Best Chess Games Of World Champions Archives - Chessentials

Vasily Smyslov Best Games

Mistreaver — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:23:46 +0000

The games analyzed in this article can be found in this public Lichess Study, where they have been provided in the form of mini-Chessable courses (with exercises taken from the game preceding the actual full game).

You can also download them in the .pgn format at my Chess PGN Download page.

In Search For Harmony

The seventh World Chess Champion Vasily Smyslov has had a fascinating chess career in many aspects. Not only was he one of the strongest players in the world for almost a decade in the 1950s¹ who participated in three World Chess Championship Matches (1954, 1957 and 1958) against Botvinnik. But he is also a very unique phenomenon in the chess world in terms of longevity – as he continued competing at a very high level until he was well in his sixties (in 1983 – at the age of 62 (!!) he reached the final of the Candidates cycle, where he lost to Garry Kasparov). Apart from Viktor Korchnoi, virtually no other player was able to compete at such a level at such an advanced age.

What was it that made Smyslov’s career so unique and long that made him stand apart from other players of his generation? Well, the first one is certainly – absolutely pure, whole-hearted, devoted love of the game – but not to the point of complete obsession as was the case, say, Fischer or some others. From every article or book I have ever read on Smyslov, it is very apparent he was completely fascinated with chess as his enthusiasm and passion simply always shine through. This is not only apparent from the very fact he continued playing it until his 60s (and beyond) – but also from the fact he published a very renowned book on the rook endgames and that he was also a very active composer of chess studies.

Another reason that is often quoted for Smyslov’s longevity is his chess-playing style. Smyslov is well-known for his positional/strategic understanding and for his exemplary endgame technique. Very often, he scored victories in a very quiet fashion, somehow imperceptibly accumulating small advantages and then slowly converting them without seemingly doing anything special. His style was often compared to Capablanca’s style in terms of simplicity and clarity. Smyslov himself wrote he was often searching for harmony at the chessboard – and it is widely accepted that such an approach preserved loads of energy and prolonged his career to the maximum.

having analyzed quite a few of Smyslov’s games and having read a book on his life and games, I am not 100% sure if such a depiction of Smyslov’s style is 100% accurate. In quite a few games in his career, he would play very energetic, tactical chess, going for material sacrifices, imbalances, and complicated, Tal-like positions – where he would often outwit/outcalculate his opponents. This is especially true of his youth, but such games can be found even in his World Championship Matches against Botvinnik, among other places.

I think it is a pity that Smyslov is almost exclusively known for his strategic/technical side as I feel this preconception of him as a player is what makes him underrated as a player and a World Champion. I have personally found his games extremely entertaining and instructive. In this article, I will present you with some of my favourite games of his. I have tried selecting some trademark Smyslov strategic victories, but also quite a few tactical games, to highlight this underrepresented, underestimated side of his a little bit more!

Hope you will enjoy it!

Vasily Smyslov Best Games

Smyslov – Kirilov, USSR, 1940.

A somewhat famous attacking gem from the early part of Smyslov’s career, featuring some brilliant, explosive combinations involving multiple look sacrifices. Well worth giving a look.

Smyslov – Botvinnik, Moscow, 1943.

Smyslov’s first-ever victory over Mikhail Botvinnik, played in the Moscow Championship at the height of WWII.

Smyslov – Rudakovsky, USSR Championship, 1945.

A very famous Sicilian game and a model example of “Occupying d5 with the knight”!

Smyslov – Reshevsky, FIDE World Championship Tournament, 1948.

Another very famous game, featured, among other things, in Kotov’s “Think Like A Grandmaster“, in the chapter about “creeping” (quiet) moves.

Keres – Smyslov, Zürich Candidates, 1953.

A very famous game, played at the crucial moment of the Zürich 1953. tournament, which enabled Smyslov to ultimately win the event and qualify for his first World Championship Match against Botvinnik.

Botvinnik – Smyslov, World Championship 1954., Game 14

Arguably Smyslov’s best game from the first World Championship match against Botvinnik.

Botvinnik – Smyslov, World Championship 1957., Game 17

Another beautiful game by Smyslov played in the World Championship match against Botvinnik – this time in 1957. This game was also played at a very crucial moment of the match, enabling Smyslov to secure a two-point lead and ultimately win the title.

Smyslov – Liberzon, Soviet Team Cup, 1968.

A beautiful game featuring a very standard, Smyslov-like strategic introduction and Tal-like complications in the later stage. Well-worth taking a look.

Smyslov – Ribli, Candidates Semifinal Match, 1983., Game 5

In 1983, Smyslov experienced sort of a swansong by qualifying for the Final Candidates Match² against Garry Kasparov. On his way, he beat strong Hungarian grandmaster Zoltan Ribli in the semi-final – and the following game played a decisive role.

Polgar Z. – Smyslov, Münich, 2000.

Finally – one from Smyslov’s very late years – a battle against a member of the very young generation – Zsofia Polgar. Without the names, you maybe wouldn’t guess Smyslov was already 79 years old at a time – very energetic play!

References and further reading

If you want to find out more about Smyslov’s life and games, I can recommend the following two resources:

Life and Games of Vasily Smyslov: Volume I – The Early Years by FM Andrey Terekhov
Smyslov on the Couch by Genna Sosonko

The post Vasily Smyslov Best Games appeared first on Chessentials.

Mikhail Tal Best Games

Mistreaver — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 12:31:33 +0000

The games analyzed in this article can be found in this public Lichess Study.

You can also download them in the .pgn format at my Chess PGN Download page.

The Magician From Riga

Out of all World Chess Champions, Mikhail Tal’s life and games have very likely captivated the hearts and minds of chess players worldwide. When you ask people who their favourite player is, sooner or later his name enters the mix and most chess players can remember at least one of his memorable sacrifices, if not more. Even though his short tenure as the World Champion only lasted for one year (from 1960 when he won the World Championship match against Botvinnik until 1961 when he lost the Return World Championship match to the same opponent), his legacy and the effect on the chess world have been unparalleled – even for the World Chess Champion standard.

What is it about Tal’s style that makes his games so memorable? Well, his extremely combative, tactical, and sharp style and his absolute willingness to search for creative ideas and sacrifice material in the process – even under the most unexpected, surprising circumstances. Even though chess history has seen a number of true tactical geniuses, ¹ no other player had such an innate ability (and inclination) to create total chaos on the board, go for material sacrifices and positions where everything and display Tal’s level of creativity and imagination.

Due to his tremendous calculating ability as well as a certain talent to simply “see” through the variations, Tal would often come on top in these tactical skirmishes. Even though his concepts and sacrifices were often not 100% correct from the objective standpoint, they posed his opponents with very difficult problems they were often unable to solve over the board, with the clock ticking. ²

Such a playing style was particularly fresh and novel in the 1950s and 1960s. At the time, the whole chess world was influenced by the strict Soviet school of chess, spearheaded by the likes of Botvinnik and Smyslov, which had a very solid strategical/positional foundation. Tal’s daredevil, seemingly “gambling” style sent shockwaves at a time – especially when it transpired you can reach the very summit of chess and become World Champion with it.

When you also add Tal’s witty, jovial and humorous character into the equation, as well as the tragic circumstances connected to the lifelong health issues that hindered him from achieving as much as he could achieve in chess, you can understand why he is a fan favourite.

In this post, we will take a look at some of his famous and memorable games. The games have been fully annotated by the author of these lines ³ Of course, given his legacy, it was very difficult to make a selection – the full list of his memorable games would extend further away from the number ten. But in order to keep it reasonable and manageable, one has to cut the line somewhere.

Hopefully, this post will serve as a motivation for the reader to find out more about Tal and to look for other wonderful Tal gems for themselves. Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the magical world of the magician from Riga.

Mikhail Tal – Alexander Tolush, USSR Championship, 1957.

A very one-sided stomp of the King’s Indian Defence with the White pieces. Perhaps not the most spectacular game, but very instructive and a good introduction to the Tal style.

Mikhail Tal – Alexander Koblents, Riga, 1957.

A mind-boggling Sicilian skirmish against his own coach Alexander Koblents. One of those typical Tal games that makes your head dizzy with all the possibilities, tactics and reach ideas.

Milko Bobotsov – Mikhail Tal, World Championship U26, 1958.

A remarkable positional queen sacrifice in the Saemisch King’s Indian that has since become more-or-less standard. Not the typical Tal game, but a very beautiful one nevertheless.

Mikhail Tal – Vasily Smyslov, Candidates Tournament, 1959.

The famous clash against Vasily Smyslov from 1959. candidates where Tal managed to “trick” his very experienced opponent and defeat him in just 26 moves, with the help of some very exciting and flashy tactical shots.

Mikhail Tal – Mikhail Botvinnik, World Championship 1960., Game 1

The first game of the Tal’s 1960 World Championship Match against Botvinnik and the only instance in that match where Botvinnik dared to venture the French Defence.

Mikhail Botvinnik – Mikhail Tal, World Championship 1960., Game 6

Another very famous and celebrated game, in which Tal went for the speculative piece sacrifice in the King’s Indian which completely rattled the Patriarch.

Mikhail Tal – Hans-Joachim Hecht, Varna, 1962.

A famous game featuring a spectacular queen’s sacrifice, during which Miguel Najdorf allegedly kissed Tal after the latter made the tremendous 19.exf6 move!

Mikhail Tal – Lajos Portisch, Candidates Quarterfinal, 1965., Game 2

Another game with a very high competitive significance – played at the Quarterfinal Candidates match against Lajos Portisch – and another one of those amazing Tal attacks that makes you smile :).

Mikhail Tal -Michael Stean, Alekhine Memorial, 1975.

A very instructive and also attractive game where Tal displayed his understanding of the White side of the Tarrasch Defence, apart from the usual genius tactical stuff.

Mikhail Tal – Johann Hjartarson, Reykjavik, 1987.

Last but not least – a sort of swansong game by Mikhail Tal against Johann Hjartarson, during which he displayed a masterful understanding of the Ruy Lopez structures and topped it with a spectacular sacrificial finish.

The post Mikhail Tal Best Games appeared first on Chessentials.

Mikhail Botvinnik Best Games

Mistreaver — Tue, 01 May 2018 21:25:05 +0000

The patriarch

Mikhail Botvinnik, the sixth world champion, is widely regarded as the “most instructive chess player ever” (you heard it here first).

And indeed, in a number of his games, he exerted his plans with rigorous discipline and very often crushed his opponents with the iron logic. Not without reason did Paul Keres, his greatest competitor, once compared young Botvinnik with the bulldozer who swept everything on his path.

Botvinnik’s impact on chess was enormous. He was the first to introduce the meticulous and rigorous opening preparation, he discovered a number of inovative ideas (like playing with the isolated pawn – see his game against Vidmar below). Also, let’s not forget that a number of top players went through the famous Botvinnik school of chess, the most notable being the 13th World Champion, Garry Kasparov.

Botvinnik was trully a great champion.

1. Botvinnik – Capablanca, AVRO 1938

Botvinnik’s probably most famous game. Who doesn’t know the remarkable Ba3!! and Nh5!! combo?

[Event "AVRO"]  [Site "The Netherlands"]  [Date "1938.11.22"]  [Round "11"]  [White "Mikhail Botvinnik"]  [Black "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "E49"]  [PlyCount "81"]  [EventDate "1938.11.06"]   1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 {[pgndiagram] The Rubinstein's variation  of the Nimzo- Indian.} d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 c5 7. cxd5 exd5 8. Bd3 O-O 9. Ne2  {[pgndiagram] "This has been established in theory as the Botvinnik Variation  in the Rubinstein System. Nowadays everyone knows that the premature  determination of the central pawn structure gives his opponent greater  opportunities for seizing the initiative. But at that time the two players  were proceeding through virgin territory." - Kasparov} b6 10. O-O Ba6 {White's  light squared bishop is a good piece, but it is doubtful whether Black should  exchange these pieces - his own bishop has a defensive function on b7}   (10...  Nc6 {To illustrate the previous point, let us take a look at the potential  variation where Black develops his bishop on e6 instead} 11. Bb2 Na5 12. Ng3  Be6 13. f3 Rc8 14. e4 dxe4 15. fxe4 Ng4 16. Qe1 Bc4 $1 {[pgndiagram] And  Black's control of the light squares shouldn't be underestimated. This is of  course just an illustrative variation.}) 11. Bxa6 {Another dilemma - should  White exchange here or not?}   ({After the immediate f3} 11. f3 Bxd3 12. Qxd3 {  His queen is on d3 and the knight still has to be developed. Still, the  position of the knight on a6 or c7 is not inspiring all the same}) 11... Nxa6  12. Bb2 $6 {Not the most precise move in the position. White overprotects d4  square and plans f3-e4 advance, but it is too early to determine the position  of this bishop}   (12. Qd3 {Is more precise} Qc8 13. f3 Re8 14. Ng3 Qb7 15. Re1 {  [pgndiagram] And the bishop might become useful on the c1-g5 diagonal as well.}  ) 12... Qd7 $1 {A good move, preparing Qa4 in the future with the blockade of  the queenside} 13. a4 {[pgndiagram] Now this is necessary}   (13. Qd3 Qa4 {  Seriously paralyses White} 14. Ng3 Rae8 15. f3 Nc7 16. e4 Qb3 $1 {[pgndiagram]  And White starts to have some concrete problems to solve}) 13... Rfe8   (13...  cxd4 {Was suggested by Botvinnik and Kasparov} 14. cxd4 Rfc8 {[pgndiagram]  "And White would have to forget about the breakthrough in the center and  switch to defence" - Kasparov. But it is not so clear} 15. Qb3 Rc4 16. Nf4  Rac8 17. Nd3 {[pgndiagram] And With the knight coming to e5, things look far  from ideal for Black}) 14. Qd3 c4 $5 {[pgndiagram] Kasparov and Botvinnik are  both critical of this move, but the computer makes this move instantly.} 15.  Qc2 Nb8 $6 {Perhaps only this move is the start of the wrong plan - Black  invests four moves to place a knight on b3 and win the a4 pawn. White can use  this time constructively and carry out his central pawn advance}   (15... Rad8 {  Is perhaps to be prefered. After} 16. Ng3   (16. Rae1 Nc7 17. Ng3 Ne4 {Once  again!}) 16... Ne4 {[pgndiagram] Black prevents white's pawn advance for the  moment.}   (16... h5 {Also comes into consideration}) 17. Ne2 Nf6 {[pgndiagram]  And White has to find another plan or go for the repetition} 18. Ng3) 16. Rae1  {Now White executes his plan without any problems} Nc6 17. Ng3 Na5 $2 {  [pgndiagram] Capablanca is consistent, but this was the opportunity to change  plans}   (17... Ne4 18. Nh1 {Is given by Kasparov, but after} Ng5 19. f3 Ne6 {  White's attack isn't as terrible as in the game - the knight on e6 won't get  attacked by the e-pawn and it controls f4} 20. Ng3   (20. e4 {Is premature} Na5  21. Ng3   (21. e5 Nf4) 21... Nf4 {[pgndiagram] And the knight lands on d3 which  is higly unpleasant for White}) 20... Rad8 {And it is hard to suggest a move  for White - e4 still runs into Nf4} 21. Qd2 Na5 22. e4 Nb3 23. Qe3 f6 {  [pgndiagram] And the position is highly unclear}) 18. f3 {Now White manages to  carry his plan unhindered and has a very strong initiative for a pawn on a4}  Nb3 19. e4 Qxa4 20. e5 Nd7 21. Qf2 g6 22. f4 f5 {[pgndiagram] Capablanca  probably relied on this defensive move, but this is met with a series of  energetic replies} 23. exf6 $1 Nxf6 24. f5 $1 {Nevertheless} Rxe1 25. Rxe1 Re8  26. Re6 $1 {[pgndiagram] Great calculation by Botvinnik. After this move there  is no hope for Black - White's attack is overwhelming} Rxe6   (26... Kg7 {Is met  by} 27. Rxf6 Kxf6 28. fxg6+ {[pgndiagram] And Black is getting checkmated} Kxg6  29. Qf5+ Kg7 30. Nh5+ Kh6 31. g4 {And Black can only delay the inevitable}) 27.  fxe6 Kg7 28. Qf4 $1 {[pgndiagram] Threatening Qc7 and preparing Qe5} Qe8 29.  Qe5 $6 {A small inaccuracy}   (29. Qc7+ {Was the winning move} Kg8 30. Qe5 Kg7  31. Ba3 Na5   (31... Qd8 32. Nh5+ gxh5 33. Qg5+ Kh8 34. e7 {[pgndiagram] Is  hopeless}) 32. Qc7+ Kg8 33. Be7 $1 {[pgndiagram] And Black is completely  dominated}) 29... Qe7 $2 {The decisive mistake of the game and the culmination  of this encounter}   (29... h6 {In his book, Kasparov quotes this reply,  discovered by Goldin, as the best defence. Black is preventing a potential  check by the White queen on g5. Suddenly, it is extremely hard for White to win  } 30. Qc7+ Kg8 31. Qd6 $1 {The most precise}   (31. Qe5 Kg7 32. Ba3 {Now doesn't  work} Qd8 {[pgndiagram] And White has to win the game anew}) 31... b5   (31...  Na5 32. Bc1) 32. Qe5 Kg7 33. h4 {[pgndiagram] And White still has the  initiative, but the win is somewhat problematic}) 30. Ba3 $3 {[pgndiagram]  "Diversion! Whereas the first ittle step by the bishop was merely an  unsuccessful joke, the second gives rise to a genuine drama. The kamikaze  bishop forced the black queen to abandon its king to its fate and open the way  for the lucky e-pawn. " - Kasparov} Qxa3 31. Nh5+ gxh5 32. Qg5+ Kf8 33. Qxf6+  Kg8 {[pgndiagram] Now only precision is required from White. Note how helpless  the knight on b3 is.} 34. e7 {Sufficient. There were other winning moves, but  Botvinnik has calculated his king can hide from the annoying checks.} Qc1+ 35.  Kf2 Qc2+ 36. Kg3 Qd3+ 37. Kh4 Qe4+ 38. Kxh5 Qe2+ 39. Kh4 Qe4+ 40. g4 Qe1+ 41.  Kh5 {[pgndiagram] A fantastic victory by Botvinnik over Capablanca and a  symbolic end of the era of classical chess titans.} 1-0

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2. Botvinnik – Alekhine, AVRO, 1938

Another victory from the AVRO tournament in which the new generation overthrew the old one. This time against another great champion, Alekhine himself.

 [Event "AVRO"]  [Site "The Netherlands"]  [Date "1938.11.15"]  [Round "7"]  [White "Mikhail Botvinnik"]  [Black "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "D41"]  [PlyCount "101"]  [EventDate "1938.11.06"]   1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 {[pgndiagram] The Semi  Tarrasch defence has been regarded as an inferior defence for a long time, but  it has been revived in the 21st century. But old masters didn't care all that  much about the opening verdicts back then - Botvinnik was the very first  player who started studying opening scientifically.} 6. e3   (6. e4 {Is the most  principled reply, which was tested extensively in the Alekhine-Euwe return  match}) 6... Nc6 7. Bc4 $5 {"A specifically prepared novelty." - Kasparov} cxd4  8. exd4 {[pgndiagram] Once again, Botvinnik's favourite position with the  isolated pawn.} Be7 9. O-O O-O 10. Re1 b6 $2 {This seemingly natural move  turns out to be a serious mistake. Black weakens his knight on c6 and White  immediately exploits it.}   (10... Nf6 {Removing the knight from exchange is  possible})   (10... Bf6 {Is also a move})   (10... a6 {Is also probably better  than what Black did in the game}) 11. Nxd5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Typical Botvinnik  - when an opportunity for concrete play appears, he exploits it.}   (11. Bb5 {Is  simply inferior} Bb7 12. Qa4 Rc8 {And Black doesn't have any problems}) 11...  exd5 {Now Black has an isolani of his own and white is able to generate  immediate play against Black's queenside} 12. Bb5 Bd7 $6 {From frying pan to  fire.}   (12... Bb7 {Was neverthelesss better and more principled} 13. Qa4 {  Kasparov suggests only this move, but I am not convinced it is the best}   (13.  Bf4 $5 {Was probably even better} a6 14. Bd3 {And Black has serious problems.  For instance} Rc8 15. Bf5) 13... Rc8 14. Bf4 a6 15. Bxc6 Rxc6 16. Ne5 Re6 $1   (  16... Rc8 {Is the only move mentioned by Kasparov} 17. Qd7 {He stops here, but  I don't know whether White has anything concrete here}) 17. Qd7 Qxd7 18. Nxd7 {  Is not so horrible now} Rc8 19. Rxe6 fxe6 20. Rc1   (20. Nxb6 Rc2) 20... Rxc1+  21. Bxc1 {[pgndiagram] Thus, it would appear 13 Bf4!? is a better try for an  advantage}) 13. Qa4 $1 {Now this move is indeed very strong} Nb8   (13... Rc8 14.  Bf4 {With the threat of Rac1, is horrible}) 14. Bf4 Bxb5 15. Qxb5 a6 16. Qa4 {  [pgndiagram] "Retaining control of the c6-square and simultaneously  threatening to win th a6-pawn by 17 Bxb8. All that black can do is to seek  simplification}   (16. Qb3 {Came to consideration as well})   (16. Qd3 {Was also  very interesting} Nc6 17. Rac1) 16... Bd6   (16... b5 {Doesn't help a lot} 17.  Qc2 {And Black is still paralyzed} Bd6   (17... Nd7 18. Bc7) 18. Bxd6 Qxd6 19.  Rac1) 17. Bxd6 Qxd6 18. Rac1 Ra7 19. Qc2 $1 {[pgndiagram] Botvinnik's comment  is very instructive here: "The c-file is more important than the e-file, since  in the future the e7-square can be defended by the king, whereas the c7-square  remains vulnerable."} Re7   (19... Nd7 20. Qc6 Qxc6 21. Rxc6 b5 {Also leads to a  very difficult endgame}) 20. Rxe7 Qxe7 21. Qc7 Qxc7 22. Rxc7 {[pgndiagram] One  of those endgames where White doesn't have a material advantage, but the  difference in placement of the pieces is more than enough to play for a win} f6  $1 {Alekhine defends tenaciously. This move prepares Rf7 and the eviction of  White's rook from the 7th rank. This move also prevents the knight jump to e5}   (22... g6 23. Ne5) 23. Kf1   ({White shouldn't give up the c-file} 23. Rb7 Rc8  24. Kf1 b5 {[pgndiagram] And suddenly Black is out of danger}) 23... Rf7 24.  Rc8+ Rf8 25. Rc3 g5 {Gaining some space on the kingside and removing the pawns  from the 7th rank. This move is double edges as it creates yet another  weakening}   (25... Kf7 {Is not better} 26. Rc7+ Kg6 27. Nh4+ Kh5 28. Nf5 {  [pgndiagram] And Black is in serious trouble}) 26. Ne1 h5 $6 {Allowing a  brilliant reply by White}   (26... Kg7 {Loses almost immediately} 27. Nc2 Kf7 28.  Ne3 Ke6 29. Rc7 {And Black is lost})   (26... Kf7 27. Rc7+ {Is also not good for  Black})   (26... h6 {Was probably the most resiient} 27. Nc2 Kf7 28. Ne3 Ke6 29.  g4 {[pgndiagram] But with Nf5+ coming, it is also very difficult to defend})  27. h4 $3 {[pgndiagram] I will be honest, when I first saw this game, i  completely failed to understand this move. Why does Kasparov attach two  exclamation marks to a move that simply drops a pawn? Why is this move so  good? The reply is obvious - White simply fix the weakness and h5.}   ({After  the natural} 27. Nc2 Kf7 28. Rc7+ Ke6 29. Ne3 Rd8 {[pgndiagram] Black is OK})  27... Nd7 $6   (27... gxh4 28. Nd3 Kg7 29. Nf4 {[pgndiagram] And we can see the  point - both h5 and d5 are weak})   (27... Kf7 {Was nevertheless more tenacious}  28. Rc7+ Kg6 29. hxg5 fxg5 30. Nf3 Kf5 31. Rh7 h4 32. Rg7 {[pgndiagram]  Although it is probably impossible to endure this endgame in the long run}) 28.  Rc7 Rf7 29. Nf3 {Forcing g4, removing the defender of the f4 square} g4 30. Ne1  f5 31. Nd3 f4 32. f3 $1 {[pgndiagram] Another instructive moment - Botvinnik  prevents the further advance of the f-pawn. The number of weaknesses increases  once again}   (32. Nb4 {Would win a pawn, but also allowed some counterplay} f3  33. Nxd5 Nf6 34. Rxf7 Kxf7 35. Nxb6 Ke6 {[pgndiagram] And although White is  still winning, he has to display some precision now.}) 32... gxf3 33. gxf3 a5  34. a4 $1 {Major material gains are not far away} Kf8 35. Rc6 Ke7 36. Kf2 Rf5  37. b3 Kd8 38. Ke2 Nb8 $5 {[pgndiagram] Desperation. Black is willing to give  up a pawn for some activity.} 39. Rg6 $1 {A cold shower - Botvinnik doesn't  allow any counterplay whatsoever}   (39. Rxb6 Kc7 40. Rb5 Nc6 {Is suddenly not  that clear}) 39... Kc7 40. Ne5 Na6 41. Rg7+ Kc8 42. Nc6 Rf6 43. Ne7+ Kb8 44.  Nxd5 {[pgndiagram] Finally, the d5 pawn falls and the rest is matter of  technique} Rd6 45. Rg5 Nb4 46. Nxb4 axb4 47. Rxh5 Rc6 48. Rb5 Kc7 49. Rxb4 Rh6  50. Rb5 Rxh4 51. Kd3 {[pgndiagram] A fantastic strategical masterpiece by  Botvinnik. One of those highly instructive games of the sixth world champion}  1-0

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3. Botvinnik – Vidmar, Nottingham, 1936

Notable game in which Botvinnik demonstrated method of play with the isolani which has become one of the standard plans.

[Event "Nottingham"]  [Site "Nottingham ENG"]  [Date "1936.08.25"]  [Round "13"]  [White "Mikhail Botvinnik"]  [Black "Milan Vidmar"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "D40"]  [PlyCount "47"]  [EventDate "1936.08.10"]   1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Bd3 {  [pgndiagram] A rather rare move. Usually in these positions, White delays the  development of this bishop and waits for Black to capture on c4 instead. The  so called "struggle for tempo" is highly typical of the Queens' gambit declined  }   (7. Rc1)   (7. Qc2)   (7. a3) 7... c5 8. O-O $5 {Entering the position with an  isolated pawn. Back in 1936, almost everyone thought Black is automatically  better in these positions; Botvinnik was the first to prove White's dynamic  resources are force to be reckoned with.}   (8. cxd5 {Is calmer} Nxd5 9. Bxe7  Qxe7 10. Nxd5 exd5 11. dxc5 {[pgndiagram] And Black is the one saddled with  the isolani in the end.}) 8... cxd4 9. exd4 dxc4 10. Bxc4 {[pgndiagram]  "Positions with an isolated d4-pawn were a 'hobby horse' of Botvinnik, who  discolosed virtually all their resources! Previously many masters, on  obtaining an 'isolani' in the centre, experienced an almost mystical fear -  apparently under the influence of Steinitz's impressive wins over Zukertort  and the powerful logical arguments of the first world champion, who spoke out  against the creation of unnecessary weaknesses in the position. But Botvinnik  demonstrated that the activity of the pieces and the pressure in the centre  more than compensate for the insignificant defect in the pawn structure. " -  Kasparov} Nb6   (10... a6 {Was regarded as more accurate, forcing the reply a4,  weakening the b4 square} 11. a4 Nb6 12. Bb3 Bd7 13. Qe2   (13. Bxf6 {Is  interesting} Bxf6 14. a5 Nc8 15. d5 $5 {[pgndiagram] With a small edge for  White}) 13... Bc6) 11. Bb3 Bd7 12. Qd3 Nbd5 $6 {This occupation of the d5  square is made automatically even today, but it is not the most precise.}   (  12... Nfd5 {Aiming for simplification is more precise. After} 13. Be3 Bc6 14.  Ne5 Bd6 {[pgndiagram] White retains some advantage}) 13. Ne5 Bc6 14. Rad1 {  [pgndiagram] Black's position is slightly overcrowded} Nb4 15. Qh3 Bd5 16. Nxd5  Nbxd5 $2 {[pgndiagram] A final mistake of the game}   (16... Nfxd5 {Was the last  chance to go for the simplification} 17. Bxe7   (17. Bc1 Rc8) 17... Qxe7 18. f4  Rad8 19. f5 Nc6 {[pgndiagram] When Black has chances of deneding himself}) 17.  f4 $1 {Botvinnik's patent advance of the f-pawn, which has become classic ever  since.} Rc8 18. f5 {[pgndiagram] Like a battering ram, the pawn shatters  Black's pawn structure. All White's pieces are placed ideally} exf5   (18... Qd6  19. fxe6 Qxe6 {[pgndiagram] Was more tenacious, when White still has to  deliver the knock-out blow.} 20. Qh4 $1 {The strongest move} h6 21. Bxf6 Bxf6  22. Rxf6 Qxf6 23. Qe4 Nb6 24. Rf1 {[pgndiagram]}) 19. Rxf5 {Now White has many  tactical threats, connected with the pin on the b3-g8 diagonal} Qd6 $6 {This  loses immediately, but there is no hope whatsoever}   (19... Rc7 {Was slightly  more tenacious, but after the simple} 20. Rdf1 $1 {[pgndiagram] White's  pressure is overwhelming}) 20. Nxf7 $3 {[pgndiagram] An elegant blow in a  winning position. This wins material} Rxf7 21. Bxf6 Bxf6   (21... Nxf6 22. Rxf6 {  The rook on c8 is hanging as well}) 22. Rxd5 Qc6 23. Rd6 Qe8 24. Rd7 {  [pgndiagram] A crushing win!} 1-0

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4. Botvinnik – Tal, World Championship, 1961

In 1961, Botvinnik solved the riddle of the magician from Riga. This is his best creative achievement from that match.

