The Chess Dog Journal

Chess Tactics 101, Lesson # 3: Dancing the Two Step

I just opened the latest edition of Chess Life, and always the first things I looked at were the problems that accompany GM Soltis’ Chess to Enjoy article.  I found the last problem particularly interesting because of its instructive value.  First, have a look at the problem.

What I really like about this problem is that the thought process to arrive at the solution is very useful.  When I first looked at this position, several key tactical features of the position jumped out: the nearly trapped white queen, the Bf5 attack that is parried by e4, the possible exchange on h3, the possibility of a discovered attack with Nf3+ if a white piece is place on the a1-h8 diagonal.  However, the solution lies in the theme of deflection.

Nf3 isn’t possible immediately because f3 is seemingly well protected.  But by connecting some of the tactical features of the position, Gligoric draws the defenders of f3 away one at a time in a two step dance.

The powerful lesson of this problem is to remember that tactical plans often have multiple steps.  When you look at an interesting square (f3 in this case) consider if there are ways to provoke weakness in the square, and don’t stop looking if it can’t be done in a single step.  If the first step has improved the situation, maybe another step will finish the job.

Reviewing Foxwoods – Round 2

Here is my round two game from Foxwoods.  I was feeling upbeat heading into this game.  It was a classical system Caro Kann with 4…Bf5.  I often play this as Black, so I felt very comfortable in the opening.  Black makes an error on move 22 which cedes the advantage to white.

Though there were some subtleties in the position, I was able to negotiate the win quite smoothly.  The game is a fairly strategic one with some neat tactical undertones.

Reviewing Foxwoods – Round 1

I am getting around to analyzing my games from Foxwoods.  Here is my round 1 game.  It was not the crispest game.  I think both my opponent and I were just getting into it as we both made some rather obvious errors.  The edge went back and forth as we traded errors.  The result was a draw when I made a rather silly time wasting move and let the win slip away.

Nonetheless, it was a fun game and good way to start the event.

Back To Chess

Sometimes life gets in the way.  That’s my excuse for having not posted for the past month.  I have been busy drafting three patent applications, and I it hasn’t left me with any time to work on my game.  Not a good thing considering Foxwoods is only a month away.

Anyway, I am wrapping that bit of tedium up this weekend.  So, I should be able to get on the beam with my preparation for the big event.  Taking a short break today, I have analyzed a friend’s game.  This game comes to me from Paul Sloane.  Paul plays at the Camberley Chess Club, and this week his club played a match against Reading.  Paul won his game, and Camberley won the match.

Here is Paul’s game with my notes.

Working Late

Unfortunately, sometimes reality gets in the way of our objectives.  I had to wrap up some work items yesterday, so I didn’t make it to the Club for a game.  However, every cloud has a silver lining.  I hadn’t had a chance to look at my game from last week yet. So, I went over it last night.

It’s not pretty, but some of the most instructive lessons come from our mistakes.  The ending was lost from the outset, but there were several opportunities to put up better resistance.  Here is my analysis.

Horse Play

Last week’s game was a lot of fun.  My opponent took a chance going into an unusual opening line.  Unfortunately for him, the ploy backfired and he found himself down a pawn and with an exposed king coming out of the opening.  With the queens off the board rather early, I opted for transitioning into an endgame where the extra pawn would become the decisive factor.

We ended up in a knight and pawn ending which illustrated the importance of having scope for your knights.  Black found himself constantly retreating as white’s king and knight pushed deep into black’s side of the board.  On move 40, Black is in zugzwang and resigns on his next move after realizing that what remains of his position is about to collapse.

Here are my notes on the game.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Finding My Legs

My game last week was satisfying.  After my weak play in my first over the board game in two years, my goal was very simple: don’t make any boneheaded moves.  Okay, I wasn’t aiming very high; I just needed to feel that I could still play a solid game.  I feel that I accomplished that modest goal with this game.  The game was a relatively quiet game.  If my opponent hadn’t goes astray at move 30, I think it would have been drawn.  Fortunately, I was able to recognize the opportunity to grab the win when it was presented.

Getting Back To Chess

Although the result was not so good, it felt good to start shaking out some of the cobwebs last Tuesday.  This was my first outing in two years.  So, I found it difficult to stay focused and ended up squandering a great position.  Still, I feel my instincts are coming back and I am itching to get back to the board this week.

Metrowest Chess Club

If all goes well, I will be returning to active play tonight at the Metrowest Chess Club (MCC).  MCC is a great club that meets every Tuesday just west of Boston.  The club draws a crowd of over eighty players from the greater Boston area for rated play.  Play is divided in three sections based on ratings, so, everyone can get the quality of play they are looking for.

I have enjoyed playing at the Club on and off since 1986.  It has been two years since my last over the board game, so this will be a great venue to get my tournament legs back in shape.

Here is a game I played at MCC a few years ago when I qualified (rather unexpectedly) for the annual Club championship.  This was the round one game against Ed Epp.  Ed is as fine a gentleman as you could hope to meet across the board.  Enjoy!!