Bobby Fischer's Sicilian Dragon

BOBBY FISCHER vs. E. STEPHANS
Cleveland US-Open 1957
Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, g6
6. Be3, Nc6
7. f3, Bg7
8. Qd2, 0-0
9. Bc4 ....

The Yugoslav Attack of the Dragon Variation.  This opening results in extremely tactical and decisive battles. White keeps a firm grip on the center while advancing aggressively towards the enemy king with f2-f4-f5 and even g2-g3-g4. However, danger exists in overextending and allowing Black to gain the initiative with a deadly counter-attack. Black's strategy is centered around the half-open c file and his ability to push the a and b pawns. Throughout the entire course of the battle, Black will be looking to break the center with an advance from d6-d5. Black can even sometimes obtain a winning endgame even after sacrificing the exchange, because of White's h-pawn sacrifice, doubled isolated c-pawns and most importantly the lack of mobility of the white Rooks compared to the Black minor pieces.  (Source:  Wikipedia)

9. .... a6
10. 0-0-0, Qc7
11. Bb3, b5
12. Nxc6, Qxc6
13. Nd5, Kh8

White threatens 14. Nxe7 double-check. 

14. Nxf6!! ....

Far more powerful than 14. Nxe7 Qb7, 15. Nxc8 Raxc8, and Black gains control of the open c-file.

14. .... e6

Blocking 15. Bd5.  Now, White has gained a piece!

15. Bh6, Bb7
16. Bxg7+, Kxg7
17. Ng4, f5
18. exf5, Rxf5
19. Qxd6, h5
20. Qe7+, Rf7
21. Qxf7, Kxf7
22. Ne5+, Ke7
23. Nxc6+, Bxc6
24. Rhe1, Bd7
25. Rxd7+, Resigns

With material and strategic advantage, White will ultimately capture Black's remaining pawns.

Evans Gambit

GARRY KASPAROV vs. VISWANATHAN ANAND
Riga, 1995

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. b4 ....

The Evans Gambit, the purpose of which is the control of d4.

4. .... Bxb4
5. c3, Be7
6. d4, Na5
7. Be2!? ....

White would rather not part with the Bishop rather than gain a pawn by 7. Nxe5 Nxc4  (not 7....f6, 8. Bf7+ Kf8, 9. Bxg8 fxe5, 10. Bb3 ...), 8. Nxc4 ....

7. .... exd4

Black gains a piece after 7....Nf6, 8. dxe5 Nxe4, 9. Qa4 ....

8. Qxd4, Nf6?!
9. e5, Nc6
10. Qh4, Nd5
11. Qg3, g6

If 11.....0-0, then 12. Bh6 ....

12. 0-0, Nb6
13. c4, d6

If 13.....d6, then 14. cxd5 Qxd5, 15. Nc3 ....

14. Rd1, Nd7

If 14.....Be6, then 15. c5!! ....

15. Bh6, Ncxe5
16. Nxe5, Nxe5
17. Nc3 ....

White does not desire the outcome after 17. Bg7 Bf6, 18. Bxh8 Bxh8, 19. Nc3 b6.  Black, with his Bishop Pair, gains equality.

17. .... f6
18. c5!, Nf7
19. cxd6, cxd6
20. Qe3!, Nxh6
21. Qxh6, Bf8
22. Qe3+, Kf7
23. Nd5, Be6?!
24. Nf4!, Qe7
25. Re1!!, Resigns

White's pressure on the center would be too much for Black to handle, i.e. 25....d5, 26. Bf3.   If 25....Bh6, then 26. Bc4.

Any attempt by Black to remove the beleaguered Bishop would also prove futile. If 25....Bd7 or Bf5, then 26. Bc4+ Ke8 27. Qxe7+ Bxe7 28. Nd5 and White gains a Bishop.

Subtle yet elegant!

The Power of Two Bishops

Garry Kasparov demonstrates for us the power of the Bishop Pair.  Two Bishops working in tandem constitute one of mightiest forces in chess.

G. KASPAROV vs. J. SPEELMAN
Barcelona, 1989

1. d4, d6
2. e4, g6
3. c4, e5

An attempt by Black to destroy White's central pawn structure.

4. Nf3, exd4
5. Nxd4, Bg7
6. Nc3, Nc6
7. Be3, Nge7
8. h4!?, h6
9. Be2, f5
10. exf5, Nxf5
11. Nxf5, Bxf5
12. Qd2, Qd7
13. 0-0, 0-0-0
14. b4!, Nxb4?!

Black took the poisoned pawn.  Now the fight tension is increased.

15. Nb5!, Nc2

Black does not like 15....Bxa1, 16. Qxb4 Bg7, 17. Nxa7+....

16. Bf3! d5
17. Bxd5, Nxa1
18. Nxa7+, Kb8
19. Qb4! ....

Now, White threatens mate at b7.