[Event "Tal - Botvinnik World Championship Retu"]  [Site "Moscow URS"]  [Date "1961.03.29"]  [Round "7"]  [White "Mikhail Botvinnik"]  [Black "Mikhail Tal"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "E24"]  [PlyCount "65"]  [EventDate "1961.??.??"]   1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6 3. d4 Bb4 4. a3 {[pgndiagram] From the English opening,  the game has tranpsposed to the Nimzo-Indian defence. Botvinnik choses the  risky Sämisch Variation, that is currently not any more popular.} Bxc3+ {The  point. Black voluntarily gives up his dark squared bishop in order to double  the pawns on the c-file.} 5. bxc3 b6 6. f3 {Also quite logical. White intends  to occupy the center and intends to play on the kingisde.} Ba6 7. e4 d5 $6 {  [pgndiagram] This move was severely criticized by all the commentators. By  advancing his d-pawn, Black allows White to rid himself of the weak c4 pawn.  Loss of castling is small price for that}   (7... Nc6 {Was, and still is, the  main move. Black rushes to a5 in order to attack c4}) 8. cxd5 Bxf1 9. Kxf1 exd5  {[pgndiagram] Now White has simply gained a compact pawn structure in the  center for nothing} 10. Bg5 $5 {This was a novelty at a time. The primitive  e-pawn advance still seems more logical}   (10. e5 $1 Ng8 {Is mentioned by  Kasparov, but he doesn't comment on the engine's suggestion of} 11. Qa4+ Qd7  12. Qxd7+ Kxd7 {[pgndiagram] And it would appear White has decent prospects in  this position}) 10... h6 11. Qa4+ $1   (11. Bxf6 Qxf6 12. exd5 O-O {Gives Black  more than sufficient compensation for the pawn.}) 11... c6 12. Bh4 dxe4 {  [pgndiagram] Botvinnik was terribly critical of this move. "A highly dubious  decision. The opening of lines in the center merely assists the development of  White's initiative." But I think this comment was influenced by the result  of the game - Black's position is not yet worse.} 13. Re1 g5 {Kasparov  comments this was forced, but the engine is more creative}   (13... Nbd7 {Is  suggested immediately by the engine and suddenly it is hard to suggest a good  move for White.} 14. Bxf6   (14. Qxc6 O-O) 14... Qxf6 15. Rxe4+ Kf8 {[pgndiagram]  And Black has a reasonable position. A very good example of how chess has  progressed with the help of the engines.}) 14. Bf2 Qe7 $6 {It is not clear  whether Black should put the queen in the way of the rook}   (14... Qd7 {Also  leads to an unpleasant position. For instance} 15. fxe4 c5 16. Qc2 Nc6) 15. Ne2  $1 {[pgndiagram] Great strategical decision. The knight is aiming for g3 as  soon as possible, in order to eye the e4 and f5 squares} b5   (15... exf3 16. Ng3  {Is obviously bad})   (15... O-O 16. Ng3 {Is horrible for Black}) 16. Qc2   (16.  Qb3 Qe6 {Would have improved things for Black a bit} 17. Qc2 O-O 18. Ng3 Qc4+  19. Kg1 Qd3 {[pgndiagram] The queen is better placed on e6}) 16... Qxa3 17. h4  $1 {Another very strong move, undermining the kingside structure} gxh4 $2 {  [pgndiagram] A crucial mistake, opening the path for the bishop to come into  the game}   (17... exf3 {Is still very bad} 18. Nf4+ Kf8 19. hxg5 fxg2+ 20. Kxg2  Rg8 21. Rxh6 Rxg5+ 22. Kf3 {[pgndiagram] And White is winning})   (17... g4 $1 {  Was the best move} 18. Ng3   (18. fxe4 {Is also better for White}) 18... Nbd7 19.  fxe4 O-O-O {[pgndiagram] And White is obviously better, but Black is still in  the game}) 18. Bxh4 {Now the positional and tactical threates slightly become  unbearable} Nbd7 19. Ng3 O-O-O 20. Nxe4 Rhe8 $5 {[pgndiagran] A typical and  tricky Tal move}   (20... Nxe4 21. Qxe4 Qxc3 22. Bxd8 Rxd8 23. Rxh6 {[pgndiagram]  Leads to a technically winning position for White}) 21. Kf2 $1 {A cold shower,  avoiding all complications}   (21. Nxf6 Nxf6   (21... Rxe1+ 22. Bxe1   (22. Kxe1 {Is  only mentioned by Kasparov , but Bxe1 is stronger}) 22... Nxf6 23. Qf5+ Nd7 24.  Rxh6 {[pgndiagram] Winning}) 22. Bxf6 Rxe1+ 23. Kxe1 Qa1+ 24. Qd1 Qxc3+ 25. Kf2  {[pgndiagram] Is objectively also winning, but Black has some practical  chances of saving the game}) 21... Nxe4+ 22. fxe4 f6 23. Ra1 Qe7 24. Rxa7 Qxe4  25. Qxe4 Rxe4 {[pgndiagram] Even without the queens, White's attack is  devastating. Botvinnik concludes the game convincingly} 26. Ra8+ Nb8 27. Bg3  Kb7 28. Rha1 Rc8 29. R8a7+ Kb6 30. Bxb8 b4   (30... Rxb8 31. R1a6# {Is a nice  checkmate}) 31. Bd6 bxc3 32. Bc5+ Kb5 33. R1a4 {[pgndiagram] With the  unavoidable Rb4 checkmate. A fantastic game by Botvinnik and one of the best  examples why his contemporaries described him as a bulldozer.} 1-0

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5. Botvinnik – Portisch, Monte Carlo, 1968

One from the older days – a fantastic game including a double rook sacrifice.

[Event "Monte Carlo"]  [Site "Monte Carlo MNC"]  [Date "1968.04.10"]  [Round "7"]  [White "Mikhail Botvinnik"]  [Black "Lajos Portisch"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "A29"]  [PlyCount "57"]  [EventDate "1968.04.03"]   1. c4 {Once again, starting with his favourite c-pawn.} e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 d5  4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. Bg2 Be6 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. O-O Nb6 {[pgndiagram] The starting  position of the Sicilian Dragon reversed, that is topical even today}   (7... Be7  {The point behind the knight move to b6 is revealed if Black moves his bishop  just like that} 8. d4 $1 exd4 9. Nxd4 Nxc3 10. bxc3 Nxd4 11. cxd4 c6 12. Rb1 {  [pgndiagram] And this position is advantageous for White}) 8. d3   (8. d4 {With  the bishop already on e6, d4 is probably playable} exd4   (8... Nxd4 9. Nxe5) 9.  Nb5 {We will give a long and approximate line to illustrate White's temporary  pawn sacrifice is definitely dangerous} Qd7 10. Bf4 Nd5 11. Rc1 a6 12. Nbxd4  Nxf4 13. gxf4 Nxd4 14. Nxd4 Rd8 15. e3 c5 16. Nxe6 Qxe6 17. Qf3 {And once  again White retains the initiative}) 8... Be7 9. a3 {The main move even today  - White's idea is to expand on the queenside and utilize the c5 square}   (9. Be3  {Is also possible}) 9... a5 $6 {Perhaps Black should wait with this move until  White has played b4 himself. "Nowadays, this is considered to be weakening."  - Kasparov}   (9... O-O 10. b4 {Is often played today, with the idea of luring  the pawn to b4 in order to undermine it with a5. Nd4 is a common move for  Black in this position} a5 11. b5 Nd4 12. Nd2   (12. Nxe5 {Is not recommendable.  After} Bf6 {Black has definite compensation}))   (9... f5 {Is another  possibility, although Black has to reckon with} 10. e4) 10. Be3 O-O 11. Na4 $1  {[pgndiagram] "White carries out a typical manoeuvre in such positions, with  the aim of opening the c-file and in due time occupying c5 with a minor piece"  - Botvinnik} Nxa4   (11... Nd5 {Is more interesting} 12. Bc5 b6 13. Bxe7 Ndxe7  14. Rc1   (14. b4 {Was played, but after} axb4 15. axb4 Bd5 {Black is fine}   (  15... Nxb4 16. Nxe5))) 12. Qxa4 {Now White has a favourable version of the  reversed Sicilian Dragon. The whole on b5 is looming.} Bd5 13. Rfc1 Re8 14. Rc2  Bf8   (14... Bd6 {Was suggested by Botvinnik, defending the c7 pawn, however,  after} 15. Qb5   (15. Rac1 Ne7) 15... Ne7 16. Nd2 {And White retains some edge})   (14... Bf6 15. Rac1) 15. Rac1 Nb8 $2 {But this is a mistake. Portisch thought  c7 pawn is immune, and intended to continue with c6. However, he was in for an  unpleasant surprise} 16. Rxc7 Bc6 17. R1xc6 $3 {[pgndiagram] A bolt from the  blue. This looks like desperation, but in reality, White plays a deadly  combination, with the sacrifice of both rooks} bxc6 18. Rxf7 $3 {[pgndiagram]  A fantastic combination. As it turns out, the second rook can't be accepted} h6  {This is forced.}   (18... Kxf7 {LEads to checkmate after} 19. Qc4+ Kg6 20. Qg4+  Kf7 21. Ng5+ {[pgndiagram] And Black has to give up his queen or get  checkmated after} Kg8 22. Qc4+ Kh8 23. Nf7+ Kg8 24. Nh6+ Kh8 25. Qg8#) 19. Rb7  {Now White has two pawns for the exchange and a raging attack. Black is busted}  Qc8 20. Qc4+ Kh8 21. Nh4 $1 {[pgndiagram] A final blow. Black's light squares  are like Swiss cheese and White exploits it to the maximum} Qxb7 22. Ng6+ Kh7  23. Be4 Bd6 {[pgndiagram] It is all over now}   (23... Be7 {Is no better} 24.  Nxe5+ Kh8 25. Nf7+ Kg8 26. Nxh6+ Kh8 27. Qg8+ Rxg8 28. Nf7# {[pgndiagram] With  a variation of the smothered mate}) 24. Nxe5+ g6   (24... Kh8 25. Nf7+ Kg8 26.  Nxd6+) 25. Bxg6+ Kg7 26. Bxh6+ {[pgndiagram] And here the 'Hungarian  Botvinnik' resigned. The finish would have been} Kxh6 27. Qh4+ Kg7 28. Qh7+ Kf8  29. Qxb7 {[pgndiagram] And wins. A brilliant win by the sixth world champion  in his late years.} 1-0

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6. Smyslov – Botvinnik, World Championship, 1954

A lesson with the title “How to crush the Closed Sicilian”.

[Event "Botvinnik - Smyslov World Championship "]  [Site "Moscow URS"]  [Date "1954.04.17"]  [Round "15"]  [White "Vasily Smyslov"]  [Black "Mikhail Botvinnik"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "B25"]  [PlyCount "72"]  [EventDate "1954.??.??"]   1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 d6 6. Nge2 {Closed Sicilian. A  very annoying variation to have to face for an active Black player employing  this combative opening.} e5 $1 {[pgndiagram] One can really learn a lot from  Botvinnik. This seemingly weakens the d5 square, but Black fights for the  center and refuses to allow White to increase his space control on the kingside  } 7. Nd5 {Seizing the weak square immediately}   (7. f4 {Is playable. After say}  Nge7 8. O-O O-O 9. fxe5 dxe5 10. Nd5 Nxd5 11. exd5 Ne7 12. c4 Bg4 13. Be3 b6 {  The position is very sharp and unbalanced}) 7... Nge7 8. c3 {Not sure this is  the best}   (8. Nec3 {Is maybe a better alternative})   (8. Bg5 {Is the sharpest}  h6 9. Bf6 Kf8 10. f4 {With complications}) 8... Nxd5 9. exd5 Ne7 {[pgndiagram]  Now Black is able to develop harmoniously and I dont think he has real problems  } 10. O-O O-O 11. f4 Bd7 12. h3 {Black wants to bring the other rook to e8 and  then continue playing in the center and on the kingside} Qc7   (12... Nf5 {Was  also playable, not yet determining a plan and keeping the option of placing  the queen on e7 in reserve} 13. Qe1 Qe7 14. Qf2 Rae8 {With very similar  position as in the game}) 13. Be3 {[pgndiagram] White has to develop this  bishop sooner or later, although here it will get hit by Nf5}   (13. fxe5 {In  principle, White doesn't want to take here. After} dxe5 14. c4 Nf5 15. b3 Rae8  {d4 square is weak forever and knight also stands very well on d6}) 13... Rae8  14. Qd2 Nf5 15. Bf2 h5 $1 {Another great positional move, entrenching the  knight on f5} 16. Rae1   (16. g4 hxg4 17. hxg4 Nh6 {Is highly problematic for  White}) 16... Qd8 {[pgndiagram] The culmination of the plan that begun with  Qc7. A masterful handling of the position by Botvinnik} 17. Kh2 Bh6 18. h4 $6 {  Black was threatening to play h4 himself. But as it turns out, with the king  on h2, this pawn will be a subject of tactical ideas. If he was to advance it,  it was better to do so on the previous move} Qf6 {The queen joins the battle  now} 19. Be4 $2 {A final mistake in a very difficult position}   (19. Rd1 {Was  the only move to prevent the shot.} exf4 20. Nxf4 Nxh4 {Now doesn't work due to  } 21. Be3 Nf5 22. Nxh5 gxh5 23. Rxf5 Qxf5 24. Bxh6 {And Black is not yet out  of the woods}) 19... exf4 20. Nxf4 Nxh4 $3 {[pgndiagram] A deadly shot and the  culmination of Black's brilliant strategical play. As they say, tactics don't  rise out of nothing} 21. Be3 Nf5 22. Bxf5   (22. Nxh5 {Now simply doesn't work.  After} gxh5 23. Rxf5 Bxe3 24. Rxf6 Bxd2 {[pgndiagram] The rook is not on d1  and White can't take the bishop on e2, which means he remains a piece down})  22... Qxf5 23. Qg2 Qg4 24. Qe2 Qxe2+ 25. Rxe2 Re5 {[pgndiagram] Two bishops,  better pawn structure, extra pawn. As they say, the rest is just a matter of  technique} 26. Ree1 Rfe8 27. Bf2 h4 28. Rxe5 Rxe5 29. d4 hxg3+ 30. Kxg3 Rg5+  31. Kh2 Rf5 32. Be3 cxd4 33. cxd4 Kh7 34. Rf2 g5 35. Ne2 Rxf2+ 36. Bxf2 f5 {  [pgndiagram] A brilliant game by the Patriarch. He killed his opponent after  only 20 moves with the Black pieces in a peaceful variation. The best evidence  how strongly he played in those years and why many players compared him with a  bulldozer.} 0-1

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7. Botvinnik – Keres, Soviet Team Championship, 1966

A game between old rivals demonstrating the best aspects of Botvinnik’s play – strong strategical play and tactical execution resulting from the superior position.

[Event "URS-chT"]  [Site "Moscow URS"]  [Date "1966.09.28"]  [Round "5"]  [White "Mikhail Botvinnik"]  [Black "Paul Keres"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "A29"]  [PlyCount "53"]  [EventDate "1966.??.??"]   1. c4 {I have described the rivalty between Botvinnik and Keres in a post  dedicated to Paul Keres. This game was played in 1966, when both players were  way past their peak. Still, it is a fascinating encounter.} Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3.  Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 Bc5 5. Nxe5 {It is hard to evaluate this move. Under the  influence of this game, 4...Bc5 was considered dangerous for Black, but in the  recent years strong grandmasters like Peter Svidler managed to prove that 5  Nxe5 is sort of a "drawing combination" - Black should be perfectly fine.}  Bxf2+   (5... Nxe5 6. d4 {Is better for White}) 6. Kxf2 Nxe5 7. e4 {[pgndiagram]  Almost exclusively the choice of top grandmasters}   (7. d4 $5 {Might be more  venomous, at least on the lower level. The problem is that Black has a decent  equalizer after} Nxc4 8. e4 d5 $1 {And I don' think White can fight for  advantage here} 9. exd5 Nb6 10. Qe2+ Kf8 11. Bg2 Nfxd5 {And Black is very  comfortable}) 7... c5 $1 {And important move - Black can't really allow d4} 8.  d3 {[pgndiagram] By old standards, White is practically winning - two bishops,  weak d5 square, etc. However, the modern theory proves Black is perfectly fine  here.} d6 9. h3 h5 $6 {Perhaps this move is not strictly required - White  wasn't threatening to expand in any case}   (9... O-O 10. Kg1 h6 11. Bf4 Bd7 {  Was more normal, just developing smoothly. Fast castling was also how Svidler  treated this positions, say in the game Aronian - Svidler, World Championship  Tournament 2007}) 10. Be2 Nh7 11. Kg2 h4 12. g4 Ng5 {[pgndiagram] Black  seemingly has a nice blockade on the dark squares, but actually he isn't  threatening anything, and the loss of time allowed White to develop and  initiate play of his own} 13. Be3   (13. d4 {Was actually quite strong already}  cxd4 14. Qxd4 Ne6 15. Qd5 {With pressure against d6}) 13... Bd7 $6 {Again  ignoring d4}   (13... b6 {Reducing the effects of d4, was preferable} 14. d4 cxd4  15. Qxd4 Ne6 16. Qd5 Ba6 17. Rad1 O-O {And now White can't take on d6} 18. b3  Qf6 {[pgndiagram] And Black has some counterplay}) 14. Qd2 {[pgndiagram] But  White also refrains from playing it}   (14. d4 {Came into consideration,  although Black has} Ng6 {And White can't really take the pawn} 15. dxc5 dxc5  16. Qd6 {Is, however, unpleasant}   (16. Bxc5 Nf4+)) 14... Ne6 {Removing the  knight from attack and looking at the d4 and f4 squares} 15. b4   (15. Rhf1 {  White could have completed his development, but than he should have reckoned  with} Nd4 16. Bxd4 cxd4 17. Nd5 O-O {Leads to the same variation examined  after 15...Nd4}) 15... b6 $6   (15... Nd4 {Was once again possible.} 16. Nd5 (16.  Bxd4 cxd4 17. Nd5 O-O 18. Rhf1 {Is ok for Black, White has slightly more space,  but it is hard to suggest a plan})) 16. Rab1 {[pgndiagram] Preparing for the  future opening of the b-file}   (16. Nd5 O-O 17. Rhf1 Bc6 18. a4 {It also made  sense to keep the rook on the a-file and try for the a4-a5 push.} Nd4 {And  White retains some advantage}   (18... a5 {To my human mind, this move would be  logical. However, after} 19. b5 Bb7 20. Rf2 {[pgndiagram] The queenside is  blocked, and White can start operating on the kingside. Black has less space,  so it is harder for him to move his pieces to the aid of his king})) 16... Bc6  17. Rhf1 Bb7 $6 18. Kg1 Nc6 $6 {Once again delaying castling. The move seems  sensible, exploiting the d4 square. But as it will turn out, The knight on e5  was a good piece and the knight on d4 will be doing nothing}   (18... O-O 19. Nd5  Rc8 {And now a4-a5 plan, employed in the game, is less effective. Say} 20. a4  Nd4 21. Bd1 Bxd5 22. cxd5 Qc7 {[pgndiagram] And White is sightly better, but  Black is very much in the game}) 19. Nd5 Ncd4 20. Bd1 {[pgndiagram] Now Black  has some issues. The problem is he can't take on d5, as his knight on e6 will  get hit, and it doesn't have a good square. Compare this to a previous  variation where the knight from e6 jumped to d4.} f6 $2 {But this is a fatal  weakening. In the future, g5 will be deadly.}   (20... O-O {For better or for  worse, Black should have castled} 21. bxc5 dxc5 22. g5 {And White is clearly  better, but the game is far from over}) 21. Kh2 $2 {This time, Botvinnik plays  too cautiously}   (21. g5 {Was deadly here. After} Nxg5 22. Bxg5 fxg5 23. bxc5  dxc5 24. Ba4+ {[pgndiagram] Even more precise than the immediate Qh2}   (24. Qh2  Bxd5 25. exd5 Rf8 26. Bh5+ {Is also winning though}) 24... Bc6 25. Qh2 {And  Black is just busted}) 21... Bc6   (21... O-O 22. g5 {Now doesn't work - Black  has castled and can simply take} fxg5 23. Bg4 Bxd5 24. exd5 Nf4 {[pgndiagram]  And nothing terrible for Black is apparent}) 22. a4 {Botvinnik pursues his  plan consistently}   (22. g5 {Was once again possible, although without Qh2, it  is not as deadly} Nxg5 23. Bxg5 fxg5 24. Bg4 {And due to his king being  uncastled, Black has issues}) 22... a5 $6 {But this only helps White - the  b-file is added to his arsenal}   (22... O-O {Was the alternative} 23. Qf2 g5 {  And the position is ugly, but defensible}) 23. bxa5 bxa5 24. Qf2   (24. g5 $1)  24... Ra7 $2 {A mistake, but the position was very difficult}   (24... O-O {Is  suggested by the engine as the best move, but it is understandable that Black  didn't want to lose a pawn when he had just avoided castling for a number of  moves}) 25. g5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Finally, Botvinnik carries out this strong  advance} O-O $5 {The best defensive try}   (25... Nxg5 26. Bxg5 fxg5 27. Bh5+  Rxh5 28. Qf8+ {[pgndiagram] Is winning for White}) 26. g6 {White is  threatening Qxh4 and Black has to do something} f5 $2 {A final mistake - a  tactical oversight}   (26... Be8 {Focusing on the g-pawn was the only defence.  White's best continuation is to defend it with his queen} 27. Qg2 $1 {  [pgndiagram] Very important but not the easiest move to find. And then he  threatens Qg4-Qh5-Qh7. Then after}   (27. Rg1 f5 {And Black has avoided the worst  }) 27... f5 28. exf5 Rxf5 29. Rxf5 Nxf5 30. Qg4 Nfd4 31. Bxd4 Nxd4 32. Qh5 {  Black will be forced to sacrifice a piece, but at least he could have hoped  White won't find the accurate 27th move}) 27. Rb8 {[pgndiagram] A brilliant  concluding stroke on the theme of diversion. Once the queen takes the rook (or  moves anywhere, for that matter), White takes on h4 and checkmates. In my  opinion a brilliant game, displaying Botvinnik's best characteristics -  consistent implementation of a strategical plan followed up by a decisive  tactical combo.} 1-0

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8. Taimanov – Botvinnik, Moscow, 1963

This game demonstrates Botvinnik’s resourcefullness in inferior positions and how quickly he is able to seize the initative.

[Event "Moscow"]  [Site "Moscow"]  [Date "1963.08.13"]  [Round "2.2"]  [White "Mark Taimanov"]  [Black "Mikhail Botvinnik"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "E43"]  [PlyCount "82"]  [EventDate "1963.??.??"]   1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 c5 5. Nf3 b6 6. Bd3 Bb7 7. O-O O-O 8. Na4  Qe7 $5 {[pgndiagram] This whole line was prepared by Botvinnik for his match  against Petrosian, played earlier that year} 9. a3 Ba5 10. b3 $5 {A solid,  positional move}   (10. dxc5 {After the game, Botvinnik asked Taimanov why he  refrained from this line. Mark said he knew about the Bxf3 move, which solves  or Black's problems} bxc5 11. Nxc5 Qxc5 12. b4 Bxf3 13. Qxf3 Qe5 $1 {  [pgndiagram] The key - White has no advantage} 14. bxa5   (14. Qxa8 Nc6 15. Qb7  Rb8 16. Qa6 Bc7 {And wins}) 14... Qxa1 15. Qxa8 {With at least an equal game})  10... d5   (10... Ne4 {Is arguably preferable - the idea is to support the  knight with an eventaul f5 and keep the diagonal open for the bishop. After}  11. dxc5 bxc5 12. Nd2 f5 13. Nxe4 fxe4 14. Bc2 d6 {Black is probably fine}) 11.  cxd5 exd5 12. Bb2 {[pgndiagram] Now White should have decent play against  eventual hanging pawns} Nbd7 13. Qe2 $6 {But amazingly, this move is not the  most precise and it relinquishes the greater part of White's advantage}   (13.  Rc1 {Was more purposeful move. The point is that after} Ne4 14. dxc5 bxc5 15.  b4 $1 {Is now rather strong} cxb4 16. axb4 Bxb4 17. Rc7 Bc8 18. Nd4 $1 {  [pgndiagram] With excellent compensation}) 13... Ne4 14. Rac1 Bc6   (14... Rfd8)   (14... Rac8 {Were more normal}) 15. Nc3   (15. dxc5 $1 {Was better. After} bxc5  16. Bb5 {White has very favourable position against the hanging pawns}) 15...  Bxc3 $5 {[pgndiagram] I like this, somewhat counterintuitive decision by the  Patriarch. He retains his knight on e4 and gives up the bishop who didn't  exert much influence on a5} 16. Bxc3 a5 {Preventing b4. White is objectively  slightly better, but the position is somewhat double-edged}   (16... Nxc3 17.  Rxc3 {Is favourable for White as well, though}) 17. Bb2 Rfc8 18. Ne5 $5   (18. a4  {Was sightly more cautious.} Rab8 19. Nd2 f5 20. Ba3 {With advantage to White})  18... Bb7   (18... Nxe5 19. dxe5 a4 20. f3 Ng5 21. f4 Ne4 22. Bxe4 dxe4 23. bxa4  Bxa4 24. f5 {[pgndiagram] Is actually good for White - the pawn duo is  dangerous, and it is well known that opposite coloured bishops give some  chances to the attacker}) 19. Rfd1 Ndf6 20. f3 Nd6 21. a4 {[pgndiagram] So far,  Taimanov plays excellently and is actually outplaying the great Botvinnik.  White has two bishops and controls the position.} Rc7 22. Rc2   (22. dxc5 {  Finally erecting to create the hanging pawns and intending to pressure them,  was better}) 22... Nfe8 23. Rdc1 $2 {But this is a tactical mistake, which  allows Black to completely turn the tables.}   (23. dxc5 $5 bxc5)   (23. Qe1 {  creating a retreat path for the bishop, was also better} f6 24. dxc5 bxc5 25.  Ng4 c4 26. bxc4 dxc4 27. Bf1 {And White is better}) 23... f6 $1 24. Ng4 c4 $1 {  [pgndiagram] Now Black completely seizes the initiative} 25. bxc4 dxc4 26. Be4  $2 {From frying pan to fire. Taimanov panicks and decides to give up a clear  pawn. The problem is that Black will still have a strong attack}   (26. Rxc4 {  Was the best solution. After} Nxc4 27. Bxc4+ Kh8 28. Rb1 {White IS down an  exchange, but he is not lost})   (26. Bxc4+ {Was not good} Rxc4 27. Rxc4 Ba6 {  And wins}) 26... Nxe4 27. fxe4 Qxe4 {[pgndiagram] Now Black has everything -  strong attack, extra pawn, etc} 28. Rxc4 $2 {But this just blunders a piece}   (  28. h3 {Was the only way of meeting the threat of h5} Rac8 29. Rc3 {But White  is technically lost all the same}) 28... Rxc4 29. Qxc4+ Bd5 {Probably missed  by taimanov} 30. Qe2 h5 {[pgndiagram] The point - the knight can't go to f2  because of the mate on g2.} 31. Ne5 fxe5 32. dxe5 {The game is basically over  and the rest doesn't require further commentary} h4 33. h3 Qxa4 34. Bd4 Qd7 35.  Qh5 b5 36. Rf1 Nc7 37. Rf4 Bf7 38. Qf3 Bd5 39. Qh5 Qe8 40. Qxh4 Ne6 41. Rf5 Qg6  0-1

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9. Botvinnik – Robatsch, Amsterdam, 1966

Final two games display Botvinnik’s masterful handling of the famous Karlsbad structure. Kasparov once wrote handling of the Carlsbad’s structure determines the quality of a player. Judge for yourselves.

[Event "Amsterdam IBM"]  [Site "Amsterdam NED"]  [Date "1966.07.??"]  [Round "8"]  [White "Mikhail Botvinnik"]  [Black "Karl Robatsch"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "D36"]  [PlyCount "53"]  [EventDate "1966.??.??"]   1. c4 {Once again, we have Botvinnik's favourite move} Nf6 2. Nc3 e6 3. d4 d5  4. cxd5 {Botvinnik was a great master of the Karlsbad structure and scored a  number of memorable victories in it.} exd5   (4... Nxd5 {Is today arguably even  more topical. In the Candidates Tournament 2018, this move was almost  exclusively played.}) 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 Be7 7. Qc2 O-O 8. Bd3 Nbd7 9. Nf3   (9.  Nge2 {Is the main alternative.}) 9... Re8 10. O-O Nf8 11. Rae1   (11. h3 {Is  maybe more precise} g6 12. Ne5 Ne6 13. f4 Ng7 14. g4 {With dangerous initaitive  }) 11... Ne4 {[pgndiagram] A typical move, forcing the exchange of the dark  squared bishop}   (11... h6 {Is the main alternative} 12. Bh4 Ne4 13. Bxe7 Qxe7  14. Bxe4 dxe4 15. Nd2 f5 {And it is hard to say whether h6 was useful or not}  16. f3)   (11... g6 {With the typical idea Ne6-Ng7-Bf5 is probably also playable}  12. h3   (12. Ne5 Ne6 13. f4 Ng7 {And now g4 is not immediately possible and  Black has equalized}) 12... Ne6 13. Bh4 Ng7 14. Bg3 Bf5) 12. Bxe7   (12. Bf4 Bf5)  12... Qxe7 13. Bxe4 dxe4 14. Nd2 b6 {[pgndiagram] Black threatens Ba6, winnin  the exchange}   (14... f5 15. f3 exf3 16. Nxf3 {Is slightly better for White})  15. Qa4 {Preventing Ba6}   (15. Qxe4 {Was possible though} Qxe4 16. Ncxe4 $1 {  This knight} Ba6 17. Nd6 Red8 18. N6c4 {And Black's compensation is dubious})  15... f5 16. f3 $1 {[pgndiagram] Strong play from Botvinnik. This move breaks  the Black pawn duo and prepares to follow it up with Ne5 and e4}   (16. Qxc6 Ba6  {Is of course, unfavourable}) 16... exf3 17. Nxf3 Bb7 $6 {[pgndiagram] The  first move which could be condemned as a mistake}   (17... Qd6 {Perhaps it was  better to retain the bishop on the c8-e6 diagonal} 18. Ne5 b5 19. Qc2 Ng6 {  With some advantage to White}) 18. Ne5 Qe6   (18... b5 19. Qb3+ {Is now  problematic for Black}) 19. Qc2 {[pgndiagram] Attacking the f5 pawn and  demonstrating the drawbacks of 17... Bb7} Bc8   (19... c5 {Was nevertheless a  better try. I am pretty certain some modern grandmasters would just leave f5  in hope of creating some counterplay} 20. Rxf5 $1   (20. Qxf5 Qxf5 21. Rxf5 Ng6 {  Is suddenly unpleasant for White}) 20... cxd4 21. exd4 Nd7 {[pgndiagram] And  although White is clearly better, it is definitely not easy - Black's pieces  spring to life}) 20. e4 $1 {Once again we see this iron consistency from  Botvinnik and a perfect implementation of the plan} Qd6   (20... fxe4 {Would be  horrible - another knight joins the game, for instance} 21. Nxe4 Qd5 22. Kh1  Ba6   (22... Qxd4 23. Nxc6) 23. Rf4 c5 24. Rg4 Kh8 25. Qf2 {[pgndiagram] With  devastating attack}) 21. Rd1 Ne6 $2 {Another mistake - the pin on the knight  will be very uncomfortable and the communication with the f5 pawn is broken}   (  21... Ng6 {For better or for worse, this should have been played} 22. exf5 Nxe5  23. Ne4 $1 Nf3+   (23... Qc7 24. dxe5 Qxe5 25. Nd6) 24. Rxf3 Qd5 25. Nc3 {With  definite advantage for White, but it is not yet over}) 22. Qb3 $1 {This is  very unpleasant for Black} fxe4 23. Rf7 $1 {[pgndiagram] The best move of the  game in my opinion, preparing a deadly threat} a5 $2 {Which Black completely  misses}   (23... e3 24. Ne4 Qd5 {Would have prevented combination, because after}  25. Qxe3   (25. Rxg7+ Kxg7 {The queen can't go to g3}) 25... Rf8 {Black is at  least not immediately lost}) 24. Nxe4 $1 {[pgndiagram] And here Robatsch  resigned, because after} Qd8   (24... Qd5 {Is no better} 25. Rxg7+ Kxg7 26. Qg3+  Kf8 27. Rf1+ Ke7 28. Qh4+ {Black gets checkmated}) 25. Rxg7+ Kxg7 26. Qg3+ Ng5  27. Nxg5 {[pgndiagram] He is bound to get checkmated. Another below-30 move  crush by Botvinnik in a seemingly strategical position. There is so much to  learn from his games!} 1-0

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10. Botvinnik – Larsen, Noteboom Memorial, 1965

Ra1 and Qb1??I mean, seriousy Botvinnik?

