Chess Wholegame
64 Great Chess Games 14
It is a sad fact that anthologies of Paul Keres' best games rarely include his best postal games; we have two of them in this book. This particular game is a typical attacking effort by the young grandmaster. Black opts for the Dutch (2 c4 f5), but Keres switches to his preferred line against the French.
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Creating a Plan For The Game 2
Multiple methods exist for devising a plan, with one of the most prevalent being analogy. Familiarity with strategies employed in analogous positions can hint at suitable approaches applicable to the current scenario. Frequently, the pivotal determinant is the pawn structure; when it resembles or matches a familiar setup, adapting a plan becomes highly feasible.
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The Need to Act-English Opening 3
Once again, we are reminded of the same fundamental lesson: merely holding a strong position without vulnerabilities is insufficient. Advancing in development and gaining spatial advantage may initially give us the upper hand, but it also invites counteractions and exposes weaknesses unless we can effectively respond. Through thorough analysis of numerous instances, we reach an undeniable overarching conclusion: adopting a defensive stance rarely yields success; thus, we must respond to an attack with a counter-offensive. Strength must be met with strength. The decision on whether to retaliate in the same area or elsewhere hinges on the specific circumstances; the entire board is available for our strategic maneuvering. In the context of a dynamic center, the optimal resolution of both sides' strategies should ideally result in some form of equilibrium in motion.
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The Need to Act-Sicilian Defence
For this game, the reason for Anand's victory is quite evident. His solid pawn structure and strategically placed pieces enabled him to orchestrate a methodical advancement on the queenside, while Black lacked any meaningful counterplay. This advancement created a potent initiative, eventually resulting in a material advantage. The transformative process prevailed, with Black's seemingly solid position gradually deteriorating under pressure. Despite its initial firmness, Black's position lost its flexibility and ability to react effectively. Ultimately, Black found themselves suffocated by the relentless pressure exerted by Anand.
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Wing play met by counterplay on the other wing 3
For this game, during that period, Robert Fischer demonstrated remarkable skill and fluency in employing different strategies within the Najdorf variation. His mastery was so profound that a Yugoslav master bestowed upon him the title "the owner of the Najdorf." Fischer's preferred move, when the dark-squared bishop was restricted by 7 f4, often involved responding with 7 ...Qb6. However, he was also adept at employing other solid moves, which were well within his repertoire.
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The Wing Attack Countered on the same Wing 1
The subsequent game is defined by a pawn advancement on one flank being met with a pawn reaction on the same flank: the threatened side endeavors to halt the pawn progression by advancing their own pawns. The objective of the advancing pawn is to claim territory and subsequently create an avenue for the major pieces; meanwhile, the aim of the counterstrike is to obstruct both objectives.
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Minority Attacks:Queen's Gambit 2
The task assigned to the queenside minority unit was executed brilliantly, reiterating the challenge of defending against the minority advance on the queenside in the presence of a closed center. Its gradual and seemingly harmless progress is misleading, often catching opponents off guard with sustained pressure. Handling it requires patience and accurate thinking to hold one's position. However, a player with a bold style and creative mindset might opt for a more dynamic and assertive response. Let's take inspiration from Rashid Nezhmetdinov on one of his fortunate days.
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Pawn-Majorities:Sicilian Defence
In the early phases of this particular line of the Dragon variation, Black encounters what appears to be a manageable pawn majority in various systems and is poised to assume a defensive posture. Despite this seemingly straightforward situation, tournament experiences have consistently provided warning signals. Recognizing the potential significance of these signals, I deemed it worthwhile to redirect your attention to these positions. Interestingly, over the course of the past century, these positions have undergone cycles of popularity, experiencing periods of being widely embraced, then falling out of favor, only to be rediscovered and revisited once again in contemporary tournament practice.
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Pawn-Majorities:Queen's Indian Defence
As we delve into the analysis of the games thus far, we've come across numerous positions distinguished by pawn majorities. However, our focus has been directed towards other dimensions of the ongoing struggle. It's worth noting that pawn majorities can manifest in conjunction with various types of centers, but in the dynamic center, they emerge as a recurrent and inherent feature of the chess landscape. The primary rationale behind this lies in the inherent asymmetry of pawn structures, particularly prevalent in dynamic central configurations.
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The Mobile Centre-Queen's Gambit 3
Even after fifty years, this game remains etched in Petrosian's memory as an exceptional tutorial on the concept of maneuverability, illustrating the inherent danger it poses and the defensive strategies one can employ to counteract it. The enduring impression it has left serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of the lessons it imparts regarding the dynamic nature of mobility, the associated risks it presents, and the effective defensive measures one can employ in response it's take a look.
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