19. .... Qxd5

Black has no choice.  If 19....b6, then 20. Bxb6 cxb6, 21. Qxb6+ with a mating attack.  If 19....c6, then 20. Bxc6 Qf7, 21. Bf4+ Ka8, 22. Qa5! and mate next move.

20. cxd5, Nc2
21. Qa5, Nxe3
22. fxe3, Rhe8
23. Nb5, Rxd5

If 23....Re7, then 24. d6! Rxd6, 25. Nxd6 cxd6, 26. Qd8+ and White's attack becomes overwhelming.

24. Qxc7+ Ka8
25. Qa5+, Resigns

Black loses after 25....Kb8, 26. Qa7+ Kc8, 27. Qa8+ Kd7, 28. Qxb7+ Ke6, 29. Qc6+ and White captures either Rook.

Kasparov's Might

Garry Kasparov proved once again that he can demolish an opponent in a short time.  The following game is a fine example.

G. KASPAROV vs. S. MARJANOVICH
Malta, 1980
King's Indian Defense

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, e6
3. Nf3, b6
4. g3, Bb7
5. Bg2, Be7
6. 0-0, 0-0
7. d5! ....

White intends to post his Knight at f5, and he can only do that if the e6 pawn is eliminated.

7. .... exd5
8. Nh4!, c6

The c4 pawn cannot be taken because of the Bishop's pin on d5.

9. cxd5, Nxd5
10. Nf5, Nc7
11. Nc3!, d5
12. e4, Bf6
13. exd5! ....

White dismantles Black's pawn structure.  Connected pawns at the center poses a serious threat.

13. .... cxd5
14. Bf4, Nba6
15. Re1, Qd7?

A bad place for the Queen, as will be shown by Black's next move.

16. Bh3!, Kh8

Black prevents a double-check. The move also immobilizes White's Knight because of a pin by Black's Queen, threatening Qxh3.

17. Ne4! ....

Fantastic!  The move threatens 18. Nxf6.

17. .... Bxb2
18. Ng5! ....

Effectively removing White's pin on f5.  Now White threatens 20. Nxg7.

18. .... Qc6
19. Ne7, Qf6
20. Nxh7! ....

If the Knight is taken, as in 20.... Kxh7, White threatens mate by 21. Qh5+!

20. .... Qd4
21. Qh5, g6
22. Qh4, Bxa1
23. Nf6+, Resigns

Black realizes futility after 23... Kg7, 24. Qh6+ Kxf6, 25. Bg5 mate.

Sacrificing on Speculation

"One of the most pleasing forms of attacking play is seen in speculative sacrifices which are made intuitively.  To be able to sense the potentialities in a position is one of the hallmarks of a master."  --  Fred Reinfeld.

NAIDORF vs. SAPIRO
Lodz, 1929
French Defense

1. e4, e6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, dxe4
4. Nxe4, Nd7
5. Nf3, Ngf6
6. Bd3, Be7
7. 0-0, b6?
8. Ne5! ....

White threatens to win the Black Queen by Nc6.  Now if 8....Nxe5, then 9. Nxf6+ Bxf6, 10. dxe5 Bxe5, 11. Be4 Qxd1, 12. Rxd1 Rb8, 13. Bc6+  Ke7, 14. b2 (threatening Ba3+) Bd6, 15. Bb2 and White has a good game.

8. .... Bb7
9. Nxf6, gxf6?

The move exposes the Black King to an attack.  9....Bxf6 is a lot safer. 

10. Nxf7!!, Kxf7
11. Qh5+, Kg8

Other king moves would be susceptible to 12. Bh6+ with the Queen eventually capturing the Rook without loss of time.

12. Re1, Nf8

The alternative move 12....Bd5 would be answered by 13. c4 driving off the Bishop.

13. Rxe6!!, Nxe6

14. Bc4, Qd6
15. Bh6, Bf8
16. Re1, Bc8

If 16....Bxh6, White wins with 17. Bxe6+ Kg7, 18. Qf7 mate.

17. Qe8! ....

Threatening 18. Rxe6! ...

17. .... Bd7
18. Rxe6!!, Rxe8
19. Rxe8+, Be6
20. Bxe6+, Qxe6
21. Rxf8 mate

A picture-perfect mate!

Scotch Game: Modern Defense

SERGEY KARJAKIN vs. VASILY BORISOVICH MALININ
Sudak UKR 2002

Scotch Game: Modern Defense

1. e4, Nc6
2. d4, e5
3. Nf3, exd4
4. Nxd4, Qh4
5. Nc3, Bb4
6. Be2, Nf6

Black puts additional pressure on the e4 pawn.  White offers the e-pawn in exchange for an open file.  If Black plays 6.... Bxc3, 7. bxc3 Qxe4, 8. 0-0 N8e7, 9. Bf3 Qg6, 10. Nxc6 bxc6, 11. Re1!  followed by 12. Ba3 and Black's Knight will be hopelessly pinned.

