it will take on e5 in the future, but normally

we should keep the tension.

We have performed both steps in our planning method and now we can

summarize the processes. White is going to play in the center and attack the

weaknesses d6, d5, b6, b5. To realize this plan, white mainly needs to double rooks

on the “d” file and to put the queen on this diagonal (g1-a7).

In the game white played 14.Rf2. It is one of the ways to get that ideal set up.

14…Rc4. This move looks too optimistic, and white is trying to utilize black’s

dangerous piece placement.

15.fe-de 16.Rd2.

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-wq-trk+( 7+p+lvlpzpp' 6-+-+-sn-+& 5zp-+-zp-+-% 4Psnr+P+-+$ 3+NsN-vLL+-# 2-zPPtR-+PzP" 1tR-+Q+-+K! xabcdefghy

That’s why white took on the previous move: now white is pressuring the “d” file.

16…Qc7 17.Qg1. The queen is coming to the long diagonal according to white’s

plan.

17…Bd8 (to prevent Bb6) 18.Rad1. White has done everything that he wanted to.

18…Bc6 19.Bc5 white is winning by force 19…Re8 20.Qf1

67

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-vlr+k+( 7+pwq-+pzpp' 6-+l+-sn-+& 5zp-vL-zp-+-% 4Psnr+P+-+$ 3+NsN-+L+-# 2-zPPtR-+PzP" 1+-+R+Q+K! xabcdefghy and the rook is trapped. White got a winning position and later won the game.

Let’s take a look at the starting position again.

XABCDEFGHY 8-+rwq-trk+( 7+p+lvlpzpp' 6-+-zp-sn-+& 5zp-+-zp-+-% 4Psn-+PzP-+$ 3+NsN-vLL+-# 2-zPP+-+PzP" 1tR-+Q+R+K! xabcdefghy

Please, take note of the fact that in the starting position of this example some

of white’s pieces were already on good squares; there were a few pieces that were

difficult to place, and only certain pieces really required improvement. This is a

typical situation that shows clearly, which pieces need to make immediate

moves.

There is another important aspect I’d like to mention. While thinking about a

certain piece, you should not forget that you can not only transfer it

somewhere, but you can also exchange it. That’s why I recommend that you ask

yourself an additional question: “which exchanges are good for me in this

situation?” or “which pieces should I exchange here?”

68

This will help you to remember the possible exchanges. When you understand

CLEARLY which pieces you should trade; it makes it much easier for you to play.

Smyslov V. – Denker A.

White: Kg1, Qd2, Ra1, Rc1, Be3, Bg2, Ne2, pawns: a2, b2, c4, f2, g3, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qc7, Ra8, Rf8, Be6, Bg7, Ne7, pawns: a7, b7, d6, e5, e4, g6, h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7zppwq-sn-vlp' 6-+-zpl+p+& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4-+P+p+-+$ 3+-+-vL-zP-# 2PzP-wQNzPLzP" 1tR-tR-+-mK-! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

It is white’s turn and white needs to create a plan. We can see that there is a

static center. This means that white should occupy the central weak squares and get

control over the central open lines. In the current position white will probably occupy

the squares e4 and d5 and will use the “d” file.

Black has a weaknesses d6 and d5, so these are more concrete objects of an

attack. This is the first step of planning.

Now we are starting the second step. White’s queen may stay on its own

square. It is hard to find a better square for it.

The rooks should be doubled on the “d” file.

The e3 bishop is in a good position already. The same could be said about the other

bishop which controls the long diagonal.

The knight should go to c3 and then to d5 or e4.

That is white’s plan. Now let’s ask ourselves one additional question: “which

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exchanges are good for white here?”

In such positions it is usually good for white to trade the light-squares bishops,

because it will allow white to occupy the light squares e4 and d5. Thus we found one

more idea, which can be useful. You can see that it is important to think about an

exchange consciously, otherwise you can easily forget about this possibility.

In the game there followed 18.Nc3-Nf5 19.Ne4-Ne3 20.Qe3-h6 21.Rd1 we

can see that white is realizing his plan gradually. I don’t comment every move,

because it is not so important for us now.

21…Rfd8 22.Rac1 white needs to protect the pawn –Rac8 23.b3-b6. Now

white implemented his idea of exchanges and played 24.Nc3-Qe7 25.Bd5.

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This gives white a strategically winning position. After the exchange white can

occupy the central squares e4 and d5, and then attack the black’s weaknesses.

White won this game easily.

These were the main ideas about the 2nd step of a planning. Also I’d like to

give you 2 additional recommendations that are related to this topic.

When you are the attacker, you should push the pawns forward;

when you are a defender, you should NOT move the pawns.

We have been talking about the similar things, while discussing different types

of centers.

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Usually there are 3 stages to the realization of your plan:

1. A concentration of pieces.

Here you will concentrate the pieces in the direction of your attack.

2. A creation of weaknesses in an opponent’s position.

At this stage you will start attacking an opponent’s position, trying to create

weaknesses in his pawn structure.

3. Break through the opponent’s defense.

You are opening the position, going inside of an opponent’s territory, and starting the

direct attack on his king and material.

This general scheme may facilitate your planning.

Let’s make some conclusions.

Conclusions.

During the 2nd step of a planning you should focus the attention on your

every piece and figure out how it can help you to realize your plan.

It is important to do it in a well-organized manner (think about EVERY

piece in your position, starting from the highest value piece and then going

down).

In the end you should ask yourself an additional question: “Which

exchanges are good for me in this situation?”

Now let’s make some general conclusions from all the studied material.

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SUMMARY


1. You should detect the direction of your attack (the object of the attack).

2. You should find the exact way of how to attack in that direction (that

object).

The first step helps you to detect what you are attacking; the second one –

how you will do it. It is the general scheme, which you should keep in your mind

while playing.

Now let’s discuss each step more detailed.

Regarding the 1st step, there are 3 possible directions: the center, the

king-side, and the queen-side.

You should focus your attention mainly on a center. If you can play in a

center – do it.

Also we have studied a lot of specific recommendations for a variety of

different types of centers. This gives you some ready-made plans, which you

can use in your games.

You may attack on a side basically when you can’t attack in a center or

when you already have an advantage in a center.

There are 2 additional ideas, which can help you to figure out a direction

of an attack:

You should use an opponent’s weaknesses.

They are the most concrete goals of your attack.


When you decide what you are going to attack, you should start thinking how

you will do it. So here we come to the 2nd step.

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You should focus the attention on your every piece and figure out

how it can help you to realize the plan.

It is important to do it in a well-organized manner (think about EVERY

piece in your position, starting from the highest value piece and then

going down).

When you perform both steps of a planning, you will find your winning plan.

Finally, I recommend you to sum up and to define your plan in 1-2

sentences. Thus you will help yourself to understand your plan clearly.

That’s all. Maybe it seems a bit difficult for you now. However, it is a very

simple actually. You don’t need to try to remember all the rules I’ve told you in the

previous lessons. There are only a few basic ideas, which you need to

UNDERSTAND deeply. All other rules are just logical consequences.

All the ideas I’ve told you are well-organized in one scheme. It makes it simple

to remember and to apply it practically.

Of course you need to practice the right way of thinking for some time. The

practical part of the course will help you to do it. After that you will be able to find the

right plan in any position against any player.

As you already know, planning is one of most important aspects of chess.

That’s why when you master it; you will definitely make significant progress.

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Lesson-10: “Grandmasters’ Secrets of Planning”

Hi! This is the 10th lesson “Grandmasters’ Secrets of Planning”. We have

already studied important information about planning. Now let’s move forward.

I want you to think about this: there are quite a lot of players who know about

the importance of planning. However, some players still beat others; they still realize

their plans more effectively than others. Why does this happen?

Here we come to my favourite topic: “the extra skills”. These are the skills

which are not presented in chess books and which most players don’t have. These

are unique weapons which allow you to beat all intermediate players. They bring you

to the top!

In this lesson, I am going to share with you the Grandmasters’ secrets of

planning. They are fully practical recommendations. Sometimes it is even not about

chess strategy, but rather about the necessary skills of a practical player.

Here we go! Here is the first secret:

A Grandmaster realizes his plan (ANY plan) to the maximum insistently.

Maybe it seems obvious for you, but I can tell you that 95% of players don’t do

it. This idea is much more profound than it looks.

Khismatullin D. – Demianjuk A.

White: Kc1, Qd3, Rd1, Rg1, Be2, Bg5, Nc3, pawns: a3, b2, c4, d4, e3, f2, h2.

Black: Kh8, Qd8, Ra8, Rf8, Bb7, Nd7, Nf6, pawns: a6, b6, c5, d6, e6, f7, g7, h7.

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XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-tr-mk( 7+l+n+pzpp' 6pzp-zppsn-+& 5+-zp-+-vL-% 4-+PzP-+-+$ 3zP-sNQzP-+-# 2-zP-+LzP-zP" 1+-mKR+-tR-! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

It is white’s turn and white needs to compose a plan. White has an open “g”

file, but it is hard to use it. Even if white doubles rooks on the “g” file, it will not create

any threats. Black will always be able to simply play Rg8 or even g6 and will stop the

attack. Probably, white should do something else. Maybe white can try to use the “d”

file. For instance white can take dc and put the pressure there. Let’s try to find

something here.

Is my reasoning logical? Do you agree with me? I’ve just showed you the

most typical way of thinking. It is totally incorrect!

Let’s recollect the first secret of Grandmasters: “a Grandmaster realizes any

plan to the maximum insistently”. It means that you should realize a plan whatever

happens. If there are some problems in the realization of a plan, it doesn’t mean that

you should reject the plan. Quite the contrary, you should raise your efforts and

realize the plan even more insistently than usual.

There is one very important consequence from the first secret: An insistent

realization of ANY plan brings you good results. Even if you do not choose the

best plan, even if your plan is objectively bad; you will obtain good results if you

realize that plan to the maximum insistently.

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That’s why in the current position white should not reject his plan with an

attack on the king-side. Yes, it is hard to realize it. Nevertheless you should do it and

believe in the power of the 1st Grandmasters’ secret.

In the game white played 15.Rg3-Qc7 16.Rdg1-Rg8 17.Rh3. This move

doesn’t create any threats as white’s previous moves did. However, white doesn’t try

to do anything else except the realization of his plan.

17…Rac8. Black is trying to play cd and counterattack on the “c” file.

XABCDEFGHY 8-+r+-+rmk( 7+lwqn+pzpp' 6pzp-zppsn-+& 5+-zp-+-vL-% 4-+PzP-+-+$ 3zP-sNQzP-+R# 2-zP-+LzP-zP" 1+-mK-+-tR-! xabcdefghy

What would you play here as white? Please, think about it. You may pause the

video for a few minutes.

Ok, white is trying to attack, but there is no way to create an immediate threat.

At the same time black has created some threats already: he is going to play cd, and

then b5 or d5 and so on. Probably white should play the prophylactic move Kb1,

which is a well-known move in such positions.

Am I right? Of course not! Once again, I’ve showed you the usual way of

thinking. Strong players don’t think like that. They know the 1st Grandmasters’

secret: “a Grandmaster realizes his plan to the maximum insistently”. There is

another important consequence of this rule: you should realize your plan and

ignore your opponent’s plan as long as you can.

You should not be distracted from your plan because of your opponent. Quite

the contrary, you should realize your plan and bend an opponent to your will. When

you realize your plan to the maximum insistently, you will finally subdue the

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opponent and he will have to start defending.

Therefore, in the current position, white should not be distracted from his plan.

When you have no doubts regarding whether you can realize your plan or not;

when you focus your attention solely on the question “HOW to realize the

plan” – you will definitely realize it.

White used this way of thinking and found the way 18.d5-ed 19.Qf5 White is

ignoring his opponent again.

19…Rce8 20.Bd3.

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+r+rmk( 7+lwqn+pzpp' 6pzp-zp-sn-+& 5+-zpp+QvL-% 4-+P+-+-+$ 3zP-sNLzP-+R# 2-zP-+-zP-zP" 1+-mK-+-tR-! xabcdefghy

Black has no defense against Rh7 and he resigned.

I want you to pay attention to the fact that white has realized his plan by his

EVERY move (without any distractions)! That’s why he won the game very

quickly.

By the way, here I must honestly say that white’s plan was not good

objectively. If black had made correct moves, he would have won the game. You

know the rule “if you can play in the center – do it”. It works in this position as well.

Thus the correct plan here for white was an attack in the center.

However, white’s incorrect plan brought him a simple win. It is a good

illustration of the 1st Grandmasters’ secret: a Grandmaster realizes his plan (ANY

plan) to the maximum insistently.

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Let’s go to the second secret: “Your plan should be maximally concrete”.

Chess is a concrete game. That’s why you should not only detect what you are

going to do in general, but also plan how exactly you will do it. More concrete plans

have more chances to be realized.

You should try to support your plan with calculation to ensure that it really

works in a certain position.

White: Kc1, Qf2, Rd4, Re1, Bb3, Nc3, pawns: a2, b2, c2, g2, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qa5, Rb8, Rf8, Bc8, Nf6, pawns: a7, c6, d5, e6, g6, h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8-trl+-trk+( 7zp-+-+-+p' 6-+p+psnp+& 5wq-+p+-+-% 4-+-tR-+-+$ 3+LsN-+-+-# 2PzPP+-wQPzP" 1+-mK-tR-+-! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

In this position, white decided to attack on the “h” file. He thought: “I will

transfer the queen to h6, then the rook to h4 and then will increase the pressure

somehow”.

This plan has a lack of specifics. Let’s try to imagine how exactly white will

realize it. I will make any moves for black just to see what white is going to do. White

will play Qh4 (or f4)-h6, then Rh4. White still doesn’t create any threats. How will

white attack? Maybe he will play Rf1. After that black can play Rb7 or Qc7 to protect

the h7 square. Then white has no way to continue the attack. We may conclude that

even after spending so much time white still can’t do something real. It means that

this plan doesn’t work in this position.

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That’s why your plan should be maximally concrete. You should imagine

what exactly you will do and which result you will achieve. It will help you to

understand whether your plan is working or not practically.

Here is the next secret: “You should know your plan and your opponent’s

plan”.

When you know your own plan, you have 50% control over the situation.

When you know your plan and an opponent’s plan – you have 100% control. Of

course it is a very advantageous situation. It gives you a really deep understanding

of the position. Then you will be able to predict a game continuation for many moves

ahead. Thus it will be very easy for you to understand what you should do.

Chess players often focus the attention on their own ideas and forget about an

opponent. Perhaps it is the biggest mistake of a majority of players.

Therefore when you are composing your plan, you should think for some time

about your opponent’s plan also.

Malaniuk V. – Golovlev N.

White: Kg1, Qd1, Ra1, Rf1, Bc1, Nc3, Nf3, pawns: a2, b2, d4, e3, f2, g2, h2.

Black: Ke8, Qd8, Ra8, Rh8, Bd7, Bf8, Nf6 pawns: a6, c6, c5, d5, f7, g7, h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqkvl-tr( 7+-+l+pzpp' 6p+p+-sn-+& 5+-zpp+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sN-zPN+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

What is white’s plan here? By the way, you may use it as an exercise. Pause

the video and think about it by yourself first.

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OK, now let’s do it together. If you can play in the center – do it. So white

should mostly attack in the center. Next, you should find the opponent’s weaknesses

to figure out more concrete objects of your attack in a certain direction. That’s why

you will attack black’s central weaknesses c5 and c6 mainly. After that you need to

find the good squares for your pieces, where they will support the realization of this

plan.

Is that all? For the majority of players it is the end of planning. I recommend

you to do one more thing though. Think about your opponent’s plan also. Black will

probably try to compensate his weaknesses by an active play of his pieces. He will

play Bd6 and will attack on the king-side where his bishops look.

It is very important to understand it, because it gives you one more idea: you

should neutralize the black’s minor pieces. Thus you should exchange them to break

an opponent’s plan. Moreover, it will be easier for you to attack the black’s

weaknesses if you exchange their defenders first.

You can see that if you know the plans of both players, you are totally

controlling the situation; you get a really deep understanding of the position.

This is what Grandmasters do in their games.

In this game, white played 10.Ne5 preparing an exchange. There followed

10…Bd6 11.Nd7-Qd7 12.dc-Bc5 13.Na4

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XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+k+-tr( 7+-+q+pzpp' 6p+p+-sn-+& 5+-vlp+-+-% 4N+-+-+-+$ 3+-+-zP-+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

white is putting his pieces on the right squares to attack the black’s

weaknesses.

13…Ba7 14.b3-00 15.Ba3 (attacking the rook) 15…Rfe8 16.Bc5 White is

occupying the weak square and is exchanging minor pieces. Thus white realizes his

plan and breaks an opponent’s plan at the same time. It is the best you can do.

White transferred an unclear situation to a position with a stable positional

advantage in just a few moves. This is the power of planning. And this is a power of

the principle: you should know your plan and your opponent’s plan.

This rule brings us to the next Grandmasters’ secret: if you can’t find your

plan, you should prevent an opponent’s plan”.

By the way, this is a general strategic rule, which works not only in chess, but

everywhere. For instance, there is a same rule in billiards: if you can’t drive in a ball,

then you should complicate the situation for your opponent.

Though it is quite a logical thing, most chess players don’t use it. They focus

on themselves and don’t think about the opponent.

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Kharlov A. – Kornev A.

White: Ke1, Qd1, Ra1, Rh1, Bd3, Bh4, Nc3, Nd2, pawns: a2, b2, c4, d5, e3, f2, g2,

h3.

Black: Kg8, Qd7, Ra8, Rf8, Bc8, Bg7, Na6, Nh7, pawns: a7, b7, c5, d6, e5, f7, g6,

h6.

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+-trk+( 7zpp+q+pvln' 6n+-zp-+pzp& 5+-zpPzp-+-% 4-+P+-+-vL$ 3+-sNLzP-+P# 2PzP-sN-zPP+" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

It is white’s turn here. What is white’s plan? Usually white should attack on the

queenside in such positions, but here it doesn’t give much for white. The white

pieces are not on the right places for this plan.

Can white attack on the kingside somehow? I doubt it. The only way to open

the position there is to play f4, but it rather helps black.

All in all, it is quite hard to realize what white should actually do here. What do

chess players usually do in such situations? They put their hands on their heads and

start thinking hard. After a long think, they most often do something inconceivable.

You’ve got a better option instead: if you can’t find your plan, you should

prevent an opponent’s plan.

Black is certainly trying to play f5 and to attack on the kingside. Can white

prevent it? Yes, white can play 12.g4 simply. It transfers white’s problems to

black. Now it is difficult for black to figure out what to do. In general, he should

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attack on the kingside, but in this situation it seems risky.

Nevertheless he played 12…f5 in the game. White answered 13.gf-gf

14.Rg1. White's problems have been solved on their own: now white got a clear plan

of an attack on the kingside.

14…e4 15.Be2-Kh8 16.a3 (to prevent Nb4 and to prepare Qc2)-Nc7 17.Qc2

all of white’s moves are obvious now.

17…Qf7 18.000-Bd7 19.f3 white is opening the position to develop the attack.

19…ef 20.Bf3-b5 21.Ne2 It is also a good example of the insistent realization of a

plan. White ignores black’s attacking attempts and realizes his plan by every move.

21…Bf6 22.Nf4 White is threatening Ng6 and is still ignoring black. 22…Ng5

23.Bh5-Qg7 24.Ng6. White won the exchange and the game pretty soon.

There is one thing I’d like to mention here. I am talking about an attacking plan

all the time. Perhaps you are wondering “What about a defense?” Of course, it is

an important topic also. However, there is nothing special you should do about

it. There are a few reasons:

An attack is the main thing in chess, it is the main way for a win; that’s

why you should think about it most of all.

After every opponent’s move, you should ask yourself the question:

“What is the idea of my opponent’s move?” and “What is he going to do next?” This

tip helps you to always be careful and to prevent any danger.

I explained this aspect in more detail in the lesson “How to Prevent Blunders”:

http://chess-teacher.com/blunders

You can study it using the link on the screen (or in the text version of the

lesson).

You should think about your plan and about your opponent’s plan also.

We have discussed it before. If your plan is more powerful than an opponent’s

http://chess-teacher.com/blunders

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one – then you should ignore the opponent's plan and realize your ideas

insistently. If you detect that your opponent’s plan is more effective, then you

obviously have to defend. Therefore, if you think about the plans of both players, you

will understand whether you need to defend or not automatically.

Here we come to the conclusion that, if you think in the right way, you

solve the problem of a defense automatically. It is a practical approach.

Let’s go to the next portion of Grandmasters’ Secrets of Planning.

In this course, I gave you a clear system of finding the right plan. If you study it

well, you will be able to find your winning plan in most situations. However,

sometimes every player gets in trouble and can’t figure out what to do in a certain

position. That’s why I’d like to give you some practical recommendations about it.

So what should you do if you can’t find the right plan?

First, you can prevent an opponent’s plan. We have talked about it already.

Secondly, you should compose a plan in stable positions and orient

rather on calculation and on the general strategic principles in complicated

positions.

Smith Br. – Shabalov A.

White: Kc1, Qd2, Re1, Rh1, Bb5, Bh4, Nc3, Nf3, pawns: a2, b2, d5, e5, g2, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qd8, Ra8, Re8, Bf5, Bg7, Nb6, Nb4, pawns: a7, b7, c5, f6, g6, h7.

84

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqr+k+( 7zpp+-+-vlp' 6-sn-+-zpp+& 5+LzpPzPl+-% 4-sn-+-+-vL$ 3+-sN-+N+-# 2PzP-wQ-+PzP" 1+-mK-tR-+R! xabcdefghy

Black’s turn.

It is black’s turn. It is the end of the opening and usually we should compose a

plan at this point. Of course, it makes no sense to think about planning in the current

situation. It is a tactical position and everything may change seriously within a few

moves. That’s why, here, the main thing you should do is calculate the variations.

When the situation becomes more stable, you will start thinking about making

a plan.

In the game, black found the correct move 17…a6. Then after 18.Be8-Nd3

19.Kd1-Nc4 black is winning.

By the way, I want you to pay attention to the following aspect: in

complicated positions (or when you can’t find a plan), you should orient on

the strategic principles. I have talked about the strategic principles in the course

“The Grandmaster’s Secrets”, so I will not repeat them.

The strategic principles are universal and are applicable for any position. For

example, you should perform 3 main opening tasks whatever plan you are going to

realize. It is fair as well for all other principles. You should follow them always.

Next, if you can’t find a good plan, you should compose any plan and

realize it insistently.

I’ve told you about it previously: an insistent realization of any plan brings you

85

good results. The main thing here is not to put too much psychological pressure on

yourself. Chess players often feel obliged to make good moves. If you can’t find a

good plan, you start thinking hard, get nervous and blame yourself. However, you

are not a computer. It is not necessary to always make good moves and, moreover,

it is impossible. Thus if you can’t find a good plan in quite a short time period,

simply choose any plan and realize it insistently. Don’t worry about it. It is an

absolutely normal situation for a practical player.

The last recommendation I want to give you is to offer a draw.

If you have no idea regarding what to do – offer a draw.

It is also the Grandmasters’ secret, which was proven by a huge practice.


Nguyen Ch. – Malaniuk V.

White: Kg1, Qd2, Ra1, Rf1, Bb2, Bg2, Nb5, pawns: a4, b3, c4, e3, f2, g3, h2.

Black: Kh8, Qe8, Rc8, Rf8, Bd7, Bg7, Ne5, pawns: a5, b6, c7, d6, f5, g6, h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8-+r+qtr-mk( 7+-zpl+-vlp' 6-zp-zp-+p+& 5zpN+-snp+-% 4P+P+-+-+$ 3+P+-zP-zP-# 2-vL-wQ-zPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

It is white’s turn here. Let’s imagine that you are playing this position as white.

Let’s suppose that you are not too sure what you should do here. White can’t play on

the queenside or on the kingside. You may try to attack in the center and play e4, but

it looks risky, because it opens the lines for the black’s bishops and the rook f8.

86

What usually happens in such situation? You start thinking, but you can’t

decide what to do anyway. Then you look at the clock and realize that you have

been thinking for 10 minutes already. So you say to yourself: “oh, it is time to make a

move”. And you play something like Rd1. This move doesn’t realize any plan; it is

just a normal move. Your opponent responds with something and you appear in the

same trouble again.

Though nothing bad happens to you, it is a very dangerous situation. You are

spending time and are doing nothing really, while your opponent realizes his

plan gradually. Your position will become worse and worse and you will lose the

game eventually.

Let’s look again at the starting position. What would an experienced player do

in this practical situation? He would offer a draw immediately! Don’t wait until

your position becomes bad. If you can’t find the plan, your position will definitely

be bad. So you need to offer a draw now.

The position is approximately equal now; your opponent certainly doesn’t

know the reason why you are offering a draw. Thus there is a very good chance that

he will accept your offer.

These were a few recommendations regarding the situation when you can’t

find a plan. I hope that you will not appear in a such situation, but if you will, then you

know what to do.

Let’s go forward. I will tell you some Grandmasters’ secrets about how to

realize a plan.

Here is the 1st one: if your opponent has no counterplay, you should play

slowly and prepare your plan as well as you can.

In a normal situation (when your opponent has counterplay), you should

realize your plan vigorously and insistently. When your opponent has no real plan,

87

you don’t have to hurry up. You have enough time to put all your pawns and pieces

on the best squares first and only then start realizing your plan. This style of

playing is the most powerful objectively, and also it is very unpleasant for your

opponent.

Fejzullahu A. – Malaniuk V.

White: Kh1, Qc2, Ra2, Rf1, Bd7, pawns: c3, d5, e4, f2, g2, h3.

Black: Kg8, Qf4, Rb8, Rb3, Bc5, pawns: a5, d6, e5, f7, g6, h7.

XABCDEFGHY 8-tr-+-+k+( 7+-+L+p+p' 6-+-zp-+p+& 5zp-vlPzp-+-% 4-+-+Pwq-+$ 3+rzP-+-+P# 2R+Q+-zPP+" 1+-+-+R+K! xabcdefghy

Black’s turn.

Black certainly has an advantage. His main plan is to push the passed pawn

on the “a” file and to attack the white’s weaknesses. White has no counterplay, so

black should do it slowly.

He played 38…Ba3 trying to play Rb2.

39.Qd3 an idea Rb2 failed, so black tries another thing.

39…Bb4 40.Rc2 Ok, white protected this weakness also, so black goes back.

40…Bc5.

88

XABCDEFGHY 8-tr-+-+k+( 7+-+L+p+p' 6-+-zp-+p+& 5zp-vlPzp-+-% 4-+-+Pwq-+$ 3+rzPQ+-+P# 2-+R+-zPP+" 1+-+-+R+K! xabcdefghy

At first sight, this maneuver of the bishop didn’t give anything for black. However it

is a very powerful thing practically. There are 2 main arguments for this slow

style:

When you try to use different simple threats, it may work at once. If

it really works – that’s great. If your opponent is careful and defends well

– no problem, nothing has been changed. You will always be able to

start realizing your main plan.

It is very unpleasant for your opponent to be under constant

pressure. He has to sit and to wait humbly. In such situations, there is a

very good chance that he will make a mistake or will try a hopeless

attack.

Let’s see what happened in the game. White played 41.g3-Qf6 42.Kg2-Rb2

43.Ba4-h5. This move also doesn’t do much, but the pawn is more active here than

on h7.

44.Qe2

89

XABCDEFGHY 8-tr-+-+k+( 7+-+-+p+-' 6-+-zp-wqp+& 5zp-vlPzp-+p% 4L+-+P+-+$ 3+-zP-+-zPP# 2-trR+QzPK+" 1+-+-+R+-! xabcdefghy

White makes the first mistake. Of course, it was necessary to stop the black pawn by

playing h4.

44…Rc2 45.Qc2-h4. Black suddenly got one more positional advantage.

46.Qe2-Kg7. Black continues playing slowly. Maybe black will play Rh8 sometime in

the future or maybe not. Anyway, it will force white to worry about it.

47.Bb5-Qg5 48.c4-Bd4 – Another little improvement. Bishop is standing on the d4

little bit better than on the c5. Probably somewhen in the future that bishop d4 will

support the move Rb2 (maybe not, we are not too sure). Anyway since white has

nothing to do, black should make all the moves which he likes to do.

49.Rd1-Rh8 This move doesn’t create any threats actually. However, white was

scared and played 50.Qg4. It simplifies the black’s task a lot. After 50…Qg4 51.hg-

h3 black suddenly got a very powerful passed pawn. He won the game easily

afterwards.

You can see that this slow style of playing brings great practical results.

Actually white worsened his position by himself. That’s why black was able to win the

game easily and without any risk.

Let’s go to the next advice. Don’t be distracted from your plan by trying to

create a snare.

It is a typical mistake of beginners. A snare can be good only when it

happens incidentally while realizing your plan. Otherwise it deflects you from the

plan. It can’t be good. We’ve been talking a lot about the importance of planning. So

90

I will not say much about it again.

The next Grandmasters’ secret: Think about planning during your

opponent’s time.

Of course, it is very helpful to use not only your time, but your opponent’s time

also. It makes no sense to calculate concrete variations while your opponent is

thinking. His next move may change the situation and all your calculations will be for

nothing.

Therefore, you should think about your plan during your opponent’s time. In

this course, I gave you the step-by-step instruction regarding the composition of

plans. Use it. Figure out a direction of your attack. Think about a center. Find

opponent’s weaknesses. Detect the best squares for your pieces to attack those

weaknesses. You can do all this stuff during your opponent’s time. Most chess

players don’t know this simple recommendation. Thus it will be your advantage over

other players.

OK, now I’d like to tell you another important thing. I must honestly say that I

didn’t understand it for a long time. That’s why I got some annoying results. So I’d

like to warn you.

Here is the secret: You attack an opponent’s king to get a positional

advantage.

Not even to mate him! It is a common delusion. In a normal position, your

opponent can avoid mate. Yes, he will have to make concessions. Maybe he will

weaken his position or will lose a pawn or something like that. However, most often

he will be able to prevent mate or an immediate loss.

Areschenko A. – Bischoff K.

White: Kh1, Qe2, Re1, Rf1, Bd4, Bd3, Nc3, pawns: a4, b2, c2, e5, g2, h2.

Black: Kg8, Qc7, Re8, Rf8, Bc6, Be7, Nc5, pawns: a6, b7, e6, f7, g7, h7.

91

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+rtrk+( 7+pwq-vlpzpp' 6p+l+p+-+& 5+-sn-zP-+-% 4P+-vL-+-+$ 3+-sNL+-+-# 2-zPP+Q+PzP" 1+-+-tRR+K! xabcdefghy

White’s turn.

In this position, white started a powerful attack by sacrificing the bishop

18.Bh7. There followed 18…Kh7 19.Qh5-Kg8 20.Re3 white is going to play Rh3

and mate the black king.

20…f5 21.ef-Bf6 22.Rh3. White is going to play Qh7 or Qh8, white can take

on f6 and the c5 knight is hanging. It looks winning for white. However black found

the only defense 22…Nd7.

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+rtrk+( 7+pwqn+-zp-' 6p+l+pvl-+& 5+-+-+-+Q% 4P+-vL-+-+$ 3+-sN-+-+R# 2-zPP+-+PzP" 1+-+-+R+K! xabcdefghy

What does the white player usually do in such situations? He tries to find a

winning continuation. He starts calculating the variations, trying to mate black’s king

or to get a decisive material advantage. He is calculating the lines for 10 minutes,

but can’t find a win anyway. Then he starts getting nervous; he wants to win and he

feels obliged to find a winning line. Very often white player tries to win by all means

92

and finally loses.

I can tell you this: there is no win for white here. It is impossible to mate the

black king. The best position that white can achieve is this: 23.Qh7-Kf7 24.Bf6-Nf6

25.Rh6-Qe5 it is the forcing line 26.Rhf6-Qf6 27.Rf6-Kf6.

Yes, white’s advantage is not so huge here. But who told you that it was

winning for white? It wasn’t. After all, white got a positional advantage and this is a

normal and even good result!

We arrive at the conclusion that you attack an opponent’s king to get a

positional advantage. Don’t try to continue an attack by all means. It is a

mistake!

In the end of the lesson, I’d like to give you a few recommendations regarding

your further improvement. This course gives you all important information about

planning. Of course, you need to practice these recommendations now. The

practical part of the course will help you to do it.

There is another thing you should do as well. Nowadays, a lot of positions

have already been analyzed. All the typical plans are already known there. Of

course, if you know them, you simplify your task during a game. There will be no

need for you to compose a plan, because you will know it in advance.

Therefore, you should study different typical positions. There are a lot of

them: Hedgehog system, isolated pawn and many others.

There is another relative recommendation: play different positions and use

different plans. Don’t play the same openings and similar positions all the time. You

play not only to win, but also to improve your skills and to grow as a chess

player. If you want to become a strong player one day, you have to be a universal

player. Thus you need to play different types of positions.

