Queen's Gambit Declined, Alapin Variation

HARRY NELSON PILLSBURY vs. MAX JUDD
Saint Louis, 1898

1. d4, d5
2. c4, e6
3. Nc3, b6

The Alapin Variation of Queen's Gambit Declined.

4. Nf3, Bb7
5. Bf4, Bd6
6. Bxd6, Qxd6
7. cxd5, Bxd5
8. e4, Bb7
9. Rc1, a6

Prevents 10. Nb5 ... which would be disastrous for Black.

10. Bd3, Ne7
11. 0-0, 0-0
12. e5, Qd8
13. Bxh7+ ....

A classic attack at the opponent's flank.

13. .... Kxh7
14. Ng5+, Kh6

If 14....Kg6, Black's position would be aggravated by 15. Qg4 with a menacing pin.

15. Qd2, Kg6
16. Ne2!!, Nd5

Black's move prevents 17. Nf4+ but White has other things in mind.

17. Qd3+!!, Kxg5
 

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Black has no choice but to accept the offered Knight.  If 17....Kh6, then 18. Qh7+ Kxg5, 19. f4+ and Black would be ensnared in a mating web.

18. f4, Kh6
19. Qh3, Kg6
20. f5!!, exf5

If 20....Kg5, Black would be totally helpless against 21. Rf3 followed by 22. Rg3 mate.

21. Rxf5 ....

If 21. Qxf5+ Kh6, 22. Rf3 g6, 23. Rh3+ Kg7 and the King is safe.

The text move threatens 22. Qh5 mate.

21. .... Rh8
22. Qg4+, Kh7
23. Rxf7!, Resigns

White threatens 24. Qxg7 mate.  If Black protects the pawn, White still mates by 24. Qh5.