7. 0-0, Bxc3
8. Nf5, Qxe4
9. Bd3, Qg4
10. f3, Qa4
11.bxc3, 0-0
12. Nxg7!! ....

An unexpected move.  White creates havoc along the kingside.

12. .... Kxg7
13. Bh6+!! ....

It seems that White does not run out of resources.

13. .... Kxh6

If 13....Kg8, then 14. Qd2 Qa5, 15. Bxf8 Kxf8, 16. Qh6+ Kg8, 17. Qxf6 ...

14. Qd2+!!, Kh5

It is bad for Black's King to retreat, e.g. 14.....Kg7, 15. Qg5+ Kh8, 16. Qxf6+ Kg8, 17. Qg5+ Kh8, 18. Qh6 and Black cannot parry the simultaneous threat of Qxf8 mate and Qxh7 mate.

15. g4+, Nxg4
16. fxg4+, Qxg4+
17. Kh1, d6

Hoping to bring the Bishop into play. 

18. Rf6 ....

Threatening 19. Rh6+ mate.

18. .... Qg5
19. Be2+ Bg4
20. Bxg4+, Resigns

Black realized it is futile to fight.  White is assured of victory after 20....Kh4, 21. Rh6+.  If 20....Kxg4 then 21. Rg1+.   If 20....Qxg4, then 21. Rh6+ mate.

A gem of a game.

Zukertort Opening, Sicilian Invitation

VESELIN TOPALOV vs. VASSILY IVANCHUK
Ciudad de Linares 1999
Zukertort Opening, Sicilian Invitation

1. Nf3, c5

Black invites White to play the Sicilian Defense, hence this opening becomes, on the part of Black, the Sicilian Invitation.

2. c4, Nc6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, e6
5. g3, Bb4+
6. Nc3, Qa5
7. Nb5, d5

White intends to play 8. Nd6+. Black's last move renders it unplayable.

8. a3, Bxc3+
9. bxc3, Nf6
10. Bg2 ....

Aggressive players would have preferred the more aggressive 10. Nd6+ thereby displacing Black's King.

10. .... 0-0
11. Qb3, dxc4
12. Qxc4, e5
13. Nd6, Be6
14. Qd3, e4

Certainly not 14.....Rad8, 15. Nxb7! Rxd3, 16, Nxa5 and Black comes materially ahead.

15. Nxe4, Nxe4
16. Bxe4, Rad8
17. Qc2 ....

The immediate pawn capture 17. Bxh7 is not plausible because of 17....Kh8, 18. Qc2 Nd4, and Black captures either the c-pawn or the h7-Bishop.

17. .... Nd4
18. Qb2. Nxe2!!

Opening the e-file enables Black to penetrate White's defense.

19. Kxe2, Rfe8
20. Qb4, Qh5+
21. f3, f5
22. g4, Qh3
23. gxf5, Bxf5
24. Qc4+, Kh8
25. Re1, Rxe4+

White resigns, Black is assured of victory after 26. fxe4 Bg4+, 27. Kf2 Qxh2+, 28. Ke3 (not 28. Kf1 Rf8 mate) Qg3 mate.

Black would give the same reply if White moved the Bishop instead of the Rook in the 25th move:  e.g. 25. Be3 Rxe4, 26. fxe4 Qg2+, 27. Bf2 Bg4+, 28. Ke3 Qg3 mate.

An amazing finale.

Sicilian Defense Closed Variation

EMIL SUTOVSKY vs. ILYA SMIRIN
Israeli Championship 2002

Sicilian Defense Closed Variation

1. e4, c5
2. Nc3 ....

The Closed Variation of the Sicilian Defense. This variations avoids the early exchange cxd4 and instead promotes solid central pawn structure.

2. .... Nc6
3. Nf3, e5
4. Bc4, d6
5. d3, Be7
6. 0-0, Nf6
7. Ng5, 0-0
8. f4, exf4
9. Bxf4, h6
10. Nf3, Be6
11. Nd5, Bxd5
12. exd5, Na5
13. Nh4, b5

If 13....Nxd5, then 14. Bxd5 Bxh4, 15. Qh5 Bg5, 16. Bg3 and White has a good attack on f7.

14. Nf5 ....

If 14. Bxb5 Nxd5, Black relieves tension in the center and maintains pressure on White's pieces.

14. .... bxc4
15. Bxh6! ....

The reason behind White's sacrifice. Black's kingside defense is destroyed.

15. .... gxh6
16. Nxh6+, Kh7
17. Nf5, cxd3?