93

Those were all the main Grandmasters’ secrets of planning. Let’s draw the

conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

How to realize a plan:

A Grandmaster realizes his plan (ANY plan) to the maximum insistently.

If your opponent has no counterplay, you should play slowly and

prepare your plan as well as you can.

Don’t be distracted from your plan by trying to create a snare.

If you can’t find the right plan:

Prevent an opponent’s plan.

You should compose a plan in stable positions and orient rather on

calculation and on the general strategic principles in complicated positions.

If you can’t find a good plan in quite a short time period, simply choose

any plan and realize it insistently.

If you have no idea regarding what to do – offer a draw immediately.

Special recommendations:

Your plan should be maximally concrete.

You should know your plan and your opponent’s plan.

If you think in the right way, you will solve the problem of a defense

automatically.

Think about your plan during your opponent’s time.

You attack an opponent’s king to get a positional advantage.

How to improve your planning skills:

Train the ideas of this course.

Study different typical positions.

94

Play different positions and use different plans.

The recommendations from this lesson will bring you to the International

master’s level and beyond! These are the really secret technical skills, which were

accumulated over many years of my player’s and teacher’s experience. Use them

and you will achieve your goals!

Thanks for your attention! Now you should go to the practical part. See you

there!

95

«YOUR WINNING PLAN» by GM Igor Smirnov PRACTICAL PART

96


The instruction for the practical part

After a study of the video lessons you have received a certain set of knowledge. Now it is necessary to put the received knowledge into practice. This practical addition to the course will help you to do it.

The main purpose of this practical part is to develop your “strategic thinking”.

Most of amateur players try to find the right move; all the strong players think about a plan.

While analyzing the games of the practical part you should ALWAYS understand plans of both players. Thus when you analyze a game, you need to answer 2 questions:

- WHEN (in what positions) it is necessary to compose a plan?

- WHAT is that plan?

Certainly you should use the recommendations from the video lessons to

answer these questions. Also you will see how different strategic principles (from the video lessons) work in different positions.

The practical part contains 12 tasks (they are presented in separate folders).

The separate instruction is applied for each task. You should carry out all the tasks consistently, following the corresponding instructions. Read the instruction first and then perform the task. The notes:

Often you will need to find the right move in a certain position and then you

will look at the answer. While studying the answers I recommend you to

go over the whole presented game (not only the first move). These games

are very instructive. You should analyze them and understand how general

ideas (from the video lessons) work in different practical positions.

Your main task is to apply the strategic ideas from the video lessons and to

develop your strategic thinking. That’s why there is no “right” or “wrong” moves

here.

It is the most important to think in a right way and to develop your “strategic

thinking” (not just to find the right move).

You should think about the 1 position no more than 15 minutes.

Remember that you should focus on the quality of your training, not on the

quantity of the performed work.

97

Do not use the computer engines during a performing of the tasks. You should

think by yourself to train your skills.

If something is not clear for you - learn once again a corresponding video

lesson.

The chess games are presented in *.pgn format. Any chess program can

open it.

Now you should start performing the tasks, starting from the “Task 1”.

98


The practical part: Task-1. During the first 2 tasks we will pay attention to one aspect: “When should you compose a plan?” Your task: study the presented game in “TASK-1 GAMES SECTION” and pay attention to: - the positions where it was necessary to compose a plan (for black); - the positions where it was necessary to make adjustments in a plan (for black). It is important to automatize this skill, so you will really use it in your tournament games. If you have any difficulties – study again the video lessons 1 and 10.

99

TASK-1 GAME SECTION

(1) Kayumov S - Khismatullin D

(2566) [B50]

17th Chess Festival (3), 14.08.2007

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Nc6

5.c3 g6 6.h3 Bg7

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwqk+-tr( 7zpp+-zppvlp' 6-+nzp-snp+& 5+-zp-+-+-% 4-+L+P+-+$ 3+-zPP+N+P# 2PzP-+-zPP+" 1tRNvLQmK-+R! xabcdefghy

[(In an early opening stage you should

rather orient on the general strategic

principles and main opening's tasks.

That's why you should not really

compose a plan here.)]

7.Bb3 0–0 8.0–0

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7zpp+-zppvlp' 6-+nzp-snp+& 5+-zp-+-+-% 4-+-+P+-+$ 3+LzPP+N+P# 2PzP-+-zPP+" 1tRNvLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[(Black has made all the obligatory

moves. Now it is time to compose a

middlegame plan. The central position

has not been defined yet, that's why

the classical plan is an attack in the

center. Black can play e5, Be6, d5 and

so on.)]

8...b5 [(In this game black chosen

another plan - the attack on the

queen-side. It is a normal plan also,

because black controls the center

good enough and white can't get any

progress there.)]

9.Re1 a5 10.a3 [(This is a pawn move,

so black should make adjustments in

his plan. Now white creates

weaknesses on the light squares of his

queen-side. Black will try to use it

somehow.)]

10...a4 11.Bc2 Nd7 12.d4

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7+-+nzppvlp' 6-+nzp-+p+& 5+pzp-+-+-% 4p+-zPP+-+$ 3zP-zP-+N+P# 2-zPL+-zPP+" 1tRNvLQtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[(another pawn move and another

signal for black to make corrections in

his plan. Now white has clear

weaknesses c4 and b3 and black

should try to occupy them.)]

100

12...Nb6 13.Bd3 c4 14.Bc2 Na5

15.Bg5 Nb3 16.Bxb3 axb3 17.Qc1

Na4 [(Black got an advantage on the

queen-side and it is impossible to

continue playing there. Now (when

white player is thinking) black should

create a new plan. "If you can play in a

center - do it". We may not ignore the

center for so much time, that's why

black definitely should play there.)]

18.Bh6 Bxh6 19.Qxh6 f6 20.Qc1 e5

21.Re3 Ra7 22.Nbd2 Re7 23.Nf1 Bb7

24.Qd2 f5 25.exf5 gxf5 26.N1h2 e4

27.Ne1 f4 28.Re2 Bd5 29.Rd1

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-wq-trk+( 7+-+-tr-+p' 6-+-zp-+-+& 5+p+l+-+-% 4n+pzPpzp-+$ 3zPpzP-+-+P# 2-zP-wQRzPPsN" 1+-+RsN-mK-! xabcdefghy

[(Black got a domination in the center

and the situation became stable. Now

black should think about his plan

again.)]

29...Rg7 [(One of the ways of using

your central advantage is to transfer an

attack on a side.)]

30.f3 e3 31.Qc1 h5 32.Nf1 Qd7

33.Kh2 Rf6 34.Qb1 Rfg6 35.Qc1 Nb6

36.Qa1 Nc8 37.a4 [(After the white's

pawn move black should make

adjustments in his plan. Black may

decide to use his extra pawn on the

queen-side or just to resume the

attack on the king-side.)]

37...bxa4 38.Qa3 Ne7 39.Ra1 Bc6

40.Qb4 Kh7 41.d5

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+-+-+( 7+-+qsn-trk' 6-+lzp-+r+& 5+-+P+-+p% 4pwQp+-zp-+$ 3+pzP-zpP+P# 2-zP-+R+PmK" 1tR-+-sNN+-! xabcdefghy

[(Black should make one more note:

"Now I can also push my pawns in a

center d5–d4")]

41...Nxd5 42.Qa3 Ne7 43.Rd1 d5

44.Qc5 Nf5 45.Qb6 Nh4 46.Qb8

Rxg2+ [You can see that only a few

times during this game it was

necessary for black to compose a plan.

In other positions black should play

quickler.]

0–1

101


The practical part: Task-2. During the previous task you have seen when it is necessary to compose a plan. Now it is time to apply this knowledge. Your task: analyze the presented game in “TASK-2 GAME SECTION” and find: - the positions where white should compose a plan; - the positions where white should make adjustments in a plan. After that you should look at the answer in “TASK-2 ANSWER SECTION”. If you have any difficulties – study again video lessons 1 and 10.

102

TASK-2 GAME SECTION

(1) Granda Zuniga J - Smirin I

(2640) [E62]

Burgas 59/610, 1993

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 0–0

5.0–0 d6 6.c4 Nc6 7.Nc3 Bf5 8.b3 Ne4

9.Bb2 Nxc3 10.Bxc3 Be4 11.Qd2 e5

12.d5 Nb8 13.Rfe1 Re8 14.Rac1 Nd7

15.Bf1 Bxf3 16.exf3 f5 17.b4 b6

18.Bd3 Re7 19.Re2 Qf8 20.Rce1 h5

21.Kh1 Kh7 22.Bc2 Rd8 23.Ba4 Rf7

24.Qc2 f4 25.g4 hxg4 26.Rg1 e4

27.Bxd7 Rdxd7 28.Rxg4 Bxc3 29.Qxc3

Qh6 30.Rxe4 Rf5 31.h4 Rdf7 32.Kg2

Rh5 33.Re8 Qg7 34.Qd3 Rhf5 35.Qe4

R7f6 36.a4 a5 37.bxa5 bxa5 38.Qe1

Rf7 39.Re6 Rh5 40.Qxa5 Qh6 41.Kh3

Qg7 42.Qe1 Rf6 43.Rg5 Rxe6

44.Rxh5+ gxh5 45.dxe6

1–0

103

TASK-2 ANSWER SECTION (1) Granda Zuniga J - Smirin I

(2640) [E62]

Burgas 59/610, 1993

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 0–0

5.0–0 d6 6.c4 Nc6 7.Nc3 Bf5 8.b3 Ne4

9.Bb2 Nxc3 10.Bxc3 Be4 11.Qd2

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7zppzp-zppvlp' 6-+nzp-+p+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+PzPl+-+$ 3+PvL-+NzP-# 2P+-wQPzPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[(Of course it is good to know an

opening theory. However, even if you

don't know it - all the previous moves

should be done quite quickly. The

position is not stable and it makes no

sense to compose a plan here.)]

11...e5 [(here white should compose a

plan: 1) It is the end of an opening

stage; 2) Black made a pawn move.)]

12.d5 Nb8 13.Rfe1

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-trk+( 7zppzp-+pvlp' 6-+-zp-+p+& 5+-+Pzp-+-% 4-+P+l+-+$ 3+PvL-+NzP-# 2P+-wQPzPLzP" 1tR-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[(As usual first of all we should play in

a center. That's why white is trying to

prepare the move e4.)]

13...Re8 [13...Nd7 ? 14.Nxe5 Bxg2

15.Nxd7+–]

14.Rac1 [?! (a deflection from the

white's plan)]

14...Nd7 15.Bf1 [(white is preparing

Ng5 and e4)]

15...Bxf3 16.exf3

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqr+k+( 7zppzpn+pvlp' 6-+-zp-+p+& 5+-+Pzp-+-% 4-+P+-+-+$ 3+PvL-+PzP-# 2P+-wQ-zP-zP" 1+-tR-tRLmK-! xabcdefghy

[(Now white should think about a plan

again: 1) an exchanges happened 2) a

pawn move was made.)]

104

16...f5 17.b4 b6 [(black made a pawn

move and white should make

corrections in his plan. Black has

created weaknesses on the queen-

side. White can use it by transferring

the bishop Be2–d1–a4–c6.)]

18.Bd3 Re7 19.Re2 Qf8 20.Rce1 h5

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-wqk+( 7zp-zpntr-vl-' 6-zp-zp-+p+& 5+-+Pzpp+p% 4-zPP+-+-+$ 3+-vLL+PzP-# 2P+-wQRzP-zP" 1+-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[(This is a pawn move, but it doesn't

change something for white. Black is

stronger on the king-side and he is

realizing his attacking plan there.

White should continue playing in the

center and on the queen-side. That's

why the last black's move doesn't

make any changes for white. You see

that not ALL the pawn moves are a

signal for making adjustments in your

plan.)]

21.Kh1 Kh7 22.Bc2 Rd8 23.Ba4 Rf7

24.Qc2 f4

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-tr-wq-+( 7zp-zpn+rvlk' 6-zp-zp-+p+& 5+-+Pzp-+p% 4LzPP+-zp-+$ 3+-vL-+PzP-# 2P+Q+RzP-zP" 1+-+-tR-+K! xabcdefghy

[? (this is a pawn move, which

weakens the black's central and king-

side position. White may try to use it.

We should not think about a planning

too much here, because it is a tactical

position and we should rather calculate

the concrete variations.)]

25.g4 [!]

25...hxg4 26.Rg1 e4 [26...gxf3

27.Qxg6+ Kg8 28.Bc2 Nf6 29.Ree1‚]

27.Bxd7 Rdxd7 [27...gxf3 28.Rxe4

Rdxd7 29.Rxg6 ! 29...Kxg6 (29...Bxc3

30.Re8+–) 30.Re6+ Kg5 31.Qg6+ Kh4

32.h3 Kxh3 33.Qh5#]

28.Rxg4 Bxc3 29.Qxc3+– Qh6

[29...exf3 ?? 30.Rh4+]

30.Rxe4 Rf5

105

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+-+-+( 7zp-zpr+-+k' 6-zp-zp-+pwq& 5+-+P+r+-% 4-zPP+RzpR+$ 3+-wQ-+P+-# 2P+-+-zP-zP" 1+-+-+-+K! xabcdefghy

[(The tactical complications have

finished, the position became stable -

so white should compose the new

plan. Of course first of all white should

occupy the center.)]

31.h4 Rdf7 32.Kg2 Rh5 33.Re8 Qg7

34.Qd3 Rhf5 35.Qe4 R7f6 [(White has

a domination in the center, but there is

no way to continue the attack here.

That's why white should transfer the

attack on a side.)]

36.a4

36...a5 37.bxa5 bxa5 38.Qe1 Rf7

39.Re6 Rh5 40.Qxa5

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+-+-+( 7+-zp-+rwqk' 6-+-zpR+p+& 5wQ-+P+-+r% 4P+P+-zpRzP$ 3+-+-+P+-# 2-+-+-zPK+" 1+-+-+-+-! xabcdefghy

[(White took the material and he

should make adjustments in his plan.

Obviously white can now use his

passed pawn on the "a" file.)]

40...Qh6 41.Kh3 Qg7 42.Qe1 Rf6

43.Rg5 Rxe6 44.Rxh5+ gxh5 45.dxe6

1–0

106

YOUR WINNING PLAN» by GM Igor Smirnov

The practical part: Task-3. In the previous tasks we have trained one important aspect: when it is necessary to compose a plan. Strarting from this task we will train your whole system of thinking. In the 3rd task you will test your understanding of the general concept of a center. Your task: find the right move in a given position as presented in “TASK-3 GAMES SECTION”. You should not try to guess the right move. Use the correct system of thinking, which you studied from the video lessons. Find the right plan and then decide how to realize it better. This will bring you to the right move. After that – look at the answer in “TASK-3 ANSWERS SECTION”. While studying the answer I recommend you to go over the whole presented game (not only the first move). You should analyze a game and understand how general ideas (from the video lessons) work in different practical positions. This note is applicable for all the following tasks as well. If you have any difficulties – study again the video lesson 2.

107

TASK-3 GAMES SECTION

(1) Khismatullin D - Fedorov E

(2225)

29th Mem Nezhmetdinov (1),

01.06.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-+-trk+( 7zpp+-wqpzp-' 6-+p+-sn-+& 5+-+p+l+p% 4-vl-zP-+-+$ 3+-sN-zPPzP-# 2PzP-+N+LzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(2) Khismatullin D - Shvedchikov A

(2423)

4th Open A (2), 03.02.2008

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+ltr-+-+( 7+-+-tr-mkp' 6-+psNpzpp+& 5zppzPq+-+-% 4-+-zP-wQ-+$ 3+P+-+-+P# 2P+-+-zPP+" 1+-+RtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(3) Adams Mi - Hamdouchi H (2575)

TCh-FRA Top 16 Gp A (1),

03.02.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+k+-tr( 7zpp+-vlpzpp' 6-+qzppsn-+& 5+-zp-+-+-% 4-+-+PvL-+$ 3+-sNP+N+-# 2PzPP+-zPPzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(4) Adams Mi - Kasimdzhanov R

(2690)

World Blitz (28), 22.11.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+-zp-+pzp-' 6pvlnzplsn-zp& 5+p+-zp-+-% 4-+-+P+-vL$ 3+LzPP+N+P# 2PzP-sNQzPP+" 1tR-+-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

108

(5) Miletic De - Azmaiparashvili Z

(2658)

11th HIT Open A (2), 27.01.2006

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+l+-zppvlp' 6p+-zp-snp+& 5+psn-+-+-% 4-+-+PzP-+$ 3zP-sNL+N+P# 2-zPPvLQ+P+" 1+-+-tRRmK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(6) Bocharov D - Okara A (2314)

Polyarniy Krug (2), 30.11.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-tr-wq-trk+( 7+psn-+-vlp' 6p+-zppsnp+& 5zP-zp-+-+-% 4-+-+P+-+$ 3+-sN-+N+P# 2-zPP+-zPP+" 1tR-vLQtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(7) Browne Walter S (USA) - Keres

Paul (EST) (2565)

It Vancouver (Canada), 1975

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqr+k+( 7zppzp-+pzp-' 6-+-zp-sn-zp& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4-+-+P+-+$ 3+-zPP+N+R# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-+Q+-mK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(8) Korchnoi V - Berg E (2539)

37th Olympiad (11), 02.06.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+l+r+k+( 7+-wq-tr-+p' 6-+p+pzpp+& 5+pzP-+-+-% 4pzP-zPR+-+$ 3zP-+-wQ-zPL# 2-+-+-zP-zP" 1+-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

109

(9) Korchnoi V - Fluvia J (2482)

2nd Lluis Muratet Rapid (4),

16.08.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+pzp-snpzpp' 6-+n+-+-+& 5zp-+-zPl+-% 4-+Pvl-+-+$ 3zP-sN-+N+-# 2-zP-+LzPPzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(10) Korchnoi V - Tiviakov S (2668)

9th Open (8), 23.08.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wqk+-tr( 7+l+nvlpzpp' 6pzp-+p+-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4Q+-zP-vL-+$ 3+-sN-+NzP-# 2PzP-+PzPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(11) Ulrichsen J - Korchnoi V (2605)

10th TCh-Euro sen (6), 16.02.2008

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7zplwqnzppvlp' 6-zp-zp-snp+& 5+-zp-+-+-% 4-+PzP-+-+$ 3+P+-zPN+-# 2PvLQsNLzPPzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(12) Perez Rod - Milov V (2657)

XIX Carlos Torre Mem (4), 16.12.2006

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+r+r+k+( 7+l+-wqpzpp' 6p+-zpp+-+& 5+psn-+-+-% 4-+-sNP+PzP$ 3+-+L+P+-# 2PzPP+-wQ-+" 1+K+RtR-+-! xabcdefghy

0–1

110

(13) Abbasov F - Azmaiparashvili Z

(2632)

VIII Dos Hermanas Internet (1.1),

23.03.2007

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7+p+nzppvlp' 6p+-zp-snp+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-sNPzP-+$ 3+-sNLvL-+-# 2PzPP+-+PzP" 1tR-+Q+R+K! xabcdefghy

0–1

(14) Azmaiparashvili Z - Drazic S

(2488)

11th HIT Open A (3), 28.01.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+k+-tr( 7zpp+nwqpzpp' 6-+p+-+-+& 5+-+p+-+n% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sNLzP-+-# 2PzP-+NzPPzP" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

(15) Adams Mi - Kramnik V (2785)

World Blitz (34), 22.11.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqrvlk+( 7zppzp-+pzp-' 6-+n+-sn-zp& 5+-+pzp-+l% 4L+-+P+-vL$ 3+-zPP+N+P# 2PzP-sNQzPP+" 1tR-+-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

111

TASK-3 ANSWERS SECTION (1) Khismatullin D - Fedorov E

(2225)


01.06.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-+-trk+( 7zpp+-wqpzp-' 6-+p+-sn-+& 5+-+p+l+p% 4-vl-zP-+-+$ 3+-sN-zPPzP-# 2PzP-+N+LzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[If you can play in a center - do it. Also

black has a weaknesses on the king-

side, because of the pawn h5. The

best way to use the opponent's

weaknesses is to open the position.]

11.e4 dxe4 12.fxe4 Bxe4 13.Nxe4

[13.Bg5 was also very good]

13...Nxe4 14.Nf4 Nf6 15.Nxh5 Nxh5

16.Qxh5 Nd7 17.a3 Bd6 18.Bg5 f6

19.Rae1 Qf7 20.Qh3 Rfe8 21.Re4

[21.Be4 ! You can see how it is simple

to use the opponent's weaknesses in

positions with an open center. You just

need to centralize your pieces and

attack the opponent's weak pawns and

squares.]

21...Rxe4 22.Bxe4 Nf8 23.Qg4 Re8

24.Bf5 Qe7 25.Bc2 Qe6 26.Qf3 Qe2

27.Qb3+ Kh8 28.Bc1 Ne6 29.Be3 Re7

30.Rf2 Qb5 31.Qxb5 cxb5 32.Rf5 a6

33.Kg2 Kg8 34.Bb3 Kh7 35.h4 Kg6

36.g4 Kf7 37.g5 Rc7 38.h5 Ke7 39.h6

gxh6 40.gxh6 Rc8 41.h7 Rh8 42.Rh5

Ng7 43.Rh3 Ne6 44.Rh4 f5 45.Rh6

Nd8 46.Bg5+

1–0

(2) Khismatullin D - Shvedchikov A

(2423)

4th Open A (2), 03.02.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8-+ltr-+-+( 7+-+-tr-mkp' 6-+psNpzpp+& 5zppzPq+-+-% 4-+-zP-wQ-+$ 3+P+-+-+P# 2P+-+-zPP+" 1+-+RtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[White has a domination in the center,

but it is hard to continue the attack

here. It means that white should

transfer the attack on a side.]

29.Rd3 Rf8 30.Rf3 [(White is

threatening Nc8 or Re5. Due to the

white's domination is the center his

flank attack is easily successful.)]

30...Rff7 31.Nxf7 Rxf7 32.h4 h6

33.Re5 Qd7 34.Ree3

1–0

112

(3) Adams Mi - Hamdouchi H (2575)


03.02.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+k+-tr( 7zpp+-vlpzpp' 6-+qzppsn-+& 5+-zp-+-+-% 4-+-+PvL-+$ 3+-sNP+N+-# 2PzPP+-zPPzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[White has developed all the pieces

and it is time to start realizing an

attacking plan. First of all we should

play in the center. That's why the next

move is very logical.]

9.e5 Nd7 10.d4 dxe5 11.Nxe5 Nxe5

12.dxe5 b6 13.Qh5 0–0 14.f3 f5

15.Bg5 Bxg5 16.Qxg5 Qc7 17.Qf4

Ba6 18.Rfd1 Rad8 19.Rd6 [(White got

a domination in the center and his

position is strategically winning.)]

19...Rxd6 20.exd6 Qf7 21.Rd1 Bc8

22.Nb1 Bd7 23.Nd2 Bb5 24.b4 cxb4

25.Qxb4 Qd7 26.f4 Rc8 27.Nf3 a5

28.Qb3 Bc4 29.Qxb6 Qd8 30.Qxd8+

Rxd8 31.Ne5 Bxa2 32.d7

1–0

(4) Adams Mi - Kasimdzhanov R

(2690)

World Blitz (28), 22.11.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+-zp-+pzp-' 6pvlnzplsn-zp& 5+p+-zp-+-% 4-+-+P+-vL$ 3+LzPP+N+P# 2PzP-sNQzPP+" 1tR-+-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

13.g4 [(This is an example of the

situation, when you have ENOUGH

control in the center to start an attack

on a side. It is very difficult for black to

open the center somehow, that's why

the white's flank attack is possible.)]

13...Bxb3 14.axb3 Ne7 15.Bxf6 gxf6

16.Nh4 Ng6 17.Nf5 Kh7 18.Qf3 Nf4

19.Nf1 d5 20.exd5 Qxd5 21.Qxd5

Nxd5 22.N1g3 Nf4 23.0–0–0 Rad8

24.Kc2 Bxf2 25.Ne4 Bb6 26.Nxf6+

Kg6 27.Ne4 f6 28.Rhf1 h5 29.d4 hxg4

30.hxg4 Rh8 31.Rd2 Rh3 32.Ne7+

Kg7 33.g5 fxg5 34.Nxg5 Rh5 35.Ne4

Rdh8 36.dxe5 Be3 37.Rd7 Kh6

38.Ng3 Rh2+ 39.Kb1 Kg5 40.Ne4+

Kg4 41.Nf6+ Kg3 42.Nf5+

1–0

113

(5) Miletic De - Azmaiparashvili Z

(2658)

11th HIT Open A (2), 27.01.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+l+-zppvlp' 6p+-zp-snp+& 5+psn-+-+-% 4-+-+PzP-+$ 3zP-sNL+N+P# 2-zPPvLQ+P+" 1+-+-tRRmK-! xabcdefghy

[It is the end of an opening, so it is

necessary to compose a plan here.

Since black can attack in the center -

he should do it.]

14...e5 15.Qf2 exf4 16.Bxf4 Re8

17.Nd2 Re6 18.Bg5 h6 19.Bh4 Qc7

20.Qf3 Rae8 21.Re2 Nh7 22.Rfe1 f5

23.Nd5 Bxd5 24.exd5 Rxe2 25.Rxe2

Rxe2 26.Qxe2 Bxb2 27.Qe8+ Kg7

28.Qc6 Qa7 29.Bf2 Qe7 30.Bxc5

dxc5 31.Nf3 Ng5 32.Nxg5 hxg5

33.Kf1 Bc3 34.Be2 Qe3 35.Qe6 Qc1+

36.Kf2 Bd4+

0–1

(6) Bocharov D - Okara A (2314)

Polyarniy Krug (2), 30.11.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8-tr-wq-trk+( 7+psn-+-vlp' 6p+-zppsnp+& 5zP-zp-+-+-% 4-+-+P+-+$ 3+-sN-+N+P# 2-zPP+-zPP+" 1tR-vLQtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[As usual white should attack in the

center. It is possible to do it with the

moves Be5 or e5. You can see that

there is a correct plan and there are a

few good moves to realize it.]

14.Bf4 [14.e5 !?]

14...Nfe8 15.Bg3 Qd7 16.Qd3 Qc6

17.Rad1 c4 18.Qe3 Rd8 19.Re2 Nb5

20.Red2 Nec7 21.Ne2 Bf6 22.e5 dxe5

23.Nxe5 Rxd2 24.Rxd2 Bxe5 25.Bxe5

Nd5 26.Qh6 Rf7 27.c3 Nd6 28.Nd4

Qd7 29.Re2 Nf5 30.Nxf5 Rxf5 31.Bd4

Rf7 32.Re4 Ne7 33.Rg4 [(white starts

attacking on a side only when he got

an advantage in the center.)]

33...Qd5 34.Rg5 Qe4 35.Re5 Qb1+

36.Kh2 Nf5 37.Qf4 Ng7 38.Qd2 Qd3

39.Qg5 Nf5 40.Bc5 Qd7 41.Qf4 Qc7

42.Bb6 Qd6 43.Re4 Qd5 44.Re5 Qd6

45.Qe4 Nh4 46.Kg1 Qd1+ 47.Qe1

Qxe1+ 48.Rxe1 Rd7 49.Rxe6 Nf5

1–0

114

(7) Browne Walter S (USA) - Keres

Paul (EST) (2565)

It Vancouver (Canada), 1975

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqr+k+( 7zppzp-+pzp-' 6-+-zp-sn-zp& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4-+-+P+-+$ 3+-zPP+N+R# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-+Q+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[The opening is finished and black

needs to compose an attacking plan.

Of course black should attack in the

center as usual. White is trying to

create an attack on the king-side -

this gives black one more argument for

his attack in a center. "If your opponent

attacks on a side - you should

counterblow in a center."]

21...d5 22.Qe2 Qd7 23.Nh4 dxe4

24.dxe4 Rad8 25.Nf5 Qd2 26.Qf3 Re6

27.Rg3 g6 28.Rf1 Qf4 [(the white's

flank attack failed because of the

black's strong central position.)]

29.Rd1 Ree8 30.Ne7+ Kg7 31.Nd5

Qxf3 32.Rxf3 c6 33.Ne3 Rxd1+

34.Nxd1 Rd8 35.Ne3 Nxe4 36.h3 Ng5

37.Rg3 f5 38.Nxf5+ gxf5 39.h4 f4

40.Rg4 Kg6 41.hxg5 hxg5 42.g3 Kf5

43.f3 Rd1+ 44.Kg2

0–1

(8) Korchnoi V - Berg E (2539)

37th Olympiad (11), 02.06.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8-+l+r+k+( 7+-wq-tr-+p' 6-+p+pzpp+& 5+pzP-+-+-% 4pzP-zPR+-+$ 3zP-+-wQ-zPL# 2-+-+-zP-zP" 1+-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[White got an advantage in the center,

however he can't resume an attack

there. So white should transfer his

attack on a side.]

35.g4 Kg7 36.g5 f5 37.Re5 Rh8 [(It is

hard for black to protect his king-side

and his central position at the same

time. However, Rh8 is moving the rook

away from the center and is certainly a

mistake.)]

38.d5 cxd5 39.Rxd5 Rhe8 40.Re5

Bb7 41.Bg2 Bxg2 42.Kxg2 Kf7

43.Qc3 Qd8 44.Qh3 Kg8 45.Qe3 Qd7

46.h4 Kf7 47.Qc3 Qc6+ 48.Kg1 Kg8

49.R5e3 Rd7 50.Qf6 Rf7 51.Qc3 Rd7

52.Rd3 e5 53.Rxd7 Qxd7 54.Rxe5

Qd1+ 55.Kh2 Rxe5 56.Qxe5 Qg4

57.Qg3 Qe4 58.Kg1 Kf7 59.Kf1 f4

60.Qh3 Ke7 61.Kg1 Kd8 62.Qg4 Kc7

63.Kh2 Qe5 64.Kg2 Qe4+ 65.Qf3 Qf5

66.Qe2 Kc6 67.Kh2 Kc7 68.Qe7+ Kc8

69.c6

1–0

115

(9) Korchnoi V - Fluvia J (2482)

2nd Lluis Muratet Rapid (4),

16.08.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+pzp-snpzpp' 6-+n+-+-+& 5zp-+-zPl+-% 4-+Pvl-+-+$ 3zP-sN-+N+-# 2-zP-+LzPPzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[In positions with an open center we

should occupy the central squares with

the pieces. Of course we should

neutralize the opponent's centralized

pieces as well.]

11.Be3 Bxe5 12.Nxe5 Nxe5 13.Qb3

Qc8 14.Rad1 Re8 15.Rfe1 Ra6

16.Nd5 [(white plays solely in the

center, which is a correct strategy)]

16...Nxd5 17.cxd5 Rg6 [(Black is

hoping for a side attack, which can't be

good. It was better to concentrate the

pieces in the center.)]

18.Bf4 Nd7 19.Bh5 Rxe1+ 20.Rxe1

Rf6 21.Qe3 h6 22.Qe8+ Qxe8

23.Rxe8+ Kh7 24.Bxc7 a4 25.Bd8 g6

26.Bxf6 Nxf6 27.Re7 gxh5 28.Rxf7+

Kg6 29.Rxb7 Nxd5 30.Rb5 Nf4

31.Rb6+ Kg7 32.Rb4 Nd3 33.Rxa4

Nxb2 34.Ra7+ Kf6 35.a4 Bd3 36.a5

Na4 37.Rd7 Be4 38.Rd6+ Kg5 39.a6

Nc3 40.f3 Ba8 41.Rd8 Bc6 42.a7

1–0

(10) Korchnoi V - Tiviakov S (2668)

9th Open (8), 23.08.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wqk+-tr( 7+l+nvlpzpp' 6pzp-+p+-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4Q+-zP-vL-+$ 3+-sN-+NzP-# 2PzP-+PzPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[We have a static center and it is

difficult to do something there. Thus

white should attack on a side. White

has more pieces looking at the queen-

side, and he should play there.]

11.Rfc1 [(that's why white is

concentrating the pieces on the

queen-side.)]

11...0–0 12.Qd1 b5 13.a4 b4 14.Nb1

Nc6 15.Nbd2 Qb6 16.a5 Qa7 17.Nb3

Rac8 18.Rc2 Ncb8 19.Rac1 Rxc2

20.Rxc2 Bc6 21.Bxb8 Nxb8 22.Qc1

Bb7 23.Ne5 Bd6 24.Bh3 Ba8 25.e3

Qe7 26.Nd3 Qe8 27.Ndc5 Bxc5

28.Nxc5 e5 29.dxe5 Qxe5 30.Bg2 Qf5

31.Nb3 Qd7 32.Nd4 Qd6 33.Bh3 Nd7

34.Rc8 Bb7 35.Rc7

1–0

116

(11) Ulrichsen J - Korchnoi V (2605)

10th TCh-Euro sen (6), 16.02.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7zplwqnzppvlp' 6-zp-zp-snp+& 5+-zp-+-+-% 4-+PzP-+-+$ 3+P+-zPN+-# 2PvLQsNLzPPzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[An opening stage is finished. Now

black should compose a middlegame

plan. If you can play in a center - do

it.]