[Event "Noteboom Memorial"]  [Site "Noordwijk NED"]  [Date "1965.02.21"]  [Round "1"]  [White "Mikhail Botvinnik"]  [Black "Bent Larsen"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "D36"]  [PlyCount "103"]  [EventDate "1965.02.21"]   1. c4 e6 2. Nc3 d5 3. d4 Nf6 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 Be7 7. Qc2 O-O 8. Bd3  Nbd7 {Once again, the same variation as in the previous game against Robatsch.}  9. Nge2 {This time Botvinnik chooses the second most popular move. White's  idea in this variation is to prepare the quick f3-e4 advance in the center.  Black will try to counter it with c5 and a subsequent queenside expansion.} h6  {A good move, forcing the Bishop's hand} 10. Bh4   (10. Bf4 Nh5) 10... Re8 11. f3  {[pgndiagram] Preparing the advance in the center} c5 {Countering it  immediately. Now it is not so easy for White to advance in the center - he  needs to secure stability of the d4 point first} 12. O-O a6 13. Rad1 b5 14. Bf2  {This is strictly speaking all theory, but somehow the engine doesn't approve  of this decision}   (14. dxc5 {The computer suggests White should react to the  queenside expansion and alter the pawn structure. After} Bxc5 15. Nd4 Qb6   (  15... Rxe3 {Is countered by the incredible} 16. Nxd5 Bxd4   (16... g5 17. Nxe3  Bxd4 18. Bf2) 17. Bh7+ Nxh7 18. Rxd4 {[pgndiagram] And Black has grave  difficulties}) 16. Bf2 {With double-edged play}) 14... c4 {Now Black gains  some tempi on the queenside and develops the initative} 15. Bf5 Nb6   (15... b4 {  Was possible immediately. After} 16. Na4 Nb6 17. Bxc8 Rxc8 18. Nxb6 Qxb6 19. e4  dxe4 20. fxe4 {[pgndiagram] Black's queenside pawn majority is no less  dangerous than White's central pawns}) 16. Ng3   (16. a3 $5) 16... Bf8 $6   (16...  b4 17. Nce2)   (16... Bxf5 $1 {Might have been the best - Black prevents e4} 17.  Nxf5 b4 18. Nxe7+ Qxe7 19. Na4 Nxa4 20. Qxa4 Qb7 {[pgndiagram] And Black is  probably better}) 17. a3 Bb7   (17... Bxf5 {Now was the last chance for this move  })   (17... h5 {Is also quite typical idea when the knight is on g3}) 18. e4 $1  g6 19. Bh3 a5 {[pgndiagram] Larsen is consistent in a way, but sometimes  countering the opponent's plan is even more important}   (19... Nh7 {Exploiting  the position of the bishop and removing the knight from the tempo-gaining e5  was probably the best move here. After} 20. e5 Ng5 21. f4 Nxh3+ 22. gxh3 f5 {  White can probably continue with} 23. h4 h5   (23... Qxh4 {Might be safer} 24.  Nxf5 Qg4+ 25. Ng3 Bc8 26. h3 Bf5 $5) 24. Nxf5 gxf5 25. Qxf5 {With dangerous  initiative.}) 20. e5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Now Botvinnik carries out his favourite  central advance}   (20. Nxb5 {Is not good here} dxe4 21. fxe4 Nxe4) 20... b4   (  20... Nh7 21. f4 {Is just crushing}) 21. Nce2   (21. axb4 {Would be obviously  bad - why open the a-file}) 21... Nh7 22. f4 $1 {[pgndiagram] Very strong and  consistent} Bc6   (22... bxa3 {Black can win a pawn, but after} 23. bxa3 Bxa3 24.  f5 g5 25. f6 {[pgndiagram] He has too many problems on the other side of the  board for the pawn to make a difference.}) 23. Ra1 $1 {To my mind, this and  the following move are the best moves of the game, demonstrating Botvinnik's  deep understanding of the position. White avoids the Ba4 threat and moves his  rook to a1(!) in anticipation of the opening of the a-file} Ba4 24. Qb1 $1 {  Another brilliant strategical move. The queen is maintained on the b1-h7  diagonal, keeping the f5 square under control} f5 $6 {Black wants to prevent  f5 in radical fashion, but this plays in White's hands}   (24... c3 25. bxc3 b3  26. f5 g5 27. f6 Nc4 {Was more prudent, with a double-edged position}) 25. axb4  axb4 26. Nxf5 $1 {[pgndiagram] A familiar pattern - after outplaying his  opponent, Botvinnik resorts to tactical measures to crown his strategy.} gxf5  27. Bxf5 Qe7 28. Ng3 {[pgndiagram] Bringing up the reserves, but there were  better continuations available}   (28. Bg6 Red8   (28... Bb5 {Is sightly more  resillient, but after} 29. Bxe8 Qxe8 30. Rxa8 Nxa8 31. f5 {White is cose to  winning all the same}) 29. f5 {Was simply devastating}) 28... Bd7   (28... Bb5 {  Was apparently stronger. After} 29. Qc2 Kh8 30. Bg6 b3 31. Qe2 Na4 {The game  virtually starts anew}) 29. Bxd7 Nxd7   (29... Qxd7 30. Qg6+ {Drops the knight  on b6}) 30. Qg6+ {[pgndiagram] Now White has strong compensation for the piece}  Qg7 31. Qc6 Rxa1 32. Rxa1 Qf7 33. Ra7 Nxe5 $2 {In a difficult position, Larsen  cracks under the tension and commits a final blunder}   (33... Nb8 {Was the only  way of continuing. Then after} 34. Qa4 Qe6 35. f5 Qc6 36. Qd1 {White has the  advanatage, but there is still a lot of play in the position}) 34. dxe5 Qe6   (  34... Qxa7 {[pgndiagram] Larsen missed the rook is defended?} 35. Bxa7) 35.  Qxe6+ Rxe6 36. Nf5 {[pgndiagram] The rest is the matter of technique} Rc6 37.  Kf1 c3 38. bxc3 bxc3 39. Be3 Bc5 40. Bxc5 Rxc5 41. Ra1 Nf8 42. Ke2 Ne6 43. g3  h5 44. Kd3 d4 45. Nd6 Rc7 46. Ne4 Kh7 47. f5 Nd8 48. Nf6+ Kh6 49. Nd5 Rb7 50.  e6 Nc6 51. Ra6 Ne5+ 52. Kxd4 {[pgndiagram] A brilliant game. Even top  grandmaster like Larsen could not compete against Botvinnik in clear,  strategical positions. Botvinnik's deep strategical idea of Ra1 and Qb1  deserves a lot of praise!} 1-0

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The post Mikhail Botvinnik Best Games appeared first on Chessentials.

Max Euwe best games

Mistreaver — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 14:18:27 +0000

The Man Who Beat Alekhine

In 1935, the chess World was struck with a shock of epic proportions. Alexander Alekhine, celebrated World Champion, has been defeated in a World Championship Match by relatively lesser known Dutch master, Max Euwe.

Although Euwe is known as the ‘Man Who beat Alekhine’, it seems to me that even today he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves for accomplishing that feat. Many people try to diminish that feat. Most often, people say that Alekhine was already getting quite old, that his peak has already passed, that he had a drinking problem during this match and that in 1937 in the return match, he showed who is the boss.

I think that by doing so, people don’t give enough credit to Euwe, who has been really playing some good chess and scored a deserving victory.

Also, many people criticize Euwe because he was unable to assert any sort of dominance in tournaments of those era. And I have to admit, this criticism has some ground; he wasn’t able to dominate tournaments like Alekhine in the early 30s, or Botvinnik in the post-war era.

However, his tournament results were not lacklustre either. Kasparov himself wrote that Euwe was “A Worthy Champion”; I think that this is the best description of Euwe’s tournament career.

Some of his notable results are:

Hastings 1930/1931 – Clear 1st, ahead of Capablanca
Zürich 1934, – Shared 2nd, 1 point behind Alekhine
Bad Neuheim 1937 – Clear 1st, ahead of Alekhine
Maastricht 1946, Clear 1st, 2 points ahead of competition
Gröningen 1946, Clear 2nd, half a point behind Botvinnik

Finally, most people who don’t know much about Euwe in general claim that he played boring, positional chess. That he was primarly a strategist. However, it couldn’t be further from truth. Euwe was described by Alekhine as “primarly a tactician”. His games are wonderful, they are fighting, they are complicated, they are intriguing and there are tactical complications going on. While annotating the games (with the help of Kasparov’s My Great Predecessors, part two), I was struck by the fact that Euwe’s play often had some sort of ‘Tal element’ .

All in all, I think that Euwe is the most underrated champion of them all.

Take a look at the games and judge for yourself. I hope that this list of Euwe’s best games will change a couple of minds.

1. Geller – Euwe, Zürich Candidates, 1953

Zürich 1953 was sort of a swan song for Euwe on the international level. He scored a number of fascinating victories and the game against Geller is one of them. It features a fascinating attacking – defensive shot, 22 Rh8!!?.

[Event "Zurich Candidates"]  [Site "Zurich SUI"]  [Date "1953.08.31"]  [Round "2"]  [White "Efim Geller"]  [Black "Max Euwe"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "E28"]  [PlyCount "52"]  [EventDate "1953.08.30"]   {Kasparov's comments taken from [My Great Predecessors Part Two]} 1. d4 Nf6 2.  c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 c5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 {[pgndiagram] The Sämisch  Variation, the most aggresive variation against the Nimzo-Indian defence, was  at the height of popularity during the Zürich Candidates tournament} b6 $5 {A  rather rare variation}   (6... O-O 7. Bd3 Nc6 8. Ne2 d6 {Was, and is, more common  }) 7. Bd3 Bb7 {The downside of this move is that Black usually plays Ba6 at  one point or another (pressuring c4) and here he loses a tempo for that} 8. f3  {[pgndiagram] The subtlety of the move order. White now has to spend a tempo  on f3, preparing e4}   (8. Nf3 {Is playable though} O-O 9. O-O d6 10. Nd2 {When  e4 follows all the same}) 8... Nc6 9. Ne2 O-O 10. O-O Na5 11. e4 Ne8 {  "Capablanca's prophylactic manoeuvre. The inclusion of the moves f2-f3 and ...  Bb7 is definitely to the advantage of Black, since he can quickly begin a  siege of the c4-pawn, whereas for White it is more difficult to attack on the  kingside, since his queen is cut off from the g4 and h5 squares - Taimanov" -  Kasparov}   (11... d6 {Would allow the unpleasant pin} 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bh4 {And  it is not advisable for Black to get rid of the pin by} g5 14. Bg3 Nh5 15. f4  $1 {[pgndiagram] And White may gain a strong attack} Nxg3   (15... Qe7 {Is  probably wiser}) 16. Nxg3 cxd4 17. cxd4 {And White has a tremendous initiative}  ) 12. Ng3 {[pgndiagram] A logical move, pursuing the plan of kingside attack.  "Black withdrew his knight, in order to prevent the pin Bg5 and to answer  f3-f4 with f7-f5, blocking the kingside. Therefore, before advancing his  f-pawn, White takes control of the f5-square (Bronstein)" - Kasparov}   (12. Qa4  {Is computer's choice, although it is not clear to me what attracts it about  this move} Rc8 {Another Samisch move, pressuring the c5 pawn} 13. dxc5 Rxc5 14.  Be3 Rc8 15. Rfd1 d6 16. Nd4 {[pgndiagram] The engine claims White is OK here,  but in practical game I would much rather be Black; those doubled c pawns are  rather ugly}) 12... cxd4   (12... Ba6 {Mounting pressure on c4, was more  consistent}) 13. cxd4 Rc8 14. f4 $6 {[pgndiagram] Objectively, overstepping  the mark, but Geller wasn't interested in a draw}   (14. c5 {"It is far quitere  to play this move"} bxc5 15. dxc5 Rxc5 16. Be3 {And then Bxa7.}) 14... Nxc4 15.  f5 f6   (15... b5 {Is also interesting, with Qb6 idea} 16. e5 Qb6 17. Kh1 f6 $1 {  [pgndiagram] And White has trouble in continuing his attack}) 16. Rf4 $6 {"A  seemingly logical continuation of the attack: the rook is aiming for h4." -  Kasparov}   (16. a4 {Preventing b5 was better nevertheless} e5 17. Bxc4+ Rxc4 18.  dxe5 fxe5 19. Qb3 {[pgndiagram] With compensation for the pawn}) {At first  sight, White's initiative more than compensates for the sacrificed pawn.  Bronstein writes that he 'needs only two moves to switch his queen and rook to  the h-file, after which it would appear that nothing will save the king. How  can the battery of the Rh4 and Qh5 be prevented? Is it possible that Black's  deep strategy was incorrect?!" - Kasparov} 16... b5 $3 {[pgndiagram]"The start  of a remarkable counterattacking plan, the basis of which is Black's advantage  on the central squares' - Bronstein. " Such moves are more beautiful than any  sacrifices! A path is simply opened for the queen to b6, and the weakness of  White's 4-pawn and of the g1-a7 diagonal immediately makes itself felt." -  Kasparov}   (16... e5 $6 17. Rh4 exd4 18. Qh5 Ne5 19. Qxh7+ Kf7 {[pgndiagram]  And Black has to be prepared for the worst - Euwe. But nothing decisive is  apparent for White in any case. Still, the game move is far stronger}) 17. Rh4  Qb6 $1 {Tying the queen to the pawn} 18. e5 $5 {A very interesting chance in a  difficult position} Nxe5 $2 {[pgndiagram] This move is not highlighted by  Kasparov, but it would appear it lets White back in the game}   (18... h6 $1 {  This cold blooded machine reply is apparently much stronger. The point is that  White doesn't take h7 by force, but h6} 19. Bxh6 Nxe5 {And Black is close to  winning}   (19... gxh6 {Is of course, much worse} 20. Qh5 Nxe5 21. Qxh6 Kf7 22.  Qh7+ Ng7 23. fxe6+ dxe6 24. Nh5 {With strong attack})) 19. fxe6 Nxd3 20. Qxd3  Qxe6 21. Qxh7+ {[pgndiagram] "And so, for a small price, White has  neverrhteless broken through. Black's position appears critical (Bronstein)."  - Kasparov} Kf7 22. Bh6 Rh8 $3 {[pgndiagram] The bolt from the blue, and the  most surprising move of the game - a defensive attacking sacrifice whose point  is diverting the white queen. Objectively, there were other defensive moves  available, but this sacrifice sets White concrete problems that such a strong  player like Geller is unable to solve. The surprise value of the move is much  more important than its objective value sometimes.}   (22... b4 $5 {Was  complicated, with the idea of} 23. axb4   (23. Rf1 {Is what Geller would have to  find} b3 24. Nf5 {And Black should probably force a draw with} Qe2 25. Rf2 Qe1+  26. Rf1 Qe2) 23... Rh8 24. Qxh8 Rc2 25. d5 {And now d5 leads nowhere} Bxd5 26.  Rd1 Rxg2+ 27. Kf1 Qa6+ {[pgndiagram] The point of 22... b4 - clearance. Black  wins})   (22... Qd5 23. Re4 Rc6 $1 {With the idea of Re6, is in Black's favour}  24. Rae1 Re6 25. R4e2 Rxe2 26. Rxe2 Qxd4+ {[pgndiagram]} 27. Be3 Qa1+ 28. Kf2  Nd6 {And White can probably survive, but I think that Black is the one playing  for the win}) 23. Qxh8 Rc2 24. Rc1 $4 {[pgndiagram] Geller cracks under the  tension and commits a decisive mistake}   (24. d5 {Was the only move} Bxd5   (24...  Qxd5 25. Re4 {Is bad for Black}) 25. Rd1 {Attacking the bishop on d5} Rxg2+ 26.  Kf1 Ra2 27. Bd2 Bc4+ 28. Kf2 Qb6+ {[pgndiagram] Etc. White can survive here,  although it is not easy to find all that over the board. Kasparov spends two  pages on the analysis of the continuation after 24 d5 and the objective  evaluation is equality. But that is with the help of the engines..}) 24...  Rxg2+ 25. Kf1 Qb3 26. Ke1 Qf3 {[pgndiagram] A beautiful game, my personal  favourite of Euwe's. Another display of his strength in tactical positions} 0-1

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2. Euwe – Alekhine, 26th game, World Championship Match, 1935

A game from the match against Alekhine and Euwe’s most creative achievement. He gives up a piece for three pawns and outwitts Alekhine in a grand struggle. This game would later be known as the ‘Pearl of Zandvoort’, named after the Dutch town in which it was played.

[Event "Alekhine - Euwe World Championship Matc"]  [Site "Various Locations NED"]  [Date "1935.12.03"]  [Round "26"]  [White "Max Euwe"]  [Black "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "A90"]  [PlyCount "93"]  [EventDate "1935.??.??"]   1. d4 e6 2. c4 f5 {You might recall that Alekhine was very fond of playing  this defence and that he scored some memorable victories with it, most notably  the one against Bogoljubow in Hastings, 1922} 3. g3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 Be7 {On this  occasion, Alekhine retreats the bishop. This idea is common - the assumption  is that the bishop on d2 doesn't stand ideally, so Black's spent tempo is  justified, as White will also have to spend a move in redeploying the bishop}  5. Bg2 Nf6 6. Nc3 O-O 7. Nf3 Ne4 {Kasparov is critical of this move, but I  think it is playable (yes,yes I know, it is me against the GOAT - but it is  what it is). "A rather strange interpretation of the Dutch. In my view it is  better to erect the 'stonewall' by 7...d5; in that case the luring of the  bishop to d2 looks more justified. However, in the stonewall, Black is always  slightly worse.."} 8. O-O {[pgndiagram] Everything up to this point has been  pretty much standard Dutch play.} b6 $6 {But this move is really debatable. It  is a novelty, but one of not the highest quality}   (8... d6 {With this move  Black would have transposed in one of the variations of the Classical Dutch})   (  8... Bf6 {Was played previously in the match})   (8... d5 {Also has more point})  9. Qc2 $6 {In Kasparov's opinion, a delay. This timid move relinquishes an  opportunity that was presented to White by Black's previous move}   (9. Nxe4 {Is  very strong} fxe4 10. Ne5 Bb7   (10... d6 {Doesn't work} 11. Bxe4 dxe5 12. Bxa8  c6 13. d5 (13. dxe5 {Is probably even stronger})) 11. Qc2 d5   (11... d6 12. Bxe4  {Is once again winning for White}) 12. Bh3 {With clear initiative})   (9. d5 {"  In addition, 9 d5!?, by present-day norms a standard breakthrough, suggests  itself. After all, this position is one of the tabiyas of the Queen's Indian  Defence with an extra tempo for White. It is clear that the extra tempo  increases White's advantage, since his opponent has still to complete jis  development. " - Kasparov}) 9... Bb7 10. Ne5   (10. d5 {Came into consideration  once again}) 10... Nxc3 11. Bxc3 Bxg2 12. Kxg2 {[pgndiagram] White still has  some advantage, but it is much less significant than it could have been on  move 9} Qc8 13. d5 $6 {Increasing the scope of the bishop somewhat, but this  move allows Black to complete his development and gain a compact pawn chain}   (  13. Nd3 c5 14. dxc5 bxc5 15. Rad1 {Keeping the d-file open, was more  interesting})   (13. Rad1 {Waiting for d6, was probably even better} d6 14. Nd3  c5 15. dxc5 bxc5) (13. e4 {Blasting the position open, was also interesting})  13... d6 14. Nd3 e5 15. Kh1 $6 {[pgndiagram] " An amusing semi-waiting move,  which does not affect the evaluation of the position. Euwe thought that the  move f2-f2 would not run away; these were the first steps in the theory of  Queen's Indian set-ups, and no one yet knew exactly which piece to play where."  }   (15. f4 $6 e4 16. Nf2 Nd7 {Gives White nothing special})   (15. f3 {Intending  e4, is probably better}) 15... c6 16. Qb3 Kh8 {It is hard to evaluate the  consequences of this or that move in the position}   (16... cxd5 {Fixing the  structure would be interesting were it not for} 17. c5 $1 Qe6 18. cxb6 axb6 19.  Nb4 {And White has the edge})   (16... Na6 {Might be the best, simply trying to  bring the knight to c5} 17. c5 Nxc5 18. Nxc5 bxc5 19. dxc6+ Kh8 20. Qd5 a5 {  [pgndiagram] And the position is unclear}) 17. f4 {Now this move is favourable  for White - d5 and c6 are weak} e4 18. Nb4 c5 $1 {Black has to prevent knight  coming to d5 even at the cost of this ugly move. But now White has the  initiative on the kingside} 19. Nc2 Nd7 20. Ne3 Bf6 $6 {Provoking White into  making a highly promising knight sacrifice}   (20... Qe8 {Was perfectly playable.  White has some initiative, but nothing terrible for Black is apparent}) 21.  Nxf5 $1 {[pgndiagram] " A sound combination which gives White a decisive  advantage. One can hardly call this move a sacrifice, as White obtains  adequate material (three pawns) for the piece." - Euwe This move was rated  very highly. I agree: one has to give credit to Euwe's courage! At this  turning point of the match he played like Alekhine - he boldly launched his  knight at the enemy fortifications, sharply disrupting the quiet course of the  game. And although objectively there was little risk of White losing, for the  time being there is also no 'decisive advantage'. Instead, a very complicated  and highly unclear position arises.} Bxc3 22. Nxd6 Qb8 23. Nxe4 Bf6 24. Nd2 $1  {Preparing e2-e4-e5} g5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Without a doubt the best counter-  chance. Black must attempt to obtain a kingside attack, else the center pawns  will advance irresistibly. - Euwe} 25. e4 gxf4 26. gxf4 Bd4 27. e5 Qe8 28. e6  Rg8 $1 {The best move in the position, trying to create some counter chances}   (  28... Nf6 29. Nf3 {Is just depressive for Black} Qg6 30. f5 Qh6 31. Nxd4 cxd4  32. d6 {When pawn phalanx decides}) 29. Nf3 {[pgndiagram]}   (29. exd7 Qe2 {Is  of course terrible for White})   (29. Qd3 {Is indicated by the engine as clearly  better and we should probably stop here and believe it}) 29... Qg6 30. Rg1 $1 {  After a piece, White sacrifices a rook. Very creative play, although  objectively, White's advantage shouldn't be decisive} Bxg1 31. Rxg1 Qf6 {  [pgndiagram] Kasparov claims this is the decisive mistake, but I am not that  convinced. It is true that 31.. Qf5 is more clear immediately, but the text  move doesn't lose yet}   (31... Qf5 32. exd7 (32. Ng5 {Is now no good due to} h6  33. Qc3+ Nf6) 32... Rxg1+ 33. Kxg1 Qxf4 34. Qc3+ Kg8 35. Ne5 {[pgndiagram] And  the outcome is unclear}) 32. Ng5 Rg7 $2 {In my opinion, only this is the  decisive mistake of the game}   (32... Rg6 {Would keep Black in the game - Rook  would cover f6} 33. exd7 Qxf4 34. Qc3+ Kg8 {[pgndiagram]And suddenly White has  to find a way to save himself}) 33. exd7 Rxd7   (33... Qxf4 {Is now bad due to a  pin} 34. Qc3 {And Black is helpless} Kg8 35. Qxg7+ {[pgndiagram]}) 34. Qe3 Re7  35. Ne6 Rf8   (35... Qxb2 {Was of no help} 36. d6 Rd7 37. Ng5 Rf8 38. Qe5+ Qxe5  39. fxe5 {[pgndiagram] And the pawns decide the game}) 36. Qe5 {Leading to a  won ending for White, but there are still some finer points}   (36. Qg3 {Not  hurrying with queen exchange, was simpler}) 36... Qxe5 37. fxe5 Rf5 $2 {  [pgndiagram] Missing the last chance to complicate the play}   (37... Rxe6 38.  dxe6 Rf5 39. Re1 Kg8 {And the rook and the pawn endgame is very difficult for  White. He should be winning though, but considerable precision would have been  required}) 38. Re1 h6 $2 {And this is decisive mistake of the game}   (38... Rxe6  {Would still return the exchange and revert to previous variation})   (38... Kg8  39. b3 h6 40. h3 a5 41. Kh2 {Would enable Black to resist as well, although  sooner or later he would have to sac the exchange as well}) 39. Nd8 $1 {  [pgndiagram] Now the game is over - the threat of the fork of f7 allows White  to push his pawns forwards and there is nothing Black can do} Rf2 40. e6 Rd2  41. Nc6 Re8 42. e7 b5 43. Nd8 Kg7 44. Nb7 Kf6 45. Re6+ Kg5 46. Nd6 Rxe7 47.  Ne4+ {[pgndiagram] A beautiful game, one of the hidden gems of the 20th  century. It was not nicknamed 'The Pearl of Zandvoort' for no reason (after  the place where it was played).} 1-0

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3. Euwe – Fischer, New York, 1957

A miniature against young Fischer, definitely worth a closer look.

[Event "Euwe - Fischer m"]  [Site "New York, NY USA"]  [Date "1957.03.09"]  [Round "1"]  [White "Max Euwe"]  [Black "Robert James Fischer"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "E30"]  [PlyCount "39"]  [EventDate "1957.??.??"]   1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 {As far as I know, Fischer prefered set-ups with  g6 in his career, and was adept at both King's Indian and Grünfeld with Black.  But I guess in his youth he played more classically.} 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 {  [pgndiagram] The Carlsbad structure. According to Kasparov, any self  respectable player should be able to handle this pawn structure with decent  understanding at leasat} Bb4 {Due to the move order, Black has gained the  possibility to decide where he wants to put his dark squared bishop. By  employing it to b4, Fischer transposes to the Ragozin defence.} 6. e3 h6 7. Bh4  (7. Bxf6 {Would become popular many years later}) 7... c5 $6 {[pgndiagram]  This is not the best move, but back in the day, opening theory was not as  developed as today} (7... g5 {Is modern way of treating this variation} 8. Bg3  Ne4 9. Qb3 {With a fighting, unbalanced position}) 8. Bd3 $6 (8. Bb5+ {The  engine insist on making this check and it has been played with white with  considerate success} Bd7 9. Bxd7+ Nbxd7 10. Nge2 {And White has been able to  defend his d4 pawn, which means he has a clear edge}) 8... Nc6 9. Nge2 cxd4 10.  exd4 {[pgndiagram] Now Black has managed to isolate White's d pawn himself and  the position is approximately balanced} O-O 11. O-O Be6 {It is doubtful  whether this move was required, now White's Nf4 move is slightly annoying} (  11... Be7 {Breaking the pin and defending d5 was probably more cautious}) 12.  Bc2 {Preparing Nf4 - defence of the d4 pawn} Be7 $6 (12... Bd6 {Preventing Nf4  was better}) 13. Nf4 $5 {[pgndiagram] This move is rather annoying for Black}  Qb6 $2 {And immediately young Fischer commits a decisive mistake} (13... Bg4 {  Is the computer move - Black provokes f3 and then retreats all the way back}  14. f3 Bc8 15. Bxf6 Bxf6 16. Qd3 $1 (16. Nfxd5 Bxd4+ {Is even worse for White})  16... Bxd4+ 17. Kh1 f5 18. Nfxd5 {And White retains an edge}) (13... Bd6 {Is  also better than the move in the game} 14. Bxf6 Qxf6 15. Nfxd5 Qxd4) 14. Bxf6  Bxf6 15. Qd3 {[pgndiagram] Now White has a winning attack} Rfd8 (15... g6 {Was  the lesser evil, but it is easy to conclude that Black doesn't want to make  such a move}) 16. Rae1 (16. Qh7+ Kf8 17. Rae1 {Was mathematically more  precise move order, in order to exclude any g6 possibilities.}) 16... Nb4 (  16... g6) 17. Qh7+ Kf8 18. a3 $1 {[pgndiagram] A final touch} (18. Bf5 {Was  more prosaic, though} Rd6 19. Na4 {And wins}) 18... Nxc2 19. Ncxd5 Rxd5 20.  Nxd5 {[pgndiagram] Here Fischer resigned. The queen is under attack, and if  she defends than Qh8 comes with mate, as the knight also controls the e7  square A wonderful miniature against a future world champion.} 1-0

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4. Euwe – Maroczy, Zandvoort, 1936

The second ‘Pearl of Zandvoort’, although much less clear one.

[Event "Zandvoort"]  [Site "Zandvoort NED"]  [Date "1936.07.30"]  [Round "10"]  [White "Max Euwe"]  [Black "Geza Maroczy"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "D63"]  [PlyCount "69"]  [EventDate "1936.07.18"]   1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 Nbd7 {[pgndiagram]  The Classical Variation of the Queen's gambit declined} 7. Rc1 {One of the  many possible moves. White waits for the development of the light squared  bishop, anticipating Black's dxc4 reply and trying to save a tempo in the  process. This struggle for tempo is typical for this variation} c6 {Typical  reply on Black's part} 8. a3 $5   (8. Qc2 {White more often fights for a tempo  with the queen move}) 8... h6 {There are many playable moves. There is  obviously a lot of theory involved here}   (8... Ne4)   (8... Re8)   (8... a6) 9. Bf4   (9. Bh4 Ne4 {Equalizes immediately (the point of h6 is revealed - the bishop  is not defended by the knight if White captures on e4)}) 9... a6   (9... Nh5 $5 {  Has its point, but only if we follow it up with paradoxical computer suggestion  } 10. Be5 Nhf6 11. Bd3 {[pgndiagram] Anything else leads to the repetition of  moves} Nxe5 12. Nxe5 Nd7 13. Nxd7   (13. f4 Nxe5 14. fxe5 f6) 13... Qxd7 {With  equality}) 10. h3 {[pgndiagram] Continuing the struggle for the tempo and  making an useful move - preserving the bishop.} dxc4 {Black can't avoid making  this move anyway now}   (10... Re8 11. Qc2 {And once again Black is the one who  has to release the tension, as he doesn't have any other useful moves at his  disposal}) 11. Bxc4 b5 12. Ba2 {[pgndiagram] Justifying White's 8th move, but  it is unclear whether the bishop is placed ideally here}   (12. Be2 Bb7 {Is more  quiet, although White can't count on anything serious once Black carries out  the c5 advance}) 12... Bb7 13. O-O c5 {Objectively speaking, Black has  probably equalized} 14. Ne5 c4 $5 {Not bad by itself, but this move virtually  forces White to initiate play on the kingside.}   (14... Rc8 {Not yet releasing  the tension, and hinting at possible play against the weak d4 pawn, is  probably more solid. But Black was playing for the win}) 15. Bb1 {[pgndiagram]  Probably not the most precise}   (15. Qc2 {The computer insist on this move, in  order to recapture on e5 with the pawn} Nxe5 $2 {Is now not advisable} 16. dxe5  Nd7 17. Bb1 {And Black loses a highly important pawn} g6 18. Bxh6) 15... Re8 $2  {Too cautious.}   (15... Nxe5 {Would have probably solved Black's problems.} 16.  Bxe5   (16. dxe5 {Is obviously bad now; White shouldn't exchange queens}) 16...  Nd7 17. Bf4 f5 $1 {[pgndiagram] With light square domination}) 16. Qe2 {  Retaining the option of queen transfer to h5}   (16. Qc2 {Is probably more  interesting, as the battery is rather dangerous}) 16... Nxe5 {Euwe called this  move a decisive mistake, but this is far from truth}   (16... Nb6 {Is no better}  17. Qc2) 17. dxe5 Nh7 $2 {[pgndiagram] Only this is a mistake. Black plays way  too pasively}   (17... Nd5 {Is also not ideal} 18. Qc2 g6 19. Bxh6 Kh7 20. Bf4  Nxf4 21. exf4 Qd4 {Although even here Black's chances are better than in the  game})   (17... Nd7 {Without fear, was good for Black} 18. Qh5   (18. Qg4 Qc7 {And  the attack on e5 is unpleasant for White} 19. Rfd1) 18... Qc7 19. Rfd1 Red8 {  And nothing terrible for Black is apparent} 20. Bxh6 Qxe5) 18. Qh5 $6   (18. Qg4  {Was a worthwile alternative} Qc7 $1 {The best defence} 19. a4 $1 {This is  where computer really excels - a sudden change of direction}   (19. Bxh6 Qxe5 20.  Bf4 Qc5) 19... bxa4 20. Nxa4 Rac8 21. Nc3 {And White retains the initiative on  both wings}) 18... Nf8 {"With the knight on f8, it can never be mate" - Bent  Larsen. Black has now consoliated, due to White's delay on previous move} 19.  Rcd1 Qc7 20. Bxh6 $2 {[pgndiagram] Objectively, the losing move. Euwe gets too  optimistic about his own chances}   (20. Ne4 {Quiet play, however, wouldn't have  brought anything tangible as well} Bxe4 21. Bxe4 Rad8 22. Qg4 {And here even  White has to exercise caution}) 20... gxh6 21. Rd4 f5 $1 {[pgndiagram] The  only move, but sufficient one.} 22. exf6 Bxf6 23. Rg4+ Bg7 24. Qxh6 {" This is  the position White was aiming for with his sacrifice. Note especially the  helplessness of the black pieces, underlined by inaccessibility of the  important f6 square" (Euwe). And indeed, White appears to have excellent  compensation for his material... But this proves to be an illusion " - Kasparov  } Rad8 $1   (24... Qe5 $1 25. Re1 $1 {Intending f4} Rad8 26. f4 Qc7 27. Rf1 Re7  28. Be4 Bxe4 29. Nxe4 {Would led to a defensible, but difficult position for  Black, where value of every move is extremely high}) 25. Ne2 {Slightly too  pasive}   (25. Be4 {Could have been played , trying to include the knight. But...  } Bxe4 26. Nxe4 Nh7 {And White has nothing})   (25. a4 {Is the computer  suggestion, opening another front} b4 26. Ne2 {And this version is apparently  better for White than the one in the game, but it is doubtful how much}) 25...  e5 $2 {[pgndiagram] In this double edged, uncommon position, both sides have  difficulties in selecting their move. But this advance is a mistake - the e5  square should have been preserved for the queen}   (25... Re7 26. Ng3 Rf7 27. Nh5  Qe5 {And it is hard for White to make some progress}   (27... Qe7 {Might be even  better})) 26. Ng3 Re6 27. Qh4 {A critical moment of entire game}   (27. Qh5 $5 e4  28. Nf5) 27... Rd3 $4 {[pgndiagram] "A nervy, impulsive move, the point of  which is to eliminate the dangerous bishop at b1. (Euwe) But at what a price!"}   (27... e4 $1 {Is the best move, trying to eliminate the bishop in a different  way} 28. Nxe4   (28. Nf5 {Might be better, but White doesn't have enough  compensation}) 28... Bxe4 29. Bxe4 Qe7 {And suddeny White is completely lost})  28. Nf5 $2 {Returning the favour. This moment wasn't mention by Kasparov in  his OMGP book}   (28. Bxd3 {Taking the rook was more precise} cxd3 29. Nf5 {And  Black is lost}) 28... Ng6 $2 {[pgndiagram] A final blunder, after which  everything is over.}   (28... Rd7 {Was the obvious defensive try, defending the  bishop. White now has the initiative, but not a winning attack. It is a  mystery why Euwe didn't take the rook and why Maroczy refused to retreat it})  29. Qh5 {Now it is all over - White's attack will break through - the bishop  on g7 is huge liability} Qf7 30. h4 {[pgndiagram] Threatening Qg5 and h5, but  taking the rook was once again more precise} Bf8   (30... Rd2 {Was more  resilient apprently} 31. Nh6+   (31. Qg5 {Is now impossible} Qf6) 31... Bxh6 32.  Qxh6 e4 $1 {And White has to find} 33. f4 $3 {[pgndiagram]} exf3 34. Bxg6) 31.  Nh6+ {Now White is clearly winning and he doesn't relinquish his advantage  this time}   (31. Qg5 {Is once again unfavourable} Kh8) 31... Bxh6 32. Qxh6 Qh7  33. Qg5 Kf7 34. Bxd3 {[pgndiagram] Finally} cxd3 35. Qf5+ {A very nervy, yet  rather interesting tactical struggle, in which Euwe played in the style of Tal  - creating concrete problems that his opponent was unable to solve in the end.  The second 'Pearl of Zandvoort' of his career.} 1-0

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5. Euwe – Najdorf, Zürich Candidates, 1953

Another gem from the Zürich candidates. A sacrifice of the full rook, a dashing attack on the kingside. One of my favourite Euwe games.