This move only enhances White's position. White's Queen would now be able to control the d3-h7 diagonal.

18. Qxd3, Kh8
19. Rae1 ....

If 19. Qh3+, Black defends with 19.....Nh7.

19. .... Qb6

Totally abandoning the Bishop. But Black has nothing better. If 19.....Re8, then White continues the attack with 20. Qc3! making a pin on the f6 Knight while attacking the other Knight.  The game may continue 20....Bf8, 21. Rxe8 Qxe8, 22. Qxf6+ Kg8, 23. Qg5+ Kh7, 24. Qh4+ Kg8, 25. Qg3+ Kh7, 26. Rf4! ....

20. Qh3+, Nh7
21. Rxe7, c4+
22. Kh1, Qxb2

Black beats White to the control of b2-h8 diagonal.

23. Re4!! Rg8
24. Qxh7+, Resigns

Caught by surprise, Black realizes that mate is inevitable after 24.... Kxh7, 25. Rh4+ Kg6, 26. Rh6+ Kg5, 27. h4+ Kg4, 28. Ne3+ Kg3, 29. Rf3 mate.

A brilliant Queen sacrifice!

Caro Kann Defense Classical Variation

KONSTANTIN LANDA vs. EVGENY SHAPOSHNIKOV
Russia 2005
Caro-Kann Defense: Classical Variation

See the other variations of the Caro-Kann Defense.

1. e4, c6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, dxe4
4. Nxe4 ....

The Classical Variation of the Caro Kann.

4. .... Bf5
5. Ng3, Bg6
6. h4, h6
7. Nf3, Nd7
8. h5, Bh7
9. Bd3, Bxd3
10. Qxd3, e6
11. Bf4, Qa5+
12. Bd2, Bb4
13. c3, Be7
14. c4, Qa6
15. 0-0, Rd8

Black intends to post his Knight at c5.

16. b4, Ngf6
17. a4, b6
18. Rfe1, 0-0
19. Nf5, Rfe8
20. Nxg7 ....

The fireworks begin. White slowly destroys Black's kingside pawn structure before pouncing on the beleaguered King.

20. .... Kxg7
21. Rxe6!!, fxe6

By sacrificing the Rook, White creates a weakness on the g6 square, which will ultimately cost Black the game.

22. Bxh6+, Kh8

The intruding Bishop cannot be captured because of 23. Qg6 mate.

23. Bg7+, Kxg7

If Black decides not to capture (23.....Kg8), then the game continues 24. Qg6 Nf8, 25. Bxf8+ Kxf8, 26. h6! Nh5, 27. Ne5 and mate next move.

24. Qg6+ Kf8

Black resigns.

Black has no defense to White's next move: 25. Ng5 assuring mate by Qf7. If 24....Kh8, then 25. Ng5 Rf8, 26, h6!! and mate next move.

King's Indian Defense: Saemisch Variation Yates Defense

FLORIN GHEORGHIU vs. LUBOMIR KAVALEK
IBM 1969
King's Indian Defense: Saemisch Variation Yates Defense

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, g6
3. Nc3, Bg7
4. e4, d6
5. f3 ....

The Saemisch Variation.  Instead of the usual f4, White chooses to solidify support of the e4-pawn.

5. .... 0-0
6. Be3, Nc6

The Yates Defense, which invites White to push forward the d-pawn thus opening the long diagonal for Black's Bishop.

7. Nge2, Rb8
8. Qd2, Re8
9. Rd1, a6
10. Nc1, e5
11. dxe5, Nxe5
12. Be2, b5
13. cxb5, axb5
14. Bxb5, Nxe4!!

A brilliant surprise move, with the objective of weakening White's central position.

15. fxe4, Rxb5!!

One cannot help but wonder at Black's foresight....

16. Nxb5, Nc4!
17. Qf2, Rxe4!!

Effectively pinning the Bishop. White has no choice but to give up the piece. If 18. Rd3, then 18....Qe1 putting additional pressure on e3 while attacking the Knight at b5.

18. 0-0, Nxe3
19. Qxf7+, Kh8
20. Qxc7, Qxc7
21. Nxc7, Nxd1
22. Rxd1, Bd4+
23. Kf1? ....

White might have fared better had he placed the King at h1. The text move limited the movement of his own Rook.

23. .... Bg4
24. Rd2, Be3
25. Rc2, Rd4
(0:1)

White resigns, as he cannot prevent mate at d1. If 26. g3, then Black still wins with 26....Rd1+, 27. Kg2 Rg1 mate.

Sicilian Defense: Fischer-Sozin Attack Flank Variation

LARRY CHRISTIANSEN vs. ALEKSANDER WOJTKIEWICZ
US Championship 2006

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, d6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, a6
6. Bc4, e6
7. Bb3, b5

The Flank Variation of Fischer-Sozin Attack, Sicilian Defense.