11...e5 12.d5 Rae8 13.Rab1 Qd8

14.Ne4 Nxe4 15.Qxe4 f5 16.Qc2 e4

17.Nd2 Bxb2 18.Rxb2 Qc7 19.Re1

Ne5 20.Nf1 Bc8 21.f4 exf3 22.Bxf3 f4

23.e4 Qe7 24.Qe2 Qh4 [(Black got a

domination in a center and he may

transfer an attack on a side.)]

25.Rd2 g5 26.Qf2 Qxf2+ 27.Kxf2 g4

28.Bd1 Rf6 29.Kg1 h5 30.g3 h4

31.gxf4 Rxf4 32.Ne3 Rxe4 33.Ng2

Nf3+ 34.Bxf3 gxf3 35.Rf1 fxg2

36.Rxg2+ Kh8

0–1

(12) Perez Rod - Milov V (2657)


XABCDEFGHY 8-+r+r+k+( 7+l+-wqpzpp' 6p+-zpp+-+& 5+psn-+-+-% 4-+-sNP+PzP$ 3+-+L+P+-# 2PzPP+-wQ-+" 1+K+RtR-+-! xabcdefghy

[The best defense against an

opponent's flank attack is a

counterblow in a center.]

20...g6 [(black is preparing the move

e5 to push away the white's

centralized knight and to eventually

continue the attack in a center by

playing d5 in the future.)]

21.Bf1 e5 22.Nb3 Ne6 23.Rd2 Red8

24.Red1 Nf4 25.Na5 Ba8 26.Qb6 d5

27.Qxa6 Qxh4 28.Nb3 Qg3 29.Bxb5

Qxf3 30.exd5 Nxd5 31.a4 Rf8 32.Bd7

Rxc2 33.Bc6 Rxc6

0–1

117

(13) Abbasov F - Azmaiparashvili Z

(2632)


23.03.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7+p+nzppvlp' 6p+-zp-snp+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-sNPzP-+$ 3+-sNLvL-+-# 2PzPP+-+PzP" 1tR-+Q+R+K! xabcdefghy

[The correct plan is an attack in the

center. To realize this plan black needs

to play e5, put the bishop on b7 (after

b5), play Re8 and Nc5. That is what

black should do next. Everything is

very simple when you have a "planning

thinking."]

10...e5 11.Nde2 b5 12.Qd2 Bb7 13.a3

Re8 14.f5 d5 15.Nxd5 Bxd5 16.exd5

e4 17.Bxb5 axb5 18.Bh6 e3 19.Bxe3

Qe7 20.Rf3 Ne5 21.d6 Nxf3

0–1

(14) Azmaiparashvili Z - Drazic S

(2488)

11th HIT Open A (3), 28.01.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+k+-tr( 7zpp+nwqpzpp' 6-+p+-+-+& 5+-+p+-+n% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sNLzP-+-# 2PzP-+NzPPzP" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

[We always should try to find the

attacking moves. Here such an

attacking move is g4. Is it good? We

need to look at the central position to

answer this question. We have a static

center and white controls the cetral

situation pretty good. That's why the

flank attack is possible.]

10.g4 Nhf6 11.Ng3 g6 12.g5 Ng8

13.h4 h6 14.h5 Qxg5 15.Qb3 Ne7

16.0–0–0 Qf6 17.Kb1 Nb6 18.a4 Bg4

19.Rd2 Bf3 20.Re1 Rb8 21.hxg6 fxg6

22.a5 Nd7 23.e4 0–0 24.exd5 Nxd5

25.Bc4 Qf7 26.Nge4 N7f6 27.Nxf6+

Qxf6 28.Nxd5 cxd5 29.Bxd5+ Bxd5

30.Qxd5+ Qf7 31.Re6 Kh7 32.Qe4

Rbe8 33.Re5 Kg7 34.Rc2 h5 35.f4

Kh6 36.d5 Rxe5 37.fxe5 Qf1+ 38.Rc1

Qf5 39.Qxf5 Rxf5 40.Re1 Kg7 41.d6

Kf8 42.Rc1 Rxe5 43.Rc8+ Kg7 44.d7

Rd5 45.d8Q Rxd8 46.Rxd8 Kf6

47.Kc2 Kf5 48.Kd3 Kg4 49.Ke4 g5

1–0

118

(15) Adams Mi - Kramnik V (2785)

World Blitz (34), 22.11.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqrvlk+( 7zppzp-+pzp-' 6-+n+-sn-zp& 5+-+pzp-+l% 4L+-+P+-vL$ 3+-zPP+N+P# 2PzP-sNQzPP+" 1tR-+-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

12.g4 [(It is another example of the

correct flank attack with an enough

control over the central squares. By

the way, white certainly may simply

make castling instead and then play in

a center.)]

12...Bg6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 [(black doesn't

want to break his pawn structure, but it

requires a very huge material

sacrifice.)]

14.exd5 Ne7 15.Bxe8 Nxd5 16.Bb5

Qb6 17.Bc4 Nf4 18.Qxe5 Bd6 19.Qb5

Qxb5 20.Bxb5 a6 21.Ne4 Bxe4

22.dxe4 axb5 23.0–0–0 Rxa2 24.Kb1

Ra8 25.e5 Bc5 26.Rd7 Bb6 27.Nd4

b4 28.cxb4 Ra4 29.Nc2 Ne6 30.f3 Kf8

31.Rd3 Ra8 32.Rhd1 Ke8 33.h4 c6

34.h5 Bc7 35.Re1 Nf4 36.Rd2 Bb6

37.Re4 Nd5 38.f4 Rd8 39.Kc1 Ra8

40.f5 Bd8 41.Kb1 Bg5 42.Rd3 b5

43.Nd4 Nxb4 44.Rb3 c5 45.Nxb5 Ke7

46.Re1 Rd8 47.Nd6 f6 48.Ne4 Bh4

49.Rh1 Rd4 50.Nxc5 Bf2 51.exf6+

Kxf6 52.Rf1 Bh4 53.Nd7+ Kg5

54.Ne5 Kf6 55.Nf3 Rxg4 56.Nxh4

Rxh4 57.Re3 Rxh5 58.Re6+ Kf7

59.Rb6 Nd5 60.Rb5 Nf6 61.Rb7+ Kf8

62.Rc1 Rxf5 63.Rc8+ Ne8 64.Rbb8

Re5 65.b4 h5 66.b5 h4 67.b6 h3

68.Rxe8+ Rxe8 69.Rxe8+

1–0

119


The practical part: Task-4. In the 4th task you will test your skills in positions with an open center. Your task: find the right move in a given position in “TASK-4 GAMES SECTION”. You should not try to guess the right move. Use the correct system of thinking, which you studied from the video lessons. Find the right plan and then decide how to realize it better. This will bring you to the right move. After that – look at the answer in “TASK-4 ANSWERS SECTION”. . If you have any difficulties – study again the video lesson 3.

120


(1) Milov V - Gassanov A (2353)

2nd President's Cup (2), 04.05.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwqr+-+( 7+p+-vl-mkp' 6p+p+n+p+& 5+-+p+p+n% 4-zP-zP-+-+$ 3zP-sN-zPP+-# 2-+L+NvLPzP" 1tR-+Q+R+K! xabcdefghy

1–0

(2) Allahverdiev A - Azarov S (2579)

16th Open (8), 20.08.2006

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+-+rtr( 7+-+-vlk+-' 6-wq-zp-zp-+& 5+-+-sn-+-% 4-zp-sNlsN-+$ 3+P+-+-vLP# 2-+PtR-+-zP" 1+-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(3) Bologan V - Sandipan C (2550)

3rd Rapid Open (8), 31.10.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+kvl-tr( 7+pwqn+p+-' 6p+-zppsnpzp& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-sNPzPP+$ 3+-sN-+-+P# 2PzPP+-+L+" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

½–½

(4) Christiansen L - Wojtkiewicz A

(2554)

ch-USA GpB (3), 05.03.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+k+-tr( 7+-wqnvlpzpp' 6p+-zppsn-+& 5+p+-+-vL-% 4-+-sNP+-+$ 3+LsN-+Q+-# 2PzPP+-zPPzP" 1+-mKR+-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

121

(5) Eljanov P - Jianu V (2506)

8th ch-Euro (7), 09.04.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+qtrk+( 7zpp+-+pvl-' 6-+pzpnsnpzp& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-zPPsNP+-vL$ 3+-sN-+-+P# 2P+-+-zPP+" 1tR-+QtRLmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(6) Frolyanov D - Hracek Z (2613)

8th ch-Euro (2), 04.04.2007

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+rwq-trk+( 7+p+lvlpzpp' 6p+-zppsn-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4Psn-sNPzP-+$ 3+-sN-vL-wQ-# 2-zPP+L+PzP" 1tR-+-+R+K! xabcdefghy

0–1

(7) Gashimov V - Adebayo A (2251)

37th Olympiad (4), 24.05.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+k+-tr( 7zpp+psn-+p' 6-+n+pzpp+& 5+-wq-+-+-% 4-+P+-+-+$ 3zP-zP-+NzP-# 2-+-+PzPLzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(8) Goloshchapov A - Dambacher M

(2429)

10th Essent Open (9), 28.10.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+kvl-tr( 7+-wql+pzp-' 6p+-zppsn-zp& 5snp+-+-+-% 4-+-sNPzPP+$ 3+-sN-vL-+P# 2PzPPwQ-+-+" 1+K+R+L+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

122

(9) Xu Yuhua - Nguyen Thi Thanh

An (2324)

2nd MAIG Team Standard (5),

30.10.2007

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7+p+-vl-zpp' 6p+nzp-+q+& 5+-zp-+-+-% 4-+P+-zp-+$ 3+P+-+Q+-# 2PvL-+-+PzP" 1tRN+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(10) Karjakin Sergey - Bacrot E

(2695)

World Cup (3.4), 02.12.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+ntrk+( 7+pwq-+-vlp' 6p+-zpp+-+& 5+-+-snp+-% 4-+P+-vL-+$ 3+NsN-+-+-# 2PzP-wQLzPPzP" 1+-tRR+-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

123

TASK-4 ANSWERS SECTION (1) Milov V - Gassanov A (2353)

2nd President's Cup (2), 04.05.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwqr+-+( 7+p+-vl-mkp' 6p+p+n+p+& 5+-+p+p+n% 4-zP-zP-+-+$ 3zP-sN-zPP+-# 2-+L+NvLPzP" 1tR-+Q+R+K! xabcdefghy

[Black has a lot of weaknesses. The

most effective plan to use the

opponent's weaknesses is to open the

position.]

17.e4 fxe4 18.fxe4 dxe4 19.d5 [(it is a

logical continuation of the white's plan.

It was necessary to find this move

BEFORE playing e4.)]

19...cxd5 20.Nxd5 Bd6 [(Now we

have an open center, so white should

centralize his pieces and use them to

attack the black's weaknesses.)]

21.Bxe4 Be5 22.Rc1 Rf8 23.Nb6 Qe7

24.Qd5 [(white is keeping the strong

centralization)]

24...Nef4 25.Qxe5+ Qxe5 26.Bd4

Qxd4 27.Nxd4 Rb8 28.g3 Bh3

29.gxf4 Rbd8 30.Rfd1 Rxf4 31.Bf5

gxf5 32.Ne6+ Kf6 33.Nxf4 Rxd1+

34.Rxd1 Nxf4 35.Nd5+ Nxd5 36.Rxd5

f4 37.Rc5 Bf5 38.Kg2 Be4+ 39.Kh3 f3

40.Kg3 Bc6 41.Kf2 Kg6 42.Ke3 Kf6

43.Rh5 Kg6 44.Ra5 Kf6 45.a4 h6

46.b5 axb5 47.axb5 Bd5 48.b6 Ke5

49.Rc5 Kd6 50.Rc7 Bc6 51.Rh7 Kc5

52.Rxh6 Kxb6 53.h4 Kc5 54.h5 Be8

55.Rh8

1–0

(2) Allahverdiev A - Azarov S (2579)

16th Open (8), 20.08.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+-+rtr( 7+-+-vlk+-' 6-wq-zp-zp-+& 5+-+-sn-+-% 4-zp-sNlsN-+$ 3+P+-+-vLP# 2-+PtR-+-zP" 1+-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[In positions with an open center you

need to put your pieces on the central

squares. Black has done it already with

his bishop e4 and knight e5. Now it is

time to centralize another bishop.]

35...d5 36.Rdf2 Bc5 37.Nfe6 Qxe6

38.Nxe6 Rxh3 [(Black was able even

to sacrifice a queen - it shows the

power of the centralized pieces.)]

0–1

124

(3) Bologan V - Sandipan C (2550)

3rd Rapid Open (8), 31.10.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+kvl-tr( 7+pwqn+p+-' 6p+-zppsnpzp& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-sNPzPP+$ 3+-sN-+-+P# 2PzPP+-+L+" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[Black made a lot of pawn moves. It is

usually bad in positions with an open

center. So white should create such

position!]

11.f5 gxf5 12.exf5 e5 13.Ne6 Qb6+

14.Kh1 fxe6 15.fxe6 Be7 16.exd7+

Bxd7 17.Rxf6 Bxf6 18.Nd5 Qd8

19.Be3 [19.Qd3 was winning for white]

19...0–0 20.Bb6 Qe8 21.Nc7 Qe7

22.Nxa8 Rxa8 23.Qd3 Bc6 24.Bxc6

bxc6 25.Qc4+ Kh8 26.Qxc6 Rb8

27.Rd1 e4 28.Rxd6 Bg7 29.Rxh6+

Bxh6 30.Qxh6+ Kg8 31.Qg6+ Qg7

32.Qxg7+ Kxg7 33.Bd4+ Kg6 34.Kg2

Rf8 35.a4 Kg5 36.b4 Rc8 37.c3 Kf4

38.Kf2 Rb8 39.Ke2 Rb7 40.a5 Rh7

41.Be3+ Ke5 42.c4 Rxh3 43.b5 Rh2+

44.Kf1 axb5 45.cxb5 Rh3 46.Kf2

Rh2+ 47.Kg3 Re2 48.Bf4+ Kd5 49.b6

Kc6 50.Bc7 Ra2 51.Kf4 Rxa5

52.Kxe4 Rb5 53.Kf4 Kd7 54.Ke4 Kc6

55.Kf4 Kd7 56.Kf3 Ke7 57.Ke4 Kd7

58.Kf4 Ke6 59.Kf3 Rb4 60.Kg3 Kf7

61.Kh4 Rb5 62.g5 Kg6 63.Bd8 Rd5

64.Bf6 Rb5 65.Bd8 Rd5 66.Be7 Rb5

67.Bd8 Rd5

½–½

(4) Christiansen L - Wojtkiewicz A

(2554)

ch-USA GpB (3), 05.03.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+k+-tr( 7+-wqnvlpzpp' 6p+-zppsn-+& 5+p+-+-vL-% 4-+-sNP+-+$ 3+LsN-+Q+-# 2PzPP+-zPPzP" 1+-mKR+-+R! xabcdefghy

[White has finished an opening stage,

so he should compose a middlegame

plan. If you can attack in a center - do

it.]

11.e5 Bb7 12.Qg3 Nxe5 13.Bxe6 [(In

an open position white will be able to

exploit the black's weaknesses and his

centralized king.)]

13...fxe6 14.f4 Ng6 15.Nxe6 Qd7

16.Rhe1 Kf7 17.f5 Nf8 18.Bxf6 Bxf6

19.Rxd6 Qc8 20.Ng5+ Kg8 21.Rxf6

gxf6 22.Nge4+ Ng6 23.fxg6

1–0

125

(5) Eljanov P - Jianu V (2506)

8th ch-Euro (7), 09.04.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+qtrk+( 7zpp+-+pvl-' 6-+pzpnsnpzp& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-zPPsNP+-vL$ 3+-sN-+-+P# 2P+-+-zPP+" 1tR-+QtRLmK-! xabcdefghy

[Black has a lot of weaknesses

(because of his pawn moves), but

white can't use them at the moment.

White needs to open the position first.]

16.Nf5 gxf5 17.exf5 Qd7 18.fxe6 fxe6

19.Bg3 [(Now white only needs to

centralize his pieces and to attack the

black's numerous weaknesses. In the

position with an open center black will

not be able to protect them. That's why

the white's position is already

strategically winning. )]

19...Ne8 20.Qc2 a5 21.b5 Bd4

22.Rad1 e5 23.c5 Qg7 24.cxd6 Bf5

25.Qb3+ Kh8 26.Ne2 Bc5 27.Qb2

Kh7 28.bxc6 bxc6 29.d7 Nf6 30.Qxe5

Ne4 31.Qxg7+ Kxg7 32.Be5+ Kh7

33.Bd4 Bb4 34.f3 Ng5 35.Ng3 Bxd7

36.Bd3+ Kg8 37.Bc4+ Kh7 38.h4 Nf7

39.Bd3+ Kg8 40.Nh5 Nd6 41.Re7

1–0

(6) Frolyanov D - Hracek Z (2613)

8th ch-Euro (2), 04.04.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8-+rwq-trk+( 7+p+lvlpzpp' 6p+-zppsn-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4Psn-sNPzP-+$ 3+-sN-vL-wQ-# 2-zPP+L+PzP" 1tR-+-+R+K! xabcdefghy

13...Rxc3 [(This standard sacrifice

helps black to open the center and to

create weaknesses in the white's

position.)]

14.bxc3 Nxe4 15.Qe1 Nd5 [(It is

interesting that white has a material

advantage, but can't do anything.)]

16.Bf3 Ndxc3 17.Bd2 Nxd2 18.Qxd2

Qc7 19.Bxb7 Bf6 20.Bf3 e5 21.fxe5

dxe5 22.Nb3 e4 23.Bh5 Be5 24.Rae1

Bxa4 25.Qe3 g6 26.Bg4 Bb5 27.Rf2

f5 28.Nc5 Nd5 29.Qa3 Bd6 30.Rd2

Bxc5 31.Qb3 Bb4 32.Rxd5 Qc4

0–1

126

(7) Gashimov V - Adebayo A (2251)

37th Olympiad (4), 24.05.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+k+-tr( 7zpp+psn-+p' 6-+n+pzpp+& 5+-wq-+-+-% 4-+P+-+-+$ 3zP-zP-+NzP-# 2-+-+PzPLzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[In positions with an open center, we

should mainly attack the opponent's

weaknesses and centralize our

pieces.]

11.Nd2 [(This move prepares Ne4 and

realizez both of those ideas.)]

11...f5 12.a4 Na5 13.e4 [(white opens

the position even more)]

13...Qc7 14.exf5 Nxf5 15.Ba3 h5

16.c5 Rb8 17.Ne4 b6 18.Qd2 bxc5

19.Qg5 d6 20.Qxg6+ Qf7 21.Qxf5

1–0

(8) Goloshchapov A - Dambacher M

(2429)

10th Essent Open (9), 28.10.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+kvl-tr( 7+-wql+pzp-' 6p+-zppsn-zp& 5snp+-+-+-% 4-+-sNPzPP+$ 3+-sN-vL-+P# 2PzPPwQ-+-+" 1+K+R+L+R! xabcdefghy

[To exploit the black's weaknesses and

to use white's better development - it

is necessary to open the position.]

13.e5 b4 [(perhaps this move looks

dangerous, but if you are confident in

your strategic understanding, you will

continue calculating.)]

14.Ncb5 axb5 15.exf6 Nc4 16.Bxc4

Qxc4 17.b3 Qc3 18.Qe2 gxf6 19.Nf5

[(As usual white should centralize his

pieces and attack the black's

weaknesses.)]

19...Qc6 20.Bd4 Rg8 21.Bxf6 Qa6

22.Rd3 Rg6 23.Bb2 Kd8 24.Nxd6

Bxd6 25.Qd2 e5 26.Rd1 Kc7 27.fxe5

Qxa2+ 28.Kc1 Qxb2+ 29.Kxb2 Bxe5+

30.Rd4 Rga6 31.Qxb4 Ra2+ 32.Kc1

1–0

127

(9) Xu Yuhua - Nguyen Thi Thanh

An (2324)

2nd MAIG Team Standard (5),

30.10.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7+p+-vl-zpp' 6p+nzp-+q+& 5+-zp-+-+-% 4-+P+-zp-+$ 3+P+-+Q+-# 2PvL-+-+PzP" 1tRN+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy [In positions with an open center you

should struggle for the control over the

central squares.]

20...Bf6 21.Bxf6 Qxf6 22.Nc3 Rae8

23.Rad1 Nd4 [(Black has a fully

centralized position)]

24.Qxb7 f3 [(When you have a

domination in a center, you may

transfer the attack on a side. It will be

easily successful.)]

25.Kh1 Re5 26.Ne4 Qh4 27.Ng3 f2

28.Qd7 h6 29.Rd2 Re1 30.Rd1 Rxd1

31.Rxd1 Qf6 32.h3 Qe5 33.Nf1 Rf4

34.Qd8+ Kh7 35.Qa5 Re4 36.Qd2

Re1 37.Qd3+ Kh8 38.Rd2 Ne2 0–1

(10) Karjakin Sergey - Bacrot E

(2695)

World Cup (3.4), 02.12.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+ntrk+( 7+pwq-+-vlp' 6p+-zpp+-+& 5+-+-snp+-% 4-+P+-vL-+$ 3+NsN-+-+-# 2PzP-wQLzPPzP" 1+-tRR+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[Black made too many pawn moves,

what is very dangerous in open

positions.]

16.c5 [(So white opens the position

more)]

16...dxc5 17.Qe3 [(now white can

attack all the black's weaknesses

directly.)]

17...c4 18.Na4 b5 19.Nb6 Bb7

20.Nxa8 Bxa8 21.Qg3 Kh8 22.Nd4

Bd5 23.Re1 Qd6 24.Bh5

1–0

128


The practical part: Task-5. In the 5th task you will test your skills in positions with the closed center. Your task: find the right move in a given position in “TASK-5 GAMES SECTION”. You should not try to guess the right move. Use the correct system of thinking, which you studied from the video lessons. Find the right plan and then decide how to realize it better. This will bring you to the right move. After that – look at the answer in “TASK-5 ANSWERS SECTION”. If you have any difficulties – study again the video lesson 4.

129

TASK-5 GAMES SECTION (1) Khismatullin D - Iliushkin E

(2292)


09.06.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+r+k+( 7+p+-+pzpp' 6p+-wq-+-+& 5+-zpPzp-+-% 4-+-+P+-+$ 3+-+-+-zP-# 2PzP-wQ-zPLzP" 1+-tRRsN-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(2) Khismatullin D -

Gabdrakhmanov R (2392)


03.06.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+-trk+( 7zpp+-+pvlp' 6-+-zp-snp+& 5+-zpPzp-sN-% 4-+P+P+-+$ 3+-sN-+-zP-# 2PzP-+-zPLzP" 1tR-vLR+-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(3) Khismatullin D - Yudin S (2511)

TCh-RUS HL (2), 04.05.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqntrk+( 7zpl+nvlpzpp' 6-zp-+p+-+& 5+-+pzP-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-+-+NzP-# 2PzPQsN-zPLzP" 1tR-vL-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(4) Bocharov D - Mahjoob M (2442)

Masters (2), 15.08.2005

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+k+-tr( 7+pzp-wqpzp-' 6-+-zp-sn-zp& 5+-+Pzp-+-% 4p+P+P+-+$ 3zP-vLL+N+-# 2-zPQ+-zPPzP" 1tR-+-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

130

(5) Korchnoi V - Turikov V (2334)

10th TCh-Euro sen (3), 13.02.2008

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqk+-tr( 7zplzp-vlpzpp' 6-zpnzp-sn-+& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4-+PzPP+-+$ 3+-sNL+N+-# 2PzP-+QzPPzP" 1tR-vL-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(6) Korchnoi V - Golubev M (2474)

4th Pivdenny Bank Chess Cup (4),

30.05.2008

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7+pzp-+pvlp' 6-+-zp-+p+& 5zp-snPzp-+n% 4-+P+P+-+$ 3+-sN-+-zP-# 2PzP-+NzPLzP" 1tR-vLQ+R+K! xabcdefghy

1–0

(7) Miroshnichenko E - Rapport R

(2440)

25th ECC (4), 07.10.2009

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+ktr-+-tr( 7zpp+nvlpzp-' 6-wqp+psn-+& 5+-+p+-zp-% 4-+PzP-+P+$ 3+QsN-zP-+P# 2PzP-vL-zPL+" 1+-mKR+-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

(8) Miroshnichenko E - Rathnakaran

K (2427)

2nd Mayors Cup (7), 06.05.2009

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-trlwqntrk+( 7+p+n+pvlp' 6p+-zp-+p+& 5+-zpPzp-+-% 4P+P+P+-+$ 3+-sNL+N+P# 2-zP-+-zPP+" 1tR-vLQtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

131

(9) Jobava Ba - Milov V (2625)

2nd Open (9), 11.06.2006

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+p+nvlpzpp' 6p+p+p+l+& 5+-zPp+-+-% 4-zP-zP-vL-+$ 3+N+-zP-+-# 2P+-+LzPPzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(10) Hadzimanolis A -

Azmaiparashvili Z (2615)

36th TCh-GRE (7), 10.07.2008

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqk+-tr( 7+pzp-sn-+p' 6p+-zp-+psn& 5+-+Pzpp+-% 4P+-+P+-+$ 3+-sN-+P+-# 2-zPPsNQ+PzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

132

TASK-5 ANSWERS SECTION

(1) Khismatullin D - Iliushkin E

(2292)


09.06.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+r+k+( 7+p+-+pzpp' 6p+-wq-+-+& 5+-zpPzp-+-% 4-+-+P+-+$ 3+-+-+-zP-# 2PzP-wQ-zPLzP" 1+-tRRsN-mK-! xabcdefghy

[In positions with the closed center we

should play on a side. White has a

space advantage on the queen-side,

so he should attack there.]

17.Nd3 b6 18.b4 [(For an attacker it is

necessary to use the pawn assault.)]

18...cxb4 19.Nxb4 Bg4 20.Re1 Bd7

21.Nc2 Bb5 22.Ne3 g6 23.Qc2 a5

24.Rb1 Ba6 25.Rec1 Nd7 26.Qc6

[(the white's plan was realized

successfully and white is winning.)]

26...Qxc6 27.dxc6 Nc5 28.Rxb6 Ne6

29.c7 Bc8 30.Nd5 Kg7 31.Rb8

1–0

(2) Khismatullin D -

Gabdrakhmanov R (2392)


03.06.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+-trk+( 7zpp+-+pvlp' 6-+-zp-snp+& 5+-zpPzp-sN-% 4-+P+P+-+$ 3+-sN-+-zP-# 2PzP-+-zPLzP" 1tR-vLR+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[White should play on a side where his

central pawn chain is pointed. To start

this attack white needs to use a pawn

assault.]

12.a3 Ne8 13.b4 Nd7 14.Rb1 b6

15.Nb5 Ndf6 16.Re1 h6 17.Nf3 Bd7

18.Bd2 Nh7 19.a4 [(White is realizing

his plan insistently, while black plays

without a plan - black should play f5)]

19...h5 20.Rb3 Bf6 21.Ra1 Kg7

[(passive defense doesn't work in

closed positions.)]

22.a5 Bxb5 23.cxb5 Nc7 24.bxc5

dxc5 25.Bc3 Rfe8 26.Nd2 h4 27.Nc4

hxg3 28.hxg3 Ng5 29.f4 exf4

30.Bxf6+ Kxf6 31.axb6 axb6 32.Rxa8

Rxa8 33.gxf4 Ra1+ 34.Kh2 Nh7

35.Nxb6 Rc1 36.d6 Ne6 37.Nd5+ Kg7

38.b6 c4 39.b7 cxb3 40.b8Q

1–0

133

(3) Khismatullin D - Yudin S (2511)

[E09]

TCh-RUS HL (2), 04.05.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqntrk+( 7zpl+nvlpzpp' 6-zp-+p+-+& 5+-+pzP-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-+-+NzP-# 2PzPQsN-zPLzP" 1tR-vL-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[White should play on the king-side,

where he is stronger. Thus white

needs to find the way how to

concentrate his pieces there and how

to start moving pawns.]

12.Re1 [12.Nb3 this move helps white

to finish the development, but it is a

strategic mistake - in moves the knight

away from the king-side where white

should attack.]

12...Ba6 13.Nf1 Rc8 14.Qd1 Nb8

15.Ne3 Nc6 16.Bd2 Nc7 17.h4 [(it is

necessary to push the pawns in closed

positions)]

17...Nb4 18.Bc3 Qd7 19.h5 h6

20.Ng4 Rfd8 21.Nf6+ gxf6 22.exf6

Bxf6 23.Bxb4 Qb5 24.Bd2 Qxb2

25.Rb1 Qa3 26.Ne5 [(White is

realizing his plan vigorously: white is

stronger on the king-side, that's why

his attack will definitely bring results

sooner or later. )]

26...Bxe5 27.dxe5 Kh7 28.Rb3 Qe7

29.Rf3 Ne8 30.Qb1+ Kg7 31.g4 [(the

pawn assault)]

31...Rc4 32.Rg3 Qh4 33.g5 Rg4

34.Ree3 Qxh5 35.gxh6+ Kh8

36.Rxg4 Qxg4 37.Rg3 [During the

whole game white has realized his

plan by every move, while black made

"separate good moves"]

1–0

(4) Bocharov D - Mahjoob M (2442)

Masters (2), 15.08.2005

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+k+-tr( 7+pzp-wqpzp-' 6-+-zp-sn-zp& 5+-+Pzp-+-% 4p+P+P+-+$ 3zP-vLL+N+-# 2-zPQ+-zPPzP" 1tR-+-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

13.c5 [(this is the ONLY move. After

that white has quite huge positional

advantage. Otherwise black would play

b6 and would prevent the white's plan.

You can see how it is important to

have "a planning thinking" and not to

play "just a good move" like castling.)]

13...0–0 14.cxd6 cxd6 15.Nd2 Nfd7

16.Nc4 Na6 17.0–0 Nac5 18.Be2 Nf6

19.Nb6 Ra7 20.f3 Qd8 21.Nxc8 Qxc8

22.Rad1 Qc7 23.Bb4 Rc8 24.Rc1

Qb6 25.Kh1 Raa8 26.Qc4 Rc7 [(a

passive defense usually doesn't work

in closed positions)]

27.Qb5 Qa7 28.Rc3 Rac8 29.Ba5 Re7

30.Bb6 Qa6 31.Qxa6 bxa6 32.Bxc5

[(If white is stonger on the queen-side

- he will realize his advantage)]

134

32...Rxc5 33.Rxc5 dxc5 34.Bxa6 Ne8

35.Rc1 Ra7 36.Bf1 Ra5 37.Kg1 Kf8

38.Kf2 Ke7 39.Ke3 Kd6 40.Bd3 Nc7

41.f4 f5 42.fxe5+ Kxe5 43.exf5 Nxd5+

44.Kf3 Nb6 45.Re1+ Kd4 46.Bf1 c4

47.Re4+ Kd5 48.Kf4 Ra7 49.Be2 Rc7

50.Bf3 Kc5 51.Re6 c3 52.bxc3 Nc4

53.Ra6 Kb5 54.Ra8 Nxa3 55.Be2+

Kb6 56.Ra6+ Kb7 57.Rxa4 Rxc3

58.g4 Nc2 59.Re4 Kb6 60.Bd1

1–0

(5) Korchnoi V - Turikov V (2334)

10th TCh-Euro sen (3), 13.02.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqk+-tr( 7zplzp-vlpzpp' 6-zpnzp-sn-+& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4-+PzPP+-+$ 3+-sNL+N+-# 2PzP-+QzPPzP" 1tR-vL-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[Normally we should keep the tension

and play Be3. However in this position

it is good for white to close the

position: 1) the black's bishop b7 is on

the wrong place; 2) it is difficult for

black oto prepare the move f5, while

white will attack on the queen-side

without any problems. It determines

white's huge positional advantage.

This calls "deep understanding of

chess". You can see that it is very

simple actually.]