[Event "Zurich Candidates"]  [Site "Zurich SUI"]  [Date "1953.09.13"]  [Round "9"]  [White "Max Euwe"]  [Black "Miguel Najdorf"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "E61"]  [PlyCount "73"]  [EventDate "1953.08.30"]   1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. Nc3 c5 6. d5 e5 $5 {[pgndiagram] A  surprising move, with which Black tries to benefit in comparison with the  well-known variation." - Euwe}   (6... d6 7. Nf3 e5 8. dxe6 Bxe6 9. Ng5 {  Although after 9... Bxc4 Black has compensation - Kasparov}) 7. Bg5 $5   (7. dxe6  {Has later occured nevertheless})   (7. e4 {With the move in the game, White  tries to divert his opponent from the customary positions} a6 8. Nge2 d6 9. a4  Nbd7) 7... h6 $6 {[pgndiagram] An agressive treatement of the opening. -  Bronstein}   (7... d6 {Was of course logical}) 8. Bxf6   (8. Bd2 {The computer is  content with the h6 weakening and recommends the retreat of the bishop. But...  I don't think we would be annotation this game if that were the move}) 8...  Qxf6 9. d6 $1 {Bold and determined play! "The advance of the pawn involves two  strategic ideas - to delay the development of Black's queenside and to cut the  communication between his flanks." In addition, White gains the valuable d5  square for his bishop and knight. There is only one drawback to the d5-d6  advance: the pawn, cut off from base, may be lost." - Bronstein}   (9. Nf3 {Is  computer's preference - quiet development. But this is not the reason White  gave up his dark squared bishop}) 9... Nc6 10. e3 {[pgndiagram] Preventing Nd4}  b6 {Natural move, developing the bishop} 11. Bd5 $1 {There is no way back -  all White's hopes lie in a swift attack. - Kasparov Maybe because I was  secretly afraid of eventually losing the piece spearheading my attack, I went  a step further with my 11th move, and then there was no stopping. " - Euwe}   (  11. Nge2 Bb7 12. O-O Kh7 {Is of course, too timid; Black has no problems  whatsoever}) 11... Kh8 {Preparing f5 in the future} 12. Ne4 Qd8 13. h4 f5 14.  Ng5 $5 {[pgndiagram] Of course, this is not a sacrifice. But now Black has to  solve some concrete problems} Bb7 {A good move, completing the development}   (  14... e4 {The following variation demonstrates the dangers awaiting Black} 15.  Ne2 Bxb2 16. Rb1 Qf6 17. h5 $1 {[pgndiagram] And Black has to be extremely  careful}) 15. g4 $5 {Taking the bull by the horns. Euwe goes all in}   (15. Ne2 {  Is objectively sounder, but once again Euwe plays with a certain Tal element.})  15... e4 16. Ne2 {Ignoring the threat to the b2 pawn; the knight heads to f4}  Bxb2 {[pgndiagram] A correct decision, there is no reason for Black not to  grab a pawn. Remember Capablanca's principle: "The best way of refuting a  gambit is to accept it."} 17. Nf4 $1 {A creative move, bringing another piece  into attack} Qf6   (17... Bxa1 18. gxf5 {And it is very hard to suggest a  correct continuation for Black} Rxf5 (18... gxf5 {Loses to} 19. Ng6+ Kg7 20.  Nxf8 Qxf8 21. Rg1 $1 {[pgndiagram] An amazing move} Bc3+ 22. Kf1 Kh8 23. Nf7+)  19. Nxg6+ Kg7 20. Nxe4 {[pgndiagram] And despite HUUUGE material advantage,  Black is in trouble here.}) 18. gxf5 Bxa1 $2 {[pgndiagram] Only this is  probably the decisive mistake of the game. It is amazing how taking a clear  rook can be plain wrong}   (18... gxf5 {Not granting the opportunity for a g6  check, was the only way to stay in the game. Now White would have to be  creative in finding a decent continuation for the attack} 19. Qh5 Ne5 {Again  preventing Ng6 at any cost} 20. Bxb7 Bxa1 21. Bxa8 Rxa8 22. Rg1 Rg8 {  [pgndiagram] And probably the position is balanced here. But look at those  beautiful moves. Chess is really an amazing game}) 19. Nxg6+ Kg7 20. Nxe4 $6 {  Objectively, letting some advantage slip}   (20. Nf4 $1 {"Far more attractive  was this simple move, preparing the ground for Nh5+, Qh5 and Rg1. However,  Euwe did not want to allow his opponent any freedom of choice, the move in the  game forces the play. " - Bronstein The computer indeed supports 20 Nf4! as  the strongest move}) 20... Bc3+ 21. Kf1 Qxf5 22. Nf4 $1 {[pgndiagram] A quiet  move, changing the entire picture - how can Black save his bishop. - Kasparov}   (22. Rg1 {Would lead to a draw} Qh3+ 23. Rg2 Qh1+ 24. Rg1 Qh3+) 22... Kh8 $1 {  A correct decision, there is no time to think about the bishop - the royal  couple is in mortal danger. - Kasparov} 23. Nxc3   (23. Ng3 {Is pointed out by  machine as winning, but who can resist taking a free bishop?} Qf6 24. Qc2 {And  once again the threat of Ng6+ is very strong} Rg8 25. Ngh5 Nb4 26. Qb3 {And  White wins}) 23... Rae8   (23... Na5 {Getting rid of the light squared bishop,  was probably more resillient} 24. Bxb7 Nxb7 25. Ncd5 {[pgndiagram] And White  has excellent compensation for the exchange - but not more}) 24. Nce2 $1 {  [pgndiagram] Having described a complete circle, this daring steed returns to  take part in the final attack - Kasparov} Rg8 {Intending to return the  exchange on g3} 25. h5 $5 {Insisting on Ng6, but there were probably stronger  alternatives available}   (25. Ng3 $1 Rxg3 26. fxg3 Na5 27. Qa1+ Kh7 28. g4 $1 {  [pgndiagram] Was a crazy way of gaining a decisive advantage} Qf8 29. Qb1+ Kh8  30. Kg2 Bxd5+ 31. cxd5 Qxd6 {And White is much better})   (25. Bxg8 {Is not a  good idea - the bishop on d5 is worth far more than a rook} Rxg8)   (25. Qa1+ {  Was also worht considering} Qe5 26. Qxe5+ Rxe5 27. Bxg8 Kxg8 28. Rg1+ {  [pgndiagram] With superior endgame}) 25... Rg5 26. Ng3 Rxg3 27. fxg3 {  [pgndiagram] Now, with the pawn on h5, Black's position is better than it was}  Rxe3 $2 {This is probably the decisive mistake of the game}   (27... Na5 {  Similarly as in previous note, was much stronger - there is a very significant  difference with the pawn on h5} 28. Qa1+ Kh7 29. g4 Qg5 $1 {The point - Queen  has g5 available now} 30. Qb1+ Kg7 {And now Kg2 is not possible} 31. Qd3   (31.  Kf2 Bxd5 32. cxd5 Rf8 {And Black is even better})) 28. Kf2 Re8 29. Re1 {  [pgndiagram] Now White is fully developed, his bishop cuts the board in half  and Black is lost} Rxe1 30. Qxe1 Kg7 31. Qe8 Qc2+ 32. Kg1 Qd1+ 33. Kh2 Qc2+ 34.  Ng2 Qf5 35. Qg8+ Kf6 36. Qh8+ Kg5 37. Qg7+ {[pgndiagram] And here Najdorf  resigned, two moves before mate. A splendid game, one of the most underrated  games of the 21st century in my opinion} 1-0

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6. Euwe – Loman, Rotterdam, 1923

A miniature from Euwe’s early years, notable for the concluding sacrifice. But I also like the way he extracted advantage in the opening.

[Event "Rotterdam"]  [Site "Rotterdam NED"]  [Date "1923.??.??"]  [Round "?"]  [White "Max Euwe"]  [Black "Rudolf Johannes Loman"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "A09"]  [PlyCount "35"]  [EventDate "1923.??.??"]   1. Nf3 d5 2. c4 d4 3. b4 g6 4. Bb2 Bg7 5. Na3 {[pgndiagram] To be completely  honest, this is the first time I have seen a move such as this one in this  structure; but it makes a lot of sense. The weakest point in Black's position  is d4, so why not bring the knight to c2 and pressure it.} e5 6. Nc2 Bg4 $6   (  6... Nh6 {With the idea of Nf5, reinforcing the d4 point, was the way to go})  7. e3 Ne7   (7... d3 {Would cast some doubt on White's conception, but Black  would lose the d3 pawn sooner or later} 8. Na3 a5 9. b5 Ne7 10. Qb3 {And Black  has to prove he has compensation}) 8. exd4 exd4 9. h3 Bxf3 10. Qxf3 c6 $6 {  [pgndiagram] Probably too passive and too timid}   (10... O-O {Was more dynamic})  11. h4 $1 O-O $2 {But this is a mistake; Black is basically inviting White to  attack him}   (11... h5 {Was much more sensible, trying to halt the play on the  kingside and create counterplay on the other side of the board with a5}) 12. h5  Re8 13. O-O-O $1 {[pgndiagram] And just like that, Euwe has gained a  completely winning position after just 13 moves. It is amazing how effectively  ideas of the hypermodernists worked during those years} a5 14. hxg6 hxg6 15.  Qh3   (15. b5 {Was objectively better}) 15... axb4 $2   (15... Kf8 {Was the only  defence, as suggested by the engine, but ...} 16. Nxd4 Ng8 {[pgndiagram] And  Black has counterplay}) 16. Nxd4 Bxd4 $4 {[pgndiagram] The famous mistake and  the culmination of this short encounter.} 17. Qh8+ $3 {Very attractive to  beginners; Euwe displays the power of the bishop on the long diagonal} Bxh8 18.  Rxh8# {[pgndiagram] Probably not the most outstanding Euwe game, but I found  it fascinating how quickly Black's position deteoritated, even though he was a  player of inferior class.} 1-0

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7. Euwe – Landau, Amsterdam, 1939

[Event "NED-ch Match"]  [Site "Amsterdam NED"]  [Date "1939.10.11"]  [Round "6"]  [White "Max Euwe"]  [Black "Salo Landau"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "D18"]  [PlyCount "45"]  [EventDate "1939.??.??"]   1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 e6 7. Bxc4 Bb4 8. O-O  Nbd7 {Up to this point, everything has belonged to established opening theory.}  9. Qb3 {[pgndiagram] A rare move, which Euwe considered as the refutation of  the 8....Nbd7 - Kasparov. This move is nowadays less popular then the  alternatives}   (9. Qe2)   (9. Nh4 {Have both appeared more often today}) 9... Qb6  $6 {A seemingly natural reply, and according to Euwe 'virtually forced'. In my  zouth I played 9 Qb3 several times in the hope of 9... Qb6, in order to once  again demonstrate at the board the correctness of the following bishop  sacrifice - Kasparov}   (9... a5 {Alas instead of this I each time had to deal  with the tedious positional problems} 10. Na2 Be7 11. Nh4 $5   (11. Qxb7 Rb8 12.  Qa6 Ra8 13. Qxc6 Rc8 14. Qa6 Ra8 {[pgndiagram] Leads to a draw}) 11... Bg6 12.  g3 {[pgndiagram] This is how I defeated Beliavsky and DOlmatov in the 49th  USSR Championship, Frunze, 1981 - Kasparov}) 10. e4 $1 {A surprise} Bg6   (10...  Nxe4 {A pawn is taboo} 11. Nxe4 Bxe4 12. Bxe6)   (10... Bg4 {Is probably lesser  evil}) 11. Bxe6 $3 {[pgndiagram] 'A promising sacrifice, but one which it is  impossible to say whether it is completely correct. - Euwe Yes, this is a  purely intuitive sacrifice - one of the most difficult in chess. To take  account of all Black's defensive resources is impossible, and even the most  insignificant blemish may become fatal for White: he is after all a piece  down! There are few players capable of seeing, or rather sensing, what is  concealed beyong the misty horizon - Kasparov} fxe6 12. a5 $1 {Diverting the  bishop} Bxa5 13. Qxe6+ Kd8 14. e5 Re8 {[pgndiagram] "This developing move  suggests itself" - Kasparov}   (14... Ne4 {Was suggested many years later,  although after} 15. Nxe4 Bxe4 16. Qf7 $1 {[pgndiagram] White has the advantage}  )   (14... Bxc3 {Is the suggestion of the modern engine} 15. bxc3 Ne4 16. Ra3 Re8  17. Qg4 {[pgndiagram] When White has compensation, but no more}) 15. Qh3 Bxc3 {  Knight moves are also terrible}   (15... Nd5 16. Nxd5 cxd5 17. Bg5+ Kc8 18. Rfc1+  Kb8 19. e6 {[pgndiagram]})   (15... Ng8 16. Bg5+ Ne7 17. Na4 Qb5 18. d5 {  [pgndiagram] And in both instances White is winning}) 16. exf6   (16. bxc3 {  Kasparov writes that after this obvious move White's advantage would have been  less significant, but the engine seems to disagree} Nd5 17. c4 Ne7 18. d5 $1 {  With strong attack}) 16... Bb4   (16... Bxb2 {Was played many years later in the  game Gavrikov - Dorfman, Frunze, 1981 (Kasparov)} 17. Bxb2 Qxb2   (17... gxf6 18.  Ba3 {And White's initiative compensates for the missing material}) 18. fxg7 {  With an irresistible attack.} a5 {Athough after this, far from obvious move,  it might be possible for Black to defend. But I am going too far now}) 17. fxg7  {[pgndiagram] "This passed pawn is going to play a key part in the forthcoming  combinations." - Euwe} Bd6 $2 {"A logical retreat. What is White to do now? At  first sight, it appears that he has no real compensation for the sacrificed  piece and that Black is able to parry the threats. But this proves to be an  illusion. " - Kasparov}   (17... Rg8 {Might have been more resilient}) 18. Ne5 $1  {[pgndiagram] Forcing a decisive opening of central files. The initiative is a  key here - the g7 pawn highely restricts the mobility of the Black rook on e8}  Bxe5 19. dxe5 Bf7 {This loses rather quickly, but what was Black to do?}   (19...  Nxe5 20. Bg5+ Kc7 21. Bf4 {Is horrible for Black})   (19... Nc5 {Might be a tad  better} 20. Be3 Qb5 21. f4 {But White has too much play and two pawns for a  piece}) 20. Rd1 $1 Bd5   (20... Be6 {Is naturaly wrong because of the g7 pawn}  21. Qxe6 Rxe6 22. g8=Q+) 21. e6 $1 Nf6 22. Bg5 {[pgndiagram]} Ke7 23. Qc3 {  Another wonderful attacking game, which ignorant spectator would much sooner  attribute to Tal rather than to Euwe} 1-0

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8. Keres – Euwe, Match, 1940

Another wonderful creative achievement by Euwe. The bishop sacrifice on f3 is one of the most beautiful moves I have ever seen. Make sure to check it out.

[Event "Euwe - Keres 1939/40"]  [Site "Amsterdam NED"]  [Date "1940.01.14"]  [Round "14"]  [White "Paul Keres"]  [Black "Max Euwe"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "D28"]  [PlyCount "122"]  [EventDate "1939.12.24"]   1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 a6 4. e3 Nf6 5. Bxc4 e6 6. O-O c5 7. Qe2 Nc6 8. Rd1  b5 9. Bb3 c4 10. Bc2 Nb4 11. Nc3 Nxc2 12. Qxc2 {[pgndiagram] There is  obviously a lot of theory up to this point. Let us just say that Black  shouldn't have serious problems in this particular position and that Keres  hasn't played the most critical continuation on moves 7-10} Nd5 $6 {Not the  best}   (12... Bb7 {Later, in the Groningen tournament, Euwe would play this  move against Szabo (that game is annotated later in this post)}) 13. b3 $6 {A  bad move, giving Black time to consolidate his queenside pawns and finish  development}   (13. a4 {Is rather energetic, exploiting the position of the  knight on d5} b4   (13... Bb7 14. e4 Nxc3 15. bxc3 {And White has a mobile center  }) 14. Ne4 {And the c4 pawn will be a constand headache}) 13... cxb3 14. Qxb3  Bb7 {[pgndiagram] Now Black has no problems whatsoever} 15. Ne5 {Threatening  Nxb5}   (15. a4 $2 Nxc3 16. Qxc3 b4 {Is now excellent for BLack}) 15... Nxc3 16.  Qxc3 Rc8 17. Qe1 Bd6 {[pgndiagram] Two bishops, queenside pawn majority,  developed pieces. It is quite clear that Black has zero problems whatsoever}  18. Nd3   (18. Bd2 {Is better here})   (18. Bb2 Rc2 {Is unpleasant}) 18... Qh4 $1 {  Creating strong threats on the kingside} 19. h3 {There is nothing ese}   (19. g3  Qe4 {Is just winning})   (19. f4 Qxe1+ 20. Nxe1 b4 {Would lead to a depressing  endgame for White}) 19... O-O 20. a4 {[pgndiagram] Practically forcing Black  to sacrifice a pawn}   (20. f3 {This version of the endgame was better} Qxe1+ 21.  Rxe1 Rc2 22. e4 {The f3-e4 is much healthier pawn formation than e3-f4}) 20...  b4 $1 {A masterful pawn sacrifice - Kasparov} 21. Nxb4 {Probably the best move  - White is going to suffer all the same, so at least he might grab some  material} Bf3 $3 {[pgndiagram] A stunning sacrifice, which even engine doesn't  see from advance. White can't accept the bishop} 22. Nxa6   (22. gxf3 Qxh3 23. f4  f5 {And once the rook gets included, there is no hope for White}) 22... f5 $2 {  Aiming to include the rook via 6th rank, but this gives a moment of respite to  White}   (22... Bxd1 23. Qxd1 {Is objectively better for Black, but it is not an  easy task to convert the exchange here})   (22... Qg5 23. Qf1 Bxd1 24. Qxd1 Qa5 {  [pgndiagram] Might be the most precise; Black wins a pawn on c5} 25. Nc5   (25.  Qe2 Rc2)   (25. Qf1 Qc3 26. Rb1 Qc2) 25... Bxc5 26. dxc5 Rfd8 27. Qf1 Rxc5) 23.  Ba3 $2 {[pgndiagram] Returning the favour}   (23. Qf1 {Is the computer's choice.  White threatens to take on f3} Bxd1 24. Qxd1 {And this version of endgame is  far more difficul for Black than the one where he won the c5 pawn}) 23... Bxa3  24. Rxa3 Bxd1   (24... Rf6 {Leads only to equality after} 25. Rc1 $1 Rxc1 26.  Qxc1 Rg6 27. Qc8+ Kf7 28. Qd7+) 25. Qxd1 f4 $1 {[pgndiagram] Obviously, Black  has a very difficult technical task ahead of him and is correctly playing the  open the files} 26. e4 $2 {KAsparov was critical of this move. "A fatal  weakening of the d4 square"}   (26. Nc5 {Was his suggestion, but after} e5 {  Black has unpleasant initiative}) 26... Qe7 27. Rb3 $2 {[pgndiagram] But I  think that only this is the decisive error.}   (27. Nc5 {Kasparov claimed that  "White also has a bad position after} e5 28. Qb3+ Rf7 {But here everything is  not so clear after} 29. Ne6 exd4 30. Ra1 h6   (30... Re8 31. Nxd4 Qxe4 32. Nf3)  31. Rd1 Re8 32. Nxd4 Qxe4 33. Nf3 {And Black has difficulties in converting  his advantage}) 27... Qd6 {Now Nc5 is impossible and White has too many  weaknesses} 28. Qd3 Rfd8 29. Nb4 Qxd4 30. Qxd4 Rxd4 31. Nd3 g5   (31... Rxe4 {  Was simpler}) 32. h4 Rxa4 33. f3 h6 34. hxg5 hxg5 35. Rb5 Kf7 36. Rb7+ Kf6 37.  Nf2 Kg6 38. Rb5 Rc1+ 39. Kh2 Raa1 40. Rb2 Rf1 41. Rc2 Kh5 42. Rb2 {[pgndiagram]  BLack is naturally winning this endgame, but it is not easy to break through.  Euwe does this with the help of a beautiful pawn sacrifice} g4 $1 {Disrupting  the White chain} 43. fxg4+ {Forced}   (43. Nxg4 Rh1#)   (43. g3 gxf3 44. gxf4 Kh4  45. f5 Rg1 {With unavoidable mate}) 43... Kg5 44. Rc2 Kf6   (44... e5 $5 {Didn't  appeal to Euwe due to} 45. Rb2 Ra8 46. Rc2 Rh8+ 47. Nh3+ Kxg4 48. Rc7 Rxh3+ {  [pgndiagram] But instead of this sacrifice, Ra8 wins}) 45. Rb2 Ke5   (45... e5 $5  ) 46. g5 Ra3 {[pgndiagram] Black has to do something against the g5 pawn} 47.  Nh3 $2 {It was not necessary to give up the e4 pawn}   (47. Re2 {Was more  resillient}) 47... Kxe4 48. g6 Raa1 {Allowing White some annoying counterplay}   (48... Rg3 49. Nxf4 {Would be a huge mistake})   (48... e5 {Was the simplest} 49.  g7 Rg3) 49. Nf2+ Kf5 50. g7 Ra8 51. Rb7 Rg8 52. Nd3 $2 {[pgndiagram] Another  mistake}   (52. Rf7+ {Would prolong the resistance} Kg6   (52... Kg5 53. Nd3) 53.  Rxf4 Rxg7 54. Kg3 {And Black's task is incredibly difficult here}) 52... Kf6   (  52... e5 {Reinforcing the f4 pawn, was once again ignored}) 53. Nc5   (53. Kh3  Rxg7 54. Rxg7 Kxg7 55. Kg4 {Going after the f4 pawn, surprisingly, gives  better chances}) 53... Rxg7 54. Rxg7 Kxg7 55. Nxe6+ Kf6 56. Nc5 Ke5 57. Kh3 Kf5  58. g4+ $2 {Kasparov is critical of this move, but it would appear that  White's position was hopeless nevertheless. Although this does make Black's  task straightforward}   (58. Kh2 Rd1 {And knight doesn't have squares. The  computer gives huge advantage to Black, but I might have been too rash; for a  human, it is not at all easy to win} 59. Nb3 Rd3 60. Nc5 Rd5 61. Na6 Kg4 {And  the tablebase claims Black is winning, but good luck doing so. It would appear  that Kasparov, as always, is right}) 58... Ke5 59. Nd3+ Ke4 60. Kg2 Rb1 61.  Nc5+ Ke3 {[pgndiagram] "A struggle not without its mistakes, but very modern  and lively. " - Kasparov In my opinion, a beautiful gem; Euwe's Bf3 move is  simply stunning and on the whole he outplayed his opponent in all phases of  the game and scored a deserving victory} 0-1

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9. Szabo – Euwe, Groningen, 1946

Another game in the same variation of the QGA, and another victory for Euwe.

[Event "Groningen"]  [Site "Groningen NED"]  [Date "1946.08.20"]  [Round "6"]  [White "Laszlo Szabo"]  [Black "Max Euwe"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "D28"]  [PlyCount "84"]  [EventDate "1946.08.13"]   1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 a6 4. e3 Nf6 5. Bxc4 e6 6. O-O c5 7. Qe2 Nc6 8. Rd1  b5 9. Bb3 c4 10. Bc2 Nb4 11. Nc3 Nxc2 12. Qxc2 Bb7 {[pgndiagram] You might  recall that in the 14th game of his match against Keres, Euwe prefered the  inferior Nd5 here} 13. e4 $2 {From the modern viewpoint, a second rate move}   (  13. d5 {Is more energetic here} Qc7 14. dxe6 fxe6 15. Ng5 {And there is  obviously a lot of theory here}) 13... b4 14. e5 $6 {Consistent with the  previous move, but engine suggest a stronger alternative}   (14. Qa4+ Qd7 15. Ne5  $1 {Winning the c4 pawn for the e4 pawn at the end of the variation and  maintaining equality. But the mere fact that White is the one fighting for  equality here speaks a lot about the whole variation}) 14... bxc3 15. exf6 gxf6  {[pgndiagram] It is doubtful whether this is the strongest}   (15... cxb2)   (15...  Bxf3 {Are both worth considering}) 16. Qa4+ $2 {The losing move - White  regians the pawn on c4, but at what a price}   (16. bxc3 {Was a move here} Bxf3  17. gxf3 Qd5 18. Qa4+ Kd8 19. Bf4 {[pgndiagram] And the evaluation of the  position is unclear}) 16... Qd7 17. Qxc4 Rc8 {The bishop gets developed with  tempo} 18. Qe2 Rg8 {[pgndiagram] Black virtually has a won position already.  More educated chess players might recall that Anand used to beat Kramnik from  very similar positions in their 2008 match. Although there White's positions  were much much better than Szabo's position in this game}   (18... c2 {Came into  consideration as well, trying to play positionally. But Black goes for the  attack}) 19. Ne1   (19. bxc3 Rxc3 20. Ne1 Qb5 21. Qxb5+ axb5 22. Bf4 {Is also in  Black's favour}) 19... Qd5 20. f3 Bd6 $1 {[pgndiagram] All Black's pieces are  pointed at the White king} 21. Kh1 Qh5 $1 22. h3 Rg3 23. Be3 Ke7 $5 {A very  nice touch, including the other rook in the game. Euwe creates a model example  of a kingside attack} 24. Qf1 Rcg8 25. bxc3 Rxg2 $1   (25... Rxh3+ {Was also  sufficient} 26. gxh3 Rg3 27. Rd2 Rxh3+ {And Black wins}) 26. Qxg2 {[pgndiagram]  There is nothing White can do}   (26. Nxg2 Qxh3+ 27. Kg1 Bxf3 {Is obviously  hopeless}) 26... Rxg2 27. Kxg2 Qg6+ {Now Euwe starts to chase the king over  the whole board} 28. Kf2 Bg3+ 29. Ke2 Bxe1 30. Rxe1 Qg2+ 31. Kd3 Bxf3 32. a4 $2  {[pgndiagram] An error in a difficult position}   (32. Bd2 {Making room for the  king on the kingside, was slightly more resillient, although White's position  naturally remains dead lost} Qg6+ 33. Ke3) 32... Be4+ 33. Kc4 Qc2   (33... Bc2 $1  {Would end the game almost immediately} 34. Reb1   (34. Rec1 Qd5+ 35. Kb4 a5+ 36.  Ka3 Qb3#) 34... Bxb1 35. Rxb1 Qa2+) 34. d5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Getting some  breathing space for the king for the cost of a pawn} Bxd5+ 35. Kb4 Kd7   (35...  Qb2+ 36. Ka5 Qxc3+ {Was simpler}) 36. c4 $2 {[pgndiagram] But this is  capitulation}   (36. Rec1 {Why not?} Qb2+ 37. Ka5 Be4 {And here Black still has  to find the knock out punch}) 36... Qxc4+ 37. Ka5 Qc3+ 38. Kxa6 Bc4+ 39. Kb7  Qb3+ 40. Bb6 Qf3+ 41. Kb8 Ba6 42. Red1+ Ke8 {[pgndiagram] In this game Euwe  display his customary opening preparation, together with resourcefulness in  tactical positions. - Kasparov} 0-1

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10. Tartakower – Euwe, Venice, 1948

Last, but not the least, a Tal like sacrifice followed by a king chase. One of the more famous Euwe games, but beautiful nevertheless.