8. Qf3, Qc7
9. Bg5, Nbd7
10. 0-0-0, Be7
11. e5 ....

Attacking the Rook at a8. Black has no choice but to defend it.

11. .... Bb7
12. Qg3, Nxe5
13. Bxe6, fxe6
14. f4 ....

White keeps the pressure, controlling most of central squares.

14. .... Ng6
15. Nxe6, Qd7
16. Rhe1! ....

White could have moved 16. Nxg7 but then Black's reply Kf7 would have the Knight stranded.

16. .... Kf7
17. f5, Nf8
18. Bxf6!! ....

White begins an all-out attack. If 16.....gxf6, then 17. Qg7+ Ke8, 18. Qxh8.

18. .... Bxf6
19. Rxd6!, Qc8

Black's Queen has nowhere to go. If 19....Qe8, then 20. Ng5+ enabling Queen's capture.

20. Ng5+, Kg8

The exchange 20....Bxg5, then 21. Qxg5 Qc7, 22. f6!! favors White.

21. Rxf6!, gxf6
22. Nge4+, Ng6

Of course not 22.....Kf7, 23. Nd6+ double-check.

23. fxg6, Resigns

Black's King cannot escape White's onslaught. If the game continues 23....h6, then 24. g7!! Rh7, 25. Nf6+ Kf7, 26. g8=Q+! Qxg8, 27. Nxg8 Rxg8, 28. Re7+ Kxe7, 29. Qxg8 and White is assured of victory.

The Good Old Spanish Game

LJUBOMIR LJUBOJEVIC vs. JOAQUIM MANUEL DURAO
Orense 1974

Spanish Game Classical Variation

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, Bc5
4. 0-0, Nd4
5. Nxd4, Bxd4
6. c3, Bb6
7. d4, c6
8. Ba4, d6
9. Na3, Bc7

Preparing for b5 eventually.....

10. d5, Bd7
11. dxc6, bxc6
12. Nc4, Qe7
13. f4, Nf6
14. fxe5, dxe5
15. b3 ....

Preparatory to Ba3....

15. .... Bb6+
16. Kh1 ....

Not 16. Nxb6 because White would lose its control over a3.

16. .... Nxe4
17. Ba3, Qe6
18. Qd3, f5

If 18....Nf2+, 19. Rxf2 Bxf2, 20. Nd6+ Kd8, 21. Rf1.. and White attacks the pawn on f7.

19. Rae1, Bc7
20. Rxf5!! Qxf5
21. Rxe4, 0-0-0
22. Nd6+ ....

Now White begins to atack. This Knight fork aims to dislodge the c7 Bishop from its post.

22. .... Bxd6
23. Qa6+, Kc7

If 23....Kb8, then 24. Bxd6+ Ka8, 25. Bxc6+ Bxc6, 26. Qxb6 mate.

24. Qxa7+, Kc8
25. Bb5, Resigns

An ingenious way of dealing with Black's threat of mate at f1. Now, White threatens Ba6 mate. If  25....cxb5, 26. Qa6+ Kc7, 27. Bxd6 mate.

Superb play!

French Defense: Rubinstein Variation Blackburne Defense

RUDOLF SPIELMANN vs. RUDOLF L'HERMET
Magdeburg 1927

French Defense, Rubinstein Variation Blackburne Defense

1. e4, e6
2. d4, d5
3. Nc3, dxe4

The Rubinstein Variation, popularized by the famous Polish chess grandmaster, Akiba Rubinstein.

4. Nxe4, Nd7

The Blackburne Defense, named after Joseph Henry Blackburne, who dominated British chess in the latter part of the 19th century.

5. Nf3, Ngf6
6. Nxf6+, Nxf6
7. Bd3, h6
8. Qe2 ....

Preparing for queenside castling....

8. .... Bd6
9. Bd2, 0-0
10. 0-0-0, Bd7
11. Ne5, c5
12. dxc5, Bxe5?

Theory suggests not to exchange Bishop for a Knight without gaining anything. The Bishop should have taken the pawn instead.

13. Qxe5, Bc6
14. Bf4, Qe7

Getting the Queen out of the way. If 19. .... Bxg2, then 20. Bh7+!

15. Qd4, Rfd8
16. Bd6 ....

The real reason behind White's 14th move. White uses the Bishop to create a solid block at the center.

16. .... Qe8
17. Rhg1, b6
18. Qh4, bxc5
19. Be5!! ....

This comes as a surprise. Black expects 19. Bxc5.

19. .... Qe7
20. g4, c4
21. g5, Nd7

Not 21. .... cxd3, 22. gxf6 and the attack becomes devastating.