9.d5 Nb4 10.Bb1 a5 11.a3 Na6

12.Bc2 0–0 13.Rb1 Nc5 14.b4 Ncd7

15.Rd1 Nh5 16.Nxe5 Nxe5 17.Qxh5

Nxc4 18.Bb3 Ne5 19.f4 Ng6 20.Rd3

Re8 21.Ba4 axb4 22.Bxe8 Qxe8

23.Rxb4 Bf6 24.Rh3 Nf8 25.Nb5 Ra5

26.a4 Ba6 27.Rhb3 Bxb5 28.axb5

Ra1 29.Qd1 Nd7 30.Ra3 Rxa3

31.Bxa3 Nc5 32.Qb1 h6 33.Rc4 Qa8

34.Bxc5 bxc5 35.Rc2 Qa3 36.Ra2

Qe3+ 37.Kh1 g6 38.e5 dxe5 39.d6

cxd6 40.b6 Bd8 41.Ra8 Kh7 42.Rxd8

exf4

1–0

(6) Korchnoi V - Golubev M (2474)

4th Pivdenny Bank Chess Cup (4),

30.05.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7+pzp-+pvlp' 6-+-zp-+p+& 5zp-snPzp-+n% 4-+P+P+-+$ 3+-sN-+-zP-# 2PzP-+NzPLzP" 1tR-vLQ+R+K! xabcdefghy

[It takes a lot of time for white to realize

his plan: b3, a3, Rb1, b4; while black is

ready to start an attack after the move

f5. That's why white should rather

prevent an opponent's plan here.]

11.Ng1 [(You can see again that "a

planning thinking" allows you to find

really profound moves)]

11...Qe8 [11...f5 ? 12.exf5 Bxf5

13.g4±]

12.Be3 [(white is still preventing the

black's plan mainly)]

12...Nf6 [12...f5 13.Bxc5 dxc5 14.exf5

gxf5 15.Nb5 with an initiative position]

135

13.f3 Nh5 14.Re1 Qd8 15.a3 [(white

strengthen his position on the king-

side and now he may realize his main

plan - pawn assault on the queen-

side.)]

15...Bd7 16.b4 axb4 17.axb4 Rxa1

18.Qxa1 Nb3 19.Qd1 Nd4 20.Nce2

Nxe2 21.Nxe2 f5 22.exf5 gxf5 23.f4

Nf6 24.fxe5 Ng4 25.Bg1 Nxe5 26.Nf4

Nxc4 27.Ne6 Bxe6 28.dxe6 Qe7

29.Bxb7 Ne5 30.Bg2 Kh8 31.Qc2 f4

32.gxf4 Rxf4 33.Rc1 c6 34.Qb3 Rg4

35.Ra1 Bf6 36.Ra7 Qf8 37.b5 Qg8

38.Qa2 cxb5 39.Ra8 Bd8 40.e7

1–0

(7) Miroshnichenko E - Rapport R

(2440)

25th ECC (4), 07.10.2009

XABCDEFGHY 8-+ktr-+-tr( 7zpp+nvlpzp-' 6-wqp+psn-+& 5+-+p+-zp-% 4-+PzP-+P+$ 3+QsN-zP-+P# 2PzP-vL-zPL+" 1+-mKR+-+R! xabcdefghy

[White wants to play c5, close the

position and attack on the queen-side

then. However it will be a huge mistake

to play c5 immediately]

14.Qa4 [14.c5 Qxb3 15.axb3 a6 and

white's attack on the queen-side

failed.]

14...Kb8 [(It was necessary for black to

break the white's plan and to play dñ.

However he made "just a normal

move" due to the lack of planning

skills.)]

15.c5 Qc7 16.b4 [(in the closed

positions we should not worry about

the weaknesses too much. It is

important to realize a pawn assault on

the "right" flank.)]

16...Rc8 17.Kb1 Nf8 18.Ka1 b5 [(in

closed positions a defender may move

the pawns to set up a blockade)]

19.Qc2 Ng6 20.a4 a6 21.Kb2 Nh4

22.Bf1 Nf3 23.Bd3 Nxd2 24.Qxd2

Qb7 25.Ra1 Kc7 26.f3 Nd7 27.axb5

axb5 28.Ra2 f6 29.Rha1 Ra8

30.Qh2+ e5 31.e4 Rxa2+ 32.Rxa2

Kc8 33.exd5 exd4 34.dxc6 dxc3+

35.Kxc3 Qxc6 36.Be4 Bd6 37.Qxd6

Qxd6 38.cxd6 Rd8 39.Kd4 Nb6

40.Kc5 Na4+ 41.Kc6 Kb8 42.d7

1–0

(8) Miroshnichenko E - Rathnakaran

K (2427)

2nd Mayors Cup (7), 06.05.2009

XABCDEFGHY 8-trlwqntrk+( 7+p+n+pvlp' 6p+-zp-+p+& 5+-zpPzp-+-% 4P+P+P+-+$ 3+-sNL+N+P# 2-zP-+-zPP+" 1tR-vLQtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[White needs to attack on the queen-

side. White will play b4 to start an

attack. Now black is ready to play a5

136

and to break the white's plan. That's

why white has the ONLY move]

12.a5 h6 13.Qc2 b6 [(it is a mistake,

which helps white to open the queen-

side position)]

14.axb6 Nxb6 15.Rb1 f5 16.b4 Nd7

17.Ba3 f4 18.bxc5 Rxb1 19.Rxb1

dxc5 20.Na4 Qc7 21.Nd2 Bf6 22.Nb3

Be7 23.f3 Nd6 24.Naxc5 Qa7 25.Kh2

Nf6 26.Na5 Nh5 27.Nc6 Qc7 28.Qb2

1–0

(9) Jobava Ba - Milov V (2625)

2nd Open (9), 11.06.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+p+nvlpzpp' 6p+p+p+l+& 5+-zPp+-+-% 4-zP-zP-vL-+$ 3+N+-zP-+-# 2P+-+LzPPzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[This position is rather closed. White

will certainly attack on the queen-side.

Black may not just defend, because

the passive defense doesn't work in

closed positions. Black should create a

counterattack in the center by playing

e5. Of course it requires preparation,

but black should realize it anyway]

13...Re8 14.Bg3 Bf6 15.f4 [(After this

pawn move black should make

adjustments in his plan. Now it is

necessary to play f6 to prepare the

move e5.)]

15...Qc8 16.a4 Bd8 17.Be1 Nf6 18.b5

Ne4 19.Qc1 f6 20.Ba5 Bxa5 21.Nxa5

Qc7 22.b6 Qd7 23.Bd3 e5 [(Finally

black did it)]

24.fxe5 fxe5 25.Ra2 Re7 26.Bxe4

Bxe4 27.Qc3 h6 28.dxe5 Rae8

29.Raf2 Bg6 30.e4 Bxe4 31.Qg3 Kh7

32.h3 Bg6 33.Rf8 Re6 34.Rxe8 Rxe8

35.e6 Rxe6 36.Qc7 Re7 37.Qxd7

Rxd7 [(Black got a winning position,

because he realized his plan insistently

during all the previous moves)]

38.Kf2 Bc2 39.Ke3 d4+ 40.Kd2 Bxa4

41.Rf8 Bb5 42.Rb8 Rf7 43.Rxb7 Rf2+

44.Kc1 Ba4 45.Rd7 Rc2+ 46.Kb1

Rxc5 47.Rxd4 Bc2+ 48.Kb2 Rxa5

49.Rb4 c5 50.b7 cxb4 51.b8Q b3

52.g4 Ra2+ 53.Kc3 a5 54.g5 h5

55.g6+ Bxg6 56.Qxb3 Rg2 57.Kd4

Rd2+ 58.Ke5 Rd3 59.Qa4 Rxh3

60.Qxa5 Rf3 61.Qe1 Rf5+ 62.Kd6 Rf4

63.Qe3 Rf6+ 64.Ke7 Rf7+ 65.Kd6 Rf8

66.Qg5 Re8 67.Kd5 Re4 68.Qg3 Kh6

69.Qf2 Kh7 70.Qg3 Bf5 71.Qc7 h4

72.Qh2 g6 73.Qc7+ Kh6 74.Qc1+

Kh5 75.Qd1+ Kh6 76.Qc1+ g5

77.Qc3 Kh5 78.Qf3+ Kg6 79.Qc3 Re8

80.Qc6+ Re6 81.Qc3 Rf6 82.Qe3 Re6

83.Qc3 h3 84.Qh8 Re2 85.Kd6 h2

86.Qa8 Be4 87.Qe8+ Kf5 88.Qb5+

Kf4 89.Qe5+ Kg4 90.Qe6+ Kg3

91.Qe5+ Kh4 92.Qh8+ Kg4 93.Qc8+

Kg3 94.Qc3+ Bf3

0–1

137

(10) Hadzimanolis A -

Azmaiparashvili Z (2615)

36th TCh-GRE (7), 10.07.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqk+-tr( 7+pzp-sn-+p' 6p+-zp-+psn& 5+-+Pzpp+-% 4P+-+P+-+$ 3+-sN-+P+-# 2-zPPsNQ+PzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[Black should attack on the king-side,

where his central pawn chain "looks".

To start this attack black needs to

realize a pawn assault.]

13...f4 14.Nd1 g5 15.c4 Rg8 16.Nf2

Qd7 17.h3 Nf7 18.a5 h5 19.b4 Nh6

[(Black realizes his plan maximally

insistently. He is ignoring the white's

attack as loong as he can)]

20.c5 Rd8 21.Rfb1 g4 22.fxg4 hxg4

23.hxg4 Nxg4 24.Nxg4 Rxg4 25.b5

Kf7 26.c6 bxc6 27.bxc6 Qc8 28.Rb7

Rdg8 29.Rab1 Kf6 30.Rb8 Rxg2+

31.Qxg2 Rxg2+ 32.Kxg2 Qg4+

33.Kf2 Qg3+ 34.Ke2 Ng6 35.R8b3

Qg2+ 36.Kd1 Nh4 37.Kc2 Qe2

38.Rb7 Nf3

0–1

138


The practical part: Task-6. In the 6th task you will test your skills in positions with a static center. Your task: find the right move in a given position in “TASK-6 GAMES SECTION”. You should not try to guess the right move. Use the correct system of thinking, which you studied from the video lessons. Find the right plan and then decide how to realize it better. This will bring you to the right move. After that – look at the answer in “TASK-6 ANSWERS SECTION”. If you have any difficulties – study again the video lesson 5.

139

TASK-6 GAMES SECTION (1) Khismatullin D - Zaragatski I

(2464)

8th ch-Euro (9), 12.04.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+ktr-vl-tr( 7zppzp-snpzpp' 6-+nwq-+-+& 5+L+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+l+$ 3+-sN-zPN+-# 2PzP-vL-zPPzP" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

(2) Adly A - Kurajica B (2548)

37th Olympiad (3), 23.05.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqr+k+( 7zpp+-+pvlp' 6-snn+l+p+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sNL+P+-# 2PzP-vLNwQPzP" 1+-tRR+-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(3) Aleksandrov A - Shaposhnikov

E (2533)

inAUTOmarket Open (7), 16.07.2005

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7zpp+-vlpzpp' 6-+n+lsn-+& 5+-+p+-vL-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+QsNL+P+-# 2PzP-+N+PzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(4) Aleksandrov Aleksej (BLR) -

Giorgadze Giorgi (GEO) (2601)

Cup European Club (final) Saint

Vincent (Italy) (4), 21.09.2005

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7zp-sn-+pzpp' 6-+-wq-sn-+& 5+p+psN-+-% 4P+-zP-+-+$ 3+P+-+-+-# 2-+-+-zPPzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

140

(5) Karpov Ana - Seitz M (2258)

Simul (1), 20.01.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rtrn+-+k+( 7+q+l+pzp-' 6-+-+pvl-zp& 5+p+p+-+-% 4-zP-zP-+-+$ 3+QsNLzPN+P# 2-+-+-zPP+" 1tR-tR-+-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(6) Graf A - Ramesh R (2453)

IV Open (6), 21.06.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-trk+( 7+l+-+pzpp' 6pzp-vl-sn-+& 5+-zppsN-+-% 4-+-zP-zP-+$ 3+-sN-zP-+-# 2PzP-vLL+PzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(7) Rustemov A - Luther T (2580)

Bundesliga 2006–7 (12), 17.03.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwqk+-tr( 7zpp+-vlpzpp' 6-+n+-sn-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-+-+N+-# 2PzP-+LzPPzP" 1tRNvLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(8) Savchenko S - Zeberski J (2420)

22nd Voivoda Cup (5), 11.12.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+rsnk+( 7zpp+-wqpzpp' 6-+p+-sn-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sNLzPN+P# 2PzPQ+-zPP+" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

141

(9) Baklan V - Naumkin I (2481)

XXI Festival Open A (5), 25.08.2009

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-+k+( 7+-zpq+-zpp' 6p+n+-trl+& 5+p+p+-sN-% 4-+-zP-+P+$ 3+LzP-+-+P# 2P+-+-zP-+" 1tR-+QtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(10) Motylev A - Burmakin V (2599)

ch-RUS HL (1), 02.09.2009

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-trrsnk+( 7zpp+-+-zpp' 6-+-wqpvl-+& 5+-+p+-+P% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+PsNQ+NzP-# 2P+-+RzP-+" 1+-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

142


(1) Khismatullin D - Zaragatski I

(2464)

8th ch-Euro (9), 12.04.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8-+ktr-vl-tr( 7zppzp-snpzpp' 6-+nwq-+-+& 5+L+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+l+$ 3+-sN-zPN+-# 2PzP-vL-zPPzP" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

[In positions with a static center it is

necessary: 1) to get control over the

central lines (here white has the "c"

file) 2) to put your pieces on the central

squares, which are protected by your

pawn (here they are c5 and e5]

9.Rc1 Kb8 10.Na4 Rc8 11.h3 Bxf3

12.Qxf3 Nd8 13.Nc5 c6 14.Bd3 Ka8

15.b4 [(when you have a strong

center, you may start the attack on a

flank. The attack of a pawn minority is

a standard plan for such positions.)]

15...g6 16.a4 f5 17.b5 [(pay attention

to the white's STYLE - he is realizing

the plan by his every move without any

deflections.)]

17...Ne6 18.0–0 Nxc5 19.Bb4 Bh6

20.Bxc5 Qe6 21.Rc2 Rhe8 22.Rfc1

Ng8 23.bxc6 bxc6 24.Ba6 Rb8

25.Qe2 [25.Bxa7 ! 25...Kxa7 26.Rxc6

Qd7 27.Rc7++–]

25...Rb3 26.Rb2 Rxb2 27.Qxb2 Rb8

28.Qc2 Nf6 29.Rb1 Nd7 30.Rxb8+

Nxb8 31.Be2 Nd7 32.Bb4 Bf8

33.Bxf8 Nxf8 34.Ba6 Qd7 35.Qc5

Ne6 36.Qb4 Qc7 37.a5 Qd7 38.g3

Qc7 39.h4 Qd7 40.Bd3 Qc7 41.h5

Qd7 42.a6 Qc7 43.h6 Qd7 44.g4 fxg4

45.Bxg6 Nd8 46.Qf8 Kb8 47.Bf5 Qc7

48.Kg2

1–0

(2) Adly A - Kurajica B (2548)

37th Olympiad (3), 23.05.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqr+k+( 7zpp+-+pvlp' 6-snn+l+p+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sNL+P+-# 2PzP-vLNwQPzP" 1+-tRR+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[The main plan thing that you should

do in positions with a static center is to

struggle for the control over the

squares around the central pawns. It is

interesting to see how both players

tried to do it.]

17.b3 Qf6 [17...Rc8]

18.Nb5 Qe7 19.Bf4 Bf5 20.Bd6 Qe3

21.Bf4 Qxf2+ 22.Kxf2 Bxd3 23.Rxd3

Re7 24.Bd6 Rd7 25.Bc5 Nc8 26.Re3

[(White got more centralized position

and it became more difficult for black

to find right moves.)]

26...Rd8 [?]

27.Nc7 Rb8 28.Nxd5 Nd6 [28...Rxd5

29.Re8++–]

143

29.Ne7+ Nxe7 30.Bxd6 Rxd6

31.Rxe7 Bf6 32.Re4 Rbd8 33.Rc7

Ra6 34.a4 Rb6 35.Re3 Rb4 36.Rd3

a6 37.Ke3 Re8+ 38.Kd2 Bd8 39.Rc4

Rb6 40.d5 Bg5+ 41.Kd1 Rd8 42.f4

Be7 43.g4 Bd6 44.Ng3 Bb8 45.Ke2

Kf8 46.Kf3

1–0

(3) Aleksandrov A - Shaposhnikov

E (2533)


XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7zpp+-vlpzpp' 6-+n+lsn-+& 5+-+p+-vL-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+QsNL+P+-# 2PzP-+N+PzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[The most standard plan is to play

Rac1, Rfe1 and then to occupy the

central squares c5 and e5. In this

game white has chosen another plan -

to strengthen the center first and to

transfer the attack on the side then]

13.Rad1 [13.Qxb7 ?! 13...Na5 14.Qa6

Bc8 15.Qb5 Bd7 16.Qa6 Bc8 =]

13...Rb8 14.Bb1 Na5 15.Qc2 g6

16.Nf4 Bf5 17.Qf2 Bxb1 18.Rxb1 Qd6

19.Rfe1 Nc6 20.Nb5 Qd7 21.Qh4 a6

22.Na7 Bd8 23.Bxf6 Nxa7 24.Re5

[(after all white has occupied the

central squares and got a winning

position)]

24...Qd6 25.Nxd5 Nc6 26.Rh5

1–0

(4) Aleksandrov Aleksej (BLR) -

Giorgadze Giorgi (GEO) (2601)

Cup European Club (final) Saint

Vincent (Italy) (4), 21.09.2005

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7zp-sn-+pzpp' 6-+-wq-sn-+& 5+p+psN-+-% 4P+-zP-+-+$ 3+P+-+-+-# 2-+-+-zPPzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

17.Nd3 [(white is going to play Bf4 to

increase the tension on the central

squares)]

17...Rfc8 18.Bf4 Qd8 19.Be5 [(white

occupies the central sqaures under the

protection of his pawn)]

19...a5 20.Nf4 b4 21.Qd3 Nce8

22.Rac1 Ne4 23.f3 Rc3 24.Rxc3 Nxc3

25.Re1 [(white centralized all his

pieces)]

25...Qd7 26.Nh5 [(after the full

centralization white is transferring the

attack on a side)]

26...Qc6 27.g4 g6 28.Ng3 Ng7 29.g5

Qa6 30.Qxa6 Rxa6 31.Bf6 Ne6 32.Kf2

h5 33.Ke3 Kf8 34.Kd2 Ke8 35.Nh1

Kd7 36.Nf2 Kd6 37.Nd3 Ra7 38.h4

Rb7 39.Rf1 Ra7 40.Ke3 Nf8 41.Be5+

Ke6 42.Nc5+ Ke7 43.Bf6+ Kd6 44.f4

Nd7 45.f5 Nxc5 46.dxc5+ Kc6

47.fxg6 fxg6 48.Kd4 Rf7 49.Ke5

Kxc5 50.Ke6 Rb7 51.Rf2 Kc6 52.Bd4

Rd7 53.Rf6 Ne2 54.Ke5+ Kc7

55.Bb6+ Kb7 56.Bxa5 d4 57.Bxb4 d3

58.Bd2 Nd4 59.Rf4 Nf5 60.Rxf5 gxf5

61.g6 Re7+ 62.Kf6 Re4 63.g7 Rg4

144

64.Bg5 Rxg5 65.hxg5 d2 66.g8Q d1Q

67.Qf7+ Kb6 68.g6 Qd4+ 69.Kxf5

Qg4+ 70.Kf6 h4 71.g7 Qd4+ 72.Kg6

Qe4+ 73.Kh6 h3 74.g8Q

1–0

(5) Karpov Ana - Seitz M (2258)

Simul (1), 20.01.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rtrn+-+k+( 7+q+l+pzp-' 6-+-+pvl-zp& 5+p+p+-+-% 4-zP-zP-+-+$ 3+QsNLzPN+P# 2-+-+-zPP+" 1tR-tR-+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[Though it is a static center, it is not

totally static. So here white simply

follow the rule "if you can play in a

center - do it."]

20.e4 dxe4 21.Rxa8 Qxa8 22.Nxe4

Be7 23.Ne5 Be8 24.Nc5 [(White

centralized his pieces and won the

game soon. You can see that this

scenario happens very often.)]

24...Qd5 25.Qxd5 exd5 26.Na6 Ra8

27.Nc7

1–0

(6) Graf A - Ramesh R (2453)

IV Open (6), 21.06.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-trk+( 7+l+-+pzpp' 6pzp-vl-sn-+& 5+-zppsN-+-% 4-+-zP-zP-+$ 3+-sN-zP-+-# 2PzP-vLL+PzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[After the eventual exchange cd and

ed we will have a static center. In that

position both players will try to struggle

for the control over the central

squares. White has the knight on e5

already and black will try to put the

knight on e4. Can white prevent it?]

12.Be1 [(preparing Bh4)]

12...cxd4 13.exd4 Nc6 14.Kh1 b5

15.Bh4 [(white solved the problem of

his bad bishop and prevented the

move Ne4)]

15...Be7 16.Bf3 Na5 17.Qd3 Nc4

18.Rae1 [(White has already occupied

the e5 square, so now he only needs

to take the open file "e" to get the full

domination.)]

18...Re8 19.Re2 Ne4 20.Bxe7 Rxe7

21.Nxe4 dxe4 22.Bxe4 Bxe4 23.Rxe4

Qd5 24.Re2 Rae8 25.Rfe1 Nxe5

26.fxe5 Qxa2 27.b3 Qa3 28.h3 Rd7

29.d5 Qc5 30.d6 g6 31.Qd2 Rc8

32.Qh6 Rf8 33.Re4 Qd5 34.Rh4 f6

35.e6 Re8 36.e7 Qf7 37.Rd4 Qxb3

38.Qf4 Qf7 39.Qc1 Qa2 40.Qc6 Qf2

41.Ree4 Qf5 42.Kh2 Kf7 43.Re1 a5

145

44.Rd5 Qf4+ 45.Kh1 Qf2 46.Rdd1

Qf5 47.Kg1 a4 48.Rd5

1–0

(7) Rustemov A - Luther T (2580)

Bundesliga 2006–7 (12), 17.03.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwqk+-tr( 7zpp+-vlpzpp' 6-+n+-sn-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-+-+N+-# 2PzP-+LzPPzP" 1tRNvLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

9.Ne5 [(White starts realizing his plan

immediately. Of course it is not the

onle possible move - it is just

important to understand the right

PLAN.)]

9...0–0 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.Bf4 Rc8 12.Rc1

a6 13.Na4 [(white is realizing the

standard plan: to put the rooks on the

central open files and to bring the

pieces on the central squares under

the protection of your pawn.)]

13...Nb4 [(black breaks the white's

idea)]

14.Rxc8 Qxc8 15.Nc3 Nc6 16.Bf3

Rd8 17.Nxc6 Qxc6 18.Qb3 Be4

[(black also realizes the right plan)]

19.Be2 b5 20.Rc1 Qe6 21.Nxe4 Nxe4

22.Qc2 Bf6 23.Qc7 Re8 24.Rc6 Qf5

25.g4 Qg6 26.Qd7 Rf8 27.Qxd5 h6

28.Kg2 Ng5 29.Qf5 Ne6 30.Be3 Qxf5

31.gxf5 Nxd4 32.Rxf6 Nxe2 33.Rxa6

Rd8 34.Rb6 Rd5 35.Kf3 Ng1+ 36.Ke4

Rd7 37.Rxb5 f6 38.a4 Re7+ 39.Kf4

Ne2+ 40.Kf3

1–0

(8) Savchenko S - Zeberski J (2420)

22nd Voivoda Cup (5), 11.12.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+rsnk+( 7zpp+-wqpzpp' 6-+p+-sn-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sNLzPN+P# 2PzPQ+-zPP+" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

14.Rab1 [(Here white is realizing the

standard plan: an attack of the pawn

minority. It is possible to move the

pawns on a side in such positions,

when you have an ENOUGH control

over the central squares.)]

14...Ne4 15.b4 a6 16.a4 Bf5 [(you can

see that white certainly doesn't have

an advantage in the center, however

he controls it good enough to prevent

the black's attack there.)]

17.b5 axb5 18.axb5 Ra3 19.Rb3

Rxb3 20.Qxb3 Ng6 21.bxc6 bxc6

22.Ne2 Qf6 23.Bxe4 dxe4 24.Nd2

Qg5 25.Ng3 Nh4 26.Rc1 h5 27.Rc5

Qg6 28.Qd1 Qf6 29.Qxh5 g6 30.Qh6

Ra8 31.Ndxe4 Bxe4 32.Nxe4 Nf3+

33.gxf3 Qxf3 34.Qh7+

1–0

146

(9) Baklan V - Naumkin I (2481)

XXI Festival Open A (5), 25.08.2009

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-+k+( 7+-zpq+-zpp' 6p+n+-trl+& 5+p+p+-sN-% 4-+-zP-+P+$ 3+LzP-+-+P# 2P+-+-zP-+" 1tR-+QtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

20.Re5 [(White is occupying the

central square under the control of his

pawn)]

20...Rd6 [20...Nxe5 21.dxe5 Rff8

22.Bxd5+ Kh8 23.Bxa8+–]

21.f4 h6 22.Nf3 Kh8 23.f5 Bh7

24.Re3 Rf8 25.Qe2 [(and also white is

using the central open file)]

25...g6 26.Ne5 [(the outpost piece on

the e5 and the control over the "e" file

gives white a winning position.)]

26...Qd8 27.Nf7+ Rxf7 28.Re8+ Kg7

29.Rxd8 Rxd8 30.Rf1 gxf5 31.gxf5

Bxf5 32.Bxd5

1–0

(10) Motylev A - Burmakin V (2599)

ch-RUS HL (1), 02.09.2009

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-trrsnk+( 7zpp+-+-zpp' 6-+-wqpvl-+& 5+-+p+-+P% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+PsNQ+NzP-# 2P+-+RzP-+" 1+-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[Almost all the white's pieces are

realizing his plan - to put pressure on

the central line "e" and to occupy the

e5 square. Now white only needs to

bring his knight c3 to the attack]

22.Nd1 Qc7 23.Ne3 Qf7 24.h6 gxh6

25.Ng4 [(Now white really got an ideal

positions for his pieces)]

25...Qg7 26.Nxf6+ Qxf6 27.Re3 Re7

28.Qe2 Rg7 29.Ne5 Rc8 30.Rf3 Qg5

31.Nd3 Rc3 32.Qb2 Rgc7 33.Qa3

Qg7 34.Qxa7 Rf7 35.Rxf7 Qxf7

36.Nf4 Rc6 37.Qb8 Qc7 38.Qxf8+ [??

(this sudden blunder brings white a

loss)]

38...Kxf8 39.Nxe6+ Rxe6

0–1

147


The practical part: Task-7. In the 7th task you will test your skills in positions with the pawn center. Your task: find the right move in a given position in “TASK-7 GAMES SECTION”. You should not try to guess the right move. Use the correct system of thinking, which you studied from the video lessons. Find the right plan and then decide how to realize it better. This will bring you to the right move. After that – look at the answer in “TASK-7 ANSWERS SECTION”. If you have any difficulties – study again the video lesson 6.

148


(1) Arencibia W - Bitelmajer M

(2243)

American Continental (10), 15.08.2005

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+r+-+k+( 7+-+n+psn-' 6-+-+p+pzp& 5zpq+-vL-+-% 4-+-zPP+P+$ 3zP-+N+Q+-# 2-zP-+-zP-zP" 1+-+R+-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(2) Arkell K - Zhang Zhong (2618)


23.03.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-wqrsnk+( 7zp-+-vlpzpp' 6-zpr+p+-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-zPPvL-+$ 3zP-+-+N+-# 2-+-wQ-zPPzP" 1tR-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(3) Jaroch K - Sergeev Vl (2507)

7th Amplico AIG Life (2), 15.12.2007

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-trk+( 7zppzp-zppvlp' 6-sn-zpl+p+& 5+-+-zP-+-% 4-+PzP-zP-+$ 3+PsN-+N+-# 2P+-+L+PzP" 1tR-vLQmK-+R! xabcdefghy

0–1

(4) Munoz Pantoja M - Vysochin S

(2521)

IX Dos Hermanas Internet (1.5),

04.04.2008

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-trk+( 7zpp+-zppvlp' 6-sn-+-+p+& 5+-zpPzP-+-% 4-+P+-vL-+$ 3+-+-+N+P# 2PzP-+-+P+" 1tR-+QmKL+R! xabcdefghy

0–1

149

(5) Martin,Ax - Hoffmann,Ro (2011)

Open A Le Touquet FRA (5),

28.10.2008

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqk+-tr( 7zpp+nzppvlp' 6-sn-+-+p+& 5+-zpPzP-+-% 4-+P+-vLl+$ 3+-+L+N+-# 2PzP-+Q+PzP" 1tRN+-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

0–1

(6) Vazirova K - Farago S (2275)

FSIM May (11), 15.05.2007

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqk+-tr( 7zppzp-vlpzpp' 6-snn+p+-+& 5+-+-zP-+-% 4-+PzP-+l+$ 3+-sN-vLN+-# 2PzP-+L+PzP" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

0–1

(7) Sundararajan K - Koneru H

(2612)

19th PSPB Inter TCh (4), 09.03.2008

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+r+k+( 7zpp+-+pzpp' 6-sn-vl-+-+& 5+-+-+q+-% 4-+pzPp+-vL$ 3zP-sN-zP-+-# 2-zP-sN-zPPzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(8) Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS) -

Kotov Alexander A (RUS) (2500)

It Groningen (Netherlands) (14), 1946

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+r+k+( 7zpp+-wqpzp-' 6-+-+-+-zp& 5+-zpp+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3zP-zP-zPP+-# 2-+-wQNmKPzP" 1tR-+-+L+R! xabcdefghy

0–1

150

(9) Korchnoi V - Baumgartner H

(2303)

EU-chT Seniors (5), 21.02.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+r+rsnk+( 7zpp+l+pzpp' 6-+p+-+-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-wq-zP-vL-+$ 3+-+LzP-+P# 2PzPQ+-zPP+" 1+K+RtR-+-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(10) Milov V - Almasi Z (2640)

Corsica Masters KO (3.1), 04.11.2005

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwqrsnk+( 7zpp+-+pzpp' 6-+pvl-sn-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sNLzPPsN-# 2PzP-vL-+PzP" 1+-tRQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

151


(1) Arencibia W - Bitelmajer M

(2243)

American Continental (10), 15.08.2005

XABCDEFGHY 8-+r+-+k+( 7+-+n+psn-' 6-+-+p+pzp& 5zpq+-vL-+-% 4-+-zPP+P+$ 3zP-+N+Q+-# 2-zP-+-zP-zP" 1+-+R+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[White has a strong pawn center and

certainly he should push it as forward

as he can.]

29.d5 exd5 30.exd5 Re8 31.Bc3 a4

32.Nb4 Qc5 33.Nc6 Qb5 34.d6 [(The

white's passed pawn gives white more

free space for the maneuvers and

forces black to keep his pieces on the

last ranks. This is a power of a strong

central position - it gives you a

domination.)]

34...Qb3 35.Ne7+ Kh7 36.Rd5 Rf8

37.h4 [(white can do whatever he

wants)]

37...Ne6 38.h5 Qc2 39.Kh2 Qb1

40.Rd3 Qc2 41.Qxf7+ [(the white's

position was so powerful, that we was

able to mate the black's king by the

pawn.)]

1–0

(2) Arkell K - Zhang Zhong (2618)


23.03.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-wqrsnk+( 7zp-+-vlpzpp' 6-zpr+p+-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-zPPvL-+$ 3zP-+-+N+-# 2-+-wQ-zPPzP" 1tR-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[When you have a pawn center - first

of all you should use it and push it

forward]

21.d5 exd5 22.exd5 Rc8 23.d6 Bf6

24.Rxe8 Qxe8 25.Re1 Qd8 26.Be5

[(When you have a passed pawn, you

need to think how to move it forward.

In this position it looks hard to do it.

Nevertheless you should realize this

plan insistently. In the current position

white wants to put the knight on e5, it

will support the move d7.)]

26...Rc6 27.Bxf6 [?!]

[27.Rd1 Now it is very difficult to find

any good response for black]

27...Qxf6 28.d7 [? it is a blunder]

[28.Rd1 saves an advantage]

28...Rd6 29.Qb4 Rxd7 30.h4 h6

31.Re8 Qd6 32.Qxd6 Rxd6 33.Ra8

Rd7 34.Ne5 Rc7 35.h5 a5 36.Rb8 a4

37.f4 Re7 38.Rxb6 f6 39.Ng6 Nxg6

40.hxg6 Re8 41.Ra6 Kf8 42.Rxa4

152

Re3 43.Ra8+ Ke7 44.Ra7+ Ke6

45.Kf2 Rb3 46.g4 f5 47.Ra6+ Ke7

48.gxf5 Rc3 49.Ra7+ Kf8 50.f6 gxf6

51.Rf7+ Kg8 52.Rxf6 Rxa3 53.f5 Rb3

54.Rf7 Rb4 55.Kf3 Rb5 56.Kf4 Rb4+

57.Ke5 Rb5+ 58.Ke4 Rb4+ 59.Kf3

Rb3+ 60.Kg4 Rb1 61.Rc7 Rg1+

62.Kf4 Re1 63.f6 Rf1+ 64.Ke5 Re1+

65.Kd4 Rd1+ 66.Ke3 Re1+ 67.Kf2

1–0

(3) Jaroch K - Sergeev Vl (2507)


XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-trk+( 7zppzp-zppvlp' 6-sn-zpl+p+& 5+-+-zP-+-% 4-+PzP-zP-+$ 3+PsN-+N+-# 2P+-+L+PzP" 1tR-vLQmK-+R! xabcdefghy

[When your opponent has a pawn

center - you should attack it as soon

as it possible.]