[Event "Venice"]  [Site "Venice ITA"]  [Date "1948.10.??"]  [Round "5"]  [White "Savielly Tartakower"]  [Black "Max Euwe"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "C53"]  [PlyCount "84"]  [EventDate "1948.??.??"]   1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 {In the 1950s, Evan's Gambit was not at  the height of the fashion} Bb6 $5 {[pgndiagram] A very rare move, pre-empting  the d4-stroke}   (4... Nf6 {Is by far the main move}) 5. d4 Qe7 $6 {And this is  objectively dubious. Black takes the e7 square from the knight}   (5... d6 $2 {  Is just bad} 6. dxe5 dxe5 7. Qxd8+ Nxd8 8. Nxe5)   (5... exd4 6. cxd4 d6 {Is  probably more sensible, although here White has to be better}) 6. O-O   (6. d5 {  Simply gaining space and lead in development is probably healthy enough, also.  But there is nothing wrong with the text move} Nb8 7. a4) 6... d6 7. h3 Nf6 8.  Re1 {[pgndiagram] In the end we have transposed in standard Italian Game,  although the queen on e7 does stand a little strange}   (8. a4 $5 {Is also  playable} a5) 8... O-O 9. Na3 {Once again, it made sense to include a4 before  developing the knight}   (9. a4 a5 10. Na3 {And at least White has won the b5  square})   (9. d5 Nb8 10. a4 a5 11. Na3 {Was also possible}) 9... Nd8 $6 {A  rather artificial move}   (9... h6 {Would ask White what he intends to play next}  )   (9... exd4 10. cxd4 Nxe4 11. Bd5 {Is bad for Black} Bf5 12. Bg5 Qe8 13. Nc4 {  With tremendous initiative}) 10. Bf1 $2 {[pgndiagram] Also rather passive. You  can sense that back in the day precision in the opening wasn't as important as  it is today}   (10. Bb3)   (10. Bd3 {Are both better alternatives}) 10... Ne8 $2 {  But this is also very bad and passive}   (10... exd4 {Was better} 11. Nxd4 (11.  cxd4 Nxe4 {Was now possible}) 11... Re8 12. Nc4 Bd7 {With slightly inferior  position}) 11. Nc4 {[pgndiagram] Now the pressure on the e5 square is very  unpleasant} f6   (11... exd4 12. cxd4 {And it is hard to suggest a move for Black  })   (11... Nc6 12. a4 a5 13. Nxb6 cxb6 14. d5 Nb8 15. Nd2 {[pgndiagram] Is also  terrible for Black, he is objectively strategically lost}) 12. a4 c6 13. Nxb6  axb6 14. Qb3+ Ne6 15. Qxb6 {[pgndiagram] Now White has won a pawn and should  be technically winning} g5 {Euwe launches a desperate counterattack} 16. Bc4 h6  17. h4 {With hindsight, it might have been better to play somewhat safer}   (17.  Be3 {Simply developing and waiting to see how Black will respond}) 17... Kh7  18. hxg5 hxg5 19. dxe5 $2 {This opening of the position should have been  avoided}   (19. g3 {Would have been better, because Black wouldn't have anything  better than perpetual later in the line} Rh8 20. Kg2 Kg6 21. Bd2 Nf4+ 22. gxf4  Bh3+ 23. Kg1 exf4 24. e5 {[pgndiagram] The point that saves White} Bg4 25. Bd3+  f5 26. Kg2 Bh3+ 27. Kg1 Bg4 {With perpetual})   (19. a5 {Just improving the  pieces and not moving the pawns in front of the king, was probably the best})  19... dxe5 20. Be3 Rh8 {[pgndiagram] Now Black has some ideas down the h-file,  combined with Nf4 tricks} 21. g3 Kg6 22. Kg2 $2 {Permitting Black a very  unpleasant sacrifice}   (22. Bf1 {Was objectively wiser and White is still much  better}) 22... Nf4+ $3 {[pgndiagram] An excellent shot, creating big problems  for the opponent} 23. gxf4 $2 {And, as usual, the acceptance of the sacrifice  is faulty}   (23. Bxf4 {Was better} Bh3+   (23... Nd6 {Is amazing computer move  which I will merely mention but won't analyze further; apparently it is enough  for equality} 24. Qb4 {The best reply}   (24. Bc1 Nxc4 25. Qb4 Qh7 {And wins})  24... Bh3+ 25. Kg1 gxf4 26. Rad1 Rad8 {And White's extra pawn is suddenly  meaningless}) 24. Kg1 gxf4 25. Rad1 {And the consequences are not as terrible  as in the game}) 23... Bh3+ 24. Kg3 $2 {[pgndiagram] From frying pan to fire.  But the alternative was also gloomy}   (24. Kg1 gxf4 {Is now very unpleasant;  probably even won for Black. White doesn't have time to preserve the bishop -  the queen is coming to h7} 25. Bd2   (25. Nh2 {Is the only chance, but is also  not very joyful} Qh7   (25... Nd6 {Might be even stronger, once again}) 26. Bxf4  exf4 27. f3 Nd6 28. Bd3 Bg2 29. Kxg2 Qh3+ 30. Kg1 Qg3+ 31. Kf1 Rxh2 32. Qg1 {  [pgndiagram] And Black has to win this}) 25... Qh7 {And there is no defence})  24... exf4+ 25. Bxf4 Qd7 $3 {[pgndiagram] Very strong play by Euwe. This  far-from-obvious penetration by Black queen is decisive} 26. Nh2 gxf4+ 27. Kxf4  Rh4+   (27... Bg2 {[pgndiagram] Was even better}) 28. Ke3 Bg2 29. Nf3 {  [pgndiagram] Now comes a brilliant finish}   (29. f3 {Is the computer reply, but  why give up a piece?} Rxh2 30. Re2 Nd6 31. Bd3 {And it is not that hard to  find correct winning method for Black} Kf7 $1 {[pgndiagram] The idea is to  defend the bishop with Rg8} 32. Rg1 Rg8 33. Qd4 Rg5 {And Black should be able  to unravel slowly}) 29... Rxe4+ $3 {[pgndiagram] Very pretty conclusion to the  game by Euwe} 30. Kxe4 Nd6+ 31. Kd3 {There is no choice}   (31. Ke3 Nxc4+)   (31.  Kf4 Qf5+) 31... Qf5+ 32. Kd4   (32. Kd2 Nxc4+) 32... Qf4+ {[pgndiagram]}   (32...  Qxf3 {Was even stronger, with deadly threats, but for a human it is easier to  give a check}) 33. Kd3 Qxc4+ 34. Kc2 Bxf3 {And now BLack is technically winning  } 35. b3 Be4+ 36. Kb2 Qd3 37. Rg1+ Kf7 38. Rac1 $2 {[pgndiagram] But this  mistake lets Black end the game immediately}   (38. Rgc1 {Was necessary, when  game still continues}) 38... Qd2+ 39. Ka3 Nc4+ $3 {A very nice finishing  combination} 40. bxc4 Rxa4+ 41. Kxa4 Qa2+ 42. Kb4 Qb2+ {[pgndiagram] And White  loses his queen after Kc5 Qxf2, so he resigned. A rather uneven game,  demonstrating the poor state of opening play and theory at those time, but  also Euwe's amazing tactical aptitude and creativity.} 0-1

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The post Max Euwe best games appeared first on Chessentials.

Alexander Alekhine best games

Mistreaver — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 06:25:02 +0000

Alexander Alekhine – Alexander the Great

The fourth World Champion, Alexander Alekhine is widely regarded, together with Mikhail Tal and Garry Kasparov, as the World Champion with the most combative, tactical and attacking style.

Although he was a sort of late bloomer, after his surprising victory over Jose Raul Capablanca, he dominated world chess for decades, won a number of tournaments and left a very rich chess heritage.

His games are full of rich tactical ideas, beautiful combinations and flights of imaginations. But his combinations didn’t arise from the thin air; his strategical understanding and his endgame skills were also superior then those of his contemporaries.

However, he is rightly famous for his cominative vision and his fighting chess over the board. With this choice of ten games, I have tried depicting it to an extent. And even though the policy of this blog is not to focus on the maisntream games, some of Alekhine’s gems very much deserve recognition.

1. Bogoljubow – Alekhine, Hastings, 1922

One of those grandiose Alekhine canvases that granted him permanent immortality.

[Event "Hastings"]  [Site "Hastings ENG"]  [Date "1922.09.21"]  [Round "10"]  [White "Efim Bogoljubov"]  [Black "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "A84"]  [PlyCount "106"]  [EventDate "1922.09.10"]   1. d4 f5 {"A risky defence which up to the present I have adopted only very  infrequently in serious games. But in the prsent game I had positively to  play for a win in order to make sure of first prize, whereas a draw was  sufficient for my opponent to secure third prize, and hence I found myself  forced to run some risks." - Alekhine} 2. c4 {According to Alekhine, it is  better fo begin with 2 g3, so that Black should not be able to exchange his  f8-bishop. But is this really to his advantage?} Nf6 3. g3 e6 4. Bg2 Bb4+ 5.  Bd2 {[pgndiagram]} (5. Nd2 {And now correct is} O-O $1   ({But not} 5... Ne4 $2  6. a3 Nxd2 7. Bxd2 Bxd2+ 8. Qxd2 O-O 9. Nh3 d5 10. cxd5 exd5 11. Nf4 c6 12. O-O  Qe7 13. b4 $1 {With clear advantage, Alekhine - Tartakower, San Remo 1930}))  5... Bxd2+ 6. Nxd2   (6. Qxd2 {Is the main move in my database} O-O 7. Nc3 {And  White's knight is more active on c3}) 6... Nc6 7. Ngf3 O-O 8. O-O {[pgndiagram]  }   (8. Qc2 {Was Tartakower idea, with the intention of e4. But I think that  Black counter this idea efficiently with e6-e5} d6 9. e4 Nxe4 10. Nxe4 Nb4 $1 {  Important intermediate move}   (10... fxe4 11. Qxe4 e5 12. dxe5 Bf5 13. Qd5+ Kh8)  11. Qe2 fxe4 12. Qxe4 e5 13. dxe5 Bf5 {[pgndiagram] Now wins immediately}) 8...  d6 9. Qb3 Kh8 $2 {Not a necessary move}   (9... e5 {Was imemdiately possible} 10.  c5+ Kh8 11. d5 Ne7 12. cxd6 cxd6 13. Ng5 e4 {And Black has nothing to fear})  10. Qc3 $2 {"It is already difficult to suggest a satisfactory line of play  for White" - Alekhine. But he underestimated the advance of the d pawn}   (10. d5  $1 {Preventing e6-e5 or forcing a weakening would have been incredibly strong}  Na5   (10... exd5 11. cxd5 Ne7 12. Nd4 Bd7 13. Rac1 {And White is better}) 11.  Qa3 c5 12. dxc6 Nxc6 13. Rad1 {And Black's d6 pawn means he will be on  defensive}) 10... e5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Now Black has equalized and can face the  future with optimism} 11. e3   (11. dxe5 dxe5 {Is the alternative} 12. e4 $1 {A  direct equalizer}   (12. Rad1 {Is the only move mentioned by Kasparov, but after}  Qe7 13. Rfe1 e4 {Black has reasonable chances of seizing the initiative}) 12...  fxe4 13. Ng5 Bg4 14. Rae1   (14. Ngxe4 Nd4 15. Kh1 {And Black is slightly better}  ) 14... Nd4 15. f3 Nxf3+ 16. Ndxf3 exf3 17. Nxf3 Bxf3 18. Bxf3 e4 19. Bxe4 Nxe4  20. Rxf8+ Qxf8 21. Rxe4 {[pgndiagram] And this long computer line results in  dead equal endgame}) 11... a5 $1 {Grabbing some space and hindering future b4}  12. b3 Qe8 13. a3   (13. d5 {Perhaps White should decide on this move, in order  not to allow Black to carry out this advance}) 13... Qh5 {[pgndiagram] "A  start of a deep strategic plan. First of all Black creates threats on the  kingside and provokes a weakening of the opponent's pawns." - Kotov}   (13... e4  {Was possibly stronger nevertheless} 14. Ne1 d5 $1) 14. h4 {Threatening dxe5} (  14. dxe5 dxe5 15. Nxe5 $4 Nxe5 16. Qxe5 Ng4 {Just loses}) 14... Ng4   (14... e4  $5) 15. Ng5 $1 {A good move, removing the knight from potential attack and  bringing it to h3 to bolster the f4 square}   (15. b4 axb4 16. axb4 Rxa1 17. Rxa1  f4 $5 {Is slightly unpleasant for White}) 15... Bd7   (15... h6 16. Nh3) 16. f3  $2 {[pgndiagram] But this is a serious mistake, weakening the kingside}   (16. b4  {Was preferable} axb4 17. axb4 Rxa1 18. Rxa1 f4 19. exf4 exf4 20. Nh3 $1 {The  point behind Ng5} fxg3 21. fxg3 Ne7 22. Nf4 {[pgndiagram] And White remains in  control}) 16... Nf6 17. f4 {Now this is practically forced}   (17. b4 exd4 18.  exd4 f4 {Leads to a fearfully strong attack} 19. gxf4 Qxh4) 17... e4 {From  this moment onwards, Black is firmly in control} 18. Rfd1   (18. d5 {Was  suggested, preventing Black from advancing in the centre, but I am not certain  that it helps him all that much.}) 18... h6 19. Nh3 d5 $5 {[pgndiagram] This  advance was praised many times, but the alternatives are also attractive,  since White's light squares are fatally weak :)}   (19... a4 20. b4 b5 $1)   (19...  Ne7 20. Nf2 a4) 20. Nf1 Ne7 21. a4 $6 {Once again I am not sure whether this  was required} Nc6 22. Rd2 Nb4 23. Bh1 {With the hope of playing Rg2-Nf2 and g4  in the future} Qe8 $1 {Practically winning the a4 pawn} 24. Rg2 dxc4 25. bxc4 {  [pgndiagram] Bogoljubow decides to give up a pawn}   (25. Qxc4 b5 {IS no better})  25... Bxa4 26. Nf2 Bd7 27. Nd2   (27. g4 {Doesn't really work} fxg4 28. Ng3 b5)  27... b5 $1 {Fighting for the d5 square} 28. Nd1 Nd3 $1 {A prelude to one of  the most remarkable combinations in the history of chess} 29. Rxa5 {Bogoljubow  misses the point, but it is hard to blame him for that, honestly} b4 $3 {  [pgndiagram] One of those remarkable Alekhine combinations that a chess player  remembers for his whole life}   (29... Qh5 {Would lead to a more prosaic win} 30.  Nf2 Qe2 31. Nxd3 Qxe3+ 32. Kh2 Ng4+) 30. Rxa8 bxc3 $3 31. Rxe8 c2 $3 {  [pgndiagram] The point of the combination. White can't prevent this pawn from  queening} 32. Rxf8+ Kh7 33. Nf2 c1=Q+ {White's rook has captured three Black's  major pieces, but the mere pawn has proved to be more valuable. For the moment  White has material equality, but his pieces and numerous weaknesses are a  sorry sight.} 34. Nf1 Ne1 35. Rh2 Qxc4 {[pgndiagram] The rest doesn't require  serious commentary} 36. Rb8 Bb5 37. Rxb5 {There is nothing else} Qxb5 38. g4  Nf3+ 39. Bxf3 exf3 40. gxf5 Qe2 41. d5 Kg8 42. h5 Kh7 43. e4 Nxe4 44. Nxe4 Qxe4  45. d6 cxd6 46. f6 gxf6 47. Rd2 Qe2 $1 {[pgndiagram] A very nice final touch,  worthy of this game.} 48. Rxe2 {Forced, due to the threat of mate on g2} fxe2 {  For the second time in this game, we see the strength of a pawn on the second  rank over the knight} 49. Kf2 exf1=Q+ 50. Kxf1 Kg7 {And the pawn endgame is  easily won for Black.} 51. Ke2 Kf7 52. Ke3 Ke6 53. Ke4 d5+ {One of the best  games in the history of chess and without a doubt my favourite Alehkine game.  Simply brilliant} 0-1

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2. Alekhine – NN, Moscow, 1915

Another flight of fantasy; a famous five queen game. It is debatable whether this game was actually played, or merely invented by Alekhine, but to tell you the truth, I don’t really care.

[Event "Moscow"]  [Site "Moscow RUS"]  [Date "1915.??.??"]  [Round "?"]  [White "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Black "NN"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "C12"]  [PlyCount "57"]  [EventDate "1915.??.??"]   1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Bb4 5. e5 h6 6. exf6 {[pgndiagram] I think  that nowadays this move is not that much in vogue, although probably it is  better than it looks}   (6. Bd2 {Is the main line})   (6. Be3 {Is also fairly  common in my database}) 6... hxg5 7. fxg7 Rg8 8. h4 {[pgndiagram] Surprisingly,  this is all theory.}   (8. a3 {Has also appeared. This position is worth  examining more closely} Bxc3+ 9. bxc3 Rxg7 10. Qh5 Rg8 11. Qh7 Kf8 12. h4 {  When White has decend chances of seizing the initiative, in my view}) 8... gxh4  9. Qg4 {An attempt to improve on the variation with Qh5 - Kasparov}   (9. Qh5 Qf6  10. Nf3 Nc6   (10... Qxg7 {Is simpler}) 11. Rxh4   (11. Qxh4 {Is probably the  safest}) 11... Qxg7 12. O-O-O Bd7 {When Black already has a preferable position  }) 9... Be7 $6 {I don't like this reply}   (9... Qf6 {Seems simpler, immediately  regaining the g7 pawn. Alekhine gave} 10. Rxh4 Qxg7   (10... Nc6 $5 {Is probably  wiser} 11. Nf3 Rxg7 12. Rh8+ Bf8) 11. Qxg7 Rxg7 12. Rh8+ Kd7   (12... Bf8 {Is  Kasparov's suggestion} 13. O-O-O Bd7 {"Black completes his development and  easily equalizes"}) 13. Nf3 {As better for Black. But even here nothing  terrible for Black is apparent after the accurate} c6) 10. g3 $5 {Creating  another passed pawn} c5   (10... Bf6 {Was probably more accurate} 11. gxh4 c5 $1  {And Black transposes to the game}) 11. gxh4 $6 {[pgndiagram] The start of a  legend. However, this is not the most accurate move in the position}   (11. dxc5  {Emphasizing the drawback of early c5 was probably more correct} Bf6 12. Qf4  Rxg7 13. Nf3 {And White has the advantage}) 11... cxd4 {Now we have transposed  to the same position that could have arisen after 10.. Bh6. Black has the edge  here} 12. h5 $5 {Consistent, but probably faulty}   (12. Qxd4 {Is probably the  best, but here White can say goodbye to any sort of opening advantage}) 12...  dxc3 13. h6 $1 {"Once you said A, you should say B."}   (13. bxc3 {Was too timid}  Qc7 14. Ne2 e5 15. Qg3 Bf5 {And White doesn't have sufficient compensation for  the piece}) 13... cxb2 14. Rb1 Qa5+ 15. Ke2 Qxa2 $4 {[pgndiagram] And this is  a decisive mistake of the game}   (15... Bf8 $1 {This paradoxical move,  returning the piece, would have effectively refuted White's set-up} 16. gxf8=Q+   (16. h7 Rxg7 17. Qd4 Rxh7 18. Rxh7 Qxa2 19. Rxb2 Qa6+ {With sufficient  compensation for an exchange}) 16... Rxf8 17. h7 Qc3) 16. h7 Qxb1 17. hxg8=Q+  Kd7 18. Qxf7 Qxc2+ 19. Kf3 Nc6 $1 {Forced}   (19... b1=Q 20. Qgxe6+ Kc7 21.  Qfxe7+ {And White mates soon}) 20. Qgxe6+ $2 {[pgndiagram] Not the strongest,  but in such a paradoxical position we should refrain from criticism}   (20. g8=Q  {It would appear that this is much simpler} b1=Q 21. Qgxe6+ Kc7 22. Qfxe7+ Nxe7  23. Qg3+ $3 {A key move, that wins}) 20... Kc7 21. Qf4+ Kb6 22. Qee3+ $2 {A  very natural, human move, but it would appear that this move jeopardizes the  win}   (22. Bd3 $1 {Was the strongest. Black obviously can't capture the bishop.}  Qb3 23. Qee3+ d4 24. Qfxd4+ Nxd4+ 25. Qxd4+ Kc7 26. g8=Q {And wins} Qxg8 27.  Qc3+ Kd6 28. Rh6+) 22... Bc5 23. g8=Q b1=Q {[pgndiagram] A remarkable picture.  "Fantastic: there are five queens on the board! In the famous finish to the  11th game of the Capablanca - Alekhine match, there were 'only' four." -  Kasparov} 24. Rh6 $3 {The best move of the game, in my opinion. By creating a  threat of Qd8 mate, White forces Black's reply} Qxf1 $4 {This loses  immediately, although it is not completely clear which move was played after  24 Rh6}   (24... Bxe3 25. Qd8+ Kc5 26. Qfd6+ Kd4 27. Qh8+ Ne5+ 28. Qhxe5# $1)   (  24... Bg4+ {Was the best move, immediately suggested by the engines. It would  appear that Jan Timman was first who mentioned it} 25. Qgxg4 Bxe3 26. Qxe3+ Qc5  27. Qxc5+ Kxc5 28. Kg2 {And White retains some advantage in the endgame}) 25.  Qb4+ Qb5 26. Qd8+ Ka6 27. Qea3+ Qca4 28. Qaxa4+ Qxa4 29. Qxa4# {[pgndiagram] A  remarkable flight of fantasy. Even if the game was invented, it is not easy to  invent something like this. Simply stunning!!} 1-0

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3. Alekhine – Flohr, Bled, 1931

A game from the “Golden Era”. The best example of Alekhine’s strategical mastery. A beautiful positional win against Salo Flohr, who was a great positional master himself.

[Event "Bled"]  [Site "Bled YUG"]  [Date "1931.09.02"]  [Round "8"]  [White "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Black "Salomon Flohr"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "D28"]  [PlyCount "57"]  [EventDate "1931.08.23"]   1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 {Flohr was famous for his technical style and Queen's  Gambit Accepted is fully in accordance with it} 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 {It is  strange to see Alekhine choosing the quiet 3 Nf3 4 e3 continuation} e6 5. Bxc4  c5 6. O-O Nc6 7. Qe2 a6 8. Rd1 $3 {[pgndiagram] The exclamation marks are not  for the quality of the move, but for the breakthrough in time. Alekhine  realizes that he can do without a4 and immediately develops a piece}   (8. a4 {  Was played almost exclusively, but this gave Black the b4 square and I don't  think that White has all that much in that variation. White players  subsequently tried other paths, but for 1931 move such as 8 Rd1 was a  revelation}) 8... b5 9. dxc5 Qc7 10. Bd3 Bxc5 11. a4 $1 {[pgndiagram] The  point! In many modern openings, White induces Black to advance his pawn to b5,  in order to be able to undermine it with a4} b4   (11... bxa4 {Is ugly, but  might be better nevertheless, reducing the number of the pawns on the queenside  }) 12. Nbd2   (12. b3 $5 {With development of the bishop on b2, was worth  considering. But Alekhine occupies the square with the knight instead}) 12...  O-O 13. Nb3 Be7 14. e4 $1 {[pgndiagram] A correct move, advancing in the  center and increasing the scope of the dark squared bishop} Nd7 {Anticipating  the e5 advance, but it was better to complete the development}   (14... Bb7 15.  e5 Nd7 16. Bf4 {Although even here Black's position is unpleasant, at least  his rooks are connected and all his pieces are developed}) 15. Be3 Nde5 $6 {  Once again moving the knight. In general, it is a good idea for the side with  less space to exchange pieces, but here this is too slow}   (15... Bb7 16. Rac1 {  Would lead to a position similar to the one examined in the previous note}) 16.  Nxe5 Nxe5 17. Rac1 Qb8 18. Bc5 $1 {[pgndiagram] A great decision, exchanging  Black's better bishop in order to establish a knight on c5, which will  dominate the bishop on c8} Bxc5 19. Nxc5 Qb6 20. Qh5 Nd7 21. Be2 $6 {Probably  it was stronger not to allow a knight exchange}   (21. Nb3 {Came into  consideration here}) 21... g6 {Before exchanging, Black creates "luft" for his  king, which is always useful} 22. Qg5 Nxc5 23. Rxc5 a5 24. h4 {[pgndiagram]  Despite White's slight inaccuracy on move 21, he still has a dominant position  (control of the open files, better minor piece, more space, chances of attack)}  Ba6 25. Bf3 f6 {Fearing the threat of h5-h6, Flohr weakens his king. It was  probably wiser not to move the pawns}   (25... Rad8 26. Rdc1 Rc8 27. h5 Qd8 28.  Qe3 {And Black has some chances of resisting, although White retains a large  portion of his advantage}) 26. Qe3 {[pgndiagram] Now Black's difficulties  increase further} Rad8 27. Rxd8 Rxd8 $2 {Losing immediately}   (27... Qxd8 {Was  more resilient, but as it is..}) 28. e5 $1 {The consequence of 25... f6. White  also takes away the d6 square from the Black Queen}   (28. Rc8 Qd6 {Is probably  also winning, though}) 28... f5 $2 {But this loses immediately}   (28... Kf7 {Is  the best move according to the engine, but this tells everything about Black's  position} 29. exf6) 29. Rc8 {[pgndiagram] Black loses a full rook, or a queen  for rook. Therefore he resigned. A beautiful positional win in the style of  Capablanca.} 1-0

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4. Alekhine – Yates, London, 1922

Game I first picked up from Irving Chernev’s The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played (see this post for more details). Perhaps not the most spectacular game, but highly instructive one. The final combination is also worth taking another look.

[Event "London British CF International Masters"]  [Site "London"]  [Date "1922.08.12"]  [Round "10"]  [White "Alekhine, Alexander"]  [Black "Yates, Frederick Dewhurst"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "D64"]  [PlyCount "75"]  [EventDate "1922.07.31"]  [EventType "tourn"]  [EventRounds "15"]  [EventCountry "ENG"]  [Source "ChessBase"]  [SourceDate "1999.07.01"]   1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 {[pgndiagram]  Almost everyone played the classical Queen's Gambit's Declined back in those  days. 5 years later it would be tested extensively in Capablanca - Alekhine  match.} 7. Rc1 {A battle for tempo. White doesn't want to develop his light  squared bishop before Black takes on c4, as he would lose a tempo in the  proces.} c6 8. Qc2 Re8 9. Bd3 {White is first to give up}   (9. h3 {Is a way of  continuing the struggle for tempo} h6 10. Bf4 c5 {But here Black can  contemplate striking in the center, as White has neglected his development.})  9... dxc4 10. Bxc4 {[pgndiagram] Black's position is rather passive here. I  think that the classical gambit has disappeared from top level in the modern  era.} Nd5 11. Ne4 $6 {A move of a dubious quality}   (11. Bxe7 Qxe7 12. Ne4 {  Leaves White with an edge}) 11... f5 $2 {[pgndiagram] But this is already a  big mistake. Black weakens his dark squares without any good reason}   (11...  Qa5+ {Is the correct way of exploiting White's inaccuracy.} 12. Kf1 {The only  move}   (12. Ned2 Nb4 13. Qc3 Bxg5 14. Nxg5 Qxg5 15. Qxb4 Qxg2 {Is horrible for  White}) 12... Bf8 {And Black is no worse, due to White's loss of castling right  }) 12. Bxe7 Qxe7 13. Ned2 b5 {This weakens the c5 square as well and it was  probably better to avoid this move}   (13... b6 {Is more reasonable} 14. O-O Bb7  {With passive, but defensible position}) 14. Bxd5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Great  judgement. White alters the pawn structure and gains complete control over the  c-file.} cxd5 15. O-O $6 {Probably not the most accurate.}   (15. Qc6 {Would  paralyse entire Black Queenside} Rb8 16. O-O a5 17. Qc7 {And Black is dominated  }) 15... a5 16. Nb3 {[pgndiagram] Heading toward c5}   (16. Qc6 {Is not that  effective any more due to} Ba6 {And Black is actually in good shape}) 16... a4  $6 {Not the best, chasing the kngiht where it wants to go anyway}   (16... Ba6 {  Was the most resilient, although it seems to give a pawn away} 17. Nxa5 b4 18.  Rfe1   (18. Nc6 Qd6 19. Rfe1 Rec8) 18... Bb5 19. Nc6 Bxc6 20. Qxc6 Rxa2 {And the  position is suddenly unclear.}) 17. Nc5 Nxc5 18. Qxc5 Qxc5 19. Rxc5 {The  exchanges have merely reinforced White's control of the position. c5 is rather  juicy and e5 just asks for a knight to be placed in it. Black is lagging in  development, and his bishop is extremely bad.} b4 20. Rfc1 Ba6 21. Ne5 Reb8 {  [pgndiagram] There is nothing Black can do in this position. Still, White  needs to deliver the knock - out blow} 22. f3 b3 23. a3 h6 24. Kf2 Kh7 25. h4 {  The plan is to advance the kingside pawns and bring the king up the board and  induce some weaknesses} Rf8 26. Kg3 Rfb8 27. Rc7 Bb5   (27... Rc8 {Is completely  hopeless} 28. Rxc8 Rxc8 29. Rxc8 Bxc8 30. Nd3 Kg6 31. Nc5 {And this endgame is  hopeless for Black}) 28. R1c5 Ba6 29. R5c6 Re8 30. Kf4   (30. Nd7 {Was winning  immediately as well} Kh8 31. Nc5 {And one of the weaknesses has to drop. c5 is  ideal for the knight}) 30... Kg8   (30... Bb5 {Was slightly more resilient} 31.  Rc5 Bf1 32. g3 Be2 33. Rf7 Rf8 34. Rxf8 Rxf8 {But still there is little hope  after White moves his rook and brings his knight to c5}) 31. h5 Bf1 32. g3 Ba6   (32... Bb5 $5) 33. Rf7 {[pgndiagram] The start of a beautiful combination} Kh7   (33... Kh8 {Was probably slightly more resilient, saving a tempo later on} 34.  Rcc7 Rg8 35. Ng6+ Kh7 36. Rce7 {But even so, Black would be busted}) 34. Rcc7  Rg8 35. Nd7 Kh8 36. Nf6 Rgf8 37. Rxg7 $1 {[pgndiagram] A very nice  "combination petite" as Capablanca would say, that crowns this positional  masterpiece.} Rxf6 38. Ke5 {And Black loses a rook, or gets mated. One of my  favourite Alekhine games, not because of the full blooded struggle, but  because of its simplicity, clear logic and touch of brilliancy at the end.} 1-0

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5. Alekhine – Reti, Vienna, 1922

The so called Immortal Draw. See for yourself why.

[Event "Vienna"]  [Site "Vienna AUT"]  [Date "1922.11.13"]  [Round "1"]  [White "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Black "Richard Reti"]  [Result "1/2-1/2"]  [ECO "C77"]  [PlyCount "118"]  [EventDate "1922.11.13"]   1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. Nc3 {[pgndiagram] This move is  definitely not the most critical, but it is rather playable} b5 6. Bb3 Bc5 7.  Nxe5   (7. d3 {Is probably more critical; direct tries for advantage should be  easily diffused.}) 7... Nxe5 8. d4 Bd6 9. dxe5 Bxe5 10. f4 Bxc3+ 11. bxc3 {  Black should be perfectly fine in this variation} O-O   (11... Bb7 {Is probably  the best} 12. e5 Ne4 13. O-O O-O   (13... Nxc3 14. Qd3 Ne4 15. Re1 Nc5 16. Qg3  Nxb3 17. cxb3 {Gives White a fearful compensation}))   (11... Nxe4 {Is not a  good idea} 12. Bxf7+ $1 Kf8   (12... Kxf7 13. Qd5+ Kf6 14. Qxa8 {Is actually  playable} Qe7 15. Qd5 Nxc3+ 16. Qe5+ Qxe5+ 17. fxe5+ Ke6 18. Bd2 {And Black  might survive. But it is better not to tempt the fate}) 13. O-O {And White has  the advantage}) 12. e5 c5 $5 {[pgndiagram] The start of some wild  complications, very instructive for any student of the game} 13. Ba3   (13. exf6  {Is probably the most critical move here} Re8+ 14. Kf2 c4 15. Re1 Rxe1 16. Qxe1  Bb7 {With complicated struggle})   (13. Qf3 $5 {Is also rather interesting and  might actually be even stronger} Rb8 14. exf6 Re8+ 15. Be3 c4 16. fxg7 Qf6 17.  Kd2 {And White is close to winning already}) 13... Qa5 $2 {The series of not  the most precise moves continues.. which proves how difficult this position  really is}   (13... Bb7 {Is most precise, preparing to jump with the knight to a  decent square.} 14. exf6 {The only sensible move} Re8+ 15. Kf1   (15. Kf2 Qxf6 {  Is dangerous}) 15... Qxf6 16. Bxc5 Qxf4+ 17. Bf2 {And Black has very decent  compensation for the piece. But this is of course an engine evaluation}) 14.  O-O $1 {[pgndiagram] Now White is fully developed. It seems like he loses a  piece, but fascinating tactical encounter follows} Qxa3 15. exf6 c4 16. Qd5 Qa5  {The only defence. Qg5 was threatened} 17. fxg7   (17. Qxa8 {Is of course a huge  blunder due to} Qb6+ 18. Kh1 Bb7) 17... Qb6+   (17... Kxg7 {Immediately is  terrible, of course} 18. Qg5+ Kh8 19. Qf6+ Kg8 20. Rf3 {And game over}) 18. Kh1  Kxg7 19. Bxc4 $1 Bb7 {[pgndiagram] So White has managed to salvage his extra  piece and remains a pawn up}   (19... bxc4 20. Qxa8 Bb7 21. Rab1 {Wins for White}  Qxb1 22. Qxf8+ Kxf8 23. Rxb1 {And he remains an exchange up}) 20. Qe5+ $6 (20.  Qg5+ {Might objectively be stronger. The pawn is not that weak on the g file}  Qg6 21. Bd3 Qxg5 22. fxg5 {Although even here Black should probably be able to  defend}) 20... Qf6 21. Bd3 Rfe8 $2 {But this is a serious mistake, which puts  Black on the verge of defeat. His king is weaker and he should definitely  exchange queens here}   (21... Qxe5 {Was much better} 22. fxe5 Rfc8 23. a4 Rxc3  24. Rfb1 Rac8 25. axb5 axb5 26. Rxb5 Ba6 $1 {[pgndiagram] And draw is the most  fair result here}) 22. Qh5 {Now White gets to keep the queens on the board and  also snatches the d7 pawn} h6 23. Qg4+ Kh8 24. Qxd7 Re7 25. Qd4 Qxd4 26. cxd4  Rd8 27. f5   (27. c3 b4) 27... f6 {Too be completely honest, I don't understand  why Black didn't take on d4 here} 28. Rae1 Rg7 29. Be4 Rxd4 30. Bxb7 Rxb7 31.  Re6 {[pgndiagram] The rook endgame that has arisen is very difficult for Black}  Kg7 32. Rxa6 Rc4 33. Rf3 Rxc2 34. h3 Kf7 35. Rg3 {Alekhine goes for the h6 pawn  }   (35. Rd3 {Is suggested by an engine as the most precise. White intends to  keep the f5 pawn, which severly restricts the enemy king} Rf2 36. Rd5 Kg7 37.  Kh2 h5 38. Kg3 Rc2 39. Rdd6 Rf7 40. Rdb6 Rc5 {But it is hard to judge whether  this endgame is objectively won for White. It seems closer to a draw} 41. Ra5  Rxf5 42. Rbxb5 Rxb5 43. Rxb5 Ra7 44. Rxh5 Ra3+ 45. Kh2 Rxa2 {[pgndiagram] And  I think that the engine doesn't understand that this is objectively drawn})  35... Rf2 36. Rg6 Rxf5 37. Rxh6 Kg7 38. Rh4 b4 39. Rg4+ Kf7 40. Rg3 Rfb5 41.  Rb3 Kg6 42. Kh2 {[pgndiagram] I am not sure how White can strengthen his  position here} Rc5 43. Ra4 Rcb5 44. h4 R5b6 45. Kh3 Rb8 46. g3 f5 47. Ra5 Rc8  48. Rf3 Rf6 49. Kg2 Rc3 50. Ra8 Rxf3 51. Kxf3 Rc6 52. Rb8 Rc4 53. Rb6+ Kg7 54.  h5 Rd4 55. Rc6 Re4 56. Rg6+ Kf7 57. g4 Rxg4 58. Rxg4 fxg4+ 59. Kxg4 Kg7 {  [pgndiagram] And here finally a draw was agreed. A very tense, interesting and  instructive clash, with mass of interesting variations. Both players displayed  great resourcefulness and tenacity and the draw seems like a fair result.  This game was christened as "An Immortal Draw."} 1/2-1/2

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6. Vidmar – Alekhine, San Remo, 1930

Another vintage Alekhine game and another demonstration of great chess he played in the early 30s.