22. Qxh6 ....

A brilliancy! A Queen sacrife to promote a pawn. If 22.... f6, then 23. gxf6 Nxf6, 24. Bxf6 Qxf6, 25. Qxf6 and the attack becomes overwhelming.

22. .... gxh6
23. gxh6+, Kf8
24. Rg8+!! ....

A superb innovation.  It is necessary to keep the Black King at g8.   For if 24. h7, then Black neutralizes with 24.....Qh4.

24. ....  Resigns

Black cannot prevent being mated by the h-pawn via promotion.

Anderssen Tames the King's Gambit

JAKOB ROSANES vs. ADOLF ANDERSSEN
Breslau 1863

King's Gambit Accepted, Kieseritzky Gambit

1. e4, e5
2. f4, exf4
3. Nf3, g5
4. h4, g4
5. Ne5 ....

The Kieseritzky Variation of the King's Gambit...

5. .... Nf6
6. Bc4, d5
7. exd5, Bd6
8. d4, Nh5
9. Bb5+, c6
10. dxc6, bxc6
11. Nxc6, Nxc6
12. Bxc6+, Kf8
13. Bxa8, Ng3!!

This Knight position is more valuable than the Rook taken by White's Bishop.

14. Rh2, Bf5
15. Bd5, Kg7
16. Nc3, Re8+
17. Kf2, Qb6
18. Na4, Qa6!!

The Queen attacks the Knight and controls the a6-f1 diagonal.

19. Nc3, Be5!!
20. a4? ....

A useless move. But White has nothing better. If the Bishop is taken then 20....Qb6+, 21. Ke1 Rxe5+ Kd2, 22. Qd4 mate.

If 20. Bxc2, then .....Qxg4+ 21. Kh8 Bxf4 and all squares attacked by Black will be defended.

20. .... Qf1+
21. Qxf1 ....

Forced.

21. .... Bxd4+!!

The reason behind Black's 19th move. Now White crumbles.

22. Be3, Rxe3

White hoped for 22....Bxe3+, 23. Ke1 and the King escapes! Now, Black threatens 23....Re2 mate.

23. Kg1, Re1 mate.

A beautiful finale. For more articles about Adolf Anderssen, click here.

Queen's Gambit Accepted Classical Variation

YURI YAKOVICH vs. DAVID BRONSTEIN
Italy 1994

Queen's Gambit Accepted Classical Variation

1. d4, d5
2. c4, dxc4
3. e3, Nf6
4. Bxc4, e6
5. Nf3, c5
6. Qe2, cxd4
7. exd4, Nc6
8. Nc3, Be7

Black stands to lose after 8....Nxd4, then 9. Nxd4 Qxd4, 10. Bg5! with the threat of 11. Rd1 and 12. Bb5+....

9. 0-0, 0-0
10. Rd1, Nd5
11. Bb3, a6
12. Bd2, Qd6
13. Rac1, Rd8
14. Ne4, Qb8

Black has no choice but to retreat his Queen. If 14....Qc7, then 15. Ne5! ...

15. Nfg5, h6
16. Nf3, Bd7
17. Nc5, Be8
18. Qe4, Nf6
19. Qh4, b6

20. Nxe6, fxe6
21. Bxe6+, Kf8

If 21....Bf7, then 22. Rxc6! with advantage to White.

22. Qxh6, Resigns

The Queen's capture leads to mate. A superb ending! 

If 22...Ng8, then 23. Qh8 Bf7, 24. Rxc6! ...

Italian Game Classical Variation, Greco Gambit

ALEXANDER STEINKUEHLER vs. JOSEPH HENRY BLACKBURNE
Manchester 1863

Italian Game Classical Variation, Greco Gambit

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. c3, Nf6
5. d4 ....

The Greco Gambit allows the e4 pawn to be taken in return for an open file. In this game, the gambit was declined.

5. .... exd4
6. cxd4, Bb4+
7. Bd2 ....

This author suggests 7. Nc3. Now, if 7.....Nxe4, then 8. Qc2.

7. .... Bxd2+
8. Nfxd2 ....

A weak move. Nbxd2 is much better.

8. .... Nxd4
9. 0-0, d6
10. Nb3. Nxb3
11. Qxb3, 0-0
12. Re1, Nh5
13. e5, Qg5
14. exd6, Nf4
15. Bxf7+. Kh8

Of course not 15.....Rxf7 because of 16. Re8+.

16. g3, cxd6
17. Nc3, Nh3+
18. Kg2, Qf6!!

Black threatens White's f-pawn and Bishop at the same time.

19. Bd5? ....

White decides to keep the Bishop, ignoring the safety of his King.

19. .... Qxf2+
20. Kh1, Qg1+

A brilliant Queen sacrifice. White has no choice but to accept the offer.

21. Rxg1, Nf2+
22. Kg2, Bh3 mate.

An elegant finish.