9...dxe5 10.fxe5 [(This move is a

mistake. White was able to take by the

"d" pawn getting a good position.

However white decided to save a pawn

center, believing in its power. White

didn't know that the pawn center is an

advantage ONLY when it is well

supported by the pieces; otherwise it is

a weakness.)]

[10.dxe5]

10...c5 11.Bf4 Bg4 [11...cxd4 12.Nxd4

Nc6 13.Nxc6 bxc6 14.0–0 Nd7 black

will take the e5 pawn and will totally

destroy the white's center]

12.dxc5 N6d7 13.Qd5 Nc6 [(The

white's center is only an object of an

attack)]

14.Rd1 Qa5 15.Qd2 Bxf3 16.gxf3

Ndxe5 17.Nd5 Qxc5 18.Be3 Qa3

19.f4 e6 20.fxe5 exd5 21.cxd5 Nxe5

22.0–0 Qd6 23.Bf4 Rfe8 24.Rc1 Rad8

25.Rfd1 a6 26.Kh1 Rd7 27.Rc2 Red8

28.Qc1 Qb6 29.Rc8 Qf2 30.Rxd8+

Rxd8 31.Qe3 Qxe3 32.Bxe3 Bf8

33.Bf4 Bd6 34.Bxe5 Bxe5 35.a4 Bd6

36.Kg2 f5 37.Bc4 Re8 38.Rd2 Kf7

39.Rc2 Kf6 40.Kf3 g5 41.h3 h5

42.Be2 g4+ 43.Kf2 Kg5 44.b4 f4

45.hxg4 hxg4 46.b5 a5 47.Rc4 f3

48.Bd1 Rh8 49.Ke3 b6

0–1

(4) Munoz Pantoja M - Vysochin S

(2521)

IX Dos Hermanas Internet (1.5),

04.04.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-trk+( 7zpp+-zppvlp' 6-sn-+-+p+& 5+-zpPzP-+-% 4-+P+-vL-+$ 3+-+-+N+P# 2PzP-+-+P+" 1tR-+QmKL+R! xabcdefghy

12...e6 [(As usual you need to attack

the opponent's pawn center maximally

vigorously)]

153

13.d6 [? (It is a mistake, because now

the white's center is blocked and black

will attack it easily. You can see that

quite often players don't understand

the central concept well enough.)]

[13.dxe6 Nc6 here black also have an

initiative position, but the situaton is

unclear]

13...Nc6 14.g3 f6 15.Bg2 Nxc4 16.0–0

N4xe5 [(black captured the white's

center just in a few moves)]

17.Be3 Qb6 18.Rc1 Nxf3+ 19.Qxf3

Nd4 20.Qxb7 Qxd6 21.Rf2 Qxg3

22.Rc3 Qe5 23.b4 Rab8 24.Qa6 Rxb4

25.Qd3 Rd8 26.Bf4 Qf5 27.Qxf5 gxf5

28.Bf1 e5 29.Be3 f4 30.Bc1 Rb1

31.Rxc5 e4 32.Bxf4 Nf3+ 33.Kg2

Nh4+ 34.Kg3 Ng6 35.Bc4+ Kh8

36.Be3 Rbb8 37.Rcf5 Rbc8 38.Bf7

Ne7 39.Rh5 Rf8 40.Be6 Rc6 41.Bg4

Rc3

0–1

(5) Martin,Ax - Hoffmann,Ro (2011)

Open A Le Touquet FRA (5),

28.10.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqk+-tr( 7zpp+nzppvlp' 6-sn-+-+p+& 5+-zpPzP-+-% 4-+P+-vLl+$ 3+-+L+N+-# 2PzP-+Q+PzP" 1tRN+-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

[Black should attack the white's center

immediately. In positions with pawn

center both players should play

vigorously.]

11...Bxf3 12.gxf3 0–0 [?!]

[12...Qb8 ! (an immediate attack! We

may not ignore the opponent's pawn

center) 13.0–0 Bxe5 14.Re1 (here

black can simply play f6, but he has

much more interesting idea) 14...Bd4+

! 15.Kg2 e5 16.dxe6 Qxf4 17.exd7+

Kf8–+]

13.Nc3 [? (White demonstrates a

careless attitude to his center)]

[13.Bg3 and white can protect the e5

pawn by playing f4 if necessary]

13...Qb8 14.Bg3 Bxe5 [(Black

destroyed the white's center and got a

winning position.)]

15.f4 Bxf4 16.Bh4 Qe5 17.Bxe7 Rfe8

18.d6 Bg5 19.Nb5 Bxe7 20.Nc7 Bh4+

21.Kd1 Qxe2+ 22.Bxe2 Rad8

23.Nxe8 Rxe8 24.a4 Re6 25.a5 Nc8

26.Bg4 Rxd6+ 27.Kc2 f5 28.Bf3 Rd4

29.Bd5+ Kf8 30.Rad1 Nd6 31.Kc3

Ne4+ 32.Kc2 Ne5 33.Rxd4 cxd4

34.Bxb7 d3+ 35.Kb1 Nf2 36.c5 Nxh1

37.Bxh1 Be1 38.a6 Bb4 39.c6 Ke7

40.Bd5 Kd6 41.Bg8 h6 42.Bd5 Nxc6

0–1

154

(6) Vazirova K - Farago S (2275)

FSIM May (11), 15.05.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqk+-tr( 7zppzp-vlpzpp' 6-snn+p+-+& 5+-+-zP-+-% 4-+PzP-+l+$ 3+-sN-vLN+-# 2PzP-+L+PzP" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

10...Bxf3 [(Again, black should attack

the white's center immediately. If white

protects his center, he will get an

advantage.)]

11.gxf3 Bh4+ 12.Kf1 f6 [(black is

attacking by every move)]

13.d5 exd5 14.cxd5 Nxe5 [(Black

destroed the white's center. Now white

only has numerous weaknesses.)]

15.Qd4 Ng6 16.Rg1 Qe7 17.Rg4 f5

18.Bb5+ Kf8 19.Rg2 Rd8 20.Qd3 Qf7

21.d6 c6 22.Bxb6 axb6 23.Bc4 Ne5

24.Bxf7 Nxd3 25.Bb3 Bf6 26.Rd2

Nxb2 27.Rc1 Bg5 28.Rcc2 Bxd2

29.Rxd2 b5 30.Rxb2 Rxd6 31.Bc2

Rd2 32.Ne2 Ke7 33.a4 b4 34.a5 c5

35.Ke1 Rhd8 36.Ng3 g6 37.Nf1 Rg2

38.Ra2 Rd4 39.Bb3 Rxa2 40.Bxa2 c4

41.Bb1 b3 42.Nd2 Rh4 43.Ke2 Rxh2+

44.Ke3 f4+

0–1

(7) Sundararajan K - Koneru H

(2612)

19th PSPB Inter TCh (4), 09.03.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+r+k+( 7zpp+-+pzpp' 6-sn-vl-+-+& 5+-+-+q+-% 4-+pzPp+-vL$ 3zP-sN-zP-+-# 2-zP-sN-zPPzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[An opening stage has finished and

now white should compose an

attacking plan. If you can play in a

center - do it. Thus first white should

attack the black's pawns e4 and c4.]

17.Bg3 [(This move with the following

forcing variation brings white a strong

pawn center.)]

17...Bxg3 18.fxg3 Qg6 19.Rf4 f5

20.g4 fxg4 21.Ndxe4 Bf5 22.Ng3 Bc2

23.Qd2 [(The forcing line has finished

and white achieved his goal: he got a

strong pawn center. By the way, it was

necessary to see this position while

playing Bg3)]

23...Bd3 24.e4 [(now white should

simply push his central pawns)]

24...Rad8 25.Qf2 Nd7 26.Re1 Nf6

[(Black is trying to force white to move

one of his central pawns. After that

black wants to impose a blockade.

Generally it is a correct plan, but it

doesn't work in this position.)]

155

27.e5 Nd5 28.Nxd5 Rxd5 29.e6 h5

30.e7 [(White is focused solely on a

realization of his plan)]

30...Qd6 31.Re6 [??]

[31.Rf8+ was simply winning]

31...Qxe6 32.Rf8+ Kh7 33.Rxe8 c3

34.bxc3 Bg6 35.Rd8 Rb5 36.Qf8

Qe3+ 37.Kh1 Kh6 38.e8Q Rb1+

39.Nf1 Bxe8 40.Rxe8 Qxe8 41.Qf4+

Kh7 42.Qf5+ Qg6

0–1

(8) Botvinnik Mikhail M (RUS) -

Kotov Alexander A (RUS) (2500)

It Groningen (Netherlands) (14), 1946

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+r+k+( 7zpp+-wqpzp-' 6-+-+-+-zp& 5+-zpp+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3zP-zP-zPP+-# 2-+-wQNmKPzP" 1tR-+-+L+R! xabcdefghy

[White is going to prepare and to play

e4. It will give white a strong pawn

center. Of course black should try to

prevent it. That's why black needs to

have a very good control over the e4

square.]

13...Nd7 [(The knight is going to the f6,

where it will control the e4 square.)]

14.Nf4 Nf6 15.Bd3 Bd7 16.h3 [? (It is

a deflection from the white's plan)]

[16.Rhe1! b6 17.Ne2 ! (17.Kg1 ?

17...g5 !) ]

16...Qd6 17.Rhb1 b6 18.Bf1 Re7

[(Black realizes his plan sequentially)]

19.a4 [19.Re1 !; 19.Nd3 Bf5 !]

19...Rae8 20.Re1 c4 [! $19 'with the

idea' 21...g5 x e3]

21.g4 g5 22.Ne2 [22.Ng2 Qh2 23.Be2

Rxe3 !]

22...Rxe3 [!]

23.Ng3 [23.Ng1 Ne4+ ! 24.fxe4 Qg3#;

23.Qxe3 Qh2+ ! 24.Bg2 Rxe3 25.Kxe3

Qxg2 26.Rh1 Ne4 !! 27.fxe4 Qxe4+–+]

23...Qxg3+ [!]

24.Kxg3 Ne4+

0–1

(9) Korchnoi V - Baumgartner H

(2303)

EU-chT Seniors (5), 21.02.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8-+r+rsnk+( 7zpp+l+pzpp' 6-+p+-+-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-wq-zP-vL-+$ 3+-+LzP-+P# 2PzPQ+-zPP+" 1+K+RtR-+-! xabcdefghy

[White has a good centralization. It

such situation it is good to create a

pawn center.]

156

18.f3 Be6 19.a3 Qe7 20.e4 dxe4

21.fxe4 [(When the pawn center is

well-supported by your pieces, it

brings you an advantage.)]

21...Red8 [(The black's main taks is to

restrict the movement of the white's

center and to blockade it then.)]

22.Qc3 f6 23.Bc2 Bf7 24.Qf3 c5

25.d5 Ng6 26.g3 Ne5 [(Black imposed

a blockade, what is certainly the

black's achievement. However, the

white's center still gives white more

free space and more active position.)]

27.Qc3 Bg6 28.g4 b5 29.g5 b4

30.gxf6 gxf6 31.axb4 cxb4 32.Qb3

Kh8 33.Bxe5 fxe5 34.Qg3 Rd6

[(Though black is blocking the white's

center, he HAS TO use his PIECES to

blockade the white's PAWNS.)]

35.Rc1 Rf6 36.h4 Rf4 37.Qh3 Re8

38.h5 Rh4 39.Qd3 Rxh5 40.d6 Qd7

41.Qa6 Rd8 42.Red1 Rh6 43.Qa5 b3

44.Bxb3 Bxe4+ 45.Ka1 Bf3 46.Ba4

1–0

(10) Milov V - Almasi Z (2640)

Corsica Masters KO (3.1), 04.11.2005

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwqrsnk+( 7zpp+-+pzpp' 6-+pvl-sn-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sNLzPPsN-# 2PzP-vL-+PzP" 1+-tRQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[White is preparing a creating of a

pawn center after the move e4. That's

why black should attack the white's

center immediately]

12...c5 13.Nb5 Bxg3 14.hxg3 c4

15.Bb1 Qb6 16.Nc3 Qxb2 17.e4 dxe4

18.fxe4 [(White created the pawn

center, but also created a lot of

weaknesses in his position. Black

should hurry up and attack the white's

position vigorously. Otherwise white

will use his pawn center.)]

18...Bg4 19.Qe1 Rad8 20.Be3 Bh5

[(The bishop is going to the g6 to

attack the white's center again.)]

21.e5 Ng4 22.Be4 b6 23.Bc6 Re7

24.Rb1 Qa3 25.Bc1 Qa5 26.Rb5 Qa6

27.Nd5 [(the positions with the pawn

center are often tactical. It is important

to calculate the variations carefully and

to hurry up in such positions.)]

27...Re6 28.Nc7 Qc8 29.Nxe6 Nxe6

30.d5 Nd4 31.Bg5 Rf8 32.a4 Nxc6

33.dxc6 Qxc6 [(Finally black

destroyed the white's center and got a

winning position right after that.)]

34.Be7 Re8 35.Bd6 a6 36.Rb4 Nxe5

37.Bxe5 Qc5+ 38.Kh2 Rxe5 [??]

[38...f6 39.Qc3 Be2 40.Re1 Rxe5–+]

39.Rxc4 Qxc4 40.Qxe5 h6 41.Rf4

Qe2 42.Qb8+ Kh7 43.Qxb6 Bg6

44.Qf2 Qd3 45.Qd4 Qe2 46.Rf2 Qh5+

47.Qh4 Qd5 48.Rb2 Qd3 49.Qf4 Qd5

50.g4 Qd3 51.Rd2 Qb3 52.Rd8 Qe6

53.Qb8 Be4 54.Rh8+ Kg6 55.Qf4 f6

56.Rd8 Bc2 57.Rd6 Qe2 58.Rd2 Qe4

59.Qxe4+ Bxe4 60.Rd6 Bb7 61.Kg3

Bc8 62.Rc6 Bb7 63.Rb6 Bc8 64.Kf4

157

h5 65.gxh5+ Kxh5 66.Rc6 Bb7

67.Rc7 g5+ 68.Kf5

1–0

158


The practical part: Task-8. In the 8th task you will test your skills in positions with the dynamic center. Your task: find the right move in a given position in “TASK-8 GAMES SECTION”. You should not try to guess the right move. Use the correct system of thinking, which you studied from the video lessons. Find the right plan and then decide how to realize it better. This will bring you to the right move. After that – look at the answer in “TASK-8 ANSWERS SECTION”. If you have any difficulties – study again the video lesson 7.

159

TASK-8 GAMES SECTION (1) Khismatullin D - Kuderinov K

(2414)


[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7zpp+-zppvlp' 6-+nzp-snp+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+PsNP+-+$ 3+-sN-+-+-# 2PzP-+LzPPzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(2) Khismatullin D - Zherebukh Y

(2446)

IX EICC (3), 23.04.2008

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwq-trk+( 7+p+-+-vlp' 6p+-zp-+p+& 5+-zpP+-+n% 4P+-+-zp-+$ 3+-sN-zPN+P# 2-zP-+LzPPvL" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

(3) Adams Mi - Sandipan C (2561)

Gibtelecom Masters (7), 30.01.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+p+lzppvlp' 6p+-zp-snp+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4P+-vLP+-+$ 3+-sN-+-+-# 2-zPPwQLzPPzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(4) Almasi I - Horvath Ju (2261)

Open A (8), 24.06.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7+pwq-vlpzpp' 6p+lzppsn-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-vLPzP-+$ 3+-sN-+-wQ-# 2PzPP+L+PzP" 1tR-+-+R+K! xabcdefghy

1–0

160

(5) Aveskulov,Valeriy -

Grekh,Andrey (516)

Championship UKR b-20 Lviv (9),

10.02.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+rtrk+( 7+-wq-vlpzpp' 6p+lzppsn-+& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-+-vLPzP-+$ 3zP-sN-+-wQ-# 2-zPP+L+PzP" 1+-+-tRR+K! xabcdefghy

1–0

(6) Azarov S - Brkic A (2506)

7th ch-Euro (4), 07.04.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+k+-tr( 7+lwqnvlpzpp' 6p+-zppsn-+& 5+p+-+-vL-% 4-+-sNPzP-+$ 3zP-sNL+-+-# 2-zPP+Q+PzP" 1+-mKR+-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

(7) Azarov S - Lukov V (2430)

22nd Open (4), 20.02.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+r+k+( 7+lwqrvlpzpp' 6p+-zppsn-+& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-+-vLPzP-+$ 3zP-sNL+-wQ-# 2-zPP+-+PzP" 1+-+-tRR+K! xabcdefghy

1–0

(8) Christiansen Larry M (USA) -

Andersson Ulf (SWE) (2590)

It Hastings (England) (5), 1980

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7zpl+-vlpzpp' 6-zp-zppsn-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+PwQP+-+$ 3+PsN-+-zP-# 2PvL-+-zPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

161

(9) Arencibia W - Milov V (2657)


[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+l+-+p+p' 6p+nzppvlp+& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-+-+PzP-+$ 3zP-sNL+-+R# 2-zPP+-+PzP" 1tR-vL-wQ-+K! xabcdefghy

0–1

(10) Cyborowski L - Flis J (2295)

TCh-POL Extraliga (2), 03.09.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+-trk+( 7+pwq-snpzp-' 6p+-zppsn-zp& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-+PzP-wQ$ 3+-sNLsN-+P# 2PzPP+-+P+" 1+-+-tRRmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

162


(1) Khismatullin D - Kuderinov K

(2414)


XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7zpp+-zppvlp' 6-+nzp-snp+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+PsNP+-+$ 3+-sN-+-+-# 2PzP-+LzPPzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[We can see a dynamic senter. In such

positions you should play carefully and

prepare the realization of your plan

thoroughly. So white should not hurry

up. White needs to centralize all the

pieces first of all and then he will start

thinking more specifically.]

9.Nc2 [(White has a space adantage,

that's why it is good for white to save

more pieces. It will make the black's

position more embarrassing.)]

9...b6 10.Be3 Bb7 11.Qd2 Qd7 12.f3

Rfd8 13.Rad1 Qe8 14.Rfe1 Qf8

15.Bf1 [(You can see that white is

keeping the tension and doesn't hurry

with an active moves. It is the right way

of playing practically. Black also has

no clear plan, so you should "let him to

make a mistake".)]

15...Rd7 16.Nd4 Ne5 17.a4 e6 [(the

white't slow style brings the first result

- black weakened his position)]

18.Bf2 Bh6 19.Be3 Bxe3+ [(And here

is the second result - black is trading

the bishops. It is a mistake which will

make it simpler for white to attack the

black's weaknesses)]

20.Qxe3 Nc6 21.Nxc6 Bxc6 [(Black

helped white a lot. Now white has a

clear plan - to attack the d6 pawn)]

22.Rd2 Rad8 23.Red1 Ne8 [(it was not

necessary. Black worsens his position

gradually. White even doesn't need to

do anything special.)]

24.b4 Qg7 [(this allows white to realize

a tactical idea)]

25.b5 Bb7 26.a5 bxa5 27.c5 Rc7

28.c6 [(the white's slow strategy

alowed him to attack without any risk.)]

28...Ba8 29.Na4 a6 30.bxa6 Bxc6

31.Nb6 Ba8 32.Ra2 Rc3 33.Qf2 Rb3

34.Rc1 d5 35.Nxa8 Rxa8 36.exd5

exd5 37.Rxa5 d4 38.Rd5 Rc3 39.Ra1

d3 40.Qb2 Nc7 41.Rxd3 Nb5 42.Rxc3

Nxc3 43.Kh1 Qd4 44.Rc1 Rc8 45.a7

Qxa7 46.Rxc3 Rb8 47.Qc1 Qd7

48.Rc7 Qf5 49.Qc3 Rd8 50.h3 Qb1

51.Kg1 Qb6+ 52.Qc5 Qe6 53.Rxf7

Rc8 54.Rf8+

1–0

163

(2) Khismatullin D - Zherebukh Y

(2446)

IX EICC (3), 23.04.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwq-trk+( 7+p+-+-vlp' 6p+-zp-+p+& 5+-zpP+-+n% 4P+-+-zp-+$ 3+-sN-zPN+P# 2-zP-+LzPPvL" 1tR-+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

[In positions with a dynamic center it is

usually bad to move the pawns on a

side. That's why white should not

prevent the black's attempt to push the

king-side pawns. It will only create

more weaknesses in the black's

position.]

13.0–0 Bh6 14.Nd2 fxe3 15.fxe3

Rxf1+ 16.Nxf1 Nf6 17.e4 [(now white

needs to open the position to exploit

the black's weaknesses)]

17...Qe7 18.e5 dxe5 19.Bc4 Qe8

20.Ng3 Nbd7 21.Nge4 Be3+ 22.Kh1

Bd4 23.Qf3 Kg7 24.Rf1 Qf8 25.Qe2

Qe8 26.d6 [(All the white's moves are

quite simple. Black has no chance to

withstand the white's assault. You can

see how it is bad to move the flank

pawns in such positions.)]

26...Rb8 27.Nd5 Nxe4 28.Nc7 Qh8

29.Ne6+ Kh6 30.Qxe4

1–0

(3) Adams Mi - Sandipan C (2561)


XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+p+lzppvlp' 6p+-zp-snp+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4P+-vLP+-+$ 3+-sN-+-+-# 2-zPPwQLzPPzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[It is a position with a dynamic center.

White should centralize all the pieces

and try to get one of the favourable

central situations. Also white should

play slowly and prepare his plan

thoroughly.]

12.a5 [(Fixing the black's weakness)]

12...Bc6 13.f3 e6 14.Kh1 Qe7 15.Na4

Rfe8 16.Nb6 Rad8 17.c4 [(White is

improving his position gradually and

black decided to do something)]

17...d5 18.cxd5 exd5 19.e5 Nd7

20.Nxd7 Bxd7 21.f4 [(White got an

advantageous situation: he has a

strong center and black has a weak

pawn d5.)]

21...f6 [(Black is weakening his

position more and more. Now white will

try to create the position with an open

center, which will allow white to attack

the black's weaknesses easily.)]

22.Bb6 Rc8 23.Bf3 Be6 24.exf6 Bxf6

25.f5 gxf5 26.Bxd5 [(white opened the

position and now will attack the black's

weaknesses directly.)]

164

26...Bxd5 27.Qxd5+ Kh8 28.Rxf5

Bxb2 29.Rb1 Rf8 30.Rxf8+ Rxf8

31.h3 Bg7 32.Bd4 Bxd4 33.Qxd4+

Qf6 34.Qa7 Qg7 35.Qc5 Rf7 36.Re1

Qf8 37.Qd4+ Kg8 38.Kg1 Re7

39.Qd5+ Kh8 40.Rf1 Qe8 41.Qd4+

Kg8 42.Qc4+ Kh8 43.Qc3+ Kg8

44.Rf4 h5 45.Rf5 Qg6 46.Qc5 Re1+

47.Kf2

1–0

(4) Almasi I - Horvath Ju (2261)

Open A (8), 24.06.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7+pwq-vlpzpp' 6p+lzppsn-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-vLPzP-+$ 3+-sN-+-wQ-# 2PzPP+L+PzP" 1tR-+-+R+K! xabcdefghy

[It is a typical Sicilian position. It is

important to understand how to play in

such positions. You need to centralize

your pieces and wait for the good

moment to start an attack. Most often

you should start attacking in the

center.]

14.Bd3 Rad8 15.Rae1 Rd7 16.Qh3 e5

17.Bf2 Qc8 18.Nd5 [(Here is a very

good moment to start an attack. Such

moments often come to you

automatically when you play slowly)]

18...Bd8 19.Bh4 Bxd5 20.exd5 e4

21.Bxf6 exd3 22.Bxd8 d2 23.Rd1

Rfxd8 24.Qd3 [(After the forcing line

white won the pawn and got a winning

position.)]

24...Re7 25.Qxd2 Rde8 26.Rde1 g6

27.Rxe7 Rxe7 28.b3 Qe8 29.h3 Re2

30.Qd3 f5 31.Rf3 Kf7 32.Kh2 Re4

33.Qc3 Qd8 34.a4 h5 35.b4 h4 36.a5

Qf6 37.Qc8 Re7 38.Rc3 Qd4 39.Qc4

Qd1 40.Rd3 Qa1 41.Qd4 Qc1 42.Rc3

Qe1 43.Qh8 Qf2 44.Qh7+ Kf6 45.Qh6

Qe1 46.Qf8+

1–0

(5) Aveskulov,Valeriy -

Grekh,Andrey (516)

Championship UKR b-20 Lviv (9),

10.02.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+rtrk+( 7+-wq-vlpzpp' 6p+lzppsn-+& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-+-vLPzP-+$ 3zP-sN-+-wQ-# 2-zPP+L+PzP" 1+-+-tRR+K! xabcdefghy

[Here is another similar example.]

16.Bf3 [(White doesn't try to attack

immediately by playing e5 or f5. He is

playing slowly.)]

16...Rd8 [(Once again black helps

white to start an attack)]

17.Nd5 [(Now white can start an attack

in a very comfortable situation)]

17...exd5 18.exd5 Ba8 19.Rxe7 Qxe7

20.Re1 Qxe1+ 21.Qxe1 Nxd5 22.Qg3

f6 23.c3 Ne7 24.Bg4 Be4 25.Be6+

Kh8 26.Qg4 Nc6 27.f5 Nxd4 28.cxd4

d5 29.Qf4 Rfe8 30.h3 Re7 31.Qc1 g6

165

32.Qc5 Rde8 33.Qd6 Bxf5 34.Bxf5

gxf5 35.Qxa6 Kg7 36.Qxb5 Re1+

37.Kh2 R8e2 38.b4 f4 39.Qd7+ Kg6

40.Qg4+ Kf7 41.Qxf4 Re4 42.Qc7+

Kg6 43.b5 Rb1 44.a4 Rb2 45.Qc5

Ree2 46.Qxd5 h5 47.a5 Ra2 48.b6

Reb2 49.b7

1–0

(6) Azarov S - Brkic A (2506)

7th ch-Euro (4), 07.04.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+k+-tr( 7+lwqnvlpzpp' 6p+-zppsn-+& 5+p+-+-vL-% 4-+-sNPzP-+$ 3zP-sNL+-+-# 2-zPP+Q+PzP" 1+-mKR+-+R! xabcdefghy

[In positions with the dynamic center

you should concentrate the pieces in a

center, attach there and get one of the

favourable central constructions.]

12.Rhe1 [(White is preparing the e5

move)]

12...h6 13.Bxf6 Nxf6 14.e5 Nd5

15.Nxd5 Bxd5 16.exd6 Qxd6 17.f5 [(If

you can play in a center - do it)]

17...Qxh2 18.fxe6 0–0 19.Kb1 Bg5

20.Nf3 Qf4 21.Bh7+ Kxh7 22.Rxd5

[(White got a position with an open

center, where his pieces are already

placed in the center. It determines

white's advantage.)]

22...Bf6 23.Qd3+ Kg8 24.Nd4 [(in

positions with an open center we

should occupy the central squares with

the pieces.)]

24...Rfe8 25.Rf1 Qg4 26.exf7+ Kxf7

27.Nf5 Re6 28.Rd7+ Kf8 29.Nxh6

gxh6 30.Qh7 Qg8 31.Rxf6+

1–0

(7) Azarov S - Lukov V (2430)

22nd Open (4), 20.02.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+r+k+( 7+lwqrvlpzpp' 6p+-zppsn-+& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-+-vLPzP-+$ 3zP-sNL+-wQ-# 2-zPP+-+PzP" 1+-+-tRR+K! xabcdefghy

17.e5 [(you can see that in positions

with a dynamic center most often you

should just push your central pawns)]

17...dxe5 18.Bxe5 Qd8 19.f5 [(the

white's attack looks very powerful.

However, it is not dangerous for black

because he has no real weaknesses.)]

19...Bd6 20.Qh3 Bxe5 21.Rxe5 Rd6

22.Rfe1 exf5 23.Rxe8+ Nxe8 24.Qxf5

Nf6 [(It is difficult for white to create a

real attack, because he has no target.)]

25.Qc5 Qb6 26.Qxb6 Rxb6 [(And the

position became totally equal. This

example shows that you may not worry

about the opponent's attack, if you

have no weaknesses. Of course it also

166

means that you should be very careful

with pawn moves on a side in positions

with an undetermined center.)]

27.a4 b4 28.Nd1 b3 29.cxb3 Rxb3

30.Bc4 Rb4 31.b3 Kf8 32.Nc3 Rb6

33.Kg1 Ne8 34.a5 Rg6 35.Bf1 Rg4

36.Na4 Nc7 37.Nc5 Bc8 38.Rc1 Rb4

39.Nxa6

1–0

(8) Christiansen Larry M (USA) -

Andersson Ulf (SWE) (2590)

It Hastings (England) (5), 1980

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7zpl+-vlpzpp' 6-zp-zppsn-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+PwQP+-+$ 3+PsN-+-zP-# 2PvL-+-zPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[Black has a weak pawn d6. White can

try to attack it: Rd1, Ba3 etc. Thus

black needs to protect that weakness.

The simplest way is the move a6 to

prevent Nb5. However b6 is A PAWN

MOVE, and it creates another

weakness. You should be very careful

with the pawn moves in such positions,

you need to calculate the variations

accurately.]

12...Qb8 [(Black did this strange move

just to avoid of a pawn move a6)]

[12...a6 13.Rfd1 Qc7 14.Na4 b5

15.cxb5 axb5 16.Rac1 Qa5 17.Nb6 e5

and black is fine. So in this example it

was possible for black to play a6.

However it required an accurate

calculation. (17...Ra6 18.Nd7) ]

13.h3 Rd8 14.Rad1 Bf8 15.Kh2 Nd7

16.f4 Bc6 17.b4 a6 [(Black made this

pawn move only after a very good

preparation.)]

18.a4 Qc7 19.Rc1 Bb7 20.Rfe1 Rac8

21.Bf1 Qb8 [(Black is just keeping the

tension. It is a good strategy for a

practical player, because it allows your

opponent to make mistakes.)]

22.Qf2 a5 [(Now black is using the

white's weaknesses, which white

created by himself)]

23.b5 Nc5 24.Rcd1 Be7 25.g4 h6

26.h4 Kh7 27.Bh3 Rc7 28.Re3 Rh8

29.Kg1 Qd8 30.e5 Rd7 31.g5 dxe5

32.Rxd7 Nxd7 33.Qc2+ g6 34.Rd3

Qc7 35.h5 Nc5 36.hxg6+ fxg6

37.Bxe6 Nxe6 38.Rh3 Qc5+ 39.Kh2

Nxf4 40.Rxh6+ Kg8 [(It is interesting

to note that black did NOTHING to win

this game. White weakened his

position, sacrificed a material and

resigned. This is a power of a keeping

of the tension)]

0–1

167

(9) Arencibia W - Milov V (2657)


XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wq-trk+( 7+l+-+p+p' 6p+nzppvlp+& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-+-+PzP-+$ 3zP-sNL+-+R# 2-zPP+-+PzP" 1tR-vL-wQ-+K! xabcdefghy

[In this example white chosen the

wrong plan - he decided to attack on a

side without prior centralization. The

best decision for black is a

counterattack in the center]

15...d5 16.e5 Bg7 17.Bd2 Rc8 18.Ne2

f5 19.Ng1 Qe7 20.Nf3 Rfd8 21.Be3 d4

22.Bf2 Rd7 23.b4 Qe8 24.Qg1 Ne7

25.Bxd4 Nd5 26.Be3 Bf8 27.Bd2 Nc3

28.Bxc3 Rxc3 29.Qe1 Rc8 30.Rg3

Bd5 31.h4 [(white is trying to realize

his side attack by all means, but it is

desperate. Black has a better

centralization, that's why he controls

the whole situation. Also we should not

forget that h4 is A PAWN move, and it

creates weaknesses in position with an

open center.)]