[Event "San Remo"]  [Site "San Remo ITA"]  [Date "1930.01.20"]  [Round "4"]  [White "Milan Vidmar"]  [Black "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "E37"]  [PlyCount "114"]  [EventDate "1930.01.16"]   1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 {[pgndiagram] In the 30s, strong players have  started recognizing various Indian openings as a playable options. Alekhine,  who was always open to new ideas (remember that he introduced the defence 1 e4  Nf6) refrains from the "boring" Queen's gambit this time.} 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3  Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 {The line that is very much topical even today} Ne4 {A sideline,  but definitely a playable one.}   (6... dxc4 {Is the main line, but I guess I  could write a nice book describing the history and writing about intricacies  of this particular opening. If I knew anything about this line, that is.}) 7.  Qc2 Nc6 {And this is definitely very rare. Black goes for the fast e5 break}   (  7... c5 {Is more consistent and more frequent}) 8. e3 e5 9. f3 $1 Nf6 {  [pgndiagram] The critical moment of the opening phase of the game} 10. cxd5 $6  {Not the best}   (10. dxe5 {Was the strongest. white simply erects a pawn chain  and hopes to exploit his two bishops later} Nxe5 11. cxd5 Qxd5 12. e4 Qe6 13.  Be3 {[pgndiagram] And White has a very clear edge.}) 10... Qxd5 {Now things  are not that clear, as Black recaptures on e5 with queen and White loses an  important tempo for e4} 11. Bc4 $6 {Still, going for the same plan was better,  but it was hard to expect it to be played now since Vidmar didn't play it on  the 10th move to begin with}   (11. dxe5 Qxe5 12. e4 Be6 13. Ne2 {And Black is  in better shape than in previously examined variation, but White retains some  advantage}) 11... Qd6 12. dxe5 Nxe5 13. Bd2   (13. e4 {Is now even worse} O-O 14.  Be3 Rd8 15. Ne2 Be6 {And Black is fine now. The bishop on c4 is misplaced  actually}) 13... O-O 14. Bb4 $2 {[pgndiagram] And this is typical for those  times. White initiates some tactical play when there aren't grounds for it and  gets punished tactically}   (14. e4 {Was still relatively better} Nxc4 15. Qxc4)  14... c5 15. Rd1 Qc6 16. Bd2 Bf5 $1 {Typical Alekhine, although this is not  strictly necessary}   (16... Nxc4 17. Qxc4 Be6 18. Qc2 {Is also better for Black}  ) 17. Qxf5 Nxc4 18. Bc1 $2 {A final mistake.}   (18. Qc2 {Bringing the queen  back and than erecting the pawn chain was more precise} b5 19. e4 Rfe8 20. Bc1)  18... Rfe8 19. Kf2   (19. e4 {Is now terrible - the queen is trapped} Nd6 20. Qh3  Ndxe4 {And Black wins}) 19... Re6 $2 {A move with the hidden threat, but there  are stronger continuations available}   (19... Ne5 {Is pointed out by machine,  with the idea of establishing a knight on d3} 20. Ne2 c4 {And Black has a  strong initiative}) 20. Nh3 $2 {Which White completely misses.}   (20. Qc2 {  Preventing the knight sacrifice was better.} b5 21. Ne2 Rae8 22. e4 {And it is  not even clear whether White is still worse}) 20... Ne4+ $1 {[pgndiagram] A  very effective continuation!! Alekhine doesn't miss such opportunities} 21. Ke1   (21. fxe4 {Is obviously bad} Rf6) 21... Ned6 22. Qd3 Nxe3 $1 {[pgndiagram] The  crux of the combination.} 23. Bxe3 c4 $6   (23... Rxe3+ {Is probably even  stronger} 24. Qxe3 Re8 25. Qxe8+ Nxe8 26. Rd8 {[pgndiagram] But probably  Alekhine feared his advantage is not enough to win here}) 24. Qd5 {In the  endgame White has some chances of survival. This move prevents Nf5 as well}   (  24. Qd2 Nf5 {Is of course, hopeless}) 24... Rxe3+   (24... Qxd5 25. Rxd5 Rxe3+ {  Is even worse, because White can even prevent Rd3} 26. Kd2) 25. Kf2 Qxd5 26.  Rxd5 Rd3 $1 {[pgndiagram] The pawn on d3 will be lost, but Black will manage  to win some queenside pawns in return} 27. Rxd3 cxd3 28. Rd1   (28. b3 {White  can't prevent the knight's infiltration due to} Rc8) 28... Nc4 29. Rxd3 Nxb2  30. Rb3 Nc4 31. Rxb7 Nxa3 32. Ng5 a5 {[pgndiagram] This endgame is very  unpleasant for White. The material is equal, but the a-pawn will cost him  material} 33. Nxf7 (33. Ne4 {Is the alternative, trying to bring the knight  closer. It is maybe more resillient} Nc4 34. Nc3 g6 35. Rc7 Nb2 36. Rb7 Nd3+  37. Ke3 Nb4 38. g4 {And Black has some work to do}) 33... a4 {Now this pawn  will cost the exchange} 34. Nd6 Nc2 35. Rb2 a3 36. Rxc2 a2 37. Rxa2 Rxa2+ {  [pgndiagram] I would estimate that Black's chances of winning are slightly  greater than White's chances of holding the draw.} 38. Kg3 Kf8 {The winning  plan consists of bringing the king forward and attacking the pawn chain base}  39. h4 Ke7 40. Ne4 h6 41. Nf2 Ke6 42. Nd3 Kf5 43. Nf4 Ra4 44. Nd3 Rc4 45. Nf2  Rc6 46. Nh3 Ke5 47. h5 $6 {[pgndiagram] I am not sure whether this was  necessary. White prevents the check on g6}   (47. Nf4 Rc2 48. Nd3+ Kf5   (48... Kd4  49. Nf4 Ke3 50. Nd5+ Ke2 51. Nf4+ Kf1 52. Kh3) 49. Nf4 {And it is not clear  how Black can make progress}) 47... Rc2 48. Nf4 Rd2 {I thought that this move  is a mistake, but now I am not so certain}   (48... Kf5 {Preventing Ng6 and Nh4  is what the engine wants, but maybe it doesn't realize this is a draw anyhow}  49. Nh3 Rb2 50. Nf4 Rd2 51. Nh3 Kf6 52. Nf4 {But okay, even here, I don't see  how Black makes progress}) 49. Nh3 $2 {The final mistake}   (49. Ng6+ $1 {Would  save the game. Black can't activate the king, because the knight will sit  tight on f5} Kd4 50. Nh4) 49... Kd4 {[pgndiagram] Now Black breaks through} 50.  Nf4 Ke3 51. Ne6 Rd5 {The consequence of the h5 move. If the pawn was on h4,  Black wouldn't be winning} 52. f4 Rf5 {Attacking f4} 53. Kg4   (53. Nxg7 Rxf4 54.  Ne6 Rf5 {Is a win for Black. f5 will fall}) 53... Rf6 54. f5 Rf7 55. g3   (55.  Nd8 {Was more resilient} Rd7 56. Ne6 Kf2 57. g3 Ke3 {And White's pawns are too  weak - one of them will certainly fall}) 55... Ke4 56. Nc5+ Kd4 57. Nb3+ Ke5 {  [pgndiagram] And finally Vidmar resigned. A very typical Alekhine game -  tactical combination flowing from a strategicaly superior position and leading  into a better endgame. The conversion was not that smooth these time, but  Vidmar was unable to endure the tension and cracked under the pressure, like  many of Alekhine's opponents before (and after) him.} 0-1

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7. Alekhine – Tartakower, London, 1932

What happens when you try incorrect gambits against Alekhine.

[Event "London"]  [Site "London ENG"]  [Date "1932.02.08"]  [Round "7"]  [White "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Black "Savielly Tartakower"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "A51"]  [PlyCount "63"]  [EventDate "1932.02.01"]   1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 {[pgndiagram] Budapest Gambit! A tricky, but objectively  dubious opening, played often on the lower levels and in blitz games, with  decent results} 3. dxe5 Ne4 {A rare variation. Black tries to create some  trouble along the a5-e1 diagonal immediately}   (3... Ng4 {Is far more common})  4. Nd2 {A calm reply.} Nc5 $6   (4... Bb4 {Is more consistent} 5. a3 Bxd2+ 6.  Bxd2 Nxd2 7. Qxd2 Nc6 8. Nf3 Qe7 9. Qf4 {But here it is not easy to regain the  pawn and White is clearly better. The whole line with 3.. Ne4 is probably  dubious}) 5. Ngf3   (5. b4 $1 {Is risky, but more energetic} Ne6 6. a3 a5 7. b5  d6 8. exd6 Bxd6 9. Ngf3 {And Black has some compensation, but he has to prove  it}) 5... Nc6 6. g3   (6. Nb3 $5 {Is good here} Nxb3 7. axb3 Bb4+ 8. Bd2 Qe7 9.  g3 Bxd2+ 10. Qxd2 Nxe5 11. Nxe5 Qxe5 12. Bg2 {And White once again has a clear  plus}) 6... Qe7   (6... d6 {Leads to some compensation here}) 7. Bg2 g6 8. Nb1 $5  {[pgndiagram] Alekhine himself praised this move. White rushes to put his  knight to d5 as soon as possible.}   (8. Nb3 {Was very good here as well}) (8. b4  {Is also playable}) 8... Nxe5 9. O-O   (9. Nxe5 {Is of course, more natural})  9... Nxf3+ {Black probably can't avoid making this move}   (9... Bg7 10. Nc3 {  And now Black should probably take on f3, because} c6 11. Nxe5 Bxe5   (11... Qxe5  12. Bf4) 12. Bh6 {Is unpleasant}) 10. exf3 $1 {A fantastic, counterintuitive  move. If White takes with the Bishop, Black can exploit the semi-open e-file  to put some pressure on the pawn. White removes the potential weakness, opens  the file for his own use, and realizes that his strong central presence more  than compensates for the doubled pawn} Bg7 11. Re1 Ne6 12. Nc3 O-O 13. Nd5 Qd8  14. f4 c6 15. Nc3 d6 16. Be3 {[pgndiagram] White has obtained a clear plus.}  Qc7   (16... Bxc3 {This counterintuitive move came into consideration. It spoils  White's structure further, and White can't immediately exploit the absence of  Black's dark squared bishop around the king} 17. bxc3 Nc5 18. Qd4 {With  advantage for White, but with a very dynamic and unbalanced position as well})  17. Rc1 Bd7 $6 {This would appear to drop a pawn, but..} 18. Qd2   (18. Ne4 {Was  actually quite strong} Bxb2 19. Rb1 Bg7 20. Nxd6 b6 21. f5 $1 {[pgndiagram]  Another advantage of taking with the e-pawn earlier - f pawn serves as a  battering ram. White is close to winning}) 18... Rad8 19. Red1 Bc8 20. Ne4 {  Alekhine's play is quite simple and strong. He improves his last piece}   (20. f5  {Was quite possible here as well}) 20... Nc5 $6 {A mistake.}   (20... b6 {  Preparing c5, was strong, since it would be hard for White to disentangle if  he decides to take on d6} 21. Nxd6   (21. b3 {Retaining control, is wiser}) 21...  c5 {And it would appear that Black is no longer worse}) 21. Nxd6 Na4 22. c5  Nxb2 23. Re1 b5 $2 {The decisive error of the game}   (23... Bf5 $5 {Threatening  Nd3 was more resilient.} 24. Bf1 {What else} b6 $1 {Only now undermining the  knight, when the bishop has been diverted. White has advantage, but he is at  least not immediately winning, as in the game}) 24. cxb6 $3 {[pgndiagram]  Another great combination from the career of Alexander Alekhine. This time the  knight is sacrificed, although White will win the rook for a bishop, and his a  pawn will be incredibly strong} Qxd6 25. Qxd6 Rxd6 26. bxa7 Bb7 27. Bc5 Rdd8  28. Bxf8 Kxf8 {[pgndiagram] The point of the combination. c6 pawn is also  falling, and Black's uncoordinated pieces don't stand a chance}   (28... Bxf8 {  Might be better, were it not for} 29. Rb1 Bg7 30. Re2 {And White regains his  material and is winning the endgame}) 29. Bxc6 Bxc6 30. Rxc6 Ra8   (30... Bd4 31.  Rc7 Ra8 32. Ree7 {Is hopeless as well}) 31. Rb6 Rxa7 {Allowing a very  paradoxical checkmate} 32. Rb8# {[pgndiagram] A very convincing game by  Alekhine, from start to finish.} 1-0

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8. Alekhine – Hoelscher, Simul, 1933

Not an outstanding game by Alekhine’s standards, but the final combination is extremely pretty.

[Event "Simul, 50b"]  [Site "Amstelveen NED"]  [Date "1933.11.03"]  [Round "?"]  [White "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Black "Hoelscher"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "C62"]  [PlyCount "41"]  [EventDate "1933.??.??"]   1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 exd4 5. Qxd4 {[pgndiagram] The game has  transposed into some sort of Steinitz' defence, where Black has conceded the  center. White should have an enduring initiative here.}   (5. Nxd4 {Leads to  different positions. The choice of the piece that will capture on d4 is a  matter of taste.}) 5... Bd7 6. Bxc6 Bxc6   (6... bxc6 {Is probably also playable}  ) 7. Bg5 {Please remember that this was a simul. This move is not the most  dangerous. Remember the axiom that piece exchanges favour the player with less  space}   (7. Bf4 {Is not better} Qf6)   (7. O-O {Is the strongest, not yet  deciding where to place his dark squared bishop}) 7... Nf6   (7... Be7 {Was a  very interesting possibility} 8. Qxg7 Bf6 9. Qxh8 Bxh8 10. Bxd8 Bxb2 {And  Black is not worse}) 8. Nc3 Be7 9. O-O-O O-O {[pgndiagram] Objectively  speaking, White should only have a slight advantage here} 10. h4 $5 {Typically  violent move, suited for simuls}   (10. e5 {Was positionally correct, spliting  Black's pawns and exploiting the opposition of the Black Queen and White rook  along the d-file} dxe5 11. Qxe5 Bd6 12. Qd4 {And White retains an edge}) 10...  h6 $6 {Not strictly necessary. Black is weakening his king for no reason}   (  10... Re8 11. Nd5 Bxd5 12. exd5 Qd7 {Was perfectly ok for him. White doesn't  have a real attack}) 11. Nd5 $2 {[pgndiagram] But this audacious move is just  a gamble, that ultimately pays off.}   (11. Bf4 {Was objectively correct}) (11.  e5 {Was also interesting} hxg5 12. hxg5 Nh7 13. Rxh7 Bxf3 $1 {[pgndiagram] The  only move}   (13... Kxh7 {Loses to} 14. Rh1+ Kg8 15. Qh4) 14. Rdh1 Bxg5+ 15. Kb1  Bh6 16. R7xh6 gxh6 17. gxf3 {With equality} dxe5 18. Qxe5 Qg5 19. Qh2 Kh7 20.  Ne4 {And WHite has sufficient compensation for the exchange}) 11... hxg5 12.  Nxe7+ {Objectively, this combination is not correct}   (12. hxg5 Nxd5 13. exd5  Bxg5+ {Leads nowhere}) 12... Qxe7 13. hxg5 Nxe4 $2 {[pgndiagram] But here  Black already has an overwhelming positional advantage, and he doesn't really  need to capture this pawn immediately}   (13... Nh7 {Would attack both g5 and e4  with the queen. White's position is close to lost} 14. Rh5 Qxe4) 14. Rh5 $2   (  14. Rh3 {Was more precise. Black can't really take on g5} f5   (14... Nxg5 15.  Rh8+ Kxh8 16. Qh4+ Kg8 17. Nxg5 Qxg5+ 18. Qxg5 {[pgndiagram] And only White is  playing for the win, of course}) 15. g6 Rf6   (15... Qe6 16. Rdh1 Qxg6 17. Ne5 $1  {[pgndiagram] Now wins}) 16. Rdh1 Rxg6 17. Rh8+ Kf7 18. Rxa8) 14... Qe6 $2 {  [pgndiagram] And here comes a decisive mistake of the game}   (14... f5 $1 {  Would retain a serious advantage} 15. g6 {Now doesn't work, due to} Qe6 16.  Rdh1 Qxg6 17. Ne5 {[pgndiagram] Now doesn't work because of the position of  the rook on h5} Qxh5 18. Rxh5 dxe5 {And Black is the one who is winning}) 15.  Rdh1 {Now this combination is decisive} f5 16. Ne5 $1 {This great move,  diverting the queen or the pawn, is the main reason why this, not particularly  outstanding game is given here. To find a combination like this, in simul in  particular, is typicaly Alekhinesque}   (16. g6 {Would be wrong move order,  because of the familiar variation} Qxg6 17. Ne5 Qxh5) 16... dxe5   (16... Qxe5  17. g6 {Is just dead lost}) 17. g6 $1 {[pgndiagram] And here Hoelscher  resigned . The finish would have been} Qxg6 18. Qc4+ Bd5 19. Qxd5+ Qe6 20.  Qxe6+ Rf7 21. Rh8# 1-0

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9. Pirc – Alekhine, Bled, 1931

What happens when Alekhine plays incorrect gambits against you.

[Event "Bled"]  [Site "Bled YUG"]  [Date "1931.08.31"]  [Round "7"]  [White "Vasja Pirc"]  [Black "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "D32"]  [PlyCount "48"]  [EventDate "1931.08.23"]   1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 cxd4 $5 {[pgndiagram] The dangerous Henig  - Schara Gambit, objectively dubious for Black, but very poisonous if not  handled properly. And more importantly, fully in accordance with Alekhine's  style} 5. Qa4+ Bd7 6. Qxd4 exd5 7. Qxd5 Nc6 {[pgndiagram] For the pawn Black  gains a rapid development and a couple of tempi on the White queen} 8. Bg5 $6 {  Not the best move in this position}   (8. Nf3 {Is the modern move})   (8. e3 {Also  has it's points}) 8... Nf6 9. Qd2 h6 $1 {[pgndiagram] The point. White is  forced to concede his dark squared bishop} 10. Bxf6   (10. Bh4 g5 11. Bg3 Bb4 {  Is slightly unpleasant for White. Ne4 is coming})   (10. Qe3+ Be6 11. Rd1 Qe7 12.  Bxf6 Qxf6 {Also gives Black free develpment and plenty of play for the pawn})  10... Qxf6 11. e3 $6 {[pgndiagram] Way too timid}   (11. Nd5 {Had to be played,  in order to disrupt Black's harmonious set-up} Qd6 12. e4 O-O-O 13. O-O-O {And  Black has the compensation for the pawn, but not more}) 11... O-O-O {Now Black  has a very dangerous initiative. The difference in development is huge and it  is very hard to play White in practical game} 12. O-O-O $2 {But this loses  immediately}   (12. Nge2 {Trying to develop some pieces, was better} Bf5 13. Qc1  Kb8   (13... h5 {Is the computer suggestion, discouraging Ng3} 14. Ng3 Bg6 15.  Bb5 h4 16. Nge4 {With unclear consequences}) 14. Ng3 Nb4 15. Nxf5 Qxf5 16. e4  Qe5 {And Black has enduring initiative for the pawn}) 12... Bg4 13. Nd5 Rxd5  14. Qxd5 {[pgndiagram] Pirc probably missed Black's reply} Ba3 $3 {Very nice  tactical shot} 15. Qb3   (15. bxa3 {Is just hopeless} Qa1+ 16. Kc2 Bxd1+ 17. Qxd1  Qxa2+ 18. Kc3 Qxa3+ 19. Qb3 Qa1+ {Is dead lost for White}) 15... Bxd1 16. Qxa3  Qxf2 $1 {[pgndiagram] Playing precisely until the very end.}   (16... Bg4 $4 {  Would let White of the hook} 17. f3 Be6 18. Ne2) 17. Qd3 {What else?} Bg4 $2 {  Actually not the most precise}   (17... Ba4 {Threatening Qe1 and Rd8 was very  strong} 18. Nf3 Rd8 19. Qf5+ Rd7 {And here it is hard to suggest a move for  White} 20. Bb5 g6) 18. Nf3 Bxf3 19. Qf5+ Kb8 20. Qxf3 Qe1+ 21. Kc2 $2 {  [pgndiagram] A final mistake in a difficult position}   (21. Qd1 {Would keep  some practical chances} Qxe3+ 22. Qd2 Qe5 {[pgndiagram] And of course, this  position is dead lost for White, but at least he doesn't have to resign  immediately}) 21... Rc8 22. Qg3+ Ne5+ 23. Kb3 Qd1+ 24. Ka3 Rc5 {Another  hurricane of initiative and combinations that started right out of the opening.  It is not without reason what Kasparov called the 1927 - 1934 period of  Alekhine's career the Golden era of the champion.} 0-1

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10. Reti – Alekhine,Baden-Baden, 1925

One of the most celebrated and famous games of the 20th century. (Commentary by Kasparov taken from My Great Predecessors Part One).

[Event "Baden-Baden"]  [Site "Baden-Baden GER"]  [Date "1925.04.25"]  [Round "8"]  [White "Richard Reti"]  [Black "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "A00"]  [PlyCount "84"]  [EventDate "1925.04.16"]   1. g3 {On this ocasion, Reti chooses this move instead of his favourite 1 Nf3!}  e5 2. Nf3 {' An experiment which Reti never repeated after the present game.  White intends to play the Alekhine's Defence with colours reversed, i.e. with  one tempo more. But the way he uses that tempo (g2-g3) could have turned to  his disadvantage' - Alekhine. Even so, Bent Larsen played this move order 30  years later and obtained decent results} e4 3. Nd4 d5   (3... c5 {According to  Alekhine, with this move, Black could have demonstrated the entire absurdity  of such 'development' for White. But Larsen did not agree with this - Kasparov}  4. Nb3 c4 5. Nd4 Bc5 6. c3 Nc6 {[pgndiagram] Here for instance} 7. d3 {Leads  to a very interesting position}) 4. d3 exd3 5. Qxd3 $6   (5. cxd3 {Seems more  natural}) 5... Nf6   (5... c5 {Was perfectly good for Black}) 6. Bg2 Bb4+ {  [pgndiagram] " It is not altogether clear whether Black should aim for the  exchange of the dark-squared bishop." - Kasparov. I think that the answer is  clear -no.}   (6... c5 {I still wonder why Alekhine hesitated to make this  natural move} 7. Qb5+ Qd7 8. Qxd7+ Bxd7 9. Nf3 {And Black has highly  favourable endgame})   (6... Be7 {Is also better than the check on b4}) 7. Bd2  Bxd2+ 8. Nxd2 O-O $5   (8... Nbd7 {Was the recommendation in the first edition  of the Enyclopaedia of Chess Openings, but the interposition costs Black the  castling rights} 9. Qe3+ Qe7 10. Qxe7+ Kxe7 11. c4 {And Black is in trouble})  9. c4 Na6   (9... c5 {Was good.} 10. N4b3 Na6 {A move Alekhine didn't mention}  11. cxd5 Nb4 12. Qb1   (12. Qc4 b6 {Is not fraught with danger. The difference a  pawn on c5 makes}) 12... Nbxd5 13. O-O b6 {And Black has equalized}) 10. cxd5  Nb4 11. Qc4 {[pgndiagram] Now b6 with Ba6 is not possible, and queen doesn't  have to go to the passive b1 square} Nbxd5 12. N2b3 {White is slightly better  now, but still, Black doesn't have many weaknesses} c6 13. O-O Re8 14. Rfd1 Bg4  $1 {A good move, probing the weakness of the e2 pawn} 15. Rd2 {I am not  certain whether it was necessary to move the rook up the board}   (15. Nc5 {Was  possible immediately, exploiting the department of the bishop} Qc8 16. Rac1 {  And now} Bh3 17. Bf3   (17. Bxh3 Qxh3 18. Nxb7 Ng4 {Is horrible} 19. Nf3 Nde3))  15... Qc8 16. Nc5 Bh3 $5 {[pgndiagram] " As usual, Alekhine's plan is based on  tactical nuances" - Kasparov} 17. Bf3   (17. Bxh3 Qxh3 18. Nxb7 Ne4 {[pgndiagram]  And here we can see the drawbacks of the rook move. This jump comes with tempo}   (18... Ng4 19. Nf3 Nde3 {Is also decisive once again}) 19. Rc2 Rab8 20. Na5  Nxf2 {And wins}) 17... Bg4 18. Bg2 Bh3 19. Bf3 Bg4 {[pgndiagram] "A subtle  psychological calculation: Alekhine tacitly offers a draw, knowing pefectly  well that for this opponent to avoid a fight with White at such an early stage  would be equivalent to a moral defeat." - Kasparov. But imho, this is  slightly biased toward Alekhine. He was pramgatic enough to realize that he is  risking much more in this position} 20. Bh1   (20. Bxd5 {Is a strange suggestion  by the engine, but only a madman would exchange this bishop for no particular  reason here} Nxd5   (20... cxd5 {Is possibly better} 21. Qb4 {But here White  retains the edge} b6 22. Nd3) 21. f3 Bh3 22. e4 Nf6 23. Rad1 {Although here  this exchange might already be justified}) 20... h5 {Trying to weaken the g3  pawn. Uncomfortable, but by no means deadly}   (20... Nb6 {Might be more prudent}  21. Qb4 Rb8 {Trying to play more safely}) 21. b4 $5 {Consistent. The pawn  advances to b5 in order to shatter the structure on the queenside and lenghten  the scope of the h1 bishop}   (21. e4 {Is not that strong here due to the  intermezo} b6 22. Ncb3   (22. exd5 cxd5 23. Bxd5 Nxd5 24. Qxd5 Rd8) 22... Nxe4)  21... a6 22. Rc1 {[pgndiagram]}   (22. e4 {Is suggested by the engine} b6 {Is  not good here due to} 23. exd5 cxd5 24. Bxd5 Nxd5 25. Qxd5 Rd8 26. Qc4 {And  the pawn on b4 makes all the difference}) 22... h4 23. a4 (23. e4 {Is once  again quite good}) 23... hxg3 24. hxg3 Qc7 25. b5 $6 {This is the moment where  Reti starts to lose flow and starts getting outplayed by his superior opponent}  (25. e4 $5) 25... axb5 26. axb5 Re3 $3 {[pgndiagram] An amazing move, that I  imagine must have been a real shocker for Reti} 27. Nf3 $2 {Reti, unable to  withstand Alekhine's pressure, flinches... fortunately for the chess world!}   (  27. fxe3 {White obviously can't take the rook, as he would be quickly mated}  Qxg3+ 28. Bg2 Nxe3)   (27. Bf3 $1 {Was the best move in the position. Kasparov  writes it is sufficient for salvation, but in reality White fights for  adantage with it} Bxf3   (27... Rae8 {Is an amazing computer resource that leads  to fantastic complications} 28. Nxb7 Qxb7 29. bxc6 Qe7 30. Bxd5 Nxd5 31. Qxd5  Rxg3+ 32. fxg3 Qe3+ 33. Kg2 Qxd2 34. Qc4 {[pgndiagram] And once again the  pressure is on Black}) 28. exf3 $1 cxb5 29. Nxb5 {[pgndiagram] And suddenly  Black has to display some creativity} Qa5 30. Rdd1 Re7 {And only White can be  better here})   (27. Bg2 $2 {Is catastrophic} Rxg3 28. fxg3 Ne3 29. Qd3 Qxg3)  27... cxb5 $1 {Start of the forcing combination} 28. Qxb5 $2 {[pgndiagram]  Probably another mistake}   (28. Qd4 {Refusing the pawn, was maybe better,  although here Black has another strong resource} Ra4 29. Nxa4 Qxc1+ 30. Rd1 Qc7  31. Nc5 Re8 {And Black is still clearly better}) 28... Nc3 29. Qxb7 {There is  nothing else} Qxb7 30. Nxb7 Nxe2+ $1 31. Kh2   (31. Kf1 {After this move,  Alekhine gave the following variation} Nxg3+ 32. fxg3 Bxf3 33. Bxf3 Rxf3+ 34.  Kg2 Raa3 35. Rd8+ Kh7 36. Rh1+ Kg6 37. Rh3 Rfb3 {[pgndiagram] And Black is  winning}) 31... Ne4 $3 {[pgndiagram] 'The beginning of a new combination -  which, however, is the absolutely logical consequence of the previous  manoeuvres - aiming, after a series of twelve practically forced moves, at the  capture of White's exposed knight at b7.' - Alekhine. ' But what a knight  move! The audacious black rook has already been en prise for six moves!" -  Kasparov} 32. Rc4 $5 {A desperate tactical trick!}   (32. fxe3 Nxd2 33. Nxd2 Nxc1  {Is hopeless}) 32... Nxf2 {A simple refutation; Black picks up the key pawn  and maintans all his threats - Kasparov}   (32... Nxd2 {Is what Reti had been  hoping for} 33. Nxd2 {And now suddenly both rook and bishop are hanging} Be6  34. fxe3 Ra2 35. Nd8 Rxd2 36. Nxe6 Nf4+ 37. Kg1 Nxe6 {And Black can't win this}  ) 33. Bg2 Be6 34. Rcc2 {[pgndiagram]}   (34. Rb4 {Kasparov writes that White has  no choice, but this rook move might actually be better} Ng4+ 35. Kh3 Ne5+ 36.  Kh2 Rxf3 $1 37. Rxe2 Ng4+ 38. Rxg4 Bxg4 39. Bxf3 Bxf3 40. Re7 {And Black has  some technique to display}) 34... Ng4+ 35. Kh3 Ne5+ 36. Kh2 Rxf3 $1 37. Rxe2  Ng4+ 38. Kh3 Ne3+ 39. Kh2 Nxc2 40. Bxf3 Nd4 {[pgndiagram] A brilliant finish  to a brilliant game. Reti resigned here. The finish would have been} 41. Rf2  Nxf3+ 42. Rxf3 Bd5 {[pgndiagram] I will echo the words of Kasparov here : "A  real diamond, one of the most brilliant games in the history of chess, which  has won the hearts of millions. Alekhine considered both this game and the one  against Bogoljubow in Hastings 1922 as the best in his career."} 0-1

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The post Alexander Alekhine best games appeared first on Chessentials.

Jose Raul Capablanca best games

Mistreaver — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 19:27:03 +0000

Jose Raul Capablanca – The Cuban Genius

Jose Raul Capablanca, the third world champion, is widely regarded as the greatest natural talent that ever played our ancient game.