Italian Game Evan's Gambit Compromised Defense

ROBERT JAMES FISCHER vs. REUBEN FINE
New York 1963

Italian Game Evans Gambit Compromised Defense

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bc4, Bc5
4. b4 ....

The aggressive Evan's Gambit named after the Welsh sea Captain William Davies Evans, the first player known to have employed it.  The idea behind the move 4. b4 is to give up a pawn in order to secure a strong centre and bear down on Black's weak-point, f7.

4. ....  Bxb4
5. c3, Ba5
6. d4, exd4
7. 0-0, dxc3

The Compromised Defense.  In this variation, White plays a gambit and gains a tempo, while maintaining threat at f7.

8. Qb3, Qe7
9. Nxc3, Nf6
10. Nd5, Nxd5
11. exd5 ....

With the gambits, White opens the e-file and the a1-h8 diagonal.  Both sides struggle to control them.

11. .... Ne5
12. Nxe5, Qxe5
13. Bb2, Qg5
14. h4 ....

Another gambit.  White intends to fully control the long diagonal.

14. .... Qxh4
15. Bxg7, Rg8
16. Rfe1+!! ....

It does not matter now if the Bishop takes the Rook; the effect would be the same.

16. .... Kd8
17. Qg3 Resigns

Black cannot escape the mating threat 18. Bf6+ without losing the Queen.  If 17.....Qh6, 18. Bf6+ Qxf6, 19. Qxg8 mate.  A spell-binding finale.

Sicilian Defense Modern Variation

LEONID STEIN vs. LAJOS PORTISCH
Stockholm 1962

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, e6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, a6
5. Bd3, Nf6
6. 0-0, Qc7
7. Nd2, Nc6
8. Nxc6, bxc6
9. f4, Bc5+
10. Kh1, d6
11. Nf3, e5

Black wants to free his c8 Bishop....

12. fxe5, dxe5
13. Nh4, 0-0
14. Nf5, Be6
15. Qe2, a5
16. Bc4, Kh8
17. Bg5, Nd7
18. Rad1, Nb6
19. Nxg7!! ....

A surprise move!  If 19....Kxg7, then 20. Bf6+ Kg6, 21. Qf3 and mates eventually.

19. .... Bxc4

A piece to the good and a Queen-Rook pin, Black succumbs to temptation.  But then comes another bombshell....

20. Bf6!!, Be7

If 20....Bxe2, then 21. Nf5+ Kg8, 22. Nh6 mate.

21. Qf3 Resigns

Black cannot prevent 22. Ne6+ Bxf6, 23. Qxf6 and mate at g7.  If 21....Bxf6, 22. Qxf6 Nd7, 23. Rxd7 with the same result.

A fascinating game indeed.

Spanish Game Open Variation, Howell Attack

BORISLAV IVKOV vs. JAN HEIN DONNER
Havana Cap Memorial 1965

Spanish Game Open Variation, Howell Attack

1. e4, e5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. Bb5, a6
4. Ba4, Nf6
5. 0-0, Nxe4

The Open Variation.  White sacrifices the e4 pawn to keep the e-file open.

6. d4, b5
7. Bb3, d5
8. dxe5, Be6
9. Qe2 ....

The Howell Attack, popularized by David Howell, the youngest chess grandmaster in the United States, a title he earned in 2007 when he was 16.

9. .... Nc5
10. Rd1, Nxb3
11. cxb3, Be7
12. Nc3, 0-0
13. Be3, Na5
14. Rac1 ....

The reason behind White's 11th move.  White intends to control the c-file.

14. .... Nb7

Black intends to move c5.

15. Ne4 ....

Effectively preventing c5....

15. .... Bg4
16. h3, Bxf3
17. Qxf3, c6

Black intends to protect the d5 pawn at all cost.  If 18. Rxc6, then 18....Qd7, 19. Rdc1 Rac8, etc.

18. Ng3, Rc8
19. Nf5!, g6
20. Rxd5!! ....

The Rook cannot be taken by the Queen because of 21. Nxe7.  Now, if 20.....cxd5, then 21. Rxc8 Qxc8, 22. Nxe7+.

20. .... Qe8

If 20....Qc7, then 21. Rxc6 Qxc6, and White still threatens 22. Nxf7+.

21. Bh6 Resigns

Black loses more material.  Now, if 21.....gxf5, then 22. Qg3+ and mate next move.

Reti Opening Anglo-Slav Bogoljubow Variation Stonewall Line

PAL BENKO vs. ISRAEL HOROWITZ
New York, 1968

Reti Opening: Anglo-Slav, Bogoljubow Variation Stonewall Line

1. c4, c6
2. Nf3, d5
3. b3, Nf6
4. g3, e6
5. Bg2, Be7
6. 0-0, 0-0
7. Bb2 ....