31...Rg7 32.Rh3 h6 33.Qd2 Be7

34.Kh2 Qd8 35.a4 Bxf3 36.Rxf3 g5

[(After all black start attacking on a

king-side. Now white feels regret

about his move h4)]

37.c3 g4 38.Re3 Bxb4 39.Qa2 Qxh4+

40.Kg1 Rxc3 41.Qxe6+ Kh8 42.g3

Qh5 43.Qxa6 Rxd3 44.Rxd3 Bc5+

45.Kf1 Qh1+ 46.Ke2 Qe4+ 47.Kd2

Bb4+ 48.Kc2 Rc7+ 49.Kb2 Qe2+

50.Kb3 Qxd3+ 51.Kxb4 Qc3+

0–1

(10) Cyborowski L - Flis J (2295)

TCh-POL Extraliga (2), 03.09.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+-trk+( 7+pwq-snpzp-' 6p+-zppsn-zp& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-+PzP-wQ$ 3+-sNLsN-+P# 2PzPP+-+P+" 1+-+-tRRmK-! xabcdefghy

16.e5 [(Normally we need to push the

central pawn to start an attack there

and to get more favourable situation in

the center. In the current position white

has one more reason to open the

position - black has weakened his

position on a king-side by playing h6)]

16...Nh7 17.Kh1 f5 18.exf6 Nxf6

19.Ng4 Nxg4 20.hxg4 Kh8 21.f5 e5

22.f6 Ng8 23.Nd5 Qf7 24.Ne7 g5

25.Qh2 Nxe7 26.Qxh6+ Kg8 27.fxe7

1–0

168


The practical part: Task-9. In the 9th task you will train to use “the 2 universal keys”. Your task: find the right move in a given position in “TASK-9 GAMES SECTION”. You should not try to guess the right move. Use the correct system of thinking, which you studied from the video lessons. Find the right plan and then decide how to realize it better. This will bring you to the right move. After that – look at the answer in “TASK-9 ANSWERS SECTION”. If you have any difficulties – study again the video lesson 8.

169

TASK-9 GAMES SECTION (1) Khismatullin D - Alekseev

Evgeny (2644)

59th ch-RUS 1st League (6),

08.09.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+r+-trk+( 7+pwqnvl-zpp' 6p+-zp-+-+& 5zP-+Pzpp+-% 4-+-+-+-+$ 3+-+-+-zP-# 2-zPPvLQzPLzP" 1tR-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(2) Khismatullin D - Brendel O

(2370)

8th ch-Euro (3), 05.04.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwqk+-tr( 7zpp+-+pvlp' 6-+-zppsnp+& 5+-zpP+-+-% 4-+P+-+-+$ 3+-sN-+-zP-# 2PzP-+PzPLzP" 1tR-vLQmK-sNR! xabcdefghy

1–0

(3) Adams Mi - Smirin I (2649)

23rd ECC Men (2), 04.10.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+k+-tr( 7vlp+p+pzpp' 6p+n+pwq-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+L+P+-+$ 3+N+-+-wQ-# 2PzPP+-zPPzP" 1tR-vL-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(4) Adams Mi - Rublevsky S (2676)

World Blitz (36), 22.11.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwqk+ntr( 7+-+-vlp+p' 6pzp-zpp+p+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4P+-+P+-+$ 3+N+L+-+-# 2-zPP+QzPPzP" 1tRNvL-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

170

(5) Adams Mi - Van Wely L (2681)

Corus A (9), 22.01.2008

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+ntr-mk( 7+-wq-vlpzpp' 6p+-zpp+-vL& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-+-sNP+-+$ 3+LsN-+-wQ-# 2PzPP+-zPPzP" 1tR-+-+R+K! xabcdefghy

1–0

(6) Bocharov D - Bezgodov A (2554)

28th Nezhmetdinov mem (5),

05.06.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+rwqr+k+( 7zpp+lvlpzp-' 6-+-+-sn-zp& 5sn-+p+-+-% 4-+-sN-+-+$ 3+-sN-vL-zP-# 2PzPQ+PzPLzP" 1tR-+R+-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(7) Sutovsky E - Miroshnichenko E

(2690)

TCh-SRB 1st League (5), 05.09.2009

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-wq-trk+( 7+-vl-+pzp-' 6ptrp+p+p+& 5+-+n+-+-% 4Q+-zP-zP-+$ 3+R+-+-zP-# 2P+-vLL+-zP" 1+-tR-+-mK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(8) Miroshnichenko E - Udeshi A

(2281)

2nd Mayors Cup (3), 03.05.2009

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+-trk+( 7+p+-+pzpp' 6-+n+pwq-+& 5zp-vl-+-+-% 4-+Pzp-+-+$ 3zP-sN-+NzP-# 2-zP-+PzPLzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

171

(9) Milov,V - Dimitrov,Pa (2404)

12th Corsica Masters Bastia/Ajaccio

FRA (4), 25.10.2008

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+qtrk+( 7zpp+nvl-zpp' 6-+p+psn-+& 5+-+psNp+-% 4-+PzP-vL-+$ 3+-sN-+-zP-# 2PzPQ+PzPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(10) Azmaiparashvili Z - Dao Thien

Hai (2530)

4th SICC Masters (5), 19.12.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+k+ntr( 7zp-zpq+-zpp' 6-trnvlp+-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-zpP+-+$ 3+-+Q+N+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tRNvL-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(11) Mateus Mar - Herrera Mil (1949)

ch-COL w (3), 14.06.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwqk+ntr( 7vl-+-+pzpp' 6p+nzpp+-+& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-+-+P+-+$ 3+N+LvL-+-# 2PzPP+QzPPzP" 1tRN+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

172


(

1) Khismatullin D - Alekseev

Evgeny (2644)


08.09.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8-+r+-trk+( 7+pwqnvl-zpp' 6p+-zp-+-+& 5zP-+Pzpp+-% 4-+-+-+-+$ 3+-+-+-zP-# 2-zPPvLQzPLzP" 1tR-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[White has a pawn majority on the

queen-side. Thus white should use it

and this is the white's plan. That's why

the move c3 would be a mistake - it

doesn't help white to realize his plan]

20.Rac1 [(preparing c4)]

20...Bf6 21.Bh3 [(white uses the

tactical motif to prevent the realization

of the black's plan. You see that it is

important to always think about the

opponent's plan also.)]

21...Be7 [21...g6 22.g4 f4 23.g5 Bxg5

24.Be6+ Kh8 25.Qg4±]

22.Kh1 [(white is preventing the

black's plan again. This move is

preparing the move f3 to stop the

black's central pawns)]

[22.c4 however it gives black some

counterplay after 22...Nc5]

22...Rce8 [22...e4 23.f3]

23.f3 Bd8 24.b4 [(white stopped the

black's plan and now he can realize his

own ideas without any problems.)]

24...e4 25.f4 g5 26.c4 g4 27.Bf1 Bf6

28.Be3 Rc8 29.c5 dxc5 30.bxc5 Qxa5

31.c6 bxc6 32.dxc6 [(white got a

winning position easily, because he

used the advantage of his position)]

32...Nb8 33.Qc4+ Rf7 34.Qe6 Rxc6

35.Qb3 Qc7 36.Bc4 Rxc4 37.Rxc4

Nc6 38.Rc5 Qd7 39.Rd1

1–0

(2) Khismatullin D - Brendel O

(2370)

8th ch-Euro (3), 05.04.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwqk+-tr( 7zpp+-+pvlp' 6-+-zppsnp+& 5+-zpP+-+-% 4-+P+-+-+$ 3+-sN-+-zP-# 2PzP-+PzPLzP" 1tR-vLQmK-sNR! xabcdefghy

[White has a good chance to create

weaknesses in the black's position and

to attack them afterwards. It gives

white a clear plan and of course white

should use it.]

7.dxe6 fxe6 8.Bf4 [(Forcing black to

weaken his position again. More

advanced pawns are easier object of

an attack.)]

173

8...e5 9.Bg5 Nc6 10.Nf3 Be6 11.0–0

Bxc4 12.Nd2 Ba6 13.Nde4 [(White is

attacking the black's weaknesses.

Everything is very simple for white

here. Almost any logical moves are

good for white.)]

13...Nd4 14.e3 Bxf1 15.Qxf1 Ne6

16.Bxf6 Bxf6 17.Rd1 [(It is very

difficult for black to play such position

practically. Also it is bad for black

objectively.)]

17...Be7 18.Nb5 d5 19.Rxd5 Qxd5

20.Nf6+ Bxf6 21.Bxd5 Ke7 22.Bxe6

Kxe6 23.Nc7+ Ke7 24.Qc4 Kd6

25.Nxa8 Rxa8 26.Qf7 Be7 27.Qxh7

g5 28.Qg6+ Kd7 29.Qe4 Rb8

30.Qxe5 Rc8 31.Kg2 b5 32.f4 gxf4

33.exf4 Rc6 34.g4 Bf6 35.Qd5+ Kc7

36.Qd2 c4 37.Qa5+ Rb6 38.Qd2 b4

39.g5 c3 40.Qd3 Rd6 41.Qc4+ Rc6

42.Qf7+ Kb6 43.bxc3 bxc3 44.Qb3+

Kc7 45.gxf6 c2 46.Qb2

1–0

(3) Adams Mi - Smirin I (2649)

23rd ECC Men (2), 04.10.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+k+-tr( 7vlp+p+pzpp' 6p+n+pwq-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+L+P+-+$ 3+N+-+-wQ-# 2PzPP+-zPPzP" 1tR-vL-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[Black has a lot of weaknesses on the

dark squartes. Certainly white should

attack them. Also we should play in the

center if possible. Thus the most

effective plan is an attack of an

opponent's central weaknesses.]

13.Bf4 [(White is attacking the weak

squares e5 and d6 and is going to put

the bishop on d6)]

13...e5 [(When your opponent makes

pawn moves to protect weaknesses,

he is creating new (more significant)

weaknesses.)]

14.Be3 [(It is good for white to trade

the black's dark squared bishop, which

is the main protector of the black's

weaknesses.)]

14...0–0 15.Rad1 Bxe3 16.Qxe3 d6

17.Rd2 a5 18.a4 Be6 19.Bxe6 Qxe6

20.Qd3 Nb4 21.Qxd6 Qxd6 22.Rxd6

Nxc2 [(black exchanged his d6 pawn,

but he has a lot of other weaknesses

now)]

23.Rb6 f6 24.g3 Rfc8 25.Rd1 Rc7

26.Kf1 h5 27.h4 Kh8 28.Rd2 Rac8

29.Nxa5 Nd4 30.Nb3 Nxb3 31.Rxb3

Rc1+ 32.Kg2 R8c7 33.a5 Re1 34.Kf3

Kh7 35.Rb6 Rc4 36.Rxb7 f5 37.Re2

fxe4+ 38.Ke3 Rd1 39.Rb3 Ra4

40.Rd2 Re1+ 41.Re2 Rd1 42.a6 Rdd4

43.Rd2 Rxd2 44.Kxd2 Rxa6 45.Rb5

Rf6 46.Ke2 Kg6 47.b4 Kf5 48.Rb7 g5

49.hxg5 Kxg5 50.Ke3 Kg4 51.b5

Rf3+ 52.Kxe4 Rxf2 53.Rg7+ Kh3

54.Rg5 h4 55.gxh4 Re2+ 56.Kd5 e4

57.Re5 e3 58.Ke4

1–0

174

(4) Adams Mi - Rublevsky S (2676)

World Blitz (36), 22.11.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwqk+ntr( 7+-+-vlp+p' 6pzp-zpp+p+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4P+-+P+-+$ 3+N+L+-+-# 2-zPP+QzPPzP" 1tRNvL-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

[Black has a lot of weaknesses in this

position. However the most weak pawn

is the b6 one. That's why white should

think how to use his pieces to attack

that pawn. White needs to play Be3,

Nb1–d2–c4 and maybe he can push a5]

10.Be3 Nd7 11.N1d2 Ngf6 12.a5 b5

13.c4 b4 14.0–0 [?!]

[14.Bh6 after that white can attack on

both sides.]

14...e5 15.Rfc1 0–0 16.h3 Nc5

17.Nxc5 dxc5 18.Bh6 Re8 19.Nf1

Nh5 20.Rd1 Bg5 21.Bc2 Nf4 22.Qf3

Qe7 23.Bxg5 Qxg5 24.Kh2 Ne6

25.Ba4 Rf8 26.Bc6 Ra7 27.Bd5 Nd4

28.Qg3 Qh5 29.Nd2 Re7 30.Nb3

Nxb3 31.Qxb3 Kh8 32.Qe3 Rc7

33.Rf1 g5 34.Rad1 f6 35.Rd3 g4 36.f4

gxh3 37.g3 Rg7 38.Rf2 exf4 39.Qxf4

Qg5 40.Qd6 Re8 41.Rxf6 h5 42.Rh6+

Rh7 43.Rg6 Qd8 44.Qxc5 Rg7

45.Qd4 Qe7 46.Rh6#

1–0

(5) Adams Mi - Van Wely L (2681)

Corus A (9), 22.01.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+ntr-mk( 7+-wq-vlpzpp' 6p+-zpp+-vL& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-+-sNP+-+$ 3+LsN-+-wQ-# 2PzPP+-zPPzP" 1tR-+-+R+K! xabcdefghy

[The opening has finished and white

needs to compose an attacking plan.

First we need to choose the direction

of an attack. If you can play in the

center - do it, so white should attack

there. More specifically we should

attack weaknesses. That's why the

concrete target of an attack is the d6

pawn]

13.Bg5 [(There is one important

strategic rule: THE MAIN DEFENDER

OF WEAKNESSES IS A BISHOP.

That's why if you want to attack the

opponent's weaknesses, you should

exchange his bishop, which protects

those squares.)]

13...Bxg5 14.Qxg5 Nf6 15.f3 Bd7

16.Rfd1 Nc6 17.Nxc6 Bxc6 18.a3

Rab8 19.Rd4 Rfc8 20.Rad1 h6

21.Qd2 Ne8 [(White got a comfortable

position, where black has no real

counterplay. As we already know, you

should play slowly in such situations.)]

22.Ne2 a5 [(this move seems normal,

but we should not forget that it is often

bad to move the flank pawns in

positions with a dynamic center.)]

175

23.c3 Nf6 24.Qe3 Rd8 25.Ng3 Rd7

26.h3 Qa7 27.Qe1 Rbd8 28.R4d2 Qc5

29.Ne2 Qe5 30.Rd4 g5 31.c4 bxc4

32.Bxc4 Nh5 33.Qc3 Bb7 34.Bb5 Rc8

35.Qxa5 [(White won that pawn, which

black pushed forward some time ago.)]

35...Rc2 36.R4d2 Rdc7 37.Qb4 Kg7

38.Qd4 Kf6 39.Kg1 d5 40.exd5 Bxd5

41.Qxe5+ Kxe5 42.Nc3 Rxd2

43.Rxd2 Nf4 44.g3 Nxh3+ 45.Kh2 g4

46.f4+ Kd6 47.Be2

1–0

(6) Bocharov D - Bezgodov A (2554)


05.06.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8-+rwqr+k+( 7zpp+lvlpzp-' 6-+-+-sn-zp& 5sn-+p+-+-% 4-+-sN-+-+$ 3+-sN-vL-zP-# 2PzPQ+PzPLzP" 1tR-+R+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[Black has the isolated pawn d5, which

is a weakness. So white should attack

it.]

15.Nf5 Bf8 16.Bxd5 Nxd5 17.Rxd5

Nc4 18.Rad1 Bxf5 19.Qxf5 Nxe3

20.fxe3 Qb6 21.Rd7 Qxb2 22.Qxf7+

Kh8 [(Now black has weaknesses on

the light squares. Those squares (f7,

g6 etc) are the new target of the

white's attack.)]

23.Nd5 Qxa2 24.Qf3 a5 25.Nf4 Qc2

26.R1d3 Qc6 27.Qg4 Qe4 28.Ng6+

Kg8 29.Qxe4 Rxe4 30.Rxb7 a4

31.Rdd7 Rg4 32.Nxf8 Rxf8 33.Ra7

Re8 34.Kf2 Rf8+ 35.Kg2 Re8 36.Kf3

Rge4 37.Rxg7+ Kh8 38.Rh7+ Kg8

39.Rxh6

1–0

(7) Sutovsky E - Miroshnichenko E

(2690)

TCh-SRB 1st League (5), 05.09.2009

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-wq-trk+( 7+-vl-+pzp-' 6ptrp+p+p+& 5+-+n+-+-% 4Q+-zP-zP-+$ 3+R+-+-zP-# 2P+-vLL+-zP" 1+-tR-+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[White has the weak pawn d4 and this

is the object of the black's attack. Now

we come to the second step of a

planning: black should detect how to

use his pieces to attack the d4 pawn.

The night should go to the f5, the

bishop to the b6 or f6, heavy pieces

will put pressure on the "d" file. This is

the black's plan. When you understand

it clearly, you will play all the next

moves easily.]

25...Ne7 26.Be3 a5 27.Bf3 Qd6

28.Rbc3 Rb4 29.Qd1 Bb6 30.a3 Rb2

31.Kh1 Rd8 32.Rb3 Rxb3 33.Qxb3

Rb8 34.Qa4 Nf5 35.Rxc6 Qd8 36.Rc3

Bxd4 37.Bxd4 Qxd4 38.Qxd4 Nxd4

39.Kg2 Rb2+ 40.Kh3 f5 41.Bd1 Rd2

42.Rc1 Kf7 43.g4 g5 44.gxf5 exf5

45.fxg5 Kg6 46.Kg3 Kxg5 47.h4+ Kf6

48.a4 g6 49.Rb1 Ke5 50.h5 f4+

51.Kh3 gxh5 52.Bxh5 Rd3+ 53.Kh2

176

Ra3 54.Be8 Ra2+ 55.Kh3 f3 56.Rb7

Nf5 57.Bg6 Nd6 58.Rb3 Kf4 59.Rd3

Ra1 60.Rd4+ Ke5 61.Rd2 Rh1+

62.Rh2 Rg1 63.Bd3 Kf4 64.Rc2 Rh1+

65.Rh2 Rxh2+ 66.Kxh2 Ke3 67.Ba6

Ne4 68.Kg1 Nc3

0–1

(8) Miroshnichenko E - Udeshi A

(2281)

2nd Mayors Cup (3), 03.05.2009

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+-trk+( 7+p+-+pzpp' 6-+n+pwq-+& 5zp-vl-+-+-% 4-+Pzp-+-+$ 3zP-sN-+NzP-# 2-zP-+PzPLzP" 1tR-+Q+RmK-! xabcdefghy

12.Na4 [! (White has the pawn majority

on the queen-side, so the white's plan

is to use this advantage. The move

Na4 helps white to do it immediately)]

[12.Ne4 (this move seems natural and

most players would play it

automatically. However, we should not

find the right move, we should find the

right PLAN.) 12...Qe7 and the position

is equal]

12...Ba7 13.b4 e5 [13...axb4 14.axb4

Nxb4 15.Nb6 Bxb6 16.Rxa8±]

14.b5 Nd8 15.Nd2 [15.c5 (the most

direct way of a realization of the

white's plan was also possible)

15...Bd7 16.c6 bxc6 17.b6 Bb8

18.Nc5‚ when you realize your plan

insistently, you can get great results

quickly!]

15...Bg4 16.c5 Qe7 17.Rc1 Rc8

18.Nb3 Ne6 19.b6 Bb8 20.Qc2 Ng5

21.Nxa5 e4 22.c6 bxc6 23.Nxc6 Qxa3

24.Qc5 Qxa4 25.Ne7+ Kh8 26.Nxc8

Ne6 27.Qd5 Bxe2 28.Bxe4 Bxf1

29.Kxf1 Rd8 30.Qf5 Nf8 31.Qxf7

Qa6+ 32.Kg2 Rxc8 33.Bb7 Qa3

34.Bd5

1–0

(9) Milov,V - Dimitrov,Pa (2404)

12th Corsica Masters Bastia/Ajaccio

FRA (4), 25.10.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8r+l+qtrk+( 7zpp+nvl-zpp' 6-+p+psn-+& 5+-+psNp+-% 4-+PzP-vL-+$ 3+-sN-+-zP-# 2PzPQ+PzPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[Of course white should calculate the

move cd, because it can create

weaknesses in the black's position.]

11.cxd5 Nxd5 [? (black should think

twice before making such a move like

this. It creates stable weaknesses in

his position and certainly black should

try to avoid this situation)]

[11...exd5 (black was able to avoid an

"ugly" move Nd5) 12.Qxf5 Nxe5

13.Qxe5 Ng4 14.Qc7 Bd8 15.Qd6 Be7]

177

12.Nxd7 Bxd7 13.Be5 Qh5 14.e4 [(we

should open the position to exploit the

opponent's weaknesses)]

14...fxe4 15.Nxe4 Be8 16.Nc5 [(now

white has a clear plan - to attack the

black's weak pawns)]

16...Bg6 17.Qc1 Bf5 18.Nxb7 Bh3

19.Qd1 Qf5 20.Qe2 Bxg2 21.Kxg2 h5

22.Rae1 Bb4 23.Nd6 Qg5 24.Rc1 h4

25.Rxc6 Bxd6 26.Rxd6 Rac8 27.Rd7

Rf7 28.Rxf7 Kxf7 29.Re1 h3+

30.Kxh3 Qf5+ 31.Kg2 Rc2 32.Qf3

Qxf3+ 33.Kxf3 Rxb2 34.Re2 Rxe2

35.Kxe2 Nc3+ 36.Kd3 Nxa2 37.Kc4

Nc1 38.h4 Ne2 39.g4 Ng1 40.Kd3 Nf3

41.Bg3 a5 42.Ke3 Ne1 43.Ke2 Nc2

44.Kd3 Nb4+ 45.Kc4 Nc2 46.Be5 g6

47.Kb5 Ne1 48.Kxa5 Nf3 49.h5 gxh5

50.gxh5 Ng5 51.Kb5 Ne4 52.f3 Ng5

53.f4 Ne4 54.Kc6 Ng3 55.f5 Ke8

56.d5 exd5

1–0

(10) Azmaiparashvili Z - Dao Thien

Hai (2530)

4th SICC Masters (5), 19.12.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+k+ntr( 7zp-zpq+-zpp' 6-trnvlp+-+& 5+-+-+-+-% 4-+-zpP+-+$ 3+-+Q+N+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tRNvL-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[Black has a lot of weaknesses. The

easiest targets of an attack are the

pawn d4 and the weaknesses on the

"c" file, because they are on the open

files. Secondly, white should find the

right set up of his pieces to realize this

attacking plan. The b1 knight should

go to the c4, the bishop - to the d2,

the rooks may go to the d1 and c1 or

they can be doubled on the "c" file.]

12.Nbd2 e5 13.Nc4 Rb8 14.Bd2 Nge7

15.Rfc1 0–0 16.Rc2 h6 17.b4 Qe6

18.b5 Nd8 19.Qb3 Ng6 20.Rb1 Kh7

21.Ne1 Qf6 22.Qg3 Ne6 23.Nd3 Nef4

24.Bxf4 Nxf4 25.Nxf4 Qxf4 26.Qxf4

Rxf4 27.f3 Rf6 28.Nxd6 Rxd6

29.Rxc7 a6 30.a4 d3 31.Rc5 Rd4

32.Rd5 Rxd5 33.exd5 axb5 34.Kf2 b4

35.Rb3 Kg6 36.Ke3 Kf6 37.Kxd3 Ke7

38.Kc4 Kd6 39.Rxb4 Rc8+ 40.Kb3

Kxd5 41.a5

1–0

(11) Mateus Mar - Herrera Mil (1949)

ch-COL w (3), 14.06.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwqk+ntr( 7vl-+-+pzpp' 6p+nzpp+-+& 5+p+-+-+-% 4-+-+P+-+$ 3+N+LvL-+-# 2PzPP+QzPPzP" 1tRN+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[The most advanced opponent's

pawn/pawns is often the best object of

an attack.]

10.a4 bxa4 11.Rxa4 Bxe3 12.Qxe3

Nge7 13.Nc3 0–0 14.Rfa1 a5 15.e5

Nxe5 [15...dxe5 16.Qc5 attacking the

a5 pawn again]

16.Qe4 [?]

178

[16.Bxh7+ Kxh7 17.Qe4+ Kg8

18.Qxa8+–]

16...Nxd3 17.Qxa8 Qb6 18.Qf3 Nxb2

19.Rxa5 Bb7 20.Qh3 Qc6 21.Nd4

Qc4 22.Rb5 Ba8 23.Nde2 d5 24.Rxb2

d4 25.Ra4 Qc6 26.Rxd4

1–0

179


The practical part: Task-10. Previously we have trained different skills in some specific positions. Now it is time to consolidate your knowledge. We will analyze more difficult positions and you will be training your planning skills there. The right way of thinking (presented in the video course) is universal and applicable for any situation. You need to automate this thinking process. While analyzing the games you still need to pay attention to the 2 main aspects:

- WHEN (in what positions) it is necessary to compose a plan?

- WHAT is that plan?

Your task: find the right move in a given position in “TASK-10 GAMES SECTION”. You should not try to guess the right move. Use the correct system of thinking, which you studied from the video lessons. Find the right plan and then decide how to realize it better. This will bring you to the right move. After that – look at the answer in “TASK-10 ANSWERS SECTION”. If you have any difficulties – study again the video lessons 9-10.

180


(1) Grigoriants S RUS -

Khismatullin D (2568)


05.09.2006

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+r+-+k+( 7zpl+nwq-vlp' 6-zppzpp+-+& 5+-+-+p+-% 4Q+PzP-+-zp$ 3zP-+-zPL+P# 2-zP-sNNzPP+" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(2) Annaberdiev M - Adams Mi

(2720)

37th Olympiad (2), 22.05.2006

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-mkl+-+-+( 7+-zp-+-+r' 6pzp-+pvlqzp& 5+-+p+-zp-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+QzP-tRPsN-# 2PzP-+-+PzP" 1mK-+-tR-+-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(3) Adams Mi - Edouard R (2508)

4th ch-EU (3), 11.09.2008

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+-+k+( 7+p+-wq-zpp' 6p+rzpp+-+& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4P+-+Ptr-+$ 3+QzP-+-+-# 2-zP-+-zPPzP" 1+-+RtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(4) Timman J - Adams Mi (2724)

5th Staunton Mem (2), 08.08.2007

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+rtrk+( 7zpl+-wqpzpp' 6-zp-zp-vl-+& 5+-zpP+-+-% 4-+PzpP+-+$ 3+P+-+-zP-# 2P+Q+-zPLzP" 1+R+RsN-mK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

181

(5) Adams Mi - Ponomariov R (2705)

World Blitz (2), 21.11.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnnwq-trk+( 7+p+-vlpzpp' 6p+-+p+-+& 5+-zPp+-+l% 4-zP-zP-+-+$ 3+-sN-+N+P# 2P+-+LzPP+" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(6) Bocharov D - Iljin A (2505)


03.06.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-+-trk+( 7zplzp-+pzpp' 6-zp-zp-wq-+& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4-+PzP-+-zP$ 3zP-+-zPP+R# 2-zPQ+LzP-+" 1tR-vL-mK-+-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(7) Spielmann Rudolf (GER) -

Alekhine Alexander A (RUS) (2700)

It New York (USA), 1927

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7zpp+-+pzpp' 6-+nwq-+L+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-+-+l+$ 3+NzP-tRN+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-+Q+-mK-! xabcdefghy

½–½

(8) Aaberg A - Korchnoi V (2629)


[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+kvl-tr( 7zppzp-+pzp-' 6-+-zp-wq-zp& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4-+-zPP+-+$ 3+-zPL+-+-# 2PzP-+NzPPzP" 1tRN+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

0–1

182

(9) Acs P - Korchnoi V (2610)

V Gyorgy Marx Mem (4), 08.08.2007

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-trk+( 7+l+-vlpzp-' 6p+-zp-sn-zp& 5+-zpP+-+-% 4Pzp-+P+-+$ 3+-+-+PvL-# 2-zPQsNN+PzP" 1tR-+-mKL+R! xabcdefghy

0–1

(10) Korchnoi V - Carlsson P (2430)


[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8-+ktr-vl-tr( 7zpl+pwqpzpp' 6-zp-+-sn-+& 5sn-zpP+-+-% 4Q+P+-+-+$ 3+-+-+NzP-# 2PzP-sNLzP-zP" 1tR-vL-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

1–0

(11) Aleksandrov A - Gaponenko I

(2458)

13th Ordix Open (5), 19.08.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqr+k+( 7+-+-+pzp-' 6pzpn+lsn-zp& 5vl-zpp+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-wQ$ 3zP-sNLzPP+-# 2-zP-+N+PzP" 1+-vLR+R+K! xabcdefghy

1–0

(12) Kempinski R - Maciejewski A

(2358)


[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwq-trk+( 7+-+-zppvlp' 6-+p+n+p+& 5+-+pzP-+-% 4p+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sN-vLNzP-# 2PzP-+QzPLzP" 1+-tRR+-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

183

(13) Lastin A - Khusnutdinov R

(2411)

14th Chigorin Mem (6), 27.10.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7zp-+-+nvlp' 6-+p+p+p+& 5+-+pzP-+-% 4-+-+-+-+$ 3+-sN-+N+P# 2PzP-+-zPP+" 1tR-vLQtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(14) Ponomariov R - Giaccio A

(2469)

XXII Rapid (8), 05.08.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+k+ntr( 7zpp+-+pzpp' 6-+-+p+-+& 5+-+pzP-+-% 4q+pzP-+-+$ 3zP-zP-+-+-# 2-+PvL-zPPzP" 1tRQ+-mKLsNR! xabcdefghy

1–0

(15) Riazantsev A - Sanikidze T

(2426)

8th ch-Euro (1), 03.04.2007

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wqk+ntr( 7zpp+-vlpzpp' 6-+p+-+-+& 5+-+p+l+-% 4-+-zP-vL-+$ 3+-sN-zP-+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-+QmKLsNR! xabcdefghy

1–0

(16) Tkachiev V - Iskusnyh S (2510)

XIII TCh-RUS (11), 30.04.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7+p+-+pvlp' 6-zPp+-+p+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+QvL-+-+P# 2P+-sN-zPP+" 1tR-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

184

(17) Tregubov P - Bunzmann D

(2537)


02.04.2006

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-tr-mk( 7zpl+-vl-zpp' 6-zpp+-+-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-zP-zPpvL-+$ 3zPQ+-+-zPN# 2-+-+PzPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(18) Kasparov G - Bredl H (2346)

Champions Simul (1), 23.08.2009

[White's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-tr-+( 7+p+nwqpvlk' 6-+p+psnpzp& 5zp-+-+-+-% 4P+-zPP+-+$ 3+-sN-vL-+-# 2-zP-wQLzPPzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

1–0

(19) Porat Ma - Khismatullin D

(2614)

25th ECC (1), 04.10.2009

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7zpp+nvlpzpp' 6-+-zp-sn-+& 5+-zpPzp-+-% 4-+P+P+-+$ 3+-sN-+N+-# 2PzP-+LzPPzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

(20) Khairullin I - Khismatullin D

(2614)

ch-RUS HL (5), 06.09.2009

[Black's turn]

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7+-zp-snpzp-' 6pzp-vllwq-zp& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sN-zPN+-# 2PzP-+LzPPzP" 1tR-tRQ+-mK-! xabcdefghy

0–1

185


(1) Grigoriants S RUS -

Khismatullin D (2568)


05.09.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+r+-+k+( 7zpl+nwq-vlp' 6-zppzpp+-+& 5+-+-+p+-% 4Q+PzP-+-zp$ 3zP-+-zPL+P# 2-zP-sNNzPP+" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[Though it looks difficult to find any

plan for black, YOU HAVE TO DO IT.

Also you should remember that ANY

plan is good enough, if you realize it

maximally insistently]

18...Kh8 [(Black has decided to attack

on the king-side. Though it seems

desperate, you may look at the result

of the game :)]

19.Rac1 Bh6 20.Qc2 Rg8 21.Kh1 Nf6

22.b4 Rg7 23.Rg1 Rf8 24.b5 c5

25.dxc5 bxc5 26.Qd3 Bc8 27.Bc6 e5

28.Rcd1 e4 29.Qc3 Nh5 30.a4 Bg5

31.a5 Bf6 32.Qb3 Qc7 33.Qa4 Be5

34.Rb1 Be6 35.b6 axb6 36.axb6 Qf7

37.Qa2 f4 38.b7 Rgg8 39.Qb3 fxe3

40.Qxe3 Qxf2 41.Qxf2 Rxf2 42.b8Q

Rxe2 43.Qxg8+ Kxg8 44.Nxe4 Bf5

45.Rb8+ Kg7 46.Be8 Bg6

0–1

(2) Annaberdiev M - Adams Mi

(2720)

37th Olympiad (2), 22.05.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8-mkl+-+-+( 7+-zp-+-+r' 6pzp-+pvlqzp& 5+-+p+-zp-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+QzP-tRPsN-# 2PzP-+-+PzP" 1mK-+-tR-+-! xabcdefghy

[In this position black should attack on

the king-side, because it is the only

thing he can do really. Secondly black

should find the best positions for all his

pieces. The bishop f6 should go to the

d6, bishop c8 - to the diagonal a6–f1

or h7–b1, the heavy pieces are already

placed well. And black needs to push

his king-side pawns to start the real

attack.]