Already from his early days his gift for the game was apparent. He learnt the rules of chess by watching his father play. At the age of five he already beat all the player in the Havana Chess Club and at the age of thirteen he was already the Cuban Champion, after beating the previous champion Corzo in a one sided match.

During his peak, he didn’t lose a single game between 1916 and 1924 (and astounding 8 years without defeat).

His style reflected his talent perfectly. He was known for tendencies toward clarity and simplicity; he would often make his victories seem effortless. Moreover, his mastery of the endgame was unmatched during those times; instead of calculating variations he would simply “see” through the position and immediately “feel” where his pieces belong.

In this post, I have assembled a list of ten Capablancas games that I regard as his most beautiful achievements. Hope you will enjoy it.

1. Capablanca – Tartakower, New York, 1924.

[Event "New York"]  [Site "New York, NY USA"]  [Date "1924.03.23"]  [Round "6"]  [White "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Black "Savielly Tartakower"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "A85"]  [PlyCount "103"]  [EventDate "1924.03.16"]   1. d4 e6 2. Nf3 f5 3. c4 Nf6 4. Bg5 {[pgndiagram] This move is already a very  rare option against the Dutch, but it is playable. The opening theory was  less developed back in the day anyway. And less important.} Be7 5. Nc3 O-O 6.  e3 b6 7. Bd3 Bb7 {The position resembles some sort of Queen's Indian now.  However, White's dark squared bishop is usually on d2 or c1 and in similar  positions, and not outside the pawn chain on g5. This gives Black extra  options.} 8. O-O Qe8 {A typical move, but not the strongest}   (8... c5 {Is  playable option here.} 9. Qe2   (9. d5 {Is met by simple tactical trick} Nxd5 10.  cxd5 $1 Bxg5 11. dxe6 dxe6 12. Bc4 Nc6 13. Bxe6+ Kh8 {Gives White very little})  9... Ne4 {And Black is very solid}) 9. Qe2 {[pgndiagram] There is nothing  White can do to prevent the Ne4 jump}   (9. Qc2 {Is met by} Bxf3 10. gxf3 Qg6 {  And once again White loses because of the bishop on g5})   (9. Rc1 {Might be  better, deploying the rook on a very useful square.} Ne4 10. Bxe4 fxe4 11. Bxe7  Qxe7 12. Nd2 d5 13. cxd5 exd5 14. Qb3) 9... Ne4 {Now Black has simplified the  position and most probably equalized} 10. Bxe7 Nxc3 $6 {I am not sure whether  this exchange was necessary. But back in the day when you had the opportunity  to double the pawns, you didn't think twice.}   (10... Qxe7 {Might be healthier,  waiting for a move to see what White will do} 11. Bxe4 fxe4 12. Nd2 d5 {Is  pretty healthy for Black}) 11. bxc3 {Later it was demonstrated that White has  considerable potential in similar positions. c5 or d5 advances are both  legitimate tries for advantage} Qxe7 12. a4 $6 {But this move is not necessary}   (12. e4 {Is pretty direct})   (12. Rab1 {Trying to get in c5, is also typical  move in this positions}) 12... Bxf3 $1 {[pgndiagram] A good move, not  presenting White with another chance of exchanging the light squared bishops.  The knight is a better piece in this blocked position} 13. Qxf3 Nc6 14. Rfb1   (  14. e4 {Was still possible nevertheless} fxe4 15. Qxe4 g6 {And White enjoys a  slight advantage}) 14... Rae8 15. Qh3 {So far, Capablanca hasn't found the  strongest plan in the position} Rf6 16. f4 Na5 {Probing the c4 weakness} 17.  Qf3 d6   (17... c5 {Is a typical move in this structure, blocking the c-pawns  from moving and preparing an assault on them. Remember Nimzowitsch's words:  First restrain, then blockade, finally destroy.} 18. Re1 {White can't really  pursue the e4 plan now, but for demonstration sake...} g6 19. e4 cxd4 20. cxd4  Nb3 {And d4 falls}) 18. Re1 {Finally preparing e4} Qd7 19. e4 {[pgndiagram]Now  this move is possible. There aren't any Nb3 tricks.} fxe4 20. Qxe4 g6 21. g3  Kf8 $2 {But this move is really unclear to me}   (21... c5 {Was once again  perfectly possible} 22. d5 e5 {And Black is slightly better}) 22. Kg2   (22. Bf1  {Was perhaps even better} c5 23. dxc5 bxc5 24. Rad1 {White prepares Bh3 next,  greatily activating the bishop.}) 22... Rf7   (22... c5 {Ignoring this one once  again})   (22... Nxc4 {Wasn't really an option} 23. Bxc4 d5 24. Qe5 {The f6 rook  is attacked}) 23. h4 {[pgndiagram] Black's hesitant play has given White  enough time to generate chances on the kingside} d5 $6   (23... Nxc4 {Was now  perfectly possible however} 24. Bxc4 d5 25. Bb5 dxe4 26. Bxd7 Rxd7 27. Rxe4 {  And White is slightly more active, but Black should be able to hold with best  play}) 24. cxd5 exd5 25. Qxe8+ Qxe8 26. Rxe8+ Kxe8 {[pgndiagram] Capa  simplifies to a better endgame. His kingside pawn majority is very dangerous}  27. h5 Rf6   (27... gxh5 {Is obviously bad due to} 28. Rh1) 28. hxg6 hxg6 29. Rh1  Kf8 30. Rh7 Rc6 31. g4 $2 {Objectively, this move is of a dubious value,  because Black has some amazing resources that allow him to stay in the game}   (  31. Rd7 {Was the most precise move} Nb3 {Now doesn't work, due to}   (31... Rxc3  32. Bxg6) 32. Rxd5 Nc1 33. Be4 Ne2   (33... Rxc3 34. Bxg6) 34. Rd7 Rxc3 35. Kf2  Nxg3 36. Bxg6 {[pgndiagram] And at the end of the long variation White retains  the better chances. Although even here Black has practical chances of saving  the game}) 31... Nc4 $6 {Missing the chance to save the game}   (31... Nb3 $1 {  Was correct here} 32. g5 Nc1 33. Bb1 {Keeping an eye on g6} Ne2 34. Kf3 Nxc3 {  And Black has enough counterplay for a draw}) 32. g5 Ne3+ 33. Kf3 Nf5 34. Bxf5  gxf5 {Tartakower surely counted on this position when he played 31.. Nc4, but  unfortunately for him, Capablanca shows a historic endgame idea that will find  its way to endgame manuals for decades to come} 35. Kg3 $3 {[pgndiagram]  Giving up two pawns for the sake of activity. The best example of importance  of the king position in the endgame. This move is the main reason why this  game is famous.} Rxc3+ 36. Kh4 Rf3 {Black's position was probably very  difficult already, but going for the second pawn makes his defence even harder}   (36... c5 37. dxc5 bxc5 38. g6 {Is still pretty hopeless though}) 37. g6 Rxf4+  38. Kg5 Re4 39. Kf6 {[pgndiagram] The difference between the kings is now  obvious. It is important that Black's pawn is still on f5, as it is shielding  White's king from potential checks along the f file.} Kg8 {Mate was threatened}  40. Rg7+ {An important check, forcing the black king on an unfavorable square}  Kh8 41. Rxc7 {The mating threat still exists} Re8 42. Kxf5 {[pgndiagram] White  finally captures on f5. He has regained his material investment with great  dividens. The remaining Black pawns are about to fall as well.} Re4 43. Kf6 {  "The king is a strong piece. Use it"} Rf4+ 44. Ke5 {Now d5 also falls.  Tartakower could have resigned here. The rest of the game is of no interest}  Rg4 45. g7+ Kg8 46. Rxa7 Rg1 47. Kxd5 Rc1 48. Kd6 Rc2 49. d5 Rc1 50. Rc7 Ra1  51. Kc6 Rxa4 52. d6 {[pgndiagram] One of the most instructive endgames ever  played.} 1-0

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2. Capablanca – Fonaroff, New York, 1918.

[Event "Casual Game"]  [Site "New York, NY USA"]  [Date "1918.06.18"]  [Round "?"]  [White "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Black "Marc Fonaroff"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "C66"]  [PlyCount "43"]  [EventDate "1918.??.??"]   1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 d6 4. Nc3 Nf6 {[pgndiagram] Some strange sort of  Philidor /Four knights game is on the board.} 5. Bb5 {And now Capa transposes  to Ruy Lopez. Don't ask me what is the name of variation, I am really confused  with the move order :D. Probably some sort of Berlin/Steinitz defence with d6}  Bd7 6. O-O Be7 {Black is typicaly passive, but rather solid in this positions.  He doesn't have immediate problems with development or many weaknesses, but he  does have less space.} 7. Re1   (7. d5 {It is always a question whether White  wants to play this advance in similar structures} Nb8 8. Be2 O-O {And  objectively White should be better here, but Black has counterattacing chances  on the kingside and it probably didn't suit Capablanca's style.}) 7... exd4 {  [pgndiagram] Exchanging the pieces is usually in favour of player with less  space.} 8. Nxd4 Nxd4 9. Qxd4 Bxb5 10. Nxb5 {[pgndiagram] White is still  slightly better in this type of pawn structure, where White's e4 pawn faces  Black's d6 counterpart. However, an exchange of two pairs of minor pieces is  definitely to Black's advantage. Typicaly White has attacking chances on the  kingside in similar positions and exchanges reduce his attacking potential} O-O  11. Qc3 {This move is slightly pointless} c6 $2 {But this creates a weakness  on d6 and justified White's previous move}   (11... a6 {Was correct. The c7 pawn  is indirectly defended} 12. Nd4   (12. Nxc7 {Would of course be a horrible  blunder due to} Rc8) 12... Nd7 13. Nf5 Bf6 {[pgndiagram] And the difference  between a6 and c6 is apparent - the d6 pawn is not hanging.}) 12. Nd4 {Now  White's knight will feel very good on f5, hitting Black's d6 pawn and creating  threats on the kingside} Nd7 $2 {[pgndiagram] Not sensing the danger} (12...  Re8 {Was probably better}) 13. Nf5 {Now White has a very strong attack} Bf6 14.  Qg3 Ne5 15. Bf4   (15. Be3 {Was probably even better, not allowing Qb6}) 15...  Qc7   (15... Qb6 {Was a possibility here} 16. Nxd6 Ng6 17. e5 Bh4 {But this is  too computerish even for today's standards, let alone for the 1918.}) 16. Rad1  Rad8 17. Rxd6 $5 {[pgndiagram] Starting a very beautiful combination that is  slightly flawed. Still, Capablanca never avoided tactics when he thought the  position required them}   (17. h4 {Maintaning the tension was probably  objectively stronger, but much less fun}) 17... Rxd6 18. Bxe5 Rd1 $2 {  [pgndiagram] The problems prove to be too difficult for Fonaroff and he  commits a decisive mistake of the game}   (18... Qa5 {Attacking the rook on e1,  was the way to go.} 19. Bc3 Bxc3 20. bxc3 Rg6 21. Ne7+ Kh8 22. Nxg6+ hxg6 23.  Qd6 {[pgndiagram] And despite White's pawn advantage, the position should be  equal}) 19. Rxd1 Bxe5 {Now Capablanca finishes the game with an elegant  tactical sequence, exploiting the weakness of the back rank and the  unfortunate position of the piece on e5} 20. Nh6+ Kh8 21. Qxe5 $1 {[pgndiagram]  Forcing the Black queen on e5} Qxe5 22. Nxf7+ {[pgndiagram] And now winning a  piece, because taking with the rook is impossible due to a back rank mate. A  very attractive game by Capablanca, even if the class of the opponent was not  very high. The combination immediately became classic.} 1-0

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3. Capablanca – Corzo, Havana, 1901.

[Event "Capablanca - Corzo"]  [Site "Habana CUB"]  [Date "1901.12.15"]  [Round "11"]  [White "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Black "Juan Corzo"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "D05"]  [PlyCount "119"]  [EventDate "1901.11.17"]   1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 c5 3. e3 {[pgndiagram] The Colle system. Harmless, but at the  same time also very dangerous system for Black.} Nc6 4. b3 {This particular  variation, featuring an early b3, is topical even today. Hell, it was even  played in the 11th game of the Carlsen - Karjakin World Championship match.} e6  {But this is already a rare response. Black locks his light squared bishop}   (  4... Nf6 {Is considered as a main move nowadays} 5. Bb2   (5. dxc5 Bg4 {Is also  ok for Black}) 5... cxd4 6. exd4 Bg4 {And Black shouldn't have problems}) 5.  Bb2 Nf6 6. Nbd2 cxd4 7. exd4 {Still, Black hasn't done anything wrong so far  and has a perfectly playable position} Bd6 8. Bd3 O-O 9. O-O Nh5 $2 {But this  is already slightly misguided. Black embarks on kingside activity instead of  completing his development calmly}   (9... b6 10. Re1 Bb7 {Would nowadays be  played by any Candidate Master most probably}) 10. g3   (10. Re1 Nf4 11. Bf1 {  Was also perfectly playable}) 10... f5 $6 {[pgndiagram] Once you have said A,  you usually say B. But here Black should have admitted his mistake and  retreated his knight}   (10... Nf6) 11. Ne5 {Apart from exploiting the weakness  of e5, White could have also opened things up with c4}   (11. c4 Nf6 12. a3 Ne4  13. Rc1 {And White is better}) 11... Nf6 12. f4 $6 {And this move is hard to  judge. On one hand it strengthens White's control of e5, but on the other hand  it hands the e4 square to Black}   (12. c4 {Was probably once again preferable})  12... Bxe5 $2 {But this is a serious error. Although the pawn on e5 shields  Black's weak e6 pawn, this exchange increases White's control of space.}   (12...  Ne4 {Taking advantage of White's last move, was preferable.} 13. Ndf3 Nxe5 14.  Nxe5 b6 15. Qe2 Bb7 {And the weakness of e5 is compensated by control of e4.  The game is balanced}) 13. fxe5 Ng4 $2   (13... Ne4 {Was once again better}) 14.  Qe2 Qb6 15. Nf3 Bd7 16. a3 (16. c3 {Was probably even better. White's next  couple of moves would intend to move the pieces toward kingside and then start  a direct attack} Rac8 17. Bc1 Qd8 18. Bd2 Ne7 19. Rae1 Qe8 20. h3 Nh6 21. Nh4 {  And here you can see how the pawn on e5 benefits White, as it is much easier  for him to bring his pieces toward kingside. He already has a grat advantage  here}) 16... Kh8 17. h3 Nh6 18. Qf2 Nf7 19. Kg2 g5 $6 {[pgndiagram] This  decision is also objectively dubious. An ancient chess rule claims that it is  better not to play on the side of the board where your opponent has the  advantage. But on the other hand Black is desperate for counterplay in this  position}   (19... a5 {Is the alternative} 20. g4 a4 21. b4 Ne7 {And Black's  position is probably better than the one he got in the actual game}) 20. g4 $1  {I like this decision by Capablanca} Ne7   (20... f4 {Would be horrible due to}  21. h4 {With a decisive opening of the kingside})   (20... fxg4 21. hxg4 {And  White's heavy pieces will bring havoc on the h-file}) 21. Qe3   (21. Bc1 {Might  be even more precise}) 21... Rg8 $6   (21... Ng6 {Was a possibility here and  this is the main reason why 21 Bc1 is probably a better move}) 22. Rae1 $6   (22.  a4 {Preventing the exchange of the light squared bishops is probably better  here. This is the best example of how space advantage allows you to play  simultaneously on both sides of the board}) 22... Ng6 $6   (22... Bb5 {Was  slightly annoying for White here as he can't continue with his plan} 23. gxf5  Nxf5 {And he is suddenly worse}) 23. gxf5 $2 {[pgndiagram] But this is a  serious mistake by Capablanca.}   (23. Kh1 f4 24. Qe2 {And White still remains  in control}) 23... Nf4+   (23... exf5 {Was good for Black. The tactical point is  that} 24. e6 f4 $1 {Important intermezzo}   (24... Rae8 25. exf7) 25. Qe2 Rae8 $1  {Is good for Black as} 26. exf7 Rxe2+ {Now comes with check}) 24. Kh2   (24. Kh1  {The computer wants to retreat here. The main reason is once again that in  some variations the king will be checked if the rook take the queen on e2} Nxd3  25. cxd3 Qxb3   (25... exf5 26. e6) 26. Re2) 24... Nxd3 25. Qxd3   (25. cxd3 exf5  26. e6 f4 27. Qe2 Rae8) 25... exf5 {[pgndiagram] So far Black has played very  well in the complications and managed to outplay Capablanca who missed some  important tactical nuances (Kasparov speculated that this tendency of being  superfluous was to cost him dearly in later stages of his career)} 26. c4 $5 {  On the outside, White's pawn mass looks extremely threatening, but Black has  strong countermeasures available} Qe6 $2 {This, unfortunately for Corzo, is  not one of them. The text move prepares Bb5 in the future, but Corzo overlooks  the possibility of a queen sacrifice}   (26... g4 {Was very unpleasant} 27. Nh4  g3+ 28. Kg2 dxc4 {And White's position is unenviable} 29. Qxc4 Be6 {Is winning  for Black} 30. d5 Rac8 31. Qd4 Rc2+ {Just wins} 32. Kg1 Ng5)   (26... dxc4 27.  Qxc4 Be6 28. d5 Rac8 29. Qd4 {Is now good for White})   (26... f4 {Is also a  better move.} 27. cxd5 Bb5 {And now there is zero possibility of a queen  sacrifice, so Black just wins an exchange}) 27. cxd5 Qxd5 28. e6 {[pgndiagram]  After this, White is winning. But Capa does it in a spectacular fashion} Bb5 {  Probably Corzo was counting on this move, but this is met by a spectacular  riposte, which is the main reason why this game is included in this collection}   (28... Bxe6 29. Rxe6 Qxe6 30. d5+ {Is naturally, over}) 29. Qxb5 $3 {  [pgndiagram] A fantastic sacrifice, although strictly speaking, it was not 100  % necessary}   (29. Qd2 {Was more prosaic and probably even stronger. White wins  material} Bxf1   (29... Nd6 30. Re5 Qc6 31. Rxb5) 30. exf7 Rgf8 31. Nxg5) 29...  Qxb5 30. d5+ Rg7 31. exf7 {White has obtained only two pieces for the queen.  But his pawn on f7 is a monster, and the pin via g7 is extremely annoying} h6  32. Nd4 {not the strongest move actually, as it allows Black to continue  resisting for some time now}   (32. Nh4 {Was actually the strongest finish here}  gxh4   (32... Qxf1 33. Rxf1 gxh4 34. Rg1)   (32... Qxb3 33. Bxg7+ Kxg7 34. Nxf5+)  33. Rg1 {And wins}) 32... Qxf1 $1 {[pgndiagram] The best chance. Black  exploits the fact that for the moment rook on g7 is not pinned, and sacrifices  his queen. Unfortunately for him, he still ends up in a losing engame} 33. Rxf1  Rxf7 34. Rxf5 {Now Capa needs to display his technique, which is not a problem  for him in this position. The game is essentially over} Rxf5 35. Nxf5+ Kh7 36.  Ne7 Rf8 37. Kg2 h5 38. d6 g4 39. hxg4 hxg4 40. Be5   (40. Kg3 {Was faster}) 40...  Kh6 41. d7 {[pgndiagram] For the moment it seems that Capa has overextended} Rd8  42. Ng8+ {But this cheeky move allows him to enter an endgame where he will be  a clear piece up} Rxg8   (42... Kg6 43. Nf6 {With Bc7 to follow, is also hopeless  }) 43. Bf6 Kg6 44. d8=Q Rxd8 45. Bxd8 {Corzo could have easily resigned here}  b5 46. Kf2 Kf5 47. Ke3 Ke5 48. Kd3 Kd5 49. Kc3 g3 50. Bh4 g2 51. Bf2 a5 52. b4  Ke4 53. Bb6 Kd5 54. Kd3 Kc6 55. Bg1 Kd5 56. Bh2 Kc6 57. Kd4 a4 58. Ke5 Kb6 59.  Kd5 Ka6 60. Kc5 {One of those games that demonstrated Capablanca's  resourcefulness in objectively worse positions and which shows that Capa  could have played as energetically and riskily as for instance Lasker and  Alekhine.} 1-0

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4. Capablanca – Marshall, New York, 1909.

[Event "Capablanca - Marshall"]  [Site "New York, NY USA"]  [Date "1909.06.23"]  [Round "23"]  [White "Frank James Marshall"]  [Black "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "D34"]  [PlyCount "98"]  [EventDate "1909.04.19"]   1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 {[pgndiagram] The Tarrasch! Capa wasn't afraid of  the isolated pawn back in the day} 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. g3 Be6   (6... Nf6  {Is the main move nowadays, not deciding where to put the light squared bishop  yet} 7. Bg2 Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. b3 Bg4 {The point is that in some variations  Black can take more flexible approach and develop on g4 instead}) 7. Bg2 Be7 8.  O-O Nf6 9. Bg5 {[pgndiagram] The players have transposed into mainline  nevertheless}   (9. dxc5 Bxc5 10. b3 O-O 11. Bb2) 9... Ne4 $2 {This move shows  that such dynamic positions were pretty revolutionary for those times}   (9... c4  )   (9... O-O) 10. Bxe7 Qxe7 11. Ne5 $2 {[pgndiagram] And here Kasparov's  comment is priceless: "A typical Marshall way of trying to initiate some  tactics out of nothing"}   (11. dxc5 {Was simple and good. After} Nxc3 12. bxc3  Qxc5 13. Rb1 b6 14. Ng5 {White has extremely pleasant position}) 11... Nxd4 {  A cold shower. Capa simplifies the position}   (11... Nxe5 12. Nxe4 dxe4 13. dxe5  {Would be for instance in Marshall's favour}) 12. Nxe4 dxe4 13. e3 Nf3+ {  Another good decision. Capa decides to give up a pawn on e4 in this way, and  as a result he will have a 3-2 pawn majority on the queenside}   (13... Nc6 14.  Nxc6 bxc6 15. Bxe4 {Is of course terrible}) 14. Nxf3 exf3 15. Qxf3 O-O {  [pgndiagram] It is time to pause for a moment. The position should be dead  equal; with the great number of the pieces on the board, the pawn majority of  the queenside shouldn't be regarded as an advantage per se. However, under the  influence of this games, for quite some time it has been regarded that  queenside pawn majority brings automatic advantage} 16. Rfc1   (16. Qxb7 {Would  of course be terrible due to} Qxb7 17. Bxb7 Rab8 18. Bf3 Rxb2 {And Black has a  sizeable advantage})   (16. Rfd1 {Grabbing an open file, was also logical}) 16...  Rab8 17. Qe4 Qc7 {Capa intends to push his pawns} 18. Rc3 $2 {And this is the  first move of questonable value. It is not clear what White hopes to achieve  by doubling on the semi open c-file}   (18. Rd1 {Is perfectly logical} Rfd8 19.  a3 b5 20. Qc2 c4 21. Be4 {And White has nothing to fear}) 18... b5 19. a3 $6   (  19. b3 {Reducing the effect of c4, was better, and more consistent with the  previous move} c4 20. bxc4 bxc4 21. Bf1) 19... c4 {[pgndiagram] Now suddenly  White has an unpleasant position} 20. Bf3 $2 {Again showing indifference  toward the d-file}   (20. Rd1 Rfd8 21. Rcc1 a5 {And still, White should be able  to defend after} 22. Rd4) 20... Rfd8 21. Rd1 Rxd1+ 22. Bxd1 Rd8 23. Bf3 g6 {  [pgndiagram] Now White's pieces are not coordinated and Black enjoys activity}  24. Qc6 $2 {Another suboptimal move.} Qe5 $1 25. Qe4 {There is now nothing  better}   (25. Kg2 Rd2) 25... Qxe4 {Now, after queen exchange, b5 will not be  attacked, so Black should go for the exchange} 26. Bxe4 Rd1+ 27. Kg2 a5 {  [pgndiagram] The game is almost over; Black's queenside pawn majority will  soon come crashing through. It is amazing how quickly Marshall, a top 10  player, lost his way in a seemingly harmless position} 28. Rc2 b4 29. axb4   (29.  h4 {Would be met by} b3 30. Re2 c3 31. bxc3 Ra1 {And wins}) 29... axb4 30. Bf3  Rb1 31. Be2   (31. Rd2 {Would come to very similar things} b3 32. Be2 Rc1 33. Bd1   (33. Kf3 Rc2) 33... c3 34. bxc3 b2 {As in the game}) 31... b3 32. Rd2 Rc1 33.  Bd1 c3 34. bxc3 b2 35. Rxb2 Rxd1 {[pgndiagram] Capa wins the piece and with it  the game. Marshall could have resigned here, but back in the day resigning  wasn't done as easily as today} 36. Rc2 Bf5 37. Rb2 Rc1 38. Rb3 Be4+ 39. Kh3  Rc2 40. f4 h5 41. g4 hxg4+ 42. Kxg4 Rxh2 43. Rb4 f5+ 44. Kg3 Re2 45. Rc4 Rxe3+  46. Kh4 Kg7 47. Rc7+ Kf6 48. Rd7 Bg2 49. Rd6+ Kg7 {[pgndiagram] An impressive  game, which had a massive influence on many subsequent generations of the  chess players.} 0-1

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5. Tartakower – Capablanca, New York, 1924.

[Event "New York"]  [Site "New York, NY USA"]  [Date "1924.04.12"]  [Round "19"]  [White "Savielly Tartakower"]  [Black "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "C33"]  [PlyCount "60"]  [EventDate "1924.03.16"]   1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Be2 {[pgndiagram] Already a very rare variation of the  King's gambit} d5 $1 {Very thematic, simple and direct. Black strikes in the  centre}   (3... Qh4+ 4. Kf1 {Is probably playable, but it is not easy to decide  on it without thorough preparation}) 4. exd5 Nf6 {I very much like Capa's  treatment of the opening}   (4... Qxd5 5. Nf3 Bd6 6. d4 {Would lead to the type  of game White wanted to obtain from the very start- free development, obvious  moves and tactical threats from the very beginning}) 5. c4 c6 6. d4   (6. dxc6  Nxc6 {Is just terrible for White - the weakness of d4 is deciding}) 6... Bb4+   (  6... cxd5 {Is perfectly normal as well}) 7. Kf1 $6 {[pgndiagram] A very  strange and not necessary decision}   (7. Bd2 {Was the lesser evil; White got  outplayed in the opening all the same and it is time to start thinking about  equalizing} Bxd2+ 8. Qxd2 cxd5 9. Nf3 O-O 10. O-O) 7... cxd5 {White has no  compensation for the position of his king or the pawn deficit} 8. Bxf4 dxc4 9.  Bxb8 $2 {Overlooking a very nice defensive resource} Nd5 $1 {A strong riposte}   (9... Rxb8 10. Qa4+ {Would, of course, be a disaster}) 10. Kf2 Rxb8 11. Bxc4  O-O {[pgndiagram] White has restored material equality, but the position of  his king is what still hurts him} 12. Nf3 Nf6 13. Nc3 b5 $1 14. Bd3   (14. Nxb5 {  Is not very wise} Ne4+ 15. Kg1 Bg4) 14... Ng4+ 15. Kg1 Bb7 {[pgndiagram] All  Black's pieces are pointed toward the king} 16. Bf5   (16. h3 {Retained more hope  } Nf6 17. Qe2 {Although even here, White's position is terrible}) 16... Bxf3  17. gxf3 Ne3 {Now Black wins instantly} 18. Bxh7+ Kh8 $1 {The strongest}   (18...  Kxh7 19. Qd3+ Kg8 20. Qxe3 Re8 {Was also sufficient though}) 19. Qd3 Bxc3 20.  bxc3 Nd5 {Black has many threats. Qg5 and g6 for instance} 21. Be4 Nf4 22. Qd2  Qh4 23. Kf1 f5 {[pgndiagram] Now the rook will join the attack. White's rooks  haven't made a single move yet} 24. Bc6 Rf6 25. d5 Rd8 26. Rd1 Rxc6 27. dxc6  Rxd2 28. Rxd2 Ne6 29. Rd6 Qc4+ 30. Kg2 Qe2+ {[pgndiagram] An impressive,  effortless victory and the best example of the validity of "Never play King's  gambit against Capablanca" saying} 0-1

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6. Nimzowitsch – Capablanca, New York, 1927.