The Reti Opening Anglo-Slav Bogoljubow Variation Stonewall Line. This opening utilizes the power of two Bishops and keeps open the central squares for easy maneuvers.

7. .... a5
8. a3, c5
9. cxd5, exd5
10. d4, Na6
11. Nc3, Bf5
12. Ne5, cxd4
13. Qxd4, Nc5
14. Nxd5, Nxb3
15. Qf4, Nxd5
16. Qxf5! ....

White comes ahead in the exchange.  In such open positions, the power of a Bishop cannot be underestimated.

16. .... Nxa1

17. Nxf7, Qc8

Black suddenly loses if he takes the Knight:  17....Rxf7, 18. Bxd5!!

18. Nh6+, Kh8

If 18....gxh6, 19. Bxd5+ and White mates.

19. Qxd5, Nc2
20. Qg8+!!, Resigns

If the Queen is taken, then Nf7 mate.

Magnificent! 

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Gligoric System Exchange

LEV POLUGAEVSKY vs. TIGRAN PETROSIAN
URS Championship, 1960

Nimzo-Indian Defense, Gligoric System Exchange

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, e6
3. Nc3, Bb4
4. e3, 0-0
5. Bd3, d5
6. Nf3, c5
7. 0-0, dxc4
8. Bxc4 ....

The Gligoric System Exchange of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.  This opening focuses on the control of b3-g8 diagonal and takes advantage of white central squares.

8. .... b6
9. Qe2, Bb7
10. Rd1, Nbd7
11. d5!! ....

White now opens the intended diagonal.

11. .... Bxc3
12. dxe6, Ba5

If 12....fxe6, then 13. Bxe6+ Kh8, 14. Ng5 threatening Nf7+ and e7.

13. exd7 ....

Through subtle play, White regains his Knight....

13. .... Qc7
14. e4 ....

White provides a way for his stranded Bishop at c1.

14. .... Nxd7
15. Ng5, Rad8
16. Bxf7+, Rxf7
17. Ne6, Qc8
18. Nxd8, Ba6
19. Qe3, Re7

If 19....Qxd8, then 20. e5 Re7, 21. e6! which is advantageous to White.

20. Qb3+, c4
21. Qa3, Nc5

Still 21....Qxd8 is not plausible because of 22. Bg5 pinning the Rook.

22. Be3, Rxe4
23. Bxc5, Qxc5
24. Qf3  Resigns

White threatens Qxe4 and Qf7+. Now, if 24....Re7, then 25. Ne6 threatening Nxc5 and Qf8 mate and Rd8 mate.  A superb performance!

Sicilian Defense, Richter-Rauzer Classical Variation

PABLO MIRAN vs. E. FRANCO
Gijon, 1955
Sicilian Defense: Richter-Rauzer Classical Variation

1. e4, c5
2. Nf3, Nc6
3. d4, cxd4
4. Nxd4, Nf6
5. Nc3, d6
6. Bg5 ....

White's most common reply to the Classical Variation of the Sicilian Defense.  This is otherwise known as the Richter-Rauzer Attack, threatening to double Black's pawns after Bxf6 and forestalling the Dragon variation by rendering 6...g6 unplayable.

6. .... e6
7. Qd2, Be7
8. 0-0-0, 0-0
9. f4, e5
10. Nf3, Bg4
11. h3, Bxf3
12. gxf3, Nd4
13. fxe5, dxe5

If 13.....Nxf3, then 14. exf6 Nxd2, 15. fxe7 and White would have enough compensation for the Queen.

14. f4, Qa5
15. fxe5, Nf3
16. exf6, Nxd2
17. fxe7, Nxf1?

A bad choice for Black.  He should have moved the threatened Rook.

18. exf8=Q, Kxf8
19. Bf4, Ng3

Black hopes for 20. Bxg3 Qg5+, but White saw the plan.

20. Rhg1, Nxe4
21. Nxe4, Qxa2
22. Bd6+, Kg8

Of course not 22....Ke8, 23. Nf6 gxf6, 24. Rg8+ and White would be more ahead in material.

23. Rxg7+ !!!....

A surprise move!  Black has been caught unaware.  Black cannot capture the offered Rook because of a threatened mate:  23....Kxg7, 24. Rg1+ Kh8 25. Be5+....  If 24.....Kh6, 25. Bf4+ Kh5, 26. Rg5+ Kh4, 27. Rg4+ .... and here comes the beauty of the thing: 27......Kxh3 (if 27.....Kh5, 28. Nf6 mate.) 28. Nf2 mate.

23. ..... Kh8
24. Rg8+, Resigns

Black, with a Queen to his advantage, cannot take the Rook:  24....Rxg8 because of 25. Be5+ Rg7, 26. Rd8 mate.

A stunning victory!