39...Be7 40.Qd1 Bd6 41.Qb1 Qg8

42.Nh5 Rf7 43.a3 Rf8 44.Qc2 Qf7

45.Ng3 a5 46.Qe2 h5 47.Qc2 Rh8

48.Nf1 Rh6 49.g3 Ba6 50.Qf2 h4

51.Nd2 Qf5 52.Nb3 hxg3 53.hxg3

Rh3 54.g4 Qh7 55.Qg2 Rh2 56.Qg1

Qc2 57.Rb1 Qxb3 58.Rxe6 Bc4

[Black won the game, despite of the

fact that his position was loosing in the

middlegame. It happened because

black player has "a planning thinking".]

0–1

186

(3) Adams Mi - Edouard R (2508)

4th ch-EU (3), 11.09.2008

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+-+k+( 7+p+-wq-zpp' 6p+rzpp+-+& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4P+-+Ptr-+$ 3+QzP-+-+-# 2-zP-+-zPPzP" 1+-+RtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[Black has the weak pawn d6 and

some weaknesses on the queen-side.

Those are the objects of the white's

attack. Secondly we should think HOW

to realize this plan. White should put

his heavy pieces on the "d" file to

attack the d6 pawn, and white should

push his queen-side pawns to attack

on the queen-side. Since we have a

dynamic center white should play

slowly and realize his plan thoroughly.

When you understand this strategic

content, you will understand all the

white's moves easily.]

20.Rd3 h6 21.Re2 Kh8 22.g3 Rf8

23.Red2 Rd8 24.Kg2 Qf7 25.h4 Qe7

26.a5 Qf7 27.Qa2 Qe7 28.Rd1 Rdc8

29.Qb3 Rd8 30.Qa3 Kh7 31.b4 Rdc8

32.Qb3 Qf7 33.R1d2 Qg6 34.Re3 Qf7

35.Rdd3 Qe7 36.Qd1 Qc7 37.Qg4

Qe7 38.Qd1 Qc7 39.h5 Kh8 40.Qd2

Kh7 41.Qd1 Kh8 42.Re2 Kh7

43.Red2 Rd8 44.Qg4 Qe7 45.Kg1

Kg8 46.Qd1 Kh8 47.Kg2 Qc7 48.Qb3

Qe7 49.c4 Rdc8 50.b5 Rxc4 51.bxa6

bxa6 52.Rxd6 Rxe4 53.Qxe6 Qxe6

54.Rxe6 Rd4 55.Ra2 Ra8 56.Rxe5

Rd7 57.Rc2 Kg8 58.Rc6 Rd2 59.Rf5

Rd7 60.g4 Re7 61.Kg3 Kh7 62.f3 Kg8

63.Rfc5 Raa7 64.Rc8+ Kf7 65.Rf5+

Ke6 66.Rc6+ Kd7 67.Rg6 Ke8 68.Kf4

Rec7 69.Re5+ Kf8 70.Rd6 Rc4+

71.Kf5 Kf7 72.f4 Ra4 73.g5 hxg5

74.fxg5

1–0

(4) Timman J - Adams Mi (2724)

5th Staunton Mem (2), 08.08.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+rtrk+( 7zpl+-wqpzpp' 6-zp-zp-vl-+& 5+-zpP+-+-% 4-+PzpP+-+$ 3+P+-+-zP-# 2P+Q+-zPLzP" 1+R+RsN-mK-! xabcdefghy

[When you can't find your plan - you

should prevent an opponent's plan.]

18...g5 [(The white's plan was to play

f4 and then e5 after some preparation.

Now this plan is impossible.)]

19.Nd3 Bc8 20.Rf1 Bg7 21.Rbe1 g4

[(Black focuses solely on the

prevention of the white's plan)]

22.Qd2 Qf6 23.Re2 Re7 24.b4 Rfe8

25.Rfe1 Qg6 26.Nf4 Qg5 27.bxc5

bxc5 28.Qc2 Be5 [(When you prevent

an opponent's plan, he usually feels

confused and will start making

mistakes.)]

29.h4 gxh3 30.Nxh3 Qh5 31.Nf4 Bxf4

32.gxf4 f6 33.Rd2 Rg7 34.Rd3 Qg4

35.Rg3 Qxf4 36.Qa4 Rf8 37.Rxg7+

Kxg7 38.Qxa7+ Kh8 39.Qa3 Rg8

40.Kf1 Bg4 41.Qb3 Qd2 42.Qg3 Be2+

187

0–1

(5) Adams Mi - Ponomariov R (2705)

World Blitz (2), 21.11.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnnwq-trk+( 7+p+-vlpzpp' 6p+-+p+-+& 5+-zPp+-+l% 4-zP-zP-+-+$ 3+-sN-+N+P# 2P+-+LzPP+" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[If you think only about your own plans,

you will try to use your pawn majority

on the queen-side. However, you

should think about the plans of BOTH

players. It gives you a really deep

understanding of the position.]

14.Ne5 [(The black's plan in this

position - is to attack the white's pawn

d4. That's why black was going to take

the f3 knight, to play Nc6, Bf6, Nc8–e7–

f5. The white's move Ne5 breaks this

plan.)]

14...Bxe2 15.Qxe2 Bf6 16.Rd1 [(White

is still playing carefully and prevents

any opponent's activity)]

16...Bxe5 17.Qxe5 Nc6 18.Qe2 N8e7

[(this knight is going to the f5 to attack

the d4 pawn)]

19.Bg5 [(When you know the plans of

BOTH players - you totally control the

situation.)]

19...Re8 20.Rab1 h6 21.a4 a5 22.b5

Nb4 23.f4 Qc7 24.Bxe7 Rxe7 25.Qf2

Rae8 26.Rd2 f6 27.Rbd1 Rf7 28.Qf3

Qd7 29.Re1 g5 30.Rde2 Ree7

31.fxg5 hxg5 32.Qg3 Kh7 33.Nd1

Rg7 34.Nf2 f5 35.Qf3 Rg6 36.Re5 Rf7

37.Qe2 Rff6 38.Nh1 Rh6 39.Ng3 Kg7

40.Nh5+ Rxh5 41.Qxh5 Nd3

42.Qxg5+ Rg6 43.Qe3 Nxe1 44.Qxe1

Kf6 45.Qh4+ Kf7 46.Re3 Qc8

47.Qh7+ Rg7 48.Qh5+ Kf6 49.Qh4+

Kf7 50.Rg3 Qg8 51.Kh2 Ke8 52.Rxg7

Qxg7 53.Qf4 Qf6 54.h4

1–0

(6) Bocharov D - Iljin A (2505)


03.06.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-+-trk+( 7zplzp-+pzpp' 6-zp-zp-wq-+& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4-+PzP-+-zP$ 3zP-+-zPP+R# 2-zPQ+LzP-+" 1tR-vL-mK-+-! xabcdefghy

[The white's plan is to attack on the

king-side. Secondly we need to detect

how to use our pieces to realize this

plan. White will certainly make castling

queen-side, the rooks will work on the

"g" file, the e2 bishop can go to the d3,

the c1 bishop should work on the

diagonal a1–h8.]

14.dxe5 [(White is opening the

diagonal for his bishop)]

14...dxe5 15.Bd2 Nc6 16.0–0–0 Bc8

17.Rg3 Bf5 18.Qa4 a6 19.Bc3 Rfb8

20.Rdg1 g6 21.Qd1 Rd8 22.Qf1 Na5

23.b4 Nb3+ 24.Kb2 Nd4 25.Bd1 Nc6

188

26.h5 a5 27.hxg6 hxg6 28.b5 Nb4

29.Be2 Nd3+ 30.Bxd3 Rxd3 31.e4

Qd6 32.exf5 Rxc3 33.Rxg6+ fxg6

34.Rxg6+ Qxg6 35.fxg6 Rxf3 36.Qh1

1–0

(7) Spielmann Rudolf (GER) -

Alekhine Alexander A (RUS) (2700)

It New York (USA), 1927

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7zpp+-+pzpp' 6-+nwq-+L+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-+-+l+$ 3+NzP-tRN+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-+Q+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[I would not ask you to think if black

played hg :)]

14...fxg6 [! (Ok, let's discuss this move

seriously. White has a clear plan - an

attack of the isolated pawn d5. Black

has no attacking plan, but he needs to

do something. Otherwise white will

realize his plan sooner or later. The

black's move fg is not so good

objectively, but it allows black to

deflect white from the realization of his

plan. You see that fg is rather a

defensive idea.)]

15.h3 Bf5 16.Nbd4 Rad8 [16...Be4 ?!

17.Nxc6 Bxf3 ? 18.Ne7+ Qxe7

19.Rxe7 Bxd1 20.Rxd1±]

17.Nxf5 Rxf5 18.Qe2 [!]

18...Rdf8 19.Re1 Qc5 [!]

20.Re8 h6 21.Qe6+ Kh7 22.Qc8 [!]

22...d4 [(black is still trying to mix the

things)]

[22...b6 23.b4 (23.R1e6 ! 23...Nd4

(23...Ne5 24.Nd4 Qxc8 25.Rxc8 Rxc8

26.Nxf5 gxf5 27.Rxe5 d4 =) 24.Nxd4

Qxc8 25.Rxc8 Rxc8 26.Nxf5 gxf5

27.Rd6 ! 27...Re8 ! 28.Kf1 Re5

29.Rd7±) 23...Qd6 24.R1e6 (24.Qe6

!?) 24...Ne7 ! 25.Rxd6 Nxc8 26.Rxf8

Nxd6 27.Rd8 Ne4 =]

23.cxd4 Qd6 24.Rxf8 [24.Qxb7 ?!

24...Nxd4 25.Nxd4 Qxd4µ]

24...Rxf8 25.Qe6 [25.Qxb7 %03'better

is' 25...Rb8 ?! (25...Nxd4 !? 26.Nxd4

Qxd4 27.Rf1 Re8 !) 26.Qf7 Rxb2

(26...Nxd4 27.Nxd4 Qxd4 28.b3)

27.Re6 Rb1+ 28.Ne1]

25...Qb4 [!]

26.Qb3 [26.Qe4 Qxb2 27.Rb1 Qxa2

28.Rxb7 Qc4 29.Rc7 Rf6 = 30.Ne5

Qxd4]

26...Qxb3 27.axb3 Rd8 28.Re4 Rd5

29.Kf1 Rb5 30.Re3 a5 [!]

31.Rd3 Kg8 32.Ke2 Kf7 33.Kd2 Ke6

34.Kc3 Ne7 35.Re3+ Kd6 36.Kc2 Nd5

37.Re4 Nb4+ 38.Kd2 Nd5 39.Kc2

[39.Ne5 Rxb3 40.Nc4+ Kc7 41.Re5

Nb6 =]

39...Nb4+ 40.Kd2 Nd5 41.Kc2

½–½

189

(8) Aaberg A - Korchnoi V (2629)


XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+kvl-tr( 7zppzp-+pzp-' 6-+-zp-wq-zp& 5+-+-zp-+-% 4-+-zPP+-+$ 3+-zPL+-+-# 2PzP-+NzPPzP" 1tRN+QmK-+R! xabcdefghy

7...h5 [(What is the white's plan here?

White will play f4 to open the position

and to start an attack. Perhaps white

will need to prepare the move f4 by

playing g3. That's why black decided

to prevent it and he played h5. Of

course I am not saying that this is the

best move, I just want to show you that

"a planning thinking" gives you a really

deep understanding of a chess game.

Once again I'd like to repeat that you

should think about the plans of BOTH

plans.)]

8.Nd2 h4 9.f4 exf4 10.0–0 g5 11.Qb3

Be7 12.Rf2 Nd7 13.Raf1 Nb6 14.a4

a5 15.Bb5+ Kd8 16.e5 Qe6 17.Qc2

Nd5 18.Bc4 Ne3 19.Bxe6 Nxc2

20.Bxc8 Rxc8 21.Nc4 d5 22.Nxa5

Rb8 23.b4 Ne3 24.Re1 Kd7 25.Nb3

b6 26.Nec1 Ng4 27.Rf3 Ra8 28.a5

Kc6 29.Nd3 Kb5 30.Rb1 Ne3 31.Nd2

Rh6 32.Nf1 Nf5 33.Nc1 bxa5

34.bxa5+ Kc6 35.Ra1 Kd7 36.Nd3

Rc6 37.Nc1 Ke6 38.Kf2 f6 39.exf6

Bxf6 40.Nb3 Nd6 41.Rd3 Ne4+

42.Kf3 Kf5 43.h3 Rxc3 44.Rxc3 Nxc3

45.a6 Nb5 46.Ra4 c6 47.Nfd2 Be7

48.Kf2 Nc7 49.a7 Nb5 50.Ra6 Rxa7

51.Rxc6 Ra4 52.Nf3 Rb4 53.Nc5 Rc4

54.Rb6

0–1

(9) Acs P - Korchnoi V (2610)

V Gyorgy Marx Mem (4), 08.08.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-trk+( 7+l+-vlpzp-' 6p+-zp-sn-zp& 5+-zpP+-+-% 4Pzp-+P+-+$ 3+-+-+PvL-# 2-zPQsNN+PzP" 1tR-+-mKL+R! xabcdefghy

[Black has a pawn majority on the

queen-side and he should use it,

Though it seems hard to do it, it

doesn't mean that you should decline

this plan. Quite the contrary - you

need to realize it more insistently.]

15...a5 [(Black needs to prepare the

move c4. All his next moves are aiming

this goal)]

16.Bf2 Ba6 17.Ng3 Bxf1 18.Ngxf1

Nbd7 19.Ne3 Nb6 20.0–0 Re8 [(The

white's plan is to use his pawn majority

in the center. That's why black should

also put some efforts to prevent this

plan.)]

21.Rad1 Nfd7 22.Kh1 Qc7 23.f4 Bf6

24.Ng4 Rac8 25.e5 dxe5 26.Ne4 exf4

27.d6 Qc6 28.Nexf6+ Nxf6 29.Nxf6+

gxf6

190

30.Qf5 Re5 31.Qxf6 Rg5 32.Bg3 Nd5

33.Qxh6 Rg6 34.Qh3 fxg3 35.Rxd5

Qxd5 36.Qxc8+ Kg7 37.Qf5 Qxf5

38.Rxf5 Rf6 39.Rf3 Rxf3 40.gxf3 Kf6

0–1

(10) Korchnoi V - Carlsson P (2430)


XABCDEFGHY 8-+ktr-vl-tr( 7zpl+pwqpzpp' 6-zp-+-sn-+& 5sn-zpP+-+-% 4Q+P+-+-+$ 3+-+-+NzP-# 2PzP-sNLzP-zP" 1tR-vL-mK-+R! xabcdefghy

[In unbalanced positions it is important

to get an initiative position. THE

ACTIVITY OF YOUR PIECES IS

MORE IMPORTANT FACTOR THAN

A SAFETY OF YOUR KING. Now

white is preparing Re1. Also you

should NOT think too much about a

planning here, because the situation is

not stable. You just need to orient on

the general principles and make your

pieces more active.]

12.Kd1 g5 13.Bd3 Ng4 14.Rf1 Nxf2+

15.Rxf2 Qe3 16.b4 [(Maybe this move

is not good objectively, but white is

attacking. It is the most important thing

in complex positions.)]

16...Bg7 17.bxa5 Bxa1 18.axb6 axb6

19.Ne4 Qxd3+ 20.Nfd2 Be5 21.Rf3

Qd4 22.Qb5 Rhe8 23.Qxb6 Bc7

24.Nd6+ Bxd6 25.Rb3 Re1+ 26.Kxe1

Qg1+ 27.Nf1 Re8+ 28.Re3 Re6

29.dxe6 Bg2 30.Qxd6 [(It is one more

example of the fact, that if you realize

your plan (ANY plan) vigorously and

insistenly - it will bring you good

results in the end.)]

1–0

(11) Aleksandrov A - Gaponenko I

(2458)

13th Ordix Open (5), 19.08.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-wqr+k+( 7+-+-+pzp-' 6pzpn+lsn-zp& 5vl-zpp+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-wQ$ 3zP-sNLzPP+-# 2-zP-+N+PzP" 1+-vLR+R+K! xabcdefghy

[White was trying to play in the center,

but it is hard to develop an attack

there. At the same time white is

controlling the center well enough to

start a flank attack.]

17.g4 Nd7 18.Qf2 Qc7 19.Rg1 Qd8

20.Nf4 Nf8 21.Nce2 [(white doesn't

forget to strengthen his center)]

21...c4 22.Bc2 b5 23.b3 Bb6 24.bxc4

bxc4 25.e4 Ne7 26.g5 hxg5 27.Rxg5

f6 28.Rg2 dxe4 29.fxe4 Bf7 30.Rdg1

g5 31.h4 Nh7 32.hxg5 Nxg5 33.e5

Nd5 34.exf6 Nxf4 35.Qxf4

1–0

191

(12) Kempinski R - Maciejewski A

(2358)


XABCDEFGHY 8rsnlwq-trk+( 7+-+-zppvlp' 6-+p+n+p+& 5+-+pzP-+-% 4p+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sN-vLNzP-# 2PzP-+QzPLzP" 1+-tRR+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[The center is closed. It means that

white should attack on the king-side. It

is necessary to use the pawns, so

white should play h4–h5.]

16.h4 Nd7 17.Nb1 Ba6 18.Qc2 Bb5

19.Bh3 Nb6 20.h5 Nc7 21.Na3 Nc4

22.Nxc4 Bxc4 23.b3 axb3 24.axb3

Bb5 25.hxg6 hxg6 26.Kg2 Na6

27.Qd2 Qb6 28.Rh1 Nb4 29.Ra1 Bd3

30.Ng5 Qb5 31.Ne6 Rxa1 32.Rxa1

Nc2 33.Ra5 Qxb3 34.Nxf8 Be4+

35.Kh2 Qb1 36.Qc1

1–0

(13) Lastin A - Khusnutdinov R

(2411)

14th Chigorin Mem (6), 27.10.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7zp-+-+nvlp' 6-+p+p+p+& 5+-+pzP-+-% 4-+-+-+-+$ 3+-sN-+N+P# 2PzP-+-zPP+" 1tR-vLQtR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[Black has a pawn center (his pawns

c6 and d5) so white should blockade it

and attack it. The white's knights

should be placed on c5 and d4. The

queen-side rook will go to the c1. It

will be good to play b4 to totally fix the

c6 pawn.]

14.Na4 g5 15.Nc5 h6 16.Bd2 a5

17.Rc1 Qb6 18.Qc2 Rb8 19.b3 Qd8

20.Nd4 Qe8 21.Bxa5 Ra8 22.b4 Rxa5

23.bxa5 Nxe5 24.a6 Qf7 25.a7 Qxa7

26.Ndxe6 Re8 27.Rxe5

1–0

192

(14) Ponomariov R - Giaccio A

(2469)

XXII Rapid (8), 05.08.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rsnl+k+ntr( 7zpp+-+pzpp' 6-+-+p+-+& 5+-+pzP-+-% 4q+pzP-+-+$ 3zP-zP-+-+-# 2-+PvL-zPPzP" 1tRQ+-mKLsNR! xabcdefghy

[Usually we should compose a plan

after an opening. However you should

do it earlier if you get a stable situation.

The current position is a good

example. It is only the 8th move, but

the position became stable already.]

9.h4 [(White should attack on the

king-side and use a pawn assault.)]

9...Nc6 10.h5 h6 11.g3 Nge7 12.Bg2

Bd7 13.Nh3 0–0–0 14.0–0 Kb8 15.Nf4

Nc8 16.Bh3 Nb6 17.Qc1 Ka8 18.Ng2

Qa5 19.a4 Nxa4 20.Ne3 b5 21.Bg2

Bc8 22.f4 g6 23.Bf3 a6 24.Kg2 Ne7

25.Ng4 Qc7 26.Rh1 Nf5 27.Nf6 Bb7

28.Rh3 Nb6 29.g4 Ne7 30.Qh1 Nd7

31.hxg6 Nxg6 32.Nxd7 Qxd7 33.Kf2

Rdg8 34.Rh5 Qd8 35.f5 Ne7 36.f6

Ng6 37.Bxh6 Rxh6 38.Rxh6 Qb6

39.Kg3 Qc7 40.Qh5 Qd8 41.Rh7 Qf8

42.Qh6 Qxh6 43.Rxh6 Ka7 44.Rh7

Rf8 45.g5 Kb6 46.Bh5 Nh8 47.Rxh8

Rxh8 48.Bxf7

1–0

(15) Riazantsev A - Sanikidze T

(2426) [D31]

8th ch-Euro (1), 03.04.2007

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wqk+ntr( 7zpp+-vlpzpp' 6-+p+-+-+& 5+-+p+l+-% 4-+-zP-vL-+$ 3+-sN-zP-+-# 2PzP-+-zPPzP" 1tR-+QmKLsNR! xabcdefghy

[It is a theoretical position and perhaps

you know it. Here white may start

pushing his king-side pawns, because

black has no way to open the center.]

7.g4 Be6 8.h4 Nd7 9.h5 Qb6 10.Rb1

Ngf6 11.f3 h6 12.Bd3 c5 13.Nge2 c4

14.Bc2 Qa5 15.Kf2 b5 16.a3 Qb6

17.b3 cxb3 18.Rxb3 a6 19.Qg1 Rc8

20.Bd3 Qa5 21.Qg3 Ne4+ [(probably

white blundered and missed this move.

Nevertheless he won the game

afterwards, because of his good

planning skills.)]

22.fxe4 dxe4 23.Nxe4 Bxb3 24.g5

[(white is realizing his plan by his every

move)]

24...Qb6 25.gxh6 gxh6 26.Qg7 Rf8

27.Bxh6 Bd5 28.Nf4 Bxe4 29.Bxe4

Bf6 30.Nd5 Qd6 31.Qg4 Rh8 32.Bf4

Qe6 33.Nc7+ Rxc7 34.Qxe6+ fxe6

35.Bxc7 Ke7

193

36.Bb7 e5 37.Bxa6 exd4 38.Bxb5

Ra8 39.a4 Nc5 40.a5 Nb3 41.e4 Rc8

42.e5 Bg5 43.Bd6+ Ke6 44.a6 Be3+

45.Kg2 Rg8+ 46.Kh3 Nd2 47.a7 Bf4

48.Bc6 Rg3+ 49.Kh4 Kf5 50.Bd7+

1–0

(16) Tkachiev V - Iskusnyh S (2510)

XIII TCh-RUS (11), 30.04.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7+p+-+pvlp' 6-zPp+-+p+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+QvL-+-+P# 2P+-sN-zPP+" 1tR-+-tR-mK-! xabcdefghy

[White has an advantage on the

queen-side, so he should play there.

The knight should go to the c5, the

bishop - to the diagonal h2–b8 and

also it will be good to exchange the

dark-squares bishops; the "a" pawn

should go forward. Here is the white's

plan.]

23.a4 Bf5 24.a5 h5 25.Qb2 Qf6

26.Nb3 Rab8 27.Nc5 g5 28.Nxb7

Rxb7 29.a6 Rbb8 30.a7 c5 31.b7

[(White used his advantage on the

queen-side and won the game

easily.)]

1–0

(17) Tregubov P - Bunzmann D

(2537)


02.04.2006

XABCDEFGHY 8rsn-wq-tr-mk( 7zpl+-vl-zpp' 6-zpp+-+-+& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-zP-zPpvL-+$ 3zPQ+-+-zPN# 2-+-+PzPLzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

15.f3 [(If you can play in a center - do

it.)]

15...Bf6 16.Rad1 exf3 17.Bxf3 Nd7

18.e4 dxe4 19.Bxe4 Re8 20.Qc2 Nf8

21.Be5 [(white is centralizing his

pieces, which is a correct strategy in

any situation.)]

21...Bxe5 22.dxe5 Qe7 23.b5 Qxe5

24.bxc6 Rac8 25.Rf5 Qe7 26.Ng5

Ne6 27.Re5 Qxa3 28.Rxe6 Rxe6

29.cxb7 Qe3+ 30.Kh1

1–0

194

(18) Kasparov G - Bredl H (2346)

Champions Simul (1), 23.08.2009

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-tr-+( 7+p+nwqpvlk' 6-+p+psnpzp& 5zp-+-+-+-% 4P+-zPP+-+$ 3+-sN-vL-+-# 2-zP-wQLzPPzP" 1tR-+-+RmK-! xabcdefghy

16.e5 [(When you have finished the

opening - you need to start an attack.

If you can play in a center - do it.)]

16...Nd5 17.Nxd5 exd5 [(The position

has been changed after a pawn move,

and now white needs to compose a

plan again. White should attack on the

king-side using a pawn assault.)]

18.f4 Rfe8 19.Bd3 f5 20.g4 Qe6

21.gxf5 gxf5 22.Rf3 Re7 23.Kh1 Rf7

24.Rg1 Nb6 25.b3 Nc8 26.Rfg3 Ne7

27.Qg2 Rg8 28.Bc1 Kh8 29.Ba3 Kh7

30.Qh3 Rgf8 31.Qh5 Kh8 32.Bc5 Kh7

33.Bxe7 Rxe7 34.Rg6 Qc8 35.e6

1–0

(19) Porat Ma - Khismatullin D

(2614) [A56]

25th ECC (1), 04.10.2009

XABCDEFGHY 8r+lwq-trk+( 7zpp+nvlpzpp' 6-+-zp-sn-+& 5+-zpPzp-+-% 4-+P+P+-+$ 3+-sN-+N+-# 2PzP-+LzPPzP" 1tR-vLQ+RmK-! xabcdefghy

[Black should attack on the king-side

using a pawn assault. Black needs to

play g6 and f5 to start the realization of

this plan.]

8...Ne8 9.a3 g6 10.Ne1 Bg5 11.Nd3

[(now white is going to play b4)]

11...Nb6 [(black is preventing the

white's plan also)]

12.b3 Qe7 13.Qc2 Ng7 14.b4 Bxc1

15.Rfxc1 cxb4 16.axb4 Nxc4 17.Nb5

a6 18.Qxc4 axb5 19.Qxb5 Rxa1

20.Rxa1 f5 21.Bf3 g5 22.exf5 Bxf5

23.Re1 Qc7 24.Be4 Qc3 25.Bxf5 Nxf5

26.Rc1 Qd2 27.Qc4 Nd4 28.Kh1 b5

29.Qc3 Qxc3 30.Rxc3 e4 31.Nc1

Rxf2 32.Kg1 Rb2 33.Re3 Rb1 34.Re1

Rxc1

0–1

195

(20) Khairullin I - Khismatullin D

(2614)

ch-RUS HL (5), 06.09.2009

XABCDEFGHY 8r+-+-trk+( 7+-zp-snpzp-' 6pzp-vllwq-zp& 5+-+p+-+-% 4-+-zP-+-+$ 3+-sN-zPN+-# 2PzP-+LzPPzP" 1tR-tRQ+-mK-! xabcdefghy

[though black can play c5, it is a risky

decision, because white will attack

those pawns (d5, c5, b6) then. At the

same time black has quite good control

over the central squares now, which

make it possible for him to transfer an

attack on a side.]

15...g5 16.g3 Qg7 17.Qf1 f5 18.Bxa6

f4 19.exf4 Rxa6 20.Qxa6 gxf4 21.Qd3

Bf5 22.Qd2 Be4 23.Ne1 fxg3 24.hxg3

Bf4 25.Qe2 Bxg3 26.fxg3 Qxd4+

27.Kh2 Rf2+ 28.Qxf2 Qxf2+ 29.Kh3

Qf1+

0–1

196


The practical part: Task-11. You know that an analysis of your own games is one of the main ways to get a chess progress. “The one who can’t see mistakes in his past is not progressing.” After a serious study of this course you will definitely improve your strategic skills. I hope that you already automate the right way of thinking regarding to the planning. Now it is time to test yourself. Your task: analyse your loosing games. Choose the games where you didn’t know what to do, where you were unable to find the right plan. Apply your new method of thinking (which you studied from this course) to those games and find your mistakes there. Besides a serious chess reason, this task has a great psychological effect. You will expose your chess progress to yourself and will motivate yourself for the future development!

197


The practical part: Task-12.

In the previous task you have been searching for the mistakes in your games. In this task you will find mistakes in the games of top Grandmasters!

Do you think that there are no mistakes in those games? Well, if someone lost

a game, it definitely means that he did mistakes. The Grandmaster is still a human and he/she makes mistakes regularly.

Perhaps those players are stronger than you, but you have this course as “an assistant”. That’s why I am sure that you will be able to perform this task. Your task: analyse the presented games in “TASK-12 GAMES SECTION”. Pay attention to the following aspects:

- As usual you need to detect “when it is necessary to compose a plan?”

and “what are those plans?”.

- Find strategic mistakis (the wrong plan, the wrong realization of a plan

etc).

This task will help you to train your planning skills, to digest the course’s ideas better and to strengthen your self-confidence! If you find mistakes in the Grandmasters’ games, it means that you will be a Grandmaster soon!

After a performing of this task you will finish the course “Your Winning Plan”. Please, don’t forget to repeat it sometimes.

When you put the received knowledge into practical games, you will get a strong progress. As I’ve already said the strategic skills are the main advantage of strong players. And now you are a part of that group!

Thanks for your attention! It is my great pleasure to help you and to observe

your practical success! I will be glad to receive your feedback. Please, don’t hesitate to contact me: http://chess-teacher.com/contacts

GM Igor Smirnov.

http://chess-teacher.com/contacts

198


(1) Rustemov A (2573) - Gurevich M

(2643) [D31]

Polanica Zdroj 76/375, 1999

[Gurevich,M]

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 e6

5.Qc2 Nbd7 6.Bd2 c5 [N]

[6...Bd6 Ue 73/454]

7.Nf3 a6 8.cxd5 exd5 9.g3 [!]

9...Bd6 10.Bg2 0–0 11.0–0 Re8

12.Rfd1² cxd4 [12...c4 13.e4 %04!?

(13.a4 !?) 13...Nxe4 14.Nxe4 dxe4

15.Ng5ƒ]

13.Nxd4 Nb6 14.Nce2 [14.Rac1 Bg4]

14...Nc4 15.b3 [?!]

[15.Bc3 Ne4 16.b3 Na3 17.Qb2²]

15...Nxd2 16.Qxd2 Bg4 17.Nf3 [17.h3

!? 17...Bh5 (17...Bxe2 18.Nxe2 Be5

19.Rac1²) 18.Nf5 (18.Rac1 Ba3)

18...Be5 19.Rac1²]

17...Ne4 [!?]

18.Qb2 [18.Qxd5 !? 18...Qf6 (18...Qe7

19.Qd3 Rad8 20.Ned4²) 19.Qd4

Qh6÷]

18...Bxf3 19.Bxf3 Be5 20.Nd4 Qf6

21.Bg2 Rac8 22.Rd3 [?!]

[22.Rac1 =]

22...h5 [!]

23.Rf1 h4³ 24.Qb1 Nc3 [!]

25.Qe1 [25.Qb2 Bxd4 26.Rxd4

(26.exd4 a) 26...Re2 27.Rd2 (27.Qc1

*) 27...Rxf2 ! 28.Rxf2 (28.Rxc3 Rxf1+

29.Bxf1 Qxd4+–+) 28...Ne2+–+)

27...Nd1 !!) 26...Ne2+ 27.Qxe2 Ue

21.#CAd1]

25...Bxd4 26.Rxd4 Ne2+ [!]

27.Qxe2 Qxd4µ 28.Rd1 Qf6 29.Bxd5

Rc7 30.e4 g6 31.Kg2 Kg7 32.Rd3

Rh8 33.g4 Qe5 ['time']

[33...h3+ ! 34.Rxh3 Rxh3 35.Kxh3 Rc2

!! 36.Qxc2 Qf3+ 37.Kh4 g5+ 38.Kxg5

(38.Kh5 Qh3+ 39.Kxg5 Qh6+ 40.Kf5

Qf6# ) 38...Qf6+ 39.Kh5 Qh6# ]

34.h3 b5 35.Rf3 Re8 [35...Rd8 'better

is']

36.Qd2 Ree7 [36...f6µ]

37.g5 [!]

37...Re8 [?]

[37...b4 38.Rf6 Rc2µ]

38.Rf6 Rh8 39.Rxa6 [39.f4 Qa1 40.f5

(40.e5 Rd8³) 40...Qe5³]

39...Rh5 [?]

[39...Rd8÷]

40.f4 Qa1 41.a4!]

41...Rc3 [!]