[Event "New York"]  [Site "New York, NY USA"]  [Date "1927.02.20"]  [Round "2"]  [White "Aron Nimzowitsch"]  [Black "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "D30"]  [PlyCount "82"]  [EventDate "1927.02.19"]   1. c4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 d5 4. e3 {A strange way of playing the Queen's  gambit, with the dark squared bishop locked behind the pawn chain}   (4. Bg5 {Is  more common}) 4... Be7 {This time there is no Tarrasch. Capablanca plays more  classicaly} 5. Nbd2 {I don't like this move. White refrains from Nc3, putting  some pressure on the d5 pawn, and allows Black to carry out his own c5 advance  easily}   (5. Nc3 {Is more normal}) 5... O-O 6. Bd3 c5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Pretty  thematic in similar positions and a good move, putting immediate pressure on  the White centre.} 7. dxc5 $6 {Not the best reaction in my opinion}   (7. b3 {  Given White's developing scheme, this move was the most sensible, trying to  keep his centre intact}) 7... Na6 $1 {Strong play by Capablanca. The knight  will reach the c5 with gain of tempo} 8. O-O   (8. cxd5 Nxc5 9. Be2 Qxd5 {Is  excellent for Black}) 8... Nxc5 9. Be2 {A sad, but necessary retreat} b6 $5 {  Black has no problems in developing his pieces and is already slightly better}  10. cxd5 $6 {Bringing another piece to the centre}   (10. b3 {Trying to develop  the bishop on b2 and waiting to capture on c4 with the knight, was wiser})  10... Nxd5 11. Nb3 {Nimzowitsch moves a knight for the second time, while his  dark squared bishop is still undeveloped} Bb7 $1 {[pgndiagram] Simple and  strong}   (11... Ne4 {Also came into consideration}) 12. Nxc5 Bxc5 13. Qa4 $6   (  13. Bd2 {Trying to develop finally, was probably better} Qf6 14. Qb3 Rfd8 15.  Rfd1 {And nothing terrible for White is apparent}) 13... Qf6 {Making the  development of the bishop unavailable for the moment}   (13... a5 {Not allowing  the exchange of the bishops, was probably even better}) 14. Ba6   (14. Bd2 Qxb2)  14... Bxa6 15. Qxa6 Nb4 16. Qe2 $2   (16. Qc4 {Would appear to be better. The  point is that after} Rfc8 17. Bd2 {Black doesn't have a convenient discovered  attack on the queen} Bf8   (17... Qxb2 18. Rfb1 {Is out of the question} Qc2 19.  Rxb4 Bxb4 20. Qxb4 Rc4 21. Qb3) 18. Qg4 {And White holds}) 16... Rfd8 {  [pgndiagram] Now Black manages to install the knight on d3 and White can't  move his bishop all the same} 17. a3   (17. Bd2 Qxb2 {Now hurts White}) 17... Nd3  18. Ne1 $6 {It is natural that White wants to get rid of the knight  immediately, but this delays his development further and gives Black more time  to create some attacking chances}   (18. Rd1 {Getting rid of the knight in  another fashion, was better} Ne5 19. Rxd8+ Rxd8 20. Ne1 $1 {The only defence.  Preventing Nd3. Now White threatens Bd2} Ng6 21. Ra2 $5 {A strange looking  move but a familiar idea. White intends b4 next and it seems that Black can't  prevent him from finishing development. But the nature of this moves shows  that White has complicated his task earlier and that particular ingenuinity  and creativity were required}) 18... Nxe1 19. Rxe1 Rac8 {[pgndiagram] It is  apparent that Black's pieces are much more active and that he has the upper  hand} 20. Rb1   (20. Ra2 {Once again came into consideration. However, without  the knights and with the rooks on d8 and c8, White stands worse than in the  positions examined before} Bf8 21. b4 Qc3 22. Bb2 Qb3 23. Bd4 g6 {And Black  retains the advantage}) 20... Qe5 21. g3   (21. b4 Bd6 22. g3 Qe4 23. Rb2 a5 {Is  unpleasant}) 21... Qd5 22. b4 Bf8 23. Bb2 {[pgndiagram] Nevertheless, due to  the symmetry in the position White should be able to hold the position.} Qa2  24. Ra1 Qb3 25. Bd4   (25. Rec1 {Not allowing the rook on c2, was probably wiser}  Rxc1+ {Black can try to press with the a5 advance} 26. Rxc1 a5 $5) 25... Rc2  26. Qa6 $6 {Nimzowitsch's sense of danger fails him. Moving the Queen away and  going after the a pawn is a luxury in this position}   (26. Qd1 {With the threat  of Re2, was the best defence} Qc4   (26... e5 $2 27. Re2 Rc3 28. Qxb3 Rxb3 29.  Bxe5) 27. Rc1 Rc8 28. Rxc2 Qxc2 29. Qxc2 Rxc2 30. Kf1 {And White shouldn't  lose this endgame})   (26. Qf1 {Keeping the queen in the vicinity of the king,  was also a better choice}) 26... e5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Great play by Capa. At  the cost of a mere pawn he manages to double his rooks on the second rank} 27.  Bxe5 Rdd2 28. Qb7 $2 {The losing move. After the fall of f2 pawn, White is  simply left without any hope whatsoever}   (28. Rf1 $2 {Would lose to} Qxe3)   (28.  Qf1 {Was the only move.} h5 $5   (28... Rxf2 {Taking the queen for two rooks is  also a good choice, as White's king is rather weak} 29. Qxf2 Rxf2 30. Kxf2 h5 {  And again this idea yields Black an advantage in the position. The goal is to  weaken the kingside pawn structure})) 28... Rxf2 29. g4 Qe6 30. Bg3 Rxh2 $1 {  It is possible that Nimzowitsch missed this move} 31. Qf3   (31. Bxh2 {Would  lead to mate after} Qxg4+ 32. Kh1 Qh3) 31... Rhg2+ 32. Qxg2 Rxg2+ 33. Kxg2 Qxg4  {[pgndiagram] And now the game is essentialy over.} 34. Rad1 h5 35. Rd4 Qg5 36.  Kh2 a5 37. Re2 axb4 38. axb4 Be7 39. Re4 Bf6 40. Rf2 Qd5 41. Re8+ Kh7 {  [pgndiagram] Here Aaron finally decided to throw in the towel. A brilliant  game by Capablanca - healthy logical play in the opening, setting the opponent  with some problems in the middlegame and exploiting his mistakes in a tactical  manner when required. He was always a difficult opponent for Nimzowitsch.} 0-1

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7. Sergeant – Capablanca, Margate, 1935,

[Event "Margate"]  [Site "Margate ENG"]  [Date "1935.04.30"]  [Round "6"]  [White "Edward G Sergeant"]  [Black "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "C01"]  [PlyCount "78"]  [EventDate "1935.04.24"]   1. e4 e6 {This is a game from the later stage of Capablanca's career, with the  peak of his chess strength long gone. However, he was still capable of  producing masterpieces reminiscent of his best days. Masterpieces such as this  one} 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. exd5 {I think that apart from the immediate  exchange variation, this delayed exchange variation of the French is the  second most annoying thing for any Winawer player} exd5 5. Bd3 Ne7 {  [pgndiagram] It is interesting to note that Capablanca puts his knight on e7  instead of f6. He is already intending to place his king on the kingside and  push the kingside pawns and he doesn't want his knight on the way of the f-pawn  } 6. Nf3 Bg4   (6... O-O {Is still safer, but without the will to risk things  Black can hardly play for the win in these structures}) 7. O-O   (7. h3 {It is  always a question whether White should include this move. I personally don't  see how White can benefit here} Bh5 8. O-O Nbc6 9. Be3 Qd7 {And the pin is as  present as always}) 7... Nbc6 8. Ne2 $2 {A questionable decision}   (8. Be3 Qd7 {  Is more normal}) 8... Bd6   (8... Bxf3 {I think Black could have shattered the  structure immediately and played for the control of the f4 square later on} 9.  gxf3 Bd6 10. c3 Qd7 {And next long castling, followed by Ng6 comes. Black is  already slightly better}) 9. c3 Qd7   (9... Bxf3 {Was now the last chance}) 10.  Ng3 $2 {[pgndiagram] The problem with this move is that it will enable Black  to push the h-pawn with tempo}   (10. Ne1 {Was apparently the strongest move in  the position. White plans to reroute the knight to e3 via c2 and also removes  the dangerous pin}) 10... h5 $1 {Good play by Capablanca} 11. Re1 O-O-O   (11...  h4 {Was probably more precise, not presenting White with the opportunity to  play h3 himself} 12. Nf1 h3 13. g3 O-O-O {And Black is slightly better}) 12. h3  h4 13. Nf1 Bh5 14. Be2 {Slightly too timid}   (14. b4 $5 {Came into  consideration.} f6 15. a4 g5 16. Ne3 {With complicated position with chances  for both sides}) 14... Ng6 15. Ng5 Bxe2 16. Rxe2 Rde8 {[pgndiagram] The  symmetry of the position and the exchanges that follow should lead to equality,  but alas..}   (16... Nf4 {Why not?} 17. Re1 Rde8 18. Rxe8+ Rxe8 19. Bxf4 Bxf4 20.  Nf3 {With equality}) 17. Rxe8+ Rxe8 18. Be3 Nf4 19. Qg4 $2 {[pgndiagram] The  first step in the wrong direction. This exchange, allowing the doubling of the  g-pawn, turns the h-pawn into a very strong soldier that will ultimately  decide the game}   (19. Bxf4 Bxf4 20. Nf3 {Was perfectly alright for White})  19... Qxg4 20. hxg4 f6 {Capablanca plays this stage very strongly in my  opinion. First he makes sure he doesn't lose his f-pawn}   (20... Nd3 $2 21. Nxf7  ) 21. Bxf4 {Wise, preventing the jump to d3}   (21. Nf3 Nd3 {Is unpleasant})  21... Bxf4 22. Nf3   (22. Nh3 {Was better, gaining a tempo and preventing the  rook to join the game} Bd6   (22... Bh6 23. f4 $1) 23. Ne3 {With equality}) 22...  Re2 $1 {[pgndiagram]Now the rook on the second rank hurts White} 23. Rb1 {Very  passive}   (23. Nxh4 Rxb2 {Was probably a better chance nevertheless, but White  is still on the back foot}) 23... g5 24. Ne1 Na5 {Now the knight also joins  the game} 25. Nd3 Nc4 26. b3 Nd6 27. Rb2 Rxb2   (27... Re6 {Maybe Black could  have refrained from exchanging the rooks, since he controls the e-file}) 28.  Nxb2 Kd7 29. f3 {Now White's pawns on the kingside are fixed. It is amazing  that Sergeant loses this position in only 8 more moves, but still, he does  have an unpleasant ending}   (29. g3 {Getting rid of the h4 pawn, was possibly a  better defence. Still, after} hxg3 30. fxg3   (30. Nxg3 Bxg3 31. fxg3 Ne4 {Loses}  ) 30... Bc1 31. Nd3 Ba3 {Black retains the upper hand}) 29... b6 30. Kf2 Nb5  31. Nd1 c5 32. a4 Nc7 33. Ke2 {Faulty. White probably missed the tactical shot  Black has at his disposal}   (33. Nfe3 {Trying to exchange a pair of minor  pieces, was probably better} Bxe3+ 34. Nxe3 a5 {And White has some chances of  surviving}   (34... Kc6 35. b4)) 33... Ne6 34. Kd3 Kc6 {[pgndiagram] Takinga  moment to defend the d5 in advance}   (34... Bd6 35. Nfe3 Kc6 36. Nxd5 {Leads to  equality, for instance}) 35. Nde3   (35. Nfe3 cxd4 36. cxd4 Bg3 {Loses to the  same tactical idea that happened in the game} 37. b4 Nf4+ 38. Kd2 Nxg2)   (35.  dxc5 {Was the only defence} bxc5 36. c4 d4 37. Ke4 {Although White doesn't  want to willingly give a passed d4 pawn to Black if he doesn't regard it as an  absolute necessity. Sergeant can probably be excused for not sensing the danger  }) 35... Bc7   (35... Bxe3 {Was now the strongest} 36. Kxe3 {If White takes with  the knight, then the familiar Nf4+ - Nxg2 tactic works} cxd4+ 37. cxd4 b5 {But  with the king on e3, Black can make progress on the other wing. White can't  really move his knight or his king} 38. Nd2 Kb6 39. Nb1 bxa4 40. bxa4 Ka5 {And  Black will soon win}) 36. Nd2 $2 {Removing the knight from a solid defensive  position and completely overlooking Black's idea}   (36. b4 {Would have allowed  White to resist. The deadly check on b5 is threatened} Nf4+ 37. Kd2 Nxg2 {  [pgndiagram] Now doesn't work} 38. b5+ $1 {A key move} Kd7 39. Nxg2 h3 40. Nge3  h2 41. Nxh2 Bxh2 42. Nxd5 {And suddenly White wins}) 36... Nf4+ {Now there is  nothing White can do and the game is over. The knight has been moved to d2 and  there is no check on b5} 37. Kc2 Nxg2 {[pgndiagram] Here Sergeant resigned. If  White takes the knight, this is what happens} 38. Nxg2 h3 39. Ne3 h2 {And the  pawn can't be stopped. A typical Capablanca game in which he displayed deeper  understanding of the position, better endgame technique and greater tactical  awareness and imagination than his opponent.} 0-1

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8. Lasker – Capablanca, Moscow, 1936

[Event "Moscow"]  [Site "Moscow URS"]  [Date "1936.06.03"]  [Round "15"]  [White "Emanuel Lasker"]  [Black "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "B83"]  [PlyCount "116"]  [EventDate "1936.05.14"]   1. e4 c5 {It is interesting to observe that Capablanca even took up the  Sicilian in his later years.} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 {The  Rauzer! Nowadays, this variation is not that often on the highest level, but  it still appears here and then. The most prominent case was the Karjakin -  Caruana Candidates 2016 final round clash (the famous rook sacrifice game).} 6.  Be2 {Nowadays Bg5 is regarded as the main answer} Bd7 7. Be3 e6 8. Qd2 a6 9. f4  {[pgndiagram] So, the game transposes to some sort of Scheveningen position in  the end} Qc7 {I am not 100% sure that deciding on the position of the Queen so  early is the best approach}   (9... b5 10. a3 Be7 11. Bf3 Rc8 {Is already very  modern approach.})   (9... Be7 10. O-O-O b5 11. a3 b4 {Is also possible.}) 10.  Nb3 $1 {Very good play by Lasker. He spends a tempo in order to prevent the  counterplay}   (10. O-O-O b5 11. Nb3   (11. a3 Rc8 12. Nb3 b4 {Would create quick  counterplay for Black}) 11... Rb8 {With b4 coming soon and unpleasant turn of  events for White}) 10... b5 11. Bf3 $6   (11. a3 {Was now correct. Black's ideas  reach some sort of a dead end, since White hasn't yet castled.} b4   (11... Rb8  12. g4 {And the status quo is maintained}) 12. axb4 Nxb4 13. O-O {Is the point.  White can castle on the kingside and then start attacking on the queenside})  11... Rb8 $6   (11... b4 {Was now possible, with good position for Black}) 12.  Ne2 $2   (12. a3 {Once again ignoring this move. But I guess that this idea,  which has nowadays become typical, was going against the principles of those  times (never play on the side of the board where your opponent is attacking).  This nuance is the best demonstration of the effect computers have had on the  game}) 12... Be7   (12... a5 {Going all in on the queenside was now perfectly  possible. Since White is unable to castle queenside and attack immediately,  Black can simply improve his position first and then catch up with development}  ) 13. O-O O-O 14. Ng3 {[pgndiagram] Still, this knight does very little on  this square and Black has a very good Sicilian} a5 {Better late then never} 15.  Nd4 $6   (15. Nc1 {Rerouting the knight on d3 is what engine wants to do. Still,  the thematic Sicilian move leads to a good game for Black} Rfc8 16. Nd3 e5 $1)  15... a4   (15... Nxd4 16. Bxd4 e5 17. fxe5 dxe5 18. Be3 g6 {And Black will  stomp White in the centre and on the c-file (observe how the knight on g3  doesn't have any sensible square to jump to)}) 16. Rae1   (16. c3 {Reinforcing  the knight is a possibility, but it weakens the c4 square} Na5 17. Qc1 Nc4 {  And Black is in great shape}) 16... Rfc8 {[pgndiagram] Somehow, quietly,  Capablanca creates a model Sicilian game. True, Lasker's treatment of the  position is not particularly impressive, but Capa, thanks to his incredible  talent, somehow understands what he needs to do without having a vast Sicilian  experience} 17. Rf2 $6 {Another passive move, defending the c2 pawn}   (17. Nxc6  {Came to mind, defending the pawn in a crude way} Bxc6 18. c3 b4 19. Rc1 {And  although White is on the back foot, nothing is over yet}) 17... Ne8 $6 {  [pgndiagram] So far Capablanca has played excellently, but here he starts  being too cautious}   (17... b4 {Simply continuing the attack was s strong} 18.  Nxc6 Bxc6 19. f5 e5 {And Black has a clear advantage}) 18. Nxc6 Bxc6 19. f5 {  Now with the knigh on e8, things aren't as simple} e5 20. Nh5 $6   (20. c3 {Was  a possibility, preventing b4 for the moment} b4 21. cxb4 d5 22. Bc5 Bxc5 23.  bxc5 d4 {And now the amazing shot} 24. f6 Nxf6 25. Nf5 {Creates some breathing  space for White and enables him to hold}) 20... Qb7 {Increasing pressure on e4,  which has been weakened by the departure of the g3 knight} 21. Bg5 f6 $1 {A  good decision, preventing the creation of attacking chances on the kingside.  It is not that hard to carry the d5 advance out, after which seemingly dead  bishop will breathe once again}   (21... Bxg5 22. Qxg5 f6 23. Qe3 d5 {Was also  good for Black though. The knight on h5 is once again out of play}) 22. Be3 Nc7  {Another piece controls the d5 square}   (22... Bxe4 {Is unecessary} 23. Bxe4  Qxe4 24. Ba7 Qc4 25. Bxb8 Rxb8 {Although even here Black retains some advantage  }) 23. Qd1 $1 {A good move, intending Rd2, adding defenders to d5} Rd8 24. Rd2  Kh8 $6   (24... d5 {Was possible nevertheless} 25. exd5 Bxd5 26. Bxd5+ Rxd5 27.  Rxd5 Nxd5 28. Bf2 Rc8 {And Black has a clear advantage}) 25. a3   (25. Bf2 {This  defensive move, removing the bishop from the attack of the knight on d5  probably made more sense than the a3 advance} d5 26. exd5 Bxd5 27. Bxd5 Rxd5  28. Rxd5 Nxd5 29. Qf3 Nb4 30. c3 Qxf3 31. gxf3 Nd3 32. Rd1 {And White might be  able to hold this. But who knows}) 25... Rbc8 $2 {Again refraining from d5,  which would have been very strong once again} 26. Bf2 d5 $1 {[pgndiagram]  Finally, this advance comes. But the fact that White has played a3 and Bf2 has  reduced the effect of this push. Somewhat} 27. exd5 Nxd5 28. Bxd5 $2 {But this  is the losing decision. Giving up the bishop pair in this position is just a  terrible decision}   (28. c3 {And White might be able to hold. It was time to  strengthen the defences}) 28... Rxd5 29. Qg4 {I am not sure whether Lasker  simply acted out of desperation, or overestimated the power of the mating  threat} Bc5   (29... Bf8 30. Red1 Rxd2 31. Rxd2 b4 {And Black is in great shape})   (29... Rg8 {Preparing to open the g-file, is the computer's suggestion. As  usual, it starts looking terribly dangerous after one stops to evaluate its  consequences}) 30. Red1 Bxf2+ 31. Kxf2 Rcd8 {[pgndiagram] Capablanca could  have extracted more after Lasker's unfortunate decision, but even so, he  retains the superior position. The knight on h5 is once again the main reason  for that (Am I starting to repeat myself too often?)} 32. Rxd5 Rxd5 33. Rxd5  Bxd5 34. Qb4 $2 {Just as he came close to equalizing, Lasker suddenly makes an  active move that turns out to be a decisive mistake. His king gets chased into  open} (34. Kg1 {Was very safe move, securing the king. Black retains the edge,  but scoring a full point from this position would require a lot of work and  cooperation from the opponent}) 34... Qa7+ 35. Ke2   (35. Kf1 Bc4+ {And White  would get mated}) 35... Bc4+ 36. Kf3   (36. Ke1 Qe3+ {Is mate in five}   (36...  Qg1+ 37. Kd2 Qxg2+ {Also wins})) 36... Qa8+ $2 {[pgndiagram] Not the best .}   (  36... e4+ $3 {Was incredibly strong resource in this position} 37. Kg4   (37.  Kxe4 Qa8+ 38. Kf4 Qxg2 39. Qf8+ Bg8 {And Black is winning}) 37... Be2+ 38. Kf4  Qb8+ 39. Ke3 Bxh5 {And Black wins}) 37. Kf2 Qd8 {Now White has some defensive  chances, but he needs to find a series of very precise moves, which turns out  to be an impossible task even for the great Emanuel} 38. Qc3   (38. Ke1 {Taking the  control of the entry points along the d-file with the king, was the most  precise. Naturally, the engine immediately finds all the resources in the  position}) 38... Qd1 {Capablanca immediately takes the opportunity to activate  the Queen and gains a tempo along the way} 39. Ng3 h6 $1 {[pgndiagram] Another  strong move. Capa creates some space for his king and gets rid of the back  rank issues once and for all} 40. b3 $6 {From frying pan to fire} axb3 41. cxb3  Bxb3   (41... Qxb3 {Only not this capture} 42. Qxb3 Bxb3 43. Ne4 Bd5 44. Nd6 Bc6  45. Nc8 {And Black has troubles in converting his advantage}) 42. Nf1 Qb1 43.  g4 Bc4 {The game is essentially over. Black has an additional pawn and a safer  king} 44. Ne3 Qh1 45. Nxc4 Qxh2+ 46. Ke1 Qg1+ 47. Kd2 Qf2+ 48. Kc1 Qf1+ 49. Kd2  bxc4 {Now only precision is required. And Capa never lacked precision in  winning endgames} 50. a4 Qf4+ 51. Kc2 Qxg4 52. a5 Qxf5+ 53. Kc1 Qf2 54. Qa3 Kh7  {[pgndiagram] Here Lasker finally resigned. The a-pawn advance is countered}  55. a6 e4 56. a7 c3 57. a8=Q Qd2+ 58. Kb1 c2+ {And White will soon get mated}  0-1

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9. Capablanca – Yates, Hastings, 1919.

[Event "Hastings"]  [Site "Hastings ENG"]  [Date "1919.08.11"]  [Round "1"]  [White "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Black "Fred Dewhurst Yates"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "C90"]  [PlyCount "121"]  [EventDate "1919.08.11"]   1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {[pgndiagram] Nowadays, this continuation has  been pretty much overshadowed by the infamous Berlin endgame starting with 3...  Nf6. But the text move is very much playable; the recent Carlsen - Karjakin  World Championship match saw the defending champion using it on a regular  basis.} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6   (7... O-O {Would be an  invitation to Marshall} 8. c3 d5 {Interestingly enough, Frank James Marshall  first played this pawn sacrifice against none other but Jose Raul Capablanca  himself. The Cuban managed to defend and even win the game in the end.}) 8. c3  Na5 {With this move Black chooses to play the so-called Chigorin variation of  the Ruy Lopez.} 9. Bc2 c5 10. d4 Qc7 11. Nbd2 Bg4 $6 {[pgndiagram] But this  move is not the best. Usually this move puts pressure on the d4 pawn, but here  White can simply close the center and the text move loses its point somewhat}   (  11... cxd4 {Is the main move nowadays.} 12. cxd4 Bg4 $5   (12... Nc6 13. d5 Nb4  14. Bb1 {Is advantageous for White}) 13. d5 O-O {And the opening of the c-file  is in Black's favour}) 12. d5   (12. h3 {Might have some point here, forcing the  bishop to show its hand.} Bh5 13. d5 {And Black has lost the option of  retreating the bishop toward queenside.}) 12... g5 $2 {And this agression is  just plain bad, that shows that the level of understanding of similar Ruy  Lopez positions was very low at the time. It is not possible for Black to  create an attack and this move simply creates a weakness on the kingside.  Usually Black castles kingside, but after this lunge he is unable to hide his  king there.}   (12... O-O 13. h3 Bd7 14. b3 {Leads to normal Spanish position in  which White retains better chances}) 13. Nf1 $1 {[pgndiagram] Natural and good.  White immediately reroutes his knight toward the weakened f5 square and gains  a tempo by attacking g5 on the way} h6   (13... Rg8 {Is by no means better} 14.  h3 Bxf3 15. Qxf3 g4 16. hxg4 Nxg4 17. Ng3 {And Black doesn't have enough  pieces on the kingside to create real chances}) 14. Ng3 Rd8 $6 {I fail to  understand the purpose of this move}   (14... Bd7 {Taking measures against a4  ideas an preparing the g4 advance was more sensible} 15. a4 {All the same!} b4  16. cxb4 cxb4 17. Bd3 Nb7 {And White is better, but Black's position is better  than the one he got in the game}) 15. a4 $1 {[pgndiagram] Now this move is  even stronger - the a6 pawn has been left undefended} b4 16. cxb4 cxb4 17. Bd3  {Black has to spend an additional move to defend a6} Bc8 {Obviously not a move  made willingly.} 18. Be3   (18. Bd2 {Not allowing Ng4 might have been even better  } Qb7 19. Rc1 Nd7 20. Be3 {And White has an excellent position}) 18... Ng4 19.  Rc1 $6 {Once again, Bd2, not allowing the exchane of the bishop, was the  alternative}   (19. Bd2 Qb7 20. Rc1 Bd7 21. b3 {And White can slowly strengthen  his position (h3-Re2-Bishop moves - Rec2 etc)}) 19... Qb8 $2 {Black should  have taken the opportunity and exchanged White's bishop}   (19... Nxe3 20. Rxc7  Nxd1 21. Rxd1 g4 22. Ne1 {And White is clearly better, but it is not  completely over yet}) 20. Bd2 {[pgndiagram] Capa refuses to give Yates another  opportunity} Qb6 21. Qe2 Nb3 22. Rc6 $1 Qa5   (22... Qxf2+ 23. Qxf2 Nxf2 24. Kxf2  g4 {Was a possible tactical idea, but White has an easy way of parrying this  idea} 25. Bc2 Na5 26. Rb6 $1   (26. Ng1 Nxc6 27. dxc6 d5 {Is less clear}) 26...  gxf3 27. Bxb4 {And White is winning}) 23. Bxa6   (23. h3 {Was probably even  stronger} Nf6 24. Be3 {With the deadly threat of Bb6} Nd7 25. Bc2 Nbc5 26. Nd2  {And White is winning; there is no defence against Nc4}) 23... Bd7 24. Bb5 $1 {  Still, this is a very attractive exchange sacrifice, which would make Tigran  Petrosian particularly proud.} Bxc6 25. Bxc6+   (25. dxc6 $5 {Is also possible}  Kf8 26. Nf5) 25... Kf8 26. Qc4 Nxd2 27. Nxd2 Qa7 28. Qe2 h5 29. Nf5 Bf6 30. Nc4  {[pgndiagram] The positioning and harmony of White's pieces is aesthetically  pleasing.} Qc5 31. b3   (31. a5 {Pushing the pawn immediately, was even stronger}  Nh6 32. Nxh6 Rxh6 33. a6 Kg7 34. Ra1 {And White is going to win soon}) 31...  Nh6 32. Nxh6 Rxh6 33. Qe3 {[pgndiagram] Capablanca once again doesn't hurry,  but realizes that Black s unable to disentangle himself and improves the  position of his pieces therefore.}   (33. a5 $5) 33... Rc8   (33... Qxe3 34. Nxe3 {  Is bad for Black; he is unable to move his pieces due to the knight coming to  f5. It will be hard to defend the d6 pawn} Be7 {Is too slow} 35. Nf5 Rf6 36. a5  Rc8 37. a6) 34. Rc1 $2 {Again this leaning toward simplicity that Kasparov  criticizes in his books. With this move Capa presents Yates with a real  opportunity to get back into the game}   (34. Qxc5 dxc5 35. Rd1 {Was most likely  winning as well. It is hard to suggest a move for White} Ke7   (35... Kg7 36. Nd6  ) 36. a5) 34... Bd8 $2   (34... Qxe3 {Was now possible. With the rook on c8  Black has gained some defensive possibilities} 35. Nxe3 Bd8 $1 36. Nf5   (36. Ra1  {Is probably better} Rc7 37. a5 Ra7 38. a6 {But conversion of the advantage is  no longer a pure formality}) 36... Rf6 {And the a5 has been neutralized. White  is probably only slightly better here}) 35. Qxc5 dxc5 36. Nxe5 {[pgndiagram]  Now White wins two additional pawns and his task is much simpler. The soldier  on c5 falls as well} Ke7   (36... Be7 {Is also hopeless} 37. Nd7+ Kg7 38. Nxc5)  37. Rxc5 f5 38. Rc4   (38. exf5 {Wins as well}) 38... Ba5 39. Bb5 Rxc4 40. Nxc4  Bc7 41. e5 Bb8 42. Ne3 {[pgndiagram] Now the f5 pawn falls as well.} Rh7 43.  Nxf5+ Kf7 44. e6+ Kf6 45. e7 $6 {The question mark is for lazyness; once again  we can observe how Capablanca refuses to calculate variations but simply plays  the "obvious moves"}   (45. Nd4 Bd6 46. Nc6 {Was simpler, not entering the  position with opposite coloured bishops as yet}) 45... Rxe7 46. Nxe7 Kxe7 47.  g3 {[pgndiagram] Three extra pawns are enough to outweigh the drawish  tendencies of the opposite coloured bishops endgame} Bc7 48. Kg2 Kd6 49. Be8 h4  50. Bf7 Ke5 51. Kh3 Bd8 52. Kg4 hxg3 53. fxg3 Kf6 54. Be6 Kg6 55. d6 Kf6 56.  Bf5 Bb6 57. d7 Bd8 58. h4 gxh4 59. gxh4 {The third passed pawn decides the  issue} Bc7 60. h5 Kg7 61. Be4 {[pgndiagram] And here Yates finally decided he  has had enough and resigned. All the criticism aside, this is a beautiful  positional game in which Cuban demonstrated deeper understanding of the Ruy  Lopez.} 1-0

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10. Alekhine – Capablanca, New York, 1927.

[Event "New York"]  [Site "New York, NY USA"]  [Date "1927.02.24"]  [Round "5"]  [White "Alexander Alekhine"]  [Black "Jose Raul Capablanca"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "E16"]  [PlyCount "84"]  [EventDate "1927.02.19"]   1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 {The Queen's Indian !? In their subsequent match  Capa would only play the Queen's gambit declined.} 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 c5 6. d5 $1  {This move is typical of Alekhine's style. He sacrifices a pawn in the opening  in order to gain the initiative} exd5 7. Nh4 $1 {This idea would later become  standard. White exploits the pin on the h1-a8 diagonal and eyes the f5 square  with his knight.} g6 {[pgndiagram] Black probably has to make this move sooner  or later}   (7... d6 8. Nc3 Be7   (8... g6 {Would transpose back to the game}) 9.  cxd5 O-O 10. Nf5 {And White is better}) 8. Nc3 Bg7 9. O-O O-O 10. Bf4 $6 {So  far Alekhine has played strongly, but here he makes the second best move}   (10.  Bg5 {Trying to place a piece on d5 was better} h6 11. Bxf6 Qxf6 12. Nxd5)   (10.  cxd5 {Recapturing immediately and delaying the development of the dark squared  bishop was also possible}) 10... d6 11. cxd5 Nh5 $5 {Emphasizing the drawback  of White's 10th move} 12. Bd2 Nd7 13. f4 $6 {Preventing Ne5, but pawns don't  move backward}   (13. e4 {Was more logical} Ba6 14. Re1 Ne5 15. Qa4 Bd3 {With  approximately even position}) 13... a6 $6 {Intending to advance the b5, but  Black had a stronger alternative available}   (13... f5 $5 {Preventing e4, was  good for Black} 14. e4 fxe4 15. Nxe4 Bxb2 16. Nxd6 Ba6 $1) 14. Bf3 $6   (14. a4 {  Preventing b5 was the best} f5 15. e4 {With a6 and a4 included, f5 is not that  strong anymore} fxe4 16. Nxe4 Bxb2 17. Nxd6 {And here Ba6 is not possible and  White's advantage is almost decisive already}) 14... Nhf6   (14... b5 $5 {'A la  Fischer' was possible. But Fischer wasn't even born at that particular moment}  15. Bxh5 gxh5 16. e4 b4 {And Black starts taking over}) 15. a4   (15. e4 b5 16.  Qc2 Re8 17. Rae1 c4 {And Black has a very favorable version of the Benoni})  15... c4 $1 {Opening the c5 square for the knight} 16. Be3   (16. e4 {Comes too  late} Nc5 17. f5 b5 {Is just horrible for White}) 16... Qc7 17. g4 $6 {  [pgndiagram] Here White starts an unjustified attack. He had to think about  defending and equalizing in this position}   (17. b3 {Getting rid of the c4  wedge was sensible.} cxb3 18. Qxb3 Nc5 19. Qb4 Nfd7 20. Rad1 {And White is  very much in the game})   (17. Bd4 {Would be desirable, but the problem is that  Black knight on b3 will hit the bishop} Nc5 18. Ra3 Nb3 {And White has to give  up the exchange or retreat the bishop. Whatever he does, he remains in an  inferior position}) 17... Nc5 18. g5   (18. Bd4 Nb3 {Is bad}) 18... Nfd7 19. f5 {  Once you have said A, you have to say B. But at this point already, this move  might be the best practical chance}   (19. Bd4 {Would once again run into forks  on b3} Bxd4+ 20. Qxd4 Nb3)   (19. Qc2 Nb3 20. Rad1 Ndc5 {Was very unpleasant as  well}) 19... Rfe8 20. Bf4 Be5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Refusing to let the  imprisonment of the bishop after f6. Capa realizes that with the pawn on g5 it  is much harder for his opponent to exploit the weakening of the dark square  complex around his king} 21. Bg4   (21. Bxe5 Nxe5 {And it is clear that White  has zero attacking chances and that a very difficult defensive task lays in  front of him}) 21... Nb3 22. fxg6 $5 {[pgndiagram] Official desperation, but  objectively the best chance}   (22. Ra2 Qc5+ 23. Kh1 Bxc3 24. bxc3 Bxd5+ {And  Black is completely winning}) 22... hxg6   (22... Nxa1 {Naturally, would be very  stupid} 23. gxf7+ Kxf7 24. Bxe5+) 23. Rb1 Bxc3 24. bxc3 Qc5+ 25. e3 Ne5 $1 {  Another piece joins the action}   (25... Rxe3 {Black's position is so dominating,  that even this exchange sacrifice was possible here} 26. Bxe3 Qxe3+ 27. Kh1 Ne5  28. Ng2 Qxc3 {And the difference in the activity of the pieces is very obvious}  ) 26. Bf3   (26. Bxe5 {Is terrible} Qxe3+ 27. Rf2 Qxe5) 26... Nd3 {[pgndiagram]  The Black knights create a remarkable impression and the b3-d3 duo dominates  the board.} 27. Kh1 Bxd5 28. Rxb3 {Here Alekhine could have resigned} Nxf4   (  28... cxb3 {Was even simpler} 29. Qxd3 Bc4) 29. Rb1 Rxe3 30. Ng2 Rxf3 31. Rxf3  Nxg2 32. Kxg2 Re8 33. Kf1 Bxf3 34. Qxf3 Qxg5 35. Re1 Rxe1+ 36. Kxe1 Qg1+ 37.  Kd2 Qxh2+ 38. Kc1 Qe5 39. Kb2 Kg7 40. Qf2 b5 41. Qb6 bxa4 42. Qxa6 Qe2+ {  [pgndiagram] A game in which Capablanca demonstrated superb handling of the  Benoni-like position. And you have to bear in mind that his opponent was not  "some Yates", but a future challenger and a master of dynamic positions,  Alexander Alekhine himself. Wins such as this reinforced the myth about his  invulnerability. And indeed, after analyzing a game such as this one it is  very hard to imagine that only a couple of months later Alekhine managed to  score three wins in a short span of 12 games.} 0-1

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