42.Qd4+ Kh7 43.Qf2 Rg3+ 44.Kh2

Qc3 45.Rf6 Rxh3+ 46.Kg2 Rg3+

47.Kh2 Rh3+ 48.Kg2 Rg3+ =]

½–½

199

(2) Alekseev E (2510) - Rustemov A

(2625) [C02]

Russia 82/245, 2001

[Rustemov,A]

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Qb6

5.Nf3 Bd7 6.a3 Bb5 7.b4 cxd4

8.Bxb5+ Qxb5 9.cxd4 Nd7 [! ]

10.Nc3 Qc6 11.Bb2 [11.Bd2 'better is'

!?]

11...Nb6 12.Nd2 [?!]

[12.0–0 Ne7 (12...Nc4 13.Qb3 Ne7

14.Rfc1 Qd7 15.Nb1 Nc8 16.Nbd2

N8b6 17.b5 (17.a4 ? 17...Nxb2

18.Qxb2 Nxa4) 17...Be7 18.a4 Nxd2

19.Nxd2 Bg5 20.Qg3) 13.Rc1 Qd7³]

12...Ne7 13.0–0 [N]

[13.Rc1 Qd7 (13...Nc4) 14.Nb3 Nf5

15.Na5 Be7 16.0–0 0–0]

13...Nf5 14.Rc1 Qd7³ 15.Ne2 Be7

16.g4 [16.Ng3 !? 16...0–0 17.Nxf5

exf5³]

16...Nh4 17.Ng3 [17.f4 h5 18.h3 hxg4

19.hxg4 g5 !]

17...0–0 18.f4 f5 19.exf6 [?]

[19.g5 'better is' 19...Rfc8µ]

19...Rxf6µ []

20.Qe2 [20.Nh5 Rf7]

20...Raf8 21.Rce1 [21.Nh5 R6f7

22.Rce1 g6 23.Ng3 Rxf4 24.Qxe6+

Qxe6 25.Rxe6 Bg5µ]

21...Rxf4 22.Rxf4 Rxf4 23.Nh5

[23.Qxe6+ Qxe6 24.Rxe6 Kf7 25.Re2

Rxg4–+]

23...Rf7 24.Qxe6 Bg5 [!]

25.Qe8+ Rf8 26.Qxd7 Nxd7 27.Bc1

Bxd2 28.Re7 Rf7 29.Re8+ Nf8

30.Bxd2 Nf3+

0–1

(3) Krasenkow M (2573) - Rustemov

A (2607) [D15]

Panormo 82/337, 2001

[Rustemov,A]

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 a6

5.c5 Nbd7 6.Bf4 Nh5 7.e3 g6 8.Bd3

Bg7 9.0–0 0–0 10.h3 Nxf4 11.exf4 Qc7

[!N]

[11...b6 Ue 81/306]

12.Ne2 [?!]

[12.Re1 Qxf4 13.Rxe7 Bxd4 ! 14.Ne2

Qf6 15.Rxd7 Bxc5 !! 16.Rc7 Qd6

17.Rxc8 Raxc8³; 12.Qd2 Bh6 13.g3 e5

!; 12.f5 !?]

12...b6 13.cxb6 [13.b4 a5 14.cxb6

(14.a3 ? 14...axb4 15.axb4 Rxa1

16.Qxa1 bxc5 17.bxc5 Nxc5)

14...Qxb6µ]

13...Qxb6 14.Rc1 c5 15.b3 Bb7

[15...cxd4 ?! 16.Qc2 Bb7 17.Qc7 ]

16.Bb1 [16.Ne5 !? 16...Bxe5

(16...Nxe5 17.dxc5 Nf3+ 18.gxf3 Qf6÷)

17.dxe5÷ (17.dxc5 Nxc5 18.fxe5 f6

19.exf6 e5 %04!) ]

16...Rac8 [16...Rfc8 !? ]

200

17.Qd2 e6 18.Qe3 Qd6 [18...Rfd8

19.Ne5]

19.h4 [!]

[19.dxc5 Nxc5 20.Ned4 Ne4³]

19...Rc7 20.h5 Rfc8 21.hxg6 hxg6

22.dxc5 Rxc5 [22...Nxc5 !? ]

23.Rxc5 Qxc5 24.Nfd4 [24.Rc1 'better

is' 24...Qxe3 25.Rxc8+ Bxc8 26.fxe3

a5³]

24...e5 25.Qh3 [?!]

[25.fxe5 Nxe5 26.Rc1 Qa3 27.Rxc8+

Bxc8³]

25...Qe7 26.fxe5 Nxe5µ 27.Rd1 Re8

28.Rc1 Qd8 [!!]

29.Rd1 Bc8 30.Qg3 Ng4 31.Qf3 Qh4

32.Qg3 Qe7 [32...Qxg3 33.fxg3µ;

32...Qh8 !! 33.f3 (33.Qh3 ? 33...Bxd4

34.Nxd4 Qxd4–+) 33...Be5 34.f4 Bc7–+]

33.Bd3 Be5 [?]

[33...Qa3–+]

34.f4 [?]

[34.Nc6 !=]

34...Bxd4+ 35.Nxd4 Qc5–+ 36.Bb1

[36.Bf1 Ne3 37.Qe1 Bd7]

36...Ne3 [36...Re3 !? 37.Qh4 Rd3 !!

38.Qd8+ (38.Bxd3 Qxd4+ 39.Kh1 Nf2+

40.Kh2 Nxd1 41.Bxg6 fxg6 42.Qd8+

Kf7 43.Qc7+ Kf6 44.Qd8+ Kf5

45.Qxc8+ Kxf4) 38...Kg7 39.Bxd3

Qxd4+ 40.Kh1 Qxf4 41.Qh4 (41.Kg1

Qh2+ 42.Kf1 Qh1+ 43.Ke2 Qxg2+

44.Ke1 Qf2# ) 41...Nf2+]

37.Qe1 Bd7 38.Rd2 [38.b4 Qb6

39.Rd2 (39.Rd3 Bf5) 39...Nc4]

38...Nf5 39.Qd1 Nxd4 40.Rxd4 Bg4

41.b4 [41.Qd2 Re2]

41...Qc3 42.Qd3 Qe1+ 43.Qf1 Qe3+

0–1

(4) Grischuk A (2667) - Bologan V

(2676) [C99]

Enghien-les-Bains 81/291, 2001

[Bologan,V]

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4

Nf6 5.0–0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3

0–0 9.h3 Na5 10.Bc2 c5 11.d4 Qc7

12.Nbd2 cxd4 13.cxd4 Rd8 14.Nf1

exd4 15.Nxd4 d5 16.e5 Ne4 17.Bf4

[!?]

[17.f3 Bc5 18.Be3 (18.fxe4 Ue

68/(323)) 18...Nc4 19.fxe4 (19.b4 Nxe3

20.Nxe3 Bb6 21.Qd3 Ng5 22.h4 Qxe5

23.Nc6 Nxf3+ ! 24.Kf2 Qh5µ) 19...dxe4

20.Bxe4 Nxe3 21.Nxe3 Rxd4 22.Qc2

Rc4 23.Qd3 Bb7 !; 17.Ne3 !?]

17...Bc5 18.Ne3 Qb6 19.Nb3 Nxb3

20.Bxb3 Be6 [20...Bb7 !?]

21.Qd3 [N]

[21.Bc2]

21...a5 [!]

[21...Be7 22.Rad1 Nc5 23.Qd4 Na4

24.Nxd5 Qxd4 25.Rxd4 Bc5 26.Rd2

Nxb2 27.Nc7 Rxd2 28.Bxd2 Bxb3

29.Nxa8 Bxa2 30.Ra1 Bc4 31.Nb6 !]

201

22.f3 [22.Rad1 a4 23.Bc2 Rac8³ 24.f3

'with the idea' ? 24...g5 25.Bh2 Bxe3+

26.Rxe3 Rxc2–+; 22.Rac1 Rac8

(22...a4 %04?! 23.Bc2 a3 24.b3 Bb4

25.f3 Bxe1 26.Rxe1 Bf5 27.Kh2 Bg6

28.fxe4 Bxe4 29.Qd2±) 23.Bc2 Bb4

24.Re2 g6 25.a3 Be7 26.f3 Nc5

27.Qd4 Na4³]

22...a4 [22...g5 23.Bh2 a4 24.Bc2 Bf5

Ue 22...a4]

23.Bc2 g5 24.Bh2 Bf5 [!]

25.Qe2 [?]

[25.fxe4 Bxe4 26.Qd2 Bxc2 (26...a3 !?

27.b4 Bxe3+ 28.Rxe3 Bxc2 29.Kh1

Qg6) 27.Kh1 Be4 (27...Bxe3 28.Rxe3

Bg6 29.Rf3 g4 30.hxg4 d4 31.Bg1)

28.Ng4 Be7 29.Rf1 Qg6 30.Nf6+ Kf8 !

(30...Kg7 31.Qd4 Ra6 32.e6 Bxf6

33.Rxf6 Qxf6 34.Be5 Rxe6 35.Bxf6+

Rxf6 36.Rf1 Rdd6 37.Kg1 =) 31.Rac1

Ra6³]

25...d4 [?]

[25...Bxe3+ 26.Qxe3 d4 27.Qd3 Ng3

28.Qd2 (28.Re4 Nxe4 29.fxe4 Bxe4–+)

28...d3+ 29.Qf2 Qxf2+ 30.Kxf2 d2 !]

26.Bxe4 [?]

[26.fxe4 Bg6 (26...dxe3 27.exf5 Rd2

28.Qg4) 27.Rad1 dxe3 28.Rd5³]

26...dxe3 27.Kh1 [27.Bxf5 Rd2–+]

27...Rd2 [27...Bxe4 28.fxe4 Rd2

29.Qg4 h6 30.h4 Qg6µ]

28.Bxa8 [28.Bxf5 !? 28...Rxe2

29.Rxe2 Rd8 30.Rc2 Rd2 31.Rac1

Bb4 32.Bg1µ]

28...Rxe2 29.Rxe2 Bd3 30.Ree1 Bb4

31.Rec1 [31.Red1 e2 (31...Bd2 32.Bg1

Qg6 !? 33.Rxd2 ! 33...exd2 34.Rd1

Bc4 35.Rxd2÷) 32.Rxd3 Qf2 ! 33.Bg1

e1Q 34.Rxe1 Qxe1 35.Rd5 Bd2

36.Rd3 Ba5–+]

31...e2 32.Bg3 Bd2 33.Rg1 b4 ['time']

34.a3 b3 35.Be1 Be3–+ [35...Bxe1

36.Rgxe1 Qd4–+]

36.Bc3 Bxg1 37.Rxg1 Qf2 38.Re1 h5

39.Bd5 Qc5 40.Bb7 Qb5 41.Ba8 Qc5

42.Bb7 Kh7 43.Ba8 Kg6 44.Bb7 Qb5

45.Ba8 Qc4 46.Kh2 Kh7 47.Kh1 Kg8

48.Kh2 Kf8 49.Kh1 Ke7 50.Kh2 Ke6

51.g3 Qa6

0–1

(5) Bauer Ch (2612) - Bologan V

(2676) [D55]

Enghien-les-Bains 81/373, 2001

[Bologan,V]

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Be7

5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Bxf6 7.e3 0–0 8.Rc1

Nc6 9.a3 [9.Be2 Ue 4/639]

9...dxc4 [?!N]

[9...a6 10.Bd3 dxc4 11.Bxc4 e5]

10.Bxc4 e5 11.d5 Ne7 12.Ne4 Ng6

[12...Nf5 ? 13.Ba2]

13.Ba2 [13.d6 ! 13...cxd6 14.Qxd6

Qxd6 15.Nxd6 Bg4 (15...Be7 %04?

16.Bxf7+ ! 16...Rxf7 17.Nxc8+–)

16.Nd2 b6 17.h3 Bd7 18.N2e4 Be7

19.0–0²]

13...Be7 14.0–0 [?!]

202

[14.Qc2 !? 14...Bd6 (14...Bf5 15.Nf6+

Bxf6 16.Qxf5 e4 17.Nd2 Bxb2 18.Rb1

Bc3 19.Qxe4÷) 15.Nxd6 cxd6 16.Qc7

Bg4 !]

14...Kh8 [!]

15.Qb3 f5 16.Nc5 Bd6 17.Bb1

[17.Nxb7 Bxb7 18.Qxb7 Rb8 19.Qxa7

Rxb2 20.Ra1 e4 21.Nd4 Qh4 22.h3

Ne5 23.Ne6 Nf3+ 24.gxf3 (24.Kh1

Rxf2–+) 24...Rf6–+]

17...Qf6 18.Rfe1 [18.e4 Nf4 19.Rfe1

b6 20.Nd3 Nxg2 ! 21.Kxg2 fxe4

22.Ndxe5 exf3+ 23.Nxf3 Bg4–+]

18...b6 19.Ne6 Bxe6 20.dxe6 e4

21.Nd4 Rae8³ 22.Nb5 [22.g3 Ne5;

22.Red1 !? 22...f4 ! 23.Bxe4 fxe3 24.f3

(24.Qxe3 Bf4 25.Qe2 Bxc1 26.Rxc1

Qxd4 27.Bxg6 Rxe6–+) 24...Qh4 25.g3

Bxg3–+]

22...Nh4 [!]

23.Red1 [!]

[23.Kh1 Qg6 24.Rg1 (24.g3 Nf3

25.Red1 Qh5 26.h4 Qg4 27.Kg2 Bxg3–

+) 24...Bxh2 !; 23.Nxc7 Qg5 24.g3

Nf3+–+]

23...Qg5 24.g3 Nf3+ 25.Kg2 [?]

[25.Kf1 ! 25...Nxh2+ 26.Kg2 Nf3

27.Nxd6 cxd6 28.Rxd6 Qg4 29.Rh1

Ng5 30.Qd1 Qf3+ 31.Qxf3 exf3+

32.Kh2 Rxe6 33.Rxe6 Nxe6 34.Rd1

Ng5³]

25...Qh5 26.h4 [26.Rh1 Ng5 27.h3

Qf3+ 28.Kg1 Bxg3 29.Qc2 Be5–+]

26...Bxg3 [!]

27.fxg3 Nxh4+ [!]

28.gxh4 Qf3+ 29.Kh2 [29.Kg1 Qg3+

30.Kh1 Qxh4+ 31.Kg2 Rf6 32.Rg1

Rg6+ 33.Kf1 Qh3+]

29...Qf2+ 30.Kh1 [30.Kh3 g5 ! (30...f4

31.Rg1 fxe3 32.Bxe4 Rf4 33.Rg3

Rxe4) 31.Qc3+ Kg8 32.hxg5 hxg5

33.Rg1 g4+ 34.Rxg4+ fxg4+ 35.Kxg4

Qg2+ 36.Kh4 Rf3]

30...Qxh4+ 31.Kg1 Qg3+ 32.Kf1

[32.Kh1 Qh3+ 33.Kg1 Rf6]

32...f4 [!]

33.Bxe4 fxe3+ 34.Ke2 Rf2+ 35.Kd3

e2+ 36.Kc4 exd1Q 37.Qxd1 Qe5 [!]

38.Nc3 [38.Qd5 Rxe6]

38...Rxb2 39.Qd7 b5+ 40.Kd3 Qg3+

0–1

(6) Tukmakov V (2575) - Lanka Z

(2390) [E73]

USSR 42/775, 1986

[Tukmakov,V]

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6

5.Be2 0–0 6.Bg5 h6 7.Be3 e5 8.d5 c6

9.Qd2 h5 10.h3 Na6 [10...b5 !?;

10...a6 Ue 42/(775)]

11.Nf3 cxd5 12.cxd5 Nc5 [N]

[12...Nh7 Ue 40/(744)]

13.Qc2 a5 [13...Qc7 !? 14.Rc1 Bd7

15.b4 %04? 15...Na4]

203

14.0–0 Ne8 [14...Bd7 15.Bxc5 dxc5

16.Nxe5 Nxd5 (16...Nxe4 17.Qxe4

Re8 18.f4±) 17.Nxd7 Nxc3 18.Nxf8+–]

15.Nd2 Bd7 16.Bb5 Rc8 [16...Bxb5

17.Nxb5 Rc8 (17...Qd7 ? 18.Nxd6 !)

18.Nc4±]

17.Bxd7 [17.Nc4 f5 18.f3 Kh7 !?]

17...Nxd7 [17...Qxd7?! 18.Nc4]

18.Qb3 [18.Qa4!?]

18...f5 19.Na4 [!?]

[19.f3 Nc5 20.Qb5 (20.Bxc5?

20...Rxc5 21.Qxb7 Bh6) 20...f4 21.Bf2

g5 22.Nc4 g4 23.Kh1÷]

19...f4 [19...b5? 20.Qxb5 Rb8 (20...f4

21.Bb6±) 21.Qc6 f4 22.Ba7 Rc8

23.Bb6 !]

20.Bb6 Nxb6 21.Nxb6 [21.Qxb6

Qe7!? (21...Qd7!? 22.Qxa5 f3 23.Nb6

Qd8 24.Nxf3 Rxf3 25.gxf3 Bh6!) 22.f3

g5 23.Qxa5 g4]

21...Rc7 22.Nbc4 [?!]

[22.Rac1 g5÷; 22.f3!]

22...g5 [?!]

[22...f3! 23.Nxf3 Rxf3 24.gxf3 Qg5+

25.Kh1 Qh4 26.Kg2 Qg5+ =]

23.f3 Bh6 [23...g4 24.hxg4 hxg4

25.fxg4 Nf6 26.g5 Ng4 27.Qh3 Qxg5

(27...b5 28.Qxg4±) 28.Nxd6±]

24.Qb6 [!]

24...Qf6 25.Nxa5 g4 26.fxg4 hxg4

27.hxg4 Rg7 28.Rae1 Kh8 [!?]

29.Nac4 [29.Nxb7!?]

29...Qh4 [29...Rxg4 30.Ne3]

30.Nf3 Qxg4 31.Rf2

31...Qh5 32.Qd8 [!]

[32.Nxd6 ? 32...Rg6]

32...Rh7

33.Kf1 Bg7 34.Nxd6 Nf6 35.Qe7 Ng4

36.Nf5 [36.Qg5 ? 36...Nh2+ ! 37.Ke2

Nxf3 38.Qxh5 Nd4+–+]

36...Qg6 ['time']

[36...Nxf2±]

37.d6 [!'time']

[37.Nxg7 ? 37...Rh1+ 38.Ng1 (38.Ke2

Qxe4+–+) 38...Qa6+! 39.Rfe2

(39.Ree2 Ne3+ 40.Ke1 Rxg1+–+)

39...Nh2+ 40.Kf2 Qb6+–+]

37...Rg8 38.Rd2 [38.d7 Rh1+;

38.Nxg7 Rh1+ 39.Ng1 Nh2+µ

(39...Nxf2µ) ]

38...Bf6 39.Qe6 Nh2+ 40.Nxh2 Rxh2

41.Red1 [! ]

41...Re8 [?]

[41...Rxg2? 42.Qxg8+! (42.Qxf6+!?) ;

41...f3 42.g3 Rh1+ 43.Kf2 Rh2+

44.Kg1 (44.Kxf3 Qg4+ 45.Ke3 Bg5+

46.Kd3 Qf3+ 47.Kc4 Qxe4+ 48.Kb3

Rxd2 49.Rxd2 Bxd2 50.Qf6+ Kh7

51.Qf7+ =) 44...Rh3 45.d7 ! 45...Rxg3+

46.Nxg3 Qxg3+ 47.Kh1+–; 41...Rh1+

42.Ke2 Qxg2+ 43.Kd3 Rh3+ (43...Qf3+

44.Kc2 Qxe4+ 45.Kc1 Rxd1+ 46.Rxd1

204

Bg5 47.Qxe5+!! 47...Qxe5 48.Rh1++–)

44.Kc2 Qxe4+ 45.Kc1 Bg5 46.Ne7+–]

42.Qb3 []

42...Bd8 43.Rf2 Bh4 44.d7 [!]

44...Rd8 45.Rd6 Bf6 46.Ke2 Qh5+

[46...Qg4+ 47.Qf3]

47.Kd2 Qg5 48.Kc2 Bg7 49.Rfd2 Bf8

50.R6d3 Rh7 51.Qe6 Bg7

1–0

(7) Gelfand B (2737) - Leko P (2753)

[E08]

Wijk aan Zee 102/371, 2008

[Gelfand,B]

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 Bb4+

5.Bd2 Be7 6.Nf3 0–0 7.0–0 c6 8.Bf4

Nbd7 9.Qc2 b6 10.Nc3 [10.Rd1 ?!

98/372]

10...Nh5 [!?N]

[10...dxc4; 10...Bb7; 10...Ba6]

11.Bc1 Nhf6 12.Bf4 [12.b3 'better is'

12...Ba6 13.Rd1 Rc8 14.Bf4]

12...Nh5 13.Ne5 [?!]

[13.Rfd1 Nxf4 14.gxf4 Bb7 =]

13...Nxe5 14.dxe5 Nxf4 15.gxf4 f5

[15...b5 !? 16.cxb5 cxb5 17.Nxb5 Qb6

18.Nc3 Ba6; 15...Ba6 16.cxd5 cxd5

17.Qa4ƒ]

16.Rfd1 [16.exf6 Bxf6 17.Rfd1 Ba6³]

16...Ba6 17.cxd5 [17.b3 !?]

17...cxd5 [=]

18.Qa4 [18.Nxd5 exd5 19.Bxd5+ Kh8

20.Bb7 ! 20...Bxb7 21.Rxd8 Bxd8

22.Rd1 b5 23.Qb3 Bb6³]

18...Bb7 19.e3 a6 [19...Qe8 20.Qxe8

Rfxe8 21.Nb5 Rec8 22.Rac1 =]

20.Rdc1 [20.Rac1 !? 20...Qe8 21.Qb3

b5 22.Ne2]

20...b5 21.Qd1 Qb6 22.a4 Rfc8

[22...Bc6 23.a5 Qb7 24.Ne2 Bd7

25.Nd4 g6 =; 22...g6 !?]

23.axb5 axb5 24.Rxa8 Rxa8 25.Ne2

Rc8 [25...Bc5 26.Nd4 Bxd4 27.Qxd4

Qxd4 28.exd4 Rc8 =]

26.Nd4 Rxc1 27.Qxc1 Kf7 28.Bf1 b4

29.Qd1 g6 30.Qa4 Bc8 31.Bb5 Qc7

[31...Bc5 = 32.Bd7 (32.Nb3 Bxe3)

32...Bxd4 33.Bxc8 Bc5]

32.Be8+ Kf8 [?]

[32...Kg7 33.Bc6 Bc5 34.Qa8 Bxd4

35.exd4 Bd7 =]

33.Bc6 Bc5 34.Nb3 Be7 35.Qa8 Kg7

36.Nd4 Bd7 [36...Bc5 37.Nb5 Qe7

38.h3 ! (38.Qxc8 Qh4 39.Kf1 Qg4)

38...Bd7 39.Qb7 Bxc6 40.Qxc6±]

37.Bxd7 Qxd7 [(Q 8/f)]

38.Qa6 [38.Qb8 ! 38...Bc5 39.Qc7 !

39...Qxc7 40.Nxe6+ Kf7 41.Nxc7 d4

42.Kf1 (42.Na6 Bb6 43.exd4 Bxd4

44.b3 Bc3±) 42...b3 43.Ke2 Ba3

44.exd4 Bxb2 45.Kd3 Bc1 46.Kc3 b2

47.Kc2+–]

38...Kf7 39.Kf1 [39.Qb6 h6 40.Nb5 g5

41.fxg5 hxg5]

205

39...Bc5 40.Nb3 [40.Nb5 h6; 40.Nc6

'better is']

40...Qc7 41.Nxc5 [41.Ke2 h6]

41...Qxc5 [(Q 4/k)]

42.Qb7+ Qe7 43.Qb8 Qf8 44.Qb6 h6

[!]

45.Ke2 Qe7 46.Kd3 [46.h4 Qxh4

47.Qxb4 Qh5+ 48.Kd2 Qh4]

46...g5 47.fxg5 hxg5 48.h3 [48.Kc2 f4

(48...g4 49.Kb3 Qh4 50.Qc7+ Kg6

51.Qd6 Qxf2 52.Qxe6+ Kg5 53.Qf6+

Kh5 54.e6 Qxe3+ 55.Ka4+–) 49.Kb3

fxe3 50.fxe3 Kg6 51.Qxb4 Qa7²]

48...f4 [48...Kg6 49.Qd6]

49.Qd4

½–½

(8) Ivanchuk V (2787) - Leko P

(2755) [B31]

Mukachevo (m/6–rapid) 101/93, 2007

[Ivanchuk,V]

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.Bxc6

dxc6 5.d3 Bg7 6.Nbd2 [6.h3]

6...Nf6 7.a4 Nd7 8.h3 0–0 [8...Nf8 !?]

9.a5 e5 [9...Re8 10.0–0 Nf8 11.Nc4

Ne6]

10.Nc4 Qe7 11.0–0 Rd8 12.Bd2 [N]

[12.Qe2]

12...Nf8 13.Rb1 [13.Qb1 f6 14.b4 cxb4

(14...Ne6 15.bxc5 Nxc5 16.Qb4²)

15.Bxb4 c5 (15...Qc7 16.Bd2 Ne6

17.Qb3 Kh8 18.Rab1²) 16.Ba3 Ne6

17.Qb3²]

13...f6 14.b4 Be6 15.Ne3 b6 [?!]

[15...cxb4 ! 16.Bxb4 Qc7 17.Qd2 Bf7

=]

16.axb6 [16.bxc5 !? 16...bxc5 (16...b5

!?) 17.Rb2 Rdb8 18.Qa1 Qc7

19.Rfb1²]

16...axb6 17.bxc5 bxc5 [?!]

[17...b5 !? 18.Bb4 Bf7 19.Qd2 (19.c3

Ne6 20.Qc2 Nf4 21.Rbd1 'with the

idea' 21...Ra2) 19...Ne6 20.Ra1 h5]

18.Rb6 Qd7 19.Qb1 Bf7 20.Rb7 Qc8

21.Ng4 [21.Qb2 Rd7 22.Rb1²]

21...Ne6 22.Bh6 [22.Qb6² 'better is']

22...Rd7 23.Rb6 Rda7 24.Qb2 [?!]

[24.Qc1 !]

24...Ra2 [24...f5 ! 25.exf5 gxf5 26.Bxg7

fxg4 27.Nxe5 (27.hxg4 Kxg7 28.Nxe5

Nd4) 27...Ra2 (27...Kxg7 28.Nxc6+

Nd4 29.Nxa7 Rxa7÷) 28.Qc3 Kxg7 !

(28...Nxg7 29.Nxg4©) 29.Rxc6

(29.Nxc6+ Nd4 30.Qxc5 Ne2+ 31.Kh1

R8a5 32.Qe3 gxh3 33.Ne5 !) 29...Nd4

30.Rxc8 Ne2+ 31.Kh1 Nxc3 32.Rxc5

R8a5 33.Rxa5 Rxa5 34.Nxg4 =]

25.Qc3 R2a3 26.Qd2 Bh8 27.Rfb1

R3a6 [27...Nd4 28.Nxd4 cxd4 29.Qb4

c5 30.Qb5² (30.Qxa3 Rxa3 31.Rb8

Ra8 32.Rxc8+ Rxc8²) ]

28.Be3 Bg7 29.Nh6+ Bxh6 30.Bxh6

Rxb6 31.Rxb6 Qc7 32.Rb1 Qe7

33.Qc3 [33.h4 !?]

206

33...g5 34.Rb6 Nd8 35.h4 g4 36.Nh2

Be6 ['time']

37.Be3 c4 38.dxc4 Kf7 39.Nf1± Ra3

40.Rb3 Ra4 41.Nd2 Nb7 42.Rb6 Qd7

43.c5 Kg6 44.Kh2 Nd8 45.Qd3 [?!]

[45.Qb2 ! 45...h5 46.Rb8 Ra6 47.Nf1

Bc4 48.Ng3±; 45.Rb4 Rxb4 46.Qxb4²]

45...Qxd3 46.cxd3 Ra3 47.d4 g3+ [!]

48.Kg1 exd4 [48...Ra1+ 49.Rb1

Rxb1+ 50.Nxb1 gxf2+ 51.Kxf2 exd4

52.Bxd4 f5 53.Nd2 fxe4 54.Nxe4±]

49.Bxd4 Rd3 50.Be3 Bd7 51.Rb8

gxf2+ ['time']

[51...Ne6 52.Rg8+ Ng7 53.h5+ Kf7

54.Rh8 Nxh5 55.Rxh7+ Ng7 56.Kf1±]

52.Kxf2‡ Ne6 [52...Nf7 53.Rg8+ Kh5

54.Rg7+–; 52...Bg4 53.Nf3 Rd7

54.Nd4+–]

53.Nc4 Rc3 54.Nb6 Rc2+ 55.Kf3

1–0

(9) Leko P (2751) - Morozevich A

(2762) [B67]

Mexico City 101/150, 2007

[Leko,P]

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4

Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bg5 e6 7.Qd2 a6

8.0–0–0 Bd7 9.f3 Be7 10.Be3 h5

11.Kb1 Qc7 12.Nxc6 [!N]

[12.h3; 12.Bd3]

12...bxc6 [?!]

[12...Bxc6 13.Bg5²]

13.Bf4 [!]

[13.Bg5 d5 14.e5 Ng8÷]

13...e5 14.Bg5 Be6 15.Bxf6 [!]

[15.f4 exf4 16.Bxf4 0–0÷]

15...gxf6 16.f4ƒ a5 [16...exf4 17.Ne2 !]

17.f5 Bd7 [17...Bc8 !?]

18.a4 [!]

18...Rb8 19.Bc4 Rb4 20.Bb3 Qb6

21.Rhe1 [21.Rhf1 !? 21...Bc8 22.Rf3]

21...Rd4 [21...Bc8 22.Re3 Rd4²;

21...Rxb3 22.cxb3 Qxb3 23.Re3±]

22.Qe2 Rxd1+ [?]

[22...Bc8 !]

23.Rxd1 Qc5 [23...Bc8 24.Qc4 !

24...Rh7 25.Nd5 !]

24.Rd3 [!]

24...h4 [24...d5 25.exd5 Bxf5 26.Rd2]

25.Rh3 Bd8 [25...d5 26.Ka2]

26.Ka2 Kf8 27.Qe1 [27.Qg4 Rg8

28.Qxh4 Rxg2 29.Qh8+ Rg8 30.Qh6+

Ke7 31.Qh7 Rf8 32.Qg7]

27...Be8 28.Rxh4 Rxh4 29.Qxh4 Qg1

30.Qh8+ [!]

30...Ke7 31.h4 [!]

31...d5 32.exd5 [32.h5 d4 33.h6 dxc3

34.bxc3 (34.h7 ? 34...cxb2 35.Kxb2

207

Bb6) 34...c5 35.h7 c4 36.Bxc4 Qxg2

37.Bb3]

32...Qxg2 33.h5

1–0

(10) Anand V - Leko P (2740) [C83]

Amber Blindfold (6), 24.03.2006

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6

5.0–0 Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5

Be6 9.Nbd2 Be7 10.c3 0–0 11.Qe2

Nc5 12.Nd4 Nxb3 13.N2xb3 Qd7

14.Nxc6 Qxc6 15.Be3 Qc4 16.Qd2

Qg4 17.Bc5 Rae8 18.Rfe1 Qg6 19.f3

c6 20.Re2 Bc8 21.Rae1 h6 22.Qd4 Bf5

23.Qb4 Qg5 24.Qd4 h5 25.g3 Bxc5

26.Qxc5 h4 27.g4 Bd7 28.Qe3 Qe7

29.Kg2 Be6 30.Qd4 Bc8 31.Re3 Qc7

32.Nc5 Re7 33.b4 Rfe8 34.Nd3 a5

35.a3 Qa7 36.Nc5 Qc7 37.Kh3 axb4

38.axb4 Qd8 39.f4 Ra7 40.f5 Ra2

41.Qf4 d4 42.cxd4 Qd5 43.Kxh4 Qg2

44.h3 Kh7 45.Qf3 Rh8 46.Qxg2 Rxg2

47.Kg5 Rd8 48.Rd3 Rb2 49.Rb3 Rd2

50.Re4 R8xd4 51.Rxd4 Rxd4 52.e6

fxe6 53.fxe6 Rd5+ 54.Kf4 g5+ 55.Ke4

Kg6 56.Rf3 Rd1 57.e7 Re1+ 58.Re3

Rxe3+ 59.Kxe3 Kf7 60.Kd4 Ke8

61.Ne4 Be6 62.Nxg5 Bd5 63.h4 Kxe7

64.h5 Kf6 65.Ne4+ Kg7 66.g5 Bc4

67.Ng3

1–0

Documents

Igor Smirnov-Your Winning Plan (2013)